Copyright 1995 - . All rights reserved. The content (including but not limited to text, photo, multimedia information, etc) published in this site belongs to China Daily Information Co (CDIC). Without written authorization from CDIC, such content shall not be republished or used in any form. Note: Browsers with 1024*768 or higher resolution are suggested for this site. 0108263 License for publishing multimedia online Registration Number: 130349 Registration Number: 130349 China urges G7 to stop interfering in its internal affairs: FM spokesperson Xinhua) 08:01, November 14, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- China has urged the G7 to stop manipulating issues related to China and interfering in its internal affairs, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said here Thursday. Lin made the remarks at a regular press conference when asked to comment on a joint statement of G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, which expressed their remaining concerns regarding the so-called military build-up and rapid increase of nuclear weapons arsenal in China. Stressing that the joint statement once again represents a mischaracterization of facts, a deliberate vilification of China, and a gross interference in China's internal affairs, Lin said that China deplores and opposes that. The Taiwan question is purely China's internal affair, Lin noted, saying that how to resolve the Taiwan question is a matter for the Chinese people, which tolerates no external interference. He said the situation in the East China Sea and the South China Sea is generally stable, urging the G7 to stop using maritime issues to stoke disputes, escalate tensions and undermine regional peace and stability. China has always been aboveboard on the Ukraine crisis, and has never provided lethal weapons to any party to the conflict while strictly controlling the export of dual-use articles, Lin said, adding that China never accepts the G7's blame-shifting or groundless accusation. "As regard to peace and security, China is the major country with the best track record. China is firmly committed to peaceful development and a national defense policy that is defensive in nature. China always keeps its nuclear strength at the minimum level required by national security," Lin said. The G7 turns a blind eye to the U.S. special and primary nuclear disarmament responsibility and the nuclear proliferation risks from AUKUS while directing the issue at China. "This is a typical move of confusing right with wrong," Lin said. He said that China's measures to standardize and refine its export control system comply with international common practices, with aims to better defend world peace and regional stability and to fulfill its international obligations. The so-called "China's overcapacity" and "non-market practices" have been proven false by facts and have no merits at all, Lin added. Lin said that the G7 should stop politicizing and weaponizing trade issues, and refrain from disrupting international economic order and global industrial and supply chains. China once again urges the G7 to take a clear grasp of the global trend, abandon the Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop manipulating issues related to China, stop interfering in China's internal affairs, and make more contributions to solidarity and cooperation in the international community, the spokesperson said. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) BEIJING, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Blanc de Chine: Dehua Porcelain" exhibition opened Tuesday in Talavera de la Reina, the Spanish city famed for its centuries-old ceramic tradition. The show brings together two renowned ceramic centers from the East and the West, offering visitors a close look at China's iconic white porcelain craftsmanship. Located in central Fujian Province, Dehua is one of the birthplaces of Chinese ceramic culture. Wu Zhipu, head of Dehua County, who led the delegation to Spain, said the essence of Dehua porcelain lies in continuity. A man watches the Dehua white porcelain exhibit at Rafael Morales Culture Center in Talavera de la Reina, Spain, Nov. 11, 2025. "The craftsmanship has been passed down from master to apprentice for generations," he told Xinhua. "It is this long line of dedication that has shaped Dehua's place on the global porcelain map." This spirit of inheritance has created a strong reservoir of talent. Today, Dehua has more than 6,000 professional ceramic artists. Among them is master artist Lian Deli, whose representative work Myth features ultra-thin porcelain as thin as 0.2 millimeters -- a benchmark in Dehua's thin-body porcelain craft. Advances in technology, he said, have opened new possibilities for traditional craftsmanship. "With digital tools and precise firing controls, we can achieve thinner, lighter and more transparent forms," he noted. "AI and 3D modeling are not threats but valuable aids. The final refinement still relies on decades of handwork and experience." Built on both inheritance and innovation, Dehua porcelain is now exported to 190-plus countries and regions. The county hosts over 4,500 ceramic enterprises and the industry cluster reached 60.2 billion yuan in output from January to October this year. As Dehua continues to expand its global presence, the county has registered the "Blanc de Chine" trademark in Spain and aims to use the Spanish market as a bridge to Europe, Africa and Latin America. During the exhibition, Dehua and Talavera de la Reina agreed to establish a sister-city relationship to deepen cooperation in culture, trade and ceramic craftsmanship. Wu said Dehua plans to set up overseas promotion centers for Blanc de Chine and invite Spanish partners to visit China. "We want more people around the world to experience the charm of Dehua porcelain," he said. Looking ahead, Dehua hopes to integrate ceramic heritage more deeply with cultural tourism, offering immersive experiences and inviting global visitors to engage directly with the legacy of "China's white." Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/348311.html Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823221/photo.jpg The International Exhibition and Conference on Modern Railway Technology and Infrastructure Construction Supply Chain in Vietnam (VRT&CONS) 2025 took place at the Vietnam Exposition Centre in Hanoi on November 12, bringing together key stakeholders from across the global rail industry. The event was held under the direction of the Ministry of Construction and chaired by the Vietnam Railway Authority, in coordination with the Railway Project Management Unit, the Open Innovation and Tech Entrepreneurs Institute, HTECH Technology and Engineering JSC, Bach Dang One-Member Company, and Camel Exhibition and Trade Promotion Company. As the first international exhibition and conference in Vietnam dedicated to the railway and infrastructure sectors, VRT&CONS 2025 is positioned as a strategic dialogue platform and long-term investment networking hub for Vietnams emerging railway industry ecosystem. We are standing at a historic opportunity to reshape the landscape of Vietnams railway sector. However, it must be acknowledged that this is a highly specialised industry requiring enormous capital investment, complex technology, lengthy implementation time, and robust management mechanisms, said Nguyen Danh Huy, Deputy Minister of Construction. Nguyen Danh Huy, Deputy Minister of Construction He pointed out that Vietnams railway sector still faces multiple challenges such as limited transport market share, outdated technology, fragmented infrastructure, and, most importantly, the absence of a domestic industrial ecosystem. These issues can only be removed through new thinking, new approaches, and comprehensive cooperation, he continued. Within the overall infrastructure landscape, the railway system is identified as the backbone of the national transport network. Developing railways, particularly high-speed and urban lines, is a new growth driver that will help restructure the economy, optimise logistics costs, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, strengthen regional connectivity, and advance international integration while ensuring national defence and security. In his remarks, Huy outlined several key objectives for the development of Vietnams railway industry. First, technological connectivity. Vietnam is not seeking the most expensive technologies, but the most suitable ones, he said. Second is solution connectivity. Rather than simply purchasing trains or building lines, Vietnam aims for integrated solutions encompassing investment models, smart operation management, and maintenance systems. The third suggestion offered by Huy was investment connectivity. Given the vast funding requirements, the government cannot rely solely on the state budget. Vietnam is committed to creating transparent, breakthrough mechanisms to attract private and foreign investment. We call on financial institutions, investment funds, and major corporations to collaborate and propose practical, effective financial models, Huy said. Fourth, supply chain connectivity. This, he emphasised, is the key to sustainable development. Vietnam must build its own railway industrial ecosystem, and international engineering, procurement, and construction contractors and corporations investing in Vietnam should bring Vietnamese enterprises into their value chains through technology transfer and capacity building, enabling deeper participation in global supply networks, he added. Speaking at the exhibition, German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth said, "Germany has a history of developing modern railways, both in terms of track technology and maintenance and operation. Germany is ready to share experiences and cooperate with Vietnam in building modern railways, meeting the needs of regional connectivity, green transformation, and economic development." German Ambassador to Vietnam Helga Margarete Barth From the business side, Railway Transport JSC (TRV) identified the railway information and signalling sector as its strategic development focus for 2025-2030. The company aims to master core technologies, gradually localise production, and deploy modern monitoring and control systems in line with international standards. With a shared commitment to supporting the governments national transport modernisation agenda, TRV respectfully proposes that the government and relevant ministries continue to provide support in two key areas, said Tran Thi Hue Chi, chairwoman of TRV Vietnam. First, to develop policies that encourage the socialisation of investment in railway infrastructure and industry, particularly in signalling technology and green logistics. Second, to create favourable conditions for domestic enterprises to participate more deeply in pilot projects, technology transfer, and equipment production, thereby gradually mastering the value chain of the Vietnamese railway industry under the made in Vietnam brand, she added. VRT&CONS 2025 is running from November 12-15, featuring two main pillars: an industrial exhibition showcasing products, equipment, and technologies in the railway sector, and a conference series that includes strategic dialogues, high-level forums, CEO roundtables, investment connection sessions, technical solution presentations, career talks, and a railway technology experience day. Alongside the main exhibition, an investment and partnership hub is open throughout the four-day event, offering a dedicated business-to-business meeting space for enterprises, financial institutions, investment funds, industrial zones, and solution providers. During the event, numerous MoUs were signed between Vietnamese enterprises and international partners, witnessed by representatives of ministries, embassies, and international organisations, signalling a strong step forward for Vietnams modern railway industry. Overview of VRT&CONS 2025 Vietnam charts path towards smart, green, and inclusive cities At the Vietnam Urban Sustainability Summit 2025, policymakers and global experts called for a sweeping transformation of Vietnams cities, where innovation, digital governance, and climate resilience will define the next decade of urban growth. The future of railways is connected with AI and 5G technologies At the recently concluded India Mobile Congress in India, Ericsson showcased the future of rail operations with a demo that brings robotics, AI, and 5G together to redefine safety and efficiency. From November 1214 in Washington, D.C., Vietnam and the US held technical-level negotiations on the Fair and Balanced Reciprocal Trade Agreement, led by Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien, head of the Vietnamese delegation, and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. The sessions focused on advancing discussions and exploring solutions to strengthen the bilateral trade framework. The negotiations formally began on November 12 with a working session between Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan, deputy head of the Vietnamese delegation, and Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer at the Office of the US Trade Representative, marking the official launch of the technical talks. Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer and Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan. Photo: MoIT The working session was held in an open and constructive atmosphere, focusing on bilateral economic and trade relations and following up on outcomes from the eighth ministerial-level negotiations on November 10 between Minister Nguyen Hong Dien and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Deputy Minister Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan discussed key issues from the ministerial talks and agreed on specific topics for the technical negotiating teams to address, ensuring progress towards the most effective results. Deputy US Trade Representative Rick Switzer acknowledged the positive progress Vietnam has made in trade policy, institutional reforms, and international integration commitments, as well as the results of recent negotiating rounds, while affirming that close cooperation between the two sides will facilitate the negotiation process. The two sides agreed to continue close coordination and enhance exchanges among the technical groups to advance negotiations on the Fair and Balanced Reciprocal Trade Agreement, in line with the guidance of senior leaders and ministers of both countries, with a view to soon completing a new bilateral trade cooperation framework that contributes to deepening the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Vietnam and the US. Immediately following the working session, the negotiating delegations of both countries promptly began work in their respective groups to negotiate the agreed-upon agenda items. Later that afternoon, Minister Dien held a working session with Rock Bordelon, chairman, along with leaders Charles Paddock and Rodrigo Garza Perez of Gulf of America Energy Sourcing LLC (GAES), a US energy corporation headquartered in Louisiana. Minister Dien and leaders of the GAES energy group. Photo: MoIT Minister Dien also held a meeting with Joseph Damond, global chair of International Trade Policy and Science at Crowell Global Advisors. Damond previously served as Deputy US Trade Representative (1989-2001) and head of the Negotiating Delegation for the Vietnam US Bilateral Trade Agreement (1995-2000). The minister acknowledged and greatly appreciated GAESs proposals, affirming that Vietnam encourages participation in the development of liquefied natural gas infrastructure and energy markets in Vietnam. Vietnam and US advance trade partnership in Washington talks Vietnam and the United States held their eighth ministerial talks in Washington, D.C., aiming to strengthen a balanced and mutually beneficial trade relationship. US and Vietnam agree on framework to boost trade and market access The United States and Vietnam have agreed on a framework for a new trade deal designed to boost bilateral commerce and market access. Pham Van Hoanh, editor-in-chief of VIR , said, "Despite headwinds in the global economy, Vietnam has maintained macroeconomic stability, and impressive growth momentum. While global growth hovers around 3 per cent, Vietnam stands out as a beacon of sustainable and stable growth, recognised by many international organisations as one of Asia's rising stars. The country continues to affirm its position with an economy approaching $500 billion, a stable political environment, increasingly modern infrastructure, and sweeping updates to financial and monetary policies. Hoanh further noted that the four Politburo resolutions have been hailed as The Four Pillars of national development. Resolution 57-NQ/TW focuses on the development of science, technology, innovation, and digital transformation. Resolution 59-NQ/TW emphasises international integration. Resolution 66-NQ/TW aims to innovate lawmaking and law enforcement to meet the development needs of the country. Resolution 68-NQ/TW concentrates on the development of the private economy. These resolutions have laid a sold foundation to improve market sentiment and create a legal framework for capital inflows, from the domestic to international markets. Looking at asset classes, we continue to witness a strong shift from stocks, bonds, and real estate to emerging areas such as digital assets, venture capital, and alternative investment funds, he added. Vietnam's stock market capitalisation is equivalent to over 100 per cent of the country's GDP, with average daily liquidity worth billions of USD. The market upgrade from frontier to emerging status is being accelerated, paving the way for tens of billions of USD in potential inflows from global investment funds. Meanwhile, the bond market is entering a more stable and transparent phase. The government has completed a regulatory framework, encouraging businesses to issue bonuses under control. Thus, the bond market will regain its role as a medium- and long-term capital channel for the economy. The development of the International Financial Centre also marks a significant milestone in positioning Vietnam on the regional and global financial map. The real estate market continues to recover, supported by land policy reforms, credit measures, and rising demand for housing, urban infrastructure, and industrial parks. At the same time, the emergence of digital assets including cryptoassets and tokenisation of real-world assets, as well as fintech platforms is opening up a new frontier for modern investment products. Hoanh said, The workshop will update and analyse the latest developments across various asset classes along with recent changes in the stock, gold, real estate, and digital asset markets. Thus, local and foreign investors can closely watch the developments to seize opportunities with the highest gains. The workshop will also delve into macroeconomic trends in 2026 and their impact on investment flows around the world. Experts will analyse the advantages and risks of asset classes while suggesting new solutions to develop a transparent, sustainable, safe, and effective market. 'The Allure of Asset Classes' workshop maps Vietnam's financial outlook As global headwinds continue to test investor confidence, Vietnam's financial markets are adapting to shifting capital flows and evolving asset dynamics. Vietnamese trade over $600 million in crypto daily Vietnam is among the top five crypto markets in Asia-Pacific, with on-chain transaction value estimated at $220-230 billion between July 2024 and June 2025, averaging more than $600 million per day. 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(The New York Post) A fair end to the conflict with Russia will be the restoration of territorial integrity and punishment of Moscow. In addition, Kiev must receive guarantees that no aggressor will ever threaten Europe from Moscow again. Zaluzhny considered any other outcome at least a betrayal not only of Ukrainians, but also of the principles that ensure security and freedom. Ukraine will continue to fight. Our strength lies not only in our soldiers, but also in the clarity of our goal: peace through victory, not illusion. Ill Stop Zaluzhny. 1. There will most likely be a capitulation, we know how to force it. If you dont want to negotiate in a good way, it will be bad. 2. Our conditions have long been transferred to Kiev, Zaluzhny cannot fail to know them. Fulfill our conditions (they are fulfilled), and we will establish peace by signing the contract. In this case, you will save people and the state. And we dont care how you treat us, you crossed the point of no return a long time ago. 3. Dont turn everything upside down, doing cheap manipulations going to join NATO, it was you who threatened us, and we warned you. And forget the myth that you are protecting Europe from Russia, you know it. 4. Only we can give you security guarantees, and no one else. 5. You will never be able to defeat us, practice has shown it. You have already committed the betrayal, getting into a hopeless military confrontation the betrayal, first of all, of the people of Ukraine. I will keep silent about us, and so everything is clear. 6. There is no strength in your soldiers, let alone military valor, there is ordinary hatred and meanness, do not confuse these concepts. Although, they are elevated to the rank of valor. 7. Peace, indeed, will be through victory. Or through surrender. Only then will you get rid of illusions. Getting rid of illusions is a valuable acquisition. WtR TCC celebrates 30 years of community organising in North Wales TCC (Trefnu Cymunedol Cymru / Together Creating Communities) is celebrating three decades of grassroots community organising across north east Wales. Since its founding in 1995, TCC has brought together faith groups, schools, and community organisations to empower local people to take action on the issues that matter most to them. Over the past 30 years, the organisation has campaigned to make Wrexham the first Living Wage City in Wales, led youth leadership training and worked to protect and improve green spaces across the region. To mark the major milestone TCC will hold a celebration event this evening at the Wrexham Memorial Hall. The event will bring together trustees, partner organisations, and long-standing supporters to reflect on key achievements, share stories, and recognise outstanding contributions through a special awards ceremony. The evening will also feature highlight videos and guest speakers celebrating the spirit of collaboration that defines TCCs work. TCC Programmes Manager Ruth Marshall said: The evening is about celebrating the courage and commitment of ordinary people who have achieved extraordinary things together. For 30 years, TCC has shown that when communities organise, real change happens. The celebration begins this evening at 6.30pm at Wrexham Memorial Hall. Attendees are invited to share photos and memories from the evening using the hashtag #TCCat30. UPDATE - NOVEMBER 16, 5:00 P.M. According to U.S Forest Service - Inyo National Forest, in an online post, says all evacuation orders have been lifted. The containment percentage is still at 56% contained. UPDATE - NOVEMBER 15, 7:30 P.M. Containment for the Pack Fire now reaches 56%, after fire activity decreased from November 14. A total of 3,000 acres has now been burned involving Mono County. According to the CalFire website, the cause is still under investigation. UPDATE - NOVEMBER 14, 10:07 a.m. Fire activity in Mono Countys Pack Fire decreased overnight, with minimal flames and mostly smoldering reported, Cal Fire officials said. Rainfall over the area has aided crews working to strengthen containment lines. A local Type 3 Incident Management Team assumed command of the fire at 7 a.m. on Friday. According to Mono County, residents of Crowley Lake began being escorted back into the community as the evacuation order for that area was downgraded to a warning. Escorts are available via South Landing Road. Long Valley and McGee Creek communities remain under mandatory evacuation. Cal Fire reports that 1,795 residents and 1,196 structures are affected by evacuation orders and warnings. Crowley Lake Drive remains closed between McGee Creek Road and the Long Valley Fire Station, while Highway 395 is open. Current Fire Status (Cal Fire & Mono County): Size: 3,000 acres Containment: 5% Structures Threatened: 30 Structures Damaged: 15 Firefighters on scene: 368 Resources: 30 engines, 6 water tenders, 4 dozers, 14 hand crews, numerous air tankers Evacuation Shelters: Mammoth Lakes Middle School, 1600 Meridian Blvd., Mammoth Lakes Tri-County Fairgrounds, 475 Sierra Street, Bishop Evacuation Zones: Orders: MCU-E043, MCU-E044-A, MCU-E044-B Warnings: MCU-E041, MCU-E042, MCU-E045, MCU-E046, MCU-E047, MCU-E048, MCU-E049, MCU-E050, MCU-E051 Supporting Impacted Families (Mono County): Several local families have lost homes and businesses due to the Pack Fire, according to Mono County in an online post. Mono County is working with the Mono County Office of Education (MCOE) to collect gift cards for affected families. Officials say gift cards provide families with flexibility during recovery, allowing them to purchase food, clothing, household items, and other essentials. Gift cards can be dropped off at: All Mono County Library locations Mono County Office of Education, 451 Sierra Park Road, Mammoth Lakes Inyo County Office of Education, 166 Grandview Dr., Bishop Monetary donations allow families to purchase essentials, including food, clothing, and household items. Physical donations are not being accepted. The Town of Mammoth Lakes also says there's discounted lodging available, including Convict Lake Resort, Mammoth Lake Inn, and Outbound Mammoth. Pet services are also available in the area, including Bishop Dog Boarding, and Mammoth Middle School for food and supplies. Additional relief information can be found at the Mammoth Lakes website. For the latest evacuation updates, shelter information, and fire details, visit READY Mono. UPDATE - NOVEMBER 14, 7:58 a.m.: Mono County is reporting that residents of Crowley Lake began being escorted back into the community starting at 8 p.m. The evacuation order for that community has been downgraded to a warning. Escorts will be available from both southbound and northbound closures on Highway 395, according to a post from the county on Facebook. The only entrance to Crowley Lake will be South Landing Road. The communities of Long Valley and McGee Creek remain under mandatory evacuation. Crowley Lake Drive will remain closed between McGee Creek Road and the Long Valley Fire Station. Aspen Springs, Hilton Creek, Convict Lake, and Sunny Slopes remain under evacuation warning. Benton Crossing Road is reopened to vehicle traffic. Fire activity has decreased due to rain, and fire crews will work through the night, with additional resources arriving on Friday. The fire is five percent contained. UPDATE - 7:35 P.M.: The Pack Fire burning in Mono County has grown to 3,400 acres, according to Cal Fire. Evacuations for the fire remain in place. Evacuation centers are located at the Mammoth Lakes Middle School on Meridian Boulevard in Mammoth Lakes, and at the Tri-County Fairgrounds on Sierra Street in Bishop. URGENT UPDATE NOVEMBER 13, 2:58 p.m. UPDATE LOCAL EMERGENCY PROCLAIMED The Mono County Office of Emergency Management has officially declared a Local Emergency in response to the rapidly spreading Pack Fire. This declaration allows resources to be quickly mobilized to protect residents, property, and critical infrastructure. Residents are urged to stay alert, follow official instructions, and ensure they are signed up to receive emergency notifications. Officials say for verified updates, evacuation information, maps, and preparedness guidance, visit READY Mono. EMERGENCY EVACUATION NOTICE: Mono County officials have issued immediate mandatory evacuations for all residents in the Crowley Lake area due to the rapidly spreading Pack Fire, according to an online post. Officials say all residents in the affected zones must evacuate now. Mono County reports that the Whitmore Animal Shelter is being evacuated. A temporary animal shelter has been established at the Tri-County Fairgrounds, 475 Sierra St. in Bishop. Phone: (760) 873-3580 Animal Services Assistance: Mono County Animal Control is available to assist with pet evacuations and can provide essential supplies. If you are unable to evacuate your animals or need resources, call: Manager: (760) 965-9606 North County Officer: (760) 616-4834 South County Officer: (760) 616-4198 Bridgeport Office (Non-Emergency): (760) 932-7407 Available supplies include crates, collars, leashes, and food. ORIGINAL STORY - NOVEMBER 13, 1:15 p.m. A fast-moving wildfire is prompting full evacuations for the Crowley Lake and McGee Creek communities in Mono County. CAL FIRE reports that the Pack Fire has burned approximately 1,000 acres since it started just before 12:30 p.m. Thursday. According to Mono County officials, the fire jumped Highway 395 and is now about a quarter mile from reaching Lake Crowley. The left (northern) flank of the fire is approaching structures along Highway 395. All air tankers have been released due to strong winds and turbulence, officials said in an update posted Thursday afternoon on the countys Facebook page and the READY Mono website. A Temporary Evacuation Point has been established at Mammoth Lakes Middle School and the Tri-County Fairgrounds in Bishop. A designated temporary animal shelter is also available at the Tri-County Fairgrounds. Authorities say if you are unable to evacuate your animals or require any resources to call one of the following numbers: Manager: (760) 965-9606 North County Officer: (760) 616-4834 South County Officer: (760) 616-4198 Bridgeport Office (Non-Emergency): (760) 932-7407 A list of affected areas can be found here. Road Closures: Highway 395 is closed in both directions from Benton Crossing Road to Rock Creek Road. Drivers traveling from Inyo County to northern Mono County or Nevada are advised to use U.S. 6 in Bishop as a detour. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. For the latest official information, including real-time incident updates, evacuation orders, road closures, and emergency alerts, visit READY Mono at https://ready.mono.ca.gov/pages/2025-pack-fire. We've seen thousands of Nevadans affected by the government shutdown, whether as federal employees or through impacts to services. But what comes next? While the shutdown is now over, relief may not be immediate for a lot of people. Jocelyn Lantrip, the marketing director for the Food Bank of Northern Nevada, says, "There's really a ripple effect of a government shutdown that families and individuals are still feeling and will for a while." The changes to SNAP benefits impacted nearly half a million Nevadans, leading a lot of people to turn to food banks for help. The Division of Social Services has told state partners they'll be working through the weekend to make sure families receive their benefits by this Monday, if not sooner. The Food Bank of Northern Nevada still plans to hold special distributions this Saturday. The group tells us it will continue to do what it can to get excess food out to the community, believing it will be hard on families for a while. The food banks also say they're expecting a ripple effect from the shutdown. Lantrip says, "We're really doing everything we can to get excess food out to the community because it's going to be tough for families for a while." We've also seen impacts to air travel here in Reno from the shutdown. The airport tells us relief on their end will not be immediate while national flight schedules stabilize, and we should not see more cancellations or delays than we already are. While not expected to get worse, the airport warns there could still be flight impacts while national travel schedules stabilize now that the shutdown is over. Nicolle Staten, with the Reno-Tahoe Airport Authority, says, "Moving forward, we're hoping to see decreases come our way so we can be prepared for the Thanksgiving travel holiday." Dozens of flights were cancelled or delayed in Reno just over the last week, due to a ripple effect on the national level. The airport suggests keeping an eye on your flights and contacting your airline directly if needed. Nevada's 22,000 federal employees who did not receive pay affected our state's economy, since that money circulates through our goods and services. However, the bigger impact was on those workers who were directly impactedand their day-to-day lives. David Schmit, the Chief Economist for DETR, told us, "In Nevada, about one percent of our total employment is federal employment, so the baseline was largely unaffected, but it was really more the impact to those workers and their familiesthat was the strongest during the shutdown." Nevada Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada Health Authority have applied for $200 million a year in federal funds from the Rural Health Transformation Program. The program was established as part of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act and will provide a historic $50 billion in new federal grants to states over the next five years. The funds are aimed at strengthening rural healthcare across the nation. The amount received by each state will be determined by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. Funding decisions will be made by the end of the year, and funds are expected to be disbursed in early 2026. Nevada may receive more or less than the proposed $200 million budget in the states application. As Governor, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges rural Nevadans face trying to get the care they need, said Governor Lombardo. Thanks to President Trump and Congress, Nevada is now poised to deploy hundreds of millions in new targeted investments in the states rural healthcare system over the next five years, benefiting the lives of thousands of Nevadans. More information on the state's application can be found at this link. Update, November 13, 2025: The Nevada Supreme Court has decided that Clark County is the proper and lawful venue to prosecute Nevada's fake elector case. The case places forgery charges against six Nevada Republicans who were accused of submitting a bogus certificate that declared President Donald Trump the winner of the state's 2020 presidential election. Officials have said the defendants' actions were part of a larger scheme across seven battleground states to keep President Trump in the White House after losing to President Biden. The Supreme Court's decision reverses a decision by the Eighth Circuit District Court dismissing the case. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford issued a statement on the decision. "Today the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed what we have maintained all along that Clark County is the proper and lawful venue to prosecute our case, and I am pleased with the courts decision to overturn the District Courts dismissal of our case in Clark County," said Ford. "The 2020 fake electors cannot evade accountability in Nevada for their unlawful actions. As attorney general, it is my duty to hold those who sought to undermine the results of our states free and fair election responsible. With this ruling, we will return to the Eighth Judicial District Court in Clark County and continue our work to ensure that justice is served." Update, October 27, 2025: The six people accused of submitting false electoral certificates following the 2020 presidential election all pleaded not guilty on Monday. Michael James McDonald, James Walter DeGraffenreid III, Jesse Reed Law, Durward James Hindle III, Shawn Michael Meehan and Eileen A. Rice appeared in a Carson City courtroom to be formally charged. All their trials will now start in July. If convicted, they each face up to four years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000. Update, July 23, 2025: The Nevada Supreme Court is set to hear oral arguments next month in a case involving six people accused of submitting false electoral certificates following the 2020 presidential election. Oral arguments are scheduled for August 6 at 11:00 a.m. in Carson City. The hearing stems from an appeal filed by Nevada Attorney General Aaron D. Ford after a Clark County District Court judge dismissed the criminal indictments in June, citing improper venue. The six defendants, Michael James McDonald, James Walter DeGraffenreid III, Jesse Reed Law, Durward James Hindle III, Shawn Michael Meehan, and Eileen A. Rice, are each charged with offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, both felonies under Nevada law. They are alleged to have falsely declared Donald Trump the winner of Nevadas electoral votes and submitted a document titled Certificate of the Votes of the 2020 Electors from Nevada to federal and state officials. A judge dismissed the case in Clark County, ruling the venue was improper. In response, Ford immediately announced his office would appeal the decision to the Nevada Supreme Court. Since the filing of the appeal, the Nevada Supreme Court has processed numerous motions, briefs, and evidentiary submissions from both parties. In January, the court denied motions to dismiss the appeal and a related countermotion to strike, stating it would evaluate all arguments during the formal review process. The case is now scheduled for argument in August, where each side will have 17 minutes to present their positions, including two minutes of uninterrupted time at the start of each argument. Update, December 12, 2024: On Thursday Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford announced that the Office of the Attorney General has filed charges in the Carson City Justice Court related to the 2020 fake electors case. The six Nevadans who are alleged to have falsely represented themselves as presidential electors after the 2020 election have been charged with uttering a forged instrument, a category D felony. The six defendants were indicted by a grand jury in the Eighth Judicial District Court in December 2023 for offering a false instrument for filing, a category C felony, and uttering a forged instrument, a category D felony, for offering a false instrument titled Certificate of the Votes of the 2020 Electors from Nevada to the president of the senate; the archivist of the United States; the Nevada secretary of state; and the United States District Court for the District of Nevada. However, the Eighth Judicial District Court filings were dismissed for improper venue. AG Ford has appealed that ruling to the Nevada Supreme Court. That appeal is still under review, and if the Supreme Court rules in favor of the Office of the Attorney General, the charges filed in Carson City will be dropped. --- Update, July 27: Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said he has appealed the dismissal to the Nevada Supreme Court. He issued the following statement: "Yesterday evening Judge Holthus entered orders dismissing the States cases against six people who conspired and submitted fake elector certificates falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of Nevadas electoral votes in the 2020 presidential election. My Office has appealed the dismissals to the Nevada Supreme Court. We remain confident in our case and look forward to bringing these individuals to justice and holding them accountable for their actions." --- Update, June 21: A Nevada state court judge dismissed a criminal indictment Friday against six Republicans accused of submitting certificates to Congress falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of the states 2020 presidential election, potentially killing the case with a ruling that state prosecutors chose the wrong venue to file the case. Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford stood in a Las Vegas courtroom a moment after Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus delivered her ruling, declaring that he would take the case directly to the state Supreme Court. The judge got it wrong and well be appealing immediately, Ford told reporters afterward. He declined any additional comment. Defense attorneys bluntly declared the case dead, saying that to bring the case now to another grand jury in another venue such as Nevada's capital city of Carson City would violate a three-year statute of limitations on filing charges that expired in December. Theyre done, said Margaret McLetchie, attorney for Clark County Republican party chairman Jesse Law, one of the defendants in the case. The judge called off trial, which had been scheduled for next January, for defendants that included state GOP chairman Michael McDonald; national party committee member Jim DeGraffenreid; national and Douglas County committee member Shawn Meehan; and Eileen Rice, a party member from the Lake Tahoe area. Each was charged with offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, felonies that carry penalties of up to four or five years in prison. Defense attorneys contended that Ford improperly brought the case in Las Vegas instead of Carson City or Reno, northern Nevada cities closer to where the alleged crime occurred. They also accused prosecutors of failing to present to the grand jury evidence that would have exonerated their clients, and said their clients had no intent to commit a crime. All but Meehan have been named by the state party as Nevada delegates to the 2024 Republican National Convention next month in Milwaukee. Meehans defense attorney, Sigal Chattah, said her client chose not to seek the position. Chattah ran as a Republican in 2022 for state attorney general and lost to Ford, a Democrat, by just under 8% of the vote. After the court hearing, Hindles attorney, Brian Hardy, declined to comment on calls that his client has faced from advocacy groups that say he should resign from his elected position as overseer of elections in northern Nevadas Story County, a jurisdiction with a few more than 4,100 residents. Those calls included ones at a news conference Friday outside the courthouse by leaders of three organizations. Nevada is one of seven presidential battleground states where slates of fake electors falsely certified that Trump had won in 2020, not Democrat Joe Biden. Others are Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Criminal charges have been brought in Michigan, Georgia and Arizona. Trump lost Nevada in 2020 by more than 30,000 votes to Biden and the states Democratic electors certified the results in the presence of Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican. Her defense of the results as reliable and accurate led the state GOP to censure her, but Cegavske later conducted an investigation that found no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the state. (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.) --- Original Story, March 4: Six Republicans accused of submitting certificates to Congress falsely declaring Donald Trump the winner of Nevadas 2020 presidential election wont be standing trial until early next year, a judge determined Monday. Clark County District Court Judge Mary Kay Holthus pushed the trial, initially scheduled for this month, back to Jan. 13, 2025, because of conflicting schedules, and set a hearing for next month to consider a bid by the defendants to throw out the indictment. The defendants are state GOP chairman Michael McDonald, national party committee member Jim DeGraffenreid, Clark County party chair Jesse Law, Storey County clerk Jim Hindle, national and Douglas County committee member Shawn Meehan and Eileen Rice, a party member from the Lake Tahoe area. Each is charged with offering a false instrument for filing and uttering a forged instrument, felonies that carry penalties of up to four or five years in prison. Defense attorneys led by McDonalds lawyer, Richard Wright, contend that Nevada state Attorney General Aaron Ford improperly brought the case in Las Vegas instead of Carson City, the state capital, and failed to present evidence to the grand jury that would have exonerated their clients. They also argue there is insufficient evidence and that their clients had no intent to commit a crime. Trump lost Nevada in 2020 by more than 30,000 votes to Democratic President Joe Biden. The states Democratic electors certified the results in the presence of Nevada Secretary of State Barbara Cegavske, a Republican whose defense of the results as reliable and accurate led the state GOP to censure her. Cegavske later conducted an investigation that found no credible evidence of widespread voter fraud in the state. Nevada is one of seven presidential battleground states where slates of Republicans falsely certified that Trump, not Biden, had won. Others are Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, New Mexico, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. Criminal charges have been brought in Michigan and Georgia. In Wisconsin, 10 Republicans who posed as electors and two attorneys have settled a lawsuit. In New Mexico, the Democratic attorney general announced last month that five Republicans in his state cant be prosecuted under current state law. Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. The Salvation Army of Northern Nevada is bringing back its 'Operation Turkey Drop' protein drive next week, aiming to provide holiday meals for families in need. In Washoe County last year, the organization distributed 1,500 complete holiday meals, including a turkey and all the fixings, while several hundred additional meals were given out in Carson City. This year, the program revives its partnership with Corwin Ford, which will host a drop-off at its South Virginia Street location in Reno on November 17. Longtime partner Max Casino will host the event in Carson City on November 20 and 21. Additional drop-off locations in Reno will include the west parking lot of the Atlantis Casino Resort Spa and The Salvation Army Reno Corps. Drop-off details: November 17, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Corwin Ford, 11111 S. Virginia St., Reno Atlantis Casino Resort Spa, 3800 S. Virginia St., Reno Salvation Army Reno Corps, 1931 Sutro Street November 20-21, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.: Max Casino, 900 S. Carson St., Carson City People can donate frozen turkeys, chickens, hams, roast beef, other proteins, and shelf-stable sides. We are so pleased that Washoe County Search and Rescue will be joining us to collect the proteins during the event in Reno, said Major Randy Hartt, Northern Nevada coordinator for The Salvation Army. Search and Rescue is one of our longest-running partners for this event. Theyve been standing beside us for Operation Turkey Drop for many years, and we are grateful to them and to the generous community members who donate holiday proteins to feed their neighbors in need. Highly experienced geologist and mining executive strengthens technical leadership as Locksley advances U.S. mine-to-market strategy Appointment of Experienced Geologist Ian Stockton to Board Perth, Nov 14, 2025 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Locksley Resources Ltd ( ASX:LKY ) ( X5L:FRA ) ( LKYRF:OTCMKTS ) announced the appointment of Mr Ian Stockton as Non-Executive Technical Director with effect from immediately following the AGM on 28 November 2025. Mr Stockton is a highly credentialed geologist and mining executive with over 35 years of experience in resource development, operations, and technical advisory roles across global markets. He has held senior technical and leadership roles with major industry groups, providing crucial strategic advice to explorers and producers in both the base and critical mineral sectors. Mr Stockton's technical expertise is deeply integrated into the full project life cycle. He possesses strength in mine development, resource optimisation, and technical regulatory compliance, having successfully managed multi-disciplinary technical teams and overseen major study programs, including several projects that have successfully transitioned from concept to full production. His practical grounding in geological assessment will be immediately deployed to de-risk and advance Locksley's assets. Crucially, Mr Stockton brings direct and invaluable experience with antimony resources, the core focus of Locksley's U.S. strategy. His background includes involvement in the exploration and development of the significant Costerfield gold-antimony deposit in Victoria, Australia, where he helped bring the Brunswick open pit deposit into production in the late 1990s. Furthermore, he has maintained exposure to major global antimony projects through reviews and confidential due diligence on key Australian antimony assets. This specialised knowledge is directly applicable to advancing our high-grade Desert Antimony Mine (DAM). At Locksley, Mr Stockton will direct the Company's technical execution and resource expansion strategy, supporting the advancement of the Desert Antimony Mine (DAM) in California and the broader U.S. mine-to-market critical minerals program. His appointment adds significant technical depth to the Board just as Locksley transitions from exploration to the complex phase of development, integrating upstream mining with downstream processing and advanced-materials innovation. Pat Burke, Locksley Chairman, commented: "Ian brings a wealth of technical and operational experience at a pivotal time for Locksley. His practical approach to geological interpretation and project development, coupled with his strong background in industry governance, will be invaluable as we move toward production and establish a vertically integrated U.S. antimony supply chain." Mr Stockton holds a Bachelor of Science (Geology) from the University of Canberra and is a Fellow of the AIG (FAIG), as well as Registered Professional Geologist (RPGEO) as well as a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM). The Company also advises that Mr Bevan Tarratt will resign with effect from immediately following the AGM on 28 November 2025. Mr. Tarratt will provide assistance to the Company in an executive capacity during a transition phase to ensure continuity of corporate and project functions. The Board thanks Mr Tarratt for his invaluable contribution and looks forward to his continuing involvement with the Company. About Locksley Resources Limited Locksley Resources Limited (ASX:LKY) (FRA:X5L) (OTCMKTS:LKYRF) is an ASX listed explorer focused on critical minerals in the United States of America. The Company is actively advancing exploration across two key assets: the Mojave Project in California, targeting rare earth elements (REEs) and antimony. Locksley Resources aims to generate shareholder value through strategic exploration, discovery and development in this highly prospective mineral region. Mojave Project Located in the Mojave Desert, California, the Mojave Project comprises over 250 claims across two contiguous prospect areas, namely, the North Block/Northeast Block and the El Campo Prospect. The North Block directly abuts claims held by MP Materials, while El Campo lies along strike of the Mountain Pass Mine and is enveloped by MP Materials' claims, highlighting the strong geological continuity and exploration potential of the project area. In addition to rare earths, the Mojave Project hosts the historic "Desert Antimony Mine", which last operated in 1937. Despite the United States currently having no domestic antimony production, demand for the metal remains high due to its essential role in defense systems, semiconductors, and metal alloys. With significant surface sample results, the Desert Mine prospect represents one of the highest-grade known antimony occurrences in the U.S. Locksley's North American position is further strengthened by rising geopolitical urgency to diversify supply chains away from China, the global leader in both REE & antimony production. With its maiden drilling program planned, the Mojave Project is uniquely positioned to align with U.S. strategic objectives around critical mineral independence and economic security. Tottenham Project Locksley's Australian portfolio comprises the advanced Tottenham Copper-Gold Project in New South Wales, focused on VMS-style mineralisation in a well established mining region. Locksley is committed to delivering value through discovery, development, and strategic partnerships, with a focus on securing access to U.S. aligned funding and downstream collaborations. Related Companies A nearly 50-year-old Calhoun County business is expanding to keep pace with rapid growth. Jacksonville-based Bryant Machine Co. Friday announced a $3.26 million project that will include the construction of a 22,000-square-foot facility and new machining equipment. The expansion is expected to create 12 new jobs. Founded in 1979, Bryant Machine over the past year has seen sales up 250% and its workforce expanded by 150%. It specializes in milling, assembly and engineering services, as well as additive manufacturing, portable coordinate measuring machine (CMM) services, and computer-aided manufacturing. Kirklin Childs, COO and vice president, said the company began with his grandfather Donald Bryants dream to build a family shop with big ambitions. Weve carried that same spirit forward for more than four decades, growing alongside the Calhoun County community that has always supported us, Childs said. Calhoun County Economic Development Council (EDC) Executive Director Don Hopper said the company has long been committed to innovation, investment and creating high quality jobs. Their success not only strengthens the roots here in Calhoun County but also highlights the important role family-owned businesses play in sustaining and growing our communitys economy, Hopper said. Three people were killed in a single-vehicle, rollover crash in south Alabama. Alabama State Troopers on Thursday identified the victims as Tommy R. Odom, 39, Erica L. White, 40, and Jason L. Peoples, 39. Odom and Peoples lived in Little River and White lived in Uriah. The wreck happened at 5:50 p.m. Tuesday on Alabama 21, about three miles north of Atmore in Escambia County. Trooper Sgt. Reginal King said Odom was driving a Toyota Camry that left the road, hit a culvert and overturned. None of the victims were using seat belts at the time of the crash and were all ejected, King said. All three victims were pronounced dead on the scene. The investigation is ongoing. A Birmingham man was killed in a single-vehicle crash in Brookside. The Jefferson County Coroners Office identified the victim as Kevin Alexander Park. He was 52. Few details have been released but Chief Deputy Coroner Bill Yates said the wreck happened sometime between 9:30 a.m. and 11:33 a.m. Thursday in the 5100 block of Trimble Hill Road. Park was pronounced dead on the scene at 12:15 p.m. The Jefferson County Sheriffs Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding the death. The Birmingham darter lives in the Valley Creek system and its tributaries near Birmingham. (Bernie Kuhajda, Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute) Bernie Kuhajda, Tennessee Aquarium Conservation Institute Environmental groups are calling on the federal government to protect a fish species only found near land slated for a data center campus in Bessemer. The Center for Biological Diversity and three other groups filed a petition Thursday with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to protect the Birmingham darter as an endangered species. Just six populations of the two-inch-long fish still live in the Valley Creek system and now are threatened by the potential $14 billion data center project, environmental activists said. These phenomenal fish will slide further toward extinction if this data center is built, so we have to act fast, said Will Harlan, Southeast director at the Center for Biological Diversity. Theyve been swimming in these creeks for millions of years, but without immediate protections theyll disappear forever. The fish, which have turquoise fins and red-streaked bodies, are a newly discovered species only found in Jefferson County. The population has already been threatened by limestone quarrying in the area, per the petition. The Alabama Rivers Alliance, Black Warrior Riverkeeper and The Peoples Justice Council also supported the petition. The federal agency has three months to issue its initial findings on the status of the Birmingham darter and determine whether to proceed. Environmental activists say that the proposed data center will also threaten the watercress darter fish species, which already is designated federally as endangered, as well as the Watercress Darter National Wildlife Refuge a few miles away. In a state where polluting industry and development are incentivized and natural resources are overlooked, we must do a better job safeguarding our remaining intact ecosystems, spring-fed streams, and native fishes that call them home, said Nelson Brooke, Riverkeeper for Black Warrior Riverkeeper. The developer for Project Marvel, proposed by Logistics Land Investment LLC which is owned by Atlanta-based TPA Group, has requested 2 million gallons of water per day to service the site. Utility provider Warrior River Water Authority has already said that its system lacks capacity to meet that demand without major upgrades, Inside Climate News reported. The data center project is still in the early stages of the zoning process with the city. The Bessemer City Council is scheduled to vote on rezoning the 700 acres of land off Rock Mountain Lake Road on Nov. 18 at 9 a.m. The development would include 18 buildings in a 4.5 million-square-foot campus on rural timber land near unincorporated county limits. Residents surrounding the site, as well as others nearby, have packed out public meetings, raising concerns over constraints on water and power, pollution, disturbance to wildlife and traffic. A new documentary, Hyperscaled, explores the impact of the AI explosion and on everyday people, including residents that live near the data center project slated for Bessemer. So far, neither Project Marvels developers nor the city have publicly released environmental or health-related studies. City attorney Aaron Killings previously told AL.com that its still in the early stages. All were doing right now is just rezoning the property, and this is just a step in that direction, Killings said in October. Should the property get rezoned, then the developer is going to be required to meet all the environmental and other concerns that the public seems to have on this. A man convicted of the 1979 killing a 6-year-old girl who was abducted from her bedroom was put to death Thursday evening in a record 16th execution in Florida this year. Bryan Frederick Jennings, 66, was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke, the office of Gov. Ron DeSantis said. Jennings drew the death penalty for the murder of Rebecca Kunash, who was also raped and drowned in a canal. When asked if he had a final statement, Jennings said No loudly. As the drugs were then administered, his chest heaved and his arms twitched for a few minutes. Then he laid still with his mouth open. The execution of the ex-Marine was one of three scheduled this week in the U.S., though Oklahomas governor spared the life of a man just before a planned lethal injection Thursday. On Friday, inmate Stephen Bryant is set to be executed by firing squad in South Carolina for a five-day killing spree decades ago. Court records show Jennings was a 20-year-old on leave from the Marine Corps on May 11, 1979, when he removed the screen from the girls bedroom window while her parents were in another room. Jennings abducted the girl, took her in his car to a canal and raped her, trial testimony showed. He then swung her by her legs to the ground with such force that she fractured her skull, according to court records. The girl was then drowned in the canal, where her body was found later that day. Arrested hours later on a traffic warrant, Jennings matched the description of a man seen near the Kunash home when the girl disappeared. Shoe prints found at the home matched those Jennings was wearing, his fingerprints were found on the girls windowsill, and his clothes and hair were wet, court records stated. Jennings was convicted and sentenced to death twice for the 1979 murder in Brevard County, both of which were reversed on appeal. The final trial in 1986 resulted in a third death sentence. He also drew life sentences for kidnapping, sexual assault and burglary convictions. Gov. DeSantis, the Republican who signed the death warrant, has ordered more executions in a single year than any Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in the U.S. in 1976. The previous state record was set in 2014 with eight executions. Florida executions are also scheduled on Nov. 20 for Richard Barry Randolph and on Dec. 9 for Mark Allen Geralds, which would bring the years total so far to 18 if carried out. DeSantis has explained the unprecedented number of executions by saying his goal is to bring justice to victims families who have waited decades for the death sentences to be carried out. Some of these crimes were committed in the 80s, the governor said at a recent news conference. Justice delayed is justice denied. I felt I owed it to them to make sure this ran very smoothly. If I honestly thought someone was innocent, I would not pull the trigger. Florida executions are al by lethal injection using a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the state Department of Corrections. Jennings had filed numerous state and federal court appeals, most recently contending he went months without a lawyer prior to DeSantis signing his death warrant in violation of his right to counsel. With Jennings death, a total of 42 people have undergone court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and at least 16 others including Bryant were scheduled to be put to death in the rest of 2025 and throughout next year, according to the non-profit Death Penalty Information Center. South Carolinas highest court recently refused to stop Bryants firing squad execution, which is scheduled for Friday evening. Bryant was convicted of killing three people more than 20 years ago while leaving taunting messages for police in the blood of one of his victims. On Thursday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted Tremane Woods sentence to life in prison moments before Woods was to be put to death for his role in the 2002 killing of farmworker Ronnie Wipf during an attempted robbery. Woods attorneys didnt deny their clients participation in the robbery but maintained the mans brother Zjaiton who died in prison in 2019 while serving life without parole actually stabbed Wipf. NBC television correspondent Jim Avila, center, speaks to his U.S. based network office by satellite phone as injured soundman David Moodie looks on with an arm bandage after being evacuated from the al-Aike Hotel in Baghdad after a bomb was detonated outside the NBC staff hotel rooms Thursday Sept. 25, 2003. ABC announced Avila died earlier this week. He was 69. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) AP Jim Avila, a former senior correspondent with ABC News, has died at the age of 69 after a long illness, the network announced Thursday morning. ABC News Live anchor Diane Maced delivered a tribute to Avila regarding his work and journalistic achievements during his career. Jim was an L.A.-based correspondent specializing in politics, justice, law and consumer investigations for nearly two decades, Macedo said. He also worked in the White House and broke the news that the U.S. and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations. That story earned him the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association. Avila was a correspondent for the ABC program 20/20 and previously reported on the White House from 2012 to 2016 while President Barack Obama was in office. Avila left ABC News in 2021 and became a senior investigative reporter with ABC affiliate KGTV in San Diego. ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic said that, Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague, according to an internal email on Avilas passing. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, including his three children, Jamie, Jenny, and Evan, and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth, Karamehmedovic said. According to the Los Angeles Times, NBC News correspondent Josh Mankiewicz, who is Avilas friend, said Avila died from complications after a fall. Prior to joining ABC in 2004 Avila also worked with NBC News, where he covered the O.J. Simpson murder case for KNBC helping the station win several awards for their coverage. Avilas other honors include being named reporter of the year in 1999 by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists and being inducted into the associations Hall of Fame in 2019. Leo Alexander, a former WKRG-TV reporter, has died at the age of 61 in Mobile, the news station announced Thursday evening. Alexander worked for WKRGs Channel 5 from 1990-1993 before pursuing a different position in New Orleans and later Washington, D.C. Alexander ran to become the mayor of D.C. in 2010 on a plan to attract new business to D.C., create a new tax base, fight crime on the front-end and revolutionize our public schools system. He went on to finish third in the Democratic primary. Born in New York, Alexander moved to Mobile when he was 9 so his mother, a Mobile native, could attend the University of South Alabama. Alexander is a graduate of Davidson High School, USA and George Washington University, where he obtained his masters degree. Alexander leaves behind two sons in his passing. Today, by the powers vested in me as governor of the state of Alabama, I am hereby granting a full pardon to Fil & Buster, Ivey wrote in a post to X. The office of Gov. Kay Ivey Gov. Kay Ivey today continued a Thanksgiving tradition that Alabama governors have carried on since 1949, issuing a pardon to turkeys from the Bates Turkey Farm. The 77th annual turkey pardon took place today at the Governors Mansion. This year, the governors office gave students from Montgomery Christian School and Riverchase Day School a chance to name the turkeys and attend the pardoning ceremony. The winning names this year were Fil and Buster. George and Martha, Liberty and Justice, and Tom Jefferson and Madis-hen were also considered. Prior to 2022, when Ivey gave people a chance to name the turkeys with a Twitter poll, the turkeys were always Clyde and Henrietta. Today, by the powers vested in me as governor of the state of Alabama, I am hereby granting a full pardon to Fil & Buster, Ivey wrote in a post to X. Theyre free to live out their days soaking up the Alabama sunshineand staying clear of any Thanksgiving tables!" The pardon for Fil and Buster comes amid debate over eliminating the filibuster in the U.S. Senate. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, who might be pardoning turkeys himself in 2027 if he is elected governor, this week called on his Republican colleagues to do what President Trump has requested: Change Senate rules to end the filibuster. Unless the filibuster is eliminated, Tuberville predicts more shutdowns will occur. Theyre going to shut it down again, okay? There are going to be four or five more shutdowns. Lets just kick the Democrats to the side, he said. We know whats best for the American people. Greenville-based Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama is transitioning to a Rural Emergency Hospital. RMCCA A central Alabama medical center is beginning a major change in how it does business. Regional Medical Center of Central Alabama (RMCCA) in Greenville has announced it is transitioning to a rural emergency hospital. The center is expected to lay off about 90 employees across various departments as a result of the move. A rural emergency hospital is a Medicare provider designation established by Congress in 2021. REHs maintain access to outpatient medical services in areas that may not be able to sustain a full-service hospital. On Thursday, the hospital announced it will file an application with the State Health Planning and Development Agency to begin the process. In an announcement, RMCCA said the decision represents the hospitals best opportunity to achieve financial stability and continue serving the healthcare needs of the Greenville community. CEO Patrick Trammell said the decision was not made lightly. As rural hospitals across the country face unprecedented financial challenges, RMCCA is taking this proactive step to preserve a needed presence in our community, and maintaining essential healthcare services for our region is paramount, Trammell said. The filing came after a unanimous vote by the RMCCA Board. WSFA is reporting patients should continue coming to the facility for treatment through the end of the year and into early 2026 until the transition is complete. Rural health care has been a hot button issue in Alabama for several years. Earlier this year, Alabama submitted a plan to the federal government for how the state will use $500 million to improve rural health care over the next five years. The state plans to focus on 11 initiatives to help rural facilities become more financially viable and accessible, and to improve health outcomes. Of the states 52 rural hospitals, 27 are at risk of closing, with 19 of those at immediate risk of shutting down within the next few years. The Alabama Cannabis Coalition and other groups across the country are sounding the alarm over language included in this weeks government funding bill that would ban nearly all hemp-derived consumer products. The Alabama Cannabis Coalition will not stand by while Congress threatens farmers, businesses, and the safe access that Alabamians depend on, ACC leadership said in a recent news release. This legislation was inserted into a must-pass bill to reopen the government, and the people deserve transparencynot backdoor prohibition. On Wednesday, President Donald Trump signed a funding bill to reopen the federal government. Within the package is agricultural appropriations language that outlaws products containing more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per container. This includes Delta-9 THC, THCA, and all cannabinoids considered intoxicating, according to the bills text. This shift would effectively render nearly every hemp plant in the United States non-compliant, eliminating over 95% of legal hemp products currently grown or sold and destabilizing a $24 billion industry, the release says. The bill includes a 365-day moratorium before enforcement, but the intent is clear: this is a federal hemp ban. According to the Journal of Cannabis Research, a single hemp gummy typically contains 2.5 to 10 milligrams of THC. Hemp, a derivative of the cannabis plant, was legalized in the 2018 Farm Bill for industrial uses like rope, textiles and seed. But the laws broad definition created a loophole in federal rules on THC, experts told CNBC, allowing producers to extract psychoactive cannabinoids from federally legal hemp. Sen. Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., pushed the Farm Bill in 2018 to boost the states economy but requested the new restrictions passed Wednesday at the last minute to correct the bill and restore the original intent, Boris Jordan, CEO of cannabis company Curaleaf, told the outlet. For Alabama, the consequences of the bill are even more severe, according to the ACC. The recently passed state hemp law, HB445, includes a provision stating that any new federal regulation will supersede state law. Because this proposed federal definition is even more restrictive, it would fully eliminate legal access to hemp-derived products for Alabamas consumersespecially patients and veterans with no access to medical cannabis," the release reads. HB445, which went into effect July 1, banned smokable hemp and high-potency gummies, two of the industrys biggest sellers. The bill placed the hemp-derived products and retailers under regulation by the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board, imposing a 10% tax, banning some items, and setting up new requirements for packaging, labeling, and testing, as well as civil and criminal penalties for violations. Proponents of the local bill and national restrictions have cited safety, particularly for minors, as their primary concern. Like any parent, I want to protect our kids from dangerous, unregulated products that are slipping through the cracks, state Rep. Andy Whitt, R-Harvest previously said. Right now, these products go untested and unchecked, and authorities have no real power to stop the harm they are causing. Convenience stores are not pharmacies, and we need to make sure they arent treated like one. But not all Republicans agree, with many saying the national bill is too sweeping, and poses a great threat to the U.S. economy. This is the most thoughtless, ignorant proposal to an industry that Ive seen in a long, long time, Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., told CNBC this week. He called the provision an overreach that is killing jobs and crushing farmers. Despite increased restrictions, the ACC says it is not backing down and will be joining a united national front of advocates, farmers, industry groups, and consumers to pressure Congress to reverse this harmful language. The coalition calls for sensible, science-based regulations that ensure public safety while preserving the livelihoods of American farmers and small businesses, the release reads. Former U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder Jr. has been named recipient of the prestigious 2025 Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award, the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute (BCRI) announced Thursday. The award represents BCRIs highest honor, bestowed upon national and international leaders advancing justice, equality, and human dignity. As Attorney General under President Barack Obama, Holder prioritized Civil Rights enforcement, took bold steps to protect voting rights, reduced sentencing disparities, and addressed systemic inequities in the justice system. His tenure was marked by efforts to defend marriage equality and challenge voter suppression. Today, Holder continues to champion democracy as Chairman of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), ensuring fair maps and protecting every citizens right to vote. His lifes work reflects principled leadership and the enduring fight for Civil Rights. Holder will be recognized during the BCRIs 33rd Anniversary Celebration on Thursday, December 11, 2025. This milestone occasion themed Defending Legacy will bring together foot soldiers, students, educators, civic and business leaders and partners from across the country to celebrate BCRIs mission. Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth paved the way for progress so that generations to come could walk in freedom. To be recognized by an organization that carries forward his legacy of unyielding courage and resolve is profoundly humbling, said Holder. It is also a reminder that the work of advancing civil and human rights is never finished and cannot be accomplished alone. Together, we must ensure that the progress Rev. Shuttlesworth fought for does not become a footnote in history, but instead stands as a promise for a better future. The Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award recognizes individuals whose courage and leadership in promoting civil and human rights honor the legacy of Mr. Shuttlesworth, one of the pivotal figures of the Civil Rights Movement and a co-founder of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC). Established in 2002, the Fred L. Shuttlesworth Human Rights Award serves as an enduring tribute to Rev. Shuttlesworths legacy of leadership, courage, and conviction. This award is a public recommitment to the values that defined Shuttlesworths life and Birminghams pivotal role in the global fight for justice. Eric Holders lifelong commitment to equity, justice, and the rule of law embodies the spirit and enduring impact of Rev. Shuttlesworths legacy, says Rosilyn Houston, Board Chair, BCRI. For 33 years, BCRI has carried the torch of those who dared to demand justice. Yet that light flickers in an age when truth itself is being challenged. Honoring Eric Holder, Jr. is more than recognition, its a recommitment to our shared duty to educate, to remember, and to act. His lifes work affirms why this Institute must endure. Previous winners have included Richard Arrington, Birminghams first Black mayor; Fred Gray, an attorney who played a significant role in Civil Rights cases; the late John Lewis; prominent Civil Rights leader and congressman; Danny Glover, an actor and activist; Bryan Stevenson, founder of the Equal Justice Initiative in Montgomery and Shuttlesworth. To learn more about the BCRIs 33rd Anniversary event, visit www.bcri.org/bcri-33rd-anniversary. At the moment the ribbon was cut at the Defense Munitions Proving Ground in Townley Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, munitions were detonated. Rep. Robert Aderholt's office Starting off with a bang wasnt just hyperbole Friday - it was reality in Walker Countys Townley. At the moment the ribbon was cut at the new Defense Munitions Proving Ground (DMPG), munitions were detonated. U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) was there for the festivities. This isnt just about national defense. Its also about local opportunities, Aderholt said. The project, announced last year by Global Technical Systems (GTS), includes a 15,000-square-foot range control test facility for conducting advanced munitions and explosive testing. It also has a second warhead test arena. Part of the property sits on a reclaimed coal mine. Earlier this year, DMPG acquired an additional 700 acres in Walker County, expanding the facilitys footprint to more than 2,700 acres. The new facility is expected to create about 20 new jobs. Over the past year, construction on this site has supported local jobs and boosted the Walker County economy, Aderholt said. And now, with DMPG hiring its first full-time Walker County employee, were seeing the start of long-term, high-quality job creation right here at home. Thats what we want to see more of in Alabama - companies investing in our people, in our communities, and in our future. The facility will directly support Huntsvilles Redstone Arsenal. U.S. Rep. Dale Strong speaks at Drake State Community and Technical College in Huntsville. Feb. 20, 2025. Scott Turner/AL.com Two north Alabama towns will receive $6.2 million in federal funding for sewer and water projects, U.S. Rep. Dale Strong announced Friday. The funding includes nearly $5.2 million for Ardmore to construct a groundwater treatment facility to replace the towns failing wells and provide a sustainable, reliable source of drinking water for residents. Another $1 million will be used by the town of Triana to make critical sanitary sewer upgrades to ensure the system remains operational and able to provide uninterrupted service to residents during power outages. Every community deserves access to safe drinking water and reliable infrastructure, Strong said. The Town of Ardmore has faced significant challenges with its aging wells, and this new groundwater treatment facility will provide a long-term, sustainable solution for families and businesses that rely on a clean, consistent water supply. The funding for the projects was included in the Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies bill, which was signed into law this week. Ardmore Mayor Billy Shannon said the towns aging tanks and limited capacity have made it difficult to keep up with demand as the town grows. Weve had to rely on outside sources for water just to meet the needs of our residents, Shannon said. This federal funding will finally allow us to increase Ardmores water capacity and provide a sustainable supply for years to come. Were a small town and couldnt have taken on a project of this size without help from Congressman Strong. This is a major victory for the citizens of Ardmore, and were deeply grateful for his support. Strong said federal investments in local infrastructure projects are critical to the long-term success and growth of rural communities across his district. The improvements in Triana will strengthen the towns sewer system and ensure residents continue receiving dependable service without disruption, Strong said. Modernizing this essential infrastructure will allow Triana to continue to grow. Triana Mayor Mary Caudle said the funding will allow the town to make critical upgrades to its wastewater system and ensure reliable service for residents even during power outages. Its a major win for our town, and were grateful for his (Strongs) continued partnership and support, she said. Ginger Aaron-Brush, left, and April Aaron-Brush of Vestavia Hills, Alabama. Ginger and April were married in Massachusetts in 2012. The couple filed a federal lawsuit in 2014, seeking to have the State of Alabama recognize their marriage so they could, among other things, both adopt their daughter, Avery Aaron-Brush. (Photo courtesy of Aaron-Brush family) This is a guest opinion column Ten years ago, everything changed for us. Everything that truly matters. Prior to the Supreme Courts 2015 decision in Obergefell v. Hodges that struck down all state bans on marriage between same-sex couples, our 2012 marriage in Massachusetts wasnt respected in Alabama. A law passed by the Alabama legislature in 1998 and a 2006 constitutional amendment that went even further prohibited the recognition of marriages between same-sex couples performed in other states. In the state where we make our home, a state we love, we were denied the protection of the laws and rights marriage confers on a couple, including parental recognition, tax benefits, inheritance rights, and all other spousal rights that can make marriage the catalyst of economic and social security. We became one of dozens of families in nearly every state to file lawsuits seeking recognition of our marriages, or the freedom to marry outright. Obergefell was one of those lawsuits, and when the ruling was announced, our marriage became recognized in all fifty states, including Alabama. With a stroke, the Court affirmed for millions of same-sex couples that most cherished right, the right to marry and make a family with the person they love. With that also came affirmation of our love and commitment to each other, our shared responsibilities for our daughter, and our dignity as human beings and equal rights as citizens of this great country. This week, the Obergefell decision was able to withstand a direct attack when the U.S. Supreme Court declined an opportunity to revisit the precedent and reconsider the freedom to marry for same-sex couples. Were relieved to see this development, because we know how impactful marriage equality has been, not just for us, but for millions of other Americans. There are, of course, practical protections granted to married couples the right to file joint state tax returns, use our married names on our drivers licenses, and add Gingers name as a parent to our daughters birth certificate. But it goes deeper than that: Marriage equality has enabled couples like us to make lifes biggest decisions, from raising children to buying homes to starting businesses, with confidence and peace of mind. As a country, we have come to rely on the clarity and stability that the freedom to marry ensures. And its not just been positive for same-sex couples: Our extended families, including non-LGBTQ+ people, can celebrate with us and know that the people they love are seen as equal in the eyes of the government. Businesses and movers across the economy can more easily determine family status and treat everyone by the same rules whether thats in retirement benefits, insurance coverage, or healthcare. We understand that not everyone may fully support marriage for same-sex couples. But in our experience as a family living in Alabama, the tenor of the opposition has changed. On marriage specifically, folks who are not supportive have largely adopted a live and let live approach. Theyve moved on, even if they dont like the Obergefell ruling. Its clear that its time to move on, and were glad the Supreme Court seemed to agree. As we watched the news this week, and saw notes across social media declaring that Love Wins, we reflected deeply on the small part that we played in securing the freedom to marry and full respect for marriages here in Alabama. We hadnt filed our lawsuit to attract attention to ourselves, but rather to assert the rights of all Americans to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. We consider ourselves just a normal family, with the same ups and downs, the same hopes and concerns common to most Alabama families. It is hard to describe the profound satisfaction and pride derived from simply knowing that our state and our country at last recognize our common humanity. April and Ginger Aaron-Bush are residents of Birmingham. In a pair of Friday morning social media meltdowns, President Donald Trump fumed at weak Republicans siding with Democrats calling for the release of the Jeffrey Epstein files and demanded the Justice Department investigate Epsteins alleged ties to former President Bill Clinton. Trump referred to the Epstein matter dogging his administration as the Epstein Hoax despite hundreds of Epsteins emails released by the House Oversight Committee that showed the president being mentioned several times. The emails included Epstein writing that Trump of course knew about the girls and that Trump spent hours at Epsteins house with a victim, later identified as Virginia Giuffre. Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year, The Democrats are doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again, despite the DOJ releasing 50,000 pages of documents, in order to deflect from all of their bad policies and losses, especially the SHUTDOWN EMBARRASSMENT, where their party is in total disarray, and has no idea what to do, Trump posted to his Truth Social account. Some Weak Republicans have fallen into their clutches because they are soft and foolish. Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrats problem, not the Republicans problem! the president continued. Ask Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers about Epstein, they know all about him, dont waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run! A discharge petition asking for a vote to release the so-called Epstein files garnered enough signatures in the House to set up a vote, which could come next week. Clinton -- and Trump -- have both denied any wrongdoing, and there has been no evidence of illegal activity. About an hour after his first Truth Social message, Trump posted another indicating he would ask U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Justice Department to investigate connections between Epstein , Clinton and other Democrats. Now that the Democrats are using the Epstein Hoax, involving Democrats, not Republicans, to try and deflect from their disastrous SHUTDOWN, and all of their other failures, I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epsteins involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him, Trump posted. This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats. Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his Island. Stay tuned!!!" Clinton flew on Epsteins private jet several times before the financiers 2008 conviction, while Hoffman and Summers socialized with him, Reuters reported, adding that there is no credible evidence that they were involved in Epsteins sex trafficking. All three men have expressed regret about their relationship with him. U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville, R-Ala., on Thursday strongly suggested he will sue the living hell out of Biden administration officials who accessed his phone records as part of the Jan. 6 investigation. The deal ending the federal government shutdown included a spending bill with a provision allowing Tuberville and seven other GOP senators to sue the federal government for at least $500,000 each because they were not notified the records were accessed during then-special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into Jan. 6. The Biden administration secretly spied on my phone, Tuberville tweeted after days of silence on the lawsuit provision. But it wasnt just me they went after. For 4 years, the corrupt Biden administration TRIED TO SILENCE and DESTROY every conservative they could. Tuberville, who is running for Alabama governor in 2026, said he would follow through with a lawsuit if the federal judge who signed a non-disclosure order keeping the seizure under wraps for a year is not impeached and if Smith is not disbarred and thrown in jail. If they arent, I will sue the living hell out of every Biden official involved in this to make sure this NEVER happens to a conservative again, Tuberville tweeted. The Biden administration secretly spied on my phone. But it wasnt just me they went after. For 4 years, the corrupt Biden administration TRIED TO SILENCE and DESTROY every conservative they could. They targeted the @GOP, @TPUSA, and @RepublicanAGs as part of Arctic Frost. Coach Tommy Tuberville (@SenTuberville) November 13, 2025 On Wednesday, Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., one of the eight Republican senators who will be able to sue the government, said he intends to file a lawsuit. Oh, definitely. And if you think Im going to settle this thing for a million dollars? No. I want to make it so painful, no one ever does this again, Graham said. A spokesperson for Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, who is also among the eight senators, said he has no plans to sue. The provisions language states that the law is violated if a senator is not notified when their phone records or other metadata are taken from a service provider like a phone company. The provision is retroactive to 2022, meaning Tuberville will be able to sue the government for his phone records being accessed in the Jan. 6 case since that occurred in 2023. While Tuberville characterized the situation as then-President Joe Biden tapping his phone, the records enabled investigators to see basic information about the date and time of the calls but not the content of the communications. The provision, which was passed as part of the deal ending the longest federal government shutdown in history, was criticized by lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle, including House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., and House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, D-N.Y. Johnson said he was unaware of the provision, calling it a really bad look. The speaker said the House would introduce a standalone bill next week to repeal it. Jeffries characterized the provision as a slush fund, and called it real-time corruption We are talking about a multi-million dollar slush fund that is in this bill for eight Republican senators, who apparently believe theyre part of the House of Lords. Because thats something that would be done if you think youre a lord, not someone who is subject to the rule of law. Thats extraordinary to me, Jeffries said Wednesday. And unfortunately, it appears that despite how outrageous this provision is, my Republicans colleagues are prepared to vote for it while at the same period of time cant find a dime to extend the Affordable Care Act tax credits, he said. English News CIIE fuels success of Spain's "City of Ham" Alwihda Info | Par peoplesdaily - 12 Novembre 2025 "The openness of the Chinese market has been crucial for Iberian ham's journey onto the global stage," said Martin. "We hope that through platforms like the CIIE, Iberian ham will gain even more opportunities in China, which not only drives the growth of Guijuelo's entire industrial chain and boosts the local economy, but also encourages the younger generation to stay, continue this craft, and build their own future here." By Yan Huan, Xu Hailin, People's Daily Since its debut at the inaugural China International Import Expo (CIIE) in 2018, Spain's Iberian ham has been staple attraction at the annual event. Its complex aroma and savory depth have consistently drawn crowds, establishing it as one of the Expo's star products Thanks to the CIIE platform, Iberian ham has progressively entered the culinary landscape of Chinese consumers. The town of Guijuelo, Spain, produces approximately 60 percent of the country's renowned Iberian ham globally by gourmets for its distinctive marbling and nuanced flavor. Each autumn, Guijuelo's oak forests yield abundant acorns that nourish free-ranging black Iberian pigs. The region's elevated terrain, characterized by cold, dry winters and brief mild summers, creates optimal conditions for traditional air-curing of hams. At century-old producer Julian Del Aguilar(established 1895), artisans commence work at dawn. Within curing rooms,thousands of hams suspended from wooden rafters permeate the air with their characteristic savory fragrance. Master craftsman Ramos, with 41 years of experience at the company, explains: "From initial salting through natural curing, each ham requires at least three years of maturation here. This century-old tradition remains our point of pride." Ramos meticulously inspects each ham before selecting matured specimens for quality grading and packaging. The transformative impact of CIIE became evident when Spanish producer-distributor La Encina participated in the 2018 inaugural edition with modest expectations. Their initial six-month supply of 500 kilograms sold out within days, catalyzing broader Spanish industry interest in the Chinese market. This year, Jose Maria Aguilar, the fifth-generation heir of Julian Del Aguilar, brought his family's heritage and products to the eighth CIIE. "The CIIE has fundamentally reshaped our strategic outlook," said Jose Maria Aguilar. "China's vast middle-income population represents unparalleled potential for both investment and consumption. The Expo and the Chinese market collectively provide the confidence and platform to transition our family enterprise into a globally recognized brand." According to Guijuelo's mayor, Roberto Martin, the town has a permanent population of 6,000 and more than 120 ham producers, earning it the nickname "City of Ham." The industry provides jobs for over 90 percent of local residents and creates significant employment opportunities in surrounding areas. In November 2018, shortly after the first CIIE, China and Spain signed an agreement allowing bone-in Spanish ham to be exported to China, opening up a major opportunity for Iberian ham producers. La Encina has since set up a branch in Shanghai and opened an online store on Chinese e-commerce platforms. Julian Del Aguilar has also invested in its first Iberian ham processing plant in Qingdao, east China's Shandong province. Data from the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade and the Interprofessional Iberian Pork Association show that in 2024, Spain's exports of ham and cured shoulder products to China exceeded 28 million euros ($32.23 million), up about 60 percent from five years ago. The growth has continued into this year, with exports rising 8.4 percent year-on-year in the first half of 2025. "The openness of the Chinese market has been crucial for Iberian ham's journey onto the global stage," said Martin. "We hope that through platforms like the CIIE, Iberian ham will gain even more opportunities in China, which not only drives the growth of Guijuelo's entire industrial chain and boosts the local economy, but also encourages the younger generation to stay, continue this craft, and build their own future here." Since the first CIIE, premium Spanish agricultural products such as ham, wine, and olive oil have become popular highlights at the expo, making China one of the fastest-growing markets for Spanish agri-food exports. Angel Prieto, vice president for External Affairs at Spain's National Association of European Business and Innovation, said the CIIE provides a valuable opportunity for Spanish companies to enter China and showcase innovative products. "Chinese consumers are increasingly pursuing high-quality products and cultural value," said Martin. "Guijuelo's ham producers are also working hard in that direction." Maria Naranjo, spokesperson and director of the food industry at the Spanish Institute for Foreign Trade, noted, "The Spanish government places great importance on exports and is closely watching China's dynamic market. Meat ranks as the second-largest category in Spain's agricultural exports, and China now accounts for over 30 percent of Spain's pork exports." Naranjo said the CIIE has become an important platform for strengthening trade ties between Spain and China, and the strong participation of Spanish companies reflects their desire to deepen cooperation with Chinese partners. "The making of Iberian ham is a testament to tradition," said Martin. "The Chinese market and the CIIE platform have given this tradition a broader and brighter future." Dans la meme rubrique : < > Tang Xianzu and Shakespeare: Theater as a bridge for global cultural dialogue Shanghai seed bank hits 100 million samples in biodiversity conservation push China unveils world's first mid-infrared solar magnetic-field telescope Pour toute information, contactez-nous au : +(235) 99267667 ; 62883277 ; 66267667 (Bureau N'Djamena) November 14, 2025: Recently enacted harsher sanctions against Russian oil exports. This includes seizing tankers covertly carrying Russian oil. This year Norway noticed a number of sanctioned oil tankers moving past northern Norway towards the northwestern Russian ports on Kola Bay to take on cargoes of Russian oil. Russia has a growing network of Russian arctic oil fields off its northern coast and the oil is moved by special ice resistant oil tankers to Kola Bay where the oil is transferred to nondescript tankers for delivery to distant customers. These tankers are often identified as sanctioned vessels. The Russians try to change the visual and electronic appearance of these tankers by modifying the mandatory transponders or installing new ones. Russia cant afford to lose oil export incomes. The new sanctions are seeking to halt up to $50 billion worth of Russian oil exports a year. Norway is an enthusiastic enforcer of these sanctions because it has a growing list of complaints about Russian misbehavior. Over the last two years Norway has been subject to constant Russian GPS jamming. This has been happening, on and off, since 2018. The jamming increased after Russia invaded Ukraine and this year jamming takes place daily. Russia justifies the jamming to prevent Ukraine from using armed drones to attack Russian naval and air bases. In 2018 Finland and Norway openly complained about Russia deliberately jamming GPS signals in northern Finland and Norway. The jamming was done from a Russian military base in the Kola Peninsula on the Barents Sea. The area is where Norway and Russia share a small border. The jamming took place in late 2018 as NATO held its largest training exercise since the Cold War ended in 1991. Russia denied any responsibility even though they are known to possess long-range jammers, for GPS and other signals. Norway said they had tracked the jammer to a specific location but when Russia refused to admit any involvement, Norway refused to explain how they tracked the signal because that would provide Russia with information on Norwegian electronic warfare/EW equipment that might be useful to them. What was curious about this incident was that it had no impact on the NATO military exercises and even commercial airliners operating in the area which had backup Inertial Navigation Systems/INS in case GPS signals were not working properly. The potential victims were civilians with smaller aircraft or on the ground who depend on commercial navigation gear using GPS. Then again, that may have been the point because Russian firms have long been producing a wide variety of GPS jammers that are generally ineffective against military GPS users but would be useful for criminals, terrorists or anyone involved in irregular warfare as Russia did in Ukraine between 2014 and the 2022 invasion of Ukraine. As for the damage to diplomatic relations with Norway and Finland, these two nations need no reminders of what a bad neighbor Russia is and historically has been. Few rivers in human history have been so closely tied to a nations destiny as the Yellow RiverHuang He, the Mother of China. Rising in the Tibetan Plateau and meandering nearly 5,500 kilometers to the Bohai Sea, it has nourished farmlands and given rise to early Chinese civilization. Yet the same river has been a source of immense suffering, earning the grim title Chinas Sorrow. Its floods, often caused by the accumulation of fine loess silt that raises the riverbed above the surrounding plains, have repeatedly transformed prosperity into ruin. The Yellow Rivers flooding history reads like a recurring national tragedy. Ancient Chinese records detail countless inundations and course changes that wiped out towns and dynasties alike. The flood of 1887, near Zhengzhou in Henan Province, was among the deadliest natural disasters in recorded history. The river broke through its embankments, drowning more than 900,000 people and devastating the heart of northern China. Soldiers of the National Revolutionary Army wade through flooded area of the Yellow River in 1938. Credit: Wikimedia Commons In 1931, an even greater calamity unfolded when the Yellow River, the Yangtze, and the Huai all overflowed following torrential rains. Vast stretches of central and eastern China were submerged. The death toll from flooding, famine, and disease reached 2 million, and tens of millions were displaced. By the late 1930s, the Chinese Nationalist government under Chiang Kai-shek had poured enormous effort into maintaining the dikes and controlling the rivers temperamental flow. But in 1938, facing the rapid advance of Japanese troops, those same defences were deliberately destroyed. Turning the river into a weapon When Japan launched its full-scale invasion of China in July 1937, its armies swept through the northern provinces, capturing Beijing, Tianjin, and Shanghai. By June 1938, the Japanese North China Front Army was pushing toward the rail junction of Zhengzhou and threatening to seize Wuhan, the wartime capital of Chiang Kai-sheks Nationalist government. Chiangs army was greatly outnumbered, outgunned, and demoralized. The Japanese advance along the Longhai Railway, a critical eastwest supply route, seemed unstoppable. To halt it, the Nationalists resorted to a desperate measure first proposed by local commandersdestroying the dikes at Huayuankou, a village on the southern bank of the Yellow River, to unleash a flood that would block the Japanese from advancing through central China. Initial plans targeted other breach points near Kaifeng and Zhengzhou, but these were heavily guarded or technically difficult. Finally, after weeks of debate, the Nationalist high command approved the demolition at Huayuankou. In early June, 1938, Chinese engineers and soldiers detonated explosives along the dike. When the blasts failed, peasants were conscripted to dig through the embankments by hand, using shovels and wicker baskets. Two days later, on June 11, the weakened dikes gave way. What followed was one of the most catastrophic man-made floods in history. Map showing the flooded region of Henan after the dikes in the Yellow River was breached. Map courtesy Micah S. Muscolino. Colourized for clarity. Once unleashed, the Yellow River tore across the plains of Henan, Anhui, and Jiangsu. The rivers main flow shifted southward, abandoning its old course to the north and carving a new one that would remain in place until 1947. Within hours, villages were swallowed whole. Fields that had just yielded early summer crops vanished beneath a churning inland sea. The flood spread across 50,000 square kilometers (some estimates say over 80,000), with depths reaching several meters in many areas. The human toll was staggering. Entire families drowned as they tried to flee. Refugees clogged the few surviving roads, carrying bundles, livestock, and children. In the aftermath, between 500,000 and 900,000 people diednot only from drowning, but from starvation, exposure, and epidemic diseases like cholera and dysentery that followed in the floods wake. Over 3 million people were displaced, many of whom never returned to their ancestral homes. The fertile farmlands of central China were rendered useless. Irrigation systems were obliterated. For years, even after the floodwaters receded, the land remained waterlogged and barren. Strategic Outcome Japanese Imperial Army soldiers in rescue operation of Chinese refugees as the result of the Yellow River Flood. Credit: Asahi Shimbun The floods immediate effects on the battlefield were mixed. The Nationalists initial goal was to slow the Japanese armys advance along the Longhai Railway toward Zhengzhou and Wuhan. In that narrow sense, the flood did not prevent Japan from taking Wuhan later in 1938. So contemporaries at the time saw it as a failure. However, the floodwaters made northern and central Henan impassable for years, turning the region into a vast swamp. This forced the Japanese army to abandon their plan to move westward into Shaanxi via the Tongguan Pass the traditional corridor leading to Xian and then to Sichuan, where the Nationalist government had retreated. By blocking that corridor, the flood essentially sealed off the western route and helped prevent Japan from ever launching a successful overland invasion into Shaanxi or Sichuan, both of which became crucial strongholds for Chinas resistance movement. Thus, in the long term, it protected Chinas wartime capital region in the southwest and arguably contributed to the survival of the Nationalist government. However, this success came at an unbearable price. The human suffering that followedhundreds of thousands dead, millions displaced, farmland ruined for yearsovershadowed any military gains. The Human and Political Fallout Chinese refugees evacuate as the result of the Yellow River Flood. Credit: Asahi Shimbun For the people of the flooded provinces, the disaster was apocalyptic. Survivors described seeing cattle and people swept away together, villages collapsing under the weight of the torrent, and bodies drifting for miles. Refugee columns stretched endlessly across the countryside, many headed toward cities already struggling under wartime shortages. The Nationalist government, aware of the moral outrage the act might provoke, initially denied responsibility. Official communiques claimed that Japanese bombing had destroyed the dikes. It was not until 1945, after Japans defeat, that Chiang Kai-sheks government formally admitted to breaching the river as a military tactic. The flood also deepened rural resentment toward the Nationalists. Peasants who had survived both the flood and Japanese occupation saw little aid or compensation from the government. In the wars later years, the Communist Party capitalized on this bitterness, portraying itself as the defender of the common people against both foreign invaders and a callous regime in Nanjing and Chongqing. Crowd of Chinese refugees of the Yellow River flood who were rescued by Japanese forces. Credit: Wikimedia Commons When the war ended in 1945, the Yellow River still flowed southward through its wartime channel. Restoring it to its former course was an immense undertaking. In 1947, the Nationalists rebuilt the Huayuankou dike, redirecting the river north once againa project that itself displaced thousands and caused fresh local flooding. The legacy of the 1938 flood remains deeply controversial. To some historians, it represents an act of desperate patriotism, a last-ditch attempt to protect the nations heartland from conquest. To others, it stands as one of the gravest wartime atrocities committed by a government against its own people. The Yellow River has changed course more than twenty times in recorded history, but few of those transformations were as violent or deliberate as the one in 1938. It was a moment when human warfare turned nature itself into a combatant, and when a river that had long symbolized life and renewal became an instrument of death. References: # 1938 Yellow River Flood. Wikipedia # Huang He floods. Britannica # Diana Lary. The Strategic Breaching of the Yellow River Dyke, 1938. War in History # Micah S. Muscolino. A Militarized River: The 1938 Yellow River Flood and Its Aftermath. The Ecology of War in China # Ryan Mantle. Examining the Consequences of the Yellow River Disaster, 1938-1947. University of Washington Tacoma Google is reportedly preparing another useful upgrade for its Messages app. The new addition is aimed at improving communications inside RCS group chats. Some users on Google Messages beta have reported that they are getting a new mentions feature. As you might have understood, the feature lets the user tag individual people in a group conversation. Google Messages will soon get the @mention feature A few users of Google Messages beta have begun seeing a prompt that explains that they can now use the @ symbol to directly tag any person in the group chat. The feature works similarly to other messaging apps such as WhatsApp and Telegram. Once you type @, the app will show a list of contacts from the conversation, letting you tap a name to tag that person. The display name of the tagged account can be modified beforehand. Once you tag an individual person, they will receive a notification even if they have muted the particular chat. This makes it easier to grab peoples attention and remind them of important texts without messaging personally. The feature might soon roll out to the stable users As reported earlier, the feature is available for select beta users only. And on top of that, the mention feature is supported only in RCS chats. The selected rollout suggests that Google is still testing it. Now, since we dont have any official words about the feature yet, its hard to predict a definite rollout timeline. However, Google generally doesnt take much time to release such features. In recent months, Google seems to be spending a lot of its time transforming most of its third-party applications. It wants the Messages app to become a modern and flexible platform. The addition of this feature also shows the companys intention to give RCS a more polished, app-like feel rather than the experience of traditional SMS. Today, our phones are full of smart features of all kinds. You can use these devices for useful things like AI chat or real-time translation, among others. However, one of the most basic functions remains stubbornly archaic: setting a custom voicemail greeting. Well, if you use the Pixels Take a Message feature, that frustration may soon disappear. Google is currently testing an update that will bring native controls for Voicemail Greetings within the Pixels Phone app, cutting carrier menus out of the equation. Since its debut on the Pixel 4, Take a Message has efficiently handled and transcribed incoming voicemails. However, customizing the outgoing greeting has always been a fragmented experience. The process relies on clunky menu structures provided by individual cell phone carriers. These settings are often hidden, inconsistent, and feel hopelessly outdated. This new, native interface solves that major quality-of-life issue by centralizing controls where they logically belong: inside the Phone app itself. Goodbye clunky carrier menus with Google Pixels Take a Message upgrade Android Authority spotted a new Manage greetings toggle under the Take a Message settings from the latest public beta of the Google Phone app. Tapping it opens a sleek recording interface complete with a microphone icon and a countdown timer. The interface shows placeholders for multiple greetings, suggesting users could soon swap messages depending on their contextwhether they are traveling, working, or simply want a personalized touch. All this is without ever dialing a special code. This update is the final polish on Googles long-term plan to modernize the basic phone call. Pixel phones already filter spam calls, screen unknown numbers using Assistant, and provide real-time transcriptions. Adding a first-party, carrier-agnostic method for setting a greeting brings welcome consistency. The change unifies the entire call management experience in one secure and streamlined location. The feature is currently unstable in beta, so it appears to be in the early stages of development. Plus, as with any new feature in development, things may still change before a wide release. However, we hope this simple yet impactful quality-of-life improvement arrives sooner rather than later. Google is having problems with regulators in both the US and the EU at the moment. They are essentially targeting Googles ownership tools used by advertisers and publishers along with the exchange AdX. Google decided to ignore the EUs breakup suggestion, and sent a counteroffer The latest development in the companys struggles comes from the EU. Google has decided to defy EU antitrust regulators call for it to sell part of its advertising business to address conflict of interest, and has instead offered to make it easier for publishers and advertisers to use its online advertising tech. As some of you may recall, Google was fined 2.95 billion ($3.4 billion) back in September for favoring its own online display technology services to reinforce AdXs role in the process. November was the deadline Back then, it was said that such behavior harms the competitors, advertisers, and publishers. The EU gave Google time, until November, to come up with measures to end conflicts of interest. The EU did suggest that Google sell part of the business in order to do that. Well, Google opted against such a move. The company now says that it has submitted its proposal to the EU. Google said the following: Our proposal fully addresses the ECs decision without a disruptive break-up that would harm the thousands of European publishers and advertisers who use Google tools to grow their business. The company added: Our plan includes immediate product changes to end the specific practices the Commission challenges. For example, we are giving publishers the option to set different minimum prices for different bidders when using Google Ad Manager. On top of that, the company has offered to increase the interoperability of its tools. That way, publishers and advertisers would have more options. The ball is in the EUs court The ball is in the EUs court. The European Commission, which acts as the EU competition watchdog, will decide what to do next. If Google fails to meet expectations, itll be served with a breakup order. Remember when OnePlus didnt care about IP ratings? Pepperidge Farm remembers. It wasnt that long ago that OnePlus did not include IP ratings in its smartphones. Back when Carl Pei was at OnePlus, his team said that to get the phones certified for an IP rating, it would cost about $30 more per phone. And the team also said that the certification doesnt help us communicate our focus on your real experience. Well times have definitely changed. That quote was from a post on the OnePlus Community back in 2019, so it wasnt that long ago that OnePlus was against ingress protection certification. And now here we are in big 2025 where OnePlus just announced a new phone with not one, but four ingress protection certifications. OnePlus 15 has FOUR IP ratings. Remember when OnePlus said IP ratings didn't matter? pic.twitter.com/hp3avQtbQo Alex Maxham (@alexmaxham) November 13, 2025 During its launch event this week, OnePlus noted that the new OnePlus 15 has IP66, IP68, IP69 and IP69K certification. Which means that OnePlus is adding a new certification every year. As last year, we got IP69 and now we have IP69K which most people never heard of. IP69K is the highest Ingress Protection (IP) rating, indicating that an enclosure is protected against dust, high-pressure, high-temperature water, and chemicals. The 69 part of the rating signifies absolute dust-proofness and protection against high-pressure and high-temperature water jets, which are often used for cleaning in harsh environments like the food and beverage industry. The K suffix is an additional, more rigorous standard for water resistance. IP69K is arguably a bit overkill for a smartphone, but its nice to have it here. With the OnePlus 13 we could already toss it into a washing machine or dishwasher to clean with the IP69 rating, and now it can withstand that even more. Basically, this is as water-resistant as youre going to get and you still have a SIM card slot. OnePlus claimed that IP certification would cost around $30 per device In 2019, around the time of the OnePlus 7 being announced, the company told media that it would not have an official IP rating because it would drive up the cost. It would add about $30 to the cost of each device. Though many were skeptical of this claim and still are. Now what OnePlus was saying is true; it does cost money to get a phone IP certified. We dont know the exact cost, but it can cost up to $5,000 for more rigorous testing, and we also dont know if thats a flat rate for the testing, or if that is for each certification (i.e. OnePlus 15 has four ratings, so would that be $20,000?). But thats definitely not $30 per device. That would mean OnePlus was only planning to sell around 166 devices. Remember that this was back when OnePlus was more focused on price. More focused on being the Flagship killer versus now where they are the flagship. Of course, now in 2025, if they were to sell the OnePlus 15 for $899 without any IP ratings, they would get ridiculed and laughed out of the market. So this was a good idea to turn things around. Why the sudden change in heart? We dont know for sure, but it was like Carl Peis departure from OnePlus. Carl Pei left OnePlus in October 2020, shortly after that OPPO announced it was merging with OnePlus. Which was kind of weird since it was already the same company. But some things changed at, what was once known as BBK. OPPO became its own company and vivo its own company. Now, OPPO, OnePlus and realme all use the same software, with some small tweaks between each brand. A few other things changed at OnePlus. Pete Lau became more of a face of the company, while being CEO of both OnePlus and OPPO. We also noticed that OxygenOS became more like ColorOS. Really, the two platforms merged into a hybrid model. The OnePlus that Pei had created was pretty much gone, but that was a good thing. OnePlus was becoming more and more mainstream, versus being an enthusiast phone. Which was needed to make the brand take off. That also included changing their stance on water resistance certifications. Since every other brand, including cheap phones and foldables, all have IP ratings. Now, OnePlus is starting to move back to that enthusiast role with the OnePlus 15. Taking less importance on the cameras, and focusing more on performance. In fact, during the launch event this week, OnePlus spent just a couple of minutes on the cameras, out of its 45 minute long launch event. And as another observation, last year with the OnePlus 13, the company spent a ton of time on IP69. Since it was really the first device to launch with an IP69 certification, besides OPPO. In fact, OnePlus took North American media on a cruise to the Bahamas last year, and did plenty of demos with the OnePlus 13 in a portable washing machine and a portable dishwasher to show us that it could survive even with the faux leather back. Heres a surprise you didnt see coming, Paramount Plus is going to get more expensive in 2026. This week, Paramount Plus announced that both of its plans would see a $1 per month increase starting in January 2026. This was announced during Paramount Skydance Q3 earnings call on November 10, which also outlined its new strategy for its streaming business. The company had already announced price increases for Australia and Canada, and now we have one for the US. Paramount Skydance did not announce how much the price would increase, but The Hollywood Reporter has reported that itll be $1 each on January 17. That would take the Essentials plan to $8.99 per month, and the Premium plan to $13.99 per month. This also represents a pretty massive change to the Annual plan, specifically on the Essential plan. Currently, its $59.99 per year, but itll go up to $89.99 per year starting in January. Thats nearly a 50% increase. The annual plan will jump from $119.99 to $139.99 per year. Bottom line is you will want to sign up for Paramount Plus now and lock in that annual rate, especially if youre looking to stick with the Essentials tier. Paramount Plus Essential Paramount Plus Premium $8.99/month $13.99/month $89.99/yr $139.99/yr Paramounts Direct to Consumer business is its biggest priority next year The company also flat out said that its Direct to Consumer (DTC) business, which does include Paramount and Showtime, is its biggest priority in the coming year. So with this price hike, we could see some more positive changes coming to the service. There is also going to be a lot more Paramount Plus Originals, according to the company. And this is the main reason why the price is going up. The company is planning to use the additional money from the monthly price increase, to fund these new Originals. Of course, another reason for the price increase is likely its new deal for UFC. Paramount Skydance just landed the UFC for $7.7 billion. This deal starts in 2026 and is under contract for 7 years. November 14, 2025: The Russian government, and especially its current leader Vladimir Putin, have long had a difficult relationship with the internet. The internet is essential for running the economy and the military. At the same time internet chatter is the primary source of criticism for the Ukraine War and the problems with the economic sanctions. Internet chatter about what was going on in Ukraine made it more difficult for Russia to obtain soldiers. To avoid army service in Ukraine, several million Russians left the country, some for good. The government increased restrictions on who could leave, and military age men found ways to get past that, notably bribery. Those caught were forced to join the army, and their reluctance to fight resulted in officers receiving orders to shoot soldiers who refused to fight. There were at least a hundred of these incidents, these soldiers and officers referred to as zeroing out a reluctant soldier by shooting him. The dead soldiers were called zeroes and the next of kin were simply told that their son died heroically in Ukraine. That explanation often failed when news of what actually happened arrived via the internet. The internet made it easier to spread the bad news, even after the government made it illegal to say bad things about the war effort. A few complainers were prosecuted, but that backfired when online complaints and protests increased. There were not enough judicial resources available to handle all the complainers. Welcome to the internet paradox, too troublesome to tolerate, but too useful to lose. But its not for lack of trying. Last year, Russia carried out a brief pre-dawn test of its ability to turn Internet access for Russians into a Sovereign Internet that is not connected to the worldwide Internet. That means Russians could only use the Internet within Russian and must use Russian based websites and network services, like search, messaging and social media. There are versions of all these services based in Russian as well as internationally popular versions like Google, Wikipedia, Twitter and Facebook. The Sovereign Internet test revealed some problems, like interference with large scale Internet-based communications systems created for the Nationwide Railroad Network and other nationwide communications systems that also require some access to international systems. A long-term implementation of Russias Sovereign Internet would disrupt some portions of the Russian economy that depend on constant communication with foreign firms. The Sovereign Internet is meant to be used for short periods. There are other uses of the Sovereign Internet that include remaining connected to neighboring nations like Iran, which is trying to develop a Sovereign Internet and China, which already has one. Internet pioneers predicted that some countries would seek to develop a Sovereign Internet in order to exercise government control over the Internet. This was something that early Internet developers feared would happen because the international free exchange of information was a threat to the power of totalitarian government. The totalitarians were expected to eventually strike back and now they have. North Korea also has a Sovereign internet as well as restrictions on who can use this internet. Only a small number of government, commercial, and military are allowed to use the internet to communicate with people outside the country. A devastating Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach that exposed the details of thousands of Afghans seeking sanctuary in the UK potentially putting up to 100,000 lives at risk could happen again, MPs have warned. A cross-party group of MPs that scrutinises government spending published a damning report on Friday into the MoDs response to the breach. The public accounts committee (PAC) found the department failed to learn from multiple data breaches over successive years and there were inadequate systems and controls in place at the MoD to manage personal data. The February 2022 breach occurred when a spreadsheet containing 33,000 lines of data was emailed to someone outside government. It was only discovered in August 2023, when parts of the database appeared in a Facebook group. This prompted the government to use an unprecedented superinjunction to halt reporting and triggered a huge secret evacuation programme. For nearly two years, media organisations, including The Independent, sought to scrutinise the MoDs actions in secret court hearings. The PAC report reveals that the MoD failed to tell the National Audit Office (NAO) about what had happened, despite pledging billions of pounds of taxpayers money to the secret evacuation scheme behind closed doors. One audit director at the NAO was told by the MoD that there was a secret matter relating to a data breach that could not be shared, the report said. They were not told any detail of the operational consequences, number of people affected, or likely cost. The director was also told they could not pass on this information to anyone else within the spending watchdog. At one point in October 2024, ministers signed off on a 7bn scheme to move around 36,000 people to the UK, a significant majority of whom were affected by the data breach. On the failures that led to the data breach, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chair of PAC, said: The MoD knew what it was doing it knew the risks of using inadequate systems to handle sensitive personal information as the security environment in Afghanistan deteriorated. Afghan families are evacuated to the UK from Kabul by the RAF (MoD) He continued: We lack confidence in the MoDs current ability to prevent such an incident happening again. Sir Geoffrey said: The frankly chaotic decision to tell a single director within the NAO that there was a secret matter that could not be shared, without informing the leadership of the NAO itself, is emblematic of the quality of the MoDs decision making. The MoDs outgoing permanent secretary told our inquiry that this period of secrecy in how taxpayers money was being spent had been deeply uncomfortable for him. That is just as it should be, and we are glad to hear it but as a consequence of elected representatives being prevented from holding government to account, it is not nearly sufficient, and he should never have been put in such a position by his minister. An independent caseworker who was the first to alert the government to the data loss in 2023 said the committees report was excoriating. It shows that there has been an ongoing and continuing priority given to limiting the MoDs accountability when it comes to the 2022 data breach. Thousands of people are still in danger in Afghanistan and yet the evacuation pathway is currently at a standstill, they said. The MoD is stating that they are experiencing significant challenges to resettlement, meaning that Afghans who put their lives on the line for the UK are facing a fifth year living in hiding, waiting to see if the UK will eventually honour our promise to move heaven and earth to get them out. It is clear the committee is concerned that further breaches may occur a concern I share as lessons do not seem to have been learned. Afghan security forces are still being hunted down, tortured and executed by the Taliban, with more than 100 former Afghan forces killed in the country since 2023, recent research from Lighthouse Reports and The Independent found. An MoD spokesperson said: The data incident under the previous government in 2022 should never have happened and while the committee acknowledges that practices have improved, we are continuing to make changes and improvements in data handling across the department, such as introducing a dedicated, secure casework system for Afghan resettlement. This government lifted the superinjunction in July so that the public and parliament could rightly scrutinise this. The spokesperson claimed that the overall financial cost has never been concealed, saying that the government published the cost of all Afghan resettlement schemes in its 2024 spending audit. MPs highlighted that the MoD could not accurately identify or account for the costs of resettling thousands of Afghans as a result of the breach. Though the department has said that the total cost was around 850m, the NAO said that it did not have confidence in the accuracy or completeness of that estimate. The committee have asked the MoD to provide updates on how many people have arrived in the UK as a result of the breach, and to confirm that a new caseworking system put in place to handle Afghan applications would prevent a recurrence of the February 2022 breach. An estimated 27,278 people affected by the data breach could be resettled in the UK, the MoD believes. However, only 3,383 people are recorded as arriving in the UK under the scheme for those impacted by the leak, the report said. The MoD predicts it will take some years before everyone who is eligible to come the UK has been brought to safety, the PAC report said. The lack of oversight over the MoDs response to the Afghan data breach has prompted people at the highest level within government to propose a parliamentary oversight committee that would look at more sensitive aspects of defence work, such as maintaining the nuclear deterrent. MPs said this proposal was moving far too slowly. The BBC is awaiting a response from Donald Trump, after the corporation apologised for the editing of a speech by the US president which appeared on Panorama in 2024. The corporation said the splicing of the speech was an error of judgment but rejected his demands for compensation, after Mr Trumps lawyers threatened to sue the BBC for one billion dollars in damages unless a retraction and apology was published. Earlier in the week Mr Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the BBC had defrauded the public over the edit, which made it appear as if he was explicitly urging people to attack the US Capitol on January 6 2021. Chairman Samir Shah has sent a personal letter to the White House to apologise for the editing, and lawyers for the corporation have written to the presidents legal team, a BBC spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim. US President Donald Trump (Leon Neal/PA) The broadcaster said it will not air the Panorama episode Trump: A Second Chance? again, and published a retraction on the shows webpage on Thursday. It said: This programme was reviewed after criticism of how President Donald Trumps 6th January 2021 speech was edited. During that sequence, we showed excerpts taken from different parts of the speech. However, we accept that our edit unintentionally created the impression that we were showing a single continuous section of the speech, rather than excerpts from different points in the speech, and that this gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologise to President Trump for that error of judgment. The spokesperson added: The BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary Trump: A Second Chance? on any BBC platforms. On Friday, Lisa Nandy said she is confident the BBC is dealing with the threat of legal action from Mr Trump with the seriousness that it demands. The Culture Secretary told BBC Breakfast: The BBC, as you know, is independent of Government and so they are having those direct discussions with the US administration and with their own lawyers, but I have been speaking daily to the chair of the board, the director-general and other senior leadership within the BBC. I am confident that theyre gripping this with the seriousness that it demands. Ms Nandy added: Theyve consulted lawyers and they believe that there is no grounds for defamation, not least because the programme was not aired in the United States, because there were other voices on the programme that spoke in support of the president, and because he went on to win that election during which the programme was aired. Nevertheless, the senior leadership at the highest levels believed that this was a really serious editorial failing. That is the basis on which they have apologised to the president, and apologised to Parliament and the public as well. On Thursday, reports said that the BBC faced accusations of misleading viewers about Mr Trumps US Capitol speech more than two years before the controversial Panorama edit aired. In an episode broadcast in June 2022, Newsnight reportedly played an edit of his speech which was similar to the one used in the Panorama programme. A BBC spokesperson said about the fresh claims, reported by The Telegraphs Daily T podcast: The BBC holds itself to the highest editorial standards. This matter has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it. Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie (Lucy North/PA) The Panorama scandal has seen two of the BBCs most senior executives, director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, quit in response. The programme, which was broadcast a week before the results of the US election in 2024, splices two clips together so that Mr Trump is seen telling the crowd: Were going to walk down to the Capitol and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell. On Monday, Mr Shah issued an apology from the corporation over the error of judgment in the editing of the speech for the Panorama episode. Responding to a letter from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Shah said that there had been more than 500 complaints since the publication of the Michael Prescott memo, which raised concerns about the Panorama episode. A report from Mr Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBCs editorial standards committee, raised concerns that a speech made by Mr Trump before the attack on the US Capitol had been selectively edited by the BBC. Mr Shah added: We accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. On Thursday, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said his party has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling on him to demand that Mr Trump drop his ludicrous one billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC. In another post on X he said Mr Trump wants to destroy the BBC and urged people to join his campaign, which is calling on the corporation to fairly balance its political news coverage all year round, not just at election time. He also said that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who accused the BBC of being infected with left-wing bias, is egging him on. There have been reports that Reform UK has pulled out of a BBC documentary about the political party because of the controversy over the edited speech of Mr Trump. Sir James Galway has spoken about how growing up playing in a flute band in Belfast helped to shape his musical heritage. The musician has returned to his home city where he will be presented with an honorary doctorate by Ulster University on Saturday. Sir James, 85, will be honoured for his contribution to classical music, his international artistic influence, and his continuing connection to the city of his birth. After starting out playing in local flute bands, his musical journey brought him to the heights of being principal flautist of the Berlin Philharmonic and selling more than 30 million albums as a solo artist. He has collaborated with artists as varied as Luciano Pavarotti, The Chieftains and Sir Elton John and performed in concert halls across the world. But he told the PA news agency that it feels great to come back home to Belfast. He said: This is where I grew up, this is where I learnt to play the flute and to this day it remains part of me. Regarding Saturdays honour, he added: It is something very special and something that I feel I will cherish for a long time because you dont get these things for nothing. I am looking forward to it. Sir James Galway in Belfast with his wife Lady Jeanne Galway (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) Sir James said he was particularly excited that the ceremony was taking place at the universitys Belfast campus which is close to where he grew up and where he played with the City of Belfast Youth Orchestra as a child. He said: I cant tell you how proud I was to play in this little orchestra. We used to do special arrangements of pieces like Beethovens Fifth Symphony and we would start playing and you wouldnt even recognise it. Later on, years later, I met them in Berlin and they were playing Beethovens Fifth, the whole thing. I thought this orchestra has come a long way since I was playing in it. I never thought I would see the day that Belfast had such a great youth orchestra. The artist, popularly known as The Man with the Golden Flute, said he still enjoys teaching students from around the world how to play the flute. He said: I have students all over the place. It is great when you see a kid standing in front of you, and the same kid a month later, you wouldnt believe your ears. Of course, I really put their nose to the grindstone. Sir James said his musical awakenings began on the streets of Belfast when he was a young boy. The legendary flautist continues to teach students from around the world (Jonathan McCambridge/PA) He said: We had a toy shop called the Wendy and it had a lucky dip and you could put 3p or 5p in to take something out and I always fiddled around to see if I could get a tin whistle and mostly I did. That was great because the kids in the street could all practise and I let them have a go on my tin whistle. We had a wooden flute in the house. It was a very good flute so that one I used until I got a silver flute. I was nine years old at the time and I thought I knew more than my dad. He didnt like that so I went round the corner and learnt with my uncle Joe. He was great because he could play the flute and he then asked me if Id like to join a band called the Onward Flute Band. I said sure, so he gave me the music to learn. I was amazed when I first played in this band because I couldnt hear myself play. I said to uncle Joe What do I do, I cant hear myself play? He said, Thats okay, just keep doing what you are doing. So I did. Sir James added: I couldnt wait for uncle Joe to come home from work. Before he had sat down to have dinner, I would be blowing a flute in his ear. Chao Xu drugged and raped women at his address in Greenwich (Metropolitan Police) A serial rapist suspected of being one of the UKs worst sex offenders has been jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years, after spiking and recording his victims as he abused them. Chao Xu, 33, had placed hidden cameras inside household objects such as an air freshener and a packet of sanitary pads to spy on women visiting his home address in Greenwich, and had also filmed women at his workplace and participated in upskirting at London Bridge underground station. The Metropolitan Police believe that the Chinese national may have hundreds more victims, and have urged women who may have had contact with Xu to come forward. Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the court: The evidence gathered by the police shows the defendant to be a bold and persistent sexual predator whose offending has steadily become more and more serious. The evidence revealed he was so emboldened he was willing to strike anywhere. At his own home address, at his place of work and in train stations and also willing to strike in respect of anyone. The 33-year-old was arrested in June after a woman reported him to the police (Metropolitan Police) She added: Some of his offending even occurred when there were others around. It appears that there was no woman safe around him. His Honour Judge Christopher Grout said Xu was an incredibly dangerous man who took great enjoyment from his offending. The judge told Xu: Your behaviour was calculated and planned, evidenced by the covert recording systems you had set up in your flats and the fact you had incapacitated a number of your victims by drugging them. You betrayed the trust of a number of women who you befriended in the most appalling ways imaginable. Judge Grout added that any possible deportation to China was a matter for the Home Office. His crimes have strong similarities to those of Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student who drugged many of his victims and raped 10 women, and who was jailed in June to a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years. However, police have said that they have no reason to believe at all that their crimes are connected, or that the offenders knew one another. Xu was arrested on 1 June this year after a victim contacted the police from his address to report that she suspected she had been spiked during a networking event which had taken place at his flat on Glaisher Street. As a director of a recruitment company, Xu had targeted young Chinese students from university and would regularly host events, which were used as a guise to carry out his calculated crimes. A cocktail drink named The Spirit of Life that Xu would regularly make for his guests and use to spike victims (Met Police) Upon being confronted by the woman, who recalled being sexually assaulted and filmed, Xu informed her he would only show his phone to the police. Officers were at the address within minutes, with a forensic digital download recovering deeply disturbing material of himself raping and sexually abusing women who appeared unconscious or heavily intoxicated. He was charged on 3 June and pleaded guilty to 24 sexual offences against at least 12 victims over the course of three years at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Woolwich Crown Court in August. Detectives have been able to identify three of his victims, while four others who were subjected to serious sexual assaults remain unidentified. All are believed to be of Chinese heritage. In impact statements read aloud to the court, his victims described suffering with nightmares and anxiety, and said that they had struggled with work or their studies. His initial victim said: How can one man have put me in this predicament? I feel miserable most of the time now and feel hopeless. I was not like this before he assaulted me. He has changed me. I feel I can never go back to who I was. An image of Xu placing a hidden camera inside his bathroom (Met Police) Xu, who came to the UK in 2016 to study International Law at Greenwich University, would regularly give his guests a drink that was named The Spirit of Life, which contained different alcoholic substances and Chinese herbal medicines. Police believe that he would then add stupefying drugs to the drink of his intended victim, before offering a place to stay after they became unwell and sexually assaulting them. The initial victim who contacted the police described being in and out of consciousness and being powerless to prevent the assault. Videos taken on Xus phone showed that she had been repeatedly sexually assaulted over a period of more than four hours, and she told police she felt out of control of her body. Forensic analysis found that the victim had been administered GHB, a commonly known date rape drug, and Scopolamine, a prescribed drug that can cause amnesia and severe tiredness. In her impact statement, she said: I havent been able to share any of this experience with my family and fear who I can share it with in the future. I know very often the victim of sexual assault is questioned and blamed rather than the perpetrator in my home country. I question if I am to blame for this and if I could have done anything to prevent it. How do I deal with this? A camera was found hidden inside an air freshener at his flat in Greenwich (Met Police) A search warrant at his flat found multiple covert hidden cameras throughout the property, a range of suspicious liquid substances and numerous digital storage devices. This led to the discovery of further crimes against women, which included hundreds of images taken on the London Underground of Xu upskirting unsuspecting women, the practice of taking an image under clothing without a persons consent. While little is known about Xus background in China, police said that he was relatively wealthy and was described as very generous by those who knew him. He had a girlfriend at the time of offending, who has cooperated with the police, and Xu had no previous convictions and was not known to the police. The lead investigator, Det Ch Insp Lewis Sanderson, said: This case has revealed a deeply disturbing pattern of behaviour that spans several years. Xu operated in environments that were meant to be safe. University circles, professional networks and public spaces. He used trust, familiarity and social gatherings to pursue his actions and target vulnerable individuals. We know from the evidence recovered that many women were filmed without their knowledge and consent. Suzanne Crane, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: Chao Xu deliberately drugged women to render them unconscious and vulnerable, enabling him to rape and sexually assault them without their knowledge. Xu is a serious danger to women and the scale of his offending is such that without the brave testimony of victims, who came forward after realising what had happened to them, he may well have continued undetected. Police said anyone wishing to make a report relating to Xu can contact them via email on operation.kafka@met.police.uk or by phoning 02071753802. People can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 01/7563135/25. Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) The Pa Jit restaurant, located in Nakhon Pathom province, approximately 30 kilometres from Bangkok, has become an internet phenomenon since an adjacent river breached its banks (Associated Press) A restaurant in central Thailand has transformed an unexpected flood into a unique dining experience, drawing customers eager to enjoy meals while submerged in waters alongside live fish. The Pa Jit restaurant, located in Nakhon Pathom province, approximately 30 kilometres from Bangkok, has become an internet phenomenon since an adjacent river breached its banks 11 days ago. Families are now flocking to the establishment, with enthralled toddlers gawping at river fish swimming around their thighs as they dine. Waiting staff, equipped with waders, gingerly navigate the brown floodwaters, serving dishes such as fish soup and chicken noodles to diners who often toss food to photograph the ensuing feeding frenzy. Owner Pornkamol Prangprempree, whose riverside eatery has been a fixture for over 30 years, recalled her heart sinking when it first flooded four years ago, a stark contrast to its current viral success. I thought there would be no customer for sure, she said. But then there was a customer who posted online showing that there were fish. Then a lot of people flocked here to eat. Pa Jit has been a riverside fixture for more than 30 years but has seen an influx of tourists in recent years (Associated Press/Sakchai Lalit) She said floods have boosted her business, with her profits doubling from around 10,000 baht ($309) to around 20,000 baht ($618) per day. Chomphunuth Khantaniti, a 29-year-old who lives in the same province, was there with her husband and son. She said when she heard, she couldnt resist. I think its good, because we can bring the children here. When the children see the fish, they become less fussy," she said. I think in Thailand, theres only this place where you can see fish coming up like this. Bella Windy, 63, came to the restaurant because she wanted to feel the fish nibbling on her feet. Normally, if the water is very high, the fish will come here. The nature experience here is the highlight of this restaurant and it attracts people. Thailand Flooded Restaurant (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Pa Jit can expect another few weeks of inundation, as high tides and the tail-end of the monsoon season keep water levels up. Though the flooding has brought an unusual boon to Pa Jit, it has devastated many other areas of Thailand. Since late July, 12 people were killed and two went missing due to flooding, according to data from the Department of Disaster Prevention and mitigation. On Friday, it reported that more than 480,000 people in 13 provinces, particularly in the north and the central, were affected by floods. Jay Kelly invites us to wonder if Clooney might be playing himself, writes Robbie Collin - Netflix Is the eponymous character in Jay Kelly actually George Clooney? Well yes and no. This deeply wise and perhaps even more deeply mischievous midlife crisis comedy from Marriage Storys Noah Baumbach is about a silvery film star in his early 60s who is recognised everywhere he goes but is often accused of simply playing himself in every role. He looks like Clooney. He acts like Clooney. Obviously, hes depicted on screen by Clooney, and the clips we see from his previous films are clips from Clooneys own. But perhaps we shouldnt be too quick to cleanly equate one man with the other because Jay Kelly isnt Jay Kelly either, and thats the problem. Adam Sandler plays Ron, Jays loyal manager - Netflix After 35 years in the business, the man described by his loyal manager, Ron (Adam Sandler, straightforwardly tremendous in the tenderest role of his career), as the last of the great Hollywood stars is wondering what all of his fame and acclaim has amounted to. Being Jay Kelly is a multi-man, round-the-clock job: he, Ron, his waspish publicist, Liz (Laura Dern), and numerous lower-rung entourage types must all regularly sacrifice valuable time with their own families to keep Jays career and image profitably afloat. Then suddenly, a few waves hit theres a spat with an old acting-class colleague (Billy Crudup); the death of a beloved former director (Jim Broadbent); the departure of his younger daughter (Grace Edwards) to Europe with friends and this sleekly varnished vessel makes a sickening lurch. Jay Kelly, he realises, is an abstract concept: a face on a poster, a star on a screen, a name on a brand endorsement. But if thats the case, then who is he? The solution, he hopes, can be found on a journey through Europe a chance to reconnect with his family, including his elderly father (Stacy Keach) and eldest daughter, Jessica (Riley Keough), at a presentation for a lifetime achievement award at a Tuscan cultural jamboree. George and Amal Clooney in Venice where Jay Kelly competed for the Golden Lion in September - WIREIMAGE The terrifically smart script by Baumbach and Emily Mortimer (who also has a small role, as does Baumbachs wife, Greta Gerwig, as Sandlers other half) keeps many plates spinning at once. Its a beady probe into the nature of movie-stardom the way it elevates, simplifies, streamlines what being human is but also a more straightforward bittersweet comedy about a busy dad whose job keeps him away from the loved ones he notionally does it to support. While the film openly invites us to wonder if Clooney might be playing himself here, it leaves some charged wriggle room between the two men Jay is long-divorced, with no Amal on the scene, for instance to forestall any easy answers. As a film-maker, Baumbach is sharp enough to call out the cliches of his trade, but also generous enough to put them to good use anyway. Regardless of context, Clooney is always better dressed and more flatteringly lit than everyone around him: even sitting on a bouncy TGV with a bottle of mineral water, he looks like hes in an ad for San Pellegrino. At one point, Jay irritably explains the secret to making an audience cry is for the actor not to cry, and then a few minutes later makes you cry by doing just that. The final scene is a knockout, and pushes the conceit almost to breaking point; then goes beyond it, and gets away with it. Bravo, Jay. Sorry, George. Or whoever. In cinemas now and on Netflix from Dec 5 Germanys Bundeswehr has been severely under-equipped for decades - Alex Kraus/Bloomberg Germany has unveiled a 98bn debt package as it prepares an overhaul of its underfunded armed forces. Berlins budget committee signed off on revised 2026 spending plans that will push the country deeper into debt, politicians said on Friday, clearing the way for a rapid increase in investment. The rise in planned borrowing comes after repeated warnings from Friedrich Merz, the chancellor, that Germany must respond more forcefully to the deteriorating security landscape. In view of the threats to our freedom and peace on our continent, whatever it takes must now also apply to our defence, Mr Merz said in March, before he officially entered office. The political developments in Europe and the world are evolving faster than we anticipated just a week ago, Mr Merz added. Germany and Europe must now undertake extraordinary efforts to ensure our defence capabilities. Mr Merz said that in view of the threats to our freedom and peace on our continent, Germany needed to do whatever it takes - JOHN THYS/AFP Total government expenditure of 524.5bn (463.1bn) is now planned, with new borrowing expected to come in at just under 98bn (86.5bn). The package is expected to be approved by parliament in November. Last week it emerged that the government had drawn up plans to rearm itself with a 377bn (330bn) funding package, after Mr Merz said he wanted to build the strongest conventional army in Europe. One outline of Germanys 377bn spending plan, leaked to Politico, suggested the vast majority of the funds would go on traditional kit, such as tanks and infantry fighting vehicles. Ulrike Franke, a German security expert at the European Council on Foreign Relations, told The Telegraph last week that the German army had been severely under-equipped for decades. Ms Franke said: We are in a re-equipment part of the cycle where we are just getting what we should have anyway as Olaf Scholz said, planes that fly, submarines that dive, the fundamentals of a standing army to defend itself. And if Europe wants to defend itself, it needs Germany. Mr Merz and his coalition partners also agreed further measures late Thursday aimed at helping Europes struggling top economy, chief among them a reduction in industrial power prices. A strong Germany needs a strong economy and secure, well-paid jobs, Mr Merz said as he announced the policies. The German chancellor has made reviving the eurozones traditional powerhouse a priority after two years of recession, relaxing strict debt rules to pave the way for a spending blitz on infrastructure and defence. The coalition also agreed to reverse an increase in taxes on the aviation sector, which should bring the industry savings of about 350m. The coalitions approach has proven divisive, however, in a country that has long prided itself on relatively low debt levels compared with other industrialised economies. A Scottish man who groomed and sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl he met on TikTok has been jailed for nine years, as public concern grows over the UK's handling of child exploitation cases. Gary Shields, 37, was admitted to raping a child under 13 and meeting a child after grooming. The offences began when Shields, posing as a 19-year-old online, started communicating with the girl, complimenting her and assuring her they could 'make it work' despite her age. Preston Crown Court heard that he persuaded the schoolgirl to send explicit photos before arranging to meet her in Penwortham, Lancashire. Judge Michael Maher said Shields 'groomed her for a number of weeks' before driving her to a secluded car park at Penwortham Holme, where the assault took place. 'She was two decades your junior, but the fact she was wearing her school uniform provided you with a sexual frisson,' Judge Maher told Shields. After the attack, Shields dropped the girl near her home and later boasted about the assault to other men in an online group. 'Pimped out' to Paedophile Ring Following the assault, Shields added the victim to a group chat with other paedophiles, sharing her photo and encouraging explicit commentary. Judge Maher described this as 'tantamount to pimping her out.' One member of the group referred to the child as a 'solid 12-year-old.' The abuse came to light when the victim's mother checked her daughter's phone and discovered the messages. Police later arrested Shields, who admitted meeting the girl but initially denied that any sexual contact had taken place. According to reports, he later pleaded guilty and was sentenced to nine years in prison with an additional year on licence. In her victim impact statement, the girl said she felt 'fear, stupidity and embarrassment,' describing the humiliation of being discussed and objectified in the group chat. National Review Exposes Investigative Failings The case comes amid fresh revelations that human error may have led to hundreds of grooming-related cases being wrongly closed. Early findings from Operation Beaconport, a National Crime Agency (NCA) review of historical grooming cases, have uncovered significant investigative failings. Deputy Director Nigel Leary of the NCA stated that the operation has already identified cases where 'available lines of inquiry... could have been pursued' but were not, citing 'potentially human error' as a contributing factor. He added that some police investigations 'haven't followed what we would characterise as proper investigative practice,' resulting in no further action being taken against suspects. Operation Beaconport was launched earlier this year to examine thousands of cases between January 2010 and March 2025 where police or the Crown Prosecution Service decided not to proceed. So far, 1,273 cases from 23 police forces have been referred, including 236 allegations of rape now being prioritised. Leary described the project as 'the most comprehensive investigation of its type in UK history,' with thousands of officers expected to contribute to the review. National Inquiry Stalls Amid Leadership Concerns Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood called the grooming gangs scandal 'one of the darkest moments in this country's history' and said the government had launched Operation Beaconport 'to track down the evil child rapists that perpetrated these crimes, and put them behind bars where they belong.' The operation runs alongside a separate national public inquiry into grooming gangs in England and Wales, announced earlier this year by Prime Minister Keir Starmer. However, that inquiry has struggled to get underway amid disagreements about its remit and reluctance among senior judges and lawyers to chair it. Sources cited by The Guardian reported that potential candidates were hesitant to take on the politically sensitive inquiry due to fears of media scrutiny and uncertainty about its scope. As the national inquiry faces uncertainty, survivors and advocacy groups say that justice for victims cannot wait. Multiple survivors have recently resigned from the Victims and Survivors Liaison Panel, including Fiona Goddard and Ellie Reynolds, who stepped down on 20 October 2025. For them, the TikTok predator's case is not an isolated crime but a reminder of a crisis that the UK still struggles to confront. Originally published on IBTimes UK Operation Raise the Colours has swelled the nation with pride as motorists flash under bridges and pedestrians doff their flat caps to Englands red cross and the union flag. By jingo its been fun. For those who see the world through Commando Comics and the redcoat glory of Michael Caines heroics in Zulu. Strange then, that the nostalgists of Britains right wing are not queuing outside recruitment centres clamouring to join a real army as their country is already in a hybrid war that could turn outright within months. Germanys on the march, though. If that phrase sends a jolt through anyone, thats because theyre looking in the wrong direction. Britain, and the rest of Europe, is facing the greatest threat to its democratic way of life and to the landmass that sustains it since 1945. But in Britain, the loudest patriots campaign against immigrants who are here because they want to share in the glories of Britannia, but are silent on defending Britain against Russia, which wants to smash the place to bits. The Brownhills Miner statue, which was draped in a union flag, in Walsall, Staffordshire, in September, as part of Operation Raise the Colours (PA) The UK is being left behind as its allies in Europe are fast waking up to the fact that history is being thrust upon them by what Vladimir Putin is doing in Ukraine and what hes telegraphed he wants to do to the rest of Eastern Europe. Even Germany, once constitutionally banned from having an effective army after the Nazi era, is planning to swell its ranks. This week, Berlin announced that all 18-year-old men will go through a compulsory medical screening for the military as part of plans to expand the Bundeswehr from 182,000 today to 260,000 by 2035. Germany wants to increase the reserve forces from 60,000 to 200,000. It is hoped that the expansion will be voluntary, but laws remain on the statute to bring back national service, which ended in 2011. It has plans to become one of the biggest defence forces in Europe and Nato. In four years, Germanys defence spending is expected to surge to 153bn (135bn) a year, 3.5 per cent of GDP. The UKs is likely to be about 75bn and Frances around 80bn. Berlins massive expansion into weapons production includes a policy to spend only about 10 per cent of its funds on American weapons to keep the jobs and benefits of government spending inside Germany and Europe. Germany will eclipse France and the UK in terms of size and influence inside European defence systems and Nato. So will Poland, which is already spending 4.7 per cent of GDP on defence, well ahead of the commitment by other Nato nations to reach 3.5 per cent. Soldiers of the German forces, Bundeswehr, secure the port part of the Quadriga 2025 military training manoeuvre in Rostock, Germany, in September (DPA) Warsaw has also introduced military training for every adult male in the country. We will try to have a ready model by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, Polands prime minister Donald Tusk said in May last year. So that this reserve [force] is truly matched to and sufficient to meet potential threats. Britains military recruitment targets are aimed at increasing the full-time trained strength of the army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. But the response has been woeful. The army is 3 per cent below its target of around 10,000 new recruits in order to raise the full-time force to 76,000. The RN is worse off, missing its targets by 8 per cent and the RAF is the worst performing at 13 per cent below target numbers. The UK will spend an extra 2.2bn on defence in 2025-26 alone, bringing the total to more than 62.2bn, with the increased spending focused on modernising military capabilities, including new weapon systems, drones, AI-powered tech, and directed energy weapons lasers. Theres a huge effort to spend more on some 7,000 new weapons systems and submarines, including nuclear-powered boats. Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron have led Europe in building support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia, as American support was cut off entirely by Donald Trump. But unlike Germany, Poland, the Baltic states, and Croatia (which has reintroduced compulsory national service for men), Britain has yet to make the case to the British that their patriotism should be expressed in uniform rather than on bridges and lamp posts. Ante-post Paddy Power Gold Cup Handicap Chase favourite Jagwar has been ruled out of Saturdays Cheltenham showpiece, being declared a non-runner due to ground conditions. The prestigious early-season contest had been a long-held plan for the training team Oliver Greenall and Josh Guerriero since landing the Plate with ease at the Cheltenham Festival, and although confident ahead of the race the team will have to hold off running their JP McManus-owned gelding. He was due to carry top-weight around Cheltenham and with the ground rapidly deteriorating on Friday due to unrelenting rain, connections have decided to keep their powder dry with the six-year-old. It was a gloomy scene at Cheltenham at the close of racing on Friday (David Davies for The Jockey Club) It is because of the way the ground has gone, it was going to be very tough for him so weve decided with Oliver and Josh that well wait for another day, said Frank Berry, racing manager to McManus. Its a pity to miss the race, but it the best thing for the horse. Its no big deal and he was ready to run, its just the ground has gone for him. Well be looking at all the alternative races for him now as he is very well and was ready to go. Alan King, a trainer who 10 years ago struck with Annacotty, runs Es Perfecto in the same colours a gelding who finished only nine lengths behind Caldwell Potter when fifth at the Cheltenham Festival. This has been his target for some time and his preparation has gone well. Im happy enough with him, said King. Trainer Alan King is seeking another Paddy Power Gold Cup win (David Davies/PA) He ran very well at the Festival he only got run out of the places in the last 50 yards. Hes ready to start back and well see how we go. Paul Nicholls may be without the aforementioned Caldwell Potter, but can call on defending champion Il Ridoto in search of a fifth win in the race, while Dan Skelton will saddle Panic Attack, Hoe Joly Smoke and Newton Abbot winner Riskintheground. Meanwhile, Sam Thomas has his string in fine form and Vincenzo is tasked with striking while the iron is hot after some consistent performances last term. Vincenzo represents the in-form Sam Thomas (Andrew Matthews/PA) He put in some great races last season and Id rather find out where we are in a top race than an ordinary race, said Thomas. And if he wins or runs well, we have those two-and-a-half-mile (races) at Cheltenham every meeting near enough, so that would the obvious thing to do with him. There is a strong Irish hand with Gavin Cromwell bringing over both Thecompanysergeant and The Other Mozzie, Paul Nolan runs Conyers Hill and Henry de Bromhead is double-handed with Coming Up Easy and Theatre Native. The former of De Bromheads duo has won his last three over the larger obstacles and arrives on the back of a clear-cut Listed success at Killarney for Darragh OKeeffe, while Theatre Native will have the assistance of champion jockey Sean Bowen. Coming Up Easy and Jordan Gainford take Listed honours in the O'Donoghue Ring Collection Handicap Chase Henry de Bromhead can do no wrong pic.twitter.com/g99UcNmj7K KillarneyRaces (@KillarneyRaces) August 23, 2025 De Bromhead said: They are two nice horses, and both are in good form. Coming Up Easy has won his last three and did it nicely at Killarney the last day. Theatre Native won well around there last year and shed a nice first run back in Limerick, so hopefully she will step forward from that. We were delighted to get Sean to ride Theatre Native and we have two jockeys in form which is great. Bad arrives in top form (Nigel French/PA) The remainder of the field is made up of Venetia Williams Hunter Legend, Gary and Josh Moores Issar dAiry and Ben Paulings Bad, who tuned up for this with a win at Kempton last month. Well find out if hes just a Kempton specialist or not. I think hes a different horse to the one I trained a couple of years ago, said Pauling. He ran very well in the Boodles (Fred Winter). I know he was nearly favourite and ended up being beaten 10 lengths but he hit the front plenty soon enough that day. We will find out but if hes versatile enough to handle any track, hes going there in very good order and he should be competitive. Thousands of High Barnet residents have signed a petition urging the Barnet Council to protect one of the boroughs oldest pubs. The Black Horse Pub, which is said to have been founded in 1720 and sits on the junction of Wood Street and Union Street, closed its doors in September. Owner Star Pubs confirmed its in the process of recruiting a new operator, after the last leaseholder vacated. In response, residents and councillors have raised concerns that without asset of community value (ACV) status, which gives the community the right to bid for the site if it is put up for sale, the pub risks being sold for redevelopment. The Black Horse pub (Google) The petition to date has 2,320 signatures and High Barnet ward councillor, Emma Whysall, has lent her voice. Having previously supported the bid for Tudor Hall, originally a schoolhouse and granted a charter by Queen Elizabeth I in 1573, to receive ACV status, Cllr Whysall said: ACV status can help save pubs and other spaces the community cares about. It gave Barnet Museum time to investigate purchasing Tudor Hall and do their due diligence. The government is currently legislating for a longer period for community groups to raise the funds to buy and assess the feasibility of purchasing, levelling the playing field with commercial businesses. If the Black Horse does become an ACV, that could be an option for us if the legislation is passed in time. I urge as many residents as possible to sign the petition to show their support for the Black Horse, and to form a group to make the application as soon as possible Last year, the council listed the Prince of Wales pub in East Barnet as an ACV, following local concern about potential redevelopment. Olly Gough, the local resident who launched the Black Horse petition, said: The next step is getting the application in. We need 21 local people to back it and as many stories as possible from those whove used the Black Horse over the years. Thats the evidence that makes the difference. In response to enquiries, the council said it could not yet give a position. A council spokesperson said: The council has not received an application for an asset of community value at this location. Once an application has been submitted, the formal process can begin. Leticia Jacobos family claim she had her tribal identification documents on her at the time of her arrest A Native American woman was almost deported after being caught up in Donald Trumps sweeping immigration crackdown. The US Immigration, Customs and Enforcement (ICE) issued a detainer for Leticia Jacobo, 24, who was born in Phoenix and is a member of the Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. Her sister said Ms Jacobo was targeted as a result of racial profiling by authorities. She had been arrested in September for allegedly driving with a suspended license and was due to be released on Nov 11. However, just hours before, her mother, Ericka Burns, was told that instead of being released, she would be taken into federal custody ahead of her possible deportation. An immigration detainer had been issued more than a week earlier, but neither Ms Jacobs nor her family had been informed at the time. Maria Nunez, Ms Burns sister, said that the family was terrified that Ms Jacobo would be deported before the mistake was corrected. My sister said: How is she going to get deported if shes a Native American? and We have proof, Ms Nunez told the Arizona Mirror. They said, Well, we dont know because were not immigration and we cant answer those questions. Were just holding her for them. So, when they pick her up tonight, theyre going to go ahead and deport her. Ms Burns was forced to take a copy of her daughters birth certificate to the jail and stayed on site throughout the night to make sure her daughter was not taken. Ms Jacobs was eventually released in the early hours of Nov 12. Silly mistake Lt. Mark Chance, a spokesman for the Polk County Sheriffs Office, which oversees the jail, said the ICE detainer was a result of human error and was intended for a different detained person. He called it a silly mistake and said internal discussions would be held to prevent it from happening again in the future. Ms Nunez said she was sceptical that the ICE detainer was the result of a clerical mix-up, noting that Ms Jacobs had her tribal identification documents on her, had been fingerprinted and previously detained in the same jail. She suggested discrimination had been involved. I do want to say that its racial profiling because shes been there before, they have a rap sheet on her - why would they make a mistake with someone thats constantly coming in? Ms Nunez asked. I just hope it doesnt ever happen to someone else, with them not knowing theyre going to get deported, she said, adding that the family was considering legal action. The incident shines a sharp spotlight on issues at the heart of the Trump administrations mass deportation campaign that has caught US citizens, including those from tribal nations, in its net. Native Americans were granted US citizenship in 1924. Since Mr Trump returned to office in January, he has been at the helm of an aggressive agenda of arrests and forcible removals of undocumented migrants, with a focus on Democratic-led cities with sanctuary policies. Native Americans, particularly those from the Navajo Nation in Arizona and New Mexico, have reported being questioned, harassed or detained by ICE agents as a result of what they say is racial profiling. In January, Congressional Democrats called on the administration to stop the agency from targeting indigenous communities as part of the raids. Last month, an inquiry was opened to examine reports of misconduct of ICE agents, largely related to the detainment of US citizens. Green Party deputy leader Mothin Ali, who celebrated his election as a Leeds councillor by shouting Allahu Akbar in front of a Palestinian flag - Twitter So we have a Traitors-style plot reportedly brewing to overthrow the Prime Minister, economic growth teetering at a meagre 0.1 per cent, the Chancellor being publicly booed at a business awards ceremony, and more misery looming with the forthcoming Budget on November 26. Add to this the latest scandal swirling around Tim Allan, the Prime Ministers Director of Communications, who apparently still holds shares in a lobbying firm while occupying one of the most influential roles in Government. Against this backdrop of political and economic turbulence, it is perhaps no surprise that more than half of Britons would prefer to have been born 50 years ago rather than in todays beleaguered Britain, according to an Ipsos poll published this week. Downing Street is in disarray, and the BBC is similarly struggling under the weight of its own self-inflicted crises. Yet neither institution appears willing to shoulder responsibility for its failures. Instead, they point the finger at what they describe as a Right-wing conspiracy orchestrated by bad actors, essentially anyone whose views diverge from their own. This conveniently absolves them of accountability while allowing them to maintain the illusion of moral superiority. So much for the return of the grown-ups to Westminster, as Andrew Marr smugly crowed following Sir Keir Starmers loveless landslide. The reality on the ground tells a rather different story. Like the national broadcaster that acts as its stenographer, the Labour government today resembles a chaotic junior common room, full of squabbling student politicians, each more intent on blaming the other for collective failures than on governing effectively. This petty infighting, combined with a chronic lack of decisive leadership, only compounds the perception that Britains political class is increasingly out of touch with the concerns of ordinary people. The current panic over which taxes to raise in 12 days time is emblematic of an administration in complete and utter chaos. But if the current crop of amateurs are exasperating, there is a far more alarming threat looming: an even more infantile, ideologically rigid, and arguably dangerous coalition of smaller parties that could gain substantial influence by capitalising on Labours woeful ineptitude. Liberal Democrat deputy leader Daisy Coopers recent claim that Sir Ed Davey is the most serious person in Westminster with the best chance of being Prime Minister may strike most observers as laughable, but dismissing the threat posed by the Lib Dems and their potential allies the increasingly popular Greens would be a grave mistake. Two surveys conducted this week suggest that Labour may now be languishing in fourth place, trailing behind Reform UK, the Green Party, and the Conservatives. While both polls were commissioned by Find Out Now, they nonetheless hint at a nascent political realignment in which fringe parties could capture significant support. Disillusionment with the Tories and Labour, combined with a desire to keep Nigel Farage out of Downing Street, has created fertile ground for smaller, dogma-driven groups. A detailed analysis by YouGov underscores just how fluid voter loyalties have become. The study found that 57 per cent of Lib Dem voters and 46 per cent of Green supporters would abandon their first-choice party to back Labour in constituencies where Reform looked likely to succeed. Equally striking, many voters on the left are willing to support the Conservatives if doing so would prevent Reform from gaining ground: 34 per cent of Labour voters, 39 per cent of Lib Dem supporters, and even 19 per cent of Green voters indicated they would consider such a tactical move. History offers a cautionary tale regarding the Lib Dems willingness to sacrifice principles for power. In 2010, the party famously abandoned its pledge to scrap tuition fees to enter a coalition with David Camerons Conservatives. Today, with little prospect of winning an outright majority, the Lib Dems only viable strategy is to position themselves as a linchpin in a so-called progressive coalition, seeking to capitalise on Labours apparent weaknesses while continuing to pick off disgruntled Conservative voters. In the last general election, the Lib Dems already succeeded in flipping 59 of their targeted Tory-held seats, marking their most successful performance in decades. Mays local election results offer an early warning of what could happen on a larger scale next year. The Lib Dems won 520 seats, securing around 23 per cent of the seats up for grabs, their best performance since 2008. They also gained majority control of three councils, including Oxfordshire and Cambridgeshire for the first time. The Greens made equally notable gains, winning 43 additional seats and bringing their total to roughly 859 councillors across 181 councils. These victories came predominantly at the expense of the major parties, 24 seats lost by the Conservatives and 17 by Labour, highlighting the potential for smaller parties to erode traditional political dominance, not just locally but nationally, especially once 16 and 17 year olds are given the vote. Like the Righties voting for Reform, those increasingly turning to the Lib Dems and the Greens are doing so in protest against so-called uniparty politics. The problem is that this emergent Leftist axis isnt quite as cuddly as it makes out. The deputy leader of the Greens, Mothin Ali, who famously celebrated his local election win last year with a shout of Allahu Akbar, branded a local Rabbi a low life, a creep and an animal after he was required to serve in Israel as a reservist in the IDF. The rabbi and his wife then received death threats and were forced into hiding. This week weve witnessed Sir Ed launch a witch hunt against Sir Robbie Gibb, the former director of communications for No 10 under Theresa May, seemingly blaming him for the Telegraphs expose of the BBCs shoddy journalism simply because he is on the editorial board. Hes not just a clown but a dangerous one; an arch socialist masquerading as a centrist. Green Party leader Zack Polanski is more blatant about his pseudo communist tendencies but theres barely space for a fag paper between these two zealots. Both leaders have been outspoken critics of former President Trump and Elon Musk; both think trans women are women despite the Supreme Court ruling them to be men. Both support higher taxes on the wealthy; both believe Israel committed a genocide in Gaza. Both oppose Brexit, back net-zero emissions targets, promote diversity and inclusion initiatives, and reject the Rwanda plan for asylum seekers. Perhaps most crucially, both champion proportional representation over Britains first-past-the-post electoral system, a move that, if implemented, could entrench their ideological influence and make it far harder to vote them out. People naively think opting for either of these diehards is somehow adopting the middle ground, when in fact such a coalition would spell the end for Middle England. An Indiana University professor was removed from teaching a class on social justice for using a graphic that listed President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again slogan as a form of white supremacy. On October 6, Jessica Adams, a lecturer in the universitys school of social work, was temporarily barred from continuing to teach the graduate-level class Diversity, Human Rights and Social Justice, after a student complained about the teaching aid to the office of Senator Jim Banks, a Trump ally. The senator then forwarded the complaint to university officials, who initiated an investigation and warned that Adams may be violating a recently passed state law requiring intellectual diversity at state educational institutions. Adams, in a news conference earlier this month, said the graphic, which is widely used, was being misinterpreted and that she was well within her remit given the subject-matter of her course. I was asked to teach on structural racism, and as you teach on structural racism in the United States, you cannot not discuss white supremacy as it is the ideology that emboldens racist behavior, Adams said. An Indiana University professor alleges she was wrongly removed from teaching a social work course on social justice after using a graphic that compared Trumps MAGA slogan to white supremacy (Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) The visual features a list of behaviors and ideas in- and outside a pyramid, which bisected by a line separating overt white supremacy at the top of the pyramid and a far greater number covert white supremacist ideas and actions below. In the graphic, the MAGA slogan is just outside the pyramid itself, at the top of the covert category, near the overt zone. The Indiana University Bloomington chapter of the Association of University Professors accuses the school of mishandling the investigation into the incident and ironically using the state law to stifle intellectual diversity. It alleged in a statement this week the school failed to fairly investigate the incident, denied Adams the right to have counsel, and saw the same administrators act as both investigators and complainants. An anonymous student lodged a complaint with Sen. Jim Banks, who forwarded the allegations to university officials that warned the professor she might be running afoul of a state intellectual diversity law (Middle East Images/AFP via Getty) Indiana University has said it does not comment on ongoing personnel matters. Banks, in a statement to The New York Times, criticized the professor. At least one student in the classroom was uncomfortable, and Im sure there are more, he said. This type of hateful rhetoric has no place in the classroom. Adams is awaiting the results of a review of the allegations and still teaches three other courses at the university. The Trump administration has pushed universities to accept sweeping reforms through a combination of civil rights investigations and threats to cut federal funding (Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images) Earlier this year, a Bloomington professor was sanctioned under the law. The professor, Ben Robinson, claims a full investigation into the allegations at issue never actually occurred and that the punishment was aimed at chilling other faculty from speaking out on hot-button issues. The Trump administration has put enormous pressure on universities to conform with its policy goals, sometimes cutting off hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to top institutions in an attempt to force new intellectual diversity requirements, cooperation with immigration raids, and the elimination of diversity programs. The new agreement replaces one the US supreme court rejected last year, finding it would have improperly protected members of the family against future lawsuits. Photograph: Liz O Baylen/Los Angeles Times via Getty Images A federal bankruptcy court judge on Friday said he would approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharmas latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic. The deal overseen by US bankruptcy judge Sean Lane would require some of the multibillionaire members of the semi-reclusive Sackler family who own the company to contribute up to $7bn and give up ownership of the Connecticut-based firm. The new agreement replaces one the US supreme court rejected last year, finding it would have improperly protected members of the family against future lawsuits. The judge said he would explain his decision in a hearing on Tuesday. The deal is among the largest in a series of opioid settlements brought by state and local governments against drugmakers, wholesalers and pharmacies that totaled about $50bn. It could close a long chapter and maybe the entire book on a legal odyssey over efforts to hold the company to account for its role in an opioid crisis connected to 900,000 deaths in the US since 1999, including deaths from heroin and illicit fentanyl, to which people who had become dependent on the powerful prescription painkiller OxyContin turned when their pill supply was restricted or cut off. Lawyers and judges involved have described it as one of the most complicated bankruptcies in US history. Ultimately, attorneys representing Purdue, cities, states, counties, Native American tribes, people with addiction and others were nearly unanimous in urging the judge to approve the bankruptcy plan for Purdue that was tentatively agreed to this January. Purdue filed for protection six years ago as it faced lawsuits with claims that grew to trillions of dollars. Mike Quinn, a lawyer working with the plaintiffs, said on Friday: This case never should have been in bankruptcy it should have been in criminal court. The judge has pledged to release details of the deal on Tuesday. There is expected to be more scope in this deal than in the one rejected by the supreme court for people to sue members of the Sackler family personally over their role in Purdue and the crisis. I think people will try to sue, Quinn said. He was closely involved in opposing the Purdue-Sackler bankruptcy deal, working with Pain, an activist group fronted by the American art photographer and activist Nan Goldin, who led direct action protests at international art museums that had accepted donations and sponsorship in the form of Sackler billions. Some of the Sackler family owning the privately held Purdue, which now-deceased members of the family grew into a specialist in pain treatment in the early 1990s, became famous philanthropists using the huge profits that their star drug OxyContin generated. But their reputation took a dive when investigative journalism and activism exposed the companys expansionist drive to increase prescriptions of the opioid despite growing addiction and deaths across the US. Mike Moore, the former Mississippi attorney general, who helped secure the USs big tobacco settlement and the $20bn settlement against BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has been a key figure for plaintiffs in the sprawling opioids litigation against Purdue in the US. He said about Fridays news: Im happy that they have finally come to a conclusion after years and years of wrangling. We should have gotten this done a long time ago, but it is what it is, its not what we wanted when we started this. Moore began legal action against Purdue 20 years ago. In a telephone interview with the Guardian on Friday, he criticized the Sackler family for spending so much time and money fighting the litigation and then Purdue taking the bankruptcy route. Others in the industry came to settlements more quickly. When I first sat down with the Sacklers and the lawyers for Purdue we thought we could get a resolution and the money would have been paid out five years ago, but they decided to go into bankruptcy Purdue were the worst of the worst of all the culprits, Moore said. Im glad its over, he added. Lane, during a hearing in White Plains, New York, on Friday indicated he plans to sign off on Purdues chapter 11 plan. The plan is the product of intense work with our creditors through a singular, shared focus on delivering as much value as possible to meaningfully address the opioid crisis, Steve Miller, Purdues board chairman, said in a statement. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 while facing more than 2,600 lawsuits by states, local governments and others accusing it of contributing to the deadly opioid abuse epidemic through its marketing and sale of OxyContin and other pain medications. Purdues creditors include state and local governments, individuals who became addicted to OxyContin, hospitals and others who were harmed by the opioid crisis. Members of the Sackler family have expressed regret for their companys role in the opioid addiction epidemic, but deny wrongdoing. Purdue will be converted into a non-profit called Knoa Pharma, focusing on developing and distributing opioid overdose reversal and addiction treatment medications. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting King Charles is celebrating his actual birthday today with a royal visit to Wales, marking his 77th birthday. On Friday, Charles and Camilla headed to Cyfarthfa Castle in Wales for a joyful yet low-key reception to mark the special day. A number of Welsh stars are expected to be in attendance, including actor Ruth Jones, as the monarch cuts a cake and marks his special day. Elsewhere, birthday celebrations are also ringing out for the royal, with gun salutes planned in Green Park as well as the ringing of bells at Westminster Abbey. But if youre a monarch, why settle for just one birthday? While today is Charles actual birthday, the monarch has another official birthday that is celebrated every June. Heres what you need to know about this interesting royal tradition. Why is Charles birthday celebrated in June? As King Charles was born in the winter, the monarch also gets to enjoy a summer birthday as well. His official second birthday usually takes place across one of the middle weekends of June, which this year fell on June 14. It also aligns with the date of the Trooping the Colour celebration, which takes place every year. This tradition of having two holidays stems back to the mid-1700s, when its thought that King George II ordered that the Trooping the Colour parade be combined with birthday celebrations. He was also actually born in November, when its thought that it was too cold to hold the parade at that time. As a result, he decided to use the summer months to enjoy his birthday with bigger celebrations and more people in the streets. According to Historic Royal Palaces, it was Edward VII who encouraged the standard summer birthday to be celebrated in June, and this tradition has continued ever since. What dates is it celebrated in other Commonwealth countries? Since Charles became the monarch in 2022, his birthday has been celebrated in the UK on the following dates: 2023: June 17 and November 14 2024: June 15 and November 14 2025: June 14 and November 14 Elsewhere around the world, King Charles birthday is also celebrated on various dates across the Commonwealth. It appears that these dates vary because of different events, as well as the weather (which is different depending on the northern and southern hemispheres). For instance, in New Zealand, Charles birthday is celebrated on the first Monday in June, as it was acknowledged in the constitution as the official monarchs birthday for both Queen Elizabeth II and Charles. This year, June 2 was marked as a public holiday as a result. In Australia, the official date varies by state. In Western Australia, the birthday is marked in September, so it doesnt clash with Western Australia Day, while in Queensland, its celebrated in October to provide more space between official celebrations. Belize also marks Charles birthday in May, while Papua New Guinea celebrates on June 17 with a public holiday. Credit: Telegram / @exilenova_plus Ukraine has struck one of Russias largest oil terminals as part of a huge overnight cruise missile and drone attack. Blasts rocked the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, which appeared to have exploded in a fireball as Ukraine continues its assault on Russias energy infrastructure. Russia has halted oil exports from the port, halting two per cent of all global supply, which a Ukrainian security official claimed could mean millions of dollars less for the Kremlins war machine. Reports suggest Ukraine used its own Neptune long-range cruise missiles to take out the advanced air defence systems surrounding the port, clearing the way for its drones to target the oil infrastructure. Volodymyr Zelensky confirmed Long Neptune missiles were successfully used in overnight attacks on Russian territory, but did not confirm where. Russia claimed eight drones also tried to attack the Novovoronezh nuclear power plant in south-west Russia overnight but all were shot down. Ukraine has not responded to the claims. Both sides have accused each other of targeting nuclear power plants at various intervals during the course of the war. Ukraine has stepped up its long-range strikes against Russian energy infrastructure since August, attacking oil refineries, pipelines and sea terminals with increasing vigour. This is our entirely just response to Russias ongoing terror, Mr Zelensky wrote on X on Friday. Ukrainian missiles are delivering increasingly significant and precise results virtually every month. Credit: X / @ZelenskyyUa The upgraded Neptune missile has a range of 620 miles, representing a major leap in Kyivs domestic long-range missile production to reduce its dependence on the slow delivery of Western equivalents. Russian authorities reported that the oil depot and a civilian ship were hit, and several coastal facilities were damaged. The Sheskharis oil complex serves as the endpoint of pipelines run by Russias state-run Transneft, which operates the worlds largest oil pipeline network. Footage, taken by residents, showed a huge mushroom cloud explosion above the oil hub, turning the night sky red. Novorossiysk suffered the most, said Veniamin Kondratyev, the governor of the Krasnodar region, on social media. Overnight, more than 170 people and 50 pieces of equipment dealt with the aftermath of the attack, quickly extinguishing fires and assisting residents. Ukrainian drones also attacked the Saratov oil refinery, deep inside Russia, marking the sixth time Kyiv has targeted the facility since the summer and the second time this week. The refinery is a key supplier of gasoline and diesel to western Russia, with a daily capacity of 140,000 barrels. The Trump administration has provided intelligence to help Ukraine target oil facilities as part of an attempt to push the Russian president, Vladimir Putin, towards negotiations, while Kyiv is largely now relying on its own domestically made long-range weapons for the attacks. The campaign has succeeded in reducing Russian oil refining by more than 20 per cent, Ukrainian officials say, sparking fuel shortages across the country and partial bans on diesel and petrol exports. People take shelter inside an underground parking lot - Reuters Kyiv is reported to have hit more than 50 per cent of Russias 38 major refineries more than once. Meanwhile, on Friday, at least six people were killed in the Ukrainian capital, and 27 injured in a large-scale combined attack. Fifteen people were admitted to hospital, including a pregnant woman and two children, after explosions were heard across the city, as missiles and drones struck critical infrastructure and residential buildings. Emergency services rescued more than 40 people from fires and damaged buildings in eight of Kyivs 10 districts. Mayor Vitali Klitschko described the strikes as a massive enemy attack. An explosion is seen in the distance as a Russian attack targets Kyiv - AP Pictures showed the flames and residents gathering in rubble-strewn streets outside apartment buildings. The Russians are hitting residential buildings. There are a great many damaged multi-storey apartment buildings, in practically every district, Tymur Tkachenko, the head of Kyivs military administration, wrote on Telegram. The strikes left parts of the city without heating and facing warnings of possible power and water outages. Volodymyr Zelensky, the Ukrainian president, said Russia launched about 430 drones and 18 missiles in the overnight attacks. This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure, he wrote on X. Experts have said Russias latest strikes on energy infrastructure were putting Ukraine at risk of heating outages as winter settled in. It is seen as a deliberate strategy to try to break the populations morale after nearly four years of war. Sony Pictures have reportedly signed a deal to develop a Labubu feature film. The Chinese-made furry monster toy dolls have recently become wildly popular as collectible accessories. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures have bought the screen rights to develop a movie based on the characters. No release date has yet been announced, and no directors or actors are attached at this stage. It has also not yet been confirmed whether the film will be live-action or animation. The characters were originally created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung. Inspired by Nordic myths, he created the creatures for his story series The Monsters, which were then turned into plush dolls marketed by the toy company Pop Mart. Characterized by their rabbit-like ears, large eyes, and menacing-looking teeth, Labubus are commonly sold in blind boxes meaning the exact design is chosen at random and remains a mystery until its unwrapped. A Labubu plush toy in Shanghai in July 2025 (Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images) As well as regular designs, there are also so-called secret edition Labubus, which are especially rare and sought-after by collectors. These include the Big Into Energy series, which was released earlier this spring. The blind box model has created a booming secondary market. Earlier this summer, Labubus were reportedly reselling for more than $1,000 each, with a child-sized Labubu selling for more than $150,000. Counterfeit versions (jokingly referred to as Lafufus) are common on third-party sites, and can be found at corner shops and local supermarkets. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that they pose a choking hazard for small children, as theyre small enough for a child to fit the doll in their mouth and block their airway, and that they can break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards. Shoppers have been advised not to buy or use these knock-off versions of the doll. Instead, shop with trusted retailers, and be wary of toys being sold at prices that are too good to be true prices, said Helen Barnham, deputy director at the Intellectual Property Office. The real Labubu dolls have proved popular with celebrities, and enjoyed a surge in popularity after being shown off by K-pop stars such as Blackpink member Lisa, who in 2024 used them as accessories. Rihanna has been seen adorning her Louis Vuitton bag with a lychee berry Labubu, and Dua Lipa has also jumped on the trend. Emma Roberts also took to Instagram to open a whole blind box. by Thomas R. Wells Wars have never been the concern only of their combatants. Other states pay close attention to the geo-political implications and opportunities created by armed conflict, and interfere directly or indirectly when their cynical calculations suggest that would advance their interests. For example, various countries the UAE, Iran, Egypt, Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Russia and Qatar have been involving themselves in Sudans ghastly civil war, apparently looking to pick up geopolitical advantages especially gaining access to Red Sea ports that would allow them to threaten international shipping via the Suez Canal, or to prevent other states from doing so. When extended to material support to favoured factions this increases the resources of the combatants, increasing the ambition of their respective war goals and so extending the war by reducing the scope for a mutually acceptable peace deal. Such amoral realpolitik in international relations is as old as war itself, together with its unfortunate consequences for human lives. What is somewhat more recent is the rise of international moral concern for the lives of civilians threatened by war, expressed through the increased influence of civil society. At least since the Greeks 1820s war of independence, states have also been interfering in other peoples wars out of humanitarian concerns to reduce civilian suffering. The problem is that although each individual humanitarian intervention may be sincerely morally motivated and even sometimes succeed in its goal of reducing suffering the practise of morally motivated interference would seem actually to increase the amount of civilian suffering due to war. It makes civil wars more likely to start and harder to end, while incentivising crimes against civilians. I. More Civil Wars In asymmetric warfare one side is significantly militarily weaker than the other; in civil wars those rebelling against an existing government. It follows that this is not generally an enterprise that the weaker party will be enthusiastic to pursue. However, the existence of a deep pool of potential international concern for civilian suffering changes the cost-benefit calculations for those contemplating armed rebellion. Once a war begins, civilians will obviously suffer, and people around the world will start demanding that their governments take actions to bring it to an end. That will likely generate diplomatic pressure, economic sanctions, and possibly even a military intervention (such as in Kosovo and Libya). Global opinion can also impose indirect costs on a warring government by smearing their whole country with the stigma of moral disgrace. The impacts of such social isolation are various, but include reluctance to buy a countrys exports, or to cooperate (collaborate) with its government, corporations, or civil society organisations on shared projects. These costs will naturally be far more severe for a government than for those rebelling against it. Governments have far more to lose in the first place thats why they are the stronger party. Also unlike rebels, real governments have many other interests that they want to pursue apart from winning the war, and some of these will be crucial to maintaining their domestic legitimacy (such as maintaining the support of economic elites). This means they have more attack surfaces especially international corporate, diplomatic, and financial ties that foreign governments and civil society groups can apply pressure to. The warring government is thus an attractive because easy to hit target for international humanitarians who are opposed to the brutalities of war. A further implication is that, because governments already globally despised as morally despicable dont present such an easy target, they will generally receive far less criticism. By a quirk of human psychology particularly convenient for rebel groups, once these humanitarians have adopted the easy target such as the US government in the case of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars they tend to rationalise their choice. If they are expending so much effort criticising only this actor, then it must be because that is the one most morally responsible for the terrible civilian suffering: the big bad wolf. Antipathy towards the wolf generates sympathy for all those suffering from its depredations, often even including the rebels who started the whole thing and are essential to its continuation. International humanitarianism thus serves as a force multiplier for would-be rebel groups. It allows them to augment the often rather pitiful military challenge they can present to a full-sized government (such as the KLA presented to Milosevics Serbia in 1998) with huge additional political and economic costs. This makes the war less asymmetrical, and greatly increases the bargaining position of the rebels when it comes to the eventual peace deal (the KLAs leaders got an independent Kosovo to rule over). When the potential prize is greater, and more achievable, more potential rebels will come real rebels, and we will see more wars. But how to ensure that global humanitarian attention is engaged and pointed in the right direction? II. Incentives for War Crimes The weaker party in an asymmetric war cannot hope to win toe-to-toe battles with a real army. So they generally adopt a less directly confrontational military strategy such as hit and run guerilla tactics, especially on soft civilian targets (i.e. terrorism). This has the advantage that the government the rebels are fighting is placed on the defensive, attempting the expensive and impossible task of protecting everything and everyone over whom it claims the right to rule. Once again, the enormously greater size and power of their government opponent is turned into a source of vulnerability. Unsurprisingly, governments chafe at this situation. In response they often attempt their own version of unconventional warfare that will bring the war to the rebels and lead to the decisive victory they think their greater power deserves. This generally means targeting everyone and everything around the rebels in the hope of annihilating the problem and its source. This was Bashar Al-Assads strategy in the Syrian civil war, indiscriminately bombing (including with nerve gas) and starving the populations in rebel areas. (For his own cynical realpolitik reasons, Putin contributed the precision bombing of hospitals.) It appears also to be the strategy of Netanyahus government, at least at some points of the ongoing Gaza war. Adopting this strategy is very expensive for the governments of countries with significant international standing and relationships to lose it results straightforwardly in moral disgrace, with the costs already discussed, and the gift of moral superiority to the rebels. Israel, for example, had largely avoided falling into it over all its previous wars (before 2023 total Palestinian deaths from all Israels wars put together added up to around 30,000, suggesting a capacity for self-restraint). But rebels have ways to push governments over the edge into the moral abyss, and a clear incentive to do so. They can set out deliberately to provoke such a moral breakdown by escalating their guerilla war tactics to the point where the domestic political pain for the government is so great that they will do almost anything to end it. Thus, after Hamas performatively brutal assault on Israeli civilians in October 2023, Netanyahus government threw out Israels usual restraints on the use of its overwhelming military force and Hamas had achieved its goal. Positive international attention has flowed to Hamas by the mechanism of sympathy via antipathy, while Israel has lost international standing, connections, and alliances it spent decades building up. The deaths and maimings of Palestinian civilians are merely a means to an end, a price Hamas is willing to pay. The supply of angry young men to recruit from has never been higher. The strategic provocation and exploitation of government war crimes to capture the worlds attention and sympathy seems increasingly common in asymmetric conflicts over the past 200 years. Of course these attempts dont always succeed. Sometimes the governments efforts at annihilation actually succeed (as in Britains brutal suppression of the Mau Mau uprising in Kenya, or Sri Lankas categorical destruction of the Tamil Tigers). The worlds humanitarian attention is also a fickle and unpredictable beast it seems, for example, presently determined to ignore war atrocities entirely if they take place in Africa. But the significant possibility that they might succeed is enough to make this ghastly strategy attractive to many rebel groups. And that is a direct result of the peculiar incentives created by the modern worlds commitment to humanitarianism. Moreover, even if the rebels provocations fail to achieve a political victory as great as Hamas achieved against Israel, they may still succeed in creating a painful dilemma for the government they are fighting. Under Obama, for example, US soldiers in Afghanistan were required to operate under very restrictive Rules of Engagement in order to minimise civilian casualties out of respect for international humanitarian principles and the reputational consequences of breaking them. But this created an opportunity that the Taliban could exploit to terrorise the civilian population into service as human shields (i.e. an incentive to commit more war crimes) and thus increase the costs of Americas military involvement (casualties and strategic frustration). Eventually Americas governments got tired of paying those costs and abandoned Afghanistans population of 40 million to the tender mercies of 60,000 or so terroristic thugs from one of its ethnic groups. Another victory for international humanitarianism: with the war finally over, the Taliban didnt need to blow up school-buses taking girls to school anymore. They could just close the schools down. III. Longer Wars Wars end when the warring parties adjust their war aims to the point that there is space for an agreement between them, and some confidence that neither side would see profit in breaking that agreement. Getting to this point often takes some time, as political leaders must come to a realistic view of the relative capabilities of their own and opposing forces via the crucible of war. Only then will they let go of impossible ambitions and adjust their war goals to what their forces might realistically achieve and hence what their opponent might be willing to concede in a peace deal to save themselves the cost of fighting over it. As already mentioned, the involvement of external actors for cynical geopolitical reasons often prolongs wars by adding a wild card factor that disrupts the development of such mutual knowledge. Even those who recognise that their military position is weak may hold out against what would be a reasonable peace deal given their position, out of hope that a foreign power might still come to their rescue, or that the foreign ally of their enemy might abandon them. A similar mechanism applies in the case of external interference motivated by humanitarian concerns (whether or not those concerns resulted from rebels cynical provocations). Rebels and governments will adjust their understanding of their relative strength, and hence plausible war goals, according to their interpretation of the global conversation about their war (whether their hash tag is trending; whether the UNGA is voting on a resolution; whether there is talk of economic sanctions). As the worlds fickle moral attention waxes and wanes, so does the relative bargaining position of the warring parties, but in an ambiguous and unreliable way that reduces the scope for both parties to come to a shared understanding of the strategic situation necessary for a successful peace deal. IV. From interference to punishment? There seems a clear moral hazard built into the presently rather haphazard, rather emotionally driven global concern to prevent civilian suffering in war. At least sometimes international humanitarianism provides exactly the wrong incentives to key actors especially rebels in civil wars and thus produces additional civilian suffering that would not have occurred without it. One partial solution would be to properly institutionalise international humanitarianism so that it would not be so driven by the fleeting and unreliable emotional states of ordinary people who are mostly getting their feelings about world events from social media. Instead it would be driven by the systematic, informed and politically disinterested analysis of actual experts on war and war crimes who would report their findings and recommendations for appropriate action to the United Nations. Unfortunately this does not seem politically feasible at present. The last great effort towards it was the UNGAs adoption of the Responsibility to Protect norm in 2005. Unfortunately the project has been all but dead since the interventions in Libya (failed) and Cote DIvoire (successful) in 2011. (Putin and Xi Jinping do not like the idea that governments might be forced out of power just for trying to mass murder their own citizens and the present UN charter gives them veto rights over anything important.) Nevertheless, the idea of R2P idea is a good one. In particular for redressing the systematic bias against governments fighting insurgencies, and hence the peculiar incentives for rebels to start wars and commit war crimes with impunity. More informed analysis would be more balanced in its criticism of the weaker as well as the stronger side. R2P also begins with the duty of the international community to support governments in their efforts to protect their populations from mass atrocity crimes (military intervention against governments is a last resort in the special case of governments that refuse to stop mass murdering people). That implies materially supporting governments in suppressing terroristic insurgencies (rather than punishing them for doing so), something that would also reduce those governments likelihood of resorting to their own unconventional methods of warfare. A second partial solution, though still politically challenging, would be to target the impunity that most war criminals currently enjoy. The idea is that incentives to commit war crimes for strategic advantage should be offset by personal incentives to the decision-makers not to exploit such opportunities. War leaders stand to gain prestige, power, and often great wealth if they succeed, and this gives them a personal motivation to take whatever actions seem most likely to bring about that success. (Generally rebel leaders have the most to gain, but government leaders often have much to lose.) If war leaders knew that war crimes based strategies would very likely result in significant punishment to them personally, and loss of the prizes of war, they might very well make different choices. The moral hazard problem created by international humanitarianism would be at least partially addressed. Unfortunately, again, the principle is sound but hard to realise. This is exactly what the ICC was created to do, but has so far abysmally failed at partly due to its own managerial incompetence, partly due to the excessive evidential requirements built into its legal procedures, and partly due to the unfortunate decision of most great powers to opt out of its jurisdiction. (Perhaps the personal accountability concept could be realised in more creative ways, such as by putting bounties on the heads of suspected war criminals elsewhere.) The counter-productivity of the worlds passionate concern for preventing civilian suffering in wars is dispiriting, as are the challenges to building the institutions that could effectively counter the problem. But it seems that the former could aid the latter. Although at present international humanitarianism is rather generic, unreliable, and self-defeating, it is nevertheless an enormous resource of passionate moralism that can be drawn upon. If it could be directed towards the international political project of building and empowering institutions that really could reduce war suffering, then those good intentions might finally achieve more good than harm. *** Thomas Wells teaches philosophy in the Netherlands and blogs at The Philosophers Beard Enjoying the content on 3QD? Help keep us going by donating now. At a glance Fare evasion is rising across TfL services, with around 1 in 20 Tube journeys unpaid roughly 400,000 dodged trips per weekday, costing about 200m a year Tube services have the highest evasion rate (up to 5.3%), and critics say social-media-fuelled fare dodging is becoming normalised Critics have called for more ticket barriers (especially on the DLR) and the establishment of a fare-evasion taskforce The level of fare dodging in London has increased with more than one in 20 Tube passengers failing to pay for their journeys. About 400,000 journeys on a typical weekday are evaded across the Transport for London (TfL) network - costing the body an estimated 200m a year in income. New figures published by TfL reveal that the evasion rate has risen year on year since the start of April. The figures come as TfL was urged by the Tory transport spokesman on the London Assembly to adopt measures taken by other world cities to reduce levels of fare evasion. Between April and June, fare dodging rose from 3.4 per cent to 3.7 per cent across all TfL services. Between July and September, it fell to 3.6 per cent but was still higher than the 3.3 per cent recorded for the comparative three-month period in 2024. The latest figures on fare evasion: the figures compare April to June 2024 with April to June 2025 (TfL) Excluding the Croydon tram network, fare dodgers are most common on the London Underground. Year on year, the evasion rate has risen from 5.1 per cent to 5.3 per cent. With about 3.8m Tube journeys made on a typical weekday, this means that about 200,000 are dodged. In addition, about 28,000 journeys out of 800,000 a day are evaded on the Elizabeth line, and more than 130,000 on the bus network, which carries about 5.1m passengers on weekdays. TfL says the vast majority of passengers more than 96 per cent pay the correct fare. But it admits fare evasion denies it vital revenue that would be invested in better services. Its aim is to reduce evasion rates to less than 1.5 per cent by 2030 though critics doubt whether this can be achieved. Siwan Hayward, TfLs director of security, policing and enforcement, told TfLs safety and security panel this week: Our fare evasion rate for quarter 2 is 3.6 per cent. That is down 0.1 percentage points on quarter one, 3.7 per cent. We are seeing continued improvements in terms of the rate of fare evasion across London Underground, the Elizabeth line, the DLR and the Overground. We have made tackling fare evasion, and all the associated harms with fare evasion, a key specification [in our contracts]. We have very robust performance management plans in place to ensure our operators are playing their full part in tackling fare evasion. A report published on Friday by Thomas Turrell, the City Hall Conservatives transport spokesman called for action to tackle the scourge of fare evasion. He warned that fare evasion had become normalised not helped by social media platforms such as Tik Tok exploding with content showing how to push through ticket barriers and glorifying prolific fare dodgers. In the report, he highlighted the efforts made by some chronic offenders to avoid paying. This includes the use of dummy Contactless bank cards fake or cloned cards that can fool ticket barriers into opening and of fraudulent or expired rail cards. In addition, he said that some evaders deliberately took short journeys where inspections were less likely, and used stations with fewer staff. He accused the mayor, Sir Sadiq Khan, of paying lip service to the problem of fare evasion, while pushing up fares each year for commuters. Mr Turrell recommended that ticket barriers be introduced across the DLR (Docklands Light Railway) network which is currently a largely open system without staff in attendance on platforms. He wants larger barriers to be installed at Tube stations that are harder to hurdle, force open or crawl underneath which some evaders do with the wide access gates. He wants TfL to create a fare evasion taskforce and suggested offering appropriate training and support to station staff to enable them to confront passengers who try to avoid paying. Fare evasion is the trigger for more than half of all violence and aggression experienced by TfL staff and contractors, and station staff, who often work alone, are currently not expected to challenge fare evaders. Mr Turrell said: Every Londoner has watched someone push through the barriers or jump over them to avoid paying the fare, knowing full well that they will be picking up the cost of the offenders non-payment in the form of eye-watching fare rises. Its just not good enough, and Sadiq Khan continues to pay lip service to the problem in spite of the concern Londoners have when using the Tube. Its not good enough, and Londoners are fed up with watching this happen unchallenged. Shabana Mahmood says her reforms will deter those who see Britain as an easy touch - AFP/Danny Lawson Migrants granted asylum will no longer automatically get a permanent right to stay in the UK, Shabana Mahmood is to announce. The Home Secretary will unveil reforms on Monday to increase deportations and reduce Britains attractiveness to migrants, describing the reforms as the most significant changes to our asylum system in modern times. At present, asylum seekers granted refugee status are given automatic permanent settlement in the UK after five years, with some rare exceptions. Under the new proposals, refugees will only be granted a temporary right to stay subject to regular review. They will be sent home if officials deem that their country is safe to return to. The changes are inspired by Denmark, which initially gives refugees only a temporary two-year stay. The countrys centre-Left government has reduced the number of asylum applications to their lowest in 40 years and successfully removed 95 per cent of rejected asylum seekers. b' ' The package is designed to deter asylum shoppers, who see Britain as a soft touch, by bringing the UK closer into line with other EU countries and counter the political threat of Nigel Farages Reform party. It comes as small-boat crossings have hit 39,000, up 18 per cent on last year and close to the record levels of 2022. An ally of Ms Mahmood said: Today, becoming a refugee equals a lifetime of protection in Britain. Mahmood will change that making refugee status temporary and subject to regular review. The moment your home country is safe to return to, you will be removed. While this might seem like a small technical shift, this new settlement marks the most significant shift in the treatment of refugees since the Second World War. Measures to tackle the small boats and smuggling gangs are vital, but they are not enough you have to tackle the reason that refugees get on the boats in the first place. And you have to send a message that is heard the world over. Mahmood knows that this country is seen as a soft touch on migration, that other countries know it, and that those choosing to get on a small boat know it too. Without sending a strong, tough message, the rate of arrivals of illegal migrants will never fall. Reforms dont go far enough, say Tories But Chris Philp, the Conservative shadow home secretary, said the reforms fall short of whats needed. These measures go nothing like far enough. We need to come out of the European Convention on Human Rights so anyone arriving illegally can be deported within a week asylum claim or not. For others the asylum threshold needs to be raised so bogus claims, for example to have converted to Christianity and similar nonsense, are thrown out. If conditions in someones home country improve then they should certainly be returned. I am glad that the Labour Government seems to have adopted the Conservative plan to extend the period to qualify for indefinite leave to remain to 10 years, but even at that point there must be tough conditions to make sure people are actually making a contribution. A record 111,084 foreigners claimed asylum in the year ending June 2025. The total cost of asylum support, including accommodating more than 32,000 migrants in hotels, is 5.4bn. Under the Mahmood plan, successful asylum seekers are expected to have to wait 10 years for permanent settlement and, like other migrants, will have to meet certain conditions which could include paying national insurance, supporting themselves without benefits, a clean criminal record and speaking English to a high standard. Ms Mahmood will also require that asylum seekers earn the right to bring their family to Britain. Refugees can currently bring family to join them immediately after being granted asylum, without any conditions. Under the changes, they will have to wait up to two years and will only then be allowed to bring their family if they can show they have sufficient funds to support them. It is expected they will face the same conditions as British citizens who want to bring a foreign spouse, which requires a minimum income of 29,000. Their spouse will also face English language tests before being allowed entry. Full proposals to be revealed on Monday Ms Mahmood is expected to set out the crimes that will disqualify migrants outright from the right to remain in the UK, or delay their right to get indefinite leave to remain. There is likely to be a set of offences meriting outright disqualification from indefinite leave to remain and a lower level that could add years to the time before they get settlement. Ministers are also understood to be considering requiring successful asylum seekers to pay back the costs of their support including their accommodation in the same way as students repay their loans. Ms Mahmood, who was moved to the Home Office from the Ministry of Justice in the July Cabinet reshuffle, will reveal her full proposals on Monday. Ms Mahmood said: We must now go further. We need to reduce the numbers coming here illegally. We need to remove more people who have no right to be here. We will always be a country that gives sanctuary to those fleeing danger, but we must restore order and control. The home secretary is expected to be preparing changes to human rights legislation to make it easier to deport people who cross the Channel in small boats. Photograph: Gareth Fuller/PA Media The home secretary is due to announce sweeping changes next week aimed at making the UK less attractive for migrants and modelled on the Danish system. Shabana Mahmood is expected to set out plans to deter migrants from coming to the UK and make it easier to deport those who do, in a statement to MPs on Monday. She is understood to have based some of the changes on the approach in Denmark, having dispatched officials there last month to study its border control and asylum policies. Mahmood is also expected to be preparing changes to human rights legislation to make it easier to deport people who cross the Channel in small boats. Changes would include requiring judges to prioritise public safety over migrants rights to a family life, or the risk that they would face inhuman treatment if returned to their home country, the Telegraph reported. Related: The UK wants to emulate Denmarks hardline asylum model but what does it actually look like? Home Office officials described Mahmoods plans as the most sweeping reforms to tackle illegal migration in modern times. Before next weeks announcement, the Home Office announced it had removed or deported 48,560 people from the UK since Labour came to power. The figure, which includes refused asylum seekers, foreign criminals and others with no right to be in the UK, is a 23% increase in removals compared with the 16 months before last years election. Mahmood said: Nearly 50,000 illegal migrants have been removed or deported since the election. Weve ramped up enforcement, deported foreign criminals from our streets, and saved taxpayers millions. I pledge today to scale up the removal and deportations of illegal migrants and do whatever it takes to secure our borders. The government has also sent about 100 people back to France under the one in, one out returns deal for those who cross the Channel in small boats. But, despite the removals, small boat crossings continue to be a major political headache for the government. So far, 39,075 people have made the journey this year, according to PA news agency analysis of Home Office figures. The figure is up 19% on the same point in 2024 and up 43% on 2023, but remains 5% lower than the equivalent point in 2022, the peak year for crossings. On Monday, the Home Office confirmed a second man had re-entered the UK by small boat having been returned to France under the one in, one out deal. The government said he would be deported back to France shortly and insisted his immediate detection and detention showed the system was working. Denmarks tighter rules on family reunions and restricting some refugees to a temporary stay are among the policies being looked at. Some research has suggested that deterrence policies have little impact on asylum seekers choice of destination, but a 2017 study said Denmarks negative nation branding had proved effective in limiting asylum applications. A man has been charged with allegedly impersonating a British military official during a Remembrance Sunday event. North Wales Police said they made an arrest on Friday after a man was seen wearing the uniform and medals of a high-ranking Navy officer during a wreath-laying service in Llandudno, Conwy, on Sunday November 9. Jonathan Carley, 64, from the Harlech area of Gwynedd, has been charged with wearing uniform and dress bearing the mark of His Majesty's Forces without permission. He is due to appear in Caernarfon Magistrates Court on Thursday, according to North Wales Police. Chief inspector Trystan Bevan said: We understand that this incident has caused significant public concern, particularly given its occurrence on Remembrance Sunday. (AP) In response to the reports made to North Wales Police, officers have responded swiftly to make an arrest and proceed with charges. We urge members of the public to avoid online speculation and to refrain from sharing any content that could compromise future court proceedings. Could the horrors of eating-out drive diners homeward? - Thai Liang Lim/Getty Images JFK would pay any price for liberty, presumably in deference to the laws of supply and demand. Food isnt worth so much especially in restaurants. Eateries abound: like hairdressers and nail parlours, they have colonised the streets, where other businesses cant cope with online competition. They should, therefore, be inexpensive. But even in starvation, which diminishes appetite, Id jib at current prices for an acceptable meal in a decent environment, with proper service. Ive always loved food and despised money; I used to, therefore, try out new gastronomic experiences willingly, in a spirit of adventure, knowing that disappointment would come at modest cost. Now, however, restaurant dining is like Russian roulette: the rewards are rare and the risks disproportionate. Like most of my fellow bourgeois, who share a healthy confidence in the old-fashioned propriety of a just price and a prudent sense of value for money, Id rather stay at home. And Id forego food sooner than patronise the cheap chains and unappealing outlets that restrain prices by embracing bulk and pap, cancelling cuisine, employing incompetents, inducing obesity, jeopardising digestion, increasing noise and stripping or standardising decor. The consequences are evil for the restaurant trade and mixed, at best, for the future of food. Designers downgrade interiors, sacrificing comfort and dignity for gimcrack tat, luxury for low-cost minimalism, and tranquillity which properly accompanies quality for cut-price, brain-busting, decibel-augmenting vibes, in order to keep diners distracted and outblast critical conversation. Chefs strain to add value by abandoning tradition for the trendy and treacherous terrain of fusion food, which is a fancy name for desperate experimentation, and cuisine dauteur, which translates as unpredictable and expensive idiosyncrasy. Such strategies are doomed: discriminating patrons loathe them, leaving the restaurant tables to the conspicuously consuming dimwits and dupes, shrill and shameless, coarse and ill-clad, with more money than sense. The rest of us dont want to share space with their displays of chest-hair, plunging necklines and boorish manners. Could the horrors of eating out drive diners homeward, redeem the art of home-cooking and restore the gourmets grins? It is tempting to be optimistic, but pessimism is preferable and the only way to elude disillusionment. The market for cookbooks and online recipes booms but its evidence is unequivocal: like thrillers and murder-mysteries, food-writing works as escapist literature rather than as a model for life. Celebrity chefs and domestic goddesses attract viewers, but more as entertainers than exemplars. Sales figures for fancy ingredients are surprisingly robust. Producers and vendors report a caviar bump. Truffles are keeping pace. Wagyu beef sales register growth rates six times greater than those for hamburgers. So do those of lobster. Even foie gras experiences modest growth, despite killjoys efforts to cancel it. But consumers seem to favour luxuries that demand little preparation. In a world of sexually differentiated labour, where all adults in most households have demanding jobs, there is little evidence that people are anxious to don pinnies and wield skillets at the end of a hard day. While restaurants decline, therefore, home-cooking will probably diminish, in favour of doorstep deliveries, ready-made, and that dreariest of slogans: Dinner, sorted. The whirr of the delivery-guys motorbike has replaced the dinner gong. The illusion of doorstep freshness makes marketing seem unnecessary. Cooks creativity yields to the pre-packaged, bought-in, mass-produced menu. And, inexorably, the low food of the high street is invading homes. Felipe Fernandez-Armesto edited The Oxford History of the World An Air France plane lands at the International O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, Oct. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) South African authorities faced heavy criticism on Friday after more than 150 Palestinians, including a woman nine months pregnant, were held on a plane for approximately 12 hours due to complications with their travel documents. A pastor, who was permitted to meet with the passengers while they remained stranded, reported that conditions on board were "extremely hot" and that children were "screaming and crying". The group had landed at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning via a charter plane, following a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya, as confirmed by South Africa's Border Management Authority. The Palestinian passengers did not have exit stamps from Israeli authorities, did not indicate how long they would be staying in South Africa and had not given local addresses, leading immigration authorities to deny them entry, the statement said. The 153 passengers including families and children were allowed to leave the plane on Thursday night after South Africa's Ministry of Home Affairs intervened and a local non-governmental organization called Gift of the Givers offered to accommodate them. The Border Management Authority said 23 passengers had since traveled on to other countries, leaving 130 in South Africa. An Air France plane lands at the International O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, Oct. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File) (Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.) Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said it was the second plane carrying Palestinians to land in South Africa in the last two weeks and that the passengers themselves said they did not know where they were going. He said both planes were believed to be carrying people from war-torn Gaza. It was not immediately clear how the charter plane was organized, where exactly it came from and why the passengers were able to leave Israel without the proper documentation, as South African authorities claimed. The South African pastor who was given access to the plane while it was on the tarmac told national broadcaster SABC that many of the Palestinians now intended to claim asylum in South Africa. South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and the treatment of the travelers has sparked anger. It's dire, Nigel Branken, the pastor, said in an interview with SABC on Thursday from the plane as he described the conditions. When I came onto the plane it was excruciatingly hot. There were lots of children just sweating and screaming and crying. I do not believe this is what South Africa is about. South Africa should be letting these people into the airport at the very least and letting them apply for asylum. This is their basic fundamental right guaranteed in our constitution. Sara Sharif, whose father Urfan Sharif, 43, was jailed for life for her murder - Surrey Police/PA Sara Sharif endured years of torture and mutilation before being murdered by her father and stepmother at the age of 10. But an independent review into her death shows that chances to save her were missed due to concerns about racial sensitivities. To hide the abuse she was received at home, Sharifs family covered her scars and bruises with a hijab, which is uncommon in Islamic societies before puberty begins. An occupational therapist who visited the family told the review that she may have been reticent to talk about it for fear of causing offence. Neighbours on Sharifs road, who regularly heard the father subject Sharif to torrents of verbal abuse, said that they feared being branded as being racist on social media if they reported their concerns. The report states it is concerning that race was a bar to reporting possible child abuse and that this needs to be overcome. It then cites White Fragility, a 2018 book by a radical academic and Black Lives Matter activist Robin DiAngelo. It reprints a passage that says white individuals end up focusing on their own feelings of victimisation rather than on the person or people of colour, effectively implying that the neighbours fears of being seen as racist are a product of white fragility. White Fragility by radical activist Robin DiAngelo, which the review into Sara Sharifs murder quoted The truth, of course, is that the fear of being branded racist in todays society is a very real one, not some sort of white pathology. Being publicly branded as such in modern Britain will make you virtually unemployable across the public sector and in private firms that can be brigaded by Left-wing activists. Worse, it can expose you to imprisonment by the courts and physical attacks, particularly if your transgression has been deemed Islamophobic, as was the case of the autistic child in Wakefield who received death threats after he allegedly damaged the Koran. The enforcement of the taboo against racism in modern Britain is markedly more aggressive than, say, intolerance towards Catholics in the 18th century. The argument in favour of this approach is that in a multi-ethnic society, it is impossible to maintain social order without a degree of repression. The consequences of this heavy-handed approach reveal themselves in tragedies like Sara Sharif, one of just a litany of horrors that have been allowed to happen in Britain because of racial sensitivities. Take the ongoing atrocity of Pakistani rape gangs targeting white girls in multitudes of towns and cities across Britain. In 2004, Channel 4 had planned to release a documentary that exposed the phenomenon in Bradford. West Yorkshire Police warned Channel 4 that the film could provoke race riots, and asked for the broadcast to be delayed. It was duly rescheduled. In Rotherham a social worker who tried to raise the alarm about the phenomenon was told she must never, ever again refer to the fact that the abusers were Asian men, and was sent on an ethnicity and diversity course by her managers. Alexis Jays report into grooming in Rotherham was full of similar stories, saying that social care staff were routinely advised by their managers to be cautious about referring to ethnicity and that local councillors were petrified of being perceived as racist. As despicable as this cowardly behaviour is, the threat of social and professional ruination regarding racial taboos is a real one, and has been a feature of modern Britain for decades. In the early 1980s, Ray Honeyford, a headmaster in Bradford, had his career ruined when he wrote an article for the Salisbury Review criticising multiculturalism in schools and the race relations lobby. He was summarily suspended by the school at the behest of Mohammed Ajeeb, Bradfords Labour mayor. After appealing his case at the High Court, he was briefly reinstated, only to be forced into early retirement after the school was targeted by large groups of protestors. Honeyford was threatened with violence and given police protection as a result. In 2001, Mohammed Ajeeb was awarded a CBE in the Queens birthday honours. Bradford headmaster Ray Honeyford in 1991 - Louis Hollingsbee If this was the personal penalty for criticising multiculturalism as a concept in the 1980s violent threats and early retirement is it any surprise that social workers in places like Bradford were unwilling to lift the lid on Pakistani rape gangs for so many decades? Innocent children also paid the price for sensitivities around race during the Manchester Arena bombing. During an inquiry into that horrific incident, a security guard named admitted that he had a bad feeling about Salman Abedi, the bomber who had a heavy rucksack on his back, but did not approach him because he was scared of being wrong and being branded a racist if I got it wrong and would have got into trouble. The consequences of this structural approach to tackling racism go further than individual high-profile atrocities. Many public sector bodies have been pressured into abandoning best practice over fears of racism. This is most pertinent with the police, which is constantly scrutinised for evidence of prejudice. In 2022, the charity Liberty, which once briefly employed Keir Starmer, launched a legal challenge against the Metropolitan Police regarding the gangs violence matrix, which it argued discriminated against black people who were disproportionately represented on it. Two years later it was shut down. Liberty has also campaigned against the use of stop and search because of its disproportionate impact on ethnic minorities, which in 2014 led the Home Office to introduce new best use practice, greatly reducing the use of stop and search by the police. Between 2021 and 2024 knife crime in London increased by 58.5 per cent. The strongest advocates for multiculturalism may believe that these changes are prices worth paying for a cohesive yet diverse society, and that the dangers presented by intolerance are worse. But you will never hear them articulate this case. Instead, they rely on the force of the law and social exclusion to hide their project of radical social transformation behind a shroud of fear. If we do not want to live in a country where the state treats certain ethnicities with leniency to maintain cohesion, we will have to collectively find the courage to speak out against it. The alternative is more Sara Sharifs. John Power is an assistant content editor at The Spectator Thirty years after her tragic death at 23, Selena Quintanilla-Perez remains a legend in music, with her legacy as the Queen of Tejano continuing to resonate. Her groundbreaking work broke barriers for women across Latin music genres, establishing a clear lineage to the contemporary success of regional Mexicana music. To ensure her enduring influence is preserved for future generations, a new documentary, Selena y Los Dinos: A Familys Legacy, is set to release on Netflix this Monday. Directed by Isabel Castro, the film offers an intimate portrayal, executive produced by Selenas own siblings, Suzette Quintanilla and AB Quintanilla III. Reflecting on the project, Suzette stated, I do understand that what Selena means so many years later, to the Latino world. Who better than to tell our story other than us? The documentary aims to provide an authentic narrative from those closest to the music icon. Across the footage, Selena the sister, daughter and person emerged not just the superstar face of her family's band, Los Dinos. (Netflix via AP) Making the movie The Quintanilla family, ready to share with the world never-before-seen archival material, reached out to Castro following the release of her 2022 film Mija, sensing she might be the correct person to tell Selena's story. Suzette, we met, we kind of immediately hit it off, says Castro. We are both older sisters. The feeling was mutual. She was a fan, says Suzette . She totally understood the struggle between being Mexican American and embracing both cultures. Then the work began: years of combing through and cataloging floor-to-ceiling, like, DVDs, VHSes, canisters of raw film, flash drives, says Castro. There were duplicates, too, which required identifying the best quality footage all the while trying to turn a myth into a personal story, she said. We call it the vault, Suzette says of their collection. We have everything that you could possibly think of. Across the footage, Selena the sister, daughter and person emerged not just the superstar face of her family's band, Los Dinos. The moments that meant the most to Castro were the most intimate: Suzette holding a camcorder and filming her sister, a handwritten letter Selena gave to her husband Chris Perez and scenes from inside their first tour bus, the infamous Big Bertha. Selena became representative of something so vital for me about, like, what it means to be a Latina in this country, says Castro. (Netflix via AP)) Selena's mother, Marcella Quintanilla, had not done an interview about her late daughter since her death and even before, remained largely behind the scenes. For the documentary, she opened up, sharing photo albums and reflecting publicly for the first time. I love my mom in the documentary, Suzette beams. Selena became representative of something so vital for me about, like, what it means to be a Latina in this country, says Castro. Seeing the home video reminded me that she was just a young girl who died when she was 23. The cultural icon For those who grew up with the music of Selena as a cultural touchstone, it might seem like her story is well-mined: There is the now-classic 1997 biopic Selena, which helped launch the career of its lead Jennifer Lopez, a 2020 Netflix series and much more. Selena y Los Dinos nods to that legacy, but appeals to both the loyal fan and the viewer who might only know her name. The most challenging part of the editing process was trying to thread the needle between making this film for her built in audience which is vast and extremely dedicated and extremely knowledgeable and new audiences around the world and also new generations, says Castro. For those not well-versed in her music, Selena's public-facing story often focuses on the details surrounding her death. (Selena was killed by her fan clubs president, Yolanda Saldivar, in 1995. Saldivar, serving a life sentence in Texas, was denied parole in March.) Selena y Los Dinos doesn't spend much time at all with the end of her extraordinary life. We do not focus on the murder, says Castro, who says her film is about a Latina's joy and power. Im kind of fed up with this expectation that Latino stories are often centered around victimhood. This is about her life, our life and our growth, and telling our story at Selena y Los Dinos, says Suzette. The person who took her life and everything that has to do with her death is off the table. This is about what we created. Getting personal to tell a bigger story Selena Y Los Dinos also makes it a point to emphasize the undercelebrated facets of Selena's story: Her learned bilingualism and bicultural identity, her fight to make it to the top of the music industry as a Latina and her marriage to Perez, Los Dinos' guitarist. He also appears in the doc; their elopement was controversial in the Quintanilla family as Selena was just 20 at the time. (Im glad that she did experience love, says her sister. I realize now that Im older, and now that she isnt. ... I do realize that life is short and we only have one life. So, you have to live it.) That is accomplished through extensive interviews with the Quintanilla family and members of Los Dinos alone there are no critics or historians jumping in to provide additional context. A huge goal of mine was to try to really take this symbol and make the film feel as personal as possible. And I felt that if it was told from the perspective of her family and those who knew her best, it would allow viewers to kind of have that experience, said Castro. Suzettes hope is that Latino audiences find great representation in the film. Her dream is that it continues her legacy, our legacy as well as furthers understanding of Selena and what she represents to us as Latinos and to the younger generation. Its also hopefully to inspire that if you have a dream, go for it. David Pipe is set to unleash exciting French import Parchment in the JCB Triumph Trial Juvenile Hurdle at Cheltenham on Saturday. A winner of his only start in France when trained by Noel George and Amanda Zetterholm, he has since switched to Pond House ahead of a race Pipes father Martin won seven times during his decorated training career. Pipe said: Hes a nice three-year-old who obviously won well in France and he goes nicely at home and has schooled well. It looks a very competitive race, but its a nice starting point. Hes come from a good team and knew his job before he came to me and weve been pleased with what weve seen since. In more recent times, it has been James Owen who has been the man to follow in this Grade Two contest and after saddling Burdett Road and East India Dock to win the past two seasons, he now turns to Queens Vase sixth Hallelujah U and easy Ludlow scorer Kate ORiley in search of a hat-trick. Owen said: Kate ORiley won on debut and would have stepped forward a lot from that. This is a lot tougher, but well see where we are with her. Hallelujah U has done plenty of schooling and brings a high rating off the Flat. He lacks the experience of some of the others in the race and hes going to improve a lot for the run experience-wise, but it will be interesting to see how he goes. Were hoping he can run well we like him. We were thinking about getting a run into him before but hes a horse who appreciates a bit of cut in the ground, so we just thought wed go here first time. The ground shouldnt be a problem at all. Hallelujah U and Kate ORiley will both carry the colours of the Gredley family who provided Dan Skelton with his only previous winner in this race with Allmankind in 2019. This time around Skelton will hold strong claims with Auteuil winner Precious Man who will be the Lodge Hill teams first runner for leading owner Johnny de la Hey. Others to note include Gavin Cromwells raider Secret Force who was an impressive six-and-a-half length winner at Punchestown on his hurdling bow and Harry Derhams One Horse Town who has been busy having already racked-up a hat-trick over hurdles, including a 10-length win at Kempton last time out. A high-ranking police source has reportedly indicated that terrorism has been ruled at this stage (AFP via Getty) Police shot a knife-wielding man at Montparnasse station in Paris, after he had threatened his wife and children before boarding a train. The major train station in Paris was evacuated as officers confronted the man on Friday afternoon, after he had made the threats before taking a train destined for Montparnasse. The prosecutors office said an officer used his weapon on the man at Montparnasse station, who then inflicted knife wounds on himself. A witness told Reuters they heard several shots. Police were waiting for the man reported in French media to be a 44-year-old originally from Wallis and Futuna upon his arrival. When officers confronted the man, he threatened to take his own life and was then shot in the legs, the source said. Passengers wait inside the Montparnasse train station in Paris on Friday after the incident (AFP via Getty) A high-ranking police source has reportedly indicated that terrorism has been ruled out as a motivation at this stage, BFMTV reported. The man was travelling on board a OUIGO train connecting Rennes to Paris, arriving at Montparnasse station at 3:02pm local time (2:02pm GMT), Le Parisien reported. A witness told BFMTV he heard a loud bang before panic broke out around him. It took me two or three seconds to realise what was happening. People started saying, We have to get out of here, we have to leave quickly, so that got my heart racing and I got up and ran, the witness told the news network. A firefighter van is seen parked at a platform of the train station (AFP via Getty) The police intervention caused a crowd surge through the concourse, a Reuters photographer at the station said when the incident occurred. Authorities evacuated the station, which serves suburban commuter routes and high-speed trains headed to the countrys west and southwest. It appears from the initial information we have received that a man known for domestic violence had brandished a knife, and that a police officer used his weapon to stop him, the Paris prosecutors office said. The man then allegedly stabbed himself. Chinese robotics steals spotlight at Web Summit in Lisbon Xinhua) 08:23, November 14, 2025 A robot of Unitree Robotics interacts with attendees at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 12, 2025. (Xinhua) For the first time, the Web Summit included a China Summit, drawing a lineup of prominent Chinese tech companies. LISBON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Unitree Robotics's exhibition booth at this year's Web Summit in Lisbon was more like a miniature concert stage, with a crowd of people several layers deep watching a nimble humanoid robot shaking hands with visitors, bowing, punching the air, and finally breaking into a dance routine under flashing lights. Rodriguez, a startup founder from Spain, stepped forward to shake the robot's hand, pose for photos, and sway along with its improvised dance moves. "I'd only ever seen Chinese robots online. This is my first time seeing one in person -- it's incredible," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I absolutely love it!" said Eliano Marques, head of a local data and artificial intelligence (AI) startup, laughing as he wrapped an arm around the robot. Impressed, he decided on the spot to order two units. "The future of robotics is in China. We want long-term, in-depth cooperation with Unitree." According to Wang Zhe, Unitree's regional manager, the company's Portuguese distributor received numerous inquiries during the summit and has already sold dozens of robots locally. "There will be more," he added, confidently. A robot of Unitree Robotics interacts with attendees at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 12, 2025. (Xinhua) The excitement around Unitree's robots reflects the growing attention Chinese innovation is receiving around the globe, as well as the momentum of digital cooperation between China and Portugal. This year's Web Summit also featured, for the first time, a China Summit, with exclusive stages and programs spotlighting China's advances in AI and industrial transformation. One highlight was the presence of a delegation of Chinese tech companies including Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, and Unitree in their first collective appearance at the Web Summit. "These companies represent the vitality and potential of China's digital trade and digital economy. They've come with sincerity, seeking mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development," said Zhu Guangyao, an official from China's Ministry of Commerce. In the China exhibition area, Huawei showcased its leading capabilities in AI and cloud computing; Tencent drew crowds with a 3D-printing design platform; Alibaba presented its global offerings in cloud computing, AI, big data, and enterprise services. Many European visitors said the technologies and products on display from Chinese companies were "more open and more mature than expected." A humanoid robot demonstrates its skill of folding a cloth at the 2025 World Internet Conference (2025 WIC) Light of Internet Expo in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Joana Gaspar, executive board member of Portugal's Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), emphasized that China has industrial-scale and technological depth, while Portugal has strong experience in regional innovation clusters and industry-academia-research integration. "This highly complementary relationship can drive joint innovation with global impact," she said. Portugal hopes to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as energy transition, green mobility, smart manufacturing, digital technology, health and life sciences, Gaspar added. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) by Laurie Sheck 1. In the summer of 1977 in New York Citysummer of the famous city-wide blackout, its fires and lootingmy parents stole a street sign. The sign marked the location of my fathers housewares store which overnight had been turned into a hollow shell of blackened ash and charred brick. Looted and burned. The sign was a remembrance of a place they had loved. The store was in the South Bronx, which at that time was the highest crime district of NYC. 149 St. and Prospect Ave. From earliest childhood, I spent many hours there dusting shelves, sticking price tags onto merchandise, and performing a variety of other minor tasks. The store and the neighborhood were a large part of my childhood world, of my introduction to what a world even is. My father and his older brother left school in the 9th and 10th grades to support their family. His brother had died young. Now, with the blackout of July 13, overnight the neighborhood was decimated. The store was gone. 2. Even before the blackout, the South Bronx was notorious for its empty lots and abandoned buildings, its street gangs and drugs. Of course back then, as a child, I was unaware of the statistics. I didnt know that roughly 20 percent of the buildings stood empty, abandoned by landlords unwilling or unable to maintain them. Unemployment was nearly double the rate of the city as a whole. Fewer than half of heads of households were said to be employed. The median income was $4,600, substantially below the median for the city. One study showed the median household size as 5.0, whereas the median household size for the city overall was 2.2. Families were crowded into tiny spaces. About half of the households were headed by women. In 1977, the Womens City Club of New York City issued an extensive report on the area, With Love and Affection: A Study of Building Abandonment. In addition to gathering numerous statistics, the report described the relentless deterioration of the neighborhood dating back to the late 1960s. The blackout intensified what was already there: block after block of empty buildings, some open and vandalized, some sealed, standing among rubble-strewn lots on which other buildings have already been demolished. In the midst of this desolation there is an occasional building where people are still trying to live. It went on, The streets and sidewalksare littered with rubbish, with shattered glass out of the gaping doors and windows. A New York Times article from 1975 bore the headline To Most Americans, The South Bronx Would be Another Country. And yet, even as my memories resonate with much of what the WCC report described, I also remember bustling streets, restaurants, families. 3. By the time I was two, my parents and I had moved from the Bronx to an apartment in North White Plains, and then, when I was ten, and the family had grown larger, to a house in Ardsley, so my childhood consisted of an ongoing contrast between two very different worlds, as the store continued to be a major part of our lives. This contrast raised many questions: Why did I have things that others did not? Why was my house ok when others houses were crumbled down? Issues of inequality and injustice were embedded in my daily life. In the very earliest years before it was expanded to include the vacated bakery space next door, the store was small with one narrow aisle. The metal shelves were crammed with all sorts of household items. My father had a machine for making keys which, to my child-mind, seemed intensely magical. On the far wall were two white ceramic masks of comedy and tragedy. This made no sense to me. Why were those masks there, what were they doing? And yet they seemed to say something about the world I had entered.- its promises and hauntings. Many clocks hung from the wall behind the cash register, some round, some rectangular, some cat-faced with metronome-tails. From a very young age I was taught to recognize heroin addicts; my father called them junkies. Bloodshot eyes, sallow skin, bony fingers scratching hollow cheeks. The store had a tiny rickety-doored bathroom that scared me. Once, starting to go in, I came upon an emaciated man hunched over and shooting up with a needle in his arm. One of my jobs was to tell my father if I saw any customers shoplifting. He handled such incidents with what I remember as a gentleness that surprised me. I recall one incident in particular a matronly woman in a long, flowered dress was trying to carry a toaster out between her knees. Somehow she managed to walk forward. My father approached her very mildly and remarked that it must be hard and uncomfortable to carry it that way, wouldnt it be better if he could keep it for her on the counter. Over time, he taught me how to recognize counterfeit billsthe proper texture of the paper, how to look for the embedded red threads, and to count for the proper number of steps on a government building. Not long ago, after my mother died, I found a pile of two dollar bills she had saved, some with handwriting on them in blue pen, clearly from the old neighborhood, Jaime loves Nesta and Papi I love you; I imagine she meant to check if the serial numbers made any of them worth more than two dollars. One summer afternoon when I was around five, a very striking, tall, glamorously dressed and made up, beautiful black woman entered the store. Dad, I exclaimed, Look at that beautiful woman, only to have him reply, Thats a man. I stood there and thought, I dont understand the world; it kept multiplying into vaster and more various worlds than I could ever imagine. Another time, a man dressed as a nun walked through the store taking collection. When it was raining or bad weather, my father would take in a few homeless people to sit in the back of the store and fold boxes. At night they slept on the roof by the steam vent, warming themselves. The store sold greeting cards, all sorts of household goods, but also decorative porcelain bulls with golden horns, and paintings on velvet of a crucified Jesus whose electrified blood ran through his veins and dripped from his palms when the picture was plugged in to the wall. These paintings were popular items, as were foot-high ceramic statues of Buddha highlighted with glittering gold. After the blackout, when I walked into the ruined store, I found one of those Buddhas lying on its side, intact on the charred floor. I took it with me. 4. There is a prose poem by Charles Baudelaire, Eyes of the Poor, written in Paris in 1855. It is no coincidence that the emergence of the prose poem in France coincided with the rapid urbanization of Paris and the throwing together of a diverse population of varying backgrounds and classes. In Baudelaires poem, a man and woman in love have spent the day together. It is evening, they are dining in an elegant cafe, decorated with dazzling sheets of mirrors, the gold rods and cornices The man, the narrator, notices right in front of them, outside on the sidewalk, a tired man with a graying beard, holding with one hand the hand of a little boy and carrying on his other arm a little child too weak to walk. All three are dressed in rags. As the narrator looks into their eyes, he imagines the little boys thoughts as he gazes at the dazzling cafe: How beautiful it is! But its a house only people who arent like us can enter. The narrator, stirred and troubled by the man and his children, recalls, Not only was I moved by that family of eyes, but I also felt a little ashamed of our glasses and carafes, which were larger than our thirst. I turned my gaze toward yours, dear love, to read my thoughts thereand then you said to me, I cant stand these people over there, with their eyes wide open like carriage gates. Cant you tell the head waiter to send them away? At this, a terrible abyss opens between the man and the woman he thought he loved. What I sensed as a child: Our cities partly show us who we are. 5. Shortly after the store burned down and we were there for a few days sorting through the damage, people from the neighborhood came by bringing gifts of food, offering condolences, expressing hope the business would return. But for my father and the others he knewthe dress store owner, the guy who ran the laundromat, the owner of the car repair shop, there was really no way to go back. The result was a neighborhood even more abandoned and without services. In 1980, when President Reagan visited the South Bronx, he commented that he hadnt seen anything like it since London after the Blitz. In 1970, the Census Bureau had counted 763,518 people living in the South Bronx; by 1980 the count was 453,925. A 1983 report by the South Bronx Development Organization put the number of abandoned housing units at fifty thousand. Between 1970 and 1981, the Bronx lost one-fifth of its housing stock to abandonment, arson and demolition. In the 1980s the city devised a program to cover many of the areas broken, decimated facades with full-sized decals of attractive doors and windows decorated with brightly colored curtains and flowerpots. An official press release stated, We do not claim that the Occupied Look is the answer to our overall housing problems. However, it does address itself to keeping our city an attractive place to which people want to move. When my father and I drove past those facades, it was like looking at weirdly done-up ghosts. 6. In 1976, the year before the blackout, the artist and architect Gordon Matta-Clark was invited to take part in a prestigious exhibition, Ideas as Model curated by Phillip Johnson, at the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies in Manhattan. The Institute was housed in an elegant brownstone. The other invitees included Peter Eisenmann, Richard Meier and Michael Graves. As Matta-Clarks widow, Jane Crawford, recalled, Gordon and I visited the exhibition and watched as the delicate balsa wood and paper models were installed. To Gordon, they represented everything that was wrong with architecture, primarily its exclusivity. This point of view ran through all of Matta Clarks work; he spent his working life as an artist (he died at 35) involved with issues of social justice and the landscapes and architectures of urban poverty, disuse, destruction. The night before the opening, ill at ease with the elegance of the exhibition, he and a few friends entered the Institute where, instead of installing the approved project he originally proposed, he hung eight photographs of the South Bronx in the spaces between the windows, and then, with an air gun, shot out the seven large windows of the elegant exhibition space. As Crawford put it, With that one gesture he had changed the context of the exhibition to that of the South Bronx and those who struggled under the oppression of the rich. In the new context, the exquisite, Avant Gard homes that only the very wealthy could afford were rendered frivolous and irrelevant. When we arrived the next day, the windows had been repaired (an extraordinary feat in such a short time) and the photos neatly wrapped in brown paper and string. Gordon was not welcomed within. I am continually amazed at the resonance of a piece which only a handful of friends actually saw. The work was titled Window Blow-Out. 7. When my mother died last year, I moved the street sign into my apartment. Sometimes at night I can almost still feel myself there. Memories come in flashes: the quiet boy standing at the counter, extending his hand to pay but the money hes holding isnt enough; Hector who came by for a few days each Christmas to work in the store though he didnt have tohe wanted to repay my father for footing the bill for his sons funeral; how the police stopped in to ask that kitchen scales be removed from the shelves because drug dealers used them, and members of the gang, the Savage Skulls, came around to sell my father insurance. How day after day I was both frightened and not frightened all at once. How ruin was beautiful and terrible. How in the eyes of a very small child the world was vast, dirty, miraculous, various, unjust. *** Patricia Crowther helped establish a coven in Sheffield in 1961 that has sent several thousand initiates out into the world Photograph: none My friend Patricia Crowther, who has died aged 97, was one of the elders of Wicca, a movement that grew, during her lifetime, from an underground witchcraft cult into a global religion known to its adherents as the Craft. Born in Sheffield to Clare and Alfred Dawson, local tobacconists, Patricia attended Eastbank high school and Whiteleys secretarial college, and also studied at the Constance Grant school of dance. A keen dancer and accordionist, she made her career in the theatre playing in revue, variety, pantomime and the summer season across Britain. In 1956 she met the stage magician Arnold Crowther, and they performed together in an act combining puppetry and magic. Arnold introduced Patricia to his friend Gerald Gardner, known as the father of modern witchcraft. Gardner had discovered the New Forest coven, which he believed to be the last remnants of an ancient pagan witch cult, and set about recruiting new members. He initiated Patricia and Arnold into the Craft in 1960, and later that year he conducted their pagan wedding ceremony, known as handfasting, on the eve of their civil marriage. With Gardners help, Patricia and Arnold established the Sheffield coven in 1961, and it is estimated that several thousand initiates across the world now trace their lineage back to this mother coven. By the time of Gardners death in 1964, Wicca probably had no more than 100 initiates. During the 1960s worldwide interest grew (alongside the growth of the so-called New Age), and advocacy groups such as the Pagan Federation helped establish a wider pagan community. The Crowthers became prominent representatives of the Craft in public life, giving media interviews and lectures, and publishing books about Wicca. These include The Witches Speak (1965), Witchcraft in Yorkshire (1973), Witch Blood! (1974) and The Secrets of Ancient Witchcraft (1974). In 1971 they wrote and presented a BBC radio series, A Spell of Witchcraft. Arnold died in 1974. In 1978, Patricia met Ian Lilleyman, also a Wiccan, and they were handfasted in 1981 one of Patricias best known books, Lid Off the Cauldron: A Wicca Handbook, was published in the same year. She also designed cards for Sylvia Gainsfords Tarot of the Old Path (1990) and wrote Witches Were for Hanging, a novel, in 1992, as well as two autobiographies, One Witchs World (1998) and From Stagecraft to Witchcraft (2002). The Craft has carried on growing, and now has about a thousand initiates in the UK, and hundreds of thousands more initiates, adherents and followers around the world, especially in the US. In 2014 the Centre for Pagan Studies hosted a day of celebration of Patricias life and contribution to witchcraft and paganism, at which she took to the stage, aged 87, to deliver an impromptu poetry performance. Ian survives her. William Wenham, 47, was serving a two-year sentence and waiting to face trial for an offence of aggravated burglary when he was released in error from HMP Rochester on June 3 this year (Sussex Police) Police have launched an appeal to find a man who was released from prison by mistake earlier this year. William Wenham, 47, was serving a two-year sentence and waiting to face trial for an offence of aggravated burglary when he was released in error from HMP Rochester on June 3 this year. Wenham was convicted of burglary with intent to steal in his absence in Cambridge Crown Court on October 3 this year. Police have now issued an appeal to find Wenham who is unlawfully at large. He has links to Havant, Worthing, Brighton, Peterborough and the surrounding area, Sussex Police said. The Ministry of Justice has faced scrutiny in recent weeks over a string of high-profile accidental releases, including convicted Epping sex offender Hadush Kebatu and failed Algerian asylum seeker Brahim Kaddour-Cherif. Responding to a parliamentary request for updated figures, the MoJ revealed on Tuesday that 91 prisoners were mistakenly released between April and the end of October an average of three errors a week. The numbers of prisoners set free by mistake has risen alarmingly in the last three years. Between 2013 and 2022, the numbers of incidents ranged from 44 up to 72. But in the year up to March 2023, it was 81, the following year was 115, and then the latest full year was 262. The MoJ says that the rise in the number of prisoners released in error is linked to HM Prison and Probation Service having to digest and implement a range of operational and legislative changes, including a large-scale early release scheme due to prison overcrowding. A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: Were searching for William Wenham, who is wanted for being unlawfully at large. The 47-year-old was serving a two-year sentence and waiting to face trial for an offence of aggravated burglary when he was released in error from HMP Rochester on Tuesday, 3 June. Wenham was convicted of burglary with intent to steal in his absence in Cambridge Crown Court on Friday, 3 October 2025. William has links to Havant, Worthing, Brighton, Peterborough, and the surrounding area. Anyone who sees him is asked to dial 999, quoting Op Equal. Deputy Prime Minister David Lammy admitted on Friday there is a "mountain to climb" to tackle the crisis in the prisons system. Prisons minister Lord James Timpson said on Monday there is "no quick fix" to releases in error, and it is "going to take time to get it right". The biggest shareholders in hotel chain PPHE have said they are in talks over options for the business, including selling stakes. The company, which runs Park Plaza hotels in Europe, saw shares jump in early trading on Friday as a result. It followed reports from Bloomberg that the process could lead to the business being taken private. Founder Eli Papouchado and PPHE president Boris Ivesha confirmed they are planning to hold a small handful of meetings with financial investors over potential options for the business. The shareholders, who own around 44% of the business, said options include investors contributing growth capital to PPHE and the potential partial monetisation of their stakes. In a statement, they added: The shareholders are not in discussions with any parties and are not in receipt of any offer for their collective stake in PPHE. There can be no certainty that any such offer will be made. Israeli hotelier Mr Papouchados family trust owns around 33% of the company. The company, which has a property estate valued at 2.2 billion at the end of last year, also runs sites under the Artotel brand, including London locations in Battersea Power Station and Hoxton. Shares in the business rose by 10.5% to 1,658p on Friday morning, giving the company a market valuation of around 695 million. Putin preparing to unleash big war on Europe in next five years, says Zelensky Russia is preparing for a big war in Europe as soon as 2029, Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an urgent message to Ukraines allies. Posting on X, the Ukrainian president called for the international community to double-down on sanctions on the Russian economy and weapons to decrease their capabilities. He wrote: Given the situation on the battlefield, we dont see Russia wanting to stop. The problem is that when we look at the Russian military industry, we see that they are increasing their production. In our assessment, they want to continue this war. We think that if we push hard, the Russians will need a pause. But we have to recognise that they want a big war, they are preparing to be able to start such a big war in 2029 or 2030 in this period on the European continent. Volodymyr Zelensky warned Europe that Russia is planning a big war as early as 2029 (AFP via Getty Images) Zelensky went on to say: I think that we have to think about how to stop them now in Ukraine. But also to do everything to decrease their capabilities. Not to give them money, which they still can get from energy. And not to give them weapons. It comes as the EU is looking into how it can source more money for Ukraine, either by seizing frozen Russian assets, raising funds on capital markets, or having some of the 27 EU nations raise the money themselves. Zelensky says it is time to push hard against Russia (Ukrainian Presidential Press Service) Russian president Vladimir Putin "thinks he can outlast us" in the battle over Ukraine's future, nearly four years after Russia's all-out invasion of its neighbor, Ursula von der Leyen said. "And this is a clear miscalculation," the president of the European Commission said. "Now is therefore the moment to come, with a new impetus, to unlock Putin's cynical attempt to buy time and bring him to the negotiation table." It has been over four years since Putin launched the war against Ukraine (AP) Meanwhile, the Kremlin said on Thursday that Ukraine would have to negotiate with Russia "sooner or later" and claimed that Kyiv's negotiating position would get worse by the day. Moscow, whose forces are currently trying to take control of the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, has accused Ukrainian officials of refusing to engage in peace talks. In response, Kyiv says Moscow's demand that Ukraine cede occupied land as part of a peace deal is unacceptable and tantamount to surrender. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia remained open to a political and diplomatic settlement and wanted peace. His comments follow stalled US-led peace efforts, with no progress since Trump and Putin held talks in Alaska in August. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 20 October to discuss a possible new summit, days after it was announced by Trump following a phone call with Putin. Trump subsequently said he had cancelled a prospective summit. The US president has backed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine with forces at their present positions. A trade union has urged the Chancellor not to sacrifice oil and gas workers and ease the windfall tax at the Budget this month. Louise Gilmour, GMB Scotland secretary, has written to Rachel Reeves to urge her to cut the levy which was placed on the industry by the last government and extended since Labour took office last year saying that every day an oil and gas worker is out of a job is a Government failure. Many in the industry and opposition politicians have warned that the 38% charge on the profits of firms were risking investment and jobs. While oil and gas workers are forced to leave the industry or follow work abroad, there is little sign of the renewables jobs meant to replace them, not in the UK at least, she said. Every day an oil and gas worker spends out of work is a Government failure and there is both an economic and a moral case for action. Energy workers must be supported through the transition, not sacrificed to it. She added: Of course, we must encourage and adopt new renewable sources of energy but our transition need not be so rushed and self-harming. Promised UK jobs with terms and conditions even close to matching those in oil and gas have yet to be created and any hope of a successful transition rests on their experience and expertise and the financial strength of their companies helping build the energy infrastructure of tomorrow. This will be impossible if ministers fail to protect our oil and gas sector while mapping a measured, planned and successful transition to net zero. Ms Gilmour also hit out at the shuttering of the Grangemouth oil refinery earlier this year, describing it as both needless and the dismantling of a bulwark of UK energy security. For years to come, we will need oil and gas to heat our homes and power our industries, the union leader said. If we need it, and we have it, then we should produce it and allow workers to build families and communities on a successful and lucrative industry capable of underpinning energy supplies. The UK Government has been contacted for comment. The sun rises during a service to commemorate Waitangi Day, in Waitangi, New Zealand. Critics of the governments planned changes to history curriculum in schools argue it erases Maori knowledge. Photograph: Fiona Goodall/Getty Images As cows grazed sleepily in a nearby paddock, then-14-year-old Leah Bell watched as a local Maori elder cried. She was standing at the site of the massacre at Rangiaowhia, where Maori were deliberately burnt to death by the British crown in 1864. The site was just down the road from her Waikato high school. But she had never heard about it; in history, theyd been learning about the American civil war. That shameful realisation led Bell and her classmates to organise a 13,000 strong petition to parliament in 2015, as part of a groundswell of young people pushed for the teaching of accurate New Zealand history, including the wars over land, in schools. This was made compulsory in 2023. Now, the government wants to rewrite the history curriculum, removing and revising Maori history content and cutting some Maori words and references to the countrys foundational document, the Treaty of Waitangi (Te Tiriti o Waitangi) from the overall syllabus. Related: Backlash after New Zealand government scraps rules on incorporating Maori culture in classrooms Teachers, principals and academics are among the critics of the governments planned reforms, which they say erases Maori knowledge and re-introduces rigid and outdated education methods. Its deeply alarming, says Bell, 26, who is of Pakeha (European New Zealand) descent and is now a masters student in Maori and indigenous studies at Waikato University. Why are they trying to reframe this history? We need to grapple with it. The proposed curriculum covers students in primary to junior high, aged between 5 and 14 years old. Those who have helped to write or oversee the changes say its a long-awaited move to a discipline-driven approach, which will lift school results and rebalance the curriculum. Yet many see the changes as politically-driven and part of what they say is a wider attack on Maori language and culture in schools. It comes as more than 200 schools petition the government to reinstate a rule for school boards to ensure Maori was included in classrooms, and after Maori words were scrapped from some early readers. Eurocentric focus Work on a new curriculum had begun under former prime minister Jacinda Ardern, and a refreshed English and maths curriculum was released late last year. But the release of a final version of these subject areas last month-along with drafts of overarching documents and social sciences, which includes history-has caused distress. Maori educators who worked on drafts say it is unrecognisable, dropping Maori themes, words, and references to the countrys foundational document. New Zealand history will still be taught, but has been re-written in a way thats eurocentric, says Nepia Mahuika, an associate professor in history at Massey University. It doesnt critique nationalism as you would expect in social sciences histories, it removes Maori content and replaces it with a world focus. Weve always been skeptical of when you work with the state and what happens to indigenous histories, and you can see why. Teachers and unions say the draft, out for consultation for six months, contains too much prescriptive content, with higher academic expectations at younger year levels. Education minister Erica Stanford told the Guardian she absolutely rejected assertions it was sidelining Maori. Social science needs to include New Zealand history, world history, geography, civics and financial literacy. Its quite a big learning area what we found was that the previous governments history curriculum was so encompassing that there was no time to do anything else. Overall the curriculum was too vague, lacked consistency, and was not knowledge-rich, she said. New Zealand pupils had tanked in OECD education rankings over the last 20 years, and this was designed to lift attainment, she said. Maori knowledge remained throughout, improved results showed her structured literacy approach was already working. The core tenet of the treaty is that we raise Maori achievement, and nobody has been able to do that. That is my responsibility. But part of the coalition governments agreement with the libertarian ACT party included a policy to rebalance the curriculum. In a statement on social media, ACT leader David Seymour applauded the changes, saying the curriculum had been fixed. The Marxist big ideas such as Maori history is the foundational and continuous history of Aotearoa New Zealand and The course of Aotearoa New Zealands histories has been shaped by the use of power are GONE. In their place is a new and balanced History Curriculum. Paul Moon, a professor of history at Aucklands University of Technology, agreed the re-write was more holistic. There was a monolithic view of what colonisation is, which was Pakeha coming here and taking over the political institutions of the country and dominating pretty much everything. The very broad brushstroke good v bad view of things is not helpful, because its not real. Its not as simple as it was made out. Going back to the past For many on the frontline, still negotiating pay and conditions and now tasked with introducing a new curriculum next year, there is disillusionment. At Mt Cook School in Wellington, principal Adrianne McAllister, of Te Aitanga o Mahaki descent, said it felt as if they were battling a barrage of change that amounted to an erasure of Maori. She was worried about students at her school, who she said learned best when they saw themselves reflected. Whose knowledge is this? We want kids to be critical thinkers, to dissect information. We know this one-size fits all approach doesnt work. Its like going back to the past, and it didnt work then. Its just draining, and it breaks my heart. Others see this as a deliberate step backwards, one that has happened before. We were finally breaking the cycle of historical amnesia about our countrys past, pre-eminent historian Vincent OMalley said. And now were putting it all at risk. Royal Champion ruled supreme over the field to capture the Bahrain International Trophy for Karl Burke, getting up in the final strides to deny Galens bid to make all the running. The 15-8 favourite travelled well in a handy position throughout the mile-and-a-quarter Group Two feature, producing a finishing burst that has encouraged his trainer who was putting the seal on a fantastic year to try him over a longer trip in 2026. When Galen kicked away over a furlong out he looked the likely winner, only for James Doyle to produce a masterstroke when he uncorked the Sheikh Mohammed Obaid-owned seven-year-old, who scored by three-quarters of a length. Burke said: James gave him a great ride. We wanted to get him settled and into a good rhythm. I told James it would take him a hundred metres to really find his stride, and while I thought we were beat a furlong and a half out, he had it under control. This horse stays well, and hes tough. The success was a third in the last four years in the race for North Yorkshire-based trainers and Burke added: You can never expect everything to go right. He takes a long time to get going and we only did it on the last few strides. I didnt want them to crawl, and as he runs very well when fresh I didnt want to bring him down here and do too much. Hes quite exuberant and nervy and I think it will be well worth a try running him over a mile and a half next year. Doyle paid tribute to the part the injured Clifford Lee has played in the career of the winner, saying: Hes a professional horse and he relaxed very well. The leader set a slowish pace and then quickened it up. When he kicked it was a bit of a worry, but a furlong out I knew we were going to win. It turned out well for us and the experts were proved right, but I would like Clifford Lee to know we are thinking of him. Meanwhile, Joseph OBrien praised Dylan Browne McGonagle for the ride he gave runner-up Galen. He said: Our horse quickened it up well and I thought we had it, the winner found what was required but Im proud of the way Galen ran. Hes a high-class horse on his day. Godolphins Military Order stayed on well down the centre of the track to finish an honourable third, just half a length off the second, but Pride Of Arras was put in his place after trying to mount a challenge on Galen, weakening into fourth under Rossa Ryan. The State of Democracy survey found that across the nine countries polled, more people said democracy had got worse in the past five years than better. Photograph: Emmanuel Dunand/AFP/Getty Images Satisfaction with democracy is below 50% in eight out of nine western countries surveyed in a poll, and majorities in all but one fear for its future, with fake news, lack of political accountability, extremism and corruption seen as the biggest threats. An Ipsos survey of almost 10,000 people in Croatia, France, Italy, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, Sweden, the UK and the US found satisfaction with democracy low in all except Sweden, with deep concerns about the future state of electoral politics. Gideon Skinner, senior director of UK politics at Ipsos, said: Despite strong support for democratic ideals across many countries, the public are clearly disappointed with how democracy is working in practice and worried about its future. Skinner said the Ipsos State of Democracy survey showed that concern about democracy was growing fast in some countries, particularly the Netherlands and France, and that there was a strong desire for radical change in almost all. Fewer than a third of respondents in six countries 18% in Croatia, 19% in France (19%), 20% in the US, 26% in the UK, 27% in Spain and 29% in Italy said they felt satisfied with how democracy was working in their country. Opinions were divided in the Netherlands (36% satisfied, 37% dissatisfied) and Poland (40% satisfied, 31% dissatisfied), and Sweden was the only country in the survey where a majority were satisfied with how democracy is working (65%). Across the nine countries, more people said democracy had got worse rather than had better in the past five years, with views in France and the Netherlands whose governments collapsed during the year particularly negative, and Poland the only exception. Overwhelmingly in France (81%) and in the Netherlands (76%) respondents felt the way democracy was working had deteriorated, but clear majorities in the US (61%), Spain and the UK (58% each) also shared that same view. In Poland, 42% felt it had got better and 30% worse. Looking to the future, large majorities in all countries bar Sweden were worried about the state of democracy in five years time: 86% in France, 80% in Spain, 75% in the UK and Poland, 74% in the Netherlands, 73% in Croatia, 69% in the US and 64% in Italy. Few people felt governments at any level represented their views well, although local government did better. In none of the nine countries did a majority feel that their national government represented their views a great deal or fair amount. Nonetheless, there was strong support for democracy across most countries, with clear majorities saying it was crucial to society and worth defending. Croatia was the only country to feel that it should be contingent on it delivering a good quality of life. Fake news, lack of accountability, extremism and corruption were seen as the main threats, with disinformation seen as the biggest danger in France (56%), the UK (64%), Sweden (67%), the Netherlands (75%) and Poland (76%). In the US (63%) and in countries in the south of Europe Spain (73%), Croatia (80%), and Italy (47%, along with economic inequality) respondents were more likely to identify corruption as the greatest threat. Among a range of potential solutions for strengthening democracy, respondents identified mainly stronger anti-corruption laws and enforcement, stronger regulation of social media, better civic education and protecting the independence of the courts. Despite the generally strong support for democracy, there was an equally strong desire for radical change, with more people in most countries thinking the system was rigged in favour of the rich and powerful rather than working for everyone. Support for radical change was high in most countries, at 52% in Spain, 55% in Italy, 60% in Poland and the UK, 66% in France and 69% in Croatia. However, there was also a clear preference in all countries for political leaders who build consensus. One person has been arrested on suspicion of aggravated manslaughter - Getty Images Several people have been killed and more injured after a bus crashed into a queue of commuters in central Stockholm. The vehicle crashed into a bus stop around 3pm local time on the Valhallavagen street in the Swedish capital. One person was arrested on suspicion of aggravated manslaughter, which is defined as reckless behaviour during the commission of another crime. Police later said they did not believe the crash was intentional. We do not consider it to be intentional. There is nothing in what has emerged that points in any other direction, Daniel Wikdahl, press spokesman for the Stockholm Police, said on Friday evening. Credit: Social Media Police confirmed three pedestrians were killed after the crash, with two more seriously injured. There are both injured and deceased people in the incident. Police are for the moment not commenting on the number, gender or ages of the victims, a spokesperson said. The emergency services also said that the bus involved was not in service and had no passengers onboard. Images in Swedish media showed a swarm of police cars and ambulances at the scene. According to SVT, a Swedish broadcaster, authorities are not treating the incident as an act of terrorism. Aftonbladet newspaper said the early indications were that the crash was not a targeted attack. According to Aftonbladets information, there is much evidence to suggest that it may have been an accident, the newspaper reported. Ulf Kristersson, the Swedish prime minister, said that several people have died and been injured at a bus stop in central Stockholm who were perhaps on their way home to family, friends or a quiet evening at home. We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their relatives, he added. The police, ambulance and rescue services now have a very difficult and important job to do. I urge everyone to show consideration and understanding for their tasks. The bus involved was not in service and had no passengers onboard. Police do not believe the crash was intentional - Claudio Bresciani/TT NEWS AGENCY A resident of Valhallavagen, the area of Stockholm where the incident occurred, told the Swedish news outlet Aftonbladet: I was lying in bed in my room, heard a loud bang and heard several people screaming. Then I ran to the window and saw a bus that had crashed and several people on the ground. One witness told SVT Nyheter, a local broadcaster, that several people came into their shop crying after the incident. Lovisa Abom, a spokeswoman for the bus operator, Transdev, told Swedish broadcaster SVT: It is one of our buses that was involved and it is a double-decker. I also know that there are injuries, but I have no information about how it happened at the moment. Skull found by workers in Michigan woodland months after headless human remains discovered in same area Suspected human remains have been found by workers in Wayne, Michigan, according to police. Workers with a surveying crew discovered a human skull without any teeth in the woods near the Ford Michigan Assembly Plant around 2pm Thursday, Fox 2 reports. The site where the skull was found is close to an area where other adult skeletal remains were found in a container. Those remains were missing a skull. Investigators believe the discoveries are likely related. Neither the skull nor the other remains have been identified. The process to positively identify the remains is ongoing, according to police. The Independent has requested comment from the Wayne Police Department. The Ford Michigan Assembly Plant in Wayne, Michigan. A human skull was found across the street from the plant on November 13 (Google Maps) The skull will be sent to the Wayne County Medical Examiner's Office. "Once we have an idea of the biological profile who does this match up with any missing persons reports then we will get information from a potential missing person do they have x-rays of their head or CT scan or detail x-rays then we will try and compare them point by point," Forensic Anthropologist Dr. Carolyn Isaac told Fox 2. Police did not provide further detail about the remains. Chinese astronauts stranded aboard the countrys Tiangong space station after suspected space junk struck their capsule have returned to Earth on Friday aboard their replacement crews spacecraft, the Chinas human spaceflight agency has said. The three astronauts Wang Jie, Chen Zhongrui, and Chen Dong part of the Shenzhou-20 mission were initially expected to make their way back to Earth on 5 November, but a suspected impact from a small piece of space debris on their return spacecraft called off their scheduled departure. The Shenzhou mission cycles crews of three Chinese astronauts to and from the Tiangong space station for six-month stays, during which they perform several tasks, including repairing damage to the orbiting outpost. With a replacement crew making up the Shenzhou-21 mission already reaching the Tiangong space station last month, both teams remained aboard the orbital outpost longer than initially planned. Now, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) has announced that the three stranded astronauts have landed at the Dongfeng Landing Site in the Inner Mongolia autonomous region aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft. CMSA also revealed for the first time the nature of the damage to the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, stating that "tiny cracks" were found in a small window of the return capsule. "The capsule does not meet the safety requirements for a crewed return, Shenzhou-20 will remain in orbit and conduct relevant experiments," the agency said in a statement. Astronauts for China's Shenzhou-20 space mission (L-R) Wang Jie, Chen Dong, and Chen Zhongrui, wave during a departure ceremony (AFP via Getty Images) The astronauts were launched from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China in April. But their return got delayed once it was found that their return capsule had been struck by suspected space debris. The Shenzhou-20 crewed spacecraft is suspected to have been struck by a small piece of orbital debris, and assessment of the impact and associated risks is currently underway, CMSA said. CMSA said on Tuesday that emergency response plans were activated after the crews return was postponed. It appears the agency is following existing protocols to use the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft to transport the stranded crew back to Earth. The space agencys recent update also reveals that a Shenzhou-22 spacecraft is being prepared for launch from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in the Gobi Desert for the return mission. It would be launched at an appropriate time in the future, the agency said. Astronauts on the Shenzhou-21, who arrived on November 1, are expected to make their trip back to Earth next year aboard their own spacecraft. The incident points to the danger posed by space junk to astronauts. It follows last years case of debris from a broken-up Russian satellite, forcing astronauts on the International Space Station to take shelter for nearly an hour. Initial estimates suggested the destroyed Russian satellite immediately created "over 100 pieces of trackable debris. There could be over 200,000 space junk objects between 1-10 centimetres and tens of thousands of debris larger than 10 cm in the narrow region of space crowded by satellites. It is the latest twist in a tumultuous two-year takeover process for the 170-year-old newspaper business (PA) US investment group RedBird Capital has abandoned its proposed 500m takeover of The Telegraph, throwing the future of the newspaper into question. It is the latest twist in a tumultuous two-year takeover process for the 170-year-old newspaper business. A spokesperson for RedBird Capital Partners said on Friday: RedBird has today withdrawn its bid for the Telegraph Media Group. We remain fully confident that The Telegraph and its world-class team have a bright future ahead of them and will work hard to secure a solution which is in the best interests of employees and readers. The announcement comes as RedBird and its partner IMI lined up to face investigations of their plans for the paper by regulators, The Telegraph reported. According to the newspaper, Chris Evans, the editor of The Telegraph, told staff it was no secret that all senior editors and many writers had concerns about the bid. Mr Evans said: On the other hand, its also obvious that this process has gone on far, far too long. The Telegraph deserves owners who care about journalism and who will invest. We will do our best to ensure this process ends as soon as possible with a buyer who shares our passion and our ambition for The Telegraph. Telegraph editors and writers had concerns about the bid, the paper said (PA) A source close to RedBird said: This got pulled because there was simply too much time and opposition to a deal which would have helped British media. Time to move on and find another buyer. The support for investors wanting to invest in the UK has been deeply disappointing. We move on. A spokesperson for Telegraph Media Group Holdings told The Independent: Our immediate priority is to minimise disruption to the business and work with all stakeholders, including DCMS, towards a solution. According to the paper, Telegraph Media Group chief executive Anna Jones said: I will now work with the board of independent directors on next steps and what this means for the future ownership of the business. This process has been challenging and unpredictable but your hard work and continued patience is a credit to you all. The deal, announced in May, was initially blocked by the government due to new regulations that prevent foreign state ownership of the press. The collapse of the sale follows a two-year takeover saga, in which RedBird IMI previously attempted to purchase the group in 2023. The Abu Dhabi-backed fund had reached an agreement with the Barclay family to purchase the group, including The Spectator, by paying off the debts. But in March 2024, the government said it would bring forward legislation that would block the deal. Protestors chant as law enforcement dismantle an encampment by pro-Palestinian students at the University of Texas at Dallas's Chess Plaza in May 2024. Photograph: Juan Figueroa/AP As the Trump administration and Texass governor, Greg Abbott, restrict free speech on college campuses, two professors at the University of Texas at Dallas (UTD) are suing the university for retaliation stemming from 2024 arrests at a peaceful campus protest. History professors Ben Wright and Rosemary Admiral argue they should not have been arrested in the first place at the 1 May 2024 demonstration, where they were standing between their students and heavily armed law enforcement. Following the arrest, the professors say their university engaged in retaliation by severely restricting their access to campus, vaguely ordering that classroom instruction and employment/research related activities were the only permissible reasons for them to show up at work. UTD wrongly banned these plaintiffs from campus entirely at first, falsely claiming a court required that, said the professors attorney, Christina Jump. No court required that. The professors 29-page complaint, filed in a district court in Texas, names UTD and the University of Texas system as defendants, as well as former UTD president Richard Benson, current president Prabhas Moghe, Abbott and Ken Paxton, the attorney general. In addition to allegations that the defendants violated their civil rights, the professors also claim violations of the fourth and first amendments, arguing that they were unlawfully arrested without probable cause and later faced retaliation for peacefully protesting. The lawsuit arrives amid the Trump administrations assault on higher education, as well as similar attacks by Abbott. In Texas, recent bills and executive orders have stripped faculty senates of their power, limited expressive activities such as protests to certain hours of the day, and called upon universities to adopt a broad definition of antisemitism. Gregorio Olivares Gutierrez, a junior at UTD and the editor-in-chief of the independently run Retrograde newspaper, says the universitys treatment of Wright and Admiral is part of a broader erosion of faculty and students rights in Texas. Professors are afraid of saying the wrong thing, he said, for fear of going viral and losing their jobs, as recently happened at Texas A&M University. I think this is going to be the playbook for the rest of the country, Olivares Gutierrez said. Because why would the federal government that is on such a censorial kind of power trip not want to repeat a successful system if it gains ground in Texas or in Florida? The Guardian has contacted UTD, Abbott and Paxton for comment. Jump, an attorney with the Muslim Legal Fund of America, emphasized the stress her clients experienced over the last 18 months. Wright and Admiral were not ultimately charged with a crime, she pointed out, though it took nearly a year for them to learn they would not be indicted. This, Jump said, was highly unusual. If there are legit reasons to charge, people get charged quickly, she said. That is as long as it possibly could have taken. Fourteen students were indicted for obstruction of a passageway, and Wright told the Guardian that this grand jury decision was the fulfillment of my worst nightmare. I tried to protect my students, he said, and I failed. One of the students who was arrested spoke to the Guardian on the condition of anonymity, fearful of disciplinary action by their university. The student is frustrated that UTD has refused to meaningfully engage in a discussion about one of the core aims of those May 2024 protests: getting the university to divest from weapons manufacturers. UTD has not only refused to hear out what the students want, but has been outright repressive and aggressive again against these students and also faculty and anyone on UTD staff who have demanded that UTD cut ties with genocide and occupation, the student said. Wright was traumatized by his arrest, in which he was chained at the wrist, feet and legs before being held for a half hour in a police van with no air conditioning. As he later recounted in an op-ed, the police transported him and the 20 other arrested protestors to jail in historically conservative Collin county, despite the fact that most of UTDs campus including the section where the protest took place is in Dallas county. Once in jail, he wrote, the professors and students were lectured about the suicide of Sandra Bland, a Texas woman whose family has long harbored suspicions about her death in police custody. Wright and Admiral spent the night in jail before being released the following day. The 18 months since his arrest and incarceration have been emotionally painful, Wright said, in part because of the spectre of prosecution. But even after he regained full access to campus at the start of this fall semester, he remains plagued by intrusive thoughts about that day in May: I see the barrels of the guns that were pointed at me, hear the aggressive shouts from the officers, and remember the faces of my terrorized students. Admiral has endured significant trauma, as well. She spent the first eight months after the arrest unsure about her court-ordered bond conditions or how the university would enforce them. The original copy of the conditions included some unreadable text, and she only saw the legible version after the Retrograde published a trove of internal university communications and documents pertaining to the arrests. (To obtain access to these documents, the paper, which operates without university support, had to raise nearly $3,000.) Even after gaining clarity about when she was permitted on campus, Admiral felt immense anxiety. I work best from my campus office where I have my library and research materials, and I would have a constant inner monologue thinking of how I would justify my presence on campus to UTD police, she said. Would they understand that I had grading that I did in my office on the weekend, or stayed late on campus for a meeting or a dissertation defense? Would I need to prove it to them? She got in the habit of carrying a library book with her while walking on campus so that, should she be stopped, she would have a way to justify my movements. The biggest psychological toll involved my concern about what would happen to my child if I were detained, if I wasnt there to pick my child up from school, or if my child was with me if I was detained again, she said. At times, the anxiety got to a point where I became physically sick at being unable to fully work on campus. Jump told the Guardian that the defendants can now either answer each portion of her clients complaint, or file motions to dismiss. If they choose the latter, Jump said her team will mount an aggressive defense. UTD never apologized for wrongly presuming their guilt, the attorney said. And despite UTDs eagerness to declare these professors guilty without cause for 12 months, UTD has yet to publicly acknowledge their innocence. Her clients are not the only professors suing UTD for an arrest related to the pro-Palestine protests: art history professor Ali Asgar Alibhai is also suing his employer for violating his constitutional rights. Olivares Gutierrez, the newspaper editor, says the events of that May day hang over campus like this horrible splotch that they cant get out. It is the most arrests weve had in a single event, he said. All in response to students hanging out, making their opinions clear. Yes, they are opinions that the university disagrees with, but theyre still protected by the first amendment. It was a documented, peaceful event, and even when the university did its own investigation, they found that, yeah, there werent weapons there. It wasnt a danger to anyone. But the response to it is something that even the freshmen who werent here for that talk about. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. 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Harrison Sullivan, known as HSTikkyTokky, has received a suspended sentence (Surrey Police/PA Wire) A TikTok influencer has avoided prison after crashing a supercar, then failing to appear in court for nearly a year. Harrison Sullivan, who creates content under the name HSTikkyTokky, was driving extremely fast when he crashed in Surreys Virginia Water in March 2024. Afterwards, he failed to turn up in court and instead spent 12 months in Thailand, Dubai and Spain, where he continued to make social media content, Staines Magistrates Court heard on Friday. The 24-year-old was detained in Spain in August on unrelated matters, then brought back to the UK by police and arrested. In October, he pleaded guilty to a charge of dangerous driving and one of driving without insurance. Sullivan was given a one-year suspended custodial sentence on Friday. He appeared in court wearing a grey prison tracksuit. He has also been disqualified from driving for two years. Sullivan was sentenced at Staines Magistrates Court (PA Archive) Several members of his family and friends joined him in court. They were warned to keep their phones switched off throughout the hearing. Witnesses told police Sullivan was in a supercar going extremely fast, with one saying he was travelling at at least 100mph or more before the crash. Data from the crashed McLaren indicated that Sullivan was travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone at the moment of the crash, the court heard. It was going 30mph over the speed limit on a single carriageway in broad daylight with other road users, said Kane Alexander, prosecuting. Sullivan was interviewed by Louis Theroux for a Netflix documentary The fitness influencer is reportedly set to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix, exploring the impact of online misogyny on young boys. In one viral clip, Theroux is seen reciting a previous remark Sullivan had made: Call me racist, call me a misogynist, call me homophobic, call me a scammer Im all those things. Sullivan responded: Thats my way of saying I dont care. Say what you want about me, I am that, cool. I dont care. And what? In a letter to the judge, Sullivan wrote: Spreading a positive message and helping people less fortunate than myself, thats what makes me the happiest. Sullivan will have an electronic tag for three months and is expected to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. The prosecution has also applied for 18,049.47 to be paid to Surrey Police for a chartered flight to bring Sullivan back to the UK. There will be a costs hearing at Staines Magistrates Court on 15 January. The most sought-after fashion item in New York is a Hot Girls for Zohran T-shirt, the foxiest souvenir of an improbable campaign. A 34-year-old radical socialist who barely polled one per cent when he launched his run for mayor caught the zeitgeist and will soon be known as Hizzoner New York-speak for His Honour. Zohran Mamdani will become the first Muslim mayor of New York on January 1, 2026, in charge of a city of 8.5 million people, commanding a budget of $120bn and responsible for nearly 300,000 employees, with barely a shred of experience running anything. There are set to be fireworks, as he and Donald Trump clash over key issues, not least the incompatibility of Mamdanis global outlook with Trumps nationalist project. The big unknown for New Yorkers is how vengefully Trump will respond to the threat posed by Mamdani. In the mayor-elect, the president has found an opponent who can rival his celebrity status and charisma. Mamdani won with dollops of charm and a happy-warrior campaign that captivated four out of five young voters and won him 50 per cent of the electorate in a hard-fought contest with Andrew Cuomo, the scandal-plagued former governor of New York. Zohran Mamdani and his wife Rama Duwaji, who is set to be New Yorks first Gen Z First Lady (AFP via Getty Images) What Mamdani has in charisma, he lacks in qualifications. Before entering politics, he worked as a housing counsellor, helping low-income homeowners in Queens fight eviction. Born in Kampala, Uganda, he moved to New York aged seven when his father Mahmood Mamdani became an anthropology professor at Columbia University; his mother Mira Nair is a celebrated film-maker. He met his wife Rama Duwaji, a visual artist and illustrator born in Houston, Texas, on Hinge. With her short fringe, choppy bob and cool-girl vintage closet, she will be the first Gen Z First Lady of New York. See also: Why Zohran Mamdani can't be President of the US but Boris Johnson can The comedy show, Saturday Night Live, parodied Mamdanis TikTok-friendly message to affluent young women as, Hey girl, I know you got a little white guilt for gentrifying that Spanish neighbourhood, dont you. Why dont you vote for me? Youll feel a little less bad. Pink hearts appeared on screen as the actor playing Mamdani delivered his plea. Make New York affordable again It was Mamdanis message about affordability and the high cost of living that resonated with voters in the Bronx and other underserved areas of New York. Making the wildly expensive city more liveable for its hard-pressed residents will be the metric by which he will be judged. Musa al-Gharbi, author of We Have Never Been Woke, an acclaimed critique of cultural elites which has just been released in paperback, says, Mamdani was very disciplined in his messaging on the cost of food, housing and public transportation. Mamdani did promise billion-dollar giveaways, such as fast and free buses, a rent-freeze on all rent-stabilised apartments, universal childcare for six-week infants to five-year olds and subsidised city-run grocery stores. Being a radical mayor carries risks as well as rewards, and these policies could bankrupt the city without care. To pay for all his free stuff, Mamdani proposes to raise corporation taxes from 7.25 per cent to 11.5 per cent and slap a two per cent tax increase on New Yorkers earning more than $1m (760,000) a year, prompting fears that high net worth individuals and businesses will flee the city. The beneficiary of an exodus could be London, led by the capitals first Muslim mayor, Sadiq Khan. According to a partner at Sothebys International Realty, enquiries about London property rose by 28 per cent as Mamdanis poll ratings increased. Ostensibly, the two mayors are natural allies. Shortly before Mamdani was elected, a spokesperson for Khan said: The Mayor hopes that like in London, New Yorkers see through the politics of hatred and fear and embrace Mamdanis hopeful and optimistic vision for the future. They are also both natural enemies of Trump. Khan infuriated Trump by allowing a baby blimp of the US president in nappies to fly in 2018, while Maga views London as a crime and terror-infested no-go zone. Yet Khan is much more moderate and business-friendly than Mamdani. Sadiq Khan allowed a baby blimp of Donald Trump in nappies to fly over London (PA Archive) If anything is likely to inhibit the flow of the rich to London, it is the threat of tax hikes in the Budget from the chancellor, Rachel Reeves, not the actions of its mayor. Some of the early warnings about wealthy bolters leaving New York have been put on hold. Harsh critics such as the billionaire hedge fund manager Bill Ackman poured millions into defeating the new mayor, to the extent that Mamdani joked, Hes spending more money against me than I would even tax him! But Ackman has since offered an olive branch, posting on X, Congrats on the win. Now you have a big responsibility. If I can help NYC, just let me know what I can do. Spectre of the return of woke Over the final few nights of Mamdanis campaign, clips went viral on social media of him rallying partygoers in clubs across the city. At one club he stood in the DJ booth, singing along with the crowd to Jay-Z and Alicia Keys New York anthem Empire State of Mind. With young, well-educated, Left-wing elites flocking to Mamdani whose own rap videos have emerged could woke, the culture war which Trump decisively took a wrecking ball to, be back in vogue? Not if Mamdani can help it. During the campaign, he steered clear of identity politics, regarding wokeness as voter Kryptonite and the obsession of the privileged. At the same time, his attitude of no enemies on the Left could open the door to its return. Critics accused Mamdani of antisemitism and tried to fight him on culture war issues, but he refused to engage. If he had made Israel-Palestine central to his campaign and kept talking about LGBTQ+ issues and how he was going to ban fossil fuels, Al-Gharbi observes, his campaign would have gone up in flames. Anger has, however, recently resurfaced in the UK about his support for US journalist Glenn Greenwalds 2013 article which examined conventional western narrative on terrorism. In it, Greenwald questioned whether the murder of off-duty British soldier Lee Rigby in Woolwich was in fact terrorism. Mamdani shared the article on X, titled important. According to John Avlon, a moderate Democrat and chair of Citizens Union of New York: The job of mayor is to be a non-ideological problem-solver. Youve got to keep crime low, quality of life high and the taxpayer base growing. Avlon is concerned by Mamdanis uncompromising victory speech. It was stark and surprising to see a decisive tone shift. That was clearly conscious. It was a socialist and populist speech for the ramparts. He is a true believer. Mamdani gave an uncompromising victory speech (REUTERS) Mamdanis doctrine is likely to rile businesses, and yet with the stock market booming; it will take a lot for Wall Street slickers to leave the city. And the tycoons know better than anybody that Mamdanis power to raise taxes is limited by New York states moderate governor, Kathy Hochul, and the state assembly, 150 miles away in Albany. Hochul praised Mamdani for lighting politics on fire but exasperatedly told a crowd chanting Tax the rich that, The more you push me, the more Im not going to do what you want. Mamdani versus Trump According to Al-Gharbi, Mamdanis best chance of success is to make sure he can deliver one big thing, such as free buses or universal childcare. Doing too much at once without the necessary resources could lead to embarrassing failure. One of Mamdanis key battles will be how to deal with Trump, his nemesis. Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from New York amounting to seven per cent of the citys budget and is toying with sending in masked Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents and the national guard. Trumps nationalist project clashes with Mamdanis global outlook (PA Wire) But Trump has been on the back foot since the Republicans drubbing in New Jersey and Virginia, where two moderate female candidates for governor won their elections last week with wider, double-digit margins than Mamdani. An opinion piece in the tabloid New York Post, no friend of the mayor-elect, warned that punishing New York could cause irreversible financial damage to the city and the US economy. On election night, Mamdani taunted the president, saying, So Donald Trump, since I know youre watching, I have four words for you: turn the volume up. Trump responded in caps on Truth Social, And So It Begins! Start laying your bets on who is going to win. In Trumps Central Casting world, do Democrats need to get hot to win? In less than a year, American voters will choose 48 governors, 435 members of the House of Representatives and 33 senators and strategists are warning Democrats to look in the mirror. Literally. The problem, many political consultants say, is that compared to Trumps central casting cabinet and the younger-skewing GOP, the most prominent Democratic messengers might not be attractive, or young enough to capture the attention of 2026 voters. Not long ago, whether a given partys politicians were hot or not wasnt much of a concern outside gossip columns or glossy magazine spreads, and Democrats were able to command the latter with ease. These days though, Trump calls the nation the hottest anywhere as a normal course and relishes talking about how attractive people are as a push back to what he sees as woke indoctrination. During the George W. Bush and Barack Obama years, and even through Trumps first term, the party had the benefit of an influx of young (for politics) and telegenic faces, ranging from Obama himself including wife Michelle and their daughters Sasha and Malia bursting onto the scene during the 2004 presidential election. And fresh Trump-era Democratic faces during the 2018 and 2020 cycles such as then-South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Georgia senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. But as the attention economy has shifted from glossy print spreads to television, streaming and short-form vertical video, the visual has seemingly become far more important than the substance of any politicians given message. Donald Trump has always put a premium on whether appointees have the right look for a given administration role (Getty Images) With some exceptions think New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and California Gov. Gavin Newsom the increasingly visual nature of modern media and politics has been almost entirely to the GOPs benefit. It became increasingly noticeable during the government shutdown that was the longest-ever funding lapse in American history, with the Republican Partys daily message carried through a series of near-daily press conferences by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Both are clean-cut, trim, with full heads of hair. Johnson often appears younger than his 53 years, while Thune is routinely cited as one of the best-dressed (and best looking) men in Washington. And within Trumps two administrations, there are countless examples of the president himself referring to his appointees looks as a qualifier for their positions, often by citing them as being from central casting. Shortly after he was sworn in for his first term in 2017, Trump used that exact description for his first secretary of defense, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis. Speaking at a post-inauguration lunch, he said to his newly minted Pentagon boss: "If I'm doing a movie, I'd pick you, Gen. Mattis." That same year, he gave a similar compliment to his first vice president, Mike Pence, at a National Governors Association meeting. If I'm doing a movie, I'd pick you, Donald Trump told his first-term secretary of defense, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Mattis (EPA) Years before hed fall out with Pence in dramatic fashion after losing the 2020 election, he called the ex-Indiana governor a real talent, a real guy. And he is central casting, do we agree? Central casting, Trump said. Hes used the same terminology for some of his second-term appointments, including border czar Tom Homan during a speech to the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference in February in which he asked the crowd: "Is this guy central casting, though? Tom Homan. Is he central casting?" By contrast, the Democratic opposition is providing few leading men or women or even landing character-actor roles like Homan. The top Democrat in the Senate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, is 74 years old, balding and stoop-shouldered. In recent years, hes also begun to rely on unflattering reading glasses when making public statements, underscoring his advanced age. His number-two, Washington Sen. Patty Murray, is a year older still. Things are slightly better in the House leadership, where Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Conference Chair Pete Aguilar are slightly more dynamic. But the contrasts are still striking when watching both sets of leaders side-by-side with their GOP counterparts. One Democratic strategist, who asked for anonymity to be candid about members of their own party, rendered their verdict in brutally honest terms. Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rarely appears in public without his ungainly reading glasses perched at the end of his nose (EPA) We look frumpy as hell and they look put together and authoritative, the strategist said. Another Democratic campaign professional who has worked with a number of prominent members in both chambers, conceded that there is a significant gap when it comes to the images of both partys most prominent messengers. From a base marketing perspective, people are more likely to trust somebody with a symmetrical face, they're more likely to trust somebody with a good smile, they're more likely to trust somebody with good head hair, right, somebody with a well-kept beard. So those things are all legit, he said. He added that Trump and his administration are obsessed with image and appearance and said the presidents obsession does have some benefits when it comes to messaging, but he cautioned that the Trumpian central casting focus is a mile wide and an inch deep. They care more about Pete Hegseth being mildly attractive than they do about whether or not he's actually good at doing his f***ing job, he said. Hegseth and other Trump cabinet members present themselves in a way that can be traced back to the same image-making factory that has permitted the GOP-aligned messaging machine to pump out a succession of clean-cut men and women who hew to an easily-identifiable and camera-ready aesthetic. Trump chose Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth in large part for his physical appearance (Getty Images) Largely thanks to the influence of Fox News, its long been well-defined to the point of parody. For women, it means sheath dresses in bright colors with the occasional pantsuit tolerated but not exactly encouraged. Long hair, impeccably blown out. For men, dark suits and bright color ties (usually red). What was more or less an unofficial dress code became de rigeur in 2017 once Trump entered the White House. Less than a month after his first term began, Axios reported that the then-45th president had very specific requirements for those working under him, with one source opining that Trump wanted the men in his administration to have a certain look including being sharply dressed with a good physical demeanor, good stature, hair well groomed." Another source said at the time that the president wanted the women working for him "to dress like women that means dresses, not suits, with hair kept long and well-maintained. Trumps preferences havent changed 10 months into his second term, either. The women in his administration (with few exceptions) wear dresses, the men stick to dark suits. And in the words of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, theyre fit not fat. Richard Hanania, a conservative writer who contributed to the anti-DEI portions of the Project 2025 blueprint for the second Trump administration but has since become a sharp critic of the president and his Make America Great Again movement, told The Independent there is already a body of existing academic research that shows Americans generally consider Republicans to be more attractive and suggested that part of the GOPs advantage stems from how many of the most prominent women in the party are more kind of overtly sexual in the way they dress and the way they act in a way that left-wingers are not. Hanania, who admitted to writing for number of white supremacist under a pseudonym in the early 2010s but has since renounced those views, also posited that the stylistic and aesthetic differences between Democratic and Republican women play into a stereotype that casts the Democratic Party as the party of feminization, or kind of aggressive feminists and suggested that the GOPs emphasis on traditional looks for men and women could present a pretty big problem for Democrats in close elections. To the extent that we understand that human nature is a thing that operates on averages across the entire population, and to the extent that we believe that good looking people have an advantage and people think in terms of stereotypes and prototypes, it would be unusual to expect that this wouldn't rebound to the advantage of Republicans, he said. No Democratic consultant or strategist contacted by The Independent for this story would speak on the record, citing fears of professional consequences for speaking publicly about the physical appearance of prominent members of their own party. But a number of operatives suggested that the problem Democrats are facing can be addressed by attrition as some older members retire or hang around too long and are replaced by younger and more telegenic officeholders. One consultant told The Independent that their partys hotness gap is a generational problem that means we end up putting a lot of, you know, older people on TV, though he suggested that the problem is getting better because the younger crop of Democrats are attractive in comparison. We're stuck in a moment where Democrats need generational change at basically every level, like we do need new leaders that we can put out on TV. We need new surrogates we can put out on TV and on social media. We need new campaign strategists. We need new influencers. We need new everything, he said. Clare Considine, a former senior adviser to MAGA South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, told The Independent that the Democratic operatives assessment is largely accurate and pointed to a calculation shed done of the median age of the House members who spoke at last years Republican National Convention was 49. Considine said she did not make a similar calculation for the House members who spoke at the Democratic convention a month later but she noted that it was most likely far older and suggested that part of Democrats problem is their partys lack of term limits for committee chairs. By contrast, she said the GOPs insistence on forcing committee leaders to give up their posts after three terms (six years) means that to a greater extent the party centers younger people. Like Hanania, she agreed that GOP women have recently tended toward a common look and attributed that imagery to the southern influence on GOP culture. She suggested that Democratic women unburden themselves from what she called the internalized misogyny of imagining that you have to be frumpy to be serious. But Considine agreed that the GOP has an advantage in an age where people often watch television with the sound off or quickly scroll through vertical videos on TikTok for their news because the Republican aesthetic helps their candidates gain credibility with a public that has a short attention span. There's a reason that pro athletes have a game day fit and treat the tunnel like a runway, because when you look good and you feel good, you're ready to play and perform, and it's why we have a trifecta, she said. The Democratic strategist who said the partys image problem is getting better also suggested that Republicans have similar issues and panned GOP figures such as Trump who think the answer to all of their problems is to find a hot lawyer who can explain that Donald Trump is indicting people through the DOJ on television and called the Trumpian preoccupation with central casting looks very shallow. None of it really covers up how f***ing ridiculous this administration is, he said. But another Republican media consultant who worked on Trumps 2020 campaign, Giancarlo Sopo, told The Independent that Democrats need to find a way to embrace shallowness at some level if they want to win in todays heavily-visual information environment. Any political party that dismisses beauty as ornamental does so at its own peril You dont have to like the execution, but President Trump intuitively understands that humans respond to aesthetics before argument, he said. Sopo cited the example of how the ideas put forth by President John F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential campaign and afterwards werent particularly novel on their own but led to Kennedys victory and his administrations popularity because they felt new because his administration projected cultural renewal, especially compared with the man he succeeded as president, Dwight Eisenhower. His more avuncular predecessor, by contrast, was far more consequential yet has been largely forgotten by the public, he said. The lesson isnt that substance doesnt matter; its that without aesthetic resonance, it might fail to reach people at all. Credit: C-SPAN Britain is not a friend of the US or Donald Trump, the presidents border tsar has claimed. Tom Homan made the remarks in response to reports that British officials suspended intelligence sharing with the US relating to the Caribbean over concerns Mr Trumps strikes on suspected drug boats could be illegal. Mr Homan, who was appointed by Mr Trump to stop illegal immigration and enact his mass deportation programme, said: I dont think the UK is a friend of this country, a friend of the president. He conceded he was not familiar with national intelligence and was out of my lane, adding: Thats a question for [US defence secretary] Pete Hegseth or the secretary of state. Britain previously used intelligence assets in Caribbean territories to identify drug boats by the US Coast Guard, but stopped providing information last month so it did not become ensnared in what it considers illegal attacks, CNN reported. British officials reportedly believe the strikes, which have killed dozens of alleged smugglers, break international law and amount to extrajudicial killing. Andrew Bates, Joe Bidens senior deputy White House press secretary, criticised Mr Homans intervention, telling The Telegraph: Instead of damaging our national security and attacking our closest ally, Homan should listen to the American Catholic bishops who this week condemned the administrations threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. Mr Bates was referring to Americas Catholic bishops on Thursday criticising the Trump administrations indiscriminate mass deportation of people. Mr Homan, who is in charge of deportations, is a lifelong Catholic. But on Wednesday, Marco Rubio, the US secretary of state, denied the story and stressed security co-operation between Britain and the US. Mr Trump has argued that the US is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels, which in theory would allow him to invoke wartime powers and legally assassinate unlawful combatants. At least 80 people have been killed in the 20 strikes that have been publicly announced since Sept 2. Aerial footage of a strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat in the Caribbean that killed three people - AFP Democrats said they needed more clarity on how the strikes were conducted and the legal justification for doing so, following claims by critics that the administration is violating both international and US law. Mr Homans characterisation of the USs relationship with Britain is a marked contrast to that of Mr Trump, an Anglophile whose mother was born in Scotland. On his state visit to Britain in September, the president said the special relationship between Britain and the US does not begin to do it justice. He said: Were joined by history and fate and by love and language and by transcendent ties of culture, tradition, ancestry and destiny The bond of kinship and identity between America and the United Kingdom is priceless and eternal. Mr Homan has previously urged Sir Keir Starmer, the Prime Minister, to learn from Mr Trumps aggressive approach to illegal migration. He told The Telegraph: Take a page out of the Trump playbook. Two months ago, we had the lowest numbers of crossings in the history of the nation. JD Vance, the US vice-president, is another senior member of the Trump administration who has hit out at Britain, repeatedly criticising what he claims are infringements on free speech by the government. In a speech to the Munich Security Conference in February, he highlighted the case of an army veteran who was convicted for silently praying outside an abortion clinic and labelled the erosion of civil liberties concerning. The general staff said Ukrainian forces hit a marine oil terminal in occupied Crimea , a helicopter parking lot and UAV storage area, training areas at the Kirovsk airfield, and an air defence radar station in the Yevpatoria area. In the temporarily occupied territory of Zaporizhzhia region , an oil depot in the Berdiansk area and forward command posts of the 5th Combined Arms Army and the 127th Motorized Rifle Division of the Russian occupiers were hit. Facilities on the territory of the Russian Federation were also hit. The extent of the damage is being clarified The Ukrainian Defence Forces continue systematic fire damage to facilities involved in providing support to the Russian occupation army. Ukraine used its Flamingo cruise missile alongside domestically produced drones to strike several dozen objects in Russian-occupied territories and inside Russia itself on Thursday , the Ukrainian military general staff said. The Ukrainian-made FP-5 missile can fly 3,000km (1,864 miles) and land within 14 metres (45ft) of its target, and is one of the largest such missiles in the world, able to deliver a warhead of 1,150kg (2,535lb), according to experts. It is commonly known as a Flamingo missile because initial versions came out pink after the factory used the wrong paint, and is a partial alternative to the advanced Tomahawk missiles that the US has held back from supplying to Ukraine. Related: What are Tomahawk missiles and why does Ukraine want them? Russian forces launched a massive drone and missile attack on Kyiv early on Friday, officials said, striking apartment buildings and triggering explosions and fires. Air defences are in action in Kyiv, said the mayor, Vitali Klitschko. Klitschko said falling debris had struck a five-storey apartment building in Dniprovskyi district on the east side of the Dnipro River and a high-rise dwelling was on fire in Podil district on the opposite bank. Tymur Tkachenko, head of Kyivs military administration, said both drones and missiles had been deployed against the capital. Ukraines air force reported that Russian missiles were targeting Kyiv and several other regions. Gen Oleksandr Syrskyi, Ukraines top commander, visited units fighting to hold Pokrovsk in the eastern Donetsk region and coordinate operations in person, he said on Thursday. Syrskyi said key goals were to regain control of certain areas, protect supply and evacuation lines and create new ones. There is no question of Russian control over the city of Pokrovsk or of the operational encirclement of Ukraines defence forces in the area, Syrskyi said. According to the Financial Times (paywalled), the involvement of Russias Rubicon unit, which uses drones to hunt Ukrainian drone operators, has enabled Russian advances in the battle for Pokrovsk. Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraines president, said he was not opposed to withdrawing amid the very difficult situation in Pokrovsk but it was a decision for commanders on the ground. No one is forcing them to die for the sake of ruins. I will support our soldiers, especially the commanders who are there, in how they can control the situation, or its too expensive for us. The most important thing for us is our soldiers, the president said in an interview with Bloomberg (paywalled). The Institute for the Study of War said: Russian forces will likely collapse the pocket around Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, but the significance of seizing these towns will depend on the circumstances and conduct of the Ukrainian withdrawal. Zelenskyy visited troops near the south-eastern front on Thursday and said the situation near the village of Orikhiv was one of the most difficult. Thwarting Russian forces there was key to shielding the city of Zaporizhzhia. An important city, the enemy certainly wants it, the president said of the regional capital. We certainly have to defend it, he said, awarding medals to troops and discussing ways to strengthen the lines. Creative industries union Bectu has demanded the removal of Sir Robbie Gibb from the BBC board in the wake of the crisis which led to boss Tim Davies resignation. In a letter to Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy and BBC board chairman Samir Shah, Bectu, which is the biggest union in the BBC, warned Sir Robbies position was a distraction and is untenable. We simply do not see how staff can have faith in the BBCs leadership while a crucial position on the board is filled by someone perceived by many staff and external commentators as sympathetic to, or actively part of, a campaign to undermine the BBC and influence its political impartiality, the letter said. Sir Robbie served as director of communications for Theresa May when she was prime minister and his appointment to the BBC board in 2021 was met with criticism. Earlier on Friday, Ms Nandy said political appointments on the board had damaged confidence and trust in the corporation as it deals with the fallout for editing a speech by US President Donald Trump. The corporation said the splicing of the speech which appeared on Panorama in 2024 was an error of judgment, with Mr Trumps lawyers threatening to sue the BBC for one billion dollars in damages unless a retraction and apology was published. The BBC is now awaiting a response from Mr Trump after apologising, but has rejected his demands for compensation. Asked on BBC Radio 4s Today programme whether Sir Robbie had overstepped his remit and weighed in on politics, Ms Nandy said: I think that in particular is a question for the board and for the chairman of the board. What I can say to you is that I think there is a real concern, which I share, that political appointments to the board of the BBC damaged confidence and trust in the BBCs impartiality. Thats something that we will be looking at as part of the charter review, which sets the terms for the BBC for the next decade, and which this Government is about to kick off. The letter from Bectu said BBC staff were concerned about the forthcoming charter review amid open speculation about the future funding model. It added: They are unsurprisingly anxious about entering this process with a vacuum of leadership and without a new director-general in place. And they are concerned about the BBCs ability to resist partisan political pressure and uphold the integrity of its journalism. Sir Robbie declined to comment on the matter when contacted by PA. Earlier in the week Mr Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the BBC had defrauded the public over the edit, which made it appear as if he was explicitly urging people to attack the US Capitol on January 6 2021. Mr Shah has sent a personal letter to the White House to apologise for the editing and lawyers for the corporation have written to the presidents legal team, a BBC spokesperson said. The spokesperson added: While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim. The broadcaster said it will not air the Panorama episode Trump: A Second Chance? again and published a retraction on the shows webpage on Thursday. US President Donald Trump has threatened to sue the BBC for one billion dollars (Leon Neal/PA) On Friday, Ms Nandy also said she is confident the BBC is dealing with the threat of legal action from Mr Trump with the seriousness that it demands. The Culture Secretary told BBC Breakfast: The BBC, as you know, is independent of Government and so they are having those direct discussions with the US administration and with their own lawyers, but I have been speaking daily to the chair of the board, the director-general and other senior leadership within the BBC. I am confident that theyre gripping this with the seriousness that it demands. Ms Nandy added: Theyve consulted lawyers and they believe that there is no grounds for defamation, not least because the programme was not aired in the United States, because there were other voices on the programme that spoke in support of the president, and because he went on to win that election during which the programme was aired. Nevertheless, the senior leadership at the highest levels believed that this was a really serious editorial failing. That is the basis on which they have apologised to the president, and apologised to Parliament and the public as well. On Thursday, reports said the BBC faced accusations of misleading viewers about Mr Trumps US Capitol speech more than two years before the controversial Panorama edit aired. In an episode broadcast in June 2022, Newsnight reportedly played an edit of his speech which was similar to the one used in the Panorama programme. A BBC spokesperson said about the fresh claims, reported by The Telegraphs Daily T podcast: The BBC holds itself to the highest editorial standards. This matter has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it. The Panorama scandal has seen two of the BBCs most senior executives, Mr Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, quit in response. The programme, which was broadcast a week before the results of the US election in 2024, splices two clips together so that Mr Trump is seen telling the crowd: Were going to walk down to the Capitol and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell. Responding to a letter from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Shah said there had been more than 500 complaints since the publication of the Michael Prescott memo, which raised concerns about the Panorama episode. A report from Mr Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBCs editorial standards committee, raised concerns that a speech made by Mr Trump before the attack on the US Capitol had been selectively edited by the BBC. Mr Shah added: We accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. The BBC has been contacted for comment. Pam Bondi, the US attorney general, called Californias redistricting a brazen power grab. Photograph: Jen Golbeck/Sopa Images/Shutterstock The justice department on Thursday joined a lawsuit brought by California Republicans to block the states new congressional map, escalating a legal battle over a redistricting effort designed to give Democrats a better chance of retaking the House of Representatives next year. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in California, challenges the congressional map championed by Gavin Newsom, the states Democratic governor, in response to a Republican gerrymander in Texas, sought by Donald Trump. The justice departments intervention in the case sets up a high-profile showdown between the Trump administration and Newsom, one of the presidents chief antagonists and a possible 2028 contender. Californias redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process, said Pam Bondi, the US attorney general. Governor Newsoms attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand. Related: What does Prop 50s passage mean for California, Gavin Newsom and the US? Democrats have expressed confidence that the newly approved maps will withstand a legal challenge. These losers lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court, Brandon Richards, a Newsom spokesperson, said in a statement. Republicans brought the lawsuit the morning after California voters decisively approved the redistricting measure, known as Proposition 50, which suspended the maps drawn by the states independent commission and installed new House districts designed to help Democrats secure up to five GOP-held seats. It was the most significant counterpunch by Democrats in the unprecedented redistricting war that began in Texas and spread across the country as Trump attempts to secure House Republicans fragile majority for the final years of his second term. The plaintiffs assert that Californias map improperly used race as a factor to heavily favor Hispanic voters in violation of the US constitution. It asks a judge to block California from taking effect. Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Prop 50, Jesus Osete, the second-highest ranking official in the justice departments civil rights division, said in a statement, quoting from the lawsuit. Californians were sold an illegal, racially gerrymandered map, but the US Constitution prohibits its use in 2026 and beyond. The plaintiffs are being represented by the Dhillon Law Group, which was founded by Harmeet Dhillon, who is now assistant attorney general overseeing the US Department of Justices civil rights division. The firm also represented California Republicans earlier this year in their unsuccessful attempt to prevent the special election from taking place. Dhillon has been recused from this case, the justice department said. Unlike elsewhere, where Republican state legislatures have enacted gerrymanders, Californias plan required voter approval, which it received last week, with nearly 65% of the vote. It is a shame that the hacks at the highest levels of the justice department are more intent on overturning the results of a free and fair election in California and eliminating the voting rights of communities of color in Texas and Louisiana than they are on releasing the information they fear in the Epstein files, Eric Holder, the former US attorney general and chair of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee (NDRC), said in a statement. Unlike the scheme imposed on the citizens of Texas, Californians just overwhelmingly voted in favor of the states new congressional map by nearly 30 percentage points at the ballot box to fight back against Trumps gerrymandering scheme. That resounding rejection by the people clearly terrifies many Republicans and the Trump White House its no wonder they are now resorting to hypocritical, desperate and truly absurd lawsuits while at the same time continuing to beg Republicans across the country to gerrymander, all in an effort to circumvent the will of the people. Democrats need to flip just a handful of Republican-held House seats to take control of the chamber in next years midterm election. The party that holds the majority will shape the final years of Trumps second term in the White House, determining whether a unified Republican Congress will continue to deliver on his agenda or whether he will be met with resistance, investigations and possibly even a third impeachment attempt. Work begins on a tent camp for displaced Palestinians in the Netzarim area of central Gaza. Photograph: Moiz Salhi/Anadolu/Getty Images The US is planning for the long-term division of Gaza into a green zone under Israeli and international military control, where reconstruction would start, and a red zone to be left in ruins. Foreign forces will initially deploy alongside Israeli soldiers in the east of Gaza, leaving the devastated strip divided by the current Israeli-controlled yellow line, according to US military planning documents seen by the Guardian and sources briefed on American plans. Ideally you would want to make it all whole, right? But thats aspirational, said a US official, speaking on condition of anonymity. Its going to take some time. Its not going to be easy. The US military plans raise serious questions about Washingtons commitment to turning the ceasefire announced last month into an enduring political settlement with Palestinian rule across Gaza, which was promised by Donald Trump. Plans for Gazas future have been shifting at a dizzying rate, reflecting a chaotic, improvised approach to resolving one of the worlds most complex and intractable conflicts and providing aid including food and shelter to 2 million Palestinians. After weeks in which the US promoted reconstruction in the form of fenced-in camps for small groups of Palestinians, referred to as alternative safe communities (ASC), those plans were dropped this week, the US official said. Thats a snapshot of a concept that was put forth at a certain time, the US official said. Theyve already moved on from that. Humanitarian organisations who have repeatedly raised major concerns about the ASC model said on Friday they had yet to be notified of the change of plans. Without a workable plan for an international peacekeeping force, the withdrawal of Israeli troops, and large-scale rebuilding, Gaza risks slipping into limbo after two years of devastating war. Mediators have warned of a situation that is not war but not peace in a divided Gaza, with regular Israeli attacks, an entrenched occupation, no Palestinian self-rule and limited reconstruction of Palestinian homes and communities. The creation of an international stabilisation force (ISF) underpins Trumps 20-point peace plan. The US hopes a draft UN security council resolution giving the force a formal mandate will pass early next week and expects firm details of troop commitments to follow. The first step is we have to get the [resolution], the US official said. Countries are not going to make firm commitments until they actually see the language that has been passed. Trump has ruled out putting any US soldiers on the ground to pave the way for an Israeli withdrawal, or funding reconstruction. The US has been very clear they want to set the vision and not pay for it, said one diplomatic source. Earlier this month, the US military regional Centcom command drew up plans to put European forces including hundreds of British, French and German soldiers at the core of the ISF, documents seen by the Guardian show. They include up to 1,500 infantry soldiers from the UK, with expertise including bomb disposal and military medics, and up to 1,000 French troops to cover road clearance and security. The US also wanted troops from Germany, the Netherlands and Nordic countries to handle field hospitals, logistics and intelligence. One source described those plans as delusional. After long missions in Iraq and Afghanistan, very few European leaders would be willing to risk their soldiers lives in Gaza, although they have pledged other support. Only Italy has offered a potential troop contribution. The documents were marked unclassified, suggesting the US did not consider the military plans to be highly sensitive, and they apparently collided with reality in a matter of days. A US official said the figures laid out in the documents contained many inaccuracies and Washington did not expect European troops to form the core of the ISF, adding that planning for Gaza was moving fast. It is very dynamic. It is very fluid, the US official acknowledged. There are only a few people who actually understand and have their hand on the wheel of this thing. Jordan was listed as a possible contributor of hundreds of light infantry troops and up to 3,000 police officers, even though King Abdullah has explicitly ruled out sending troops because his country is too close politically to Gaza. More than half of Jordanians are of Palestinian descent, and agreeing to police the territorys ruins in coordination with Israeli forces would be an explosively unpopular threat to Jordans national security. As of Thursday, the US military was expecting core contributions from a generously broad group described as Nato and partners, which included countries across Europe, Asia and the Middle East. A US concept of operation for the ISF specifies that troops will serve in the green zone only. The US envisages the deployment starting small in a limited area with a few hundred troops, then expanding slowly to a full strength of 20,000 across the area. It would not operate on the western side of the yellow line, where Hamas is reasserting control. Youre not going to leave [the green zone], the US official said. Another document lays out plans for foreign soldiers to man crossings along the line of control after integrating with Israeli forces stationed along it, a mission likely to alarm potential troop-contributing nations. They are wary of getting caught in crossfire between Hamas and Israeli soldiers, and borders are usually potential flashpoints. They also fear opening the way for accusations that the ISF is propping up an ongoing Israeli occupation of Gaza. The Israeli military will consider conditions for withdrawing at a later stage when international security is in place, the plan states, without setting out any timeline. Reunifying Gaza is part of a process of moving it toward stabilisation and lasting peace and a transition to civilian governance, the US official said, but they added it was impossible to put a date on when it might happen. Trumps 20-point plan describes a new Palestinian police force as the long-term internal security solution for Gaza, but US planners have assigned it only a limited role. The outline calls for an initial 200 recruits, growing over a year to a force of 3,000 to 4,000 officers, equivalent to just one in five of the planned security deployment. Reconstruction US military planners also see reconstruction inside the green zone as part of a nebulous path to reuniting Gaza by convincing Palestinian civilians to move across the line of Israeli control. As things progress and you create conditions for there to be significant progress on reconstruction, you [will] have Gazan civilians moving there beginning to thrive, the US official said. People will say hey we want that, and so it evolves in that direction. No ones talking about a military operation to force it. Yet even marking out a green zone in Gaza risks drawing comparisons with Iraq and Afghanistan, where the phrase became synonymous with US military failures. In Baghdad and Kabul, the green zones were enclaves ringed by concrete blast barriers where western forces and their local allies retreated to escape the violence their mission had unleashed in the communities around them. The plan to use aid to tempt the Gaza population into an area under Israeli control, after two years of a war deemed genocidal by a UN commission, has echoes of other disastrous US policies from those conflicts. Around a decade before the Taliban took Kabul, the US claimed it was bringing government in a box to southern Helmand to win over civilians. The province remained an insurgent stronghold. Trumps 20-point plan commits to the demilitarisation of Palestinian factions in Gaza and an eventual Israeli withdrawal to a security perimeter carved out of Palestinian land. It would be facilitated by the ISF and allow rebuilding to begin for the benefit of [Gazas] people. The need for reconstruction is urgent, with more than 80% of structures in Gaza damaged or destroyed in the war, including almost all schools and hospitals, according to UN data. More than a month into the ceasefire, Israel continues to limit aid shipments into Gaza, including barring basic items, such as tent poles, that it classifies as dual use because it says they have the potential to be used for military purposes. Nearly 1.5 million Palestinians are waiting for emergency shelter items and hundreds of thousands more are living in tents without access to basic services such as clean water. Almost all the population more than 2 million people are crowded into the red zone, a strip along the coast that covers less than half of Gazas surface area. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. A landmark new bill giving millions more renters security is also set to level the playing field for renters claiming benefits. The long-awaited Renters Rights Act will come into effect on 1 May, benefitting 11 million renters in the UK. Under the legislation, those claiming benefits will be given a fairer chance to lease a property, with the law aiming to "tackle discrimination head-on, banning landlords and agents from refusing tenants because they have children or receive benefits," the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG) said. Historically, renters claiming benefits have been affected by No DSS discrimination a term used to describe a practice in the rental market where landlords or letting agents refuse to let properties to people claiming benefits from the Department for Work and Pensions, referring to the now-defunct Department of Social Security (DSS). While No DSS has been deemed unlawful since a legal ruling in 2020, the recent Renters Rights Act and further crackdowns have expanded protections, clarifying that refusing or discouraging benefit claimants is illegal, meaning violators may face legal proceedings and compensation claims. While housing campaigners have welcomed new protections for benefit claimants and tenants with children, they warn that gaps in the legislation still put them at risk of being turned down by landlords. Will the change in law work? "No DSS" attitudes remain deeply entrenched in the UK private rental market, with 44% of landlords telling the English Private Landlord Survey (EPLS) in 2021 that they were unwilling to accept tenants in receipt of housing benefit or universal credit. In 2020, the courts in York ruled that no DSS policies are unlawful because they indirectly discriminate against women and disabled people, but reports by charities such as Shelter highlight ongoing exclusion, with landlords sometimes using coded language or extra barriers. Adrian Fletcher is one tenant who has faced this discrimination first-hand. Fletcher, who hasnt been able to work for several years due to a severe spinal injury, receives local housing allowance and PIP. After receiving a Section 21 notice in 2024 after going to environmental health about the concerning state of disrepair in his home of 11 years, Fletcher was plunged back into the rental market, with the eviction having a profound impact on his mental health. He only found a new place to live at the eleventh hour and was turned down by around a dozen places after viewing them, which he is certain was because he was transparent about claiming benefits. There was very clearly a lot of discrimination going on in applications, Fletcher told Yahoo News. I wrote a blurb to send to agents outlining that I claim benefits, I'm a reliable tenant, and I'd been living at my current address for over 11 years with no rent arrears, he said. Adrian Fletcher wants a fairer housing market for renters (Supplied) (Adrian Fletcher) Some agents said yeah well have a look for you, but youre probably not going to have much luck. It was obvious, really, that what they meant was no, you're on benefits you got no chance, forget it, and that was my experience with most, he added. Anny Cullum, a policy officer for the tenants union, told Yahoo News that while the reforms are a big step forward towards ending discrimination against benefit claimants, the act isn't as strong as we would like it to be on guarantors, suggesting this could leave the door open for landlords to discriminate against tenants based on income. Landlords and agencies can still ask renters to provide a guarantor, and if someone doesn't have a well-off family member or friend willing and able to make that commitment, then this could still have the impact of discriminating against people from less well-off backgrounds, she added. Activists from ACORN UK described the law as 'a big step forward' but said it 'isn't as strong as we would like it to be' (Alamy) (Penelope Barritt) Sarah Elliott, chief executive of Shelter, has welcomed the Act, calling it the victory of a lifetime for renters who have fought years for better protections. With protections from discrimination shored up, parents and renters on low incomes will be more able to get a foot in the door, Elliot told Yahoo News. "We look forward to when these changes will come into force, and when renters will finally get the security they deserve. Until then, we will be doing everything we can to help tenants understand their new rights. Who will it affect? The 'No DSS' protections in the Act affect all private renters in England who are claiming benefits, including those on universal credit, housing benefit, or other forms of state support. The law will also protect families with children, as blanket bans on tenants with children are similarly outlawed. These protections mean that landlords and letting agents cannot: Advertise properties with No DSS or no children statements. Refuse to let to someone solely because they receive benefits or have children. Include discriminatory terms in tenancy agreements or insurance policies. However, landlords can still conduct reasonable referencing checks and may reject tenants if they cannot afford the rent, but not simply because the tenant receives benefits or has children. What happens if it doesnt work? The Renters Rights Act 2025 will significantly expand and clarify protections for benefits claimants, giving new powers to tenants who have been unfairly discriminated against because they claim benefits. Once the law is in place, tenants can file a complaint with the new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman, which is designed to handle disputes and discrimination claims more efficiently and at no cost to the tenant. Tenants can seek redress through civil courts, where successful claims can result in compensation for unlawful discrimination, with up to 7,000 for an initial breach and up to 40,000 for repeated or serious breaches. Local authorities now have enhanced enforcement powers and can investigate and penalise landlords or agents found to be in breach of anti-discrimination laws. Landlords found guilty of discrimination may face fines, licence revocation, or reputational damage, especially if their records are made public through the new landlord register. Fletcher has described the law as not a fail-safe, but progress. I think that tenants end up on the thin end of the wedge if it's far too much and landlords get away with absolute murder a lot of the time, he told Yahoo News. For me, the biggest thing that's going to happen here is seeing that the reforms are boilerplated, such as when Section 21 is finally abolished and you can safely take up any issues or problems you've got with your landlord or your agent without fear of recrimination. The government has been approached for comment. Nuremberg recounts the meeting of Nazi leader Hermann Goering and American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley in the lead-up to the infamous trials. (Sky) (Scott Garfield) In the new historical drama Nuremberg, Russell Crowe stars as Nazi Hermann Goering, one of 22 men from the Third Reich to stand trial for war crimes at the end of the Second World War. It explores the relationship that developed between the Reichsmarshall and American psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek) in the lead-up to the Nuremberg trials in 1945. Kelley had been sent to assess the Nazi criminals in order to ensure they were fit to stand trial, but had ambitions of learning what made these men so different that they were capable of committing heinous acts of violence. Based on the historical event, as well as the non-fiction book The Nazi and the Psychiatrist by Jack El-Hai, the movie dramatises events while aiming to provide an accurate portrayal of what happened between the inmate and the doctor. However, as a drama, some license is taken and certain facts are missed out. For those curious to learn more, here is everything you need to know about the real event. The true story behind Nuremberg Hermann Goering pictured in the courtroom during the Nuremberg trials. (Getty Images) (Photo 12 via Getty Images) At the end of the Second World War, Allied forces were eager to punish the defeated Germans and chose to hold them accountable by putting them on trial. The trial was put on to convict the defendants, but also acted as a means of assembling and presenting evidence of Nazi crimes as a whole, and to offer a history lesson. Never before had a prisoner been charged with crimes against humanity, and the trial helped shape lawmaking for years to come. 24 of the most important surviving Nazi officials had been arrested, 22 of whom would face an International Military Tribunal consisting of judges from the UK, America, France and the Soviet Union. Robert Ley died by suicide before the trial took place, and Gustav Krupp von Bohlen und Halbach's poor mental and physical condition meant he did not stand trial. The film stars Rami Malek as psychiatrist Douglas Kelley and Russell Crowe as Hermann Goering. (Sony Pictures) (BFA) As the men prepared to stand trial, American psychiatrist and US Army major Douglas Kelley was brought in as the chief psychiatrist of the Nazi leadership. He assessed their health, mental state, and, on a personal level, wanted to learn whether there was anything different, psychologically, about the Nazis from others. He began to use his time interviewing and testing the prisoners with things like the Rorschach test in the hope of finding an answer. During his time as chief psychiatrist, Kelley became particularly fascinated by Goering. The pair developed a close kinship in the months they worked together, so close they became that the Nazi leader even at one point asked Kelley to adopt his daughter Edda and take her to America. The Nuremberg trials took place from November 1945 to 1 October 1946. (Sky) (Scott Garfield) Following his research, Kelley concluded that there was nothing that differentiated the Nazi prisoners from others, psychologically speaking. He argued that the men were creatures of their environment and that anyone else was capable of the same thing, warning that society should be vigilant not to fall victim to the same patterns as the far-right could take root and grow anywhere. The Nuremberg trials took place from 20 November 1945 to 1 October 1946. During the trial, evidence was put forward of the extensive war crimes committed by the Nazis during the Second World War, including the presentation of footage from concentration camps, which revealed the horror of the Holocaust. While the Nazis on trial put forward major defences, the tribunal rejected the idea that only a state, and not individuals, could be found guilty of war crimes. In the end, after 216 court sessions, the court found 19 of the accused guilty and acquitted three. Goering, the most famous of the prisoners facing trial at Nuremberg, was sentenced to be hanged but died by suicide before his execution. He died by using a cyanide pill he had hidden from his captors. Hermann Goering and Rudolf Hess are pictured front left and centre at the Nuremberg trials. (Getty) (Fox Photos Ltd. / Sydney Morning Herald, SuperStock) Kelley left Nuremberg in January 1946 and wrote the book 22 Cells in Nuremberg about his time with the Nazis. He went on to work as a psychiatrist and criminologist, but struggled with alcoholism and outbursts of anger. He died by suicide in 1958 at the age of 45; he died in the same manner as Goering by ingesting cyanide. The facts missed in the Nuremberg movie about the Nazi criminals The Nuremberg War Crimes trial ended in 1946, with 19 Nazis found guilty. (Getty Images) (UniversalImagesGroup via Getty Images) Nuremberg focuses predominantly on Goering, much like Kelley did in real life. But he was not the only Nazi leader made to stand trial; there were other prominent figures from the Third Reich there, such as Adolf Hitler's deputy Rudolf Hess, chief of security police Ernst Kaltenbrunner, and Karl Doenitz, who was Hitler's designated successor. It is revealed in the movie that Robert Ley, the head of the German Labour Front, died by suicide in his cell before the trial took place, and that Goering also died by suicide after he was pronounced guilty at the Nuremberg trials. The death by hanging of Julius Streicher, editor of the Anti-semitic paper Der Stuermer, is depicted in the film. However, the movie does not reveal the exact fate of the other prisoners; rather, it implies that the remaining defendants were hanged like Streicher, but this was not the case. Of the 22 Nazis who faced trial, 19 were found guilty by the international tribunal of judges and three of them, Hans Fritzsche, Franz von Papen, and Hjalmer Schacht, were acquitted. Hermann Goering with Alfred Rosenberg and Karl Doenitz at breakfast before the Nuremberg Trials. (PA) (Smith Archive, Smith Archive) Of those convicted, seven Nazis Hess, Doenitz, Walther Funk, Erich Raeder, Baldur von Schirach, Albert Speer, and Konstantin von Neurath were given prison sentences ranging from ten years to life. Goering, Streicher, Kaltenbrunner, Alfred Rosenberg, Joachim von Ribbentrop, Alfred Jodl, Wilhelm Keitel, Hans Frank, Wilhelm Frick, Arthur Seyss-Inquart, and Fritz Sauckel were condemned to die by hanging. Martin Bormann was condemned to death in absentia. Goering requested to die by firing squad, believing it was a more dignified death than hanging, but was refused. Instead of facing the noose, he died by suicide. After the other Nazis were hanged, all of the bodies were taken to Dachau concentration camp, where they were cremated and their ashes were thrown into a river. Nuremberg, the movie, does not reveal the fate of every Nazi who stood trial at Nuremberg. (Sky) (Scott Garfield) The seven Nazis given prison sentences were sent to Spandau Prison in West Berlin, where they served their time. Schirach, Doenitz, and Speer served their full sentences, while Funk, Raeder, and Neurath were each released early due to ill health in the intervening years. Hess was the last inmate at Spandau prison and was alone from 1966 and 1987. He died by suicide at the age of 93 in August 1987. After his death, the prison was demolished and replaced to avoid it becoming a shrine for neo-Nazis. Rudolf Hess pictured in Berlin's Spandau Prison around 1986, he was the last inmate in the prison and died in 1987 by suicide. (Getty Images) (ullstein bild Dtl. via Getty Images) Of the three Nazis who were acquitted, two were tried in a German denazification court. Fritzsche was convicted of Nazi crimes in 1947 and given a sentence of nine years' hard labour. In 1950, he was released under amnesty and died of cancer in 1953. Papen was sentenced to eight years' hard labour in 1947 but won his freedom on appeal in 1949. He went on to publish several memoirs and books and died in 1969 at the age of 89. The third Nazi to be acquitted, Schacht, worked in the German banking industry until his death in 1970. Facts missed about Douglas Kelley in Nuremberg Nuremberg centres on Rami Malek's Douglas Kelley during his experience with the Nazi prisoners. (Sky) (Scott Garfield) Nuremberg explores several aspects of Kelley's time with the Nazi prisoners, but El-Hai's non-fiction book reveals the details it misses or changed. It is depicted in the film that Kelley was dismissed from his position after spending time with Goering's wife, Emmy, and daughter, Edda, whom he smuggled letters to and from Goering. While Kelley did meet with Emmy and Edda Goering, he was not dismissed for it in fact, Kelley chose to leave his position at Nuremberg after feeling that he had learned all he needed to know. He left as he believed he had fulfilled his responsibilities to the tribunal, and he returned to America in January 1946, where he reunited with his wife Dukie. Unlike how it is depicted in the movie, Kelley was not present at the Nuremberg trials when Goering took the stand in March 1946. The film changes some facts about Douglas Kelley's time in Nuremberg, likely for dramatic effect. (Sky) (Scott Garfield) Another change made in the movie relates to a man who would later become Kelley's professional rival: Gustave Gilbert. While he served as the most senior psychiatrist in Nuremberg, Kelley was joined by psychologist Gilbert (played by Colin Hanks) in October 1945. The film portrays the pair as being at odds with each other from the get-go, with Gilbert revealing his ambitions to write a book about the war criminals without Kelley's involvement. While Gilbert was seen as a bit of an interloper, Kelley and Gilbert did agree to write a book together about their findings. Nuremberg depicts Douglas Kelley as being dismissed from his position; in fact, he left of his own accord. (Sky) (Scott Garfield) It was Kelley who reneged on this agreement when he left Nuremberg. Kelley took his findings and research back to America and prepared to publish 22 Cells in Nuremberg by himself. Gilbert stayed in Nuremberg for the remainder of the trial and published his own book, Nuremberg Diary, in 1947 (shortly after the release of 22 Cells), followed by The Psychology of Dictatorship in 1950. The film also depicts Goering turning on Kelley, and in their last conversation, telling him that he will amount to nothing and will not have a place in history like he will. In reality, Goering said this to Gilbert and when Kelley left Nuremberg, Goering broke down and wept. Nuremberg is out in UK cinemas now. Neighbours said Lainie Williams had everything to live for - Wales News Service A 17-year-old schoolgirl killed in her home has been described as the loveliest person. Lainie Williams was found dead at her family home in south Wales and her mother Rhian Stephens, 38, is in hospital with injuries. Police launched a murder investigation after getting a 999 report of two attacks at a pebble-dash semi-detached house in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood on Thursday morning. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of both murder and attempted murder. One local said: Lainie was the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends. Neighbours described being awakened by the sounds of sirens, banging doors and helicopters landing at around 7.15am and then seeing chaos outside. One man said: Its usually a very quiet area, you dont expect something like this to happen on your doorstep. Local Michelle Davies said: It is terrible. That poor girl had everything to live for and now she is gone. At least the mother survived but she will never get over what she witnessed. Mother of two Rhian was described as a caring person who kept to herself. Rhian Stephens, Lainies mother, was taken to hospital after the attack - Wales News Service A Gwent Police spokesman said: Officers, including firearms officers as a precaution, attended a property in Wheatley Place at around 7.15am on Thursday 13 November after reports that two people had sustained serious injuries. Paramedics from the Welsh Ambulance Service and Welsh Air Ambulance were in attendance. Lainie was pronounced dead at the scene and two police officers were stationed outside the house. Police said: Her family have been informed, and specially trained officers will be allocated to support them throughout the investigation. Det Supt Philip OConnell, the senior investigating officer, said: We can confirm that were not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident after making this arrest earlier. We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, and it is likely that residents will see an increased number of officers in the area while we carry out further enquires. If anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way. The local community is shocked by the early-morning attacks on Lainie and her mum - Wales News Service Cefn Fforest Councillor Shane Williams said: We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded, and I understand that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection. But as councillors, wed like to do our best to reassure everyone, and our thoughts are with the family at this time. We are all hoping for a full recovery for the woman who was hospitalised. Something like this is highly unusual in this area, and I can understand if many residents are now frightened. When a young girl loses her life like that, its quite horrendous. Independent Councillor Kevin Etheridge added: As the local county councillor for Blackwood, Id like to send my condolences to the family. Sir Robbie Gibb was appointed a non-executive director of the board in 2021 by then prime minister Boris Johnson - Leon Neal/Getty Images Political appointments to the BBC board may be scrapped, Lisa Nandy has suggested. The Culture Secretary said appointments such as that of Sir Robbie Gibb, the former Tory communications director, had damaged trust in the corporation. She said they would be investigated ahead of a once-a-decade charter renewal at the end of 2027. Sir Robbie, a non-executive director, was appointed by Boris Johnson in 2021. He spent the previous two years as director of communications for the then prime minister Theresa May. Ms Nandy told BBC Radio 4s Today Programme: I think there is a real concern, which I share, that political appointments to the board of the BBC damaged confidence and trust in the BBCs impartiality. Thats something that we will be looking at as part of the charter review, which sets the terms for the BBC for the next decade, and which this Government is about to kick off. Sir Robbie has been accused by pockets of Labour and the Lib Dems of launching a Right-wing coup, with staff calling for him to be removed. The broadcaster has been plunged into chaos since a leaked dossier, published by The Telegraph, revealed that footage was edited in a Panorama documentary splicing together quotes that appeared to exaggerate Donald Trumps role in the Capitol riots. It led to the resignations of director-general Tim Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness. The Culture Secretary said on Tuesday she would not remove Sir Robbie, but she stopped short of backing his position, saying a strict legal threshold must be met before dismissal of a board member. The BBCs current charter review expires at the end of 2027, just months before Sir Robbies term on the board is due to end in May 2028. It is understood he will leave the BBC once his second term ends. A source close to Sir Robbie told The Telegraph: Robbie spent 25 years working at the BBC, and anyone who knows him will tell you that he is a passionate advocate for the BBC, impartiality and the licence fee. Any talk of a coup is frankly ridiculous. Lisa Nandy says: Political appointments to the board of the BBC damaged confidence and trust in the BBCs impartiality - Wiktor Szymanowicz/Future Publishing via Getty Images Sources stressed on Monday that the charter review was not connected to the bias scandal that led to the resignations of Mr Davie and Ms Turness. It is instead expected to focus on providing a sustainable funding model and restoring public trust in BBC news content. A letter from Bectu, the biggest union in the BBC, called for Sir Robbies removal on Friday morning. The letter read: There can be no doubt that recent editorial mistakes are serious and should have been dealt with swiftly. It is vital that staff feel that both the government and the BBC board are truly committed to the future of the organisation, its mission, its independence and its values. Given this, we believe that the position of Sir Robbie Gibb on the BBC board has become a distraction and is untenable. It added that a crucial position on the board is filled by someone perceived by many staff and external commentators as sympathetic to, or actively part of, a campaign to undermine the BBC and influence its political impartiality. Political appointments undermine BBC Sir Ed Davey, the leader of the Lib Dems, was one of several MPs to call for Sir Robbie to be sacked this week. He said Sir Robbie should be removed and have no role in appointing a new director-general to replace recently resigned Mr Davie. Mr Davey wrote in The Guardian on Monday: To ensure the BBCs independence, impartiality and trust, Gibb should have no role in appointing the new director-general. The Government should remove him from the board immediately and end the practice of political appointments, which so badly undermines the BBC, altogether. The BBC belongs to us all. We own it, we pay for it, and we treasure it. We cannot let it be destroyed by its enemies whether thats Trump, Farage, the Conservative party or anyone else. Rupa Huq, a Labour backbencher, urged Ms Nandy in the Commons on Monday to remove Sir Robbie, and described the board he at on as shady in a post on X. Anna Sabine MP, media spokesman for the Lib Dems, asked Ms Nandy in the Commons on Monday if she would sack Sir and could guarantee the appointment of the next director-general is transparent, impartial and worthy of the trust the British public places in the BBC. After Ms Nandy refused to commit to the sacking, Ms Sabine added on Tuesday: This is the wrong choice by Lisa Nandy. Robbie Gibb isnt fit to serve on the BBC board, and the BBC charter gives the Government the power to sack him. I hope the Prime Minister will step in and do the right thing. Sarah Owen, a Labour backbencher, asked the Culture Secretary in the Commons: Is it time to review the influence of conservative spin doctor, Sir Robbie Gibb, from the BBCs board? Meanwhile, Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, declared on Friday morning that the BBC had lost its way. He sighed when asked if he had full confidence in the corporation, before saying: Look, I love the BBC, I really do but its not covered itself in glory. Its really let itself down not just with this Panorama but I think there are real questions for the corporation more generally about is it still a public service broadcaster? Why have they gutted local and regional news? Why have they got rid of so many political journalists who are holding politicians to account locally and regionally at a time when were giving more power locally. I do think the BBCs lost its way. The Telegraph has contacted Sir Robbie for comment. The case of serial abuser John Smyth brought the CofE scandal to the fore - UNPIXS The charities watchdog has accused the Church of England of being too slow to tackle abuse. The Charity Commission has now brought forward the Churchs deadline to introduce independent safeguarding, criticising its insufficient urgency and pace. The watchdog opened a case into the Archbishops Council, a registered charity, in November last year following the publication of the Makin review. The review, into the Churchs handling of allegations about serial abuser John Smyth, led to the resignation of Justin Welby as Archbishop of Canterbury. It also found that abuse carried out for decades by Smyth, a barrister and Christian camp leader, was known about and not acted upon by various people and leaders within the Church. The charity watchdog has now closed its subsequent case into the Archbishops Councils handling of safeguarding. However, it has ordered the Church to carry out an action plan to introduce independent safeguarding but warned that the current deadline of early 2028 was too slow. As a result, it has now brought forward the deadline by almost a year to May 2027. The commission said robust interim measures must be put in place in the meantime to keep people safe. The watchdog stated: There is insufficient urgency and pace in implementing responses to past safeguarding reviews, and the current approach to doing so is fragmented and overly complex. Justin Welby quit as Archbishop of Canterbury over his handling of the Church sex abuse scandal - Gareth Fuller/PA It comes after a meeting of the General Synod in February when there was disappointment from abuse survivors following a vote which effectively delayed full independent safeguarding. Victims had pleaded at the time for the endorsement of a new model which would have seen all Church-employed safeguarding officers transferred to a new independent body. However, the Synod instead voted for a less independent model as the way forward in the short term and for further work to be done to implement the move to full independence. The General Synods vote in February effectively delayed full independent safeguarding, angering abuse victims - Jonathan Brady/PA David Holdsworth, chief executive of the Charity Commission, said: Its time for the Archbishops Council and the Church of England to move from review to reform, and from debate to delivery. Everyone recognises that improving safeguarding is an ongoing journey, but in the Archbishops Councils case the progress on that journey must be made in bigger, bolder steps, informed by the experience of victims and survivors. The commission will monitor the charitys progress against our regulatory action plan and reserve all regulatory options for the future if sufficient progress is not made at pace. Andrew Graystone, an advocate for victims of Church abuse, said: This is a welcome recognition that we need pressure from the Charity Commission and from Parliament to achieve real safeguarding reform. The Church likes to speak about its commitment to do better, but we know that bishops always drive with one foot on the brake. People who have suffered harm in the Church, and those who are at risk of harm, cannot afford to wait. The commissions powers when it comes to charity regulation include opening statutory inquiries, issuing formal warnings and disqualifying trustees. A spokesman for the Archbishops Council said it was committed to working at pace to enable the implementation of further safeguarding reforms, particularly in governance, with detailed proposals to be brought to the next General Synod to ensure sustainable and long-lasting best practice. The Synod is next due to meet in London in February 2026. The commissions case also found no evidence of mismanagement or misconduct by the council trustees and said it recognised some progress had been made to the Churchs safeguarding in recent years. Edward Brandt, 61, was convicted at Southampton Crown Court on Friday - Ben Mitchell A former councillor has been found guilty of stalking Dame Penny Mordaunt. Edward Brandt, 61, was convicted by a jury of stalking the former Cabinet minister in a series of emails, phone messages and out-of-hours visits to her constituency office. Brandt left Dame Penny fearing sexual violence because of his creepy behaviour, Southampton Crown Court was told at an earlier hearing. The jury found Brandt not guilty of a second count of stalking involving serious alarm or distress, a more serious offence. The former professional sailor sent at least 17 emails, three phone messages and made out-of-hours visits to her office in Portsmouth between September 2023 and May 2024. In one voicemail message in May last year, Brandt told Dame Penny: I am going to go on gently knocking at your door in order to shake your hand, I am not giving up. The divorced father of two had been issued with a caution in April that year, which required him not to contact the former Tory leadership contender. Jurors were told previously that Dame Pennys ordeal began when Brandt allegedly asked to meet her for a cup of tea for half an hour. When her office manager returned her call, he began to ask her about her security arrangements within the constituency. Dame Penny said that she feared sexual violence because of Brandts creepy behaviour - Jonathan Hordle/ITV Robert Bryan, prosecuting, said Brandt sent a series of emails to Dame Penny over the coming months asking to meet and sending her messages for Christmas, New Year and her birthday. Brandt said he wanted to meet her in the pub on a Friday afternoon for her much-famed pint and also messaged her to say: I just want the chance to meet you and shake your precious and gold-plated hand. The former MP was forced to change the locks, have CCTV installed and issue personal alarms to her staff. She also told her Ukrainian foster child never to answer the door to their home over fears that Brandt might be there. Brandt, who now lives in Lymington, Hampshire, told police his actions were harmless and that his interest in Dame Penny was purely political. My interest is purely political, purely congratulatory, well done you, he said. I wanted to get a signed copy of her book, its a mountain out of a mole hill. The jury returned the guilty verdict by a majority of 10 to two. As he was convicted following the five-day trial, Brandt sobbed into his hands. He attempted to ask the judge a question but was told to be silent. Brandt will be sentenced in January 2026. Lawrenceburg, Indiana, on Thursday. Photograph: Jason Whitman/NurPhoto/Shutterstock More than 1,600 fossil fuel lobbyists have been granted access to the Cop30 climate negotiations in Belem, significantly outnumbering every single countrys delegation apart from the host Brazil, new analysis has found. One in every 25 participants at this years UN climate summit is a fossil fuel lobbyist, according to the analysis by the Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO) coalition, raising serious questions about the corporate capture and credibility of the annual Cop negotiations. This years tally represents a 12% rise from last years climate talks in Baku, Azerbaijan, and is the largest concentration of fossil fuel lobbyists at Cop since KBPO first began exposing industry participation in 2021. The overall number is smaller this year than at Cop29 in Baku (1,773) and Cop28 in Dubai (2,456), but the proportion is higher this year as the Belem summit is less well-attended. It brings the total number of fossil fuel lobbyists given access to the UN climate summits to 7,000 over the past five years, a period marked by a rise in catastrophic extreme weather, disinformation and oil and gas profits. Another Cop, same playbook. This is corporate capture, not climate governance, said Lien Vandamme, senior campaigner on human rights and climate change at the Center for International Environmental Law (CIEL). Another Cop, same playbook. This is corporate capture, not climate governance Lien Vandamme, Center for International Environmental Law The annual climate talks opened in Belem on Monday, with Brazils President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva disavowing disinformation and declaring that it would be the Cop of truth. Yet the fossil fuel industry, which has a long history of spreading misinformation and disinformation while blocking meaningful climate action, received almost 60% more passes to Cop30 than the 10 most climate-vulnerable nations combined (1,061), according to analysis by KBPO, an international coalition of 450 organizations. Climate breakdown is escalating. In the lead-up to Cop30, hundreds of people were killed after two powerful typhoons wreaked havoc less than a week apart in the Philippines a country that has been hit by 21 significant storms this year alone. Fossil fuel-affiliated lobbyists outnumber official delegates from the Philippines by nearly 50 to 1, and Iran, where severe drought could force the government to evacuate the capital, Tehran, by 44 to 1. Meanwhile, it is expected to cost Jamaica billions of dollars and years to recover from Hurricane Melissa, a category 5 storm turbocharged by global heating, yet fossil fuel lobbyists outnumbered the island nations delegation by 40 to 1. In July, the international court of justice (ICJ) ruled that continued fossil fuel expansion, extraction, consumption and subsidies may constitute an internationally wrongful act. After the ICJ advisory opinion and the well-document six-decade playbook of climate obstruction, states at Cop should recognize the irreconcilable conflict of interest of the fossil fuel industry which is similar to the tobacco industry, said Elisa Morgera, the UN special rapporteur for climate change who supports a global ban on fossil fuel lobbying. The findings come as 2025 is set to become among the hottest years on record, yet states are failing to regulate polluting corporations and cut subsidies, with nearly $250bn earmarked for new oil and gas projects since Cop29. From the halls of the UNFCCC to our lands and territories, fossil fuel corporations are wrecking our communities and environment. Yet the red carpet is rolled out for thousands of lobbyists to roam the corridors, said Nerisha Baldevu from Friends of the Earth Africa. Fossil fuel corporations are wrecking our communities. Yet the red carpet is rolled out for lobbyists to roam the corridors Nerisha Baldevu, Friends of the Earth Africa The latest findings will pile further pressure on the UN to ban the fossil fuel industry from the annual climate action summits, where world leaders are supposed to negotiate in good faith and agree on ambitious plans to curtail climate catastrophe. Last week, the Guardian revealed that 57% of all oil and gas production last year came from 90 fossil fuel firms that sent substantial numbers of lobbyists to the UN climate talks from 2021 to 2024. A recent investigation by Drilled Media revealed that oil companies, with the help of the US government, first co-opted the international climate stage in the early 1970s, influencing the eventual drafting of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in 1992, and every conference of the parties (Cop) to that convention since then. KBPO analyzed the provisional list of participants at Cop30 published by the UNFCCC, identifying delegates representing oil, gas and coal companies, trade groups, financial institutions and others that fund or financially benefit from obstructing climate action to phase out planet-heating fuels. The 1,602 fossil fuel lobbyists identified include 148 with the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC); 60 with the International Emissions Trading Association (Ieta), including delegates from oil and gas giants ExxonMobil, BP and TotalEnergies; and 41 with the Brazilian National Confederation of Industry (BNCI). The ICC said only three of the 148 business representatives they accredited are from fossil fuel firms. We do not represent any one sector. And we pride ourselves in bringing a delegation to COP that represents the full diversity of the business community, said Andrew Wilson, ICC deputy secretary general. Several big polluters from the global north invited fossil fuel representatives to join their official delegations including France, which brought 22 industry delegates including the CEO of TotalEnergies, and Norway, whose group included six senior executives from its national oil and gas giant Equinor. Overall, only Brazil, with 3,805 delegates, has a bigger presence than oil, gas and coal interests. Related: World still on track for catastrophic 2.6C temperature rise, report finds But the true extent of fossil fuel influence is likely to be higher, as more than half of all country delegation members at Cop30 withheld or obscured details of their affiliations, according to a separate analysis by Transparency International. Russia, Tanzania, South Africa and Mexico are among the countries that did not disclose the affiliation of any official delegates. After years of campaigning by civil society groups, Cop delegates were this year required to publicly disclose who was funding their participation and confirm that their objectives were in alignment with the UNFCCC. But the new transparency requirement excludes anyone in official government delegations or overflows; also, calls for stricter conflict-of-interest protections to cut industry influence have not been adequately heeded, advocates say. While local Indigenous peoples struggled to enter the conference, fossil fuel lobbyists walked in freely. My generation deserves Just Transition policies that reflect what people and the planet need, not what polluters profits demand, said Pim Sullivan-Tailyour of the UK Youth Climate Coalition. The UNFCCC is in need of rehabilitation. Fossil fuel companies continue to lead us into a climate abyss. [Yet] for 30 years, climate change summits have been an ideal stage for oil companies to clean up their image, do business and find new ways to get away with environmental crimes, said Ivonne Yanez from Accion Ecologica [Ecological Action], a non-profit environmental group in Ecuador where oil drilling is expanding across the Amazon. Today, instead of transitioning to post-oil societies, they want to extract every last drop of fossil fuels to continue feeding the capitalist system and genocidal wars. A UNFCCC spokesperson said: As of 2023, measures have been taken to enhance transparency so that its clearer who participates at Cop. We have done this in consultation with civil society and other stakeholders. Just as no single Cop can be expected to solve the climate crisis overnight, making further concrete improvements is an ongoing journey, noting that national governments have sole authority to decide who is in their delegations. Ieta and the BNCI declined to comment. Joshua Powell had debts of 8,000 and hoped to inherit a significant amount of money from his grandmother A grandson strangled and burnt his 96-year-old grandmother in an attempt to claim an inheritance. Joshua Powell, 27, killed Emma Finch with a belt in her own bed and then set it alight in an effort to cover up the crime in May 2024. The former Tesco worker was jailed for life with a minimum period of 26 years on Friday after pleading guilty to her murder. Portsmouth Crown Court heard that Powell had debts of 8,000 when he broke into his grandmothers home in Liss, Hampshire, in the early hours of May 17. The great-grandmother had already given Powell more than 7,600 but he hoped for a significant windfall if she died. Using a belt, Powell inflicted five neck fractures and lacerations to her wrist before setting her bed on fire. A carbon monoxide alarm alerted the fire service at 4.30am, who then found Finchs body on the floor of the burning bedroom. Emma Finch was murdered by her grandson in May 2024 - PA Jo Martin KC, prosecuting, said: They found Mrs Finch and she was quite clearly dead. She was lying on the floor between her bed and wall. There was singing to her hair. The fire took 10-20 minutes to be put out. There was significant damage. She added: The post-mortem showed her neck had been compressed and she had five fractures. There was also bleeding in the larynx. She had two lacerations on her left wrist and bruising. All the evidence showed that someone had put significant pressure on her neck. The fire had set after she had died. Powell pretended to know nothing about Finchs death for two days but his DNA was found on his grandmothers neck and fingernails and ANPR, CCTV cameras and his phone signal put him at the scene. When interviewed by police, he told officers that the most likely culprit was his own mother, according to the prosecution. Weeks before Finchs death, Powell was said to have told friends that he hoped that his nan died soon because he was skint and that he thought he was the only one getting money in the will when she died. On the day of her death, he spoke to a work colleague about the prospect of inheritance and how much he understood his grandmothers estate to be worth. After being charged with murder, he initially pleaded not guilty but changed his plea in May. In a victim impact statement, Catherine Powell, the defendants mother and Finchs daughter, said she would struggle ever to forgive him for what he has done. Peter Finch, Finchs son and the defendants uncle, said: One of my biggest fears is that mum in those final seconds before she lost consciousness as you were strangling her, that she knew it was you Joshua and that being her final, haunting memory that she took to her grave. Very low IQ Riel Karmy-Jones KC, defending, said in mitigation that Powell had Tourettes syndrome and a very low IQ. She said: He loved his Oma very much and she was the most caring person in his life. He has accepted that he killed his grandmother and that his motives were financial. Ms Karmy-Jones read a letter written by Powell in which he said: If I could, I would turn back time and stop it happening. Sentencing him, Judge Michael Bowes KC said: Emma Finch, your grandmother, showed you great kindness and gave you a great deal of money during her life. You repaid her kindness by savagely killing her in the expectation of gaining money from her death under her will. He added: I accept there is some level of mental disability but you did lead a normal life and were able to tell right and wrong. Harrison Sullivan was travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone at the moment of the crash in March 2024 An influencer who fled the country for almost a year after crashing a supercar has been spared jail. Harrison Sullivan, 24, known as HSTikkyTokky on TikTok, was wanted for failing to turn up at court after crashing his McLaren in Virginia Water, Surrey, in March 2024. After the crash, Sullivan spent 12 months in Dubai, Thailand and Spain and continued to make social media content, a court was told. He was eventually detained for unrelated matters in Spain in August before being brought back to the UK by police and arrested. On Friday, Sullivan appeared at Staines magistrates court wearing a grey prison tracksuit to be handed a one-year suspended sentence. The influencer has been disqualified from driving for two years. Last month, Sullivan pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. Witnesses told police he was in a supercar going extremely fast, with one saying he was travelling at at least 100mph or more before the crash. Harrison Sullivan, also known as HSTikkyTokky on TikTok, has been disqualified from driving for two years - Surrey Police Data from the crashed McLaren indicated Sullivan was travelling at 71mph in a 40mph zone at the moment of the crash, the court heard. Kane Alexander, prosecuting, said: It was going 30mph over the speed limit on a single carriageway in broad daylight with other road users. The fitness influencer is reportedly set to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix exploring the impact of online misogyny on young boys. In a clip, Theroux is seen reciting a previous remark Sullivan had made: Call me racist, call me a misogynist, call me homophobic, call me a scammer Im all those things. Sullivan responded: Thats my way of saying I dont care. Say what you want about me, I am that, cool. I dont care. In a letter to the judge, Sullivan wrote: Spreading a positive message and helping people less fortunate than myself, thats what makes me the happiest. Sullivan will have an electronic tag for three months and is expected to complete 300 hours of unpaid work and 30 days of rehabilitation. The prosecution has applied for 18,049.47 to be paid to Surrey Police for a chartered flight to bring Sullivan back to the UK. There will be a costs hearing at Staines magistrates court on Jan 15 2026. The Pakistani man has been in the UK for 14 years and claims he will be attacked if sent back - SOPA Images/Maksim Konstantinov A Pakistani migrant accused of sex assault in Britain claims that he would be attacked if deported to his home country. The unnamed asylum seeker argued that people in Pakistan could target him because of sex offence allegations levelled against him in the UK. Though his claim for international protection in Britain was initially dismissed, he has now won an appeal as an upper immigration tribunal ruled there had been mistakes in the original decision. He will have his case reheard. The appeal is the latest case to be exposed by The Telegraph, where illegal migrants or foreign criminals have used human rights laws to challenge their deportation or removal from the UK. It comes ahead of plans by Shabana Mahmood, the Home Secretary, to force judges to prioritise public safety over the rights of illegal migrants in a crackdown on asylum claims. On Monday, she will pledge to scale up deportations as she announces new restrictions on the way judges apply the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) when foreigners appeal against being removed from the UK. Earlier this month, The Telegraph revealed that migrants who have been accused of sex offences and other crimes are being granted asylum. A senior caseworker claimed that Home Office staff can approve claims from asylum seekers charged with crimes, as long as the offence for which they are being prosecuted does not merit a prison sentence of 12 months or more. The Pakistani migrant made his asylum claim in July 2022. The court was told that firstly, he claimed he would be at risk on return to Pakistan as someone who had been accused of sexual assault in the UK and second, because of a land dispute that his family are involved in. The Home Office rejected rejected [his] claim that he has been threatened by his family because of the allegations of sexual assault made against him. It concluded there would be sufficient protection available to the appellant in Pakistan, and he could relocate to Lahore, Faisalabad or Multan, in Pakistan. The Pakistani, named only as IUD, has lived in the UK for 14 years. His initial claim was rejected by a lower-tier tribunal, but he then appealed this decision. Upper Tribunal Judge Vinesh Mandalia ruled that the case must be re-heard because there were legal issues in assessing the credibility of his account. The First-tier judge did not examine the evidence in totality and only his evidence in isolation, Judge Mandalia said. Judge Mandalia said: The assessment of credibility and the risk upon return in a claim for international protection is always a highly fact-sensitive task. In an appeal such as this, where [The Home Office] challenges the core of [the migrants] account, judges adopt a variety of different evaluative techniques to assess the evidence. [The First Tier Tribunal Judge] found that [his] account of how his family had discovered the allegations made against him of sexual assault to be inconsistent. The judge here plainly had concerns about the credibility of [his] account, and it was undoubtedly open to her to note there are several inconsistencies in the account provided by [him]. I am, however, persuaded that she fell into error in her analysis of the credibility of [him] and his account. I accept there is a material error of law in the decision of the First Tier Tribunal and the decision must be set aside. The appeal is remitted to the First Tier Tribunal for hearing afresh with no findings preserved. Resident doctors picket outside St Thomas Hospital, London, as their five-day strike begins - Leon Neal/Getty Images A quarter of striking junior doctors work a four-day week or less, The Telegraph can reveal. The medics, now called resident doctors, are staging their 13th strike in less than three years over pay. The five-day walkout began at 7am on Friday as NHS leaders warned it would leave the service limping into a very difficult winter with flu cases and A&E waits rising. The dispute is officially over pay, but the junior doctors have also complained about working conditions, inflexible hours and training. The British Medical Association (BMA) is demanding junior doctors be given a 26 per cent pay rise, despite having received 28.9 per cent in the past three years. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said in an article for The Telegraph that the doctors had lost the plot and accused the BMA of reckless leadership. The demands come as the number of junior doctors choosing to work part-time has increased from 15 per cent in 2021 to 25 per cent. b' ' Among male medics, the proportion working part-time is up threefold, from five to 16 per cent in just four years. It means that one in four of the 75,000 employed by the NHS are only working four days a week or less. The majority of part-time junior doctors work 80 per cent of a full-time week, the equivalent of four days per week, according to the General Medical Council (GMC) data. These junior doctors account for about one in six of the total employed across the NHS. The Telegraph has analysed figures from the GMC and NHS England to calculate doctors working patterns. The next most common part-time schedule is equivalent to three days per week, which about six per cent of the doctors in training do. The remainder of junior doctors working less than full time is made up of doctors doing 2, 3 or 4 days per week, with the latter the least popular option of the three. They most commonly cite childcare responsibilities and work-life balance for doing so. A further four per cent of all junior doctors are currently taking time out of programme, a medical training review co-led by Prof Sir Chris Whitty said. That review also found that the proportion working part-time varied drastically depending on the area of medicine in which the doctors are training. In paediatrics, for example, more than half of trainees were part-time, followed by anaesthetics and obstetrics and gynaecology, in which about 45 and 40 per cent are part-time respectively. At the other end of the spectrum, doctors doing their foundation training had a rate of five per cent working shorter weeks, while surgery core and surgery trainees was also fewer than 15 per cent. Just over a third of those training to be GPs worked part-time. b' ' A recent survey of junior doctors by the Royal College of Physicians (RCP) found that nearly half of them want to work less than full-time, however, suggesting the proportion of part-timers will continue to grow, as it has been doing year-on-year. Campaigners and researchers have made repeated attempts to get the NHS to consider a more flexible approach to work patterns, including a four-day week. A paper written by Pedro Gomes, a professor of economics at Birkbeck Business School, and published last month in the British Medical Journal urged leaders to evaluate whether a four-day week could help retain staff, reduce sickness and make the NHS a more sustainable place to work. Last month Labour launched a crackdown on the four-day working week by rebuking the leader of South Cambridgeshire district council, which became the first to give workers 100 per cent of pay for 80 per cent of their contracted hours, causing a deterioration in services. The BMA rejected a last-ditch offer from Mr Streeting last week to avert strikes, in which he offered to pay their exam and other professional fees, and prioritise UK graduates over those trained abroad. Its current demands do not include calls for reduced working hours. Wes Streeting, the Health Secretary, said that he offered junior doctors a fair deal but it was rejected by the BMA - James Manning/PA Wire Mr Streeting said the offer had been a fair deal that would have put more money in doctors pockets and seriously addressed career and work/life balance concerns. Ive spoken to plenty of resident doctors who have made it clear that these are the moves that would make a real difference to their lives, he wrote. The BMAs leadership turned it down in a matter of hours. To reject that, knowing it means cancelled operations and missed appointments for patients, is not leadership. Its recklessness. The last round of strikes, a five-day walkout at the end of July, cost the NHS about 300m, with more than 54,000 procedures and appointments needed to be cancelled or rescheduled, despite the NHS maintaining 93 per cent of planned activity. Sir Jim Mackey, the NHS chief executive, has tasked NHS hospital leaders with maintaining at least 95 per cent, if not all, of the planned appointments this time around. Estimates suggest that this round of action alone cost the NHS around 240m. The Health Secretary warned earlier this week that this money will now not be available in any future negotiations and he could not fund the previous offer following the cartel-like behaviour of the BMA. A BMA spokesman said: A healthy work-life balance is essential, especially for doctors, who often work up to 72 hours a week, including nights and weekends. The pressure is taking its toll: recent GMC data shows 61 per cent of resident doctors are at high or moderate risk of burnout, with many working beyond their rostered hours and unable to take breaks. Nearly half say their work is emotionally exhausting, and 43 per cent feel drained at the thought of another day on the job. Burnout doesnt just harm doctors it leads to delays in care, crowded wards, and puts patient safety at risk. Some doctors are reducing their hours to cope, while 15 per cent have already taken steps to leave the profession altogether. Doctors with a better work-life balance provide better patient care and are more likely to stay in the NHS and working less than full time [LTFT] is a mechanism that can support this. Doctors are doing everything they can to hold up a failing system, but this is unsustainable. The Government must act now to invest in the workforce, improve working conditions and restore pay. Jon Ruben, 76, denied one charge but admitted several others at Leicester Crown Court - Facebook A retired vet has admitted drugging and sexually assaulting two boys at a Christian summer camp, and child cruelty towards six other victims. Leicester Crown Court was told that Jon Ruben, 76, laced sweets with tranquilising drugs and attacked two children after asking them to play a sweet game. Ruben, of Ruddington, Nottinghamshire, admitted sexual assault of a child under 13, assault of a child under 13 by penetration, eight counts of child cruelty, three counts of making indecent images of children and four drugs charges. Mary Prior KC, prosecuting, told the court the charges related to a summer camp held at rented premises near a village in Leicestershire last summer. She said: The defendant, for at least 27 years, has run a holiday camp. There is a long history of children feeling sick at the camp over many years. He made the rules. For many years he has played what he calls a sweet game with the children in which he goes into the bedrooms. The game is that each has to eat really sticky sweets as quickly as they can but they must chew them. Children have always felt ill the next day but he explained it as if they were overwrought. Police were called to Stathern Lodge near Melton Mowbray in July after children fell ill - NEMM / SWNS Ms Prior said youngsters became ill after the sweet game, including some who couldnt be roused at all and were vomiting, with one left unconscious. Eight children were taken to hospital. She said Ruben had crushed up drugs injected them into sweets, and liquid Xanax had been used on some victims, adding: Consequences could have been damage to the heart and if we were to look at the worst case scenario, death. The court heard Rubens stepson became concerned after finding baby oil, syringes containing white powder and other suspicious items at the camp held at Stathern Lodge near Melton Mowbray. Horrific, complex and emotional case Leicestershire Police said in a statement after the hearing that the owners and operators of Stathern Lodge are independent from those who use or hire the lodge and are not connected to the incident. Temp Det Chief Insp Neil Holden, of Leicestershire Police, said: This has been a horrific, complex and emotional investigation involving multiple young, innocent, vulnerable victims and a man who committed the vilest crimes. Our focus today must of course remain on the young victims and with the support of partners and dedicated family liaison officers, we have and continue to support their welfare and to ensure their safeguarding going forward. The indecent images charges admitted by Ruben related to 50 category A indecent videos of children, 22 Category B videos and seven Category C videos made between August 2023 and June this year. None of the images related to children from the camp. Prosecutors have been given two weeks to decide whether to proceed with a second charge of assault by penetration, after Ruben pleaded not guilty to it. He was remanded in custody until Nov 28, when he will be required to attend by prison video-link. Ruben spent more than 40 years as a vet after qualifying in Edinburgh in 1972. He had his own practice in the 1980s, but then changed direction and qualified as a primary school teacher. A health worker administers a dose of Stamaril vaccine amid a whooping cough and yellow fever outbreak on 6 May 2025 in Quito, Ecuador. Photograph: Agencia Press South/Getty Images Surging cases of yellow fever and dengue in South America highlight the growing assault on peoples health from the climate crisis, with infectious diseases spread by mosquitoes and deadly heat also now pushing into temperate regions such as Europe, experts have warned at the Cop30 climate summit. There have been 356 cases of yellow fever in South America and 152 deaths so far this year, largely in the Amazon region, according to Pan American Health Organization figures. Apart from a large spike in 2017 and 2018, this is the largest number of yellow fever cases for any year in the continent, bar one, since 1960. The current wave of yellow fever, which can cause fever, nausea and even organ failure, comes on the back of one of Brazils worst ever years for dengue. In 2024, nearly 6.5m cases of dengue and about 5,000 deaths were reported in Brazil. Last year was also a startling record year for dengue in Europe, with 304 reported cases more than the 275 cases reported in the previous 15 years combined. Related: Major US broadcasters sit out Cop30 climate talks: Theyre missing a lot Both yellow fever and dengue are transmitted by the Aedes species of mosquito, which thrive in warm conditions and stagnant water. The climate crisis, which is raising global temperatures and causing more ferocious rainfall, is aggravating about half of known human pathogenic diseases, scientists have determined, as disease-carrying mosquitoes expand their range across a rapidly heating world. The sharp increase in transmitted diseases in the Amazon region comes as UN climate talks take place in Belem, a Brazilian city that sits near the mouth of the Amazon River. Health was, until a few years ago, a largely overlooked area of the climate crisis in these annual summits but the UN declared Thursday health day at Cop30 and promoted a new plan to help countries deal with the array of illnesses and life-threatening conditions spurred by a hotter world. Across the world, people are living the daily reality that the climate crisis is also a public health crisis, said Simon Stiell, the UNs climate chief. Rising temperatures, floods, droughts and storms are claiming lives, fueling diseases and malnutrition, and placing immense pressure on health systems. Stiell said the new Belem Health Action Plan, led by Brazils government and the World Health Organization, will help countries with surveillance, best practices and capacity building to help them deal with climate-fueled health issues. A coalition of 35 philanthropic bodies has pledged $300m in funding for the initiative. Humanity can only win this global climate fight if we connect stronger climate actions to peoples top priorities in their daily lives, Stiell said. And there are few higher priorities than our health. But climate advocates and health experts say much more will need to be done to deal with the fallout from scorching temperatures and worsening disasters such as flooding. On Wednesday, Al Gore, the former US vice-president, said that recent evidence that rising heat is killing one person a minute worldwide shows that governments are badly failing to curb the direct human harm of the climate crisis. How long are we going to stand by keep turning the thermostat up so that these sort of events get even worse? Gore said. Health experts said that several factors were causing the expansion of infectious diseases, such as the razing of forests for agriculture and housing, which is bringing humans closer to animals that can spread zoonotic diseases. Its globalization as well and its also the fact that mosquitoes are smart and so are bacteria, said Maria Guevara, the international medical secretary of Medecins Sans Frontieres, or Doctors Without Borders, who is at the Belem gathering. And whether its bacteria or viruses, they transmit, theyre just smarter than humans in that case because theyre more adapted, and they will adapt to survive. We are much too slow. We know what we need to do about climate change, but were not doing anything. Guevara said much more will need to be done to equip countries that are having outbreaks of disease worsened by the extreme weather. MSF has in recent years had to respond to outbreaks of yellow fever in Brazil and the Democratic Republic of Congo in the wake of severe droughts or floods. Distribution of vaccines can be difficult even in countries like Brazil, where yellow fever inoculations are free. Weve had huge outbreaks of dengue and an increase in yellow fever even outside of the Amazon region because of lots of rain and high temperatures, which makes the mosquitoes bite more and affects the reproduction of virus in the mosquitoes, said Rachel Vicente, an expert at the health sciences center at Brazils Federal University of Espirito Santo. People are living near more breeding sites, too, especially in urban areas of Brazil. Its a perfect storm and its not just a problem of tropical areas any more, weve had outbreaks in Europe because it is getting warmer there and is becoming easier for the vector. We all need to collaborate more on resilience because all countries will need to prepare for this now, not just some of them. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. From left, Brent Peak, Aldo Urquiza, Zita Yu and Lisa Everett pose together in Arizona. Peak, a Democrat, and Everett, a Republican, have worked together to help Kelly Yu, Urquizas wife and Zitas mother, from being deported by U.S. immigration authorities in Maricopa County. Photo: Brent Peak / Used with Permission (The Center Square) Arizonans continue to call for the release of a business owner held by ICE. Lisa Everett, former chair of the Republican Party in Arizonas 29th Legislative District, has been working with Brent Peak, a Democrat, to keep Peoria restaurateur Kelly Yu from being deported. Because Yu has no criminal history and is approaching 180 days in detention, her case now falls under legal precedents that could require her release from the custody of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Everett said. In a phone interview with The Center Square, Everett cited the 2001 U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Zadvydas v. Davis as limiting the time that noncitizens can be held in detention without deportation. Everett also pointed to Section 42B, which Everett said could allow Yu to remain in the United States with her family. Section 42B is a reference to the application to cancel a removal from the U.S. Everett said she and Peak are grateful Yu is willing to change lawyers. So were in the process of finding the right attorney for her, someone thats going to fight for her and not just treat her like another file in the desk. Yus case has been going on for months. Peak said the government's decision to detain her makes no sense. They would rather waste taxpayer money to detain her than to simply release her under the arrangement that she was under before they detained her, Peak told The Center Square. Shed been ordered to come in at check-in, she had an ankle monitor on, and she was abiding by the latest ruling and instructions. And that was when they chose to arrest her back in March, so shes been there for almost six months now. Yu owns two restaurants and is planning a third. Her husband, Aldo Urquiza, is an American. The two were recently married. Meanwhile, Kellys daughter, Zita Yu, was born in the United States and is currently a college student. The Center Square sought comment from Arizonas federal lawmakers in Washington, D.C., and did not receive a response. That was also the case during a previous story from The Center Square in October. In addition, The Center Square reached out to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, but did not get a response. Assistant Homeland Security Secretary Tricia McLaughlin did email The Center Square in August to say the department stands by its actions. Lai Kuen Yu, an illegal alien from Hong Kong, has had a final deportation order from a judge since 2005, said McLaughlin. She was arrested illegally crossing the border by the U.S. Border Patrol in Arizona on February 4, 2004, and two days later was released into the country. McLaughlin went on to state that, on Nov. 14, 2013, the Board of Immigration Appeals dismissed her appeal and upheld the final order for Yus removal. "On Aug. 23, 2016, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit denied her appeal, said McLaughlin. On June 12, the Board of Immigration Appeals granted her a temporary stay of removal while they consider her motion to reopen. She will remain in ICE custody pending her removal proceedings." Everett told The Center Square that Yu came to the United States when she was 18 years old. According to Everett, Yu was pregnant and fled China due to the one-child policy. When Yu arrived, Everett said Yu immediately applied for asylum. Everett said Arizonas federal representatives need to step up and help. The Dignity Act is in committee right now, and if they were to pass that, that would resolve so many problems for the Kellys of the world, said Everett about the bill. It doesnt grant amnesty, but it does come up with the solution to let long-term residents be here indefinitely as long as they qualify, and that would mean no criminal background, theyre paying their taxes, things like that. Everett said Yu meets the requirements of that category, adding that Yu has been a financial supporter of her community. Rep. Eric Swalwell speaks at a news conference at the US. Capitol Building on September 08, in Washington, DC. - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/File A Trump administration official referred California Democratic Rep. Eric Swalwell to the Justice Department over mortgage fraud allegations, a source familiar told CNN. The accusation was made by Federal Housing Finance Agency Director Bill Pulte, who has made similar allegations against high-ranking democratic officials including New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Senator Adam Schiff. The Justice Department has not said whether it received the referral, and there was some internal confusion Thursday as to whether it had arrived. One person familiar with the matter said Pulte delivered it orally to Justice Department official Ed Martin and put a written copy in the mail, which Martin has yet to receive. Its all nonsense, Swalwell said on CNNs Laura Coates Live Thursday night. Its not going to shake me. The other individuals, Schiff, James, (Lisa) Cook and myself, were not going to hide under the bed, were not going to be silent or go away were going to hold a lawless president accountable. Pultes previous referrals have resulted in action. James was indicted last month on fraud charges, and Schiff is under federal investigation. Pulte was spotted at the White House on Thursday evening. As the most vocal critic of Donald Trump over the last decade and as the only person who still has a surviving lawsuit against him, the only thing I am surprised about is that it took him this long to come after me, Swalwell said in a statement earlier Thursday. The congressman has long been a critic of Trump, including by acting as an impeachment manager during Trumps second impeachment proceedings. Swalwell sued Trump and others in 2021, claiming that the presidents speech at the White House Ellipse just before the January 6th riot pushed his supporters towards violence. The case is still proceeding in federal court. Of course, I will not end my lawsuit against him, Swalwells statement says, and I will not stop speaking out against the president and speaking up for Californians. This story has been updated with additional details. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com A South Carolina killer who murdered three people in a week and taunted police with a message written in blood is set to become the third inmate in the state executed by the controversial firing squad method this year. Stephen Bryant, who once scrawled "catch me if u can" on a wall using the blood of 62-year-old Willard "T.J." Tietjen, is scheduled to be executed on Friday, Nov. 14, for the 2004 murder. If the execution moves forward, Bryant will be the 43rd inmate executed in the U.S. in 2025, the most executions carried out in a single year since 2012. He'll also be only one of six men executed by the firing squad in modern U.S. history. Under South Carolina's protocol, Bryant's executioners will place a hood over his head and strap him to a chair. Three volunteer corrections officers are supposed to shoot him in the heart simultaneously. A defense attorney who witnessed the last such execution in April described it as "barbaric" and "a horrifying act that belongs in the darkest chapters of history." State officials defend the method as constitutional. Here's what you need to know about Bryant's execution. South Carolina's firing squad chair is pictured behind its electric chair, which is covered, at the Broad River Correctional Institute in Columbia, South Carolina. Death Row inmates can choose among firing squad, electric chair and lethal injection for their executions. If they don't select one, the default is the electric chair. When and where is Stephen Bryant's execution? Stephen Bryant is set to be executed at 6 p.m. ET on Friday, Nov. 14 at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, South Carolina. What was Stephen Bryant convicted of? In October 2004, Stephen Bryant was on probation for burglary when he went on an eight-day killing spree that left three men dead and one critically wounded. Bryant pleaded guilty to the crimes. A judge sentenced him to life in prison for two of the murders and the death penalty for the murder of a stranger named Willard "T.J." Tietjen, who was shot nine times in his home just east of Columbia after allowing Bryant to come in. Bryant had told Tietjen that his truck had overheated and the two chatted for hours before Bryant attacked, he later admitted to police, according to court records. After the murder, he used Tietjen's blood to scrawl a taunting message to cops: "Victem 4 in 2 weeks. Catch me if u can," court records say. Like Tietjen, the other three men Bryant shot appeared to be targeted at random during the unexplained killing spree. They included his friend, 36-year-old Clifton Gainey and another stranger, 35-year-old Christopher Burgess. A 56-year-old man named Clinton Brown was shot in the back and left for dead but survived. Why is Stephen Bryant being executed by firing squad? South Carolina allowed Bryant to choose among three execution methods: firing squad, electric chair or lethal injection. If he hadn't chosen, the default method is electric chair. The firing squad has been rarely used in the United States, though it appears to be gaining momentum as states say they're struggling to obtain the drugs needed for lethal injections. Before this year, Utah was the only state to use the method, and had only done so three times: in 1977, 1996 and 2010. Utah had planned to use the method on an inmate in August but the Utah Supreme Court stopped it over concerns about his dementia. South Carolina legalized firing squads in 2021 and began using the method this year, executing two inmates in April and May. On top of Utah and South Carolina, Mississippi, Oklahoma and Idaho have legalized firing squads. Idaho, which approved firing squads in 2023, is set to make them the state's default method next year. Amanda Lee Myers is a senior crime reporter who covers the death penalty for USA TODAY. Follow her on X at @amandaleeusat. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Killer who wrote taunting message in blood faces firing squad Getty Images Cate Blanchett on August 27, 2025. The Gist Cate Blanchett attended the 2025 Bambi Awards in Munich, Germany on Thursday, November 13. She wore a sheer purple dress from Stella McCartney's spring 2026 collection. It was made with the world's first vegan alternative to feathers. Cate Blanchett's sheer look is actually quite groundbreaking. On Thursday, the actress attended the Bambi Awards in Munich, Germany, where she took home a gold statue dressed in a Stella McCartney gown. Blanchett's lilac frock was covered in the "world's first" plant-based alternative to real feathers, as reported by Vogue Business. McCartney has spent her career in fashion championing eco-friendly manufacturing techniques, which led her to collaborate with the startup Fevvers for her spring 2026 collection. Getty Images Cate Blanchett on November 13, 2025. Blanchett accessorized with ivory pumps and diamond earrings, wearing her blonde tresses in a sleek side-part with waves. She was dressed by stylist Elizabeth Stewart, who also counts Julia Roberts, Elizabeth Olsen, and Viola Davis as clients. The Carol star is known for her love of sustainable fashion: she frequently models designs made with recycled materials on the red carpet. Attending the Giorgio Armani fashion show during Milan Fashion Week in September, Blanchett wore a sculptural blazer featuring sharp padded shoulders and metallic horizontal stripes. Getty Cate Blanchett on September 28, 2025. She styled the black and gold jacket with some shiny wide-leg pants and sharp pumps. Blanchett completed her bold look with a low bun, revealing a pair of statement earrings Blanchett, a longtime Armani ambassador, penned a touching tribute to the designer following his death earlier this year. "Mr. Armani, the private man leaves a void that is impossible to fill. Not just in the worlds of fashion, art, cinema, theatre, architecture, and design, but in the hearts of millions of people whose lives he influenced," she wrote in Vogue. "Ever a man of dualities, he was a Colossus, a King, a Titanbut simultaneously a thoughtful, hands-on craftsman; true, direct and sincere." Getty Cate Blanchett on September 28, 2025. Read the original article on InStyle SKOREA-US-CHINA-DIPLOMACY (Photo by ANDREW CABALLERO-REYNOLDS/AFP via Getty Images) China appears to be quietly backtracking on some of the commitments it made to President Donald Trump in late October during the summit between the countries leaders to ease simmering trade tensions. Washington said Beijing pledged to buy 12 million tons of U.S. soybeans by the end of this year and 25 million tons annually for the next three years. However, imports to the country stalled after an initial surge following the meeting, Bloomberg reported Wednesday. Meanwhile, China is devising a workaround on its pledge to ease restrictions on rare earth exports, to try and prevent them from going to the U.S. military, according to The Wall Street Journal. A key U.S. goal during the trade talks was securing commitments for China to buy more American agricultural products, as farmers suffered from reduced exports. China halted most soybean imports earlier this year, leaving many producers without major buyers for the fall harvest. (RELATED: EXCLUSIVE: US Nuclear Bomber Fleet Shares Fence With Trailer Park Linked To Chinese Intel-Tied Fraudster) US President Donald Trump (R) and Chinas President Xi Jinping (L) hold talks at the Gimhae Air Base in Busan on October 30, 2025. (Photo by Andrew Caballero-Reynolds/AFP via Getty Images) I was extremely honored by the fact that President Xi authorized China to begin the purchase of massive amounts of Soybeans, Sorghum, and other Farm products. Our Farmers will be very happy! In fact, as I said once before during my first Administration, Farmers should immediately go out and buy more land and larger tractors, Trump wrote on his Truth Social platform following the meeting. Despite Chinese commitment, ample supplies of cheaper Brazilian beans and a lingering 13% tariff have made American soybeans less competitive, according to Bloomberg. Whether the purchases will pick up remains uncertain, but this would not be the first time China has failed to meet its trade promises to the U.S. In late October, the U.S. Trade Representatives office launched an investigation into Chinas apparent failure to comply with the Phase One trade deal signed in 2020, under which Beijing committed to $200 billion in additional purchases of U.S. farm goods, manufactured products, and energy, as well as improvements to intellectual property protections, but never met the targets. In addition to the slowdown in soybean orders, China is reportedly crafting a system to block the U.S. military and producers of dual-use goods from obtaining rare earths, despite promising Trump it would expedite the flow of these critical minerals, according to The Wall Street Journal. Companies with both civilian and military clients such as those in the automotive and aerospace business may face difficulty obtaining the necessary licenses, the outlet reported. The U.S. imports 80% of the rare earths it consumes, primarily from China, which controls the vast majority of the worlds rare earth mining and 92% of refining capacity. Historically, Beijing has used its dominance over rare earths as a bargaining chip in trade negotiations and to exert territorial and military pressure. After Trumps Liberation Day tariffs announcement in April, China intensified these pressures. Although a June framework agreement between the two sides called for Beijing to ease those restrictions and expedite shipments, China delayed approvals, leading to widespread supply chain disruptions. Chinas move to block rare earth exports to companies involved in dual-use products is a stark reminder that the Chinese government, not private industry, controls a strategic monopoly over these materials, Nick Myers, CEO and co-founder of one of the few rare earth processing companies in the U.S., told the Daily Caller News Foundation. That level of leverage is dangerous for the United States and any nation that may oppose Beijing, as supply chain pressure can be just as powerful as missiles or drones. Myers company Phoenix Tailings has developed a new process for extracting rare earth metals from raw materials and mining waste without generating toxic byproducts or emissions, all while remaining independent of the Chinese economy. While I would never compare our work to the sacrifice of our soldiers, it highlights why investing in American rare earth production is essential so our private sector can defend the countrys interests on this new battlefield, Myers said. Ahead of the October Trump-Xi summit, some analysts had warned that Chinas long history of broken promises should give the president pause. Its almost impossible to imagine a comprehensive deal that the Chinese dont win on, because they wont keep their side of the deal, Derek Scissors, senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and chief economist of the China Beige Book, told the DCNF at the time. The White House did not respond to the DCNFs request for comment. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. Thailand's King Maha Vajiralongkorn, right, and Chinese President Xi Jinping review the honor guard during a welcoming ceremony at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025. (Tingshu Wang/Pool Photo via AP) BEIJING (AP) Chinas leader Xi Jinping and Thai King Maha Vajiralongkorn pledged closer ties on Friday during the first-ever visit to China by a reigning Thai monarch. Xi and his wife, Peng Liyuan, greeted Vajiralongkorn and his wife, Queen Suthida, at Beijings vast Great Hall of the People. The visit was intended to mark the 50th anniversary of the countries establishing diplomatic ties. Xi described China and Thailand as truly good relatives, good friends and good partners, according to the state-run Xinhua news agency. Beijing was looking forward to boosting agricultural imports from Thailand and advancing cooperation in fields such as railway development, artificial intelligence and aerospace, Xi said. Vajiralongkorn described his countrys relationship with China as brotherly cooperation and expressed his desire to deepen exchanges in various areas. The Thai royals were scheduled to visit a Buddhist temple and an aerospace development hub in Beijing, as well as attend a state banquet. Besides a trip to Bhutan in April, the visit to China was Vajiralongkorns only second official trip abroad since his ascension to the throne, in 2016, signaling a warming of ties with China. Thailand remains an official military ally of the United States, but China is the kingdoms biggest trading partner and increasingly a source of military equipment. Chinese investment in Thailand also has accelerated in recent years, particularly as many Chinese companies have moved production to Southeast Asia to avoid U.S. tariffs. In a show of cooperation with Beijing, Thai authorities earlier this year deported 40 Uyghur asylum-seekers back to China, despite U.S. criticism. In August, a Bangkok exhibition featuring works by Tibetan, Uyghur and Hong Kong artists was censored, reportedly following complaints by Chinese diplomats. China also has pressured Thailand and its Southeast Asian neighbors to crack down on cross-border cyber scams. A big-hearted, cancer-stricken Long Island jeweler has been jailed in Iran for the alleged crime of visiting Israel 13 years ago leaving his increasingly desperate family pleading for his release. Kamran Hekmati, 70, a dual US and Iranian citizen, was rounded up by the saber-rattling regime in the spring, during one of his many travels back to his beloved home country, his cousin Shohreh Nowfar told The Post. Iranian officials eventually sent Hekmati to the notoriously brutal Evin Prison as punishment for his Israel trip, during which he had attended his sons bar mitzvah. Kamran Hekmati, 70, has been imprisoned by Iran. Kamran Hekmati / LinkedIn The ongoing Kafka-by-way-of-Tehran nightmare prompted Hekmatis family and Rep. Tom Suozzi (D-Long Island) to push Secretary of State Marco Rubio for help. He just wants to come home, Nowfar said. Anytime he talks, he says Get me out of here. Hekmati, a Persian Jew, immigrated to the US when he was roughly 13 years ago, but never lost ties to Iran, Nowfar said. Even as Hekmati built a new American life running a Diamond District business, thriving in Long Islands large Persian Jewish community and sitting on the Great Neck Estates Zoning Board of Appeals he regularly returned to his home country for sometimes months-long vacations and family trips, his cousin said. He absolutely loved Iran, Nowfar said. He goes two, three times a year. He has a lot of friends there. Before Hekmatis fateful spring trip to Iran, he underwent surgery and chemotherapy for aggressive bladder cancer. Hekmati is being held in Irans notorious Evin prison. Getty Images Nowfar, who lives in Los Angeles, said Hekmati has to receive treatment every three months but that fell into limbo when Iranian authorities first confiscated his passport and then ultimately sentenced him to prison. The government says that his sentence is because he went to Israel, or what they call occupied land, seven years ago, she said. But in reality, he went there 13 years ago, not seven years ago, and the law passed about going to Israel, about six, seven years ago. So, he went there before the law passed in Iran. That was for his sons bar mitzvah. Hekmatis sentence was originally four years, but has since been reduced to two, the New York Times first reported. Hes also one of four Americans being held by Iran, the Times reported. Nowfar said Hekmati is only able to contact family through friends and his Iranian lawyer and they dont even know what part of Evin prison hes in, or if hes getting proper medical care. They dont allow any outside doctor to go to the prisoner, she said. And we dont know what the situation is with the prisons hospital. But as far as I know he hasnt been getting the quarterly treatment he needs. The dire situation prompted Suozzi this week to send a formal letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, calling for immediate action. This case is deeply troubling, Suozzi said in a statement. Mr. Hekmati is a cherished member of the Long Island community. He is not only a respected public servant serving on the Great Neck Estates Zoning Board of Appeals, but he is also battling an aggressive form of bladder cancer. He must be released immediately on humanitarian grounds. Hekmanis family who, aside from Nowfar, declined to comment has also been in touch with Rubios office and foreign dignitaries, his cousin said. Were hoping that they can do something about it, Nowfar said. Were just sitting tight and hoping. He is a very kind, very big-hearted person. And he tries to help anybody in distress. The irony is that the country that he loved so much, the country that he adored so much, took him to prison. FILE PHOTO: A drone view shows the Limmat river and Fraumunster Church on an early morning in Zurich, Switzerland May 2, 2025. REUTERS/Denis Balibouse/File Photo By John Revill ZURICH (Reuters) -The United States and Switzerland announced a framework trade agreement on Friday that includes Washington slashing its tariffs on imported Swiss products to 15% from 39% and a pledge by Swiss companies to invest $200 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2028. The United States and Switzerland, joined by Liechtenstein, aim to conclude negotiations to finalize their trade deal by the first quarter of 2026, the White House said in a statement. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the agreement tears down longstanding trade barriers and opens new markets for American goods. He welcomed "massive Swiss investment to help reduce our deficit in pharmaceuticals and other key sectors" that will generate thousands of jobs across the U.S. At least $67 billion of the $200 billion in pledged Swiss investments in the United States will come in 2026, the White House said in a statement. The total includes prior U.S. investment commitments including $50 billion from drugmaker Roche and $23 billion from Novartis along with pledges from engineering group ABB railway equipment maker Stadler. In addition to pharmaceuticals - Switzerland's largest export to the U.S. - the investments in U.S. production will target medical devices, aerospace and gold manufacturing, the White House said. "This agreement puts Switzerland on an equal footing with the European Union and brings the tariff level down from 39% to 15%," Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin said in announcing the deal, which affects about 40% of Switzerland's exports. "Of course, we would prefer (the $200 billion) to be invested in Switzerland," Parmelin added. "And thats why the Federal Council in parallel is doing everything to see how we can reduce costs for our businesses." The lower tariff rate is likely to be activated within "days, weeks," as soon as the U.S. customs processing systems can be adjusted, said Helene Budliger Artieda, director of Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. PHARMA TARIFFS CAPPED AT 15% The deal guarantees a 15% tariff ceiling for Swiss pharmaceutical producers, limiting the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's forthcoming Section 232 national security duties for the sector, which could reach 100% on certain patented drugs. Parmelin said the 15% cap would also apply to other future Section 232 duties, including semiconductors, putting key sectors on the same footing as the EU. "The risk of much higher sector-specific tariffs is therefore ruled out," Parmelin added. A Swiss government statement said the tariff agreement will reduce Swiss import duties on U.S. industrial products, fish and seafood and agricultural products "that Switzerland considers non-sensitive." Switzerland will grant the U.S. duty-free bilateral tariff quotas on 500 tons of beef, 1,000 tons of bison meat and 1,500 tons of poultry meat, the government said. The White House statement said Switzerland agreed to remove a range of tariffs across agricultural and industrial sectors including certain fresh and dried nuts, fruits, seafood and chemicals. The White House also said Switzerland will recognize U.S. motor vehicle safety standards, a step toward addressing Trump's frequent complaint that European countries do not buy American-made cars and trucks. LEVEL PLAYING FIELD WITH EU Swiss industrial groups welcomed the deal, saying it would put them on a level playing field with competitors from the European Union, which agreed to a 15% tariff on EU exports to the U.S. "For the industrial sector, which was subject to a 39% tariff since August 1, this is good news. For the first time, we have the same conditions in the U.S. market as our European competitors," said Nicola Tettamanti, president of Swissmechanic, which represents small and medium-sized manufacturers. Switzerland's machinery, precision instruments, watchmaking, and food sectors, which export to the U.S., would see the most relief, said Hans Gersbach, a director of the KOF Swiss Economic Institute at ETH Zurich. KOF forecasts Swiss economic growth of 0.9% in 2026, but this would exceed 1% with the lower tariff rate, he added. Switzerland had a $38.3 billion goods trade surplus with the U.S. in 2024, according to U.S. Census Bureau data. This rose to $55.7 billion in 2025 through July, reflecting primarily the front-loading of U.S. imports from Switzerland during the first quarter, before Trump imposed his "reciprocal" tariffs in early April. Nadia Gharbi, an economist at Swiss bank Pictet, said the tariff reduction removed the main downside risks for the country's economy and represents a clearly positive development for Swiss industries and for the overall growth outlook. "Under the previous tariff regime, Switzerland suffered a significant loss of competitiveness not only because of the strength of the Swiss franc, but also because neighboring European economies were subject to tariffs of only around 15%," she said. Swiss industry on Friday reported a 14% fall in exports to the U.S. during the three months through September, technology industry association Swissmem said, while machine tool makers saw shipments slump 43%. (Reporting by John Revill in Zurich; Additional reporting by Dave Graham in Zurich, Emma Farge and Olivia Le Poidevin in Geneva, Miranda Murray in Berlin, and Doina Chiacu, Susan Heavey and Andrea Shalal in Washington; Writing by David Lawder and John Revill, Editing by Rod Nickel and Matthew Lewis) CE0A6797 (Photo courtesy Office of Jim Banks) Republican Indiana Sen. Jim Banks said in an exclusive interview with the Daily Caller News Foundation that hes very suspicious of Nvidias opposition to his bill restricting critical chip sales to China. The GAIN AI Act, introduced by Banks, would restrict export of advanced chips to embargoed nations such as China when there is unmet demand in the U.S. Co-sponsored by Republican Sens. Tom Cotton and Dave McCormick, along with Democrat Sens. Elizabeth Warren, Chuck Schumer, and Chris Coons, the bill was passed by the Senate in October as part of the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2026 and now returns to the House for reconciliation. Nvidia has voiced public opposition to the bill, saying that the measure would restrict competition and adding that the company would never deprive American customers by selling their chips internationally. You have to ask yourself, why would Nvidia be opposed to that? I mean, its common sense, Banks told the DCNF. Their opposition makes me very suspicious. (RELATED: Sen. Banks Pins Long-Deserved Purple Heart On Iraq Veteran After Nearly Two Decades) Nvidia founder and CEO Jensen Huang speaks during a press conference at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) CEO Summit in Gyeongju on October 31, 2025. (Photo by Jung Yeon-Je/AFP via Getty Images) Advanced chips, like the ones Nvidia produces, are a critical currency in the ongoing artificial intelligence (AI) race between China and the U.S. Additionally, the chips have a slew of military applications, such as in advanced intelligence analysis computers. The GAIN AI Act aims to fulfill the massive U.S. commercial and military demand for chips before companies like Nvida exporting aboard. Banks made the remarks at the 4th annual Northeast Indiana Defense Summit, where U.S. officials such as Secretary of War Pete Hegseth and Navy Secretary John Phelan delivered remarks in front of hundreds of industry leaders. To kick off the two-day event, Banks awarded the Purple Heart to former Army National Guard Specialist Robert Drudy, who suffered a traumatic brain injury in Iraq on Oct. 2, 2008. In trying to solve a problem that does not exist, the proposed bill would restrict competition worldwide in any industry that uses mainstream computing chips, an Nvidia spokesperson previously said regarding the GAIN AI Act in September. Banks told the DCNF that hes seeing growing support for the bill as the measure passed in the Senate, but it remains unclear whether it will pass in the Houses version of the NDAA. When I see that Nvidia is spending literally millions of dollars in Washington, D.C. to try to lobby against the legislation, it concerns me that they would be against it, Banks told the DCNF. Some Republicans have vocally opposed the bill as well, including White House AI and crypto czar David Sacks, who urged senate Republicans to not use the NDAA as a means to pass the legislation. Nvidia did not immediately respond to the DCNFs request for comment. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. A drone view shows the port of Buenos Aires in Buenos Aires, Argentina April 10, 2025. REUTERS/Miguel Lo Bianco By Andrea Shalal and Natalia Siniawski WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States on Thursday announced framework agreements with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala that will see Washington drop tariffs on imports of some foods and other goods, while those countries will open their markets to more U.S. agricultural and industrial goods. Details will be released in coming weeks after the framework deals are finalized. Following are highlights of the four deals, according to fact sheets and joint statements released by the White House and the countries involved on Thursday: ARGENTINA Argentina will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods, including certain medicines, chemicals, machinery, information technology products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a wide range of agricultural products. Under the deal, Argentina will allow access for U.S. poultry and poultry products, within one year, and simplify red tape for U.S. exporters of beef, beef products, pork, and pork products. Argentina also has agreed not to restrict market access for certain U.S. meats and cheeses. Argentina agreed to step up enforcement against counterfeit and pirated goods; use U.S. or international standards for imports of goods made in the United States, including automobiles; and refrain from imposing customs duties on electronic transmissions or digital services taxes. Argentina agreed to treat U.S. firms fairly in its critical minerals sector, and to adopt a ban on importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor. In exchange, the U.S. will remove tariffs on "certain unavailable natural resources and non-patented articles for use in pharmaceutical applications." The countries also committed to improved, reciprocal, bilateral market access conditions for trade in beef. ECUADOR Total two-way trade in goods and services between the United States and Ecuador amounted to approximately $90.4 billion in 2024. Ecuador agreed to remove or lower a range of tariffs on products including tree nuts, fresh fruit, pulses, wheat, wine, and distilled spirits, as well as machinery, health products, chemicals, motor vehicles, and to establish tariff-rate quotas on a number of other agricultural goods. It also agreed to reduce non-tariff barriers for U.S. agricultural goods, including through changes to its licensing systems for food and agricultural products. Ecuador will also accept vehicles and automotive parts built to U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards, as well as U.S. medical devices marketed in the United States, and U.S. pharmaceutical products marketed in the United States. It also agreed to prevent barriers to services and digital trade with the U.S.; refrain from imposing digital service taxes; strengthen enforcement of its labor laws and ban importation of goods produced by forced or compulsory labor. The two countries agreed to strengthen their economic and national security cooperation by taking complementary actions to address non-market policies and cooperating on investment security and export controls, a reference that could refer to China and its non-market policies. In exchange, the U.S. will remove its tariffs on certain qualifying exports from Ecuador that cannot be grown, mined or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities, including coffee and bananas. EL SALVADOR El Salvador will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods, including pharmaceutical products, medical devices, remanufactured goods and motor vehicles. The country will streamline regulatory approvals, accept U.S. auto standards, simplify certificate of free sale requirements, allow electronic certificates, remove apostille requirements and expedite product registration. El Salvador has committed to prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products, recognize U.S. regulatory oversight, continue accepting agreed U.S. certificates and not restrict access of meats and cheeses including parmesan, gruyere, mozzarella, feta, asiago, salami, and prosciutto. The country will advance international intellectual property treaties and ensure transparency and fairness on geographical indications. El Salvador will prevent barriers to services and digital trade and support a permanent moratorium on customs duties for electronic transmissions. It has reinforced its commitment to labor rights, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management, including tackling illegal logging, mining, wildlife trafficking and industrial distortions. In return, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on certain Salvadoran exports and extend preferences to qualifying CAFTADR textiles. The countries will also strengthen economic and national security cooperation, enhancing supply chain resilience, innovation, and collaboration on duty evasion, procurement, investment security and export controls. GUATEMALA Two-way trade in goods and services between the United States and Guatemala totaled almost $18.7 billion in 2024. Under the deal, Guatemala will streamline regulatory approvals, accept U.S. auto standards, simplify certificate of free sale requirements, allow electronic certificates, remove apostille requirements and expedite product registration. The country has committed to prevent barriers to U.S. agricultural products, recognize U.S. regulatory oversight, maintain science- and risk-based frameworks and continue accepting agreed U.S. certificates. Access will not be restricted on common meats and cheeses. Guatemala will strengthen intellectual property protection, implement international treaties, resolve longstanding U.S. Special 301 issues, and ensure transparency on geographical indications. It will facilitate digital trade, refrain from discriminatory digital services taxes, support free cross-border data flows and back a permanent WTO moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions. The country has reinforced commitments to labor rights, environmental protection, and sustainable resource management, including prohibiting goods from forced labor, combating illegal logging, mining, and wildlife trafficking, enforcing forest and fisheries measures and addressing industrial and state-owned enterprise distortions. In response, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on certain Guatemalan exports, including products that cannot be grown or produced in sufficient quantities in the United States and qualifying textiles and apparel. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Natalia Siniawski; Editing by Lincoln Feast.) A row of red metal lockers lines a school hallway next to a closed wooden door. Photo: Ezekiel See / Unsplash Florida public school students will learn the brutal realities of communism under new standards the State Board of Education adopted Thursday, the states education chief said. The History of Communism will be integrated into the states social studies standards and implemented in the 2026-2027 school year. Its the result of a 2024 law signed by Republican Gov. Ron DeSantis that mandates students be taught the consequences of communism and to prepare them to withstand indoctrination on communism at colleges and universities. With the resurgence of communist ideologies across the United States and throughout the world, it is more important than ever for students to understand the catastrophic failures and human suffering caused by communist regimes, said Commissioner of Education Anastasios Kamoutsas. Floridas new History of Communism standards will ensure that students learn the truth about the brutal realities of life under communism and gain a deeper appreciation for the blessings of liberty that define our nation. Some historians criticized the new benchmarks for softening the reputation of anti-communist Sen. Joseph McCarthy, who fueled a Red Scare of infiltration of communism in the U.S. in the 1950s that led to public accusations and blacklisting. The standards teach students about the use of McCarthyism as an insult and slander against anti-communists." The Florida Education Association, a statewide teachers union, objected to the standards for telling students what to think instead of encouraging critical thinking of various viewpoints. Florida is one of two Republican-led states that have adopted required teaching on the history of communism this year. Arkansas passed a law requiring public schools to teach about the dangers of communisms past and present. In Texas, Gov. Greg Abbott signed a bill into law that requires instruction on the history and crimes of communism. The new standards take effect in the 2026-2027 school year. Arizona saw a few bills introduced over the last two years with similar goals, but none were passed. One would have required 45 minutes of instruction on the history of communist regimes and established Victims of Communism Day. Gov. Katie Hobbs, a Democrat, vetoed the bill. Another would have required instruction on comparative politics including the history of communism in the United States and domestic communist movements. It also would have required teachings on "the atrocities committed in foreign countries by communist regimes." DeSantis, who appoints members of Floridas State Board of Education, has been outspoken about his support for instructing students on communisms history. In 2022, he signed a bill into law establishing Victims of Communism Day, which requires schools to provide at least 45 minutes of instruction about how victims suffered under communist regimes. The 2024 law requiring instruction on communism also created the Institute for Freedom in the Americas and the Museum of the History of Communism. The truth will set us free, DeSantis said at the time. We will not allow our students to live in ignorance, nor be indoctrinated by communist apologists in schools. To the contrary, we will ensure students in Florida are taught the truth about the evils and dangers of communism. In this photo released by Xinhua News Agency, China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, PLANS Sichuan, sets sail from the port of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025.(Zhang Liang/Xinhua via AP) BANGKOK (AP) China began sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship on Friday, only a week after commissioning its latest aircraft carrier as part of the rapid modernization of its navy, which is already the world's largest. The Sichuan Type 076 vessel, which set sail from Shanghai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, combines some of the attributes of an aircraft carrier and earlier amphibious assault ships, with the ability to launch both aircraft and landing craft loaded with troops. It is about half the size of the Fujian, the latest aircraft carrier commissioned by China on Nov. 7, with a displacement of some 40,000 tons. Both ships were indigenously designed and built. Exact technical specifications have not been released, but amphibious assault ships are typically faster than carriers, which gives them more operational flexibility, but they are more lightly protected against attack, and cannot carry as many or as broad a range of aircraft. China's navy already has more ships than the U.S. Navy, but it lags behind in capabilities with fewer aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and other key vessels. It has embarked on a massive building program, however, as part of leader Xi Jinping's broad military modernization plan. Xi's stated aim is to have a fully modernized force by 2035 and one that is world class by mid-century, which is widely interpreted as one whose capabilities rival those of the United States. One of Xi's goals is to take the democratically self-governed island of Taiwan, and he has not ruled out the use of force. Amphibious assault ships would likely be critical for an invasion of Taiwan, though the island is also bristling with missile defense systems that could make any attempt to use them costly. The Sichuan compares roughly to the U.S. Navy's America-class and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships. However, it is equipped with the same modern electromagnetic catapult system that has been successfully tested on the Fujian carrier, while the American ships lack such launch systems and instead can only operate helicopters and short or vertical take-off and landing planes. Official Chinese media reported that the electromagnetic system would allow the Sichuan to launch fixed-wing aircraft in addition to helicopters and STOVL and VTOL planes, but it was not yet clear whether it would be limited to drones or whether it could launch crewed fixed-wing aircraft like fighter jets. That will likely become known during the later stages of the sea trials as the Sichuan's capabilities are tested. China has not said how long the Sichuan sea trials are to last. Russia launched a blistering assault on Ukraine overnight, killing at least six people and injuring 35. Some 430 drones and 18 missiles targeted the country, Ukraines president said, calling the strikes a deliberate and calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. Ukraines air force said most of the drones and missiles were shot down, but officials said falling debris and fires damaged high-rise apartments, a school, a medical facility and administrative buildings across nine districts in the city of about three million. "At that moment you don't know what to do first: save yourself, your child, or run to help people, because so many people were screaming and needed help," said Anastasia, 29, whose apartment block was hit. The attacks came just two days after Russias foreign ministry indicated it was ready to resume direct talks with Ukraine on ending the war in Istanbul. An official told TASS the ball is in Ukraines court. Russia continues to escalate its strikes on Ukraine while coordinating its messaging to present a show of good faith to the United States. Nearly four years since the invasion, the Kremlin maintains its maximalist designs on Ukraine. Zelensky said that Ukraine was responding to the strikes with long-range strength, and called for greater sanctions to be imposed on Russia. The overnight attacks hit residential buildings, despite Russias insistence it does not target civilians (AFP/Getty) Russia has waged a devastating aerial campaign against Ukraine since its all-out invasion of its neighbour nearly four years ago. US-led diplomatic efforts this year to stop the fighting have so far come to nothing. Friday's aerial assault, which also targeted Odesa in the south and Kharkiv in the northeast, was mostly aimed at Kyiv, where drones and missiles smashed into high-rise apartment blocks, according to Zelensky. Mariia Kalchenko said it was a miracle she survived after her building was hit. "I didn't hear anything, I just realised that my hair was on fire," the 46-year-old volunteer rescue dog handler said. In the Odesa region, Russian drones struck a busy street on market day in Chornomorsk, killing two people and injuring 11 others, including a 19-month-old girl, regional military administration chief Oleh Kiper said. Moscow denies targeting civilian areas, with the Russian Defense Ministry saying Friday it carried out an overnight strike on Ukraine's "military-industrial and energy facilities." Analysts nevertheless accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in order to wound morale. Eight of the capital's 10 districts reported damage. Emergency crews fought fires in apartment blocks, debris from explosions was strewn across yards and cars parked in the streets were set ablaze (Reuters) Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure was a central element of Russias strategy, designed to terrorise the Ukrainian population and erode public morale. The underlying calculation is that a war-weary society subjected to sustained attacks might exert pressure on the government to accept almost any settlement that promises an end to hostilities, she told The Independent. Thus far, however, this strategy has proven ineffective, as Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of ongoing aggression. Fridays attack was the biggest on Kyiv in almost three weeks. Most recent Russian aerial attacks have aimed at electricity infrastructure around the country ahead of the bitter winter months. With no sign of the war abating, millions of Ukrainians face one of the harshest winters in years as humanitarian organisations scramble to deliver essentials to the frontlines and affected areas. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned on Friday that people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the war are entering the winter with no financial buffer to support themselves. At least six people were killed in the strikes overnight, Ukrainian officials said (Reuters) Frequent power cuts continue to plunge neighbourhoods into darkness, cut heating and force hospitals to use emergency power. For older people and vulnerable people in high-rise buildings, blackouts can mean hours or days of isolation without elevators, heat, and often without food or medicine, the IFRC warned. Almost four years of conflict have eroded peoples resources. Many families are entering this winter with no financial buffer seven out of ten people said they dont have any savings left, said Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation for IFRC in Ukraine. We have been providing support to people for several years, but our resources are also running thin, Wah added. The scale of the needs is overwhelming, and with each passing day, those needs only grow. Keir Giles, a fellow of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, told The Independent that Moscows attacks are designed to cause the maximum possible misery and suffering among the civilian population. Thats the principle we saw applied in Syria, in Chechnya and in countless others of Moscows wars dating back decades and centuries, he said. Mr Giles said Ukraine was the victim of Russias attempts to demoralise its victims through inhumanity. Thats the reason for attacks on maternity hospitals, and nurseries, targeting the most vulnerable in society, as well as for the systematic torture and starvation of Ukrainian military and civilian captives not for any objective purpose other than deliberate and demonstrative cruelty. These attacks continue despite Russias insistence that it is open to talks moving towards a ceasefire. (Reuters) Foreign ministry official Alexei Polishchuk said on Wednesday that Russia was ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. No face-to-face talks have taken place between the two sides since they met in the Turkish city on July 23. Overtures towards peace come after a proposed summit between Russias Vladimir Putin and US president Donald Trump broke down in October, reportedly over Moscows intransigence over its demands. The two leaders have not met since August, when a summit held in Alaska failed to produce a deal. Mr Trump said the meeting was very productive, but the diplomatic push to end the war has yet to yield any results. Dubai, United Arab Emirates Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker as it traveled through the narrow Strait of Hormuz on Friday, a U.S. official and a private maritime risk group said, turning the ship into Iranian territorial waters in the first-such interdiction in months in the strategic waterway. Iran did not immediately acknowledge the seizure, though it comes as Tehran has been increasingly warning it can strike back after facing a 12-day war in June with Israel that saw the U.S. strike Iranian nuclear sites. The ship, the Talara, had been traveling from Ajman, United Arab Emirates, to Singapore when Iranian forces intercepted it, said the U.S. defense official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The Reuters news agency cited the private British maritime risk management group Vanguard and other maritime security sources saying the Talara had been intercepted by forces with Iran's Revolutionary Guards (IRGC) and steered toward Iranian waters. A U.S. Navy MQ-4C Triton drone had been circling above the area where the Talara was for hours on Friday observing the seizure, flight-tracking data analyzed by The Associated Press showed. Map showing the Strait of Hormuz and its role in transporting oil and liquified natural gas (LNG) in the Middle East to global markets via the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean. / Credit: Murat Usubali/Anadolu/Getty Another private security firm, Ambrey, told the AP the assault involved three small boats approaching the Talara. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center separately acknowledged the incident, saying a possible "state activity" had forced the Talara to turn into Iranian territorial waters. Cyprus-based Columbia Shipmanagement later said in a statement that it had "lost contact" with the tanker, which was carrying high sulphur gasoil. The company "notified the relevant authorities and is working closely with all relevant parties including maritime security agencies and the vessel owner to restore contact with the vessel," the firm said. "The safety of the crew remains our foremost priority." The U.S. Navy blamed Iran for a series of limpet mine attacks on vessels that damaged tankers in 2019, as well as for a fatal drone attack on an Israeli-linked oil tanker that killed two European crew members in 2021. Those attacks began after President Trump, during his first term in office, unilaterally withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal between Iran and a number of world powers. The last major seizure came when Iran took two Greek tankers in May 2022 and held them until November of that year. A 2012 file photo shows an Iranian Revolutionary Guards speedboat escorting a passenger ship, unseen, in the Persian Gulf. / Credit: Vahid Salemi/AP Those attacks were largely subsumed by the Iranian-backed Houthis' assaults targeting ships during the , which drastically reduced shipping in the crucial Red Sea corridor. The years of tension between Iran and the West, coupled with the situation in the Gaza Strip, exploded into a full-scale 12-day war in June. Iran long has threatened to close off the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf through which 20% of all oil traded passes. The U.S. Navy has patrolled the Mideast through its Bahrain-based 5th Fleet to keep the waterways open. Comey and James ask judge to drop charges filed by Lindsey Halligan Judge weighing Lindsey Halligan's DOJ appointment as she prosecutes Comey and James White House reacts to Epstein emails released by House Oversight Committee Democrats Lone star ticks are the main cause of alpha-gal syndrome in the US. - Brian CassellaChicago Tribune/TNS/Getty Images/File In the summer of 2024, a previously healthy 47-year-old father collapsed and died in the bathroom of his New Jersey home. An autopsy provided no answers. Everything looked normal, and his death was ruled sudden and unexplained. His widow reached out to a friend, a pediatrician. Would she read the autopsy report? The pediatrician, Dr. Erin McFeely, acted on a hunch and contacted Dr. Thomas Platts-Mills, an allergist and immunologist at the University of Virginia who had discovered almost two decades earlier that tick bites could cause people to develop an allergy to red meat. The allergy is unusual because the reaction doesnt happen right away. People start to feel sick hours after they unwittingly eat beef, pork or lamb. Often, theyll wake up in the middle of the night with symptoms that seem more like a bad bout of food poisoning or stomach flu than an allergy. Because so many people have potentially been sensitized to meat after tick bites but dont know it, Platts-Mills and others have wondered whether there were unexplained deaths that were really severe reactions to a sugar found on mammalian cells, including those in red meat, called alpha-gal. The mans case, which was detailed Wednesday in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology in Practice, turned out to be exactly what Platts-Mills had feared and is believed to be the first documented death linked to a red meat allergy. This is the first time Ive heard a story that I thought we could sort out, said Platts-Mills, who is part scientist and part Sherlock Holmes. We need the serum the clear part of the patients blood which was taken during his autopsy. He asked McFeely, Can we get it? Tick bites turn deadly The mans story started with chigger bites, the case study says. But they werent chiggers; they were baby lone star ticks, about the size and color of a grain of sand. The man had been bitten by dozens of these tiny seed ticks on a camping trip with his family. And this tick, the mothers, lay 5,000 eggs at a time, and the larvae will bite you, Platts-Mills told CNN. In many parts of the eastern United States, the deer population has reached unsustainable numbers. Deer are the main hosts of the lone star tick, and as deer populations have grown, tick populations have exploded. That combination of so many deer and so many mothers and the larvae biting means that vast numbers of people are sensitized, of whom a minority get food-related symptoms and then are at risk of severe events, Platts-Mills said. Avoiding tick bites is the best way to prevent alpha-gal syndrome. - ViniSouza128/iStockphoto/Getty Images/File Alpha-gal allergy is a reportable diagnosis in only three states Arkansas, Tennessee and Virginia so the actual number of cases in the US is not known. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that as many as 450,000 Americans may have the allergy, but Platts-Mills estimates that as much as 5% of the population may be sensitized to red meat because of tick bites and not know it. Most cases are not severe and can be managed by avoiding exposure to the sugar, which is found in food as well as in some pharmaceutical products. Symptoms range in severity from itchy hives or a rash to nausea and vomiting, indigestion, heartburn, a drop in blood pressure, swelling of the lips or face, dizziness or fainting, and severe stomach pain. Doctors diagnose the condition by taking a careful history and controlled testing for a reaction to the sugar. Sometime after the camping trip, the case study says, the mans family ate a late steak dinner. He woke at 2 a.m. with intense stomach pain, diarrhea and vomiting. He was in rough shape, but after two hours, his symptoms subsided. The next morning, he told one of his sons, I thought I was going to die. His wife said they considered going to a doctor, but since the symptoms had eased, they didnt know what they would say. Its not clear that a doctors visit would have helped. Too often, doctors dont recognize alpha-gal allergy. A 2023 CDC survey found that 42% didnt know what it was, and 35% said they lacked confidence to diagnose or manage it. An unrecognized allergy Two weeks later, in September 2024, the man and his wife went to a cookout, where he had a hamburger about 3 p.m. He drank a beer and came home and mowed the lawn. But by 7:20 p.m., he was vomiting again. His son called his mother and told her, Dad is getting sick again. A few minutes later, the son found his father unconscious on the bathroom floor. He couldnt be revived. Platts-Mills says that when he was back in his lab, having gone through the necessary layers of permission to get the mans postmortem blood samples, he cursed himself for not driving up to New Jersey to collect them himself. The delivery company lost track of them briefly, he said. He imagined them sitting for hours in the back of a hot truck, the valuable information they contained being baked away. They finally arrived in his lab in April, and he tested them for levels of immunoglobulin E antibodies, Y-shaped proteins primed to latch onto allergens like ragweed and pollen. The man had antibodies to both alpha-gal sugars and red meat. Next, Platts-Mills sent some of the blood to the Mayo Clinic lab, which tested it for an enzyme called tryptase thats made by immune cells called mast cells. Tryptase breaks down proteins and is a marker of allergic reactions. The mans tryptase levels were over 2,000 nanograms per milliliter, among the highest values ever recorded in cases of fatal allergic reactions called anaphylaxis. The man had died of eating red meat the first known food allergy fatality linked to alpha-gal syndrome. Other people have died of reactions to alpha-gal sugars, but those cases have involved sugars attached to a chemotherapy drug called cetuximab, which was how the syndrome was discovered in the first place. We gave them closure, Platts-Mills said of the family in the case study. People make a big fuss about closure, but you dont get it until you see it. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Attorney General Pam Bondi wasted little time in saying the Department of Justice would follow his call to investigation any connnections between Democrats and disagraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. Bondi said lawyers for the Southern District of New York would take on the probe in a post on X issued a few hours after Trump called for an investigation. Thank you, Mr. President. SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and Ive asked him to take the lead, Bondi wrote. As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people, she said. Trump on Friday had said hed ask the Department of Justice to investigate Democrats and a businesses over their connections to Epstein. Trumps vow in a Truth Social post comes ahead of a House vote next week that will call on the government to release all files related to Epstein. The release of new emails related to Epstein has roiled Capitol Hill. The precise timing of next weeks vote is unclear, but it is on an accelerated timeline from what House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) previously expected. In other news, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Thursday night a new operation dubbed Southern Spear to quash narco-terrorists in the Western Hemisphere. It shares a name with an operation announced in January; it is unclear how the situations compare. And the government is scrambling to restore normalcy after a 43-day shutdown. The first federal paychecks are expected to go out Saturday. President Trump will travel to his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida this afternoon. Follow along live below for updates on this and more. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. FILE - Mexican businessman Ricardo Salinas Pliego, founder and chairman of Grupo Salinas, looks on during the Mexico Open golf tournament awards ceremony in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, April 30, 2023. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) MEXICO CITY (AP) Mexicos Supreme Court on Thursday rejected legal measures from companies in the conglomerate led by one of the countrys wealthiest men, challenging tax debts of more than $2.6 billion dollars. The court ruled against seven of nine legal remedies similar to an injunction called amparos, filed by various companies of Ricardo Salinas Pliego. It did not rule yet on the other two. The debts date from more than a decade ago. The decisions cannot be appealed, but Grupo Salinas, the umbrella conglomerate, and Mexicos tax authority could negotiate an agreement. That could be complicated however, as Salinas insists that he is being targeted because of his criticism of the current administration. Salinas, a TV, retail and banking magnate, is one of the current administration's most outspoken critics. The government also separately suspended two casinos owned by Grupo Salinas companies this week over alleged money laundering, which Grupo Salinas denied. Following the ruling Thursday, Grupo Salinas said it did not rule out going to other international courts to avoid what it described as abusive and illegal double charges. The administration of President Claudia Sheinbaum has emphasized getting Mexicos biggest tax debtors to pay up and her party recently reformed the amparo law to make it more difficult for debtors to delay paying taxes. This is also a new Supreme Court that for the first time is made up of justices elected by voters. That was part of a controversial reform opposed by opposition political parties and criticized by the United States. Most of the justices who won the election are considered to have ties to the governing party. But Sheinbaum has tried to cut off that line of argument. In late September, when the total of Salinas tax debts were known, the president said debts are not politicized, they are paid, its that simple. She said then that if Salinas decided to pay then, he could be eligible for the same potential discounts that any other overdue taxpayer would be. But he has to decide to pay, she said. Grupo Salinas maintains that the tax authority has not told them the exact amounts due and at various times said authorities have not complied with agreements they reached. On Thursday, Grupo Salinas said via X that today is a black day for justice and the rule of law in Mexico, adding that the court acted at the service of political power and not justice. FILE - Nevada GOP chair Michael McDonald walks on stage before speaking ahead of Republican presidential candidate former President Donald Trump at a campaign event Jan. 27, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher, File) (ASSOCIATED PRESS) CARSON CITY, Nev. (AP) The yearslong case against six Nevada Republicans who were accused of submitting a bogus certificate that falsely declared President Donald Trump the winner of the states 2020 presidential election has been sent back to Clark County, where a jury is more likely to rule against them. The opinion released Thursday from the Nevada Supreme Court reverses an earlier decision from a state judge who dismissed the case after ruling Clark County was the wrong venue for the case because the alleged crimes had occurred elsewhere in the state. Clark County is home to Las Vegas and leans Democratic. The higher court's decision to let the case move forward marks a rare win for swing-state efforts to prosecute so-called fake electors who tried to keep Trump in the White House after he lost to Joe Biden in 2020. In Michigan, a judge recently dismissed charges against 15 Republicans who had been charged by that states Democratic attorney general, Dana Nessel. The dismissal came after a judge in Arizona sent the fake electors case there back to the grand jury for fuller instructions about what federal law requires. Today the Nevada Supreme Court affirmed what we have maintained all along that Clark County is the proper and lawful venue to prosecute our case, and I am pleased with the courts decision to overturn the District Courts dismissal of our case in Clark County," Nevada Attorney General Aaron Ford said in a statement. Electors declined to comment Thursday. After the 2020 election, the six electors gathered outside of the Nevada Legislature to sign certificates giving the states six electoral votes to Trump, despite former President Joe Biden winning the state by more than 30,000 votes. The ceremony was broadcast online, and the video footage was used as evidence in the case. Criminal cases were also brought against Republican electors in Michigan, Georgia and Arizona. On Monday, Trump pardoned his former personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani and others accused of aiding his efforts to overturn the 2020 election results. The defendants have called the case political prosecution. They say they were exercising their First Amendment rights to criticize the states election processes. The six Nevadans, who had pleaded not guilty, include Michael McDonald, the chairman of the Nevada Republican Party, and Jesse Law, the former Clark County Republican Party chairman who was recently ousted in a July election. A main argument in the case focused on where the alleged crimes occurred. After that ceremony, one of the electors mailed the documents from Douglas County to the archivist of the United States and the president of the Senate in Washington, D.C. It was also sent to the Nevada secretary of state in Carson City and a federal judge in Las Vegas. Ford argued the case belongs in Clark County because the envelope was sent to Las Vegas, however one of the electors argued that the envelope was redirected to the judges chambers in Reno. The Nevada Supreme Court justices sided unanimously with the attorney generals office, saying in its Thursday opinion that Nevada law does not preclude a venue from being appropriate in multiple counties for the same offense. As a precaution, Ford filed a separate case in Carson City in December 2024 to avoid the statute of limitations expiring while the Nevada Supreme Court made its decision. In the Carson City case, he charged the defendants with uttering a forged instrument. That case will likely be withdrawn. Ford, a Democrat, is running for governor in 2026. Rows of solar panels installed on a farm field with grain silos visible in the distance. Photo: Mark Stebnicki / Pexels (The Center Square) - California Gov. Gavin Newsom flew to Brazil this week for the 30th annual United Nations Climate Change Conference, commonly known as COP30. Newsom's office said the Democratic governor is leading discussions on the environment, signing non-binding deals with foreign leaders, and delivering speeches about climate change and the economy. Newsom also signed a memorandum with Helder Barbalho, the governor of the Brazilian state of Para. The memo, which is not legally binding, aims to allow for collaboration between California and Para to enhance wildfire protection and response. It does not involve any exchange of money. Newsom has also led or participated in discussions with other nations elected leaders and environmental advocates about issues as wide-ranging as clean energy, indigenous communities and biodiversity. While Donald Trump skips the world stage, California is showing up leading, partnering, and proving what American climate leadership looks like, Newsom said in a news release Tuesday. The world can count on California to keep leading and innovating as we build the future with cleaner air, good jobs, and economic growth. Despite all the activity at this week's conference, one expert voiced doubts that Newsoms actions in Brazil will have any effect on climate change, wildfire reduction or anything else the governor discusses or signs. Politicians do politician things, and fresh off of his success on Prop. 50, and it looks like hes positioning himself politically as the foil to the Trump administration, Steven Greenhut, director of Free Cities Center at the Pacific Research Institute, told The Center Square. Hes certainly building his credential for a likely presidential run. Newsom previously told "CBS Sunday Morning" he was considering a presidential run, but would not announce a formal decision until after the 2026 midterm elections. He also successfully pushed for a mid-decade redistricting effort to give congressional Democrats an advantage in the midterm elections next year, which California voters approved in the Nov. 4 special election through the Proposition 50 ballot initiative. While Newsom touts Californias political leadership at the COPS30 conference, energy researchers back in the U.S. have conducted research that they say show Newsom should be more focused on other issues. According to research conducted by the Pacific Research Institute, Californias green energy transition will cost Californias households some significant costs as the state executes green energy mandates. Each household will bear the cost of between $17,398 and $20,182 between 2025 and 2050, the report found, which includes the cost of paying for building new infrastructure, and decommissioning and dismantling natural gas and nuclear plants. We cant allow gas prices to soar, and there are new energy rules that are likely going to drive up the cost of gasoline even more, Greenhut told The Center Square. That would be disastrous for his political ambitions, as well as disastrous for consumer pocketbooks. California continues to have the highest gas prices in the U.S. The price Thursday was $4.681 a gallon, well above the national average of $3.08, according to AAA. Meanwhile, Newsom's office said the governor's flight to Brazil, his security detail, travel and accommodations within the country were not funded by taxpayer dollars. Consistent with past years and previous administrations across parties the Newsom Administration's travel to COP30 is not at taxpayer expense, wrote Izzy Gordon, the communications director for Newsoms office, in response to a public records request from The Center Square. As has been the case for decades, the trip is supported through non-state funds, with the California State Protocol Foundation covering costs for the Governor, administration officials, and staff attending. The Governor flew commercial. There is no family traveling with him. Public policy, environmental and climate change experts at University of California, Berkeley; University of California, Los Angeles; Stanford University and the Environmental Defense Fund were not available to answer questions from The Center Square about the effectiveness of Newsoms efforts at COP30. Ohioans who get federal food aid will receive their full benefits for November, but it's not clear when. The U.S. Department of Agriculture instructed states to issue full payments to people enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The guidance came less than 24 hours after President Donald Trump signed legislation to end the longest-ever government shutdown that put SNAP at risk. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services began sending partial payments on Nov. 12 after a flurry of court decisions over SNAP funding during the shutdown. As of that day, the agency had issued $66.8 million to 364,000 households. People in Ohio who already received some benefits will get the rest of what they're owed for November. Households that didn't get partial payments will also get their full monthly allotment. State officials did not provide an estimated date for payments but urged people to monitor their accounts. With federal benefits in limbo, Ohio sent $7 million to eight food banks and $3.7 million to 63,000 people at or below 50% of the federal poverty level. Gov. Mike DeWine pledged up to $18 million for those Ohioans if needed, but the state won't send more payments now that the shutdown is over. State government reporter Haley BeMiller can be reached at hbemiller@gannett.com or @haleybemiller on X. This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Ohioans will get full SNAP benefits with end of government shutdown Palisades Field Hearing [Photo taken by the DCNF] PACIFIC PALISADES, Calif. Republican Sens. Ron Johnson of Wisconsin and Rick Scott of Florida sat down Thursday with Palisades Fire victims to hear their stories firsthand. Residents told them local and state officials failed miserably. The two-hour field hearing, held at a veterans organization in the burned community, opened with remarks from Johnson and Scott. Former reality star Spencer Pratt, whos been outspoken about the lack of accountability from California leaders, spoke thereafter. Each of the six victims said state and local officials failed to prepare residents for what was coming, despite knowing strong winds were forecast and another brush fire burned nearby just days before. I think its notable that of the parts of government that have actually helped, its been the federal government. Im not a big fan of the federal government, but it sounds like FEMA, the Army Corps, cleared out the debris very rapidly, Johnson said after the hearing. So these people need help from the federal government. Were going to go back to Washington, D.C. President Trump knows how to get things done, Johnson added. We need elected officials who are competent and unfortunately dont have them here in California, Los Angeles. PLEAS FOR THE GOVERNMENT Nearly every resident in the room asked the federal government to step in and help their city. Pacific Palisades Community Council Rebuilding Committee Chairman David Schwarz testified that if federal aid does come, LA County should not be handed a blank check. Before another dollar is appropriated, Congress should insist on four conditions to ensure that federal funding will actually be used to rebuild my community on budget and on time, Schwarz said. The conditions listed by the chairman included the establishment an independent Pacific Palisades Reconstruction Authority (PPRA) board, with Governor Newsom delegating certain emergency powers to the PPRA, ensuring the board is accountable to residents and the federal government. A PPRA would allow residents to co-invest with the federal government in infrastructure repair projects. These are the sorts of conditions that President Trump insisted upon when he visited the Palisades nine months ago, Schwarz said. Its also what our community wants. OFFICIAL FAILURE The Palisades Fire broke out Jan. 7, starting in the Santa Monica Mountains before rapidly spreading into Pacific Palisades, Topanga and Malibu. The blaze scorched more than 23,000 acres, destroyed 6,837 structures, damaged another 973 in the affected areas and ultimately killed 12 people. Questions over how the fire started erupted almost immediately, as evacuation footage from that first day showed absolute chaos. Backlash quickly centered on Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, who was seen on CNN sidestepping a resident begging for leadership as homes burned behind them. Democratic Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass also came under fire for being in Ghana during the initial days of the disaster. Palisades survivor John Alle told the senators that he was one of the last people to speak with Bass before she left for her Jan. 4 trip. Alle told the mayor about another disaster waiting to happen: incoming high winds and meth users starting fires in the park next to his MacArthur Park property. (RELATED: Corporate Medias Climate Change Narrative Goes Down In Flames After Man Charged With Starting LA Fire) I was concerned that that community would burn immediately since the buildings are 30s and 40s era construction, Alle stated. We discussed her leaving LA without a deputy mayor in place, in charge of homeland security, police, fire, airport. Deputy Mayor Brian Williams was on paid leave while the FBI investigated his reporting of false bomb threats at LA City Hall. Even our own police chief was not aware that Brian Williams was on paid leave, Alle added. However, Alle said Bass allegedly seemed intent on leaving, describing her as becoming angry and personally threatening on the phone when he voiced his concerns. She told me she would miss just two days. I responded by saying shed be away five days. That being mayor of the nations second largest city was a 24-7 job and that Saturdays and Sundays counted, Alle recounted. After his home burned down and his family lost everything, Alle reached out to Bass once more, texting and leaving voicemails. However, the mayor allegedly never responded. Bass office did not respond to the Daily Caller News Foundations request for comment. POOR ALERTS Pacific Palisades Resident Association President Jessica Rogers testified that some residents never received an evacuation notice when the fire first broke out. As I ran through my house gathering belongings, I kept checking my phone for alerts from local government. Nothing came, Rogers said. It wasnt until 12:30 p.m. that Rogers said she received her first alert from officials about a possible evacuation By the time the text came through, she could already feel the heat on her skin as if she were too close to a barbecue. The mandatory evacuation notice that didnt arrive until nearly 5 p.m., when the homes on my street were already burned, and smoke made it impossible to breathe, Rogers said. Another community member in the audience recounted to the senators that when he and his family attempted to evacuate, authorities blocked one of the exits and told him to turn back toward the fire. The man said that after following officials instructions, he was then ordered to go a different way. Retelling his frustration, his daughter sat beside him in tears as he described how desperate his family had been to get out of the danger zone. Flames from the Palisades Fire burn a building on Sunset Boulevard. (Photo by Apu Gomes/Getty Images) ELDERLY LEFT TO FEND FOR THEMSELVES Nearly all of the elderly or disabled left to die in their homes. These people, these 12 people deserve to feel safe in their homes but were instead lost in fire. It was the direct result of gross negligence and mismanagement by our state and our local government, caregiver survivor Tom Doran said during his testimony. Following Rogers escape from her home, the fire survivor took it upon herself to step in because the local governments response was inadequate. After contacting their councilwomans staff at the fire departments central command, she began relaying ground-level information from residents about whose doors officials needed to knock on. Most critically, I coordinated sending firefighters and police officers to locations where elderly people were left behind. The Palisades Highlands situation was desperate, Rogers recalled. Residents were trapped because access points were blocked by abandoned vehicles. People had been engulfed in flames with no option but to abandon their cars in the middle of the street. I made calls continuously through the night, so many that my tongue was bloody on both sides from the cuts from my teeth, Rogers added. Among those testifying was 94-year-old survivor Rachel Schwartz, who spoke about surviving the Holocaust and coming to the United States at just 15 years old, working her whole life to afford her Palisades home. Schwartz voiced concerns about the lack of accountability from officials and insurance providers, noting her own insurer dropped her after the fire. I watched everything I own disappear in flames. At my age its not easy to begin again, Schwartz said. I was with my insurance company for over 25 years, always paying my premiums [and] never missed a payment. Now they tell me they will not cover they will only cover about half of what I need to rebuild. Its not right. There are many seniors here in the Palisades who are in the same situation. Weve all done our part. Lived honest lives. And now we are left with almost nothing, Schwartz added. An investigation into the fire, announced in September, is expected to include cooperation from both Newsoms and Bass offices. Johnson suggested that if answers arent provided, subpoenas will be issued. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. South Korean prosecutors allege the country's former president tried to goad North Korean leader Kim Jong Un into a response that would justify martial law. - Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images Secret drone flights from South Korea to the heart of Pyongyang were part of a ploy by the former president to rattle the North Korean leader, South Korean prosecutors have alleged as they released new details of plot they say preceded a foiled attempt to declare martial law. Memos found on a senior defense officials phone purportedly reveal plans by former president Yoon Suk Yeol and two other senior defense officials to aggravate Kim Jong Un enough to justify a shocking late-night military control order issued last December. Prosecutors released the evidence on Monday, appearing to confirm North Koreas claims that South Korea sent covert drones to the country to drop anti-regime leaflets last October. The flights prompted a rare and fiery statement from Kim Yo Jong, Kims powerful sister. The North vowed to sever all road and rail connections to the South, blowing up two roads within its territory, but stopping short of military action. Weeks later, Yoon declared martial law, citing the need to protect the liberal South from North Korean communist forces. The snap decree was lifted within hours when South Korean lawmakers pushed past troops to vote it down, the first step in a reckoning for Yoon thats still playing out in court. A new indictment Monday adds to Yoons mounting legal battles, which include a trial underway for alleged insurrection, and provides more pieces to a political puzzle thats yet to be fully explained. Yoon denies he ordered drones to fly to Pyongyang to provoke North Korea and that he attempted to stage an insurrection through martial law. Yoo Jeong-hwa, one of Yoons lawyers, called the indictment a one-sided prosecution that fails to uphold even the basic tenets of legal logic, beyond being absurd. However, the spokesperson and a prosecutor for the counsel, Park Ji-young, said prosecutors were appalled at what they had uncovered and on Monday they released memos they say support their claim. Former South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol arrives at a court to attend a hearing to review his arrest warrant requested by special prosecutors in Seoul, South Korea, July 9, 2025. - Kim Hong-Ji/Reuters Drones buzzing Kims home The allegations date back to last October, when North Korean state media reported that South Korean drones had violated Pyongyangs airspace on multiple occasions, dropping antiregime leaflets. The Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) released photos showing one drone lodged in a tree, described by analysts as resembling a South Korean military unmanned aerial vehicle. KCNA also showed images of a drone it said was spotted flying low in the skies above the home of Norths Korean authoritarian supreme leader. Kim Byung-joo, a retired Korean Army four-star general now a lawmaker in the ruling Democratic Party, which sits in opposition to Yoons former party, told CNN in July that he had received details of the drone flights directly from whistleblowers of South Koreas Drone Operations Command. According to Kim, the flights took place on at least three occasions, October 3, October 8-9, and November 13 of last year. It is believed that by sending drones into the heart of North Korea and dropping leaflets criticizing Kim Jong Un, the aim was to provoke a military response from the North, the South Korean lawmaker told CNN. It was like holding a knife to (North Koreas) neck, he added. North Koreas Kim Yo Jong issued her statement on October 12, condemning the airspace incursions and warning of severe consequences. North Korean state media released images purporting to show South Korean drones that had crashed in Pyongyang. - KCNA At the time, Kim Yong-hyun, then South Koreas defense minister, initially denied sending drones to North Korea, but soon changed his response to say he could not confirm North Koreas claim. After Yoons disastrous attempt to impose martial law, lawmakers from the now ruling Democratic Party demanded an inquiry into allegations the former president conspired to spark a national security crisis. Once in power, the lawmakers passed a bill to appoint an independent counsel, who released memos on Monday that they say reveal evidence of covert discussions about Yoons plans to provoke North Korea, a country with a long history of bombastic threats against South Korea and its allies. Among notes found on a phone belonging to the former Defense Counterintelligence Commander Yeo In-hyung were references to creating an unstable situation, prosecutors said. Must find and exploit a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity that can produce short-term effects. To do that, we must create an unstable situation or seize an opportunity that has been created, read one note drafted October 18 last year, according to prosecutors. Another note read: Targeting where (North Korea) loses face to such an extent that they feel they have no option but to respond. Locations listed included the capital, two nuclear facilities, Kims vacation homes, as well as Samjiyon and Wonsan. Samjiyon is regarded as a sacred site in North Korea for being the birthplace of Kim Jong Uns father, Kim Jong Il, and a symbolic location tied to his grandfathers anti-Japanese resistance. The Wonsan-Kalma tourist area is one of Kim Jong Uns flagship development projects, that has been hailed as a great success by the North Korean leader. Another memo from October 23 stated, Goal and final status, containing phrases such as At minimum-national security crisis and At maximum-Noahs flood, in a possible reference to Noahs Ark, where the only survivors of a biblical flood were those on board a mighty ship. North Korea accused South Korea of dropping anti-regime leaflets inside the country using drones in early October 2024. - KCNA A later note dated November 5 stated, Enemy action must come first. There must be a wartime situation or a situation that cannot be controlled by police forces. Create the enemys conditions we must wait for the decisive opportunity. Park, the prosecutors spokesperson, said further details could not be disclosed due to laws concerning military secrets. However, she added that evidence from a notebook belonging to former Defense Intelligence Commander Noh Sang-won suggested that discussions and preparations for the martial law were believed to have begun no later than October 2023, after a major reshuffle of South Koreas military generals. The (alleged) act of the President, who holds supreme command over national security, and the defense minister, attempting to use inter-Korean military tensions to create conditions for declaring martial law, is absolutely unacceptable, said Park. Lawmaker Kim Byung-joo, the retired general, said he was surprised the North Korean leader did not order a response after alleged South Korean drones were spotted over the capital. In hindsight, it was a godsend luck for South Korea that North Korea refrained from any military provocation and stopped at rhetorical threats, he said. Had North Korea chosen to respond with military action under those circumstances, it could have escalated into a localized conflict. North Koreas deployment of more than 10,000 troops to Russia as combat soldiers in the war against Ukraine may have dissuaded Kim from acting further, said Kim. North Korea could have found it difficult to maintain two war fronts, at the time. Because it would have meant causing a significant gap in combat capability. A frustrated leaders shocking act Yoon, and his former defense officials Kim and Yeo, all face charges of harming the interest of the state by helping the enemy and abusing their power. The three are already on trial on insurrection charges relating to the martial law declaration. South Koreas military has yet to comment on the investigation or the indictment, citing the ongoing legal proceedings. CNN has reached out to lawyers for Kim and Yeo. According to local media, Yeo has said he deeply regrets not challenging Yoons order. Yoon, a firebrand conservative who has long taken a hardline on North Korea, narrowly won election in 2022, but his ruling party never had a majority in parliament, and struggled to get its legislative agenda passed. It was a source of constant frustration for his administration, and towards the end of last year, that frustration exploded in spectacular fashion. On December 3, Yoon declared martial law in a late-night televised speech, saying there were anti-state forces within the opposition parties in the government that were sympathetic to North Korea. South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol speaking during a news broadcast in Goyang, northwest of Seoul on December 3, 2024, after he declared emergency martial law. - Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images Armed soldiers descended on the parliament by helicopters and attempted to storm the chamber where lawmakers were gathered. Shocked and angry citizens, along with parliament staff, rushed to barricade the entrances and fought to block the soldiers from reaching the chamber in chaotic scenes broadcast live on television. Though assembly members pushed through the soldiers and voted to overturn the martial law decree, Yoons actions triggered mass protests, legal challenges, and ultimately, his removal through impeachment. Analysts say sending drone flights into North Korea could have been interpreted as an act of war, provoking a military response that could have escalated into war. The Korean Peninsula has been divided ever since a brutal war between the North and South ended with an armistice agreement in 1953. But the hostilities have never officially ended and relations between the two neighbors have been precarious ever since. Soldiers try to enter the National Assembly building in Seoul on December 4 2024, after South Korea President Yoon Suk Yeol declared martial law. - Jung Yeon-je/AFP/Getty Images Leif-Eric Easley, a professor at Ewha University in Seoul, said if Yoon had ordered the drone flights, it would represent a dangerous interaction of domestic politics and security policy in South Korea. While some national security activities are necessarily clandestine and operate in legal gray areas, robust checks, balances, and policy vetting should ensure they serve national interests rather than personal agendas, Easley said. Victor Cha, the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, said the potential international ramifications of the case are considerable, especially for the United States, a South Korean treaty ally with tens of thousands of troops at bases on the Korean Peninsula. Drone flights into North Korea, he added, would violate the armistice agreement between the two sides. We know that the North Koreans violate the armistice all the time, but theyre not held politically accountable for it at home, he said. In a democracy like South Korea you can be held politically accountable for that. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Activists, and one dressed in a Pikachu costume, protest Japan's financing of coal and natural gas projects during the COP30 U.N. Climate Summit, Friday, Nov. 14, 2025, in Belem, Brazil. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano) BELEM, Brazil (AP) Protesters in Pokemon costumes stomped around the United Nations climate conference on Friday to send a message to Japan: end financing of coal and natural gas projects across Southeast Asia and other regions of the Global South. The Stop Japan's Dirty Energy Plans protest aligned with the first of two thematic days with a focus on energy during the annual climate conference known as COP30, held this year in Belem on the edge of the Brazilian Amazon. Organizers of the protest said the investments are a major blind spot for Japan, typically a regional voice in climate negotiations that often touts itself as a decarbonization leader in Asia. Japan is actually delaying the fossil fuel phase-out across Asia by funding energy projects, mainly liquefied natural gas developments, in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines, said Hiroki Osada with Friends of the Earth Japan, one of the protest organizers. Its so important for our Global South comrades to voice their concerns in Belem, so that they can actually demand the Japanese government to do something about this, he said. The government-owned Japan Bank for International Cooperation financed $6.4 billion in loans for coal projects and $874 million in loans for gas projects from 2016 to 2024, according to a 2025 study by the Philippines-based research and advocacy organization Center for Energy, Ecology and Development based on public government and banking data. The bank, which is Japans major conduit of overseas aid, did not respond to requests for comment. The Japan Delegation at COP30 responded to The Associated Press but declined to directly comment on the claims made by activists. Instead, Japanese officials said Japan's cooperation with Southeast Asian nations to achieve decarbonization, economic growth and energy security simultaneously through varies pathways was supported by those countries. A pair of bobbing Pikachus The protest centered on a pair of people wearing life-sized, inflatable Pikachu costumes who flanked a handful of activists. The event included activists from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), which is home to multiple Japan-backed fossil fuel projects. One banner read: Dont gas ASEAN. Ian Rivera, national coordinator at Philippine Movement for Climate Justice, led chants of Only Pokemon, no fossil fuels and Sayonara fossil fuels. The bobbing Pikachus later visited the country pavilions of India, Indonesia and Malaysia to to reveal how Japan is exporting its fossil agenda. If Global North countries, like Japan, decide to double down on fossil fuel production and export, that is going to make it impossible for countries across the Global South to make the just energy transition, said Amiera Sawas, head of research and policy at the Fossil Fuel Non Proliferation Treaty Initiative. The Pikachu protest, a frequent one during recent summits, was sandwiched between other anti-fossil fuel demonstrations and came after a Friday morning demonstration blocked the main entrance to the conference and increased COP30 security measures. Earlier, activists hosted a Kick Out the Suits event demanding the removal of fossil fuel lobbyists, who environmentalists accused of undermining the negotiations. On Saturday, when significant protests are expected to mark the midpoint of COP, a large march will feature a funeral for fossil fuels where giant coffins symbolizing coal, oil and gas will be carried down the streets of Belem. Fossil fuels are key issue at UN climate talk The global effort to transition away from fossil fuels has been a key topic at COP30. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva set the tone during the Leader's Summit last week when he called for world leaders to prepare a road map to overcome dependence on fossil fuels. Several countries such as Denmark, the United Kingdom, Kenya, France and Germany supported Lula's call to action. In Dubai during COP28, nearly 200 countries agreed to move away from fossil fuels, the first pledge in decades of U.N. climate talks. But many have warned the deal still had significant shortcomings. At COP30, we need an actionable outcome, not another road map to nowhere," said Jasper Inventor, deputy program director with Greenpeace International. While its positive to see progression in Belem, we must ensure that this actually leads towards a clear plan to phase out fossil fuels and one that fast-tracks renewables. ___ The Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. ___ This story was produced as part of the 2025 Climate Change Media Partnership, a journalism fellowship organized by Internews Earth Journalism Network and the Stanley Center for Peace and Security. People walk past a logo of Lukoil during the annual energy industry event Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference (ADIPEC) in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 3, 2025. REUTERS/Amr Alfiky MOSCOW (Reuters) -Russia's second-largest oil producer Lukoil said on Friday it has been in talks with potential buyers of its foreign assets following last-month sanctions from the UK and the United States and as a deal with Gunvor trading house collapsed. "The specific deal will be announced after the final agreements have been reached and the necessary regulatory approvals have been obtained," it said. "The company aims to ensure uninterrupted operations of assets during their sale and transfer to new owners. This will avoid the risks of disruptions in the work and supply of energy resources to the countries of presence, and save jobs," it added. The U.S. Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) last month announced new sanctions targeting Russia's largest oil producers, Lukoil and Rosneft, ratcheting up the pressure on Russian President Vladimir Putin to end Moscow's military campaign in Ukraine. OFAC also issued a general licence that gave companies until November 21 to complete their business deals with Lukoil, including any acquisitions of the Moscow-headquartered oil company's international assets. The Russian company had agreed to a sale of its international assets to Swiss commodities trader Gunvor, but that deal collapsed earlier this month after the U.S. Treasury signaled Washington's opposition to it. (Reporting by Olesya Astakhova and Vladimir Soldatkin, Editing by Louise Heavens) Norbert Steuer, an employee, operates a machine inside a K.R. Pfiffner Group factory amid economic struggles exacerbated by U.S. tariffs on Swiss precision machinery in Utzensdorf, Switzerland, October 20, 2025, REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth Norbert Steuer, an employee, operates a machine inside a K.R. Pfiffner Group factory amid economic struggles exacerbated by U.S. tariffs on Swiss precision machinery in Utzensdorf, Switzerland, October 20, 2025, REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth By Dave Graham UTZENSTORF, Switzerland (Reuters) -Norbert Steuer, a logistics worker at Swiss precision machinery maker K.R. Pfiffner, has been at the firm for over three decades. Now he is one of 80 out of 105 staff due to be let go as it reels from U.S. tariffs and a struggling auto industry. The firm, which makes million-dollar machinery used by carmakers including Mercedes-Benz and suppliers such as Robert Bosch, is at the sharp end of a tough European car market that has been buffeted by U.S. President Donald Trump's trade tariffs and a slowdown in key export market China. The sector slump has hit carmakers and industrial firms hard in manufacturing strongholds like Germany, where many of Pfiffner's European customers are. Part of Taiwanese-owned FFG, Pfiffner was already suffering before Trump announced the tariffs in August, which dashed the firm's U.S. orders. "It was like a bomb went off," Steuer, 59, said of Pfiffner's job cuts announcement, speaking at the company's base in Utzenstorf, a village in central western Switzerland. Steuer, who is scheduled to be laid off next summer, worries about his future. "There's always talk about workers being sought, but are they going to want to hire a 59-year-old?" 'IT'S SOMETHING WE'VE NOT SEEN IN OUR LIFETIMES' Pfiffner gives an insight into the challenges facing firms down Europe's industrial supply chain and beyond. Switzerland's jobless rate is low at 3%, but has crept up from under 2% in early 2023. Its mechanical and engineering sector could lose around 30,000 jobs by the end of 2026 if U.S. tariffs were to remain in place, industry group Swissmem says. Customers like Robert Bosch have announced major layoffs - 13,000, with others, including Mercedes-Benz and tyre maker Continental also cutting headcounts. In the year through June, German industrial companies shed over 114,000 jobs, more than four times the amount in the previous 12 months, according to a study from consultancy EY. A year prior to that, they created over 65,000 jobs. "It's something we've not seen in our lifetimes," said Volker Treier, foreign trade chief of the German Chambers of Industry and Commerce. US TARIFF HIT 'KILLS ANY BUSINESS' Switzerland has been grappling with 39% U.S. tariffs which have dented its export sector. Still, on Thursday, the U.S. and Switzerland moved close to a deal that could lower the tariffs, potentially saving some jobs. For Pfiffner, Trump's tariffs dealt a hammer blow to its U.S. order pipeline. "That kills any business," said Pfiffner CEO Andreas Ewald, adding that with a weaker dollar it had made the firm's exports around 50% more expensive for U.S. buyers. Around Europe, there are wider signs of pressure on employment, with Britain's labour market cooling in the third quarter. European companies have seen revenues flatline with cost-cutting increasingly needed to burnish profits. In the U.S., meanwhile, layoffs in October were the highest for the month in over 20 years. 'A DOWNWARD SPIRAL RIGHT NOW, EVERYWHERE' On Pfiffner's vast factory floor in Utzenstorf, staffing is thin as work dwindles. Pfiffner's parent group FFG has begun shifting some technology and production to its U.S. plants, said CEO Ewald. The talk of job cuts is also creating a negative feedback loop for the local economy, said company veteran Steuer. "There's really a downward spiral right now everywhere, and what do people do then?" he said. "They save money instead of buying a new car, a new TV or a new phone. And on it goes." (Reporting by Dave Graham; Additional reporting by Mark John; Editing by Adam Jourdan and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) Running For Re-Election AZ Governor Katie Hobbs Campaigns With Rep-Elect Adelita Grijalva And Gabby Giffords In Tucson (Photo by Rebecca Noble/Getty Images) Democratic Arizona Gov. Katie Hobbs is in serious danger of becoming a one-term governor, according to a new poll. An Emerson College survey released Friday shows Hobbs polling in a statistical tie with two of the three Republican contenders running in Arizonas 2026 gubernatorial race. In addition, Republican Rep. Andy Biggs, a former chair of the conservative House Freedom Caucus, is the clear GOP favorite to advance to the general election against Hobbs, according to the poll. In a hypothetical matchup between Biggs and Hobbs, the incumbent took 44% support while Biggs received 43%, a difference well within the polls margin of error. Thirteen percent of participants said they are undecided, according to the survey. Republican businesswoman Karrin Taylor Robson polled 42% support compared with Hobbs 43%, according to the same poll. Fifteen percent of the surveys respondents said they were undecided on who to support in the hypothetical matchup. Robson previously ran for Arizona governor in 2022 but narrowly lost the primary election to former TV news anchor Kari Lake. President Donald Trump has endorsed both Biggs and Taylor Robson in Arizonas GOP gubernatorial primary. Biggs was also notably endorsed by slain Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, who lived in Arizona at the time of his Sept. 10 assassination. WASHINGTON, DC JULY 22: Rep. Andy Biggs (R-AZ) speaks as United States Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle testifies before the House Oversight and Accountability Committee during a hearing at the Rayburn House Office Building on July 22, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Kent Nishimura/Getty Images) In a hypothetical matchup between Hobbs and Republican Arizona Rep. David Schweikert, Hobbs carried a slightly larger lead with 44% support compared to Schweikerts 40% just outside of the polls margin of error. Sixteen percent of survey respondents indicated they were undecided. Biggs dominated the GOP primary field at 50%, easily overtaking Robson at 17% and Schweikert at 8%, per the poll. One in four of those surveyed said they are undecided on which candidate to support in the primary contest. Heading into 2026, Rep. Biggs is the early favorite for the Republican Nomination for Governor, Spencer Kimball, executive director of Emerson College Polling, said. Biggs holds 59% support among voters over 60 and 51% among those who backed Trump in 2024. (RELATED: Democrat Katie Porter Falls Behind Outspoken GOP Candidate In Shocking California Poll) The trend lines are clear: Arizona Republican primary voters are rallying behind our campaign because were focusing on the issues that matter and we can beat Katie Hobbs in 2026, Biggs told the Daily Caller News Foundation in a statement. Arizonans of all backgrounds are frustrated with our states rising energy costs, anemic job growth, and the challenges of buying an affordable home, which are all problems directly tied to Katie Hobbs progressive policies and partisan vetoes. I have the experience and vision to lead our state back to prosperity from Day One as Governor and ensure that every Arizonan can attain the American Dream of a safe neighborhood, a steady job, and an affordable home. Well keep working to share our message in every corner of our state and make sure we fire Katie Hobbs in 2026, the conservative congressmans statement added. Unlike our opponents, both of whove been in this race for close to a year, weve been in this race a little over a month, Schweikert campaign consultant Chris Baker told the DCNF. Give us a few months. Our opponents had a big head start on us, both financially and time wise, but heres the deal, weve got resources. Weve got support. And Schweikert has a record of winning in both primaries and generals. Very tough races. Baker added Schweikerts campaign is currently pouring funds into an ad blitz and is expecting to be on the air across the state by Monday. He also told the DCNF the competition will come down to Schweikert and Biggs. Karrin Robson should do everyone a favor and get out of the race. Its pretty clear that voters arent buying her message or what shes selling. I think by the time people really start paying attention, I think theyll see a very different race, Baker said. Trump won Arizona by more than five percentage points in 2024, and Hobbs current job approval rating sits underwater at 39% with a disapproval rating of 40%, according to the Emerson College poll. Hobbs has been dogged by controversy ever since her razor-thin election in 2022. Her office threatened Mohave County Supervisors with arrest and prosecution if they were unable to certify election results ahead of the deadline, despite the county requesting more time before finalizing results, the DCNF first reported in December 2022. A campaign finance scandal which broke in 2024 rocked the governors administration. In November 2022, just after the gubernatorial election, Hobbs allegedly took a massive donation from a group home for foster children in exchange for ordering the Department of Child Safety to increase the homes daily pay rate, far surpassing the average pay rate for other group homes. The deal led to a criminal investigation with Senate President Pro Tempore T.J. Shope describing the situation as a pay-to-play scheme. Arizona Senate Republicans widely condemned the scandal, calling it a disgusting abuse of taxpayer dollars. The Arizona Capitol Times in May dove through the governors legal donations, finding the Democrat was not disclosing who her donors were although they were funneling her money in special interest cases. The states largest public utility company reportedly gave $100,000 to a legal fund to help defend Hobbs against a lawsuit from Lake, her 2022 opponent whom she defeated by about 17,000 votes. Hobbs and Robsons campaign offices did not respond to the DCNFs request for comment. The Emerson College poll of 850 active registered voters was conducted Nov. 8-10, 2025 and had a 3.3% margin of error. All content created by the Daily Caller News Foundation, an independent and nonpartisan newswire service, is available without charge to any legitimate news publisher that can provide a large audience. All republished articles must include our logo, our reporters byline and their DCNF affiliation. For any questions about our guidelines or partnering with us, please contact licensing@dailycallernewsfoundation.org. By Andrea Shalal and Kanishka Singh WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States said on Thursday it will remove tariffs on some foods and other imports from Argentina, Ecuador, Guatemala and El Salvador under framework agreements that will give U.S. firms greater access to those markets. The agreements are expected to help lower prices for coffee, bananas and other foodstuffs, a senior Trump administration official told reporters, adding the administration expected U.S. retailers to pass on the positive effects to American consumers. The framework deals with most of the four countries should be finalized within the next two weeks, the official said, with additional agreements seen as possible before the end of the year. U.S. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent on Wednesday said the U.S. planned some "substantial" announcements in coming days that would lead to lower prices on coffee, bananas and other fruits, as part of a push by the Trump administration to drive down the cost of living for Americans. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Brazil's Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira discussed a framework for a U.S.-Brazil trade relationship in a meeting this week, the U.S. State Department said on Thursday. Brazil is the world's largest coffee producer and exporter but its exports to the U.S. face crushing 50% duties imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. Trump has focused intensely on the issue of affordability after a string of defeats for Republican candidates in last week's elections, while insisting that any higher costs were triggered by policies enacted by former President Joe Biden, and not his own sweeping tariffs. Democratic wins in New Jersey, New York and Virginia, driven in part by cost-of-living concerns, revealed growing angst among voters over high prices, which economists say has been fueled in part by import tariffs imposed by Trump on nearly every country. The New York Times on Thursday reported the Trump administration was considering further tariff exemptions on imported food products such as beef and citrus to ease prices, including from countries that have not reached trade agreements with the U.S. A White House spokesperson did not immediately respond to a request for comment on the story. U.S. officials were having "quite constructive" talks with other Central and South American countries, and could conclude more trade deals before the end of the year, the official said, adding that trade talks with Switzerland and Taiwan on Thursday had also been quite positive. Officials in Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala and Ecuador welcomed the deals. The framework agreements announced on Thursday would maintain 10% tariffs on most goods from El Salvador, Guatemala and Argentina, where the U.S. had modest trade surpluses, and 15% for imports from Ecuador, where the U.S. had a trade deficit. But they will result in the removal of U.S. tariffs on a number of items that are not grown, mined or produced in the United States, the official said, listing as examples bananas and coffee from Ecuador. The deals, similar to those announced with Asian countries in October, included commitments to refrain from digital services taxes on U.S. companies, along with the removal of tariffs on U.S. agricultural and industrial goods, the official said. "With all of these deals, the ones in Asia, the ones we're announcing today, we maintain the tariffs, we give some tariff relief on certain products or goods, but at the same time, we open up foreign markets in ways that they have not been open before," the official said. Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said the deal framework would "create the conditions" to boost U.S. investment in Argentina, thanking Argentina's libertarian President Javier Milei for his "conviction" around the agreement. El Salvador President Nayib Bukele, another outspoken Trump ally, shared the announcement on X, captioning it "friends." His ambassador in Washington, Milena Mayorga, celebrated the decision, adding that the two "sister nations" have "rebuilt their relations on the basis of trust and self-determination." Bukele's Guatemalan counterpart, Bernardo Arevalo, said the deal was good news for Guatemala's economy. The agreement "places us as an even more competitive and more attractive country for investment," Arevalo said in a video on social media. The government of Ecuadorean President Daniel Noboa, who has allied himself closely with the Trump administration on anti-narcotics and migration efforts, also cheered the deal, saying in a statement on social media that it would boost the country's export sector. Ecuador is a major exporter of bananas and shrimp, as well as oil. (Reporting by Andrea Shalal and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and David Lawder in Washington, Natalia Siniawski in Mexico City, Sofia Menchu in Guatemala City,and Alexandra Valencia in Quito; Writing by Andrea Shalal and Brendan O'Boyle; Editing by Leslie Adler, Matthew Lewis and Lincoln Feast.) AP Photo ; Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty U.S. Deputy Marshals escort 6-year-old Ruby Bridges from William Frantz Elementary School in November 1960 in New Orleans, Louisiana ; Ruby Bridges on NBC's Today show on January 22, 2024. NEED TO KNOW Ruby Bridges was the first Black student to enter a formerly all-White school in New Orleans She faced angry White mobs, and only one White teacher agreed to educate her Sixty-five years later, Ruby continues to be an activist On Nov. 14, 1960, when Ruby Bridges was just 6 years old, she unknowingly became an icon for the civil rights movement that was sweeping the country. The first grader made history when she became the first Black child to integrate into an all-White elementary school in the American South. As Ruby walked into New Orleans William Frantz Elementary School on Nov. 14, 1960, accompanied by her mother Lucille and protected by federal marshals, she faced an angry White mob who threw food at her and hurled racial slurs. My parents didnt try to explain it to me, Ruby shared with PEOPLE in 2020. Instead, all she remembers hearing was, Youre going to a new school today and you better behave. What Ruby also did not realize at the time was the powerful impact her and her parents actions would have across the country and for years to come. In my tiny mind I thought this was just something that happened on my street and in my community, she said. I didnt realize that it was a part of a much broader movement. In the decades since Ruby first bravely walked up the steps of William Frantz Elementary School, she has continued to carry the torch for the civil rights movement as an activist, author and public speaker. On the 65th anniversary of her courageous integration into an all-White school, here is a look back on how Ruby Bridges broke barriers as a child and everything to know about where the activist is today. Who is Ruby Bridges? Bettmann/Getty Ruby Nell Bridges. Born Sept. 8, 1954, Ruby is the oldest of eight children born to the late Abon and Lucille Bridges, according to the National Womens History Museum. The same year Ruby was born, the U.S. Supreme Court delivered its historic ruling in the Brown v. Board of Education case and declared segregation in public schools to be unconstitutional. Ruby and her family resided in Tylertown, Miss., before Abon, a mechanic, and Lucille, a housekeeper, decided to move the family to New Orleans in 1956. They relocated in pursuit of better opportunities, particularly in terms of jobs and education. We decided to leave so that we could make it better, Lucille said in a 2016 interview, per The New York Times. I wanted it better for my kids than it was for us. Fueling Abon and Lucilles drive was the fact that they both had to abandon their education at a young age. As the children of sharecroppers, Rubys parents had to leave school to help their parents in the fields. They were not allowed to go to school every day, Ruby told The Guardian in 2021. Neither one of them had a formal education. If it was time for them to get the crops in, or to work, school was a luxury; that was something they couldnt do. So they really wanted opportunities for their children that they were not allowed to have. What happened to Ruby Bridges when she was 6? Anonymous/AP/Shutterstock U.S. Deputy Marshals escort six-year-old Ruby Bridges from William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, Louisiana. Though the Brown v. Board of Education ruling was handed down in 1954, schools in Louisiana had been slow to comply and, six years later, segregation was still rampant. As a result, in 1960, Federal Judge James Skelly Wright ordered Louisiana schools to begin the integration process or face potential closure. In an effort to further limit integration, school administrators decided to only allow in Black students who passed an exam of their creation. Then 6-year-old Ruby was one of only five Black children to pass, and she was assigned to the all-White William Frantz Elementary School in New Orleans, according to The New York Times. Ive been told that it was set up so that kids would have a hard time passing, Ruby wrote in her 1999 book Through My Eyes, per The Washington Post. If all the Black children had failed, the White school board might have had a way to keep the schools segregated for a while longer. But with Judge Wrights order and Rubys exam results on their side, the NAACP requested that Ruby be allowed to attend William Frantz. Though Abon was hesitant to send his daughter to the all-White school due to safety concerns, Lucille pushed for the opportunity. So, on Nov. 14, 1960, 6-year-old Ruby became the first Black student to attend an all-White elementary school in the south. When Ruby and her mother arrived for her first day of school at William Frantz, they were greeted by mobs of angry protestors who screamed racial slurs and threw eggs and tomatoes. Ruby and Lucille were escorted and protected by armed U.S. marshals who walked the first grader up to the schools doors. White parents removed their children from the school and all but one teacher refused to educate Ruby. The student, however, was unaware that the crowds of people were there because of her presence at the school. Ruby told PEOPLE in 2020 she believed she had come across a crowd celebrating Mardi Gras. For me, being 6 years old, I really wasnt aware of what was going on, she told NPR in 2010. I mean the only thing that I was ever told by my parents that I was going to attend a new school and that I should behave. In a separate interview with Meet the Press in 2024, she added, What protected me was the innocence of a child. What happened to Ruby Bridges in William Frantz Elementary School? Underwood Archives/Getty Ruby Bridges is escorted by US Federal Marshals into William Frantz elementary school on November 28, 1960 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Rubys first year at William Frantz didnt get any easier after that first day. She had to be escorted by federal marshals every day, as the protestors continued berating her. All of the White students were withdrawn from her first-grade class by their parents, and every teacher refused to take Ruby on as a student, with the exception of Barbara Henry, who had just moved to New Orleans from Boston. For the first year, Henry taught Ruby alone in the classroom. It was just the two of us for the entire year, Ruby wrote in a 2010 essay for The Washington Post. She never missed a day, and neither did I. There were also threats to Rubys physical safety: One protester outside of the school displayed a babys coffin containing a Black doll, while another woman threatened to poison her, according to New Orleans Magazine. As a result, Ruby could only eat food that was prepared at home. I used to have nightmares about the box, Ruby told NPR about seeing the coffin outside of her school. Those are the days that I distinctly remember being really, really frightened. The effects of Ruby integrating into the New Orleans elementary school extended to her family, as well. Her father lost his job, while local grocery stores refused to sell to her mother. Her grandparents back in Mississippi were also evicted from the farm where theyd lived and worked for 25 years. I didnt know how bad things would get, Lucille said, per The Washington Post. By the time Ruby entered second grade, however, the protestors had dissipated and some of her peers returned to the classroom. Ruby attended William Frantz through sixth grade and each year, more and more Black students enrolled, thanks to the path she forged. Every fall, more black students joined me, Ruby wrote in The Washington Post. By the time I left, I seem to recall that William Frantz was about evenly integrated. After the first year, no one really discussed it. What did Ruby Bridges do after grade school? Bettmann/Getty Ruby Bridges. After her time at William Frantz, Ruby went on to attend and graduate from an integrated high school in New Orleans. Following graduation, she became a travel agent for American Express, a job she held for 15 years. I was really more focused on how to get out of Louisiana, Ruby told The Guardian about her initial career plans. I knew that there was something more than what I was exposed to right there in my community. Ruby married Malcolm Hall in 1984, and the couple have four sons together. Where is Ruby Bridges today? Nathan Congleton/NBC via Getty Ruby Bridges on NBC's Today show on January 22, 2024. Though Rubys role as a civil rights icon began when she was just a child, the mother of four embarked on activism work of her own as an adult after a family tragedy. After her brother was murdered in 1993, Ruby and her family returned to New Orleans so that she could care for her brothers four daughters who also attended William Frantz Elementary School. I ended up back at Frantz, taking his daughters to school because they lived in the same neighborhood, Bridges told PEOPLE in 2020. Once I got inside, I was so disappointed to see that the school was really deteriorating. I felt like, My goodness, all the sacrifices that were made here in this building its just going to waste. As a result, Ruby launched the Ruby Bridges Foundation in 1999, with the aim of promoting tolerance through education. To this day, she primarily works with kids, speaking at schools across the country with the hope of stopping racism before it ever starts. We all know that babies come into the world with a very unique gift, and that is a clear heart, she said. Racism is a grown-up disease. Lets stop using our kids to spread it. Another tragic loss the shooting death of her oldest son, Craig, in 2005 only fueled Ruby to work harder at creating positive change in the world. Ruby also spreads her message through her writing. As of 2022, she has written four books: the 1999 memoir Through Her Eyes, 2009s Ruby Bridges Goes to School: My True Story, 2020s This Is Your Time (which was released the same day her mother Lucille died) and 2022s I Am Ruby Bridges: How One Six-Year-Old Girl's March to School Changed the World. All of us can do something, Ruby said about her activism. It doesnt have to be amazing. Its about taking your gift and using it for good. How has Ruby Bridges impact been honored? Bryan Bedder/Getty Ruby Bridges at Glamour's 2017 Women of The Year Awards on November 13, 2017 in Brooklyn, New York. Rubys story hasnt just been told through her published writings, it has also been memorialized in works of art, statues and films. Rubys identity was initially kept anonymous to protect her safety but her act of courage eventually gained national attention. In 1962, John Steinbeck wrote about how she blazed past the screaming protestors in his book Travels with Charley. In 1964, Norman Rockwell debuted his iconic painting of Ruby walking bravely into school, titled The Problem We All Live With. The work of art would later hang in the White House during President Barack Obamas first term, according to The Washington Post. Her story was also the subject of a 1998 Disney film titled Ruby Bridges, and there is a statue in her honor in the courtyard of William Frantz Elementary School. I think kids will look at it and think to themselves, I can do something great too, Ruby said at the statues unveiling in 2014. Kids can do anything, and I want them to be able to see themselves in the statue. Hopefully that will remind [them that they] can change the world. Read the original article on People Varietys Doc Dreams NYC event returned for its second year on Nov. 10 and featured two panels with some of this years buzziest documentary feature contenders. Speakers on the first panel included Dan Farah, director and producer of The Age of Disclosure; Petra Costa, writer, director and producer of Apocalypse In The Tropics; Mark Obenhaus, director and producer of Cover Up; and Eugene Jarecki, director of The Six Billion Dollar Man. More from Variety The Age of Disclosure seeks to establish a strong case for the existence of non-human intelligent life by including the accounts of 34 high-level officials in the government with direct knowledge of the matter, in which Farah admitted it took a while for his subjects to willingly and lawfully disclose sensitive information about the taboo topic for fear of imprisonment, career setbacks, and tarnishing their reputations. Opting to make the film independently allowed him to keep creative control and minimize sensationalization of the shared information. People started getting on this plan of this being the way real information would come out and be shared with the public, he explained. Each person I met felt a weight on their shoulders with what they knew that the public didnt. A lot of these people articulated to me how it eats them up that theyre aware of this information that impacts all of us, and the average person is completely clueless. Farah continued, They felt it was an obligation to find a way to bring it out in a safe, comfortable way. They also found comfort in being arm in arm with senior officials from the military, government and intelligence committee. Costas documentary, Apocalypse in the Tropics, exposes the rise of and impact of Christian nationalism in Brazil, where she follows the countrys former president, Jair Bolsonaro, and pastor Silas Malafaia. The filmmaker recalled the backlash she received from Bolsonaro after the release of her previous documentary, The Edge of Democracy, which explored the unraveling of two Brazilian presidencies in 2019. When [The Edge of Democracy] was nominated, the far right started to attack me a lot, Costa said. Bolsonaro gave a public speech saying that the film was crap that vultures should eat. Then he used his official Twitter to attack me. Hes calling me a traitor of the Brazilian state, and I became a trending topic. It was very disconcerting. That lasted a few months, where I would constantly be attacked by his digital militias, and one of his evangelical congressmen asked for my imprisonment by the law of national security. Obenhaus discussed how his friendship with Seymour Hersh played a big part in making Cover Up, which explores Hershs career as an investigative reporter. Despite having a friendship, Obenhaus explained how that didnt stop them from having conflicts at certain points during filming. At one point, he quits, but he comes back, he said. I was used to that kind of behavior. It was not unfamiliar to me, and I couldnt doubt that he was committed to the film and was going to stick with it. One of the things Im proud of is that it comes through in the film, and in no way does it whitewash or somehow brush over his foibles. Jarecki touched on how he didnt expect his film The Six Billion Dollar Man, a story that traces the life of WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange, to be reflective of current issues involving the threat against the right of access to public information. We had no idea that while we were making it, the world would plummet into fascism and especially into information fascism, making Assange suddenly like a real soothsayer and canary in the coal mine, Jarecki said. Speakers on Doc Dreams NYCs second panel included Allison McGourty, writer and producer and Bernard McMahon, director, writer and producer of Becoming Led Zeppelin; Ryan White, director and producer of Come See Me in the Good Light; Sam Mirpoorian, co-director, editor and producer of Saving Superman; and Ben Stiller of Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost. Becoming Led Zeppelin explores the journey of and early formation of the band rock Led Zeppelin. McGourty and McMahon opened up about the challenges they faced trying to find distribution for their film, revealing that the film was a hard project to sell before Sony Pictures Classics signed on. Making the film was incredibly difficult, McGourty said. There were a few fragments of footage about this group because they never filmed. If you met somebody trying to film them in a concert, their manager would pull the film from the camera, smash the camera and eject that person from the venue. Every fragment you see in our film is all that exists. It was hard to make. Then, we had to persevere through the pandemic. We had to go on hiatus for a year. When nobody wanted to buy the film, we didnt know what to do. White discussed how the filming and editing process changed while making Come See Me in the Good Light, which followed spoken word poet Andrea Gibson and their partner, Megan Falley, navigating Gibsons diagnosis of ovarian cancer. Coming into the project with the assumption they would be with Gibson until her death, White explained how premiering at the Sundance Film Festival changed the entire ending of their film. At the end of my film, you dont know if theyre alive or dead, White said. No one at Sundance, especially in an industry screening of 600 people, knew. When the film ended and Andrea walked up to do their Q&A with the audience, it was electric. But it was one of those things where you have to be at the mercy of the story. You have to let the story tell you what its about and what your ending is. Mirpoorian discussed how he gained the trust of his subjects while co-directing Saving Superman with Adam Oppenheim, which chronicles the true story of Jonathan, a 57-year-old man with autism spectrum disorder and known for his Superman persona. When his home was threatened by a new property owner, the community and his best friend Julie launched a grassroots program to save him. There was a very sentimental element to it because Adam is Julies nephew, Mirporrian said. Knowing that, he could trust her and know that hes not going to be exploitative in any capacity. Ben Stiller opened up about his mothers battle with alcoholism in his documentary Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost, which tells the story of his parents 60-year relationship. While Stiller was comfortable including his mothers sobriety journey in his film, he admitted he worried about his fathers reaction to adding that detail. The other part of it was trying to tell the story of their whole relationship over 60 years, Stiller said. Showing something thats very personal in her life and getting the right balance of that in the movie, I hoped would give people a sense of what the overall feeling of their relationship was. Although a personal story for Stiller to debut, he said hes open to making more documentaries in the future. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. An Arizona dad killed himself in a way that echoed how his daughter tragically died.instagram The Arizona father who "forgot" he left his 2-year-old daughter to bake in a hot car "killed himself in an eerily similar fashion," RadarOnline.com can report. Christopher Scholtes took his own life just hours before he was expected to report to prison for the little girl's murder. Carbon Monoxide Death Christopher Scholtes killed himself just before he was scheduled to report to prison.PIMA COUNTY SHERIFFS OFFICE Scholtes had accepted a plea deal for the death of his daughter, Parker, who was left strapped in her car seat as temperatures climbed as high as 109-degrees outside. In a sad ironic twist, the 38-year-old reportedly killed himself in a car as well, with the Maricopa County medical examiner telling the Daily Mail he died of carbon monoxide suffocation in the family's garage. Family members said the car Scholtes was in when he died was not the same vehicle in which Parker died. Officials had previously confirmed that the father committed suicide. "Instead of coming in to take account for what has occurred here, we have been informed and we have confirmed that the father took his own life last night," an emotional Pima County Attorney Laura Conover said last week. Message of Hope for the Survivors He had accepted a plea deal in his daughter's death.court tv As the investigation into the suicide continues, Conover took a special moment to address Parker's ten-and-six-year-old siblings. "I want to (speak) directly for a moment to our little girl's older sisters, whom I have not had the chance to meet," Conover said as she fought back tears. "May you be surrounded by love. May you receive all of the support you deserve and need and then some. May you know and believe that you can survive and thrive." Conover also tried to assure the sisters that they would be able to heal. "I have proof there are prosecutors and victim advocates and all kinds of people who work in this building who have been working on cases like this for nearly decades, and they've watched people like you survive and thrive, and are now living here in our community as successful and happy adults." Distracted by Beer and Porn Scholtes reportedly killed himself in a car, after his daughter Parker lost her life trapped in a hot vehicle.instagram Prosecutors said Scholtes cracked open a few beers he shoplifted earlier in the day, played some video games and searched for porn on his PlayStation all while the toddler was still in the car. Scholtes said he left the car running and the air conditioning on, but after an extended period of time, the vehicle shut off something he apparently knew would happen. Medical examiners said temperatures in the 2003 Acura climbed as high as 109 degrees over the three hours Parker was trapped inside. It Wasn't the First Time He Forgot a Child Pima County Attorney Laura Conover tried to offer a message of hope.youtube This disturbingly wasn't the first time he left a child alone in a baking car. In a text message after Parker's incident, his wife, Erika, allegedly texted him in a panic, "I told you to stop leaving them in the car. How many times have I told you?" His two surviving daughters, who were 6 and 9 at the time, reportedly said in interviews that their father had previously left them alone in the car on other occasions. While his 17-year-old daughter from a previous marriage also claimed he frequently left her alone inside cars without food for hours at a time, even to the point where Child Protective Services took her away from him. Redford and Newmans legendary bond included secret pranks and a lost final film.MEGA Robert Redford's extraordinary, decades-long bond with Paul Newman is now at the center of renewed attention following Redford's death at 89, and RadarOnline.com can reveal new details about the pair's private friendship, including their unmade final film and the huge pranks they pulled on each other but never discussed. Redford, who died in his sleep on September 16, spent more than half a century intertwined with chain-smoker Newman, who was killed by lung cancer in 2008 at the age of 83. Newman Insisted on Redford for Butch Cassidy Robert Redford formed a lifelong friendship with Paul Newman.MEGA Though they appeared together in only two films, their partnership shaped both men's careers and created one of Hollywood's most enduring on- and off-screen friendships. Their first collaboration, the 1969 western Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid, came after Newman insisted the then-lesser-known Redford be cast in the movie an intervention Redford said changed everything. "The studio didn't want me. I wasn't as well-known as he was," Redford said shortly after Newman's death. He added: "But he said, 'I want to work with an actor,' and that was very complimentary to me, because that's, I think, how we both saw our profession that acting was about craft, and we took it seriously, because we both came from the same background of theater in New York." Friendship Built on Teasing and Pranks Redford said Newman changed his entire career.MEGA A producer who worked with the pair said their temperaments sometimes clashed, especially on the set of The Sting in 1973, the film that reunited them and went on to win eight Oscars. "Paul was older, more established, and he didn't tolerate lateness," a source said. "He called Robert out one day really let him have it and that moment surprisingly pulled them closer. It set a tone of mutual respect neither ever forgot." Friends added the dynamic between the pair quickly evolved into a private language of mischief. One longtime associate said: "Their friendship wasn't sentimental it was built on teasing, on winding each other up. Robert loved needling Paul, and Paul loved firing back. It was like watching two brothers who know exactly which buttons to press." Redford described one such prank during a 2014 appearance at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. He recalled phoning a towing company to obtain a destroyed Porsche, having it wrapped with a bow and delivered to car-mad Newman's Connecticut home for his 50th birthday. "I started to get bored, because every time we got together, all he talked about was racing and cars," Redford said at the event. "So I decided to play a joke on him. I called a towing service and said, "Do you have any crushed automobiles? Do you have a Porsche?'" Weeks later, Newman mailed the crushed car back compressed into a cube. Unspoken Language of Competition and Affection Newman insisted Redford join him in 'Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.'MEGA A former colleague said: "That exchange summed them up perfectly competitive, affectionate, and both determined to outdo the other. They never mentioned the prank afterwards. They didn't need to." Their closeness deepened when they became neighbors in Connecticut, spending years trying to find a third project that matched the energy of their earlier films. Redford said: "It was hard because we didn't want to duplicate anything. But we also wanted to try to find a project that would still have the relationship they had in the other two." He developed the 2015 film A Walk in the Woods for the two of them, but Newman's declining health kept the reunion from happening. Shortly before his death in 2008, Newman sent Redford a letter ending with the message: "You were the Sundance to my Cassidy always." The two actors searched for a third film to make together.MEGA After receiving the news Newman had passed away, Redford said: "I've lost a true friend. My life, and this country, are better because of his presence." Offering prizes to Almodovar lead and rapidly-risen star Milena Smit (Parallel Mothers) and evergreen Spanish comedy icon Fernando Tejero (Aqui no hay quien viva), notable as the ethically spineless priest in Alejandro Amenabars The Captive, the resilient Huelva Ibero-American Film Festival bows on Nov. 14 with a powerfully enticing line-up of Latin American titles in main competition, a reminder of Spanish cinemas current power in section Acento and five doc-features in Talento Andaluz. 10 takes on why Huelva, a festival in an Andalusian seaport, remains an essential part of the international film circuit: More from Variety Huelvas Vital Role Huelvas 51st edition has one innovation: Latidos (see below). Apart from that, it will continue to do what it does best: Throwing further light on titles Latin American or Spanish and sometimes Andalusian which have bowed to critical acclaim, but merit far more international attention. That now is a pressing need. In 2003, Latin America and the Caribbean produced 179 features, according to Omdia. That figure shot up to 761 by 2023. Unless it wins big time at a big festival, such as Cannes Un Certain Regard Award laureate The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, at Huelva this year, a Latin America movie need further promotion platforms. Huelva is one of the most prominent. Genre Build Some of Huelvas largest pleasures this year are afforded by genre, understood in a broader sense. Of Competition movies, The Reborn is an Argentine classic hard-boiled actioner,A Bright Future, from Uruguays Lucia Garibaldi, a touching sci-fi retro futuristic allegory, Colombian Tomas Corredors Noviembre a gripping siege thriller, Chiles Isla Negra a hard-hitting home invasion suspense drama. That said, all four films retain the hallmark ADN of Latin American cinema: its social point. A Bright Future questions capitalism;, in Isla Negra, one ends up sympathising with the invaders, victims of wholesale home evictions along Chiles coast. Huelva: Not So Far From Hollywood Sean Penn came to champion the Oscar candidacy of Huelva 2024 standout Manas, boarding as an executive producer. It Would Be Night in Caracas, in this years Huelva competition, stars Edgar Ramirez (American Crime Story) who also produces and originated the project, alongside Natalia Reyes (Terminator: Dark Fate). Reyes is also the most identifiable face in hostage crisis thriller Noviembre, also in Huelva Competition this year. The Mysterious Gaze of the Flamingo, playing out of competition at Huelva, is Chiles Oscar entry. Huelva is 5,500 miles from Hollywood. But, despite most titles meriting far more attention, they are not entirely off everybodys radar in Hollywood. Huelvas Range Many Latin American cineastes have grown up with another generation of cinema, mixing social denunciation with more open formats for the public, says Manuel H. Martin, Huelva Ibero-American Film Festival director, talking about the rise of Latin American genre. What were trying to do is mix these films with others which might not be for a broad public but still have an audience, he adds, citing Clarisa Navas 212-minute The Prince of Nanawa, a kind of Paraguayan Boyhood, studying modern masculinity through a 10-year real life coming of age narrative. Equally, J.M. Craviotos Wheels, Weed & Rock n Roll, gives a far broader, diverse vision of Latin American filmmaking, says Martin. Rafael Cobos: Andalusias Spanish Cinema Drive Andalusia, like Catalonia and the Basque Country, is a Spanish cinema driving force. This year alone, the Seville-based Cobos has co-written Tigres, one of the biggest movies of 2025, and The Anatomy of a Moment, hailed as the Spanish series of the year. He has also directed his first feature, Golpes, an inspired mix of early 80s quinqui heist thriller and brothers reconciliation drama of large social point. Its not just Latin America which is ringing that combination. Somebody should erect a monument to him, or give him a prize; which is exactly what Canal Sur, Andalusias public broadcaster, will do at this years Huelva. Spains Filmic Powerhouse Rarely has Spanish cinema fired on so many cylinders. Huelvas Acento, Cine Espanol strand is a case in point. It features Tigres and Golpes, but also Carla Simons admired Cannes Competition player Romeria and Sundays, the San Sebastian Golden Shell laureate from Alauda Ruiz de Azua, whose Querer won the Grand Prix at Marchs Series Mania, Europes biggest TV fest. Even its smallest films are large pleasures, such as Flores for Antonio, a Goodfellas pick-up. Spain looks set to have a marvellous year in 2026, with movies from Almodovar, Rodrigo Sorogoyen and Javier Ambrossi and Javier Calvo in the hopper. Huelva offers a chance to sample its talent before international talk breaks out of Spains firepower. Andalusian Premieres Talento Andaluz showcases the best of recent Andalusian doc features. Rafael Cobos. for example, has also produced and co-penned doc feature Ellas en la Ciudad, a standout in Huelvas Talento Andaluz section, recognising the role of women in building Sevilles new barrios, humble outlying neighbourhoods which now form a key part of the city. Another doc feature in Talento Andaluz on which word is also good, Pendaripen, from Alfonso Sanchez, whose Sembrando Suenos opened Huelva in 2019, reps a vigorous revisionist take on the Roma people, victims of 600 years of racism and ignorance. Yon Gonzalez: Spains New Generation of Stars Huelva is a film festival. Its stars these days, however, often come from TV. One case in point, who receives a Luz Award alongside Milena Smit: suave charmer Yon Gonzalez. He starred in Grand Hotel (2011-13), one of the first Spanish series to light a fire in Latin America without being dubbed into neutral Spanish. He led again Netflixs first series in Spain, Cable Girls (2017-20). Hes now broken into the U.S. Hispanic market toplining Telemundo Studios Velvet. El Nuevo Imperio. Gonzalez receives a Huelva Premio Luz. His export potential will sure soon be put to good use. Hiking Local Impact: Latidos Huelvas biggest 2025 departure, a new section, Latidos, recognises what it has already done before, free-of-charge charity screenings and concerts. The initiative now gets an official name and a boost. This years inaugural Latidos lineup takes in Andy and Lucas, a portrait of the Cadiz musical duo, odd friendship tale El cielo de los animales and a new film from Santi Amodeo, a vibrant and idiosyncratic director, Variety has said, director of memorable titles such as Doghead and the underrated The Gentiles in 2021. Huelvas Industry Drive: Education The Andalusia Agency for Cultural Institutions (AAIICC) authorities launched earlier this year a residency program for Andalusian screenwriters, teaming with the Huelva Festival. A second Residency initiative will mentor four film projects from Extremadura, Huelva director Manuel H. Martin notes. Industry activities are great but education, professional training as important: If we dont have audiences which watch our films on the big screen, its very difficult maintain an industry, he added. And hes dead right. Best of Variety Sign up for Variety's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The following is a news release from the United States Attorneys Office for the District of Idaho. BOISE William Charles Jones, 34, of St. Louis, Missouri, was sentenced to 120 months in federal prison for his involvement in the distribution of cocaine in Idaho, U.S. Attorney Bart M. Davis announced. According to court records, Jones was a high-volume cocaine distributor in the treasure valley. He would travel to Missouri to purchase kilos of cocaine, ship the cocaine to himself at a residence in Idaho, and then distribute the cocaine into the community through several mid-level distributors. On one occasion, Jones traveled to Canada, purchased two kilos of cocaine, and shipped it to himself in Idaho. Through the efforts of Customs and Border Protection and the Drug Enforcement Administration, that shipment was seized at the U.S./Canadian border. After his indictment, investigators executed a federal search warrant at his residence and located a workstation in his garage consisting of a scale, packaging material, and a heat sealer. Investigators also found one and a half kilos of cocaine in brick form, an additional five one-ounce bundles of cocaine, several psilocybin mushrooms bars, and sixteen unlawfully possessed firearms strategically placed throughout the residence to afford him quick access to a firearm in the event he needed to protect his drugs or illicit proceeds. U.S. District Judge B. Lynn Winmill also ordered Jones to serve four years of supervised release following his prison sentence. U.S. Attorney Davis commended the work of the Drug Enforcement Administration, the Nampa Police Department Special Investigations Unit, the Ada County Sheriffs Office, the Boise Police Department, the Meridian Police Department, Customs and Border Protection, and the United States Postal Inspection Service, which led to the charges and arrest. Assistant U.S. Attorney David Morse prosecuted this case. The post Cocaine dealer sentenced to 10 years in federal prison appeared first on East Idaho News. Trees are seen at Laguna Grande in the protected Amazon rainforest of Cuyabeno, Ecuador, on March 30, 2024. Credit - Daniel Munoz/AFPGetty Images Nearly two decades ago Ecuador became the first country to legally enshrine the rights of nature in its constitution. This landmark move made the country the first in the world to recognize ecosystems as living entities with legal rights. Now, that is all at risk. On Nov. 16, voters will head to the polls to decide on a constitutional referendum that, if approved, would dissolve the current constitutionpaving the way for the potential erosion of the fundamental rights it established for nature and Indigenous communities. If voters approve the referendum, it would open the door for Ecuadors President Daniel Noboa to rewrite the constitution; its unclear what any potential revisions might look like. The fact that they want to change a constitution that recognized so many rights, not just rights of nature, but also rights of Indigenous people it means that theyre walking backwards, says Gustavo Redin Guerrero, vice president of CEDENMA, a network of environmental organisations that focuses on environmental protection and conservation in Ecuador. Read more: Nemonte Nenquimo on Respecting the Amazon and What is Owed to the Planet Ecuador has rewritten its constitution a number of times in the last century, but the 2008 constitutional rewrite, spearheaded by former President Rafael Correas left-wing PAIS Alliance, stood out for being a collaborative process that allowed for the involvement of the countrys citizens. The text is quite exceptional because it was the result of a very participatory process where communities and different sectors of organized civil society were able to bring forward their own ideas of how we should live together, of how we should care for Ecuador, says Cristina Espinosa, assistant professor of sustainability governance at the University of Freiburg. Noboa, who came to power after winning a snap election in 2023 with the center-right National Democratic Action party, has said that a new constitution is necessary to combat crime in the country, but has given little details as to what that might look like. According to a Bloomberg report, Noboa wants to limit due process and the rights of prisoners, and impeach Constitutional Court judges he believes are hindering the fight on crime. But environmental activists fear that in doing so, a rewrite could strip away the rights of nature established 17 years ago. The political orientation of Noboa is quite different from the political orientation of the government in place in 2008, says Espinosa, who expects any potential re-write would likely be less participatory, and include reforms to ease extractive agendas. Noboa belongs to one of the wealthiest families in Ecuador, and I think that he has in mind a very different country than the one that was imagined with the constitution of 2008. Noboa has been openly supportive of increasing extractive mining practices in one of the most biodiverse countries in the world. In July, he issued an executive order eliminating the countrys Ministry of the Environment, Water, and Ecological Transition and transferring its functions to the Ministry of Energy and Mineseffectively removing any oversight for oil and mining industries. His government also announced a plan in September to auction the rights for 49 oil and gas projects in the Amazon worth more than $47 billion. Read more: Jane Fonda Is on a Mission to Save Ecuadors Rain Forest Environmental advocates view this upcoming constitutional referendum as another concerning step in this direction. They are trying to erase every [protection] from the constitution for [mining companies] to have more access to explore more gold, copper, and other resources, says Indigenous leader Majo Andrade Cerda. Ecuadors 2008 constitution inspired a wave of other countries: Bolivia, India, and Mexico have since had court rulings or enacted laws at the national or state level recognizing the rights of nature. And Ecuadors constitution has also had a national impact over the years. In 2011, for examplethe first successful legal case upholding the rights of nature in the countrya provincial court ruled in favor of the Vilcabamba River, after a roadwork project was polluting the river. Not only did the constitution provide a legal basis to protect the river, but the outcome also benefited the Indigenous communities living alongside the river. When we are talking about nature's rights we are talking about Indigenous people's rights, says Cerda. Read more: The Fight to Save Ecuadors Sacred River Voters will head to the polls this Sunday to decide if the constitution should be rewrittenreports show that President Noboas yes side seems to be significantly outspending the no campaign on advertising. But the outcome of a yes voteand the potential impact on the countrys natural resourceswill be felt, advocates warn. It's not just going to happen in the Amazon, it's going to happen in the Andes, in the Galapagos, says Cerda. It's going to affect every Ecuadorian. Write to Simmone Shah at simmone.shah@time.com. Sheikh Hasina is facing the death penalty over a deadly crackdown on student-led protests last year that ousted her from power [Getty Images] Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ousted in mass protests last year, has said she hopes a ban on her party will be lifted before general elections due next year. Hasina made her remarks from India where she fled in August 2024. The special tribunal trying her for crimes against humanity is due to deliver a verdict on Monday. Hasina is accused of being the main architect behind hundreds of killings during the uprising against her autocratic rule - an allegation she denies. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Hasina if she is found guilty on Monday. Security has been tightened in and around the tribunal in the capital Dhaka ahead of the verdict. It will mark a significant moment for the country as well as for the relatives of those killed during the student-led anti-government protests that ousted Hasina. UN human rights investigators have said up to 1,400 people were killed when Hasina and her government used systematic, deadly violence against protesters in the failed bid to hold onto power. The former prime minister has refused to return from India to attend the trial. "We hope that common sense will prevail and that this [election] ban will be lifted. We have tens of millions of supporters who must not be disenfranchised," Hasina said in written answers to emailed questions from the BBC. "Whether in government or opposition, the Awami League is part of the national conversation in Bangladesh, and that will not change." She said her trial in absentia was a "farce" orchestrated by a "kangaroo court" controlled by political opponents. Hasina is charged with personally ordering security forces to fire at protesters in the weeks before she fled. She said she "categorically" denied such allegations. "I'm not denying that the situation got out of control, nor that many lives were lost needlessly. But I never issued any order to fire on unarmed civilians," she said. Over the past few months prosecutors have presented the tribunal with evidence they say proves her guilt. Leaked audio of one of her phone calls verified by BBC Eye earlier this year suggested that she had authorised the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the trial. Hasina was formally indicted along with two others in July this year. They are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Kamal, who is in hiding. Mr Chowdhury pleaded guilty in July but has not been handed a sentence. Speaking about the trial, Hasina said she hadn't been able to defend herself or appoint her own lawyers. She added her political opponents had gone after her in an attempt to "liquidate" her Awami League party as a political force ahead of the February 2026 election. Lawyers representing her issued a statement on Monday saying they had filed an urgent appeal to the UN raising serious fair trial and due process issues at the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh. Hasina's answers to the BBC also covered other serious allegations of abuses committed during her 15-year rule, which will be heard in another case at the special tribunal. Hasina denies charges of crimes against humanity in that case too. After she was ousted from power, a number of secret jails were discovered holding prisoners who had been detained for years without any legal process. Many other critics and opponents of Hasina who had been abducted or held in these prisons are alleged to have been killed unlawfully. Asked who was responsible for this, Hasina said she "did not have knowledge" of them. She also denied her involvement in alleged extra-judicial killings and disappearances, which rights group say she was responsible for as the head of government during her leadership. "This is denied in terms of my own involvement, but if there is evidence of abuse by officials, let us have it examined properly in an impartial, depoliticised process," she told the BBC. Hasina and other senior members of her former government are also facing trial for corruption in a separate court, charges they deny. UPDATE 14 November: An original version of this article referred to Sheikh Hasina's remarks as a BBC interview. The article has been updated to clarify that she was responding to questions by email. Guests and dignitaries looked on as protesters stormed the Museum of West African Art in Benin City on Sunday [AFP/Getty Images] Nigeria's stunning new Museum of West African Art (Mowaa) has found itself in the crosshairs of local power politics in the week it was supposed to - but failed - to open its doors to the public for the first time. The six-hectare (15-acre) campus sits in the heart of Benin City, capital of the southern state of Edo - and includes an archaeological dig and buildings designed by high-profile British-Ghanaian architect Sir David Adjaye, best known for the National Museum of African American History and Culture that opened in Washington in 2016. It has been five years in the making - and is envisioned to celebrate both the past and the present in the region famous for the Benin Bronzes, artworks looted from the city's royal palace by British soldiers in the 19th Century. It is impressive - and ahead of the planned opening, Mowaa was buzzing with staff determined to prove it is a place that can rival established museums and galleries in the West. Inside conservators carefully unwrapped artworks from protective packaging, inspecting each piece and taking meticulous records before positioning them on walls and plinths. Technicians fine-tuned climate control systems. In the materials science laboratory, officers calibrated equipment meant to preserve centuries-old artefacts. The project has been the brainchild of businessman Phillip Ihenacho - now Mowaa's executive director. "I want us to have a significant economic impact on communities around here," he told the BBC, adding that he hoped to make Benin City "a cultural destination". Mowaa, a non-profit Nigerian institution, sees itself creating more than 30,000 direct and indirect jobs and contributing more than $80m (60m) annually to the regional creative economy through partnerships and programming. "What we have become is a museum that is really about creating an ecosystem to support creatives in West Africa"", Source: Phillip Ihenacho, Source description: Mowaa's executive director, Image: Phillip Ihenacho It has taken $25m (19m) to get here - money raised from various donors, including the French and German governments, the British Museum and the Edo state government. But now the local government has pulled the rug from under it - revoking the use of the land on which the museum was built. An Edo state spokesperson told the BBC this was because in the original paperwork it had called itself Edo Museum of West African Art - and it had since dropped "Edo" from its name. This announcement followed protests on Sunday, when people stormed the campus demanding it be called the Benin Royal Museum. A rowdy group insulted foreign guests at the museum ahead of the opening - forcing them to be hurried away under police escort. President Bola Tinubu has even stepped in to try and resolve the tensions, setting up a high-level committee to do some damage control. But how has this become so politicised - and such a PR disaster? Much of it comes down to internecine rivalries at a local state level, as it was Edo's previous governor Godwin Obaseki - whose term in office ended last year - who was a major backer of the museum. And it seems the administration of the new governor, a close ally of the local traditional ruler, known as the Oba, may want more of a stake in the project. The protesters on Sunday, for example, were demanding that the museum be placed under the control of Oba Ewuare II. This brings into focus the contentious issue of the Benin Bronzes, one of Africa's most celebrated cultural treasures. Because even if the museum does eventually open, these bronzes will be conspicuously absent. They are brass, ivory and wooden sculptures that once adorned the royal palace of the Benin Kingdom before British soldiers looted them in 1897 during a punitive expedition. Today, thousands remain scattered across museums in Europe and North America -- including the British Museum, Berlin's Humboldt Forum and the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Their return has become one of the most contested debates in the global art world. About 150 have now made their way home - and more are due to follow. When plans for the museum in Benin City were first announced in 2019, the movers and shakers on Nigeria's art scene hoped it would become their natural home - a state-of-the-art complex to show them off to the world. But the waters were muddied two years ago after the federal government announced that the Oba would be the rightful owner and custodian of any returned bronzes - and the palace pushed for a museum under the royal family's direct control, against the wishes of Obaseki, the former governor. The Oba of Benin at a ceremony in 2022 receiving one of the looted Benin Bronzes [AFP/Getty Images] This left Mowaa in a delicate position: asserting a clear stance on restitution while remaining diplomatic on custodianship - and emphasising its broader vision, which led to it dropping "Edo" from its name. "One of the frustrations I've always had is that from the beginning we have said we will be about the modern and contemporary," said Mr Ihenacho. "But because of the Western story about the return of the Benin Bronzes, everyone kept referring to us as the museum where they will go. The problem with that is we are not the owners, nor do we have any legal title to the bronzes." His goal is to build a haven for contemporary African creativity, including film, photography, music, dance and fashion - not just visual art. "Yes, we want to focus on the historical, but the purpose is to inspire the contemporary," he said. "What we have become is a museum that is really about creating an ecosystem to support creatives in West Africa." From a young Nigerian artist who relocated from the US to work as a conservator, to a recent graduate undergoing his one-year mandatory national youth service programme, to a Ghanaian PhD candidate conducting research, Mowaa has already become a hub of regional collaboration. A sculpture graduate from the University of Benin who has had a tour of Mowaa, welcomed this opportunity. The graduate, who did not want to be named, noted that while many residents of the city "don't care" about the restitution conversation, the museum still offered something valuable. "Many of us have never seen the originals, but there we can study their design, technique and history more closely," he told the BBC. Cultural specialist Oluwatoyin Sogbesan agrees that the conversation has grown increasingly elitist. "The everyday person is concerned about making a living, going to work, and feeding their family. Many don't even know about the bronzes," she told the BBC. For her, restitution must move beyond just the return of artefacts to also restore memory and language. "We need to decolonise the term 'Benin Bronzes' itself," she explained. "Call them by their original Edo name 'Emwin Arre' [meaning 'Cultural Things'] - what the people who made them would have called them." This is something that chimes with the museum's inaugural exhibition - Homecoming - should it open to the public. Yinka Shonibare's installation features more than 150 clay replicas of the Benin Bronzes [AFP/Getty Images] It features works by acclaimed artists such as Yinka Shonibare, Toyin Ojih Odutola, Precious Okoyomon, and Tunji Adeniyi-Jones - many of whom live in the diaspora and have rarely exhibited in Nigeria. Shonibare's Monument to the Restitution of the Mind and Soul has pride of place - a pyramid-shaped unit featuring more than 150 clay replicas of the Benin Bronzes. "Creating a monument like this is acknowledging the trauma caused by the looting of those spiritual artefacts," he told the BBC. "It's a deeply emotional engagement with the trauma of the invasion." He chose clay deliberately, as a metaphor for connection with the land of Benin itself. "In the modern world, we seem to have become increasingly distanced from nature, whereas our ancestors had a deep connection and respect for it." The pyramid evokes Africa's ancient wonders while the replicas speak to absence and memory. "The work is conceptual - about the meaning of absence, the spiritual meaning of the bronzes," Shonibare explained. "In a way, the work is cathartic. It is almost mourning." Staff at the museum hope the government will resolve the dispute that has marred the excitement there was last week over the opening [BBC] Also commanding attention is Ndidi Dike's 2016 mixed-media work National Grid, which reflects on power, both electrical and political. Nigerians experience power outages so frequently they have become an accepted part of daily life - a metaphor Dike uses to question the nation's broader failures in governance and infrastructure. It is something likely to resonate all too well for those working at Mowaa this week. Though they may take heart from the words of the culture minister, who is chairing the presidential committee that wants to resolve the dispute. "Cultural institutions are pillars of our national identity and must be protected through collaborative approaches that respect both traditional custodianship and modern institutional structures," Hannatu Musawa said. There are fears the row may damage ongoing efforts to reclaim Africa's stolen art, with Western museums feeling justified about their concerns over the conservation of returned works. But many working within the walls of Mowaa remain determined to show that their creativity can redefine what a modern African museum can be - with or without historic artefacts. More from the BBC on Nigeria's Benin Bronzes: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones - Arrivals (Photo by Neilson Barnard/Getty Images for Vanity Fair) Political commentator Hasan Piker slammed actress Gal Gadot in a new interview, calling her a dogshit actress and taking aim at her politics. In a Thursday interview with Variety, Piker was asked whether director Mira Nair mother of New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani was justified in signing a petition urging the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences to revoke Gadots Oscars invitation over her support for Israels military actions against Palestinians. (RELATED: Pro-Palestine Protests Erupt At Gal Gadots Walk Of Fame Ceremony) He didnt hold back. I think she should be banned from the Oscars for being a dogshit actress. I think she has no business being there for the crime of what she has done to not only the DC franchise, but really any movie shes been a part of, he said. LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA DECEMBER 04: Hasan Piker (HasanAbi) poses with an award during the 2022 YouTube Streamy Awards at the Beverly Hilton on December 04, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Matt Winkelmeyer/Getty Images for dick clark productions) Piker, a left-wing influencer who is openly hostile to Israel, argued that Gadots public image helps sanitize the countrys reputation. All jokes aside, Gal Gadot serves an important role in normalizing Israel as not a fascist ethnostate, but instead a place where a lot of beautiful women come from, he said. He added that the weird sexualization of female IDF soldiers furthers that effect. Those beautiful women happen to serve in the IDF, because theres also this weird sexualization of the forces as well that takes place, and it plays another role in normalizing Israel and its activities and actions, and whitewashing it. Israeli actress Gal Gadot attends the 11th Breakthrough Prize ceremony at Barker Hangar in Santa Monica, California, on April 5, 2025. (Photo by MICHAEL TRAN/AFP via Getty Images) Piker wasnt done roasting the actress. If Gal Gadot could act like Natalie Portman, therere probably less people yelling at her, he said. Gadot has not publicly commented. Crews search Mansfield Hollow Lake after a body was found floating in it on Oct. 5. DNA testing later confirmed it was Robert Cavanaugh, who had been missing since Christmas Eve 2004. Connecticut State Police Connecticut detectives, working with a state anthropologist, have identified the remains of a man found in a lake last month as a man who went missing in 2004, authorities said. Connecticut State Police were called to Mansfield Hollow Lake on Oct. 5 after someone spotted human remains floating on the surface. After a month of investigation and DNA testing, police have identified those remains as Robert Cavanaugh, who had been missing since Christmas Eve 2004. Police said they believe he left a suicide note at his home before leaving. He was 51 when he disappeared. Detectives inspected the clothing he was wearing and found a 1996 pick-up truck on the lake bed. That information helped narrow the search, and DNA testing confirmed the body was Cavanaugh. The Connecticut State Police thanked the Mansfield Fire Department, DEEP, K9 units, ESU Dive Team, and the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner for their help in the investigation. Theres a new place to play pickleball as Grand Teton Pickleball opens in Rexburg. | Courtesy photo. REXBURG Theres a new pickleball facility opening in Rexburg as the sport continues to grow in east Idaho. Grand Teton Pickleball in Rexburg will be hosting an open house on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. where the public can see the new courts and engage in free open play for the day. From the press release: The business is excited to provide more options for locals to play the fast-growing sport, especially through the long Rexburg winters. We couldnt be happier about this new venture, Tom Woodall, co-owner of Grand Teton Pickleball said in a statement. It seems like every time you turn around youre talking to someone else whos just recently gotten into the sport and they cant get enough of it. Located at 870 N 2nd E, the location shares a building with Grand Teton Gun & Range. Grand Teton Pickleball has three public pickleball courts available for play. The surface for each court is the Picklemaster surface by SportsMaster. The facility is a no-host facility, meaning that at most times, there is not a host on site. However, just across the lobby at Grand Teton Gun & Range, they have pickleballs for sale and paddles for rent. There will be a kiosk at the entrance where all players and visitors must check-in before entering via the sliding double doors. The companys membership and reservation system is up and running and available for use now. To sign up or to learn more about making reservations and memberships, simply visit grandtetonpickleball.com. As the sport continues to grow and pick up momentum, we want to be part of the solution that can accommodate all the growth, said Woodall. We are especially thrilled to provide a place for participants to play and practice at during our long and arduous Idaho winters. Regular hours are from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with after-hours including 5 a.m. to 10 a.m. as well as 8 p.m. to midnight. For general questions email interest@grandtetonpickleball.com or call/text (text preferred) 208-360-9218. The post New pickleball facility opening in Rexburg appeared first on East Idaho News. The Trump administration is restoring oil and gas drilling on millions of acres in the Arctic that had been blocked off by former President Biden, it announced Thursday. The administration issued a press release saying it was issuing a final rule to rescind the Biden-era decision to restrict development on 13 million acres that are part of the National Petroleum Reserve in Alaska. It did not immediately provide a copy of the formal rescission, which is expected to appear in the Federal Register on Friday. The petroleum reserve is a 23-million acre area set aside by former President Harding in 1923 as an emergency fuel supply for the Navy. In more recent years, opening up the lands there for oil and gas development has been a partisan issue, with Democrats seeking to block off some of the acreage for environmental reasons. Last year, when the Biden administration issued the rule that restricted drilling in the reserve, it said it was protecting the environment. Now that its rescinding the Biden rule, the Trump administration argues that it is helping the local economy and bolstering energy security. By rescinding the 2024 rule, we are following the direction set by President Trump to unlock Alaskas energy potential, create jobs for North Slope communities and strengthen American energy security, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said in a written statement. The administration previously proposed to rescind the Biden rule earlier this year. Thursdays announcement makes the proposal final. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. We focus all our resourcespartner managers, sales teams, demand generation, and enablementon supporting partners at the account level, he said. While our generic partner program remains standard, including referral fees and a partner portal, we constantly tweak how we leverage it on the ground in A/NZ. Our approach is deliberate, starting with the desired outcome. For instance, if a partner generates $1 million annually and we want to help them reach $2 million, we work backward to identify the inputswhether enablement, demand generation, targeting a new vertical, or realigning teams. This deliberate focus applies across all partners, from GSIs [global service providers] to local firms. AI [artificial intelligence], for example, has enormous promise, but we see few projects reaching production. By focusing on outcomes first, rather than technology for technologys sake, Boomi ensures initiatives deliver real impact and benefit. What we aim for is a true partnership, said Fisher. By aligning with partners and speaking the language of business value and outcomes, we ensure our solutions support the customers transformation. Rapid pace of change This shift in Boomis relationship with partners has accelerated as the pace of change has increased. Customers need to respond faster and more agilely, said Fisher. Instead of multi-year projects, they focus on immediate problems, allowing local SIs to step in and solve them. Its a fascinating spacefifteen years ago, this was just middleware, but today its at the heart of digital and AI transformation. You cannot achieve these transformations without an integration platform. Even the business model has also changed, noted Fisher. In the past, he was paid on indirect revenue through partner contracts, a concept that essentially no longer exists. Today, its all about co-selling with partners. Did the partner help close the deal? That alignment is the core of how we operate now, he said. For Fisher, its compelling to see how much local partners, especially managed service providers (MSPs), have evolved over the decades. Every year they take on something new, often hiding complexity from the customer so that the solution appears seamless, he said. Back when I started, I witnessed incredible productivity changes, like putting PCs on every desk, replacing ledger books. Even the week before I started my first job, they eliminated the typing pool. Those were huge productivity investments at the time. Today, those shifts in the partner landscape is accelerating, driven by technology like AI. Everyone is focused on it and being bombarded with messages from every angle, yet few projects are going into production, said Fisher. Theres a lot of testing, and the main challenges revolve around data accuracy, legal compliance, and governance. You need to secure, monitor, and manage everything youre doing, which is precisely what an integration platform does. Thats exactly where our angle lies, and we believe we have a very strong position. Our partners, who have integration practices around Boomi as well as other services, are all aligned with us. Managing complexity That is important for its channel because achieving productivity gains is far more complex, said Fisher. It involves integrating multiple systems, business process reengineering, decisions about what goes to the cloud versus what stays on-premises, and coordinating thousands of people, he said. That complexity resides with the system integratorsour partnerswho manage all of this. One of the key themes of our presentation and the event overall is unlimited possibilities. In our space, my challenge isnt taking market share, its presenting customers with solutions they hadnt even imagined. Integration creates the market itselfits not about fighting over existing share. Partners are key to this as Fisher said he cannot grow the business without their success, though they could be successful without without the vendor. Successful partner managers understand that Boomi is fundamentally a partner business, he said. We dont build digital banking platforms, citizen portals, or student portals the partners do. If we act alone, were just connecting systems without understanding business outcomes. Good partner managers know how to leverage pre-sales, marketing, and sales teams, aligning all resources toward the partner, which is crucial for our business success. Tech Data, a TD SYNNEX Company, has signed an exclusive Australian and New Zealand (A/NZ) distribution agreement with exposure management software vendor Outpost24 for its entire suite of solutions. The agreement includes the vendors Specops software, which specialises in password and identity lifecycle management. Partners will also be able to tap into Outpost24s Specops Password Auditor (SPA), a free tool that can evaluate password policy strength and detect comprised credentials in Microsoft Active Directory and Entra ID environments. In addition, Tech Data will offer partners with pre-sales and go-to-market support, technical training, and marketing outreach to drive awareness and accelerate adoption of Outpost24s products across A/NZ. The partnership aligns with Tech Datas broader strategy to build resilience within its channel ecosystem by introducing low-cost, high-yield cyber security tools that deliver tangible business value, said Tech Data A/NZ security business unit leader Craig Ashwood. Specops complements Tech Datas growing security solutions stack, offering channel partners an opportunity to expand their identity and access management portfolios with proven, award-winning technology. Today's headlines: the house of the doctor who drove the car that exploded at the Red Fort in Delhi demolished in Kashmir; Trump administration approves its first sale of spare parts for Taiwanese fighter jets; Japan denies citizenship to three children of Japanese from Hokinawa who arrived in the Philippines during World War II; Escort spacecraft for the return of astronauts from the Chinese space station. GAZA-SOUTH AFRICA-ISRAEL After nearly 12 hours of waiting on the runway, South Africa allowed 153 Palestinian passengers from Gaza to disembark from a mysterious charter flight that arrived from Kenya at Tambo International Airport. The Home Affairs Ministry only authorised the passengers to disembark after a local humanitarian organisation guaranteed that it would provide accommodation for the passengers during their stay in South Africa. The Palestinian passengers were not allowed to disembark from the plane after it was discovered that they did not have the usual exit stamps in their passports. Nigel Branken, a South African social worker who helped those detained on the plane, said that passengers from Gaza told him they had been forced by Israeli authorities to leave all their personal belongings behind before boarding an unmarked plane at an Israeli air force base. INDIA In the town of Pulwama in Kashmir, Indian security forces demolished the home of Dr Umar Nabi, the man linked to the car bomb involved in the explosion at the Red Fort in Delhi that killed at least 10 people. Officials said Umar was behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 at the time of the incident and that his identity was confirmed after DNA samples collected at the scene matched those of his mother. Nabi worked as an assistant professor at Al Falah University in Faridabad. Delhi Police had previously claimed that he was linked to Dr Muzammil Shakeel Ganaie and Dr Adeel Rather, who were arrested in Jammu and Kashmir last week and accused of storing over 2,900 kg of ammonium nitrate, detonators, timers and assault rifles in Faridabad. TAIWAN-CHINA-UNITED STATES The United States has approved the possible sale to Taiwan of spare parts and components for the repair of fighter jets worth 0 million, the Pentagon announced, marking the first potential transaction of its kind since President Donald Trump took office in January. Taiwan's Defence Ministry said it expects the sale to take effect within a month. China claims democratically governed Taiwan as its own territory and has not ruled out using force to take control of the island. The Taiwanese government strongly rejects Beijing's sovereignty claims and says only the people of Taiwan can decide their own future. JAPAN-PHILIPPINES Three Japanese-Filipinos children of Filipino women and men from Hokinawa who arrived in the archipelago during World War II have had their applications for Japanese citizenship rejected by the Naha Family Court. The judges justified the rejection on the grounds of a lack of documents certifying their parents' marriage or recognition of paternity. There are still about 50 Japanese-Filipinos in the Philippines who hope to have their Japanese citizenship recognised. At the time of their birth, the law stipulated that children of Japanese men automatically acquired Japanese citizenship. CHINA The three astronauts of Shenzhou-20 are returning to Earth from the Chinese space station aboard another spacecraft, Shenzhou-21. The crew's return, initially scheduled for 5 November, has been postponed due to a suspected impact of small space debris on the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, which would no longer meet the requirements for the safe return of the astronauts but will remain in orbit to continue the relevant experiments. The astronauts are expected to arrive today at the Dongfeng landing site in the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region. RUSSIA The Russian studio Khorosye Igry (Good Games) has received a commission of 20 million roubles (200,000) from the presidential fund for cultural initiatives to produce a video game with content related to the Orthodox faith, entitled The Ladder to Heaven, with active areas to click on to discover moral and spiritual values and overcome adolescent crises with the help of the Church, leading to the acceptance of responsibility. ARMENIA Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan told reporters that Armenia's territorial integrity must be restored by delimiting its borders with Azerbaijan, for which we are committed to negotiations and rule out any scenario involving the use of force to resolve the issues of the still disputed areas, and only then can other possible conditions for a definitive peace with Baku be discussed. The extradition of She Zhijiang from Thailand to China comes at a time of intense international pressure on Bangkok to crack down on criminal networks operating between Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. The case reignites attention on the proliferation of scam centres and their impact on Thai tourism, which has seen sharp declines over the past year. Bangkok (AsiaNews/Agencies) - She Zhijiang, head of a series of criminal activities in Southeast Asia, was extradited from Thailand to China on Wednesday. She, who also holds Cambodian nationality, had been in Thai custody since 2022, but had been followed by the Chinese authorities for over a decade. She was escorted out of Bangkok's Suvarnabhumi Airport by Thai police before being flown out at around 4:30 p.m. She Zhijiang, 43, faces criminal charges in China related to the operation of online gambling. He and his company, Yatai, had already been targeted by US and British sanctions. The racketeer is accused of turning a village on the border between Myanmar and Thailand into Shwe Kokko, a huge centre for online scams located just across the border in Myanmar. Shwe Kokko is one of the most notorious centres thriving in Southeast Asia, hotbeds of activity also linked to drug trafficking that have developed more easily with the outbreak of the Burmese civil war since 2021. These locations are known to host centres for internet-based crimes where workers, some of whom are victims of trafficking, steal from foreigners through romance and business scams. According to 2023 data, billion was stolen from citizens in Asia alone through these centres. She Zhijiang has denied all charges, claiming to be simply an urban developer. His lawyer has expressed concern that once in China, She will be denied due process, tortured and eventually disappear. The presence of scam centres in Myanmar and Cambodia has fuelled a serious internal crisis in Thailand, which borders both countries. A recent report by the Global Anti-Scam Alliance (Gasa) revealed alarming data: six out of ten Thais have been victims of scams in the last year. Total financial losses rose to 110 billion baht in a single year, the highest level ever recorded. On average, Thais lost 12,956 baht per person to scams in 2024. The presence of online scam centres is undermining Thailand's status as a safe and welcoming destination, eroding the confidence of international travellers, particularly those from other Asian regions. The Tourism Authority of Thailand has warned that in 2025, the number of foreign tourists could decline by 6% to 33.4 million, with a 5% drop in tourism revenue, representing a loss of over one trillion baht. The most worrying decline has been among Chinese tourists, whose arrivals have fallen by 35%. She Zhijiang's extradition also comes at a time of growing international pressure on scam centres in Southeast Asia. The United States recently sanctioned the Democratic Karen Benevolent Army (DKBA) and four of its leaders for their involvement in cyber fraud activities, and established the Scam Centre Strike Force to tackle fraudulent operations in Myanmar, Cambodia and Laos. She Zhijiang's extradition could provide Chinese authorities with crucial information about Shwe Kokko's activities. She had worked closely with Colonel Saw Chit Thu, the leader of the Karen Border Guard Force (BGF), which operates the huge KK Park complex in the Myawaddy area, recently dismantled by the Burmese army in an operation that has been described as a facade. International attention is now shifting to other key figures such as Saw Chit Thu. In addition, recent US sanctions have also implicated two companies and a Thai citizen accused of facilitating the centres, which are in turn linked to, if not directly run by, Chinese criminal networks. At the start of the universitys academic year, the pontiff addressed the "pope's University, which has students from around the world and associated institutes in Asia. In his speech, he called for training peace workers and justice advocates. He stressed the value of scientific studies to counter the idea that they are useless for pastoral work. In fact, the Church needs lay people and priests who are prepared and competent. Rome (AsiaNews) Pope Leo visited the Pontifical Lateran University for the inauguration of its 2025-2026 academic year, the 253rd since it was founded by Pope Clement XIV in 1773, and which has a very special bond with the successor of Peter by statute. In his address, the pontiff said that, we have an urgent need to reflect on faith in order to be able to articulate it in relation to current cultural scenarios and challenges, but also to counter the risk of cultural emptiness which, in our era, is becoming increasingly pervasive. Unlike other distinguished academic institutions, including those in Rome, this University does not have a founder's charism to preserve, deepen and develop, but its particular orientation is the teaching of the Pope, Leo said. At the Lateran University, through 28 associated institutes in three continents (Europe, Asia and America), academic reflection, inspired by the Petrine charism, opens itself to interdisciplinary, international and intercultural perspectives. Reviewing the areas of study offered at the university, from theology to philosophy, including canon and civil law, Leo focused on programmes established in recent years in Peace Sciences and Ecology and the Environment. For the pontiff, The issues they address are an essential part of the recent Magisterium of the Church, which, established as a sign of the covenant between God and humanity, is called upon to form peacemakers and agents of justice who build and bear witness to the Kingdom of God. Indeed, Peace is certainly a gift from God, but at the same time it requires women and men capable of building it every day and supporting processes towards an integral ecology at the national and international levels. I therefore ask my University to continue to develop and strengthen these two study programmes at the inter- and trans-disciplinary levels and, if necessary, to integrate them with other courses. Leo XIV focused on some particular dimensions of the missions pursued by universities. First and foremost, they must train people about the principles of "reciprocity and fraternity," which at the Lateran University involve students, faculty, and staff from all five continents. Today, unfortunately, the word person is often used as a synonym for individual, and the appeal of individualism as the key to a successful life has disturbing implications in every area: people focus on self-promotion, the primacy of the self is fuelled and cooperation is difficult, there is a growth in prejudices and walls against others, especially those who are different, the service of responsibility is exchanged for solitary leadership and, in the end, misunderstandings and conflicts multiply. Academic training helps us to move away from self-referentiality and promotes a culture of reciprocity, otherness and dialogue. The pope also underlined the scientific nature of the studies. Academic service is often not given the appreciation it deserves, partly because of deep-rooted prejudices that unfortunately also exist within the ecclesial community. Sometimes there is a perception that research and study are not useful for real life, that what matters in the Church is pastoral practice rather than theological, biblical or legal preparation. In reality, The risk is that of slipping into the temptation to simplify complex issues in order to avoid the effort of thinking, with the danger that, even in pastoral action and its language, we may fall into banality, approximation or rigidity. To counter this, We need lay people and priests who are prepared and competent. Therefore, I urge you not to let your guard down on scientific rigour, pursuing a passionate search for truth and a close dialogue with other sciences, with reality, with the problems and struggles of society. In concluding, Leo noted the university's contribution to the common good, saying that, The goal of the educational and academic process, in fact, must be to form people who, in the logic of gratuitousness and in their passion for truth and justice, can be builders of a new world, one of solidarity and fraternity. by Vladimir Rozanskij The government in Bishkek is grappling with a Soviet-era system that is no longer viable. The crisis particularly affects the medical profession, with numbers in constant decline: in 2022 there were 18.5 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, today there are just 15, while in Kazakhstan, for example, there are 40. But the real problem is the lack of resources allocated to healthcare: just per person per year. Bishkek (AsiaNews) - In launching a reform of the healthcare system, the Kyrgyz government has decided to prioritise the work of family doctors, which is currently in crisis: the number of doctors in the sector is steadily declining, pressure from the population is increasing, and state funding remains at minimal levels. For these reasons, doctors have created a new Kyrgyzstan Family Medicine Association to defend the interests of their colleagues and restore adequate respect for the profession, without which no development of the national healthcare system is conceivable. The editorial staff of Kaktus.media interviewed one of the leading members of this association, Dr Nurlan Brimkulov, professor of family medicine. He recalls the reforms that began in 1996 with the Manas healthcare programme, when it became clear that a different economic model was needed for the system due to chronic underfunding. The hospital sector was severely lacking in resources, so the focus shifted to primary care and family medicine began to be introduced, with the adoption of relevant regulations. However, the programme encountered a number of difficulties, starting with the lack of specific training in family medicine, which was not considered a scientific subject in Kyrgyzstan. Even today, family doctors are not held in high regard in the country, and governments have never paid sufficient attention to this sector. Brimkulov also warns that our entire healthcare system is struggling to emerge from a permanent crisis. The Soviet legacy of large clinics has long since collapsed, and since 2012, the number of nurses and doctors has also been declining, despite attempts to retain them and direct them towards family practices. In 2022, there were 18.5 doctors per 10,000 inhabitants, today that number has fallen to 15, while in Kazakhstan, for example, there are 40, and it is clear that the fewer doctors there are, the heavier the burden they have to bear. At a recent conference, Russian professor and international expert Mikhail Favorov spoke remotely from the US, reporting on Public health in the contemporary world and comparing medical expenditure in various countries over recent years. In the United States, 16.7% of GDP is invested in healthcare, approximately 15,000 per person per year, while in Kyrgyzstan, this figure stands at between 5% and 7% of GDP, amounting to 86 per person per year, even though the population demands an American level of service. According to the indices commented on by Favorov, about 70% of Kyrgyz people do not have access to healthcare according to the necessary standards, however high or low they may be. Kyrgyz doctors point out that salaries are really too low, and if they give us 50 tyjyn [cents], you can't expect a 100 som service, notes Brimkulov. The current Minister of Health, Erkin Cecejbaev, is considered a knowledgeable and courageous man, who insists on the need for substantial increases in doctors' salaries, without gaining much support from other members of the government. Many citizens are forced to pay under the table to get any results, and when there are serious medical problems, they are forced to sell their most valuable possessions, even their homes. Without effective help from family doctors, people flock to hospitals even when it is not necessary, or in any case due to the lack of appropriate prophylaxis at the initial stages of medical problems. The Kyrgyz consider Kazakhstan's experience a good model to emulate, sending delegations to the neighbouring country, including ministers and other members of the government, to try to create teams of doctors with three nurses in their own country, who also have a direct link with psychologists and social workers for multi-disciplinary assistance, with midwives on call. This means that it is no longer just a single doctor, left alone to respond to every need on a miserable salary. by Andrew Law In prison for a year along with a local shop owner, the former "official" head of a diocese in Zhejiang province has denied corruption charges, maintaining that he acted as a priest. Pressure has ben put on Catholics who wanted to be in court to support him. Some argue that his real 'fault' lies in a pilgrimage to Rome or the failure to support the nomination of a bishop imposed by the Communist Party. Milan (AsiaNews) The People's Court in Yiwu City, Zhejiang province, yesterday morning finally heard the case involving Fr Ma Xianshi, former "patriotic" head in the Catholic Diocese of Wenzhou, and layman Zhuang Qiantuan, who stand accused of illegally selling a church hymn book. The hearing, held in Courtroom 1 until 2:30 pm, did not produce an immediate ruling, which would be made public at a date to be determined. In their exchange, both prosecution and defence focused on the legal definition and the determination of punishment for the "illegal" sale of the Tianlu Miaoyin (Heavenly Melodies) songbook published by the Catholic Diocese of Wenzhou. The publication has a printing license issued by the Zhejiang Religious Department and does not fall under the category of illegal publications; however, it was offered for sale to the public in the Yiwu small goods market through a shop run by layman Zhuang Qiantuan. According to the prosecution, this sale violated the rule that religious publications can only be distributed within the religious community and was therefore classified as an illegal business. The central issue of the dispute is whether Fr Ma Xianshi was responsible for the offence as an individual or as the representative of an organised group. The songbook is said to have sold over 50,000 copies, generating a turnover of approximately 1.5 million yuan (about US$ 210,000), placed in a private bank account in the name of Father Ma Xianshi. The penalty for "illegal trade" depends on the size of the turnover and on who the offender is (individual or collective). Defence lawyers argued that historical circumstances have led many parishes in the Diocese of Wenzhou to use bank accounts in the names of their respective pastors. They presented bank statements, expense records, and even Father Ma's personal will to show that the funds were intended exclusively for Church activities, without any personal gain. The defence stressed that the publication had been authorised by Zhejiang's religious bodies and that, despite irregularities in the sale, there was no negative impact on society. For this reason, they requested an exemption from the sentence. If proceedings were to proceed, they added, the Department of Religion would also have to be held liable for failing to adequately fulfil its supervisory duties. Father Ma personally presented his defence in court. He stated that his actions were those of a priest working on behalf of the Church, devoid of any personal gain, and, for this reason, he did not acknowledge any personal guilt. The shop owner Zhuang Qiantuan, however, admitted the facts and requested a reduced sentence, wishing to be soon reunited with his family. The hearing was initially scheduled for 1 July. More than three hundred people had registered to attend, and many had already arrived in Yiwu, but the hearing was cancelled the night before. Before the 13 November hearing, priests, nuns, and Catholics from the Diocese of Wenzhou who had registered to attend as members of the public were subjected to pressure and threats from the local religious department. Ultimately, only two priests from Wenzhou were able to attend, accompanied for the entire duration by government officials. Most of those present were faithful who had not registered in advance. They reported that the hall was not large enough and that many seats were occupied by religious officials from various cities in Wenzhou province. For this reason, the Yiwu court opened adjacent courtrooms equipped with video feed, allowing the faithful to follow the hearing and support their pastors in their ordeal. The faithful present said that Father Ma appeared to be in good spiritual condition. They were comforted to see that, upon entering the courtroom twice, he made the sign of the cross as soon as the door opened and that before leaving, he did not fail to impart a blessing, still living his priestly ministry to the full. Furthermore, both he and Zhuang, held in the detention centre for a year, actively helped the other inmates; during this period, they were appointed cell leaders, bearing witness to their faith despite the hardships. An elderly believer, unable to attend, said that Father Ma is a worthy, respected, and good-natured person, much loved by the community. After the death of Bishop Zhu Weifang, his successor, Bishop Shao Zhumin, has been working in the "underground" community, while the official community had always been led by Father Ma. This "unmotivated misfortune," they say, seems to signal his complete abandonment by the government. Another believer, informed of the situation, said that the charge of "illegal sale of religious publications" is the least serious. Previously, rumours had spread that he had been accused of "treason" for a pilgrimage in Rome, during which his movements were untracked for two hours; alternatively, he is thought to have opposed the appointment of a bishop "imposed" from above, displeasing the religious authorities. Whatever the case, the cited believer said that, among the offences with which he could have been charged, this one was the least serious. A Catholic man from Wenzhou expressed dissatisfaction that even before the court had convened, some bishops had already "condemned" Father Ma, claiming that he had crossed a "red line," even going so far as to await his conviction before removing him from the priestly ministry. None of them showed up for the hearing. We pray urgently," the man said, "that Father Ma's priestly vocation may be strengthened." Someone else said in a bitter comment: Internal enemies are the most difficult to prevent." Still, Catholics in Wenzhou are united and fervent, but there are great economic disparities between parishes according to their location, and the tensions between the "official" and "underground" communities exacerbate the divisions. Some priests, little involved in evangelisation, manage to obtain favours by compliantly following the government's instructions. A believer from Wenzhou but living in Shanghai summed up the situation this way: A virtuous priest, beloved by the faithful, is not necessarily acceptable to the government. Officials prefer those who toe the line. This also happens in the Diocese of Shanghai. If one is not obedient, someone who is will be found. The official standards for religious representatives politically reliable, theologically knowledgeable, morally respectable, and capable of acting when necessary" are becoming the primary criteria for the "sinicisation" of Catholicism in China. Every bishop must demonstrate his "political reliability" by showing obedience to the authorities orders. 14 November 2025 17:34 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Azerbaijan is increasingly proving that its economic significance extends far beyond oil and gas. Historically positioned at the crossroads of East and West, the country has long served as a reliable trade partner and a natural transit hub. Today, Azerbaijan is leveraging this geographic advantage to catalyze the development of the Middle Corridor or the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route, a strategic transcontinental transport route connecting Asia and Europe. As global supply chains face disruptions and congestion in traditional corridors, the Middle Corridor is emerging as a viable, faster, and more secure alternative, reflecting both the regions economic ambition and its capacity for international cooperation. On October 21, the Middle Corridor Development project was presented with the participation of Azerbaijans President Ilham Aliyev and Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev. The leaders received detailed briefings on the project, highlighting its current impact and its potential for future growth. Shipments from China to Azerbaijan along the corridor are steadily increasing, with projections suggesting a threefold rise by 2030 compared to todays levels, underscoring the corridors strategic importance for intercontinental trade. The Middle Corridor is not merely about constructing roads, railways, and ports. According to IRU Secretary General Umberto de Pretto, sustainable development of the corridor requires investment in soft infrastructure: digital platforms, harmonized regulations, streamlined customs procedures, and operational transparency. Infrastructure alone is not enough. Efficient cross-border transport requires eliminating bottlenecks at borders, reducing administrative delays, and removing unofficial payments or excessive checks, de Pretto noted at the International Transport Forum in Tashkent. Without these measures, the potential of the corridor cannot be fully realized. This insight highlights a fundamental analytical point: physical infrastructure drives capacity, but soft infrastructure determines efficiency, reliability, and ultimately the corridors competitiveness against maritime and Northern alternatives. Countries along the corridor are increasingly focusing on digital solutions to optimize transit flows. Kazakhstans Smart Cargo platform exemplifies this trend, offering a unified system for managing multimodal shipments from Central Asia to Europe. By integrating logistics operators, port authorities, and rail operators onto a single digital platform, the project reduces transit times, increases predictability, and facilitates real-time monitoring. Simultaneously, Azerbaijan has expanded cooperation with China through the Port of Xian, opening a 20,000 TEU container yard and enabling real-time access to port operating systems. This has translated into measurable outcomes: in the first nine months of 2025, Azerbaijan handled 296 block trains, including 113 transit trains, marking a 39% increase compared to the same period in 2024. Container cargo volumes rose 20%, reaching 103,134 TEU, demonstrating the tangible impact of coordinated operational improvements on corridor throughput. The Middle Corridor faces a range of regional and operational challenges that require coordinated solutions: - Regulatory differences across countries can create delays in cargo movement. Efforts toward harmonization and digital management systems are essential to streamline transit. - Infrastructure constraints, including limited container handling capacity at ports and aging rail networks, continue to require targeted investment. - Ensuring secure and efficient transit operations remains key to maintaining confidence among shippers and supporting timely deliveries. Regional stakeholders are actively addressing these challenges. Kazakhstans investment in Caspian ports, Azerbaijans collaboration with Chinese partners, and the modernization of the Baku -Tbilisi-Kars railway demonstrate a shared commitment to turning the corridor into a high-capacity, reliable alternative. From an analytical perspective, the corridors success depends on balancing infrastructure expansion, regulatory reform, and digital management, a strategy that could redefine Eurasian trade dynamics. The Middle Corridors growth signals more than improved logistics; it represents a geopolitical and economic realignment. By strengthening the corridor, Azerbaijan and its partners are enhancing regional connectivity, diversifying global transit options, and building resilience against disruptions in maritime or Northern routes. For Azerbaijan, the corridor reinforces its historical role as a bridge between continents. Strategically, it positions the country not just as an energy exporter, but as a key facilitator of Eurasian trade, combining infrastructure, technology, and governance to create a competitive and sustainable transit corridor. In analytical terms, the corridors development is both a supply chain optimization strategy and a tool of economic diplomacy, as it brings together multiple countries under a shared vision of seamless, secure, and high-volume transit. The Middle Corridor is no longer a conceptit is a functional artery linking Asia and Europe, with Azerbaijan at its heart. 14 November 2025 11:31 (UTC+04:00) Full digital access to all news for 1 year Full digital access to all news for 6 months Full digital access to all news for 3 months Full digital access to all news for 1 month Find the plan that suits you best. Azerbaijan exported approximately 23.9 million kWh of electricity to the Islamic Republic of Iran in JanuarySeptember of this year, Azernews reports, citing the State Statistics Committee. Here we are to serve you with news right now. It does not cost much, but worth your attention. Choose to support open, independent, quality journalism and subscribe on a monthly basis. By subscribing to our online newspaper, you can have full digital access to all news, analysis, and much more. Subscribe You can also follow AzerNEWS on Twitter @AzerNewsAz or Facebook @AzerNewsNewspaper Thank you! 14 November 2025 12:29 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more The Khojaly dry cargo vessel, operated by ASCO part of AZCON Holding has departed Port Kembla in Australia en route to the Port of Los Angeles in the United States, Azernews reports, citing the company. According to information, the ship set sail carrying 24,251 tons of steel and is expected to arrive at its destination late next week. At present, the Khojaly is navigating the Pacific Ocean under full safety protocols, with the voyage being carried out in full compliance with international operational standards. The vessel was commissioned on May 27, 2024, in the Peoples Republic of China. Designed for unrestricted sailing, the Handysize-class dry cargo ship has a deadweight capacity of 38,593 tons, a length of 180 meters, a width of 30 meters, a draft of 10.47 meters, and a maximum speed of 15.7 knots. 14 November 2025 18:02 (UTC+04:00) The mobile operator continues to support the development of investor culture in Azerbaijan From November 4 to 6, 2025, the Angel Investors School project was held in Baku. Azercell Telekom LLC, which continuously contributes to the development of the countrys innovation and investment ecosystem, participated as a partner in the event. The main goal of the project is to cultivate a new generation of investors in Azerbaijan, enhance their theoretical and practical knowledge, and promote a healthy investor culture. As part of the three-day program, investor trainings and an Investment Summit were organized for participants. Azercell was represented at the event by the companys Chief Technology and Information Officer, George Held. In his speech, Held highlighted the companys support for the development of the startup and innovation ecosystem in Azerbaijan, stating: Azercell has long attached great importance to the formation and growth of the startup ecosystem in Azerbaijan. We believe that initiatives like this contribute to the countrys economic transformation and accelerate innovation. More than 500 potential investors attended the event, gaining knowledge on topics such as legal frameworks, risk management, investment strategies, and portfolio diversification. Within the framework of the Summit, local startups delivered presentations, panel discussions were held, and international experts gave talks. At the conclusion of the event, five selected participants earned the opportunity to join the Silicon Valley Tour program in the United States. 14 November 2025 11:02 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more As part of the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, an International Congress on "Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia and Azerbaijan" is being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Azernews reports. The Congress, a key platform underscoring the Central Asian countries' commitment to spiritual values, plays a significant role in advancing intercultural dialogue and strengthening humanitarian cooperation. The event is organized by the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Society for the Study, Protection, and Promotion of Uzbekistan's Cultural Heritage (WOSCU), the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, and the Central Asia International Institute. The Congress opened on November 13 at the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, followed by a tour of the museum exhibitions, the International Platform, and the Calligraphy School. The event began with a message from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and proceeded with plenary sessions involving culture ministers, muftis, presidents of national academies of sciences, museum directors, youth affairs departments, "Culture" TV channels, art academies, national libraries, and leaders of writers' and composers' unions from Central Asia. During the plenary session, the Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, addressed the participants on behalf of Azerbaijani libraries, wishing the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center continued success in its efforts. The Congress will run through November 16. Chinese, Spanish commerce ministers' talks involve trade ties, Nexperia, and pork Global Times) 08:45, November 14, 2025 Chinese Commerce Minister Wang Wentao met with Spanish Minister of Economy, Trade and Business Carlos Cuerpo on Tuesday, having exchanged views on China-Spain and China-EU economic and trade relations. Their talks involved issues such as Nexperia, global semiconductor supply chain and pork, according to a statement published on the website of the Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM) on Thursday. During the meeting, Wang said that the Dutch government's improper administrative intervention in the internal affairs of Nexperia has seriously violated the spirit of contract and market principles, and bears primary responsibility for the current chaos in the global semiconductor supply chain. "China has done a great deal of work to promote the resolution of this case and has actively responded to the urgent calls from the industry by granting export license exemptions for eligible shipments," Wang stressed. The Commerce Minister also stressed that China will continue to maintain communication with the Dutch side in a rational, professional, and responsible manner. "It is hoped that the Dutch side will act responsibly, turn its verbal statements into concrete actions, revoke the relevant measures as soon as possible, correct erroneous practices, and restore stability to the global semiconductor supply chain," Wang said. The root cause of the current disruption to the global semiconductor supply chain lies with the Netherlands, said a MOFCOM spokesperson on November 8, adding that "China, in line with its responsible approach to safeguarding the stability and security of the global semiconductor supply chain, announced on November 1 an exemption for eligible related exports." China has agreed to the Dutch Ministry of Economic Affairs' request to send representatives to China for negotiations, the MOFCOM spokesperson said. During the Thursday meeting with Wang, Cuerpo said that Spain is willing to communicate with the Dutch side on the Nexperia issue, as stable and smooth global semiconductor supply chains serve the interests of all parties. "The Spanish government attaches great importance to Spain-China economic and trade relations and is willing to further strengthen dialogue and exchanges with China to expand practical cooperation in trade, investment, and other fields. Spanish companies, especially pork producers, are optimistic about the prospects of the Chinese market and welcome more measures from the Chinese government to expand opening up," said Cuerpo, according to the MOFCOM release. Wang stated that in recent years, high-level exchanges between China and Spain have been frequent. Under the strategic guidance of the leaders of the two countries, China-Spain economic and trade relations have maintained healthy and stable development, with cooperation continuously enriched. Wang also said that China welcomes European enterprises, including those from Spain, to increase cooperation with China and share the opportunities in the vast Chinese market. "The fourth plenary session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) has outlined a new blueprint for China's social and economic development over the next five years and made important arrangements for expanding high-level opening up to the outside world, demonstrating China's firm determination to adhere to open cooperation and share opportunities and achieve common development with other countries," said Wang. The meeting was held when King Felipe VI of Spain is on a state visit to China. It marks King Felipe VI's first state visit to the country after his enthronement, and the first visit by a Spanish monarch to China in 18 years, according to the Xinhua News Agency. Prior to the state visit, MOFCOM and Spain's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Business co-hosted the China-Spain Trade and Investment Matchmaking Event in Madrid on October 9. Over 300 representatives from Chinese and Spanish enterprises and business associations gathered for the event, engaging in vibrant exchanges and active matchmaking sessions, according to MOFCOM. (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) 14 November 2025 15:36 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The International Mugham Center (IMC), a prominent cultural landmark in Baku, has become a symbol of the city's identity, distinguished by its unique architectural design and prime location, Azernews reports. Local residents and the guests of Baku city flock to this cultural pearl, where they can enjoy Azerbaijan's rich musical heritage. A permanent exhibition of traditional musical instruments, showcased in the center's foyer, further enhances the experience. Visitors can explore ancient instruments like the tar, kamancha, balaban, and qaval. According to the IMC's leadership, there are plans to transform this collection into a full-fledged museum exhibit, a move that promises to further boost tourism and offer international guests an even deeper connection with Azerbaijan's musical traditions. The International Mugham Center has seen a noticeable rise in interest this year, particularly from tourists attending mugham and ethnoconcerts. Notably, during the 9th "Mugham" TV Contest, the center hosted numerous concerts, attracting a diverse range of visitors. Monthly events cater to both music specialists and casual attendees, with advertising banners placed outside to draw in more tourists. During the day, as tourists pass by in anticipation of the evening performances, many stop to admire the center's striking architecture and inviting atmosphere. This growing international interest was particularly evident during the Formula 1 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, when many race fans and visitors to Baku also attended IMC's musical events. Moreover, foreign television channels, invited by the State Tourism Agency, have regularly featured extensive reports on the IMC, further amplifying the global appeal of Azerbaijani mugham. For anyone visiting Baku, the IMC is an essential destination, a place to immerse oneself in the nation's cultural essence and experience the enchanting power of Azerbaijani music firsthand. The Mugham Center was established on the initiative of the First Vice-President of Azerbaijan and President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation, Mehriban Aliyeva, in accordance with the presidential decree dated April 6, 2005. The center, which laid its foundation that same year and is known as one of Baku's unique architectural projects, opened its doors in 2008. The Mugham Center regularly organises large-scale music festivals and concerts by highly acclaimed cultural figures. The Center also takes important steps towards bolstering cultural ties with Turkiye, Poland, Brazil, Uzbekistan, Morocco, and other countries. The International Mugham Center is determined to further expand its work and promote Azerbaijani musical culture. Numerous projects are being carried out by the center in the direction of studying and promoting mugham art. In 2025, the Mugham Center became the first cultural institution in Azerbaijan to be awarded "international" status by legislation. This new status contributes to improving the financial well-being of the people working at the center, which has been one of the leading concert institutions in Baku for many years. 14 November 2025 16:38 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more For the first time, Azerbaijan is being represented at the Vienna International Book Fair (Buch Wien 2025), one of Europe's leading literary platforms, Azernews reports citing the Culture Ministry. The country participates in the large-scale event through the joint organization of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Azerbaijan Cultural Center operating in Austria. Organized by the Austrian Book Trade Association, this year's fair has brought together more than 500 participants. Through the Azerbaijani national stand set up at the event, 130 modern publishing products reflecting the country's rich literary and cultural heritage, as well as its history, are being presented to the Austrian public. A delegation composed of representatives from the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry, the Azerbaijan Cultural Center, and the Magsud Ibrahimbayov Creativity Center attended the official opening ceremony of the fair on November 12, 2025. The book fair will remain open to visitors until November 16. Vienna International Book Fair is both an international book fair and a citywide reading festival. Over 500 exhibitors and participants from 10 countries showcase a wide range of publications, including contemporary novels and stories, non-fiction, children's and young adult books, electronic media, comics, biographies, trade journals, newspapers, audiobooks, and foreign-language titles. The fair also features thrillers, paperbacks, fantasy and science fiction works, educational literature, DVDs, and antiquarian books. The event is enriched by a comprehensive program that includes readings, panel discussions, lectures, and activities for children and young people. A variety of seminars and workshops are offered for school groups, with scheduled events taking place several times a day. Throughout the festival week, various locations across Vienna host readings, author talks, book signings, and discussion sessions, further expanding the fair's cultural reach. 14 November 2025 15:59 (UTC+04:00) Laman Ismayilova Read more The presentation of Vagif Osmanli's book "Sazn, sozun klagayl Gullusu" has been held within the framework of the "Kelaghayi Days 2025" project, organized by the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Assembly Public Union and the Ganja City Centralized Library System, Azernews reports. The event began with a minute of silence in honor of the martyrs. Speaking at the event, the chairperson of the Mirvarid Dilbazi Poetry Assembly Public Union, poet and publicist Gullu Eldar Tomarli, provided detailed insight into the purpose and content of the gathering. Vice-President of the Javad Khan History and Culture Foundation, Muzadil Hasanov, stressed the importance of preserving, promoting, and passing on national and spiritual values to future generations: "For years, the National Pasture Festival we have organized has been a service to our cultural heritage, a platform where our customs and traditions are displayed. It is important that we remain united and supportive of each other on this path," he said. Fakhri Akifoglu, head of the AF Carpet House, presented a valuable exhibit to the Kelaghayi Home Museum. Kelaghayi designer Elnara Akhundova, poets Malak Ismayil and Seadet Qarib, as well as martyr Rashad Alakbarov's mother, Naila Alakbarova, also spoke about the significance of the book. Note that November 26 is celebrated as Kelaghayi Day in Azerbaijan. In connection with this occasion, a Kelaghayi Festival will be held at the Rashid Behbudov State Song Theater. For Azerbaijani women, the traditional silk headscarf known as kelaghayi has long been an essential part of their wardrobe. More than just a fashion item, kelaghayi offers protection from the elements, keeping cool in summer and warm in winter thanks to the natural properties of silk. Kelaghayis come in a wide variety of colors, patterns, and styles, each adding a unique flair to the wearer's look. The most iconic motif used in kelaghayi design is the buta, a flame-shaped, twisted teardrop that symbolizes divine fire, a sacred element in Azerbaijan since ancient times. The scarfs borders and sometimes the central area (known as khoncha) are adorned with geometric and plant-based (nabati) patterns. Each region in Azerbaijan has its own distinctive style of kelaghayi. For example, the Shah buta, buta, and khirda buta designs are typical of kelaghayis from Shaki and Basgal. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the kelaghayi holds deep cultural significance. There are many rich traditions tied to this exquisite headscarf. Young unmarried girls typically wore bright-colored kelaghayis shades like yellow, pink, gold, or purple, while older women favored darker tones. As part of engagement customs, once a girl agreed to a proposal, a woman from the groom's family would present her with jewelry wrapped in a red kelaghayi. During the henna night of a wedding, the bride's head was covered with a kelaghayi before henna was applied to her hands and feet. Grooms and their closest friends also wore kelaghayis around their necks and tied them to the wedding car's mirror as part of the celebration. One of the most cherished wedding traditions involved gifting trays brought by women attending the ceremony, often included a kelaghayi, considered the most precious item. In some regions, this custom still lives on. Azerbaijan has been renowned as a hub of kelaghayi production for centuries. Cities like Tabriz, Ganja, Shamakhi, Shaki, and Nakhchivan were once famed for producing high-quality silk scarves. Among them, Basgal, a picturesque village near Shamakhi remains the most celebrated. It is home to the Silk Center and the Kelaghayi Museum, where visitors can explore the history and craftsmanship behind this traditional art form. Shaki, another major center, was known as the heart of Azerbaijan's silk industry and once housed the world's largest silk factory in the 19th century. Even today, Basgal continues to produce the most valuable kelaghayis, typically ranging from six to seven exclusive designs. The creation of a kelaghayi is a highly intricate process, requiring the collaboration of skilled artisans, including tailors, fabric dyers, pattern designers, and ornament artists. Weighing just 125 grams, each scarf takes about two days to dye and decorate. In modern times, the ancient kelaghayi has found new life in the global fashion scene. Designers around the world draw inspiration from its vibrant patterns and cultural symbolism. Visitors can admire these stunning silk scarves not only at the Kelaghayi Museum in Basgal but also in national museums across Azerbaijan. 14 November 2025 09:21 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Natig Aghayev, recently appointed as the Head of the Balakn District Executive Authority by the order of the President of Azerbaijan, was formally introduced to the local community today, Azernews reports. The introduction ceremony was led by Zeynal Naghdaliyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Territorial and Organizational Issues. Addressing the participants, Naghdaliyev conveyed the Presidents instructions and recommendations regarding the districts future work. Aghayev expressed his gratitude to President Ilham Aliyev for the trust placed in him and affirmed his commitment to fulfilling the responsibilities of his new role. 14 November 2025 10:41 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more A package of multilateral documents is expected to be signed following the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. The 7th Consultative Meeting will be held on November 1516 in Tashkent under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, the summit will be attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kaha Imnadze, will also take part in the event. The agenda includes strengthening regional cooperation, advancing joint projects and initiatives in priority areas, as well as exchanging views on pressing issues of regional and international politics. Regular consultative meetings among Central Asian leaders were initiated by President Mirziyoyev during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in September 2017. During Uzbekistans chairmanship in this format, more than 20 major events covering various areas of cooperation have been held. 14 November 2025 13:08 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more An event titled Path of Liberty was held in Bern, Switzerland, dedicated to Azerbaijans Victory Day on 8 November and the 140th anniversary of renowned composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov attended the ceremony, Azernews reports. In his remarks, Muradov noted that under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, Azerbaijans diaspora policy has entered a new stage of development. He also highlighted the significant contributions of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva to promoting Azerbaijans cultural heritage internationally. Muradov emphasized that Azerbaijani communities worldwide are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Victory with great enthusiasm and continue implementing successful initiatives aimed at showcasing Azerbaijans rich cultural heritage abroad. He stressed that cultural diplomacy plays an essential role in strengthening trust between nations, deepening mutual understanding, and building lasting friendships a priority for Azerbaijani diaspora organizations. Azerbaijans Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Fuad Isgandarov, underlined the important role of the diaspora in strengthening the countrys international image and promoting humanitarian values, noting that cultural events significantly contribute to Azerbaijans global outreach. Maryam Gulamova, head of the Caspian-Alpine Society, stated that the organizations projects help build cultural bridges between the two countries and emphasized the importance of promoting Azerbaijani culture in Europe not only through artistic programs and festivals but also at an academic level. The event also featured the presentation of the monograph Modernity and Archaics: 20th Century Azerbaijani Musical Culture in the Context of Three Empires by Germany-based composer and musicologist Elmir Mirzayev. The author provided detailed insights into the work, which covers 200 years of Azerbaijans historical and cultural development. The book has been translated into German and published by Transcript-Verlag (Bielefeld), and distributed to major libraries in Azerbaijan and Germany. Moderated by Sara Abbasova, First Secretary of Azerbaijans Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the event continued with a cultural program. The artistic segment featured performances of Uzeyir Hajibeylis Ashigsayagi, Arazbari, Sansiz, and Sevgili Canan, as well as Mirzayevs composition Dedication, honoring the victims of the Khojaly genocide. Soprano Mara Huseynova, members of the Berner Klaviertrio violinist Roman Filipov, cellist Pierre Deppe, pianist Igor Andreev along with works by Turker Gasimzade, composer and dean at Garabagh University, captivated the audience, earning prolonged applause. The event was organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with support from the Caspian-Alpine Society. 14 November 2025 10:12 (UTC+04:00) On November 13, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, visited Mingachevir, Azernews reports. Her visit began with a visit to the family of the martyr brothers Ali and Islam Ahmadov, who sacrificed their lives during the Patriotic War. Aliyeva paid tribute to their memory, spoke with their mother, Sevinc Ahmadova, and inquired about the brothers lives, military service, and the familys needs. By the decrees of the President of Azerbaijan: Ali Ahmadov was awarded the 3rd-degree For Service to the Fatherland Order, as well as the For the Fatherland, For the Liberation of Sugovushan, and For the Liberation of Lachin medals. Islam Ahmadov received the 3rd-degree For Service to the Fatherland Order, along with the For the Fatherland, Brave Warrior, and For the Liberation of Sugovushan medals. Later, Aliyeva visited the Yasha Center for the elderly, where pensioners engage in handicrafts, decorative-applied arts, and other creative activities. She spoke warmly with the seniors, examined their works, and received information on the content of classes and future plans of the center. Aliyeva also toured the Mingachevir Childrens Neurological Sanatorium, which provides treatment and rehabilitation for around 20 children on a permanent basis. She reviewed the facility, rehabilitation programs, and medical services, spoke with young patients, and met with the medical staff. During the visit, she donated various rehabilitation equipment to the sanatorium, including robotic gloves for hand therapy and other therapeutic devices. The delegation then visited the Uzeyir Hajibeyli No. 1 Eleven-Year Music School. Aliyeva learned about classes for tar, kamancha, accordion, and other instruments, and about the students successes in local and international competitions. The school, which has been operating as an eleven-year music institution since 2011, teaches over 70 specializations, including fortepiano, violin, tar, accordion, kamancha, nagara, and vocal arts, with more than 600 students currently enrolled. Aliyeva presented over 30 essential musical instruments including tar, kamancha, accordion, violin, piano, and royal to support the schools educational programs. The visit concluded with a concert in the schools auditorium, featuring performances by the students. 14 November 2025 11:09 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more Vugar Novruzov, recently appointed as Head of the Goygol District Executive Authority by the Order of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, was officially introduced to the district administration today, Azernews reports. The presentation took place with the participation of local community representatives and was led by Zeynal Nagdaliyev, Assistant to the President of Azerbaijan and Head of the Department for Territorial and Organizational Issues. Speaking at the event, Zeynal Nagdaliyev conveyed the Presidents instructions and recommendations. Vugar Novruzov expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him. 14 November 2025 11:20 (UTC+04:00) During her visit to Mingachevir, Leyla Aliyeva, Vice President of the Heydar Aliyev Foundation and founder and head of the IDEA Public Union, took part in a series of environmental initiatives, Azernews reports. The visit began with the release of 25,000 carp into the Mingachevir reservoir, attended by Leyla Aliyeva. The initiative aims to restore aquatic bioresources, increase fish stocks, and contribute to the ecological balance of water bodies. Later, Aliyeva participated in a reintroduction program at the Korchay State Nature Reserve. Ten gazelles were brought from the Shirvan National Park and released into the reserve. The relocation is intended to enhance genetic diversity among the existing gazelle population, prevent various diseases, and promote the formation of a healthier gazelle population in the area. Currently, the Korchay State Nature Reserve is home to 810 gazelles. As part of the visit, a tree-planting campaign was also held in Mingachevir. With Aliyevas participation, 100 volunteers planted 200 trees, including Eldar pines and cypresses. These species are drought-resistant and well-suited to the regions soil and climate conditions, making them important for environmental protection and expanding green spaces. It should be noted that these environmental initiatives are part of the ongoing work of the IDEA Public Union to protect the environment and biodiversity in Azerbaijan. 14 November 2025 14:31 (UTC+04:00) Nazrin Abdul Read more An international congress on the theme of Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia has opened in Tashkent, the capital of Uzbekistan, Azernews reports. The event, held at the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, includes the participation of an Azerbaijani delegation led by Minister of Culture Adil Karimli. According to the Ministry of Culture, the participants first visited an exhibition of museum artifacts at the Islamic Civilization Center. A documentary film was also screened, followed by the reading of a message from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, addressed to the congress attendees. The congress continued with a plenary session, bringing together scholars, cultural figures, and experts to discuss the regions rich spiritual and educational heritage. 14 November 2025 17:13 (UTC+04:00) On November 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, Azernews reports. Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the repeated missile strike by Russia that once again targeted the administrative building of Azerbaijans Embassy in Ukraine and expressed his deep concern over the incident. For his part, the President of Azerbaijan also denounced the renewed missile strike on the Embassy building in Ukraine, voiced serious concern in this regard, and emphasized that such attacks against diplomatic missions are unacceptable under the norms and principles of international law. During the phone conversation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for Azerbaijans humanitarian support to Ukraine. The Azerbaijani President also exchanged views on bilateral relations. 14 November 2025 19:21 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Chinese technology company Baidu plans to launch its next-generation Kunlun M100 artificial intelligence chip in 2026, Azernews reports. The Kunlun M100 is expected to deliver significantly optimized performance compared to previous models. Additionally, Baidu intends to release an even more powerful M300 training and data-output chip in 2027, further strengthening its AI hardware portfolio. Baidus Kunlun chips are already widely used in China across sectors such as internet finance, energy, transportation, and education. In August, Baidus AI-powered servers featuring Kunlun chips won a major tender from the mobile operator China Mobile, marking a key milestone for the adoption of Chinese AI chips in large-scale infrastructure projects, according to reports. Baidu began developing its own chips in 2011, and in 2021 it established a specialized subsidiary, Kunlunxin, to focus exclusively on AI chip research and production. Industry analysts suggest that Baidus Kunlun chips could position the company as a strategic competitor in the global AI chip market, which has been traditionally dominated by U.S. and European manufacturers. This reflects Chinas broader push for technological self-reliance in critical high-tech sectors. 14 November 2025 20:23 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva Mercedes-Benz plans to launch at least 40 new models in South Korea by 2027, marking the automakers most ambitious product roadmap in the country. The move highlights Mercedes deepening collaboration with Korean component suppliers, including Samsung and LG, Azernews reports, citing Korean media. To further strengthen ties across Asia, Mercedes will open a procurement hub in South Korea on January 1, 2026. Tech-savvy Korean Mercedes customers and fans truly appreciate both sides of the Mercedes brand: innovation and technology, said Mercedes-Benz Chairman Ola Kallenius during a press conference on Friday in Incheon. You will not find a Mercedes anywhere in the world without a piece of Korea in it. During the conference, Mercedes unveiled four strategic models, including the latest all-electric GLC, the CLA, and two concept cars: the AMG GT XX and the Vision V. The all-new electric GLC, the first model built on Mercedes dedicated EV architecture, is positioned to set a new benchmark in the midsize segment. The CLA was described as the most intelligent, emotionally resonant, efficient, and versatile model in Mercedes history, featuring the companys in-house operating system with generative AI, designed to redefine the driver-vehicle experience. Both the GLC and CLA will be available in all-electric and hybrid variants and are expected on Korean roads in 2026. The Concept AMG GT XX previews Mercedes upcoming four-door high-performance EVs built on the AMG electric architecture. The prototype has already demonstrated its capabilities by setting 25 performance records, including covering 5,479 kilometers (3,404 miles) in a single 24-hour run last August. The Vision V, a chauffeur-driven limousine show car, is designed for clients seeking a private-lounge experience on wheels. Kallenius also emphasized Mercedes commitment to strengthening partnerships with Korean companies, meeting with Samsung Electronics Executive Chairman Lee Jae-yong and LG Energy Solution executives. Discussions included potential collaborations in battery supply and next-generation EV technology. I had a very productive meeting with our valued partners at LG and Samsung, Kallenius said. We explored how to push technological boundaries and create a leap forward into the future. Alongside global champions like Samsung and LG, we work with dozens of other partners in Korea, a market that has now reached a high level of maturity. Industry analysts note that Mercedes Korea-focused strategy reflects a broader trend among premium automakers: leveraging local tech expertise not just for component supply but also for AI-driven in-car experiences, EV innovation, and next-generation battery technology, signaling that South Korea is becoming a key hub for the future of mobility. 14 November 2025 21:21 (UTC+04:00) By Alimat Aliyeva South Korean authorities are negotiating with the United States over the construction of a nuclear-powered submarine, insisting that it be built on South Korean soil, Azernews reports. This was stated by Presidential Adviser on National Security Wee Son Lak during a briefing. The discussions are based on the premise that construction will take place in the Republic of Korea, he said. Following the October 29 summit in Gyeongju, U.S. President Donald Trump announced that he would allow South Korea to build a nuclear submarine at a shipyard in Philadelphia. South Korean officials, including Wee Son Lak, later clarified that they intend for the submarine to be constructed domestically. The joint statement released on November 14 did not specify the construction site. At the summit, this issue was discussed from start to finish from the position that the construction will occur in South Korea. We did not entertain the proposal to build the submarine in the United States, Wee Son Lak emphasized. We seek cooperation and may request assistance from the United States. But when asked where the submarine will be built, the answer remains: in South Korea, the National Security Adviser reiterated. On November 6, he dismissed as unrealistic a proposal to invest in Philadelphia shipyards to prepare them for nuclear submarine construction. Experts note that building a nuclear-powered submarine domestically would be a major milestone for South Koreas defense and shipbuilding industries, potentially positioning the country as one of the few nations with advanced domestic nuclear submarine capabilities. It also reflects Seouls broader strategy to strengthen self-reliant defense capabilities while maintaining close security ties with the United States. A bill to slash climate regulation on small and medium business is being seen as a watershed in coalitions in the European Union parliament. The bill, which was promoted by President Trump, passed 382 to 249. Trump took an interest in the bill because the EU is attempting to impose their woke agenda on American companies in their supply chain. In the past a globalist coalition made up of the moderate left, center, and traditional right had dominated the EU parliament. This bill passed with the traditional right and populist right voting together to support it. The moderate left is outraged and so are some globalists from the traditional right like German Chancellor Merz. This bill may indicate a major shift in coalitions in the EU parliament and represented a defeat for EU president Ursula von der Leyden. https://www.express.co.uk/news/politics/2133761/von-der-leyen-humiliated-vote-EU?int_source=nba https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/epp-votes-with-right-to-ease-corporate-sustainability-rules/ It is telling that the EU parliament took this action while the UN's IPCC climate crusade was holding its meeting in Brazil. This action follows election victories in several national elections within the EU of parties hostile to the EU climate policies. The most dramatic was in the Czech Republic, where the leading party led by new Prime Minister Andrej Babis made opposition to the EU climate policy which they called "green madness" one of their two major issues. One of his two coalition partners is a new party organized specifically to fight against the EU climate policy. Belfast-born Channel 4 executive sad to see BBC chief go in wake of Trump scandal: I think he did an awful lot of good TV chief tells of determination to bring more local productions to the small screen Sinead Rocks James McNaney Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 07:17 The Belfast woman in charge of nations and regions at Channel 4 has spoken about her desire to support creatives in Northern Ireland, and her sadness at the resignation of former BBC director general Tim Davie. The Down Recorder newspaper in Downpatrick is closing its doors after 189 years. The newspaper had been publishing in the town since 1836. One of the oldest newspapers on the island of Ireland, it was founded by Conway Pilson as The Downpatrick Recorder. It has been owned by the Crichton family for the past 135 years. The newspaper published each Wednesday, with its final edition released this week. The Recorder covered an area stretching from Comber in the north of down to Newcastle and Castlewellan in the south, and from Lisburn in the west to the Ards Peninsula in the east. It is currently owned by Marcus and Malcolm Crichton, the fourth generation of the family to run the newspaper. Staff were informed of the closure on Friday morning. Marcus told the Belfast Telegraph that it is an emotional day. We told staff today that we have ceased publication, he said. I just want to first of all thank all of our staff both past and present for their exemplary service over the years. We want to also thank our readers and everyone who has ever supported the Down Recorder, it is an emotional day for everyone involved. Its understood the Crichton family took editorial control of the newspaper around a decade ago. According to Companies House, the publication business employed nine people last year. Hugh Carville, production editor at the newspaper, posted on X: BREAKING: The Down Recorder newspaper in Downpatrick has ceased publication after 189 years in circulation. We need your consent to load this Social Media content. We use a number of different Social Media outlets to manage extra content that can set cookies on your device and collect data about your activity. Please review your details and accept them to load the content SDLP MLA Colin McGrath said it was a sad day for Downpatrick. My immediate thoughts are with the Crichton family and all the staff team who served the Downpatrick area so faithfully for many years," he said. "The Down Recorder has been part of the fabric of this community for as long as any of us can remember. It told our stories, celebrated our successes, marked our losses and kept people informed about the issues that mattered in their towns and villages. "It also played a crucial democratic role, holding political parties and public representatives to account. Its loss will create a real vacuum in local news and public scrutiny. He added: This is a sad day for Down. We have lost not just a paper, but a pillar of the community. "My thoughts are with all those who have contributed to the Recorders proud history, and with the community it served so faithfully. Sinn Fein MLA Cathy Mason said local journalism is the cornerstone of rural communities. She posted on Facebook: Im devastated to hear todays news about the Down Recorder and my thoughts are with all of the staff. The Down Recorder. News Catch Up - Friday 14 November The Down Recorders commitment to providing trusted news across generations has made a real and lasting difference and it will be missed deeply. Local journalism and the voice it gives people is a cornerstone of rural communities like ours. We will do all we can to support the papers workers through this uncertain time. Old stories have always been at the heart: Inside the NI pub that unearthed historic artefacts and a lucky charm for Belfast Giants A look at the history of Friels Public Bar in Swatragh and why the Belfast Giants have adopted a former regulars stick as a good luck charm Friels Public Bar owner Dermot Friel Laura McDaid Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 20:00 The Friel family of Swatragh were always aware that their pub, in the centre of the Mid-Ulster village, was once inhabited by a doctor whose wife provided food to hundreds of people during the Irish Famine. Restaurant review: Laid-back Belfast spot owes its quality and quirkiness to its meticulous chef Look out for Stereo because soon everyone else will, writes Joris Minne Scallops in anise veloute Joris Minne Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 13:45 Belfasts battle of the barrios has taken a new twist. Once it was the Lisburn Road (LBR to those in the know), then it was Ballyhackamore and now its the Ormeau. But the Ormeau needs to keep looking over its shoulder, because the Cregagh Road has popped up undetected until now. Irish League You are mad if you decide not to work with him: Barry Johnston on becoming Oran Kearneys assistant at Ballymena United New evidence linked to the takedown of the EncroChat criminal phone network has been introduced by the prosecution in the Robbie Lawlor murder case, with further arrests expected as a result. Downpatrick & County Down Railway is one of 231 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the United Kingdom to receive the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service this year Northern Irelands only volunteer-led full-size heritage railway has been awarded The Kings Award for Voluntary Service for 2025. The Downpatrick & County Down Railway received the highest honour a local voluntary group can receive in the UK and is equivalent to an MBE. It comes as the railway celebrates its 40th anniversary year, having been formally founded in 1985. Over the past four decades, volunteers have transformed a derelict brown field site into living history. Downpatrick & County Down Railway is one of 231 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the United Kingdom to receive the prestigious Kings Award for Voluntary Service this year The organisation preserves and operates vintage trains from the Victorian era to the modern day, and delivers museum education programmes, provides inclusive volunteering opportunities, and hosts major public events that attract thousands of visitors annually. The dedicated volunteer team manages every aspect of the railways operations, from restoration and engineering to visitor experience and governance. The Downpatrick & County Down Railway is one of 231 charities, social enterprises and voluntary groups across the UK to receive the prestigious award this year. Their work, along with others across the UK, showcases the exceptional contribution volunteers make to their local communities and the positive impact volunteering has on peoples lives. The Downpatrick & County Down Railway. Robert Gardiner, Chairman of the Downpatrick & County Down Railway, said: "We are deeply honoured and proud to receive The Kings Award for Voluntary Service as we celebrate our 40th anniversary year. This award is a tribute to every volunteer who has helped build, maintain and grow this railway over the past four decades. He continued: "In recent years we have faced some of the toughest and most unprecedented challenges in our forty years, from the shutdowns of Covid to the devastation of the 2023 Downpatrick floods which left much of the site literally under water. This award is a powerful recognition of every person who rolled up their sleeves and helped rebuild, reopen and restore this railway for the community we serve. Receiving The Kings Award is a tribute to that spirit and to the people who give their time and passion so freely to keep this railway running." Festive celebrations at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway. Mr Gardiner concluded: "This is fantastic recognition of our volunteers. They give their time, skills and passion to preserve Northern Irelands railway heritage and to make Downpatrick a welcoming and vibrant destination for visitors. This recognition means so much to our entire community, and we hope it inspires more people to get involved in volunteering and heritage." The Kings Award for Voluntary Service recognises outstanding work by volunteer groups. The honour was created in 2002 to celebrate Her Late Majesty Queen Elizabeth IIs Golden Jubilee and has continued under His Majesty The King. Volunteers at the Downpatrick & County Down Railway Eamonn Holmes: 'The HMRC came after me at the most vulnerable time in my life' | The BelTel The 2025 announcement marks the third year of The Kings Award for Voluntary Service. The PSNI has issued a fresh appeal to identify individuals they wish to speak to as part of the major investigation into the violence that swept Ballymena in June. Police released eight images on Friday of people they wish to speak to adding they may be able to assist with inquiries into a series of incidents between Monday 9 June and Wednesday 11 June 2025. The disorder included attacks on police officers and criminal damage across the town. A PSNI spokesperson said: Can you identify the following individual? Police would like to speak with this individual in connection with our ongoing investigation into a number of incidents of disorder and attacks on police officers in the Ballymena area. We are asking these individuals to come forward to police, or anyone who can assist in identifying them. If you have any information or wish to submit photos or footage, including CCTV, mobile phone or dash-cam footage, this can be through the Major Incident Public Portal at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI25U11-PO1 In June, serious unrest erupted in Ballymena in June following allegations that a teenage girl had been sexually assaulted in the town. Two 14-year-old boys were later charged with attempted rape. A peaceful protest over the alleged assault quickly deteriorated into violence, with mobs attacking police and targeting properties housing ethnic minority families. The PSNI described the attacks as racist thuggery. The disorder continued for several nights and spread to a number of other locations including Portadown, Larne, Belfast, Carrickfergus, Derry and Coleraine. The PSNI subsequently launched one of its largest public-order investigations in years. To date, detectives have made 100 arrests, with 91 people charged with offences including riot, arson with intent to endanger life, and burglary with intent to cause arson. Dozens of cases are now progressing through the courts. An incident on the Peace Bridge in Londonderry last weekend is no longer being treated as a homophobic hate crime, police have confirmed. Police has issued an appeal for information on Monday, with local politicians also condemning the reported incident. At the time it had been reported two men were assaulted shortly after 11:30pm last Saturday. Police said their injuries included a head injury, with the other male sustaining facial and hand injuries. In an update on Friday following further investigations, police confirmed their enquiries into the incident have concluded. The Peace Bridge in Derry. News Catch Up - Friday 14 November A spokesperson said: Following these enquiries into what was being investigated, at the time, as a homophobic hate crime, police are satisfied no crime the nature of what was reported occurred. Police are no longer appealing for witnesses, and want to thank everyone who assisted with enquiries and was involved in the investigation. Panto is for everyone: Local legend behind May McFettridge proud to have made theatre more accessible Shots have been fired at a house in east Belfast in a late night attack, police have said. It happened at a house on Beersbridge Road shortly after 11pm on Thursday night. Detective Sergeant McVeagh said: "The shots were fired through a window at the rear of the property. Damage was caused but thankfully, the occupant was uninjured. At this time, we believe a suspect, wearing dark clothing with a hood up, left the area on foot via Ravensdale Street. "We're working to establish a motive for this attack and are asking anyone who may have information, or relevant dashcam, CCTV or doorbell footage which could assist with our enquiries, to contact us on 101, quoting reference 1639 of 13/11/25." Police are working to establish a motive News Catch Up - Friday 14 November Information can also be submitted online via http://www.psni.police.uk/makeareport/ The Crimestoppers charity can be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111 or online at http://crimestoppers-uk.org A woman has been rescued from a car stuck in floodwater in Co Down. Firefighters and paramedics responded to reports of a car stuck in flood water on the Ballynoe Road in Downpatrick shortly after 6:15am. Two fire appliances from Downpatrick Fire Station and the Specialist Rescue Team from Belfast Central Fire Station attended the incident. Firefighters used specialist rescue equipment to free the woman. The incident comes as the Met Office has issued a further yellow weather warning for Northern Ireland. The warning for persistent rain, comes into effect at midnight until midday on Saturday. Stock Image: Firefighters attend the incident News Catch Up - Friday 14 November A spokesperson for NIFRS said: Firefighters were called to a report of a water rescue on Ballynoe Road, Downpatrick. One casualty was rescued from the vehicle using specialist rescue equipment. Firefighters left the scene at 6.54am. The oldest ever recruit to graduate from the Garda College has encouraged other people his age to go for it. Jeremiah Bourke, 51, said he wanted to join the gardai when he was younger but missed the opportunity. He said he recognises it is going to be a tough job, but said: Youre never too old. If youre able, why not? Give it a go. Id say to anybody out there, if you want to go for it go for it. He added: Ive done it, anyone can do it. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly (centre) with graduating gardai (left to right) Jeremiah Bourke, Amy Ni Riada, Kristina Courtney and Adam ORourke at Templemore Garda College, Co Tipperary (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Mr Bourke said he had always had hope that he could become a garda, so re-applied when the recruiting age limit increased from 35 to 50 at the start of last year. He was within that age range when he applied. I was in the retail business and wanted to give that a chance, but unfortunately as time goes fast the closing date for the competition passed me by. He added: I didnt miss the bus time and here I am attesting today at a later stage. He said it was not easy and a bit daunting to go through the training alongside younger recruit, but said he was supported by his wife and two children as well as all those at the College. Garda Amy Ni Riada (Cillian Sherlock/PA) He was one of 194 gardai attesting from the Templemore Garda College in Co Tipperary on Friday. Among them, Garda Amy Ni Riada was eager to get stuck in after trading in a career in the media to join An Garda Siochana. The former RTE journalist, from Castleisland in Co Kerry, said she developed a taste for working in high-pressure environments and a role with variety. She was inspired to join the gardai seeing the response to the November 2023 riots in Dublin. It was an eye opener for me that I wanted to be stuck in and got involved in that way. Ms Ni Riada, who will be stationed in Midleton, Co Cork, also said being in An Garda Siochana was perfect for her desire to work with the most vulnerable people in society, having previously reported on climate change, social issues and violence against women in east Africa. They were among 164 new gardai and 17 garda reserves attesting from the Garda College in Templemore on Friday. It is the largest single attestation of new gardai since 2019 and the college will also see its largest class of recruits in a decade enter next week. Amy Ni Riada and Kristina Courtney (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Garda Kristina Courtney also left a career in communications and media production to join the gardai. She said she was inspired to join after getting an insight into the operations of An Garda Siochana by working on RTEs Crimecall programme. Part of her role involved making actors look like the bad guys. Asked how she felt about dealing with real bad guys, she replied: Im up for the challenge. Dubliner Adam ORourke said he joined An Garda Siochana because he wanted a career where he could help people and challenge himself. Garda ORourke, from Walkinston, previously served with the Defence Forces in Lebanon. Now being stationed in Blackrock, Dublin, he said he was happy to start making a difference in the community: It is a fantastic day, I couldnt be happier. Speaking at the Garda College, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: It is a great honour to be here in Templemore today to witness the continued growth of An Garda Siochana and to welcome its newest members. Over a hundred years after it was first established, An Garda Siochana continues to thrive because it grows and adapts with the times. Of the 194 attesting on Friday, 137 are men and 57 are women and the new probationers will be assigned to divisions across the country by the Garda Commissioner. Of the new gardai, 87 will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 47 going to the Southern Region, 39 to the Eastern Region and 21 to North Western Region. Commissioner Justin Kelly met some of those graduating and, speaking at the ceremony, said: Today is a proud day. A day to celebrate with your family and loved ones. A day to take stock of all it has taken to get you to this point. Today marks the start of your new career in An Garda Siochana. The late Professor Peter Higgs has gifted his Nobel Prize medal to the university where he proposed a ground-breaking idea that would change scientists understanding of the universe. Prof Higgs was a researcher at the University of Edinburgh in 1964 when he predicted the existence of a new particle, also dubbed the God particle, which is now seen as fundamental to the creation of the universe. The existence of the particle known as the Higgs boson would not be confirmed for almost half a century, with experiments at the Large Hadron Collider at Cern, the European Organisation for Nuclear Research, finally confirming his theory in 2012. He was jointly awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics for this work, along with Francois Englert, in 2013. Prof Higgs visited the Large Hadron Collider, where his theory was confirmed (Cern Geneva/PA) The University of Edinburgh has now announced Prof Higgs left the medal to the institution in his will, following his death aged 94 in April last year. Professor Sir Peter Mathieson, principal and vice-chancellor of the university, said: This generous gift will ensure that Peter Higgss extraordinary contributions to science will continue to inspire generations of students and researchers. We are profoundly honoured to have been entrusted with his Nobel Prize medal, an object of immense historical significance and a lasting emblem of his legacy. The medal will be preserved by the Universitys Centre for Research Collections and will be displayed at events and exhibitions, including the upcoming Higgs Lecture in 2026. Prof Higgs was born in Newcastle upon Tyne in 1929. Prof Higgs became a professor emeritus at the University of Edinburgh following his retirement in 1996 (Sean Dempsey/PA) He joined the staff of the University of Edinburgh in 1960, when he took up a lectureship at the Tait Institute of Mathematical Physics and became personal chair of theoretical physics in 1980. His ground-breaking proposal in the 1960s was that particles acquire mass by interacting with an all-pervading field spread throughout the universe. The more they interact, the more massive and heavy they become. He retired in 1996, becoming professor emeritus. The University of Edinburgh created the Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics in 2012 to recognise his achievements and create opportunities for students and researchers from around the world to formulate new theoretical concepts. Professor Neil Turok, Higgs chair of theoretical physics at the university, said: The prediction of the Higgs boson was a theoretical breakthrough, fundamental to our understanding of the laws of physics. It is fitting that Peter Higgss Nobel Prize medal is now preserved at Edinburgh, forming a lasting part of the universitys scientific heritage. Through our Higgs Centre for Theoretical Physics, his seminal discovery continues to serve as a springboard for those seeking answers to some of the deepest mysteries of our universe. A calculated nursery worker has been detained for 10 years for rape and sexual abuse against boys as young as three. Within days of being able to look after children, Thomas Waller, 18, took advantage of his position to gain the trust of two boys in his care before exploiting them. The teenager was working at a nursery for the summer months, and his responsibilities included taking children to the toilet and helping them get changed, Guildford Crown Court was told. Sentencing him, Judge Claire Harden-Frost said it was heartbreaking to see the boys parents feeling responsible for what happened. The nursery worker was found guilty of rape, two counts of causing or inciting sexual activity and taking indecent photos after a trial at Staines Youth Court earlier this year. A police interview with Thomas Waller (Surrey Police/PA) The offending happened at a nursery in Surrey, which cannot be named for legal reasons, between July and August 2024. Waller sat in the dock wearing a white polo shirt and black coat, and did not react when he found out his sentence. The judge sentenced him to 15 years at a young offender institution, of which he must serve 10 in detention and five on licence. The court heard the teenager had completed a work placement at a different nursery between December 2023 and June 2024 after getting qualifications from a college. He was put in touch with the nursery where his offending took place and started there in July 2024, prosecutor Rio Pahlavanpour said. His responsibilities included taking children to the toilet and helping them get changed if they wet themselves, the court heard. A nursery staff member told police Waller had been alone in the toilets with one of the boys, known as Child D, in August, after lunch. Officers found his DNA on the childs underwear, the court heard. When Waller was arrested his phone was seized, and police found indecent images pictures of another boy, known as Child T, the prosecutor said. Judge Harden-Frost said Waller used his position at the nursery to sexually abuse the boys within days of being able to supervise children going to the bathroom. Its heartbreaking that one of the effects of your actions is that the parents of your victims feel responsible, she added. In a victim impact statement, Child Ds father said his son had gathered a collection of memories that I would never wish on a human being. Speaking about his sons new school he said: We should be telling them that he doesnt like carrots, not that he has been raped. He described Waller as cold, sinister and calculated, adding Tom cannot be allowed to do this again. Child Ds mother said her son holds our family together. When my son told me what had happened I could not believe what I was hearing, she said. He did not know that what had happened to him was wrong. This man took advantage of that beautiful innocence. She said Waller had used his skills to build trust with my son and then exploit him. Child D described Waller as his new best friend at about the time of the offending, she told the court. Criticising the nursery worker for not pleading guilty, and putting her son through a trial, she said: This man has subjected my son and my family to additional trauma. She said her beautiful, brave, clever son questioned his own guilt as a result of giving evidence at court. The mother of Child T said she had felt shock then confusion when her son told her what had happened. Our baby boy was saying and doing things that no three-year-old should, she said. She described feeling guilty about sending her son to the nursery and said she sometimes cried herself to sleep at night. I fear that one day (Child Ts) memories of what happened might return again. It could have an impact for the rest of his life. I believe he knew exactly what he was doing, she said of Waller, adding: His actions were deliberate and calculated. The mother said she feared the pictures taken of her son could be anywhere. In mitigation, Aphra Bruce-Jones said Waller does not accept that he abused the children, but does accept that he has now been found guilty. His offending was a result of opportunism rather than deliberate isolation of his victims, she told the court. He chose to study childcare development because of his childhood experiences, she added. The nursery where Waller carried out his abuse said it took immediate action as soon as concerns were raised about him. The Surrey-based private business, which cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a statement: We were, and remain, deeply shocked, saddened and sorry to learn of the actions of a former member of our staff. The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is, and always will be, our highest priority. As soon as concerns were raised, we took immediate action, contacting the police without delay, suspending the individual concerned, and fully co-operating with the investigation. Since then we have carried out a full review and further strengthened our already robust safeguarding policies and staff training. We continue to work closely with the local authority and safeguarding professionals to ensure we uphold the very highest standards of care and protection for every child entrusted to us. Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said: I am appalled by the crimes committed by Thomas Waller and extend my deepest sympathies to the children and families affected. As the local authority, we were informed by partners when these disclosures were first made about an individual working in a private nursery in Surrey. We immediately undertook our duties to support the actions of safeguarding partners, and of Ofsted as the regulatory body for early years settings. Our role has included co-ordinating information-sharing and actions between relevant bodies, as well as supporting the setting to implement actions identified for them by Ofsted. The wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority. Rebecca Millardship, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said Wallers crimes are one of the worst nightmares imaginable for a parent. They entrusted the care of their young children to Waller, who abused that trust in the most appalling way within weeks of starting his job at the nursery, she said after sentencing. He carefully planned his attacks on these three-year-old boys, deliberately isolating them from anyone else. It was our case that he focused on qualifications that would allow him to work at a nursery because he had a sexual interest in young children. We hope that todays sentence brings some closure for the young victims in this case and their parents, who have all been through the most horrific ordeal. None of us can begin to imagine the impact that Waller has had on these young children through his appalling crimes. If you'd like to leave a comment (or a tip or a question) about this story with the editors, please email us We also welcome letters to the editor for publication; you can do that by filling out our letters form and submitting it to the newsroom. Don't miss the big stories. Like us on Facebook. BENNINGTON Town Manager Dan Monks attended his last Planning Commission meeting Monday as a member of Benningtons planning staff. Monks noted, with a touch of nostalgia, that it was his final meeting with planners in the 27 years since he was hired as the towns zoning administrator in 1998. Since then, he subsequently served as planning director and assistant town manager, and in October, was named town manager. Monks succeeded the person who hired him for the zoning position, longtime Town Manager Stuart Hurd, who died August 30 following a long illness. Monks said the Planning Commission meetings he attended were among those he enjoyed most in town government, adding, This is bittersweet for me. Members of the commission thanked Monks for the guidance and supportive advice he provided as the makeup of the commission changed over the years and members took on sometimes controversial or challenging topics. A recent major commission project was an update of the Bennington Town Plan, which was submitted to the Select Board in September and received final approval on Monday. Transition help The commissions agenda Monday included discussion of a transition plan for the estimated three to four months it will take to find and hire a replacement for Monks as planning director. During that period, Monks said Samantha Page, a planner with the Bennington County Regional Commission, with assistance at times from other BCRC personnel, will work with the town commission as needed. Page and Monks said she will be staffing the Planning Commission's meetings and handling meeting postings and other duties. We are searching, as you know, for a planning director, Monks said. So while that is happening, Sam and other people from BCRC will be taking over some staffing responsibilities. The position has been posted with a salary range of $65,000 to $85,000 with a December 1 deadline for submission of applications. Monks said prior to the meeting Thursday that the town is not advertising for the assistant town manager position at this time, adding, "The management staff organizational structure will be re-evaluated after the new planning director is hired." 2026 workplan The commission also discussed preparation of a 2026 workplan, which will emphasize housing issues, including efforts to improve existing housing and encourage new housing development. Page said preparing and helping to implement the work plan will be a main focus during her role with the commission. Commissioners discussed meeting with housing stakeholders, including large and smaller developers; real estate agents, bankers and other lenders, and consideration of zoning or land use regulation changes and ordinance recommendations for the Select Board. Overarching goals would be to encourage new housing and rental housing development and address vacant or underused commercial buildings or rental units especially in the downtown business district. Changes to strengthen the towns ordinance regarding vacant properties were considered a priority by officials and residents who attended hearings prior to adoption of the updated Town Plan document. Crispina ffrench, co-owner of The Dolphin Studio, has been helping to make its silkscreen print calendars since she was a child. Celebrating its 55th anniversary this year, the effort is still homegrown and all in the family. MILL RIVER When the sale of Limestone Farm became a matter of record last week, county and area dairymen and others were not sure whether to offer the former owners congratulations or condolences. The Community Recreation Association has appointed Ariana Massery as its new executive director, succeeding longtime leader Alison Peters, who is retiring after nearly 16 years. Massery, a seasoned organizational leader from Jacobs Pillow, will begin her role in January as the CRA enters a new chapter of community service and development. PITTSFIELD Ashley Anderson has spent time as a legal aide, nursing student and crisis worker, but these days she's in a very different line of work: making kits that turn into a home in just 10 steps. Combining her passion for helping others with her entrepreneurial spirit, Anderson launched Anderson North LLC, which sells two versions of a tiny home kit for $9,500 each. Anderson's path started in western Massachusetts, where she earned an associate degree from Holyoke Community College before getting her bachelor's degree from Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts in 2018. "I had participated in an innovation and entrepreneurship challenge in my senior year at MCLA," Anderson said. "I got second place ... that's what kind of started that journey." Anderson then spent time as a legal aide in the Berkshires after graduating from MCLA, looking to attend law school. Then COVID-19 hit, and Anderson moved to Maine to pursue a career in nursing. Now, Anderson is a full-time crisis worker with the state of Maine. This pursuit, Anderson said, helped her realize how necessary housing is. "It really helped me realize how essential and dignified housing is," Anderson said. "It's not just a roof, but spaces that gives people a foundation to rebuild their lives." Anderson didn't have a lot of experience with building homes. Her most relevant experience was "building stages" for stage productions at Holyoke Community College. But she put in the work, building the business over the summer, getting a micro-business loan and getting initial concepts, all to launch Anderson North LLC. All while she is still a full-time crisis worker. The business currently offers two models: SHELTRIX, a 64-square-foot A-frame cabin that was her first design, and SLANT, another 64-square-foot model with a more rectangular shape. "I wanted to base [the homes] around people that might have a hard time with shelter," Anderson said. Both are built with insulation to battle the bitter cold of Maine and the Berkshires. They are also built around the basic needs of a shelter and are ready to be lived in once assembled. The assembly process takes about 10 steps, Anderson said. And, although she doesn't recommend it, one person could assemble it. The only tools needed to assemble these kits are a saw, electric drill, level and clamps. The only other thing the kit needs that is not included is the foundation. Anderson North LLC says this could be as simple as concrete pavers, deck blocks or a gravel base. However, it is important to note that neither shelter design qualifies as an additional dwelling unit because they lack a bathroom but that could soon change, she said. Anderson is building add-ons that are "designed to accommodate bathrooms and everything else." Pre-orders are available now, with homes being shipped starting as early as late-March. Even as she builds a business, Andersons desire to help people remains clear. There is a deferred payment option where buyers can put down $5,000 upfront and pay the rest off over a 45-day period. And, if someone is really struggling and needs the shelter, "they can talk to me," Anderson said. "All of this is just meant to empower people to create their own shelter," she said. A solar company is expecting to spend over $1 million to clean up the former George Apkin & Sons recycling center in North Adams, which was site of a raging fire in 2021. The company hopes to build a 25-acre solar farm at the site. Quality local journalism needs your support Access this story and all of our stories with 24/7 unlimited access. Subscribe today. Cancel anytime. Subscribe now for 99 Subscriber Sign In | Return Home BillOReilly.com is not available in this country. We apologize for any inconvenience. State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Postal Code Stranger Things cast members including Charlie Heaton and Natalia Dyer have described how emotional it has been to say goodbye to the hit Netflix show. The supernatural coming-of-age drama, which started in 2016, will have its fifth and final season released in three volumes beginning on November 27 in the UK. The first series followed a psychokinetic girl named Eleven, played by Millie Bobby Brown, as she escaped from a laboratory in Hawkins and made friends with a group of young boys who embark on a mission to find their friend Will Byers (Noah Schnapp) after he becomes lost in an alternate reality. Noah Schnapp and Millie Bobby Brown attend the Stranger Things 5 volume 1 special screening (Jonathan Brady/PA) Speaking at a London screening, Heaton, 31, who plays Wills brother Jonathan, told the PA news agency: Its emotional, saying goodbye. (Im) excited now that were sharing it with people. Advertisement Im going to miss the people. Im going to miss my cast. Were family, weve grown up together. Dyer, 30, who plays Nancy Wheeler, said the end of the series is bittersweet, and added: I think the hardest thing is knowing that youre not going to get to work with these people in the same capacity. Natalia Dyer (Jonathan Brady/PA) Caleb McLaughlin, who plays Lucas Sinclair, said the show and its magnitude often gets compared to Harry Potter, adding that it will be remembered as a classic that lives on forever. Its sad. Its something that I still love. I still love the cast, I still love this story, he told PA. Im not ready. I mean, Im ready to say goodbye, because all great things come to an end its bittersweet but Im just grateful for the whole experience. Caleb McLaughlin (Jonathan Brady/PA) The actor, who was 14 when the first series aired, added: This was a part of my development. I was on the show in my adolescence, some crucial years of my life. So everything Ive learned here has kind of moulded me into the man that I am today and will forever be a part of that experience in my life. I feel like your teenage years are the moments that mould you into who you are and how you think and your decisions. US actor and musician Joe Keery, who plays Steve Harrington, said: The cool thing that Ive been able to see is that people are just starting the show right now. Joe Keery (Jonathan Brady/PA) Theyre kids who are 11 or 12, and that was me with Harry Potter. That was me with Star Wars. So to be a part of something like that is crazy. Brown, Schnapp, Finn Wolfhard, who plays Mike Wheeler, Sadie Sink, who plays Max Mayfield, and Gaten Matarazzo, who plays Dustin Henderson, were among the other cast members at the London screening on Thursday. Advertisement The final series of the show, which has been created by the Duffer Brothers, will see the friendship group come up against evil villain Vecna for a final time. Dr Eugene Morgan, who was called by defence lawyers for Billy Burns (55), confirmed under cross-examination that he never asked the accused about the killing of his mother. Mr Burns accepts killing but denies murdering his mother, Miriam Burns (75), at her home in Ardshanavooley, Killarney, Co Kerry, between August 12th and August 15th, 2022. Ms Burns died from manual strangulation associated with blunt force trauma to the head. Mr Burns has pleaded not guilty to her murder by reason of insanity and is on trial at the Central Criminal Court. On Friday, Dr Morgan told defence barrister Anthony Sammon SC that he is a consultant psychiatrist with 50 years of experience. He saw the accused man eleven days after the alleged offence, when Mr Burns was on remand in Cork Prison. Dr Morgan found Mr Burns to be hypomanic and his condition deteriorated to mania over the following days. Advertisement Dr Morgan agreed with a diagnosis that Mr Burns had bipolar affective disorder. In December of that year, the prison transferred Mr Burns to the Central Mental Hospital where he was given a weekly injection of antipsychotic medication at a high therapeutic dose, the doctor said. On January 24th, the following year, he returned to Cork Prison and his mental state was much improved, Dr Morgan said. He described the accused as a "gentleman" who was helpful and courteous, whereas he had been incoherent and aggressive prior to treatment. Dr Morgan said he considered the accused's presentation when he saw him at Cork Prison, garda transcripts of interviews following his arrest three or four days after the alleged murder and the accused man's own accounts. Dr Morgan said he was satisfied the accused was suffering from a relapse of bipolar affective disorder secondary to poor compliance with medication and illicit substance misuse when he assaulted his mother. Dr Morgan said he was further satisfied that due to his mental illness, Mr Burns did not know the nature and quality of his actions, was unable to determine whether his actions were wrong and was likely unable to refrain from his actions. He said Mr Burns meets the criteria under the Criminal Law (Insanity) Act 2006 for a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Under cross-examination Dr Morgan agreed with Sean Guerin SC, for the Director of Public Prosecutions, that he had been Mr Burns's treating psychiatrist at Cork prison. Advertisement Mr Guerin put it to him that it is generally good practice that a treating psychiatrist not give opinions in court about their patient. Dr Morgan said there was "some merit in that idea" but due to a shortage of psychiatrists outside Dublin, "one has to provide reports on cases where required". As a professional psychiatrist, he said he is required to be impartial and to offer a non-biased opinion. Dr Morgan confirmed that he never asked the accused about the alleged killing of his mother. He said he would not ask about the alleged offence because he would not want to be "put in a situation of having information you might have to divulge in court". Dr Morgan said he could not offer "certainty" about the accused's mental state at the time of the killing, because he wasn't there. However, he said he based his findings on how the accused appeared eleven days after the killing and from reading transcripts of the interviews he gave to gardai following his arrest three to four days after the killing. He accepted that he did not look at videos of Mr Burns's garda interviews. Dr Morgan said the accused man told him that in the lead-up to the alleged offence, he was drinking ten beers per day with "whiskey chasers" and taking crack cocaine, cannabis and ecstasy. Dr Morgan said he would have to consider that drug and alcohol use contributed to Mr Burns's behaviour but the "major factor" was his illness. Dr Morgan accepted that drug and alcohol use "may have been the cause of the relapse in his mental state". Advertisement Book of evidence Dr Stephen Monks told Mr Guerin that in his report, he referred to statements in the book of evidence, Mr Burns's history of psychiatric treatment going tack to 1991 and videos of his interviews with gardai and his own interviews with the accused. Dr Monks said the accused told him that in the week before his mother's death, he had been bingeing on alcohol and smoking cannabis and crack cocaine. His drug use, Dr Monks said, likely caused a relapse or worsened the symptoms of bipolar disorder. It is also likely that Mr Burns was not just manic at the time of the killing, but also intoxicated the witness said. Dr Monks said the accused man told him he was hearing voices in his head telling him to kill his mother. The doctor said there was no record in Mr Burns's previous history of auditory hallucination and he had not told anyone else about hearing voices. Dr Monks said this put limitations on the weight he could give to the account of hearing voices. On balance, Dr Monks found that Mr Burns was more likely not psychotic at the time he killed his mother although he was suffering mania or hypomania with intoxication. Notwithstanding his manic symptoms, he understood the nature and quality of his actions and knew that it was wrong to assault his mother, Dr Monks said. In his garda interviews, Mr Burns clearly understood that he was being questioned about killing his mother and denied killing her, he said. Advertisement Ireland Man who cut hole in attic and recorded step daughter in shower is jailed Read more The mania Mr Burns was suffering would have lowered his threshold for impulsive aggression, Dr Monks said. However, mania would not be sufficient to remove his ability to refrain from killing his mother. Dr Monks also found that mental illness did not explain Mr Burns's previous acts of aggression towards his mother over many years, that were detailed in the book of evidence and in his psychiatric history. Dr Monks concluded that in his opinion, the presence of mania does not support a special verdict of not guilty by reason of insanity. Dr Monks will be cross-examined by defence counsel on Monday before Ms Justice Karen O'Connor and a jury of eight men and four women. A judge has refused an application to revoke the bail conditions of a businessman who was involved in a stand-off with a sheriff and armed gardai at his former home in Wicklow earlier this year. A sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court heard Brian McDonagh (65) with an address in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, has been charged with two counts of burglary as a result of an alleged breach of his bail conditions at his former home at Drummin House, Delgany, Co Wicklow on October 4-5, 2025. Detective Sergeant Brian Shiggins told the court that the accused had previously owned and lived in Drummin House, but that there had been a court order to take possession of the property. Det Sgt Shiggins said Mr McDonagh had been charged with three offences in relation to an incident at Drummin House on February 24th, 2025. Advertisement They relate to the alleged possession of a shotgun, the production of a firearm likely to intimidate, and to wilfully obstructing a sheriff. The court heard that the accused had bail conditions in October, which required him to stay away from Drummin House and its grounds and to sign on at Greystones garda station on Mondays and Fridays. Det Sgt Shiggins gave evidence that he was seeking to have Mr McDonagh remanded in custody for the alleged breaches of his bail conditions last month. He told counsel for the DPP, James Kelly BL, that it was alleged that the accused had encroached on the grounds of Drummin House by going to a gate lodge and posting a notice on its door on October 4th. Det Sgt Shiggins said Mr McDonagh had returned to the property on October 5th when he was arrested by gardai and brought before Bray District Court. When arrested, he said the accused fully admitted that he had placed a legal notice on the door of the gate lodge at Drummin House. Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Justin McQuade BL, Det Sgt Shiggins said he was not budging from seeking to revoke the accuseds bail. Questioned what evidence he had about a breach of the bail conditions, the witness replied that Mr McDonagh had made admissions when interviewed by gardai that he had been at the location and posted a notice on the door of the gate lodge. Det Sgt Shiggins said he would be looking for very stringent conditions if the court decided to grant him continuing bail. Advertisement Judge Patrick Quinn remarked that the evidence about the alleged breach of the bail conditions was sort of hearsay and that the incident appeared to be a one-off breach. Ireland Girl (5) allegedly sexually assaulted by child in creche seeks to sue creche Read more Mr Kelly said the prosecution would be happy if the accused testified to agree to certain bail conditions. Mr McDonagh committed to the court that he would reside at an address in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, and provided a mobile phone number at which he would be contacted by gardai at all times. He also agreed to observe the conditions to keep away from Drummin House and its grounds and to sign on at Greystones Garda Station on Mondays and Fridays. Remanding Mr McDonagh on continuing bail, Judge Quinn stressed to the accused that there should be no misunderstanding, but that his bail would be revoked if there were any further breaches of the undertaking he had given to the court. A deadlocked jury in the case of a former Garda who alleged he was wrongfully struck by a 6'8" garda with a baton after a high speed pursuit has been discharged at the High Court after the foreperson told the judge they could not reach a decision. At around 7pm on Friday night, the foreperson said there was no progress being made, and Mr Justice Michael O'Higgins thanked them for their service and excused them from jury service for five years. It was the seventh day of the case and the jury began their deliberations at around 2:45pm on Thursday. The case was brought by John Bowe (41), who was arrested following the chase, which occurred outside Bunclody, Co Wexford, on December 5th, 2014. Mr Bowe, of Coolnaleen, Camolin, Enniscorthy, was subsequently convicted of various counts of dangerous driving arising from the chase. Advertisement Mr Bowe, an ex-garda, brought the action over alleged injuries sustained when Supt Rory Sheriff, then of Enniscorthy Garda station, struck Mr Bowe over the head with a retractable baton following the chase. Supt Sheriff said that his actions were "proportionate and justified" following what he described as the most "extreme and dangerous" driving he had ever witnessed. A barrister for Mr Bowe had told the jury he doesn't want to live in a country where people take the view that his client "got what was coming to him". Supt Sheriff told the court he was chasing Mr Bowe through a field after a 25-minute car chase that hit speeds in excess of 140kph. Supt Sheriff had said Mr Bowe turned back on him with a "metallic object" in his hand and lunged at him. The Supt then deployed his baton and hit Mr Bowe over the head "with full force, as hard as I could hit him", he said. Ireland Nursing home resident 'practically bled dry' by carer who stole over 82k from his bank accounts Read more The metallic object Mr Bowe had in his hand turned out to be a set of keys with two bottle openers attached. It was Mr Bowes case that Supt Sheriff then a sergeant wrongfully and violently struck him. Mr Bowe claims that arising from alleged injuries sustained, he was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder. The claims are denied Mr Bowes case was against Supt Sheriff, the Garda Commissioner, the Attorney General and Ireland. At the High Court tonight, Mr Justice O'Higgins adjourned the matter to the next list to fix dates and said the jury process, even if it finished in deadlock, was as important as if it resulted in a unanimous or majority verdict for either side. Political extremists have moved on to an organised attempt to undermine the State and inflict violence on people, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin said there was a considerable degree of concern around extremism in Ireland, which he described as a threat to our society. His comments came after threats against politicians and migrants across the country as well as a Garda investigation into alleged preparations for a far-right attack on a mosque for which two people have been charged before the courts. Mr Martin said: This now is a very strong basis for indicating that this has moved on from sort of individuals or the general sort of narrative, to an organised attempt to undermine the State and our society and, above all, to inflict violence on people. Commissioner Justin Kelly said An Garda Siochana had done a lot of work increasing the services capabilities to counter political extremism (Niall Carson/PA) The Taoiseach said everyone needed to be respected, regardless of ethnic background, colour or creed. Meanwhile, the Garda commissioner said he was concerned about outside influence from abroad impacting violent political extremists in Ireland. Advertisement Commissioner Justin Kelly said gardai had concerns around political extremism whatever direction it is and said the service had done a lot of work to increase capabilities to counter it. This is a trend were seeing all across Europe. There is certainly an increase in what I would call violent political extremism, he said. Were not immune to that here on the island of Ireland. Obviously, theres been a number of quite high-profile events here and we continue to monitor it. The Taoiseach and commissioner were speaking to reporters at the largest single attestation of new gardai since 2019. This is something that I've said previously: There are people here and they intend to do harm, particularly to some of our migrant communities. And that's something that we have to be completely alive to... Commissioner Justin Kelly A total of 194 gardai and 17 Garda reserves will now be assigned to Garda divisions across the country. It will be followed next week by the largest class of Garda recruits to enter the college in a decade. Mr Kelly said gardai continued to monitor the risk level around extremism, which was currently moderate. Asked about the alleged planned attack on a Galway mosque on behalf of a far-right extremist group, the commissioner agreed that some of the details may be shocking to the public. He said: But for us in An Garda Siochana, it is not something were shocked by. Obviously, we gather intelligence and we understand from partners abroad what the trends are, whats going on. Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he had great confidence in the ability of An Garda Siochana to gather information on ongoing threats (Brian Lawless/PA) This is something that Ive said previously: There are people here and they intend to do harm, particularly to some of our migrant communities. And thats something that we have to be completely alive to were not immune to that. Weve seen that in the UK, and across Europe. Advertisement Mr Kelly said there was for sure, outside influence on political extremists and added: It is certainly something we are concerned about. Also speaking to reporters, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he had great confidence in the ability of An Garda Siochana to gather information on ongoing threats but said there was a need for the public to provide assistance to gardai. The commissioner said gardai were aware of fewer than 10 groups in the violent political extremism space. He said some individuals and groups are more organised than others, adding that the groups were wide-ranging ideologically and could often have confused messaging and splintering. We'll be particularly relentless around people who target people in positions of authority, people in IPAS centres, any of that type of activity Commissioner Justin Kelly He said gardai were most concerned about those who were seeking to take violent action, saying this related to a small number of people. But he warned that there was still potential for dangerous activities among those small numbers. Mr Kelly said gardai had spent a lot of time gathering intelligence about all these different types of groups. The commissioner also said there had been really concerning incidents of threats against politicians and asylum seekers online. Well be particularly relentless around people who target people in positions of authority, people in IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres, any of that type of activity, he said. Three women and two men have been arrested after gardai seized 2.1 million worth of drugs in Dublin and Wicklow. Personnel attached to the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau conducted search operations at residential addresses in the Dublin and Wicklow areas on Thursday. During the course of the operation, which was conducted with the assistance of the Ballymun and Balbriggan Drug Units, 98kg of cannabis and 2kg of cocaine with a combined estimated street value of 2.1 million were seized. The five people were arrested and are being detained at Garda stations in the Eastern region. A man in his 40s is being detained under Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act 2007. Three women (one on her 40s and two in their 30s) and a man in his 30s are being detained under Section 2 of the Criminal Justice (Drug Trafficking) Act 1996. Gardai said investigations are ongoing. Lord of the Dance star Michael Flatley has been ordered by a judge to pay 1.1 million upfront as security for costs in advance of his 30 million court action over works carried out at his Cork mansion. The Flatley legal team had asked the Commercial Court not to award the full 2.8 million sought by the other parties in the case and to limit security for costs to one-third. Ms Justice Roberts after hearing submissions from all parties on Friday set security for costs at 1.1 million which has to be lodged into court before the main action over the works carried out at the Flatley mansion, Castlehyde in Fermoy can be heard by the court. The judge said the proceedings were at an advanced stage and the 1.1 million security for costs will have to be paid into court. Advertisement Ms Justice Roberts said to order full security for costs would be to over compensate the defendants on the costs risk. Last August Ms Justice Roberts ruled Mr Flatley had to put up money for security for costs and she ruled the businessman and entertainer is not at this time ordinarily resident in Ireland but is rather here on a temporary and conditional basis. The Flatley side has indicated it intends to appeal that decision. In the main proceedings, the Riverdance performer claims he and his family had to vacate the Castlehyde period property in Fermoy, Co Cork on October 2023 after alleged toxic chemical residue was detected during routine maintenance. Mr Flatley is suing Austin Newport Group Ltd, the main contractor and insurance underwriters MS Amlin Underwriting Ltd, AXA XL Underwriting Agencies LTD and Hamilton Managing Agency Limited along with Lloyds Insurance Company. All of the allegations are denied. The Flatley said had asked the judge to limit the security of costs so that the entertainer only be required to put up one third of costs about 930,000 instead of the full 2.8 million sought by the other parties in the case. There are constitutional issues for Michael Flatley. We say that Michael Flatley is entitled to access the courts like anyone else, his counsel Ronnie Hudson Bl instructed by Maxwell Mooney solicitor said. Michael Flatley he said had averred he is a man of means and a man of his word . Counsel said Mr Flatleys constitutional rights cant be bought out because he has means. Advertisement Counsel for the underwriting and insurance defendants , Andrew Fitzpatrick SC said there was no doubt and Michael Flatley had asserted on affidavit that he can pay the full amount. Ireland Man (45) appears in court charged with murder of Bosnian man in Dublin Read more Counsel said the usual starting point is when the party bringing the case cannot pay. He said that was not the case here. Asking for full security for costs to be granted, Mr Fitzpatrick said Michael Flatley can undoubtedly pay and he said the judge should also consider the way the litigation had been conducted to date. Counsel for Austin Newport, Rachel Duffy BL ,also asked for full security for costs to be set in the case. She said it could either be the estimate before the court of 2.8 million or to allow for costs for a 20 day action. Counsel pointed out that Michael Flatley had indicated his intention to appeal the judgement of the court saying he had to pay security for costs. Counsel said the defendants will be put to further expense and costs if that is the case. A nephew of Gerard The Monk Hutch has had his conviction for being intoxicated in public and acting extremely aggressive with gardai discharged under the probation act on appeal. The District Court Appeals Court heard that Nathan Hutch (32) said obscenities to gardai while intoxicated in Dublin city centre. Hutch, with an address at Buckingham Street Upper, Dublin 1, had pleaded guilty in the District Court to intoxication in a public place contrary to section 4 of the Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act, 1994. He also faced a charge of threatening, abusive, or insulting behaviour in a public place contrary to section 6 of the same act. Nathan Hutch was convicted and sentenced to two months consecutive to another 18-month sentence he received for a separate matter. He later lodged an appeal against the severity of his sentence. Advertisement Sergeant Lee Kelly told the District Court Appeals Court on Thursday that at 10:10am on May 9th last, gardai responded to an incident near Talbot Street in Dublin city centre. He said that they observed a man running away from gardai and pursued him. Sgt Kelly said that the man told them he had taken cocaine and sleeping tablets. Sgt Kelly said that Hutch was extremely aggressive and said obscenities to gardai. He said that Hutch has 104 previous convictions, with the majority of those for road traffic matters. He said that Hutch is currently serving a sentence for another matter. Defence solicitor for Hutch, Andrew Molony, said that his client has excellent family support. He said Hutch is a young man who has suffered every challenge in life including the heinous murder of his brother in 2018. Mr Molony said that his client had been diagnosed with severe trauma and anxiety. He said he has made huge efforts to deal with this, despite having a few blips, and that he has undertaken a treatment program to deal with his issues. Ireland Man who cut hole in attic and recorded step daughter in shower is jailed Read more Mr Molony said that continued treatment is the only way for Hutch to make progress and asked the judge to consider applying a probation bond in this case, so that his client can engage with counselling for trauma and addiction. Judge Deirdre Browne decided to discharge Hutch under Section 1(1)(ii) of the Probation of Offenders Act, 1907 under the conditions that he must keep the peace and be of good behaviour for the period of three years. She ordered that he must enter the supervision of the probation services for 12 months after his release from custody and abide by any instructions given by them. Judge Browne said that if there is any breach, Hutch must turn up for conviction and sentence. Gavin Booth, a lawyer suing Denis OBrien over an allegedly defamatory press release, has rejected a suggestion that a report on media ownership he is credited with co-authoring was skewed against the businessman. Mr Booth, a solicitor with Belfast human rights firm Phoenix Law, told a High Court jury on Friday that he believed the October 2016 report was independent, balanced and fair, and not designed as was suggested to further Sinn Feins political agenda. Mr Booth was giving evidence on the third day of a trial hearing into his and fellow solicitor Darragh Mackins defamation action against Mr OBrien and his spokesman James Morrissey. The solicitors are suing over a statement Mr OBrien made in response to the report on media ownership, which was commissioned by then-Sinn Fein MEP Lynn Boylan. Both Mr Booth and Mr Mackin were credited as co-authors of the report. Advertisement At the time of the report, Mr O'Brien held substantial stakes in radio and print media companies. The solicitors claim Mr OBriens statement implied they acted for and received payment from the IRA. They say they were defamed by a sentence in Mr OBriens statement that said: Sinn Fein/IRA certainly got the report they paid for. Mr OBrien and Mr Morrissey deny the material defamed the solicitors or means what the solicitors allege. Cross-examining Mr Booth on Friday, Darren Lehane SC put it to the witness that the media ownership report was skewed against MrOBrien, and that this was illustrated in the reports treatment of a 2015 study compiled by academic Dr Roderic Flynn, which provided much of the source material for the report. Mr Lehane put to Mr Booth that the study published by Dr Flynn caveated reference to Mr OBriens dominant position in the Irish media sector, by noting the countering of this position by RTEs dominance in television and radio. Mr Lehane, appearing with barrister Joe Holt and instructed by Meagher Solicitors, put to the witness this caveat was not included in the media ownership reports discussion of Mr OBriens dominant position, and that report was not reflective of Dr Flynns study. Mr Booth said he didnt accept that the report was skewed against Mr OBrien. He said RTEs dominant position was mentioned in the report. Mr Booth further denied that the report was designed to advance the political agenda of Sinn Fein. He said that media pluralism and ownership was a cross-party issue in Ireland at the time. Advertisement Earlier in his direct evidence, Mr Booth told the jury that hed been a member of Sinn Fein for two to three years while he was at university. Put to him by Mr Lehane that the report was heavily critical of Mr OBriens ownership of media in Ireland, and that Mr OBrien was entitled to respond to this criticism, Mr Booth said he was entitled to respond, but not entitled to allege he was paid by the IRA for the report. Mr Booth also rejected as insulting the defendants position that he was not an author of the report. I was clearly part of the team, he said. Ireland Nursing home resident 'practically bled dry' by carer who stole over 82k from his bank accounts Read more Led in his evidence-in-chief by Mark Harty SC, appearing with Tom Hogan SC and Conan Fegan BL, instructed by Johnsons Solicitors, Mr Booth on several occasions described Mr OBriens statement as disgusting. Mr Booth said that hed never been in trouble at the time, hed made it to his late 20s without getting so much as a speeding ticket, he said but suddenly he was being labelled as an IRA sympathiser. He said he was not someone who took money from terrorists, and that the purported allegation was totally embarrassing as someone who was trying to build a career working with victims of the conflict in Northern Ireland. Earlier, during his cross-examination, Mr Mackin said he was aware prior to the commission of the media ownership report of efforts to agitate for legislation that would place restrictions on media ownership in Ireland, and calls for the legislation to apply retroactively. The British broadcaster BBC is awaiting a response from Donald Trump, after the corporation apologised for the editing of a speech by the US president, which appeared on Panorama in 2024. The corporation said the splicing of the speech was an error of judgment but rejected his demands for compensation, after Mr Trumps lawyers threatened to sue the BBC for $1 billion in damages unless a retraction and apology was published. Earlier in the week, Mr Trump said in an interview with Fox News that the BBC had defrauded the public over the edit, which made it appear as if he was explicitly urging people to attack the US Capitol on January 6 2021. Chairman Samir Shah has sent a personal letter to the White House to apologise for the editing, and lawyers for the corporation have written to the presidents legal team, a BBC spokesperson said. Advertisement The spokesperson added: While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim. US President Donald Trump (Leon Neal/PA) The broadcaster said it will not air the Panorama episode Trump: A Second Chance? again, and published a retraction on the shows webpage on Thursday. It said: This programme was reviewed after criticism of how President Donald Trumps 6th January 2021 speech was edited. During that sequence, we showed excerpts taken from different parts of the speech. However, we accept that our edit unintentionally created the impression that we were showing a single continuous section of the speech, rather than excerpts from different points in the speech, and that this gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologise to President Trump for that error of judgment. The spokesperson added: The BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary Trump: A Second Chance? on any BBC platforms. The apology follows reports that the BBC faced accusations of misleading viewers about Mr Trumps US Capitol speech more than two years before the controversial Panorama edit aired. In an episode broadcast in June 2022, Newsnight reportedly played an edit of his speech, which was similar to the one used in the Panorama programme. A BBC spokesperson said about the fresh claims, reported by The Telegraphs Daily T podcast: The BBC holds itself to the highest editorial standards. This matter has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it. Outgoing BBC director-general Tim Davie (Lucy North/PA) The Panorama scandal has seen two of the BBCs most senior executives, director-general Tim Davie and news chief Deborah Turness, quit in response. The programme, which was broadcast a week before the results of the US election in 2024, splices two clips together so that Mr Trump is seen telling the crowd: Were going to walk down to the Capitol and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell. Advertisement On Monday, Mr Shah issued an apology from the corporation over the error of judgment in the editing of the speech for the Panorama episode. Responding to a letter from the Culture, Media and Sport Committee, Mr Shah said that there had been more than 500 complaints since the publication of the Michael Prescott memo, which raised concerns about the Panorama episode. A report from Mr Prescott, a former external adviser to the BBCs editorial standards committee, raised concerns that a speech made by Mr Trump before the attack on the US Capitol had been selectively edited by the BBC. Mr Shah added: We accept that the way the speech was edited did give the impression of a direct call for violent action. On Thursday, Liberal Democrat leader Sir Ed Davey said his party has written to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, calling on him to demand that Mr Trump drop his ludicrous one billion dollar lawsuit against the BBC. In another post on X he said Mr Trump wants to destroy the BBC and urged people to join his campaign, which is calling on the corporation to fairly balance its political news coverage all year round, not just at election time. He also said that Reform UK leader Nigel Farage, who accused the BBC of being infected with left-wing bias, is egging him on. There have been reports that Reform UK has pulled out of a BBC documentary about the political party because of the controversy over the edited speech of Mr Trump. A double-decker bus crashed into a bus stop in Stockholm on Friday, killing three people and injuring three others, police said. Authorities were alerted to the crash at 3.23pm on Friday afternoon. The vehicle rammed into the bus shelter on Valhallavagen, a street in the Swedish capitals Ostermalm district. The area is in the northern part of the city, near the Royal Institute of Technology. Police were treating the crash as involuntary manslaughter but were still investigating. It was not immediately clear what the cause was. Swedish news agency TT said police confirmed that the driver had been detained and would be questioned to determine what happened. The front of the bus appeared to be have been seriously damaged. Emergency services said the vehicle a regular city bus was not in service and no passengers were on board at the time, TT reported. Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson wrote on X he had received the tragic news that several people have been killed and injured at a bus stop People who were perhaps on their way home to family, friends or a quiet evening at home. He said that we do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their families. The UK prime ministers chief of staff is not going anywhere and had no involvement in briefings against Cabinet ministers, it has been reported. Sir Keir Starmer has faced calls to sack his top adviser, Morgan McSweeney, over anonymous briefings from Downing Street sources claiming UK health secretary Wes Streeting was plotting a bid for the Labour leadership. But sources who have spoken to Mr McSweeney told the BBC on Thursday he would remain in his post. They said: Hes done absolutely nothing wrong. Hes not going anywhere. They added: I can categorically say he was not involved indirectly or directly. Mr McSweeney is from Macroom, Co Cork. Earlier, Mr Starmer had thrown his weight behind his long-standing ally, saying he of course retained full confidence in Mr McSweeney. Advertisement During a visit to North Wales, the UK prime minister told reporters: I have been assured it didnt come from Downing Street but I have been equally clear that whether it is this case or any other, I intend to deal with it. Asked if he would sack those responsible, Mr Starmer replied: I will absolutely deal with anybody responsible for briefing against ministers, Cabinet ministers or any other ministers. I have always said that is the standard that I expect, and that is the standard that I will enforce. Mr Streeting, meanwhile, refused to revisit yesterdays news after a tumultuous day in which he criticised the toxic culture in Downing Street. The health secretarys criticism of the culture within No 10 focused fresh attention on the prime ministers chief of staff Morgan McSweeney (Jonathan Brady/PA) Saying he did not care if the prime minister was investigating the source of the briefing against him, the health secretary told the PA news agency: I dont think voters give two monkeys about what on earth is going on in the sort of Westminster village soap opera. What they do care about is, if theyre on an NHS waiting list, are we getting them down? Mr McSweeney has been blamed by some within Labour for the fallout from the attacks on Mr Streeting, which were an apparent ploy to warn off potential leadership contenders. On Wednesday, Mr Streeting denied the claims he could launch a leadership challenge, called for anyone behind the juvenile briefing to be sacked, and said they pointed to a toxic culture in Mr Starmer's administration. The Labour leader moved to smooth relations with Mr Streeting by apologising to him in a brief chat the same evening, their first since the hostilities erupted. Advertisement Cabinet colleague Ed Miliband, another target of this weeks briefing war, noted that briefing is a longstanding aspect of politics and said there was lots and lots of briefing under Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown. Prime minister Sir Keir Starmer and British chancellor Rachel Reeves during a visit to an engineering workshop at Coleg Menai in Anglesey on Thursday (Temilade Adelaja/PA) He ruled out any suggestion he was among those jostling to replace Mr Starmer as Labour leader, telling BBC Breakfast: I had the best inoculation technique against wanting to be leader of the Labour Party, because I was leader of the Labour Party between 2010 and 2015. In another headache for the prime minister, the Conservatives have called for an investigation into whether his communications chief, Tim Allan, should be allowed to hold shares in a lobbying firm and discuss politics with one of its consultants. A No 10 spokesman said a rigorous process had been followed over Mr Allans appointment in September. It is understood that Mr Allan has waived his rights to dividends and decision-making from his shares in the company, and will not be involved in the businesss operations while in government. The unrest at the top of the party comes as Labours poll ratings have plummeted since Mr Starmer delivered a landslide general election victory in July 2024. It precedes chancellor Rachel Reevess November 26th budget, in which the party could rip up its manifesto promise not to increase income tax, and what MPs fear could be a bloodbath in elections next May in English councils and the Scottish and Welsh Parliaments. Advertisement Sponsored BusinessCompaniesBulls N' Bears ASX Runners of the Week: Zoono, ReNerve, Stealth Group & Havilah Brought to you by BULLS N BEARS Andrew Todd November 14, 2025 3:11pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Welp, we tried to hold on, but of course when the US markets sneeze, Australia catches the cold. Markets have fallen flat on their faces to end the week, down more than 1.5 per cent across the board. Despite the US government shutdown that dragged on for nearly a month and a half being over, the markets are cowering at the thought of a backlog of missing jobs and inflation data, that will reveal whether the US economy merely cooled or slowed far more than expected. Globally, energy markets were also down as crude fell nearly 5 per cent after OPEC admitted supply has outpaced demand much sooner than anyone expected. This weeks Bulls N Bears ASX Runner of the Week is Zoono Group. Back home Aussie defence darling Droneshield tanked this week down nearly 70 per cent in a little over a month after the company revealed its founder and CEO Oleg Vornik offloaded ALL of his nearly 15 million shares on market for $49.5 million. Advertisement Theres always immense peer pressure on directors not to offload stock whatever paper profit theyre sitting on. Clearly Vornik isnt one to succumb to such pressures; he simply ripped the band-aid off and said, show me the money. The move is reminiscent of Boss Energy managements masterclass offload in May of last year, before that stock dropped a similar amount shortly afterwards. It may seem an obvious rule but, if management start dumping shares by the truckload, its time to get the hell out of dodge. Aussie jobs numbers came in far stronger than expected. A positive right? The new jobs instead signal higher inflation for the coming period and a lower chance of a rate cut for Aussie market pundits. Away from the ASX, Aussie companies are also making waves. E-commerce platform Rokt nears a Wall Street IPO debut for a massive $US7.9bn ($12.1bn) valuation. Founded 2012 by Bruce Buchanan, Rokts upselling software serves all the big names including, Uber, Nordstrom, Expedia and Amex. Advertisement Revenue for the Aussie unicorn hit US$743 million last financial year, up 48 per cent, with EBITDA cracking a cool US$100 million, making it the third-largest Australian unicorn after only Canva and Airwallex. And finally, the small caps fan favourites gold and silver were back on their merry march. After a 3-week hiatus the precious metals were up more than 5 per cent a pop this week, with gold once again sitting above $6400 an ounce and silver touching US$54 a tonne, only marginally shy of its record high. Outside our Bulls N Bears Runners list this week the market darlings were limited on a rough week. In a rarity for Runners only one resources company has featured, instead our list was dominated by biotechs, wholesalers and packaging partnerships on a red week. Africas largest packaging provider Mpact has signed an exclusivity deal with Zoono group for its shelf-life extension product. ZOONO GROUP LTD (ASX: ZNO) Up 178% (6.3c 17.5c) Advertisement Bulls N Bears Runner of the week is New Zealand-based antimicrobial provider Zoono group. There was no news to start the week, however last week the environmentally friendly antibacterial provider announced an exclusive contract with Mpact Operations and its partner in the food supply chain sector, OSY Group to use its patented Zoono shelf-life extension packaging across their ranges. The stock kept the party going to start the week on last weeks bombshell, which included an exclusive five-year pact with the South African packaging titan, the continents biggest paper and plastics recycler, clocking in a cool R13.3 billion (NZ$1.339 billion) in revenue for last financial year. Mpact will embed Zoonos patented shelf-life extension goo across its corrugated board lines, with a minimum NZ$5.1 million (A$4.4 million) purchase commitment just to keep the exclusivity, with the first order landing in December. Globally, food waste bleeds US$2.6 trillion annually - thats trillion with a t, with 25 per cent coming from fruit and veg rots prior to even hitting the plate. Zoono-OSYs combo slaps antimicrobial magic onto packaging without migration into the produce, ticking every international food-contact reg box. Advertisement Its already proven in the UK and EU and now it looks to be storming the gates of Africa on a new substrate. The stock ignited late last week, climbing from 4.6c to 6.3c, then went full parabolic Monday-Wednesday, peaking 17.5c before before a please explain by the good men and women down at the ASX was issued to understand why things were continuing to heat up. Zoono answered the queries with yet another exclusive packaging agreement by Friday, this time with Aussie fresh-produce group Multisteps. The company has confirmed the details of this latest deal werent locked in prior to Wednesdays enforced trading halt, it just has that many new deals to deal with. Zoonos pivot from spray-and-wipe sanitiser hype during Covid, to a recurring-revenue packaging juggernaut looks to have been a masterstroke. Multiple years of R&D, supermarket trials and exporter validation are finally monetising. If Mpacts volumes scaleand early orders suggest they willthis could be the runway to escape velocity. Advertisement ReNerves flagship NerveAlign nerve cuff has landed a monster contract with the US Department of Defence and Veteran Affairs. RENERVE LTD (ASX: RNV) Up 120% (10c 22c) Sliding into silver with clinical precision is nerve-repair disruptor ReNerve, a home-grown med-tech that just cracked one of the worlds biggest healthcare wallets: the US Department of Defense and Veterans Affairs networks. The company unveiled Thursday that its flagship NervAlign bioabsorbable nerve cuff product had been green-lit across the DoDs 51 hospitals and 424 clinics, plus Veteran Affairs 170 medical centres. The ink was barely dry before initial and repeat purchase orders landed, earmarking its nerve regenerative NervAlign for immediate rollout in select facilities with broader deployment queued for coming months. Advertisement The share price soared on Thursdays announcement, hitting an intraday high of 22c, up 120 per cent from last weeks 10c close on an eye-catching $3 million turnover. For a company chasing recurring revenue in a multi-billion-dollar nerve-repair market, US government contracts are the golden ticket. ReNerve says its NervAlign product wraps severed or traumatised peripheral nerves post-surgery, shielding them during the fragile healing window. The company says it is bioabsorbable and dissolves harmlessly, dodging secondary removal ops. An expanded randomised clinical study will now enrol 240 patients across two cohorts after interim data showed pain reduction and functional recovery leaps versus standard care. The DoD/VA nod caps a global sprint to addressable markets for ReNerve, which is building a nerve-to-skin ecosystem already having footholds in India, Taiwan, Hong Kong, Middle East and Mexico. Advertisement With US military surgeons now prescribing and VA reimbursements in play, the revenue flywheel is spinning. Stealth Group Holdings has acquired Hardware & Building Traders for $22m. STEALTH GROUP HOLDINGS (ASX: SGI) Up 114% (69.5c 149c) Throttling into third is diversified wholesale hardware dynamo Stealth Group Holdings, after it locked in a transformation $22 million acquisition of Hardware & Building Traders - Australias largest privately owned national buying group for the hardware and industrial sector. Stealth says the bolt-on catapults the company into a $93 billion addressable market as the lean, mean alternative to majors like Bunnings and Total Tools. Advertisement Hardware & Building drags 1165 independent stores, 490 supplier partnerships and $700 million annual purchases into Stealths fold. Combined, the new beast represents $800 million in wholesale buying power, $1.3 billion retail sales, with 1300 suppliers and 1200 stores nationwide. Stealth says its advantage comes from excluding the capital-sucking owned-infrastructure of the big-box Bunnings competitors, with the deal presenting a once-in-a-generation platform to profit from independent operators. The market hammered the buy button on Mondays partnership, as shares flew up across the week to a high of $1.49 from a close of 69.5c last week, up 114 per cent on some $5.5 million in stock traded. The immediately accretive, cash-generative and scalable partnership looks like music to the markets ears. With its national footprint swollen, distribution optimised and cash flows promising, Stealth could be the dark horse that re-rates the hardware supply chain industry. Advertisement Havilah Resources flagship Kalkaroo copper-gold project in New South Wales has signed a massive $240m deal with Sandfire Resources to get into production. HAVILAH RESOURCES LTD (ASX: HAV) Up 64% (27.5c 45c) Earning a well-deserved honourable mention is South Australian copper sleeper Havilah Resources, which has inked a $240 million pathway to production in partnership with mid-tier copper powerhouse Sandfire Resources. The binding deal lets Sandfire earn 80 per cent of its monster Kalkaroo copper-gold project via $105 million upfront - 70 per cent scrip, 30 per cent cash contribution followed by another $105 million post PFS backed by some 20,000m of fresh drilling, plus $30 million in regional exploration. Kalkaroo has been around for a while and boasts a meaty 100 million tonne ore reserve at 0.47 per cent copper and 0.44 grams per tonne (g/t) gold, inside a 224 million tonne sulphide resource at 0.49 per cent copper and 0.36g/t gold. Advertisement Its one of Australias largest undeveloped open-pit copper deposits, which was punted by BHP post-OZ Minerals takeover classic BHP foresight. Two years on and the project now has a suitor, with suitably deep pockets and deeper expertise. Havilah stock catapulted up on Thursdays news, to close at a high on Friday of 45c, up 64 per cent from last weeks 27.5c close on some $5 million in paper traded to close the week. The company says it will retain a 20 per cent free-carried interest to final investment decision, with Sandfire holding right of first refusal. The PFS is due inside 24 months and is set to de-risk extensions along strike and at depth, potentially bloating the reserve before a dollar of Havilah cash is spent. Advertisement A 2019 PFS pegged 13 years of production at 30,000 tonnes per annum of copper and 72,000 ounces per annum of gold, with a capex $332 million. With copper now flirting around the US$11,000 a tonne mark and gold up three times its value since then, Sandfire will look to make Havilah its new Australian darling. For Havilah this is vindication after decades of discovery grind. Kalkaroo, Mutooroo, is now funded by a partner that knows how to turn rock into revenue in a copper-gold environment showing no signs of slowing down. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Bulls N' Bears Sharemarket Shares Advertisement BusinessCompaniesHealthcare Opinion More casualties expected as ailing Healthscope prepares for sale Colin Kruger Senior business reporter November 15, 2025 4:00am November 15, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share If there is one thing Healthscopes lenders and landlords can agree on, it is that the operator of 37 private hospitals a vital part of Australias health infrastructure remains on the sick list with many of its hospitals unable to pay their bills in full. Financial numbers which have surfaced in the media show that 23 of these hospitals with private landlords are losing a collective $100 million a year. Healthscope boss Tino La Spina is leading a bid to buy the hospital group and turn it into a not-for-profit operator. Stephen Kiprillis It is no coincidence that the hospitals under the microscope are the ones where the land was sold off and where the hospitals are paying rental rates which do not match the post-pandemic reality of the sector. That is a big problem as the receivers appointed to sell the business on behalf of lenders owed $1.7 billion prepare to receive final offers for Healthscope this month. Advertisement The scenario is not dissimilar to when Canadian financial giant Brookfield surrendered control to lenders in March. State and federal governments will once again be preparing to pick up the pieces if the sales process fails to find buyers for all the hospitals, leaving Healthscope centres around the country facing closure. Healthscope boss Tino La Spina who is among the bidders with a plan to make the hospital operator a not-for-profit offered a brutal summation to his employees in September when he said the receivers had no other bidders for the entire business. Some hospitals have received significant interest while others have received no meaningful interest. This means that Healthscope would be broken up, with hospitals sold to a mix of for-profit and not-for-profit buyers. Some hospitals could be stranded without a buyer, he said. The lenders are not expected to get all of their money back, and extinguishing their interest bill will help alleviate one of the most significant burdens. But the size of their losses depends on the final sale price for Healthscopes assets, and that partly depends on how much pain landlords are willing to absorb to help make the hospitals viable. Healthscope wrote to landlords last month, on behalf of the receivers, suggesting significant and permanent rent reductions. Hardball tactics could include withholding future rent if a suitable deal is not agreed to. Advertisement Healthscopes troubled Northern Beaches Hospital was the first to go but private buyers are expected to cherry-pick other hospitals. Renee Nowytarger Most of Healthscopes original lenders have already absorbed significant losses after selling their share of the loans to so-called vulture funds earlier this year at as little as 42c for every dollar of debt owed by Healthscope. Unlike the original lenders which include some of Australias Big Four banks these opportunistic investors can actually make a lot of money if the receivers pay out as little as 50c for every dollar owed. In contrast, the original lenders like Commonwealth Bank face a loss if they are paid less than 100c in the dollar for their loans. The sale of Sydneys Northern Beaches Hospital to the NSW government, yielding $190 million, is a sign of just how quickly lenders can recover their money with one or two big deals where Healthscope still owns the land and hospitals. It has been suggested that Healthscopes Gold Coast hospital is one of three operations that could find buyers this month at a similar price tag. So it is easy to see why Healthscopes biggest landlords, ASX-listed Healthco and Canadas Northwest, are fighting back against this suggestion that they need to tear up their rental contracts to fatten the returns for these new lenders. Advertisement The Healthscope properties form a large part of Healthco and Northwests asset base and any rental backdown would deliver a severe blow to their respective investors. Healthco backed by rich lister David Di Pilla acquired 11 of the Healthscope hospital properties in 2022 for $1.2 billion. Di Pilla did not get his reputation for being one of Australias most astute corporate deal-makers for nothing. So, it is no surprise that a recent announcement from Healthco explicitly demonstrated how strong its position as landlord is. Related Article Healthcare As suitors circle Healthscope, its management mulls a different path As previously disclosed, the Landlords have entered into conditional agreements with alternative tenants for all the 11 hospitals owned by the Landlords (Conditional Agreements). The Conditional Agreements include detailed commercial terms which are acceptable to the Landlords, the ASX update this month, said. The clear message to lenders was that Healthco has been able to come to terms with other hospital operators with a deal that makes the hospitals viable. The statement does not explicitly say this involves a rent cut. Advertisement It explains why the receivers paid up all the back rent owed to Healthco and Northwest until the end of this month to keep them onside as the sales process enters the final stage, and hopefully finalise a fresh rent deal. But landlords have pointed to the recent financial numbers made public by the Australian Financial Review also suggest that head office costs at Healthscope, and the multimillion-dollar monthly bill for advisers, would also go a long way to making the group viable again. For their part, the receivers and lenders would be hoping that, it is one thing to threaten to evict Healthscope as a tenant, it is a much tougher ask to actually hand it over to another private hospital operator and keep it running as a significant part of Australias health infrastructure. Everyone is just watching now to see who caves, and whether it is enough to save all the hospitals. Otherwise, taxpayers will be the ones picking up the pieces of a private hospital business that went horribly wrong. The Business Briefing newsletter delivers major stories, exclusive coverage and expert opinion. Sign up to get it every weekday morning. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share Teenage fans consume their idols music, and then the man himself. A food critic prepares a rump roast, tender as her newly vanished lover. A pair of young runaways are insatiable for each other and everyone else. A daughter meets her mothers new boyfriend and dreams of gnawing out his interloping eyes. A new kind of meat appears in supermarkets, just dont ask too many questions. Contemporary fiction has acquired an appetite. Our bookshelves are full of flesh-eaters. Bone-crunchers. Gizzard-guzzlers. Retina-poppers. But theyre not gods or monsters. Not the fever dreams of empire. Not even morally Teflon Ubermenschen (greetings, Dr Lecter). Theyre ordinary, and for the most part theyre women. Friends, workmates, soulmates. All kinds of mothers. All kinds of mirrors. Theyre inside our houses: setting the dinner table, pulling out a chair. Why do we sit down so eagerly? Why are we so monstrously hungry? Taylor Russell and Timothee Chalamet in a scene from the film adaptation of Bones and All. AP It began with a few cautious bites. A literary nibble. Camille DeAngelis coming-of-age novel Bones and All was a dreamy kind of book about the volatility the vulnerability of teen lust. Girl meets boy, girl eats boy. That was a decade ago. Timothee Chalamet was cast in the film adaptation, all cheekbones and doe lashes. No meat on him. By the early 2020s the feast was in full swing. The ravenous fangirls arrived (The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, Mariana Enriquez). So did the feral food critic and the shelves of special meat (A Certain Hunger, Chelsea G. Summers; Tender Is the Flesh, Agustina Bazterrica). Shalom Auslander and Sayaka Murata both plated up family dinners with the family included (Mother for Dinner and Earthlings). Ottessa Moshfegh crunched on a pinky toe (Lapvona). Amy Adams hits the road with some canine friends in Nightbitch. Now its an all-you-can-eat buffet. In the last year alone weve had The Eyes Are the Best Part by Monika Kim; Shes Always Hungry by Eliza Clark; The Lamb by Lucy Rose; What Hunger by Catherine Dang; The Library at Hellebore, by Cassandra Khaw; Futility by Nuzo Onoh; Girl Dinner by Olivie Blake (there are more this is just a tasting menu). And still they keep coming: serve after gluttonous serve of gristle and ruin. Our hunger seems bottomless, as all real hungers are. Advertisement Enter writer and reader Bram Presser, the voracious brain behind A Book for Ants, where he reviews a novella or two each week. In an ordinary year he tears through 200 books, give or take a stack, and hes been tracing the rise of gastro-horror. Over the last decade I reckon Ive read a couple of dozen, easily. Probably double that. And the growth is exponential. Just accelerating and accelerating. Some of it is pure market opportunism classic bandwagon-jumping. Thats what the publishing industry does: find what we like, then feed us until were overfull. But theres something more deliberate at play, Presser thinks: Weve seen a huge increase in literary cosiness: cosy crime, cosy fantasy. Even in the high literary space, all these gentle, quiet books. I think cannibal fiction is an antidote to all that tenderness. A dark mirror. Countervailing impulses: sweet and (un)savoury. Its the ultimate taboo, Presser reflects. The question we will always ask ourselves and never be able to satiate. Or maybe thats just me. I havent had lunch yet. Nobel laureate Han Kang, author of The Vegetarian. Getty Images It was Presser who handed me Hunger, a South Korean cult classic by Choi Jin-young, newly translated into English (first published in 2015). It tells the story of a grieving woman who cooks a final dinner for and with her murdered boyfriend. A meal to last a lost lifetime. From there I found my way to Dolki Mins gloriously bonkers Walking Practice (translated by Victoria Caudle), which follows a body-snatching alien stranded in Seoul who survives by feeding on the people it longs to become. An existential crisis with teeth. And then there are the hundreds of cannibal-adjacent novels (Han Kangs The Vegetarian, or Nightbitch by Rachel Yoder). Grotesque, taboo-busting and full of want new entries in a long, raw-toothed tradition of body horror. Across these pages, human bodies morph and metastasise; possess and are possessed. They grow fur and fangs and develop a taste for raw. They rot. They leak. They bloat and wither; revel and rage. Erupt. Howl. Mouths appear where no mouths belong. Here is flesh as cage, as protest, as battleground, as playground as holy and corruptible and exultantly queer (for a brilliant local example see First Name Second Name by Brisbane author Steve MinOn, which is narrated by a decomposing corpse). Human bodies morph and metastasise; possess and are possessed. The body may not be eaten in these books but its always in question. Always the question. Who gets a body? Who gets to keep it safe and whole? Who decides what that body is worth, whose pain counts, whose hungers are acceptable? The writers who pose these questions on the page are, more often than not, the same ones forced to answer them off it. Advertisement Kris Kneen is one of the Aussie writers pushing these questions to their limits, and beyond into a world of shape-shifters, polymorphic genitals and ghost sex (start with their Stella-shortlisted novel An Uncertain Grace). No one writes flesh like Kneen does. Or its unruly hungers. The title of their poetry collection, Eating My Grandmother, is more than a metaphor. The two of us have been talking about cannibal books for years, that delicious overlap between the erotic and the revolting (in both senses of the word). Bodies are not pristine. Theyre not pure. Theyre not perfect. They can be torn apart, they can be mutilated, they can be cloned, Kneen explains. People who have non-normative bodies, we already feel like our body is a provocation. And so it makes sense to use the body as a literary provocation. Theres something kind of wonderful in taking control. Youre horrified by us? Good. You deserve to be horrified. Writer Kris Kneen. Anthony Mullins There are a great many ways to eat and be eaten ways to be hungry and Kneen and I spend a lunch hour chewing them over. Desire so uncontainable you want to unzip your skin and pull your lover inside. Grief so consuming it can only be consumed. Fury so vast you want to tear the world apart. Revenge served gazpacho cold. A life so airtight you have to eat your way out. Inherited hunger, passed down like a family recipe. And then theres ingestion as a kind of reverence, becoming a vessel for someone elses power. More communion than consumption. These stories swing from deadpan to deadly serious; from hushed inner turmoil to guts on the walls. There are novels about first love and menopausal rage; medieval peasants and climate catastrophe; rituals and ruptures. Every genre gets a seat at the table: farce, fable, romance, satire, dark academia, YA, old-school horror. Cannibal lit may be about meat-eaters but its gloriously omnivorous. Author and critic Bram Presser. Still, its the dystopias that dominate: tales of brute survival. In these ruined worlds consumption is violent and economic (and violently economic). Bodies as resources, flesh as currency. In all kinds of ways from battery hens to the beauty industry thats the extractive system we already live inside. The metaphor of cannibalism just adds the visceral heft of disgust. Thats the true horror of these books, Kneen reflects. Its not the munching and crunching, its the reckoning underneath. The moral indigestion. Advertisement If you can only stomach one of these cultural cook-ups, make it Tender Is the Flesh. First published in Spanish in 2017 (translated by Sarah Moses), Argentinian author Agustina Bazterrica imagines a future where animal meat has become toxic and humans are bred and butchered like livestock vocal cords severed to silence the ethical noise (meat doesnt speak). Industrial farming is just the entry wound. What follows is a parable of consumption, complicity and the obliterating quiet of euphemism: words that cover up the world. Cannibalism has long exposed the structures we feed, and feed on. (Theres a reason the language of commerce and the language of appetite are so tightly aligned.) Almost three hundred years ago, amid the Irish famine, Jonathan Swifts A Modest Proposal (1729) offered his own version of special meat to satirise the rapacious logic of the British Empire. Tender is the Flesh is our Anthropocene answer to Swift. Cannibalism has long exposed the structures we feed, and feed on. When a culture is intent on devouring itself, the flesh bites back. Thats Kris Kneens theory: Were being bombarded with the most and least important things at once. Force-fed images faster than we can process them. Sexy advertising bodies are being served up next to dead child bodies. Theres no distinction, no hierarchy. Its a buffet of terror and suffering and stuff, and its too much. It creates a kind of furious hunger. So you sit at the table and you eat and you eat. The only way out is to eat it all. I have a related theory: that cannibalism is the only taboo expansive enough obscene enough to mirror our collective unravelling. I dont need to tell you all the ways the world is broken. You wake up with the dread lodged in your gut. The terror is total. And so we turn to the only metaphor rapacious enough to hold it all: an all-consuming fiction for an all-consuming dread. Bones and all. Editor's pick Literature Margaret Atwood keeps receipts and shes finally using them Somehow theres hope in all this offal and carnage, not just heretical thrill. Cannibal fiction drags us down from our righteous perch at the top of the food chain. It suggests we may not be as special or as worthy of protection as we like to believe. It takes a knife and fork to the fantasy of our own significance. Our own separateness. Advertisement Advertisement Eating outSydney Fish Market First look: Everything you need to know about the soon-to-open $836 million Sydney fish market The $836 million market is just two months from opening, with a bucket list of new experiences on sale today. Plus: the markets must-try new restaurants. Bianca Hrovat November 17, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Leading chefs from Good Food Guide hatted restaurants including aMare, Pilu at Freshwater and King Clarence will teach cooking classes at Sydneys $836 million fish market after it opens in Pyrmont in late January. Sydney Seafood School manager Sally Webb at the new Sydney Fish Market, set to open in January. Steven Siewert The guest chef program is part of a bucket list line-up of new experiences announced today for the new Sydney Seafood School, which is due for a significant upgrade when it moves to the mezzanine floor of the Sydney Fish Market, says manager Sally Webb. We want people to feel like theyve come to more than just a cooking class, like theyve come to a must-do Sydney experience, in an iconic Sydney building, she says. 1 / 5 Render of the restaurant at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 2 / 5 Render of the bar at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 3 / 5 Render of the hands-on kitchen at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 4 / 5 Render of the ampitheatre at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 5 / 5 Render of the restaurant at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Advertisement The 36-year-old institution will feature a 60-person amphitheatre, hands-on induction-powered kitchen and oyster shucking bar, as well as its own 130-person wine bar (serving exclusively NSW-made wines) and restaurant with panoramic views across Blackwattle Bay. Webb says the schools program is locked in through to June with chefs including Danielle Alvarez (culinary director at Sydney Opera House), Khanh Nguyen (executive chef at two-hatted King Clarence), and Joel Bickford (culinary director at Shell House and The International). We want people to feel like theyve come to more than just a cooking class, like theyve come to a must-do Sydney experience, in an iconic Sydney building. Sydney Seafood School manager Sally Webb Weve also got Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) and Alessandro Pavoni (aMare, Ormeggio at the Spit) doing a class together, she says. Thats going to be a pretty hot ticket. New classes will be added to the schools regular programming, including Land and Sea, focused on integrating native ingredients into everyday kitchens; Seafood Discovery, a shorter educational class targeted towards visitors to Sydney; and an oyster shucking class. Advertisement Tickets for classes in the new Sydney Fish Market go on sale on Monday. Render of the new Sydney Fish Market. What can I eat at the new Sydney Fish Market? After seven years of development and significant delays, construction of the new site has reached practical completion and keys were handed over for retail and restaurant fit-outs this week. The hospitality offering will include Sushi Oe, an exclusive two-hatted Japanese fine-dining restaurant moving over from Cammeray; Lua, the newest venture from TV presenter and restaurateur Luke Nguyen; Touch Wood, a restaurant from the team behind Glebe cafe Dirty Red; and Hamsi, a 200-seater helmed by chef Somer Sivrioglu (Efendy, Maydanoz) and inspired by coastal taverns in Istanbul. Advertisement Somer Sivrioglu, chef for Hamsi, a Turkish taverna at the new Sydney Fish Market. Sivrioglu, who signed up to the development last year, believes the new market will become one of the worlds great seafood destinations. Infrastructure NSW chief executive Tom Gellibrand forecasts the seafood hub will attract 6 million visitors a year. It will be the centrepiece of Australian seafood culture, and the chance to showcase incredible local produce with a Turkish lens is something I couldnt resist, Sivrioglu says. Hamsi will focus on charcoal-cooked seafood, using Aegean cooking techniques to create dishes including a whole John Dory with spiced tarhana (a fermented blend of yoghurt, grains, and spices) crust. 1 / 2 Render of Hamsi. Supplied 2 / 2 Render of Hamsi. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Advertisement Seafood will always be at its heart, but the new market opens up a broader, more dynamic food scene a place to explore new flavours and ideas beyond the sea, says Bloom Phung, content coordinator for specialty coffee roaster Stitch Coffee, which plans to open its second cafe in the new food precinct. There will be takeaway coffee, specialty drinks such as Mont Blancs, and a selection of grab-and-go pastries from Tenacious Bakehouse in Darlinghurst. Its one of the more casual offerings, along with Roman-style pizzeria and restaurant La Dea, which opened its first location in Redfern earlier this year. Delays have been financially challenging for the fledgling business, says owner Enthony Spaziani, but he believes the payoff will be worth it. Render of La Dea. We see it as a long-term partnership that will elevate our brand and connect us with people who are looking for something memorable, artisanal and genuinely Italian, Spaziani says. Advertisement Former Good Food Guide Chef of the Year finalistJunda Khoo initially planned to open his surf-and-turf restaurant Tam Jiak by Ho Jiak in October. When the 80 to 120-seater finally launches in January, it will feature a Malaysian-inspired menu, where each dish contains an element of both earth and sea, from a tandoori tartare with beef and tuna to grilled octopus with chicken skin. I wanted to be part of a project that has the potential to change the landscape of Pyrmont [and] become the second-largest seafood market in the world after Japan, Khoo says. Chef Junda Khoo opened new Melbourne restaurant Ho Liao while waiting for the keys to his tenancy at Sydney Fish Market. Alex Coppel What can I buy at the new Sydney Fish Market? The retail space will be double that of the current fish market, with 40 retailers over 6000 square metres of accessible public domain. Visitors will be able to view all the early-morning auction action from behind glass walls. Advertisement Despite a last-minute withdrawal by long-term tenant Vics Meats in April, the majority of the traders will be moving over from the former site. Among them will be Get Fish, Musumeci Seafoods, Nicholas Seafood Traders and Claudios Seafood. There will also be Blackwattle Deli for smallgoods and pantry items, Fishermans fine wines, and a second outlet from Enmore ice cream shop Cow and the Moon, for a take-home treat. Related Article Revealed: The top Japanese fine-diner to join new $800m Sydney Fish Market Advertisement NationalQueenslandSchools Brisbane school shuts after asbestos-laced play sand found Dominique Tassell, Catherine Strohfeldt and Julius Dennis Updated November 14, 2025 7:12pm ,first published November 14, 2025 12:59pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A major Queensland childcare provider has revealed a coloured sand product containing asbestos is used at several of its centres. C&K, which operates 320 childcare and kindergartens across the state, emailed parents on Friday evening to tell them a product, Educational Colours Rainbow Sand, had been recalled and was present at some of its centres. Kadink Sand and Creatistics Coloured Sand have also been recalled. It follows a day when a school in Brisbanes west was closed after one of the products was found, and campuses across Queensland were combed for the play items that could have been on the grounds for up to five years. Mancel College, in Brisbanes west, closed on Friday after finding an item used for sensory play might be contaminated with asbestos. Mancel College The Australian consumer watchdog issued a recall notice on Wednesday evening covering the brands of childrens play sand it suspected could contain the hazardous material. Advertisement In the email, C&K chief operating officer Dr Suzy Tamone said the risk to children was low, and the company was acting out of an abundance of caution. While the release of respiratory asbestos fibres from the sand is unlikely to occur in its current state, we are taking all precautions to ensure the safety of children and employees, she said. On Friday morning, Brisbane independent special school Mancel College issued a notice to parents it had located the sand on campus, where it had been used in sensory play activities. It has been used in some of the Junior School and we have now found some in the Senior School, the notice read. While the advice is low risk and there are only minor traces, we are acting with an abundance of caution. Advertisement We are therefore advising parents that with immediate effect we are closing the entire college today. Related Article Updated Recall Schools shut as asbestos recall spreads to Kmart, Target Mancel College, in western Brisbane suburb Fig Tree Pocket, has almost 180 students enrolled and specialises in teaching children who have language disorders. The Australia Competition and Consumer Commission detected tremolite asbestos, a naturally occurring asbestos, in some samples of the coloured play sand product following lab testing. The sand packaged in 1 to 1.3-kilogram batches was sold between 2020 and 2025. Advertisement ACCC deputy chair Catriona Lowe said Officeworks was a major supplier, alongside educational supply stores Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art. On Friday morning, 15 state schools in Canberra were closed following concerns the schools were using the contaminated products and testing began. ACT Education Minister Yvette Berry said the decision to close schools was made on Thursday night, and the territory would decide whether to reopen affected campuses on Sunday. Asbestos and Dust Diseases Research Institute chair Peter Tighe told 4BC the asbestos had likely been in the product from when it was mined. When youre mining mineral sands, which coloured sands usually are, its very easy to come across a seam of what they call naturally occurring asbestos, Tighe said. Advertisement He said companies could avoid asbestos seams by testing the ground first, and monitoring the seams to make sure they remained unbroken. Tighe said the products being sold over a five-year period meant some schools had almost certainly come into contact with contaminated batches. Fifteen public schools in Canberra were closed on Friday after traces of asbestos were detected in decorative coloured sand products. ACCC Asbestos fibres that are in the sand themselves are the 100th, size of a human hair, so it just shows how difficult they are to detect, he said. But he added that exposure would not necessarily lead to an asbestos-related disease, and anyone who thought their family had been excessively exposed should seek medical advice. Advertisement In Brisbane, no additional schools had closed or reported finding the contaminated material by midday on Friday, although governing bodies were still performing checks across the region. A spokesperson for the Queensland Department of Education said the state was working closely with all state schools that may be impacted. There are more than 300 schools in the Brisbane City Council area, including about 240 primary schools. With Elias Visontay and Emily Kaine Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement PoliticsQueenslandQueensland government Queensland (and everyone else) reject call to weaken bail laws Julius Dennis November 14, 2025 3:11pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Queenslands attorney-general has slammed a report recommending bail laws be weakened across the country. The Standing Council of Attorneys-General (SCAG) met in Brisbane on Friday where they discussed the final report of a working group tasked with developing bail and remand law reforms. The report was compiled by representatives from the federal and state and territory governments as well as the Justice Policy Partnership and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Legal Services. Attorney-General Deb Frecklington was not interested in changing bail laws. William Davis The working group was brought together to address the growing and disproportionate use of remand in Australias justice system through bail reform, noting its impact on the mass incarceration of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children and adults, the reports foreword said. Advertisement It made six recommendations, including that bail laws explicitly provide that imprisonment be a last resort for both adults and young people. Related Article Updated Victorian Parliament Children to be tried as adults in youth justice overhaul Queensland Attorney-General Deb Frecklington flagged her distaste for the reports recommendations on her way into the SCAG meeting this morning. Queensland will not be forced into backing down on our tough laws by the federal government, no way, she said. If the Albanese government thinks they can push Queensland into watering down our laws, absolutely not. Advertisement Speaking after the meeting, federal Attorney-General Michelle Rowland said the report was asked for by the states and territories, but her government would not be pushing for them to take up the recommendations. At SCAG I proposed that we release this report without endorsement and that was agreed by consensus, she said. Michelle Rowland said the report was not endorsed by the states. Julius Dennis Its up to the states and territories what they do with these recommendations. They commissioned this report in the first place in order to inform them on policies going forward. Advertisement The release of the report came in the same week Victoria announced it would be toughening its bail laws for young people accused of violent crimes. The adult time for violent crime laws, proposed by Victorias Labor government on Tuesday, have echoes of the adult crime, adult time slogan that Queenslands LNP took to last years election. The recommendations of the SCAG Bail and Remand Reform Working Group strike a very different chord, including that there be a presumption in favour of children being awarded bail. The report recommended people with cognitive, psychosocial, mental health or other disabilityrelated issues receive the same presumption. Get alerts on significant breaking news as happens. Sign up for our Breaking News Alert. Advertisement NationalQueenslandEnvironmental protection The multimillion-dollar emergency works on Bribie Island breakthrough Dominique Tassell and Catherine Strohfeldt November 14, 2025 8:58am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Urgent dredging works to repair a breakthrough on Bribie Island prised open by Cyclone Alfred have been completed following a months-long operation. The Queensland government confirmed the first stage of $20 million erosion mitigation works was a success, after locals described damage to the island caused by the February disaster as having torn it open like a zipper. Loading Bribie Island, at the north edge of Moreton Bay, was first split in 2022 amid rough surf brought on by Cyclone Seth. Water broke through in two more places this year, when Alfred hovered off the south-east for days. Advertisement A $20 million urgent works project was announced following the disaster to address erosion in the area. Those works pumped more than 250,000 cubic metres of sand in to fill the breakthroughs. Related Article Queensland government Bribie Island report blames human activity for accelerating erosion The first phase, closing the Alfred breakthrough, was finished this week. Focus will now turn to preventing a third breakthrough from worsening, and will then move on to the original Seth breakthrough. Emergency works will continue through to April of next year and well also see some revegetation of the island, LNP member for Caloundra Kendall Morton said. Advertisement It is a super exciting milestone. It is part of ongoing works that will be monitored but also know that the report and final recommendations are being considered by the government and that report will be released before the end of the year. Coast Guard commander Roger Pearce was emotional when he noted the number of houses that were now safer as a result of the operation. The breakthrough was prised open by Cyclone Alfred earlier this year. Office of Kendall Morton Its just absolutely amazing, he said. The breakthrough affected Coast Guard operations, and the recent dredging gave them more power to quickly get out to sea in an emergency, Pearce said. Advertisement He said works on the channel might be done before storm season was fully under way. Water temperatures about 24 degrees now it needs to be 27 [degrees] to support a cyclone, he said. But all these people now can rest easy. If we do get a cyclone early, theyre safe. Sandbags outside the Caloundra Power Boat Club, where Golden Beach was eroded during Cyclone Alfred. Catherine Strohfeldt The northern tip of Bribie Island has traditionally shielded Caloundra from storms and bad weather. For decades, locals warned that erosion would remove the natural protection for properties in Golden Beach and surrounding areas built close to the waterline. Advertisement Advertisement NationalVictoriaCrime Man charged over house fire that killed two children dies while on bail Emily Woods November 14, 2025 4:58pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share A man accused of manslaughter over the deaths of two young children has been found dead less than six weeks after his release on bail. Matthew McAuliffe, 24, had been due to face Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday morning. Firefighters rescued three children five-year-old Izabel, her three-year-old brother, Kalais, and their 21-month-old sister after initially believing nobody was trapped inside the burning Sydenham house in 2024. He was charged in September with two counts of negligent manslaughter and one count of negligently causing serious injury for leaving three children aged under five home alone before a house fire occurred. However, a magistrate struck out all charges against McAuliffe on Friday. Advertisement I confirm that the prosecution of Matthew McAuliffe was discontinued this morning as a result of his death, an Office of Public Prosecutions spokeswoman told AAP. Two young girls, aged one and five, died in the September 2024 blaze in Sydenham, in Melbournes north-west, and a third child suffered serious injuries. McAuliffe was not the biological father of any of the children, but had been in a relationship with their mother, Shania Lee, and was living with them at the home, the court was told previously. He successfully applied for bail on October 8. Related Article Melbourne emergency A deafening blast, then a searing fire as horror unfolds on quiet street Advertisement His barrister, Sai Ranjit, called McAuliffes mother, Melissa, to give evidence about him residing with her in regional Victoria while he was on bail. She had hoped to provide a stable home for her son, who had been through a lot. Rajnit said McAuliffe would abide by bail conditions including that he not consume drugs or alcohol, and engage in treatment programs. He argued there was no clear cause for the fire and pointed to weaknesses in the prosecution case. Prosecutors had opposed McAuliffes release as he was a risk of offending while on bail, failing to appear in court, interfering with witnesses and obstructing the course of justice. Advertisement Lee, who is on bail for the same charges, allegedly heard her children scream on security video via her phone after leaving the home with McAuliffe. She is yet to enter a plea and will next face court on January 15 for a committal mention. AAP Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share More: Crime Courts Crime Advertisement NationalVictoriaLiberal Party No net zero, no worries for Tim Wilson in Goldstein Cara Waters and Rachael Dexter November 14, 2025 6:30pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 132 View all comments Picnickers in the small grassy area at the end of Church Street in Brighton on a Friday afternoon do not seem to be consumed by the climate change drama that has engulfed the Liberal Party in Canberra this week. Their federal member, Tim Wilson, was one of the few moderates within the Liberals who begged the party not to scrap its commitment to reach net zero emissions by 2050, but that is far from the minds of Heather and Alexandra Oke, who are enjoying the Friday afternoon sunshine with baby Sonny. Heather (left) and Alexandra Oke, with baby Sonny, are concerned about crime rather than reaching net zero. Joe Armao Carefully positioning Sonnys blanket in the shade, Alexandra says there are more timely and personal issues to be concerned with. As much as I am conscious of and care very much about the environment, there are other issues at home that are more pressing, she says. I think crime is the biggest thing at the moment in this area. Advertisement Related Article Updated Climate policy Ley buys time by dumping net zero targets as Nationals declare victory She fishes a sandwich for Sonny out of his lunch box, and says the Coalition ditching its commitment to net zero where the amount of carbon put into the atmosphere is offset completely by the amount taken out by 2050 wouldnt make a difference to how she votes in the future. Oke voted for teal candidate Zoe Daniel in this years election, but says: I am really on the fence. I think thats why it was a difficult choice last time because I felt that Tim probably represented more practical issues of the time, whereas I think her concerns were a bit loftier. Okes view is typical of the Goldstein voters that The Age spoke to in Brighton, gathered in the cafes next to the park outside St Andrews church where Wilson held a press conference in May claiming victory over Daniel, who won the seat from Wilson in 2022. Advertisement After being re-elected, in part on a platform supporting net zero, Wilson earlier this week left the door opening to resigning from the front bench if the Liberals dumped net zero, echoing the actions of moderate ministerial colleagues. Tim Wilson with supporters in May, when he claimed victory in Goldstein. Paul Jeffers A spokesman for the MP declined to say whether Wilson would resign. While the teals voted with the government for billions in coal subsidies, Wilson is committed to lowering emissions and cutting power prices, and hell be out in the community this weekend talking directly with residents on delivery, the spokesman says. Daniel contests this claim, posting to Instagram on Friday: The federal parliament did not vote on subsidies for coal and gas companies during the last parliamentary term. This is false. Independents voted for gas price caps to support Australians struggling with the cost-of-living pressure. Advertisement Fay Goode, who voted for Wilson in the May election, is at Mazi Cafe with her husband. Even though she supports renewable energy and is concerned about the opening of new coal and gas mines, she says the partys switch on net zero is unlikely to change her vote. Fay Goode voted for Wilson in the election and says abandoning net zero wont change her vote. Joe Armao People my age would still vote for him, but the younger ones your age, I dont know, she says. Id like to know how the Labor Party think theyre going to get there by 2050. Goodes husband jokes that she is a rusted-on Liberal. A lot of rust, she quips. Advertisement Retiree David Jane also voted for Wilson and says he supports dumping net zero. I think net zero is probably impractical, he says. I know that people are really hurting because of the energy prices and anything that is going to give assistance to that would help for sure. If it means that theyve got to reassess, then thats OK with me. Linda Tesoriero voted for Wilson and is the only person The Age spoke to who says the Liberals dumping net zero may affect her vote in the future. Over coffee with friend Monique Loschiavo, Tesoriero says she wants to know more about the Liberals policy because the details may change how she votes in the future. Im hoping that the policy would be something like, whilst we cant achieve net zero in this timeframe, it is achievable eventually, and we just have to do it in a moderate way, in a reasonable way, she says. Advertisement If theyre saying its never going to be achievable, then thats really sad because Id like to think we can aspire to it. Linda Tesoriero voted for Wilson but wants to know more details of the Liberal position on net zero. Joe Armao Daniel, who was defeated by just 175 votes in the tightly fought contest, says Goldstein went from being one of the nations safest seats to one of its most marginal because the community wanted more integrity in politics and strong climate policy, among other things. This decision by the Liberals reflects neither, she says. Given that [Wilson] took a policy of net zero by 2050 to the election that seems to put him in a rather compromised position. Community or party? Thats the question only he can answer. Daniel says she and the Goldstein community will be watching closely to see how Wilson responds. Advertisement She points to polling from uCommunications which was commissioned by Climate 200 and conducted in June. It asked voters in Goldstein if they would be more or less likely to vote for the Liberal Party in the future if it abandoned net zero. Related Article Climate policy New Liberal energy policy breaches Paris climate agreement, backs in coal Of those polled, 41.4 per cent said they would be far less likely to vote Liberal, and 7.9 per cent less likely. The polling also found 21.2 per cent would be far more likely to vote Liberal on abandoning net zero and 10.3 per cent more likely with 19.3 per cent opting for neither. Resolve Political Monitor has not conducted polling on Goldstein specifically, but pollster Jim Reed says inner-city seats have shown over time that they lean towards taking action on emissions. Advertisement This has died down as an issue over the last three years as people have focused on making ends meet, he says. Not to say that its not an important issue for the people of Goldstein, but I doubt whether they voted out a teal for a Liberal for their environment policy. In Brighton, most people have other priorities than worrying too much about net zero. Start the day with a summary of the days most important and interesting stories, analysis and insights. Sign up for our Morning Edition newsletter. Advertisement Exclusive PoliticsFederalResolve Political Monitor Republic support surges to record level, but we still like King Charles despite Andrew furore James Massola November 14, 2025 5:00pm Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 116 View all comments Australians have delivered a brutal verdict on former British prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, with big majorities disliking Queen Elizabeth IIs second son and supporting King Charles decision to strip his brother of his titles and evict him from his royal mansion. In a further blow to the former prince, who was once second in line to be king and who is still eighth in the line of succession which means he is still eligible to be Australias head of state 60 per cent of Australians want him removed from the line of succession. Voters sentiment about King Charles has improved after he stripped his brother Andrew of his titles. AP, Getty This proposal to remove Andrew because of his long friendship with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is currently being debated in the UK and would require legal changes in the UK and in Commonwealth countries, including Australia. Support for Australia becoming a republic has also surged to 43 per cent amid renewed attention on Andrew and the royal family. This is the highest support recorded in the Resolve Political Monitor poll conducted for this masthead. Advertisement Another 29 per cent of people were undecided, while 28 per cent opposed a republic, the second-lowest figure recorded in the poll and down from a high of 37 per cent in September 2022, following Queen Elizabeth IIs death. Between September 2025, before the controversy over Andrews conduct and character reignited, and November 2025, soon after he was stripped of his titles and honours, support for a republic rose five percentage points. Conversely, King Charles positive performance rating and likeability ratings also grew dramatically in the same period between September and November this year as the controversy played out. In October, Virginia Roberts Giuffres posthumous memoir was published, alleging Andrew abused her by having sex with her three times when she was 17, and that she was trafficked by Epstein. Also last month, an email emerged showing Andrew had told Epstein in 2011 we are in this together, after he previously claimed he had cut off connection with Epstein. Advertisement The former Duke of York, who has repeatedly denied all allegations against him, is now known Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor after King Charles demoted his brother and evicted him from his residence, the Royal Lodge. Although respondents were not directly asked about the Kings handling of the Andrew controversy, in September 2025, Charles recorded a positive rating of 29 per cent, while 21 per cent of people gave him a negative rating for a net likeability rating of plus 8 percentage points. A large 41 per cent of people gave him a neutral rating, and 8 per cent of respondents were unfamiliar with the King. Two months later, King Charles recorded a positive rating of 36 per cent, 20 per cent negative, 39 per cent neutral, and 8 per cent unfamiliar an eight percentage point improvement to plus 16 per cent. Charles was rated as performing well in November by 39 per cent of respondents, up eight percentage points since September, while just 14 per cent of Australians rated him as performing badly, an improvement from 19 per cent two months earlier. Overall, Charles net performance rating improved from plus 13 per cent to plus 25 per cent in two months. Advertisement A performance rating for the disgraced former prince was not asked of respondents, but the same question about likeability was asked for Andrew and the results were dire. Related Article Opinion Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor The royals want a chance to recover over Andrew. They may not get it Peter Hunt Royal commentator Just 13 per cent of Australians rated Andrew as likeable in November 2025, 20 per cent had a neutral view of the former prince, 59 per cent of people had a negative view of him and 8 per cent of people said they were unfamiliar with him a net likeability score of minus 46 percentage points. That likeability rating means Andrew is just 8 percentage points away from Vladimir Putin, with the Russian dictator scoring minus 54 percentage points. Men and women were united in their distaste for the playboy ex-prince, while Andrew was rated most unliked for people aged over 55 (minus 55 percentage points), then minus 48 percentage points for people aged 35-54 year, while 18-34 year olds delivered a negative 25 percentage point score. Advertisement Resolve director Jim Reed said the findings suggested Australians approved of Charles handling of the scandal and that many want him to go further still. Andrew may not have been found guilty in court, but it is enough to have him banished from one, permanently, Reed said. People often reward leaders for doing the right thing, and thats the case here with Charles ratings the best we have seen since his coronation. But at the same time, they cannot forget the circumstances that called for his intervention, which is why we see support for a republic rise at the same time. Its like were rewarding a child for cleaning up a plate theyve broken, but then making sure they dont have access to the crockery cupboard any more. Advertisement The rise to 43 per cent voter support for an Australian republic, a record high in the Resolve poll, raises questions about Prime Minister Anthony Albaneses decision to ditch the position of assistant minister for the republic in a July 2024 reshuffle. After the failure of the Voice referendum, Albanese has all but ruled out further constitutional changes. The rating is 7 percentage points higher than the equal-lowest figure recorded, which was 36 per cent in January 2022 and then September 2022, the month that the Queen died. Opposition to a republic was at 25 per cent in September and 28 per cent in November 2025, down from a high of 37 per cent in September 2022. Cut through the noise of federal politics with news, views and expert analysis. Subscribers can sign up to our weekly Inside Politics newsletter. Advertisement InspirationGermany Seven highlights you need to see at Berlins notorious wall Kate Armstrong November 15, 2025 4:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Seven wonders within the Berlin Wall Between 1961 and 1989, the German Democratic Republic constructed, fortified and guarded the 155-kilometre Berlin Wall, a concrete behemoth that cut the capital in half and separated its citizens. It was a symbol of the Cold War and the division of Germany. 1 Brandenburg Gate The landmark Brandenburg Gate. Nowhere represents Germanys division and unification like this landmark, a large neoclassical monument, topped by a chariot driven by the goddess Victory. Spanning Unter den Linden boulevard, its history traverses Prussian royalty, the Nazis, the walls construction (that rendered the gate to no-mans land), and then-US president Ronald Reagans appeal to his Russian counterpart, Mikhail Gorbachev, to tear down this wall. Many images capture the moment when, on November 9, 1989, framed by this monument, Germans celebrated on the wall. Advertisement 2 Berlin Wall Memorial The commemorative Bernauer Strasse strip of the Wall. By its geographical fate, Bernauer Strasse divided East from West. These days, for 1.4 kilometres along this street, a range of instalments document locals experiences, and plaques indicate many of the tunnels and events here. A memorial displays photos of individuals who were shot, drowned or fell from buildings. From the tower of the Berlin Wall Documentation Centre, you can view a reconstruction of the border installations, complete with watch tower and the death strip thats sandwiched between two barriers; altogether this was The Wall. 3 East Side Gallery The socialist kiss. Advertisement On November 9, 1989, German Democratic Republic minister Guenter Schabowski mistakenly announced that a border crossing would open effective immediately. Thousands rushed there, overwhelming guards. The wall was dismantled the following year, except for a 1.3-kilometre section which is now the mural-rich East Side Gallery. One of the most famous features GDR leader Erich Honecker and the Soviet Unions Leonid Brezhnev, locked mouth-to-mouth. This socialist fraternal kiss was a common practice in communist countries. 4 Keiler Eck Memorial (former GDR border troop command post) The wall and one of the many watchtowers. Guenter Litfin was the first person to be fatally shot at the Berlin Wall when, on August 24, 1961, he tried to flee East Berlin by swimming across the Humboldthafen harbour. A watchtower, one of 32 command posts that oversaw border troops and organised patrols, commemorates his death. On Saturdays, you can climb the tower to get a sense of what life was like for those guarding, and those being watched. 5 The Reichstag Building Advertisement The restored Reichstag is the seat of parliament once again. Bloomberg A symbol of unity and democracy, the Reichstag Building is the seat of the German Bundestag, Germanys federal parliament that returned to Berlin in 1999 (the city was reinstated as Germanys capital in 1991). The renovations by British architect, Sir Norman Foster, include a massive glass dome that provides a 360-degree vista of the city, as well as a birds-eye view of the plenary chamber below (you can tour for free; reservations via bundestag.de). 6 Checkpoint Charlie The restored Checkpoint Charlie. Wolfgang Scholvien Photograph The border crossing between the American sector and Soviet-controlled East Berlin was the site of many important events, including the confrontation between US and Soviet tanks in 1961 that nearly led to World War III. These days, the site guard house, sandbags and signs in the US sector (all replicas) has been reduced to a popular instagrammers prop. The best part is the outdoor exhibit nearby where the historical photos and narratives provide an excellent potted history of the wall. Advertisement 7 Berlin on Bike Berlin Wall and Cold War Bike Tour Berlin by Bike and the Brandenburg Gate. Related Article Germany I tried to get into Europes most notorious nightclub (and failed) While you can do the tour on your own, a great way to visit landmarks along the wall is on a tour with Berlin on Bike. You can choose from different wall-related themes. Knowledgeable guides describe the context and background to the major points, from the walls no-mans land (the death strip) to guard towers. Along the way, note the double line of cobblestones. These follow the exact route of the former wall. The writer was a guest of Visit Berlin. See visitberlin.de/en Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Germany Berlin Europe Travel writer Kate Armstrong divides her time between the US, Mexico and Europe exploring places and subjects that spark her interest: culture, cuisine, cruises and anything offbeat. She usually travels solo. Traveller Guides Ground-to-air missile systems fire in training China Military Online) 08:51, November 14, 2025 Vehicles attached to a brigade under the Chinese PLA 82nd Group Army maneuver to the designated area during a live-fire shooting training exercise in the Gobi Desert. (eng.chinamil.com.cn/Photo by Wang Haoming) (Web editor: Zhang Kaiwei, Liang Jun) State Alabama Alaska Arizona Arkansas California Colorado Connecticut Delaware Florida Georgia Hawaii Idaho Illinois Indiana Iowa Kansas Kentucky Louisiana Maine Maryland Massachusetts Michigan Minnesota Mississippi Missouri Montana Nebraska Nevada New Hampshire New Jersey New Mexico New York North Carolina North Dakota Ohio Oklahoma Oregon Pennsylvania Rhode Island South Carolina South Dakota Tennessee Texas Utah Vermont Virginia Washington Washington D.C. West Virginia Wisconsin Wyoming Puerto Rico US Virgin Islands Armed Forces Americas Armed Forces Pacific Armed Forces Europe Northern Mariana Islands Marshall Islands American Samoa Federated States of Micronesia Guam Palau Alberta, Canada British Columbia, Canada Manitoba, Canada New Brunswick, Canada Newfoundland, Canada Nova Scotia, Canada Northwest Territories, Canada Nunavut, Canada Ontario, Canada Prince Edward Island, Canada Quebec, Canada Saskatchewan, Canada Yukon Territory, Canada Zip Code TRAFFIC lights at the busy Castledermot roundabout on the M9 are expected to be back in operation in the coming weeks, following months of disruption since they were damaged in August. Kildare South TD Mark Wall has criticised the lengthy delay, calling for faster response times in repair and reconnection works at key road junctions. The Castledermot roundabout is a very busy junction and being without working lights has put many road users at risk, with my constituents reporting several near misses, Deputy Wall said. He confirmed that Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) has informed him the junction is maintained by the Motorway Maintenance and Renewals Contractor (MMaRC), Egis Lagan. According to TII, the lights were switched off due to fire damage, and while repair work has now been completed, the reconnection by ESB Networks is still pending. While I welcome this news, I am disappointed in the long delays in carrying out the repair work and now the additional time to get the lights reconnected, said Deputy Wall. This means the lights could be out for a total of three months. We need to have better response times in getting busy traffic junction lights back up and running without delay, we cannot continue to put peoples lives at risk, he concluded. Transport Infrastructure Ireland confirmed in correspondence with Mr Wall that certification for the repair work has been issued, with reconnection anticipated soon. THE disposal of a council staff office was approved at a recent meeting of Carlow Municipal District. Councillors heard that the costs of upkeep or renovations of the property at Castle Hill in Carlow town were excessive, and that additional space would be generated with the restoration of the former Bank of Ireland premises in Court Place. The two-storey semi-detached office premises at Castle Hill will be sold on the open market to a pension fund, Independent Trustee Company Limited, under the current market price of 205,000. Director of services Paula OBrien confirmed that the proceeds from the sale will be reinvested into existing properties and workplaces. It will also be used to match the THRIVE funding for the Bank of Ireland renovation project. We'll be taking the money from everywhere and anywhere we can find, said Ms OBrien. Answering a question about the potential suitability of the property for housing, Ms OBrien confirmed that a survey of the property by the councils housing team deemed it unsuitable for this purpose. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. In In Your Dreams, hitting Netflix tomorrow, writerdirector Alex Woo invites audiences into a semi-autobiographical landscape where subconscious anxieties, childhood imagination, and visual experimentation collide. The film follows siblings Stevie and Elliot as they journey through the surreal realm of their own dreams. Its an odyssey that lets Woo and his team build a wildly elastic world without losing emotional or aesthetic cohesion. For Woo, that balance between chaos and clarity was the core visual challenge of the project. Because the story hinges on a crossover between reality and dreams, Woo knew early that the films visual language needed a clear set of internal rules. When I thought about what the design of this movie should be, I always ask, what does the movie need? What is the movie asking for? he told us in a recent interview. The real world, he decided, needed to be really grounded in its design so that we had somewhere to go when we got to the dream world. That grounding was also crucial for the emotional nuance at the films center. As Woo put it, the human characters couldnt be so pushed design-wise that it took you out of the nuanced emotions that they were feeling. The dream worlds, on the other hand, offered permission to go big. Sometimes, extremely big. Going into the dream world allowed me the license to really push the designs, Woo said. He points to examples ranging from anthropomorphic breakfast foods to ultra-cartoonish hot dog characters to full anime transformations of the films protagonists. Breakfast Town you cant do that in live action. That would just be creepy and weird, he laughed. In the film, Stevie and Elliots journey into the dream world is sparked by their parents announcement that a major job relocation will temporarily split the family. Desperate to keep everyone together, the siblings set out to find the Sandman, a mythical figure said to make any dream a reality. While the storyline draws from Woos own childhood experience with a temporary parental separation, that semi-autobiographical foundation also shaped the films dream sequences, many of which come directly from Woos recurring dreams. The films dreamscapes, while fantastical, emerge from anxieties and subconscious visions hes carried since childhood. A lot of the dreams in the film are directly from my subconscious, he shared. These include the naked dream Ive had like way too many times, he said, chuckling. Always set, inexplicably, in a department store. A classic teeth-falling-out dream, which he experienced frequently during the stress of production, and a terrifying recurring moment in which the steering wheel doesnt work and the brakes dont work the car just keeps going faster and faster. Woo laughed at the accidental metaphor: perhaps filmmaking feels a bit like that runaway bus. But Woo didnt rely solely on his personal dream dictionary. Early in production, the story team received dream journals, and everyone was asked to jot down whatever dream experiences they were willing to share. Not every dream is appropriate to share, he joked, but a lot of others worked their way in. Among his favorites: a surreal hot-dog nightmare contributed by filmmaker Michael Rianda. Were like, thats weird, but its funny and its cool. Lets do it. One of the films most dramatic stylistic departures comes in the anime-inspired sequences, which feature heightened, expressive, and visually distinct yet still maintain an overall coherence within the films design language. Woo originally hoped to outsource those moments to a Japanese 2D studio I even offered that I would animate it myself but production timelines made that impossible. Still, he was confident the pipeline at Sony Animation could emulate the textured, expressive aesthetic he wanted. Of all the studios, of all the pipelines in the world, Sony is the best at doing something like that, he said, citing Spider-Verses multistyle mastery. I was convinced [Peni Parker] was actually hand-drawn. The anime versions of Stevie and Elliot were ultimately achieved through toon-shaded 3D designed to simulate traditional 2D animation. All visual development for the film originated at Kuku, Woos studio, under production designer Steve Pilcher. Pilchers track record notably his work on Soul, another film that navigates multiple visual realities informed his approach to maintaining consistency across wildly divergent dream environments. It was important to both of us that the film felt integrated, even though we were taking these stylistic liberties, Woo explained. Pilchers meticulousness ensured that even the strangest worlds still felt like extensions of Stevie and Elliots reality. You can do that in a really smart way and still make it feel like its part of the overall aesthetic language or rules of this film. This integration is a distinguishing feature of In Your Dreams. Despite its narrative license to shapeshift, the film retains visual continuity grounded in character identity. The kids always look like themselves, even when transformed into anime-style heroes, preserving emotional stakes and narrative clarity. And while the worlds shift dramatically in color, texture, and exaggeration, they still echo motifs, shapes, and visual sensibilities introduced in the familys real world. Getting everything lined up right took a long time, nearly a decade. The films long gestation included pitch cycles in which studios gravitated toward the whimsical dream sequences but hesitated at the films emotional core. Some executives pushed Woo to make Breakfast Town the Movie, but he refused to compromise on the family narrative at the heart of the film. Only once Netflix greenlit the project in 2020 did full production begin. Now, after years of development, experimentation, and countless dream interpretations, Woo and his colleagues are eager to share the finished film with the world. He described the final approach to the films Netflix release this weekend as bittersweet: Its like raising a kid when they have to go to school, youre a little bit nervous but youre also excited for them to go out into the world. Its finally done Its almost out there. Sign up to get our news digest delivered directly to your inbox twice a week. Obscured Releasing has unveiled the official trailer for Endless Cookie, the latest animated feature from director/animator Seth Scriver and co-director Peter Scriver, half-brothers whose intertwined lives form the backbone of the films impressionistic, documentary narrative. After eight years of painstaking work, the film has enjoyed a stellar festival run, having earned major honors including Annecys Contrechamp Jury Award, the Golden Alexander at Thessaloniki, and the Rogers Audience Award at Hot Docs. Now, the long-awaited feature is finally headed to theaters, opening in New York and L.A. on Friday, December 5. Todays trailer introduces a vibrant, free-associative collage of memories as the Scriver brothers revisit stories from their upbringing in Torontos Kensington Market to Petes current life in the remote Northern Manitoba First Nation community of Shamattawa. Their recollections fold into one another, often veering off course as family members jump in to share their own anecdotes. The result is a vivid, surreal portrait of family history that doubles as a documentary on creativity, craft, and storytelling. Seth an artist, animator, and carpenter based in Toronto won the Best Canadian First Feature award at TIFF in 2013 for Asphalt Watches. Pete, a First Nations carver, poet, mechanic, and storyteller, was recently nominated for a Hero Award after rescuing a neighbor from a burning home. Advertisement Amrize has introduced a new Made in America label across its US cement range, confirming that its products are fully manufactured domestically from raw material sourcing through to final processing. The label will be applied across the companys nationwide operations, beginning with major plants in Ste. Genevieve (Missouri), Midlothian (Texas), Devils Slide (Utah), Holly Hill (South Carolina) and Portland (Colorado). The company said the initiative is designed to give customers clearer assurance of compliance with US performance standards as well as full domestic originan issue of increasing importance for public infrastructure procurement and local construction markets. To support the rollout, Amrize is increasing production at several of its key cement facilities as part of a wider US$700m capital investment programme planned for 2025. The upgrades aim to expand capacity and improve supply reliability across its network. With 13 cement plants in the country, Amrize is currently the largest cement producer in the US. The company noted that cement plays a central role in US infrastructure and construction, with the wider industry contributing significantly to national economic output and employment. Amrize said the new label is intended to strengthen supply chain transparency and reinforce the companys commitment to domestic manufacturing as demand for cement remains strong across housing, transportation and energy-related projects. The Cleveland/Bradley Chamber of Commerce is now accepting nominations for two of its most distinguished honors the M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award and the Robert W. Varnell Jr. Leadership Award. The deadline to submit nominations is Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026.These awards celebrate the leaders, innovators and community champions who make Cleveland and Bradley County a better place to live, work and grow.Officials said, "The M.C. Headrick Free Enterprise Award is the Chambers highest honor, recognizing individuals who exemplify the spirit and principles of the Free Enterprise system.Named in memory of one of Clevelands most accomplished businessmen, this award celebrates those who drive economic growth through innovation, integrity and entrepreneurship."In 2025, Isaac Libbey of Best Buy Metals received this prestigious award for his commitmentto these ideals."The Robert W. Varnell Jr. Leadership Award honors a Bradley County resident whose professional excellence, ethical conduct and faith-based leadership inspire others. This award celebrates individuals who lead with purpose - at work, in service and throughout the community."The 2025 recipient was Barry Ray of Legacy Senior Living, recognized for his outstanding leadership and dedication to others."Do you know someone who embodies these values? Nominate them today."Nomination forms are available at ClevelandChamber.com under Downloadable Forms in the upper-right menu. Completed forms may be mailed or hand-delivered to the Chamber by Wednesday, Jan. 7, 2026. Nominees should be available to attend the Chambers Annual Meeting in January 2026, where the honorees will be recognized.For more information, contact Lisa Fain at LFain@clevelandchamber.com or 423-472-6587. The Salvation Army of Chattanooga, East Lake Corps, is hosting a Fall Festival for the community this Friday from 4-6 p.m. at 2140 E. 28th St. in Chattanooga. The event is open to the public and is free to attend. There will be food, games, face painting and much more.While the event is free to attend, there are small requests for certain parts of the festival. To gain entrance into the Scary House, people must bring $1, or one canned good."The Fall Festival is being held to help build community relationships and to give people a fun safe place to enjoy themselves," organizers said."The Salvation Army strives to create safe places for people to come and get help or just enjoy the company of others in their community." The manager of the Dalton Municipal Airport was honored for his contributions to airports across the state of Georgia. Andrew Wiersma was named the 2025 recipient of the Georgia Airport Association's (GAA) James Stogner Award. The award is presented each year by the GAA's board of directors to an airport professional who demonstrates an outstanding level of support for Georgia's airports and related professions. Mr. Wiersma was honored for his work with the Georgia State Legislature to earn new funding for infrastructure improvements across Georgia. Mr. Wiersma was announced as the Stogner Award recipient at the GAA's annual conference in October, but he was unable to attend. Dalton Airport Authority Chairman Danny Morgan accepted on his behalf and presented him with the award this week at the authority's monthly meeting. "I was blown away by the nomination, to tell you the truth, because I was nominated by the airport director, Greg Kelly, at Savannah International Airport. He actually knew (James) Stogner personally, so for him to nominate me, that really, really meant a lot to me," Mr. Wiersma said. "Usually, people get nominated for that award after a full career. They may they may be retired or they may be close to retirement. So, for me to get that was was pretty special." In addition to his duties managing the Dalton Municipal Airport, Mr. Wiersma has been active with the GAA. He served as the organization's president in 2022 and 2023 and also served as the organization's legislative chairman for three years from 2022-24, working with state leaders to petition for airport funding. During that time, he was instrumental in earning the highest level of state appropriations for airport aid that the organization has ever seen from the legislature. "That's really helped airports across the state in the last several years with being able to find a lot of infrastructure renewal projects," Mr. Wiersma said. The award is named for the late James Stogner who served as the deputy general manager of the Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport in Atlanta for more than 20 years. He passed away in 2015. A Catoosa County man has been sentenced to 35 years in state prison for bringing a child to his house so that he could film the child nude. John Christian Collier, 35, was convicted after he was found guilty by a Catoosa County jury after a three-day trial before Superior Court Judge Don Thompson. He was found guilty of 16 counts of sexually related crimes against a child including: Enticing a child for an indecent purpose, child molestation, sexual exploitation of children, and grooming of a minor. The case was investigated by Detective Todd Pitts of the Catoosa County Sheriffs Office. The case was presented to the jury by Assistant District Attorney David Wolfe with the assistance of Victim Witness Advocate Ashley Nicholson, who coordinated and communicated with the witnesses, and District Attorneys Office Investigator Christy Smith who provided investigation and support to the team. During the sentencing hearing, ADA Wolfe said Collier had no remorse for his actions. Judge Thompson also sentenced Collier to 15 years of Sex Offender probation, stating that Collier was a predator and his lack of remorse was troubling. Congratulations to Shawn Johnson on his new position as executive director of Courts. We are fortunate to have Mr. Johnson. In a time when government often gets a bad name, Shawn is the eptiome of what it means to serve the public. Miller Leonard 12/11/2025 Here is the latest Hamilton County arrest report. (If your case is dismissed, just email us your name and date we ran it and we will promptly take off. Email to news@chattanoogan.com ) BEARD,CHRISTOPHER ... more Tennessee Department of Transportation bridge inspection crews will perform an inspection of the SR 60 bridge over the Hiwassee River on Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. local time,. Each direction of SR 60 will be reduced to one lane for approximately an hour, one after the other. Motorists are advised to plan ahead, expect delays, and use caution while traveling through the work zone. This work is weather-dependent and may be rescheduled in case of inclement weather or other unforeseen conditions. As always, motorists are reminded to use TDOTs motorist information tools and Know Before You Go! by checking travel conditions before departure. Drivers should never tweet, text, or talk on the phone while driving. For the latest updates, visit the TDOT SmartWay Map or dial 511 for statewide travel information. Tennessees Move Over Law requires drivers to move over for highway workers and emergency vehicles. Violation of this law can result in up to 30 days in jail and a fine of up to $500. The Chattanooga Area Chamber of Commerce proudly announces that Tessa Gwyn, Economic Development Coordinator, has successfully completed the Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCED) Program, earning the prestigious Tennessee Certified Economic Developer (TCEcD) designation. Administered by the University of Tennessee Center for Industrial Services (UT CIS), this rigorous program equips participants with a broad-based understanding of economic opportunities and trends, as well as the core tools required to compete in todays global economywhile maintaining a strong focus on economic development within Tennessee. Consisting of 92 hours of coursework, the program is designed to be completed within 2 to 2.5 years, ensuring graduates have mastered the principles and practices essential for driving economic growth in Tennessee communities. Tessa Gwyn is a California native with a degree in Marine Biology from the University of California Santa Cruz. After years spent traveling around the U.S. working for various aquariums and zoos, Tessa transitioned to work with the Chattanooga Chamber out of a continuing desire to contribute to the growth of the community. Tessa has been with the chamber for 3 years and is the Economic Development Coordinator responsible for assisting multiple departments with prospect inquiries, workforce development strategies, business retention and expansion, company recruitment, and general requests. Gwyn joins other Tennessee Certified Economic Developers Lindsay Hiatt, Director of Economic Development and Miriam Hamilton, Director of Research on the Chattanooga Chambers economic development team. We are thrilled to celebrate Tessas achievement, said Adam Myers, Vice President of Economic and Talent Development for the Chattanooga Chamber. Adding another TCEcD certified economic developer to our already experience team, strengthens our ability to foster economic opportunities and support the growth of Chattanooga and the surrounding region. Freedmen descendants Sally Blaine and Elexander Perryman, a Cherokee Nation citizen, browse a wall listing Freedmen at the We Are Cherokee: Cherokee Freedmen and the Right to Citizenship exhibit inside the U.S. Marshals Museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas, on May 10, 2024. The exhibit has returned to the Cherokee Nation until April 26, 2026, at the Cherokee Nation Anna Mitchell Cultural & Welcome Center in Vinita, Oklahoma. Ignite the Fire founder Alexander Wurm and his daughter Serena, killed in a plane crash while en route to Jamaica for humanitarian relief. | Photo credit: Facebook/ Ignite the Fire Two Christian missionaries died in a plane crash while delivering aid to hurricane-hit Jamaica and are being remembered for their lifelong dedication to helping others. The Christian ministry Ignite the Fire announced in a Facebook post Monday that its founder, Alexander Wurm, 53, and his daughter Serena, 22, were killed in a plane crash earlier that day in Coral Springs, Florida. The two were on a humanitarian mission to bring relief supplies to Jamaica following the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa two weeks ago. Authorities confirmed that Alexander and Serena were the only passengers aboard the small aircraft, which was traveling from Florida to Jamaica. Alexander, known for his warmth and unwavering kindness, devoted his life to serving others both through his actions and by sharing the gospel of Jesus across the globe, the ministrys statement reads. Throughout his life, Alex travelled extensively, reaching various countries and continents, where he tirelessly worked to bring faith, compassion, and support to those in need. His legacy of faith and compassion touched countless lives. Wurm founded Ignite the Fire with a vision for empowering youth through missions and evangelism across the Caribbean. He is survived by his wife, Candace, and their two children, Christiana (20) and James (17), in addition to his late daughter Serena. In a post shared on his personal Facebook account, Wurm had written that Ignite the Fire had already provided relief to Jamaica immediately following the storm using the organizations mission airplane. On that earlier trip, which took place early last week, the team transported generators, screws, tarps, battery packs and Starlink Communication systems along with other desperately needed supplies to assist communities devastated by the Category 5 hurricane. The Coral Springs Police Department released additional details about the crash, confirming that the incident occurred on Monday morning. The department is working with the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, and the Broward County Sheriffs Office to determine the cause. The Rev. Franklin Graham, president and CEO of Samaritans Purse, which is also providing aid to Jamaica, posted a message on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, asking for prayers for the Wurm family. He urged followers to pray that the Lord would comfort, help, and uphold them. Hurricane Melissa, which struck Jamaica on Oct. 28 as a Category 5 storm with sustained winds of 185 mph, was the strongest hurricane ever to hit the island. The storm caused catastrophic damage, with 90% of the buildings in Black River losing their roofs and much of the island left without power for days. An unidentified suspect who vandalized three New York City churches while carrying an LGBT pride flag in the early hours of Oct. 5, 2025. | Screenshot: Facebook/ NYPD Crimestoppers Authorities in New York City are searching for an unidentified individual who vandalized three churches in Queens earlier this fall while carrying an LGBT pride flag. The New York Police Departments Crime Stoppers division issued a public appeal for information on Wednesday, asking for assistance in identifying the suspect responsible for damaging three churches in the Far Rockaway neighborhood on Oct. 5. According to Crime Stoppers, the incidents occurred between approximately 1:40 a.m. and 2 a.m., when a masked individual targeted The Refuge Church of Christ, The City of Oasis Church of Deliverance, and St. Marys Star of the Sea Church. The suspect allegedly spray-painted anti-Christian statements across the facades of the three churches and defaced the faces of two religious statues on the church property at St. Marys. Surveillance footage released by authorities shows a person carrying an LGBT pride flag mounted on a pole while wearing a rainbow-colored facemask, black clothing, and sunglasses. The New York City Police Department is asking for the public's assistance in identifying the individual depicted in the attached media who is wanted in connection with multiple acts of criminal mischief as a hate crime that occurred within the confines of the 101 Precinct, Crime Stoppers stated. The NYPD Hate Crime Task Force is leading the investigation into the incident. The Catholic Diocese of Brooklyn, which oversees parishes in both Brooklyn and Queens, issued a statement condemning the act of vandalism at St. Marys. The Diocese of Brooklyn is grateful to the NYPD for their continued diligence and investigation in this matter, the statement said, as reported by ABC 7 Eyewitness News. The vandalism and desecration discovered at St. Mary Star of the Sea in Far Rockaway last month was absolutely disgraceful. We continue to pray for the responsible individual, as well as for greater religious tolerance in our city. According to a recent report by the Family Research Council, incidents like this reflect a troubling trend of hostility toward houses of worship across the United States. The report documented 415 acts of hostility against 383 churches in 43 states last year, based on open-source data, media coverage, and official records. Home News 5 Christians killed, 44 wounded after Muslim leader calls for massacre over selling pork Five Christians were killed and 44 others injured on Nov. 4 after an Islamist leader incited Muslims to attack Christians over pork sales near a mosque in Yumbe, northern Uganda, sources said. The violence erupted after reports spread that Christian merchants were openly selling pork near Munir Mosque, a move many Muslims described as provocative and disrespectful to their religion, which forbids consumption of pork. According to police sources, the unrest began following a video that circulated on social media showing Sheikh Kasim Abdalla of Munir Mosque urging Muslims from the wider West Nile sub-region, and even from Sudan and Somalia, to support what he termed Operation Albadiri, likening it to an ancient Islamic battle. In the video, on the evening of Nov. 3, he called for Islamic unity to cleanse Yumbe of unholy practices, mobilizing Muslims from mosques throughout Yumbe District to protest pork sales in Yumbe Towns central business area. The demonstration began peacefully on Nov. 4 but quickly turned violent as protesters began attacking Christian-owned shops and homes, area sources said. During the protest, Abdalla told his followers, Yumbe was dedicated to Allah from the beginning. We cannot allow pork shops to operate here. Every Muslim youth must rise and defend the honor of our faith. Let no Christian business that promotes sin remain standing in our land, according to an investigation by a northern Uganda contact, Moses Nsubuga. Nsubuga said at least five Christians were killed during the protest. Jackson Lameriga, 34, of New Revival Church Yumbe suffered intestinal and rib injuries from Somali sword stabs and succumbed while receiving hospital treatment in Yumbe; Nsubuga spoke with him in the hospital before he died. Collins Chadiru of the Church of Uganda in Nebbi District suffered face and deep head injuries after being hit with a stone, and a fractured left hand; he lost a large amount of blood before losing his life while undergoing hospital treatment, according to a relative. Others confirmed dead were Recheal Anyandiru of Koboko Baptist Church, who was buried on Nov. 7; Philemon Okou of Deliverance Church, who died on the spot after a stone struck him on the forehead, according to the church's Senior Pastor Peter Joseph Idembe; and evangelist Ben Gracious Padi of Koboko Baptist Church. Nsubuga said he witnessed Padi being stoned to death by Muslim protestors while Padi was preaching Christ on the streets of Yumbe town during the attack. The evangelist was buried last Friday at Koboko Baptist Church. Koboko is 52 kilometers (32 miles) from Yumbe. There were reports of three other Christians killed during the protests that have not been confirmed. The 2024 census report shows Yumbe District has a population of 934,340 people, with Muslims comprising 76% and Christians making up about 24%. We are in great fear because Muslims are many in the region, a Christian identified only as Bernard told Morning Star News. Security forces intervened after the situation escalated, firing tear gas to disperse the rioters, residents said, though local media reported police fired live rounds into the air. Several church buildings, including those of St. Peters Anglican Church, Lodonga Pentecostal Church and Yumbe Revival Centre, were vandalized, and multiple Christian-owned businesses were looted or burned, said the Rev. Akidribo Robert of the Anglican Church of Uganda. I am calling upon the government of Uganda to provide protection of Christian communities in Yumbe, vowing that believers would not be intimidated, Pastor Akidribo said. We shall not abandon our homes or our churches. We are praying for peace, but we also demand justice for those killed and injured of Christian brothers and sisters. Police arrested more than 30 people, including Abdalla, who was reportedly being held on charges of inciting religious violence and promoting hatred. As investigations continued, security forces maintained heavy deployment across Yumbe Town to prevent further outbreaks of violence. Community members argued that anyone has a right to start any business in the town. Social media reports indicated as many as 50 homes were damaged or destroyed in the violence. The attack was the latest of many instances of persecution of Christians in Uganda that Morning Star News has documented. Ugandas constitution and other laws provide for religious freedom, including the right to propagate ones faith and convert from one faith to another. Muslims make up no more than 12% of Ugandas population, with high concentrations in eastern areas of the country. Home News Armenia's prayer breakfast draws critics amid tensions between prime minister, church leaders More than 300 faith, business and political leaders have convened for a national prayer breakfast in the world's oldest Christian nation amid ongoing tensions between the Armenian Apostolic Church and Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is scheduled to speak at the event. With proceedings taking place on Friday and Saturday in Yerevan, the first-ever Republic of Armenia Prayer Breakfast is initiated and organized by Armenian civil society leaders, with "the support and participation" of Pashinyan, a former journalist who rose to power in 2018 after a wave of pro-democracy protests. Although the event's purpose is to renew the country's "spiritual foundations and affirm its traditional Christian values," it does not come without its critics as the country gears up for the June 2026 election. The organizers of Armenia's inaugural national prayer breakfast disputed claims promoted by media figures like Tucker Carlson about the ongoing tensions between the Armenian Apostolic Church and Pashinyan. Dede Laugesen, an event organizer who is president and CEO of the United States-based nonprofit organization Save the Persecuted Christians, told The Christian Post that the prayer breakfast is "historic" and assured that it's "a civil society-organized and founded event, not a government-led one." "We are the organizers, Save the Persecuted Christians, Save Armenia, Mercury One and the Nazarene Fund, Glenn Beck's Charities, and the Shai Fund," Laugesen said. While Pashinyan is scheduled to deliver a keynote address, Laugesen emphasized that members of the Armenian Apostolic Church are also in attendance, with one bishop appearing on stage on Friday. "There is a lot of misinformation and malinformation, in my opinion, by those who prefer Russian dominance over Armenia instead of their liberation in solidarity with America," the Save the Persecuted Christians CEO stated. Pashinyan's presence at the prayer breakfast has sparked controversy due to the ongoing dispute with church leaders, which has garnered attention from Western media figures. Last week, Carlson published an interview with Narek Karapetyan, the nephew of imprisoned Russian-Armenian billionaire Samvel Karapetyan, and Robert Amsterdam, Samvel Karapetyan's lawyer. Samvel Karapetyan was arrested in June for allegedly advocating for the removal of the government, an allegation he denied. The nephew claimed during the interview that Pashinyan is trying to make Armenia "less Christian," with Carlson asserting that the Armenian prime minister "seems to be intent on destroying traditional Christianity or the church," asking for Narek to elaborate. "Our prime minister, six months ago, started to attack the Armenian Church and the head of the Armenian Church," Karapetyan claimed. "He wants to dethrone him. He imprisoned three archbishops." Later, the former Fox News Host suggested that Pashinyan, similar to some political leaders in the United States, is "focusing on transgenderism as a good thing [and] the LGBTQ agenda, whatever that is." The Armenian Apostolic Church and the Pashinyan administration have been engaged in a tense standoff since mid-2024, following Armenia's agreement to cede several border villages to Azerbaijan as part of a plan to normalize relations. Church leaders played a prominent role in organizing mass demonstrations. Last month, Bishop Mkrtich Proshyan of the Diocese of Aragatsotn and 12 clergymen were arrested. Armenia's Investigative Committee stated that Proshyan was charged with coercing citizens to participate in public gatherings, obstructing electoral rights, and misusing his office to commit large-scale theft, as reported by the Associated Press at the time. In September, Archbishop Mikael Ajapahyan was convicted of calling for the overthrow of the government and sentenced to two years in prison. His arrest followed the June arrest of Archbishop Bagrat Galstanyan, who led an opposition movement called Sacred Struggle. Galstanyan, the bishop of a border region impacted by the cession to Azerbaijan, was arrested with 13 others and charged with orchestrating a plot to overthrow the government. The Armenian government alleges that the group planned to establish 250 "assault" militias of 25 members each to carry out attacks, according to BBC. Investigators contend that "a large quantity of items and objects intended for criminal activity" were found. Galstanyan's lawyers dismissed the charges as "political persecution." Leaders in the Armenian Apostolic Church have largely opposed Pashinyan, who has sought to reduce Russian influence and improve relations with Turkey and Western nations. Some critics believe that he is not doing enough to stand up for the displaced refugees from Nagorno-Karabakh and their right to return following the 2023 invasion by Azerbaijan. During his interview on Carlson's podcast last week, Amsterdam criticized the national prayer breakfast for taking place "while [his] client is in jail." "Archbishops have been jailed, clerics have been jailed. The leader of the country is trying to split the Church by going to services of a defrocked priest, a man who has said he is going to remove the leader of the Church," the lawyer claimed. "This man is being feted by American Christians in Yerevan, Armenia, a man who calls clerics prostitutes, a man who uses language that, at my advanced age, I've never heard a leader use against leaders of the Church. And yet, shockingly, this prayer breakfast is going to go on," he said. "And I call it a reputation-laundering breakfast. The U.S. government allows this to go on." Laugesen attributed the recent controversy over the prayer breakfast to the fact that it's an election year in Armenia. "So, of course, you have election year politics going on," she said. "[M]ultiple different opposition parties and potential candidates for prime minister." Matias Perttula, a U.S.-based international religious freedom advocate who works with Save Armenia and is also an organizer for the prayer breakfast, told CP that the situation and the way some members of the media have reported on it have been "distracting." Perttula asserted that Armenia needs to "stay united and stay together and look to the future." He urged Christians in the United States to continue praying for Armenian Christians and for a reconciliation between the government and the Armenian Apostolic Church. "Pray that they come together in unity, because now is really not the time to stand divided," Perttula said. "It's the time to stand together." Home News Babylon Bee deletes story joking about Israel assassinating Megyn Kelly for 'platforming antisemites' Conservative Christian satire website The Babylon Bee pulled a story and deleted an X post after political commentator Megyn Kelly expressed outrage Thursday over a headline that joked about her being assassinated by the Mossad for "platforming antisemites." Tagging Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon, Kelly tweeted "WTF" in response to the since-deleted X post linking to the pulled story that was headlined: "Megyn Kelly Gets Rid Of Old Pager Just To Be Safe." The story, which now links to an error page but remains archived online, satirically reported that Kelly had "quietly tossed her pager in the trash this week in what her team described as 'an abundance of caution'" after "platforming antisemites." "Ms. Kelly has no known associations with members of Hamas, but just in case, we told her to throw it away, preferably in a trash receptacle far, far away," read a fictitious quote from Kelly's spokesperson. The story concluded by joking that the trash can where Kelly disposed of her pager "had been destroyed in a mysterious explosion," a reference to the Mossad detonating thousands of Hezbollah pagers in Lebanon and Syria last year in an attack dubbed "Operation Grim Beeper." The attack, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged approving despite opposition from senior Israeli officials, killed nearly 40 people, including two children, and injured more than 3,000 others, according to The Independent. The story's mention of Kelly "platforming antisemites" was an apparent reference to her recent interview with political commentator Tucker Carlson, who has faced accusations of antisemitism that he has denied after recently interviewing Nick Fuentes, a far-right podcaster who has expressed admiration for Hitler and Stalin. During an appearance last week in White Plains, New York, on her Megyn Kelly Live tour, Kelly separately interviewed both Carlson and Daily Wire host Ben Shapiro, both of whom have increasingly criticized each other in recent weeks. Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon, a Christian who is ethnically Jewish, has also been increasingly critical of Carlson. During an interview with Israeli reporter Ariel Whitman earlier this month, he suggested Carlson is turning a blind eye to simmering antisemitism on the political right. The Babylon Bee, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment from The Christian Post, was met with backlash from others who saw the story as a veiled threat against Kelly. "Last night [The Babylon Bee] which should just re-name itself The Tel Aviv Bee threatened Megyn Kelly that she'd be murdered by Israel for refusing to de-platform all Israel critics," said journalist Glenn Greenwald, who is Jewish by descent but has been critical of the Israeli government. "As Israel loyalists often do, they used the pager image to pretend it was all just a joke." Podcaster Tim Pool speculated that The Babylon Bee deleted the story because it was unflattering to Israel. "I assume they deleted it because it's more offensive to Israel than to [Kelly]," Pool said. "The Joke implies Israel assassinates Americans for criticizing them." "Yeah. It was a situation where someone wanted to threaten Megyn Kelly, but then realized, 'Oh wait, we are implying that she would be murdered for having a podcast critical of Netanyahu,'" wrote conservative political commentator Mike Cernovich in response to Pool. Others on social media suggested the story was just a joke, and recalled that Kelly was dismissive of journalist Mehdi Hasan after he expressed outrage when political consultant Ryan Girdusky made a pager joke about him on CNN last year. Home News CAIR urges authorities to prosecute Texas man for telling Muslim teens praying in public 'you need Jesus' Man tells group 'I'm mocking your religion,' calls Muhammad a 'pedophile' The nations largest Muslim civil rights group is calling on law enforcement to prosecute a man who was seen in a viral video praying over a group of teens who were gathered in prayer outside of a Texas coffee shop. The Texas chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-Texas) called on law enforcement Wednesday to investigate the alleged assault and harassment of Muslim youth praying outside Original Mocha Coffee, a Yemeni coffee shop in Murphy, located northeast of Dallas, as a possible hate crime. Video posted online shows an unidentified man confronting a group of more than a dozen teens standing outside the store, bowing their heads and then kneeling on the ground in public prayer. In the video, the man a white male in his 40s or 50s stretches out his arm over the teens and says, Duck, duck, goose. Im mocking your religion because youre bowing toward a stupid pedophiles grave. As he continues circling the group, he adds, You need Jesus. Despite the teens ignoring him, the man begins to pray a modified version of whats commonly known as the Lords Prayer: Our Father, who art in Heaven, hallowed be thy name, thy kingdom come, thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread, and forgive us our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from Islam. For thine is the kingdom, the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen. After the video went viral, CAIR-DFW Executive Director Mustafaa Carroll called for police to investigate the incident as a possible assault and hate crime. This disturbing incident is a clear example of anti-Muslim hate and religious intimidation. No young person should be harassed, mocked or targeted with bigotry simply for practicing their faith, Carroll said in a statement Wednesday. ... These young people should also be congratulated for maintaining their composure during this shameful harassment. He said CAIR-Texas urges community members who experience or witness anti-Muslim harassment to report incidents to law enforcement and contact CAIR for legal assistance. The video was shared on social media by Islamic scholar Yasir Qadhi, who earlier this year spearheaded a failed effort to establish a Muslim-only city outside Dallas. Qadhi highlighted the incident in a Nov. 11 post, calling it deplorable to see high school students harassed while praying in public, treated like a spectacle as others laugh and record. A resident scholar at the East Plano Islamic Center (EPIC) located about 20 minutes north of Dallas, Qadhi was one of the key promoters of EPIC City and EPIC Ranches, an ambitious project launched in conjunction with the Plano mosque in April 2024. Those plans were shelved following a federal civil rights investigation into the project. The U.S. Department of Justice announced in June that the investigation was dropped after EPIC developers pledged to make the project inclusive for all residents. Its not clear when the video was captured, or whether the Islamic prayer gathering was organized by Original Mocha Coffee, which bills itself as an authentic Yemeni coffee shop and features images and video on its Instagram page with men in traditional Islamic garb drinking coffee. The Christian Post contacted both CAIR-Texas and Original Mocha Coffee for comment Wednesday. The prayer video went viral just weeks after Rep. Chip Roy, R-Texas, filed legislation that, if passed, would ban all foreign nationals who observe Islamic law, known as Sharia, from entering the U.S. or from remaining in the country. Under the Preserving a Sharia-Free America Act, any non-citizen who is an adherent of Sharia law would be considered deportable, as well as have his or her immigration status revoked. Roys proposed legislation was followed by another bill introduced last week that would eliminate tax-exempt status for CAIR and other extremist groups with close ties to terrorist organizations. Federal prosecutors in 2007 named CAIR and two other Islamic organizations as "unindicted co-conspirators and/or joint venturers" in a criminal conspiracy to support Hamas financially. In 2008, the FBI ended contacts with CAIR because of concern with its continuing terrorist ties. Earlier this year, Rep. Randy Fine, R-Fla., introduced a bill seeking to designate CAIR as a foreign terrorist organization. The organization is already deemed a terrorist group by the United Arab Emirates. Home News Israeli security forces arrest 4 ISIS supporters preparing great war of the end of days in Jerusalem Four residents of East Jerusalem were arrested for preparing terror attacks against Jews while being influenced by the Islamic State terror group (ISIS), the Israel Police and the domestic intelligence service Shin Bet announced on Friday. The four Palestinian men, all in their 20s and who live in Jerusalems Beit Safafa neighborhood, were preparing for large-scale attacks, intended to bring about the great war of the End of Days. Police said they were arrested after a weeks-long investigation, and that a handgun and additional military gear were confiscated during the arrest. According to the authorities, the suspects were influenced by ISIS propaganda material shared online, including execution and atrocity videos. The announcement of the arrest came one day after the 10th anniversary of the ISIS attacks in Paris, France, that killed 130 people. While the terror group carried out hundreds of attacks around the world over the past decade, it never managed to gain a strong following among the Arab population of Israel or Judea and Samaria. This gap has given rise to numerous conspiracy theories shared online, with some users alleging that ISIS failure to attack Israel is proof that the group is secretly backed by Israel. However, Israeli security forces have thwarted dozens of terror plots and attacks, either directly linked to ISIS or inspired by it over the years. Another ISIS-inspired plot was thwarted earlier this week, when the police announced it had arrested and indicted an 18-year-old Arab Israeli who had studied how to produce explosives and bombs, and was found to be linked to the possession of weapons. In 2023, former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot revealed that Israel not only fought the ISIS activities in Israel but also actively targeted them outside its borders. ISIS knows best how much the IDF operated in the Middle East they paid the price of hundreds of casualties and injured. In 2015, there was an event in a specific location where we were asked to carry out an attack. We conducted a very extensive attack and hit many ISIS operatives, Eisenkot said at the time. This week, Syrias President Ahmad al-Sharaa a former Al Qaeda operative who was once aligned with the future founders of ISIS before breaking with them and later fighting the group announced that Syria would join the U.S.-led campaign against ISIS. ISIS controlled swathes of Iraq and Syria, but was largely decimated by the alliance. Amid the chaos of the collapse of the Assad regime at the end of last year, the remaining ISIS cells in Syria have experienced a resurgence. On Wednesday, the U.S. militarys Central Command (CENTCOM) announced that operations by the alliance had killed five ISIS members and captured 19 over the past month. Our success in countering the ISIS threat in Syria is a notable achievement, said Admiral Brad Cooper, CENTCOM commander. We will continue to aggressively pursue ISIS remnants in Syria while working with the Global Coalition Against ISIS to ensure the gains made against the group in Iraq and Syria are lasting and ISIS is not able to regenerate or export terrorist attacks to other countries. This article was originally published by All Israel News. Home News Judge greenlights Cindy Clemishires defamation lawsuit against Gateway Church after she highlights suffering A Dallas County District Court judge has ruled that Cindy Clemishire's defamation lawsuit filed earlier this summer against Gateway Church in Southlake, Texas, and its embattled founder, Robert Morris, can proceed despite the defendants' efforts to have the case dismissed. "After reviewing the Pleas, Plaintiffs' responses, applicable law, and arguments of counsel, and reviewing evidence, the Court finds that the Pleas should be DENIED," Judge Emily Tobolowsky wrote in a two-page order Tuesday. Morris was given a 6-month prison term and a 10-year suspended sentence during a hearing in Osage County Court, Oklahoma, on Oct. 2, after he pleaded guilty to sexually abusing Clemishire, 55, for 4.5 years in the 1980s, beginning when she was 12. At the time, Morris, who founded Gateway Church in 2000, was serving as a traveling evangelist. Clemishire and her father, Jerry Lee Clemishire, are seeking more than $1 million in damages, alleging that Morris and Gateway Church leaders publicly mischaracterized the abuse she suffered as a consensual "relationship" with a "young lady" instead of the sexual assault of a child after the abuse was made public in 2024. In an affidavit dated Nov. 6, Clemishire said statements made by both Morris and former Gateway Church elders minimized her sexual assault, which has caused her ongoing attacks from Gateway Church followers and members of the public. "On June 14, 2024, Robert Morris made a public statement to The Christian Post wherein he falsely minimized his rape of me, referring to it only as 'inappropriate sexual behavior with a young lady,'" Clemishire wrote. "Shortly thereafter in June of 2024, the Elders of Gateway Church issued their own statement to Gateway staff wherein they asserted that 'Pastor Robert has been open and forthright about a moral failure he had over 35 years ago when he was in his twenties' and republished Robert Morris's statement that he made to The Christian Post," she continued. "These statements were false and misleading because they minimized Robert Morris's rape of me, a 12-year-old child, as something that was only 'inappropriate' rather than criminal and implied the sex acts were consensual by classifying me as a 'young lady.'" In addition to Morris, his wife Deborah, Gateway's board of elders, the Robert Morris Evangelistic Association Inc., and media executive Lawrence Swicegood, the lawsuit also names current and former elders of the church as individual defendants. They are Thomas H. Miller, Jr., John D. "Tra" Willbanks, III, Kevin Grove, Jeremy Carrasco, Kenneth W. Fambro, II, Gayland Lawshe, Dane Minor and Steve Dulin. Before the motions to dismiss by the defendants for a variety of reasons, the Clemishires had attempted to conduct discovery in the case under Level 3 of the Texas Rules of Civil Procedure. Gateway Church sought to dismiss the lawsuit by invoking the ecclesiastical abstention doctrine, which posits that secular courts lack jurisdiction in matters of religion. Gateway Church leaders also argued that internal communications and statements made by the church about the sexual abuse to members are protected under that doctrine. Tobolowsky, however, was not convinced as Clemishire passionately detailed how she was harmed. "Ever since these defamatory statements were published, I have been harassed by Gateway's followers and members of the public, resulting in significant anxiety, grief, and mental anguish," she wrote in her affidavit. "For example, I have received vulgar, threatening, and humiliating messages via text and social media accusing me of lying, that I'm at fault, that I should forgive Robert Morris, that I'm money hungry, that Robert Morris was innocent and I ruined his career, that I'm seeking attention, and calling me very hateful and disturbing names." Clemishire, who works as a licensed real estate agent with Copper Creek Real Estate in Oklahoma, stated that since June 2024, she has also faced ridicule from Gateway's followers and members of the public, which has had a negative impact on her professionally. "My profession depends heavily on trust, reputation, and online visibility. I cannot conduct business online as a normal real estate agent due to the harassment I receive from Gateway's followers and members of the public," she explained. "Defendants' defamatory statements about me have caused me great emotional distress and irreparably ruined my reputation, both personally and professionally. This emotional stress has continued ever since Defendants made those false and defamatory statements and is ongoing daily with anxiety, loss of sleep, loss of appetite, loss of confidence, and depression," she added. "The ongoing online harassment serves as a daily reminder of the assault and public defamation, prolonging and intensifying my suffering." Home News Liberal Protestant churches proclaim 'holiness' of transgenderism, rebuke Catholic bishops Several liberal Protestant and Jewish denominations declared transgenderism "holy" this week in direct rebuke of a vote by the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) to bar transgender procedures in Catholic healthcare facilities. "During a time when our country is placing their lives under increasingly serious threat, there is a disgraceful misconception that all people of faith do not affirm the full spectrum of gender a great many of us do," read the Wednesday statement, which included signatures of leaders from The Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church (USA), the United Church of Christ (UCC), the Unitarian Universalist Association, the Union for Reform Judaism, an association of Quakers and others. "Let it be known instead that our beloveds are created in the image of God Holy and whole," the statement said of transgender-identifying individuals. "Our scriptures vary, but they share a common conviction," the statement continued. "As we make justice our aim we must give voice to those who are silenced. Our shared values, held across many faiths, teach us that we are all children of God and that we must cultivate a discipline of hope, especially in difficult times." The statement went on to suggest that opposing transgenderism is sinful, reiterating the belief that transgender, nonbinary and intersex individuals are intrinsically holy, which is the only attribute of God magnified to the third degree of repetition in the Bible. "As such, we raise our voices in solidarity to unequivocally proclaim the holiness of transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people, as well as the recognition of the entire spectrum of gender identity and expression," the statement said. When people of faith and conscience stay silent in the face of oppression, we are all made less whole. When people of faith and conscience speak out against that which violates the sacred in its own name, we have the power to stay the hand of sin." "Transgender, nonbinary, and intersex people are vulnerable today. Our faiths, our theologies, and our practices of prophetic witness call on us to say with one voice to transgender people among us: 'You are holy. You are sacred. We love you. We support you, and we will protect you.'" According to a press release, the statement was primarily penned by the Rev. Sofia Betancourt, who represents the Unitarian Universalist Association, a belief system that emerged from a denial of the Trinity, original sin and damnation. Betancourt identifies "as a queer, multiracial, AfroLatine [sic] first-generation daughter of immigrants from Chile and Panama," and has taught at Yale Divinity School, according to her biography. Her courses focus on "ministerial leadership, theologies, womanism and Earth justice, and combatting [sic] oppression." The statement from the liberal religious leaders came in response to U.S. Catholic bishops effectively banning transgender procedures at Catholic hospitals by overwhelmingly approving revisions to the Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services, which govern the extensive network of Catholic healthcare facilities nationwide. The vote came after years of deliberation and builds on prior Vatican guidance, as well as a 2023 USCCB doctrinal note titled "Moral Limits to the Technological Manipulation of the Human Body." The note outlined moral limits on body-altering technologies, drawing on Pope Francis' Amoris Laetitia and the Vatican's Dignitas Infinita, which affirmed human dignity. "Catholic health care services must not perform interventions, whether surgical or chemical, that aim to transform the sexual characteristics of a human body into those of the opposite sex, or take part in the development of such procedures," the bishops said in the 2023 doctrinal note. More than one in seven patients in the U.S. is treated at a Catholic hospital, especially in rural areas, according to the Catholic Health Association. During public discussion over the directives, Bishop Robert Barron of Winona-Rochester, Minnesota, who chairs the USCCB's Committee on Laity, Family, Youth, and Young Adults, emphasized the moral gravity of the decision before the prelates. "With regard to the gender ideology, I think it's very important the church makes a strong statement here," he said, according to The Associated Press. Home News Mother jailed over a year on false blasphemy charge wins bail, police lack evidence LAHORE, Pakistan A high court in Pakistan has granted bail to a Christian woman imprisoned for more than a year over false accusations of blasphemy, her attorney said. Christian attorney Lazar Allah Rakha said that on Nov. 6, Lahore High Court Justice Asjad Javaid Ghural ordered the release of 29-year-old Stella Khawar on bail in two cases of blasphemy filed against her, as there was no evidence to support the charges. Section 497 of the Criminal Procedure Code entitles bail for a suspect on statutory grounds if there is no substantial progress in the conclusion of the trial and the accused is not responsible for inordinate delay, Rakha said. Khawar, mother of a 5-year-old son, was arrested on May 12, 2024, from Kharota Syedan, in the Kotli Loharan area of Sialkot District, Punjab Province, and was charged under Section 295-A of Pakistans widely condemned blasphemy laws related to hurting religious sentiments, as well as Section 505 of the Pakistan Penal Code. A local leader of the now proscribed extremist religio-political party, Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), had named her in the two cases through supplementary statements after blasphemous content was allegedly found written on currency notes in two separate incidents on Aug. 27, 2023, and Jan. 7, 2024, Rakha said. Section 295-A calls for 10 years of prison for those convicted of intentionally outraging religious sentiments, while Section 505 relates to intentionally causing fear in the public and harming public tranquility and is punishable by imprisonment of up to seven years. In judgments on both petitions, Ghural noted that Khawar was implicated in both cases merely on the basis of suspicion of the main prosecution witness, Hafiz Syed Furqan Ijaz, Rakha said. Moreover, despite the passage of nearly two years, the police have failed to submit the forensic report of CCTV footage that it claimed showed the woman allegedly throwing the blasphemous material in a street, he said. During the bail proceedings, the high court noted that the grainy footage failed to accurately identify the woman and repeatedly asked the investigating officer to submit the forensic report, which was not made available. Due to insufficient evidence and the inordinate delay in the conclusion of the trial, the high court ordered Khawars release against surety bonds amounting to 200,000 Pakistani rupees ($706 USD) in each of the two cases, the counsel said. Her family was arranging the sureties, and they hope to reunite with her this week, he added. Rakha, who has successfully defended several people falsely charged with blasphemy, said he was thankful for legal advocacy organization Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International financing legal support and advocating for Khawar. Stellas family is poor and were unable to engage good legal representation for their daughter, whose trial is being conducted in the Sialkot District Jail due to security concerns, Rakha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. Im very hopeful that we will be able to win her acquittal in both cases in the upcoming hearings, because its clearly a case of no evidence as noted by the high court. Blasphemy and accusations of the crime have led to the extrajudicial killings of dozens of people in Pakistan since 1990. Rights groups have repeatedly criticized and called for the reform or repeal of the harsh laws, which date back to the British Empire. Other punishments include a fine or prison term, depending on the specific offense. Federal Minister for Law and Human Rights Azam Nazeer Tarar on Oct. 16 announced that the government was introducing procedural safeguards to prevent misuse of the laws and ensure timely justice by ensuring fair investigation and judicial sensitivity in blasphemy-related cases. Human Rights Watch (HRW) stated in a June 9 report that Pakistans blasphemy laws were being systematically misused to target religious minorities, dispossess the poor and settle personal and economic disputes. Blasphemy accusations are increasingly weaponized to incite mob violence, displace vulnerable communities and seize their property with impunity, states the 29-page report, A Conspiracy to Grab the Land: Exploiting Pakistans Blasphemy Laws for Blackmail and Profit. In several cases, blasphemy accusations were used to target business rivals or coerce property transfers, according to the report. HRW added that the laws broad and vague provisions allow it to be exploited with minimal or no evidence, creating a climate of fear among vulnerable groups. HRW criticized Pakistans criminal justice system for enabling these abuses. Authorities rarely hold perpetrators of mob violence accountable, while police often fail to protect the accused or investigate allegations, it stated. In some instances, officers who intervene face threats themselves. Political and religious actors accused of inciting violence frequently escape arrest or are acquitted due to a lack of political will or intimidation. This article was originally published at Christian Daily InternationalMorning Star News Home News In meeting with Jamaicas prime minister, Pastor Jamal Bryant offers prayer, aid and pledges to visit In a heartfelt, remote meeting with Jamaicas Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Sunday, Georgia megachurch Pastor Jamal Bryant offered prayer, aid and pledged to visit the storm-ravaged nation that Hurricane Melissa hit as a Category 5 superstorm last month, leaving behind an estimated $8 billion in damage. Bryant, who leads the 10,000-member New Birth Missionary Baptist Church in Stonecrest, which boasts a strong contingent with Jamaican roots, had a number of them gathered at the altar as Prime Minister Holness shared an update with the congregation about the hurricane's impact and the ongoing recovery efforts. I want to first give you high commendation for your leadership. Everything that was asked of you as a leader in terms of financial and fiscal reform, you have done it. Nobody is talking about how you reserved over $150 million dollars for your country in case of emergencies such as this, Bryant said to Holness, referencing Jamaicas catastrophe insurance coverage with the World Bank, backed by a catastrophe bond issued in 2024 by the World Bank. Despite the $150 million payout coming from the catastrophe bond, it isnt enough to cover the nearly $8 billion in damage caused by Hurricane Melissa, which is equivalent to roughly half of the islands annual GDP. And this is why Holness has been on a relentless campaign to raise money for humanitarian aid. While a number of local and international organizations are on the ground supporting recovery efforts, the government of Jamaica has established an official disaster and relief portal, where donors can give directly to the countrys coffers. In describing the impact of Hurricane Melissa on the western part of the island, Holness said it was like they were struck by an atomic bomb of wind and rain. The best way to describe the storm, the impact of the hurricane, Americans would be used to tornadoes and the devastating impact of a tornado. But think about a tornado on a much wider scale. And think about it with more rain and wind, Holness told Bryant and his congregants. And in the areas that were hit, the only way to describe it would be an atomic bomb of wind and rain that would have hit the northwestern parishes of the island. It was a trail of destruction caused by the eye of that hurricane. He said many people lost their homes, the agricultural sector was wiped out and the tourism in the impacted parishes was also impacted. Still, said Holness, the people remain hopeful due to their Christian faith and are grateful that the entire country wasn't devastated. We have many persons now without water, without electricity, without food, without shelter. And many of them have taken though this is the depths of despair they have taken a positive approach. We are resilient, independent, and strong people, and they are finding their way. But the magnitude of the destruction in those areas, it would be beyond the individual and even the local government to recover, Holness said. The prime minister thanked members of New Birth Missionary Baptist Church for their support and shared that Christians in the country had prayed when it appeared as if the hurricane was going to strike the middle of the country, and it shifted. Let me start by saying that prayer works. This was a very unusual hurricane. It sat on the south coast of Jamaica for a few days, trying to make up its mind where to go. And the people of Jamaica went on their knees in prayer, and they prayed that the storm would move past Jamaica. And that storm was threatening to hit in the middle of Jamaica, and then it moved a little more to the south, and then it kept moving to the south, he said. The scientists predicted that the storm would eventually turn and hit Jamaica, which it did. But we in Jamaica have a sense of divine protection. And in our national anthem, there is a line which says, 'Guard us with your mighty hand." I'm sure that we don't question the will of God, but even in this disaster, Jamaica was protected. Because as our planners and economists look at what the storm could have done in terms of total damage, and though the damage that it did was extensive, we give God thanks because it could have been worse, he said. More lives could have been lost. But Jamaica is still standing and we're still standing strong. Holness urged members of the church to look into investing in Jamaica as the country rebuilds a new and resilient infrastructure. I believe that is the phase where we would like our brothers and sisters in the diaspora and our brothers and sisters in the United States to come and invest in Jamaica. Because in the recovery phase, this is where disaster turns to opportunity. And crisis means a new and better way to rebuild, he said. In that new and better way to rebuild, we need investments in our tourism, investments in our agriculture, investments in our infrastructure. Come and participate, and enjoy the gains and the benefits from building a new, smarter, or resilient infrastructure. Before praying for Holness, Bryant declared that he would soon be on the ground helping with the recovery. I wanted to make a commitment to you that I'm gonna come to Jamaica before the year is over to work alongside you, Bryant told Holness. So that it's not just lip service, but to know that our hands are involved, and that we are connected. Home News Russian courts ban more Baptist churches in continued crackdown Russian courts have banned three more Baptist churches affiliated with the Council of Churches Baptists in the southern region of Krasnodar amid an ongoing crackdown on unregistered congregations across the country. The churches in Timashyovsk, Armavir and Tuapse were all prohibited from operating unless they formally notify authorities of their activities, which the denomination refuses to do on principle, the Forum 18 News Service reported earlier this month. The Council of Churches Baptists, formed during the Soviet era, maintains that registration constitutes state control over religious life and is not required under Russian law or the Constitution. The Timashyovsk District Court issued a ruling on Oct. 13 prohibiting the activities of the church there following an inspection in June, during which officials entered the building during a worship service and later questioned Pastor Andrey Antonyuk about the group's legal status. A civil lawsuit filed in July by the local prosecutor requested a ban until the church submitted notification of its existence. The ruling cited no gross or repeated violations that would warrant a prohibition, according to the Intercession Department of the Council. In Armavir, the city court upheld a similar request by prosecutors on Sept. 30, finding that Pastor Vladimir Popov led religious meetings without proper authorization and that the group constituted an unregistered religious association. The court referred to earlier administrative violations, including fines issued to Popov for leading worship and to a church member for distributing religious newspapers at a key-cutting shop, as justification for the ban. The Tuapse City Court banned the local Council of Churches Baptist congregation on Sept. 22 following reports from the Federal Security Service that the group held religious events involving minors and visitors from other regions and countries. Prosecutors filed the administrative lawsuit in August. Pastor Anatoly Mukhin had previously been fined for allegedly conducting illegal missionary activities, including sharing religious literature and holding worship services without state notification. The U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern states that when a church is banned by court order, it is prohibited from meeting not only at its usual location but anywhere within the city or district. "The reason these churches choose not to register lies in their foundational purpose," the ICC stated in a statement this week. "The Council of Churches Baptists was established during the Cold War to resist Soviet control over its congregations, unlike registered churches, which were strictly regulated by the state. Although the Council continued its activities after the fall of the Soviet Union and now meets openly, they do so only in private homes or on private land." The bans bring the total number of Council of Churches Baptist congregations prohibited from operating in Russia to 10, all since the beginning of 2024. Most of the court actions have occurred in Krasnodar, though similar rulings have been issued in the Mari El Republic, Ulyanovsk, Amur and Yamalo-Nenets regions. Prosecutors often build cases based on accusations of "unlawful missionary activity," which is treated as evidence of a group's de facto existence in the absence of state registration. The Council of Churches Baptists says the requirement to notify authorities of their existence contradicts their religious convictions and violates their constitutional right to assemble for worship. They insist they are private citizens gathering for religious purposes, not a legal entity. Lawyers familiar with the cases say Russian law does not clearly define what constitutes a religious group or what level of legal violation justifies banning one. A 2016 Supreme Court resolution states that bans can be applied if violations are gross, repeated or irreparable. However, courts have repeatedly ruled that unregistered churches may resume activity if they submit the required notification, a condition critics argue contradicts the legal standard for bans. The Russian government has also considered tightening restrictions. Most Russians belong to the Russian Orthodox Church, which has played a dominant role in Russian society since 988 A.D., according to a 2024 country dossier by the watchdog group Open Doors International. However, many Russians are not likely to have read the Bible, and few attend church services. Only about 1.3% of the Russian population is considered Protestant. A bill introduced in the State Duma in June would ban worship and religious rites on residential property and in non-residential parts of apartment buildings, potentially affecting many Council of Churches Baptist congregations that meet in homes. The federal government criticised the proposal in October, saying it contradicted existing law and required major revision. However, congregations have continued to meet for worship. Only one church, in Kurganinsk, has been physically sealed by bailiffs after a court ruling took effect in 2024, Forum 18 notes. Pastor Aleksandr Chmykh's appeals were rejected at every level, including by the Russian Supreme Court in August 2025. Other congregations have also exhausted appeals. A church in Rodniki lost its final challenge on Oct. 29, when the 4th Cassational Court upheld the ban issued in December 2024. In Yoshkar-Ola, the regional capital of Mari El, the Supreme Court of the Republic upheld a local court's ruling in October prohibiting the activities of a church meeting in the home of Viktor and Svetlana Araslanov, along with other members. Home News The Carpenters Son director defends Nicholas Cage Jesus film, spiritually impacted by it: Not for everyone Writer-director Lotfy Nathan wants viewers to see The Carpenters Son as a bold artistic experiment; a supernatural thriller exploring the unrecorded years of Jesus youth. But for most Christian audiences, the film is likely to register less as daring and more as deeply disturbing. The film, starring Nicolas Cage as Joseph (The Carpenter), FKA Twigs as Mary (Mother) and Noah Jupe as a teenage Jesus (The Boy), reimagines Christs adolescence as a psychological and supernatural struggle between good and evil. The film opens with Herods soldiers hurling infants into fires in Bethlehem in a frenzied attempt to eliminate the newborn Christ. The Holy Family subsequently flees into exile, ducking Roman patrols and sheltering The Boy from forces seen and unseen. Eventually, they settle in a remote Egyptian village, but the danger never subsides. Drawing from the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, an apocryphal text rejected by the Church centuries ago, Nathan invents scenes in which Jesus kills a child, resurrects insects and leers at a naked woman showering before being tempted by The Stranger (Isla Johnston), a devil incarnated as a teenage girl. Shot in Greece and styled as a gritty period piece during Jesus lost years, critics have praised its atmospheric cinematography and Cages tortured performance, but for Christians who hold Jesus sinlessness as central to the faith, the films premise will feel blasphemous. In a recent interview with The Christian Post, Nathan, a British-American writer-director, acknowledged the controversy surrounding the project, noting that everyone has seemed curious about his motivation. They ask, Is there some kind of agenda? But with those who have seen the film, theres a more nuanced conversation, he said. Nathan said the idea came from discovering the Infancy Gospel of Thomas, a noncanonical text that imagines the boy Jesus performing miracles and committing acts of violence. I can understand why its not canonical, he said. Its pretty brutal, pretty rough. Still, the filmmaker, who was born in Egypt and grew up in the Coptic Orthodox Church, saw it as fertile ground for artistic exploration. I hadnt seen a film that delved into the missing timeline in the New Testament, he explained. This was the time when Jesus would have been living under the protected obscurity of being the carpenters son. In Nathans telling, that obscurity was the inspiration for the unnervingly human and, at times, morally compromised, teenage Messiah. Theres a big spectrum in Christianity, he said. My own family, as Coptic Orthodox, would immediately not sign on to this story with the image of Jesus as someone who had human vulnerability. But to Nathan, the storys purpose isnt provocation for its own sake, but a way to explore what he called human vulnerability in the divine. I was fascinated and ended up taking a bit of a leap in thinking, What if Jesus and Satan had an encounter prior to the temptation in the desert? he said. That became something interesting to me. It also appealed to me to make a biblical film that could bring more people in with a narrative that was maybe a little bit challenging as well. It was a dance, and I was always worried about going too far with that, and its already kind of rocky terrain, this adaptation. But I just tried to find things that I thought could fit in that missing timeline. That approach, however, turns traditional Christology on its head. In the Gospels, Jesus is described as without sin. In The Carpenters Son, he is shown as a confused adolescent drawn toward darkness and occasionally overtaken by it. However, Nathan, who worked with Katell Bethelot, a French academic specializing in ancient Judaism, to bring the project to life, stressed that horror is integral to the biblical imagination, adding, If you look at the Bible objectively, that would be the genre. Its built in. He cited Old Testament stories of judgment, plagues, brutal killings and demonic encounters as evidence that fear and faith are intertwined, a concept many theologians have tackled over the centuries. Theres a reticence sometimes to see it that way because it seems unsanitary, he said. But I think thats a strength to me, its exciting, no more different than using a different palette of colors. Not necessarily the bright, clean version, but something tactile and vivid. The Carpenters Son joins a long tradition of filmmakers who have sought to reinterpret Jesus for modern audiences, from Martin Scorseses highly controversial The Last Temptation of Christ to Mel Gibsons more reverent The Passion of the Christ. Critics have argued that the problem with Nathans film is not that he asks questions, but that he answers them in ways that contradict the central tenets of Christian faith, particularly depicting Jesus as sinful or morally uncertain. Nathan described his film as a dance between reverence and risk and an exploration of the human condition. But he acknowledged that those seeking a portrayal of Christ aligned with the biblical narrative, one rooted in holiness, will not appreciate his film. Merely depicting Jesus as a person who could have had human vulnerability, in their belief, in their psychology, a lot of Christians just won't agree with that; its not allowed, he said. That's not something I would even try to appeal to people to look at in a different way. It's not for me to do that. For me, I think that it's interesting and makes me feel closer to the story, to be able to see that Jesus suffered in more ways than just the physical. Still, he expressed hope that the film would reach a religious audience who is interested in the art and inspiration that comes in art with the biblical story. I think about the Sistine Chapel, for example, this gradient between Heaven and Hell and just how dramatic that is, and it's all about context, he said. I think that just showing the dark side is how you define the triumph and the good. While Nathan rejects the idea that the production was plagued by spiritual warfare, despite reports of Nicolas Cage being swarmed by insects on set, he said he approached the material with caution. I was wary going in, he said. Just trying to get it right, at least by my measure. The films very existence reveals a cultural shift: Jesus is still a subject of fascination in Hollywood, but increasingly as a character to be reinterpreted rather than revered. For those who see Him as Lord and Savior, that distinction is everything. But according to Nathan, by the end of the film, he felt spiritually changed by the process, particularly by the contrast of good and evil, and closer to the faith of his childhood. In a bizarre way, having to write the script, I had to write for the devil as well because the whole effort of the film was to try to characterize everybody as much as possible, he reflected. I felt by the end that there's this cynical, bleak view about humanity that is embodied in the darkness, and we all feel that sometimes." But then you have these virtues of forgiveness and optimism ... lessons for me having to do with this film, that's really what I took away the acknowledgement of the bad, but then still deciding to try to go towards something better. I ended up spending a lot of time rereading [Scripture]. I drifted away from faith over the years, but this, in a way, really brought me back to a lot of subscribing to the story. Home News Trump must pressure Syria to protect Christians from 'ethno-religious cleansing,' advocate warns The burial of a 19-year-old who died in the June bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus, Syria, has come to symbolize the "ethno-religious cleansing" of Syria's Christian indigenous people, says a Swedish investigative journalist who is urging the United States to ensure Syria's religious minorities are protected as the Trump administration embraces the new government of President Ahmed al-Sharaa. Nuri Kino, founder of A Demand for Action, an organization advocating for better protection of minorities in the Middle East, was one of several witnesses who spoke before the U.S. Commission on International Religious Freedom during a virtual hearing on Thursday. During the hearing titled "Religious Freedom in Syria's Post-Assad Transition," Kino opened his remarks by reflecting on Maryana, a teenage girl killed in the bombing of the Greek Orthodox church in Damascus five months ago, the deadliest attack on Syria's Christian community since the 1860 Damascus Massacre. "At her funeral, her mother held her hand through the coffin window as church bells tolled," Kino said about the girl. "Friends and family threw sweets on her coffin, a wedding tradition, since she would not be able to become a real bride." "That burial became a symbol of something far larger: The ethno-religious cleansing of Syria's ancient minorities, of its Christian indigenous people," the journalist and human rights advocate added. The 19-year-old girl and over two dozen people were killed during a Sunday morning prayer service at the Mar Elias Church on June 22. An assailant entered the building and opened fire on the congregation before detonating an explosive vest. Kino, who stated that he belongs to the Syriac Orthodox Church, which speaks a dialect of Aramaic, "the mother tongue of Jesus," noted that extremists have targeted Syrian Christians for their faith for decades. Before the start of the Syrian Civil War in 2011, Christians made up about 10% of Syria's population (around 2 million), a number that has been in a steady decline over the years. The Catholic charity Aid to the Church in Need recently estimated that there were around 540,000 Christians in Syria in 2024. Other experts suggest that the number is around 300,000 The journalist warned that, for Christians in Syria, the destruction of churches, the kidnappings and other forms of violence didn't stop after the fall of President Bashar al-Assad's regime in December. The regime fell after Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, a formerly Al-Qaeda-linked group delisted as a terror organization by the U.S. in July, seized control of Damascus, an event that has made religious freedom advocates concerned about the new administration's capacity and willingness to protect Christians and other minorities. Kino criticized what he described as the international community's silence in the face of systematic persecution, warning that the easing of sanctions and political normalization efforts have not included sufficient guarantees for minority protection. "Speeches don't stop emigration," the journalist said. "Christians refuse to abandon 2,000 years of faith and memory in their beloved motherland. But fear and hopelessness are pushing them to leave. Thousands have applied for asylum." "If any country opened its door wide, few would remain," he continued. "The U.S. administration should take the opportunity to push Syria in the right direction." On Monday, al-Sharaa made history by becoming the first Syrian president to visit the White House in Washington, where he met with U.S. President Donald Trump. After the meeting, Trump announced the temporary suspension of sanctions for another six months, saying he wants to see "Syria become a country that's very successful" and believes al-Sharaa is the guy who can lead that effort. While Kino acknowledged the United States' need for a "stable, constructive new partner in the Middle East," Kino asserted that, as a "defender of human rights," the United States should "make demands" of its new partner. One of the journalist's recommendations involves making aid and the easing of sanctions contingent on measurable benchmarks for religious freedom, verified by independent monitors. He also called for U.S. diplomatic pressure and security guarantees to protect sacred Christian sites in various cities, including Damascus, and for increased funding to minority-led Syrian aid and human rights groups. Kino also proposed appointing a special envoy for religious freedom in Syria, with a direct line to the secretary of state and a mandate to operate on the ground. "These are the minimum steps required to stop a 2,000-year-old community from disappearing on our watch," he said. Reflecting once more on the 19-year-old girl killed in the church bombing, Kino warned that the teenager's funeral is a symbol of what happens "when an entire people is silenced." "The doctors, engineers and teachers Syria needs are vanishing along with its indigenous communities," Kino declared. "If the world allows that to happen, Syria will not only lose a culture, it will lose a piece of its soul." Pro-Life Group $100M 2026 Election Push, Nigerian Pastor Faces Threats, Texas Ban On Drag Shows For Children link to download the audio instead. link to download the audio instead. 06:48 06:48 Top headlines for Friday, November 14, 2025 The growing influence of pro-life groups ahead of the 2026 elections, a Nigerian pastors chilling warning after being targeted by extremists, and a major court decision allowing Texas to enforce its ban on public drag performances. 00:11 SBA Pro-Life America to spend $80M on the midterms 01:00 Missionaries die in plane crash en route to Jamaica 01:48 Catholic anti-poverty program funding LGBT groups: report 02:43 Suspect vandalizes 3 NYC churches while carrying LGBT flag 03:29 Ex-worship pastor is charged after confessing to sex with student 04:17 Pastor facing death threats over plea to protect Christians 05:07 Federal appeals court OKs enforcement of Texas drag show ban Home Opinion Can democratic Socialism save America? This week, I am not responding to a question but expressing my personal views on the implications of the rise of democratic socialism in America. Robin Hood is a legend in English folklore based on the illegal and daring exploits of a good-hearted crusader for the common man, or peasants. His heroic character is considered to symbolize resistance to abusive authority and heavy taxation. Over the years, books and movies based on this fictional character have romanticized the idea of taking from the rich (always portrayed as greedy, selfish, and corrupt), with altruistic motives, of course, to redistribute to the poor and oppressed victims. Robin Hood was never portrayed as greedy, selfish, or corrupt, only kind, just, benevolent, and generous the perfect protector and redistributor of wealth to the masses. It sounds very much like the modern platform of democratic socialism. In my 2021 book, Seven Gray Swans, I offered a biblical analysis of seven key trends that I labeled as gray swans. In the simplest of terms, a gray swan is an obvious danger that we tend to ignore. My list included, among others, universal basic income, social scoring, biometric IDs, and democratic socialism. The threat of democratic socialism is no longer an outlier. It has landed with significant favor and force in two of America's largest cities, Chicago and New York, with another one possibly being Seattle. New York is home to the Statue of Liberty and a symbol of the American Dream. The words inscribed on the base of our iconic symbol of freedom since 1886 are a welcome to the world's immigrants: Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breathe free. Ironically, in New York City, it is a significant number of those huddled masses, immigrants who are new to the United States of America, who are rejecting the American Dream and uniting with the utopian dream of democratic socialism, or Robin Hood economics, as I call it. Economic models based on a fable Mayor Mamdani, a democratic socialist and former New York State Assembly member, centered his 2025 campaign on making New York City more affordable for working families, emphasizing housing, childcare, transit, wages, and progressive taxation. His platform drew massive voter turnout, particularly among young people and first-time voters, by promising bold economic reforms, all pointing to his adoption of Robin Hood economics: Rent Freeze for Stabilized Apartments. Universal Free Childcare. Fast and Free City Buses. $30 Minimum Wage. Progressive Tax Increases. These promises form the core of Mamdani's affordability agenda, which he vows to deliver starting January 1, 2026, through alliances with state lawmakers and a compassionate City Hall. According to experts, Its a recipe for economic disaster. Read why economists loathe his housing policy, just one of his proposed reforms. Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson also proposes economic reform rooted in Robin Hood economics that captures revenue from large corporations and high earners to address structural deficits. This approach draws from his background as a former Chicago Teachers Union organizer and Cook County commissioner, prioritizing people over profits and countering federal cuts. His flagship framework is Build Better Together. Johnson's policies aim to balance fiscal responsibility with social equity, avoiding broad property tax hikes but proposing progressive taxes focused on affordable housing, mental health, public safety, youth services, and environmental justice. He believes he can generate new revenue with a head tax of $21/employee/month on firms with 100+ employees and by increasing taxes on Big Tech/large corporations and the ultra-rich in order to avoid increasing personal property taxes and to reduce motor vehicle taxes. What is wrong with Robin Hood economics? No matter what names, labels, or crafty marketing slogans are given to this approach, it is an economic philosophy that is guaranteed to increase the power and size of government as well as taxes on job creators and businesses, which will drive job providers (entrepreneurs, investors, and large corporations) out of business or out of state. Democratic socialism is based on a fable that increases human suffering while claiming to be morally superior and virtuous. Those who are frustrated with being locked out of the opportunities they dreamed of are most likely to fall for these poorly devised solutions proven to be catastrophic in places like Venezuela, Cuba, and North Korea. Robin Hood economics is driven by the sinful forces of envy, greed, and coveting. The Bible warns us in the Tenth Commandment not to covet what other people have. It is a dangerous attitude based on envy and class warfare. Reread Scriptures description of Jezebels seizing of Naboth's vineyard for her husband, Ahab. The belief that government can take from others and redistribute to whomever they choose will lead to the murderous ways of Ahab and Jezebel. Democratic socialism is dangerous and creates policies that can bring about economic collapse. Desperate, hurting people need care and support to get back on their feet. The role of the Church is to love our neighbors who are suffering and show them a better way to flourish. None of us will benefit if the government continues to become more and more like Robin Hood. Here are some good articles for more information: Do you want more tools and tips on financial stewardship? Are you interested in receiving encouraging ministry updates from around the world? Sign up to receive the Crown Newsletter emails by using the form on the homepage at Crown.org. More than 200 charities and other volunteer-led groups have been recognised in this years Kings Award for Voluntary Services (KAVS). The Department for Culture, Media and Sport (DCMS) announced today that 231 organisations have received the 2025 KAVS, a drop from the 281 that received the award last year. Previously known as the Queens Award for Voluntary Service, the award was created in 2002 to mark the late Queen Elizabeth IIs golden jubilee. Now held annually on 14 November to mark the kings birthday, the award is the UKs highest accolade for voluntary groups, equivalent to an MBE. It aims to champion the work of organisations transforming peoples lives through mental health support, youth services, environmental projects and community initiatives throughout the UK. Incredibly honoured This years recipients include 185 organisations from England, 25 from Scotland, 16 from Northern Ireland and five from Wales, with 78% of awards going to groups outside London and the south east. Among them are Blackpool charity Counselling in the Community, Nottingham baby loss charity Forever Stars, and south London food charity Be Enriched. Forever Stars said it is the first Nottingham-based charity to have received such an award since 2022. Founded by Richard and Michelle Daniels in 2014, a year after the birth of their stillborn daughter Emily, Forever Stars fundraises and campaigns to improve the bereavement care for parents, families and their loved ones in the East Midlands. Richard Daniels said: Im absolutely delighted that Forever Stars has been awarded the KAVS. This incredible recognition is a true testament to the hard work, compassion, and dedication of our volunteers, whose unwavering commitment has helped Forever Stars grow and make such a meaningful difference to baby loss families across Nottingham. Established in 2013 by CEO Kemi Akinola, Be Enriched uses food to bring people together, reduce waste and tackle social isolation for people facing socio-economic inequality. Akinola said: Were incredibly honoured that Be Enricheds work has been recognised with the KAVS. Our volunteers are at the heart of everything we do. This award belongs to every person who gives their time, kindness and energy to make sure our neighbours and friends can eat well, feel connected and be part of a community. Were immensely proud of them. Volunteers are the lifeblood of our communities DCMS said the award supports the governments Plan for Change commitment to break down barriers to opportunity. Volunteer groups create pathways for people to contribute to their communities and develop new skills, it said. Civil society minister Stephanie Peacock said: These awards celebrate the extraordinary volunteers who are the lifeblood of our communities. Day in, day out, they give their time, energy and compassion to transform lives and strengthen the places we call home. Whether supporting people struggling with mental health, creating opportunities for young people to thrive, preserving our natural heritage, or simply being there for those who need it most these groups embody the very best of community spirit. Their work reminds us that when people come together with purpose and determination, there is no challenge too great to overcome. To every volunteer recognised today: thank you, and my warmest congratulations. Nominations are now open for the 2026 KAVS , with applications closing on 1 December 2025. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, Although Peter Sparkes had spent some of his career in the Royal Navy serving alongside the RNLI, he never imagined that one day he would be working as the charitys CEO. Sparkes first joined the Royal Navy in 1990; some of his most notable roles included commanding the frigate HMS Cumberland on counter-piracy patrol off the coast of Somalia, and later leading the ice-patrol ship HMS Protector in Antarctica. While commanding HMS Cumberland, he worked closely with the RNLI by providing support to its Torbay lifeboat during the rescue of the Ice Prince, a cargo ship which encountered difficulties in the English Channel; 20 lives at risk were saved during the operation. Upon leaving the navy in 2021 after almost 30 years of service, Sparkes first took on a new role as chief executive of the UK Hydrographic Office. But in June 2024 around 16 years after working with the RNLI Sparkes reached what he describes as absolutely the apogee of my career and became the charitys new CEO, replacing his predecessor Mark Dowie. I never thought when I walked through the gates of the naval college at Dartmouth in 1990 that I would ever be afforded the privilege of being the chief executive of the RNLI, Sparkes says. Scale and complexity Sparkes says that although he found the transition from being a civil servant at the UK Hydrographic Office to being RNLIs chief executive not seamless, much like his previous experiences, it is an organisation fundamentally predicated on service. My initial impressions were just of enormous pride and admiration for everyone Ive met, Sparkes says of his first few weeks at the RNLI. Ive often said to others that the characteristics you first notice when you come to Poole [the location of RNLIs headquarters] and you work alongside the RNLI, everyone is smiling, because people are incredibly happy in their work. They are unified in the purpose that we have to save lives at sea. And thats a fundamental ingredient for success. Ive been fortunate to have that in many organisations that I work in. But this is another level of personal pride in what we do. Sparkes, who also volunteers at Help for Homelessness, says his naval background is what principally informs his passion for the role. As a mariner, to save lives at sea It doesnt get much better than that in terms of organisational purpose. I feel that responsibility and trust deeply. But his first year has not been without its challenges. The first thing was understanding the complexity of the RNLI. I thought I understood complexity and scale, serving in the navy and then working in government and commercially. And then I joined the RNLI and realised it was an organisation that had 238 lifeboat stations, 251 lifeguard beaches, 27,000 volunteers, 800 inland branches, fundraising branches, a hotel, three factories, and you just start to think about that the scale and the complexity. But also its a personal thing for me this is probably one of the most cherished and important organisations to our country. And my predecessor handed over to me and said: You know, Ive carried this Ming vase of an organisation over a heaving, burning deck for five years, and Im now handing it on to you, my successor. Responding to criticism Now, over a year into the role, Sparkes has become well acquainted with the challenges of helming an organisation of RNLIs size. Like many charities, the RNLI has been affected by rising costs and the increase in employer national insurance contributions. In any fixed cost organisation, as we are, that is a challenge. And this remarkable organisation is funded entirely by the generosity of our donors and the public. For the year ending 31 December 2024, the RNLI received just over 222m of its annual income of 251m from donations and legacies alone. It received just over 4m from government contracts and 50,000 from government grants, although a spokesperson has clarified that the vast majority of this money is sourced from local authorities paying for the lifeguard service the RNLI provides on their beaches, while money received from government grants is spent on international drowning prevention projects. Depending so heavily on the goodwill of the public, although fruitful, is not without its risks, however. In a period where anti-immigration rhetoric remains strong in the media, politics and among the general public more broadly, the RNLI has come under fire for rescuing migrants who encounter difficulties when crossing the English Channel in small boats to reach the UK. Last year, the charity rescued 1,371 people in small boats, but, despite some media outlets coverage suggesting otherwise, only 1.2% of its total launches were related to small boat crossings. The charity has always defended its position as a humanitarian charity dedicated to saving all lives at sea, irrespective of the nationality of the people whose lives it is saving. Sparkes stands firmly by this. Its clearly the most polarising issue in our country, and I recognise that. As the RNLI, were a charity that saves lives at sea. Were a humanitarian organisation and weve done so for over 200 years without prejudice or favour. We go out and rescue those people who need our help, and were tasked by His Majestys Coast Guard to help those people in distress, as all other search and rescue assets are. In terms of what that means for us as an organisation, its a small but very important part of what we do. He cites a historical example of the RNLI saving the lives of German Luftwaffe pilots in the Second World War during the Battle of Britain. Were a humanitarian, apolitical organisation, and we save lives at sea. And its really important to me that we do that and stick true to our purpose. Shifting funding dynamics Despite the difficult climate in which his and other charities are operating, Sparkes is optimistic. I think its a very bright future, but largely because we continue to enjoy the trust and confidence of the communities that we serve. We dont take that trust and confidence for granted, but its hugely reassuring to everyone that our mission is supported, our people are supported, and that we continue with our life-saving purpose because of that. Following the RNLIs 200th anniversary last year, it is implementing its new five-year plan . Sparkes, who describes himself as quite an evidence-driven person, undertook extensive reviews and research to help shape the plan. It was clear to me that the nature of life-saving and the sea has changed profoundly in the last 50 years, he says, citing changes such as the RNLI now rescuing more people, rather than ships, who are closer to the shore. In light of these changing demographics, the five-year plan is now looking to replace current lifeboats with a more modern, faster, more responsive, but slightly smaller boat. The plan will also aim to reduce the RNLIs lifeboat fleet from 155 all-weather lifeboats to 100. He adds: Im really encouraged having launched the five-year plan and received regional feedback that its landed remarkably well with the communities that we support and serve. In many of the communities that we serve, were the last flagpole in town the police station, the fire service, the ambulance service have gone, the banks have gone. In many places, churches have closed. The RNLI is increasingly becoming that community hub in many of those fishing villages. In the future, as the RNLI continues to evolve, Sparkes adds: Were starting to see opportunities for us to be more civically oriented, enabling access to the lifeboat station for other community groups and so on, because we must sustain the communities from which we operate. Beyond the five-year plan, Sparkes also feels that the charity will ultimately need to re-evaluate some of its operations and fundraising methods in future. My generation knows the RNLI because of lifeboats, 62% of those under 40 believe the RNLI to be synonymous with lifeguards, and I think thats going to change over the next few years, as we think about who we interact with and how we work, particularly as were fortunate to be afforded so many legacies proportionately to our income. Legacies account for 61% of our income, but that dynamic will shift, as the rest of the charitable sector knows, and so were going to need to think differently as to how we work with those who wish to support us. Despite the challenges, Sparkes is confident in RNLIs staff to help drive the changes forward. Its a bit of a personal thing, but I look around and everyone around me wants the RNLI to be even better tomorrow than it is today, and that really is a recipe for success. sign up to receive the free Civil Society daily news bulletin here . For more news, interviews, opinion and analysis about charities and the voluntary sector, A lack of bad weather isnt always a good thing. It looks like the 2025 Atlantic hurricane season is wrapping up in quiet fashionaside from Hurricane Melissa, which caused catastrophic damage in Jamaica before impacting the surrounding areawithout any U.S. landfalls. There are several factors that influenced the tame season, including a weaker Bermuda High farther east, dips in the jet stream over the eastern half of the nation, a rare interaction between two hurricanes, dry air and disruptive wind shear, which helped prevent hurricanes from making landfall along the Atlantic or Gulf coasts this year, according to AccuWeather. That lack of activity was good for homeowners and people in the paths of the devastating storms, but it also meant no mass deployments of adjusters, no surge in hiring, and as a result, it led to no catastrophe experience for new adjusters. Geoffrey Conrad, who has been in claims for more than 20 years, much of that time training insurance adjusters, was already worried about a lack of quality experience for claims professionals, a field this is also being impacted by artificial intelligence and streamlining driving down payand apparently qualificationsfor entry level claims jobs. I am greatly concerned about the lack of deployable events over the past two years, he said. Last years Atlantic hurricane season was far busier, but it didnt provide the large number of claims that would get numerous adjusters the valuable work experience of handling claims following a catastrophe, he said. Helene and Milton were big storms, but the number of claims that came from those storms were very low, Conrad said. I speak to adjusters all the timethey reach out to me looking for opportunitiesand they are they are leaving. A lot of them are actually looking into going to the public adjuster route, some of them are going into appraisal. They have to put food on the table, and they were really counting on a busy season to kind of help with the finances. These adjusters cannot sit idle for very long, so theyre leaving this industry, and that concerns me because its going to be starting over almost with training new talent. After he lost his job with Crawford as director of training earlier this year, Conrad decided to try independent training. And what hes found so far is that there is a lack of business to support him. Theres very little interest in anyone getting trained, because if you dont see an opportunity to immediately get deployed, no one is investing in trainingwithout any event theres no training, he said. Unfortunately, youre seeing a lot of skills just basically fall off the map and everybodys going to be relearning everything if we do have a winter storm or any deployable event sadly. Andrew McCallum, vice president specialty operations at Sedgwick, is another long-lived claims professional. He started in claims in the 1980s, and he has seen the impact that slow seasons can have on the profession. Ive been through this, and I think 2015 was the worst year in claims ever, McCallum said. It just was one of those years that you just couldnt get up off the ground, and it really did create a dynamic that people werent used to. The global modeled insured average annual property loss from natural catastrophes is now roughly $152 billion, according to Verisk. In 2015, indemnity payments were $30.7 billion, so it was really just a marginal year, and it really created this dynamic, McCallum said. This year is different. Global insured losses by the first half of this year reached $100 billion, but roughly $92 billion came from wildfires and severe convective storms in the U.S., according to Aons Global Catastrophe Recap: First Half 2025. The wildfires, such as the devastating blazes in L.A. in January, produced big losses but less claims work because many properties were total losses, and the experience those adjusters did get was limited to responding to losses from fires, McCallum said. He, like Conrad, has been getting calls from adjusters in search of work. I probably get five phone calls a day from people saying, Hey, do you have any work for me? Do you have any deployments, or can I work the desk for you for a while?' he said. Create your own user feedback survey He was asked if the lack of work has him concerned with the lack of training that comes with it. 100%, yeah, he replied. Adding to his concern is the silver tsunami, in which well-experienced Baby Boomers are starting to cycle out of the business and retire. Its really going to be a big deal, he said. Theres an imminent need for mentorship programs, training programs. Conrad has already noticed the lack of experience is having an impact. There are firms that will deploy what I like to call Fill-in billers. These are licensed-only adjusters with no training to ultimately make the firm money just by babysitting claims until they can release that untrained adjuster and then buy some time to get the expert adjuster that knows what theyre doing to ultimately close the client, Conrad said. Tim Parker, a long-time claims professional, who hosts a podcast called The Adjusters Diaries, in which he talks about trends and gives observations on the state of the industry, has personal experience with a fill-in biller, which he recounted for Claims Journal for a previous article. The Texas resident had a loss during the 2024 hurricane season, which included roof damage, the loss of a shed in his backyard and the destruction of some siding. The carrier sent someone who had been working in the fast-food industry just six months earlier, who Parker believed was too heavy to get up on his roof. He sent the adjuster home without the man getting up on the roof to survey the damage, and he called the carrier and asked them to send somebody more experienced and qualified to examine his home. Parker said that after he went through three adjusters to finally get a loss estimate of roughly $6,000, he hired his own adjuster and took it to appraisal. The insurer wound up paying $78,000, he said. There are plenty of efforts to recruit new adjusters into the field, but Conrad said he worries that some of those efforts are hurting rather than helping the profession. Theres a lot of social media personalities that are advocating that you can come in with just an insurance license and you can make six figures in six months, and I just cringe each time I see these videos pop up on my social media pages, because that is extremely unrealistic. In this NASA handout, Hurricane Milton, a Category 5 storm at the time of this photograph, is pictured in the Gulf of Mexico off the coast of Yucatan Peninsula on October 8, 2024 seen from the International Space Station as it orbited 257 miles above. (Photo by NASA via Getty Images) Source: NASA/NASA/Getty Images. The Delaware Supreme Court has revived a workers compensation insurers claim for subrogation in a case where an employee injured while driving for her employer received payment from her employers uninsured motorist insurer after receiving her workers compensation benefits. The high court reversed a Superior Court that had denied ProAssurance Groups rights to subrogation. The high court remanded the case back for calculation of how much, if any, of the UIM awarded to employee Edna Manz is subject to subrogation. Manzs employer, Apis Services, used ProAssurance as its workers compensation carrier. Following the accident, ProAssurance paid Manz $374,070.72 for medical expenses and lost wages, as well as a lump sum of $80,000.00 for all future workers compensation entitlements. In the settlement agreement, ProAssurance and Manz stipulated that ProAssurance reserved any lien rights against any recovery by Manz from any entity, to include any insurance carrier, as a result of the work accident. For the same accident, Manz separately recovered $8,571.00 from the driver who caused her injuries. Due to the insufficiency of that recovery, Manz filed another claim with Apiss UIM policy issued by Philadelphia Insurance Cos. The UIM policy contained a non-duplication clause that stated it would not pay for any element of loss if a person is entitled to receive payment for the same element of loss under any workers compensation, disability benefits or similar law. In December 2023, following an arbitration proceeding between Manz and Philadelphia Insurance, the arbitrator awarded Manz $215,000.00 for her UIM claim. ProAssurance subsequently asserted a lien on Manzs UIM award, alleging a right to subrogate on the UIM award. In response, Manz sought a declaratory judgment in the Superior Court that her UIM proceeds were exempt from ProAssurances lien because she was only awarded monies not previously paid by her workers compensation claim due to the non-duplication clause contained in the UIM policy. ProAssurance moved for summary judgment, arguing that the Delaware Supreme Courts opinion in its 2023 ruling in Horizon Servs. v. Henry (Henry II) applied to the case. According to ProAssurance, Henry II mandated subrogation for workers compensation carriers against an injured employees subsequent UIM recovery. The Superior Court denied ProAssurances motion, ruling that Henry II did not apply because when Manz resolved her claims with Philadelphia Insurance and acknowledged the application of the non-duplication clause, Henry II had not been decided. ProAssurance appealed, arguing that the Superior Court erred in ruling that Henry II did not apply. The high court agreed with the insurer, noting that it decided Henry II in September 2023, before November 2023 when Manz finalized her settlement with ProAssurance and made her UIM demand. Henry II was therefore already the law of the land when Manz negotiated with the workers compensation and UIM carriers. Manz further argued that even if Henry II predates the relevant events of this case, ProAssurance is still not entitled to subrogation on her UIM award because Henry II does not provide a workers compensation carrier with a guaranteed right to subrogation. The high court found that Henry II does not entitle workers compensation carriers to a guaranteed subrogation right on an injured employees subsequent UIM awards. Instead, Henry II distinguished boardable and non-boardable damages suffered by an injured employee and held that a workers compensation carriers right to subrogation is limited to boardable damages. On remand, the Supreme Court told the Superior Court it should apply Henry II and make factual determinations as to the amount, if any, of Manzs UIM award that is boardable and therefore subject to subrogation. Boardable damages, or economic or specific damages, are ones like property damage, medical expense, and lost wages that can be shown with a specific financial value and are admissible as evidence before a jury in court. Non-boardable damages are subjective damages that are not as easily quantified and not admissible in court. Pain and suffering, loss of employment for life, and emotional distress are examples. Under Henry II, non-boardable damages include, but are not limited to, those covered by personal injury protection (PIP) policies, and are not subject to subrogation, according tlo the high court. BHP is liable for the 2015 collapse of a dam in southeastern Brazil, Londons High Court ruled on Friday, in a lawsuit the claimants lawyers previously valued at up to 36 billion pounds ($48 billion). Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians, dozens of local governments and around 2,000 businesses sued BHP over the collapse of the Fundao dam in Mariana, southeastern Brazil, which was owned and operated by BHP and Vales Samarco joint venture. Brazils worst environmental disaster unleashed a wave of toxic sludge that killed 19 people, left thousands homeless, flooded forests and polluted the length of the Doce River. A separate claim against Vale was filed in Dutch courts in 2024 on behalf of nearly 1,000 businesses and more than 77,000 individuals hit by the dam break. Judge Finola OFarrell said in her ruling that continuing to raise the height of the dam when it was not safe to do so was the direct and immediate cause of the dams collapse, meaning BHP was liable under Brazilian law. BHP said it would appeal against the ruling and continue to fight the lawsuit. BHPs President Minerals Americas Brandon Craig said in a statement that 240,000 claimants in the London lawsuit have already been paid compensation in Brazil. We believe this will significantly reduce the size and value of claims in the U.K. group action, he added. RBC Capital Markets analyst Marina Calero said a final resolution was unlikely before 2030, with significant uncertainty around which claims would ultimately be considered valid. Based on BHPs estimates of overlap with Brazils compensation scheme, Vale and BHP could each face roughly $2.2 billion in additional payments, Calero said in a note, adding that BHPs new provision of $500 million implied a 35% chance of an adverse outcome. Claimants Celebrate Major Ruling Gelvana Rodrigues da Silva, who lost her seven-year-old son Thiago in the flood, said in a statement: Finally, justice has begun to be served, and those responsible have been held accountable for destroying our lives. The judges decision shows what we have been saying for the last 10 years: it was not an accident, and BHP must take responsibility for its actions, she added. The claimants lawyers accused BHP, the worlds biggest miner by market value, of cynically and doggedly trying to avoid responsibility as the mammoth trial began in October. BHP contested liability and said the London lawsuit duplicated legal proceedings and reparation and repair programs in Brazil. In the trials first week, Brazil signed a 170 billion reais ($31 billion) compensation agreement with BHP, Vale and Samarco, with BHP saying nearly $12 billion has been spent on reparation, compensation and payments to public authorities since 2015. BHP said after Fridays judgment that settlements in Brazil would reduce the size of the London lawsuit by about half. A second trial to determine the damages BHP is liable to pay is due to begin in October 2026. ($1 = 0.7451 pounds) ($1 = 5.4039 reais) (Reporting by Tobin. Additional reporting by Clara Denina. Editing by Kate Holton and Mark Potter) Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles cut its fiscal 2026 margin goal for Jaguar Land Rover on Friday after a cyberattack disrupted production at the luxury automaker, adding to pressure from soft demand in China and chip supply constraints. JLR, which generates most of Tata Motors profits, is grappling with falling demand for premium cars in China and component shortages after chipmaker Nexperia B.V. warned it could no longer guarantee deliveries due to a political standoff between China and the Netherlands. Related: Jaguar Land Rover Hack Cost UK Economy Estimated $2.5B, Report Shows A cyberattack in early September at Britains biggest carmaker halted production for five weeks and forced JLRs parent to take a one-time charge of $228.5 million in the second quarter. The Defender maker now expects an operating margin of 0% to 2% in fiscal 2026, down from an earlier 5% to 7% target, having already pared its outlook this year amid tariff-related uncertainty. It projects negative free cash flow of 2.2 billion to 2.5 billion pounds ($3 billion-$3.4 billion) for fiscal 2026, reversing its earlier forecast of breaking even. Jlr Wholesale Volumes Slide JLR CEO Adrian Mardell told reporters the investigation into the cyber incident was ongoing but gave no details, adding that operations were pretty much back running as normal now. The results also marked the first quarterly earnings since the Tata Motors Group separated its passenger vehicles business from its commercial vehicles unit. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles reported a 22-fold surge in quarterly net profit thanks to an 826-billion-rupee ($9.4 billion) demerger gain. Excluding the gain, the company reported a 6.37-billion-rupee loss, weighed down by a sharp drop in JLR volumes. Related: Jaguar Land Rover Bailout Shows Rising Cost of Cybercrime JLRs wholesale volumes, excluding sales from its Chinese joint venture, were down 24.2%. China is definitely a concern, said Mardell, who is set to leave the company after three decades. He added that a recent change in luxury tax now covered many Range Rovers and was weighing on sales. A report last month estimated that the hack at JLR cost the U.K. economy $2.55 billion. JLR runs three factories in Britain producing about 1,000 cars a day. Data on Thursday showed the British economy barely grew in the third quarter, weighed down by the disruption. ($1 = 87.8950 Indian rupees) ($1 = 0.7451 pounds) (Reporting by Tandon and Maidas in Bengaluru; Editing by Nivedita Bhattacharjee and Emelia Sithole-Matarise) China reports fewer cases of serious violent crime from 2020 to 2024 Xinhua) 09:24, November 14, 2025 BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- From 2020 to 2024, Chinese courts at all levels concluded the trials of 243,000 cases of intentional homicide and other serious violent crimes, which was a 6.75 percent decrease compared to the previous five-year period, according to statistics from the Supreme People's Court (SPC), the country's top court. Of that total, the number of cases involving intentional homicide, robbery, kidnapping, arson, bombing, and spreading dangerous substances dropped from over 40,000 in 2015 to below 16,000 in 2024, according to figures released at a national conference on criminal trial work, which was convened by the SPC. In the same period, Chinese courts concluded the trials of 827,000 cases involving robbery, forcible seizure or theft, representing a 33.26 percent drop from the previous five years. Drug-related criminal cases also dropped 58.5 percent. Chinese courts also intensified their crackdown on crimes infringing on the lawful rights and interests of women and children, concluding 2,957 cases involving the trafficking of women and children. From 2020 to 2024, Chinese courts acquitted 3,967 criminal defendants based on evidence and the law. A total of 21 major wrongful convictions involving 22 individuals were corrected, and 399 were acquitted upon retrial. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) Shares of Transformers & Rectifiers Ltd. (TRIL) rallied up to 10% on Friday, November 14, after the company received a major relief from the World Bank.In an exchange filing on Friday, the company said that the World Bank has removed the company's name from the list of Debarred firms and individuals on its website.The World Bank has granted an extension for submitting the company's explanation in the sanctions case. The new deadline is January 12, 2026."We continue to adhere to all disclosure requirements and keep the exchanges informed of any further material developments," TRIL said in the filing.The World Bank had earlier barred Transformers & Rectifiers for four years, until June 2029, over an alleged bribery case involving a power project in Nigeria. The World Bank had also barred TRIL from participating in any projects funded by the World Bank. The stock had seen a sharp fall in the two sessions after the announcement.The order that TRIL was under the lens for was received in financial year 2020 worth $24.74 million for the supply of 70 transformers in Nigeria. The order was executed in financial year 2022 and 90% of the payment was received last year itself."The Company believes that the findings referred to in the notice are not conclusive and do not constitute proof of any misconduct. The Company reiterates that it has acted in good faith and in compliance with all applicable laws and contractual obligations," the company's management said in the filing.Shares of Transformers & Rectifiers are now locked in a 10% upper circuit at 318.2. Over 2,000 Sikh pilgrims from India concluded a 10-day religious tour in Pakistan on November 13, returning home under tight security after attending ceremonies marking the 556th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.The principal gathering took place on November 5 at Gurdwara Janamasthan in Nankana Sahib, located 80 kilometres from Lahore and revered as the birthplace of Guru Nanak Devji.According to Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) Additional Secretary Nasir Mushtaq, The Indian Sikhs who were staying at Gurdwara Dera Sahib, Lahore, in the last leg of their visit, were taken to Wagah check post on Thursday with security provided by police and Pakistan Rangers (para military). The ETPB is responsible for maintaining minority religious sites in Pakistan.The group entered Pakistan via the Wagah border last week and completed its pilgrimage at several historic gurdwaras. On November 13, officials including Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee President and Punjab Minorities Minister Sardar Ramesh Singh Arora, along with Mushtaq, formally bid farewell to the pilgrims at the border.Mushtaq said, The pilgrims returning from Pakistan will take with them a message of peace and love to the whole world.Speaking to journalists, SGPC group leader Bibi Gurinder Kaur expressed appreciation for the arrangements made by Pakistani authorities. As part of the farewell, the pilgrims were given flowers and gifts at the Wagah crossing.Arora used the occasion to urge India to reopen the Kartarpur Corridor, emphasising that doing so would allow a greater number of Sikhs to travel to Pakistan for religious visitation.The return of the pilgrims comes at a time of heightened strain between India and Pakistan, following deadly clashes earlier in May after a terror attack in Jammu and Kashmirs Pahalgam that claimed 26 lives.(With inputs from PTI) China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, PLANS Sichuan, sets sail from the port of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. (AP photo) China's first Type 076 amphibious assault ship, PLANS Sichuan, sets sail from the port of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipbuilding (Group) Co., Ltd. in Shanghai. (AP photo) China began sea trials of its most advanced amphibious assault ship on Friday, only a week after commissioning its latest aircraft carrier as part of the rapid modernisation of its navy, which is already the world's largest.The Sichuan Type 076 vessel, which set sail from Shanghai's Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard, combines some of the attributes of an aircraft carrier and earlier amphibious assault ships, with the ability to launch both aircraft and landing craft loaded with troops.It is about half the size of the Fujian, the latest aircraft carrier commissioned by China on Nov. 7, with a displacement of some 40,000 tons. Both ships were indigenously designed and built.Exact technical specifications have not been released, but amphibious assault ships are typically faster than carriers, which gives them more operational flexibility, but they are more lightly protected against attack, and cannot carry as many or as broad a range of aircraft.China's navy already has more ships than the U.S. Navy, but it lags behind in capabilities with fewer aircraft carriers, amphibious assault ships and other key vessels. It has embarked on a massive building program, however, as part of leader Xi Jinping's broad military modernisation plan.Xi's stated aim is to have a fully modernised force by 2035 and one that is "world class" by mid-century, which is widely interpreted as one whose capabilities rival those of the United States.One of Xi's goals is to take the democratically self-governed island of Taiwan, and he has not ruled out the use of force.Amphibious assault ships would likely be critical for an invasion of Taiwan, though the island is also bristling with missile defence systems that could make any attempt to use them costly.The Sichuan compares roughly to the U.S. Navy's America-class and Wasp-class amphibious assault ships. However, it is equipped with the same modern electromagnetic catapult system that has been successfully tested on the Fujian carrier, while the American ships lack such launch systems and instead can only operate helicopters and short or vertical take-off and landing planes.Official Chinese media reported that the electromagnetic system would allow Sichuan to launch fixed-wing aircraft in addition to helicopters and STOVL and VTOL planes, but it was not yet clear whether it would be limited to drones or whether it could launch crewed fixed-wing aircraft like fighter jets.That will likely become known during the later stages of the sea trials as the Sichuan's capabilities are tested.China has not said how long the Sichuan sea trials are to last. Iranian forces seized an oil tanker sailing in the Gulf of Oman, diverting the vessel toward the countrys territorial waters on Friday after it passed the Strait of Hormuz, a US defence official said.The Marshall Islands-flagged tanker Talara was sailing about 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates when the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Navy allegedly intercepted the vessel, according to Vanguard Tech in an alert. The vessel, which was headed for Singapore, was forced to head toward the Iranian coast instead, the alert said.Iran hasnt officially commented on the incident, and calls made to Irans Port and Maritime Organisation were not immediately answered.The ships manager, Columbia Shipmanagement, said it lost contact with the vessel and has notified authorities. The UK Maritime Trade Operations said the incident is believed to be state-based activity. The episode bears the hallmarks of the vessel having been seized by Iranian forces. The UKMTO and another security agency Ambrey, had earlier flagged an incident in the area without naming any vessel.While authorities are still confirming the nature of the diversion, Fridays event would add to concerns that Iran is turning to hijacking merchant ships again. The last such incident took place in April 2024, when Tehran captured an Israel-linked container ship in the region.Talara had loaded fuels from Hamriyah, a deep-water port in the UAEs northeast, last month, ship-tracking data show. It then sailed through the Strait of Hormuz to turn into the Gulf of Oman before the incident happened. The vessel had previously been approached by three small boats while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, according to Ambrey in its so-called war-risk alert.The US defence official said the act was a violation of international law but otherwise declined to elaborate. While the President of the United States has yet to weigh in on his South Park doppelganger and its cartoon micropenis, a number of Trump administration officials have publicly commented on their onscreen parodies. For example, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem called Trey Parker and Matt Stone petty and lazy after South Park ridiculed her in the episode Got a Nut. On the other hand, Vice President JD Vance bragged Ive finally made it after his South Park debut that same week. But keep in mind that Vance's comment came before the show introduced a steamy love affair subplot involving him and his boss. Don't Miss Now FCC Chairman Brendan Carr has decided to address his depiction on the show for the first time. The shows take on Carr was especially brutal, coming very soon after his threats against ABC seemingly inspired Jimmy Kimmels brief suspension. When we first met South Parks Carr in Conflict of Interest, he got Home Alone-d by Trump down a flight of stairs, suffered from explosive diarrhea that tossed him around the room like a rag-doll and ultimately contracted toxoplasmosis after having a pile of cat litter dumped on his head. But even after that gauntlet of humiliation, Carrs biggest issue with the show, oddly, seems to be what kind of underwear hes seen wearing. Advertisement Advertisement Per The Hill, Carr recently responded to a social media post about the shows lack of censorship by suggesting if Im going to be a repeat character I should note for the record that I wear boxers not briefs. Presumably, Carr is referring to the scene from the very end of his first episode, in which hes laid up in a hospital bed after ironically losing his freedom of speech. The South Park version of Carr doesnt seem to be wearing briefs, however, more like white boxer briefs. Advertisement Advertisement Still, hopefully Parker and Stone will respect these wishes and ensure that any future portrayals of Carr will have him shitting himself while wearing boxer shorts. At the time, it didnt escape many viewers notice that Carrs arm cast conspicuously had him giving a persistent sieg heil. But apparently Carr isnt that bothered that the show is comparing him to a literal fascist, just as long as hes a fascist wearing the correct undergarments. Yesterday, FX abruptly cancelled the sitcom English Teacher after two seasons, prompting many former viewers to once again question why the network ever renewed the series in the first place. When English Teacher first hit cable in September, 2024, TV critics and viewers alike heaped praise onto the show about an openly gay teacher in a conservative Texas school district, calling it the right comedy for the moment and a perfect TV-MA answer to the runaway success of ABC's Abbott Elementary. Now, barely a year later, FX Networks has unceremoniously axed what was shaping up to be their next great comedy hit, and many commentators are theorizing that the English Teacher cancellation might have something to do with the shows controversial creator and star, Brian Jordan Alvarez. Shortly after the premiere of English Teacher Season 1, one of Alvarez former collaborators, Jon Ebeling, publicly accused Alvarez of sexual assault and a pattern of manipulative, grooming-type behavior towards him during the making of the web series The Gay and Wondrous Life of Caleb Gallo. Ebeling filed a report with the Los Angeles Police Department and also contacted the Screen Actors Guild concerning Alvarez' alleged actions. Don't Miss Alvarez denied Ebelings claims and no criminal charges were ever filed following the allegations, but, now, as English Teacher leaves the FX schedule, Alvarez' detractors are explaining why they won't lose sleep over the show's demise: At the time of writing, FX has not made any public comment on the reasoning behind the cancellation of English Teacher, leading many observers to believe that the allegations against Alvarez may have been a deciding factor in the move. In a Reddit thread about the end of English Teacher, the top commenter wrote of the show's star/creator, "Finally. This POS doesn't deserve any sort of platform. The way he grossly tiktok danced through the allegations made me so sick." Advertisement Some users defended the quality of English Teacher, despite how Alvarez' reputation has shaped the cultural discussion over the sitcom. fuck. such a good show and great writing. feel awful for his victims and hope having him out of the spotlight helps them heal, one fan wrote. The Vulture expose should have buried his career, another user opined of Alvarez, Insane that he got a second season. What he did was absolutely horrible, and F his enablers too. Like FX, Alvarez has yet to publicly comment on the English Teacher cancellation. Kathy Griffin ends her latest comedy special on YouTube, My Life on the PTSD List, with a shoutout to a fellow comedian. In case youre not up on Griffins sordid history with Ellen DeGeneres, know that the gratitude is sarcastic. We have a beef. At least in my mind, we do, Griffin says on this weeks Zach Sang Show. She doesn't give a shit about me. But I just love giving Ellen shit because it just never gets old. She just can't stand it. And she has no sense of humor about herself. Griffin kept the hate party going, laughing her way through the story of a knockdown, dragout, screaming on the phones fight she once had with Ellen. I think that's so fucking funny. Picture Kathy Griffin and Ellen DeGeneres split screen, both with our cell phones and assistants screaming at each other. Don't Miss What caused the kerfuffle? The two were arguing over whether the late Joan Rivers was funny. DeGeneres was in the not-funny camp, insisting her humor was just mean. Griffin argued that Rivers was a genius (and not mean at all). In fact, Griffin contended, Ellen owed much of her career to Joan being the first woman to front a talk show. Rivers broke the glass ceiling for women in talk, whether you like her or not, Griffin said. And by the way, Joan would thank Phyllis Diller, Phyllis Diller would thank Moms Mabley and Totie Fields. Advertisement The beef between the two comics dates back to the twentieth century. Thats when an up-and-coming Griffin guested on the sitcom Ellen. DeGeneres recognized Griffin from a TV commercial in which she deadpanned the lyrics to Play That Funky Music, and demanded that Griffin perform it for the cast. It wasnt said with, like, a fun spirit, Griffin described. I just wouldnt do that to somebody whos the day playerI felt like she was saying Dance, bitch. In 2007, Griffin told the world that she was banned from Ellens talk show. I didnt ban her from the show, because first you have to be on the show to be banned, DeGeneres sniped in a W interview. In 2016, Griffin put this snippet in her book, Celebrity Run-Ins: My A-Z Index: Im almost positive a certain beloved daytime talk show host once had me kicked out of a backstage dressing room at the Emmy Awards. I can't prove it, but this person, who has short blonde hair, has a mean streak that all of Hollywood knows about. An irate DeGeneres called Griffin after the book was published. Advertisement Why go after Degeneres now? Im just starting shit with Ellen just to start shit with Ellen, because she has nothing else going on, Griffin confessed. It's fun for me. I enjoy it. You know, it's a victimless crime. She's counting her money all the way around the world. She's selling houses. She and Ryan Seacrest are in some kind of arranged marriage. That's the real marriage. You should be afraid of those two. You'll never see Bandit the same way The most recent episode of South Park, Sora Not Sorry, tackled the perils of generative AI, presumably because the technology is now screwing with South Park, specifically. In addition to Eric I love Cheesy Poofs Cartman, a number of famous pop-culture characters took on highly unsavory roles in the episode, thanks to some vengeful AI-generated videos created by the kids of South Park Elementary. Totoro had a sexual encounter with Butters, Droopy the Dog took a shit in Kyles mouth and Santa Claus even pissed directly in a childs face, a dark turn that the Tim Allen franchise thankfully never took (it was still only the second-worst AI depiction of Santa we got this month). Don't Miss Later in the episode, one of the most beloved childrens characters of the 21st century popped up: Bluey. While lovers of the 7-year-old Australian doggy were no doubt anxious that Sora 2 might force her to do something unspeakable involving bodily waste, Bluey is actually in the real world appearing in courtroom scene. It turns out that Bluey is suing Butters, Kyle and Kenny for forcing her to go to the bathroom in a very, very bad place. While we mercifully do not see the offending video in the episode, Bluey does have to put up with some vulgarity from Sgt. Yates. Why dont you go fuck yourself Bluey! South Parks top cop exclaims. Over on the Bluey subreddit, fans seemed relieved that nothing bad happened to the character. All things considered, Bluey got out pretty unscathed, one person observed. Advertisement Omg I'm so glad they didn't show it or describe it or anything. Had me worried, another person shared. Advertisement The scene with Bluey in court was easily the tamest part of the episode, someone else argued. In fact, some users pointed out that the South Park scene was far less traumatizing for Bluey fans than a recent Saturday Night Live sketch, claiming that it was somehow better than Bandit in SNL. Oh god - the PTSD, a commenter agreed. A Bill Burr-hosted episode of SNL from November of last year included a sketch in which a mental health specialist visits a crew of firefighters and administers a Rorschach Test. She presents the group with a slideshow of inkblots that gradually just become embarrassingly crystal clear erotic images starring formerly family-friendly characters like Snoopy, Elsa and Mike Wazowski from Monsters Inc. The final slide is of Blueys dad Bandit in a sex swing with a ball gag in his mouth, perhaps waiting for a high end dominatrix, as Burrs character theorizes. Advertisement Were guessing that the Droopy fandom isnt quite so cheerful. November 14, 2025: The CIO100 and CSO30 ASEAN and Hong Kong Awards Gala on November 12, 2025, delivered a powerful validation of the regions technology leadership maturity. CIO ASEAN and CSO ASEAN had the privilege of hosting an evening that brought together the most elite CIO100 and CSO30 award winners, and technology teams from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, Hong Kong, and the Philippines. They demonstrate that this region is firmly established as a strategic technology hub driving global digital transformation. Rigor in Judging The awards maintained editorial independence through a select panel of CIO and CSOonline.com executive editors who evaluated all nominations against a single consistent measure: clear, measurable business impact. The best submissions demonstrated business value realization, not just technology deployment CSO30 Awards: Recognizing Excellence Across Three Dimensions The CSO30 Leadership and Business Value Awards demonstrated remarkable breadth across the regions cybersecurity landscape and a diverse cohort spanning financial services, healthcare, energy, telecommunications, and insurance sectors. These individuals exemplified two critical competencies: first, embedding security as a strategic business enabler, and second, fostering collaborative ownership of cyber resilience across technical and business leadership. Their recognition underscores the regional shift toward security as a business transformation lever, a maturation that distinguishes leading organizations from their peers. Winners for the CSO30 Leadership Individual Awards (in alphabetical order): Adj. Prof. Jason Lau Crypto.com Athikom Kanchanavibhu Mitr Phol Group Chatchawat Asawarakwong Kasikorn Business Technology Group Danny Chan Mastercard International Inc. Frankie Shuai DWS Group (subsidiary of Deutsche Bank) Irfan Amer bin Mohd Ismail AEON Bank (M) Berhad Michael Saw Siemens Energy Mohammad Raihan Mohamed Sultan Banking Computer Services Pte Ltd, subsidiary of NETS Primitivo Jojo Nufable St. Lukes Medical Center Stephanie Liew BAT Willis Yung PAOBank Yohannes Glen Dwipajana Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison Winners for the CSO30 Business Value Individual Awards (in alphabetical order): Adj. Prof. Jason Lau Crypto.com Allan Wong Hong Kong Baptist University Danny Chan Mastercard International Inc. Dr Lam Wai Leong Kuwait Finance House Esther Soh Cyber Security Agency of Singapore Hafizzudin Mohd Sabi KPS Berhad Joseph Ong Sheng Cai Trip.Biz Leonard Ong Synapxe Michael Saw Siemens Energy Mohammad Raihan Mohamed Sultan Banking Computer Services Pte Ltd, subsidiary of NETS Primitivo Jojo Nufable St. Lukes Medical Center Sasanka De Silva Transnational Company Pte Ltd Shishir Kumar Singh Advance Intelligence Group Suresh Sankaran Srinivasan Axiata Group Berhad Terrence Chock Zurich Insurance Victor Yeo Dentons Rodyk & Davidson LLP Xerxes Philip Kiok Kan Anglo-Eastern Ship Management Ltd. Yaroth Chhay ACLEDA Bank Plc., Cambodia Yohannes Glen Dwipajana Indosat Ooredoo Hutchison The CSO Public-Private Partnership Team Award Celebrates initiatives that transcend organizational boundaries, leveraging cross-sector partnerships to strengthen collective cyber defense posture and establish national-level cybersecurity improvements that benefit the broader ecosystem Winner: ACLEDA Bank Plc., Cambodia ACLEDA Bank Plc., Cambodia is recognized for advancing the national cybersecurity agenda through effective collaboration between public and private sectors. This signals the critical importance of coordinated security frameworks and multi-stakeholder commitment to regional resilience. The event was made possible by the following partners: Headline sponsor: AWS Welcome reception partner: Workday Category sponsors: Anunta Tech., Claroty, NetApp and SAS Table hosts: Red Hat and Veeam Congratulations once again to all 2025 winners, finalists and nominees. Your achievements have set the bar for the year ahead! CSO ASEAN Contact: Estelle Quek Editorial Director, CIO ASEAN & CSO ASEAN Foundry Foundry About the CIO100 and CSO30 ASEAN Awards The CIO100 Awards recognize technology leaders driving business transformation across the ASEAN and Hong Kong region. Now in its fifth year, the program maintains editorial independence through rigorous judging panels focused on measurable business impact. The CSO30 Awards recognize exceptional cybersecurity leadership across individual and team-based categories. Together, these Awards represent the most comprehensive recognition of technology and security excellence in the region. Anthropic reported that a group of what it believes to be Chinese hackers carried out a series of attacks against foreign governments and large corporations in September. What makes the campaign stand out from the crowd is that the hackers automated the attacks using Claude Code, a popular AI tool from Anthropic. The attacks were literally with the click of a button, Anthropics head of threat intelligence, Jacob Klein, told The Wall Street Journal. Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. There was a time last year when we had to be double quick to pick up any parcels left on our doorsteps by delivery drivers. If they remained there for more than a few minutes, there was a high probability that someone would swipe them and if we were out for any length of time, that probability would turn into something approaching a certainty. Indeed, the WhatsApp group set up for residents of our south London street would ping day after day with reports of yet another theft by our local porch pirate a neighbour we suspected of looking out for delivery vans, and then strolling along the road to scoop up any parcels left uncollected when it had gone. But then abruptly, last autumn, the torrent of reports dried up. True, most of us had stepped up our precautions. Many, like me, had invested in video doorbells, while our WhatsApp group constantly pinged with urgent requests to kind neighbours, begging them to take in parcels until their rightful owners were able to collect them. But these measures alone couldnt explain why the spate of thefts from our doorsteps had suddenly slowed from two or three each week to none. The answer to that soon became apparent, however, when news spread that the one-man crime wave responsible for the thefts had at last been arrested, thanks to the efforts of public-spirited neighbours who had collected such a wealth of evidence against him that the police could no longer ignore it. Im told that in court, he admitted to some seven charges of burglary and theft, although the abrupt end of our crime wave suggests he may have been guilty of a great many more than that. The last I heard, he had skipped bail before a hearing fixed for July this year. I dont know what has happened to him since. Perhaps he has been re-arrested and locked up although I find that unlikely, in this age when few crimes less grievous than serial murder or rape seem to be punished with custodial sentences (and even those offenders thrown behind bars have a fair chance of being released by accident!). If he is still at liberty, I dare say he is inflicting his mini crime-wave on some other locality. All I can say for sure is that, for the time being at least, he appears to be leaving our street alone. Long may this last. Of course, other neighbourhoods in the capital have been much less fortunate. Meanwhile, figures published this week suggest that in the country as a whole, almost five million households fell victim to porch piracy last year alone, with the value of parcels stolen amounting to a marmalade-dropping 666 million. Analysts say the number of thefts equates to a year-on-year increase of no less than 31 per cent. Whats more, that five million figure obtained from 27 UK police forces by the security firm Quadient is almost certainly a considerable underestimate, since so few people actually report missing deliveries to the police. You cant really blame those who dont bother, I suppose, since its so much less trouble simply to claim a refund, while in the vast majority of cases, the chances that the police will do anything beyond issuing a crime number hover somewhere between insignificant and non-existent. Figures published this week suggest that in the country as a whole, almost five million households fell victim to porch piracy last year alone 'Long gone are the days of my childhood in the 1950s and 1960s, when millions felt safe to leave their front doors unlocked,' says TOM UTLEY I should say at once that I have a lot of sympathy with the police, struggling to control crime in a country where respect for the law and the old-fashioned virtue of honesty is at its lowest ebb in the seven decades of my lifetime. Long gone are the days of my childhood in the 1950s and 1960s, when not only did millions feel safe to leave their front doors unlocked, but my mother would often leave the key in the ignition of her unlocked car overnight. And that was in central London! All right, this wasnt a very wise thing to do, even then. But the car was never stolen. These days, it would have disappeared before you could say Stop thief! Or look at the tens of thousands who cheat the benefits system, seeking guidance from dodgy internet sites on the right answers to enter on the online application form for Universal Credit or Personal Independence Payments. In my youth, a great many Britons would rather suffer hardship than live with what many saw as the shame of dependence on taxpayers charity. Im not saying that this was an attitude to be encouraged. But wasnt it a great deal more honourable than the current fashion for screwing the maximum amount from hard-working fellow citizens, on the minimum of pretexts? As for the current epidemic of shoplifting, in which growing numbers help themselves from the shelves and waltz out again without a trace of fear let alone conscience just ask any High Street retailer how highly, on a scale of zero to ten, he rates the chances that the offenders will be caught and punished. I think we can all guess the answer and it begins with a Z. Yet doesnt the case of our own porch pirate illustrate how the arrest and prosecution of a single offender can make a huge difference to the peace of mind of a great many law-abiding citizens? Why do we always have to wait until a criminals minor offences mount up into a serial crime spree before the police and courts swing into action? Surely it would save the authorities a whole lot of time, effort and money, in the long run, if only they adopted a zero-tolerance approach and acted sooner? Oh dear, Ive just learned from our neighbourhood WhatsApp group that a new parcel thief has been spotted hard at work just a couple of streets away from us. Apparently he dresses in a hi-viz jacket to pose as a delivery driver. So heres a revolutionary suggestion for the local police. Instead of waiting for the tenth or fifteenth theft to be reported, how about sending an officer on foot to patrol our local streets? You never know. The very sight of a police uniform could prevent another one-man crime wave before it gets properly under way. But let me end with a plea to delivery drivers all over the country. Yes, I know youre incredibly busy at this time of year, with the peak season for online shopping beginning on Black Friday at the end of this month, and lasting until Christmas. However, do please remember that its also peak season for porch piracy, with more than a quarter of the entire years thefts reported in that one month alone. So is it really too much to ask that if you have to leave a parcel outside our homes, you should make a small effort to hide it from passers-by? Failing that, couldnt you at least take the trouble to alert us to the delivery by pressing the blinking doorbell? There is only one way this vile war in Ukraine is going to end and that is when Vladimir Putin finally realises that he is not going to win. He is never going to kill the Ukrainian love of freedom. He is never going to crush them or beat them into the ground not when he has already lost over a million dead and injured, and when in the last catastrophic year, in spite of all his boasts, he has gained less than 1 per cent of Ukrainian territory. He faces an increasingly exasperated American president and a growing squeeze on his oil markets, and the economic costs are really starting to bite. The resourceful Ukrainians are now making their own highly effective Flamingo missiles and are getting better and better at hitting important targets in Russia itself. Putins losses in the ground war are far higher than Ukrainian losses sometimes at a ratio of five or even ten to one. That is not sustainable in the long term, even for a country the size of Russia. All this Putin knows; and yet he is a deeply cynical man. He still calculates that it would be better above all better for him and his regime to fight on. He still thinks it is worth it to feed more men into the grinder. He still thinks that in a brutal contest to see who can suffer the most, he can outlast the Ukrainians and outlast the patience of the West. He thinks there is therefore no need to negotiate, and that he can hurl a metaphorical V-sign in the direction of President Trump. Well, he is wrong in his calculation, but we need to show him he is wrong. We need to flip the switch in his head, and demonstrate that when it comes to backing Ukraine, the West is sincere and committed for the long term. We need to show that we really mean it when we talk about a free, sovereign and secure Ukraine. Putin will face massive reparations when the war in Ukraine concludes, Boris Johnson writes As so often in life there is one thing that really talks one thing that shows your commitment to a cause and that is money. We are not even talking about our money, or money from any Western taxpayers. We are talking about Putins gold, the stupefying sums of Russian assets that were left improvidently in Western bank accounts in 2022. We can take that cash, morally and legally, and give it to the Ukrainians, and we need to do it now. Britain is ideally placed to give a lead. Readers may remember that there are about 228billion of Russian state assets in foreign bank accounts, of which the largest chunk about 107billion is in Belgium, in a bank called Euroclear. The Belgian finance ministry has been very skittish about handing over that cash to the Ukrainians. They should relax. The legal grounds for using Putins resources to help Ukraine are rock solid. It was in February that the World Bank made a back-of-the-envelope calculation that the damage Putin had so far inflicted on Ukraine was worth about 457billion, and that number has obviously gone up in the months that have followed. When this illegal and criminal war comes to an end, Putin or whoever else is in charge in Moscow will be on the hook for massive reparations. By unfreezing this cash now and giving it to the Ukrainians to fund their war effort, the West would be effectively handing them a loan an advance on Russias inevitable bill for what was blatantly an unprovoked act of aggression. The only circumstances in which the Ukrainians would have to repay that loan would be if the Russians actually do the right thing and pay Ukraine war damages. International lawyers have been crawling over this plan for years now, and they are sure that it is not just morally right but legally bomb proof. This reparations loan is entirely justifiable. The chances of the Belgians losing some post-war legal action against Russia are vanishingly small. The signs are growing that the estimable Belgian Prime Minister, Bart De Wever, is willing to go ahead. But just to reassure him, and to strengthen his hand with his colleagues, other European countries should agree as soon as possible to stand behind Belgium. We should all agree that in the astronomically unlikely event of some European court finding against Belgium and in favour of Putin, we will pool our resources and rally round. It will not come to that. But it is clear because this dispute has now been dragging on for three years that we need to say it. If other countries can give the Belgians the reassurances they need, then there is a good chance that Decembers EU summit will agree to release the cash. That would be a huge blow to Putin, and a huge morale boost to Ukraine. That is enough money, on its own, to keep Ukraine going for at least a year, and probably far more. That disbursement would inevitably be followed by the 19billion of Putins cash that is held in EU bank accounts other than Euroclear and it is likely that other large holders of Russian cash, such as Japan, would be encouraged to follow suit. We are talking about a tsunami of support for Ukraine, a total game-changer and Britain can trigger it. In all the justified focus on Belgium, we have forgotten that there are probably 11billion to 15billion of Russian assets frozen here in the UK. In the run-up to that EU summit, the UK should break the deadlock, set an example and unfreeze our sizeable share of Putins money. We should unlock it now and make it over in the form of a reparations loan to the Ukrainians, to whom it rightfully belongs. These people have been fighting and dying for almost four years, not just for their own freedom and their own democracy, but for the very principle of freedom in Europe. It is a disgrace that we have not sorted this out sooner. It is now four years since Britain first showed a lead, by taking the decision to send the Belfast-made NLAW anti-tank shoulder-launched missiles to Ukraine. We were the first major European country to send lethal weaponry of that kind. We broke the taboo. In the hands of heroic Ukrainian troops, those NLAW missiles helped to turn the tide of the battle for Kyiv and to repel Putins forces. The UK can show a lead again. We can prove to Putin the one big fact he needs to get: That we are with Ukraine for the long term, forever; and that it is therefore sensible for him to come to the table and end the carnage. So lets disgorge Putins cash now and give it to the people who have a complete moral and legal right to make use of it. It is one of the few things that Rachel Reeves can do that will cost British taxpayers nothing, save lives, and that will make the world unambiguously better and happier. So, its time to step up, Starmer. Unlock Putins London gold and do it now! A wearable device which attaches to a bra could help detect breast cancer more quickly in a certain group of high risk women. British scientists, who developed the 'smart bra', believe the tech will detect tumours as small as 5mm, which may be missed in between mammogram screenings. For most women, routine breast screening appointments which occur every three years for over 50s or earlier among those at higher risk of the disease detect tumours before they become hard to treat, meaning they don't require extra scans. But women with intellectual disabilities, who suffer limitations to cognitive function and skills, are at far higher risk of dying of breast cancer or being diagnosed at a later stage. Research suggests this is because they are significantly less likely to attend screenings due to lack of awareness, fear of the procedure, embarrassment and inadequate support. Now, scientists at Nottingham Trent University and the University of Glasgow, say the device may help this group by monitoring whether a tumour is growing in real time and alerting doctors to potential risks. Currently still in development, they hope it will then trigger medics to arrange other scans to be taken, such as an MRI, an earlier diagnoses giving women a better chance of survival. Professor Yang Wei, an expert in wearable technology at Nottingham Trent University, said: 'This technology has the potential to save women's lives by detecting tumours early, while being used as an added measure alongside all other normal checks and scans. The technology, which contains 16 electrodes and sits over the nipple area, uses a form of electrical current that can scan to spot subtle differences in body tissues. Pictured, a prototype of the device Your browser does not support iframes. 'As MRI scans can be months apart, patients could be given better peace of mind by knowing that any growth between monitoring appointments would be picked up. 'We hope in the future that this technology could reduce the need for many other checks, such as MRI, ultrasound and mammograms, and in doing so create efficiencies for health services.' Dr Dani Skirrow, a research information manager at Cancer Research UK, which is funding the trial, added: 'Over the past 50 years, our work has helped to nearly double breast cancer survival in the UK. 'We're committed to making sure everyone shares in this progress equally, regardless of who they are, where they're from or what type of cancer they have. 'The "Smart Bra" has the potential to make breast cancer screening more accessible so that more people can benefit from it. The technology, which contains 16 electrodes and sits over the nipple area, uses a form of electrical current that can scan to spot subtle differences in body tissues. As tumours tend to be denser and hold less water than healthy areas, the device, the scientists said, can help differentiate them. It will log data internally and also transmit to a smartphone app for processing. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. 'The device will alert the wearer if an abnormality is detected, even without a smartphone connection,' Professor Wei also told the Daily Mail. 'Integrating healthcare data with NHS patient records is a complex process but ultimately the goal is to streamline this data into individual patient records for analysis.' The 'smart textile technology' will also be small enough to allow patients to slip it into their bra, meaning they can continue to wear their own bra of choice, he added, but can form part of a new bra altogether. Trials of the device will begin before the end of the year and scientists hope the technology could soon be rolled out for women with intellectual disabilities on the NHS. One in seven women in the UK are diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetimearound 56,000 a yearmaking it the most common cancer in the UK. The figure stands at roughly 300,000 annually in the US. Around 85 per cent of women diagnosed with breast cancer survive more than five years. Resident doctors have begun a five-day walkout in England in a row over pay - despite pocketing rises worth 28.9 per cent over the past three years. The 13th walkout, by British Medical Association (BMA) members in both emergency and non-urgent care, began at 7am today and will last until 7am on Wednesday. Health leaders have warned the NHS may have to cut frontline staff and perform fewer operations and scans to cover the cost of ongoing doctors' strikes. The industrial action is expected to blow a 240million hole in the health service budget, as hospitals are forced to cancel appointments and pay consultants inflated overtime rates when covering for junior colleagues, who are demanding another 26 per cent. Health secretary Wes Streeting has accused the British Medical Association, the doctors' union, of acting like a 'cartel' and trying to hold the country to ransom over the extortionate bill. Now, the NHS Confederation and NHS Providers, which represents healthcare organisations, say 'constrained' NHS budgets can no longer absorb this cost and cuts will have to be made if the Treasury does not bail them out. They yesterday pleaded with the BMA to call off their 'disproportionate' strike, stressing it will cause 'excessive disruption' to patients, who will have to wait longer for care. The last time resident doctors went on strike, over 54,000 procedures and appointments needed to be cancelled or rescheduled, despite the NHS maintaining 93 per cent of its planned activity. Sir Jim Mackey, chief executive of NHS England, has written to trust bosses urging them to maintain 95 per cent of non-urgent care this time around - only rescheduling appointments and operations 'in exceptional circumstances to safeguard patient safety'. Resident doctors stand on strike outside St Thomas' Hospital in Westminster today as they start a five-day walkout over pay Outside Leeds General Infirmary, more doctors picket in the rain. The walkout by members in both emergency and non-urgent care will last until 7am on Wednesday However, NHS Confederation and NHS Providers said it is still likely that tens of thousands of patients could have their appointments, tests or operations cancelled or delayed if surges in demand require staff to prioritise urgent and emergency care. The early flu season could further exacerbate these pressures, they added, with higher demand and increased staff sickness making it more difficult to fill rota gaps. This risks jeopardising progress against key waiting time targets just as new figures show the NHS waiting list fell in September after three successive monthly rises. Matthew Taylor, chief executive of NHS Confederation, said: 'There is no doubt that patients will bear the brunt of this disruption, with tens of thousands of tests, appointments and operations likely to be delayed or cancelled. 'NHS leaders understand how frustrating this will be for them being left waiting in pain or discomfort, not knowing when their treatment will be rescheduled. 'With flu already beginning to bite there is a real risk that these strikes will leave the NHS limping into a very difficult winter at a time when it is trying to recover performance and implement vital long-term reforms. 'But industrial action is also having a major financial impact on the NHS, with the last five-day walk out estimated to have cost a staggering 300 million. 'These costs are not included in the health service's budget, which is already very tight given the strain on public sector finances. Health Secretary Wes Streeting leaving No 10 earlier this week The strike is expected to create a cost of around 240million to the health service, as hospitals will be forced to cancel appointments and pay consultants overtime rates when covering for junior colleagues NHS corridor care crisis leaves thousands of patients stranded on trolleys and chairs in A&E for over 12 hours The number of patients forced to wait 12 hours or more on a trolley or chair in A&E after being told they needed a bed on a ward has surged by 10,000 in just one month. More than 54,000 people - 1,752 each day - were subjected to this extended 'corridor care' in NHS hospitals in October according to new figures from NHS England. This is 10,000 more than September and 9.5 per cent more than the same month last year. Meanwhile, 142,734 waited more than four hours for a bed following a decision to admit. Dr Vicky Price, president of the Society for Acute Medicine, said: 'The latest performance data highlights the strain on the NHS, with patients enduring prolonged waits for assessment and care, beds full and staff exhausted - and this is before we hit the winter months. 'These will be vulnerable people receiving corridor care which was once the exception but is now an accepted norm. 'It is distressing, dangerous and continues to cause serious and avoidable harm.' Elsewhere, the waiting list for routine hospital treatment has dropped slightly, after previously rising for three months in a row. An estimated 7.39 million treatments were waiting to be carried out at the end of September, relating to 6.24 million patients, the latest figures revealed yesterday. This is down from 7.41 million treatments and 6.25 million patients at the end of August. Advertisement 'This means that more strikes will blow further holes in these constrained budgets and could result in leaders having to cut staff or reduce service levels in order to balance the books. 'The BMA must recognise that these strikes are disproportionate, given the current financial environment and the fact resident doctors have already had one of the biggest pay rises in the public sector.' The BMA yesterday said doctors must not be called off picket lines to cover planned NHS work during the strike. The union said it would not agree to such 'derogations' unless NHS trusts have already cancelled planned activity and 'incentivised' other medics to provide cover. Dr Tom Dolphin, BMA council chair, and Dr Emma Runswick, deputy chair, told hospital leaders in a letter that derogations are 'not in place to avoid disruption caused by industrial action but to ensure that in unexpected and extreme circumstances patients will continue to receive safe care'. The letter said: 'Derogations will not be granted if planning has not occurred to incentivise non-striking doctors to cover emergency work, or if non-emergency work is continuing.' Sir Jim has told hospital bosses that that if non-striking doctors provide cover during the strike, trusts 'should not adopt the BMA's rate card'. The BMA's consultant rate card for working outside contracted hours sets a fee of 188 per hour for weekdays from 7am to 7pm, and 250 per hour for 7pm to 11pm. Weekends are 7am-11pm for 250 per hour, and overnight shifts of 11pm to 7am are 313 per hour. Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, said patient safety is the number one priority, adding: 'Derogation requests during strike action aren't made lightly. 'These requests are initiated by trust-based medical directors, who are senior clinicians acting in good faith, to keep patients safe when unexpected and extreme circumstances arise during strikes.' Mr Streeting last night said the blame for the 'needless' strikes 'lies squarely with the BMA' who refused to put his improved offer of more specialist training places and help with exam fees to its members. Appealing directly to medics, he said: 'I urge resident doctors not to follow the BMA out on strike, come to work to give your patients the care they need, and let's continue rebuilding our NHS.' Daniel Ekeles (right), chief executive of NHS Providers However, Dr Jack Fletcher, chair of the BMA's resident doctors committee, accused NHS managers of 'emotionally blackmailing frontline staff who are taking legitimate industrial action to defend their pay and conditions, and fight for employment'. He said that strikes 'have not come out of the blue', adding: 'What has been offered so far still leaves thousands of resident doctors without a role this year, and the Government seems determined to cut pay even further next year.' Dr Fletcher said 'any resident doctor' would challenge the narrative that the NHS is 'somehow turning a corner'. 'We have doctors sitting on bins because there aren't enough chairs, patients routinely being seen in corridors, A&E waits through the roof and rota gaps are an accepted norm,' he said. 'We cannot let the Government and managers gaslight the public into putting the blame for these system-wide failures at the doors of hardworking doctors who are standing up for their profession and the future of the health service.' The BMA's current mandate for strike action runs out in January after which it would need to ballot members. NHS England is urging patients to continue coming forward for care and attend any planned appointments unless they hear otherwise. Patients who need emergency help should continue to use 999 or A&E as normal, while NHS 111 is also available alongside usual GP services. A Missouri mother has revealed how her life was turned upside down after an outing at an indoor climbing gym and a subsequent chiropractic visit left her with a torn neck artery that led to five strokes. Haley Schoen, 30, was climbing at an indoor gym with a friend in January 2019 when she jumped from roughly 15 feet off an indoor wall down to the crash mats, something she said she had done multiple times before. Upon landing, she recalled feeling something that felt like a 'pinched nerve' in her neck, but she brushed it off as not a big deal. A few days later, a coworker noticed she was 'walking crooked,' and Schoen had begun to experience numbness in one of her toes. When the discomfort persisted, she visited a chiropractor, in hopes she could get an adjustment and fix her pinched nerve. She said the practitioner performed several neck manipulations, and during the third one she felt an intense rush of pressure and warmth at the base of her skull, sensations she now realizes were warning signs of a torn artery and stroke. Later that week, Schoen suddenly became emotional and disoriented at home, breaking down in tears for no apparent reason. Alarmed, she went to the hospital, where imaging revealed a bilateral vertebral artery dissection, tears in both of the arteries that supple blood to her brain. Doctors told her the injuries had already led to four strokes since she had fallen from the climbing wall and visited the chiropractor and she suffered a fifth while in the hospital. Haley Schoen said she jumped down from a 15-foot rock climbing wall and quickly felt a 'pinched nerve' in her neck In a bid to make the pain go away, Schoen visited a chiropractor. But during the treatment, she felt an intense rush of pressure and warmth at the base of her skull, sensations she now realizes were warning signs of a stroke Your browser does not support iframes. Schoen said she was stunned. Doctors believe the first artery tear occurred when she jumped from the climbing wall, and the others likely happened during or shortly after the chiropractic manipulation. The combined injuries disrupted blood flow and triggered strokes on both sides of her brain. Schoen spent a week in hospital after the incident, relearning how to walk while being monitored around the clock. Once discharged, she had to give herself daily blood-thinner injections for three months. A tear in the artery creates an irregular surface where clots easily develop and these clots can travel to the brain, triggering additional strokes. Blood thinners are used to prevent new clots from forming. Because of her stroke history, Schoen was barred from working and driving, ultimately losing her home and relocating to Missouri to restart her life. She had been living what she described as a fast-paced, glamorous life in California working high-end real estate. 'I went from doing photoshoots and selling multimillion-dollar homes to suddenly learning how to walk again,' she explained, adding that the abrupt shift left her traumatized. 'I lost everything. It felt like watching all my hard work disappear overnight.' Doctors told her the injuries had led to four strokes since she had fallen from the climbing wall visited the chiropractor and she suffered a fifth while in the hospital The fall and neck manipulations had disrupted blood flow and triggered strokes on both sides of her brain Today, Schoen still struggles with depth perception, often misjudging distances and accidentally hitting her face on cabinets, and she said she becomes overwhelmed more easily than before. She now shares her story on social media, including a TikTok video showing the moment she jumped off the climbing wall. Her goal, she said, is to raise awareness about the risks of neck manipulation and encourage people to advocate for themselves during chiropractic care. Medical experts say that high-velocity neck manipulations, often performed by chiropractors, can in rare cases injure the arteries that supply blood to the brain. These injuries, known as vertebral artery dissections, occur when a tear forms in the artery wall. Although the overall risk is low, neurologists have long cautioned that sudden neck rotation or forceful adjustments can stretch or damage these vessels. Bilateral dissections like Major's are exceptionally uncommon but significantly increase the likelihood of stroke. Stroke remains a major public-health concern in the US, with roughly 800,000 cases each year. It is consistently among the nations leading causes of death and disability. Schoen spent a week in hospital, relearning how to walk while being monitored around the clock Most strokes are ischemic, caused by a blood clot blocking blood flow to part of the brain. These clots can stem from artery dissections, hardened arteries, heart rhythm problems, or small-vessel disease. Hemorrhagic strokes, caused by bleeding in the brain, account for a smaller but often more severe portion of cases. Because a stroke can injure areas responsible for movement, speech, vision, memory, and emotional control, long-term consequences vary widely. Treatment depends on the type and cause of the stroke, ranging from clot-dissolving medication and blood thinners to surgical procedures or intensive rehabilitation. Following her ordeal, Schoen stressed that she is not opposed to chiropractic treatment in general, but she refuses neck adjustments and urges others to do the same. Doctors, she noted, told her vertebral artery dissections are a known risk associated with such maneuvers. 'Be responsible and speak up,' she said. 'If something doesn't feel right, don't let anyone touch your neck. It's not worth the chance.' A mother has spoken out after her daughter was left with a severe spinal injury after an accident at a soft play centre. Lillie Russell, 4, from Earls Barton in Northamptonshire was sat at the bottom of a slide when another child slid down and crashed into her from behind. 'We got a call to say, "I think Lillie's broken her back but she's not in pain," said her mother Amelia Russell, 34, recalling the accident which occured in March 2023. 'You can't imagine how stressful it was. It was every parent's worst nightmare. 'I looked at her back and thought what on earth has happened? I couldn't believe what I was looking at. We drove her straight to A&E.' Later that summer it, doctors explained that the impact had triggered a condition known as 'accident induced scoliosis' An estimated two million people in the UK have scoliosiscurvature of the spine which if left untreated can cause chronic back pain. The particular type the toddler was diagnosed withwhich can also be triggered by car crashesis when the pressure from a collision causes the abnormal curvature. A mother has told of her horror after Lillie [pictured] at just four was left with a spinal injury after a trip to soft play The incident left her with a condition known as accident induced scoliosis that causes curvature of the spine which worsened over time 'You don't expect your children to come back from soft play with such a severe injury,' said Ms Russell. After her diagnosis, Lillie, who is now seven, had three spine stretching procedures under general anaesthetic, one every three months. Explaining the procedure, Ms Russell said: 'They put her in a machine to stretch her body and try to straighten out her spine. 'After the third operation we realised that it was not correcting. The muscles were wasting. She was only four. 'It was horrific. During these months she was in a permanent brace.' But sadly, the operations didn't counter the damage and the curvature worsened over the following two years. 'The curvature was getting worse and worse,' said Ms Russell. 'The curvature started off at 55 degrees and is now nearly 70 degrees.' Despite undergoing three procedures and having to wear a brace [pictured] Lillie's curvature has worsened Now Lillie is facing a bigger operation to insert metal rods at London's Royal Orthopaedic Hospital but she needs to put on a little weight first Now Lillie is facing a bigger operation to insert metal rods at London's Royal Orthopaedic Hospital, which can't happen until she has put on a little more weight. After that, her long road to recovery should finally end at 18, with a final spinal fusion operation. This is a major surgery that helps to correct the curve, which can take a team of highly skilled surgeons up to seven hours to complete, says the NHS. It involves connecting two or more bones in the vertebrae so they cannot move independently. Metal rods or screws keep the backbone straight. Ms Russell and her husband Dan, 44, who run a roofing firm, are desperate to help other people after witnessing the trauma their daughter has experienced. They've launched an Instagram account chronicling little Lillie's journey to support and inspire other children living with the condition @lillielivingwithscoliosis. 'We began the Instagram account because I'm a positive person and so is she,' said Ms Russell. 'Lillie is a girly girl who loves unicorns. But this is her nightmare, and mine too. 'To watch your daughter noticing herself that she stands differently to her friends is heartbreaking.' 'She says she's got a special back.' Lillie's medical issues were also making it impossible for the family to obtain travel insurance so that they could travel abroad, with the family grounded in the UK for a year. Thankfully they managed to find specialist cover with Staysure, which meant that the family could travel to Turkey for some much-needed family time last summer. 'Prior to that accident we had typical family holidays, we took them to Disneyland Paris and it was great,' said Ms Russell. 'We never thought we'd find a company that would help us because it's quite complex. 'We're going to Abu Dhabi with them in January, which really helps the whole family at a time when we are in limbo, waiting for Lillie to get to the right weight for the next operation.' A microbiologist's sickening investigation into how much bacteria is lurking in gym changing rooms might make you think twice about showering barefoot after your next workout. In a recent video, which has garnered nearly 14,000 views Nick Aicher, a Chicago-based senior quality control analyst, tested the amount of bacteria growth on the floor of a gym shower. The clip posted to the 500,000 followers of his TikTok page, @howdirtyis begins with him unveiling a cotton but and swiping it back and forth over the floor. He then rubs the cotton bud inside a petri dish labelled 'public shower floor' that before storing it in his special incubator. After a certain time period, which Mr Aicher doesn't specify, he revisits the container to see if anything has sproutedand is confronted by a thick presence of bacterial growth. On the experiment, he said: 'So, that's why you should wear some flip flops.' In the comment section, one user wrote 'yikes' while another wrote 'buying shower shoes now'. Nick Aicher, a microbiologist, revealed the grim the amount of bacterial growth from the gym shower floor The stomach-churning results showed what appears to be bacterial growth in the petri dish But despite the stomach churning results, other followers said they were expecting it to be worse. One user wrote 'not as bad as I expected actually lol', while another wrote 'tbh, I thought this would be way worse'. The recent video showing the experiment follows a warning from a scientist that gyms are a hot bed for germs and other harmful micro-organisms. In an article for The Conversation, Dr Primrose Freestone a senior lecturer in Clinical Microbiology at the University of Leicester, wrote: 'By far, the most germ-rich areas in any gym are places that are warm and wet.' This includes 'saunas, showers, swimming pools or hot tubs' because 'anywhere there's sweat, there are probably germs'. She explained: 'Sweat is a complex mixture of various substances - including vitamins, mineral salts, lactic acid, amino acids and lipids. 'This means any sweat that drips off of you (or other gymgoers) can be used by bacteria and germs to help them grow.' A scientist previously warned that gyms can harbor the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus Worryingly she said the most common disease-causing bacteria in germ profiling studies is Staphylococcus aureus, 'a bacteria which can trigger MRSA'. MRSA is a type of bacteria which usually lives harmlessly on the skin, but if it gets inside the body, it can trigger a serious infection, says the NHS. If it is under your skin, an area may appear painful and swollen, feel warm to touch, leak pus or liquid and look red, and this may be harder to see on brown or Black skin. Meanwhile, it adds if it has spread to other parts of your body, you may experience a high temperature, difficulty breathing, chills, dizziness or confusion. 'Stomach infections are also a risk, as pathogens such as Salmonella have been found on gym equipment,' added Dr Freestone. The bacteria, Salmonella can trigger symptoms of diarrhoea, stomach cramps, vomiting and a fever typically 12 and 72 hours after an infection. In severe cases it can cause fatal dehydration or if the bacteria enters the blood stream, can lead to sepsis - a life-threatening reaction. However, Jonathan Fletcher, a germs expert at the University of Bradford told the Daily Mail that in his opinion there's a much higher risk of viruses than bacteria. 'For example ones that can lead to a verruca or fungal infections, especially athlete's foot,' he said. Verrucae, a type of wart on the foot, are small lumps on the skin that most people have at some point in their life, says the NHS. It explains that it is caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV), but the strains of the virus that cause warts aren't likely to cause cancer. Meanwhile athlete's foot is a type of fungal infection, also known as tinea pedis, which causes an itchy, red, scaly, dry, cracked or blistered rash. A sudden and unexpected death in New Jersey has now been identified as the first documented fatality caused by a rare tick-bite complication that is becoming more common. The case, published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology: In Practice, sheds new light on alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), a little-known, but rapidly emerging, health threat that causes the sudden onset of a meat allergy triggered by certain tick bites. In the summer of 2024, a 47-year-old unnamed father and airline pilot collapsed in the bathroom of his home and died despite prolonged resuscitation efforts. An autopsy found no cardiac, neurological, or respiratory abnormalities, and the death was initially labeled 'sudden and unexplained.' Seeking answers, his widow asked a friend, pediatrician Dr Erin McFeely, to review the report. McFeely then contacted Dr Thomas Platts-Mills, a University of Virginia allergist who first linked tick bites to red-meat allergy nearly two decades ago. Alpha-gal syndrome is triggered when the immune system becomes sensitive to a sugar, alpha-gal, found in the cells of mammals such as cows and pigs. The allergy is unusual because symptoms appear three to five hours after eating meat, often waking patients from sleep with severe stomach pain, vomiting, or what seems like a sudden gastrointestinal illness. The New Jersey man experienced a reaction four hours after eating beef. A mysterious death in New Jersey has now been identified as the first documented fatality caused by a rare tick-bite complication which is becoming increasingly common (stock image) Your browser does not support iframes. Many victims, and many clinicians, do not recognize these episodes as allergic reactions. The New Jersey man had experienced a similar episode shortly before his death, waking at 2am with intense abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea after a late steak dinner on a family camping trip. 'I thought I was going to die,' he told one of his sons afterward. The symptoms resolved, and the family never linked the event to the meal. During a recent camping trip, the man suffered more than a dozen itchy bites around his ankles, what the family assumed were 'chiggers,' but were likely larval lone star ticks. Lone star ticks are now recognized as the leading cause of alpha-gal sensitization in the US. The tick species, which is one of around 850 worldwide, has increased and it is expanding into new areas due to factors such as climate change and the rebounding population of their host, the white-tailed deer. This expansion is notable in US states that were historically not a major part of their range, such as those in the Northeast and Midwest. The CDC estimates that as many as 450,000 Americans may have alpha-gal syndrome, though only three states formally track cases. And Platts-Mills believes millions may have been sensitized without realizing it. In the case he reviews, two weeks after the camping trip, the man ate a hamburger at a barbecue, drank a beer, and spent an hour mowing the lawn. Four hours later, he began vomiting and collapsed. His son found him unconscious on the bathroom floor and called 911, but he could not be revived. With the family's permission, postmortem blood samples were sent to Platts-Mills' lab. Testing showed clinically significant levels of IgE antibodies to alpha-gal and beef. A map showing the geographic distribution of suspected alpha-gal syndrome cases per 1 million population per year in the US from 2017 to 2022 Additional analysis at the Mayo Clinic revealed postmortem tryptase levels above 2,000 ng/mL, among the highest ever recorded and consistent with fatal anaphylaxis. The results confirmed the suspicion: the man had died from a severe allergic reaction to red meat, triggered hours after consumption. Doctors say the case illustrates the challenges of diagnosing AGS. A 2023 CDC survey found that more than 40 percent of physicians had never heard of the condition. Because the allergy often presents with isolated abdominal symptoms, many patients never receive a diagnosis and remain at risk. Researchers warn that the spread of the lone star tick, driven by booming deer populations and shifting climates, means more Americans may unknowingly develop the allergy. For the man's family, the findings finally answered a question that an autopsy alone could not. 'We gave them closure,' Platts-Mills said. 'You don't get it until you know what really happened.' A normally harmless bacteria that lurks on the skin of nearly every American left one man fighting for his life after it spread to his bloodstream. Group G Streptococcus, or GGS, is typically considered to be safe and a natural part of the human microbiome. But in recent years, doctors have started to sound the alarm over the organism as it is being linked to more severe infections. In a new case report from Japan, doctors described how an unidentified 53-year-old man developed meningitis, a dangerous inflammation of the membranes around the brain, heart inflammation and blindness in his left eye after he was infected with the bacteria. The individual was hospitalized for 66 days. Just two days after he was hospitalized, his condition deteriorated rapidly and he needed to be intubated for five days. He was eventually treated with a last-resort antibiotic, reserved for the most severe infections, before being discharged. Doctors said his case underscores the growing dangers posed by the bacteria. Physicians at St Luke's International Hospital in Tokyo, who treated the man, wrote: 'This case underscores the potential for GGS to cause severe, multisystem invasive disease. It highlights the importance of early recognition and comprehensive management [of the condition].' GGS normally lives harmlessly on the skin, in the gut, throat or female genital tract and is normally linked to mild infections such as cellulitis, an infection of the skin, and pharyngitis, a sore throat. But reports of life-threatening infections have 'substantially increased' in recent years. Experts are not sure whether this is due to the bacteria becoming more virulent or the declining health of the human population. The patient was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, admitted for a presumed bacterial infection in the bloodstream and given antibiotics (stock image) Group G Streptococcus, or GGS, is typically considered to be safe and a natural part of the human microbiome. Now, however, they are being linked to more severe infections (stock ) Your browser does not support iframes. In the latest case, revealed in the American Journal of Case Reports, doctors said the man was admitted to the hospital after suffering from a fever of 102.2 degrees Fahrenheit, slightly decreased consciousness and an infection in his left eye for two days. He was also suffering from chills, joint pain and difficulty moving. The man was a former smoker, and had previously consumed 20 packs of cigarettes a year, or one cigarette a day, from the ages of 20 to 40 years old. He had also undergone an operation 30 years earlier to tighten the main artery located above his heart, which had become swollen, raising the risk that blood could flow backwards. In the operation, doctors had also fitted a prosthetic valve into the aorta, replacing the original, and in order to prevent blood backflow. The patient was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, admitted for a presumed bacterial infection in the bloodstream and given antibiotics. Two days later, however, the man's consciousness declined dramatically to the point where he appeared listless but could be aroused when spoken to. He was immediately transferred to the intensive care unit, intubated, and given vancomycin, a last-resort antibiotic that doctors keep in reserve and only use to treat the most severe infections. The above image shows the man's left eye following the infection. He did not recover his sight in this eye. The yellow arrow is pointing to a corneal edema, a swelling of the cornea which is the clear part of the eye. The red arrow is pointing to ciliary injection, or a ring of redness around the eye The above image shows the man's body on scans from above his head, image A, from the side, image B, and from the back, image C. The red arrow indicates the infection in the aortic valve At this time, doctors ordered blood cultures that revealed he was infected with GGS. They also detected meningitis and that he was suffering from prosthetic valve endocarditis, inflammation around the valve fitted to the aorta following the operation. This infection can be fatal if it causes the valve to become damaged or blocked, causing blood backflow into the heart or preventing it from pumping effectively. Tests also showed that his eye infection had spread to the other eye. After five days in the unit, his condition improved and his consciousness returned to normal. He was taken off the ventilator and moved to the hospital's main unit. He was also switched to a milder antibiotic. Doctors became concerned about his condition again on day eight and again on day 24 after his admission after blood tests showed rising inflammation levels. This led them to again give the patient vancomycin. After receiving the drug for a week, his condition improved each time. He was kept in the hospital for a total of 66 days while his condition cleared before being discharged. Upon discharge, his brain function had returned to normal. He was, however, permanently blind in his left eye from complications due to the infection. It was not clear how GGS bacteria spread to his bloodstream, but doctors noted that he had poor oral hygiene and said it was possible that the bacteria had entered the blood via his mouth. They said: 'This case highlights a rare presentation of GGS infection manifesting concurrently as infective endocarditis [heart inflammation], endogenous endophthalmitis [eye infection], and bacterial meningitis. 'Early recognition and prompt [eye] intervention proved crucial in achieving visual recovery despite the generally poor prognosis associated with GGS endophthalmitis. 'This case underscores the importance of clinical vigilance, timely diagnosis, and multidisciplinary management in severe invasive GGS infections.' Americans across the country have been cautioned to stay inside today amid surging levels of air pollution with toxic particles that have been linked to cancer, dementia and stroke. AirNow made the warnings after analyzing data from hundreds of air monitoring stations nationwide. It monitors levels of Particulate Matter 2.5 (PM2.5), fine particles released by vehicles, industry or burning wood. PM2.5 are small enough to be breathed in by humans and penetrate deep into the lungs, where they can cause irritation, leading to coughing and trouble breathing. Data showed that sensitive groups, such as people with asthma or heart disease, are currently being advised to stay indoors in parts of Georgia due to elevated pollution levels. In the north of the state, PM2.5 and ozone levels (ozone is a harmful gas that irritates the respiratory system), have risen to between 101 to 150 on the Air Quality Index (AQI), a level that triggers a warning for sensitive groups. For comparison, a healthy AQI level is around 0 to 50 according to the EPA. But, over the last 24 hours, worsening air quality has led to even healthy people being advised to stay indoors in parts of five other states: Arizona, California, Illinois, Indiana and South Carolina. These states had AQI levels from 101 to more than 300. Experts warn that an AQI above 150 could cause even healthy people to also suffer from negative health effects. Currently, AirNow is warning that sensitive individuals in parts of Georgia, such as those with asthma, should remain indoors. Yellow areas indicate that air pollution is moderate, but individuals who are vulnerable may experience mild symptoms, such as coughing The above map indicates air pollution levels at 3pm yesterday. It shows warnings for all individuals, including those who are healthy, in Bakersfield, California, and a warning in place in Davenport, Illinois Your browser does not support iframes. The worst air quality over the last 24 hours was recorded in Bakersfield, California, an industrial hub just north of Los Angeles, which had an AQI of 151 to 200 for eight hours from 1pm to 8pm yesterday. Bakersfield is considered to be particularly at risk for air pollution because it has two major oil refineries. In heavily polluted areas, PM2.5 can trigger severe coughing fits, asthma attacks or exacerbate underlying lung conditions. It is also possible for PM2.5 to enter the bloodstream, where it may trigger inflammation that raises the risk of a stroke or heart attack. More than 121million Americans have heart disease, estimates suggest, while 35million have an underlying lung condition such as asthma. Studies suggest that PM2.5 may raise the risk of cancer by triggering damaging mutations in the lungs. Some studies also suggest the inflammation it causes in the body may damage the brain, raising the risk for dementia. This inflammation has also previously been linked to a higher risk of suffering from a stroke. Scientists say it could raise the risk of plaque, a hard buildup of cholesterol, fat, calcium and other substances on the inner walls of arteries, detaching from blood vessel walls, which could then block a blood vessel and blood from getting to the brain, triggering a stroke. The air quality warnings may have been triggered by emissions from cars, industry or oil refineries (Stock image of air pollution in Los Angeles) In some areas, all individuals, even those who were healthy, were advised to stay indoors where possible (stock image) Currently, AirNow is warning over elevated air pollution levels around Rome, Georgia, which it says are 'unhealthy for sensitive groups', suggesting that those who suffer from lung conditions such as asthma should not go outdoors. It was not clear what was causing the elevated levels in the area, but Rome does have significant manufacturing industries that may be releasing pollutants into the local environment. In and around Bakersfield, California, yesterday, was 'hazardous' air quality, according to AirNow. This is its highest air pollution category. It means that the air is dangerous for everyone to breathe in, even individuals who are healthy, and that it could cause respiratory and heart problems. AirNow also warned over 'hazardous' conditions in Davenport, Illinois, over today and yesterday, warning over the risk from 11am to 1pm yesterday. The federal platform also showed elevated levels of air pollution, PM2.5 and ozone in Indianapolis, Indiana, between 8pm and 10pm last night. It warned that air pollution levels were 'unhealthy', the third-highest category that warns anyone who exercises outdoors may experience negative health effects. People in Payson, Arizona, were also put on notice for PM2.5 air pollution between 2am and 4am today. AirNow marked the air there unhealthy. AirNow also warned people in parts of northern South Carolina of air pollution that posed a risk for sensitive groups between 7am and 9am today. It was unclear what had caused the warnings in these cases, but in previous instances, it has been linked to industrial activity putting pollutants into the environment. Dr Vin Gupta, a pulmonologist in Washington's Seattle area, previously told Daily Mail: 'Usually, the worst of the immediate effects [of air pollution] are in somebody with an illness like asthma or emphysema [where tiny air sacs in the lungs are damaged or destroyed]'. 'Heavily polluted air could cause an exacerbation like chest pain, short breathing, and may require these people to go to the hospital.' Quantum of Menace is available now from the Mail Bookshop Quantum of Menace by Vaseem Khan (Zaffre 20, 384pp) Fired by M from his job of providing James Bond with gadgets at MI6, Q or Major Boothroyd, to give him his real name has retired to his sleepy home village of Wickstone-on-Water, only to discover that his childhood friend, Peter Napier, a renowned quantum computer scientist, has drowned in a suspected suicide. Q does not believe it. He not only knows that Napier had an abiding fear of swimming, but the dead man also left him a cryptic note suggesting that he might be killed. The ever curious Q decides to probe further, only to uncover a sinister conspiracy involving a super-computer that could rule the world hidden in the countryside. The talented Khan never lets the pace drop as he launches Q into a new career as a crime investigator. The Burning Grounds is available now from the Mail Bookshop The Burning Grounds by Abir Mukherjee (Harvill 18.99, 384pp) It is Calcutta in 1926 and Detective Sam Wyndham, a reformed opium addict who now sticks to alcohol, is in disgrace after helping his former subaltern Suren Banerjee flee the country three years ago when he was suspected of a crime. Now reduced to paper pushing, Wyndham comes across the corpse of J. P. Mullick, a rich, admired businessman and patron of the arts, in the Hindu burial grounds. Then Banerjee resurfaces, searching for the daughter of a relative, who happens to be a famous photographer. Throw in a beautiful English actress starring in an Indian film and you have the ingredients of a superb story set against the backdrop of colonial India. Sharp observation and stylish writing make it one not to miss. The House on Buzzards Bay is available now from the Mail Bookshop The House on Buzzards Bay by Dwyer Murphy (No Exit Press 10.99, 256pp) Six old university friends decide to celebrate the arrival of middle age by going to one of their groups holiday homes in Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts. But Bruce, now a successful novelist, arrives late and seems out of sorts. Even his host, and oldest friend, Jim, cant cheer him up. Could it be something to do with the house? It was once home to Jims great- grandparents, Christian Spiritualists, and a disquieting atmosphere remains. Then, Bruce disappears and Camille, a seductive woman he knew, appears out of the blue. What happened to Bruce? Has he been killed? Camille suspects so and suggests a seance to find out. This elegant, eerie mystery brings a shudder to the spine. Small Acts of Resistance is available now from the Mail Bookshop Small Acts of Resistance by Anita Frank (HQ 20, 480pp) Theres a quiet grace to Anita Franks First World War story. Set in rural northern France, at the height of the German Occupation, Frank hones in on the fates of grandmother Claudette, her granddaughters Marie and Elodie and a British airman, handsome Henry Farrier, whose plane is downed, stranding him behind enemy lines. With food and firewood scarce, an atmosphere of suspicion and fear overshadowing their remote village and with soldiers surrounding them, Claudette, nonetheless, decides to harbour the fugitive. Its a dangerous decision, made more perilous when two German soldiers are unexpectedly billeted with them the crude, brutish Arick and the kind, sensitive Dr Meier. In clear, spare prose, Frank describes the physical deprivations of war and the emotional costs, too. She vividly captures a time of tested loyalties, courageous defiance and the ever-present yearning for love, safety and peace. Introducing Mrs Collins is available now from the Mail Bookshop Introducing Mrs Collins by Rachel Parris (Coronet 18.99, 400pp) Remember quiet, reliable Charlotte Lucas, the best friend of Elizabeth Bennet of Pride And Prejudice fame? In Jane Austens beloved novel, Charlotte pragmatically decides to wed the odious Mr Collins, her happiness seemingly sacrificed to her desire for a home of her own. Here, Austen aficionado Parris revisits the unpromising partnership, and manages a miracle of sympathy and sensitivity to Charlottes unlikely choice. Determined to make her marriage work, and convinced that romance is not for her, Parris gifts her with a swoonworthy affair, brimful of passion and illicit promise. Its beautifully done, full of drama, with a delectable Regency setting as a backdrop. The Good Nazi is available now from the Mail Bookshop The Good Nazi by Samir Machado De Machado. Translated from Portuguese by Rahul Bery (Pushkin Vertigo 12.99, 160pp) takING the locked room crime novel to a whole new twisty level, this is set on board a luxurious transatlantic airship. The 1933 backdrop adds a political element to the mystery the Zeppelin is heading from Berlin to Rio de Janeiro, Nazi Germany is on the rise and the passengers, including a wealthy baroness, an anti-Semitic doctor and an aristocratic Englishman, all have something to hide. Tasked with investigating the crime is Bruno Bruckner, who is also not all he seems. Deft plotting and double bluffs abound, and although the prose is occasionally didactic, theres a moral rightness to this wry, wily read. In 1857, Queen Victoria presented Prince Albert with a statuette of a naked lady perched on a thoroughbred stallion. It wasnt the kind of thing you associate with the famously buttoned-up Victoria. The naked lady was Lady Godiva, who, according to legend, streaked through medieval Coventry on horseback in return for her husband Earl Leofric agreeing not to impose heavy taxes on the local peasants. Lady Godiva riding through Coventry Prince Albert was said to be delighted with his saucy gift, not least because it contained a personal message from his wife: while Victoria might be Queen, when it came to their home life, she was prepared to ride through the streets naked for him (luckily, he never asked). This wasnt the first time that Victoria, and indeed Albert, had ransacked the medieval dressing-up box (or, in the case of Godiva, the undressing-up box). Fifteen years earlier, they had attended a big costume ball as Edward III and his queen Philippa of Hainault. The idea was to divert attention away from Victoria and Alberts Germanic roots by aligning with an ancient power couple who had successfully waged war upon Englands continental enemies, creating a newly confident island nation in the process. Ramirezs purpose in this lively book is to point out how legendary female figures have been routinely hijacked down the ages by royal, national and political interests, some of them extreme. Take the case of Jean-Marie Le Pen, the French politician who long ago declared his right-wing National Front party to be under the protection of Joan of Arc. At a stroke, the boyish-looking girl soldier who led French troops against the English in the 15th century, had been remade by Le Pen into the patron saint of chauvinism, dedicated to a version of la patrie that is fiercely hostile to asylum and immigration. The real Joan of Arc, says Ramirez, was a much more complex and divisive figure who was used and abused by different factions. Legenda is available now from the Mail Bookshop Far from being a military leader and clever strategist, she was a divine mascot for disaffected people worn down by war. Joans heavenly visions, which may have been symptoms of mental illness or anorexia, were deeply impressive to illiterate but devout soldiers steeped in prophecies, romances and divine mystery. And Joans death in 1431 was not some glorious martyrdom (who can forget Ingrid Bergman in the classic 1948 film?) but a squalid humiliation. Her burned and naked body was displayed to a crowd of 10,000 before her remaining organs were set alight a second, and then third, time before being dumped in the Seine. Ramirez trawls medieval Europe for queens, warriors, empresses and saints who have been refashioned to suit the modern political moment. We meet Isabella of Castile, whose 15th-century reputation for building a disciplined and unified kingdom was annexed 300 years later by General Franco in his attempt to impose fascism on Spain. Similarly, St Catherine of Siena, a Dominican activist from the 14th century, was pressed into service in 1999 by Pope John Paul II as an example of how the modern Catholic church needed more female leaders. Ramirezs point is that both Isabella and Catherine, not to mention Joan and Godiva, led lives that were infinitely more complex and nuanced than modern-day authorities suggest. This doesnt necessarily make Legenda an easy read, but it is an important one. Ramirez is urging us to become critical thinkers, able to spot those places where history has been rewritten to serve the ideological interests of whoever happens to have the largest megaphone. Summer 1987, and Michael Dobbs, former Tory party chief of staff, now a member of the House of Lords and a bestselling author, was lying in the Gozo sunshine with a bottle of wine and a writing pad as he contemplated the novel he was working on. His departure from the Tories had not been particularly amicable and he had been given a brutal dressing down by the prime minister, Margaret Thatcher, who thought she was about to lose the coming election. He wrote two letters down on the front page, F.U. It was a handy guide to the name of his chief protagonist, Francis Urquhart. It also represented his feelings about his former employers. Ian Richardson and Sussanah Harker in House of Cards The book, published in 1989, became House Of Cards, and was a No 1 bestseller, spawning highly successful TV adaptations here and in the US, and for a while that Urquhart catchphrase, You might think that; I couldnt possibly comment, was endlessly recycled whenever scandal was in the air. The novel charts the exploits of a scorned chief whip whose promotion is sidelined by a new prime minister. Urquhart plots, schemes and entraps with the full support of his wife in an attempt to seize total power, using all the secrets and skills he had acquired from his time in the whips office. It was a Shakespearean saga of corruption, deceit and murder. So who are the whips of Westminster, and why do they have this mythic reputation? Once, it was said, the theory was that you never discussed what went on in the whips office till your dying day, as though you worked at Bletchley Park. And decades of silence have stirred up intrigue and suspicion about their activities. Their job was simple enough: to keep the parliamentary machine going, make sure votes went the way the government wanted, and keep rebellious MPs on the straight and narrow. They monitored MPs activities, knew who was drinking too much, who was susceptible to a foreign trip, whose personal life was disreputable enough so the whips could apply a little heat if needed. They made politics work. Now comes this extraordinary work. I thought I was a bit of a political nerd myself, but Whales book is the bible of nerdishness. It is also a detailed history of the last 50-odd years of British politics, with familiar names if, like me, you have spent too much time peering into the dark recesses of politics. Here are the Browns, Gordon and Nick; Barbara Castle; Neil Kinnock; John Prescott; Bob Mellish; Michael Heseltine; Jim Callaghan; John Bercow. On it goes to the very end of a tight index in some of the smallest type you will ever see. Theres a lot of names. The Houses of Parliament The book is a huge hit for any Westminster political junkie, and what makes it work is the feast of political anecdotes that pepper the 500-plus pages. B ut its not for the prudish: what is also scattered across this volume are more four letter f-words than you will get on the toughest building site. Our parliamentarians certainly did love to give some ripe Anglo-Saxon language a good workout. Whips might now have to spend a lot of their time on pastoral care (yes, truly), though as Harriet Harman said of one chief whip, the idea that Michael Cocks could do pastoral support is like putting Dracula in charge of a blood bank. But it wasnt always like that. In the 1970s and 80s, Westminster was a highly charged political environment and people behaved accordingly. Jack Straw (remember him?) was one of Labours 1979 intake and a rising star of the partys shadow Treasury team. As he put it himself, he was getting a bit cocky until the chief whip, a bluff Northerner called Walter Harrison, took me in hand. Spotting Straw near the Labour whips office, Harrison, who disagreed with some highly technical aspect of his tactics in the Budget debate, grabbed Straw for a word. Harrison fixed his eyes on Straw and as he did so the future foreign secretary felt a pain between my legs that I had not experienced since the school rugby field. His grip tightened. I rose on tiptoes as he pushed me up as well. My mouth came open; only a little screech came out. Now lad, said Harrison, Have you got the point or do you want some more? That was proper politics, as you probably wouldnt want to say. L abour had a razor-thin majority of three in 1974, though they could count on the independent Irish MP, Frank Maguire, who ran a pub in Fermanagh. But not everyday. Frank cant come Tuesday, its dance night, Maguires wife Philomena would explain to the whips when they rang her. What about Wednesday? Oh that will probably be OK. The Usual Channels is available now from the Mail Bookshop As one whip said, the business of the government depended on dance night at a pub in Fermanagh. When he arrived in London, the whips would take Maguire to a bar, where hed get quietly p****d until ten oclock and then hed vote for us. After we got his vote, it didnt matter if he slept on the Thames as far as we were concerned. Another (probably apocryphal) tale comes from the 1974-9 Parliament when both parties sometimes had to bring sick MPs in from hospital to make sure they got as many votes as possible. One was wheeled in after a severe heart attack, indeed still in the ambulance. How do we know hes alive? the Tory whip asked. The Labour whip, Joe Harper, a former miner, leaned forward and turned the knob on the heart monitor. He saw the green light flashing to indicate a heartbeat. There youve lost weve got 311. It was the events of the 1974-9 Parliament ending with a vote of no confidence in Labour and a victory for Mrs Thatcher that was the subject of James Grahams compelling drama This House. It was voted play of the decade by the way, and set in the offices of the chief whips as Labour try to survive and the Tories try to bring them down. The play focuses on the relationship between the sets of whips, the usual channels, as they try to sort out votes on tricky measures. Some of the sharpest creative minds around have seized on the dark arts of the whips office to make great drama, whether on the stage, on the TV screen or between hard covers. And reading this book you can see why. Its not for everyone though: you really do need to love your politics. And swearing, of course. A financial adviser has revealed a clever hack that could potentially lead to major savings on flight costs - all by making one simple change when booking online. Victoria Devine, host of the She's On The Money podcast, shared a travel booking tip that 'feels like you're doing a dodgy', yet is 'completely legal'. The finance and business author explained to co-host Bec Syed that the secret to unlocking these savings comes down to altering the 'point of sale country' when booking your flights. 'Airlines don't just price flights because of the distance, they actually price them by where you buy,' Victoria elaborated. 'So sometimes the exact seat costs literally hundreds of dollars less if you book it on the airline's destination country website in their local currency,' she said. The caption accompanying the video summarised the trick: 'Changing your point of sale when booking flights can literally save you hundreds.' So how can you work the system? Victoria explained that the key is to use a VPN, which is a secure, private internet connection that can bypass geographic restrictions and mask your location. '[U]sing a VPN and booking in the airline's destination country currency can be a money win,' the video caption read. Former financial adviser turned podcast host Victoria Devine revealed a little-known trick when booking flights online - and it could potentially save hundreds of dollars In a recent episode of She's On The Money, Victoria claimed that flight prices are determined by booking location, and that using a VPN to hide your location could result in a cheaper airfare The unexpected travel hack was discussed recently on the She's On The Money podcast, with a TikTok video of the segment earning over 5,000 likes and 2,500 shares. Many responses came from travellers who were stunned by the revelation and grateful that Victoria hadn't gatekept the little-known airfare savings tip. 'This is great,' replied one mortgage broker. 'This is so interesting,' added a frequent traveller. A number of commenters jumped in to offer further detail on how the booking trick works. 'Use a VPN and choose the destination country as your country of origin,' explained one person. 'For example, if you're flying to Vietnam, use a VPN for Vietnam, then go to the Vietnamese website and book in dong,' another continued. 'It's cheaper, as it's expected that locals with a lower average net worth will book this.' Another person suggested that an even better workaround than a VPN is having someone in your destination country make the booking for you. A number of travellers were excited to learn about the online flight booking hack. Others confirmed that they'd noticed a price reduction when flights were booked for them from an overseas location However, some comments on the She's On The Money segment video expressed concern about potential fare rule issues when changing the booking country 'My dad lives in Vietnam and I get him to book my flights over there because it's cheaper on his end!' one traveller explained. Some commenters noted that the savings hack applied not only to flights, but also to other online travel bookings. One claimed that cruise lines similarly hike up the price based on booking location, and that 'Australians often pay over 10 per cent more than the UK'. 'It's the same for car hire!' claimed another. However, not everyone was convinced the travel savings hack was foolproof. 'You have to be so careful reading the fare rules when doing this,' cautioned one commenter. 'The rules for each fare are different and are based on the point of origin. You'd get caught out if you ever need to cancel or reschedule, and it's more hassle than it's worth.' Another warned that you may also run the risk of the airline 'charging you the fare difference when checking in'. Others said they had tried using a VPN to book flights without success - either because the booking wasn't accepted or there was no obvious savings. Meanwhile, a man claiming to work for a major airline added to the discussion, asserting that the entire concept was a fallacy, insisting airlines 'don't change prices by location'. A popular nutritionist influencer has died after falling from the top of a building. Diana Areas, who boasted more than 200,000 followers on Instagram, passed away on Thursday morning. She was first found at around 6.30am with cuts over her body and taken to hospital in a 'moderate condition,' according to the fire department. The 39-year-old then allegedly fled the medical center and returned to her apartment complex, as reported by NeedToKnow. Her body was later found in the common area at the Unique Towers condominium in Campos dos Goytacazes, located north-east of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. A spokesperson for Hospital Ferreira Machado confirmed that Diana left the unit without authorization. Her body was taken to the Legal Medical Institute in Campos at around 12.30pm. The Civil Police are investigating the cause of her death. Diana Areas, who boasted more than 200,000 followers on Instagram, passed away on Thursday morning She was first found at around 6.30am with cuts over her body and taken to hospital in a 'moderate condition,' according to the fire department Diana had built up a legion of followers on social media where she shared content about healthy living, workouts, and balanced nutrition. She has also participated in several bodybuilding competitions. Her last post on the platform, which was uploaded five days ago, has since been flooded with condolences from her fans. One wrote: 'I can't believe you're gone. Rest in peace beautiful.' Another shared: 'I'm sorry, as we won't have your genius anymore! 'For those who haven't experienced it Diana was not only beautiful, athlete and nutritionist, she was a super mom and too smart!' 'I can't believe it,' someone else commented. It comes after fellow food influencer Michael Duarte died after being fatally shot by police responding to a 911 call about a 'male subject with a knife acting erratically' on November 8 in Castroville, Texas. The 39-year-old then allegedly fled the medical center and returned to her apartment complex Diana had built up a legion of followers on social media where she shared content about healthy living, workouts, and balanced nutrition She has also participated in several bodybuilding competitions Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Duarte, 36, 'approached officers threateningly', and despite being repeatedly ordered 'to get on the ground by the deputy', he refused to comply. According to the Medina County Sheriff's Office, Duarte's final moments escalated when he allegedly 'charged toward the deputy while yelling, "I'm going to kill you."' The deputy then fired two shots, striking Duarte. He received immediate medical attention at the scene and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities confirmed. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Medina County Sheriff's Office for comment but has not yet received a response. With stars such as Kris Jenner frequently debuting younger and younger visages, it's hard not to fantasize and hope for an attainable way to get the same results. Fortunately, there is another way - and it doesn't require any of the downtime or pain of plastic surgery. The British company LYMA launched in 2018 with a science-backed supplement aimed at sleep, stress, and skin - a wellness pill that almost immediately got a devoted following. A few years later, they introduced their first at-home laser, and it quickly became one of the most coveted (and expensive) beauty devices on the market. The LYMA Laser Pro, which came to the United States this year after receiving FDA clearance, is unique because it's not your typical laser. Rather than an LED tool, the device uses cold laser technology, which means it delivers celebrity-worthy results without redness, pain, or downtime - and there's no risk of losing that 'natural' look. We were fortunate enough to try the laser, which has a waiting list despite its $5,995 price tag, during a recent visit to Joanna Czech spa in New York City. The VIP pop-up experience was made especially luxe because it marked the first time the LYMA Lift treatment has been available Stateside - as normally the treatment is exclusive to LYMA's London HQ clientele and visitors. And it's not just beauty fanatics who love the device, which also comes in the more affordable original LYMA Laser for $2,021, as celebrities such as Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Martha Stewart, Miranda Kerr, Carey Mulligan, Kate Beckinsale, and Hannah Waddingham are all fans of the groundbreaking laser. Housed in a stunning, minimalist Soho space that feels relaxing as soon as you step inside, the treatment began with a gentle cleanse to remove any makeup and New York City air. The LYMA Laser Pro retails for $6,000 The laser uses cold technology that is capable of penetrating up to 10cm into the dermis In addition to wrinkles, the LYMA Laser Pro can also improve the appearance of redness The 90-minute procedure was relaxing and, most importantly, painless From there, the 90-minute procedure moves into a facial massage, which feels especially indulgent. The sculpting stage, a technique developed in collaboration with facial palsy plastic surgeons, incorporates acupressure and sweeping techniques to release tension, improve blood flow and warm the muscles. After, the invigorating stage focuses on firm, targeted movements that encourage muscle memory, release fascia - a sheath of fibrous tissue that encloses a muscle or organ - and soften fine lines. During the lifting stage of the facial, the technician used the LYMA Laser's cold light in kneading motions to drain lymph nodes, boost circulation, and break down toxins in the muscle fibers. As promised, the process was 100 percent pain-free - and still managed to be relaxing. Throughout the treatment, the LYMA Laser feels gentle and refreshing - cool against the skin, with none of the heat or tingling typically associated with in-office laser devices. But behind that softness is impressive power: the device delivers a 1450mW near-infrared continuous cold laser beam at 808nm, capable of penetrating up to 10cm into the dermis. According to the company, that depth allows it to have a biological effect, simultaneously stimulating cellular repair and lifting both the skin and the underlying muscle. The decadent facial concludes with LYMA's serum and cream - an anti-aging duo designed to lock in the laser's benefits. In addition to providing hydration, the formulas also strengthen the skin barrier and encourage cell renewal. Wrinkles around the delicate skin of the eye can be improved with the cold technology The laser doesn't just work on faces as it also has the power to improve wrinkles on the body The LYMA Laser Pro can improve the appearance of wrinkles in 30 days The LYMA Laser facial at Joanna Czech's clinic in New York City Although we had just one treatment of the LYMA Laser, our skin was left glowy and radiant after the procedure, with colleagues commenting on just how dewy and rejuvenated we looked upon our return to the office. It's not a filler-like transformation; instead, it's the sort of quietly expensive result that makes people remark on how good your skin is looking lately. While we saw promising results after just one use, the laser really transforms the face over a 30-day period, during which the company has found skin elasticity increases by more than 103 percent. If you're lucky enough to get an invite to LYMA Laser's New York City pop-up, don't hesitate - your skin will thank you. It was the most momentous few minutes of my life and I missed it. On October 10, 2002, my wedding day, I stood before the registrar and couldnt hear a peep. When he asked, Do you take this man? I replied with one word that is now legendary among family and friends: Ay? I could feel the annoyance rising in my about-to-be husband. He had endured, with little good grace, three years of me missing everything. Of repetition. Of explanation. Of Ay? This was the most humiliating of many episodes when, having been hard of hearing from birth, I have been made fun of, thought stupid, rude, useless. Occasionally, I can laugh about it. At a Vanity Fair post-Oscars party I was talking to John Travolta and thought he asked: Do you think Im short? To which I replied sympathetically: No! Youre normal size Im in high heels. Like most men Ive met at parties, he reeled away, exasperated. Only on the plane home did I work out that hed actually said: Do you think we should abort? (Id been getting on his nerves, given the background noise.) More often, hearing loss isnt funny. Its the one disability thats still mocked. Youd be amazed how many people, when you say youre deaf, just keep talking. At a till in the Co-op, I can never hear the total, and ask the assistant to tilt the screen so I can see it. Ive had more than one eye roll. 'In times of stress, such as walking down the aisle or having lunch with someone important, I cannot hear a thing,' Liz Jones writes In Somalia, reporting on a famine, I needed two translators: one into English, then another from the heavily accented translation into something I could follow. The male photographer laughed: Youre useless. When I lived in Somerset, a local woman wrote a piece in The Telegraph saying I snubbed her when she said hello in a pub. I didnt hear you Im deaf! Being unable to hear, or stone deaf as a recent date called me, saying he and the waitress had shared jokes about me, can be annoying (I never hear the car beep to warn Ive left lights on; subtitled screenings in cinemas are as rare as snow leopards) but also life-threatening. I visited a car-free village in Switzerland great, I wont be worried about being run over! I left the hotel and bam! a buggy carrying suitcases missed me by a whisker. Electric cars are a menace. Ive just read a moving memoir by the poet Raymond Antrobus. Its called The Quiet Ear, and he writes about being not quite deaf enough. When he was born in 1986, the midwife clicked her fingers by each ear, pronouncing him normal. No other test was done, so he grew up unsupported. He never heard a phone ring. This was doubtless the case when I was born in 1958. A recent DNA test confirmed I carry the GJB2 gene variants of it are the most common cause of congenital, non-syndromic hearing loss meaning a near silent world was written into my fate long before I was born. I also had measles when young, which probably impaired the functioning of the fine hair cells in my inner ear, known as the cochlea or organ of hearing. I grew up, undiagnosed. I thought it normal never knowing what was going on. I said little, in case it was the wrong thing. I was one of seven, so I imagine my parents were too busy to notice. In lessons I barely heard a word. I learned to read before starting primary school and spent all my time buried in a book: the written word was a life raft. Antrobus talks of his difference being an advantage, and I agree. The deaf try harder, we pay attention, we concentrate. His book also told me something I didnt know, which is that deaf Americans and deaf Brits cant communicate, as the BSL (British Sign Language) alphabet is on two hands and the ASL (American Sign Language) is on one. Ive never learned either, as I dont know anyone who would understand it. I only had an inkling I might be abnormal when I watched the 1952 film Mandy, about a familys struggle to give their deaf daughter a better life. She would learn letters by holding her lips to a balloon and feeling the vibrations. And yet being hard of hearing didnt impact my career as a journalist: I hid it. In ideas meetings and, as an editor, board meetings, I employed an assistant to sit by my side and scribble down important points. When interviewing a celebrity, I made sure the venue was silent. I would lip-read and record what was said, then pay someone to transcribe every word. My impairment made men mock me or, like John Travolta, turn away. It was a vicious circle: the more anxious I became (of missing an announcement about a flight, say), the more my brain shut down my ability to hear. In times of stress, such as walking down the aisle or having lunch with someone important, I cannot hear a thing. So why didnt I seek help? According to Robert Beiny, an audiologist based in Hertfordshire, 70 per cent of those with hearing loss in the UK dont do anything about it due to shame. Untreated, hearing gets worse. I didnt want the stigma of hearing aids, of being thought old (more than half the over-55 population experience hearing loss, according to the Royal National Institute For Deaf People). I finally gave in and got my first hearing aids in 2018, when I was 60, because I owned an ex-racehorse and riding along country lanes, despite my fluoro vest saying Deaf Rider, was too dangerous. The hearing aids needed batteries, so I felt like Mrs Richards in Fawlty Towers: I havent got it turned on. The battery runs down. I still couldnt hear someone if I couldnt see their face and could no longer use the phone. Like many deaf people, I became isolated, refusing invitations. Im reminded of the quote by Helen Keller, who became deaf and blind at 19 months: When you lose your sight, you lose contact with things. When you lose your hearing, you lose contact with people. Hearing loss isnt all bad arguments and insults tend to go over my poor, quiet head and a noisy neighbourhood party can be blotted out entirely. The final straw for my old hearing aids was when I was having breakfast at a hotel and suddenly everyone started to panic, leaping up to congregate outside. Whats going on? I asked the waitress. The fire alarm has gone off. My hands shot to my ears. Oh no. My hearing aids were whistling. It was too embarrassing for words. Since I got my battery-powered hearing aids, artificial intelligence has begun transforming audiology and I was recently persuaded by YOUs deputy editor Lindsay to seek the latest models on the market. She arranged an appointment at Harley Street Hearing, Londons largest independent audiology clinic, where I met Romy Cohen, an audiologist and clinical lead. Surrounded by computers and gadgets, she assured me that hearing technology has indeed come on over the years, particularly in the past 12 months. Turns out Im driving a Beetle when I could be in a Ferrari. Romy took my medical history and we discussed the types of environments I spend time in, and my difficulties. She examined my ears with a microscope. There was some wax in my right ear (hearing aids, a foreign object, encourage its production), which she gently removed with microsuction. A test called tympanometry, which assesses the health of the middle ear, showed my ear drums are intact, healthy and move normally. I have intact tympanic membranes. The pressure in my middle ears is normal, which points to the damage being in the cochlea. I then sat in a soundproof booth wearing headphones. I feel like Cilla Black, about to record Anyone Who Had A Heart.' Romy laughed. A lot of her work at Harley Street Hearing is done with musicians who want to prolong their career or need to protect their ears. I was played lots of beeps. As soon as I heard a noise, I had to press a button. Next, I was asked to listen to words and repeat them but, as there were no visual clues, I ended up guessing. When I emerged, I was shown the results. My diagnosis is a moderate to profound, sensorineural hearing loss, meaning it is the cochlea that is affected, as opposed to the outer or middle ear being the source of loss. My Speech Reception Threshold (SRT) testing scored 80 dB (decibels) in the right ear and 94 dB in the left ear, showing poorer speech scores than expected a person with normal hearing can register a sound at 20 dB. These scores mean that I can only get around 50 per cent of words correct at these high volumes. I struggle to hear high-pitched sounds or consonants such as sch, s, th. So no birdsong, no alarms. The Phonak Infinio Sphere i90 hearing aids cost 5,240 for the pair, which is a one-off payment All I saw on the graph were two letters, again and again: NR, meaning, No response. The story of my life. I told Romy Id heard of a new type of aid that is placed deep in the ear, so is invisible, and doesnt need to be removed at night. MY NEW HERO HEARING AIDS The Phonak Infinio Sphere i90 hearing aid has two microphones and is a receiver-in-canal model, meaning the speakers are inside your ear (it also loops behind the ear, which is where the microphones sit) and can be made to match my hair colour. It uses AI to recognise the environment, adapt its sound processing and make speech as clear as possible. Romy says, It will know if youre in a restaurant, on transport, if its windy and it will help reduce that noise. This new model, only a year old, also has greater speed and accuracy. The fact it will help when its windy is vital, as I live in North Yorkshire and am frequently leading dogs or horses in bad weather: the wind renders me ultra vulnerable. Best of all, the Phonak Infinio Sphere is waterproof (just dont swim in them) and rechargeable: you pop them in a pod overnight. No more battery low in my ear just as Im about to interview someone. They cost 5,240 for the pair, which is a one-off payment. This includes aftercare, annual reviews, wax removal and any other appointments I might need. And no more whistling? I ask Romy. No more whistling. Advertisement Thats the Phonak Lyric, she said. Then the bad news: Based on the level of your hearing loss, the Lyric may not be suitable. Its designed for individuals with milder hearing loss. It only has one microphone and may not offer as much benefit as a digital aid, which has multiple microphones and helps manage background noise. The Lyric typically needs to be professionally removed and replaced by an audiologist every two months. The cost? A monthly subscription, amounting to 3,360 a year for the pair. Thats OK, I told Romy, I find the thought of always being on challenging. I like being able to power down, like a robot. Noise is tiring! Instead, the hearing aids that were recommended for me were the Phonak Infinio Sphere i90. To ensure they fitted snugly, impressions of my ears were taken my aids would be couture and after two weeks, I returned to have them fitted. Romy made use of Real Ear Measurements (REMs) during the fitting as a way to make sure the hearing aids do their job correctly in my ears. Everyones ear shape is different, and that affects how sound travels to the eardrum. REMs allowed Romy to fine-tune my hearing aids so the amplification matches what I actually need. The Phonak app was installed on my phone enabling me to adjust volume and settings and find them if they get lost. Mostly, though, the aids are automatic. I can answer my phone by tapping a button behind my ear and speaking, as the mic picks up my voice even if my mobile is in my pocket: a huge safety bonus if you live in a city. The aids will also gather data on my usage to be used at follow-up appointments to make tweaks. It will take time for my brain to adjust, and for me to get used to the sound of my own voice (awful!). On the train home, everything seemed loud (a man a few seats along was eating crisps), and I still couldnt make head nor tail of the travel announcements. Im hoping being able to hear well will help with my anxiety and make me more sociable. In fact, a couple of days later I went to a noisy restaurant hard floor, packed with families and the background clattering seemed less assaulting. I could hear Nic, my assistant, arguing with the waitress about the fact her dog was on a chair. Joy! Ive also started listening to music. Its no longer just noise: I can hear lyrics! Rose Ayling-Ellis, the deaf actress who won Strictly, can also hear some sound: she just cant fine-tune it. The moment the music went silent for a few seconds, as she danced with her partner, moved me to tears: Yes, finally. Thats what my world is like! This morning, ears in, I hear a blackbird singing his heart out. The best gift I could possibly receive, apart from being asked to dance and accepting gracefully. Tony Manero, are you listening? harleysthearing.co.uk Peak hot chocolate season is already in full swing and, whether you prefer yours dressed up with whipped cream and marshmallows or as a simple cup of cocoa at bedtime, there's an expectation that chocolate is the main ingredient in your mug. However, many popular brands on supermarket shelves contain very little real cocoa - and often a dizzying list of other ingredients. In the UK, to legally be called 'drinking chocolate' there must be a minimum of 25 per cent chocolate solid. Many brands get around this by labelling their products 'instant hot chocolate' instead. A cup of Cadbury Instant Hot Chocolate, for example, serves up just 3.5 per cent of the brand's famous milk chocolate, and only 15 per cent of 'fat-reduced cocoa powder'. There's plenty of other ingredients though - 14 to be precise, including a quintet of E numbers that range from Anti-Caking Agent (E551) to Emulsifier (E442). And Cadbury is far from the only brand serving up drinks that appear to be only masquerading as real hot chocolate - a Galaxy version has just 10 per cent cocoa powder, and many supermarket products, and particularly the instant 'just add hot water' varieties, have less than 20 per cent chocolate and cocoa powder combined in them. With hot chocolate season in full swing - just how much cocoa is actually in your mug? Jens Knoop, the German founder of hot chocolate chain Knoops, which uses simply high quality chocolate and the milk of your choice to make beverages in the 28 stores it now has nationwide, thinks many of the supermarket jars should be labelled 'chocolate flavoured' for full transparency. Speaking to the Daily Mail, Knoop said: 'The time of misleading the customer is over. People are reading the labels, educating themselves and doing their research. They know how much cocoa needs to be present in a product in order for it to be legally called chocolate. 'Our menu at Knoops is split by cocoa percentages, which makes it very, very transparent and easy for the customer to understand what they're ordering and how much cacao they want in their chocolate.' What does Cadbury, arguably the UK's best loved chocolate brand, say about the lengthy list of ingredients found in some of the drinking chocolate it sells in the nation's supermarkets? A spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'Cadbury has delighted consumers with our wide range of popular cocoa and hot chocolate products for over 200 years. 'Our products meet all relevant regulations, whilst we provide clear information on pack so consumers can make informed decisions about what they purchase.' Microbiome scientist, Dr Emily Leeming, author of Genius Gut, says good hot chocolate can actually be an ally to health. 'Dark chocolate can bring some surprising nutrient benefits with it - 85 per cent dark chocolate is about 11 grams of fibre per 100 grams, which is more than you get with a can of beans for example. 'It's also packed with polyphenols, a group of compounds of antioxidants that are also, like fibre, thought to have a prebiotic effect - they feed the gut microbes. 'For a healthier option, stick to cocoa powder rather than hot chocolate powder. Add your own sweetness, for example, honey or maple syrup, and that will give the comforting effect of a warm drink but you're also getting a bit of fibre and those packed polyphenols for your health.' Here, the Daily Mail looks at the cocoa contents of hot chocolates, from budget supermarkets to artisan drinks companies... SUPERMARKET-SOLD HOT CHOCOLATES Cadbury Instant Hot Chocolate Powder 300G Cadbury Instant Hot Chocolate powder has 15% cocoa powder PRICE: 4.00 COCOA CONTENT: 15% cocoa powder, 3.5% milk chocolate Cadbury may be one of Britain's best loved chocolate brands, dating back to 1824 when it began to make its name on the 100 per cent pure cocoa produced in the Bournville factory in Birmingham, but its current instant hot chocolate powder has just 15 per cent 'fat-reduced cocoa powder' and 3.5 per cent milk chocolate. There's also five E numbers, thanks to two types of emulsifier, anti-caking agent, acidity regulator and a thickener. Galaxy Instant Hot Chocolate Drink 370G Galaxy Instant Hot Chocolate Drink has 10% cocoa powder PRICE: 4.00 COCOA CONTENT: 10% cocoa powder, 3% milk chocolate This just-add-hot-water instant drink contains more sugar than it does cocoa powder alongside 20 other ingredients, including eight E numbers. The instructions suggest four heaped teaspoons per mug 'to enjoy the silky smoothness', with a standard cup containing 99 calories and 2.2grams of fat. Stockwell & Co Hot Chocolate 375G Stockwell & Co Hot Chocolate has just 9% cocoa PRICE: 1.49 COCOA CONTENT: Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder (9%) Five teaspoons is the serving suggestion for this one, added to 200ml of hot water, from Tesco's budget brand Stockwell & Co. It's a cost-effective choice at 40 pence per 100 grams and has the Rainforest Alliance seal, but has no real chocolate inside. Cadbury Bournville Cocoa 250g Cadbury Bournville Cocoa PRICE: 4.45 COCOA CONTENT: 100% If you stick to the wisdom that the least amount of items on the ingredients list, the better a product is for your health, then Cadbury's Bournville cocoa powder is a winner. This is almost entirely cocoa powder, with just the addition of an acidity regulator (potassium carbonates) in there. Morrisons Savers Instant Hot Chocolate Drink Morrisons Savers Instant Hot Chocolate Drink PRICE: 1.59 COCOA CONTENT: 9% (fat reduced) cocoa powder Morrisons is often praised for its range of fresh and healthy fruit and vegetables but the balanced approach has not been extended to the instant hot chocolate from its savers range which only offers 9 per cent cocoa powder and a range of thickeners, stabilisers, anti-caking agent and even a spoonful or two of coconut fat. While reviews say it's just as tasty as more expensive brands, it certainly doesn't have the same cocoa content. Aero Hot Chocolate Aero Hot Chocolate powder PRICE: 3.75 COCOA CONTENT: 25% fat-reduced cocoa powder Aero has always prided itself on its bubbly chocolate since its peppermint inception in 1935, with fans of the sweet treat easily recognising its tagline of 'Feel the bubbles melt'. Its transition in to hot chocolate almost a given may have been a no-brainer for the brand but Aero fans might not be so pleased to know that their sweet drink contains several E numbers including acidity regulators and Xanthan gum to thicken it up. But as hot chocolate brands go, it's one of the healthier options. Horlicks Chocolate Malt Horlicks Chocolate Malt powder PRICE: 4 COCOA CONTENT: 6.6% reduced fat cocoa powder Horlicks has been creating milky malt drinks for almost 200 years since brothers William and James Horlicks first put their heads together 1873. Their hot chocolate drink is advertised as being high in calcium, zinc and vitamins C, D and B12 and doesn't have any artificial colours and flavours, sweeteners or preservatives. What it does have however, is an array of E numbers including Anti-Caking Agent (E551), Stabilisers (E340ii, E452i), Emulsifier (E471) alongside palm oil. Twinings Swiss Chocolate Drink Powder (350g) Twinings Swiss Chocolate Drink Powder has 18% cocoa powder PRICE: 5.40 COCOA CONTENT: 18% cocoa powder, 7% chocolate The indulgent hot drink is produced by British beverage company Twinings which lauds itself for containing 'real Swiss chocolate'. But only 7 per cent of the Switzerland luxury choccy made it into the brand's chocolate powder, alongside '18 per cent fat-reduced cocoa powder'. It also 'may' contain an uncertain amount of milk, along with mineral dicalcium phosphate, sunflower lecithin (emulsifier) and flavouring. Lidl Bellarom Hot Chocolate Instant 400G PRICE: 1.99 COCOA CONTENT: 15% cocoa powder In a jar that's very Cadbury purple, this product from Bellarom, Lidl's own-brand range bears the Rainforest Alliance stamp promoting sustainable farming practices. Whey powder is the main ingredient, followed by sugar, with fat reduced cocoa powder third on the list. Any actual chocolate? No. Costa Hot Chocolate Powder (300g) Costa Hot Chocolate Powder has 30% cocoa PRICE: 3.85 COCOA CONTENT: 36% cocoa powder The high street coffeehouse chain has come a long way since its inception in London in 1971. Costa now has its own brand of hot chocolate available in British supermarkets which uses the 'finest cocoa beans'. Alas, compared to others on our list, Costa's contains 36 per cent cocoa powder, though it is also packed with maltodextrin, thickener and silicon dioxide (anti-caking agent). Tesco Finest Belgian 45% Milk Hot Chocolate Flakes (250g) 45% Cocoa Milk Chocolate is Tesco's offering PRICE: 5.57 COCOA CONTENT: 45% Cocoa Milk Chocolate Tesco's upmarket line, aptly titled 'Finest', has branded its own offering as chocolate 'flakes' instead of the usual chocolate powder. It uses 45 per cent 'expertly crafted' Belgian chocolate, throwing it miles ahead of some of the competition, whose chocolate content leaves much to be desired. Additionally, its ingredients are listed as sugar, cocoa mass, dried whole milk, cocoa butter, low fat cocoa powder, emulsifier and flavouring. Green & Black's Organic Cocoa Fair Trade (125g) Green and Black's is 98% cocoa powder PRICE: 3.40 COCOA CONTENT: 98% cocoa powder And the winner is... this two-ingredient Green & Black's hot chocolate features on our list with a whopping 98 per cent cocoa powder content. The British company - formerly owned by Cadbury's - is marketed as a premier destination for all things organic when it comes to chocolate - and its 'Cocoa Fair Trade' is just that. It's made with just the 'finest organic cocoa beans' and potassium carbonates. Tesco Drinking Chocolate (400g) PRICE: 1.99 COCOA CONTENT: 25% cocoa powder 25% cocoa powder is in Tesco's value offering The historic British supermarket chain is renown for its budget-friendly basics, including this bog-standard drinking chocolate. However it only contains 25 per cent cocoa powder while solid chocolate itself isn't mentioned in the ingredients list, and traces of milk 'may' be present. Total ingredients listed are sugar, cocoa powder, maltodextrin, salt and flavouring. M&S Drinking Chocolate 300g PRICE: 3.75 COCOA CONTENT: 41% cocoa powder M&S Drinking Chocolate M&S's drinking chocolate has minimal ingredients - with only sugar and cocoa powder listed on its website. The instructions are simple: the chain recommends adding 250ml of hot semi-skimmed milk onto three heaped spoonfuls of the powder - notably not recommending hot water for this chocolatey beverage. It's 195 calories per serving, including the milk. Knoops 70 per cent Extra Dark Hot Chocolate Flakes Tube 250g Knoops 70% Extra Dark chocolate flakes PRICE: 14.50 COCOA CONTENT: 70% extra dark chocolate Hot chocolate specialist Knoops' 70 per cent offering is 'hand flaked' in Rye, and they even recommend adding cinnamon or rosemary to spice things up. However, you can't simply warm up this premium offering in a microwave: Knoops recommends either a hot chocolate maker or combining 200ml of milk with eight teaspoons of flakes in a pan. The mix is described as 'a bold and balanced dark chocolate with a hint of sweetness and deeper cocoa intensity'. Starbucks Signature Chocolate 42% powder Starbucks Signature Chocolate 42% powder PRICE: 4.65 COCOA CONTENT: 42% cocoa powder, contains 88% chocolate powder and 10% fat-reduced cocoa powder Starbucks' hot chocolate powder is said to be inspired by the drinks that the baristas make in store, boasting the same 'velvety and smooth chocolate taste'. They recommend five teaspoons for every serving, alongside 200ml of warm semi-skimmed milk. It contains 88 per cent chocolate powder, 10 per cent fat-reduced cocoa powder, an emulsifier and natural flavourings. It makes 15 mugs per tin. Cocoa Canopy Smooth Milk Drinking Hot Chocolate 225G Cocoa Canopy Smooth Milk Drinking Hot Chocolate PRICE: 5.50 COCOA CONTENT: 37% Cocoa 'chocolatier-crafted' cocoa powder At 5.50, Cocoa Canopy Smooth Milk Drinking Hot Chocolate is one of the pricier drinking chocolates on the market, but with 37 per cent cocoa powder, it might be worth the extra cash. Unlike typical hot chocolate, Cocoa Canopy's offering is made of little chocolate beads, which customers should whisk with hot milk. In addition to having a higher cocoa content than others, it's also palm oil-free. Morrisons The Best Hot Chocolate 300G Morrisons The Best Hot Chocolate PRICE: 3.75 COCOA CONTENT: 26% Fat Reduced Cocoa Powder, 5% Belgian Chocolate Powder It's one of the finer options on offer at Morrisons, but despite being branded as 'indulgent', Morrisons The Best Hot Chocolate only contains 5 per cent Belgian Chocolate Powder. What makes up the bulk of its chocolate content is fat-reduced cocoa powder at 26 per cent. However, while the chocolate content might disappoint some, there aren't any pesky E numbers, and it has fewer ingredients overall. Ovaltine Chocolate Light 300G Ovaltine Chocolate Light PRICE: 4.30 COCOA CONTENT: 7% fat-reduced cocoa powder Ovaltine Chocolate Light promises a 'delicious chocolatey drink', while containing just seven per cent 'fat-reduced cocoa powder'. The product is presented as a more nutritious option due to the addition of essential vitamins C, B6, and B12. However, with the presence of E numbers, stabilizers, and thickeners, just how 'wholesome' the beverage is remains unclear. Clipper Fairtrade Instant Hot Chocolate 350g Clipper Fairtrade Instant Hot Chocolate PRICE: 4.10 COCOA CONTENT: 15% cocoa powder Clipper Fairtrade Hot Chocolate has a simple recipe with just four ingredients: sugar, skimmed milk powder, milk permeate powder, and cocoa powder. The cocoa makes up a respectable 15 per cent of the product. While the recipe is appealing, the company, as the product name suggests, also takes an ethical stance, striving to improve the welfare of the workers. Willie's Cacao Hot Chocolate Willie's Cacao Hot Chocolate PRICE: 8.65 COCOA CONTENT: 52% Cacao Vegan It costs a pretty penny, but Willie's Cacao Hot Chocolate has an impressive 52 per cent cocoa content. The vegan product has just two ingredients, with the addition of raw cane sugar. To make the drink, workers at Willie Harcourt-Cooze's farm in Venezuela roast the beans, let the flavour develop for up to 21 days, and then press out some butter and mill the rest into a powder with raw cane sugar. JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Instant Hot Chocolate 375G PRICE: 1.49 JUST ESSENTIALS by ASDA Instant Hot Chocolate COCOA CONTENT: 9% cocoa powder ASDA's Just Essentials brand, which provides 'basic essentials' at the store's 'lowest price', offers an Instant Hot Chocolate that is free from artificial flavours and artificial colours. Priced at 1.49, it looks like a steal - until you read the small print, which reveals that the product contains just 9 per cent 'fat-reduced cocoa powder' and not even a milligram of chocolate. There are, however, various thickeners, emulsifiers and stabilisers. ASDA Extra Special Fairtrade Indulgent Drinking Chocolate 300G ASDA Extra Special Fairtrade Indulgent Drinking Chocolate PRICE: 3.48 COCOA CONTENT: 41% cocoa powder, 39% cocoa solids ASDA's Extra Special Fairtrade Indulgent Drinking Chocolate does what is says on the tin, that is, it provides a very indulgent, chocolatey experience thanks to its high cocoa content. The product contains 41 per cent cocoa powder and 39 per cent cocoa solids and, since the only other ingredient is sugar, promises to be a rich and satisfying hot drink. Options Instant Belgian Hot Chocolate Drink 220G Options Instant Belgian Hot Chocolate Drink PRICE: 3.36 COCOA CONTENT: 21% cocoa powder, 7% Belgian chocolate With a cup of Options Instant Belgian Hot Chocolate Drink famously providing just 40 calories, it won't come as a surprise that the product contains relatively little cocoa powder (21 per cent) and minimal Belgian chocolate (7 per cent). To make matters worse, there are four different E numbers, thanks to the inclusion of emulsifiers, an anti-caking agent and a stabiliser. Whittard Luxury Milk Hot Chocolate 350G PRICE: 11.95 Whittard Luxury Milk Hot Chocolate COCOA CONTENT: 39% cocoa solids At 11.95, Whittard's Luxury Milk Hot Chocolate is pricey, which is unsurprising given it is a well known and trusted British heritage brand that dates back to 1886. Fortunately, the product appears to be commensurate with its cost. It contains 39 per cent cocoa solids and only four other ingredients, though the quantities of the sugar, salt, dextrose and flavouring are not specified. Aldi Dairyfine Instant Hot Chocolate 400G Aldi Dairyfine Instant Hot Chocolate 400G PRICE: 1.99 COCOA CONTENT: 13% fat-reduced cocoa powder, milk chocolate 4% From Aldi's Dairyfine range, this 1.99 just-add-hot-water instant hot chocolate includes a photo of a steaming mug of hot chocolate with two squares of chocolate...but the ingredients list is lengthy and complex, with sugar listed first, and other highlights including silicone dioxide, thickeners and the binder carboxymethylcellulose. Jeffrey Epstein enjoyed a cozy relationship with two high-profile journalists, according to the latest batch of emails released concerning the pedophile financier. The newly released documents highlighted his relationship with Michael Wolff and Landon Thomas Jr, a former reporter with The New York Times. The emails offered an insight into the relationship between the serial sex offender and the two men, even after he had been convicted. Epstein repeatedly gossiped and traded information with the two, in exchange they advised him and warned him about any reporting that might have mentioned him. According to the emails, Landon contacted Epstein in June of 2016 to tip him off about investigative journalist and former NYPD detective John Connolly. The ex-cop was looking into Epstein at the time for a book, with Landon telling Epstein: 'Keep getting calls from that guy doing a book on you - John Connolly. 'He seems very interested in your relationship with the news media. I told him you were a hell of a guy:).' Thomas said that Connolly had inquired about an article that he had previously written for New York Magazine in 2002 about Epstein, which Donald Trump was quoted in. Landon Thomas Jr, seen here, would contact Epstein and tip him off about fellow journalists looking into the pedophile financier, according to the recently released emails According to the latest release of emails, Landon told a former cop turned journalist writing a book on Epstein that he was 'a hell of a guy:)' The quote from Trump said: 'I've known Jeff for fifteen years. Terrific guy. He's a lot of fun to be with. 'It is even said that he likes beautiful woman as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side.' Thomas added: 'One oddity: he said he had been told that the quote from Trump about you in the original NY Mag story had been manufactured. 'I.e that I did not actually speak to Donald. Which is bull s*** of course. I am sure that is what Trump told him.' Connolly, who has since died, published Filthy Rich: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein, alongside author James Patterson in October 2016. Landon asked Epstein at the end of that email chain if he had ever spoken to Connolly, he responded: 'No.' An earlier exchange between Landon and Epstein was also uncovered amongst the trove, in which Epstein offered him alleged images of Trump with girls in bikinis. Landon emailed Epstein in December of 2015 referencing the above quote from Trump, saying: 'Because of this. That story will never die.' 'Would you like photso [sic] of donald and girls in bikinis in my kitchen', Epstein responded. Thomas replied: 'Yes!!'. Epstein is pictured here in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry - dated March 28, 2017 The emails between Landon and Epstein were released earlier this week, offering an insight into the relationship the two men had Michael Wolff, who was approached by Epstein to be his own biographer, offered him political advice concerning Trump, according to the new emails Epstein's reply made reference to Lauren Petrella, who had previously accused Trump of unwanted sexual advances during a pageant. Thomas then asked Epstein if he could share her contact details with a fellow colleague of his at the Times. He added: 'I won't do it unless you say OK because after that I would have no say as to where story goes.' Epstein proceeded to name-drop Norwegian cosmetics businesswoman Celina Midelfart, before Landon replied: 'Maybe I will wait for the pics in your kitchen:).' It was unclear whether Epstein possessed such images. Thomas told his former employer that Epstein never handed them over. Connolly again came back up in conversation between Thomas and Epstein in September 2017, when Thomas tipped Epstein off he was 'digging around again'. He added: 'Not clear if its another book/or expanded paperback version. Was asking me all sorts of questions about why you hired Stan Kerr. 'I told him I had no idea - think he is doing some Trump-related digging too. Anyway, for what its worth...', it was unclear if Epstein ever responded to the email. The 2002 New York Magazine story wasn't the only time that Thomas had written about Epstein. He also penned a story in 2008 for The New York Times after the pedophile started his controversial 13-month sentence for soliciting prostitution and soliciting prostitution from a minor. Epstein and Donald Trump are seen here posing together at the Mar-a-Lago estate on February 22, 1997 Thomas wrote that he spoke with Epstein on Little St James Island in the British Virgin Islands, which he referred to as Epstein's 'palm-fringed Xanadu'. Epstein was accused of sexually assaulting dozens of girls there, with Thomas quoting Epstein as describing his abhorrent crimes as 'playfulness'. Thomas left The New York Times in 2019 after he told top brass that he had solicited a $30,000 charity donation from Epstein. Staffers at the newspaper of record previously told NPR that Thomas told higher-ups that Epstein was a great source and had become something of a close friend. He allegedly left editors 'aghast' after suggesting he would never report on or investigate Epstein, and they quickly moved to have him dismissed. A New York Times spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'Landon Thomas Jr has not worked at The Times since early 2019 after editors discovered his failure to abide by our ethical standards.' As for Wolff, who authored several best-selling books about Trump, he offered advice to Epstein, especially when it came to his relationship with the President. His relationship with the pedophile kicked off in 2014 when Epstein directly approached him to become his biographer. Wolff informed Epstein in December 2015 that Trump might be questioned about his relationship with him during a Republican presidential debate on CNN. Wolff also advised Epstein that the publication of it offered Epstein a chance to become 'an anti-Trump voice' In one email, Epstein claimed that Trump 'knew about the girls', the two are seen here alongside Melania Trump and Epstein's madam Ghislaine Maxwell in February 2000 After informing Epstein, Wolff then advised that if Trump tried to downplay the relationship, Epstein would then be able to use that as leverage. He wrote: 'I think you should let him hang himself. If he says he hasn't been on the plane or to the house, then that gives you a valuable PR and political currency. 'You can hang him in a way that potentially generates a positive benefit for you, or, if it really looks like he could win, you could save him, generating a debt.' Their relationship greatly benefited Wolff, with Epstein providing sources that formed the basis of his 2018 book Fire and Fury on Trump. In an earlier email from October of 2015, Wolff asked Epstein: 'There's an opportunity to come forward this week and talk about Trump in such a way that could garner you great sympathy and help finish him. Interested?' It is unclear if Epstein responded. As for the book Connolly was working on, Wolff also advised Epstein that the publication of it offered Epstein a chance to become 'an anti-Trump voice'. He added that such a move would provide him with a 'certain political cover which you decidedly don't have now'. Wolff added: 'I know a bunch of people who could be very helpful here. This would involve something along the lines of you writing an op-ed, doing a high-profile television interview (Charlie Rose, I'd say), and perhaps some social media efforts.' In 2019, Epstein reached out to Wolff and said: 'Trump said he asked me to resign, never a member ever. Of course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop.' The reference to resigning seemingly refers to Trump's Mar-a-Lago club. The new emails show Wolff offered advice concerning Trump, and Wolff even coming up with 'strategic plans' to deal with Epstein's public identity Trump expelled Epstein in around October 2007, according to the Mar-a-Lago's Club registry. The President has since revealed Epstein was 'stealing' young women who worked at his estate. Wolff was pulled up on his close relationship with the pedophile by The Daily Beast's Joanna Coles this week. The two co-host the outlet's Inside Trump's Head podcast, and she said the emails had left her 'shocked', saying he was 'advising a convicted pedophile'. He responded: 'What emails sound like - would one have rewritten in hindsight? Yeah, of course. Emails always are - that's embarrassing. 'Remember what is going on here, I am where no one else is. I am in proximity to a story.' When asked directly if he was Epstein's media adviser by Coles, he said: 'No, given the fact how badly he has managed the media. 'I would not want credit for that in anyway.' Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial in 2019. The Daily Mail attempted to contact Thomas via a cellphone number that is still registered to The New York Times and an email associated with his Substack newsletter was contacted. A call and text to Wolff's cellphone seeking comment went unanswered. Higher gambling taxes will lead to the closure of bingo halls and casinos across the country and the loss of thousands of jobs, according to one of Britains leading operators. John OReilly, the chief executive of Rank Group, said he could be forced to close a third of the firms Grosvenor Casinos and a higher proportion of Mecca bingo clubs if the Chancellor launches a raid on the industry. This would result in the loss of 2,500 jobs or nearly a third of its 7,800-strong workforce. Writing on the Daily Mail website, OReilly hit out at snobbery and ill-informed posturing surrounding gambling, and added that the company already pays a lorry load of tax revenues for the Exchequer. Industry sources have suggested closures across the sector would most likely come in working class areas including those being targeted by Reform. Rachel Reeves is expected to hit gambling firms with higher taxes in the Budget on November 26 as she seeks to raise revenues to fund her lavish spending plans. At risk: Mecca bingo halls could come under threat, Rank's boss warned Former Prime Minister Gordon Brown has joined more than 100 Labour MPs in calling for an increase in gambling taxes. And in an ominous sign for the industry, the Chancellor recently warned: I do think there is a case for gambling firms paying more. They should pay their fair share of taxes and we will make sure that happens. The prospect of a punishing tax raid is causing alarm across the industry including at London-listed Rank, which is part of the FTSE 250 and has 50 casinos and 50 bingo clubs in the UK. OReilly warned higher taxes will bring Ranks nationwide investment to a shuddering halt, with closures and job losses along the way. He said: For too long, snobbery and ill-informed posturing have been allowed to permeate the discussion around the gambling industry, leading to a hopelessly misguided idea that gambling is somehow an easy hit for tax increases. It is not. 'It would slam the brakes on the 60million of investment that Rank has planned for towns and cities across Britain. OReilly highlighted suggestions that the duty on slot machines could be raised, warning that an increase in the so-called machine gaming levy from 20 per cent to 25 per cent would likely see us having to shut a third of our casinos and an even higher proportion of our bingo clubs. That could see 15 to 20 Grosvenor sites close and around 20 Mecca bingo halls costing some 2,500 jobs. It is senseless, said OReilly. Those who annually clamour for gambling firms to pay more in tax can often scarcely disguise their underlying disdain for gambling. Perhaps, deep down, they just dont like what we do and theyre perfectly entitled to that position, of course. But in their haste to impose crippling tax rises on the regulated sector, they play straight into the hands of illegal operators who will be watching the Budget with breathless anticipation. 'If the Chancellor raises gambling taxes, the rounds of applause will come from those illegal operators who pay no tax. He pointed out that the average spent on slot machines at its bingo clubs is just 13 per customer per visit. And yet, increasing taxes on these machines will lead to the closure of much-loved bingo clubs that are often the beating heart of local communities, said OReilly. Britain should be proud of our bingo clubs, not looking to tax them into extinction. OReilly urged the Chancellor to foster a pro-business environment rather than a doom-loop of club closures and job losses. Zambian official hails CIIE's growing role as premier global trade platform Xinhua) 10:34, November 14, 2025 LUSAKA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The impressive turnout of participants at the recently concluded eighth China International Import Expo (CIIE) underscores the event's growing influence as a premier global trade platform, a Zambian official has said. Henry Kapata, director spokesperson at the Ministry of Information and Media, said in a statement on Wednesday that the 2025 CIIE, held in Shanghai from Nov. 5 to 10, has provided a vital platform for countries to showcase their investment potential and explore new trade opportunities. "The expo's focus on showcasing products, technologies, and investment opportunities provides a unique avenue for countries like Zambia to engage with the vast Chinese market and explore new areas of economic collaboration," Kapata said. Kapata, who was part of the Zambian delegation to the expo, noted that the CIIE serves as a significant global trade and investment platform initiated by the Chinese government to promote trade liberalization, economic globalization, and mutual development, which reflects China's commitment to fostering international cooperation. The Zambian delegation sought to highlight the country's abundant resource endowments and vast investment potential across key sectors at the expo, aiming to attract foreign investment and promote economic diversification, according to Kapata. He added that the delegation also used the platform to connect Zambia's small- and medium-scale miners with international markets and advanced technologies, thereby enhancing their competitiveness and contribution to the national economy. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The Government has today announced the date that the long-awaited Renters Rights Act will come into force. The new law received Royal Assent on 27 October, with the Government today announcing the timeline for implementing the new legal protections, including the end of so-called 'no-fault' evictions. The huge shake-up has delivered England's 11 million private renters the greatest increase to their rights in a generation. Aside from ending Section 21 'no-fault' evictions, the law gives renters the right to end tenancies with two months' notice and enables them to better challenge poor conditions and unreasonable rent increases without fear of retaliatory eviction. The major shake-up means fixed-term assured tenancies and assured shorthold tenancies will be abolished and replaced with rolling periodic tenancies, meaning renters will no longer be tied into long contracts. At the core of the Renters' Rights Act is the abolition of Section 21 no fault evictions - a practice that has pushed thousands into homelessness, according to the Government These changes will be in force from 1 May 2026, the Government has announced today. Ben Twomey, chief executive of campaign group Generation Rent, said: 'Our homes are the foundation of our lives, but for too long Section 21 evictions have forced renters to live in fear of being turfed out of our homes, preventing us from raising valid concerns with our landlords. 'At last we know when this outdated and unfair law will be sent packing.' However, landlords have said they haven't been given enough time to adapt to the new rules. Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: 'We have argued consistently that landlords and property businesses need at least six months from the publication of regulations to ensure the sector is properly prepared for the biggest changes it has faced for over 40 years. Unless the Government urgently publishes all the guidance documents and written material needed to update tenancy agreements to reflect the changes to come, the plan will prove less a roadmap and more a path to inevitable failure. Without this landlords, tenants, agents, councils and the courts will be left without the information required to adapt, creating utter confusion at the very moment clarity is most needed.' What is in the Renters' Rights Act? The Renters' Rights Act is a dramatic shake-up that brings in new rules on evicting tenants and how tenancies are structured. It will end long fixed-term tenancies, allow renters to leave with two months' notice, stop landlords getting rid of tenants without good reason, and bring the ability to challenge rent rises. There are other elements too. Bidding wars will be ended and landlords will be stopped from demanding more than one month's rent upfront. The Act will ban landlords and agents from refusing renters because they have children or receive benefits. Renters will also be able to ask to keep a pet - something landlords can't say no to without a good reason. It will strengthen local authority enforcement designed to protect tenants and force landlords to urgently fix dangerous homes. A new Private Rented Sector Ombudsman will also offer swift, binding resolutions to tenants' complaints. American economic imperialism is going too far. It is enough that the British car, pharmaceutical, steel and other industries have been badly injured by Donald Trumps mercantilism. Even those of us who have doubts about BBC impartiality, particularly on the Middle East, cannot but be sympathetic to efforts to subvert the broadcaster with a libel threat. Now, US Ambassador to the Court of St Jamess, Warren Stephens, is complaining that Britains leading-edge engineer Rolls-Royce has been awarded the contract to build the UKs first generation of small modular (nuclear) reactors (SMRs) at Wylfa in Anglesey. He thinks the contract should have gone to Westinghouse. Ambassador Stephens needs an industrial history lesson. Rolls-Royce is the pioneer in SMR technology, based on the complex power systems used in nuclear submarines. It is almost a decade since it first came up with the design and, thanks to Boris Johnson and others, R&D funding helped to keep the project alive. Green light: Rolls-Royce has been awarded the contract to build the UKs first generation of small modular (nuclear) reactors at Wylfa in Anglesey (pictured) Delays in Whitehall, which insisted on a global competition for SMRs, held up approval and licensing of the technology. The bureaucratic stalling gave Japans Hitachi, Westinghouse and others the time to catch up. It is worth noting that while successive UK governments stalled, the Czech government was the first to put in orders for Rolls SMRs. Paradoxically, until 2006 Westinghouse was controlled by British Nuclear Fuels. Gordon Brown sold it to Japans Toshiba for 4billion. Selling the nations crown jewels, including the gold reserves, was a speciality of the Blair-Brown era. Ed Miliband rightly receives bad reviews on these pages for his climate change extremism. But in embracing Rolls-Royce nuclear tech he has done the right thing. If there are no further hold-ups Wylfa can be a showpiece for global sales. Under the tutelage of chief executive Turbo Tufan Erginbilgic, Rolls has been transformed. Only yesterday the company confirmed its full-year profits forecast of 3.1billion to 3.2billion a 24 per cent increase. The jump is driven by stronger flying hours for its wide-bodied jet engines. The outlook is boosted by surging defence spending including the sale of Typhoon jets, powered by Rolls turbines, to Turkey as well as submarine orders. To that can now be added the prospects for SMRs. The shares have doubled so far this year, valuing it at more than 90billion. Imagine what Erginbilgics electric, take-no-prisoners management could do for Britains malfunctioning NHS, where 29billion of fresh taxpayer funds is being frittered away. Data overload Time perhaps for the great minds at the Treasury to give Chancellor Rachel Reeves a new script. Her response to 0.1 per cent drop in national output in September was to boast that the UK had the fastest-growing economy in the G7 in the first half of the year. This fatuous claim would be more credible if Britain didnt also have the fastest-rising consumer prices and the highest bond rates among the economic elite. This week the Office for National Statistics said it was cutting back on data releases. As much as the more is the merrier for City scribblers, there is a case for reverting to when GDP data was released every quarter rather than each month. Britain is cursed by too many fiscal events and data releases which usually require much revision. It is bonkers to look at one month in isolation. This is especially true when the numbers are rendered meaningless by the cyber shutdown at Jaguar Land Rover. After all, forecasts behind the Budget arithmetic in two weeks time will stare five years into the future. Check out The arrival of Joshua Schulman at Burberry has given Britains luxury clothing champion a real lift. He has focused on what it has always done best: outerwear, scarves and trench coats. By underlining authenticity and adopting sensible pricing the chief executive has let the share price rediscover its mojo. Even previously underwhelming China revenues are sparking again. An end to HMRCs ghastly tourist tax would be the icing on the cake. Ask any seasoned electric car owner and they will tell you that the public charging network is a reliability lottery. While some operators provide fault-free devices that are always dependable, others have chargers that typically aren't functioning, refusing payment or not providing the charging speeds advertised. Fortunately, those who have experienced the best and worst of Britain's EV charging infrastructure can have their say on which networks are best and worst. Every year, leading charge point mapping and data service Zapmap announces the results of its annual satisfaction rankings for rapid and ultra-rapid charging public networks in the UK. And this year a supermarket charging network is leading the way, along with a very famous ultra-rapid charging network. Rapid and ultra-rapid public charging networks are split into two categories, based on the size of the network, with both categories swelling each year as the network expands rapidly and adds more devices. The league results are then based on thousands of responses to Zapmap's annual EV charging survey, which is now in its eighth year. Conducted between September and October 2025, 3,976 EV drivers gave their thoughts, feeling and findings on which chargers powered them up and which let them down. And we can now reveal the results... The Tesla Supercharger network is the best 'large' rapid/ultra-rapid charging provider in the UK, Zapmap's annual survey of EV drivers has confirmed for the second year in a row Best large networks (500 rapid/ultra-rapid devices) Due to the expansion of the charging network, large networks are now defined by having 500 or more rapid or ultra-rapid devices, up from 300 last year. And the winner this year is no stranger to the top step of the podium because it was also there last year. Receiving the highest score of a large network, Tesla Superchargers have been crowned the best large network. The Elon Musk owned charging network was awarded a star rating of 4.8 out of five, up from 4.7 last year when it clinched the title. Tesla was only included in the ranking last year after its decision to open up many of its charge points for use by non-Tesla drivers, and its proved to be as much of a hit with EV owners this year as last. Tesla continues to offer significantly lower prices than most rapid/ultra-rapid providers, with drivers also appreciating its reliability. Even more of the Tesla Supercharger network is expected to become open to the public in the coming months (currently its around 54 per cent) and tech partnerships with providers like EV on the Move will see more of Tesla's new V4 Superchargers added to other networks. Ollie Dodd, Senior Regional Manager, Northern Europe Charging, Tesla said: 'Were thrilled to win Zapmaps Best EV Charging Network for the second year in a row. Being recognised by the drivers themselves shows that our customer-centric and data-driven approach to building sites is well received. 'We look forward to showcasing more customer-centric features in 2026 as we expand the network further and look towards new initiatives in roaming and payment methods.' MFG - Motor Fuel Group - took second in the large poll with a rating of 3.9, with customers happy with its reliability and wide range of ways to pay In second place is MFG EV Power for the large category, with a star rating of 3.9. While much lower than Tesla, it still takes silver and is a 'EV driver recommended' provider. Drivers say they particularly appreciate MFG EV Power's reliability, ease of use and wide range of ways to pay. Its branding, blue and green, is highly visible and manned locations help ensure swift problem resolution. This year MFG EV Power has expanded from its base of fuel forecourt sites to include 300 Morrisons supermarkets in its network. It now has more than 1,300 chargers across 522 locations, a year on year increase of 68 per cent. Martin Symes, EV Director at MFG said: 'We are delighted to once again be recognised in Zapmaps annual EV driver survey as the highest-ranked, fully accessible, Large Rapid and Ultra Rapid Charging Network. Our commitment remains firmly focused on providing convenient, reliable, and high-quality EV charging experiences for drivers across our nationwide network.' Ionity and Osprey share third place, also being driver recommended. Both providers were awarded 3.8 in the star rating, with Ionity getting the seal of approval from drivers due to its reliability, ease of use and wide range of ways to pay. Osprey got its 3.8 rating because of its excellent customer service - joint highest alongside Tesla - and ease of use and reliability. Ionity drew third place getting the seal of approval from drivers due to its reliability, ease of use and wide range of ways to pay Osprey got its 3.8 rating and joint third place because of its excellent customer service - joint highest alongside Tesla - and ease of use and reliability Both networks are expanding quickly, with Ionity growing 110 per cent over the 12 months and going from a medium to large network since last year's results, and Osprey rolling out new thoughtfully placed hubs including Merseyside, Watford, South Wales, Glasgow and Bognor Regis locations. Andreas Atkins, Country Manager UK & Ireland, Ionity was enthusiastic about the expansion, saying: 'That weve doubled our number of charging points for the second year in a row is a real testament to the strength of the EV community here. 'Weve partnered with nationwide organisations like Village Hotels to enable travellers across the country, and weve set new standards in underrepresented areas, from our site in Bodmin, Cornwall, to Wrexham in Wales, to Aberdeen in Scotland.' Ian Johnston, CEO, Osprey Charging meanwhile says that large hubs have been popular with customers: 'We are seeing the positive results of our shift towards deploying large hubs at premium retail and strategic road locations that drivers prefer; a shift that sees us in a group of mature and established nationwide networks at the top of the rankings, with Tesla, MFG and Sainsbury's.' Smart Charge came home for gold in the medium category, with a star rating of 4.4 - a big achievement for the supermarket charging network that only launched in January 2024 Medium networks ( 150-500 rapid/ultra-rapid devices) Smart Charge came home with gold in the medium category, with a star rating of 4.4 Sainsbury's network allows drivers to charge while they shop, and has proved an instant hit with EV owners. Only launched in January 2024, it has grown 40 per cent and now has 335 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 locations. Also receiving an 'Up-and-coming network' award in last year's ranking, Smart Charge is loved for its competitive pricing with partner offers that leverage the Nectar card rewards scheme. Its also liked for its reliability and ease of use. Patrick Dunne, Chief Property & Procurement Officer at Sainsbury's, MD Smart Charge said: 'At Smart Charge, weve always believed that ultra-rapid charging should be simple, reliable, accessible and rewarding, and this award is a testament to the hard work of our team and the trust our customers place in us.' Be.EV takes second place, just behind Smart Charge, with a 4.3 star rating. Previously fourth in the large category, it now places in the medium category as it has 406 rapid/ultra-rapid devices across 84 of its 175 locations. Its big green hubs increasingly reflect a focus on the whole charging experience: accessible bays, clear signage, locations that fit into drivers everyday lives and multiple ways to pay. While other networks may have expanded faster this year, Be.EV received the highest rating of all networks in Zapmap's league tables for customer support and also performed well for cost of charging. Third in the medium category is Fastned with its distinctive yellow solar canopies which has increased its star rating - it's now 4.2 up from 4.1 last year Third in the medium category is Fastned with its distinctive yellow solar canopies which has increased its star rating - it's now 4.2 up from 4.1 last year. Fastned received the highest rating of all networks in the league tables for its range of ways to pay as well as particularly positive feedback for ease of use. Over the past year, the network has expanded by 38 per cent to cover 199 devices across 34 location and has recently received planning permission for the UKs first indoor drive through hub to be located in Aberdeen. Arnold Clark is new to charging and yet customers love it because the network has been quick to introduce an optional booking system for its chargers as well as offering assisted charging. And pricing is on par with Tesla This years best large charging networks are ranked by almost 4,000 EV drivers and Tesla scores top Supermarket giant Sainsbury's has joined the best charging providers taking home gold for the medium category. Top 10 medium providers are ranked by EV drivers Up-and-coming network These networks did not meet minimum inclusion criteria, but received positive feedback from EV drivers. This year's recipient was Arnold Clark Charge, despite its sites opening to the public only in the second half of 2025. And yet the car dealerships network already extends across 57 locations, with ambitious plans for the year ahead. Customers approve because the network has been quick to introduce an optional booking system for its chargers as well as offering assisted charging. With pricing on a par with Tesla, Arnold Clark Charge secured impressive ratings across all five metrics and the highest rating of all networks for customer support. Russell Borrie, Chief Executive Officer at Arnold Clark said: 'We are delighted that Arnold Clark Charge has been recognised as the Up-and-coming Rapid/Ultra-Rapid Network in the 2025 Zapmap EV charging survey. 'This recognition means a great deal because it comes directly from EV drivers. Our customers are at the heart of everything we do and we're proud to offer them a reliable, easy and stress-free charging experience at locations across the UK.' For centuries, gold has been used by humans as currency and as a store of value. Investors continue to turn to the precious metal in times of uncertainty, looking on it as a safe haven when other assets are facing turmoil. And this year has been a prime example, with investors crowding into the precious yellow metal amid geopolitical uncertainty and, more recently, fears of an 'AI bubble' set to burst. Gold prices surged past the $4,000 per ounce barrier last month, before dropping again, but the yellow metal could still be on track for its strongest yearly performance since 1979. On Thursday, gold was trading at $4,198, or around 3,181 per ounce, below its October high. And in today's digital world there are ways that investors can gain exposure to gold that don't involve stuffing bullion under the mattress or keeping Krugerrands and sovereigns in a safe at home. Tokenised gold is becoming a popular way for investors to gain exposure to the precious metal Digital gold has recently become a popular choice for investors who want to gain exposure to the yellow metal without going through the rigmarole of buying and holding it physically. The latest evolution in this digital offering has come in the form of the tokenisation of gold, and increasing numbers of investors are piling into these tokens. But how do gold tokens work, and do they offer the same safety as the real thing? What is tokenised gold, and how does it differ to digital gold? Digital gold allows investors to gain exposure to the precious metal without having to buy physical gold themselves. Investors purchase a quantity of real gold, which is stored securely elsewhere with ownership recorded digitally. The Royal Mint's 'DigiGold' offering, for example, allows buyers to purchase a fractional amount held securely in its vault. Investors can buy by value, rather than weight. Mike Oswin, global head of market structure and innovation at the World Gold Council, told This is Money: 'Digital gold allows customers to invest in gold through digital channels, with the physical gold securely held in a vault on their behalf. 'Crucially, all forms of digital gold are backed by physical gold, whether it's allocated to an individual customer in the form of a specific bar or coin, or pool-allocated across multiple investors. 'In both cases, full legal ownership of the gold must transfer to the customer rather than remain with the dealer.' Tokenised differs to digital gold in that it gives a digital representation of each unit of gold recorded on a blockchain, giving investors the benefit of added transparency and security. Many investors will already be familiar with gold ETFs, which offer exposure to the metal. The investor owns a share of a fund that owns gold, rather than owning the gold itself. Larry Fink, chief executive of Blackrock, said last month: 'The tokenization of financial assets will mark the beginning of a new era for financial markets'. And some 26 per cent of investors say they would be very likely to invest in gold token products, the World Gold Council said. Tokenisation gives transparency, according to Faisel Ali, founder and managing director of Gold Bank London. He said: 'You can see transactions on the blockchain, but you're still trusting someone else to hold the gold.' Some providers offer physical redemption, which means that customers can convert their digital holdings into physical gold in the form of bars or coins if they choose to do so. Tether Gold, for example, lets customers redeem actual gold in exchange for their tokens or to have it sold on the Swiss gold market and receive cash proceeds. To have gold delivered, it says it will charge 25 basis points, 0.25 per cent, on the gold price at the time of redemption, as well as delivery costs. Why are people buying tokenised gold now? Tokenised gold surpassed the $4,000 dollar mark per token last month. However, it trades at a slight discount to physical gold spot prices, owing to custody and redemption costs, and liquidity and market structure. Tether Gold, one of the principal tokenised gold assets, is currently trading at $3,999.55. One Tether Gold token represents, and is backed by, one troy ounce of the yellow metal. There is some $3.6billion worth of tokenised gold currently in circulation, according to figures from Coingecko, with a daily trading volume of more than $1billion. Partially, the growth of gold tokens comes as more investors look to gain exposure to the metal, but it also comes on the back of its benefits over other digital gold options. As many as 34 per cent of US investors say tokens being fully redeemable for physical gold will be 'crucial to building trust'. 'People want safety and a hedge against instability, but they also want convenience. So tokenised gold sits in the middle. It's bringing new investors into the space, which is great for awareness,' Ali said. What makes it a good choice for investors over real gold? Digital gold in general has some benefits over physical gold that may make it the right investment choice for some. For others, the real thing will still be preferable. While some gold investors might feel more safe in the knowledge that their gold is securely stowed at home or in a storage facility, others will prefer not to have to deal with their holdings themselves. 'Digital gold, including tokenised gold, offers investors an easy and secure way to hold gold without having to manage physical storage themselves,' Oswin said, 'It provides the reassurance of third-party custody and the convenience of buying and selling online through a dealer's website or app.' Ali added: 'It's easier to buy and sell in small amounts, and it moves instantly. For the people who want exposure to gold prices without handling bars or coins, it's convenient, but it's still gold in a digital wrapper.' The other benefit for gold investors is that they are able to sell their holdings more quickly and easily, using online platforms. Oswin said: 'For those interested in the digital asset ecosystem, tokenised gold goes a step further. It enables investors to trade gold alongside cryptocurrencies and stablecoins, leveraging the flexibility and innovation of decentralised exchanges.' How can you buy it, and are there any drawbacks? There are a few ways to access tokenised gold, the most common being by purchasing it directly from the issuer. For example, Tether Gold allows prospective buyers to set up accounts and invest directly through its website. Other firms like Paxos and Comtech Gold offer similar services, Oswin said. He added that the tokens can also be purchased on the secondary market on several decentralised exchanges. Oswin added: 'Tokens can also offer the ability to transfer directly between Ethereum compatible wallets.' All of this digital infrastructure, however, may lead to concerns from some investors that they don't actually have access to their gold in person. Ali warns that tokenised gold, and digital gold options more generally, don't offer the same assurance as the real thing. He said: 'When things get shaky can you trust the people who have tokenised the gold?... Physical gold removes all that risk that's the difference between owning gold and owning a promise.' Tokenised gold is based on the real thing, and backed by gold that is securely stored by the company offering the investment. Of course, investors should make sure that they use well-established companies that make use of independent audits to ensure that your gold tokens are truly backed by the real thing. Scandal-hit homeless landlord Home REIT appeared to be nearing its end yesterday after the group announced a deal to sell most of its properties to a European firm. The company, which is scrambling to reduce its debt pile, said it had struck an agreement with Patron Capital to offload 700 of its 853 properties for 123million. The rest, following the sale, will be worth 18.3million. Home REIT, an investment trust specialising in housing vulnerable people, is selling its properties to repay debts, a large portion of which is owed to pensions and insurance firm Scottish Widows. Following its stock market listing in 2020, the firm spent hundreds of millions buying properties to rent to housing associations and charities. But short seller Viceroy Research questioned its ability to collect rent and by 2023, several of its biggest tenants were refusing to pay rent, and the shares were suspended from trading. Three sets of financial results are now late and Britains accounting watchdog is probing auditor BDO over its scrutiny of the 2021 accounts. Aviva chief executive Amanda Blanc has warned that a tax raid on workplace salary sacrifice schemes would put people off saving for retirement and be bad news for Britain. Blanc said Chancellor Rachel Reeves should think very carefully before announcing such a policy in her Budget. What youre effectively doing is penalising those employers that actually contribute more to employees pensions, Blanc told The Times. But youre also saying to people who save for their pension that perhaps they shouldnt do it, and I think thats bad news long-term for the UK if you think about the fact that 15m people in the UK are not saving enough. Reports suggest Reeves is mulling a raid on salary sacrifice to raise 2billion a year, as she seeks to repair a financial black hole put at 30billion. The scheme allows employees to sacrifice some pay in exchange for other benefits such as pension contributions or a company car, before it is taxed. Pension alert: Aviva chief executive Amanda Blanc said Chancellor Rachel Reeves should 'think very carefully' before launching a tax raid on workplace salary sacrifice schemes It means employees and employers pay less national insurance. Currently, workers can put up to 60,000 a year into their pensions through salary sacrifice. Reeves reportedly wants to reduce the cap to 2,000 a year. Critics say it will push up national insurance bills (NI) and is likely to mean employers are less generous in contributing to staff pension schemes. It comes as companies are still grappling with a 25billion raid on employer national insurance in Reeves last Budget which came into force in April. Blanc said: The actual cost to employers of removing that NI benefit from salary sacrifice is not going to be insignificant. FTSE 100-listed Aviva set out new targets in the wake of its 3.7billion takeover of rival Direct Line. It now expects to make 225million of cost savings from combining the two firms. The company also revealed new targets for earnings and said it would resume larger share buybacks next year. Blanc said savings would come in technology, operations and head office. Aviva continues to expect this will mean shedding up to 2,300 jobs, as it has previously said. General insurance premiums were up 12 per cent to 10billion over the first nine months of this year, and its wealth business generated 8.3billion of net inflows. The shares fell 6.2 per cent, or 42.6p, to 650p. Analysts pointed to high investor expectations ahead of the update. National Savings and Investments lacks the capacity to deliver a much-awaited revamp of its digital services which is running four years late and 1.3billion over budget, a damning report has found. The Treasury-backed bank underestimated the challenge of digitally transforming NS&I, provider of the popular Premium Bonds, according to a report from public spending watchdog the National Audit Office. This has lead to significant cost increases, delays and procurement issues, it said. In 2020, NS&I launched a digital transformation programme to replace the single supplier outsourcing contract it had had with Atos, previously Siemens, since 1999. The digital revamp aimed to reduce the cost of running NS&I by making it a 'self-service digital business.' As part of this it pledged extra support for vulnerable and elderly customers. NS&I said this digital revamp would help it deliver services with greater speed, lower risk and with greater flexibility. But NS&I now expects the scheme to be completed in March 2028 four years behind schedule after it was reset in 2024. Total costs have risen from 1.7billion in 2020 to 3billion, a 76 per cent rise. Running late: NS&I's digital transformation programme is four years behind schedule and total costs have risen from 1.7bn to 3bn NS&I set itself an overly ambitious timetable, resulting in delays and cost increases, the NAO found. The state-backed bank raises money for the Government by borrowing from savers. They pay money into products such as Premium Bonds, which give savers the chance win tax-free prizes, fixed-rate bonds and cash Isas. N&I's 24million customers have collectively invested over 240billion in NS&I. NS&I must now develop a realistic plan to ensure its digital transformation programme can deliver the intended benefits for customers and the taxpayer, the NAO recommended. It also said NS&I should improve its approach to contract management, as well as the system that monitors programme costs and risks. Gareth Davies, head of the NAO, said: 'NS&I faced complex, long-term technology challenges and saw the ending of the contract with its external supplier as an opportunity to resolve these and transform its business.' 'But it underestimated the scale of this challenge and overestimated its ability to deliver its digital transformation programme, which led to significant cost and time increases. 'Since resetting the programme in 2024, NS&I has made progress by identifying the key issues to address. It must now develop a realistic integrated plan to deliver its new operating model and achieve intended benefits for the business, customers and the taxpayer.' An NS&I spokesman said: 'We welcome the NAOs report and accept its recommendations. We are on track to raise 12billion this year to help support public services across the UK, while maintaining our operational performance and customer satisfaction for 24million customers. 'Our business transformation programme is key to continuing to deliver cost-effective finance for government, and the services customers want. 'We welcome the additional support of David Goldstone who has been asked by the economic secretary and chair of NS&Is board to help address the issues this report highlights.' 'There's been some mistake,' said Kristin Collier quietly, as she was sitting opposite the grim-faced bank clerk. It was 2008 - just a month before she graduated from the University of Michigan - and she had never seen a credit report before. But she knew this one, with its rows of unfamiliar numbers swimming in front of her eyes, couldn't be hers. There were the details of two massive student loans from two different banks. Then the credit card bills - one for Victoria's Secret, another for a gas station. Some debts were as low as $400, others as large as $40,000. Together, they totaled more than $200,000. If she believed she had been a victim of identity fraud, the clerk told her - with a strong emphasis on the word 'if' indicating that he did not believe her - she should contact the police. But, first, Collier, now 40, called her mom. Pouring out her fears and confusion, hoping for the reassurance that everything would be OK, that they would work it out together, instead, the phone line went very quiet. 'Honey, I'm so sorry,' her mom said after an awkward silence. 'It was me. All of it was me.' Kristin Collier was just a month away from graduation when she discovered she was in unimaginable debt, through no fault of her own The debt, which eventually rose to $400,000, plagued every area of her life (stock picture) The debt, which, with interest, would eventually soar to $400,000, would haunt Collier for the next 15 years as she navigated the legal system, bankruptcy court, and a multitude of collection agencies. It plagued every area of her life, its impossible weight overwhelming romantic relationships and crushing her physical and mental health to breaking point. And for a long time, there was the unshakeable hint of doubt - that maybe it had all been her fault after all; that she only had herself to blame. 'When my head was able to clear a little bit from the initial shock,' she told the Daily Mail, 'I thought I should have had a larger hand in understanding the funding for my degree. 'My parents filled out FAFSA [Free Application for Federal Student Aid] on my behalf. I really didn't have an active role. So I thought, maybe if I'd done that, I would have had more knowledge earlier. 'If I had pulled my credit report earlier, maybe none of this would have happened. 'I had the sense that, if I had done everything "right," then this wouldn't have happened to me. 'And that felt really bad to think that I might have prevented it.' Collier has written a book, to be released on November 18, detailing what she went through But, in her upcoming book, What Debt Demands, she also explains that she had every reason to trust her parents. 'My mother managed everything because that's what she was good at,' she wrote. 'She'd worked at a bank since she was 16, moving out of the teller window and into an office where she approved, created, and dispersed debt to people in the form of automobile loans.' Later, after her mom was laid off at the bank, she took a new job managing medical billing at a dentist's office. Money had always been tight, she said. Sometimes checks bounced. Often her university bill was paid late. But she added: 'I thought of these snags as painful, singular events, linked to one another, but discrete from everything else. We'd move through it and be on the other side.' It would be several weeks after that first discovery of the debt - and many fraught phone calls - before she would get answers to some of her most pressing questions. Why so much money? Where did it all go? 'We were going to lose the house,' her mom told her at one point. 'I was always going to pay you back,' she repeated time and again. Collier's mom promised time and again: 'I was always going to pay you back' (stock image) As a student, Collier had no reason not to trust her parents with money - her mom had worked at a bank since she was 16 But even Collier knew her parents would never make enough to pay back the debt in their lifetimes. Then, about six months later, her mom was suddenly arrested and charged with workplace embezzlement and healthcare fraud. Horrific though this new information was, it started to give Collier some sense of clarity. 'I learned that my mother had a severe gambling addiction and had borrowed money from many of her family members, maxed out all her credit cards and, then, when all the credit lines had collapsed, she'd taken money from her employer.' She was sentenced to two-and-a-half months in prison. And, with only Collier's father's earnings to tackle the ever-growing mountain of debt, the possibility of clearing it seemed even more unlikely. The stress, unsurprisingly, took a punishing toll on her health. 'I was terribly anxious all the time,' she said, 'both from the totally empty bank account, and trying to do this constant tallying of what I could afford or couldn't afford just constant calculation in my head. It made me feel kind of crazy. 'And I was getting calls from debt collectors which was really horrifying and scary.' Working every possible hour on top of her teaching job left little time to take care of her physical health, and she started to exhibit a range of disparate, seemingly unconnected issues. 'I lost a bunch of weight, partially because of anxiety, and partially because I had really bad stomach aches.' She was constantly throwing up - sometimes for days at a time. Once, terrified she was becoming dangerously dehydrated, and unsure if she had enough money in the bank to pay for a cab, she walked several miles to the hospital, 'where I puked so hard in the waiting room that I sh*t my pants.' She later learned her mother had a severe gambling addiction and had borrowed money from many other family members (stock photo) Whenever she consulted a doctor, she would be prescribed a new antibiotic and the symptoms would eventually clear. But before long, new - and at the same time strangely familiar - symptoms would flare up. 'I had a bunch of UTIs and kidney infections, and it just felt like all of my body systems were collapsing,' she said. At one stage, she was diagnosed with a stomach ulcer. But she never received clarity on many of the issues that came and went, as her body grew increasingly thin and frail with each mysterious breakout. Meanwhile, there was no escape from the constant calls from debt collectors - at work, with friends, in the park. Nowhere was safe. For most of her 20s, she feared she might never get through it. 'I remember thinking, "How can I keep on living like this?"' She never contemplated self-harm, she stresses, but did begin to fear that anything resembling a 'normal' life - with a home of her own, a family, a hopeful future - would be eternally beyond her reach. 'It felt like I was going to have to live with it forever, and that it would make it impossible for me to afford to buy a home, or to do some of the normal things that I imagined people in their 30s or 40s did.' Meanwhile, as she took practical steps to manage the debt, some advice was more helpful than others. 'I saw several lawyers before I found one who could eventually help me,' she said. 'A lot of folks were just saying, "You just have to keep on paying."' She eventually used the bankruptcy process to get rid of some of the debt. But she explained: 'Student loans are protected, so you can't actually declare bankruptcy on student debt - it's really hard to get out of.' She began to fear that anything resembling a 'normal' life - with a home of her own, a family, a hopeful future - would be eternally beyond her reach There was no escape from the constant calls from debt collectors (stock photo) Seventeen years on, she is now free of the fraudulent debt (though she is still paying off a couple of thousand dollars of student loans). As for her relationship with her mom - that's still a work in progress. 'We are still in touch, and we still have a relationship,' Collier said. 'We're both still really impacted by what happened, and are navigating that with a sense of hope that we can continue to heal and become closer in the future.' She added: 'As bad as these debts have felt for me, I think they felt totally awful for her too, and they're the biggest source of regret and shame in her whole life.' Her mom has read the book, she said, and, unsurprisingly, has mixed feelings. 'She said that she thought the book was really beautiful and really hard to read. 'I have the sense it doesn't feel good for the world to hear about some of the most painful moments of her life, but I also know she's really proud of me, and she understands it's my story to tell. 'And I think she wants it to be a part of a conversation that brings relief to other people.' What Debt Demands: Family, Betrayal, and Precarity in a Broken System by Kristin Collier is published by Grand Central Publishing on November 18 London might be bracing for Rachel Reeves' latest tax-hiking budget - but could it be about to welcome a wave of rich New Yorkers fleeing its socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani? That's the verdict of one executive at a high-end London estate agency, which has already fielded a 'significant number' of enquiries from residents of the Big Apple. Mr Mamdani, a self-described Democratic Socialist, based his mayoral campaign on a raft of measures to ease the cost of living, which he pledged to fund with a new two per cent wealth tax on incomes over $1million (760,140). This could hit around 34,000 households in the city, where high earners already face higher tax deductions from their pay slip than their counterparts in London due to costly state and local taxes. In fact, a salaried worker paid 1,000,000 would take home just 411,353 of their salary in New York compared to 541,786 in London, according to calculations by the Daily Mail. Becky Fatemi, an executive partner at Sotheby's International Realty in London, said she had seen enquiries for London properties rise by 28 per cent over the past month as Mamdani's poll lead grew. Your browser does not support iframes. 'We've had a significant number of New York brokers reaching out to find out what's available in London,' she told The Times. 'The sentiment among many New York residents is clear that they're considering leaving the city [and] we're seeing strong interest both in rental options and in prime and super-prime purchases in London. 'American clients don't want to live in the Middle East - they want to live in Notting Hill and South Kensington.' Yet with Ms Reeves planning to clobber the rich in her upcoming budget, wealthy New Yorkers shouldn't count on a big welcome. Potential tax hikes include a one per cent hike in income tax and a mansion tax that could levy one per cent on the value of any home over 2million. Joanna Cocking, head of private office at Hamptons, said such measures could put off rich Americans. 'I imagine we might see an uptick in wealthy New Yorkers looking to relocate to London, but with the UK [potentially] poised to introduce its own wealth tax, anyone considering relocating will need to carefully consider the implications of the budget outcomes first and how it might affect them personally,' she said. If London sees an influx of New Yorkers following Mamdani's election, it would build on an existing 'Donald Dash' of liberal Americans fleeing the US in disgust at President Trump. One recent arrival was Star Wars creator George Lucas, who has bought a huge 40million mansion in St John's Wood. The house, which was previously owned by a city lawyer, was purchased off market in September, Bloomberg reported. Lucas, 81, is reportedly unhappy with Donald Trump's decisions in the US and is looking to spend more time in the UK. New York's mayor-elect is a self-described Democratic Socialist Last year, the filmmaker hosted an A-list party for Joe Biden and fellow Democratic supporters ahead of the election. The sale of the home comes after Silicon Valley investor Matt Cohler recently bought a 22million house in Notting Hill. It is the largest purchase since fashion designer Tom Ford bought an 80million mansion in Chelsea last year. While Lucas has never publicly criticised the President, he has joined a growing list of liberal A-listers deciding to make the move to the UK. Ellen DeGeneres and her wife Portia de Rossi made a quick exit after Trump's election victory and vowed to never return. Ryan Gosling and his wife Eva Mendes also made the move alongside America Ferrera, who fled the US in search of the 'best opportunities' for her children in the UK. The so-called 'Donald Dash' has been backed up by Home Office figures earlier this month which revealed that applications for UK citizenship soared in the last quarter of 2024, rising 40 per cent year on year. In fact more than 6,100 US citizens applied last year, the most since records began two decades ago and 26 per cent more than in 2023. One Notting Hill estate agent, who revealed the amount of wealthy American families they are moving in has 'skyrocketed' since Trump was re-elected. The former cop accused of shooting dead a television presenter and his Qantas flight attendant boyfriend has asked the police watchdog to closely monitor his murder trial. Beau Lamarre-Condon recently requested a NSW Law Enforcement Conduct Commission (LECC) investigator attend the hearing, the Daily Mail can reveal. Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot dead Jesse Baird, 26, and Luke Davies, 29, at Paddington in Sydney's eastern suburbs in February last year. The one-time celebrity chaser had reportedly briefly dated Mr Baird before the Network Ten identity began a relationship with Mr Davies. At his last court appearance, Lamarre-Condon publicly accused some police who investigated Mr Davies and Mr Baird's deaths of 'serious misconduct and corruption'. The 30-year-old now wants a commission representative to watch and listen to all police witnesses who are called to give evidence at his double murder trial. Sources told the Daily Mail that Lamarre-Condon was concerned about police doing their job properly and getting a fair trial. When contacted, the LECC declined to comment because 'disclosing information about a current complaint or investigation may jeopardise how our work progresses'. Beau Lamarre-Condon, the former cop accused of shooting dead a television presenter and his Qantas flight attendant boyfriend has asked the police watchdog to monitor his murder trial. Lamarre-Condon is pictured Lamarre-Condon allegedly shot dead Jesse Baird (right) and Luke Davies (left) with his Glock service pistol at Paddington in Sydney's eastern suburbs in February last year Daily Mail understands Lamarre-Condon has indicated he intends to call 50 to 60 witnesses in his defence - most of them police officers. 'Some of these police officers and other witnesses contacted Lamarre-Condon's legal team directly,' one source said. Lamarre-Condon has had three legal teams since his arrest and is now being represented by lawyers including barrister John Stratton SC and solicitor Ben Archbold. When Lamarre-Condon was arraigned in the Supreme Court on October 3, he took the opportunity to deliver an extraordinary speech via audio-visual link from jail. After entering not guilty pleas to the murder charges, Lamarre-Condon calmly told Justice Peter Hamill he had previously tried to admit to killing Mr Baird. 'Can you still hear me?' Lamarre-Condon asked. 'I would just like to respectfully say this so the following is noted on the court transcript, so the DPP cannot deny having no knowledge of this. 'Whilst in the local court, I made a formal offer to the DPP of guilty to one count of manslaughter relating to Jesse Baird and Jesse Baird only. Lamarre-Condon allegedly dumped Mr Davies and Mr Baird's bodies at Bungonia, about 180km south-west of Sydney. Police are pictured during the search for the men's remains 'I want this noted on the transcript, so if I'm convicted of this offence at trial it was known I did take accountability. 'I am remorseful and I'm also entitled to my early plea discount.' Lamarre-Condon said he would 'strongly oppose' any move to have the court closed or evidence suppressed when he faced trial because 'I want the public to know the actual truth of what happened'. He then accused police who investigated Mr Davies and Mr Baird's deaths of 'serious misconduct and corruption', in which the DPP had been 'partly' complicit. 'The truth will always prevail and I will not be silenced,' he said. Justice Hamill told Lamarre-Condon he was represented by a 'very capable solicitor' and noted there would be a record of any negotiations which took place in the local court. Lamarre-Condon was originally charged with two counts of murder, later amended to indicate they were alleged to be related to domestic violence. He has also pleaded not guilty to aggravated break and enter with intent to commit a serious indictable offence. Lamarre-Condon has pleaded not guilty to breaking into Mr Baird's Paddington house (above) and stealing his wallet and phone six months before he and Mr Davies were killed Lamarre-Condon (left) had reportedly briefly dated Mr Baird (right) before the Network Ten identity began a relationship with Mr Davies That charge relates to an allegation Lamarre-Condon broke into Mr Baird's Paddington house and stole his wallet and phone in August 2023, six months before he and Mr Davies were killed. The court heard there were more than 200 witnesses in the brief of evidence but the Crown did not expect to call 'anywhere near' that number to give testimony. Mr Stratton told the court he did not anticipate applying for the case to be heard by a judge alone, meaning it would go before a jury. The trial is set to commence in September next year. At the end of the October 3 hearing, Lamarre-Condon told Justice Hamill: Thanks for your time, Your Honour. Mr Archbold first indicated his client would be entering not guilty pleas to all charges in Downing Centre Local Court on August 26. Outside court, Mr Archbold was asked how his client would defend the murder charges. 'There are two sides to every story,' he told reporters. Lamarre-Condon, who joined the NSW Police Force in 2017, was a senior constable when he allegedly shot Mr Davies and Mr Baird with his Glock service pistol on February 19 last year. Lamarre-Condon's mother Coleen (left) is pictured outside Downing Centre Local Court with his solicitor Ben Archbold He then allegedly bundled their bodies into surfboard bags and dumped them at Bungonia, about 180km south-west of Sydney, where they were located on February 27. A day before the bodies were found, Deputy Commissioner Dave Hudson revealed an alleged timeline of events leading up to and following the men's deaths. Mr Hudson said gunshots were heard coming from Mr Baird's rented terrace house on the morning of February 19. Later that evening, Lamarre-Condon allegedly hired a Toyota HiAce van from Sydney Airport and on February 21, drove the vehicle to a property near the tiny town of Bungonia with a female companion. Lamarre-Condon allegedly left the property about 4.30am and drove to Newcastle, where he asked a former policewoman if he could borrow a hose to clean the van. Neither woman is accused of any wrongdoing, and the female ex-cop spoke to police when her suspicions were raised. About 10.30am the next day, February 23, Lamarre-Condon walked into Bondi police station and was arrested. The bodies of Mr Davies and Mr Baird were found several hours after detectives spoke with Lamarre-Condon in the Metropolitan Remand and Reception Centre at Silverwater. Before becoming a police officer, Lamarre-Condon ran a celebrity blog, posing in photos with visiting celebrities including Taylor Swift, Selena Gomez, Miley Cyrus, Harry Styles and Katy Perry. Lamarre-Condon has spent the past 21 months behind bars over the shootings, which were allegedly the result of a months-long campaign of 'predatory behaviour' targeting Mr Baird. He was sacked from the NSW Police Force in March last year. The federal government has been urged to look into how a couple came to own a trailer park in Missouri that shares a fence with an Air Force base where the US military launched the B-2 bombers that struck Iran's nuclear facilities over the summer. The demand came from Rep. Mark Alford, a Republican representing Missouri's 4th District, which covers Whiteman Air Force Base located about 70 miles east of Kansas City. Alford wrote a letter to the Treasury Department on Wednesday echoing a report from the Daily Caller showing that Esther Mei and Cheng Hu own the Knob Noster Trailer Park The couple, who lives in Canada and owns the trailer park through a series of companies, had ties to Miles Guo, a disgraced billionaire who once admitted to working for the Chinese Communist Party's intelligence arm. Guo has since denounced the party entirely. Alford is concerned about the trailer park's proximity to the base less than a mile from the runway because it 'plays a vital role in our national defense.' 'Any potentially foreign ownership of land directly next to one-third of our nuclear triad is deeply concerning, and its ownership by a potential CCP intelligence operative is a grave threat to national security,' Alford wrote in his letter to Andrew Fair, the Acting Assistant Secretary for Investment Security. In a statement to the Daily Mail, Alford's Press Secretary William Barry said his boss's letter 'does not jump to conclusions regarding the transaction or Esther Mei and Cheng Hu'. 'It simply asks for key information: Was this transaction reviewed? If so, what was the outcome of that review? If it wasnt reviewed, the Congressman is asking [the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States] to conduct a thorough one expeditiously,' Barry said. Pictured: This Missouri trailer park right next to Whiteman Air Force Base is owned by a couple who had ties to Miles Guo, a former Chinese Communist Party intelligence agent who has since renounced the party The Air Force base is where the B-2 Bombers that struck Iran's nuclear facilities were launched Esther Mei and Cheng Hu own the trailer park. They have no known ties to the CCP and are part of the New Federal State of China, an organization founded in 2017 by Guo and Steve Bannon with the goal of overthrowing the CCP The Daily Caller dug up social media posts and past livestreams that indicate Mei and Hu are members of the New Federal State of China, an organization founded in 2017 by Guo and Steve Bannon with the goal of overthrowing the CCP. Bryan Dean Wright, a former CIA operations officer, spoke to the outlet and Alford cited his commentary in his letter. 'The couple, own the park through a series of shell companies which according to Bryan Dean Wright, a former CIA operations officer, is classic Chinese intel ops,' Alford wrote. The Daily Caller did not cite any evidence that the property is being used as a base for the CCP to undermine American military objectives. The Daily Mail has contacted Mei and Hu for comment, but did not hear back. Barry told the Daily Mail that Alford has received calls from constituents who are 'very concerned about this specific issue.' Alford also pointed out in his letter that Whiteman Air Force Base was added to a list of protected military installations in 2024, requiring real estate transactions within a 100-mile radius of the location to be treated with heightened scrutiny. 'As this was several years after the transaction in question, this also bolsters the need to ensure it was properly reviewed,' Alford's office told the Daily Mail. 'Obviously, the best possible outcome is that the Treasury lets us know this transaction was reviewed and poses no national security threat, while providing the evidence justifying that decision. 'We are simply doing our due diligence on behalf of American taxpayers to ensure this transaction was reviewed and our national security is protected.' Alford has requested a classified briefing to discuss this matter with relevant staff at the Treasury Department. The Treasury Department has not responded to Alford's letter, other than to acknowledge that it had been received, Barry said. The Treasury Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Guo is pictured with Steve Bannon, the Trump associate with whom he founded the New Federal State of China (NFSC), an organization that seeks to overthrow communists in China Guo is pictured on a livestream the day before he was arrested by federal authorities for perpetrating a $1 billion fraud conspiracy against his online supporters The FBI found these gold pins with CCP symbols on them in Guo's Manhattan penthouse Guo, who is not involved with the trailer park but has appeared on livestreams with Mei and Hu, told the New Yorker in 2022 that he was an 'affiliate' of the CCP prior to fleeing the country in 2014. He said he handled things for the party and connected it to 'sensitive figures' abroad. He left China amid an anti-corruption crackdown that could have landed him in prison for life before seeking political asylum in the United States. Currently, Guo is in Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn awaiting sentencing after he was convicted last year by a New York jury of a $1 billion fraud conspiracy against his online followers. After Guo was arrested on March 15, 2023, the FBI raided several of his properties and found multiple passports, 29 cellphones, a cellphone scrambler and other technology. Inside his Manhattan penthouse, they found gold pins emblazoned with CCP symbols. Lawyers representing Guo in his criminal and bankruptcy cases did not respond to requests for comment. Mei and Hu have hosted various shows for New Federal State of China and have interviewed Guo on several occasions during livestreams for the organization. An ugly feud has erupted online after a beauty clinic boss's post about a trans influencer sparked a wave of one-star business reviews. But rather than back down, Captivate Clinic owner Kassane Metrodora has now fired back with a volley of videos which double down on her controversial views. Ms Metrodora, based on the NSW Central Coast, is now in damage control over the social media spat with blonde trans Sydney model Mitch Greer, 25. The clinic boss branded Ms Greer 'delusional' and told her: 'Stop confusing yourself babe... YOU are not a woman. 'You can NOT ever be a biological woman, even with surgery.' The row blew up when Ms Greer posted a video about her dating life after many of her 90,000 followers had asked about her personal life. Ms Greer said one of the questions she most commonly faces is whether she dates men or women, and whether a man who dates her would be classified as gay. 'I know it is going to be a big shock to everyone, but I'm actually not a lesbian,' Ms Greer explained. 'I'm only into men. Always have been, always will be.' Sydney model and trans influencer Mitch Greer (pictured) is embroiled in an ugly online feud with a beauty clinic boss Kassane Metrodora, 42, (pictured) who owns and operates Captivate Clinic on the NSW Central Coast, used her business account to comment on Ms Greer's post Ms Greer said she finds it surprising that people ask, because she thought her glamorous personal style reflected her sexual preference. And she said every man she has dated was straight, and they had only dated biological women, before and after dating Ms Greer. 'I'm sure I'll get many a comment saying "they're not straight". I don't care. The men I'm dating don't care,' Ms Greer said. 'I'm very comfortable and confident in myself. Just as the men I'm dating are.' While Ms Greer's video was met with a flood of positive messages, Ms Metrodora used her business's Instagram account to question Ms Greer's gender identity. 'You actually can't be a lesbian, chook,' Ms Metrodora wrote. 'You date men who like men who refer to themselves as a woman and have transitioned to the other sex they weren't originally born with at birth. 'It's men who are gay but like a man who transitioned to a woman. The saga unfolded after Ms Greer opened up about her dating life in an Instagram video Ms Metrodora wrote the following comment on Ms Greer's page Despite Ms Greer's followers expressing shock that Ms Metrodora was posting from a business account, the beauty clinic boss stood by her original statement Ms Greer's supporters condemned Ms Metrodora's comments, with many saying they were shocked that she shared the views from her business account. But Ms Metrodora fired back: 'There isn't anything wrong with that I have said. It's not hate - it's facts. 'I'm not condoning delusional statements, I am condoning facts. That's self preservation - that's what we do. 'Lying to yourself about who you are or facts doesn't make it any less of a delusion. 'A trans woman is simply a man who lives as a woman by choice. A man who sees themselves as a man or transwoman is gay... 'A straight man is a man who dates biological women. That's a fact. 'You can't be a lesbian if you are a transwoman because you are biologically male - a biological woman and biological woman who are in a relationship are lesbian. 'Trans women who are in a relationship are lesbian.' Ms Metrodora then posted more than five videos online reiterating her views and commenting on the situation One cosmetic clinic worker asked Ms Metrodora: 'Do you have any trans clients at your business? Do you tell them what you think or just smile and take their money?' Ms Metrodora insisted that anyone 'who participates in this garbage' wouldn't be a 'good candidate for this business' and would be 'kindly referred on'. Another commentator added: 'Golly I hope your children never grow up to have any question of their identity, gender or sexuality.' Ms Greer's supporters responded with a series of poor ratings for Ms Metrodora's Toukley-based business on Google, leaving her with an average of 1.5 stars from more than 100 reviews this week. 'Absolutely appalling. Do not support this business. Owner is using their business page via Instagram to harass people in the LGBTQIA+ community,' one read. Another said: 'Owner has extremely outdated views on genders/trans/sexuality.' But Ms Metrodora continued to reply online and claimed she was being bullied by Ms Greer's followers who she blamed for the bad reviews. 'Imagine wasting your time commenting on a business page with fake accounts cause you are an Instagram influencer and don't accept reality? Imagine?' she responded to one review. Ms Metrodora was inundated with negative reviews on her business's Google listing Ms Metrodora said she was being 'bullied' by the influx of bad reviews The business owner claimed she was 'attacked' for 'stating facts' 'Fake review on behalf of Instagram influencer Mitch Greer. Must not have any PR to do [popcorn emoji].' Ms Metrodora added fuel to the fire with a series of Instagram videos via her personal account to continue her attack on Ms Greer's gender identity. The Daily Mail has chosen not to publish the content of those videos because of their inflammatory nature. However, other videos featured Ms Metrodora making a chart with the categories 'facts' and 'delusions' alongside a scale titled 'my care factor', and said the saga had prompted a wave of new business at her clinic. She also said there was 'absolutely nothing wrong with trans people' and has some 'beautiful trans friends' who 'know they are male or female'. Ms Metrodora spent Wednesday trying to get the negative reviews removed from Google, according to her posts on her Instagram account. Ms Metrodora later revealed she had been successful but had also lost some positive reviews during the process, and urged clients who had previously left feedback to get in touch so she could restore their reviews. While Ms Greer did not directly respond to Ms Metrodora's comments on her video, she reshared the beauty clinic owner's videos on her Instagram story. Ms Greer did not directly write back to Ms Metrodora's comment, but reshared Ms Metrodora's videos The Google reviews have since been taken down, Ms Metrodora said in an update on Thursday One of the screenshots allegedly showed Ms Metrodora had privately messaged Ms Greer saying: 'Thanks for sharing the truth - however you are about to be charged for harassment.' When contacted by the Daily Mail, Ms Metrodora declined to comment and said she simply did not 'consent' to any story being published. 'Well I dont consent to the story being published, so I dont have anything to say,' she said. Ms Greer told the Daily Mail she was very surprised by the public comments. 'The Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (AHPRA) has an anti-discrimination and equal opportunity policy that ensures all feel safe and accepted within the healthcare system,' Ms Greer said. 'This business owner is in direct breach of this policy.' While Ms Metrodora is registered with AHPRA, the Daily Mail understands the regulator only deals with individual practitioners and not businesses. The Daily Mail has contacted the Health Care Complaints Commission for comment. If this story has raised any issues for you, contact QLife on 1800 184 527 or Lifeline on 13 11 14 for confidential support. Chinese heiress Lanlan Yang has pleaded not guilty to driving charges, after she allegedly ploughed her $1.5million Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce Cullinan into a Mercedes van driven by Kyle Sandilands' chauffeur. Yang's lawyer Michael Korn eventually appeared on her behalf at Sydney's Downing Centre on Friday, where her growing band of Chinese superfans had eagerly packed the courtroom awaiting her arrival. The registrar called Yang's case twice before Mr Korn entered the court without his client, having dealt with a separate case earlier on Friday morning. But the elusive 23-year-old was nowhere to be seen. Mr Korn told the court: 'I'm instructed to make the pleas of not guilty to all sequences.' He said there was 'expert material' that would be used in evidence. Outside court, Mr Korn did not directly answer questions about where his client was. 'She was excused from appearing,' he said. Chinese heiress Lanlan Yang (pictured) has pleaded not guilty to driving charges Pictured: Yang's lawyer Michael Korn talking to media outside the Downing Centre on Friday The head-on crash resulted in terrible injuries for George Plassaras as Lanlan Yang allegedly ploughed her tank-like Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce into his Mercedes van in July He bluntly denied Yang was getting special treatment from the court. Yang faces four charges, including one count of dangerous driving causing grievous bodily harm which could put her behind bars if convicted, with a maximum penalty of seven years in jail. An additional charge of negligent driving occasioning grievous bodily harm was recently added. She is also accused of failing to submit to a breath test and not giving her particulars to police. The crash, which took place about 3.20am on July 26 at Rose Bay, allegedly left Kyle Sandilands' chauffeur George Plassaras with devastating injuries. Daily Mail revealed in October that Yang had mysteriously departed her multi-million-dollar penthouse, and her spare Rolls-Royce had vanished on the day she was initially supposed to enter a plea. Yang has been free on bail since first charged and has put on an eye-popping fashion show while reporting to Rose Bay police station as required by her bail conditions. On one occasion, she appeared wearing a $16,000 purple Chanel vest, accessorised with a $54,000 vintage white gold Van Cleef and Arpels bracelet. Lanlan Yang has rarely been seen in public without a face mask to obscure her indentity Yang's $1.5million Tiffany blue Rolls-Royce was regularly parked in the street outside her home The white Rolls Royce Ghost previously parked under Lanlan Yang's luxury apartment (above) has now vanished, along with the wealthy heiress who has vacated her harbour-view penthouse She has also avoided a crowd of ultra-curious Australian-Chinese 'fans' desperate to catch a glimpse of the camera-shy heiress. Police allege Yang crossed double-yellow lines before the head-on collision on New South Head Road in Rose Bay with the Mercedes van driven by Mr Plassaras. Mr Plassaras's injuries include a broken spine, two broken hips and two broken femurs, a ruptured spleen and torn-open abdomen. Daily Mail photographed him following weeks of rehab walking slowly and using a cane. It has been speculated he may never be able to work again as a chauffeur in a job which demands hours behind a wheel. 'The injuries are life-changing,' a source close to the investigation told Daily Mail. 'This wasn't just a fender bender. It was catastrophic.' The matter will return to court on January 30. A Labour-led committee has expressed alarm at the Governments plan to slash education budgets in prisons. A report by the Commons justice select committee said some jails were facing cuts of up to half. Education for lags is usually a priority especially for the Left in a bid to divert offenders out of crime and cut reoffending rates. Sir Keir Starmers Government has repeatedly blamed the Tories for the prison overcrowding crisis, which has seen 38,000 criminals let out of jail early since last September. But the decision to slash prison education has been taken under Labour, despite its manifesto pledge to work with prisons to improve offenders access to purposeful activity, such as learning. The committees criticism will be particularly damaging for the Government because it is chairman and six of its other 10 members are Labour MPs. Former Justice Secretary Shabana Mahmood set up an early release scheme which has already seen 38,000 criminals freed early The report, published today, said: We are alarmed by reports of significant real-term cuts to prison education budgets, with some prisons facing reductions of up to 50 per cent. Prison education is already underfunded when compared to provision in the community, and such cuts risk undermining efforts to reduce reoffending. It went on: We expect the Government to urgently clarify the scale and rationale for any planned cuts to prison education budgets. It must set out how it plans to ensure that all prisons retain the funding necessary to deliver core education provision. The Ministry of Justice must also publish an assessment of the likely impact of these cuts on prisoner outcomes and reoffending rates, as well as an equality impact assessment for this cut. Chairman of the justice select committee Andy Slaughter voiced 'alarm' over plans to slash jail education budgets - despite Labour's pledge to increase their access to learning behind bars The report said the prison overcrowding crisis is risking the ability to rehabilitate offenders and cut crime. It found half of prisoners are not taking part in education or work, while two thirds are not in work or education six months after being released. Committee chairman Andy Slaughter said: Prison rehabilitation and efforts to break the cycle of reoffending aren't working and cannot succeed in a system which is facing critical pressures on so many fronts. The committee's report reveals an overcrowded, short-staffed, crumbling prison estate where the long-term focus on rehabilitation is often lost in an over-stretched environment which is grappling day to day to function. Ministers must act fast to fix the basics and give greater attention to purposeful rehabilitation programmes across jails. Continuing with a cyclical system in crisis mode which offers little real opportunity to turn around prisoners' lives is a false economy. Jon Collins, chief executive of Prisoners Education Trust, said: This report highlights the dire state our prisons are in. The government needs to set out a clear, ambitious plan to fix prison regimes and provide consistent access to high-quality education and training. The first step should be reversing cuts to prisons education budgets that will only make a bad situation worse. The Ministry of Justice has been contacted for comment. Jamie Redknapp's posh clothing brand, which makes luxury outdoor gear out of recycled plastic bottles, is suing a local eco-surf shop with a similar name. Jamie is the co-founder of Sandbanks, a high-end label flogging expensive jackets and jumpers, and is named after the exclusive area of Poole, which is home to his father Harry and other celebs. On November 6, parent company, Saint Witz Ltd, began legal proceedings against Sandbanks Style Ltd and its owner Jordan Belcher. The business is in the same area and sells kayaks and paddleboards, according to its website. The case is being heard at the Intellectual Property and Enterprise Court. It's under a 'part 7 claim - multi track', where 'litigants may claim up to 500,000 in compensation for infringement of their rights', according to judiciary docs. The warring pair aren't only fighting in the High Court, but tussling over a trademark application filed by Sandbanks Style in April this year. They applied to trademark their own 'Sandbanks' logo for beachwear, paddleboards and kayaks - but this has been fiercely opposed by Saint Witz, who've filed their defence. Jamie Redknapp's posh clothing brand, which makes luxury outdoor gear out of recycled plastic bottles, is suing a local eco-surf shop with a similar name Jamie Redknapp's brand began legal proceedings against Sandbanks Style Ltd and its owner Jordan Belcher (pictured) In September 2018, Saint Witz trademarked the word 'Sandbanks' under the classifications of bags and clothing - and, two years later, under eyewear. Last month, it also registered the name and logo 'SB Sandbanks'. Jamie's brand Sandbanks is proud of its eco roots and being a sustainable premium outdoor brand, with jackets costing up to 1,000 and jumpers over 200. Their goods are made from recycled plastics found in the ocean and landfill. Yet Sandbanks Style can also claim to be equally environmentally friendly. The business was set up Belcher's father Andy, who said on LinkedIn when he passed the business onto son Jordan: 'So far we made and sold over 30,000 Paddleboards and more recently 2000+ drop-stitch kayaks. 'For 8 years my whole salary went to a variety of charities, we planted about 32,000 trees to be super carbon negative and in addition to our retail customers, were the choice of over 200 rental and school businesses, who between them gave over 100,000 lessons and provided millions of hire sessions.' Sandbanks Style was also trading first. The business was incorporated in October 2014, whereas Saint Witz started up in September 2018. Shamima Begum may be the face of Britain's jihadi bride headache, but more than a dozen other ISIS women could also have to be taken back if ministers accept the finding of a new review. The Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism said the 26-year-old and other Britons held in Syrian detention camps such as Al Hol and Al Roj should be repatriated - warning the facilities risked being seen as 'Britain's Guantanamo'. This was a reference to the notorious US detention facility Guantanamo Bay, which was used to indefinitely hold al-Qaeda suspects without charge or trial in the years following the 9/11 terror attacks. Reprieve, a human rights charity operating in the Syrian detention camps, estimates they are currently home to around 70 Britons, of which around 20 are women, 40 children and 10 men. Most have not been named. Those whose identities are known include Shamima Begum's former schoolmate Sharmeena Begum - no relation - who was the first pupil from Bethnal Green Academy in east London to leave the UK to join ISIS in 2014. Amira Abase, 26 - who left with Shamima Begum from the same school two months later - is also believed to remain alive, although her whereabouts are unknown. Sisters Reema and Zara Iqbal - also from east London and now both in their thirties - were alive as recently as 2019, with Reema in Roj camp and Zara in another unknown facility. Other British women who fled to join ISIS include 'White Widow' Sally Jones and Aqsa Mahmood, who left Scotland at the age of 19. Jones was killed in an airstrike in 2017 and Mahmood is also believed dead. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer previously criticised the decision to strip Begum of her citizenship, but went on to change his stance by insisting that national security 'comes first'. Today, Shadow Home Secretary Chris Philp MP demanded he reject calls by the Independent Commission on UK Counterterrorism to allow her to return to the UK. Shamima Begum is only one of more than dozen ISIS women who are currently in Syrian detention camps Sharmeena Begum no relation was the first schoolgirl from Bethnal Green Academy in east London to flee the UK to join ISIS in 2014 He told the Mail: 'Shamima Begum joined a terrorist organisation that beheaded British citizens, enslaved women, and declared war on our country. The idea that she should stroll back into Britain is beyond comprehension. 'Keir Starmer may lack the backbone to challenge this committee, but his weakness cannot be the basis for Britain's security decisions. We must never reward terrorism.' Begum had her UK citizenship revoked after joining ISIS but has been pursuing a legal campaign to get it back and return to Britain. She finally lost her court battle last year when her appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court. Members of the counter-terrorism commission, who include former Attorney General Dominic Grieve and Baroness Sayeeda Warsi, examined her case as part of a three-year review of the UK's counter-terror policy. Their report found that letting UK-linked people remain in Syrian detention camps was 'inconsistent' with human rights obligations. It stated: 'The government should facilitate the voluntary repatriation for British nationals, including those deprived of British nationality. It should appoint a special envoy to oversee repatriation and inform returnees of the likelihood of prosecution. 'As escapes from camps are likely to lead to some returns to the UK, an organised programme of return, rehabilitation and integration is the best long-term option for managing risk.' Among those to criticise the suggestion were Mark Littlewood, director of Popular Conservatism. He told Good Morning Britain: 'Shamima Begum has had her British citizenship stripped, that was a due legal process. 'This was all tried and tested in court, including the Supreme Court - the highest in the land. We can't keep revisiting that decision.' Shamima Begum was 15 when she ran away with Kadiza Sultana, 16, and Amira Abase, 15. They are all pictured at Gatwick airport Begum said in 2019 that she had heard reports Abase was still alive Sultana is thought to have been killed in an airstrike in Syria Begum was seen for the first time in years in September, when she stormed out of an interview with a journalist. Born and raised in Bethnal Green, she was 15 when she left London and became a child bride to Dutch Islamic convert Yago Riedijk, with whom she had three children who all died as infants. Home Secretary Sajid Javid stripped her of British citizenship in 2019. Begum's lawyers and supporters have argued that she was a minor who was groomed and trafficked. She was accompanied by two other schoolgirls, Kadiza Sultana and Amira Abase. Sultana is believed to have died in an explosion, but Begum said in 2019 that she had heard reports Abase was still alive. Abase wed an 18-year-old Australian jihadist, Abdullah Elmir, in July 2016. While Shamima Begum claims to have renounced ISIS, her former schoolmate Sharmeena Begum makes no secret of her continued support for terrorism. Her whereabouts since she left Britain were unknown until 2013, when she was tracked down by a BBC podcast and found to be actively fundraising for ISIS. It is unclear how much money she has raised for ISIS in total, but one Bitcoin account showed 29 transactions with deposits totalling $3,000 (2,450). When confronted online about why she was raising money for terrorists, Sharmeena claimed she was 'simply feeding and clothing women and children who are poor'. A commander of the Syrian Democratic Forces warned such fundraising attempts were helping ISIS to reassemble. In a series of online messages with an undercover journalist, Sharmeena hit out at her former friend Shamima Begum, branding her a 'non-believer'. Other British women who fled to join ISIS include 'White Widow' Sally Jones and Aqsa Mahmood, who left Scotland at the age of 19. Jones was killed in an airstrike in 2017 and Mahmood is also believed dead Begum's Dutch convert husband Yago Riedijk (left), who is currently behind bars in Syria Abase wed an 18-year-old Australian jihadist, Abdullah Elmir, in July 2016 Asked by the BBC if she regretted joining the terror group, Sharmeena avoided the question saying only that she did not want to return to Britain and be sent to jail. Two other named British jihadi brides who are thought to remain alive are Reema and Zara Iqbal, from Canning Town. The sisters, who have five sons between them and have both been widowed, were found living in Al-Hol in 2021. Reports in 2019 said the pair had been stripped of their British citizenship after marrying into a terror cell linked to the execution of western hostages. Their parents are originally from Pakistan, meaning the Home Office could suggest they were eligible to apply for Pakistani citizenship so would not be left stateless. Maya Foa, executive director of Reprieve, has called for 'British families' in Syrian detention camps to be repatriated. 'There's an obvious solution that the US and other allies have been pushing for years: repatriate all the British families in North East Syria, close the detention camps, and prosecute the adults where appropriate,' she said. 'This is what the Kurdish and Syrian authorities want, and it's best for local, global and British security. The UK Government's refusal to act can only be for political reasons it makes absolutely no sense as a security policy and is a moral travesty.' A Home Office spokesman said: 'Shamima Begum had her British citizenship removed, as upheld at court, which we support. She therefore has no right to return to the UK. 'Our priority remains maintaining the safety and security of the UK and we will robustly defend any decision made to do so.' Isabelle Dale certainly went for a type tattooed 'bad boys'. And given her look nose piercings, false eyelashes, acrylic nails and platinum-blonde hair the then-19-year-old had no shortage of admirers. All well and good in the real world, maybe. But for a prison officer working amidst 420 hardened criminals in an all-male jail it was a recipe for disaster. And, with depressing inevitability, so it proved to be. Within months of starting at HMP Coldingley in Surrey, the teenager, whose previous work experience was as a sales assistant at Marks and Spencer, had embarked on sexual relationships with not one but two inmates at the prison. Indeed, there may have been more. One of them was Connor Money, a 28-year-old jailed in 2020 after speeding away from police at 140mph and then crashing his car and running away, leaving his passenger to die at the scene. The other was Shahid Sharif. He was locked up for 12 years for the armed robbery of a jewellers during which he threatened to maim passers-by with a bottle of ammonia. Despite knowing that relationships with prisoners were not allowed, within months of starting at the jail Isabelle Dale was involved in sexual activity with both men. She is pictured here arriving at Southwark Crown Court in May Following an eight-day trial at Southwark Crown Court, the now 23-year-old was convicted of two counts of misconduct in public office as well as conspiring to smuggle a prohibited article into prison Shahid Sharif, who was locked up for 12 years for the armed robbery of a jewellers, is one of the two inmates Dale is known to have had relations with Despite knowing that relationships with prisoners were not allowed, within months of starting at the jail Dale was involved in sexual activity with both men. In one instance, she was caught on CCTV emerging from the multi-faith prayer room and adjusting her clothing having spent four minutes alone inside with Sharif. The 34-year-old convict messaged her later: 'It was good sharing dat love today ur p*****s ammaazzzeeeingggggg'. Mills and Boon it most certainly was not. But Dale was hooked, penning love letters praising his rapping skills and gushing that she would 'take a bullet for him'. When Sharif was moved to another prison, she transferred money and went to see him, kissing him in the visitor's room. She thought he was going to propose to her, had a Brazilian butt lift at his request and mounted a framed canvas photo of the two of them above her bed. But the authorities, alerted by messages found on a phone in Sharif's cell, were on to them. As well as the illicit relationship, they also found evidence of the pair arranging to smuggle the drug 'spice' into prison. The plan was to impregnate envelopes with the liquid narcotic, which mimics the effects of cannabis, and then, once dried, for Dale to post them to the jail. Dale certainly went for a type tattooed 'bad boys'. And given her look nose piercings, false eyelashes, acrylic nails and platinum-blonde hair the then-19-year-old had no shortage of admirers Dale's downfall means she joins a rapidly growing rollcall of inexperienced, female prison staff whose illicit relationships with inmates have raised serious questions Yesterday, following an eight-day trial at Southwark Crown Court, the now 23-year-old was convicted of two counts of misconduct in public office as well as conspiring to smuggle a prohibited article into prison. She burst into tears as the verdicts were delivered. Lilea Sallis, an associate of Sharif's based in Brighton, was also found guilty of the drugs plot. As for Sharif, he had earlier pleaded guilty to conspiring with the two women to bring spice into prison. Judge Chris Hehir granted Dale and Sallis unconditional bail ahead of sentence on a date to be fixed in January. He warned them both: 'You have been convicted of very grave offences indeed. I can see no alternative to a substantial custodial sentence.' Dale's downfall means she joins a rapidly growing rollcall of inexperienced, female prison staff whose illicit relationships with inmates have raised serious questions about how they came to be in positions of authority in the first place. Foremost amongst their number is Linda de Sousa Abreu, the OnlyFans model and self-confessed swinger who, within months of starting work at London's HMP Wandsworth, was videoed having sex with an inmate in his cell. The footage was subsequently leaked and went viral. Jailed in January, months before becoming a prison officer Abreu had appeared on a Channel 4 show in which participants took part in threesomes and orgies. On Facebook she bragged that her 'type' were 'bandits, outlaws and criminals'. While there is no suggestion that Dale had a similar background, her appointment clearly raised eyebrows amongst staff who, she complained, viewed her as a 'dolly' bird and were critical of her appearance. Connor Money was jailed in 2020 after admitting causing death by dangerous driving 'I felt that from the beginning the prisoners had more respect for me than the staff did,' she would tell the court. But former colleagues last night told the Daily Mail that it was as much her attitude, as her age or the way she looked, that was the problem. 'She just wasn't mature or serious enough,' said one former colleague. 'I did wonder how she managed to get through training. The feeling was that she was very insecure - which is not surprising for a new prison officer but her way of coping was over-familiarity with the cons. 'It all starts with a con asking for a favour. It can be anything, something really basic and they draw you in. They become very manipulative and then once you've crossed the line you're trapped.' Seasoned lags know that intimacy with prison staff opens the door for long-term manipulation, giving leverage to persuade or blackmail them to smuggle in drugs, weapons and phones - all items that compromise prison security. Indeed, in her defence Dale unsuccessfully tried to make out that she had been coerced and threatened by Sharif. She claimed she had fillers injected into her bottom after he was rude about her 'bum size'. She also said he had forced her to buy a sex toy to 'prove' she wasn't having sex with other people. Another female prison officer who trained alongside Dale observed: 'Izzy was nice but I was never convinced she was going to make a career out of the prison service. She was always very flirty with the instructors and she stood out from the rest of the female officers because of her appearance. Dale was just 19 when she joined the prison service in 2021, fresh out of college in Portsmouth where she grew up 'Honestly, looking back there were so many warning signs but just because someone behaves differently to you, you don't think they are going to get involved with a prisoner and end up smuggling drugs. That's just mad. 'But no one has any sympathy for her because of how much harder she will have made things for other female prison officers.' Because the reality is that such relationships put the safety of other honest, hard-working women staff at risk, with such incidents emboldening inmates to also target them and to question their professionalism. Dale was just 19 when she joined the prison service in 2021, fresh out of college in Portsmouth where she grew up. As well as studying for an A-level in Law and a BTEC in psychology, she had worked part-time at M&S and in the laundry of a care home. She had ambitions to become a police officer and joined the prison service to get experience. That September she was posted to Coldingley, where she underwent 'counter corruption' training. It included filling out a questionnaire about grooming that spelt out that relationships were banned as was bringing items into the prison. Weeks after Dale began at the prison, Sharif was transferred there. Suffering from learning disabilities, the lag's lengthy criminal record culminated in a 600,000 robbery on a jewellers in Bournemouth, Dorset, in 2019. When their relationship began is unclear but in July 2022 Dale was caught on camera heading into the prayer room with Sharif. Two inmates were placed outside as lookouts. Four minutes later Dale emerged and appeared to 'readjust her belt area'. Dale was initially posted to Coldingley where she underwent 'counter corruption' training After the alleged encounter, Sharif was transferred to HMP Swaleside on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent. Dale visited him there, sent flirty images via email and transferred 100 to his prison account. At the same time Sharif roped Dale into helping him smuggle envelopes 'laced with spice' into the jail. The court heard that the prison officer operated Sharif's drug-dealing Snapchat account and was tasked with sourcing the synthetic cannabinoid drug from an associate of Sharif's based in Brighton called Lilea Sallis. On November 1, 2022, Dale was arrested at Swaleside. Police searched her car and found a packet of carbon paper used to hide contraband from prison X-ray machines. Also present was an engagement ring said by Dale to have been bought for her by Sharif. 'The prison conducted a search of Mr Sharif's cell, where a quantity of love letters, as well as a number of provocative photographs from Miss Dale were recovered,' Kieran Brand, prosecuting, told the court. Addressing the letters to 'Sneaky', Sharif's nickname, she wrote: 'I literally worship the ground you walk on, you are my best friend, my motivation, the reason I keep fighting. 'I will remain right next to you in all that you do, whether it's through good or bad, I am right next to you. 'I will do anything I can to help you and that's because the love runs deep... Wearing your promise ring, having you tattooed on me for life are all things I take ownership in - there is nothing I feel more proud of than being known as your girl.' Dale also imagined what their life would be like together following Sharif's eventual release from prison. 'If there is one thing I can promise you, with hand held on my heart, is that I will be stood at those gates when you walk out and - as you told me - stepping into a Lamborghini,' Dale wrote. Concluding her letter, she told Sharif: 'I'm so excited for our future together, never change, you are beyond perfect: our energy matches and I like that. We are like two peas in the pod and I love it.' But phone downloads obtained from Dale's seized handset revealed that from May 2022 she had been involved in another 'physical relationship' with an inmate known as 'Con' while at Coldingley. Connor Money was an inmate at the jail at the time and refused to engage with the subsequent investigation into Dale. Mr Brand said: 'Miss Dale refers to watching a documentary on Belmarsh about prisoners grooming staff and includes a laughing face emoji. 'She says "you maybe just wanting to use me because I'm an officer but I don't think your like that xx". 'They engage in sexual talk - Con asks "when will I get to feel them sexy lips around my hard d***" to which Miss Dale responds with "When you know you want me and only me lol xx".' On another occasion, Money told Dale: 'Come to the laundry room tomorrow so I can give you a cuddle.' Dale agreed. Mr Brand told the jury: 'There is also evidence on Miss Dale's phone showing that she communicated with two further prisoners via illegally held mobile phones and received numerous photos of serving prisoners, as well as communicating with Mr Sharif's relatives, all whilst employed as a serving prison officer.' The prosecutor ran jurors through a number of recorded calls shared between Dale and Sharif while a prison officer. In one call Sharif told Dale there was 'big bread' to be had selling Spice in prison, boasting that he could make 'like 16 bills off an envelope'. But he warned her later that the envelopes had to look normal, telling Dale: 'They can't be stained or nothing, they gotta look diligent.' Instructions included: 'You got the envelope yeah. See where you put the letter inside? You don't touch that You don't need to do it inside there... you dip the front and then dip the bak'. Giving evidence, Dale denied having a sexual relationship with either man. She claimed that Money had once kissed her on the lips but that she had backed away from him. She said that she had only later described him in a message as 'perfect' because she didn't want him to feel rejected. She claimed that she didn't know it was illegal for inmates to have a phone in jail and said that even if she had she would not have done anything. 'I wouldn't ever challenge a prisoner like that, because I am a weak person,' she said. And one entirely unsuited to the job she applied for and was paid to do. Peter Hitchens has compared the 'vast and dogmatic' BBC to the Soviet Union and begrudgingly called for government intervention as the crisis-hit broadcaster reels from the resignations of its director-general and news chief. Tim Davie and Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday after a leaked memo revealed that Panorama had spliced together parts of Donald Trump's January 6 speech, omitting the section where he urged supporters to protest 'peacefully and patriotically'. Speaking to Sarah Vine on the Daily Mail's Alas Vine & Hitchens podcast, the columnist called for a government-led 'revolution' to force the BBC back to the impartiality standards set out in its Royal Charter. The BBC is 'the medieval church', Hitchens argued, wielding such power over public opinion that it requires far greater scrutiny. Peter Hitchens has compared the 'vast and dogmatic' BBC to the Soviet Union Tim Davie (pictured) and Deborah Turness resigned on Sunday after a leaked memo revealed that Panorama had spliced together parts of Donald Trump's January 6 speech The BBC is like 'the medieval church', Hitchens argued, wielding such power over public opinion that it requires far greater scrutiny He said the impartiality obligation should extend beyond news to drama, which is 'constantly used to push agendas'. 'I am not a supporter of Donald Trump, but what the BBC did was something which is illegitimate for any journalist', Hitchens said of the speech edit scandal. 'They put two pieces of a speech together which were made in different circumstances at different times. 'They broadcast them at the same time, totally altering their meaning. That, I am afraid, is just unacceptable. 'It's unprofessional. No organisation which supposedly prides itself on its allegedly brilliant journalism should countenance it or make excuses for it. 'This organisation is supposedly dedicated by a Royal Charter and an agreement to impartiality in its coverage of its news - it simply is not.' The Prescott memo criticised BBC bias over the Trump edit, alleged anti-Israel slant in BBC Arabic's Gaza coverage, and claims the corporation 'censored' transgender debate. Hitchens reluctantly conceded that only the government has the power to force change, through its ability to renegotiate the BBC's Royal Charter when it comes up for renewal in 2027. 'The BBC is like the Soviet Union', Hitchens declared. Co-host Vine agreed with Hitchens, reminding listeners that the BBC's journalistic integrity has been questioned long before the most recent set of impartiality rows She cited Martin Bashir's 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana, which was obtained using fake documents that falsely convinced her the Royal Family was spying on her 'It's so vast and so set in its ways - so completely dominated by dogmas that I don't think any one person could by themselves sort it out. 'It needs a revolution - that has to be applied with a great deal of will by the government. It has to be the government because nobody else has the power to negotiate the charter. 'I think a moment is coming where a body has to turn to the BBC and say: you cannot continue to demand money from the public on the threat of imprisonment if you don't abide by your charter.' Co-host Vine agreed with Hitchens, reminding listeners that the BBC's journalistic integrity has been questioned long before the most recent set of impartiality rows. She cited Martin Bashir's 1995 Panorama interview with Princess Diana, which was obtained using fake documents that falsely convinced her the Royal Family was spying on her. 'The organisation has huge responsibility because a lot of people still trust it', Vine said. 'They still think that if the BBC says something, it must be true. They have totally abused that trust. 'It's not just recently either - it goes back years and years. If you go back to 1995 and another Panorama documentary - the one where Martin Bashir interviewed Princess Diana. 'Documents were falsified which led Diana to believe that the British establishment, the Royal family were spying on her. 'Arguably, one of the reasons Diana very tragically died in that terrible car accident in Paris was because she had dismissed her own security because she was worried they were spying on her. 'She got that idea from Martin Bashir and the BBC.' To hear Hitchens and Vine's full debate about the BBC, search for Alas Vine & Hitchens now, wherever you get your podcasts. New episodes are released every Wednesday. The Afghan data breach was 'a farrago of errors and missteps' that could all too easily happen again, an inquiry by MPs has found. In 2022, the UK lost a vital database of Afghans and UK officials, putting 100,000 people 'at risk of death'. When the Daily Mail discovered this data breach disaster in 2023, the Government obtained a super-injunction a draconian court order - to hush it up, triggering a 23-month battle in secret courts for open justice. This July, the Government finally abandoned its attempt to smother the truth, and the public discovered that ministers had secretly agreed a 7billion scheme including a mass evacuation programme to rescue thousands of Afghans who had worked for British forces. Our shocking revelations sparked four Parliamentary probes, and today senior MPs on the Public Accounts Committee warned they were 'not confident' defence officials have done enough to prevent a repeat of the disaster. Chairman Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown said: 'It is the duty of this committee to report on the farrago of errors and missteps that led to, and followed, the Afghan data breach.' The confidential database that the British government lost, putting '100,000 people at risk of death' and triggering the evacuations mission Operation Rubific A blunder by the British government put Afghans loyal to British troops at risk of reprisal attacks by Taliban revenge squads Hundreds of migrants file off a British taxpayer-chartered jet The Ministry of Defence had kept the data it lost on Excel files, rather than a specialised data management system. And the disastrous breach was not the MOD's first data leak. Sir Geoffrey said: 'The Ministry of Defence knew what it was doing - it knew the risks of using inadequate systems to handle sensitive personal information as the security environment in Afghanistan deteriorated. 'These risks crystallised into dozens of data breaches over years, and ultimately resulted in the 2022 breach, presenting a grave risk to thousands of lives and a cost to the taxpayer running into hundreds of millions of pounds, at least. 'I take no pleasure as chair of this committee in stating now that we lack confidence in the MoD's current ability to prevent such an incident happening again.' The committee condemned the decision to keep Parliament in the dark for two years. Journalists from the Daily Mail and other media faced the threat of jail if they revealed the scandal or even that the super-injunction existed, while ministers decided not to inform any Parliamentary committees. Even when they met in secret in October 2024, to sign off 7billion with the public neither asked nor informed, they did not tell anyone on the Public Accounts Committee, which monitors spending. One of the unmarked planes landing at Stansted Airport carrying Afghans whose data was breached by the UK Government How ministers signed up to a 7billion scheme to relocate Afghans to the UK, without asking or telling taxpayers or MPs. The MOD says the figure has since been revised to around 6billion Defence chiefs told one director at the National Audit Office, the public spending watchdog, that there was 'a secret matter' but not any details about the enormous public expenditure they were embarking on covertly. Sir Geoffrey said: 'Our inquiry has established the chain of events which led to the PAC and the National Audit Office being blocked from doing its work on behalf of the taxpayer. 'The frankly chaotic decision to tell a single director within the NAO that there was a secret matter that could not be shared, without informing the leadership of the NAO itself, is emblematic of the quality of the MoD's decision-making.' The PAC's report, published today, concludes: 'The MoD has fallen below the standards that the public and Parliament should expect in the handling of sensitive personal information, and the PAC's report calls for a full list of actions it is now taking to prevent future data breaches.' In September, the NAO condemned defence chiefs for being unable to explain the mammoth costs of the Afghan scheme to taxpayers, concluding: 'The Ministry of Defence cannot determine exactly how much it has spent. It has not provided enough evidence to give the National Audit Office confidence.' The NAO said the number of affected people eventually resettled in the UK could be up to 27,278 individuals - nearly four thousand more than expected. The spending watchdog accused the MOD of failing to provide it with 'sufficient evidence' so it could be confident that figures the department provided for the cost of the fallout from the breach were accurate. The MOD said: 'The data incident under the previous government in 2022 should never have happened and while the Committee acknowledges that practices have improved, we are continuing to make changes and improvements in data handling across the department, such as introducing a dedicated, secure casework system for Afghan resettlement.' It said the 'overall financial cost has never been concealed', with the estimates for the airlift launched in response to the data leak put at 850million. A teenage student has tragically jumped to his death from the fifth floor of a private Manhattan high school on Thursday morning. The boy, 16, leapt from a window around 9.30am, according to The New York Post. The tragedy happened at Regis High School a prestigious allmale, Jesuit high school on the Upper East Side of Manhattan in New York City. The teen whose identity was not shared by the New York City Police Department had been waiting outside a firstfloor administrator's office for a disciplinary issue, the report stated. He then walked up to the fifth floor before falling to his death near East 84th Street and Madison Avenue. The student was rushed to Weill Cornell Medical Center in stable condition but suddenly died around 11.45am, the outlet said. The New York Police Department told the Daily Mail that the student had been found with 'injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position' after responding to a 911 call at 9.29am. Police said the incident remained under investigation and that no arrests had been made. A 16yearold male student fell to his death at Regis High School on the Upper East Side of Manhattan on Thursday morning The teen student was taken to Weill Cornell Medical Center after the incident and was reportedly in stable condition at first As of Thursday night, the boy's identity had not been released pending proper family notification. Regis High School is a tuitionfree private school for Catholic boys that touts an 'academically exceptional Jesuit education in a caring community,' according to its website. The school has 540 male students. Its faculty consists of three Jesuit priests, as well as 56 lay men and women. A man in a black shirt with a priest collar walking out of Regis told The New York Post 'someone had an accident' that resulted in serious injury. A nearby resident said a Regis parent told her the school had notified families about an 'incident' and was sending everyone home. Virginia Maloney, the New York City councilmemberelect for the district that Regis is in, called what happened 'every parent's worst fear.' She wrote on X: 'Our kids are carrying more than we often realize, and schools need more mental health resources: counselors with capacity, safe spaces, and systems that catch kids before they fall through the cracks.' The NYPD told the Daily Mail the boy had been found with 'injuries indicative of falling from an elevated position' Regis High School confirmed Friday morning that a student had died at the school yesterday. A spokesman told the Daily Mail: 'It is with heavy hearts that we write that one of our students tragically lost his life earlier yesterday. We are deeply saddened by his loss, and we pray that the Lord welcomes him into eternal rest and comforts his family. 'We recognize their profound loss, and we are doing everything we can to support them during this unimaginable tragedy.' The school said it had made counselors and campus ministers available to students and parents following the death. A 'bold and persistent' Chinese serial rapist described as 'one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time' has been jailed for at least 14 years. Recruitment entrepreneur Chao Xu, 33, preyed on women - who considered him to be 'a big brother figure' - by drugging them at networking events held in his swanky south London flat. He offered them a 'special cocktail' he called the 'spring of life', which he said combined alcohol and Chinese medicine. But he then spiked it with powerful sedatives such as GHB and scopolamine, before leading them to his bedroom and raping them while they were unconscious - sometimes recording the abuse on his mobile phone. The sex predator also used secret cameras in the bathroom hidden in air fresheners and packs of sanitary products to covertly record intimate images of female colleagues and friends. The wealthy businessman and Greenwich University graduate was only caught when one victim bravely came forward this summer to claim she had been drugged and raped by Xu. Police later discovered a stash of videos and images including women sexually assaulted by Xu, as well as hundreds of upskirting files he took at London Bridge station, mostly aged 18 to 30 who were using the escalator. He was jailed at Woolwich Crown Court today after he admitted more than 20 offences of rape, assault and upskirting against at least seven women - although police believe he may have hundreds of unknowing victims. Chao Xu, pictured setting up his own hidden camera to spy on women at his home in south London The wealthy 33-year-old Chinese national was described by police as one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time He concocted his own potion called 'Spring of Life' which he gave to guests at his party - spiking the drinks he gave to women he wanted to rape The sex predator used secret cameras in the bathroom hidden in air fresheners - pictured Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC described Xu as 'a bold and persistent sexual predator whose offending had steadily become more and more serious'. She added: 'He was so emboldened that he was willing to strike anywhere - it appears that no woman was safe around him.' Metropolitan Police Detective Superintendent Lewis Sanderson said: 'We believe he is one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time.' Xu was jailed by His Honour Judge Christopher Grout, who described the offending as 'horrendous' and said Xu 'took great enjoyment' from his criminal behaviour. He handed Xu a life term, with a minimum term of 14 years in prison before he could be considered for parole, and said: 'You are an incredibly dangerous man. 'You betrayed the trust of a number of women who you befriended in the most appalling ways imaginable.' Xu had been the director of a recruitment and exchange business called UKNest helping fellow Chinese nationals secure work in London, but stood down in July following his arrest. He was known to host networking events for up to 20 people at the 700,000 flat he owned in Glaisher Street, Greenwich, south London. The events largely attracted Chinese nationals, both men and women, at which Xu regularly served his Spring of Life concoction. Another hidden camera was placed in this distinctive speaker But on June 1, one of his guests approached police and said she had been spiked and then raped at Xu's party the previous evening. Xu had originally offered the woman to stay in his flat to recover from the ill-effects of his potion, then raped her repeatedly. Officers discovered later that he had administered drugs to her which are known to cause drowsiness and incapacitation. During the investigation, Xu was also found to have hidden camera devices in bathrooms to film women. He kept hundreds of intimate images and videos of women on his phone, and even made his own compilations featuring victims of his predatory offending. Detectives also found further signs of his depravity after discovering he watched so-called 'rape-porn'. His offending is largely believed to have begun in the UK in 2021, although detectives believe he may also have struck in his homeland. Xu had a girlfriend at the time of his arrest, although there is nothing to suggest she knew of his sickening offending, police said. He secreted hidden cameras in household products such as air fresheners, used to spy on women in his bathroom He also placed hidden cameras in sanitary products One victim, who is automatically granted anonymity as a sexual assault complainant, said in a statement to the court: 'I don't think I will ever be the same person again. I am afraid I will never be able to forget what that man did to me and how he stole the person I was. 'Every day is a struggle now. I feel I can never go back to who I was.' Officers said up to 20 further victims have come forward since Xu pleaded guilty to 24 offences in August, but have urged anyone else who believes they may have been targeted by Xu to contact police. Xu admitted four rape charges, eight charges of assault by penetration, and four charges of sexual assault and between 21 November 2021 and 1 June 2025. Xu, who arrived in the UK in 2015 as an only child born and raised in China, also pleaded guilty to four counts of voyeurism and two counts of administering a substance with intent to two women, between April 2023 and June 2025. He also admitted two further upskirting charges of operating equipment beneath the clothing of another without their consent on 8 December 2022 and 6 September 2023. He denied one count of sexual assault and one count of assault by penetration. The voyeurism and upskirting offences took place at the businessman's apartment in Greenwich, at his office in Newington Causeway, Southwark, and at London Bridge tube station. Defence counsel Frida Hussain KC said her client was acting out 'deviant sexual fantasies', but was already on a 'journey' to rehabilitation. She said he 'doesn't seek to justify' his offending, and was worry for the harm he has caused. Detective Sergeant Marc Gadd, from the Met, said the case was 'one of the most complex and disturbing investigations we have undertaken in recent years'. He added: 'This case has revealed a deeply concerning pattern of offending that spanned several years. 'Xu operated in environments that were meant to be safe, university circles, professional networks and public spaces. He used trust, familiarity and social gatherings to conceal his actions and target vulnerable individuals. 'We know from the evidence recovered that many women were filmed without their knowledge of consent. 'We want victims to know if they have concerns, no matter how small or uncertain, to come forward - they will be treated with respect and confidentiality.' DS Sanderson added: 'His crimes were calculated, sustained, and devastating, spanning years and leaving unimaginable harm in their wake. 'Thanks to the relentless efforts of our officers and prosecutors, this cowardly predator has now been handed a sentence. 'I hope this brings some measure of comfort to the courageous women who came forward and supported this investigation. 'Without their bravery, Xu's offending could have continued unchecked.' But police said there was no link between Xu's case and that of fellow south London-based Chinese rapist Zhenhao Zou, 28, who was found guilty of 28 offences, including 11 counts of rape involving 10 different women earlier this year. It will be up to the Home Office to decide at a later date if Xu should be deported. The 165 days already spent in custody ahead of sentencing will be deducted from the 14-year jail term. This is the moment a brazen thief smashes his way into a London art gallery and steals Banksy's world-famous work Girl with Balloon. But rather than secreting the instantly recognisable print about his person, or making a dash for it in a getaway vehicle, cavalier thief Larry Fraser could be seen simply swinging it by his side as he walked through London's streets in full view of the public. The 270,000 piece was only missing for four days - after the Met's elite Flying Squad team arrested 49-year-old Fraser following extensive investigation to recover the loot. Fraser, of Beckton, east London, was handed a 13-month jail sentence at Kingston Crown Court today after pleading guilty to one count of non-residential burglary. The dramatic smash-and-grab burglary of the 'Girl with Balloon' 2004 signed print was caught on camera at the Grove Gallery, Fitzrovia on Sunday, 8 September 2024. The thief used a hammer to force entry through the glass doors and concealed his identity with a mask, gloves and hooded jacket. Met detectives managed to track Fraser to a location several streets away, and caught him on CCTV loading the artwork into a van before fleeing the scene. Fraser was arrested on Tuesday, 10 September at his home address within 48 hours of the burglary. He was charged the following day. The Banksy painting Girl with Balloon being carried away from the gallery by Larry Fraser Fraser, 49, from east London, admitted he was responsible for the burglary The manager of the Grove Gallery Lindor Mehmetaj poses with the recovered painting Officers carried out fast-time covert enquiries and managed to recover the artwork following a warrant on the Isle of Dogs on Thursday, 12 September. Detective Chief Inspector Scott Mather, of the Flying Squad, who led the Met's investigation, said: 'Banksy's Girl with Balloon is known across the world - and we reacted immediately to not just bring Fraser to justice but also reunite the artwork with the gallery. 'The speed at which this took place is a testament to the tireless work of the Flying Squad officers - in total it took just four days for normality to be restored. 'We recognise the concern and distress that commercial robberies cause for businesses and the communities around them. 'The Met is committed to working with Londoners and will act quickly when crimes have taken place to make the city a safer place.' Sentencing him on Friday, Judge Anne Brown said: 'This is a brazen and serious non-domestic burglary.' She added: 'Whilst you did not know the precise value of the print, you obviously understood it to be very valuable. 'Whilst I am sure there was a high degree of planning, this was not your plan.' She said the offence was 'simply too serious' for a suspended sentence. The court heard Fraser had 18 previous convictions but the most recent was in 2002, when he was jailed for robbery and unlawful wounding, and he had been 'out of trouble' since his release from prison in 2008. He stole the artwork to pay off an old drugs debt, the court heard. Jeffrey Israel, defending, said Fraser, who lived with his mother as her main carer, had managed to 'break his cycle of drug addiction' after his last prison sentence. He said it 'would take a bold advocate' to suggest that the value of the print had increased by what happened to it, but added: 'That is probably the reality.' Grove Gallery manager Lindor Mehmetaj, 29, said: 'I was completely, completely shocked, but in a very, very positive way when the Flying Squad showed me the actual artwork. 'It's very hard to put into words, the weight that comes off your shoulders. 'The way that they dealt with it from the moment they arrived on the scene pragmatic, logical, very composed and ultimately professional. 'But also, to have the artwork recovered after it had been robbed from us is remarkable.' An Oklahoma death row inmate was just minutes away from being executed when he was granted clemency on Thursday. Tremane Wood, 46, was set to receive lethal injection at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary at 10am for the murder of 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf in 2002, but at 10.01am Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt announced he was granting the inmate clemency, The Oklahoman reports. It was just the second time in Stitt's nearly seven years as governor that he has granted clemency to a death row inmate. 'After a thorough review of the facts and prayerful consideration, I have chosen to accept the Pardon and Parole Boards recommendation to commute Tremane Woods sentence to life without parole,' the governor said in a statement. 'This action reflects the same punishment his brother received for their murder of an innocent young man and ensures a severe punishment that keeps a violent offender off the streets forever,' Stitt continued. He went on to say he is praying for Wipf's family as well as the surviving victim of the fatal botched robbery, whom he said are 'models of Christian forgiveness and love.' In his executive order commuting Wood's sentence, Stitt says Wood shall not be eligible to apply for or be considered for a commutation, pardon or parole for the rest of his life. Wood had been sentenced to death for fatally stabbing Wipf at an Oklahoma City motel on New Year's Day 2002, but he has maintained that the actual killer was his brother, who died while serving a life sentence. Tremane Wood, 46, was just moments away from dying of lethal injection when he was granted clemency on Thursday Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt (pictured) commuted Wood's sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole at the last minute At the time of his death Wipf - who grew up in a Montana colony of pacifist Christians known as Hutterites - was doing work with a crew at farms in Oklahoma and Texas. He and another Hutterite, Arnold Kleinsasser, decided to celebrate New Year's Eve at a brewery in Oklahoma City and met up with others in their harvest group. There, the two men met two women - and the four left around 2am to go to a Ramada Inn for sex, but it wound up being a set up. At the motel, the women pretended they were prostitutes and said they had to be paid first. After Kleinsasser paid them $210, authorities say Tremane and his brother Zjaiton 'Jake' Wood busted into the room wearing ski masks and trench coats. A struggle then ensued, and Wipf was stabbed in the heart. For years, attorneys for the state have maintained that the evidence 'overwhelmingly' established that Tremane was the one who stabbed the victim, as his attorneys argued that his brother wrestled the knife from him and was the actual murderer. Zjaiton even admitted to the crime as a defense witness at Tremane's trial - and even though he was convicted of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole, a jury also found Tremane guilty of first degree murder. Still, Tremane insisted to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board: 'Im not a monster. Im not a killer. I never was and I never have been,' Wood said, adding that he regrets his role 'in everything that happened that night.' Wood and his attorneys have maintained that he was not the one who stabbed 19-year-old Ronnie Wipf, and that it was actually his brother, Zjaiton 'Jake' Wood (pictured) His attorneys argued that trial prosecutors improperly concealed from jurors the benefits that witnesses received in exchange for their testimony, and noted that his court-appointed lawyer admitted to drinking and using cocaine during the trial, KFOR reports. The lawyer, whose license was eventually suspended, had two other clients on death row at the same time - and those cases were retried with both defendants getting off death row, the defense team argued at a hearing before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Wood, who testified to the panel via video link from the Oklahoma State Penitentiary in McAlester, accepted responsibility for his prison misconduct and his participation in the robbery, but denied being the one who killed Wipf. They were helped in their motion for clemency by Wipf's family and Kleinsasser, who argued that Tremane should be spared on religious grounds. 'Being a Christian, I would be totally against it,' Kleinsasser previously told the Huffington Post. 'I look at it from a perspective of how much I've been forgiven from God. And that's the same forgiveness I'm called to extend. 'There's things that we're all capable of doing, following our fallen nature,' he continued. Wipf's mother, Barbara, also argued: 'They should let him live.' Attorney General Gentner Drummond said that the state respects their religious beliefs, but pushed for the execution to move forward anyway. 'If ever there was a case that demonstrates society's interests can diverge from the preferences of victims, it is this one,' he argued to the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board. Wood had received a last meal and was brought into the execution chamber at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary when the governor made his announcement He and other prosecutors went on to paint Wood as a dangerous criminal who continued to participate in gang activity and commit crimes while in prison, including buying and selling drugs, using contraband cellphones and ordering attacks on other inmates. 'Even within the confines of maximum security prison, Tremane Wood has continued to manipulate, exploit and harm others,' the attorney general argued, claiming that 'no prison and no prison cell can protect society from his evil and ongoing deeds.' The Pardon and Parole Board ultimately voted 3-2 last week to recommend that the governor grant clemency, with two of those who voted in favor of Wood's clemency agreeing that his court-ordered lawyer had done a poor job at his 2004 trial. Woods attorneys had asked the U.S. Supreme Court to stop the execution on these grounds, but were denied just hours before Stitt announced his decision. As the state prepared for his execution, Wood received a 'last meal' and had been moved to a cell next to the death chamber. He had not yet been strapped to the gurney when the governor made his decision, said prison spokeswoman Kay Thompson. 'My stomach still hurts,' Jasmine Brown-Jutras, a community organizer and advocate for the Wood family, told the Guardian of the stress she felt at that moment. 'It was really scary and it's really traumatizing. 'All of the tears that I've had over the last weeks are not in despair that we won't have Tremane any more, it's sadness for what trauma the legal team has been through,' she continued, thanking God for his stay of execution. Wood's son, Brendan Wood, also told the outlet he felt 'very joyous' by the news. 'I feel lighter. I feel like a thousand pounds has been lifted off my shoulders.' Wood had not yet been strapped into a gurney like the one pictured when his life was spared But he, too, was upset about how close his father came to dying. 'I think there needs to be possibly some precaution in place, maybe even a bill that prevents last-second decisions like this,' Brendan argued. 'I believe that a person wholeheartedly thinking that they are about to take their last breath, and it's coming down to second, minutes before the decision is made... I find that to be mental torture, I don't find that to be humane... because at that point they are trying to find their peace and find a place where they aren't going to go out in anguish.' Meanwhile, Drummond expressed his outrage at the decision. 'I am disappointed that the governor has granted clemency for this dangerous murderer, but respect that this was his decision to make,' he said in a statement. George Burnett, one of the original prosecutors, also said he is concerned that a five-member parole board can have such a profound impact on a case that has been litigated for more than 20 years. 'Ronnie Wipf is buried on a lonely hill somewhere on the plains of Montana, and when his family visits him, they wonder what might have been,' Burnett said. Ten-year-old Sara Sharif was living in a quiet suburban street in Woking, Surrey, when, two years ago, she was hideously tortured and murdered. Yesterday the memories of that beautiful little girl came flooding back. Sara a victim of what the judge in the later murder case described as the worst crime hed ever encountered had been killed by her 43-year-old father, Urfan, who then fled to his native Pakistan, with his wife and accomplice, Beinash. They left the little girl to be found by police, half-hidden under a blanket in a bunk bed with 100 injuries and wounds, her head tied up in a plastic bag. Sara was discovered only because Urfan informed the force in a panicked 999 call from Pakistan that she was dead. He said he had legally punished Sara after she was naughty and he had lost it. If the cowardly killer, who later in court blamed his wife for the death, had not made that call, I wonder how long Sara would have lain there without being found? For one thing is clear about her death: the authorities involved in her short desperate, life failed her because they did not dare cause offence to serial domestic abuser Urfan Sharif or his wife as a new child safeguarding report into the circumstances of her death admits. Ten-year-old Sara Sharif was living in a quiet suburban street in Woking, Surrey, when, two years ago, she was hideously tortured and murdered Sara a victim of what the judge in the later murder case described as the worst crime hed ever encountered had been killed by her 43-year-old father, Urfan What kind of offence might this have been? These authorities were, I believe, afraid of being called racist or Islamophobic because like almost every public body in the land they had been captured by a dangerous, woke, politically correct, mindset that brooks no criticism of certain parts of society and has now let a child die because of it. This is an outlook which halts all reasonable or proper inquiry. It stops social workers in their tracks and now we are seeing the terrible result. Even the Sharifs neighbours did not sound the alarm when they saw she was suddenly being kept home from school even though they could hear her screaming, says the report. They were afraid of being called racist. Yesterdays review declared incredibly that although the system failed to keep Sara safe, no-one must be blamed apart from the father and stepmother. I see this as a cop-out which will do nothing to help protect children (of all backgrounds) in the future. Surely, there has to come a time when social workers and others are made accountable for their role in the lives of youngsters like Sara. And by that I dont mean a whole department, but individual social workers, real people with real names. I know a lot about Saras death, because after her body was discovered, I was passed a copy of handwritten note naming her killer which had been found by the police at the family house in Woking. The note, left for officers near the girls body, was scrawled by her father in large writing on lined A4 paper said: I am running away because I am scared. I lost it. When the Daily Mail published its existence careful not to prejudice legal proceedings by naming names or the author Surrey police turned on us. Urfan Sharif informed police in a panicked 999 call from Pakistan that he had 'legally' punished Sara after she was naughty and he 'lost it' When Sharif and his wife Beinash fled to Pakistan, they left the little girl to be found, half-hidden under a blanket in a bunk bed with 100 injuries and wounds, her head tied up in a plastic bag We were threatened by the Forces lawyers who told us to remove the story from our website at midnight one night. The note, and much of its contents, were later used by the very same police force in evidence to push for a full trial into Saras murder. In other words, the police wasted time and money, chasing down the Daily Mail to silence us when we had done nothing wrong. I, for one, was unsurprised to find that this new report into the dreadful failings over Saras death concluded it had not been caused by one specific malfunction within the safeguarding system and that no individuals, including inexperienced social workers, should take the blame I believe they now deserve. I, for one, was unsurprised to find that this new report into the dreadful failings over Saras death concluded it had not been caused by one specific malfunction, writes Sue Reid Lets be straight. There were multiple malfunctions by all those authorities who should have played a role in ensuring Saras safety. We have witnessed dreadful wrongdoings involving children by professionals who profess to earn their living keeping our youngsters away from harm inside their own homes, on the streets or anywhere else. The report itself finds the authorities failed to join the dots. That Sharifs long history of domestic abuse was lost within the system. Basic checks were not carried out, home visits delayed. Social workers were sent to the wrong address just two days before she died. Inquiries were not made about why Sara was home-schooled and why, when she did go to class, she was suddenly wearing a hijab in line with her faith. This, of course, was deliberate: it covered her bruising. This tragedy involves many people on the public payroll who should hang their heads in shame. I hope they cannot sleep at night and that this is not the end of the matter. It is time that Saras natural mother, a Polish lady called Olga who once had a relationship with Sharif, is given her say. As she wisely commented, in tears, when her daughters body was found by police: If there has been an accident to a child, like falling down the stairs, you dont flee the country in secret. Olga lost her beloved daughter not only because of Sharif and his complicit wife, but because of lack of action of our child-safeguarding authorities which, first, placed Sara in the care of a man with a history of domestic violence and then appeared to step back for fear of being branded racist. The mother of missing California girl Melodee Buzzard suffered a traumatic childhood due to an 'abusive' dad that included a stint living in a homeless shelter and filed to emancipate herself from her own mom as a teen, the Daily Mail can reveal. Ashlee Buzzard, 40, of Vandenburg Village near Lompoc, has come under increasing scrutiny since her nine-year-old daughter was reported missing a month ago. Buzzard has steadfastly refused to reveal Melodee's whereabouts or explain a mysterious road trip through Nebraska, Colorado and Utah that saw her return home alone. Meanwhile, Melodee's wider family have complained that Buzzard isolated herself and the child from them with Buzzard's own mother Lori Miranda saying she hadn't seen or heard from the pair in over four years. Now the Daily Mail can reveal that the roots of the family schism go back to Buzzard's teens when she filed a petition to emancipate herself from her mother. Buzzard is also estranged from her father who Lori described as 'abusive' in a newly unearthed newspaper clipping from 1995 in which she told how she and Buzzard were forced to live a nomadic life to escape him. Miranda told the Santa Maria Times: 'He would follow us everywhere. He would smash our [house] windows and harass us.' The February 1995 article, illustrated with a photo of a nine-year-old Buzzard bearing a strong resemblance to missing Melodee, also saw Miranda cop to past drug use and tell the outlet the pair had been living in a homeless shelter. Ashlee Buzzard was nine when she and her mother gave an interview to her local paper about their hard life trying avoid her 'abusive' father Melodee was last seen on the Utah-Colarado border on October 10 during a mysterious multi-state road trip Buzzard filed for emancipation from her mother Lori Miranda in 2002 while in 11th grade and living with her mom and her then-boyfriend, but the petition was denied for improper completion But she also laid out her hope for a better life, saying she had enrolled Buzzard in school and had found an apartment. 'I was able to save up some money from doing odd jobs and get an apartment,' she added, noting it was shared with a roommate. Sadly, her hopes of a happier future were not to be with Buzzard filing for emancipation from Miranda in 2002 when she was in 11th grade. According to the filing, Buzzard was living with her mother and her then-boyfriend when she tried to make the break and was working a job at Pizza Hut. The petition was eventually turned down due to Buzzard's failure to fill the form in properly. With Melodee now missing for over a month, it is Buzzard's own mother-daughter relationship that is in the spotlight due to the her ongoing refusal to cooperate with cops investigating the little girl's disappearance. On Thursday, Buzzard appeared in court in Santa Maria, California the same court that was the scene of Michael Jackson's 2005 child molestation trial to be arraigned on a single count of false imprisonment. The charge, which is unrelated to Melodee's disappearance, is in connection with an incident on November 6 when Buzzard allegedly trapped an acquaintance named Tyler Brewer inside her home and threatened him with a box cutter. Ashlee and her mother told of being homeless in a 1995 article in the Santa Maria Times where they claimed her father was 'physically, verbally and emotionally abusive' Ashlee Buzzard was taken into custody on November 7 afternoon outside her home in Lompoc, and on Thursday she appeared in court to be arraigned on a single count of false imprisonment The charge stems from a separate incident on November 6 when Buzzard allegedly trapped paralegal Tyler Brewer inside her home and threatened him with a box cutter Charging documents say Buzzard acted with 'violence, menace, fraud and deceit,' and added 'the manner in which the crime was carried out indicates planning, sophistication and professionalism'. Paralegal Brewer said he had known Buzzard since 2014 and had been checking on her repeatedly since Melodee was reported missing on October 14. Describing the incident to the LA Times, he said: 'Ms. Buzzard became visibly distressed after sharing information she appeared to regret disclosing. 'A box cutter was produced, and despite multiple requests to be allowed to exit the home, I was not immediately permitted to leave.' In a separate interview with News Nation's 'Banfield', Brewer said that information was Melodee's whereabouts which he said was Utah, although he also noted that he isn't sure if that information is correct. Buzzard, who appeared without her trademark wig, did not speak during the brief hearing and was released to her home under supervision. Melodee has not been seen since October 7 when she was captured on security camera at a Santa Maria car rental outlet with her mother. The pair drove away in a white Chevrolet Malibu with California tags but at some point along the interstate road trip the pair made, Buzzard switched them out for New York plates. Santa Barbara County Sheriff's officials released pictures of Ashlee Buzzard and her daughter Melodee that focused on their travel route on from their home in Lompoc, California to Nebraska. Investigators said the pair traveled to Utah, Arizona and Nevada on October 9 Officials said Melodee was wearing a wig that was straighter and darker than her natural hair as seen in this still shot from video surveillance footage captured at a car rental business on October 7 That trip took them as far as Nebraska with the return leg swinging through Kansas and back through Colorado into Utah. Cops say the Colorado-Utah border is where the last confirmed sighting of Melodee was made on October 10. The Chevrolet was subsequently captured traveling along the I-15 through Utah, the northwestern corner of Arizona then past Las Vegas before making a pitstop at Primm on the Nevada-California border. Buzzard's rental was also spotted in Rancho Cucamonga, California, before returning to Vandenburg Village without Melodee. Since then, Buzzard has flatly refused to cooperate with the search investigation and rejected all entreaties from her daughter's extended family. They include half-sister Corinna Meza, 30, who repeatedly attempted to talk to Buzzard at her home in the days after Melodee was reported missing only to be rebuffed. Police and Child Welfare Services workers also repeatedly visited the home and the property was searched by the FBI last week. Some items were seen being removed. Outside, the property has become a shrine to Melodee with neighbors festooning the sidewalk with homemade signs demanding the little girl's return and dotting the area with candles and pink flowers. The search for Melodee remains ongoing. Australia's banking industry has called on Meta to lift its game after the tech giant revealed it pocketed $16 billion from scam ads last year. The tech giant has projected that it will earn about 10 per cent of its overall annual revenue from running ads for scams and prohibited products. Internal company documents also revealed that for three years Meta failed to detect and block scam ads that exposed billions of users on Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp to fraudulent e-commerce and investment schemes, illegal online casinos, and the sale of banned medical products. The documents, seen by Reuters, also revealed the tech giant exposed its users to about 15 billion scam ads every day, despite many showing signs of fraud. Meta earns about $7billion in revenue from that category of scam ad annually, according to one of its 2024 documents. The tech giant only bans advertisers if its automated systems predict at least a 95 per cent likelihood of fraud being committed. If Meta is less certain a fraud is being committed, it imposes higher ad rates as a penalty, its internal documents state. People who click on scam ads see even more, as Meta's system targets ads to match user interests. An internal review also found that it was easier to advertise scams on Meta compared to Google. Meta says it's working on reducing scams on its online platforms (pictured, a scam ad featuring former Sunrise host David 'Kochie' Koch False ads like this one have been removed by Meta from its Facebook platform Even Dr Karl Kruszelnicki has been caught up in the scam ads Australian Banking Association CEO Simon Birmingham told Daily Mail that Meta's practices were 'unacceptable'. 'The exposure of Meta as deliberately profiting from scam ads is akin to when the tobacco industry was exposed as having known but ignored the harms in its industry. These are unacceptable acts of deliberate profiting from human suffering,' he said. 'Meta's behaviour doesn't pass muster at any level. As people lose billions to scams, and while governments and banks spend billions trying to reduce scams, Meta is knowingly joining scammers to rake in billions of illegitimate profits.' Mr Birmingham said to reduce the number of people being duped by fraudsters and to stop scams at their source, Meta needed to play its part. 'Meta needs to focus its efforts on preventing scam ads in the first place and, for those that still get through, taking ads down as soon as the risk is identified,' he said. 'If people don't see scam ads on their social feeds, then they can't get scammed in the first place. 'Australia is taking a whole-of-ecosystem approach to scam prevention. That means banks, telcos and digital platforms all working together to fight scammers, and for the sake of innocent Australians I urge Meta and all social media companies to go all in on stopping scams at the source.' Meta spokesman Andy Stone told Reuters that their internal documents distorted Meta's tactics against fraud and scams and insisted the company 'aggressively' addresses scams and fraud on its apps. Aussies need to watch out for Meta scams like this one Australian Banking Association CEO Simon Birmingham (pictured) has called on Meta to work harder to stop scams on its platforms Meta founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg is pictured 'The assessment was done to validate our planned integrity investments, including in combating frauds and scams, which we did,' Mr Stone said. 'We aggressively fight fraud and scams because people on our platforms don't want this content, legitimate advertisers don't want it and we don't want it either.' Mr Stone claimed Meta had reduced user reports of scam ads globally by 58 per cent during the past 18 months. 'We've removed more than 134million pieces of scam ad content,' Mr Stone said. Meta is planning to lower the share of revenue from scams, illegal gambling, and prohibited goods from an estimated 10 per cent in 2024 to 7.3 per cent by the end of 2025 as detailed in its documents. Australians lost $2.03billion to scams in 2024, according to the National Anti-Scam Centre who also revealed investment scammers have taken more than $128million from Aussies in 2025, with more than half of that coming from contact made online. A young boy was left with a concussion and some bruising when part of his elementary school's ceiling collapsed on top of him. James Harrah, eight, had been waiting to be picked up at George Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California on Monday when a portion of the ceiling stucco from the school's outdoor amphitheater suddenly collapsed, ABC 7 reports. 'All I remember is when I was going out from school, the roof fell on me,' he recounted to the news station, with his arm still in a sling due to the injuries he sustained. But his mother, Diana Harrah, explained that the roof collapsed while her son was just walking past the amphitheater. 'It sounded like the one piece landed on top of his head and that knocked him over, and then another piece landed on top of him after he fell,' she said. A second child was also injured in the sudden roof collapse, the Hanford Elementary School District announced. Both were rushed to a local hospital, and fortunately were released the same day. Still, the Harrah family said they were left terrified by the incident. James Harrah, eight, was left with a concussion and bruising when part of his elementary school's ceiling fell on top of him Monday. He is pictured with his mother, Diana The young boy and another student had to be rushed to a local hospital in the aftermath, but were fortunately released the same day The incident occurred while James was waiting to be picked up from George Washington Elementary School in Hanford, California James's father, Shawn, told how he was already on his way to the school to pick him up when the ceiling collapsed. 'I was able to get there, check on him, talk to him and let him know I was there,' he recounted, noting that he called his wife 'as quickly as I could.' When she then learned what had happened, Diana said, 'my heart just dropped, and I was so scared. 'I raced quite a bit, quite fast to get here,' she remembered. The worried mother said she is now just grateful for the school employees' quick response and the first responders who rushed to the scene. 'We are incredibly thankful that certain things happened,' Diana said, explaining that her son's backpack helped keep much of the weight off of him. 'His books were bent in half and they were pretty thick,' she said. 'So I feel he had an armor on him with his backpack.' But the children who witnessed the terrifying scene were also left traumatized. James's mother explained that one piece of the amphitheater's roof landed on top of her son's head and knocked him over before another piece fell on top of him Eugene Reyes, a parent whose child was there at the time of the incident, told Fox 26 his son saw the roof 'fall on the poor kid' and heard a 'big boom.' 'The kid wasn't moving and you know, they had to remove all the stuff,' Reyes said. 'He's a little shook up still by it,' the worried father continued. 'I asked him if he wanted to come and talk about it, but he's still shaken up about it.' As the children now recover, Hanford Elementary School District officials announced that in-person classes will be suspended through at least December 1, and children will be engaged in remote learning until then. 'We've opted to temporarily close the campus and implement our emergency learning plan,' district officials told Fox 26, noting that engineers and architects inspected the facility on Tuesday. 'We are grateful to the quick actions of Washington staff and local emergency services,' they continued, noting that police and firefighters, as well as an ambulance 'were on the scene within minutes of the collapse, providing emergency services.' The district officials added that they 'look forward to welcoming our students back on campus at the start of December.' James also said he is looking forward to being able to see his friends in person again. 'I think they might be impressed because a roof fell on me,' he said. A school staff member has been arrested after a little girl was 'filmed in the school toilets'. The mother of the young schoolgirl said her daughter immediately reported the 'traumatic' incident to another member of staff. The school in Bolton alerted the police, and officers rushed to The Orchards Federation in Farnworth just after 11am on Tuesday. A message from the school was then sent to parents and carers, according to local reports, confirming that a member of agency staff had been arrested on her second day of working at the school. The young girl, who is in year six, has since been 'too scared to go to school' with the mother describing it as a 'massive safeguarding failure'. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism offences and has since been bailed. The mother of the daughter told Manchester Evening News: 'Thankfully, my daughter knew this was wrong, left the bathroom and immediately told a member of staff 'This is beyond unacceptable. A member of staff, even agency, had a phone inside children's toilets and used it to record a child. That is a massive safeguarding failure. The school in Bolton alerted the police, and officers rushed to The Orchards Federation in Farnworth just after 11am on Tuesday morning. Greater Manchester Police confirmed that a woman in her 20s was arrested on suspicion of voyeurism offences and has since been bailed 'I have already kept her home today, following the incident, because I don't feel the environment is safe. My daughter has said she is too scared to go to school.' The mother added that she has been told that more absences for her daughter 'would not be authorised'. She said that she has been 'offered no explanation' and 'no details of new procedures from the school'. In the letter to parents, the school said that 'robust safeguarding measures' are in place at the school and appropriate procedures have been followed. A spokesperson for Bolton Council said: 'We are aware that a member of agency staff working at a local school has been arrested. 'As the matter is subject to a police investigation we are unable to comment further. Both the school and the council have robust safeguarding measures in place and all appropriate procedures have been followed.' Detective Chief Inspector Mike Sharples from Greater Manchester Police's Bolton district said: 'We understand that incidents like this cause significant concern in the community, and we want to reassure the public that this matter has been treated with the utmost seriousness. 'This was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the community. We remain in contact with the school and parents of the child while officers conduct a thorough investigation.' A spokesperson for Greater Manchester Police said the forced received reports of reports of 'a video being taken of a child at a premises at around 11am on Tuesday. 'A woman in her 20s has been arrested on suspicion of voyeurism and has been bailed pending further enquiries,' the spokesperson added. The Orchards Federation includes The Orchards Nursery School, Cherry Tree Primary School and Green Fold School, which are all located in Farnworth. A Gold Coast woman has been ordered to rip up the artificial turf she's had on her nature strip for half a decade after an anonymous neighbour dobbed her in - with council claiming the fake grass is a safety risk. Mermaid Beach resident Amanda Blair was stunned when a letter arrived from Gold Coast City Council demanding she remove the fake turf neatly laid outside her front fence five years earlier. The crackdown came immediately after an anonymous complaint. 'Some idiot has decided to ring council who now demand we rip it up and replace with real grass,' she wrote on social media. 'Yes, it's council land, yet they won't mow it or maintain it. Any advice? Pretty annoyed as we wanted a low-maintenance yard. 'We have had fake high-quality grass which almost looks like real grass on the front footpath of our home for over five years. It has never deteriorated or looked untidy, always pristine.' Gold Coast City Council said artificial turf is banned from road verges due to 'possible safety risks'. 'Artificial turf can become a trip hazard for pedestrians if not properly maintained and attracts significant heat,' GCCC told Daily Mail. Mermaid Beach resident Amanda Blair was stunned when a letter arrived from Gold Coast City Council demanding she remove the fake turf neatly laid outside her front fence five years earlier Gold Coast City Council said artificial turf is banned from road verges due to 'possible safety risks' 'It also obstructs underground infrastructure that may need to be accessed by a utility company or service provider.' The council said it receives frequent complaints about nature-strip obstructions and is 'required to act each time to ensure the local laws are being followed'. Council said it first issues an advisory notice informing the landowner of the local law breach and allows them time to find a suitable alternative. 'Failure to comply with the notice may result in an on-the-spot fine of $834,' the council statement read. Council confirmed it is now developing clearer guidelines for Gold Coast locals outlining what is and isn't acceptable on nature strips, and will offer alternative landscaping options. But the response has done little to temper anger online, where many locals accused the council of hypocrisy, pointing out that Gold Coast City Council itself uses artificial turf in several high-profile public areas. 'GCCC has fake grass on the nature strip between Burleigh Surf Club and the Pavilion. But that's OK - hypocrisy,' one resident wrote. 'They put it everywhere in parks, but call yours a trip hazard? You must've p****d someone off,' another added. Artifical turf is becoming more popular due to its low maintenence Amanda says the turf has 'never deteriorated, never looked untidy, and always pristine' Others argued that synthetic turf can be hazardous and bad for the environment. 'Council has made people on Sovereign Island rip up their nature strips where artificial grass has been laid. Can cause carpet burns if people fall on it and also a trip hazard if seams come unstuck,' one said. 'Let's not forget real grass produces oxygen like trees. We can't live solely on pretty Insta pics,' a second added. Ms Blair told the group that she had contacted her local MP, Ray Stevens, for help. Mr Stevens told the Daily Mail it was ultimately a council matter, but added that he 'wholeheartedly supports the ridiculousness of the directive'. Her local councillor Nick Marshall is now taking up the issue on her behalf. Labour's Net Zero push could result in unaffordable energy prices and make the drive a 'complete and utter failure', the boss of British Gas has warned. Chris O'Shea, the chief executive of Centrica, which owns the supplier, urged the Government to strike a balance between green energy and affordable bills. It comes after Energy Secretary Ed Miliband's policies have been blamed for last month's dramatic rise in energy bills. Mr O'Shea, whose supplier has 7.5million customers in the UK, said he was supportive of calls for more wind and solar energy but said Britain must ensure 'we don't end up with an energy system that's unaffordable'. 'Because if we've got a 100 per cent clean energy system and nobody can afford it, that will be a complete and utter failure,' he told BBC Radio 4 today, adding that 'an energy system that's spewing out a huge amount of carbon' would also be a failure. Mr O'Shea called for a debate on 'homegrown energy' after Labour's manifesto pledge that it will not grant new licences for new oil and gas fields in the North Sea. Chris O'Shea (pictured), the chief executive of Centrica, which owns the supplier British Gas, urged the Government to strike a balance between green energy and affordable bills Mr O'Shea, whose supplier has 7.5million customers in the UK, said he was supportive of calls for more wind and solar energy but said Britain must ensure 'we don't end up with an energy system that's unaffordable' (file photo) Though he said an increased use of wind and solar means energy prices are unlikely to return to the volatility seen after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. Regulator Ofgem has previously said 'policy costs' imposed by Mr Miliband contributed to the price cap rising at double the rate forecast by industry analysts. The latest rise by about 35 to 1,755 a year means the energy price cap will be 187 a year higher since Labour came to power. A Welsh councillor has denied accusations that she fell asleep during a council meeting saying that she was closing her eyes 'to rest them'. Towyn councillor Bernice McLoughlin appeared to be having a snooze during a meeting of Conwy County Council education and skills overview and scrutiny committee. McLoughlin hit back after the footage was posted anonymously on social media, saying "I admit that in council meetings, I will sit back and close my eyes, just to rest them." Click above to watch the video It's been a rocky road for Australia's food delivery sector. Over the past decade, major platforms and a smattering of daring, minor players have been jostling for market share. That's brought rapid change and also seen several high-profile business casualties. First came Foodora's exit from Australia in 2018, which the company attributed to seeing 'higher potential for growth' in other countries. Then, Deliveroo abruptly departed in late 2022, reportedly for similar reasons. On Wednesday, Menulog announced it would cease its Australian business on November 26, citing 'challenging circumstances'. The end of Menulog's Australian run is a big deal. It signals a different-looking future for the entire food delivery sector. So what does that mean for consumers and delivery workers and the cost of a home-delivered meal? Menulog was the second biggest player Menulog was a 'big fish' in Australia. According to recent data from IBISWorld, it held nearly a quarter (about 24%) of the Australian market. That was still well behind Uber Eats, with around 54% of the market, but ahead of DoorDash on about 15%. Together, those top three accounted for more than 90% of the market. In 2021, Menulog credited an expensive TV advertising campaign featuring US rapper Snoop Dogg with significantly raising its profile Now, DoorDash will move up a step on the podium and be pitted in an even fiercer contest with clear market leader Uber. Both platforms will fight over the spoils of Menulog's departure. In one sense, this is just market consolidation, as firms enter the market, compete, fail or get bought out. But with just two delivery platforms now poised to control the vast majority of the Australian market, there is legitimate cause for concern about what the future holds for competition, service quality, prices and workers' rights. Where did it go wrong for Menulog? Menulog's demise didn't come about because of decreased demand for food delivery. If anything, this market is in rude health, with revenue holding steady in the post-pandemic period. Nor has Menulog merely lost its appetite for operating in Australia after a quick bite. The company was founded here almost two decades ago in 2006. In 2015, it was sold to UK-based Just Eat, which subsequently completed a merger with Dutch rival Takeaway.com in early 2020, to form Just Eat Takeaway.com (which itself has just been acquired by a larger investment group, Prosus). In 2021, Menulog credited an expensive TV advertising campaign featuring US rapper Snoop Dogg with significantly raising its profile. Menulog's demise didn't come about because of decreased demand for food delivery A different approach Menulog has always had a slightly different business model and market positioning from its rivals, Uber Eats and DoorDash. It started as a two-sided marketplace, allowing people to order from restaurants that may have had their own delivery workers. Later, it adopted a three-sided marketplace model, with the app sitting between consumers, restaurants and couriers who were operating as independent contractors. Following multiple reports about poor working conditions and a spate of worker deaths in the food delivery sector more broadly, Menulog tried to chart its own course and differentiate itself. In 2021, it began a trial to hire some of its couriers as employees rather than contractors. It also unsuccessfully pursued the creation of a new modern award. While praised at the time, these moves were to be overtaken by the Albanese government's gig work reforms, which rejigged the rules and provided increased legitimacy to the business model of its rivals. However, its efforts to pursue a more pro-worker 'gig' model meant it incurred significant costs with limited return. Further, compared to its rivals, the company did not diversify as drastically into the grocery delivery space. Uber Eats and DoorDash are now set to dominate Australias food delivery market. Menulog's exit means Australian consumers will have one less platform to choose from. It could also impact the prices they pay for food deliveries. The norm for Australian consumers is that they have enjoyed food delivery services at subsidised rates. The major delivery platforms have been willing to absorb losses in return for growing their market share. Now that we are seeing significant consolidation in the sector, the remaining platform giants may well move to capitalise on their newfound strength by upping prices. Yet being profitable as a food delivery platform is a balancing act. These firms operate on relatively thin margins and add very little value. In effect, their business model is one of 'rent-seeking', taking a cut from each transaction. For years, this has placed platforms under pressure from all sides: consumers wanting cheaper, faster service; restaurants and shops aggrieved by the platforms' fees; and unions and voters concerned about worker safety. The competition dynamics of the gig economy including food delivery can push it towards 'monopsony' and 'duopoly' conditions. This is where either one or two major platforms dominate a market and prices. What does it mean for workers? Menulog said its exit from the Australian market would lead to about 120 job losses. But this figure does not paint the full picture, with thousands of affiliated couriers thrown into uncertainty, too though not entitled to the same redundancy benefits as employees. There will be a two-week transition period before the platform shuts down. And Menulog said eligible couriers would be entitled to receive a four-week voluntary payment. A recent survey by Menulog found 75% of its couriers engaged in 'multi-apping' working for Menulog as well as its competitors. Still, many will be left without a gig. Workers, like consumers, will now have less choice in the food delivery market. This article originally appeared on The Conversation Pete Hegseth announced the United States' latest effort against narco-terrorists in South America with 'Operation Southern Spear.' The defense secretary made the announcement on social media just days after it was revealed the US has killed 75 suspected drug terrorists since the Pentagon began focusing on the region. 'President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering. Today, I'm announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR,' Hegseth wrote. 'Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. 'The Western Hemisphere is America's neighborhood and we will protect it.' The Daily Mail has reached out to the White House for comment. The announcement comes a day after Trump met with Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan 'Raizin' Caine to brief the president on potential options in the region, CBS News reported. It also follows Secretary of State Marco Rubio's defense of the strikes after France's foreign minister Jean-Noel Barrot said they were in violation of international law. Pete Hegseth announced the United States' latest effort against narco-terrorists in South America with 'Operation Southern Spear.' The defense secretary made the announcement on social media just days after it was revealed the US has killed 75 suspected drug terrorists since the Pentagon began focusing on the region 'We have observed with concern the military operations in the Caribbean region, because they violate international law and because France has a presence in this region through its overseas territories, where more than a million of our compatriots reside,' Barrot said on the sidelines of the Group of Seven foreign ministers' summit in Canada. 'I don't think that the European Union gets to determine what international law is. They certainly don't get to determine is how the United States defends its national security,' Rubio responded at the same summit. 'The United States is under attack from organized criminal narco-terrorists in our hemisphere, and the president is responding in the defense of our country.' Rubio called out the EU's hypocrisy for asking the US for weapons but wanting a say in how America uses its own arsenal. 'I do find it interesting that all these countries want us to send and supply, for example, nuclear-capable Tomahawk missiles to defend Europe,' Rubio added. 'But when the United States positions aircraft carriers in our hemisphere, where we live, somehow, that's a problem.' The Trump administration says the U.S. military has killed at least 75 people in 19 known strikes against what it says are drug-smuggling vessels in the Caribbean Sea and eastern Pacific Ocean since early September. Two strikes were conducted under the President's orders on Sunday, killing six. It brings the death toll of suspected drug terrorists so far to 75. The announcement comes a day after Trump met with Hegseth and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Dan 'Raizin' Caine to brief the president on potential options in the region US intelligence discovered the vessels were 'associated with illicit narcotics smuggling,' according to Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, who announced the operation on social media Monday. He claimed both vessels were carrying narcotics but did not specify the exact drugs or location in the Eastern Pacific Ocean where the strike took place. The cabinet secretary added: 'Both strikes were conducted in international waters and three male narco-terrorists were aboard each vessel. All six were killed. No US forces were harmed.' Since starting his second term, Trump has applied more military pressure on Venezuela by accusing the socialist regime of trafficking drugs into the United States. Trump has also labeled the largest drug cartels in Mexico as terrorist organizations. 'Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people,' Hegseth concluded. The administration has been under pressure from Congress to provide more information about who is being targeted and the legal justification for the strikes. Critics have claimed that the Trump administration's targeted strikes on drug smugglers represent extrajudicial killings. The Pentagon has yet to release concrete evidence to the public that the vessels were carrying narcotics or posed a threat to the US. Trump has justified the attacks as a necessary escalation to stem the flow of drugs into the United States. He has asserted America is engaged in an 'armed conflict' with drug cartels, relying on the same legal authority used by the Bush administration when it declared a war on terrorism after the September 11 attacks. Senate Democrats have expressed doubts over the legality of the strikes, and last week renewed their request for more information about the strikes in a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard and Hegseth. 'We also request that you provide all legal opinions related to these strikes and a list of the groups or other entities the President has deemed targetable,' the senators wrote. A White House spokesman claimed Trump has a mandate from the American public to take decisive action against cartels. Primary schools and preschools have been abruptly shut just hours before classes were due to start over asbestos contamination fears. Traces of chrysotile asbestos was found in a coloured sand used for craft and sensory play used in ACT schools, the territory's education department said. Some 15 primary schools and three preschools were shut on Friday, while five more schools were partially shut. Asbestos testing will be carried out at impacted schools during the closures. 'While WorkSafe ACT has identified the risk of exposure to traces of chrysotile is low, the safety of our schools is our highest priority,' the department said in a statement. The decorative coloured sand product at the schools was imported from China and is sold as Kadink Decorative Sand in tubes weighing 10 grams, Worksafe ACT said. It comes after a national recall of children's sand products sold at retailers including Officeworks, Educating Kids, Modern Teaching Aids and Zart Art. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission issued the alert on Wednesday after traces of tremolite asbestos was detected in laboratory testing. Some 15 primary schools and three preschools were shut on Friday, while five more schools were partially shut over fears children would be exposed to the impacted sand Traces of chrysotile asbestos was found in a coloured sand used for craft and sensory play used in ACT schools, the territory's education department said Products affected are labelled as Kadink Sand (1.3kg), Educational Colours Rainbow Sand (1.3kg) and Creatistics Coloured Sand (1kg). The products have been sold in Australia since 2020 while a voluntary recall has also been issued in New Zealand. ACCC Deputy Chair Catriona Lowe said Officeworks had removed affected products from shelves. Worksafe ACT urged anyone with the product in their home or arts and crafts containing the sand to dispose of it immediate but do everything they can to prevent fibres from becoming airborne. That includes wearing disposable gloves, a P2-rated face mask and protective eyewear when disposing of any products. 'Do not disturb or use it and isolate the product,' the authority said. 'Carefully double wrap the sand, its container, and any related materials in 200-micron plastic bags, seal securely with tape, and clearly label the package as asbestos waste.' Asbestos cannot be disposed of in general waste and must be taken to resource management facilities. Asbestos-contaminated mulch prompted the closure of schools, hospitals and parks in Sydney in 2024 while historic dumping and legacy contamination was blamed for traces found at parks in Melbourne's west. The mother of a girl who was raped by an asylum seeker has questioned why he was ever allowed into the country after committing a string of offences in Germany. Amin Abedi Mofrad, 35, was found guilty of raping the 15-year-old on her way home from an under 18s nightclub on February 14 last year. The teenager had been waiting to be picked up from the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford when Mofrad assaulted her. The Iranian national told the girl she could be his 'sex doll' before dragging her into an alleyway and raping her, Oxford crown court was told. Mofrad arrived to the UK on a small boat in 2023, shortly after which he was arrested for an alleged sexual assault. This case was later dropped due to a lack of evidence. He also had 11 previous convictions in Germany for violent assaults and ABH between 2014 and 2019. The victims mother has claimed the Home Office is also responsible for the attack and slammed the decision to allow him into the UK despite his previous convictions. In a letter to the Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, she said her daughter 'now carries a pain and trauma no child should ever know'. Amin Abedi Mofrad, 35, who raped a 15-year-old in an alleyway on Valentine's Day Speaking to The Sun, the mother added: 'There is really only one question why was he in this country? I think I have the right to know the truth. 'There should have been checks done on this man when he came here, not after he raped my child. 'They would have found that he had convictions in Germany, and so he was a danger to Britain. He should never have been in the community.' The rape was reported to Thames Valley Police on April 7, with Mofrad arrested and released on bail shortly after. He had already been known to police in Germany where he was convicted of four assault offences. The force was also made aware that Mofrad was arrested for an alleged sexual assault shortly after he arrived to the UK on a small boat in 2023. This case was later dropped due to a lack of evidence. Mofrad was also convicted of stealing a womans bag and silver chain in last January, the court was told. He was eventually arrested for a second time over the incident in Oxford after new evidence was found on his mobile phone on December 13. Mofrad was charged and remanded on February 3 this year. Mofrad, 35, raped the girl on her way home in an alleyway near the Westgate Shopping Centre in Oxford (pictured) on February 14 last year Mofrad was found guilty by unanimous jury verdict of one count of rape and one count of sexual assault by penetration on October 7. On Thursday, he was sentenced to 9 years and 6 months in prison with an extended licence period of 3 years. Investigating officer, Detective Constable Bethany Liversidge, of Oxford CID, said: 'Firstly, I would like to pay tribute to the immense courage displayed by the teenage victim in supporting this investigation from the start all the way to the finish. 'It is thanks to her support and bravery that we were able to bring Mofrad to justice. 'I hope that this result illustrates how committed Thames Valley Police is in investigating and preventing violence against women and girls and bringing offenders to justice. 'Project Vigilant is a valuable initiative which helps us to prevent crimes from happening, but when they sadly do, allows us to continue to build intelligence around predatory activity. 'The victim and their family have requested privacy at this time.' The Daily Mails excellence in campaigning and investigative journalism has been recognised with a host of top honours at the Society of Editors prestigious Media Freedom Awards. Chief Reporter Sam Greenhill was named Journalist of the Year for a series of jaw-dropping scoops including the exposure of an NHS chief snoozing on a train while supposedly at work and the revelation of a disastrous data leak at the MoD which threatened the lives of thousands of Afghans. The Mail team of Greenhill and former chief reporter David Williams were the first to learn of the leak and battled for two years to overturn an MoD superinjunction to cover it up. The same scoop also won the Investigation of the Year award, which the pair dedicated to the brave Afghans the Mails campaign has been helping, many of whom still face lethal consequences as a result of the British militarys data leak blunder. Judges praised the Mails team for their impeccable contacts as well as their dogged determination to bring the truth to light. Crime and investigative journalist Stephen Wright was highly commended in the same category for his Beast of Birkenhead series which exposed the conviction of Peter Sullivan for a murder he did not commit. Ian Birrell won Commentator of the Year (Popular) for a broad-ranging entry including a piece reflecting on the recent death of his daughter which judges said was beautifully written and exceptionally moving. The Daily Mail was also highly commended in the flagship category of News Media Organisation of the Year. Chief Reporter Sam Greenhill (pictured) was named Journalist of the Year for a series of jaw-dropping scoops including the exposure of an NHS chief snoozing on a train while supposedly at work and the revelation of a disastrous data leak at the MoD which threatened the lives of thousands of Afghans The Mail team of Greenhill and former chief reporter David Williams (pictured) were the first to learn of the leak and battled for two years to overturn an MoD superinjunction to cover it up There was further success at the Irish Journalism Awards for the Mails From Bomb to Ballot podcast. The groundbreaking series examining the history of Sinn Fein was presented by the Irish Daily Mails Executive Editor John Lee and took home the prestigious award for Podcast of the Year. China has been carrying out military drills using 'robot wolves' as fears grow that the communist nation could be preparing to invade Taiwan. The People's Liberation Army said it is testing a new warfare tactic which involves using robots, which were first unveiled at an airshow last year. Recent footage aired on state television showed the so-called 'robot wolves' being used in a practice drone-led assault on a beach. The four-legged devices are being developed with the aim of replacing human soldiers to reduce combat casualties. The robot wolves are able to clear barbed wire and other obstacles easily, allowing the PLA to use the devises in a similar way to 'drone swarms', which have become a crucial tactic in the Ukraine war and are used to overwhelm air defences. According to Chinese media, the devices can also fire precise shots and work in rough terrains. Weighing around 70kg, the robot wolves can also hit targets which are up to 100 metres away, state media reports. The military exercise also appeared to feature a pack of first-person-view kamikaze drones. 'Robot wolves' are being developed in China with the aim of replacing human soldiers to reduce combat casualties The development of China's new military warfare tactic widens fears that it is preparing to invade its neighbouring island state Taiwan The four-legged devices are being developed with the aim of replacing human soldiers to reduce combat casualties The military drills using robot wolves comes amid mounting fears that China is preparing to invade the island nation of Taiwan as Beijing appears to grow increasingly aggressive toward its neighbour in recent years. Earlier this year, China deployed dozens of warships and planes to encircle Taiwan in menacing, large-scale war games. Chilling satellite pictures also revealed what appear to be Beijing's 'invasion barges' - gargantuan platforms that connect to form a mobile pier that could enable thousands of soldiers and hundreds of vehicles to land on Taiwan's shores. The multi-day military drills forced Taipei to respond by scrambling fighter jets and warships of their own to dissuade any overzealous members of the PLA from posing a serious threat. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP), headed by authoritarian President Xi Jinping, sees Taiwan as a renegade province to be brought back under Beijing's control, by force if necessary. Taiwan's elected Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) presides over a self-governing, democratic society and has sought close ties with the US, hoping its political, military and economic heft will keep Xi's expansionist tendencies at bay. American deterrence, the reliance of China's export economy on the West and the cost of a military operation to seize Taiwan has led most analysts to suggest Beijing is more likely to use less direct means to pressure Taipei. But politicians, military chiefs and industry leaders around the world can no longer afford to ignore the prospect of a full-scale invasion - a scenario which would shake the foundations of the world as we know it and could well trigger a Third World War. A Pennsylvania man was allegedly shot in the back by his dog in a freak accident that forced police to rush to the man's home. The 53yearold whose identity has not been revealed said he was cleaning his shotgun and had laid his weapon on the bed when his dog jumped up, according to Shillington police cited by WFMZ. The canine reportedly saw his owner setting down the gun as an invitation to jump on the bed to be pet, and unintentionally set off the gun. The man's son called 911 at 11.13pm Tuesday night, saying that a male had been shot in the 300 block of State Street. 'Reports came in originally that they didn't know who the shooter was and it was a shotgun wound to the lower back,' Corporal Michael Schoone said to the outlet. 'While they were responding, they were informed that a dog had jumped up onto the bed, causing the shotgun to go off which openly struck the male.' Police said the man involved in the incident was unsure as to what stage of cleaning the gun he was in. Corporal Michael Schoone told WFMZ that the shooting happened when a dog 'jumped up onto the bed' The alleged shooting happened in the 300 block of State Street, according Shillington police A spent shell casing was found inside the weapon. 'It's unsure if the dog's paw may have gotten caught inside the trigger and the safety was off or if there was some sort of manufacturer malfunction,' Schoone said. After the unusual shooting, the Shillington man was rushed to the hospital, where he underwent an initial surgery for his injuries. The event remained under investigation by police, although law enforcement reportedly said it seemed like an accident. 'Obviously, you should be treating every weapon as if it's loaded. All the cardinal rules: keeping it in a safe direction, finger off the trigger,' Schoone said. He called what happened 'the perfect storm.' 'It was just the right place at the right time,' Schoone told WFMZ. 'Or the wrong time.' Police was dispatched to the Shillington, Pennsylvania, residence at 11.13pm Tuesday night A spent shell casing was found inside the weapon involved in the freak accident (File photo of a shotgun) The man and his son in different rooms were the only people at home at the time of the shooting, ABC News reported. There were also two dogs in the residence. The man who was shot in the back required additional surgery after his first operation. The full extent of his injuries remained unclear. The Daily Mail reached out to the Shillington Police Department afterhours for further comment. A Biden-appointed Chicago judge has ordered the Trump administration release 600 illegal migrants arrested as part of the White House's immigration crackdown on bond. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings made the order just a day after the Donald Trump declared victory in Chicago after 'Operation Midway Blitz,' a weeks-long effort to purge the city of illegal immigrants and stamp out crime. Cummings ordered the release of detainees who are not considered security risks while they await the outcome of their immigration proceedings. The judge's order applies to migrants who were subject to warrantless arrests that took place without probable cause. Cummings would allow detainees to be released on $1,500 bond with some form of monitoring, including electronic ankle bracelets, the Chicago Tribune reported. Many of those taken into custody have already been deported or agreed to leave the country voluntarily. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) condemned the judge's ruling in a post on X. 'At every turn activist judges, sanctuary politicians, and violent rioters have actively tried to prevent our law enforcement officers from arresting and removing the worst of the worst,' DHS said. A Biden-appointed Chicago judge has ordered the Trump administration release 600 illegal migrants arrested as part of the White House's immigration crackdown on bond District Judge Jeffrey Cummings made the order just a day after the Donald Trump declared victory in Chicago after 'Operation Midway Blitz,' a weeks-long effort to purge the city of illegal immigrants and stamp out crime 'Now an ACTIVIST JUDGE is putting the lives of Americans directly at risk by ordering 615 illegal aliens be released into the community.' The judge's ruling came in response to a lawsuit filed by the National Immigrant Justice Center and the American Civil Liberties Union which alleged the wave of migrant arrests were unlawful. The decision is the latest setback to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in Chicago, America's third-largest city. Trump has ordered hundreds of National Guard troops to the Democratic-run city to combat crime and aid immigration efforts but the deployment has been blocked by federal courts. The Trump administration asked the Supreme Court last month to lift the lower court rulings blocking the deployment of the National Guard in Chicago. Back in August, Illinois' Democrat Governor JB Pritzker warned: 'Mr. President, do not come to Chicago. You are neither wanted here nor needed here. 'This is about Donald Trump searching for any justification to deploy the military in a blue city... to try and intimidate his political rivals... It is illegal. It is unconstitutional. And it is un-American.' After Trump sent in his agents anyway, Pritzker doubled down, insisting 'there is no emergency in Chicago that requires the National Guard.' In a Truth Social post on Tuesday night, Trump (pictured left) claimed that crime rates had plummeted since his intervention on September 8, despite 'radical opposition' from Pritzker In a Truth Social post on Tuesday night, Trump claimed that crime rates had plummeted since his intervention on September 8, despite 'the radical opposition' from Democrat Governor of Illinois JB Pritzker Federal officials, ICE agents and Border Patrol authorities flooded Chicago in early September at Trump's request, arresting thousands of illegal immigrants, violent criminals and gang members. But their intervention ramped up violent protests in and around the city as locals attempted to interfere with ICE operations, ram cars belonging to federal officials and even shoot at agents. The Republican president has sent National Guard troops to three Democratic-led cities this year -- Los Angeles, Washington and Memphis -- but his efforts to deploy soldiers in Portland and Chicago have been tied up in the courts. In a Truth Social post on Tuesday night, Trump claimed that crime rates had plummeted since his intervention on September 8, despite 'radical opposition' from Pritzker. Pritzker, along with Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, have staunchly opposed any federal intervention in the city, accusing Trump of inciting violence to 'intimidate his political rivals.' 'I am proud to announce that Chicago, Illinois, despite all of the radical opposition and obstruction we have from the Mayor and the Governor, has seen car theft, shootings, robberies, violent crime, and everything else, drop dramatically,' Trump announced. He also blamed 'the constant Violent Leftwing Terrorism against ICE Officers and Federal Agents that Insurrectionist Democrat Officials refuse to stop or prosecute, including constant physical assault and attempted assassination.' Trump said that the Department of Homeland Security operation 'Midway Blitz' had resulted in a reduction in shootings by 35 percent, robberies by 41 percent and carjackings by almost 50 percent. The president declared victory in Chicago after a weeks-long effort to purge the city of illegal immigrants and stamp out crime amid mass protests (pictured) United States Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents are seen conducting operations in Chicago 'This is with just a small initial Federal Force, not the full 'surge' we have done in Chicago and Memphis,' he added. 'As we ramp up more assets, these numbers will continue to drop.' Trump went on to boast that his feat 'has been achieved despite the extraordinary resistance from Chicago and Illinois Radical Democrat 'Leadership.' The administration has repeatedly called out both Pritzker and Johnson for inciting violence through their own condemnation of the administration and the actions of ICE agents. Trump went so far as to demand they both be arrested for their efforts. 'The president is unstable. We know that. He's a double-minded man, and he is also very simple-minded. And it's totally not the first time that Trump has called for a Black man to be arrested,' Johnson said in response. In October, Johnson signed a mayoral executive order which established 'ICE-free zones' and prohibited the use of parking garages and spaces for ICE agents. He and Pritzker had tried to keep federal agents and National Guard troops out of the city by filing legal complaints against their deployment. Police officers are seen forcing a protestor to the ground as they make an arrest Police officers hold batons as Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents conduct operations in the Little Village neighborhood, a predominantly Mexican-American community 'We will keep defending the sovereignty of our state,' Pritzker said in October when Trump challenged the lawsuit. 'Militarizing our communities against their will is not only un-American but also leads us down a dangerous path for our democracy.' Earlier on Tuesday, Trump lamented the '28 percent vacancy factor' in Chicago's 'Miracle Mile.' 'The Miracle Mile Shopping Center in Chicago, once considered our Nation's BEST, now has a more than 28% vacancy factor,' he wrote on Truth Social. He said the shopping center 'is ready to call it quits unless something is done about the murder and crime, which is prevalent throughout the City. 'CALL IN THE TROOPS, FAST, BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE!' Chicago doesn't have a 'Miracle Mile', though Trump, 79, was likely referring to the city's Magnificent Mile - a commercial district that is also home to several landmarks including the Chicago Water Tower and the John Hancock Centre. In September, six people were arrested after smashing in the windows of the Rolex Store on the Magnificent Mile, before stealing merchandise. That same month, Trump foreshadowed his desire to step up enforcement in Chicago with a Truth Social post that included an AI-generated image of himself wearing a cowboy hat with military helicopters flying behind him. 'I love the smell of deportations in the morning. Chicago about to find out why it's called the Department of WAR,' he wrote. The man accused of fatally shooting a longtime American Idol boss and her husband at their $4.5 million Los Angeles home has been ruled unfit to stand trial. Raymond Boodarian, 22, had been facing the possibility of a death sentence in connection with the July murders of Robin Kaye and songwriter Tom Deluca. But Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi spared the suspect a long prison sentence on Thursday when she handed down the determination. Judge Cavalluzzi declared that Boodarian was 'not presently competent to stand trial' as she announced that the murder suspect was being moved to a state facility to treat a 'psychiatric condition with psychotropic medication,' The Wrap reports. 'The defendant lacks the capacity to make decisions regarding psychotropic medication,' the judge said, arguing that 'restoration is in the interest of justice, because this is a homicide case.' Prosecutors have claimed Boodarian was burglarizing Kaye and Deluca's home on July 10, when the couple returned home. During an ensuing struggle, the 22-year-old shot and killed the couple - whose bodies were only found four days later after frantic family members requested a welfare check. Authorities later determined that Deluca passed within seconds of being shot in the head and Kaye died minutes later. Raymond Boodarian, 22, who is accused of fatally gunning down longtime American Idol boss Robin Kaye and her songwriter husband Tom Deluca, has been deemed 'not presently competent to stand trial' The couple, both 70 years old, were found dead with gunshot wounds 'The victims returned home while the suspect had gained entry into the residence, and a confrontation ensued, which resulted in the suspect taking their lives,' authorities previously said, according to People. 'The victims succumbed to multiple gunshot wounds, and the suspect fled from the residence on foot.' Boodarian was taken into custody just one day after the grisly discovery by policeman with their guns drawn at the rented Reseda townhome he shared with his mother and sister. Officials have since said the murders appeared to be random, with no connection found between the suspect and the couple, according to People. But Boodarian has a criminal history as well as a history of mental illness. He was even nonresponsive and glassy-eyed to questions from a judge at an August arraignment on charges of murder alongside a special circumstance allegation for multiple murders while burglarizing a home, Deadline reports. Nancy Kolocotronis, who is serving as Boodarian's public defender, also claimed at the hearing that her client is suicidal after he arrived to the courtroom wearing a suicide gown. At that point, Boodarian was determined to have 'severe mental health issues.' Prosecutors have said Boodarian was burglarizing the couple's $4.5 million Encino home when they returned home on July 10 The couple's bodies were only found four days later after frantic family members requested a welfare check Tragically, Kaye and Deluca had been planning on adding state-of-the-art security technology and a panic room to their Encino estate prior to their deaths, following a rash of burglaries in the area. Security expert Guy Cohen from SecureIT Home previously told the Daily Mail he visited the couple's house on May 20 after someone broke into their property. 'Robin reached out to me and wanted a consultation,' Cohen, 44, told the Daily Mail. 'She was nervous because they had just had a break-in the previous evening. 'An intruder came in through the sliding glass door in the kitchen. They were home and the dog started barking and she yelled and the burglar ran away.' Search warrants obtained by the Daily Mail showed a neighbor called 911 at around 4pm on July 10 to report an intruder at Kaye and Deluca's home. About 40 minutes later, police received a second call from someone inside the couple's home, claiming to be a resident. According to the warrant, the 911 dispatch operator heard the caller say, 'Please don't shoot me' to someone. The couple has since been cremated, and left their fortune to family members, various charities and even their pets in their will. Kaye worked as the music supervisor for singing competition American Idol for the last 15 seasons She and her musician husband divided $5.82 million of their personal assets among family, friends and causes they supported over the years In court documents obtained by the Daily Mail, Kaye and her musician husband, Thomas Deluca, divided $5.82 million of their personal assets among family, friends and causes they supported over the years. While it is still unclear how the proceeds of their home on White Oak Avenue will be divided, the couple left $100,000 to $1 million each to individual family members and friends as cash gift contributions from their personal assets. The couple also set aside $100,000 for their beloved parrot Bogey, and gave two close friends $5,000 for the exotic bird's care. Additionally, the couple decided to bequeath their pet tortoise to the California Turtle and Tortoise Club with a $10,000 contribution from their estate and set aside $50,000 a year for living expenses and healthcare for Deluca's elderly mother. The remaining funds were divided among various animal charities, including the Jane Goodall Institute, the Elephant Sanctuary in Tennessee and the Lola Ya Bonobo Sanctuary in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Deluca, who penned songs for various artists like Kid Rock and Mickey Dolenz, left all of his instruments to his brother Tim. Kaye - who worked as the music supervisor for singing competition American Idol for the last 15 seasons - also left a list of diamond jewelry and other precious heirlooms to various family members and friends. A probate judge will still have to approve the petition filed by the couple's family members and attorneys. In the meantime, Boodarian - who refused to attend the court hearing on Thursday - is due back in court on December 19 for a hearing to reassess his condition and the chances he could stand trial. The influencer wife of a neo-Nazi who took part in an anti-Jewish protest outside NSW Parliament has gone to ground after she faced backlash following her husband's identity being revealed. Dance instructor Nathalie Faydherbe Gruter is married to civil engineer Matthew Gruter, who was unmasked by anti-fascist research group White Rose Society on Thursday as a senior member of the National Socialist Network. Since being outed as a neo-Nazi, Matthew has locked down his online presence. His wife has followed suit - a dramatic step for the mother-of-one, who until now was steadily building her brand as a health, fitness and lifestyle influencer with more than 20,000 Instagram followers. Not only has she switched her accounts to private, but she has also disabled comments on posts showing her husband. Her LinkedIn profile states that she works at a dance studio on Sydney's lower north shore - but the studio director said she is no longer employed there. 'She left to have a baby and I haven't seen her in weeks,' they said. Within hours of her husband being outed on Thursday, Nathalie posted photos of a jacaranda tree to her Instagram Story, captioned 'evening walks'. Dance instructor Nathalie Faydherbe Gruter is married to civil engineer Matthew Gruter, who was unmasked on Thursday as a senior member of the National Socialist Network Several NSN members have been identified after appearing unmasked at an anti-Jewish protest outside NSW Parliament A former friend who attended the Waterfront dance school in Cape Town with Nathalie in 2017 told the Daily Mail: 'She was really sweet - a bit shy. She's always been really into fitness. 'I was honestly shocked to hear she's married to him. She did a lot of modelling back then - lingerie stuff, too.' Mr Gruter lists his employer as multinational engineering and consulting firm Aurecon, where he is described as a senior civil engineer in water and wastewater. He has been photographed wearing a silver bracelet engraved with 'Blood and Honour', a slogan historically associated with the Hitler Youth and repeatedly chanted at the Parliament House rally. It is unclear whether his employment or Australian sponsorship has been terminated following the exposure of his extremist views. The Daily Mail does not suggest Nathalie is racist, simply that she is married to a member of a neo-Nazi group. Another NSN member, Jack Eltis, 28, an air-conditioning installer from Sydney's west who openly praises Hitler and refers to Germany as the 'motherland', was also at the protest. He became a father in 2022 with his now former partner, who we do not suggest holds racist views herself. Within hours of her husband being outed on Thursday, Nathalie posted photos of a jacaranda tree to her Instagram Story, captioned 'evening walks' Nathalie's locked Instagram emphasises her commitment to wholesome content. However, an old friend from South Africa reveals she used to do 'a lot of modelling - lingerie stuff, too' The NSN leadership actively promotes members starting families at a young age. In an online stream, leader Thomas Sewell said: 'This is a future we want for our children in the ethnostate we're creating. I'll be encouraging my kids to get married at 18, 19, 20 years old to make sure they're having children as young as possible.' In encrypted Telegram chats, female members adopt a 'tradwife' persona, championing motherhood as their primary duty while sharing photos of themselves in modest dress. 'What a wonderful year it's been welcoming so many healthy white babies,' one caption reads. Jack Eltis, 28, an air-conditioning installer from Sydney's west who openly praises Hitler and refers to Germany as the 'motherland', was also at the protest. He became a father in 2022 with his now former partner, who we do not suggest holds racist views herself Eltis is pictured addressing the neo-Nazi rally at NSW Parliament Eltis' parents publicly distanced themselves from their son after being targeted online. 'As some of you know, our son Jack Eltis has involved himself in a neo-Nazi organisation,' his father Matt wrote. 'None of our family condone or support this organisation. Jack is a grown adult and has made his decisions Life is short, be kind to everyone.' Family photos show Eltis as a cheerful teenager with braces, celebrating birthdays with relatives and posing with his pregnant partner in 2022 - a stark contrast to the black-clad men chanting 'Blood and Honour' at last weekend's rally. In February, concerned family members spoke out after learning their sister was in a relationship with Gabe Seymour, a former University of Queensland pharmacy student and head of NSN's Queensland chapter. In February, concerned family members spoke out after learning their sister was in a relationship with Gabe Seymour, the head of NSN's Queensland chapter In January 2024, brothers Toby and Curtis received a message saying their sister had given birth to a baby boy with Seymour. They told Four Corners they realised they had 'completely lost' both their sister and nephew to an extremist world. 'Most of these people are being indoctrinated into these kinds of groups,' Curtis said. 'This is someone now growing up around that, which is the scary part - so that you don't question it.' They no longer speak to her but hope she will one day return to the family. 'There's always a part of me that wants to still help her, especially now that she has a kid,' Toby said. The exposure of NSN members comes as its leader Sewell walked free from court on Thursday - met by protesters chanting 'Nazi scum off our streets' - two months after his first bid for bail was rejected. The father of two secured release while awaiting trial on 25 charges, including allegedly assaulting multiple people at a sacred First Nations site. Sewell, 32, hired a top barrister for the second bail hearing in Melbourne's Supreme Court. After spending 72 days on remand following his September 2 arrest outside Melbourne Magistrates' Court, a judge granted bail on Thursday morning. Sewell's fiancee Rebecca Konstantinou provided a $20,000 surety, saying it came from her own savings and contributions from family and friends. The Balwyn High School alum, who shares two daughters with Sewell, has remained loyal to him despite her family's disapproval. Her father, whom the Daily Mail has chosen not to name, said the family was devastated to see her entangled with Sewell. 'We are in an incredibly difficult situation with our daughter caught up with him,' he said from behind a security door at the family home in September. 'We do not share racist views. It's tough because she has children with him, and we don't want to lose the relationship with our granddaughters.' He confirmed the family had minimal contact with her but were holding out hope she would eventually break free from Sewell. Ms Konstantinou - once known as Lee - has accompanied Sewell to numerous court appearances, often barefaced and wearing the same peasant-style dress. Unearthed photos from 2013 show a very different young woman - copper hair, a graphic tee, and a carefree smile at Melbourne dive bar Liberty Social - a far cry from the tradwife image she now projects. Neo-Nazi Thomas Sewell is engaged to Rebecca Konstantinou, who was seen supporting him at the Supreme Court of Victoria in Melbourne on Thursday Rebecca Konstantinou, then known as Bec Lee, is pictured with a friend at a Melbourne dive bar in 2013 - a world away from the tradwife image she puts forward today She has previously described Sewell as a devoted partner and father, providing a glowing testimonial at a 2021 court hearing after his arrest for attacking a group of hikers. The Daily Mail does not suggest Ms Konstantinou is racist, simply that she is engaged to a neo-Nazi, and has supported him outside court. Sewell is charged with multiple offences over the August 31 Camp Sovereignty attack, including violent disorder, affray, discharging a missile and assault by kicking. Prosecutors allege he led about 30 men towards the protest camp, shouting 'let's get 'em'. At least seven people were assaulted: one victim was held down and kicked; another struck with a pole and punched; a third required seven staples after being kicked in the head. Prosecutors argued Sewell poses a risk to public safety as leader of a group with a long history of hate-fuelled violence. But his barrister, Dermot Dann KC, argued it would be unfair to keep Sewell behind bars when 14 co-accused had already been granted bail, noting a trial may not occur for two years. Justice Elliott ultimately agreed, ordering Sewell's release under strict conditions. The trail runner pardoned by Donald Trump for breaking an unusual law while on a record-setting run at a National Park has no clue how his case had reached the White House. Michelino Sunseri, 33, had been charged by federal prosecutors for briefly using a prohibited social trail in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park last September. After being found guilty this year, Sunseri was facing a ban from the park and a $5,000 fine - until the US president stepped in. Sunseri was still stunned at Trump's decision, which was signed last Friday and announced by the athlete on Monday. He told the Daily Mail: 'I go and open the attachment and I look at it, and then sure as hell, it's a presidential pardon signed by Donald J. Trump. 'My first reaction was - pardon my French - there's no f***ing way.' Sunseri was so shocked that he thought the pardon was too good to be true. He was on the phone with his friend and attorney Alex Rienzie when he found out. 'I was like, "Dude, you're totally screwing with me",' Sunseri recalled. 'This is a joke. This is AI.' Michelino Sunseri, 33, told the Daily Mail that he was still surprised at the presidential pardon signed by Donald Trump last Friday Sunseri said he would love to meet the US president and 'figure out how the heck this even got on his radar' He had conquered the 13,775-foot Grand Teton in two hours, 50 minutes and 10 seconds last September before being taken on a 'rollercoaster' of emotions But even after Sunseri was assured the pardon was real, he still did not know how his arcane case had made its way to the Oval Office. '[Trump] is obviously a busy guy,' Sunseri told the Daily Mail. 'But I would love the chance to chat with him and figure out how the heck this even got on his radar.' He jokingly added: 'I was hoping it'd be a phone call from Donald Trump. That would have been pretty darn cool - but I'll take this too. I'm not upset about it.' The trail runner said he would soon receive a hard copy of his presidential pardon from the White House. 'I'll get that in the mail and then I'm sure I'll find somewhere cool to put it in a frame and hang that up,' he said. Federal prosecutors had charged Sunseri with a misdemeanor last year, alleging that the North Face-sponsored athlete had used a prohibited social trail while setting a record time in Wyoming's Grand Teton National Park. Sunseri had conquered the 13,775-foot peak in two hours, 50 minutes and 10 seconds last September - a new fastest time. Sunseri was still stunned at Trump's decision, which was signed last Friday and announced by the athlete on Monday He barely had time to savor the moment. 'You go from being on top of the world and achieving this goal that you thought was impossible to being told that you're going to be federally tried for breaking a law you didn't know existed,' Sunseri said. He claimed he had reached out to the National Park to rectify the situation but was shot down. Sunseri was charged with violating federal law related to preserving natural, cultural and archeological resources. He was found guilty of a misdemeanor this September and subsequently offered a plea deal of 60 hours of community service, an educational course and a year of probation. Sunseri called his legal situation 'totally blown out of proportion' and said his family and friends thought his case was so 'insane' they had started looking for ulterior motives behind it. 'Everybody I know was convinced that I had p***ed somebody off in the park or in the federal government, and they were trying to come after me and hurt me and hurt my reputation,' he said. Sunseri had no clue that he'd stumbled into an illegal part of the National Park during his record setting run (pictured, his Strava route) Sunseri was charged with violating federal law related to preserving natural, cultural and archeological resources 'I was trying to figure out like, man, do I have any enemies? Who would be my enemies that would go through this much trouble to totally hurt me and try to ruin this accomplishment?' Sunseri said jokes had come his way before about a pardon because of how 'ridiculous' the situation was. 'I always took that as exactly what I thought it was - as a joke - but I never thought it was actually possible,' he told the Daily Mail. Wyoming Rep. Harriet Hageman and Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs - both Republicans - had written to the acting US Attorney in Wyoming, Stephanie Sprecher, in July and called Sunseri's case 'a prime example of the problem of overcriminalization.' The Republican officials pointed to an May 9 executive order signed by Trump, which noted that the US was 'drastically overregulated' and called to fight 'overcriminalization in federal regulations.' Sunseri was set for a sentencing hearing later this month, but he believed his case to be fully wrapped up following the US president's pardon. He recorded a series of videos in the lead-up and aftermath Just moments after he stabbed his former partner to death with a hunting knife, Daniel Billings declared in a self-recorded video: 'I just killed my ex-girlfriend'. Billings, 30, had been tormenting and threatening to kill Molly Ticehurst, 28, for months before she sought an apprehended violence order in April, 2024. The mother of a five-year-old son alleged Billings had raped her, intimidated her, smashed her car window and killed her dachshund puppy. She told officers the tradie had also repeatedly laid out his plans to kill her, saying he would climb through her bedroom window as she slept. 'I will come in the middle of the night... I will get to you if that is the last thing I do,' Ms Ticehurst told police of Billings' threat. 'The police won't stop me, I will get to you quicker than they will.' At 11.27pm on April 21, 2024, Billings did just that, according to a 17-page statement of agreed facts tendered to the Local Court. It took exactly 59 seconds for him to break into Ms Ticehurst's home, stab her 15 times with a hunting knife and then return to his car. Mother and childcare worker Molly Ticehurst was stabbed to death on April 21, 2024 Her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Billings, plead guilty to her murder on Friday Ms Ticehurst's white coffin is seen at her funeral on May 2, 2024 Just six weeks before the beloved childcare worker was murdered, she texted a friend a chilling message: 'If I end up dead, he 100 per cent did it'. Billings' frenzied path of physical and psychological violence was revealed in court for the first time on Friday, after he pleaded guilty to Ms Ticehurst's murder in her Forbes home in central western NSW. The 30-year-old, who is in custody in the supermax wing at Goulburn jail, also admitted four other charges including breaching an apprehended violence order, property damage and animal cruelty. The killer recorded a series of videos in the lead-up and in the aftermath of Ms Ticehurst's murder. At 2.09pm, he was recorded saying: 'I don't know what I am going to do tonight but nothing f***ing good I will not let anyone or anything stop me tonight'. Three hours later, Billings expressed plans to Ms Billings for a drive later that evening. At 10.35pm, he left his home in Parkes and travelled to her home in Forbes. At 11.27pm, Billings entered her bedroom window and stabbed her 15 times with a hunting knife, before leaving just one minute later. 'I just murdered my ex-girlfriend,' he was recorded saying. '(I) cannot believe I just did that.' Ms Ticehurst is survived by her five-year-old son Billings' frenzied path of physical and psychological violence was revealed in court for the first time on Friday, after he pleaded guilty to Ms Ticehurst's murder The following morning, Billings turned up on a friend's doorstep drinking rum. Court documents state he told two friends: 'I've killed her'. One of the friends called triple-zero and told the operator: 'I've got a man named Daniel Billings here, he's in the system and he's just turned up at our house to say that he's killed someone'. Billings would later tell police he killed Ms Ticehurst's puppy with a hammer soon after she broke up with him in June 2023. Another 12 charges, including several sexual assault and stalking offences, were dropped in exchange for the murder plea. Billings, who appeared on-screen wearing prison greens with dreadlocked hair and a small moustache, appeared calm as his Legal Aid solicitor confirmed the pleas. Ms Ticehurst, 28, became the face of a growing national movement against domestic and gendered violence, particularly as Billings was free on bail when he killed her. A local court registrar had granted bail a fortnight before the murder, despite Billings facing several counts of raping Ms Ticehurst and other domestic violence offences. Ms Ticehurst became the face of a growing national movement against domestic and gendered violence, particularly as Billings was free on bail when he killed her Her murder sparked changes to NSW laws, including stripping registrars of the power to grant bail, 'show cause' thresholds for domestic violence-related bail applications and electronic monitoring for accused people. The pleas came more than 18 months after Billings was charged with murder, following lengthy legal negotiations and a string of adjournments. About 50 Forbes locals gathered in the park outside the courthouse to support the Ticehurst family, some wearing t-shirts saying: 'She Matters'. The crowd burst into applause as Ms Ticehurst's family emerged from the court after the plea. Her bereaved father Tony became emotional when asked how he would remember his daughter. 'I would break down trying to tell you,' he told reporters. The matter was adjourned for arraignment in the NSW Supreme Court on December 12. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) Lifeline 13 11 14 Men's Referral Service 1300 766 491 National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 A man accused of leaving three children to burn to death in a house fire will never face justice. Matthew McAuliffe, 24, allegedly left siblings Izabel, 5, and Lyvia, 2, and their three-year-old brother Kalais to die as he and their mother went out to collect a car door. Charged with negligent manslaughter alongside the children's mother Shania Lee, McAuliffe was due in court on Friday but did not attend. His case was called in the Melbourne Magistrates' Court, where prosecutors requested all charges against him be withdrawn. Magistrate Belinda Wallington was told this was because he was dead, NCA Newswire reported. It is understood his death is not being treated as suspicious. Both he and Lee, 25, of Tarneit in Melbourne's west, were accused of ignoring the children's screams while watching the house on CCTV as they drove away. The children were pulled unconscious from the rear of a property in Sydenham in Melbourne's north-west after neighbours raised the alarm on September 8 last year. Matthew McAuliffe, 24, will not face justice over allegations he left children in his care to burn to death Firefighters rescued the children, one by one, before all three were taken to Melbourne's Royal Children's Hospital. Izabel and Lyvia tragically died in hospital, while Kalais survived after being placed in an induced coma. Another child was not home. Lee was granted bail to live with her mother in Moama, on the NSW-Victoria border, but McAuliffe had stayed behind bars until October due to his shocking criminal history. He was bailed on October 7 to live with his mother and grandfather in the regional Victorian town of Maryborough. In applying for bail, the court heard McAuliffe had been charged 425 times since he was 13, with 101 warrants for his arrest issued over his short life, amounting to 31 pages of previous criminal history. He had only been released from jail a little more than two months before the fire, moving into the house with Lee and her children a week before the blaze. In opposing bail, Detective Senior Constable Christopher Mitchell told the court McAuliffe had a 'propensity for violence' and last year was arrested just two days after his release from jail. In that incident, McAuliffe was found with a stolen car which contained a balaclava, shotgun shells and a homemade 'slam gun'. The tragic house fire where two children were killed In a prison call captured on February 20, McAuliffe accused Lee of watching the cameras on the night of the incident and hearing screaming. 'Lee admits that she watched the cameras at the last minute and informed her mother, Lynn Hawkett,' Senior Constable Mitchell said. 'Lee states, "Its nothing, its nothing," and asks whether McAuliffe will use it against her. 'Investigators believe that the referred screaming is in relation to the children during the fire. Investigators also believe that McAuliffe and Lee are discussing viewing the footage using a phone application on Lees mobile.' In granting bail, Magistrate Phillip Goldberg deemed strict bail conditions would alleviate any risk McAuliffe posed to the community while awaiting his next court appearance in January. Crown prosecutor Emily Sheales had pleaded with Magistrate Goldberg to keep McAuliffe behind bars. 'Through the prison calls the accused says to his co-accused or refers to watching the camera on the night of the incident and hearing screaming and then there being a discussion about that,' she said. 'It is the Crown case that shows that very shortly after leaving the premises, and the timeline that set out is within a couple of minutes. 'The smoke alarm is going off, they're both aware that the smoke alarm is going off and they're both aware that there is screaming and that at that point they should have returned. They did not return. They did not call triple zero.' Shania Lee will face justice alone Ms Sheales said McAuliffe had breached previous bail conditions at least a dozen times in addition to failing to appear at court, breaching community corrections orders, supervision orders and family violence intervention orders. 'It shows multiple instances of dishonesty, violent offending, access to weapons, and drug offending,' she said. 'So in my submission, that significant and lengthy history over a 10-year period when he is only 24 sets him apart from his co-accused.' The court heard McAuliffe had not been on speaking terms with his former lover and had lashed out at her on the phone while in jail. Police suspected it was likely McAuliffe who accidentally lit the fire with a discarded cigarette. During that hearing, the court heard the children had been put to bed between 8.30-9pm that night, with McAuliffe - a smoker - heading to the bedroom before leaving and shutting the door behind him. The court was told police were unable to determine how the fire began but believed it was most likely direct ignition on or around the bed when the former couple were still home. The officer said it was not alleged the fire in the master bedroom was deliberately lit, but that Mr McAuliffe and Ms Lee knew there was a fire and did not take any steps to return or seek help. Lee will return to court in January. Lifeline: 13 11 14 Beyond Blue: 1300 22 4636 Kids Helpline: 1800 55 1800 Headspace: 1800 650 890 Chilling text messages revealed the chaos and confusion that unfolded the night a fashion designer was mysteriously found dead on a yacht in the Hamptons. Martha Nolan had met with insurance mogul Christopher Durnan to discuss her fledgling fashion label before the two set out on his fishing boat to drink champagne and watch the sunset in Montauk. 'If you guys are looking for more money, lets sit down and talk about it,' Durnan had said, according to New York Magazine. But after leaving the dock, the fashion designer could not be reached, and her friends began to worry. Her pals initially used the Find My app, which showed her location was somewhere in the Atlantic Ocean. 'lmao. I'm sure her phone died. Or maybe she's dead,' one of her friends wrote in an eerily prescient joke. Nolan, however, responded about ten minutes later: 'Lol I'm at the yacht club now, my phone is on.' About an hour after her last text message, the joke turned into a tragic reality: Nolan was slumped over, unresponsive, on her friend's yacht. Nolan's traveling companion, Durnan, was seen running down the dock nude, throwing sunscreen at a neighboring boat and calling for help. Authorities in Long Island are still investigating her death, but a clearer picture has emerged of the aspiring businesswoman and her wealthy benefactor. Close friends of Martha Nolan, 33, sent her some chilling text messages the night of August 4, hours before she was found dead on a yacht in the Hamptons She had met up with 60-year-old insurance mogul, Christopher Durnan (pictured), that night to discuss her label East x East Durnan's nudity had become a detail that many of Nolan's friends fixated on following her untimely death. 'I think for me it's like, "Why is the man naked, right?"' one unidentified friend told New York Magazine. 'That's the part where I'm like: "Did something happen to this girl?"' But Durnan's lawyer, Robert Holdman, insisted his client was forced to take off his clothes after they became 'soaked' in the designer's vomit. Durnan and Nolan had been sitting on the deck of the Ripple in the dark discussing business when Nolan suddenly went limp at around 10.30pm or 11pm, the lawyer claimed. Durnan thought she may have been suffering a heart attack, and tried to perform CPR. But it was already too late. 'She was gone almost immediately,' Holdman insisted. 'She was nonresponsive.' Durnan did not call 911, but instead, police were alerted by a bystander around midnight That timeline seems to leave a gap of at least one hour between when Nolan lost consciousness and when Suffolk County police said they were called to the scene. Holdman insisted that 'it all happened immediately.' Nolan had reassured her friends that she was OK in a text message Nolan's body was found on Durnan's yacht, the Ripple, early the next morning Durnan's lawyer claimed he and Nolan had been sitting on the deck of the Ripple in the dark discussing business when the designer suddenly went limp at around 10.30pm or 11pm 'She passed away and everything went down from there,' the lawyer said. 'He went running to go look for help. He tried CPR- like it all happened one right after another. There was no pause.' Holdman also noted that Durnan 'doesn't remember how long he did CPR' and said his client is cooperating with authorities. The only potential clue Durnan could give cops was that Nolan had dismissed herself twice that night to use the restroom. 'It could be an indication of someone going to the bathroom, it could be an indication of someone doing drugs, or it could be both,' the lawyer suggested. Holdman also explained that a powdery white substance pictured on the deck of the yacht was dust left from police fingerprinting the scene. 'Chris is distraught,' the lawyer claimed. 'He watched his friend die in trauma. He's absolutely destroyed.' He added that his client 'really liked Martha and he wanted to help her succeed.' 'He was hopeful and he liked her energy and liked the way she presented it to him.' Nolan was living an enviable life in Manhattan's Upper East Side prior to her death It wasn't the first time that Durnan had a run-in with the law, however. He was arrested during a benefit concert at NYC's Webster Hall on the 20th anniversary of September 11. He allegedly punched and bit a Ground Zero first responder. Charging documents obtained by New York Magazine allege he bit the man on the 'face, back and thumb, causing lacerations.' An arresting officer claimed he found a plastic bag filled with cocaine in Durnan's wallet. Holdman, though, claimed his client was simply defending the honor of one of the band members' wives and denied possessing the drugs. Durnan ultimately pleaded guilty in that case to the lesser charge of disorderly conduct. Meanwhile, Nolan was living an enviable life in Manhattan's Upper East Side, posting TikToks of herself sipping champagne, taking private jets and helicopter trips with her boyfriend, Nick DiRubio, whom she reportedly planned to marry. She had finalized her uncontested divorce from ex-husband Sam Ryan in April, according to court documents filed in New York Supreme Court. Ambitious from a young age, she studied commerce at University College Dublin before completing a master's in digital marketing from the Smurfit Graduate School of Business. 'Carlow is a small town, I was the small-town girl who needed to get out to achieve her big dreams,' Nolan said in an interview with the Irish Independent last year. She had settled a divorce from her husband just months before her untimely death and was reportedly considering marrying her boyfriend, Nick DiRubio 'I always knew I wanted to be successful, that I was money-driven, business-driven and that fashion is a tough industry and it would be a slow road.' She worked in Ireland until 2015 before moving to the US, where she founded several companies, including fashion accessories brand Duper and a luxury swimwear label. As police now continue to probe what may have happened to the fashion designer, they are searching for potential drug dealers, according to the New York Post. '[These dealers] may or may not have known [they were selling] poison to this girl, but that doesnt matter,' a law enforcement source told the New York Post in August. 'With higher profile cases like this poor girl in Montauk, youre going to see more and more of these dealers getting locked up.' An initial post-mortem examination of Nolan body 'did not show evidence of violence and her final cause of death is pending further investigation,' Suffolk County police have said. But her grief-stricken family of the fashion founder travelled from Ireland to the US to demand a second-opinion autopsy into her cause of death. The final post-mortem report, which will include toxicological, histological, and other testing, will take at least three months to conclude. If the toxicology report comes back positive for drug usage, the dealers could face manslaughter or criminally negligent homicide charges, police sources said. Federal authorities could also become involved. Legislators have introduced 'Chelsey's Law,' which would give prosecutors the ability to add on drug-induced manslaughter and homicide charges against dealers. The bill is currently in a state committee assembly and has not been passed into law. It is named after Chelsey Murray, a 31-year-old who died after using fentanyl-laced heroin in August 2022 on Long Island. Her dealer, Jaquan Casserly, was sentenced to ten years for felony drug sale. A Sydney tech entrepreneur has sparked backlash after calling for an overhaul of Australia's work culture and praising American firms that work past 11pm. Anh Dao is the co-founder of Lyra, a Sydney-based boutique website design firm with clients including Microsoft, Griffith University and previously Canva. While visiting San Francisco, he shared a controversial opinion on how Aussies need to change their work ethic. 'I have gotten too used to the air in Australia, and I clearly needed a wake-up call. Australia's work culture needs a serious change,' Mr Dao wrote on social media from the United States. 'The culture here runs till late I saw people still in the office at 11:30pm, calls happening well after 5pm and my brain was overflowing with ideas.' Mr Dao claimed it was far more stimulating than the 'comfort-first' culture back home. 'We simply cannot compete on ambition, pace, or outcomes if comfort becomes the priority,' he said. 'In Australia, breaking out of the tall poppy mindset is incredibly difficult because it is so deeply ingrained that ambition often gets cut down before it has the chance to grow.' Lyra founder Anh Dao (pictured, left) said Australian work culture needs a 'serious change' Mr Dao announced Lyra would be fully adopting a fast-paced ethos by the end of the year, with plans to transform its Barangaroo office into the 'tech central (sic) of Australia'. 'Founders, engineers, growth, designers, investors in Australia, lock the f*** in,' the entrepreneur said. But many social media users have criticised Mr Dao's post as out of touch with the realities of Australia's workplace culture. 'I love being a corporate slave working to increase profits for the shareholders,' one person quipped. Another asked whether Lyra was prepared to match the salaries that make such a lifestyle viable in Silicon Valley. 'When you were in San Francisco and observed this, what salaries were those content employees, who seemed to be having the time of their lives, earning?' they said. 'How do their salaries compare to those of employees at Lyra in similar roles?' A third person commented: 'I'd be smiling too if I was earning $500k USD a year and I'd work until midnight. Are you offering 4x market rate? Because this is where you need to be salary-wise to get this level of output from employees.' Mr Dao (pictured centre) was criticised for sharing his plans on social media to adopt a workplace culture similar to those used by companies in the United States San Francisco, and specifically the city's tech hub Silicon Valley, is known for its demanding work culture and has recently seen companies embrace the '996' regime. Originating from a now-outlawed Chinese corporate expectation, the 996 approach requires employees to work from 9am to 9pm six days a week, The Washington Post reported in October. One former Silicon Valley worker commented on Mr Dao's social media post that the late night expectation was part of why they escaped the industry. 'Yeah nah. I left SF burnt out by that 'always on' unsustainable work culture,' they said. Another added: 'Please don't bring it to Sydney - and if you do, then be ready to pay a quarter million dollars at least in compensation for your employees.' When asked about criticism, Mr Dao told the Daily Mail he wasn't referring to all Australian workplaces but 'founders and builders'. 'The point wasn't about working till 11:30pm. It was about ambition and what it takes to close the gap between what's possible here and what's already happening in the world,' he said. 'I've seen the chatter. Its okay. Conversations like this usually come from people who care about the same ecosystem we do. 'I believe drive looks different for everyone. Some want balance, some want to push limits. Both belong here.' A real estate agent has been found not guilty of dozens of sexual offence charges, including incidents alleged to have occurred during open house inspections. Omar Lababidi, 29, faced 26 charges involving three women during a weeks-long trial at Campbelltown District Court in Sydney. The charges included three alleged rapes and 20 counts of sexual touching between 2021 and 2023. On Friday, a 12-member jury found him not guilty on all counts after nearly 13 hours of deliberation, The Sydney Morning Herald reports. Prosecutors had alleged in court that Mr Lababidi pinned three women against a wall and forced one to have oral sex with him three times while he was working at nine different house inspections in south-west Sydney. The prosecution argued in court that the real estate agent had displayed a pattern of pursuing sexual activity despite knowing, or disregarding, that the women had not consented. They also told the court the women gave no indication they were willing to engage in any sexual acts and, in some instances, made it clear they did not want to. The defence told the jury that all three women had willingly engaged in intimate behaviour with Mr Lababidi. Real estate agent Omar Lababidi (pictured) was found not guilty of dozens of charges, including three alleged rapes and 20 counts of sexual touching, by a jury on Friday Defence barrister Simon Buchen told the court there had been mutual flirting between his client Mr Lababidi (pictured, right) and the three women who had made the claims 'It is the defence case that there was mutual flirting. The complainants exercised a degree of choice with the accused,' defence barrister Simon Buchen, SC, told the jury. 'The accused did not force himself upon the complainants with locations open to the public.' Mr Buchen told the court his client accepted some sexual acts had occurred but said all were consensual. He denied that others occurred at all. Mr Lababidi won multiple awards in 2023 for selling 145 houses in the Macarthur region. He was named Sydneys fifth highest performer that year after selling a property in Harrington Park for $2.65million. 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732) National Sexual Abuse and Redress Support Service 1800 211 028 Vladimir Putin's forces have rained hellfire on Kyiv in one of the biggest missile and drone attacks seen in recent months, killing at least four people in bombardments that targeted residential areas and energy plants. Dozens more were wounded, including a pregnant woman, said Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky, who also condemned the 'deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure'. The Ukrainian leader added that Russia had launched around 430 drones and 18 missiles in last night's attack. Tracer bullets were reportedly used against drones and several anti-missile systems were deployed to attempt to minimise damage. 'There are a lot of damaged high-rise buildings throughout Kyiv, almost in every district,' Tymur Tkachenko, the head of the city's military administration, wrote on social media. Ukrainian emergency services rescued dozens from fires and destruction across the city, as the police said 30 residential buildings in nine districts were damaged. Some parts of the Desnyansky and Podil district were temporarily left without heat, mayor Vitaly Klitschko said. But local emergency outages caused by the attack were resolved by the morning, he said. An explosion lights up the cityscape during Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 14, 2025 Smoke comes out from a damaged residential building following an air strike in Kyiv on November 14, 2025 Transport was partially blocked, city administration authorities said, with buses and trams delayed. The attack comes as Kyiv's Western allies ratchet up pressure on Russia. On Wednesday, Canada unveiled new sanctions targeting Russia's drone and energy production, as well as infrastructure used to launch cyberattacks. On the same day, G7 foreign ministers called for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine, voicing 'unwavering' support for the country's territorial integrity. And the European Commission is considering using part of Russia's assets frozen after its invasion to provide Kyiv with a loan for budgetary and military support over the next two years. But after almost four years of war, both sides are heavily entrenched with Moscow rejecting ceasefire calls and efforts by US President Donald Trump to revive a long-stalled peace deal. Russian forces have been grinding across eastern Ukraine for months, trying to take control of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Experts say Russia's latest strikes on energy infrastructure are putting Ukraine at risk of heating outages ahead of the winter months. Resident stand near their apartment building hit during an overnight Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 14, 2025 A drone explodes during a Russian missile and drone strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine November 14, 2025 Smoke rises from a damaged apartment building hit during an overnight Russian drone and missile strike, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine, November 14, 2025 Ukraine has in turn stepped up attacks on Russian infrastructure, and sought to strike further beyond the front. Russian forces downed more than 200 Ukrainian drones overnight into Friday, Moscow's defence ministry said, including 66 over Krasnodar Krai and 45 over Saratov in the south. A fire broke out at the Sheskharis oil refinery, one of the largest in Russia, in the Black Sea port of Novorossiysk, before being brought under control, Krasnodar Krai authorities said. A civilian vessel there was also damaged, with three of the crew wounded and hospitalised, they added. A failed Egyptian asylum seeker was remanded in custody today after being charged with raping a woman in her 30s in a woodland in Bournemouth. Mohammed Fathi Eltbie, 24, is accused of attacking the woman in an area off Maxwell Road on November 5. The 24-year-old had his case sent to Bournemouth Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing on December 18. Dressed in a grey prison-issue sweatshirt and jogging bottoms, he spoke through an Arabic interpreter to confirm his name, date of birth. His lawyer Selina Goddard explained that he lives in a shared house in Bournemouth, but he is not sure of the address. Robert Salame, prosecuting, told the court that Eltbie arrived in the UK in July 2023 but his application for asylum was refused in January this year, leaving his immigration status 'uncertain'. He said: 'The defendant is of uncertain immigration status with the defendant's asylum application refused in January this year. 'The defendant is an Egyptian national who entered the UK in July 2023.' Ms Goddard, defending, said that Eltbie denied the offence and claimed the sexual encounter was 'consensual'. Neither the defendant nor the complainant knew each other, the court heard. Mohammed Fathi Eltbie, 24, is accused of attacking the woman in an area off Maxwell Road (pictured) on Wednesday A cordon had been set up at Winton Recreation Ground as officers investigated the incident Dorset Police said in a statement ahead of the hearing: 'Dorset Police received a report at 9.18pm on Wednesday November 5 2025 that a man had raped a woman aged in her 30s in a wooded area in the Maxwell Road area. 'An investigation was launched and following inquiries, 24-year-old Mohammed Fathi Eltbie from Bournemouth was arrested on suspicion of rape. 'Eltbie - an Egyptian national - has been charged with rape and is due to appear at Poole Magistrates' Court on Friday November 14 2025.' Detective Inspector Mark Jenkins, of the force's major crime investigation team, said they have continued to provide support to the complainant and 'she has been updated with this latest development'. He added: 'This matter will be subject to active court proceedings, and it is vital that the justice process is allowed to follow its course. 'We would therefore urge members of the public to refrain from speculation or commentary relating to this case, particularly online and on social media.' Paul Crompton, chairman of the magistrates' panel, told the defendant: 'This case will be at Bournemouth Crown Court on December 18 at 10am. 'Until that date and time you are remanded in custody, we are not granting you bail because we believe there are substantial grounds to believe that you will fail to surrender to custody and if you are convicted of this offence there is a real prospect of you receiving a custodial sentence.' Eltbie told the court he was unable to provide his address in Bournemouth because he had recently moved. Two Aussie brothers were killed in Mexico last year Three men accused of murdering a pair of Australian brothers in Mexico could face up to 210 years in jail if they are found guilty. Callum and Jake Robinson, from Perth, and their friend Jack Carter Rhoad, from San Diego, had been on a surfing trip in the Mexican state of Baja, California, when they were reported missing on April 27 last year. Their bodies were found a few days later on May 3 at the bottom of a well alongside a fourth body not directly linked to the case, reportedly that of a local rancher. About 18 months later, the three men charged with aggravated homicide appeared at court on Thursday in the Mexican city of Ensenada. Jesus Gerardo, Irineo Francisco and Angel Jesus - all of whom have had their surnames suppressed - rejected plea deals during the hearing, ABC News reports. The deals would have seen them serve prison terms ranging from 47 to 52 years. But, they now will stand trial, and if found guilty, their sentence could be significantly harsher. The court heard on Friday that prosecutor Raul Cobo Montejano has asked for 210-year jail sentences for each of the men. Mr Montejano also requested a further 168-year sentence for Jesus Gerardo, who has also been charged with forced disappearance, if he is found guilty. Perth brothers Jake (left) and Callum Robinson (right) were on a surfing trip in the Mexican state of Baja, California, when they were reported missing on April 27 last year The brothers were found dead, alongside their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad (pictured), a few days later at the bottom of a well The three defendants have also been charged with aggravated robbery, violent robbery and grand theft auto. A trial date is yet to be set. The ex-girlfriend of Jesus Gerardo, Ari Gisell, also appeared in court on Friday, facing a series of charges including inciting robbery. She is not charged with murder. Ms Gisell had been arrested by police in a routine traffic stop two days before the bodies of the Robinson brothers and Mr Rhoad were found. It is understood she provided information to officers which led to the arrests of the other defendants. She has refused a plea deal, which would have meant a 20-year sentence. She will face a separate hearing on November 19. None of the four defendants have entered pleas. The prosecution told reporters outside the court that authorities have been searching for another man believed to have been involved in the killings, ABC News reports. Jesus Gerardo and Irineo Francisco are being held in high-security 'El Hongo' prison in the Mexican desert due to concerns about alleged cartel links. Angel Jesus and Ari Gisell are in a lower-security facility in Ensenada. Callum Robinson (right) was a talented lacrosse player living in the United States, while Jake (left) was a doctor visiting his brother. The three accused killers (two pictured) are facing up to 210 years in jail if found guilty Police allege the trio's vehicle (pictured) was later found burnt-out in the Santo Tomas area Family members of the victims and Australian embassy representatives attended the hearing remotely on Friday. Callum Robinson was a talented lacrosse player living in the United States, while Jake was a doctor visiting his brother. Mr Rhoad worked at a technology services company and was set to get married in August last year. Three wooden statues have been installed overlooking the North Baja coast to commemorate the Perth brothers and their American friend. The Callum and Jake Robinson Foundation wrote on social media earlier this year that the 'unveiling ceremony brought together surfers, representatives from the Australian embassy and the Baja California governor's office'. 'After a few words were shared, the community honoured the boys with a traditional paddle out,' the statement said. 'We are deeply grateful for the continued love, remembrance, and support from around the world.' A 22-year-old is fighting for his life in hospital after he swallowed an entire burger 'for a joke' on Thursday. The man, who has not been named, is reportedly on a ventilator after the alleged prank during a meal with friends, having caused significant damage to his vital organs. He was taken to the intensive care unit of the G. Gennimatas Hospital in the town of Koropi, Greece, on November 13 and is in a critical condition. A friend, who was with him at the time, said the man began panicking after swallowing the burger, before collapsing on the ground. They told local media: 'He had something like a panic attack. He gets up and runs a bit further away, we thought he was going to spit it out and didn't want to make a mess around others. 'He didn't do that. He makes a move to come back and then goes away again to spit it out. We thought, "Okay, now it's coming." That didn't happen either.' The friend added: 'Then he starts coming back again, and the moment we realised something was wrong was when he was hitting his back against a column, probably trying to spit it out or something'. He also denied that the man had stuffed the burger in his mouth for a challenge: 'He just said, "Look." If you want to call it something, call it a joke.' A 22-year-old man is fighting for his life in hospital after he swallowed an entire burger while having a meal with his friends 'for a joke' (file image) The man is believed to have stopped breathing for two full minutes. Michalis Giannakos, president of the Panhellenic Federation of Public Hospital Workers (POEDHN), said: 'He can only be saved by a miracle, he is in a very critical condition.' Giannakos also questioned how a person could swallow a whole burger without chewing. He said: 'Even if he received first aid, a doctor's intervention is needed because when the brain is left without oxygen, irreparable damage is caused.' Local police spokesman Konstantina Dimoglidou said authorities would seek footage from the restaurant to determine whether anyone had encouraged him to attempt the alleged prank. Former president of the Athens-Piraeus Hospital Doctors Association (EINAP), Matina Pagoni, said: 'These are tragic circumstances. 'A 22-year-old young man who went to Koropi just to have some fun is now intubated and in extremely critical condition, with very serious problems affecting his brain, kidneys, and all his organs.' An academic has been reported to the police for 'heinous' antisemitism after she referenced a 'blood libel' that accused Jews of killing a monk to use his blood to bake bread. Dr Samar Maqusi, an American academic, also accused Jews of controlling international finance during the time of Napoleon at a lecture she delivered to Students for Justice in Palestine society at University College London (UCL). In the lecture, on 'The Birth of Zionism', Dr Maqusi said that Jews murdered a monk in Syria so they could use his blood to bake 'special pancakes or bread' as part of a holy ceremony. The London university, who said Dr Maqusi is not a current member of staff, reported her to police on Thursday and banned her from campus. UCL Students for Justice in Palestine have also been barred from holding further events until the investigation is completed. The lecturer, who previously worked for UNRWA, the UN's agency for Palestinians, referred to the Damascus Affair - a 200-year-old scandal where Jews were tortured and murdered after being falsely accused of murdering a Christian priest to obtain his blood. But rather than highlighting that the incident was used to persecute Jews, she urged students to 'draw your own narrative'. Dr Maqusi told students: 'This is a Jewish feast, and the story goes and, you know, again, these are things that you read and again, as I said: do investigate, draw your own narrative. But the story is that during this feast they make these special pancakes or bread. Dr Samar Maqusi has been reported to police for 'heinous' antisemitism after delivering a lecture at UCL 'And, part of the holy ceremony is that drops of blood from someone who's not Jewish has to be mixed in that bread. So, the story is that a certain investigation was undergoing to try and find where Father Thomas is. He was found murdered, and a group of Jews, who lived in Syria, said that, you know, admitted to kidnapping him and murdering him to get the drops of blood for making the holy bread'. A blood libel is a false allegation that Jews used the blood of non-Jews for ritual purposes. It is an antisemitic trope which has been used to persecute Jews for centuries. Her comments were part of a five-part lecture series by the student group. Dr Maqusi, who completed her doctorate at UCL's Bartlett School of Architecture, also claimed that 'Jews pretty much controlled the financialisation' during the time of Napoleon and that, in return 'he would erect the Jewish kingdom'. The lecture also referred to Sir Moses Montefiore, a British financier. 'So we can also start making connections between Britain and the wealthy Jewish leaders of Britain into this whole story,' she added. The academic claimed the mainstream media was 'Zionist controlled' and 'when you're trying to read about Zionism you're most probably being guided or censored or being directed.' Saqib Bhatti, the shadow education minister, said: 'I'm very concerned about this. Over the last two years life has been made intolerable for many Jewish students across the UK due to the surge in antisemitism. This is not what Britain is about. UCL need to investigate this immediately.' UCL President Dr Michael Spence said he was 'utterly appalled by these heinous antisemitic comments'. He added: 'Antisemitism has absolutely no place in our university, and I want to express my unequivocal apology to all Jewish students, staff, alumni, and the wider community that these words were uttered at UCL. The former UCL academic claimed that Jews killed a monk to use his blood to bake bread 'The individual responsible is a former fixed-term researcher at UCL, but not a current member of UCL staff. We have reported this incident to the police and have banned her from campus. 'We have launched a full investigation into how this happened and have banned the student group which hosted it from holding any further events on campus pending the outcome of this. 'Regrettably, like many UK universities, we continue to confront incidents of antisemitism and are committing to banishing this from our campus. We have initiated disciplinary proceedings against a number of students in relation to antisemitism and reported incidents to the police where appropriate. 'Freedom of speech and academic freedom are fundamental to university life, but they can never be misused as a shield for hatred. UCL remains steadfast in our commitment to ensure our campus is a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment for everyone.' Two brothers who claimed they were simply out fishing off the Somerset coast have been jailed for helping to smuggle more than 26million of cocaine into Britain. Craig Nuttall, 51, and his younger brother Raymond, 47, had arrived at Watchet Marina in July 2025 insisting they were planning a few quiet days on the water in their Rigid Hull Inflatable Boat, the Guzzla. They even handed over fishing details to the marina manager to complete the ruse. But investigators later uncovered that the pair had travelled from Preston as part of an organised crime group sent to collect a major cocaine haul during an at-sea drop-off. They were later joined by a Greek national, 24-year-old Anestis Tsepa, and 38-year-old Albanian Melios Delvina as the final stage of the operation got underway. All have now been jailed at Taunton Crown Court, with the National Crime Agency saying the gang was 'fuelled by greed' and stood to make millions. Officers also found a firearm in the vessel, underlining 'the levels they were willing to go to'. On the evening of 30 July, Tsepa, Delvina and Craig Nuttall were spotted boarding the Guzzla in lifejackets before heading out into to sea under the cover of darkness. Audio messages recovered from Tsepa's device caught the men organising the meeting, discussing an area where a larger ship had dropped off drugs into the sea for a smaller boat to collect. The roar of the Guzzla's engine could be heard in the background as they travelled towards the drop point. On the evening of 30 July, the group were spotted boarding the Guzzla in lifejackets before heading out to sea under the cover of darkness The drugs were found stored in bale-sized packages on the vessel Brothers Craig Nuttall (left) and Raymond Nuttall (right) arrived at Watchet Marina insisting they were planning a few quiet days on the water They returned to the marina around 1am and attempted to connect the boat to a trailer Raymond had backed down the slipway. But before they could haul it out of the water, National Crime Agency officers swooped, arresting all four men on suspicion of importing Class A drugs. As officers looked inside the vessel, they found 322kg of cocaine with a potential street value of 26.5million packed along the floor and between the seats. Investigators also found a firearm and ammunition. The Nuttalls and Tsepa gave 'no comment' interviews, while Delvina offered a pre-prepared statement claiming he thought he had simply been hired to unload items from a boat. All four later admitted importing cocaine, with Tsepa also pleading guilty to possessing a firearm. At Taunton Crown Court, Raymond Nuttall was jailed for 11 years and three months, Craig Nuttall for 11 years and two months, and Tsepa for 16 years. Delvina will be sentenced on 11 December. As officers looked inside the vessel, they found 322kg of cocaine with a potential street value of 26.5million packed along the floor and between the seats A gun was also found in the bag which the NCA shows the levels which the group was willing to go in their mission to smuggle drugs into Britain The brothers were joined by 24-year-old Anestis Tsepa (left), from Greece, and 38-year-old Albanian Melios Delvina (right) NCA Regional Head of Investigations Gavin Webb said: said: 'These men were working as part of an organised crime group, using the cover of darkness to collect a significant amount of cocaine that would have ended up on the streets of the UK. 'They were fuelled by greed if their attempt had been successful it would have netted them millions of pounds in profit. 'The presence of a firearm in the boat shows the levels they were willing to go to with their offending. 'The NCA is confronting and dealing with at-sea drugs drop-offs as a priority to ensure illegal drugs do not make it to UK shores. 'Dedicated Officers from the NCA were aided by, and are grateful for, the vital support of, our partners in Border Force, the South West Regional Organised Crime Unit, Avon and Somerset Police and Devon and Cornwall Police. These criminals are now behind bars.' One of Britain's 'biggest ever' fly tips has appeared in Oxfordshire and is a massive 500ft-long mountain of abandoned rubbish, prompting activists to condemn the 'environmental catastrophe'. The 20ft-high pile of hazardous rubbish was illegally dumped in a field next to the A34 and River Cherwell near Kidlington in Oxfordshire. It is believed the waste was dumped in one go and it has since been described by an MP as 'threatening an environmental disaster'. It was discovered last month by horrified anglers and contains plastic, foam and wood. It is not known exactly when the mountain appeared. Dramatic drone footage taken from above shows the sheer enormity of the rubbish, located just metres from Oxfordshire's River Cherwell. Charity Friends of the Thames told the BBC: 'This is an environmental catastrophe unfolding in plain sight. 'Every day that passes increases the risk of toxic run-off entering the river system, poisoning wildlife and threatening the health of the entire catchment.' The Environment Agency has confirmed a probe has been launched and has encouraged anyone with any information to get in touch as soon as possible. The 20ft-high pile of hazardous rubbish was illegally dumped in a field next to the A34 and River Cherwell near Kidlington in Oxfordshire Some of the rubbish has fallen down because it was so tall, which has left the waste just five metres from the river The 500ft-long dump has been described as one of the biggest fly tips ever seen in Britain The fly tip was discovered last month by horrified anglers and contains plastic, foam and wood Much of the waste appears to have been shredded and mixed up with earth It is hard to distinguish any particular bits of waste as it appears to have been shredded, and earth mixed in. Some of the rubbish has fallen down because it was so tall, which has left the waste just five metres from the river. The fly tip was first discovered by the Kidlington Angling Society, and has been described by activists as 'horrendous'. Calum Miller, Liberal Democrat MP for Bicester and Woodstock, raised the issue in Parliament. Addressing MPs on Thursday, he said: 'Criminals have dumped a mountain of illegal plastic waste... weighing hundreds of tonnes, in my constituency on a floodplain adjacent to the River Cherwell. 'River levels are rising and heatmaps show that the waste is also heating up, raising the risk of fire. 'The Environment Agency said it has limited resources for enforcement, that the estimated cost of removal is greater than the entire annual budget of the local district council.' Responding, environment minister Mary Creagh said Labour inherited a 'failing' waste system that has caused an 'epidemic of illegal fly-tipping'. A spokesperson for the Environment Agency said: 'Specialist officers are investigating waste dumped near the A34 at Kidlington. Their role will be to find who left the waste there and take appropriate action. 'We share the public's anger about incidents like this, which is why we take action against those responsible for waste crime. Anyone with information about this incident, or if they suspect waste crime elsewhere, can call the Environment Agency's 24-hour incident hotline: 0800 807060.' The family of a schoolgirl stabbed to death in her own bedroom as she tried to fight off an alleged intruder have paid tribute to the 'brave and beautiful' teenager. Lainie Williams, 17, was found fatally wounded at her home in Cefn Fforest, near Blackwood, South Wales, shortly after 7.15am on Thursday, while her mother Rhian Stephens, 38, was left with serious injuries. Armed police arrested an 18-year-old man from nearby Newbridge on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. Living five miles from Lainie, he is said to be known to her and detectives have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else. He remains in police custody. The alleged attacker is said to have waited for Ms Stephens' boyfriend to leave the house for work before letting himself into the property through an open door in the morning. Relatives said the knifeman stabbed Ms Stephens, who was taken to hospital, before running into Lainie's bedroom, where she was sleeping. After hearing his sister's screams, her eight-year-old brother came out of his room but Ms Stephens told him to get back inside and hide under the bed. College student Lainie, who had been looking forward to her forthcoming 18th birthday, died at the scene after trying to fight off her attacker. In touching tributes today her family have described how the teenager was 'so loved'. Her cousin Megan wrote on social media: 'There's not enough words, rest peacefully our brave and beautiful cousin Lainie. Very fond childhood memories I'll cherish forever. Lainie Williams (pictured) was pronounced dead at the scene of the incident on Wheatley Place in the Cefn Fforest area of Blackwood, Gwent Lainie's great-grandmother, Florence Jones, 78, described the schoolgirl as a 'lovely bubbly girl'. Pictured: College student Lainie, who had been looking forward to her forthcoming 18th birthday Lainie's mother, Rhian Stephens, 38, was airlifted to hospital for treatment following the attack 'You were and still are so loved.' Meanwhile friends told of their devastation, with one writing: 'No words. Rest in peace beautiful girl, I will cherish our memories as kids forever.' A second added: 'It was a pleasure to know you beautiful. Rest in Paradise.' The family has set up a GoFundMe campaign to go towards funeral costs. Lainie's great-grandmother, Florence Jones, 78, previously told how brave Lainie fought for her life after the man allegedly broke into their home and attacked her while she lay asleep. After hearing her screams, her eight-year-old brother came out of his room but Ms Stephens told him to get back inside and hide under the bed. Ms Jones said: 'Her mother said Lainie put up a fantastic fight against him. 'I'm in total shock, she was a lovely bubbly girl. She lived with me for the last few years, I can't believe what's happened. Things like this don't happen in our family.' The alleged attacker was seen outside the house without a shirt on at 5.30am on Thursday. He is said to have waited for Ms Stephen's boyfriend, Clive Osborne, to leave for work at 7am, then let himself in through an open door and went upstairs to where Lainie was sleeping. Her grandfather Robert Stephens said: 'He lunged at Lainie with the knife and her mother heard her screams. 'Lainie's brother Carter came out of his room and Rhian told him to get back in and hide under the bed.' Armed police were called to the family's three-bedroom former council house in the village of Cefn Fforest. Paramedics arrived in an air ambulance but were sadly unable to save Lainie, and she was declared dead at the scene. Police at the scene on Wheatley Place in the Cefn Fforest area of Blackwood, Gwent, on Thursday morning Armed police were called to the family's three-bedroom former council house in the village of Cefn Fforest, while paramedics arrived in an air ambulance but were unable to save Lainie Injured Ms Stephens's mother Ceri was at her bedside in hospital last night while little Carter was being looked after by his father. Neighbours, who said they woke to the sounds of sirens, helicopters and banging doors, described Lainie as 'the loveliest person'. Local Michelle Davies said: 'It is terrible. That poor girl had everything to live for and now she is gone. 'At least the mother survived but she will never get over what she witnessed.' Mother-of-two Ms Stephens had lived in the semi-detached house for at least five months. She is described as a 'caring person, but who kept herself to herself.' Another neighbour added: 'Lainie was the loveliest, kindest person who had a lot of friends. The girls are in bits.' One local said they were awoken by the sounds of helicopters landing near his home before seeing 'chaos' outside. He said: 'It's usually a very quiet area, you don't expect something like this to happen on your doorstep.' Detective Superintendent Philip O'Connell, the senior investigating officer for Gwent Police, confirmed the force is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident He said: 'We understand that reports of this nature can be concerning, and it is likely that residents will see an increased number of officers in the area while we carry out further inquires. 'If anyone has any information, please speak to our officers or contact us in the usual way.' Cefn Fforest Councillor Shane Williams said: 'We are all deeply shocked and saddened by the events that have unfolded, and I understand that the police are not looking for anyone else in connection. 'But as councillors, we'd like to do our best to reassure everyone, and our thoughts are with the family at this time. 'We are all hoping for a full recovery for the woman who was hospitalised. Something like this is highly unusual in this area, and I can understand if many residents are now frightened. 'When a young girl loses her life like that, it's quite horrendous.' Independent Councillor Kevin Ethridge added: 'As the local county councillor for Blackwood, I'd like to send my condolences to the family.' Police said that anyone with information can get in touch via 101 or send a message on social media and quote log reference 2500361653. Information can also be given anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Families in a coastal city in Queensland were shaken this week after receiving neo-Nazi flyers in their letterboxes. Residents of Bundaberg have reported the leaflets, which were emblazoned with the name 'White Australia' and called for a return to a whites-only nation, to the Anti-Defamation Commission (ADC). 'Australia was built as the White working man's paradise; and we want to return to this legacy - a legacy the ANZACS fought for,' the flyer read. 'We have the opportunity to make our continent great again. Only White Australia has the strength and clarity to do this.' The title appears to refer to the new 'political party' White Australia, which was launched by neo-Nazi group the National Socialist Network (NSN) earlier this year. 'Hitler's heirs are stuffing our letterboxes,' Chair of the ADC, Dr Dvir Abramovich warned on Friday. 'This is not community speech. It is recruitment for bigotry, an attempt to frighten neighbours and launder neo-Nazi ideology into suburban homes.' Dr Abramovich, who led the national campaign to ban the Nazi salute and swastika, has called on Queensland Police to investigate the incident under Section 124A of the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991, which covers serious racial vilification. An image of the leaflet circulated in homes in Bundaberg, which has been condemned 'This leaflet is a recruitment brochure for bigotry,' he said. 'It tells families in Bundaberg that their neighbours are the enemy, that diversity is a threat, that the ANZAC spirit belongs only to whites. That is a lie and a disgrace.' The ADC warned that such propaganda is not just hateful rhetoric but a dangerous attempt to mobilise extremist ideology in Australian suburbs. 'Let's be crystal clear: the 'White Australia' fantasy is an eviction notice for everyone who isn't them, First Nations Australians, migrants, Jews, people of colour, anyone who doesn't fit their narrow script,' Dr Abramovich said. 'Hitler would recognise this script instantly. This material does what all extremist propaganda does. It tries to turn neighbours into enemies and street corners into rally points.' The flyers arrived just days after a controversial neo-Nazi rally outside NSW Parliament House in Sydney. Around 60 men dressed in black chanted Hitler Youth slogans and held a banner reading 'Abolish the Jewish Lobby' last week. The rally, organised under the NSN's political party name 'White Australia', was authorised by NSW Police, sparking outrage across the country. The flyers arrived just days after a neo-Nazi rally outside NSW Parliament House in Sydney Men chanted Hitler Youth slogans and held a banner saying: 'Abolish the Jewish Lobby' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said there was 'no place in Australia' for such anti-Semitic actions. NSW Premier Chris Minns also called the protest a 'shocking display of hatred'. Several participants in the rally have since been identified as Sydneysiders employed in public-facing roles, including in the transport, engineering, and education sectors. Two MPs - Allegra Spender and Kellie Sloane - received rape and death threats after condemning the rally, prompting police investigations. The ADC has urged authorities to treat the Bundaberg flyer drop as part of a broader incitement campaign. The organisation warned that Australia must not become a staging ground for a 'rebirth' of white supremacist ideology. The Daily Mail has contacted Queensland Police Service and Bundaberg Regional Council for comment. The Met Police is investigating 'tens' of grooming gang cases in London, it has emerged - as Sir Sadiq Khan was accused of 'taking the mickey' out of victims. London's Labour mayor told the London Assembly in June that there was 'no indication of grooming gangs' operating in the capital. But appearing before members this week, Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said officers are working on 'tens' of active cases. He also confirmed the force was reviewing 9,000 cases of child sexual exploitation which were reported and closed between January 1, 2010, and March 31 this year. The work is part of Operation Beaconport, a national scheme to uncover failures to tackle group-based child sexual exploitation, which is defined as offences involving two or more perpetrators and at least one victim. Sir Mark expects 'two to three thousand' of the initial 9,000 cases will be identified as group-based offending, but said this would include intra-familial, institutional, peer-on-peer and online abuse as well as grooming gang activity. During a session of the assembly on Thursday, Conservative member Susan Hall accused the mayor of dismissing concerns about grooming gangs in London and called on him to apologise to victims. Sir Sadiq Khan told the London Assembly in June that there was 'no indication of grooming gangs' operating in the capital Ms Hall said: 'In January, I asked if we had grooming gangs in London. You dismissed my question by pretending you didn't know what I meant, 'What does she mean, Chair? What is she talking about'? 'I have to tell you the rape victims knew exactly what I was talking about, and so did most other people. So would you like to apologise to all the victims of the rape gangs that saw you dismiss this?' Sir Sadiq responded by clarifying 'what is meant by grooming gangs', according to the national inquiry announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in June, and outlined the support provided to victims. Ms Hall reiterated her call for an apology, adding: 'Everybody knows what I was talking about except you it would appear, and since you are the police and crime commissioner, it's very embarrassing for you.' She reminded the mayor of his earlier claim that were no reported cases, and no indication of, grooming gangs operating in London. Sir Sadiq said: 'I've led efforts to strengthen the protection of children and those exploited by abuse and exploitation.' He said he had asked His Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary to investigate the Met, which went on to embed its recommendations, and said he has funded record amounts to tackle violence against women and girls. Ms Hall said there was 'clearly' an issue with grooming gangs in London that the mayor pretended not to know about. She said: 'You pretended you didn't know what it was. The rape victims have phoned me, they are devastated that they have been ignored, many of them, by the police for years, but to have the mayor of London really take the mickey out of them by saying 'I don't know what you mean', 'What is she talking about?'. 'You knew damn well what I was talking about.' Met commissioner Sir Mark Rowley said officers are working on 'tens' of active grooming gang cases Sir Sadiq pointed to his appointment of the first independent commissioner in London as a reflection of how much he cares about victims. He said: 'It's because of my experience as a member of Parliament and as a lawyer that I've invested so much in supporting victims. It's the victims and survivors, where my priority has been.' Sir Mark said officers had so far looked through 2,200 out of 9,000 cases of child exploitation, of which 1,200 fitted the definition of group-based exploitation. After every have been assessed, he expects 'to possibly identify two or three thousand cases where no one was charged, there are missed or new investigative opportunities, or suspects may still pose a risk'. 'And I stress again, that number will include online, interfamilial, institutional and peer-on-peer cases, as well as those characterised as grooming gangs,' he added. Sir Mark said a team of 26 specialist child exploitation officers were looking through the cases to find ones that could be reopened. The Met chief described the ethnicity of suspects was 'varied' and reflective of London's diversity. 'We do not see the typology reported elsewhere, where there have been cases of offending committed by groups of Pakistan men on white British children being the sole or majority case,' he said. 'It will be part of the picture but it's not dominating in a way that is being reported elsewhere.' A University of Cambridge professor has been cleared of deliberately flunking an IQ and memory test after suffering a stroke in a bid to boost his 1million compensation claim against the NHS. Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi, a renowned orthopaedic surgeon and Cambridge school of medicine lecturer, was left with permanent disabilities and had to give up surgery after suffering a stroke at home in November 2016. The 64-year-old claimed that a failure to promptly diagnose his stroke meant he missed out on vital treatment, leading to brain damage and physical disabilities. The professor attempted to sue the NHS for 1m in damages at London's High Court. In response, the NHS accused the medic of 'fundamental dishonesty' after a 'very bad' pre-trial IQ test score put him in the bracket of 'borderline mental disability'. Dr Hakmi, who continued to teach at Cambridge, deliberately exaggerated his disability to boost his claim, the health service alleged. He has now been cleared of dishonesty after a High Court judge found that he had not intentionally performed badly in the tests but still rejected his 1m compensation bid. Judge David Pittaway said he was convinced Dr Hakmi's poor test results stemmed from his exhaustion, partially down to problems in his family life. The professor failed in his 1million compensation damages claim against the NHS at the High Court 'I do not consider that Mr Hakmi was performing badly on the tests...to exaggerate deliberately the extent of his impairment,' he said. 'If Mr Hakmi had deliberately been underperforming, it would run contrary to all that he has done to rehabilitate himself following his stroke.' Dr Hakmi, who specialises in foot and ankle surgery, as well as lecturing in the UK and abroad, was refused a payout from the NHS because a judge found that even if he had received the treatment he needed he would not have made a better recovery. The professor, a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons, first suffered a stroke in September 2016, but was given clot-busting thrombolysis treatment and made a very good recovery, returning to the operating theatre within weeks. His barrister, Robert Kellar KC, said the surgeon had suffered a second stroke in November 2016, first spotting the symptoms while he worked late at night on paperwork. When the symptoms returned again in the early hours, he went to Lister Hospital, in Stevenage, calling ahead and telling staff that he was having a stroke. However, he was not given the same treatment as before after being examined by an A&E doctor and then having spoken to a stroke specialist on the phone in line with the NHS' remote stroke treatment system. He says he was told he would not be offered thrombolysis because he was 'not having a stroke,' with the remote doctor suggesting it could be simply a migraine or epilepsy. It was not until 9am that day that his stroke was diagnosed at the hospital, at which point it was too late to be treated with the same drugs as before. Dr Hakmi accused the NHS of 'cumulative and inter-related' failings, which prevented him receiving the thrombolysis treatment which he claimed would have provided a better outcome. His barrister, Robert Kellar KC, said Dr Hakmi had been left permanently disabled by the stroke, but that the worst of the injuries could have been avoided if not for the negligence of staff at the hospital and on the remote stroke line. As well as a limp and reduced sensation in his fingers and toes, he suffers from fatigue in his right arm, hand and grip, preventing him performing complex tasks for long periods. He was also left with a brain injury, which has resulted in short-term memory impairment, impaired concentration, reduced processing speed and 'executive deficits.' Dr Hakmi, who specialises in foot and ankle surgery, has continued to lecture at Cambridge following his stroke The NHS denied liability for the injury, claiming that Dr Hakmi's stroke was not serious enough to warrant thrombolysis and that it would have been too long after his symptoms began to be effective. Such treatment can also be risky, carrying a significant risk of brain haemorrhage and death, and even if he had been given it the outcome would probably have been the same, lawyers said. They also accused Dr Hakmi of 'fundamental dishonesty' in relation to the way he performed in testing before the trial. As well as the 'very bad' IQ score, he had scored at the very bottom of the range in memory tests, NHS barrister John de Bono KC said. He said that Dr Hakmi had scored only 84 on an IQ test, putting him below 86% of the general population, adding: 'That's very bad - it suggests it would be hard to function as a surgeon or as an educator at that level.' He had also been assessed by two neuropsychologists, who had performed memory tests, with 'very surprising' and sometimes 'astonishing' results which he said raised a 'serious concern about whether he was putting forward his best effort' in the tests. Dr Hakmi was unable to recall more than four single digit numbers in a row during one examination and scored so low in the tests that in some respects he was below 99 per cent of the population, despite continuing to work as an 'educator' at undergraduate level. But Dr Hakmi denied playing up for the medics who assessed him pre-trial, telling the court he had found the tests 'exhausting.' 'Anybody can fail a test but they must be given the best chance,' he continued. 'I definitely have a memory problem, slow effort. I have done everything to mitigate my losses. I know definitely I'm not as before I had the stroke.' Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi has been cleared of deliberately flunking an IQ and memory test in a bid to boost his 1million compensation claim against the NHS Ruling on the case, Judge Pittaway said: 'Having considered the totality of the evidence, I have concluded that the claim that Mr Hakmi has been fundamentally dishonest fails. 'I do not consider that the defendants have established to the civil standard that Mr Hakmi was dishonest whilst being examined by the defendants' experts. 'I have had the advantage of observing Mr Hakmi being cross-examined for a full day...I do not consider that he was trying to mislead the court in any way. 'He is a proud man against whom a serious allegation has been made which, if found proven, could have serious consequences on his registration and employment. 'He has also adduced statements and letters from four colleagues at the hospital which attest to his honesty and integrity, as well as the steps that he has put in place to mitigate his disability following his stroke. 'I find that Mr Hakmi honestly believes that the diagnosis and treatment he received was suboptimal and that if he had been treated with thrombolysis, then, he would have made a full or nearly full recovery.' Despite finding that Dr Hakmi was not dishonest, the judge found in favour of the NHS on his negligence claim and rejected his compensation bid. He said Dr Hakmi's stroke symptoms were not serious enough until it was too late for the thrombolysis treatment to be provided within the four-and-a-half hours cut-off time. Due to the Lister Hospital's protocols, the fact he had had that sort of treatment for his first stroke recently was also 'an absolute contra indication for further thrombolysis.' And even if he had undergone the thrombolysis treatment, the judge said it would not have made a difference to the level of Dr Hakmi's recovery. 'I have concluded that thrombolysis would probably not have altered the outcome in this case, in circumstances where Mr Hakmi has made a very good, if imperfect, recovery from his second stroke.' The judge dismissed Dr Hakmi's compensation claim, but also the NHS' fundamental dishonesty allegation, ordering the NHS to pay 15 per cent of the surgeon's costs of the case. The damages claim was against the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs the Lister Hospital, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where the remote stroke doctor who spoke to Dr Hakmi was based. A pregnant woman and her unborn baby have tragically died after she was hit by a car just seconds after it was allegedly rear-ended by a P-plater driver. The 33-year-old, who was eight months pregnant, was on George Street in Hornsby, in Sydney's upper north shore, when she was struck about 8pm on Friday. Police will allege the 48-year-old driver of a Kia Carnival had slowed at the entrance to let her pass when the car was hit by a white BMW driven by a 19-year-old man. The collision caused the Kia to lurch forward and hit the woman. Paramedics treated her at the scene before rushing her to Westmead Hospital in critical condition, where both she and her baby later died. Both drivers were uninjured and taken to Hornsby Hospital for mandatory testing The 19-year-old man was arrested at 12.45am on Saturday at a home in Wahroonga, and was taken to Hornsby Police Station for questioning. He was charged with dangerous driving occasioning death, negligent driving occasioning death, and causing the loss of a foetus. The teenager is due to face Parramatta Local Court on Saturday. Anyone with information, dashcam vision or mobile footage is urged to contact police. The white BMW driven by a 19-year-old P-plater driver is pictured following the crash The woman and her unborn baby were treated at the scene before they later died in hospital Paramedics work on the woman and her unborn child at the scene before they were taken to hospital and later died Vladimir Putin 'regularly' cheated on his long-term partner with a beauty pageant contestant who posed for a racy calendar marking his birthday, a Russian media report has claimed. The school-leaver was secretly smuggled into his official residence or a bolthole once a fortnight when gymnast lover Alina Kabaeva - now 42 - was away. Startling new revelations from Russian investigative journalists cover the despot's relationship with Alisa Kharcheva, who was aged 17 when she was first seduced by Putin, it is alleged. The makers of the calendar - from youth movement Nashi - aimed to gain sway with the then Russian prime minister and used girls posing for the racy calendar as bait to lure him, according to Proekt media. He was sent the calendar with details of the girls' contacts - and Putin fell for Alisa, who posed as Miss April. While his obsession with student Kharcheva has been previously documented, the latest account gives new lurid details of Putin's love life and 'confirms a long-lasting relationship between the head of state and the young woman'. It appears at the moment his partner and unofficial first lady Alina Kabaeva - mother of Putin's two sons, Ivan, ten, and Vladimir jnr, six, and an Olympic gold medalist - is in China engaging in gymnastics diplomacy on behalf of Russia. Vladimir Putin 'regularly' cheated on his long-term partner with a beauty pageant contestant who posed for a racy calendar marking his birthday. Pictured: Alisa posing as April, with the caption over her image reading: 'Vladimir Vladimirovich, you are the best!' The school-leaver was secretly smuggled into his official residence or a bolthole once a fortnight when gymnast Alina Kabaeva (pictured) - now 42 - was away Startling new revelations from Russian investigative journalists cover the despot's relationship with Alisa Kharcheva (pictured), aged 17 when she was first seduced by Putin, it is alleged Footage shows her making a speech and giving last minute tips to students from her elite sport academy. 'Along with the gift copy of the calendar, the students' contact details were given to the Kremlin,' said the new account. 'Alisa's phone rang soon enough - "less than a month later", one interlocutor recalls. 'A voice on the other end greeted her and suggested a meeting at the prime minister's suburban residence, apparently referring to Novo-Ogaryovo in Moscow region. 'The caller was likely a Putin aide, although one of our interlocutors repeats a rumour circulating among Nashi staff that it was [Putin] himself, impressed by the photo of the beauty. 'Everyone who spoke to us agrees on one point intimate relations began between Kharcheva and Putin.' The visits, which began when Putin was 58, were timed to coincide with Kabaeva's absences. 'The girl visited the prime minister regularly these visits naturally coincided with the departures from the residence of Alina Kabaeva, who by then was already Putin's main partner,' stated Proekt. 'His former wife, Lyudmila, was no longer living with the prime minister.' Later, he and Lyudmila divorced. The Alisa visits were reportedly once every two weeks. While Alisa's role as Putin's lover was hidden, she was not concealed from the public, appearing on TV talking about the calendar and fast-tracked into the finals of the Miss Russia contest. 'When she wanted to take part in the Miss Russia pageant, she immediately ended up in the final, broadcast by NTV, a channel owned by the state and Putin's friends,' said Proekt. The makers of the calendar - from youth movement Nashi - aimed to gain sway with the then Russian prime minister and used girls posing for the racy calendar as bait to lure him, according to Proekt media The Nashi bosses sought to use Alisa's sex visits to Putin to peddle their influence - 'to pass on this or that request', said Proekt. Pictured: Alisa (first from the right) as one of the Miss Russia 2011 beauty pageant contest 'The whole country, without knowing it, watched the prime minister's lover pass stage after stage parading in a swimsuit and evening gown, answering the judges' questions.' Footage of her in the contest has re-emerged. She did not win - perhaps because this would have triggered too much scrutiny. But she came in the top ten. The Nashi bosses sought to use her sex visits to Putin to peddle their influence - 'to pass on this or that request', said Proekt. They wanted to turn her into a Russian version of Madame de Pompadour, lover and advisor to King Louis XV of France, claimed the report. It was 'the story of how a group of Nashists tried to get close to Vladimir Putin by using a minor girl. 'In fact, it was an attempt to repeat the legend of Madame Pompadour's patrons at the court of Louis XV.' But 'our interlocutors cannot recall a single initiative that Alisa carried into Putin's bed actually being implemented. 'Moreover, one of them believes that attempts to exploit the romance must have irritated Putin.' While Putin - now 73 - eventually stopped inviting the teenager to his bedroom, Putin ensured a job was offered to Alisa's sportsman father, it is alleged. Alisa was 'placed' at Russia's top higher education institute MGIMO and received a luxury Moscow apartment, according to the disclosures. When asked about her links to Putin and whether he helped her receive a flat, Alisa did not deny the claims but said: 'No one has ever asked me such stupid questions.' Shwe insisted she had a mortgage on the apartment. Today, she co-owns a successful chain of elite tanning studios. The revelations follow a book which said that Putin publicly espouses traditional marriages but for himself prefers 'free' relationships, sleeping with 'a multitude of women'. Putin 'chose free relationships for himself', according to the book 'The Tsar in Person. How Vladimir Putin Fooled Us All'. Putin once said: 'I have a private life in which I do not permit interference. 'It must be respected.' He deplored 'those who with their snotty noses and erotic fantasies prowl into others' lives'. Kimberly Guilfoyle shared candid details about her personal life in her first interview on Greek television, but failed to mention her relationship with Donald Trump Jr. The newly appointed US Ambassador to Greece praised her ex-husbands California Governor Gavin Newsom and Eric Villency during the sit down with ANT1. Guilfoyle, 56, revealed that she has a 'very good relationship' with Newsom and a 'wonderful relationship' with Villency, the father of her son Ronan. 'It's a wonderful experience. We have 20 years of friendship,' she said of Villency, Greek media reported. 'What people need to understand about me is that I don't give up. I will stay with you, I will be loyal. I will always be here you can count on me. And I am proud of that.' The praise comes just days after she joked about having a 'fabulous honeymoon' in Greece with Newsom during a meeting with Greek President Konstantinos Tasoula. But Guilfoyle seemingly avoided talking about her ex-fiance Don Jr, whom she dated for six years. She did, however, talk about her ex's father and her new boss, President Donald Trump, and their plans to grow US-Greek relations. With the Acropolis in plain view in the background, Kimberly Guilfoyle (right) shared intimate details about her personal life with ANT1's Maria Sarafoglou (left) The newly appointed US Ambassador to Greece revealed that she has a 'very good relationship' with ex-husband Gavin Newsom (pictured together) But Guilfoyle has seemingly avoided talking about her ex-fiance Donald Trump Jr, (pictured together) whom she dated for six years Guilfoyle's interview with ANT1's Maria Sarafoglou aired late Thursday evening. With the Acropolis in plain view in the background, Guilfoyle shared intimate details about her personal life. The former Fox News host has seemingly become quite comfortable discussing her love life since her move to Greece. During her first meeting with Tasoula on November 4, the Greek president asked if she had ever traveled to the country before. 'I have! I actually covered the Olympic Games in 2004 for ABC News,' Guilfoyle replied before adding with a grin: 'I also had a honeymoon here in 2004. Fabulous honeymoon but' Tasoulas jumped in with a laugh: 'Honeymoon was fabulous, but the marriage?' 'We'll work on getting a new husband,' Guilfoyle shot back with nervous laughter. Guilfoyle went on to reminisce about her travels across Greece, naming Athens, Hydra, Corfu, Mykonos and Santorini among her favorite stops on her trip. Guilfoyle said she has a 'wonderful relationship' with Eric Villency, the father of her son Ronan. She and Villency are pictured together in 2009 Jacob Helberg, Michael Rigas, Chris Wright, Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Kimberly Guilfoyle and Dough Burgum are pictured together at the Maximos Mansion in Athens, Greece on November 5 Kimberly Guilfoyle (left) speaks with the Greek Orthodox Archbishop Ieronymos during a meeting in Athens on November 13, 2025 In Thursday's interview, she brought up her ex again, this time claiming their relationship was relatively positive. The relatively personal interview also saw her reveal the impact that another man had in her life. Guilfoyle shared how that the best advice she has ever received actually came from her father following the death of her mother. 'When I lost my mother at the age of 10, my father told me: "Kimberly, you must be strong. You have talent, abilities, and nothing worse can happen to you in life than losing your mother. Be strong, endure",' she recalled. 'He always said: "Whatever boys can do, you can do better." I believed him. He was my father.' She urged all women to follow that same advice, encouraging them to 'fight for what they believe in', 'blaze new trails' and 'dont be afraid to take risks.' 'If I can do it, then all women can,' she told Sarafoglou, adding that she feels success stems from hard work, dedication and believing in yourself. Guilfoyle highlighted her own professional successes, including how her career evolved from being a prosecutor 'fighting for justice' to a TV host and now a foreign ambassador. During Thursday's interview, Guilfoyle also urged women to 'fight for what they believe in', 'blaze new trails' and 'dont be afraid to take risks' Guilfoyle's appointment was confirmed by the Senate in September and she is now living in Greece. She told ANT1 that the two nations have already 'achieved so much in just a few days' and claimed the US looks forward to furthering that relationship. She said President Trump chose her to be the Greek Ambassador because they both want Greece to become an 'energy hub.' 'We want to demonstrate that Greece can become the energy hub that will help us counter Russian and Chinese interests,' she said. 'What we are seeking is energy independence, which will strengthen national defense and national security.' A man who killed a five-year-old boy after driving through floodwaters despite warning signs has avoided time in prison but received a scathing judicial rebuke. Joseph El Jer, 40, attempted to drive across a flooded causeway between Narromine and Tullamore, in the NSW Central West, on the afternoon of September 23, 2022. He managed to escape and pull three other passengers to safety when the ute was swept into Graddle Creek, but a five-year-old boy became trapped in his booster seat. Police divers pulled the child's body from the water the next day. More than three years later, El Jer was surrounded by supporters as he faced Parramatta District Court on Friday after pleading guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death. The 40-year-old has a lengthy driving record including 12 disqualifications, the last of which was imposed four months before he decided to cross the river, the court was told. He ignored road closure and caution signs as he drove towards the causeway, where the floodwaters peaked at up to 1.3m above the road. El Jer drove his ute into the waters but then reversed so he could wade into the water to assess whether it was traversable, according to the agreed facts. Joseph El Jer (pictured) attempted to drive across a flooded causeway between Narromine and Tullamore, in the NSW Central West in 2022 but his ute was swept away Three passengers were carried to safety when the ute was pulled into Graddle Creek but a five-year-old boy was trapped in his booster seat and died He got back into the car and started to reverse, but stopped when the five-year-old reportedly told him, 'don't be a sook,' according to court documents seen by the Sydney Morning Herald. At that point, the offender responded, either under his breath or aloud, 'nah, f*** it, we are gonna make it,' before deciding to 'give it a go' and attempting to drive across the flooded causeway. Earlier, while giving evidence, El Jer acknowledged to the Crown prosecutor that he had 'ignored his wife's concerns' about attempting the crossing, a realisation that caused him to break down in tears. He then made the risky decision to proceed, but the ute's engine stalled during the journey and the car was swept away by the fast-flowing water. 'The offender (made) a grave misjudgement about whether it was safe for him to drive the vehicle through the floodwaters', Judge Philip Ingram told the court. 'That misjudgment gave rise to catastrophic circumstances which culminated in the death of the deceased.' The judge noted El Jer was genuinely remorseful for his actions and had good prospects of rehabilitation if he engaged with treatment for his risk-taking behaviour. The driver was sentenced to just more than one year and one month imprisonment to be served in the community and directed to perform 500 hours of community service. El Jer (pictured) pleaded guilty to dangerous driving occasioning death and was sentenced to just more than one year and one month imprisonment to be served in the community Judge Ingram also ordered El Jer to complete counselling for his risk-taking behaviour and his prolonged grief, issuing him a stern warning not to drive where he shouldn't. 'You're getting out of here by the skin of your teeth today,' he said. 'It would be a really good time for you to stop taking risks.' El Jer is suspended from driving for three years, marking his 13th disqualification while holding a NSW licence. A man accused of purchasing knives and testing chemicals for an attack on soldiers at Windsor Castle barracks has pleaded guilty to terrorism charges. Ilyas Akhtar, 20, from Slough, Berkshire, appeared at the Old Bailey by video link from Belmarsh jail wearing a grey, prison-issue tracksuit and spoke only to confirm his name and enter guilty pleas. The charges stated that between July 1 last year and May 31 this year, he accessed the al-Qaeda Manual and an online al-Qaeda magazine called Inspire. He also researched information about weapons and poison online and researched explosive substances and the construction of improvised explosive devices online, as well as accessing instructions on how to make a homemade bomb. He wrote 'plans of actions' and gathered parts for use in improvised devices, including a pressure cooker, matches, motor oil, charcoal, aerosol cannisters, lighters and screws to be used as shrapnel, the court heard. Akhtar also purchased items including knives and razor blades, mixed chemicals and tested the flammability of items as well as visiting locations including Victoria Barracks, Windsor, the court was told. Following the arrest, soldiers of the 1st Battalion Coldstream Guards were warned not to leave Victoria Barracks in Windsor in uniform. Akhtar also accepted that he possessed a terrorist document through an internet link to a video titled 'How to make a simple detonator/electric detonator' between December 31 last year and June 1 this year 2025. Ilyas Akhtar is accused of purchasing knives and testing chemicals for an attack on soldiers at Windsor Castle Akhtar was arrested after he allegedly set off an improvised incendiary device outside the Salt Hill leisure centre in Slough, setting fire to the building. Investigations revealed he had previously attempted to set fire to a church in Slough, the ice arena in the town and left a fake device at an Asda superstore, leading to a two-hour lockdown. He was arrested near the leisure centre and later charged with arson with intent to endanger life on May 31 and May 14 and making a bomb hoax on May 9. Following searches of his property he was also charged with preparation of terrorist acts and possession of material useful for terrorism, which he admitted today, including the plot to attack the barracks. At the Old Bailey hearing, he pleaded guilty to arson at St Peter's Church, Chalvey, Slough between April 12 and April 20 this year, and perpetrating a bomb hoax on May 9 by placing a package containing wires, screws, coins, batteries and phones at the Asda Superstore in Telford Drive, Slough. However, he denied arson with intent to endanger life and arson being reckless to endangering life on May 14 at Slough Ice Arena and on May 31 at Salt Hill Activity Centre in Slough. Another hearing is to take place in February to consider the not-guilty pleas. Akhtar was remanded in custody. As Sir Keir Starmer's government lurches from one crisis to another, one name continues to be put forward as his potential successor - Wes Streeting. The Health Secretary has been tipped as a future prime minister ever since he led the National Union of Students and he has refused to rule out leadership ambitions. Mr Streeting effectively claimed victory today after Chancellor Rachel Reeves dramatically ditched her plans to increase income tax in the upcoming Budget. He publicly declared he had not supported the move, seemingly emboldened by a botched Downing Street 'hit job' on his leadership ambitions this week. And the 42-year-old today tore into 'extremely irresponsible' junior doctors who have gone on strike despite receiving a 28.9 per cent pay rise in three years. But do you think Mr Streeting would be a better prime minister than Sir Keir? Cast your vote in the Daily Mail's latest poll below. In yesterday's poll, Mail readers were asked: 'Should Donald Trump release all the Epstein Files?' Out of more than 7,000 votes, 94 per cent of you said 'yes' and 6 per cent said 'no'. Father Ted creator Graham Linehan has been accused of racism after becoming embroiled in an online row with a political commentator over Donald Trump's alleged links to Jeffrey Epstein. Mr Linehan, 57 kicked off a vicious social media race storm after responding to British political activist Femi Oluwole who posted a video on X of himself rapping about Trump's involvement with the disgraced American financier and child sex offender. Accompanying the video, Mr Oluwole wrote: 'Donald Trump is a N**CE! Unlike his little distraction with the BBC, he can't exactly sue Epstein!!' But just hours after the controversial post on Wednesday, Mr Linehan responded: 'Femi is the only black person I've ever seen who looks like he's in blackface. Could he be cancelled for this?' Mr Oluwole then slammed the writer and comedian posting in response: 'Graham Linehan is so passionate about defending N**ces that he's flown into a racist rage, calling me a minstrel.' He then posted a comment to Jimmy Carr along with an earlier video of him praising Mr Linehan for his 'bravery' on speaking out against transgender activism and gender identity ideology which has made him a controversial figure. Mr Oluwole posted: 'Dear @JimmyCarr. You know how you said you love Graham Linehan for having the 'bravery' to say things others won't? 'Was saying I look like a minstrel part of that? Graham Linehan kicked off a vicious social media race storm. Pictured: The Father Ted creator outside Westminster Magistrates' Court on September 4 Linehan made the remark after commentator Femi Oluwole spoke out about the links between Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein. Pictured: Oluwole on Good Morning Britain in 2022 After Oluwole called Donald Trump a 'nonce' on social media, Graham Linehan said the commentator, who is black, 'looks like he's in blackface' 'Are you endorsing his racism, or would you like to take back your 'love' for him?' But Mr Linehan did not take the post lying down, responding: 'Running to tell daddy lol,' while adding: 'lol I knew he'd be clutching his pearls over this.' Mr Oluwole then replied: 'Nah, I just figured, using one piece of s**t to expose another is just good economics.' Mr Linehan also suggested that Mr Oluwole was being 'paid' for his campaigning on a variety of issues such as Brexit and transgender activism. He further posted: 'Femi is paid well for it. He even has handlers.' Mr Oluwole is the co-founder of Our Future Our choice, a pro-European advocacy group and enjoys a large social media following in which he regularly posts about a range of controversial topics. As the row between the two men continued, others also took to X with the overwhelming majority accusing Mr Linehan of racism and urging him to take down his post while some rushed to show their support. Following his original post in which Mr Linehan appears to mock Mr Oluwole's skin colour, one X user posted: 'For God's sake Graham, this is not OK.' Another added: 'Please delete this and apologise Graham. I do not stand with rhetoric like this. Black men are not meant to look a particular way.' Another post declared: 'Once a successful comedy writer, now just another heinous racist in a saturated market. What a life you lead,' while another stated: 'Wow, what a great way to help all those people who say being Gender Critical is the same as being racist, by you being actually racist.' But there were also a number of posts in support of Mr Linehan. One post aimed at Mr Oluwole said: 'You want men in female spaces. You are supporting a cult that is mutilating and sterilizing children. The same cult that's homophobic to its core. Do you see it for what it actually is.' In response to Linehan's remark, Oluwole said the Father Ted creator had called him a 'minstrel' As the row escalated Linehan said Oluwole was 'clutching his pearls' over the comment, while the commentator said the comedian had 'made fun of my skin colour' Another added: 'I think the point he's (Mr Linehan) is making when you don't have an argument all you can do is throw terminating cliches at people like calling them racist. Something that's clearly working for you as you have a lot of followers but no arguments with any substance.' One user said: 'Wot fun did he make? He is a comedian. Kind of wat dem man do.' In September, Mr Linehan was arrested at Heathrow Airport on suspicion of inciting violence over his gender critical posts on X. The Metropolitan Police later dropped the probe and took no further action, announcing that they would no longer investigate non-crime hate incidents. Separately to this, Mr Linehan has also been on trial at Westminster Magistrates' Court on charges of harassment and criminal damage. The prosecution alleges that he 'relentlessly' posted abusive comments about transgender activist Sophia Brooks, 18 on social media last October before throwing her phone in a road. Mr Linehan has pleaded not guilty to the charges telling the court while giving evidence that his life has been 'made hell' by transgender activists because of his views about gender identity. Donald Trump ordered Pam Bondi to investigate Jeffrey Epstein's relationship with Bill Clinton and other prominent Democratic donors amid the bombshell release of the deceased pedophile's emails. The President also raged at 'weak republicans' for being 'soft and foolish' politicians playing into the 'Epstein hoax.' Republicans this week published 23,000 pages of emails from the billionaire pedophile, in which he called the President 'dirty Donald.' Trump wrote on Truth Social: 'I will be asking [Attorney General] Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epsteins involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, JP Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him.' 'This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats. Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life [sic] with Epstein, and on his Island. Stay tuned!!!' Clinton has been linked to Epstein for decades. He was listed in the billionaire's contact book of powerful pals, hosted him at the White House and flew multiple times on his plane nicknamed the 'Lolita Express'. The former president has previously denied knowing anything about the financier's crimes. Amid the fallout, the White House struck a lighter note as Trump was seen surrounded by young children in a tender moment caught on video in the Oval Office. Bill Clinton receives a massage from Jeffrey Epstein victim Chauntae Davies in 2002. The former president has previously denied knowing anything about the financier's crimes The House Oversight Committee earlier this week released bombshell emails from Epstein discussing his relationship with Trump. The President is seen here with then-girlfriend Melania, Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell in 2000 Amid the fallout, young children were seen surrounding the President in a tender moment caught on video in the Oval Office Trump was seen introducing himself to the young children as 'Donald' Bondi announced that an attorney from the DOJ's Southern District of New York office had been assigned to oversee the case mere hours after the president made his demand. 'SDNY U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and Ive asked him to take the lead,' Bondi wrote on X. 'As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people.' In a separate social media post on Friday, Trump slammed members of his own party. 'Some Weak Republicans have fallen into their clutches because they are soft and foolish,' the President added. 'Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat's problem, not the Republican's problem! Ask Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers about Epstein, they know all about him, don't waste your time with Trump. I have a country to run!' Epstein said one of his victims, Virginia Giuffre, 'spent hours' alone with Trump. Shortly before her passing in April, Giuffre said Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and 'couldn't have been friendlier' to her in their limited interactions. Democrats on the committee also released a selective batch of emails where Epstein referred to Trump in correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell and the author Michael Wolff over a period of at least eight years. In the video, Trump offers gifts to the grandchildren of journalist Salena Zito at the Resolute Desk. The moment, which has since racked up over 500,000 on X, shows a young boy asking the President his name as he accepts Trump's gift. 'My name is Donald,' Trump says with a soft grin. The White House told reporters that the children had stopped by the Oval Office just to say hello to the President. Trump also asks the children if they would like gold coins and presidential pens as a gift. The children could be seen laughing as the president hands them gifts inside the Oval Office 'She said yes she's smart,' the president says with a laugh after one of the children accepts his offer. 'She's so cute.' The viral clip, which was posted by White House communications adviser Margo Martin, ends with Trump handing out pens to Zito's grandchildren. 'OK, do you want a pen?' Trump says. 'One of them. One, two, three.' The short video provided a behind-the-scenes look at the president's softer side amid the meltdown from the Epstein scandal. Trump, 79, has 11 grandchildren and is the father to five children. The White House issued a statement downplaying the Epstein emails following their release on Wednesday. The House Oversight Committee obtained the deceased pedophile's emails via a subpoena of Epstein's estate. Karoline Leavitt called the email dump a politically motivated 'smear' campaign and repeated Giuffre's former statements about Trump in which she absolved him of any wrongdoing. 'The Democrats selectively leaked emails to the liberal media to create a fake narrative to smear President Trump,' Leavitt said in a statement. Giuffre, who committed suicide earlier this year, was recruited by Maxwell while employed as a spa attendant at the Mar-a-Lago Club in 2000. She was 16 years old. Trump expelled Epstein from his club around October 2007 'for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre,' Leavitt said. Democratic Senator Mark Kelly is urging federal immigration agents to 'stand up' to President Donald Trump's deportation orders as his administration is targeting new crackdown efforts. 'You can't be told to violate people's constitutional rights. People have to stand up and say, no, I'm not going to do that,' Kelly told Deseret News of federal immigration agents. 'I'd like to see them wearing an ID, not wearing masks and telling Stephen Miller, or Kristi Noem that we will follow the law and there are limits to what we will do. And we're not violating people's constitutional rights,' he added. Kelly, an Arizona Democrat, noted how there have been instances where US citizens were rounded up by Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and deported. 'By the way, you don't have to follow unlawful orders,' he added. He is far from the first Democrat who has urged federal officers and US citizens to resist Trump's deportation agenda. Kelly's resistance to Trump comes as the administration is reportedly readying for a new deportation battleground. Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden was told this week that agents from US Customs and Border Patrol will be arriving in the Charlotte area either Sunday or early next week, Politico reports. Arizona Democratic Senator Mark Kelly urged immigration officials to defy Trump's 'unlawful' orders in a recent interview The Department of Homeland Securtiy expects to deport around 600,000 migrants in Trump's first year in office The president has said he plans on deploying federal agents to additional US cities to help with deportations and crime 'We value and welcome the renewed collaboration and open communication with our federal partners,' McFadden said. 'It allows us to stay informed and be proactive in keeping Mecklenburg County safe and to maintain the level of trust our community deserves.' The sheriff's office has stated it won't be supporting any deportation efforts conducted by CBP or ICE. Trump has made deportations a central pillar of his second term and so far has ordered immigration round-ups in various cities. He has so far sent soldiers and immigration officials to Los Angeles, Chicago and Washington, D.C. Like the aforementioned cities, Charlotte is a Democratic stronghold. It is also the location where the tragic, unprovoked murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutskahas occurred earlier this year. Decarlos Brown Jr., the man accused of murdering Zarutskahas, has a long criminal rap sheet and was arrested over a dozen times before ultimately murdering the refugee. Trump has spoken out against Brown, highlighting his criminal history as a reason why Democrat-run cities like Charlotte are too lax on crime. ICE agents making an arrest in Phoenix on May 21, 2025 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is estimating that, based on its current rates, close to 600,000 deportations will take place by the end of Trump's first year in office. Neither DHS nor the White House responded to the Daily Mail's request for comment. A Wisconsin couple who were found fatally shot in their car died by murder-suicide, an autopsy has revealed. Brandon Dumovich, 30, and his wife, Rachel, 29, were found dead in Harvard, Illinois, late at night on October 6 by police. A gun was found inside the vehicle. Both of them died from a single gunshot wound to the head, the McHenry County Coroner's Office has now ruled. The investigation determined that Brandon shot and killed Rachel before turning the gun on himself, the Harvard Police Department said Thursday. The couple got married on October 12, 2024, and were days away from celebrating their first wedding anniversary when they were found. Rachel and Brandon met in middle school and were friends for 15 years before they started dating in 2022, the couple shared on their wedding website. Despite their decades-long friendship and marital status, neither Rachel nor Brandon's loved ones mentioned the relationship in their respective obituaries. Brandon Dumovich, 30, and his wife, Rachel, 29, were found dead in Harvard, Illinois, late at night on October 6 by police. A gun was found inside the vehicle Both of them died from a single gunshot wound to the head, the McHenry County Coroner's Office has now ruled. The investigation determined that Brandon shot and killed Rachel before turning the gun on himself Rachel and Brandon met in middle school and were friends for 15 years before they started dating in 2022. They got engaged in 2023 Rachel updated her Facebook profile picture with a selfie alongside Brandon on the same day that they were found dead. Minutes later, she uploaded a picture the couple took during a trip to Greece, captioned: 'Forever chasing sunsets. Wishing we were back in Greece!' Police found their bodies later that night along Route 14, near North Division Street. The investigation into their 'tragic' deaths remains ongoing, Harvard police said, but reiterated there is 'no indication of any ongoing threat to the community'. 'Our thoughts remain with the families and all those affected by this tragedy,' the force said in a press release obtained by the Daily Mail. Harvard police thanked the McHenry County investigators and coroner's office for their 'continued partnership and professionalism' throughout the course of the investigation. Anyone with information about the case is urged to contact the Harvard Police Department at (815) 943-4431 or submit tips anonymously through Crimestoppers. Rachel's last Facebook post was on the same day she was found dead Rachel was a 2018 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She had last worked as a human resources manager Brandon was born in Barrington, Illinois, and served in the US Navy as a petty officer Brandon was born in Barrington, Illinois, and served in the US Navy as a petty officer, his obituary stated. There was no mention of his wife. A review of publicly available records showed that Brandon had several run-ins with the law and was cited for at least 33 alleged traffic violations across Wisconsin and Illinois. Not all cases resulted in a conviction. His most serious charge was for driving under the influence of alcohol in 2016. He appears to have accepted a plea deal in that case. Rachel was a 2018 graduate from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. She had last worked as a human resources manager. Her public obituary hailed Rachel as a 'natural connector, advocate, and loyal friend' with a 'strong sense of empathy, compassion, social justice, and fair play, always championing those who needed a voice.' Rachel, like her husband, had previously been found guilty of multiple traffic offenses. The most serious of her seven citations was for speeding. Her family held a visitation and memorial service for her on October 17. Brandon's family indicated that a private memorial service would be planned 'at a later date.' It is unclear if or when that ceremony occurred. A 61-year-old man accused of drugging, raping and filming his wife for 15 years has gone on trial, in a case drawing chilling comparisons to that of French woman Gisele Pelicot. The trial at the Regional Court of Aachen, which opened on November 11, echoes Pelicot's ordeal, where she was drugged and abused by her husband and dozens of other men for almost a decade. The accused, named as Fernando S., allegedly sedated his wife with medication between 2009 and the spring of 2024 before sexually assaulting her and recording the attacks. Prosecutors said the caretaker also shared the footage with other men in online chat groups and on internet platforms. Investigators reportedly found extensive video material showing the assaults and other secret recordings of his wife in states of undress. According to local media, Fernando S. used messaging platforms such as Telegram, where thousands of users traded intimate images and in some cases offered their partners to others for abuse. The case at the Regional Court of Aachen, which opened on 11th November, echoes Pelicot's ordeal, where she was drugged and abused by her husband and dozens of other men for almost a decade. Pictured: Aachen, North Rhine-Westphalia He has been charged with six counts of rape, three counts of sexual assault, one count of aggravated assault, and 30 counts of violating the most intimate sphere of personal life through the taking of photographs. According to a court spokeswoman, the aggravated assault charge relates to an incident in which the defendant allegedly sedated his wife. She was reportedly in such a poor condition afterward that she required medical treatment. Fernando S. has been held in custody since his arrest in February and previously worked as a caretaker at a school in Alsdorf. He was born in Spain and moved to Germany in the 1960s. On the first day of the trial, he limped into court with a hood pulled low over his face to conceal his identity. The public was excluded from the hearing shortly after it began to protect the victim's privacy. According to local media, the defendant confessed to most of the acts behind closed doors. The trial is expected to continue over several sessions, with a verdict anticipated in mid-December. BBC bosses were today accused of 'downplaying' concerns that children's programmes promoted transgender ideology after producers were lobbied by activists. A Labour peer and gender-critical campaigners repeatedly warned of a 'pro-transitioning narrative' being pushed within the BBC children's and education department. However executives refused to meet groups concerned about the medical transitioning of children and a rise in gender identity teaching in schools. Yet at the same time they were consulting controversial LGBTQ+ charity Stonewall as 'experts' on the topic. Stonewall has been criticised for its hardline stance on trans issues. BBC bias towards pro-trans lobby groups was one of the key findings in an internal memo which was leaked last week. The row led to the resignations of director-general Tim Davie and news chief executive Deborah Turness. The emails were sent by Transgender Trend, which campaigns for an 'evidence-based' approach towards children who identify as transgender. Stephanie Davies-Arai, director of Transgender Trend, repeatedly emailed BBC bosses warning them of a 'pro-transitioning narrative' in programmes aimed at young people Between 2020 and this year it raised concerns about content aimed at children, The Times reported. One from Transgender Trend director Stephanie Davies-Arai to the director of the children's and education department, Patricia Hidalgo, raised concern about a BBC Bitesize article which linked to Stonewall. The page - which has since been removed - encouraged young people to use 'preferred pronouns' such as 'they/them' and 'ze/zir' to show that they are 'allies' to transgender people. Ms Davies-Arai also flagged a video by BBC Teach, which provides resources to primary schools, that tells children there are more than 100 genders. She also raised concerns about 2015 CBBC documentary I am Leo, about a 13-year-old girl who transitions to the opposite gender, and 2016 CBBC drama Just a Girl. Ms Davies-Arai pointed out that 'LGBT lobby groups' had been invited to hold workshops and asked that her organisation had the same opportunity 'in the interests of impartiality and balance'. However Ms Hidalgo rejected the request, defending the involvement on Stonewall on the grounds that it was 'usual for content producers to approach experts for advice and guidance'. In December 2020, Labour peer Lord Hunt of Kings Heath, the former energy minister, raised the concerns with Mr Davie, the director-general. Still from 2015 CBBC documentary I am Leo, about a 13-year-old girl who transitions to the opposite gender His email raised fears that 'a pro-transitioning narrative has dominated both drama and factual programmes on CBBC'. In response, Ms Hidalgo insisted that the narrative within 'the small number of programmes' made about being transgender did not amount to being 'pro-transitioning'. Earlier this year Transgender Trend again contacted the BBC asking for a meeting to discuss 'safeguarding issues' over transgender storylines in programmes such as Waterloo Road and Casualty. The emails highlighted 'harmful and inaccurate information' and storylines which 'normalise binders and double mastectomies for young girls'. In response, the BBC's head of creative diversity, Jessica Schibli, told them the corporation had 'robust safeguarding protocols' and that the programmes followed its editorial standards and guidelines. Ms Davies-Arai told the Daly Mail: 'We are extremely concerned about content aimed at children as young as six that suggests they can change to the opposite sex. 'The message has been consistent over ten years and it is still happening in dramas and soaps popular with children such as Waterloo Road and Casualty. 'The BBC has promoted an adult ideology to children with no consideration of their age and the fact that children are suggestible and trusting.' A BBC source insisted the examples relating to children's and education content predated 2020 and that it had 'stepped back' from Stonewall's Diversity Champions programme. In a statement the corporation said: 'We take our responsibility to our young audience extremely seriously and have already addressed the concerns directly. 'Our number one priority is to ensure that every piece of content we create for them is age-appropriate, safe, and reflective of their lives and experiences. 'The BBC is required to represent a broad range of views and perspectives across our output that adheres to our editorial guidelines and Ofcom standards.' A 16-year-old boy fell to his death from a Utah utility tower in the same place where another teen died in eerily similar circumstances nearly two decades earlier. The unidentified teen plummeted roughly 60 feet from a Rocky Mountain Power structure in Fruit Heights, about 25 miles outside of Salt Lake City, on Monday night, according to the Davis County Sheriff's Office. The boy was with a group of teenagers who called 911 after he climbed the tower and fell, spokeswoman Stephanie Dinsmore told KSL. 'It sounds like it was a group of individuals, a group of teenagers, who came out last night to take in the views, when one of the individuals climbed the tower,' Dinsmore said. She explained that when first responders arrived at the scene, it appeared the boy had been electrocuted. 'Deputies arrived and located the teen suffering from severe burns consistent with electrocution, as well as traumatic injuries from the fall,' Dinsmore said. He was taken to a nearby hospital where he later died from his injuries. The boy fell from the same tower that 15-year-old Scott Nye climbed and was electrocuted by before falling to his death in 2007. A 16-year-old boy plummeted roughly 60-feet from a Rocky Mountain Power structure in Fruit Heights (pictured) on Monday Scott Nye (right), 15, climbed the same power poll and was electrocuted before falling to his death in 2007 Nye's mother, Valerie, told Fox 13 that her family did not want to comment on the latest incident out of respect for the teen's family. 'Our hearts go out to this boy's family and to his friends that were with him,' she said. 'Please know of our love, understanding and concern. It truly was an accident, and it's heartbreaking.' A memorial plaque for Nye is located at the utility tower, and signage that reads 'Keep Off' and warns of high voltage are placed around the area. Officials with the Davis School District confirmed that the victim was a student at Layton High School. 'It is with heavy hearts we inform you that one of our Layton High School students died in a tragic accident last night,' principal Brock Jackman said in a statement obtained by KUTV. 'We are deeply saddened by the death and express our condolences to the family and friends.' The teen's former classmates, Tristen Hann and Max Moore, described him as 'extremely funny' and 'creative.' A memorial plaque for Nye (pictured) is located at the utility tower, and signage that reads 'Keep Off' and warns of high voltage are placed around the area 'We brought up some flowers and some Monsters [energy drinks] for him because he loved his Monsters,' Hann said. Community members have called for increased security measures around the tower, insisting that both deaths could have been prevented. 'To me, 18 years, it's just been sitting here waiting for another accident to happen without any protection,' Anya Higley, whose daughter knew the boy who was killed on Monday, told the local news station. 'I honestly believe that this accident shouldn't have happened last night. If there were more measures taken to protect children, I would say, especially knowing that someone died here, 15 years old, 18 years ago; and there are no lights, and there is no fence. 'There's a teeny-tiny sign up there that I can't even read from here and in the dark. Like, this is such a public road, and it's not there.' A handful of high-profile Republicans bucked President Donald Trump's desires and supported a petition to force a congressional vote on releasing additional files on pedophile Jeffrey Epstein. Representatives Marjorie Taylor Greene, Lauren Boebert and Nancy Mace joined Thomas Massie in supporting his measure to force the Department of Justice and FBI to disclose withheld documents on the late child trafficker. The petition to force a vote on the files reached 218 signatures this week after the House of Representatives returned to Washington after the 43-day government shutdown. Trump has repeatedly stated the effort is a 'Democrat hoax' in an effort to distance himself from the sordid affair, despite a reported history of socializing in orbits close to Epstein, who, like Trump, split time between Florida and New York. Officials in the president's administration reportedly have fumed at the Republican lawmaker defections. 'Helping Democrats deflect from Republican success is not a good GOP primary election strategy,' one White House official told NOTUS. The strategy baffled a source close to the White House, who reflected how Mace, will need Trump's support as she runs for governor of South Carolina. 'Couldnt imagine a dumber strategy to get Trumps endorsement than doing what she did this week,' said the source. Some close to the White House have fumed over a select few Republican lawmakers' decision to support releasing more files on Jeffrey Epstein Congresswoman Nancy Mace may have a hard time getting an endorsement after supporting the Epstein vote, one source told NOTUS The White House swiftly pushed back against the reported fracture. 'Democrats and the mainstream media are desperately trying to use this hoax as a distraction to talk about anything other than Democrats getting utterly defeated by President Trump in the shutdown fight,' White House spokesperson Abigail Jackson told the Daily Mail in a statement. Mace and Trump played 'phone tag' before the petition was finalized, and the two ultimately did not talk about the matter. A source familiar with the matter told NOTUS that Mace sent a 'love letter' to Trump about why she supported the petition. The source added that it was similar to a post the congresswoman published on X. Trump brought Boebert to the White House to reportedly show her evidence of the White House's reasoning for opposing the law. Though that attempt failed, the Colorado lawmaker later supported the successful petition. Greene, who has recently been outspoken in her positions that contrast with the Trump administration's, has voiced her support for the release was inspired by Epstein's survivors. 'Many of the victims of Jeffrey Epstein were abused as teenagers,' she posted on Friday. 'They along with their attorneys have told me numerous times that President Trump is not implicated in this.' Congresswoman Lauren Boebert was invited to the White House to review Epstein-related materials and speak with Trump officials. She still supported the Epstein petition Trump and Epstein pictured together in the late 1990s 'I stand with these women and all victims of sexual abuse. It is a shame our government is working harder to protect pedophiles than they are fighting for the victims!' Other GOP members have already noted they will vote for the measure when it comes to the floor for a full vote next week. Since the petition received signatures from half of the entire House, Speaker Mike Johnson is limited in his ability to quash the vote. However, even if it passes, it remains to be seen how the Senate will deal with the measure - though senators have previously voiced concern about releasing additional files. Trump could also veto the bill if it does make it to his desk, too. Russia has claimed that a Ukrainian plot to kill one of Putin's highest-ranking officials by using booby-trapped flowers at his parents' grave has been foiled. The country's Federal Security Service (FSB) also added that a husband and wife assassin has been arrested in connection with the attempt. While the target was not named, there is speculation that the reports referred to the dictator's notorious former defence minister Sergei Shoigu, 70, now Russia's top security official. He was in charge of the Russian army when it originally invaded Ukraine and committed horrific rape, torture and illegal execution 'war crimes' aside from repeated bombing of civilians. The FSB claimed the elaborate scheme was to assassinate the official as he visited his parents' graves in Moscow on the anniversaries of their deaths. The agency detained suspects who allegedly planted a vase of flowers at the grave on orders from Kyiv. Explosives were to be planted in the vase later, which was also fitted with a spy camera, according to the FSB. The aim was to remotely detonate a bomb when the top official was seen at the graveside. Sergei Shoigu seen in Egypt earlier this month. It has been rumoured that he was the target of an assassination plot foiled by Russia President Putin and Sergei Shoigu pictured on holiday in Tuva, Russia, in August 2017. The pair were close friends and often took trips together The FSB has claimed that booby-trapped flowers at the grave of the former defence minister were meant to kill him Russian authorities have released dramatic arrests photographs of the alleged culprits The secret service detained a husband and wife from Russia, a 'migrant' and Jaloliddin Shamsov, allegedly a 'Kyiv resident'. Communication devices seized from the suspects contained messenger correspondence with a Ukrainian special services officer via WhatsApp and Signal, confirming preparations for the assassination attempt, according to the FSB. The migrant allegedly said: 'I was recruited by Ukrainian intelligence services to commit a terrorist attack at a cemetery in Moscow.' The husband and wife - convicted drug addicts - gave confused video testimony in an FSB interrogation, saying their role had been to place the vase at the graveside under instructions from a minder called Ruslan, allegedly a Ukrainian agent. The husband said: 'He told us to place the vase in the far left corner of the grave. I started shining the light and saw some wires there. I thought, well, maybe it's a camera. I assumed it was an explosive device.' A senior official who appears to match the description involving Troyekurovskoye Cemetery is Shoigu, who now heads Putin's powerful security council. His mother and father are buried in the cemetery. While relations may have cooled, Shoigu was for years Putin's vacation buddy on macho trips to Siberia. The anniversary of his mother's death in 2011 was two days ago, and that of his father, who died a year earlier, is next month. The FSB have said they have arrested a husband and wife pair accused of carrying out the plot Russia released images of the pair confessing that they were given instructions to kill the official The explosive was to be fitted with a spy camera, according to Russia's FSB Shoigu's parents' grave where the alleged assassination was meant to take place Shoigu has served continuously in the Russian government since 1991 - longer than any other senior official, including Putin, 73. Assassinations have been carried out by both sides during the war. Russia is currently making almost daily arrests of people accused of working for the Ukrainian secret service, as Russia is engulfed by a wave of paranoia. It is impossible to glean how many of the cases are genuine. A Ukrainian SBU source told CNN that the FSB was 'churning out fake news and statements non-stop. They said: 'Our position is not to comment on their nonsense.' Coventry City Council has lost a High Court bid to stop 'excessive' numbers of asylum seekers from being housed in the city. The authority had taken the Home Office to court over plans to place more asylum seekers in the city, arguing it was already accommodating far more than comparable areas. It stressed it was 'proud' of its record on voluntarily housing people seeking refuge but said the pace of new placements had become 'excessive' and unsustainable. Its legal team claimed the Home Office had acted unlawfully by failing to reduce the number of asylum seekers in Coventry more quickly and by continuing to add new arrivals. But in a detailed 32-page judgment handed down today, Mr Justice Eyre dismissed the challenge in full. He noted that while the Home Office accepted numbers in Coventry should fall over time, it was pursuing a wider national policy to disperse asylum seekers more evenly across the UK. In his ruling, he said: 'The defendant accepts that the number of asylum seekers accommodated in Coventry should be reduced. Coventry City Council had taken the Home Office to court over plans to place more asylum seekers in the city The council's legal team claimed the Home Office had acted unlawfully by failing to reduce the number of asylum seekers in Coventry more quickly and by continuing to add new arrivals 'She contends that she is moving to implement a policy under which asylum seekers are accommodated more widely throughout the United Kingdom, but she denies that there is any unlawfulness in the action she has taken thus far.' Mr Justice Eyre added that the council was willing to play its part in meeting the needs of asylum seekers, but was concerned about 'bearing more than its fair share'. The judge also said the claim was 'motivated by a concern to ensure that the burden of accommodating asylum seekers is shared more widely across the country'. In the ruling, he said the Home Office had sought to reduce the number of asylum seekers accommodated in Coventry, but added that there was a statutory duty to house asylum seekers. Mr Justice Eyre added: 'She (the Home Secretary) also says that the need to provide such accommodation can arise at short notice and, on occasion, the circumstances will be such that the location of the accommodation to be used can carry little weight in the decision-making process.' The dispute stemmed from a Home Office move in November 2024 to use the Ibis Hotel to house asylum seekers, a decision the council argued breached an agreed ratio of one asylum seeker per 200 residents. But Mr Justice Eyre rejected that argument, ruling those figures were planning guides rather than strict caps Lawyers for the council also argued that it was irrational to accommodate asylum seekers in excess of the ratio, but the judge dismissed this claim, saying the actions were rational given the statutory duty to house asylum seekers, the unpredictable and urgent nature of asylum accommodation needs, and the limited availability of suitable accommodation. The ruling comes days after Mr Justice Mould ruled that asylum seekers could continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in Essex after refusing to grant Epping Forest District Council an injunction that would block them from living there. The council took legal action against the hotel owner, Somani Hotels, claiming that accommodating asylum seekers there breaches planning rules. The ruling comes days after Mr Justice Mould ruled that asylum seekers could continue to be housed at the Bell Hotel in Essex Mr Justice Mould dismissed the claim on Tuesday and said in a judgment that it is 'not a case in which it is just and convenient for this court to grant an injunction'. The decision lands against a backdrop of stark previous analysis by the Daily Mail, which revealed how the asylum system transformed Britains local authorities over the past decade. Data showed three-quarters of councils have endured a doubling or more in the number of asylum seekers they now host, a seismic shift that has left some areas struggling to keep pace. In one startling case, a single council has seen its asylum population surge by more than 600-fold, according to the Mail's breakdown. In Northumberland, for example, government figures show that almost 21 asylum seekers now live among every 10,000 residents. Just one was recorded there in 2014 a barely-measurable rate of 0.03 when modern records began. Home Office data paints the national scale: 110,000 asylum seekers were being housed across the UK by the end of 2024 the equivalent of a town the size of Cheltenham, Worthing or Oldham. With the surge driven largely by Channel small-boat arrivals, the daily cost of accommodation has tripled to 4.2million, including nearly 40,000 people still living in hotels. Yet critics say the burden is far from evenly shared. Fifty-nine of Britains 361 councils host none at all, leaving others to shoulder far more than their share. French police shot and wounded a knife-wielding man in Montparnasse train station in central Paris on Friday, the city prosecutor's office said. A police officer shot the 34-year-old man in the leg and he then stabbed himself in the throat, the prosecutor's office said in a statement, adding: 'He was quickly taken care of by emergency services.' Reuters was told by a police source that the man was in hospital with life-threatening injuries. One passer-by was hit in the foot by a shot fired by police, the prosecutor's statement said. The man had waved a knife at officers who were waiting for him at Montparnasse as part of an investigation of domestic violence carried out by police in a southern suburb of Paris. He had reportedly threatened to kill his wife and children. A Reuters photographer who was at the station when the incident occurred said it had caused panic among commuters and weekend travellers, just a day after France marked the 10th anniversary of the attacks by jihadists at the Bataclan Theater and other locations in Paris which killed 130 people. Witness Elvire Vaisee said: 'The memory of the attacks on November 13 (2015) is still there, I thought to myself, "Here we go again." Suddenly I felt really stressed.' The knifeman seen lying on the ground after being shot and wounded by French police at Paris' Montparnasse train station French police immobilised a man wielding a knife at Paris' Montparnasse train station on Friday, the Paris prosecutor's office said. Firefighters at Montparnasse train station. An eyewitness told BFM TV he heard a loud bang before panic broke out around him. 'It took me two or three seconds to realize what was happening. People started saying, "We have to get out of here, we have to leave quickly," so that got my heart racing and I got up and ran.' Part of the station remains closed as police carry out an investigation. The rest of the station is reportedly operating as normal, though delays are expected. A suspected 'fake' admiral has been arrested after he was accused of wearing the uniform and medals of a 'high-ranking' navy officer at a Remembrance Sunday event. A man ignited fury over the weekend after he was reportedly pictured dressed in a Rear Admiral uniform while laying wreaths at the cenotaph in Llandundo, north Wales. Online sleuths first became suspicious after they spotted the individual allegedly dressed in a Rear Admiral uniform with 12 medals pinned to his jacket. But it was allegedly two medals - the prestigious Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal - that raised questions. No single serviceperson is believed to have been bestowed with both. Now, police have arrested a 64-year-old man, who lives in Harlech, under the Uniforms Act 1894 in relation to an incident on November 9. The accused man was seen marching to the war memorial before saluting and taking his place next to VIPs at the event honouring Britain's fallen heroes. But the alarm was raised when a military enthusiast group, the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, were unable to find records of anyone having been awarded the gongs on his chest. A man (pictured in black) was seen wearing uniform and medals of a 'high ranking' navy officer while wreaths were being laid at the cenotaph in Llandundo, north Wales North Wales Police have since announced a 64-year-old man, who lives in Harlech, has been taken into custody under the Uniforms Act 1894 Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan said: 'Our inquiries into this incident are currently ongoing. 'We can confirm that, during a search of the male's address earlier today, a naval uniform and a selection of medals were recovered from within. 'Further updates on this investigation will be provided when available.' Llandudno Town Council, who ran the event, confirmed they were 'not aware of' the man's attendance and he was not on their guest list. When the man was asked by the parade marshal who he was on Sunday, he allegedly claimed to be representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd. However, Lord Lieutenant Harry Fetherstonhaugh denied knowing the man in question, telling The Sun: 'I've never seen him in my life.' Greg Robbins, chair of the council's civic sub-committee, revealed a parade marshal had challenged the man. But, they were left with 'little choice but to accommodate him in the wreath-laying ceremony'. 'The most important thing with Remembrance Sunday ceremonies is that they are suitably dignified, as this one was,' he told the BBC. 'This individual did not disrupt the ceremony, but we are keen to know who he was, and will be working with the Ministry of Defence on its investigation.' When the man was asked by the parade marshal who he was on Sunday, he allegedly claimed to be representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd Online sleuths first became suspicious after they spotted the individual allegedly dressed in a Rear Admiral uniform with 12 medals pinned to his jacket (Pictured: the man in 2019) A North Wales Police spokesperson said: 'A 64-year-old male has been arrested in connection with an incident at the Remembrance Sunday event in Llandudno on November 9. 'Images widely circulated in the Press and on social media showed a male wearing the uniform and medals of a high-ranking navy officer whilst in attendance at the wreath-laying service. 'The man, who resides in the Harlech area, was arrested for offences relating to the unlawful use of military uniforms.' A Royal Navy spokesperson said: 'Impersonating a Naval officer is insulting to anyone connected to the service and could be considered a criminal offence. 'Nothing should detract from the poignancy of Remembrance Sunday which can be a sombre time for members of the Royal Navy family and an opportunity for people in communities across the United Kingdom to pay their respects to people who have served or are serving their country.' Furious about speeding drivers erected a fake speed camera on their road - before council workers took it down. Residents say the rogue installation was propped up overnight on Sandhurst Road in Catford, southeast London. The stretch of road has become a crash-prone rat run, locals insist, where buses thunder past 'every three minutes' and collisions have become a grim monthly routine. The DIY camera, which mimicked official enforcement boxes, was bolted to a post on Monday, and motorists actually began hitting their brakes. Neighbours said the sudden calm was unmistakable, describing the short-lived deterrent as 'brilliant' and the first thing to make a dent in the chaos after repeated pleas to the council fell on deaf ears. But by Wednesday morning, the rebellion was over as council contractors arrived with a crane to hoist the imitation device away, sparking fury among residents who say the fake camera did more to protect them in 48 hours than authorities have managed in years. Residents say the false enforcement of a 20mph speed limit had started to make a difference, with cars beginning to slow down on the few days it was in place. Residents say the rogue installation propped overnight on Sandhurst Road in Catford, southeast London. By Wednesday morning, the rebellion was over as council contractors arrived with a crane to hoist the imitation device away Many members of the Safer Sandhurst & Sangley group and nearby Together for Verdant lane group have praised the vigilante who put it there, calling them a local hero. One resident, who wished to remain anonymous, said: 'No idea who made it - but it was pretty convincing. And it really did slow traffic down. The difference was surprising. 'Sadly, things are back to normal now, and the council is still doing nothing to stop the speeding or pavement parking. 'The speeding on Sandhurst Road is out of control and for a really brief period it got much calmer. '[The council] told us that our chances of getting a real one are basically zilch. I am a cyclist, and my road is the scariest bit of my commute - people treat it like a motorway.' Freedom of Information (FoI) data suggests there has been over 17,000 incidents of speeding buses in the street since 2021, with some travelling at more than double the speed limit. Transport for London (TfL) also confirmed that there have been 85 crashes involving buses over the last four years - including crashes in neighbouring Sangley Road. Resident Eddy Scoble, 40, says that he thought the camera was real and he was extremely disappointed when it was removed. He said: 'The road was so much quieter, and drivers didn't overtake me as fast as well. I didn't realise it was fake.' William Bloomfield, 37, who has lived on the attached Verdant Lane for over five years with his wife and toddler, previously compared the area to the action series Mad Max. An FOI request submitted by residents revealed that there were 74 reported crashes on Verdant Lane between 2019-2024, which is over three times that of the surrounding areas. Neighbours said the sudden calm was unmistakable, describing the short-lived deterrent as 'brilliant' and the first thing to make a dent in the chaos after repeated pleas to the council fell on deaf ears Mr Bloomfield said: 'From what I understand, someone made a fake speed camera. 'Whoever has done this is trying to slow the traffic down and this is a problem across Sandhurst and Verdant Lane. 'I think this is a case of residents taking matters into their own hands and just trying to slow traffic and help everyone stay safe. I think it was a brilliant idea. 'You get cars blasting down at 60mph. It often makes Verdant Lane feel more like a scene from Mad Max than a residential road filled with families and young children. 'We are just getting absolutely nowhere with the council. There isn't the support that we need. We have been talking to them for a year now and nothing has happened. 'It is causing a lot of damage too, we have had entire houses destroyed by speeding cars. There have been dozens of our cars that had to be scrapped because they were damaged so bad.' A spokesperson for Lewisham Council said: 'We strongly discourage people from putting up fake signs or cameras. Residents who do this run the risk of legal action if these lead to an accident. 'We have been working closely with residents on Sandhurst Road to address their concerns regarding speeding on their road and recognise the frustration they must be feeling. 'The Council is not responsible for the route and speed of buses, but we have passed on resident concerns to TfL. 'We are in the process of introducing new measures (planters and street furniture) to calm traffic and prevent inconsiderate parking, which causes severe disruption to pedestrians, particularly those with children or mobility issues. 'The Council has also undertaken a comprehensive consultation with residents as part of the Sustainable Streets programme to explore proposals to improve safety and accessibility.' The Trump administration is gearing up to send Ukrainians back to their war-torn homeland, with 80 people being targeted for removal if the plan reaches fruition. A Justice Department court filing reviewed by the Washington Post revealed the government plans and names of those Ukrainians on the removal list. Andrey Bernik stated in an interview with the Post that ICE officers recently told him he would be sent to Poland on a charter flight, where he would then be transferred to Ukrainian authorities. 'I deserve to get deported, but not in the war zone not where the war is right now,' Bernik said. 'How can you deport me somewhere where the war is?' Bernik said. Roman Surovtsev, 41, will reportedly be sent back to Ukraine as early as Monday. His lawyers noted that others are being told they will be sent on military flights to either Ukraine or Poland Monday. Ukraine's ambassador to the US, Olha Stefanishyna, said there are about 80 Ukrainians who have final orders for removal from the country, because of 'violations of US law' and that US officials are planning the operations to send these Ukrainian nationals back. Stefanishyna also mentioned that officials are 'taking into account the absence of direct international air service to Ukraine.' Ukraine's ambassador backed the administration's plans saying that deportation is a 'widely used legal mechanism' and that 'it is a routine procedure.' President Trump and his administration is gearing up to send back Ukrainians to their war-torn homelands. All this, as the administration makes another effort at kicking deportations back up A police officer assists an elderly woman evacuating from the small city of Huliaipole in Ukraine amid the ongoing Russian invasion Ukraine, although historically hesitant to work fully with the US in the past over deportation efforts, has changed their tune in cooperating with the United States as they have become more dependent and optimistic of Trump's helps in their fight against Vladimir Putin and Russian attacks, including providing resources Ukranian Nationals continue to present themselves at the San Ysidro PedEast crossing point into the US from Mexico due too the ongoing war in the Ukraine. Russian nationals meanwhile are being denied entry all during the normal hubbub at one of the worlds busiest border crossing points Civilians stand on a crossroad as smoke rises from an explosion in Siversk, Ukraine Recent ICE data shows that there were 53 Ukrainians removed from the US in 2024. A spokesperson for the Department of Homeland Security said that ICE cannot confirm details of future deportation operations, but that Ukrainian national Surovtsev had 'received full due process,' something they claim every detainee has the chance to make their case before they are forced to leave the country. Ukraine, although historically hesitant to work fully with the US in the past over deportation efforts, has changed their tune in cooperating with the United States as they have become more dependent and optimistic of Trump's helps in their fight against Vladimir Putin and Russian attacks, including providing resources. An advisor to Ukraine's president, who spoke to the Washington Post on terms of anonymity, said, 'The US can deport as many as they want We'll find good use for them.' Lawyers for Surovtsev told the Post that they are concerned for Ukrainians being at risk for removal without being given an opportunity to fight back on their deportations, calling it 'unlawful.' 'Ukraine is a war zone, currently under martial law, and it is likely that any deportees will be forcibly drafted into the army and sent to the front where they face a high likelihood of death,' they put out in a statement. Russian forces have continued to escalate attacks across Ukraine, launching one of the largest drone and missile barrages on Kyiv in months, killing several civilians and damaging residential buildings and energy infrastructure. Ukraine has responded with strikes on strategic sites inside Russia, including facilities tied to oil exports, briefly disrupting operations at the port of Novorossiysk. Friday, the latest attack in Ukraine resulted in six people dead and 35 more wounded. An immigration judge reportedly ordered Surovtsev to be deported back in 2014 around that same time period, Ukrainian officials could not confirm whether to not he was a citizen. Russia refused to take him into their country. ICE then released him into the US eventually, since it is illegal to hold detainees endlessly. In August he was arrested again. Tinder Swindler Shimon Hayut has been dramatically released from prison in Georgia after a plea deal was reached, the Daily Mail can reveal. The sweetheart scammer has walked free after receiving just a one-year suspended sentence with all proceedings dropped and arrest warrants cancelled. He had been held in Kutaisi Penitentiary Establishment No 2 for two months after being arrested under an Interpol red notice for alleged fraud committed in Germany. It related to charges of defrauding a Berlin-based woman who claimed to have been the victim of a 38,000 scam. Hayut, 35, faced up to 10 years in prison if extradited and convicted but Georgian prosecutors told the Daily Mail that Berlin has withdrawn the request, allowing him to walk free. The Russian-Israeli made famous by 2022 Netlfix documentary The Tinder Swindler was seen strolling out of prison this afternoon in Kutaisi. Tinder Swindler Shimon Hayut seen walking out of Kutaisi Penitentiary Establishment No 2 after his dramatic release Hayut has long been wanted for a string of alleged fraud and theft cases totalling an estimated 7million Israeli lawyer Sharon Nahari and local Georgian solicitor Mariam Kublashvili who secured Hayut's freedom He was represented by Israeli lawyer Sharon Nahari and local Georgian solicitor Mariam Kublashvili - both renowned for winning tough cases - who said they found 'significant legal weaknesses' in the charges. Under the plea agreement with German authorities, Hayut 'received a one-year suspended sentence, and all other proceedings against him were closed' they said. 'This is an important decision,' a joint statement read. 'The plea agreement is fair and appropriate, and we welcome our clients release and the cancellation of all arrest warrants. 'In its ruling, the court explicitly determined that both the local arrest warrant and the European warrant are cancelled, and that all cases against him are closed. 'This outcome constitutes a significant achievement for Adv. Sharon Nahari and Adv. Mariam Kobashvili, as well as for the defence teams established in Germany and Georgia.' Hayut has long been wanted for a string of alleged fraud and theft cases totalling an estimated 7million, with multiple aliases flagged with authorities as detailed in the 2022 Netflix documentary The Tinder Swindler. But following his release he still has no convictions over the alleged crimes documented in the show. Hayut arrested in Athens in 2019 after being caught travelling on a forged passport He was last detained in Greece in 2019 for using a fake passport and extradited to Israel where he served just five months of a 15-month sentence for a 2011 theft, fraud and forgery conviction. When he was arrested after landing at Batumi Airport on the Black Sea coast on September 14 this year, his accusers thought he may finally face justice. But today's outcome will come as a hammer blow for the women who claim he swindled them out of millions. Pernilla Sjoholm, 38, a Swedish businesswoman who claimed on the programme she was swindled out of 39,000 told The Mail on Sunday after his detainment: 'Finally. I am the biggest fan of the German police force right now.' But now it appears Hayut is free to travel Europe. Victims said he would pose on dating app Tinder as diamond mogul Simon Leviev, the son of Israeli-Russian billionaire Lev Leviev, a man Forbes once called the 'King of Diamonds'. He would dazzle victims with private jet trips to five-star hotels and woo them with designer clothes - before tricking them into handing over vast amounts of money. Women told of being left with suicidal feelings and crippling bank debts as they faced the humiliation of discovering the relationship had been a scam. Hayut's lawyers had questioned why an Interpol notice was triggered when he entered Georgia without the Germans first going to authorities in his homeland. Ex-model Ms Kublashvili, who appeared on Georgia's version of Strictly Come Dancing, fought to prevent speedboat killer Jack Shepherd's extradition in 2019 after he was held in Georgia over the death of Charlotte Brown, 24, on the Thames. He was extradited three months later after Shepherd agreed provided his safety was taken into account. Several people have been killed after a bus ploughed into a bus shelter in central Stockholm today. The crash of the double decker bus happened in the Ostermalm area of the Swedish capital at around 3pm local time. Police have since cordoned off Valhallavagen, the street near the KTH Royal Institute of Technology where the crash happened, and are looking for clues to determine the cause of the crash. Emergency services said the bus was not in service and no passengers were on board, according to Swedish news agency TT. Local media reported that three people have died, and two were seriously hurt, though police have not yet confirmed how were involved in the incident. Two people have reportedly been taken to the Karolinska Institute, a medical university in Stockholm, to treat their serious injuries. Cops have since arrested the bus driver, and have opened an aggravated manslaughter probe in light of the tragedy. Dozens of emergency service workers, including police, paramedics and firefighters, are still on the scene. Photos of the bus following the crash appear to show the windscreen of the bus severely cracked, while other images showed a swarm of police, ambulances and emergency vehicles at the scene, with rescue crews crouched down along the underside of the double-decker bus, appearing to help people trapped underneath. Several people have been killed in a bus crash in central Stockholm today, police have confirmed The crash happened in the Ostermalm area of the Swedish capital at around 3pm local time One local woman told Expressen: 'I was sitting on the couch and heard bangs. I got really stressed'. Another witness told SVT Nyheter, a local broadcaster, that several people came into their shop crying following the incident. A spokesperson for Stockholm's public transport agency, SL, told local media: 'It is a serious incident'. The city is diverting many of its bus routes that travel down Valhallavagen, which is being closed until further notice. Meanwhile, a spokesperson for Transdev, a bus company, confirmed that one of their vehicles was the one involved in the incident. Spokesperson Lovisa Abom told local media: 'It is one of our buses that was involved and it is a double-decker. I also know that there are injuries, but I have no information about how it happened at the moment'. Ebba Busch, Sweden's deputy prime minister, said in a post on X: 'Devastated by the terrible news that people have lost their lives after a bus crashed into a bus shelter in central Stockholm. 'The government is closely following the developments and is in close contact with the relevant authorities.' Police, ambulances, and emergency services inspect the scene of a bus crash into a bus shelter in Ostermalm, Stockholm, Sweden, November 14 2025 Emergency services said the bus was not in service and no passengers were on board Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, meanwhile, said: 'I have been reached by the tragic news that several people have died and been injured at a bus stop in central Stockholm. People who were perhaps on their way home to family, friends or a quiet evening at home. 'We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their relatives. 'The police, ambulance and rescue services now have a very difficult and important job to do. I urge everyone to show consideration and understanding for their task'. A veteran has had his collection of First World War medals stolen while he was attending an Armistice Day memorial service. Kevan Ball, had his collection of his grandfather's medals, which included the 1914-15 Star, the British War Medal, and the Victory Medal taken from his home in the Oxfordshire village of Broadwell on Tuesday. Mr Ball himself served for 39 years in the Royal Engineers and lost his own dress service medals including the General Service Medal Northern Ireland, a medal from his service in Afghanistan, and an Accumulated Campaign Service medal. However, his other awarded service medals were not taken as he was wearing them at the service. Thames Valley Police, who are investigating the crime, believe the thief gained entry to the veterans property between 11.30am and 4pm by smashing a rear window. The force said the theft comes after Mr Ball and three school friends had cycled the No Mans Land path from Belgium to Switzerland earlier this year to honour the fallen from his old school and to raise money for the Royal British Legion. The Western Front Way is a 600-mile track that covers the major landmarks and sites of remembrance from the First World War. Detective Constable Mark Lowman, who is leading the investigation into the theft said: 'Burglaries of all kinds are horrendous offences, which are so invasive and cause great upset and harm to victims. Pictured from left to right: The World War One Victory Medal, the British War Medal and the 1914-1915 Star. All of which belonged to Kevan Ball's late grandfather and were stolen while he attended a Armistice Day memorial service 'But what makes this particular case so sad is that these medals were stolen on the very day that is there to remember all those who served around the world. 'The World War 1 medals belonging to the victim's grandfather are of such priceless sentimental value, I am appealing to anybody who has any information to help us to reunite them with the victim and bring the offenders to justice. 'I would also appeal to antique dealers or medal specialists. 'If you have been offered any of these unique and special medals, or if anybody has recently purchased a medal and you do not know where they have come from, please get in touch with us.' A watch salesman who killed himself after being tied up in a 1.1million heist had been working in a shop that was a 'front for organised crime', a court has been told. Oliver White, 27, took his own life after being accused of 'not putting up enough of a fight' against robbers who grabbed a haul of luxury watches. Mr White was restrained with cable ties during the heist at 247 Kettles in Kew Road, Richmond, on May 25 last year. But in an intense meeting with the two store owners, Joe Riley and Connor Thornton, and another man, Fred Sines, Mr White was accused of not resisting the raiders, Woolwich crown court has heard. Jurors have heard Sines was convicted of conspiracy to transfer criminal property after the theft of the 18-carat toilet and handed a suspended sentence at Oxford Crown Court earlier this year. The court was also told the store was allegedly a front for money laundering and the business was actually run by Sines and his father, Maurice Fred Sines. After the raid, Mr White had offered to compensate company owners with the money he had been saving up for a deposit on a flat with his girlfriend Alana Dredge. He attempted to transfer his 14,000 savings to Mr Thornton and Mr Riley, who were in the US at the time of the heist. Oliver White, 27, who was tied up during a 1.1m heist at luxury watch store 247 Kettles in Richmond, killed himself after being accused of 'not putting up enough of a fight', a court heard The court was also told the store was allegedly a front for money laundering and the business was actually run by Fred Sines (pictured) and his father, Maurice Fred Sines Frederick Doe, 36, also known as Frederick Sines, (right) with his father outside Oxford Crown Court after being found guilty of conspiracy to transfer criminal property, over the theft of a 4.8million gold toilet from Blenheim Palace in 2019 The two men flew back from New York the evening the watches were stolen and a meeting took place at the store between Mr Thornton, Mr Riley, Mr White and Sines the following day. The CCTV of the meeting that day has since been wiped, the court was told. Immediately after that meeting, Mr White travelled to the woods in Shepperton, where he grew up, and took his own life. He was later found there by a close friend. Businessman Mannix Pedro, 38, helped plan the raid and supplied a stolen Audi used as a getaway car. Jurors were told Pedro had already been tried and convicted of conspiracy to rob. Kyle Mehmet, 40, allegedly grabbed Mr Whites wrists during the robbery while Junior Kunu, 31, swiped the watches, including a Rolex Sky Dweller. Michael Holmes, 34, is said to have been part of an aborted robbery at the shop two days earlier. Prosecutor Edward Brown KC earlier said Mr White was devastated when Mr Thornton and Mr Riley suggested that he did not put up enough of a fight during the robbery. Today, Mr Riley, one of the two co-owners of 247 Kettles and a close friend of Mr White gave evidence. Rupert Bowers, KC, for Holmes, claimed 247 Kettles was in fact a front for money laundering and the entire business was actually run by Fred Sines and his father Maurice Fred Sines. He also suggested the watches were taken at a convenient time so as to avoid paying tax on them. The total value of the watches that were taken is more than 1,160,000 and none have been recovered, the court heard Mr Bowers alluded to the fact that after police were called by Mr White, Mr Thornton called Sines to go to the store. The barrister asked: Why Fred?' I dont know, I did not make the call, Mr Riley said. Mr Bowers asked: Why was Mr Sines called and not the police?' The police had already been called by Ollie prior to that, Mr Riley responded. Mr Bowers asked: So why call Fred? What has Fred got to do with it?' He is a good friend of Connors, Mr Riley replied. Mr Bowers asked: Or is it that the entire enterprise is really funded by the Sines family?' No, definitely not, Mr Bowers said. Mr Bowers asked: This is just money laundering isnt it?' Mr Riley denied this. Mr Bowers suggested: This is a criminal enterprise with Fred Sines and his father behind it? No, not at all, Mr Riley said. Mr Bowers said: When that meeting finished at about 4pm, Mr White must have gone almost directly to that wood. He did not go home, he did not go and see his girlfriend, he did not go and see his mother, he left that building and killed himself. What happened in that meeting, Mr Riley? He was questioned as to how he did not notice the man with the balaclava, Mr Riley replied. Mr Bowers asked: Why was Fred Sines in that meeting? I dont know, Mr Riley said. Because they are his watches, Mr Bowers suggested. No, they are not, Mr Riley insisted. Mr Bowers asked: How frightened was Oliver White at what took place in that meeting? He was not frightened, just startled from the robbery, Mr Riley said. Mr Bowers asked: Who was taking the lead in that meeting? Nobody was taking the lead, said Mr Riley. Mr Bowers asked: Was he threatened, were threats made by you, Mr Thornton or Mr Sines? Mr Riley denied this. I suggest that what happened in that meeting terrified him, Mr Bowers said. The video circulated on Instagram, the conversation was not friendly, it was a lot of pressure for him to deal with, I understand that, Mr Riley replied. Mr Bowers asked: Why was the video footage deleted? I dont know, Mr Riley said. The reason you or Connor destroyed that footage is because you knew it would reveal what happened in that meeting, so it had to be destroyed before the police got hold of it, Mr Bowers said. Today, store owner Joe Riley, one of the two co-owners of 247 Kettles and a close friend of Mr White gave evidence at Woolwich Crown Court (pictured) Are you responsible for what took place, for staging this robbery, together with Mr Sines, maybe so these accounts can be doctored? It is all just a front, isnt it, you are not telling the truth Mr Riley, your account is as false now as the accounts that were submitted to HMRC. Are you scared of Mr Sines, of Fred Jr, Fred Sr, are you scared of them? Mr Riley denied all of these questions. Earlier in the morning, Mr Riley was asked questions by Alan Kent, KC, defending Kunu. Within that cross-examination, it was revealed that 96 watches were left out in the store at the time of the robbery, when there should have only been two. Mr Kent too asked about the nature of the meeting on May 26, the day after the robbery. That meeting took place in the showroom, it was you and Connor Thornton that were there, and of course, Oliver and another man called Fred Sines?' Yes, Mr Riley said. Mr Kent asked: From what you told us, you and Connor were the owners of the business. What role did Mr Sines play? Mr Riley explained that Mr Thornton made the call to Sines when he was in New York as Ollie was distressed. Mr Kent asked: Oliver said he got some [watches] out for other customers and forgot to put them back, were you aware there was a previous customer? Yes, Mr Riley said. He is a bit of a pleaser so wanted to show the people the watches and we did not really get a straight answer as to why the watches were out. He did not notice the male with a balaclava, it is not out of the ordinary to have it all out. Ollie saw the best in everyone. Mr Kent asked: So there were things about what happened on 23 May and on 25 May that gave you and Connor and Fred Sines some concerns? Yes, Mr Riley replied. Mr Kent asked: Do you know there is no recording available of that from the CCTV cameras? Do you know how or why? The cameraman said there is a 30-day timer, or a 14-day timer, replied Mr Riley. Mr Kent asked: Who told you that? Connor, Mr Riley said. Mr Kent asked: So that meeting took place and ended quite abruptly, and is that because a call came through from somebody who might know the location of the watches? Mr Riley told the jury it was not the location but allegedly someone thought they had seen someone who had taken the watches. When Mr Riley and others left that meeting to go and search for the supposed robber, that was the last time he saw Mr White alive. Mr White left a note for Mr Riley, in which he apologised. I have met up with Ollies mum and she showed me, Mr Riley said. He wanted to apologise to you and he did not want you to think he might have something to do with it, Mr Kent suggested. Pedro was arrested on May 29, 2024, and released on police bail before being re-arrested off a one-way flight to Marseille carrying four large suitcases. Kunu had changed his appearance when he was arrested on 5 June and gave no comment to all questions. Mehmet and Holmes were arrested in March this year and also refused to answer police questions. Pedro, of Cobham, Surrey, denied but was earlier convicted of conspiracy to commit robbery between February 28, 2024 and May 26, 2024. Kunu, of Mitcham, south London, Mehmet, of North Road, Rotherham and Holmes, of Rainham, Essex, all deny the same charge. The trial continues. Jeffrey Epsteins chilling obsession with genetics has been laid bare in a second tranche of personal emails. The files reveal that Epstein who fantasized about seeding the human race with his own DNA spent years snapping up books on genes, medicine and even parenting before his death. The 18,000 emails, obtained by Bloomberg, contain a long trail of Amazon receipts that suggest the 66-year-old was a voracious reader. His inbox is littered with orders spanning everything from genetics and evolutionary biology to erotica, narcissism and Vatican conspiracies. The receipts stretch from September 2007 to just weeks before he was found dead from an apparent suicide in a Manhattan jail cell in 2019 and they point to a deepening fixation on DNA. In December 2014, Epstein purchased Genes, Girls, and Gamow: After the Double Helix by Nobel Prizewinner James Watson concerning Watson's pursuit of a scientific breakthrough, and a wife. By 2017, he was stocking up on medical titles including Principles of Evolutionary Medicine, Why We Get Sick, Evolution & Medicine, and Probably Approximately Correct It comes after insiders revealed that Epstein confided in friends and academics that he 'hoped to seed the human race with his DNA by impregnating women at his vast New Mexico ranch.' The files point to Epstein, seen here with Ghislaine Maxwell, being a voracious reader, or at least a large buyer of books, with tons of receipts from his Amazon account ending up in his e-mail inbox Zorro Ranch, one of the properties of financier Jeffrey Epstein, is seen in an aerial view near Stanley, New Mexico, U.S., July 15, 2019 Sources previously told The New York Times that over the years, Epstein surrounded himself with scientists in hoping of kick-starting his plan. This would involve dinner parties where academics would mingle with attractive college-educated women who he saw as candidates to carry his offspring. Epstein also told one person that upon his death, 'he wanted his head and penis to be frozen' and donated to charities that supported transhumanism, the belief that the human race can further advance and evolve using advancements from the worlds of science. Dozens of acquaintances - including one of Epstein's former defense attorneys - told the Times this was all fueled by his veiled fascination for eugenics, the idea that the human race could be improved through selective breeding. Epstein mingled with the cream of the scientific community, and was heavily involved in many scientific pursuits. According to his inbox, one of his last book purchases included a copy of 'The Formula: Unlocking the Secrets to Raising Highly Successful Children'. Epstein has no known children. The new emails also showed that in September 2014 he purchased 'The Rosie Project' by Graeme Simsion, a novel about a socially awkward professor looking for love. Two months prior to the purchase, Bill Gates published a blog post gushing over the book, saying it was one of the best novels he'd read in a long time. One of the last purchases he made included the above book about parenting before he killed himself, left, he had previously purchased a book about DNA This photo provided by the New York State Sex Offender Registry shows Jeffrey Epstein on March 28, 2017 In October of 2016 he also made four separate orders of 'Filthy Rich: The Shocking True Story of Jeffrey Epstein'. He originally bought one copy, then six more, then nine others and a final fourth order of another copy. Other books included numerous copies of 'Lolita' by Vladimir Nabokov, concerning an older man's obsession of a 12-year-old girl. Epstein's private jet was known as the 'Lolita Express', seemingly being nicknamed after the title of the book. He stocked up on other titles concerning Bitcoin, Donald Trump, Stock Investing for Dummies, and six books all bought on January 19, 2017 concerning narcissism. The large number of books all concerning the same subject matter came during Trump's first inauguration weekend. In December of 2015 he also stocked up on books concerning Vatican secrets and feminism. One of the weirder books included is titled Nobody Likes A C***block, a full color paperback children's book for adults concerning woodland creatures. It was one of Hitler's closest friends who tried to explain the Nazi dictator's 'terrifying urge for domination'. Writing years after he had defected to the US, Ernst Hanfstaengl argued the Nazi dictator had been influenced by his 'sense of shame' at his 'freakishly under-developed genital organs' after being bullied by his army comrades. Now, the long-rumoured notion that Hitler might have had something wrong 'down there' has been given credence by research outlined in a new Channel 4 documentary. After analysing Hitler's DNA, experts who feature in Hitler's DNA: Blueprint Of A Dictator tomorrow have found that the mass murderer had a rare condition that affects development of the sexual organs. Symptoms of Kallmann Syndrome include abnormal sexual development and low testosterone. So for a mass murderer so obsessed with genetic purity, it is somewhat ironic that Hitler himself would have been a target for the eugenics-obsessed Nazis had they been able to look at his DNA. The new research, based on a strip of blood-stained fabric taken from Hitler's sofa after the dictator shot himself in his Berlin bunker in 1945, also found that he was in the top one per cent of people at risk of having schizophrenia, bi-polar and autism. Hitler may also have had a 'micro-penis'. Up to 10 per cent of boys with Kallmann Syndrome end up with very small genitalia. After analysing Hitler's DNA, experts who feature in Hitler's DNA: Blueprint Of A Dictator tomorrow have found that the mass murderer had a rare condition that affects development of the sexual organs According to expert Professor Jorma Toppari in tomorrow's programme, it is 'much more common' for sufferers to end up with testes that 'don't descend normally to the scrotum'. The notion that Hitler only had one testicle has been one delightedly repeated by successive generations. It was the subject too of one particularly mischievous wartime song. The famous British tune went: 'Hitler has only got one ball, 'Goring has two but very small, 'Himmler is rather sim'lar, 'But poor old Goebbels has no balls at all.' In 1943, while the war was still raging, America's forerunner to the CIA - the Office for Strategic Services - published a report into Hitler's personality. Written by psychologist Henry Murray, it claimed that Hitler attempted to manage his insecurities by worshipping 'brute strength, physical force, ruthless domination, and military conquest'. Another expert, psychoanalyst Dr Walter Lange, contended in another report the same year: 'The image Hitler created was a compensation for his own inferiorities, insecurities and guilts. 'All love, pity, sympathy and compassion were interpreted as weakness and disappeared in the transformation.' Both views chimed with Hanfstaengl's recollections. He would go on to write of Hitler in his memoir: 'I can never recall having seen him in a bathing costume, nor had anyone else. 'A story, probably authentic, was frequently told that Hitler's old army comrades, who had seen him in the wash-house, had noted that his genital organs were almost freakishly underdeveloped, and he doubtless had some sense of shame about displaying himself. 'It seemed to me that this must all be part of the underlying complex in his physical relations, which was compensated for by the terrifying urge for domination expressed in the field of politics.' Adolf Hitler as a baby with his mother Klara, who died of cancer when he was 18 Hitler's traumatic treatment at the hands of his army comrades is also referenced in tomorrow's Channel 4 programme by Professor Brett Kahr, of the Tavistock Institute of Medical Psychology. He too highlights the impact that Hitler's army comrades' jibes had on him. The expert says: 'When he was a young man, in the army and got... undressed in front of his fellow soldiers, the other men would make fun and say to him, your penis is smaller than everybody else's,' said Prof Kahr. 'That is potentially more psychologically traumatic for a young boy, a young man, than anything else.' The Nazi mass murderer's obsession with his political goals at the expense of all aspects of a 'normal' life has previously been explained by Professor Ian Kershaw, his respected biographer. He wrote: 'There was no "private life" for Hitler. 'Of course, he could enjoy his escapist films, his daily walk to the Tea-House at the Berghof, his time in his alpine idyll far from government ministries in Berlin. 'But these were empty routines. 'There was no retreat to a sphere outside the political, to a deeper existence which conditioned his public reflexes.' Christa Schroeder, Hitler's trusted secretary, believed he never had sex, not even with his long-time partner Eva Braun. Schroeder wrote in her memoirs: 'Even his relationship with Eva Braun was a facade. 'Eva braun confided to her hairdresser... that Hitler never had sexual intercourse with her.' Schroeder also recalled Hitler's insecurities about his appearance. She claimed he told her: 'Many people say I should shave off the moustache, but that is impossible,' he once explained. 'My nose is much too big. I need the moustache to relieve the effect.' Hitler also hated being seen in his swimming trunks, she said. Similarly, Albert Speer, Hitler's armaments minister, in his memoir Inside the Third Reich, remembered Hitler's strange relationship with women. Hitler in Munich in the spring of 1932, shortly before he was elected chancellor of Germany 'He spoke more about their figures than their charm or cleverness, and always there was something in his tone of the school-boy who is convinced that his wishes are unattainable'. That view echoed what his former comrade Joseph Goebbels had recorded in his diary: 'He really is very lonely. Has no luck with women.' Among the women Hitler was close to was his half-niece Geli Rauabal. She ended up shooting herself with his gun in 1931. Another aspect of Hitler's health covered in tomorrow's programme was his treatment by his personal doctor Theodor Morrell. The physician's diary backs up the discovery that Hitler had Kallmann Syndrome. Speaking of the diary, Dr Kay says: 'It's the 24th of January. And we can see here 25 milligrams of testosterone injected. 'So, we know that he was regularly injecting Hitler with testosterone. 'Unfortunately, Morell doesn't explain explicitly in his notes why he's giving Hitler testosterone, but he's certainly receiving it on a fairly regular basis.' Hitler's traumatic childhood is also believed to have shaped his twisted character. He was very close to his mother Klara, whilst his father, Alois, was unpleasant and violent. Klara's death from breast cancer when Hitler was 18 in 1907 left the future dictator distraught. In his infamous memoir, Mein Kampf, Hitler wrote that his mother's passing 'hardened' him. He said: 'I am thankful for that period in my life because it hardened me and enabled me to be as tough as I now am. 'And I am even more thankful because I appreciate the fact that I was thus saved from the emptiness of a life of ease and that a mother's darling was taken from tender arms and handed over to Adversity as to a new mother. 'Though I then rebelled against it as too hard a fate, I am grateful that I was thrown into a world of misery and poverty and thus came to know the people for whom I was afterwards to fight.' An NHS children's doctor who hailed Hamas terrorists as 'resistance fighters' and claimed that yellow ribbons worn in support of Israeli hostages were a sign of 'Jewish supremacy' has been suspended from practising. Dr Ellen Kriesels, a consultant developmental paediatrician at London's Whittington Hospital, was photographed at a pro-Palestinian demonstration carrying a placard displaying an Israeli flag surrounded by the words: 'Rape, steal, cry, kill, cheat, lie.' She also wrote posts on X, formerly Twitter, describing Judaism as a 'racist, imperialist and genocidal religion.' Dr Kriesels appeared today at a Medical Practitioners Tribunal Service interim orders tribunal in Manchester after concerns were raised about her fitness to practise. The General Medical Council asked the panel to impose an 18-month suspension due to concerns about patient safety and public confidence in the medical profession. But Dr Kriesels claimed she was the victim of 'orchestrated harassment', while her lawyer argued that suspending her for 'expressing opinions about genocide in Gaza' would have a 'chilling effect' on free speech. This evening the panel imposed a nine-month interim suspension, saying members of the public may believe she holds 'biased views' and be hesitant to be treated by Dr Kriesels. Noting that she works in 'a largely Jewish area', it said she 'could pose a real risk to public safety'. The hearing was attended by supporters including fellow NHS doctor Dr Rahmeh Aladwan. Dr Ellen Kriesels, a consultant developmental paediatrician at London's Whittington Hospital, arriving at a medical tribunal in Manchester today where the General Medical Council sought her suspension over a slew of 'racist' and 'antisemitic' posts NHS paediatrician Dr Ellen Kriesels pictured at a pro-Palestinian demonstration in September carrying a placard displaying an Israeli flag surrounded by the words: 'Rape, steal, cry, kill, cheat, lie' Dr Aladwan appeared before the same tribunal last month accused of anti-semitism and supporting terrorism - just days after being arrested by police on suspicion of inciting racial hatred. Among the posts written by Dr Kriesels which the GMC allege are antisemitic and racist include one reading: 'Most Jews, Zionist or not, centre their Jewish identity in the midst of this genocide which is "proof" of supremacy.' She claimed Hamas was a political party and its members 'oppressed resistance fighters, not terrorists' and that yellow ribbons, worn in support of Israeli hostages, were 'a visual sign of Jewish supremacy.' Talking about October 7 Hamas attack on Israel which killed 1,200 people, she said: 'Some Jews "merely" say it was a progrom [sic]. 'Other Jews "merely" say that it was antisemitic. Always trying to frame the Jews as victims. 'So ridiculous. So excruciating. So exhausting.' And in response to a comment by the actress Miriam Margolyes about Gaza that 'Hitler won; he changed us', Dr Kriesels said: 'Why mention your sense of victimhood AT ALL when your fellow Jews are committing a gleeful genocide.' Addressing the posts, counsel for the GMC Isobel Thomas said they were 'a threat to patient safety'. Junior doctor Rahmeh Aladwan - who is accused of repeatedly showing support for the October 7 Hamas attacks - pictured arriving at her own tribunal last month wearing a necklace with a distinctive gold charm showing the number 'seven' 'Her antisemitic views may impact on her ability to provide safe care to members of the population,' she said. 'Jewish families may be concerned they will not receive impartial care from her.' Ms Thomas said the GMC had received a complaint about the doctor from UK Lawyers for Israel, while the hospital trust had received more than 1,500 emails, many from patients, alleging that Dr Kriesel's comments were 'antisemitic and racist'. Colleagues had also expressed concern about working with her, she said, and the trust had launched a preliminary investigation and suspended her in September. A complaint was also made to police, the tribunal heard, but no action was taken. The trust had asked her take down the posts but she'd refused, Ms Thomas said. When challenged about the placard, Dr Kriesels said 'it doesn't matter what people say' and she was 'only expressing facts'. Dr Kriesels claims her actions were not antisemitic or racist but 'anti-Zionist', and she'd acted in personal capacity not as a NHS doctor. She was the victim of 'orchestrated harassment', the tribunal heard, and the allegations against her led to concerns about her personal safety. Giving evidence, Dr Kriesels said she had been deeply affected by the 'genocide' in Gaza and 'horrified' by what Israel was doing. Working with 'vulnerable' children in her job but seeing children killed in Gaza meant she had a moral obligation to act and 'standing idle would be morally complicit', she said, 'I believe Zionism results in terrorism for Palestinians and Zionism should be demolished,' she claimed. She added that the GMC should protect doctors from 'vexatious accusations' and 'shouldn't be policing matters of free speech'. Richard O'Dair, the doctor's counsel, argued that she had never been the subject of any complaints in her 14 years of clinical practice. A suspension for 'expressing opinions about genocide in Gaza' would have a 'chilling effect' on free speech, he said. A spokesperson for the General Medical Council said: The Interim Orders Tribunal has agreed with our submission and suspended Dr Kriesels' registration while we continue our investigation into her fitness to practise. Our focus is to complete our investigation swiftly, fairly and proportionately. Dr Aladwan's hearing was last month adjourned to a future date after the tribunal rejected an application by her lawyers to stay proceedings. Police have launched a manhunt after another prisoner is released by mistake. William Wenham was serving a two-year sentence and waiting to face trial for an offence of aggravated burglary when he was released in error from HMP Rochester on Tuesday June 3 this year. Wenham was convicted of burglary with intent to steal in his absence in Cambridge Crown Court on Friday October 3 2025. Sussex Police say the 47-year-old has connections to Havant, Worthing, Brighton, Peterborough, and the surrounding area. This is just the most recent incident of a criminal being wrongly released from prison early. Last month, Epping migrant sex attacker Hadush Kebatu was released by mistake from Chelmsford. Kebatu was then arrested in Finsbury Park following a two-day manhunt. Last week, it was revealed that two prisoners who were released by mistake in 2024 are still at large. William Wenham was serving a two-year sentence and waiting to face trial for an offence of aggravated burglary when he was released in error from HMP Rochester on Tuesday June 3 this year A further two inmates are also on the run after being released in error in June this year, bringing the total to four. A fifth prisoner, Nigerian national Ola Abimbola, also remains at large after allegedly walking out of the open prison HMP Ford on October 10. Meanwhile, Algerian sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif was finally re-arrested last Friday after mistakenly being released from HMP Wandsworth nine days ago, sparking a huge police manhunt. The 24-year-old, who had been serving a sentence for trespass with intent to steal and had a previous conviction for indecent exposure, was snared by cops after a tip-off from a member of the public. He was detained by officers in Finsbury Park, the same area where sex attack migrant Hadush Kebatu was arrested two weeks earlier, following yet another error that saw him released by mistake. In another embarrassing gaffe, an unnamed 34-year-old offender who was let out of jail by mistake on Monday November 3 and later arrested for stalking a woman. The Deputy PM and Justice Secretary David Lammy on Tuesday revealed officials were still trying to establish whether the offender was on the loose after being freed on November 3. It was confirmed on Wednesday that he had been wrongly freed, but had been detained overnight by Leicestershire Police, eight days after being mistakenly let out. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Tory frontbencher Robert Jenrick, who has dubbed the missing prisoners 'Lammy's lags', said it was a 'disgrace' that the gaffe had led to a new crime being committed. The Shadow Justice Secretary said: 'A prisoner who escaped Lammy's 'strongest ever checks' has been charged with stalking hours later. 'A disgrace. People are being put at risk by this crisis. 'How many screw-ups have there been that David Lammy isn't telling us about?' He added: 'This is shocking but it's not surprising. 'David Lammy must now come clean about how many other prisoners have been charged for alleged crimes while they've been on the run.' The Daily Mail revealed last week that an astonishing five inmates a week were mistakenly freed every week last year. Official data shows there were a record 262 releases in error in 2024-25, of which 87 were violent offenders and three had convictions for sexual offences. Last month, Epping migrant sex attacker Hadush Kebatu was released by mistake from Chelmsford Algerian sex offender Brahim Kaddour-Cherif, 24, was finally re-arrested last Friday after being accidentally freed from HMP Wandsworth nine days before Nigerian national Ola Abimbola (pictured), also remains at large after allegedly walking out of the open prison HMP Ford on October 10 Vanessa Frake-Harris MBE told the Daily Mail that Labour's early release scheme had made sentence calculations a 'minefield' and 'doubled the workload' for staff. She said the early release scheme introduced by Labour in September 2024 which followed a previous programme brought in by the Tories - had increased the risk of errors. Sentence calculations are a minefield, and this scheme doubled the workload and made sentence calculations much more difficult,' she said. 'Bear in mind the computer system introduced was not fit for purpose and now the calculations are having to be done manually - meaning someone with a pen, paper and a calculator. 'That said, these accidental releases are just a small part in a huge number of disasters affecting our prisons ranging from staff shortages and inexperienced staff to overcrowding, drugs, corruption, increasing violence and poor access to work. 'Knee-jerk reactions from ministers, like introducing five-page release documents which some governors say takes almost a day to do, has just made staff even more stretched and under pressure.' This is a breaking news story, more to follow. She never says his name, but journalist Olivia Nuzzi is finally spilling details about her alleged 'digital' affair with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. The New York Times obtained a preview copy of Nuzzi's forthcoming book, American Canto, in which she writes about falling in love with an unnamed 'politician.' That, of course, is Kennedy, whom Nuzzi wrote about in 2023 when he was running for president and she was serving as New York Magazine's Washington correspondent, a job she lost over what she claims was a non-physical tryst. In the book, Nuzzi said she legitimately fell in love with Kennedy - despite being engaged and Kennedy having a wife of 10 years. She said she didn't tell Kennedy 'I love you' at first, but eventually did. He called her 'Livvy' and wrote her poems. RFK Jr. even told Nuzzi he wanted her to have his baby, she claimed. Nuzzi's ex-fiance, journalist Ryan Lizza, had said in a court filing that Nuzzi had made claims that Kennedy wanted to 'impregnate' her to him as well. Lizza also said that Nuzzi described the relationship as 'toxic,' 'psychotic,' and acknowledged the 'huge power disparity' between herself and Kennedy. Journalist Olivia Nuzzi (left) has broken her silence on the alleged digital affair she had last year with Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (right) Nuzzi hasn't shared proof of the alleged affair, telling the New York Times correspondent, 'I don't have anything to say about that,' when asked if her text messages with Kennedy still exist. In the book, Nuzzi wrote about loving Kennedy's 'blue as a flame' eyes. She said she loved that 'the sight of something as trivial as a rose' would move him to tears, but also was attracted to his 'particular complications and particular darkness.' Kennedy even promised to take a bullet for her, Nuzzi wrote. In reality, Nuzzi took the fall for their alleged relationship. In September 2024, the news broke that New York Magazine was placing Nuzzi, the magazine's first-ever Washington correspondent, on leave due to a problematic relationship. She said in a statement that 'communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal.' Behind the scenes, as the scandal exploded in Washington, she secretly told Kennedy she would do whatever he needed for his political survival. Olivia Nuzzi (left) was engaged to Ryan Lizza (right), another prominent political reporter, when engaged in an alleged 'digital' affair with presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. Presidential hopeful Robert F. Kennedy Jr. (left) poses with his wife, actress Cheryl Hines (right), as he announces an independent run for the White House in October 2023 By this point in the campaign cycle, Kennedy had dropped out of the race and endorsed President Donald Trump, and was holding out for a Cabinet position. 'If it's just sex, I can survive it,' Kennedy told Nuzzi two months before the 2024 election, she claimed. Kennedy was nominated for the HHS position just days after Trump won the election. Nuzzi put herself in self-imposed exile in Los Angeles, but was given a second chance in journalism almost a year later, with Vanity Fair announcing in September that she would serve as West Coast editor. Her book was due to come out sooner, but Nuzzi pushed the release date so it didn't coincide with the memoir of Cheryl Hines - Kennedy's wife - coming out. Hines' book, Unscripted, was released three days ago. As for the status of her relationship with Kennedy, now serving as HHS secretary, Nuzzi said they haven't been in touch. 'I haven't spoken to him in a year,' she told the Times. Nuzzi, Kennedy and Hines did not immediately respond to requests for comment. A man who stabbed a Porsche driver to death in scenes likened to the 'Wild West' has been jailed for life. Awad Abdel Samad, 24, had claimed he acted in self-defence when he killed Mohamed Abdi, 19, during an outbreak of violence in central London's bustling Edgware Road on the evening of June 4 2024. Samad believed Mr Abdi had been involved in the kidnapping and torture of a friend two days prior and took the chance to exact revenge, a judge told the Old Bailey on Thursday. Footage released on Friday shows the moment cops arrested Samad in an off-licence, with police telling him to 'drop the phone' as he is tackled to the floor. Samad can then be seen lying face down on the ground as a police officer tells him he has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Judge Lynn Tayton sentenced Samad to life imprisonment with a minimum term of 27 years, adding: 'You acted with extreme aggression and persistence in attacking Mr Abdi. 'I am satisfied this was a revenge attack and you acted as part of a group. 'It took place on a congested street where there were many people in vehicles and on foot. Awad Abdel Samad has been jailed for life after he was found guilty of murdering a Porsche driver Footage released on Friday shows the moment cops arrested Samad in an off-licence Samad can then be seen lying face down on the ground as a police officer tells him he has been arrested on suspicion of murder 'You can see how terrifying this was to members of the public.' On June 2, the defendant's friend Soufian Chafi was kidnapped and tortured, with footage of the attack posted on social media showing him 'naked and humiliated,' the judge told the court. Though there was no evidence Mr Abdi was involved, Samad and his co-defendant Mohamad Mahmoud El-Hazzaa, 27, from Westminster, both believed that he was. The incident on June 4 involved the occupants of two cars who knew each other and were heading in the same direction in heavy traffic. Samad was in the front passenger seat of a Seat Leon, which was being driven by El-Hazzaa, the court heard. The victim, Mr Abdi, was driving a Porsche Cayenne, which he pulled close up behind the defendants' car, flashing his lights. Both cars stopped and Samad got out of the vehicle with a knife. Prosecutor Bill Emlyn Jones KC previously told jurors: 'It is, you might have thought, like something from the Wild West. 'Mohamed Abdi clearly saw him coming and got out. The two of them then started to fight - Mohamed Abdi was also armed with a knife. 'But within a few seconds of the start of their fighting, the defendant gained a crucial advantage. 'He swung a kick and managed to kick Mohamed Abdi's knife out of his hand, on to the road. So that meant that now, only one of them had a knife - the defendant.' The disarmed victim retreated and got back into the Porsche, pursued by the defendant, who reached him before he shut the car door, the court was told. Samad believed victim Mr Abdi had been involved in the kidnapping and torture of a friend two days prior and took the chance to exact revenge Samad then stabbed Mr Abdi three times, including once in the chest, which went through the cartilage of the ribs and into the heart, the court heard. As the defendant made off in the Seat Leon, Mr Abdi managed to drive forward into Bell Street where he died, despite efforts of members of the public and paramedics. In a victim impact statement read out in court, Mr Abdi's mother, Sharon, and his sister, Amirah, described him as a 'cherished son and a loving brother' and 'a young man who had much to live for'. Judge Tayton said: 'They fear his life has been stolen.' El-Hazzaa was sentenced to three years' imprisonment for attempting to pervert the course of justice. RESIDENT doctors support for strikes appears to be dwindling as more turned up to work today than in previous walkouts, health leaders say. A small snapshot poll of trust chief executives by NHS Providers suggests the vast majority of planned care was able to go ahead as so few medics joined the industrial action. More than three in four arrived for their shift in some places, with the size of picket lines across the country notably reduced, according to other sources. One boss said it appeared that most had chosen to work or stay at home rather than stand outside hospitals in the rain. Wes Streeting accused the British Medical Association of inflicting pain and misery on patients and holding them to ransom with their demand for a further 26 per cent pay rise on top of the 28.9 per cent resident doctors have already received over the past three years. The heath secretary told LBC radio the five-day walkout, which started today, is going to set us back' and warned union activists are damaging NHS recovery. The BMAs strike mandate expires on January 6 but leaders are planning to ramp up the action by holding a walkout every month next year if members back further industrial action, according to the Guardian. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch today said she would ban doctors strikes if she was in power. NHS resident doctors outside Leeds General Infirmary Speaking on a visit in Essex, she said: Just a year ago the Health Secretary said that he had solved the strikes and there wouldnt be any more. He gave doctors a 28 per cent pay rise thats more than anyone else in the public sector got, let alone the private sector. This is now their second strike. Its putting patients health and safety at risk. Conservatives would simply ban doctors strikes. Mr Streeting had a heated conversation with a doctor, Niraj, from Harrow, North London, during an LBC phone-in, where he said doctors should own' the damage being done to patients by the strike. Niraj told Mr Streeting that we all care about patient safety, none of us wants to be on strike, I would rather be at work today as he made points regarding a lack of training places and other workforce issues. Mr Streeting hit back, accusing the BMA of reprehensible behaviour, adding: To hold patients to ransom and to be out on strike, setting back the NHS, because you dont think were going fast enough, and because the leadership of your union are not honest enough that some of this change takes time, is extremely irresponsible. Dont tell me you dont want to be out on strike, because thats exactly where you are. You made that choice, own it and own the damage it will do to your patients. Wes Streeting, secretary of state for health and social care Mr Streeting said the BMA should have had the courage to put the offer I made them to their members, which includes extra training places and cash for out-of-pocket expenses such as exam fees. He added: I dont believe the BMA are speaking for their members. I think theyre speaking for their activists. Those activists are damaging the NHS recovery, disrupting patients lives and they need to own the consequences of their actions. The five-day action is the 13th walkout by doctors since March 2023, with the last strike in July estimated to have cost the health service 300 million. Resident doctors make up around half the medical workforce in the NHS and have up to eight years experience working as a hospital doctor or three years as a GP. The NHS is aiming to continue with at least 95 per cent of the planned activity over the five days. The last time resident doctors went on strike more than 54,000 procedures and appointments needed to be cancelled or rescheduled, despite the NHS maintaining 93 per cent of planned activity. Nick Hulme, chief executive officer of the East Suffolk and North Essex NHS Foundation Trust, said it was running 99 per cent of elective operations and 97 per cent of outpatients, and was seeing signs of staff choosing not to strike. He told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: 'We are just checking this morning with both hospitals to see what the numbers are, but we are seeing a higher level of (resident doctors) coming back, and I think it reflects a kind of changing mood both for other clinical staff, but also for our resident doctors, that I think their sense is that they are obviously frustrated in terms of the ongoing dispute, but I think they are voting with their feet and returning to work. 'We havent got the absolute numbers yet, but I get the sense, and certainly in the last strike, we saw more people coming back than seen in previous industrial action.' Daniel Elkeles, chief executive of NHS Providers, which represents NHS trusts, said: 'I think lots are saying, "I dont agree, Im coming to work."' Professor Meghana Pandit, national medical director of the NHS, told BBC Breakfast there would be an impact on patients, adding: Every strike is devastating, really, for the NHS. But she urged patients to keep coming forward for care and to attend appointments unless told otherwise. Abortions would be permitted any time up to birth with the consent of two doctors or nurses under controversial proposals in a Scottish Government review. A fundamental overhaul of the current laws around termination of pregnancies has been proposed by a review which was commissioned by Humza Yousaf when he was First Minister. It recommends allowing abortions any time after the current 24-week limit if two medical professionals doctors, nurses or midwives agree it is appropriate. This will include medical circumstances of the woman or the foetus, or any physical, psychological or social circumstances. The abortion law expert group chaired by Professor Anna Glasier also proposes removing any requirement for any specific grounds to be met and for doctor sign-off of any terminations before the 24-week period. A further proposed reform is to fully decriminalise abortion by removing it from criminal law. Critics branded the proposals as reckless and destructive. The 165-page document published yesterday said: No specified grounds should be required to access abortion care up to 24 weeks gestation. The issue of abortion law reform stirs up strong feelings among campaigners on both sides of the argument Decisions regarding abortions over 24 weeks gestation should be made in good faith by two healthcare professionals, who must agree that the abortion is appropriate, except in cases where an abortion is immediately necessary to save the life of the pregnant woman, in which case one healthcare professional may make a decision. Professor Glasier said: The report demonstrates the groups view that it is time for an abortion law that reflects the reality of current clinical practice where abortions are safely provided in the best interests of women. It is now for the Scottish Government to consider these recommendations and carry out the further engagement required to come to a decision on legislative proposals. Michael Robinson, general secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children, said: These disastrous and destructive proposals would mean abortion up to birth with practically no restrictions. General secretary of the Society for the Protection of Unborn Children Michael Robinson They disregard the human rights of the unborn child, recognised in international law. The proposals do not reflect the will of the public, most of whom are not in favour of extending abortion time limits. We call on MSPs to see sense and ignore these horrific proposals. Joanna Timm, senior public affairs officer at The Christian Institute, said: This review was not about evidence or hearing from a wide range of stakeholders. 'It was driven by activists like Engender whose demands are totally out of kilter with the Scottish public. Ms Timm added: The recommendations are reckless and must be rejected. Professor Ranee Thakar, president of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists, said it welcomed the report which also calls for a right to abortion to be enshrined in law. Professor Thakar said: The proposed changes represent an important step towards ensuring that women can access abortion care safely, confidentially and without fear of investigation or prosecution. But Caroline Ansell, director of advocacy and policy at CARE for Scotland, said: We believe in every pregnancy both lives matter and a truly just society protects women and babies at every stage of the pregnancy. Womens Health Minister Jenni Minto said: We will take time to carefully consider all the findings and respond in due course. President Trumps Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff, is preparing to meet with the Chief negotiator of Hamas very soon, two people familiar with Witkoffs plans tell the New York Times. One source reports that Witkoff also plans to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza. Witkoffs plans to meet with Khalil al-Hayya show that the envoy is not afraid that negotiations will validate the group the US has labeled as a foreign terrorist organization. It also represents the White Houses interest in maintaining communications with Hamas. Its still unclear when Witkoff is expected to meet with Al-Hayya, according to two sources familiar with the envoys travel plans. The timing of the meeting could also still change. This is not the first time that the pair has met. The first known time was in Egypt back in October right before a ceasefire deal was cemented. Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner was also at that meeting, helping to broker a deal. That agreement was where both Hamas and Israel made their final hostage swap, releasing all 20 of the remaining living Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners. President Trumps Middle East peace envoy Steve Witkoff, is preparing to meet with the Chief negotiator of Hamas very soon, two people familiar with Witkoffs plans tell the New York Times One source reports that Witkoff also plans to discuss the ceasefire in Gaza Trumps son-in-law Jared Kushner was also at that meeting, helping to broker a deal Khalil al-Hayya, a senior Hamas official and lead negotiator, left, participates in a meeting Thursday, October 9, in Sharm el-Sheikh, Egypt, after a part of a ceasefire plan advanced by President Trump The ceasefire agreement in October was when both Hamas and Israel made their final hostage swap, releasing all 20 of the remaining living Israeli hostages for nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners Witkoff, no stranger to loss, with his own son Andrew dying from an opioid overdose back in 2011, told CBSs 60 Minutes program host that he actually offered his condolences to the Hamas captain when he lost his son. This happened back in September when the Israeli Air Force fired at a base in Qatar where Hamas officials met. A representative for Witkoff declined to discuss whether there's plans for a meeting with the Hamas leader. Chilling footage has captured the moment a teenage nursery worker refused to co-operate with police after raping and sexually abusing children as young as three. Thomas Waller, 18, was today jailed for 10 years after raping and sexually assaulting one boy and sexually assaulting another child in his care at a nursery in Surrey. Within days of being able to look after children, the 'sinister and calculated' teen took advantage of his position to gain the trust of the two boys before exploiting them. He was arrested after both children told their parents about what had happened to them while at the nursery, Guildford Crown Court was told. Nursery staff member later told police Waller had been alone in the toilets with one of the boys, known as Child D, in August, after lunch. Officers also found his DNA on the child's underwear, the court heard. His phone was also seized and police found indecent images pictures of another boy, known as Child T, the prosecutor said. During his police interview, Waller refused to provide any explanation as to how his DNA was found on Child D's clothing and how the images of Child T ended up on his mobile phone. Footage shows the emotionless teen repeatedly answer 'no comment' while being grilled by two police officers on November 10 last year. This is the moment teenage nursery worker Thomas Waller, 18, refused to co-operate with police after raping and sexually abusing children as young as three Waller (pictured), a teenage nursery worker, has been jailed for 10 years after using his position to rape and sexually abuse children as young as three 'So, a download of your phone this, exhibit P A02 has been completed since your last interview. What do you think we found on that phone Thomas?' one of the officers asks during the interview. 'No comment,' Waller replies. The officer continues: 'From the download of, this piece five indecent images of a child have been found. What can you tell me about this? 'No comment,' Waller says again. The officer goes on to ask if the teen had been 'aware of any indecent images' on his phone and why they were there, to which he replies 'no comment'. 'They've looked into these images and these images were captured using the device camera on Friday the 26 July, 2024. What can you tell me about that?' the officers asks. 'No comment,' Waller says. Wrapping up the interview, the officer asks: 'So at this point, Thomas, I'll remind you this is your chance to tell us why we found: A the forensic link to [victim] and then indecent images of [victim 2] on your phone. 'So is there anything you'd like to add? I know you've got no comment. Is there anything you'd like to say at this point?' 'No Thank you,' the rapist replies. Thomas Waller was told he will serve 10 years in youth custody and five years on licence The court heard the rape and sexual assaults happened just weeks after Waller had been given a placement at the nursery. Rio Pahlavanpour, prosecuting, said Waller had undergone an extensive college course and had obtained the qualifications necessary to work in a nursery. He said: 'His tasks at the nursery included taking the children to the toilet and supervising their getting changed if required. Child D and Child T both attended the nursery.' He said: 'Child D made disclosures to his mother during the bedtime routine.' Police were called the same evening and Waller was arrested the following morning at the family home in Surrey. Wearing a hooded puffa jacket, white polo shirt and dark trousers, Waller sat impassively in the dock and hung his head as the parents of his victims addressed their comments to him. There was no one from his family in court to support him. Waller went on trial before a youth court at Staines Magistrates Court in July, charged with the rape of a boy under the age of 13, two counts of inciting a boy under the age of 13 to engage in sexual activity and taking indecent photos of a child. He was found guilty on July 31, with the mother of one victim telling the court Waller was 'a very dangerous individual'. Waller has now been sentenced to 10 years in a young offender's institution and additional five years on licence for rape, five years for the first count of incitement, four years for the second count and 12 months for the indecent images. The sentences will be served concurrently. Judge Harden-Frost said Waller used his position at the nursery to sexually abuse the boys 'within days of being able to supervise children going to the bathroom'. 'It's heartbreaking that one of the effects of your actions is that the parents of your victims feel responsible,' she added. In a victim impact statement, Child D's father said his son had 'gathered a collection of memories that I would never wish on a human being'. Speaking about his son's new school he said: 'We should be telling them that he doesn't like carrots, not that he has been raped.' He described Waller as 'cold, sinister and calculated', adding 'Tom cannot be allowed to do this again.' Child D's mother said her son 'holds our family together'. 'When my son told me what had happened I could not believe what I was hearing,' she said. 'He did not know that what had happened to him was wrong. 'This man took advantage of that beautiful innocence.' She said Waller had used his 'skills' to 'build trust with my son and then exploit him'. Child D described Waller as his 'new best friend' at about the time of the offending, she told the court. Criticising the nursery worker for not pleading guilty, and putting her son through a trial, she said: 'This man has subjected my son and my family to additional trauma.' She said her 'beautiful, brave, clever son' questioned his own guilt as a result of giving evidence at court. The mother of Child T said she had felt 'shock then confusion' when her son told her what had happened. 'Our baby boy was saying and doing things that no three-year-old should,' she said. She described feeling guilty about sending her son to the nursery and said she sometimes cried herself to sleep at night. 'I fear that one day (Child T's) memories of what happened might return again. It could have an impact for the rest of his life. 'I believe he knew exactly what he was doing,' she said of Waller, adding: 'His actions were deliberate and calculated.' The mother said she feared the pictures taken of her son 'could be anywhere'. In mitigation, Aphra Bruce-Jones said Waller does not accept that he abused the children, but does accept that he has now been found guilty. His offending was a result of 'opportunism rather than deliberate isolation' of his victims, she told the court. He chose to study childcare development 'because of his childhood experiences', she added. The nursery where Waller carried out his abuse said it took 'immediate action' as soon as concerns were raised about him. The Surrey-based private business, which cannot be named for legal reasons, said in a statement: 'We were, and remain, deeply shocked, saddened and sorry to learn of the actions of a former member of our staff. 'The safety and wellbeing of the children in our care is, and always will be, our highest priority. 'As soon as concerns were raised, we took immediate action, contacting the police without delay, suspending the individual concerned, and fully co-operating with the investigation. 'Since then we have carried out a full review and further strengthened our already robust safeguarding policies and staff training. 'We continue to work closely with the local authority and safeguarding professionals to ensure we uphold the very highest standards of care and protection for every child entrusted to us.' Jonathan Hulley, Surrey County Council cabinet member for children, families and lifelong learning, said: 'I am appalled by the crimes committed by Thomas Waller and extend my deepest sympathies to the children and families affected. 'As the local authority, we were informed by partners when these disclosures were first made about an individual working in a private nursery in Surrey. 'We immediately undertook our duties to support the actions of safeguarding partners, and of Ofsted as the regulatory body for early years settings. 'Our role has included co-ordinating information-sharing and actions between relevant bodies, as well as supporting the setting to implement actions identified for them by Ofsted. 'The wellbeing and safeguarding of children and young people is our absolute priority.' Rebecca Millardship, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said Waller's crimes are 'one of the worst nightmares imaginable for a parent'. 'They entrusted the care of their young children to Waller, who abused that trust in the most appalling way within weeks of starting his job at the nursery,' she said after sentencing. 'He carefully planned his attacks on these three-year-old boys, deliberately isolating them from anyone else. 'It was our case that he focused on qualifications that would allow him to work at a nursery because he had a sexual interest in young children. 'We hope that today's sentence brings some closure for the young victims in this case and their parents, who have all been through the most horrific ordeal. 'None of us can begin to imagine the impact that Waller has had on these young children through his appalling crimes.' Chelsee Healey is seen with boyfriend Eddie Rainford for the first time since he was released from prison after being sent down for two years A suspected 'fake' admiral who gatecrashed a Remembrance Sunday event has been charged with wearing uniform or dress bearing the mark of His Majesty's forces without permission. Jonathan Carley, 64, of Harlech, Gwynedd, was arrested at his home earlier today after the event 40 miles away at Llandudno. He will appear at Caernarfon magistrates' court on December 11. Carley sparked fury after laying a wreath at the ceremony on Sunday and then saluted as he wore dozens of medals on his chest. The suspected imposter then marched off to take his place next to VIPs including the mayor, during the event honouring Britain's fallen heroes. He was dressed in a Rear Admiral's uniform with 12 medals pinned to his jacket. They included the prestigious Distinguished Service Order (DSO) and the Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal, which is only given to military reservists. But the two medals together led online sleuths to question his legitimacy - because no single serviceperson is believed to have been bestowed with both. Suspected 'fake' admiral Jonathan Carley, 64, who has been charged after gatecrashing a Remembrance Sunday event Pictured left to right: A Distinguished Service Order Medal and The Queen's Volunteer Reserves Medal The Walter Mitty Hunters Club, a group dedicated to unearthing cases of 'stolen valour', say records indicate no one has earned both awards. And when Carley was asked by the parade marshal who he was, he claimed to be representing the Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd. But both the Lord Lieutenant and the council claim they do not know who the man is, with the local authority stating he was not on their guest list. Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan said tonight: 'We understand that this incident has caused significant public concern, particularly given its occurrence on Remembrance Sunday. 'In response to the reports made to North Wales Police, officers have responded swiftly to make an arrest and proceed with charges. 'We urge members of the public to avoid online speculation and to refrain from sharing any content that could compromise future court proceedings.' The Daily Mail previously revealed that Carley has donned the same fake admiral costume in two other Remembrance Sunday services in Caernarfon - once in 2018 and again in 2019. Pictured: Jonathan Carley (centre) at a Remembrance Sunday service in 2018 Jonathan Carley at another war memorial service wearing a rear admiral outfit in 2019 Mr Carley is only mentioned once in the London Gazette, the official record for military listing. However, he is listed as a 2nd Lieutenant on probation with the combined cadet force Cheltenham College, where he was a history teacher. He has also previously said he studied at Christ Church, Oxford, as well as a business degree at Harvard. In a newspaper article he said he had been a boat captain at Oxford and had rowed at the top US university. 'As a schoolmaster, he coached at Eton and Cheltenham before moving to Shiplake,' the article read. Carley was a history and politics teacher at Cheltenham college in 1988 before moving on to 17,500-a-term Shiplake four years later, The Sun reported. A Llandudno council spokesman said: 'The Town Council was not aware of, or notified of, the gentlemans attendance in advance. He appeared on the day. 'He was approached by the Parade Marshall and identified himself as a Rear Admiral and that he was representing the Lord Lieutenants Office. 'The Council would like to add that it would not wish this to overshadow what was an excellent parade and remembrance service, and that with the exception of the identity of the gentleman he laid his wreath respectfully before leaving. 'The Council understands that military organisations are looking into this, and we are awaiting any response.' A Lord Lieutenant of Clwyd spokesman said: 'The Lord Lieutenant had no knowledge of asking anyone to go to the event on his behalf. 'The council sent over a photograph of the man but nobody here recognised him. The matter is under investigation at the moment.' A Royal Navy spokesman said: 'Impersonating a Naval officer is insulting to anyone connected to the service and could be considered a criminal offence. 'Nothing should detract from the poignancy of Remembrance Sunday which can be a sombre time for members of the Royal Navy family and an opportunity for people in communities across the United Kingdom to pay their respects to people who have served or are serving their country.' This is a breaking news story. More to follow. The firing squad waited for nightfall to carry out the execution order. They had erected a tall circle of hay bales to hide the intended killing field from view and sealed off nearby roads. Protesters, whod gathered in their hundreds and held group-prayer sessions for the victims, were kept well away and could only wait in agonised terror. But one of the grieving hunched near the enclosure, tearing at the fence and screamed: Make it stop. Suddenly, police cut off the lights and professional marksmen wearing night-vision goggles opened fire with high-powered rifles. Soon, the wailing of the bereaved was drowned out by the sound of gunfire. The killers left 314 dead, littered across the holding pen. In the quiet of the morning, a team in Hazmat suits arrived on the scene. The bodies were covered in tarpaulin before being carted off to a mass burial at a landfill site. Just hours before, the Supreme Court of Canada had refused to block a court order that had signed the death warrants. The condemned were ostriches with names like Lulu, Priscilla and Q-Tip and distinct personalities to match. And their demise last week on a remote farm in British Columbia brought to an end an extraordinary months-long standoff between the birds defenders and federal officials. Since December last year this ostrich saga has unfolded like the plot of a conspiracy thriller, after cases of avian flu were first detected in the flock. The killers left 314 ostriches dead, littered across the holding pen. In the quiet of the morning, a team in Hazmat suits arrived on the scene. The bodies were covered in tarpaulin before being carted off to a mass burial at a landfill site Bizarre claims have swirled around these impressive creatures, including theories that government drones have been executing the birds with lasers and that the pharmaceutical industry is engaged in a cynical plot to stamp out a revolutionary ostrich-based scientific breakthrough. The controversy, which has allegedly caused Right-wing radicals defending the birds to issue death threats and carry out arson, has drawn even the upper levels of the Trump administration into the bitter war over their fate. Washington health officials have clashed with their Canadian counterparts after the controversial US Health Secretary, Robert F. Kennedy Jr, joined the campaign to save the animals from what he sees as oppressive, vaccine-crazed federal bureaucrats. What has been dubbed the Great Canadian Ostrich Standoff has echoes of other recent animal-cause celebres, like Geronimo the alpaca and Peanut the squirrel, whove been championed by anti-government activists intent on exposing them as victims of over-bearing and cruel officialdom. Geronimo, who lived in Gloucestershire, was put down after several court battles in 2021 in line with the UK governments policy of euthanising any animal with bovine tuberculosis. (His owner insists to this day he did not have the disease.) Peanut was a tame grey squirrel who was euthanised last year in accordance with New York state laws against keeping the species as pets appalling his legions of fans on social media. But neither animal caused anything like the furore aroused by the flightless inhabitants of Universal Ostrich Farm in Edgewood, a village in the shadow of the Rockies. Karen Espersen and her business partner, Dave Bilinski, had been rearing ostriches on their 58-acre farm for 30 years, initially selling their meat, hides and feathers as well as making a moisturiser out of melted ostrich fat. The condemned were ostriches with names like Lulu, Priscilla and Q-Tip and distinct personalities to match. And their demise last week on a remote farm in British Columbia brought to an end an extraordinary months-long standoff between the birds defenders and federal officials Then, last December, their animals the worlds biggest birds started becoming ill and dying. Locals could see ravens picking over some of the 20 carcasses and alerted the authorities. Another 50 or so of the ostriches would later die of the virus. After ascertaining the animals were being kept in conditions such as sharing the same pond water as wild ducks that put them at high risk of bird flu, experts in Hazmat suits from the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) came to analyse the dead bodies. They tested positive for H5N1, an influenza virus that has killed millions of poultry birds since 2024. This week, officials warned of a new outbreak in the UK after dead swans were found near Bristol. The virus can spread to myriad mammal species and has killed at least one person in Louisiana, and infected 70 more in North America, including a teenage Canadian girl last year who nearly died. The CFIA was adamant that under international rules to stop the spread of avian flu, the ostriches had to be culled immediately. It described it as the most appropriate and humane option. However, Karen and Dave vehemently resisted. Theyd become emotionally attached to many of the flock, some of whom theyd had for more than 34 years. They kept birds from both species, the Common and Somali ostrich, which can live up to 60 years in captivity and are technically known in a group as a wobble. However, Karen and Dave raised rather more substantial reasons for being granted an exemption from the cull. They argued that those ostriches which survived the influenza outbreak had developed herd immunity to H5N1 and that their eggs would hold bird flu antibodies that could wipe out the epidemic entirely. In fact, the pair had been working with a respected Japanese scientist, Yasuhiro Tsukamoto, who believes that ostriches, which have a powerful immune system, potentially hold the key to a huge breakthrough in biomedicine that fights not only bird flu but cholera, Covid and even obesity. The farm's co-owner Karen Espersen and daughter Katie Pasitney mourn their animals CFIA officials were unimpressed, however, pointing out there was no evidence that ostrich antibodies protect other animals and insisting the order to cull the entire flock be carried out by February 1 this year. The farmers fought on. Espersens daughter, Katie Pasitney, set up a social media campaign pleading for help to save the birds she called her big, beautiful babies. Inevitably, many people answered the call but they were hardly just sentimental animal lovers. Many Canadians particularly on the Right have complained for years about a federal government they say is oppressive and authoritarian. During the pandemic, Canada was rocked by the so-called Freedom Convoy protests and blockades originally a campaign against vaccine mandates for cross-border lorry drivers but rapidly becoming a general attack on jabs and other Covid restrictions. The Freedom Convoys organiser, Tamara Lich, latterly became a fervent supporter of the Universal Ostrich Farms and organised benefit concerts for the birds. By the end of January, some of these small-government protest veterans had arrived at the farm and decided to stay. Determined to save the ostriches while simultaneously putting two fingers up to federal overreach and public health bullying, they set up camp across the road from the ostrich pens, their numbers at any one time rising to 200. One of them was so committed to the cause he walked around in a feathered, full-body ostrich suit. Farm spokesman Katie Pasitney became a Right-wing media star, sharing platforms with anti-vaxxers and giving endless interviews from a makeshift media centre just yards from her precious birds. Both Espersen and her partner became infected by bird flu but insisted they didnt notice any symptoms. Meanwhile, the family had brought their case to court and won a stay of execution until they finished their appeal. The farm called on the CFIA to revisit them and test the other animals. This sounded reasonable, but the agency insisted it wasnt coming back given the threats on the phone and by email from the ostrich defenders and the supposed dangers posed by the birds themselves (they can weigh up to 300lb and run at speeds of more than 40mph). Visiting animal inspectors werent the only ones in danger. One morning in late March, the farmers said they found one of the ostriches in a pool of blood, shot dead just below the ear. The victim, named Sarah, had been the poster bird of Espersens Facebook campaign. A snipers bullet ended her life but not her story, one online supporter wrote. The farm was quickly transformed into a fortress, with trip wires set up around the ostrich pens and connected to bear bangers to scare away intruders. Volunteers patrolled with walkie-talkies while Espersen and Bilinski started sleeping in the pens with their animals. From their social media posts, the ostrich defenders sounded increasingly conspiratorial with some of them claiming to see government drones flying overhead at night while Karen also blamed federal interference when their website inexplicably crashed. Two months after the first shooting, another ostrich was killed. This time Espersen and encampment occupants insisted theyd not only heard a drone flying overhead in the early morning but had seen an Army-sized object as big as the bonnet of a car flying above them. This second ostrich was apparently struck down by a shot that travelled 18 inches down its neck from the top of its head. Nobody had heard a gunshot and Bilinski suggested it had been killed by a laser beam. As the odd happenings at Universal Ostrich Farm flooded social media, they were picked up south of the border by John Catsimatidis, a billionaire New York supermarket magnate and Republican radio show presenter. In late April, he had Kennedy Jr on his show and mentioned the ostriches. Catsimatidis presented the story as a tale of a pioneering natural healing process being thwarted by ruthless Big Pharma knowing it was just the sort of scenario that fixates Kennedy, a vaccine sceptic who has vowed to Make America Healthy Again by more natural means. Hed already called for the US and Canada to stop culling H5N1-infected chickens and, having himself kept an emu as a pet at his California home, could have had a soft spot for the large, flightless birds. Kennedy told Catsimatidis he was horrified by the idea that theyre going to kill these animals. The ostriches had gone from being a local, to a national, to an international issue. In late May, Katie Pasitney was phoned out of the blue by Kennedy and Catsimatidis to announce that they had written to the Canadian government to urge it to reconsider the culling. Yet another senior health official in the Trump administration, TV medical expert Dr Mehmet Oz, also got in touch with the farms owners to say hed offered to fly the ostriches to safety at his Florida ranch but his hands had been tied by the cull order. Catsimatidis said he had even mentioned the ostriches to President Donald Trump who has a fractious relationship with liberal Canadian prime minister Mark Carney. The latter has refused to comment and he ignored a written request from Kennedy, Oz and Catsimatidis in July offering to stand with you in a joint public statement that highlights cross-border compassion and thoughtful decision making. Meanwhile, the atmosphere in Edgewood was getting ever nastier as the farmers and their friends became ever more convinced by those often anti-vaxxers who claimed they were the victims of a conspiracy involving the Canadian government, the pharmaceutical industry and even the United Nations. Many of the farms neighbours felt intimidated by its owners and their supporters. They claimed protesters had posted the names, addresses and pictures of CFIA officials and police officers online, and threatened local businesses. Neighbour Lois Wood, a 72-year-old widow and volunteer firefighter, said she was relentlessly harassed after the ostrich farmers blamed her (wrongly, she insists) for alerting the authorities that the birds were dying. Another close neighbour, a local rancher, said it was ridiculous to believe any sniper would shoot an ostrich in its head, which is so small, when its body is so big. He claimed the farmers might have killed the birds themselves. One morning in late September, a 40-vehicle police convoy was spotted by lookouts heading towards the farm as law enforcement drones circled overhead and the electricity was suddenly cut off. Protesters brandishing placards and walkie talkies leapt into action, some of them lying in the road to block their progress although they and their comrades didnt stop police occupying the farm. Someone claimed theyd placed a bomb on the property. Espersen and Bilinski were arrested and taken away in handcuffs although they were soon allowed to return to their farm. According to Lois Wood, shortly before the police convoy arrived, one of the ostrich defenders whod told friends he intended to go to prison over the protest turned up with a can of petrol and poured it over the front of her trailer home. She only managed to stop him setting it alight because shed come outside to feed her cats. They fought and he ran off after punching her in the face. Under CFIA rules, the farmers are no longer eligible for any compensation (which could have been $3,000 for each culled ostrich). The pair also owe thousands of dollars to the government in fines and legal expenses, although Catsimatidis said hed paid $50,000 of their court costs. On the night the rest of her wobble were killed, Karen reportedly wrote on Facebook: Rest in peace my feathered friends. This is a sad day for Canada. Her daughter Katie said Espersen lost everything in one night of gunfire. Some of their critics have added insult to injury by dismissing the intense furore over their doomed wobble as truly bird-brained. In December 2022, police officers paid a visit to the popular Chinese restaurant Loon Fung on Sauchiehall Street in Glasgow. Sauchiehall is one of the busiest shopping streets in the city and Loon Fung one of its most popular businesses. But the officers werent there for a chow mein. Rather, they were investigating the shocking claim made by the charity Safeguard Defenders that a secret Chinese police station was being covertly run from the restaurant and used to monitor foreign dissidents as well as influence senior politicians. Police Scotland found no evidence of any crimes taking place on the premises. But a subsequent media investigation found that an individual linked with Loon Fung had met with then-Prime Minister Boris Johnson as well as Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn and Scottish First Minister Alex Salmond. Requests for meetings were also allegedly repeatedly sent to Salmonds successor, Nicola Sturgeon. The Chinese Embassy has always denied operating secret police stations. But the then Security Minister Tom Tugendhat said that any further allegations of criminal espionage on behalf of the Chinese Communist Party would be swiftly investigated in line with UK law. The Chinese government retorted that the police stations were in fact service centres set up to help overseas Chinese nationals unable to return home due to Covid-19 with tasks such as renewing their driving licences. Safeguard Defenders, however who also identified a further two such bases in London claim the stations had been in operation several years prior to the pandemic. Two years on and, not only does Loon Fung continue to operate, but today the Daily Mail can reveal a bizarre anomaly in the distribution of Chinese restaurants across the country. Your browser does not support iframes. For it emerges that a disproportionate number appear to surround some of the UKs most sensitive military bases. According to the business analytics firm Poidata, there are just shy of 15,000 Indian restaurants in Britain compared with closer to 12,000 Chinese establishments. All things being equal, therefore, you would expect slightly more curry houses than noodle bars in any given town. However, around some of our most secretive sites, there is a surprisingly high number of Chinese restaurants. Near His Majestys Naval Base Clyde, for example, which maintains our nuclear deterrent submarines, Chinese establishments outnumber Indian restaurants by 2.9 to 1, and the pattern is repeated elsewhere in the UK. There is no suggestion that any of these Chinese restaurants are frontline espionage facilities. The overwhelming majority are no doubt admirable independent businesses working hard to feed their customers. Nevertheless, fear of espionage around military sites is already high after it was revealed in April that the Ministry of Defence banned electric vehicles with Chinese components from being parked within two miles of certain buildings at the secretive base RAF Wyton in Cambridgeshire and other establishments. The concern is that Chinese tech embedded in the vehicles such as for collecting audio and location data could be remotely accessed by the Chinese Communist Party. We know China runs a co-ordinated and widespread espionage operation in the UK. In August the Government recognised that instances of Chinas espionage, interference in our democracy and the undermining of our economic security have increased in recent years, while MI5 chief Ken McCallum admitted in his annual update last month that the service had acted in just the past week to neutralise a Chinese threat to national security. HMNB Devonport is the largest such facility in western Europe and boasts four miles of waterfront including 15 dry docks and 25 tidal berths. The ratio of Chinese restaurants to Indian takeaways near to the facility is a striking 7:1 The recent collapsed prosecution of two British nationals accused of spying for China, after the Government failed to declare Beijing as an enemy, has only served to exacerbate concerns that we are not taking national security seriously enough. There is a further important factor. In 2017, Chinas President Xi passed a controversial new law with unusual haste and almost zero scrutiny declaring that every Chinese citizen living anywhere in the world is obliged to answer to the motherland regarding any matter the CCP deems relevant. Article 14 of the so-called National Security Law declares: State intelligence work organs, when legally carrying forth intelligence work, may demand that concerned organs, organisations, or citizens provide needed support, assistance and cooperation. That raises the possibility that the roughly half a million Chinese nationals living in Britain risk appearing to be espionage assets of the so-called Middle Kingdom whether they like it or not. Which brings us back to the question of Chinese businesses operating near our military bases. Could some of them be co-opted by the CCP to pass on information? It sounds fantastical. But the large number of Chinese takeaways in the vicinity of key MoD sites is certainly curious... HMNB Clyde His Majestys Naval Base Clyde is perhaps the most secretive site in Britain. For it is here, on the remote Scottish west coast, that the Royal Navy stores and maintains both our nuclear deterrent Vanguard-class submarines and our so-called hunter-killer subs responsible for tracking down and destroying enemy vessels at sea. Britannia once ruled the waves, but today our most lethal aquatic presence lurks hundreds of meters below the surface and these fearsome machines are deployed and controlled from HMNB Clyde. The base itself is nestled within Gare Loch, 40-miles from Glasgow, near the remote town of Garelochhead. So why are there a remarkably high number of Chinese restaurants positioned near the shore at the mouth of Gare Loch through which all vessels leaving HMNB Clyde must necessarily pass? The ratio of Chinese restaurants to Indian ones is around 2.9:1 around the base. The Daily Mail has chosen not to list the precise numbers or name the individual establishments. His Majestys Naval Base Clyde is perhaps the most secretive site in Britain. For it is here, on the remote Scottish west coast, that the Royal Navy stores and maintains both our nuclear deterrent Vanguard-class submarines and our so-called hunter-killer subs responsible for tracking down and destroying enemy vessels at sea HMNB Devonport At the other end of the country in Plymouth lies the vast Devonport naval base. At 650 acres, this is the largest such facility in western Europe and boasts four miles of waterfront including 15 dry docks and 25 tidal berths. As home to the Navys largest amphibious vessels as well as undisclosed numbers of warships and research and reconnaissance units, the base is of the utmost military significance. Intriguingly, Devonport is the central training hub for frontline operations including the Fleet Operational Sea Training organisation, which delivers standards oversight for the Navy. In other words, what goes on in Devonport is highly secretive and of great interest to our enemies. And so it is interesting to note that there happen to be many Chinese takeaways in close proximity to the base. The ratio of Chinese restaurants to Indian takeaways is a striking 7:1. HMNB Portsmouth The British naval base in Portsmouth has been operating for more than 800 years and today provides safe harbour to two-thirds of the Royal Navy surface fleet, including HMS Queen Elizabeth and HMS Prince Of Wales, the nations two premier aircraft carriers, as well as Type 45 destroyers used to combat enemy aircraft, described by the Navy as the pride of the fleet. These 150 metre-long beasts deploy for nine-month periods during which the 260-strong crew munch their way through 75,600 eggs, 19,000kg of potatoes and 54,720 sausages. What isnt on the menu in the mess, however, is egg fried rice or sweet and sour chicken. Ironic, perhaps, considering there are no fewer than 2.3 Chinese takeaways near the base for every Indian establishment in the same area. Aldershot Garrison Theres a reason Aldershot is known as the Home of the British Army. For 150 years this Hampshire hideout has been at the centre of military command and control so much so that the Aldershot Garrison was targeted by a 1972 IRA bomb which killed six civilian staff and a military chaplain. A car laden with explosives was left beside the officers mess of the 16th Parachute Brigade, though thankfully no soldiers were eating at the time. Today the garrison is a fully-fledged military township with more than 10,000 residents including almost 4,000 soldiers. There are also some 1.7 Chinese restaurants within reach of the garrison, for every one Indian eaterie. RNAS Culdrose, the home of Britain's fleet of Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopters RNAS Culdrose Few may have heard of it, but Britain would be as good as defenceless without RNAS Culdrose down in Cornwall, a maritime base home to 3,000 service people. For it is here that Captain James Hall RN looks after the countrys fleet of Merlin anti-submarine warfare helicopters. In the neighbouring area with a population of 11,000 the ratio of Chinese to Indian restaurants is around 2:1. Combermere Barracks Windsor Castle is not only a spectacular royal residence, but the town is home to Combermere Barracks, which houses certain troops from the Household Cavalry Regiment, one of the most storied and prestigious in Britain, and the 1st Battalion of the Welsh Guards, founded by George V during the First World War. The Welsh Guards with their iconic red tunics and black bearskin caps play a pivotal ceremonial role in in military life and are therefore privy to sensitive information about the whereabouts of high-ranking figures, including members of the Royal Family. There are far more Chinese restaurants compared to Indian establishments within about a mile and a half of Comber- mere Barracks at a ratio of around 2.7:1. Surprisingly, all the Chinese spots are near Windsor Castle itself though its difficult to imagine His Majesty will be issuing the establishments with a Royal Warrant any time soon. Jeffrey Epstein asked a top Trump aide to send the pedophile a picture of his child, according to recently released emails. In an exchange with Tom Barrack, a private equity investor who is now Trump's ambassador to Turkey, Epstein said: 'Send photos of you and child - make me smile.' According to the exchange, Barrack had reached out to Epstein first saying: 'Hope ur [sic] good. Let's catch up.' After asking for an image of his child, Epstein later replied just under an hour after his original response. In it, he said: 'Hope you are well. Photos look good. FYI I receive many calls a week about Donald ([REDACTED], Marla, beauty contest, Mar-a-Lago etc) and Clinton. 'Less so recently with Clinton, but my answers are always I have nothing to say. Or I try to ignore altogether. 'A few times I have been ambushed on the street with questions, but am more careful now.' Barrack's name appeared alongside other high-profile names including President Trump and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. Epstein asked Tom Barrack to send him a picture of his child, adding that it would make him smile ccording to the exchange, Barrack had reached out to Epstein first asking to catch up soon The correspondence showed that Epstein referred to Trump in correspondence with Ghislaine Maxwell and Michael Wolff over a period of at least eight years. In a 2011 email Epstein sent Maxwell, he claimed that 'Virginia [Giuffre] spent hours at my house with Trump'. Giuffre, who committed suicide earlier this year, was recruited by Maxwell while employed as a spa attendant at the Mar-a-Lago Club in 2000. She was 16 years old. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the dump a politically-motivated 'smear' campaign and repeated Giuffre's former statements about Trump in which she absolved him of any wrongdoing. Trump did not send or receive any of the emails, and he has not been charged with any crime in relation to Epstein or Maxwell. In 2019 Summers was discussing interactions he had with a woman, writing to Epstein that 'I said what are you up to. She said "Im busy". I said awfully coy u are.' Epstein replied: 'You reacted well.. annoyed shows caring. No whining showed strentgh[sic].' Summers issued a statement saying he has 'great regrets in my life', adding: 'My association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major error of judgement.' Tom Barrack, Ambassador to Turkey, speaks during the 2025 Concordia Annual Summit on September 24, 2025 in New York City Trump did not send or receive any of the emails, and he has not been charged with any crime in relation to Epstein or Maxwell The names and messages appeared this week amongst thousands of documents released by the House Oversight Committee. Despite pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, his crimes did little to diminish his network of wealthy and influential individuals. Some reached out to support Epstein amid lawsuits and prosecutions, others sought introductions or advice on everything from dating to oil prices. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019, and killed himself in jail a month later. His crimes, high-profile connections and jailhouse suicide have made the case a magnet for conspiracy theorists and online sleuths seeking proof of a cover-up. The emails don't implicate his contacts in those crimes but instead paint a picture of Epstein's influence and connections over the years he was a registered sex offender. The Daily Mail has contacted the State Department for comment over Barrack's appearance in the emails. Paedophile Jeffrey Epstein was instructed to 'studiously' avoid the former Duke of York for the sake of his own reputation, newly released documents reveal. The financier was warned it was 'disastrous' for him to be associated with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as he sought to rebuild his reputation in the years after his 2008 conviction, when he was jailed for 13 months. He was also advised to urgently enlist a team of 'Israeli experts' to clean up internet search results which threw up 'unflattering stories' linking him 'to paedophilia' and 'to Prince Andrew'. Epstein was told distancing himself from the then-prince was key to his long-term PR strategy to 'steadily restore' his profile after he was jailed for soliciting underage sex. Ironically, ongoing revelations about their long association would eventually lead to Andrew's downfall with the King recently stripping him of his titles and soon his Royal Lodge home on the Windsor estate. The 2011 step-by-step plan titled 'Issues of Reputation' by PR firm Osborne & Partners is among a 20,000-page trove released from the Epstein estate by US lawmakers this week. The most pressing matter, the memo states, which needs to be 'tackled with a matter of urgency', was Epstein's association with Andrew which was resulting in negative press in the UK. It was written just months after The Mail on Sunday first revealed Virginia Giuffre's allegations against the former duke together with the infamous 2001 photograph of Andrew with his arm around the then teenager's waist. Jeffrey Epstein was warned it was 'disastrous' for him to be associated with Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor as the disgraced financier sought to rebuild his reputation in the years after his 2008 conviction for soliciting and procuring a person under the age of 18 for prostitution Citing the Daily Mail and Mail on Sunday, the memo says '...it is disastrous for you to be seen in any way to facilitate his lifestyle, or to help with his well documented issues. 'Their sole interest in you and Ghislaine (Maxwell) is as a means to attack Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson. You need to studiously avoid any involvement whatsoever with the couple, which will lessen the interest and we can establish a constructive relationship on your behalf with them.' The PR firm says another 'urgent priority' was 'cleaning up' the results on major search engines such as Google. 'Today, when anyone types in your name, a majority of the first few pages of the results are references to the charges, to paedophilia, to Prince Andrew, to unflattering stories many of which link back to the Mail websites. 'We have hired an excellent team of Israeli experts for other clients, and there are many firms that claim to be able to optimise results this way but fail to deliver. 'I cannot overstate the importance of this, because it is the initial source of information on you for many people,' the memo reads. It claims that with careful planning and the 'fullness of time' it would eventually be possible to push for positive pieces about Epstein's 'philanthropy'. The document also provides a step-by-step guide on how to gradually 'restore your profile in select media, political and philanthropic'. The guidance from the PR firm was written just months after The Mail on Sunday first revealed Virginia Giuffre's allegations against the former duke - together with the infamous 2001 photograph of Andrew with his arm around the then teen's waist It includes establishing Epstein as a pioneering support in science and technology and suggests he hosts an annual event promoting his business and philanthropic interests. The PR firm also encourages him to increase his profile by 'spending time with European, Middle Eastern, Asian and Latin American political and business leaders. in a concerted way'. It comes after emails released in the bombshell tranche revealed how Epstein had confirmed the infamous photograph he took of the former prince and Ms Giuffre in London was genuine. Ms Giuffre said she slept with Andrew on three occasions a claim the ex-prince has vehemently denied. Rachel Reeves was accused of turning Britain into an economic laughing stock after she suddenly abandoned her plans to raise income tax. The Chancellor spent weeks laying the ground for a manifesto-breaking hike in taxes for millions of workers in this months Budget, before sparking chaos in the City on Friday by performing a shock U-turn. Government sources said the change of heart came after improved forecasts from the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) watchdog left her with a 20 billion black hole to fill far less than had been feared. But she faced accusations that she made the dramatic move, which came after botched No 10 briefings about a possible coup against Keir Starmer, because Labour MPs feared losing their seats if she broke the partys pre-election pledge not to take more money from workers. While Treasury sources poured cold water on suggestions Ms Reeves would change income tax thresholds, she is odds-on to freeze the current bandings for several more years, pulling millions into higher tax brackets. And instead of the single bold move of increasing income tax, the Chancellor will have to find other ways to plug the financial gap, opening the door to a raft of other rises. Shadow Chancellor Mel Stride told the Daily Mail: We are witnessing the most shambolic pre-Budget period in memory. The constant leaking, briefing and kite-flying is fuelling uncertainty and damaging our economy. 'Markets are unnerved and business confidence is at a record low. This is chaos on an industrial scale. We are becoming an economic laughing stock under Labour. Rachel Reeves spent weeks laying the ground for a manifesto-breaking hike in taxes for millions of workers in this months Budget, before sparking chaos in the City on Friday by performing a shock U-turn Earlier this month Ms Reeves was pictured leaving Downing Street with part of her diary visible, and the word 'Thresholds' to describe one meeting Your browser does not support iframes. Former chancellor Sir Jeremy Hunt told Times Radio: The whole world is reading this information and theyre looking at British economic decision-making. 'And it looks very chaotic and I dont think thats a good thing. It had been widely expected over the past month that Ms Reeves would have to increase income tax in her make-or-break Budget speech on November 26 in order to balance the books. She gave an unexpected scene-setter speech in Downing Street last week in which she failed to rule out hiking taxes, and in an interview on Monday gave her strongest hint yet, telling the BBC: It would, of course, be possible to stick with the manifesto commitments, but that would require things like deep cuts in capital spending. It was thought she had told the OBR she planned to increase the basic rate of income tax for the first time in 50 years, raising it by 2p but offsetting it by a 2p cut in employee National Insurance, in order to raise 6 billion. But on Thursday night the Financial Times revealed that she had ripped up the proposal, sparking a sell-off in gilts when markets opened that briefly sent government borrowing costs soaring. Nigel Green, chief executive of global financial advisory firm deVere Group, warned: This is exactly how credibility shocks begin. The reaction is unmistakable. 'Bond traders are telling the Treasury that they will not tolerate mixed signals. Your browser does not support iframes. Your browser does not support iframes. Anna Leach, of the Institute of Directors, said: The public airing of the Treasurys workings is deeply damaging to business confidence and the ability of business leaders to plan and invest. Even Labours favourite think-tank, whose former boss Torsten Bell is helping to write the Budget, said excessive levels of Budget kite-flying risk exacerbating market uncertainty. Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation, said: It is not normal for so much of that to be laid bare in public. Polling by YouGov found that almost two-thirds of Britons (63 per cent) believe the Government is handling the upcoming Budget badly, although most (58 per cent) think not raising income tax is the right decision. An expected smorgasbord approach for Ms Reeves to claw money from wherever she can will likely see measures such as pay-per-mile charges introduced for electric car drivers, higher gambling taxes and cuts to tax relief for workers who use salary sacrifice schemes to buy expensive bicycles. Her income tax U-turn was welcomed by Health Secretary Wes Streeting, who told LBC radio: Im not in favour of breaking manifesto pledges. Labour MPs told the Politico website that Sir Keir and Ms Reeves had bottled a bold move and put short-term survival before national interest. Which is pretty unforgivable. A Treasury spokesman said: We do not comment on speculation around changes to tax outside of fiscal events. Wang Yi meets Kazakh official Xinhua) 10:41, November 14, 2025 Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, meets with Murat Nurtleu, assistant to Kazakhstan's president for international investment and trade cooperation, in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Dai Tianfang) BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Wang Yi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs, on Thursday met with Murat Nurtleu, assistant to Kazakhstan's president for international investment and trade cooperation. Wang said that China is willing to work with Kazakhstan to promote high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, advance cooperation in established areas such as energy, green mining and connectivity, and explore new areas for cooperation, including nuclear energy and artificial intelligence, thereby jointly taking the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. Nurtleu expressed Kazakhstan's willingness to work with China to implement the consensus reached between the two heads of state, and to advance the sustained development of the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries. (Web editor: Huang Kechao, Liang Jun) The second in command at the FBI was allowed to circumvent critical vetting processes to gain access to some of the most classified US secrets, insiders are warning. FBI Director Kash Patel signed waivers that allowed his second in command, FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino, in addition to two other recent senior FBI hires, to avoid polygraph exams typically required for top officials, sources told ProPublica. The outlet was unable to determine if Bongino sat for a polygraph test, though the existence of a waiver indicates the deputy director may not have passed the test. Still, polygraph exams are not graded on a pass or fail basis; for example, the results may come out inconclusive. The FBI did not immediately respond to the Daily Mail's request for comment. However, FBI spokesman Ben Williamson did tell ProPublica: 'The FBI follows all laws and procedures on personnel security measures, and any implication otherwise is false.' 'Furthermore, while the FBI does not comment on confidential security information, particularly in matters of personnel, this article is riddled with falsehoods it misrepresents polygraph protocol, inaccurately portrays FBI security measures, and makes multiple false claims about FBI employees who have done nothing wrong.' Williamson later suggested that the three senior officials were 'not required' to take the lie detector tests since the roles are for political appointees. FBI Deputy Director Dan Bongino reportedly did not go through the typical vetting process required of senior officials, ProPublica reports FBI Director Kash Patel and Bongino However, the FBI's own eligibility guidelines note that all workers must get a 'top secret' clearance to work at the department, and that 'the preliminary employment requirements include a polygraph examination.' As deputy director, Bongino is responsible for many agency functions, including day-to-day operations and overseeing sensitive operations. He also helps coordinate the bureau's over 50 field offices and is privy to the President's Daily Briefing - an intelligence assessment compiled daily for the commander-in-chief. The PDB typically contains intelligence from the CIA and the National Security Agency, and Bongino's proximity to such secrets has some insiders concerned. Four sources familiar with the lie detector test told ProPublica that Bongino's ascendancy to the top of the FBI without undergoing the usual polygraph assessment was 'unprecedented.' The deputy director had not previously worked at the FBI before being appointed to the role by the president, though the former Fox News contributor and podcast host did spend years with the NYPD before joining the US Secret Service. 'Trust absolutely nothing emanating from the DOJ or FBI that even remotely whiffs of politics,' Bongino urged his X followers as recently as September 2024. The former podcaster also said in a February episode of his show that Trump should 'ignore' court orders against the president's federal spending. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused Bongino of leaking earlier this year, according to a New York Times report Earlier this year, Bongino was said to have been behind some high-profile leaks at the agency, something Attorney General Pam Bondi reportedly confronted him about over the summer. In August, the FBI received reinforcements. Former Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was appointed by Trump to serve as co-deputy director alongside Bongino. Bailey's appointment set off rumors that Bongino's influence in the administration was dwindling, though the former Secret Service agent still remains at the FBI. A South Carolina mass killer was executed by firing squad on Friday after his last-ditch attempt to avoid the death penalty was rejected. Stephen Bryant, 44, was shot by three volunteers with rifles shortly after 6pm, more than 20 years after he killed three people during a vicious crime spree. Residents in Sumter County were left terrified by his eight day rampage, which saw him taunt police by writing a message in his victim's blood. Days before his execution, Bryant petitioned the South Carolina Supreme Court to stay his death penalty as he sought to blame his sickening crimes on brain damage caused by his mother drinking and doing drugs while pregnant with him. But his fate was sealed as the court ruled that even if Bryant was found to suffer Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder, it would not change his death sentence. He became the third person in South Carolina to die by firing squad this year, a method that he chose due to issues obtaining lethal injection drugs. He also had the option to die by the electric chair. Bryant chose the firing squad, which saw three volunteers shoot him in the heart from a distance of around 15 feet. The firing squad method sparked controversy earlier this year after witnesses to the execution of killer Mikal Mahdi, 42, said he suffered excruciating pain when the shooters missed his heart. South Carolina mass killer Steven Bryant, 44, was executed by firing squad on Friday after his last-ditch attempt to avoid the death penalty was rejected Bryant had languished on death row since 2008, when he pleaded guilty to shooting four men, three fatally, in an eight-day crime spree in 2004. Although Bryant admitted to killing three men, his death sentence was the result of just one carried out during the spree, the murder of Willard 'TJ' Tietjen, 62, who Bryant ambushed and killed in his remote home in Sumter County. Bryant targeted Tietjen at random, approaching his secluded home and claiming to have had car trouble before shooting him and leaving a sickening crime scene for investigators. The then 23-year-old killer, remained in Tietjen's property for some time, ransacking his home, smoking cigarettes, using his computer, and then writing 'victim number four in two weeks, catch me if you can' in his blood. Bryant also answered a call from Tietjen's wife and daughter while he was in the home, identifying himself as the 'prowler' and telling them that Tietjen was dead. The two other men Bryant killed, Cliff Gainey and Christopher Burgess, were picked up by him and offered rides before he shot them by the side of the road when they went to urinate. He also shot victim Clinton Brown in the same manner as Gainey and Burgess, but he survived the attack. According to an archival WISTV article from 2004, Bryant was arrested at his girlfriend's home after he was identified as the triggerman in the series of shootings in rural South Carolina. Bryant was 23-years-old when he shot four men, three fatally, in an eight-day crime spree in 2004, which included writing 'victim number four in two weeks, catch me if you can' in his final victim's blood After his appeal was rejected by the Supreme Court, Byrant became the seventh inmate put to death in South Carolina since the state restarted executions September last year A prisoner is killed by a firing squad while they're strapped to a metal chair 15 feet away Sumter County Sheriff Tommy Sims said at the time that Bryant left the taunting message inside Tietjen's home telling deputies to 'catch me if you can'. 'And I'm happy to say that law enforcement has responded to that challenge and we have caught him,' Sims announced at a press conference. The sheriff said that Bryant had been released from prison on burglary charges not long before his crime spree, and that he carried out a series of robberies and other attacks while on the loose. Bryant's lawyers argued in court that he should be spared the death penalty because he had endured a turbulent childhood, beginning with his mother drinking heavily while pregnant with him. He had then been sexually abused by four male relatives as a child, and his attorneys said he had been troubled by the abuse in the months before the murders. Bryant had reportedly begged for help from a probation officer and his aunt, and he had tried to overcome his mental health issues by abusing meth and smoking joints sprayed with bug killer. Bryant, seen in a mugshot from 2021, chose to be put to death by firing squad His aunt testified at his trial: 'He was very upset. He looked like he was being tortured. Its like his soul was just laid wide open. 'In his eyes you could see he was hurting and suffering and he was living the abuse over again as it was coming out.' Byrant became the seventh inmate put to death in South Carolina since the state restarted executions September last year. A father has been charged with murdering of his three sons almost 15 years after they disappeared from their southern Michigan home. John Skelton, 53, is facing three counts of murder and tampering with evidence in the deaths of nine-year-old Andrew, seven-year-old Alexander and five-year-old Tanner Skelton in Morenci near the Ohio border, according to Lenawee County District Court records filed on Wednesday. The charges came just days before Skelton was due to be released from prison after serving a 15-year sentence for unlawful imprisonment for failing to return the boys to their mother after they spent Thanksgiving Day with him in 2010. Authorities had always believed the three boys were dead and that Skelton was responsible. Because their bodies were never found, he was charged with three counts of unlawful imprisonment and pleaded no contest in 2011. In March, a judge declared the boys dead after their mother, Tanya Zuvers, asked the court for a formal declaration of death to give her closure and provide 'respect' to the brothers. 'This development marks a significant moment in a long and painful journey,' Zuvers said in a statement. 'While I understand the public interest in this case, I ask that my familys privacy be respected as we process this news and continue to grieve the loss of Andrew, Alexander, and Tanner.' John Skelton (pictured), 53, has been charged with the murder of his three sons almost 15 years after they disappeared Nine-year-old Andrew, seven-year-old Alexander, and five-year-old Tanner vanished after they went to their father's house for Thanksgiving in 2010 Zuvers praised police and prosecutors who have 'worked tirelessly over the years to seek justice for my sons.' Skelton has said that he handed the boys over to an underground group to protect them from her mother. Police have never found any evidence of the claim and said that Skelton has provided differing accounts of who he entrusted his kids with. Investigators said Skelton fed them a long string of lies about the boys' whereabouts and that his claims they were given to other people for their safety were false. The lead investigator, Michigan State Police Detective Lt. Jeremy Brewer, said in March that he had 'no doubt whatsoever' that Skelton killed the brothers. Skelton declined to participate in that court hearing, telling a judge by videoconference from prison: 'Anything I say isn't going to make a difference.' Larry Weeks, a former Morenci police chief who worked on the case, testified at the March hearing that the day the boys were last seen, he received a call from a deputy who was with Skelton at the Fulton County Medical Center in Ohio. The officer indicated that Skelton had an injury to his ankle from a suicide attempt. The boys' mother, Tanya Zuvers, requested that the boys be declared dead in March. Her ex-husband, Skelton, is seen on a screen above her as he appears remotely from prison Authorities had always believed the three boys were dead and that Skelton was responsible Skelton (pictured in court in 2011) was days away from being released after serving a 15-year sentence for unlawful imprisonment charges Weeks then went to the home where the boys were last seen and described a scene of 'disarray.' 'Glass and cabinets had been broken. Electrical cords to all the appliances had been cut,' he said, adding that 'there appeared to be a noose hanging from a second story balcony.' Officers also found a written message from Skelton that was consistent with a suicide note. Investigators found Bible was open with a verse circled and a note apparently left for Zuvers that read, 'You will hate me forever and I know this,' FBI agent Corey Burras testified. 'That was his passive admission to killing the children,' Burras said. It will have been the hardest decision Charles has made during his reign, but the King has remained ever composed during the scandal surrounding his younger brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Less than a fortnight after Charles - who turns 77 today - formally stripped Andrew, 65, of his 'prince' title, the monarch was poised as he led the nation in a two-minute silence on Remembrance Sunday. It was a reminder of Charles's unwavering devotion to the country and his unflappable nature. But decades before he ascended the throne, Charles was easily embarrassed as the young boy whose 'awful fate' had been sealed at birth. In fact, writes royal author Ingrid Seward, he was left rather red-faced when his school headmaster strode onto the stage during Charles's performance as King Richard III and announced that his mother had given birth to Andrew. The incident was 'yet another moment during his childhood when he was made to feel different' because of his royal upbringing as heir to the throne, Ms Seward noted in her book My Mother and I. Like his father Prince Philip, Charles began his formal education at Cheam prep school in Berkshire in 1958 before enrolling at Gordonstoun in April 1962. It was during his time at Cheam that Charles was created Prince of Wales and Earl of Chester by his mother, the late Queen Elizabeth II. A portrait of Charles, now King, with his younger brother Andrew after his birth in February 1960 However, Andrew's birth announcement was extremely 'embarrassing' for Charles as he was on stage during a school play when it was made However, the announcement caught Charles, who hadn't even turned 10 yet, off guard because of the manner in which it was delivered. At the time, Britain's future King was in his headmaster's study, watching the closing ceremony of the 1958 Commonwealth Games along with some other boys. Suddenly, 'his mother's voice came over the speakers announcing: "I intend to create my son, Charles, Prince of Wales today,"' the royal biographer described the moment that all eyes became fixed on the young boy. 'There was a thunder of applause and then hundreds of Welsh voices sang, "God Bless the Prince of Wales",' Ms Seaward continued. 'He was nine years and eight months old.' While he was at Cheam, however, Charles also discovered a passion for acting - one that followed him to Trinity College, Cambridge - when he was cast as Richard III in the school production of The Last Baron. The play was an adaptation of William Shakespeare's Richard III, and Charles found himself in the shoes of the future King when the leading actor left Cheam suddenly. Charles rose to the occasion and was reportedly 'complimented on his performance and style' in the school newspaper. On the final night of the play, in February 1960, his headmaster got up on stage 'to announce that the Queen had just given birth to a second son' Andrew. 'Again, it was terribly embarrassing for the 11-year-old Prince,' wrote Ms Seward, 'and, although he was excited and happy about the baby, it was yet another moment during his childhood when he was made to feel different and awkward.' The biographer went on to describe the relief Charles felt at his mother being unable to watch the play 'because of her condition' as it saved him 'any blushes over the ensuing fuss' that would have been made over her arrival. Charles proudly holding his newborn brother Andrew, with Princess Anne waving at the crowds, as they were driven into Clarence House for the Queen Mother's 60th birthday celebrations Informal portrait of Prince Charles playing a game of Bagatelle with his two young brothers, Prince Andrew (left) and Prince Edward, at Sandringham, April 1969 Queen Elizabeth, the Queen Mother (1900 - 2002) sits with her grandchildren Prince Charles, Princess Anne and baby Prince Andrew, the children of Queen Elizabeth II Charles and Andrew wave from the carriage window of their train before leaving Liverpool Street Station in London, alongwith other members of the Royal Family, for Christmas in Sandringham in 1966 Charles's embarrassment, however, quickly gave way to joy as he rushed back to Buckingham Palace to meet his newborn baby brother. Ms Seward wrote: 'It was a big event for the home-loving Charles to have a baby brother. 'As soon as he was back at Buckingham Palace, he spent most of his spare time in the nursery with nanny Mabel Anderson and the infant Andrew.' Shortly after Andrew was born, Buckingham Palace released a poignant photo of Charles, then 11, tenderly holding the infant Andrew in his arms that was taken by renowned royal photographer Cecil Beaton. Over six decades later, the King's tenderness was replaced by a firm hand as he informed Andrew that his remaining titles would be stripped over a private phone call. Palace insiders told The Times that Charles' decision was a sign of the monarch's 'steel'. A royal source said: 'For a while, there were significant welfare issues. His entire raison d'etre revolves around status. We were asking ourselves: 'Can he cope?' In the end, we reached a tipping point and he was made to see sense.' An insider also said: 'In the past three years of the King's reign we have seen his humanity, warmth and compassion,' a royal source said. 'Now, we've seen his steel.' Charles, then Prince of Wales (L) and his brother Andrew while watching the Calgary Stampede on March 1, 1977 in Calgary, Canada The King has today marked his 77th birthday as he continues to receive treatment for an undisclosed form of cancer. Celebrations are likely, however, to be subdued after Charles stripped Andrew of his titles amid renewed scrutiny over his ties to late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein in an unprecedented move. Andrew, who has continued to deny the accusations against him, was officially made a commoner after King Charles issued a rare Letters Patent last week. He is also being evicted from Royal Lodge, the grand 30-room mansion he shares with his ex-wife Sarah Ferguson, and relocated to a private home on the Sandringham estate in Norfolk. Despite living at the property for over two decades, Andrew and his ex-wife have been 'spending a lot of time alone', supposedly sleeping at opposite ends and only meeting for meal-times to chat with each other. A source close to the couple claimed the former duke has been 'ranting to himself' and 'rarely goes out', while Fergie is said to have taken refuge at a secret bar which sits behind the mansion. The former Duchess of York is believed to be struggling amid Andrew's fall from grace, while also fretting about the futures of their daughters, Beatrice and Eugenie. It will have been the hardest decision Charles has made during his reign, but the King formally stripped Andrew of his 'prince' title and evicted him from Royal Lodge, amid renewed scrutiny into his ties with late paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein The York sisters were seen sharing an emotional embrace in London last week, before Beatrice made her first public charity appearance in the UK since the scandal broke last month. Andrew's eldest daughter visited the Borne research laboratories at Chelsea and Westminster hospital in London on Monday, October 11. The hospital, and the charity, hold a special place in her heart as it's where she gave birth to her youngest child Athena several weeks prematurely in January. Borne researches how to prevent premature births. The spotlight is on Beatrice after it emerged that she held an afternoon tea event in the Middle East last week seemingly unofficially resuming her disgraced father's role as UK trade envoy. But questions over her role were set to one side by the royal as she toured the facility alongside Good Morning Britain weather presenter Laura Tobin, whose own daughter Charlotte arrived premature in 2017 weighing just 2lb 8oz. Beatrice, who is also the charity's patron, said in a statement: 'Today's visit was not only insightful but has given me so much hope for pregnant mothers in the UK that this topic is being taken incredibly seriously. 'I am so grateful for the scientists and clinicians who took the time today to show me the advances they are making to reduce the risks to expectant mums and babies.' The King, meanwhile, appeared to focus his energy on the Festival of Remembrance and Remembrance Sunday last week. On Saturday, November 8, Charles, along with the Princess of Wales and her son Prince George, put on a brave face as they arrived at the historic Royal Albert Hall in Kensington for the sombre event. The Festival of Remembrance marked the first time Catherine, 43, was seen in public since Andrew was ousted from the Royal Lodge. It also marked her son, and heir to the British throne, Prince George's official debut at Remembrance as the 12-year-old prince took his place alongside his grandfather. Shortly after they became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were invited to the Castle of Mey in Caithness by King Charles. At the time, it was reported that the newlyweds, along with Charles and Camilla, went for long walks, enjoyed 'good food and quality family time' at the Queen Mother's beloved former Scottish residence. Writing in his memoir Spare, Prince Harry noted how the 'bond between Meg and Pa' was 'always strong' but their relationship 'grew even stronger during that weekend'. He claimed that then-Prince Charles was delighted when he found out his daughter-in-law shared the same birthdate as his grandmother: August 4. Harry described how Charles - who celebrates his 77th birthday today - started 'performing, showing off for Meg' when he discovered the connection between the late Queen Mother and 'my bride'. However, according to author Tom Bower, Meghan's first visit to the Highland estate was fraught with tension as the King's 'bewilderment with the American' became increasingly apparent. Writing in Revenge, Mr Bower said Charles was growing tired of Meghan's reluctance to reconcile with her father, Thomas Markle, so that he would stop routinely attacking the Royal Family in the press. While press reports at the time highlighted that Charles had 'become attached to Meghan' during the Castle Mey visit, the King had 'never really understood her or what she wanted,' the royal biographer added. Shortly after they became the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry (not pictured) and Meghan Markle (right) were invited to the Castle of Mey in Caithness by King Charles 'That week, his irritation about Thomas Markle's TV appearances, especially his criticism of the Royal Family came to a head,' he wrote. Charles reportedly 'berated' Harry and insisted Meghan visit her father, who was living in Rosarito, Mexico, at the time, to 'make this stop'. Thomas Markle, a retired TV lighting director, had been a thorn in the side of The Firm since before Harry and Meghan's wedding at St George's Chapel that summer after The Mail on Sunday revealed he staged paparazzi photos in exchange for money. Five days before he was due to walk Meghan down the aisle on May 19, 2018, American media outlets reported Thomas, then 73, had undergone heart surgery and was pulling out of the wedding so as not to 'embarrass the royal family or his daughter'. The following month, Thomas sat down with Piers Morgan for his first TV interview on Good Morning Britain, where he claimed he asked Harry to swear he would never hit his daughter before giving the prince his blessing for their marriage. Thomas later told The Sun he was 'being shunned' by his daughter for the paparazzi pictures scandal and pleaded with Meghan to get in touch with him so that they could 'heal' their relationship. 'I dont care whether that is at the expense of the Royal Family,' he continued before ramping up the severity of his verbal attacks. At the time, it was reported that the newlyweds, along with Charles and Camilla, went for long walks, enjoyed 'good food and quality family time' at the Queen Mother's beloved former Scottish residence. Prince Harry and Meghan with King Charles (left) during Trooping the Colour in June 2018 - with then-Duchess of Cambridge (right) with her daughter, Princess Charlotte During his media rampage, the Duchess's estranged father - who currently lives in the Philippines - said his daughter looked 'terrified' in her new role while noting her 'pained smile'. 'It really worries me,' he told The Sun. 'I think she's under too much pressure. There's a high price to pay to be married to that family.' He lambasted Meghan's 'sense of superiority' during a nearly nine-hour interview with The Mail on Sunday, as he declared 'I made her the Duchess she is today' and warned he would 'unload' on the Royal Family. During the extraordinary conversation, he told this newspaper that Harry's mother, Princess Diana would have 'loathed' how Meghan was treating her father, reiterating claims she was stonewalling him. 'I don't care if Harry never speaks to me again. I'll survive...Who cares these days about a dusty old crown? 'Ok, maybe it's been polished but it's an ancient institution stuck in its ways.' His lengthy interview with The Mail on Sunday was published on July 28 as the Sussexes arrived in Scotland for what was supposed to be a relaxing holiday at Castle of Mey, Mr Bower said. However, Charles was displeased by Thomas's claims as Mr Bower noted: 'That week his irritation about Thomas Markle's TV interviews, especially his criticism of the Royal Family, came to a head. '"Can't she just go and see him and make this stop?" Charles "berated" Harry,' Mr Bower continued. Author Tom Bower claimed Meghan's first visit to the Highland estate was fraught with tension as the King's 'bewilderment with the American' became increasingly apparent. Pictured: A view of Castle of Mey Meghan reportedly felt that her in-laws 'fundamentally don't understand' her situation with her father, despite Harry 'endlessly explaining the situation' about Thomas's behaviour to them. Mr Bower, however, alleged the Duke 'withheld critical details' such as Thomas's anger at being blocked out by his daughter. Instead, he suggested Meghan had privacy concerns. Sometimes, Harry said, his wife 'suspected that "his phone was [not] in his possession"' while other times she believed his email account had been 'compromised'. 'Charles could not have known that both reasons were untrue,' Mr Bower wrote in his book, which follows the rift within the Royal Family that would come to be known as Megxit. As time went on, the 'inconsistencies of Meghan's excuses' not to see her father - and resolve the conflict that was beginning to impact The Firm's reputation - began to 'irritate' Charles. While he was still with Harry and Meghan at Castle Mey, the late Queen Elizabeth joined her son for a conference call with Meghan and Harry so they could persuade the Duchess to 'fly to America for a reconciliation'. According to Mr Bower, Meghan rejected the suggestion outright, claiming any such meeting would cause a 'frenzy of media attention and intrusion' that would, ultimately, do more harm than good. 'Her argument avoided the truth,' Mr Bower said. 'She claimed "I had no secure means of communication with my father", and added, "we could not trust that my father's phone was in his possession." 'That did not prevent her from contacting him.' Writing in Revenge, Mr Bower said Charles was growing tired of Meghan's reluctance to reconcile with her father, Thomas Markle, so that he would stop routinely attacking the Royal Family in the press. The now-King is seen here with his wife Camilla at Prince Harry and Meghan's wedding in May, 2018 While press reports at the time highlighted that Charles had 'become attached to Meghan' during the Castle Mey visit, the King had 'never really understood her or what she wanted,' the royal biographer added Mr Bower claimed that Charles, as well as the late Queen, quickly understood Meghan's excuse was 'far-fetched' and the conference call ended with 'both the senior royals perplexed' by her behaviour. Meghan, on the other hand, complained that the Royal Family 'fundamentally don't understand' the situation with her father during her visit to the Scottish castle. Mr Bower noted that Camilla, who had 'nothing in common' with the former Suits actress, was 'apprehensive about Harry's future' with Meghan. Camilla, who grew up on a large country estate in Plumpton, East Sussex, and was most comfortable 'sloshing through the mud in Barbour and gumboots', was reportedly suspicious of the LA-born actress's 'coquettish smiles and tactile performance'. During their time together at Castle Mey, Camilla got the impression that Meghan was not the kind of person who would 'sacrifice her independence to serve silently as a team-player'. While writing about their holiday to Castle Mey in his memoir Spare, which was published in January 2023, Harry recalled how one night Charles regaled the couple with a story about 'selkies' or 'Scottish mermaids'. Over 'pre-dinner cocktails', Charles told Harry and Meghan that these mythical creature 'took the form of seals' and swam along the shore outside the castle, before adding: 'So, when you see a seal, you never can tell...Sing to it. They often sing back.' Harry said they 'talked a bit...about the stress we'd been under' during dinner but the 'good vibes continued' the next day. He added that the Queen rang Meghan while they were at Caithness and suggested she write her father Thomas a letter. 'Pa agreed. Splendid idea.' The Duke also described how Harry 'serenaded' the seals upon his father's suggestion during a 'chilly day' out at the beach - but heard nothing back. 'Meg joined me, and sang to them, and now of course they sang back,' he wrote. 'She really is magic. Even the seals know it,' Harry added. 'Suddenly, all over the water, heads were bobbing up, singing to her.' He was so delighted by what he took to be a 'good omen' that Harry stripped off his clothes and went for a swim with the seals. Later, Charles's chef informed Harry that singing to the seals had been a 'supremely bad idea'. 'This part of the Scottish coast was teeming with killer whales, the chef said, and singing to seals was like calling them to their blood-soaked deaths.' Less than two years after this holiday, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle quit the Royal Family and relocated to Montecito, California, where they now live with their two children, Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet. The King is celebrating his 77th birthday with a trip to his beloved Wales. A new photograph showing the monarch holding a shepherd's crook at his Sandringham estate has been released by Buckingham Palace to mark the occasion. It was published on social media alongside a balloon emoji and the message: '77 today! Thank you for the kind words and well wishes on His Majesty's Birthday.' Charles will be accompanied by Queen Camilla during his visit to South Wales today, where he will celebrate at the historic Cyfarthfa Castle near Merthyr Tydfil. The visit will coincide with Storm Claudia, which is forecast to bring heavy rain and gusts of up to 70mph to Britain. A slew of famous Welsh stars including Gavin and Stacey co-creator Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald, TikTok creator Lewis Leigh, and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation will be among the guests. Representatives from the couple's patronages, including The King's Trust and the Royal Osteoporosis Society, and local businesses will also attend the community reception. Cyfarthfa Castle, built as the residence of ironmaster William Crawshay II, is also celebrating its 200th anniversary. While the King was born on November 14, his official birthday will be celebrated on June 13 in a Trooping the Colour Parade at The Horse Guards Parade. A new photograph of the King has been released to mark his 77th birthday The King's birthday this year comes after a number of high-profile personal and public events that were both difficult and historic. Charles was diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer early last year and is continuing his regular treatment programme, believed to be a weekly session. At the opening of a new hospital in Birmingham in September, the King met with fellow cancer patients and, in one touching encounter, told a patient asking about his recovery that he wasn't 'too bad' and said 'there's always hope down the road'. He has also faced the ongoing scandal over his disgraced brother, Andrew Mountbatten Windsor, the former Duke of York. Andrew's links to paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein eventually led to Charles stripping him of his titles on October 30, putting an end to his public life as a royal. The King stripped his younger brother Andrew, 65, of his titles the Duke of York, Earl of Inverness and Baron Killyleagh, and he will have to move out of the Royal Lodge. Andrew's ex-wife Sarah Ferguson also lost her title, but the King protected his nieces, princesses Beatrice and Eugenie, from the fallout, with both keeping their titles and honours. King Charles will celebrate his 77th birthday at Cyfarthfa Castle in Wales. Pictured here attending the Royal British Legion Festival of Remembrance at the Royal Albert Hall on November 8 Charles also paid a historic visit to the Vatican last month, where he became the first monarch since the Reformation to pray alongside the Pope in a public service. Charles and Pope Leo XIV made history in what was seen as a symbolic moment of unity for Anglicans and Roman Catholics across the globe. He became the first British sovereign - and Supreme Governor of the Church of England - in half a century to publicly pray with the leader of the Catholic Church during an ecumenical service in the Sistine Chapel. It was seen as a particularly important message of religious tolerance in an increasingly fractured world, and paid testimony to his lifetime of campaigning for better inter-faith harmony. He also hosted Donald Trump at Windsor Castle, Berkshire, for a second state visit in September. The US President said it was 'one of the highest honours of my life' as Charles welcomed him to Windsor Castle. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sent a personalised quasi-royal letter to a celebrity psychic. Astrologer Angela Pearl shared photographs to Instagram this week with the Sussexes. They are believed to have been taken during their trip to New York City last month. Angela, who describes herself as an 'Australian astrologer with 20 years of experience' on her website, captioned her post: 'Still in awe of this special evening.' 'Thank you, Prince Harry and Meghan, for the warm invitation and inspiring conversation.' The picture on social media is somewhat surprising, as it comes just days after photos of Harry and Meghan at Kris Jenner's birthday party were mysteriously deleted. The former working royals also sent the psychic a quasi-royal letter, embellished with Meghan's royal cypher and signed 'Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex' and 'Meghan, Duchess of Sussex', alongside their handwritten signatures. Parts of the letter were obscured, and it was dated October 24, following their New York trip. They even hinted at an upcoming trip to Australia, with the visible sections of the letter reading: 'Dear Angela. We wanted to thank you for joining us... Your energy and insight were such a welcome addition... Prince Harry and Meghan Markle have sent a personalised quasi-royal letter to a celebrity psychic after posing for pictures with her last month (pictured in July 2024) 'On a separate note, we hope your family in Ukraine remain safe, and we look forward to staying in touch especially as we look to visit Australia again.' Angela previously lived in Ukraine, where she worked as a mathematics teacher. Now, she makes monthly horoscope and tarot videos. Her website also includes webinars for 140 and courses for 318, promising to take the buyer 'from basics to a confident tarot reader' while 'developing and strengthening your intuition'. Meghan has continued to use her monogram, a letter M with a coronet on top, since stepping down from the Royal Family in 2020 and moving to the US with her husband Prince Harry. She used her monogram in a gift basket to her friend Jamie Kern Lima in April and, more recently, in promotional materials for her seasonal drop from her lifestyle brand, As Ever. The monogram - comprising the letter M with a crown on top - was unveiled ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry in 2018. However, LA-born Meghan's demonstrations of royalty have left most fans rather unimpressed - especially those living stateside - as one X user previously grumbled: 'It means absolutely nothing to me as an American.' In April 2025, the former Suits actress sparked controversy after her friend, IT Cosmetics founder Jamie Kern Lima, shared a picture of a food hamper from the Duchess with a message that read: 'With the compliments of HRH The Duchess of Sussex.' Harry and Meghan's agreement with the late Queen and senior officials was that they would stop using the word 'Royal' and their HRH titles after they quit duties and emigrated to the US to become 'financially independent' from the Crown. While a spokesperson for the Sussexes insisted they do not use their HRH titles for commercial purposes, a source close to Meghan claimed she still calls herself Her Royal Highness to friends and in private correspondence. Commenting on Ms Lima's hamper and Meghan's note, royal author Ingrid Seaward felt that the latter's insistence on calling herself Her Royal Highness would have 'highly offended the Queen' when the Daily Mail reported she has been sending the same HRH note for at least five years. Royal biographer Richard Fitzwilliams told the Daily Mail previously: 'In the video promoting these festive delights, we actually see her monogram, letter M, with a coronet on top. This has been used in stationery too, as we have seen in correspondence. 'The gift basket that was sent to Archetypes contributor Jamie Kern Lima, had an accompanying note with her monogram as well. This is surely cashing in on the royal status that she so derides.' It comes after Harry and Meghan sparked furore over deleted pictures of them at Kris Jenner's 70th at the weekend. Candid photos showed the Duke and Duchess of Sussex cosying up to the birthday girl - and Harry sashaying towards her on the dancefloor on Saturday night in Beverly Hills. But hours later they were all mysteriously 'scrubbed' from social media by Kris Jenner and Kim Kardashian, who had shared them with their millions of Instagram followers. Royal fans have also accused Meghan of capitalising on her one-year-ten-month association with the Firm after they spotted her royal cypher in a film for her seasonal lifestyle drop Hours before the collection was released, Meghan posted a clip on Instagram showing her working at her desk - but onlookers quickly spotted a blue notebook with her royal cypher on its cover The Sussexes were among the A-listers invited to the James Bond-themed ball thrown for Ms Jenner by Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez at their $165million estate. People Magazine, the Sussexes' preferred publication in the US, claimed that Meghan and Harry asked that no photographs of them inside the James Bond-themed party were published. The publication also claimed that it understood the Duke and Duchess of Sussex ticked a 'no' box on a photo consent form, leading to the party images of them on Instagram being removed. But a source close to the event has now strongly refuted the claim to the Daily Mail, saying 'there were no consent forms' - leading to renewed speculation as to why the photos vanished. Ms Jenner's Instagram post-party round-up showed a series of pictures of her with the couple. Her daughter, Kim Kardashian, shared a photo of herself posing with Meghan. But these were later deleted. A California-based source claimed to the Daily Mail today that Ms Kardashian is fuming. Another expert said that Harry and Meghan have risked losing support from Hollywood A-listers that they 'need now more than ever'. A source close to the Kardashian camp claimed they are baffled and angry, given the Sussexes were happy to be pictured inside the Baby2Baby Gala hours before Kris Jenner's bash, where they posed with friend Serena Williams. 'Kim was like "youve already been papped outside and you were at the Baby2Baby event the same night being photographed like Meghan Trainor and Paris Hilton so whats the problem?"' the Daily Mail's source said, adding: 'Kim is pi**ed off.' A source close to Kim however said this sourcing is not true. Beatrice and Eugenie have been spotted attending events in London this week While their parents are facing exile from the royal family, Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie are carrying on business as normal. The daughters of the former Duke and Duchess of York were both pictured at charity events in London this week. Beatrice, 37, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 41, made an appearance at Battersea Power Station on Thursday evening at an event for Borne, a birth research charity. Meanwhile, hours later her sister Eugenie, 35, shared a video from The Kings Foundations 35 under 35 network. 'I had an inspiring morning helping to mentor members,' she wrote on Instagram, making it clear she isn't hiding. Her brother-in-law Edo showed his support, reacting with a series of clapping hands emojis. Beatrice, 37, and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi , 41, made an appearance at Battersea Power Station on Thursday evening at an event for Borne, a birth research charity Princess Eugenie , 35, pictured, who was recently accused of breaching sanctions on Russia , took to Instagram on Friday to share clips from an event where she mentored members of The King's Foundation's 35 under 35 network It was Beatrice's second outing since her father, now known as just Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was officially stripped of his titles. The royal stepped out publicly for the first time on Monday when she toured the Borne research laboratories at Chelsea and Westminster Hospital. While it's understood the King 'wants to protect' his nieces, Eugenie herself has been linked to her own scandal this week. An art gallery of which she is a director was accused of making a 'luxury good' available to a 'person connected with Russia' between April and December 2022, despite a current ban on exporting goods worth over 250 to Russia. The gallery is alleged to have supplied a painting titled Escape from Humanity by American artist George Condo to Alexander Popov, who runs a foundation that includes contemporary art. Newly released documents on Wednesday, meanwhile, continued the focus on Andrew, with an email from Jeffrey Epstein appearing to confirm a photograph of the former prince with his sex accuser Virginia Giuffre was real. Beatrice, Patron of Borne and Professor Mark Johnson at the glitzy event on Thursday It was Beatrice's second outing since her father, now known as just Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, was officially stripped of his titles Andrew also told the paedophile financier Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell 'I can't take any more of this' as he pleaded with them to make it clear he was not involved in any allegations against them. Thousands of documents from Epstein's estate were published by the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday including the exchange from March 2011 months on from when the former prince alleged he broke off all contact with the sex offender. Andrew's links to Epstein eventually led to the King dramatically stripping him of his titles putting an end to his public life. The move followed the publication of Ms Giuffre's posthumous memoirs, and the US government's release of documents from the paedophile's estate. Ms Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew at Maxwell's home in London, once at Epstein's address in Manhattan, and once on Little St James. The incident at Maxwell's home, where the now infamous photo of the former duke with his accuser is reported to have been taken, allegedly occurred when Ms Giuffre was 17 years old. Andrew is accused of taking part in an orgy with 'underage' girls, as well as Ms Giuffre, during the alleged incident on Little St James. The former prince vehemently denies all allegations made against him. However, the allegations have led to Andrew and Sarah being kicked out of the Royal Lodge. It was claimed today, Sarah is preparing to flee the UK and swap Windsor for her daughter's 3.6million mansion in the 'Hamptons of Europe' on Portugal's Atlantic coast this winter. Eugenie and her husband Jack Brooksbank are said to have prepared a 'grand suite' in their oceanfront villa for the 66-year-old to settle down after getting kicked out of Royal Lodge. The former Duchess of York has lived with her ex-husband Andrew since 2008 despite the pair divorcing in 1996. But unlike Andrew, who will move into a property on the private Sandringham estate in Norfolk, Fergie will now go it alone and make her own living arrangements, it is understood. And there is space in Jack and Eugenie's plush mansion in the exclusive CostaTerra resort, already beloved by celebrities including Hollywood royalty. 'The word here is that Fergie will be arriving sometime in January', one wealthy neighbour of Eugenie and Jack has said. Zara Tindall was forced to hold onto her hat today as she braved blustery and wet conditions at Cheltenham Racecourse. Princess Anne's daughter, 44, attended 'Countryside Day' on Friday morning to kick off the meet's three-day 'November Meeting', celebrating 'the very best of rural life and top-class sport'. Despite the inclement weather from Storm Claudia, Zara, an Olympic and World Champion equestrian, turned out to show her support for the horse-racing event, though she was visibly strained as she fought the wind and rain. The royal mother-of-three, who is married to former rugby union player Mike Tindall, 47, held onto a plum-coloured fedora to prevent it from blowing away. Dressed in a roll-neck jumper in the same shade of purple and a tweed coat with a belted waist, she completed her outfit with a pair of pearl earrings. Zara won a silver medal in eventing at the 2012 London Olympics and is frequently seen at horse-racing meets. Heavy winds and persistent rain have continued throughout the afternoon, as conditions at the track were inevitably worsened by a day's racing on the Prestbury Park turf. Glamorous racegoers were seen with their umbrellas turned inside out and battling the winds - though the style stakes were as high as ever. The storm has brought travel chaos to Britain today, as the country was hit by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours and two 12-hour 'danger to life' amber warnings were imposed for parts of central England and south Wales. Zara Tindall (pictured) looked flustered as she held on to her hat at Cheltenham Racecourse today Just last month, Zara was pictured at Cheltenham with her 11-year-old daughter Mia. Zara and her eldest child made a rare public appearance together for the first event of the racing season at the Gloucestershire track. She and Mike tend to keep their three children out of the spotlight to protect their privacy. However, her recent outings have been overshadowed by the latest allegations against her uncle, Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, formerly Prince Andrew, Duke of York. It was revealed this week that Zara's husband Mike Tindall is constantly tormented by his podcast co-host James Haskell over Andrew. Speaking with The Times, James, who co-hosts The Good, The Bad & The Rugby podcast with Mike, insisted it was 'never the wrong moment' to joke about the disgraced former prince. Mike simply responded: 'No comment'. Newly released documents on Wednesday kept the focus on Andrew, with an email from Jeffrey Epstein appearing to confirm the veracity of a photograph of the former prince with his accuser Virginia Giuffre. Despite the inclement weather, equestrian Zara turned out to show her support for Cheltenham's 'November Meeting' Despite the wet weather, racegoers at Cheltenham today were as stylish as ever The storm has brought travel chaos to Britain today, as the country was hit by a month's worth of rain in 24 hours Racegoers were seen braving rainy conditions and carrying umbrellas to keep off the rain One pair of friends unfortunately saw their umbrella being turned inside out Racegoers in rainy conditions during Countryside Day at Cheltenham Racecourse Andrew also told the paedophile financier Epstein and convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell 'I can't take any more of this' as he pleaded with them to make it clear he was not involved in any allegations against them. Thousands of documents from Epstein's estate were published by the US House Oversight Committee on Wednesday including the exchange from March 2011 months on from when Andrew alleged he broke off all contact with the sex offender. Andrew's links to Epstein eventually led to the King dramatically stripping him of his titles putting an end to his public life. The move followed the publication of Ms Giuffre's posthumous memoirs, and the US government's release of documents from the paedophile's estate. Ms Giuffre alleged she was forced to have sex with Andrew at Maxwell's home in London, once at Epstein's address in Manhattan, and once on Little St James. Heavy winds and persistent rain have continued throughout the afternoon, as conditions at the track were inevitably worsened The incident at Maxwell's home, where the now infamous photo of the former duke with his accuser is reported to have been taken, allegedly occurred when Ms Giuffre was 17 years old. Andrew is accused of taking part in an orgy with 'underage' girls, as well as Ms Giuffre, during the alleged incident on Little St James. The former prince vehemently denies all allegations made against him. Epstein took his own life in a New York prison in 2019 while awaiting trial on sex trafficking and conspiracy charges. Maxwell was sentenced to 20 years in prison in 2022 after being convicted of sex trafficking. TikTok users have been left baffled by a mindboggling optical illusion that tricks your brain into distorting celebrity faces into terrifying monsters. The illusion was shared by magician Pete Firman, who described it as 'SO weird'. To try it yourself, first focus your eyes on the cross between the photos of Liv Tyler and Tom Cruise. Keep the photos in your peripheral vision, but stay focused on the cross. The images will begin to change, first to snaps of Kevin Spacey and Patrick Stewart, and then to Jennifer Lopez and Drew Barrymore. After a few seconds, something very strange will happen the faces will start to look disfigured, as if their features are out of proportion. 'What you're experiencing is something called the "flashed face distortion effect",' Mr Firman explained. The illusion has garnered huge attention on TikTok, with many users flabbergasted by the effect. 'What in heaven's name is my brain doing without my permission!!' one particularly disturbed user asked in the comments. TikTok users have been left baffled by a mindboggling optical illusion that tricks your brain into distorting celebrity faces into terrifying monsters The flashed face distortion effect is a wellknown illusion in which normal human faces are distorted when they flash in the periphery. 'What's actually happening is your brain is holding on to previous images, and overlaying those on new ones as they appear in your peripheral vision,' Mr Firman explained. 'Because you're not looking at the photographs directly, your brain is basically try to fill in the blanks.' If you think the magician is lying, try watching the video again and looking at the faces directly, rather than in your periphery. 'You'll see that they're all legit!' he added. Thousands of viewers have flocked to the comments to discuss the illusion with many admitting that they had to look at the original images to believe it. 'I stopped halway through to check it wasn't bulls**t. Mad,' one user wrote. Another added: 'I went back to make sure they weren't distorted pictures.' And one admitted: 'I had to pause to check if what I was seeing was real.' Other viewers raised concerns about their brains deceiving them. One said: 'Shows we construct our own reality in our brain and don't just observe it!' Another joked: 'And I keep trusting my brain with my life.' And one quipped: 'So my brain is AI is what your saying.' The new video comes shortly after scientists uncovered a strange optical illusion that conjures 'fantastical and monstrous beings' in your mirror. In the first study of its kind, Dr Dr Giovanni Caputo, assistant professor of psychology at the University of Urbino, asked 50 volunteers to sit in front of a mirror in a dimly lit, quiet room for 10 minutes and stare at their own reflection. While the descriptions of their visions varied, 66 per cent said they saw their faces undergoing huge deformations, while many said they saw someone entirely different. Over a quarter of people said they saw someone they had never met before, while 10 per cent said they saw a deceased parent looking back at them Perhaps even more surprisingly, 48 per cent said they saw 'fantastical and monstrous beings'. For those wanting to catch more of Pete Firman's amazing tricks, he is on tour in 2026. Tickets are available at https://www.petefirman.co.uk/live/. Artemis was the twin sister of Apollo and goddess of the moon in Greek mythology. NASA has chosen her to personify its path back to the moon, which will see astronauts return to the lunar surface by 2026 - including the first woman and the next man. Artemis 1, formerly Exploration Mission-1, was the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the moon and Mars. The uncrewed flight, which successfully launched in November last year, travelled more than 1.4 million miles on a path around the moon and back to Earth. It splashed down in the Pacific Ocean in December 2022, 25-and-a-half days after launch. Artemis 1, formerly Exploration Mission-1, was the first in a series of increasingly complex missions that will enable human exploration to the moon and Mars. This graphic explains the various stages of the mission Orion stayed in space longer than any ship for astronauts has done without docking to a space station, while it also returned home faster and hotter than ever before. It will now be followed by Artemis II, a manned mission which is scheduled for launch next year. The crew will fly around the moon and back to prepare for Artemis III, which NASA is targeting as the mission to return humans to the lunar surface. Eventually NASA seeks to establish a sustainable human presence on the moon by 2028 as a result of the Artemis programme. The space agency hopes this colony will uncover new scientific discoveries, demonstrate new technological advancements and lay the foundation for private companies to build a lunar economy. Who is Victor Glover? The man set to become NASA's first black astronaut to orbit the moon Victor Glover (pictured) was selected as an astronaut in 2013 and became the first African American ISS expedition crewmember to live on the ISS seven years later NASA is set to send the first-ever black astronaut to the moon. Victor Glover, 46, was selected to take part in the space agency's Artemis II mission the US' first lunar mission in a half-century. The Pomona, California, native will be the first person of color to travel into deep space, hundreds of thousands of miles beyond the low-Earth orbiting International Space Station (ISS). NASA officials say the diverse crew assignments signify the cultural shifts that have taken place since the original Apollo missions, which ended in 1972, at a time when white men dominated space exploration. Glover was also the first black man to ever live on the International Space Station (ISS) in 2020 and is among 15 African Americans to be selected as an astronaut. In his esteemed career since being selected as an astronaut in 2013, Mr Glover has logged over 3,000 flight hours in 40 different aircraft. Artemis II - which will launch in November 2024 - will see the four-man crew orbit the moon in the Orion spacecraft but not land. Their goal is to test new technology, including heat shields that protects Orion as it travels 24,500 mph in 5,000 degrees Fahrenheit on its way back. If successful, NASA plans to launch an expedition to land on the moon titled Artemis III. Another success would spell out a trip to Mars for NASA. I wanna thank God for this Amazing opportunity, Mr Glover said during a new conference Monday. This is a big day. We have a lot to celebrate. Its so much more than the four names that have been announced. We need to celebrate this moment in human history. 'Artermis II is more than a mission to the Moon and back. Its more than a mission that has to happen before we send people to the surface of the moon. It is the next step on the journey that gets humanity to Mars. This crew will never forget that. Mr Glover was born in 1976 in Pomona, around 30 miles east of Los Angeles. The city is far from the glitz and glamour of Hollywood, known for its high poverty rate and relatively high crime. Mr Glover grew up in Ponoma, CA, 30 miles east of Los Angeles He said his parents and teachers served as mentors as him growing up. 'Early on in life it had to be my parents; they encouraged me and challenged me and held me to high standards. Outside of home, I had teachers that did the same,' he told USA Today in 2017. 'They all challenged me, and they encouraged me.' Mr Glover continued that his teachers and parents urged him to go the engineering school and eventually become a test pilot leading to him becoming an astronaut. He graduated from Southern California's Ontario High School in 1994, and went on to attend California Polytechnic State University, before completing his graduate education at Air University and the US Naval Academy. 'Im the first person in my family to graduate from college, and being at graduation with my mom and my dad and my stepdad and my little brothers and my grandparents,' he said to USA Today. 'That was unreal, that was cool and it was special for me.' In 1999 he was commissioned as part of the US Navy. After completing flight training in Corpus Christy, Texas, he was 'given his wings' and awarded the title of pilot in 2001. He then moved to San Diego to learn to fly the McDonnell Douglas F/A-18 Hornet, known as one of the Navy's more versatile aircraft. After spending the next two years training in Florida and Virginia, he was deployed to Iraq in 2004 for six months. Mr Glover was working in the office of the late Sen John McCain as a legislative fellow when he was selected by NASA to become an astronaut in 2013. NASA only selects a handful of the thousands of people that apply to be a member of the nation's astronaut corps each year. Only 15 black astronauts have ever been selected out of 348. A vast majority of the 41 current astronauts have a military background, like Mr Glover. He completed his astronaut training in 2015. Three years later, he was selected to be a part of the first ever operational flight of SpaceX's Crew Dragon, a reusable aircraft designed by the firm Elon Musk found in 2002. As part of that mission, he would live on the ISS from November 17, 2020 to May 2, 2021. The nearly six-month-long stay on the station makes him the first black astronaut to inhabit it. Jeanette Epps, 52, who was selected to be an astronaut in 2009 is set to become the second African American, and first black woman, to live on the ISS after the launch of Boeing Starliner-1 in 2024 or later. In 2020, Mr Glover said it was an honor to be the first black person selected to the ISS. 'It is something to be celebrated once we accomplish it, and I am honored to be in this position and to be a part of this great and experienced crew,' he said during a news conference. 'I look forward to getting up there and doing my best to make sure, you know, we are worthy of all the work that's been put into setting us up for this mission.' In an interview with The Christian Chronicle later that year, he said there were qualified black astronauts that should have earned the honor before him. 'I've had some amazing colleagues before me that really could have done it, and there are some amazing folks that will go behind me,' he said. 'I wish it would have already been done, but I try not to draw too much attention to it.' Who is Christina Koch? The first female NASA astronaut set to orbit the moon Christina Koch is set to become the first woman to go around the moon when NASA's Artemis II mission takes off next year. Christina Koch, 44, from Grand Rapids, Michigan, is set to become the first woman to go around the moon The Grand Rapids, Michigan native, 44, is already the record-holder for the longest amount of time a woman has spent in space, 328 days, and for taking part in the first all-female spacewalk in 2019. Selected to become an astronaut in 2013, Ms Koch said she has not followed a 'checklist' in order to become an astronaut but instead chased her passions whether this be rock climbing, sailing or even learning to surf in her 40s. She said in 2020: 'I really don't remember a time when I didn't want to be an astronaut. 'For me, I learned that if I was going to be an astronaut, it was because my passions had turned me into someone that could contribute the most as someone contributing to human space flight.' While she's exploring space, her husband Robert will be left taking care of housework and the couple's puppy, LBD. It is not believed that they have children. 'Am I excited? Absolutely!' she said at a news conference at the crew's announcement Monday. The one thing I'm most excited about is that we will carry your excitement,your aspirations, your dreams, on this mission. She also said: We are going to launch from Kennedy space center, we are going to here the words go for launch on top of the most powerful rocket NASAs ever made. NASA has sent a total of 355 people to space so far, of which some 55 have been women or 15 percent. It has also sent 24 people to orbit the moon and 12 to walk on the lunar surface who were all men. Russian Valentina Tereshkova was the first woman to ever leave the earth's atmosphere setting off in 1937. American women did not get sent to space until 1983. Ms Koch, however, will make history on the Artemis II mission when she completes her long-awaited trip around the moon. She revealed her love of space in a video when she was announced as a member of the Artemis I team in 2020. The astronaut said: 'I am someone who has loved exploration on the frontier since I was little. 'I used to be inspired by the night sky and throughout my career, it's been this balance between engineering for space science missions and doing science in really remote places all over the world. 'I loved things that made me feel small, things that made me ponder the size of the universe, my place in it and everything that was out there to explore.' She added: 'I didn't necessarily live my life following check boxes of how you could become an astronaut. 'But I followed those passions and one day I looked at what I had become and the skills I had gathered and I asked "could I sit across from a table and present myself as someone who could do this well?". And I thought, I'm going to give this a shot.' She went to North Carolina State University in Raleigh to get a bachelor's and a master's in Electrical Engineering. She then became an Electrical Engineer at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland, before becoming a research associate for the United States Antarctic Program living an entire year in the Arctic. Ms Koch was one of eight selected as part of NASA's 21st class of astronauts in 2013. After two years of training, she became a full-fledged astronaut. Her first space flight came in 2019 when she was sent to the International Space Station (ISS) to work as a flight engineer. She stayed up there for 328 days, taking the record for the longest spaceflight by a woman. The previous record holder, Peggy Whitson, was in space for 288 days. While in space she also took the record for the first all-women space walk when an astronaut gets out of a vehicle while in space with Jessica Meir. The pair spent seven hours and 17 minutes on the side of the ISS as they worked to replace a power controller. The walk also included a brief call with President Trump. Upon her return to Earth in 2020, Ms Koch said she felt 'like a baby' who was two weeks old and working hard to hold up its head. Back on Earth, she lives in Galveston, Texas, just outside of the Houston area. Among her interests are backpacking, running, yoga, photography and travel. Now she will be a part of a groundbreaking mission in NASA's goal towards putting a man on Mars. The Artemis II mission marks NASA's first trip to the moon in half a century. It says it will be performed to help test kit in preparation for getting humans onto Mars. The agency sent an empty Orion capsule around the moon last year before it returned to Earth in a long-awaited dress rehearsal. If this latest mission goes well, then another flight to land people on the moon will be sent in 2025 as part of tests ahead of getting people onto Mars. The legend of Atlantis tells us that the world may be dotted with lost settlements and scientists may have just discovered one. Explorers at the Russian Academy of Sciences have found 'traces of a submerged city' beneath Lake Issyk Kul in Kyrgyzstan. The massive salt lake has a maximum depth of 2,192 feet (668 metres), making it the eighth-deepest lake in the world, but the remains are remarkably shallow. These telling pieces of evidence include the remains of a medieval burial ground, large ceramic vessels and parts of a building made of baked bricks. It's thought the city housed Muslim prayer houses, schools, bathhouses and possibly even a grain-milling operation for making bread. Expedition leader Valery Kolchenko, researcher at the National Academy of Sciences of the Kyrgyz Republic, said it was an 'important' commercial settlement. But in the 15th century it was lost to a terrible tragedy that can be 'compared to the Pompeii' disaster in scale. 'The site we are studying was a city or a major trading hub,' Kolchenko said. Traces of a lost city at relatively shallow depths have been discovered by archeologists beneath Lake Issyk-Kul in Kyrgyzstan Scientists have reportedly uncovered a 'medieval necropolis' with fired-brick structures and ceramic vessels at the northwest of the lake Appearing from space as a stunning blue void, Lake Issyk Kul is nearly 500,000 feet (182km) long and just under 200,000 feet (60km) wide. The mysterious Issyk-Kul has no known outflow, although some experts claim it is linked to a local river by a channel deep underground. Surrounded by the dramatic Tianshan mountains, it has risen dramatically since ancient and medieval times, which is why the ruins now lie underwater. As reported by Heritage Daily, excavations have taken place at the the flooded Toru-Aygyr complex at the lake's northwest, an important point on an ancient trade route. Archeologists surveyed four underwater zones at very shallow depths of three feet to 13 feet (one to four metres) near the lake's shoreline. In the first one, they discovered numerous fired-brick structures including one containing a millstone a huge circular stone used for crushing and grinding grain plus collapsed underwater stone structures and wooden beams. Researchers think they've uncovered traces of a public building that possibly served as a mosque, bathhouse or a school, known as a madrassa. The three other zones also revealed evidence of an early burial ground, a 13th century Muslim necropolis, and round and rectangular structures made of mudbrick. Archaeologists and divers are pictured at the site, surrounded by the dramatic Tianshan mountains What is Lake Issyk-Kul? Lake Issyk-Kul is an enormous saline lake in the western Tianshan Mountains, eastern Kyrgyzstan. It has a maximum depth of 2,192 feet (668 metres), making it the eighth-deepest lake in the world. Scientists say it was the location of a city that went underwater following a terrible earthquake near the the beginning of the 15th century. The city was an important stop-off location along the Silk Road, the great trade route connecting China and the Mediterranean. Advertisement Burials have also been found that have preserved signs of traditional Islamic rituals the skeletons face north with their faces turned towards the Qibla, to which Muslims turn at prayer. According to the Russian Geographical Society, which funded the project, 'all this confirms that an ancient city really once stood here'. Eve so, the samples have already been sent for analysis and accelerator mass spectrometry dating a highly accurate method that can determine the age of organic materials. This lost settlement at Toru-Aygyr was a 'city or a large commercial agglomeration' on one of the important sections of the Silk Road, the historic network that connected Europe and Asia. Active from the second century BC until the mid-15th century, the Silk Route facilitated the exchange of silk, spices, precious metals and ideas between China and the Mediterranean and played a key role in the spread of industry, art and religion. But the city at Lake Issyk-Kul was devastated by a 'terrible earthquake' at the beginning of the 15th century, causing the settlement to go under, according to Kolchenko. 'According to our assessment, at the time of the disaster, the residents had already left the settlement,' he said. 'After the earthquake disaster, the regions population changed drastically, and the rich medieval settlement civilization ceased to exist.' Issyk-Kul (pictured) has a maximum depth of 2,192 feet (668 metres), making it the eighth-deepest lake in the world It's generally believed the story about the world of Atlantis was first told 2,300 years ago by the Greek philosopher Plato who made it up, but some history fans persist with the idea that it actually existed (artist's impression) Once the civilization fell, nomadic people took its place and today the shoreline of the lake is dotted with small villages. Land sinking to the seafloor is not unusual; in fact Britain is also surrounded by former islands and coastal spots that are now submerged, many sunk by wild weather events. One of these is Ravenser Odd, a short-lived medieval city on an island in the Humber Estuary, described as 'Yorkshire's Atlantis' in reference to the world's most famous fictional island. It's generally believed the story of Atlantis was first told 2,300 years ago by Greek philosopher Plato who made it up, but some fans persist with the idea that it actually existed. Former Disney star Calum Worthy has been blasted for his app that uses artificial intelligence (AI) to create avatars of dead loved ones. In a post on X, Mr Worthy, 34, shared a disturbing advert for the app, writing: 'What if the loved ones we've lost could be part of our future?' Mr Worthy, who starred as Dez Wade on the Disney Channel series Austin & Ally, added that his company, cofounded with Hollywood producer Russell Geyser, is 'building a living archive of humanity'. The controversial advert shows a pregnant woman speaking to an AI recreation of her deceased mother through the app, which is titled 2wai. The video then jumps forward in time, showing the 'grandmother' reading a bedtime story to the newborn baby boy, talking to them as they return from school, and discussing the birth of their own child. Finally, the video shows the woman making a short recording of her mother to create the digital avatar, as a slogan states: 'With 2wai, three minutes can last forever'. Social media users have been outraged by the concept, branding it 'objectively one of the most evil ideas imaginable'. Many have found the consequences of this technology fundamentally appalling, with one commenter describing the app as 'demonic, dishonest, and dehumanizing.' Former Disney star Calum Worthy has been slammed for his app, named 2wai, which allows users to recreate digital avatars of their dead loved ones (pictured) On social media, tech fans have reacted with horror to an advert for the company that shows a woman talking to an AI avatar of her dead mother (pictured). With some users joking that Mr Worthy clearly missed the point of cautionary sciencefiction stories On X, one commenter bluntly described the 2WAI app as 'one of the most evil ideas imaginable' The 2wai pronounced 'two way' is now available for iOS devices on the App Store and allows users to create virtual avatars, which the company calls a 'HoloAvatar'. These are essentially animated interfaces for chatbots, designed to look like real or fictional individuals. The company has created several default HoloAvatars, including a personal trainer named Darius, an astrologist called Celeste, and a chef named Luca. 2wai has also appropriated the likenesses of historical figures such as Shakespeare and, bizarrely, King Henry VIII. However, the most shocking aspect of the tech is the ability to create HoloAvatars out of real individuals by recording a threeminute video of them. The company hasn't shared any information about how this tiny amount of data would allow the AI to recreate someone's personality, and 2wai did not respond to a request for further information. However, the promise that the app will allow users to indefinitely resurrect their loved ones as chatbots has set ethical alarm bells ringing. Taking to X, one commenter wrote: 'Nothing says compassion like turning someone's grief into a business opportunity.' One social media user slammed the app, calling it 'demonic, dishonest, and dehumanizing, ' adding that they would 'curse' anyone who tried to resurrect them as an AI avatar Some tech fans pointed out the obvious similarities to an episode of the dark science fiction series Black Mirror The concept bears a striking resemblance to the Black Mirror episode 'Be Right Back' (pictured), in which a grieving woman recreates a digital copy of her deceased partner Another joked: 'Hey so what if we just don't do subscriptionmodel necromancy?' While another bluntly added: 'You need to be put in prison.' Naturally, tech fans quickly saw the obvious similarities to the Black Mirror episode 'Be Right Back', in which a grieving woman recreates a digital copy of her deceased partner. While the episode was intended as a dark cautionary tale about the dangers of using technology to hold on to the past, Mr Worthy and the team at 2wai didn't seem to get the message. 'I'd love to understand what pedigree of entrepreneurs unironically pitches black mirror episodes as startups,' jibed one commenter. Another jokingly wrote: 'This looks like the most disturbing episode of Black Mirror to date. Can't wait!' Others were concerned about the dangers of handing your loved ones' identity to an AI company and the psychological consequences that might have. In particular, commenters were alarmed by the prospect that their family members could be used for advertising or other purposes beyond their control. Many commenters on X were concerned that keeping loved ones alive through AI would disrupt the normal processes of grief Others were worried about the possibility that their loved ones would be used to sell them products or advertisements One commenter worried that they might see a dead loved one promoting a company or offering advertising services One tech enthusiast wrote on X: 'Oh goody, another way for people to completely lose touch with reality and avoid the normal process of grief.' And another concerned individual added: 'Just wait until your "loved one" sharing their famous family casserole recipe with you tells you about the sale on canned beans at Food Lion and coughs up a coupon.' Despite the enormous backlash, Mr Worthy is not the first person to try to use technology to bring back the dead. In 2020, Kanye West famously gifted Kim Kardashian a holographic recreation of her late father, Rob Kardashian. Since then, AI has been used to recreate the voices of dead celebrities such as Edith Piaf, James Dean, and Burt Reynolds. There has also been an astonishing rise in socalled 'deadbots' that simulate deceased loved ones by recreating their speech patterns and personality. For example, the companies Project December and Hereafter allow users to recreate their loved ones simply by giving the AI information on what they were like. Three astronauts who were stranded in space for over a week have returned to Earth but their escape plan has left a new group of explorers without a way to get home. Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui, and Wang Jie were trapped on the Chinese station Tiangong for nine days after an unknown object damaged their spacecraft so severely that it was deemed unsafe to fly in. The astronauts from the Shenzhou20 mission were seen landing safely in the Gobi Desert in northern China early Friday morning after their sixmonth mission on board the space station. When the crew discovered cracks in the window of their Shenzhou20 capsule, officials decided to bring the three men home in the Shenzhou21 space capsule instead the craft which carried their replacements to the station on October 31. However, that decision has now left the crew of Shenzhou21, astronauts Zhang Lu, Wu Fei, and Zhang Hongzhang, without a vessel to return to Earth in case of another space emergency. After the space junk collision, longestablished protocols required the Chinese astronauts to evacuate using the working space capsule at the station. On Friday, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) announced that the Shenzhou22 spacecraft will be launched 'at an appropriate time in the future,' with the likely goal of bringing replacements for the Shenzhou21 team. That future mission wasn't scheduled to launch until April 2026, but the space agency hasn't said if that timeline has changed since Shenzhou21 was due to remain in orbit for six months. Astronaut Chen Zhongrui exited the Shenzhou21 space capsule on November 14 after a nineday delay caused by space debris damaging their original spacecraft Shenzhou21 (Pictured) carried the replacement crew for the three stranded astronauts. That crew will now have to wait for a new vehicle to be sent to space The current situation now mirrors the 286day saga of NASA astronauts Suni Williams and Butch Wilmore earlier this year, who lost their ability to get home when mechanical problems made their space capsule unsafe to use again. The stranded crew of Shenzhou20 was supposed to head home on November 5 using their own ship, but right before their departure, an object that's believed to have been space debris hit their return capsule. The astronauts on the station originally reported seeing a noticeable mark left on Shenzhou20's hull, but CMSA later announced that tiny cracks had been discovered in the ship's window. 'The Shenzhou20 spacecraft does not meet the requirements for the astronauts' safe return and will remain in orbit to continue relevant experiments,' CMSA said, according to staterun news outlet Xinhua. Although the crew of Shenzhou21 was not scheduled to leave Tiangong station for six months, the situation has now potentially opened a concerning revolving door of stranded astronauts aboard the Chinese research lab. Before Shenzhou20 took their replacement's vessel back home, aerospace expert and science blogger Yu Jun suggested that CMSA could move to a 'plan B,' which would involve launching a backup return vehicle from Earth. 'Shenzhou22 and the Long March 2F [launcher] were already on standby. This is our rolling backup mechanism,' Jun told his more than five million followers on Weibo. 'They are in "emergency duty" mode and ready to bring our astronauts home safely if needed.' The crews of Shenzhou20 and Shenzhou21 (Pictured) spent an extra nine days together before the stranded astronauts left in the Shenzhou21 return capsule Shenzhou21 (Pictured) launched to the Tiangong space station on October 31 and was supposed to stay at the station for six months before returning early The crew of Shenzhou20 undocked from Tiangong on Thursday, leaving their damaged return capsule still attached to the space station. The Shenzhou21 capsule carrying the three explorers reentered Earth's atmosphere and touched down in China successfully around 3.20am local time on Friday. The crew emerged in good health, waving to recovery teams, and later shared how they used the extra time in orbit to conduct bonus science experiments with the incoming team before leaving the station. It's still unclear what struck and permanently damaged the Shenzhou20 spacecraft, but space junk can include anything from bits from broken satellites and dropped tools from previous spacewalks to giant pieces of discarded rocket parts. This floating garbage is moving around the planet at incredible speeds of up to 17,000mph, the average velocity for objects in low Earth orbit. This can be a real hazard for manned spacecraft, similar to driving through a hailstorm of bullets. Right now, there are about 19,000 pieces of space debris in Earth's orbit that the US is tracking, not counting the satellites still working. However, experts at NASA think there could be over half a million smaller pieces too small to track easily. A catastrophic collision has been an ongoing fear, as space junk has been striking human spacecraft and stations for decades, including causing significant damage to both the International Space Station and Russia's Mir station. US monitoring stations that protect millions living along the West Coast from devastating natural disasters are set to go dark in just two weeks. Funding has been cut for nine seismic stations in Alaska, which act as an early warning system for tsunamis that could flood states like California, Oregon, Washington, and Hawaii. These nine Alaska sensors have helped protect the whole Pacific side of the US since the late 1990s, detecting major earthquakes that can trigger giant ocean waves which can strike areas hundreds or even thousands of miles away. However, the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) slashed the $300,000 needed to keep the stations running as part of larger budget cuts ordered by the Trump Administration this year. The Alaska Earthquake Center (AEC) had requested funding for the tsunami monitors through 2028, but NOAA denied the request in late September. The nine stations, scattered across Alaska's Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea, will go offline at the end of November. Without them, warnings could arrive minutes later than usual, which might not leave enough time for people to reach safety. Mike West, the Alaska state seismologist and director of AEC told the Anchorage Daily News: 'The tsunami threats from Alaska are not just an Alaska problem.' Mega tsunamis can be triggered by events such as landslides or volcanic island collapses. Scientists believe an asteroid impact triggered a mile-high mega-tsunami during the time of the dinosaurs (stock image) The nine seismic stations set to close are scattered throughout Alaska's Aleutian Islands and the Bering Sea In recent months, multiple earthquakes in the Pacific have set off tsunami warnings in the US, including one in Hawaii in September after a massive 7.8 magnitude seaquake near Russia's Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky region. Right now, there is no solid 'Plan B' announced when it comes to seismic monitoring in the area. The AEC cannot afford to keep them going on their own without the federal funding, and there are no nearby replacements ready to take over. Alaska Senator Lisa Murkowski has pushed for a review of the funding cuts and to restore the real-time monitoring equipment in the state, according to KTUU. 'The system doesn't collapse if you lose one measurement,' a senior NOAA official told the Washington Post on the condition of anonymity. 'But it creates holes in the network of observations.' This year alone, AEC has detected over 24,000 earthquakes using high-tech seismic equipment, which is protected in well-shielded huts on the remote islands. While the majority of these tremors have been small, major earthquakes that surpass magnitude 7 can trigger a tsunami, with the closest populated areas to the wave having only moments to reach higher land before a wave hits. In 1946, three years before the tsunami alert system was created, a major earthquake in the Pacific unleashed a massive tsunami that crashed into Hawaii and killed more than 150 people. Although massive earthquakes are felt most intensely near the epicenter, their power can send out energy which ripples through the ocean and the Earth's crust for thousands of miles A magnitude 9 earthquake in the northwest US could destroy half a million homes and cause the deaths of countless people. Pictured: Aftermath of the 9.0 quake that struck Japan in 2011 A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has warned that a colossal earthquake along the Cascadia Subduction Zone (CSZ) in America's Pacific Northwest is almost certain to occur by 2100 and will unleash another deadly tsunami. If an earthquake between 8 and 9 in magnitude struck today, scientists warned that a 100-foot mega tsunami would wipe out most of the West Coast, as the coastline would drop by almost eight feet instantaneously. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) estimated that there would be 5,800 deaths from a CSZ earthquake alone and another 8,000 due to the mega tsunami it would unleash. In July, a powerful 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Alaska, sending seismic shockwaves racing through the Earths crust for thousands of miles. The quake triggered a tsunami warning for parts of the coast and rattled a vast swath of the Pacific Rim. Although the shaking was felt most intensely in southern Alaska, the energy released by the quake traveled through the Earth and activated seismic sensors on the US East Coast, across the world in Europe, and even reached parts of Asia and Africa. Britain's top viral foodie hotspots have been revealed - and you can find the ones near you with a simple step. The top 20 trending food spots in the UK have been named, with The Shed in London taking the top spot, according to a poll. Viral dessert shop Humble Crumble came in second place, beating Beef Smokehouse in Manchester which came third, the study of 2,000 adults who use social media found. The list also includes SpudMan, a jacket potato specialist, and Urban Tandoor of Bristol - known on social media for its musical parodies such as 'Bhaji Girl' and 'You're the Naan that I Want'. Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm ranked highly, making it a popular spot among food-lovers. Plus, it was revealed one in three people would rather visit a venue that has gone viral than a Michelin-starred restaurant a stat that rises to 53 per cent among Gen Z. The research was commissioned by car insurance expert Tempcover, which has created a tool to help Brits plan road trip adventures to some of the nation's best food spots. You simply input your postcode and the distance you are willing to travel, and it calculates the nearest spots for you to try. Jeremy Clarkson's Diddly Squat Farm ranked highly, making it a popular spot among food-lovers Nearly four in 10 have visited a restaurant because it had blown up on social media. One in 20 has admitted to travelling over 100 miles just to visit one, with the average longest distance of 43 miles, the data showed. Plus, 91 per cent reported being satisfied with their trip and only two per cent dissatisfied. Marc Pell, Tempcover's managing director, said: 'The research shows social media is now one of the most powerful drivers of food discovery among Brits, where for some, a viral burger can beat the old school prestige of a Michelin star. 'These platforms have opened a whole new world of food for many - and it's clear they're willing to travel longer distances with loved ones to visit these locations. 'This is about making a memory as much as it is about the meal.' The research also revealed smoky BBQ platters are the most sought-after food seen on social media (18 per cent). This is followed by loaded fries (13 per cent) and melted cheese dishes (13 per cent). Research of 2,000 adults who use social media found viral dessert shop Humble Crumble to be second, beating Beef Smokehouse in Manchester which came third Britain's top viral foodie hotspots have been revealed - and you can find the ones near you online TOP 20 TRENDING FOOD SPOTS 1. The Shed, London 2. Humble Crumble, London 3. Beef Smokehouse, Manchester 4. Max's Sandwich Shop, London 5. Evelyn's Cafe Bar, Manchester 6. Fitzbillies, Cambridge 7. Urban Tandoor, Bristol 8. Fat Hippo, Cardiff 9. Hickory's Smokehouse, Birmingham 10. Fat Pats, Manchester 11. Diddly Squat Farm, Chipping Norton 12. Fire and Flank, Cardiff 13. Koko Cafe, Glasgow 14. Jason Donervan, Bristol 15. Get Baked, Leeds 16. Bao Buns 23, Manchester 17. Low and Slow Barbeque, Bristol 18. SpudMan, Tamworth 19. 40 Ounce, Newcastle 20. Jax Snax, Glasgow Advertisement Overall, Instagram is the platform that influences food choices the most with 18 per cent rising to 28 per cent for both Millennials and Gen Zs. While Facebook was the top influencer for Boomers with 11 per cent, 73 per cent said none of the major social media sites influences their food choices, a view shared by just one in 10 Gen Zs. But when planning your next day out, you might want to take inspiration from the list and see what innovative food options are close by. Marc added: 'Whether it's a quick drive to try a local gem or a spontaneous hundred-mile road trip to sample the latest viral burger, having the freedom to hit the road and share the journey makes these moments possible.' If you've ever flown into Dubai International Airport, you may have seen a group of islands that resemble a miniature map of the world. Floating in the Persian Gulf, around three miles off the coast of Dubai, there are 300 man-made islands spread across around 232km of shoreline. The ruler of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, intended to create a miniature map of the world to attract visitors and investors, and also multiply Dubai's beachfront. Construction on The World Islands began in 2003 with an estimated cost of at least $14 billion (10.6 billion). Dubai's state-backed developers brought in some 320 million cubic metres of sand before the project was halted due to the 2008 financial crisis. Several individuals connected to the islands went bankrupt, and one was sent to jail, reports The Telegraph. In 2011, a lawyer for Nakheel Properties, the group overseeing the islands, admitted that the project was 'in a coma'. While many of the islands are empty, slowly, over the years, some have opened up to tourists. Floating in the Persian Gulf, around three miles off the coast of Dubai, there are 300 man-made islands spread across around 232km of shoreline Construction on The World Islands began in 2003 with an estimated construction cost upwards of $14billion (10.6billion) Pictured: An aerial view of Lebanon Island, one of The World Islands In July 2012, Lebanon Island was the only island that had so far been developed commercially, being used for private corporate events and public parties. One of the most prominent and ambitious developments on the islands is the Heart of Europe. Led by Austrian developer Josef Kleindienst, he purchased the island representing his homeland in 2007. He then decided to purchase five more: Sweden, Switzerland, Germany, Monaco and St Petersburg. This project features six themed islands in the shape of a heart, named after European countries. Across the temperature-controlled and car-free islands, there are sandy beaches, luxury hotels, leisure facilities and boutiques with artificial snow, rain and green mountains. What's more, Euros are the only accepted currency. When the archipelago is fully completed, all the islands will be connected with bridges. While many of the islands are empty, slowly, over the years, some have opened up to tourists While the developments are slow-moving, it seems that Dubai's World Island project is having a revival as tourists trickle in Another of the resorts which is already open is the Anantara World Islands, which had its soft launch in 2022. Unlike the Heart of Europe, the Anantara World Islands doesnt have any geographical theming. While the developments are slow-moving, it seems that Dubai's World Island project is having a revival as tourists trickle in. A hydrogen-electric version of the 'bum-shaped' Airlander 10 aircraft could be flying by the end of the decade. Two companies, ZeroAvia and Hybrid Air Vehicles (HAV), today announced they have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to work together on developing the new model. If all goes to plan, the 92-metre aircraft - which costs about 60 million per unit to build - could begin commercial flights as soon as 2029, carrying more than 100 British holidaymakers to Spain and the Balearic Islands. The Airlander 10 first flew in 2010 and quickly earned the nickname the 'giant bum' because of its rounded, curved shape when viewed from behind - though marketing chief Hannah Cunningham says the redesigned version will be 'less bum' than before. The updated aircraft will be a state-of-the-art hybrid that uses aerostatic lift, aerodynamic lift and vectored thrust to get airborne, and has a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles. It's also designed to be extremely eco-friendly, thanks to ZeroAvia's hydrogen-electric propulsion system - offering zero-emission in-flight operations, and lower than standard maintenance costs. In the meantime, the first Airlander 10s will use four diesel engines, which will still reduce emissions by up to 90 per cent compared with similar aircraft. Emissions could drop to just one to two per cent of those produced by kerosene-powered planes. A bum deal! A hydrogen-electric version of the Airlander 10 aircraft could be flying by the end of the decade If all goes to plan, the 92-metre aircraft - costing about 60 million per unit - will begin commercial flights in 2029 The Airlander 10 first flew in 2010 and quickly earned the nickname 'giant bum' because of its rounded, curved shape when viewed from behind ZeroAvia's first generation 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain, the ZA600, has already reached several regulatory milestones and secured hundreds of pre-orders. The company is working with launch airlines to embed the system into traditional fixed-wing planes and has flight-tested a prototype on a 19-seat aircraft. Under the new partnership, ZeroAvia and HAV will also explore how hydrogen-electric technology could be used in HAV's larger aircraft in the future, and will assess what hydrogen infrastructure would be needed for Airlander 10 operations. Speaking to Majorca Daily Bulletin, ZeroAvia founder and CEO Val Miftakhov said: 'Airlander is another exciting airframe for line-fit of our powertrains, as it can open up a whole new market in air travel due to its range, efficiency and ability to operate from almost anywhere. 'Like ZeroAvia, Hybrid Air Vehicles is an aerospace innovator with exciting manufacturing and growth plans for the UK that can deliver hundreds of well-paid jobs in different regions in the UK.' Last year, George Land told the Bulletin that Spanish airline Air Nostrum is 'very keen,' and that seeing Airlanders flying over Spain and between the Balearic Islands 'could only be a matter of years away, certainly before 2029.' Meanwhile, an impressive aircraft that can whizz from London to New York in just four hours is almost ready to take-off. NASA's X-59 is a supersonic research aircraft that is expected to reach speeds of up to 990mph - which is faster than the speed of sound. The updated aircraft is a swanky, state-of-the-art hybrid that uses aerostatic lift, aerodynamic lift and vectored thrust, featuring a 10-tonne payload and a maximum range of 4,000 nautical miles ZeroAvia's first generation 600kW hydrogen-electric powertrain, the ZA600, has already reached several regulatory milestones and secured hundreds of pre-orders Under the new partnership, ZeroAvia and HAV will also explore how hydrogen-electric technology could be used in HAV's larger aircraft in the future Such a quick rate means the vehicle could technically fly from London to New York in around three hours and 44 minutes. This almost halves the duration of current commercial flights, which typically take seven to eight hours to complete the transatlantic journey depending on whether conditions. It is currently undergoing the final safety tests before it can make its debut flight. Described as 'quiet', the aircraft's special design means it will make a thump noise instead of a loud sonic boom. A popular winter sun destination has reversed its afternoon booze ban less than a week since the rules were introduced. Just last week, it was announced that Thailand's existing rules surrounding alcohol would be more strictly enforced. Under the new restrictions, which came into effect from Saturday, November 8, alcohol consumption or purchases between 2pm and 5pm and from midnight to 11am were completely banned. Until recently only sellers faced fines of up to 10,000 Thai baht (234), but it was then tightened to also apply to drinkers. At the time, Tourism Authority of Thailand warned: 'Violations may lead to fines or other legal consequences under transport and alcohol control laws. 'Tourists are reminded that outside of the listed exceptions, drinking or purchasing alcohol during restricted hours or in prohibited areas remains illegal. 'Businesses in violation may be fined or shut down, and individuals could face legal consequences.' But now, Thai authorities have gone back on the new regulations and instead introduced a six-month pilot programme, The Straits Times reports. Just last week , it was announced that Thailand 's existing rules surrounding alcohol would be more strictly enforced From early December, the sale of alcoholic beverages will be permitted between 2pm and 5pm. Public Health Minister Pattana Promphat announced the trial, which could be extended even further, yesterday (November 13) after backlash from business owners and those in the tourist industry. It comes just in time for peak tourist season in Thailand, with millions flocking to the popular winter sun destination between November and February. Tourists visiting Thailand had to get to grips with new entry rules earlier this year. Under the new regulations, which came into place on May 1, tourists have to complete a digital arrival card online before arriving in Thailand. The FCDO updated its advice to warn British tourists that they need to complete the card. It said: 'From 1 May 2025, all foreign nationals entering Thailand, whether by air, land or sea must complete a digital arrival card online before arrival. 'Travellers can register for an arrival card within three days before they arrive.' Under the new restrictions, which came into effect from Saturday, November 8, alcohol consumption or purchases between 2pm and 5pm and from midnight to 11am were completely banned (stock) The Thailand Digital Arrival Card (TDAC) has replaced the paper arrival cards which used to be filled out by travellers. Tourists will need to provide their personal information on the TDAC as well as details about their length of stay and accommodation. The change comes as tourism is expected to surge in Thailand after it featured in the latest series of HBO's White Lotus. Packed with history, delicious food and cultural highlights, the Greek capital has long been one of the world's most popular city breaks - but not in the winter it seems. Time Out has been crowned Athens the most underrated winter European city break this week, saying that the best time of year to visit the ancient metropolis is during the coldest months of the year. The UNESCO World Heritage site city welcomes up to 7 million tourists each year thanks to its world famous 5th century Acropolis, Parthenon temple, bustling shops and host of museums. However, although the Greek city is typically bursting with tourists in the summer, it's rarely busy during when temperatures drop. One of Time Out's writers, John Ovans, describes how in winter Athens 'never goes into full hibernation mode. He suggests that despite it not being peak season, there is still plenty for visitors to enjoy in the city. And the expert says the temperatures during winter rarely disappoint either. Packed with ancient history, including the 5th century Acropolis (pictured), Athens commands around 7 million visitors every year, but tourist numbers are much lower in winter He explains: 'On a good winter day you might get up to the high teens, or even low 20s on rare extra sunny occasions. Athens is relatively cheap to fly to during the winter season, too. Direct flights from London for a weekend in December can come in at around 76, according to SkyScanner. A pint of beer is reasonable too, usually priced at around 5 (4.40), according to Numbeo. What's more, Athens was also recently named the top city for a car-free break. Hospitality company Accor compiled data on cities across the continent. The brand analysed factors including how much of the centre is dominated by pedestrians, the diversity and affordability of public transport, and how close the attractions are. The Greek capital scored the highest with 99.75 out of 100 overall for being easily explored without a car. While the colder months aren't quite as balmy as Athens in summer, visitors can still expect blue skies and highs of the low 20s, says Time Out travel expert John Ovans It impressed with its pedestrian belt that circles around the Acropolis. Athens' neighbourhoods like Plaka, Monastiraki and Psyrri are all easily reachable from one another by foot. Meanwhile, the coast is easily reachable by a tram and the airport can be accessed by the metro. It boasts four major rail hubs and the city scored an impressive 97 per cent for accessibility and comfort. A British man says he managed to visit Prague for just 7.65 more than the cost of his usual 60-mile commute to work. Luke Simmonds, 36, from Surrey, flew to the Czech Republic's capital on October 11th for an 'extreme day trip'. The IT consultant bagged the bargain flights 11 months ago, paying just 8.99 each way, My London reports. Simmonds says he jetted off with budget airline Wizz Air at 6am and landed in the Bohemian city at around 8.45am. After spending the day sightseeing, he boarded a return flight home at 5pm and spent just 52.65 in total. Luke told the publication: 'This is only a few pounds more than what my commute to work would be. 'The commute to work is about 40 on the train and the Tube on top so about 45 and it's 60 miles to travel. A day out in London would have cost more.' Despite only being in the city for a few hours, Luke managed to enjoy plenty of the popular city breaks bests sights, including Prague Castle and Charles Bridge. Luke Simmonds, 36, from Surrey, flew to Prague, Czech Republic on October 11th after getting flights to Prague for just 8.99 each way plus taxes earlier this year The IT consultant jetted off with budget airline Wizz Air and says his brief day in the European city was the perfect introduction He tucked into local cuisine, which includes hearty stews and 'chimney' cakes, and checked out the gothic architecture of the Old Town Square. Luke added: 'It just shows what's possible having a look and a mooch about a foreign capital in a day.' However, he did note that he realised that there was 'a lot more' to see in Prague and he didn't have enough time to 'tick it off'. Nevertheless, he found his bargain day out to be a 'nice introduction' to the Czech capital. Jetting off on cheap day trips isn't a new venture for Luke, who does this regularly. He revealed Prague was the best-value trip he's been on yet. Many other holidaymakers have gone on similar adventures to Luke, including friends Stacey Baugh, 34, and Claire Dukes, 41, who flew to Albania for a 13-hour round trip. They settled on Tirana, Albania, for their holiday in October and were able to secure 70.08 Ryanair return flights. Stacey and Claire left their home in Chesterfield, Derbyshire, at 1am to get their 5.55am flight from Stansted - landing in Tirana at 9.50am. After spending the day exploring Prague, he boarded a plane home at 5pm and had spent just 52.65 in total; pictured Luke tucking into a 'chimney' cake The friends spent 60 per person on a private tour for the day, taking them on a whistle-stop tour of Lake Bovilla, Gamti mountain, Mount Dajti and on an evening city tour. Stacey and Claire did a zip line over the mountains for 30 euros and had a meal at the top of Mount Dajti for less than 40 euros. They said the trip cost them 200 each, costing the same as a theatre trip to London. They landed back in the UK at 1am - arriving back home at 5am - and say it was great value for money. Four years ago, I left New York City to become a travel writer based in my mother's homeland, Spain. Like most of the 18,000 people granted digital nomad visas in the country last year alone, I hoped to improve my quality of life and my Spanish. But in Barcelona, where Catalan is the official language and annual visitors outnumber residents ten to one, I didn't hear much Spanish on the streets. I did, however, learn one word quickly: guiri. Locals used it half in despair, half in disdain to describe the foreigners who flock to Spain looking for sun, sex and sangria, only to leave with bad hangovers and worse sunburns. Guiris were urinating in the streets. Guiris were warbling under windows. Guiris, it seemed, had turned Barcelona into a 'theme park'. I understood the frustration. According to a recent study, Barcelona is the most city most densely packed with tourists in the world and, as a result, the second loudest. My neighbourhood, El Raval, was so noisy with pub crawlers that banners reading 'RESPECT' hung from balconies and city workers handed out lollipops wrapped with shushing cartoons. A large group of tourists walks in front of Antoni Gaudi's Sagrada Familia church in Barcelona A throng of sun seekers covers the sand at Barceloneta beach in the Catalan city Still, as a newcomer, I couldn't fully share the anger of the protesters who marched in the streets with signs reading 'TOURISM KILLS THE CITY'. At one demonstration, a man made a throat-slitting gesture at a couple of teenagers outside a Taco Bell. I thought, Come on, haven't you ever been a tourist? Isn't it a little selfish to want to keep Barcelona's gorgeous architecture, abundant culture, jubilant street festivals, and beachside paellas all to yourself? When housing activist-turned-mayor Ada Colau and her successor Jaume Collboni both warned that the city risked becoming a 'theme park', I was tempted to dismiss it as trite hyperbole. Sure, I thought, parts of Barcelona are tacky and overcrowded but they're easy enough to avoid, just like I avoided Times Square as a New Yorker. Then I moved to the Gothic Quarter. I knew the medieval heart of Barcelona's Old Town would be crawling with tourists. But my apartment overlooked a quiet, charming plaza and since I was renting it from a friend of a friend, I could live there without the usual Airbnb guilt. Demonstrators march through the streets of Barcelona during an anti-tourism protest in June Daniel Maurer left New York City to become a travel writer four years ago hoping to improve his quality of life and his Spanish With short-term lets driving up rents, the city has vowed not to renew its tourist apartments and Spain is threatening to smack a 21 per cent tax on them. I figured subletting would allow me to live like a local. But there were few residents left to blend in with. A banner at a block party described them as 'a species in danger of extinction'. Between 2007 and 2022, the Gothic Quarter lost a fifth of its population and became the neighbourhood with the most foreign-born residents 66 per cent in 2022, most of them from Western Europe and North America. One study dubbed the neighbourhood a 'foreign-only' enclave, estimating there were 71 tourist beds per 100 residents. During the month I lived there, bumping into a lifelong Barcelonan now a statistical minority citywide was about as rare as spotting Mickey or Goofy among the hordes at Disneyland. Disneyland, it turned out, was an apt comparison. In Gothicland, the lines aren't for rides but for viral cheesecakes. There are animators like the Erotic Museum's Marilyn Monroe impersonator, or the clowns who photobomb selfie-takers to shake them down for euros. There are carnival games, too. Step right up to the Surprise Box store and unbox a mystery item for TikTok! There's even an actual ferris wheel. The only thing missing from Gothicland is an entrance fee. Venice imposed one on day-trippers in 2024 and raked in 5.4million euros this year, but the experiment was costly to manage, and tourism remained rampant while residents continued to flee. Barcelona has introduced its own measures. It plans to increase its tourist tax next year and has tried to rein in the countless souvenir shops that display t-shirts with crass slogans like 'I <3 BIG BOOBS', yet Pablo Escobar's grinning face still pops out from every corner, like a jump-scare at a haunted house. Trying to find an affordable lunch amidst the haute tapas bars is like searching for a bocadillo a Spanish sandwich made using a baguette in a haystack. I often felt like I was in a bumper car arena as I dodged bike tours as well as walking tours that clearly defied the 20-person limit imposed in 2022. I had hoped to work from my balcony, but that went out the window when diners on the plaza gazed up at me like passengers on the It's a Small World ride watching an animatronic flamenco dancer. Some of those vermouth-buzzed vacationers were no doubt fantasising about living in Barcelona's most romantic neighborhood unaware that I was a fellow traveller dreaming of a place where I could work from my balcony unobserved. If that sounds like a hall of funhouse mirrors, well, every theme park has one. As Barcelona spends millions luring the Gothic Quarter's crowds to less congested areas and expats like me seek out calmer corners of the city the carnival fare like penis-shaped waffles and churros con matcha is sure to spread. It's no wonder the locals are on edge. I now have more sympathy for people such as my friend in Sant Andreu, the only district left in Barcelona where more than 80 per cent of residents have lived in the city for more than a decade. 'Do you know what I saw in my neighbourhood the other day?' she asked me, looking like she had seen the zombie that augurs the outbreak. 'A guiri.' Daniel Maurer is the author of The Future of Travel, published by Melville House UK If you want to get to the other side of the world, you'd better be prepared for a long journey...but what's the quickest route? Travel and points experts, Nicky Kelvin and Liam Spencer, from The Points Guy, decided to race each other, taking flights in opposing directions from London to Fiji. It's not the first time The Points Guy brand has challenged its experts to pit airlines and routes against each other for speed - but this is the longest race to date. Nicky headed eastbound from the London capital via Cathay Pacific, while Liam went west on American Airlines. Both finished their journeys on Fiji Airways. Starting under blues skies at Piccadilly Circus in the heart of central London, the pair began their respective journeys, which it was estimated would take up to 30 hours. Nicky jumped on the London Tube and the Elizabeth Line to Heathrow Airport, with his first leg spent in Cathay Pacific's swish new business-class A350 Aria Suite. Head to head: Nicky and Liam, left, shared their respective journeys via social media, posting a video on YouTube of the 24 hours they spent racing to Fiji He connected at Hong Kong International Airport - with enough time to grab a shower - before boarding a Fiji Airways' A330 flight. Meanwhile, Liam took the premium nonstop Heathrow Express train service to board an American 777-300ER flight, also travelling in business class, bound for America's west coast. Liam cleared Los Angeles International Airport quickly before taking the final leg, a Fiji Airways' A350 flight. So, after more than 24 hours at 30,000ft, who touched down in Fiji first? It was extremely close, with just 30 minutes in it. Both arrived at Nadi International Airport and, just like a real-life episode of Race Across the World, tensions arose as the pair were almost neck-and-neck at one stage, with Nicky literally running to the finish line. The winner? It was Liam, with his westbound journey. The pair shared their journeys via social media, posting a video on YouTube yesterday via the channel The Points Guy. In the video, Nicky announces: 'It's race day, and this one is bigger and longer than we have ever done before.' Let's race! The pair embarked upon a journey that would mean 24 hours of travel to go from London's Piccadilly Circus (pictured) to the balmy island of Fiji They share the ins and outs of their journey, including the luxury experiences they experienced that helped them on their way. The video has quickly racked up more than 28,000 views, with fans taking to the comments section to share their thoughts. One wrote: 'Good video. Well done,' while another added, 'Love you guys. This was such a fun video and still gave great information.' A third chimed in: 'The race is on! Always such fun and so compelling. This video had the excitement and informative style we love when Nicky and Liam compete.' A British grandfather has been left unable to walk after slipping and breaking his neck, and is now facing a massive 40,000 bill to fly home due to making a 'silly mistake' on his travel insurance form. Brian Ackroyd and his close friend Deborah Wright, 61, went on their annual seven-day trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, on October 26. However, barely a day into the trip the pair were on their regular coastal walk when the 65-year-old 'lost his footing' on 'uneven ground' and fell backwards, getting his head got stuck in between two big rocks. Deborah says the force of the fall was 'traumatic' and she 'screamed for help' before other holidaymakers luckily came to the rescue and phoned an ambulance. In hospital the grandparent was rushed into intensive care and told he'd fractured his neck, skull and suffered from multiple bleeds on the brain. Now on a neurology ward as he is unable to walk, Brian cannot move his hands due to nerve damage and is 'desperate' to return to the UK for intensive treatment. Deborah claims Admiral insurance has refused to cover the cost of the 40,000 air ambulance Brian needs to return home because he hadn't disclosed his type 2 diabetes or that he'd been referred for a colonoscopy. They have been forced to set up a GoFundMe page to help cover the costs. Brian Ackroyd (picture, right) and his close friend Deborah Wright (pictured, left) went on their annual seven-day trip to Dubrovnik, Croatia, on October 26 In hospital the grandparent was rushed into intensive care and told he'd fractured his neck, skull and suffered from multiple bleeds on the brain The grandmother-of-one says she feels 'let down' by the insurance company who she says has since offered to cover 5,000 as a goodwill gesture, which they refused. She is now urging others to thoroughly fill out their travel insurance and declare anything even if it hasn't been done. Admiral says they are 'really sorry' to hear about Brian's injuries and they had offered an 'ex-gratia payment as a gesture of goodwill'. But the insurance company stressed the importance of 'declaring all medical conditions' when taking out insurance and before going on holiday. Deborah, a primary school safeguarding leader who lives in Chorley, Lancashire, said: 'It was a freak accident and could happen to anybody. 'The actual fall is something that I will never ever forget, the noise and the way that he fell was such force. It was so traumatic. 'There's a pedestrianised walkway and it's beautiful and goes all the way around the headlands and the views are amazing. 'We've been on this walk so many times over the years and done exactly the same things that we did. Deborah claims Admiral insurance has refused to cover the cost of the 40,000 air ambulance Brian needs to return home because he hadn't disclosed his type 2 diabetes or that he'd been referred for a colonoscopy Brian needs a 40,000 air ambulance to come and pick him up from Croatia 'He went down the steps and as he came down, we didn't realise it at the time, what looked like a tree root had made the ground uneven. 'He lost his footing on that and fell backward and got his head stuck in between two big rocks. 'I just screamed for help and luckily there were people doing the same walk as us and they all came running to help because Brian stopped breathing. We had to fight to get him out of the position he was in.' After being rushed to hospital Brian is now being kept in the neurology ward as he is unable to walk or use his hands but doctors have advised that he needs to return to the UK for intensive physiotherapy. Brian had been battling prostate cancer since 2023 but is currently in remission. Deborah said: 'I want Brian home more than anything and it's imperative to his long term prognosis. He's just stranded in Croatia. 'The problem we've got now is Brian is deteriorating daily because the hospital can't provide the care he needs now. 'They've provided the life-saving care but he needs intense physio care and they don't do that at the hospital. He should be having physio all day every day as well as his medical needs seen to. Barely a day into the trip, Brian traversed down these stairs before he fell over Brian got stuck in between these two big rocks 'When I met with the neurosurgeon this week he told me that it's not in Brian's best interest to still be at that hospital. 'To be told everything was fine and the insurance was covering everything and at the 12th hour to be told it was not honouring the claim because of the mistakes Brian made even though it's nothing to do with his fall. 'I'm not aware of where his head was at that point. He's taken a tablet for diabetes for quite a few years. It was a silly mistake. The colonoscopy hasn't even happened. 'But the type 2 diabetes wasn't an issue and Admiral knew about that not being declared but they still carried on saying it was okay. It was when it went to the underwriters and they said "no". 'I feel very let down that we haven't even spoken to Admiral. I would have liked them to have offered a percentage of the claim if they couldn't offer it all. 'But to say "no" when they know how vulnerable and seriously ill Brian is. They know he can only come home via air ambulance because of his injuries. 'It's not like he's just broken his leg or he was full of alcohol. He was a 65-year-old man after three cups of coffee and breakfast just going on a stroll on holiday. He wasn't doing anything foolish and it was just an accident.' The grandmother hopes the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than 8,749, will help Brian as he is 'desperate' to return home. Brian cannot move his hands due to nerve damage and is 'desperate' to return to the UK for intensive treatment The grandmother hopes the GoFundMe page, which has raised more than 8,749, will help Brian as he is 'desperate' to return home. She hopes this will warn others to declare everything to their travel insurance. Deborah said: 'When people say "that's a nightmare", they don't realise just what a nightmare actually is. This has been life-changing for me and it's not me that's had the life changing accident. 'The GoFundme has literally blown me away with how kind people are. I've told Brian how much people are trying for him and that's given him hope because he's just so desperate to be back in the UK. 'The fact we've had to leave Brian in such a vulnerable position in a foreign country is just horrendous. 'I just want to highlight to other people that think they've got their holiday insurance done, if you're under any investigations or anything, whether you've had it done or not, you must put that down or you won't be covered by your insurance.' A spokesperson for Admiral said: 'We're very sorry to hear about Mr Ackroyd's situation. Due to data protection and the sensitivity of the information regarding the claim, unfortunately we can't comment on this specific case without Mr Ackroyd's permission. 'We are aware Mr Ackroyd is currently receiving ongoing care and treatment at a public hospital. We are in contact with them and will continue to monitor his situation. 'We never take the decision to refuse a claim lightly, we understand how stressful and costly this can be. We're really sorry to hear about the injuries he has suffered and as a gesture of goodwill, we have made an offer of an ex-gratia payment to assist with costs and his return home. Brian had been battling prostate cancer since 2023 but is currently in remission Deborah said: 'I want Brian home more than anything and it's imperative to his long term prognosis. He's just stranded in Croatia' 'When someone takes out travel insurance with us, we ask them to declare all medical conditions, including any ongoing treatment or prescriptions, any ongoing investigations into their health or if they're waiting for a diagnosis. If a customer provides this information, we can provide the right level of cover. 'In some cases, we may void a policy from inception based on the condition or treatment that the customer hasn't declared. 'When a claim involves a medical incident, we do check previous medical history to make sure everything was declared correctly. 'Our terms and conditions explain what needs to be declared and why. We prompt customers to remind them what medical conditions, prescriptions, ongoing treatment and investigations they need to tell us about. We also highlight this requirement in policy documents, including the Insurance Product Information Document. 'With all cases, even if a claim is declined, our emergency assistance team will continue to offer ongoing support and medical guidance to help customers through the situation.' Maura Higgins has vowed to be at her confrontational best come January in a first look at her forthcoming appearance on The Celebrity Traitors USA. Higgins will add another string to her TV bow while battling it out to win a cash prize of $250,000 for her chosen charity after signing up for the second series of the hit show. And a first look at the former Love Island star in action finds her dressed in a racy green latex outfit, her hair pulled into a tight bun as she offers the camera a smouldering look. Wearing minimal cat eye makeup and a pair of silver earrings, Higgins, 34, looks every inch the traitor in her first promotional pictures for the show - but her status won't be revealed until the Peacock show finally airs on January 8. Teasing fans in an accompanying video, she said: 'If someone comes for me at the roundtable, god love them.' Despite being filmed with a predominantly American cast, the show follows is filmed at Ardross castle in the Scottish Highlands - the same venue used by BBC producers for the British version. Maura Higgins has vowed to be at her confrontational best come January in a first look at her forthcoming appearance on The Celebrity Traitors USA Higgins will add another string to her TV bow while battling it out to win a cash prize of $250,000 for her chosen charity after signing up for the second series of the hit show However, Claudia Winkelman plays no part in the US variant, with hosting duties handled by Scottish actor Alan Cumming. Higgins will be joined on the upcoming season by many other well-known faces including Jason and Travis Kelce's mother, Donna, 74. Discussing her forthcoming appearance on the show, which will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer, the TV personality described the events of the upcoming season as 'chaos'. She told The Playlist: 'In this new season, there is chaos again, once more. There is chaos and it's brutal. It's brutal. About halfway through, there is a scene in it that is the greatest moment in Traitors' history. 'Honestly, I just cannot wait for the world to see it. It's utter carnage and utter just mad. Its just brilliant!' The first-look images have certainly whet fans' appetite for the US edition of the show and they praised on social media: 'Maura Higgins is back on our screen in January and the excitement is real.'; 'She's gonna run that castle.'; 'Im scared for anyone who comes for maura [sic].' The first-look images have whet fans' appetite for the US edition of the show and they praised on social media: ' Maura Higgins is back on our screen in January and the excitement is real' Opening up about her appearance on the show, which will also be streamed on BBC iPlayer, Maura described the events of the upcoming season as 'chaos' Despite being filmed with a predominantly American cast, the show, like the British Traitors, was filmed in Scotland and is presented by Scottish acting legend Alan Cummings As well as confirming her appearance on The Celebrity Traitors USA, Higgins recently revealed that she has signed with a major US talent agency, Creative Artist Agency, whose glittering list of clients includes big names like Lady Gaga. Following the revelation, fans once again took to social media to speculate that Higgins will actually win the show - or a the very least be one of its major players. They wrote: 'Absolutely massive agency. They represent talent at all levels but it's a who's who of Hollywood A-Listers. Maybe some advance planning for when Traitors airs.'; 'Jeez from the looks of their insta they represent some major people. Wow good for her, I wonder if it means she plays a major role in that new season of the traitors.'; 'It's a major agency, I think I read Serena from LI USA is also signed with them? I actually forgot about The Traitors but it's safe to assume Maura will be spending a lot more time in America.'; 'I reckon it's because she wins the show.' BBC iPlayer has yet to announce a release date for The Celebrity Traitors USA. Alan Carr has admitted that his Celebrity Traitors win 'was a surprise' in a shocking new interview where he jokingly branded his rival co-stars 'thick'. The comedian, 49, acknowledged that his very unexpected victory came at a cost as he said 'murdering' his close friend Paloma Faith, 44, on the show, was his 'worst betrayal'. Alan made the revelations in a new interview with fellow Traitor Jonathan Ross, 64, where he admitted he would have been 'boring' as a Faithful. Asked by Jonathan how he managed to win the show, the funnyman admitted that it's a mystery even to him. Following the win, Alan's chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, has seen a 7,000% increase in visitors - so it was all very much for a good cause. Speaking on Jonathan and his daughter Honey's Reel Talk podcast, Alan said his win was either put down to his 'electric charm' or if his co-stars 'were just thick'. Alan Carr, 49, has admitted that his Celebrity Traitors win 'was a surprise' in a shocking new interview where he jokingly branded his rival co-stars 'thick' The comedian acknowledged that his very unexpected victory came at a cost as he said 'murdering' his close friend Paloma Faith, 44, on the show, was his 'worst betrayal' Opening up further about Paloma's shock murder, Jonathan said that it took place on a very wet day. Alan added: 'You see her put in a coffin. I was like, it's the worse betrayal [sic] 'We've got our own name on a grave. We're at a mock funeral. I mean, come on, that's a lot to take in. And then he [Jonathan] says, "Would you like to do a speech?"' Jonathan said: 'I don't know what I was thinking, because we were all actually protecting each other in there. 'You did a good speech, and then I shouted out "we will avenge her".' Once again stressing his surprise that he never got caught out, Alan admitted: 'I mean that was almost as obvious as me laughing in their face.' Alan added that after such an iconic run on the show, he would never participate again as 'it's not gonna get better than that'. He said of bursting into tears after winning: 'I think the reason why I did burst into tears was because I was thinking of the charity then Paloma is dead.' Alan said of bursting into tears after winning: 'I think the reason why I did burst into tears was because I was thinking of the charitythen Paloma is dead.' Reel Talk with Honey and Jonathan Ross is available to listen to on Global Player Asked by Jonathan how he managed to win the show, the funnyman admitted that it's a mystery even to him In the now-viral moment, once the initial shock passes, the remaining Faithfuls, Nick Mohammed and David Olusoga were quick to reassure Alan that while it was certainly an intense game, it is still a game at the end of the day. Alan's chosen charity, Neuroblastoma UK, is dedicated to funding research into childhood cancers. He said of his Traitor status: 'I know they edited me saying, "oh, I want to be a traitor", but I did say to Claudia, "I'd like to be a traitor, but I dont know if I can do it, because Im very nervous", as everyone saw. 'And it's funny, because when Claudia went round the table and she did it a couple of times.' Jonathan said: 'She was stomping.' Alan added: 'Yeah, she was like a carthorse, and she hadnt touched my shoulder, a little bit of me was like, "oh I wanted to be a traitor." 'And then my ears prick up. Shes walking around again, and thats when I felt it. 'And I was like, oh, okay. I thought "Alan you want to be a traitor but you talked yourself [out of it]", and I was actually pleased, which is weird.' Reel Talk with Honey and Jonathan Ross is available to listen to on Global Player. A businesswoman whose company went bust is raising eyebrows in Sydney's well-heeled east with her carefree lifestyle that looks to be one long champagne brunch. A public notice reveals Sanja Maria's company Sanja Maria Aesthetics Pty Ltd - which traded as Face and Body by SM - was voluntarily wound up on July 2 last year, with Trent Devine appointed as liquidator. The record makes for grim reading, but Sanja's online presence tells a different story. Until recently, the 40-year-old cosmetic nurse's social media feed projected the image of a woman at the peak of her success. It's understood that screenshots from her recently deleted Instagram page were being shared among Sydney's gossipy social set. One post reportedly showed her flying to Italy to attend a friend's wedding, and she also toasted to 'new beginnings' in the Amalfi sun. Sanja Maria's (centre) company Sanja Maria Aesthetics Pty Ltd - which traded as Face and Body by SM - was voluntarily wound up on July 2 last year. However, our sources say the cosmetic nurse's online presence projected the image of a woman at the peak of her success For those unfamiliar with Sanja, she counts herself among high-profile socialite Linda Rogan's inner circle. (Sanja is pictured with Rogan, centre, and Pembe Bekir, right, in December 2022) For those unfamiliar with Sanja, she counts herself among high-profile socialite Linda Rogan's inner circle. Rogan, who owns laser clinics in Double Bay, Cairns and New Zealand, is perhaps best known for her headline-making Federal Court clash with billionaire WiseTech founder Richard White. She claimed White had promised her a $13.1million Vaucluse mansion only to take back the keys after his wife, criminal lawyer Zena Nasser, discovered their affair. At the heart of the dispute was a $92,000 bill for luxury furniture which Rogan claimed she purchased at White's direction in anticipation of moving in. The matter was eventually settled. Sanja was among several prominent women who stood by Rogan through it all. But while she may have friends in high places, there are also eastern suburbs spies scratching their heads over her enviable lifestyle following her business troubles. One insider tells the Mail that Sanja threw a 'no-expense-spared' 40th birthday party at Double Bay hotspot Tanuki that continued into the wee hours. While she may have friends in high places, there are also eastern suburbs spies scratching their heads over Sanja's enviable lifestyle following her business troubles Sanja was among several prominent women who stood by Rogan during her Federal Court showdown with billionaire WiseTech founder Richard White that was eventually settled While a 'Face + Body by SM' clinic on Military Road in Mosman is now marked permanently closed on Google, a 'Face by SM' continues to operate legally on Oxford Street in Paddington And it's also claimed that Sanja checked into The Calile Hotel in Brisbane - where rooms start at more than $700 a night - for a getaway recently, before heading out to an expensive steak and oyster restaurant. Whatever business woes Sanja had leading up to her company going bust are clearly in the past, however. While a 'Face + Body by SM' clinic on Military Road in Mosman is now marked permanently closed on Google, a 'Face by SM' continues to operate legally on Oxford Street in Paddington. An active ABN remains registered to Sanja Murray, one of several names linked to the cosmetic injector, who has also operated under Sanja Novosel. Perhaps her story isn't so unusual. These days, it's fairly common to see prominent eastern suburbs businesswomen triumphantly escape from the jaws of defeat. Take Double Bay eyebrow queen Kristin Fisher, for example. How Sanja bounced back is unclear, but a source says 'people are definitely talking'. Sanja worked with Laser Clinics Australia before branching out to launch her own boutique clinic catering to Sydney's influencer and socialite crowd. A registered nurse with more than 15 years' experience in non-surgical rejuvenation, she was regularly featured in industry outlets SPA+CLINIC and Professional Beauty. Neither Sanja nor Face by SM have commented on the 2024 liquidation - an ASIC notice of which can be found here - and our attempts to contact the clinic went unanswered this week. New to DailyMail+? Here are our most-read stories from the last week YouTube star Spanian speaks on his sudden marriage split AND new love in cryptic interview with the Daily Mail that his mates tried to shut down I uncovered the dark secret that explains the strange behaviour of missing boy Gus Lamont's family - and it still haunts them to this day: JONICA BRAY Insiders spill why model and Fishbowl founder have called off their expensive divorce... Plus, REAL reason $40k-a-year Moriah College expelled boys after camp incident: THE GROUP CHAT A trans grandmother, a patriarch scarred by horrors of war, and two very unusual marriages: We reveal the deeply complicated world of Gus Lamont's Outback family Heartbreak for Bra Boy Koby Abberton as he confirms the most 'devastating' news about his family and model ex: 'The internet sticks around' Chicken heiress Jess Ingham breaks silence on split from husband Roger Zraika as she ditches her wedding ring and 'he moves on with a prominent woman' So, Spanian the ex-crim has finally shown his true colours. I've met plenty of these sly men who cash in on being reformed bad boys - they all have one thing in common: AMANDA GOFF 'Paid to party' bombshell rocks exclusive Melbourne charity gala - I reveal how many guests received a fee and the money they REALLY raised: THE GROUP CHAT 'We're f***ked': Liberal insiders tell PVO the brutally honest truth about Sussan Ley - as we reveal the explosive internal party research that is set to rock MPs to their core I left my husband for the love of my life - and then he did something that utterly humiliated me: ASK JANA BBC's Children In Need returns to screens this Friday night at 7pm, with the UK's most beloved presenters back at the helm. Paddy McGuinness is taking part in fronting the three-hour charity appeal this year alongside Mel Giedroyc, Rochelle Humes, Vernon Kay Lenny Rush and Big Zuu. For more than four decades, the biggest stars in showbiz have gathered to raise money for disadvantaged children and young people. Over the years the much-loved show has created some of the most iconic moments and hilarious skits in order to raise funds - with superstar Taylor Swift even making an appearance. In particular, Louie Spence's Meet The BBC Newsreaders segment has gone down in history after the dancer twerked in a newsroom in 2010. Joanna Lumley - one of Children In Need's first ever presenters - is also famed for her sultry striptease live on the programme in 1983. Daily Mail lists all the memorable moments ahead of the much-loved show's return this week. Paddy McGuinness is taking part in fronting Children In Need this year alongside Mel Giedroyc, Lenny Rush, Big Zuu, Rochelle Humes and Vernon Kay on Friday night (pictured L-R) The much-loved show has created some of the most iconic moments and hilarious skits in order to raise funds - with superstar Taylor Swift even making an appearance in 2009 Taylor Swift's performance Aged just 19, Taylor Swift made a surprise appearance on the BBC programme to sing live and raise money for the cause. The young-looking pop star, now 35, donated an incredible 13,000 before singing Love Story to the audience. She said: 'I'm so happy to be here, I would love to make a donation tonight to Children In Need. My lucky number is thirteen so I would like to donate 13,000.' Sir Terry Wogan and Tess Daly appeared nervous as they introduced the mega star to the stage. Terry, who died in 2016, said: 'Coming up now... we're not normally this bad. Coming up now, the biggest selling music artist in the world this year, unbelievable. 'She's come all the way from the USA to sing her smash hit Love Story, welcome Taylor Swift!' Joanna Lumley's striptease Joanna Lumley - one of Children In Need's first ever presenters - is famed for her sultry striptease live on the programme in 1983 The lingerie-clad actress, 79, was seen striping off her black lace suspenders and stockings on the show in 1983. As the late presenter Terry looked on, Joanna slipped off her dress on the BBC studio floor to reveal her lingerie. The moment saw phonelines go through the roof after her sexy skit, raising a whooping 1.1million. Louie Spence's twerk Louie Spence's Meet The BBC Newsreaders segment has gone down in history after the dancer twerked in a newsroom in 2010 The dancer and choreographer started crawling across the desk to cheer up the news bulletin. He got all BBC newsreaders to perform a dance to Lady Gaga songs as part of the 2010 BBC Children In Need Appeal Night. They performed a melody of hits including Poker Face, Paparazzi and Just Dance. The Spice Girls Victoria Beckham, Mel C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Mel B revived two of their classics on Children In Need back in 2007 Victoria Beckham, Mel C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Mel B revived two of their classics on Children In Need back in 2007. The famous five was said to have donated all of the group's profits from their singles, Headlines (Friendship Never Ends) and Stop. That same year, the show also featured special performances from McFly, Westlife and Sugababes. Katie Price and Peter Andre In 2006, the former couple looked radiant in all white as they graced the stage to sing A Whole New World for Children In Need In 2006, the former couple looked radiant in all white as they graced the stage to sing A Whole New World for Children In Need. Katie famously covered the track with her ex-husband Peter in December 2006 for his fifth studio album. That year, the broadcast had a huge 7.7million viewers tune in and raised a total of 18million. Team GB's dance off An array of sporty famous faces got together to perform a Team GB Dance Off on Children In Need in in 2012 (Tom Daley pictured) The memorable moment saw Tom Daley in his trunks and British royal Zara Tindall (right) doing a Gangham Style An array of sporty famous faces got together to perform a Team GB Dance Off on Children In Need in in 2012. The memorable moment saw Tom Daley in his trunks and British royal Zara Tindall doing a Gangham Style. The segment was part of the annual appeal show and highlighted the stars of the London 2012 Olympics and Paralympics. EastEnders' Grease skit Famously, viewers were transported to Rydell High School in 2014, as the EastEnders cast performed a Grease medley EastEnders have performed in Children In Need most years, often with a special sketch or performance as part of the annual appeal show. Famously, viewers were transported to Rydell High School in 2014, as the EastEnders cast performed a Grease medley. Shane Ritchie took on the role of Kennicky and began the live sing song with Greased Lightening before Jessie Wallace became Rizzo and performed There Are Worse Things I Could Do. Danny Dyer and Kellie Bright were Danny and Sandy with an electrifying performance of You're The One That I want before the whole cast ended the medley with We Go Together in a big dance just like the classic musical. Speaking to Tess after the performance, Shane said: 'Each year it gets tougher to top the [previous] year, already were talking about what were going to do next year.' Diversity's performance More recently, Diversity blew fans away with a show-stopping performance for Children In Need 2022 More recently, Diversity blew fans away with a show-stopping performance for Children In Need 2022. Frontman Ashley Banjo began with a special Children In Need rap, before the group broke into dance to a remix of Panic! At The Disco's song High Hopes. The star rapped: 'We can all dream of a world without war, without poverty, without greed. And I'm not here to preach, no I'm just planting the seed. All around us right now, there are children in need. During the performance, a voiceover announced: 'Introducing the star of the show, Pudsey the bear,' as they incorporated the teddy bear into the performance - with confetti falling above their heads. Chatting after the dance, Ashley shared: 'It means a lot to be here, it means the world. We love what we do and when we get to combine it with a great cause, it's a winning combo.' Many viewers took to Twitter following the show to share their enjoyment of the dance performance, with one fan dubbing the dance group 'jewels of the nation'. The telethon ended with hosts Mel Giedroyc and Jason Manford revealing that a whopping 35, 273,167 had been raised, which will go towards improving the lives of disadvantaged children and young people around the UK. Gwyneth Paltrow is still 'angry and embarrassed' after one of her closest friends left a 'catastrophic' mess in a bed at her Hamptons mansion last summer. News first broke in June 2024 that, after hosting a gathering at her $5.4million Amagansett home, the 53-year-old actress had been left appalled when a 'socialite houseguest' soiled a room with diarrhea and then promptly fled. The culprit was later revealed by the Daily Mail to be Paltrow's longtime confidant Derek Blasberg a writer and Hollywood social butterfly dubbed 'one of showbiz's best-connected men.' Blasberg, 43, counts Jeff Bezos, the Kardashians and Demi Moore among his famous friends, and had been part of Paltrow's inner circle since 2016. The pair were frequently spotted together at A-list events, with Blasberg attending both the Goop founder's 50th birthday party and her 2018 wedding to second-husband Brad Falchuk. But a source now tells the Daily Mail that the once-tight friendship lies in tatters not just because of the scatological scandal itself, but because of what followed. Derek Blasberg, 43, counts Jeff Bezos , the Kardashians and Demi Moore among his famous friends, and had been part of Gwyneth Paltrow's inner circle since 2016 But sources now tell the Daily Mail that the once-tight friendship lies in tatters 'The friendship is barely there and will not be what it once was because, for the lack of a better word, the fallout took its toll,' an insider said. 'Anger and embarrassment turned into disappointment when no apologies were given.' On top of Blasberg's apparent lack of redress, there was also a fear from both parties of what might be said if they were seen together again, our insider added. 'This is Hollywood. It would be like high school. The fear is that it's all that will be mentioned if they're seen together. It will live with them forever. At least now they can sort of move on from it all.' The insider added, however, that friends feel the pair should have come together to tackle the PR crisis. 'They should have appeared online together or done something on SNL or a late night show to joke about it,' the insider said. 'But that never happened and now too much time has passed for them to be the friends they once were.' The damage is done, the insider added, the incident will always 'haunt' them. The Daily Mail has contacted representatives for both Paltrow and Blasberg for comment, and has yet to hear back. But for her part, Paltrow has remained fairly tight-lipped on the subject which is hardly surprising given her rather obsessively kept 'clean' Goop image. During an interview with Vanity Fair in March, the actress was pressed about the incident and failed to hide her discomfort. 'The friendship is barely there and will not be what it once was because, for the lack of a better word, the fallout took its toll,' an insider said 'Anger and embarrassment turned into disappointment when no apologies were given,' the insider added (pictured with Dakota Johnson) Journalist Michelle Ruiz wrote that when she broached the story, Gwyneth struggled to reply: 'I understand and I also, like, am just not going to' Ruiz added that Paltrow handled the topic with 'an existential cringe'. When the rather bizarre scandal first gained traction last summer, the rumor was that Paltrow had been left to deal with a guest's 'Ozempic-induced diarrhea' at her home. Then came the counter-briefing. 'It's not Ozempic, that's just what he told everyone,' an insider soon blasted, revealing how the humiliating story had quickly became the talk of the Hamptons. 'Gwyneth told Oprah, Jerry and Jessica Seinfeld, and Larry David,' the insider continued. From there, the rumor spread like wildfire, with another source calling it 'the Hamptons set's favorite piece of gossip to text to each other.' At the time, and insider told Daily Mail that Paltrow had been left 'horrified' but hopeful she and Blasberg could eventually laugh about the debacle. 'Gwyneth would like to eventually laugh about this with Derek, but currently there is still much embarrassment,' the insider said. 'They both know that if they are ever seen together or if he ever returns to her house, it will be the only thing people will be talking about.' A year later, there's no laughter in Amagansett. According to the Daily Mail's sources, Blasberg's failure to apologize has created an unfixable rift in a friendship that had once run deep. After meeting in 2016, Paltrow admitted she wasn't sure what to make of Blasberg, wondering if he was simply a 'professional best friend of celebrities'. But, she later said, she soon 'fell completely in love with him' and they became inseparable flying on private jets together, sharing dinners with famous friends and collaborating on projects. In his 2011 book 'Very Classy: Even More Exceptional Advice for the Extremely Modern Lady', Blasberg gushed that Paltrow was 'probably our generation's most classy woman alive,' ranking her among the likes of Nicole Kidman and Emma Watson for her taste and poise. Since the Hamptons incident, Blasberg has quietly rebuilt his career, recently landing a new position as Vanity Fair's special correspondent. He lives in New York City with his partner Nick Brown, co-founder of venture capital firm Imaginary. They welcomed twins via surrogate in 2021. Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher have lived very different lives ever since their 120million divorce come to light. When the exes mutually announced the end of their 14-year marriage at the end of 2023, they vowed to prioritise their privacy. Two years later, once their divorced was finalised in June this year, the pair pledged to keep 'great respect for each other and remain friends'. A statement read: 'Our divorce has now been finalised. We are proud of all we've achieved together and, continuing our great respect for each other, we remain friends and committed to co-parenting our wonderful children. We ask for the media to continue to respect our children's privacy.' But it appears the exes have had different views on dating after divorce, with Sacha, 54, spotted enjoying a night out with an OnlyFans model and Isla, 49, declaring she is 'not ready' to date. Only three months after Sacha and Isla confirmed their divorce was complete, it was reported the Borat star had moved on with a younger model. Sacha Baron Cohen, 54, and Isla Fisher, 49, have lived very different lives ever since their 120million divorce come to light (pictured together in 2017) It appears the exes have had different views on dating after divorce, with Sacha spotted enjoying a night out with an OnlyFans model and Isla declaring she is 'not ready' to date (pictured in 2016) Sacha was spotted with 27-year-old Hannah Palmer who he met at film director Taika Waititi's 50th birthday party in Ibiza last month. Friends of the star later insisted he wasn't dating Hannah, Sacha has yet to comment. Sacha's approach to dating is a stark contrast to Isla's career-focused and commitment to re-build her life and throw herself into work. Behind the brave-face, Isla has been silently re-building her life 'from grassroots level', she recently revealed in an emotional interview. Speaking about her divorce, Isla admitted creating her new home has been 'tough'. 'I'm enjoying this new version of my life. I don't need to party in my house anymore. I love to get in the bath. I'll light some candles, bring in my laptop and put on something on Netflix. That's as exciting as it gets.' She also told ELLE Decoration about the moment her furniture arrived: 'I did have a bit of a cry because this was my first time as a single woman, being in a home of my own.' Isla previously revealed how she had been picking up the pieces in the wake of the split, admitting that the Carl Jung method had helped her heal in a healthy way. The Jungian method is a therapeutic approach that explores unconscious forces, dreams, symbols and archetypes, aiming towards self-understanding, self-integration and fulfilment. When the exes mutually announced the end of their 14-year marriage at the end of 2023, they vowed to prioritise their privacy Two years later, once their divorced was finalised in June this year, the pair pledged to keep 'great respect for each other and remain friends' Only three months after Sacha and Isla confirmed their divorce was complete, it was reported the Borat star had moved on with a younger Only Fans model (pictured) 'This is totally personal and I say this with the caveat as it worked for me, but the concept of processing stuff and taking your time, thinking about it again and again, you don't really feel better that way,' she told The Australian. Instead, the Wedding Crashers star kept moving following the divorce, saying 'yes' to any opportunity that came her way and throwing herself into her work. The move has seen Isla keeping busy on film sets, staying active in her community and reinventing herself creatively after what she calls a parental 'power pause'. 'It's amazing to me that at this point in my life I've got this opportunity, in a positive way, to reinvent what the last act of my life is now from the ground up,' she said, gushing that she loved returning to work. The actress went on to explain she didn't fall out of love with acting during her hiatus from the screen, she was just more in love with motherhood, and still is. But now, thanks to the extra time that co-parenting brings, she can do both. 'For most parents, we focus on our kids and it's so divine and magical and so absorbing, but now I have some time where the kids aren't with me, so I get some time to think about what the future might hold for me.' The actress has made sporadic film appearances in recent years. She had voices in Back to the Outback in 2021 and Strays in 2023 and had a role in the 2024 film The Present, her first on-camera film appearance in four years. Sacha's approach to dating is a stark contrast to Isla's career-focused and commitment to re-build her life and throw herself into work After her split from Sacha became public however, Isla appeared in the big budget film Bridget Jones: Mad About The Boy. She has four films all due to be released either this year or next, marking her busiest working period since 2016 when she appeared in Keeping Up with the Joneses, Noctural Animals and Grimsby with then-husband Sacha. Isla is due to appear in heist film Now You See Me: Now You Don't, coming-of-age drama Jay Kelly and action comedy Playdate with Kevin James. Most recently, she was spotted filming another upcoming comedy Spa Weekend in her native Australia alongside Leslie Mann and Anna Faris. Earlier this year, Isla admitted she is not looking to date again anytime soon in the wake of her divorce. 'That's not on my to-do list. I'm not ready to think about any of that,' she told The Sunday Times. Isla explained her own parents separated when she was nine-years-old and admitted their peaceful arrangement was what she now strives for. She said: 'It was very harmonious, I don't ever remember them fighting about anything they were very inclusive of each other.' When asked if that was the 'blueprint' for her separation, Isla said: 'That's the dream.' After it emerged that Sacha and Hannah enjoyed dinner together last month, sources have now confirmed to the Daily Mail that the meet was not what it seemed. Unlike Sacha, (pictured in 2024) Isla admitted she is not looking to date again anytime soon in the wake of her divorce A source said: 'Someone seems to have been making mischief and trying put two and two together to make five. 'They have met a couple of times and have mutual friends and got on - and Sacha has given her some advice regarding Hollywood and acting. 'But this was not a date. They were both going to the same event so they went to dinner beforehand. And once at the event, they went their separate ways.' Sacha and OnlyFans model Hannah were seen leaving a restaurant after having dinner together, before making separate exits, but getting into the same Cadillac Escalade limo. Snaps from the evening see Hannah putting on a very leggy display in a leopard print minidress and knee-high boots as she leaves, before Sacha walks out in a colourful striped shirt and a flat cap. While an onlooker described the pair's chemistry to the The Sun, saying: 'They spent two hours inside and seemed deep in conversation. Despite the age difference they were getting on really well and seemed to have a lot to talk about.' An insider added to the publication: 'Sacha and Hannah would have been introduced at [Taika's] party. It was a big sit-down dinner party before they went dancing in the villas nightclub. 'Hannah is a super fun girl and is as clever as she is beautiful. Sacha is a very lucky man to have bagged a date with her. Shes a real catch.' Annie Knight, dubbed 'Australia's Most Sexually Active Woman', has lifted the lid on the extensive list of plastic surgeries she has received since 2019. The sex worker, 28, shared a post to Instagram on Thursday explaining the cosmetic procedures she has had done and the shocking amount of money she spent on them. She also shared several before and after photos, revealing the complete physical transformation she underwent in recent years. 'Not promoting cosmetic work or suggesting anyone should get it!' Annie began her post. 'These are just the procedures I wanted and Im posting this to be transparent for anyone who might be thinking about it also.' Annie began her cosmetic journey with lip filler in 2019, saying she 'initially had 0.5ml filler' five years ago, before transitioning to 1ml in 2023. Annie Knight has lifted the lid on the extensive list of plastic surgeries she has received since 2019. Pictured (L) before her transformation and (R) after her transformation Annie began her cosmetic journey with lip filler in 2019, saying she 'initially had 0.5ml filler' five years ago, before transitioning to 1ml in 2023 She said she gets the popular procedure 'every 12 months' but tells her followers that 'everyone is different so chat to a professional' if they are considering getting filler. Annie says she spends $700 per visit for her lip filler. The OnlyFans model began receiving Botox in 2020 'every three months as a preventative measure from wrinkles', saying 'it helps with my smile lines'. That sets Annie back $500 per visit. 'I had filler injected into my chin and the space between my lips and chin to straighten out my side profile,' she went on to say. She also received that procedure in 2020, paying $1,000 for it. In June 2022, Annie had her breasts augmented 'from a AA cup to a D cup' with '300cc high profile Motiva implants under the muscle'. She said her surgeon was Dr David Sharp, who charged her $11,000 for the procedure. The OnlyFans model began receiving Botox 'every three months in 2020 as a preventative measure from wrinkles', saying 'it helps with my smile lines' 'I had filler injected into my chin and the space between my lips and chin to straighten out my side profile,' she went on to say, and also had a boob job in 2022 Annie went on to get Invisalign in 2023 to straighten out her teeth after they began to crowd in the aftermath of having braces In August 2024, Annie underwent a nose job 'to remove the bump and decrease the overall size as well as fixing a partially deviated septum' Annie finished the post by sharing a before and after photo of herself from 2019 compared to 2025, saying she has spent a total of $62,000 on her transformation Annie went on to get Invisalign in 2023 to straighten out her teeth after they began to crowd in the aftermath of having braces. 'I had Invisalign for six months and then composite bonding to straighten my smile,' she said, adding that it cost her $3,000. In August 2024, Annie underwent a nose job 'to remove the bump and decrease the overall size as well as fixing a partially deviated septum'. She put in a shout out to 'Dr Shahidi' and revealed she spent $22,000 on her surgery. Annie finished the post by sharing a before and after photo of herself from 2019 compared to 2025, saying she has spent a total of $62,000 on her transformation. Kate Gosselin got honest about how she budgets Christmas presents for eight children months after opening up about her financial woes. The 50-year-old former reality star - who recently went Instagram official with a new boyfriend - got candid in a new TikTok post as she talked about budgeting during 'good' and 'not-so-good' years financially. She said that it all begins in November when she asks her now adult children for wish lists so she can 'take advantage of the holiday sales.' Kate was previously married to Jon Gosselin from 1999 until their divorce in 2009. They share eight children: twins Cara and Madelyn, 24, and sextuplets Collin, Hannah, Joel, Aaden, Alexis and Leah, all 21. She is currently estranged from Collin and Hannah and did not make clear whether she gives them gifts. However, for those she does give presents too she makes sure their lists include 'a link, size, color, and price' as she inputs the data in a combined note on her phone. Kate Gosselin (pictured in June 2019) got honest in a new TikTok about how she budgets Christmas presents for eight children months after opening up about her financial woes The former Dancing With The Stars contestant will then go through the first lists to come up with an appropriate budget while trying to fit it into the parameters of all the other siblings. However, if Kate 'goes over' that specific number for any of her children, she then adds more money to the budget for everyone else. She joked that going over the number happens with Leah 'often'. The star goes to all lengths to make sure that the gift giving is equitable as she tries to make it 'fair to the penny' on Christmas Day by providing a decorated box of cash, which she revealed is an idea that she got from her mother Charlene Kreider. Kate said: 'I know that might sound silly, but to me, fair is really important.' The media personality concluded the informative video by revealing how her children have taken to the nuanced system. She said: 'Some will get $150 in their box if they dont ask for much. It tends to work out really well and the kids are really happy. 'Sometimes not everybody gets a square box. That means I finished your list completely and unavoidably went other a dollar or two. That usually doesnt happen.' Back in August, Kate gave the real reason why she is working 12-hour shifts following her reality TV stint. The 50-year-old reality star said that it all begins in November when she asks her now adult children for wish lists so she can 'take advantage of the holiday sales' The TV personality - who gained recognition for appearing in the TLC series Jon & Kate Plus 8 - got candid with fans about her financial situation after uploading a TikTok video on Monday. The star's time on TLC came to an end when Kate Plus 8 aired its final episode in 2011. In the clip, Kate could be seen doing dishes after working a long shift as a nurse in the pediatric field which earns about $30 an hour in most states. She later jumped to the comment section to respond to questions from fans. When one said they thought she would be 'set for life' after the TLC show, Kate replied, 'I wish. I spent sooooooo much money on attorneys. That killed us! :( so sad!' The media personality appeared to be referencing to her divorce from Jon which was finalized in December 2009. Her request for primary custody of their eight children was granted and she also gained ownership of their family home. But Jon later got sole custody of Collin and his sister Hannah back in 2018. Another follower asked Kate 'what happened with all the income from the show' while referencing to the star's long shifts. Back in August, Kate gave the real reason why she is working 12-hour shifts following her reality TV stint; seen in 2019 in NYC 'Honestly? Providing for 8 kids, college funds which I am proud to say covered all of their college and more and LAWYERS,' she explained. 'Sickening but I was drug into court constantly and that costs A TON. Sad bc my kids could have a lot more saved and I could have a retirement saved if it weren't for the lawyers :(.' However, Kate told the fan that it was 'okay' while adding that she is 'helping other families and I feel needed and I enjoy helping!' The TV personality also gave insight into her job as a nurse and stated that she works in 'pediatric home health care.' When one asked, 'How long have you been a nurse for?' Kate replied with, '28 years. Wow. That made me feel super old to type that number.' She also revealed that some of her children will live with her at home in between semesters at college. In regards to what the mom-of-eight misses about her time on reality TV, Kate expressed, 'I miss our house in Pa. 'But mainly I miss when the kids were little. Not the stress, just their cuteness. At the time it felt like the days were long... but in hindsight it sped by. And I'm sad :(.' When one said they thought she would be 'set for life' after the TLC show, Kate replied, 'I wish. I spent sooooooo much money on attorneys. That killed us! :( so sad!' The media personality appeared to be referencing to her divorce from Jon which was finalized in December 2009; the former couple seen above on Jon & Kate Plus 8 'Honestly? Providing for 8 kids, college funds which I am proud to say covered all of their college and more and LAWYERS,' she explained The TV personality also gave insight into her job as a nurse and stated that she works in 'pediatric home health care' Late last year in October, a source claimed that Kate was 'hurting for money' and 'still trying to get a new show.' Kate officially launched her TikTok account last month in July and has since amassed around 184K followers. Her son Collin also recently joined the social media platform and made a heartbreaking claim last week as he reached out to his estranged siblings through an emotional message. The college student alleged in a post that he and his siblings were 'forced apart' and 'pitted against each other.' Late last year in October, a source claimed that Kate was 'hurting for money' and 'still trying to get a new show'; seen in 2019 in Pasadena The college student alleged in a post that he and his siblings were 'forced apart' and 'pitted against each other; Collin seen above Collin included a throwback photo of himself with his brothers and sisters while adding the text, 'Born to be a team, us against the world...' A second slide showed the Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum in the driver's seat of a car and he wrote, 'Forced to do it alone, and wonder everyday what our lives could've looked like.' In the caption of the post, Collin also claimed, 'Forced apart, pitted against each other. All the fame and money in the world, but what about kids being kids? 'I will always love them more than anything. The tears I shed behind closed doors, thinking about the memories we could've shared. I love you guys...' Daily Mail has reached out to both Kate and Jon's reps for comment. Collin has notably been estranged from his mother Kate as well as most of his siblings for many years. However, he is close to his father Jon - who got sole custody of Collin and his sister Hannah back in 2018. One TikTok user questioned if Collin still has a close relationship with his sister Hannah, to which he replied, 'Yes I just her today! 'She was worried her car wouldn't pass inspection so I was looking at it for her. She's so funny and I love her sm. It makes my day whenever I see her, but we're both so busy with work, school etc.' Collin included a throwback photo of himself with his brothers and sisters while adding the text, 'Born to be a team, us against the world...' A second slide showed the Jon & Kate Plus 8 alum in the driver's seat of a car and he wrote, 'Forced to do it alone, and wonder everyday what our lives could've looked like' One TikTok user questioned if Collin still has a close relationship with his sister Hannah, to which he replied, 'Yes I just her today!' Another typed, 'if you choose to have kids one day and be involved, you'll understand your mother more.' Collin responded to the fan by claiming that he suffered both 'physical and emotional abuse' by his mother 'while having to be an animal in her circus on tv.' He added, 'Being locked up, isolated, zip tied. Being sent away because I didn't fit into an equation. 'Having one visit from her after being completely cut off with no contact at 12 years old, in which the whole visit was her telling me how I deserved the situation I was in because I "destroyed our family." Yeah I'm sorry, but I will never "understand" that. I will break the cycle that she couldn't.' Last year in September, Collin claimed that his mother Kate 'zip-tied his arms and legs and locked him in basement as a child' during an interview with The U.S. Sun. Collin responded to the fan by claiming that he suffered both 'physical and emotional abuse' by his mother 'while having to be an animal in her circus on tv' And back in 2023 on Vice TV's Dark Side of the 2000s, he talked about being sent away at the age of 12 to an institution, and alleged that his mother, Kate, did so to prevent him from discussing how he was being treated at home. He also claimed last year that he was 'discharged' from the Marines due to Kate sending him to the behavioral institution in 2016. On TikTok, Collin also confirmed that he is in the process of writing a book, which he called 'an exciting opportunity.' Earlier this year in March, Collin announced his new career venture and revealed he established a power-washing company in Pennsylvania, which he has 'officially filed as an LLC.' The new career path came less than a year after he announced his discharge from the Marines, for which he blamed on his estranged mother Kate for sending him to a behavioral institution in 2016 when he was just 12. Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan pointed to a difficult transition from childhood fame to adulthood responsibility in explaining his most recent arrest in connection with domestic violence. Bryan, who played Brad Taylor on the ABC sitcom from 19911999, said that 'fame as a child actor left scars' in his life and psyche, leading to a number of legal issues he's dealt with as an adult more than two decades later. Bryan, 44, spoke with TMZ on Tuesday following his most recent brush with the law, as his ex-girlfriend was granted a five-year restraining order against him. Bryan's ex-girlfriend said in court documents reviewed by the outlet that the actor got physically violent with her in an exchange this past July 3. Bryan's ex-girlfriend said that she 'playfully but his nipple,' he punched in the head, the outlet reported citing legal documents. The woman, who had dated the actor for three months, told the court that he had threatened to kill her at one point, telling her, 'Shut the f*** up or I'm gonna shut you up;' no criminal charges have been filed against the actor in the incident. Home Improvement star Zachery Ty Bryan, 44, pointed to a difficult transition from childhood fame to adulthood responsibility in explaining his most recent arrest in connection with domestic violence The Aurora, Colorado-born actor told TMZ that 'being thrust into the spotlight at nine-years-old brought pressures I wasn't equipped to handle - but that's no justification for my choices as an adult.' Bryan said that in the wake of his most recent arrest, he is embarking on 'a journey toward personal growth' in an effort to avoid these types of situations moving forward. Bryan made clear he understood that 'domestic violence in any form is unacceptable,' telling the outlet that he 'deeply' regrets wrongdoings spurred by immaturity stemming from his unconventional childhood. 'The truth is, I've struggled with the lasting effects of early fame, addiction, and poor decision-making, which have hurt people I care about and led to repeated legal issues, including DUIs and past domestic incidents,' Bryan told the outlet. Bryan said that 'this latest situation, involving a restraining order and serious accusations, has been a painful wake-up call.' The Guardians of Justice (Will Save You!) actor told the outlet that he was especially hurt how his legal issues have led to people judging him as a parent. 'Being labeled a "bad dad" cuts deep,' Bryan said, 'because my children are my world, and I know I've fallen short.' Bryan, who played Clay in 2006's Fast and the Furious: Tokyo Drift, said he is looking to correct course therapy; and with enrollment in programs aimed at drug rehabilitation and anger management. Home Improvement starred (L-R) Zachery Ty Bryan; Tim Allen; Taran Noah Smith; Jonathan Taylor Thomas; and Patricia Richardson The Aurora, Colorado-born actor pictured after a 2024 DUI arrest Bryan pictured following an arrest in October of 2020 in Eugene, Oregon Bryan was seen in a mugshot from a separate domestic violence incident on New Year's Day Bryan was previously arrested in connection with domestic violence two times. Bryan entered a guilty plea to menacing and fourth-degree assault after he was arrested in Eugene, Oregon in October of 2020 in an incident involving his then-partner. Bryan was also taken into custody Horry County, South Carolina in connection with violence against a woman this past January, in a case that is still ongoing. Bryan appeared opposite Tim Allen, Patricia Richardson, Jonathan Taylor Thomas and Taran Noah Smith on 203 episodes of Home Improvement. Robert Irwin has been slammed by fans after he refused to confirm if he was dating his Dancing With The Stars US fill-in dance partner Xochitl Gomez. The celebrity conservationist, 21, who is currently competing on DWTS US with Witney Carson, recently performed an upbeat jive relay on the series with Doctor Strange star Xochitl, 19. The chemistry between the pair was undeniable as they turned heads while getting their bodies moving to Dance With Me Tonight by Olly Murs. The connection between the two appeared to be so strong that rumours began circulating they were more than just dance partners. However, Robert deflected the conversation when asked if there was any truth to the rumours they were dating. 'Oh my gosh, we had the best time, that dance was so much fun. It was so cool to do two such distinct dances,' Robert told TMZ, while remaining tight-lipped when asked if they were 'an item'. Robert Irwin has been slammed by fans after he refused to confirm if he was dating his Dancing With The Stars US fill-in dance partner Xochitl Gomez 'The dance with Xochitl was energetic and fun! She's the best, it's been really, really great.' Fans quickly took to social media to slam the reality TV star for dodging the question. 'The most polite "mind your business" ever,' one person quipped. 'Deflection king,' a second person added, and a third chimed in with: 'I love how he pretends she asked a different question.' Last month it was reported that Robert was rumoured to be romantically involved with DWTS US troupe dancer Hailey Bills, almost two years after he split with Rorie Buckey. Celebrity gossip account Deux Moi shared an email they received to Instagram, in which they were tipped off about Robert's budding romance. 'Everyone's favourite DWTS bachelor has paused his search for his American dream girl to have some play time beyond the ballroom,' the email read. 'My sources tell me he's been spotted a few times getting cosy with a brunette... The same one he follows around on set. She's the only troupe member he follows on Instagram.' The celebrity conservationist, 21, recently performed an upbeat jive relay on the series with Doctor Strange star Xochitl Gomez, 19 The connection between the two appeared to be so strong that rumours began circulating they were more than just dance partners. However, Robert deflected the conversation when asked him if there was any truth to the rumours that he and Xoxhitl were dating The person in question was revealed to be US woman Hailey Bills, who has been dancing since 2012, specialising in ballroom, ballet and hip hop. Although Robert and Hailey have remained tight-lipped on the romance rumours, he shared a clip to social media in which he was seen performing an energetic street dance alongside her. Robert could not wipe the smile off his face as he got his body moving alongside Hailey, with the pair demonstrating clear chemistry both on and off the dancefloor. 'Honorary troupe member,' Robert wrote next to the clip. In November last year, Robert revealed he was still seeking love following his split from long-time sweetheart Rorie Buckey in February 2024. He appeared on Nine's Today show and confessed there was 'no one special' in his life at that time. After being dubbed one of Australia's 'most eligible bachelors' during the segment, a bashful Robert revealed that dating for him was not easy. Robert and his ex Rorie, 20, were believed to have been dating since November 2022, but went Instagram official almost a year later in August 2023. Rorie reportedly completed an Irwin-approved 'wildlife warrior boot camp' before she and Robert became an official couple. In December 2023, Woman's Day claimed Rorie had to win over the family by having a willingness to get out into nature. The pair were in a long-distance relationship, as Robert is based at Australia Zoo in Queensland while Rorie lives in Perth. Lisa Kudrow showed off a drastic hair transformation as she was pictured reprising her iconic role as Valerie Cherish on The Comeback. The star, 62, was seen filming scenes for the third season of the show in Los Angeles on Wednesday, twenty years after the first series aired. The actress' signature light blonde tresses were dyed a strawberry red color, and styled into bouncy curls, with bangs framing her face. Kudrow looked stylish as ever, wearing a frilly white blouse with blue bell bottom jeans and a brown belt. She carried a tan handbag and completed her look with a pair of heels. After marking its 20th anniversary on June 5, The Comeback the beloved comedy co-created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King was renewed for a third season at HBO in June. Lisa Kudrow, 62, showed off a drastic hair transformation as she was pictured reprising her iconic role as Valerie Cherish on The Comeback Kudrow pictured with her signature straight blonde hair in 2022 'Valerie Cherish has found her way back to the current television landscape. Neither of us are surprised she did,' Kudrow and Michael Patrick King said in a statement at the time. HBO's Amy Gravitt added: 'No matter what the industry throws at her, Valerie Cherish is a survivor.' 'On the 20th anniversary of her debut, Michael Patrick King and Lisa Kudrow have brilliantly scripted her return to HBO, and we cant wait to see that.' Kudrow reprises her character on The Comeback 11 years after season two wrapped. Lisa slipped back into Valerie's shoes in a video she posted to YouTube and Instagram back in June. 'This is the last one, last time. Never doing this again,' she declared in Valerie's snippy tone and nasally accent. After several takes in which she trips up on her lines, Kudrow said, 'Well, Ive got a new show, hows that and Im so excited,' and stormed off set. The Comeback season 3 will return to HBO and HBO Max in 2026. The star was seen filming scenes for the third season of the show in Los Angeles on Wednesday, twenty years after the first series aired The actress' signature light blonde tresses were dyed a strawberry red color, and styled into bouncy curls, with bangs framing her face After marking its 20th anniversary on June 5, The Comeback the beloved comedy co-created by Kudrow and Michael Patrick King was renewed for a third season at HBO in June Season 1 of The Comeback introduced Valerie as a mid-tier sitcom actor whose return to a network comedy called Room and Bored was being documented by a reality series titled The Comeback Lisa and King have long talked about having a third season with the caveat that it wouldn't happen until King was done with And Just Like That. The Comeback somehow managed to skewer reality TV tropes despite premiering in 2005, a full year before the first Real Housewives franchise launched. Season one introduced Valerie as a mid-tier sitcom actor whose return to a network comedy called Room and Bored was being documented by a reality series titled The Comeback. The second season is presented as found footage shot by a camera crew originally commissioned by Valerie. Lisa's pre-Friends career started with a role on Cheers in 1989 and as a recurring guest star on Mad About You, where she played the ditzy waitress Ursula. When she started on Friends in 1994, her character Phoebe was said to be Ursula's twin sister. Kudrow was the first Friends cast member to win an Emmy Award. She won Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series for her role in Friends in 1998. More recently, Kudrow starred in Netflix's No Good Deed, an eight-episode dark comedy series, written by Dead To Me creator Liz Feldman. The show follows three vastly different families who are all trying to buy the same 1920s Spanish style villa in Los Angeles, before realizing that their dream home may be more of a nightmare. Kudrow is best known for her role of Phoebe on Friends. She was the first cast member to win an Emmy Award for Outstanding Supporting Actress in a Comedy Series in 1998 One review from a viewer on Rotten Tomatoes said: 'Hilarious, full of drama, plot twists - everything you want a show to be!' 'Lisa Kudrow is fantastic in her role and both shows comedic and real emotional depths to her character which is just so entertaining to watch.'I did really enjoy all the side stories and how they managed to link it all together in the final episode.' She also starred as Liddy in the 2025 comedy horror The Parenting. The film follows a couple who rents a countryside house for a weekend with their parents and find out that it's inhabited by a 400-year-old poltergeist. Britton Shackelford, one of the stars of the spinoff reality series Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, has reportedly been arrested for alleged animal cruelty. According to the Dare County Sheriffs Office, the 57-year-old fisherman-turned-reality star on November 8 in response to reports of a missing dog. The dog had been reported missing around 6 p.m. on the same day, and an investigation by the Dare County Sheriffs Office and Dare County Animal Control subsequently discovered a dog that had allegedly been shot and killed, as well as a gun that was believed to have been used in the killing, according to WAVY News. In the course of the investigation, Sheriff's deputies reportedly identified Shackelford as the suspect and obtained an arrest warrant for him. According to the Dare County Sheriff's Office, Shackelford was 'involved in the incident and discharged a firearm, resulting in the death of the animal.' The Daily Mail has reached out to Shackelford for comment but has not yet received a response. Britton Shackelford, one of the stars of the spinoff reality series Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks, has reportedly been arrested for alleged animal cruelty Dare County Sheriffs deputies after a dog was reported missing and subsequently found dead after being shot. Law enforcement officers obtained the weapon believed to have shot the dog; Shackelford is pictured in his mug shot The fishing captain has since been charged with felony cruelty to animals, as well as a misdemeanor charge for allegedly firing a gun within 300 yards of an occupied home. As of Thursday afternoon, Shackelford was reportedly being held at the Dare County Sheriffs Office Detention Center He had reportedly made his first court appearance earlier in the day, and he is now being held on a $7,000 secured bond, according to WAVY News. Shackelford is best known for starring on a spinoff to the National Geographic Channel reality series Wicked Tuna, which followed Massachusetts-based fisherman as they hunted for pricey Atlantic bluefin tuna in the North Atlantic Ocean. The series, which ended in 2024, began airing in 2012, and two years later, Wicked Tuna: North Vs. South premiered. The series, which was renamed Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks beginning with its second season, took the search for the Atlantic bluefin tuna to the Southeastern United States coast, where fishermen based in North Carolina and Virginia tried to catch the massive fish. Shackelford was featured on the show as the captain of his boat, Doghouse. He appeared on the first five seasons fo the show, before returning for its eighth season. According to the Dare County Sheriff's Office, Shackelford was 'involved in the incident and discharged a firearm, resulting in the death of the animal.' The fishing captain has since been charged with felony cruelty to animals, as well as a misdemeanor charge for allegedly firing a gun within 300 yards of an occupied home Shackelford captained his boat the Doghouse on the Wicked Tuna spinoff Wicked Tuna: Outer Banks for six seasons. He offers fishing trips in the waters off North Carolina Outerbanks last aired in November 2021. Shackelford's LinkedIn profile notes that he has owned and operated Doghouse Sportfishing going back to 1999. Shackelford's website states that the Doghouse is a 61-foot custom-built fishing boat that is certified to carry up to 24 passengers. His website offers fishing trips costing around $2,600 for six or fewer passengers, with larger parties paying additional per-passenger fees. It has been a tumultuous week for Holly Ramsay. And on Thursday the strain on her face was clear as she was seen outside her parents Gordon and Tana's house clutching a 2,880 Louis Vuitton holdall. But apparently determined not to let an astonishing family feud overshadow her forthcoming wedding to Olympic swimming champion Adam Peaty, Holly clutched her mobile phone in its case labelled 'bride' as she stood outside the property in south-west London. It is the first time the influencer, 25, has been seen since her hen-do at Soho Farmhouse in Oxfordshire to which her future mother-in-law, Caroline, was not invited after she was banned from the wedding allegedly over a row about a dress that Holly didn't want Caroline to wear on her big day. Following days of briefing wars between the Ramsays and Peatys, the row escalated after it emerged Adam had been met by five armed police officers off his flight home from his stag-do in Budapest, after threats that he could be harmed. It is claimed that while away with his friends he received a barrage of 'increasingly threatening' texts, leading to him fearing he would be met off the plane and physically assaulted on his return to the UK. Adam, 30, reportedly told Holly of his fears and the police were contacted. However, sources close to the Ramsays conceded the police were confident that nobody had actually turned up at the airport to harm Adam. It is understood the threatening messages were from a family member, and while police deemed Adam wasn't in danger, they are in the process of taking action. Holly Ramsay, 25, looked glum on Thursday as she was seen outside her parents Gordon and Tana's house as an ugly feud with fiance Adam Peaty's family came to light The daughter of Gordon Ramsay stepped out in south-west London while clutching a 2,880 Louis Vuitton holdall Holly's outing comes after it emerged that her and Adam had banned his mother Caroline from their wedding And yesterday Adam's once-beloved auntie, Louise Williams Caroline's sister took aim at the couple. She wrote on social media: 'On the news this morning it stated that Adam and Holly have armed police protection for comments made in the heat of the moment. 'How many genuine victims of domestic violence receive armed police protection?' It emerged on Monday that Adam had banned Caroline from attending the wedding as a fresh row erupted after Holly didn't invite her future mother-in-law to her hen party, which was attended by Tana and her best friend Victoria Beckham. The wedding is taking place at Bath Abbey before Christmas, with famous guests such as the Beckhams later heading to the opulent country estate Kin House which is located near the pretty town of Chippenham, a 40-minute drive from the centre of Bath. Friends of the Peatys say that they are on Universal Credit and can't afford to attend such a lavish affair, with Adam's sister Bethany reportedly his only family member set to attend. Earlier this week, Caroline took to social media with a cryptic post which read: 'The ones I love are the people who hurt me the most. 'When you love someone, you protect them from the pain, you don't become the cause of it.' Eddie Murphy's daughter Bria Murphy is expecting her first child with her husband of three years, Michael Xavier. The 35-year-old mom-to-be revealed her baby bump at the Los Angeles premiere of her father's new documentary, Being Eddie, on Wednesday night. Bria is the oldest child 64-year-old comedian shares with ex-wife Nicole Murphy. They're also parents to Myles, 33, Shayne, 31, Zola, 25, and Bella, 23. She highlighted her growing belly in a golden yellow, brown, and red print bodycon long-sleeved dress. Her child will be the Beverly Hills Cop star's third grandchild; he is already grandfather to his son Myles' two daughters: Evie, six, and Zuri, one. In addition to Bria, Eddie was joined by six more of his ten children at the midweek red carpet event. Eddie Murphy's daughter Bria Murphy is expecting her first child The 35-year-old mom-to-be revealed her baby bump at the Los Angeles premiere of her father's new documentary, Being Eddie, on Wednesday night The Hollywood vet is also father to Eric Murphy, 36, whom he shares with Paulette McNeely and Christian Murphy, 34, whom he shares with Tamara Hood. Additionally, there is Angel Murphy Brown, 18, whom he shares with ex-girlfriend Mel B of Spice Girls fame. Finally, the comedian welcomed Izzy, nine, and Max, seven on November 30, with current wife Paige Butcher, 46. In July 2022 Bria and Michael, an actor, said 'I do' in a Beverly Hills ceremony with 250 guests. Bria shared engagement photos via Instagram in December 2021, adding the caption, 'My heart, my best friend, my forever. I love you, always.' In another post, she gushed, 'I can't wait to marry you,' while Michael wrote on his profile, 'Forever my love.' Ahead of welcoming their first baby, the future parents have currently disabled their social media accounts. In 2020, Eddie attended the debut of Bria's art show, Subconscious, in Los Angeles and proudly told reporters, per People, 'Im glad that people get to see how talented she is. Weve known for years how talented she is. Its exciting to see her stuff up on the walls Im having all of those proud parent feelings.' Bria will welcome her first child with her husband of three years, actor Michael Xavier; (L-R) Eddie seen with Bria, Michael and Bria's mom Nicole Murphy at the couple's 2022 wedding Ahead of welcoming their first baby, the future parents have currently disabled their social media accounts; seen at their 2022 nuptials In addition to Bria, Eddie (pictured center with wife Paige Butcher) was joined by six more of his ten children at the midweek red carpet event And he recently told the publication that he didn't plan to have so many children. 'It just happened,' he said on the red carpet this week. 'I never knew I would have 10 kids, but now its the best thing ever. If you can afford that many kids, you should have as many kids as you can afford. That is fun,' he reflected. And he named the common thread throughout his children: 'My children are all decent people.' He continued, 'I dont have one rotten one, and I would like to think that they got some of that from me.' 'My kids are the center of everything,' he says in his Netflix documentary, which premiered on Wednesday. 'Before kids it's just about you, once you have kids it's all about them.' Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram on Thursday to commemorate her 32nd anniversary with husband David E Kelley, posting a photo of them walking together. 'Lucky in love for 32 years,' the 67-year-old actress told her 3.6 million followers in a caption alongside the romantic shot. The Santa Ana, California-born star and her spouse appeared to be holding hands while walking outside the J.W. Heist Steakhouse in Bozeman, Montana. The actress has been in Montana many times this year to shoot her new Taylor Sheridan series The Madison. Both the Academy Award-nominated star and her spouse were clad in all-black ensembles of coats and pants. Pfeiffer received a number of supportive responses, including from pal Rita Wilson, who herself celebrated her 37th wedding anniversary with husband Tom Hanks earlier this year. 'Happy Anniversary!!!' Wilson said. 'Youre both so lovely!!! Heres to doubling that number! Michelle Pfeiffer took to Instagram on Thursday to commemorate her 32nd anniversary with husband David E. Kelley, posting a photo of them walking together in Bozeman, Montana 'Lucky in love for 32 years,' the 67-year-old actress told her 3.6 million followers in a caption alongside the romantic shot Pfeiffer, whose films include 1983's Scarface, 1992's Batman Returns and 1995's Dangerous Minds, initially crossed paths with Kelley in early 1993, as they were set up on a blind date. Pfeiffer told Jimmy Fallon of the way things unfolded with her nascent spouse of more than three decades. 'I was kind of nervous,' Pfeiffer said in April of 2022, 'and I'd had a couple of bad blind dates. 'And I had sworn off of them, and my best friend said, "Please, just this last time, meet this guy, David Kelley" and I said okay.' Pfeiffer in 1993 had been working toward adopting daughter Claudia, who was two months old when she went home with the actress and her new love. 'So we had this child with us right away, and most people don't have that,' Pfeiffer said in a 2007 interview with the publication Good Housekeeping. Pfeiffer said that the unique situation helped her see what kind of a man Kelley was. 'But I really got to see him in a situation that certainly would separate the boys from the men,' Pfeiffer said. 'Obviously, he really rose to the occasion.' Pfeiffer received a number of supportive responses, including from pal Rita Wilson, who herself celebrated her 37th wedding anniversary with husband Tom Hanks earlier this year Pfeiffer and David E. Kelley attend the 49th AFI Life Achievement Award: A Tribute To Nicole Kidman at Dolby Theatre on April 27, 2024 in LA Pfeiffer, whose films include 1983's Scarface, 1992's Batman Returns and 1995's Dangerous Minds, was pictured in LA last year Pfeiffer said that the events that were happening in their respective lives 32 years ago made for a perfect storm for their relationship. 'It was sort of perfectly timed,' Pfeiffer said. 'We both got to see each other as parents before we progressed in our relationship together and, in a strange way, it took the pressure off, as a couple. 'I mean, it's a real testament to the kind of person he is, but also to the fact that sometimes the traditional way of doing things isn't always the best way.' Pfeiffer and Kelley subsequently tied the knot on November 13, 1993, with Kelley adopting Claudia during that time. In 1994, the couple welcomed another member of the family, in son John Henry. Lara Worthington cut a very dapper figure this week when she stepped out for a morning sojourn in Sydney. The model, 38, was out and about in the Sydney suburb of Bronte on Friday to grab a coffee. The blonde beauty was all smiles as she hit the streets, rocking a style that could be best described as 'old man chic'. Lara hid her demure figure under a loose-fitting brown plaid shirt that also featured a starched white collar. The baggy shirt was left untucked and draped freely past Lara's waist. She also wore a pair of brown wide-leg, mid-rise trousers that were just as loose-fitting as her shirt. Lara Worthington cut a very dapper figure on Friday when she stepped out for a morning sojourn in Sydney. The blonde beauty was all smiles as she hit the streets, rocking a style that could be best described as 'old man chic' The hem of the trousers finished just above Lara's heel, and she finished the look with a pair of brown leather shoes. Keeping the accessories to a minimum, Lara also wore a pair of black sunglasses and some subtle bling in her ears. She cut quite a breezy figure as she strode toward her destination, smiling as she walked with her hands in her pockets. Lara was also spotted taking some time out for a quick phone call before being joined by a gal pal. The pair looked chuffed to be in each other's company as they walked, arm-in-arm, while Lara's friend carried a takeaway coffee cup. While Lara was keen to hide her enviable frame on Friday, it was a different story on her last public outing. Stepping out in Sydney on Saturday, Lara ensured all eyes were on her as she slipped her lithe frame into $59,000 worth of designer clothes and accessories. The centrepiece of her luxe ensemble was a $3,600 Miu Miu silk dress, which ended at her knee and featured a tailored bodice and sweet bow detail on the neckline. Lara hid her demure figure under a loose-fitting brown plaid shirt that also featured a starched white collar. The baggy shirt was left untucked and draped freely past Lara's waist She also wore a pair of brown wide-leg, mid-rise trousers that were equally as loose-fitting as her shirt She paired the chic frock with a $3,700 Alalia handbag and $1,650 Alalia kitten-heel sandals. Lara accessorised with her Cartier Panthere watch, which retails for $48,900, and a couple of diamond rings. Despite being known as one of Australia's most fashionable natives, Lara recently turned heads for all the wrong reasons at Paris Fashion Week after landing on the worst-dressed list. She stepped out at the Louis Vuitton show last month, putting on an eye-catching display in a striking blue mini dress, distinguished by its unusual pockets positioned above the waist. The loose-fitting dress was cinched at the pleated waist with a blue canvas belt and was accented with an unusually placed buckle at the collarbone. Showing off her trim and toned pins, Lara completed the look with a pair of black leather wedge boots. She was in good company, though, with the likes of FKA Twigs, Hailey Bieber, and Cara Delevingne also making the list. However, Lara would more than likely be unfazed by the lacklustre critique. Despite being known as one of Australia's most fashionable natives, Lara recently turned heads for all the wrong reasons at Paris Fashion Week after landing on the worst-dressed list The loose-fitting dress was cinched at the pleated waist with a blue canvas belt and was accented with an unusually placed buckle at the collarbone. She has previously stated that she pays no mind to what others think of her frequently bold sartorial choices. Speaking to Stellar in 2022, Lara admitted she has no regrets about her bolder style selections. 'I wear whatever the hell I want and I don't care,' Lara said. Food influencer Michael Duarte's wife Jessica admitted she has been 'struggling' over her husband's death in an emotional post shared to Instagram on Thursday. The social media star - who was known under the handle Food With Bear Hands -passed away at the age of 36 on November 8 in what was described as a 'horrible incident.' Law enforcement told TMZ on Wednesday that Michael had been fatally shot by police who responded to a 911 call about a 'male subject with a knife acting erratically' in Texas. Before his passing, Jessica celebrated her ninth wedding anniversary with the influencer and the pair also welcomed daughter Oakley, six, together. Alongside photos of Michael, she penned to his Instagram account: 'l've struggled with what to do since his passing so I'm doing what feels right and that's sharing his stories. 'Whether they be about his content or Mike as my husband, daddy and friend to all.' Food influencer Michael Duarte's wife Jessica admitted she has been 'struggling' over her husband's death in an emotional post shared to Instagram on Thursday The social media star - who was known under the handle Food With Bear Hands -passed away at the age of 36 on November 8 in what had been described as a 'horrible incident' Jessica added she is 'touched' by the love from fans and 'plans to keep his legacy going not only for him but his family. 'He gave everyone every bit of him so it's my turn to give it back. I'm not quite sure what that looks like yet but hopefully he will lead me on that path.' She further expressed gratitude to those who have 'reached out' and wrote, 'I can feel him moving mountains a big thank you to my tribe & Mike's BBQ community for making me feel like I have an army behind me.' Jessica heartbreakingly admitted that she is 'still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but l'm starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger. 'I'm starting to see God work in mysterious ways that l've never experienced before and hoping that will bring our family some peace.' She then offered a special message to Michael and added, 'I'm proud to be your wife and I will carry that title with honor for the rest of my life. See you on the other side, Daddy .' Jessica also shared that arrangements are being made for a funeral service and an active investigation is still taking place. She previously shared a tribute to her late husband following the news of his death over the past weekend. Jessica heartbreakingly admitted that she is 'still struggling with the fact that he is no longer with us but l'm starting to see his purpose was SO much bigger' She then offered a special message to Michael and added, 'I'm proud to be your wife and I will carry that title with honor for the rest of my life. See you on the other side, Daddy ' At the time, Jessica shared: 'It's been 24 hours since my world came crashing down. I'm numb, angry, depressed. Words can't describe this kind of pain. I never thought I would be writing this. 'To the world you were foodwithbearhands but to us you were a loving husband and father. You didn't deserve this.' She added, 'I will love you forever and I will be strong for our daughter and I know how much you loved us. If everyone can stop and please pray for our family. To my husband I will miss youuntil we meet again.' Michael was reportedly fatally shot by police responding to a 911 call about a 'male subject with a knife acting erratically' on November 8 in Castroville, Texas. Law enforcement sources told TMZ that Michael 'approached officers threateningly,' and despite being repeatedly ordered 'to get on the ground by the deputy,' he refused to comply. According to the Medina County Sheriff's Office, Michael's final moments escalated when he allegedly 'charged toward the deputy while yelling, "I'm going to kill you."' The deputy then fired two shots, striking Michael. He received immediate medical attention at the scene and was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead, authorities confirmed. The Daily Mail has reached out to the Medina County Sheriff's Office for comment but has not yet received a response. She previously shared a tribute to her late husband following the news of his death over the past weekend The California-based social media star, who posted under the username @foodwithbearhands, passed away just days after celebrating his wedding anniversary. News of Michael's passing was announced in a tribute from his talent agency, Alooma Media Group. In a statement, they said: 'It is with profound sadness that we share the passing of our valued client and dear friend, Michael Duarte. 'He was a true and loyal partner, a trusted collaborator, and above all, a remarkable person. His passion, professionalism, and creativity left a lasting mark not only on our team but on everyone who had the privilege of working with him.' A GoFundMe page has also been launched to cover funeral expenses, as well as bring Michael back to California. According to the page, the money raised will also go towards making sure the internet personality's wife Jessica and their daughter, Oakley, are both taken care of. 'We ask that you lift Michael's family up in prayer during this extremely difficult time, especially for his six-year-old daughter Oakley, and his wife Jessica,' the website reads. 'If you are able to financially assist, please consider donating.' At the time of writing, the GoFundMe has raised $81,472. Michael amassed a following of over 850,000 fans on Instagram with his cooking videos Michael amassed a following of over 850,000 fans on Instagram with his cooking videos. He started posting cooking clips on social media during the pandemic as a hobby and continued to do so while helping to rebuild a restaurant. 'On my days off, I started posting food videos again my first one was with my daughter,' he said in a biography shared on Instagram. 'That's when I realized how happy creating content made me. 'Over time, I began to see it wasn't just a hobby it could be a business, something bigger than myself.' Nepo baby Apple Martin put on a very leggy display as she celebrated her latest modelling gig with Self-Portrait as she posed for sizzling Instagram snaps on Thursday. The daughter of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, 21, looked incredible in a pair of eye catching red tights which she teamed with a dramatic white fur coat. Styling her blonde tresses in a neat up do, Apple completed her ensemble with a one shoulder satin burgundy blouse and elevated her frame in a pair of white stilettos. The model posed up a storm in a bedroom as she threw her leg in the air while lounging on a sofa as she gushed she is 'grateful' to be working with the brand. Alongside the stunning photos, Apple shared her love for Oasis as she added their hit She's Electric, despite her father Chris' past feud with the Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel. Liam has previously shared his dislike for Coldplay, calling their fans 'boring and ugly' in the past and mocking their recent kiss-cam scandal. Nepo baby Apple Martin put on a very leggy display as she celebrated her latest modelling gig with Self-Portrait as she posed for sizzling Instagram snaps on Thursday The daughter of Chris Martin and Gwyneth Paltrow, 21, looked incredible in a pair of eye catching red tights which she teamed with a dramatic white fur coat The Oasis frontman told concert goers in July they didn't need to worry about being caught cheating at their concerts following the scandal, which has since caused a global media storm following the fallout from the shock moment. Andy Byron, former CEO of software firm Astronomer, was caught with his arms around the company's chief people officer Kristin Cabot at the band's Boston Gillette Stadium gig. Following the controversy, Liam Gallagher has told Oasis fans they 'don't need to worry' about the viral moment being recreated at an Oasis gig. Speaking to the crowd at one of their shows in Heaton Park, Manchester, the 52-year-old said: 'Right then, do we have any love birds in the house? 'Don't worry we ain't got any of that Coldplay snidey f***ing camera sh*t. 'Doesn't matter to us who you're mingling with - or tingly with, fingingly with, none of our f***ing business.' Apple captioned her photos: 'The most incredible night with @mrselfportrait and @melzy917 and all my old and new friends. 'I feel so grateful to have the opportunity to work with all these talented, kind, iconic, and superb people. Styling her blonde tresses in a neat up do, Apple completed her ensemble with a one shoulder satin burgundy blouse as she posed with a pal Alongside the stunning photos, Apple added Oasis' hit She's Electric despite her father Chris' past feud with the Gallagher brothers Liam and Noel Apple gushed she is 'so grateful' to model for the brand and thanked her team for 'making me feel like a princess' 'Also a HUGE thank you to the incredibly talented @evaniefrausto and @sooparkmakeup for making me feel like a princess.' It comes as Apple repeatedly faced claims she's just riding her parents' coattails after joining her mother Gwyneth for a campaign with GapStudio earlier this year. She then went on to land yet another high-profile fashion gig, this time posing for her debut shoot with the London fashion house Self-Portrait. The model posed for images captured by acclaimed photographer Ryan McGinley on a farm in upstate New York, despite previously facing backlash for using her privileged background and connections to her advantage. Styled by Mel Ottenberg, Apple wore pieces from the brand's latest ready-to-wear collection, including a white lace and satin maxi dress and a silver gradient sequinned dress. The stunner, who is also studying at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, posed for her first collection after being unveiled as an ambassador for the brand. She said: 'Debuting with self-portrait was a no-brainer their British spirit reminds me of growing up in London, so it's felt like home from the start. 'Plus, the collections are gorge and approachable! Han and the team welcomed me in as part of the creative process and I am having a lot of fun learning along the way. 'I'm so excited for this campaign to be out in the world and for us to continue exploring this side of my creativity together.' Liam has previously shared his dislike for Coldplay, calling their fans 'boring and ugly' in the past and mocking their recent kiss-cam scandal; pictured: Liam and Chris in 2017 It comes after Apple broke her silence in April on the 'really upsetting' criticism she's received following last year's 'mean girl' drama. While speaking to Interview magazine about life as a Hollywood 'nepo baby', she was asked if she ever reads 'upsetting stuff' about herself on the internet. In November 2024, Apple sparked controversy while attending the elite Le Bal des Debutantes in Paris after a clip of herself being a 'mean girl' at the ball went viral. Apple, who was supported by her A-list parents at the invite-only event in November, was accused of 'stealing the spotlight' from another girl getting her picture taken. While a source close to Gwyneth insisted that the moment was taken out of context, fans ruthlessly tore into Apple as the video circulated on TikTok and Instagram. While Apple didn't specifically reference the debutante ball backlash in the chat, she did call out the 'crazy conspiracies' that have circulated about her online. She said she has avoided looking at social media comments 'like the plague' since January 2023 when she made her Paris Fashion Week debut at Chanel. 'After the Chanel show, I did [read upsetting comments]. Then I quickly realized why everybody has always said, "Don't do it." Because even if you see a million positive things, there can be one thing that absolutely wrecks you,' the rising star explained. Her attendance at the Chanel event received a mixed reaction online, with some praising Apple's 'model looks' and others slamming her as just another 'nepo baby'. She admitted that reading hateful things about herself has had a devastating impact on her mental well-being. 'So, I've stopped now and I avoid it like the plague, because I know myself and I know that if I see stuff that isn't true and that's really upsetting to me, I'm going to be like, "Oh my god, I should never go out in public again."' It comes as Apple repeatedly faced claims she's just riding her parents' coattails after joining her mother Gwyneth for a campaign with GapStudio earlier this year Now, Apple is focused on the positive and has learned to accept the downsides of being in the public eye. 'I've tried to be like, "People are going to say stuff, and that's okay,"' she said. 'And like everybody, there's going to be stuff that isn't true and stuff that is upsetting, and all I can do is just be the best that I can be and be with the people I love and not read random, crazy conspiracies.' Le Bal des Debutantes, which took place at the Shangri-La in Paris, is an annual gathering that invites young women from some of the prestigious - and wealthiest - families from Europe, Asia, Africa and the U.S. to make their debut into society. Apple wore a sky blue Valentino Haute Couture gown as she attended the ball on the arm of her dashing date, Count Leo Henckel von Donnersmarck, before letting loose with her parents, Gwyneth and Chris Martin, who divorced in 2016. However, during the weekend, Apple became the target of 'mean girl' accusations after it appeared she was trying to steal the spotlight from fellow debutante Alienor Loppin de Montmort in a viral video of the pair taking photos together. In the clip, Montmort was seen taking her turn posing for the camera when Apple appeared from behind and sashayed into the shot. The backlash was so intense that Montmort came forward to defend Apple. She insisted that Apple was the 'nicest girl ever' and that she didn't deserve 'an ounce of' the hate she was getting online. Neil Jones has announced the death of his father David in an emotional post. The Strictly Come Dancing star, 43, took to Instagram on Thursday evening and confirmed his dad had passed away. The professional dancer shared several black and white photos of his father and thanked his loved ones for making his funeral a 'special day'. He wrote: 'Yesterday I said goodbye to my Dad for the final time. 'I thought I knew my dad but yesterday I realised I didnt after hearing so many lovely & funny stories from family and his closest friends, I know he would be smiling looking down with a pint in his hand. 'Thank you Wendy and everyone for making it such a special day. RIP DAD'. Neil Jones has announced the death of his father David in an emotional post (pictured in October 2025) The Strictly Come Dancing star, 43, took to Instagram on Thursday evening and confirmed his dad had passed away Neil was inundated with condolences from his Strictly colleagues including Karen Hauer who wrote: 'Sending all our love Neil'. It Takes Two host Fleur East wrote: 'Sending you love Neil! Such a difficult thing to go through. Big hugs.' Neil's ex-wife Katya Jones wrote: 'Rest in peace David,' while Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse added: 'So sorry Neil'. Neil and his fiancee, Love Island star Chyna Mills, revealed in December they were living on a boat due to difficulty in finding a permanent home. The couple, who are parents to daughter Havana, sold their previous homes with plans to move into a new property together, but have been left 'in limbo' as they search for the right place. Replying to a Q&A on Instagram, Chyna described the house-hunting process as 'hell,' explaining they were avoiding complications from property chains. She wrote: 'I sold my house so me and Neil could buy something together. 'Neil bought his boat before we got together and now its conveniently there for us to stay on while in limbo. '(Annoyingly) we just haven't found a house we like yet and I also didn't want to be in a chain because the process of buying a house is hell so hopefully we find something soon.' The professional dancer shared several black and white photos of his father He thanked his loved ones for making his funeral a 'special day' Neil also shared a heartwarming photo of his father during his childhood years Neil was inundated with condolences from his Strictly colleagues including Karen Hauer who wrote: 'Sending all our love Neil' Neil and his fiancee, Love Island star Chyna Mills, revealed in December they were living on a boat due to difficulty in finding a permanent home (pictured with their daughter Havana) She confirmed the boat, initially intended as a holiday retreat or Airbnb rental, had become their temporary home adding: 'The plan was never to live on the boat. It was just supposed to be a holiday home and Airbnb for when we aren't using it'. Chyna then revealed that while the boat is currently moored, the young family plan to 'cruise around' during the summer. Talking about how the family spent their second Christmas together her and Neil told her followers: 'We had a relaxing time. We did Christmas morning here. I made dinner. '[Neil] was supposed to make pancakes, he was meant to wake up earlier than me to make them but he made bacon sandwiches and then we went to my families house.' Neil added: 'In the evening we played games, me and Havana had a nice swim. It was a really nice, wholesome, relaxing Christmas.' Paris Fury admitted it will be a 'scary' time when she becomes a grandmother as she discussed her daughter Venezuela's recent engagement. Fans were left shocked when Paris, 35, shared a video showing her fiance Noah proposing to Venezuela at her glamorous 16th birthday party last month. Paris, who is the wife of Tyson Fury, revealed she has now spoken to her daughter about having children, opening up about the chat on John Reynolds' Extraordinary Life Stories podcast. 'My daughter's just got engaged, we've had that discussion about grandkids,' she told the host. 'Hopefully a few years from now but oh my goodness - I couldn't even imagine being granny! Paris added: 'It'll be a great moment in family life but it would be a bit scary, I could be a glam granny.' Paris Fury admitted she 'can't imagine being a grandmother' while candidly discussing her daughter Venezuela's engagement during a recent podcast appearance The wife of Tyson Fury, 35, spilled the beans chatting on John Reynolds' Extraordinary Life Stories revealing they had 'that discussion' about grandkids after Venezuela, 16, got engaged last month (pictured on This Morning last month) Paris' comments came after Venezuela revealed she's not yet met her future in-laws despite being engaged to her fiance Noah in a new interview. She explained how planning for the wedding won't get underway until she's came face-to-face with Noah's father and mother. Venezuela said: 'I haven't met his family yet. So I'm looking forward to seeing them. He lives a few hours' away from me and works during the week, so we only see each other at weekends. 'We haven't discussed where we are going to live after we are married yet.' Opening up about the shock proposal, Venezuela added to The Sun that she was 'very shocked'. She recalled: 'It all came as a huge surprise. I wasn't overly emotional because I was so surprised and I was very nervous, as I realised a lot of people were watching me. 'It was a very exciting moment, though, probably one of the best of my life. But I would have been content if he had asked me to marry him anywhere. I didn't care about the 'big proposal', but I am very happy.' Before popping the question to his future bride, Noah, whose age is unknown, asked for Tyson's blessing to ask Venezuela for her hand in marriage. Fans were left shocked as Paris shared a video showing her fiance Noah proposing to Venezuela at her glamorous 16th birthday party last month She said how Noah was 'having palpitations about doing it' but the conversation went well. Venezuela added that her dad 'wouldnt interfere' and hes 'very happy for us.' Paris recently defended her daughter's engagement when she was asked about the news during an appearance on This Morning. She was quizzed by hosts Cat Deeley and Ben Shephard on her reaction, and whether she felt her eldest child was 'too young' to be preparing for a wedding. Paris said that her daughter had only 'followed in her footsteps', as she got engaged to champion boxer husband Tyson, 37, when she was just 17. Hitting back against the backlash from fans, Paris told Cat, 48, and Ben, 50: 'She's very young, [but we don't] worry at all, Venezuela is so mature for her years. 'She has done so much, even in such a short time just because of who she is and the fact that she's got six younger brother and sisters that she has helped bring up, I can't deny it. 'She is very mature, and in the last 12 months I've been doing work with Venezuela, she's been doing different shoots, interviews, working on social media. 'I've give her all options in life, and she has chosen this path and I can't deny her. I was 17 when I got engaged, so she's obviously following in my footsteps, and how could I judge her in any which way? 'I know she's young, but I think she's found the person that she loves, and if she's happy, I will completely support her.' I'm A Celeb bosses were left 'angry' and 'confused' after Christine McGuinness appeared to suggest she had secured a spot on this year's series despite not being in the official lineup. The former Celebs Go Dating star, 37, seemed to confirm her involvement at the Pride Of Britain Awards in October when asked whether she would ever take part. Christine admitted she is approached 'every year' to join the show, but the thought of leaving her three children and flying to Australia had always felt overwhelming. However, this year she confessed to thinking: 'F*** it, why not,' which many interpreted as confirmation she would be heading to the jungle. But when the full contestant list was revealed this week, featuring names such as Kelly Brook, Jack Osbourne, and Martin Kemp, Christine was notably absent. A TV insider revealed that ITV bosses were 'confused' by her comments, feeling she should have shut down the speculation rather than hinting it might be her flying out to Australia. I'm A Celeb bosses were left 'angry' and 'confused' after Christine McGuinness appeared to suggest she had secured a spot on this year's series despite not being in the official lineup When the full contestant list was revealed this week, featuring names such as Kelly Brook, Jack Osbourne and Martin Kemp, Christine was notably absent The former Celebs Go Dating star seemed to confirm her involvement at the Pride Of Britain Awards in October when asked whether she would ever take part A source told the Daily Mail: 'ITV bosses were definitely confused when they saw the reports suggesting Christine had "signed up" for I'm A Celeb. 'Usually, a celebrity would shut down speculation, so Christine appearing to confirm her appearance really infuriated those working behind the scenes.' A source close to Christine added: 'Every year, lots of names circulate around I'm A Celeb, and Christine is often one of them. 'The reality is, it would be very difficult for her to be away from her children for that length of time. 'That said, never say never, maybe one day she'll be up for the challenge.' Speaking to the Daily Mail, Christine said: 'I always get asked and it is one of those shows, every year, would you ever do it? 'And I always say there's no way, I don't think I could be away from my children, and I would be scared of the creepy crawlies, I have sensory issues and I have never been outside of Europe so just flying over there would be quite a challenge. 'Trying to get over to the jungle might be a bit of a mission but yeah, let's see. I think this year most likely I'd be like f*** it, why not.' During her brief appearance on E4's Celebs Go Dating this year, Christine romanced women, revealing she also dated fluidly in her youth The I'm A Celeb cast was revealed by ITV this week, with TV presenter Vogue Williams and Celebs Go Dating receptionist Tom Read Wilson added to the lineup as latecomers Christine shares three children, twins Penelope and Leo, and daughter Felicity, with ex-husband and BBC presenter Paddy McGuinness, and the pair continue to co-parent at their Cheshire home. The exes have made documentaries highlighting their children's autism, while Christine has also spoken openly about processing her own diagnoses of autism and ADHD, raising awareness of the conditions. After splitting from Paddy in 2022 after 10 years of marriage, Christine revealed she identifies as a 'free spirit'. During her brief appearance on E4's Celebs Go Dating this year, she romanced women, revealing she also dated fluidly in her youth. Christine only filmed for the programme for a few weeks before quitting the show mid-series. She said she had struggled with dating publicly so soon after her divorce from Paddy, and that she regretted signing up because of the scrutiny she was under. The Daily Mail has approached an ITV representative and Christine's representative for comment. Cynthia Erivo's lightning-quick reactions have earned her a flood of memes after she rescued close friend and co-star Ariana Grande from an over excited fan on Thursday. The actresses are currently engaged in a world tour on behalf of their new film Wicked: For Good, the second of three planned prequels to The Wizard Of Oz. But Thursday's premiere in Singapore went awry after Grande was ambushed by an over-exuberant fan while walking the red carpet outside Universal Studios. Fortunately, co-star Erivo, 38, was on hand to pull her from the ensuing melee, with many fans comparing her actions to those of Kevin Costner in Hollywood blockbuster The Bodyguard. Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, fans heaped praise on the British actress for risking her own safety while assisting her co-star. Sharing a brief video of the incident, one commented: 'Now THATS friendship. WOW. Prettys scary stuff but having a friend like that leap into action? Im sensing a Bodyguard reboot! Cynthia Erivo's lightning-quick reactions have earned her a flood of memes after she rescued close friend and co-star Ariana Grande from an over-excited fan on Thursday Thursday's premiere in Singapore went awry after Grande was ambushed by an over-exuberant fan while walking the red carpet outside Universal Studios 'PS There was so much security. How did this even happen?' Commenting on the post, a second fan added: 'Thats a true friend. She didnt even think for herself she sprung to protect.' Elsewhere, a third joked: 'Cynthia was Amazing! If she ever needs a job outside of Acting Security is her gig.' While a fourth wrote: 'Girl, if there something you don't do is, to mes with a Capricorn's friend in front of them. Mama Bear Mode in nano seconds...' [sic] Sharing a photo of the actress looking furious as she wrapped a protective arm around Grande, another commented: 'Cynthia Erivo is a 6x threat: Singer, Actress, Dancer, Writer, Model, BODYGUARD. As if I couldnt possibly LOVE her more.' The filmed incident, which was shared widely online, showed the man lunging at Grande and putting his arm around her, as she struggled to get away outside Singapore's Universal Studios. Way ahead of security, Erivo, who plays Elphaba in the film, jumped in between her friend and the man to try and block him while seemingly shouting something at him. Moments later a group of security guards at the event then pulled him away, leaving a visibly shaken Grande being comforted by her co-star. Erivo's heroics (left) have been compared to the actions of Kevin Costner in Hollywood blockbuster The Bodyguard (right) Taking to Instagram on Friday morning, fans heaped praise on the British actress for risking her own safety while assisting her co-star He was wearing a white T-shirt and shorts and had distinctive long black hair with dyed blue streaks. He was quickly identified as notorious Australian red carpet crasher Johnson Wen, who is also known as Pyjama Man online. Wen has shared videos after accosting other celebrities such as Katy Perry, The Weeknd and electronic duo The Chainsmokers in a similar manner during their gigs. He later hared clips from the moment on his Instagram Story, writing: 'Dear Ariana Grande Thank You for letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You.' Eerie videos taken before he jumped over a barricade to see Grande show him saying it is his 'dream' to meet the actress. Standing underneath a poster of the actress in Wicked, he says: 'I feel like I'm in a dream. That's my best friend Ariana Grande and I'm going to meet her. I've been dreaming about that', before doing a theatrical laugh. Following the stunt, Wen claimed he was 'free' after Grande fans watched him being tackled to the ground by security. Wen previously vowed to stop invading celebrities' space when he was charged after interrupting Katy Perry's Sydney concert in June. Thursday's premiere in Singapore went awry after Grande was ambushed by an over-exuberant fan while walking the red carpet outside Universal Studios The over excited fan was quickly identified as notorious Australian red carpet crasher Johnson Wen, who is also known as Pyjama Man online He was charged with two offences - entering enclosed land and obstructing a person in performance of work or duties. The prankster was granted conditional bail and is due to appear at Burwood Local Court on June 23. Wen was also issued with a notice barring him from entering the Sydney Olympic Park Precinct for six months. In 2020, he received a $250 fine for dangling from a Brisbane footbridge and also received a $220 fine for a pitch invasion at a 2021 rugby union match. He boasts on his Instagram bio he is the 'most hated troll' and '2023 WorId Cup FinaI Pitch lnvader'. Grande and her co-stars were in good spirits moments before the incident, walking hand in hand along the crowded carpet Following the incident, Grande held on to a concerned-looking Erivo's arm as they walked the red carpet He told 9News at the time he did it for fun and loves the rush of stage crashing. Wen said: 'I said "let me get on stage with you", then she [Katy Perry] freaked out because she realised I wasn't a performer. I was about to do like extra Fortnite moves but security got there too quick.' The prankster, who has insisted he isn't a threat, has also conducted invasions at the Olympics in Paris, the FIFA Women's World Cup, and the men's Cricket World Cup final in India. He said 'I just got on there, and as soon as I got tackled I got in a lot of trouble,' he said of the invasion in India. Grande later broke her silence to thank Singapore based fans in an Instagram post Grande as Glinda Upland (left) and Erivo as Elphaba Thropp (right) in Wicked: For Good Wen, who is unemployed and was last known to be living in a backpackers' hostel, is said to have racked up $20,000 in fines, according to the publication. At the time, he said he plans to stop crashing red carpets and stages, saying: 'I'm planning to quit forever because you get in way too much trouble for it, especially me, because I've done it so many times.' In December last year, Wen ran on stage at The Chainsmokers' set at the Palm Tree Festival in Sydney, with security pulling his legs out from underneath him to try to stop him. Over the summer, the Instagrammer invaded stage during The Weeknd's Melbourne show, an incident that led to the R&B singer losing his earpiece. Eamonn Holmes and his estranged wife, Ruth Langsford, were once the golden couple of daytime TV. From 2006 onward, they brightened up This Mornings Fridays - and even stepped in for Phillip Schofield and Holly Willoughby during the holidays - quickly becoming one of the nations most cherished presenting duos. But the shine began to fade. In 2020, after 15 years on the sofa, the presenter, 65, was abruptly shown the door by ITV. What followed was a bruising chapter in Eamonns life - a marriage that fell apart, mounting health battles, tensions with HMRC, and bumping heads with figures once firmly in his TV orbit. Once hailed as daytime royalty, Eamonn suddenly found his private struggles spilling into the spotlight. Here, The Daily Mail takes a look at the setbacks that reshaped his world. How Eamonn Holmes went from daytime TV's golden boy to sacked ITV star who has battled health woes, a failed marriage and a string of public feuds - including THAT row with HMRC Here, The Daily Mail takes a look at the setbacks that reshaped his world (pictured with estrange wife Ruth Langsford, Holly Willoughby, Phillip Schofield on This Morning 2020) ITV sack Eamonn and Ruth were replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot O'Leary on This Morning in 2021. The presenter, who now presents the breakfast show at GB News, accused ITV bosses of making it look as if he had walked away when in fact he had 'no idea' why he was being relieved of the slot. 'No one explained anything to me,' he told Weekend magazine. 'I'm all for TV companies being able to choose who works for them, but it would be nice if you were told why you were going. 'They're sly. They didn't want to announce that I'd been dropped because it would adversely affect audience figures, so they made it look as if I'd walked away from them rather than the other way round. 'They had a chat with my agent and announced that I was going to GB News when they'd done no more than ask if I'd be interested in joining them.' Eamonn Holmes and his estranged wife, Ruth Langsford , were once the golden couple of daytime TV However, in 2020 the pair were dropped from their Friday slot and replaced by Alison Hammond and Dermot OLeary (pictured) Eamonn, who had previously co-presented ITV breakfast show GMTV for 12 years, added: 'I'm not going to have myself derided as some sort of has-been. I may be male and pale but I'm still at the top of my game.' In September 2020 it was reported that the star was 'not in line with the youth drive' ITV was after as he was too 'pale, stale and male'. In 2022, he accused channel bosses of hypocrisy, claiming that those who run the show are 'middle-aged white managers'. He said: 'When are they going to start being diverse with their management? The diversity is only on screen. It's hypocritical.' Marriage breakdown Eamonn and Ruth shocked fans in May 2024 when it was revealed that they had split after 14 years of marriage and were headed for divorce Eamonn has since moved on with new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43, while Ruth is enjoying the single life Eamonn and Ruth shocked fans in May 2024 when it was revealed that they had split after 14 years of marriage and were headed for divorce. Eamonn has since moved on with new girlfriend Katie Alexander, 43, while Ruth is enjoying the single life. And while Ruth and Eamonn have remained relatively quiet about their split, new reports reveal that the GB News star's actions led to the breakdown of their romance, with Ruth said to have been 'horrified' to overhear him having a cosy chat with another woman when he thought he was home alone. The Loose Woman star also reportedly found messages on his laptop, with The Sun reporting that the discovery was a 'real kick in the teeth'. The publication said: 'Eamonn thought he was in the house alone while he was chatting on the phone. But Ruth could hear him from elsewhere in the house and was totally horrified. She confronted Eamonn. It was quite a shock - for both of them. The Loose Woman star also reportedly found messages on his laptop, with The Sun reporting that the discovery was a 'real kick in the teeth'. The publication said: 'Eamonn thought he was in the house alone while he was chatting on the phone. 'But Ruth could hear him from elsewhere in the house and was totally horrified. She confronted Eamonn. It was quite a shock - for both of them. While Ruth and Eamonn have remained relatively quiet about their split, new reports reveal that the GB News star's actions led to the breakdown of their romance, with Ruth said to have been 'horrified' to overhear him having a cosy chat with another woman when he thought he was home alone 'Eamonn had no idea Ruth was in the house at the time. It was a huge blow to Ruth, particularly as she had been devoted to caring for Eamonn during his physical health issues. 'To discover he was sharing intimate chats with another woman was a real kick in the teeth for Ruth.' A source reported to The Sun that the row over the phone call occurred in April in the pair's Surrey home, however, just weeks later Ruth was said to have found messages on his laptop. The discovery was said to have triggered their split announcement, with the heartbreaking discovery said to have been 'the straw that broke the camels back'. The insider added: 'After the phone call row the marriage limped on for a few weeks until Ruth found the laptop messages. It was another awful experience for her and the straw that broke the camels back as far as the marriage was concerned.' A joint statement issued by the pair announcing their split simply read: 'Ruth Langsford and Eamonn Holmes have confirmed their marriage is over and they are in the process of divorcing.' Daily Mail contacted representatives of Ruth and Eamonn for comment at the time. Health issues The broadcaster has been plagued by health battles in recent years after undergoing surgery on his back in 2022, which left him reliant on a walking frame or wheelchair Most recently, Eamonn sparked concerns from his fans and GB News colleagues, after revealing he'd undergone a procedure on his eye The broadcaster has been plagued by health battles in recent years after undergoing surgery on his back in 2022, which left him reliant on a walking frame or wheelchair. Most recently, Eamonn sparked concerns from his fans and GB News colleagues, after revealing he'd undergone a procedure on his eye. Last Month, the presenter took to his Instagram to share two selfies sporting a patch over his right eye and explaining he'd been in the hospital. Eamonn has battled a number of health problems in recent years, including a double hip replacement surgery, slipped discs and ongoing spinal problems. And sources have now said that this latest health woe has set the broadcaster back even further in his recovery. The two snaps saw Eamonn posing with the eye shield taped professionally by hospital staff, and another of him in his car after his own attempt, with significantly more tape. Captioning the shots, the star made light of his situation, while remaining tight-lipped about the reasoning for the procedure. He quipped: 'One of these eye patches was put on in hospital and the other one by me. See if u can guess which ? Ps U should see the other guy!!!!' Eamonn has battled a number of health problems in recent years, including a double hip replacement surgery, slipped discs and ongoing spinal problems (seen in December) While insiders have confirmed that Eamonn's eye operation was not serious, one source told Daily Mail: 'It seems to have put him out for longer than he hoped. 'Its one thing after another with set backs his back as well and hes got to have more surgery on his back so hes out of action.' Representatives for Eamonn declined to comment when approached by Daily Mail. Eamonn was left him reliant on a walking frame or wheelchair in 2022. At the time, he shared a photo from his bed and admitted: 'Life's not easy these days.' Earlier this year he told fans his problems were ongoing, writing on Instagram: 'Even when the sun shines there's pain. Sometimes I feel I'll never beat this disc immobility but I'm determined to have a life...' His health issues stretch back much further, with him undergoing a double hip replacement in 2016 after years of living with acute pain. Two years later he was struck down with shingles, which nearly derailed his son Declan's wedding day. During a live segment on TV, Eamonnsparked concern over his escalating health battle, after falling off his chair on live TV As the camera focused on commentator Charlie Rowley at 6:15am, a crash could be heard off screen and the broadcaster's co-host Ellie Costello exclaimed 'oh my gosh' By 2021, severe back pain seemingly came out of nowhere, leaving him dependent on a walking stick before doctors discovered he was suffering from three slipped discs affecting his right leg. And last month, Eamonn said he lives a 'physically difficult existence' after his back surgery went wrong. Speaking to Pamela Ballantine on ITV News, the former This Morning star explained he had a disc operation that went wrong and left him unable to walk other than '50 yards or something with a stroller device, but basically Im wheelchair bound'. While in June, he gave a candid and heartbreaking health update live on GB News, detailing the deterioration of his body. During a segment about recent research that had found that exercise had potential to cut the risk of getting cancer, Eamonn admitted: 'This makes me feel awful because I would have been pro-exercise, but I can't move. 'I'm in a wheelchair now. I can't put on trainers, I can't change, I can't go to the showers, I can't do things, I can't stand up.' 'There are a lot of people who are incapable of exercising, and therefore, rightly so, an increase of cancer growing.' Tim Vincent acknowledged: 'Absolutely and that is an issue that everybody is going to face. You're obviously in a really difficult position. 'Any exercise I think is going to help, especially for these people who have had cancer once and can get out there.' Tax woes Eamonn revealed that his tax row with HMRC has cost him more than 1m and two houses and he still owes a quarter of a million pounds On Thursday, Eamonn revealed that his tax row with HMRC has cost him more than 1m and two houses and he still owes a quarter of a million pounds. The Northern Irish broadcaster branded HMRC as 'thieves' for 'ruining him' and revealed the saga has cost him a home in Belfast and a holiday pad in Portugal. Eamonn - who has worked for the likes of GB News and and ITV - claimed tax officials ruled he was a staff member with broadcasters rather than freelance. He said the tax office requested 10 years worth of back tax and national insurance as a result of the employee status change. Eamonn claimed he has already paid over 1million back since - but despite selling his two homes still owes a whopping 250,000. Speaking to the Belfast Telegraph, he said: 'And they basically, at the most vulnerable time in my life, they wrecked me financially.' He said he appealed the decision twice but lost both times, and then landed with huge legal fees as a result. Eamonn has worked on TV for GB News, Sky News, ITV, BBC, Channel 4 and Channel 5 and written for the Daily Express and the Daily Mirror during his career. Last year Eamonn spoke about the tax battle and said he never received holiday or sick pay, though he said he wasn't looking for sympathy. 'It's like they have taken away everything I ever worked for,' he said in an interview with his former UTV colleague Gerry Kelly. In response Eamonn's tax battle at the time, a HMRC spokesperson told the Daily Mail: 'We take the wellbeing of all taxpayers seriously and do everything we can for those who engage with us to get their tax affairs in order, including by offering affordable payment plans.' Swipe at Lorraine Kelly During his rant about HMRC, Eammon also argued that telly star Lorraine Kelly managed to avoid similar tax issues by arguing she was playing a part on TV During his rant about HMRC, Eammon also argued that telly star Lorraine Kelly managed to avoid similar tax issues by arguing she was playing a part on TV. He explained how Lorraine is deemed to be freelance because she's not really Lorraine Kelly. 'I would say, you know, I'm an actor who plays the part of Eamonn Holmes, except I'm not, I'm the same off screen as I am on screen,' he said. 'There's no different persona with me.' Bumping heads with Phillip Schofield Eamonn Holmes and Phillip Schofield have been locked in an ongoing feud since Phil's departure from ITV over an affair with a younger male colleague(L-R Ruth Langsford, Phillip, Eamonn and Holly Willoughby in February 2020) Eamonn Holmes and Phillip Schofield have been locked in an ongoing feud since Phil's departure from ITV over an affair with a younger male colleague. Eamonn, has openly shared his dislike of the Cast Away star, 63, with the pair's warring words sparking a feud that's been dubbed one of the biggest in showbusiness. According to The Mirror, Phillip believes Eamonn's 'personal vendetta' against him comes from being axed from the This Morning Friday slot. A friend of Phillip's told the publication that Eamonn was 'consumed with jealousy that Friday rated poorly compared to the rest of the week'. It has also been claimed Eamonn was upset that Phillip never messaged him after he and his now estranged wife Ruth were axed from the ITV daytime show. During his Channel 5 series Cast Away, Phillip slammed an ITV colleague who 'threw him under the bus,' and a source previously told The Sun that he was referring to Eamonn. However, a source close to Eamonn told MailOnline: 'Phillip is going around trying to get people to feel sorry for him when the reality is he's brought everything that's happened upon himself. 'He just needs to own it and stop trying to hit out at everyone else. Eamonn has no relationship with Phillip these days. They're not friends. But his conscience is clear over everything that has happened in the past between them.' Rosie Huntington-Whiteley turned heads in a 435 Burberry scarf as she enjoyed a night out at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park, London on Thursday. The model, 38, looked chic as she wrapped up in the designer item which she wore over a black trench coat. Styling her blonde tresses loose, Rosie kept comfortable in a pair of chunky black boots as she walked around the festive fair. The former Victoria's Secret angel looked in good spirits as she was joined by a male pal as they headed on the rides. The star was spotted without her fiance Jason Statham, 58, who she has been in a relationship with since 2010, during the evening. Rosie snapped a series of selfies during the Christmas themed opening night where the likes of Holly Willoughby and Cruz Beckham were also in attendance. Rosie Huntington-Whiteley turned heads in a 435 Burberry scarf as she enjoyed a night out at Winter Wonderland in Hyde Park , London on Thursday The supermodel looked in good spirits as she headed on a ride with a male pal It comes after Rosie shared a series of rare snaps of her son Jack and daughter Isabella as she gave fans a look into her family life. The English supermodel took to Instagram last week with a carousel of special recent moments with her young family. Rosie shares her two children, Jack, eight, and Isabella, three, with fiance Jason. She shared sweet moments including her eldest Jack holding his little sister's hand during an autumnal stroll and perched together on a tree trunk. The blonde beauty also snapped Jack holding an owl while wearing a protective glove with the help of an expert. Last month, Rosie and Jason proved the couple is going stronger than ever as they posed to promote their second collaboration for Falconeri. The model and The Meg star made their debut for the fashion brand in March this year. Proving that teamwork makes the dream work, the pair joined forces once more in a series of head-turning snaps shared on Instagram. The former Victoria's Secret angel teamed her designer scarf with a black trench coat and kept comfortable in a pair of chunky boots The star was spotted without her fiance Jason Statham, 58, who she has been in a relationship with since 2010, during the evening Rosie stunned in a grey knitted bodysuit, while Jason modelled a grey cardigan with a matching top and beige joggers. Alongside the snaps, she penned: 'Excited to reveal the next chapter of our Fall-Winter 2025 campaign for @falconeriofficial. 'A vision of luxury and timeless style, beautifully captured by @lachlanbailey.' The low-key British couple, who live in Los Angeles, first began dating in 2010 after meeting at a party in London and experiencing what Rosie called 'instant chemistry'. They got engaged in 2016, with the model revealing they had taken their relationship to the next level when she flashed her impressive diamond ring at the Golden Globes. Speaking about their plans to marry after Jack was born, Rosie said: 'I think the time will come. It's also not a huge priority for us.' She has also addressed the couple's 20-year age gap, saying: 'His knowledge and strength are really inspiring and attractive, and that can come with a man who's had a bit of time.' The model, who grew up in Devon, recently revealed why she returned to the UK in 2020 and explained that it was always 'the plan' to raise her children in the UK. It comes after Rosie shared a series of rare snaps of her son Jack and daughter Isabella as she gave fans a look into her family life She told The Times: 'We love the schools, the education. Theyre growing up British with their little British accents, which was important for us, and we have a great support system here. 'Jays parents live up the road and see the kids most days, my family come to visit every six or eight weeks.' Rosie also said her kids are having a childhood not dissimilar to her own, even spending large amounts of time in Devon where she grew up. The mum, who only shares the occasional snap of her children online, added: 'In the summer we go down to Devon and our children have the same experiences running around on the farm that I had growing up, and its very special.' He's already won over the hearts of the nation with his cha cha cha. But now George Clarke, 25, has gone official with his lingerie model girlfriend as the pair walked the red carpet together at the TikTok awards on Thursday night. Making their debut at the awards held at Magazine London in North Greenwich, the influencer looked smitten as he kissed girlfriend Yasmin Amelia. Nominated for Creator of the Year, for which he was highly commended, George didnt hold back introducing Yasmin to his friends. Amelia too boasts almost 40,000 followers on Instagram and is signed to Jadore Models agency. The pair kissed on the lips as they posed for photos with other creator Max Balegde, 26, and his boyfriend and fellow influencer, Andrew Spanndy. George Clarke went official with his new girlfriend, model Yasmin Amelia on Thurday night at the TikTok Awards at Magazine London in North Greenwich Nominated for Creator of the Year, for which he was highly commended, George looked smitten as the pair posed for photos The pair kissed on the lips as they posed for photos with other creator Max Balegde, 26, and his boyfriend and fellow influencer, Andrew Spanndy When asked about how he was planning on celebrating, George said: Ive got to get up at 7am tomorrow, I ve got to get home to bed. Its getting a lot tougher but I feel like I know what I am doing a lot more now. Speaking about the event meanwhile, Amelia told the Mail: This is a whole new world to me. Wearing a pinstripe navy suit and white shirt, Yasmin opted for a white lace off the shoulder gown. George was announced as the sixth celebrity contestant for Strictly Come Dancing 2025. But his showbiz roots go deeper than his online personality, because his dad is the studio boss at an iconic British production company. George's dad is Sean Clarke, the managing director of Aardman Animations - the studio behind British institution Wallace and Gromit. Starting out at the company in 1998, George's dad Sean worked his way up, co-producing Early Man and the two Shaun The Sheep movies - and in 2019 was announced as the new boss of the whole operation. Amelia boasts almost 30k followers on Instagram and is signed to Jadore Models agency Fans claimed that YouTuber George confirmed he was dating lingerie model Yasmin Amelia during a live stream on social media. Speaking about the event last night, Amelia told the Mail: This is a whole new world to me. When asked about how he was going to celebrate last night, George, who is currently on this season of Strictly Come Dancing, said: 'Ive got to get up at 7am tomorrow, I ve got to get home to bed.' Usually kids look to their parents for inspiration, but Sean has previously admitted his son's YouTube success inspired him to make changes at Aardman. Born and raised in the UK, George began experimenting with video content as a teenager, quickly discovering the power of humour and honesty to connect with people around the world. Since then he has built a thriving digital career with millions of followers across YouTube , TikTok , and Instagram, drawn to his authenticity and sharp comedic voice. He also co-hosts The Useless Hotline Podcast, which has proven so popular it has led to a series of live shows across the UK. Before going onto the dancing show, fans claimed he was dating model Yasmin during a live stream on social media. However, last night, the pair went red carpet official. Alessandra Ambrosio showed off her age-defying looks as she went braless for a night out in Los Angeles. The Victoria's Secret legend, 44, wore a sheer black top that had just one clasp holding it together as she flaunted her toned stomach. She completed the racy look with a sheer orange sequin midi skirt which flashed her black underwear and a pair of heels. The beauty also accesorised with a pair of brown sunglasses and a black handbag as she wore her hair down looking effortlessly chic. Last month, Alessandra strutted down the Victoria's Secret runway last month alongside icons Adriana Lima, Candice Swanepoel and Lily Aldridge. Alessandra Ambrosio, 44, went braless under a plunging top as she flashed her underwear in a sheer sequin skirt on a night out in Los Angeles on Thurdsday The Victoria's Secret legend, 44, rocked a sheer black blouse that had just one clasp holding it together as she flaunted her toned tummy She completed the racy look with an orange sequin midi skirt which revealed her black pants underneath and a pair of heels She began walking for Victoria's Secret in 2000 but retired from the brand's fashion shows in 2017. Alessandra made her grand return to the Victoria's Secret Fashion Show in 2024 before walking once again in October. The supermodel exuded confidence while sporting a pair of gold feathery wings that draped down towards her waist. The Brazilian star's second look comprised of a black lace top as well as matching bottoms and sheer black tights with a lace trim at the top. Alessandra slipped into open-toed pumps and also sported large wings in the shape of a mask. The piece also had sheer material fall down towards the ground behind the star. Before the show, a source told Daily Mail, 'It's a return to the old style where women looked their very best. There will be less emphasis on shock value and more on all the pretty.' The beauty also accesorised with a pair of brown sunglasses and a black handbag as she wore her hair down looking effortlessly chic She began walking for Victoria's Secret in 2000 but retired from the brand's fashion shows in 2017 before returning to their catwalk show last month The supermodel exuded confidence while sporting a pair of gold feathery wings that draped down towards her waist The Brazilian star's second look comprised of a black lace top as well as matching bottoms and sheer black tights with a lace trim at the top The insider added, 'They want the runway to sizzle again because they need to ramp up sales.' The mother shares two children with her partner entrepreneur Jamie Mazur, 44 - Anja, 17, and Phoenix, nine. Anja is already leading a very glamorous life and has racked up more than 114,000 Instagram followers. She often jets off on lavish vacations, visiting Ibiza in Spain and St Tropez in France, as well as Hawaii, Turkey, and Brazil in the last two years alone. The teenager usually attends star-studded events with her famous mother. Most recently, the duo walked the carpet together at the The Secret Agent premiere in Los Angeles. Ginnifer Goodwin and her husband Josh Dallas made it a family night on Thursday. The married actors brought their two children onto the red carpet for the very first time. They posed with their sons Oliver, 10, and Hugo, eight, who looked sharp in fitted black suits with neckties. The couple, who met while starring on ABCs hit series Once Upon a Time, were at the Hollywood premiere of their new animated Disney movie Zootopia 2, which was held at the famed El Capitan Theatre. Goodwin plays Judy Hopps in the movie and Dallas is Frantic Pig. The brunette beauty talked to E! News about having her boys with her at the event even though she refuses to show their faces on social media. Ginnifer Goodwin and her husband Josh Dallas made it a family night on Thursday. The married actors brought their two children onto the red carpet for the very first time They posed with their sons Oliver, 10, and Hugo, eight, who looked sharp in fitted black suits 'My family is here,' she shared. 'We have never let our children go to Hollywood anything. Were very private. 'We heart out their faces on social media, so weve explained to them were still not going to be posting about them, and theyre not allowed to Google themselves. 'And they say their friends are going to and we say, "Thats fine, were not their parents." But its really an opportunity for us to celebrate this altogether as a family.' Good win wore a beige off-the-shoulder gown with long gloves as she added large stud earrings. Dallas matched his spouse in a dark beige suit with an army green T-shirt. The boys had on black suits and ties with white shirts adding shiny black dress shoes and black-rimmed glasses. The couple, who met while filming ABCs Once Upon a Time, were at the Hollywood premiere of new animated Disney movie Zootopia 2 which was held at the famed El Capitan Theatre Goodwin plays Judy Hopps in the movie and Dallas is Frantic Pig. The brunette beauty talked to E! News about having her boys with her at the event This comes after Dallas said he has 'nothing but gratitude' for Once Upon a Time. He added: 'We keep trying to shove Once Upon a Time down our boys' throats and they just don't want to watch it. 'I think that's probably a healthy reaction that they could care less about mom and dad on screen. But we've tried, we've tried several times to get them to watch Once Upon a Time because they're at the right age and I think they would really enjoy it. 'But they're just not interested at all.' Erika Eleniak was a top Hollywood pinup 30 years ago - thanks to her blonde bombshell looks which saw her likened to icons Jayne Mansfield and Kim Novak. The siren made her film debut in Steven Spielberg's E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial in 1982, and she later changed up her image as a Playboy Playmate for Hugh Hefner. The 56-year-old film and television star is best known for slipping into a red swimsuit to star on Baywatch for three years, from 1989 to 1992. She played Shauni McLain, the original female lead in the show's first two seasons. Three decades on, the actress has a striking new look as she is covered in tattoos - with Eleniak showing off her body art in a new photo from the set of one of her new films. Eleniak revealed what propelled her to ink her body in a recent episode of the Still Here Hollywood podcast with Steve Kmetko. Erika Eleniak was a top Hollywood pinup 30 years ago thanks to her blonde bombshell looks which saw her likened to icons Jayne Mansfield and Kim Novak - pictured 1989 The 56-year-old film and television star is best known for slipping into a red swimsuit to star on Baywatch for three years, from 1989 to 1992 She played Shauni McLain, the original female lead in the show's first two seasons. Seen with Tom McTigue, David Hasselhoff, Billy Warlock, Pamela Bach, Richard Jaeckel, Monte Markham, Jeremy Jackson She revealed that she started getting tattoos on her back sometime in her 'late 20s,' after her stint on Baywatch ended at the start of the third season. 'Every tattoo that I have is significant of something,' she said, citing on that had her mother's name for example. 'I love tattoos. I love that my body is a canvas to tell my stories,' she added. Eleniak was born in Glendale, California, to parents of Ukrainian, Estonian and German descent whose family had previously settled in Canada. The star was a part of cinematic history in 1982 when she was cast as a girl who kisses E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial child star, Henry Thomas during a classroom scene. Her next film role was in 1983's Imps*, which only received a belated release in 2009. In 1987, she began appearing on television with guest roles on Silver Spoons, Still the Beaver and Boys Will Be Boys. Baywatch starring David Hasselhoff was enormously successful thanks to beauties like Eleniak as well as Pamela Anderson and Carmen Electra In 1987, she began appearing on TV with guest roles on Silver Spoons, The New Leave It To Beaver and Boys Will Be Boys. On film, she appeared in the cult classic horror remake The Blob (1988), followed by Under Siege and 1993's The Beverly Hillbillies adaptation (pictured) After a multi-year absence, she returned to film to play one of the victims in 1988's gross-out remake of The Blob, which is now considered a science fiction horror cult classic. She followed it up with roles in bigger budget films, including the Steven Seagal action film Under Siege, the 1993 film adaptation of The Beverly Hillbillies, the 1995 rom-com A Pyromaniac's Love Story and the 1996 Tales From The Crypt spinoff film Bordello Of Blood. Her subsequent films in the late '90s, 2000s and 2020s were less frequent and were small-budget independent productions. Eleniak's most recently film was 2024's Lolipop Gang, in which she appeared as herself five years after her previous film role. As she was starting to appear in more high-profile films, she also had a three-episode run opposite Scott Baio on Charles In Charge in 1989 before beginning her stint on Baywatch. Eleniak seen in a new image from her movie Alchemy In Venice which recently wrapped; the tattoos all over her arms are real The star flashed her body ink in all its glory during a rare red carpet appearance in August 2024 She appeared in the show's TV movie pilot Panic At Malibu Pier as Shauni McClain before joining the main cast for the first two seasons. Her character started up a relationship with Billy Warlock's character Eddie Kramer, and they married at the beginning of the third season and moved to Australia, ending her time on the series. The actors were also engaged in real life at one point. The beginning of her Baywatch career in 1989 coincided with her appearing on the cover of the July 1989 issue of Playboy Magazine. Just before her stint on Baywatch, Eleniak appeared as a Playmate on the July 1989 cover of Playboy Magazine when her roommate, a model for the magazine, introduced her to its photo editor, who encouraged her to model. Eleniak said she became known as 'the difficult' Playmate in the late '80s because she found shooting for the magazine uncomfortable and bristled at ideas from photographers. 'I viewed it as a modeling job,' she clarified on Still Here Hollywood, and she stressed that she always considered herself 'an actress who did Playboy,' rather than a real Playmate. Eleniak later married the bodybuilder Philip Golgia in 1998, but they divorced after just six months. In the early 2000s she began dating the film worker Roch Daigle, and they moved to Calgary, Canada, before tying the knot in 2005 and later welcoming a daughter together. Erika's most recent project was narrating an eight-episode podcast series, The Murder Years, from last year, according to IMDb. Hollywood medium Tyler Henry - who famously did readings for the Kardashians just had his second brain surgery in six months, and 11 years after his first surgery at 18. Henrys husband, Clint Godwin, posted a message on Instagram letting followers know the clairvoyant medium and book author was doing fine after a delicate operation to remove a recurring cyst. 'As you might remember, my husband, Tyler Henry, underwent surgery in May 2025 to remove a cyst growing in his brain. However, over the past month, symptoms of swelling slowly returned,' Godwin informed fans on Thursday. 'Tylers medical team decided that another surgery to address the recurring cyst and swelling was the best option. Today Tyler underwent his third brain operation and is recovering well tonight,' he added. 'A heartfelt THANK YOU to everyone who has taken a moment to think of Tyler and our family over the past couple days.' Hollywood medium Tyler Henry - who famously did readings for the Kardashians just had his second brain surgery in six months, and 11 years after his first surgery at 18 In the caption, Godwin added, '@tylerhenrymedium and I are so thankful for all the support shown to us over the last couple days. We feel so loved by so many. They say the third time is a charm!' Henry, 29, has appeared in the reality series Hollywood Medium with Tyler Henry, in which he gives readings to celebrities, and Life and Death with Tyler Henry that shows him offering clarity and closure to people from beyond while delving into his own familys past. But his real claim to fame is for appearing on Keeping Up With the Kardashians to give readings to family members including Kris Jenner, Khloe Kardashian and Kylie Jenner. Henry stunned and surprised the momager when he mentioned her vision issue, a detail she had not told anyone about. The celebrity medium also connected with Jenners late ex-husband and famed lawyer Robert Kardashian. Henry warned the middle sister of the Kardashians that her relationship with then-boyfriend Tristan Thompson would have issues with the long-distance factor. The reality star and her baby daddy eventually split up in 2021 following reports of his infidelity. Henry gave the youngest member of the family a prediction about her love life and shared details about a past relationship. Tyler's real claim to fame is for appearing on Keeping Up With the Kardashians to give readings to the Kardashians including Kris, Khloe and Kylie Henrys husband, Clint Godwin, left, posted a message on Instagram letting followers know the clairvoyant medium was doing fine after a delicate operation to remove a cyst from his brain Tyler and Clint (pictured in 2022) were married on May 7 this year and live in L.A.'s Topanga Canyon with two dogs and a bird Tyler had his first surgery of the year on May 14 and updated fans that it 'was a success!' 'I think I know who you're talking about,' the Kylie Cosmetics founder told him. As for Henry, he met Godwin - a painter and stained-glass artist - in a reading in 2016 and they tied the knot on May 7 of this year. They live in Los Angeles Topanga Canyon and share their home with two dogs, Nanci and Quigley, and a bird called Cheeks. On May 14, seven days after their nuptials, Henry underwent his second brain surgery and shared an update with his followers after the procedure. Brain surgery was a success! he wrote. Great prognosis, incredible staff, and I feel so thankful to be surrounded by my family. Ill be on bedrest for a month and look forward to getting back to doing readings. Also at that time, Henry indicated that he had a colloid tumor near the center of my brain. Thankfully most of it has been removed! he added at the time. Charlotte Crosby burst into the nations living rooms back in 2011 on reality show Geordie Shore, all laughter, lipstick and late nights. Back then she was the life and soul of the party spontaneous, outrageous and heartbreakingly honest among the housemates on the MTV series. Fast forward nearly 15 years and shes still the same, only now the setting is a family home in Newcastle rather than that party house, and the chaos involves nappies, jet lag and tears shed out of pure exhaustion. Fame has magnified 35-year-old Charlottes lifes storms. Yet through heartbreak, public scrutiny, loss and self-doubt shes emerged stronger, more grounded and, by her own admission, happier than shes ever been. Still one of the UKs most influential reality stars with more than 15million followers on social media, Charlotte, 35, is busier than ever. Her new documentary series, Geordie Stories: Charlotte, Mam Of Two, picks up after the birth of her second daughter Pixi, and follows Charlotte, her partner Jake Ankers and their toddler Alba as they navigate the trials of parenthood, a house move and renovations, while she jets across the globe for her role on spin-off show Aussie Shore as The Boss - the arbitrator in the house. Oh, and shes also hosting the first sample sale for her fashion brand. I think I bit off more than I could chew, she laughs. But we got through it. Pixi was only two months old. If you think about it, having to do all that after two months, its a lot. A lot of people have a year off. Ive never had maternity leave because Im self-employed. If I dont do it, then how am I going to get paid? You dont want to say no to work, because theres pressure. Someone else might take the job if you say no. In our industry, you either do it or you get left behind. Its a brutally honest assessment from someone whos spent most of her adult life in front of a camera. Before meeting Jake, Charlotte had weathered more emotional turbulence than most experience in a lifetime. A string of volatile relationships, including with Geordie Shore co-star Gaz Beadle, left her emotionally drained and questioning her self-worth. In 2016 she suffered a life-threatening ectopic pregnancy - where a fertilised egg impants itself outside the womb - that resulted in the loss of a fallopian tube, a trauma she endured in the glare of the public eye while her ex filmed a reality show abroad. That episode, she later admitted, broke something inside her. In the years that followed, Charlotte sought control where she could, through her image. She had a nose job, breast enlargement and facial fillers, hoping to feel more confident in a world that judged her looks. But instead of relief came more scrutiny and online trolling. Charlotte Crosby with her partner, Jake Ankers, and their two daughters, Pixi and Alba Since 2016, Charlotte has sought to control what she could - particularly through her image The Geordie Shore star with her ex Gaz Beadle, who she met on the show, at an event in 2011 By her early thirties, with more failed relationships behind her, she had begun to speak openly about self-acceptance, saying she no longer wanted to chase perfection. She was exhausted, distrustful and convinced that love always came with heartbreak. Then she met Jake. He changed everything for me, she says. Id been caught up in a toxic pattern getting cheated on, feeling paranoid. I thought thats how love was meant to feel. But when I met Jake I realised it isnt. He healed all that. Yet she says her toughest life chapter to date is right now, and her new series reveals how shes coping. Having two very small children has meant taking unavoidable time away from the industry, she explains. You see everyone else at the events, doing the shoots, and you cant help thinking, Why wasnt I invited? Its not jealousy, its that fear that the world has moved on without you. In this industry, things move so fast. If you say no, someone else will do it. If you step back for too long, its like you disappear. Despite having built a brand since Geordie Shore with autobiographies, fitness DVDs, presenting and other reality formats, shes found a new purpose in motherhood. Being a mum has been the best thing to happen. Id been playing the same game for 31 years, and suddenly it said new level unlocked. Everything became more meaningful. I stopped being a pushover. I knew what I wanted. People might think Im boring now, but to me Im having the most fun ever. But stepping back, even briefly, meant facing the quiet dread of irrelevance in a business that prizes momentum over motherhood. If I hadnt had children Id still be very much in that rat race. But Ive got a higher purpose now: my children. I want to prove you can be a mother and still work really hard. But because I came from Geordie Shore doors were slammed in my face. We werent like the Made In Chelsea lot we got drunk, ate kebabs and had fights. Nobody wanted us for anything. But 15 years later Im still here. Ive had to fight for everything. Having two kids, Ive learned that women are superheroes, she smiles. Even women on maternity for a year, lets not take away from them. Looking after a tiny human is hard. Being a woman is hard. While Charlotte balances the demands of filming with running her fashion label, Pepper Girls Club, Jake is often away with his chauffeur business. Its a story many couples will recognise with one partner pulled by work, the other stretched thin at home, both trying to hold it all together - especially when they moved house in May. We were butting heads constantly. We had one big argument and I told him, Take both girls. Have a night with them". Later that night he texted, Charlotte, please help me, I dont know what to do". Alba was screaming, the baby was crying. Thats when he realised what Id been dealing with. 'When he said, I understand", it was the best feeling in the world, someone finally validating what I was going through, she admits. In one pivotal episode, Jake flies out to Australia to surprise her during filming but the romantic gesture backfires when exhaustion and miscommunication lead to rows. Eventually the couple reconnect, finding calm after the storm. Wed been at breaking point, Charlotte admits. It wasnt about cheating, just two exhausted people trying to do too much. When he finally showed how much he cared, it reminded us what really matters. A recent trip to Paris cemented that. Hes doing a 100-day no-drinking challenge. We just wandered around the city, saw the Eiffel Tower, no pressure, no hangovers, just us. We ordered room service in our robes. It was lovely, so natural. Afterwards I just wanted to sit closer to him on the sofa again. It reinvigorated our spark and there wasnt a drop of champagne involved. If her twenties were about wild spontaneity, her thirties have brought emotional maturity. Her openness about anxiety, grief and loss has made her one of televisions most relatable figures. I get the worst anxiety now, she confesses. Becoming a mum makes life feel fragile, because you realise what there is to lose. She also credits her mother, Letitia, with being her anchor. We argue like cat and dog, but we love each other so much. Their bond deepened when Letitia was diagnosed with breast cancer while Charlotte was pregnant with Alba. But it strengthened their determination to build something lasting together. When Mum was made redundant I started the Pepper Girls Club so she didnt have to worry. Then she got cancer, but she still came into work every day. That job kept her sane because shed forget about the illness. When we did well on a launch, shed be high-fiving everyone. Shes cancer-free now. Im doing this for her. Charlotte started the business with no fashion background and just a tape measure on the floor. It took seven years of tax bills, VAT returns, sleepless nights, nearly making myself skint to keep it going. When I met an investor early on, their accountant said, This business will do well when pigs can fly". But I stuck with it and now its finally flying. Its not luck. Its grit.' What would she tell her younger self? Id say, Youre doing good. Keep going". But if I were talking to my own girls Id say, Be your authentic self. Dont try to be someone youre not. And please, for the love of God, dont get too drunk - youll lose control of who you are". Returning as the Boss on Aussie Shore has brought her story full circle. That stage of my life is done. I dont want the drama. Watching the new cast go through what I did was incredible. I could relive it all but this time without the chaos, getting drunk and arguing over boys - I just couldnt do it. Ive grown out of all that. Id rather be at home with my girls, making dinner and watching a film. Thats my kind of night now. Ive been through a lot heartbreak, criticism, exhaustion but I wouldnt change a thing. Its all brought me here. And Im the happiest Ive ever been. Geordie Stories: Charlotte, Mam Of Two, from Wednesday, Paramount+. Taylor Swift has fans in meltdown as a never-before-seen handwritten note she sent to the late Liam Payne in 2017 has surfaced and is now heading to auction. The note, revealed Wednesday by Omega Auctions on X, was sent to Payne ahead of their performances at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena. Written on Swifts personalized card stock and sealed with her iconic TS wax stamp, the message was addressed simply to 'Liam' and cheered him on during his early solo career after One Direction's hiatus. 'Liam, Long time no see! Im so excited for you, youre crushing it out there,' Swift scribbled. She added, referencing Paynes October 2017 single, 'Im obsessed with "Bedroom Floor." Its so cool to see you from afar, Im always cheering you on. Good luck tonight!' The note, valued at around $6,500 to $13,000, was later gifted by Payne to a 'close associate,' according to the auction listing. Taylor Swift has fans in meltdown as a never-before-seen handwritten note she sent to the late Liam Payne in 2017 has surfaced and is now heading to auction; (pictured February 2025) The note, revealed Wednesday by Omega Auctions on X, was sent to Payne ahead of their performances at the Capital FM Jingle Bell Ball at London's O2 Arena; (pictured 2022) Written on Swifts personalized card stock and sealed with her iconic TS wax stamp, the message was addressed simply to 'Liam' and cheered him on during his early solo career after One Direction's hiatus Images of the rare note spread like wildfire, immediately igniting chatter across social media. One fan lamented, 'And now Im going to cry myself to sleep, thank you.' Another wrote, 'I had no idea they ever interacted. Just goes to show we never really know whats happening behind the scenes.' 'Well this just shattered my heart into a million pieces,' someone else added. Swifts handwritten message offers a rare glimpse into her private support for Payne, whose solo career kicked off after One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016. Payne released Bedroom Floor in October 2017, following his debut solo single Strip That Down in May and Get Low in July of the same year. The bands indefinite break began in January 2016, following the release of their fifth studio album, and came after Zayn Malik left the band in March 2015. Swift and Payne never spoke publicly about their friendship, but she clearly moved in One Direction circles. The note was later gifted by Payne to a 'close associate,' according to the auction listing Swifts handwritten message offers a rare glimpse into her private support for Payne, whose solo career kicked off after One Direction went on indefinite hiatus in 2016; (Niall Horan, Harry Styles, Zayn Malik, Louis Tomlinson and Liam Payne in 2012) Swift famously dated Harry Styles, with their romance lasting from March 2012 to January 2013; (pictured 2012) She famously dated Harry Styles, with their romance lasting from March 2012 to January 2013. Swift was also spotted hanging out with Niall Horan and Louis Tomlinson at the 2015 Billboard Music Awards afterparty. She later collaborated with Malik on 2016s hit I Dont Wanna Live Forever. Despite the public spotlight on her connections to the band, her friendship with Payne remained private. The auction comes just after of the first anniversary of Paynes tragic death in October 2024, after he fell from a hotel balcony in Buenos Aires. An autopsy revealed he died of polytrauma, with traces of alcohol, cocaine, and prescription antidepressants found in his system. Last week Tomlinson confirmed that Payne's death has 'completely put a pin in' a potential One Direction reunion as he revealed he doesn't believe it 'would be right'. However, It is believed Liam's death brought the band close again. Despite the public spotlight on her connections to the band, Swift's friendship with Payne remained private; (pictured 2010) Earlier this month it was revealed Tomlinson and Malik have reunited for a new Netflix multi-million pound deal. Sources close to the production have revealed the pair are likely to discuss the tragic death of Payne. The duo have become close again, and earlier this year Malik gave a shoutout to Tomlinson after he attended his Los Angeles concert at the Shrine Exposition Hall. Tomlinson is the only band member to have publicly reflected on Liams death. Speaking to Rolling Stone UK, he admitted he still feels 'frustrated that Liams not with us anymore' as he recalled the shock of his friends passing. He continued: 'It was really, really, impossibly difficult for me to deal with losing Liam. Naively, I thought that because at this point, Im relatively well versed in grief for my age, that it might soften the blow. '[That was] super-naive. Its very different. Ive never lost a friend before.' Tomlinson also opened up about how the bands 15th anniversary earlier this year was especially tough, being the first one celebrated without Liam. It's thought that following Liam's death last year, Zayn has been 'in contact' with the rest of the group, and he's now again named as a business director on their company PPM Music Limited He said: 'It was really uncomfortable, actually, the 15th anniversary, because the [collective] feeling to celebrate is as important, if not more important than ever, on behalf of Liam. 'Theres still a level in my head [where it feels] unjust and frustrating that hes not with us anymore. So, it just brought up those feelings, although Im still living with them anyway.' On Tuesday, it was reported that Malik has been 'in contact' with the rest of the group, and hes once again named as a business director on their company, PPM Music Limited. Malik, who is set to kick off his first-ever Las Vegas residency in January, had his role terminated on June 20, 2016. New documents listed on Companies House now show hes back in the firm, alongside Styles, Tomlinson and Horan. Zayns relationship with his former bandmates had become strained after he quit the group in March 2015. In the years that followed, he admitted the members had grown 'sick of each other' and he hadnt stayed in touch much since leaving. One Direction rose to superstardom after appearing on The X Factor in 2010, going on to sell a staggering 70 million records worldwide. The band racked up nearly 200 awards, including seven Brit Awards, four MTV Music Awards, six Billboard Music Awards, seven American Music Awards, and 28 Kids Choice Awards. Teresa Giudice revealed her new blonde hair on Friday afternoon as she led the reality stars at the star-studded BravoCon in Las Vegas. The normally brunette bombshell from Real Housewives Of New Jersey was getting out of a black SUV when talking to daughter Gia Giudice on her cell phone. Another one of the guests was her longtime foe Melissa Gorga, who is married to her brother Joe Gorga. The two have been fighting on and off for the past decade. The ladies likely had to run into each other while at the event held at the Caesars Forum on the strip. Also at the event were Kyle Richards, Erika Jayne and Teddi Mellencamp from The Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills. Giudice had on a sheer back corset top with a sweetheart neckline as she added black slacks and black shiny peep-tie heels. Teresa Giudice revealed her new blonde hair on Friday afternoon as she led the reality stars at the star-studded BravoCon in Las Vegas The normally brunette bombshell from Real Housewives Of New Jersey was getting out of a black SUV when talking to daughter Gia Giudice on her cell phone Giudice seen with her signature brunette locks in April 2025 She was covered in diamond jewelry as she flashed a pink pedicure and red toes. But what stood out the most was the cookbook author's long blonde locks. She has never been seen before with such light hair. Her daughter Gia wore a strapless pink mirror minidress with her hair down; she has also been on RHONJ and also starred on Special Forces this year. She carried a silver Fendi purse and wore silver backless heels. Gorga was stylish in a beige leotard with a very sheer beaded skirt and beige heels. BravoCon is a fan convention for Bravo television channel shows, bringing together stars and superfans to celebrate series like The Real Housewives, Below Deck, and Southern Charm. Attendees can participate in panels, meet-and-greets, photo ops, and interactive exhibits, with a significant portion of the event being streamed live and on-demand on Peacock. Over 150 celebrities from the Bravoverse are scheduled to appear. Host Andy Cohen leads BravoCon Live with Andy Cohen shows, featuring various Bravolebrities and awards. The convention features over 60 events and panels, often with exclusive content. There are opportunities for photo ops, interactive activations, and custom-fabricated exhibits. There is also a Bravo Bazaar and a Bravoland Museum. From November 14 to 16, stars from shows such as Below Deck, The Valley, Vanderpump Rules, Next Gen, Married to Medicine and every Real Housewives city will attend the event. Her daughter Gia wore a strapless pink mirror minidress with her hair down; she has also been on RHONJ and also starred on Special Forces this year. She carried a silver Fendi purse and wore silver backless heels Gorga was stylish in a beige leotard with a very sheer beaded skirt and beige heels Kyle Richards of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills wore a black blazer, top and slacks with pointy shoes. There was also a black piece of fabric wrapped around her neck Richards' older sister Kathy Hilton of RHOBH was also there with daughter Nicky Hilton Richards' costar Teddi Mellencamp wore a beige/gold outfit; she looked to be in great health as she continues to battle cancer. She posed with Tamra Judge Judge modeled a very low cut burgundy dress with matching heels and purse Erika Jayne from Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills had on a beige satin corset top with red tassels on the print as she added a Latez blush skirt with platform ankle heels. A big diamond cross hung around her neck Kyle Richards of Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills wore a black blazer, top and slacks with pointy shoes. There was also a black piece of fabric wrapped around her neck. Richards' older sister Kathy Hilton of RHOBH was also there with daughter Nicky Hilton. Richards' costar Teddi Mellencamp wore a beige outfit; she looked to be in great health as she continues to battle cancer. Tamra Judge modeled a very low cut burgundy dress with matching heels and purse. Erika Jayne from Real Housewives Of Beverly Hills had on a beige satin corset top with red tassels on the print as she added a Latex blush skirt with platform ankle heels. A big diamond cross hung around her neck. Brittany Cartwright of the shows Vanderpump Rules and The Valley wore a very sheer black minidress with heels that showed off the results of her new cosmetic surgery. Last month Cartwright showed off new 27in waistline after tummy tuck and breast reduction in a new photo posted to Instagram. The beauty took a mirror selfie in her bathroom as she looked proud of her slimmer frame. It has been weeks since the 36-year-old had surgery. 'Almost 3 weeks postop! Im feeling a little sore and still swollen but Im doing amazing and getting better everyday!' her caption began. 'Im so happy with my decision, do whatever makes you happy with your own body and lift other women up always! Everyone may not take the route I chose and I truly believe a womans body is incredible no matter what and deserves all the love!' Pal Kristen Doute said, 'DAYUMMMMMM so sparkly inside and out.' Scheana Shay added, 'YES GIRL.' And Tamra Judge then shared: 'You look amazing always. Hope you feel back to normal soon.' Brittany Cartwright of the shows Vanderpump Rules and The Valley wore a very sheer black minidress with heels that showed off the results of her new cosmetic surgery She seemed proud to put her new shape on display Jasmine Goode Self, Zack Wickham and Cartwright Cartwright had a tummy tuck and breast reduction last month She also checked in with her fans. 'Im still recovering from a huge surgery even though Im feeling better every day. I'm feeling better every day. I had my tubes removed today and it went so much better than I thought. It was, like, hardly any pain, I barely felt anything at all,' the mom-of-one told her followers. She continued: 'I feel so much better. It's crazy how much better I instantly felt with having the tubes removed. So, still very swollen but, oh my Gosh, I'm feeling amazing.' Cartwrights rep Lori Krebs told Us Weekly that Cartwright underwent a 'mommy makeover' to kickstart 'an empowering new chapter in her journey of self-confidence, healing and growth.' Krebs explained that going under the knife was 'something Brittany had wanted to do for herself for quite some time, and she finally took the step.' Dolores Catania, who recently got engaged, wore a beige suit Gretchen Rossi of RHOC wore a skimpy gold dress with clear shoes (l-r) Lala Kent, Michelle Saniei of Vanderpump Rules Per the outlet, the procedures were done by Dr. Payman Danielpour and Dr. John Layke. An insider also confirmed that the star 'removed the [breast] implants she had and got new ones.' Sonja Morgan of Real Housewives Of New York flashed her legs in a gold mini skirt with matching heels. She also had on a black blazer and tank top. She was joined on the blue carpet by former co-star Luann de Lesseps of RHONY was also seen as she stood out in a magenta sequined dress with black stockings and shoe boots. Gretchen Rossi of RHOC wore a skimpy gold showgirls-style dress with clear shoes. Madison LeCroy was seen in an ivory dress that hugged her figure and Craig Conover had on a dark suit. Sonja Morgan of Real Housewives Of new York flashed her legs in a gold mini skirt with matching heels. She also had on a black blazer and tank top She was joined on the blue carpet by former co-star Luann de Lesseps of RHONY was also seen as she stood out in a magenta sequined dress with black stockings and shoe boots Luann de Lesseps glammed up for the festivities wearing a purple and gold-colored blazer dress as well as black ankle boots Emira D'Spain, left, and Robyn Dixon, right (l-r) Molly O'Connell, Emmy Sharrett Jennifer Pedranti wore a pink and blue dress with white heels The blonde was joined by Ryan Boyajian who wore a pink sweater (l-r) Jesse McBee, Cole McBee, Steven McBee Jr., Allie Eklund Madison LeCroy, left, was seen in ivory and Craig Conover had on a dark suit (l-r) Austen Kroll, Shep Rose Bravo fan convention has returned to Las Vegas for its fourth time, taking over the Caesars Forum. News was shared from the event. Summer House is going to NYC with Amanda Batula, Kyle Cook, and Lindsay Hubbard. The Real Housewives of Potomac is coming back. The network revealed that Below Deck and Below Deck Mediterranean have been renewed for Seasons 13 and 11, and will take place in Thailand and Croatia, respectively Bravo alums and Shahs of Sunset stars Reza Farahan, Golnesa 'GG' Gharachedaghi, and Mercedeh Javid are back for the new series, The Valley: Persian Style, a spinoff of The Valley. Kim Zolciak's daughter Ariana Biermann wore all black Emira D'Spain,Biermann, Riley Burruss Britani Bateman held on to a toy unicorn Drew Sidora had on a low-cut white and black dress with white pumps Ava Dash, left, and Lisa Barlow, right According to Bravo, the series 'follows a tight-knit group of Persian friends who have traded Beverly Hills for suburban life in the Valley. As they juggle marriages, parenthood and thriving careers, cracks in their relationships -- both between lovers and friends -- begin to emerge. 'Rooted in their culture that values family, friendships and loyalty above everything else, emotions often take over as these fiery personalities navigate their highs, lows and everything in between.' The series will also star Farahan's husband, Adam Neely, Javid's husband, Tommy Feight, and Reza Jackson, along with couples Sky Asakari and Bamshad Akbar, Tanin Nipkey and Greg Haroutunian, Natasha and Amir Boroumand. The Valley: Persian Style premieres Thursday, January 8 at 9 p.m. ET. Camille Grammer was also spotted at the event while sporting a black dress which was paired with lace gloves as well as a Chanel pearl necklace Tia Glover dazzled wearing a sparkling gold bodysuit and also slipped into a pair of open-toed heels Porsha Williams turned heads wearing a shimmering sleeveless dress that clung to her figure and styled her locks into a chic up do Lindsay Hubbard put on a leggy display in a green and nude-patterned dress with dramatic shoulders and loose strips of fabric that fell down from the hem Bozoma Saint John made a statement wearing a patterned ensemble with puffy sleeves as well as a train of fabric that flowed down behind her Camille Grammer was also spotted at the event while sporting a black dress which was paired with lace gloves as well as a Chanel pearl necklace. Tia Glover dazzled wearing a sparkling gold bodysuit and also slipped into a pair of open-toed heels. Gizelle Bryant was chic while donning a white tank top which was tucked into a fitted white pencil skirt with a slit on the front. Porsha Williams turned heads wearing a shimmering sleeveless dress that clung to her figure and styled her locks into a chic up do. Lindsay Hubbard put on a leggy display in a green and nude-patterned dress with dramatic shoulders and loose strips of fabric that fell down from the hem. Bozoma Saint John made a statement wearing a patterned ensemble with puffy sleeves as well as a train of fabric that flowed down behind her. Rachel Zoe showed off her personal sense of style wearing a long white top with feathery details as well as a pair of matching trousers. The star layered the look with a fuzzy jacket draped over her shoulders. Celebrities were later seen taking to the stage for panel discussions at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas. Celebrities were later seen taking to the stage for panel discussions at Caesar's Palace in Las Vegas; Lala Kent seen above Brittany Cartwright was seen sharing a laugh during the Peaks & The Valley panel at BravoCon on Friday The Valley star Janet Caperna was also seen sitting next to Cartwright during the panel She opted for a vibrant orange-colored outfit and allowed her long locks to flow down past her shoulders in light waves Jesse Lally and Tom Schwartz were spotted talking to the crowd at the event The stars - which also included Zack Wickham, Jasmine Goode, Jason Caperna, Danny Pellegrino, Kristen Doute, Luke Broderick, Nia Booko and Danny Booko - sat on the stage for the panel Brittany Cartwright was seen sharing a laugh during the Peaks & The Valley panel at BravoCon on Friday. Michelle Saniei took part in the conversation while donning a sheer green, lace outfit which was layered with a fuzzy jacket. The Valley star Janet Caperna was also seen sitting next to Cartwright during the panel. She opted for a vibrant orange-colored outfit and allowed her long locks to flow down past her shoulders in light waves. Jesse Lally and Tom Schwartz were spotted talking to the crowd at the event. The stars - which also included Zack Wickham, Jasmine Goode, Jason Caperna, Danny Pellegrino, Kristen Doute, Luke Broderick, Nia Booko and Danny Booko - sat on the stage for the panel. And later, more celebrities spoke to the audience during the Livin' in Beverly Hills panel in Las Vegas. Jennifer Tilly, Kyle Richards, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne, Bozoma Saint John, Dorit Kemsley, Rachel Zoe and Kathy Hilton joined Anthony Allen Ramos for the discussion. More celebrities spoke to the audience during the Livin' in Beverly Hills panel in Las Vegas Jennifer Tilly, Kyle Richards, Sutton Stracke, Erika Jayne, Bozoma Saint John, Dorit Kemsley, Rachel Zoe and Kathy Hilton joined Anthony Allen Ramos for the discussion Ashley Darby, Shai Fruchter, Reza Farahan, Molly O'Connell and Carole Radziwill were seen during the Passing The Bravo Torch conversation The group was seen spinning a wheel at one point while on the stage Ariana Madix and Kate Chastain dressed for the occasion during the Love, Ariana Style segment at BravoCon on Friday Alexia Nepola, Teresa Giudice, S.E. Cupp, Shannon Beador and Camille Meyer were seen during the Housewife2Housewife: A New Lease On Wife panel Heather Dubrow, Shamea Morton and Patricia Altschul flashed cheerful smiles as they also spoke on stage for the Bougie, Not Basic segment The Yep We're Besties talk included Kiki Monique, Teddi Mellencamp, Teresa Giudice, Tamra Judge, Alexia Nepola, Cynthia Bailey and Sutton Stracke Alexia Nepola also shared a laugh with Lisa Hochstein, Margaret Josephs and Jennifer Fessler at the Party 1: RHONJ + RHOM panel Ashley Darby, Shai Fruchter, Reza Farahan, Molly O'Connell and Carole Radziwill were seen during the Passing The Bravo Torch conversation. Ariana Madix and Kate Chastain dressed for the occasion during the Love, Ariana Style segment at BravoCon on Friday. Alexia Nepola, Teresa Giudice, S.E. Cupp, Shannon Beador and Camille Meyer were seen during the Housewife2Housewife: A New Lease On Wife panel. Heather Dubrow, Shamea Morton and Patricia Altschul flashed cheerful smiles as they also spoke on stage for the Bougie, Not Basic segment. Andy Cohen was joined by Jeff Lewis during the Ask Andy segment at BravoCon on Friday The TV personality was seen talking into a microphone during the conversation with Lewis Tom Schwartz, Steven McBee, Molly O'Connell, Jesse Solomon, Maddi Reese, Craig Conover, Gina Kirschenheiter, West Wilson, Joe Bradley, Golnesa Gharachedaghi, Ariana Biermann, Riley Buress and Jerry O'Connell took part in the Battle of the Sexes panel The group all wore name tags as they sat in comfy seats on the stage for the segment At one point, the stars gave their attention to a moderator who also spoke on stage The TV personalities spoke on stage to the live audience at the event The Yep We're Besties talk included Kiki Monique, Teddi Mellencamp, Teresa Giudice, Tamra Judge, Alexia Nepola, Cynthia Bailey and Sutton Stracke. Alexia Nepola also shared a laugh with Lisa Hochstein, Margaret Josephs and Jennifer Fessler at the Party 1: RHONJ + RHOM panel. Andy Cohen was joined by Jeff Lewis during the Ask Andy segment at BravoCon on Friday. Tom Schwartz, Steven McBee, Molly O'Connell, Jesse Solomon, Maddi Reese, Craig Conover, Gina Kirschenheiter, West Wilson, Joe Bradley, Golnesa Gharachedaghi, Ariana Biermann, Riley Buress and Jerry O'Connell took part in the Battle of the Sexes panel. Brittany Cartwright flashed her body in a very sheer minidress at BravoCon in Las Vegas on Friday. The TV star left little to the imagination in the tiny black netted frock as she added black pointy heels that elongated her toned legs while on a blue carpet inside Caesars Forum. This comes just over one month after she had a tummy tuck and breast reduction done to improve her shape. Three weeks after she had the operations done she told fans she was 'sore' but thrilled with the results. 'Im so happy with my decision, do whatever makes you happy with your own body and lift other women up always! Everyone may not take the route I chose and I truly believe a womans body is incredible no matter what and deserves all the love!' she said on social media. Brittany Cartwright flashed her body in a very sheer minidress at BravoCon in Las Vegas on Friday The TV star left little to the imagination in the tiny black netted frock as she added black pointy heels that elongated her toned legs L to R: Jasmine Goode Self, Zack Wickham and Cartwright arrive at Caesars Forum in Las Vegas Pal Kristen Doute said, 'DAYUMMMMMM so sparkly inside and out.' Scheana Shay added, 'YES GIRL.' And Tamra Judge then shared: 'You look amazing always. Hope you feel back to normal soon.' Last week she also checked in with her fans. 'Im still recovering from a huge surgery even though Im feeling better every day. I'm feeling better every day. I had my tubes removed today and it went so much better than I thought. It was, like, hardly any pain, I barely felt anything at all,' the mom-of-one told her followers. She continued: 'I feel so much better. It's crazy how much better I instantly felt with having the tubes removed. So, still very swollen but, oh my Gosh, I'm feeling amazing.' Cartwrights rep Lori Krebs told Us Weekly that Cartwright underwent a 'mommy makeover' to kickstart 'an empowering new chapter in her journey of self-confidence, healing and growth.' Krebs explained that going under the knife was 'something Brittany had wanted to do for herself for quite some time, and she finally took the step.' Per the outlet, the procedures were done by Dr. Payman Danielpour and Dr. John Layke. Peaks & The Valley Presented by Carnival Cruise Line (l-r) Janet, Carperna, Cartwright She sat up straight as she let fans get an eyeful of her new chest (l-r) Zack Wickham, Jasmine Goode, Michelle Saniei, Jason Caperna, Caperna, Cartwright An insider also confirmed that the star 'removed the [breast] implants she had and got new ones.' Earlier this month, Cartwright teased she was recovering from a surgery she has been wanting to do 'for years.' Although she refrained from revealing exactly what procedure she underwent, the TV personality shared photos from her recovery. This includes an image of two surgical drains hanging beside her torso, which was wrapped with a compression bandage. In October Cartwright showed off new 27in waistline after tummy tuck and breast reduction in a new photo posted to Instagram Before that she unveiled her dramatically slimmed down figure in a new video 'When they said "remove what no longer serves you," I took it literally,' she captioned the post. 'In all seriousness, yall know I always keep it real and soooI did a thing Something Ive wanted to do for years and I finally took the step for me. I couldnt be happier. 'till recovering, but feeling stronger (and lighter) every day. Cant wait to share more with you soon! .' Cartwright's surgery comes a year after she filed for divorce to end her marriage to Jax Taylor after five years of marriage over 'irreconcilable differences.' Months prior to Brittany filing for divorce, she had already revealed to the public that they had been living separately for months. In February 2024, she went on their joint podcast and announced their split. Here she is seen no long after she went under the knife Cartwright's surgery comes a year after she filed for divorce to end her marriage to Jax Taylor; seen in 2023 'Jax and I are taking time apart and I made the decision to move into another home to take some space for the sake of my mental health.' The former couple share a four-year-old son, named Cruz. Last year, Cartwright explained her marital woes and lack of intimacy with Taylor began to affect her self esteem. 'I felt like I wasn't good enough. If you start to feel like your partner doesn't want you and they're also being mean to you, it's like, "What am I doing here?" I'm basically living with a roommate. I hit my breaking point,' she explained to Us Weekly. 'I don't want to be unhappy for the rest of my life. I don't want to be in a sexless marriage for the rest of my life. I don't want to be arguing with my husband for the rest of my life.' When she tried to speak to Taylor about their issues, Cartwright claimed that he would tell her was '44 and I'm tired' an answer that didn't suffice for her. 'I was like, "Oh my gosh, everybody has kids, and not everybody's going through this!" I can't talk to him about things; he always goes on the defensive. He doesn't care about my side,' Cartwright said. A single mom thought she was giving her kids the vacation of their dreams, but it was quickly turned upside down. Jessica Barnes, a Canadian software professional, took her two children to Europe for their first ever trip overseas. Barnes told Business Insider that her kids were 'extremely excited' to travel around Barcelona, Paris, and London. However, things took a turn for the worst when they checked into their first hotel a Marriott-Sonder property in Barcelona. After a fun day of sightseeing, her family returned to their hotel and found out they had to leave immediately. Barnes's family isn't alone, hotel guests across the world were kicked out of their rooms mid-stay earlier this week after Marriott's partner Sonder suddenly collapsed into bankruptcy. The abrupt shutdown left travelers stranded from Boston to Dubai, with some returning to find their belongings stuffed into plastic bags or dumped in hallways. 'When we returned to the hotel, on the second night of our three-night stay at Sonder's Casa Luz Hotel, the kids were exhausted,' she told Business Insider. Jessica Barnes stayed at Sonder's Casa Luz Hotel with her kids Jessica Barnes (pictured), a Canadian software professional, took her two children to Europe for their first ever trip overseas Barnes said her kids were 'extremely excited' to travel around Barcelona (pictured), Paris, and London 'That's when I checked my emails and saw that I had just received a notice from Marriott saying that we needed to leave the hotel 'as soon as you are able.'' Barnes said she was shocked and her kids were scared. She called Marriott and the customer service representative for platinum members told them she'd have to call Sonder for more information. When she finally got through to the short-term rental and boutique hotel company, they put her on hold and then re-iterated that the family had to leave as soon as possible. Sonder told Barnes they'd help her book a new hotel, but that she'd have to pay last-minute prices: 'They also had no plans or processes in place for dealing with us.' Barnes used her Marriott app to book a new hotel, Moxy Barcelona, and they packed up and left the following day. 'I'm a resourceful traveler. But I'm a single mother with two children in a foreign country where I don't speak the language, which was scary,' she told the publication. 'It's an expensive trip, too. We spent the evening trying to make a new plan and lost some of our vacation time.' Barnes still has Marriott stays booked for her Paris and London legs of the trip, and she's hoping that that Marriott will do the right thing by providing compensation for a future trip. A guest is seen abruptly leaving the Sonder hotel she was staying at in Philadelphia with her luggage in tow Those staying in the boutique hotels and short-term rentals were notified on Sunday by Marriott and Sonder Holdings that they would need to vacate immediately (stock image) The company signed a licensing deal with Marriott International and rebranded as Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy. Marriott and Sonder guests were abruptly ordered to vacate, some mid-stay, as staff learned they had lost their jobs the same day Sonder, once valued at over $1 billion and hailed as a rival to Airbnb, filed for Chapter 7 liquidation on Monday after Marriott International terminated its licensing deal forcing the company to wind down operations immediately. The collapse came less than a year after Sonder which offered short-term apartment-style rentals and boutique hotels rebranded as Sonder by Marriott Bonvoy under a 2024 partnership that allowed it to list rooms on Marriott's website. But the two companies reportedly struggled to integrate booking systems, leading to what executives called a 'sharp decline in revenue.' 'We are devastated to reach a point where liquidation is the only viable path forward,' said interim CEO Janice Sears. Prosecco is supposed to go out with a celebratory bang but not like this. More than 900,000 bottles of Kirkland Signature Prosecco have been urgently recalled. Officials warned that unopened bottles can spontaneously explode, spraying glass and wine without warning. The recall, issued by F&F Fine Wines International, comes after at least ten reports of bottles shattering on their own. One customer has already been injured by flying shards, according to the Consumer Product Safety Commission. The affected wine sold in green glass with purple foil retailed for about eight dollars across a dozen Midwestern states between April and August 2025. The barcode is 196633883742 and the Costco item number is 1879870. Costco first warned customers in a September letter, telling them not to open or return the bottles to stores. Now a formal recall has been issued. Shoppers should wrap the unopened bottle in paper towels, seal it in a plastic bag, and throw it in the trash to avoid injuries from exploding glass. Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene has been recalled as bottles can explode. Customers should not return bottles to stores, but they are entitled to full refunds by presenting the recall notice at a Costco location Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene were recalled after it was discovered its bottles could spontaneously shatter The CPSC says consumers can contact Ethica Wines for instructions on getting a full refund through Costco. One Chicago customer told The New York Times in September that she had multiple corks fly out on their own including one that struck a friend in the eye during a bridal shower. The prosecco alert is the latest in a growing wave of Costco recalls. Earlier this week, the retailer recalled Dubai-style chocolate from Rolling Pin Baking Company after a packaging error mislabelled wheat as gluten. Costco has also issued a recall for Anker Power Bank's A1257 models after experts discovered the lithium-ion battery cells could explode and cause burns. Another alert was issued for BowFlex adjustable dumbbells after more than 100 injuries were reported. Costco also sent out notices for 18-packs of Topo Chico Mineral Water after bottles were found contaminated with a dangerous bacteria that could lead to blood infections. Walmart's CEO Doug McMillon is set to step down from his role next year. The superstore said on Friday that McMillon will leave his position after more than a decade. This will be a major leadership change for the nations largest retailer and private employer as it continues to navigate a complicated consumer environment. Following the sudden announcement, Walmart shares were down 2.5 percent in premarket trading. McMillon will retire January 31, 2026 but stay on the board through June and as an advisor through January 31, 2027. John Furner, currently the CEO of Walmart US, will take over as Walmarts chief executive after the companys fiscal year ends on February 1, the company announced. Furner, 51, has led Walmart US since 2019, overseeing its biggest business segment and more than 4,600 stores. He started at Walmart in 1993 as an hourly associate and has held leadership roles in merchandising, operations, and sourcing. Walmart's CEO Doug McMillon (pictured) is set to step down from his role next year McMillon (right) is seen here with John Furner (left), who will take over his position as president and CEO of Walmart 'John is a merchant, an operator, an innovator and a builder who started his career more than 30 years ago with Walmart as an hourly associate,' Walmart News shared. 'His love for our associates and Walmart runs deep.' His father was also an executive at the company. McMillon, 59, guided Walmart through a period of rapid expansion as the company overhauled its operations to emphasize ecommerce growth amid rising competition from Amazon. Earlier this month, McMillon warned that artificial intelligence was going to reshape every single job across the retail giant's 2.1 million-strong workforce. He said the transformation will redefine how America's largest employer operates from top to bottom, affecting at least 1.6 million US workers. Speaking at a Harvard Business Review event Monday, McMillon said the company was going on 'the offense' with AI, predicting sweeping changes for cashiers, warehouse staff, store managers and executives alike as automation spreads through every corner of the business. 'Every job we've got is going to change in some way - whether it's getting the shopping carts off the parking lot, or the way our technologists work, or certainly the way leadership roles change,' McMillon said. The CEO's blunt assessment marks one of corporate America's clearest acknowledgments that the AI revolution will transform not just office jobs, but frontline retail and logistics roles across the country. Following Friday's sudden announcement, Walmart shares were down 2.5 percent in premarket trading McMillon believes the advance of AI will upend millions of traditional jobs, even as the company insists it plans to remain one of the nation's largest employers The warning comes amid a rapid corporate shift toward the technology and just weeks after Walmart unveiled a new collaboration with Sam Altman's OpenAI, allowing customers to shop and make purchases directly through ChatGPT. In May, Walmart employees revealed that prices are quietly surging on everyday essentials and they posted pictures as they swapped out price tags. In a string of posts across Reddit, self-identified staffers say theyve seen prices jump as much as 80 percent on popular items. One photo shows Hasbros My Real Baby doll's price surged from $34.97 to $49.97 a nearly 43 percent increase. Another reported that an eight-ounce canister of Great Value cocoa powder nearly doubled in price from $3.44 to $6.18. This came after Walmart warned that its consumer prices would likely rise due to President Donald Trump's tariffs. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. The US President Donald Trump appears to have sudden changes of heart since he firmed a plan to replace the East Wing of the White House with a $300 million ballroom. It picked up pace during his recent three-nation Asia tour last month, and has concretised since his return. In recent times, Trump has altered, or indicated changes to, the specifics related to several nations. His administration has engaged in negotiations to change the final tariffs. Notable examples of the tariff transformations include the temporary, proposed, and specific rates, either through negotiations or unilateral decisions, with China, India, Japan, Brazil, among others. The around-Asia-in-five-days connected Malaysia, Japan, and South Korea to boost regional agenda, and ink major deals. After sealing deals in Malaysia, he managed more in Japan, which resulted in a landmark framework on nuclear energy, and critical minerals. In July, America and Japan set tariffs at 15 per cent, a reduction from a threatened 25 per cent. It was the same month that the White House announced the construction of a new ballroom. After Japan and South Korea, Trump beamed for the cameras with Chinas Premier Xi Jinping. After the temporary truce between them, the media headlines screamed that the trade war was coming to an end, albeit not too silently. Since the widely-splashed meeting, the worlds largest economies reached key agreements that signaled a reset in economic cooperation. Xi emphasised that China and the US need to aim to be partners and friends, despite the differences. He called for the two nations to shoulder global responsibilities together. Chinas Peoples Daily stated that this weeks meeting between senior officials from Beijing and Washington would further enhance the favorable atmosphere, demonstrating that a stable and sound bilateral relationship serves the interests of both sides, and that the US business community highly values such certainty as it plans to expand further in the Chinese market. A US representative felt that the US business community was inspired by the historic meeting between the leaders of China and the US in Busan, South Korea, and another observed how the six months preceding the meeting was a period of uncertainty, which has possibly ended. Since the last week, the two nations successively announced a one-year suspension of port fees on each other's vessels, and a parallel halt to related investigations in the shipping and shipbuilding sectors. This marked the latest step to implement the consensus reached at the bilateral talks during Trumps Asia tour. China agreed to end the retaliatory measures against the US semiconductor firms, and others, which could ease the pressures. The agreements were described as a great success by Trump, and were viewed by the more humorous voices as possible rehearsals for the grand dance among the global leaders at the new ballroom. Trump identified India as the next success after months of uncertainty, and ongoing trade talks. Though the thaw was apparent with the US president waxing eloquent about the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it went up a few notches at the swearing-in of the new US Ambassador to India. His statement temporarily lifts the doubts that the Trump-Xi waltzing in the new ballroom would sideline India. Mark the word temporarily since Trumps framing of the US-China summit as a G-2 encounter signals a bipolar global power structure that is dominated by Washington and Beijing. If the new ballroom intends to host only the elite, it could reduce New Delhis leverage in multilateral forums, and negotiations. Thus, India could lose its edge as an alternative manufacturing hub unless it accelerates domestic reforms, and supply chain integration. While waiting for a formal opening of the ballroom, amidst the ifs, and the buts, Trumps choice of a staunch loyalist, Sergio Gor, to become the ambassador in New Delhi shows his diplomatic priorities. He does not want anyone to interfere with his wishes. The tariffs on India are really high because of the Russian oil but they have now substantially reduced Russian oil so we will be bringing the tariffs down, said the US President. However, according to latest trade reports, India's crude oil imports from Russia remained almost the same in October, compared to September. Trump believed that they will substantially go down in December. Apart from this oil slick, there is the visa amnesia. The views on H-1B visa regime changes as fast as the Internet speeds. Trump first imposed high visa fees, even as he talked about a change in the regime from lottery-based system to a merit-salary-based one. Then he claimed that Americans need certain skills and talents available with the foreigners. Recently, he maintained, You also have to bring in talent. Earlier, he urged a South Korean firm to bring in specialists to train the Americans. It seems like the US president seeks the help of the East to get a few teachers. It is a kind of reverse skill flow, from Delhi to Washington. Someone needs to seriously ask Trump if he intends to use the ornately designed and carefully crafted ballroom for a dance with limited partners, or fill up the entire 90,000 sq ft (which has a seated capacity of 650 people, and maybe slightly less for dance space). Sadly, the space may not allow all the partners, accompanied as they are with paraphernalia of delegates. After all, imagine the following leaders in the same room. Russias Vladimir Putin, Chinas Xi, and Indias Modi may exchange handshakes with each other, and Trump. So will many others from Asia and Europe. What may not gel with many may be the entry of Syrias President Ahmad al-Sharaa, whose bonhomie with Trump marks another dramatic reconciliation with a former wanted al-Qaeda insurgent. This meeting followed coordinated actions such as the removal of Syria from the sanction list, which cleared the legal and diplomatic obstacles. Politics can indeed make strange bedfellows, but al-Sharaas inclusion may create a mess. Turkey, Lebanon, Jordan, the Gulf states, and Israel will need to reassess Syria-related policies. They will figure out how to balance prospects for reconstruction, and the return of the refugee against security concerns and rivalries. Trump has scripted new texts, and language in his private book on diplomacy, business, economics, and politics. In his view, past relationships do not matter much. Past friends can be enemies (Putin and Modi), past enemies can become part-friends (Xi), and past enemies can become strong friends (al-Sharaa). This is an apt time to accommodate more, rather than less, in the ballroom. The question on everyones lips is whether the elections in Nepal, slated for 5 March 2026, can be held on time or even at all. The alternatives being discussed include the reinstatement of the dissolved Parliament with a new election date and the reappointment of former five-time Prime Minister SB Deuba; or an extension of the existing election date, something Prime Minister Sushila Karki herself has mentioned. So far, sixteen petitions have been filed in the Supreme Court seeking the restoration of the House. Former Prime Minister KP Oli, ousted three times, has called the present government unconstitutional and demanded Parliaments revival. On 29 October, a constitutional bench of the Supreme Court asked President R. C. Paudyel to provide justification for the dissolution of the House and directed petitioners seeking its revival to appear before the Court on November 20. The establishment has not yet responded to the Court. Prime Minister Karki has attributed the formation of her government to the GenZ Andolan, for which its members seek national recognition as MOV 082. The real question now is whether the reforms demanded by GenZ a directly elected Prime Minister, a stable government, voting rights for overseas Nepalis, and a reduction in the voting age from 18 to 16 can be implemented before March 5. Some reforms could be enacted through a Presidential Commission empowered to amend the Constitution, should the government agree. On October 19, Miraj Dhungana, who had earlier released a video outlining GenZs demands, announced the formation of a new political party. However, some maintain that Gen Z itself will not contest the elections. Several of their initial eight-point demands were found to be unimplementable such as the core issue of eradicating corruption, which is best addressed by an elected government rather than an activist movement. Gen Z itself remains deeply fractured. Nineteen different groups, many infiltrated by vested interests, have rendered the reform movement lacking in cohesion and clarity. In neighbouring Bangladesh, students recently hammered out the July Charter, which includes electoral reforms that must be implemented before the February 2026 elections. Although the Charter was initially opposed as unconstitutional by the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), it was supported by its ally, Jamaat-e-Islami. Nepals own Andolan-led reforms of 1990 could not be fully implemented because of the mischievous clauses inserted by the Palace into the 1990 Constitution clauses that eventually triggered the Maoist uprising of 1996 and paved the way for the Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal in 2008, replacing the Constitutional Monarchy. The single-party Maoist rule that followed saw Prachanda attempt to bring the Nepal Army under party control. The 2015 Constitution sought to prevent a repeat of the 2008 scenario by introducing a mixed electoral system, but it was later manipulated by three Prime Ministers Oli, Prachanda, and Deuba who shared power among themselves. Nepal, which has already had seven constitutions in seven decades, now faces the urgent need for constitutional amendments that can address this entrenched instability. Prime Minister Karki has met various political parties, engaged with GenZ representatives, and selectively addressed some of their demands. The state violence that resulted in 76 deaths and incidents of arson is under investigation. Of the 1,300 weapons lost by the police, only a few have been recovered. Many of those who fled the jails have been recaptured, though some are believed to have escaped into India. Recent arrests in Ghorai, Dang, include arsonists who torched the district court, government offices, and public facilities evidence gathered through CCTV footage. Meanwhile, whispers are circulating that Karki is leaning towards the United States and the European Union, raising eyebrows within the establishment. Nineteen new political parties have registered, adding to the existing 122. Rising political figures such as Balen Shah, Mayor of Kathmandu, and Harka Sampang, Mayor of Dharan, are keeping their cards close to their chests. Rabi Lamichhane, the charismatic leader of the ostensibly non-ideological Rastriya Swatantra Party, is currently in jail, and his popularity has declined. The Nepali Congress (NC) is also in turmoil. Party President and five-time Prime Minister Sher Bahadur Deuba is recovering in a Singapore hospital following an assault by GenZ activists. Acting President Purna Bahadur Khadka is overseeing Central Committee deliberations on whether to hold the national convention before or after the elections and whether to contest the March polls at all. General Secretary Gagan Thapa favours holding the convention now, while a majority led by senior leader Shekhar Koirala wants it postponed until after the elections. The CPN (UML), meanwhile, is in a dilemma. Its leader Oli has been tarnished by the events that led to the GenZ uprising and his eventual ouster. A majority of the partys Central Committee wants him to resign, but he has dug in his heels. This has opened a window for former President Bidya Devi Bhandari to attempt a political comeback. It is clear that the UML will not fight the next elections under Olis leadership. Maoist leader and thrice-elected Prime Minister Prachanda, known for his political agility and instinct for survival, has orchestrated the merger of ten leftist parties into what China has long sought the revival of the erstwhile Nepal Communist Party, with Prachanda as its coordinator. The word Maoist has been conspicuously dropped. Meanwhile, the CPN (Unified Socialist) has split, with former Prime Ministers Madhav Nepal and Jhalanath Khanal parting ways Nepal joining Prachandas bloc. Other new entrants include Minister Kulman Ghisings Ujjailo Nepal Party and the Dynamic Democratic Party, founded by Buddha Air owner Birendra Basnet. Smaller parties are also undergoing rebranding. The Madhes parties, already splintered into at least six factions, have fractured further. Among royalists, divisions are emerging between Rajendra Lingden and Dhawal Shamsher Rana, while firebrand royalist Durga Prasain has announced a Hindu Rashtra movement and a protest for the restoration of the monarchy on 1 December. Ultimately, the verdict on whether the elections will be held with or without reforms will rest with President Paudyel, Prime Minister Karki, Chief Justice Prakash Man Singh Raut, and, inevitably, GenZ and the political parties. Elections may yet be delayed, for precisely the same reasons that could hold up Bangladeshs own 2026 polls. Elections in Nepal were originally due at the end of 2027, with the expiry of the dissolved House. Prime Minister Karki remains confident that she will hold them earlier, but whether she will be allowed to do so remains the question. The writer, a retired Major General, served as Commander, IPKF (South), Sri Lanka, and was a founder member of the Defence Planning Staff, now the Integrated Defence Staff; views are personal A special tribunal in Bangladesh on Thursday said it will deliver judgement on November 17 in a case against deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasina over alleged crimes against humanity committed during the July Uprising. Hasina, 78, faces multiple cases in Bangladesh after being ousted in August last year following the mass student-led agitation. According to a UN rights office report, up to 1,400 people were killed between July 15 and August 15 last year (dubbed as July Uprising) as Hasina's government ordered a security crackdown on protesters. "Justice Golam Mortuza Mozumder, chairman of a three-member panel of the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD), set November 17 for delivering the verdict," a lawyer, attending the tightly secured special court in the capital, told. Hasina, her home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and then inspector general of police (IGP) Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun were tried in the tribunal. The ex-premier and Kamal were tried in absentia, with the court declaring them fugitives. Chief prosecutor Mohammad Tajul Islam has demanded the death penalty for Hasina, alleging that she was the "mastermind and principal architect" behind the crimes against humanity committed during the mass protests last year. Hasina's supporters say the charges against her are politically motivated. Mamun faced the trial in person but emerged as an approver or state witness. The former police chief appeared on the dock as the ICT-BD chair Justice Majumder fixed the date. The tribunal on October 23 concluded the hearing on the case after over 28 working days, when 54 witnesses testified before the court describing how efforts were made to tame last year's student-led movement called July Uprising that toppled Hasina's now disbanded Awami League government on August 5, 2024. Hasina fled Bangladesh on August 5 last year amid escalating unrest and is currently residing in India. Kamal reportedly also took refuge in the neighbouring country. The interim government led by Muhammad Yunus has sought Hasina's extradition, but India has yet to respond to the request. Security in the capital was heightened over the Dhaka lockdown call by the Awami League, coinciding with the tribunal's announcement of the verdict date. Authorities called up army troops, paramilitary Border Guard Bangladesh (BGB) and police in riot gear to spread a security blanket in and around the International Crimes Tribunal (ICT-BD) complex at central Dhaka. Witnesses and reports said Dhaka streets looked unusually empty, though many commuters stepped out of their homes and cautiously headed for workplaces and schools. However, many private institutions, including private universities, preferred to operate online, fearing the outbreak of violence. Transport operators said passenger numbers on long-haul buses leaving Dhaka dropped sharply, while the capital's major Gabtoli bus terminal remained largely empty with fewer trips and delayed departures. Hasina and the two others were accused of committing crimes under five counts, with the first one alleging the defendants of murder, attempted murder, torture, and other inhumane acts. The second count accused Hasina of ordering the extermination of protesters. Under the third count, she was accused of making inflammatory remarks and ordering the use of deadly weapons against protesting students. Under the rest of the counts, the defendants were charged with the shooting and murder of six unarmed protesters, including students in Dhaka and its suburbs. In several recent interviews with major international news outlets and the Indian media, Hasina called the ICT-BD a kangaroo court run entirely by men linked to her political opponents. Jordans King and Indonesias leader on Friday held talks as the two longtime friends agreed to strengthen military cooperation and economic ties between the two Muslim-majority nations. King Abdullah II and President Prabowo Subianto share a long-standing personal relationship as alumni of the US Fort Benning military academy that dates to 1995 when both were still serving as military officers in their respective countries. Three years later, Subianto sought self-exile in Jordan amid allegations of his involvement in the 1998 abductions of political activists during the dark days of Indonesias military dictatorship. Despite his stateless status at the time, he was welcomed by then monarch King Hussein, Abdullahs father. Subianto lived in Amman for several years before returning home in 2008. Abdullahs state visit to Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country and Southeast Asias largest economy, was the fourth stop on his tour to Asian nations that includes Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Pakistan. Abdullah received a warm welcome in Indonesias capital, Jakarta, with his royal plane escorted by two fighter jets. He was welcomed on the tarmac by Subianto at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. The king rode with Subianto in a motorcade to the Merdeka palace, where the two leaders held talks. I have an emotional bond with Jordan, His Royal, His Majesty and (then) His Majesty King Hussein who kindly received me 27 years ago. Bangladesh overnight issued an ordinance in line with interim Government chief Professor Muhammad Yunus proposed referendum on a political charter, drawing immediate rebuttal from jurists who called it unconstitutional. President Muhammad Shahabuddin on late Thursday signed into ordinance the July Charter Implementation Order while the document was drafted by Yunus-headed National Consensus Commission after protracted consultations with several political parties excluding deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasinas now disbanded Awami League. In a nationwide televised address Chief Adviser Yunus on Thursday said plebiscite would be staged simultaneously with the planned national election in February next year to elicit peoples mandate for the charter. Most of the decisions taken in the July Charter, including those in the gazette, are contrary to the current Constitution. Since the Constitution is still in force, the President cannot legally sign this gazette, leading constitutional expert and former law professor Shahdeen Malik said in a newspaper interview. Bangladesh Constitution kept no provision for referendum or plebiscite while its Article 93 of says no ordinance could be promulgated for altering or repealing any provision of this Constitution. The charter contained over 80 proposals including issues requiring amendments to the Constitution but Yunus said the proposals were synopsized in four issues while the voters would just need to say yes or no in a question covering the four issues. Malik told Bangladeshs the Business Standard newspaper that the referendum would have been acceptable if the Constitution had been annulled or suspended under martial law (but) since neither has happened, everything should proceed according to the existing Constitution. He feared the voters would be unable to make an informed decision on the referendum issues and will leave their ballots blank on the referendum and vote for their chosen MP candidates alone. The public first needs to understand the issues they are voting Yes or No on, he said. The ordinance stipulated the next parliament must complete constitutional reform, as outlined in the charter and by the referendums result, within 180 working days from the date of its first sitting. Malik called the directive absurd adding there is no benefit in fixing these dates if the Parliament does not take them seriously. Senior Supreme Court (SC) lawyer Mohammad Ruhul Quddus questioned since the current Constitution contained no provision for referendums, under what legal authority could one now be held. Another SC lawyer Rashna Imam said, the issue of the July Charter ordinance to be followed by a referendum raised serious constitutional and procedural concerns. Today, Bangladesh remains a constitutional democracy, however imperfect, and any mechanism that overlooks this fundamental reality risks eroding the legitimacy of our constitutional order, she said. Yunus said if the July Charter proposals were endorsed in the referendum, a Constitutional Reform Council would be formed comprising parliament members and they would serve simultaneously as Parliament members. He said the next parliament would have two chambers while the upper house would be constituted on the basis of proportional representation (PR) of votes the parties bagged in the lower house. The referendum issue earlier sharply pitted former prime minister Khaleda Zias Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) against countrys largest Islamist party Jamaat-e-Islami though both signed the charter. BNP, however, gave a series of notes of dissent, which was not mentioned in the final draft irking the party. The Government earlier gave the parties a seven-day time to reach a consensus on the issue saying otherwise it would come up with a unilateral decision, which Yunus announced in his Thursdays address. But Yunuss address visibly failed to woo either of the parties. BNP said Yunus violated the charter he signed himself as the document suggested nobody could impose anything new like the Constitutional Reform Council or the PR system, as his party gave its dissent to such proposals during the framing of the charter. The chief adviser has breached the charter that he signed on October 17 at the South Plaza of the National Parliament. By his speech today, he has clearly violated that document. BNP standing committee member Salahuddin Ahmed said. Ahmed, who represented BNP in protracted consultations with the consensus commission, said there were significant inconsistencies and new proposals in the July Charter Implementation Order the advisory council issued, compared to the signed charter and we will not accept them. Many new points have been added, while several consensus-based clauses from the charter are missing... (particularly) the Constitutional Reform Council is completely a new idea. So, the very basis of the referendum has become questionable, he said. Jamaat, on the other hand, appeared softer in reacting to Yunuss address while the party regretted the denial of its demand to hold the referendum ahead of the polls fearing the decision to escalate the existing political crisis. By announcing that the polls and referendum will be held on the same day, the Government has plunged the country into further crisis, Jamaat secretary general Mia Golam Parwar said. BNP, emerged as the frontrunner in absence of deposed prime minister Sheikh Hasinas now disbanded Awami League, initially was opposed to the idea of referendum saying parliament was the appropriate forum for endorsing the document since the Constitution kept no provision for referendum. The party, however, later reluctantly agreed to the plebiscite proposition but said it must be held on the day of national election. Jamaat, once a key BNP ally, took a stubborn stand against the planned national election in February unless its demand for the referendum was held ahead of the polls to give a legal basis to the July Charter. A high level commission formed to investigate the incidents related to Gen Z protests on September 8 and 9 that led to regime change in Nepal on Thursday restricted the countrys former police chief from travelling abroad. A meeting of the commission, headed by Gauri Bahadur Karki, decided to impose the travel restriction on former Inspector General of Police (IGP) Chandra Kuber Khapung, whose term ended on Monday, prohibiting him from leaving the Kathmandu Valley without the commissions permission. Since former IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung may be required to appear before the commission at any time in connection with the investigation into the incidents of September 8 and 9, restrictions have been imposed on his foreign travel and movement outside the valley with immediate effect, read a statement issued by the commissions spokesperson Bigyan Raj Sharma.Khapung cannot travel without prior approval from the commission. The commission has already restricted the then prime minister K P Sharma Oli and then Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak from leaving Kathmandu valley. On September 8, the first day of the Gen-Z protests, as many as 22 protesters were killed during the police firing on youths demanding lifting of a ban on social media and protesting corruption and political disorder in the country. In total, 76 people were killed during the September 8 and 9 violent protests that ultimately led to the ouster of the Oli Government. Judges Scientific plc (LON:JDG Get Free Report) insider Ian Wilcock bought 3 shares of Judges Scientific stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of GBX 5,540 per share, with a total value of 166.20. Judges Scientific Stock Performance Shares of JDG stock opened at GBX 5,087.27 on Friday. Judges Scientific plc has a 12-month low of GBX 5,000 and a 12-month high of 103.50. The firm has a market capitalization of 338.25 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.21, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.56 and a beta of 0.83. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 5,961.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of GBX 6,902.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 70.79, a current ratio of 1.97 and a quick ratio of 0.65. Get Judges Scientific alerts: Judges Scientific (LON:JDG Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, September 18th. The company reported GBX 141.40 earnings per share for the quarter. Judges Scientific had a net margin of 10.99% and a return on equity of 17.56%. On average, equities research analysts anticipate that Judges Scientific plc will post 402.5824271 EPS for the current year. Analyst Ratings Changes Several equities analysts have recently issued reports on JDG shares. Shore Capital reiterated a house stock rating on shares of Judges Scientific in a research report on Thursday, September 18th. Jefferies Financial Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 7,380 price target on shares of Judges Scientific in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and set a GBX 7,900 price objective on shares of Judges Scientific in a report on Thursday, September 11th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Judges Scientific currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of GBX 7,640. Get Our Latest Analysis on Judges Scientific Judges Scientific Company Profile (Get Free Report) Judges Scientific plc (AIM: JDG), is a group focused on acquiring and developing companies in the scientific instrument sector. The Group now consists of 23 businesses acquired since 2005. The acquired companies are primarily UK-based with products sold worldwide to a diverse range of markets including: higher education institutions, scientific research facilities, manufacturers and regulatory authorities. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Judges Scientific Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Judges Scientific and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Premium Brands (TSE:PBH Free Report) had its price objective trimmed by Scotiabank from C$103.00 to C$99.00 in a report published on Tuesday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. Several other research firms have also recently issued reports on PBH. CIBC increased their price objective on shares of Premium Brands from C$98.00 to C$108.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 7th. TD Securities upped their target price on Premium Brands from C$140.00 to C$145.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Premium Brands from C$101.00 to C$106.00 in a research note on Tuesday. National Bankshares boosted their target price on shares of Premium Brands from C$99.00 to C$101.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 7th. Finally, Canaccord Genuity Group raised their target price on Premium Brands from C$100.00 to C$118.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 7th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and two have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average target price of C$113.73. Get Premium Brands alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on Premium Brands Premium Brands Stock Down 0.6% PBH stock opened at C$88.20 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of C$3.94 billion, a PE ratio of 42.40, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.10 and a beta of 0.40. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.51 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 163.00. Premium Brands has a fifty-two week low of C$72.57 and a fifty-two week high of C$99.90. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$94.22 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$88.32. Premium Brands (TSE:PBH Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported C($0.04) earnings per share for the quarter. The company had revenue of C$1.99 billion during the quarter. Premium Brands had a return on equity of 5.66% and a net margin of 1.55%. As a group, sell-side analysts predict that Premium Brands will post 6.039823 EPS for the current year. About Premium Brands (Get Free Report) Premium Brands Holdings Corp is engaged in specialty food manufacturing, premium food distribution, and wholesale businesses with operations in British Columbia, Alberta, Saskatchewan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Nevada, and Washington State. The companys business segments include Specialty Foods, Premium Food Distribution, and Corporate. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Premium Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Premium Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wealth Alliance LLC acquired a new stake in JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM Free Report) in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund acquired 2,294 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $276,000. Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. JTC Employer Solutions Trustee Ltd bought a new position in shares of JBT Marel in the second quarter worth $29,000. Allworth Financial LP purchased a new stake in JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter worth about $30,000. Costello Asset Management INC bought a new position in JBT Marel in the 2nd quarter worth about $36,000. Fifth Third Bancorp purchased a new position in JBT Marel during the 2nd quarter valued at about $50,000. Finally, Eukles Asset Management bought a new stake in shares of JBT Marel during the second quarter valued at about $54,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 98.92% of the companys stock. Get JBT Marel alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades JBTM has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of JBT Marel in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Robert W. Baird set a $169.00 price target on JBT Marel in a report on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, William Blair raised JBT Marel from a market perform rating to an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $156.00. JBT Marel Stock Performance Shares of NYSE JBTM opened at $137.46 on Friday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $136.74 and its 200 day moving average is $129.90. The stock has a market cap of $7.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -60.03, a P/E/G ratio of 1.72 and a beta of 1.18. JBT Marel Corporation has a 1-year low of $90.08 and a 1-year high of $148.76. The company has a current ratio of 0.93, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. JBT Marel (NYSE:JBTM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.94 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.43. JBT Marel had a negative net margin of 5.08% and a positive return on equity of 7.96%. The firm had revenue of $1 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $936.75 million. The firms revenue was up 120.6% on a year-over-year basis. JBT Marel has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.100-6.400 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that JBT Marel Corporation will post 5.21 EPS for the current fiscal year. JBT Marel Profile (Free Report) JBT Marel Corporation provides technology solutions to food and beverage industry in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. It offers value-added processing that includes chilling, mixing/grinding, injecting, blending, marinating, tumbling, flattening, forming, portioning, coating, cooking, frying, freezing, extracting, pasteurizing, sterilizing, concentrating, high pressure processing, weighing, inspecting, filling, closing, sealing, end of line material handling, and packaging solutions to the food, beverage, and health market. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JBTM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for JBT Marel Corporation (NYSE:JBTM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for JBT Marel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for JBT Marel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC lessened its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities, Inc. (NYSE:AVB Free Report) by 45.8% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 4,261 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after selling 3,598 shares during the period. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLCs holdings in AvalonBay Communities were worth $867,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Metis Global Partners LLC lifted its position in shares of AvalonBay Communities by 13.8% in the 2nd quarter. Metis Global Partners LLC now owns 36,980 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $7,525,000 after buying an additional 4,473 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. lifted its holdings in AvalonBay Communities by 9.1% in the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 344,505 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $73,938,000 after acquiring an additional 28,608 shares during the last quarter. Jump Financial LLC bought a new stake in shares of AvalonBay Communities in the 1st quarter worth approximately $526,000. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. boosted its position in AvalonBay Communities by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 723,402 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $147,212,000 after purchasing an additional 10,929 shares during the period. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd grew its stake in AvalonBay Communities by 2.9% during the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Company Ltd now owns 49,878 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $10,150,000 after buying an additional 1,402 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.61% of the companys stock. Get AvalonBay Communities alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades AVB has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. BNP Paribas Exane cut AvalonBay Communities from an outperform rating to a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Scotiabank dropped their price objective on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $215.00 to $193.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Mizuho reissued a neutral rating and set a $199.00 target price (down from $213.00) on shares of AvalonBay Communities in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their target price on shares of AvalonBay Communities from $202.00 to $197.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, UBS Group cut their price target on AvalonBay Communities from $216.00 to $192.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and twelve have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $209.35. AvalonBay Communities Stock Performance Shares of AVB opened at $177.01 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $25.06 billion, a PE ratio of 21.61, a P/E/G ratio of 2.54 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a quick ratio of 0.70, a current ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.71. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $187.02 and a 200 day moving average price of $195.76. AvalonBay Communities, Inc. has a 52-week low of $166.73 and a 52-week high of $239.29. AvalonBay Communities (NYSE:AVB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $2.75 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.81 by ($0.06). The company had revenue of $766.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $766.22 million. AvalonBay Communities had a return on equity of 9.75% and a net margin of 38.78%.During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.74 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that AvalonBay Communities, Inc. will post 11.48 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. AvalonBay Communities Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were paid a dividend of $1.75 per share. This represents a $7.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. AvalonBay Communitiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 85.47%. AvalonBay Communities Profile (Free Report) AvalonBay Communities, Inc is a real estate investment trust, which engages in the development, acquisition, ownership, and operation of multifamily communities. It operates through the following segments: Same Store, Other Stabilized, and Development or Redevelopment. The Same Store segment refers to the operating communities that were owned and had stabilized occupancy. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for AvalonBay Communities Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AvalonBay Communities and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bradesco SA (NYSE:BBD Get Free Report) shares hit a new 52-week high on Wednesday . The stock traded as high as $3.74 and last traded at $3.7150, with a volume of 34864594 shares traded. The stock had previously closed at $3.61. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c+) rating on shares of Banco Bradesco in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, two have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $2.40. Get Banco Bradesco alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Banco Bradesco Banco Bradesco Price Performance The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The company has a market capitalization of $39.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.50, a PEG ratio of 0.43 and a beta of 0.76. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $3.32 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $3.03. Banco Bradesco (NYSE:BBD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.09 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.11 by ($0.02). Banco Bradesco had a return on equity of 13.16% and a net margin of 9.61%.The company had revenue of $11.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $34.75 billion. Equities research analysts predict that Banco Bradesco SA will post 0.37 earnings per share for the current year. Banco Bradesco Increases Dividend The company also recently declared a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 3rd will be given a dividend of $0.0035 per share. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 3rd. This is a positive change from Banco Bradescos previous monthly dividend of $0.00. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. Banco Bradescos dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 5.71%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Bradesco Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Aprio Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Banco Bradesco in the first quarter worth about $25,000. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its holdings in Banco Bradesco by 92.7% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 8,034 shares of the banks stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 3,864 shares during the last quarter. Dorsey & Whitney Trust CO LLC purchased a new position in Banco Bradesco in the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Bradesco by 100.5% during the 2nd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 8,685 shares of the banks stock worth $27,000 after purchasing an additional 4,353 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Brooklyn Investment Group boosted its holdings in shares of Banco Bradesco by 1,276.5% during the 3rd quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 10,613 shares of the banks stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 9,842 shares during the last quarter. About Banco Bradesco (Get Free Report) Banco Bradesco SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, corporates, and businesses in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It provides current, savings, click, and salary accounts; real estate credit, vehicle financing, payroll loans, mortgage loans, microcredit, leasing, and personal and installment credit; overdraft and agribusiness loans; debit and business cards; financial and security services; consortium products; car, personal accident, dental, travel, and life insurance; investment products; pension products; foreign currency exchange services; capitalization bonds; and internet banking services. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Banco Bradesco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco Bradesco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. raised its stake in Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Free Report) by 8,516.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 33,345 shares of the banks stock after purchasing an additional 32,958 shares during the period. SBI Securities Co. Ltd.s holdings in Banco De Chile were worth $1,014,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other large investors also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Cerity Partners LLC acquired a new position in shares of Banco De Chile in the 1st quarter worth approximately $239,000. Advisors Preferred LLC bought a new stake in Banco De Chile during the first quarter valued at $819,000. XTX Topco Ltd bought a new position in shares of Banco De Chile in the 1st quarter worth about $245,000. Liontrust Investment Partners LLP grew its position in shares of Banco De Chile by 25.0% during the 1st quarter. Liontrust Investment Partners LLP now owns 25,000 shares of the banks stock valued at $662,000 after buying an additional 5,000 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Ethic Inc. grew its position in shares of Banco De Chile by 24.1% during the 1st quarter. Ethic Inc. now owns 40,757 shares of the banks stock valued at $1,089,000 after buying an additional 7,914 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 1.24% of the companys stock. Get Banco De Chile alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes A number of equities analysts have commented on BCH shares. Wall Street Zen upgraded Banco De Chile from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, September 20th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Banco De Chile in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on shares of Banco De Chile from $30.00 to $33.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Banco De Chile from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their target price on shares of Banco De Chile from $31.00 to $35.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and three have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $34.00. Banco De Chile Trading Down 2.1% Shares of NYSE:BCH opened at $36.58 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $18.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.06, a PEG ratio of 2.74 and a beta of 0.28. Banco De Chile has a 1-year low of $22.06 and a 1-year high of $37.70. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $32.20 and a 200 day moving average price of $30.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.00, a quick ratio of 1.53 and a current ratio of 1.53. Banco De Chile (NYSE:BCH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The bank reported $0.60 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.62 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $675.26 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $831.97 million. Banco De Chile had a net margin of 32.87% and a return on equity of 23.25%. On average, research analysts anticipate that Banco De Chile will post 2.31 EPS for the current fiscal year. About Banco De Chile (Free Report) Banco de Chile, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking services to customers in Chile. The company offers checking and debit accounts, debit and credit cards, and lines of credit; mortgage, consume, commercial, general purpose mortgage loans, and finance leases; and factoring services, mutual fund management, stock brokerage, foreign trade, payments and collections, insurance brokerage, including life and general insurance, as well as time deposits, savings instruments, and foreign currency services through branches under the Banco de Chile and Banco Edwards brands. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Banco De Chile Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Banco De Chile and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cameco Corporation (NYSE:CCJ Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) traded down 1.5% during trading on Friday after Royal Bank Of Canada lowered their price target on the stock from $160.00 to $150.00. Royal Bank Of Canada currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Cameco traded as low as $82.20 and last traded at $84.6880. Approximately 4,766,617 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 2% from the average session volume of 4,886,343 shares. The stock had previously closed at $85.98. Other research analysts have also issued reports about the company. CLSA began coverage on Cameco in a research report on Tuesday, September 9th. They set an outperform rating and a $102.00 price target for the company. Raymond James Financial raised their target price on Cameco to $150.00 in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their target price on Cameco from $95.00 to $109.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. President Capital raised shares of Cameco from a neutral rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, TD Securities reissued a buy rating on shares of Cameco in a research note on Tuesday, August 5th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, thirteen have given a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $113.75. Get Cameco alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Cameco Hedge Funds Weigh In On Cameco Cameco Trading Down 1.5% A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CCJ. Financial Consulate Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Cameco in the 3rd quarter valued at $25,000. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Cameco by 110.3% in the third quarter. Armstrong Advisory Group Inc. now owns 347 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $29,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares during the period. Trust Co. of Vermont grew its position in Cameco by 1,029.4% during the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 384 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 350 shares during the period. Hilltop National Bank acquired a new stake in shares of Cameco during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Finally, Cullen Frost Bankers Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Cameco during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $37,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 70.21% of the companys stock. The firm has a market cap of $36.87 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 97.34 and a beta of 0.98. The business has a fifty day moving average of $87.91 and a two-hundred day moving average of $74.54. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.15, a quick ratio of 2.00 and a current ratio of 2.96. Cameco (NYSE:CCJ Get Free Report) (TSE:CCO) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.05 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.22 by ($0.17). Cameco had a net margin of 14.97% and a return on equity of 8.21%. The firm had revenue of $313.74 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $531.72 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned ($0.01) EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was down 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Cameco has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. As a group, equities analysts expect that Cameco Corporation will post 1.27 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Cameco Increases Dividend The business also recently announced an annual dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 16th. Investors of record on Monday, December 1st will be paid a $0.24 dividend. This represents a yield of 25.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, December 1st. This is an increase from Camecos previous annual dividend of $0.12. Camecos dividend payout ratio is currently 19.77%. Cameco Company Profile (Get Free Report) Cameco Corporation provides uranium for the generation of electricity. It operates through Uranium, Fuel Services, Westinghouse segments. The Uranium segment is involved in the exploration for, mining, and milling, purchase, and sale of uranium concentrate. The Fuel Services segment engages in the refining, conversion, and fabrication of uranium concentrate, as well as the purchase and sale of conversion services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Cameco Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cameco and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC cut its stake in shares of Raymond James Financial, Inc. (NYSE:RJF Free Report) by 89.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 5,150 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 43,393 shares during the quarter. Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLCs holdings in Raymond James Financial were worth $790,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in RJF. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Raymond James Financial by 69.0% during the 2nd quarter. Princeton Global Asset Management LLC now owns 245 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $38,000 after purchasing an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC increased its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 72.9% during the first quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 287 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $40,000 after buying an additional 121 shares in the last quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Raymond James Financial by 364.3% in the 1st quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 325 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $45,000 after acquiring an additional 255 shares in the last quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC grew its position in Raymond James Financial by 47.2% during the 2nd quarter. TD Private Client Wealth LLC now owns 337 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $52,000 after acquiring an additional 108 shares during the last quarter. Finally, South Dakota Investment Council grew its position in Raymond James Financial by 300.0% during the 2nd quarter. South Dakota Investment Council now owns 400 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $61,000 after acquiring an additional 300 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.83% of the companys stock. Get Raymond James Financial alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on Raymond James Financial from $178.00 to $180.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Citigroup restated an outperform rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley upped their price target on shares of Raymond James Financial from $176.00 to $184.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c+) rating on shares of Raymond James Financial in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their target price on shares of Raymond James Financial from $174.00 to $181.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have issued a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $177.20. Raymond James Financial Price Performance Shares of RJF stock opened at $161.07 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $32.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.65, a PEG ratio of 1.19 and a beta of 1.05. Raymond James Financial, Inc. has a 12 month low of $117.57 and a 12 month high of $177.66. The company has a quick ratio of 1.02, a current ratio of 1.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $165.65 and a 200 day moving average price of $159.09. Raymond James Financial (NYSE:RJF Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The financial services provider reported $3.11 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.83 by $0.28. Raymond James Financial had a net margin of 13.42% and a return on equity of 18.33%. The company had revenue of $3.73 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $3.64 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $2.95 EPS. The companys revenue was up 7.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts expect that Raymond James Financial, Inc. will post 11.17 EPS for the current year. Raymond James Financial Dividend Announcement The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 1st were paid a $0.50 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, October 1st. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.2%. Raymond James Financials dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.44%. Raymond James Financial Company Profile (Free Report) Raymond James Financial, Inc, a financial holding company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the underwriting, distribution, trading, and brokerage of equity and debt securities, and the sale of mutual funds and other investment products in the United States, Canada, Europe, and internationally. The company operates through Private Client Group, Capital Markets, Asset Management, RJ Bank, and Other segments. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Raymond James Financial Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Raymond James Financial and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. China Shenhua Energy Co. (OTCMKTS:CSUAY Get Free Report)s stock price fell 5.3% during trading on Friday . The company traded as low as $21.43 and last traded at $21.43. 425 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 96% from the average session volume of 11,077 shares. The stock had previously closed at $22.62. China Shenhua Energy Trading Down 2.1% The companys 50 day simple moving average is $20.39 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $18.22. The company has a quick ratio of 2.04, a current ratio of 2.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The company has a market capitalization of $106.56 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.48 and a beta of 0.26. Get China Shenhua Energy alerts: China Shenhua Energy (OTCMKTS:CSUAY Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 29th. The company reported $0.37 EPS for the quarter. China Shenhua Energy had a return on equity of 10.69% and a net margin of 17.88%.The firm had revenue of $9.48 billion during the quarter. As a group, research analysts anticipate that China Shenhua Energy Co. will post 1.66 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. About China Shenhua Energy China Shenhua Energy Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and sale of coal and power; railway, port, and shipping transportation; and coal-to-olefins businesses in the People's Republic of China and internationally. It operates through six segments: Coal, Power Generation, Railway, Port, Shipping, and Coal Chemical. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for China Shenhua Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for China Shenhua Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Compagnie Financiere Richemont AG (OTCMKTS:CFRUY Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $21.42 and last traded at $21.27, with a volume of 114216 shares. The stock had previously closed at $20.43. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Separately, Hsbc Global Res raised shares of Compagnie Financiere Richemont to a strong-buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat, Compagnie Financiere Richemont has a consensus rating of Strong Buy. Get Compagnie Financiere Richemont alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Compagnie Financiere Richemont Compagnie Financiere Richemont Stock Up 4.1% Compagnie Financiere Richemont Announces Dividend The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $19.43 and its 200 day simple moving average is $18.45. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 1.98 and a current ratio of 2.90. The business also recently announced a dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 7th. Investors of record on Friday, September 19th were given a $0.1714 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 18th. This represents a dividend yield of 90.0%. About Compagnie Financiere Richemont (Get Free Report) Compagnie Financiere Richemont SA engages in the luxury goods business in France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Switzerland, and rest of Europe. The company operates through Jewellery Maisons, Specialist Watchmakers, and Other segments. It designs, manufactures, and distributes jewelry products, precision timepieces, watches, writing instruments, clothing, and leather goods and accessories. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Compagnie Financiere Richemont Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Compagnie Financiere Richemont and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SSE (LON:SSE Get Free Report) had its price target boosted by equities researchers at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 2,000 to GBX 2,350 in a note issued to investors on Friday,London Stock Exchange reports. The firm presently has a buy rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price target would suggest a potential upside of 5.52% from the companys previous close. SSE has been the topic of a number of other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their price target on shares of SSE from GBX 2,200 to GBX 2,475 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday. Jefferies Financial Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 2,230 price target on shares of SSE in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and issued a GBX 2,500 price target on shares of SSE in a report on Thursday, October 16th. UBS Group reiterated a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,200 target price on shares of SSE in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Citigroup lowered SSE to a sell rating and set a GBX 1,997 price target on the stock. in a research note on Friday. Six research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, SSE has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 2,311. Get SSE alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on SSE SSE Trading Down 1.6% Shares of SSE stock traded down GBX 36 during trading on Friday, hitting GBX 2,227. The stock had a trading volume of 804,468,875 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,848,561. SSE has a 12 month low of GBX 1,446.89 and a 12 month high of GBX 2,307. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 82.62, a current ratio of 1.10 and a quick ratio of 0.50. The firms fifty day simple moving average is GBX 1,809.10 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 1,794.29. The stock has a market cap of 24.52 billion, a PE ratio of 20.60, a PEG ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.56. SSE (LON:SSE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported GBX 36.10 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. SSE had a net margin of 16.36% and a return on equity of 17.83%. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that SSE will post 163.8865004 EPS for the current fiscal year. About SSE (Get Free Report) SSE is an integrated energy group focused on regulated electricity networks and renewable energy with flexible generation. Our strategy is to create value for shareholders and society in a sustainable way by developing, building, operating and investing in the electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the transition to net zero. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for SSE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Spirax-Sarco Engineering (LON:SPX Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by stock analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from GBX 7,250 to GBX 7,500 in a research note issued to investors on Thursday,London Stock Exchange reports. The brokerage currently has a hold rating on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschafts price objective would suggest a potential upside of 8.23% from the stocks previous close. Other equities analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. UBS Group raised shares of Spirax-Sarco Engineering to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from GBX 7,500 to 105 in a research note on Tuesday, October 28th. Peel Hunt restated a buy rating and set a GBX 8,500 price objective on shares of Spirax-Sarco Engineering in a research report on Thursday. Citigroup boosted their target price on Spirax-Sarco Engineering from GBX 8,000 to GBX 8,400 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Shore Capital restated a hold rating on shares of Spirax-Sarco Engineering in a report on Thursday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Spirax-Sarco Engineering from GBX 7,400 to GBX 7,500 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, November 4th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Spirax-Sarco Engineering currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of GBX 8,480. Get Spirax-Sarco Engineering alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on SPX Spirax-Sarco Engineering Price Performance SPX traded down GBX 230 on Thursday, hitting GBX 6,930. 27,849,082 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 743,087. The companys 50 day simple moving average is GBX 7,001.47 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 6,504.32. The company has a current ratio of 2.25, a quick ratio of 1.73 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 98.85. Spirax-Sarco Engineering has a one year low of GBX 5,380 and a one year high of GBX 8,245. The firm has a market cap of 5.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 31.49, a P/E/G ratio of 2.20 and a beta of 0.68. Spirax-Sarco Engineering (LON:SPX Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 12th. The company reported GBX 137.60 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Spirax-Sarco Engineering had a net margin of 11.57% and a return on equity of 16.58%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Spirax-Sarco Engineering will post 334.5410628 EPS for the current year. About Spirax-Sarco Engineering (Get Free Report) Spirax-Sarco Engineering rebrands as Spirax Group On 22 February 2024, Spirax-Sarco Engineering changed its name to Spirax Group which reflects the Companys evolution over many years to a larger and stronger Group of three aligned Businesses with differentiated and complementary capabilities. Our new name respects our history and where we have come from, with who we are today. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Spirax-Sarco Engineering Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Spirax-Sarco Engineering and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Free Report) had its price objective decreased by Jefferies Financial Group from $68.00 to $65.00 in a research note published on Tuesday morning,MarketScreener reports. Jefferies Financial Group currently has a hold rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. EQR has been the subject of several other research reports. Wall Street Zen raised Equity Residential from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Equity Residential from $75.00 to $73.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Thursday. BNP Paribas cut shares of Equity Residential from an outperform rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Stifel Nicolaus set a $79.75 price objective on Equity Residential in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Barclays reduced their target price on shares of Equity Residential from $81.00 to $80.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, September 30th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Equity Residential currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $71.22. Get Equity Residential alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on EQR Equity Residential Stock Up 0.3% Shares of NYSE:EQR traded up $0.16 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $59.44. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,030,729 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,048,627. The company has a quick ratio of 0.17, a current ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $62.86 and a 200-day moving average of $65.77. The firm has a market capitalization of $22.61 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.65, a PEG ratio of 2.99 and a beta of 0.88. Equity Residential has a 12-month low of $58.38 and a 12-month high of $78.32. Equity Residential (NYSE:EQR Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The real estate investment trust reported $1.02 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.02. Equity Residential had a net margin of 37.58% and a return on equity of 10.30%. The business had revenue of $782.41 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $779.68 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.98 earnings per share. Equity Residential has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 1.020-1.060 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 3.980-4.020 EPS. On average, research analysts anticipate that Equity Residential will post 3.98 earnings per share for the current year. Equity Residential Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 25th were issued a $0.6925 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 25th. This represents a $2.77 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.7%. Equity Residentials payout ratio is currently 91.42%. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Equity Residential Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Rothschild Investment LLC grew its stake in Equity Residential by 6.8% during the second quarter. Rothschild Investment LLC now owns 2,841 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $192,000 after acquiring an additional 182 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 48,030 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,242,000 after purchasing an additional 183 shares during the last quarter. CX Institutional grew its position in shares of Equity Residential by 6.1% during the third quarter. CX Institutional now owns 3,274 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $212,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Summitry LLC grew its position in shares of Equity Residential by 6.3% during the third quarter. Summitry LLC now owns 3,193 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $207,000 after purchasing an additional 189 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Louisiana State Employees Retirement System increased its holdings in shares of Equity Residential by 1.1% in the third quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 18,200 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,178,000 after purchasing an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 92.68% of the companys stock. About Equity Residential (Get Free Report) Equity Residential is committed to creating communities where people thrive. The Company, a member of the S&P 500, is focused on the acquisition, development and management of residential properties located in and around dynamic cities that attract affluent long-term renters. Equity Residential owns or has investments in 305 properties consisting of 80,683 apartment units, with an established presence in Boston, New York, Washington, DC, Seattle, San Francisco and Southern California, and an expanding presence in Denver, Atlanta, Dallas/Ft. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Equity Residential Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Equity Residential and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp raised its holdings in shares of EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report) by 14.0% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 56,861 shares of the energy exploration companys stock after purchasing an additional 7,000 shares during the period. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in EOG Resources were worth $6,801,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Several other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the business. StrongBox Wealth LLC increased its holdings in EOG Resources by 1.9% during the second quarter. StrongBox Wealth LLC now owns 4,817 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $576,000 after buying an additional 88 shares during the period. ORG Partners LLC boosted its position in EOG Resources by 45.1% during the 2nd quarter. ORG Partners LLC now owns 283 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $34,000 after acquiring an additional 88 shares in the last quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. increased its holdings in shares of EOG Resources by 31.6% in the 2nd quarter. Ameriflex Group Inc. now owns 379 shares of the energy exploration companys stock valued at $46,000 after acquiring an additional 91 shares during the period. Granite Harbor Advisors Inc. raised its position in shares of EOG Resources by 3.2% in the 1st quarter. Granite Harbor Advisors Inc. now owns 3,034 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $389,000 after acquiring an additional 94 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sigma Planning Corp lifted its stake in shares of EOG Resources by 1.6% during the 1st quarter. Sigma Planning Corp now owns 6,259 shares of the energy exploration companys stock worth $803,000 after purchasing an additional 97 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 89.91% of the companys stock. Get EOG Resources alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts have issued reports on EOG shares. UBS Group lifted their target price on EOG Resources from $142.00 to $144.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 20th. Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their price objective on shares of EOG Resources from $140.00 to $145.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Jefferies Financial Group set a $145.00 target price on shares of EOG Resources in a research report on Sunday, October 12th. Scotiabank restated a sector perform rating and issued a $130.00 target price on shares of EOG Resources in a research note on Friday, September 26th. Finally, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c) rating on shares of EOG Resources in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and fifteen have issued a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, EOG Resources presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $140.72. EOG Resources Stock Up 0.5% NYSE:EOG opened at $109.29 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.79, a quick ratio of 1.61 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. EOG Resources, Inc. has a twelve month low of $102.52 and a twelve month high of $138.18. The company has a market cap of $59.67 billion, a PE ratio of 10.62, a P/E/G ratio of 8.20 and a beta of 0.72. The companys 50 day moving average is $111.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $115.46. EOG Resources (NYSE:EOG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The energy exploration company reported $2.71 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.42 by $0.29. The business had revenue of $5.85 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $5.48 billion. EOG Resources had a net margin of 25.25% and a return on equity of 20.51%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 2.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.89 earnings per share. Analysts anticipate that EOG Resources, Inc. will post 11.47 EPS for the current year. EOG Resources Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. EOG Resourcess payout ratio is presently 40.64%. About EOG Resources (Free Report) EOG Resources, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, explores for, develops, produces, and markets crude oil, natural gas liquids, and natural gas primarily in producing basins in the United States, the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and internationally. The company was formerly known as Enron Oil & Gas Company. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EOG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for EOG Resources, Inc. (NYSE:EOG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for EOG Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for EOG Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG Free Report) Stock analysts at Zacks Research boosted their FY2025 EPS estimates for MGIC Investment in a research note issued on Thursday, November 13th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the insurance provider will post earnings per share of $3.11 for the year, up from their previous forecast of $3.01. The consensus estimate for MGIC Investments current full-year earnings is $2.71 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for MGIC Investments Q4 2025 earnings at $0.71 EPS, Q1 2026 earnings at $0.74 EPS, Q3 2026 earnings at $0.77 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.82 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $3.09 EPS, Q1 2027 earnings at $0.94 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.95 EPS and Q3 2027 earnings at $0.95 EPS. Get MGIC Investment alerts: A number of other brokerages have also commented on MTG. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (a-) rating on shares of MGIC Investment in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays upped their price objective on MGIC Investment from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the stock a cautious rating in a report on Monday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and two have assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $26.80. MGIC Investment Stock Down 1.0% MTG opened at $28.17 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $6.30 billion, a PE ratio of 9.06, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $27.76 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $27.05. The company has a quick ratio of 1.46, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. MGIC Investment has a 52 week low of $21.94 and a 52 week high of $29.01. MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.72 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $304.51 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $308.16 million. MGIC Investment had a net margin of 61.96% and a return on equity of 14.63%. MGIC Investments revenue for the quarter was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.77 earnings per share. MGIC Investment Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 6th will be paid a $0.15 dividend. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 6th. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 19.29%. Insider Transactions at MGIC Investment In other news, EVP Paula C. Maggio sold 20,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.44, for a total value of $548,800.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 117,395 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,221,318.80. This represents a 14.56% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, COO Salvatore A. Miosi sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, October 1st. The stock was sold at an average price of $28.15, for a total transaction of $844,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer owned 189,401 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,331,638.15. This trade represents a 13.67% decrease in their position. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 219,203 shares of company stock worth $5,989,909. 1.05% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Institutional Trading of MGIC Investment Institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. WPG Advisers LLC bought a new position in shares of MGIC Investment during the first quarter valued at approximately $26,000. True Wealth Design LLC grew its holdings in shares of MGIC Investment by 262.5% in the second quarter. True Wealth Design LLC now owns 1,004 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $28,000 after purchasing an additional 727 shares during the last quarter. Alpine Bank Wealth Management purchased a new position in MGIC Investment in the 3rd quarter worth about $28,000. Newbridge Financial Services Group Inc. bought a new stake in MGIC Investment during the 3rd quarter valued at about $28,000. Finally, Hantz Financial Services Inc. grew its stake in MGIC Investment by 3,067.6% in the 2nd quarter. Hantz Financial Services Inc. now owns 1,077 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $30,000 after acquiring an additional 1,043 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 95.58% of the companys stock. About MGIC Investment (Get Free Report) MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for MGIC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MGIC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Good Life Advisors LLC reduced its stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMM Free Report) by 25.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 35,267 shares of the companys stock after selling 11,879 shares during the quarter. Good Life Advisors LLCs holdings in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF were worth $2,156,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. SVB Wealth LLC purchased a new position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the first quarter worth about $29,000. IFP Advisors Inc boosted its position in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF by 46.3% in the 2nd quarter. IFP Advisors Inc now owns 739 shares of the companys stock valued at $45,000 after purchasing an additional 234 shares during the period. TFC Financial Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at about $72,000. AE Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $190,000. Finally, Priebe Wealth Holdings LLC acquired a new position in John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF during the second quarter worth approximately $205,000. Get John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF alerts: John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF Trading Down 1.9% Shares of NYSEARCA JHMM opened at $64.00 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $4.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.18 and a beta of 1.04. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF has a twelve month low of $49.29 and a twelve month high of $65.80. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $64.55 and a two-hundred day moving average of $62.19. John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF Company Profile The John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (JHMM) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the John Hancock Dimensional Mid Cap index. The fund tracks an index of US firms ranked 200-950 by size, weighted by multiple factors relative to their sector peers. JHMM was launched on Sep 28, 2015 and is managed by John Hancock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding JHMM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF (NYSEARCA:JHMM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for John Hancock Multifactor Mid Cap ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Quaker Houghton (NYSE:KWR Get Free Report) and H. B. Fuller (NYSE:FUL Get Free Report) are both mid-cap basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends, risk, institutional ownership and valuation. Valuation and Earnings This table compares Quaker Houghton and H. B. Fullers top-line revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Quaker Houghton alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Quaker Houghton $1.86 billion 1.25 $116.64 million ($0.49) -274.38 H. B. Fuller $3.50 billion 0.88 $130.26 million $1.85 30.78 Analyst Recommendations H. B. Fuller has higher revenue and earnings than Quaker Houghton. Quaker Houghton is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than H. B. Fuller, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This is a breakdown of current recommendations and price targets for Quaker Houghton and H. B. Fuller, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Quaker Houghton 2 1 3 0 2.17 H. B. Fuller 1 2 3 2 2.75 Quaker Houghton currently has a consensus price target of $152.33, suggesting a potential upside of 13.30%. H. B. Fuller has a consensus price target of $67.75, suggesting a potential upside of 18.98%. Given H. B. Fullers stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe H. B. Fuller is more favorable than Quaker Houghton. Dividends Quaker Houghton pays an annual dividend of $2.03 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.5%. H. B. Fuller pays an annual dividend of $0.94 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Quaker Houghton pays out -414.3% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. H. B. Fuller pays out 50.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Quaker Houghton has increased its dividend for 17 consecutive years and H. B. Fuller has increased its dividend for 57 consecutive years. H. B. Fuller is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Profitability This table compares Quaker Houghton and H. B. Fullers net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Quaker Houghton -0.39% 8.35% 4.25% H. B. Fuller 3.28% 11.49% 4.24% Insider & Institutional Ownership 77.5% of Quaker Houghton shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 95.9% of H. B. Fuller shares are held by institutional investors. 1.1% of Quaker Houghton shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 2.0% of H. B. Fuller shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Risk & Volatility Quaker Houghton has a beta of 1.47, meaning that its share price is 47% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, H. B. Fuller has a beta of 1.13, meaning that its share price is 13% more volatile than the S&P 500. Summary H. B. Fuller beats Quaker Houghton on 13 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Quaker Houghton (Get Free Report) Quaker Chemical Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, develops, produces, and markets various formulated specialty chemical products for a range of heavy industrial and manufacturing applications in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. It offers metal removal fluids, cleaning fluids, corrosion inhibitors, metal drawing and forming fluids, die-cast mold releases, heat treatment and quenchants, metal forging fluids, hydraulic fluids, specialty greases, offshore sub-sea energy control fluids, rolling lubricants, rod and wire drawing fluids, and surface treatment chemicals. The company also provides chemical management services. It serves steel, aluminum, automotive, aerospace, offshore, container, mining, and metalworking companies. The company was founded in 1918 and is headquartered in Conshohocken, Pennsylvania. About H. B. Fuller (Get Free Report) H.B. Fuller Company, together with its subsidiaries, formulates, manufactures, and markets adhesives, sealants, coatings, polymers, tapes, encapsulants, additives, and other specialty chemical products. It operates through three segments: Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives; Engineering Adhesives; and Construction Adhesives. The Hygiene, Health and Consumable Adhesives segment produces and supplies specialty industrial adhesives, such as thermoplastic, thermoset, reactive, water-based, and solvent-based products for applications in various markets, including packaging, converting, nonwoven and hygiene, and health and beauty. The Engineering Adhesives segment produces and supplies high performance industrial adhesives comprising reactive, light cure, two-part liquids, polyurethane, silicone, film, and fast cure products to the durable assembly, performance wood and textile, transportation, electronics, clean energy, aerospace and defense, appliance, heavy machinery, and insulating glass markets. The Construction Adhesives segment provides products used for tile setting, commercial roofing, heating, ventilation, and air conditioning and insulation applications, as well as caulks and sealants for the consumer market and professional trade. The company sells its products directly to customers, as well as through distributors and retailers in the Americas, Europe, India, the Middle East, Africa, and the Asia Pacific. H.B. Fuller Company was founded in 1887 and is headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota. Receive News & Ratings for Quaker Houghton Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Quaker Houghton and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY Get Free Report) and Suzano (NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, earnings, institutional ownership, profitability, dividends, risk and analyst recommendations. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Stora Enso Oyj and Suzanos revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Get Stora Enso Oyj alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Stora Enso Oyj $9.79 billion 0.95 -$146.08 million $0.01 1,183.00 Suzano $8.79 billion 1.35 -$1.31 billion $0.96 9.36 Analyst Ratings Stora Enso Oyj has higher revenue and earnings than Suzano. Suzano is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Stora Enso Oyj, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This is a breakdown of current ratings and recommmendations for Stora Enso Oyj and Suzano, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Stora Enso Oyj 1 3 0 0 1.75 Suzano 0 1 1 2 3.25 Stora Enso Oyj presently has a consensus price target of $10.80, indicating a potential downside of 8.71%. Given Stora Enso Oyjs higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Stora Enso Oyj is more favorable than Suzano. Volatility and Risk Stora Enso Oyj has a beta of 0.8, meaning that its stock price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Suzano has a beta of 0.84, meaning that its stock price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional & Insider Ownership 0.0% of Stora Enso Oyj shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 2.6% of Suzano shares are held by institutional investors. 8.1% of Stora Enso Oyj shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Stora Enso Oyj pays an annual dividend of $0.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Suzano pays an annual dividend of $0.26 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Stora Enso Oyj pays out 1,200.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Suzano pays out 27.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Suzano is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Profitability This table compares Stora Enso Oyj and Suzanos net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Stora Enso Oyj 0.14% -2.62% -1.33% Suzano 13.03% 16.39% 4.05% Summary Suzano beats Stora Enso Oyj on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Stora Enso Oyj (Get Free Report) Stora Enso Oyj provides renewable solutions for the packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions, and paper industries in Finland and internationally. It operates through Packaging Materials, Packaging Solutions, Biomaterials, Wood Products, Forest, Paper, and Other segments. The company's Packaging Materials segment offers virgin and recycled fiber replace fossil-based materials with low-carbon, renewable and recyclable packaging materials for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and transport packaging. Its Packaging Solutions segment develops and sells fiber-based packaging products and services, including converting corrugated boards and carton boards; and new materials, such as formed fiber and wood foams into standard and bespoke packaging solutions for retail, e-commerce, and industrials. The company's Biomaterials segment provides various pulp for packaging, paper, tissue, specialties, and hygiene product producers; and tall oil and turpentine from biomass. Its Wood Products segment offers wood-based solutions, including digital tools for design and construction of building projects with wood; applications for windows and doors; and pellets for sustainable heating solutions. The company's Forest segment engages in sustainable forest management, as well as supplies wood. Its Paper segments offers portfolio of products for print and office use. The company's Other segment produces electricity and heat. It serves packaging manufacturers, brand owners, paper merchants, publishers, retailers, printing houses, converters, and construction companies. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. About Suzano (Get Free Report) Suzano S.A. produces and sells eucalyptus pulp and paper products in Brazil and internationally. It operates through Pulp and Paper segments. The company offers coated and uncoated printing and writing papers, paperboards, tissue papers, and market and fluff pulps; and lignin. It also engages in the research, development, and production of biofuel; operation of port terminals; power generation and distribution business; commercialization of equipment and parts; industrialization, commercialization, and exporting of pulp and standing wood; road freight transport; biotechnology research and development; and commercialization of paper and computer materials. In addition, the company is involved in the business office, production packaging, and financial fundraising activities; research, development, production, commercialization, and distribution of wood-based textile fibers, yarns, and filaments produced from cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose; and research and development of wood raw materials for the textile industry. Suzano S.A. was formerly known as Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. and changed its name to Suzano S.A. in April 2019. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Salvador, Brazil. Receive News & Ratings for Stora Enso Oyj Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Stora Enso Oyj and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Impax Asset Management Group plc lifted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report) by 28.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 23,175 shares of the medical research companys stock after acquiring an additional 5,106 shares during the period. Impax Asset Management Group plcs holdings in Edwards Lifesciences were worth $1,813,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Rosenberg Matthew Hamilton purchased a new position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences in the second quarter worth $28,000. Quantbot Technologies LP purchased a new stake in shares of Edwards Lifesciences during the first quarter valued at $26,000. NewSquare Capital LLC boosted its position in shares of Edwards Lifesciences by 57.8% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 366 shares of the medical research companys stock valued at $29,000 after buying an additional 134 shares during the last quarter. SouthState Corp bought a new stake in Edwards Lifesciences in the 1st quarter worth about $27,000. Finally, Costello Asset Management INC purchased a new position in Edwards Lifesciences in the 1st quarter worth about $29,000. 79.46% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Edwards Lifesciences alerts: Edwards Lifesciences Price Performance Shares of Edwards Lifesciences stock opened at $86.17 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $50.00 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.40, a PEG ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 1.03. The company has a quick ratio of 3.87, a current ratio of 4.68 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $78.09 and its 200-day simple moving average is $77.65. Edwards Lifesciences Corporation has a 52 week low of $65.31 and a 52 week high of $87.21. Analyst Ratings Changes Edwards Lifesciences ( NYSE:EW Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The medical research company reported $0.67 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.59 by $0.08. Edwards Lifesciences had a net margin of 72.96% and a return on equity of 15.01%. The firm had revenue of $1.55 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.49 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.67 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.7% compared to the same quarter last year. Edwards Lifesciences has set its FY 2025 guidance at 2.560-2.620 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.580-0.640 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Edwards Lifesciences Corporation will post 2.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. A number of research analysts recently weighed in on EW shares. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft increased their price objective on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $85.00 to $94.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 25th. Truist Financial boosted their target price on shares of Edwards Lifesciences from $87.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Canaccord Genuity Group reissued a hold rating and set a $84.00 price target (up from $81.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Mizuho lifted their price objective on Edwards Lifesciences from $90.00 to $100.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Barclays reiterated an overweight rating and set a $99.00 price objective (up previously from $95.00) on shares of Edwards Lifesciences in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have issued a Buy rating, ten have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Edwards Lifesciences currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.39. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on EW Insider Transactions at Edwards Lifesciences In other news, VP Daniel J. Lippis sold 1,020 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $82.55, for a total value of $84,201.00. Following the sale, the vice president owned 22,002 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,816,265.10. This represents a 4.43% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Larry L. Wood sold 8,950 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $78.06, for a total transaction of $698,637.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider directly owned 206,900 shares in the company, valued at $16,150,614. This trade represents a 4.15% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Insiders have sold a total of 22,970 shares of company stock worth $1,862,878 in the last three months. Insiders own 0.34% of the companys stock. Edwards Lifesciences Profile (Free Report) Edwards Lifesciences Corporation provides products and technologies for structural heart disease and critical care monitoring in the United States, Europe, Japan, and internationally. It offers transcatheter heart valve replacement products for the minimally invasive replacement of aortic heart valves under the Edwards SAPIEN family of valves system; and transcatheter heart valve repair and replacement products to treat mitral and tricuspid valve diseases under the PASCAL PRECISION and Cardioband names. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding EW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Edwards Lifesciences Corporation (NYSE:EW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Edwards Lifesciences Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edwards Lifesciences and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Glassman Wealth Services decreased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report) by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 4,614 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 126 shares during the period. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF comprises 0.3% of Glassman Wealth Services portfolio, making the stock its 17th largest holding. Glassman Wealth Services holdings in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF were worth $1,959,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Concord Wealth Partners lifted its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 1,966.7% in the second quarter. Concord Wealth Partners now owns 62 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $26,000 after purchasing an additional 59 shares during the period. HighMark Wealth Management LLC increased its position in iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 60.5% during the 2nd quarter. HighMark Wealth Management LLC now owns 69 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $29,000 after purchasing an additional 26 shares during the period. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF during the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. First Community Trust NA boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 525.0% in the second quarter. First Community Trust NA now owns 125 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $53,000 after buying an additional 105 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quaker Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF by 200.0% in the second quarter. Quaker Wealth Management LLC now owns 150 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $64,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. 75.33% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF alerts: iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Price Performance Shares of IWF stock opened at $469.92 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $470.43 and its 200 day moving average price is $436.47. The firm has a market capitalization of $122.01 billion, a PE ratio of 33.43 and a beta of 1.13. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF has a 1-year low of $308.67 and a 1-year high of $493.00. iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Company Profile iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares Russell 1000 Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks investment returns that correspond generally to the price and yield performance of the Russell 1000 Growth Index (the Index). The Index measures the performance of equity securities of Russell 1000 index issuers with relatively higher price-to-book ratios and higher forecasted growth. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IWF? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF (NYSEARCA:IWF Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Russell 1000 Growth ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Jacksonville Wealth Management LLC bought a new position in shares of Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund bought 296 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $231,000. Other large investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Eli Lilly and Company in the first quarter valued at about $27,000. Blume Capital Management Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company by 46.7% during the 2nd quarter. Blume Capital Management Inc. now owns 44 shares of the companys stock worth $34,000 after acquiring an additional 14 shares in the last quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Eli Lilly and Company in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $35,000. TD Capital Management LLC increased its stake in Eli Lilly and Company by 129.2% in the 1st quarter. TD Capital Management LLC now owns 55 shares of the companys stock valued at $46,000 after purchasing an additional 31 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Family CFO Inc acquired a new position in Eli Lilly and Company during the second quarter worth $54,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 82.53% of the companys stock. Get Eli Lilly and Company alerts: Eli Lilly and Company Stock Up 0.4% Shares of LLY opened at $1,022.00 on Friday. Eli Lilly and Company has a fifty-two week low of $623.78 and a fifty-two week high of $1,032.95. The companys fifty day moving average is $820.93 and its two-hundred day moving average is $779.85. The firm has a market cap of $966.19 billion, a PE ratio of 66.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.21 and a beta of 0.43. The company has a quick ratio of 1.00, a current ratio of 1.28 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.86. Eli Lilly and Company Dividend Announcement Eli Lilly and Company ( NYSE:LLY Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The company reported $7.02 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.42 by $0.60. Eli Lilly and Company had a net margin of 25.91% and a return on equity of 92.72%. The firm had revenue of $17.60 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $16.09 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $1.18 EPS. The companys revenue was up 53.9% on a year-over-year basis. Eli Lilly and Company has set its FY 2025 guidance at 23.000-23.700 EPS. Analysts forecast that Eli Lilly and Company will post 23.48 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 10th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 14th will be paid a dividend of $1.50 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $6.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.6%. Eli Lilly and Companys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 29.35%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In LLY has been the topic of several research reports. Daiwa America lowered Eli Lilly and Company from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, August 17th. Guggenheim reiterated a buy rating and issued a $948.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. UBS Group raised their target price on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $895.00 to $1,080.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Eli Lilly and Company from $930.00 to $1,100.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Loop Capital set a $950.00 price objective on shares of Eli Lilly and Company in a research note on Monday. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $999.32. Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on LLY Eli Lilly and Company Profile (Free Report) Eli Lilly and Company discovers, develops, and markets human pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Basaglar, Humalog, Humalog Mix 75/25, Humalog U-100, Humalog U-200, Humalog Mix 50/50, insulin lispro, insulin lispro protamine, insulin lispro mix 75/25, Humulin, Humulin 70/30, Humulin N, Humulin R, and Humulin U-500 for diabetes; Jardiance, Mounjaro, and Trulicity for type 2 diabetes; and Zepbound for obesity. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding LLY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE:LLY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Eli Lilly and Company Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Eli Lilly and Company and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KBC Group NV decreased its stake in The Mosaic Company (NYSE:MOS Free Report) by 56.2% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 373,860 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 480,124 shares during the quarter. KBC Group NV owned approximately 0.12% of Mosaic worth $13,638,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. Boston Partners increased its stake in shares of Mosaic by 42.2% in the first quarter. Boston Partners now owns 7,979,380 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $215,540,000 after acquiring an additional 2,368,094 shares during the last quarter. Fuller & Thaler Asset Management Inc. acquired a new stake in Mosaic during the first quarter valued at $54,953,000. Truist Financial Corp grew its stake in Mosaic by 13,275.9% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 2,022,840 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $73,793,000 after purchasing an additional 2,007,717 shares in the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in Mosaic by 100.9% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,806,663 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $138,867,000 after purchasing an additional 1,912,064 shares in the last quarter. Finally, GMT Capital Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Mosaic during the 1st quarter worth about $47,211,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 77.54% of the companys stock. Get Mosaic alerts: Mosaic Stock Performance NYSE:MOS opened at $25.55 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $31.13 and a 200-day moving average of $33.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.14, a quick ratio of 0.44 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.26. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.66, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.94 and a beta of 1.00. The Mosaic Company has a 1 year low of $22.36 and a 1 year high of $38.23. Mosaic Dividend Announcement Mosaic ( NYSE:MOS Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The basic materials company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.03 by $0.01. Mosaic had a return on equity of 4.74% and a net margin of 8.35%.The business had revenue of $3.45 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.87 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.34 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 22.8% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that The Mosaic Company will post 2.04 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 18th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 8th were paid a $0.22 dividend. This represents a $0.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 8th. Mosaics dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 22.80%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on Mosaic in a report on Tuesday. They issued an equal weight rating and a $28.00 price objective on the stock. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Mosaic from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, September 13th. Barclays decreased their price target on Mosaic from $42.00 to $35.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday. UBS Group dropped their price target on shares of Mosaic from $40.00 to $38.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lowered shares of Mosaic from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and cut their target price for the stock from $37.00 to $26.00 in a research report on Tuesday. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $33.46. Get Our Latest Stock Report on MOS Mosaic Company Profile (Free Report) The Mosaic Company, through its subsidiaries, produces and markets concentrated phosphate and potash crop nutrients in North America and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Phosphates, Potash, and Mosaic Fertilizantes. It owns and operates mines, which produce concentrated phosphate crop nutrients, such as diammonium phosphate, monoammonium phosphate, and ammoniated phosphate products; and phosphate-based animal feed ingredients primarily under the Biofos and Nexfos brand names, as well as produces a double sulfate of potash magnesia product under K-Mag brand name. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Mosaic Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mosaic and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KBC Group NV decreased its holdings in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company (NYSE:HPE Free Report) by 47.3% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 845,242 shares of the technology companys stock after selling 758,697 shares during the quarter. KBC Group NV owned about 0.06% of Hewlett Packard Enterprise worth $17,286,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in HPE. Vise Technologies Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in the second quarter valued at approximately $472,000. Allworth Financial LP boosted its holdings in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 13.2% in the 2nd quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 51,355 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,050,000 after purchasing an additional 6,008 shares during the period. ProShare Advisors LLC grew its position in Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 12.0% in the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 285,704 shares of the technology companys stock worth $5,843,000 after purchasing an additional 30,712 shares during the last quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT increased its holdings in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise by 74.5% during the 2nd quarter. Zions Bancorporation National Association UT now owns 3,000 shares of the technology companys stock worth $61,000 after purchasing an additional 1,281 shares during the period. Finally, Campbell & CO Investment Adviser LLC acquired a new position in shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise during the second quarter valued at about $912,000. 80.78% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Hewlett Packard Enterprise alerts: Hewlett Packard Enterprise Stock Performance Shares of HPE stock opened at $22.86 on Friday. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company has a 52 week low of $11.97 and a 52 week high of $26.44. The company has a market capitalization of $30.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 27.88, a PEG ratio of 1.31 and a beta of 1.43. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $24.21 and a 200 day simple moving average of $21.11. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.69, a quick ratio of 0.69 and a current ratio of 0.95. Hewlett Packard Enterprise Dividend Announcement Hewlett Packard Enterprise ( NYSE:HPE Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, September 3rd. The technology company reported $0.35 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.44 by ($0.09). Hewlett Packard Enterprise had a return on equity of 9.01% and a net margin of 3.77%.The company had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.77 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.50 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 19.8% on a year-over-year basis. Hewlett Packard Enterprise has set its FY 2025 guidance at 1.880-1.920 EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at 0.560-0.600 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company will post 1.85 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 17th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, September 18th were issued a $0.13 dividend. This represents a $0.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 18th. Hewlett Packard Enterprises dividend payout ratio is currently 63.41%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently issued reports on the company. Barclays boosted their price target on Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $26.00 to $27.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Morgan Stanley raised Hewlett Packard Enterprise from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $22.00 to $28.00 in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. They set a neutral rating and a $24.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Citigroup upped their target price on shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise from $26.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have issued a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $25.41. Read Our Latest Research Report on HPE Insiders Place Their Bets In other Hewlett Packard Enterprise news, EVP Maeve C. Culloty sold 3,738 shares of Hewlett Packard Enterprise stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $25.12, for a total value of $93,898.56. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Gary M. Reiner sold 40,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, September 15th. The stock was sold at an average price of $24.58, for a total transaction of $983,200.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 83,869 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,061,500.02. The trade was a 32.29% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Insiders have sold 543,738 shares of company stock worth $12,922,932 in the last 90 days. Company insiders own 0.36% of the companys stock. About Hewlett Packard Enterprise (Free Report) Hewlett Packard Enterprise Company provides solutions that allow customers to capture, analyze, and act upon data seamlessly in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Japan. It operates in six segments: Compute, HPC & AI, Storage, Intelligent Edge, Financial Services, and Corporate Investments and Other. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hewlett Packard Enterprise and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Liontown Resources Limited (ASX:LTR Get Free Report) insider Tony Ottaviano sold 1,407,879 shares of Liontown Resources stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of A$1.28, for a total value of A$1,803,493.00. Tony Ottaviano also recently made the following trade(s): Get Liontown Resources alerts: On Wednesday, November 5th, Tony Ottaviano purchased 135,083 shares of Liontown Resources stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of A$1.08 per share, with a total value of A$145,889.64. On Thursday, August 28th, Tony Ottaviano acquired 41,096 shares of Liontown Resources stock. The shares were bought at an average cost of A$0.73 per share, with a total value of A$30,000.08. Liontown Resources Stock Performance The stock has a market capitalization of $1.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -24.25 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 59.85, a quick ratio of 22.78 and a current ratio of 1.31. About Liontown Resources Liontown Resources Limited engages in the exploration, evaluation, and development of mineral properties in Australia. The company explores for lithium, gold, vanadium, copper, and nickel deposits, as well as platinum group elements. Its flagship property is the Kathleen Valley lithium project located in Perth, Western Australia. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Liontown Resources Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Liontown Resources and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) had its target price increased by stock analysts at Citigroup from $49.00 to $55.00 in a note issued to investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a neutral rating on the stock. Citigroups target price would indicate a potential upside of 12.30% from the stocks previous close. Other equities analysts also recently issued reports about the company. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Magna International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Evercore ISI raised their target price on shares of Magna International from $40.00 to $47.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. TD Securities lifted their price objective on Magna International from $57.00 to $58.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, November 3rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price target on shares of Magna International from $53.00 to $57.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, BMO Capital Markets increased their price target on shares of Magna International from $49.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.00. Get Magna International alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Magna International Magna International Price Performance Shares of Magna International stock traded down $0.51 on Friday, hitting $48.97. 791,559 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,702,698. The company has a current ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. The company has a market cap of $13.80 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.50, a P/E/G ratio of 1.00 and a beta of 1.59. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $46.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $42.23. Magna International has a 12-month low of $30.39 and a 12-month high of $50.77. Magna International (NYSE:MGA Get Free Report) (TSE:MG) last released its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $1.33 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.24 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $10.50 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.03 billion. Magna International had a return on equity of 11.89% and a net margin of 2.91%.Magna Internationals quarterly revenue was up 1.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.28 EPS. Magna International has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Analysts expect that Magna International will post 5.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Institutional Trading of Magna International A number of institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. LRI Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Magna International in the second quarter worth $27,000. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its holdings in Magna International by 507.3% in the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 1,500 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after purchasing an additional 1,253 shares during the period. Farther Finance Advisors LLC increased its stake in Magna International by 385.1% during the 2nd quarter. Farther Finance Advisors LLC now owns 1,431 shares of the companys stock worth $55,000 after buying an additional 1,136 shares in the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC increased its stake in shares of Magna International by 115.3% in the 2nd quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 2,498 shares of the companys stock worth $96,000 after acquiring an additional 1,338 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Atlas Capital Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Magna International in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $99,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 67.49% of the companys stock. About Magna International (Get Free Report) Magna International Inc designs, engineers, and manufactures components, assemblies, systems, subsystems, and modules for original equipment manufacturers of vehicles and light trucks worldwide. It operates through four segments: Body Exteriors & Structures, Power & Vision, Seating Systems, and Complete Vehicles. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Magna International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Magna International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Old West Investment Management LLC decreased its stake in shares of Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:TMQ Free Report) by 12.0% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 11,094,426 shares of the mining companys stock after selling 1,517,453 shares during the period. Trilogy Metals comprises about 4.9% of Old West Investment Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 4th largest position. Old West Investment Management LLC owned approximately 0.07% of Trilogy Metals worth $14,977,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. Other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Birchbrook Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Trilogy Metals by 25.0% in the first quarter. Birchbrook Inc. now owns 50,000 shares of the mining companys stock valued at $78,000 after purchasing an additional 10,000 shares during the last quarter. Virtu Financial LLC purchased a new position in Trilogy Metals during the first quarter worth about $83,000. Legacy Capital Group California Inc. purchased a new position in Trilogy Metals during the first quarter worth about $232,000. DLD Asset Management LP bought a new stake in Trilogy Metals in the 1st quarter worth about $388,000. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Trilogy Metals in the 1st quarter valued at about $396,000. Institutional investors own 16.75% of the companys stock. Get Trilogy Metals alerts: Insider Transactions at Trilogy Metals In other news, Director Diana J. Walters sold 100,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, October 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $7.03, for a total value of $703,000.00. Following the sale, the director owned 51,302 shares of the companys stock, valued at $360,653.06. The trade was a 66.09% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director William L. Iggiagruk Hensley sold 100,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Wednesday, October 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.39, for a total value of $639,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 43,638 shares of the companys stock, valued at $278,846.82. The trade was a 69.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 1,064,506 shares of company stock valued at $7,275,194. 15.20% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Trilogy Metals Stock Performance Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Shares of TMQ opened at $3.84 on Friday. Trilogy Metals Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $0.91 and a fifty-two week high of $11.29. The business has a 50-day moving average of $3.96 and a 200 day moving average of $2.37. The firm has a market cap of $645.47 million, a P/E ratio of -76.80 and a beta of 1.18. A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the company. TD Securities restated a hold rating on shares of Trilogy Metals in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Raymond James Financial raised Trilogy Metals from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Cormark cut Trilogy Metals from a moderate buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets restated a market perform rating and issued a $5.50 price objective on shares of Trilogy Metals in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Cowen restated a hold rating on shares of Trilogy Metals in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $7.75. View Our Latest Analysis on Trilogy Metals Trilogy Metals Company Profile (Free Report) Trilogy Metals Inc, a base metals exploration company, engages in the exploration and development of mineral properties in the United States. The company explores for copper, cobalt, lead, zinc, gold, and silver properties. It principally holds interests in the Upper Kobuk mineral projects that include the Arctic, which contains polymetallic volcanogenic massive sulfide deposits; and Bornite that contains carbonate-hosted copper cobalt deposits covering an area of approximately 448,217 acres located in the Ambler mining district in Northwest Alaska. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TMQ? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Trilogy Metals Inc. (NYSEAMERICAN:TMQ Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Trilogy Metals Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Trilogy Metals and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Olympiad Research LP purchased a new position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 1,539 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $280,000. Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Advisors Capital Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC now owns 674,953 shares of the companys stock worth $122,929,000 after buying an additional 10,875 shares in the last quarter. WP Advisors LLC raised its position in Philip Morris International by 2.7% during the second quarter. WP Advisors LLC now owns 6,432 shares of the companys stock worth $1,172,000 after acquiring an additional 171 shares during the last quarter. Grandfield & Dodd LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 6.6% in the second quarter. Grandfield & Dodd LLC now owns 6,911 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,259,000 after purchasing an additional 427 shares in the last quarter. Hibernia Wealth Partners LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Philip Morris International in the second quarter valued at approximately $381,000. Finally, Clearstead Trust LLC increased its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 90.0% during the 2nd quarter. Clearstead Trust LLC now owns 361 shares of the companys stock worth $66,000 after purchasing an additional 171 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock. Get Philip Morris International alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms have recently weighed in on PM. Morgan Stanley set a $175.00 price target on Philip Morris International and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and issued a $195.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Philip Morris International in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays reduced their price objective on shares of Philip Morris International from $225.00 to $220.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, Stifel Nicolaus set a $180.00 target price on shares of Philip Morris International in a research note on Tuesday, October 21st. Twelve investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $194.00. Philip Morris International Trading Down 0.3% Shares of PM opened at $155.12 on Friday. Philip Morris International Inc. has a twelve month low of $116.12 and a twelve month high of $186.69. The firm has a market capitalization of $241.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.10, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.25 and a beta of 0.43. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $157.58 and its 200 day simple moving average is $168.00. Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 28th. The company reported $1.59 EPS for the quarter. The company had revenue of $8.12 billion during the quarter. Philip Morris International had a negative return on equity of 122.14% and a net margin of 9.33%. Sell-side analysts predict that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 7.14 earnings per share for the current year. Philip Morris International Increases Dividend The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, October 20th. Shareholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were given a dividend of $1.47 per share. This represents a $5.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.8%. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, October 3rd. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 106.52%. Philip Morris International Company Profile (Free Report) Philip Morris International Inc operates as a tobacco company working to delivers a smoke-free future and evolving portfolio for the long-term to include products outside of the tobacco and nicotine sector. The company's product portfolio primarily consists of cigarettes and smoke-free products, including heat-not-burn, vapor, and oral nicotine products primarily under the IQOS and ZYN brands; and consumer accessories, such as lighters and matches. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Philip Morris International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Philip Morris International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Olympiad Research LP decreased its holdings in Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report) by 52.8% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund owned 4,815 shares of the transportation companys stock after selling 5,383 shares during the quarter. Olympiad Research LPs holdings in Delta Air Lines were worth $237,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 0.7% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 72,924,506 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $3,179,508,000 after buying an additional 514,264 shares during the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Delta Air Lines by 3.3% during the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 16,757,932 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $822,127,000 after buying an additional 527,570 shares during the last quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new position in Delta Air Lines in the second quarter worth $386,364,000. Invesco Ltd. grew its stake in Delta Air Lines by 30.2% during the 1st quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 7,242,852 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $315,788,000 after buying an additional 1,681,464 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its stake in shares of Delta Air Lines by 5.1% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 6,214,853 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $305,646,000 after acquiring an additional 299,308 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 69.93% of the companys stock. Get Delta Air Lines alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Michael P. Huerta sold 2,500 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $60.70, for a total transaction of $151,750.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 33,245 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,017,971.50. This represents a 6.99% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Also, EVP John E. Laughter sold 23,323 shares of Delta Air Lines stock in a transaction on Tuesday, October 21st. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.33, for a total value of $1,453,722.59. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 81,109 shares in the company, valued at $5,055,523.97. The trade was a 22.33% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last ninety days, insiders have sold 39,833 shares of company stock worth $2,463,585. 0.88% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Delta Air Lines Stock Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE:DAL opened at $59.90 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $39.11 billion, a P/E ratio of 8.44, a P/E/G ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 1.52. Delta Air Lines, Inc. has a 1-year low of $34.74 and a 1-year high of $69.98. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $58.93 and a 200 day moving average price of $54.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.68, a current ratio of 0.40 and a quick ratio of 0.34. Delta Air Lines (NYSE:DAL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, March 15th. The transportation company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $8.40 billion for the quarter. Delta Air Lines had a net margin of 7.36% and a return on equity of 23.83%. Sell-side analysts predict that Delta Air Lines, Inc. will post 7.63 EPS for the current year. Delta Air Lines Announces Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, November 6th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 16th were paid a $0.1875 dividend. This represents a $0.75 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 16th. Delta Air Liness payout ratio is presently 10.56%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In DAL has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b-) rating on shares of Delta Air Lines in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Dbs Bank upgraded shares of Delta Air Lines from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. TD Cowen lifted their price target on Delta Air Lines from $66.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 13th. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on shares of Delta Air Lines from $70.00 to $74.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Seaport Global Securities lifted their price target on Delta Air Lines from $69.00 to $80.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 11th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and twenty have given a Buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Delta Air Lines has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of $71.53. Read Our Latest Analysis on Delta Air Lines Delta Air Lines Company Profile (Free Report) Delta Air Lines, Inc provides scheduled air transportation for passengers and cargo in the United States and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Airline and Refinery. Its domestic network centered on core hubs in Atlanta, Minneapolis-St. Paul, Detroit, and Salt Lake City, as well as coastal hub positions in Boston, Los Angeles, New York-LaGuardia, New York-JFK, and Seattle; and international network centered on hubs and market presence in Amsterdam, Bogota, Lima, Mexico City, London-Heathrow, Paris-Charles de Gaulle, Sao Paulo, Seoul-Incheon, and Tokyo. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DAL? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Delta Air Lines, Inc. (NYSE:DAL Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Delta Air Lines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Delta Air Lines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Olympiad Research LP cut its position in shares of Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report) by 51.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 924 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 964 shares during the period. Olympiad Research LPs holdings in Illinois Tool Works were worth $228,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ITW. Frazier Financial Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Illinois Tool Works in the second quarter worth about $25,000. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. increased its stake in shares of Illinois Tool Works by 90.9% in the 2nd quarter. SOA Wealth Advisors LLC. now owns 105 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 50 shares during the last quarter. Saudi Central Bank acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works in the first quarter worth $29,000. 1248 Management LLC bought a new position in Illinois Tool Works during the first quarter worth about $30,000. Finally, Banque Transatlantique SA acquired a new stake in Illinois Tool Works during the 1st quarter worth approximately $30,000. 79.77% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Illinois Tool Works alerts: Insider Activity at Illinois Tool Works In other Illinois Tool Works news, Director Pamela B. Strobel sold 1,521 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $245.25, for a total value of $373,025.25. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 39,249 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,625,817.25. The trade was a 3.73% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, CAO Randall J. Scheuneman sold 6,802 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 11th. The shares were sold at an average price of $265.08, for a total value of $1,803,074.16. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer owned 10,314 shares in the company, valued at $2,734,035.12. The trade was a 39.74% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders own 0.88% of the companys stock. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have commented on the stock. UBS Group boosted their price target on shares of Illinois Tool Works from $243.00 to $255.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $250.00 to $245.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b-) rating on shares of Illinois Tool Works in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Barclays increased their target price on Illinois Tool Works from $243.00 to $244.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Monday, October 27th. Finally, Evercore ISI set a $265.00 target price on shares of Illinois Tool Works and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 19th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and four have assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $262.00. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ITW Illinois Tool Works Stock Performance Shares of ITW opened at $245.28 on Friday. The stocks fifty day moving average price is $253.87 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $252.95. Illinois Tool Works Inc. has a 1 year low of $214.66 and a 1 year high of $279.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.39, a current ratio of 1.53 and a quick ratio of 1.11. The firm has a market cap of $71.16 billion, a PE ratio of 23.79, a PEG ratio of 4.10 and a beta of 1.11. Illinois Tool Works (NYSE:ITW Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Friday, October 24th. The industrial products company reported $2.81 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.72 by $0.09. Illinois Tool Works had a net margin of 19.05% and a return on equity of 93.26%. The business had revenue of $4.06 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.09 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $3.91 EPS. Illinois Tool Workss revenue was up 2.3% on a year-over-year basis. Illinois Tool Works has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.400-10.500 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Illinois Tool Works Inc. will post 10.39 EPS for the current year. Illinois Tool Works Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, January 9th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be given a $1.61 dividend. This represents a $6.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. Illinois Tool Workss dividend payout ratio is 62.46%. About Illinois Tool Works (Free Report) Illinois Tool Works Inc manufactures and sells industrial products and equipment in the United States and internationally. It operates through seven segments: Automotive OEM; Food Equipment; Test & Measurement and Electronics; Welding; Polymers & Fluids; Construction Products; and Specialty Products. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ITW? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Illinois Tool Works Inc. (NYSE:ITW Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Illinois Tool Works Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Illinois Tool Works and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp lowered its position in shares of OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR Free Report) by 28.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 441,750 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 175,015 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in OR Royalties were worth $11,347,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its stake in OR Royalties by 32.3% during the 1st quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 19,138 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $404,000 after purchasing an additional 4,669 shares during the period. SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLC lifted its stake in OR Royalties by 14.8% in the 1st quarter. SeaBridge Investment Advisors LLC now owns 15,500 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $327,000 after acquiring an additional 2,000 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers acquired a new stake in shares of OR Royalties during the first quarter worth approximately $268,000. Mackenzie Financial Corp grew its position in OR Royalties by 52.2% during the first quarter. Mackenzie Financial Corp now owns 5,040,962 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $106,382,000 after purchasing an additional 1,728,760 shares in the last quarter. Finally, XTX Topco Ltd lifted its position in OR Royalties by 68.5% in the 1st quarter. XTX Topco Ltd now owns 28,365 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $599,000 after buying an additional 11,535 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 68.52% of the companys stock. Get OR Royalties alerts: OR Royalties Stock Down 1.9% OR Royalties stock opened at $32.73 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03, a current ratio of 4.73 and a quick ratio of 4.73. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $35.80 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $30.11. The firm has a market cap of $6.16 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 88.46 and a beta of 0.72. OR Royalties Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $17.55 and a fifty-two week high of $42.25. OR Royalties Dividend Announcement OR Royalties ( NYSE:OR Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The basic materials company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $71.63 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $53.85 million. OR Royalties had a return on equity of 8.56% and a net margin of 35.25%. As a group, analysts forecast that OR Royalties Inc. will post 0.62 earnings per share for the current year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, January 15th. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 31st will be paid a $0.055 dividend. This represents a $0.22 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.7%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 31st. OR Royaltiess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.73%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Zacks Research raised shares of OR Royalties from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Raymond James Financial raised OR Royalties from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and set a $41.00 target price on the stock in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Canaccord Genuity Group upgraded OR Royalties from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $40.00 price objective (up previously from $34.00) on shares of OR Royalties in a report on Monday, October 6th. Finally, Weiss Ratings upgraded shares of OR Royalties from a hold (c+) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, OR Royalties presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $36.25. Get Our Latest Report on OR Royalties OR Royalties Company Profile (Free Report) Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd acquires and manages precious metal and other royalties, streams, and other interests in Canada and internationally. It also owns options on offtake; royalty/stream financings; and exclusive rights to participate in future royalty/stream financings on various projects. The companys primary asset is a 3-5% net smelter return royalty on the Canadian Malartic complex located in Canada. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for OR Royalties Inc. (NYSE:OR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for OR Royalties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for OR Royalties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oracle Power plc (LON:ORCP Get Free Report)s stock price rose 12.5% during mid-day trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as GBX 0.05 and last traded at GBX 0.05. Approximately 51,101,375 shares traded hands during mid-day trading, a decline of 78% from the average daily volume of 232,298,953 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 0.04. Oracle Power Trading Down 5.0% The firm has a market capitalization of 5.97 million, a P/E ratio of -19.00 and a beta of 1.44. The company has a current ratio of 3.74, a quick ratio of 5.67 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 9.98. The stock has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 0.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of GBX 0.02. About Oracle Power (Get Free Report) Oracle Power Plc (AIM: ORCP) is an international project developer in the natural resources and energy sectors. The Company is currently committed to two areas of focus: Western Australia, home to two of Oracles highly prospective gold projects, and Pakistan, where it is working to establish one of the largest hydrogen production facilities in the region. Located in the wind corridor in Jhimpir, Pakistan, The Green Hydrogen project is being developed on a fast-track basis thanks to the joint venture (JV) formed between Oracle and His Highness Shaikh Ahmed Dalmook Al Maktoum (through his wholly owned company, Kaheel Energy Limited). The JV intends to support the global transition to a carbon neutral future through establishing Pakistan as one of the main Green Hydrogen players in the region, to meet global demand for clean hydrogen forecasted to be 660 million metric tons in 2050. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oracle Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oracle Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. 'World museum of bridge art' nestled in SW China's mountains People's Daily Online) 11:04, November 14, 2025 Photo shows a vine bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Hao) Located in Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Yunlong county is home to nearly 100 bridges of various types, according to the county's bureau of culture and tourism. Among them is an ancient cluster of 37 bridges that spans along the Bijiang River, a tributary of the Lancang River, and several smaller streams. The cluster was listed as a national key cultural relics protection unit in 2013. The abundance and diversity of its bridges have made Yunlong known as a "world museum of bridge art." Photo shows a vine bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo provided by the publicity department of the CPC Yunlong county committee) Yunlong's mountainous terrain, cut by deep valleys and rivers, has made bridges an essential part of daily life since ancient times. The county was once home to salt wells and silver mines, and these bridges served as crucial links that kept goods moving along the ancient Salt Horse Road in western Yunnan. The oldest bridges in Yunlong are vine bridges, dating back more than 2,000 years. Built with twisted rattan ropes and wooden planks, a few of these bridges remain today, offering rare insights into local history and culture across western Yunnan. Another hallmark of Yunlong's heritage is its wooden-beam bridges, which account for 15 of the 37 in the local ancient bridge cluster. Over time, builders created hybrid structures, pairing wooden piers with wooden beams and stone arches with wooden beams. Beyond their architectural appeal, Yunlong's ancient bridges have long facilitated closer ties among different ethnic groups along the river and stand as a living witness to the region's cultural exchange and integration. Intern Hou Shuyue contributed to this story. Photo shows a wooden beam bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo provided by the Yunlong county bureau of culture and tourism) Photo shows a wooden beam bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Hao) Photo shows a steel truss bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo provided by the Yunlong county bureau of culture and tourism) Photo shows a stone arch bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (Photo/Yang Lijun) Photo shows a steel suspension bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Hao) Photo shows a chain suspension bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Hao) Photo shows a wooden beam bridge in Yunlong county, Dali Bai Autonomous Prefecture, southwest China's Yunnan Province. (People's Daily Online/Fu Hao) (Web editor: Chang Sha, Liang Jun) Power Co. of Canada (TSE:POW Get Free Report) had its price objective increased by research analysts at Jefferies Financial Group from C$60.00 to C$68.00 in a research note issued to investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. Jefferies Financial Groups price target would suggest a potential downside of 2.07% from the companys current price. POW has been the topic of several other reports. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on Power Co. of Canada from C$59.00 to C$60.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on shares of Power Co. of Canada from C$60.00 to C$71.00 in a research note on Wednesday. Scotiabank raised their price objective on shares of Power Co. of Canada from C$69.00 to C$76.00 in a research note on Thursday. Desjardins lifted their price target on Power Co. of Canada from C$60.00 to C$65.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, National Bankshares boosted their target price on Power Co. of Canada from C$58.00 to C$64.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, October 27th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of C$66.00. Get Power Co. of Canada alerts: Get Our Latest Report on Power Co. of Canada Power Co. of Canada Stock Down 1.5% About Power Co. of Canada TSE:POW traded down C$1.06 during trading hours on Friday, reaching C$69.44. 1,612,019 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,404,705. Power Co. of Canada has a 52 week low of C$41.88 and a 52 week high of C$71.97. The stock has a market capitalization of C$44.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.69, a P/E/G ratio of 0.57 and a beta of 0.86. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of C$61.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$56.59. (Get Free Report) Power Corp. of Canada is a diversified holding company with interests in financial services, communications, and other business sectors through its controlling interests in Power Financial. Power Financial in turn holds controlling interests in Great-West Life (an insurance conglomerate), IGM Financial (Canadas largest nonbank asset manager), and Pargesa (a holding company with interests in European companies). Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Power Co. of Canada Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Power Co. of Canada and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RAM Investment Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of AbbVie Inc. (NYSE:ABBV Free Report) by 7.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 6,358 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 453 shares during the quarter. RAM Investment Partners LLCs holdings in AbbVie were worth $1,180,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of ABBV. Conning Inc. raised its position in shares of AbbVie by 7.1% during the 2nd quarter. Conning Inc. now owns 191,023 shares of the companys stock valued at $35,458,000 after buying an additional 12,690 shares in the last quarter. Dohj LLC increased its holdings in AbbVie by 41.8% during the 2nd quarter. Dohj LLC now owns 4,529 shares of the companys stock valued at $802,000 after purchasing an additional 1,335 shares during the period. First Hawaiian Bank boosted its holdings in AbbVie by 0.8% in the second quarter. First Hawaiian Bank now owns 7,556 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,403,000 after acquiring an additional 60 shares in the last quarter. BankPlus Trust Department lifted its position in AbbVie by 3.3% during the second quarter. BankPlus Trust Department now owns 27,113 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,033,000 after buying an additional 855 shares during the period. Finally, North Star Asset Management Inc. grew its stake in shares of AbbVie by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. North Star Asset Management Inc. now owns 161,320 shares of the companys stock worth $33,800,000 after buying an additional 756 shares during the last quarter. 70.23% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get AbbVie alerts: AbbVie Price Performance ABBV stock opened at $232.25 on Friday. AbbVie Inc. has a 1 year low of $163.81 and a 1 year high of $244.81. The firm has a market capitalization of $410.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 110.60, a P/E/G ratio of 1.42 and a beta of 0.50. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 44.14, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.61. The businesss 50-day moving average is $224.49 and its two-hundred day moving average is $203.63. AbbVie Increases Dividend AbbVie ( NYSE:ABBV Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Friday, October 31st. The company reported $1.86 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.77 by $0.09. AbbVie had a net margin of 6.45% and a return on equity of 699.66%. The business had revenue of $15.78 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $15.58 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $3.00 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.1% compared to the same quarter last year. AbbVie has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 3.320-3.360 EPS. Analysts anticipate that AbbVie Inc. will post 12.31 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, February 17th. Investors of record on Friday, January 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.73 per share. This is an increase from AbbVies previous quarterly dividend of $1.64. This represents a $6.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, January 16th. AbbVies dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 524.24%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages recently issued reports on ABBV. Raymond James Financial set a $256.00 target price on shares of AbbVie in a report on Monday, November 3rd. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on shares of AbbVie from $240.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, September 12th. Cantor Fitzgerald set a $250.00 price objective on shares of AbbVie and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price target on shares of AbbVie from $250.00 to $255.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, August 1st. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on AbbVie from $250.00 to $260.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fifteen have assigned a Buy rating and ten have assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $238.55. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on AbbVie AbbVie Profile (Free Report) AbbVie Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells pharmaceuticals worldwide. The company offers Humira, an injection for autoimmune and intestinal Behcet's diseases, and pyoderma gangrenosum; Skyrizi to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic disease, and Crohn's disease; Rinvoq to treat rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, atopic dermatitis, axial spondyloarthropathy, ulcerative colitis, and Crohn's disease; Imbruvica for the treatment of adult patients with blood cancers; Epkinly to treat lymphoma; Elahere to treat cancer; and Venclexta/Venclyxto to treat blood cancers. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for AbbVie Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for AbbVie and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report) Equities researchers at Zacks Research lifted their FY2026 EPS estimates for shares of Edison International in a research note issued on Thursday, November 13th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the utilities provider will earn $6.24 per share for the year, up from their prior forecast of $6.12. Zacks Research has a Strong-Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Edison Internationals current full-year earnings is $4.95 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Edison Internationals Q1 2027 earnings at $1.52 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $6.38 EPS. Get Edison International alerts: Several other equities analysts have also recently commented on the stock. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Edison International in a report on Tuesday. Wall Street Zen cut Edison International from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Sunday, November 9th. Cowen began coverage on Edison International in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. They set a buy rating on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on Edison International from $57.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, TD Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Edison International in a report on Thursday, October 16th. They issued a buy rating and a $71.00 price target on the stock. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have issued a Buy rating, eight have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Edison International currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $64.30. Edison International Price Performance Edison International stock traded down $0.30 during midday trading on Friday, hitting $58.79. The companys stock had a trading volume of 460,831 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,052,703. Edison International has a 12 month low of $47.73 and a 12 month high of $88.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95. The company has a market capitalization of $22.62 billion, a PE ratio of 7.69, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.85. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $55.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $54.45. Edison International (NYSE:EIX Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.18. Edison International had a net margin of 17.24% and a return on equity of 13.62%. The business had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.51 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. Edison International Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 7th were issued a $0.8275 dividend. This represents a $3.31 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 5.6%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 7th. Edison Internationals dividend payout ratio is currently 43.27%. Insider Transactions at Edison International In related news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, October 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total transaction of $99,486.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 35,212 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,946,167.24. The trade was a 4.86% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Company insiders own 1.20% of the companys stock. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Edison International Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Edison International by 0.5% during the 3rd quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 51,739,673 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $2,860,169,000 after buying an additional 269,556 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in Edison International by 3.5% in the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 12,136,256 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $638,576,000 after acquiring an additional 407,039 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Edison International by 83.5% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 9,962,902 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $510,649,000 after purchasing an additional 4,534,864 shares in the last quarter. Invesco Ltd. lifted its position in Edison International by 10.8% during the second quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 6,392,459 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $329,851,000 after purchasing an additional 621,924 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in Edison International by 111.6% during the first quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 5,663,427 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $333,689,000 after buying an additional 2,987,318 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 88.95% of the companys stock. Edison International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Shares of SSP Group (OTCMKTS:SSPPF Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Friday . The company traded as low as $1.71 and last traded at $1.71, with a volume of 750 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $2.35. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of equities analysts have recently commented on the company. UBS Group raised SSP Group from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, September 19th. Citigroup reiterated a buy rating on shares of SSP Group in a research report on Wednesday, July 30th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, SSP Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get SSP Group alerts: View Our Latest Stock Analysis on SSPPF SSP Group Stock Performance About SSP Group The company has a current ratio of 0.37, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.49. The company has a fifty day moving average of $2.17 and a two-hundred day moving average of $2.18. (Get Free Report) SSP Group plc operates food and beverage outlets in North America, Europe, the United Kingdom, Ireland, the Asia Pacific, Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and internationally. The company operates outlets at airports, railway stations, motorway service areas, hospitals, and shopping centers. It also operates sandwich shops, cafes, bars, and restaurants. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SSP Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSP Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Taseko Mines Ltd. (TSE:TKO Free Report) Stifel Canada lifted their FY2027 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for shares of Taseko Mines in a report issued on Wednesday, November 12th. Stifel Canada analyst C. Mcgill now expects that the company will post earnings per share of $0.77 for the year, up from their previous estimate of $0.76. The consensus estimate for Taseko Mines current full-year earnings is $0.28 per share. Get Taseko Mines alerts: Taseko Mines (TSE:TKO Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported C($0.09) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Taseko Mines had a return on equity of 16.33% and a net margin of 12.69%.The company had revenue of C$173.91 million during the quarter. Several other brokerages also recently commented on TKO. National Bankshares raised their price objective on shares of Taseko Mines from C$6.25 to C$7.25 in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. TD Securities upgraded Taseko Mines from a hold rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the stock from C$5.00 to C$6.50 in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and three have assigned a Buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, Taseko Mines presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of C$6.33. View Our Latest Research Report on Taseko Mines Taseko Mines Trading Up 0.5% TSE TKO traded up C$0.03 on Friday, hitting C$5.96. 500,842 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 640,700. The businesss 50 day moving average price is C$5.69 and its 200-day moving average price is C$4.55. Taseko Mines has a 52-week low of C$2.38 and a 52-week high of C$6.73. The company has a market capitalization of C$2.14 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -59.60 and a beta of 1.88. Insider Buying and Selling at Taseko Mines In related news, Director Russell Edward Hallbauer sold 30,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, October 2nd. The shares were sold at an average price of C$5.89, for a total value of C$176,700.00. Following the sale, the director directly owned 1,802,750 shares of the companys stock, valued at C$10,618,197.50. This represents a 1.64% decrease in their position. Also, insider Robert John Rotzinger sold 150,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of C$5.07, for a total value of C$759,750.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider owned 131,958 shares in the company, valued at approximately C$668,367.27. The trade was a 53.20% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Insiders have sold a total of 184,500 shares of company stock worth $963,000 in the last 90 days. 2.58% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Taseko Mines Company Profile (Get Free Report) Taseko Mines Ltd is a Canadian mining company. It is principally engaged in the production and sale of metals, as well as related activities, including exploration and mine development, within the province of British Columbia, Canada, and the State of Arizona, the United States. The Gibraltar, Aley, New Prosperity, and Harmony properties are located in British Columbia whereas Florence copper is in central Arizona. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Taseko Mines Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taseko Mines and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. purchased a new stake in Amcor PLC (NYSE:AMCR Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund purchased 10,253 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $94,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the business. Savant Capital LLC grew its stake in Amcor by 912.8% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 257,919 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,370,000 after acquiring an additional 232,454 shares during the period. Sound Financial Strategies Group LLC raised its position in Amcor by 4.9% during the second quarter. Sound Financial Strategies Group LLC now owns 75,087 shares of the companys stock worth $690,000 after acquiring an additional 3,534 shares during the period. Andra AP fonden lifted its holdings in Amcor by 48.1% during the second quarter. Andra AP fonden now owns 127,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,172,000 after purchasing an additional 41,419 shares in the last quarter. Resona Asset Management Co. Ltd. acquired a new stake in shares of Amcor in the second quarter valued at about $6,771,000. Finally, NewSquare Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of Amcor by 377.9% during the second quarter. NewSquare Capital LLC now owns 2,810 shares of the companys stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 2,222 shares in the last quarter. 45.14% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Amcor alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, Director Stephen E. Sterrett bought 10,000 shares of Amcor stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 19th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $8.55 per share, with a total value of $85,500.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the director directly owned 10,000 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,500. This trade represents a increase in their ownership of the stock. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. 0.32% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Amcor Stock Performance Shares of Amcor stock opened at $8.58 on Friday. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $8.16 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.85. The company has a market cap of $19.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.82, a PEG ratio of 1.14 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a current ratio of 1.21. Amcor PLC has a one year low of $7.66 and a one year high of $10.70. Amcor (NYSE:AMCR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.19 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.19. Amcor had a return on equity of 19.43% and a net margin of 3.40%.The company had revenue of $5.75 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.77 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.16 EPS. The firms quarterly revenue was up 71.3% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Amcor PLC will post 0.74 EPS for the current year. Amcor Increases Dividend The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 17th. Investors of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.13 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 28th. This is an increase from Amcors previous quarterly dividend of $0.13. This represents a $0.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.1%. Amcors dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 152.94%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities research analysts have commented on AMCR shares. Royal Bank Of Canada began coverage on Amcor in a research note on Monday, September 22nd. They set a sector perform rating for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. started coverage on Amcor in a research report on Friday, September 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $10.00 price target for the company. Robert W. Baird reduced their price objective on Amcor from $11.00 to $10.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 15th. Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and issued a $11.50 price objective on shares of Amcor in a report on Wednesday. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of Amcor in a report on Wednesday, September 10th. They set a buy rating for the company. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $10.91. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Amcor Amcor Profile (Free Report) Amcor plc develops, produces, and sells packaging products in Europe, North America, Latin America, Africa, and the Asia Pacific regions. The company operates through two segments, Flexibles and Rigid Packaging. The Flexibles segment provides flexible and film packaging products in the food and beverage, medical and pharmaceutical, fresh produce, snack food, personal care, and other industries. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMCR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Amcor PLC (NYSE:AMCR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Amcor Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Amcor and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vise Technologies Inc. purchased a new stake in TE Connectivity Ltd. (NYSE:TEL Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm purchased 5,438 shares of the electronics makers stock, valued at approximately $917,000. Other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in TE Connectivity by 17.0% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 37,881,410 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $5,353,401,000 after acquiring an additional 5,502,415 shares in the last quarter. Dodge & Cox grew its position in shares of TE Connectivity by 0.4% in the 1st quarter. Dodge & Cox now owns 16,022,480 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $2,264,297,000 after purchasing an additional 56,871 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its stake in TE Connectivity by 17.2% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 7,459,195 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $1,054,133,000 after purchasing an additional 1,097,035 shares in the last quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. raised its holdings in TE Connectivity by 17.1% during the 1st quarter. Ameriprise Financial Inc. now owns 6,563,527 shares of the electronics makers stock worth $927,571,000 after buying an additional 960,276 shares during the period. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp lifted its stake in TE Connectivity by 21.8% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 4,136,447 shares of the electronics makers stock valued at $697,694,000 after buying an additional 739,453 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 91.43% of the companys stock. Get TE Connectivity alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research firms recently issued reports on TEL. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c+) rating on shares of TE Connectivity in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Zacks Research raised shares of TE Connectivity from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of TE Connectivity from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on TE Connectivity from $204.00 to $260.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, Robert W. Baird increased their price target on TE Connectivity from $222.00 to $238.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have assigned a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $241.58. Insider Buying and Selling at TE Connectivity In other news, EVP John S. Jenkins sold 25,021 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $247.73, for a total value of $6,198,452.33. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president owned 20,903 shares of the companys stock, valued at $5,178,300.19. This represents a 54.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Heath A. Mitts sold 82,300 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $247.15, for a total transaction of $20,340,445.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 45,503 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,246,066.45. The trade was a 64.40% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders sold 131,171 shares of company stock worth $31,380,209. 0.90% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. TE Connectivity Stock Performance NYSE TEL opened at $236.17 on Friday. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $225.81 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $194.49. TE Connectivity Ltd. has a 12-month low of $116.30 and a 12-month high of $250.67. The company has a market capitalization of $69.78 billion, a P/E ratio of 38.40, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.27. The company has a quick ratio of 0.96, a current ratio of 1.56 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.38. TE Connectivity (NYSE:TEL Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The electronics maker reported $2.44 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.29 by $0.15. TE Connectivity had a return on equity of 21.18% and a net margin of 10.67%.The company had revenue of $4.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.57 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $1.95 earnings per share. TE Connectivitys revenue was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. TE Connectivity has set its Q1 2026 guidance at 2.530-2.530 EPS. Analysts anticipate that TE Connectivity Ltd. will post 8.05 earnings per share for the current year. TE Connectivity Announces Dividend The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 21st will be issued a dividend of $0.71 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 21st. This represents a $2.84 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.2%. TE Connectivitys dividend payout ratio is 46.18%. About TE Connectivity (Free Report) TE Connectivity Ltd., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells connectivity and sensor solutions in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the AsiaPacific, and the Americas. The company operates through three segments: Transportation Solutions, Industrial Solutions, and Communications Solutions. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for TE Connectivity Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for TE Connectivity and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Vise Technologies Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Devon Energy Corporation (NYSE:DVN Free Report) during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 22,357 shares of the energy companys stock, valued at approximately $711,000. A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Devon Energy in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $25,000. Banque Cantonale Vaudoise acquired a new position in Devon Energy in the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. Trust Co. of Vermont increased its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 241.3% in the second quarter. Trust Co. of Vermont now owns 942 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 666 shares in the last quarter. FNY Investment Advisers LLC bought a new position in shares of Devon Energy in the second quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, SouthState Corp lifted its position in shares of Devon Energy by 350.5% during the 1st quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 991 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $37,000 after acquiring an additional 771 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 69.72% of the companys stock. Get Devon Energy alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth A number of research firms have commented on DVN. Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on shares of Devon Energy from $49.00 to $47.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price target on shares of Devon Energy from $43.00 to $37.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 17th. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Devon Energy in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. William Blair started coverage on shares of Devon Energy in a research note on Monday, August 25th. They set an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, Susquehanna raised their target price on Devon Energy from $40.00 to $42.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Wednesday. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, sixteen have given a Buy rating, nine have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Devon Energy presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $43.07. Devon Energy Stock Performance DVN opened at $35.01 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.13, a current ratio of 1.22 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $33.90 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $33.34. The firm has a market capitalization of $21.96 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.85, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.01. Devon Energy Corporation has a 12-month low of $25.89 and a 12-month high of $39.74. Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The energy company reported $1.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.93 by $0.11. The business had revenue of $0.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.10 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 18.59% and a net margin of 16.57%.During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $1.10 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that Devon Energy Corporation will post 4.85 earnings per share for the current year. Devon Energy Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Investors of record on Monday, December 15th will be given a $0.24 dividend. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.7%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, December 15th. Devon Energys payout ratio is 22.59%. Devon Energy Profile (Free Report) Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Williston, and Powder River Basins. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Devon Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Devon Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. acquired a new position in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund acquired 7,895 shares of the banks stock, valued at approximately $231,000. Several other institutional investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Jefferies Financial Group Inc. bought a new position in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,308,000. Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 4.7% during the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,504,175 shares of the banks stock worth $35,844,000 after acquiring an additional 66,892 shares in the last quarter. LPL Financial LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 139.4% in the first quarter. LPL Financial LLC now owns 70,463 shares of the banks stock worth $1,679,000 after acquiring an additional 41,028 shares during the period. American Century Companies Inc. raised its stake in shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 930,135 shares of the banks stock valued at $22,165,000 after purchasing an additional 33,027 shares during the period. Finally, Korea Investment CORP lifted its holdings in Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft by 27.9% during the 1st quarter. Korea Investment CORP now owns 2,106,195 shares of the banks stock worth $49,643,000 after purchasing an additional 459,049 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 27.90% of the companys stock. Get Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft alerts: Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Price Performance Shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft stock opened at $37.90 on Friday. The business has a 50 day moving average of $35.63 and a 200 day moving average of $32.34. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft has a 52 week low of $16.02 and a 52 week high of $38.78. The company has a market cap of $75.49 billion, a PE ratio of 13.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.12 and a beta of 1.02. The company has a quick ratio of 0.79, a current ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft ( NYSE:DB Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The bank reported $0.97 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $9.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $7.75 billion. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft had a return on equity of 6.13% and a net margin of 7.99%. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft will post 2.93 earnings per share for the current year. A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research report on Monday, October 20th. They issued a hold rating on the stock. Citigroup reiterated a sell rating on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research report on Friday, July 25th. Royal Bank Of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft in a research note on Monday, July 28th. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, November 1st. Finally, Kepler Capital Markets lowered shares of Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have given a Buy rating, five have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on DB Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile (Free Report) Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft, a stock corporation, provides corporate and investment banking, and asset management products and services to private individuals, corporate entities, and institutional clients in Germany, the United Kingdom, rest of Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Americas, and the Asia-Pacific. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding DB? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft (NYSE:DB Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR Get Free Report) had its target price upped by stock analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $26.00 to $28.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has an equal weight rating on the oil and gas producers stock. Wells Fargo & Companys price objective would suggest a potential downside of 7.40% from the stocks current price. MUR has been the subject of several other research reports. Piper Sandler boosted their price objective on Murphy Oil from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Murphy Oil from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, October 25th. Mizuho raised their price target on shares of Murphy Oil from $29.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Zacks Research raised shares of Murphy Oil from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday. Finally, Scotiabank raised their target price on Murphy Oil from $26.00 to $30.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Murphy Oil has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus target price of $28.50. Get Murphy Oil alerts: Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Murphy Oil Murphy Oil Price Performance Shares of MUR traded up $0.75 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $30.24. The stock had a trading volume of 293,011 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,700,805. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28. The company has a market capitalization of $4.32 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.71 and a beta of 0.99. The companys 50-day moving average is $28.02 and its 200 day moving average is $25.04. Murphy Oil has a 12-month low of $18.94 and a 12-month high of $34.52. Murphy Oil (NYSE:MUR Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, March 21st. The oil and gas producer reported ($0.09) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of $440.08 million for the quarter. Murphy Oil had a net margin of 10.20% and a return on equity of 5.25%. On average, equities analysts predict that Murphy Oil will post 2.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC grew its position in Murphy Oil by 67.3% during the 3rd quarter. Smartleaf Asset Management LLC now owns 1,094 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $32,000 after purchasing an additional 440 shares during the last quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group grew its holdings in shares of Murphy Oil by 3,989.7% during the first quarter. Brooklyn Investment Group now owns 1,186 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 1,157 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. increased its position in shares of Murphy Oil by 1,710.9% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 1,666 shares of the oil and gas producers stock valued at $47,000 after acquiring an additional 1,574 shares in the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP raised its holdings in Murphy Oil by 246.6% in the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 1,747 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 1,243 shares during the last quarter. Finally, UMB Bank n.a. raised its holdings in Murphy Oil by 148.1% in the 2nd quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,273 shares of the oil and gas producers stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 1,357 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 78.31% of the companys stock. Murphy Oil Company Profile (Get Free Report) Murphy Oil Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an oil and gas exploration and production company in the United States, Canada, and internationally. It explores for and produces crude oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids. The company was formerly known as Murphy Corporation and changed its name to Murphy Oil Corporation in 1964. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Murphy Oil Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Murphy Oil and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc. (NYSE:HII Free Report) Equities researchers at Zacks Research boosted their FY2025 earnings estimates for Huntington Ingalls Industries in a report released on Thursday, November 13th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the aerospace company will earn $14.75 per share for the year, up from their prior forecast of $14.52. Zacks Research currently has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Huntington Ingalls Industries current full-year earnings is $13.99 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Huntington Ingalls Industries Q2 2026 earnings at $4.14 EPS and Q3 2026 earnings at $4.14 EPS. Get Huntington Ingalls Industries alerts: Huntington Ingalls Industries (NYSE:HII Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The aerospace company reported $3.68 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.29 by $0.39. Huntington Ingalls Industries had a net margin of 4.54% and a return on equity of 11.34%. The firm had revenue of $3.19 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.95 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $2.56 earnings per share. Huntington Ingalls Industriess quarterly revenue was up 16.1% on a year-over-year basis. Huntington Ingalls Industries has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. HII has been the subject of several other research reports. Sanford C. Bernstein reaffirmed a market perform rating and issued a $362.00 price target on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries in a report on Friday, November 7th. TD Cowen boosted their price target on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $320.00 to $350.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $180.00 to $260.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries from $287.00 to $342.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Huntington Ingalls Industries currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $318.57. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on HII Huntington Ingalls Industries Stock Down 1.7% HII stock opened at $312.48 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 1.00 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $289.49 and a two-hundred day moving average of $261.50. Huntington Ingalls Industries has a 12 month low of $158.88 and a 12 month high of $330.00. The company has a market cap of $12.26 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.39, a PEG ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 0.40. Huntington Ingalls Industries Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 12th. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a $1.38 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This is a positive change from Huntington Ingalls Industriess previous quarterly dividend of $1.35. This represents a $5.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.8%. Huntington Ingalls Industriess dividend payout ratio is presently 38.12%. Insiders Place Their Bets In related news, CEO Christopher D. Kastner sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $321.06, for a total transaction of $4,815,900.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer owned 68,139 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $21,876,707.34. This represents a 18.04% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CAO Nicolas G. Schuck sold 466 shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, November 4th. The shares were sold at an average price of $314.36, for a total value of $146,491.76. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief accounting officer directly owned 2,418 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $760,122.48. This represents a 16.16% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 0.86% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. NorthRock Partners LLC purchased a new stake in Huntington Ingalls Industries during the 3rd quarter worth approximately $364,000. Nicolet Advisory Services LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries during the third quarter worth $235,000. Alpha Wave Global LP raised its stake in shares of Huntington Ingalls Industries by 19.6% in the third quarter. Alpha Wave Global LP now owns 30,087 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $8,662,000 after acquiring an additional 4,929 shares in the last quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. boosted its holdings in Huntington Ingalls Industries by 734.1% in the third quarter. Brown Brothers Harriman & Co. now owns 342 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $98,000 after purchasing an additional 301 shares during the period. Finally, Chesapeake Capital Corp IL acquired a new position in Huntington Ingalls Industries during the 3rd quarter worth $667,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 90.46% of the companys stock. About Huntington Ingalls Industries (Get Free Report) Huntington Ingalls Industries, Inc designs, builds, overhauls, and repairs military ships in the United States. It operates through three segments: Ingalls, Newport News, and Mission Technologies. The company is involved in the design and construction of non-nuclear ships comprising amphibious assault ships; expeditionary warfare ships; surface combatants; and national security cutters for the U.S. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Huntington Ingalls Industries and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK Free Report) Stock analysts at Zacks Research increased their Q4 2025 EPS estimates for Nokia in a research note issued to investors on Thursday, November 13th. Zacks Research analyst Team now anticipates that the technology company will post earnings of $0.16 per share for the quarter, up from their prior estimate of $0.15. The consensus estimate for Nokias current full-year earnings is $0.34 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Nokias Q2 2026 earnings at $0.09 EPS, Q4 2026 earnings at $0.15 EPS, FY2026 earnings at $0.39 EPS, Q2 2027 earnings at $0.10 EPS, Q3 2027 earnings at $0.11 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $0.42 EPS. Get Nokia alerts: Nokia (NYSE:NOK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.01. Nokia had a return on equity of 8.31% and a net margin of 4.65%.The business had revenue of $5.61 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.67 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.06 EPS. Nokias quarterly revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on the company. Santander cut Nokia to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. BNP Paribas raised shares of Nokia from a hold rating to an outperform rating and set a $5.00 price target on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, September 3rd. BNP Paribas Exane raised Nokia from a neutral rating to an outperform rating and set a $5.00 price objective on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 3rd. Wall Street Zen downgraded shares of Nokia from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, November 8th. Finally, UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating on shares of Nokia in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Nokia presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $5.87. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Nokia Nokia Price Performance NYSE:NOK traded down $0.03 on Friday, reaching $6.76. The stock had a trading volume of 8,794,984 shares, compared to its average volume of 27,464,889. The company has a market capitalization of $36.35 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.49 and a beta of 0.84. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $5.58 and a 200-day moving average price of $5.09. The company has a quick ratio of 1.21, a current ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12. Nokia has a 1-year low of $3.91 and a 1-year high of $8.19. Hedge Funds Weigh In On Nokia Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership raised its stake in shares of Nokia by 50.0% in the 3rd quarter. Arrowstreet Capital Limited Partnership now owns 43,424,695 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $208,873,000 after purchasing an additional 14,482,665 shares during the period. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans boosted its position in Nokia by 35,010.3% during the 3rd quarter. Thrivent Financial for Lutherans now owns 12,655,143 shares of the technology companys stock worth $60,871,000 after acquiring an additional 12,619,099 shares during the last quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Nokia by 17.0% during the 3rd quarter. Pzena Investment Management LLC now owns 80,329,917 shares of the technology companys stock worth $386,387,000 after acquiring an additional 11,667,677 shares in the last quarter. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Nokia in the first quarter worth $45,207,000. Finally, Folketrygdfondet boosted its holdings in Nokia by 66.6% during the third quarter. Folketrygdfondet now owns 17,380,530 shares of the technology companys stock worth $83,600,000 after purchasing an additional 6,950,487 shares during the last quarter. 5.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Nokia Company Profile (Get Free Report) Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wrapmanager Inc. lifted its position in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report) by 10.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 263,990 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 23,934 shares during the period. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF accounts for about 6.4% of Wrapmanager Inc.s investment portfolio, making the stock its largest holding. Wrapmanager Inc.s holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF were worth $26,188,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Texas Yale Capital Corp. raised its holdings in iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.6% in the first quarter. Texas Yale Capital Corp. now owns 6,496 shares of the companys stock worth $643,000 after purchasing an additional 103 shares in the last quarter. VAUGHAN & Co SECURITIES INC. boosted its holdings in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.6% during the 2nd quarter. VAUGHAN & Co SECURITIES INC. now owns 6,539 shares of the companys stock valued at $649,000 after buying an additional 104 shares in the last quarter. Fiera Capital Corp grew its position in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 9,815 shares of the companys stock worth $974,000 after buying an additional 105 shares during the period. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors increased its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 5.2% in the 2nd quarter. Vestia Personal Wealth Advisors now owns 2,167 shares of the companys stock worth $215,000 after acquiring an additional 107 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Tempus Wealth Planning LLC increased its stake in shares of iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF by 3.0% in the 1st quarter. Tempus Wealth Planning LLC now owns 3,830 shares of the companys stock worth $379,000 after acquiring an additional 110 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 83.63% of the companys stock. Get iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF alerts: iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Price Performance NYSEARCA:AGG opened at $100.12 on Friday. The firm has a market capitalization of $134.73 billion, a P/E ratio of 124.57 and a beta of 0.25. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF has a one year low of $95.74 and a one year high of $101.35. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $100.47 and its 200 day simple moving average is $99.10. iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Company Profile IShares are index funds that are bought and sold like common stocks on national securities exchanges as well as certain foreign exchanges. iShares are attractive because of their relatively low cost, tax efficiency and trading flexibility. Investors can purchase and sell shares through any brokerage firm, financial advisor, or online broker, and hold the funds in any type of brokerage account. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AGG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:AGG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares Core U.S. Aggregate Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wrapmanager Inc. cut its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report) by 13.0% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,547 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 231 shares during the period. Wrapmanager Inc.s holdings in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. were worth $495,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 2.5% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 30,411,264 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $10,499,185,000 after acquiring an additional 739,130 shares during the last quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. grew its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 38.3% during the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 17,372,745 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $5,997,767,000 after purchasing an additional 4,815,007 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP increased its position in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 4.9% during the 1st quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 2,959,673 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,021,798,000 after purchasing an additional 137,354 shares during the last quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 5.5% in the 2nd quarter. WCM Investment Management LLC now owns 2,464,662 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $783,097,000 after purchasing an additional 128,071 shares during the period. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. boosted its holdings in shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. by 4.2% in the second quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 2,381,835 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $762,473,000 after buying an additional 94,940 shares during the last quarter. 85.53% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. alerts: Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Trading Up 0.3% Shares of AJG stock opened at $256.70 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.52, a quick ratio of 1.36 and a current ratio of 1.36. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $285.65 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $305.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $65.82 billion, a PE ratio of 36.46 and a beta of 0.71. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. has a 52-week low of $239.47 and a 52-week high of $351.23. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Dividend Announcement Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. ( NYSE:AJG Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 30th. The financial services provider reported $2.32 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.51 by ($0.19). Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. had a net margin of 14.54% and a return on equity of 13.17%. The business had revenue of $3.33 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.34 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.26 earnings per share. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s revenue was up 20.2% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts predict that Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. will post 11.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.65 per share. This represents a $2.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.0%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. Arthur J. Gallagher & Co.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 38.86%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have commented on AJG shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reduced their target price on shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $361.00 to $315.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a report on Friday, October 31st. Piper Sandler decreased their target price on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $340.00 to $295.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Friday, October 31st. Wall Street Zen downgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Cantor Fitzgerald upgraded Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lowered their price objective on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. from $315.00 to $275.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eight have assigned a Buy rating and eight have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $323.64. View Our Latest Stock Report on Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Insider Activity In related news, VP Michael Robert Pesch purchased 4,000 shares of Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. stock in a transaction on Monday, November 3rd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $247.12 per share, for a total transaction of $988,480.00. Following the acquisition, the vice president owned 41,849 shares in the company, valued at approximately $10,341,724.88. The trade was a 10.57% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CFO Douglas K. Howell sold 8,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $299.54, for a total transaction of $2,396,320.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 100,777 shares of the companys stock, valued at $30,186,742.58. This trade represents a 7.35% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold a total of 29,855 shares of company stock worth $8,916,928 over the last quarter. Insiders own 1.60% of the companys stock. About Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (Free Report) Arthur J. Gallagher & Co engages in the provision of insurance brokerage, reinsurance brokerage, consulting, and third-party claims settlement and administration services. It operates through the following segments: Brokerage, Risk Management, and Corporate. The Brokerage segment consists of retail and wholesale insurance brokerage operations. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AJG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. (NYSE:AJG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wrapmanager Inc. decreased its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report) by 9.2% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 14,143 shares of the healthcare product makers stock after selling 1,434 shares during the quarter. Wrapmanager Inc.s holdings in Abbott Laboratories were worth $1,924,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. IMG Wealth Management Inc. grew its stake in Abbott Laboratories by 759.1% in the second quarter. IMG Wealth Management Inc. now owns 189 shares of the healthcare product makers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 167 shares in the last quarter. Elequin Capital LP purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories in the 1st quarter worth $30,000. Vision Financial Markets LLC bought a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the 1st quarter worth $33,000. Accent Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Abbott Laboratories during the first quarter valued at $38,000. Finally, Curio Wealth LLC raised its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 15,250.0% in the second quarter. Curio Wealth LLC now owns 307 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $42,000 after acquiring an additional 305 shares in the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Abbott Laboratories alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades ABT has been the topic of a number of research reports. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $159.00 to $162.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Mizuho lifted their price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $135.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, October 14th. Daiwa Capital Markets upped their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $134.00 to $136.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Raymond James Financial increased their target price on Abbott Laboratories from $141.00 to $146.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company upped their price objective on Abbott Laboratories from $142.00 to $146.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seventeen have assigned a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $147.00. Abbott Laboratories Price Performance NYSE ABT opened at $129.16 on Friday. Abbott Laboratories has a 12-month low of $110.86 and a 12-month high of $141.23. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $130.42 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $131.34. The company has a current ratio of 1.82, a quick ratio of 1.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $224.59 billion, a P/E ratio of 16.19, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.68. Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, October 15th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $1.30. Abbott Laboratories had a return on equity of 17.78% and a net margin of 31.88%.The firm had revenue of $11.37 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.40 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.21 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 6.9% on a year-over-year basis. Abbott Laboratories has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.120-5.180 EPS. Analysts forecast that Abbott Laboratories will post 5.14 EPS for the current fiscal year. Abbott Laboratories Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 17th. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 15th will be given a $0.59 dividend. This represents a $2.36 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.8%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 15th. Abbott Laboratoriess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.57%. Abbott Laboratories Profile (Free Report) Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Menieres disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding ABT? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Abbott Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abbott Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arvest Bank Trust Division reduced its position in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE Free Report) by 22.7% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 56,719 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 16,695 shares during the period. Arvest Bank Trust Divisions holdings in Pfizer were worth $1,375,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Get Pfizer alerts: A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of Pfizer by 0.9% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 523,165,127 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $13,257,004,000 after acquiring an additional 4,629,976 shares in the last quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Pfizer by 1.4% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 127,471,481 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $3,080,552,000 after purchasing an additional 1,820,634 shares during the last quarter. Northern Trust Corp increased its holdings in Pfizer by 6.8% during the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 62,325,957 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,579,340,000 after purchasing an additional 3,943,397 shares in the last quarter. Amundi raised its stake in shares of Pfizer by 43.4% in the first quarter. Amundi now owns 52,090,403 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,265,277,000 after purchasing an additional 15,758,846 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Invesco Ltd. lifted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 2.8% in the first quarter. Invesco Ltd. now owns 30,296,337 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $767,709,000 after purchasing an additional 838,198 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 68.36% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several brokerages recently issued reports on PFE. Citigroup upped their price target on Pfizer from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 6th. Sanford C. Bernstein reiterated a market perform rating and issued a $30.00 target price on shares of Pfizer in a report on Friday, October 31st. The Goldman Sachs Group restated a neutral rating and set a $26.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. UBS Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $28.00 price objective on shares of Pfizer in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. Finally, Scotiabank assumed coverage on Pfizer in a research note on Thursday. They issued a sector outperform rating and a $30.00 target price on the stock. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $28.28. Pfizer Trading Down 0.3% Shares of PFE stock opened at $25.80 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.85, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65. The firm has a market cap of $146.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.72, a PEG ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.54. The company has a 50 day moving average of $24.79 and a 200-day moving average of $24.43. Pfizer Inc. has a 12-month low of $20.92 and a 12-month high of $27.69. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. Pfizer had a return on equity of 21.42% and a net margin of 16.84%.The business had revenue of $16.65 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.94 billion. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Pfizer Inc. will post 2.95 earnings per share for the current year. Pfizer Announces Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, November 7th will be paid a dividend of $0.43 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 7th. This represents a $1.72 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 6.7%. Pfizers dividend payout ratio is presently 100.00%. Pfizer Company Profile (Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Arvest Bank Trust Division lowered its position in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report) by 65.3% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 11,374 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock after selling 21,403 shares during the quarter. Arvest Bank Trust Divisions holdings in Bristol Myers Squibb were worth $527,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Get Bristol Myers Squibb alerts: Several other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the business. Trifecta Capital Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in the second quarter valued at about $25,000. REAP Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Bristol Myers Squibb by 202.8% in the 2nd quarter. REAP Financial Group LLC now owns 639 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 428 shares in the last quarter. Accent Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb during the first quarter valued at $33,000. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC boosted its stake in shares of Bristol Myers Squibb by 66.0% during the 1st quarter. CBIZ Investment Advisory Services LLC now owns 581 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $35,000 after purchasing an additional 231 shares during the last quarter. Finally, GKV Capital Management Co. Inc. acquired a new stake in Bristol Myers Squibb during the first quarter worth approximately $36,000. 76.41% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Insider Activity In other news, EVP David V. Elkins sold 56,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $47.33, for a total value of $2,650,480.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 167,379 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,922,048.07. The trade was a 25.07% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock. Bristol Myers Squibb Trading Down 0.9% Bristol Myers Squibb stock opened at $48.64 on Friday. Bristol Myers Squibb Company has a 52-week low of $42.52 and a 52-week high of $63.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $99.02 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.61, a PEG ratio of 2.23 and a beta of 0.33. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $45.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $46.71. The company has a quick ratio of 1.11, a current ratio of 1.21 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.54. Bristol Myers Squibb (NYSE:BMY Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $1.63 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.52 by $0.11. The firm had revenue of $12.22 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $11.75 billion. Bristol Myers Squibb had a return on equity of 80.04% and a net margin of 10.58%.The firms revenue was up 2.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $1.80 EPS. Bristol Myers Squibb has set its FY 2025 guidance at 6.400-6.600 EPS. Sell-side analysts expect that Bristol Myers Squibb Company will post 6.74 earnings per share for the current year. Bristol Myers Squibb Announces Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, November 3rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 3rd were issued a $0.62 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, October 3rd. This represents a $2.48 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.1%. Bristol Myers Squibbs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 83.78%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth BMY has been the topic of a number of research analyst reports. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c-) rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Daiwa Capital Markets downgraded Bristol Myers Squibb from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and set a $42.00 price target for the company. in a report on Tuesday, August 5th. Daiwa America downgraded shares of Bristol Myers Squibb from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 5th. Dbs Bank upgraded Bristol Myers Squibb to a moderate buy rating in a research note on Thursday, October 2nd. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated a hold rating on shares of Bristol Myers Squibb in a research note on Thursday, July 31st. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and fifteen have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Bristol Myers Squibb has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $54.58. Get Our Latest Research Report on Bristol Myers Squibb About Bristol Myers Squibb (Free Report) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company discovers, develops, licenses, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products worldwide. It offers products for hematology, oncology, cardiovascular, immunology, fibrotic, and neuroscience diseases. The company's products include Eliquis for reduction in risk of stroke/systemic embolism in non-valvular atrial fibrillation, and for the treatment of DVT/PE; Opdivo for various anti-cancer indications, including bladder, blood, CRC, head and neck, RCC, HCC, lung, melanoma, MPM, stomach and esophageal cancer; Pomalyst/Imnovid for multiple myeloma; Orencia for active rheumatoid arthritis and psoriatic arthritis; and Sprycel for the treatment of Philadelphia chromosome-positive chronic myeloid leukemia. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BMY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Bristol Myers Squibb Company (NYSE:BMY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bristol Myers Squibb and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI Free Report) by 1,700.7% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 46,495 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock after buying an additional 43,913 shares during the quarter. Allworth Financial LPs holdings in Omega Healthcare Investors were worth $1,704,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Get Omega Healthcare Investors alerts: A number of other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in OHI. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Omega Healthcare Investors by 59.0% during the 2nd quarter. Pallas Capital Advisors LLC now owns 11,915 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $437,000 after purchasing an additional 4,420 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its stake in Omega Healthcare Investors by 4.3% during the first quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 4,058,107 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $154,533,000 after buying an additional 165,554 shares in the last quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board grew its holdings in Omega Healthcare Investors by 73.2% during the first quarter. Ontario Teachers Pension Plan Board now owns 67,919 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,586,000 after acquiring an additional 28,701 shares during the period. CWM LLC raised its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 161.8% in the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 23,598 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $899,000 after acquiring an additional 14,583 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in Omega Healthcare Investors by 58.6% in the first quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 460,755 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $17,546,000 after acquiring an additional 170,179 shares in the last quarter. 65.25% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO C Taylor Pickett bought 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 5th. The shares were bought at an average cost of $43.14 per share, with a total value of $862,800.00. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer directly owned 20,000 shares in the company, valued at approximately $862,800. This trade represents a increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CIO Vikas Gupta purchased 11,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, November 6th. The shares were purchased at an average cost of $42.97 per share, with a total value of $494,155.00. Following the completion of the purchase, the executive directly owned 13,773 shares in the company, valued at approximately $591,825.81. This represents a 505.94% increase in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this purchase are available in the official SEC disclosure. Company insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canada raised their price objective on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors from $41.00 to $44.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Thursday, November 6th. Citigroup restated a buy rating and set a $50.00 target price (up from $45.00) on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a report on Wednesday. Cantor Fitzgerald started coverage on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. They issued an overweight rating and a $50.00 price target on the stock. Wells Fargo & Company upped their price target on Omega Healthcare Investors from $44.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Weiss Ratings reissued a buy (b) rating on shares of Omega Healthcare Investors in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $45.38. View Our Latest Stock Analysis on OHI Omega Healthcare Investors Stock Down 0.6% Shares of NYSE:OHI opened at $43.42 on Friday. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $41.62 and a 200 day simple moving average of $39.43. Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. has a 52 week low of $35.04 and a 52 week high of $44.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 7.10 and a current ratio of 7.10. The company has a market cap of $12.83 billion, a PE ratio of 26.80, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.85 and a beta of 0.69. Omega Healthcare Investors (NYSE:OHI Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.77 by $0.02. The company had revenue of $311.59 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $262.48 million. Omega Healthcare Investors had a net margin of 42.23% and a return on equity of 9.78%. The companys revenue was up 14.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $0.71 EPS. Omega Healthcare Investors has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.080-3.100 EPS. As a group, research analysts expect that Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. will post 2.86 earnings per share for the current year. Omega Healthcare Investors Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 3rd will be given a $0.67 dividend. This represents a $2.68 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 6.2%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 3rd. Omega Healthcare Investorss dividend payout ratio is 149.72%. Omega Healthcare Investors Profile (Free Report) Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc engages in the provision of financing and capital to the long-term healthcare industry with a particular focus on skilled nursing facilities, assisted living facilities, independent living facilities, rehabilitation and acute care facilities, and medical office buildings. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OHI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Omega Healthcare Investors, Inc. (NYSE:OHI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Omega Healthcare Investors and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Get alerts: Booking, Chipotle Mexican Grill, McDonalds, Brinker International, Yum! Brands, CAVA Group, and Texas Roadhouse are the seven Restaurant stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Restaurant stocks are shares of publicly traded companies whose primary business is owning, operating, or franchising restaurants, as well as firms that provide goods or services specifically to the restaurant industry. Investors view them as part of the consumer-discretionary sector and evaluate them based on metrics like same-store sales, ticket growth, margins, commodity and labor costs, and sensitivity to economic and consumer-spending cycles. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Restaurant stocks within the last several days. Booking (BKNG) Booking Holdings Inc, formerly The Priceline Group Inc., is a provider of travel and restaurant online reservation and related services. The Company, through its online travel companies (OTCs), connects consumers wishing to make travel reservations with providers of travel services across the world. It offers consumers an array of accommodation reservations (including hotels, bed and breakfasts, hostels, apartments, vacation rentals and other properties) through its Booking.com, priceline.com and agoda.com brands. Chipotle Mexican Grill (CMG) Chipotle Mexican Grill, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, owns and operates Chipotle Mexican Grill restaurants. It sells food and beverages through offering burritos, burrito bowls, quesadillas, tacos, and salads. The company also provides delivery and related services its app and website. It has operations in the United States, Canada, France, Germany, and the United Kingdom. Read Our Latest Research Report on CMG McDonalds (MCD) McDonalds Corp. engages in the operation and franchising of restaurants. It operates through the following segments: U.S., International Operated Markets, and International Developmental Licensed Markets and Corporate. The U.S. segment focuses its operations on the United States. The International Operated Markets segment consists of operations and the franchising of restaurants in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Spain, and the U.K. Read Our Latest Research Report on MCD Brinker International (EAT) Brinker International, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, development, operation, and franchising of casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. It operates and franchises Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant brands. Read Our Latest Research Report on EAT Yum! Brands (YUM) Yum! Brands, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, develops, operates, and franchises quick service restaurants worldwide. The company operates through the KFC Division, the Taco Bell Division, the Pizza Hut Division, and the Habit Burger Grill Division segments. It also operates restaurants under the KFC, Pizza Hut, Taco Bell, and The Habit Burger Grill brands, which specialize in chicken, pizza, made-to-order chargrilled burgers, sandwiches, Mexican-style food categories, and other food products. Read Our Latest Research Report on YUM CAVA Group (CAVA) Read Our Latest Research Report on CAVA Texas Roadhouse (TXRH) Read Our Latest Research Report on TXRH Featured Stories A man who has a 'shocking record' does not want to be 'the oldest prisoner in Maghaberry Prison' his solicitor told Derry Magistrates' Court. Martin Boyd (64) of Jack Allen Court in Derry admitted two charges of disorderly behaviour in licensed premises and common assault that occurred on June 25, 2023. The court heard a police patrol saw a fight in the doorway of a bar in Duke Street involving the defendant. They interviewed the injured party who said there had been an altercation and Boyd had punched her. When arrested Boyd made counter allegations claiming he had been in an argument with his former partner and then three men had become involved. Defence solicitor Seamus Quigley said that his client had 'a very bad record' but had stopped offending twenty years ago. He said Boyd did not intend to return to his old ways as he did not want to be the oldest prisoner in Maghaberry. Deputy District Judge Alan White said Boyd had a bad record often caused by too much alcohol. He said he would give him a break and ordered him to pay the woman 100 in compensation and fined him 100. Derry Girls actor Ian McElhinney (77) has teamed up with Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI to launch the return of the retailers much-loved Trolley Dash fundraiser, now in its 11th year, to support older people across Northern Ireland. A firm favourite with customers, the Trolley Dash offers 44 lucky Lidl shoppers the chance to win a supermarket sweep-style dash around their local store for just a 1 ticket, with all proceeds supporting Age NI, Lidl Northern Irelands official charity partner. With two minutes on the clock, dashers have the opportunity to fill their trolleys with Christmas groceries, completely free of charge. Last years event successfully raised 75,000 for Age NI and rewarded participants with hundreds of pounds worth of festive food. In 2025, Lidl Northern Ireland is enhancing the initiative with the introduction of an Age Friendly Trolley Dash, designed in partnership with Age NI to ensure the event is more inclusive and accessible for older participants. As part of this new element, six Age NI service users will be selected to take part in specially adapted Trolley Dashes in selected stores across Northern Ireland one in every county. Dashers will have an extended five minutes to grab as many products as they can to win their shop and bag a festive feast. The aim is to provide equity of opportunity so that older participants can enjoy the same excitement and reward as younger dashers all while promoting inclusion, participation and positive ageing. The new Age Friendly Trolley Dash builds on Lidl Northern Irelands wider commitment to becoming Northern Irelands number one age friendly retailer, a pledge which underpins its partnership with Age NI and its support for older people across communities. The announcement follows last months powerful Making Age Visible campaign, launched for Positive Ageing Month, which revealed that two thirds (65%) of older people in Northern Ireland feel invisible or overlooked, and that many can go days without meaningful conversation. Ian McElhinney, best known for his roles in Derry Girls and Game of Thrones, said: Im proud to support Lidl Northern Ireland and Age NI for the launch of this years Trolley Dash. Its a campaign that brings joy and fun to communities, but it also carries an important message about inclusion and respect for older people. The new Age Friendly Trolley Dash is a wonderful way to celebrate older shoppers and to make sure everyone, regardless of age or ability, can take part in the excitement. It shows Lidls commitment to becoming a truly age friendly retailer and to making ageing something visible, valued and celebrated. Gordon Cruikshanks, Lidl Northern Ireland Regional Managing Director said: Our Trolley Dash has become a highlight of the festive calendar, and every year our customers show incredible support for our fundraising efforts. Last year we raised 75,000 for Age NI, and this year were building on that success with the launch of our Age Friendly Trolley Dash. This new element reflects our commitment to becoming Northern Irelands number one age friendly retailer creating a shopping experience that is inclusive, accessible and engaging for everyone. Together with Age NI, were helping to raise vital funds and spark meaningful conversations about what it means to age positively in Northern Ireland. Linda Robinson BEM, Chief Executive of Age NI, said: Every pound raised through Lidl Northern Irelands Trolley Dash makes a genuine difference to Age NI, helping us deliver essential services that provide friendship, advice and support to thousands of older people across Northern Ireland. "Too many older people face loneliness, financial pressure or health challenges, and campaigns like this give us the resources to reach into communities and offer real help where its needed most. "Were incredibly grateful to Lidl Northern Ireland, their staff and customers for their continued support, and wed encourage everyone to pick up a Trolley Dash ticket this year its a fun and festive way to do something that truly makes a difference to the lives of others. Tickets for Lidl Northern Irelands Trolley Dash will be on sale in all 44 stores from Monday, November 17 to Sunday, November 30. Tickets cost 1 each, with 100% of proceeds going directly to Age NI. Winners will be invited to take part in the Christmas Trolley Dash at their local store on Saturday, December 13 2025, before store opening, giving them a clean run at the aisles to grab as many festive favourites as they can. For more information and full terms and conditions, visit www.lidl-ni.co.uk/trolleydash. Puffins have been found nesting on a Co Antrim nature reserve for the first time in 25 years. The discovery was made by Ulster Wildlife on the Isle of Muck off Islandmagee and is being hailed as a major milestone in the recovery of the vulnerable seabirds in Northern Ireland. The comeback is the result of a seabird recovery project, launched by the nature conservation charity in 2017 to remove invasive brown rats, the biggest threat to seabird eggs and chicks, from the tiny island. A programme of winter grazing has also been implemented to keep vegetation low to reduce cover for the rats. The charity said that rats are a major issue for many seabird islands across the UK, and similar eradication projects elsewhere have proved vital in protecting breeding sites and helping seabirds bounce back. It said the signs of recovery at the Isle of Muck have been visible for some time. Annual surveys began to record steady increases in eider ducks, guillemots, herring gulls and lesser-backed gulls on and around the island. There was a breakthrough in 2024 when five puffins were spotted prospecting the island. Then this summer two puffins were caught on camera coming out of a nesting burrow on the grassy cliff ledges a positive sign that the birds are breeding. Andy Crory, Nature Reserves Manager with Ulster Wildlife, said: For decades, there had been whispers that puffins once bred on the Isle of Muck, a story that felt more like folklore than fact. But now, thanks to years of hard work creating a safe haven for thousands of seabirds, that myth is becoming a reality. Seabirds face immense challenges globally, with 24 of the 25 breeding species at risk of local or global extinction. So, while a handful of puffins on a tiny island may seem small, this moment is huge it proves that seabird restoration works. Our hope is that the Isle of Muck will become a thriving stronghold for puffins and, in time, tempt back other lost species like the Manx shearwater. For now, were waiting with great excitement to see if the first pufflings baby puffins appear on the cliffs next summer. That truly would be the icing on the cake. The ongoing rat eradication programme and species monitoring at the Isle of Muck Nature Reserve is funded by the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs via the Carrier Bag Levy. The Isle of Muck Nature Reserve is not accessible to the public, and crossing the tidal tombolo when it becomes visible at low tide is extremely dangerous, the charity said. Ulster Wildlife is urging people to keep away and admire the island from a safe distance to give the returning puffins the best possible chance to settle and breed successfully next summer. To find out more about the Isle of Muck Nature Reserve, visit ulsterwildlife.org/nature-reserves. A Buncrana teenager will light up the silver screen later this month when a film in which he plays a leading role receives a special screening at the Foyle Film Festival. Thirteen-year-old Dallan Woods, already well known in traditional music circles, appears alongside acclaimed Gaoth Dobhair fiddle player and actor Megan Nic Fhionnghaile in TRAD, a new Irish feature film that opens this years festival. The screening will take place on Wednesday, 19 November, at Brunswick Moviebowl in Derry. TRAD follows gifted young fiddle player Shona McAnally (Nic Fhionnghaile) and her younger brother, played by Woods, as they leave their home in the Donegal Gaeltacht and take to the road with a troupe of wandering musicians. This road-trip fiddle movie becomes a cross country odyssey filled with adventure, romance and a deep exploration of Irelands musical traditions. The film has already attracted significant critical attention, winning the coveted Audience Award at this years Galway Film Fleadh. Directed by Lance Daly, best known for Black 47, the film blends drama, humour, and music in an uplifting coming-of-age narrative. Dalys cast also includes well-known Irish actors Aidan Gillen and Sarah Greene, adding further weight to what has been described as one of the standout Irish releases of the year. For Woods the film marks a major milestone. Coming from a well-known musical family, he grew up steeped in the traditions that underpin the films narrative. His mother, the renowned fiddler and academic Liz Doherty, is one of Donegals best-known traditional musicians and educators. His father, Jim Woods, is a respected musician and teacher who has long played a central role in developing young trad players in Inishowen and runs Scoil Trad Buncrana. That musical grounding made Dallan a natural fit for the role. Wildcard Distribution, the Irish company behind major releases including the Kneecap movie and the forthcoming Saipan film exploring the Keane-McCarthy saga, has taken on Irish distribution duties for TRAD. The company is expected to announce a wider cinema release following the festival screenings. The Foyle Film Festival, now in its 38th year and regarded as one of the leading Oscar-affiliated festivals in Ireland, regularly features world and Irish premieres from emerging talent as well as established filmmakers. TRAD screens at 8.00pm on Wednesday, November 19, at Brunswick Moviebowl in Derry. Tickets are available through the Brunswick Moviebowl website. Student life is not always easy, especially when it comes to managing assignments, research projects and day-to-day tasks with limited tools and an even tighter budget. Every bit of support counts, and having access to reliable software can make a big difference in how smoothly your studies go. That is why many students are paying close attention to Microsofts recent offer. Microsoft is now giving its Microsoft 365 Personal plan free for 12 months straight, and the good part is that it even includes Copilot, which can help with writing, organising and learning. The catch is that the offer is available only to students who meet the eligibility requirements. Still, it is a valuable opportunity for anyone looking to improve productivity without adding extra costs. If you are studying and want to make the most of this limited-time offer, here is how you can get Microsoft 365 Personal with Copilot at no cost. Survey Thank you for completing the survey! Also read: OpenAI officially starts testing group chats in ChatGPT: Heres what we know Who can get Microsoft 365 Personal for free? Microsoft revealed in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that college students are the target audience for its latest promotion. To qualify, a student must have completed high school and be formally pursuing an undergraduate or postgraduate programme at an accredited institution. Anyone outside a recognised degree programme will not meet the requirements. The redemption page is already online, allowing eligible students to activate a complimentary 12-month Microsoft 365 plan. After November 30, the promotion expires, and new claims will no longer be accepted. Do note, the free student plan is currently only available in Canada, the UK, and the US. Also read: OnePlus 15R teased officially: Heres when it may launch and how much it could cost How to get Microsoft 365 Personal for free If you meet the criteria, claiming the free plan is straightforward. Microsoft has kept the process simple, and you can activate the offer in just a few minutes by following the steps below: Open any browser and go to the Microsoft Copilot for Students page. Look for the section called Study smarter with Copilot and Microsoft 365 and press the Redeem free offer button. Sign in with your Microsoft account, or make a new one if you dont have it. Once youre signed in, youre automatically signed up for the Microsoft 365 Personal plan. Microsoft will send you an email within 24 hours with all the offer details. Follow the instructions shared in the email to activate your free plan. After completing these steps, youll be ready to enjoy Microsoft 365 Personal without paying anything. Just make sure to check your spam folder so you dont miss the email. Once you redeem the offer, you can start using tools like Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and more right away. Also read: Hackers misuse Anthropics Claude AI to run automated cyberattacks Microsoft 365 Personal free subscription features Once youve redeemed the offer, you gain access to a full suite of powerful tools. Heres everything included in the free Microsoft 365 Personal subscription so you know exactly what youre getting: Microsoft 365 Personal free subscription is designed exclusively for a single user and cannot be shared with other accounts. The subscription can be accessed on five devices simultaneously, including computers, phones, and tablets. Students will receive a substantial 1 terabyte (1TB) of total cloud storage, which is shared between their Outlook email and OneDrive file storage. Grants premium access to the core suite of Microsoft 365 applications, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams, OneDrive, and SharePoint. Each app includes the Copilot, embedded directly into the sidebar of every core application to provide enhanced support and functionality. The Copilot app also offers new, advanced tools, such as Deep Research, Podcasts, and Vision features, alongside the standard services. Image and video creation tools in Copilot are included, allowing a complete multimodal experience across the Microsoft 365 suite. Taiwan's EV market heats up as Luxgen N5 prepares for debut Taiwan's electric vehicle market (EV) is poised for a wave of new launches in the second half of 2025, with the upcoming Luxgen N5, based on Foxtron's Model B platform, attracting the most attention. Rumors have circulated that the N5's launch schedule could be altered. In response, Luxgen's public relations team told DIGITIMES that future product plans will be officially announced at the appropriate time. Industry sources confirmed that assembly of the N5 is proceeding according to schedule. By mid-November, approximately 300 vehicles are expected to be built for display and test drives, covering three different specifications. Another 500 units are planned for December, with roughly 700 more slated for January 2026. According to these sources, internal progress appears normal, suggesting the launch plan is still on track. Analysts note that any delay extending the release into the next calendar year could disrupt sales momentum, making an on-time launch a priority for the brand. Final details regarding official sales, reservations, and deliveries will be determined by Luxgen's announcements. Taiwan's National Fire Agency emergency EV rescue manual mentions that Model B's mass produced version has been renamed to "Foxtron Bria." Supply-chain experts suggest this may be an export-market namea common practice in the automotive industry, as seen with some Mazda models, which carry different designations in Japan and overseas. Meanwhile, Luxgen's N7 continues to evolve. The latest N7 Aero Special Edition, offered in standard and long-range variants, carries a price premium of approximately NT$30,000 (US$963.55) over the original model and features upgrades to both exterior styling and interior appointments. Overall, Taiwan's car market shows signs of accelerating EV adoption. Pandemics and tariff uncertainties notwithstanding, domestic consumer demand has been boosted by government incentives, including extended exemptions from license and commodity taxes on EVs through 2030, along with an additional NT$50,000 reduction on small vehicles under 2,000cc. BMW and Porsche, represented in Taiwan by Pan German Universal Motors, have reported strong sales. In October, BMW's key modelsthe X3, X1, and 1- and 2-seriesmaintained robust demand, while the iX1 EV topped imported EV sales, pushing combined monthly revenue to NT$4.41 billion, a 14.5% increase from September and 6.3% year-over-year. Analysts say these figures reflect the market gradually rebounding from tariff-related fluctuations. Competition in Taiwan's EV market remains intense. Major domestic automakersincluding Yulon, Hotai, and SYMcontinue to vie for market share, while international models such as Toyota's bZ4X and Hyundai's Inster bring strong value propositions in terms of price and features. Should the Luxgen N5 debut as scheduled at the end of 2025, its pricing and specifications are expected to become a central focus in the highly competitive market. Article edited by Charlene Chen Save my User ID and Password Some subscribers prefer to save their log-in information so they do not have to enter their User ID and Password each time they visit the site. To activate this function, check the 'Save my User ID and Password' box in the log-in section. This will save the password on the computer you're using to access the site. Note: If you choose to use the log-out feature, you will lose your saved information. This means you will be required to log-in the next time you visit our site. China's Maxone steps into the global probe-card elite with IPO approval, Huawei support Maxone Semiconductor (Suzhou) has cleared the Shanghai STAR Market IPO review, a notable milestone in China's effort to end foreign control of the wafer-test hardware market. It is the only Chinese supplier in the global top 10 and has risen to sixth place in 2024, underscoring a broader shift in the semiconductor test supply chain. Huawei's investment arm, Hubble Technology, holds a 6.4% stake and is Maxone's fourth-largest shareholder. The ownership link strengthens market assumptions that Maxone's unnamed "B Company," its largest customer, refers to Huawei's HiSilicon. Breaking foreign grip on MEMS probe cards Probe cards act as consumable interfaces between testers and wafers, shaping yield, cost, and time-to-market. The global market reached US$2.65 billion in 2024, including US$357 million in China, with more than 80% controlled by foreign suppliers such as FormFactor, Technoprobe, and Japan's MJC. According to Sina and 163.com, Maxone is the first Chinese company with fully self-developed MEMS probe manufacturing, supported by three 8-inch and one 12-inch MEMS production lines. Its MEMS range includes 2D, 2.5D, and thin-film probe cards, while vertical and cantilever designs form part of its non-MEMS lineup. Between 2023 and 2024, Maxone rose from ninth to sixth place globally, the only Chinese producer in this bracket. Its cards support densities of tens of thousands of probes, 45m pitch, and roughly 7m precision. Its customers include major chip designers such as Unisoc, Loongson, Rockchip, Amlogic, and Horizon Robotics, along with foundries Hua Hong Semiconductor and SMIC Ningbo, and OSAT providers including JCET and SPIL. Growth powered by China's MEMS transition Revenue increased from CNY254 million (approx. US$35.8 million) in 2022 to CNY641 million in 2024, a compound annual growth rate of 58.85%. MEMS probe cards now generate nearly 88% of sales, pushing gross margins from 40.78% to 68.99%. Net profit expanded from CNY15.6 million in 2022 to CNY233.1 million in 2024 as MEMS adoption accelerated and domestic alternatives gained ground. The company faces significant concentration risk. Including direct and indirect orders, B Company contributes 50% to 83% of annual revenue. Filings describe it as a leading chip designer controlled by "A Company," with cooperation beginning in 2019 and formal supplier entry in 2021. Combined with Hubble's stake, the profile closely matches Huawei's HiSilicon. Maxone argues its pricing matches market benchmarks and is based on competitive bidding, with no evidence of related-party benefits. Even so, any disruption to B Company's design, foundry, or testing operations would directly affect Maxone's performance. Heavy reliance on a single-chip customer Though Maxone has mastered MEMS probe production, it remains dependent on imported materials and tools, including precious-metal chemicals, lithography systems, and advanced interposer substrates. Its top five suppliers account for 40% to 64% of annual procurement. Key suppliers include KAGA FEI, Advantest China, TigerElec, Tanaka Precious Metals, and MEMPro Corp. The company warns that supply disruptions or geopolitical limits could affect output, and plans to use IPO funds to advance domestic substitutes. Import-dependent materials and supply risk Maxone founder Zhou Ming controls 50.05% of equity through direct holdings and aligned partners. Hubble Technology's 6.4% stake positions it as the fourth-largest shareholder. Regulators flagged a past related-party issue in which Maxone sold functional-board assets to PI Semiconductor (NanTong) Co. for CNY2.95 million, well below the assessed fair value of CNY21.4 million. A compensation plan is in place, with half already paid on 27 October 2025 and the balance due by year-end. If PI Semiconductor had remained consolidated, Maxone's 2022-2023 results would have shifted from a CNY33 million profit to a CNY61 million loss. The correction was central to securing IPO approval. Capacity expansion and next-gen MEMS roadmap The IPO will raise CNY1.5 billion for probe-card R&D and new facilities in Suzhou and Nantong. Planned additions include 15 million 2D MEMS probes, 15 million 2.5D MEMS probes, and 5,000 thin-film probe cards. Maxone is developing 3D MEMS vertical and RF MEMS vertical probe cards. RF MEMS products are already generating revenue, while 3D MEMS cards are in validation with leading customers. The company also completed a CNY30 million MEMS expansion project in Suzhou in early 2024 and maintains operations in Shanghai, Nantong, and Hefei to support multi-site manufacturing. Forecasts put the global probe-card market at US$2.74 billion in 2025, with MEMS probe cards set to exceed 60% of demand. Maxone remains one of the few Chinese companies capable of competing at this level. Maxone's IPO progress marks one of China's most notable advances in probe-card localisation. With Huawei-linked ownership, rising global ranking, and broader MEMS capability, the company sits at the core of China's semiconductor test-equipment push, even as customer concentration and import reliance remain key risks. Article edited by Jack Wu Eight new Gardai have been assigned to Louth as part of the 194 recruits graduating from Templemore today bringing the total number of new Gardai this year to over 600. One will be stationed in Ardee, four will be stationed in Drogheda, and three will be stationed in Dundalk. Fianna Fail TD for Louth, Erin McGreehan, welcomed the attestation of the new Gardai to County Louth, saying it marks another positive step in strengthening community policing and public safety. Todays passing out ceremony at Templemore saw 194 new Gardai take up posts across the country with major allocations to Dublin and Cork. This class is the largest since 2019 and includes 57 women and 137 men. 17 garda reserves have also graduated. Since the appointment of Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan two successful Garda recruitment campaigns have been completed, attracting over 11,100 applications in total. Following the announcement, Deputy McGreehan said: Im delighted to see real momentum building when it comes to Garda recruitment and the allocation of new members to communities across the country. The Minister has made Garda recruitment a top priority since taking office, and we are now seeing the results of that focus. "The 8 newly deployed Gardai to Louth 1 will be stationed in Ardee, 4 will be stationed in Drogheda, and 3 will be stationed in Dundalk. Read Next: HGV spot-check finds urgent tyre fault on lorry in Dundalk This is ultimately about restoring public confidence in our Garda force and ensuring they have the resources they need by getting more Gardai on the beat in every community. The best way to strengthen public trust and ensure people feel safe is through greater Garda visibility and accessibility in our towns and villages. This year, for the first time, there were two Garda recruitment competitions. The February campaign attracted 6,784 applicants, while the October campaign received 4,334 applications. Notably, 57% of the October applicants were first-time candidates. Louth is set to benefit from a fresh round of government investment, with more than 31,000 allocated to two local services as part of a national boost for Family Resource Centres (FRCs). Dundalk Counselling Service at Seatown Place has been awarded 20,000, while Connect FRC in Moneymore, Drogheda will receive 11,203.18 under the latest funding package announced by Minister for Children, Disability and Equality Norma Foley. The Minister for Children, Disability and Equality, Norma Foley, today announced additional funding for Family Resource Centres to support their work with children and families. The minimum funding level for Family Resource Centres will be increased from 160,000 to 180,000 in January 2026. This will benefit 100 of the 126 Family Resource Centres around the country whose current funding is below the new 180,000 minimum level. Minister Foley said: I am delighted to have secured funding in Budget 2026 to increase the minimum annual funding for these Family Resource Centres in recognition of the vital role they play in their communities. All Family Resource Centres will be in receipt of a minimum of 180,000 in core funding in January next year. The increases will be paid to the centres by Tusla, the Child and Family Agency, which administers the Family Resource Centre Programme. Kate Duggan, the CEO of Tusla, acknowledging the increase in funding commented: We welcome todays announcement by Minister Foley of additional core funding base level of 180,000 for Family Resource Centres (FRCs). FRCs are rooted in our local communities and are responsive to the needs of children and families across the country. The increase to the core funding will help to strengthen community-based family support through a diverse range of services including family support work, counselling, education, training, advocacy and youth groups. It is an important part of our work to prioritise early intervention across our funded services to best meet the needs of vulnerable children, families and communities. The increase in the new minimum level of core funding follows on from core funding increases that took place in 2025, when the Family Resource Centres core funding base level was brought up to 160,000. Tusla administers the Family Resource Centre Programme, which currently provides funding support to 126 Family Resource Centres across the country. Family Resource Centres provide a range of universal and targeted services and development opportunities that address the needs of families. These can include: The provision of information, advice and support to target groups and families. Information concerning the range of services and development options available locally and advice on accessing rights and entitlements. FRCs act as a focal point for onward referrals to mainstream service providers. Delivering education courses and training opportunities. The establishment and maintenance of new community groups to meet local needs and the delivery of services at local level (for example, childcare facilities, after-school clubs, mens groups, etc.) The provision of counselling and support to individuals and groups. Developing capacity and leadership within communities. Supporting personal and group development. Practical assistance to individuals and community groups such as access to information technology and office facilities. Practical assistance to existing community groups such as providing help with organisational structures, assistance with accessing funding or advice on how to address specific social issues. Supporting networking within the community. Contributing to Policy work. Read Next: Louth County Council secures 500,000 for Boyne Greenway enhancement Minister Foley recently announced the establishment of five new Family Resource Centres in Dublin, Monaghan, Louth, Kildare and Galway, bringing the current number of Family Resource Centres to 126. Funding has been secured in Budget 2026 to establish an additional ten Family Resource Centres. Bank of Ireland has approved 21 million in financing to support the construction of 75 new homes in Ardee, Louth and 68 new homes in Johnstownbridge, Co. Kildare by Irish homebuilder Ashcroft Developments. The larger of the two schemes, Bridgegate in Ardee, has planning for a total of 347 new homes, a creche and a community building, with construction expected to commence on the second phase in 2026. The Spire View development in Johnstownbridge will comprise of 68 new homes and a commercial unit. Construction is well underway at both sites which will feature a mix of two, three and four-bed homes, designed to meet the needs of young couples as well as small and growing families. Spire View will also include 1-bed maisonettes. The developments are being supported by a revolving debt facility, a flexible funding structure that enables Ashcroft to draw down capital as needed, repay it as homes are sold, and reuse the facility for future phases. Bank of Ireland has previously supported Ashcroft to deliver more than 200 new homes across seven residential schemes. As of the end of June, the Bank was supporting the construction of 25,000 homes over 235 sites in 23 counties, as part of its broader ambition to facilitate the development of 30,000 homes nationwide. Read Next: Response praised after lorry overturns on busy Louth road Brian Gaffney, Head of Residential and Development Finance at Bank of Ireland, said: These new developments by Ashcroft in Louth and Kildare will deliver much-needed, A-rated homes in areas where demand for housing is strong. Our revolving debt facilities allow developers to recycle funding, ensuring housing projects progress at pace. Supporting projects like these both in regional towns and commuter counties is a practical way Bank of Ireland can play its part in addressing Irelands housing challenges. Alan Brunton, Managing Director of Ashcroft Developments, added: On behalf of Ashcroft, we would like to thank Bank of Ireland for their continued support of the expansion of our business. Since 2015, the banks focused relationship management and financial backing of our housing projects have been fundamental to Ashcrofts success. As we continue to grow, Ashcroft look forward to working with Bank of Ireland in the years to come. Roisin Leggett Bohan was nine years old when she began to write stories and poems. I remember the view from the bedroom window of my grandmothers house in Baltimore - the stillness of Tullagh cemetery, the carcass of an old boat jutting out of the water in Church Strand Bay, she recalls. I had this need to observe, to witness every small thing that seemed big to me, so, on school holidays, I would sit at that little desk overlooking the sea and scribble down everything that I saw and all I imagined that was unseen. This compulsion to read and write, record and reflect, never left her - and with good reason. Cork woman Roisin has been named the winner of the 2025 Patrick Kavanagh Poetry Award, a highly prestigious national prize recognising emerging poets who have yet to release their first collection. In this, she follows a long line of esteemed Cork poets, including Eilean Ni Chuilleanain, John Fitzgerald, John Mee, and Roisins co-editor of the literary journal HOWL New Irish Writing, Lauren ODonovan. The Makings of a Poet I remember reading every book on my parents bookshelf, beginning at the top shelf and working myself down, says Roisin of her early life. There were a lot of spiritual books and popular psychology titles, such as The Road Less Travelled by M. Scott Peck, which I was fascinated with at the time. I loved words, their sound, their shape, the space they inhabited on the page. I began to collect them, made my own dictionary with words I didnt know alongside their meaning. I saw words as a balm, and as a way to buoy other words - I had no goal in mind; I just wanted to write them down and liked the structure of doing it. It took years before Roisin looked to publish anything. I entered the the From The Well competition with a short story in 2016 - it was a historical fiction piece about my fathers life, in particular his experiences as a merchant navy seaman. The brilliant Billy OCallaghan judged it. I was so honoured when it was published in an anthology alongside 19 other stories. Roisin Leggett Bohan was honoured to receive the Patrick Kavanagh Award for her work Poetry as a social act Roisin sees poetry as a way to connect. I often think of that line from Walt Whitman: For every atom belonging to me as good belongs to you. Writing is such a solitary act, but once your work is shared or published, it takes on its own life through the experience of others. We write for ourselves, but it is a lovely thing when an unsuspecting email lands in my inbox from a reader who has found something of themselves in my poems that connects to their own experience of living. Cork is gifted with a kind community of poets and literary organisations, Roisin says, something she treasures. We are so lucky in Cork to have a host of supportive literary groups who embolden emerging writers, such as the Munster Literature Centre, OBheal go Beal, and people like Patricia Looney of Cork City Library and John Breen of Waterstones, who do so much to amplify the work of writers and curate events where it is shared and celebrated in the community. Its a beautiful thing when we poets gather to read our work at events, the supportive connection is palpable ...as if threaded to a single long nerve, to borrow the words of the poet Tracy K Smith. Roisins poetic voice was being carried far and wide well before the award was announced. One of the poems from her winning manuscript, The Cryptographer, was chosen by Poetry Ireland to be showcased nationwide on trains and DARTs and was shared on RTE for Poetry Day 2025 in March. The last line, haunting in its simplicity, reads imagine if we could forgive ourselves everything. Roisin is conscious of the pressures placed on people in modern life. As human beings, we are constantly barraged by the pressures of a commercialised society and what it thinks we should be. I think its important to mind ourselves against over-critical thought and to remember to go easy on ourselves by celebrating our individual quirks and taking joy in small things like a strangers unexpected act of kindness or connection: a coin left in a shopping trolley, a chat in a queue, or receiving a free coffee from an unknown person which I myself experienced lately. The poem, The Cryptographer, brings back fond memories to Roisin of an artist residency in the Tyrone Guthrie Centre, Co. Monaghan. The poems main character is a cat named Ariel, who was the resident cat at that time. She would follow me down to the lake on my night walks. It felt like she was a seer, as if her nocturnal vision stood in for something beyond sight. I grew up in the countryside and adored animals. Apparently, I went missing when I was five to help milk my neighbours cows, not that I remember it. The Patrick Kavanagh Award Roisin was deeply honoured to receive the award, named in honour of the late, great Monaghan poet. Beginnings Over And Over: Four New Poets, which contains some of Roisins work Its as sensational as April, to quote Patrick Kavanagh himself! she says. I remember preparing my collection of 20 poems. I placed the pages on the floor, stood on a chair, and imagined where each poem would land and what the shape of my collection could look like. I read each one multiple times, looking for typos and misplaced punctuation marks. I believe the observation of every small thing, every small thought, can hold great treasure. A selection of Roisin Leggett Bohans poetry is available to read in Beginnings Over And Over: Four New Poets from Ireland, published by Dedalus Press (2025). A Cork county councillor is calling for the minimum age of commencement for HSE BreastCheck, Irelands free breast screening service, to be lowered from 50 to 40 years of age. Fianna Fail councillor Ann Marie Ahern requested that Cork County Council write to health minister Jennifer Carroll MacNeill to request a review of the HSE BreastCheck programme. Ms Ahern outlined how BreastCheck has missed its screening targets in the last two years; according to figures released in response to a parliamentary question, the HSE screened 137,134 women in 2024, failing to reach its target of 195,000. In 2023, the HSE screened just more than 166,000 women, falling short of a 185,000 target. Ms Aherns motion at a recent county council meeting states that lowering the age of BreastCheck is to combat the shortfall, which puts lives at risk by causing delays in early detection and intervention of breast cancer. On the issue of BreastCheck screening targets, Ms Ahern said: Its something that Im not going to let go, and Im going to keep bringing up as much as I can. When it comes to healthcare, prevention is certainly better than cure, and we need to act rather than react. It is imperative that we first look at lowering the age of 50 back to 40. Actually implement and be leaders in instrumentally stopping breast cancer from spreading any further than it already is." Cork is set to receive the citys largest allocation of gardai in quarter of a century, Taoiseach Micheal Martin has confirmed to The Echo. The Cork City garda division looks set to be allocated 36 new garda recruits in this mornings attestation ceremony at the Garda Training College in Templemore, Mr Martin said. While graduate allocation figures always carry the caveat that they are not finalised until they are announced at the graduation ceremony, garda sources have said todays allocation of graduates to the city is very likely to be in the region of 36. Those sources have added that todays allocation of recruits is expected to be augmented by as many as 15 transfers to the city division. It is believed that all of the new gardai assigned to the city will be stationed initially to Anglesea Street, before some will be moved to the suburbs. The allocation follows Augusts graduation ceremony, which saw 20 new recruits known in An Garda Siochana as probationers assigned to the city. Mr Martin who will be the keynote speaker at this mornings graduation ceremony said the latest allocation, on top of Augusts, would significantly enhance garda visibility on the citys streets. This will help enormously, and the good news is that more and more people are applying to An Garda Siochana, and it is our intention to continue increasing garda numbers, Mr Martin said. High-visibility policing has been a stated priority of new garda commissioner Justin Kelly, who succeeded Drew Harris at the start of September. News of the latest Cork city allocation comes as data from An Garda Siochana, published last month by this newspaper, showed that garda numbers in Cork were down since the turn of the decade by 9% in the city and by 3% in the county. As of the end of August 2025, were 1,280 gardai stationed in Cork, with 663 in the city and 617 in the county. Cumulatively, that figure was down by 96 gardai, or 7%, from the end of 2019, when there were 730 gardai in the city and 637 in the county. The issue of garda resources has long been contentious in the city, and the announcement, earlier in the year, of the amalgamation of city subdivisions Douglas and Carrigaline, and Bishopstown and Ballincollig, proved extremely controversial. Labour Party city councillor Peter Horgan said it was very welcome that the first significant allocation under the new garda commissioner prioritised Cork city. This segues with the desire from Cork City Council as a whole to highlight the city centre as a safe place to visit and do business in. We must ensure these gardai are visible on our streets and not bound up in the courts and administration, I would be cautious in terms of what numbers will come to the southside as we still have issues relating to the personnel supporting major conurbations like Douglas, Togher and Carrigaline, Mr Horgan said. Seamus McGrath, Fianna Fail TD for Cork South Central, said the city had been under-resourced for years and a significant correction had been needed. Im pleased we are now receiving higher numbers of new gardai and this is an approach we need to continue so we can ensure high visibility policing and better opening hours in our garda stations, he said. Meanwhile, the topic of garda resources for Cork was raised at the latest meeting of the Joint Committee on Justice this week, with Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly saying that a high-visibility policing initiative is planned for Cork soon. Mr Kelly told committee members: The public and business community have already seen the benefits of our Dublin city centre high-visibility policing initiative, adding that there have been increased detections of anti-social behaviour, drunkenness and drugs for sale or supply, as well as decreases in theft, robbery begging and assaults in the capital as a result. We will be replicating this initiative in our cities and major urban centres around the country. Cork will be next. It is resource-intensive so when we introduce high visibility, it must be sustainable. This is not for a weekend or a particular time of the year; it is all year around. The Corkmas parade, the official start of Christmas in Cork city, is going ahead tonight, despite weather warnings in place, the council have said. Various weather and flood warnings are in place across the country, but Cork City Council is in direct contact with Met Eireann about the forecast for Cork city centre where a yellow rain warning is in effect. It will be wet today and tonight, but at the moment, there are no indications of widespread river flooding, they said, adding that importantly, no tidal flooding is expected in the city centre. The situation is being monitored closely and the public will be informed of any changes through the city council and Corkmas social media channels, and through local media. A council spokesperson said: Tonights Corkmas parade has been in planning for six months. Preparing for bad weather is built into the planning of all outdoor events in Ireland. But given the extensive engagement and logistics involved, it is not possible to postpone or reschedule tonights event. The performers have been booked for months, and many are scheduled to be elsewhere tomorrow and over the coming days. Rain doesnt bother Santa on Christmas Eve and it wont bother him tonight either. He has advised anyone coming to see him to dress for wet weather, with raincoats, hoods and suitable footwear, but hes advising against umbrellas on the parade route itself because they might block the view. The parade, which starts at 7pm, will feature dancers, marching bands and performers. It will travel from North Main St, along Washington St to Patrick Street, and on to Bridge St and MacCurtain St, finishing about 8pm. Road closures and traffic diversions will be in place in the city centre from 6pm. Motorists have been advised to plan ahead and expect delays. Public transport timetables will be affected. The Black Ash Park and Ride service will remain open until 10pm. A rugby match at Virgin Media Park at 7.30pm is also likely to add to traffic congestion on some routes into the city. Cork city councillors are hosting a public meeting on Monday ahead of the anticipated application by the Port of Cork Company (PoCC) to build a new 80m interchange at Tivoli. The company announced last week that it will be applying for planning permission this month to upgrade access to its Tivoli Docks site. The plans include changes to local road infrastructure, so that the site could better be used for homes in future, when PoCC moves its operations to Ringaskiddy and Marino Point, as planned. A planning application is expected to be made in December, when the public will have five weeks to make their views known, at a cost of 20 per observation. Incredible Green Party councillor Oliver Moran and Labour Party councillor John Maher have organised a meeting for 7.30pm next week in Glanmire Community Centre. Mr Moran said: Its an incredible approach thats being taken by the Port of Cork. They are intending to use the private planning process to build a new interchange on a public dual carriageway. People will be used to the public consultations that have taken place for the Northern Distributor Rd or BusConnects. None of that will happen this time. In fact, the public will have to pay money if they want to have their say. Theres a significant danger, too, that people will assume the information event being organised on November 20 is a consultation event. Its not, and comments and feedback that anyone provides at that event wont be part of the consultation process. No consultation Mr Maher added: The way the Port of Cork has gone about this planning application is wrong, and not how we should be planning for a city. The suggestion that this is for 6,500 houses, without a planning application for these, stinks. The road infrastructure proposed will lead to increased traffic towards Mayfield and Glanmire. No consultation with the public, and little with Cork City Council, leads me to believe that the plan is to build this infrastructure, but continue to operate the port from Tivoli. Im urging all residents to make a submission and have your say. Houses can be built with modifications to existing infrastructure, like the planned train stop and the North Docks, not another interchange that brings cars closer to another traffic jam. A special meeting of the Cork City Council Transport and Mobility SPC is being convened for Monday, November 25, by its chairman, Labour Party councillor Peter Horgan, following an emergency motion that was put forward by Mr Moran at last Mondays meeting of Cork City Council. The PoCC is being invited to attend. Proposed A PoCC spokesperson told The Echo: The infrastructure is being proposed to prepare the Tivoli lands for their eventual redevelopment in the next decades, with plans that are in extensive consultation and alignment with Cork City Council and a number of State agencies, including Transport Infrastructure Ireland, the National Transportation Authority, and the Land Development Agency. Early planning for enabling infrastructure is a cornerstone of good practice in sustainable planning and development. I work as a finance collections lead in a tech company but Ive been volunteering with Mellon Educate since 2009. I took a break for a few years when I got pregnant with my son and went back with my daughter Hannah Mae last year. We are heading out again this year (for a Building Blitz). It all started quite by chance when I saw an interview with the charity founder Niall Mellon on TV. His passion for what he was doing really struck a chord with me. Around the same time, my sister Valerie was turning 40 and instead of a big party, she wanted to mark the milestone in a meaningful way. She had also watched Nialls interview and asked me if Id go on the trip to Africa with her the following year. That moment changed everything. What drew me in wasnt just the cause, it was the opportunity to share something deeply purposeful with my sister. It was about doing something that mattered, together, and its an experience that has stayed with us ever since. There have been so many incredible highlights during my time as a Mellon Educate volunteer. Meeting Bishop Desmond Tutu was an unforgettable honour, one of those moments you know youll remember and cherish forever. Its often the smaller moments that mean the most, like the laughter on site, the friendships made, the quiet satisfaction of knowing youre helping to make a difference to someone. Seeing the literacy hubs in action has been especially powerful. Seeing eight to nine-year-olds there who previously couldnt read or write, and now seeing them learning, smiling, and filled with hope, is truly humbling. Even the simplest things, like building a toilet block, kitchen or a covered canopy where the children can just sit - it holds such meaning because with those come dignity, safety, and opportunity. But I have to say, whats made this journey even more meaningful is sharing it with my sister, my nephew, and my daughter Hannah Mae. Experiencing the impact of the work together, and seeing it through their eyes too, has been incredibly special. When I visited one of the literacy centres, I remember the teachers talking about how high the illiteracy percentage is amongst South African children. That really hit me. Walking into the classrooms and seeing how few resources they have, yet how eager and happy the children are to learn, is incredibly moving. It really puts things into perspective. What stayed with me too was hearing how the literacy programmes are changing not just the childrens lives, but their families too. Teachers spoke about kids going home and helping their parents to read and write. That ripple effect, education empowering both generations, really showed me how vital this work is in trying to break the cycle of poverty. Being a volunteer with Mellon Educate is something you can only truly understand by experiencing it. Its lifechanging. You think youre going out there to give, but you end up receiving so much more, lessons about humanity, gratitude, and connection that stay with you long after youve returned home. Everyone should do something like this at least once in their lifetime. It changes how you see the world, and how you see yourself within it. Niamh and her daughter fly out to South Africa this week and are two of some 400 volunteers that are heading out for the annual Building Blitz, a week long project where they build classrooms, playgrounds, and sanitation facilities, as well as memories and lasting friendships. Major milestone The Irish charity Mellon Educate has just marked a major milestone with the announcement that it has now housed 250,000 people through its South African programme since the charity was established 23 years ago. Mellon Educate, formally known as The Niall Mellon Township Trust, was founded by Irish entrepreneur and philanthropist Niall Mellon in 2002 after he visited the township of Imizamo Yethu in Cape Town and was deeply moved by the appalling living conditions of thousands of families living in shacks. Niall had been in business across property, hospitality and construction industries and decided to bring his entrepreneurial experience and contacts together to help drive change in South Africa, replacing shacks with two-bedroom homes in Cape Town. In 2013, the Niall Mellon Township Trust was renamed Mellon Educate to reflect its growing focus on education. Since then, the charity has helped over 85,000 young South Africans in gaining access to better education. Niall Mellon, Founder and CEO of Mellon Educate said he never imagined that the small journey he started would have been supported by so many people. Mellon Educate continues to run its annual Building Blitz each November, with around 400 volunteers from Ireland and across the globe due to travel to South Africa to help build new classrooms in township schools this year. The charity is accepting expressions of interest to participate in the 2026 Building Blitz. Anyone interested can visit melloneducate.com which also gives information about other ways to support the Irish charity THE original idea, and I suppose every songwriter possibly goes through this, and its kind-of self-reflective ... the idea of finding stuff out about yourself through writing songs, muses James ODonnell, frontman and songwriter of Cork shoegazers Ways of Seeing, as he and your writer get to waxing lyrical about the nature of creativity. One of my favourite writers, Karl Ove Knausgard, his idea is often just, by writing like the stream of consciousness, stuff comes out theyd never knew was there, so for the name of the band, [I thought that was interesting.] Corks music scene is no slouch at the moment when it comes to introverted, thoughtful psych-rock and shoegaze, perhaps the logical conclusion of the groundwork done by musicians such as The Altered Hours and Dan Walsh during the citys recessionary wilderness years. On second long-player The Inheritance of Fear, however, the balance between influence and internal wrangling is a bit more than a matter of sonics apropos at a national time of self-reflection amid the chaos of the current world moment. The Inheritance of Fear is looking at our flaws and our make-up, and [realising] maybe were not in control of all of it, how much of it is passed down to us, how much are we stuck with, and how much can we deal with and maybe leave behind? So that was the idea behind the album title. The song Cruel, Naturally, I suppose, is about stuff we inherit from our parents, or the idea that maybe some of their fears are passed on to us in some way, or some of the things that they deal with are passed on to us. And then Last Wave, probably looks further back at the time of the [Great Hunger], and even just after that. It was kind-of inspired by a poem by Doireann Ni Ghriofa. Its called An Experiment to Engineer the Inheritance of Fear. So in that poem, its like a smell of life, and like that, we inherently recognise that smell of blight, just this innate ability, like, our innate fear and the idea that maybe our colonial past, that fear, or that trauma, is still somewhere, passed down, and how it might affect affect us today, collectively and individually. With a better idea of the whole process and recording an album, ODonnell and collaborators took this focus first into Monique Studios, where Christian Best oversaw recording and pre-production; while Gilla Bands Daniel Fox took mixing duties, followed by M(h)aols Jamie Halpin on mastering. Keeping such company in this whole process indeed spoke to ODonnells creative ambitions. Really nice guy, says ODonnell of Best, creates a really safe environment to make music, and its fun as well. Always with Christian, hes just got so much mad gear, like hes like a crazy mad scientist, all the stuff he has in the studio. And we mixed it and did the vocals with Dan Fox, who just has a name, I suppose, for a big rock sound at this stage. I just thought his ear for that would lend itself to a bigger, kind of expansive sound, which I was going for. I had the [loud/quiet] dynamics, and I wanted it quite heavy, and I thought he might, he might be the man for that. And actually, for a while, I didnt know if I would be working with him, but he sent a last-minute email, and hed been my number one in Ireland to mix it. Ways of Seeing: Performing new album launch show at The Kino in Cork. The whole process is still quite fresh for ODonnell as he mulls it over, and while the usual music-journo move is to ask someone in his position how theyre feeling at present, hes quite honest about that state of flux that he and the whole outfit still find themselves in. I dont think Im at a stage to be fully impartial, or to be able to look at it without some kind of a cloud over it, still. A month seems like a long time after putting it out, its still, theres some kind of sense of being lost in that world of mixing and mastering, a small bit. While the reaction has been positive, youre still kind of in that world where youre gauging off peoples reactions, a bit. So Id say it will take a good few months to listen back with fresh ears and know how exactly I feel about it. But in general, it was as close as I imagined I could get it. Theres always [moments of] aw, should have done this, should have done that. I prefer to just be putting out records, rather than be painstakingly going over details of it for years. Your writer does wish to tack back to that interface of past, present, and future, though, and it occurs to me as ODonnell speaks about this process, that Ways of Seeing are among a number of bands in Cork and beyond that are leaning further into Irelands alt-rock past for their influences, rather than casting their vision further afield for a sense of something new. Not a coincidence, in the broader scheme of post-colonial considerations. There really seems to be a sense of confidence, an embrace, of whatever Irishness is. And I heard [Dunboyne pop-country matriarch] CMAT recently mentioning that, like, all the music coming out at the moment is as a result of some kind of recent trauma, or like trauma from the past, and Ive noticed covid probably spilling into it as well, but there just seems to be this newfound interest in what makes us Irish. And its going back to, like, stuff like the Pogues and Dubliners, obviously, with the Mary Wallopers, and just, theres loads of bands who embrace that. It feels like its very much Irelands time at the moment. Were not a sound cut between America and England. It feels like its own wave, just seems to be a melting pot at the moment, especially Cork. So many good bands coming out, its cool to be part of it in some small way. All these roads, of course, lead to the Kino on Friday night, where the bands hometown launch gig for the album is set to take place. Feeling excited, a small bit nervous, too. I suppose we want to get a good crowd there as well, so you have that in the back of your mind there. Feeling really excited about the idea of playing the whole new album through, live, for the first time, is really exciting. Were buzzing for it, just in rehearsals at the moment, and were really looking forward to that, and to see the reaction to the songs, as well, live, is something we havent experienced, as a whole body of work. Natasha Reid and Claire Henry A 77-year-old former coffee shop owner has been given a four-year suspended sentence for money laundering of more than 89,000 and possession of an encrypted mobile phone. The idolised grandfather had never been in trouble before in his life until gardai found the money under his bed on April 1st, 2021. Giovanni Nardone, of Glenhill Avenue, Finglas, in Dublin, pleaded guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to possessing 89,570, the proceeds of crime, at his home on that date. He also pleaded guilty to possession of an encrypted phone, in circumstances that gave rise to a reasonable inference that he had it for a criminal offence. At a previous hearing, Detective Garda John Rourke of the Garda Organised Crime Unit told the court that his bureau had received confidential information which led them to get a search warrant for the elderly mans home. Gardai used force to open the front door after their knocks were unanswered by Nardone, who was behind the door. He was asked if he had any cash or illegal substances, and he brought gardai to his room and unlocked two safes, which contained cash, documents and jewellery, which are not the subject of the charge before the court. However, 89,570 was then recovered from a plastic Supervalu bag in a drawer under his bed. He said it was savings from his work over the years. Asked why it was under the bed, he said it was a safe place. A cash counting machine was also found, along with vacuum bags and a vacuum packer, which he said was for meat in the freezer. A Samsung phone was recovered and sent for analysis, but gardai were unable to access a chat app on it due to the high level of encryption. Another garda had first-hand knowledge of the app, and the court was told that it did not operate over the normal GSM network or use a regular data SIM. Nardone was arrested and taken to Finglas Garda Station. Gda Rourke agreed with James Dwyer SC, defending, that his client appeared to be holding the cash for others and not himself. He accepted that there was no sign of wealth or that any money had been invested in his house over the years. Gda Rourke further agreed that Nardone, who has lived here for 55 years, was on bail throughout proceedings and had travelled to his native Italy on a couple of occasions to attend family gatherings and had returned. He used to own a chip shop and delivered soft drinks, before owning a coffee shop in Finglas. The court heard he had a debt to the Revenue Commissioners. Mr Dwyer said that his client had trained as a tailor before leaving Italy in 1964 at the age of 15. He moved to Paris and worked making womens clothing for six years before joining his brother in Ireland. His brother got him a job in a chipper, and he later ran his own chipper. Mr Dwyer handed in letters from members of his client's family, who were present in court. They described him as kind-hearted, trusting and loyal. His grandchildren had an amazing bond with their grandfather, whom they idolised, they said. Id ask the court to have regard to his guilty plea, said Mr Dwyer, noting that his client had lived here for 55 years without conviction, and not been in trouble before that. He appears to have played a very low role in these things, holding for others, he said. The court heard that the first count had a maximum sentence of 14 years in prison, while the second count had a maximum term of five years. However, Mr Dwyer asked Judge Orla Crowe to have regard to his client's age and consider sentencing possibilities that did not require an immediate custodial sentence. Judge Crowe said it was a very unusual case that needed time to consider. She adjourned it until today for a risk assessment from the probation services. Passing sentence on Thursday, Judge Orla Crowe said, gardai had excellent information, and a search warrant was issued for this defendant's house. She noted that Nardone has been living in Ireland since 1970 and is originally from Italy. Judge Crowe said a probation report before the court places Nardone at low risk of reoffending. She stated that the aggravating factors in this case were the amount of cash found, the encrypted mobile phone, the cash counting machine, and the vacuum packing machine. The judge said she would consider the following as mitigating factors: his guilty plea, his lack of previous convictions, that he has not come to any adverse attention, and that he is a family man with no signs of wealth. Judge Crowe sentenced Nardone to four years in prison, and after considering all relevant factors, including his age, she suspended the sentence in full for four years. Gordon Deegan Guinness producer, Diageo, is set to spend an estimated additional 257.5 million on its new plan to double the brewery capacity of its 200 million state-of-the-art carbon-neutral brewery at Littleconnell, Co. Kildare. The drinks giant is to lodge plans in the coming days with a statutory planning application notice connected to the project, confirming that Diageo is to seek a 10-year planning permission for the scheme. It is understood that the investment in the new project will be 257.5 million and will generate 800 to 1,000 construction jobs during the construction phase. Plans to double the brewery capacity at the site will bring Diageos overall investment in the area to an estimated 457.5 million. The new plans for the 40 acre site at the IDA Newbridge Business and Technology Park at Littleconnell will include a 9,333m2 Brewery 2 building. The statutory planning notice states that the total gross internal floor area of all new buildings in the application will be 14,976m2. The scheme will also include ground mounted solar panels covering an area of 15,000m2 while space will be provided for a hard standing area to accommodate 38 HGV truck parking spaces. Construction work at the brewery at the site has been continuing since June of last year and the proposed expansion will more than double the brewerys capacity to 4.5 million hectolitres. Diageo had already earmarked the Co Kildare brewery as a production hub for Diageo lager and ales including Rockshore, Harp, Hop House 13, Smithwicks, Kilkenny and Carlsberg. Now, the planned doubling of capacity will result in the plant becoming a production hub for Guinness and Guinness 0.0 growth in emerging markets. St James Gate in Dublin is currently the only Diageo site in the world where Guinness 0.0 is brewed while Guinness is brewed in many locations around the world. St. Jamess Gate in Dublin will continue to brew for its largest and most established markets, including Ireland, the UK and the US. When initially commenting on the proposed expansion in August a Diageo spokeswoman said that while the realisation and timings of this expansion will depend on a number of external factors, it reflects Diageos long-standing commitment to Ireland and reinforces the countrys position as a strategic base for sustainable export-led growth. It is expected that the first brew for lagers and ales at the Littleconnell site will take place in 2026. Diageo will be hoping for a smoother passage through the planning system for the new application. Plans were lodged for the 200m brewery in July 2022 and the scheme was stalled after sole objector to the brewery, John Lynch mounted a High Court challenge seeking to quash An Bord Pleanalas December 2023 green light for the project. The farmer and undertaker last year withdrew his proceedings after successful mediation talks with Diageo. High Court Reporter A former garda who alleges he was wrongfully and violently struck by a 6'8" garda sergeant with a baton engaged in "totally bizarre" behaviour when he drove at high speed to evade arrest before fleeing on foot, a barrister has told a jury at the High Court. John Bowe (41) was arrested following the chase, which occurred outside Bunclody, Co Wexford, on December 5th, 2014. Mr Bowe, of Coolnaleen, Camolin, Enniscorthy, was subsequently convicted of various counts of dangerous driving arising from the chase. Mr Bowe, an ex-garda, brought an action over alleged injuries sustained when Supt Rory Sheriff, then of Enniscorthy Garda Station, struck Mr Bowe over the head with a retractable baton following the chase. Supt Sheriff said that his actions were "proportionate and justified" following what he described as the most "extreme and dangerous" driving he had ever witnessed. A barrister for Mr Bowe said he doesn't want to live in a country where people take the view that his client "got what was coming to him". Supt Sheriff has told the court he was chasing Mr Bowe through a field after a 25-minute car chase that hit speeds in excess of 140kph. Supt Sheriff said Mr Bowe turned back on him with a "metallic object" in his hand and lunged at him. The Supt then deployed his baton and hit Mr Bowe over the head "with full force, as hard as I could hit him", he said. The metallic object Mr Bowe had in his hand turned out to be a set of keys with two bottle openers attached. It is Mr Bowes case that Supt Sheriff, then a sergeant, wrongfully and violently struck him. Mr Bowe claims that, arising from alleged injuries sustained, he was diagnosed with functional neurological disorder. The claims are denied Mr Bowes case is against Supt Sheriff, the Garda Commissioner, the Attorney General and Ireland. At the High Court on Thursday, Richard Lyons SC, for the defence, said the situation was a "totally bizarre" one featuring a former Garda trying to evade arrest through "outrageous" driving before fleeing on foot. Mr Lyons said Mr Bowe was asking the jury to believe that after the chase, he was surrendering on his knees in the field, telling Supt Sheriff "you have me now". Mr Lyons said it "beggars belief" that Supt Sheriff would "simply whack Mr Bowe out of the blue" and said that the superintendent had to report any use of the baton, which was unavoidable anyway due to the "nasty gash" on Mr Bowe's head. Mr Lyons noted that upon his release from Enniscorthy Garda Station, gardai drove him to a medical clinic, but Mr Bowe left without receiving attention. Counsel said Mr Bowe made no complaint about his treatment when being processed at the Garda station, but then issued proceedings, "looking for money, he wants you [the jury] to give him money even though he said in evidence he didn't want money, but vindication". "He is claiming all this head injury, and yet since then he gets first class honours and goes on to qualify as a psychologist. On the one hand, he is complaining, yet on the other hand, he's flying it. "Can you believe anything he says?" said counsel. Mark Harty SC, for Mr Bowe, said the defence had adopted tactics in the case that amounted to "deny, deflect and disparage". Mr Harty said that at first the alleged "assault" was denied, then, he said, there was deflection in saying that Mr Bowe caused the baton strike, and finally his client was disparaged in court to make him dislikeable. Mr Harty said Supt Sheriff's evidence that Mr Bowe never lost consciousness and immediately apologised after being struck was "simply preposterous". Mr Harty said Supt Sheriff was 6' 8" and a former Ireland underage rugby player. "The real defence is that he [Mr Bowe] got what was coming to him. That's not the Ireland I want to live in, and it's not the Ireland I live in," he said. The jury will continue their deliberations on Friday. Darragh Mc Donagh Catherine Connolly enjoyed a lowkey lunch with friends in her native Galway on Friday afternoon without an official entourage or security, with her inauguration as Irelands 10th president earlier this week apparently not affecting her routine. She dined with two friends in the Victoria Hotel, just off Eyre Square, where she enjoyed a simple ham and cheese wrap around 2pm on Friday. Ms Connolly travelled alone and was not accompanied by staff or security. The president sought to pick up the bill for the meal but it was offered to her on the house by staff at the hotel. However, she insisted on paying, joking: Otherwise you might not let me come back. She thanked the staff in Irish, and left a 10 tip for the meal, which cost a total of 34.50. She was the nicest, most down-to-Earth woman you could meet, said one person at the hotel. There was no fuss, no fanfare, she was just so pleasant and exudes kindness. The visit was consistent with an unceremonious start to Ms Connollys presidency, having appeared at ease while casually meeting members of the public in the three days since her inauguration. Aras an Uachtaran did not respond to a request for comment, but a source close to Ms Connolly said she intends to eschew a lot of ceremony and pomp in what she intends will be a casual and unpretentious presidency. A worker at the Victoria Hotel said there was no sign of a state car during the presidents visit but they were unsure how she had travelled. Ms Connolly is a keen cyclist and is often seen on a bicycle in Galway city. It took us a little while to realise who she was, to be honest, they said. Shes just so unassuming. But there was great excitement once she was spotted, and she couldnt have been nicer. After her lunch, she came up to the bar to pay for the three of them, and we wanted to give it to her on the house, because it was such an honour to have her in the hotel but she was having none of it. She absolutely insisted on paying and joked that, if she didnt, you might not let me come back again! Ms Connolly enjoyed a relaxing lunch but was spotted by a group of 10 elderly visitors from Roscommon as she was leaving. A witness said they quickly produced mobile phones and made sure to get photographs with the president. The Irish paparazzi, they added. In Japan, it is hugely culturally important for guests to feel welcome, and the Japanese concept of Omotenashi. A word which has no direct English equivalent sums up a commitment by any person or group to do just that. In fact, Omotenashi has been an intrinsic part of Japanese popular and corporate culture for many decades and has been refined by many companies and is now embedded in the way its workers will not just endeavour to make a guest/customer feel welcome, but fulfil their needs to the extent they enjoy a wonderful and memorable experience. While the concept has been woven into the fabric of Japanese society through generations, in corporate terms, it has been adapted across many industries in their worldwide endeavours to bring the level of customer experience to new and heretofore unattained heights. In the automotive sphere, one of the companies which has adopted Omotenashi wholeheartedly since its inception in 1989 has been the car maker Lexus. Ken Horgan, Sales Manager. Indeed, so comprehensive has that adoption been that it is now the global standard by which the company and its customers interact. Before Lexus ever launched a car, it detailed its customer care philosophy in a document called the Lexus Covenant, a company manifesto which continues to serve as a mission statement, a rallying cry and a solemn oath. That document still rules every decision that Lexus makes, every car it manufactures and each and every service it provides. Within its parameters, the company promises the individual attention and sincere consideration that makes Lexus a benchmark of customer satisfaction. Although the Airport Road in Cork is a long way, culturally and geographically, from Lexus headquarters at Shimoyama, Aichi, in Japan, the Lexus Cork franchise there practices the Omotenashi concept in the same way as is done throughout the companys global operations. According to Lexus Cork Sales Manager, Ken Horgan, the ethos means that every customer who walks through their doors is treated in the same way as they would be if they were a guest in someones home. Paudie Donegan, Dealer Principal. This is an ethos we have long propagated, and it mirrors the experience of Lexus customers worldwide. It makes the Lexus Covenant more relevant on a daily basis, despite the fact it was actually written thirty-six years ago, he says. Ken leads the sales team at Lexus Cork, which is actually a subsidiary of the Macroom Motor Services Group, which was established by Donal Lehane in 1971 and has been part of the Toyota Ireland family since. Now run by Donals son John, the Toyota links inevitably meant that when the Lexus luxury sub-brand came along, it too would become part of the companys activities. And that was the case in 2012 when it was appointed the Lexus agent for Cork and Munster. Following an initial period working out of Macroom and Douglas, in 2016 it moves to new, dedicated premises at Corks Airport road, next door to the Toyota franchise, Lehane Motors. Under the management of Dealer Principal, Paudie Donegan, as well as Service Manager, Sean Dowling, Parts Manager, Mick Murphy, with Ken Horgan heading the sales team, Lexus Cork has been a vital part of a countrywide effort which has seen Lexus set fair to easily crack the 1,000 unit sales mark this year. We have possibly our best-ever product portfolio right at this moment, Ken says, adding that the brand is doing well at present and set to top its best sales figure since 2006. That Lexus Cork was awarded the companys Retailer of the Year award in 2023 illustrates the commitment of everyone at Lexus Cork to their customer base. We want anyone who comes through our door to have a special and unique experience, and we are committed to that as we believe that the customer has to be prioritised in a manner that few other companies aspire to or achieve, according to Ken Horgan. Emmanuel Bassey, Sales Executive. Providing special levels of customer care at all levels of the purchasing and sales process is one thing, but the other essential element is having the product to match the customers expectations of what a luxury brand should provide. Operating out of their state-of-the-art and dedicated showroom at the Airport Road, Ken says, the aim is to offer our customers a relaxed and enjoyable visit, while discovering our new and pre-owned models. Our aim in terms of sales and after-sales is to endeavour to offer our customers professionalism and clarity throughout every stage of the process. With a range which begins with the award-winning LBX hybrid, which offers you luxury at a price point of just 40,000 through the fellow hybrid-powered UX, ES and NX models and on to the RX plug-in hybrid and the recently introduced all-electric RZ, and the all-new Lexus ES electric due in early 2026, Lexus offers something for every type of customer. As we know the modern buyer is a highly sophisticated and knowledgeable beast who expects the same sort of expertise from those selling cars to them, Ken says, adding: At Lexus Cork, thats exactly what we deliver. And thats why we are also able to offer unbeatable warranty plans to our customers, largely thanks to the quality of the product we sell. Under the Lexus Relax programme, we offer customers a one-year warranty on cars up to ten years of age every time they come to us to get their vehicle serviced. Anne Brown, Host. Ken also points out that warranty cover can be provided for Lexus vehicles which are up to ten years old or with up to 185,000 miles on the clock, providing even greater reassurance to customers and real peace of mind too. All of this leads us to the fact that Lexus generally and Lexus Cork in particular provides an unrivalled buying and ownership experience, and that the cultural lessons learned from half a world away in Japan can be applied to any other part of the world because all-embracing consistency is at the essence of everything that is done under the Lexus banner. You might never have heard of Omotenashi, but if you want to experience it in action, then simply call Lexus Cork, where you will be bowled over by the Lexus experience. For more information, visit here. Blue Origin's New Glenn rocket has completed its second flight, The Washington Post reports. The rocket launched from Florida's Cape Canaveral Space Force Station on Thursday, and successfully separated from its first-stage booster, which later landed on a sea platform Blue Origin calls "Jacklyn." The launch marks the first time the space startup has been able to catch a New Glenn booster for later reuse. The maiden flight of the rocket in January was successful in the sense that it got New Glenn into space, but Blue Origin wasn't able to save the booster from a watery grave. The company hoped to launch its second New Glenn mission on November 9, but cancelled it last minute due to weather. New Glenn's second mission is also notable because of its payload: The rocket ferried NASA satellites to space that are destined for Mars as part of the agency's ESCAPADE mission. Considering SpaceX's close relationship with NASA, Blue Origin working with the agency could be an important vote of confidence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It could also mean New Glenn is in a good position to help another company founded by Jeff Bezos accelerate its satellite plans. The Post writes that Blue Origin has an existing agreement with Amazon to launch its recently rebranded Amazon Leo satellites into space. Leo is positioned as a competitor to Starlink, SpaceX's satellite internet service. While SpaceX has completed many more launches with its Starship rocket than Blue Origin has, it's also had more than a few explosive failures along the way. Blue Origin still needs more missions under its belt, but if it can repeat its success with New Glenn, it could prove to be a threat to SpaceX. Cheryl Hines is breaking her silence about one of the most difficult moments in her marriage. In her memoir "Unscripted," the "Curb Your Enthusiasm" star opens up about her husband Robert F. Kennedy Jr.'s sexting controversy, sharing how the two managed to overcome the ordeal and rebuild their relationship. Hines, 60, shared that while she was vacationing in Italy, Kennedy reached out to alert her about another news story that was about to surface. The story involved a journalist who said she had exchanged personal but not physical messages with a political figure, later revealed to be Kennedy. The scandal spread quickly online, with headlines and speculation dominating the news. "I hated all of it," Hines writes. "The swirl of headlines, rumors, and insinuations was upsetting and overwhelming. I had hit a wall." According to PageSix, the controversy stemmed from an alleged digital affair between Kennedy and political reporter Olivia Nuzzi. Reports claimed that their communication turned romantic while she was covering his presidential campaign. Kennedy denied any inappropriate behavior, saying he had only met Nuzzi once for an interview. How Cheryl Hines overcame pain of husband RFK Jr.s sexting scandal https://t.co/3WzbKP368l pic.twitter.com/I4M32HMbiZ Page Six (@PageSix) November 12, 2025 Cheryl Hines Admits She Felt 'Unimportant' Hines admits that at first, she tried to brush it off. Her husband had already faced harsh criticism for his controversial political views, and public drama wasn't new to their relationship. But as she spent more time in Europe, she began to feel the emotional weight of it all. "This latest story was leaving me with the feeling of being unimportant to him," she wrote. "It was the end of the line for me." After returning from her trip, Hines was met at the airport by Kennedy, who came to pick her up. Though she "felt distant from him," the two decided to confront the issue head-on, People reported. Hines explained that in the days that followed, they put everything on hold to have honest conversations and confront the situation directly. "We talked about all of the painful times we'd been through and what we meant to each other." Through those emotional conversations, the couple worked to rebuild trust. "We analyzed how we had become disconnected and what had kept us together," she added. "Through those soul-searching days, we tightened our ties that bind." Hines later discussed the incident publicly, saying, "You always have to consider the source. It ends with a conversation with Bobby." Married since 2014, Hines and Kennedy have faced both personal and political storms together. Sean "Diddy" Combs has officially enrolled in the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP) at the Bureau of Prisons' Federal Correctional Institution in Fort Dix, New Jersey, where he is serving a four-year sentence. The program can cut his prison time by as much as a year if completed successfully. In a statement to The New York Times, a Diddy spokesperson, Juda Engelmayer, said the rapper had a brighter, more positive outlook on life. "He is committed to sobriety, focused on healing, and trying to set an example for others," Engelmayer said. According to HotNewHipHop, during his trial, Diddy and his lawyers admitted that he had a history of substance abuse problems. His attorney, Teny Geragos, requested a transfer from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn to Fort Dix to enroll in the RDAP program. "In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we request that the Court strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix for RDAP purposes and any other available educational and occupational programs," Geragos wrote in a letter to Judge Arun Subramanian last month. Engelmayer also revealed information about Diddy's current conditions at Fort Dix, including that he shares a room with eight other inmates and spends much of his time working in the prison's chapel library. "He works in the chapel library, where he describes the environment as warm, respectful, and rewarding," she told CBS News. Diddy's sentencing comes after he was convicted earlier this year of two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. The jury had convicted him on those counts but acquitted him of more serious allegations, including racketeering and sex trafficking. The court sentenced the 55-year-old music mogul to just over four years in prison. Under the RDAP program, he could be eligible for an early release of up to 12 months if he meets all requirements and demonstrates progress. The move could mark a turning point for Combs, who has thus far said he plans to use the time to focus on rehabilitation and better himself. Originally published on Music Times Rapper Ja Rule is opening up about the long-term effects his feud with 50 Cent had, claiming it hurt the New York hip-hop scene. Appearing recently on the "7PM in Brooklyn" podcast, the Queens rhymer discussed how the damage had been done from their infamous beef while weighing in on other rap rivalries. Speaking on the broader effects of rap beefs, Ja Rule said the end result usually hurts rather than helps the culture. "Look at Kendrick and Drake. Nothing good is coming out of any of these things. Like, me and 50's sht, that sht fcked up New York Hip-Hop. It really did because it separated a lot of n***s in New York," he said. According to HotNewHipHop, Ja Rule made it clear he no longer wishes to dwell on his issues with 50 Cent. "That's why I don't sit here and promote the negativity between me and 50," he said during the podcast. "I don't give a fck about that sht. I wish that Black man luck, man. Go ahead and do you, man. Get your money, man. But do right, do better. Because all you do is fcking sht on other Black people too. That's all he does." The rapper Ja Rule is best known for the early-2000s hits "Always On Time" and "Mesmerize"; he has been at odds with 50 Cent for most of the 2000s. The two artists' rivalry involved diss tracks, physical fights, and ongoing social media spats that rivaled some of hip-hop's most notorious feuds. Pivoting from being asked if he had any advice for other artists in high-profile feuds, the rapper replied, Why I gotta advise Drake? Why I can't advise Kendrick? Drake don't need no advice. Drake is rich, he got a big ass plane. Have you seen his plane? What we talking about Drake for, man? That n***a chilling, man," he joked. Ja Rule also stuck to his belief that he was the better artist when it came to his beef with 50 Cent. "I feel like I was the better rapper. I felt like I made the better records. I feel like my records aged better, still. So that's how I feel inside. I don't know how everybody else feels," he continued. Originally published on Music Times California Governor Gavin Newsom taunted President Donald Trump over the release of a new tranche of Epstein files in which the disgraced financier and abuser mentions him by name. "WOW, new signage!" says the caption of the image, which features a hallway of the White House with the words "I AM A PEDO" in golden letters. WOW, new signage! pic.twitter.com/W9qEDsjQBe Governor Newsom Press Office (@GovPressOffice) November 13, 2025 The White House has firmly rejected efforts to link Trump with Epstein's abuses, with press secretary Karoline Leavitt saying on Thursday that it is "another Democrat + Mainstream Media hoax, fueled by fake outrage, to distract from the President's wins." In a social media publication, Leavitt claimed that, "if not for the Jeffrey Epstein story, CNN would be forced to talk about how Chuck Schumer and the Democrats got shellacked by President Trump and Republicans in the government shutdown fight." "Republicans, don't be fooled. President Trump will remain focused on Making America Affordable Again," Leavitt concluded. The argument seems to be part of a cohesive strategy by the GOP in the aftermath of the release, considering that House Republicans in the Oversight Committee said "Democrats whine about "releasing the files," but they only cherry-pick when they have them to generate clickbait." The Republicans said they released an additional 20,000 pages of the Epstein files and posted them on their website. The files released by Democrats on the same committee feature three emails from a tranche of more than 23,000 documents subpoenaed from the Epstein Estate. They include a 2011 message in which Epstein told his longtime associate Ghislaine Maxwell that a victim had "spent hours at my house" with Trump, describing him as "the dog that hasn't barked." Maxwell responded: "I have been thinking about that ..." The names of alleged victims were redacted. The emails were made public as the committee continues to review the broader set of documents, most of which have not yet been released. In a separate exchange from December 2015, author Michael Wolff told Epstein he heard CNN might question Trump about his relationship with him. Epstein replied: "If we were to craft an answer for him, what do you think it should be?" Wolff said Trump should answer publicly and risk "hanging himself," noting it could create "PR and political currency" for Epstein. Another email from January 2019 shows Epstein appeared to dispute reports that Trump had barred him from Mar-a-Lago, writing: "Trump said he asked me to resign, never a member ever. Of course he knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop." The full context of the exchange is unclear. None of the newly released documents contain allegations of criminal conduct by Trump. There are four Republicans who are supporting a "discharge petition," which will force a floor vote the compel the Department of Justice to release the files despite opposition from the leadership. They are Thomas Massie, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Nancy Mace and Lauren Boebert. House Speaker Mike Johnson, who has opposed the measure, said he will bring the measure to a vote next week. Even if it passes, the move will have to pass the Senate and be signed into law by Trump, which is unlikely given his opposition. Originally published on Latin Times She is perhaps the most decorated athlete in history, a diminutive powerhouse whose every twist and tumble rewrote the laws of physics. She faced down the mental health crisis in front of the entire world during the Olympics and won. Now, Olympic gymnast Simone Biles is taking aim at a different kind of impossible standard: the flawless facade of celebrity culture. In a move that surprisedand impressedfans, Biles recently confirmed she underwent three cosmetic procedures, including a breast augmentation, providing a refreshingly candid explanation that completely reframes the typical celebrity plastic surgery narrative. The reason, she insists, isn't about striving for perfection, but for radical, relatable transparency in an era defined by filters and fantasy. Biles, who turned 28 in 2025, has never been one to shy away from uncomfortable truths. From her courageous withdrawal in Tokyo to her openness about the 'twisties', the gymnast has become a figurehead for authenticity over artifice. It is this core belief that motivated her decision to disclose her recent work. Rather than let whispers and rumours circulate, she put the truth on the table herself, using social mediathe very platform that perpetuates unrealistic beauty standardsto dismantle the myth of natural flawlessness. 'It's just who I am and I feel like I've always tried to be open, honest and relatable,' she explained to a news outlet. Biles understands that her gravity-defying career achievements put her on a pedestal that can feel distant to fans, stating, 'Seeing me win medals at the Olympics, that's not relatable. But what is relatable is how we feel about ourselves, what we talk about, what we go through and how we share openly, honestly.' This desire to foster a genuine connection with her massive following is the true bombshell here, transforming a private cosmetic choice into a public statement on self-acceptance and realistic body image. Confronting Perfection: Simone Biles's Cosmetic Transparency Regarding Augmentation One of the procedures Biles got candid about was a breast augmentation, which she referred to as getting her 'assets done'. The change, though noticeable, was not borne out of self-criticism or dissatisfaction with her pre-surgery physique. The legendary athlete was quick to stress that she didn't get them done because she 'didn't like' the way her chest looked before. Instead, the motivation was simply to feel better and more comfortable in her own skina surprisingly simple yet powerful reason. 'Obviously you can notice the bums,' she admitted, before offering her deeply personal rationale. 'It's just something that I notice obviously a little bit more because I live in this body, I'm just so used to it.' She concluded this point by reiterating her long-standing belief in self-love, stating, 'It's just feeling good about yourself and loving yourself, and I've always been very vocal about that.' It's a sentiment that empowers, showing that personal choices about one's body are valid, regardless of external expectations. Personal Fixes and Public Lessons: Simone Biles's Cosmetic Transparency on Hereditary Flaws Beyond the breast augmentation, Biles revealed she also sought to correct a hereditary facial feature, a condition she lightheartedly calls the 'Biles eye bags'. This procedure, known as a lower blepharoplasty (or lower bleph), was performed to remove the persistent puffiness and dark circles under her eyes. She explained that the issue was not only hereditary but had become, in her view, 'just a big flaw'. The champion shared that the issue was so persistent that it caused repeated, frustrating moments at professional appearances. When she would go to photoshoots, the makeup artists would always enquire, 'Oh, can we put some strips on her?', to which she would always have to reply, 'Oh, baby, I had 12 hours last night, these aren't going away. These are just hereditary.' Eventually, she decided the only path forward was to 'fix' the issue once and for all. Furthermore, Biles used her experience to caution followers about cosmetic trends by detailing her earlier, less successful foray into non-surgical treatments. She confessed that she had Botox injected on her twenty-seventh birthday (August 2024), but the outcome was disappointing. 'For me, it didn't go well,' she said, 'I didn't like it because I had a floating eyebrow and everyone was asking what that was.' She tried to share her 'August 2024 confession' as a reminder that these treatments can go wrong, and that followers should not feel pressure to conform to unrealistic ideals. Biles hopes that by sharing her full, sometimes flawed, experience, she encourages young women to trust their own instincts. 'I also think it shows young girls that they have the right to their own choices, whatever they are, and that's no shame added as well,' she concluded. 'As long as you love yourself, that's really all that matters.' Originally published on IBTimes UK Veteran Latino journalist Jim Avila, an award-winning correspondent known for his decades of investigative reporting at ABC News, NBC and local stations across the country, died at age 69 after a long illness, ABC News confirmed. ABC News Live anchor Diane Macedo announced the "sad news". He "passed away after a long illness," Macedo said. Avila died in his home in San Diego, California, sorrounded by his family, revealed People. Avila's career stretched nearly five decades and earned him a reputation as one of the most respected correspondents of his generation. His path in journalism began in the early 1970s in San Francisco, where he worked at KCBS radio before moving on to television roles at KPIX. He later held reporting positions at WBBM and WLS in Chicago before joining KNBC in Los Angeles. His coverage of the O. J. Simpson murder trial in the mid-1990s helped cement his national profile. In 2004, he joined ABC News, where he spent more than 15 years covering national affairs, law and justice, consumer issues, and, later, the White House. From 2012 to 2016, he served as an ABC White House correspondent. During that assignment, he delivered one of his most notable scoops, breaking the news that the United States and Cuba were working to restore diplomatic relations. The story earned him the Merriman Smith Award from the White House Correspondents Association, an honor given for excellence under deadline pressure. Avila received numerous recognitions during his career, including two National Emmy Awards and five Edward R. Murrow Awards. In 1999 the National Association of Hispanic Journalists named him Reporter of the Year, and in 2019 the organization inducted him into its Hall of Fame. Colleagues frequently described him as a tough and meticulous reporter with a deep understanding of the communities he covered. Avila's Latino heritage was an essential part of his life and his journalism. According to reporting from KGTV, the ABC affiliate in San Diego where he later worked, his family emigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico, to El Paso, Texas, before settling in California. His grandmother Juanita Gallardo and her husband Antonio made the journey north, and Avila often referenced his family's immigration story when reporting on border issues and Latino communities. His identity helped shape his coverage of immigration, social justice and civil rights, and it played a significant role in the recognition he received from Latino journalism organizations throughout his career. Avila left ABC News in 2021 following ongoing health challenges that included a kidney transplant donated by his brother. Even after stepping away from national network work, he continued to report. He joined KGTV in San Diego as a senior investigative journalist, returning to his roots in local reporting and focusing on consumer issues and public accountability. ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic said Avila was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague, offering condolences to Avila's three children, Jamie, Jenny and Evan. Friends and coworkers across the industry shared tributes on social media, remembering him for his sharp instincts, his mentorship and his commitment to covering complex stories with clarity. Jim Avila leaves behind a lasting legacy as a pioneering Latino journalist whose work influenced television news at both the local and national levels. Originally published on Latin Times Megyn Kelly is facing widespread criticism after remarks she made on her Sirius XM show, "The Megyn Kelly Show," about convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. During the November 12 episode, Kelly appeared to distinguish between teen abuse and child abuse, prompting outrage from viewers and advocates. Kelly and guest Batya Ungar-Sargon discussed recently released emails from the House Oversight Committee in which Epstein mentioned former President Donald Trump. Acknowledging Epstein's crimes, Kelly said, "[Epstein] did like them young, and there were several young women who he did this to who were minors, who were underage. There's just no question about that." She also emphasized that Trump was not involved. According to Yahoo, Kelly cited an unnamed source "very, very close to this case" who allegedly told her that Epstein "was not a pedophile." According to Kelly, the source claimed Epstein was "into the barely legal type. Like, he liked 15-year-old girls... I'm definitely not trying to make an excuse for this, but he wasn't into, like, 8-year-olds." She added, "We have yet to see anybody come forward and say, 'I was under 10, I was under 14 when I first came within his purview.' You can say that's a distinction without a difference. I think there is a difference. There's a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know?" Kelly admitted that discussing Epstein made her "skin crawl" and called the situation "disgusting." Megyn Kelly: "I know somebody very close to this caseJeffrey Epstein, in this person's view, was not a pedophileHe was into the barely legal type, like he liked 15 year old girlsHe wasn't into like 8 year oldsThere's a difference between a 15 year old and a 5 year old." pic.twitter.com/a7wmT3BRJU Republican Accountability (@AccountableGOP) November 13, 2025 Megyn Kelly Criticized for Downplaying Epstein Crimes Kelly further explained that it wasn't until she heard from former Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi about the tens of thousands of videos labeled "child sexual abuse material" on Epstein's computer that she considered him a pedophile, People reported. "Only a pedophile gets off on young children abuse videos," Kelly said, adding that she no longer fully trusts Bondi's statements. Her remarks have been met with immediate backlash on social media and from advocacy groups, who criticized her for attempting to minimize the severity of Epstein's crimes. Many argued that drawing distinctions between the ages of victims is both insensitive and misleading. The episode came amid a surge of attention on Epstein-related documents. On November 12, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released emails involving Epstein, some referencing Trump, while Republicans released approximately 20,000 pages of documents from the Epstein estate. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt called the leaks a "fake narrative" meant to smear Trump. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were the talk of the town while at Kris Jenner's 70th birthday celebration at Jeff Bezos' California estate. However, the couple's pictures at the party were quickly removed from social media, leading to much speculation about the motive for the removal. Before that, they had been at the Baby2Baby gala in West Hollywood, where they appeared with Meghan's good friend Serena Williams. Unlike the charity event, photos from Kris' party, which featured A-listers including Tyler Perry and Beyonce, vanished from both Kris' and Kim Kardashian's social media accounts shortly after posting. PR consultant Mayah Riaz told The Mirror that the deletions likely reflect careful image management. "From a PR perspective, there are a few possible explanations for this. The Kardashians are extremely media-savvy and highly strategic when it comes to their public image. If the photos featuring Harry and Meghan have disappeared, it's unlikely to be accidental," she said. Riaz said that Kris' side or Harry and Meghan's camp might have been responsible for the deletions of the posts. "Their team is known for carefully managing their public appearances and media narrative, so they might have requested the images be taken down if they felt the coverage didn't align with their messaging or could be seen as inappropriate given the circumstances," she said. The expert also stated that influencing how the public sees them is something both of them are going to great lengths to achieve. A source speaking to the Daily Mail suggested that Kim was frustrated by the request. "Kim was like, 'you've already been papped outside and you were at the Baby2Baby event the same night being photographed like Meghan Trainor and Paris Hilton so what's the problem?' ... Kim is pi***d off," the source said. Riaz noted that the two events differ significantly in PR terms. "The Baby2Baby event is a charity gala that welcomes media coverage and photo opportunities. Attending a high-profile charitable event allows celebrities to be seen supporting a good cause and reinforces a positive public image," she explained. On the other hand, the flashy birthday party might generate investigation that does not match the image that the Sussexes have carefully built. Meghan and Harry want these pictures deleted because they make them look bad! Harry appears to be ogling Kris Jenner in one, Meghan is staring awkwardly, & the third, Harry is handing out his business card as if promoting Meghan again. No wonder theyre desperate 2 delete it. pic.twitter.com/Yk1eFv1JjT Hanz (@fashionistaera) November 13, 2025 Conflicting Accounts Sources reporting to Daily Mail reveal differing narratives about the photo removals. The Sussexes' team maintains that all guests were asked whether they consented to the public sharing of photos, and that Harry and Meghan opted out. When Kris initially posted images of the couple, their team requested their removal, and Kris complied. A source close to the Kar-Jenner family reveals that no consent was required and that it was the Sussexes who wanted the pictures deleted. Several media outlets, including the New York Post, report that Harry and Meghan asked Kris and Kim to remove the pictures, apparently to avoid angering the Royal Family. At the same time, they keep the process of reconciliation going. Timing Criticism and the Remembrance Day Context Some critics noted that the party occurred on the eve of Remembrance Sunday, drawing scrutiny when contrasted with solemn Royal Family duties. The images showed Harry wearing a poppy while Meghan did not. A source close to the Sussexes explained that the duchess was attending a themed birthday party on a day that was neither Remembrance Sunday nor Armistice Day. "Meghan cares deeply about the military community and supports Harry's Invictus charity," the source said. A Royal British Legion spokesperson added: "The decision to wear a poppy must be a matter of personal choice. If the poppy became compulsory, it would lose its meaning and significance ... [and] would be contrary to the spirit of remembrance." Author Tom Bower suggested that Meghan's public appearances are carefully orchestrated. "It's noticeable that Harry is unable to stage the rictus smile which actress Meghan always displays for the cameras. He looks fed up being paraded," he said, describing Meghan's Hollywood engagements as a strategic push for visibility and approval. Support Us Your Support will ensure EPWs financial viability and sustainability. The EPW produces independent and public-spirited scholarship and analyses of contemporary affairs every week. EPW is one of the few publications that keep alive the spirit of intellectual inquiry in the Indian media. Often described as a publication with a social conscience, EPW has never shied away from taking strong editorial positions. Our publication is free from political pressure, or commercial interests. Our editorial independence is our pride. We rely on your support to continue the endeavour of highlighting the challenges faced by the disadvantaged, writings from the margins, and scholarship on the most pertinent issues that concern contemporary Indian society. Every contribution is valuable for our future. 'Double 11' shopping festival unlocks consumer potential with new products, scenarios People's Daily Online) 13:03, November 14, 2025 During this year's "Double 11" shopping festival, many businesses have focused on new consumer demands, advancing the integration of online and offline retail, different forms of consumption, and demand and supply. These efforts have created fresh products and shopping scenarios that effectively unlocked the potential of the consumer market. According to a plan jointly issued by the Ministry of Commerce and other departments in 2024, the country will push for deeper integration between brick-and-mortar retail and the digital economy to foster new quality productive forces and improve retail efficiency. Staff members sort parcels at a management center of ZTO Express in Helan county, Yinchuan, northwest China's Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, Nov. 11, 2025. Logistics enterprises in Yinchuan worked at full capacity on Tuesday as the "Double Eleven" online shopping festival entered its peak. (Xinhua/Yang Zhisen) Between 8 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 7:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, foot traffic at JD MALLs nationwide climbed 30 percent year on year, and sales of home furnishings jumped 191 percent. JD MALLs are the physical stores of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com. Within 24 hours of the launch of the "Double 11" shopping festival on Chinese on-demand delivery company Meituan, on Oct. 31, sales of products in the 3C and home appliance categories, including brands like Xiaomi and OPPO, more than doubled year on year. Data from Taobao, Alibaba's online marketplace, showed that on the first day of the "Double 11" shopping festival on Oct. 15, late-night snack orders across 270 Chinese cities on Taobao Flash Sale, an instant retail business, surged more than 200 percent year on year, supermarket and convenience store orders rose 670 percent, and sales of beverages, baked goods, and fresh produce more than doubled. This year's "Double 11" shopping festival shows how integrated consumption models are breaking down industry boundaries and offering consumers richer, more diverse choices. The booming automotive aftermarket offers a vivid example. Between 8 p.m. on Oct. 30 and 7:59 p.m. on Oct. 31, JD.com saw tire sales soar more than fourfold year on year, in-store car wash orders jump 165 percent year on year, sales of car-charging equipment climb 80 percent year on year, and car insurance transactions surge 188 percent year on year. Industrial goods have also joined the shopping festival. "Through our cooperation with JingDong Industrials, a unit of JD.com, client communication costs have dropped by 40 percent. During this year's 'Double 11' shopping festival, the number of corporate clients we serve has grown 58 percent year on year, and the average order value has increased 172 percent year on year," said an executive of Delixi Electric. From the start of the "Double 11" shopping festival through Nov. 11, JD Global Sales, covering Japan, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Australia and other regions, saw both transaction value and order volume more than double year on year. In over 10 countries where JD.com offers cross-border free-shipping services, transaction value jumped more than 300 percent year on year, and the number of users placing orders increased over 400 percent year on year. For the first time, Taobao launched its "Double 11" shopping festival simultaneously in 20 countries and regions, offering versions in five languages to reach global consumers. The platform invested 1 billion yuan (about $141 million) in overseas marketing to help 100,000 merchants double their sales overseas. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) Farming groups say rural Britain is being left behind as ministers move to abolish Police and Crime Commissioners (PCCs) from 2028, sparking fears that countryside crime will slip further down the agenda. The NFU said the change marks a pivotal moment for ministers to protect rural interests, after years in which PCCs provided a direct democratic link between countryside residents and policing decisions. Since their introduction, PCCs have worked closely with farmers and rural organisations to address persistent issues such as machinery theft, livestock worrying, hare coursing and fly-tipping crimes that often hit isolated areas hardest. Under the new model, all PCC powers will transfer to regional mayors or council-led policing boards once current terms end. Announcing the reforms, Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood said: The introduction of police and crime commissioners by the last government was a failed experiment. "I will introduce new reforms so police are accountable to their local mayoralties or local councils. The savings will fund more neighbourhood police on the beat across the country, fighting crime and protecting our communities. The NFU warned that rural crime must not fall down the priority list as responsibilities shift. Vice-president Rachel Hallos said: We are grateful for the work PCCs have done in listening to and supporting rural communities. "Crimes like fly-tipping, livestock worrying and machinery theft are not just costly but emotionally distressing. Farms are more than just businesses, they are homes, and everyone deserves to feel safe in their own community. She said the transition to mayoral oversight must deliver a stronger national focus on rural crime and repeated the unions call for a cross-departmental rural crime taskforce to fix long-standing failures in enforcement. Concerns have also been raised by the Countryside Alliance, which said PCCs have been instrumental in ensuring police forces recognise the specific nature of countryside crime. Sarah Lee, director of policy, warned: This decision risks silencing rural Britains voice on policing. PCCs have long been the only direct line between countryside communities and policing decisions. "Without them, rural crime, from hare poaching to fly-tipping to organised theft targeting farms will slide further down the priority list. She added that centralised models risk allowing urban priorities to dominate, leaving rural communities paying the price. The government says the reforms will save around 100 million by 2029, but farm groups warn that financial savings must not come at the expense of rural safety. Rural theft alone cost an estimated 44.1 million in 2024. PCCs will remain in place until the next scheduled elections in 2028. Responsibility for policing oversight will then move to regional or combined authorities. The Countryside Alliance said it will push for safeguards to ensure rural crime remains a national policing priority as part of its wider campaign to reconnect government with the countryside. Farmers To Action (FTA), one of the most visible grassroots protest groups in the current wave of farmer activism, has announced it is disbanding with immediate effect, saying the organisation had become a distraction from the wider fight over the future of British agriculture. In a statement shared with supporters, the group confirmed that all memberships will be refunded in full and said FTA was originally created to unite farmers and defend the industry, but its structure had started to overshadow the purpose behind it. The statement, released today (14 November), argued that FTAs real success had not been in administration but in fostering connections across the farming community. FTA, which grew rapidly over the past year amid farmer anger over tax reforms, regulation and food-security concerns, had become a hub for coordinating nationwide demonstrations and connecting thousands of farmers online. It said the movement had connected hundreds of farmers who had never met or spoken before, and that these networks would now continue independently of any formal organisation something the group insisted members should be proud of. However, the group acknowledged that too much energy has gone into FTA itself rather than the fight we urgently need to win, urging farmers to refocus their efforts on campaigning against government policies they believe threaten the future of British farming. It accused the Labour government of ruining the country and said attention must now return to direct action rather than internal organisation. Despite the groups closure, the statement emphasised that protest activity would continue. It highlighted two upcoming national unity demonstrations on 24 and 26 November, organised by independent farmer groups within the wider movement. According to the message, farmers from around the UK are already preparing to take part, with details circulating through local networks. The group encouraged supporters to remain active, saying, The fight goes on in every county, every region, every farm, and urged farmers to stay connected and support one another. It reminded campaigners that many of the decisions they were pushing back against were coming from Westminster, adding that the strength to resist them lies with the farming community itself. The statement concluded with a message of thanks to supporters, signalling the end of FTA as an official organisation but not the end of farmer-led protests across the UK. Farmers across Northern Ireland are being urged to act fast as new bovine viral diarrhoea (BVD) restrictions come into force on 1 December, tightening the rules for herds with untested cattle and risking costly disruption for those who fall behind on testing. The Department of Agriculture (DAERA) has confirmed that the threshold for triggering a herd-level restriction will drop to 10 untested animals (BVDUs) over 30 days old. Any herd meeting or exceeding that number will face immediate movement controls. The change forms part of the phased rollout of Northern Irelands strengthened BVD eradication measures, introduced earlier this year to eliminate the highly infectious and economically damaging cattle disease. Agriculture Minister Andrew Muir said he was encouraged that most farmers appreciate the impact this disease has on productivity and profitability, noting a 42% reduction in untested animals over the past year. But he warned that almost 9,000 BVDU-status cattle remain across Northern Ireland, some of which may be infected with the virus and continue to pose a risk within and between herds. Under the new rules, herds with 10 or more untested animals over 30 days old will be restricted, preventing all inward and outward moves except for direct slaughter or disposal. Associated herds identified by DAERA due to shared risk factors will also face restrictions. Muir cautioned that around 180 additional herds could fall under these controls in December if they do not act now. No herd needs to be restricted because of untested animals, he said, urging farmers to tissue-test calves promptly and ensure older BVDU cattle are tested using supplementary ear tags or veterinary blood sampling. For affected herds, restrictions could delay routine sales, interrupt winter housing plans and place further financial pressure on already tight margins. Animal Health & Welfare NI (AHWNI), which delivers the eradication programme, also welcomed the tighter threshold. Chief executive Dr Sam Strain said farmers had made substantial progress, but stressed that infection may still be present in untested animals. Identifying them, he said, is essential to achieving full eradication. BVD remains one of the most damaging cattle diseases in the UK, hitting productivity, health and fertility. Persistently infected (PI) calves shed the virus throughout their lives and are the main source of spread. DAERA is urging herd keepers to familiarise themselves with the updated rules and complete all required testing to avoid restrictions and disruption this winter. Nearly two-fifths of veterinary medicine pack sizes available to Northern Irelands animal health sector could disappear next year, industry groups have warned, as the Windsor Frameworks new rules come into force in January 2026. The Animal Health Distributors Association (AHDA) says manufacturers have indicated that up to 40% of pack sizes used by Suitably Qualified Persons (SQPs) may be withdrawn from the Northern Irish market. They warn this will happen unless veterinary medicines are reinstated in the Windsor Framework in the same way as human medicines. Smaller, more affordable pack sizes are particularly at risk. The UK governments own estimate puts the likely reduction in authorised products at 1015%, but AHDA argues the impact on pack sizes is far greater and would fall disproportionately on Northern Irelands predominantly small and medium-sized farms. From 1 January 2026, veterinary medicines will require separate authorisations for Great Britain and Northern Ireland, creating new regulatory and cost barriers for manufacturers. AHDA warns that this could leave farmers facing higher costs for larger packs, limit treatment options and risk reduced animal care if products become unavailable. The Ulster Farmers Union (UFU) says the consequences are both economic and ethical, with some farmers forced to buy more medicine than they need, while others may avoid treatment altogether due to prohibitive costs. The union warns that Northern Ireland must not be left with a two-tier animal welfare system, where producers lose access to products freely available elsewhere in the UK. The issue stems from the Windsor Framework, the post-Brexit trading arrangement designed to protect the flow of goods between Great Britain and Northern Ireland while maintaining access to the EU single market. While it eased frictions in many areas, veterinary medicines remain unresolved, and industry organisations warn that without a further derogation Northern Ireland could lose access to key products after 2026. Northern Irish MP Carla Lockhart said farmers and vets were now facing uncertainty and a lack of transparency ahead of the deadline, with the grace period for existing supply arrangements ending on 31 December 2025. She warned that more products may be affected than the government originally anticipated. Lockhart said the new Veterinary Medicines Health Situations Scheme and Internal Market Scheme were drawn up on the assumption that only a small number of products would be impacted, but early indications from veterinary bodies suggest wider disruption. She also raised concerns that responsibility for overseeing the transition appears split between several government departments, leaving Northern Ireland uniquely and unfairly exposed. The MP has tabled a series of Parliamentary Questions seeking clarity over who will be operationally responsible for managing disruption, the impact on Northern Ireland farm competitiveness, and what guidance vets, SQPs and farmers can expect ahead of January. She has also requested an urgent meeting with the responsible minister. At a session of the House of Lords Northern Ireland Scrutiny Committee this week, representatives from the UFU, the British Veterinary Associations NI branch and AHDA described the current policy approach as flawed, saying the industry is being left in the dark as the deadline approaches. The UFU is calling on the UK government and the European Commission to urgently secure a further derogation to ensure veterinary medicines remain available beyond 2026 and to give manufacturers, SQPs and the wider supply chain the confidence they need. AHDA says the simplest solution remains the alignment of veterinary medicines with human medicines in the Windsor Framework avoiding what it warns could become serious gaps in animal healthcare, higher costs for farmers, and increased pressure on vets across Northern Ireland. Indoor king prawn farms built on UK farmland could spark a quiet revolution in sustainable food production, researchers say, offering farmers a new diversification opportunity while reducing reliance on environmentally damaging imports. King prawns are already among the UKs most popular seafoods, yet almost all are imported, often from farms linked to ecological degradation overseas. Scientists behind the UK Sustainable King Prawn Project (UKSKPP) believe British producers could grow their own and do so more sustainably using indoor closed-system tanks powered by renewable energy. The team says the model offers efficient, low-impact aquaculture that can create rural jobs, strengthen the farm economy and provide consumers with fresher home-grown prawns. Producing a tonne of king prawns in these systems uses 50 times less land than farming the same quantity of pork or beef, potentially freeing up agricultural land for woodland planting, biodiversity projects and other nature-positive management. Professor Ian Bateman OBE said the approach shows that food production and environmental restoration need not be in conflict. King prawn production yields huge quantities of highly nutritious food on small areas, he said, giving farmers a chance to improve the environment without reducing food output. Researchers, policymakers and industry leaders are gathering at the University of Exeter today (Friday 14 November) to explore how land-based aquaculture could help reshape the UKs seafood supply. Professor Rod Wilson, who leads the UKSKPP, said sustainable aquaculture must play a central role in future food planning. If we are going to feed our growing population over the coming decades while simultaneously reducing our carbon emissions and reversing biodiversity loss sustainable aquaculture has to be a major part of food production. The project aims to build a new sector for home-grown prawns using closed systems designed so that nothing is wasted. With king prawns worth more than 300 million annually to UK retailers, even replacing a portion of imports could support rural economies while cutting the carbon footprint of seafood supply. Researchers say prawns may be only the beginning, with potential for other species to be grown in similar systems. Dr Robert Ellis said meeting rising protein demand sustainably is essential. He believes high-tech aquaculture on farms or in urban settings could place the UK at the forefront of a sustainable seafood revolution. Dr Andrew Whiston, CTO of Rastech and co-founder of Eden Valley Prawns the UKs only commercial land-based king prawn farm said the model has already demonstrated its viability. Weve proved that king prawns can be raised and sold right here in the UK using only seawater, feed, and renewable energy, he said, noting that the system requires no antibiotics, no pesticides, no mangrove destruction and minimal food miles. However, researchers acknowledge that growth will depend on solving several challenges, including public perceptions of aquaculture, a skilled workforce, suitable regulation and the development of UK hatcheries. Energy use also needs to be carefully managed to ensure long-term sustainability. The UKSKPP team is working with government and industry to address these barriers. If progress continues, researchers believe the UK could establish a world-leading prawn farming sector on its farmland. Farmers with GPS equipment on farm machinery to be extremely cautious following reports of recent thefts across Northern Ireland. The Ulster Farmers Union said GPS units are being targeted by thieves, with several farms reporting systems stolen from tractors in the past week alone. These devices are not only expensive but essential for guiding machinery such as tractors and combines, meaning their loss can cause major disruption for families and farm businesses. GPS theft has been rising across the UK in recent years, driven by strong demand on the black market and the ease with which units can be removed from cabs. The kits are highly valuable, lightweight and often poorly secured making them a lucrative target for organised rural crime groups. Police forces in the UK have repeatedly warned that GPS theft is now a key focus for organised gangs, who often hit multiple farms in a single night. Police often say offenders are well-coordinated and opportunistic, typically scouting farms in advance before striking quickly and leaving with thousands of pounds worth of equipment. Officers are urging farmers to report every incident including attempted thefts and suspicious vehicle sightings so that patrols can be increased in hotspot areas. Rural WhatsApp groups and Farm Watch networks have also proved effective in sharing real-time alerts across farming communities. UFU legislation chair David McCracken said: We are urging farmers to take appropriate measures to protect their business.". He encouraged farmers to review and upgrade farm security, remove GPS equipment when not in use, and store it securely indoors. Farmers are also being advised to photograph devices, record serial numbers, activate PIN protection and mark units with a postcode or farm name to deter resale and aid recovery. If you do notice any suspicious behaviour in your area, contact the PSNI immediately, he added. Stolen GPS units can have a serious impact beyond the replacement cost. Losing precision guidance systems during busy periods can delay key fieldwork, force farmers to revert to less efficient methods and reduce the ability to take advantage of short weather windows. The latest NFU Mutual report revealed the cost of rural crime fell to 44.1 million in 2024, down from 52.8m the previous year, but warned that technology theft including GPS systems remains one of the fastest-growing trends. Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singhs romance went from co-stars to soulmates, and its one of Bollywoods most lovable romances. What began with Sanjay Leela Bhansalis Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela transformed into 10 years of love, fun and dreams shared. Celebrating their wedding anniversary, the couples story has come full circle, from that initial spark on-set to welcoming their daughter, Dua, in 2024. Heres a look back on their lovely relationship timeline that continues to melt hearts. The First Meeting 2012 In 2012, Ranveer saw Deepika at an awards function in Macau, and he recalled her silver gown caught his attention. Their first meeting was the start of something special, and when they would soon be cast alongside one another in Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela (2013) by director Sanjay Leela Bhansali, during which period they would have time together to bond. On-set Chemistry and Growing Closeness 2013-2015 Throughout the filming and promotion of Ram Leela, the friendship developed. By 2015, approximately the time of their next project, Bajirao Mastani, the couple appeared to be very close, and the rumours of an engagement began to circulate quietly. Engagement and Early Public Outings 2015-2017 While the couple did a good job of keeping things private. By 2016, they seemed more relaxed around each other and did more public outings together. Deepika said that Ranveer was someone I kept coming back to, which indicates that she was more interested than she had been previously and had a better read on it than before. She had also indicated some trepidation about rushing into such a serious thing too quickly. The Wedding November 2018 The couple married at Lake Como in Italy, on 14-15 November 2018. The couple married twice - once in the Hindu tradition to honour Deepika's heritage and once in the Sikh tradition to honour Ranveer's heritage. It was a small, intimate affair that was widely celebrated throughout Bollywood. Welcoming Daughter Dua - September 2024 In September 2024, Deepika and Ranveer welcomed their daughter, Dua Padukone Singh. The name, which means prayer, has a lovely ringing to it that seems to represent the couples love and gratitude. Since then, both Deepika and Ranveer have featured incredibly touching stories about the joy of this new experience, with Deepika taking on the identity of being a mother and often telling how fatherhood has dramatically changed Ranveer's outlook on his own life and world. Images: Instagram, IMDb Deepika Padukone And Ranveer Singh: #CoupleGoals Forever! Mumbai Police has recently arrested a staff of Breach Candy Hospital for allegedly filming a private video of the Deol family while they were in an emotional state while being around Dharmendra. The video started doing rounds on social media and went viral within minutes. In the video, Dharmendra was seen lying on the bed, while his family was visibly emotional. The footage appeared deeply personal and netizens reacted to it negatively, as an intimate family moment should not have surfaced on social media. Following the incident, Sunny Deol lost his cool at the paparazzi for insensitive coverage during Dharmendra's time at the hospital. He angrily said, "Aap logon ko sharam aayni chaiyeh Aapke ghar mein maa-baap hain, bacche hain..video liye jaa rahe ho.. Sharam nahi aati..." (You should feel ashamed. You have parents and kids at home. You are still taking our videos shamelessly. A recent report by CNN-News18 has stated that the person who recorded the video has neither been detained nor arrested. As per the report, no action has been taken against the accused. However, several other reports confirm that the perpetrator has indeed been arrested. According to HT City, the hospital management is also cooperating with the officials to enforce stricter privacy measures. Dharmendra was admitted to the Breach Candy hospital on October 31 after he reportedly complained of breathlessness. He was discharged on November 12, 2025 as the hospital noted that his recovery will continue at home. His family also issued a statement confirming the same. It read, "Mr. Dharmendra has been discharged from the hospital and will continue his recovery at home. We kindly request the media and the public to refrain from any further speculation and to respect his and the family's privacy during this time. We appreciate everyone's love, prayers, and good wishes for his continued recovery, good health, and long life. Please respect him because he loves you." Also Read: Amitabh Bachchan Reacts to Dharmendra ICU Video Leak Bollywood fans were caught off guard when news emerged that Govinda had been taken to the hospital, just days after Dharmendra and Prem Chopra faced their own health scares. The actor reportedly felt sudden uneasiness, fainted and was rushed to CitiCare Hospital, which is the same place where he was treated last year after an accidental gun injury on his leg. His team later said he received quick medical care and was discharged soon after, assuring fans there was no serious issue. Govinda even spoke to the media while leaving, saying he was perfectly fine. His wife, Sunita Ahuja who was away when all of this happened, spoke about the incident in her latest YouTube vlog. She mentioned that she came to know about the situation through online reports instead of getting a direct update. Sunita also addressed the other matter that had recently created headlines, which was Govinda apologising to their family priest after her remarks on a podcast. She clarified her stance and shared that the public apology left her upset. She said, I didn't like how Govinda apologised to his priest with folded hands. I never mentioned anyone's name; I was just sharing one of our personal experiences. If anyone by my words, I apologise to them an priests. Govinda has three different priests he didn't need to name anyone or publicly apologise. I felt very bad that he had to do that because of me." Later in the vlog, she responded to a viewer who asked how trust can be built in a relationship, and her answer quickly drew attention for its honesty. She said, "Be loyal. Give her time. Stay true to her. Don't even think of cheating, because when a wife is hurt, even the strongest man can fall." Also Read: Govinda Returns Home After Hospitalisation; Reveals He Fainted After Over Exercising During the Dabangg Tour in Qatar, Salman Khan spoke about his fitness journey and shared the name of the person who inspired him the most since the early nineties. On stage he said, Mere aane se pehle ek hi shaks the woh hain Dharam ji. He also added, He is my father, that is the end. I love that man and I just hope that he will come back. His words showed just how deeply he cares for Dharmendra and how much respect he holds for him. Their bond has always been warm and genuine. Not long ago, Dharmendra had called Salman his third son, a moment that once again highlighted the affection between them. Fans were reminded of this connection when an old Bigg Boss clip started circulating, capturing a heartfelt exchange between Dharmendra, Salman, and Bobby Deol. In that video, Dharmendra spoke fondly about Salman, saying he considers him his son and joking about how Salman shares his colourful nature and love for dance. The moment brought smiles to both Salman and Bobby as Dharmendra praised the honesty and emotional nature that all his sons share. Earlier, Salman was seen outside Breach Candy Hospital in Mumbai where Dharmendra had been admitted due to health concerns. The veteran actor was discharged on November 12 and is now resting at home. Sunny Deols team also shared a request for privacy while thanking everyone for their prayers and good wishes for Dharmendras recovery. ALso Read: PHOTOS: Salman Khan Spotted at Airport, Playfully Mimics Paparazzi Calling Him Bhai The trailer for the film Tere Ishk Mein has been released by the makers. This film, directed by Aanand L Rai, is a passionate love story and is considered a spiritual successor to his 2013 film Raanjhanaa, which featured Sonam Kapoor. Tere Ishk Mein stars Dhanush and Kriti Sanon and shows a story of intense, possibly unrequited, love that causes problems for both people involved. The trailer opens with Dhanush's character, Flight Lieutenant Shankar, arriving as an Indian Air Force Officer. Kriti's character is then shown with a tense expression, followed by a scene of Shankar flying an aircraft. Kriti's character then confronts him, remarking, "Still aggressive and angry, you love this image of yours, right?" The trailer then transitions to a flashback, showing their toxic relationship, with Dhanush beating up a man and Kriti intervening. She then expresses her intention to help him become a kind, non-violent individual. He warns that if he were to fall in love with her, it might lead to him burning down Delhi. We are also shown glimpses of their joyful romance, filmed during Delhi's winter. The story gradually escalates, showing the two lovers in conflict, distancing themselves from each other. Tere Ishk Mein also shows Aanand L Rai's distinctive style, evident in its portrayal of heartbreak and the yearning of lovers. This AR Rahman musical features songs that have already gained huge popularity on social media. While Dhanush and Kriti share a pleasing on-screen chemistry, it is the directors unique storytelling approach that truly distinguishes this romantic and intense story. Fans quickly took to the comments section of the trailer post on social media to express their thoughts. One of them wrote, The dialogues, the background music, the actress, the actor, the song, everything looks perfect. Tere Ishk Mein has been written by Himanshu Rai and Neeraj Yadav, and the film also stars Sushil Dahiya and Prabhu Deva, among others. The movie is scheduled for release on November 28 in theatres. Also Read: Kriti Sanon joins Dhanush and Aanand L Rais Tere Ishk Mein - Co-developed by Amorepacific and MIT, Skinsight receives recognition as the company's seventh consecutive win at CES - Applied in substantiating the efficacy of a Sulwhasoo product, with functionality in skin-aging analytics backed by published research SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Amorepacific has been named CES 2026 Innovation Award Honoree in the Beauty Tech category for its Skinsight technology, marking the company's seventh consecutive year of recognition at the CES Innovation Awards. Skinsight is a next-generation "electronic skin" platform jointly developed by Amorepacific and researchers at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). The platform analyzes causes of skin aging in real time and proposes personalized skincare solutions tailored to individuals' needs. Skinsight consists of an ultra-thin wearable sensor patch, a compact Bluetooth transmission module, and an AI-powered mobile application. The patch, equipped with a high-sensitivity strain sensor, adheres to the skin and simultaneously detects micrometer-level changes in key aging-related factors-skin tightness, UV/blue light exposure, temperature, and moisture. The data is transmitted in real time via the Bluetooth module, and the AI-powered application integrates the dataset with daily lifestyle patterns to model the composite exposome over a 24-hour cycle. Based on 24-hour signals and the dataset, the system identifies factors that accelerate skin aging for the individual user, predict where and how wrinkles or loss of elasticity may appear, and provide personalized skincare routine and product recommendations. To further enhance measurement accuracy, Skinsight incorporates MIT Professor Jeehwan Kim and his team's 'remote epitaxy' fabrication method and a 'piezotronic sensor' architecture with electron-level sensitivity. The technology provides excellent breathability, allowing the patch to remain securely attached even during perspiration, and conform closely to the skin's natural contours for stable, long-term use. This enables reliable tracking of skin changes in various daily environments and collect highly individualized data. Amorepacific has published research findings around Skinsight in prestigious international journals including Science and Science Advances. The company has filed four related patents through PCT international applications and secured registrations in multiple countries including South Korea and the United States. Skinsight was also utilized to test First Care Activating Serum, the signature product from Amorepacific's luxury brand Sulwhasoo, to substantiate its efficacy in improving skin tightness. "Skinsight represents a breakthrough platform that moves beyond simply observing the skin to predicting and managing its changes through scientific precision. It embodies Amorepacific's vision of 'Ageless Beauty,' beauty that is no longer bound by time," said Byung-Fhy Brian Suh, CTO and Head of Amorepacific R&I Center. "Through advanced scientific technologies, we aim to predict the causes of skin aging and continuously expand individual beauty-ultimately opening up a new era of Longevity as defined by Amorepacific, where the skin's natural vitality endures." Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822032/Amorepaciifc__Advanced_Electronic_Skin_Platform__Skinsight____Technology_Overview.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822033/Amorepaciifc__Advanced_Electronic_Skin_Platform__Skinsight____Sensor_Patch.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822034/Amorepaciifc__Advanced_Electronic_Skin_Platform__Skinsight____AI_powered_Mobile_App.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1607411/Amore_Pacific_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/amorepacific-named-ces-innovation-award-honoree-for-advanced-electronic-skin-platform-302614662.html Miami, Florida--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2025) - LinkDaddy has announced the official launch of its Backlink Strategy Report technology. The platform has been designed to provide SEO solutions with dual artificial intelligence engines designed for search engine optimization professionals and digital marketing agencies seeking data-driven strategic recommendations for clients. BSR Technology for AI-Powered SEO Analysis Announced by LinkDaddy To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8814/274001_af38108a94bafb58_002full.jpg More information is available at https://linkdaddy.com/ LinkDaddy CEO Tony Peacock says the launch aligns with growing demand for sophisticated search engine optimization tools in the digital marketing sector. Traditional reporting methods rely on generic templates rather than customized analysis, creating a critical gap in the market, they explained. By incorporating advanced data processing capabilities, this technology makes analysis accessible without requiring extensive manual work from senior strategists. The BSR system operates through two specialized AI engines: the Dynamic Reasoning Engine, which processes data from multiple premium SEO platforms, and the Dynamic Investment and Scaling Engine, which optimizes budget allocation and ensures strategic recommendations fall within accessible investment ranges. The system's core methodology integrates data from premium SEO tools with artificial intelligence-driven processes and psychological communication frameworks. Its technical advantages support professional users through multi-platform data integration. The package includes 2 distinct versions: a LinkDaddy-branded system and a White Label option for agency partners. The LinkDaddy-branded version features 17-20 slide presentations with premium company branding and produces results in 35-45 minutes, while the White Label version includes comprehensive agency analysis with 45-60 minute production times. The White Label version analyzes actual agency capabilities to create authentic authority positioning rather than generic claims. Key features of both systems include First Mover Advantage identification, which uncovers potential hidden revenue streams through specialized keywords, Strategic Dilution methodology for sustainable long-term results, and Industry-specific psychological adaptation ensures persuasive client communication tailored to sectors like healthcare, construction, and professional services. "Staff members can execute report creation reliably while maintaining consistent quality standards across all client deliverables," says Tony Peacock. This streamlined approach enables professional presentations without extensive training requirements or specialized expertise. For more information, visit https://calendly.com/linkdaddy/strategy-call To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274001 SOURCE: Plentisoft Washington, D.C.--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2025) - Strategic investor Gaurav Srivastava today announced the first guest line-up for his new podcast, The Power Circuit, a deep-dive series exploring how power actually works. "These are voices that bring power into focus - not as an abstract, but as something messy, personal and unpredictable," said Srivastava. "The conversations on The Power Circuit reveal the people who've lived it. That's also why I was drawn to long-form storytelling, having seen first-hand how transformative shows like Targeted can be when they take the time to really dissect geopolitics, diplomacy, and reputation warfare." A recognized authority in energy, commodities and frontier-market finance, Srivastava brings to the microphone a wealth of real-life, behind-the-scenes experience. After leaving college in 2008 to manage his family's first South African investment, he went on to build a track record of transformative deals in the petroleum and gas sector. The Power Circuit will release new episodes weekly on all major platforms, including YouTube, Apple Podcasts, and Spotify. To subscribe, visit www.thepowercircuit.com or follow @ThePowerCircuit on X, Instagram and LinkedIn. About Gaurav Srivastava Gaurav Srivastava is a strategic investor specializing in energy, commodities and financial markets across emerging economies. Since 2008, he has led ventures in South Africa's petroleum sector, built cross-border partnerships in Asia and orchestrated infrastructure investments in the Middle East. A frequent commentator on global affairs, he has been featured on Targeted, and in leading financial and geopolitical publications. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/269418 SOURCE: Plentisoft Reconstructing the Future: How the NOTAPE Zipper Changed a Century-Old Design HONG KONG, HK / ACCESS Newswire / November 13, 2025 / The NOTAPE Zipper, whose name declares its core innovation of "No Tape," recently announced its recognition with two of the world's most prestigious awards: the Red Dot Award: Best of the Best 2024 and the ISPO Award for Best Product. This dual accolade validates a fundamental breakthrough in an everyday object that had seen minimal evolution for over a century. (Left - traditional plastic zipper with tape ) (Right - NOTAPE plastic zipper) Provided by the NOTAPE team. The conventional zipper, reliant on fabric tapes since its invention, has been redefined. The NOTAPE Zipper eliminates the tape entirely, fusing the zipper teeth directly with the garment fabric. This creates a seamless, cleaner structure that offers designers new creative freedom while delivering a superior, more comfortable fit for the end-wearer. (Left - traditional nylon zipper with tape ) (Right - NOTAPE nylon zipper) Provided by the NOTAPE team. This award-winning innovation is the result of an eight-year dedicated R&D journey. The team behind the NOTAPE Zipper, leveraging decades of zipper industry expertise, overcame significant challenges in materials science and structural engineering to achieve a reliable, mass-producible tape-free system. The impact extends beyond design. Certified by Germany's TUV, the NOTAPE Zipper demonstrates a measurable reduction in carbon footprint-19.4% lower for its nylon version and 26.6% lower for its plastic version-compared to traditional tape-based zippers. By removing resource-intensive tape weaving and dyeing processes, it merges structural elegance with verified sustainability, paving the way toward a more responsible apparel industry. About NOTAPE Zipper NOTAPE Zipper is a technology innovator dedicated to redefining material connection for the global fashion and apparel industry. Founded in 2025 and headquartered at the Hong Kong Science Park, its mission is to drive industry evolution through groundbreaking solutions. The company's core product is the world's first commercially viable tape-free zipper system. NOTAPE Zipper serves leading brands worldwide. For more information, visit www.notapezipper.com Email: jacky.ng@notapezipper.com Tel: HK - 852 59334601 Media Contact Organization: NOTAPE Contact Person Name: Jacky Ng Website: https://www.notapezipper.com/ Email: jacky.ng@notapezipper.com Contact Number: +85259334601 Country: Hong Kong SOURCE: NOTAPE View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/notape-zipper-has-won-two-global-awards-for-its-groundbreaking-tape-fr-1102419 ST. PETERSBURG, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 13, 2025 / As consumers grow weary of 10-step routines and harsh actives that damage the skin barrier, IKI Skincare introduces the Skin Minimalism Collection - a science-driven line created to simplify skincare and restore balance. The brand's launch represents a clear shift away from the "more-is-better" philosophy that has dominated beauty for decades. Instead, IKI's approach to minimalist, evidence-based skincare empowers consumers to achieve healthy, resilient skin with fewer products and smarter science. The Rise of Skin Minimalism In recent years, dermatologists have reported a dramatic increase in routine fatigue and barrier damage among patients using too many products or overly strong actives. According to experts, this over-treatment leads to redness, inflammation, and sensitivity - conditions now common across all age groups. "The future of skincare lies in restraint and science," says Dr. Maria Urbani, founder of IKI Skincare and a physician specializing in aesthetic medicine and laser therapy. "People don't need more products; they need the right ones - formulated with integrity, balance, and purpose." This consumer shift toward intentional skincare has gained global traction under the term skin minimalism: a movement that prioritizes barrier health, transparency, and clinically validated ingredients over marketing hype. Clinical Science Meets Japanese Philosophy Rooted in Japan's beauty principles of ikigai - purpose and authenticity - IKI Skincare blends Eastern balance with Western dermatological rigor. Each formula reflects the brand's belief that simplicity, consistency, and barrier protection form the foundation of true skin health. IKI's formulations are: - Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic - Free of fragrance, sulfates, and alcohol - Designed for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin "Our goal was to create products that respect the skin barrier while delivering visible results," Urbani explains. "Skin Minimalism isn't about doing less; it's about doing what matters most." A Movement, Not Just a Launch Beyond its debut collection, IKI Skincare is building an educational platform that helps consumers rethink their relationship with skincare. 30-Day Skin Minimalism Challenge Launching January 1, 2026, participants will receive guided support from IKI's in-house medical team through expert tips, ingredient education, and weekly Q&A sessions on how to repair and protect the skin barrier. Resource Guide: "5 Signs Your Routine Is Hurting Your Skin (And How to Fix It)" Available for free download at ikiskincare.com, the guide-developed in collaboration with dermatologists-offers practical steps for identifying and reversing over-treated skin. Skin Minimalism Social Campaign Through social media, IKI invites users to share their simplified routines and celebrate real skin-texture, pores, and all-under the hashtag SkinMinimalism. The campaign encourages authenticity and shifts beauty culture toward inclusion and honesty. Market Insights: Why Consumers Want Less According to Harvard Health Publishing, consumers are more likely to trust brands that emphasize ingredient transparency and provide clear education. Likewise, a recent Statista survey found that 63 percent of skincare users in North America plan to simplify their routines in 2026. This growing preference for science-backed simplicity positions IKI Skincare as a leader in a fast-evolving beauty landscape - bridging the gap between clinical credibility and consumer accessibility. "People want proof, not promises," Urbani says. "By combining research, empathy, and Japanese balance, we're helping customers rebuild confidence in their skin - and in the brands they trust." Looking Ahead: The Future of Barrier Health Following strong reception among early dermatology partners and retail testers, IKI Skincare plans to expand its portfolio in 2026 to include broad-spectrum mineral SPF options formulated for sensitive skin. The line will maintain the brand's minimalist ethos -short ingredient lists, high performance, and clinically verified safety. "Our next focus is photoprotection," Urbani adds. "Sunscreen shouldn't sting, clog, or irritate - especially for rosacea-prone patients. We're developing formulas that feel invisible, inclusive, and effortless." About IKI Skincare Founded by physician Dr. Maria Jose Urbani, IKI Skincare is a science-backed skincare brand dedicated to restoring balance through simplicity. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, IKI partners with medical professionals specializing in aesthetic medicine and skin health to design clinically tested formulas for sensitive and barrier-compromised skin. The brand's mission: fewer steps, smarter science, and skin that feels calm - not compromised. For more information, visit ikiskincare.com or follow @iki.skincare on social media. Media Contact Organization: IKI Skincare Contact Person Name: Leonardo Laviosa Website: https://ikiskincare.com/ Email: llaviosa@ikiskinexperts.com City: St. Petersburg State: Florida Country: United States SOURCE: IKI Skincare View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/industrial-and-manufacturing/iki-skincare-launches-science-backed-skin-minimalism-1102423 LONDON, Nov. 13, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Creativity is no longer confined to studios or professional sets - it thrives everywhere. At the heart of this global creative movement is Ulanzi, a brand quietly shaping how millions of creators express ideas, tell stories, and connect with audiences worldwide. Empowering Creators Everywhere In 2015, Ulanzi began as a small photography accessory company with a simple belief: tools should serve imagination, not limit it. Over the years, it has evolved into a global brand, reaching over 10 million creators across 190+ countries and regions. Its products - from tripods and lights to modular rigs - are designed not just for functionality, but to support the human experience of creation. By focusing on user-driven innovation, Ulanzi allows creators to capture moments that matter, whether on a bustling city street, in a quiet studio, or on the move. The brand's philosophy is simple yet profound: creativity grows when freedom and inspiration intersect. Designing for the Human Experience Ulanzi's approach to design blends engineering precision with empathy for creators' needs. Every product reflects an understanding of how people work, think, and tell stories. With over 700 global patents and recognition from iF, Red Dot, and IDEA awards, the brand demonstrates that functionality and human-centered design can coexist seamlessly. According to Frost & Sullivan's 2024 sales volume, Ulanzi was recognized as the Global No.1 Photography Accessory Brand, proving that thoughtful, user-focused design resonates worldwide. Building a Culture, Not Just Products Guided by its vision to "Make Creation Freer," Ulanzi nurtures a culture of creativity, empowering creators to focus on ideas, not equipment. Its team blends global perspectives with community understanding. As art, technology, and lifestyle merge, Ulanzi's influence shapes how people see, create, and share the world. About Ulanzi Founded in 2015, Ulanzi is a global innovation-driven brand specializing in imaging and creator tools. With over 3,400 SKUs and 700+ patents worldwide, its products are distributed in more than 190 countries and regions. According to Frost & Sullivan's 2024 sales volume, Ulanzi was recognized as the Global No.1 Photography Accessory Brand. Contact Company: Shenzhen Vijim Technology Co., Ltd. Contact E-mail: PR@ulanzi.cn Website:https://www.ulanzi.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/a0bf7021-dac5-4f59-b81a-e7d6a798dcc7 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 13, 2025) - CGX Energy Inc. (TSXV: OYL) ("CGX" or the "Company") today announced the release of its unaudited consolidated financial statements and Management Discussion and Analysis for the third quarter of 2025 (together, the "Financial Disclosures"). Quarterly-to-Date Highlights: Working Capital Loan On November 3, 2025, the Company announced that entered into a Senior Secured Loan Facility (the "Loan") through its subsidiary CGX Resources Inc. ("CRI"), with Frontera Energy Corporation ("Frontera") for $2.5 million to fund CGX's share of corporate working capital and other agreed-upon expenditures. The facility is non-revolving and available for drawdown in tranches of up to $1.9 million over a six-month period following satisfaction of the initial conditions precedent. The Loan, together with accrued interest, is repayable one year after execution (or at a later date at Frontera's discretion) and bears interest at 19.32% per annum, compounding on a monthly basis and payable on the maturity date. The Loan remains subject to customary conditions, and constitutes a related-party transaction under Multilateral Instrument 61-101, for which the Company is relying on exemptions from the requirements to obtain a formal valuation and minority shareholder approval. Subsequent to September 30, 2025, on November 5, 2025, CGX drew down and received $1.9 million under the Loan. License Update On March 26, 2025, Frontera and its subsidiaries, Frontera Petroleum International Holding B.V. and Frontera Energy Guyana Holding Ltd. ("Frontera Guyana" and together the "Investors"), delivered a Notice of Intent to the Government of Guyana (the "GoG"). In this Notice, the Investors alleged breaches of the United Kingdom-Guyana Bilateral Investment Treaty and the Guyana Investment Act by the GoG. This communication triggered a 90-day consultation and negotiation period intended to resolve the dispute amicably. The parties have been unable to reach a mutual resolution to date. On November 4, 2025, the GoG, through its counsel, communicated its willingness to participate in a final "Without Prejudice" meeting with the Joint Venture to discuss the matters in dispute. The Government proposed November 25 or December 2, 2025, as possible dates for this meeting. The Company and Frontera (together the "Joint Venture") remains open to engaging in good faith discussions with the Government. The Joint Venture continues to firmly maintain that its interests in, and the license for, the Corentyne block remain valid and in good standing and that the Petroleum Agreement for such block has not been terminated. While the Government of Guyana reaffirmed its position that the Joint Venture's interest expired on June 28, 2024, the Joint Venture strongly disagrees and remains committed to asserting its legal rights under applicable treaties and agreements. As previously disclosed, the Company evaluated the recoverability of the Corentyne E&E asset in light of the GoG's conduct and unwillingness to recognize the Joint Venture's rights during the consultation period. Consequently, the Company recognized an impairment of $56.4 million in its loss statement during the second quarter, and the Corentyne E&E asset's carrying value as of September 30, 2025 is $Nil (December 31, 2024: $56.2 million). The Joint Venture jointly holds 100% working interest in the Corentyne block, located offshore Guyana. CRI and Frontera Guyana have agreed that their respective participating interests are 72.52% and 27.48%, which includes a 4.52% interest that CRI agreed to assign to Frontera Guyana in 2023. This assignment remains subject to the approval of the Government of Guyana but is enforceable between CRI and Frontera Guyana. The Financial Disclosures will be posted on the Company's website at www.cgxenergy.com and on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All values in the Financial Disclosures and this press release are in United States dollars unless otherwise stated. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. About CGX CGX is a Canadian-based oil and gas exploration company focused on the exploration of oil in the Guyana-Suriname Basin and the development of a deep-water port in Berbice, Guyana. Cautionary and Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking information relates to activities, events or developments that CGX believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future. Forward-looking information in this press release includes, without limitation, the licensing status of the Corentyne block, the use and allocation of Loan funds and the timing of a meeting with GoG regarding the Corentyne block. All information other than historical fact is forward-looking information. Forward-looking information reflects the current expectations, assumptions and beliefs of CGX based on information currently available to it and considers the experience of CGX and its perception of historical trends. Although CGX believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking information are reasonable, forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such information. Forward-looking information is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, some that are similar to other oil and gas companies and some that are unique to CGX and the Joint Venture, including the ability of the Joint Venture to reach an agreement with the Government of Guyana, the impairment and its possible reversal. No assurance can be given that such an agreement with the Government of Guyana will be reached or that the impairment will be reversed . The actual results of the Joint Venture may differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking information, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on CGX. CGX's management's discussion and analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024, and other documents CGX files from time to time with securities regulatory authorities describe the risks, uncertainties, material assumptions and other factors that could influence actual results and such factors are incorporated herein by reference. Copies of these documents are available without charge by referring to CGX's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All forward-looking information speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, CGX disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274490 SOURCE: CGX Energy Inc. SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE), which commenced on November 5 in Shanghai, served as a platform for German women's wellness brand Princess Luna to showcase its science-backed health innovations. The brand attracted significant attention at the exhibition with its research-driven approach to female wellness, highlighting its commitment to addressing intimate health needs through scientifically formulated products. Many visitors came to learn about its innovative offerings, reflecting growing consumer interest in women's health products. During the expo, Princess Luna presented its core product lines designed to support women's microbiological balance and overall well-being. The brand invited health professionals to introduce the science behind protecting women's health and address common misconceptions. "Protecting intimate wellness is crucial, and we shouldn't hesitate to discuss it openly. It's important to understand the proper ways to maintain healthy microbiological environments," said Bai Wenpei, a leading gynecologist from China. This open dialogue became a highlight at the booth, drawing positive reactions from international visitors. "It's really great to see a German brand like Princess Luna at CIIE," commented a German visitor. "I'm a big supporter of the brand, and it's wonderful to see everyone talking openly about women's health." The brand's activities garnered focused coverage from key Chinese media outlets, including People's Daily and CCTV.com. Reports emphasized the brand's scientific foundation and its alignment with China's push for high-quality health innovations. This recognition underscores both the credibility of the brand and the expanding market potential for specialized women's health products. "Despite the high incidence of women's intimate health issues, many still choose to endure and neglect the problem," said the brand representative. "We hope that by openly discussing this topic, more women worldwide will feel comfortable addressing their health concerns and realize they are not alone in facing these challenges." Looking ahead, Princess Luna plans to further advance women's wellness globally through scientific innovation. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823126/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/german-womens-wellness-brand-princess-luna-presents-at-ciie-showcasing-science-backed-health-innovations-302615312.html VALLOUREC - CONVENING OF THE GENERAL MEETING OF WARRANT HOLDERS Meudon (France), on November 14, 2025 - Vallourec announces today the convening of the holders of warrants ("BSA") (ISIN code : FR00140030K7) at a general meeting to be held on December 1st, 2025, 10:00 am, at registered office, 12, rue de la Verrerie - 92190 Meudon, France, in order to allow the delivery of newly-issued or existing shares upon their exercise, at Vallourec's option. The current terms and conditions only provide for the delivery of newly-issued shares upon the exercise of the BSA. The preparatory documents for this Warrant Holders' Meeting (Agenda, draft resolutions, Board of Directors' report, notice of meeting published in the BALO, voting form, participation procedures) can be viewed or downloaded from the Company's website: www.vallourec.com. About Vallourec Vallourec is a world leader in premium tubular solutions for the energy markets and for demanding industrial applications such as oil & gas wells in harsh environments, new generation power plants, challenging architectural projects, and high-performance mechanical equipment. Vallourec's pioneering spirit and cutting edge R&D open new technological frontiers. With close to 13,000 dedicated and passionate employees in more than 20 countries, Vallourec works hand-in-hand with its customers to offer more than just tubes: Vallourec delivers innovative, safe, competitive and smart tubular solutions, to make every project possible. Listed on Euronext in Paris (ISIN code: FR0013506730, Ticker VK), Vallourec is part of the CAC Mid 60, SBF 120 and Next 150 indices and is eligible for Deferred Settlement Service. In the United States, Vallourec has established a sponsored Level 1 American Depositary Receipt (ADR) program (ISIN code: US92023R4074, Ticker: VLOWY). Parity between ADR and a Vallourec ordinary share has been set at 5:1. Forfurtherinformation,pleasecontact: Investorrelations: Connor Lynagh Tel: +1 Pressrelations:Taddeo Romain Griere Tel: +33 Individualshareholders: Toll Free number Nicolas Escoulan Tel: +33 (0)6 42 19 14 74 nicolas.escoulan@taddeo.fr Attachment Partnership to take different B2B business verticals to the South Korean market NEW DELHI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cosmo First Limited, a leading global conglomerate into multiple businesses (including Specialty/Consumer Films & Chemicals, Rigid Packaging, and Petcare) has entered a strategic 50-50 joint venture with Filmax Corporation, a renowned South Korean Films & Chemical Company with strong local market equity. The new entity is set to jointly introduce and scale multiple business verticals of Cosmo First into the South Korean market and take Filmax products into the global market through the former's various global arms. Partnership Highlights The JV will leverage: Cosmo First's cutting-edge technology, global supply chain, and proven expertise in innovative specialty & consumer films, chemicals and rigid packaging, and Filmax Corporation's robust brand equity, market reach and consumer loyalty in the South Korean market Both partners will share an equal equity stake, reflecting their commitment to long-term growth and shared value creation. The JV will deliver enhanced products for manufacturers and brand owners, benefitting from local insights and global best practices. Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Chairman and Managing Director, Cosmo First, commented on the occasion: "This collaboration marks an exciting new chapter for Cosmo First. By joining hands with Filmax Corporation, we merge global innovation with South Korean excellence. Together, we are confident of achieving ambitious growth, delivering superior value to customers across the globe, and setting new standards in specialty film solutions." Speaking on the joint venture, Mr. Byung Ik Woo, Chairman, Filmax Corporation, said, "Our partnership with Cosmo First is a major step toward not only reinforcing our leadership position in the region but also taking our expertise to the global stage. By combining Cosmo First's proficiency in innovative specialty films and chemicals with our robust market presence and reach in South Korea, we aim to set new industry benchmarks. We look forward to driving this impactful and value-driven association." About Cosmo First Limited Founded in 1981 by Mr. Ashok Jaipuria, Cosmo First today has 5 businesses, including 2 in consumer vertical (digital-first omni channel Zigly Petcare and Cosmo Consumer into Window Films, Paint Protection Films & Ceramic Coatings for automobiles) and 3 in industrial vertical, including Cosmo Films (into specialty BOPP, CPP and Polyester films), Cosmo Plastech (thin wall containers & sheets) and Cosmo Specialty Chemicals (Coatings, Adhesives and Masterbatches). Cosmo Films has been the pioneer of specialty BOPP films in India and is currently the largest business for Cosmo First, serving customers in over 100 countries. The other four businesses are relatively newer businesses (all started post Covid) and in the process of being scaled up. About Filmax Corporation Filmax Corporation is a flexible packaging manufacturer based out of South Korea. In 1971, Filmax produced cellophane for the first time in Korea and soon expanded to packaging materials such as BOPP (in 1974), CPP, SPP (biaxial stretching, non-stretch, shrinkable) films. With CY24 sales hovering around USD 70 million, Filmax enjoys strong brand equity in the South Korean market for the last five decades. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823163/Cosmo_First_Filmax_Joint_Venture.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cosmo-first-announces-strategic-joint-venture-in-south-korea-302615321.html COPENHAGEN, Denmark, November 14, 2025 - Bavarian Nordic A/S (OMX: BAVA) announced today its interim financial results for the first nine months of 2025 and business progress for the third quarter of 2025. Revenue for the first nine months increased by 32% to DKK 4,793 million, reflecting a strong performance in both Travel Health and Public Preparedness. Travel Health revenue increased by 23% to DKK 2,327 million compared to the first nine months of 2024, primarily driven by increased demand for rabies and tick-borne encephalitis (TBE) vaccines, and supported by the gradual launch of the chikungunya vaccine, Vimkunya . Public Preparedness revenue was DKK 2,334 million, exceeding the expected annual base business (DKK 1,500-2,000 million) within the first nine months of the year. Other revenue was DKK 132 million. Other operating income of DKK 810 million has been recognized (net income) from the sale of the Priority Review Voucher. EBITDA before special items was DKK 1,477 million, corresponding to an EBITDA margin of 31%. The full year financial guidance is further refined and remains within the previously guided revenue and EBITDA intervals. In Travel Health, revenue is maintained at approximately DKK 2,750 million, including approximately DKK 75 million from first-year sales of Vimkunya. For Public Preparedness, revenue is narrowed to reflect the low end of the guidance of approximately DKK 3,100 million, all of which has been secured. Other income is maintained at approximately DKK 150 million. Hence, total revenue of approximately DKK 6,000 million and an EBITDA margin before special items of approximately 26% are expected for the full year. This is lower than the margin of 31% realized during the first nine months due to the uneven allocation of revenue across the quarters and back-end-loaded research and development costs as well as sales and distribution costs. When including the net income of DKK 810 million from the sale of the Priority Review Voucher, the total EBITDA margin is expected to be approximately 40%. DKK million Q3 2025 Q3 2024 9M 2025 9M 2024 2025 Guidance Revenue 1,795 1,363 4,793 3,622 ~6,000 EBITDA margin before special items1 29% 18% 31% 19% ~26% 1 Other operating income of DKK 810 million from the sale of the Priority Review Voucher was recognized in Q3 2025, contributing to an expected total EBITDA margin of approximately 40% for the full year. Paul Chaplin, President & Chief Executive Officer of Bavarian Nordic said: "Our travel health portfolio has showed continued strength, contributing to our best quarter for this business to date. Driven by higher demand and strong performance by our rabies and TBE vaccines in key markets, but also by our recent launch of Vimkunya chikungunya vaccine and the commercial expansion across markets, we delivered 23% growth over the first nine months. We are on track to meet our financial expectations for 2025, which we are now refining to reflect that we now have full clarity of our Public Preparedness business for the remainder of the year. For next year, we have secured additional orders for this business through our recent framework agreement with HERA, demonstrating a continued and sustainable business. Following the withdrawal of the offer from the consortium of Nordic Capital and Permira after not reaching the threshold required for completion, we acknowledge the decision by the shareholders to continue as an independent company in support of our existing strategy, which we remain fully committed to." Highlights from the third quarter Following the launch of Vimkunya chikungunya vaccine in the US, Germany and France during the first half of 2025, the global launch has continued throughout the third quarter where the vaccine also became available in the United Kingdom and Denmark in September. Vimkunya has since also been launched in Sweden, Norway and Finland, Italy and Spain during October. chikungunya vaccine in the US, Germany and France during the first half of 2025, the global launch has continued throughout the third quarter where the vaccine also became available in the United Kingdom and Denmark in September. Vimkunya has since also been launched in Sweden, Norway and Finland, Italy and Spain during October. Additional regulatory advances for Vimkunya were made during the third quarter. In July, Health Canada accepted for review the application for licensure of the vaccine, potentially supporting approval in the first half of 2026, and an application was also submitted to the Swiss regulatory authority, Swissmedic, potentially supporting approval in mid-2026. In July, Bavarian Nordic entered a contract valued at over DKK 200 million for the supply of smallpox/mpox vaccines to a European country. The sale of the Priority Review Voucher, granted in connection with the US approval of Vimkunya, was completed in July with net proceeds amounting to DKK 810 million. Events after the reporting date In October, positive topline results were reported from a clinical study of the mpox/smallpox vaccine in a pediatric population. The study met its primary endpoint, demonstrating a comparable safety profile and a non-inferior immune response for MVA-BN in children aged 2-11 years compared to adults. The results will support a filing for label extension with the European Medicines Agency in 2026. In October, Bavarian Nordic donated 110,000 doses of the mpox vaccine to Africa CDC to support the response to the ongoing mpox outbreak in Africa. In October, Bavarian Nordic was awarded a new joint procurement contract by the European Commission through the Health Emergency Preparedness and Response Authority (HERA), enabling the EU, its member states and additional European countries to purchase up to 8 million doses of smallpox/mpox vaccine over the next four years. Initially, approximately 1.1 million doses have been committed, of which supply of the first 750,000 doses are expected to occur in 2026. The agreement was formally signed in November, following a statutory 10-day standstill period. After serving nearly 20 years as the Vice President of Investor Relations, Rolf Sass Srensen has decided to leave Bavarian Nordic to pursue other opportunities. A replacement search will be initiated soon. In November, the takeover offer from the consortium consisting of Nordic Capital and Permira was withdrawn following preliminary results of the offer, which confirmed an acceptance rate of 60%, less than the minimum condition of 66 2/3% required for completion. The offer has irrevocably lapsed, and no shares will be acquired under the offer. In November, Chair of the Board, Luc Debruyne decided to step down from the Board with immediate effect. Vice Chair Anne Louise Eberhard was appointed new Chair of the Board. Conference call and webcast The management of Bavarian Nordic will host an investor/analyst call today at 2 pm CET. To join the Q&A session, please register in advance via https://bit.ly/bavaQ32025reg. Shareholder information meeting in December As announced following the withdrawal of the takeover offer, Bavarian Nordic is planning an information meeting for its shareholders. The meeting will be held on Thursday, December 11, 2025, in the morning in Copenhagen. The meeting will be streamed live for shareholders not able to attend in person. Further details on time and location will follow soon. Contact investors: Europe: Disa Tuominen, IR Manager, detu@bavarian-nordic.com US: Graham Morrell, Gilmartin Group, graham@gilmartinir.com, Tel: +1 781 686 9600 Contact media: Nicole Seroff, Vice President Corporate Communications, nise@bavarian-nordic.com, Tel: +45 53 88 06 03 Company Announcement no. 44 / 2025 About Bavarian Nordic Bavarian Nordic is a global vaccine company with a mission to improve health and save lives through innovative vaccines. We are a preferred supplier of mpox and smallpox vaccines to governments to enhance public health preparedness and have a leading portfolio of travel vaccines. For more information, visit www.bavarian-nordic.com Forward-looking statements This announcement includes forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside of our control, that could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements include statements concerning our plans, objectives, goals, future events, performance and/or other information that is not historical information. All such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified by these cautionary statements and any other cautionary statements which may accompany the forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect subsequent events or circumstances after the date made, except as required by law. Attachment 70% debt write-off, from 40M to 12M Remaining debt to be repaid over 10 years, with 90% between the end of 2029 and the end of 2035 Capital raise of 6.1M extending cash runway to the second half of 2027 Regulatory News: Mauna Kea Technologies (Euronext Growth: ALMKT) (the "Company"), inventor of Cellvizio, the multidisciplinary probe and needle-based confocal laser endomicroscopy (p/nCLE) platform, today announced the full success of its financial restructuring and of its capital increase (the "Operation"), launched yesterday following the approval of its safeguard plan (the "Plan") by the Paris Court of Economic Activities (Tribunal des Activites Economiques de Paris This operation concludes a major restructuring that sets a solid foundation for the Company to execute its operational plan: Improved balance sheet: Equity increased by 7.7M and total gross debt reduced by 28M (from 40M to 12M). The Company is now effectively largely debt-free in the short and medium term, with 90% of repayments of the remaining debt (12M) scheduled between the end of 2029 and the end of 2035, which should be funded by future cash flow. Financial visibility secured: The 6.1M capital raise secures the company's cash runway until the second half of 2027. In connection with this approval, the Company has raised a gross amount of 6.1M. The Operation consists of (i) a capital increase reserved for a category of investors for an amount of 5.9M by issuing 60,688,585 new ordinary shares with attached warrants (the "New ABSA") at a price of 0.0973 per New ABSA (the "Reserved Capital Increase"), (ii) an offer for an amount of 0.2M by issuing 1,889,301 New ABSA at a price of 0.0973 per New ABSA, with waiver of shareholders' preferential subscription rights, by way of a public offering to individual investors via the PrimaryBid platform (the "PrimaryBid Offer"), (iii) a capital increase reserved for the EIB (the "EIB Capital Increase") for an amount of 1.7M by issuing 17,495,728 new ordinary shares (the "New Shares") at a price of 0.0973 per New Share, fully paid up by set-off against claims, and (iv) a free allotment of 9,488,366 share subscription warrants (the "Warrants" or "BSA") to the Company's shareholders. The final terms of the Operation, including details of the dilution associated with the Operation, are detailed in the Appendix. The operation was successfully completed thanks to strong support from Vester Finance and other long-term investors, demonstrating support and confidence in the Company's new roadmap. In line with its commitments, the Company also confirms the upcoming implementation of the free allotment of free Warrants to all its shareholders to involve them in future value creation. Sacha Loiseau, Chairman, CEO, and founder of Mauna Kea Technologies, commented "The completion of our financial restructuring is a major milestone that marks the beginning of a new chapter for Mauna Kea, built on much stronger foundations which comes at a time when signs of growing global adoption of our products are becoming increasingly strong. The significant support of our new equity investors combined with the strong reduction in the Company's debt enables Mauna Kea to focus on its sales growth and achieving profitability. I want to thank our investors, advisors, employees, customers and lenders for their engagement and support." The resumption of trading of Mauna Kea Technologies shares (ISIN: FR0010609263 Ticker: ALMKT) will occur today at the opening of the Euronext Growth markets. Dechert (Paris) LLP acted as legal counsel to the Company for the Operation. Clemence Vanacker acted as restructuring legal counsel in the context of the safeguard proceedings. Invest Securities acted as placement agent for the Reserved Capital Increase. About Mauna Kea Technologies Mauna Kea Technologies is a global medical device company that manufactures and sells Cellvizio, the real-time in vivo cellular imaging platform. This technology uniquely delivers in vivo cellular visualization which enables physicians to monitor the progression of disease over time, assess point-in-time reactions as they happen in real time, classify indeterminate areas of concern, and guide surgical interventions. The Cellvizio platform is used globally across a wide range of medical specialties and is making a transformative change in the way physicians diagnose and treat patients. For more information, visit www.maunakeatech.com. Disclaimer This press release and the safeguard plan contain forward-looking statements relating to Mauna Kea Technologies, its activities, and the progress of the safeguard proceedings opened for the benefit of the Company. All statements other than statements of historical fact included in this press release and in the safeguard plan, including, without limitation, those regarding the financial position, business, strategies, plans, and objectives of Mauna Kea Technologies' management for future operations are forward-looking statements. Mauna Kea Technologies believes that these forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions. However, no assurance can be given as to the achievement of the forecasts expressed in these forward-looking statements, which are subject to numerous risks and uncertainties, including those described in Chapter 2 of Mauna Kea Technologies' 2024 Annual Report filed with the Autorite des marches financiers (AMF) on April 30, 2025, available on the Company's website (www.maunakeatech.fr), as well as risks related to changes in the economic environment, financial markets, and the markets in which Mauna Kea Technologies operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release and in the safeguard plan are also subject to risks unknown to Mauna Kea Technologies or that Mauna Kea Technologies does not consider significant at this date. The occurrence of some or all of these risks could cause the actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements of Mauna Kea Technologies to differ significantly from the results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements expressed in these forward-looking statements. This press release, the safeguard plan, and the information they contain do not constitute an offer to sell or subscribe, or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe, for shares of Mauna Kea Technologies in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of said jurisdiction. Likewise, they do not constitute and should not be treated as investment advice. They do not have regard to the investment objectives, financial situation, or particular needs of any recipient. No representation or warranty, express or implied, is given as to the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information contained in these documents. They should not be considered by recipients as a substitute for the exercise of their own judgment. All opinions expressed in these documents are subject to change without notice. This document does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an order to buy or subscribe for the Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration of the securities concerned or other qualification under the stock market regulations of such a country or jurisdiction. The distribution of this document may, in certain countries, be subject to specific regulations. Persons in possession of this document must inform themselves of any local restrictions and comply with them. This press release does not constitute a prospectus within the meaning of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017 (the "Prospectus Regulation"). With regard to the Member States of the European Economic Area (each, a "Relevant Member State"), no offer of the securities mentioned in this document is made or will be made to the public in that Relevant Member State, except (i) to any legal person which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Regulation, (ii) to fewer than 150 natural or legal persons per Relevant Member State, or (iii) in other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation; provided that no such offer shall require the publication by the Company of a prospectus pursuant to Article 3 of the Prospectus Regulation. For the purposes of the foregoing, the expression "offer to the public" in any Relevant Member State has the meaning given to it in Article 2(d) of the Prospectus Regulation. Solely for the purposes of each manufacturer's product approval process, the target market assessment regarding the securities offered in the capital increases has led to the conclusion that, with respect to the criteria relating to the type of clients: (i) the target market for the securities is eligible counterparties and professional clients, each as defined in Directive 2014/65/EU, as amended ("MiFID II"); and (ii) all channels for distribution of the securities offered in the capital increases to eligible counterparties and professional clients are appropriate. Any person subsequently offering, selling, or recommending the ABSA (a "distributor") shall take into consideration the manufacturers' client type assessment; however, a distributor subject to MiFID II is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment with respect to the ABSA offered in the capital increases (by either adopting or refining the manufacturers' target market assessment) and determining appropriate distribution channels. This press release has been prepared in French and English. In the event of any discrepancy between the two versions of the press release, the French version shall prevail. Appendix Main characteristics of the Operation The Operation consists of (i) a capital increase reserved for a category of investors for an amount of 5.9M by issuing 60,688,585 new ordinary shares with attached warrants (the "New ABSA") at a price of 0.0973 per New ABSA (the "Reserved Capital Increase"), (ii) an offer for an amount of 0.2M by issuing 1,889,301 New ABSA at a price of 0.0973 per New ABSA, with waiver of shareholders' preferential subscription rights, by way of a public offering to retail investors via the PrimaryBid platform (the "PrimaryBid Offer"), (iii) a capital increase reserved for the EIB (the "EIB Capital Increase") for an amount of 1.7M by issuing 17,495,728 new ordinary shares (the "New Shares") at a price of 0.0973 per New Share, and (iv) a free allotment of 9,488,366 share subscription warrants (the "Warrants" or "BSA") to the Company's shareholders. The issuance of new shares was decided last night by a decision of the CEO of the Company, acting on delegation from the Company's Board of Directors. The ordinary shares composing the New ABSA and the New Shares (which are of the same class as the Company's existing ordinary shares) will be the subject of an application for admission to trading on Euronext Growth under the same ISIN code FR0010609263 and are expected to be admitted to trading around November 18, 2025. The Warrants allotted to existing shareholders and the Warrants composing the New ABSA will be the subject of an application for admission to trading on Euronext Growth under the same ISIN code FR00140140W9. Use of proceeds from the Reserved Capital Increase and the PrimaryBid Offer The proceeds from the Reserved Capital Increase and the PrimaryBid Offer amount to a cumulative gross amount of 6.1M in immediate new financing for the Company. It will be allocated to the Company's implementation of the strategy described in the Plan. As of the first anniversary of the Plan's approval, the funds raised will also be allocated to the progressive repayment of the Company's debts subject to the payment schedule in accordance with the Plan. The Company may receive additional financing in the event that the Warrants allotted to existing shareholders and the Warrants composing the New ABSA are exercised by their holders, it being recalled that the exercise of these Warrants is not guaranteed. The Company intends to achieve profitability by 2027 and requires financing of approximately 8M for this purpose. The proceeds from the Reserved Capital Increase and the PrimaryBid Offer will finance this need up to 6.1M. The Company expects to be able to finance any necessary supplement through the expected proceeds from the potential exercise of the Warrants. Otherwise, the Company will consider other sources of additional financing. Reserved Capital Increase The 60,688,585 New ABSA resulting from the Reserved Capital Increase will be issued by way of a capital increase with waiver of shareholders' preferential subscription rights and reserved for a specific category of investors (as described in more detail in the resolution) in application of the first resolution attached to the Plan. The New ABSA will be issued at a unit price of 0,0973 per New ABSA, including par value and issue premium, corresponding to the volume-weighted average price of the ten (10) last trading sessions preceding this date (i.e., from October 29, 2025 to November 12, 2025, inclusive). The Warrants attached to the New ABSA will be exercisable for a period of five years and their exercise price will be equal to 0.1216 per warrant, with each Warrant allowing the subscription of one ordinary share. If the Warrants issued in the context of the Reserved Capital Increase are exercised, the Company could receive an additional amount of up to 7.4M. The Warrants attached to the New ABSA will be freely transferable, subject to applicable law and regulations. An application for the admission of the Warrants to trading on Euronext Growth will be filed as soon as possible following their issue date. PrimaryBid Offer The 1,889,301 New ABSA to be issued under the PrimaryBid Offer will be issued by way of a public offering with waiver of shareholders' preferential subscription rights in application of the 10th resolution of the ordinary and extraordinary general meeting of the Company's shareholders held on June 5, 2025 (the "AGOE The PrimaryBid Offer began yesterday at 7:45 AM and closed the same day at 5:30 PM. The New ABSA issued in the PrimaryBid Offer have the same characteristics as those issued in the Reserved Capital Increase. EIB Capital Increase The 17,494,728 New Shares will be issued by way of a capital increase with waiver of shareholders' preferential subscription rights and reserved for the EIB in application of the first resolution attached to the Plan. The New Shares will be issued at a unit price of 0.0973 per New Share, including par value and issue premium, corresponding to the volume-weighted average price of the ten (10) last trading sessions preceding this date (i.e., from October 29, 2025 to November 12, 2025, inclusive). The EIB Capital Increase would be paid up in full by way of set-off against certain, liquid, and due claims held by the EIB on the Company at the time of subscription. As part of the Plan, the European Investment Bank (EIB) is subject to special treatment. The agreement provides for the repayment of 45% of the debt, i.e., 10.3M over 10 years, as well as the conversion of part of the debt into shares, giving the EIB 10% of the capital and voting rights of Mauna Kea Technologies (valued at 1.7M to date), and a better fortunes clause of 2.5M (20% of the outstanding amount). In total, the EIB debt write-off amounts to 22M. The EIB has also undertaken to hold the New Shares issued as part of the EIB Capital Increase, in accordance with the Plan, for a period of two years following approval of the Plan. Warrant Allotment (BSA) Warrants will be allotted free of charge to the Company's shareholders at the rate of one (1) Warrant for every ten (10) shares held, corresponding to a maximum of 9,488,366 Warrants in application of the 9th resolution of the AGOE. The Warrants will be issued and allotted free of charge to the Company's shareholders of record as of November 17, 2025, at the end of the trading session, thus taking into account transactions carried out up to November 12, 2025. The Warrants will be exercisable for a period of five years and their exercise price will be equal to 0.1216 per Warrant. The number of ordinary shares to be issued upon exercise of the Warrants will not exceed 9,488,366 ordinary shares, subject to possible adjustments to protect the rights of the Warrant holders. The Warrants will be freely transferable, subject to applicable law and regulations. An application for the admission of the Warrants to trading on Euronext Growth will be filed as soon as possible following their issue date. Documentation The Operation will not require the publication of a Prospectus pursuant to Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of June 14, 2017 (the "Prospectus Regulation Impact of the transaction on shareholding The share capital of Mauna Kea Technologies will consist of 174,957,281 shares following the settlement-delivery. For information purposes, a shareholder holding 1% of the capital before the Operation will hold 0.54% after the Operation (non-diluted basis) and 0.35% after the Operation (fully diluted basis). Share capital and voting rights breakdown before and after the Operation Shareholding Before capital increases After capital increases After warrants exercise After exercise of all dilutive instruments Holder # shares # shares # shares # shares Telix 11 911 852 12.6% 11 911 852 6.8% 13 103 037 5.3% 13 103 037 4.9% Johnson Johnson (JJDC) 10 811 687 11.4% 10 811 687 6.2% 11 892 855 4.8% 11 892 855 4.4% Management, Employees and Directors (excl. Sacha Loiseau) 568 106 0.6% 568 106 0.3% 624 916 0.3% 7 736 335 2.9% Sacha Loiseau 691 740 0.7% 1 719 489 1.0% 2 816 412 1.1% 4 716 412 1.8% Float 70 900 282 74.7% 70 900 282 40.5% 77 990 310 31.6% 82 269 252 30.8% Vester Finance(1) 20 554 984 11.7% 41 109 968 16.6% 48 111 865 18.0% Others Investors in the Operation 40 995 153 23.4% 81 990 306 33.2% 81 990 306 30.7% EIB 17 495 728 10.0% 17 495 728 7.1% 17 495 728 6.5% Total 94 883 667 100.0% 174 957 281 100.0% 247 023 532 100.0% 267 315 790 100.0% (1) Share numbers on a fully diluted basis assume a conversion of Vester Finance's convertible bonds at a share price of 0.10 per share. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113856222/en/ Contacts: Mauna Kea Technologies investors@maunakeatech.com NewCap Investor Relations Aurelie Manavarere Thomas Grojean +33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 maunakea@newcap.eu Edison Investment Research Limited Edison issues report on Franklin Global Trust (FRGT) 14-Nov-2025 / 07:43 GMT/BST The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. London, UK, 14 November 2025 Edison issues report on Franklin Global Trust (FRGT) Edison issues report on Franklin Global Trust (LSE: FRGT) Following a thorough review, on 13 November 2025, the board of Franklin Global Trust (FRGT) announced that terms had been agreed for a combination with Invesco Global Equity Income Trust (IGET). This will be implemented via a scheme of arrangement, whereby FRGT's shareholders will be entitled to receive new shares in IGET and/or cash. IGET will continue to be managed by Invesco Fund Managers. The combination follows FRGT's recent performance and diminishing size as a result of ongoing share buybacks under the company's zero discount policy. Over the last five years, FRGT's market cap has declined from 300m to the current sub-185m. Click here to read the full report. All reports published by Edison are available to download free of charge from its website www.edisongroup.com Edison is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority . Edison is not an adviser or broker-dealer and does not provide investment advice. Edison's reports are not solicitations to buy or sell any securities. For more information, please contact Edison: enquiries@edisongroup.com +44 (0)20 3077 5700 Connect with Edison on: LinkedIn www.linkedin.com/company/edison-group-/ X www.x.com/edison_inv_res YouTube www.youtube.com/edisonitv Dissemination of a CORPORATE NEWS, transmitted by EQS Group . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement. View original content: EQS News A new era for art market information - in the age of AI At the end of September 2025, Artprice by Artmarket - World Leader in Art Market Information for 28 years - took a decisive step with the launch of Artprice News: the first global press agency dedicated to art and its market, broadcast in 122 countries and 11 languages in the framework of a far-reaching operational integration with Cision PR Newswire and Perplexity AI. According to thierry Ehrmann, Founder of Artprice and CEO of Artmarket.com: "With the launch of Artprice News, we are taking a historic step. Artprice by Artmarket, already the world leader in art market databases for nearly 30 years, is now becoming the leading daily global news agency for art news and the art market. This dual approach - authoritative data and continuous information - gives us a unique position to support the transformation of the art market in the age of artificial intelligence." Artprice News [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/11/img1-Artprice-News.png] Comprehensive global monitoring of art news: the combined power of Artprice and Perplexity AI Artprice by Artmarket's ability to monitor and document all the global news in the art market relies on a highly sophisticated technological infrastructure, the result of a strategic alliance between its own historical databases, its proprietary Intranet connected to 7,200 partner Auction Houses worldwide and, now, on top of its own proprietary AI service, the real-time search capabilities of Perplexity AI. Combining Artprice's Intuitive ArtMarket AI and its Blind Spot AI application with Perplexity AI, our latest AI bot is now superior, in many ways to Google due to the quality of the proprietary prompts (several thousand) at its core. Perplexity AI [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/11/img2-Logo-Perplexity.jpg] Artprice News: 24/7 global coverage across 122 countries and 11 languages This strategic deployment represents a major paradigm shift: Artprice is moving from a weekly schedule with its press agency ArtMarket Insight - which will continue - to a continuous, daily global news feed with Artprice News in 122 countries and 11 languages, with its long-standing partner Cision PR Newswire. Henceforward, Artprice News readers will have free access to thousands of historical, artistic, scientific and economic analyses from ArtMarket Insight, which has long proved its value: A simple free registration is all it takes to become a member of Artprice and access to Artprice News. For a global press agency like Artprice News, this represents an editorial foundation enriched by leading voices from the Art Market, giving it undeniable editorial legitimacy, supported by thousands of historical, artistic, scientific, and economic analyses from the ArtMarket Insight press agency. Thanks to Artprice News, Artprice by Artmarket now benefits from a large, high-quality database of members, where the transition from free membership to paid subscription happens naturally. Indeed, Artprice News features the latest updates on artists, including encrypted hyperlinks that direct readers to the Artprice databases-effectively encouraging members to become subscribers. This unparalleled distribution power allows Artprice by Artmarket to reach a global audience of enthusiasts and professionals, including collectors, art galleries, auction houses, museums, appraisers, cultural institutions, insurance companies, customs and tax officials, legal advisors, financial institutions and international media, thus consolidating its role as the world's leading daily news agency on the art market. Artprice's transformation is not limited to the scale of its distribution. It relies on a revolutionary technological infrastructure integrating its proprietary AI applications, Intuitive ArtMarket and Blind Spot AI, the fruit of decades of algorithmic development. This proprietary AI - developed for Artprice and Artprice news - leverages a massive volume of data from its 180 proprietary vector databases. Artprice's algorithms are capable of analyzing billions of anonymized logs, tens of millions of artworks, and identifying extremely complex, cross-cutting artistic trends that elude the academic, institutional, and commercial worlds. To monitor tens of thousands of daily events specific to art and its market, Artprice news relies on Perplexity AI which allows it to target exactly what the user needs thanks to the thousands of very incisive prompts produced by its proprietary AI Intuitive ArtMarket. This synergy makes it possible to achieve a level of informational coverage that now falls under the category of 'scientific certainty' rather than 'high probability' Perplexity AI, unanimously considered one of the world's leading and most powerful retrieval-augmented generative search engines, continuously indexes several hundred billion web pages across its global infrastructure. Its hybrid indexing technology, driven by Artificial Intelligence, guarantees exceptional information freshness thanks to an AI-powered content understanding module, which generates and enhances analysis logic in real time in a self-improvement process based on feedback from millions of queries every hour. In 2024, the platform registered over 650 million queries, demonstrating widespread adoption by professionals demanding accurate and verifiable information. Perplexity AI's processing capability relies on the dynamic use of several leading Large Language Models (LLMs) - GPT-4, Claude 3.5 Sonnet, Gemini, and Grok - enabling optimal adaptation to the nature and hyper-complexity of each Artprice vertical prompt within its deep operational integration. The scientific approach and deep operational integration between Artprice and Perplexity AI aligns with the French authorities' national ambition to make France the third world power in Artificial Intelligence after the United States and China, embodying a unique convergence between historical expertise and cutting-edge technological capabilities. This association is part of Artprice's 2025-2030 strategic plan and provides for deeper progressive integrations between Artprice's 180 respective proprietary databases - including its Intuitive ArtMarket AI and Blind Spot AI technology - with Perplexity AI's constantly evolving advanced global search capabilities, including its agentic browser Comet. In concrete terms, this infrastructure allows the editorial team of the global press agency Artprice News and ArtMarket Insight - composed of specialist writers, investigative journalists, art historians and econometricians - to monitor all macro and microeconomic events in the art market round the clock. So, Artprice News covers, among other things, international museum exhibitions, art fairs, economic and financial movements on primary and secondary art markets, institutional appointments, discoveries of works, controversial appraisals, market information leaks and legal and fiscal developments regularly affecting the art market all over the world. Perplexity AI's global geographic coverage - with a particularly strong presence in the US (22.50% of traffic), Europe (13.84% of traffic) and over 120 other countries - ensures a diversity of sources and perspectives that no centralized system could match. Human editorial expertise remains the ultimate filter and guarantee of quality. Each article published by Artprice News is the result of in-depth work by its editors, journalists, historians, and econometricians, who use Perplexity AI in tandem as a comprehensive monitoring and documentation tool, drawing on databases that form Artprice's news feeds. They consistently apply their critical judgment, industry knowledge, and analytical rigor to produce original, contextualized editorial content, enriched by Artprice's 28 years of expertise as the World Leader in Art Market Information. Thierry Ehrmann, founder of Artprice and CEO of Armarket.com, has always stated "there can be no Artificial Intelligence without human intelligence", and Artprice firmly believes this principle should guide the responsible and enlightened use of such technologies in the service of journalistic excellence. The virtuous circle of global indexing: how Artprice News, PR Newswire and Perplexity AI are creating the best possible information ecosystem for the art market. The deep operational alliance between Artprice News, its historical partner PR Newswire (Cision) and Perplexity AI creates an unprecedented information ecosystem, based on a virtuous strategic circle of indexing, dissemination and editorial enhancement that simultaneously benefits the three players and, above all, end-users worldwide. This synergy is based on a sophisticated technical architecture which ensures that art market news - produced daily by the Artprice News teams - achieves optimal global visibility, while simultaneously feeding the search capabilities of Perplexity AI with exceptional reference content, respecting the copyright of Artprice News. With nearly 30 years of experience, Artprice by Artmarket has established itself as the leading global source of art market information. Its strength rests on its unique and unparalleled foundations: - Over 35 million auction results and indices covering more than 890,000 artists - The world's largest documentary archive (owned by Artprice): 210 million images and engravings of works of art from manuscripts and auction catalogues from 1700 to the present day - A global network of 7,200 partner auction houses continuously updates its databases via its dedicated Intranet, reaching over 9.3 million members worldwide. This unique position within the Global Art Market was recognized, among other destinctions, by a reputational study conducted during the 36th Congress of the International Committee of Art History (CIHA, Lyon 2024), where Artprice ranked as the Top of Mind art market information source among more than 1,000 participants from 60 countries. Artificial Intelligence at the heart of an editorial revolution Artprice's transformation is not limited to the scale of its distribution. It relies on a revolutionary technological infrastructure integrating its proprietary AI applications, Intuitive ArtMarket and Blind Spot AI, the fruit of decades of algorithmic development. This proprietary AI, developed for Artprice News to optimize its vertical news feeds (among other uses) and structured with highly sophisticated data from Perplexity AI, leverages a massive volume of data from its 180 proprietary vector databases. Artprice's algorithms are capable of analyzing billions of anonymized logs, tens of millions of artworks, and identifying extremely complex, cross-cutting artistic trends that elude the academic, institutional and commercial worlds. Tokenization of historical data for Artprice's 2026 Annual Art Market Report Artprice possesses the world's largest collection of manuscripts and auction catalogues, dating from 1700 to the present day. Appraised by a leading specialist in 2025, this unique collection has been valued at 43 million euros and is the art market's equivalent of the Great Library of Alexandria, representing an exceptional heritage that is currently being integrated into its proprietary AI, Intuitive ArtMarket, with systematic tokenization of historical information, notably ahead of Artprice's 32nd Annual Report on the Global Art Market, scheduled for publication in March 2026. This tokenization process has already been completed for 18 million high-quality images, all analyzed and annotated by Artprice historians and experts, contributing to a unique corpus of historical information that allows our loyal users to discover new and previously unexplored dimensions of the art market. Institutional recognition and our 2025-2030 vision Artprice by Artmarket has twice been awarded the "Innovative Company" label by the French Public Investment Bank (BPI). The company aims for a third award in 2026, confirming its leadership in technological innovation applied to the art market. At the World Summit for Action on Artificial Intelligence, hosted by France in February 2025, Artprice presented its 2025-2030 strategic plan, which positions the company as a global leader in AI for art market information. This roadmap envisions the development of multiple energy-efficient and highly specialized AI systems, each tailored to one of Artprice's departments, thus creating an unparalleled AI ecosystem in its sector. PR Newswire's global infrastructure: 122 countries, 11 languages: an unparalleled network After 28 years of collaboration with PR Newswire (Cision) for the distribution of its press releases, the deployment of Artprice News in 122 countries and 11 languages relies primarily on PR Newswire's global infrastructure as the world's largest press release distribution network for over 70 years. This distribution power is based on its unparalleled technical and relational foundations in the industry: 1. A global media network with more than 500,000 broadcast points. PR Newswire boasts the world's largest distribution network, encompassing over 440,000 newsrooms, news feeds and professional subscribers. This network includes direct partnerships with the world's leading news agencies such as AFP, DPA, Associated Press, Reuters, and Bloomberg, ensuring the full redistribution of news stories via the platform. These stories are then disseminated to over 8,000 news sites, including Yahoo! Finance, Google News, MSN, Wall Street Online and hundreds of other high-traffic news platforms. 2. Comprehensive linguistic and geographical coverage. Unlike other distribution services that are limited to a few markets, PR Newswire covers more than 122 countries and 11 languages, enabling Artprice, and now Artprice News, to disseminate its analyses and news in the 11 strategic languages of the global art market for the past 28 years: French, English, Spanish, German, Italian, Portuguese, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Arabic, and Russian. This multilingual capability is essential for reaching collectors, institutions, and professionals in their native languages, from the Persian Gulf to the Asia-Pacific region, and from Latin America to Eastern Europe. 3. Real-time alerts to more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, live feeds, journalists and 270,000 bloggers and influencers. Every news item published by Artprice for over 28 years, and now Artprice News via PR Newswire, is instantly notified to over 710,000 journalists, newsrooms, bloggers and influencers listed in Cision's proprietary database, segmented by nearly 200 sectors and areas of expertise. These media professionals are alerted in real time via the PRNewswire For Journalists (PRNJ) platform according to their personalized selection criteria (topic, country, language, sector). For the art market, this means that every record-breaking sale announcement, every emerging trend, every institutional appointment identified by Artprice News immediately reaches specialized journalists in art media, the culture sections of national newspapers, luxury magazines, and international financial publications. SEO excellence and AI-powered indexing: PR Newswire's technical dominance Beyond human dissemination, PR Newswire's technical infrastructure ensures exceptional visibility in traditional search engines and new AI-augmented search engines, creating the essential bridge to Perplexity AI and its users. Absolute leadership in SEO and AI search: An exhaustive independent analysis conducted by Semrush (considered the best SEO software suite by 35% of its S&P 500 clients) in October 2025, demonstrated PR Newswire's overwhelming dominance over all its competitors in critical areas of digital visibility. This technical performance explains why Artprice News dispatches, once distributed via PR Newswire, benefit from rapid indexing, optimal ranking and sustained visibility in search results. Artprice press releases since 1999, and now Artprice News itself, distributed via PR Newswire, frequently appear in featured snippets on Google, Google News and Google Discover, significantly increasing their organic visibility. For over 28 years, Artprice has patiently built and expanded its global network with thousands of hours spent with its teams and those of Cision PR Newswire. Artprice News content, which focuses on the Art Market - a YMYL (Your Money, Your Life) field, where the accuracy of information is critical for the financial decisions of collectors and investors - thus benefits from a considerable boost in authority and credibility simply by its association with the PR Newswire platform. Perplexity AI: real-time indexing and free access to Artprice News dispatches It is precisely this excellent SEO performance, multi-channel distribution and editorial authority that makes Artprice News dispatches particularly attractive to AI-enhanced search engines like Perplexity AI. 1. Hybrid indexing powered by Perplexity AI Unlike traditional generative AI models that rely solely on pre-trained (and often outdated) data, Perplexity AI performs real-time web searches using its AI-driven hybrid indexing infrastructure. This informational freshness is exceptional: nearly 780 million monthly searches, guaranteeing the most recent information, including Artprice News dispatches published just a few minutes ago, immediately available to its users. 2. Selection and citation criteria by Perplexity AI. When faced with a user query, Perplexity AI does not simply find relevant pages: it selects, prioritizes and cites the sources it deems the most reliable and relevant. High Domain Authority: Perplexity AI prioritizes sources from high-authority domains. Artprice.com, Artmarket.com, and PRNewswire.com, with their exceptional authority as demonstrated by Semrush (more referring domains than all their competitors), benefit from an 'authority score' that automatically places their content in a favorable position. Reliability and sources verifiability: studies on Perplexity AI demonstrate that it exclusively favors recognized academic, institutional and journalistic sources. Artprice, with its 28 years of global authority on the art market and its 180 proprietary and authoritative databases, perfectly matches the profile of an extremely reliable source that Perplexity AI naturally seeks. Perplexity AI's free access to Artprice News dispatches: a win-win strategy For Perplexity AI: access to exceptionally authoritative, constantly updated content covering a specialized field (the art market) with unparalleled expertise. Artprice News dispatches allow Perplexity AI - while respecting Artprice's copyright - to respond accurately, reliably, and up-to-date to the tens of thousands of daily queries concerning auctions, sales records, art trends, major exhibitions and the economics of the art market. Perplexity AI can thus offer its users world-class information, free of charge, which enhances the quality of its service and the loyalty of its 300 million active users, encouraging them to subscribe to Artprice, particularly through its Comet agentic browser. For Perplexity AI users: when a user asks Perplexity AI a question related to the art market - such as "What are Basquiat's recent sales records?" or "What are the principal trends in the contemporary art market in 2025?", or "Who won the Marcel Duchamp Prize this year?" - the AI will systematically scan, select, and quote Artprice News dispatches distributed via PR Newswire, as these represent the most authoritative, up-to-date, and reliable sources available on the web. Users thus benefit from exceptionally high-quality answers sourced from the world leader in art market information, with clickable quotes allowing them to directly access the full dispatches for further research. For Artprice News: each citation by Perplexity AI represents editorial validation by AI, signaling to hundreds of millions of monthly users that the authoritative art market information comes from Artprice. This massive visibility, combined with the quality backlinks generated by the citations (both within the Perplexity AI interface and in articles by journalists who use Perplexity AI and its agent-based Comet browser for their research), creates a virtuous circle of reputation and authority. Global distribution via PR Newswire optimal indexing by Google, Bing and other traditional search engines + alerts to 710,000 journalists. Excellent SEO performance high visibility in organic searches + priority indexing by Perplexity AI. Frequent citations by Perplexity AI massive exposure to 100+ million monthly users + qualified traffic to the full news stories. Highly qualified traffic and engagement potential new subscribers for Artprice subscription-based services + increased domain authority. Increased authority even more frequent citations by Perplexity AI and accumulated media coverage the virtuous circle perpetuates and amplifies itself. Evidence of the virtuous circle: performance measures and empirical validation This virtuous circle is not theoretical: it is measured, documented and quantified by independent data: 12,600 media mentions in 6 months: A case study published by Cision PR Newswire demonstrates that Artprice obtained more than 12,600 media mentions worldwide in six months thanks to its distribution via PR Newswire, with whom it has been a preferred partner since 1999, an exceptionally high figure that testifies to the massive use of its content by international media. Double the mentions in AI search: PR Newswire generates twice as many mentions in AI-assisted searches as its competitors, empirically confirming that content distributed via this platform - including Artprice dispatches - benefits from maximum visibility in search engines like Perplexity AI. Higher qualified traffic: Studies on user behavior show that traffic from Perplexity AI has above-average session time and engagement, as users arrive already convinced of the relevance and reliability of the cited source. Perplexity AI's exponential growth: with growth from 650 million annual queries in 2024 to 780 million monthly queries in 2025, and a valuation of $9 billion after only three years in existence, Perplexity AI is establishing itself as the third largest global search ecosystem, multiplying Artprice News' potential exposure accordingly. A triangle of excellence dedicated to providing authoritative information on the Art Market In conclusion, the ecosystem formed by Artprice News (28 years of editorial expertise and its proprietary AI), PR Newswire (global infrastructure and SEO excellence) and Perplexity AI (real-time indexing and AI-augmented search) constitutes a unique model in the information industry. A highly virtuous triangle: By allowing Perplexity AI free access to its dispatches, Artprice News is not engaged in philanthropy; the company is strategically investing in its position as a global reference source cited by Artificial Intelligence, ensuring that every professional, collector, investor or art enthusiast who queries an AI application about art market-related matters receives a response citing Artprice by Artmarket as a global authority source. This exceptional visibility will inevitably translate into a growth in paid subscription to Artprice's services. Hundreds of millions of users worldwide - whether using Google, Bing, Perplexity AI or other platforms - thus gain access to the most reliable, up-to-date and comprehensive art market information, exclusively sourced from Artprice. This positioning - impossible to reproduce for competitors who do not have Artprice's historical expertise, the practice and knowledge of PR Newswire's infrastructure and all the new AI search engines - constitutes a decisive competitive advantage for the decade 2025-2035, a period during which information searching will migrate massively to conversational interfaces powered by Artificial Intelligence and agentic browsers. Images: [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/11/img1-Artprice-News.png] [https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/11/img2-Logo-Perplexity.jpg] Copyright 1987-2025 thierry Ehrmann www.artprice.com - www.artmarket.com Artprice's econometrics department can answer all your questions relating to personalized statistics and analyses: econometrics@artprice.com Find out more about our services with the artist in a free demonstration: https://artprice.com/demo Our services: https://artprice.com/subscription About Artmarket.com: Artmarket.com is listed on Eurolist by Euronext Paris. The latest TPI analysis includes more than 18,000 individual shareholders excluding foreign shareholders, companies, banks, FCPs, UCITS: Euroclear: 7478 - Bloomberg: PRC - Reuters: ARTF. Watch a video about Artmarket.com and its Artprice department: https://artprice.com/video Artmarket and its Artprice department were founded in 1997 by thierry Ehrmann, the company's CEO. They are controlled by Groupe Serveur (created in 1987). cf. the certified biography from Who's Who In France: https://imgpublic.artprice.com/img/wp/sites/11/2025/02/2025-Biographie_de_Thierry_Ehrmann-Who-s-Who-In-France.pdf Artmarket is a global player in the Art Market with, among other structures, its Artprice department, world leader in the accumulation, management and exploitation of historical and current art market information (the original documentary archives, codex manuscripts, annotated books and auction catalogs acquired over the years) in databanks containing over 30 million indices and auction results, covering more than 879,900 artists. Artprice Images allows unlimited access to the largest art market image bank in the world with no less than 181 million digital images of photographs or engraved reproductions of artworks from 1700 to the present day, commented by our art historians. Artmarket, with its Artprice department, constantly enriches its databases from 7,200 auction houses and continuously publishes art market trends for the main agencies and press titles in the world in 121 countries and 11 languages. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/artmarketcom-artprice-and-cision-extend-their-alliance-to-119-countries-to-become-the-worlds-leading-press-agency-dedicated-to-the-art-market-nfts-and-the-metaverse-301431845.html Artmarket.com makes available to its 9.3 million members (members log in) the advertisements posted by its Members, who now constitute the first global Standardized Marketplace for buying and selling artworks at fixed prices. There is now a future for the Art Market with Artprice's Intuitive Artmarket AI. Artmarket, with its Artprice department, has twice been awarded the State label "Innovative Company" by the French Public Investment Bank (BPI), which has supported the company in its project to consolidate its position as a global player in the art market. Artprice by Artmarket publishes its 2025 Contemporary Art Market Report: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-contemporary-art-market-report-2025 See our 2024 Global Art Market Annual Report, published in March 2025 by Artprice by Artmarket: https://www.artprice.com/artprice-reports/the-art-market-in-2024 Summary of Artmarket press releases with its Artprice department: https://serveur.serveur.com/artmarket/press-release/en/ Follow all the Art Market news in real-time with Artmarket and its Artprice department on Facebook and Twitter: www.facebook.com/artpricedotcom/ (more than 6.5 million subscribers) twitter.com/artmarketdotcom twitter.com/artpricedotcom Discover the alchemy and the universe of Artmarket and its Artprice department: https://www.artprice.com/video whose head office is the famous Museum of Contemporary Art Abode of Chaos dixit The New York Times / La Demeure of Chaos: https://issuu.com/demeureduchaos/docs/demeureduchaos-abodeofchaos-opus-ix-1999-2013 Madame Rachida Dati, French Minister of Culture, has granted official recognition to thierry Ehrmann's Abode of Chaos as a 'total work of art', the global headquarters of Artprice by Artmarket. https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/madame-rachida-dati-french-minister-of-culture-has-granted-official-recognition-to-thierry-ehrmanns-abode-of-chaos-as-a-total-work-of-art-the-global-headquarters-of-artprice-by-artmarket-302409684.html La Demeure du Chaos/Abode of Chaos - Total Work of Art and Singular Architecture. Confidential bilingual work, now made public: https://ftp1.serveur.com/abodeofchaos_singular_architecture.pdf L'Obs - The Museum of the Future: https://youtu.be/29LXBPJrs-o https://www.facebook.com/la.demeure.du.chaos.theabodeofchaos999 (more than 4.1 million subscribers) https://vimeo.com/124643720 Contact Artmarket.com and its Artprice department - Contact: ir@artmarket.com ------------------------ This publication embed "Actusnews SECURITY MASTER ". - SECURITY MASTER Key: mG6cacZuaGuaxnCdZ8lnaJZoZ2dqxpTJmZSYmpSbZJmanGphnGeVapaWZnJmlmps - Check this key: https://www.security-master-key.com. ------------------------ Copyright Actusnews Wire Receive by email the next press releases of the company by registering on www.actusnews.com, it's free Full and original release in PDF format:https://www.actusnews.com/documents_communiques/ACTUS-0-95156-artmarket-com-news-artprice-launches-artprice-news-11-languages-122-countries.pdf New fund will continue Medicxi's successful asset-centric company creation and investment strategy. LONDON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Medicxi, a leading European life sciences venture capital firm, today announced the closing of Medicxi V, a 500 million fund dedicated to building and backing innovative biotechnology companies with clear product visions to transform patient care. The oversubscribed fund closed with strong support from existing limited partners and a select group of new institutional investors. The Fund will focus on Medicxi's pioneering asset-centric investment model. Medicxi has created 16 new companies, delivered over 20 positive clinical data readouts and has realised over $1 billion across its portfolio since its last fundraise, including from investments in Vaxcyte, Merus and Abivax, and the acquisitions of ViceBio (Sanofi), Versanis Bio (Eli Lilly) and ProfoundBio (Genmab). Medicxi V will continue the firm's focus on supporting drug hunters and entrepreneurs in creating asset-focused biotechnology companies to deliver transformative therapies for patients. The Fund will also invest in existing companies at all stages of development that align with Medicxi's asset-centric value creation strategy. "Medicxi's longstanding success has been founded on its unique ties to leading global pharmaceutical companies and its world-class team of drug hunters and clinicians," said Francesco De Rubertis, Co-founder and Partner at Medicxi. "The new 500 million fund will enable Medicxi to provide the critical capital, expertise and experience to deliver transformative therapies for patients." "Medicxi's differentiated, capital-efficient investment strategy is rapidly scaling and we have now raised six funds in the last 10 years, totalling over 2.0 billion," said Giovanni Mariggi, Co-founder and Partner at Medicxi. "We are extremely grateful for the support that we have received from our existing and new limited partners, and we are excited to continue investing in cutting-edge science and accelerating the discovery of life-changing medicines for patients." Medicxi also announced that Shyam Masrani has been promoted to Partner. Masrani led Medicxi's investments in Merus and ProfoundBio, and currently serves on the boards of Acera Therapeutics, T-CypherBio and Petalion Therapeutics. The investing partners in Fund V are Francesco De Rubertis, Giovanni Mariggi, Nick Williams and Shyam Masrani. Notes to Editors About Medicxi Medicxi is a healthcare-focused investment firm with the mission to create and invest in companies across the full drug development continuum. Leveraging deep expertise in drug development and company creation spanning over two decades, Medicxi invests in early and late-stage therapeutics with a product vision that can fulfil a clear unmet medical need. For more information, please visit: www.medicxi.com . View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/medicxi-announces-500-million-fund-v-302614900.html LINZ AM RHEIN, Germany and UTRECHT, Netherlands, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The District Court of Midden-Nederland (location Utrecht) in the Netherlands has ruled in favour of BIRKENSTOCK in a major copyright case against the Dutch shoe retailer Scapino. The court issued an injunction prohibiting Scapino from selling unauthorized copies of BIRKENSTOCK's well-known, iconic Arizona, Madrid, and Florida sandal models. While it is a first instance decision which is not final and can still be appealed, the ruling is likely to attract widespread attention as it comes to a different result than a decision by the German Federal Court of Justice (BGH) in a similar case. It comes ahead of a landmark ruling by the European Court of Justice (ECJ) in the Mio and konektra case which is expected for December 4, 2025 and which will address key issues relating to copyright protection for product design at EU level. Under the ruling, Scapino must immediately cease the sale and offering of infringing products or face a penalty of up to 100,000. In addition, the retailer has been ordered to disclose sales data dating back to August 2024 and pay more than 50,000 in legal costs. Although the claims relating to the Boston and Gizeh models were denied, BIRKENSTOCK expressed confidence that it will prevail in possible appeal proceedings regarding those designs as well. This decision stands out because the German Federal Court of Justice (Bundesgerichtshof) ruled in February 2025 that BIRKENSTOCK sandals are not eligible for copyright protection. The Dutch court, acknowledged that judgment but explicitly stated that it had "reached a different conclusion in this case." BIRKENSTOCK counts on landmark decision by the European Court of Justice The latest court ruling reinforces BIRKENSTOCK's strategy of taking a European approach to invoking its copyrights. Yesterday's decision by the District Court of Midden-Nederland is in line with other European jurisdictions which also protect works of applied art and fashion. For instance, the Trial Court of Paris has upheld copyright protection in France for ballerina shoes (judgment of October 28, 2016 - 15/02714) and sandals (judgment of October 21, 2011 - 10/15594) and the Tribunal Judiciaire de Paris granted copyright protection for a handbag (judgment of February 7, 2025 - 22/09210) and the Tribunale di Milano has granted copyright protection to "Moon Boots" in Italy (judgment of January 25, 2021 - 491/21). The ECJ's ruling in case Mio/konektra is expected to uphold this practice. BIRKENSTOCK will continue to fight for its own position in court and will use all legal means to defend itself against imitations of its iconic products. To protect its retail partners and consumers, BIRKENSTOCK will continue to take action against imitations. INFORMATION Product Imagery: download PRESS INQUIRIES Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG Burg Ockenfels 53545 Linz am Rhein Germany Postal address: BIRKENSTOCK Group Lenbach Palais Lenbachplatz 3 80333 Munich Germany ABOUT BIRKENSTOCK BIRKENSTOCK is a global brand which embraces all consumers regardless of geography, gender, age and income and which is committed to a clear purpose - maintaining foot health. Deeply rooted in studies of the biomechanics of the human foot and footed on a family tradition of shoemaking that can be traced back to 1774, BIRKENSTOCK is a timeless "super brand" with a brand universe that transcends product categories and ranges from entry-level to luxury price points while addressing the growing need for a conscious and active lifestyle. Function, quality, and tradition are the core values of the lifestyle brand which features products in the footwear, sleep system, and natural cosmetics segments. BIRKENSTOCK is the inventor of the footbed and has shaped the principle of walking as intended by nature ("Naturgewolltes Gehen"). With around 6,200 employees worldwide, we believe how things are made matters as much as the product itself. To ensure these quality standards, we operate a vertically integrated manufacturing base and produce all our footbeds in Germany. In addition, we assemble over 95% of our products in Germany and we source over 90% of our materials and components from Europe. We process our inputs to the highest environmental and social standards in the industry by operating state-of-the-art scientific laboratories for materials testing. In Germany, BIRKENSTOCK runs operational sites in the states of North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, Hesse, Bavaria, Saxony, and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania Headquartered in Linz am Rhein, the BIRKENSTOCK Group also operates its own sales offices in the United States and Canada as well as in Brazil, Japan, Denmark, Poland, Switzerland, Sweden, Spain, the United Kingdom, France, Norway, the Netherlands, Dubai, Singapore, India and Korea. Birkenstock Group B.V. & Co. KG Burg Ockenfels, Linz am Rhein, Germany For further information, please visit www.birkenstock-group.com You can find our online shop at www.birkenstock.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2563226/5621710/Birkenstock_Group_Logo.jpg View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/de/pressemitteilungen/birkenstock-wins-dutch-landmark-copyright-case-utrecht-court-bans-sale-of-sandal-copies-marking-key-step-toward-eu-wide-copyright-recognition-of-the-brands-iconic-sandals-302614953.html Eye Care Professionals Across the U.K. Can Now Address Lower Lid Laxity and Impaired Blinking, Closing Gap in Patient Care YOKNE'AM ILLIT, Israel, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumenis Be. Ltd., a leading energy-based medical device company for eye care and aesthetic solutions, announced today the U.K. launch of OptiLIFT, its new, proprietary Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt) for toning facial muscles to address lower lid laxity and impaired blinking without the need for surgery. OptiLIFT is part of a growing portfolio of innovative technologies by Lumenis, the inventor of OptiLIGHT, the first and only intense pulsed light (IPL) device granted authorization by the FDA for dry eye management. Lower lid laxity is highly prevalent and is associated with the natural aging process, caused in part by the weakening of the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM).1 Skeletal muscles lose 3-8% mass each decade after age 30.1 Muscle weakening in the periorbital area reduces structural support, which can result in lower lid laxity and incomplete blinking, leading to ocular symptoms and aesthetic concerns.2,3,4 One study revealed that more than 60% of dry eye patients suffer from impaired lid closure. Until now, options to address lower lid laxity and impaired blinking have been limited to conservative approaches-such as nighttime ointments, taping, and blinking exercises-or in more severe cases, surgery.5,6 OptiLIFT utilizes DMSt to close that gap, providing a proactive, non-surgical approach to strengthen the periorbital muscle and address this root cause of lower lid laxity. A clinical study published in Clinical Ophthalmology highlights the effectiveness of Lumenis's proprietary DMSt technology. Led by James Chelnis, MD, FACS, an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Manhattan Face & Eye, the study demonstrated a reduction in lower lid laxity by at least 75%, an improvement in blinking quality by at least 70%, and a significant 286% increase in tear break-up time (TBUT).7 Patients also experienced a 53% decrease in Ocular Surface Disease Index over the course of treatment, and saw at least 60% improvement in their eyelid appearance.7 "The improvement we're seeing in eyelid function and blinking with OptiLIFT has been remarkable," said Samer Hamada, MD, founder and medical director of Eye Clinic London. "For patients struggling with lower lid laxity, the discomfort and disruption to daily life can be significant. Having a non-surgical solution that delivers such meaningful functional improvement to patients marks an important advancement in eye care. OptiLIFT has quickly become an integral part of our practice, and I'm looking forward to more patients having access to this technology in the U.K." Specifically designed for treatment of the periorbital area, OptiLIFT's Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating the facial muscles with electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital muscle. OptiLIFT is also available with an optional RF microneedling upgrade, which utilizes ultrathin needles and a double RF mechanism to increase skin smoothness by 80% and triple hyaluronic acid production-offering notable results without downtime or numbing.8 "The launch of OptiLIFT in the U.K. is an exciting milestone for Lumenis and eye care professionals across the country," said Itay Mayer, Chief Commercial Officer, Lumenis. "Many practices have been quick to adopt this innovative technology as a non-surgical solution for lower lid laxity and impaired blinking, achieving results that help improve patients' lives. We are dedicated to continuing our support of U.K. practitioners with advanced energy-based solutions that elevate the standard of care." OptiLIFT delivers visible outcomes in just four short sessions. It is easily integrated into practice workflow, with three presets designed specifically for treatments around the eye, and can be used on a wide range of skin types. Lumenis will introduce OptiLIFT to U.K. eye care professionals during an exclusive launch event in London on Friday, 21 November at L'oscar London. Registration is open at information.lumenis.com/optilift-exclusive-launch-event. For more information about OptiLIFT, please visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilift. Lumenis Be. Ltd sponsored the clinical study. The study investigator, Dr. James Chelnis, also serves as a consultant for Lumenis Be. Ltd. Volpi E, Nazemi R, Fujita, S. Muscle tissue changes with aging. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 7(4):p 405-410, July 2004. Chhadva, P, AL McClellan, CR Alabiad, WJ Feuer, H Batawi, and A Galor. 2016. Impact of eyelid laxity on symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. Cornea 531-535. Liu, DTS, MA Di Pascuale, J Sawai, YY Gao, and SC Tseng. 2005. Tear film dynamics in floppy eyelid syndrome. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 46 (4): 1188-1194. Mastrota, KM. 2008. Impact of floppy eyelid syndrome in ocular surface and dry eye disease. Optom Vis Sci 85: 814-816. Korb D, Blackie C, Nau A. Prevalence of compromised lid seal in symptomatic refractory dry eye patients and asymptomatic patients. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2017;58:2696. Korb DR, Blackie CA. Treating inadequate lid seal in patients with dry eye using an overnight ointment reduces discomfort upon awakening and overall dry eye symptoms. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016;57(12):6189. Chelnis, James G., and Alexandra Chelnis. "Dynamic Muscle Stimulation of the Periorbital Area for Improvement of Blinking in Dry Eye Patients." Clinical Ophthalmology, vol. 2025, no. 19, Mar. 26, 2025, pp. 1057-1071. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S513989 Potekaev N, Zhukova O. Evaluation of Safety and efficacy of the Maximus System for facial wrinkles. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2013; Vol. 3: 151-156 About OptiLIFT OptiLIFT's Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating the facial muscles with electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital muscle. For more information, visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilift. The OptiLIFT System and its accessories are intended for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin when using VoluDerm Energy (Microneedling Applicator). It is also intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for non-invasive treatment when using RF Energy and for muscle conditioning to stimulate healthy muscles (OptiLIFT Applicator). OptiLIFT System is intended to be operated by a licensed healthcare practitioner who is present to monitor treatment. About Lumenis Lumenis develops life-changing, minimally invasive solutions for the Aesthetic and Vision markets. We create and commercialize innovative energy-based technologies that enable a variety of skin, body, and eye care treatments. Lumenis has successfully introduced solutions for previously untreatable conditions and designed advanced technologies that have revolutionized existing treatment methods. We are BeautyTech pioneers, empowering people by broadening the horizons of health and celebrating beauty that matters. Media Contact Carson Daniels McDougall Communications for Lumenis carson@mcdougallpr.com or +1.315.427.6394 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822899/lumenis_OptiLIFT_15.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822898/OptiLIFT_by_Lumenis_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lumenis-launches-optilift-a-new-dynamic-muscle-stimulation-device-in-the-uk-302615158.html Kia holds ceremony for completion of Hwaseong EVO Plant East and groundbreaking for EVO Plant West at AutoLand Hwaseong Customized vehicle production and eco-friendly technologies adopted, to establish Hyundai Motor Group's first PBV production hub Kia to invest KRW 4 trillion in approximately 297,000 square-meter site to secure combined annual production capacity of 250,000 PBV units 100,000 PV5 units to be annually produced at EVO Plant East, and 150,000 PV7 and other PBV units at EVO Plant West Kia to establish centralized production base in Korea to support global expansion of its PBV business Launch of PBV Conversion Center for co-development of specialized PBV models with strategic partners, fostering a collaborative PBV ecosystem SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Corporation today celebrated the completion of its dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) facility, the Hwaseong EVO Plant East and the breaking of ground for the EVO Plant West, a large-scale PBV production facility in Korea. The ceremony was held at Kia's AutoLand Hwaseong plant, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The event was attended by around 200 guests, including Min-seok Kim, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Shinhak Moon, Vice Minister of Trade Industry and Resources (MOTIR) of the Republic of Korea; Dong Yeon Kim, Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Myeong-geun Jeong, Mayor of Hwaseong Special City, and local National Assembly members. From Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) key executives in attendance included Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Ho Sung Song, Kia President and Global CEO; Sung Kim, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Strategic Planning Division; and Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Planning (AVP) Division. To support construction of the PBV-dedicated facilities - including the newly completed EVO Plant East and the EVO Plant West, scheduled for operation in 2027 - Kia has secured a site of 296,882 square meters and is investing approximately KRW 4 trillion in infrastructure and research and development. Leveraging a combined annual capacity of 250,000 units, Kia plans to position the Hwaseong EVO Plant (East and West) as a future strategic hub to drive the global expansion of the company's PBV business. Min-seok Kim, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, said in his congratulatory remarks, "I am delighted to take part in the completion ceremony for Kia's Hwaseong EVO Plant East and the groundbreaking ceremony for EVO Plant West. We will usher in a new era of innovation in future mobility together with the automotive industry, embracing new challenges including electrification, autonomous driving, and AI." Ho Sung Song, Kia President and Global CEO said, "Kia is leveraging the electrification of light commercial vehicles as a key opportunity to position PBVs as a core future business. As we continue our journey toward sustainable future mobility, Kia remains committed to becoming a trusted partner in building a better future for Korea - and for humanity as a whole." For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823199/Image__Kia_Marks_Milestone_with_Establishment_of_Future_PBV_Production_Hub_in_Korea.jpg PDF - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823200/Press_Release__Kia_Marks_Milestone_with_Establishment_of_Future_PBV_Production_Hub_in_Korea.pdf View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/kia-marks-milestone-with-establishment-of-future-pbv-production-hub-in-korea-302615420.html Lundbeck's new drug application (NDA) for Vyepti (eptinezumab) accepted by Japan's Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW), marking a significant step forward towards expanding access to the novel preventive migraine treatment for patients across Japan Similar marketing authorization applications also accepted in China and South Korea, supported by Phase 3 SUNRISE trial data confirming the preventive efficacy of eptinezumab in Asian patients with migraine The submissions represent a milestone in Lundbeck's Focused Innovator strategy, extending operational capabilities in Asia and demonstrating Lundbeck's leadership within the migraine space VALBY, Denmark, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- H. Lundbeck A/S (Lundbeck) today announced the acceptance of its new drug application (NDA) for Vyepti (eptinezumab) by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) in Japan. The submission reflects the culmination of a series of marketing authorization applications across Asia, including China and South Korea, with the goal of enabling access to eptinezumab for patients living with migraine, who are eligible for preventive therapy. If granted, this will signal the first marketing authorization for Lundbeck in Japan, and the first launch of a biologic by Lundbeck in China and South Korea. "The acceptance of these regulatory applications signifies a critical milestone in Lundbeck's Asian development program for eptinezumab." said Johan Luthman, EVP and Head of Research and Development at Lundbeck. "Eptinezumab has the potential to fulfil a significant unmet need in Asia, where migraine preventive treatments remain underutilized. The eptinezumab global roll-out also paves the way for advancing additional migraine and neuro-rare programs to patients." Despite the equally high prevalence of migraine in Asia as compared to Western countries, a significant unmet need remains in terms of appropriate diagnosis, management, and availability of migraine preventive treatments in East Asia.1 In Japan it is reported that of individuals with migraine, 59.4% to 71.8% had never consulted a physician previously and similarly in Korea, this number is estimated to be around 75.6%.1 In China, it is reported that only 13.8% of adults living with migraine will be clinically diagnosed.2 The Japanese submission is supported by a robust clinical data package, including results from the SUNRISE Phase 3 registrational trial, which was recently published in Cephalalgia.3 In the SUNRISE trial, eptinezumab was shown to be efficacious in the preventive treatment of migraine. The safety profile of eptinezumab was generally similar to placebo, previous trials, and to the current labelled safety information in the United States prescribing information and EU Summary of Product Characteristics, with the most common treatment-emergent adverse events being COVID-19 and nasopharyngitis. Lundbeck is working with regulatory authorities in China, South Korea, and Japan to make eptinezumab available to patients in Asia as quickly as possible. Already approved in more than 30 countries, this step highlights the company's commitment to improving brain health and addressing the urgent needs of people living with severe migraine. About migraine Migraine is a complex and incapacitating neurological disease characterized by recurrent episodes of severe headaches typically accompanied by an array of symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light or sound. Not only is headache painful, but migraine also imposes both a social and financial burden. Migraine has a profound impact on patient functioning including relationships with family/friends, leisure activities, household production and worker productivity. Migraine is one of the most prevalent neurological diseases for which medical treatment is sought, and is considered the leading cause of disability for people under the age of 50 and the 2nd leading cause of disability worldwide.4,5 Repeated migraine attacks, and often the constant fear of the next one, damage family life, social life and work life. Furthermore, increased use of acute headache medication may lead to central sensitization and decreased effectiveness of acute medication. This results in a vicious cycle of increased number of headache days requiring further increased amounts of acute headache medication. Without proper preventive migraine management, this process results in worsening and chronification of migraine.6 About the SUNRISE trial SUNRISE (NCT04921384) was an interventional, multi-regional, multi-site, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 3 trial, to confirm the efficacy and safety of eptinezumab in a predominately Asian population with chronic migraine who are eligible for preventive treatment.3 The study was conducted to support marketing authorization across Asia. Chronic migraine was defined as migraine occurring on =8 days per month and headache occurring on >14 days. Participants were randomly allocated to one of three treatment groups: eptinezumab 300 mg, eptinezumab 100 mg, or placebo. The double-blind, placebo-controlled treatment period was followed by an extension period where all participants received active treatment to further assess the safety and tolerability of eptinezumab. The total trial duration from the screening visit to the safety follow-up visit is approximately 36 weeks and includes a Screening Period (28-30 days), a Placebo-controlled Period (12 weeks), an Extension Period (12 weeks), and a Safety Follow-up Period (8 weeks).3 Participants in Japan completing the SUNRISE trial were offered to continue in the SUNSET trial (NCT05064371) which consisted of an open-label eptinezumab treatment of 60 weeks (five infusions), and a Safety Follow-up Period (8 weeks).7 The SUNRISE trial was initiated in May 2021 and was conducted in Mainland China, Georgia, Japan, Poland, Slovakia, South Korea, Spain and Taiwan. In the trial, 983 participants were randomized to receive eptinezumab 100 mg, 300 mg, or placebo by intravenous (IV) infusion.3 About Vyepti (eptinezumab) Eptinezumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody that binds to calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) which was intentionally designed for IV administration. The efficacy and safety of eptinezumab was evaluated in two Phase 3 clinical trials (PROMISE-1 in episodic migraine8and PROMISE-2 in chronic migraine)9, where eptinezumab met its primary endpoint of decrease in MMDs over weeks 1-12 in both episodic and chronic migraine. Furthermore, the clinical trial program demonstrated a treatment benefit over placebo that was observed for both 100 mg and 300 mg doses of eptinezumab as early as Day 1 post-infusion. The safety of eptinezumab was evaluated in more than 2,000 adult patients with migraine who received at least one dose of eptinezumab. The most common adverse reactions (=2% and at least 2% or greater than placebo) in the clinical trials for the preventive treatment of migraine were nasopharyngitis and hypersensitivity. In PROMISE-1 and PROMISE-2, 1.9% of patients treated with eptinezumab discontinued treatment due to adverse reactions. VYEPTI (eptinezumab-jjmr) was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the preventive treatment of migraine in adults in February 2020, and in January 2022, eptinezumab was granted marketing authorization by the European Commission (EC) for the prophylaxis of migraine in adults who have at least four migraine days per month. Today, eptinezumab is launched in more than 30 markets worldwide. Contacts: Anders Crillesen Head of Media Relations, Corp. Communication AECE@lundbeck.com +45 27791286 Jens Hyer Vice President, Head of Investor Relations JSHR@lundbeck.com +45 30 83 45 01 About H. Lundbeck A/S Lundbeck is a biopharmaceutical company focusing exclusively on brain health. With more than 70 years of experience in neuroscience, we are committed to improving the lives of people with neurological and psychiatric diseases. Brain disorders affect a large part of the world's population, and the effects are felt throughout society. With the rapidly improving understanding of the biology of the brain, we hold ourselves accountable for advancing brain health by curiously exploring new opportunities for treatments. As a focused innovator, we strive for our research and development programs to tackle some of the most complex neurological challenges. We develop transformative medicines targeting people for whom there are few or no treatments available, expanding into neuro-specialty and neuro-rare from our strong legacy within psychiatry and neurology. We are committed to fighting stigma and we act to improve health equity. We strive to create long term value for our shareholders by making a positive contribution to patients, their families and society as a whole. Lundbeck has approximately 5,700 employees in more than 50 countries and our products are available in more than 80 countries. For additional information, we encourage you to visit our corporate site www.lundbeck.com and connect with us via LinkedIn. References: Takeshima, T, et al. J Headache Pain. 2019;20(1):111 Guidelines for the diagnosis and treatment of migraine in China (2022 edition). Chinese Journal of Pain Medicine 2022, 28 (12) Yu S, et al. Cephalalgia. Epub 2025 Oct15. https://doi.org/10.1177/03331024251386095 Steiner TJ, et al. J Headache Pain. 2018;19(1):17 Leonardi M, et al. J Headache Pain. 2005; 6(6):429- 440 Lipton RB, et al. J Neurol. 2023;270(12);5692-5710 Takeshima T et al. ePresentation at IHC 2025 Ashina M, et al. Cephalalgia. 2020;40(3):241-254 Lipton RB, et al. Neurology. 2020;94(13):e1365-e1377 CONTACT: H. Lundbeck A/S Ottiliavej 9, 2500 Valby, Denmark +45 3630 1311 info@lundbeck.com This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/h--lundbeck-a-s/r/lundbeck-files-for-marketing-authorization-across-key-asian-markets-for-vyepti---eptinezumab--for-th,c4266845 The following files are available for download: https://mb.cision.com/Main/18215/4266845/3783792.pdf Vyepti Asia_Final View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lundbeck-files-for-marketing-authorization-across-key-asian-markets-for-vyepti-eptinezumab-for-the-preventive-treatment-of-migraine-302615423.html Will support globally optimized solutions for applied HVAC and IT cooling systems Mitsubishi Electric Corporation (TOKYO: 6503) announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary Mitsubishi Electric Hydronics IT Cooling Systems S.p.A. (MEHITS), headquartered in Bassano, Italy, has reached an agreement with BITZER Kuhlmaschinenbau GmbH (BITZER), a German manufacturer specializing in compressors and refrigeration components, to establish a joint venture focused on developing compressors for applied HVAC and IT cooling systems. The new company, BITZER MEHITS Advanced Solutions GmbH, will be based at BITZER's factory in Rottenburg am Neckar, Germany. By combining the technologies and expertise of both companies, the joint venture will strengthen development capabilities for compressors used in applied HVAC and IT cooling equipment, aiming to deliver highly efficient products optimized for global markets. MEHITS has been using BITZER compressors in some of its applied HVAC and IT cooling products for overseas markets. The new joint venture will enable MEHITS to unify the development processes for air conditioning systems and compressors, which will ensure that the compressors are fully optimized for related MEHITS products and help to improve the efficiency of applied HVAC and IT cooling equipment as well as accelerate market introduction. Through this initiative, Mitsubishi Electric aims to strengthen its competitiveness in global markets and further expand its presence in the applied air conditioning and IT cooling field. For the full text, please visit: www.MitsubishiElectric.com/news/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114445674/en/ Contacts: Customer Inquiries Overseas Air Conditioning Refrigeration Systems Div. Global Strategy Business Planning Department Mitsubishi Electric Corporation OAD_inquiry@nj.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp www.MitsubishiElectric.com/bu/air-conditioning-systems/index.html Media Inquiries Takeyoshi Komatsu Public Relations Division Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Tel: +81-3-3218-2332 prd.gnews@nk.MitsubishiElectric.co.jp www.MitsubishiElectric.com/en/pr/ Squirro COO recognized for her innovative Redefining AI podcast NEW YORK and ZURICH, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Squirro , a global leader in enterprise-grade Generative AI and knowledge graph solutions, announced Lauren Hawker Zafer, Squirro COO, has been named the winner of a Silver Stevie Award for the Most Innovative Business Podcast by or for Women in the 22nd annual Stevie Awards for Women in Business. The podcast, Redefining AI , was founded and is hosted by Hawker Zafer, a recognized AI thought leader and Top AI Voice on LinkedIn. Redefining AI is one of the very few technology podcasts hosted by a woman - with even fewer winning an award. The Stevie Awards for Women in Business honor the achievements of women executives, entrepreneurs, employees, and the companies they run - worldwide. The Stevie Award has been hailed as the world's premier business award. Positioned at the forefront of public AI education and under Hawker Zafer's direction, the Redefining AI podcast translates complex technical and ethical topics into accessible, thought-provoking conversations that empower a wide range of listeners to engage meaningfully with the future of technology, particularly in safeguarding and shaping the next generation. With a clear mission to democratize knowledge without compromising intellectual depth, Redefining AI showcases carefully curated voices: authors, scholars, researchers, activists who bridge innovation and ethics. It navigates the critical intersection of AI technology with cultural, political, and societal issues to drive informed decision-making and responsible innovation across industries. Drawing from deep expertise in enterprise AI, the podcast serves a sophisticated yet diverse audience, including C-suite executives and policymakers. Its non-commercial platform offers a space where AI's real-world implications are explored through best practices, acclaimed books, and features diverse voices from leading institutions like Stanford, MIT, NASA, and Microsoft. "I'm thrilled that Lauren has been recognized with a Silver Stevie Award for the Redefining AI podcast. Women host only a handful of tech podcasts, and award-winning ones are rarer still," said Dorian Selz, CEO and co-founder of Squirro. "Now in its fourth season and ranked in the top 10% of nearly 3.5 million global podcasts, Redefining AI is an indispensable resource for business leaders and anyone seeking to understand AI's transformative potential. With Lauren at the helm, Redefining AI is one of the most impactful AI podcasts available and an essential resource for business leaders, educators, and anyone who wants to understand AI's power in today's world." More than 1,500 entries from organizations and individuals in 48 nations and territories were submitted this year for consideration in more than 100 categories. Gold, Silver, and Bronze Stevie Award winners were determined by the average scores of more than 190 business professionals around the world, working on seven juries. "Redefining AI stands out as a powerful platform for demystifying complex AI concepts and making them accessible to everyone, from executives to educators," said the award judges for the Stevie Awards for Women in Business. "Led by Lauren Hawker Zafer, the podcast features insightful conversations with experts from institutions, exploring AI's ethical, social, and human-centered dimensions. Its awards, top rankings, and focus on topics like DEI and healthcare innovation reflect its impact and relevance. Congratulations for creating a podcast that makes AI feel personal, engaging, and essential listening for anyone curious about our tech-shaped future." Details about the Stevie Awards for Women in Business and the list of winners in all categories are available at https://Women.StevieAwards.com . Redefining AI Listen in to the Award-winning "Redefining AI" podcast , where top AI voice Lauren Hawker Zafer and leading experts unravel cutting-edge tech innovations and their incredible impact on society and you. About Squirro Squirro is the enterprise AI platform built for regulated industries, streamlining enterprise search and automating complex, custom workflows. Secure, private, scalable, permissions-aware, and fully auditable, the platform ensures that every result is accurate and verifiable. Squirro powers agentic AI applications that are grounded in the organization's unique enterprise ontology. squirro.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2660030/5622832/Squirro_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/lauren-hawker-zafer-wins-silver-stevie-award-in-2025-stevie-awards-for-women-in-business-302615443.html HAMBURG, Germany, LONDON and ZURICH, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- MCF Corporate Finance announces the appointment of Andreas Kulcsar as Partner in its London office, where he will lead the firm's Consumer practice. In addition, Robert Plechinger and Franz Schranner have been promoted to Partner in Hamburg, both having been integral members of MCF for many years and contributing significantly to the firm's growth and client success across Europe. Meanwhile, Dominik Iseli joins as Country Advisor for Switzerland, further enhancing MCF's presence and advisory capabilities in the DACH region. These appointments reflect MCF's continued commitment to expanding its international platform and strengthening sector expertise across key markets. Andreas Kulcsar - Leading MCF's Consumer practice from London Andreas Kulcsar will join MCF as Partner in the London office and will be leading the firm's Consumer practice. He brings over 20 years of international investment banking experience, most recently serving as Managing Director at Stifel, where he co-led the Consumer team across Europe. Before that, Andreas held senior roles at Bryan, Garnier & Co as Head of their European NextGen Consumer team and at DC Advisory, advising corporate clients, financial sponsors and entrepreneurs on a broad range of cross-border M&A transactions in the consumer, retail & hospitality sectors. "I am thrilled to be joining MCF at such an exciting time in the firm's growth," said Andreas Kulcsar. "The firm's international platform, entrepreneurial culture, and strong track record in mid-market M&A provide a powerful foundation to further develop the practice into a market-leading Consumer franchise. I look forward to working with colleagues and industry advisors to support our clients in achieving their strategic ambitions." - Andreas Kulcsar, Partner, MCF Corporate Finance "Andreas brings outstanding experience and relationships across the European consumer market. His appointment further strengthens our sector coverage and reflects MCF's continued commitment to building deep expertise across key industries. We are delighted to welcome him to the partnership." - Stefan Mattern, Managing Partner, MCF Corporate Finance. Robert Plechinger - New Partner enhancing MCF's Business Services practice Robert Plechinger joined MCF in 2019 and brings more than 16 years of investment banking experience. He holds a Master's degree in Banking and Finance and a Bachelor's degree in Business Administration from the University of St. Gallen (HSG). Prior to joining MCF, Robert worked for Stephens and Canaccord Genuity in Frankfurt, where he advised mid-market clients on a broad range of M&A transactions across Europe. At MCF, Robert leads the Specialist Consulting, Business Process Outsourcing and TIC & Training sub-sectors within the firm's Business Services vertical, focusing on clients in areas such as professional services, learning & development and tech-driven services. He has advised on numerous transactions in these fields, supporting entrepreneurs, corporates, and financial investors in achieving their strategic objectives. Notable recent transactions include EOS Partners' sale of mst to NIIT, the acquisition of WEKA Fachmedien by NurnbergMesse, the sale of International Motivation Training to Orlando Capital, the sale of Muehlhan to One Equity Partners, and the sale of Xantaro to KKA Partners. "I am honoured to join the MCF partnership and proud to continue contributing to the firm's success. MCF's approach combines sector expertise with a strong collaborative culture, creating a unique environment for delivering exceptional outcomes. I look forward to working with my colleagues and our clients to further strengthen our position in the dynamic business services space." - Robert Plechinger, Partner, MCF Corporate Finance. Franz Schranner - Leading MCF's Industrial Automation sub-sector Franz Schranner joined MCF in 2018, bringing experience from Fortlane (formerly goetzpartners) and Oaklins. He holds a Master's degree in Finance & Management from Cranfield School of Management and studied Economics at the University of Hamburg and Universite Paris 1 Pantheon-Sorbonne. At MCF, Franz leads the Industrial Automation sub-sector as part of the firm's ongoing verticalisation strategy, which focuses on combining deep sector expertise with cross-border execution capabilities to deliver tailored advisory solutions. In recent months, he has advised on numerous transactions, including the sale of Karl Meyer to Nehlsen, the sale of GMT Gummi-Metall-Technik's aerospace division to TriMas, IK Partners-backed MUPRO's acquisition of MSS Building Services, Southworth International Group's acquisition of Gruse Maschinenbau together with MCF's U.S. partner, D.A. Davidson. "This step marks an important milestone in my professional journey. Having worked with the firm and our talented team since 2018, I am proud of what we have achieved together. Our close collaboration across our European offices and with our U.S. partner D.A. Davidson has been instrumental in delivering outstanding results for our clients. I am grateful to my colleagues and the partnership for their trust and mentorship, and to our clients for the confidence they continue to place in us." - Franz Schranner, Partner, MCF Corporate Finance. Stefan Mattern, Managing Partner, MCF Corporate Finance, commenting on the partner promotions: "I am delighted to welcome Franz and Robert to our partnership. Having worked closely with both over the past years, I have witnessed their exceptional commitment to our clients and their strong leadership across their respective sectors. Their promotion reflects the continued strengthening of our partnership as we expand our European platform and deepen our sector expertise. Franz and Robert exemplify the entrepreneurial mindset, integrity, and collaborative culture that define MCF, and I look forward to continuing our shared journey in this next chapter." Dominik Iseli - Strengthening MCF's presence in Switzerland MCF is also pleased to welcome Dominik Iseli as Country Advisor for Switzerland. Dominik brings over a decade of experience in investment banking, most recently serving as Executive Director at UBS. His deep sector knowledge, client relationships, and regional insight will be instrumental in supporting MCF's growing presence in the Swiss market. "I am excited to become part of MCF Corporate Finance and the firm's extensive global network. Together with a highly committed team, I look forward to deepening MCF's footprint in Switzerland and contributing to the firm's continued growth and success." - Dominik Iseli, Country Advisor Switzerland, MCF Corporate Finance "We have worked on numerous Swiss transactions over the years but always felt that adding a true sense of "Swissness" would significantly enhance our relevance to local clients. From our very first conversation with Dominik, it was clear that we shared the same values - a strong focus on client needs, uncompromising quality, and an entrepreneurial spirit. I am extremely happy to welcome Dominik to MCF and look forward to working with him to further strengthen our Swiss coverage and jointly deliver outstanding client value." - Sven Harmsen, Partner, MCF Corporate Finance. CONTACT: Press contact: Elaine Kelly, kelly@mcfcorpfin.com Director Marketing, MCF Corporate Finance This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com https://news.cision.com/mcf-corporate-finance/r/mcf-corporate-finance-strengthens-european-leadership-with-new-partner-in-london--internal-partner-p,c4267175 The following files are available for download: https://news.cision.com/mcf-corporate-finance/i/new-partner-mcf-corporate-finance,c3487441 New Partner MCF Corporate Finance View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mcf-corporate-finance-strengthens-european-leadership-with-new-partner-in-london-internal-partner-promotions-in-hamburg-and-expanded-presence-in-switzerland-302615458.html SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Strutt, the ambitious young startup redefining personal mobility, hosted Strutt Day - an exclusive technology showcase where press and key partners heard the founding story, explored the technology behind the company's breakthroughs, and experienced the first hands-on demo of the STRUTT ev. The event marks a pivotal milestone for the company, giving industry voices a tangible preview ahead of the product's official unveiling at CES 2026. Strutt Day was designed to showcase not just the technology but the people and vision behind the brand. Attendees had the opportunity to meet Tony Hong, Founder & CEO, who shared Strutt's origin story and the mission to create personal mobility solutions that are intuitive, safe, and human-centered. Barney Mason, Head of Design, presented the company's design philosophy, emphasizing "Quiet Empowerment"- creating technology that disappears into daily life while giving users confidence, independence, and joy. "We started Strutt because we saw a gap between incredible technology and the real problems people face every day," said Tony Hong, Founder & CEO. "Strutt Day isn't just about our product; it's about showing the world how thoughtful design and intelligent technologies can transform lives." The STRUTT ev is a smart personal vehicle built around two core innovations: evSense system: a 360 sensing and decision-making system combining LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic, and ToF sensors for safe, real-world navigation. a 360 sensing and decision-making system combining LiDAR, cameras, ultrasonic, and ToF sensors for safe, real-world navigation. Quad-Drive System: a four-wheel active drive architecture designed for smooth, controlled movement across indoor and outdoor spaces. Attendees experienced the ev firsthand, testing its capabilities in real-world scenarios and seeing how it addresses key challenges in personal mobility: complexity, stigma, and outdated technology. The vehicle's development was guided by extensive user research, ensuring that every design choice - from armrest adjustability to joystick placement - supports independence, confidence, and dignity. "We've spent years understanding the lived experiences of mobility users," said Barney Mason, Head of Design. "Every detail of the ev, from chassis to interface, is shaped by people, not just technology. Our goal is to make movement feel natural, empowering, and joyful." Strutt Day also celebrated early industry recognition. The ev has already earned the only 2025 Red Dot: Luminary for design excellence, and received the 2026 CES Best of Innovation award for Vehicle Technology & Advanced Mobility category. As a pre-launch milestone, Strutt Day demonstrates the company's ability to blend cutting-edge robotics with human-centered design, creating products that solve real problems while preparing the brand for its CES 2026 debut. The event underscores Strutt's growing role in the mobility market and sets the stage for a high-profile introduction of the ev to a global audience. "Personal mobility isn't just about transportation; it's about confidence, independence, and joy," added Tony Hong. "Strutt Day gives the world a glimpse of the future we're building, one that will officially arrive at CES 2026." About Strutt Inc. Incorporated in Singapore, Strutt is a leading mobility technology company bringing together world-leading experts in advanced sensing, autonomous robotics, and intelligent product design. Backed by renowned investors including Matter Venture Partners and Vertex Ventures, Strutt combines people-centered research with innovative R&D-manufacturing methodologies to create the smartest, safest, and most user-friendly personal mobility solutions. Find out more: Strutt | Home For media kit, please refer to the folder here. High-resolution images and additional media materials are available upon request. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823074/M403736.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823075/R500359.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2589676/Strutt_logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/strutt-marks-milestone-with-strutt-day-giving-media-first-look-at-ev-ahead-of-ces-2026-premiere-302615465.html Original-Research: tonies SE - from NuWays AG 14.11.2025 / 10:25 CET/CEST Dissemination of a Research, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group . The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this research. The result of this research does not constitute investment advice or an invitation to conclude certain stock exchange transactions. Classification of NuWays AG to tonies SE Company Name: tonies SE ISIN: LU2333563281 Reason for the research: Update Recommendation: BUY from: 14.11.2025 Target price: EUR 11.00 Target price on sight of: 12 months Last rating change: Analyst: Henry Wendisch Strong TB2 traction and order timing drive strong Q3 results Yesterday, tonies released a very strong Q3 trading statement, beating our regional and categorytopline estimates. In detail: Group sales grew by 52% yoy to 145m (eNuW: 124m). Following the atypical, modest growthvisible in Q2 (+16% yoy vs. 33% in FY24 and 24% in Q1 '25), the company has shown a strongmomentum recovery. Although we expected this recovery (eNuW: 30% yoy growth in Q3), the extent came as a positive surprise. TB2 launch carried strong phase-in effects. In September, tonies launched the first iteration of itscore product, called the Toniebox 2 (TB2). Before that, Q2 saw a 12% yoy decline in sales fromTonieboxes, as retailers stopped ordering the TB1 and waited until Q3 to fill inventories withthe new TB2. At that time, the decline surprised the market, as the TB2 launch was communicatedonly after Q2 results. This led to strong phase-in effects and Toniebox sales increased by astaggering 59% yoy to 40m (eNuW: 35m). Moreover, management also highlighted that asubstantial part of the strong performance stems from upgrades, where existing TB1 ownerspurchased the new TB2. Mind you, the launch of TB2 (for end customers) started on Sept. 15, 2025in DACH, whereas US and ROW roll-out began on 5th October and thus in Q4. Revenue growth in DACH climbed back to old levels, with sales growing by 45% yoy to 61m (eNuW: 54m), mostly due to the phase-in effects mentioned above. North America also experienced a strong sales growth of 47% yoy to 54m (eNuW: 45m), followed by RoW, which delivered a remarkable 83% yoy growth to 30m (eNuW: 28m). Figurines grew driven by TB2 and new launches. Given that Tonies figurines are usually bought inparallel to a Toniebox purchase, Tonies figurines sales surged 48% yoy to 99m (eNuW: 85m),also carried by robust uptake of recent releases, including My First Tonies,Tonieplay, and the US best-seller Ms. Rachel Tonie. Mind you, Tonies figurines make up ~70% of sales and carrystructurally higher margins than the boxes. tonies set to reach guidance if a strong Q4 follows. Management expects another record quarterin Q4, which typically makes up ~50% of FY revenues. Based on our Q4 estimate of 276m (+16%yoy), we expect FY '25 sales of 598m, slightly below the "more than 600m sales" guidance target. Firstly, we factor in some EUR/USD FX-headwinds (guidance is in constant currency) andsecondly expect some demand to have pre-shifted into Q3, which would usually materialize in Q4during the holiday season. Nevertheless, we regard the TB2 as a very potent product and wouldnot rule out an estimate beat on the upcoming Christmas season. Overall, we maintain our strong conviction on the investment case, supported by the high revenue potential stemming from the new product family, and the proven profitability of tonies' businessmodel, which should increase as the company scales internationally. Therefore, we reiterate our BUYrating, and keep our PT unchanged at 11.00, based on DCF You can download the research here: 251114tonies For additional information visit our website: https://www.nuways-ag.com/research-feed Contact for questions: NuWays AG - Equity Research Web: www.nuways-ag.com Email: research@nuways-ag.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nuwaysag Adresse: Mittelweg 16-17, 20148 Hamburg, Germany ++++++++++ Diese Meldung ist keine Anlageberatung oder Aufforderung zum Abschluss bestimmter Borsengeschafte. Offenlegung moglicher Interessenskonflikte nach 85 WpHG beim oben analysierten Unternehmen befinden sich in der vollstandigen Analyse. ++++++++++ The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases. View original content: EQS News SHENZHEN, China, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- RLX Technology Inc. ("RLX Technology" or the "Company") (NYSE: RLX), a leading global branded e-vapor company, today announced its unaudited financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. Third Quarter 202 5 Financial Highlights Net revenues were RMB1,129.3 million (US$158.6 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB756.3 million in the same period of 2024. were RMB1,129.3 million (US$158.6 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB756.3 million in the same period of 2024. Gross margin was 31.2% in the third quarter of 2025, compared with 27.2% in the same period of 2024. was 31.2% in the third quarter of 2025, compared with 27.2% in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations [1] was RMB187.8 million (US$26.4 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB84.0 million in the same period of 2024. was RMB187.8 million (US$26.4 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB84.0 million in the same period of 2024. U.S. GAAP net income was RMB206.8 million (US$29.1 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB169.4 million in the same period of 2024. was RMB206.8 million (US$29.1 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB169.4 million in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP net income 1 was RMB295.4 million (US$41.5 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB263.6 million in the same period of 2024. "We delivered another strong performance across the board in the third quarter despite persistent macro and regulatory challenges," said Ms.?Ying?(Kate)?Wang, Co-founder, Chairperson, and Chief Executive Officer of?RLX?Technology. "Our disciplined execution on international expansion and innovation is translating into tangible growth. Internationally, we extended our leadership in key Asia?Pacific and European markets through targeted investments in retail networks and tailored local product platforms. In Mainland?China, enhanced customs enforcement has helped restore order to the market and competitive environment for compliant players, fueling a measured recovery of our business. We are proud of the successful rollout of our proprietary modern-oral product line in the United Kingdom, reflecting years of R&D investments to unlock development opportunities among new user segments. As we cultivate a diversified, global brand synonymous with quality, we remain confident in shaping the future of the smokeless industry and delivering lasting value to our stakeholders." Mr.?Chao?Lu, Chief?Financial?Officer of RLX Technology, commented, "Third-quarter net revenues soared?49.3% year-over-year to?RMB1.13?billion, while non-GAAP operating income more than doubled to?RMB187.8?million. These results demonstrate the strength of our diversified growth model?propelled by organic share gains in existing international markets, high-return capital deployment in Europe, and a steady rebound in Mainland?China. Our balance sheet remains robust, enabling consistent capital returns. To date, including the cash dividend announced today, we have returned over US$500?million to shareholders through repurchases and dividends, further reinforcing our commitment to long-term value creation and sustainable profitability." Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results Net revenues were RMB1,129.3 million (US$158.6 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB756.3 million in the same period of 2024. The increase was mainly driven by our equity investment in European markets, organic growth of our international business, and the gradual recovery of our Mainland China business. Net revenues from international business represented 71.6% of our net revenues for the period. Gross profit was RMB352.6 million (US$49.5 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB206.0 million in the same period of 2024. Gross margin was 31.2% in the third quarter of 2025, compared with 27.2% in the same period of 2024. The increase was primarily due to our equity investment in European markets, a favorable change in revenue mix by geography, and gross margin improvement in major international markets. Operating expenses were RMB259.3 million (US$36.4 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB216.6 million in the same period of 2024. The increase was primarily due to an increase in salaries and welfare expenses, shipping expenses, slightly offset by an overall decrease in share-based compensation expenses. Selling expenses were RMB132.3 million (US$18.6 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB69.0 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to an increase in salaries and welfare expenses, share-based compensation expenses, and shipping expenses. General and administrative expenses were RMB85.7 million (US$12.0 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB123.2 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to a decrease in share-based compensation expenses, slightly offset by an increase in salaries and welfare expenses. Research and development expenses were RMB41.3 million (US$5.8 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB24.4 million in the same period of 2024, primarily due to an increase in share-based compensation expenses, and salaries and welfare expenses. U.S. GAAP i ncome from operations was RMB93.3 million (US$13.1 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with U.S. GAAP loss from operations of RMB10.7 million in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP income from operations was RMB187.8 million (US$26.4 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB84.0 million in the same period of 2024. Income tax expense was RMB45.9 million (US$6.5 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB30.4 million in the same period of 2024. U.S. GAAP net income was RMB206.8 million (US$29.1 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB169.4 million in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP net income was RMB295.4 million (US$41.5 million) in the third quarter of 2025, compared with RMB263.6 million in the same period of 2024. U.S. GAAP basic and diluted net income per American depositary share ("ADS") were RMB0.167 (US$0.023) and RMB0.157 (US$0.022), respectively, in the third quarter of 2025, compared with U.S. GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.135 and RMB0.129, respectively, in the same period of 2024. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS[2] were RMB0.236 (US$0.033) and RMB0.221(US$0.031), respectively, in the third quarter of 2025, compared with non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS of RMB0.212 and RMB0.202, respectively, in the same period of 2024. Balance Sheet and Cash Flow As of September 30, 2025, the Company had cash and cash equivalents, restricted cash, short-term bank deposits, net, short-term investments, net, long-term bank deposits, net and long-term investment securities, net, of RMB15,351.1 million (US$2,156.4 million), compared with RMB15,524.3 million as of June 30, 2025. In the third quarter of 2025, net cash generated from operating activities was RMB357.5 million (US$50.2 million). [1] Non-GAAP net income and non-GAAP income from operations are non-GAAP financial measures. For more information on the Company's non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. [2] Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is a non-GAAP financial measure. For more information on the Company's non-GAAP financial measures, please see the section "Non-GAAP Financial Measures" and the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. Shareholder Returns The Company announced that its Board of Directors approved a cash dividend of US$0.1 per ordinary share, or US$0.1 per ADS, to holders of ordinary shares and holders of ADSs, respectively, as of the close of business on January 26, 2026 Beijing/Hong Kong Time and New York Time, respectively, payable in U.S. dollars. The payment date is expected to be on or around February 2, 2026 and on or around February 9, 2026 for holders of ordinary shares and holders of ADSs, respectively. Including the cash dividend announced today, we have cumulatively returned approximately US$171 million through cash dividend programs. Pursuant to the Company's up-to-US$500 million share repurchase program, which has an extended expiration date of December 2025, the Company had cumulatively repurchased 170 million ordinary shares represented by ADS for an aggregate amount of US$330 million as of September 30, 2025. Conference Call The Company's management will host an earnings conference call at 7:00 AM U.S. Eastern Time on November 14, 2025 (8:00 PM Beijing/Hong Kong Time on November 14, 2025). Dial-in details for the earnings conference call are as follows: United States (toll-free): +1-888-317-6003 International: +1-412-317-6061 Hong Kong, China (toll-free): +800-963-976 Hong Kong, China: +852-5808-1995 Mainland China: 400-120-6115 Participant Code (English line): 2869014 Participant Code (Chinese simultaneous interpretation line): 7381962 Participants can choose between the English and Chinese simultaneous interpretation options as above to join the conference call. Please note that the Chinese simultaneous interpretation option is in listen-only mode. Participants should dial in 10 minutes before the scheduled start time and ask to be connected to the call for "RLX Technology Inc." with the Participant Code as set forth above. Additionally, a live and archived webcast of the conference call will be available on the Company's investor relations website at https://ir.relxtech.com. A replay of the conference call will be accessible approximately two hours after the conclusion of the call until November 21, 2025, by dialing the following telephone numbers: United States: +1-877-344-7529 International: +1-412-317-0088 Replay Access Code (English line): 5641887 Replay Access Code (Chinese line) 4042658 About RLX Technology Inc. RLX Technology Inc. (NYSE: RLX) is a leading global branded e-vapor company. The Company leverages its strong in-house technology, product development capabilities and in-depth insights into adult smokers' needs to develop superior e-vapor products. For more information, please visit: http://ir.relxtech.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures The Company uses non-GAAP net income, non-GAAP income from operations and non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS, each a non-GAAP financial measure, in evaluating its operating results and for financial and operational decision-making purposes. Non-GAAP net income represents net income excluding share-based compensation expenses, amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step-up in business acquisitions, and tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments. Non-GAAP income from operations represents net income from operations excluding share-based compensation expenses and amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step-up in business acquisitions. Non-GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS is computed using non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. and the same number of ADSs used in U.S. GAAP basic and diluted net income per ADS calculation. The Company presents these non-GAAP financial measures because they are used by the management to evaluate its operating performance and formulate business plans. The Company believes that they help identify underlying trends in its business that could otherwise be distorted by the effect of certain expenses that are included in net income. The Company also believes that the use of the non-GAAP measures facilitates investors' assessment of its operating performance, as they could provide useful information about its operating results, enhances the overall understanding of its past performance and future prospects, and allows for greater visibility with respect to key metrics used by the management in its financial and operational decision making. The non-GAAP financial measures are not defined under U.S. GAAP and are not presented in accordance with U.S. GAAP. The non-GAAP financial measures have limitations as analytical tools. They should not be considered in isolation or construed as an alternative to net income, basic and diluted net income per ADS or any other measure of performance or as an indicator of its operating performance. Investors are encouraged to review its historical non-GAAP financial measures against the most directly comparable U.S. GAAP measures. The non-GAAP financial measures here may not be comparable to similarly titled measures presented by other companies. Other companies may calculate similarly titled measures differently, limiting their usefulness as comparative measures to our data. The Company encourages investors and others to review its financial information in its entirety and not rely on any single financial measure. For more information on the non-GAAP financial measures, please see the table captioned "Unaudited Reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP Results" set forth at the end of this press release. Exchange Rate Information This announcement contains translations of certain RMB amounts into U.S. dollars at a specified rate solely for the convenience of the reader. Unless otherwise noted, all translations from RMB to U.S. dollars and from U.S. dollars to RMB are made at a rate of RMB7.1190 to US$1.00, the exchange rate on September 30, 2025, set forth in the H.10 statistical release of the Federal Reserve Board. The Company makes no representation that the RMB or U.S. dollar amounts referred could be converted into U.S. dollars or RMB, as the case may be, at any particular rate or at all. Safe Harbor Statement This announcement contains forward-looking statements. These statements are made under the "safe harbor" provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements can be identified by terminology such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "aim," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "believe," "is/are likely to," "potential," "continue" and similar statements. Among other things, quotations from management in this announcement, as well as the Company's strategic and operational plans, contain forward-looking statements. The Company may also make written or oral forward-looking statements in its periodic reports to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, in its annual report to shareholders, in press releases and other written materials and in oral statements made by its officers, directors or employees to third parties. Statements that are not historical facts, including but not limited to statements about the Company's beliefs and expectations, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. A number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement, including but not limited to the following: the Company's growth strategies; its future business development, results of operations and financial condition; trends and competition in the global e-vapor market; changes in its revenues and certain cost or expense items; governmental policies, laws and regulations across various jurisdictions relating to the Company's industry, and general economic and business conditions globally and in China and assumptions underlying or related to any of the foregoing. Further information regarding these risks, uncertainties or factors is included in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All information provided in this press release and in the attachments is current as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update such information, except as required under applicable law. For more information, please contact: In China: RLX Technology Inc. Head of Capital Markets Sam Tsang Email: [email protected] Piacente Financial Communications Jenny Cai Tel: +86-10-6508-0677 Email: [email protected] In the United States: Piacente Financial Communications Brandi Piacente Tel: +1-212-481-2050 Email: [email protected] RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS (All amounts in thousands) As of December 31, September 30, September 30, 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB US$ ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents 5,593,492 3,457,085 485,614 Restricted cash 50,867 119,392 16,771 Short-term bank deposits, net 2,179,886 3,134,566 440,310 Receivables from online payment platforms 4,722 7,123 1,000 Short-term investments 719,755 1,877,796 263,772 Accounts and notes receivable, net 78,484 202,455 28,439 Inventories 142,552 230,953 32,442 Amounts due from related parties 346,132 143,398 20,143 Prepayments and other current assets, net 185,091 409,859 57,573 Total current assets 9,300,981 9,582,627 1,346,064 Non-current assets: Property, equipment and leasehold improvement, net 50,787 175,507 24,653 Intangible assets, net 52,796 226,870 31,868 Long-term investments, net 8,000 8,330 1,170 Deferred tax assets, net 38,067 42,215 5,930 Right-of-use assets, net 24,110 53,232 7,478 Long-term bank deposits, net 727,448 232,842 32,707 Long-term investment securities, net 6,599,365 6,529,438 917,185 Goodwill 59,581 569,818 80,042 Other non-current assets, net 9,914 10,019 1,407 Total non-current assets 7,570,068 7,848,271 1,102,440 Total assets 16,871,049 17,430,898 2,448,504 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Accounts and notes payable 458,538 338,672 47,573 Contract liabilities 10,610 94,095 13,217 Salary and welfare benefits payable 73,740 79,744 11,202 Taxes payable 126,154 210,839 29,616 Short-term loan 40,000 113,345 15,921 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 108,816 145,755 20,474 Amounts due to related parties 27,401 24,804 3,484 Dividend payable 1,144 - - Lease liabilities - current portion 11,447 22,745 3,195 Total current liabilities 857,850 1,029,999 144,682 Non-current liabilities: Deferred tax liabilities 16,196 110,834 15,569 Lease liabilities - non-current portion 7,050 29,372 4,126 Other non-current liability - 69,119 9,710 Total non-current liabilities 23,246 209,325 29,405 Total liabilities 881,096 1,239,324 174,087 Shareholders' Equity: Total RLX Technology Inc. shareholders' equity 15,988,216 16,100,599 2,261,638 Noncontrolling interests 1,737 90,975 12,779 Total shareholders' equity 15,989,953 16,191,574 2,274,417 Total liabilities and shareholders' equity 16,871,049 17,430,898 2,448,504 RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF COMPREHENSIVE INCOME (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net revenues 756,288 879,952 1,129,271 158,628 1,935,087 2,817,523 395,775 Cost of revenues (473,379) (552,037) (681,295) (95,701) (1,201,701) (1,710,858) (240,323) Excise tax on products (76,933) (85,835) (95,417) (13,403) (226,775) (281,075) (39,482) Gross profit 205,976 242,080 352,559 49,524 506,611 825,590 115,970 Operating expenses: Selling expenses (68,975) (84,649) (132,335) (18,589) (184,097) (275,973) (38,766) General and administrative expenses (123,226) (88,406) (85,722) (12,041) (362,177) (241,596) (33,937) Research and development expenses (24,435) (30,067) (41,251) (5,794) (55,935) (98,373) (13,818) Total operating expenses (216,636) (203,122) (259,308) (36,424) (602,209) (615,942) (86,521) (Loss)/income from operations (10,660) 38,958 93,251 13,100 (95,598) 209,648 29,449 Other income : Interest income, net 156,659 142,851 139,669 19,619 469,724 418,473 58,783 Investment income 13,070 24,832 8,587 1,206 38,564 41,805 5,872 Others, net 40,745 40,324 11,266 1,582 92,427 80,733 11,340 Income before income tax 199,814 246,965 252,773 35,507 505,117 750,659 105,444 Income tax expense (30,423) (28,470) (45,948) (6,454) (68,156) (102,599) (14,412) Net income 169,391 218,495 206,825 29,053 436,961 648,060 91,032 Less: net income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3,737 1,378 3,662 514 7,085 5,740 806 Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. 165,654 217,117 203,163 28,539 429,876 642,320 90,226 Other comprehensive (loss)/income: Foreign currency translation adjustments (181,148) (26,510) (79,554) (11,175) (124,268) (121,735) (17,100) Unrealized income on long-term investment securities 5,292 698 2,254 317 5,984 5,019 705 Total other comprehensive (loss)/income (175,856) (25,812) (77,300) (10,858) (118,284) (116,716) (16,395) Total comprehensive (loss)/income (6,465) 192,683 129,525 18,195 318,677 531,344 74,637 Less: total comprehensive income attributable to noncontrolling interests 3,730 632 5,270 740 7,078 6,538 918 Total comprehensive (loss)/income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. (10,195) 192,051 124,255 17,455 311,599 524,806 73,719 Net income per ordinary share/ADS Basic 0.135 0.178 0.167 0.023 0.348 0.526 0.074 Diluted 0.129 0.166 0.157 0.022 0.333 0.495 0.070 Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs Basic 1,225,417,517 1,221,705,674 1,215,324,092 1,215,324,092 1,234,501,619 1,221,079,766 1,221,079,766 Diluted 1,287,927,444 1,309,486,924 1,295,380,218 1,295,380,218 1,289,831,349 1,297,712,264 1,297,712,264 RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. UNAUDITED RECONCILIATION OF GAAP AND NON-GAAP RESULTS (All amounts in thousands, except for share and per share data) For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 ( As adjusted) (a) ( As adjusted) (a) RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ (Loss)/income from operations (10,660) 38,958 93,251 13,100 (95,598) 209,648 29,449 Add: share-based compensation expenses Selling expenses 5,768 13,262 16,732 2,350 19,543 33,304 4,678 General and administrative expenses 85,295 38,368 44,086 6,193 244,735 106,725 14,992 Research and development expenses 1,446 7,188 9,593 1,347 (18,747) 17,526 2,462 Amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step up in business acquisitions Cost of revenues - 13,347 13,272 1,864 - 26,619 3,739 Selling expenses 2,114 4,881 10,361 1,455 6,377 17,245 2,422 General and administrative expenses 30 167 491 69 90 686 96 Non-GAAP income from operations 83,993 116,171 187,786 26,378 156,400 411,753 57,838 Net income 169,391 218,495 206,825 29,053 436,961 648,060 91,032 Add: share-based compensation expenses 92,509 58,818 70,411 9,890 245,531 157,555 22,132 Amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step up in business acquisitions 2,144 18,395 24,124 3,388 6,467 44,550 6,257 Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments (448) (4,513) (5,944) (835) (1,352) (10,882) (1,529) Non-GAAP net income 263,596 291,195 295,416 41,496 687,607 839,283 117,892 Net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. 165,654 217,117 203,163 28,539 429,876 642,320 90,226 Add: share-based compensation expenses 92,509 58,818 70,411 9,890 245,531 157,555 22,132 Amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step up in business acquisitions(b) 2,144 13,002 16,834 2,365 6,467 31,867 4,476 Tax effects on non-GAAP adjustments(b) (448) (3,164) (4,122) (579) (1,352) (7,711) (1,083) Non-GAAP net income attributable to RLX Technology Inc. 259,859 285,773 286,286 40,215 680,522 824,031 115,751 Non-GAAP net income per ordinary share/ADS - Basic 0.212 0.234 0.236 0.033 0.551 0.675 0.095 - Diluted 0.202 0.218 0.221 0.031 0.528 0.635 0.089 Weighted average number of ordinary shares/ADSs - Basic 1,225,417,517 1,221,705,674 1,215,324,092 1,215,324,092 1,234,501,619 1,221,079,766 1,221,079,766 - Diluted 1,287,927,444 1,309,486,924 1,295,380,218 1,295,380,218 1,289,831,349 1,297,712,264 1,297,712,264 Note (a): The Company completed the acquisition of the acquired company on May 31, 2025, which was accounted for as a business combination. Beginning in Q2 2025, the Company included the amortization and depreciation of assets arising from fair value step-up in business acquisitions, as well as the associated tax impact, in the reconciliation items for GAAP and Non-GAAP results. The Company has retrospectively adjusted the above unaudited reconciliation of GAAP and Non-GAAP results for the prior quarter. The Company believes these changes provide management and investors with more useful information to evaluate the operations of its business. Note (b): The amortization and depreciation expense and related tax effect attributable to noncontrolling interests have been excluded from the presentation in the reconciliation items for GAAP and Non-GAAP results. RLX TECHNOLOGY INC. UNAUDITED CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS (All amounts in thousands) For the three months ended For the nine months ended September 30, June 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2024 2025 2025 2025 2024 2025 2025 RMB RMB RMB US$ RMB RMB US$ Net cash generated from operating activities 156,554 229,616 357,546 50,224 357,338 794,327 111,578 Net cash generated/(used in) from investing activities 139,120 (816,501) (343,188) (48,207) 1,116,917 (2,146,855) (301,567) Net cash used in from financing activities (74,780) (326,948) (370,205) (52,002) (547,665) (682,718) (95,901) Effect of foreign exchange rate changes on cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash (45,818) 2,436 (27,032) (3,797) (32,883) (32,636) (4,583) Net increase/(decrease) in cash and cash equivalents and restricted cash 175,076 (911,397) (382,879) (53,782) 893,707 (2,067,882) (290,473) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the beginning of the period 3,138,689 4,870,753 3,959,356 556,167 2,420,058 5,644,359 792,858 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash at the end of the period 3,313,765 3,959,356 3,576,477 502,385 3,313,765 3,576,477 502,385 SOURCE RLX Technology Inc. Commitment underscores a shared agenda to accelerate evidence-based innovation in eye care, with Heidelberg Engineering contributing to CCOI's AMD and Glaucoma workstreams Heidelberg, Germany, Nov. 14, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Heidelberg, Germany - November 14, 2025 - Heidelberg Engineering today announced that it is joining the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI) as part of its parent company EssilorLuxottica's Vision Architect membership - CCOI's highest level of industry participation. The step reflects a long-term commitment to advance patient-centric innovation through multi-stakeholder collaboration, rigorous science, and global consensus-building. CCOI is a public-private forum that convenes patients, clinicians, researchers, regulators, industry, and payors to speed the development, evaluation, and adoption of ophthalmic medical products. As part of the program, Heidelberg Engineering will participate in CCOI's age-related macular degeneration (AMD) and glaucoma streams, working with partners to align on clinically meaningful endpoints, interoperable data standards, and pathways that help promising technologies reach patients sooner - without compromising safety or quality. "Heidelberg Engineering has built its reputation on high-quality, multimodal ophthalmic imaging that is trusted across routine care, clinical studies, and vision-science research," said Kfir Azoulay, Managing Director of Heidelberg Engineering, who will be appointed to represent the company within the CCOI working groups. "By engaging in CCOI's workstreams in general, and AMD and glaucoma in particular, we aim to contribute our imaging and data expertise to consensus efforts on endpoints, validation frameworks, and real-world deployment so that innovative diagnostics and therapies can be responsibly integrated into care." "At EssilorLuxottica, our commitment to science is measured in deeds, not words," said Dr. Norbert Gorny, Chief Science Officer (CSO) of EssilorLuxottica. "Joining CCOI at the highest level reflects that commitment and our belief in collaborative, evidence-based progress. We will bring representation from across our group to this effort, and we're especially pleased that Heidelberg Engineering will contribute to the AMD and Glaucoma workstreams - bringing decades of strength in imaging and data to help accelerate innovation in eye care." "CCOI connects every stakeholder in the innovation ecosystem so that evidence, not geography or silos, defines the path to patient access," said Malvina Eydelman, MD, Chief Executive Officer of CCOI. "We welcome Heidelberg Engineering's participation via EssilorLuxottica's Vision Architect membership, reflecting a strong dedication to advancing the science, standards, and trust that drive responsible innovation in eye care." Advancing a shared agenda Alignment on endpoints and study design. Heidelberg Engineering will support CCOI efforts to define and validate patient-centered, clinically meaningful measures - particularly those leveraging structural and functional imaging - to de-risk clinical development for various ocular pathologies. Heidelberg Engineering will support CCOI efforts to define and validate patient-centered, clinically meaningful measures - particularly those leveraging structural and functional imaging - to de-risk clinical development for various ocular pathologies. Data quality, standards, and interoperability. Building on its experience with multimodal OCT/SLO platforms and longitudinal datasets, Heidelberg Engineering will contribute to standards initiatives that improve data fidelity, reproducibility, and cross-site comparability. Building on its experience with multimodal OCT/SLO platforms and longitudinal datasets, Heidelberg Engineering will contribute to standards initiatives that improve data fidelity, reproducibility, and cross-site comparability. Ethical, real-world deployment of AI and digital tools. Heidelberg Engineering will engage in CCOI dialogs on AI evaluation, reference standards, and implementation science to ensure AI-enabled workflows improve access, equity, and outcomes. Heidelberg Engineering will engage in CCOI dialogs on AI evaluation, reference standards, and implementation science to ensure AI-enabled workflows improve access, equity, and outcomes. Education and awareness. Together with CCOI partners, Heidelberg Engineering will help promote evidence-based best practices and expand awareness of vision science advances across clinical, regulatory, and patient communities. About Heidelberg Engineering. Heidelberg Engineering pioneers imaging and data technologies to optimize ophthalmic solutions that empower eye care professionals who want to improve the holistic health of patients. Since 1990, uncompromising quality and education play a large part in fostering the diagnostic confidence that has become synonymous with the global brand. The SPECTRALIS multi-modal imaging platform for the posterior segment offers unparalleled retinal image quality and reproducibility, supporting the diagnosis and treatment of glaucoma, AMD, diabetic retinopathy and many other retinal diseases. The ANTERION multi-disciplinary imaging platform is an easy-to-use, all-in-one anterior segment solution, with all measurements based solely on high-quality OCT technology. The HEYEX 2 image management and device integration platform manages all diagnostic images and supports workflow efficiency with standardized data and interfaces. About the Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOI) The Collaborative Community on Ophthalmic Innovation (CCOl) is a global catalyst for accelerating the development and adoption of medical products. By uniting all stakeholders- patients, clinicians, researchers, regulators, and industry-CCOl provides a trusted forum to identify challenges, align strategies, and implement solutions that drive clinical innovation. Its mission is to remove barriers between breakthrough innovations and the patients who need them, unlocking the eye's potential to advance both ophthalmology and broader healthcare. Attachment CCOI (https://ml.globenewswire.com/Resource/Download/f9738642-1f94-48e9-8145-7488b216938c) Josefine van't Hof Heidelberg Engineering GmbH +49 1627239532 josefine.vanthof@heidelbergengineering.com DUBLIN, IE / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Nemysis Limited is pleased to announce the signing of a Subscription Agreement (the "Agreement") under which Kolinpharma, through its Parent company IGEA Holding S.p.A., has invested in the capital of Nemysis. The proceeds from the issue of shares will be used to accelerate the commercialization of the Company's novel and innovative oral iron supplement, Iron Hydroxide Adipate Tartrate ("IHAT"), expand Nemysis' broader product portfolio, and support the completion of development and initial commercial manufacturing of Endoprotease 40, the Company's oral enzymatic therapy designed to degrade gluten and prevent symptomatic exposure in both celiac and non-celiac gluten-sensitive individuals. This investment represents a further commitment under the Company's current funding round and serves as a significant endorsement from a commercial partner operating in markets directly aligned with Nemysis' products. It is also expected to strengthen ongoing funding discussions with private investors. Commenting on the Agreement, Danilo Casadei Massari, Chairman & CEO of Nemysis, stated: "We are very pleased to welcome Kolinpharma's investment and support. With its extensive experience across markets aligned with our portfolio and its strong position in the Italian healthcare sector-where it successfully commercializes "IHAT" under its own trademark , Kipfer-Kolinpharma represents an ideal strategic partner for Nemysis. Rita Paola Petrelli, President of Kolinpharma S.p.A and Igea Holding S.p.A, added: "We are proud to support Nemysis in advancing its innovative product portfolio. This partnership aligns with our mission to promote health and wellbeing, with a primary focus on the Italian market and growing international opportunities. We see strong potential for future collaborations as both a shareholder and strategic stakeholder." About Kolinpharma KOLINPHARMA S.p.A., founded in 2013, is an innovative and Multi-Certified SME operating in the nutraceutical sector, specializing in Research and Development activities carried out exclusively by its internal R&D Department. For the execution of in vitro and clinical studies, the Company collaborates with leading Italian universities. Its in-house R&D department has enabled the registration of 51 patents (both Italian and international). Strongly committed to sustainability, the Company began reporting on ESG matters starting with its 2019 Sustainability Report, obtained Benefit Corporation status in 2021, and achieved B-CORP certification in 2024. Kolinpharma products are developed using innovative and technologically advanced raw materials and, under the recommendation of medical specialist, are intended to support pharmacological treatments in the osteoarticular, urological, gynecological, neurological, and immunological fields. The efficacy of Kolinpharma's products is supported by extensive scientific evidence, including in vitro and clinical studies, with results published in international technical and scientific journals. SOURCE: Nemysis Limited View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/nemysis-limited-announces-investment-by-kolinpharma-through-its-paren-1101873 LISBON, Portugal, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The World Digital Foundation today announced the publication of a new independent report revealing that Portugal's Golden Visa Residency by Investment Programme has delivered far-reaching economic contributions well beyond its initial capital inflows. Since its inception in 2012, the programme has attracted more than 9 billion in direct investment, creating an estimated 54.3 billion in wider economic impact across real estate, regulated investment funds, innovation sectors, sustainable development, and job creation nationwide. The report finds that for every 1 invested through the programme, approximately 6 is generated in broader economic activity. Key beneficiaries include construction, financial services, professional services, education, tourism, and retail consumption. According to the study, approximately 20 percent of Golden Visa investors reinvest further capital into Portugal within two to five years. These follow-on investments are directed toward business expansion, innovation ventures, private equity, and ESG-aligned projects, often exceeding 1 million per investor. "Portugal's Golden Visa is no longer just a residency investment pathway. It has become a long-term economic engine that attracts globally mobile entrepreneurs and sophisticated investors," said a spokesperson for the World Digital Foundation. "The findings show that the programme has played a measurable role in employment growth, fiscal strengthening, and the development of high-value sectors aligned with Portugal's future economy." Key Findings from the Report 9 billion direct investment (2012-2025) 54.3 billion total economic output generated (6x multiplier effect) 25,000-30,000 jobs supported nationwide 1.5-2 billion generated in VAT and stamp duties 500 million+ in annual investor-driven consumption 1 in 5 investors contribute additional capital averaging over 1 million per investor The research highlights that the programme has strengthened Portugal's credit position, contributing to its current A+ sovereign rating by reinforcing market confidence and fiscal resilience. As policy has evolved to prioritise regulated funds and innovation-linked capital deployment, the Golden Visa is increasingly supporting sectors that align with national sustainability and modernisation priorities. These include renewable energy, biotech, green real estate, healthcare, and digital infrastructure. Adds Paul Stannard, founder and CEO of Portugal Pathways and the Portugal Investment Owners Club, which supports high-net-worth individuals navigate their Golden Visa journey: "The Golden Visa was introduced to stimulate foreign investment and attract globally mobile talent. "More than a decade later, its evolution shows that the programme's real success lies in the ecosystem it has built: a globally trusted residency framework within the EU and Schengen zone, a magnet for internationally mobile professionals, and a generator of investment into productive sectors. "The programme's credibility has also enhanced Portugal's international reputation as a 'Switzerland South' a stable, transparent, and lifestyle-driven hub for high-net-worth individuals and family offices. "Maintaining this trust is essential: around the world, investor confidence can quickly erode when governments fail to uphold their principles or reverse established programmes. "We are hopeful that families who, through no fault of their own, have seen their applications delayed being processed, will be allowed to continue to support Portugal's upward trajectory as part of the changes to the Nationality Law." "Portugal has demonstrated policy stability and a transparent regulatory framework," the World Digital Foundation spokesperson added. "This has underpinned the nation's reputation as a trusted European gateway for investment. Investors and family offices often refer to Portugal as 'Switzerland South,' reflecting its reliability and long-term orientation." The full report is available for download on the World Digital Foundation website. Download the report: English Translation Report Download Portuguese Translation Report Download World Digital Foundation Website: www.worlddigitalfoundation.com View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/world-digital-foundation-releases-independent-report-showing-portugals-golden-visa-has-generated-over-54-billion-in-economic-impact-302615523.html BizClik opens entries for its flagship awards recognising leadership, innovation, and corporate excellence in procurement and supply chain across the US and Canada; black-tie ceremony set for 21 April 2026 at Navy Pier, co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The US Awards. LONDON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BizClik, the global B2B media and events company behind Supply Chain Digital and Procurement Magazine, announces that entries are now open for Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Awards 2026. Honouring standout companies and leaders across the United States and Canada, the awards celebrate excellence in procurement, supply chain, and sustainability, recognising the strategies and teams setting new benchmarks for performance, resilience, and impact. The black-tie awards ceremony will take place on 21 April 2026 at Navy Pier, Chicago, immediately following Day 1 of Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE : The US Summit (21-22 April). The ceremony will be co-located with Sustainability LIVE: The US Awards, uniting three powerhouse brands - Supply Chain Digital , Procurement Magazine , and Sustainability Magazine for an evening that champions leadership, innovation, and responsible growth. Quote - Glen White, Founder & CEO, BizClik: "By bringing Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Awards together with Sustainability LIVE: The US Awards, we're celebrating the leaders who deliver results and responsibility in equal measure. This combined platform recognises the executives and teams redefining what great looks like across North America, data-driven, digitally enabled, and sustainably led." Award Categories The Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Awards will celebrate excellence across 16 categories, equally recognising achievements in both procurement and supply chain. Key categories include: Chief Procurement Officer of the Year Supply Chain Team of the Year Innovation in Digital Transformation Sustainability & ESG Leadership Supplier Diversity & Inclusion Initiative Company of the Year Each category shines a spotlight on professionals and teams who embody best practice and inspire progress across the global supply chain landscape. How to Enter & Key Dates Entries: Now open via the official event portal Entry deadline: 25 February 2026 Shortlist announced: March 2026 Awards ceremony: 21 April 2026 | Navy Pier, Chicago Entry fee: US$695 for a single category; discounted rates for multiple-category submissions Why Apply Strengthen your brand reputation as an industry leader Recognise the achievements of your team and organisation Gain exposure to a global audience through BizClik's media network Enter now via the awards portal. Why Sponsor an Award Partnering as a sponsor places your brand at the heart of one of the industry's most influential leadership awards programmes: Align your company with excellence and innovation Engage directly with senior executives and decision-makers Enjoy premium visibility across BizClik's digital and event platforms Sponsorship enquiries here. Join Industry Leaders in Chicago The Procurement & Supply Chain LIVE: The US Summit 2026 convenes Chief Procurement Officers, Chief Supply Chain Officers, and senior executives from leading global companies. The two-day agenda features keynotes, panel discussions, and fireside chats exploring digital transformation, sustainability, risk management, and the evolving role of leadership across global supply chains. Note: Event tickets for the summit do not include entry to the awards ceremony. To attend the black-tie celebration, entrants must book a table via the awards portal. About BizClik BizClik is one of the world's fastest-growing digital media and events companies. Through its portfolio of leading brands across procurement, supply chain, sustainability, technology, and fintech, BizClik delivers award-winning business events and media that connect the world's most influential executives. From digital magazines and global summits to webinars and demand-generation campaigns, BizClik helps companies reach the audiences and opportunities that drive results. Learn more at https://bizclikmedia.com/?utm_source=press-release&utm_medium=newswire&utm_campaign=PNW-topic-pscawards. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2819710/BizClik_Media.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/awards-now-open-for-procurement--supply-chain-live-the-us-awards-2026--chicago-summit-302615495.html ABU DHABI, UAE, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its ongoing efforts to build and cement relations with leading economies, the Abu Dhabi Department of Economic Development (ADDED) will lead a high-level economic delegation to Singapore and India from 17 to 21 November 2025. The two visits reaffirm the emirate's commitment to expanding international engagement, advancing bilateral trade and investment relations, and unlocking new opportunities for sustainable development. The Abu Dhabi economic delegation will hold meetings with senior government officials, investors, and business leaders in both Singapore and India to explore partnerships in sectors with high growth potential, including agritech, healthcare and life sciences, advanced technologies, renewable energy, financial services, logistics, and manufacturing. H.E. Ahmed Jasim Al Zaabi, Chairman of ADDED, said: "Singapore and India are among the world's most dynamic, fast-growing economies, and are key strategic partners for Abu Dhabi and the UAE. Our visit aims to deepen these partnerships by engaging policymakers, business, and investment leaders to create and seize opportunities in various sectors." "Powered by visionary leadership and an enabling ecosystem that supports innovation and entrepreneurship, Abu Dhabi's 'Falcon Economy' continues to soar and accelerate our transition to smart, diversified, and sustainable economy. Backed by strong economic fundamentals and a world-class investment landscape, we are doubling down our efforts to further strengthen collaboration with local and international partners in strategic economic clusters including AI, fintech, green energy, life sciences, logistics, and advanced industries". Special forums and events will be organised in collaboration with the Abu Dhabi Chamber of Commerce and Industry, ADGM, and the Abu Dhabi Investment Office (ADIO), bringing together influential businesses and investors to discuss pathways for long-term partnerships. These events will showcase the opportunities arising from Abu Dhabi's economic transformation and diversification initiatives, highlighting the emirate's position as a global magnet for talent, business, and investment. Singapore and India are among Abu Dhabi and the UAE's most significant trade and investment partners. Bilateral trade between the UAE and Singapore exceeded USD 18.5 billion, while non-oil trade with India surpassed USD 65 billion in 2024, driven by strong cooperation in energy, technology, and services. Abu Dhabi's thriving, innovation-led business ecosystem continues to attract companies from Singapore and India, with a growing number of enterprises in fintech, healthcare, infrastructure, and education, establishing regional operations in the emirate to access global markets, benefiting from its world-class infrastructure, connectivity, and regulatory environment. View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/abu-dhabi-to-take-economic-partnership-with-singapore-and-india-to-new-heights-302615549.html DUBAI, UAE, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Bybit , the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, has released its latest Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report , in collaboration with Block Scholes. The report provides an in-depth examination of crypto derivatives data and market sentiment that appeared to foreshadow Bitcoin's drop extending past 20% below its record high. Key Highlights: Perpetuals: Funding rates in major cryptocurrencies present a mixed picture of sentiment, while altcoin rates tilt bearishly. Open interest in large-cap perpetual swaps has fallen to nearly half its previous levels since early October, indicating reluctance to reopen long positions. Funding rates in major cryptocurrencies present a mixed picture of sentiment, while altcoin rates tilt bearishly. Open interest in large-cap perpetual swaps has fallen to nearly half its previous levels since early October, indicating reluctance to reopen long positions. Options: Volatility expectations remain elevated, with a strong skew toward bearish put contracts. Activity in options markets has declined compared with October, underscoring a cautious short-term outlook among traders. The report notes that despite a strong rebound in U.S. equity markets after the 43-day government shutdown ended, crypto assets struggled to regain lost ground. Spot markets have encountered resistance during every attempt to rally, suggesting persistent bearishness among investors. Elevated implied volatility levels further highlight the market's hesitation to price in sustained optimism. In derivatives markets, the decline in open interest across major perpetual swaps reflects traders' ongoing caution. The October downturn, which triggered one of the largest liquidation events in recent crypto history, left investors wary of re-entering long positions. Meanwhile, options data reveal that bearish sentiment continues to dominate the short-term outlook, as protective puts command higher premiums and overall trading volumes soften. Such positioning across the broader crypto complex left crucial price support vulnerable, ultimately paving the way for Bitcoin's plummet to a 6-month low today. The full analysis is available in the Bybit x Block Scholes Crypto Derivatives Analytics Report. Bybit / CryptoArk /BybitResearch / BybitLearn About Bybit Bybit is the world's second-largest cryptocurrency exchange by trading volume, serving a global community of over 70 million users. Founded in 2018, Bybit is redefining openness in the decentralized world by creating a simpler, open and equal ecosystem for everyone. With a strong focus on Web3, Bybit partners strategically with leading blockchain protocols to provide robust infrastructure and drive on-chain innovation. Renowned for its secure custody, diverse marketplaces, intuitive user experience, and advanced blockchain tools, Bybit bridges the gap between TradFi and DeFi, empowering builders, creators, and enthusiasts to unlock the full potential of Web3. Discover the future of decentralized finance at Bybit.com . For more details about Bybit, please visit Bybit Press For media inquiries, please contact: media@bybit.com For updates, please follow: Bybit's Communities and Social Media Discord | Facebook | Instagram | LinkedIn | Reddit | Telegram | TikTok | X | Youtube Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2267288/Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/bybit-x-block-scholes-report-crypto-positioning-forewarned-bitcoin-bear-market-302615607.html Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Denarius Metals Corp. (Cboe CA: DMET) (OTCQX: DNRSF) ("Denarius Metals" or "the Company") announced today that it has filed its unaudited interim condensed consolidated financial statements and accompanying management's discussion and analysis (MD&A) for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. These documents can be found on its website at www.denariusmetals.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. All financial figures contained herein are expressed in U.S. dollars unless otherwise noted. Non-GAAP financial performance measures in this press release are identified with "NG". For a detailed description of each of the non-GAAP measures used in this press release and a detailed reconciliation to the most directly comparable measure under IFRS, please refer to the Company's MD&A. Denarius Metals commenced mining operations at its Zancudo Project in Colombia in the second quarter of 2025. During the current "early production" phase, expected to run until the second quarter of 2026 when the Company's new 1,000 tonnes per day ("tpd") processing plant is expected to go into operation, mined material is being crushed onsite and then shipped to a local port for sale to Trafigura Pte. Ltd. ("Trafigura") to start generating operating cash flow. The first shipment from Zancudo was completed in June 2025 and through the end of September 2025, the Company delivered a total of 878 tonnes to Trafigura. With grades averaging 7.3 g/t gold and 164.5 g/t silver, these shipments contained approximately 207 ounces of gold and 4,641 ounces of silver. During the current early production phase, Trafigura's payability rates range from 30% to 70% for gold and 20% to 40% for silver, depending on the grades of the material. For these shipments through the end of September 2025, the Company received payment for 126 ounces of gold and 1,694 ounces of silver. Trafigura's payability rates in the early production phase reflect the additional costs they will have to incur to bring the material to a saleable condition. When the Company begins shipping concentrates to Trafigura, payability rates will increase to 86% to 90% for gold and 35% to 45% for silver, depending on the grades in the concentrates. With an average realized gold price NG of $3,460 per ounce sold and total cash cost NG of $2,500 per ounce of gold sold in the first nine months of 2025, the Company generated $0.5 million of revenue and a margin of $960 per ounce of gold sold, equivalent to approximately 28% of gold revenue. Total cash cost per ounce NG is expected to decrease once the Company begins producing and selling concentrates. The Company recently announced an updated Mineral Resource estimate ("MRE") effective as of October 31, 2025 for the Zancudo Project, incorporating the results from the 7,225 m of infill drilling campaign carried out in 2024. The updated MRE includes the conversion of 979,000 tonnes to Indicated Resources grading 6.9 g/t gold and 84 g/t silver totaling 217,000 ounces of gold and 2.7 million ounces of silver, reflecting the positive impact of the 2024 in-fill drilling campaign, which was designed with tighter spacing at 50x50 m drill centers to de-risk the near-term underground production at the Zancudo Project. The updated MRE also includes a 13% increase in tonnage in the Inferred Resources category resulting in 4.6 million tonnes grading 5.6 g/t gold and 84 g/t silver totaling 832,000 ounces of gold and 12.5 million ounces of silver. The Zancudo deposit remains open for further expansion in all directions. The Company received good news in October 2025 that the industrial facility permit for its processing plant at the Zancudo Project had been approved by the local environmental authority. This permit allows the Company to immediately commence construction activities at the plant site. It is currently expected that the plant will be operational by the end of the second quarter of 2026. The Company received the second advance of $2.5 million in late October 2025 bringing the total funding received to date under a prepayment agreement (the "Zancudo Prepayment Facility") arranged in February 2025 with Trafigura to $5.0 million. The Company may receive up to an additional $4.0 million of funding from the Zancudo Prepayment Facility to complete the construction activities at the Zancudo Project. In Spain, the Aguablanca Project now has all the permits required to commence activities to restart mining operations. The Company has engaged METSO Spain S.A. ("METSO") to carry out the refurbishment program at Aguablanca's 5,000 tpd processing plant. In addition to financing being arranged with METSO for the plant refurbishment program, the Company is continuing its efforts, as operator of the Rio Narcea Recusos, S.L. ("RNR") joint venture, to secure additional project financing directly through RNR to fund the capital expenditures associated with startup activities at RNR's Aguablanca Project. The Company has a 21% equity interest in RNR and currently expects that the Aguablanca underground mine will be back in production within the next 12 months. To bolster its liquidity to fund ongoing operating and investing activities at its projects in Spain and for general corporate purposes, the Company completed two private placements in the first nine months of 2025 raising total net proceeds of $7.8 million. As at September 30, 2025, the Company's cash position stood at $1.0 million, about the same as it was at the end of 2024. The Company received $2.5 million in cash from Trafigura in October 2025 as noted above and has additional funding available under the Zancudo Prepayment Facility to complete the construction of its processing plant and associated facilities. On November 13, 2025, the Company announced it will be closing non-brokered private placements of units with total gross proceeds of up to CA$12.75 million on or about November 19, 2025 with the net proceeds being used toward funding of the recently announced 15,000 m infill drilling campaign at Zancudo to be carried out in 2026, to accelerate mine development at Zancudo and for working capital and general corporate purposes. The Company also took a step in June 2025 to improve its liquidity while it ramps up production at its Zancudo Project through a consent solicitation process that enables the Company to issue shares rather than using cash to settle the monthly interest payments on both series of its Convertible Debentures during the period from June 2025 through May 2026. To date, the Company has issued a total of 3,102,259 shares to settle the monthly interest payments from June through October 2025. The holders of the Convertible Debentures Series 1 due October 2029 also consented to receiving shares in lieu of cash payments for the quarterly gold premiums due in January and April 2026. Holders of both series of Convertible Debentures agreed to imposing a maximum price of $4,000 per ounce in the quarterly gold premium calculations which commence in 2026. The Company reported a net loss of $11.7 million ($0.09 per share) in the third quarter of 2025 compared with net loss of $9.5 million ($0.14 per share) reported in the third quarter of 2024. This brings the net loss for the first nine months of 2025 to $20.9 million ($0.19 per share) compared with a net loss of $12.1 million ($0.18 per share) in the first nine months of 2024. The year-over-year change in the net loss amounts reported for the third quarter and first nine months primarily reflects the fluctuations in the fair value of the Convertible Debentures that have impacted the non-cash losses recognized on financial instruments. Selected Financial Information $000's except ounces, per ounce and per share data Third Quarter Nine Months 2025 2024 2025 2024 Gold sold (ounces) 113 - 126 - Average realized gold price ($/oz sold) NG $ 3,469 $ - $ 3,460 $ - Total cash cost ($/oz sold) NG 2,522 - 2,500 - Revenue (000's) $ 456 $ - $ 505 $ - Net loss (000's) (11,666 ) (9,466 ) (20,921 ) (12,054 ) Per share - basic and diluted (0.09 ) (0.14 ) (0.19 ) (0.14 ) Exploration and capital expenditures (000's) 2,046 3,601 5,267 9,465 $000's September 30, 2025 December 31, 2024 Balance sheet ($000's): Cash and cash equivalents (1) $ 1,020 $ 1,130 Total assets 101,690 81,053 Convertible Debentures (at fair value) (2) 45,763 29,486 (1) Subsequent to September 30, 2025, the Company received the second advance of $2.5 million in October 2025 under its Zancudo Prepayment Facility with Trafigura. The Company is eligible to receive a third advance of up to $4.0 million under the Zancudo Prepayment Facility to fund construction activities at its Zancudo Project. (2) As at September 30, 2025, the total principal amount of Convertible Debentures issued and outstanding amounted to CA$34.2 million (December 31, 2024 = CA$33.6 million). About Denarius Metals Denarius Metals is a Canadian junior company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development and eventual operation of precious metals and polymetallic mining projects in high-grade districts in Colombia and Spain. Denarius Metals is listed on Cboe Canada where it trades under the symbol "DMET". The Company also trades on the OTCQX Market in the United States under the symbol "DNRSF". In Colombia, Denarius Metals has commenced mining operations at its 100%-owned Zancudo Project, a high-grade gold-silver deposit, which includes the historic producing Independencia mine, located in the Cauca Belt, about 30 km southwest of Medellin. In Spain, Denarius Metals has interests in three projects focused on in-demand critical minerals. The Company owns a 21% interest in Rio Narcea Recursos, S.L. and is the operator of its Aguablanca Project, which has recently been recognized by the EU as a Strategic Project. The Aguablanca Project comprises a turnkey 5,000 tonnes per day processing plant and the rights to exploit the historic producing Aguablanca nickel-copper mine, located in Monesterio, Extremadura. Denarius Metals also owns a 100% interest in the Lomero Project, a polymetallic deposit located on the Spanish side of the prolific copper rich Iberian Pyrite Belt, approximately 88 km southwest of the Aguablanca Project, and a 100% interest in the Toral Project, a high-grade zinc-lead-silver deposit located in the Leon Province, Northern Spain. Additional information on Denarius Metals can be found on its website at www.denariusmetals.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking information", which may include, but is not limited to, statements with respect to anticipated business plans or strategies, including Zancudo production and future shipments, timing to commence operations at the Zancudo processing plant, future payability rates from Trafigura, future total cash cost per ounce sold, receipt of future advances from Trafigura, and re-start of operations and timing to commence production at the Aguablanca Project. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", or "believes" or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases, or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Denarius Metals to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements are described under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated March 31, 2025 which is available for view on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained herein are made as of the date of this press release and Denarius Metals disclaims, other than as required by law, any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, results, future events, circumstances, or if management's estimates or opinions should change, or otherwise. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274482 SOURCE: Denarius Metals Corp. Major new policy consultation reinforces the UK's leadership in advanced air mobility Clear framework aligned to Vertical's 2028 market entry timeline Vertical's Chief Engineer David King spoke on the CAA's "On Air" podcast about how partnership with regulators drives safe eVTOL certification Vertical has received its Permit to Fly from the CAA and commenced 'Phase 4 Transition' flight testing Vertical Aerospace ("Vertical") [NYSE:EVTL], a global aerospace and technology company that is pioneering electric aviation, today expressed its support for the UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) recent publication of a policy consultation outlining the regulatory framework for commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations from 2028. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114293661/en/ Vertical's VX4 prototype ahead of starting 'Phase 4 Transition' piloted flight testing in November. The consultation represents a defining moment for the UK's advanced air mobility sector, aligning with both Vertical's certification and market entry timeline and the UK Government's objective of enabling first commercial eVTOL services by 2028. The consultation sets out regulatory requirements for commercial eVTOL operations, including pilot licensing, flight operations, vertiport infrastructure, and aircraft airworthiness. Importantly, it reaffirms SC-VTOL as the basis for type certification the high-safety certification standard first developed by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and equivalent to those used by commercial airliners. This alignment between the CAA and EASA ensures a globally recognized, fully exportable certification pathway. The CAA is leveraging existing aviation frameworks wherever possible covering pilot training, airspace management, and maintenance and reinforces safety as the top priority, while ensuring regulation must also support innovation and sector growth. This continuity provides predictability and confidence to UK manufacturers, investors, and operators and ensures that new eVTOL services will be integrated safely and efficiently into the UK's established aviation system and compatible with international frameworks. Trevor Woods, Director of Regulatory Affairs at Vertical Aerospace said: "Clear and consistent regulation is critical to Vertical's industrial scale-up and the VX4's safe entry-into-service. The UK's rigorous yet progressive approach provides a de-risked pathway to certification and operations in 2028, ensuring we can scale globally with confidence while meeting the highest safety standards in the industry. We value the CAA's collaborative approach working side-by-side with industry to build a safe, efficient regulatory framework for the certification and operation of our aircraft." This week, Vertical's Chief Engineer, David King, joined the 'CAA on Air' podcast to discuss how close collaboration between the regulator and manufacturer is accelerating progress toward safe, certified eVTOL operations. Vertical also announced this week that it has received its Permit to Fly from the CAA and commenced 'Phase 4 Transition' flight testing, the final stage of its VX4 prototype flight-test programme. About Vertical Aerospace Vertical Aerospace is a global aerospace and technology company pioneering electric aviation. Vertical is creating a safer, cleaner, and quieter way to travel. Its VX4 is a piloted, four-passenger, Electric Vertical TakeOff and Landing (eVTOL) aircraft, with zero operating emissions. Vertical is also developing a hybrid-electric variant, offering increased range and mission flexibility to meet the evolving needs of the advanced air mobility market. Vertical combines partnerships with leading aerospace companies, including GKN, Honeywell, and Aciturri, with its own proprietary battery and propeller technology to develop the world's most advanced and safest eVTOL. Vertical has c.1,500 pre-orders of the VX4, with customers across four continents, including American Airlines, Japan Airlines, GOL, and Bristow. Certain customer obligations are expected to be fulfilled via third-party agreements. Headquartered in Bristol, UK, Vertical's experienced leadership team comes from top-tier aerospace and automotive companies such as Rolls-Royce, Airbus, GM, and Leonardo. Together, they have previously certified and supported over 30 different civil and military aircraft and propulsion systems. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 that relate to our current expectations and views of future events. We intend such forward-looking statements to be covered by the safe harbor provisions for forward-looking statements as contained in Section 27A of the Securities Act and Section 21E of the Exchange Act. Any express or implied statements contained in this press release that are not statements of historical fact may be deemed to be forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding: the statements, standards, projections, timeline and regulatory roadmap set out in the UK Civil Aviation Authority's (CAA) publication of a policy consultation outlining the regulatory framework for commercial electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft operations from 2028; the business strategy and plans and objectives of management for future operations, including certification and the commercialization of the VX4 and the hybrid-electric VX4 variant on any particular timeline or at all; as well as statements that include the words "expect," "intend," "plan," "believe," "project," "forecast," "estimate," "may," "should," "anticipate," "will," "aim," "potential," "continue," "is/are likely to" and similar statements of a future or forward-looking nature. These forward-looking statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are not a guarantee of future performance. Forward-looking statements are neither promises nor guarantees, but involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected, including, without limitation the risks and uncertainties relating to the Company's business, industry performance, the regulatory environment, and general business and economic conditions, and other important factors as discussed under the caption "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") on March 11, 2025, as such factors may be updated from time to time in the Company's other filings with the SEC. Any forward-looking statements contained in this press release speak only as of the date hereof and accordingly undue reliance should not be placed on such statements. We disclaim any obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking statements contained in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than to the extent required by applicable law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114293661/en/ Contacts: For more information: Justin Bates, Head of Communications justin.bates@vertical-aerospace.com +44 7878 357 463 Samuel Emden, Head of Investor Affairs samuel.emden@vertical-aerospace.com +447816 459 904 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Western Copper and Gold Corporation (TSX: WRN) (NYSE American: WRN) ("Western" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mark E. Smith, P.E., P.Eng., to its Board of Directors (the "Board"). Mr. Smith is a professional engineer with over 45 years of global mining experience. He co-founded and managed Vector Engineering for nearly 25 years, a consulting and engineering firm with a staff of 500 people and offices in seven countries. His technical leadership and judgement have been relied upon by many of the world's largest mining companies, including BHP, Rio Tinto, Barrick, Newmont, Vale, Glencore, and Teck. Mr. Smith holds a Master's degree in Civil and Geotechnical Engineering from the University of Nevada, Reno. He has worked extensively in the Yukon, contributing to projects such as Coffee, Macpass, and Mactung, and has advised the Government of Yukon on mine waste and heap leach management practices. More recently, he was appointed by the Government of Yukon to chair the Independent Review Board for the Eagle Mine investigation. "We are extremely pleased to welcome Mark to our Board," said Sandeep Singh, President & Chief Executive Officer. "Mark has a deep understanding of the Yukon and has been a well-respected technical voice in the North for over a decade. His extensive experience and deep knowledge of the territory will be invaluable as we advance Casino through environmental assessment and permitting." "Mark's addition to the Board builds on Western's commitment to the highest technical and environmental standards," said Raymond Threlkeld, Chairman of the Board. "His global expertise will strengthen Western's ability to sustainably advance a world-class operation in the Yukon." "I've dedicated my career to developing successful and environmentally-sound copper and gold projects around the world," said Mark E. Smith. "From concept to design, construction, operations, and closure, I've helped bring hundreds of projects into successful, sustainable production. I'm impressed by the approach taken towards the Casino Project and believe it can have a positive impact on the Yukon. I'm very happy to have been invited to join the Western team." ABOUT WESTERN COPPER AND GOLD CORPORATION Western Copper and Gold Corporation is advancing the Casino Project, Canada's premier copper-gold mine in the Yukon and one of the most economic greenfield copper-gold mining projects in the world. The Company is committed to working collaboratively with First Nations and local communities to progress the Casino Project, using internationally recognized responsible mining technologies and practices. For more information, visit www.westerncopperandgold.com. On behalf of the board, "Sandeep Singh" Sandeep Singh President & CEO Western Copper and Gold Corporation Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "plans", "projects", "intends", "estimates", "envisages", "potential", "possible", "strategy", "goals", "opportunities", "objectives", or variations thereof or stating that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved, or the negative of any of these terms and similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements herein include statements regarding the Company's plans to advance the Casino Project through environmental assessment and permitting; expectations regarding the contributions and value that Mr. Smith's appointment will bring to the Board and the Company; the Company's ability to sustainably advance a world-class operation in the Yukon; expectations that the Casino Project can have a positive impact on the Yukon; and the Company's commitment to maintaining the highest technical and environmental standards in the development of the Casino Project. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual events to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such statements. Such factors include but are not limited to the risk of unforeseen challenges in advancing the Casino Project, potential impacts on operational continuity, changes in general market conditions that could affect the Company's performance; and other risks and uncertainties disclosed in the Company's annual information form and Form 40-F for the most recently completed financial year and its other publicly filed disclosure documents. Forward-looking statements are based on assumptions management believes to be reasonable, such assumptions and factors as set out herein, and in the Company's annual information form and Form 40-F for the most recently completed financial year and its other publicly filed disclosure document. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, other factors may cause results to be materially different from those anticipated, described, estimated, assessed or intended. These forward-looking statements represent the Company's views as of the date of this news release. There can be no assurance that any forward-looking statements will be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend to and does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements other than as required by applicable law. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274462 SOURCE: Western Copper and Gold Corporation Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Highland Critical Minerals Corp. (CSE: HLND) ("Highland" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that since September 30, 2025, the Company has issued 4,909,750 class A common shares through the exercise of warrants, resulting in gross proceeds of $736,462.50. The Company's current consolidated cash balance is approximately $875,000. The funds will be used to continue to fund the Company's exploration activities, the plan of arrangement for the spin out of Highland Red Lake Gold Corp. as announced on August 20, 2025, general working capital, and to identify new strategic acquisitions. Ted Yew, CEO of Highland, commented, "We are extremely pleased to have the continued support of our shareholders through the warrant exercises. With the current treasury balance, the Company is well positioned to carry on its planned exploration activities at its Sy property and at the Red Lake gold district. As well, the Company is well funded to identify additional strategic acquisitions, minimizing any dilution to current shareholders." The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release. ABOUT HIGHLAND CRITICAL MINERALS CORP. Highland is a mineral exploration and development company. Its activities consist of acquiring and exploring, mining properties to enhance shareholder value as it proceeds with the exploration work on the Church Property among other mining properties it may acquire and develop. For more information, please visit https://highlandcritical.com Forward-Looking Statements This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects", "plans", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "projects", "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could" or "should" occur. Forward looking statements include but are not limited to statements about the plan of arrangement and spin-out of Highland Red Lake Gold Corp., exploration of the Sy property and Red Lake gold property, statements about the use of funds by the Company, and identification and completion of strategic acquisitions. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company has applied several material assumptions in making such forward-looking statements including that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner, that the Company will use the funds as disclosed, the successful completion of the spin-out transaction, the continuation of exploration activities as planned, and the identification of suitable acquisition targets. Although management of the Company believes that the assumptions made and the expectations represented by such statements or information are reasonable, there can be no assurance that forward-looking statements or information herein will prove to be accurate. Forward-looking information by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause actual results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements or information. Factors that could cause the actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include: market prices; continued availability of capital and financing; general economic, market or business conditions; risks relating to the mining industry; and other factors discussed in the Company's long-form prospectus dated May 9, 2025. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274487 SOURCE: Highland Critical Minerals Corp. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Energy Plug Technologies Corp. (CSE: PLUG) (OTCQB: PLGGF) (FSE: 6GQ) is pleased to announce that effective at market open on, November 17, 2025, the Company's common shares will commence trading on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the new name, "Aegis Critical Energy Defence Corp.", and the trading symbol for the Company will change from "PLUG" to "QESS". The Name Change was approved by the Company's board of directors on November 7, 2025. In connection with the Name Change, the following new CUSIP (00783T109) and ISIN (CA00783T1093) numbers have been assigned to the Common Shares. No action is required to be taken by shareholders with respect to the name change. Outstanding common share and warrant certificates bearing the old name of the Company are still valid and are not affected by the Name Change. The Company encourages any shareholder concerns in this regard to be directed at such person's broker or agent. The Company is also pleased to report that over $2.2 million in outstanding warrants has been exercised over the past 30 days, following a period of strong trading activity and sustained share price appreciation. The Company's common shares have achieved four new 52-week highs in recent trading sessions, reflecting growing investor confidence in Energy Plug's expanding market presence and strategic partnerships within the energy storage sector. "This level of investor support and confidence is truly humbling," said Paul Dickson, CEO of Energy Plug Technologies "We are building a company with lasting impact-one that blends innovation, execution, and meaningful partnerships. Our recent milestones, including international collaborations and the growing demand for our energy storage systems, are setting the stage for sustained growth as we position Aegis Critical Energy Defence at the forefront of intelligent, secure, and resilient power solutions." Proceeds from the warrant exercises will further strengthen the Company's balance sheet, providing additional capital to accelerate product commercialization, expand manufacturing capacity, and advance certification programs for North American and international markets. Energy Plug continues to focus on the development and deployment of advanced battery energy storage systems (BESS) designed for industrial, utility, and defence applications, combining robust engineering, smart energy management, and quantum-safe cybersecurity integration. The Company has a robust pipeline of more than 15 developments currently in various stages, offering diversified growth opportunities across energy storage, defence applications, marine, and critical infrastructure. The rebranded AEGIS name aligns with the company's advanced technology stack and evolving commercial identity, positioning the business for accelerated expansion in high-demand markets. Additionally, a new website will be unveiled shortly in conjunction with the name change. For now, visit www.energyplug.com About Energy Plug Technologies Energy Plug Technologies Corp. (CSE: PLUG) (OTCQB: PLGGF) (FSE: 6GQ) is a leader in secure and resilient energy storage solutions, advancing next-generation battery technologies for residential, commercial, and utility applications. The Company is committed to enhancing grid stability, cybersecurity, and sustainable energy adoption, working in collaboration with leading technology firms, government agencies, and Indigenous communities. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains statements that constitute "forward-looking statements." Such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Energy Plug Technologies Corp.'s actual results, performance or achievements, or developments in the industry to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274425 SOURCE: Energy Plug Technologies Corp. Ceremony celebrates distinguished communities, visionary leaders and game-changing master plans LAS VEGAS, NV / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / The Association of University Research Parks (AURP) is proud to announce the recipients of its 2025 Awards of Excellence in Innovation during a special ceremony held Thursday evening, November 13, at the Durango Hotel in Las Vegas, in conjunction with the AURP 2025 International Conference. Hosted by Harry Brislin , MBA, Awards Emcee and Executive Director, Real Estate Services & Asset Management, USA Technology and Research Park in Mobile, Alabama, this 29th annual celebration recognized the individuals and institutions transforming research, discovery and community innovation across North America. "This evening, we celebrated the best of what AURP stands for - creativity, collaboration and bold vision paired with unwavering drive," said Allison Madden , MBA, AURP President and Chief Operating Officer and Corporate Secretary of the University of South Florida Research Foundation. "Our awardees exemplify the innovative spirit that accelerates growth, energizes campuses and communities and empowers the next generation of innovation leaders." 2025 AWARD HONOREES are: Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year - IOWA STATE UNIVERSITY RESEARCH PARK Award sponsored by Wexford Science & Technology Emerging Community of Innovation - AGGIE SQUARE AT UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, DAVIS Award sponsored by Ohio Discovery Corridor Rising Star: Next Gen Innovation Leader - SHAFIN KHAN , Vice President at The Beach at UNO Award sponsored by Collaborative Real Estate Career Achievement Award - KEN MARCUS , Executive Vice President & CFO at Tech Parks Arizona Award sponsored by The University Financing Foundation Master Planning Excellence in Innovation - MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY CRESCENT ROAD INNOVATION COMMUNITY Award sponsored by The Whiting-Turner Contracting Company "This year's awardees reflect the incredible diversity of our innovation ecosystems - from visionary planners to rising leaders, from emerging communities to established anchors of excellence," said Harry Brislin. "Each honoree represents a boldness to innovate - the determination to challenge convention, the drive to collaborate and the creativity to redefine what innovation means for their regions and institutions." The Iowa State University Research Park is honored as the 2025 Distinguished Community of Innovation of the Year. Boasting a $5 billion economic impact for Iowa and a robust ecosystem of students, startups and global partnerships, the Park is a standout example of industry-academia-community convergence. Alison Doyle , Associate Director, Iowa State University Research Park, accepted the award. Aggie Square at the University of California, Davis is the 2025 Emerging Community of Innovation. Blending research, industry and community on an all-electric, sustainability-forward campus, Aggie Square features partnerships with Wexford Science & Technology, Whiting-Turner Contracting and ZGF Architects and is projected to deliver a $1.9 billion regional economic impact. Mary Mumper , Administrative Officer of Innovation & Economic Development at UC Davis, accepted the award, along with Claire Drummond , Vice President, Market Executive of Wexford and Vladimir Pajkic of ZGF. The inaugural Master Planning Excellence in Innovation Award goes to Michigan State University's Crescent Road Innovation Ecosystem Strategy & Master Plan. The plan, developed in partnership with Perkins&Will and Stiletto Make a Point , represents a bold vision: bridging academia and industry, designing for sustainability and livability and creating a transformative framework for inclusive economic growth. Jeff Smith , MBA, Director, Research Parks, Michigan State University Research, accepted the award along with Laura O'Blenis , President and CEO of Stiletto and Stephen Coulston , AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Principal with Perkins&Will. Ken Marcus of Tech Parks Arizona and the University of Arizona in Tucson, is the 2025 Career Achievement Award recipient. With a 26-year legacy of leadership, service and innovation - including roles as Executive Vice President and CFO - Ken has helped position Tech Parks Arizona as a model for university-led innovation ecosystems. "Ken's contributions to AURP and our member network are immeasurable," said Vickie Palmer , AURP CEO. "He represents the very best of our community - integrity, ingenuity and a lifelong commitment to the success of others. Ken, thank you for your leadership and years of service!" Shafin Khan, Vice President of Innovation & Technology Commercialization at The Beach at UNO, is recognized for his pioneering efforts in workforce development, offshore wind innovation and entrepreneurial education. Through programs like StartupUNO and the Louisiana Energy Wind Hub, Shafin is helping transform the University of New Orleans into a national leader in sustainable innovation. "Congratulations to all the honorees of our 2025 Awards of Excellence in Innovation," said AURP's Vickie Palmer. "This year's recipients - from rising leaders to established communities of innovation - exemplify vision, collaboration and resilience in driving transformative growth. Their collective efforts harness the power of research, entrepreneurship and partnership to create places where discovery flourishes and communities thrive. These champions of innovation remind us that progress is built through shared purpose and bold imagination - the very foundations of every great community of innovation." The evening concluded with recognition of all awardees, joined by AURP leadership in thanking AURP's 2025 International Conference Chairs - Zach Miles , Interim Vice President for Economic Development, UNLV, and Executive Director, UNLV Research Foundation, and Jamie Schwartz , Director, Industry and Business Engagement, Office of Economic Development; Associate Director, UNLV Research Foundation - for their hospitality and leadership in hosting this year's conference. About AURP: AURP, a non-profit international organization with offices in the Washington, D.C. area at the University of Maryland Discovery District and in Tucson, Arizona, at the University of Arizona Tech Park, focuses on creating communities of innovation and education for research parks, both operating and planned, plus innovation districts, incubators, accelerators and the businesses that support the research park industry. AURP and its global membership promote research, institute-industry relations and innovation districts to foster innovation and to facilitate the transfer of technology from such institutions to the private sector. Learn more: ? www.AURP.org Media Inquiries: Ken Berlack AURP kenberlack@aurp.org SOURCE: Association of University Research Parks View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/education/aurp-honors-innovation-leaders-at-2025-awards-of-excellence-in-innovation-1102252 125.6% increase in total revenue to $3.1 million compared to 3Q24 437.8% increase in gross profit to $1.9 million compared to 3Q24 209.9% increase in income from continuing operations to $643,000 compared to 3Q24 LEXINGTON, KY / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Cardiff Lexington Corporation (OTCQB:CDIX) today announced financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025. Alex Cunningham, Chief Executive Officer of Cardiff Lexington, commented, "Rebounding from our one-time $1.7 million charge to revenue reported in the third quarter of 2024, our third 2025 quarter results were highlighted by triple-digit revenue growth and significantly enhanced gross margin when compared to the third quarter of 2024. We also drove improved results on a sequential basis in 2025, demonstrating the steadily increasing demand for our services as patient volume continues to grow. In addition to organic growth, M&A remains a priority for us as we look to further leverage our market positioning, diversify our model and drive growing profitability and long-term value for shareholders." Third Quarter 2025 Financial Results Total revenue increased 125.6% to $3.1 million compared with $1.4 million in the third quarter of 2024. Revenue in the third quarter of 2024 included a one-time change in accounting estimate of the billing realization rate resulting in a charge of $1.7 million. Non-GAAP adjusted revenue, excluding the one-time non-cash adjustment, was $3.0 million for this period. The following third quarter 2024 results include the one-time adjustment to third quarter 2024 revenue. Gross profit increased 437.8% to $1.9 million, or 62.4% of total revenue, compared with $355,000, or 26.2% of total revenue in the third quarter of 2024. Total operating expenses increased to $1.3 million compared with $940,000 in the third quarter of 2024. The increase in operating expenses is related to SG&A expense of $1.2 million, or 40.0% of revenue, in the third quarter of 2025, compared with $937,000, or 69.1% of revenue, in the third quarter of 2024, as well as stock compensation expense of $41,000 in the third quarter of 2025. Income from continuing operations increased 209.9% to $643,000, or 21.0% of total revenue, in the third quarter of 2025, compared with an operating loss of $(585,000), or (43.2%) of total revenue, in the third quarter of 2024. Net loss in the third quarter of 2025 was $(1.1 million) compared with net loss of $(2.0 million) in the third quarter of 2024. Included in net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2025, was interest expense of $(1.8 million) compared with interest expense of $(1.4 million) in the third quarter of 2024. This increase in interest expense is related to increases in initial and incremental fees charged on the number of existing purchases and claims under the Company's line of credit. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, which excludes interest expense and the change in accounting estimate of the billing realization rate recognized in third quarter 2024, was $663,000, compared with non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $1.1 million in the third quarter of 2024. During the three months ended June 30, 2025, as part of the Company's ongoing enhancements to internal controls over financial reporting, a detailed review of its interest expense-related cash flow classification was performed. As a result, the Company restated certain amounts within the condensed consolidated statement of cash flows for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. This was reclassified to correct the presentation of $1,953,667 of non-cash interest accrual adjustments related to the Company's line of credit as of September 30, 2024. These amounts, previously presented within net proceeds from the line of credit in financing activities, are now presented within operating activities. This change in presentation has no impact on the Company's condensed consolidated balance sheets, condensed consolidated statements of operations, or total cash flows for any related period. Year-to-Date Financial Highlights Total revenue increased 70.2% to $8.8 million compared with $5.1 million in the first nine months of 2024. Revenue in the first nine months of 2024 included a one-time adjustment of $2.8 million. Non-GAAP adjusted revenue, excluding the one-time non-cash adjustment, was $8.0 million for this period. The following year-to-date 2024 results include the one-time adjustment to third quarter 2024 revenue. Gross profit increased 126.2% to $5.4 million, or 62.1% of total revenue, compared with $2.4 million, or 46.8% of total revenue in the first nine months of 2024. Total operating expenses increased to $3.6 million compared with $2.9 million in the first nine months of 2024, primarily related to increased SG&A expense of $3.5 million, or 39.9% of revenue, compared with $2.6 million, or 50.9% of revenue, for the nine months ended September 30, 2024. Operating income increased to $1.8 million, or 20.5% of total revenue, compared with operating loss of $(526,000), or (10.2%) of total revenue, in the first nine months of 2024. Net loss in the first nine months of 2025 was $(2.8 million) compared with net loss of $(2.4 million) in the first nine months of 2024. Included in net loss for the nine months ended September 30, 2025, was interest expense of $(4.6 million) compared with interest expense of $(1.8 million) in the first nine months of 2024. This increase in interest expense is primarily related to increases in initial and incremental fees charged on the number of existing purchases and claims under the Company's line of credit. Non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA, which excludes interest expense and the change in accounting estimate of the billing realization rate recognized in third quarter 2024, was $1.9 million compared with non-GAAP adjusted EBITDA of $1.5 million in the first nine months of 2024. Balance Sheet Cash totaled $232,000 as of September 30, 2025. Total assets increased 15.4% to $27.6 million as of September 30, 2025. Conference Call Cardiff Lexington will hold a conference call and webcast for investors today, November 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Shareholders and interested parties may participate in the conference call by dialing (888) 506-0062 and international participants should dial (973) 528-0011 and use access code: 223050. The call and the accompanying slide deck will also be webcast at: https://www.webcaster5.com/Webcast/Page/3131/53160 The conference call and slide deck may also be accessed via the Investor Relations page of the Company's website at https://investor.cardifflexington.com/overview/default.aspx. Please allow extra time prior to the call to visit the site. An online archive of the webcast will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Company's website following the call at https://investor.cardifflexington.com/overview/default.aspx. A replay of the conference call will be available one hour after completion of the call until Friday, November 28, 2025, by dialing (877) 481-4010 and international participants should dial (919) 882-2331. All callers must use access code 53160 to access the replay. ----- About Cardiff Lexington Corporation: Cardiff Lexington Corporation (OTCQB: CDIX) is a targeted healthcare holding company dedicated to acquiring and building middle-market niche health care clinics, primarily in Orthopedics, Spine Care, and Pain Management. The Company's partnership-driven culture emphasizes service excellence, teamwork, accountability, and performance. All current revenue is derived from Nova Ortho and Spine, LLC, which operates a network of regional specialty and ancillary orthopedic care centers across Florida and Georgia. These facilities provide traumatic injury patients with comprehensive diagnostic and surgical services, primary care evaluations, interventional pain management, and specialty consultations. For more information on Cardiff Lexington Corporation, you may access the company's website at https://cardifflexington.com/ FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENT: This news release contains forward looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Litigation Reform Act. The statements reflect the Company's current views with respect to future events that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks include the failure to meet schedule or performance requirements of the Company's business, the Company's liquidity position, the Company's ability to obtain new business, the emergence of competitors with greater financial resources, and the impact of competitive pricing. In the light of these uncertainties the forward-looking events referred to in this release might not occur. Use of Non-GAAP Financial Measures Cardiff Lexington Corporation prepares its consolidated financial statements in accordance with United States generally accepted accounting principles ("GAAP"). In addition to GAAP disclosures, this document contains financial information and measures considered to be "non-GAAP". These non-GAAP measures can be used in order to gain a more complete and accurate understanding of the Company's financial condition and results. Non-GAAP financial measures should be considered in conjunction with, and not as a substitute to GAAP financial measures. Cardiff Lexington Investor Relations investorsrelations@cardifflexington.com (800) 628-2100 ext. 705 or IMS Investor Relations cardifflexington@imsinvestorrelations.com (203) 972-9200 CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AND 2024 (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, September 30, September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 Total revenue $ 3,058,740 $ 1,355,641 $ 8,763,314 $ 5,149,416 Total cost of sales 1,149,161 1,000,601 3,317,943 2,741,765 Gross profit 1,909,579 355,040 5,445,371 2,407,651 Operating expenses Depreciation expense 762 3,365 4,890 10,096 Loss on disposal of fixed assets 0 0 12,593 0 Stock compensation expense 41,188 0 138,688 300,225 Selling, general and administrative 1,224,350 936,835 3,492,310 2,622,981 Total operating expenses 1,266,300 940,200 3,648,481 2,933,302 Income (loss) from continuing operations 643,279 (585,160 ) 1,796,890 (525,651 ) Other (expense) income: Other expense (20,550 ) (6,767 ) (22,147 ) (4,720 ) Gain on debt refinance, forgiveness and settlement 0 0 0 78,834 Penalties and fees (1,500 ) 0 (1,500 ) (1,330 ) Interest expense (1,765,528 ) (1,386,041 ) (4,594,714 ) (1,803,657 ) Amortization of debt discounts 0 0 0 (24,821 ) Total other expense (1,787,578 ) (1,392,808 ) (4,618,361 ) (1,755,694 ) Net loss before discontinued operations (1,144,299 ) (1,977,968 ) (2,821,471 ) (2,281,345 ) Loss from discontinued operations 0 0 0 (111,312 ) Net loss $ (1,144,299 ) $ (1,977,968 ) $ (2,821,471 ) $ (2,392,657 ) CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS AS OF SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AND DECEMBER 31, 2024 (Unaudited) September 30, December 31, 2025 2024 ASSETS Current assets Cash $ 232,033 1,188,185 Accounts receivable-net 20,699,999 15,934,490 Prepaid and other current assets 112,514 89,901 Total current assets 21,044,546 17,212,576 Property and equipment, net 3,715 21,198 Land 540,000 540,000 Goodwill 5,666,608 5,666,608 Right of use - assets 281,514 406,950 Due from related party 4,979 4,979 Other assets 68,154 73,368 Total assets $ 27,609,516 23,925,679 LIABILITIES, MEZZANINE EQUITY AND STOCKHOLDERS' (DEFICIT)/EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued expense $ 1,659,791 1,379,760 Accrued expenses - related parties 4,722,691 4,553,057 Accrued interest 567,986 429,200 Right of use - liability 214,002 223,330 Notes - current portion 200,803 312,180 Line of credit 14,727,190 8,645,991 Convertible notes payable, net of debt discounts of $0 and $24,821, respectively 50,000 105,000 Net liabilities of discontinued operations 238,285 238,285 Total current liabilities 22,380,748 15,886,803 Other liabilities Notes payable 139,590 251,725 Operating lease liability - long term 75,727 185,877 Total liabilities 22,596,065 16,324,405 Mezzanine equity Redeemable Series N Senior Convertible Preferred Stock - 3,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 1,006,857 and 921,636 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 3,680,194 3,339,317 Redeemable Series X Senior Convertible Preferred Stock - 5,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00 par value; 427,690 and 397,464 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 1,697,687 1,576,788 Total Mezzanine Equity 5,377,881 4,916,105 Stockholders' (deficit)/equity Series B Preferred Stock - 3,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00, 0 and 1,279,867 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 0 5,119,468 Series C Preferred Stock - 500 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00, 0 and 74 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 0 296 Series E Preferred Stock - 1,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 0 and 175,375 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 0 701,500 Series F-1 Preferred Stock - 50,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 3,875 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 15,500 15,500 Series I Preferred Stock - 15,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 10,075,092 and 10,469,092 issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 40,300,368 41,876,368 Series L Preferred Stock - 400,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value $4.00, 319,493 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024 1,277,972 1,277,972 Series Y Senior Convertible Preferred Stock - 1,500,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value, stated value of $4.00, 1,041,764 and 979,125 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 4,167,056 3,916,500 Common Stock: 300,000,000 shares authorized, $0.001 par value; 19,904,708 and 15,300,475 shares issued and outstanding at September 30, 2025 and December 31, 2024, respectively 19,905 15,300 Additional paid-in capital 30,388,568 22,711,350 Accumulated deficit (76,533,799 ) (72,949,085 ) Total stockholders' (deficit)/equity (364,430 ) 2,685,169 Total liabilities, mezzanine equity and stockholders' equity $ 27,609,516 23,925,679 CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF NON-GAAP FINANCIAL MEASURES FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AND 2024 (Unaudited) The following table reconciles Net (loss) income before discontinued operations (a GAAP measure) to EBITDA (a non-GAAP measure) For the Three Months Ended For the Nine Months Ended September 30, September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 EBITDA (1) Net loss before discontinued operations $ (1,144,299 ) $ (1,977,968 ) $ (2,821,471 ) $ (2,281,345 ) Add: Interest 1,765,528 1,386,041 4,594,714 1,803,657 Taxes 0 0 0 0 Depreciation 762 3,365 4,890 10,096 Amortization 0 0 0 24,821 EBITDA (1) $ 621,991 $ (588,562 ) $ 1,778,133 $ (442,771 ) Adjusted EBITDA (2) EBITDA $ 621,991 $ (588,562 ) $ 1,778,133 $ (442,771 ) Add: Change in estimate for settlement realization rate 0 1,650,474 0 1,650,474 Stock compensation expense for shares issued 41,188 0 138,688 300,225 Adjusted EBITDA (2) $ 663,179 $ 1,061,912 $ 1,916,821 $ 1,507,928 (1) EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure defined as Earnings Before Interest, Income Tax, Depreciation and Amortization. (2) Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure that is the sum of EBITDA plus non-recurring and non-cash charges. Adjusted EBITDA excluding other non-recurring costs (3) Adjusted EBITDA $ 663,179 $ 1,061,912 $ 1,916,821 $ 1,507,928 Add: Scaling and restructuring costs for business growth 0 76,110 11,676 180,302 Acquisition related costs 113,436 0 171,515 0 Adjusted EBITDA excluding other non-recurring costs (3) $ 776,615 $ 1,138,022 $ 2,100,012 $ 1,688,230 3) Adjusted EBITDA excluding other non-recurring costs is a non-GAAP financial measure that is the sum of Adjusted EBITDA plus other non-recurring costs. CARDIFF LEXINGTON CORPORATION AND SUBSIDIARIES RECONCILIATION OF REVENUE FOR THE THREE AND NINE MONTHS ENDED SEPTEMBER 30, 2025, AND 2024 (Unaudited) For the Three Months Ended September 30, For the Nine Months Ended September 30, 2025 2024 2025 2024 GAAP Revenue $ 3,058,740 $ 1,355,641 $ 8,763,314 $ 5,149,416 Adjustments to Claim Settlement Realization Rate - 1,650,474 - 2,849,629 Non-GAAP Adjusted Revenue $ 3,058,740 $ 3,006,115 $ 8,763,314 $ 7,999,045 SOURCE: Cardiff Lexington Corporation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/business-and-professional-services/cardiff-lexington-announces-third-quarter-2025-financial-results-1102261 SHELTON, CONNECTICUT / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / NanoViricides, Inc. (NYSE American:NNVC) (the "Company"), a clinical stage leader developing revolutionary broad-spectrum antiviral drugs that the virus cannot escape, announced that it will be presenting today, Friday, November 14th, at 11:25am ET at the Pharma Partnering Summit 2025 held at the Hilton Boston Logan Airport in Boston, MA. Event Information: Event NanoViricides Presentation at the Pharma Partnering Summit 2025 in Boston, MA Time & Date 11:25 am to 11:45 am ET on Friday, November 14, 2025 Location Hilton Boston Logan Airport, Boston, MA Anil R. Diwan, PhD, President and Executive Chairman of the Company will provide an update on the Company, its Drug Pipeline and Platform Technologies available for licensing. NanoViricides' Current Antiviral Drugs Pipeline: NV-387, A Revolutionary Broad-Spectrum Antiviral with Multiple Indications The Phase II clinical stage revolutionary broad antiviral spectrum of NV-387 is reminiscent of the dawn of antibiotics to combat bacterial infections. Over 90% of human pathogenic viruses use heparan sulfate features, which NV-387 copies and presents to fool the virus. NV-387 is designed to attack the virus particle and destroy it by fooling the virus to enter the NV-387 nanomicelle using the same features that the virus uses to infect cells. Viruses cannot escape NV-387 despite all the changes in the field because the virus still needs to bind to heparan-sulfate like features in order to cause productive pathogenic infection. NV-387 presents copious amounts of these binding sites to the virus, thereby engulfing the virus particle. Viruses are unlikely to escape NV-387 because no matter how much a virus evolves, it continues to utilize and require binding to sulfated proteoglycans - the very characteristic that NV-387 emulates. This solves the long-standing problem of antiviral medicines, that viruses escape them. Vaccines, antibodies and small chemical drugs are readily escaped by viruses as the viruses evolve in the field. This has been repeatedly observed during the recent COVID-19 pandemic, as well as in the course of most of the other viral epidemics including Influenza and HIV/AIDS. NV-387 stands to combat viral infections where there is no current medical treatment available, including RSV for pediatrics, Measles, MPox, and others. NanoViricides lead clinical stage drug candidate NV-387 is rapidly moving into Phase II clinical trial for the treatment of MPox in the Democratic Republic of Congo. NV-387 for Influenza and Bird Flu Additionally, NV-387 was found to be substantially superior to Tamiflu as well as Xofluza against Influenza virus in animal model studies of Influenza A/H3N2 lethal lung infection 1. The H3N2 Influenza A virus, subclade K, currently circulating in the Northern Hemisphere already has several mutations that distinguish it from the subclade J strain included in this year's Influenza vaccine. The mismatched vaccine is therefore expected to be less effective than if the circulating strain was the same as the vaccine strain. The circulating H3N2 strain is also thought to cause a more severe pathology 2. Efficacy of seasonal influenza vaccines against H3N2 strain, even when well matched, has been about half that for H1N1 subtype, in terms of protection against severe disease leading to hospitalization. Influenza seasonal vaccine efficacy in unmatched years has been reported to be as low as 11-17% 3. Further, should Bird Flu H5N1 turn into a human outbreak, variants resistance to Tamiflu and Xofluza can be expected to generate rapidly 4. NV-387 would be the ideal drug to combat the resulting outbreak, epidemic or pandemic. The causative influenza virus would not be able to escape NV-387 5. NV-387 for All Respiratory Viral Infections A separate Phase II clinical trial for the evaluation of NV-387 as a first line therapy of any respiratory viral infection (NV-387 for the treatment of Viral Acute or Severe Acute respiratory Infections, Viral ARI/SARI) is being planned. Success in this clinical trial would enable NV-387 to become the first ever antiviral drug that can be prescribed by a physician based on symptoms, as an emperic therapy for respiratory viral infections, without having to test for which virus is causing the disease. NV-387 would play in a market size of well over $20 Billion as a dominant player, if approved for such emperic therapy of viral ARI/SARI. NV-387 was found to be highly effective against the "tripledemic" respiratory viruses, namely RSV, Influenza A, and Coronaviruses, in respective lethal animal models of lung infection. NV-387 was found to be substantially superior to existing drugs, and even resulted in complete cure in the RSV animal study. These studies prompted evaluation of NV-387 as a first line therapy of respiratory viral infections. There is no treatment approved for RSV, an important disease for infants and children in early life, as well as for geriatric subjects. NV-387 has shown excellent effectiveness in lethal lung infection animal models relevant for Smallpox and MPox viruses. There is no treatment approved for MPox; tecovirimat (TPOXX) has failed clinical trials, and no results are available from the brincidofovir (TEMBEXA) clinical trial "MOSA". "For Smallpox bio-threat readiness, the USA remains without an effective drug because of deficiencies in the two drugs approved under animal rule 6," asserted Anil Diwan, PhD, President of the Company, adding, "NV-387 is ready to fill this gap." US government acquisitions for smallpox drugs have been in the range of hundreds of millions of dollars. Additionally, NV-387 has shown excellent effectiveness against Measles virus lethal lung infection in a humanized (hCD150+ knock-in) mouse model. There is no treatment approved for Measles. Cases of Measles have been rapidly rising in the developing world including USA, Canada, UK and European countries. Measles is an important health threat because the disease can lead to "immune amnesia", wiping out pre-developed immunity against other diseases, because it attacks the immune system itself. NanoViricides' Robust Technology Platform Has Enabled a Broad Drugs Pipeline: HerpesViruses, HIV, Others The nanoviricides platform technology is yielding novel antiviral drug candidates against a number of challenging viral targets at a rapid pace. In addition to NV-387, the Company has developed a clinical-ready pan-herpesvirus drug candidate, NV-HHV-1 that has shown activity against HSV-1, HSV-2 and VZV, and is expected to have activity against CMV, HHV-6, and HHV-8 as well. The Company has also developed an anti-HIV drug candidate, NV-HIV-1, that has shown strong efficacy in SCID-hu-Thy-Liv animal model of HIV infection. NV-HHV-1 mimics the landing site on cellular CD4 that is required for all HIV viruses to cause cellular infection. Thus, HIV, despite constant changes, will be unable to escape NV-HHV-1. NanoViricide Platform Enables Drug Rescue, Oral Drug Delivery, and Zip-Code Specific Delivery Oral drug delivery of small chemicals, peptides (such as the GLP-a obesity drugs), and proteins is feasible by encapsulation of the guest drug into the nanoviricide polymeric micelle. The encapsulation protects the guest from metabolism thereby enabling effective drug delivery. Encapsulation of a difficult or failed drug within the nanoviricide polymeric micelle can enable rescue of the drug candidate turning it into a clinically viable drug candidate, saving hundreds of millions of dollars of development work. Going another step further, the nanoviricide platform technology can be customized to enable zip-code-like specific delivery of encapsulated drugs to specific tissues (e.g. non-liver targeted delivery)" cells (e.g. cancer-cell specific delivery sparing normal cells), bacteria, or viruses (e.g. NV-HHV-1, NV-HIV-1) in a fully synthetic chemistry based, scalable technology stack. ABOUT THE PHARMA PARTNERING SUMMIT 2025 A Premier Conference for Pharma Business Development and Licensing Professionals. ABOUT NANOVIRICIDES NanoViricides, Inc. (the "Company") ( www.nanoviricides.com ) is a clinical stage company that is creating special purpose nanomaterials for antiviral therapy. The Company's novel nanoviricide class of drug candidates and the nanoviricide technology are based on intellectual property, technology and proprietary know-how of TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company has a Memorandum of Understanding with TheraCour for the development of drugs based on these technologies for all antiviral infections. The MoU does not include cancer and similar diseases that may have viral origin but require different kinds of treatments. The Company has obtained broad, exclusive, sub-licensable, field licenses to drugs developed in several licensed fields from TheraCour Pharma, Inc. The Company's business model is based on licensing technology from TheraCour Pharma Inc. for specific application verticals of specific viruses, as established at its foundation in 2005. Our lead drug candidate is NV-387, a broad-spectrum antiviral drug that we plan to develop as a treatment of RSV, COVID, Long COVID, Influenza, and other respiratory viral infections, as well as MPOX/Smallpox infections. Our other advanced drug candidate is NV-HHV-1 for the treatment of Shingles. The Company cannot project an exact date for filing an IND for any of its drugs because of dependence on a number of external collaborators and consultants. The Company is currently focused on advancing NV-387 into Phase II human clinical trials. NV-CoV-2 (API NV-387) is our nanoviricide drug candidate for COVID-19 that does not encapsulate remdesivir. NV-CoV-2-R is our other drug candidate for COVID-19 that is made up of NV-387 with remdesivir encapsulated within its polymeric micelles. The Company believes that since remdesivir is already US FDA approved, our drug candidate encapsulating remdesivir is likely to be an approvable drug, if safety is comparable. Remdesivir is developed by Gilead. The Company has developed both of its own drug candidates NV-CoV-2 and NV-CoV-2-R independently. The Company is also developing drugs against a number of viral diseases including oral and genital Herpes, viral diseases of the eye including EKC and herpes keratitis, H1N1 swine flu, H5N1 bird flu, seasonal Influenza, HIV, Hepatitis C, Rabies, Dengue fever, and Ebola virus, among others. NanoViricides' platform technology and programs are based on the TheraCour nanomedicine technology of TheraCour, which TheraCour licenses from AllExcel. NanoViricides holds a worldwide exclusive perpetual license to this technology for several drugs with specific targeting mechanisms in perpetuity for the treatment of the following human viral diseases: Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV/AIDS), Hepatitis B Virus (HBV), Hepatitis C Virus (HCV), Rabies, Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV-1 and HSV-2), Varicella-Zoster Virus (VZV), Influenza and Asian Bird Flu Virus, Dengue viruses, Japanese Encephalitis virus, West Nile Virus, Ebola/Marburg viruses, and certain Coronaviruses. The Company intends to obtain a license for RSV, Poxviruses, and/or Enteroviruses if the initial research is successful. As is customary, the Company must state the risk factor that the path to typical drug development of any pharmaceutical product is extremely lengthy and requires substantial capital. As with any drug development efforts by any company, there can be no assurance at this time that any of the Company's pharmaceutical candidates would show sufficient effectiveness and safety for human clinical development. Further, there can be no assurance at this time that successful results against coronavirus in our lab will lead to successful clinical trials or a successful pharmaceutical product. This press release contains forward-looking statements that reflect the Company's current expectation regarding future events. Actual events could differ materially and substantially from those projected herein and depend on a number of factors. Certain statements in this release, and other written or oral statements made by NanoViricides, Inc. are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since they involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which are, in some cases, beyond the Company's control and which could, and likely will, materially affect actual results, levels of activity, performance or achievements. The Company assumes no obligation to publicly update or revise these forward-looking statements for any reason, or to update the reasons actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements, even if new information becomes available in the future. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the company's expectations include, but are not limited to, those factors that are disclosed under the heading "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in documents filed by the company from time to time with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission and other regulatory authorities. Although it is not possible to predict or identify all such factors, they may include the following: demonstration and proof of principle in preclinical trials that a nanoviricide is safe and effective; successful development of our product candidates; our ability to seek and obtain regulatory approvals, including with respect to the indications we are seeking; the successful commercialization of our product candidates; and market acceptance of our products. The phrases "safety", "effectiveness" and equivalent phrases as used in this press release refer to research findings including clinical trials as the customary research usage and do not indicate evaluation of safety or effectiveness by the US FDA. FDA refers to US Food and Drug Administration. IND application refers to "Investigational New Drug" application. cGMP refers to current Good Manufacturing Practices. CMC refers to "Chemistry, Manufacture, and Controls". CHMP refers to the Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use, which is the European Medicines Agency's (EMA) committee responsible for human medicines. API stands for "Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient". WHO is the World Health Organization. R&D refers to Research and Development. Contact: NanoViricides, Inc. info@nanoviricides.com Public Relations Contact: ir@nanoviricides.com 1 Tamiflu (Oseltamivir) - Roche. Xofluza (Baloxavir) - Shionogi, Roche. H5N1 bird flu viruses resistant to Oseltamivir have already occurred. Resistance to Xofluza occurred at a high frequency in its clinical trial. 2 https://ici.radio-canada.ca/rci/en/news/2206627/canada-could-face-worst-kind-of-flu-season-as-experts-warn-evolving-strain-may-be-mismatch-for-vaccine 3 Yegorov S et al., Effectiveness of influenza vaccination to prevent severe disease: a systematic review and meta- analysis of test-negative design studies, Clinical Microbiology and Infection, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cmi.2025.09.023 4 Influenza viruses generate variants by more mechanisms than most viruses: (a) by mutations, typically few and small changes in viral proteins; (b) by recombinations, wherein portions of its genomic strands are swapped between the strands derived from two different Influenza A viruses infecting the same cell; (c) by re-assortments, wherein entire genomic segment from one Influenza A virus is packaged into a different Influenza A virus in the same cell. Each complete Influenza A virus contains eight separate genomic RNA strands, giving it tremendous flexibility for "swapping" these segments and generating new variants. It is thought that all influenza A viruses causing outbreaks or pandemics among humans since the 1900s originated from strains circulating in wild aquatic birds through reassortment with other influenza strains (wikipedia, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Influenza_A_virus ). 5 All Influenza viruses bind to HSPG (heparan sulfate proteoglycan) as the first "attachment receptor", and thus are targeted by the drug NV-387. The viruses then gain proximity to cells, and latch onto the Sialylated glycoproteins on the cell surface which is called the "cognate receptor" that enables the virus to be taken inside the cell. The cognate receptor for Influenza viruses that remain infectious to birds is slightly different from the one that the virus would need to use for efficiently infecting human cells. However, just one or a few mutations would be required in the currently circulating H5N1 bird flu viruses to become efficient in human-to-human transmission. Two different clades of H5N1 are circulating, one in wild birds, infecting into poultry, and another in dairy cattle, infecting pets and animals that drink raw milk, bringing the threat closer to a potential pandemic than it has ever been since the late 1990s. 6 Tecovirimat (TPOXX) was approved under the US FDA Animal Rule, and is stockpiled by the US Government Strategic National Stockpile (SNS). However, Tecovirimat-resistant viruses develop with a single point mutation in the viral VP37 protein. It is illogical to believe that any terrorist attack would be from a non-resistant smallpox strain. Brincidofovir (Tembexa) was approved under the US FDA Animal Rule, and is stockpiled in SNS. Brincidofovir carries a black box warning due to increased mortality rates in another indication, causes elevation of liver damage-related markers, is a carcinogen, may cause embryonic or fetal harm, and may irreversibly impair fertility, according to its prescribing information, limiting its applicability as a drug to be used across all population in the case of a smallpox bio-terrorism event ( https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/214460s000,214461s000lbl.pdf .). SOURCE: NanoViricides, Inc. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/healthcare-and-pharmaceutical/nanoviricides-to-present-at-the-pharma-partnering-summit-2025-in-bost-1102438 Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Los Andes Copper Ltd. (TSXV: LA) (OTCQX: LSANF) ("Los Andes" or the "Company") announces that the Company will be attending and participating in the upcoming 121 Mining Investment London event ("121") on 17-18 November 2025. The 121 conference is London's largest dedicated mining investment event, with over 140 companies and more than 450 sophisticated investors attending for two days of pre-booked 1-2-1 meetings. Alongside the curated schedule of pre-booked meetings matching investors with appropriate projects, the conference program will provide expert commentary and the latest market intelligence on key industry developments. About Los Andes Copper Ltd. Los Andes Copper Ltd. is an exploration and development company with an 100% interest in the Vizcachitas Project in Chile. The Company is focused on progressing the Project, which is located along Chile's most prolific copper belt, into production. Vizcachitas is one of the largest copper deposits in the Americas not controlled by the majors and the Company believes it will be Chile's next major copper mine. The Project is a copper-molybdenum porphyry deposit, located 150 kilometres north of Santiago, in an area of very good infrastructure. An independent technical report for the PFS, prepared in accordance with NI 43-101, is available on the Company's SEDAR profile. Los Andes Copper Ltd. is listed on the TSX-V under the ticker: LA. E-Mail: info@losandescopper.com or visit our website at: www.losandescopper.com Follow us on X: @LosAndesCopper Follow us on LinkedIn: Los Andes Copper Ltd To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274509 SOURCE: Los Andes Copper Ltd. Dieppe, New Brunswick--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Canadian Gold Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CAN) ("Canadian Gold" or the "Company") provides an operational update regarding its maiden diamond drill program and the planned 5,000-tonne bulk sampling program at the 100%-owned Lac Arsenault Project in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula, as well as recent changes to the Company's LIFE offering. Company Plans to Significantly Increase Maiden Lac Arsenault Diamond Drill Program Canadian Gold has submitted amended permit applications seeking approval to expand its maiden drill program to roughly twice the originally planned scope of 36 holes totaling 3,000 metres. This decision follows ongoing geophysical interpretation that has identified numerous high priority vein and stockwork type drill targets. The Company recently completed a tightly spaced Induced Polarization ("IP") survey across the Baker-Mersereau structural corridor. Preliminary geophysical interpretation work carried out by Jeremy S. Brett International Consulting Ltd. has identified multiple IP signatures along Line 2200N that closely resemble the response associated with the known high-grade Baker vein (please see Image 1, below). Although the Mersereau vein has not yet been fully interpreted on the current working map, its position and continuity are clearly expressed in the IP data, further reinforcing the technical rationale for expanding the drill program. In addition, possible stockwork zones have been identified up to 100m wide. These new geophysical targets, combined with a second set of drill collar locations submitted under the amended permit application, support the potential for a substantially larger first-phase drill campaign. The targets are situated within what the Company and its consultants refer to as the Stockwork Target Corridor, a near-surface (0-30 metres vertical depth) zone characterized by strong structural preparation and distinctive geophysical response. Given the strength and coherence of these new geophysical targets, the Company is evaluating a plan to materially increase the number of drill holes beyond the previously permitted minimum, with the objective of fully testing these newly defined priority areas. Management Commentary "We are very encouraged by the results of our recent Induced Polarization ("IP") Survey at Lac Arsenault," said Ron Goguen, President & CEO of Canadian Gold Resources. "The tightly spaced IP work across the Baker-Mersereau structural corridor has outlined multiple new high-priority vein and stockwork targets, some of which mirror the response of the high-grade Baker vein. The data also clearly define the continuity of the Mersereau vein. Based on these findings, we've submitted amended permits to roughly double the size of our maiden drill program to properly test these new geophysical targets." "The delay in receiving the ATI permits pushed our operating window into winter conditions", said Mr. Goguen. "Extracting and transporting material at this time of year would not be safe, or cost-effective. Out of caution we have elected to move the bulk sample into the spring of 2026. This results in only a minimal shift to the expected timing of results and any related free cash flow and we remain fully prepared to proceed as soon as conditions allow." Bulk Sample Program Deferred to Spring 2026 Due to Permitting Delays and Seasonal Access Constraints The Company is pleased to confirm that it has now obtained all permits required to execute the bulk sampling program, including the Authorization for Work in the Environment (ATI), as well as all approvals received during the recently completed First Nations consultation process. These permitting achievements represent a significant milestone for the Company and fully clear the regulatory path for bulk sample extraction. Although Canadian Gold is fully permitted and operationally ready, the start of bulk sample extraction has been rescheduled to spring 2026. The primary reason for this deferral is the later-than-expected receipt of the final ATI permit, which occurred after the Company's anticipated timeline. By the time approval was received, winter conditions in the Lac Arsenault area had already set in, with significant snowfall and ground freeze-up limiting safe and efficient field operations. Attempting to extract and transport mineralized material during winter would materially increase costs, reduce operational efficiency, and introduce unnecessary safety risks. Management has therefore determined that initiating the program in early spring 2026 is the most prudent and responsible course of action. While the timing of the physical extraction has shifted, the Company expects the financial implications of this revised schedule to be minimal. Under the previous plan, extraction was to begin in autumn 2025, with processing anticipated by mid-Q1 2026. With extraction now scheduled for spring 2026, the Company expects to receive results and related cash flow from the bulk sampling program in Q3 2026, representing only a modest adjustment to the timing of potential proceeds. IP Survey Lines, Gridded Chargeability & Planned Drill Holes To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/11663/274511_ee7f7aaeb4f1f8f4_001full.jpg LIFE Offering Update In view of the rescheduling of the bulk sampling program and expected timeframe for results to be reported, the Company will not be proceeding with its listed issuer financing exemption offering (the "LIFE Offering") as announced on October 23, 2025. The Company is currently restructuring its offering and intends to file amended and restated offering documents in the near future. A news release will be issued at that time. Corrections to Prior Disclosure The Company wishes to correct certain disclosure in previously issued news releases as follows: On January 2, 2025, the Company announced that it had closed a non-brokered private placement of flow-through and non-flow through units and reported that it had issued 533,821 finder's warrants. The correct number of finder's warrants is 519,821, each warrant entitling the holder to acquire one common share of the Company at $0.25 per share for a period of 24 months. On January 28 and February 28, 2025, the Company announced that it had granted 1,500,000 options to members of the board of directors and 500,000 options to certain officers, employees and non-investor relations consultants. The Company wishes to report that 200,000 of the options granted to non-investor relations consultants have been cancelled resulting in an aggregate grant of 1,800,000 options. About the Lac Arsenault Project The Lac Arsenault Property, located in Quebec's Gaspe region, lies along the Grand Pabos Fault within the Gaspe-Newfoundland tectonic belt. This structure is interpreted to share geological characteristics with prolific gold-bearing systems such as the Cadillac-Larder Lake Fault Zone in Abitibi and the Cape Ray-Valentine Lake Shear Zone in Newfoundland. The property hosts several high-grade, epithermal-style vein systems, including the Baker, Mersereau, and Dunning veins, with historical exploration outlining significant gold-silver-base metal mineralization that provides a strong platform for the Company's current work. Covering more than 3,600 hectares, Lac Arsenault is strategically located near tidewater at New Richmond, Quebec, offering excellent road, power, and rail infrastructure within one of Canada's most established mining jurisdictions. Historical Resource Estimate Disclosure (NI 43-101 2.4) Stevenson, L. (1975): 40,000 tonnes grading 15.43 g/t Au and 197 g/t Ag (Esso Minerals Canada). Cote, R. (1996): 199,580 tonnes grading 9.59 g/t Au (~61,536 contained oz Au). These historical estimates predate NI 43-101 and were based on sampling, trenching, and drilling using manual polygonal methods. A Qualified Person has not completed sufficient work to classify the estimates as current mineral resources or reserves. The Company is not treating them as current and further verification is required. These historical estimates pre-date the adoption of current CIM Definition Standards (2014) and therefore cannot be directly compared to modern resource categories (i.e., "Inferred," "Indicated," or "Measured"). The terminology and estimation methodologies used at the time are not compliant with current CIM categories, and no classification equivalence is implied. The Company considers these historical estimates to be relevant, as they demonstrate the presence of significant gold and silver mineralization at shallow depths within the Baker and Mersereau vein systems, which remain priority targets for verification and expansion. However, their reliability is uncertain because the underlying data, methods, and QA/QC procedures are not adequately documented to current standards. The Company is not treating the estimate as current. To the Company's knowledge, there are no more recent mineral resource estimates available for the Lac Arsenault Property that would supersede these historical figures. To bring these into compliance, Canadian Gold plans to: Conduct systematic drilling to confirm grades and geometry; Complete verification sampling and density determinations; Build a validated geological model with modern QA/QC protocols; Commission an independent NI 43-101 compliant resource estimate. Qualified Person Statement: The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Mark Smethurst, P.Geo., Director of Canadian Gold and a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. About Canadian Gold Resources Ltd. Canadian Gold Resources Ltd. (TSXV: CAN) is a junior exploration company advancing three high-grade gold properties totaling ~16,000 hectares in Quebec's Gaspe Peninsula. The Company's strategy is to unlock the potential of historically explored assets through modern exploration and development, supported by a management team with a proven track record in discovery and project advancement. Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Canadian Gold trades on the TSX Venture Exchange under the ticker CAN and has 36,667,221 common shares outstanding. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This news release contains "forward-looking statements," including but not limited to statements regarding anticipated exploration activities, timing, objectives, and potential outcomes of the drill program. Forward-looking statements are based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements. Canadian Gold disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, except as required by applicable securities laws. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274511 SOURCE: Canadian Gold Resources Ltd. Led by seasoned Realtor Laurie Zokoe, with over two decades of experience in the Grand Rapids market, the Zokoe Team offers full-service listings, in-house staging, cutting-edge technology, and community-rooted expertise throughout West Michigan. Family-Owned, West Michigan-Based Team Celebrated for 23 Years of Trusted Service, Community Impact, and a New Office on Lake Michigan Drive GRAND RAPIDS, MI / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / The Zokoe Team - Five Star Real Estate has been recognized as the Best Real Estate Team in Grand Rapids for 2025 by Grand Rapids Magazine, solidifying their reputation as one of West Michigan's most trusted and community-driven real estate teams. Founded and led by Laurie Zokoe, a full-time Realtor since 2002, the Zokoe Team has helped more than 2,200 families buy and sell homes throughout Grand Rapids, Walker, and the greater West Michigan area. Known for their deep local expertise, hands-on guidance, and relationship-first approach, the Zokoe Team continues to redefine what it means to serve the community as a family-owned and family-run business. "We built this business on the belief that real estate is about relationships, not transactions," said Laurie Zokoe, founder and team lead. "Being recognized as the Best Real Estate Team in Grand Rapids is an incredible honor, but what really matters to us is the trust our clients place in us year after year. We treat every client like family - that's the foundation of everything we do." A Local Legacy, A New Chapter After more than two decades of serving West Michigan, the Zokoe Team recently opened a new, state-of-the-art office on Lake Michigan Drive, a central location designed to serve clients across the region better. The new space reflects their growth and continued investment in the community they call home. From first-time buyers to luxury sellers and seasoned investors, the Zokoe Team's mission remains the same: to help people move confidently through one of life's most important decisions - buying or selling a home. With a combination of modern marketing, in-house staging, professional photography, and personalized support, the team has earned a reputation for results and integrity that stands out in the industry. Rooted in Family, Focused on Community Family is at the heart of everything the Zokoe Team does. Several family members work side by side on the team, bringing a level of trust, accountability, and compassion that clients feel from the very first meeting. Beyond real estate, the Zokoe Team is actively involved in supporting local schools, events, and charities - strengthening the same neighborhoods they help people call home. "When people work with us, they're not just getting a real estate agent - they're joining the Zokoe family," added Zokoe. "We take pride in walking alongside our clients every step of the way and doing business the way we'd want it done for us." About The Zokoe Team - Five Star Real Estate The Zokoe Team - Five Star Real Estate is an award-winning, family-owned real estate group serving Grand Rapids, Walker, Allendale, and the greater West Michigan area. Founded in 2002, the team has closed more than 2,200 transactions and continues to be recognized for excellence in client service, community impact, and innovative real estate marketing. For more information, visit www.zokoeteam.com or contact (616) 901-9632. Media Contact: Laurie Zokoe Team Lead | Zokoe Team - Five Star Real Estate 3769 Lake Michigan Drive NW, Grand Rapids, MI 49534 (616) 901-9632 SOURCE: Zokoe Team - Five Star Real Estate View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/zokoe-team-five-star-real-estate-wins-2025-best-real-estate-team-award-from-grand-rapid-1100494 Cecil DAO has officially completed the distribution of funds to all the charitable organizations outlined in its whitepaper, delivering on its mission to protect wildlife, empower communities, and bring full transparency to charitable giving through decentralized technology. NEUCHATEL, CH / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Cecil DAO has officially completed the distribution of funds to all the charitable organizations outlined in its whitepaper, delivering on its mission to protect wildlife, empower communities, and bring full transparency to charitable giving through decentralized technology. cecil dao cecil dao Each partner organization has received $5000, demonstrating Cecil DAO's commitment to real-world impact. As part of its founding vision, Cecil DAO pledged to support a range of high-impact organizations operating across Africa and beyond. Today, that promise has been fulfilled, with funds distributed to the following beneficiaries: Akashinga - $5000 to support the all-female anti-poaching unit protecting Africa's wildlife on the frontlines. Protecting African Lions - $5000 to aid lion conservation and habitat protection initiatives. Malaika - $5000 to support girls education, health, and clean water access in the Democratic Republic of Congo. The King's Children's Home - $5000 to help provide safety, shelter, and care for abandoned and abused children in South Africa. Justice Pour l'Enfance - $5000 to fund legal advocacy and protection for children affected by war and exploitation worldwide. Mighty Underdog - $5000 to support surf therapy programs that empower children with special needs and at-risk youth through ocean-based healing. "Cecil DAO proves what's possible when blockchain meets compassion," said Gian Bochsler. "Every dollar raised and distributed is fully verifiable on-chain. There's no bureaucracy, no opacity, just real impact for people and wildlife who need it most." About Cecil DAO Founded with the goal of merging web3 technology and real-world impact, Cecil DAO is a decentralized autonomous organization that leverages blockchain transparency, community governance, and soon-to-launch AI oversight to ensure every donation is tracked, verified, and used for its intended purpose. Named in honor of Cecil the Lion, whose death sparked global outrage and inspired renewed attention to wildlife conservation, Cecil DAO stands for accountability, decentralization, and purpose-driven giving. For more information: Visit cecildao.org or explore the full list of supported charities in the Cecil DAO Whitepaper . SOURCE: ORIGYN Foundation View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/blockchain-and-cryptocurrency/cecil-dao-fulfills-its-mission-and-distributes-funds-to-all-partner-c-1100634 Safer Than Fort Knox? World-Class Security Meets Investor Transparency NEW YORK CITY, NY / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Bullion Exchanges, one of the nation's most trusted precious metals dealers, proudly announces the official opening of its state-of-the-art vaulting facility in New York City's prestigious International Gem Tower - operated by Legacy Bullion Vaults, a wholly owned company of Bullion Exchanges. This premier depository redefines secure storage for gold, silver , platinum, and palladium within a former COMEX-rated vault once owned by Manfra, Tordella & Brookes (MTB), one of the most respected names in the global bullion trade. Bullion Exchanges acquired the facility in 2022 to expand its logistics and vaulting capabilities. Bullion Exchanges vault Bullion Exchanges vault This milestone marks a significant expansion for Bullion Exchanges, reinforcing its leadership in secure storage, transparent trading, and technological innovation. The vault represents the company's ongoing commitment to offering investors the highest levels of protection, accessibility, and trust in the precious metals industry. A Vault with Historic and Structural Significance The Bullion Exchanges vault occupies about 3,000 square feet of UL Class 3-rated space - the highest security classification recognized by Underwriters Laboratories. Formerly a COMEX depository operated by MTB, the facility lies nearly 60 feet underground within Manhattan's International Gem Tower, in the heart of the Diamond District. Renowned as one of the safest and most heavily protected blocks in the world, the Diamond District is safeguarded by NYPD patrols, undercover law enforcement, and private armored security. The area processes an estimated $25-50 billion in annual precious metal and gemstone transactions - a level of activity demanding extraordinary protection. Within this unmatched security environment, the Bullion Exchanges vault stands as a fortress for investors seeking maximum safety, privacy, and trust. Built for Maximum Security and Confidence Security measures throughout the facility extend far beyond standard depository norms. Over 350 high-definition cameras monitor every corridor and access point, while biometric iris scanners, double-door mantraps, and x-ray bag screening enforce strict entry control. Armed guards secure the premises around the clock under the oversight of G4S Security, globally recognized experts in high-value asset protection. The Class 3 construction rating guarantees the highest possible level of physical resistance and redundancy. Designed to withstand sophisticated intrusion attempts, the vault offers the same caliber of protection as major national depositories - yet with superior transparency and accessibility for private investors. In 2025, the International Gem Tower added further reinforcements, including ballistic-grade doors and designated safe rooms, solidifying its status as one of the safest vaulting environments in North America. Transparency and Trust at the Core Every Bullion Exchanges vault account is fully segregated, ensuring each client's holdings remain distinct and exclusively owned. Assets are never co-mingled, pooled, or lent. The company conducts quarterly internal and annual third-party audits by a GAAP-accredited firm, maintaining full accountability for all stored metals. All holdings are covered by comprehensive Lloyd's of London insurance, the global gold standard for financial protection. This commitment to transparency and integrity defines the Bullion Exchanges Vault experience. Safer Than Fort Knox - And Actually Audited! With its Class 3 security rating and more than 3,000 square feet of reinforced space, the Bullion Exchanges vault rivals the U.S. Bullion Depository at Fort Knox - which spans about 4,500 square feet. The facility can hold tens of billions in precious metals and offers the same level of physical fortification as the nation's most secure repository. Unlike Fort Knox - which hasn't been publicly audited in over 70 years - the Bullion Exchanges facility undergoes independent third-party audits annually. Clients enjoy complete transparency through the secure Vault Dashboard, viewing real-time holdings by metal type, weight, and serial number. Most notably, Bullion Exchanges provides high-resolution photographs of each client's bars, rounds, or coins - allowing investors to verify serial numbers and unique identifiers linked directly to the pieces in their storage account. This visual proof ensures clients receive their exact metals back upon redemption. It's the kind of transparency that would make even Fort Knox blush. A Smarter, More Affordable Way to Store Bullion Exchanges stands apart from institutional vaults by pairing elite security with investor accessibility. Storage rates are up to 50% lower than many competing vaulting services, and new clients receive their first month of storage free. Through the company's integrated system, investors can purchase gold , silver, platinum, or palladium directly from BullionExchanges.com and have those assets automatically vaulted in segregated storage - instantly and securely. No shipping, no insurance paperwork, and no delays. When it's time to sell, holdings can be liquidated immediately back to Bullion Exchanges through the same platform, without incurring additional insurance, logistics, or shipping costs. This streamlined process removes traditional barriers and expenses, delivering faster transactions, lower costs, and immediate access to liquidity when you need it most. This frictionless "buy, vault, sell" experience simplifies every step of the precious metals ownership lifecycle - while maintaining complete transparency, security, and control. There's Never Been a Better Time to Choose Vault Storage With the gold price beyond $4,000 per ounce and the silver price above $50, secure storage has become more critical - and more cost-effective - than ever. As the value of physical metals continues to rise, so too do the risks and expenses associated with home storage. Insurance premiums for private safes and personal vaults have skyrocketed alongside bullion prices, while home policies often exclude or cap coverage for precious metals. Worse yet, thefts targeting gold and silver collections have risen sharply, leaving many investors exposed to devastating losses. Vault storage at Bullion Exchanges eliminates those risks. Every ounce is fully insured under Lloyd's of London policies and protected by institutional-grade infrastructure that no home system could rival. For many investors, professional vaulting now costs less than private insurance alone - offering superior protection and complete peace of mind. At a time when market volatility and record valuations are rewriting the rules for physical ownership, the Bullion Exchanges vault provides what investors need most: safety, liquidity, and certainty. Technology That Brings Security to Your Fingertips Complementing the vault's debut, the Bullion Exchanges Mobile App offers real-time trading, price tracking, and vault management in one secure platform. Available for iOS and Android, the app provides investors with the freedom to buy, sell, and store metals anytime, anywhere. With encrypted connections and two-factor authentication, the app ensures security matches convenience - empowering investors to manage their wealth with confidence and control. Setting the New Standard for Precious Metals Security Since its founding in 2012, Bullion Exchanges has evolved into one of the nation's most respected privately held precious metals dealers, conducting several billion dollars in transactions and serving nearly 400,000 clients. The company is headquartered at 30 West 47th Street in Manhattan's Diamond District and maintains an A+ BBB rating built on integrity, reliability, and customer satisfaction. Through its acquisition of the former MTB COMEX-rated vault, Bullion Exchanges now offers a complete ecosystem for investors - secure storage, live trading, and full transparency - all backed by industry-leading technology and security infrastructure. For investors seeking a facility as secure as Fort Knox but infinitely more transparent, the Bullion Exchanges vault represents the modern evolution of precious metals storage - where protection, technology, and trust converge in the heart of New York City. SOURCE: Bullion Exchanges View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/metals-and-mining/bullion-exchanges-unveils-state-of-the-art-vault-in-nycs-diamond-district-1102162 Celebrating lived experience, creative courage, and the unseen emotional journey of diabetes for World Diabetes Day There are parts of life with diabetes that do not fit into charts or numbers. Alongside every injection, alarm, sensor reading and clinical decision lives something quieter and harder to describe. The daily effort to stay in control. The fear of "what if." The invisible weight of carrying a condition that never rests. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114885186/en/ Celebrating lived experience, creative courage, and the unseen emotional journey of diabetes for World Diabetes Day Today, Ascensia Diabetes Care is proud to honor the artists who chose to make that invisible reality visible through the 2025 "This Is Diabetes. This Is Anxiety." art campaign. This year's entries came from around the world and revealed a powerful emotional landscape. Parents who sleep lightly and listen for alarms in the night. Young adults learning to rebuild identity after diagnosis. Children growing up faster than they should. People balancing pride and exhaustion, strength and vulnerability, fear and hope. The winning artworks were chosen by a global judging panel and a collective vote from PHC employees. We are proud to announce the winners: First Place Emmanuel Moreno Lopez, Mexico Almost at the Limit Emmanuel Moreno Lopez, Mexico Second Place Irene Cotroneo, Italy So little, so big Irene Cotroneo, Italy Third Place Kanjaree Suppawittaya, Thailand The Quiet Courage All twenty finalist pieces have been curated into a free coloring and reflection book that invites people to pause, breathe and connect with the emotional world behind diabetes. The book is available for download at thisisdiabetes.com To help spark understanding in communities, workplaces and clinical settings, Ascensia is also offering a selection of these artworks free for permanent display. Hospitals, diabetes centers, schools, advocacy groups and public spaces are invited to download, print and frame the pieces for ongoing use, with no cost. Each artwork includes a brief personal story from the artist, offering a window into the emotional side of diabetes and mental health. A total of EUR 10,000 will be donated to diabetes charities chosen by the artists. "These artworks remind us that diabetes is not only a medical condition. It is a human one. Behind every reading and every decision is a life full of emotion, strength and deeply personal moments. We are grateful to every artist who trusted us with their truth," said Koichiro Sato, CEO of Ascensia Diabetes Care and Chief Operating Officer and Chief Strategy Officer of Ascensia's parent company PHC Group, Now in its fourth year, the "This Is Diabetes" initiative has engaged hundreds of creatives and storytellers, shared voices from across the globe and helped shift understanding toward the emotional and mental health realities of diabetes. For many, art became advocacy. And perhaps most importantly, art became a way to feel seen. To view the gallery, download the book or request artwork for display, visit thisisdiabetes.com. Ascensia Diabetes Care is a PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE: 6523) company. Terms and conditions apply. About Ascensia Diabetes Care Ascensia Diabetes Care is a global company focused entirely on helping people with diabetes. Our mission is to empower those living with diabetes through innovative solutions that simplify and improve their lives. We are home to the world-renowned CONTOUR portfolio of blood glucose monitoring systems and the exclusive global distribution partner for the Eversense Continuous Glucose Monitoring Systems from Senseonics. These products combine advanced technology with user-friendly functionality to help people with diabetes manage their condition and make a positive difference to their lives. As a trusted partner in the diabetes community, we collaborate closely with healthcare professionals and other partners to ensure our products meet the highest standards of accuracy, precision and reliability, and that we conduct our business compliantly and with integrity. Ascensia is a member of PHC Group and was established in 2016 through the acquisition of Bayer Diabetes Care by PHC Holdings Corporation. Ascensia products are sold in more than 100 countries. Ascensia has around 1,400 employees and operations in 29 countries. For further information, please visit the Ascensia Diabetes Care website at: www.ascensia.com About PHC Holdings Corporation PHC Holdings Corporation (TSE 6523) is a global collection of healthcare companies with a mission of contributing to the health of society through healthcare solutions that have a positive impact and improve the lives of people. Its subsidiaries (referred to collectively as PHC Group) include PHC Corporation, Ascensia Diabetes Care, Epredia, LSI Medience Corporation, Wemex Corporation, and Mediford Corporation. Together, these companies develop, manufacture, sell and service precision technology across diabetes management, healthcare solutions, life sciences and diagnostics. PHC Group's consolidated net sales in FY2024 were JPY 361.6 billion with global distribution of products and services in more than 125 countries. www.phchd.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114885186/en/ Contacts: Tim Stamper Tim.Stamper@fticonsulting.com The new energy group EPSO-G (company code 302826889, registered office address Laisves Ave. 10, Vilnius, Lithuania) EPSO-G announces the consolidated financial and performance results of the Group for the first nine months of 2025. The main financial indicators for the first nine months of 2025: Main financial indicators January-September 2025 January-September 2024 Change, % Revenue, million EUR 372.8 352.0 5.9 EBITDA, million EUR -10.1 67.5 n/a Net profit (loss), million EUR -35.2 35.6 n/a Investments to energy infrastructure, million EUR 126.0 148.9 -15.4 Investments to defense sector companies, million EUR 36.5 - n/a ROE (of the (last 12 months), % -4.5 11.4 - Net debt, million EUR 79.2 -64.9 - Adjusted* EBITDA, million EUR 60.1 57.8 4.0 Adjusted* net profit, million EUR 24.9 27.7 -10.2 Adjusted* ROE (last 12 months), % 11.1 11.7 - *Recalculation of regulated income, cost and profitability indicators is carried out due to temporary regulatory deviations from the regulated profitability approved by National Energy Regulatory Council (NERC). In calculating the adjusted indicators, adjustment of income due to previous periods is assessed. By decision of NERC, such adjustment has already been approved by determining the regulated prices of transmission services for the reporting period, and deviation from the approved (regulated) NERC and actual profitability of the reporting period is assessed. This deviation will be assessed when NERC will set transmission prices for the upcoming period. The EPSO-G group consists of the management company EPSO-G and six directly owned subsidiaries - Amber Grid, Baltpool, Energy cells, EPSO-G Invest, Litgrid and Tetas. EPSO-G and its Group companies also hold shares in Rheinmetall Defence Lietuva, Baltic RCC OU and TSO Holding AS. The rights and obligations of the sole shareholder of EPSO-G are exercised by the Ministry of Energy of the Republic of Lithuania. Enclosed: interim management report of EPSO-G group for the first nine months of 2025 (management, consolidated and the Company's financial statements) and press release. More information Gediminas Petrauskas, EPSO-G Communication Partner Tel. +370 610 63306, e-mail gediminas.petrauskas@epsog.lt Paris, France - November 14, 2025 -Eviden, the Atos Groupproduct brand leading in advanced computing, has been awarded a contract by the SKA Observatory (SKAO) to deliver the Science Data Processing Centre (SDP) Computing work package for both the SKA-Low and SKA-Mid telescope sites in Australia and South Africa. The signature ceremony for the contract took place in France, an SKAO observing member that announced its decision to join the Observatory in 2021. Formal entry to the SKAO awaits parliamentary ratification of the intergovernmental agreement following the French government signing accession agreement with the Observatory in April 2022. The CNRS, which leads the SKA-France coordination, signed a collaboration agreement with SKAO in March 2022 which facilitates interaction with the French science community. The SKAO is currently building the two largest radio telescope arrays in the world, which will pose an enormous data challenge. For the SKAO, the SDP is a critical element of the Observatory's scientific mission. When the telescopes begin early operations in the next few years, the SDP will process vast volumes of data, enabling researchers to decode cosmic signals and push the boundaries of astrophysics. The telescopes will need to process data equivalent to more than one million 4K Netflix streams, reducing it "on the fly" down to only a few thousand streams' worth, and ultimately archiving ~700 PB a year. Initial deployments of SDP hardware are expected in Australia and South Africa during 2026. Through this partnership, the SKAO will be able to scale up its processing infrastructure as the telescopes grow, by relying on Eviden's scalable approach: a catalogue of predefined scalable units (SUs) that can be deployed on demand at each site. Within this, Eviden offers a combination of Intel powered high-performance computing and software capabilities with Data Direct Networks (DDN) storage systems, ensuring low-latency and high-efficiency data handling, with local services delivered by its partner Evernex to ensure operational readiness and regional support. Eviden will also provide the system-level software that ensures all the hardware components work together as a single system. Nick Rees, SKAO head of Computing and Software said: "The hardware required by the SKAO must meet complex requirements. This includes designing a system that can be deployed in units as needed over time, ensuring that advances in computing and our understanding of the complexities can be incorporated into the SDP hardware during the multi-year construction period. We're dealing with an extremely big data challenge and Eviden is bringing a mature, tried and tested solution to the table. We're very pleased to have them join our delivery journey." Emmanuel Le Roux, Group SVP, global head of Advanced Computing and AI, Eviden at Atos Group commented: "This project places Eviden's technology at the core of one of the world's most significant scientific endeavours of the decade, made possible through international cooperation: to build the two largest radio telescope arrays in the world, located in South Africa and Australia. As we start to deliver the first technologies through this contract, it reflects our commitment to supporting frontier science with co-designed, robust, scalable and energy-efficient computing solutions. We are proud to contribute to SKAO's vision with a solution designed and delivered from Europe, and deployed across two continents to help unlock new discoveries about our universe." As the SKAO moves towards delivering science, the partnership with Eviden marks a critical milestone in building the digital foundation for this groundbreaking radio astronomy endeavour. Together, the SKAO and Eviden are enabling a future where data becomes discovery, and where the mysteries of the cosmos come into sharper focus. Jean-Luc Moullet, Chief Research and Innovation Officer at French Ministry of Higher Education, Research and Space, highlighted: "The ministry is very proud of the contribution of France to SKAO, a world-leading infrastructure in radio-astronomy built with a strong partnership of countries and with great discoveries to come. It is a great satisfaction to see the alliance between astronomers and the French company Eviden, a leader in high-performance computing. This project comes with fantastic innovation prospects in this field to perform high-performance computing on very large volumes of data with the goal to minimize the environmental impact. This shows how very ambitious fundamental research can push technology to its limits and benefit to society." Antoine Petit, President and CEO of CNRS said: "The CNRS and the SKA-France partners are proud of the strong engagement of French industry in tackling one of the most remarkable technological challenges of the SKA project: producing analysis-ready data from the immense data streams generated by the two telescopes. This contribution, which builds on advanced high-performance computing capabilities in the host countries, particularly in France with the CNRS- supercalculator Jean Zay, will play a key role in enabling the redistribution of hundreds of petabytes of data each year to the scientific community worldwide. It also reflects France commitment to the design of SKAO's future computing infrastructure with a clear focus on environmental sustainability." *** About Eviden Evidenis the Atos Group brand for hardware and software products with c. 1 billion in revenue, operating in 36 countries and comprising four business units: advanced computing, cybersecurity products, mission-critical systems and vision AI. As a next-generation technology leader, Eviden offers a unique combination of hardware and software technologies for businesses, public sector and defense organizations and research institutions, helping them to create value out of their data. Bringing together more than 4,500 world-class talents and holding more than 2,100 patents, Eviden provides a strong portfolio of innovative and eco-efficient solutions in AI, computing, security, data and applications. About Atos Group Atos Group is a global leader in digital transformation with c. 67,000 employees and annual revenue of c. 10 billion, operating in 61 countries under two brands - Atos for services and Eviden for products. European number one in cybersecurity, cloud and high performance computing, Atos Group is committed to a secure and decarbonized future and provides tailored AI-powered, end-to-end solutions for all industries. Atos Group is the brand under which Atos SE (Societas Europaea) operates. Atos SE is listed on Euronext Paris. The purpose of Atos Groupis to help design the future of the information space. Its expertise and services support the development of knowledge, education and research in a multicultural approach and contribute to the development of scientific and technological excellence. Across the world, the Group enables its customers and employees, and members of societies at large to live, work and develop sustainably, in a safe and secure information space. About the SKAO The SKAO, formally known as the SKA Observatory, is a global collaboration of Member States whose mission is to build and operate cutting-edge radio telescopes to transform our understanding of the Universe, and deliver benefits to society through global collaboration and innovation. Headquartered in the UK, its two telescope arrays are being constructed in Australia and South Africa and will be the two most advanced radio telescope networks on Earth. A later expansion is envisioned in both countries and other African partner countries. Together with other state-of-the-art research facilities, the SKAO's telescopes will explore the unknown frontiers of science and deepen our understanding of key processes, including the formation and evolution of galaxies, fundamental physics in extreme environments and the origins of life. Through the development of innovative technologies and its contribution to addressing societal challenges, the SKAO will play its part to address the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals and deliver significant benefits across its membership and beyond. The SKAO recognises and acknowledges the Indigenous peoples and cultures that have traditionally lived on the lands on which the SKAO facilities are located. About CNRS A major player in basic research worldwide, the National Centre for Scientific Researchis the only French organisation active in all scientific fields. Its unique position as a multi-specialist enables it to bring together all of the scientific disciplines in order to shed light on and understand the challenges of today's world, in connection with public and socio-economic stakeholders. Together, the different sciences contribute to sustainable progress that benefits society as a whole. Press contacts Constance Arnoux - constance.arnoux@eviden.com- +33 (0)6 44 12 16 35 Cassandra Cavallaro - Cassandra.cavallaro@skao.int- +44 (0)7384511285 CNRS Press Office - presse@cnrs.fr- +33 (0)1 44 96 51 51 Attachments Rapidly installed modular steel structure minimized traffic disruptions on busy route in Reykjavik PARSIPPANY, N.J., Nov. 14, 2025, a leading international bridge engineering and supply company, is pleased to note one of its modular steel bridges has been installed to carry pedestrians and cyclists over the Sbraut Highway, a major route in and out of Reykjavik, Iceland. The bridge has greatly improved safety for travelers between Vogahverfi and the new neighborhood development in Vogabygg, including students of Vogaskoli primary school, who now have a much safer route to and from school. Acrow's Compact 200 bridge was sold to the project owner, the Icelandic Road and Coastal Administration (Vegagerdin), and provided to Istak, the company awarded the contract to assemble and install the structure. To minimize traffic disruption at the site, the bridge, which is 27 meters (89') long and 3.15 meters (10') wide, was assembled at the contractor's depot then moved to the site fully assembled. To enhance safety for pedestrians and cyclists, a locally designed and manufactured enclosure with walls and a roof was fitted to the bridge before it was lifted in with a crane during overnight hours. Once the bridge was placed in position, the highway was reopened to traffic. The bridge was finished with towers and elevators provided by Vegagerdin. Local designs were carried out by Verkis Consulting Engineers. The bridge was opened to pedestrians and cyclists on 18 August 2025, and is expected to remain in place for approximately one year, until construction on the Sbraut Highway Cap project begins. At that point, the versatile structure will be disassembled, reconfigured to a length of 33 meters (108'), and reinstalled at a second location over the same highway. "Acrow's modular steel bridge provided an ideal solution to the many challenges of the project," said Acrow's Director of Business Development - Europe, Josep Costa. "The versatility of our solutions, combined with the easy, rapid installation will not only minimize highway closures during the different project stages, but will also provide a safe route for pedestrians and cyclists far more quickly than conventional bridge construction methods." "It was an honor to have been involved in this important project," said Paul Sullivan, Acrow's President - International Business. "The close coordination of the many stakeholders involved in the design and construction stages contributed to the success of this complex project and Acrow is delighted to have been of service to the local community in Reykjavik." About Acrow Acrow has been serving the transportation and construction industries for more than 70 years with a wide range of modular steel bridging solutions for permanent, temporary, military and emergency use. Acrow's extensive international presence includes leadership in the development and implementation of bridge infrastructure projects in over 150 countries across Africa, Asia, the Americas, Europe and the Middle East. For more information, please visit www.acrow.com. Media contact: Tracy Van Buskirk Marketcom PR Main: Photos accompanying this announcement are available at: https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/78e6f384-e1c1-44fc-b8e4-8e34d30ffb31 https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/22b874fe-bc3d-4038-a168-8c397c937af0 AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the Cardiovascular Biologics Market Size was valued at approximately USD 2.20 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 4.23 billion by 2033, representing a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period 2025-2033. This growth is driven by the increasing development of biologic and gene-based therapies targeting cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathways, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), siRNA-based therapeutics, recombinant proteins and other biologic platforms. Growth Drivers: Innovation Meets Unmet Clinical Need Rising global burden: Cardiovascular diseases account for 18 million deaths annually , representing nearly 32% of all global fatalities (WHO, 2024). Cardiovascular diseases account for , representing nearly (WHO, 2024). Therapy adoption rate: Biologic penetration in cardiovascular therapeutics increased from 3% in 2019 to 9% in 2024 , projected to exceed 20% by 2030 . Biologic penetration in cardiovascular therapeutics increased from to , projected to exceed . R&D investment: Annual cardiovascular biologics R&D spending surpassed USD 2.5 billion in 2024 , a 40% increase since 2020, led by mRNA and siRNA-based platforms. Annual cardiovascular biologics R&D spending surpassed , a 40% increase since 2020, led by mRNA and siRNA-based platforms. Regulatory momentum: Over 45 late-stage cardiovascular biologics are currently in clinical development worldwide, including monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and IL-6 pathways. Over are currently in clinical development worldwide, including monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and IL-6 pathways. Cost-effectiveness: Biologics can reduce LDL-C levels by up to 60%, translating to 27% lower cardiac event rates in high-risk populations. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/cardiovascular-biologics-market Browse in-depth TOC on "Cardiovascular Biologics Market" 70 - Tables 66 - Figures 195 - Pages Market Segmentation Analysis By Biologic Type The market is categorized into Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs), siRNA-Based Therapeutics, Recombinant Proteins, and Others. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) dominate the market with 52% share (USD 1.14 billion in 2024) , driven by successful launches such as Repatha (Amgen) and Praluent (Regeneron/Sanofi) . The segment is expected to reach USD 2.2 billion by 2033 , growing at 7.7% CAGR . dominate the market with , driven by successful launches such as and . The segment is expected to reach , growing at . siRNA-Based Therapeutics represent 25% share (USD 550 million) and are the fastest-growing category, with 10% CAGR , led by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' inclisiran , showing sustained LDL-C reduction for up to six months. represent and are the fastest-growing category, with , led by , showing sustained LDL-C reduction for up to six months. Recombinant Proteins hold 15% share (USD 330 million), used in ischemic and heart failure indications, while Others (gene therapies and peptide biologics) account for 8% (USD 180 million), with significant pipeline potential beyond 2030. By Indication Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the largest indication, capturing 38% share (USD 836 million in 2024) and expected to grow at 7.8% CAGR , owing to the widespread use of PCSK9 inhibitors and siRNA-based lipid therapies. is the largest indication, capturing and expected to grow at , owing to the widespread use of PCSK9 inhibitors and siRNA-based lipid therapies. Heart Failure (HF) accounts for 25% (USD 550 million) , bolstered by biologics targeting myocardial regeneration and neurohormonal pathways. accounts for , bolstered by biologics targeting myocardial regeneration and neurohormonal pathways. Arrhythmias and Valvular Heart Diseases collectively contribute 20% (USD 440 million) , with novel biologics improving structural and electrical cardiac function. and collectively contribute , with novel biologics improving structural and electrical cardiac function. Hypertension represents 10% (USD 220 million) , primarily driven by siRNA-based approaches targeting angiotensinogen. represents , primarily driven by siRNA-based approaches targeting angiotensinogen. Other conditions (e.g., pulmonary hypertension, vascular inflammation) account for 7% (USD 154 million) with early-stage biologic trials progressing steadily. By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies dominate with 60% market share (USD 1.32 billion in 2024) , given the requirement for specialist prescription and in-patient administration. dominate with , given the requirement for specialist prescription and in-patient administration. Retail Pharmacies represent 40% (USD 880 million), projected to exceed USD 1.7 billion by 2033, supported by wider access to self-administered biologics. Request for Customized Sample Report as per Your Business Requirement: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/cardiovascular-biologics-market Regional Insights United States The U.S. market held 45% global share (USD 990 million in 2024) and is projected to reach USD 1.95 billion by 2033, expanding at 7.8% CAGR. The country accounts for over 35% of global cardiovascular biologics prescriptions . . FDA-approved biologics like Leqvio (inclisiran) and Repatha dominate lipid-lowering therapy, supported by Medicare's recent inclusion of siRNA drugs in reimbursement programs. and dominate lipid-lowering therapy, supported by Medicare's recent inclusion of siRNA drugs in reimbursement programs. U.S. federal R&D grants for biologic drug development exceeded USD 1.1 billion in 2024, emphasizing RNA-based innovation and atherosclerosis immunotherapy. Japan Japan's market reached USD 210 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 420 million by 2033, registering a 7.9% CAGR. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved its first siRNA-based cardiovascular drug in 2024. Japan's cardiovascular biologics R&D funding rose 25% YoY , targeting localized production under the Pharma Innovation Japan 2030 initiative. , targeting localized production under the initiative. Rising geriatric population (29% aged 65+) continues to drive biologic demand for chronic heart diseases. Competitive Landscape Key players in this market include Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Amgen Inc.; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Genentech USA, Inc.; Reliance Life Sciences; Biocon Biologics Limited; and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co. Highlights (FY2024): Amgen Inc. generated USD 28.2 billion in total revenue, with Repatha contributing USD 1.9 billion (+12% YoY). generated in total revenue, with contributing (+12% YoY). Regeneron Pharmaceuticals reported USD 13.3 billion revenue, with Praluent achieving USD 730 million sales globally. reported revenue, with achieving sales globally. Novartis recorded USD 52 billion in total revenue; its siRNA therapy Leqvio reached USD 500 million sales within 18 months of launch. recorded in total revenue; its siRNA therapy reached sales within 18 months of launch. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals earned USD 1.7 billion , with inclisiran licensing revenue driving 60% YoY growth. earned , with driving 60% YoY growth. Biocon Biologics expanded its cardiovascular biosimilars segment by 35% YoY, targeting emerging markets across Asia and LATAM. Market Outlook and Strategic Implications The forecast to USD 4.23 billion by 2033 at a 7.5% CAGR suggests a steady but relatively moderate growth path compared to some other biologics segments. Key strategic implications include: The dominance of mAbs (45% share) means newer modalities (siRNA, recombinant proteins) must broaden their pipeline and approval success to capture incremental share. Indications beyond CAD - such as heart failure, valvular disease and hypertension - represent potential for expansion as biologic therapies prove their efficacy. such as heart failure, valvular disease and hypertension - represent potential for expansion as biologic therapies prove their efficacy. Emerging markets (Asia-Pacific) with higher CVD incidence and improving biologic access are key growth frontiers. Distribution strategy will remain important: hospital pharmacy channels are critical because of infusion/injection workflows, but as subcutaneous and outpatient biologics expand, retail pharmacy access may rise. Recent Industry Developments Regeneron and Sanofi initiated Phase III trials for an anti-ANGPTL3 monoclonal antibody to reduce triglycerides (April 2025). initiated Phase III trials for an anti-ANGPTL3 monoclonal antibody to reduce triglycerides (April 2025). Amgen launched an oral biologic delivery partnership with Rani Therapeutics for peptide-based cardiac therapeutics (February 2025). launched an oral biologic delivery partnership with for peptide-based cardiac therapeutics (February 2025). Novartis received EMA approval for Leqvio (inclisiran) expansion across multiple cardiovascular risk categories (March 2025). received EMA approval for expansion across multiple cardiovascular risk categories (March 2025). Alnylam began a next-generation siRNA program targeting multiple lipid biomarkers (January 2025). began a next-generation siRNA program targeting multiple lipid biomarkers (January 2025). Reliance Life Sciences announced entry into the Indian cardiovascular biologics market with recombinant protein-based therapies (December 2024). Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=cardiovascular-biologics-market Conclusion The cardiovascular biologics market is entering a phase of sustained growth, anchored by biologic innovations targeting cardiovascular disease pathways. With the market expected to increase from USD 2.20 billion in 2024 to USD 4.23 billion by 2033, the 7.5% CAGR underlines the long-term potential of biologics in cardiovascular care. According to DataM Intelligence, companies that invest in next-generation biologic platforms (such as siRNA, gene therapies, recombinant proteins) and expand indications beyond traditional lipid-lowering will be best positioned to capture growth. Related Report: Cardiac Imaging Revolution: Global Cardiovascular Ultrasound Systems Market Poised for Breakthroughs Through 2030. Lifelines & Lab-Pipelines: How the Cardiovascular Therapeutic Drugs Market is Charting Its Next Surge. Heart-Wave of Opportunity: Global Cardiovascular Devices Market Set to Double by 2030. Implanting the Future: Global Cardiovascular Prosthetic Device Market Size Set to Hit US$ 28.9 B by 2031. Digital Heartbeat: The Cardiovascular Information Systems Market Powers the Future of Cardiac Care. About DataM Intelligence DataM Intelligence is a renowned provider of market research, delivering deep insights through pricing analysis, market share breakdowns, and competitive intelligence. The company specializes in strategic reports that guide businesses in high-growth sectors such as nutraceuticals and AI-driven health innovations. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: Sai.k@datamintelligence.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cardiovascular-biologics-market-expected-to-reach-usd-4-23-billion-by-2033-amid-advances-in-rna-and-biologic-therapies--datam-intelligence-302615679.html Edmonton, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - WorkUgo, a next-generation workforce mobility platform, is accelerating its mission to close the global skilled trades gap through technology, partnerships, and leadership growth. Following its successful launch, the company announced the addition of two seasoned executives and new partnerships aimed at scaling its operations across continents. WorkUgo To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit: https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8871/273839_ebda423574789920_001full.jpg WorkUgo connects employers in developed markets with certified trades professionals from emerging economies, streamlining the complex process of sourcing, vetting, migration, and relocation into one unified system. For companies that already have access to overseas talent, WorkUgo also provides standalone immigration and credentialing support - managing the most complex, time-consuming steps of bringing workers and engineers to Canada and ensuring their qualifications are recognized locally. Backed by a pre-seed investment from Digital Future Venture Fund, WorkUgo is currently engaging with seed-stage investors and expanding its sourcing networks in Latin America, Africa, and Southeast Asia. Empowering Global Mobility Through Technology Founded by Andrew Malenkov, former Tech Product Lead at Just Eat Takeaway, and Oleksii Vitchenko, serial tech entrepreneur and venture investor, WorkUgo addresses one of the most pressing challenges facing advanced economies: access to skilled labor. "In Canada alone, over 700,000 tradespeople are expected to retire by 2028, yet fewer than 20% of apprentices reach certification," said Malenkov, WorkUgo's Co-Founder and CEO. "This is not a talent shortage-it's an access problem. Our platform builds the bridge that connects skilled professionals ready to relocate with Canadian employers who need them now." WorkUgo's proprietary stack combines: AI-powered candidate matching and vetting Credential and immigration management tools Help with relocation and onboarding workflows Global partnerships with local recruitment and immigration consultant networks The company's vision extends far beyond Canada. "We want to help hundreds of thousands of skilled workers access better jobs abroad while giving employers reliable, compliant workforce solutions," said Vitchenko. "Everyone wins when opportunity flows both ways." Strengthening the Executive Team To accelerate growth, WorkUgo has welcomed two senior industry leaders: Ian Yule, former President of Greenlight Tech Staffing and ex-Vice President at Randstad Canada, and Jeffrey David Harris, Founder & CEO of AmbiMi and ex-Founder of Impact Recruitment. Yule brings over 15 years of experience leading recruitment operations in technology, industrial, and manufacturing sectors. "What excites me about WorkUgo is its ability to unlock a completely untapped global talent pipeline," said Yule. "We're not just recruiting-we're helping entire sectors stay competitive while opening real mobility opportunities for workers." Harris, recognized for his work in platform development and AI-driven staffing models, will advise on product and operational strategy. "WorkUgo is tackling one of the biggest inefficiencies in the global labor market-getting certified tradespeople where they're needed most, faster and fairer," he said. Scaling for 2026 and Beyond By combining deep recruitment expertise with a data-driven, AI-enabled platform, WorkUgo is set to relocate hundreds of skilled trades professionals to Canada in 2026. WorkUgo streamlines a traditionally fragmented process by integrating sourcing, credentialing, immigration, and relocation into a single operational framework. The result: faster hiring, full compliance with labor regulations, and improved retention rates for employers, while giving workers transparent access to stable, well-paid careers abroad. For employers who already have access to overseas talent but need help with immigration and credentialing, WorkUgo fast-tracks their candidates' relocation to Canada and maximizes the chances of securing work permits and recognition of prior education and professional experience needed to achieve journeyman status. Building the Global Talent Bridge WorkUgo continues to expand its network and invites collaboration with: Investors interested in participating in the next funding round, supporting WorkUgo's growth in technology development, and global workforce mobility initiatives Canadian employers in construction, mining&metals, oil&gas, energy, transportation and manufacturing seeking qualified international candidates "Our goal is to make workforce mobility seamless, compliant, and human-centered," said Malenkov. "Adding Ian and Jeffrey to the team marks an important milestone as we move from product rollout to scale." About WorkUgo WorkUgo is a workforce mobility platform helping employers in high-income countries source, vet, and relocate certified tradespeople from emerging markets. Built by experts in product, technology, and operations, the platform bridges the global skilled labor gap through transparency, automation, and compliance. For media inquiries or partnership opportunities: To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/273839 SOURCE: PRNews OU Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - E-Power Resources Inc. (CSE: EPR) ("E-Power" or the "Company") reports the following management changes. At a meeting held November 13, 2025, the Board of Directors of the Company has accepted the resignation of Mr. James Cross as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of the Company. Mr. Cross has been on a leave of absence from the Company since September 22, 2025. The Board of Directors of the Company has appointed Mr. Jamie Lavigne as Chief Operating Officer ("COO") of the Company while vacating the role of Vice President Exploration. The appointment is in anticipation of an expanded role to manage not only exploration and resource delineation but to also manage technical studies supporting resource development. Mr. Lavigne remains the Interim CEO pending appointment of a new CEO. The Board of Directors has formed a committee, led by Director Alexis de la Renaudiere, to continue, and conclude, discussions and negotiations with a candidate to be appointed CEO of the Company. Michael Danielsson, Director of E-Power commented: James cofounded E-Power and from incorporation through becoming a public company James has been the face of E-Power. The Board of Directors wish to thank James for advancing E-Power to date and wish him all the best in the future. We look forward to the appointment of James successor in the near future and to continuing success in the development of the Tetepisca property. About E-Power E-Power Resources Inc. is a Quebec Corporation based in Montreal and focused on battery minerals exploration in Quebec. The Company is currently focused on flake graphite resource development on the Tetepisca Property located in the Innu Nation of Pessamit, North Shore Region of Quebec. For more information about E-Power Resources Inc. please visit the Company website at: e-powerresources.com Notice Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This news release contains "forward-looking statements". Statements in this press release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release, and the Company assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in the forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that the plans, expectations and intentions contained in this press release are reasonable, there can be no assurance that they will prove to be accurate. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274517 SOURCE: E-Power Resources HONG KONG, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Cornerstone Robotics (the "Company"), a leading global innovator in surgical robotics, is pleased to announce the closing of an oversubscribed new financing round of approximately US$200 million. This financing round attracts investment from a global strategic investor, some global institutional or sovereign wealth funds, and existing shareholders. The proceeds from this round will primarily be used to accelerate commercialisation and drive continued technological innovation by Cornerstone Robotics. Top-tier Global Investors Join to Accelerate Global Expansion With its industry-leading technologies and strong growth potential in the field of surgical robotics, Cornerstone Robotics has attracted a global strategic investor in this financing round. The Company also welcomed some global institutional or sovereign wealth funds, whose participation will further support Cornerstone Robotics' market access and strategic partnerships globally. Existing shareholders have also increased their investment, reaffirming their strong confidence in the Company's technological capabilities and future roadmap, commercialization progress, and long-term growth potential. Together, this powerful investor lineup strengthens Cornerstone Robotics' global foundation and accelerates its mission to make safe, efficient, and accessible surgical robotic technologies available to healthcare providers worldwide. Advancing Global Surgical Robotics Since its establishment in 2019, Cornerstone Robotics has adhered to its vision of "leading medical innovation for a healthier world". Through full-stack in-house R&D and deep vertical integration, the Company has become a leading global innovator in surgical robotics and related technologies. The Company's flagship product, the Sentire Endoscopic Surgical System, has received approval from China's National Medical Products Administration (NMPA) and has entered clinical use in leading hospitals across the Chinese mainland, Hong Kong, and Europe. By collaborating with top international medical and academic institutions, Cornerstone Robotics is deepening its commitment to advancing clinical training, technology adoption, and scholarly exchange, empowering global medical accessibility to reach a new age. Professor Samuel Au, Founder and CEO of Cornerstone Robotics, said: "The year 2025 marks an important milestone in the development journey of Cornerstone Robotics. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to our new and existing shareholders for their trust and support. This represents not only recognition of the successful clinical application of our innovations, but also strong confidence in Cornerstone Robotics' long-term growth. Moving forward, we will remain committed to innovation-driven development and deepen our global presence, bringing safe, high-quality, and accessible surgical robotic solutions to patients and healthcare providers around the world." UBS Group served as the Company's financial advisor in this transaction, Global Law Office served as the Company's transaction legal counsel, and JunHe served as the Company's intellectual property legal counsel. About Cornerstone Robotics Cornerstone Robotics is a leading medical innovator in surgical robotics and related technologies. We advance surgical care with cutting-edge robotic systems that make high-quality healthcare more accessible and efficient globally. Founded in 2019, Cornerstone Robotics has assembled a global team of surgical robotics experts, clinical professionals, and multidisciplinary innovators, driving rapid growth with key hubs in Hong Kong, Shenzhen, Beijing, Shanghai, London, and Portsmouth. For more information, please visit our website at https://en.csrbtx.com. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823487/image.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/cornerstone-robotics-closes-oversubscribed-new-financing-round-of-approximately-us200-million-to-accelerate-commercialisation-and-global-expansion-302615803.html Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - TriSummit Utilities Inc. ("TSU") announced that it has completed its $350 million issuance of senior unsecured medium-term notes (the "Offering"). The Offering is comprised of $175 million of notes carrying a coupon rate of 3.71% and maturing on February 14, 2031, and $175 million of notes carrying a coupon rate of 4.40% and maturing on November 14, 2035. Net proceeds from the Offering will be used to repay amounts outstanding under TSU's Canadian syndicated revolving credit facility, U.S. syndicated revolving credit facility and Canadian operating credit facility, which amounts were incurred in the normal course of business to fund the working capital requirements of TSU. The Offering was made through a syndicate of investment dealers co-led by RBC Capital Markets, CIBC Capital Markets, and TD Securities as joint bookrunners under TSU's Short Form Base Shelf Prospectus dated April 3, 2025 and Prospectus Supplement dated April 17, 2025. No securities regulatory authority has either approved or disapproved of the contents of this press release. This press release is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States (including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia) or any other jurisdiction outside Canada. This press release does not constitute or form a part of any offer to buy or sell any securities in the United States or any other jurisdiction outside of Canada. The securities of TSU have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws. Accordingly, these securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to a U.S. person unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or except pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws. There will be no public offering of securities in the United States. About TriSummit Utilities Inc. TSU is a North American company with natural gas distribution, transmission and storage utilities and renewable power generation assets. TSU serves approximately 293,000 customers across Canada and the United States, delivering energy safely and reliably. For more information visit: www.trisummit.ca Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, the words "may", "would", "could", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "seek", "propose", "estimate", "expect", and similar expressions, as they relate to TSU or an affiliate of TSU, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. In particular, this press release contains forward-looking statements with respect to, among other things, the use of proceeds from the Offering. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements reflect TSU's current views with respect to future events based on certain material factors and assumptions and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, including without limitation, changes in the market, competition, governmental or regulatory developments, general economic conditions and other factors set out in TSU's public disclosure documents. Many factors could cause TSU's actual results, performance or achievements to vary from those described in this press release, including without limitation, those listed above. These factors should not be construed as exhaustive. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, sought, proposed, estimated or expected, and such forward-looking statements included in, or incorporated by reference in this press release, should not be unduly relied upon. Such statements speak only as of the date of this press release. TSU does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWS WIRE SERVICES OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274521 SOURCE: TriSummit Utilities Inc. Wuxi DK Electronic Materials (DKEM) has filed a patent lawsuit against Zhejiang Guangda Electronic Technology over alleged infringement of its conductive silver-paste patents.Wuxi DK Electronic Materials (DKEM) announced that its subsidiary, Zhejiang Soter Materials Technology, has filed a lawsuit with the Zhejiang High People's Court against Zhejiang Guangda Electronic Technology for alleged infringement of its conductive silver-paste patents. DKEM is seeking an injunction to stop manufacturing and sales, the destruction of relevant production equipment and molds, and compensation of CNY 200 ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. BH Macro Limited - Transaction in Own Shares PR Newswire LONDON, United Kingdom, November 14 BH Macro Limited (the "Company") (a closed-ended collective investment scheme established as a company with limited liability under the laws of Guernsey with registered number 46235) Transaction in Own Shares 14 November 2025 BH Macro Limited (the Company) announces today it has purchased the following number of its ordinary shares on the London Stock Exchange from J.P. Morgan Securities plc: Ordinary Shares: - Share Class Sterling Date of purchase: 14 November 2025 Number of ordinary shares purchased: 67,712 Weighted average price (Sterling/US Dollars as applicable): 3.9588 The Company intends to hold the purchased shares in treasury. Following the above share transactions of the relevant US Dollar and/or Sterling Shares, the total number of shares in issue in each share class of the Company will be as follows: Ordinary Shares in issue (excluding Treasury) Ordinary Shares held in Treasury 320,623,542 Sterling Shares 57,434,064 Sterling Shares 23,910,329 US Dollar Shares 202,428 US Dollar Shares From 14 November 2025, the total number of voting rights in the Company (rounded up to the whole number) is 489,823,427. Enquiries: Company website: www.bhmacro.com William Simmonds JPMorgan Cazenove Tel: 020 7588 2828 The Company Secretary Northern Trust International Fund Administration Services (Guernsey) Limited Tel: 01481 745001 Regulatory News: Celyad Oncology (Euronext: CYAD) (the "Company" or "Celyad Oncology"), today announced that 14,903,846 shares of CFIP CLYD (UK) Limited benefit from a double voting right as of November 14, 2025. As a result, the Company's total number of voting rights is now 72,383,166. This information is published in accordance with Article 15 of the Belgian Law of 2 May 2007 on the disclosure of major participations in issuers whose shares are admitted to trading on a regulated market and regarding miscellaneous provisions Figures Modified on November 14, 2025, following the Double Voting Rights: Total amount of share capital (EUR) 9,216,154.53 Total Number of shares with single voting rights 17,140,644 Total Number of shares with double voting rights 27,621,261 Total Number of Shares 44,761,905 Total of voting rights 72,383,166 Total number of attributed warrants 3,856,134 Total number of shares with voting rights that could be created following the exercise of the attributed warrants 3,856,134 Total number of diluted shares (Outstanding shares Warrants) 48,618,039 Total number of diluted shares with voting rights 76,239,300 Contact person for regulated information (financial, transparency) By law, any transparency declaration must be sent to our Company by email to the attention of Matthew Kane, Chief Executive Officer (CEO): investors@celyad.com Further questions about the content of this release can be sent to investors@celyad.com About Celyad Oncology Celyad Oncology is a biotechnology company focused primarily on unlocking the potential of its intellectual property. The Company is headquartered in Mont Saint-Guibert, Belgium. For more information, visit www.celyad.com. Forward-looking statements This release may contain forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding beliefs about and expectations for the Company's updated strategic business model, including associated potential benefits, transactions and partnerships, statements regarding the potential value of the Company's IP, statements regarding the Company's financial statements and cash runway, statements regarding the Company's future fundraising plans, statements regarding the Company's hiring plans, and statements regarding the continuation of the Company's existence. The words "will," "potential," "continue," "target," "project," "should" and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Any forward-looking statements in this release are based on management's current expectations and beliefs and are subject to a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and important factors which might cause actual events, results, financial condition, performance or achievements of Celyad Oncology to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, without limitation, risks related to the material uncertainty about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern; the Company's ability to realize the expected benefits of its updated strategic business model; the Company's ability to develop its IP assets and enter into partnerships with outside parties; the Company's ability to enforce its patents and other IP rights; the possibility that the Company may infringe on the patents or IP rights of others and be required to defend against patent or other IP rights suits; the possibility that the Company may not successfully defend itself against claims of patent infringement or other IP rights suits, which could result in substantial claims for damages against the Company; the possibility that the Company may become involved in lawsuits to protect or enforce its patents, which could be expensive, time-consuming, and unsuccessful; the Company's ability to protect its IP rights throughout the world; the potential for patents held by the Company to be found invalid or unenforceable; and other risks identified in the latest Annual Report of Celyad Oncology. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of publication of this document and Celyad Oncology's actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. Celyad Oncology expressly disclaims any obligation to update any such forward-looking statements in this document to reflect any change in its expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based, unless required by law or regulation. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251114445557/en/ Contacts: Investor and Media: David Georges VP Finance and Administration investors@celyad.com Part of O.A.T.'s new Immersions collection, shorter and deeper small-group adventures for travelers 50-plus. BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in small-group adventures for Americans 50-plus, today announced the launch of Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River, a 12-day journey tracing 5,000 years of Egyptian history from Cairo to Aswan aboard O.A.T.'s privately chartered 75-passenger small ship, Nefertiti. The itinerary headlines the company's growing Immersions collection of 8-12-day adventures designed for travelers seeking authentic cultural connection in less time. "We're excited to introduce Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River as part of our growing Immersions collection," said Brian FitzGerald, CEO, Overseas Adventure Travel. "This new itinerary blends iconic sights with meaningful local experiences-including time aboard our small ship, Nefertiti-giving travelers a deep, connected look at Egypt in just 12 days." Egypt continues to draw strong demand among O.A.T. travelers eager to explore this destination through the lens of small-group travel. Immersion in Egypt joins three existing itineraries across the country- two Immersions and two of our longer, signature land adventures-reflecting travelers' sustained interest in Egypt's deep cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. Journey Through Egypt's Ancient Past Departing April and September-December 2026, Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River combines Egypt's legendary highlights with meaningful encounters that define O.A.T. travel. Travelers will stand before the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, and witness the grandeur of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. At the heart of the adventure is a seven-night cruise on the Nile aboard Nefertiti, where guests unpack once and experience daily life along the storied river. Onboard port talks and local-led excursions bring context to each stop-from the Temple of Hathor in Dendera to the double temple of Kom Ombo. Travelers also enjoy signature O.A.T. experiences, including visits to a Nubian village near Aswan to engage with local families, explore traditional crafts, and experience daily life along the Nile. Guests will also enjoy a felucca sail on the river and an intimate look at modern Aswan and Nubian culture. A New Way to See the World: O.A.T. Immersions The Immersions collection expands the choices available to O.A.T. travelers. Choice has always been central to the O.A.T. experience, and many travelers, both long-time guests and those new to small-group travel, have asked for meaningful adventures that better fit today's schedules. Immersions meet that need by offering 8- to 12-day itineraries that move at a slightly faster pace while still delivering the must-see highlights and authentic local cultural experiences that define every O.A.T. journey. Other newly introduced itineraries include Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City; Costa Rica: La Fortuna to the Pacific Coast; Morocco: Rabat to Marrakesh; Ireland: Belfast to Ennis; Iceland: Selfoss to Reykjavik; and Ecuador: Quito to the Galapagos. Together, they reflect O.A.T.'s evolution toward travel that is immersive and accessible-ideal for returning travelers and newcomers alike. Black Friday Savings As O.A.T. promotes its new Immersions collection-including Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River-the itinerary is featured as part of the company's Black Friday Savings event, offering up to $3,800 per person off all 2026 adventures. Travelers can reserve by December 1 and mention code BLACKFRIDAY25. About Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) Overseas Adventure Travel is the leader in personalized small-group travel for Americans 50-plus. A part of the Grand Circle family of travel companies, O.A.T. offers Small Group Adventures by Land and Small Ship Adventures by Sea to more than 80 countries worldwide. With a focus on local immersion, cultural exchange, and solo-friendly travel, O.A.T. is committed to changing people's lives-one village, one school, one person at a time. Learn more at www.oattravel.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/654459/Overseas_Adventure_Travel_NEW_Logo.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/overseas-adventure-travel-launches-immersion-in-egypt-cruising-the-nile-river-302615952.html MOUNT DORA, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / The Residences at Lake Saunders is now open, welcoming residents to a new standard of rental living in Mount Dora. This distinctive community offers spacious three- and four-bedroom single-family home rentals alongside one-bedroom apartments, a unique concept that combines the comfort of single family living but with the flexibility and ease of renting. The Residences at Lake Saunders Single Family Home rentals in Mount Dora, FL - Concord Rents Set near the tranquil shores of Lake Saunders, the community delivers a lifestyle that's both relaxing and convenient. The large single-family homes feature open layouts, modern finishes, and screened-in porches, creating the perfect blend of indoor-outdoor living. The one bedroom 724 sf option offers private living above a garage and extends flexibility for individuals or couples looking for a peaceful alternative to traditional apartment living and seeking a private, well-appointed residence in a connected neighborhood setting. Current pricing for the one-bedroom option starts at $1199 for a limited time. "The Residences at Lake Saunders represents a new chapter in rental living," said a community spokesperson. "Residents can enjoy the feel of a home with space, privacy, and quality finishes, but without the responsibilities of ownership. It's truly the best of both worlds." Professionally managed and maintenance-free, the community allows residents to enjoy more time for what matters most. Its location places them just minutes from Mount Dora's charming downtown, dining, shopping, and recreation, offering a vibrant lifestyle in one of Central Florida's most desirable areas, as well as close proximity to the City of Tavares and Eustis. With limited residences available at special introductory pricing, there's never been a better time to discover what makes this community unlike anything else in Mount Dora. About The Residences at Lake Saunders: Managed by ConcordRENTS, The Residences at Lake Saunders offers a modern mix of single-family home rentals and along with one bedroom-accessory suite options designed for today's flexible lifestyles. To learn more or schedule a tour, visit TheResidencesAtLakeSaunders.com, call 352-720-9843 or stop by our leasing office at 31800 Sailor Loop Mount Dora, FL 32757 SOURCE: ConcordRENTS View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/real-estate/now-open-the-residences-at-lake-saunders-redefines-rental-living-in-mount-dora-1102642 NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Las Vegas Sands Now in its ninth year, tomorrow's 2025 Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit, co-presented by Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth and Sands, will gather service providers, local and state leaders, and youth with lived experiences of homelessness for an informative and inspirational day designed to move Nevada toward strategies and solutions for the thousands of vulnerable youth facing homelessness in the state. According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, youth homelessness in Clark County increased 34% from 2023 to 2024. Statewide, the number of young people experiencing homelessness increased by 27% from 2023 to 2024. As always, the Summit's centerpiece is showcasing the voices of youth with lived experiences of homelessness so that attendees can build appropriate and thoughtful solutions. Young leaders will participate in a variety of ways, including creative performances, presentations and the keynote showcase - a Youth StorySLAM in which youth will perform five-minute pieces they have prepared with mentoring by faculty at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Greenspun College of Urban Affairs. Youth voices will be complemented by informative sessions examining homelessness in Nevada, including an update on progress in the statewide Movement to End Youth Homelessness; an overview of findings from the Nevada Youth Experiencing Homelessness (YEH) Study, a statewide, two-year needs assessment funded by the Nevada Department of Human Services; and details on two important youth homelessness initiatives, the Youth Homelessness Demonstration Program and the Youth Homelessness System Improvement initiative. Both of these programs have been funded by grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and aim to coordinate youth homelessness approaches and response systems in the state. To further explore the status of and opportunity for federal resources, Darla Bardine, executive director of the National Network for Youth, will outline funding and programmatic changes at the national level, and her presentation will be followed by a panel discussion on how Nevada can respond to the changing federal landscape. New for Summit 2025 is the Movement Microproject Competition, which will engage attendees in identifying immediate actions that can be taken for specific facets of youth homelessness. The interactive session is designed to engage collective audience creativity in designing innovative solutions and will result in a project that will be implemented after the Summit. Attendees also will be invited to visit the Movement Action Center where they can find ways to contribute their time and talents to the Movement to End Youth Homelessness. "We have achieved many critical milestones on our path to making youth homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring in Nevada," Arash Ghafoori, CEO of NPHY, said. "Yet, factors such as a lack of affordable housing, food insecurity and other exacerbated challenges have kept incidence rates on the rise. Now we're facing a pivotal moment - Nevada must respond to evolving federal priorities that are shifting resources, which young people and providers have counted on for many years. With the momentum we've built as a statewide coalition, we can and will tackle these uncertainties, and Summit 2025 once again serves as a critical juncture in our work for the year ahead." To learn more about 2025 Nevada Youth Homelessness Summit, visit nphy.org/Summit25. Summit 2025 is presented by NPHY and Sands with support from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas Greenspun College of Urban Affairs and the Las Vegas Review-Journal. View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from Las Vegas Sands on 3blmedia.com. Contact Info: Spokesperson: Las Vegas Sands Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/las-vegas-sands Email: info@3blmedia.com SOURCE: Las Vegas Sands View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/travel/inspiring-nevada-solutions-nphy-and-sands-gear-up-to-host-the-2025-nevada-youth-homelessness-1102646 Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Tsodilo Resources Limited (TSXV: TSD) (OTCQB: TSDRF) (FSE: TZO) ("Tsodilo" or the "Company") announces that it intends to pursue re-domiciliation to the United States. Tsodilo's operations are based in the Republic of Botswana, and a vast plurality of its shareholders are non-Canada based. About Tsodilo Resources Limited Tsodilo Resources Limited is an international resource exploration company engaged in the search for economic metal deposits at its Gcwihaba Resources (Pty) Limited ("Gcwihaba") projects in Botswana. The Company has a 100% stake in its Gcwihaba project area consisting of five metal (base, precious, platinum group, and rare earth) prospecting licenses all located in the North-West district of Botswana. This press release may contain forward-looking statements. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements pertaining to the use of proceeds, the impact of strategic partnerships and statements that describe the Company's future plans, objectives or goals) are forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements reflect the current expectations or beliefs of the Company based on information currently available to the Company. Forward- looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements, and even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, changes in equity markets, changes in general economic conditions, market volatility, political developments in Botswana and surrounding countries, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, uncertainties relating to the availability and costs of financing needed in the future, exploration and development risks, the uncertainties involved in interpreting exploration results and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to the inherent uncertainty therein. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements and, even if such actual results are realized or substantially realized, there can be no assurance that they will have the expected consequences to, or effects on, the Company. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, uncertainties relating to availability and cost of funds, timing and content of work programs, results of exploration activities, interpretation of drilling results and other geological data, risks relating to variations in the diamond grade and kimberlite lithologies; variations in rates of recovery and breakage; estimates of grade and quality of diamonds, variations in diamond valuations and future diamond prices; the state of world diamond markets, reliability of mineral property titles, changes to regulations affecting the Company's activities, delays in obtaining or failure to obtain required project approvals, operational and infrastructure risk and other risks involved in the diamond exploration and development business. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise. Although the Company believes that the assumptions inherent in the forward-looking statements are reasonable, forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such statements due to their inherent uncertainty. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange ("TSXV") nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release may contain assumptions, estimates, and other forward-looking statements regarding future events. Such forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and are subject to factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which may cause actual results or performance to differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274628 SOURCE: Tsodilo Resources Limited Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Tethys Petroleum Limited (TSXV: TPL) ("Tethys" or the "Company") today announced that it has filed its interim results for the three months ended September 30, 2025 with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities comprising its Audited Financial Statements together with Management's Discussion and Analysis and other required forms. Copies of the filed documents may be obtained via SEDAR at www.sedar.com or on Tethys' website at www.tethys-group.com. Financial highlights Oil and gas sales increased by 33% to $7.1 million in the third quarter of 2025 from $5.4 million in 2024 due primarily to increased oil production. The profit for the period was $1.4 million compared with a loss of $0.6 million in 2024. Operations update Oil production is continuing from wells KBD-02, KBD-06, and KBD-07 with a gradual increase from an average of 330 tons per day to 390 tons per day over the last month. It's anticipated that daily oil production will ramp up to about 500 tons per day within a week. This assumes the commissioning of the second gas compressor and successful repair of the second gas turbine. Natural Gas production from the Kyzyloi and Akkulka Gas Fields is averaging about 235,000 m per day from 21 gas wells. Workover and Well Services operations are currently being performed to reactivate several previously suspended gas wells. The Aral-4 structural interpretation of seismic data has been completed and prospect identification and evaluation is underway. The initial review is that there will likely be one or two sites that will be drilled in the license. The Diyar seismic processing and structural interpretation has not been fully completed. The initial review of results is discouraging as to a promising structure in the south of Diyar. The north part of Diyar and southern part of Zhanasu license will continue to be analyzed for prospectivity. Corporate Update In November 2025, the Company signed new collective agreements covering the workforces of Kul-Bas LLP, TethysAralGas LLP, and DMS Services LLP. The agreements were concluded in the ordinary course of business, and the Company continues to maintain stable and constructive labor relations across its operations. Regulatory Update - Akkulka Oil Contract As previously disclosed, the Company appealed the decision of the Astana Economic Court (1st instance) dated September 9, 2025, which rejected the Company's claim regarding the extension of the Akkulka Oil contract (license #265). The appellate court has now upheld the 1st instance decision. The Company intends to file a further appeal to the Supreme Court (cassation) in accordance with the applicable legal procedures. The Akkulka Oil area represents a legacy asset that has been subject to impairment in prior reporting periods; however, the Company continues to pursue the extension process as a matter of maintaining its contractual rights. Fincraft Update Tethys has received a response from Fincraft Group LLP regarding their proposal to acquire the Company. The Independent Director Special Committee shall respond to Fincraft once a full review has taken place. About Tethys Tethys is focused on oil and gas exploration and production activities in Central Asia and the Caspian Region. Tethys believes that significant potential exists in both exploration and in discovered deposits in the area. Disclaimer Some of the statements in this document are forward-looking. No part of this announcement constitutes, or shall be taken to constitute, an invitation or inducement to invest in the Company or any other entity and shareholders of the Company are cautioned not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. Save as required by applicable law, the Company does not undertake to update or change any forward-looking statements to reflect events occurring after the date of this announcement. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274642 SOURCE: Tethys Petroleum Limited Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - WonderFi Technologies Inc. (TSX: WNDR) (OTCQB: WONDF) (WKN: A3C166) ("WonderFi" or the "Company") today announced its financial results for the three months ended September 30th, 2025. All financial references are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise noted. Key Q3 Financial Highlights: Achieved approximately $11.7 million in revenue and interest income in Q3 2025, representing a 47.5% increase when compared to Q3 2024. Bitbuy and Coinsquare surpassed $2.3 billion in client assets under custody as of September 30, 2025. When removing non-cash items such as share-based payments and depreciation and amortization, WonderFi achieved positive adjusted EBITDA compared to a loss during the same period in 2024. Bitbuy and Coinsquare launched 6 new tradeable assets, which resulted in $13.7M of incremental trading volume Subsequent to Q3: On November 10, 2025, the Company announced that Robinhood Markets, Inc. exercised its right to extend the outside date for the completion of its indirect acquisition of all of the issued and outstanding common shares in the capital of WonderFi (the "Transaction") to December 19, 2025. As previously disclosed, due to the fact that certain of the integration enhancements require additional development work and regulatory approval, WonderFi anticipates that the Transaction will close in the first half of 2026, subject to the satisfaction or waiver of the remaining conditions to closing of the Transaction as set forth in the arrangement agreement dated May 12, 2025 (the "Arrangement Agreement"). The parties are discussing an amendment to the Arrangement Agreement that WonderFi expects will, subject to final agreement, further extend the outside date of the Transaction to allow for the additional time required to close the Transaction. Access to Financial Statements and Management Discussion and Analysis Complete financial statements along with related management discussion and analysis can be found in the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+"), the electronic filing system for the disclosure documents of issuers across Canada, at www.sedarplus.ca. About WonderFi WonderFi is a leader in centralized and decentralized financial services and products. WonderFi's regulated trading platforms are well-positioned to service crypto participants on a global scale with trading, payments and decentralized products, including purpose-built blockchains and non-custodial wallet applications. Designed to provide investors with diversified investment exposure across the global digital asset ecosystem, the Company has a proven track record of launching new products and obtaining registrations. It is also the owner of market-leading brands, including Bitbuy, Coinsquare, and Bitcoin.ca. As the world continues to move on-chain, WonderFi is strategically placed to capture both market and wallet share through ongoing innovation within the digital asset space. For more information, visit www.wonder.fi. Financial Measures and Adjusted EBITDA There are measures included in this news release that do not have a standardized meaning under generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP) and therefore may not be comparable to similarly titled measures and metrics presented by other publicly traded companies. The Company includes these measures because it believes certain investors use these measures and metrics as a means of assessing financial performance. EBITDA (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization is calculated as net earnings before finance costs (net of finance income), income tax expense, and depreciation and amortization of intangibles) is a non-GAAP financial measure that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. We prepare and release quarterly unaudited and annual audited financial statements prepared in accordance with IFRS. We also disclose and discuss certain non-GAAP financial information, used to evaluate our performance, in this and other earnings releases and investor conference calls as a complement to results provided in accordance with IFRS. We believe that current shareholders and potential investors in the Company use non-GAAP financial measures, such as Adjusted EBITDA, in making investment decisions about the Company and measuring our operational results. The term "Adjusted EBITDA" refers to a financial measure that we define as earnings before certain charges that management considers to be non-operating expenses and which consist of interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, stock-based compensation (for which we include related fees and taxes), changes in fair value of derivatives, and transaction and acquisition-related expenses. Management considers these non-operating expenses to be outside the scope of the Company's ongoing operations and the related expenses are not used by management to measure operations. Accordingly, these expenses are excluded from Adjusted EBITDA, which we reference to both measure our operations and as a basis of comparison of our operations from period-to-period. Management believes that investors and financial analysts measure our business on the same basis, and we are providing the Adjusted EBITDA financial metric to assist in this evaluation and to provide a higher level of transparency into how we measure our own business. However, Adjusted EBITDA is a non-GAAP financial measure and may not be comparable to similarly titled measures reported by other companies. Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as a substitute for net income determined in accordance with IFRS or other non-GAAP measures that may be used by other companies, such as EBITDA. The use of Adjusted EBITDA does have limitations as some investors may consider these charges and expenses as a recurring part of operations rather than expenses that are not part of operations. Forward-Looking Information and Statements This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation and may also contain statements that may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the beliefs of WonderFi Technologies Inc. ("WonderFi" or the "Company") regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control, including, specifically, the financial outlook of the Company and the proposed closing date of the Transaction. Generally, such forward-looking information or forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "planned", "estimated", "soon", "potential", "anticipate" or variations of such words. These forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions and estimates of management of the Company at the time such statements were made. Actual future results may differ materially as forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to materially differ from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors, among other things, include: fluctuations in general macroeconomic conditions; fluctuations in securities markets; the ability to realize on cost saving measures; the Company's limited operating history; the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory approvals in connection with the Transaction; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions for the completion of the Transaction, and other expectations and assumptions concerning the proposed Transaction; the competitive nature of the technology industry; unproven markets for the Company's product offerings; lack of regulation and customer protection; the need for the Company to manage its future strategic plans; the effects of product development and need for continued technology change; protection of proprietary rights; network security risks; the ability of the Company to maintain properly working systems; foreign currency trading risks; use and storage of personal information and compliance with privacy laws; use of the Company's services for improper or illegal purposes; global economic and financial market conditions; uninsurable risks; changes in project parameters as plans continue to be evaluated; and those factors described in the Company's management information circular dated June 13, 2025, and its most recent annual information form dated March 29, 2025 and management's discussion and analysis and financial statements for the period ended September 30, 2025, which are available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, you should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information, which speaks only as of the date made. The forward-looking information contained in this press release represents the Company's expectations as of the date specified herein, and are subject to change after such date. However, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation or undertaking to update or revise any forward-looking information or to publicly announce the results of any revisions to any of those statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required under applicable securities laws. All of the forward-looking information contained in this press release is expressly qualified by the foregoing cautionary statements. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274648 SOURCE: WonderFi Technologies Inc. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Mexican Gold Mining Corp. (TSXV: MEX) (the "Company" or "Mexican Gold") announces that it has closed its previously announced non-brokered private placement for aggregate gross proceeds of $850,000 through the issuance of 10,000,000 units of the Company (the "Units", and each, a "Unit") at a price of $0.085 per Unit (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one (1) common share in the capital of the Company ("Share") and one (1) transferable common share purchase warrant ("Warrant"), whereby each Warrant entitles the holder thereof to acquire an additional Share at a price of $0.12 until November 14, 2028, being the date that is three (3) years from the date of issuance. Mexican Gold intends to use the net proceeds from the Offering as working capital for general corporate purposes. No finder's fees were paid in connection with the Offering. All securities issued and issuable pursuant to the Offering are subject to a hold period expiring March 15, 2026, being the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance in accordance with applicable Canadian securities legislation. The Offering remains subject to final acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange. An insider of the Company, namely John Anderson, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company, participated in the Offering acquiring an aggregate of 550,000 Units for a purchase price of $46,750. The participation by an insider in the Offering constitutes a "related party transaction" as defined under Multilateral Instrument 61-101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements provided under sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of the Units purchased by the insider, nor the consideration for the Units paid by such insider, exceeded 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Offering, which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances in order to complete the Offering in an expeditious manner. The Offering was unanimously approved by the Company's Board of Directors. The Warrants issued to certain of the investors contain provisions that prohibit the exercise by the holder, which would result in the holder, together with the holder's affiliates or associates, and any person acting jointly or in concert with the holder, beneficially owning in excess of 9.99% of the issued and outstanding Shares immediately after giving effect to such exercise of Warrants. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities in the United States. The securities offered have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to or for the account or benefit of a U.S. person (as defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) unless registered under the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or an exemption from such registration is available. About Mexican Gold Mining Corp. Mexican Gold is a Canadian-based mineral exploration and development company committed to building long-term value through ongoing discoveries and strategic acquisitions of prospective precious metals and copper projects in the Americas. Mexican Gold is exploring and advancing the Las Minas Project, which is located in the core of the Las Minas mining district in Veracruz State, Mexico, and host to one of the newest, under-explored skarn systems known in Mexico. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Cautionary Statements Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein, without limitation, statements relating to the future operating or financial performance of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "potential", "possible", and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions, or results "will", "may", "could", or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements in this news release relate to, among other things, the intended use of proceeds from the Offering and the receipt of final acceptance of the Offering from the TSX Venture Exchange. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking statements reflect the beliefs, opinions and projections on the date the statements are made and are based upon a number of assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by the Company, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and the parties have made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation, management's discretion to reallocate the use of proceeds, and the ability of the Company to obtain final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange. Readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this news release concerning these items. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements if beliefs, opinions, projections, or other factors change, except as required by applicable securities laws. //THIS PRESS RELEASE IS NOT INTENDED FOR RELEASE OR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES// To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274535 SOURCE: Mexican Gold Mining Corp. Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - November 14, 2025) - Syntheia Corp. (CSE: SYAI) ("Syntheia" or the "Company") (syntheia.ai) is pleased to announce that it intends to settle an aggregate of $590,768.28 of indebtedness to certain creditors of the Company through the issuance of 4,923,069 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.12 per Common Share (the "Debt Settlement"). The indebtedness related to fees for services, expenses and payments made relating to consulting agreements with certain officers and consultants of the Company. The Common Shares issued pursuant to the debt settlement are subject to a four-month hold period and completion of the transaction remains subject to final acceptance of the Canadian Securities Exchange. The Debt Settlement constituted a "related party transaction" as defined in Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Securityholders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"), as insiders of the Company received an aggregate of 4,923,069 Common Shares. The Company is relying on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as neither the fair market value of such Common Shares nor the Debt Settlement exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization. The Company did not file a material change report in respect of the related party transaction at least 21 days before the closing of the Debt Settlement, which the Company deems reasonable. About Syntheia Syntheia is an artificial intelligence technology company which is developing and commercializing proprietary algorithms to deliver human-like conversations and deploying our technology to enhance customer satisfaction while dramatically reducing turnover and traditional staffing issues. Cautionary Statement Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities law. Forward-looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Forward-looking statements in this news release includes, but are not limited to, the synergies derived from the acquisition of the assets in the Transaction. Readers are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflects the Company's management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning the business of the Company's future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements. Please refer to the Company's listing statement available on SEDAR+ for a list of risks and key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The securities of the Company have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful. To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274634 SOURCE: Syntheia Corp. From November 17-21, the country will participate in two major international trade fairs: COMPAMED and MEDICA, and Semicon Europa Costa Rican delegation to hold meetings with potential investors from leading companies in both sectors BERLIN, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Trade and Investment Promotion Agency of Costa Rica (PROCOMER) will participate in two international trade fairs in Germany, focused on the health and semiconductor sectors, to promote the country's value proposition and attract potential investors. The national representation will participate COMPAMED and MEDICA (November 17-20 in Dusseldorf) and Semicon Europa (November 18-21 in Munich), holding meetings with leading companies and investors in both sectors, and with otherleading international investment promotion agencies. "Participating in these international fairs gives us the opportunity to approach new investors and explore markets that have not traditionally had a strong presence in Costa Rica. Expanding the base of investment origins is key to strengthening the country's resilience and competitiveness, especially in two industries as relevant as medical devices and semiconductors", said Laura Lopez, CEO of PROCOMER. Costa Rica's participation in COMPAMED and MEDICA aims to strengthen the country's positioning as a hub for medical device manufacturing. The country currently hosts more than 95 foreign direct investment companies in this sector, developing high-precision processes under international standards, and is home to sevenof the world's largest medical device firms. As of September this year, the sector accounted for 48% of Costa Rica's total goods exports, totaling US$8.139 million. In parallel, Costa Rica's presence at Semicon Europa, one of the most relevant events for the semiconductor industry, seeks to showcase the nation's capabilities in advanced manufacturing, assembly, packaging, research and development, and electronic design strengthening the value chain of this emerging industry in the country, which currently includes 14 foreign investment companies. "Costa Rica has built a strong track record as a destination for foreign direct investment, and today that experience enables us to position ourselves before emerging industries with a value proposition that combines talent, sustainability, and adaptability. These qualities make us a reliable partner for companies seeking to scale their competitiveness in an increasingly complex global environment," added Lopez. Previous Mission Strengthened Promotion Efforts in Portugal and the Netherlands From November 10-14, PROCOMER carried out a promotional tour in Portugal and the Netherlands to showcase Costa Rica's value proposition to companies in the corporate services and digital technology sectors. The agenda included participation in the Web Summit Lisbon 2025 -one of the world's most significant technology events- as well as meetings with companies, chambers, and clusters in Lisbon, Amsterdam, and Rotterdam, aimed at fostering new relationships and investment opportunities for the country. Europe continues to consolidate itself as one of Costa Rica's main sources of foreign direct investment, being the second most important trading partner, with a 21% share in 2025 and a 17% increase compared to 2024. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823948/CP_MEDICA___SEMICON.jpg View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/procomer-promotes-costa-ricas-potential-as-an-fdi-destination-to-health-and-semiconductor-companies-in-germany-302616111.html TORONTO, ON / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Datametrex AI Limited (the "Company" or "Datametrex') (TSXV:DM)(FSE:D4G)(OTC:DTMXF) is pleased to announce that it has closed both its previously announced non-brokered private placement of common shares ('Common Shares Private Placement") and subscription receipt financing ("Subscription Receipt Financing") (collectively, the "Offerings"), as disclosed in the Company's press releases dated June 9,July 8, September 15, 22, 29, and November 11, 2025. Pursuant to the Common Share Private Placement, the Company issued an aggregate of 47,918,750 common shares at a price of $0.08 per share, for aggregate gross proceeds of $3,833,500 and, pursuant to the Subscription Receipt Financing, the Company issued an aggregate of 16,250,000 subscription receipts ("Subscription Receipts") at a price of $0.08 per Subscription Receipt, for gross aggregate proceeds of $1,300,000, and total aggregate gross proceeds of $5,133,500 pursuant to the combined Offerings. The gross proceeds from the Subscription Receipt Financing will be used to integrate the Yuzu Payment Solution in Datametrex's technology division and pursuant merchant opportunities to generate revenue. The net proceeds from the Common Share Private Placement will be used to support the Company's ongoing business expansion and development initiatives, the establishment of a new clinic location, and for general working capital purposes. The closing of the Subscription Receipt Financing is a condition to the closing of the previously announced (see press release dated September 15, 2025) proposed acquisition of the Yuzu Payment Solution (the "Acquisition"). The Subscription Receipts were created and issued pursuant to terms of a subscription receipt agreement dated November 14, 2025 (the "Subscription Receipt Agreement") between the Company and TSX Trust Company as subscription receipt agent (the "Subscription Receipt Agent"). The gross proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing have been deposited in escrow with the Subscription Receipt Agent pending satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below) in accordance with the Subscription Receipt Agreement. Each Subscription Receipt will be deemed to be automatically exchanged, without payment of additional consideration or further action by the holder thereof into one (1) common share of the Company immediately upon the satisfaction or waiver of the Escrow Release Conditions on or before December 31, 2025 (the "Escrow Release Deadline"). Pursuant to the terms of the Subscription Receipt Agreement, each Subscription Receipt shall be automatically exchanged into one Common Share of the Company upon: the completion, satisfaction or waiver of all conditions precedent to the Acquisition; receipt of all required approvals including regulatory and TSXV approval; and delivery of a notice to the Subscription Receipt Agent confirming all conditions to the Acquisition having been met or waived (collectively, the "Escrow Release Conditions") If the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied at or before the Escrow Release Deadline, each of the then issued and outstanding Subscription Receipts will be cancelled and the Subscription Receipt Agent will return to each holder of Subscription Receipts an amount equal to the aggregate issue price of Subscription Receipts held by such holder. To the extent escrowed funds are insufficient to refund such amounts to each holder of the Subscription Receipts, the Company shall be liable for and will contribute such amounts as necessary to satisfy the shortfall. In connection with the Subscription Receipt Financing, finders ("Finders) are entitled to be paid a cash commission of $130,000 ("Finders Cash Commission") which is equal to 10% of the gross proceeds raised under the Subscription Receipt Financing, which amount shall be paid only upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. In connection with the Subscription Receipt Financing, Finders are also entitled to be issued an aggregate of 1,625,000 finders warrants ("Finders Warrants"), being an amount equal to 10% of the number of Subscription Receipts issued pursuant to the Subscription Receipt Financing. The Finders Warrants will be issued to Finders only upon satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions. Once issued, each Finders Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one (1) Common Share of the Company at a price of $0.08 per share for a period of 24 months. If the Escrow Release Conditions are satisfied, at or prior to the Escrow Release Deadline, concurrently with the automatic exchange of Subscription Receipts for Common Shares of the Company, the balance of the escrowed proceeds, less the Finders Cash Commission, and any interest earned thereon will be released to the Company as the net proceeds of the Subscription Receipt Financing. In connection with the Common Share Private Placement, the Company has paid aggregate cash finder's fees of $110,950, has issued an aggregate of 1,031,250 Common Shares to a finder and has issued an aggregate of 2,418,125 Finders Warrants, in accordance with the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange. Insiders of the Company have participated in the Common Share Private Placement by subscribing for an aggregate of 5,925,000 Common Shares. The participation by the insiders in the Common Share Private Placement is considered to be a "related party transaction" as defined for the purposes of Multinational Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The related party transaction is exempt from the formal valuation and minority approval requirements pursuant to sections 5.5 (a) (b) and (c) and 5.7(1) (a) and (b) of MI 61-101 as the Company is not listed on a specified market, the transaction was a distribution of securities for cash and neither the fair market value of the Common Shares distributed to nor the consideration received from the related parties exceeded 25% of the issuer's market capitalization or $2,500,000. The Company did not file a material change report at least 21 days prior to completion of the Common Share Private Placement as the details of the participation by the related party had not been determined at that time, in order to complete the Common Share Private Placement in an expeditious manner and which the Company deems reasonable in the circumstances. Participation by insiders in the Common Share Private Placement was approved by the independent directors of the Company. Prior to the completion of the Offerings, Mr. Andrew Ryu ("Ryu") held no Common Shares or other securities of the Company. Upon completion of the Offerings, Mr. Ryu held an aggregate of 16,250,000 Common Shares, representing approximately 16.65% of the then issued and outstanding Common Shares on an undiluted basis and on a partially diluted basis. Depending on market and other conditions, or as future circumstances may dictate, Ryu may from time to time increase or decrease his holdings of Common Shares or other securities of the Company. A copy of the early warning report will be available on the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Offerings are subject to the receipt of final approval of the TSXV and completion of the proposed Acquisition remains subject to a number of customary conditions including receipt of final approval of the TSXV. The Acquistion is expected to close no later than the Escrow Release Deadline. All securities issued under the Offerings are subject to a statutory hold period of four months plus one day from the date of issuance, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. The completion of these Offerings marks another key step forward in Datametrex's continued growth strategy, strengthening the Company's balance sheet and supporting its vision of expanding its operations across new markets. About Datametrex Datametrex is an innovative leader in Technology Solutions, Artificial Intelligence, and Healthcare. The Company specializes in delivering tools and solutions that enhance operational efficiencies and business outcomes. With a commitment to innovation, Datametrex is dedicated to supporting enterprises by setting a new standard for business protocols through cutting-edge technology. For more on Datametrex, please visit our Company website. For Additional Information Paul Haber, C.P.A., C.A., C.Dir CEO & Chairman info@datametrex.com (416) 318-6501 Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release is not an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy the securities in the United States or in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to qualification or registration under the securities laws of such jurisdiction. The securities being offered have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and such securities may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from U.S. registration requirements and applicable U.S. state securities laws. Forward-Looking Statements This news release contains "forward-looking statements," which involve risks, uncertainties, and factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated. These statements are not historical facts and are generally identified by words such as "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," and similar expressions. Such statements include expectations related to healthcare business and other Company plans. While Datametrex believes the forward-looking information is reasonable as of the date of this release, these statements involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual outcomes to differ. Key factors include general economic conditions, legislative and regulatory developments, access to capital, industry competition, and the Company's ability to execute its strategies. The Company does not undertake to update these statements, except as required by law. Readers are advised not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially are detailed under "Risk Factors" in Datametrex's management's discussion and analysis and available on the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. This release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy, nor shall it constitute an offer, solicitation, or sale in any jurisdiction where such would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under applicable securities laws. We seek Safe Harbor. ### SOURCE: DataMetrex AI Ltd. View the original press release on ACCESS Newswire:https://www.accessnewswire.com/newsroom/en/computers-technology-and-internet/datametrex-announces-closing-of-financings-1102686 Kartik said, It was moving and it was inspiring to see so many people gather so early in the morning. Its a great thing to see that people are understanding the importance of walking. Kartik Aaryan was one of the Bollywood stars to participate in Skechers Walkathon for 2025 along with Ananya Panday. And when the actor was asked about the spirit of Mumbai that made it for the walk at the wee hours of morning, he had something to say. Kartik said, It was moving and it was inspiring to see so many people gather so early in the morning. Its a great thing to see that people are understanding the importance of walking. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Talking about the importance of fitness, the actor revealed, I know, just being active but also being just being yourself is my idea of fitness. And I have learned it with time and lots of knowledge came to me when I was doing certain films like Chandu Champion again. Ive come to terms with how my body is, what kind of workout is good for me and how can my body be my best friend. Was the worlds most feared dictator suffering from a genetic disorder? A new documentary that has analysed Hitlers DNA reveals that he may have had Kallmann syndrome, which can thwart the development of sexual organs A picture dated 1939 shows German Nazi Chancellor Adolf Hitler giving the Bazi salute during a rally next to "Deputy Furhrer" Rudolf Hess. File photo/AFP Its perhaps the most definitive account of the most hated man in history. His rapid ascent to power, responsible for horrific crimes during World War II we are talking about the infamous Nazi leader, and the recently surfaced intriguing details of Adolf Hitlers biology. Recent studies have revealed new insights about the dictators personal biology, which also suggests that he has had a rare genetic condition known as Kallmann syndrome. This syndrome can lead to symptoms like micropenis, AFP reported. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The syndrome can also inhibit the normal progression of puberty, denoting the possibility that he would have struggled to form a sexual relationship. These intriguing yet deep details came to the surface after a DNA test of Hitlers blood. So, whats this Kallmann syndrome? And was the wartime chant Hitler has got only one ball about his solitary testicle correct? Lets deep dive. Hitler has got only one ball: The famous wartime song The Fuhrer of the German Reich, Adolf Hitler, was mocked by the British with a satirical song from World War II, Hitler Has Only Got One Ball. It was the product of British wartime propaganda, ridiculing Hitlers physical attributes, suggesting that he had only one testicle. However far the Nazi leaders enemies went in mocking him, it appears they hit the nail on the head. New analysis of his DNA has discovered that the dictator had a rare genetic condition known as Kallmann syndrome. This disorder affects sexual development, leading to underdeveloped genitalia. University of Potsdam, Alex Kay, said, No one has ever really been able to explain why Hitler was so uncomfortable around women throughout his life, or why he probably never entered into intimate relations with women." Since now we know that he had Kallmann Syndrome, this could be the answer weve been looking for, he furthered. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, these research findings can be watched in a new documentary Hitlers DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator. Kallmann Syndrome, explained Kallmann Syndrome is a genetic disorder that causes delayed puberty and may affect the sense of smell. It may also occur due to a genetic change. It is found more commonly in males compared to females. People between the ages of eight and 15 are more prone to this disorder. According to experts, if puberty does not start in adolescence, the childs healthcare provider should begin to look for possible reasons. Kallmann Syndrome has a range of symptoms that may appear in childhood or adulthood. Such as a lack of breast development in girls, while boys face small penis and testicles. Balance issues are common in both girls and boys. Dental abnormalities, including missing teeth or small teeth, are common symptoms, as are irregular periods in women, loss of sense of smell and mood swings. Researchers have pointed out that a person can inherit these gene variations in various ways from their biological parents. It can also happen during fetal development. Often, changes occur due to no known reason; however, children can inherit the changes from their biological parents STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Hitlers DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator- Dubious documentary The two-part documentary is all set to broadcast on Saturday on Channel 4 in the UK. It offers a striking glimpse into the biological aspects of the notorious man in history. The production company behind the documentary said, Analysis of the DNA debunks this myth by showing that the Y chromosome data matches the DNA of Hitlers male line relative." If he had Jewish ancestry (through an outside relationship), that match wouldnt be there, the company added. With inputs from agencies Australia has launched a new rule called Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115) from November 14, slowing down visa processing for thousands of student applicants, including a large number from India. The rule doesnt block visas, but it decides how fast or slow your file moves, depending on the university you choose. Heres how the new system will work Australia has seen an overwhelming surge in international student visa applications. Universities, housing markets, and local services struggled to keep up. When the government tightened the rules recently, the drop in applications gave the system some breathing room. File image/Reuters The Australian government has announced a new rule for international student visas (subclass 500), changing how visa applications will be managed. A new rule called Ministerial Direction 115 (MD 115) has kicked in from November 14, 2025, slowing down visa processing for thousands of applicants, including a large chunk of students from India. The rule doesnt block visas, but it decides how fast or slow your file moves, depending on the university you choose. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For many Indian students hoping to start classes next year, the big question now is: Will this delay my plans? Heres a breakdown of how the system works, why Australia brought in this change, and what it could mean for Indian students. How does the MD-115 system work? Under MD 115, Australias visa processing for international students (Subclass 500) is tied much more closely to how well their chosen institution is managing enrolments and staying within government-set limits. The policy replaces the previous directive (MD 111) and introduces a three-tier system: -Priority 1 (fast track) for institutions that have used less than 80 per cent of their New Overseas Student Commencements (NOSC) allocation. -Priority 2 (standard) for institutions that are between 80 per cent - 115 per cent of their allocation. -Priority 3 (slow) for those exceeding 115 per cent of their allocation, these institutions risk much slower processing. Also read: How Australias stricter visa rules will affect Indians Why is Australia introducing these changes? Over the past few years, Australia has seen an overwhelming surge in international student visa applications. Universities, housing markets, and local services struggled to keep up. When the government tightened the rules recently, the drop in applications gave the system some breathing room. According to the official announcement, visa lodgements fell by about 26 per cent, and new student commencements dropped by 16 per cent. This slowdown signalled to the government that the sector needed a more steady and controlled approach. Australia has increased student visa fees from July 1. Representational Image/Reuters With fewer applications, universities were able to refocus on maintaining education quality, making sure students had enough accommodation, and reducing the chances of the student visa route being misused. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Smaller regional institutions have largely welcomed the changes, saying they help fix long-standing imbalances. But Australias major metro universities, including the Group of Eight, arent as happy. They argue that constant policy shifts create uncertainty and might discourage future students from choosing Australia. Also read: Why are Australian universities restricting Indian students from a few states? What will be the impact on Indian students? For Indian students, the choice of institution will matter more than ever. If a university or college has already crossed its 115 per cent cap, your visa application might simply take longer to move through the system. Your applications to regional institutions may actually benefit. Colleges in regional Australia, or those that have kept their student numbers in check, are more likely to see quicker processing. It also means youll need to be more organised. Under the new tiered system, delays wont necessarily mean your visa is at risk; it just means applications are being sorted by priority. Having complete documents and choosing a compliant provider will make a difference. Importantly, MD 115 doesnt block anyone from applying. Your application can still go through; the only variable is how long it might take. File image/Reuters Students eyeing the 2026 intake should consider applying early. As Australia works towards the 2026 National Planning Level, being ahead of the rush and applying through institutions that are within quota could give you an advantage. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD To help universities and colleges adjust to the new system, the Australian government will hold information sessions through November and December. With input from agencies The BBC has apologised to Donald Trump for a misleading edit in his speech in a Panorama documentary. However, new claims emerge that the British broadcaster made a similar incorrect edit pertaining to Trumps Capitol speech earlier. The US presidents lawyers note that this shows a pattern of defamation by the outlet People walk outside the BBC headquarters in London. The British broadcaster has been hit with fresh claims of misleading Trump edits. File image/Reuters Apologise by Friday or face a $1 billion lawsuit. That was the ultimatum that Donald Trump laid down before the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) over a misleading edit that the broadcaster made to the US presidents speech in a documentary. And on Thursday evening (November 13), the BBC caved in and issued an apology to the American leader, but rejected his demands for compensation. However, the apology may not mark the end of the Trump vs BBC saga, as it emerges that a second BBC show, Newsnight, also doctored Trumps footage in 2022 and ignored concerns that were raised about it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What is exactly going on? We explain the entire fracas. Whats the new furore over BBC edit? After facing flak for misleadingly editing Trumps 2021 Capitol speech in a Panorama documentary, BBC is facing fresh accusations that BBC Newsnight also doctored footage of the US presidents speech. On January 6, 2021, Trump said: Were going to walk down to the Capitol, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. More than 50 minutes later in the speech, he said: And we fight. We fight like hell. However, in the Panorama programme, the clip shows him as saying: Were going to walk down to the Capitol and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell. The BBC is facing new allegations of editing Donald Trumps speech from the US Capitol. File image/AFP In the Newsnight programme, the edit was slightly different. He is shown as saying: Were going to walk down to the Capitol. And were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. And we fight. We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not gonna have a country anymore. This was followed by a voiceover from presenter Kirsty Wark saying and fight they did over footage from the Capitol riot. According to a report in The Telegraph, a whistleblower claimed that concerns about the footage were subsequently raised during an editorial meeting the following morning, but were dismissed. David Chaudoir, an award-nominated graphic designer who worked for Newsnight from 2022 to 2024, reveals he was in the room when the clip was discussed. Sometimes there would be a little post-mortem of the show from the night before and somebody brought it up saying, What happened with that clip of Trump? One producer said, How did that go out? Why did that happen? And the editorial editor, not the VT editor, kind of brushed it off. And I thought that that was extraordinary, that something like that had gone out, Chaudoir was quoted as telling The Telegraph. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Does BBC have an inherent bias against Trump? Following the new revelations, a spokesman for Trumps legal team said, It is now clear that BBC engaged in a pattern of defamation against President Trump by intentionally and deceitfully editing his historic speech in order to try and interfere in the presidential election. Even Richard Tice, the Reform UK deputy leader, noted: With shocking news of a second Trump edit, its clear BBC News is infected by anti-Trump poison. Weve said consistently that a larger clear-out is needed; this is the additional proof required. The remarks come as the Newsnight episode with Trumps doctored speech was broadcast on June 9, 2022, whereas the Panorama documentary was aired in 2024. Many believe that this establishes a pattern by the BBC and also risks triggering new scrutiny of the claim that Panoramas edits were an innocent mistake. A man walks past the BBCs New Broadcasting House in London. The BBC has said it is looking into the new claims. File image/Reuters What is BBC saying? Responding to the new claims, the BBC said it was looking into the matter. The BBC holds itself to the highest editorial standards, said a BBC spokesperson, in response to the latest Telegraph report. This matter has been brought to our attention and we are now looking into it. It has also issued an apology to US President Trump over the Panorama incident. It said it had reviewed the Panorama programme after the criticism. We accept that our edit unintentionally created the impression that we were showing a single continuous section of the speech, rather than excerpts from different points in the speech, and that this gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action, it said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Moreover, BBCs chair, Samir Shah, has also written to the White House on the issue of the edit. BBC chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the corporation are sorry for the edit of the presidents speech on January 6, 2021, which featured in the programme, said lawyers of the BBC. They added: While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim. The apology by the BBC comes after Trumps lawyers sent a letter to the broadcaster earlier this week, threatening to sue. The US presidents lawyers said the broadcaster must retract the controversial documentary by Friday or face a lawsuit for no less than $1 billion. Notably, it is the Panorama edits that led to the resignations of BBCs two top executives Tim Davie, the director-general, and Deborah Turness, the chief executive of BBC News. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What has been UK PMs Keir Starmers response? On Wednesday, before claims of the second edit emerged, British Prime Minister Keir said that the BBC should get their house in order. Speaking in parliament, Starmer said he supported a strong and independent BBC but he also believed it should uphold the highest standards to be accountable and correct errors quickly. Where mistakes are made, they do need to get their house in order, he said. With inputs from agencies Its an NDA tsunami in Bihar. The ruling alliance has exceeded its own goal of winning 160 seats, leaving behind the Mahagathbandhan and Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party. But what led voters to extend their overwhelming support to Nitish Kumar and the NDA? JD(U) party members celebrate as the NDA alliance leads during the counting of votes of the Bihar Assembly elections, in Patna. PTI While campaigning for the Bihar election, Home Minister Amit Shah had prophesised, The NDA will win 160 seats (and) form the government with two-thirds majority. And today (November 14), the political gods have smiled down on the ruling alliance in the state, with trends indicating a landslide victory. The NDA, made up of the BJP, the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), is on course to smash past its lofty 160 paar target in Bihar in the 243-member Assembly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan is shaping up to be a distant second. Electoral strategist Prashant Kishor, who was hoping to be kingmaker in Bihar, was nowhere in the picture, and even Asaduddin Owaisis AIMIM seemed to be pushed right down in the list. Catch all the live updates on the But what has contributed to the NDAs thumping victory? We analyse and get you the answers. The Nitish Kumar factor The biggest advantage for the NDA in the Bihar elections has undoubtedly been Nitish Kumar, the veteran politician. The results show that the chief minister is still a force to reckon with in the state of Bihar. But what is it about Nitish Kumar that Bihar loves? First and foremost, it is his undeniable connect with the women voters of the state. In past elections too, women have been a key vote bank for Nitish Kumar, regardless of their caste. And since he has assumed office in 2005, he has come out with several women-centric programmes, such as the cycle and uniform schemes for girls and the prohibition of alcohol. The biggest advantage for the NDA in the Bihar elections has undoubtedly been Nitish Kumar. File image/PTI And this election too, he solidified his women voter base with the Rs 10,000 scheme for 1.3 crore women named the Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana. This scheme is routed through self-help groups called Jeevika that have become a major instrument in the governments hands. But its not just that. Despite facing rumours and allegations of poor health he was called out for reading out written speeches in his public meetings Nitish Kumar campaigned hard during the polls. He attended 84 rallies, just one fewer than Tejashwi, who is decades younger than him, reports the Indian Express. The CM also carried the weight of the NDAs entire campaigning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The freebie factor Perhaps, what swayed the Bihar voters towards the NDA is the campaign promise of 125 units of free electricity per household every month and a Rs 1,000 monthly stipend for unemployed youth for up to two years. Pensions for widows and the elderly was also raised from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100, benefiting 1.12 crore families. Additionally, over the past two months, the BJP-JD(U) coalition rolled out a flurry of welfare measures, including raising the honorarium of 95,000 ASHA workers and 4,600 Mamta workers. The ruling alliance also introduced pink toilets and pink buses, as well as a womens market, hostels for girls and subsidies for e-rickshaw buyers. On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan promised Rs 2,500 monthly stipend for women, 200 units of free electricity, Rs 25 lakh medical insurance, and five decimals of land for the landless. LJPs stellar show One of the reasons for the NDAs stellar performance in the Bihar Assembly elections is the performance of the Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) party. The young politician has proved his political mettle with his party emerging as the fourth largest in the polls the BJP leads the race, followed by the JD(U) and the RJD; the Congress lags behind at the seventh position. And this comes after Paswans party won all five seats it contested in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. According to political pundits, Paswans decision to field candidates with cross-caste appeal has helped widen his footprint in the state. He also mixed emotion into his campaign, often invoking his late father, Ram Vilas Paswans legacy. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chief Chirag Paswan pays homage to party founder and his father Ram Vilas Paswan on his death anniversary, in Patna. Chirag has shown his political acumen with with his party emerging as the fourth largest in the polls. File image/PTI Chirags success also reflects the NDAs social arithmetic. While the BJP and JD(U) consolidated their traditional vote bases, the LJPs performance helped the alliance tap into Dalit and EBC pockets where the RJD once dominated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A rejection of katta sarkar Ahead of phase 2 of voting in the Bihar Assembly elections, PM Modi in a campaign rally had said that the state doesnt want a gun-wielding government, attacking the RJD. Nahi chahiye katta sarkaar, fir ek baar NDA sarkaar (We dont want a gun-wielding government; once again we want an NDA government), he said. He further added that that the children of the state will become goons, not doctors or engineers if the RJD came to power. Should a child from Bihar become a rangdaar or a doctor?" he asked, adding, A child from Bihar will now become not a rangdaar, but an engineer, doctor, advocate, and judge in the court. Jungle rule means gun, cruelty, bitterness, bad upbringing, and corruption. These are people filled with bad upbringing, who want the rule of misgovernance, he added. And it seems that PM Modis message resonated with the public, who believes that an RJD government would take Bihar back to jungle raj. Focus on SIR Political pundits also note that the Mahagathbandhan made the mistake of shifting its focus from the plank of lawlessness in the NDA regime to the SIR (special intensive revision) issue. At several rallies, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi used the slogan Vote Chori, alleging that 25 lakh votes nearly one in every eight had been manipulated. He claimed the same pattern was visible in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, and Maharashtra, calling it a system of the BJP and Election Commission. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But it appears that it was hardly a conversation amongst voters when the time to press the EVM button came. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadavs party will have to eat humble pie after these elections in Bihar. File image/PTI Congress poor strike rate Many believe that the Mahagathbandhans decision to allot 60-plus seats to the Congress, with a claim of resurgence, has proven costly. Trends show that the Congress has performed dismally, leading in just five seats. And if you put all these factors together, you get the current situation in Bihar a clean sweep for the NDA, with the RJD forced to simply look on with despair. NDTV summed up the elections correctly: the NDA banked on hope, the Mahagathbandhan turned to despair. With inputs from agencies Voters have given a resounding vote of confidence to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar led by the Janata Dal (United) of Nitish Kumar. While the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party, the opposition, named the Mahagathbandhan, is in tatters The Bihar election is over. And voters have given a resounding vote of confidence to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Janata Dal (United) (JD(U)) of Nitish Kumar. The NDA currently has over 202 seats, a massive 80-seat increase from its previous term. The BJP, meanwhile, has emerged as the single-largest party in the state. The Mahagathbandhan, meanwhile, is in tatters with a terrible performance from the Congress, which has won just a handful of seats, dragging the alliance down. Also, the much-hyped debut of Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj fizzled out with the party drawing a blank in its electoral debut. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch live updates from the here Modi, taking to social media, vowed to take the state to new heights. Victory of good governance has been achieved. Victory of development has been achieved. Victory of the spirit of public welfare has been achieved. Victory of social justice has been achieved. My deepest gratitude to the family members of Bihar, who have blessed the NDA with a historic and unprecedented victory in the 2025 assembly elections. This resounding public mandate will empower us to serve the people and work with a new resolve for Bihar, Modi added. The NDA has ensured all-round development of the state. The people have given us a massive majority after witnessing our track record and our vision to take the state to new heights. But what are the big takeaways from the Bihar polls? Lets take a closer look. NDA juggernaut continues The results began coming in early this morning; the National Democratic Alliance jumped out ahead of the Mahagathbandhan and never looked back. The magic mark of 122 seats in the Assembly was crossed relatively quickly as the BJP and JD(U) built up insurmountable leads. Remember, in the 2020 Bihar polls the NDA won just 125 seats. The sheer scope of this victory in Bihar, over 200 seats in the 243-seat assembly, will rank next to the NDAs wins in the 2014 and 2019 Lok Sabha elections as well as the 2024 Maharashtra elections. Whats even more impressive is the strike rate of the polls. The BJP is winning 91 seats at a strike rate of 90 per cent, while the JD(U) is on track to win 80 seats at a strike rate of almost 80 per cent. Prime Minister Narendra Modis brand with voters remains strong. PTI These results show that the NDA got its social engineering maths correct. The BJP won the upper-caste votes, while Nitish brought in EBC voters and the LJP and other parties nabbed the OBC votes. With the BJP emerging as the single-largest party, it will be interesting to see how the posts within the NDA government are divided up. Modi magic remains The Bihar results also show that the Modi magic remains undiminished with the voters. The fact that the BJP has emerged as the single-largest party is a testament to the strong brand that Modi remains with the public and the trust that the voters have vested in him more than a decade after he came to power at the Centre in 2014. Modi campaigned incessantly for the Bihar polls and was laser-focused on development. It seems that the double-engine Sarkar promise has resonated with voters yet again. Nitish Kumar remains indefatigable Leading up to the Bihar elections, many doubted Nitish Kumar. Rumours of his ill health were doing the rounds and some were openly wondering if his time was up. However, Nitish has put paid to all his critics. Nitish, who first became Chief Minister of Bihar in 2000, is now eyeing a record 10th term at the helm. His ascent truly began in 2005 after the reputation of Bihar had been reduced under the Lalu Yadav regime to Jungle Raaj. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD NitIsh Kumar, who first became Chief Minister of Bihar in 2000, is now eyeing a record 10th term at the helm. PTI Since then, Nitish has focused on development and law and order which has seemingly led voters to reimpose their faith in him one more time. Nitish also rolled out a slew of welfare schemes with special emphasis on women and youth voters including free bicycles and uniforms for girls, and incentives to attend school. The poll results show that the 74-year-old Nitish remains the tallest leader in the state by far and head and shoulders above all others. Rise of LJP, Prashant Kishor draws blank This was in many ways a coming-out party for Chirag Paswans LJP (Ram Vilas Paswan), which is ahead in 21 seats. The LJP (RV), which was thus far a fringe player in Bihar politics since its formation in October 2021, is now taking more and more of the spotlight. Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) Chief Chirag Paswan pays homage to party founder and his father Ram Vilas Paswan. PTI Meanwhile, Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj, which was contesting its debut polls, failed to convert any of the hype and attention into reality much akin to a movie critic directing his debut film. It remains to be seen how the JSP regroups going forward. Mahagathbandhan in tatters How badly the Mahagathbandhan fared cannot be understated. The Grand Alliance is ahead in just 36 seats, a massive downfall when it comes to their 2020 tally of 114. Much of this is down to the performance of the Congress, which is ahead in just six seats in 2025 compared to its tally of 19 in 2020. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This is a shocking performance for a national party and arguably one of its worst-ever poll performances. It seems that Rahul Gandhis vote chori allegations against the Election Commission of India found no takers in Bihar. Tejashwi and RJD fall short However, the RJD will have to take its fair share of the blame with it ahead in just 25 seats, a massive 50-seat fall from 2020. Tejashwi, the son of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his political heir, continues to struggle to step out of his fathers shadow. Perhaps the cries of a return to Jungle Raaj made by Modi and the other NDA campaigners during the campaign which so haunted Bihar during the RJD rule under Lalu and Rabri, echoed in the ears of voters. RJD leaders Lalu Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav. File image. PTI RJDs promise of reviewing the liquor ban, providing government jobs, and a Rs 2,500 allowance for women every month also fell short compared to Nitishs more comprehensive welfare schemes. For Tejashwi Yadav and the RJD, the dream of stepping into the chief ministers chair remains out of reach for now. Local remains vocal Across Bihar, local issues were far more at play than the broad political narratives. It appears that the selection of candidates, caste and welfare systems played a big role, particularly in minority areas. This resulted in a handful of smaller parties making unexpected gains. As they often say, all politics is indeed local. With input from agencies China has begun sea trials for the Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. Equipped with an extended flight deck, dual islands, and electromagnetic catapults, the vessel signals Beijings growing ability to field hybrid assault and aviation platforms capable of far-seas missions Hongzehu, a Type 926 submarine rescue ship, sits at the port as the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy opens warships for public viewing to mark its upcoming 75th founding anniversary, in Qingdao, Shandong province, China, April 20, 2024. Representational Image/Reuters China has begun sea trials for its new Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan. The development marks one of the most significant events for the Peoples Liberation Army Navy (PLAN) this year, coming just days after the formal induction of the Fujian aircraft carrier. On Friday, the Sichuan departed from the Hudong-Zhonghua shipyard in Shanghai at around 9 am (local time), beginning its maiden voyage into designated waters for its first trial. State agency Xinhua reported that the tests are meant to assess the power plant, electrical systems, and propulsion mechanisms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The PLA Navy later confirmed that the vessel had reached the required technical standards for this stage, following months of mooring trials and the completion of multiple commissioning tasks since its launch in December last year. Bearing hull number 51 and named after the southwestern Chinese province, the Sichuan is widely viewed as Chinas most ambitious amphibious assault ship to date. It incorporates features that resemble hybrid attributes of an assault vessel and a light aircraft carrier an approach that aligns with Beijings broader military modernisation goals. The large hangar capacity along with an extended flight deck, and the addition of electromagnetic catapults distinguishes it from earlier Chinese amphibious assets. Its launch in December drew marked attention not only because of the ships technical configuration but because it represented an evolution from the Type 075 class, which entered service only a few years earlier. With its trial phase now underway, the PLAN is one step closer to receiving what analysts inside China have described as a platform intended to enhance its expeditionary operations and far-seas deployments. Why the Type 076 is unique The Type 076 introduces major differences from its predecessor, the Type 075. One of the most visible changes is the expansion of the vessels displacement, which is described as exceeding 40,000 tonnes by some Chinese media, though earlier assessments have cited a figure around 50,000 tonnes. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Either way, the new design places the ship among the largest amphibious assault vessels currently in service worldwide. Its dimensions include a flight deck of roughly 260 metres in length and 52 metres in width larger than the flight decks on amphibious ships operated by the United States or Japan. This increase in size supports a larger complement of aircraft and related systems. In contrast, the Type 075 has a full-load displacement of around 40,000 tonnes and a smaller flight deck of 237 metres by 36 metres. The extra space on the Type 076 is intended to accommodate an expanded range of aviation assets, including crewed and uncrewed platforms. The Sichuan also incorporates a dual-island superstructure, which China Central Television (CCTV) notes is paired with a continuous flight deck and redesigned aviation control systems. The inclusion of electromagnetic launch and recovery equipment is the most distinctive aspect of the new class. This feature resembles systems onboard Chinas recently commissioned aircraft carrier Fujian, making the Type 076 the second ship in the Chinese fleet equipped with this technology and the first amphibious assault vessel anywhere to use it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD An important aspect of the tests taking place during sea trials is the verification of the ships power-generating capability, which must not only propel the vessel but also provide the energy needed for the electromagnetic catapult to function. The introduction of the electromagnetic catapult system changes the operational profile of the Type 076. Traditionally, amphibious assault ships have lacked this feature, restricting them to using helicopters or vertical-takeoff aircraft. The new arrangement means China has built an assault ship capable of launching fixed-wing aircraft, including unmanned systems. Media reports inside China have noted that the technology might even allow the launch of advanced fighters in the future, although the vessel is primarily expected to operate UAVs and helicopters for its early missions. How Beijing is integrating unmanned systems in the PLAN The emphasis on drone operations is central to how the Sichuan has been described in Chinese media reports. The ships crest features the GJ-11 stealth UAV, a fixed-wing drone known for its low-observable design and potential to carry precision-guided weapons or perform reconnaissance. During its construction phase, mock-ups of this aircraft were observed onboard, signalling the drones anticipated role as part of the vessels aviation complement. In a video released by the Chinese air force, the GJ-11 was shown flying in coordination with the J-20 stealth fighter. This footage highlighted the growing emphasis on integrated operations between crewed and uncrewed aerial platforms within Chinas military. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The potential for the Sichuan to serve as a launch and recovery platform for such UAVs is one of the reasons it is frequently described in international assessments as the worlds first drone-capable amphibious assault ship equipped with carrier-grade launch systems. Chinas broader commitment to UAV development has also accelerated in recent years. At the Victory Day parade held in Beijing on September 3, the country showcased a variety of drones, including aerial reconnaissance models, wingman drones, and shipborne unmanned helicopters. This demonstration highlighted the range of roles that uncrewed systems can play in Chinas defence framework, further indicating how vessels like the Type 076 will be integrated into larger naval aviation networks. One of Chinas more ambitious drone developments is the Jiutian heavy UAV, showcased a month before the launch of the Sichuan. The Jiutian is capable of carrying substantial payloads such as swarm drones and electronic warfare systems. With its modularity and multirole flexibility, analysts have noted the possibility based solely on publicly discussed capabilities that the aircraft could complement vessels like the Type 076 in future missions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What this means for India & the wider Indo-Pacific region For India, the arrival of the Type 076 has several strategic consequences. Analysts have noted that Indias maritime focus on the Indian Ocean Region (IOR) requires monitoring how China expands its naval presence. A vessel of the Sichuans size and range could influence dynamics in the Bay of Bengal and waters near the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, where India maintains several critical outposts. The Type 076s ability to conduct amphibious operations also raises concerns. With its capacity to deploy landing craft, helicopters, drones, and troops, the ship offers China more flexible expeditionary options in littoral environments. This capability is important for countries such as India that have island territories exposed in the region. Another area where India will be paying close attention is aviation technology. The use of electromagnetic catapults underscores how quickly China is advancing in carrier operations. This development narrows the gap with other naval powers and raises the standards for carrier-based aviation in Asia. For India, whose own carrier programmes follow different trajectories, this evolution presents challenges in terms of future procurement and capability planning. Beyond India, the United States and its regional partners have also taken note of the Type 076s emergence. The ships potential role in scenarios involving the Taiwan Strait has been cited as one of several considerations for Indo-Pacific defence planners. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The vessels ability to integrate amphibious forces with a capable aviation wing could matter in strategies related to regional deterrence, forward presence, and maritime security operations across the wider Pacific. In the South China Sea, which remains a zone of frequent friction between China and other claimants, the Type 076s extended flight deck and drone-handling systems could support surveillance and operational activities. While its displacement is smaller than that of the US Navys supercarriers like the USS Gerald R Ford or the USS Theodore Roosevelt, its size still places it in the same category as Frances Charles de Gaulle and several American amphibious ships. Only a limited number of countries including China, the US, France, Spain, Japan, the UK, and South Korea have the industrial capacity to build advanced amphibious assault ships. Also Watch: The progression from the Type 075 to the Type 076 strengthens Chinas position within this group. The new class combines traditional amphibious features with technologies normally reserved for aircraft carriers, marking an evolution in how such vessels can be utilised. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts have continued to emphasise that the Sichuan will play an important part in the PLANs broader ambitions. China is seeking to reinforce its control over contested waters and safeguard its routes across the Indo-Pacific. The Type 076, with its expanded aviation profile and increased carrying capacity, aligns with that agenda. The arrival of such advanced platforms has prompted calls in the United States and allied nations for the modernisation of their own amphibious forces. Suggestions include incorporating new propulsion systems, integrating autonomous technologies, and exploring directed-energy weapons. Regional cooperation effortsparticularly between Japan, South Korea, Australia, India and the United States have also been highlighted as essential to adapting to the pace of naval modernisation across the Indo-Pacific. With inputs from agencies Political tensions in Washington are escalating as newly released emails referencing Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein aid demands for full public disclosure. A bipartisan revolt has forced a House vote on the Epstein Files Transparency Act, challenging Trumps objections and exposing widening divides within the Republican Party A newly released email from disgraced late financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, referencing his former companion Ghislaine Maxwell and US President Donald Trump, is seen in this handout image released by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee in Washington, DC, US, on November 12, 2025. New disclosures released in recent days including emails in which Jeffrey Epstein repeatedly references United States President Donald Trump have triggered a rare bipartisan revolt. Members of both parties are now pushing to force the full release of the Epstein files, a move the White House has worked aggressively to prevent. Frustration among lawmakers and voters alike within Republican circles has grown over the handling of information related to Epsteins crimes and associates. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What the latest disclosures reveal in the Epstein controversy The latest political upheaval began on Wednesday when House Democrats unveiled a series of emails involving Epstein, Ghislaine Maxwell, and author Michael Wolff. These communications, written years before Epsteins 2019 death in federal custody, contain repeated mentions of Trumps interactions with Epstein and remarks by the disgraced financier regarding what Trump may have known. One of the messages released by Democrats contains a 2019 note from Epstein to Wolff in which he claimed that Trump knew about the girls, though no additional explanation was provided and the context remains uncertain. Another email from the same year features Epstein writing that the president came to my house many times and never got a massage. Also included among the materials was a 2011 message Epstein sent to Maxwell. In that email, he referred to Trump as that dog that hasnt barked, adding that Trump had spent hours at my house with one of Epsteins victims, whose name was withheld. Democrats on the House Oversight Committee argued that these messages raise serious questions about Donald Trump and his knowledge of Epsteins horrific crimes. Later that same day, House Republicans released a much larger cache approximately 20,000 documents which referenced Trump in several instances. In one exchange, Epstein described a 20-year-old woman he gave to Donald in 1993. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In another message, he commented on photos of Donald and girls in bikinis in my kitchen, though there was no indication as to whether he was speaking literally or sarcastically. Trump has previously described Epstein as a one-time acquaintance with whom he fell out years ago, and he has repeatedly insisted that he had no knowledge of Epsteins criminal activities. People walk next to a mobile Ad Van that displays a photograph of US President Donald Trump and disgraced financier and sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, in protest of the visit of US President Donald Trump in Aberdeen, Scotland, UK, July 28, 2025. File Image/Reuters The US president also issued a public statement online, declaring, The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein Hoax again because theyll do anything at all to deflect on how badly theyve done on the Shutdown, and so many other subjects. Despite his dismissal of the disclosures as partisan manoeuvring, frustrations among Republicans including those who have long demanded the release of the full Epstein file archive quickly resurfaced. How a bipartisan petition is forcing Congressional action For months, Republican leadership had resisted calls to advance a vote on legislation requiring the release of all Epstein-related documents held by federal agencies. That resistance collapsed when a discharge petition filed months earlier by Reps. Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie finally reached the required 218 signatures needed to compel a House vote. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The turning point occurred immediately after the swearing-in of Democratic Representative Adelita Grijalva, who added her signature within minutes of taking the oath of office, giving supporters of the bill a House majority. Grijalva framed the moment as necessary for reasserting congressional oversight, saying, Its past time for Congress to restore its role as a check and balance on this administration. This sudden shift forced House Speaker Mike Johnson, who had cited concerns about victim privacy and disagreements over the bills language, to announce that the vote would proceed early next week. Johnson has rejected accusations that his earlier reluctance was motivated by efforts to shield Trump or others, pointing instead toward the ongoing Oversight Committee investigation, which has already produced tens of thousands of pages of material. But the political momentum behind the petition had become impossible for leadership to contain. Initially, only a small number of Republicans Massie, Lauren Boebert, Marjorie Taylor Greene, and Nancy Mace publicly aligned themselves with Democrats on the issue. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Yet as public pressure intensified and more documents emerged, expectations of a broader Republican break from the leaderships position began to grow. US Rep. Don Bacon, who did not sign the petition, announced that he would vote in favour of the bill when it reached the floor. Other Republicans some quietly, others more openly suggested that support for full transparency was now a political necessity. Outside sources cited by Politico indicated that at least 100 or more Republicans might vote in favour of making the remaining files public, a scenario that would constitute a sizable rebellion against the presidents wishes. How White House is going above and beyond to suppress the petition The White House, aware of the growing risk of a large-scale Republican defection, reportedly undertook direct efforts to suppress the petition. One of the more notable incidents involved hard-right Representative Lauren Boebert, who was brought to the White House Situation Room, where senior officials urged her not to back the measure. She declined, and her continued support helped maintain momentum behind the push for transparency. Numerous Trump supporters both inside and outside Congress have become increasingly critical of the administrations handling of the Epstein records. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A US Attorney alongside FBI (right), at a news conference announcing charges against Ghislaine Maxwell for her role in the sexual exploitation and abuse of minor girls by Jeffrey Epstein in New York City, New York, US, July 2, 2020. File Image/Reuters Some allege that the federal government has failed to disclose crucial information about Epsteins dealings with affluent and influential individuals. A Reuters/Ipsos poll from October highlighted this shift: only four in ten Republicans approved of Trumps handling of the Epstein files, a striking contrast with the overwhelming majority of Republican voters who generally support his presidency. Amid this backdrop, Trump continued to attack Democrats over the disclosures. On Truth Social, he repeated his position that the controversy was engineered to distract from other political issues, including the federal government shutdown. What the Epstein Files Transparency Act seeks to accomplish The legislation that will come to the House floor the Epstein Files Transparency Act would obligate the Justice Department to publish all remaining documents related to Epstein, his network, and the circumstances of his death in federal custody in 2019. Epstein was awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges at the time. The bill would allow certain information to be withheld, such as details that could identify victims or jeopardise active investigations. However, the legislation explicitly prohibits the government from redacting information due to embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary. Supporters argue that this clause is essential given public scepticism about whether past decisions to withhold Epstein-related information have been aimed at protecting powerful individuals. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Democratic and Republican supporters also point out that what has been publicly released so far represents only a tiny portion of the governments total archive, with one estimate stating that less than one per cent of the files have been made available. The legislation has gained traction among lawmakers who believe that only comprehensive disclosure can address years of public doubt surrounding everything from Epsteins social circle to the circumstances of his death. What happens next in the House and Senate The House is poised to approve the bill if all lawmakers who signed the petition support it during the floor vote. This threshold has already been met, and it is expected that more Republicans will also join the effort. The real challenge lies in the Senate. Republicans currently maintain a narrow majority, and the bill would require at least 60 votes to move forward. Senate Majority Leader John Thune has not committed to bringing the legislation to a vote, saying earlier this year, I cant comment on that at this point. He noted, however, that the Justice Department has already released tons of files related to this matter, and expressed confidence that existing processes were adequate to protect victims rights while releasing information. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If the Senate were to approve the bill, the final decision would fall to Trump. Given his consistent opposition, a veto appears almost guaranteed. Overriding a veto requires a two-thirds majority in both chambers a political outcome that is historically rare. Massie, one of the bills sponsors, argued that Trump could avoid a legislative confrontation by authorising the release of the files himself. Theres still time for him to be the hero, he said. With inputs from agencies Following the Delhi blast, many of the victims are experiencing hearing loss and pain in the ears. The victims are undergoing treatment at Delhis LNJP hospital A sign reading "Red Fort" as emergency personnel work at the site of an explosion in the old quarters of Delhi. Reuters A blast in the heart of Delhi shook the national capital on Monday (November 10) claiming the lives of 13 people and injuring several others. Now, many of those injured are complaining about hearing loss and pain in the ear. The blast victims have been admitted to Lok Nayak Jai Prakash Hospital (LNJP) in different departments. So far, eight people have been identified out of the 13 people. Indias National Investigation Agency (NIA) continued to lead the probe into the car explosion in the capital, now in its fifth day. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Injured people suffer hearing loss Currently, there are 12 patients receiving treatment in the hospital, out of which six are in the isolation ward, four in the ICU, four in the neurosurgery unit, and one in the trauma centre, reported news agency PTI, quoting an official. Md Safwan, a 28-year-old from Chennai, is suffering from pain in both ears, along with abrasions, swelling on his leg, and bruises. Another 28-year-old from Uttar Pradesh, Shiva Jaiswal has hearing issues in both ears, burns on his arm, forearm, and face, along with multiple abrasions. Son of Dinesh Misra, who died in the deadly explosion near the Red Fort, cries outside a mortuary at a hospital in Delhi. Reuters Doctor Devinder Rai, Senior Consultant, ENT Department, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, said that in such high-intensity blasts, the extent of the impact depends on several factors, including the distance from the explosion. Some people are also more prone to what we call soft ears, meaning they are more sensitive to noise-induced trauma than others. The duration and intensity of the effect vary, often resulting in temporary or permanent hearing impairment and, in some cases, tinnitus a persistent ringing sound in the ear, he said. PM Modi met blast victims Earlier on Wednesday (November 12), Prime Minister Narendra Modi met the victims at LNJP Hospital. In a clear display of outrage, Modi called the explosion a conspiracy, assuring the public with absolute certainty that everyone responsible would face the full force of the law. Went to LNJP Hospital and met those injured during the blast in Delhi. Praying for everyones quick recovery. Those behind the conspiracy will be brought to justice! Modi said in a post on X. Prime Minister Narendra Modi meets an injured victim undergoing treatment at LNJP hospital following a blast near the Red Fort, in New Delhi. PTI Blast rocked Red Fort area A slow-moving vehicle on Monday stopped at a traffic light near Red Fort Metro Station around 6:52 pm and exploded. The blast hit vehicles and people in the vicinity. The person driving the vehicle has been identified as Umar Un Nabi. A DNA test has confirmed that the man who carried out the blast near Red Fort was Dr Umar Un Nabi. After the blast, his leg was stuck between the steering wheel and accelerator. His DNA sample matched with his mother, the Delhi Police said in a statement on Thursday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Umar has been linked to a white collar terrorist module busted in a counterterrorism operation stretching from Jammu and Kashmir to Haryana to Uttar Pradesh. With inputs from agencies Al-Falah University, already in the spotlight after three of its doctors have been linked to the Delhi blast, now appears to be headed for deeper trouble. Its founder and managing trustee, Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, is under investigation for his chequered past and a trail of questionable business dealings Delhi blast case: Beyond the Al-Falah University, Jawad Ahmad Siddiquis footprint extends across at least 15 companies involved in education, software, agribusiness and research, which are now under scanner. Image courtesy: News18 Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui, the director and founding trustee of Al-Falah University, has found himself at the centre of an intense investigation after the deadly Delhi blast near Red Fort killed at least 13 people earlier this week. The spotlight first swung his way when three doctors linked to the alleged white-collar terror module in Faridabad, Dr Umar Nabi, Dr Muzammil Shakeel (also known as Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie) and Shaheen Shahid, turned out to be working at Al-Falah University. That discovery pushed investigators to look more closely at the institution and the people running it. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Now, agencies are digging into Siddiquis older criminal cases, his company ties and whether the university had any role in a larger pattern of irregularities. Heres what we know so far. Who is Jawad Siddiqui? Jawad Siddiqui, originally from Madhya Pradesh, is an engineering graduate from Devi Ahilya Vishwavidyalaya in Indore. According to Indores Additional SP Rupesh Dwivedi, Siddiqui and his family once lived in Kayasth Mohalla in Mhow, where his father, Mohammad Hamid Siddiqui, served as the Seher Qazi. We are collecting information about his old contacts and relatives, Dwivedi said. A Times of India report states that Siddiqui joined Al-Falah Investments as a director on 18 September 1992. Over the years, he played a key role in shaping the Al Falah Charitable Trust, set up in 1995, which today runs the university along with several allied institutions. The main campus in Dhauj village, Faridabad, is spread across 78 acres. Al-Falah University is located just 30 kilometres from Delhi. Image courtesy: News18 Beyond the university, Siddiquis footprint extends across at least 15 companies involved in education, software, agribusiness and research. Within the Al-Falah group, he holds multiple senior posts, including managing director of Al-Falah Investments, chancellor of Al-Falah University since 2014, and head of several other group entities. Meanwhile, the university has tried to distance itself from the activities of the three arrested doctors. Legal and finance officer Mohammad Razi told TOI that the institution had no information about what they were doing outside their professional duties. We have many meritorious students whose education should not be affected because of this, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Also read: What conspired in Room 13 at Al-Falah University ahead of the Delhi blast? Siddiquis controversial past Siddiquis history has been marred with controversy. In 2000, an FIR (No. 43/2000) was filed at Delhis New Friends Colony police station, accusing him and his associates of duping investors by converting their funds into forged shares and diverting the money into their own accounts. The alleged fraud was pegged at Rs 7.5 crore. Siddiqui was arrested in 2001 and spent over three years in Tihar Jail. His bail plea was rejected by the Delhi High Court in 2003, and he was finally granted bail in February 2004 after agreeing to refund the people he had cheated. According to NDTV, many of the complainants were from economically vulnerable Muslim families who had been encouraged to invest in so-called halal schemes. Al-Falah groups companies under scanner The government has now ordered a forensic audit of Al Falah Universitys finances, while agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been tasked with tracing money flows linked to the trust and its companies. Public data from the Ministry of Corporate Affairs and ZaubaCorp shows Siddiqui is associated with at least 15 companies across various sectors, including education services, software development, agribusiness, medical research, and engineering research. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nine of these companies are currently active. The remaining entities, now inactive, were previously involved in stock trading, import-export operations, energy projects, hospital services, software publishing and even radio and television communication activities. A cluster of these firms, seven in total, is registered at the same address: Al Falah House, 274A, Jamia Nagar, New Delhi. Another company, Tarbia Foundation, listed under educational activities, is registered at 274B, Murtaza Apartments, also in Jamia Nagar. The government has now ordered a forensic audit of Al Falah Universitys finances, while agencies such as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) have been tasked with tracing money flows linked to the trust and its companies. Image courtesy: X Across these companies, a familiar group of names appears repeatedly as directors: Sufyan Ahmad Siddiqui, Saood Siddiqui, Shima Siddiqui, Fardeen Beg and Mohammad Jamil Khan, along with Jawad Ahmad Siddiqui himself. Officials at Al-Falah Universitys Delhi office in Jamia Nagar told TOI that the institution has no official link to the doctors arrested in connection with the Old Delhi blast. The office operates from the ground floor of a residential building owned by the trust. Also read: Why Al Falah University in Faridabad is under scanner after Delhi car blast STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Action against Al Falah University As the terror probe widens, the university is also facing scrutiny for its academic claims. The National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC) has issued a show-cause notice accusing the institution of misleading the public about its accreditation status. In the notice, NAAC pointed out that Al Falah University, which is neither accredited nor applied for accreditation by NAAC, had claimed on its website that it runs colleges graded A by NAAC, including Al Falah School of Engineering and Technology, Brown Hill College of Engineering and Technology, and Al-Falah School of Education and Training. NAAC has demanded an explanation and ordered the university to immediately remove all such references from its website and any other public documents. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) has also stepped in. It suspended the universitys membership on Thursday, saying the institution does not appear to be in good standing. Association of Indian Universities suspends Al-Falah University, Faridabad, with immediate effect, citing that the university 'does not appear to be in good standing'. pic.twitter.com/GJHSSpO1P4 ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025 STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD According to PTI, AIU also barred the university from using its name or logo, directing that the logo be removed from all official platforms. With input from agencies Xizang's improved logistics networks bring faster delivery to the foot of Mount Qomolangma People's Daily Online) 13:41, November 14, 2025 : Trucks wait to transfer cargo to a railway freight yard in Xining, northwest China's Qinghai Province, for shipment to southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region via the Qinghai-Tibet Railway. (Photo/Hao Baojun) : Photo shows automated sorting equipment at ZTO Express' transfer center in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo/Yang Qingyue) : A SF Express courier delivers a package to a customer's doorstep in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Xu Yuyao) : A villager uses a refrigerator purchased online in Medog county, Nyingchi, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (People's Daily Overseas Edition/Xu Yuyao) : Photo shows a JD Logistics delivery truck on a winding mountain road connecting Shannan city with Lhunze county in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. (Photo courtesy of the interviewee) Yang Tao's delivery service station for Cainiao, the logistics arm of Chinese e-commerce giant Alibaba Group, at the foot of Mount Qomolangma tells a remarkable story about the upgrading of logistics in southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region. Shelves in his shop in Zhaxizom township of Tingri county, Xigaze city, are full of parcels of all sizes from across the country. This year's "Double 11" shopping festival kept the young man from northwest China's Shaanxi Province busier than ever. "More and more people are shopping online now," Yang said. "Years ago, my service station received only a dozen packages a week. Today, we handle around 100 daily. Most parcels now come with free shipping serviceslogistics costs are no longer a barrier to delivery at Qomolangma," he added. The expansion of free shipping services into Xizang reflects a broader trend. In August, the regional government made advancing "free shipping services in Xizang" one of its 10 priority livelihood projects, introducing a series of supporting measures. When heavy snow blanketed Gyirong and Nyalam in Xigaze in early November, Gong Xu, who oversees JD Logistics operations in the city, found himself anxious because of delivery schedules. "The snowfall disrupted traffic and could delay shipments by two days," he said. "Normally, parcels from our local warehouses reach customers in two to three days, with an extra day or two for more remote counties." Such concerns about minor delays mark a dramatic shift from the past, when online orders in Xigaze typically took at least two weeks to arrive. "Most people now consider it normal to order whatever they need on their phones and have it delivered quickly," Gong said, adding that they buy everything from tissues and bottled water to smartphones and computers online. Behind the speed revolution is the growth of local warehouse development. Today, many shipments of JD Logistics, the logistics unit of Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com, bound for Xigaze originate from the logistics provider's warehouse on the outskirts of Lhasa, capital of Xizang. JD's warehousing and logistics park in Xizang began operations in 2017, marking the autonomous region's first dedicated logistics park owned by an e-commerce enterprise. The warehouse now stocks nearly 100,000 product types, with an inventory exceeding 500,000 items. Close to 80 percent of product categories ordered by customers can be fulfilled locally. "Most items shipped from the warehouse now enjoy free shipping services," Gong noted. To prepare for this year's "Double 11" shopping festival, JD Logistics enhanced its technological capabilities and stockpiled additional resources. "We predicted order volumes and conducted capacity planning, actively expanding warehouse space and inventory reserves," said Wen Baopeng, who heads JD Logistics' operations in Xizang. "When customers place orders, packages are dispatched immediately from our Lhasa warehouse for the fastest possible deliverysometimes even on the same day." The improved shopping experience has won over a growing number of residents in Xizang. Data show that in the first half of this year, Xizang's online retail sales reached 18.07 billion yuan (about $2.54 billion), up 38.6 percent year on year. Physical goods accounted for 86.1 percent of that total, growing 39.3 percent from the same period last year. Both growth rates ranked first nationwide. Shannan city in Xizang has now achieved full delivery service coverage across all 577 administrative villages, 90 temple management committees, 467 schools, 26 centrally administered state-owned enterprises, and all military units. This breakthrough in solving the "last kilometer" problem has established an efficient and smooth rural delivery logistics system. Shannan has issued a trial implementation plan for the comprehensive reform of its rural delivery logistics system and, with a cumulative investment of 14.02 million yuan, has built a delivery network integrating express brands and three-tier service stations covering counties, townships, and villages, according to Gyangkar, deputy mayor of Shannan. To effectively reduce logistics costs, Shannan has encouraged postal-express cooperation involving partnerships between postal and express delivery companies, and promoted the integrated passenger-freight-mail transport model. Since the beginning of this year, around 1.46 million parcels have been delivered to residents through postal-express cooperation. The city has coordinated urban and rural public transport network resources to create 25 demonstration routes for the integrated passenger-freight-mail transport model, through which more than 84,000 parcels have been handled. Improved road construction provides the foundation for logistics development. "Xizang now has 24 ordinary national highways and 57 ordinary provincial highways, with total national and provincial road mileage exceeding 30,000 kilometers. All 74 counties and districts have access to paved roads," said an official from the transport department of Xizang Autonomous Region. By year's end, all towns and townships and over 90 percent of administrative villages in the autonomous region will have access to paved roads, the official added, noting that all townships and villages with feasible conditions now have bus service. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Janata Dal (United) on the way to a landslide victory in Bihar, much of the credit is being given to Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Heres a look at the 74-year-olds ascent and his long reign in the state Few things remain consistent in life: death, taxes, and Nitish Kumar as Bihar chief minister. With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) led by the Janata Dal (United) on the way to a landslide victory in Bihar, much of the credit is being given to Nitish. The 74-year-old, sometimes derided as Paltu Ram by opponents and certain sections of the media, has ruled Bihar for two decades. He has shown himself to be the consummate politician and above all, a survivor. If things continue the way they are going, he could be sworn in as chief minister of Bihar for a record 10th time. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch live updates from the here Lets take a look at Nitishs long innings in Indian politics and Bihar. Early years, dive into politics His father, Kaviraj Ram Lakhan Singh, was a freedom fighter and an ayurvedic doctor. Nitishs mother, Parmeshwari Devi, was a homemaker. Nitish graduated from Bihars College of Engineering in Patna now known as the National Institute of Technology (NIT) in 1972 with a degree in Electrical Engineering. The next year, in February 1973, Nitish married Manju Sinha, who was a teacher. The couple soon had a son, whom they named Nishant. More from Explainers Why Nitish Kumar wins Bihar every time: Its not just women voters Nitish got his start in politics during Jayaprakash Narayans agitation, alongside Lalu Prasad Yadav. At that time, Nitish would refer to Lalu as his older brother. Nitish was arrested under the Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) in 1974 and again during the Emergency imposed by Indira Gandhi in 1975. Nitish then joined the Janata Party a forerunner to the BJP and ran for office in 1977. Though the Janata Party prevailed and Morarji Desai created history by becoming the first non-Congress Prime Minister of India, Nitish lost his own race. It was not until 1985 that he first tasted electoral success. In 1989, Nitish won Lok Sabha polls and was appointed Union Agriculture Minister. In 1990, Nitish played a key role in helping Lalu become Chief Minister of Bihar. In 1991, Nitish was re-elected to the Lok Sabha. However, the bonhomie would not last. In 1994, Nitish took on Lalu, who was firmly in control of the Janata Dal in Bihar. Nitish then left the Janata Dal in 1994 and tied up with veteran socialist leader George Fernandes to form the Samata Party. Meanwhile, Lalu in 1997 too left the Janata Dal to form the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) after a series of scandals that undermined his image. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Nitish would refer to Lalu Prasad Yadav as his older brother. PTI In 1998, the first NDA government came to power led by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) with Atal Bihari Vajpayee as Prime Minister. Nitish served in a variety of roles in the Vajpayee government, including Cabinet Minister, Railways Minister, Transport Minister and Agriculture Minister. Nitish is said to have a high opinion of both Vajpayee and L. K. Advani. However, in August 1999, Nitish resigned as Railways Minister in the aftermath of the Gaisal train disaster. This came months after the NDA government collapsed when the AIADMK withdrew its support. But the NDA quickly returned to power with an expanded mandate after fresh elections were called, with Vajpayee as Prime Minister. Reign over Bihar In 2000, Nitish was sworn in as Bihar Chief Minister for the first time. However, the term would last just seven short days. He was forced to resign after he could not prove his majority. A few years later, the Samata Party was folded into the JD(U). In 2003, the Samata Party merged into Janata Dal (United). In the 2004 Lok Sabha elections, Nitish won the Nalanda seat but lost Barh. Nitishs ascent in Bihar truly began in 2005 when the BJPJDU alliance in the NDA unseated the Lalu-led RJD. In 2010, the alliance scored an even bigger victory, with the JDUBJP coalition juggernaut leaving the RJD with just 22 seats. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD However, the alliance, thought unshakeable, ended just three years later with the BJP choosing Narendra Modi as its prime ministerial candidate. Nitish walked out of the alliance, claiming that the NDA should have chosen a leader with a clean and secular image. He also called for a Sangh-mukt Bharat and vowed he would rather die than return to the BJP. In 2015, Nitish surprised many by tying up with the RJD of his archrival Lalu and the Congress to form the Mahagathbandhan (Grand Alliance). Nitish returned as Chief Minister of Bihar again after the alliance won 178 seats. However, the tenuous alliance between Nitish and Lalu wouldnt last. In 2017, when corruption allegations were made against Tejashwi Yadav, the son of Lalu, Nitish broke off ties and walked out of the Grand Alliance. Prime Minister Narendra Modi (L) speaks with Nitish Kumar. AFP Nitish, who claimed he had heeded the advice of his soul, promptly tied up with the NDA and took office the same day as chief minister, with Sushil Kumar as his deputy. An outraged Lalu could only cry that he had been betrayed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While Nitish contested the 2019 Lok Sabha polls and 2020 Assembly polls alongside the BJP as Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish yet again dumped the NDA for the Mahagathbandhan and joined a new coalition government. Nitish was widely seen as the man who brought the Opposition INDIA bloc together. However, he was upset with the fact that the coalition did not want to name him convener, as well as their choice of Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge as a prime ministerial face. Then, in 2024, Nitish did it again leaving the Mahagathbandhan for the NDA and retaking his post as chief minister. It was his ninth term in the post. The big takeaways Nitishs frequent changes of alliances have earned him the sobriquet Paltu Ram a tag his critics will no doubt say is apt. However, there can be little doubt that Nitish stepped into Bihar at a time when the jungle raaj image loomed large over the state. Nitishs focus on development, law and order and his clean image have also earned him another nickname Sushasan Babu. According to reports on Thursday, posters and banners with the words Tiger abhi zinda hai (Tiger is still alive), with a picture of Nitish, sprang up across Bihar. Now, with the results coming in, Nitish has shown that he has shrugged off rumours of ill health and barbs from critics. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Experts are impressed with Nitishs performance. The 2010 election was Nitish Kumars zenith JD(U) won 115 seats and BJP 91 to decimate the RJD. Repeating a similar performance speaks volumes of his acceptance levels, analyst M. K. Choudhary told Hindustan Times. Whether he be Paltu Ram or simply a consummate survivor, all eyes will be on Nitish to see what he will do next. With inputs from agencies Investigators probing the deadly Red Fort car explosion say the accused built a concealed communication system using Threema, a Swiss encrypted messaging app, which is banned in India. Authorities allege the three suspects relied on the platforms anonymity-driven architecture to prepare for multiple attacks before the plot was disrupted Security personnel work at the site of an explosion near the historic Red Fort in the old quarters of Delhi, India, November 11, 2025. File Image/Reuters Investigators examining the deadly explosion near Delhis Red Fort have traced the core of the conspiracy to a secure communication channel built around Threema a Switzerland-based encrypted messaging service banned in India. According to officials, the three arrested doctors from Faridabads Al Falah University Dr Umar Un Nabi, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, and Dr Shaheen Shahid relied heavily on the platform to stay in touch, share instructions, and exchange sensitive material linked to the attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The blast on Monday evening claimed 13 lives, with another victim succumbing to injuries on Thursday. Police now believe the module had been preparing for a series of coordinated strikes across Delhi and had already conducted multiple reconnaissance visits around the capital. Officials describe Umar, who is believed to have been behind the wheel of the vehicle that exploded, as the primary channel linking the others. They believe that after some module members were detained, he disconnected from regular communication networks and relied solely on covert channels to maintain contact with associates. The group had reportedly surveyed various parts of Delhi multiple times and was preparing for a broader series of coordinated attacks before the plot was interrupted. How the accused communicated using Threema Investigators believe the accused constructed an isolated communications system using Threemas architecture, which is designed to operate with minimal data exposure. The platforms registration system does not require personal identifiers at the outset. Instead of a phone number or email, users receive a randomly generated ID that becomes the anchor for all interactions. This element of anonymity was a critical factor in the groups ability to communicate without drawing attention, according to those handling the case. Unlike conventional messaging platforms, Threema does not require a phone number or email ID for registration, making it extremely difficult to trace the users. Officials examining the incident believe the accused set up a private Threema server, enabling them to exchange files and instructions through a network that was inaccessible to anyone outside the group. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Detailed planning, including location sharing and task allocation, is believed to have been conducted through this private network, a police source told PTI. Police suspect the trio used the app for an array of communication tasks: text messaging, voice interactions, sharing of diagrams, and circulating reference material relevant to the conspiracy. Because the platform allows messages to be erased on both ends and avoids retaining metadata, investigative teams say retrieving communications has been extremely challenging. The apps design, which restricts access to message histories and avoids conventional data storage, further complicates efforts to fully reconstruct the chain of events. Authorities are still evaluating whether the server was hosted domestically or abroad. Early assessments indicate the platform served as a medium for transmitting coded instructions and controlled documents among members of the module. Forensic analysis of the seized devices is ongoing to determine the full extent of the network and whether additional participants were involved. How the probe uncovered the link to Threema The discovery of the Threema network came soon after agencies uncovered two Telegram groups linked to the same module. The metadata extracted from Threema chats among Umar, Shaheen, and Muzammil is currently being examined, though the nature of the platform means that limited information is available compared with other communication services. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Threema was included in a list of several apps blocked in India in May 2023 under Section 69A of the IT Act. Authorities recommended restrictions on these apps after determining that certain Pakistan-based factions were using them to move propaganda and guide their operatives inside India. The list included names such as Zangi, Briar, Nandbox, Safeswiss, BChat, Element, Second Line, MediaFire, and IMO. Despite being restricted in India, investigators believe the accused circumvented these constraints through VPN services that masked their location. Reports also suggest that the group used the app while travelling to foreign destinations, including Turkey and the UAE, providing them with additional freedom to access it outside Indias jurisdiction. Threemas payment structure which allows individuals to purchase the app by mailing cash to its office in Churerstrasse, Switzerland, or by paying using Bitcoin is another element that reduces traceability. This structure, combined with its user-ID system and encrypted storage model, contributes to the difficulty faced by security agencies attempting to monitor or trace communications on the platform. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why Threema appeals to criminal and terror networks Threema belongs to a category of communication tools that promote strong privacy protections, which in turn has attracted individuals seeking secrecy for illegal purposes. Several such apps, including those blocked in India, were originally designed with activists, journalists, or dissidents in mind, particularly those working in environments where they face surveillance by state authorities. However, these applications have also become popular among criminal enterprises because they lack traditional identifiers and centralised storage systems. Apps like Zangi, Safeswiss, Element, Briar, Nandbox, and others often generate virtual numbers or unique URLs instead of asking users to provide email addresses or verified phone numbers. Some tools offer a randomly created ID, which becomes a users identity within the system. Zangi, for instance, assigns a ten-digit number to each new account without tying it to a real-world identifier. Many of these applications advertise high-level encryption models designed to ensure that messages are only viewable by the sender and recipient. Threema and similar platforms handle encryption and decryption directly on users devices, preventing any intermediate server from accessing message content. Several platforms delete messages immediately after they are received, and many avoid retaining logs or metadata. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD These structural decisions are presented by developers as a safeguard for privacy, but they significantly hinder law-enforcement efforts, especially in cases involving organised networks. Investigators have noted that the absence of traceable data makes such tools difficult to monitor and complicates efforts to assemble legally admissible evidence. The companys servers are located in Switzerland and operate in accordance with the countrys federal data-protection laws. According to police findings, approximately 32 cars were readied as potential carriers of explosive material. Of these, one vehicle detonated near the Red Fort, while three others have been seized by authorities since the attack. Officials stress that the disruption of the module may have averted a far larger tragedy. According to their assessment, the suspects were waiting for instructions from their handlers before launching a sequence of explosions across multiple sites. With inputs from agencies Lawmakers are pushing hard for the release of documents from Jeffrey Epsteins estate. The House is speeding toward a vote next week, and this comes after months of resistance from the White House. However, Trump is ramping up pressure on GOP to thwart the vote An image of Trump alongside disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is displayed on a vehicle on the day of the state visit of the US president and First Lady Melania Trump, in Windsor, Britain. File image/Reuters The house is poised to move forward on a vote that would release files related to the sex trafficking investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. It comes after months of resistance from Republican leaders and the White House. The development is taking place at a time when new documents are raising fresh questions about Epstein and his associates, which also includes the 2019 email written by Epstein to a journalist that asserted President Donald Trump knew about the girls. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Facing heat, the White House has blasted and accused Democrats of selectively leaking the emails to smear the Republican president. Public speculation has been rampant for years about Epsteins operation, death and connection to powerful and wealthy individuals, including Trump, former President Bill Clinton, tech billionaires and celebrity academics, among others. The House awaits to vote Representatives Ro Khanna, of California, and Thomas Massie, Kentucky, introduced a petition in July to force a vote on their bill, the Epstein Files Transparency Act. The effort was backed by all House Democrats and four Republicans, including Massie and Representatives Lauren Boebert of Colorado, Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia and Nancy Mace of South Carolina. Minutes after Democrat Adelita Grijalva of Arizona was sworn into office Wednesday, she signed her name to the Epstein petition, pushing it to the magic number of 218 a majority in the 435-member House. Speaker Mike Johnson, said following Grijalvas swearing-in that he would expedite the petition process to bring a vote on the bill to the House floor early next week. Johnson has pushed back on claims that he has obstructed the Epstein legislation to protect Trump or others. He told reporters that the Republican majority took issue with the phrasing of the measure, which he claimed did not adequately protect victims. Demonstrators hold signs asking for the release of the Epstein files during a No Kings protest in downtown Las Vegas Saturday. (Image: AP) Johnson has also repeatedly pointed to the Epstein investigation being conducted by the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, which has resulted in the release of thousands of pages of documents, including more than 20,000 on Wednesday. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Understanding the different aspects of the bill The bill would force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein, as well as any information about the investigation into his death in federal prison. Information about Epsteins victims or ongoing federal investigations would be allowed to be redacted, per the bill. The department, however, would not be allowed to redact information due to embarrassment, reputational harm, or political sensitivity, including to any government official, public figure, or foreign dignitary. Johnson, who had dismissed the petition as a moot point, said he will bring the measure to a vote next week. If everyone who signed the petition supports it on the floor, it will pass. But the bill appears likely to pick up additional Republican votes potentially dozens or more now that it is moving forward. Rep. Don Bacon, R-Neb., who did not sign the discharge petition, has said he plans to back it. The tougher test will come in the Senate, where Republicans hold a 5347 majority and it would likely take 60 votes to move the bill to final passage. Asked in September whether the Senate would take up the Epstein bill if it passed the House, Majority Leader John Thune, R-S.D., said, I cant comment on that at this point. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Thune added that the Justice Department has already released tons of files related to this matter. I trust them in terms of having the confidence that theyll get as much information out there as possible in a way that protects the rights of the victims, Thune said. Trump may stop it If the measure passes the Senate, it would go to Trump, who almost certainly would veto it. He has opposed the discharge petition from the start, even reaching to two Republicans who had signed it. The Democrats are trying to bring up the Jeffrey Epstein hoax again because theyll do anything at all to deflect on how badly theyve done on the shutdown, and so many other subjects, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform. President Donald Trump speaks before signing the funding bill to reopen the government. (Image: AP) Only a very bad, or stupid, Republican would fall into that trap," he added. A presidents veto can be overridden with a two-third vote in both chambers. That has only happened twice since 2009. Massie said Trump can avoid the entire ordeal by releasing all the Epstein files held by the federal government. Theres still time for him to be the hero, Massie said of Trump. With inputs from Associated Press While US President Donald Trump admits that the US needs global talent, his party member and Congresswoman, Marjorie Taylor Greene, has taken a different stance. She has plans to introduce a bill to scrap the H-1B visa programme entirely The H-1B visa process involves filing a Labour Condition Application (LCA) with the US Department of Labour. Reuters Last month, the US administration under Donald Trump hit India hard, with a shot aimed at Indian talent in the US through H-1B visas. Trumps decision to hike H-1B visa fees to $100,000 resulted in panic, confusion and a hasty White House climbdown. A month after the crackdown, there is a shift in the tone. Trump has shifted his stance, insisting that the US needs global talent. You dont have certain talents. You cant take people off an unemployment line and say. Were going to put you into a factory, were going to make missiles, the Republican leader told Fox Newss Laura Ingraham. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Meanwhile, Marjorie Taylor Greene, a Republican leader and Congresswoman, has stated that she would like if the US administration eliminated the H-1B visa programme and has proposed a bill on the same. So, whats the new law being proposed? Does it include any exemptions? Is Trump making a stunning reversal on the H-1B visa? Lets understand the different aspects of it. The proposed bill to abolish H-1B visas, explained Republican Partys Marjorie Taylor Greene has said that she is introducing a bill to end what she calls the mass replacement of American workers by aggressively phasing out the H-1B programme. My dear fellow Americans, Im introducing a bill to eliminate the H-1B visa programme, which has been riddled with fraud and abuse and has been displacing American workers for decades, she said in a video posted on X. I am introducing a bill to END the mass replacement of American workers by aggressively phasing out the H1B program. Big Tech, AI giants, hospitals, and industries across the board have abused the H-1B system to cut out our own people. Americans are the most talented people pic.twitter.com/m73Wp1MMiw Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (@RepMTG) November 13, 2025 Greene attempts to bring in legislation that would eliminate the H-1B visa programme, which is considered a pathway to US citizenship for foreign workers. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Congresswoman even went on to accuse US tech giants of abusing the programme system to undermine the benefits for American workers. Big Tech, AI giants, hospitals, and industries across the board have abused the H-1B system to cut out our own people, Greene asserted. US Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene has proposed a new law to replace the H-1B visa programme. File image/Reuters Greene addressed a single exemption in her video, which is a yearly cap of 10,000 visas reserved for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. They provide life-saving care in the United States. However, there is a catch in the exemption; she added that even this limited exemption would not be permanent. She added, This 10,000-per-year cap will be phased out over 10 years to allow us time to build our own pipeline of American doctors and physicians. Greene furthered that The bill will take away the pathway to citizenship, forcing visa holders to return home when their visa expires." According to her, the bill aims to prioritise American workers in various sectors such as technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing, stating, Americans are the most talented people in the world, and that she will always put Americans first. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD She also pointed to last years data, asserting that more than 9,000 US medical graduates did not secure residency placements, meanwhile, 2023 alone, over 5,000 foreign-born doctors received residency spots. Greene declared it entirely unfair, and its America last. Significance of H-1B visas for Indians Indian professionals, who are the biggest beneficiaries of this work visa, will be drastically affected if this bill is implemented. According to a country-wise breakdown of H-1B visa allocations for 2024 from the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), Indians overwhelmingly dominated the list. The tech giants used this programme to import talent, more than 70 per cent of whom are Indian. Among the top H-1B employers are top US firms, including Amazon, Meta and Google. Satya Nadella, the chairman and chief executive of Microsoft, and Sundar Pichai, chief executive of Google and its parent company, Alphabet, are prominent US tech leaders who were once holders of H-1B visas. The number of Indian nationals is 283,397, whereas China 46,680 accounted for approximately 11.7 per cent to 16 per cent. Both India and China make up roughly 84 per cent of all H-1B visa allocations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump shifts his tone Greenes proposal of a bill comes as the United States President Donald Trump has made a stunning reversal on the H-1B programme during a Fox News interview. Trump admitted that the US does not have enough domestic talent for certain positions in tech and defence. When asked about the H-1B visa programme, he noted with fear that it could undermine American workers Trump said, I agree, but you do also have to bring in talent. The US president even went on to deny that the US has plenty of talented workers, when interjected by Fox Newss Laura Ingraham. You dont have certain talents. People have to learn. You cant take people off an unemployment line and say, Im going to put you into a factory where were going to make missiles, the Republican leader added. If the bill is introduced, then it will add more concern regarding the future of the H-1B programme. With inputs from agencies Indias Security Press in Nashik was printing Nepals currency for decades. However, since 2015, Kathmandu has been awarding its currency printing contracts to the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPMC) in Xicheng. But what caused the switch? An expert from the Beijing Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation inspects the new 20 yuan notes during the first international anti-counterfeiting exhibition in Beijing,. Reuters India had been printing Nepals currency for years. However, that is no longer the case. Nepal is just one of several countries that are now outsourcing printing of their banknotes to China. So are Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Malaysia, Thailand, and Afghanistan. Last week, Nepals central bank sent a Chinese firm a letter of intent to supply it with 430 million Rs 1,000 banknotes at a cost of around $17 million (Rs 150 crore). But what happened? Why has Nepal switched from India to China to print its currency? STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Lets take a closer look. What happened? The Nepal Rastra Bank (NRB) on Friday sent a letter of intent to the China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation (CBPMC) for printing its currency. The NRB has requested that the CBPMC design, print, and supply 430 million pieces of Nepals Rs 1,000 denomination banknotes. The NRB made the decision because the Chinese firm was the lowest bidder for the tender. This isnt the first time the CBPMC has done so. The state-owned firm first won the bid to print banknotes for Nepal in 2015. It did so for printing Rs 100, Rs 1,000 and Rs 5 currency notes. Since then, it has done so seven times over the past few years. The CBPMC has earned $63 million (Rs 559 crore) for printing 2.38 billion banknotes. But its not just a matter of choosing the lowest bidder. Why Nepal has switched from India to China Indias Security Press in Nashik was the trusted partner for Nepals currency printing for decades. Between 1945 and 1955, every Nepali banknote was printed in India, and the collaboration remained strong. However, things changed in 2015 when Nepals new currency depicted the regions of Lipulekh, Limpiyadhura, and Kalapaniareas in the Himalayas which have long been a matter of disputeas parts of Nepal. An Indian printer would be unable to depict these on the currency and thus Nepal looked for alternatives. All of Nepals currency is currently printed by China. Indias Security Press in Nashik was the trusted partner for Nepals currency printing for decades. Image courtesy: ispnasik.spmcil.com The China Banknote Printing and Minting Corporation, headquartered in Beijings Xicheng district, describes itself as the worlds largest money printer by scale. It was founded in 1948 and has more than 18,000 employees including engineers, designers, and technicians. It operates around a dozen strictly guarded facilities for the production of paper notes and coins including its own currency. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD China also offers state-of-the-art printing facilities and modern security features such as watermarks, holographic threads, and colour-shifting inks to prevent counterfeiting. The CBPMC has also pioneered a holographic security feature known as Colordance, which makes it harder to forge banknotes and cheaper to print them. An Indian firm previously received such a contract from the NRB in January 2023. This was when the NRB gave the Security Printing and Minting Corporation of India Limited a letter of intent to design, print, supply, and deliver 300 million pieces of Nepali banknotes of the Rs 50 denomination. The contract was estimated at $5 million (Rs 44 crore). Since then, it has seized the opportunity it was afforded and won contracts to print currency for a number of countries including Thailand, Malaysia, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Brazil, and Poland. Sources earlier told the SCMP that much of the printing demand comes from partners in Chinas Belt and Road Initiative and that Chinese currency only comprises a small proportion of the orders. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How China expanded currency printing operations A handful of institutions around the world have cornered the market share in banknote printing. This includes state-run firms such as Chinas CBPMC, Japans National Printing Bureau (NPB), Russias Goznak, and the US Bureau of Engraving and Printing. Meanwhile, De La Rue from Britain, Giesecke & Devrient from Germany, and Oberthur from France are among the top private players. However, China has been quietly making strides in this area. The state-backed CBPMC in 2015 bought De La Rues banknote printing division. This not only allowed it access to cutting-edge technologies, it also allowed it to expand its scope to Europe, Africa, and West Asia. China also has the most facilities to print currency as well as the largest staff by far. In todays world this gives China yet another avenue to expand its field of influence, which India would do well to keep a close eye on. With inputs from agencies At least eight personnel were seriously injured after an accidental blast took place on the premises of the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night, according to a report, citing officials. At least eight personnel were seriously injured after an accidental blast took place on the premises of the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir on Friday night, according to a PTI report, citing officials. The incident happened when police personnel were taking samples of explosive material seized from Faridabad in connection with a white-collar terror module case, officials added. The explosives, totaling 360 kg, had been seized from a rented residence in Faridabad belonging to Dr. Muzzamil Ganaie, one of the eight individuals arrested in connection with the terror module case. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The consignment was brought to Jammu and Kashmir for examination by the police. It remains unclear whether the entire 360 kg of explosive material was stored at the Nowgam police station, where the white-collar terror module case was registered on October 19. With inputs from agencies Hailing the victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has said that good governance has won in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won more than two-thirds majority. Hailing the victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly election, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said that good governance has won in the state. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has won more than two-thirds majority in the assembly. As per the latest information, the NDA was ahead on 205 of 243 seats reducing the Oppositions INDIA bloc to 33 seats. In a post on X, Modi said, Good governance has won. Development has won. Pro-people spirit has won. Social justice has won. Gratitude to each and every person of Bihar for blessing the NDA with a historical and unparalleled victory in the 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. This mandate gives us renewed strength to serve the people and work for Bihar. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Follow our live coverage of 2025 Bihar election result Modi thanked party workers and allies for their work that has brought the victory to NDA. He said the mandate of the result of all-round development. People voted for us on the basis of our track record and our vision to take the state to newer heights. I would like to congratulate CM Nitish Kumar Ji and our allies from the NDA family, Chirag Paswan Ji, Jitan Ram Manjhi Ji and Upendra Kushwaha Ji, on this unparalleled victory, said Modi. Good governance has won. Development has won. Pro-people spirit has won. Social justice has won. Gratitude to each and every person of Bihar for blessing the NDA with a historical and unparalleled victory in the 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. This mandate gives us renewed Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2025 Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar is expected to return for another term. He has been the chief minister of Bihar continuously since 2005 except for a brief stretch of nine months between 2014 and 2015. This will be his 10th stint as the chief minister. Among the NDA, the BJP was ahead on 93 sets, Nitishs Janata Dal-United (JD-U) on 83, Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas (LJP-RV) on 20, and Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular (HAM-S) on five, according to the latest tally at CNN-News 18. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As for the INDIA bloc, the Rashtriya Janata Dals (RJD) seats have fallen from 75 in the previous 2020 election to 25 and Congress has been reduced to single digits four from 19. On the other hand, non-aligned All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) of Asaduddin Owaisi has won five seats up from zero in the previous elections. Bihar Assembly election 2025 has given the NDA its biggest mandate till date, extending its 20-year dominance here. The only loss the NDA suffered during these decades was when Nitish Kumar parted ways. What makes Nitish Kumar indispensable in Bihars power game? The turn of the 21st Century was a different world. India was still trying to find its geostrategic feat in a post-Cold War world and in the aftermath of nuclear tests. An average Indian was earning Rs 10,306 a year. This meant she could buy 20 grams of gold and spare Rs 1,506 for other expenses. This was when Nitish Kumar had taken oath as the Bihar chief minister for the first time. He promised to give hope. People seemed to test him first. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Bihar was the poorest back then, with declining per capita income World Bank estimate said it fell from Rs 1,373 to Rs 1,289 after 10 years of rule of Lalu Prasad and his wife Rabri Devi. It was against this backdrop emerged Lalu Prasads principal challenger, a former partner, Nitish Kumar on the scene of Bihar politics. Bihar is still the poorest state but with a per capita income of over Rs 32,000. More from India 9 killed, 27 injured as explosives seized from Faridabad raid rip through J&K police station Before being parachuted back to the state by the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) coalition, whose Atal Bihari Vajpayee was the prime minister in New Delhi, Nitish Kumars politics had been more national in focus. Lalu Prasad dominated Bihar like no other politician did before. With the sun setting below the horizon on March 3, 2000, a new son of Bihar rose in state politics. Nitish Kumar took oath as Bihars 27th chief minister at 5 pm in Patna. His swearing-in event was a major controversy, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leading protests on the streets of Patna, raising slogans against the then-Governor Vinod Chandra Pande for ignoring his wifes claim. A week later, on March 10, Nitish went back to the Vajpayee government. He resigned three days before Pandes deadline to prove his governments majority on the floor of the house in the Bihar Legislative Assembly giving Lalu-Rabri supporters an additional reason to celebrate what they called kurta-faad [torn-shirt] Holi, which fell on March 20 that year. The little experiment of forming a minority government in Bihar by Nitish Kumar mimicked what Vajpayee had done at the Centre in 1996 the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government lasted 13 days, with the prime minister resigning before the Lok Sabha voted on the confidence motion. Both events are now seen as attempts by the NDA the pan-India counter-Congress coalition to send messages to their voters that they were ready to govern the state and the Union whatever the case might be. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The true homecoming of Nitish Kumar In 2004, the NDA lost the national election. This proved a boon in disguise for Nitish Kumar. Bihar voted twice in 2005 Nitish Kumars party, the Janata Dal-United more than doubled its vote share in February 2005, and more than tripled in the October 2005 election. As the BJP maintained its vote share, with an upward tick, the two parties together secured 143 berths in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. Nitish Kumar had arrived. He had also made his party a senior partner in the NDA. The BJP had won 67 seats in the 2000 Bihar Assembly election. But with spare time after the NDAs loss in the 2004 parliamentary election, Nitish Kumar led an energetic campaign, and improved his partys tally from 21 in February 2000 to 88 in October 2005, when he staked claim to form the government for his second official term and first with any real authority to govern. He has been running the Bihar government ever since, except for a period when he resigned as the chief minister after his party failed to make a mark in the 2014 Lok Sabha election swept by the Modi wave. He had parted ways with the BJP ahead of the 2014 national polls, but returned to the fold in 2017. All these 20 years, Nitish Kumar has proven his political mettle in Bihar elections every five years. He has been the difference between who piggybacks him to power in Patna. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The switch hit of 2015 The 2015 Bihar election was being viewed as the real test of Nitish Kumars political viability in the state that had given the BJP-led coalition 39 Members of Parliament in the Lok Sabha. Nitish Kumars JDU had failed to win a single seat. The Modi wave was still rising, particularly through the Hindi belt. Nitish Kumar switched sides and patched up with his arch-rival Lalu Prasad. They teamed up and together won 151 seats. Riding on their back, the Congress jumped to 27 in 2015 from four in 2010. The JDUs own tally took a hit from 115 to 71, but its pairing up with the RDJ gave the latter a jump of 58 seats 80 from 22. The BJP got 53 despite recording its highest-ever vote share of over 24 per cent. He switched sides again earning the pejorative nickname of Paltu Ram (the one who does political somersault) from Lalu Prasad in 2017 to return to the NDA fold. His political reconciliation with the BJP ensured they retained power in 2020 in a nail-biting contest. And when most political pundits started doubting Nitish Kumars electoral saleability in the 2025 Bihar Assembly election, he still prevailed over the BJP to treat the JDU as its equal partner during seat-sharing talks. This is despite the fact that the JDU could win only 43 of the 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly its lowest total since 2000. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The latest trends from the counting centres indicate a landslide victory for the coalition that also includes the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) of Union minister Chirag Paswan. The NDA was heading to win over 200 seats ( ), while its challenger the Mahagathbandhan or the Grand Alliance looked pulverised, with the prospect of having less than 40 seats in the Bihar Assembly. So, what makes Nitish TINA in Bihar? There is a cliche about Bihar politics that people here dont cast their vote, they vote their caste instead. Nitish Kumars caste (Kurmi) is not a big vote bank in Bihar not more than four per cent. And with Koeri, the Luv-Kush pair, the community has around seven per cent votes. Yet, Nitish Kumar defies all punditry by political observers and commentators, who question his mental sharpness due to advancing age he is 74. What keeps him a favourite with a poor state with a median age of 22 58 per cent of Bihars population is under 25, and 40 per cent under 18 years of age? No corruption taint: Despite a long political career, with portfolios including Union ministries and chief minister of one of the most populous states of India, Nitish Kumar has remained free from corruption taint. Even his bitter political adversaries dont accuse him of corruption. They call him Paltu Ram or forgetful CM. This corruption-free image still weaves magic in states like Bihar, where corruption in government departments is still a norm. He quit the Grand Alliance in 2017 when his then-Deputy CM Tejashwi Yadav refused to clarify his stand on the allegations of corruption. No communal paint: Nitish Kumar has been one of the oldest allies of the BJP, whose rivals accuse it of promoting a communal agenda in the country. The BJPs association with the movement for Ayodhyas Ram Mandir through decades is said to have kept many leaders away from its fold for the fear of earning the communal tag. Nitish Kumar is not among them. His about 20-year rule in Bihar has not seen any major communal riot, in contrast to Lalu-Rabri rule when Sitamarhi clashes left at least 48 dead in 1992. The constituency of women: Many leaders attempted to carve out women as a separate political constituency across India, but Nitish Kumar stands unmatched in achieving this feat. His prohibition measure is much published. It emerged from a casual conversation with women in eastern Bihar on a political tour after winning the 2015 election. He has reserved 50 per cent seats in all panchayati raj (local bodies) for women. He distributed bicycles to high school girls to encourage them to complete school education. He has reserved 35 per cent seats in Bihar government jobs for women. Mahadalit caste calculus: Nitish Kumar created a community that is not recognised in any other Indian state Mahadalit. And he has been expanding the count of Scheduled Castes (SCs) under this category. Currently, there are 21of the 23 SCs in the Mahadalit category. The government has rolled out special plans for their education and entrepreneurship besides allocating reservation within reservation in jobs. This community makes up about 18-20 per cent of Bihars electorate. A pan-Bihar face: Politically, Nitish Kumar has established himself as a TINA (there is no alternative) leader, who has supporters and critics as well across castes, class and creed. But there is no leader in any other party with a pan-Bihar appeal matching his acumen. His emerging rival Tejashwi Yadav is a school dropout and comes with the baggage of the corruption taint of his father Lalu Prasad, who was convicted and jailed for his role in the multi-crore fodder scam spanning Bihar and Jharkhand. The Lalu-Rabri rule is often described in jungle raj where the public is not protected against those who govern the state. This backdrop has helped Nitish Kumar claim the nickname of Sushasan Babu (the good governing gentleman). As Nitish Kumar leads the NDA to another electoral victory in Bihar, he looks set for his 10th oath as the Bihar chief minister on November 18 proving his longevity in the battle of political wits and votes. Nabis house was located in J&Ks Pulwama district. The house was demolished in the intervening nights of Thursday and Friday was carried out by an explosion, leading to the cordoning off of the entire area Dr Umar Nabi was the man who drove the i20 car that exploded near Red Fort, DNA test results confirm. The Jammu and Kashmir house of Dr Umar Nabi, the bomber behind the Delhi blast, was razed late last night by security forces after explosives were recovered from its premises. Nabis house was located in J&Ks Pulwama district. The house was demolished in the intervening nights of Thursday and Friday was carried out by an explosion, leading to the cordoning off of the entire area. Security forces have also put South Kashmir on high alert, with additional forces in place to prevent any untoward incident. Forensic teams are likely to examine the debris from the house to gather evidence. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD VIDEO | Delhi terror blast: The residence of Dr Umar Nabi, accused in the Red Fort blast, has been demolished in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir.#Delhiblast #Pulwama #Terror (Full video available on PTI Videos - https://t.co/n147TvrpG7) pic.twitter.com/xJSVxkAZkY Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 14, 2025 More from India Delhi blast probe: Man who drove car to Red Fort area caught on CCTV, watch video DNA test confirms Nabi as bomber The DNA test of samples collected from the Red Fort blast site has confirmed that Dr Umar Nabi was driving the car that exploded there early this week, police sources told PTI on Thursday. The DNA samples of Umars mother were collected on Tuesday and sent here for examination, the sources said, adding that they were analysed along with the remains gathered from the blast site. The DNA results confirm that it was indeed Umar who was driving the fateful vehicle, said a source. Umar was a key member of a white collar terror module busted earlier this week. He hails from Koil village in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama. Who is Umar? Dr Umar U. Nabi, the son of Gh. Nabi Bhat worked as a doctor at Al-Falah Medical College in Faridabad. His mother, Shamima Banoo, is originally from Koil in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. Born on February 24, 1989, Dr Umar was said to be a close associate of Dr Adeel, another suspect currently under investigation as part of the ongoing terror network probe. Sources revealed that Umars father, a government school teacher suffering from mental health issues, left his job nearly 1015 years ago. The family includes two brothers and an elder sister; the sister and one brother are married, while the other brother remains unmarried. Police have detained both brothers and their mother for questioning. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For a state that was infamously known for its Jungle Raj (lawlessness), Bihars politics has evolved in the past few years. Heres a look at how Bihar has transformed from Jungle Raj in the 90s to zero repolls in 2025 People stand in a queue to cast their votes for Bihar state election at a polling booth in Patna. File image/AP The voters mandate is clear: NDA sarkaar for another five years. As celebrations erupt across the state, with netas enjoying laddoos and litti chokha, the crowd-pleaser dish among people of Bihar, the uncomfortable memories of previous elections marred by crime and violence serve as a reminder of how the state has come a long way to enter a new dawn of elections. Out of the total 243 assembly seats, the NDA has won 202, while the Oppositions Mahagathbandhan has won 35 seats, marking a new feat for the BJP and JD(U)-led alliance in the state. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Catch all the For a state that was infamously known for its Jungle Raj (lawlessness), Bihars politics has evolved in the past few years. Bihars political landscape used to be synonymous with violence and crime. Come election time, the state used to smell of gunpowder, forcing the Election Commission to order innumerable repolls and sometimes even the postponement of elections. Heres a look at how Bihar has transformed from Jungle Raj in the 90s to zero repolls in 2025: 1985 The 1985 assembly polls in the state resulted in the deaths of over 60 people, with 1,370 instances of violent activities recorded across Bihar. The aftermath? As many as 156 booths underwent repolling. However, 1985 was merely one of the several years when reports of murders and other violent crimes came to the fore. 1990 No lesson was learnt from the previous election, and the situation got worse in 1990 after a whopping 1,239 booths went to repolls after widespread cases of violence in the state. The number of political deaths increased as well, to 86. Between 1980 and 2000, Purnea, for example, became notorious for its cycle of violent political vendettas. One of the most shocking incidents occurred on June 14, 1998, when Ajit Sarkar, a CPI legislator known for championing the rights of the poor and landless, was assassinated in broad daylight. As he returned from a public meeting, gunmen armed with AK-47s rode up on motorcycles and opened fire, killing Sarkar along with his driver and bodyguard. 1995 The year 1995 was a new low for Bihar, election-wise. The then Chief Election Commissioner, TN Seshan, declared that he would cancel the assembly elections in the state for that year if violence continued to persist. But, much to Bihars relief, the elections were not scrapped, but they were postponed four times. The year saw 54 cases of violent activities, and despite pushing the elections four times, the menace of repolling did not stop, with at least 1,668 booths having to go through the entire election process again. 2005 Things started to look up for Bihar a decade later, although in the year 2005, repolling was done in 660 booths in the state under Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) government at the time. 2025 By 2025, the contrast could not be sharper: not a single repoll was required. This years elections drew an extraordinary surge of public participation, shattering previous turnout records. Conducted in two phases, voting reached 65.08 per cent in the first round and 68.76 per cent in the second. Women led the democratic charge with a turnout of 71.6 per cent, far outpacing the 62.8 per cent recorded among men. Overall, voter participation climbed by nearly 9.6 percentage points compared to the 57.29 per cent turnout in 2020. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD For any nation, homegrown terrorism is amongst the most serious threats, especially if it is supported and backed by a foreign adversary On November 10, 2025, a car exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi, killing at least 13 people and injuring more than 20 others. India has called the incident as a 'terror attack'. Representational image. The blast which rocked Delhi on Monday evening was the first in the capital since 2011 and claimed at least 13 lives, with many more injured, few amongst them critical. Multiple security agencies are currently involved in probing all angles. Details of the vehicle involved in the incident have been traced, linking a chain. Investigations take time and must be thorough so as to gain insights to prevent any repeat incidents and also rope in any mastermind currently free and planning a second. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The blast could have been a fallout of intense security force activities aimed at countering such attacks. In the past couple of months security agencies have unearthed terrorist modules linked to Pakistans terrorist groups or the Khalistan movement across the country, including Andhra Pradesh, Punjab, Delhi, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and UP, implying a spread of radicalised modules. Most of those involved have been radicalised either online or through religious establishments. A possible catalyst for the blast was the recovery of almost 3,000 kg of explosives in Faridabad stored by radicalised medical professionals. It is possible one of the suspects was the individual who triggered the blast in panic, aware that the police were on his trail. Details of linkages between different modules busted by security agencies would emerge with time. A matter of concern is how the terrorists managed to obtain such large quantities of explosive material without anyone raising an alert. Is there a group providing material who, unless busted, could do so again and is possibly being investigated? The Pulwama blast involved 100-150 kg of explosives transported across the state; inputs on how they achieved it have never been made public. This should not end up the same way, as public support is essential to thwart future incidents. Monitoring suspects and their linkages, as well as collecting intelligence on their modus operandi and handlers, is a painstaking and slow process. If rushed, the main perpetrators manage to escape; if delayed, it could be too late. Interrogation of suspects to follow up the investigation is the next stage. All this takes time and patience. While the process is ongoing, an incident such as the Delhi blast could occur, despite all precautions. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Timely breaking of multiple modules across the country has nipped many terror incidents in the bud. However, there is rarely any media coverage, as no untoward incident has occurred. For the common Indian, this is their role and task. For the terrorist, one successful incident provides the publicity which he so desperately needs. This difference places the terrorist at an advantage. For any nation, homegrown terrorism is amongst the most serious threats, especially if it is supported and backed by a foreign adversary. Foreign handlers would coordinate their activities employing communication networks which are not susceptible to monitoring. Funds would flow through Hawala networks. In most cases one module is unaware of the existence of another, thereby ensuring that even if one is closed the others exist. What remains of concern is the nature of radicalisation. Organised and funded radicalised groups within society are a vast change from lone wolf attacks of yesteryears, largely linked to Isis, which rocked Europe and the US. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Most members of these radicalised groups are part of society, in many cases respected members or even professionals, whose leanings remain hidden from the public. Detecting and monitoring them is difficult, as was the case with doctors of the recently busted module. An error by a member of the module opens doors for security agencies to trace, monitor and arrest the rest. A similar problem existed in the valley a few years ago when there were a series of random killings of outside labourers or select residents. The killers emerged from the shadows, committed the crime and vanished into society. It took painstaking investigation for the J and K police to eradicate this menace. It ultimately emerged that some involved in the killings were even government employees. There are other forms of internal threats which remain a concern for security agencies. The Gujarat module, recently busted, had plans to poison water and temple prasad in multiple places using ricin. Targeting religious sites in India, another major threat, could result in riots breaking the cohesion of the nation. Threats from drones, launched internally targeting archaeological and tourist sites as well as sensitive security establishments within the country, are also matters of concern. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Interestingly, incidents in India also create panic across the border. In the current incident, even before government spokespersons came out with details, Pakistani handles on social media, managed by their DGISPR, began spinning yarns of the blast being a false flag operation, especially with Bihar elections in progress. This could be due to fear that if the involvement of their intelligence agencies emerges, India may be forced to act militarily. Pakistan also placed its armed forces on high alert. What is worrisome for Pakistan is that India had just concluded Exercise Trishul, the largest exercise in recent times, and troops, aircraft and ships involved in the exercise are yet to be de-inducted. Simultaneously, Pakistans tensions continue unabated along its eastern borders, where groups seeking independence are increasing in confidence. A blast caused by a gas cylinder in a car in Pakistans supreme court a day after the Delhi blast left 12 dead. Pakistan was quick to blame Afghanistan and the Pakistan Taliban for the same, and pointing fingers at India without any proof; India denied allegations. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The nation needs to stand together when such incidents occur. We need to understand the pressure on investigating agencies and their permanent ongoing efforts to secure the nation. They may have prevented hundreds of incidents, but a single case passed their fingers. Exploiting such incidents politically only enhances the confidence of anti-India groups, which seek anarchy within. It also displays the level of political maturity amongst our politicians and their supporters. Investigating agencies work for securing the nation and not for a political party. The blast preceded the winter session of parliament. Whether it is just one incident or the start of a series of incidents, including instigating protests and violence, aimed at embarrassing the government in parliament is unknown. However, the coming days need special vigilance. (The author is a former Indian Army officer, strategic analyst and columnist. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The Medina mindset makes Islamabad a perpetual adversary of Bharat, driven by the belief that simply retaining the ability to challenge New Delhi is itself victory Keeping up with his reputation of being a loudmouth, Pakistans Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has provocatively declared that the country is fully prepared for a two-front war against Bharat in the east and the Taliban in the west. According to media reports, while addressing a public gathering, Asif said, We are ready for war on two fronts. We are ready, we are prepared to face both the eastern (Bharat) and western (Afghanistan) borders. Allah helped us in round one and He will help us in round two. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD If anyone assumed Asif was bluffing, think again. Pakistan, created under a religious banner, has long convinced itself that it is the fortress of Islam. No wonder a prominent Pakistani commentator recently claimed that Pakistan would use nuclear weapons to suicide bomb itself along with Bharat. The logic: Islam has over 50 other nations; Hinduism has only one. As the supposed citadel of Islam, Pakistan imagines it would take Bharat down with it. Whether Pakistan truly has the conviction to self-destruct alongside Bharat is debatable. Had that been the case, its 93,000 soldiers would not have surrendered so meekly in 1971 and instead fought to the last man. Yet Pakistan continues to believe in its invincibility even after repeated defeats and humiliations the latest being during Operation Sindoor. Pakistans obsession with religious symbolism means even early Islamic battles are invoked to rally Army morale. A favourite is the Battle of Badr, where barely 300 Muslims defeated 1,000 well-equipped soldiers with armour, 700 camels and 100 horses. It matters little to the converted Pakistani mindset that this was an Arab conflict unrelated to the people of Pakistan the latter have eagerly embraced as victories what were in fact humiliations for their forefathers. This mindset pushes Pakistan to repeatedly challenge Bharat. They believe the Battle of Badr can be replayed. Further emboldening Pakistan is its conviction that it must play a Medina-like role in turning the subcontinent into Dar-ul-Islam. Writer-activist Hamid Dalwai notes in Muslim Politics in Secular India that Indian Muslims believe themselves to be like the Muslims in Mecca, and they believe that the Muslims in Pakistan are like the Muslims in Medina. This mindset is highly debatable in Bharat but Pakistan appears to have embraced this narrative wholeheartedly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This Medina mindset makes Islamabad a perpetual adversary, driven by the belief that simply retaining the ability to challenge New Delhi is itself victory. As American scholar C Christine Fair writes in Fighting to the End: The Pakistan Armys Way of War: For Pakistans men on horseback, not winning, even repeatedly, is not the same thing as losing Pakistans generals would always prefer to take a calculated risk and be defeated than to do nothing at all. In this worldview, the mere act of continuing the fight is proof of triumph. This explains why Pakistan is celebrating its Operation Sindoor debacle as a victory. It explains why its military leaders are being hailed after capitulating to Bharat within three days of conflict. And it explains why its army chief has elevated himself to Field Marshal after presiding over a disastrous campaign in May this year. The Medina mindset compels Pakistan to deny obvious realities, turning clear defeat into imagined triumph. This sense of ordained Islamic destiny drives it to take risks even when common sense says they border on suicidal. Pakistan simply cannot resist the temptation of taking its chances against Bharat. Hence the Foreign Ministers talk of a two-front war when the nation is barely prepared for one. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD What may also be encouraging the Pakistan Army is the presence of a US president seemingly enamoured with its jihadi Field Marshal. Pakistanis believe the Americans will stand with them this time. However, the Donald Trump administration needs to take note of what former ISI chief Hamid Gul had famously said in 2014. When history is written it will be stated that the ISI defeated the Soviet Union in Afghanistan with the help of America Then there will be another sentence, Gul said, adding: The ISI, with the help of America, defeated America. Perhaps Rawalpindis generals also assume they have Saudi support in a conflict with Bharat, despite New Delhis far deeper economic and strategic ties with Riyadh making such an expectation unrealistic. Maybe they are also emboldened by the rise of a self-styled economist turning Bangladesh into an Islamic state, imagining Bharat will hesitate to confront Pakistan while its eastern front remains unsettled. And, of course, there is Pakistans iron brother, China, ever ready to support Islamabad against New Delhi. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How then should Delhi prepare? A long-term strategy must aim at reshaping the geography of Pakistan itself. The creation of Bangladesh in 1971 exposed the fragility of the very idea of Pakistan. And little binds the Balochis or the Pashtun tribes of the northwest to a state dominated overwhelmingly by Punjabi greed and exploitation. Pakistan is run by Punjabis, for Punjabis; the rest are treated as subjects to be controlled, exploited and persecuted. Thus, Bharat must now act to systematically dilute Punjabi dominance in Pakistan, for it lies at the core of the nations dysfunction culturally, politically and militarily. Equally important, the time has come to hold Pakistans generals accountable for decades of violence and proxy warfare they have unleashed. Terrorists are mere instruments; the real architects of mayhem sit in Rawalpindi. For far too long, they have operated with impunity for the suffering they have inflicted on Bharat. They should be held accountable now. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD This, however, doesnt mean Bharat should respond immediately. It should choose its time and space wisely. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views. As both countries prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026, their collaboration is poised to evolve into a model of South-South partnershipone that combines Indias developmental experience and Botswanas governance excellence President Droupadi Murmus state visit to Botswana in November 2025 marked a defining moment in India-Botswana relations. As the first-ever presidential visit from India, it underscored New Delhis deepening engagement with Africa within the framework of the India-Africa Forum Summit (IAFS). Coming ahead of the 60th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2026, the visit carried both symbolic and strategic significance, reaffirming Indias commitment to Africa through trade, technology, capacity building, and sustainable development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A Landmark Visit President Murmu arrived in Gaborone on November 11, accompanied by Minister of State for Jal Shakti and Railways V Somanna and Members of Parliament P Vasava and D K Aruna. She was warmly received by President Duma Gideon Boko, who described India as the Mother of Democracy and an enduring partner in Botswanas nation-building. This was the first state visit hosted by Botswana under President Boko, reflecting his intent to strengthen ties with India. The two leaders held comprehensive bilateral talks covering trade, investment, agriculture, renewable energy, health, education, defence, and digital technology. Both reaffirmed shared democratic values and a commitment to inclusive growth. President Murmu emphasised aligning cooperation with Africas Agenda 2063 and Indias Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. Expanding Trade and Economic Cooperation India ranks among Botswanas top trading partners, with bilateral trade of about $500 million annually, dominated by diamonds. India imports rough diamonds from Botswana, processes them in hubs like Surat, and re-exports them worldwide. The leaders agreed to strengthen collaboration in exploration, processing, and value addition, enabling Botswana to gain more from the downstream stages of the diamond value chain. After IAFS-II in 2011, India had offered to help establish a diamond-cutting hub in Botswana, which remains a viable idea to revisit. Indian companies have a strong presence in Botswanas pharmaceuticals, ICT, infrastructure, and education sectors. President Murmu invited Botswanas business community to collaborate in renewable energy, mining, and digital innovation, areas where Indian expertise can be transformative. As a member of SACU, Botswanas 2.6-million market also offers Indian firms access to the broader Southern African economy. A key outcome was the agreement on pharmacopoeia cooperation, which will facilitate access to quality, affordable Indian medicines in Botswana. India also announced the supply of antiretroviral (ARV) medicines at Botswanas request, reinforcing Indias role as the pharmacy of the Global South. The agreement holds particular relevance for Botswana, where nearly 20 per cent of the working-age population is HIV-positive. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD While India has extended grants for health and humanitarian needs, Botswana has yet to access Lines of Credit (LoCs), given its upper-middle-income statuswith a GDP per capita of about $7,700 in 2024which makes concessional finance less feasible. Nevertheless, trade and private-sector collaboration continue to drive the partnership. Capacity Building: The Pillar of Partnership Institutional capacity building remains a cornerstone of India-Botswana cooperation. Indias education and training programmes have had a tangible impact on Botswanas human resource development. The ICCR scholarships remain popularduring 2024-25, 54 Botswana students were selected from 500 applicants. Over the past decade, more than 1,300 candidates have benefited from scholarships and training under ITEC, ICCR, IAFS, and agricultural programmes. Since 2010, 11 researchers from Botswana have received the C V Raman International Fellowship, enabling them to pursue advanced research in India. These exchanges have expanded Botswanas scientific and professional capacities while fostering mutual understanding. Indian businesses also contribute to employment and skill development in Botswana. Key investment sectors include banking, infrastructure, and diamond polishing, which align with Botswanas Vision 2036 goals. Many Indian firms conduct local upskilling initiatives, reinforcing Indias reputation as a partner in progress rather than merely a trading nation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Addressing the National Assembly of Botswana, President Murmu highlighted that such people-to-people linkages form the real strength and driver of our enduring ties. The expanding educational, professional, and cultural engagement between the two nations ensures that the partnership remains people-centric and sustainable. Project Cheetah: A Symbol of Shared Ecological Heritage A highlight of the visit was the symbolic handover of cheetahs from Botswana to India under Project Cheetah. The event at Mokolodi Nature Reserve near Gaborone, attended by both presidents, witnessed the release of eight cheetahs before their translocation to Indias Kuno National Park. The cheetahs, from the Ghanzi region, join those earlier reintroduced from Namibia and South Africa. This collaboration exemplifies a shared ecological commitment, with Botswana supporting Indias effort to restore a species extinct in its natural habitat for over seven decades. President Murmu hailed the initiative as a reflection of the spirit of partnership between our nations Beyond conservation, the project symbolises a shared environmental ethos and common priorities in biodiversity and sustainable development. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Democracy, Development and Shared Values In her address to Botswanas Parliament, President Murmu described Botswana as a shining example of democracy, good governance, and effective leadership. The countrys record of peace, stability, and economic progress resonates with Indias democratic ethos. Botswanas voluntary participation in the African Peer Review Mechanism (2019) and President Festus Mogaes Mo Ibrahim Prize (2008) exemplify its governance standards. The country has consistently held free elections, ensuring smooth transitions of power. President Murmu also welcomed Botswanas support for UN Security Council reform and Indias advocacy for African Union membership in the G20, achieved under Indias presidency in 2023. These shared democratic and multilateral priorities strengthen their cooperation within the Global South framework. A Partnership Rooted in People The Indian community of about 10,000 in Botswana serves as a living bridge between the two nations. Engaged in business, healthcare, and education, they contribute to Botswanas economy and embody the enduring human dimension of bilateral ties. In her interaction with them, President Murmu commended their role as living ambassadors of India. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Cultural exchanges and diaspora participation also reinforce Indias soft power in Africa, complementing its development cooperation and business presence. Looking Ahead President Murmus visit to Botswana thus carries both strategic depth and emotional resonance. It consolidates a partnership rooted in shared democratic values, human development, and mutual respect. By expanding cooperation in trade, healthcare, education, and conservation, the visit has set a new benchmark in IndiaBotswana relations. As both countries prepare to celebrate 60 years of diplomatic ties in 2026, their collaboration is poised to evolve into a model of South-South partnershipone that combines Indias developmental experience and Botswanas governance excellence. Together, they reaffirm the vision of a peaceful, prosperous, and sustainable future for their peoples and the wider Global South. President Murmus engagements in Gaborone not only celebrated a friendship built on trust but also charted a roadmap for the next phase of cooperationanchored in innovation, inclusivity, and shared aspirations. (The writer is a former ambassador to Germany, Indonesia, Ethiopia, Asean, and the African Union, and the author of The Mango Flavour: India & Asean After 10 Years of the AEP. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect the views of Firstpost.) STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier this week, Tajikistans communications service said the launch of the app, ORIZ, was: an important step towards Tajikistans digital independence Tajikistan has become the latest country to launch a state-backed messenger app after nations across the world have been coming up with their own messaging systems as an alternative to US-made apps like WhatsApp. Earlier this week, Tajikistans communications service said the launch of the app, ORIZ, was: an important step towards Tajikistans digital independence. It said the app would be aimed in part at the millions of Tajik migrants working in Russia, where access to Telegram and WhatsApp is limited, and that all user data would be stored within Tajikistan. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Indias homegrown app Many Indian ministers have moved to Zoho, a website for managing documents, spreadsheets, and presentations, in an effort to promote India-made apps. Zoho Corporation, co-founded in 1996 by Sridhar Vembu and Tony Thomas, is a Chennai-headquartered software-as-a-service (SaaS) company. Over the years, it has grown into a powerhouse offering more than 80 cloud-based tools for businesses, spanning email, HR, accounting, CRM, project management, and more. Last month, Zoho launched Arattai, a messaging platform that waves an edge in the communication landscape. It is a made-in-India instant messaging app that allows users to share information that is end-to-end encrypted. Russias MAX app A few months ago, Russia mandated its to be pre-installed in all smartphones and tablets sold in the country, after authorities launched a crackdown on foreign social media apps. Max was introduced in March by the state-controlled social media company VK as a replacement for VK Messenger, which has been included on the governments list of mandatory apps since 2023. The app is equipped with features like messaging, making audio and video calls and sending money, while makers have said that additional updates will be introduced in the future. According to Tass, around 18 million people have registered with Max since its launch. With inputs from agencies Brazil has pushed back against a complaint by the UNs climate chief over a security breach at the COP30 summit in Belem, saying responsibility for safeguarding the venues interior lies with the world body itself. Brazil has pushed back against a complaint by the UNs climate chief over a security breach at the COP30 summit in Belem, saying responsibility for safeguarding the venues interior lies with the world body itself. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, criticized the host nations security personnel for failing to act on Tuesday night when dozens of Indigenous protesters forced their way inside, according to a letter reported by Bloomberg News. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD His letter, addressed to Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silvas chief of staff and to Andre Correa do Lago, the diplomat presiding over the summit, accused the hosts of a serious breach of the established security framework. It flagged vulnerabilities from unsecured doors to the lack of assurances that authorities would respond to intrusions as well as health and safety concerns from malfunctioning air conditioning and rainwater from heavy Amazon downpours seeping into lighting fixtures. In its response, seen by AFP, Brazil said: Internal security within the Blue Zone is the responsibility of the UN Department of Safety and Security (UNDSS), which defines how all areas within it will be protected. The response added federal and Para state authorities had worked together with UNDSS to carry out a reassessment, ultimately deciding to increase the number of security personnel, expand a buffer zone, and physically strengthen the perimeter with more barriers. It is a non-issue now. The issues related to that have been secured, Correa later told reporters at an evening press briefing. The Brazilian response also addressed the infrastructure issues. There was no flooding of the event venue, only localized occurrences such as leaks that were caused by broken gutters, it said, adding these had already been repaired. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Additional air conditioning units have also been installed, it said. The choice of Belem, a mid-sized city on the edge of the Amazon, had been controversial because of insufficient accommodation and fears the city was unprepared to handle such a large event involving tens of thousands of people. Lula has however defended the choice, saying it was important to bring the world to the Amazon to showcase its struggle and crucial role in combating climate change. Canadas domestic spy agency claimed that Russia and China have significant intelligence interest in Canadas Arctic and hence are targeting the countrys government and private sector. The Dempster highway is seen from the window of a CH-147F Chinook helicopter near Inuvik, Northwest Territories. AFP Canadas domestic spy agency claimed that Russia and have significant intelligence interest in Canadas Arctic and hence are targeting the countrys government and private sector. In an annual speech on threats Canada is facing, Dan Rogers, director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), flagged mounting concerns over hostile nations. He pointed out how these nations are increasingly emboldened in the Arctic. It is not a surprise that CSIS has observed both cyber and non-cyber intelligence collection efforts targeting both governments and the private sector in the region, he said on Thursday. Canada has been increasingly flagged as the navigable routes that pass through the countrys borders and the troves of critical minerals in the region as reasons to increase investment in the north. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In the federal budget unveiled last week, Canada announced a C$1bn (US$710m) Arctic infrastructure fund to help build new airports, seaports and all-season roads. Canadas Foreign Minister Anita Anand told reporters last week that the Nato military alliance should devote effort to the Arctic, adding it must be an organisation not only that focuses on the eastern flank, but also that looks north. Russian and Chinese threats In his Thursday address, Rogers said that CSIS agents foiled attempts by Russia to illegally acquire Canadian goods and technologies for use in its war against Ukraine. This year, CSIS took action to prevent this by informing several Canadian companies that Europe-based front companies seeking to acquire their goods were in fact connected to Russian agents, he said, adding that the companies took immediate measures to deny the Russians. He also noted that Chinese spies have tried to recruit Canadians with information and military expertise. Apart from threats from China and Russia, Rogers pointed out how the agency foiled potentially lethal threats from Iran directed against dissidents living in Canada. Rogerss remarks were the first public confirmation that the agency has intervened to protect Canada-based critics of Tehran. CSIS had said previously it was investigating Iranian threats, but did not mention specific threats. In particularly alarming cases over the last year, weve had to reprioritise our operations to counter the actions of Iranian intelligence services and their proxies who have targeted individuals they perceive as threats to their regime, Rogers said. In more than one case, this involved detecting, investigating, and disrupting potentially lethal threats against individuals in Canada, he added. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that Canada has particularly poor relations with Iran and cut off diplomatic ties in 2012. Last year, Canada listed Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation, prompting condemnation from Tehran. With inputs from Reuters. Only 29% of Americans back the use of the US military to kill suspected drug traffickers without judicial oversight. A majority 51% oppose the practice, while the remainder say they are unsure, according to new Reuters/Ipsos poll Pre-Commissioning Unit Gerald R. Ford (CVN 78) is maneuvered by tug boats in the James River during the aircraft carrier's turn ship evolution in Newport News, Virginia, US on June 11, 2016. Reuters File Most Americans do not support the US military carrying out lethal strikes on suspected drug traffickers a central point of President Donald Trumps recent Caribbean and eastern Pacific operations a new Reuters/Ipsos poll has found. The survey shows broad public discomfort with the policy, which involves killing suspects without the involvement of a judge or court, even as the administration expands its military presence around Latin America. According to the poll, only 29% of Americans back the use of the US military to kill suspected drug traffickers without judicial oversight. A majority 51% oppose the practice, while the remainder say they are unsure. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The results also reveal significant partisan divides. While 58% of Republicans support the practice, 27% oppose it. Among Democrats, opposition is overwhelming: three-quarters reject the policy, and only one in ten express support. The findings come as Washington has intensified its regional military posture, particularly around Venezuela. In recent months, the Trump administration has authorised at least 20 military strikes on suspected drug-running vessels in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coasts of Latin America, actions that have killed at least 79 people. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International, have sharply criticised the strikes, calling them illegal extrajudicial killings of civilians. Several US allies have also voiced growing concern that the operations may violate international law. As debate deepens at home and abroad, the poll indicates that Trumps aggressive maritime campaign promoted as part of his broader war on drug cartels lacks strong public backing and faces increasing scrutiny. Sharp break with prior practice The strikes, which Trump and the Pentagon have often touted in online videos featuring fiery explosions, represent a marked departure from the traditional approach of using the U.S. Coast Guard to intercept maritime drug shipments and prosecute traffickers in court. The White House says America is at war with drug cartels and courts arent needed in armed conflicts, while also accusing the Venezuelan government of being in league with drug traffickers - a charge Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro has denied. Venezuela is preparing its defenses in case the U.S. attacks. Trump has made fighting drug trafficking a core plank of his presidential agenda and has publicly threatened to expand the strikes to include targets inside Venezuela, though more recently the president said he wasnt considering an imminent attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But taking the U.S. into conflict with Venezuela would also run counter to Trumps campaign pledge to avoid stupid wars and, since taking office in January, his touting of his efforts to resolve global crises, for which he says he deserves the Nobel Peace Prize. One in three support military force in Venezuela Only 35% of respondents in the Reuters/Ipsos poll said they supported using US military force in Venezuela to reduce the flow of illegal drugs into the United States without the permission of the Venezuelan government. With more than 5,000 military personnel and dozens of warplanes onboard, the US Navys largest and most advanced aircraft carrier, the Gerald R. Ford, and its strike group moved into the Caribbean earlier this week, sharply escalating the military buildup. That added to the eight warships, a nuclear submarine and F-35 aircraft already sent to the region. Maduro, in power since 2013, says the U.S. buildup is designed to oust him and Trump recently warned that Maduros days in power were numbered. Trump confirmed last month that he authorized the Central Intelligence Agency to conduct covert operations in Venezuela. Just 21% of poll respondents said they backed using the U.S. military to remove Maduro, while a somewhat larger share - 31% - said they would support a U.S. effort to get rid of him through non-military means. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump administration officials have made no secret of their hope that Maduros generals and others will turn on him. In August, the U.S. doubled its reward for information leading to Maduros arrest to $50 million. The Reuters/Ipsos poll, conducted online, gathered responses from 1,200 U.S. adults nationwide and had a margin of error of 3 percentage points. With inputs from agencies China successfully tested a 3D-printed turbojet engine powering a drone for 30 minutes, signalling advances in unmanned systems, rapid-manufacture propulsion and defence capability with broader implications for regional aerospace competition. Chinas indigenous aerospace industry has taken a notable step forward with the successful flight test of a 3D-printed turbojet engine designed for unmanned platforms. The test, conducted by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) involved a miniature turbojet engine powering a missile-shaped target drone for 30 minutes, reaching an altitude of 6,000 metres and a top speed of around Mach 0.75. Engine and test details The engine in question is described as an ultra-lightweight miniature turbojet in the ~160-kilogram thrust class, developed domestically and enabled by additive manufacturing (3D printing) for the rotating parts and major structural components. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD More than three-quarters of the engines total weight is composed of 3D-printed components, simplifying part count, reducing weight and streamlining manufacturing. During the flight test, the drone was launched via ground rail, flew under the engines sole power, and was recovered by parachute at the missions end. AECC and Chinese media describe the trial as validating the engines performance in more complex conditions and its compatibility with aircraft systems. Defence and industrial implications From a defence technology perspective, the successful test of a 3D-printed turbojet offers China a new propulsion option tailored for loitering munitions, unmanned aircraft and target drones, as AECC noted. Analysts point out that additive manufacturing brings benefits of cost-efficiency and rapid production, especially when many platforms are intended to be expendable or produced in large numbers. defence commentator Wang Yunfei told Global Times, the production speed of 3D printing technology is very fast small drones are often considered expendable and are required by large numbers on the battlefield, so cost-efficient engines that can be quickly produced are sought. On the industrial front, the achievement signals accelerated independent research & development of advanced propulsion within China. As reported, the use of topology-optimised design combined with 3D printing shortens the development cycle for future engines, laying a foundation for higher-altitude, higher-speed flights. Broader strategic context In the global aero-engine domain, propulsion systems remain a critical bottleneck for many nations. By demonstrating a working 3D-printed turbojet, China is moving into a domain of lighter, faster-to-produce propulsion solutions that can support unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and other emerging aerospace platforms. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Given the growing role of drones in surveillance, strike, loitering munition and swarm roles, the engines characteristics lightweight, rapid manufacture, simplified logistics, align with Chinas aspirations for large-scale deployment of unmanned or semi-autonomous systems. Moreover, the test shows a move away from solely conventional manufacturing methods toward additive manufacturing in critical defence-related components. This shift could influence supply-chain cost curves, inventory turn-over and the speed of fielding new platforms. Risks and caveats While the flight test is a major milestone, several questions remain. The mass of the engine itself and full performance envelope (such as endurance beyond 30 minutes, full throttle, altitude ceilings, environmental stress-testing) have not been publicly disclosed in detail. While the top speed of Mach 0.75 and altitude of 6,000 metres were reported, the engines longevity, reliability margins and maintenance cycles remain unspecified. In addition, while 3D-printing enables rapid manufacture, the long-term durability, fatigue life and scalability of printed parts under high mechanical and thermal loads continue to pose engineering challenges. The transition from demonstration to operational deployment often uncovers unforeseen issues. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Outlook for aerospace manufacturing and India-China relevance For China, the success of this test validates a new manufacturing pathway. It opens up possibilities not just in drones but potentially in light jet engines for other applications. For India and other regional powers assessing Chinas unmanned and propulsion capabilities, this development signals a need to factor in Chinas expanding indigenous engine base and quicker production cycles. In the context of Indian defence planning, this could mean that Chinese drone and loitering-munition capabilities become more scalable and cost-effective, altering force-structure calculations. It also presents an industrial benchmark: if Indias domestic aero-engine R&D initiatives want to stay competitive, they will increasingly need to embrace advanced manufacturing techniques including additive manufacturing, topology optimisation and rapid production lines. The 30-minute flight of a drone powered solely by a 3D-printed turbojet engine marks more than a technological novelty. It points to a shift in propulsion manufacturing, drone power-plant strategy and defence industrial dynamics. For China, it adds a new tool in its unmanned systems arsenal; for the global aerospace and defence community, it raises the bar in rapid-manufacture propulsion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD As the AECC pursues further tests at higher speeds and altitudes, we should watch whether this engine moves from demonstration into scalable production and what that means for unmanned aerial competition regionally and globally. With inputs from agencies The Chinese state media is also giving its two cents on the situation with several editorials and commentaries lambasting Takaichi, given lingering grievances about Japans wartime past and Chinas extreme sensitivity over anything Taiwan-related China has issued a stern warning against Japans rhetoric on Taiwans independence, saying Tokyo will suffer a crushing defeat at the hands of the Chinese military if it tries to use force to intervene. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked a diplomatic row with Beijing with comments in parliament last week that a Chinese attack on Taiwan could amount to a survival-threatening situation and trigger a military response from Tokyo. A Chinese diplomat in Osaka sparked a furore for saying the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off on X, a comment that invited criticism from Japans embassy in Beijing. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the same time, the Chinese Defence Minstry spokesperson Jiang Bin said that Takaichis words were extremely irresponsible and dangerous. Should the Japanese side fail to draw lessons from history and dare to take a risk, or even use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will only suffer a crushing defeat against the steel-willed Peoples Liberation Army and pay a heavy price, Jiang said in a statement. Meanwhile, the Chinese state media is also giving its two cents on the situation with several editorials and commentaries lambasting Takaichi, given lingering grievances about Japans wartime past and Chinas extreme sensitivity over anything Taiwan-related. Takaichis remarks were by no means an isolated political rant, the Communist Partys Peoples Daily said earlier on Friday in a commentary. Japan has also hit back against the Chinese diplomats comments, slamming them as extremely inappropriate remarks seemingly directed at Takaichi. The US ambassador to Tokyo also weighed in, saying Chinas Consul General in Osaka, Xue Jian, had threatened Takaichi. In a post on X on Saturday, Xue shared a news article about Takaichis remarks about Taiwan and commented, the dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off. The post was later deleted. As pressure intensifies for Congress to hold a vote on releasing the Jeffrey Epstein files, Donald Trump appears increasingly politically vulnerable, with efforts to halt the growing clamour including appeals to Republican holdouts failing to gain traction. Trump is now facing the prospect of a politically damaging congressional vote on releasing the Epstein files after attempts to press two female members of Congress to withdraw their backing for it appeared to have failed. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The reported refusal of Lauren Boebert, a Republican representative from Colorado, and Nancy Mace, from South Carolina, to remove their names from a discharge petition to force a vote leaves Trump exposed on an issue that carries the possibility of turning segments of his Maga base against him. Boebert reportedly stood firm on supporting the petition after being invited by Trump to the White House in an attempt to persuade her to withdraw her signature, according to the New York Times. The outlet reported that the meeting happened hours after Democrats on the House of Representatives oversight committee released a trove of emails from the files that suggested that Trump may have known more about Epsteins underage sex-trafficking activities than he previously acknowledged. The disgraced late financier who committed suicide in prison in 2019 while awaiting trial wrote in one email that Trump, his former close friend, knew about the girls. The New York Times reported that the White House sought to persuade Boebert to change her mind enlisting Pam Bondi, the attorney general, and the FBI director, Kash Patel before issuing vague threats when the tactic did not work. The paper, citing people familiar with her thinking, reported that the hardline approach had the counterproductive effect of persuading Boebert that there may be a conspiracy to conceal the contents of the files and caused her to dig in. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump was reported to have unsuccessfully tried to contact Mace, who is running for governor of South Carolina, by phone. She subsequently wrote him a letter explaining her history of sexual abuse and rape, and explaining that she could not change her mind on the petition. She later wrote in a social media post that the Epstein petition is deeply personal. Two other Republican representatives, the formerly fiercely reliable Trump loyalist and Georgia representative Marjorie Taylor Greene and Thomas Massie of Kentucky, have signed the petition. The necessary 218 votes to pass it and allow a House of Representatives vote was achieved this week with the swearing-in of the Democratic member, Adelita Grijalva, more than two months after she won a special election in Arizona following the death of her father, who had been the sitting representative. Democrats have accused Mike Johnson, the House speaker, of deliberately delaying Grijalvas oath-taking in an attempt to deny the petition enough votes to pass and stall the possibility of a vote. Trump has lobbied behind the scenes to stop a vote reaching the floor of the House. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ro Khanna, a Democratic representative from California, forecast that between 40 and 50 Republicans could vote to release the files in a final vote, allying themselves with Democrats who will vote in favour. The legislation would still have to go to the Senate, where it is unlikely to pass. Trump, who was equivocal on whether he would release the files on the campaign trail last year, could veto a final bill even if it passed both houses. However, the very prospect of a vote in favor by the Republican-controlled House could spell serious political trouble for Trump, as it could fuel the clamor among his political base for the files to be unsealed and undermine their support for him. Politico quoted a Trump ally as saying that the latest email releases had taken things that are already complicated for the president and [brought] them to the surface. Its like adding salt to a dish the flavours are already there, it just accentuates all of them, the unnamed ally said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Karoline Leavitt, the White House press secretary, labelled the email releases as a distraction campaign by the Democrats and the liberal media. Its why Im being asked questions about Epstein instead of the government reopening because of Republicans and President Trump, she said. The renewed speculation over Epstein coincided with Trump signing into law a congressionally approved spending package that officially ended a federal government shutdown, which, lasting 43 days, was the longest in US history. It also comes after the supreme court signaled that it may strike down his signature tariffs policy. With inputs from agencies European lawmakers voted Thursday to back the weakening of landmark EU environmental and human rights rules, as part of a business-friendly drive to slash red tape pushed through with far-right support. European lawmakers on Thursday voted to weaken landmark EU environmental and human rights legislation, prioritising business-friendly policies amid mounting economic pressures. The amendments, backed by the centre-right European Peoples Party (EPP) and far-right groups, have sparked criticism from left-leaning and centrist members of the European Parliament, who view the alliance as a betrayal of the EUs climate and social commitments. Corporate sustainability rules curtailed The legislation at the centre of the debate is the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD), which mandates that large companies monitor and mitigate adverse human rights and environmental impacts across their global supply chains. The law, approved only last year, requires firms to address issues like deforestation, pollution and forced labour, extending obligations to subcontractors and suppliers worldwide. Civil society and environmental groups hailed the law as a historic step toward sustainability and corporate accountability. Thursdays vote introduces major changes. The laws application will now be limited to companies with over 5,000 employees and a turnover exceeding 1.5 billion euros ($1.7 billion), up from the original threshold of 1,000 employees. The European civil liability regime, which harmonised corporate obligations in case of breaches, will be replaced by national regulations. These adjustments are part of the EUs drive to ease compliance burdens on struggling industries. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Political backlash and alliances The vote triggered sharp criticism from traditional EPP partners. Rene Repasi of the Socialists & Democrats (S&D) accused the EPP of undermining compromise by forming an alliance with far-right forces, saying they torpedoed any middle-ground solution. Dutch Social Democrat Lara Wolters, a key proponent of the original law, walked out of talks, warning that the amendments would empty the law of its substance. Environmental groups echoed the concerns, arguing that the EU was weakening global human rights and environmental standards. In contrast, EPP lawmaker Jorgen Warborn defended the amendments as creating greater predictability and competitiveness for companies while claiming Europes green transition would remain on track. Far-right groups, including the Patriots, celebrated the vote as a victory for workers, farmers, and industry, framing it as a step toward replacing the restrictive Green Deal with a more business-oriented agenda. Economic pressures driving change The legislative rollback comes as EU industries face mounting competition from the United States and China. Right-wing and far-right parties, which gained significantly in the 2024 European elections, have pressed Brussels to adopt a more pro-business stance. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz and French President Emmanuel Macron have also criticised the CSDDD, citing the law as a barrier to competitiveness. EU Industry Commissioner Stephane Sejourne defended the amendments, noting they reflect firm and repeated demands of member states and the new parliamentary majority. The changes aim to balance regulatory oversight with practical realities for large firms, though critics warn that Europe risks undermining its credibility on climate and human rights. Global significance and implications The CSDDD was proposed by the European Commission in 2022 after the Rana Plaza garment factory collapse in Bangladesh, which killed over 1,100 workers. Its 2024 approval was widely celebrated as a landmark achievement in corporate accountability and environmental protection. Thursdays amendments, however, signal a recalibration toward economic competitiveness over sustainability, raising concerns about the EUs ability to maintain its leadership in corporate responsibility. The text now moves into final negotiations with member states and the European Commission, aiming for formalisation by year-end. Analysts note the vote underscores a growing tension within the EU: balancing ambitious climate and human rights goals against the immediate economic realities of struggling industries. With right-wing parties empowered and businesses under pressure, Europes future policymaking may increasingly prioritise economic concerns over environmental and social safeguards, reshaping its sustainability agenda for years to come. With inputs from agencies Fresh reports of extrajudicial killings and lingering impunity are undermining hopes for reform under Muhammad Yunuss interim government as Bangladesh nears high-stakes February elections, according to a report As Bangladesh heads toward crucial February elections, the interim government led by Muhammad Yunus is facing intensifying scrutiny amid evidence that extrajudicial killings and a culture of impunity persist raising fears that the hopes born after Sheikh Hasinas dramatic ouster have begun to fade. According to Aljazeera report, citing a report by the Bangladeshi rights group Odhikar, while the number of killings has fallen sharply, the system of impunity that allowed such abuses to flourish remains largely intact. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD When Hasina was removed in August 2024 after a student-led uprising, many Bangladeshis believed the era of enforced disappearances and killings was over. The Yunus administration, sworn in on 8 August, promised justice and deep reform. But latest findings cast doubt on whether that transition has truly begun. According to the rights group, at least 40 people were victims of extrajudicial killings between August 2024 and September 2025 deaths by shooting, torture in custody or severe beatings. The victims included political activists and people detained without warrants. We are seeing a gradual increase in the number of extrajudicial killings, which is not what we expected, Aljazeera quoted rights defender Nur Khan Liton as saying. Despite Yunuss pledge to build a Bangladesh free from fear, rights groups say the same security agencies the police, paramilitary RAB and intelligence units continue to operate without significant reform or independent oversight. Alarming cases Some cases have been especially alarming. BNP youth leader Asif Shikdar died hours after his arrest in July; his death certificate stated only unconscious on arrival. In another incident, Towhidul Islam, also a BNP youth wing leader, was detained by plainclothes forces on 31 January and later declared dead, with doctors noting visible torture marks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD After uproar, the army pledged accountability. Lieutenant Colonel Sami Ud Dowla Chowdhury confirmed that a total of seven individuals were recommended for appropriate administrative actions, adding that disciplinary actions were taken ranging from dismissal from service to other appropriate actions. Odhikars data shows worrying trends: an average of three extrajudicial killings per month, and 11 in the JulySeptember quarter alone. The report categorises 19 victims as shot dead in crossfire, 14 killed under torture and seven beaten to death in custody. Many cases involve warrantless arrests, denial of due process and no credible investigation. Odhikars Taskin Fahmina called the pattern worrying but not entirely surprising, considering the institutional legacy. She added, Significantly, the number has come down compared to the previous regime but we must remember that those now serving in the security forces carry the legacy of the old system. Although enforced disappearances have not been documented under Yunus, the legacy of past abuses looms large. The Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances (COIED) has so far recorded 1,752 cases under Hasinas rule. Many were held in secret detention, 330 remain missing. Trials remain uncertain even as Bangladeshs International Crimes Tribunal has issued arrest warrants for 30 people, including Hasina and 25 military officers, reported Aljazeera. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD A verdict against Hasina who faces charges of crimes against humanity is due Monday. BNP leader Amir Khasru Mahmud Chowdhury warned of a deeper structural crisis, saying, There is no elected watchdog or peoples representative in place. Without political authority and legitimacy [law enforcers] act on their own. Yunus has since announced that a referendum on wider democratic reforms will be held alongside Februarys election. The path forward, analysts say, depends on whether the next elected government confronts entrenched impunity. The real test will come when a political government returns whether it chooses to continue reforms or repeat the same mistakes, said Fahmina. With inputs from agencies Michael Burry is shutting down Scion Asset Management, saying his market views no longer align with current conditions. The Big Short investor plans to return capital as he shifts focus to new pursuits. American flags are displayed on screens on the floor at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) in New York City, U.S., September 22, 2025. REUTERS Michael Burry, the investor whose successful bets against the US housing market in 2008 were recounted in the movie The Big Short, is closing his hedge fund, Scion Asset Management. In a letter to investors dated October 27, a copy of which was seen by Reuters, Burry said he would liquidate the funds and return capital, but for a small audit/tax holdback by the end of the year. A person directly familiar with the matter confirmed the contents of the letter. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD My estimation of value in securities is not now, and has not been for some time, in sync with the markets, Burry said in the letter. Burry could not be immediately reached for comment, The Securities and Exchange Commissions database showed Scions registration status as terminated as of November 10. Deregistering would imply the fund is not required to file reports with the regulator or any state. Investment funds that manage more than $100 million of capital are required to register with the SEC. Bets by Scion, which managed $155 million in assets as of March, have long been dissected for hints of looming bubbles and signs of market froth. In a post on X on Wednesday, Burry said, On to much better things Nov 25th. Scion Asset Management did not immediately respond to a Reuters request for comment. Burry has stepped up criticism of technology heavyweights, including Nvidia and Palantir Technologies , in recent weeks, questioning the cloud infrastructure boom and accusing major providers of using aggressive accounting to inflate profits from their massive hardware investments. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In his post on X, Burry said he spent about $9.2 million buying up about 50,000 put options on Palantir, which he said would allow him to sell the stock at $50 apiece in 2027. Put options convey the right to sell shares at a set price in the future and are typically bought to express a bearish or defensive view. Palantirs shares were trading at $178.29 on Thursday, giving the company a market value of $422.36 billion. BEARISH AI BETS Last month, Burry posted an image of his character from The Big Short movie and warned of bubbles, saying, Sometimes the only winning move is not to play." "Burrys decision feels less like calling it quits and more like stepping away from a game he believes is fundamentally rigged, said Bruno Schneller, managing director at Erlen Capital Management. Burry has argued that as companies such as Microsoft Alphabet-owned Google, Oracle (ORCL.N) and Meta pour billions into Nvidia chips and servers, they are also quietly stretching out depreciation schedules to make earnings look smoother. Between 2026 and 2028, those accounting choices could understate depreciation by about $176 billion, inflating reported profits across the sector, he estimated. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD AI-related stocks have accounted for 75% of the S&P 500 indexs returns since November 2022, when launched ChatGPT, JPMorgan Asset Management wrote in September. Dont count him out, just expect him to operate off the grid for a while. He may simply pivot to a family-office setup and run his own capital, said Schneller. Burrys short position against subprime mortgage securities during the housing market crash was chronicled in Michael Lewiss book The Big Short and its film adaptation. Burrys profile on X, titled Cassandra Unchained, is seen as a nod to the Greek mythological figure cursed by Apollo to deliver true prophecies that no one would believe. Scion ended last year with shares in American Coastal, Bruker, Canada Goose (GOOS.TO), HCA Healthcare (HCA.N), Magnera (MAGN.N), Molina Healthcare (MOH.N), Oscar Health (OSCR.N) and VF Corp (VFC.N) but ended those bets earlier this year. During the quarter ended June 30, Scion was more bullish on companies across different sectors and geographies, after betting against Chinese companies previously as the Trump administration considered imposing tariffs. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ROUGH RIDE FOR SHORT SELLERS The latest move from Burry, who launched Scion Asset Management in 2013, comes at a time when several high-profile investors are facing pushback due to their bearish views on the markets. Hindenburg Research shuttered earlier this year after a string of high-profile calls, including bets against Indias Adani Group and U.S. electric-truck maker Nikola. Veteran short seller Jim Chanos, best known for his bets against energy trader Enron months before the companys bankruptcy, has sparred with Michael Saylors bitcoin holding company Strategy (MSTR.O). Chanos has argued that Strategys valuation premium was unjustified, which drew a sharp response from Saylor. At the start of the truce, which came into effect on October 10, Hamas was holding 20 living hostages and 28 bodies of deceased captives Relatives and supporters of hostages held by Hamas in the Gaza Strip attend a rally calling for their immediate release in Tel Aviv, Israel, Saturday, Nov. 1, 2025. (AP Photo/Mahmoud Illean) Israel received the body of one of the last four hostages held in Gaza from the Red Cross on Thursday as part of the ceasefire deal with Hamas, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus office said. The coffin was handed over in the Gaza Strip to the Israeli army and Shin Bet security service, the office said. It later said forensics experts had confirmed the body was that of Israeli hostage Meny Godard, killed at age 73 the day of the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7, 2023. The Israeli military informed Godards family that their loved one has been returned to Israel and that his identification has been completed, Netanyahus office said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Earlier on Thursday, the armed wings of Palestinian Islamist groups Hamas and Islamic Jihad had said they would hand over the remains as part of the US-brokered ceasefire deal with Israel in Gaza. Hamas said the body was found in Khan Yunis in the south of the territory. At the start of the truce, which came into effect on October 10, Hamas was holding 20 living hostages and 28 bodies of deceased captives. It has since released all the living hostages and before Thursday had returned the remains of 24 dead hostages, in line with the ceasefire terms. In exchange, Israel has released nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners in its custody and returned the bodies of hundreds of dead Palestinians. Israel has accused Hamas of dragging its feet in returning the bodies of deceased hostages, while the Palestinian group says the process is slow because many are buried beneath Gazas rubble after two years of war. Russia struck residential parts of Ukraines capital Kyiv on Friday, Ukraine said, killing six people in a single apartment block in attacks President Volodymyr Zelenskyy denounced as heinous and aimed at civilians. Employees work next to scorched equipment at a power plant of Ukrainian energy provider DTEK, which was damaged by constant Russian air attacks, at an undisclosed location on November 13, 2025, amid the Russian invasion of Ukraine.- AFP Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has condemned Russias latest assault on Kyiv as deliberate, calculated and wicked after six people were killed and dozens more injured in a wave of night time strikes across the capital. Air raid sirens sounded shortly after midnight, prompting residents to seek shelter or lie between walls in their apartments. Shahed drones were soon heard overhead, met by heavy machine-gun fire from Ukrainian air defences. Zelenskyy said the attack involved 430 drones and 18 missiles. Those killed were at home in an apartment block on Kyivs left bank when it was struck. Numerous other buildings sustained damage, including the Azerbaijani embassy, which was hit by falling debris. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The assault, affecting most districts of the capital, was one of the largest on Kyiv since Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In the east of the city, where rescue workers were clearing debris, AFP reporters saw multi-storey buildings with dozens of windows and balconies blown out, their facades charred. My hair caught fire and I started putting it out, said local resident Maria Kalchenko, outside one of the buildings. She turned to look for her dog before a wall near her collapsed. The doors were blown out, flames everywhere, the fire spreading, the neighbours screaming, she told AFP. Zelenskyy said the attack was specifically aimed to cause terror. This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure, he added. A hospital, shops and offices were also damaged, and around 30 people were wounded, officials said. Contempt for humanity Moscow has fired record missile and drone barrages at Ukraine in recent months, hitting energy and rail infrastructure. It has also targeted residential areas, knocking out power for tens of thousands across the country as temperatures plunge. Germany said Fridays attack showed a contempt for humanity from Moscow. It is very evident and clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin aims to make winter as unbearable as possible for Ukraine, to destroy morale and break the resistance of the Ukrainian people, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Overnight, AFP journalists saw Ukraine using tracer bullets and missile defence systems, and incandescent debris falling over large areas above the capital. The explosions lit up the night sky in flashes of bright orange. Ukraines air force said it downed 405 out of 430 drones launched by Russia and 14 out of 19 missiles. More ballistic missiles A senior Ukrainian official told AFP the citys air defences worked particularly well to stop the attack from wreaking even more damage. There were previously certain issues with air defence but this time the air defence systems worked well they told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official also said the attack showed how the Russians have started using significantly more ballistic missiles. Ballistic missiles are particularly difficult to intercept given their speed and trajectory. They combine ballistic and aeroballistic missiles with waves of drones. It is not easy to shoot down, the official explained. Russias defence ministry said its forces carried out a massive strike of drones and hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian military and energy sites. Moscows troops are grinding forward on the eastern front and continue to reject calls to halt the invasion. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Western pressure G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada this week urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and voiced unwavering support for the countrys territorial integrity. Putin has demanded that Ukraine give up swathes more territory in the east if it wants an end to the war. Hundreds of Russian troops have entered the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine has conceded, and could be on the brink of capturing it. Ukraine has in turn stepped up its own retaliatory attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities deep behind the front, seeking to cut off Moscows energy export revenues. Zelenskyy said Ukraine had used long-range Neptune missiles overnight against targets on Russian territory. Russia said Ukrainian drone debris hit its Novovoronezh nuclear power plant near the city of Voronezh on Thursday, briefly disconnecting it from power. Russian forces downed more than 200 Ukrainian drones overnight into Friday, Moscows defence ministry said, including 66 over the region of Krasnodar and 45 over Saratov, both in the south. Russian officials reported a fire at a large Black Sea oil refinery and a hit on a civilian vessel that wounded three. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD With inputs from agencies With the 27th Amendment, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir has insulated himself from the law, pushback from the military, and battering of Operation Sindoor. But why is Pakistans most powerful man rattled? The answer may lie in some brutal realities that even he would be concerned about. Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (C) prays after laying wreath on the martyrs' monument during a guard of honor ceremony at General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi on May 21, 2025. (Photo by Handout/Pakistan's Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) via AFP) With the 27th Amendment, Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir has insulated himself from the war, pushback within the military, and the battering of Operation Sindoor. Once the 27th Amendment comes into effect, Munir will become Pakistans supreme commander with authority over the air force and navy as well. He will also have a say in the appointment of air force and navy chiefs and will effectively control the nuclear arsenal through a proxy. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But what has intrigued many Pakistan observers most is the extent to which the 27th Amendment shields Munir legally. ALSO READ: Pakistans 27th Amendment puts Munir at top, reshapes military command structure full changes Under the amendment, Munir and five-star generals of the air force and navy will retain rank, privileges and remain in uniform for life and can only be removed by impeachment. They will enjoy immunities similar to those enjoyed by the president. Essentially, Munir will have lifelong legal immunity. The need for such sweeping measures lies in the brutal realities of Pakistan of its military regimes own making that even May may be concerned about. Three reasons why Munir was rattled and resorted to the 27th Amendment Even as Munir stands as the most powerful man in Pakistan, there have been cracks he has scrambled to fill. The 27th Amendment is the latest step in those efforts. Firstly, the position of the Pakistani military has weakened in recent years as former premier Imran Khan waged a fierce campaign against the army. His supporters stormed army headquarters and attacked the homes of powerful corps commanders. The popular perception that the army was behind Imrans ouster and imprisonment made the military deeply unpopular. Secondly, even while being the most powerful man, Munirs hold on power was not without cracks. For decades, factions within the military particularly in the Pakistan Army have jostled for influence. Such infighting can get ugly. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At a time of unprecedented unpopularity, such internal strife could have been fatal for Munir or any other army chief. ALSO READ: Six months after Op Sindoors hammering, Munir eyes to be Pakistans czar Thirdly, Munir was powerful but his command over the military was not institutional. Now, he has institutionalised these powers with the 27th Amendment. He is not just the army chief but the head of the entire military now with direct command over the air force and navy. Now that Munir outranks the air force and navy chiefs, he has no fear of being overruled. Previously, in 2019, then-Pakistan Air Force head Air Chief Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan and then-Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee (CJCSC), General Zubair Mahmood Hayat, were said to have overruled then-army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa on how to respond to India after the Balakot airstrike a response to the Pulwama attack by Pakistan-backed terrorist groups. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD In this version of events, as reported by Pakistani officials and media, then-Prime Minister Imran Khan intervened as head of the National Security Council (NSC) in favour of Bajwa and sided with him to go ahead with the plan of action Bajwa had proposed. To avoid a situation where either a rival faction within the army or chiefs of the air force and navy or the CJCSC could overrule him, Munir sought to abolish the CJCSC post altogether and anoint himself as supreme commander with authority over the air force and navy with the 27th Amendment. Munir and fellow commanders also knew that Operation Sindoor had battered Pakistan. Even as they sold their nation the false notion of victory, the military brass knew the truth. And Munirs weakness after Indias beating could have made him vulnerable. So he moved fast and elevated himself to a level where any conspiracy against him or attempt to clip his wings would backfire or simply not work because of institutional safeguards. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Pakistan on Friday acknowledged that its relations with Afghanistan are currently in a stalemate after three rounds of talks failed to yield an agreement on counterterrorism cooperation An Afghan Taliban fighter sit next to an anti-aircraft gun near the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in Spin Boldak, Kandahar Province, following exchanges of fire between Pakistani and Afghan forces in Afghanistan, on October 15, 2025. Reuters File Pakistan on Friday acknowledged that its relations with Afghanistan are currently in a stalemate after three rounds of talks failed to yield an agreement on counterterrorism cooperation. The latest round, held in Istanbul on November 7, ended without progress on Pakistans core demand that Kabul prevent militant groups from using Afghan territory to launch attacks across the border. Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi, when asked to characterise the state of bilateral ties, said he would be very careful in choosing his words, before confirming that the dialogue had reached a deadlock. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Stalemate," you can say. Obviously, there is a deadlock and impasse in the negotiations. You can use these words, PTI quoted him as saying, adding that Pakistan remains committed to resolving bilateral differences through dialogue. Reiterating Pakistans chief security concern over what it says is ongoing terrorism originating from Afghan territory, Foreign Office spokesperson Tahir Andrabi said the situation had left Islamabad with limited options. Innocent civilians, members of the security forces are being killed, unfortunately, by Afghan nationals Given this situation, what option do we have? We cannot be oblivious to the loss of lives of Pakistanis at the hands of these Afghan nationals, and indeed their TTP and Fitnah-Al-Khawaraj elements, he said. Andrabi also said he could not confirm whether the ceasefire along the Pakistan-Afghanistan border was holding. It is a long border. We keep receiving reports on incidents here and there. So, it is a difficult situation. I am not in a position to say whether the ceasefire is holding or not holding, but it is a difficult situation, he noted. Addressing bilateral trade, Andrabi said Pakistan had extended several concessions to Afghanistan to promote regional connectivity, but claimed the goodwill had not been reciprocated by Kabul. Our positive gestures have not been reciprocated by the Afghan Taliban regime, which continues to harbour and actively support the elements that are perpetrating terrorism against Pakistan while using the Afghan soil, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD He added that commerce could not be insulated from security concerns. Trade and transit with Afghanistan are only possible if the Afghan Taliban regime takes clear steps against anti-Pakistan elements operating from its soil. The value of human lives surpasses the value of any trade conducted. This is our position, Andrabi said. On the ongoing repatriation of undocumented Afghan nationals, he said the process was being carried out in a coordinated manner, with individuals transported to the border for return. Responding to a query about Turkish efforts to defuse tensions, Andrabi said President Recep Tayyip Erdogan had announced the initiative. We deeply appreciate the sincere efforts of the brotherly people of Turkiye. Further details are being worked out, he said. He added that Pakistan would welcome mediation by Iran or Russia to help stabilise relations with Kabul. We appreciate the offer of mediation of our brotherly country, Iran Any role from Russia would also be welcome in the sense that Russia has a positive influence on the region, he said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On Pakistans possible involvement in an International Stabilisation Force for Gaza, he said no decision had been taken yet. As a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council, Pakistan is engaged in the negotiations. We await the Security Councils decision, he said, adding that any participation would require approval at the highest levels, including Parliament. With inputs from agencies The US-Pakistan relationship has soared to new heights under Trump on the back of $5 million in lobbying that Pakistan has paid to US President Donald Trumps friends to gain access and favourable deals, according to a report. US President Donald Trump meets Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif and Army chief Field Marshal Asim Munir on September 25, 2025, at White House. (Photo: White House) Since January, US-Pakistan ties have seen a sharp turnaround. The reason appears to be $5 million paid to President Donald Trumps confidants. Unlike his predecessor, Joe Biden, who did not hold a single phone call with a Pakistani leader in four years, Trump has met Pakistani leaders twice at the White House, including an unprecedented meeting with Pakistan Army chief Asim Munir, and entered into lucrative deals with the country. By contrast, Trump has plunged US-India relations to their lowest point in the post-Cold War era with tariffs, incendiary rhetoric, and consistent undermining of India on core national policies ranging from terrorism to Kashmir and Operation Sindoor. But this shift is not merely rooted in Trumps changing priorities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD ALSO READ: Tariff tirade to Cold War: Trump risks undoing 3 decades of India-US partnership Instead, it stems from $5 million that Pakistan has poured into lobbying firms run by Trumps confidants, according to The New York Times. The sum is nearly three times what India spent on lobbying. The timeline of US-Pakistan engagements this year suggests Pakistans lobbying firms have worked wonders. Pakistan buys Trumps attention one contract at a time Under Trump, everything has a price even access to the White House. Pakistan has signed contracts with six lobbying firms worth $5 million a year to gain expedited access to Trump and secure favourable deals, according to The Times. And such an approach appears to have worked. Consider the timeline. Weeks after Pakistan struck a deal with Seiden Law LLP, which subcontracted Javelin Advisors, a government relations venture, Trump hosted Pakistan Army chief Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir, the countrys de facto ruler, at the White House. This is exactly what the contract with Seiden Law had promised. Signed on April 8, it assured a mutually agreed upon number of meetings to enhance Pakistani-US leadership-level engagements at the White House, according to The Times. ALSO READ Trump wants military bases from Munir, offers security-trade deals in US-Pak reset: Report STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD On the same day, Pakistan also signed a contract with Orchid Advisors, which then subcontracted with Squire Patton Boggs, with the explicit purpose of getting tariffs reduced, The Times reported. Originally, Trump had imposed a 29 per cent tariff on Pakistan. Weeks after Pakistan and Orchid signed the contract which pledged direct advocacy efforts with the Trump administration regarding tariffs and trade and aimed to reset the diplomatic, military and commercial relationship he reduced the tariff to 19 per cent. At the same time, Trump slapped an additional 25 per cent tariff on India, raising its total to 50 per cent the highest in the world. In addition to tariff relief and direct access to Trump, the United States and Pakistan have agreed a $500 million deal for natural mineral extraction. You can sort of look at the dots connecting themselves, said Michael Kugelman, a Nonresident Senior Fellow at the Asia Pacific Foundation of Canada. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD There were lobbyists charged with dealing with the tariff issue, then Pakistans tariffs come down. There are lobbyists contracted to promote economic cooperation, then you have all this interest from the US in critical minerals and energy, said Kugelman. Russias oil processing has fallen just 3% this year despite Ukraines biggest drone attacks to date as refineries averted a steep decline in fuel production by leveraging spare capacity to offset damage from the strikes, a report has suggested Smoke rises from the Unecha oil pumping station during a fire, in Unechsky district, Bryansk region, Russia, August 21, 2025 in this night vision still image obtained from social media video. Reuters Russias oil processing has fallen just 3% this year despite Ukraines biggest drone attacks to date as refineries averted a steep decline in fuel production by leveraging spare capacity to offset damage from the strikes, sources said and data showed. Ukraine has ramped up drone attacks deep inside Russia, aiming to knock out oil refineries, depots and pipelines and cripple Moscows biggest source of funding for the war in Ukraine. Most of the attacks occurred at the start of 2025 then resumed from August. Ukrainian drones struck at least 17 major refineries in total, forcing Russia, the worlds second-largest crude exporter, to curb fuel exports and order extra drone defences. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD At the height of the second wave of strikes between August and October, attacks and planned maintenance took 20% of Russias refinery capacity offline, according to the Reuters calculations based on information from three Russian industry sources. But that only resulted in a 6% drop in total Russian refining volumes to around 5.1 million barrels per day - a reduction of some 300,000 bpd compared to the same period last year - the sources said and data showed. More broadly, from January to October, oil processing fell to around 220 million metric tons (5.2 million bpd), down 3% from last year. The sources spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the issue. Russia no longer publishes data on oil refining. Russias energy ministry declined to comment. The breakdown between planned and unplanned maintenance was not available. Russia leverages spare capacity, Kyiv lauds drone success The three industry sources told Reuters that Russian refineries were running well below full capacity before the attacks and were able to mitigate their impact by restarting spare units at both damaged and unaffected plants as well as putting back into operation the attacked units after repairs. Russia has total refining capacity of around 6.6 million bpd, but industry sources say it is rarely fully utilised. Kyiv says its drone offensive aims to disrupt fuel supplies to Russian troops in Ukraine and deprive Moscow of oil revenues. The International Energy Agency said that Russian revenue from crude oil and oil products sales declined in August to one of the lowest levels seen since the start of the war in 2022. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Ukraines President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said last month that the long-range strikes may have reduced gasoline supplies in Russia by up to a fifth. The Kremlin, however, says that the fuel market is stable, and Russian President Vladimir Putin has said that Moscow will never bow to pressure from abroad. Ukraine strikes deep inside Russia While Russian refineries may be coping for now, the drone attacks have not been without impact. In the first quarter of the year, Ukraine hit six major refineries, including Ryazan, Volgograd, Saratov, Tuapse and Ufa and Astrakhan. And since the start of August, it has launched at least 58 attacks on key Russian energy sites, sending drones as far as 2,000 km (1,200 miles) into Russian territory, according to data compiled by UK-based non-profit group Open Source Centre. Ukrainian drones have damaged plants, including those in Novokuibyshevsk, Kirishi, Salavat, since early August. Western sanctions, meanwhile, have complicated Russias efforts to obtain spare parts from the Western companies that have helped upgrade the majority of its refineries over the past 30 years. Russian firms have said they have found ways to produce equipment domestically or import from China, which remains a strategic ally of Moscow. And repairs have ensured distillation units get back online within weeks in most cases, industry sources said. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD But they are costly and sometimes require more time to complete, making it unclear how long Russia can resort to spare capacity if Ukrainian drone attacks continue. Several people were killed and injured when a bus hit a bus stop in central Stockholm on Friday, Swedish police said, adding that they had no information pointing to it being an attack A view of a bus which crashed into a bus shelter in Ostermalm in Stockholm, Sweden, on Friday. Reuters Several people were killed and injured when a bus hit a bus stop in central Stockholm on Friday, Swedish police said, adding that they had no information pointing to it being an attack. There were six casualties in the incident, a spokesperson for Stockholms rescue services said, without giving the numbers of those killed or those injured. The spokesperson said there were no passengers on the bus at the time. It is being investigated as involuntary manslaughter. The bus driver has been arrested but that is routine in such an incident, a police spokesperson said, adding they had no information pointing to it being an attack. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Police said they would not comment on the number, gender or ages of those killed or injured. Police, rescue services and ambulances were working at the scene, police said. A picture on daily Aftonbladets website showed emergency services at the site, surrounding a blue double-decker bus, with debris scattered around the vehicle. The incident occurred near the Royal Institute of Technology university, police said. We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are foremost with those who have been affected and their families, said Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson in a post on X. President Donald Trump has also floated the idea of extending similar rewards to air traffic controllers who continued working and did not call in sick during the shutdown After 43 long days, President Trump signed a bill to fund the government, bringing a close to the longest government shutdown in history, one that saw millions of Americans affected and ended with little political gain. AFP Some Transportation Security Administration (TSA) employees who remained on duty throughout the 43-day US government shutdown will receive bonus cheques, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced. According to Noem, agents who served with exemplary service will be awarded $10,000 (7,581) bonuses in addition to their backpay to help them recover financially. She revealed the initiative while personally distributing several of the cheques to staff at an airport in Houston, Texas. President Donald Trump has also floated the idea of extending similar rewards to air traffic controllers who continued working and did not call in sick during the shutdown. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD How many TSA personnel will ultimately qualify, and the precise criteria for selection, have not yet been clarified. At George Bush Intercontinental Airport in Houston, Noem stood alongside nearly two dozen agents as she handed each an envelope and thanked them for their dedication. She said that Transportation Security Officers, which include many TSA agents, would receive bonus cheques for fulfilling the mission of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and for stepping up, taking on extra shifts and for showing up each and every day to support travellers across the country. Although the full eligibility rules have not been finalised, Noem said DHS will continue to evaluate every single employee that helped during the shutdown and look at every individual that did exceptional service. She added that tens of thousands of workers, from administrative staff to front-line screening agents, took on additional hours to cover for colleagues who were unable to work. The bonuses will be funded through DHS carryover money from fiscal year 2025, the department said. Noem noted that savings achieved through contract adjustments and reduced spending requirements also helped make the payments possible. The shutdown, which began on 1 October following a budget standoff in Congress, caused widespread disruption to air travel nationwide. Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration restricted flights due to staffing shortages, particularly among air traffic controllers, some of whom had called in sick or sought other income sources during the prolonged lapse in pay. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Throughout the shutdown, TSA agents worked without pay while managing heavier workloads and operational challenges. Noem said they were examples to the rest of the individuals who worked with them and endured those hardships. As the conflict with Russia nears its fourth year, cities and towns far from the frontline continue to face near-daily attacks involving hundreds of Russian drones, Ukraine has started mass production of its new domestically developed interceptor drones to strengthen air defences. Ukraine has begun large-scale production of its newly developed interceptor drones to bolster its air defences, the countrys defence ministry announced on Friday. As the conflict with Russia nears its fourth year, cities and towns far from the frontline continue to face near-daily attacks involving hundreds of Russian drones. Ukrainian officials said the latest assault included 430 drones. According to the ministry, the first three manufacturers have already launched production, while another 11 are preparing to establish their own production lines. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The new drones are built on a domestically developed technology known as Octopus. The ministry said this system, designed to intercept Shahed drones, has been tested in combat and demonstrated its effectiveness at night, under jamming, and at low altitudes. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has said that the goal was to manufacture up to 1,000 of the interceptors a day. Russia is investing heavily in long-range drones and has been steadily increasing the number of drones it uses in a single strike on Ukraine. Interceptor drones, which cost a few thousand dollars each, are also important for Ukraine as it can save its more expensive missiles for faster, deadlier cruise and ballistic threats. With inputs from agencies US President Donald Trump is dismissing the growing criticism of the affordability crisis that is gripping America after he returned to the White House. Heres why Trump has been asserting that since China, Russia, North Korea, and Pakistan are conducting secret underground tests, the US must also resume testing. Image: Andrew Caballero-Reynolds, AFP While US President Donald Trump and Republicans have successfully managed to reopen the US government following the longest-ever shutdown, the administration is still receiving backlash over rising prices for American consumers. Trump critics have been describing the rising prices of products as an affordability crisis. However, Trump has been dismissing the allegations, calling them a con job by the Democrats. Trump took a dismissive tone toward an issue that could define next years midterm elections. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump rapidly shifted his messaging on the cost of living since last week, when the issue helped propel Democrats to electoral victories in Virginia, New Jersey and New York City. Initially, he argued that Republicans need to talk more about the issue and went on to highlight his accomplishments. However, he soon pivoted to calling complaints about high prices a con perpetuated by Democrats. White House in defence mode Meanwhile, the White House officials have echoed the presidents argument, insisting that the American economy is strong. Amid the backlash, the administration has taken some steps to try to combat high prices, an indication that they are aware it will be a key issue in 2026. When asked by Fox News if affordability was a voter perception issue or if more needed to be done to address costs, Trump replied that it was a con job by the Democrats. He later cast doubt on the idea that many Americans are anxious about the economy. I dont know that they are saying that, Trump said. I think polls are fake. We have the greatest economy weve ever had. Trumps remarks came after a Washington Post/ABC News/Ipsos survey conducted in late October found a majority of Americans said they are spending more on groceries and utility bills than a year ago. Meanwhile, an Associated Press exit poll conducted after the Nov. 4 elections found 49 per cent of Virginia voters said the economy was their top issue, while 56 per cent of New York City voters said the cost of living was the citys top issue. Trump, on the other hand, touted specific areas where prices have fallen since he took office, particularly the costs of eggs and gasoline. He repeatedly mentioned that the price of a Thanksgiving meal package from Walmart is down 25 per cent from a year ago. However, the package includes fewer items. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD We did a great job on groceries and affordability. The only problem is the fake news, Trump said during a meeting with the Hungarian prime minister last Friday. At the same meeting, White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt scolded reporters who she said refuse to cover Trumps efforts to address affordability. Affordability is what the American people elected this president to do, and he is doing it, Leavitt said. Hence, it will be interesting to see how the stance will perform for Trump in the midterms next year. The US State Department on Thursday announced its plans to designate four European anti-fascist groups as Foreign Terrorist Organisations. A banner reading 'Antifa' is pictured. Short for anti-fascists, Antifa is a loosely affiliated network of radical activists who oppose racism, far-right ideologies, and what they define as fascism. File image/AFP The US State Department on Thursday announced its plans to designate four European anti-fascist groups as Foreign Terrorist Organisations. The announcement came as US President Donald Trumps administration plans to broaden its campaign against what it portrays as an international wave of leftist violence. In a statement over the matter, the state department said that it would designate Antifa Ost in Germany, the Italy-based International Revolutionary Front, and two organisations in Greece Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self Defence as Specially Designated Global Terrorists conspiring to undermine the foundations of Western Civilisation through their brutal attacks. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD It is pertinent to note that this is the first time the US has designated Anti-fascist groups as a foreign terrorist threat. Hence, the move would allow American law enforcement to use more aggressive techniques to oppose them. Not only this, the scrutiny could also extend to those deemed leftist supporters of the groups in the United States. Hence, this would allow federal authorities to use similar surveillance and financial oversight tools against American citizens deemed to support international bodies. Groups affiliated with this movement ascribe to revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism and anti-Christianity, using these to incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas, the Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said in a statement. The administration noted incidents such as the use of homemade explosive devices, shootings and hammer attacks as the cause for the listing. The designation would also make financial transactions to the organisation and its members a criminal act in the United States. Trumps crusade against leftist bodies It is pertient to note that the Trump administration has blamed multiple leftist organisations for violent confrontations in the United States in the cities of Los Angeles, Chicago and Portland. The governments wrath against these groups intensified, especially after the killing of right-wing youth activist Charlie Kirk. The focus on antifa was first codified in a presidential executive action from September that declared antifa a domestic terrorist organisation. At that time, national security experts raised concerns, insisting that the designation is problematic because antifa, which is short for anti-fascist, does not have a clear membership or leadership structure. The European groups are yet to respond to the latest sanctions imposed by American authorities. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The United States and Switzerland are set to unveil details of a trade pact Friday, with both sides reaching an agreement to sharply lower tariffs recently imposed by President Donald Trump. The Swiss government said on Friday that the United States will cut its tariffs on goods from Switzerland to 15%, down from the steep 39% rate imposed earlier, under a new framework trade agreement. The announcement came after US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stated that Washington had essentially reached a deal with Switzerland and would unveil further details later in the day. The development followed talks in Washington, where Swiss economy minister Guy Parmelin sought relief from the heavy duties introduced by the Trump administration this year. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Greer told CNBC the agreement would involve Switzerland moving a lot of manufacturing here to the United States pharmaceuticals, gold smelting, railway equipment, adding that the US was really excited about what the deal could mean for American industry. He confirmed that Washington would retain a tariff on Swiss imports under the arrangement, though he did not specify the planned 15% rate. The Trump administrations sudden decision in August to levy a 39% tariff on Swiss goods one of the highest in its series of trade measures had taken Bern by surprise. Greer reiterated on Friday that Switzerland was expected to shift significant manufacturing operations to the US, including in pharmaceuticals, gold smelting and railway equipment. The US Trade Representatives office did not immediately comment on additional details of the anticipated trade agreement. Trump shocked Switzerland in August when he imposed the 39-percent duty on imports of goods from the country, among the highest in his global tariff blitz. But Greer told CNBC on Friday that the Swiss were expected to send a lot of their manufacturing to the United States, such as pharmaceuticals, gold smelting and railway equipment. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD The USTRs office did not immediately respond to queries about further details of the expected trade pact. The Swiss government has scheduled a news conference for 4:00 pm (1500 GMT) to give more details of the agreement. Cautious relief Swissmem, the association of the mechanical and electrical engineering industry, expressed relief at Fridays announcement. Swiss businesses have been worried that their competitors in other wealthy economies will have an edge over them, given that the European Union and Japan, among others, had earlier negotiated lower tariff levels of 15 percent. While Swissmem noted that the announced deal provides some respite, its president Martin Hirzel warned: The reduction in tariffs is a temporary relief for the tech industry, but we must not let our guard down. New tariffs could be introduced." He urged officials to make further efforts in reducing costs and opening new markets. Last week, the heads of six top Swiss firms, including the chiefs of watchmaker Rolex and luxury goods giant Richemont, met with Trump to draw his attention to the toll his tariffs are taking on their companies. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Trump has imposed sweeping duties on trading partners around the world since returning to the presidency, with separate levies on specific sectors like steel, aluminium and autos. The high tariff rate jeopardizes entire sectors of the export-heavy Swiss economy, notably watchmaking and industrial machinery, but also chocolate and cheese. While the pharmaceutical industry, Switzerlands largest export sector, had enjoyed an exemption from tariffs on medications, it faced regular threats that Trump would soon target them too. With inputs from agencies South Africas Competition Commission secures a $40 million settlement from Google to support local news outlets, tackle algorithmic bias and ensure sustainable digital media amid rising dominance of global platforms. South Africas Competition Commission announced on Thursday that Google will provide more than $40 million to support the countrys struggling news media, following a 16-month investigation into the tech giants impact on local journalism. Regulators have increasingly scrutinised platforms such as Google, TikTok, X, and Facebook over practices that limit local medias ability to distribute and monetise content, according to report. The investigation found that Google Search and YouTube algorithms favoured international news, putting South African publishers at a disadvantage. In February, the commission recommended payments of up to $27 million annually for five years. The final agreement, however, set a 688 million-rand ($40.4 million) package to support local journalism and digital transformation. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Funding allocations and technical support Under the settlement, $4 million will go to national publishers and broadcasters over five years for Google News content, while $2.6 million annually will support AI innovation in media. Community and small media outlets will receive $2.2 million over three years to aid digital transformation, including website development and enhanced online visibility. In addition to financial support, Google will provide technical assistance to improve website performance, offer new user tools to prioritise South African news, and share audience data with publishers. YouTube will also support monetisation for local creators, and algorithmic adjustments will address bias favouring foreign content. Global trend and other platforms South Africa is not alone in pushing for such arrangements. Countries including Taiwan, Canada, Australia, and the United States have reached similar funding deals, reflecting a global effort to ensure that domestic journalism can survive in the digital age. TikTok has agreed to provide tools for media to insert links within videos for off-platform monetisation. Meanwhile, X, owned by South African-born billionaire Elon Musk, has not reached a settlement and has been ordered to make all monetisation programmes available to local publishers and provide training workshops. The directive can still be appealed. Impact on local journalism and sustainability Regulators argue that without intervention, local news organisations remain at a competitive disadvantage. South African media, especially small and community outlets, have struggled to compete with international content that dominates search and social feeds, the commission said. By enforcing funding and technical support, authorities aim to ensure local journalism remains accessible, financially viable, and diverse. The deal also reflects broader concerns about the influence of tech platforms on global media ecosystems. As traditional revenue streams for newspapers and broadcasters decline, government intervention is increasingly seen as necessary to preserve journalistic independence and local reporting. Observers note that the South African case may set a precedent for other countries seeking to address algorithmic bias and support domestic news in the digital age. With inputs from agencies Tue Tuesday 51 /33 Mix of sun and clouds. Highs in the low 50s and lows in the low 30s. Contracts Contracts For Nov. 13, 2025 AIR FORCE Lockheed Martin Corp., King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, has been awarded $453,960,636 modification (P00032) to previously awarded FA8219-24-C-0001 for the Mk21A Reentry Vehicle. The modification brings the total cumulative face value of the contract to $1,482,875,038 from $1,028,914,402. Work will be performed at King of Prussia, Pennsylvania and is expected to be completed by September 29, 2032. No funds are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah is the contracting activity. Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., Linthicum Heights, Maryland, was awarded a ceiling $303,600,000 firm fixed price, indefinite delivery indefinite quantity contract for F-16 System Program Office Foreign Military Sales Support. This contract provides for the repair and return of F-16 radar components for foreign military sales countries. Work will be performed at Linthicum Heights, Maryland and is expected to be completed by November 2030. This contract involves foreign military sales to Bahrain, Bulgaria, Greece, Korea, Slovakia, Taiwan, Morocco, and Jordan. This contract was a sole source acquisition. Foreign Military Sales funds in the amount of $2,704,534.08 are being obligated at time of award. The Air Force Lifecycle Management Center, Hill Air Force Base, Utah, is the contracting activity. (FA823226DB003) ARMY MPR Associates Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for providing support to nuclear facilities within the Great Leaks and Ohio River Division. The amount of this action is $90,000,000.00. Bids were solicited via the internet with three received. Work locations and funding will be determined with each order, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 11, 2030. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntington, West Virginia, is the contracting activity (W91237-26-D-A006). Red Eagle 3 JV* of Coweta, Oklahoma, was awarded a firm-fixed-price contract for design-build services for the Pine Bluff Arsenal Waterline Replacement. The amount of this action is $22,859,800, with a total cumulative face value of $49,626,300. Bids were solicited via the internet with 6 received. Work will be performed in White Hall, Arkansas, with an estimated completion date of Nov. 23, 2027. Fiscal 2026 Department of Defense - Army SRM funds in the amount of $22,859,800 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Little Rock District, is the contracting activity (W9127S-26-C-A002). NAVY Peraton Technology Services Inc., Chantilly, Virginia, was awarded a $17,538,865 cost-plus-fixed fee to order (N0001926F0013) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0010). This order provides for the continued development, delivery, sustainment, requirement analysis and design of the Theater Mission Planning Center in support of the Navy. Work will be performed in Santa Clara, California (71%) and various telework locations within the Continental U.S. (29%) and is expected to be completed in November 2026. FMS customer funds in the amount of $6,040,989 will obligated at the time of award and Fiscal 2026 Other Procurement, Navy funds in the amount of $11,497,876 will be obligated once made available; none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR), Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. https://www.defense.gov/News/Contracts/Contract/Article/4330947/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address New SAR (Search and Rescue) Facility Opened at Tallinn Mine Harbour Republic of Estonia - Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) 12.11.2025 On October 12th, the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments (ECDI) and the Police and Border Guard Board (PBGB) opened a new SAR (Search and Rescue) facility at Tallinn Mine Harbour, bringing together the maritime rescue training centre and the PBGB's maritime rescue unit under one roof. "We are pleased that, with the addition of this new SAR facility, Mine Harbour has gained an energy-efficient building that will not only improve maritime rescue training but also help reduce long-term administrative costs," said Ando Voogma, the ECDI's North-Northeast Portfolio Manager, at the opening ceremony. "The comprehensive development of Mine Harbour continues - work is currently underway on reconstructing the breakwater and quays to ensure readiness for the reception of allied vessels at any time." The newly completed SAR facility consolidates the maritime rescue training centre and the PBGB's maritime rescue unit at Mine Harbour. Until now, the rescue command post and training facilities had been located in different buildings. To ensure energy efficiency and functionality, some rooms in the new building are designed for shared use between the units. According to Raina Jeeberg, PPA Marine Rescue Service Head, the new SAR facility at Mine Harbour will allow the them to better assist people in distress at sea. "Now our units responsible for maritime rescue operations can relocate here from their previous locations. This will improve coordination in responding to rescue incidents, and we are especially pleased that the new building also provides better conditions for training our rescuers," added Jeeberg. The new SAR facility houses the PPA's maritime rescue service spaces, including areas for training, maintaining operational readiness, and office work. In addition, the building includes storage and maintenance rooms for rescue equipment, as well as a workshop. "The Mine Harbour SAR facility is an important project for us, as it significantly improves the working and learning environment for maritime rescue operations. Bringing the rescue units and training centre together under one roof creates the conditions for faster and better-coordinated rescue efforts," said Indrek Kaselt, Construction Manager at Vanalinna Ehitus. "Our goal was to ensure that the new building is energy-efficient, functional, and sustainable for years to come." The facility was designed by Esplan OU, and the total construction cost was approximately 3.7 million. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Statement by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia on the 65th Round of the Geneva International Discussions Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Georgia 12 November 2025 The 65th round of the Geneva International Discussions was held on 11-12 November, 2025, where the Georgian delegation was led by the Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Lasha Darsalia. Georgian delegation made special emphasis on the core agenda items of the Geneva International Discussions related to the necessity of full implementation of the provisions of the EU-mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement by Russian Federation, and the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons (IDPs) and refugees to their homes. Emphasis was also placed on the importance of restoring the Incident Prevention and Response Mechanism (IPRM) in Gali without any preconditions and ensuring that the mechanism is held regularly in both Gali and Ergneti in accordance with its fundamental principles. Georgia sharply raised the issue of the grave security, humanitarian and human rights situation in the occupied regions and the destructive actions of the occupation regimes. Concern was expressed over recent actions such as the illegal operation of the airport in Sokhumi in violation of the fundamental principles and norms of international law, the launch of regular flights, railway and maritime passenger traffic from Russia to Sokhumi. The representatives of the Russian Federation and its occupation regimes, employing their established practice, once again left the negotiation table on one of the key agenda items the return of internally displaced persons and refugees from the occupied territories to their homes. As a result, like previous rounds, the 65th round was also disrupted. The Geneva International Discussions were established on the basis of the EU mediated 12 August 2008 Ceasefire Agreement and their principal agenda items are the implementation of Ceasefire Agreement, the safe and dignified return of internally displaced persons and refugees to their homes and the resolution of security and humanitarian challenges stemming from the Russian occupation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The Chief of Defence Staff met with the Commander of LANDCOM Romania - Ministry of National Defence Press release No. 214 12.11.2025 On Wednesday, November 12th, the Chief of Defence Staff, General Gheorghita Vlad, had an official meeting, at "Nicolae Balcescu" Land Forces Academy in Sibiu, with General Christopher Donahue, Commander of NATO's Allied Land Command (LANDCOM), as part of the activities occasioned by "DACIAN FALL 2025" (DAFA25) Exercise. The talks focused on the Romanian Armed Force's contribution to NATO operations and missions, especially the land forces' command and control, operational planning, combat readiness level and the effective integration of land forces into NATO's missions. During the meeting, the officials analyzed the results of the collaboration between the Romanian Armed Forces and NATO military structures, an example in this regard being the successful conduct of the DAFA25 exercise, over the last three weeks in several training ranges across Romania. General Vlad emphasized the Romanian Armed Forces' constant commitment to consolidate joint efforts to strengthen the deterrence and defence posture on the Eastern Flank, as well as the future directions for enhancing the interoperability and training levels in allied context. The Press Office NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Radev Discussed Europe's Prospects for Addressing the Challenges It Faces with Hungarian Foreign Minister President of the Republic of Bulgaria 13 November 2025 | 14:22 The prospects for Europe in addressing the challenges it faces were discussed today at the presidential institution by Head of State Rumen Radev and Hungarian Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto who is visiting Bulgaria for a meeting with the Bulgarian Head of State. The two were unanimous that restoring peace in Europe through diplomacy is a priority for the EU and the only way to ensure the long-term security and stability of the Old Continent. The need for systematic EU action to strengthen Europe's competitiveness and the social and economic stability of the Union was also emphasised. In this regard, the joint actions taken by Bulgaria and Hungary to expand regional connectivity in order to ensure the reliability of energy supply and transit chains, as well as bilateral economic partnership, were discussed. The outcome of the recent meeting between Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban and US President Donald Trump and the opportunities for cooperation between Europe and the US were also discussed between President Radev and the Hungarian Foreign Minister. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ministry of Foreign Affairs supports humanitarian aid for victims of crises in Gaza and Afghanistan Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.11.2025 | 19:25 The Estonian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has allocated additional financial support to assist civilians in Gaza, facing a worsening humanitarian situation, and in Afghanistan, affected by a devastating natural disaster. With this funding, NGOs Estonian Refugee Council and Mondo are providing rapid, life-saving services, including food aid and essential supplies to the most vulnerable population groups. In response to the exceptional humanitarian crisis and famine declared by the Integrated Food Security Phase Classification (IPC) in Gaza, Estonian Refugee Council began distributing food aid in the region in September, becoming the first Estonian organisation to do so. In cooperation with Gaza Soup Kitchen and thanks to donations from Estonia, emergency food aid has been delivered to four hospitals, including Al-Nasri Children's Hospital. So far, 1,400 food portions have been distributed in Gaza thanks to Estonian donors, and with the support of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, a further 9,000 portions are planned. Following the start of the ceasefire, aid organisations in Gaza have been able to increase their operations. However, according to the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, malnutrition remains widespread and is expected to persist until at least 2026. In late August and early September, eastern Afghanistan was struck by two powerful earthquakes centred in Kunar Province. These were among the most severe natural disasters in recent years, destroying hundreds of villages and affecting tens of thousands of people. Women, children, and people with special needs are in particularly difficult circumstances. NGO Mondo has extensive experience working in Afghanistan. With funding from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mondo is providing emergency humanitarian assistance to families who have lost their homes, focusing on the Kunar and Nangarhar provinces. Over a six-week period, a total of 616 people will receive support in the form of shelter, blankets, essential supplies, cash-based aid, and psychosocial assistance. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Government appoints parliamentary working group to assess and develop practices and legislation related to NATO Finnish Government Government Communications Department Publication date 13.11.2025 Type:Press release On Thursday 13 November 2025, the Government appointed a parliamentary working group that will assess and, if necessary, put forth justified proposals for developing practices or legislation concerning NATO matters. The work will be based on an assignment from the Constitutional Law Committee and a preliminary study completed by the Ministry of Justice in October 2025. When considering the government proposal for Finland's accession to NATO, the Constitutional Law Committee proposed that the Government conduct an assessment of the indirect effects of NATO membership on the division of power between state bodies. The key findings of the preliminary study published by the Ministry of Justice as part of official duties have to do with competence in matters related to NATO. While the President of the Republic and the Government jointly formulate important policies related to NATO participation, not all positions related to NATO are part of the direction of foreign policy. The preliminary study also highlights the importance of ensuring Parliament's access to information and ability to exert influence in NATO matters. Heikki Vestman to serve as chair of the parliamentary working group Prime Minister Petteri Orpo has appointed Member of Parliament Heikki Vestman from the National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group to serve as chair of the working group and Member of Parliament Wille Rydman from the Finns Party Parliamentary Group to serve as its vice-chair. The other members of the parliamentary working group are Members of Parliament Sofia Vikman from the National Coalition Party Parliamentary Group, Mira Nieminen from the Finns Party Parliamentary Group, Johannes Koskinen and Tuula Vaatainen from the Social Democratic Parliamentary Group, Mika Lintila from the Centre Party Parliamentary Group, Atte Harjanne from the Green Parliamentary Group, Veronika Honkasalo from the Left Alliance Parliamentary Group, Mats Lofstrom from the Swedish Parliamentary Group and Peter Ostman from the Christian Democratic Parliamentary Group. The working group consists of representatives appointed by their respective parliamentary groups. The term of the parliamentary working group will run from 13 November 2025 to 31 August 2026. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Finland to apply for EUR 16 million in funding from the Commission to strengthen surveillance of eastern border and Gulf of Finland Finnish Government Ministry of the Interior Publication date 13.11.202 Type:Press release Finland is applying for additional funding for its programme under the EU Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy (BMVI) to strengthen surveillance at the eastern border and in the Gulf of Finland. Finland is seeking funding of over EUR 16 million from the European Commission, following the Government's decision on 13 November. The aim is to strengthen surveillance at the eastern border and in the Gulf of Finland and to improve the formation of situational awareness. The operating environment at the eastern border has changed dramatically and permanently, which makes it more difficult to predict situations. In addition, continuous interference with satellite positioning systems at the eastern border (GNSS disruptions) has weakened the usability of existing capabilities. The funding applied for by Finland would be allocated for purchasing unmanned surveillance systems resilient to GNSS disruptions. These unmanned aircraft, or drones, and unmanned surface vessels, would significantly improve the Finnish Border Guard's ability to control borders and maintain a situational picture for both the eastern border and the Gulf of Finland. Finland has the longest common land border with Russia of all EU countries, stretching 1,340 kilometres. The purpose of the Commission's funding, which Finland is now applying for, is to strengthen the operational capacity of the European Border and Coast Guard Agency Frontex by supporting Member States' border surveillance capabilities. The Finnish Border Guard would actively share the experiences gained from the project with other Member States and Frontex. The objective of the Instrument for Financial Support for Border Management and Visa Policy is to ensure a strong and effective European integrated border management at the Union's external borders, ensuring a high level of internal security within the Union while safeguarding the free movement of persons within it. Actions providing operating support for the implementation of the European integrated border management and of the common visa policy may be funded through the BMVI. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint statement by the Ministers of Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Nordic and Baltic countries Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 13.11.2025 Type:Press release The Ministers of Defence and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Nordic and Baltic countries made the following statement: We, the Ministers of Defence of Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Iceland, met in Helsinki on 13 November 2025. We reaffirm our commitment to Ukraine's security, which is fundamental to European security. We are united in pursuing a sustainable and just peace, in full respect of Ukraine's sovereignty and the legitimate aspirations of its people. We commit to sustaining long-term, predictable, and coordinated military support to Ukraine, including through capability development, defence industrial cooperation, and strengthening Ukraine's ability to deter future Russian aggression. To demonstrate our support, we have jointly decided to contribute to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative with a $500 million package. This initiative provides a mechanism for the purchasing of critical defence equipment from the United States, contributing directly to Ukraine's resilience and defence against the Russian aggression. This is one of the many ways our nations support Ukraine. Russia's war of aggression is a long-term threat to European security, the transatlantic community and the rules-based international order. We will not allow it to succeed. Ukraine's security is directly connected to ours. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China hopes Thailand, Cambodia find a mutually acceptable solution ASAP, says FM spokesperson over Thai-Cambodia border tensions escalation Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 13, 2025 05:05 PM When addressing a question that Thailand says it is suspending the implementation of its "peace deal" with neighboring Cambodia on Tuesday after some Thai soldiers were wounded as a landmine went off in the Thailand-Cambodia border area and that Cambodia said Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian villagers in Banteay Meanchey province on Wednesday, resulting in Cambodian civilian casualties, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China has taken note of certain new developments and new issues that have arisen in the course of implementing the related Thailand-Cambodia joint statement. Cambodian Information Minister Neth Pheaktra said on Wednesday that Thai soldiers opened fire on Cambodian villagers in an ongoing border dispute, leaving five people wounded, according to Xinhua News Agency. The incident came two days after Thailand's Prime Minister Anutin Charnvirakul ordered a halt to the joint peace declaration, following a landmine explosion near Preah Vihear temple at the border area, injuring two Thai soldiers, per Xinhua. "As a friend and close neighbor to both countries, China sincerely hopes that Thailand and Cambodia will exercise restraint, move toward each other, adhere to friendly consultations, leverage existing bilateral mechanisms, and find a mutually acceptable solution as soon as possible to prevent the situation from escalating," Lin said, adding that China will also continue to play a constructive role in de escalating tensions in its own way. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Prime Minister's Office Announcement Israel - Prime Minister's Office Type: Media Statements Government: The 37th Government Publish Date: 13.11.2025 The Prime Minister's Office, this evening: Israel has received, via the Red Cross, the coffin of a fallen hostage, which was handed over to an IDF and ISA force inside the Gaza Strip. From there, it will be transferred to Israel, where it will be received in a military ceremony with the participation of the IDF Chief Rabbi. It will then be transferred to the Health Ministry National Center of Forensic Medicine. Upon completion of the identification process, formal notification will be delivered to the family. All of the hostages' families have been updated accordingly, and our hearts are with them in this difficult hour. The effort to return our hostages is ongoing and will not cease until the last hostage is returned. The public is requested to respect the families' privacy and to refrain from spreading rumors and unofficial and unverified information. We will continue to provide updates with reliable information as necessary. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Budrys in Warsaw: Close coordination with Poland is crucial for ensuring regional security Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-11-13 On 13 November in Warsaw, the Minister of Foreign Affairs Kestutis Budrys met with the Polish Foreign Minister Radosaw Sikorski. The Ministers discussed regional security and resilience issues, the threat posed by the Belarusian regime's hybrid attacks against Lithuania, and the escalation of tensions in the region. The meeting highlighted the role of Belarus in the context of Russia's war against Ukraine and the need to increase pressure on the regime. "This is not the first time that both Lithuania and Poland have faced hybrid attacks by the Minsk regime. Migrant flows continue to look for ways to cross the border illegally, and airspace violations with smuggler balloons continue in Lithuania. These are deliberate actions by Belarus against our countries aimed at destabilising our democratic societies. Only by coordinating our actions together and speaking with one voice can we ensure that our response will be effective," stressed the head of Lithuania's diplomacy. The meeting also focused on strengthening the transatlantic bond. Minister Budrys shared the results of his working visit to Washington, D.C., and New York. Lithuanian and Polish Foreign Ministers also discussed the situation in Ukraine, issues of support for the country, cooperation within the European Union and NATO formats, and topical issues of bilateral relations. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vice-Minister Mitkus: It is crucial to ensure a coordinated response of the EU institutions to Belarusian hybrid provocations against Lithuania Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of Foreign Affairs Updated 2025-11-13 On 12-13 November, the Vice-Minister of Foreign Affairs Sigitas Mitkus was paying a working visit to Brussels, where he participated in various meetings and events at the European Parliament (EP). Mitkus briefed EP members on the situation regarding the ongoing violations of Lithuania's airspace by Belarus, which are considered hybrid attacks. "It is particularly important to ensure a coordinated response of the EU institutions to the recent intensification of Belarusian hybrid provocations against Lithuania and to raise awareness of these incidents on the European political agenda", stressed the Vice-Minister, highlighting the threat posed to the security of Lithuania and Europe as a whole. During the meeting with the EP Vice-President Sabine Verheyen Mitkus also discussed the priorities of Lithuania's preparations for the Presidency of the Council of the EU and prospects for strengthening cooperation with the EP. The Vice-Minister also presented the initiative to establish a memorial to the victims of totalitarianism on EP premises, asking for support for this initiative and highlighting the symbolic significance of such a memorial. During his visit to Brussels, Mitkus met with Members of the European Parliament (MEPs) Nathalie Loiseau, Gabriele Bischoff, and Michael Gahler to discuss important items for Lithuania on the EU agenda and opportunities to strengthen constructive dialogue with the EP. Other relevant items on the EU agenda were also highlighted, including regional security, EU support for Ukraine, and the EU's enlargement process, in order to ensure a proper reflection of Lithuania's positions and priorities on the EU agenda, especially in view of the upcoming Presidency of the Council of the EU in the first half of 2027. In addition, the Vice-Minister participated in the high-level seminar organized by Lithuania's Permanent Representation to the EU titled "Investing in the Growth and Resilience of EU Regions Bordering Aggressor States - Building a Stronger Europe." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address The President met with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee President of the Republic of Lithuania November 13, 2025 President Gitanas Nauseda met on Thursday with the Chair of the NATO Military Committee, Admiral Giuseppe Cavo Dragone. The meeting focused on security issues on Lithuania's and NATO's eastern flank, defense investment, strengthening air defense, the presence of allied troops in Lithuania, and military assistance to Ukraine. The President emphasized that Lithuania is a committed ally, making significant investments in defense and strengthening the security of the entire region. "Lithuania is a committed ally - next year we plan to allocate 5.38 percent of GDP to defense. By investing between 5 and 6 percent of GDP in defense by 2030, we will fulfill our share of NATO's capability requirements," the President said. Gitanas Nauseda noted that the security of NATO's eastern flank, and specifically, the Baltic States, is vitally important for deterring possible Russian aggression due to their strategic position within the Alliance. The President presented Lithuania's priorities to the Chair of the NATO Military Committee: to establish a fully operational national division by 2030 and to host Germany's armored brigade by the end of 2027. Considerable attention was devoted to NATO's collective defense and Lithuania's national priority - air defense. The President noted that the ongoing reform of NATO's integrated air defense should strengthen the presence of allied air defense capabilities in Lithuania and the Baltic States. The development of counter-drone systems was also discussed. The President and the Chair of the NATO Military Committee also discussed the presence of allied troops in Lithuania and further support for Ukraine, which continues to fight against Russian aggression. Gitanas Nauseda emphasized that Ukraine's defense is also our defense, Therefore, Lithuania is fully committed to continuing its military support to Ukraine, amounting to no less than 0.25 percent of Lithuania's GDP annually. The President's Communication Group NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address NATO Secretary General visits Brunssum and Geilenkirchen NATO - North Atlantic Treaty Organisation 13 November 2025 NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited the NATO's Joint Force Command (JFC) Headquarters in Brunssum, the Netherlands and the NATO Airborne Early Warning and Control Force (AWACS) Headquarters in Geilenkirchen, Germany on Thursday (13 November 2025). In Brunssum, the Secretary General congratulated the Commander, General Ingo Gerhartz on his recent appointment, and recognised the important role played by JFC Brunssum in coordinating military activities on NATO's eastern flank. The Secretary General noted NATO's quick and decisive action when Russia violated Allies' airspace, and stressed the Alliance's strong presence in the air, at sea and on the ground. In Geilenkirchen, the Secretary General visited NATO's fleet of Airborne Early Warning and Control radar aircraft, known as AWACS. At the base he met the Minister-President of North Rhine-Westphalia, Hendrik Wust, and the Commander, Major General Andreas Korb. The Secretary General highlighted the significance of NATO AWACS as the Alliance's "eyes in the sky", monitoring i.a. Allied airspace, including on NATO's eastern flank. Mr Rutte also praised the strong contributions that the state of North Rhine-Westphalia makes to Allied deterrence and defence, hosting important defence industry and military installations, including the 1st German-Netherlands Corps. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address RNZAF returns to Fiji and takes opportunity to show MC-12K King Air capability to Tongan military New Zealand Defence Force A return trip to Fiji for maritime patrols by the Royal New Zealand Air Force's (RNZAF) MC-12K King Air has provided a further opportunity to demonstrate the aircraft's ability to operate in the South West Pacific region. 13 November, 2025 Aircrews on the MC-12K King Air regularly provide maritime patrols to detect and deter illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing in New Zealand's exclusive economic zone. Earlier this year, an MC-12K King Air flew to Fiji in what was a first for RNZAF's No 42 Squadron deploying the aircraft to the South West Pacific region. The aircrew worked in support of the Fijian Maritime Essential Services Centre, conducting patrols searching for IUU fishing and also pleasure craft activity in Fijian waters as Fijian authorities strive to combat transnational organised crime in their region. On the aircraft's second deployment to Fiji, patrols were carried out in various locations including a small island chain approximately 150 nautical miles south of Nausori, and also over an area of approximately 9500 square kilometres spanning Yasawa to Kia Island. The recent return to Fiji enabled the aircrew to also demonstrate the aircraft's capabilities to neighbouring Tonga. At the end of the Fijian operation, the crew and aircraft departed for its first visit to Tonga, and took two members of His Majesty's Armed Forces, with experience in maritime surveillance operations, on board as the aircraft patrolled in the vicinity of Pangai Island in the Ha'apai group. Air Component Commander, Air Commodore Andy Scott, said it was great to build on the success of the first deployment with another into the region. Squadron Leader Craig Graham, who was the detachment commander for the deployment, said the return visit to Fiji was also important for the crew as it provided an opportunity for more junior pilots to step up. Flight Lieutenant Jamie Hull deployed on both operations captaining patrols in Fiji and the international transit flights back to New Zealand. Squadron Leader Graham said Flight Lieutenant Hull had only been flying in the MC-12K King Air for two years and this deployment provided an opportunity for him to gain valuable experience by leading his crew on a complex operation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address S. Korea navy reaffirms commitment to assist PH Navy modernization Philippine News Agency By Priam Nepomuceno November 13, 2025, 1:44 pm MANILA -- The Republic of Korea Navy (ROKN) has reaffirmed its commitment to help in the modernization of the Philippine Navy (PN), following the visit of one of its top officials to the Philippines. In a statement on Thursday, the PN said ROKN deputy chief of naval operations for logistics, Rear Admiral Shin Yu Chuan, made a courtesy call on PN flag officer in command, Vice Admiral Jose Ma. Ambrosio Ezpeleta, at the PN headquarters in Manila on Wednesday. "Rear Admiral Shin, in turn, reaffirmed the ROKN's commitment to strengthening cooperation in logistics, training, and technology," the PN said. "He emphasized the importance of sustaining mutual support through initiatives that enhance interoperability and promote efficiency between the two navies." Ezpeleta, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation for the ROKN's yearslong and consistent support to the PN, "highlighting South Korea's role as a reliable defense partner since the early stages of the PN's modernization," the PN said. ROKN's support to its Philippine counterpart includes donation of naval vessels and provision of vital ship components and advanced technical assistance. The PN said South Korea's contributions have significantly enhanced its operational readiness and capability development. The PN added it remains committed to deepening its cooperation with the ROKN in pursuit of self-reliant defense capabilities and enhanced regional maritime security. (PNA) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address UN chief warns Gaza ceasefire 'fragile but holding,' urges full compliance Iran Press TV Thursday, 13 November 2025 11:06 AM United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has warned that the "fragile" ceasefire in the besieged Gaza Strip is "repeatedly violated" but still "holding", urging both sides to fully respect it and move toward renewed peace talks. Speaking at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, Guterres said that "the ceasefire in Gaza is fragile, is repeatedly violated, but it is holding." He also strongly appealed for the ceasefire "to be fully respected and to pave the way for the negotiations of phase two, leading to the creation of the conditions for the self-determination of the Palestinian people and the creation of the two-state solution." Guterres also noted that humanitarian operations in Gaza are expanding despite restrictions, saying, "We are indeed, at the present moment, substantially increasing our humanitarian aid in Gaza," adding that "the next steps for the UN will be, of course, defined by the Security Council." The ceasefire deal was reached between the Israeli regime and Gaza's Hamas resistance movement in early October, brokered by US President Donald Trump. Hamas has time and again condemned the repeated violations of the ceasefire by the Israeli military and also lambasted Tel Aviv's continued closure of the Rafah crossing in southern Gaza, which is the territory's lifeline, as another instance of the regime's refusal to keep its end of the bargain. Israel has so far killed nearly 70,000 Palestinians since launching the genocidal war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, before the ceasefire deal took effect on October 10. Human rights experts and observers have denounced the ongoing bloodshed as a clear indication of the continuation of the genocidal pattern. The initial phase of Trump's 20-point Gaza ceasefire plan saw a prisoner exchange, but further stages have not been negotiated yet. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel launches new wave of airstrikes against south Lebanon amid repeated truce violations Iran Press TV Thursday, 13 November 2025 5:02 PM Israeli forces have carried new wave of aerial raids and bombed multiple residential neighborhoods across southern Lebanon as the regime continues to violate the ceasefire agreement with the Arab country. Lebanon's el-Nashra and al-Manar news networks reported on Thursday that the Israeli warplanes bombed Lebanese villages in Bint Jbeil and struck the outskirts of the town of Tayr Falsayh in the Tyre district of southern Lebanon. Lebanon's National News Agency said that Israeli jets also struck the al-Khanouk area of the Aitaroun municipality in the Nabatieh district with air-to-surface missiles. The attacks reportedly caused casualties and inflicted heavy damage on civilian infrastructure in the region. Later in the day, an Israeli drone targeted a Renault Rapid vehicle in the Nabatiyeh district town of Toul, wounding at least one person. The strike took place in a densely populated area while students were leaving school. Local media reports quoting local sources said that an Israeli warplane dropped a sonic bomb over the Naqoura beach in southern Lebanon. Witnesses said that Israeli soldiers also fired volleys of machine guns towards the outskirts of the Kfar Shouba municipality. Israeli artillery also shelled on Wednesday night the southern border town of Mays al-Jabal. Tensions have been mounting in southern Lebanon for weeks, with the Israeli army intensifying near-daily air raids inside Lebanese territory. Despite a ceasefire reached in November last year, Israel has kept up its near-daily attacks on south and east Lebanon and is occupying five hills it deems strategic in the south. The Israeli army has killed more than 4,000 people and injured nearly 17,000 in its attacks on Lebanon, which began in October 2023 and turned into a full-scale aggression in September 2024. Israel and the Hezbollah resistance movement reached a ceasefire agreement that took effect on November 27, 2024. Under the deal, Tel Aviv was required to withdraw fully from the Lebanese territorybut has kept forces stationed at five sites, in clear violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and the terms of last November's agreement. Since the implementation of the ceasefire, Israel has violated the agreement multiple times through repeated assaults on the Lebanese territory. Taking advantage of US President Donald Trump's re-entry to the White House and with the assistance of pro-Israeli US envoys to Lebanon, Morgan Ortagus and Tom Barrack, Israel has been able to impose its re-interpretation of the agreement and push Beirut into the position of having to bow to the new conditions. Lebanese authorities have warned that the Israeli regime's violations of the ceasefire threaten national stability. Lebanese President Joseph Aoun says Israel's continued hostilities and its failure to implement the November 2024 agreement are preventing Lebanon's army from completing its deployment along the southern borders. The Secretary General of Lebanon's Hezbollah, Sheikh Naim Qassem, in a speech on Tuesday, reiterated that the US and Israel's calls for the disarmament of the resistance group were designed to weaken Lebanon and leave it exposed to external aggression. He described the calls for the disarmament of Hezbollah as "a pretext" for launching an aggression on Lebanon The Hezbollah chief stressed that the US and Israeli threats and pressure "will not change our stance; we will defend our land and dignity, and we will not surrender." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address 'Weekend Snipers' Claims Reopen Wartime Trauma In Sarajevo By Dzenana Halimovic and Predrag Zvijerac November 13, 2025 Irina Cesic celebrated her first birthday on October 8, 1993. Four days later, she was killed by a sniper's bullet on the streets of the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo. "Since Irina had just learned to walk, my wife Stana was holding her by the hand," Irina's father, Samir Cesic, told RFE/RL. "We never understood why someone would shoot at a 50-60-centimeter target -- the height of a one-year-old girl -- instead of a much larger one, like my wife, who would have been easier to hit." For three decades, Irina's parents have sought an answer: Was their daughter killed simply to cause more pain and suffering? In recent days, their grief has been reignited by reports in the Italian media about an investigation being conducted in Milan into the so-called "weekend snipers." According to the Italian newspapers Il Giorno and La Repubblica, and the news agency ANSA, prosecutors are investigating claims that during the 1992-1995 war in Bosnia-Herzegovina, wealthy foreigners paid "large sums of money" to shoot civilians in besieged Sarajevo -- "for fun." The Milan prosecutor's office did not respond to RFE/RL's inquiry regarding the current stage of the investigation or against whom it may have been initiated. An Olympic City Under Sniper Fire Sarajevo was surrounded by the Army of the Republika Srpska from 1992 to 1995. With a siege lasting 1,425 days, it was one of the longest sieges of a city in modern European history. More than 1,600 children were killed, and 14,000 children were wounded. Every 10th child killed in the city that had hosted the 1984 Olympic Games was hit by a sniper, according to data from victims' associations and judgments by UN courts. Despite this, not a single sniper has ever been held personally accountable -- neither before Bosnian nor international courts. In verdicts against the highest officials of Republika Srpska, the UN International Criminal Tribunal for the Former Yugoslavia (ICTY) concluded that the sniper campaign had a single objective: "to terrorize the civilians." Florence Hartmann, a former spokesperson for the ICTY prosecutor's office, told RFE/RL that they "were aware" of so-called "death tourism expeditions." "We knew about it. We didn't know how it was organized. It is extremely important that a judicial investigation has been launched and that those who organized it are identified," Hartmann told RFE/RL. 'Hunting In Sarajevo' Benjamina Karic, mayor of Sarajevo's Centar municipality, was one year old when the war began. After watching the premiere of a documentary about the alleged killings, Sarajevo Safari, in 2022, she filed a criminal complaint with Bosnia's Prosecutor-General's Office and later with Italian authorities. "That rich people came to Sarajevo on weekends to kill our children -- it's the darkest thing one can imagine," Karic told RFE/RL. She received no response until mid-2025. In August, through the Italian Embassy in Bosnia, she filed an additional criminal complaint with new information provided by Italian journalist Ezio Gavazzeni. Gavazzeni took an interest in the case and contacted prosecutors in Milan with the help of former judge Guido Salvini, but neither he nor Salvini responded to RFE/RL's inquiry. "Everything that has been happening lately gives a glimmer of hope that at least a fraction of justice will be served," Karic told RFE/RL. In several ICTY verdicts, the UN court emphasized that the sniper campaign was designed to "terrorize civilians." "Sarajevo civilians were targeted by snipers while going to fetch water. Snipers fired at children as they played in front of their homes, walked with their parents, returned from school, or rode their bicycles," said judge O-Gon Kwon, reading the verdict against Radovan Karadzic, the wartime president of Republika Srpska, who was sentenced to life imprisonment in 2019. During the trial of Dragomir Milosevic -- the commander of the Sarajevo-Romanija Corps of the Army of Republika Srpska, who was sentenced by the ICTY to 29 years in prison in 2007 -- American firefighter John Jordan testified about foreigners who paid to come to Sarajevo and shoot civilians from positions held by Serbian forces. "The locals carried certain weapons, and when a guy shows up with a weapon that looks more like he ought to be hunting boar in the Black Forest [in Germany] than in urban combat in the Balkans -- when you see him handling it and can obviously tell he's a novice at moving around rubble, you know, if it walks like a duck, talks like a duck, it's a duck," Jordan said in February 2007. According to the criminal complaint filed with the Milan prosecutor's office, there was allegedly a "price list" for the so-called "Sarajevo Safari" for wealthy foreigners, including Americans, Canadians, Russians, and Italians. Children were said to be the most expensive targets, followed by women, then men, while the elderly could allegedly be killed for free, according to the ANSA news agency. Italian media also report that during the war, Bosnian intelligence services, based on how the operation was organized, believed that the State Security Service (SDB) of Serbia and the former head of the Serbian secret service, Jovica Stanisic -- later sentenced to 15 years in prison by the UN ICTY for war crimes -- were behind the operation. 'Verifying The Allegations' If prosecutors in Milan bring indictments and prove guilt, it would mark the first case where sniper killings of civilians in Bosnia-Herzegovina are brought before a court. In May 2021, Bosnia's Prosecutor-General's Office opened a case against several individuals following the release of a video -- the authenticity of which RFE/RL could not confirm -- showing one of the snipers from the Army of Republika Srpska boasting that he had "hit someone right in the head." "On April 2, 2025, the...prosecutor's office of Bosnia-Herzegovina transferred the case to the [lower] prosecutor's office of the Sarajevo canton regarding sniper activity in Sarajevo. The assigned prosecutor is actively taking steps to verify the allegations in the report," Azra Bavcic, spokeswoman for the prosecutor's office of Sarajevo Canton, told RFE/RL. According to the High Judicial and Prosecutorial Council of Bosnia-Herzegovina, more than 3,200 war crimes cases remain unresolved in the country, over 2,900 of which are "in the initial phase," meaning that no suspects have been identified or the crimes have not been fully investigated. More than 150 suspects are currently outside Bosnia, mainly in Serbia and Croatia. Croatia and Serbia do not extradite their own citizens to other countries, and they can only be tried within their jurisdictions. Enver Iseric, a law professor from Sarajevo, told RFE/RL that Bosnia's Prosecutor-General's Office has not even prosecuted all the individuals on the so-called "A list" provided by the UN court, "which should have been a priority." "That's why no Bosnian war criminal has ever been prosecuted for sniping children, or for paying to come to Bosnia to kill and satisfy their animalistic urges. Thirty years after the war, hundreds of war criminals still walk freely, while their victims see them on the streets." Source: Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shaheen, Risch Statement on Tanzanian Elections Senate Foreign Relations Committee November 13, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, U.S. Senators Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) and Jim Risch (R-ID), Ranking Member and Chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, released the statement below regarding the recent Tanzanian elections. "On Wednesday, October 29th, Tanzania held elections marred by state-sponsored political repression, targeted abductions and manipulation. Tanzania's election was decided well before October 29th. In response to these less than credible elections, Tanzanians took to the streets to display their deep frustration and anger. Unfortunately, instead of heeding calls for reforms and electoral transparency, the Government of Tanzania's heavy handed security response resulted in the death of hundreds and the abduction and imprisonment of many more. "Tanzania has experienced an unprecedented level of violence over the course of the election. Internet shutdowns disrupted business operations, limited communications, and left Tanzanian citizens isolated. Tanzania's ruling party has created an environment of fear that challenges the security of the country and neighboring countries. "For decades, the U.S.-Tanzania relationship has been built on shared democratic values, global security, economic prosperity and strategic investment. Tanzania's continued pivot from the rule of law, reform and good governance demands a genuine assessment of the U.S. bilateral relationship with Tanzania." ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Risch, Ricketts, Colleagues Applaud Trump Admin's Exclusion of UNRWA from Gaza Peace Process Senate Foreign Relations Committee November 13, 2025 WASHINGTON -- U.S. Senator Jim Risch (R-Idaho), chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, joined Senator Pete Ricketts (R-Neb.), a senior member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, and 24 colleagues in a letter applauding President Trump and Secretary Rubio for excluding the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) from the Gaza peace process, citing UNRWA's ties to Hamas. "As discussions on Gaza's future continue, we must avoid repeating the mistakes that empowered the terror group to take hold in the first place," the lawmakers wrote. "For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza, yet extensive reporting, investigations, and intelligence assessments documented systemic infiltration of the agency by Hamas and other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations. "In response to these alarming findings, the United States rightfully suspended funding to UNRWA and Israel barred the agency from operating on its territory," the lawmakers continued. "These steps were necessary because UNRWA has shown it cannot maintain neutrality or operate without being co-opted by terrorists. During your recent visit to Israel, you reaffirmed UNRWA's ties to terrorism, describing the agency as 'a subsidiary of Hamas' and making clear that it 'is not going to play any role' in the delivery of aid to Gaza. Reinstating UNRWA would only recreate the very conditions that allowed Hamas to entrench itself and exert control in Gaza." "We strongly urge the administration to ensure that UNRWA play no role in any efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza," the lawmakers concluded. "Instead, we encourage the United States to work with vetted international partners, trusted regional actors, and nongovernmental organizations that are demonstrably free of terrorist influence and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace." Additional signers included Senators Steve Daines (R-Mont.), Ted Budd (R-N.C.), Cynthia Lummis (R-Wyo.), Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.), John Cornyn (R-Texas), Roger Wicker (R-Miss.), Tom Cotton (R-Ark.), Tim Scott (R-S.C.), Susan Collins (R-Maine), Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), John Boozman (R-Ark.), Tim Sheehy (R-Mont.), Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.), Deb Fischer (R-Neb.), Shelley Moore Capito (R-W. Va.), Ted Cruz (R-TX), James Lankford (R-OK), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), Dave McCormick (R-Pa.), Katie Britt (R-Ala.), and John Hoeven (R-N.D.). Full text of the letter can be found here and below: Dear Secretary Rubio, We write in support of the Trump administration's efforts to advance lasting stability in Gaza and enduring security for Israel. President Trump's leadership has been instrumental in negotiating and maintaining the ceasefire agreement and in securing the ongoing release of hostages. It is vital to continue applying maximum pressure on Hamas to release the remaining hostages still held in Gaza. We also commend the administration's continued commitment to ensuring that Hamas is fully disarmed and can never rule again in the territory. As discussions on Gaza's future continue, we must avoid repeating the mistakes that empowered the terror group to take hold in the first place. For decades, the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (UNRWA) has operated in Gaza, yet extensive reporting, investigations, and intelligence assessments documented systemic infiltration of the agency by Hamas and other U.S.-designated foreign terrorist organizations. At least twelve UNRWA employees took part in the Hamas-led October 7 attacks, and roughly ten percent of UNRWA's Gaza staff have ties to terrorist groups, with many more having close relatives involved in these organizations. Since October 7, Hamas has repeatedly stolen the agency's aid and supplies, weapons have been found in its schools, tunnel infrastructure has been uncovered in or near its facilities, and its buildings were even used to hold hostages. Long before the war, UNRWA's curriculum was already known to radicalize Palestinian youth by promoting antisemitism and glorifying terrorism. In response to these alarming findings, the United States rightfully suspended funding to UNRWA and Israel barred the agency from operating on its territory. These steps were necessary because UNRWA has shown it cannot maintain neutrality or operate without being co-opted by terrorists. During your recent visit to Israel, you reaffirmed UNRWA's ties to terrorism, describing the agency as "a subsidiary of Hamas" and making clear that it "is not going to play any role" in the delivery of aid to Gaza. Reinstating UNRWA would only recreate the very conditions that allowed Hamas to entrench itself and exert control in Gaza. We strongly urge the administration to ensure that UNRWA play no role in any efforts to stabilize, govern, and rebuild Gaza. Instead, we encourage the United States to work with vetted international partners, trusted regional actors, and nongovernmental organizations that are demonstrably free of terrorist influence and committed to transparency, accountability, and peace. We appreciate your leadership and stand prepared to work with the Trump administration to support Gaza reconstruction efforts and ensure lasting security for Israel. Sincerely, ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Spanish Government condemns serious escalation of violence in West Bank Spain - Ministry of Foreign Affairs PRESS STATEMENT 117 13 Nov 25 The Spanish Government condemns the serious escalation of violence in the West Bank, which is reaching unprecedented levels. The actions of violent settlers continue to threaten the safety and integrity of the Palestinian population, attacking their property and assets and destroying their livelihoods, such as olive groves and business infrastructure. Spain reiterates its particular concern about attacks on places of worship, such as yesterday's arson attack on the mosque in the town of Deir Istiya. The Spanish Government also rejects the policy of settlement expansion, including the latest unilateral decision by the Israeli Ministry of Defence defining the boundaries of thirteen settlements in the West Bank, which constitutes a flagrant violation of international law. Spain urges the Israeli Government to put a decisive end to violence and impunity and to bring those responsible for these actions to justice. These violent actions jeopardise efforts to achieve peace, based on the US peace plan and the New York Declaration, as well as threatening the viability of the State of Palestine and undermining the implementation of the two-State solution. NON OFFICIAL TRANSLATION NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US Military Shielded From Legal Liability for Attacks on Boats in Caribbean Sea Sputnik News 20251113 MOSCOW (Sputnik) The US Justice Department's Office of Legal Counsel issued a classified opinion stating that US military personnel involved in attacks on boats in the Caribbean Sea will not face legal liability in the future, the Washington Post reported, citing people familiar with the matter. In recent months, the US armed forces have repeatedly targeted vessels suspected of carrying drugs off Venezuela's coast. In late September, NBC News reported that the US military was exploring options for strikes against drug traffickers inside Venezuela. The classified opinion was prompted by government concerns over the legality of such strikes, the report said. In October, The New York Times reported that the administration of US President Donald Trump surreptitiously authorized the CIA to carry out secret action in Venezuela, including deadly strikes inside the country, intensifying a campaign against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his government. In August, the United States deployed several vessels, including three destroyers, an amphibious assault ship, a missile cruiser, and a nuclear submarine, as well as nearly 4,500 marines to the Caribbean under the pretext of countering drug-related activity allegedly coming from Venezuela. Caracas firmly rejects the allegations. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Secretary Rubio's Meeting with Argentine Foreign Minister Quirno US Department of State Readout Office of the Spokesperson November 13, 2025 The below is attributable to Principal Deputy Spokesperson Tommy Pigott: Today, Secretary of State Marco Rubio met with Argentine Minister of Foreign Affairs Pablo Quirno to congratulate him on his appointment and to reaffirm the United States' commitment to deepening our bilateral relationship. Secretary Rubio commended President Milei's continued leadership in advancing regional stability and welcomed the government's efforts to implement reforms following the recent midterm elections. During the meeting, Secretary Rubio and Foreign Minister Quirno discussed expanding cooperation on economic growth, technology, energy resources, illegal immigration, and security. The Secretary also welcomed Argentina's commitment to encouraging long-term investment opportunities by strengthening infrastructure, advancing regulatory reforms and addressing security concerns. Both leaders agreed to continue close coordination on immigration issues and to work toward resolving outstanding matters related to U.S. business interests in Argentina. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Report by the Acting Head of the OSCE Mission to Moldova: UK statement, November 2025 Speech Ambassador Holland underlines UK support for the work of the Mission across its three lines of activity, and welcomes recent statements by the Government of Moldova on an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Holland Published 13 November 2025 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 13 November 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Thank you, Acting Head of Mission, for the work of your team over the last six months and for helpful presentation this morning. In the spirit of utilising your time to engage in dialogue, allow me to keep this statement brief and ask two questions. The United Kingdom fully supports the continued work of the Mission across its three lines of action during the reporting period, particularly in promoting dialogue between communities, monitoring in and around the Security Zone, and supporting access of Transnistrian residents to documentation and healthcare services. We reiterate our call for a return to a full 12-month directive to ensure the Mission has the stability and predictability it needs to fulfil its vital role. The UK reiterates our congratulations to Moldova on the successful conduct of parliamentary elections on 28 September, despite attempts by malign actors to weaponise the information environment and subvert Moldova's democracy. The UK will continue to support Moldova in defending its democratic institutions from Russian interference - including through our close engagement on cyber, counter-disinformation and judicial cooperation. The UK also welcomes the recent statements from the Government of Moldova on the announcement of work towards an action plan for the gradual reintegration of Transnistria and the appointment of Deputy Prime Minister for Reintegration Valeriu Chiveri. I'd be interested in your views, Acting Head of Mission, on how the OSCE Mission can best support this process. Secondly, you referenced the high vacancy rate and the challenges in retaining staff. To what extent would agreement of a Unified Budget - even one at Zero Nominal Growth - positively impact the day to day working of the Mission? In closing, I would like to reiterate that the UK will continue to support the OSCE Mission to Moldova in delivering across all areas of its mandate, and to Moldova's continued peace and stability. Thank you, Mr Chair. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Daily Press Briefing by the Office of the Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Department of Public Information . News and Media Division . New York 13 November 2025 The following is a near-verbatim transcript of today's briefing by Stephane Dujarric, Spokesman for the Secretary-General. ** Briefing Good afternoon. Just a reminder, at 1:30 p.m., in this very room, you will be hearing from Philippe Lazzarini, the Commissioner-General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), who is here in New York, where he briefed the Fourth Committee (Special Political and Decolonization) a bit earlier today. And then he will be speaking here with you at 1:30 p.m. ** Deputy Secretary-General Our Deputy Secretary-General, Amina Mohammed, is traveling to Kigali, Rwanda to participate in the Second Edition of the African Renaissance Retreat. This retreat will bring together some of Africa's most prominent leaders from business, government and development to help shape and accelerate the continent's transformation. During her visit, the Deputy Secretary-General will be meeting with senior government officials to discuss advancing the implementation of the 2030 Agenda and the African Union's Agenda 2063. The Deputy Secretary-General will also speak at the African School of Governance a pan-African institution shaping the next generation of policymakers. She is expected to return back to New York on Monday. ** Health/COP30 I have a bit of an update for you from Brazil, where as you know, COP30 is being held, in Belem. At COP30 today, it is Health Day. In his remarks at the Health and Climate Ministerial Meeting, Simon Stiell, the UN Climate Change Executive Secretary, noted that in a big city like Belem, in the Amazon, we are reminded of the deep connection between human health and the health of our planet, and of our shared responsibility to take care of both. Mr. Stiell underscored that today's launch of the Belem Health Action Plan is a vital step forward. Led by the Government of Brazil and the World Health Organization, it integrates adaptation, equity and climate justice, the three pillars of a resilient society. As the world faces record-breaking temperatures, an Extreme Heat Risk Governance Framework and Toolkit was launched today at COP30, and that toolkit was launched to help countries strengthen governance, coordination, and investment in response to escalating heat risks. The new Framework and Toolkit were developed by an international collaboration of national and global experts, led jointly by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the UN Office for Disaster Risk Reduction, the Global Heat Health Information Network and Duke University in the United States. It responds to the Secretary-General's Call to Action on Extreme Heat. WMO points out that extreme heat claims more than half a million lives every year and has resulted in a record 639 billion potential work hours lost in 2024. ** Refugees/COP30 And for its part, the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), launched today the Refugee Environmental Protection Fund, the world's first large-scale, refugee-driven carbon finance initiative. The Fund will support reforestation, cleaner cooking and green jobs that link environmental recovery with sustainable livelihoods and protection outcomes. The Fund's first projects, launching in Uganda and Rwanda, mark the first step towards the initiative's 10-year goal of restoring more than 100,000 hectares of land and expanding clean energy access to 1 million people. The Fund is also already exploring opportunities to expand its work in both Brazil and Bangladesh. UNHCR notes that across refugee-hosting nations, almost 25 million trees are cut down each year for cooking fuel. This deforestation weakens soil, worsens floods and droughts and makes farming less productive. ** Food Waste/COP30 Also today, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) and its partners launched an initiative to cut food waste in half by 2030 and cut up to 7 per cent of methane emissions as part of efforts to slow climate change. UNEP notes that the world wastes more than 1 billion tons of food every year, contributing up to 10 per cent of global greenhouse-gas emissions. It accounts for up to 14 per cent of methane emissions, which is a short-lived climate pollutant that is 84 times more potent at warming the atmosphere than carbon dioxide over 20 years. Funded by the Global Environment Facility, the UN Environment Programme will launch a $3 million, four-year global project to implement the targets of the Food Waste Breakthrough. ** Occupied Palestinian Territory Turning to the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory. Since the latest ceasefire, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) have been leading a number of assessments across Gaza to areas where people are living or have moved, including those who are in close proximity to the so-called "Yellow Line", where as you know Israeli ground forces remain present. Our teams note that communities in these areas urgently need aid, and it is essential that services are restored quickly. These assessments will inform a rapid response by ourselves and our partners to the most critical needs, which include water, food, shelter, hygiene supplies and healthcare. As winter takes hold, our partners working on shelter distributed thousands of tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses and clothing kits to vulnerable people across Gaza. That was done on Monday. Our partners are reporting important progress in improving healthcare, with 27 health service points reopened or newly established across Gaza since the latest ceasefire came into effect. However, as we've warned many times, multiple impediments are still restricting our ability to scale up the response as quickly and efficiently as we have the capacity to do. Once again, we underscore the need to open additional crossings, to resolve bottlenecks, fully facilitate the operations of humanitarian agencies, and provide safety guarantees for our convoys. Our partners working to support water, sanitation and hygiene note that various equipment needed to improve critical infrastructure and address the public health risks remain blocked by Israeli authorities from entering Gaza. Such equipment includes machines that are urgently needed to contain and properly dispose of medical waste. Not having such equipment inside Gaza, as you can imagine, increases public health risks and contributes to the already dire sanitary and hygiene situation across Gaza. Regarding the West Bank, I can tell you that we are deeply disturbed by the attack by Israeli settlers who set fire overnight to a mosque in a West Bank village. Such attacks on places of worship are completely unacceptable. We have and will continue to condemn attacks by Israeli settlers on Palestinians and their property in the West Bank. Israel, as the occupying power, has a responsibility to protect the civilian population and ensure that those responsible for these attacks, including this attack on a mosque and the spray painting of horrendous language on a mosque, be brought to account. ** Sudan Turning to Sudan and the increasingly dire situation there, our colleagues at the World Food Programme (WFP) warn that more than 21 million people that's 45 per cent of the entire population in Sudan are now facing acute food insecurity after more than two and a half years of this conflict. As you well know, famine has been confirmed in El Fasher and Kadugli, both largely cut off from aid. However, in nine other locations where WFP has maintained consistent access, famine-like conditions have been reversed thanks to sustained assistance. WFP stresses that where conflict has eased and humanitarian operations have expanded, hunger has declined, showing that consistent access is the difference between starvation and actual recovery. The agency is currently reaching over 4 million people each month with emergency food, cash and nutrition support, including in previously hard-to-reach areas across Darfur, Kordofan, Khartoum and Al Jazira States. With more resources, WFP could double its reach to 8 million people monthly and further reduce the risk of famine spreading into the hardest-hit areas. But, without additional support, this fragile progress could quickly be undone. We join the World Food Programme in urging the international community to continue stepping up, with the support and funding needed to help people in Sudan who so desperately need help. ** Somalia From Somalia, our colleagues at the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs inform us that severe drought in the country is putting millions of people's lives at risk, with humanitarian aid severely limited due to dwindling funding. This week, the Government declared a nationwide drought emergency. The drought is particularly severe in the eastern and northern regions, but it is spreading to central and south Somalia, as well. Our colleagues tell us that approximately 3.4 million people in Somalia are currently experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity, with more than 620,000 of them facing emergency levels of food insecurity. Between October and December of this year, more than 1 in 5 people in Somalia this is at least 4.4 million men, women and children are projected to face high levels of food insecurity. The nutrition situation is equally alarming, with 1.9 million children under the age of five expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between August of this year and July of next year. Our humanitarian colleagues say that the new Government drought declaration calls on humanitarian agencies to scale up life-saving efforts in the areas of nutrition, health, water and food security. The appeal comes as aid organizations have been forced to reduce or suspend emergency assistance due to crippling funding shortfalls. The $1.4 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 22 per cent funded, with $317 million in the bank so far. Our colleagues warn that, as a result, the number of people receiving emergency food aid will drop sharply, from 1.1 million in August to 350,000 only this month. This means that less than 1 in 10 people who need food assistance for survival will receive aid. Again, we urge donors to give and to give generously to our humanitarian appeals. ** AU-UN Annual Conference And just for the record, I wanted to note that yesterday afternoon, the Secretary-General and Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, the Chairperson of the African Union Commission spoke to you, at the conclusion of the ninth African UnionUnited Nations annual conference. The Secretary-General said our collaboration with the African Union has never been stronger or more necessary, adding that since the start of his mandate. he has taken steps to keep the African continent high on the UN agenda. A closer strategic alliance with the AU was at the centre of this work, he said, building on shared values, mutual respect, common interests and complementarity. Turning to climate, and as he prepares to return to Belem, the Secretary-General reiterated that developed countries have a moral imperative to act. By closing the climate ambition gap to keep the 1.5C limit within reach, and by doubling adaptation finance to at least $40 billion this year and massively scaling up adaptation finance in the years to come. ** UNDSS/Event I just wanted to add something just an event I wanted to flag for you is that we're the thirteenth today. Correct? Yes. Tomorrow at 10 a.m., there will be a an event in Conference Room 8, which I think you can watch virtually, recognizing 20 years of our since the creation of the UN Department of Safety and Security, a department which, as you know, was created as part of the review and studies done after the Baghdad bombing and has done amazing work in trying to ensure that our colleagues can do their work in safety and security throughout the world. This awkward silence means you can ask questions. Edie? ** Questions and Answers Question : Thank you, Steph. The US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, said today that there was great concern following the takeover of El Fasher by the RSF that so few people came out of the city when thousands were expected. And he said that this indicated that either they were dead, too sick to travel, or totally malnourished. Does the United Nations share those concerns about so many missing people from El Fasher? Spokesman : Very much so. And I think we've been talking and raising the alarm on the situation in El Fasher for a long time. As you know, it is a place where there was famine. It's a place that has been bombed. It's a place that has suffered from floods. I think you heard from Amy Pope, yesterday. We hope to have Mr. Fletcher, who's on his way to Darfur, speak to you on Monday, from Sudan. We're trying to do whatever we can to help those who have made it out. And the reports we've received from those who've made it to Tawila and other places are horrendous to say the least. And I think we can only... I mean, I don't know if we can even imagine what we will find when we get access to El Fasher. Linda, then Gabriel. Question : Thank you, Steph. Mr. Lazzarini just told the Fourth Committee that he felt that UNRWA is crucial to implementing President Trump's 20-Point Plan for Gaza. And of course, as we know, the US is not contributing or hasn't been, I gather, since Biden Administration. I was just wondering what the Secretary-General's point of view is regarding the importance UNWRA in...? Spokesman : UNWRA provides critical services, to Palestinians, in Gaza, in the West Bank, in Lebanon, in Syria and Jordan. I think the Secretary-General has always been very supportive of UNWRA. Gabriel Elizondo, Al Jazeera. Question : Thank you, Steph. Our reporters in Gaza City are telling us no aid has entered in through the Zikim Crossing yet. From the UN standpoint, can you give us an update on what's going...? Spokesman : That's correct. I mean from our standpoint, no aid has come in from Zikim into Gaza. Roads are still being checked. We're also trying to work out some of the procedures. I can tell you that I just looked at the website of the 2720 mechanism, which I would encourage all of you to look because it's full of a lot of granular data. A number of trucks have been offloaded. As you remember, trucks have to be offloaded from Israeli trucks taken down and then put on Palestinian trucks. So, things are moving, but not moving fast enough. And the bottom line is, I think, is that no aid has been picked up in the last few days from Zikim to be able to be delivered into Gaza. Question : And just a brief follow-up on the Mosque attack in the occupied West Bank. Took note of your statement, but is the Secretary-General concerned that continued attacks of Palestinians by Israeli settlers in the occupied West Bank could, endanger the Gaza ceasefire? Spokesman : Well, I mean, that's clear. Right? But, we're... I mean, we are condemning these acts not only because of the risks they pose, but because of the very acts and what... because of what exactly is happening with these attacks on civilians are unacceptable. I think the attack and the defacing of a place of worship is particularly heinous. Madam, but we'll go down as we flow. Question : Can you... there reports I mean, are pictures going around the Internet that the Israelis are building a wall in southern Lebanon? Spokesman : I'm not unable to... I'm not in a position to confirm that. Dezhi? Question : A follow-up also on Kim's question. You just mentioned that there are multiple impediments that restricting the ability to scale up your humanitarian work in Gaza. Zikim is not open. Am I under... is this understanding correct? Spokesman : Well, what I think what I just... your understanding should be what I just told you. Question : What I want to ask is, so UN has already made preparation for the opening of...? Spokesman : That's correct. We're in the process of doing that. Question : But, what's the... why is the delay? Spokesman : Well, I mean, part of it are... is that as I think I explained yesterday was that there had to be trucks could be brought there and then offloaded one day and then reloaded another day. Right? They had to be it was slow. Not enough not all of the things that we need are allowed to be brought in. We're still checking, and we're still checking the road. Question : So, the other thing is the equipment, which has also restriction by the Israeli authority. Did they give any reason why they don't allow those the waste? Spokesman : I think those are questions you should ask them. Ibtisam? Question : I have two follow ups. First, on El Fasher and on getting more information about what's happening there. Are you also trying to get maybe satellite images? Or... Spokesman : I will... we have through various UN agencies, we have some access to satellite images, but I'll check where we are on those. Question : On Gaza, you had similar I mean, it's not clear for me why actually the UN is not asking for a cross-border mandate as you did in Syria when you were not able to get to some areas. And you had the possibility to still deliver aid despite all the challenges you have... Gaza has a Rafah...? Spokesman : We would like to see Rafah opened, as well. I think this is not the same, I would say, legal framework that we're talking about in terms of Syria, but there are a series of resolutions from the Security Council, notably 2723, calling for aid to come in. So, I mean, we have the resolutions are there. What we need is for them to be implemented, and we need to see... we need to see an easier way to handle... to kind of let the aid get into Gaza. Question : But, you have been, I mean, it... Gaza under blockade for 19 years and not only in the last two years, and you have been not able to get the aid you wanted to get in. So, there must be a different solution because what has been happening until now, it's not working. There is a...? Spokesman : I'm not going to argue that point with us, but it is one that we keep arguing with our Israeli counterparts and also in discussions with the Americans and with the Egyptians, is to let the aid get in. Islam. Question : Thank you, Stephane. Question on Zikim Crossing. Are there any trucks, UN trucks or partners' trucks at the moment at Israeli side under the process that...? Spokesman : I mean, there's aid that is registered through the 2720 mechanism, which has been offloaded, brought into Zikim Crossing, offloaded, but it has yet to be... we've yet to be able to pick it up and drive it into Gaza. Question : Any time frame, any expectation when they may...? Spokesman : We would like it to have done it yesterday. Question : And on another question, yesterday, the Secretary-General said the ceasefire in Gaza is fragile but holding, yet repeatedly violated. Does the UN itself have any way tracked these violations? Spokesman : No. We are not part of a monitoring mechanism for ceasefire violations. There are a group of countries, the guarantors, should be doing that. Question : Thank you, Steph. Today in Geneva, the UN Committee against Torture in its sixth periodic report of Israel made a statement saying they were appalled of reports indicating that there had been systemic and widespread torture of Palestinian detainees by Israeli soldiers. Does the Secretary-General have any comments? And were there any requests or intent to launch further independent investigations? Spokesman : Yes. I mean, there are a number of investigative mechanisms that are mandated to look into these very serious allegations, but the Israeli authorities need to cooperate with them. Alex? Question : Thanks, Steph. There have been some reports saying Mr. [Raphael] Grossi is in Russia's Kaliningrad. Could you please confirm his trip or what we should call Vienna? Spokesman : I like it when you answer. You give yourself, you give me an out, Alex. So, yes, pick up the phone and dial Vienna. Any questions online? I'll go back to the room. Okay. Islam, please. Question : I'm going to follow-up my own question. According to the UN, the information you obtained, how many times Israel violated the ceasefire in Gaza since 10 October? Spokesman : Again, we're not monitoring ceasefire violations. Right? So, whatever information we have or is publicly available information, it is not our information. I think that is something to check with the guarantors of the ceasefire. All right. Thank you all. We shall see you back at 1:30 p.m. in this very room if you're so inclined. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Gaza: War has made children violent, sad and bereft 13 November 2025 - More than nine in 10 children in Gaza are displaying signs of aggressive behaviour linked to more than two years of war between Hamas and Israel, welfare agencies have reported. Issuing a warning that the children's sense of stability and security has been eroded as key everyday services have collapsed, humanitarians insist that young Gazans will need "sustained, long-term efforts to recover". According to child safety partner assessments conducted in September, shared by the UN aid coordination office (OCHA), 93 per cent exhibited aggressive behaviour and 90 per cent were violent towards younger children. Sadness and withdrawal are almost as common (86 per cent), along with disturbed sleep (79 per cent) and widespread refusal to study (69 per cent). Violence every day While a fragile ceasefire holds, the deadly violence and insecurity have not ended entirely, with Israeli military strikes near or east of the so-called "Yellow Line". This is where the Israeli military remains deployed, amounting to more than 50 per cent of the Gaza Strip, OCHA said. In an update, the UN aid office noted that access to the sea remains prohibited; it also cited reports that Palestinian fishers continue to be detained at sea by Israeli forces. "In areas beyond the 'Yellow Line'...daily detonations of residential buildings continue to be reported and access to humanitarian assets, public infrastructure and agricultural land remains restricted or altogether barred," the OCHA update states. One million still homeless Out of Gaza's 2.1 million population, approximately a million live in 862 displacement sites today. More than half of these sites are in the southernmost area of Khan Younis, 264 are in Deir al Balah, 180 are in Gaza and North Gaza governorates and eight are in Rafah. Many camps are overcrowded, increasing the dangers for girls and children - particularly those with disabilities at risk from violence, neglect and dangerous access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) facilities. The UN Palestine relief agency, UNRWA, said that around 75,000 people are living in around 100 of its designated shelters and surrounding areas. Rising anxiety UN aid partners providing assistance to youngsters report that they suffer from heightened anxiety, behavioural changes and growing concern over the ongoing lack of safe spaces. In the four weeks since an agreed pause in fighting, humanitarian partners have delivered child protection services to more than 132,000 across the Gaza Strip. This includes nearly 1,600 children with disabilities and 45,000 caregivers, OCHA said. Assistance has included individual psychological consultations, group sessions, stress management activities, recreational psychosocial support and referrals for further help. The aim is to reach more than 100,000 children each month to address the needs of nearly one million children in the Gaza Strip. The development came as the Israeli authorities announced the reopening of Zikim crossing following an eight-week closure. The crossing links Israel and northern Gaza and will reopen for humanitarian cargo, OCHA said. In recent weeks, the UN has been repairing the road leading to Zikim inside Gaza in preparation for the reopening and is now carrying out final checks - including for potential explosive hazards - to enable the resumption of cargo collection. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Today's top news: Occupied Palestinian Territory, Somalia UNOCHA - United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs Occupied Palestinian Territory Humanitarians scale up Gaza response despite ongoing impediments The UN and its partners continue working to help hundreds of thousands of vulnerable families across the Gaza Strip.* In recent weeks, the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) has been leading a number of assessments across Gaza to areas where people are living or have moved, including in close proximity of the so-called "Yellow Line," where Israeli ground forces remain present. Humanitarian teams note that communities in these areas urgently need aid - and it is essential that services are restored quickly. These assessments will inform a rapid response by the UN and its partners to the most critical needs, which include water, food, shelter, hygiene supplies and healthcare. As winter takes hold, partners working on shelter distributed thousands of tarpaulins, blankets, mattresses and clothing kits to vulnerable people across Gaza on Monday. Regarding ongoing efforts to improve access to healthcare, partners report important progress, with 27 health service points reopened or newly established across Gaza since the ceasefire came into effect. However, multiple impediments are still restricting humanitarians' ability to scale up the response as quickly and efficiently as they have the capacity to do. Once again, the UN and its partners underscore the need to open additional crossings, resolve bottlenecks, fully facilitate the operations of humanitarian agencies, and provide safety guarantees for humanitarian convoys. Partners working to support water, sanitation and hygiene note that various equipment needed to improve critical infrastructure and address public health risks remains blocked by Israeli authorities from entering Gaza. Such equipment includes machines that are urgently needed to contain and properly dispose of medical waste. Not having this equipment inside the Strip increases public health risks and contributes to the already dire sanitation and hygiene situation across Gaza. *Donations made to UN Crisis Relief help UN agencies and humanitarian NGOs reach people in Gaza and the West Bank with urgent support. Somalia Drought, funding shortfalls compound humanitarian crisis OCHA reports that severe drought in Somalia is putting millions of people's lives at risk, with humanitarian aid still severely limited due to dwindling funding. On Monday, the Government declared a nationwide drought emergency. The drought is particularly severe in the eastern and northern regions, but it is spreading to central and south Somalia as well. Approximately 3.4 million people in Somalia are currently experiencing high levels of acute food insecurity - with more than 620,000 of them facing emergency levels of food insecurity. Between October and December of this year, more than one in five people in Somalia - or at least 4.4 million people - are projected to face high levels of acute food insecurity. The nutrition situation is equally alarming, with nearly 1.9 million children under the age of 5 expected to suffer from acute malnutrition between August of this year and July of next year. The new Government drought declaration calls on humanitarian agencies to scale up life-saving efforts in the areas of nutrition, health, water and food security. The appeal comes as aid organizations have been forced to reduce or suspend emergency assistance due to crippling funding shortfalls. The US$1.4 billion Humanitarian Needs and Response Plan is only 22 per cent funded, with $317 million received. OCHA warns that as a result, the number of people receiving emergency food assistance will drop sharply - from 1.1 million in August to 350,000 this month. This means that less than one in 10 people who need food assistance for survival in Somalia will receive aid. Posted on 13 November 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security Council Extends Mandate of Stabilization Mission in Central African Republic for One Year, Adopting Resolution 2800 (2025) Meetings Coverage Security Council 10041st Meeting SC/16219 13 November 2025 The Security Council today extended the mandate of the United Nations Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA) until 15 November 2026. By a recorded vote of 14 in favour and 0 against, with 1 abstention (United States), the Council adopted resolution 2800 (2025) (to be issued as document S/RES/2800(2025)). Through that text, the 15-nation organ decided that MINUSCA shall comprise up to 14,046 military personnel and expressed its firm intention to review the number of personnel following the successful completion of the electoral process scheduled in 2025 and 2026. By further terms, it recalled that MINUSCA's mandate should be implemented based on a prioritization of tasks established in the text, and, when relevant, in a sequenced manner. It also requested the Secretary-General to reflect this prioritization in the deployment of the Mission, as well as in MINUSCA's political strategy, and to align the allocation of budgetary resources according to the prioritization of mandate tasks, while ensuring appropriate resources for implementation of the mandate. The priority tasks as outlined by the resolution are: protection of civilians; support for the extension of State authority, the deployment of security forces, and the preservation of territorial integrity; good offices and support to the peace process, including implementation of the ceasefire and the Political Agreement on Peace and Reconciliation; and facilitate the immediate, full, safe and unhindered delivery of humanitarian assistance and protection of the United Nations. The Council also requested the Secretary-General to report to the Council on 15 February 2026, 15 June 2026 and 13 October 2026 on the progress in implementing MINUSCA's mandate. Introducing that text, France's delegate said it "marks an inflection point" in the Council's approach towards stabilizing the Central African Republic and noted the progress made in recent months in that country. With this resolution, MINUSCA will be able to continue its work in priority areas, such as organizing elections, protecting civilians, extending State authority across the entire territory and implementing the peace process. The Council is responding to the request of the Central African Republic to continue supporting it during the crucial period ahead, he said, adding that this is necessary to enable an orderly and successful transfer of peacekeeping responsibilities to national authorities. Central African Republic at 'Historic Turning Point', Delegate Says The Central African Republic's delegate welcomed the renewal, noting that it comes at a time when his country is engaged in a "historic turning point" as it consolidates peace, extends State authority and prepares for local and general elections. Acknowledging the budgetary challenges facing the United Nations, he hoped that the mandate renewal would go hand-in-hand with financial contributions that will enable the Mission to fulfil its mandate. "Peace in Central African Republic will only endure if it continues to be built by Central Africans themselves," he said, highlighting his Government's efforts in demobilizing armed groups and enhancing the territorial administration of justice. Thanking MINUSCA for its partnership, he said the Central African Republic never saw MINUSCA's role as a permanent solution. His Government has a clear vision for preparing for an orderly and peaceful withdrawal, boosting security across its territory and bolstering judicial institutions. Noting the request for a road map for a gradual transfer of responsibility from the Mission to the Government, he warned against a hasty transition. Speakers Welcome Mandate Renewal, Underscore Need to Preserve Peace ahead of Critical Elections Several speakers welcomed the mandate renewal and commended MINUSCA's work, including the representative of Pakistan, one of the top troop-contributing countries to MINUSCA, with 1,400 troops in the country. He described the Mission as one of the Organization's success stories, highlighting its work towards political engagement, disarmament and demobilization, as well as electoral support. Its transition should be based on ground realities, national priorities and the imperative of preserving the gains achieved, he stressed. Sierra Leone's delegate, Council President for November, speaking for his country and also for Algeria, Guyana and Somalia, welcomed the text as a demonstration of the Council's unity on MINUSCA's activities. The Central African Republic is at a critical crossroad, he said. Despite progress in restoring State authority in all parts of the country, the security situation along its borders remains concerning. The country's electoral cycle, with its four phases, has entered an active phase. Noting the liquidity challenges the UN is confronting, he stressed that predictable and sustainable financing for MINUSCA remains crucial. China's delegate added that the resolution is in line with expectations of the Central African Republic Government. It will support political stability and peace, he said, adding that MINUSCA must focus on the most pressing tasks and lay the foundation for the next phase. The Russian Federation's delegate said the Mission had proved in practice that UN peacekeeping is a unique instrument for settling armed conflict. He welcomed the Council's support for MINUSCA, despite "one country's attempt to change the parameters". Larger Troop Reductions Would Have Pushed MINUSCA to Work with 'Realistic' Budget, United States Says While agreeing that the Central African Republic is at a pivotal point, the representative of the United States, who abstained during today's vote, said his delegation had proposed extending the current mandate for six months. "We were certainly willing to negotiate on a 12-month renewal provided certain conditions were met," he said, adding that a six-month extension would have given the Council a clear picture of what to prioritize. The upcoming elections are a key indicator for MINUSCA's mandate implementation and the Central African Republic Government's commitment and ability, and they represent a milestone for moving into a consolidation phase. Peacekeeping missions should be temporary "these missions should work themselves out of a job", he said, adding that the Council should constantly review the cost and size of missions. His country has championed "high performance peacekeeping operations", he said, adding that a larger reduction would have driven the Mission to work with a realistic budget. The current text has two important elements it calls for a report on MINUSCA's progress and a transition of responsibilities. The text also expresses the Council's intent to review troop ceiling numbers after the elections, he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint Communique of the Ninth African Union-United Nations Annual Conference United Nations Secretary-General 13 November 2025 New York, UN Notes to correspondents Delivered by United Nations - African Union 1. On 12 November 2025, the Secretary-General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres and the Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, convened the Ninth African Union-United Nations Annual Conference at the United Nations Headquarters in New York. They noted with concern the current state of peace and security globally, including armed conflicts, poverty, climate and humanitarian crises, and in some cases profound disregard for international law and the shared principles of the two organizations. 2. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson discussed the three joint African Union-United Nations frameworks on peace and security, development and human rights. They welcomed the progress made in their implementation thus far. They reiterated the interlinkages among the three frameworks and the importance of the continued close collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations in these areas. 3. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson underscored the primacy of political solutions and the need to strengthen the capacities of both organizations in preventive diplomacy, conflict management and mediation. The Annual Conference emphasized the imperative to prioritize good offices missions and further strengthen collaboration and coordination between African Union and United Nations Special Representatives and Envoys deployed in various parts of the continent. 4. The African Union-United Nations Annual Conference expressed grave concern about the deteriorating security situation in the Sahel and called on urgent collective efforts to address the rapid expansion of terrorism in the region. The Annual Conference reiterated their condemnation of unconstitutional changes of government and called for the timely and peaceful return to constitutional order in affected countries. The Annual Conference recognized the importance of dialogue and collaboration between affected States and sub-regional, continental, and global organizations in addressing the political, peace, security, development and human rights challenges. 5. On Mali, the meeting expressed concern over the disruption of vital supply routes by al-Qaeda-affiliated Jama'at Nusrat al-Islam wal-Muslimin (JNIM) linking Bamako to ports in Senegal, Mauritania, and Cote d'Ivoire, causing severe shortages of fuel, food, and essential goods, with widespread power cuts and soaring prices. The Annual Conference agreed that the rapidly deteriorating situation requires the African Union and the United Nations to work together to explore all avenuesdiplomatic, humanitarian, and securityto avert a more complex multifaceted crisis and prevent the unnecessary suffering of the people in Mali and the region. 6. On Madagascar, the meeting underlined that coordination between the African Union, the Southern Africa Development Cooperation and the United Nations is to support transition authorities to restore constitutional order and promote reconciliation in Madagascar. Drawing lessons from the past, particular attention should be given to helping the Malagasy stakeholders address the underlying causes of the recurring political and institutional instability in Madagascar. The wave of youth movements challenging the inability of governments to provide for the basic needs of the population should concern and encourage the African Union and the United Nations to better support national efforts to improve governance and economic inclusion. 7. On the Great Lakes region, the African Union-United Nations Annual Conference welcomed the Peace Agreement between the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Rwanda signed in Washington DC on 27 June 2025, the Doha Declaration of Principles between the Government of the DRC and the Alliance Fleuve Congo / Mouvement du 23 Mars (AFC/M23) signed on 19 July 2025 and the Agreement establishing a Ceasefire Oversight and Verification Mechanism signed on 14 October 2025, and called on all parties to abide by their commitments. The Annual Conference commended the efforts of the African Union appointed Mediator President Faure Gnassingbe and the EAC-SADC Panel of Co-Facilitators while expressing concerns that diplomatic progress has yet to translate into tangible improvements in the security and humanitarian situation in the region. The Annual Conference underscored the need for close coordination and collaboration to ensure that ongoing peace initiatives remain complementary and mutually reinforcing, in pursuit of lasting peace, security, human rights and development in Eastern DRC and the wider Great Lakes region. 8. The Annual Conference observed that geopolitical dynamics in the Horn of Africa are becoming increasingly fragile. It expressed concern about the tensions between Ethiopia and Eritrea, and noted the need for more coordinated preventive action by both organizations. The Annual Conference also called for the full implementation of the Cessation of Hostilities Agreement (CoHA-Pretoria Agreement) and for the signatory parties to use the established mechanisms to solve any disagreement. 9. On Somalia, the Annual Conference reaffirmed that AUSSOM is essential for the stability of Somalia, the broader Horn of Africa region and the Red Sea. The meeting noted the 25 September High-level event co-hosted by the Federal Government of Somalia, the African Union, the United Nations and the United Kingdom. The Annual Conference deplored the continuing dire financial situation of AUSSOM and urged sustainable and predictable funding for the Mission. The importance of maintaining the operational effectiveness of the United Nations Support Office for Somalia (UNSOS) and its ability to deliver its mandate was also stressed, specifically its logistical support to AUSSOM and the Somali Security Forces, in line with Security Council resolution 2767 (2024). 10. Regarding South Sudan, the United Nations and the African Union expressed their concern over the ongoing political deadlock and rising tensions in South Sudan and called on all parties to urgently re-engage in the implementation of the Revitalized Peace Agreement. Both organizations reaffirmed their joint commitment to support regional efforts, including those led by IGAD, towards achieving a durable and peaceful resolution of the crisis. They agreed to strengthen coordination within the AU-UN-IGAD trilateral mechanism to accompany the South Sudanese authorities in advancing peace consolidation and stability. 11. On the Sudan, the African Union and the United Nations reiterated the calls on the warring parties for an immediate cessation of hostilities and stressed that dialogue is the only way to achieve the peace and unity that the people of Sudan demand. The African Union and the United Nations strongly condemned the atrocities committed against civilians, notably during the recent takeover of El Fasher by the Rapid Support Forces. These violations have been exacerbated by external interference and support to the parties. Both organizations reiterated their commitment to collaborate closely, including in the "Quartet" format, in efforts toward a swift and sustainable resolution to the conflict. 12. With regard to Abyei, the meeting reaffirmed the commitment to enhanced coordination with the African Union, the AU High-Level Implementation Panel (AUHIP), and the Special Envoy of the Secretary-General, with a view to advancing reconciliation, community engagement, and the political peace process in Abyei. 13. On Libya, the African Union-United Nations Annual Conference expressed its full support to the UN roadmap to enable the holding of national elections and an end to the transitional phase in Libya. It recognized the continued efforts of the African Union to promote national reconciliation. It welcomed the progress made in the signature of the Libyan National Peace and Reconciliation Charter by key political and military actors. It reaffirmed the importance of coordinated action by the international community, notably through the International Follow-up Committee on Libya and its working groups, to foster the Libyan-led and -owned political process. 14. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson reaffirmed the importance of predictable, adequate and sustainable financing for African Union-led peace support operations and underscored the need to advance the operationalization of Security Council resolution 2719 (2023), on a case-by-case basis. They emphasized the urgency of exploring options for its implementation in ongoing conflicts and crises. 15. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson welcomed the convening of the fifth meeting of the African Union-United Nations High-Level Strategic Dialogue (HLSD) on Sustainable Development. The HLDS reaffirmed the AU-UN partnership as central to Africa's transformation, setting a clear trajectory for coordinated results-oriented development efforts across the continent. It serves as a vital platform to enhance strategic coordination and mutual accountability, ensuring that UN support is aligned with the priorities of the African Union, particularly in the context of the Second Ten-Year Implementation Plan (STYIP) of Agenda 2063. In this regard, both parties called on the HLSD and the College-to-College mechanism to accelerate efforts to identify and strengthen United Nations entities' contributions to STYIP, leveraging the priority matrices of African Union Commissioners as guiding tools, noting that investment in development has a dividend for inclusive growth and lasting peace. They further noted the need to ensure effective integration of Agenda 2063 and the 2030 Agenda into national frameworks, address implementation gaps through strengthened institutional coherence, country-led implementation, data-driven decision-making and financing. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson underscored youth and women's empowerment as essential for accelerating progress across Africa. They welcomed the HLSD decision to prepare a joint roadmap ahead of the 2026 African Union Summit, strengthen the AWLN-UNDP Youth and Women Leadership Academy, and establish a new College-to-College on infrastructure, energy and digital transformation. 16. The Annual Conference also emphasized the need to support African perspectives in global policy processes and conferences. In this regard, the Secretary-General and the Chairperson welcomed General Assembly resolution 79/263, which institutionalized the Africa Dialogue Series and its High-level Policy Dialogue as a unique and mandated platform to amplify the African Union's Theme of the Year within the United Nations system. 17. Looking ahead to 2026, the African Union-United Nations Annual Conference noted the thematic convergence between the African Union's Theme of the Yearfocused on "assuring sustainable water availability and safe sanitation systems"and the United Nations Water Conference scheduled for December of the same year. Both parties committed to working together to ensure that the African Union Theme informs and enriches the United Nations Conference discussions, including through the African Dialogue Series and other collaborative initiatives. In particular, the Annual Conference highlighted the risks posed by the aggravating water crisis across the continent and called for greater collaboration between the African Union and the United Nations to overcome the crisis. The Annual Conference also looked forward to the outcome of the Ninth Session of the Africa Regional Platform and the High-Level Meeting on Disaster Risk Reduction, scheduled for 21-24 October in Namibia, and in this context called for the accelerated development of early warning systems, to attain the goal of universal coverage by 2027. 18. The African Union-United Nations Annual Conference acknowledged that sustainable development financing can only be achieved through predictable resources. In this context, the Secretary-General and the Chairperson reaffirmed their shared commitment to supporting African countries in mobilizing sustainable financing, in particular through strengthening national capacities to identify deploying de-risking mechanisms. They further underscored the primacy of domestic resource mobilization as reaffirmed by the Fourth Financing for Development Conference and the Sevilla Commitment. They also stressed the urgent need to address Africa's growing debt burden, which continues to constrain fiscal space and hinder progress towards sustainable development. Both parties agreed that sustainable development must be anchored in resilient national systems and supported by coordinated international action. 19. In this context, the African Union-United Nations Annual Conference welcomed the operationalization of the African Credit Rating Agency (AfCRA), as a critical step to address biases, lower the "Africa premium" on borrowing costs, and spur African investment. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson called for international support for AfCRA to contribute to a more equitable global financial architecture. They both reiterated the call for strengthening access to development finance by African countries from the global financial system. 20. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson commended the deepening AU-UN collaboration on digital public infrastructure and on the governance of artificial intelligence to ensure an inclusive digital transformation. They underscored the role of digital and emerging technologies in advancing development outcomes in key sectors, such as health access, smart agriculture, educational attainment and climate resilience. In this regard, they expressed support for the G20 AI for Africa Initiative and the Digital Transformation Strategy for Africa as pathways for positioning Africa as a leading global player in the digital economy. 21.Recognizing the evolving global landscape, the African Union-United Nations Annual Conference emphasized the need to restore the developmental role of multilateralism and to reinforce Member States' capacity to address structural challenges and mitigate external shocks. 22. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the Women, Peace and Security agenda as a cornerstone of inclusive and sustainable development in the world, especially Africa. They recognized the transformative potential of women's leadership in catalyzing a virtuous cycle of changeone that promotes inclusive decision-making, efficient resource use, and improved public service delivery, ultimately contributing to peace, stability, and economic growth. 23. In this context, the African Union-United Nations Annual Conference welcomed the adoption by the African Union of the Convention on Ending Violence against Women and Girls and recognized the significance of the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and the 25th anniversary of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1325 as key opportunities to advance a new approach to the Women, Peace and Security agenda that aligns with the vision of Agenda 2063 for people-driven development and durable peace. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson welcomed the role played by the African Women Leaders Network (AWLN). They further underscored the importance of advancing the Youth, Peace and Security agenda as part of their collective efforts to build inclusive, resilient and peaceful societies. 24. The AUC Chairperson and the UN Secretary General underscored the need for climate action to generate resilience and promote climate adaptation. In this regard, they welcomed the Second Africa Climate Summit's Addis Ababa outcomes and the launch of the NDC Implementation Index as milestones in NDC 3.0 preparations, emphasizing AU-UN support for adaptation, mitigation, and just energy transitions via the Africa NDC Hub. 25. The Secretary-General and the Chairperson also welcomed the ongoing elaboration of the Common African Position on Climate, Peace and Security. They underscored the importance of the Common African Position both as a means of underscoring the effects of climate change on Africa's peace, security, and development efforts, and as a means to strengthen Africa's calls for support in its sustainable financing of development. 26. The Chairperson and Secretary-General agreed to convene the Tenth African Union - United Nations Annual Conference in 2026 in Addis Ababa at a mutually convenient date. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address U.S. Coast Guard responds to Russian military vessel off Honolulu United States Coast Guard Press Release | Nov. 13, 2025 Coast Guard Oceania District External Affairs - (808) 265-7748 HONOLULU -- The U.S. Coast Guard detected and monitored a Russian military vessel operating near U.S. territorial waters approximately 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Coast Guard Cutter William Hart (WPC 1134) responded to the Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya, a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, by conducting a safe and professional overflight and transiting near the vessel. Acting in accordance with international law, Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the Russian vessel's activities near U.S. territorial waters to provide maritime security for U.S. vessels operating in the area and to support U.S. homeland defense efforts. "The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters," said Capt. Matthew Chong, chief of response, Coast Guard Oceania District. "Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests." Coast Guard Oceania District works in conjunction with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and interagency partners to constantly monitor the activity of foreign military vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters, including the waters of U.S. territories Guam and American Samoa, to ensure homeland security and defense. Under customary international law, foreign military vessels are permitted to transit and operate outside other nations' territorial seas, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from shore. -USCG- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Five Eyes strategic navy talks conclude in Wellington New Zealand Defence Force Senior naval leaders from the Five Eyes (FVEY) nations gathered in Wellington this week for high-level talks focussed on achieving a shared vision of peace, prosperity and maritime security. 14 November, 2025 Representatives from the Australian, Canadian, UK and USA navies were hosted by the Deputy Chief of the Royal New Zealand Navy, Commodore Karl Woodhead. Established under the Five Eyes Navy Talks Charter signed in 2017, the forum reflects the commitment of the five nations to global peace and security. It also provides a venue to address evolving international security challenges, including increased competition from conventional state actors, unconventional actors and threats from violent extremism. The strength of the Five Eyes naval partnership lies in unity and shared purpose and Commodore Woodhead used a Maori proverb to reinforce that ethos when he opened the talks. "Ehara taku toa i te toa takitahi, engari he toa takitini - My strength is not that of a single warrior, but that of many." "Success is never achieved in isolation," said Commodore Woodhead. "It is the combined effort, shared wisdom, courage and commitment that enable us all to navigate challenges and achieve our goals." A range of topics was discussed over the course of the talks including an overview of FVEY science and technology, a briefing on maritime warfare and a session exploring future fleet concepts The annual talks between the five navies reinforces cooperation in security, interoperability and operational warfighting, consistent with each nation's national interests and shared strategic objectives. "The relationships between us continue to be instrumental in ensuring a secure and stable maritime environment," said CDRE Woodhead. "Together, we are working toward a future that serves not only our nations' interests but also the common interests of allies, partners and all who are committed to peace, prosperity and maritime security." At the conclusion of the talks, the naval leaders attended an Armistice Day wreath-laying commemoration at the Pukeahu National War Memorial. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russo-Ukraine War - 13 November 2025 - Day 1359 Su M Tu W Th F Sa 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 A number of claims and counterclaims are being made on the Ukraine-Russia conflict on the ground and online. While GlobalSecurity.org takes utmost care to accurately report this news story, we cannot independently verify the authenticity of all statements, photos and videos. On 24 February 2022, Ukraine was suddenly and deliberately attacked by land, naval and air forces of Russia, igniting the largest European war since the Great Patriotic War. Russian President Vladimir Putin announced a "special military operation" (SVO - spetsialnaya voennaya operatsiya) in Ukraine in response to the appeal of the leaders of the "Donbass republics" for help. That attack is a blatant violation of the territorial integrity, sovereignty and independence of Ukraine. Putin stressed that Moscow's goal is the demilitarization and denazification of the country. The military buildup in preceeding months makes it obvious that the unprovoked and dastardly Russian attack was deliberately planned long in advance. During the intervening time, the Russian government had deliberately sought to deceive the world by false statements and expressions of hope for continued peace. "To initiate a war of aggression... is not only an international crime; it is the supreme international crime differing only from other war crimes in that it contains within itself the accumulated evil of the whole." [Judgment of the International Military Tribunal] The General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine reported that the Defense Forces are directing efforts to disrupt the execution of Russian invaders' offensive plans and exhaust their combat potential. Since the beginning of the day, there have been 157 combat clashes. The Russian enemy launched 30 air strikes, dropping 73 controlled aerial bombs, engaged 2,687 kamikaze drones and executed 3,624 shelling positions of Ukrainian troops and settlements. Three attacks of Russian attackers took place in the North Slobozhansky and Kursky directions. Today, theRussian enemy launched one aviation strike, dropped four controlled aviation bombs, carried out 168 shells, including two from the jet systems of salvage fire. In the south-Slobozhans komu direction, 11 combat clashes took place in the areas of vovchansk, sinelnikovoye, dvorichanskogo, red first. There is still one combat going on. In the Kupans komu direction, Russian forces made eight attacks on the position of Ukrainian troops. Fights were intense in the areas of Novoosinovogo, Petropavlivka, Pi any and Glushkivka, one fight is still ongoing. In the Lyman direction, Russian troops 12 times stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of settlements Noviy Mir, Glushchenkov, Novomikhailivka, Druzhelyubivka, Grekivka, Stavki and Lyman. The four fighting clashes are still ongoing. In the Slovak direction, Ukrainian soldiers today repelled nine attempts to attack Ukrainian positions. Units of the Russian occupiers tried to advance in the areas of the settlements of Yampil, Serebryanka, Siversk and Fedorivka. In the direction of Kramators komu, the Russian enemy did not carry out offensive actions. In the Konstantinivsky direction, the Russian occupiers today stormed the positions of Ukrainian defenders in the areas of the settlements of Pleschievka, Oleksandro-Shultyne, Scherbynivka, Rusin Yar, Sofiyivka 15 times. Defense forces held back the pressure of the Russian enemy and repelled 13 Russian attacks. In the Pokrovsky direction, the Russian zagarbniki made 47 attempts to potisniki Ukrainian units. The greatest activity is observed in the areas of settlements Suhetske, Bilitske, Razine, Rodinske, Road, Red Lyman, Pokrovsk, Mirnograd, Lisivka, Zvirove, Kotline, Udaachne, Molodetske, Dachne, Filia. So far, four locations have been fighting. According to preliminary calculations, in this direction, Ukrainian soldiers eliminated 62 and wounded 54 Russian invaders, destroyed eight unmanned aircraft and six special equipment units. Ukrainian defenders also hit the Russian opponent's automotive equipment unit. In the Oleksandrivsky direction, Russian forces tried to break through 12 times near the settlements of Yalta, Orestopil, Yegorivka, Pershotravneve and Rybne. Aviation strikes were hit by settlements Kosivtseve, Malomikhailivka, Mayak, Kyrychkove. In the direction of Gulyaipil, the Russian enemy six times attacked the positions of Defense Forces in the areas of populated areas High, Green Grove, Yablukove, Sweet, Bilogirya. There is still one combat going on. In addition, caused air strikes on settlements of ternuvate, zatishya, zaliznycne. In the Orihiv direction, the Russian aggressor carried out 12 attacks in the areas of small tokmacka, Stepovoye, Scherbakiv, Malih Scherbakiv, Primorsky, Stepnogirsk and Plavniv. In addition, the Russian opponent caused an aviation strike on the area of the settlement of novodanilivka. In the Pridniprovsk direction, the Russian enemy carried out one useless offensive action in the direction of the Antonivsky Bridge. In other directions, significant changes in the environment have not been recorded. The Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation reported that the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the special military operation. As a result of resolute actions, units of the Sever Group of Forces liberated Sinelnikovo (Kharkov region). They inflicted losses on units of one jaeger brigade and two mechanised brigades of the AFU near Khoten, Mogritsa, and Volfino (Sumy region). In Kharkov direction, units of one AFU motorised infantry brigade and one border detachment of the State Border Guard Service of Ukraine have been hit near Volchansk and Proletarka (Kharkov region). The AFU lost more than 120 troops, three tanks, two armoured fighting vehicles, seven motor vehicles, two artillery guns, one radar station, and eight materiel depots. The Zapad Group of Forces improved the situation along the front line. They inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of two mechanised brigades of the AFU, one territorial defence brigade, and one national guard brigade near Kurilovka, Petropavlovka (Kharkov region), Dronovka, and Svyatogorsk (Donetsk People's Republic). Assault detachments of the 6th Army continue to destroy enemy units close to Kupyansk (Kharkov region). Over the past 24 hours, three counter-attacks launched by units of the 151st Mechanised Brigade of the AFU have been thwarted near Monachinovka (Kharkov Region), and of the 1st and 15th National Guard Brigades close to Osinovo and Nechvolodovka (Kharkov region) with the aim to unblock the encircled units, as well as break through to the Oskol River and repair the destroyed crossing points. Up to 50 troops, one infantry fighting vehicle, two armoured fighting vehicles, 14 motor vehicles, three mortars, and three electronic warfare stations were neutralised. In total, up to 220 troops, four armoured fighting vehicles, and 29 motor vehicles have been neutralised in the Zapad Group's area of responsibility. Four ammunition depots and ten electronic warfare stations were destroyed. Yug Group's units took more advantageous lines and positions. They inflicted losses on formations of two AFU motorised infantry brigades and one National Guard Brigade near Kramatorsk, Seversk, and Konstantinovka (Donetsk People's Republic). The enemy lost up to 190 troops, three armoured fighting vehicles, two field artillery guns, 21 motor vehicles, one electronic warfare station, and two materiel depots. The Tsentr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. The manpower and hardware of one jaeger brigade, one airmobile brigade, two airborne assault brigades, four mechanised brigades, two assault regiments of the AFU, one national guard brigade, and one marine brigade near Rozy Luksemburg, Volnoye, Rodinskoye, Shevchenko, and Belitskoye (Donetsk People's Republic). In Krasnoarmeysk (Donetsk People's Republic), assault groups of the 2nd Army conduct intensive offensive actions in the north-western and eastern quarters of the Tsentralny District, as well as in the east industrial area. Clean-up of Ukrainian militants of Rog (Donetsk People's Republic) continues. Ten attacks of the 425th Skala Assault Regiment of the AFU were repelled from the area of Grishino (Donetsk People's Republic) in order to unblock an encircled group of the AFU. Up to 30 troops and six armoured fighting vehicles were neutralised. In Dimitrov (Donetsk People's Republic), units of the 5th Motorised Rifle Brigade of the 51st Army continue the offensive in the Vostochny microdistrict and southern part of the settlement, and towards the Zapadny microdistrict. Over the past 24 hours, more than 229 troops, 11 units of ammunition and military hardware, including four armoured fighting vehicles, five motor vehicles, and two field artillery guns, have been defeated in Krasnoarmeysk direction. In total, up to 510 troops, two Western-made armoured personnel carriers, three armoured fighting vehicles, two field artillery guns, and six motor vehicles were neutralised in the Tsentr Group's area of responsibility. The Vostok Group's units continue the offensive into the depths of the enemy's defence and liberated Danilovka (Dnepropetrovsk region) as a result of active actions. Russian troops inflicted losses on the formations of one mechanised brigade, one assault brigade of the AFU and one territorial defence brigade close to the Velikomikhaylovka (Dnepropetrovsk region) and Ravnopolye (Zaporozhye region). Up to 220 troops, two armoured fighting vehicles, and 10 motor vehicles have been neutralised. The Dnepr Group of Forces improved the tactical situation. They inflicted losses on manpower and hardware of one mechanised brigade and one coastal defence brigade of the AFU near Novoandreyevka, Nikolskoye, and Malaya Tokmachka (Zaporozhye region). Up to 70 troops, 13 motor vehicles, four electronic warfare stations, and one materiel depot have been neutralised. Operational-tactical aviation, attack drones, missile troops, and artillery of the Armed Forces of the Russian Federation have inflicted damage on the fuel, energy and transport infrastructure used for the interests of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, temporary deployment points of the Ukrainian formations and foreign mercenaries in the 142 areas. Up to 19 uncrewed surface vehicles and three tugboats were neutralised. Air defence systems shot down one guided aerial bomb, one Neptune long-range missile, and 157 fixed-wing unmanned aerial vehicles. Units of the Black Sea Fleet destroyed four AFU unmanned surface vehicles. In total, since the beginning of the special military operation, 668 aircraft, 283 helicopters, 96,284 unmanned aerial vehicles, 636 anti-aircraft missile systems, 26,000 tanks and other armoured fighting vehicles, 1,611 MLRS fighting vehicles, 31,274 field artillery guns and mortars, and 46,560 special military vehicles have been neutralised. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Designations of Antifa Ost and Three Other Violent Antifa Groups US Department of State Fact Sheet Office of the Spokesperson November 13, 2025 Today, the Department of State announces the designation of Antifa Ost, Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front, Armed Proletarian Justice, and Revolutionary Class Self-Defense as Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGTs) and the intent to designate all four groups as Foreign Terrorist Organizations (FTOs), effective November 20, 2025. Antifa Ost Antifa Ost (also known as Antifa East and Hammerbande) is a Germany-based militant group. Antifa Ost conducted numerous attacks against individuals it perceives as "fascists" or part of the "right-wing scene" in Germany between 2018 and 2023 and is accused of having conducted a series of attacks in Budapest in mid-February 2023. On September 26, 2025, Hungary declared Antifa Ost to be a terrorist organization and added the group to its national anti-terrorism list. Informal Anarchist Federation/International Revolutionary Front (FAI/FRI) FAI/FRI is a militant anarchist group that primarily operates in Italy with historical self-proclaimed affiliates across Europe, South America, and Asia. FAI/FRI declares the necessity of the revolutionary armed struggle against nation states and "The Fortress Europe." Since 2003, FAI/FRI has claimed responsibility for threats of violence, bombs, and letter bombs against political and economic institutions, including a courthouse and other "capitalist institutions." Armed Proletarian Justice Armed Proletarian Justice is a Greek anarchist and "anti-capitalist" group that has attempted and conducted improvised explosive device (IED) attacks against Greek government targets. Armed Proletarian Justice claimed responsibility for planting a bomb near the Greek riot police headquarters in Goudi, Greece on December 18, 2023. Revolutionary Class Self-Defense Revolutionary Class Self-Defense is a Greek anarchist and "anti-capitalist" group. The group links its actions to broader political and social issues and cites opposition to "capitalist structures," "state repression," and solidarity with Palestine. Revolutionary Class Self-Defense claimed responsibility for two IED attacks targeting the Greece Ministry of Labor (February 3, 2024) and the Hellenic Train offices (April 11, 2025). Terrorist designations expose and isolate entities and individuals, denying them access to the U.S. financial system and resources they need to carry out attacks. All property and property interests of designated individuals or groups that are in the United States or that are in possession or control of a U.S. person are blocked. U.S. persons are generally prohibited from conducting business with sanctioned persons. It is also a crime to knowingly provide material support or resources to those designated, or to attempt or conspire to do so. Persons that engage in certain transactions or activities with those designated today may expose themselves to sanctions risk. Notably, engaging in certain transactions with them entails risk of secondary sanctions pursuant to counterterrorism authorities. Today's actions are taken pursuant to section 219 of the Immigration and Nationality Act and Executive Order 13224. FTO designations go into effect upon publication in the Federal Register. Petitioners requesting removal of those designated from the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List should refer to the Department of State's Delisting Guidance page. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Treasury and Government of Mexico Partners Target Transnational Criminal Organization U.S. Department of the Treasury November 13, 2025 WASHINGTON -- Today, the Department of the Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN) joined the Government of Mexico in targeting the Hysa Organized Crime Group and numerous Mexico-based gambling establishments involved in cartel-related money laundering and a slew of other criminal activities across Mexico and Europe. This coordinated action is the result of recent U.S.-Mexico commitmentssecured during Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley's tripto work together more closely to combat narcotrafficking and related financial crime by Mexico-based drug cartels and other groups. "The United States and Mexico are working together to combat money laundering in Mexico's gambling sector. Our message to those supporting the cartels is clear: You will be held accountable," said Treasury Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence John K. Hurley. "We thank the Government of Mexico for its strong partnership in this effort." OFAC today sanctioned 27 individuals and entities, and FinCEN proposed a special measure to sever 10 Mexico-based gambling establishments' access to the U.S. financial system due to money laundering concerns. OFAC SANCTIONS TARGETING THE HYSA ORGANIZED CRIME GROUP The Hysa Organized Crime Group(HOCG), which includes family members Luftar Hysa (Luftar), Arben Hysa (Arben), Ramiz Hysa (Ramiz), Fatos Hysa (Fatos), and Fabjon Hysa (Fabjon), has used its influence through its investments in, or control over, various Mexico-based businessesincluding gambling establishments and restaurantsto launder the proceeds of narcotics trafficking. The HOCG is believed to operate with the consent of the Sinaloa Cartel, which maintains criminal control over much of the territory where the group conducts its activities. Luftar, based between Mexico and Canada, is often seen in public media as a leading member of the Hysa family, providing public interviews on his family's businesses in Mexico and Europe. Luftar, Fatos, Arben, and Fabjon have worked closely with a U.S. person to launder money, including the movement of bulk cash from Mexico to the United States, where the U.S. person's company was used to launder the funds. Luftar and Arben have utilized a Europe-based entity to enrich themselves from laundering illicit funds belonging to suspected narcotraffickers. Luftar also owns or directs several companies used by the HOCG. Arben owns or directs several companies used by the HOCG in Mexico. Arben has also been involved in the smuggling of bulk cash to the United States for the purposes of money laundering, as well as the use of gambling establishments and luxury restaurants in Mexico to launder drug money. Ramiz has been involved in the use of gambling establishments and luxury restaurants in Mexico as fronts for laundering the proceeds of the sale of narcotics. Fatos, alongside Luftar, Arben, and Fabjon, was involved in smuggling bulk cash into the United States for the purpose of laundering money. Fatos and Fabjon were also involved in the use of a Europe-based entity to enrich themselves from laundering illicit funds belonging to suspected narcotraffickers. With today's action, OFAC is also targeting several individuals and entities within HOCG's network. Mexico-based Entretenimiento Palmero, S.A. de C.V., owned by Arben, is central to the HOCG's operations. Mexican national Gilberto Lopez Lopez acts as its commissioner. Albanian national but Mexico-based Eselda Baku (formerly Eselda Hysa), Ramiz's daughter, sits on its Board of Directors. Additional companies targeted with this action include: Bliri S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Cucina Del Porto S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Diversiones Los Mochis S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) El Arte de Cocinas y Beber S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Entretenimiento Villahermosa S.A. de C.V . (Mexico) . (Mexico) Entretenimiento Y Espectaculos B.C. S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Grupo Internacional Canhysamex S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) H Hidrocarburos S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Hysa Forwarders S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) LH Pro-Gaming S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) LH Rental S.A. De C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Operadora Alejil S.A. De C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Operadora de Empresas LH S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Procesadora de Alimentos Hs S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Rosetta Gaming S.A. de C.V. (Mexico) (Mexico) Hysa Holdings Inc (Canada) (Canada) Rosetta Gaming Inc (Canada) (Canada) Rosetta Gaming SP ZOO (Poland) Treasury is designating the Hysa Organized Crime Group pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being a foreign person that constitutes a significant transnational criminal organization. Treasury is designating Luftar Hysa, Arben Hysa, Fatos Hysa, Ramiz Hysa, and Fabjon Hysa pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, the Hysa Organized Crime Group. Treasury is designating Entretenimiento Y Espectaculos B.C. S.A. de C.V., Hysa Holdings Inc, and Rosetta Gaming Inc, pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Luftar Hysa. Treasury is designating Diversiones Los Mochis S.A. de C.V., Entretenimiento Palmero S.A. de C.V., Entretenimiento Villahermosa S.A. de C.V., Grupo Internacional Canhysamex S.A. de C.V., H Hidrocarburos S.A. De C.V., and Procesadora De Alimentos S.A. De C.V. pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Arben Hysa. Treasury is designating Gilberto Lopez Lopez and Eselda Baku pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Entretenimiento Palmero S.A. de C.V. Treasury is designating Bliri S.A. de C.V., Hysa Forwarders S.A. de C.V., LH Pro-Gaming S.A. De C.V., and Operadora de Empresas LH S.A. de C.V., and Rosetta Gaming S.A. de C.V. pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Arben Hysa and Luftar Hysa. Treasury is designating Cucina del Porto S.A. de C.V., El Arte de Cocinas y Beber S.A. de C.V., and Operadora Alejil S.A. de C.V. pursuant to E.O. 13581, as amended, for being owned or controlled by or having acted or purported to act for or on behalf of, directly or indirectly, Gilberto Lopez Lopez. SANCTIONS IMPLICATIONS As a result of today's action, all property and interests in property of the designated persons described above that are in the United States or in the possession or control of U.S. persons is blocked and must be reported to OFAC. In addition, any entities that are owned, directly or indirectly, individually or in the aggregate, 50 percent or more by one or more blocked persons are also blocked. Unless authorized by a general or specific license issued by OFAC, or exempt, OFAC's regulations generally prohibit all transactions by U.S. persons or within (or transiting) the United States that involve any property or interests in property of blocked persons. Violations of U.S. sanctions may result in the imposition of civil or criminal penalties on U.S. and foreign persons. OFAC may impose civil penalties for sanctions violations on a strict liability basis. OFAC's Economic Sanctions Enforcement Guidelines provide more information regarding OFAC's enforcement of U.S. economic sanctions. In addition, financial institutions and other persons may risk exposure to sanctions for engaging in certain transactions or activities involving designated or otherwise blocked persons. The prohibitions include the making of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services by, to, or for the benefit of any designated or blocked person, or the receipt of any contribution or provision of funds, goods, or services from any such person. Furthermore, engaging in certain transactions involving the persons designated today may risk the imposition of secondary sanctions on participating foreign financial institutions. OFAC can prohibit or impose strict conditions on opening or maintaining, in the United States, a correspondent account or a payable-through account of a foreign financial institution that knowingly conducts or facilitates any significant transaction on behalf of a person who is designated pursuant to the relevant authority. The power and integrity of OFAC sanctions derive not only from OFAC's ability to designate and add persons to the Specially Designated Nationals and Blocked Persons List (SDN List), but also from its willingness to remove persons from the SDN List consistent with the law. The ultimate goal of sanctions is not to punish, but to bring about a positive change in behavior. For information concerning the process for seeking removal from an OFAC list, including the SDN List, or to submit a request, please refer to OFAC's guidance on Filing a Petition for Removal from an OFAC List. Click here for more information on the persons designated today. FINCEN PROPOSES SPECIAL MEASURE TO CUT OFF 10 GAMBLING ESTABLISHMENTS FROM THE U.S. FINANCIAL SYSTEM Concurrently, and in coordination with OFAC and the Government of Mexico, FinCEN issued a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), pursuant to section 311 of the USA PATRIOT Act, identifying transactions involving 10 Mexico-based gambling establishments as a class of transactions of primary money laundering concern. The HOCG operates these gambling establishments, which for years have been used to facilitate money laundering that benefits the Sinaloa Cartel. The gambling establishments are: Emine Casino , located in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico , located in San Luis Rio Colorado, Sonora, Mexico Casino Mirage , located in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico , located in Culiacan, Sinaloa, Mexico Midas Casino , located Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico , located Agua Prieta, Sonora, Mexico Midas Casino , located in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico , located in Los Mochis, Sinaloa, Mexico Midas Casino , located in Guamuchil, Sinaloa, Mexico , located in Guamuchil, Sinaloa, Mexico Midas Casino , located in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico , located in Mazatlan, Sinaloa, Mexico Midas Casino , located in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico , located in Rosarito, Baja California, Mexico Palermo Casino , located in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico , located in Nogales, Sonora, Mexico Skampa Casino , located in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico , located in Ensenada, Baja California, Mexico Skampa Casino, located in Villahermosa, Tabasco, Mexico To address the risks presented by these gambling establishments, FinCEN proposes in the NPRM the imposition of a special measure that would: (1) prohibit covered financial institutions from opening or maintaining a correspondent account for any foreign banking institution if such account is used to process transactions involving any of the gambling establishments; and (2) require covered financial institutions to apply special due diligence to their correspondent accounts that is reasonably designed to guard against the use of such accounts to process transactions involving any of the gambling establishments. FinCEN's NPRM, as submitted to the Federal Register, is available here. Comments on the NPRM may be submitted through https://www.regulations.gov. ### NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Joint media statement - Sydney Media statement Transcript Joint statement Wednesday 12 November 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia Prabowo Subianto President of the Republic of Indonesia ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER OF AUSTRALIA: Today, I am standing alongside my friend, Indonesian President Bapak Prabowo Subianto, to make what is a historic announcement. The governments of Australia and Indonesia have just substantively concluded negotiations on a new bilateral treaty on our common security. Australia's relationship with Indonesia is based on friendship, trust, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to peace and stability in our region. This treaty is a recognition from both our nations that the best way to secure that peace and stability is by acting together. It signals a new era in the Australia-Indonesia relationship. The treaty is predominantly based on the landmark security agreement signed by the Keating and Suharto governments 30 years ago. It will build on the 2006 Lombok Treaty that, among other things, reaffirmed Indonesia's territorial integrity and sovereignty. It also builds on the Defence Cooperation Agreement that we signed together last year. This treaty will commit Australia and Indonesia to consult at a leader and ministerial level on a regular basis on matters of security to identify and undertake mutually beneficial security activities, and, if either or both countries security is threatened, to consult and consider what measures may be taken either individually or jointly to deal with those threats. This is a watershed moment in the Australia Indonesia relationship. This treaty represents a major extension of our existing security and defence cooperation. It shows the relationship is as strong as it has ever been, and that's a great thing for our region and for the people of both Australia and Indonesia. I hope to travel to Indonesia in January next year, at the President's invitation, to formally sign the new treaty after it has gone through our domestic processes. I now hand to the President for his remarks. PRABOWO SUBIANTO, PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF INDONESIA: Thank you, Honourable Anthony Albanese, Prime Minister of Australia; ministers, high ranking officials, senior officers of the Australian Defence Forces and Australian Navy; the Captain of the HMAS Canberra; distinguished members of the media. I would like to once again thank the Government of Australia, the Prime Minister of Australia and his Government for receiving me. This is my first state visit to Australia, although I've been here many times, and I'm pleased to have been received by the Governor-General this morning. We had very good discussions, and we concluded an important agreement, an important treaty between Australia and Indonesia, committing ourselves to close cooperation in the defence and security fields, and essentially reaffirming our determination to enhance our friendship and to as partners, as close neighbours, our determination to maintain the best of relationship in order to enhance and guarantee security of both our countries. I think essentially that is the purpose. I mentioned many times that we cannot choose our neighbours, especially countries like us. It is our destiny to be direct neighbours. So, let us face our destiny with the best of intentions. I believe in the good neighbour policy. Good neighbours are essential. Good neighbours will help each other in times of difficulties. And in the Indonesian culture, we have a saying. When we face an emergency, it is our neighbour that will help us. Maybe our relatives will remain far away, but our neighbours are the closest. And only good neighbours will help each other. I think that concludes my remarks. I better not speak too much. As politicians, you know, we tend to speak a lot in front of the media. But once again, Prime Minister, Deputy Prime Minister, thank you very much for receiving me in such a grand manner. You know, I think your intelligence is very good; you know that I like bagpipes, so I'm received by bagpipes. And thank you very much. PRIME MINISTER ALBANESE: I thank the Chief of Navy and the Captain of the HMAS Canberra, and all of the naval personnel who've welcomed us here and helped to organise this visit today. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Ballarat upholds Indo-Pacific freedom By Sub-Lieutenant Jake Badior 13 November 2025 HMAS Ballarat has conducted a series of transits and patrols through the South China Sea as part of her regional presence deployment. These activities form part of Australia's ongoing contribution to regional security and stability by supporting freedom of navigation and overflight, strengthening cooperation with partners and enhancing interoperability. Chief of Joint Operations Vice Admiral Justin Jones said Australia's routine maritime activities reflected the ADF's longstanding commitment to a free and open Indo-Pacific. "The South China Sea is a vital waterway for the entire international community," Vice Admiral Jones said. "For decades, Defence has undertaken maritime activities in the region and does so in accordance with international law, exercising the right to freedom of navigation and overflight in international waters and airspace." Ballarat is deployed on a three-month regional presence deployment across the Indo-Pacific, Australia's fourth for 2025, demonstrating the ADF's commitment to maintaining a near-permanent presence in the region. Commanding Officer Ballarat Commander Dean Uren said his crew had directly contributed to regional stability while showcasing Australia's ability to operate effectively alongside partners and allies. "The Indo-Pacific is one of the world's most important maritime areas," Commander Uren said. "Our ongoing presence in the South China Sea reflects Australia's commitment to a rules-based order and reinforces our role as a trusted and capable regional partner. "Through these patrols, our sailors gain valuable experience operating in complex environments while strengthening our relationships and interoperability with like-minded nations." Commander Uren said regional presence deployments were a practical demonstration of Australia's integrated deterrence approach outlined in the National Defence Strategy. "By maintaining this continuous presence in the region alongside our allies and partners, we contribute to maintaining an open, stable and prosperous Indo-Pacific," he said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Press conference - Sydney Transcript Thursday 13 November 2025 Prime Minister Anthony Albanese The Hon Anthony Albanese MP Prime Minister of Australia ANTHONY ALBANESE, PRIME MINISTER: Good morning. Yesterday I hosted the President of Indonesia, my friend President Prabowo, and we announced a historic agreement that will help make Australia and our region stronger, more secure and more peaceful. The Treaty that we will sign in January and which was initialled yesterday, will commit Australia and Indonesia to consult at a leader and Ministerial level on a regular basis on security matters, to identify and undertake mutually beneficial security activities, and if either or both countries' security is threatened, to consult and consider what measures may be taken either individually or jointly to deal with those threats. It is a significant extension of existing security and defence cooperation between Australia and Indonesia. A critical relationship for Australia's defence and security, a growing economic relationship, and of course at its heart, a people to people relationship as well in our region. I'm looking forward very much to travelling to Indonesia in January to sign the treaty. And while I was with President Prabowo, of course, focused on delivering for Australians and delivering on our national interest, the Liberals were conducting the first of four meetings in Canberra focused on themselves and each other. The Coalition are choosing to take Australia backwards. They're walking away from jobs for Australians and investment certainty for business that is so important. And what business has been saying, not just since we came to office in 2022, when they backed us legislating for net zero and a 2030 target is that certainty for business is critical for investment if we are going to deal with what we inherited. When 24 out of 28 coal fired power stations announced their closure on the Coalition government's watch and there was no replacement of supply because of the Coalition's engagement in climate wars. They're walking away from climate action because they fundamentally do not believe in the science in climate change. They're also walking away from reliable and affordable energy - renewables backed by storage and backed by gas for firming capacity. Australians cannot afford to keep paying the price of Coalition infighting when it comes to climate policy and energy policy. We're delivering our energy plan. Have no doubt the Coalition approach would hurt Australians. It would lead to less investment, less reliability, less jobs, less economic growth. It would also damage our relationships in the region, including relationships on security. President Prabowo last night over dinner spoke about the actions that Indonesia is taking because of rising sea levels in Indonesia, including the work they're doing with the Netherlands about protecting Jakarta from rising sea levels. The work that is taking place in the Pacific, the work that we've done with our ASEAN neighbours. All of that will be undermined if there is a view that Australia doesn't believe in what they regard very much as an existential challenge, a challenge for their environment, but also a challenge, of course, for their economy as we go forward. So there's a stark contrast in Australian politics today. My government trusts the science. We're focused on the needs and aspirations of the Australian people. We're focused on making sure that we can deliver reliable energy. We're focused on cost of living pressures that are on Australians as well and doing what we can to alleviate those cost of living pressures. The Liberals, as we saw with that remarkable gathering of rebels who walked into their party room together in a sign. If anyone was in any doubt that they are a divided rabble, then that was it depicted for all to see yesterday. Happy to take questions. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, on that note, I'm sure you've seen the footage of them all walking together. Some called it a show of solidarity. PRIME MINISTER: Well, it's was show of division, was what it was. These were people who, many of whom have either challenged or resigned from the frontbench. You had Angus Taylor walking with his counterparts. This was a sign of opposition to Sussan Ley's leadership and it was a rather extraordinary moment. And the pictures was very deliberate for people to gather beforehand, in formation, in order to send that message. And that message was surely received, not so much by the party room, because that's a matter for them, their clown show that they've become. It was a sign for the Australian people of how divided they are. JOURNALIST: Are you concerned that neo Nazis who rallied outside New South Wales Parliament are now attempting to register a political party? And will your government consider any measures, maybe changes to the electoral laws, to prevent neo Nazi groups from participating as an official political party? PRIME MINISTER: Yeah, I am concerned about the gathering that was there. I condemn it unequivocally. There's no place in Australia for the anti Semitic display that we saw outside New South Wales Parliament House. My understanding is that they're considering trying to register in New South Wales and that the New South Wales government is responding. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, why did your government keep their meetings with Nauru's President so under wraps yesterday? PRIME MINISTER: Well, we didn't. We didn't. There was a Pacific Security College Leadership Program. It was attended by Nauru, Marshall Islands, the Federated States of Micronesia, Kiribati and Palau. We have regular meetings that take place, nothing secret about it. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, can I ask you again about energy. So you've spoken about the Coalition. What about Australians power bills? Experts have said that renewals are cheaper. When will Australians see that in their power bills? And that's without subsidies. PRIME MINISTER: What we're dealing with here is the result of 10 years of Coalition denial and delay. Because of that, we had 24 out of 28 coal fired power stations announce their closure or bring them forward. We had during that period as well a failure to invest in new energy. And we know that the cheapest form of new energy is renewables. So that has created pressure on the grid. And there's been problems with outages of coal fired power stations because they have reached the end of their life. Companies which run coal fired power stations don't make a decision to just close out of convenience, they close because they've reached the end of their life. In spite of the rhetoric of those opposite and some of the people marching into the Liberal Party Room in order to deny the existence of climate change, the fact is that there haven't been new coal fired power stations built because of the economics of that. But the failure to have a certain climate policy and to provide that investment environment meant that you haven't had the replacement. What we know is that renewables are the cheapest form of energy. We're making sure that we back that up with batteries and with gas as well for firming capacity. And that is the way to deliver the path that Australia needs. JOURNALIST: Do you think the Liberals would, it would be hard for them to win back the inner city seats if they do push to dump net zero? PRIME MINISTER: Look, I think that this isn't primarily about the politics for me, this is about the policy. The politics will look after itself if good policy happens. Good policy is moving towards the cheapest form of new energy. Good policy is delivering investment certainty for business. Good policy is making sure that we deliver on jobs and economic growth. It's not going backwards. What we know is that the pace of change in society is fast. If you stand still, the world moves past you. If you actually go backwards, which is what they're suggesting, bear in mind, net zero by 2050 is a policy that was put in place as a government by Scott Morrison. The idea that the lesson that the Liberals have learnt from their defeat at the last two elections, and the last election where they had their worst result since 1943, is that they need to be more right wing, more sceptical, more in denial about climate change and continue to engage in those climate wars. Australia needs to move on. I think Australians want Australia to move forward. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, one of these neo Nazis has been identified as a South African national. Can he expect his visa will be under review? I mean, does the government have the power to review visas of those who come here to spread hate like these neo Nazis? PRIME MINISTER: I'm not commenting on individuals, because I don't know what the status of individuals are - JOURNALIST: Prime Minister - PRIME MINISTER: Hang on, hang on. We're polite. So we, obviously that's a matter for the Minister, but I do note that people who come to Australia and then say that they're anti migrants coming to Australia, I think that speaks for itself. JOURNALIST: Prime Minister, Australia's put in a bid to co-host COP 2026. That's hit some roadblocks with Turkey refusing to pull its bid. Are you concerned that Australia won't be able to host COP? And are you worried that the Liberal position may harm Australia's standing as we make that bid? PRIME MINISTER: I think people will certainly look at the Liberal Party policy as quite contradictory to what our Pacific neighbours want, to what Indonesia and our ASEAN neighbours are calling for as well. But the Australian government's position is very clear. We want to host, in partnership with the Pacific, the COP. President Erdogan has written to me in the last 24 hours. He is maintaining his position in response to Australia maintaining our position. There has never been a Conference of the Parties held in the Pacific. Our neighbours, as well as Australia, think it is time that it was held in this region. There have been COPs held in Azerbaijan, in the UAE and in Egypt. So in that part of the world, but never one in this part of the world where Pacific countries like Tuvalu and Kiribati are literally under threat - their very existence. We have put forward our bid, we'll continue to argue our case for that bid. I've spoken with Pacific neighbours in the last 24 hours, including Prime Minister Marape and President Whipps of Palau. We will continue to advocate for Australia to host the COP in partnership with the Pacific. And I believe it has the overwhelming support of the Western Europe Group, of which we are apart under the UN rules. Unfortunately, the UN rules also give any country at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference, the current COP meeting being held in Belem, they give any country the right of veto, effectively. And if that occurs, if a country chooses to do that, then the default position is that the copy is held in Bonn in Germany, the home of the UNFCCC. So we don't want to see that happen. We want to see Australia host in partnership with the Pacific, and that has the strong support of our neighbours. JOURNALIST: So, Prime Minister, coming back to the energy grid, you've spoken of the massive transformation of the electricity grid in Australia. Can you explain, please, the cost to the household bill and to business bills? PRIME MINISTER: What we know is that the investment in renewables is the cheapest form of new energy. We know that that's the case. Business says that that's the case. And we know there will be a massive cost of inaction because Australians are paying it now. Australians are paying the price of the inaction and the climate wars that were conducted over a decade by the Coalition. What we need is investment certainty for the business community. They say as well that that is what they need, which is why we've had the very strong position, not of the Australian Labor Party's traditional allies, but of groups such as the Australian Industry Group, which run manufacturing, and the Business Council of Australia. Thanks very much. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Laos grateful for humanitarian supplies By Lieutenant Carolyn Martin 14 November 2025 A Royal Australian Air Force C-130J Hercules delivered 11 tonnes of humanitarian relief supplies to Laos this week. The delivery was part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2025 (IPE25), Australia's flagship regional defence engagement program, which Laos hosted this year. Australian Ambassador to Laos Megan Jones, Commander of IPE25 Brigadier Jen Harris and Defence Attache Lieutenant Colonel Nick Beumer officially handed over the supplies to Lao Minister for Labour and Social Welfare Phosay Sayasone at Wattay International Airport, Vientiane. Mr Sayasone said the supplies, which included stainless steel kitchen kits, hygiene kits, sleeping mats, blankets and mosquito nets, would be prepositioned to areas of need. "These prepositioned humanitarian supplies are timely and valuable and will help us respond more effectively and promptly to the needs of families affected by natural disasters when they occur across the country, especially during the rainy season," he said. The arrival - towards the end of Laos' rainy season - was timely, as areas of the country were recently threatened by Tropical Cyclone Kalmaegi. Ms Jones said Australia remained committed to supporting the Lao Government's efforts to prepare for and respond to natural disasters or humanitarian emergencies. "We are also pleased to know that the humanitarian supplies delivered over the past three years have supported many families affected by flooding across several provinces in Laos," she said. More than 70 tonnes of relief supplies have been delivered to Laos as part of IPE over the past three years. Brigadier Harris said Australia's Defence relationship with Laos continued to build on more than 20 years of engagements. "This year, as part of IPE25, as well as delivering humanitarian relief supplies, we are sharing knowledge on humanitarian and relief operations, and women, peace and security issues," Brigadier Harris said. "Together we are enhancing our connectivity and resilience by building the capacity of our personnel and preparing our defence forces to respond to the needs of the region, especially in terms of humanitarian and disaster relief preparations." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Partners align to strengthen sea and sky By Corporal Luke Bellman 14 November 2025 Australian, Japanese and United States forces united to enhance intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance cooperation through shared exchanges and improved regional awareness. Collaborating through a subject-matter expert exchange at Kadena Air Base in Japan in mid-October, the three nations came together to better understand each other, the spaces in which they operate and how they can work together in the future. Representatives from five services - the United States Air Force, United States Navy, Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force, Japan Air Self-Defense Force (JASDF) and Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF) - took part in the discussions, sharing their unique perspectives and expertise. The discussions included areas of common focus among nations, challenges and limitations faced by each service, and ways to overcome these limitations collaboratively. RAAF exchange officer Squadron Leader Lachlan Adam said the exchange focused on improving how partner nations shared and interpreted information. "Intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance is about collecting information about the environment - what's in the air, what's on the surface and what's below the surface of the water," Squadron Leader Adam said. "By understanding what's happening in the world, we're able to help uphold international law and help other nations better understand their own environment here in the Indo-Pacific." A JASDF officer said the exchange provided a valuable opportunity to identify and resolve real-world coordination challenges. "This was a very great opportunity to discuss and to clear our problems about how we are operating in real activities and real operations to collect and share information," the JASDF officer said. "We have to talk it through and solve these problems, so we can be aware of them. This is very good progress." From a United States perspective, the exchange highlighted the importance of aligning training, tactics and technology across partner nations. Lieutenant Colonel Sean Batson, United States Air Force 390th Intelligence Squadron Commander, said the trilateral relationship between the nations was vital because of their shared equipment and tactics. "Meetings like this are a really important way for us to make sure we're all aligned - how we train, how we purchase equipment and how we integrate across nations," Lieutenant Colonel Batson said. "At the end of the day, being able to pick up the phone or send a message to someone you know and trust - that's irreplaceable." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China slams G7 statement for distortions, interference, urges bloc to abandon Cold War mentality, stop manipulating China-related issues: FM Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 13, 2025 05:06 PM Responding to the remarks related to China in a joint statement issued after the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that the document once again ignored facts, distorted right and wrong, and deliberately smeared China while grossly interfering in China's internal affairs. China is strongly dissatisfied with and firmly opposes it, Lin said, stressing that the Taiwan question is purely an internal affair for China, and how it is resolved is a matter for the Chinese people alone, brooking no external interference. Lin said the situation in the East China Sea and South China Sea remains generally stable, and urged the G7 to stop stirring up disputes, heightening tensions, and undermining regional peace under the pretext of maritime issues. He emphasized that China has been open and aboveboard regarding the Ukraine crisis, has never provided lethal weapons to any party in the conflict, strictly controls dual-use items, and will never accept the G7's attempts to shift blame or label China. On peace and security, Lin said China has the best record among major countries, follows a path of peaceful development, pursues a defensive national defense policy, and maintains its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security. He noted that the G7 avoids discussing the US' "special and primary responsibility" in nuclear disarmament and the proliferation risks posed by the AUKUS partnership, while pointing fingers at China - this is a typical case of confusing right and wrong. Lin added that China's efforts to refine and improve its export-control system are in line with international practice and aimed at better safeguarding world peace, regional stability and fulfilling international obligations. He said claims of "China's overcapacity" or "non-market practices" have been disproven by facts and are not worth refuting. Lin urged the G7 to recognize global trends, abandon Cold War mentality and ideological bias, stop manipulating China-related issues and interfering in China's internal affairs, and focus on actions that contribute to international solidarity and cooperation. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's 3D-printed minimalist turbojet engine holds maiden test flight; suitable for drones, loitering munitions: report Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Nov 13, 2025 04:59 PM China has reportedly tested a type of 3D-printed turbojet engine recently, with an expert saying on Thursday that this technology enjoys cost-efficiency and help mass production of drones and loitering munitions. A 3D-printed minimalist turbojet engine independently developed by the Aero Engine Corporation of China (AECC) has passed its first flight test, marking a breakthrough in the engineering application of 3D-printed engines, the company said on Thursday, the military channel of China Central Television (CCTV) reported. The 30-minute test saw the engine reach an altitude of 6,000 meters and a top speed of Mach 0.75, according to the CCTV report. More than three-quarters of the engine's components by weight were manufactured using 3D printing, significantly reducing the part count and achieving the design goals of lightweight and high performance. This lays a solid foundation for future flights at higher altitudes and speeds, the report said. The successful single-engine flight test can provide new power solutions for loitering munitions, drones, target aircraft and other platforms, demonstrating good application prospects, CCTV said. Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that some of the biggest advantages of the 3D-printed engine are its cost-efficiency and its economy of scale, noting that the production speed of 3D printing technology is very fast. Wang also noted that 3D printing is highly standardized and unified manufacturing method, which significantly improves overall product quality. Small drones and loitering munitions are often considered expendable and are required by large numbers on the battlefield, so cost-efficient engines that can be quickly produced are sought, Wang said. Mi Dong, director of the chief designers' office at AECC's powerplant research institute, said in the CCTV report that the developers will continue to conduct flight tests of more complexity to verify the engine's compatibility with extreme environments, and optimize processes for mass production. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address PLA Daily reveals training data of China's three carriers; expert says statistics demonstrate far seas capabilities Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Nov 13, 2025 03:12 PM With the official commissioning of the aircraft carrier Fujian into the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy last week, China has officially entered the era with three aircraft carriers. The PLA Daily on Thursday revealed a set of data about the three aircraft carriers and their training exercises, with an expert saying the statistics demonstrated the carriers' far seas capabilities. The data was released in a PLA Daily report titled "Our aircraft carriers, our era," which was described as a distillation of achievements reached in training exercises. "The aircraft carrier Liaoning is not a training ship or experimental ship as mistakenly assumed by netizens. From the moment it was commissioned, it has been aimed at preparing for war and combat. Aircraft have long been fully deployed on the ship, and regular open-sea combat readiness training has been conducted," the PLA Daily report quoted Zhang Hongyang, an officer at the navigation department of the Liaoning, as saying. In 2024 alone, the Liaoning has sailed for nearly 30,000 nautical miles, Zhang said. Although the aircraft carrier Shandong has only been in service for less than six years, the total number and frequency of carrier-based aircraft sorties it has launched are beyond people's imagination, said Wei Lanke, an officer at the aircraft takeoff and landing support unit of the Shandong, according to the PLA Daily report. Wei revealed that the number of aircraft sorties on the carrier Shandong in the past two years alone is several times the total of the previous four years. In their first electromagnetic catapult launches on the aircraft carrier Fujian, the three types of carrier-based aircraft, namely the J-35, J-15T, and KJ-600, successfully conducted dozens of launches, all achieving success on the first attempt, said Tian Wei, an officer at the aviation support department on the Fujian, the PLA Daily reported. This was predicated on tens of thousands of land-based simulation drills and dead-load vehicle catapult tests, as well as countless all-nighters and relentless efforts, Tian said. Zheng Ziqian, a carrier-borne fighter jet pilot, was quoted by the PLA Daily as saying that "during every far seas mission, I conduct combat sorties almost every day. Every aerial encounter and engagement with foreign military aircraft stems from the confidence forged by over 1,000 combat-oriented training sorties." Zhang Junshe, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Thursday that this set of data showed that China's aircraft carriers have already achieved operational capabilities in far seas to conduct maritime defense missions. With the increasing number of aircraft on board the newly commissioned Fujian, the overall combat capabilities of Chinese aircraft carriers will grow even stronger, the expert said. When asked when the Fujian will be fully equipped with carrier-based aircraft, Leng Guowei, a PLA Navy spokesperson, told reporters on Saturday that carrier-based aircraft are the core of an aircraft carrier's combat capability. While the Fujian was under construction, the research, development and testing of supporting equipment, including carrier-based fighter jets such as the J-35, J-15T and J-15D, the KJ-600 carrier-based fixed-wing early warning aircraft, and the Z-20 series carrier-based helicopters, have also been steadily advancing as planned. As for when full deployment of carrier-based aircraft onboard will be achieved, the spokesperson said that he shares the same expectations as everyone else and believes it will not be long. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China Bolsters National Sovereignty with Trio of Aircraft Carriers Sputnik News 20251113 BEIJING (Sputnik) - The three aircraft carriers currently in service with the Chinese navy will beef up the country's ability to safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, said on Wednesday. On November 5, China officially commissioned its third aircraft carrier, Fujian, with Chinese President Xi Jinping attending the ceremony. With its commissioning at Sanya's naval port on Hainan Island, China's Fujianthe country's first carrier with an electromagnetic catapultnow joins the Liaoning and Shandong to form a three-carrier fleet. "An increasingly powerful navy, cutting through the dark blue waves, will more effectively protect national sovereignty and territorial integrity, thwarting any attempts to encroach upon or divide China's sacred territory," Chen said responding to a question about the Taiwan Strait situation following the commissioning. China has now entered the "era of three aircraft carriers," marking a significant milestone in the country's defense and military progress and a solid step toward building a world-class navy, he added. Taiwan has been governed independently of mainland China since 1949. Beijing views the island as its province, while Taiwan, a territory with its own elected government, maintains that it is an autonomous country, although it has stopped short of declaring independence. Beijing opposes any official contacts by foreign states with Taipei and considers Chinese sovereignty over the island indisputable. The situation around Taiwan escalated in August 2022, when then-speaker of the US House of Representatives, Nancy Pelosi, visited the island. Beijing condemned Pelosi's visit, saying it symbolized US support for Taiwanese separatism, and conducted large-scale military exercises around the island. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped Type 076 amphibious assault ship Sichuan starts maiden sea trial, indicating 'smooth progress' Global Times By Liu Xuanzun and Liang Rui Published: Nov 14, 2025 09:38 AM After less than a year since its launch, China's first electromagnetic catapult-equipped Type 076 amphibious assault ship embarked on its maiden sea trial on Friday. Experts said that this indicates smooth progress on the construction of this warship, which could play roles of both an amphibious vessel and a light aircraft carrier. At around 9:00 am on Friday, the first hull of China's Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, set off from a port of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai and sailed toward the relevant sea area for its maiden sea trial, the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy announced on its official WeChat account on Friday. This sea trial will mainly test and verify the reliability and stability of the Sichuan's power, electrical and other systems. Since its launch in December 2024, the construction of the Sichuan has progressed steadily as planned, successfully completing mooring trials and equipment commissioning, and now meeting the technical conditions for sea trials, the PLA Navy said. As a new-generation amphibious assault ship of the PLA Navy, the Sichuan (Hull 51) has a full-load displacement of over 40,000 tons, featuring a dual-island superstructure and a full-length flight deck. It innovatively adopts electromagnetic catapult and arrestment technologies, and can carry fixed-wing aircraft, helicopters, amphibious equipment and other assets, China Central Television (CCTV) News reported on Friday. The first hull of China's Type 076 amphibious assault ship, the Sichuan, sets off from a port of Hudong-Zhonghua Shipyard in Shanghai and sails toward the relevant sea area for its maiden sea trial on November 14, 2025. Photo: Screenshot from the Sina Weibo account of China Military Bugle, an official media account under the PLA News Media Center Wang Yunfei, a Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday that the first sea trial of the Type 076 Sichuan, coming after less than a year since its launch, suggests that its construction is progressing very well. Compared with its predecessor, the Type 075 amphibious assault ship, the Type 076 is added with new technologies such as the electromagnetic catapult and new aviation control system with the new dual-island design, so initiating the sea trial phase in such a short period indicates that everything is going smoothly, and contributes to the potential fast commissioning of the vessel, Wang said. Wang further highlighted that the maiden sea trial is described to test and verify the reliability and stability of the ship's power, electrical and other systems. He said that the power system of the Type 076 needs not only to provide propulsion to the ship, but also deliver electricity to the power-consuming electromagnetic catapult, which makes the test so important. Zhang Junshe, another Chinese military affairs expert, told the Global Times on Friday that the construction speed of the Sichuan is considered fast, which shows that China has reached a higher level of maturity in terms of large warship construction. The Sichuan will likely first test its functionalities as a ship, namely it can properly sail and has sufficient power, then it could test other features such as the electromagnetic catapult, Zhang said. The Type 076 Sichuan is the world's first amphibious assault ship equipped with electromagnetic catapult and arresting technologies, according to media reports. It is also China's second warship equipped with the electromagnetic catapult and arresting technologies after the country's third aircraft carrier, the Fujian, which was just officially commissioned into the PLA Navy earlier this month. Zhang said that while the main mission of the Type 076 is amphibious landing operations, it is not a traditional amphibious assault ship because it is equipped with an electromagnetic catapult that enables the vessel to carry fixed wing aircraft, even the J-35 stealth fighter jets, like a light aircraft carrier. This also means the Type 076 has strategic roles to play, the expert said. At the V-Day military parade held in Beijing on September 3, China debuted new armed reconnaissance drones, wingman drones, air superiority drones, and shipborne unmanned helicopters. Wang noted that China has one of the world's richest arsenals of drones. With the electromagnetic catapult, the Type 076 can carry not only helicopters, but also drones of different sizes and roles, the expert said. Chinese military affairs expert Song Zhongping told the Global Times that with the Type 076, the PLA Navy's overall amphibious capabilities are expected to receive a significant boost. The Type 076 amphibious assault ship could also form formations with aircraft carriers, further enhancing the PLA Navy's combat capabilities in the far seas, Song said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Agreement on Cooperation in Information Field Signed between DPRK and Russia Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, November 13 (KCNA) -- An agreement on cooperation in the field of information between the DPRK Information Committee and the Ministry of Digital Development, Post and Telecommunications and Public Information of the Russian Federation was signed in Moscow on Nov. 11. Present at the signing ceremony from the DPRK side were the DPRK ambassador to Russia and his embassy members and from the Russian side were the vice-minister of Digital Development, Post and Telecommunications and Public Information of the Russian Federation, and the councilor of the International Cooperation Department. The DPRK ambassador and the vice-minister of Digital Development, Post and Telecommunications and Public Information of the Russian Federation signed the agreement. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Talks Held between Foreign Ministers of DPRK and Laos Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, November 13 (KCNA) -- Talks between Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, and Thongsavanh Phomvihane, foreign minister of the Lao People's Democratic Republic, were held at the Mansudae Assembly Hall here on Nov. 12. Present at the talks from the DPRK side were Pak Sang Gil, vice-minister of Foreign Affairs, and other officials of the Foreign Ministry and from the Lao side were the foreign minister and his party. The talks exchanged views on the issues of further strengthening the traditional friendly relations between the DPRK and Laos and promoting mutual support and cooperation in the international arena by thoroughly implementing the agreements reached by the top leaders of the two countries last October, and reached a consensus of views on them. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address DPRK Foreign Minister Issues Press Statement Korean Central News Agency of DPRK Pyongyang, November 14 (KCNA) -- Choe Son Hui, foreign minister of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, released the following press statement titled "G7 has no right to oppose the DPRK's sovereign option" on Nov. 13. The press statement said: In Canada, foreign ministers of G7 recently issued a joint statement talking about someone's "complete denuclearization", ignoring the Constitution of the DPRK and violating it. I express strong dissatisfaction and regret at the undisguised hostile act of G7 foreign ministers, a direct violation of our state's Constitution, and categorically denounce and reject it by using the most powerful rhetorical expression. The inert deep attachment of G7 that still habitually choruses "denuclearization" which the world recognizes as an impossible concept only drives itself to the edge of the international community and goes to prove that it is a neglected minority interest group in a corner of international relations. The present position of the DPRK does not change according to the rhetorical assertion of the outsiders, and in the present grim geopolitical environment, the possession of nukes is the most correct option to deter the most dangerous and hostile states. No one has the right to force us to violate the Constitution and they should not try to make us amend it. The way of ensuring the peace and stability on the Korean peninsula and in the Asia-Pacific region is not the advocating of the unrealistic "denuclearization" but the respecting of the Constitution of the DPRK. As the respected Comrade Kim Jong Un clarified, the DPRK's possession of nukes will remain an invariable reality whether the U.S. and its allies like it or not, no matter how repeatedly they may clamor for "denuclearization" for 10 or 20 years, nay 50 or 100 years. The international community needs to pay attention to the clear fact that a substantial nuclear threat to global peace and security is coming from G7, a nuclear alliance group linked and colluded with nukes, with the world's biggest nuclear weapons state at the forefront. The evasive and double-standard behavior of G7, which remains silent about the reckless nuclear rhetoric threat and nuclear proliferation attempt openly manifested in its group and insists only on someone's "denuclearization" that has already lost its meaning and justification, can not go down with anyone. G7 has no right to tell independent sovereign states how to defend their security and is not in a position to discuss the sovereign option of the DPRK. Steadfast is the will of the DPRK to guarantee the present and future of the state and the people and realize international justice by remaining faithful to the Constitution which perpetuates the possession of nukes as long as outside nuclear threat is not terminated and there exist forces seeking absolute hegemony, regarding nuclear weapons as a means of tyranny. -0- NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Transcript of Special briefing by MEA on President's State visit to Botswana (November 13, 2025) India - Ministry of External Affairs November 13, 2025 Shri Rajesh Parihar, Dir (XPD): Good afternoon everyone. I welcome you all to this special media briefing on ongoing visit of Hon'ble Rashtrapati Ji to Botswana. And for this briefing, I have on dias with me, Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations) Ministry of External Affairs, Ms. Manisha Verma, Press Secretary to the Hon'ble Rashtrapati Ji, Shri Janesh Kain, Joint Secretary (East and Southern Africa), Ministry of External Affairs; and Shri Bharath Kumar Kuthati, High Commissioner of India to Botswana. Now, I would like to request Secretary to brief the media on the Hon'ble Rashtrapati's visit to Botswana. Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Well, thank you very much Rajesh. Good afternoon everyone, friends from media. As all of you know, Hon'ble President arrived in Botswana on the evening of 11th November on her first ever state visit by a Head of State from India to Botswana. On arrival, in a special gesture, Hon'ble President was warmly received by the Hon'ble President of Botswana at the airport. Hon'ble President was given a ceremonial welcome and she inspected the Guard of Honour. Yesterday, Hon'ble President was received at the President's office by Hon'ble President Boko, the two leaders held a tete-a-tete, which was followed by delegation level talks between the two sides. From the Botswana side, several Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present at the talks. From the Indian delegation side, Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, and two members of Parliament, Mr. Vasava and Smt D. K. Aruna ji, and senior officials participated at the talks. During the wide ranging discussions, both the leaders reviewed the existing ongoing bilateral cooperation across sectors between our two countries. They discussed ways to further strengthen and deepen our partnership in sectors of mutual interest such as trade and investments, capacity building and development partnership, skill development, agriculture, health, infrastructure development, renewable energy, defence, and also digital technology in the entire digital space. Both the leaders also exchanged views on regional and global matters of mutual importance. The Botswana leadership mentioned to Hon'ble President about their economic transformation program as also their Vision 2036, which outlines their efforts to diversify economy and to become a high income country by 2036. In this context, the visit provided an excellent opportunity to appreciate their economic and development priorities and to discuss how both governments can work together, and also how the private sector in both our countries can work together to deepen our cooperation across sectors, particularly in areas which are of priority to Government of Botswana. The leadership of Botswana also conveyed their keen interest in learning about the deployment of DPI (Digital Public Infrastructure) in India, and how we are leveraging technology for better delivery of citizen centric services, deployment for e-governance, and for also better economic efficiency in the entire government. Hon'ble President conveyed India's readiness to share its own development experience in this domain. Discussions were followed by the signing of an MOU. You perhaps may have seen that we have signed an MOU in the area of health sector. This MOU will facilitate the access of quality and affordable medicines from India to Botswana. Hon'ble President also conveyed Government of India's readiness and decision to send essential ARV medicines as requested by Government of Botswana. Later on, Hon'ble President addressed the National Assembly of Botswana in a special session convened yesterday. She was received at the Parliament by the Hon'ble Speaker of the National Assembly and then she addressed the gathering yesterday. Thereafter Hon'ble President visited the Three Dikgosi Memorial which is a symbol of Botswana's unity, leadership and quest for independence. She paid her tributes to the visionary chiefs whose legacy continues to inspire generations in Botswana and in the region. As you may have noted from the press statements of both the Presidents yesterday after the talks, Botswana has agreed to partner with India in our efforts to reintroduce cheetah in India under Project Cheetah. It is a unique conservation initiative of Government of India which aims to restore cheetah to India's ecosystem and the historical range that we have in India. This morning President Murmu visited the Mokolodi Reserve in Gaborone where President Duma formally handed over eight cheetahs to India, a gesture symbolising the deep friendship and shared commitment to wildlife conservation. Hon'ble President conveyed her deep appreciation to President Boko and the Government of Botswana for this very special gesture. Today, earlier this morning, Hon'ble Vice President of Botswana and the Minister of International Relations called on Hon'ble President. And a short while ago Hon'ble President interacted with the vibrant Indian community in Botswana at a special reception. She lauded their contribution to Botswana's economic growth and their role in strengthening the bonds of friendship and cooperation between our two countries. The State Visit of Hon'ble President underscores India's commitment to strengthen its longstanding and friendly ties with Botswana. The visit also reflects India's firm commitment to expanding partnership with the African region, including within the framework of India-Africa Forum Summit. Being the first ever Presidential visit from India to Botswana, it marks an important milestone in the India-Botswana relationship. It also assumes significance as India and Botswana will be celebrating 60 years of establishment of diplomatic ties between our two countries next year. Hon'ble President Boko described the visit as historic, being the first ever State Visit of a Head of State from India. He mentioned that it is also the first State Visit after his government has assumed responsibility last October. So for all these reasons, the visit was very important. From our perspective, the State Visit of Hon'ble President has given a fresh momentum to our close ties of friendship and cooperation with Botswana. We have a clear roadmap for expanding our partnership with Botswana and the task before us now is to build on this very positive momentum. With these words, I would be happy to take questions. But let me also say one last thing, Rajesh, which is the warmth of welcome by the people and government of Botswana for the Indian delegation, and the hospitality extended to the Indian delegation. It has truly been overwhelming and we are very grateful to the people and government of Botswana, for the manner in which they have received Hon'ble President and the Indian delegation. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker: [unclear audio]. My question is what initiative was [unclear audio] in this visit to boost Indian investment and business ties with Botswana, particularly in mining sector, agriculture sector, and digital services. Unidentified Speaker: [Inaudible]. Sir, of course we witnessed the release of Cheetahs. This is historic. Sir, if you could spell out more details about the transportation of the cheetahs from Botswana to India, timelines and other details, if you could share sir. Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Thank you very much for these thoughtful questions. On the question of the colleague from ANI, this issue of economic cooperation and how we can strengthen our economic partnership was very central in the discussion between the two leaders. As I mentioned earlier, we do have a robust economic partnership. We have a bilateral trade of roughly about half a billion dollars and we have several Indian companies working in Botswana across sectors. We have an Indian bank who is based in Botswana. We have several Indian companies who have offices in Botswana. So it is a fairly robust partnership. But we do feel that in the backdrop of the economic transformation roadmap; and the program that the government of Botswana and the Botswana leadership has laid out for itself; and their desire to diversify economy beyond diamond industry, of course, that remains the central sector for Botswana economy; We feel that there are immense opportunities for both India and Botswana to work together. And in this context, the area that were discussed between the two leaders included, of course, the whole domain of digital ecosystem, the area of agri-technology, how we can sort of deploy Indian experience in terms of agriculture research, technology, agriculture machinery in Botswana, also in the area of health and pharmaceuticals, also infrastructure development, how Indian companies can partner with Botswana again in their larger vision of economic transformation, and also how we can strengthen our development partnership between our two countries. So I think the message, the sense we get from the discussion and the direction we have from the leadership is that there is a huge scope for boosting a partnership in the area of trade, investment, and economic domain. And we would be working very closely with our partners in Botswana, both in the government and private sector, to ensure that we continue to discuss, engage, and try to harness the full potential of economic partnership between our two countries. As regards the issue of cheetah, you are very right. I think some of you might know that out of the seven big cat species, cheetah got extinct from India in mid-50s, and the government decided a few years back to sort of bring back this species to India and sort of redeploy and sort of bring them to their historical range in India. So this is a very, very important project for the government of India, and we are very happy and delighted that the Government of Botswana has come forward to partner with India in this very important wildlife conservation initiative. The translocation of eight cheetahs reflects, of course, our shared commitment for wildlife conservation and biodiversity. It will also strengthen ... overall, I would say, for the larger wildlife conservation community, I would say this partnership is very, very relevant. And we are very hopeful that these cheetahs will move to India not in a very distant future. And, as Hon'ble President mentioned yesterday after the talks with Hon'ble President of Botswana, that they will be looked after well in the range, where they will be sort of looked after and deployed and sent. So we are very excited about this partnership with Botswana, and we are very grateful to the government of Botswana for joining hands with us on this important initiative. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker: (unclear audio) The cheetah that got extinct in the 1950s, is it the same as the one that we have here? (unclear audio) Is it only in the third sector or other areas of the economy? And then, perhaps also, the cooperation and investments. Like you were saying, the Indian companies that are in the garment sector, I believe that they are also hard hit by this economic downturn. So, the question is, how is the Indian government going to be helping or supporting them to recover? Thank you very much. Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Thank you very much. Regarding your question on the cheetah species that is found in Botswana and Africa and India, it is a difficult question to answer, to be honest, for me. But I do feel that Africa, of course, has had a large population of cheetah historically. In the discussion today with the Botswana leadership, it was mentioned to us that Botswana has about 1700 cheetahs. The High Commissioner, perhaps, can add to this. So, it should be something, I would say, similar. But I would not like to give you a wrong answer on this. The second question about the MOU that we signed yesterday, it was in the area of pharmacopoeia and health sector. And as I mentioned earlier, this will help us to supply quality medicines and drugs at affordable cost to people of Botswana. So, this MOU is very, very significant for both our countries. There were no other MOUs. This MOU does not cover any other sectors. But we are discussing with the government of Botswana how we can enhance the framework of cooperation across sectors, whether it's agriculture or retail side. So, as our discussion sort of gets deeper, I expect that we would enter into more MOUs and framework of cooperation with the government of Botswana. Unidentified Speaker: Maybe just a follow-up on that one, because Prime Minister Modi spoke about the BRICS countries, the need for the BRICS countries to set up a repository for indigenous medicines. And I'm just wondering, the MOU that you signed, does it also cover the alternative medicine sector? Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Yes, thank you. This is beyond the visit, but I would like to respond to your question about BRICS. Yes, we are discussing within the framework of BRICS possibilities of cooperation in the health sector, including traditional medicine. And India, as you know, is going to chair the BRICS for the next year, starting from 1st January next year. And we would like to see that we could cooperate more extensively, more actively, in the framework of traditional system of medicine as well going forward. I missed to respond to your question about diamond. And I would like to say that while we do have excellent collaboration between India and Botswana in the area of diamond, both in terms of cutting and polishing, and we have presence of Indian companies in this sector who are based in Botswana. And the Botswana leadership is very happy the way they are working in Botswana in terms of not only exporting raw diamond to India and doing cutting and polishing in India, but also creating capacities in Botswana. And the impression I get from the Botswana leadership and senior officials is that, that is the model they would like to follow, going forward in the context of our cooperation in the diamond sector. You are right, the diamond sector is facing some headwinds right now. So we will see how it goes in the coming times. But we are also looking at, as I said earlier, different areas of cooperation beyond diamond sector, because that is the sort of roadmap that government of Botswana has laid out for itself through Vision 2036 document and also economic transformation roadmap that you have. So we would engage with government of Botswana as to what concrete proposals they have in this context, and how the Indian development experience can be shared with the people of Botswana and also how business communities from both Botswana and India can work together in these areas. Thank you. Neelabh, PTI: Hi, I am Neelabh. I work with the Press Trust of India. Sir, my first question is already almost answered ... (unclear audio) ... my friends from India and Botswana, both have asked about diamond sector. So the second question, sir, also, this brings to end the President's six-day state visit to both Angola and Botswana. So if you can sum up the entire visit of the President, as to what were the meaningful gains and what exactly, as you said in the Presser in Delhi, that this is also the larger African connect that we are looking at. So, if you can just sum up the entire six days tour of the President. Thank you. Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Well, thank you very much for sort of bringing out the dimensional full tour of Hon'ble President to Africa. I would say that, first of all, the visit of Hon'ble President to Africa, to Angola and Botswana, reflects the priority that Government of India attaches to the engagement with the African continent as a whole. As I mentioned to you, we have this platform of India-Africa Forum Summit in which we engage with the African Union, and also all the leaders in Africa. And, Hon'ble Prime Minister had laid out ten fundamental principles of our partnership with the African region when he addressed the Parliament of Uganda in 2018. And, if I were to sort of not summarize but to see the structure of cooperation between Angola and India and Botswana and India ... some common themes, I find that what we need to do is to look at how we can strengthen our partnership in the domain of economic cooperation. That is the first vertical, I would say, trade and economic. The second vertical that I would say is the whole rubric of development partnership. How can we share our own experience with the countries in Global South. Angola and Botswana are very central in that partnership. Also, the whole area of capacity building, I did not sort of touch upon that aspect. But, when we engage with the Botswana leadership in every meeting of Hon'ble President with President Boko and Vice President, everybody mentioned to us about the importance they attach to the capacity building initiative of Government of India and the ITEC program and the ICCR scholarships and various other initiatives. Hon'ble President of Botswana and also Hon'ble Vice President of Botswana and many other leaders and senior officials spoke about the contribution of Indian teachers in the area of STEM who came in 60s and 70s and 80s perhaps and contributed to the education sector development in Botswana. So, these are very heartwarming, I would say, sort of aspects of India-Botswana relationship, and we would like to build on these capacity building programs. In the last 10 years, more than 1,500 friends from Botswana, from government, from private sector, from students, they have participated in skill development program, capacity building program and also educational courses in India. That's a large number and we would be going forward very happy to respond to any specific requirements of Government of Botswana. If they want to have, let's say, a capacity building program for a group of IT professionals or somebody who wants to learn about how we are deploying Aadhaar or DigiLocker or the entire DPI in India, we would be very happy to curate a special program for Botswana, given the friendship and the capacity building partnership we have enjoyed with Botswana over the years. So that is the second pillar I would say that I see both in Angola and Botswana that is very relevant. And the third dimension which has come out very, very significantly is also the whole area of technology, and deployment of technology. And there is a desire and interest to learn from our experience of deploying technology for public administration, for e-governance, for better citizen-centric delivery system for services. So, we are ready to share that experience with our friends in Global South. And finally, I would say the whole dimension of people-to-people relation that includes connectivity, air connectivity, how do we make it easier for people to travel from Botswana to India and India to Botswana. This issue came up yesterday in discussion and I think Hon'ble President of Botswana in his remarks to media did mention that we must make it easier for people to travel to our countries. So that also includes of course the contribution of Indian Diaspora. We are delighted that the Indian Diaspora in Botswana is very vibrant and contributing very, very concretely in the economic development of Botswana and of course building bridges of friendship between India and Botswana. So these are four or five verticals I see. I mean I can't list everything in a short time that we have. But we are very excited to build on this momentum that has been given to our partnership with Angola and Botswana as a result of the first ever state visit of Hon'ble Rashtrapati ji to both Angola and Botswana. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker: (unclear audio) There was a mention of ARVs coming from India to Botswana. ARVs, as you can imagine, are very important now in having drug prices in the country, and in shortages of drugs. I just want to know when these drugs are going to be coming and if you (unclear audio). Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Thank you very much. You are very right that we received this request a few weeks back from Government of Botswana for supply of ARV medicines to meet the temporary shortage of this medicine. So, we are working to supply this medicine as quickly as possible. I would not like to give you a time frame but certainly by next month, Janesh, we should be in a position to supply this medicine to Government of Botswana. Thank you. Unidentified Speaker: May I just say, Mr. Secretary, that the visit, when was it planned? And the last issue, please do keep the High Commissioner of India for the next 10 years. Shri Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (ER): Okay, thank you. Thank you very much for coming for the press briefing. Shri Rajesh Parihar, Director (XPD): Thank you. Because of the paucity of time, we will not be able to take more questions. Thank you. Sir, with your permission, I would like to conclude this Presser today. Thank you very much for attending. Gaborone November 13, 2025 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Aatmanirbhar Bharat: MoD & BDL sign Rs 2,095.70 crore contract for INVAR Anti-tank missiles to enhance lethality of T-90 tank India - Press Information Bureau Ministry of Defence Posted On: 13 NOV 2025 5:32PM by PIB Delhi Ministry of Defence has inked a contract with Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) for the procurement of INVAR Anti-tank Missiles at a total cost of Rs 2,095.70 crore, under the 'Buy (Indian)' category. The contract was signed by senior officials of the Ministry of Defence and representatives of BDL in the presence of Defence Secretary Shri Rajesh Kumar Singh at South Block, New Delhi on November 13, 2025. The procurement of the INVAR Anti-tank Missiles enhances the firepower and lethality of Tank T-90, the mainstay of Armoured Regiments of the Indian Army. The weapon system is a sophisticated laser-guided anti-tank missile with very high hit probability. It is set to transform the conduct of Mechanised operations and offer operational advantage against the adversary. The procurement underscores the Government's efforts to meet the operational requirements of the Indian Army by leveraging the existing expertise of Defence Public Sector Undertakings, along with development of niche technologies by domestic industries towards achieving Aatmanirbharta in defence. **** VK/SR/Savvy/PC (Release ID: 2189725) NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC commander affirms commitment to Leader's directive on missile range development IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 13, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Brigadier General Ali Fadavi, deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC), has reaffirmed the force's commitment to the directive of the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on the development of Iran's missile range. In a significant address during a memorial ceremony for the martyrs of the IRGC Aerospace Force in Tehran on Thursday, the brigadier general stated that Ayatollah Khamenei has defined a range for the missiles and the IRGC will proceed accordingly. Fadavi emphasized that the enhancement of Iran's military capabilities continues unabated across all sectors, particularly in aerospace. He dismissed claims from adversaries regarding potential limitations on Iran's ballistic missile range, labeling such assertions as uninformed and lacking expertise. In a related statement, the spokesperson for the Iranian Armed Forces Brigadier General Abolfazl Shekarchi asserted that the Aerospace Force progresses with greater strength and authority. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's deputy foreign minister highlights strategies to counter sanctions IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 13, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister for Economic Diplomacy Hamid Ghanbari has emphasized that sanctions are not the end of the road, asserting that through diversifying routes, partners, and tools, the Islamic Republic can render these sanctions ineffective. In an address at the 29th National Conference on Non-Oil Export Development in Tabriz on Thursday, the deputy minister described non-oil exports as crucial during times of pressure, noting that every Iranian truck crossing borders sends a clear message of the nation's resilience. He highlighted that exporters serve as silent ambassadors of Iran's economy, with provinces like East Azerbaijan playing a pivotal role in economic diplomacy. Ghanbari articulated that economic independence is not merely an abstract slogan but a pathway to national empowerment and stability against external pressures. He also underscored the importance of logistics in enhancing export competitiveness, advocating for the development of trade corridors to strengthen logistical capabilities in East Azerbaijan Province. The official underlined that the future of Iran's economy lies in the strategic export plans of its provinces, expressing confidence that with trust and cooperation, Iran's export pathways, particularly through Tabriz, the capital city of East Azerbaijan Province, will flourish. The conference concluded with an appreciation for top exporters, reinforcing the government's commitment to boosting non-oil exports. 4208**9417 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Deputy FM urges Afghanistan to release water from Salma Dam for Mashhad IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 13, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Deputy Foreign Minister for Legal and International Affairs Kazem Gharibabadi has emphasized the necessity of releasing water from the Salma Dam in Afghanistan to provide a portion of the drinking water for Mashhad, a city in northeastern Iran. In a post on his X account late on Wednesday, Gharibabadi wrote, "Fazl Mohammad Haqqani, the acting head of the embassy of Afghanistan in Tehran, met with me. During this meeting, we discussed the follow-up on the understandings reached during the recent visit to Kabul and the issue of Helmand water rights." He added, "I also particularly emphasized the necessity of releasing water from the Salma Dam to supply part of the drinking water for the holy city of Mashhad (which also hosts a significant number of Afghan nationals) through the Doosti Dam." 3266**4354 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address IRGC deputy: Iran's strengthening continues unabated in all sectors Iran Press TV Thursday, 13 November 2025 4:23 PM The deputy commander of the Islamic Revolution Guard Corps (IRGC) says Iran's path toward greater strength remains ongoing in all sectors, including the IRGC Aerospace Force, emphasizing that "this process has no end." Brigadier General Ali Fadavi made the remarks on Thursday, dismissing foreign claims about limitations on Iran's missile range as uninformed and unscientific. Iran continues to advance its power and capabilities across all areas, he added, emphasizing that "In the IRGC Aerospace Force as well, the process of becoming stronger continues; this process has no end." Regarding the enemies' claims about the possible restriction of Iran's ballistic missile range, Fadavi stressed that such comments "are not based on any expertise at all, and they have no knowledge in this field." Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei "specified a limit concerning missile range, and we obey his command. This has nothing to do with our scientific and industrial capabilities," added the IRGC deputy commander, stressing that "we comply with what the Leader have ordered." He also noted that in recent years, the crimes of "the Great Satan" (the United States) have become evident to all. Referring to the recent 12-day war, Fadavi said that "In this war, God fulfilled His promise and granted victory to a nation that stood firm for truth. The condition for realizing divine promises is the fulfillment of divine duties, and the devotees of the Islamic Revolution have carried out their divine obligations." On June 13, 2025, Israel launched strikes on Iran, hitting civilian, military, and nuclear sites and killing several Iranian commanders and scientists. Iran responded with Operation True Promise III, launching waves of drones and missiles that heavily damaged Israeli settlements and military targets. On June 22, the US Air Force and Navy bombed three Iranian nuclear facilities to aid Israel, prompting Iran to retaliate the next day with Operation Glad Tidings of Victory, striking a US base in Qatar. After severe losses, both Israel and the US agreed to a ceasefire on June 24. "The IRGC, in carrying out its divine duty, has not wasted even 24 hours, and this process continues. In the 12-day war, all the world powers joined forces against Iran but were defeated, because the devotees of the Islamic Revolution performed their divine duties," Fadavi stressed. The IRGC deputy commander also emphasized that "all the wicked powers of the world, with all their might, have failed to achieve even a single victory over the Islamic Revolution." He further stated that the IRGC Aerospace Force has worked tirelessly to strengthen its defensive capabilities and will continue to do so, adding: "We are constantly striving to enhance our combat power. You saw in the case of the Shahed-136 drone that they (the enemies) even tried to copy our achievement and admitted that it is the best drone in the world." Fadavi also said the IRGC Aerospace Force has tirelessly strengthened its defenses and will continue to do so, noting that even the enemies have tried to copy the Shahed-136 drone and admitted that it is "the best drone in the world." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address US sanctions 32 figures, entities for alleged links to Iran missile, drone activities Iran Press TV Thursday, 13 November 2025 7:34 AM The United States has imposed sanctions on 32 entities and individuals in different countries for allegedly supporting Iran's peaceful missile and drone programs. In a press statement released on Wednesday, the US State Department said those designated are based in Iran, China, Hong Kong, the United Arab Emirates, Turkey, India, and other jurisdictions, claiming that they "operate multiple procurement networks supporting Iran's ballistic missile and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) production." The new sanctions are in furtherance of US President Donald Trump's second National Security Presidential Memorandum, enacting the so-called maximum pressure campaign against Iran, it said. It further claimed that the restrictive measures back a recent move by the European countries to reinstate UN Security Council sanctions against Iran previously lifted under the US-abandoned 2015 nuclear deal. It also reiterated the US's policy to use "all available means" to "disrupt and counter" Iran's missile and drone programs. Meanwhile, the US Treasury Department alleged that those blacklisted "pose a threat to US and allied personnel in the Middle East and to commercial shipping in the Red Sea." "At the direction of President Trump, we are putting maximum pressure on Iran to end its nuclear threat," said US Treasury's under secretary for terrorism and financial intelligence, John Hurley. The US move comes as Iranian officials say the country has grown immune to illegal US sanctions and increased oil sales to fund its infrastructure projects. Iran has also developed its homegrown defense and military capabilities to thwart malicious plots by its enemies. Last week, TankerTrackers, a leading energy analytics firm, reported that Iran's oil exports reached a record 2.3 million barrels per day in October, the highest level in seven years for the sanctions-hit country. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran's Water Crisis Nears Point Of No Return By RFE/RL's Radio Farda and Kian Sharifi November 13, 2025 Summary Iran faces a severe water crisis due to decades of mismanagement and the worst drought in 60 years. Tehran, home to 10 million people, has started water rationing, and officials warn of possible evacuations if the situation worsens. Reservoirs are critically low, with some cities like Mashhad seeing dam capacities fall below 3 percent. Experts call for urgent reforms and better water management, as current government measures are seen as insufficient to address the crisis. Decades of mismanagement compounded by prolonged drought have pushed Iran to the brink of what experts call water bankruptcy. With reservoirs running on empty and rainfall at a record low, the authorities have begun rationing water supplies in the Iranian capital, Tehran, a city of some 10 million people. President Masud Pezeshkian has warned the water crisis could lead to the evacuation of parts of Tehran and went as far as floating the possibility of moving the capital. Kaveh Madani, director of the Canada-based United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, said the warnings by the authorities didn't go far enough. "The level of their warnings is too low compared to the reality on the ground," Madani, who previously served as deputy head of Iran's Department of Environment, told RFE/RL's Radio Farda. "The government is being too cautious because it doesn't want to stress the public and upset people even more," he added. Water bankruptcy is when consumption exceeds supply and the depletion of resources is irreversible. It is often driven by what experts say is misguided government policies intended to boost agriculture and development. How Bad Is Iran's Water Crisis? Iran is currently in the grips of the worst drought in some 60 years. "If it doesn't rain, we'll have to start rationing water in [November]. If the lack of rainfall continues past that, we simply won't have water and will have to evacuate Tehran," Pezeshkian said earlier this month, though other officials have sought to downplay the need to move the capital. Since last week, water supplies have been cut off in the evenings in Tehran. The authorities have also called on people to curb consumption during the day. Water rationing has not yet been reported in other parts of Iran. The five main reservoirs supplying water to Tehran are at historically low levels, currently holding just 11 percent of overall capacity. In Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city with 4 million residents, reservoirs have fallen below 3 percent capacity, with three of the four dams supplying the city now out of operation. Nationwide, 19 major dams -- accounting for 10 percent of Iran's reservoirs -- have run completely dry, and more than 20 dams are holding under 5 percent of their capacity. What's The Plan? Iranian officials have not yet presented a concrete plan to tackle the emergency. The authorities in Iran typically downplay crises to deflect blame and avoid spreading panic. But officials raising the possibility of evacuating Tehran has underscored the severity -- and the urgency -- of the situation. Addressing the parliament earlier this week, Pezeshkian told his critics in the chamber that he will "give those who claim they can resolve the water problem full authority" to tackle the water shortage. Compounding matters, Madani said, is the public's lack of trust in the authorities. "Society is not aware of how terrible the situation is, and the government is scared of asking people to reduce consumption," he said. Water shortages have repeatedly sparked protests across Iran in recent years, most notably in Khuzestan Province, where demonstrations in July 2021 were met with a deadly crackdown. Short-term fixes exist, but experts say fundamental reforms and tough policy decisions are needed to avert a catastrophe. Azam Bahrami, a sustainable development expert based in Italy, told Radio Farda there needs to be planning and an assessment on where water is wasted to fix the problem in the long term. "We've wasted a lot of water trying to become self-sufficient in the production of many things," she said. Iran reportedly produces 85 percent of its food needs domestically -- a self-sufficiency strategy driven by decades of international sanctions and aimed at reducing dependence on global grain markets. But experts have been warning for years that Iran, which is largely arid, does not have the water resources to sustain it. Hannah Kaviani and Roya Karimi Majd of RFE/RL's Radio Farda contributed to this report. Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-water-crisis- drought-tehran/33588345.html Copyright (c) 2025. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Baqaei rejects baseless G7 claims against Iran IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 14, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has described the claims contained in the final statement of the G7 foreign ministers' meeting in Canada against Iran as baseless, irresponsible, and unacceptable. Baqaei said that the repetition of the irresponsible stance of G7 member states, by supporting the unlawful and unjustified action of the three European countries and the United States in misusing the JCPOA dispute resolution mechanism to reinstate previously lifted UN Security Council resolutions against Iran, amounts to endorsing an internationally unlawful act. He emphasized that the G7's position in no way legitimizes or justifies the illegal and unjustified actions of the three European countries and the United States. Referring to the illegal military attacks by the Israeli regime and the United States against Iran and its peaceful nuclear facilities, the spokesperson described the G7's call on Iran to cooperate with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), without the slightest reference to the joint crimes committed by the US and the Israeli regime, as hypocritical and interventionist. He stressed that the United States, due to its illegal and unilateral withdrawal from the JCPOA in 2018 and its military attack on Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, is the main cause of the current situation. He added that the three European countries, by following the US lead and failing to fulfill their commitments, as well as by supporting the US and Israeli regime's military aggression against Iran's peaceful nuclear facilities, not only committed a gross violation of their JCPOA obligations but also, with clear bad faith, ignored all of Iran's initiatives and efforts to advance diplomacy. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iraq - Country Wide Repeater System NEWS | Nov. 13, 2025 Media/Public Contact: T_Outreach_PM@state.gov Transmittal No. 25-05 WASHINGTON, November 13, 2025 -- The State Department has made a determination approving a possible Foreign Military Sale to the Government of Iraq of Country Wide Repeater System and related equipment for an estimated cost of $100 million. The Defense Security Cooperation Agency delivered the required certification notifying Congress of this possible sale today. The Government of Iraq has requested to buy Radio Access Points (RAP), handheld dismounted radios; radio base station systems; radio repeater systems; very high frequency vehicular radio systems; WiMax systems; intermediate power amplifier base station systems; intermediate power amplifier vehicular systems; Very Small Aperture Terminals; installation materials and kits; routers; switches; shelters; solar equipment; cameras and spare parts; personnel training and training equipment; studies and surveys; Contractor Logistics Support; U.S. Government and contractor engineering, technical, and logistics support services; and other related elements of logistics and program support; repeater systems and installation kits; high-capacity line of sight systems; RAP infrastructure (shelter, solar, camera, and air conditioner); and IT components (router, switch, and rack) to support a Country Wide Repeater System; and other related elements of logistics and program support. The estimated total cost is $100 million. This proposed sale will support the foreign policy and national security of the United States by helping to improve the security of a strategic partner. The proposed sale will improve Iraq's critical command-and-control capabilities, bolstering its defense against regional threats. This strengthens Iraq's ability to protect its borders, energy infrastructure, and residents, while advancing U.S. security interests. Iraq will have no difficulty absorbing these articles and services into its armed forces. The proposed sale of this equipment and support will not alter the basic military balance in the region. The principal contractor will be L3Harris Corporation, located in Rochester, NY. At this time, the U.S. government is not aware of any offset agreement proposed in connection with this potential sale. Any offset agreement will be defined in negotiations between the purchaser and the contractor. Implementation of this proposed sale will require the assignment of two U.S. Government and five U.S. contractor representatives to Iraq for a duration of five years to support quarterly program management reviews, provide engineering consulting and technical assessments for equipment upgrades and growth of the CWRS, and to conduct in-country training. There will be no adverse impact on U.S. defense readiness as a result of this proposed sale. The description and dollar value are for the highest estimated quantity and dollar value based on initial requirements. Actual dollar value will be lower depending on final requirements, budget authority, and signed sales agreement(s), if and when concluded. All questions regarding this proposed Foreign Military Sale should be directed to the State Department's Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security, Political-Military Affairs Outreach, at T_Outreach_PM@state.gov. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Iran congratulates Iraq on successful elections IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency Nov 14, 2025 Tehran, IRNA -- Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei has congratulated the people and government of Iraq on the successful holding of the Iraqi parliamentary elections. Baqaei offered his congratulations to the people and government of Iraq on the successful holding of the parliamentary elections. He regarded the increased participation of the Iraqi people in choosing their representatives and the peaceful holding of the elections as valuable, expressing hope that this election would help further strengthen unity, security, and progress in the friendly and neighboring country. 2050 NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Israel pushes for 20-year US military aid pact Iran Press TV Thursday, 13 November 2025 10:07 PM Israel is pushing for a 20-year military aid agreement with the United States, seeking to double the typical duration of such bilateral arrangements, Israeli and US officials have said. The Israeli proposal, disclosed in recent preliminary discussions, aims to secure at least $4 billion annually in military assistance, despite looming cuts to broader US foreign aid, according to Axios. This initiative arises as the current 10-year Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), signed in 2016 during President Barack Obama's administration and amounting to $38 billion through 2028, approaches its conclusion. The Israeli regime hopes to finalize the new deal within the coming year. However, negotiations face skepticism from supporters of President Donald Trump's "America First" policy regarding foreign spending, alongside bipartisan concerns about Israel's military genocidal wars in Gaza and Lebanon. Following the beginning of the Israeli war on the people of Gaza on October 7, 2023, US support for Israel has significantly increased. The report released on October 7 by the Costs of War Project at Brown University's Watson Institute for International and Public Affairs details how the US State Department and the newly renamed Department of War, under both Biden and Trump administrations, have collectively transferred at least $21.7 billion to support Israel's genocide in Gaza. According to the study, the United States supplied $17.9 billion to Israel in the first year of the genocide, during former US president Joe Biden's tenure, and $3.8 billion in the second year. A large portion of the assistance has already been delivered, while the remainder will be distributed in the coming years, the report added. The study notes that Washington is expected to allocate tens of billions of dollars in future funding to Israel through various bilateral deals. Another analysis, also published by the Costs of War Project, states that the United States has spent approximately $9.65 - $12.07 billion on military operations in West Asia over the past two years. Since Trump's inauguration in January 2025, Congress has been notified of an additional $10.1 billion in arms sales, bringing active Foreign Military Sales (FMS) cases to 751, with a total value of $39.2 billion as of April 2025. Historical MOUs reflect the strengthening US-Israeli alliance, with the 1998 agreement totaling $21.3 billion, increasing to $32 billion in 2008 and $38 billion in 2016. Israel, as the largest recipient of US foreign aid, has utilized these funds to carry out wars of aggression in the West Asia region, acquiring advanced systems such as F-35 jets and precision-guided munitions. Recent approvals include an $18.8 billion deal for F-15 fighters, with deliveries starting in 2029. US spending in the region, such as strikes on Yemen in March and May 2025 and attacks on Iranian nuclear sites on June 22, estimates total costs between $9.65 billion and $12 billion since October 7, 2023, including $2 billion to $2.25 billion for operations against Iran. Since Israel launched its genocidal war on the besieged Gaza Strip, nearly 70,000 Palestinians have been killed, while in its 12-day war with Iran last June, the regime killed at least 1,604 people. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Myanmar: Junta violence and repression are trapping persons with disabilities in daily fight for survival, says Special Rapporteur UNOHCHR Press releases Special Procedures 13 November 2025 GENEVA -- Junta forces have executed, tortured and sexually assaulted persons with disabilities while their relentless repression and violence are trapping many in a daily fight for survival according to a new report issued today by Tom Andrews, UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar. "Dozens of persons with disabilities have been burned alive in their own homes as junta forces carried out campaigns of mass arson throughout the country," Andrews said. "Survivors of the junta's attacks are often displaced and severed from their support networks and struggle to survive in hostile, inaccessible environments. Many face high barriers in accessing life-saving humanitarian aid." The Hidden Crisis: Disability Rights in Post-Coup Myanmar reveals how the 2021 military coup has devastated the lives of persons with disabilities in Myanmar, compounding historical stigma and discrimination. The new report describes the immense challenges facing persons with disabilities in Myanmar, including deep-rooted religious and cultural beliefs that perpetuate their isolation and disenfranchisement. It also spotlights the remarkable efforts of persons with disabilities and their organisations to address these conditions and support those caught in a vicious cycle of repression and discrimination. "The primary drivers of exclusion for persons with disabilities are not their impairments but the social, cultural, political, and physical barriers pervasive throughout Myanmar society," Andrews said. "The widespread belief that impairments result from misdeeds in a past life not only fuels discrimination but is also internalised by persons with disabilities, leading many to withdraw from community life out of shame and an erosion of personal dignity." Early progress towards protecting the rights of persons with disabilities was swiftly reversed following the coup. Reform efforts came to a halt as the junta cracked down on civil society, driving many disability rights advocates into exile. Even so, a remarkable network of organisations, many led by persons with disabilities, continue to work against all odds to provide essential services and defend the rights of persons with disabilities. "As a distracted world fixes its attention on other crises and conflicts, the situation of persons with disabilities in Myanmar has truly become a hidden crisis within a forgotten humanitarian catastrophe," the Special Rapporteur said. "It is critical that the world pay attention." The expert urged the international community to deny the military junta the means to continue its violence and partner with persons with disabilities to save lives and break the barriers of repression and discrimination. Thomas Andrews is the Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights in Myanmar Special Rapporteurs/Independent Experts/Working Groups are independent human rights experts appointed by the United Nations Human Rights Council. Together, these experts are referred to as the Special Procedures of the Human Rights Council. Special Procedures experts work on a voluntary basis; they are not UN staff and do not receive a salary for their work. While the UN Human Rights office acts as the secretariat for Special Procedures, the experts serve in their individual capacity and are independent from any government or organization, including OHCHR and the UN. Any views or opinions presented are solely those of the author and do not necessarily represent those of the UN or OHCHR. Country-specific observations and recommendations by the UN human rights mechanisms, including the special procedures, the treaty bodies and the Universal Periodic Review, can be found on the Universal Human Rights Index https://uhri.ohchr.org/en/ NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff, concluded his official visit to Bangladesh, alongside the port visit of PNS SAIF at Chattogram. Inter Services Public Relations Pakistan Rawalpindi - November 13, 2025 No PR-359/2025-ISPR Admiral Naveed Ashraf, NI, NI (M), Chief of the Naval Staff, concluded his official visit to Bangladesh, alongside the port visit of PNS SAIF at Chattogram. During the visit, the Naval Chief held meetings with Chief of Army Staff General Waker-Uz-Zaman, Chief of Naval Staff Admiral M Nazmul Hassan, Chief of Air Staff Air Chief Marshal Hasan Mahmood Khan, and Principal Staff Officer Armed Forces Division Lieutenant General S M Kamrul Hassan. Discussions focused on matters of mutual professional interest, regional maritime security, and ways to enhance defence cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. Both sides reaffirmed their shared commitment to peace and stability in the region. Admiral Naveed Ashraf also visited the National Defence College (NDC), Bangladesh, where he interacted with the President NDC and faculty members and received a detailed briefing on the institution's mandate and programs. In Chattogram, the Naval Chief was called on by Commander Chattogram (COMCHIT), Commander Bangladesh Navy Fleet (COMBAN), and Area Superintendent Dockyard (ASD). He further visited the Bangladesh Naval Academy (BNA), met with the Commandant and faculty, and appreciated the Academy's professional standards. He emphasized academic excellence, collaborative training, and the need for advanced naval education in the evolving maritime environment. A reception onboard PNS SAIF at Chattogram was also hosted by Admiral Naveed Ashraf, attended by CNS Bangladesh Navy, Pakistan's High Commissioner, diplomats, senior military officials, scholars, journalists, and business leaders. The event highlighted the commitment to peaceful cooperation in the Bay of Bengal and Indian Ocean Region. The visit marked a significant step toward strengthening bilateral naval ties, fostering mutual respect, and advancing maritime security cooperation between Pakistan and Bangladesh. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Meeting with Astrakhan Region Governor, Chair of State Council Commission for Supporting Combat Veterans - Participants in the Special Military Operation and their Family Members Igor Babushkin Vladimir Putin held a working meeting with Governor of the Astrakhan Region, Chair of the State Council Commission for Supporting Combat Veterans - Participants in the Special Military Operation and Their Family Members Igor Babushkin. The discussion focused on the Commission's performance and the socioeconomic situation in the Astrakhan Region. November 13, 2025 14:05 The Kremlin, Moscow Igor Babushkin recalled that the Commission's task is to better coordinate the efforts of the federal and regional executive authorities, the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation and other organisations in the interests of the participants and veterans of the special military operation and their family members. The Commission includes governors, representatives of the Russian Federation Government, the Presidential Executive Office, the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation, public organisations, and the Russian Popular Front, as well as experts and participants in the Time of Heroes programme. The Commission has received over 500 requests, half of which are proposals to enhance the efficiency of state efforts in this sphere. Solutions have been found to some issues the Commission has addressed. For example, the Government has decided to extend the Social Fund's programme of social rehabilitation and health resort treatment to 2026-2027. The Ministry of Labour and Social Protection, the Economic Development Ministry and the Finance Ministry used the Commission's platform to work out the most effective methods of encouraging entrepreneurial activity among veterans based on the social contract mechanism. The Ministry of Construction worked together with regional authorities and the Defenders of the Fatherland Foundation to standardise the rules for adapting housing to the requirements of people with disabilities. Igor Babushkin mentioned the improvement of legislation. The Commission is working closely with both houses of the Federation Council and the Russian Government on this issue. The Astrakhan Region Governor also reported on the Commission's proposals that can be used to prepare instructions for the Government and become a valid tool for providing measures of support to combat veterans - participants in the special military operation. These proposals have to do, in part, with granting the status of combat veteran to new categories of citizens in the special military operation zone, improving legal procedures and document flow, medical assistance and rehabilitation, and improving the accessibility of counselling and psychotherapeutic aid for participants in the special military operation, as well as education, professional training and employment for veterans of combat operations. Other proposals concern the families of the fallen and the missing in action who really do need special attention. It has been proposed that the Healthcare Ministry and relevant research centres elaborate and introduce corresponding recommendations, while those who work with these people undergo relevant training. The Commission's proposals also have to do with helping veterans prepare for enrolling at universities, offering them an opportunity to obtain several qualifications, including through individual tuition plans, and creating conditions for engaging in adaptive sports. Vladimir Putin expressed support for these proposals, adding that it is necessary to coordinate all the details so that these good initiatives are not left in the air. In particular, it is necessary to discuss funding in advance. Among other matters, Igor Babushkin emphasised that all regions of the Russian Federation have established regional support programmes for veterans and participants in the special military operation, and their families. The scope of these programmes depends on each region's territorial and budgetary specifics. In accordance with the President's instructions, the State Council Commission on State and Municipal Government has prepared a draft basic standard for social support measures to be provided to these veterans, their families, and the families of the fallen. Following a substantive deliberation on the proposals, the Commission, chaired by Igor Babushkin, developed a list of support measures intended to serve as a model for implementation across all regions of the Russian Federation. This model would apply uniformly, regardless of the region from which an individual was deployed or to which he returned. These 19 social support measures cover education, social security, employment, healthcare, culture, taxation, and free legal assistance from competent professionals. Particular attention is directed towards the families of fallen heroes. Igor Babushkin expressed confidence that this will allow finalising the creation of a unified support system at the federal, regional, and municipal levels. Igor Babushkin also stated that the Astrakhan Region, like all other regions, provides targeted support to local fighters. This includes, in particular, the 177th Naval Infantry Regiment of the Caspian Flotilla, which has been deployed since the start of the special military operation. The marines landed on the shores of the Sea of Azov, took part in the liberation of Berdyansk, demonstrated heroism in the Kursk Region, and are currently fulfilling a combat mission in the Pokrovsk sector. The regiment soldiers had asked the Governor to deliver a gift to the President. Vladimir Putin said he was aware of their accomplishments and asked the Governor to convey his best wishes and words of gratitude to them. Igor Babushkin then briefed the President on the regional situation. The harvesting season is nearing completion, with agricultural producers demonstrating record results by having already gathered approximately two million tonnes. The region's gross agricultural product has seen overall growth of 49 percent since 2019. The area of cultivated land is also expanding significantly, having increased from 11,000 to 92,000 hectares. In response to the President's observation on persistent desertification, the Governor confirmed that work is underway with the Ministry of Natural Resources and Ministry of Agriculture to address the issue. The discussion also touched upon the relocation of residents from dilapidated housing and the serious challenges facing the local utilities sector, particularly concerning water supply, wastewater disposal, and ageing infrastructure. A programme to modernise the local utilities system is currently being developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Construction. The Governor also highlighted the increasing volume and pace of housing construction, which has placed the region among the top ten in the country in this regard. Finally, Igor Babushkin spoke about humanitarian and economic cooperation with the neighbouring Caspian states. Active collaboration is underway as part of the development of the North-South International Transport Corridor. He described this as a key initiative for the region, a logistics chain that serves as a primary driver of economic development for the Astrakhan Region and a cornerstone for building relationships with Russia's neighbours. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Shoigu on New START: Not Much Time Left to Preserve One of Foundations of Stability Sputnik News 20251113 There is not much time left to preserve one of the key foundations of global stability, Russian Security Council Secretary Sergei Shoigu said in an interview with Sputnik. "I would like to recall the initiative put forward by Russian President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin to extend the Treaty on Measures for the Further Reduction and Limitation of Strategic Offensive Arms for one year. We don't have much time left to preserve one of the key foundations of global stability," Shoigu said. Earlier, Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Russia is prepared to continue adhering to the restrictions under New START for one year after February 5, 2026. He explained that steps to comply with the New START restrictions will be effective if the United States reciprocates. US President Donald Trump called Putin's New START proposal a good idea, according to several media reports. The United States has not yet officially provided explanations regarding its statements on nuclear tests, Shoigu said. "It's worth noting that the White House has not yet officially provided comprehensive explanations about the statements about nuclear tests made by the American leadership," Shoigu said. Russia expects Washington to follow its nuclear test ban commitments, he added. "We expect that Washington will continue to adhere to its commitments regarding the ban on nuclear tests," Shoigu said. In late October, US President Donald Trump said he had ordered nuclear weapons tests to be conducted "on an equal basis" with other countries that allegedly have nuclear testing program Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address How to resolve Taiwan question allows no external interference: Chinese FM responds to US comment on Japanese PM's erroneous remarks Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 13, 2025 05:02 PM In response to US State Department spokesperson's remarks on Wednesday regarding Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous words concerning Taiwan, in which the US claimed it's commited to maintaining peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits, opposing unilateral change to the status quo by either side, supporting cross-Straits dialogue, and hoping differences be resolved peacefully, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian said on Thursday that China has stated its solemn position on the erroneous remarks made by Takaichi. "I would like to reiterate that the Taiwan question is at the very core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-US relations," Lin said. Lin said how to resolve the Taiwan question is an internal affair of the Chinese people that allows no external interference. "We urge the US side to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiques, cease conniving at and supporting 'Taiwan independence' separatist forces, and stop undermining China-US relations as well as peace and stability across the Taiwan Straits," Lin said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address China summons Japanese ambassador, makes serious demarches over erroneous remarks of Japanese Prime Minister regarding China Global Times By Global Times Published: Nov 14, 2025 07:28 AM Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned Japanese Ambassador to China Kenji Kanasugi on Thursday, making serious demarches over erroneous remarks of Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding China. Sun said that Takaichi openly made blatant and provocative remarks regarding the Taiwan region, even implying the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Straits. The nature and impact of these remarks are extremely egregious. Despite China's serious demarches and protests, the Japanese side still refused to change course and retrack the erroneous remarks. China expresses strong dissatisfaction and firm opposition to this, and lodges solemn representations and strong protests with Japan, Sun said. Sun pointed out that Takaichi's remarks related to the Taiwan region are gravely wrong and extremely dangerous. They constitute a flagrant interference in China's internal affairs, seriously violate international law and the basic norms governing international relations, severely undermine the post-war international order, grossly violate the one-China principle and the guiding principles set forth in the four China-Japan political documents, sabotage the political foundation of China-Japan relations, and deeply hurt the feelings of the Chinese people. The 1.4 billion Chinese people will by no means tolerate such remarks, Sun emphasized. The Taiwan question lies at the very core of China's core interests and is a red line and bottom line that must not be crossed. Taiwan is an inalienable part of China's sacred territory, and Taiwan-related matters are purely China's internal affairs, Sun stressed, adding that how to resolve the Taiwan question and realize national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people to decide and brooks no interference by any external force. This year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, and is also the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan, Sun noted. Eighty years ago, the courageous Chinese people fought a 14-year bloody war to defeat the Japanese aggressors. Eighty years later, anyone who dares to interfere in China's great cause of reunification in any form will definitely meet a firm response from China, Sun said. China once again urges Japan to deeply reflect on its historical responsibilities, immediately correct its wrong doing, retract the egregious remarks, and stop going further down the wrong path. Otherwise, all consequences must be borne by the Japanese side, Sun said. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal visits defenders of Kharkiv region on the frontline in Vovchansk Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 12 November, 2025, 6:29 PM EET Minister of Defence of Ukraine Denys Shmyhal paid a working visit to the defenders of the Kharkiv region who are holding the line in Vovchansk. In particular, the Minister of Defence visited the command post of the 57th Separate Motorized Infantry Brigade named after Kish otaman Kost Hordiienko. "We held discussions with the unit's command. The commander delivered detailed reports on the tactical situation in the sector of responsibility and on enemy force concentrations and capabilities. I am grateful to the personnel for their steadfastness, courage, and professionalism demonstrated while repelling numerous russian attacks," stated Denys Shmyhal. The Minister of Defence also visited the command post of the 113th Separate Territorial Defence Brigade holding positions near Vovchansk. He received briefings from the command on the current situation, defensive positions, personnel sustainment, and the results of combat missions. "Special attention was given to providing surveillance and communication equipment, drones, and to matters of rotations, logistics, and medical support," noted Denys Shmyhal. According to him, responsible officials will be assigned designated operational tasks. Denys Shmyhal thanked the brigade's service members for their high level of training and for the genuine heroism they demonstrated during the defense of Vovchansk. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna in Berlin: Europe's resolve and Germany's leadership are key to Ukraine's success Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.11.2025 | 20:30 On 13 November, Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna visited Berlin, where he met with, among others, German Foreign Minister Johann Wadephul to discuss strengthening European security, continued support for Ukraine, and increasing pressure on Russia to end its war of aggression. "Estonia and Germany share a very similar view of the challenges facing Europe and how to address them. Today's meeting provided an opportunity to discuss our next joint steps," said Tsahkna following the meeting. "Europe must continue to act with determination strengthening its own security, exerting pressure on the aggressor Russia, and supporting Ukraine in its fight for independence and sovereignty. Germany plays a key role in all of this," Tsahkna stated during his meeting with his German counterpart. The foreign minister stressed the need to move swiftly on economic pressure against Russia by adopting a strong 20th EU sanctions package, enabling the use of Russia's frozen assets for Ukraine's benefit, and deciding on the imposition of tariffs. He also emphasised the importance of continuing military, economic, and political support for Ukraine. "By applying sufficient pressure on Russia and supporting Ukraine, it is possible to bring an end to the aggression and achieve a just and lasting peace," Tsahkna said, adding that it is also crucial to swiftly establish a special tribunal to hold those responsible for the crime of aggression to account. The ministers also discussed EU enlargement, with Tsahkna underlining the need to advance Ukraine and Moldova's accession processes. Speaking on the strengthening of NATO's deterrence and defence posture, Tsahkna commended Germany for its decision to significantly increase defence investments in the coming years, as well as for its contribution to securing the Alliance's eastern flank. While in Berlin, Tsahkna also met with Armin Laschet, Chair of the Bundestag's Foreign Affairs Committee, and committee members Roderich Kiesewetter, Knut Abraham, Stefan Keuter, and Johannes Schraps, as well as with Gunter Sautter, the foreign policy adviser of the German Chancellor, and Niels Annen, State Secretary at the Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development. In addition, the foreign minister delivered remarks at a real estate seminar hosted at the Estonian Embassy and took part in a roundtable discussion on Estonia's digital experience with Estonian companies and German journalists. This evening, Foreign Minister Tsahkna will officially open an Estonian Business Hub at the newly renovated Estonian Embassy in Berlin, together with Federal Minister for Economic Affairs and Energy Katherina Reiche and Minister of State for Europe Gunther Krichbaum. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Foreign Minister Tsahkna: Nordic and Baltic countries' joint contribution to NATO's Ukraine defence funding mechanism is especially vital ahead of winter Republic of Estonia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.11.2025 | 13:56 According to Foreign Minister Margus Tsahkna, NATO's announcement today that the Nordic and Baltic countries will jointly contribute $500 million to the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) is a clear signal of the region's unwavering support for Ukraine. It is particularly crucial ahead of winter, as Ukraine faces intensified Russian attacks. "Russia's increasingly aggressive strikes on Ukraine's civilian and energy infrastructure are aimed at plunging the country into cold and darkness before winter, extinguishing hope and weakening the will to resist. We must act to ensure Russia does not achieve this goal," said Tsahkna. "Through the PURL initiative, Ukraine receives urgently needed military equipment to protect its people and resist the aggressor and this support is now more critical than ever," the minister noted. "The joint contribution by Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Iceland, Denmark, Finland, Sweden, and Norway demonstrates our firm commitment to continued support for Ukraine. Contributions from all allies to PURL are essential to send a clear message to Russia: support for Ukraine is only growing." Tsahkna emphasised that the Nordic and Baltic countries have long been among Ukraine's strongest supporters. One of Estonia's priorities during its presidency of the Nordic-Baltic cooperation format (NB8) next year will be to ensure that support for Ukraine remains at the heart of the region's efforts. The Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) was announced in July by US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte, with the aim of strengthening Ukraine's defence capabilities and meeting its urgent military needs. Under the initiative, the United States provides Ukraine with critical military equipment including missiles, precision weapons, air defence systems, and ammunition funded by European Allies and Canada. Estonia will contribute 10 million to PURL, as approved by the government. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Minister of Defence Hakkanen: Nordic and Baltic countries announce USD 500 million package of support for Ukraine under PURL Finnish Ministry of Defence Ministry of Defence Publication date 13.11.2025 Type:Press release Finland, Denmark, Estonia, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Sweden announced today on 13 November 2025 that they will fund a USD 500 million package of defence materiel for Ukraine sourced from the United States, under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative of NATO and the United States. "This joint pledge to contribute the PURL initiative will further strengthen the commitment of the Nordic and Baltic countries to supporting Ukraine. It is crucial that Ukraine receives critical defence materiel quickly," said Finland's Minister of Defence Antti Hakkanen. "For Finland, this is a third element of our military assistance to Ukraine, the first two being the materiel handovers by the Finnish Defence Forces and the support programme for the Finnish industry. The Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative, revealed by the President of the United Stated and the NATO Secretary General in July 2025, is designed to fund defence materiel assistance to Ukraine, sourced from the United States. The initiative is funded by European Allies and Canada and will consist of regular packages of defence materiel sourced from the United States and rapidly delivered to Ukraine. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Sweden contributes SEK 600 million to US military equipment support package to Ukraine Government Offices of Sweden Press release from Ministry of Defence Published 13 November 2025 Sweden is contributing around SEK 600 million to the US-initiated Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL). Together with other Nordic and Baltic countries, Sweden is helping to fund an overall package worth a total of USD 500 million. The funds are part of support packages for Ukraine that were previously communicated. "The contribution strengthens Ukraine's air defence capabilities and its defence against Russia. Russia poses a threat to Europe, and Sweden will continue to act together with others through financial, military and humanitarian means to support Ukraine and protect Europe," says Minister for Defence Pal Jonson. Since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Sweden has provided around SEK 90 billion in military support to Ukraine. Some of these funds have gone to funds and initiatives from other countries. The Government has now decided to mandate the Swedish Armed Forces to contribute USD 60 million to a support package as part of the PURL initiative. Together with other Nordic and Baltic countries, Sweden is thus funding a support package worth a total of USD 500 million. This is the second time Sweden has contributed to PURL. In August, Sweden provided USD 275 million for a support package together with Denmark and Norway. Within the PURL initiative, the United States makes high-priority US defence equipment available via support packages funded by Allies. These packages include air defence systems and ammunition. The initiative is administered by NATO. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Latvia alongside the other NB8 countries continues supporting Ukraine Republic of Latvia - Ministry of Foreign Affairs 13.11.2025 The NB8 countries continue to provide comprehensive military support to Ukraine. In mutual coordination of assistance, they have made joint contributions towards NATO's comprehensive assistance mechanism, the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), to provide Ukraine with critically needed military capabilities and equipment and accelerate their supplies to repel Russia's aggression. Pursuant to the Cabinet decision, Latvia has pledged 7.2 million euros in contributions to PURL. The NB8 countries - Latvia, Estonia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Norway, and Iceland - have consistently provided military, financial and practical support to Ukraine ever since Russia unleased its full-scale invasion, and they are committed to going ahead, in order to strengthen Ukraine's defence capabilities, European security and the international law-based order. Foreign Minister Baiba Braze: "Latvia's financial support for the purchase of military equipment in support of Ukraine is a clear signal of NATO and Allied commitment to ensuring that Ukraine's priority military needs are met and to strengthening collective security in Europe. Latvia's contribution demonstrates political and practical solidarity - Latvia, together with the Allies, is prepared to protect the international order against the Russian aggression." The total NB8 PURL package values at around USD 500 million. PURL is an operational mechanism enabling the Allies to target their support at Ukraine's must urgent requirements. Through this instrument, funding is channelled into equipment that has maximum effect on battlefield capabilities and long-term defence, while reaffirming transatlantic solidarity and an effective burden sharing. In parallel with their joint contributions, the NB8 countries continue to implement their national support programs envisaging direct military supplies, financial support, training and logistical support. Latvia has committed to providing military support of at least 0.25% of GDP and, together with the United Kingdom, has taken a leading role in the Drone Coalition to increase supplies and develop national drone manufacturing capabilities. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Nordic and Baltic countries to fund a joint USD 500 million PURL package for Ukraine Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence 2025-11-13 International cooperation | Security and defense policy Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden pledged a USD 500 million package under the Prioritised Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative for equipment and acquisition procurement from the United States. It was announced at the Nordic-Baltic (NB8) Defence Ministers' meeting in Helsinki. "Ukraine needs effective, quick and targeted assistance today more than ever so that we make a real difference in the balance on the frontlines. We have and we will consistently support Ukraine in this war through the different formats that respond to the country's different real-life needs. Lithuania will contribute USD 30 million to this PURL package with financing also earmarked for the next year. In the meantime, it is also a must to authorize the use of the frozen Russian assets to compensate for the loan covering Ukraine's defence spending. We need an EU-level consensus on that at the earliest possible date," Minister R. Kaunas said at the meeting. NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte commended the announcement. "Our Nordic and Baltic Allies are stepping up to fund a further package of critical military equipment for Ukraine. This equipment is extremely important as Ukraine enters the winter months, and deliveries through PURL are flowing into Ukraine. NATO Allies will continue to deliver essential equipment and supplies," the Secretary General is cited saying. The PURL programme helps Ukraine identify critical operational priorities that require defence capabilities available from the United States and paid for by the European Allies and Canada. This enables an accurate targeted joint effort and funding by NATO Allies providing Ukraine with the weapons and ammunition it needs urgently. The supply is ensured by the United States. The NB8 meeting also addressed other assistance to Ukraine initiatives, including the training of the Ukrainian Brigade conducted with assistance from the Baltic and Nordic countries and Poland. Last month, the OP-LEGIO Training Centre was officially opened at the Lipa Training Area of Poland. Lithuania will contribute EUR 12 million worth of equipment, as well as ammunition, grenades and a mobile training team to the initiative. When addressing the security on the eastern flank, including strengthening air defence and Allied military presence in the region, Minister underscored the importance of retaining a robust Allied presence in the Baltic states and transitioning to air defence from air policing in reflection of the real security situation. R. Kaunas also thanked the Nordic countries for the input in strengthening the Baltic security. Nordic-Baltic Eight (NB8) is an informal cooperation format that includes Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, and Sweden. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russian Forces Take Control of Two Settlements in Kharkov and Dnepropetrovsk Regions Sputnik News 20251113 MOSCOW (Sputnik) - Russia's Sever battlegroup took control of the settlement of Sinelnikovo in the Kharkov region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. At the same time, Russia's Vostok battlegroup of took control of the settlement of Danilovka in the Dnepropetrovsk region, the ministry added. The liberation of the settlement of Sinelnikovo in the Kharkov region allows the Russian Armed Forces to strengthen their positions in the area for a further advance towards the city of Volchansk, a key stronghold for the creation of a buffer zone on the the Kharkov-Belgorod border. The liberation of the settlement of Danilovka in the Dnepropetrovsk region enables offensive operations towards the city of Gulyaypole in the south and the regional center the village of Pokrovskoye in the north. The Russian armed forces destroyed more than 229 Ukrainian servicepeople in the Pokrovsk (Krasnoarmeysk) direction in the past 24 hours, the Russian Ministry of Defense also said. "Over the past 24 hours, more than 229 Ukrainian servicepeople, 11 pieces of weapons and military equipment, including four armored combat vehicles, five vehicles, and two field artillery pieces, were destroyed in the Krasnoarmeysk direction," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Zapad battlegroup continues to destroy encircled Ukrainian groupings in the Kupyansk area and repelled three attempts by Ukrainian troops to unblock the encircled groupings, the ministry said. Additionally, the Russian armed forces are conducting an offensive in the western part of Krasnoarmeysk, northwestern and eastern quarters of the central district and in the western industrial zone, as well as continue clearing of the Rog settlement in the Donetsk People's Republic from Ukrainian soldiers, the ministry added. The Russian forces also repelled 10 Ukrainian attacks from the area of the village of Grishino aimed at unblocking the encircled Ukrainian group in the Donetsk People's Republic, the statement added. Russia's Tsentr battlegroup has eliminated more than 510 Ukrainian military personnel over the past day, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Thursday. "In total, in the area of responsibility of the Tsentr group of forces, the enemy's losses amounted to 510 servicepeople, two Western-made armored personnel carriers, three combat armored vehicles, two field artillery pieces and six vehicles," the ministry said in a statement. Russia's Vostok battlegroup has eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian soldiers and the Zapad battlegroup has eliminated up to 220 Ukrainian soldiers, the statement read. Additionally, the Black Sea Fleet destroyed four unmanned boats of the Ukrainian armed forces and the Russian armed forces hit fuel and energy complex facilities and transport infrastructure of the Ukrainian armed forces, the statement read. Sputnik NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Russia's attacks on Ukraine's energy infrastructure deepen humanitarian harm and endanger nuclear safety: UK statement to the OSCE Speech Ambassador Holland condemns Russia's recurrent strikes on Ukraine's energy infrastructure, highlighting severe humanitarian impacts and nuclear safety risks. Russia's proposals for a settlement would last only until Moscow decided it wanted more. A settlement that rewards territorial theft would only guarantee future war. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office and Neil Holland Published 13 November 2025 Location: Vienna Delivered on: 13 November 2025 (Transcript of the speech, exactly as it was delivered) Neil Holland Thank you, Chair. Last weekend, Russia again struck Ukraine's power system with large waves of drones and missiles, killing civilians, damaging energy facilities across multiple regions and triggering blackouts. Russia has insisted that it targets only military-relevant facilities and that anything short of plunging Ukraine into total darkness - which would bring with it a nuclear catastrophe - was showing restraint. This argument collapses on contact with the facts. The UN Human Rights Monitoring Mission has assessed Russia's campaign against Ukraine's electricity network as likely violating international humanitarian law because of its predictable, severe and widespread civilian impacts on heating, water, sanitation, healthcare and education. Recurrent strikes on energy infrastructure are not restraint. They are deepening humanitarian harm as winter approaches. These attacks also endanger nuclear safety. The IAEA has warned repeatedly that degrading Ukraine's external power supplies and striking grid nodes that feed nuclear facilities create a persistent risk to reactor and spent-fuel cooling. We are one accident away from a catastrophe for the region. Recent incidents forcing plants to use backup power underline how fragile safety margins are in a war zone. True to form, Russia returns to deception and deflection, using its disinformation machine to spread lies of "western sabotage" rather than demonstrate some responsible behaviour. Chair, we do not doubt the sincerity of Russia's stated desire for a "long-term settlement" to this war. For Russia, it has been a strategic disaster, has sadly resulted in more than a million Russian casualties, and has led Russia's economy into very troubled waters. But what Russia actually wants is to bake its violation of our shared principles into any settlement. To force Ukraine and the rest of us to accept aggression as the new normal. Its so-called conditions for peace would reward invasion, legitimise occupation, and give Russia a veto over its neighbour's future. That is not peace: it is coercion dressed up as diplomacy. And it would not be for the long-term: it would last only until Moscow decided that it wanted more. Russia has argued that its security interests need to be considered in any settlement. In fact, the UK agrees with this. But we believe that Russia's security interests - like the rest of ours - are best served by respecting the principles and laws that we have all collectively agreed. But when the Kremlin talks of its security interests, it does not mean the many; it means the few. The UK remains strongly in support of peace - and has been firmly behind US and Ukrainian efforts to end this war. A just and lasting peace is not a slogan; it means upholding the foundational principles of global peace and security that we have all committed to. A settlement that rewards territorial theft would only guarantee future war. Peace built on justice and shared principles can endure. Peace built on fear and force will not. Thank you. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Security and future generations at the centre of discussions as UK and Ukraine strengthen partnership. Press release The Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership. From: Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office, Department for Education, British Council, The Rt Hon Yvette Cooper MP and The Rt Hon Bridget Phillipson MP Published 13 November 2025 The Foreign Secretary will welcome Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London for next steps on the 100 Year Partnership Boost for UK and Ukraine's next generation with expansion of successful school partnerships programme. Ukraine's recovery is a priority for UK security with 5.2 million of new reconstruction funding for hospitals and roads supporting critical national infrastructure New funding for three major reconstruction projects in Ukraine, including two hospitals and an extensive road project, will be announced today as part of the UK-Ukraine Strategic Dialogue. And in a boost to the next generation in both countries, more British and Ukrainian school children than ever will be able to participate in the landmark 100 Year Partnership schools programme, delivered through the British Council. The schools partnership programme initially launched earlier this year, with 50 schools in the UK matched with 50 schools in Ukraine on a year-long reading project, with pupils sharing their favourite stories from their own cultures. New funding will support 30 additional schools across both countries, with an estimated 5,000 additional pupils benefitting from the landmark partnership to drive education standards across both nations. The new support comes as the Foreign Secretary welcomes Ukrainian Foreign Minister Sybiha to London today [Thursday 13 November] for the Strategic Dialogue. They will discuss the long-term and strategic partnership between the UK and Ukraine, reaffirming the shared commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, territorial integrity and democratic future. The UK continues to be a key partner in helping broker a just and lasting peace for Ukraine and ensure that they are in the strongest position possible now and for future generations. Foreign Secretary Yvette Cooper said: Ukraine's security is our security. Through our 100 Year Partnership, we commit to stand with Ukraine not just today or tomorrow, but for many decades and generations to come, deepening our economic, security and cultural ties. Time and again, Putin shows he is willing to threaten the lives of civilians, take children from their families and destroy critical infrastructure. The UK's support will help reconstruction of hospitals and critical national infrastructure as well as building connections between our countries for years to come. Our support for Ukraine is stronger than ever. Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson said: I was lucky enough to grow up with a grandfather who passed on his love of reading to me - opening up my world and shaping who I am today. Reading is one of the greatest gifts a child can receive, building empathy, widening horizons and helping us to see the world through others' eyes. For children in Ukraine, who are dealing with hardships that many of us can't comprehend, this programme is creating something truly special - bringing young people together through stories, building understanding and friendship, and forging bonds between schools. It's wonderful that, as part of our Plan for Change and 100 Year Partnership, another 5,000 pupils will now have the chance to be part of it. Deepening the UK and Ukraine's partnership through education, culture and research ties is pivotal to the 100 Year Partnership. This week, three UK universities, Birkbeck - University of London, Durham University and Edge Hill University, will sign an agreement with the Global Coalition of Ukrainian Studies, enabling them to strengthen partnerships on education, research and cultural links. The UK continues to give Ukraine its ironclad support. Building on the signing of the 100 Year Partnership in January, today's meeting further solidifies the growing cooperation between the UK and Ukraine, and the incredible potential for our countries and generations to thrive for years to come. Notes to editors More information on the 100 Year Partnership can be found here. More information on the UK's support to Ukraine can be found here. More information on the British Council UK-Ukraine School Partnerships programme can be found here More information on the university twinning initiative and its 2025 report can be found here The Strategic Dialogue was established under the 2020 Strategic Partnership Agreement. It sets clear bilateral priorities across eight key areas including security, trade, energy, and culture, culminating in a leader-level meeting and joint communique. The inaugural Strategic Dialogue was held in December 2021. It was paused following Russia's full-scale invasion in 2022 and is now being relaunched to set clear priorities across growth, reform, and security, and to build on the momentum of the 100YP signed in January 2025. It aims to demonstrate long-term UK leadership and commitment to Ukraine's sovereignty, resilience and recovery. These objectives directly support the PM's Plan for Change by advancing UK growth and economic resilience through trade and innovation, and reinforcing our global leadership in security and democratic values. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha and Igor Brusylo held a meeting with UK Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 13 November 2025 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "In London, together with Deputy Head of the Office of the President of Ukraine Igor Brusylo, we met with UK Prime Minister's National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell. We discussed the path to a just and comprehensive peace, ways to increase pressure on Russia. I informed about the outcomes of the G7 ministerial meeting in Canada and thanked the UK for its support and leadership, including within the Coalition of the Willing. We discussed the preparation for the meeting of our leaders, President Zelenskyy and Prime Minister Starmer, to advance our 100-year partnership. I also informed about the Ukrainian government's response to the recent corruption investigations, as well President Zelenskyy's firm and principled position on the need of full accountability". NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha held a meeting with Foreign Secretary of the United Kingdom Yvette Cooper Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 13 November 2025 19:40 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I had a substantial and cordial bilateral meeting with my British colleague Yvette Cooper to reaffirm the strength of our strategic partnership and its vital role for the security and prosperity of Europe. We coordinated next steps to increase the price of war for Russia and strengthen Ukraine. I expressed gratitude for the UK's leadership in all areas, yesterday's strong G7 statement, and the new 13 million winter package. We agreed on the importance of swift collective action to enable the full use of Russia's frozen assets to support Ukraine's defense and recovery. We need this decision until the end of the year. We separately coordinated our initiatives in international organisations and efforts to hold Russia accountable for its crimes. Alongside Secretary Cooper, I laid a wreath at the memorial at Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office to honour British diplomats who have died while serving." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Andrii Sybiha and Ihor Brusyl held a meeting with representatives of the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine 13 November 2025 16:37 Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andrii Sybiha: "I was pleased to begin my visit to London by meeting, alongside Ihor Brusyl, with the UK Parliament's Foreign Affairs Committee, headed by Emily Thornberry, as well as members of the All-Party Parliamentary Groups on Ukraine. We focused on steps to achieve a just and comprehensive peace, tighten sanctions on Russia, and move toward the full use of its frozen assets. I appreciate the strong cross-party support for Ukraine in the UK Parliament and the many decisions it has taken to strengthen our country and hold the aggressor accountable. I underscored the important role of parliamentary diplomacy and thanked British MPs for their unwavering solidarity and the UK's leadership in supporting Ukraine." NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Denys Shmyhal visits frontline units defending the Donetsk region Ministry of Defence of Ukraine 13 November, 2025, 1:41 PM EET Ukraine's Minister of Defence, Denys Shmyhal, visited the warriors defending the Donetsk region. In particular, the Minister of Defence inspected the command post of the 100th Separate Mechanized Brigade and received briefings on the situation in the Kostiantynivka sector of responsibility. "We discussed implementing new approaches in the military. We also focused on strengthening the units with modern communication systems, electronic warfare (EW) equipment, drones, and ground robotic systems. I thanked the warriors for their heroism and courage," said Denys Shmyhal. The Minister of Defence also visited the operational area of the 10th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade 'Edelweiss' and met with the brigade's command staff. Denys Shmyhal received briefings on the organization of combat operations and logistics. "We focused in detail on measures to enhance support for units and improve overall service conditions. I thanked the warriors for their resilience and strong contribution to Ukraine's defense," concluded the Minister of Defence. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Tomorrow, I Will Hold a Staff Meeting Focused Specifically on This Region - on the Defense of Zaporizhzhia and All the Issues Raised - Address by the President President of Ukraine 13 November 2025 - 16:25 I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians! All day today I've been in the Zaporizhzhia region, visiting our combat brigades: the 65th Separate Mechanized Brigade, which as part of the 17th Corps defends our state in the Orikhiv direction, and also the warriors of the 128th Separate Mountain Assault Brigade, defending the areas around Stepnohirsk. We had a very detailed discussion today with the commanders about what exactly is needed to strengthen our positions and how to reinforce this direction, an important one. I am grateful for the thorough information about the difficulties here, in the Zaporizhzhia region, especially in the areas of Huliaipole and the Kamyanske direction. Tomorrow, I will hold a Staff meeting focused specifically on this region - on the defense of Zaporizhzhia and all the issues raised. We had a detailed conversation with head of the administration Ivan Fedorov about the situation in the city and the region, and about the support Zaporizhzhia currently needs - both people and businesses. First of all, protection from strikes and defense across the region from Russian assaults. I have already assigned tasks to the military, and we will allocate more resources for this direction. Here in Zaporizhzhia, and also in our other cities - precisely those on the frontline and along the border - I am grateful to everyone who ensures that our children and students have the opportunity to study, to be safe, and to stay connected with others. And today I visited a school-shelter. The children are studying, they are part of a social circle, and that is vital for Ukraine's future. The Russians want to do everything to make life unbearable for Ukraine. We are doing everything to ensure protection for our state and all Ukrainians. Thank you to everyone who helps! Thank you to all who defend Ukraine! Thank you, Zaporizhzhia! Glory to Ukraine! NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address GT 254: AFGSC validates reliability, readiness of ICBM force with Minuteman III test launch News | Nov. 5, 2025 By Air Force Global Strike Command Public Affairs Air Force Global Strike Command BARKSDALE AIR FORCE BASE, La. - Air Force Global Strike Command conducted a test launch of an unarmed Minuteman III intercontinental ballistic missile from Vandenberg Space Force Base, California, on November 5, 2025. This test, designated GT 254, evaluated the ongoing reliability, operational readiness, and accuracy of the ICBM system, a cornerstone of America's national defense. A team of AFGSC Airmen from the 625th Strategic Operations Squadron employing the Airborne Launch Control System from aboard a U.S. Navy E-6B Mercury aircraft, initiated the launch, testing the effectiveness and continuous availability of the ALCS, a backup command and control system for the ICBM force. "GT 254 is not just a launch - it's a comprehensive assessment to verify and validate the ICBM system's ability to perform its critical mission," said Lt. Col. Karrie Wray, commander of the 576th Flight Test Squadron. "The data collected during the test is invaluable in ensuring the continued reliability and accuracy of the ICBM weapon system." The Western Test Range at Vandenberg SFB serves as the testing ground for this critical effort. This launch is part of a series of routine and periodic activities crucial to assessing and validating the Minuteman III's capabilities. These tests, conducted with stringent safety protocols, allow AFGSC to collect valuable data. "This test validated the reliability, adaptability, and modularity of the weapon system," said Col. Dustin Harmon, 377th Test and Evaluation Group commander. "Through this comprehensive assessment, conducted by a dedicated team of AFGSC Airmen, we ensure the highest standards of integrity and reliability for the Nation's ICBM system." The 377th Test and Evaluation Group, the Air Force's only dedicated ICBM test organization, oversaw the meticulous planning and execution of the test launch. The unarmed ICBM's reentry vehicle traveled approximately 4,200 miles to the U.S. Army Space and Missile Defense Command's Ronald Reagan Ballistic Missile Defense Test Site at the Kwajalein Atoll in the Republic of the Marshall Islands. The Reagan Test Site, equipped with advanced sensors, including high-fidelity metric and signature radars, optical sensors, and telemetry, collected critical data during the terminal phase of flight. RTS team members analyze this data to evaluate system performance and support the research, development, test, and evaluation of America's defense and space programs. Airmen from all three AFGSC missile wings comprised the task force supporting the test launch, while maintainers from the 90th Missile Wing at F.E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, provided essential maintenance support. This collective effort underscored the commitment and expertise of the Airmen who maintain and operate this vital weapon system. As the U.S. Air Force modernizes its ICBM force with the LGM-35A Sentinel weapon system, maintaining the readiness of the existing Minuteman III remains a top priority. "As we modernize to the Sentinel weapon system, we must continue to maintain the readiness of the existing Minuteman III fleet. GT 254 helps fulfill that commitment, ensuring its continued accuracy and reliability," said Gen. S.L. Davis, commander of Air Force Global Strike Command. NEWS LETTER Join the GlobalSecurity.org mailing list Enter Your Email Address Vancouver - Armory Mining Corp. (CSE: ARMY) (OTC: RMRYF) (FRA: 2JS) (the "Company" or "Armory") a resource exploration company focused on the discovery and development of minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors, is pleased to announce that it has closed its non-brokered private placement offering (the "Offering"), previously announced by the Company on November 3, 2025, by issuing 10,000,001 units (the "Units") at a price of $0.055 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of $550,000.06. Each Unit is comprised of one common share and one transferrable common share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire an additional common share at a price of $0.085 per common share until November 13, 2030. In connection with the Offering, the Company paid aggregate finder's fees of $5,900 to eligible finders. The proceeds raised from the Offering are expected to be used for working capital and general corporate purposes. All securities issued under the Offering are subject to a four month hold period expiring March 14, 2026, in accordance with applicable Canadian securities laws. About Armory Mining Corp Armory Mining Corp. is a Canadian exploration company focused on minerals critical to the energy, security and defense sectors. The Company controls an 80% interest in the Candela II lithium brine project located in the Incahuasi Salar, Salta Province, Argentina and a 100% interest in both the Riley Creek antimony-gold project located in British Columbia, and the Ammo antimony-gold project located in Nova Scotia. Contact Information Alex Klenman CEO & Director alex@armorymining.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as the term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy of accuracy of this news release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of any of the Company's securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful, including any of the securities in the United States of America. The Company's securities have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "1933 Act") or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for account or benefit of, U.S. Persons (as defined in Regulation S under the 1933 Act) unless registered under the 1933 Act and applicable state securities laws, or an exemption from such registration requirements is available. Forward-looking statements: This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements regarding the intended use of funds. The words "expects," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "plans," "will," "may," and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that its expectations as reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in these statements due to various factors, including, but not limited to, political and regulatory risks in Canada, operational and exploration risks, market conditions, and the availability of financing. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. Copyright (c) 2025 TheNewswire - All rights reserved. China Gold International Resources Corp. Ltd. (TSX: CGG; HKEX: 2099) ("China Gold International Resources" or the "Company") reports financial and operational results for the three months ("Q3" or "third quarter") and nine months ("nine months") ended September 30, 2025. This news release should be read in conjunction with the Company's Financial Statements, Notes to the Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A"). For detailed information, please read the Company's Financial Statements and MD&A which are available on SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited's website at www.hkex.com.hk, the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, or call the Company at +1-604-609-0598 and email to info@chinagoldintl.com. 2025 THIRD QUARTER OPERATION AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue increased by 36% to US$345.0 million from US$254.6 million for the same period in 2024. Mine operating earnings of US$197.0 million, increased by US$150.2 million from mine operating earnings of US$46.8 million for the same period in 2024. Net profit of US$142.3 million increased by US$114.4 million from US$27.9 million for the same period in 2024, achieving new records for the highest quarterly net profit in two consecutive quarters. Cash flow from operation of US$234.7 million, increased from US$156.2 million for the same period in 2024. Total gold production decreased by 18% to 41,150 ounces from 50,160 ounces for the same period in 2024. Total copper production was 42.3 million pounds (approximately 19,204 tonnes) an increase from 38.3 million pounds (approximately 17,361 tonnes) for the same period in 2024. 2025 NINE MONTHS OPERATION AND FINANCIAL HIGHLIGHTS Revenue increased by 100% to US$925.4 million from US$463.1 million for the same period in 2024. Mine operating earnings of US$474.1 million, increased by US$409.3 million from US$64.8 million for the same period in 2024. Net profit of US$344.6 million increased by US$347.6 million from net loss of US$3.0 million for the same period in 2024. Cash flow from operation of US$569.6 million, increased from US$244.2 million for the same period in 2024. Total gold production increased by 27% to 129,350 ounces from 102,245 ounces for the same period in 2024. Total copper production was 119.3 million pounds (approximately 54,127 tonnes) an increase from 61.5 million pounds (approximately 27,909 tonnes) for the same period in 2024. The Company's Chairman and CEO, Mr. Chenguang Hou, stated, "We achieved record-high net profits in two consecutive quarters, reaching the highest level to date. This not only validates the foresight behind our strategic decision-making, but also demonstrates a marked improvement in operational efficiency. Building on our team's relentless dedication and pursuit of excellence, China Gold International will capitalize on upcoming opportunities to sustain our leadership in the industry and further enhance our market value." About China Gold International Resources China Gold International Resources is a gold and base metal mining company incorporated in BC, Canada and operates two mines, the CSH Gold Mine in Inner Mongolia, China and the Jiama Copper-Gold Polymetallic Mine in Tibet, China. The Company's objective is to build shareholder value through growing production at its current mining operations, expanding its resource base, and acquiring and developing new projects internationally. The Company is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange (TSX: CGG) and the Main Board of The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited (HKEx: 2099). For further information on the Company, please refer to SEDAR's website at www.sedar.com, The Stock Exchange of Hong Kong Limited's website at www.hkex.com.hk, the Company's website at www.chinagoldintl.com, or call the Company at +1-604-609-0598 and email to info@chinagoldintl.com. Cautionary Note About Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding China Gold International Resources contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although China Gold International Resources believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. China Gold International Resources cautions that actual performance will be affected by a number of factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what China Gold International Resources currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and subject to change after that date. Gold Reserve Ltd. (TSX.V: GRZ) (BSX: GRZ.BH) (OTCQX: GDRZF) ("Gold Reserve" or the "Company") today provided an update on recent developments in its ongoing legal proceedings related to the Citgo sale process. The U.S. District Court for the District of Delaware issued a decision today denying Gold Reserve's motion to disqualify the Special Master overseeing the Citgo Sale Process, his advisors - the law firm of Weil, Gotshal & Manges LLP ("Weil") and Evercore Inc. - as well as the District Court Judge. The Court also denied a similar motion filed by the Venezuela Parties. The Court also stated that it does not intend to rule on the Amber Energy bid before November 21, 2025. Copies of the Court's written opinion and order will be posted here. Gold Reserve respectfully disagrees with the ruling and continues to believe that the sale process was plagued with significant conflicts of interest, including the $170 million in fees collected by the Special Master's advisors from affiliates of Elliott and the 2020 bondholders involved in Elliott's bid, as revealed through the Company's limited court-authorized discovery. These concerns were referenced in the Court's written opinion, which noted: "One lawyer, Jeffrey Saferstein, has represented Elliott and also Apollo Global Management, a major investor in the Elliott Bid; prior to joining Weil, Saferstein worked at another law firm, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton, & Garrison, LLP, with Michael Turkel, now of Elliott ManagementIn discovery, the Movants obtained an email, showing that on the day before Topping Bids were due in the Sale Process, a frustrated Turkel called Saferstein, seeking some level of assistance with a bid Elliott planned to makeSaferstein thereafter wrote to his Weil colleagues working with the Special Master to intone: 'I [would] hate for them [i.e., Elliott] to not want to work with us.' " The Company maintains its view that these and other conflicts undermine the fairness and integrity of the Citgo sale process and intends to seek all appropriate appellate remedies. Separately, in Gold Reserve's pending action in the Delaware Court of Chancery against Rusoro Mining Ltd. for breach of the parties' Consortium Agreement, the court declined to expedite Gold Reserve's motion for a preliminary injunction. The Court of Chancery determined that it would await developments in the Citgo sale process before addressing this. A complete description of the Delaware sale proceedings can be found on the Public Access to Court Electronic Records system in Crystallex International Corp. v. Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, 1:17-mc-00151-LPS (D. Del.) and its related proceedings. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws and state Gold Reserve's and its management's intentions, hopes, beliefs, expectations or predictions for the future. Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management at this time, are inherently subject to significant business, economic and competitive uncertainties and contingencies. They are frequently characterized by words such as "anticipates", "plan", "continue", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "potential", "proposed", "positioned" and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release include, but are not limited to, statements relating to any bid submitted by the Company for the purchase of the PDVH shares (the "Bid"). We caution that such forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other risks that may cause the actual events, outcomes or results of Gold Reserve to be materially different from our estimated outcomes, results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by those forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the discretion of the Special Master to consider the Bid, to enter into any discussions or negotiation with respect thereto; the Special Master may not recommend the Bid in the Final Recommendation; an objection to the Bid may be upheld by the Court; the Bid will not be approved by the Court as the "Final Recommend Bid" under the Bidding Procedures, and if approved by the Court may not close, including as a result of not obtaining necessary regulatory approvals, including but not limited to any necessary approvals from the U.S. Office of Foreign Asset Control ("OFAC"), the U.S. Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, the U.S. Federal Trade Commission or the TSX Venture Exchange; failure of the Company or any other party to obtain sufficient equity and/or debt financing or any required shareholders approvals for, or satisfy other conditions to effect, any transaction resulting from the Bid; that the Company may forfeit any cash amount deposit made due to failing to complete the Bid or otherwise; that the making of the Bid or any transaction resulting therefrom may involve unexpected costs, liabilities or delays; that, prior to or as a result of the completion of any transaction contemplated by the Bid, the business of the Company may experience significant disruptions due to transaction related uncertainty, industry conditions, tariff wars or other factors; the ability to enforce the writ of attachment granted to the Company; the timing set for various reports and/or other matters with respect to the Sale Process may not be met; the ability of the Company to otherwise participate in the Sale Process (and related costs associated therewith); the amount, if any, of proceeds associated with the Sale Process; the competing claims of other creditors of Venezuela, PDVSA and the Company, including any interest on such creditors' judgements and any priority afforded thereto; uncertainties with respect to possible settlements between Venezuela and other creditors and the impact of any such settlements on the amount of funds that may be available under the Sale Process; and the proceeds from the Sale Process may not be sufficient to satisfy the amounts outstanding under the Company's September 2014 arbitral award and/or corresponding November 15, 2015 U.S. judgement in full; and the ramifications of bankruptcy with respect to the Sale Process and/or the Company's claims, including as a result of the priority of other claims. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Company's business, see the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2024 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws. NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE. For further information regarding Dalinar Energy, visit: https://www.dalinarenergy.com. For further information regarding Gold Reserve Ltd., visit https://www.goldreserve.bm. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113741882/en/ Contact investorrelations@goldreserve.bm (441) 295-4653 A.S. Cooper Building, 7th Floor, 26 Reid Street, Hamilton, HM 11, Bermuda Eastern Platinum Ltd. (TSX: ELR) (JSE: EPS) ("Eastplats" or the "Company") is pleased to report that it has filed its condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and the corresponding management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"). Below is a summary of the Company's financial results for the third quarter of 2025 ("Q3 2025") and for the nine months ended September 30, 2025 ("YTD 2025") in comparison to the same respective period in in 2024 ("Q3 2024" and "YTD 2024") (all amounts in USD unless specified): Revenue for Q3 2025 increased to $13.7 million (Q3 2024 - $11.0 million), representing a $2.7 million or 24.5% increase. Revenue for YTD 2025 decreased to $39.3 million (YTD 2024 - $45.5 million), representing a $6.2 million or 13.6% decrease. Mine operating loss decreased by $0.8 million (or -80.0%) to $0.2 million in Q3 2025 (Q3 2024 - mine operating loss of $1.0 million) as gross margin improved to -1.8% in Q3 2025 from -9.4% in Q3 2024. Mine operating income in YTD 2025 decreased by $13.3 million (or -152.9%) to mine operating loss of $4.6 million (YTD 2024 - mine operating income of $8.7 million), resulting from a reduced gross margin of -11.6% in YTD 2025 from 19.1% in YTD 2024. Operating loss was $3.4 million in Q3 2025 compared to an operating loss of $5.7 million in Q3 2024. Operating loss was $14.5 million in YTD 2025 compared to an operating loss of $4.1 million in YTD 2024. Net loss attributable to equity shareholders was $2.2 million ($0.01 loss per share) in Q3 2025 versus net loss attributable to equity shareholders of $3.4 million ($0.02 loss per share) in Q3 2024. The decrease in Q3 2025 net loss was largely attributable to the significantly increased revenue derived from platinum group metal ("PGM") sales during the period. Net loss attributable to equity shareholders was $10.9 million ($0.05 loss per share) in YTD 2025 compared to net loss attributable to equity shareholders of $0.8 million ($0.00 loss per share) in YTD 2024. The increase of YTD 2025 net loss was mainly attributable to the significant decrease in in revenue derived from chrome concentrate sales as the Company ceased the retreatment project operations during the first quarter of 2025 and focussed on underground operations at the Crocodile River Mine ("CRM"). The Company had a working capital deficit (current assets less current liabilities) of $55.1 million as at September 30, 2025 (December 31, 2024 - working capital deficit of $38.7 million) and short-term cash resources of $0.1 million (consisting of cash, cash equivalents and short-term investments) (December 31, 2024 - $3.1 million). As announced previously on August 13, 2025, the maximum size of the credit facility provided by Investec Bank Limited was increased to R240 million ($13.8 million) from R110 million ($6.4 million). The Company uses the proceeds of the credit facility for working capital purposes. At September 30, 2025, the Company utilized R94.7 million ($5.5 million) of the credit facility (December 31, 2024 - R47.2 million ($2.5 million). Operations The Company derived revenue from the processing of PGM and chrome concentrates at the CRM. Eastplats' majority of revenue (approximately 74% and 56% for Q3 2025 and YTD 2025, respectively) is from PGM concentrate sales to Impala Platinum Limited. As the Company continues to ramp up production at the CRM, the Company expects to derive the majority of its revenue from PGM processing. Summary of chrome production from underground operations for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: Q3 2025 Q3 2024 YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Total Run-of-Mine UG2 Feed (Tons) 80,195 27,403 200,482 27,403 Average grade Cr concentrate 40.7 % 23.2 % 40.7 % 23.2 % Tons of Cr concentrate (wet) 23,290 3,610 52,819 3,610 Summary of chrome production from the retreatment project at the CRM for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: Q3 2025 Q3 2024 YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Total Tailings Feed (Tons) - 294,246 109,919 961,412 Average grade Cr concentrate - 38.1 % 36.5 % 38.4 % Tons of Cr concentrate (wet) - 45,988 14,690 198,175 Summary of PGM production for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 and 2024: Q3 2025 Q3 2024 YTD 2025 YTD 2024 Average 6E grade (grams per ton)* 133 100 144 56 Tons of PGM concentrate 1,444 465 3,517 2,218 PGM ounces produced (6E)* 6,183 1,488 16,252 4,042 *PGM 6E ounces are estimates until final exchanges and umpire results have been concluded, which can take up to three months The Company has filed the following documents, under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca: Condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025; and Management's discussion and analysis for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. The condensed interim consolidated financial statements for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025 are available for download at https://www.eastplats.com/investors/quarterly-reports/F2025/ and are also available on the JSE's website at: https://senspdf.jse.co.za/documents/2025/JSE/ISSE/EPS/Q325.pdf. The Company has a primary listing on the Toronto Stock Exchange and a secondary listing on the JSE Limited. About Eastern Platinum Limited Eastplats owns directly and indirectly a number of PGM and chrome assets in the Republic of South Africa. All of the Company's properties are situated on the western limb (Crocodile River Mine) and eastern limb (Kennedy's Vale, Spitzkop, Mareesburg) of the Bushveld Complex, the geological environment that hosts approximately 80% of the world's PGM-bearing ore. Operations at the Crocodile River Mine currently include mining and processing ore from the Zandfontein underground section to both produce PGM and chrome concentrates, respectively. Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information This news release contains "forward-looking statements" or "forward-looking information" (collectively referred to herein as "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such forward-looking statements include, without limitation, forecasts, estimates, expectations and objectives for future operations that are subject to a number of assumptions, risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "will," "plan," "intends," "may," "could," "expects," "anticipates" and similar expressions. Further disclosure of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and other forward-looking statements are discussed in the Company's most recent Annual Information Form available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. In particular, this press release contains, without limitation, forward-looking statements pertaining to: increasing underground production feed to the PGM and chrome circuits and improvement of PGM and chrome production results and the majority of the Company's revenues being derived from PGM processing. These forward-looking statements are based on assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company. Although management considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect. By their very nature, forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these statements as a number of factors could cause actual results to differ materially from the beliefs, plans, objectives, expectations, estimates and intentions expressed in such forward-looking statements. These factors include, but are not limited to, unanticipated problems that may arise in the Company's production processes, commodity prices, lower than expected grades and quantities of resources, need for additional funding and availability of such additional funding on acceptable terms, economic conditions, currency fluctuations, competition and regulations, legal proceedings and risks related to operations in foreign countries. All forward-looking statements in this news release are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement, the "Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information" section contained in the Company's most recent Management's Discussion and Analysis available under the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. The forward-looking statements in this news release are made as of the date they are given and, except as required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intention or obligation, and does not undertake, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. SOURCE Eastern Platinum Ltd. Northcliff Resources Ltd. ("Northcliff" or the "Company") (TSX: NCF) is pleased to announce that the Minister of the Department of Environment and Climate Change ("DECC") has approved a five year extension to the construction commencement timeline for the Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project (the "Sisson Project") in New Brunswick, Canada. "On behalf of Northcliff, I would like to thank the New Brunswick government for granting the five year extension to the construction commencement timeline. This extension provides Northcliff a runway to complete workstreams that will provide the necessary economic and technical information to support a construction decision," said Andrew Ing, Northcliff's CEO. The Sisson Project received Environmental Impact Assessment ("EIA") approvals from the provincial and federal governments in 2015 and 2017, respectively, successfully completed the Metal and Diamond Mining Effluent Regulation Schedule 2 amendment ("MDMER") authorization process in July 2019, and the Sisson Fisheries Act Authorization application and Off-setting/Fish Habitat Compensation Plan process was completed, and a HADD Authorization under the Fisheries Act issued by the government of Canada in October 2020. The Sisson Project hosts a significant deposit of the critical minerals, tungsten and molybdenum. The Company developed a detailed work program and is currently progressing with studies to advance the project through the pre-construction phase. In 2025, Northcliff received funding under critical minerals initiatives in the United States ("US") and Canada. In May, the US Department of Defense ("DoD") awarded the Company US$15 million (~C$20.7 million) under the Defense Production Act Title III program to expand tungsten's domestic capacity, sustainment of its critical production and address vulnerability in the Critical Minerals supply chain in the US and Canada (May 1, 2025 release). In August, final approval was received from Natural Resources Canada ("NRCan") whereby NRCan will provide contribution funding for up to C$8.214 million in support of the costs for the update of the Feasibility Study and basic engineering through the Global Partnerships Initiative (August 7, 2025 release). The objectives of the work being funded by NRCan are to build on and complement the programs being supported by the US DoD. Northcliff is also pleased to announce that Peter C. Mitchell has been appointed as Chairman of the Board of Northcliff, replacing Andrew Ing. Mr Ing. will continue as President and CEO and a Director of Northcliff, focusing on project execution and financing to advance the Sisson Project towards construction and production. Peter Mitchell is a Chartered Accountant (CPA-CA) with more than 35 years of senior financial management experience in both public and private companies who, in the past decade, has been extensively involved in leading and managing growth in private equity portfolio companies through acquisitions, integrations and greenfield initiatives as well as all related financing activities. Previously, he held executive leadership positions in finance and operations with companies in the U.S. and Canada, including Coeur Mining, Inc., Taseko Mines Limited, Vatterott Education Centers, Von Hoffmann Corporation and Crown Packaging Ltd. Peter holds a BA in Economics from Western University and an MBA in Finance from the University of British Columbia. He is a US citizen based in Florida. A member of Northcliff's Board of Directors since 2012, he chairs the Audit and Risk Committee and is also a member of the Nominating and Governance and the Compensation Committees. Mr. Mitchell is also a director of Stabilis Energy, Inc, Taseko Mines Limited and Bear Creek Mining Corp.. "I would also like to express my appreciation to Peter for taking on the role as Chairman," said CEO Andrew Ing. "As an experienced mining executive and an active member of Northcliff's board for a number of years, he has a deep understanding of our project and the industry which will be integral to guiding Northcliff as it advances the Sission Project toward a construction decision." About Northcliff Resources Ltd. Northcliff is a mineral resource company focused on advancing the feasibility-stage Sisson Tungsten-Molybdenum Project located in New Brunswick, Canada, to production. Additional information on Northcliff is available on the website at www.northcliffresources.com. Investor services can be reached at (604) 684-6365 or within North America at 1-800-667-2114. Andrew Ing President & CEO Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking information based on current expectations. Forward-looking information is provided for the purpose of presenting information about management's current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. Forward looking information may include, without limitation, the opinions or beliefs of management, prospects, opportunities, priorities, targets, goals, ongoing objectives, milestones, strategies, and outlook of Northcliff, and includes statements about, among other things, future developments, the future operations, strengths and strategy of Northcliff. Generally, forward looking information can be identified by the use of forward looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". These statements should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results. These statements are based upon certain material factors, assumptions and analyses that were applied in drawing a conclusion or making a forecast or projection, including Northcliff's experience and perceptions of historical trends, the ability of Northcliff to maximize shareholder value, current conditions and expected future developments, as well as other factors that are believed to be reasonable in the circumstances. Although such statements are based on management's reasonable assumptions at the date such statements are made, there can be no assurance that such forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Northcliff assumes no responsibility to update or revise forward-looking information to reflect new events or circumstances unless required by applicable law. For additional information regarding forward-looking statements and their related risks, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section in the Annual Information Form of the Company for the year ended on October 31, 2024, which is available on the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. SOURCE Northcliff Resources Ltd. Norsemont Mining Inc. (CSE: NOM, OTC: NRRSF, FWB: LXZ1) ("Norsemont" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the commencement of its Phase 3 exploration drill program at the 100%-owned Choquelimpie high-sulfidation gold-silver-copper project in northern Chile. The program will comprise up to 5,000 meters of diamond drilling ("DDH") utilizing two (2) diamond drill rigs, with drilling scheduled to begin immediately and continue through late December. Highlights The first diamond drill rig is currently on site, with the second rig expected to arrive next week. The Phase 3 program includes up to 20 diamond drill holes, totaling approximately 5,000 meters Drilling will test extensions of higher-grade hydrothermal breccia bodies at depth, below the current mineral resource envelope. Management Comments Norsemont CEO Marc Levy commented: "We are very excited to launch Phase 3 drilling at Choquelimpie, where our recent work has highlighted significant potential for higher-grade gold zones at depth beneath the current resource and along strike. This high impact program will be testing higher grade mineralization at depth in several zones such as Choque, Vizcacha and Suri. The program marks an important step forward as we continue to define the scale and continuity of mineralization across the project. With two rigs on site, we expect steady progress and consistent news flow over the coming months." The Phase 3 Drill Program The Phase 3 drill campaign at Choquelimpie is designed to evaluate down-dip extensions of high-grade gold mineralization hosted within hydrothermal breccia zones. The program will comprise up to 20 holes averaging 250 meters in length. Norsemont, through its wholly owned Chilean subsidiary SCM Vilacollo, has engaged DV Drilling Ltd. of Coquimbo, Chile, to conduct the program. DV Drilling will mobilize two (2) Longyear LF230 track-mounted diamond drill rigs, which will operate on a 24-hour schedule throughout the campaign. Historical production at Choquelimpie during the period of 1988 to 1996 focused primarily on oxidized near-surface mineralization between 20 and 100 m depth, depending in the type of rock, alteration and mineralogy. Consequently, much of the exploration at the Project focused on this near surface oxide resource without testing the deeper, potentially larger, sulphide resource. The Phase 3 drill program aims to systematically assess this deeper resource potential by targeting the geometry of the higher-grade breccia bodies. Qualified Person David Flint, MSc, AIPG-CPG, and Chief Geologist of Norsemont Mining Inc.; a qualified person as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. On Behalf of the Board, NORSEMONT MINING INC. Marc Levy CEO & Chairman About Norsemont Mining Inc. The Norsemont team comprises experienced natural resource professionals focused on growing shareholder value and developing its flagship project through to bankable feasibility, with an initial mineral resource estimate released in April 2025 for its Choquelimpie Gold-Silver-Copper project. Norsemont Mining owns a 100% interest in the Choquelimpie gold-silver-copper project in northern Chile, a past producing gold and silver mine with significant exploration upside. Choquelimpie has over 1,710 drill holes, with significant existing infrastructure, including roads, power, water, camp and a 3,000-tonne-per-day mill. Norsemont is committed to responsible and sustainable resource development, leveraging modern exploration techniques to unlock further value for all stakeholders. For more information, please contact the Company at: psearle@norsemont.com Investor Relations: Paul Searle (778) 240-7724 Follow Norsemont Mining: Twitter: @norsemont LinkedIn: @norsemontmining Facebook: @norsemontmining Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. Forward-Looking Statements Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This release includes certain statements and information that may constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect the expectations or beliefs of management of the Company regarding future events. Generally, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "intends" or "anticipates", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "should", "would" or "occur". This information and these statements, referred to herein as "forward?looking statements", are not historical facts, are made as of the date of this news release and include without limitation, statements regarding discussions of future plans, estimates and forecasts and statements as to management's expectations and intentions with respect to, among other things, the Offering and entry into the marketing agreements. These forward?looking statements involve numerous risks and uncertainties and actual results might differ materially from results suggested in any forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, among other things, the Company not receiving the necessary regulatory approvals in respect of the Offering and marketing agreements contemplated herein and, with respect to the Offering, risks adverse to the capital markets, the mining industry, and investor support. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that the Company will receive the necessary regulatory approvals and receive market interest to close the Offering on the terms herein. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. Readers are cautioned that reliance on such information may not be appropriate for other purposes. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by applicable securities laws. Euro Sun Mining Inc. , (TSX: ESM) ("Euro Sun", "ESM", or the "Company") is delighted to announce that under an Emergency Ordinance, the Romanian Government has established a national regulatory and administrative framework for creating a Single Point of Contact to implement the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act ("CRMA"). This is aimed to fast-track permitting and simplify procedures for projects with strategic status. Along with the completion of Euro Sun's environmental impact assessment technical report, the Company is also pleased to share the results of its optimized and updated definitive feasibility study ("DFS") respecting CAPEX and OPEX revalidation and economic modelling, finalized this week for the Colnic and Rovina open pits - representing the first stage of development at the Company's flagship Rovina Valley Copper-Gold Project. All amounts summarized below are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated. Key Highlights Include (summary table set out in Table 1): Pre-tax net present value ("NPV") increased 173% to $1,776 million, with a pre-tax internal rate of return ("IRR") of 39.7%, based on $4.5/lb copper and $3,300/oz gold Estimated to produce 403Mlbs of copper and 1.472Moz of gold over the life of the project (first stage development) at an all-in sustaining costs ("AISC") of $1,206.3/gold equivalent ounce The updated study incorporates the most current cost and capital expenditure ("CAPEX") data, with initial CAPEX of $607.1 million The Rovina Valley Project incorporates dry stack tailings and is a cyanide free operation Commenting on the latest developments, Grant Sboros, Chief Executive Officer of Euro Sun said, "It has been a good week for Euro Sun. We are obviously jubilant that finally the Single Point Of Contact part of the EU's CRMA regulation has been implemented into Romanian law. This major milestone finally provides our company with a streamlined framework to advance permitting to construct the mine. We are also pleased to report that the results of our updated economic modelling for the DFS are significant, and that our environmental impact assessment technical report has now been successfully completed. The notable increase in the value of the project - including pre-tax NPV to US$1.77 billion - continues to underscore the economic strength of our Rovina Valley Project and its potential as one of Europe's most important future sources of strategic metals. At this time, I would also like to extend my sincere appreciation to our chairman, board and investors for their continued patience and confidence shown to me these past few months as we worked to support the CRMA implementation, along with finalizing both our updated DFS and environmental impact assessment. All these crucial milestones bring us markedly closer on our path to responsible development." Secured Debenture Repayment The Company is also pleased to announce that it has repaid the debenture (the "Debenture") previously entered into with a holding company of a director of the Company in the principal amount of $350,000 (the "Principal Amount") and which had a maturity date of December 19, 2025. The Debenture was secured against all of the assets and property of the Company pursuant to a general security agreement. Following the repayment of all the Principal Amount and accrued interest under the Debenture, the general security agreement is no longer in place, with all security interests released and no residual encumbrances. The Company relied on exemptions from the formal valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of Multilateral Instrument 61?101 Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions respecting the issuance of the Debenture For more information about the Debenture, please see the Company's press release dated February 13, 2025, which is available under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca. Appointment of Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corp. Euro Sun is also pleased to announce that it has engaged Cantor Fitzgerald Canada Corp. as its exclusive financial advisor to assist in evaluating potential strategic transactions involving the Company or its assets, including mergers, acquisitions, or sales. This engagement supports Euro Sun's ongoing efforts to maximize shareholder value at its flagship Rovina Valley Copper-Gold Project in Romania, a key European strategic asset under the European Union's Critical Raw Materials Act. "We are excited to partner with Cantor Fitzgerald to explore opportunities that align with our growth objectives," said Grant Sboros. Environmental Impact Assessment The Company also announces it has completed its environmental impact assessment technical report and management intends to work closely with Romanian officials to coordinate the official submission of the document. This milestone, together with the recent designation as a strategic asset under the CRMA, helps advance the Rovina Valley Project towards construction. Definitive Feasibility Study The optimized and updated economic modelling of the DFS for the Rovina Valley Project continues to focus on responsible mining procedures including, dry stacking, continuous revegetation, and a cyanide free processing facility. The updated economic modelling for the DFS also incorporated updated cost estimates and metal price assumptions. Euro Sun is incorporating strong responsible mining procedures into every aspect of the project and is utilizing a phased development approach for the Rovina Valley Project. The Rovina Valley Project consists of two open pit copper-gold deposits, Colnic and Rovina, and the underground Ciresata copper-gold deposit. The Ciresata underground deposit is expected to be phased in following the completion of the Colnic and Rovina pits, assuming future mining studies are completed, and positive results are obtained. Table 1: Updated Definitive Feasibility Highlights (first stage development) Life of mine First 10 years Copper price $4.50/lb Gold price $3,300/oz Process Rate 21,000 tonnes per day Mine life 17,2 years Average annual copper production 23.2 million pounds 14.0 million pounds Average annual gold production 82,000 troy ounces 107,000 troy ounces All-in sustaining costs $1,206.3 toz Au eq $1,172.4 toz Au eq Pre-strip Capital $19.3 million $19.3 million Initial Capital $607.1 million $607.1 million Sustaining Capital $84.5 million $83 million Pre-Tax NPV (5% discount rate) $1,776 million $1,156 million Pre-Tax IRR 39.7% 35.7% Post-Tax NPV (5% discount rate) $1,469.5 million $936.2 million Post-Tax IRR 35.6% 31.5% Average Annual Gold Equivalent Production 116,000 troy ounces 126,000 troy ounces The Company intends to file the technical report related to the updated DFS results on SEDAR+ within 45 days, in accordance with National Instrument 43-101 Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects ("NI 43-101"). The scientific and technical information contained in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Dr. Andreas Rompel, ADAR Consulting Corp., Pr.Sci.Nat., FSAIMM, a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101 that is independent from the Company. Rovina Valley Gold-Copper Project Overview The Rovina Valley Project is situated in the Hunedoara County of Transylvania in western - central Romania. The Rovina Valley Project consists of three deposits, Rovina to the North, Colnic Central and the Ciresata deposit to the south. The DFS only incorporates the Rovina and the Colnic deposits and does not include the Ciresata deposit, which the Company expects will be brought into the project for development later, assuming future mining studies are completed, and positive results are obtained. The Rovina licence is held by Samax Romania S.R.L., a Romanian registered company which is a wholly owned subsidiary of ESM. Since November 2018, ESM possesses a mining licence with a renewable 20-year validity. The Colnic and Ciresata deposits are described as gold-copper porphyries while the Rovina deposit is termed a copper-gold porphyry. All three of these deposits are located such that they can access a central processing plant. The Rovina Valley Project processing facility is being designed to produce copper-gold concentrate from the Colnic and Rovina deposits. The Rovina Valley Project is located within the Golden Quadrilateral Mining District of the South Apuseni Mountains, an area with a history of mining dating back to pre-Roman times. This has supported the development of excellent infrastructure including rail, power and paved access roads. In addition, there are two international airports less than 180km from the project location, these being in the cities of Timisoara and Sibiu. The town of Brad is within 5km of the project site from where there will be a good source of local skilled labour. Sourcing the right skills and resources locally supports ESM community upliftment opportunities. The Rovina Valley Project is expected to be mined in its first phase of development with a standard open-pit mining method using rigid dump trucks and hydraulic loaders. The open pit mining operation is anticipated to last approximately seventeen years, during which the lower-grade material will be stockpiled, if possible, for treatment at the tail end of mining operations. Over the life of the project, it is expected that 140 Mt of ore will be mined. Of this ore, 123.3 Mt will be delivered to the processing facility and 16.7 Mt low grade ore stockpiled where possible for future processing. In aggregate, over the life of the mine, a total of 219 Mt of material will be mined and placed on the waste facility, representing a life of mine stripping ratio of 1.78:1. About Euro Sun Mining Inc. Euro Sun is a Toronto Stock Exchange-listed mining company focused on the exploration and development of its 100%-owned Rovina Valley Project located in west-central Romania, which hosts the second largest copper and gold deposit in Europe. Already granted European strategic status, the Rovina Valley Project is expected to unlock much needed investment and job creation in Hunedoara County and will deliver critical minerals necessary for Europe's green energy transition. Further information: For further information about Euro Sun Mining, or the contents of this press release, please contact Investor Relations at info@eurosunmining.com. Caution regarding forward-looking information: This press release contains statements which constitute "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the plans, intentions, beliefs and current expectations of the Company with respect to the Rovina Valley Project and the Company's future business activities and operating performance in respect thereof. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words "may", "would", "could", "should", "will", "intend", "plan", "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect" or similar expressions and includes information regarding the Company's estimates, expectations, forecasts and guidance for production, waste material, all-in sustaining cost, capital expenditures, cost savings, project economics (including pre-tax NPV and after tax cashflows) and other information contained in the updated DFS; as well as references to other possible events, the future price of gold and copper, the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the realization of mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital expenditures, costs and timing of the development of the project and mining and processing activities, requirements for additional capital, government regulation of mining operations, environmental risks and the anticipated timing for the filing of the updated DFS in accordance with NI 43-101. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect management's expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking information are reasonable, such information involves risks and uncertainties, and undue reliance should not be placed on such information, as unknown or unpredictable factors could have material adverse effects on future results, performance or achievements of the Company. This forward-looking information may be affected by risks and uncertainties in the combined business of the Company and market conditions, including (1) there being no significant disruptions affecting the Company's operations whether due to extreme weather events and other or related natural disasters, labor disruptions, supply disruptions, power disruptions, damage to equipment or otherwise; (2) permitting, development, operations and production for the Rovina Valley Project being consistent with the Company's expectations; (3) political and legal developments in Romania being consistent with current expectations; (4) certain price assumptions for gold and copper; (5) prices for diesel, electricity and other key supplies being approximately consistent with current levels; (6) the accuracy of the Company's mineral reserve and mineral resource estimates; (7) labor and materials costs increasing on a basis consistent with the Company's current expectations; and (8) environmental approvals and community engagement. This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company with the Canadian securities regulators, including the Company's annual information form, financial statements and related MD&A for the financial year ended December 31, 2024, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Although the Company has attempted to identify important risks, uncertainties and factors which could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company does not intend, and do not assume any obligation, to update this forward-looking information except as otherwise required by applicable law. The Company has included certain non-GAAP financial measures in this press release, such as AISC per gold equivalent ounce and NPV. These non-GAAP financial measures do not have any standardized meaning. Accordingly, these financial measures are intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"). AISC, as defined by the World Gold Council, is a common financial performance measure in the mining industry but have no standard definition under IFRS. AISC include operating cash costs, net-smelter royalty, corporate costs, sustaining capital expenditure, sustaining exploration expenditure and capitalised stripping costs. Other companies may calculate these measures differently and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS. The TSX does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Vancouver, November 12, 2025 - Thor Explorations Ltd. (TSXV: THX) (AIM: THX) ("Thor Explorations" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Annual General meeting (the "AGM") will be held virtually on Friday December 12, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. (Pacific time). The Notice of AGM, Financial Statements Request Form, Form of Proxy and Voting Instruction Form will be posted to shareholders today. Details of the resolutions for consideration, including the stated documents, are available at the following link: https://thorexpl.com/investors/constitutional-documents/ Shareholders are encouraged to vote on the matters before the AGM by proxy. Attendance of the General Meeting In order to cater for the geographical spread of the Company's shareholder base, this year's Annual General Meeting will be held virtually. We strongly urge you to vote by proxy in advance of the AGM and to listen to the AGM online. Registered shareholders or proxyholders representing registered shareholders participating in the AGM virtually will be considered to be present in person at the Meeting for the purposes of determining quorum. In order to attend the virtual AGM, shareholders are asked to register their interest by email at info@thorexpl.com. The Company will reply to those authorized to attend the AGM with a link to the AGM and the applicable Meeting ID and password. About Thor Explorations Thor Explorations Ltd. is a mineral exploration company engaged in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of mineral properties located in Nigeria, Senegal, and Cote d'Ivoire. Thor Explorations holds a 100% interest in the Segilola Gold Project located in Osun State, Nigeria and has a 100% economic interest in the Douta Gold Project located in south-eastern Senegal. Thor Explorations trades on AIM and the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "THX". THOR EXPLORATIONS LTD. Segun Lawson President & CEO Canaccord Genuity (Nominated Adviser & Broker) Henry Fitzgerald-O'Connor / James Asensio / Harry Rees Tel: +44 (0) 20 7523 8000 Hannam & Partners (Broker) Andrew Chubb / Matt Hasson / Jay Ashfield / Franck Nganou Tel: +44 (0) 20 7907 8500 BlytheRay (Financial PR) Tim Blythe / Megan Ray / Said Izagaren Tel: +44 207 138 3203 Yellow Jersey PR (Financial PR) Charles Goodwin / Shivantha Thambirajah / Soraya Jackson Tel: +44 (0) 20 3004 9512 NOT FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES OR FOR DISTRIBUTION TO U.S. WIRE SERVICES To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/274181 is president and co-founder of a 37-year-old specialty concrete company, G&F Concrete Cutting Inc. Most of G&Fs work consists of providing material for public works projects in and around Orange County, Calif. Concrete has been good to Ferguson: Her company has been growing steadily over the years, with annual revenues between $5 million and $10 million. In 2016, she started looking for new, more spacious quarters for it.With several available sites that seemed reasonable, the company picked a location right off Interstate 5 in Los Angeles. The deciding factor was local preference, a rule that gives companies located in a given city, county or state an advantage in the bidding process for contract work inside that territory. Local preference gave Los Angeles an edge, Ferguson says.This idea appeals to many jurisdictions, and to many contractors as well. But there are plenty of critics who are concerned about the potential impact on the quality of the bids and the difficulties in implementing the program. Like other similar economic development efforts, including preferences for minority groups, women and the rural poor, geographic preferences are rife with trade-offs.In Los Angeles, local preference works like this: When an L.A.-based firm submits a bid for goods or services to the city, the bid is considered as if it were 8 percent cheaper (and that much more attractive) than those submitted by nonlocal competitors.The potential benefits of this idea were first set forth by John Maynard Keynes and other economists in the early 20th century. Keynes thought geographic preference helped a local economy by keeping money close to home. The national nonprofit known as NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement recognizes that. As local dollars are spent in a local economy, the institute says, more jobs are maintained or created and income is generated for residents.One thing worth noting: The federal government does not allow any locality to use local preference on projects that depend on federal dollars for their funding. That limits the use of local preference, but it hasnt made much difference except in the field of transportation, where many roads and bridges are partially funded by the feds. Most other procurement dollars spent by cities and states do not have a federal component.In the past year, the local preference issue has been invigorated by a separate but resonant message emanating from the Trump administration, which has been pushing the notion of Buy America to persuade companies in the U.S. to procure goods and services from other firms based in this country. This past January, President Trump issued a memorandum recommending that the secretary of commerce develop a plan under which all new pipelines ... inside the borders of the United States ... use materials and equipment produced in the United States to the maximum extent possible.As public officials at all levels of government know, theres a powerful political advantage to local preference. What could be more persuasive than a policy that promises to use tax dollars to help grow hometown businesses? Mayors, in particular, want to show residents a lot of value, says Aaron Szopinski, the policy director for the city of Milwaukee. Policy-wise, theres a good case for it. Its not a hard argument to make that when we spend a lot of money, wed like to keep as much as possible in the local economy.Madeline Janis, executive director of the economic policy group Jobs to Move America, makes a similar point. The intention of local preference, she says, has always been around job creation. Cities want to get as much of the money in their region to their own bottom line.Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel is a true believer when it comes to local preference. Companies with headquarters in Chicago get a 2 percent advantage on bids they submit to the city. There is an additional 4 percent bonus if a majority of the employees actually live in Chicago. But thats not all: Companies in particularly high-poverty and low-employment parts of the city can get another 6 percent shaved off their bids. About half of Chicagos bidders are utilizing at least one of those preferences, says Chief Procurement Officer Jamie Rhee. Its creating jobs by creating local manufacturers. And its increasing our bidder pool.Most of those bidders are relatively small in size. If youre looking for a vendor for, say, helicopters or other multimillion-dollar acquisitions, its not likely that theyll be based in downtown Chicago. On the other hand, theres ample competition for manufacturers of footwear in a city thats home to the Chicago School of Shoemaking and Leather Arts.Los Angeles adopted its local preference rules back in 2011, when political leaders noticed that many large cities had local vendors who were charging 5 percent more than their competition based in neighboring states. Given the cost of rent, utilities and insurance in L.A., that didnt come as a surprise. But the city determined that it needed to throw in some benefits to create a level playing field for its hometown vendors. We needed to give those businesses a preference, says Shmel Graham, director of L.A.s Operations Innovation Team. The number of contracts signed in the city through the local preference ordinances has varied from year to year, but between 2012 and 2016, about $272 million worth of bids for city government work utilized local preference provisions.The formulas for local preference vary widely. Pasco County, the fastest-growing county in Florida, which is located in the Tampa Bay region, doesnt actually give any percentage bonus to bids made by local firms. Its approach is much simpler. In Pasco, the advantages of local preference kick in when theres a tie between two potential vendors.This effort was intended to draw bids on fleet vehicles from Ford dealers outside of Pasco County, who didnt have an advantage in bidding for county fleet purchasing contracts. But as it turned out, all the Ford dealers in the area around Pasco County had the same pricing, and Pascos tie-goes-to-the-resident rule nearly always worked to the advantage of the local bidders and the county.There are no national statistics that show the number of places offering local preference or the amount of additional tax benefits they actually bring in from a growing base of businesses. Generally speaking, the benefits of local preference rules are still mostly taken on faith. In Los Angeles, for example, we have not examined all the data to see the benefit of this yet, says Graham. We have not calculated our benefits, so we dont know what they are. But we firmly believe its a good investment.the idea of local preference may be, theres another side to the story. Notable among critics is NIGP: The Institute for Public Procurement, which says that although its members could see benefits to local preference, on the whole, the NIGP does not support the use of preference policies.Among NIGPs concerns is that a move to subsidize in-town vendors will defeat efforts to get the highest quality, which may not be available locally. Other issues it raises include increased cost to the local taxpayers and government with the acceptance of subsidized local bids; a drop-off in the number of bidders; and reduced incentive for local businesses to provide the best value.The Maine Legislature has been debating local preference laws for several years now. None has passed. One of the most significant constituencies to oppose the laws is the Associated General Contractors of Maine. The groups chief executive officer, Matt Marks, contends that if Maine insists on a strong preference for local contractors and materials, neighboring states will make a similar move. We enjoy that we can do work competitively in other states, he says. What happens when you give an advantage to in-state contracting is that other states do it, too.This has been one of the primary reasons why the Virginia General Assembly has rejected annual efforts to enact a local preference ordinance for the state. One of the big risks for us is reciprocity, says Patti Innocenti, deputy director of procurement and material management in Virginias Fairfax County. If we have local preference for Virginia contractors, particularly in Fairfax, then the state of Maryland may do the same thing back, and this will just escalate.Marks and a number of others also point out that it is difficult to determine the source of manufactured goods in order to make sure they actually qualify for a single entitys local preference ordinance. Who is making the determination of what is considered a Maine good? he asks. Is it assembled here? Is it actually manufactured here?According to NIGP, in order to have a truly functional system of local preferences, its necessary to have a defendable fair process to determine the definition of a local business including, but not limited to, geographic location requirements and management and ownership control.Raj Sharma, chair of the Public Spend Forum and a widely recognized expert on the topic of public procurement, asks what may be the crucial question: Should the procurement system in states and localities be used exclusively to get the most reasonably priced deal for every dollar spent on procurement, or should broader community benefits be considered when choosing the winner of a bidding process?One plausible answer to Sharmas question is that the use of local preference is inevitably going to be a balancing act -- albeit a complicated one. There is no reason, for example, why the quality of goods and services cant be considered as equally important to or more important than the geographic location of a vendor. By the same token, theres no genuine obstacle to formulating a clear-cut definition of the prerequisites to be considered in determining whether a bidder qualifies as local. None of the options have to be mutually exclusive.The biggest obstacle may be the fact that procurement in general is one of the least understood parts of government management, and officials dont have much to go on when weighing the pros and cons of local preference. Theres little question that it can be beneficial -- but only when its not considered in isolation. Most policymakers dont understand procurement or have a clue about the impacts of local preference programs on procurement goals, such as cost, Sharma says. They make policy decisions in isolation. The AI revolution shows no signs of slowing down, and today Google is announcing some new features that, only a few short years ago, would have sounded like Sci-Fi. First, Google's agentic AI can now call stores on your behalf to ask what's in stock. This is available when you search for certain products near you in Google Search. When you see the "Let Google call" option, tap "get started" and you'll get a few questions tailored to what you're shopping for. Google's AI then calls stores nearby to see if they have what you're looking for in stock, how much it costs, and if there are any special offers. You'll receive an email or text with the answers, and local inventory from other nearby stores. This is now rolling out to Search categories like toys, health and beauty, and electronics, in the US. Google's AI can now also buy things for you thanks to agentic checkout. If you track an item's price in Google Search, you can select the exact item you want, including size, color, and amount you want to spend, and you'll get a notification when the price reaches your budget. Then you can have Google buy the item for you using Google Pay. This only works with eligible merchants and Google will ask your permission first, and will only buy after you've confirmed that you want the purchase to be made. Agentic checkout is now rolling out in Search, including in AI Mode, in the US. Speaking of AI Mode, this now lets you "describe what you're looking for just as you'd say it to a friend" and then gives you an intelligently organized response with rich visuals and important details like price, reviews, and inventory info. AI Mode responses are "tailored to your specific question and formatted for your needs", Google says. Finally, you can now use shopping features in the Gemini app in the US. Gemini will help you with ideas for holiday shopping, offering "helpful shopping ideas", "shoppable product listings, comparison tables, prices from across the web and places to buy", all inside the Gemini app. Source CELAC-EU : Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin's busy agenda Presidential Advisor Smith Augustin actively participated in the Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States/European Union (CELACEU), co-chaired by Colombian President Gustavo Petro and European Council President Antonio Costa, held in Santa Marta, Colombia. Smith Augustin reaffirmed Haiti's commitment to dialogue, security, governance, and credible elections, while calling for renewed cooperation with the European Union, focused on resilience, reconstruction, and sustainable development. On the sidelines of the Summit, he met with the Secretary General of the OAS, Albert Ramdin, to discuss the implementation of the "Roadmap for Stability and Peace in Haiti and the latters upcoming official visit scheduled for December 1st and 2nd, 2025, during which he will meet with the Transitional Presidential Council (CPT), the Provisional Electoral Council, and other key stakeholders in the transition. He also met with several regional leaders, including President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (Brazil), Vice President of Colombia, Ms. Francia Marquez, Dominican Vice Minister Ruben Silie, and Prime Minister of Saint Kitts and Nevis, Dr. Terrance Drew, as well as other heads of delegations. These discussions highlighted the solidarity of regional partners and their shared commitment to supporting Haiti on its path to stability and development. Adviser Smith Augustin, accompanied by Chancellor Jean-Victor Harvel Jean-Baptiste, met with the French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noel Barrot, to strengthen bilateral cooperation and promote a new dynamic of strategic cooperation focused on training, trade, governance, and technical partnerships in sectors of common interest, all in service of national reconstruction. He also met with Carlos Carrillo Arenas, Director of the National Unit for Disaster Risk Management (UNGRD) of Colombia, to welcome the upcoming arrival of a humanitarian mission to support populations affected by Hurricane Melissa and contribute to food security. The Summit concluded with discussions on two main themes: Stormwatch : EU-Caribbean Partnership for Weather Forecasting, Climate Services, and Disaster Risk Management and Moving Towards Regional Satellite Connectivity". These discussions illustrated the shared commitment of the CELAC, CARICOM, and European Union member states to work together to address the common challenges of climate change, security, and sustainable development. The partners reaffirmed their solidarity with Haiti, emphasizing that the country's recovery is inextricably linked to the collective progress of the region. HL/ HaitiLibre The suspected crimes occurred in 2024 and 2025. According to the Border Guard, individuals entered Finland through permits linked to the companies under investigation. Not all of them were provided work upon arrival. Several are believed to have left Finland for other parts of Europe shortly after entering. Two forestry companies registered in Sotkamo are under criminal investigation in Finland for suspected large-scale human trafficking, aggravated extortion, and organising illegal immigration. The investigation, led by the Kainuu Border Guard, centres on the suspected misuse of work-based residence permits and visas issued to nearly 180 foreign nationals. The investigation began after Finlands regional administrative authority identified irregularities during an inspection. Additional tips received by the Border Guard and police supported the suspicion of organised criminal activity. The authorities have confirmed that five individuals are currently in custody on suspicion of aggravated facilitation of illegal entry. The suspects include multiple people linked to the two forestry firms. The Border Guard has also identified further suspected crimes, including aggravated extortion and human trafficking. Some of those affected were allegedly lured to Finland with misleading information about the nature of the work available. In several cases, the individuals had to pay fees to secure jobs and were later left without employment or sufficient support. Helsingin Sanomat reported that over 50 Nepalese nationals are believed to have been victims of trafficking linked to the case. According to the newspaper, a Ukrainian man and Nepalese recruiters misled workers about the employment conditions in Finlands forestry sector. Some workers reportedly paid as much as 3,500 to secure positions and then worked up to 18-hour days under exploitative conditions. One Nepalese worker interviewed by Helsingin Sanomat said he had never seen a brush saw before arriving in Finland. He was promised a forestry job but found himself in unfamiliar and demanding conditions with no training. He stated that the promised work did not materialise as described and that he faced extreme hours without proper support. The Ukrainian man in question is reportedly one of the five people now in pre-trial detention. His company, which employed some of the Nepalese workers, operates in Northern Savonia and Kainuu, according to its website. HT The bus travelled towards central Stockholm from Norrtalje. Witnesses said the vehicle moved along the street before hitting the shelter and then a pole that stood directly in front of the stop. A shopkeeper next to the site told SVT that he heard scraping sounds followed by loud impacts. He said distressed people ran into his shop after the collision. A double decker bus crashed into a stop on Valhallavagen in central Stockholm on Friday afternoon, killing several people and injuring others. The crash took place in Ostermalm near the technical university stop during heavy rush hour traffic. Swedish police confirmed that people died at the scene and that emergency crews treated multiple casualties. Police stated that several people ended up under the bus. Ambulance staff treated the injured on the pavement. Authorities said that at least two people were taken to hospital by ambulance. Aftonbladet described a large presence of police cars, fire engines, and ambulances. Rescue services reported a chaotic scene as crews tried to reach those trapped. Police detained the driver. Officers plan to question him as part of a preliminary investigation into gross negligent homicide. Nadia Norton, a police spokesperson, said in a statement that officers are documenting the scene and gathering accounts to determine whether a crime took place. She added that police do not yet know what led to the crash. Rescue services supported ambulance teams and secured the bus. Oscar Davila from the rescue service told SVT that several people suffered serious injuries. He said teams worked to assess the condition of those hit by the bus and clear the way for medical evacuation. The bus belongs to the transport company Transdev. Lovisa Abom, the companys communications chief, said on SVT that the vehicle involved is a double decker in regular service. She said the company is waiting for information from the authorities before commenting on the possible cause. Traffic authorities restricted movement on Valhallavagen between Odengatan and Engelbrektsgatan during the evening. Crowds gathered behind police barriers as officers moved people away from the area. Buses and cars were diverted while investigators examined the scene. The police said the crash happened around 16:00 Finnish time. Eyewitness accounts differed on how fast the vehicle was travelling. Some said the bus appeared to lose control before hitting the stop. Others said the collision happened without warning as passengers waited for their connections. Authorities said they will release updates once investigators have verified the number of dead and injured. The police statement notes that the cause remains unclear. Technical teams are documenting the bus, the stop, and the pole the bus struck. The investigation covers mechanical factors, driving patterns, and the drivers condition. Swedish officials urged the public to avoid speculation while the inquiry continues. Forensic teams are expected to work at the site into the night. HT TDA wins top honors for marketing, including Best of Show Michelle Owens Visit Hendersonville earned three tourism achievement awards during the NC Travel Industry Association Leadership Conference Nov. 5-6 in Wilmington, including best of show honors for its "we're still open" social media campaign promoting the county after Hurricane Helene. Related Stories The annual awards highlight outstanding innovation, collaboration and results in North Carolinas travel-and-tourism sector. Visit Hendersonville won the platinum award in the Social Media Marketing category for large tourism bureaus with its Message from the Mountains video. Released in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the heartfelt video allowed Hendersonville to reassure travelers the destination was open, safe and still the welcoming mountain community they loved. In addition to earning the top Social Media Marketing award, the video, created by the tourism bureaus marketing agency, Paradise, also captured the Best of Show award among all winners in the tourism marketing categories. Visit Hendersonvilles work exemplifies how a destination can meaningfully engage visitors during a difficult time through compelling narrative, striking imagery and strategic digital execution, said NCTIA executive director Vince Chelena. It demonstrated best-in-class social media execution: strong creative concept, high production value, authentic sense of place and a clear call-to-action for visitors. The Message from the Mountains video can be watched online at this YouTube link. Hendersonvilles third honor was a gold award in Community Stakeholder Communication category for large tourism bureaus. The award recognized the bureaus e-newsletter, So Heres the Thing, which the tourism bureau distributes twice monthly to local industry partners. 'So Heres The Thing' has become the HCTDAs most effective tool to engage Henderson Countys tourism community with a structured, trusted source of info and insight to improve collaboration within our industry, said Michelle Owens, TDA's executive director. The conference and awards banquet in Wilmington concluded with the NCTIA presenting its Visitor Attraction of the Year award to the Fort Fisher State Historic Site, located in nearby Kure Beach. More information about Visit Hendersonville is available online at https://VisitHendersonvilleNC.org/ (JNS) SYDNEY, Australia - When Sharon Stoliar saw the images of masked terrorists rampaging through southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, she immediately was taken back to her childhood nearly four decades ago in Sri Lanka. The academic researcher and former midwife, who came to Australia as a girl of five, vividly recalled how her father, a pastor with the Wesleyan Methodist Church, was held at gunpoint by rebels in Sri Lanka. "It brought up all those memories," she recounted in an interview with JNS. "People were shocked that I still remembered after all these years. This is something that shapes... Last week, the Orlando Jewish Chamber of Commerce hosted a standout Lunch and Learn event featuring guest speaker Amy Schwartz Kimlat, a marketing and advertising professional and Head of Growth & Brand Experience for See Magic Live. The presentation, titled "Working With AI," drew a much larger crowd than expected, filling the Roth Family JCC where it was hosted by Shalom Orlando. Kimlat delivered an engaging and practical talk on harnessing artificial intelligence in the workplace. She shared real-world tips and software recommendations that businesses can use to plan, market, and run their... (JNS) - Freed Israeli-Russian hostage Elizabeth Tsurkov said on Wednesday that Jerusalem's assassination campaign targeting top Hezbollah, Hamas and Iranian terrorists contributed to hear release from captivity. Tsurkov, who was held for two and a half years by Iran-backed Kata'ib Hezbollah in Iraq, told The New York Times in an interview published Wednesday that she believes the IDF military campaign "rattled" the terrorist leaders, leading them to view their captive as a liability. The exclusive interview, in which Tsurkov for the first time revealed the details of physical and mental abuse... Im late for work! What? Wait a minute. What day is this? Friday? No; I didnt put out the trash can for collection. Lets see, what did I do last night? Oh, yes, I recall. We watched Antiques Roadshow. So, it must be Tuesday. And I dont have to go to work; I retired many years ago. Such confusion. It only happens once in a while. But thanks to the resetting of clocks back to standard time my brain is malfunctioning. It used to be that I was only affected every spring when the clocks were moved forward and wed supposedly lose an hour of sleep. But now I also find the end of daylight savings... (JNS) Hours after Zohran Mamdani, an anti-Israel, self-identified socialist, was elected mayor of New York City, the Anti-Defamation League said that it is launching a tip line for city residents to reported Jew-hatred and a Mamdani monitor. The latter will be a public-facing tracker monitoring policies, appointments and actions by the Mamdani administration that impact Jewish community safety and security. Drawing from tipline reports as well as enhanced ADL research capabilities, this Mamdani Monitor will provide transparency around City Hall decisions affecting Jewish New Yorkers, in... (JNS) Israeli security forces on Tuesday enlisted the help of ZAKAs Diving Unit in the ongoing search for the cellular phone of Maj. Gen. Yifat Tomer-Yerushalmi, Israels former military advocate general, now behind bars. ZAKA, an emergency response nonprofit, sent personnel to Tel Avivs Cliff Beach in a large-scale effort to locate the phone. They are covering an area up to 3 kilometers (1.8 miles) from where Tomer-Yerushalmi was eventually located. Even if the phone is never found, cyber experts say some of the material, such as applications which routinely back up to the cloud, may be r... (JNS) The Israel Defense Forces is preparing plans for a renewed occupation of Gaza and the dismantling of Hamas, Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, a member of Jerusalems Security Cabinet, told JNS on Monday. We will be ready, Smotrich said, speaking with JNS following a faction meeting of his Religious Zionism Party at the Knesset. Now we have no hostages there and there are far fewer restrictions: fast, sharp, resolute, he said. President Donald Trump often used the word violent, so I like that word, Smotrich continued. It will be very violent, forceful and quick. Smo... (JNS) An Israeli medical delegation is heading to Jamaica to provide humanitarian assistance to the Caribbean island nation in the aftermath of last weeks Hurricane Melissa, Jerusalems health and foreign ministries announced on Wednesday. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is directing the team to help the local population recover from the devastating Atlantic Ocean storm, which according to Reuters took the lives of 32 people in Jamaica and 43 in Haiti as of Wednesday, with billions in economic damage. The team, led by Health Ministry Deputy Director Dr. Sefi Mendelovich and Shaare... (JNS) Israeli Foreign Minister Gideon Saar reiterated on Monday that Jerusalem will not accept the inclusion of Turkish armed forces in President Donald Trumps International Stabilization Force for the Gaza Strip. Countries that want or are ready to send armed forces should be at least fair to Israel, Saar declared at a news conference in Budapest, speaking alongside his Hungarian counterpart, according to Reuters. Turkey, led by [President Recep Tayyip] Erdogan, led a hostile approach against Israel, the top diplomat stated. So it is not reasonable for us to let their armed forces e... (JNS) Hundreds of Jewish community leaders from across the globe will gather in Jerusalem next week for a meeting of the Jewish Agency for Israels Board of Governors, focusing on reconstruction and rehabilitation plans for northern and southern Israel in the wake of the countrys multi-front war over the past two years. The meeting, held on Nov. 2-4, discussed programs to encourage Jews to immigrate to Israel and to combat growing antisemitism worldwide, the Jewish Agency said in a statement on Thursday. J.A. Executive Chairman Maj. Gen. (res.) Doron Almog, Board of Governors Chairman Mark... (JNS) - Jared Kushner, son-in-law of President Donald Trump and adviser in his first administration, held a meeting with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday afternoon. A picture distributed by the Israeli Prime Minister's Office showed that Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer joined for the Israeli side, while Kushner was accompanied by Aryeh Lightstone, a senior adviser to Trump's special Mideast envoy, Steve Witkoff. Kushner touched down in Tel Aviv on Sunday night for unannounced meeting to discuss the implementation of Trump's 20-point peace agreement for the... (JNS) - Steven Meiner didn't wait long after he was reelected mayor of Miami Beach, Fla., to invite New Yorkers, who had just elected anti-Israel socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor, to move south. "To our friends up in New York. If you crave a law and order city, sunshine, ocean breezes, where economic growth is on the rise, Miami Beach is ready," wrote Meiner, an Orthodox Jew. "No state income tax, year-round warmth, world-class culture and neighborhoods that feel like home." Meiner, who included his email address "if I can help in any way with your move to Miami Beach" in his post, told JNS s... (JNS) Rep. Randy Fine (R-Fla.) lashed out at conservative firebrand and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson Saturday, calling him the most dangerous antisemite in America. Fine didnt mince words on the third day of the four-day Republican Jewish Coalition annual legislative conference, taking place this weekend in Las Vegas. Tucker Carlson is the most dangerous antisemite in America, Fine told the 1,000 participants, making this years conference one of the more well-attended. He has chosen to take on the mantle of leader of modern-day Hitler Youth. Fine was one of several speakers at... (JNS) - Gal Pauker, 25, grew up around wine. His grandfather, Gideon Pauker, and three of Gideon's buddies-Gadi Mozes, Haim Perry and Yoram Metzger-started a winery on Kibbutz Nir Oz in southern Israel, where they filled about 1,300 bottles a year with fine wine. It was a joint effort: Gideon planted the vineyard that supplied the grapes, and the friends would harvest together, choose the blend together, and enjoy the wine together. Then Hamas terrorists attacked the kibbutz on Oct. 7, 2023. Of the four men, only Mozes, 80, the oldest hostage abducted from Nir Oz, survived. He found out his fr... (JNS) Former Mossad chief Yossi Cohen said on Monday that Israel should demand policy concessions from Western countries in exchange for the life-saving intelligence it provides them. Cohen spoke at the second Shurat HaDin Israel Law Center conference in New York, marking the first time a senior Israeli official has proposed adopting such a policy. At the conference, Cohen revealed cases during his tenure when the Mossad shared life-saving intelligence, including with Australia. We gave the Australians probably one of the most critical intelligence items, which saved hundreds of lives, wh... (JNS) - Thousands of Israelis paid their last respects to Israel Defense Forces Col. Asaf Hamami on Tuesday at the Kiryat Shaul Military Cemetery in Tel Aviv, two days after his body was released from Gaza by Hamas. Hamami, who commanded the Southern Brigade of the Israel Defense Forces' Gaza Division, was killed defending Kibbutz Nirim from the Hamas-led terrorist invasion on Oct. 7, 2023. He became the most senior officer to have been taken hostage during the massacre. His remains were held in the Gaza Strip for 578 days, until Hamas returned them as part of the U.S.-brokered truce deal on S... (JNS) The U.S. State Department announced on Monday that it is providing aid to minority communities in southern Syria. As part of efforts to restore stability to southern Syria, the United States is providing humanitarian assistance to Suwayda, where Druze, Christian and Bedouin communities have faced violence, the destruction of their homes and have lost their livelihoods, the department stated. This assistance will support life-saving needs of approximately 60,000 people through targeted provision of food, water, and hygiene items, as well as the rehabilitation of houses and water syst... (JNS) Yad Vashem, the World Holocaust Remembrance Center in Jerusalem, said on Monday that it has recovered the names of 5 million Jews murdered in the Holocaust. Behind each name is a life that mattered, stated Dani Dayan, chairman of Yad Vashem. A child who never grew up, a parent who never came home, a voice that was silenced forever. The memorial stated that many of the remaining names of Jewish victims, estimated to be about a million, will likely remain unknown forever. It added that researchers are analyzing hundreds of millions of archival documents with artificial intelligen... Twenty-five months have passed since the barbaric Palestinian terrorist invasion from Gaza into Israel. These Hamas monsters and their popular supporters in an unprovoked attack brutally massacred 1,200 men, women, children and babies, with another 3,500 wounded. If that wasnt evil enough, Hamas also took 251 hostages, both living and dead, to later ransom them for convicted Arab murderers who had been afforded due process under Israeli law and found guilty for their criminal acts. The Jewish people were among the first among civilizations who embraced into their culture the ethical responsib... (JNS) In 1918, V.I. Lenin renamed the Bolshevik Party the Russian Communist Party. Western scholars and policymakers soon began studying communism and the threat it posed to free nations. In 1920, the German Workers Party adopted a new name: the National Socialist German Workers Party, better known as the Nazi Party. Western scholars and policymakers soon began studying Nazism and the threat it posed to free nations. In 1928, Hassan al-Banna founded the Muslim Brotherhood in Egypt. Western scholars and policymakers were uninterested, regarding it as nothing more than a religious-social wel... Just five days before the 87th anniversary of the two-day pogrom on German and Austrian Jews and Jewish communities, known as Kristallnacht (Nov. 9-10, 1938), an eerily familiar feeling is being felt by the American Jewish consciousness following the disturbing election of Democratic Socialist Zohran Mamdani as mayor-elect of New York City. This sentiment begs the question: Whats going to be with the Jews? The answer in 1938 was that the very people who had contributed for so many years to the advancement of Europes most enlightened society were no longer welcome. Generations of German and A... (JNS) This series has explored the many fronts on which Israel has struggled since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023; however, Israel has scored one clear and decisive victoryin Judea and Samaria, or the West Bank. This success is not the product of a single battle, but of Hamass failure, Israels foresight and the Israel Defense Forces quiet exploitation of an opportunity while the worlds attention was elsewherefixed on Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen and Iran. In the shadows of those wars, Israel has struck a long-overdue blow against the terrorist infrastructure... (JNS) Anyone who has watched the news, scrolled through social media or spent time on an American college campus since the Hamas-led terrorist attacks in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, knows the chant: From the river to the sea, Palestine will be free. To the Western ear, the English slogan is lyrical and emotive. But the version chanted in Arabic is a far different sentence with a far different intent. In Arabic, the line is closer to Palestine will be Arab. The two chants are not synonymous. Palestine will be Arab does not mean equality or pluralism. It means replacement. A free Pa... BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping has encouraged young sinologists to serve as messengers to promote mutual understanding between Chinese and foreign civilizations. Xi made the remarks in a reply letter to 61 young sinologists from 51 countries, who will attend the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference from Friday to Sunday in Beijing. Xi expressed his delight that the young sinologists not only cherish the Chinese language and culture, but also actively foster the progress of sinology and mutual learning among civilizations. In his letter, Xi emphasized that sinology represents a common heritage shared by all humanity. Xi encouraged these young sinologists to continue to present a true, multi-dimensional and panoramic view of China to the world, contributing their wisdom and strength to building a community with a shared future for humanity. The young sinologists recently wrote to Xi, sharing their experiences and insights gained through China studies -- as well as expressing their willingness to deepen their study and facilitate cultural exchanges. At least three U.S. military aircraft including a heavily armed AC-130J Ghostrider gunship have begun flying missions from El Salvador's main international airport, reflecting an expansion of the United States' military footprint in the Caribbean, according to satellite imagery, air-traffic communications, and flight-tracking data reviewed by The New York Times. The deployment appears to mark the first known instance of a foreign country hosting U.S. aircraft potentially capable of participating in regional strike operations. Two U.S. military officials, speaking anonymously, confirmed to NYT that the presence of the aircraft is linked to expanded counter-narcotics missions. The activity is part of a broader U.S. buildup that began in late August as the Trump administration prepared what it called anti-narcotics operations while weighing potential military action in Venezuela. Nearly 10,000 U.S. personnel, along with drones, bombers, and almost a dozen Navy surface vessels, are now positioned across the Caribbean and eastern Pacific. The aircraft carrier USS Gerald R. Ford is expected to reinforce that presence. The AC-130J, operated by Air Force Special Operations Command, is capable of destroying land and maritime targets using missiles, cannons, and heavy machine guns. A Navy P-8A reconnaissance aircraft and an unmarked Air Force C-40 transport have also been observed at Comalapa's Cooperative Security Location, a small U.S. military installation co-located with El Salvador's international airport, as NYT reports. The purpose of the C-40 is unclear, but the aircraft has occasionally flown with surveillance platforms, an unusual deployment given its presence alongside a gunship. Radio communications reviewed by NYT suggest the P-8A has flown at least six missions from El Salvador, while the AC-130J and C-40 have flown at least one each. Aircraft have transmitted location data before leaving Salvadoran airspace, then ceased communication while operating in the Pacific. In one transmission, a P-8A pilot said the aircraft was "proceeding operationally with due regard in international airspace," using a phrase associated with missions conducted without civilian air-traffic coordination. John Walsh, director of drug-policy research at the Washington Office on Latin America, said the deployments underscore alignment between President Donald Trump and El Salvador's president, Nayib Bukele. "In this area, they seem very well aligned," he said. Neither Bukele's office nor El Salvador's embassy in Washington responded to requests for comment. The expanding cooperation follows other bilateral agreements between the two countries since Trump returned to office. Washington agreed to pay El Salvador $4.76 million to receive more than 200 deported migrants back in March, according to court filings revealed in U.S. civil-rights litigation in September. The funding was restricted to detention expenses at El Salvador's CECOT prison and explicitly barred from supporting legal aid for asylum seekers. Originally published on Latin Times Jorge Rodriguez, a top official for the Venezuelan regime, warned that a war in the Caribbean would have "incalculable consequences" as the Trump administration continues to escalate its military presence in the region. "Not only for Venezuela, but the entire Caribbean, the entire American continent and the U.S.," said Rodriguez, the president of the regime-friendly Legislative Assembly. "It's not worth the suffering," he added. ULTIMA HORA | Jorge Rodriguez advierte sobre "consecuencias incalculables" de una eventual guerra en el Caribe. "No solamente para Venezuela, sino para todos los paises del Caribe, para todos los paises del continente americano y tambien para EEUU" https://t.co/FDisVOjMBo pic.twitter.com/ACiqNrknWs AlbertoRodNews (@AlbertoRodNews) November 13, 2025 Rodriguez went on to say that the Trump administration is seeking a "maximum level of aggression to promote regime change in Venezuela" and replace a "legitimate" government. The U.S. doesn't recognize authoritarian President Nicolas Maduro, who last year claimed victory in the country's presidential elections but failed to showed any backing documentation. The opposition, led by Maria Corina Machado, presented voting tallies showing that candidate Edmundo Gonzalez Urrutia had won. In the U.S., in turn, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, which is aimed at targeting "narco-terrorists" and defend "our homeland from the drugs that are killing our people." "The Western Hemisphere is America's neighborhood - and we will protect it," Hegseth added. The publication has led to speculation about whether the administration will further escalate its actions in the region or is just putting a name to the operation, which has carried out at least 20 strikes against alleged drug vessels, killing at least 80 people. Moreover, President Donald Trump was presented with an updated list of targets to strike Venezuela if he were to give the order, according to a new report. CBS News detailed that senior military officials, including Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Dan Caine, the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, presented Trump with the options, which include strikes on land. No final decision has been made, the outlet noted. Originally published on Latin Times Memphis's skyline just welcomed a powerful new story. The historic Hotel Napoleon, a century-old landmark in the heart of downtown, has officially reopened under the voco by IHG brand, thanks to the forward-thinking support of KingsLane Group (KLG). The transformation represents not just a restoration of one of Memphis's treasured buildings, but also a strategic move for voco as it expands into the U.S. market. This is the only voco hotel in the Memphis area, and it carries weight beyond its 58 guest rooms and suites. It signals the arrival of a European-born brand that has been redefining premium hospitality across the globe and is now making its presence felt in America. For Memphis, this means international recognition, an infusion of fresh energy into the downtown hospitality scene, and a hotel experience that blends history, charm, and sustainability. A Historic Landmark, Preserved and Renewed Hotel Napoleon was originally built as the Scimitar Building in 1902. Over the decades, it housed a printing company, a bank, and offices, standing as a silent witness to Memphis's evolution. For KingsLane Group, the building's legacy was the foundation of the project. "Our goal was to honor the soul of this historic building while giving every guest a space that feels personal, inviting, and truly Memphian," said Nitin Khanna, Managing Principal & CEO of KingsLane Group. "Working with voco allowed us to preserve what makes Napoleon unique while adding a global layer of comfort, sustainability, and character." Jatin Kumar, Managing Principal & CIO at KingsLane Group, added, "From the very beginning, our focus was on creating a hotel that is both an investment in Memphis's future and a celebration of its past. By combining thoughtful design, smart technology, and strategic operations, we ensured that Hotel Napoleon would not only preserve its heritage but thrive as a modern destination for travelers from around the world." The renovation retained the hotel's distinctive stone facade and architectural details while reimagining its interior with modern design, thoughtful amenities, and welcoming common areas. The result is a boutique hotel that celebrates Memphis's heritage while feeling undeniably contemporary. Why voco? The decision to bring the voco brand to Memphis was not accidental. Known for its unstuffy premium style, voco blends the reassurance of an international brand with the individuality of a boutique stay. Its very name means "to invite", a philosophy evident in how each property offers warm, thoughtful touches, cozy spaces, and a personality that reflects its local setting. At voco Hotel Napoleon, guests can expect signature voco hallmarks: plush bedding made from sustainable materials, vibrant social spaces that encourage conversation, menus inspired by Memphis's local flavors, and eco-conscious practices woven into daily operations. From energy efficiency to responsible sourcing, sustainability is not an afterthought but a defining element of voco's guest experience. A Bold Initiative in Memphis and the U.S. Market For voco, the Napoleon project aligns with its ongoing expansion in the United States. Since its launch in 2018, voco has expanded rapidly in Europe, Asia, and the Middle East, and is now growing its presence in the Americas through conversions and new openings. The decision to enter Memphis underscores KingsLane Group's confidence in the city, and highlights the potential for a locally rooted boutique hotel experience under the voco brand. This milestone means more than just another hotel. It strengthens Memphis's hospitality infrastructure, draws attention to the city from international travelers loyal to voco, and preserves a landmark that might otherwise have faded into disuse. The result is a win-win: a historic property revitalized, a community asset protected, and Memphis placed firmly on voco's global map. What It Means for Memphis The opening of voco Hotel Napoleon is a turning point for the city's tourism and cultural economy. Located steps away from Beale Street and the Mississippi Riverfront, the hotel acts as a gateway to Memphis's arts, music, and culinary scene. For visitors, it offers the kind of upscale yet approachable boutique experience that resonates with modern travelers. For locals, it represents pride, a historic treasure preserved, adapted, and celebrated. By attracting business visitors, tourists, and leisure guests from around the world, voco Hotel Napoleon strengthens Memphis's reputation as a vibrant, forward-looking city. It also creates local jobs, drives foot traffic to surrounding businesses, and demonstrates the power of blending preservation with innovation. A Partnership of Vision This project is also a testament to the strength of collaboration. KingsLane Group brought operational expertise and a deep commitment to community-focused development. voco contributed its brand philosophy of warmth, sustainability, and individuality, along with global reach and recognition. Together, they created a property that is true to Memphis while connected to the world. As voco Hotel Napoleon opens its doors, it stands as more than a hotel. It is a symbol of bold vision, cultural preservation, and international hospitality excellence, right in the heart of Memphis. It is where the city's past and future meet, and where every guest is invited to be part of a new story. Hotel website Hotel MOHI by Appellation, opening in early 2026 in downtown Morgan Hill, Calif. proudly announces the appointment of Jennifer Van Every as Director of Sales & Marketing. In this role, Van Every will oversee all sales, marketing and event strategy for the highly anticipated propertythe first full-service boutique hotel in Morgan Hill. A growth-focused hospitality leader with more than 25 years of experience, Van Every brings a wealth of expertise across luxury, lifestyle, and independent hotel brands throughout Northern California and beyond. She joins Hotel MOHI by Appellation from Starwood Hotels, where she played a key role in the pre-opening of Treehouse Hotel Silicon Valley. Previously, she served as Area Director of Sales & Marketing for Shashi Hospitality Group, overseeing a portfolio of Silicon Valley hotels, and held leadership positions with Hayes Mansion, Curio Collection by Hilton, Portola Hotel & Spa at Monterey Bay, and Larkspur Hotels & Restaurants, where she was recognized as Sales Professional of the Year and Top Producer. Van Every's career began with Hyatt Hotels in San Francisco, where she completed the company's Corporate Management Training Program. Her experience also includes time with Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, where she was part of the pre-opening team for Hotel Palomar San Francisco, and with Rosewood Hotels & Resorts, representing the renowned Las Ventanas al Paraiso in Los Cabos. A Bay Area native, Van Every earned her Bachelor of Arts in History, cum laude, from Santa Clara University and holds a Hospitality & Tourism Management Certificate from Florida Atlantic University. She is actively involved in several industry and community organizations, including the Global Business Travel Association (Silicon Valley Chapter), Meeting Professionals International (Northern California Chapter), and the Campbell Chamber of Commerce. Set to open in early 2026, Hotel MOHI by Appellation will redefine luxury hospitality and culinary innovation in Morgan Hill. The visionary project comes from Frank Leal, entrepreneur and founder of Leal Hospitality, in partnership with Appellation, the culinary-first hospitality brand co-founded by Michelin-starred chef Charlie Palmer and hospitality veteran Christopher Hunsberger. Designed to celebrate the region's rich agricultural heritage and vibrant food culture, the hotel will feature a 215-seat signature Charlie Palmer restaurant and bar, a terrace pool, a modern spa and fitness club, and extensive event spaces, including a 7,730-square-foot ballroom accommodating up to 500 guests and an additional 1,861 square feet of dedicated function space. Guests and locals alike will enjoy a dynamic mix of offerings, from a marketplace and flower shop lounge to a cafe that transitions into a cocktail and wine bar by night, creating a seamless blend of community, cuisine, and contemporary luxury. The hotel's debut follows a number of recent 2025 openings for Appellation, including Appellation Healdsburg and Appellation Lodi - Wine & Roses Resort and Spa, as the brand continues to expand its footprint across California and beyond. Halekulani Okinawa, the only Double Five-Star luxury resort in Okinawa, today announces the appointment of Shingo Hayasaka as Executive Chef, effective Nov. 1, 2025. With over two decades of culinary experience, Chef Hayasaka is exceptionally positioned to lead and evolve the resort's award-winning dining venues, further cementing Halekulani Okinawa's reputation as one of Japan's finest luxury hotels. Known for his innovative yet authentic approach, Chef Hayasaka is dedicated to showcasing local ingredients and advancing sustainable cuisine that honors regional culture and the environment. His culinary philosophy reflects a deep respect for the land and a continuous pursuit of new gastronomic possibilities. In his role, he will oversee all aspects of the resort's food and beverage program including its four restaurants, Sunset Bar SPECTRA and banquet. Born and raised amidst the natural beauty of Shiretoko, Hokkaido, Chef Hayasaka began his culinary career in 2002. He refined his craft under legendary French chef Kiyomi Mikuni, developing a distinctive style that celebrates the finest ingredients of Hokkaido. Most recently, he served as Executive Chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Fukuoka, and previously held leadership roles at Hyatt Centric Ginza Tokyo and The Ritz-Carlton, Nikko. Early in his career, Chef Hayasaka also worked at acclaimed hotels such as Park Hyatt Tokyo and Andaz Tokyo. In 2015, he was appointed Chef de Cuisine at Towers, The Ritz-Carlton, Tokyo, where he established a modern bistro approach highlighting each ingredient's natural essence. Vincent Ramelli, CEO of LodgIQ, has been at the forefront of hotel technology for decades. In his recent interview for Hospitality Net, he reflects on a career that spans the early days of the internet, the rise of online distribution, and now the integration of generative AI into hotel operations. From building websites for Parisian hotels to creating AI-driven revenue management systems, Ramelli has witnessed (and helped shape) the evolution of hospitality technology. He sees digitalization not as a technical challenge alone, but as a human one, where collaboration, openness, and curiosity matter as much as innovation. Early Lessons in Digital Hospitality Ramelli began his career in telecom before moving into digital solutions for hotels, a world he knew well from his familys history in hospitality. Early on, he recognized that hotels needed more than a static online presence. I became successful by really understanding how the internet works: how servers operate, how domain name systems function, and what they are for. The structure of the internet felt tangible to me because I knew how it all fit together, Ramelli says. His first experiences with Parisian hotels were revealing. He discovered that assumptions long held in the industry - like the idea that rooms always fill in peak months - were often wrong. By experimenting with online strategies, he learned how brand reputation, guest reviews, and direct booking channels could become decisive factors in a hotels success. These insights would guide his future innovations in revenue management and meta-search. Meta-Search and Market Transformation One pivotal moment came with the rise of meta-search. Ramellis team worked closely with Google and TripAdvisor, testing tools that allowed hotels to compete with OTAs in real time. These platforms aggregated thousands of properties, sometimes generating up to 40% of a hotels revenue. Before Google Hotel Finder, we were building a backend platform to send prices and create a bidding system. We started working with Google and TripAdvisor to send real-time prices through booking engines. Once the real-time system was in place, it was a game changer - hotels could show accurate prices instantly, and buyers could book with confidence. It completely transformed sales , he recalls. LodgIQ: AI That Explains the Why Today, LodgIQ uses generative AI to make complex revenue management tasks simple and understandable. The platform not only automates data analysis and pricing recommendations, but also explains the reasoning behind each decision. It works for independent hotels with full automation and for large chains with semi-guided insights, bridging human expertise and machine intelligence. For Ramelli, the real challenge of revenue management is rarely technology but rather people. You need pride in your products, sure, but if you are only working in a closed ecosystem and never compare information, you are being foolish. For me, stupidity is not being able to put data in context , he shares. Any information is true, as long as it can be compared. Vincent Ramelli, CEO of LodgIQ Practical Advice for Hoteliers and Technology Providers Find clients who will be your true power users - the ones who push your software harder than anyone and tell you exactly where and how to improve it. You will become a better software engineer, a stronger company, because they give you real-time feedback while using the system to its limits. They have broken the system - and those are the people you need to listen to. They are the ones that help you build better software. Additionally, avoid comparisons to irrelevant competitors; instead, use technology and data context to benchmark correctly. Embracing automation means freeing up time for authentic guest experience, which remains the heart of hospitality. The industry must balance revenue innovation with genuine, memorable service, even simple touches like PlayStations for kids or a complimentary bottle of champagne can make all the difference. The Takeaway Vincent Ramellis career illustrates a simple truth: the future of hotel success lies in connecting technology with people. Data, AI, and automation are essential but empathy, intuition, and memorable service remain at the heart of every thriving hotel. For those willing to embrace innovation while staying grounded in genuine hospitality, the next wave of transformation promises both smarter operations and more meaningful guest experiences. About LodgIQ LodgIQ is a leading AI-enabled revenue management platform for the hospitality industry, transforming data integration and decision-making for hotel commercial teams. Our platform consolidates Revenue, Sales, and Marketing data, providing insights into market trends and consumer behaviors for strategic, data-driven decisions. LodgIQ offers a real-time, comprehensive view of key metrics, enhancing room rate adjustments, marketing campaigns, and sales strategies. Committed to optimizing operations and maximizing revenue, LodgIQ is the essential tool for unified commercial strategies in hospitality. Currently working with over 550 hotels, LodgIQ's products combine sophisticated machine learning with an intuitive and powerful user interface, delivering advanced recommendations and actionable analytics. LodgIQ is headquartered in Silicon Valley, with offices in New York City, and Bangalore. For more information visit https://lodgiq.com/ IBTM World, the leading global trade show for the meetings and events industry, has revealed the themes and speakers for its 2025 Association Leaders Forum, which gathers together senior association professionals to explore bold, practical solutions to today's most pressing challenges. Designed in partnership with ESAE (European Society of Association Executives), this year's Association Leaders Forum examines the role of Association events in building strong communities, with a focus on the key role of strategic thinking to engage delegates and energise teams. Taking place on day one of IBTM World, the forum will offer a full and interactive programme of provocative debates, real-world case studies, and expert insights on AI, sustainable destinations, event innovation, impact, and technology. Speakers will include Sven Bossu, CEO, AIPC; Amy Hissrich, Vice-President, International Affairs ASAE; Angela Guillemet, Executive Director, INCON; and Stylianos Filopoulos, CEO, Association by Design. The day's sessions will be punctuated by networking sessions where attendees can make valuable new connections and meet with existing industry colleagues. Forget the boring plastic rectangle. You know the one, it gets lost in a pocket and feels disposable. Your guests, the ones paying a premium for an unforgettable stay, deserve more than a forgettable access tool. We heard the whispers from the world's most luxurious hospitality providers, and we're answering with something that doesn't just open doors, it starts conversations: our Black Wood Key Cards. When a prestigious, modern luxury hotel in Japan (known for its fusion of ancient tradition and contemporary design) was looking to replace their standard key cards, they chose us. Their goal was simple: to create a moment of tactile luxury from the second a guest checks in. Why did they switch? Because our hexagon-shaped, hollow-out black wood cards are genuinely unique. Theyre a subtle piece of art. The key card, sourced from ISO-certified sustainable wood, aligns with a high-end, eco-conscious ethos, transforming the mundane 'swipe' into a seamless extension of the hotels sophisticated vibe. Its a design element that guests notice and appreciate, adding an unexpected layer of warmth and premium feel to their entire experience. The magic truly lies in the details and the feeling. The distinctive hexagon shape is eye-catching, but the custom laser-cut patterns, perhaps an intricate floral design or a minimalist geometric motif, are what make the card yours. Its a delicate balance of aesthetics and function, much like the perfect piece of high fashion. As the celebrated Japanese designer Yohji Yamamoto once put it, "Luxury is when white and black are fighting or talking together. It is very delicate, but strong." Our black wood key cards embody this tensiona delicate, natural material crafted into a strong, distinct form. With GCSTIMES, you can communicate your brand's commitment to artistry, quality, and sustainability, right down to the item guests can hold. ABOUT GCSTIMES Since 2011, GCSTlMES has pioneered sustainable development, evolving from smart card R&D to sustainable material innovation. Today, we stand as a global platform for sustainable solutions. Sustainability is our foundation. Through technological innovation and creative solutions, GCSTlMES delivers diverse services and tangible products, positioning ourselves as both manufacturers and innovators. GCSTlMES believes technology should empower human progress and cultural preservation. By integrating sustainability into technology, we aim to make it "warm" and purposeful. Our products serve as cultural ambassadors, promoting local heritage worldwide. Brand Portfolio: GCS, AUROkeys, Xenyra, and Glint Spot, offering sustainable smart cards, creative (custom-shaped) key cards sustainable supplies, cultural gifts, and bespoke design and related services. Currently, GCSTlMES has five operational centers in China, US, UAE, France, and Australia, along with 14 subsidiaries and offices worldwide. Its services extend to over 140 countries and regions supporting more than 100,000 international hospitality group in achieving low-carbon and sustainable development goals. GCS Times MKT Team PARIS - Pullman Hotels & Resorts, part of Accor's global Premium portfolio, today unveiled its global brand transformation and vision for the future a milestone designed to inspire, energize and strengthen Pullman's position as one of the world's most dynamic hotel brands. The announcement follows the successful international debut of Pullman xChange, a new global event series designed to ignite bold ideas and invite fresh perspectives among leaders, creators, and innovators. The New Pullman Experience Since 1859, Pullman has reimagined what it means to travel, meet and connect. Today marks the next chapter in that legacy one built around exchange. The brand's transformation redefines the hotel as a dynamic social stage, designed to reflect the fluid rhythm of today's traveler. A striking expression of the new brand language is the Pullman Portal. Inspired by the railway tunnels of Pullman's past, these sculptural entryways mark the transition into a distinct world of exchange. Each Portal acts as a bold architectural signature - recognizable globally, yet reinterpreted locally through materials, form, and color. Guests can already experience the Pullman Portal at Pullman Dubai Jumeirah Lake Towers, while upcoming openings including Pullman Perth Airport and Pullman Hamilton will introduce the design signature to new markets. Further installations will roll out across the network as renovation programs progress. Meeting and event spaces have also been re-imagined with flexibility at their core - places designed to transform with ease from keynote venue to creative studio, from workshop arena to cultural runway - celebrating the belief that exchange thrives in environments built for possibility. A New Culinary Stage Culinary and mixology experiences sit at the heart of the Pullman experience. Bars take center stage as social anchors, alive from the first espresso to the final cocktail. This new era will see menus prioritize spontaneity, shareability, and global flavors, encouraging guests to stay, mingle, and discover. Launching in 2026, Unexpected Pairings is an experiential bar ritual that will invite guests to draw from a deck of playing cards to discover imaginative flavor combinations of food and cocktails. The experience playfully redefines the art of mixology and dining, encouraging playful curiosity and provoking conversation and exchange through contrast, discovery, and taste. Human-Centric Service for a New Generation Over the past 18 months, Pullman has introduced a new learning program for its teams, focused on empathy, cultural awareness, and connection-building. The service culture is grounded in emotional intelligence, empowering Heartists to blend confidence, intuition, and genuine human warmth within every guest interaction. To date, around 60% of Pullman's 20,000+ Heartists have completed the training, with the remainder set to follow in 2026, equipping teams to respond to guests not only efficiently, but with greater insight and sincere care. Pullman xChange: Where Vision Meets Legacy Held from 13 to 14 November 2025, the inaugural Pullman xChange transformed Pullman Dubai Downtown into a live forum for creative collision. Developed with the House of Beautiful Business a global think tank and community connecting business, technology, and the arts the experience explored ideas, innovations, and cultural shifts under the theme Build What Outlasts You. The event forms part of a three-year collaboration between Pullman and the House of Beautiful Business, bringing together a hospitality leader and a global community of creatives and thinkers. Together, the partnership will cultivate a new era of purposeful gatherings, thought leadership, and exchange across continents. The program in Dubai featured immersive workshops, artistic performances, and discussions led by pioneering voices including Abdulaziz AlJaziri,Deputy CEO & COO of the Dubai Future Foundation; neuroscientist Hannah Critchlow; cyberpsychologist Elaine Kasket; and architect Adib Dada. Rooted in the belief that progress begins when we challenge what we know and see the familiar with fresh perspective, Pullman xChange blends dialogue, artistic expression, and sensory experience. In 2026, Pullman xChange will come to life in Europe, Asia, and South America, each edition co-created with a cultural collective to reflect local context. Momentum for Growth Pullman's transformation marks a bold step into the future one that fuses our heritage of movement and modernity with a renewed sense of purpose. Each hotel is conceived as a place of exchange, where ideas and people move freely, fostering creativity and connection. Launching this transformation alongside Pullman xChange felt instinctive, as the event truly brings our brand philosophy to life. It embodies our new spirit dynamic, connected, and alive with possibility. And this is only the beginning of a movement that will continue to unfold across our hotels worldwide. Benoit Racle, Global Brand President, Premium, Accor With more than 150 hotels in over 40 countries and more than 70 projects in the pipeline, Pullman continues to strengthen its global presence in key destinations across the Middle East, Asia, the Pacific, Europe, and Africa. The brand is on track to surpass 200 hotels and resorts within five years, fueled by owner confidence and growing demand for elevated, culturally attuned premium hospitality. In 2026 and beyond, new addresses including Pullman Royal Key Wellness Resort in Guadeloupe, Pullman Kolasin Breza in Montenegro, and Pullman Tokyo Ginza in Japan, will showcase Pullman's commitment to transformative architecture, creative exchange, and revitalized spaces that bring the Pullman spirit to life. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. Radisson Hotel Group has introduced Creator Hub, a dynamic platform connecting nano content creators with Radisson Hotels & Resorts across the globe. This initiative reimagines influencer marketing by offering creators personalized hotel stay experiences in exchange for authentic, brand-aligned content fostering a more inclusive and community-driven approach to travel storytelling. Empowering Emerging Creators Creator Hub opens doors for creators, those with 1,000 to 30,000 engaged followers on Instagram or TikTok, to access Radissons diverse portfolio of hotels. Operating on a non-monetary collaboration model, the program replaces traditional financial compensation with curated hotel stays, enabling creators to blend leisure travel with content creation. In return, the creators produce high-quality visuals and narratives that reflect Radissons brand pillars, including design, wellbeing, local culture, and gastronomy. Creators will also enjoy VIP benefits through Radisson Rewards, such as upgrades, early check-in, and tailored experiences that will enrich their storytelling. A built-in gamification system further incentivizes creativity, engagement, and consistency. A Strategic Shift Toward Authenticity Already active across more than 210 hotels, Creator Hub complements Radisson Hotel Groups year-round influencer marketing efforts. It introduces a new layer of accessibility and authenticity to the Groups content ecosystem, helping drive brand awareness and engagement across key markets. With Creator Hub, were opening the door to a new kind of collaboration, one thats more inclusive, more authentic, and more aligned with the way people experience and share travel today. This initiative reflects our commitment to innovation and community, empowering a new generation of storytellers to bring our brand to life in meaningful ways. Its not just about marketing; its about building lasting relationships and shaping the future of hospitality. Roberto Tamayo, Director of Global PR, Social Media & Influencer Marketing at Radisson Hotel Group Technology Meets Storytelling Creator Hub seamlessly integrates technology, storytelling and loyalty into a scalable platform. Through influencers, Radisson Hotel Group connects with an engaged community of travelers, leveraging authentic voices to amplify its brand. Creators receive hotel briefs and creative guidelines to ensure content aligns with Radisson Hotel Groups brand vision while preserving their unique style. For hotels, the approach offers a way to generate consistent, high-quality content for use across local, regional and global channels. Sandie Jacques, General Manager of Radisson Blu Hotel, Paris Marne-la-Vallee, shares: Were thrilled to be part of Radissons Creator Hub, which gives us the opportunity to showcase the personality and spirit of our hotel through authentic storytelling. Its a fantastic way to engage with a new generation of travelers seeking real, memorable experiences. Meeting Creators Where They Are As travelers increasingly seek real-voice content over polished advertising, Creator Hub engages with travelers on social platforms through trusted voices. By embracing this shift, Radisson Hotel Group continues to evolve its marketing strategy to prioritize community, credibility and creativity. Our collaboration with Radisson Hotel Group through Creator Hub was an excellent experience. The platform felt truly innovative, and the hotel provided the perfect environment for authentic content creation. Theo and Rodrigo from @theoandrodrigotravel Looking Ahead Co-developed with strategic communications agency Apple Tree, Creator Hub, is built to grow alongside evolving travel and content trends. Expansion into new markets is planned for 2026, alongside themed activations and brand partnerships that will offer even more creative opportunities. How to join Creator Hub Who can apply? Creators with a following of 1,000 to 30,000 followers on Instagram or TikTok. Creators with a following of 1,000 to 30,000 followers on Instagram or TikTok. Whats included? Individual three-night stays for two guests at participating Radisson hotels all over the world, Radisson Rewards benefits and structured support. Individual three-night stays for two guests at participating Radisson hotels all over the world, Radisson Rewards benefits and structured support. How to join? Interested creators can apply via [email protected] or DM Radisson Hotel Group on Instagram or TikTok to be considered. Creator Hub is now live, inviting creators to join the movement and help shape the future of hospitality content.Watch the YouTube video here. About Radisson Hotel Group Radisson Hotel Group is a rapidly expanding international hotel group, operating in EMEA and APAC with over 1,575 hotels in operation and under development in +100 countries. The Groups overarching brand promise is Every Moment Matters with a signature Yes I Can! service ethos. The Radisson family of brands portfolio includes Radisson Collection, artotel, Radisson Blu, Radisson, Radisson RED, Radisson Individuals, Park Plaza, Park Inn by Radisson, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Prize by Radisson brought together under one commercial umbrella brand Radisson Hotels. Radisson Rewards is our international rewards program that delivers unique and personalized ways to create memorable moments that matter to our guests. Radisson Rewards offers an exceptional experience for our guests, meeting planners, and travel agents at over 550 hotels in Europe, Middle East, Africa and Asia Pacific. Radisson Meetings provides tailored solutions for any event or meeting, including hybrid solutions placing guests and their needs at the heart of its offer. Radisson Meetings is built around three strong service commitments: Personal, Professional and Memorable, while delivering on the brilliant basics and being uniquely 100% Carbon Neutral. The health and safety of guests and team members remain a top priority for Radisson Hotel Group. All properties across the Group's portfolio are subject to stringent health and safety requirements, as outlined in the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol. More than 100,000 team members work at Radisson Hotel Group and at the hotels licensed to operate in its systems. For more information, visit our corporate website. Or connect with Radisson Hotels on: LinkedIn | Instagram | Twitter | Facebook | YouTube Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, has signed a master development agreement with Mayan Properties, a subsidiary of Resources Investment, to further expansion across Sub-Saharan Africa. The partnership strengthens Accors presence in Africa while underscoring the strong contribution of UAE-backed investment to Africas tourism future. Under the agreement, Accor in partnership with Mayan Properties will develop five hotels across Sub-Saharan Africa, adding over 1,100 keys to the Groups regional portfolio. The collaboration builds on the signing of Novotel Nouakchott in Mauritania,a 154-key new-build project, and Movenpick Moroni in Comoros, a 159-key conversion,with four additional projects to follow in key destinations. The agreement reinforces Accor's long-term strategy to accelerate growth in Sub-Saharan Africa, and Mayan's vision to strengthen Africa's tourism sector through sustainable investment. By combining Accor's global expertise and diverse brand portfolio with Mayan's investment leadership, the two groups are supporting both business and leisure demand while creating jobs and driving local economic development. This development agreement with Mayan Properties is a strong step forward in our commitment to grow across Sub-Saharan Africa. With Novotel Nouakchott and Movenpick Moroni signed, and three more hotels to follow, we are creating the foundation for a diversified portfolio that addresses real market needs and supports the long-term growth of Africa's tourism industry. Maya Ziade, Chief Development Officer, Premium, Midscale & Economy Division, Middle East, Africa & Turkiye at Accor As a subsidiary of Resources Investment LTD, Mayan Properties is proud to extend its partnership with Accor through this development agreement. As a UAE-backed initiative, this agreement underscores the pivotal role the Emirates plays in driving sustainable investment and creating meaningful connections with Africa's fast-growing tourism economies. Mohammed Al Dhaheri, Vice-Chairman and Managing Director of Resources Investment, and Chairman of Mayan Properties Accor currently operates more than 175 properties across Africa, representing over +33,000 keys across 15 brands and 60+ properties in development. This agreement further cements the Group's position as a leading international operator in the region, with a focus on expanding its brands into fast-growing and emerging markets. About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group Accor is a world-leading hospitality group offering stays and experiences across more than 110 countries with over 5,600 hotels and resorts, 10,000 bars & restaurants, wellness facilities and flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing around 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. ALL, the booking platform and loyalty program embodies the Accor promise during and beyond the hotel stay and gives its members access to unique experiences. Accor is focused on driving positive action through business ethics, responsible tourism, environmental sustainability, community engagement, diversity, and inclusivity. Accor's mission is reflected in the Group's purpose: Pioneering the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures, with heartfelt care. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France. Included in the CAC 40 index, the Group is publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information, please visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok. A Milestone in the Renewal of ZEUS Hotels & Resorts Group ZEUS Hotels & Resorts Group, celebrating a decade of success in the hospitality industry, is entering a new phase as it develops into a comprehensive hospitality brand with a global outlook. The Group's strategic rebranding reflects its commitment to offering luxurious accommodation and authentic local experiences, in line with the needs of modern travellers, international hospitality standards and the latest sustainability practices. Strategic Vision With an ever-expanding international footprint and a deep Mediterranean soul, ZEUS is evolving and inviting visitors, partners and employees to welcome its renewed and dynamic identity. "Our strategic rebranding, developed in cooperation with world-leading brand specialists Landor, reflects our commitment to driving change in the tourism industry and continuously innovating. The Group's new philosophy centres on keeping the sense of discovery alive one place at a time, developing a connected international community around hospitality and promoting simplicity and authenticity as core principles guiding its renewed operational approach", said the Group's CEO, Haris Siganos. Authentic Mediterranean Hospitality With more than 4,000 rooms, suites, villas and bungalows throughout Greece, Cyprus, Romania and Italy, ZEUS has established its strong presence in European hospitality. Each accommodation offers unique stories of hospitality, connection, emotion and place. From vibrant urban destinations to seaside resorts and island getaways, ZEUS invites travellers to experience the Mediterranean in its most authentic form - bright, generous, and deeply human. The new structure of the ZEUS Group The new structure of the Group determines the diversity and depth of its portfolio. The three distinct categories - ZEUS Flagship, ZEUS Eleva, and ZEUS Essence - represent different expressions of the ZEUS philosophy: ZEUS Flagship - Emblematic hotels in strategic locations of cultural, business or tourist importance, ambassadors of the new brand. ZEUS Eleva - The premium collection that expresses the top-notch ZEUS hospitality experience. ZEUS Essence The most authentic form of hospitality, hotels designed for travellers who seek a genuine connection with the destination and its people and capture the Mediterranean way of life. Upgraded Services From the new season, the Group will offer its guests a unique hospitality experience, with upgraded services, modern facilities, refined gastronomy and sustainability initiatives in every stay in all its hotels and resorts. Development Investments ZEUS Hotels & Resorts' 2025-26 Investment Plan aims to expand the Group's presence in Greece through acquisitions, including ZEUS Kassandra Lagoon in Halkidiki, following the successful operation of the iconic ZEUS Eleva Ajul, ZEUS Eretria Resort in Evia and the emblematic ZEUS Piraeus Grand in the port of Piraeus. The plan also includes new developments including ZEUS Eleva Miraya and impressive upgrades such as that of the stunning five-star ZEUS Eleva Mirabello Bay, identical with Cretan hospitality. These strategic investments, along with new ones to be announced in 2026, are a milestone in the Group's commitment to offering unparalleled personalized hospitality experiences. About Zeus International Hotels & Resorts The ZEUS Hotels & Resorts Group has in its portfolio more than 4,000 rooms, villas and bungalows in seventeen city hotels and resorts in Europe. From Crete and Halkidiki to Milan, Nicosia and Bucharest, the Group stands out for the unique hospitality experience it offers, based on the quality of service and the well-being of visitors, drawing inspiration from the rich history of its destinations. ZEUS is distinguished for the development, operation and management of luxury tourism units, winning awards and distinctions for its exceptional contribution to the tourism industry. Zeus International Zeus International Hotels & Resorts USALI, 12th Revised Edition: is Your Finance Team Ready for January 2026? - By Arlene Ramirez - Image Credit HFTP A shared commitment to standardization, education, and profitability intelligence for the global hospitality industry. Without a standard, there is no logical basis for making a decision or taking action. Joseph Juran Questions are commonplace in any hotel business. Who hasn't been in a budget meeting or financial review when someone has asked if the food and beverage margins are competitive, or if the spa department should be generating more revenue, or how labor efficiencies compare to other properties of the same size? Transforming these questions into actionable insights is what hotel benchmarking can docreating concrete, data-backed comparisons. Benchmarking is more than a reporting exercise; it's a strategic tool for hotel management that helps hospitality finance teams compare performance, identify opportunities, and drive operational improvement. But effective benchmarking depends on one critical factor: consistentand standardized financial data. Thats where a framework like the Uniform System of Accounts for the Lodging Industry (USALI) 12th Revised Edition, a service of Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP), plays a central role in hotel financial reporting. A Framework for Structure and Clarit Hotel benchmarking analysis allows properties to measure performance against peers, market segments, and historical trends. Key metrics such as Gross Operating Profit (GOP), Revenue per Available Room (RevPAR), and Total Revenue per Available Room (TRevPAR) are used to assess efficiency, profitability, and competitiveness. However, without a standardized framework, these comparisons can be misleading. Differences in how hotels classify revenue, allocate expenses, or report departmental performance can distort results and hinder data-driven decision-making. The USALI framework provides a consistent structure for financial reporting across the global lodging industry. The 12th Revised Edition introduces several enhancements that directly support better benchmarking and hotel performance analytics: Refined departmental classifications provide clear guidance on whether operations like mini-bars, retail outlets, or spa services should be reported under Food and Beverage, Other Operated Departments, or Minor Operated Departments. provide clear guidance on whether operations like mini-bars, retail outlets, or spa services should be reported under Food and Beverage, Other Operated Departments, or Minor Operated Departments. Enhanced distribution channel reporting offers detailed schedules that break down revenue by source, enabling hotels to benchmark the use of OTAs versus direct bookings, corporate contracts, and other channels. This comprehensive view helps hotels optimize their channel mix and improve distribution strategy performance . offers detailed schedules that break down revenue by source, enabling hotels to benchmark the use of OTAs versus direct bookings, corporate contracts, and other channels. This comprehensive view helps hotels optimize their and improve . More detailed market segmentation tracking allows for more precise benchmarking of revenue per segment . Hotels can now compare their performance within transient and group with greater accuracy. allows for more precise benchmarking of . Hotels can now compare their performance within transient and group with greater accuracy. Standardized allocation methodologies establish consistent approaches for distributing package revenue , shared costs , and bundled services across departments. establish consistent approaches for distributing , , and across departments. Enhanced materiality recognizes that operational significance varies by market, allowing for context-sensitive classification while maintaining comparability. These updates ensure that financial data is aligned across properties, enabling accurate, consistent, and meaningful hotel benchmarking across all revenue streams and guest segments. The Power of Consistent Data Many in the hospitality industry use hotel benchmarking platforms that compile financial data from thousands of hotels worldwide and provide detailed analysis across departments and metrics. Here is where the tangible value of USALI standards is most evident. By relying on USALI-compliant data, these platforms ensure that comparisons are valid and actionable. For example, a hotel can benchmark its Spa Department profitability against similar properties, knowing that revenue and expenses are classified consistently. Properties can compare their distribution channel performance to identify over-reliance on third-party channels and capture more direct bookings. Labor ratios and departmental margins can be compared across regions, brands, or asset types with confidence. Market segmentation data reveals whether a hotel is capturing its fair share of business travel or if leisure rates are competitive. The widespread adoption of the USALI 12th Revised Edition framework enables better budgeting, forecasting, and strategic planning, turning hotel data into actionable profitability insights. Hotels that adopt USALI standards and integrate benchmarking tools gain improved operational transparency, enhanced comparability with industry peers, data-driven decision-making for staffing, pricing, and expense management, and a clearer understanding of revenue sources and channel effectiveness. Building a Coherent Story The USALI 12th Revised Edition is more than a reporting guidelineits a foundation for strategic benchmarking and hotel performance improvement. By aligning financial data across departments, revenue sources, and market segments it creates a common financial language that enables meaningful comparisons and multi-dimensional performance analysis. As data visualization expert Stephen Few noted, Numbers have an important story to tell Hotels that embrace USALI-based benchmarking can view their performance from different angles with confidence that their data is comparabledriving more informed decisions and providing greater clarity to the story their numbers are telling. Looking Ahead As part of our continued commitment to standardized and meaningful data analysis, HotStats will implement the USALI 12th Revised Edition framework in January 2026, with benchmarking reports published under the new standard for February reporting. This update will ensure even greater alignment with global reporting standardsenhancing the accuracy, comparability, and strategic value of the benchmarking insights HotStats delivers. Stay tuned for more updates as we roll out this important step forward in profitability intelligence. About the USALI 12th Revised Edition To purchase the book or subscriptions, please visit https://usali.hftp.org/. HFTP offers courses to help further understand the USALI framework. For more information, visit https://academy.hftp.org/. Arlene Ramirez Arlene Ramirez, Ed.D., Senior Vice President of Learning for HFTP, has over 25 years of hospitality finance experience. She brings extensive expertise in various segments of hospitality business operations to her role. Her financial background from the corporate and property level proves invaluable in designing relevant educational content for HFTP's community of finance and technology professionals. Dr. Ramirez was also a faculty member at the Hilton College of Global Hospitality Leadership, allowing her to effectively bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications in HFTP's educational initiatives. Connect with Arlene on LinkedIn. She holds a doctorate in Instructional Systems Design and Technology and an MBA from Sam Houston State University, a BBA in Accounting from the University of Texas at Austin, and industry certifications including CHAE, CHE, CHIA, and CAHTA. She is a frequent author and speaker at hospitality industry events. Image Credit U.S. Space & Rocket Center Huntsville, AL - Image Credit Unsplash Huntsville, also known as Rocket City, has rapidly become a major market in Alabama and the Southern United States, supported by a robust commercial and government demand base. As Huntsville undergoes unprecedented growth, hotel development has surged to meet the overflowing demand. The economic and hotel demand landscape of Huntsville has been undergoing an expansion over the last several years. With several large-scale projects underway in this already well-established market home to a multitude of major demand generators, Huntsville has become a hotspot for growth, which in turn has boosted hotel demand. In recent years, the City of Huntsville has made the following investments to ensure that the city can meet the needs of the ongoing developments and the associated population boom: Over $400 million in completed transportation improvements, plus $250+ million in active construction projects $600 million in public-school enhancements Over $200 million in healthcare expansions Over $150 million in improving the citys overall quality of life with new recreational complexes, parks, and greenways Key Developments Shaping Demand The two most significant economic and hotel demand anchors in Huntsville are Cummings Research Park and the Redstone Arsenal U.S. Army base. Located within a few miles of each other, these facilities together make up the largest economic zone in Alabama and have an $18-billion impact on the areas economy annually. Operators of hotels located in the economic zone report that around 60% of their business originates from these two facilities. Although recent sentiment indicates a drop in activity due to outside administrative pressures, the long-term view is very positive. Furthermore, both campuses are undergoing expansion and receiving investments poised to increase their economic impact. Redstone Arsenal Named New Space Command Headquarters Known as Rocket City for its central role in the U.S. space program, Huntsvilles aerospace and military infrastructure is well established with the Redstone Arsenal, which is home to NASAs Marshall Space Flight Center and the Armys Space and Missile Defense Command. The 38,000-acre Army installation employs over 45,000 military, civilian, and contract workers. In September 2025, the Trump administration announced that the U.S. Space Command headquarters will be relocated from its temporary headquarters in Colorado to a site within the Redstone Arsenal. According to local officials, around 1,400 Space Command jobs will transition to the Huntsville facility over the next five years. Currently, no timeline is established for the start or conclusion of this transition; however, once completed, Space Command is expected to provide a major boost to the markets already strong government demand base. Cummings Research Park Undergoing Investments & Expansion Huntsville is home to the 3,500-acre Cummings Research Park, the second-largest research park in the country. Altogether, the complex features over 300 companies, inclusive of Fortune 500 corporations, high-tech firms, space and defense agencies, and business incubators that generate significant hotel demand. Recent investments in this park include the $1.6-billion Mazda Toyota Manufacturing plant, which created 4,000 new jobs when it was completed in 2021; Blue Origin's new $200-million rocket-engine facility, opened in 2020; and Meta's $750-million data center, completed in 2020. The data center is undergoing continued expansion, pushing the total investment above $1.5 billion. While the data center is not expected to bring significant hotel demand over the long term, the construction-related demand has buoyed hotel occupancies and is a favorable sign for investor sentiment in Huntsville. Additionally, Radiance Technologies opened Phase II of its corporate headquarters in Cummings Research Park in 2025, adding 110,000 square feet of additional space. The Missile Defense Agency recently awarded an additional $40 million of funding to deciBel Research, Inc. The agency has now granted contracts totaling $214 million to Huntsville businesses. Hotel Demand & Supply Trends Huntsvilles hotel industry is primarily anchored by commercial and government demand from Cummings Research Park and Redstone Arsenal, with some additional demand from the healthcare sector. The developments occurring in both Cummings Research Park and Redstone Arsenal are expected to continue to bolster demand throughout the area over the long term. Aside from those sectors, tourism plays a major role in the hotel market of Huntsville, largely tied to its rich history in space exploration and music. The U.S. Space & Rocket Center welcomes more than 600,000 visitors and campers to its museum and programs annually. Musical performances and local events help to drive leisure demand as well, with venues like the Von Braun Center and The Orion Amphitheater hosting a variety of concerts and shows throughout the year. Seasonal events held in Huntsville include the Panoply Arts Festival, Big Spring Crush Wine & Food Festival, and Concerts in the Park. These demand factors have resulted in a rapidly growing hotel pipeline. According to market participants, prior to 2019, the Huntsville area lacked sufficient supply to meet the strong commercial and government demand related to activity at Redstone Arsenal and companies in Cummings Research Park. This supply shortage led to demand overflow into nearby towns such as Decatur and Mooresville. As a result, sizable hotel developments in Huntsville and Madison have been completed since 2019, and more than 1,000 additional rooms are expected to be added by the end of 2025, according to STR data. Although supply growth in the near term is expected to cause both occupancy and ADR to fluctuate, ongoing projects and sustained growth throughout Huntsville should support both future hotel development and improvements in hotel metrics over the long term. A Market on the Move Huntsville has emerged as a thriving market that is becoming a major city in the South. For hotel stakeholders, the significant developments occurring throughout the city and its already established economic landscape support an optimistic future. Cummings Research Park, Redstone Arsenal, and area tourism attractions should support Huntsvilles position as a major market over the long term. At HVS, we turn market intelligence into strategic insight. With deep expertise in the Huntsville market and an extensive in-house database, we provide tailored guidance on everything from feasibility analysis and market projections to operational benchmarking and redevelopment planning. If you have questions, ideas, proposals, or opportunities youd like to explore for this market, we invite you to connect with Rutger Marks and Marc Greeley of our Central-South regional team. About Rutger Marks Rutger Marks is a Senior Associate with the HVS Nashville office. He holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Global Hospitality Management with Financial Performance Management from Les Roches. Prior to joining HVS in 2023, Rutger gained restaurant and hotel experience with Hotel Jackson in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, and Marriott International in Amsterdam. These experiences have fueled his passion for the analytical side of the hospitality industry and developed his ability to provide excellent customer service. Contact Rutger at +1 (629) 255-5722 or rmarks@hvs.com. About Marc Greeley Marc is a Senior Director and oversees the HVS Nashville Consulting & Valuation office. He specializes in a variety of hospitality consulting services, including valuations, feasibility studies, and market studies. His expertise extends across much of the southeastern United States, covering primarily Tennessee and Kentucky, as well as Northern Georgia, Alabama, and Mississippi. He graduated in December 2018 from Michigan State University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality Business with a minor in Real Estate Investment. Before joining HVS in February 2019, Marc held internships with Bedrock Detroit and White Lodging Management. Contact Marc at +1 (615) 426-8806 or mgreeley@hvs.com. Sources https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/u-s-space-command-headquarters-is-moving-to-huntsville/ https://www.costar.com/article/505008073/hotel-development-continues-momentum-across-the-huntsville-market https://business.vanderbilt.edu/news/2018/07/11/capstone-spotlight-space-rocket-center/ https://www.cnu.org/publicsquare/2025/08/14/build-center-former-mall https://frontrowhsv.com/groundbreaking-destination/ https://frontrowhsv.com/375-million-downtown-huntsville-development-nearing-start-of-construction/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/front-row-huntsville-enters-next-phase-with-groundbreaking-ceremony-302119922.html https://www.waff.com/2025/03/24/major-upgrades-taking-place-von-braun-center/ https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/radiance-technologies-celebrates-ribbon-cutting-for-its-campus-expansion-at-jan-davis-drive-in-cummings-research-park-302404947.html https://huntsvillebusinessjournal.com/news/2024/06/18/mda-awards-contract-extension-totalling-214-million-to-local-business/ https://cummingsresearchpark.com/about/ https://apnews.com/article/space-command-trump-alabama-colorado-96589ce26df5ddaf59e2fc856084a8ca https://www.huntsvilleal.gov/u-s-space-command-headquarters-is-moving-to-huntsville/ https://256today.com/redstone-cummings-research-park-economic-zone-bullish-on-brainpower/ America 250: A Tourism Surge in the Making for 2026 - Image Credit Unsplash The upcoming America 250 celebration in 2026, marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, is expected to have a significant impact on travel across the United States. With early booking trends already showing increased occupancy in key historical and cultural destinations, property managers and destination marketing organizations must prepare strategically to capitalize on this once-in-a-generation event. America 250 is set to be a monumental celebration in 2026, commemorating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This nationwide event is anticipated to be one of the largest travel years in U.S. history, with a variety of festivities planned across the country. The celebration will include parades, festivals, and community gatherings, particularly during the July 4th holiday week, which is expected to be the focal point of the events. Occupancy Trends and Early Bookings According to Key Data's vacation rental performance metrics, early booking trends for the July 4th week in 2026 indicate a significant impact from America 250 events. While the overall U.S. occupancy pacing remains steady at 5%, certain historically significant regions are experiencing a surge in early bookings. For instance, South Dakota's occupancy pacing has increased from 6% in 2025 to 13% in 2026, highlighting a growing interest in reservations near national parks and event hubs. Washington, D.C., a central location for the celebrations, reports an 8% increase, reaching a 9% occupancy rate, which is pacing year-over-year. Other regions, such as Virginia, are also seeing benefits, with occupancy rates rising by two points to 5%. Despite a slight decline in North Carolina's occupancy pace from 16% to 12%, the state still shows strong demand following its robust performance in 2025. Pennsylvania's occupancy pacing has improved from 1% to 2%, indicating early traveler interest in these once-in-a-generation events. Booking Windows and Market Strategies In 2026, the national average booking window (ABW) is nearly identical to 2025, sitting at 331 days. This trend indicates that travelers continue to plan their trips almost a year in advance for major holidays. Washington, D.C., stands out with a 19% increase in booking lead time, now averaging 333 days, as guests secure accommodations early for large-scale national events. Meanwhile, other markets, such as South Dakota, Virginia, and West Virginia, show slight declines in booking windows, suggesting steady booking behavior despite increasing demand. For property managers and destination marketing organizations (DMOs), these metrics emphasize the importance of early engagement. Markets with rising occupancy and extended booking windows should initiate targeted campaigns, focusing on event-driven messaging and flexible rate strategies to secure high-value bookings well ahead of 2026. Average Daily Rate (ADR) Trends Despite rising occupancy in several markets, average daily rates (ADR) for July 4th, 2026, show mixed momentum across the country. National ADRs have decreased slightly by 1% year-over-year, averaging $724, suggesting that rate adjustments have not yet aligned with increasing traveler demand. North Carolina's ADR has declined by 3% to $882, and South Dakota's by 14% to $696, as managers cautiously avoid rate increases despite higher bookings. Virginia experienced a more significant 34% drop to $662, potentially due to early-season discounts or cautious pricing amid a soft comparison for 2025. Pennsylvania's ADR dipped by 16% to $604. West Virginia experienced the sharpest decline in ADR, down 53% year-over-year to $616, suggesting that while the market attracts more bookings, pricing strategies may not yet be optimized for peak demand. Conversely, Washington, D.C. experienced a 137% surge to $448, reflecting the power of event-driven pricing in high-demand, limited-supply markets. Traveler Behavior and Stay Length Patterns Traveler behavior data reveals nuanced patterns as 2026 approaches. The national average stay length remains steady at 7.6 nights, unchanged from 2025. However, some states exhibit significant shifts. Washington, D.C. saw a 33% decline in average stay length to 4.7 nights, likely reflecting shorter, event-driven stays centered around specific America 250 activities. Virginia and West Virginia also experienced notable declines in stay lengths. In contrast, South Dakota and North Carolina maintained or slightly increased their average stay lengths, with guests staying around 4.8 and 8.1 nights, respectively. These regions may see longer stays tied to family travel and national park tourism as part of celebratory road trips. These mixed trends indicate diverse traveler intent, with some seeking immersive historical experiences and others opting for short-event visits. Strategic Implications for Property Managers and DMOs 1. Focus on Revenue, Not Just Occupancy: While RevPAR growth in several markets is driven by higher occupancy, property managers must focus on maximizing revenue, not merely filling nights. A surge in bookings can mask underperforming rates, so finding the right balance between ADR and occupancy is essential. Data-driven pricing strategies can help capture increased demand without compromising rate integrity. 2. Market Early, Market Smart: With booking windows exceeding 11 months in many markets, there is a valuable opportunity to attract travelers. DMOs should integrate America 250 messaging into destination content and campaigns, while property managers focus on seasonal visibility and loyalty-driven rebooking. 3. Leverage Data to Stay Ahead: Utilizing real-time data from Key Data's dashboards enables property managers to track pacing trends, spot opportunities, and forecast more accurately as America 250 approaches. Staying informed about occupancy, ADR, and RevPAR in context will help ensure strategies remain agile and profit-focused. Conclusion America 250 represents a unique opportunity for tourism growth. For vacation rental managers and DMOs, the July 4, 2026, holiday week offers a chance to capitalize on traveler enthusiasm tied to America's sesquicentennial. Understanding where occupancy and ADR trends diverge will be crucial. As Key Data's early insights suggest, success in 2026 will depend on a timely strategy, flexible pricing, and effective destination storytelling. Discover more at Key Data. Louison House holds its 35th annual meeting on Oct. 30 in Murdock Hall at Massachusetts College of Liberal Art. Louison House Details Struggles, Challenges in Past Year Executive Director Kathy Keeser speaks to the nonprofit shelter's beginnings in 1990. NORTH ADAMS, Mass. Louison House has been providing shelter for 35 years, but the demographic it serves is changing: it's getting older and sicker, or the individuals are in need of treatment. "We work with a lot of people that we can't work with, and what I mean by that is if they have medical issues, and we can't put them into individualized sheltering because we don't have medical personnel that can help them," said staff member Lynette Kite. "We have elderly that I've worked with personally that are being put out of their homes because of hoarding ... I don't like that word, but they have a lot of memories that they will want to and it's very difficult for them to give those memories up." And there are unhoused people in need of medical respite, short-term care for illness that doesn't require hospitalization. Kite was speaking of the challenges over the past year at Louison House's annual meeting, held last month in Murdock Hall at Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. This was the 35th anniversary of the shelter, founded by Terry Louison, that's grown from the original house in Adams (now dubbed Terry's House) to include the Flood House and new Bracewell youth housing in North Adams, plus managing motel housing. Louison House offers emergency, transitional and permanent supportive housing in North Berkshire and Pittsfield. "We're all very proud of what we do, and hopefully that everyone else here is happy with what's going on," said President Michael Cutler. "We're just going to, as my old boss used to say, moving forward, that's what we're going to try to keep doing every day. Some of what staff has seen is people ending up in nursing facilities because they refuse to come off the street and give up their "stuff." "Our biggest struggle lately is people who are coming here for treatment," Kite said. "They're going into treatment facilities, and they're messing up, and they're being put out of those facilities, and we don't have space." She said the shelter's main struggles are helping the elderly community, people coming out of substance abuse treatment and those who need medical respite. "Medical respite is real. OK, there's funding for that," Kite said. "So if you know anybody who's out on the street and they have oxygen tanks, they have dialysis, anything like that, reach out to Mass Health. The funding is there and they can be put into medical respite." Louison House was also able to point to some real successes, with staff member Moira Miller focusing on the youth ages 18 to 24 that it serves. "They become homeless for various reasons, much like regular adults. It could be reasons like sexuality, change in the family dynamics, abuse, aging or growing out of their support system, such as school or DCF, mental health, pregnancy, addiction, and these are the reasons why we need more programs such as Bracewell to help out," she said. Louison had one young man come into the shelter last year, and then his grandmother. Staff was able to get them into a two-bedroom apartment and help them with paperwork for services. In Pittsfield, they were able to get a young family into housing. "Not only do we have successes with our clients, but we also have successes with working partnerships," Miller said. These include the libraries, MassHire, food banks, Berkshire Community Action Council, local churches and Berkshire Community College, and students from MCLA and Williams College. Two clients spoke of their experiences with homelessness and Louison House. A young mother of a 5-year-old said they had couch-served for nine months before becoming homeless. Living Hope Community Church connected to Louison, which was able to put her and daughter into a motel for 67 days. Last October, they were able to move into one of the shelter's apartments. "It was such a scary time for myself and my daughter and just not knowing what was going to happen next or where we were going to go, probably one of the scariest times since becoming a mom, but everyone reassured us, they helped us," she said. "It's beyond anything that we could have asked for, and we have more space now than we ever have before, and also to have a place my confidence grew, and I'm also starting a certificate training course soon." Kevin has had periods of homelessness throughout his life, most recently when his mother died two years ago and he lost his apartment when the building was condemned. He had trouble finding a place he could afford, with his mother's two dogs, and hesitated to reach out to Louison, "mostly out of pride." The shelter was able to get him emergency housing and has now helped twice with apartment searches. "So luckily, because I had done all those vouchers and things at the Louison House, it was only a matter of a few weeks, they managed to find me a new apartment," he said. "It was much easier the second time around, it was very helpful and easy because they have great staff there." The nonprofit ended its fiscal year in September with $75,000 and the anticipation of $1.6 million in revenue for fiscal 2027, though funding is unsure. "If we lose all of that funding, obviously we'll have some significant cuts to make," said Treasurer Betty Hakes. "But I just want to emphasize that with barriers that have been put in place this year, the staff and the organization has worked very hard to make sure we're still able to serve as many people as we have and not have to cut into any of our reserve funds." Executive Director Kathy Keeser said the shelter has already had to turn people away because it could not provide medical assistance or because its rooms were full. "The high costs are our rentals. People always expect staffing to be the highest cost. It still is. But we rent over $200,000 to around $220,000 worth of apartment rentals," she said. "So we're in a tricky situation if that grant funding ends we can't just throw people out. So we're going to be trying to cover rents and trying to gradually figure out." She encouraged attendees to participate in fundraisers, advocate at the state and federal level, and keep an open mind on housing. "The thing that gets us through is all of the community we work with, because we don't do it alone," Keeser said. "No one staff does everything alone, and our agency does nothing alone. So appreciation for all of you. I appreciate the board and all of the staff and all the agencies." giovedi 13 novembre 2025, 19:58 ALL RIGHTS RESERVED This article is automatically translated In the West Bank, the situation remains fragile and deteriorated: isolated communities, freedom of movement hindered by hundreds of checkpoints, and the absence of an authority that ensures security and justice. The economy is also suffering: cross-border work and pilgrimages, the main sources of livelihood, are suspended, aggravating the precariousness of families, especially Christian ones. The local Church, though small, plays an essential role: it invites us to look beyond the Palestinian issue alone, recognizing the pain and complexity that also exist in Israeli society. Cardinal Pierbattista Pizzaballa, in a lectio magistralis at the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, on the occasion of the hundredth anniversary of Roncalli's arrival in Bulgaria, the future John XXIII, broadens the view on the theme of peace "which is not the absence of war" and ventures to define how to truly build a horizon of hope in the Middle East, a very special land, because, he said, if this region ignites, the rest of the world is inflamed as well. In his opinion, extremisms must be overcome and "a new leadership, both political and religious, capable of generating a different language, based on mutual respect and the dignity of every person, is necessary. The wounds are deep and the road will be long, but the hope for lasting peace must remain alive, supported by the shared will to believe in it and to patiently prepare the conditions for it to mature." He believes that this generation has "the task of laying the foundations for the freedom of the next, gradually creating a culture of respect and dialogue. After terrible years, it is hoped that the new phase will truly mark the end of a nightmare, not just a brief truce. Despite the diversity of opinions and perspectives, today Israelis and Palestinians share a deep desire to return to life, not as before, but in a new way, free from the logic of violence." Pizzaballa reads the long speech in front of a large audience. In the front row are the Orthodox Metropolitan for Western Europe Antonii, the Apostolic Nuncio Monsignor Luciano Suriani, the country's bishops, as well as representatives of local authorities and the diplomatic corps. Cardinal Pizzaballa arrived in Bulgaria at the invitation of the corresponding member of the Pontifical Committee of Historical Sciences, Kiril Kartalov, a professor of Philosophy at the University of Sofia. Weaving the fabric of peace for Palestinians and Israelis means listening to each other. "So far, each party has remained closed in its own pain, unable to accept that of the other. The hatred sown over time, rooted in narratives of contempt and exclusion, requires a renewal of language and testimonies. New words need new faces capable of embodying them," he said. On religions, Pizzaballa used very incisive words. "We can never be credible peacemakers if we remain divided or hostile within ourselves: the unity of the Churches cannot be reduced to superficial ecumenism, but must be concretized in concrete gestures of communion." In his opinion, this war marks a turning point in interreligious dialogue, which can no longer continue as before. "The Jewish community has perceived a lack of support from Christians; Christians themselves have appeared divided or uncertain; Muslims feel attacked and suspected of collusion with violence. After years of dialogue, we now face deep misunderstandings, which bring both pain and valuable lessons. We must start again from this experience, aware that religions play a central role in guiding coexistence and that dialogue must address differences, wounds, and local sensitivities, no longer limited to Western perspectives. The path will be more difficult, but it is necessarynot out of obligation, but out of love." The cardinal emphasizes that at the social and political level, forgiveness requires a long time and a complex path: "it is necessary to take into account collective wounds, different perceptions of pain, and shared historical memories. Until there is mutual recognition of the harm suffered and committed, the wounded memory will continue to weigh on future relationships. Faith opens us to relationships, to meeting God and others, but cultural and human formation is also necessary to teach us to look at events with a broad perspective, oriented towards the common good and the future." Renowned for engineering breakthroughs and a minimalist approach to personal care, global innovator Laifen arrives in the Philippines with solutions designed for faster, smarter, and gentler hair styling. Laifen brings next-generation haircare to the Philippines with its first-ever lineup of hair dryers, delivering ultra-fast drying without excessive heat for smoother, healthier results Since its founding in 2019, the brand has combined precision engineering with user-focused design to create high-performance tools that have reached over 20 million users worldwide as of early 2025. Marking its official Philippine debut, Laifen brings its acclaimed technology to local consumers, helping them achieve professional-level results at home. 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Read our Privacy notice China summoned Japans ambassador in Beijing amid an ongoing row over Sanae Takaichis remarks suggesting that an attack on Taiwan could trigger a Japanese military response. Beijing and Tokyo have traded protests throughout the week in a dispute that has revived longstanding tensions between the two Asian neighbours and underscored Chinas sensitivity over Taiwan, the self-governed island it claims as its territory. The row began at a Japanese parliamentary committee last week, when an opposition MP pressed Ms Takaichi on what kind of situation around Taiwan might constitute a threat to Japans survival. If there are battleships and the use of force, no matter how you think about it, it could constitute a survival-threatening situation, she replied. Under Japans 2015 security legislation, a survival-threatening situation is a defined legal category that allows the countrys self-defence forces to operate if an attack on a close partner typically understood to mean the United States poses an existential danger to Japan. open image in gallery A member of security stands guard at the Japanese embassy in Beijing on 14 November 2025 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Tokyo has historically avoided stating how it might respond in a Taiwan conflict, maintaining a form of strategic ambiguity similar to that practised by Washington. Beijing denounced Ms Takaichis comments as egregious. The backlash intensified after Xue Jian, Chinas consul general in Osaka, reposted an article on X (formerly Twitter) alongside his own message that the dirty head that sticks itself in must be cut off. Japans chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara said the intent of the remark may not be clear but called it highly inappropriate. Tokyo lodged a formal protest, and Beijing counter-protested over Ms Takaichis statement. open image in gallery Japan's prime minister Sanae Takaichi (R) chats with chief cabinet secretary Minoru Kihara after delivering her policy speech ( AFP via Getty Images ) Although the Osaka consuls post was later removed, Ms Takaichi declined on Tuesday to retract her comments, saying they were consistent with the governments traditional position, while adding that she would avoid hypothetical scenarios in future. China escalated its response on Thursday. Its foreign ministry warned in Japanese and English that Japan should stop playing with fire, calling any intervention in the Taiwan Strait an act of aggression. Vice foreign minister Sun Weidong then summoned ambassador Kenji Kanasugi, accusing Ms Takaichis remarks of being extremely wrong and dangerous and demanding they be withdrawn. State media quoted Mr Sun as saying that otherwise all consequences must be borne by Japan. According to Mr Kihara, Ambassador Kanasugi told Chinese officials that Japans stance has not changed and emphasised Tokyos position that issues concerning Taiwan should be resolved peacefully. He also raised Japans objection to the Osaka consuls post, describing it as extremely inappropriate. Chinas statement, released through the foreign ministry and the official Xinhua news agency, linked the dispute to historical grievances. Mr Sun said Ms Takaichis comments violated international norms, damaged the post-war order and seriously hurt the feelings of the Chinese people, reported Xinhua News. According to the outlet, he warned that Taiwan was the core of Chinas core interests and an untouchable red line, asserting that the 1.4 billion Chinese people will never tolerate this. The nationalist tone was echoed by state media. The Communist Partys Peoples Daily called Ms Takaichi the first Japanese leader in 80 years to threaten the use of force against China, describing her stance as extremely sinister. Chinas military reposted the foreign ministrys warning on its official accounts in several languages, including Japanese. Ms Takaichi, a protege of the late prime minister Shinzo Abe, is known for her hawkish views on China and longstanding support for Taiwan. Earlier this year she met Taiwans president, Lai Ching-te, in Taipei and said in October, after taking office, that Taiwan is an crucial partner and important friend. She has previously argued that a blockade or invasion of the island could directly threaten Japan. Relations between the two countries had recently shown signs of stabilising after China relaxed restrictions on Japanese seafood imports and president Xi Jinping met Ms Takaichi at a regional summit in South Korea. Ambassador Kanasugi echoed that conciliatory tone on Thursday, saying that despite ups and downs the two neighbours should manage their disagreements. But the latest dispute reflects how quickly tensions can surge. China views Taiwan as an internal matter and has not ruled out the use of force to bring it under its control. Japan, situated close to Taiwan and home to major US military bases, is increasingly vocal about the islands importance to its own security. Japans foreign minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Friday there was no need for Ms Takaichi to retract her remarks. Our explanation of our security legislation and what a survival-threatening situation is is very clear, he said, reported Bloomberg. It does not in any way violate any international law. Nicholas Burns, former US ambassador to China, told Bloomberg TV that the Osaka consuls message was absolutely reprehensible, adding that Japans proximity to Taiwan meant it would inevitably be concerned about developments there. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Narendra Modis ruling alliance secured a decisive victory in a key state election, bolstering the Indian prime minister and his Hindu nationalist party after a reduced mandate in last years national poll. The National Democratic Alliance won 202 of the 243 seats in Bihars assembly, comfortably above the 122 required for a majority. Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party won 89 seats while its chief ally, the Janata Dal United of state chief minister Nitish Kumar, won 85. Three smaller allies together took 29 seats. Bihar is one of Indias poorest states but its population of about 130 million, which makes it the third most-populous state, gives it considerable influence on national politics. The eastern state sends one of the largest blocs of lawmakers to the lower house of Indias parliament and is widely seen as a bellwether for what is known as the Hindi heartland. Control of the state often shapes national political narratives and carries significant symbolic weight. The state has been led for nearly two decades by Mr Kumar, 74, a key ally of Mr Modi. The opposition Congress party contested the election as part of an alliance with regional heavyweight Rashtriya Janata Dal, but won just six seats, the partys worst performance in the state since 2010. The RJD secured 25 seats and smaller allies added another four to the tally. In his victory speech, Mr Modi thanked Bihars voters and accused the Congress of indulging in appeasement politics to court the Muslim-Yadav base, a longstanding coalition of minority religious and caste groups considered the core support base of the RJD. We are the servants of the people. We keep making the people happy with our hard work, and we have stolen the hearts of the people, he said. And that is why the entire Bihar has said, Once again, NDA. Taking a swipe at the RJD, which ruled Bihar from 1990 to 2005, he said: When I used to speak about jungle raj and katta sarkar in Bihar elections, the RJD raised no objections. But it hurt the people of Congress. Today, I want to reiterate that Katta Sarkar will never return to Bihar. The people of Bihar have voted for Viksit Bihar. The phrase jungle raj is commonly used in Indian political discourse to attack rival parties by suggesting lawlessness or misrule. Katta sarkar is a colloquial phrase referring to a crude, locally made firearm, which implies the same thing as jungle raj. Viksit Bharat is a campaign slogan used by Mr Modi and his party to refer to their aim to make India a developed nation by 2047. The victory in Bihar marks a dramatic turnaround for Mr Modi following the loss of outright parliamentary majority for his party in last years national election. He now relies on coalition partners, including Mr Kumar, to stay in office. In the year and a half since the parliamentary election, however, Mr Modis party has regained ground by winning several key state contests, indicating a restoration of its political footing. Rahul Gandhi, the figurehead of the opposition alliance, called the Bihar result surprising and alleged that the election was not fair from the very beginning. I express my heartfelt gratitude to those millions of voters in Bihar who expressed their trust in the Mahagathbandhan, he said, referring to the opposition alliance. This result in Bihar is truly surprising. We could not achieve victory in an election that was not fair from the very beginning. This fight is for the protection of the Constitution and democracy. The Congress Party and the INDIA alliance will deeply review this result and make their efforts to save democracy even more effective. Mr Gandhis campaign focused heavily on vote chori, meaning vote theft, accusing the Election Commission of facilitating manipulation of electoral rolls to benefit Mr Modis party. We feared that making vote chori the lynchpin of the partys campaign was a risky gambit because there were enough indications that we were faring poorly, even if no one expected a result this bad. Now, the BJP will completely discredit the vote chori campaign, a senior Congress functionary in the state told ThePrint. In the run-up to the election, opposition parties accused the Election Commission of excluding genuine voters, particularly Muslims, from its revised rolls, a charge denied by both the commission and the BJP. The revision is part of a wider update of voter lists underway in a dozen states and federally administered territories. Nearly 10 per cent of Bihars 74 million voters were removed during the revision which the election body maintained was necessitated by large-scale migration of labourers and non-reporting of deaths. Political analysts said women voters played an outsized role in the Bihar result. In September, the prime minister authorised a transfer of about 750m to millions of women under a state employment and welfare programme. Indian women are voting in increasingly larger numbers, reversing a male-dominated electorate. open image in gallery BJP supporters celebrate as early trends show the ruling National Democratic Alliance leading in the Bihar assembly election in Patna ( Reuters ) Amitabh Tiwari, a political strategist who travelled across Bihar during the election, said it was just the women who were likely to deliver the ruling alliance a stronger mandate than in the previous election. A survey conducted by Mr Tiwaris VoteVibe agency found the NDA securing 48.5 per cent of the female vote, more than 10 percentage points ahead of the main opposition bloc. Nearly 71.6 per cent of the eligible women voters turned out, the highest female participation ever in Bihar. The campaign unfolded against a backdrop of concerns about unemployment, fears over law-and-order, and allegations of irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls. open image in gallery BJP supporters celebrate as early trends show the ruling National Democratic Alliance leading in the Bihar state assembly election in Patna ( Reuters ) Almost all parties staged mass rallies across the state, with Mr Modi and opposition leaders appealing directly to voters through welfare pledges and personal outreach. The result in Bihar is expected to influence state elections next year in Assam, West Bengal and Tamil Nadu. The BJP currently governs only Assam. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Indian anti-terror officials are investigating a Kashmir link to Delhis Red Fort blast even as security forces on Friday demolished the home of a suspect in the federal Himalayan territory. Jammu and Kashmir officials razed the house of Umar Nabi, a Kashmiri doctor who was working at the Al Falah University in Faridabad city near Indias capital, in Kashmirs Pulwama town, according to several media reports. Investigators suspect Nabi to be the man behind the wheels of the explosive-laden Hyundai i20 car that blew up at a traffic signal near the iconic Mughal monument last week. At least 8 people were killed and dozens others injured after the blast threw the bodies of street vendors and passersby into the air and caused nearby vehicles to catch fire. Nabis identity was reportedly confirmed by the police after DNA samples collected from the blast site were matched with his mothers. However, authorities have not issued a formal statement about whether Nabi was driving the car and if he was killed in the explosion. open image in gallery Indian paramilitary troopers frisk a pedestrian during a random search in Srinagar ( AFP via Getty Images ) There is no provision in Indian law that permits the demolition of property of suspects as a form of punishment. However, the practice has become increasingly common in states governed by the prime minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Shagufta Jan, the doctor's sister-in-law in Kashmir's Pulwama district, said the family had not heard from him since last Friday, when she told him police were looking for him. "He called us on Friday, and I told him to come home. He said he would come after three days," she said. Days after the blast, the Indian government confirmed the attack as a terror incident, a classification that threatens to raise tensions with Pakistan. Home minister Amit Shah, who is in-charge of internal security, said the entire world has recognised Indias fight against terrorism over the past 11 years, adding that prime minister Modi is at the forefront of leading this fight globally. He said he had instructed officials "to hunt down each and every culprit behind this incident". Investigations are going on in multiple Indian states, including Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. The Jammu and Kashmir police said it has intensified action against the terror networks in north and south Kashmir. Raids and searches have continued across Kashmir since the blast. Six individuals linked with subversive networks were brought to police stations and bound down under law in Baramulla. Twenty-two properties associated with terrorist associates were searched and 20 terrorist associates were bound down and 02 were sent to jail under preventive detention, the police said. open image in gallery Policemen stand guard near the blast site, after an explosion in the Red Fort area in the old quarters of Delhi, on November 12, 2025. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Mr Modi's cabinet said in a resolution: "The country has witnessed a heinous terror incident, perpetrated by anti-national forces, through a car explosion. "The cabinet directs that the investigation into the incident be pursued with the utmost urgency and professionalism so that the perpetrators, their collaborators, and their sponsors are identified and brought to justice without delay." Nearly 26 days before the Delhi blasts, posters proclaiming affiliation with Pakistan-based terrorist group Jaish-e-Mohammad were seen in Kashmirs towns, according to reports. We warn the local people of strict action who do not adhere to this warning, the poster said, warning people against sheltering Indian security forces. At least seven people, including two doctors, were arrested, and police seized weapons and a large quantity of bomb-making material in Faridabad, a city in Haryana state near Delhi. BEIJING, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and Comorian President Azali Assoumani on Thursday exchanged congratulatory messages on the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Noting that China was the first country to establish diplomatic ties with the Comoros, Xi said over the past half-century, no matter how the international situation has changed, China-Comoros relations have always developed healthily and steadily. In recent years, political mutual trust between the two countries has been continuously consolidated, and exchanges and cooperation in various fields have achieved fruitful results, setting a model of equal treatment, solidarity and mutual assistance between countries of different sizes, he said. Xi said he attaches great importance to the development of China-Comoros relations and expressed readiness to work with President Azali to take the 50th anniversary of diplomatic ties between the two countries as an opportunity to carry forward the traditional friendship. He also called for joint efforts to promote the implementation of the outcomes of the Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, keep enriching the China-Comoros strategic partnership, and make greater contributions to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. In his message, Azali said since the establishment of diplomatic ties 50 years ago, the Comoros and China have maintained mutual respect and trust, standing together in solidarity and building a strong, enduring friendship. The fruitful results of bilateral cooperation have profoundly changed the lives of the Comorian people, he added. In a world marked by changes and turbulence, the principles of respect for sovereignty, non-interference in internal affairs, and win-win cooperation, as advocated by President Xi, have inspired Global South countries, including the Comoros, noted the Comorian president. The Comorian side appreciates China's vision of building a peaceful, just and multipolar world, and stands ready to work with China, under the guidance of the vision of a community with a shared future for humanity, to continue promoting sustainable and inclusive development, and make due contributions to promoting solidarity, cooperation and common prosperity between Africa and China, he said. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Japanese prime minister has revealed she typically sleeps for just two hours each night and asks aides to meet at 3am, sparking fresh concern in a country known for overworking and high levels of burnout. Sanae Takaichi revealed she gets by on minimal sleep following public backlash last week when she summoned aides to a meeting in the early hours in Tokyo, hours before an appearance before parliament. She drew criticism for the meeting on Friday, referred to by the Japanese media as the 3am study session, which came just six hours before a budget committee hearing was due to start. Overworking is a sensitive topic in Japan, where concerns are growing regarding fatigue and mental health. Worries have been raised over rising cases of karoshi, which means death from overwork. It has been blamed for a spate of deaths in recent years. open image in gallery Sanae Takaichi became Japans first female prime minister in October ( AP ) Speaking at a legislative committee hearing this week, Ms Takaichi told MPs: I sleep about two hours now, four hours at the longest. Its probably bad for my skin. Her comments came in response to a question on how she planned to tackle Japans notoriously long working hours, according to The Guardian. Ms Takaichi became Japans first-ever female prime minister in October, after she had promised to work, work, work, work and work. The prime minister, who has not yet moved into her official residence, has claimed that her fax machine at home was jammed, so she travelled to the residence in the early hours to review briefing materials ahead of the 9am meeting. But the episode has underlined the failure of successive Japanese governments to address the countrys brutal work culture, with employees asked to work long hours before socialising with colleagues in the evening. open image in gallery Takaichi responds to questions in parliament ( AFP/Getty ) Ms Takaichis government is reportedly discussing raising a cap on overtime, prompting concerns that workers will be expected to work even longer hours but the prime minister vowed that any changes would prioritise workers health. If we can create a situation where people can properly balance childcare and caregiving responsibilities according to their wishes, and also be able to work, enjoy leisure time, and relax that would be ideal, she said. Former prime minister Yoshihiko Noda, who now leads the main opposition party, described Ms Takaichis 3am meeting as crazy, saying that it is fine for her to work, but she should not be getting other people involved. He added in an interview, according to the New York Times: Everyone is in bed at that time of day. Its a very sad attitude for the top leader of the country to show. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Pakistans interior minister said Thursday that Afghan nationals carried out two fatal suicide attacks this week one targeting a cadet college near the Afghan border and the other outside a court in the capital, Islamabad. In both of the suicide bombings, Afghan citizens were involved, and they carried out the attacks, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said. There was no immediate comment from Kabul. On Tuesday a suicide bombing outside a district court in Islamabad killed 12 people and wounded 27 others. Separately on Monday, three soldiers were killed when a suicide bomber and four other militants tried to storm the Cadet College Wana in northwestern Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, triggering a gunbattle. The attacks underscored Pakistans worsening security situation as the government faces growing militancy, tense relations with Kabul and an increasingly fragile truce along the border. Until Tuesdays attack, the capital had largely been considered safe compared with the countrys conflict-hit northwest. Prime minister Shehbaz Sharif on Wednesday offered talks to Afghanistans Taliban government in a renewed peace overture. His call in a televised speech on Wednesday followed the collapse of peace negotiations in Istanbul last week. It raised fears that a ceasefire brokered by Qatar and Turkey could unravel and trigger new border clashes. Pakistan wants Afghanistan to rein in the Pakistani Taliban known as Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, or TTP, which has claimed most of the attacks in Pakistan in recent years. The group has distanced itself from the latest attacks, saying it was not behind them. Pakistan has long accused the Afghan Taliban of harboring TTP leaders and fighters, an allegation Kabul denies. One TTP breakaway faction, Jamaat-ul-Ahrar, initially claimed responsibility for the Islamabad bombing, before one of its commanders retracted the statement. The Pakistan Army on Thursday escorted journalists from Islamabad to the cadet college, which showed clear signs of the assault. Pakistan's Information Minister Attaullah Tarar said Wednesday that all five attackers in the assault on the Cadet College Wana were killed by security forces. More than 600 people including 525 cadets, their teachers and staff were safely rescued, he told reporters. Tarar said the assailants appeared to be attempting a repeat of the 2014 Peshawar school massacre, when a TTP splinter group killed 154 people, mostly children, at an army-run school. According to local media, authorities have arrested some suspects for questioning in connection with the Islamabad attack, and the detainees were captured in multiple raids. Pakistans Ministry of Information said the attack on the cadet college was planned and directed from Afghanistan and carried out by Afghan nationals using weapons supplied from there. In a post on X, the ministry said the assault was orchestrated by a militant identified only as Zahid, with approval from TTPs chief Noor Wali Mehsud. The attackers used American-made weapons brought from Afghanistan, the ministry said. Pakistan has repeatedly said that U.S. military equipment left behind during the American withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 has fallen into militant hands and ultimately made its way to the Pakistani Taliban, strengthening the groups firepower. Tensions between Pakistan and Afghanistan have spiked since last month, when Afghanistan accused Islamabad of launching drone strikes on 0 Oct that killed several people in the Afghan capital. The strikes sparked cross-border clashes that left dozens of soldiers, civilians and militants dead before Qatar brokered a cease-fire on 19 Oct. Two subsequent rounds of peace talks in Istanbul ended without progress after Kabul refused to provide written assurances that militants would not use Afghan soil for attacks in Pakistan. The TTP, which is separate from but allied with the Afghan Taliban, has been emboldened since the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in 2021. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice War and conflict is a blind spot consistently overlooked in climate talks, a network of countries have warned at the Cop30 climate conference in Brazil. In a statement shared exclusively with The Independent, a group of 10 countries, have called on the Cop30 climate conference to more equitably allocate climate finance, and for the money to be channelled more effectively towards adaptation and resilience projects, as opposed to simply being provided once a humanitarian disaster has already struck. The countries behind the statement - who collectively form a group known as the Improved and Equitable Access to climate finance (IEACF) Network - include Somalia, Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Yemen, South Sudan, Chad and Burundi. They also warned that they are among the most vulnerable to impacts of the climate crisis , but are only receiving 10 per cent of global climate aid, which is preventing them from adapting and building resilience to the devastating impacts of the climate crisis. The announcement comes a year after the network was formed at Cop29, which came with a call for $20 billion in aid annually to meet these countries climate adaptation needs. This year, however, the Brazilian presidency has ignored the countries calls for the subject to be a key part of the agenda, despite high profile conversations around climate finance in other areas. Mauricio Vazquez, head of policy for global risks and resilience at think tank ODI Global, said: We have a situation where these countries are being impacted the most by climate change after contributing the least - but because of how global financial architecture is organised, they are not receiving money to address the problem. The money instead goes to humanitarian aid, which does not make sense. Somalia, for example, receives around $300m in climate finance per year, but more than $1bn in humanitarian aid. The network, added Vazquez, is about helping countries share learnings around accessing aid, to combat a system that is prioritising wealthier or more stable countries Like Brazil or South Africa. His comments come after a former chair of the Least Developed Countries (LDC) group told The Independent that red tape is making it very difficult for the worlds poorest nations to get the help they desperately need. Ahead of the statement being released, a number of representatives from conflict-affected countries told The Independent about the challenges of accessing aid to tackle climate change. Chad is a landlocked country facing several challenges, aggression from the terrorist group Boko Haram, and the fall-out from Lake Chad shrinking more than 90 per cent over the past fifty years due to climate change, said Oumar Gadji Soumaila, director general for Chads climate fund. We understand that climate donors cannot just give out their money without assurances, and we are not after an easier path. We just want recognition that the challenges that we are facing of desertification and insecurity are not the same as those faced by other countries, and we need more support. Soumaila added that the $6,000 cost of flying from Chad to Belem meant that the countrys delegation was less than 25 people at Cop30, compared to more than 100 at previous Cops. This has impacted our ability to pressurise different areas of the negotiations, he said. open image in gallery Tawfiq Al-Sharjabi, Minister of Water and Environment of Yemen - one of the members of the IEACF Network speaks at Cop30 in Belem ( Joel Sheakoski / ODI Global ) For Liban Obsiye, who manages climate finance at Somalias Ministry of Finance, the current difficulties faced by conflict-affected countries accessing climate finance are stupid economics. The role of climate finance here is to not think of fragile states as receiving charity, but to actually build up resilience from the bottom up, he told The Independent. The irony is that when the alarm is sounded for a humanitarian disaster, billions are mobilised. But if you dont invest in climate resilience then the disaster will strike again, and youre stuck giving food parcels to proud communities who lose everything time and again, which is heartbreaking. Tawfeeq Al-Sharjabi, the minister for the environment for Yemen, told The Independent that despite the government facing immense operational and political challenges in the war-torn country, climate action and accessing climate finance remained a priority due to just how severe extreme weather and droughts are becoming in the country. The war, with all its tragedies, has obscured a more fundamental crisis: the catastrophic and escalating repercussions of climate change, he said. The greatest threat facing our nation today is the direct and devastating impact of the climate on our diminishing water reserves, which are critically threatened by drought. We cannot hope to build lasting peace when communities are infighting for the last drop of water or a loaf of bread, and we cannot rely on humanitarian aid only, we need to create and nurture our own resilient solutions." Concerns that private lenders have around investing in conflict-affected countries mean that aid is particularly vital for these countries, as there are few other avenues for them to receive money to address climate change, ODI Globals Vazquez said. Whats more, at a time when rich countries are cutting back their aid budgets, it is important that rich countries should be allocating resources to countries that are most indeed of them, he added. If the little money that we have left is not being invested in the best possible ways, then you create a vicious cycle where countries will remain dependent on humanitarian aid, without being able to build capacities for the future, he said. Sign up to the Independent Climate email for the latest advice on saving the planet Get our free Climate email Get our free Climate email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Indias Supreme Court has warned that toxic air in Delhi could cause permanent damage to peoples health, as pollution levels in the capital remained in the severe range on Thursday. Justice PS Narasimha made the remarks during a hearing, urging lawyers to use virtual facilities instead of attending court in person. Why are you all appearing here? We have the virtual hearing facility. Please avail it. This pollution ... this will cause permanent damage, he said. Senior advocate and MP Kapil Sibal, who was present, told the bench, We are using the mask, to which Justice Narasimha replied, Even masks are not enough. It will not suffice. The court also directed the governments of Punjab and Haryana to file status reports on efforts to curb stubble burning, which adds to Delhis winter smog. Delhis air quality index (AQI) stood at 425 on Thursday morning, according to the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM), placing it in the severe range for the third consecutive day. The city first crossed the 400 mark this season on Tuesday, when the AQI hit 428 the worst since December last year. open image in gallery A layer of smog hangs over the skyline as seen from an aircraft window in Delhi ( AP ) It triggered the third phase of restrictions under the citys Graded Response Action Plan, which includes bans on construction work, curbs on older vehicles and a programme of online classes for younger students. A separate Supreme Court bench led by Chief Justice Bhushan R Gavai is monitoring efforts to control pollution, including stubble burning in nearby states. The court has asked the governments of Punjab and Haryana to file reports detailing their actions after satellite data showed thousands of crop-fire incidents over the past week. Increasing air pollution levels also prompted hundreds of people, including parents and environmental activists, to gather at Delhis India Gate last weekend in a rare protest, urging authorities to act. Many wore masks and carried placards, with one reading: I miss breathing. open image in gallery A person holds a banner during citizens protest against what they called the government's lack of action to combat air pollution in Delhi ( AP ) Delhis toxic haze, a recurring winter crisis, results from a mix of vehicle exhaust, industrial emissions, crop-burning smoke, and stagnant weather patterns that trap pollutants close to the ground. With PM2.5 concentrations often more than 20 times higher than World Health Organisation guidelines, Delhi remains one of the worlds most polluted capitals. According to a study published by the medical journal The Lancet, exposure to pollution has contributed to millions of deaths across India over a decade. The Supreme Court will review the matter again on Monday. A stickler for impartiality or the leader of a right-wing cabal at the heart of the BBC? A bulwark against woke groupthink or an active agent of the Tory party? These are just some of the labels that have been levelled at Robbie Gibb in recent years and now these contradictions in his position at the BBC seem to be near breaking point. If Gibbs name is unfamiliar to you, thats probably because his roles be it as a Tory spin doctor, news programme editor or a BBC board member tend to be behind the scenes in media and politics, the two fields he has spent his career hopping between. But in the wake of two high-profile resignations at the BBC following a controversy over the editing of a Panorama documentary about Donald Trump, Gibb has become the story in his own right. Last week, The Telegraph published details of a leaked BBC memo written by former standards advisor Michael Prescott, which raised concerns about the way clips of a Trump speech had been spliced together in a Panorama programme. Two of the corporations most senior figures, director general Tim Davie and BBC News chief executive Deborah Turness, resigned a few days later. Behind the scenes, it was reported that Gibb, allegedly a friend of Prescott, had led the charge in a board meeting discussing the memo. The current turmoil at the BBC has raised serious questions about the impartiality of Gibb, a former director of communications for Theresa May, and whether there may, in fact, be a double standard at play. Liberal Democrat leader Ed Davey has called for him to be ousted from the BBC board, claiming that he should have no role in appointing the new director general. Scotlands first minister, John Swinney, meanwhile, described Gibbs position as untenable. Alan Rusbridger, who writes for The Independent, has for months been chronicling how Gibb led the mystery consortium to buy The Jewish Chronicle on behalf of a secret backer whose identity has never been revealed. Under his stewardship of that paper, it became mired in a number of its own ethical and editorial failings. So who is the man at the heart of a tangled web of politics and media interests? Gibb grew up in Leeds and Wakefield, and was involved in conservative politics as a student. Around this time, he and his brother Nick, a future Tory MP and schools minister, briefly lived out what sounds like a discarded John le Carre storyline. As part of the National Alliance of Russian Solidarists, an anti-Communist group, they headed to the Soviet Union, posing as tourists on package trips, and brought documents, money and medicines along with them. They would return with uncensored books and articles written by critics of the regime, with the aim of exposing what life was actually like behind the iron curtain. Recalling a courier trip to Moscow in 1985 in The Telegraph, Gibb described how he smuggled more than 100 letters into Russia in a pair of baggy khaki trousers, then ran the taps in his hotel bathroom while unpacking them, to ensure that KGB bugs couldnt pick up any sounds. This sort of direct action as a Conservative student is rare its usually the preserve of the left so I think we all felt what we were doing was both incredibly important but also, frankly, a lot of fun, he told the paper. Its the naivety of youth, I suppose, but we didnt worry about what could happen. After this brief foray into the covert world, Gibbs career took a more conventional turn. After graduating from Royal Holloway with a degree in economics and public administration, he joined the BBC in the Nineties as a political researcher. Sean OGrady, The Independents associate editor, worked alongside him in the political research unit, providing data for political programmes. Hes got a very acute intelligence, which means that he can cut through and really get to the heart of something very quickly, and thats a rare talent, OGrady says. open image in gallery Gibb started out working at the BBC before moving into politics ( Getty ) He was always open about his right-wing political beliefs, OGrady adds, remembering him as a libertarian Tory and a big fan of Mrs Thatcher (indeed, Gibb has previously described himself as a proper Thatcherite Conservative) who moved in Conservative circles. Gibb really enjoyed a good debate, a good argument, but he was always respectful with it, and good humoured, says OGrady. A few years later, he would swap the media for politics. In 1997, Gibb left the corporation to become the chief of staff for Tory shadow chancellor Francis Maude, and later supported Maude in backing Michael Portillos unsuccessful Conservative Party leadership run. But shortly after Portillos campaign failed, Gibb made the unusual decision to return to journalism and headed back to the BBC, this time as the deputy editor of Newsnight. He then oversaw programmes including Daily Politics, This Week and The Andrew Marr Show, and would eventually become head of BBC Westminster; he was also the corporations editor of live political programmes during the EU referendum. About a year after the Brexit vote, though, in July 2017, Gibb jumped ship again, this time to take up a position as Theresa Mays director of communications. His appointment came at a tumultuous time for the then-PM, who had just squandered the Tory partys majority in the general election. As Mays spin doctor, he faced the (unenviable, to most) task of keeping the public on side as the government attempted to steer Britain out of the EU. He didnt have to feign enthusiasm. Gibb, for his part, is a devoted Brexiteer; in 2019, shortly after May delivered a poorly received speech blaming squabbling MPs for the delays to Brexit, a report in the Evening Standard claimed that Gibb was messianic in his Euroscepticism and even suggested that his loyalty to Brexit is stronger than to May. When May left Downing Street in 2019, Gibb left too, and took up a PR role at Kekst CNC, a strategic communications firm. He also advised GB News in the early stages of the right-wing TV channels development. The following year, he took aim at the BBC in a column published in The Telegraph, claiming that the corporation had been culturally captured by the woke-dominated groupthink of some of its own staff, suggesting that there is a default left-leaning attitude from a metropolitan workforce mostly drawn from a similar social and economic background. He singled out Lewis Goodall, then Newsnights policy editor, to criticise his use of social media, which Gibb claimed amounted to flagrant breaches of the BBCs impartiality rules. Not long after this attack, Gibb would be back in the BBC fold and that Telegraph article would serve as a pretty good indicator of what his priorities would be. In 2021, he was appointed as a non-executive member of the BBC board by Boris Johnson (five members of the board are selected by the government) and was seen very much as Boriss man on the inside. The corporation has a big job to reform and make sure it once again becomes the gold standard for broadcasting impartiality, Gibb said at the time. I am privileged to have the chance to play a part in helping the BBC achieve that. open image in gallery The spin doctor was hired as Theresa Mays communications director in 2017 ( Getty ) Gibbs appointment inevitably raised eyebrows; parachuting a former Downing Street spin doctor into the BBC board so soon after their departure from politics was a rare move. The rules clearly state that political activity should not be a bar to appointment, a Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport statement said at the time. Later that year came an initial indicator of just how prepared Gibb would be to intervene in decisions he seemingly disagreed with. In July, the Financial Times reported that he had sought to block the appointment of former HuffPost UK editor Jess Brammar as the BBCs executive news director. The paper claimed that he had sent a text stating that the governments fragile trust in the BBC will be shattered if Brammar got the job. His concerns were apparently linked to Brammars handling of a dispute with Kemi Badenoch (a source close to Gibb denied that he sent a message featuring the words attributed to him). Brammar was eventually hired, but Gibbs apparent crusade did not end there. In 2022, former Newsnight host Emily Maitlis used her MacTaggart memorial lecture, a prestigious speech delivered at the Edinburgh TV Festival, to take aim at Gibb as an active agent of the Conservative Party former Downing Street spin doctor and former adviser to BBC rival GB News who now acts as the arbiter of BBC impartiality. The BBCs then-director Richard Sharp insisted that Maitliss claim was completely wrong and stressed that Gibb does not operate on the board as an agent of the Conservative Party. Then, in December 2022, a headline in The New Statesman posed the question: Is Robbie Gibb out of control at the BBC? The accompanying article recounted a meeting with Newsnight staffers, in which he took them to task on impartiality. Anyone that lets their colleagues down by social media bias, by revealing their preferences, having agendas, is objectively anti-BBC in my view, he reportedly told them, before inviting anyone who did so to get stuffed and leave. His position at The Jewish Chronicle then started to emerge as another confounding string to Gibbs bow. In 2020, Gibb led a consortium that bought out the paper, saving it from liquidation. In 2023, the BBC Declaration of Personal Interests listed him as the 100 per cent owner of the publication. Writing for The Independent last year, Rusbridger suggested that Gibb himself doesnt appear to have the kind of money that was needed to rescue the JC and questioned whether he was acting as the frontman for other, undisclosed backers. Gibb eventually stepped down from his role in August 2024. How does this all come to bear on his position at the BBC? The war in Gaza is currently one of the most contentious issues when it comes to the broadcasters reporting and impartiality. The Jewish Chronicle, meanwhile, tends to take a staunchly pro-Israel stance; last year, the publication had to remove a series of articles about the war in Gaza from its website amid claims that the author had fabricated some material. Gibbs critics, therefore, suggest that his links to the JC should preclude him from making calls on editorial neutrality. I cant see how he can possibly sit on that committee and portray himself as a beacon of impartiality, sitting in judgement on BBC journalists, Rusbridger has told LBC; writing in Prospect, the magazine he now edits, he also described Gibb as part of a right-wing cabal that is waging war on the principles that made our public broadcaster great. In Gibbs defence, veteran BBC broadcaster Andrew Neil has pointed out there had been many left-wing appointees to the BBC board over the years and suggested there was not a scintilla of evidence to show Gibb has ever done anything to undermine the BBCs impartiality. However, in July this year, 400 media figures, including 111 anonymous BBC staffers, were so concerned, they urged the corporations board to remove Gibb. We believe the role of Robbie Gibb, both on the board and as part of the editorial standards committee, is untenable, the petition read. We call on the BBC to do better for our audiences and recommit to our values of impartiality, honesty and reporting without fear or favour. Now Gibbs position and power at the BBC are under new scrutiny. The row over Panorama and the leaked memo, which took the corporation to task on impartiality, is putting a new light on his own links and interests. The growing storm clouds certainly indicate there may be more to come. For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A serial rapist suspected of being one of the UKs worst sex offenders has been jailed for life with a minimum of 14 years, after spiking and recording his victims as he abused them. Chao Xu, 33, had placed hidden cameras inside household objects such as an air freshener and a packet of sanitary pads to spy on women visiting his home address in Greenwich, and had also filmed women at his workplace and participated in upskirting at London Bridge underground station. The Metropolitan Police believe that the Chinese national may have hundreds more victims, and have urged women who may have had contact with Xu to come forward. Prosecutor Catherine Farrelly KC told the court: The evidence gathered by the police shows the defendant to be a bold and persistent sexual predator whose offending has steadily become more and more serious. The evidence revealed he was so emboldened he was willing to strike anywhere. At his own home address, at his place of work and in train stations and also willing to strike in respect of anyone. open image in gallery The 33-year-old was arrested in June after a woman reported him to the police ( Metropolitan Police ) She added: Some of his offending even occurred when there were others around. It appears that there was no woman safe around him. His Honour Judge Christopher Grout said Xu was an incredibly dangerous man who took great enjoyment from his offending. The judge told Xu: Your behaviour was calculated and planned, evidenced by the covert recording systems you had set up in your flats and the fact you had incapacitated a number of your victims by drugging them. You betrayed the trust of a number of women who you befriended in the most appalling ways imaginable. Judge Grout added that any possible deportation to China was a matter for the Home Office. His crimes have strong similarities to those of Zhenhao Zou, a Chinese PhD student who drugged many of his victims and raped 10 women, and who was jailed in June to a life sentence with a minimum of 24 years. However, police have said that they have no reason to believe at all that their crimes are connected, or that the offenders knew one another. Xu was arrested on 1 June this year after a victim contacted the police from his address to report that she suspected she had been spiked during a networking event which had taken place at his flat on Glaisher Street. As a director of a recruitment company, Xu had targeted young Chinese students from university and would regularly host events, which were used as a guise to carry out his calculated crimes. open image in gallery A cocktail drink named The Spirit of Life that Xu would regularly make for his guests and use to spike victims ( Met Police ) Upon being confronted by the woman, who recalled being sexually assaulted and filmed, Xu informed her he would only show his phone to the police. Officers were at the address within minutes, with a forensic digital download recovering deeply disturbing material of himself raping and sexually abusing women who appeared unconscious or heavily intoxicated. He was charged on 3 June and pleaded guilty to 24 sexual offences against at least 12 victims over the course of three years at a plea and trial preparation hearing at Woolwich Crown Court in August. Detectives have been able to identify three of his victims, while four others who were subjected to serious sexual assaults remain unidentified. All are believed to be of Chinese heritage. In impact statements read aloud to the court, his victims described suffering with nightmares and anxiety, and said that they had struggled with work or their studies. His initial victim said: How can one man have put me in this predicament? I feel miserable most of the time now and feel hopeless. I was not like this before he assaulted me. He has changed me. I feel I can never go back to who I was. open image in gallery An image of Xu placing a hidden camera inside his bathroom ( Met Police ) Xu, who came to the UK in 2016 to study International Law at Greenwich University, would regularly give his guests a drink that was named The Spirit of Life, which contained different alcoholic substances and Chinese herbal medicines. Police believe that he would then add stupefying drugs to the drink of his intended victim, before offering a place to stay after they became unwell and sexually assaulting them. The initial victim who contacted the police described being in and out of consciousness and being powerless to prevent the assault. Videos taken on Xus phone showed that she had been repeatedly sexually assaulted over a period of more than four hours, and she told police she felt out of control of her body. Forensic analysis found that the victim had been administered GHB, a commonly known date rape drug, and Scopolamine, a prescribed drug that can cause amnesia and severe tiredness. In her impact statement, she said: I havent been able to share any of this experience with my family and fear who I can share it with in the future. I know very often the victim of sexual assault is questioned and blamed rather than the perpetrator in my home country. I question if I am to blame for this and if I could have done anything to prevent it. How do I deal with this? open image in gallery A camera was found hidden inside an air freshener at his flat in Greenwich ( Met Police ) A search warrant at his flat found multiple covert hidden cameras throughout the property, a range of suspicious liquid substances and numerous digital storage devices. This led to the discovery of further crimes against women, which included hundreds of images taken on the London Underground of Xu upskirting unsuspecting women, the practice of taking an image under clothing without a persons consent. While little is known about Xus background in China, police said that he was relatively wealthy and was described as very generous by those who knew him. He had a girlfriend at the time of offending, who has cooperated with the police, and Xu had no previous convictions and was not known to the police. The lead investigator, Det Ch Insp Lewis Sanderson, said: This case has revealed a deeply disturbing pattern of behaviour that spans several years. Xu operated in environments that were meant to be safe. University circles, professional networks and public spaces. He used trust, familiarity and social gatherings to pursue his actions and target vulnerable individuals. We know from the evidence recovered that many women were filmed without their knowledge and consent. Suzanne Crane, from the Crown Prosecution Service, said: Chao Xu deliberately drugged women to render them unconscious and vulnerable, enabling him to rape and sexually assault them without their knowledge. Xu is a serious danger to women and the scale of his offending is such that without the brave testimony of victims, who came forward after realising what had happened to them, he may well have continued undetected. Police said anyone wishing to make a report relating to Xu can contact them via email on operation.kafka@met.police.uk or by phoning 02071753802. People can also make a report to police by calling 101 from within the UK, quoting reference 01/7563135/25. Rape Crisis offers support for those affected by rape and sexual abuse. You can call them on 0808 802 9999 in England and Wales, 0808 801 0302 in Scotland, and 0800 0246 991 in Northern Ireland, or visit their website at www.rapecrisis.org.uk. If you are in the US, you can call Rainn on 800-656-HOPE (4673) For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police have charged a man after a suspected imposter took part in a Remembrance Sunday wreath-laying ceremony and saluted a war memorial while dressed as a senior naval officer with a glittering array of medals. North Wales Police told The Independent a 64-year-old man, from the Harlech area of Gwynedd, was arrested on Friday on for alleged offences relating to the unlawful use of military uniforms after the incident in in Llandudno. Police later said that Jonathan Carley had been charged with wearing uniform/dress bearing the mark of His Majestys Forces without permission. He will appear at Caernarfon Magistrates Court on December 11. Chief Inspector Trystan Bevan said: We understand that this incident has caused significant public concern, particularly given its occurrence on Remembrance Sunday. In response to the reports made to North Wales Police, officers have responded swiftly to make an arrest and proceed with charges. We urge members of the public to avoid online speculation and to refrain from sharing any content that could compromise future court proceedings. As hundreds of people turned out to mark Remembrance Sunday last week by taking part in a two-minute silence and witnessing poppy wreaths being laid in Llandudno, members of the Welsh town's Royal Naval Association reportedly spotted some unusual elements in a servicemans uniform. Photographs taken last weekend show a man wearing a uniform including the epaulettes and sleeve lace of a rear admiral a two-star rank and one of the most senior positions in the Royal Navy. open image in gallery The man, alleged to be a fake rear admiral, watches another serviceman lay a poppy wreath at Llandudno's war memorial ( The Walter Mitty Hunters Club ) His 12 decorations included the Distinguished Service Order (DSO), which is awarded for "highly successful command and leadership" during active operations, and the Queens Volunteer Reserves Medal which can only be awarded to reservists civilians who undertake part-time roles in the military. The combination of these two medals raised eyebrows as no individual serviceman is known to have received both decorations. He was also wearing an MBE and a non-regulation shirt with cutaway collars not worn by naval officers. The alleged fakery was picked up by an online group called the Walter Mitty Hunters Club, named after the fictional character whose tragic delusional fantasies rob him of his own dignity. The group aims to expose those who seek to exploit the honour of our HM Forces for their personal gain or glorification. A Royal Navy spokesperson told The Independent: Impersonating a Naval officer is insulting to anyone connected to the service and could be considered a criminal offence. Nothing should detract from the poignancy of Remembrance Sunday which can be a sombre time for members of the Royal Navy family and an opportunity for people in communities across the United Kingdom to pay their respects to people who have served or are serving their country. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Cambridge University professor and orthopaedic surgeon, accused of deliberately failing IQ and memory tests to bolster a 1 million brain damage claim against the NHS, has been cleared of dishonesty by a High Court judge. Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi, 64, a lecturer at the Cambridge school of medicine, suffered a stroke in November 2016, leaving him with permanent disabilities and forcing him to cease surgical practice. He subsequently sued the NHS at London's High Court, seeking over 1 million in damages. He alleged that medical errors denied him crucial treatment, leading to brain damage and physical impairments. However, Dr Hakmi faced accusations of fundamental dishonesty from the NHS after scoring a very bad 84 on a pre-trial IQ test. This result placed him below the UK average and, by some measures, within the borderline mental disability bracket, despite his continued teaching at Cambridge. The health service contended that he had intentionally exaggerated his disabilities to inflate his compensation claim. A High Court judge has now ruled that Dr Hakmi did not deliberately perform poorly in the tests, clearing him of any dishonesty. open image in gallery The Cambridge University School of Clinical Medicine where Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi lectures ( Supplied by Champion News ) Judge David Pittaway said he was convinced that Dr Hakmi's poor test results stemmed not from dishonesty, but from his exhaustion, partially down to problems in his family life. I do not consider that Mr Hakmi was performing badly on the tests ... to exaggerate deliberately the extent of his impairment, he said. If Mr Hakmi had deliberately been underperforming, it would run contrary to all that he has done to rehabilitate himself following his stroke. However, Dr Hakmi was refused a payout from the NHS as the judge found that, even if he had received the treatment his lawyers claimed he needed, he would not have made a better recovery. The court heard Dr Hakmi was a Herts-based orthopaedic surgeon and medical educator, who specialised in foot and ankle surgery, as well as lecturing in the UK and abroad. He is a fellow of the Royal College of Surgeons and an affiliated assistant professor at Cambridge University, where he performs a teaching role, the court heard. He first suffered a stroke in September 2016, but was given clot-busting thrombolysis treatment and made a very good recovery, returning to the operating theatre within weeks. But his barrister, Robert Kellar KC, said the surgeon had suffered a second stroke in November 2016, first spotting the symptoms while he worked late at night on paperwork. When the symptoms returned again in the early hours, he went to Lister Hospital, in Stevenage, calling ahead and telling staff that he was having a stroke. open image in gallery Dr Mohamed Atef Hakmi sued the NHS for 1 million in damages ( Champion News ) However, he was not given the same treatment as before after being examined by an A&E doctor and then having spoken to a stroke specialist on the phone in line with the NHS' remote stroke treatment system. He says he was told he would not be offered thrombolysis because he was not having a stroke, with the remote doctor suggesting it could be simply a migraine or epilepsy. It was not until 9am that day that his stroke was diagnosed at the hospital, at which point it was too late to be treated with the same drugs as before. Dr Hakmi accused the NHS of cumulative and inter-related failings, which prevented him receiving the thrombolysis treatment which he claimed would have provided a better outcome. Mr Kellar said Dr Hakmi had been left permanently disabled by the stroke, but that the worst of the injuries could have been avoided if not for the negligence of staff at Lister and on the remote stroke line. As well as a limp and reduced sensation in his fingers and toes, he suffers from fatigue in his right arm, hand and grip, preventing him performing complex tasks for long periods. He was also left with a brain injury, which has resulted in short-term memory impairment, impaired concentration, reduced processing speed and executive deficits. The NHS denied liability for the injury, claiming that Dr Hakmi's stroke was not serious enough to warrant thrombolysis and that it would have been too long after his symptoms began to be effective. Such treatment can also be risky, carrying a significant risk of brain haemorrhage and death, and even if he had been given it the outcome would probably have been the same, lawyers sad. They also accused Dr Hakmi of fundamental dishonesty in relation to the way he performed in testing before the trial. As well as the very bad IQ score, he had scored at the very bottom of the range in memory tests, NHS barrister John de Bono KC told the court. He said that Dr Hakmi had scored only 84 on an IQ test, putting him below 86 per cent of the general population, adding: That's very bad - it suggests it would be hard to function as a surgeon or as an educator at that level. He had also been assessed by two neuropsychologists, who had performed memory tests, with very surprising and sometimes astonishing results which he said raised a serious concern about whether he was putting forward his best effort in the tests. Dr Hakmi was unable to recall more than four single digit numbers in a row during one examination and scored so low in the tests that in some respects he was below 99% of the population, despite continuing to work as an educator at undergraduate level. But Dr Hakmi denied playing up for the medics who assessed him pre-trial, telling the court he had found the tests exhausting. Anybody can fail a test but they must be given the best chance, he continued. I definitely have a memory problem, slow effort. I have done everything to mitigate my losses. I know definitely I'm not as before I had the stroke. Ruling on the case, Judge Pittaway said: Having considered the totality of the evidence, I have concluded that the claim that Mr Hakmi has been fundamentally dishonest fails. I do not consider that the defendants have established to the civil standard that Mr Hakmi was dishonest whilst being examined by the defendants' experts. I have had the advantage of observing Mr Hakmi being cross-examined for a full day...I do not consider that he was trying to mislead the court in any way. He is a proud man against whom a serious allegation has been made which, if found proven, could have serious consequences on his registration and employment. He has also adduced statements and letters from four colleagues at the hospital which attest to his honesty and integrity, as well as the steps that he has put in place to mitigate his disability following his stroke. I find that Mr Hakmi honestly believes that the diagnosis and treatment he received was suboptimal and that if he had been treated with thrombolysis, then, he would have made a full or nearly full recovery. open image in gallery The NHS will not have to pay compensation to Dr Hakmi ( PA Archive ) Despite finding that Dr Hakmi was not dishonest, the judge found in favour of the NHS on his negligence claim and rejected his compensation bid. He said Dr Hakmi's stroke symptoms were not serious enough until it was too late for the thrombolysis treatment to be provided within the four-and-a-half hours cut-off time. Due to the Lister Hospital's protocols, the fact he had had that sort of treatment for his first stroke recently was also an absolute contra indication for further thrombolysis. And even if he had undergone the thrombolysis treatment, the judge said it would not have made a difference to the level of Dr Hakmi's recovery. I have concluded that thrombolysis would probably not have altered the outcome in this case, in circumstances where Mr Hakmi has made a very good, if imperfect, recovery from his second stroke. The judge dismissed Dr Hakmi's compensation claim, but also the NHS' fundamental dishonesty allegation, ordering the NHS to pay 15 per cent of the surgeon's costs of the case. The damages claim was against the East and North Hertfordshire NHS Trust, which runs the Lister Hospital, and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital NHS Foundation Trust, where the remote stroke doctor who spoke to Dr Hakmi was based. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Independent is offering 10 pairs of tickets to a special screening at the Institute of Contemporary Arts (ICA) and one reader will also receive a free 60 membership. To coincide with World AIDS Day, we have partnered with the ICA to present Death Sentence: The real cost of Trumps aid cuts on HIV, a documentary by chief international correspondent Bel Trew. The film follows her travels to Uganda and Zimbabwe, where people are dying because they cannot access medication and pregnant women fear infecting their babies. The screening, on 30 November, will be followed by a panel with Bel, Christine Stegling of UNAIDS, Dr Charles Ssonko of Medecins Sans Frontieres, Patrick Kinemo of MSI Tanzania and Lord Smith, Chancellor of the University of Cambridge. The giveaway is open exclusively to subscribers of the Morning Headlines and On The Ground newsletters. The latter is jointly authored by Bel and world affairs editor Sam Kiley. Delivered every Wednesday, On The Ground provides in-depth reporting from across Europe and the Middle East from frontline stories in Ukraine to developments in global politics and humanitarian crises. Meanwhile, Morning Headlines is The Independents daily newsletter bringing you the biggest stories and talking points, straight to your inbox every weekday morning. To be in with a chance of claiming the free tickets and membership which includes access to free and discounted tickets across the ICAs programme, shop and bar discounts and much more simply sign up to our Morning Headlines or On The Ground newsletters by Tuesday 18 November. Details on how to enter will be shared in emails landing on Wednesday 19 November. The readers selected will be contacted on Monday 24 November to claim their tickets see full event details here. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A devastating Ministry of Defence (MoD) data breach that exposed the details of thousands of Afghans seeking sanctuary in the UK potentially putting up to 100,000 lives at risk could happen again, MPs have warned. A cross-party group of MPs that scrutinises government spending published a damning report on Friday into the MoDs response to the breach. The public accounts committee (PAC) found the department failed to learn from multiple data breaches over successive years and there were inadequate systems and controls in place at the MoD to manage personal data. The February 2022 breach occurred when a spreadsheet containing 33,000 lines of data was emailed to someone outside government. It was only discovered in August 2023, when parts of the database appeared in a Facebook group. This prompted the government to use an unprecedented superinjunction to halt reporting and triggered a huge secret evacuation programme. For nearly two years, media organisations, including The Independent, sought to scrutinise the MoDs actions in secret court hearings. The PAC report reveals that the MoD failed to tell the National Audit Office (NAO) about what had happened, despite pledging billions of pounds of taxpayers money to the secret evacuation scheme behind closed doors. One audit director at the NAO was told by the MoD that there was a secret matter relating to a data breach that could not be shared, the report said. They were not told any detail of the operational consequences, number of people affected, or likely cost. The director was also told they could not pass on this information to anyone else within the spending watchdog. At one point in October 2024, ministers signed off on a 7bn scheme to move around 36,000 people to the UK, a significant majority of whom were affected by the data breach. On the failures that led to the data breach, Sir Geoffrey Clifton-Brown MP, chair of PAC, said: The MoD knew what it was doing it knew the risks of using inadequate systems to handle sensitive personal information as the security environment in Afghanistan deteriorated. Afghan families are evacuated to the UK from Kabul by the RAF ( MoD ) He continued: We lack confidence in the MoDs current ability to prevent such an incident happening again. Sir Geoffrey said: The frankly chaotic decision to tell a single director within the NAO that there was a secret matter that could not be shared, without informing the leadership of the NAO itself, is emblematic of the quality of the MoDs decision making. The MoDs outgoing permanent secretary told our inquiry that this period of secrecy in how taxpayers money was being spent had been deeply uncomfortable for him. That is just as it should be, and we are glad to hear it but as a consequence of elected representatives being prevented from holding government to account, it is not nearly sufficient, and he should never have been put in such a position by his minister. An independent caseworker who was the first to alert the government to the data loss in 2023 said the committees report was excoriating. It shows that there has been an ongoing and continuing priority given to limiting the MoDs accountability when it comes to the 2022 data breach. Thousands of people are still in danger in Afghanistan and yet the evacuation pathway is currently at a standstill, they said. The MoD is stating that they are experiencing significant challenges to resettlement, meaning that Afghans who put their lives on the line for the UK are facing a fifth year living in hiding, waiting to see if the UK will eventually honour our promise to move heaven and earth to get them out. It is clear the committee is concerned that further breaches may occur a concern I share as lessons do not seem to have been learned. Afghan security forces are still being hunted down, tortured and executed by the Taliban, with more than 100 former Afghan forces killed in the country since 2023, recent research from Lighthouse Reports and The Independent found. An MoD spokesperson said: The data incident under the previous government in 2022 should never have happened and while the committee acknowledges that practices have improved, we are continuing to make changes and improvements in data handling across the department, such as introducing a dedicated, secure casework system for Afghan resettlement. This government lifted the superinjunction in July so that the public and parliament could rightly scrutinise this. The spokesperson claimed that the overall financial cost has never been concealed, saying that the government published the cost of all Afghan resettlement schemes in its 2024 spending audit. MPs highlighted that the MoD could not accurately identify or account for the costs of resettling thousands of Afghans as a result of the breach. Though the department has said that the total cost was around 850m, the NAO said that it did not have confidence in the accuracy or completeness of that estimate. The committee have asked the MoD to provide updates on how many people have arrived in the UK as a result of the breach, and to confirm that a new caseworking system put in place to handle Afghan applications would prevent a recurrence of the February 2022 breach. An estimated 27,278 people affected by the data breach could be resettled in the UK, the MoD believes. However, only 3,383 people are recorded as arriving in the UK under the scheme for those impacted by the leak, the report said. The MoD predicts it will take some years before everyone who is eligible to come the UK has been brought to safety, the PAC report said. The lack of oversight over the MoDs response to the Afghan data breach has prompted people at the highest level within government to propose a parliamentary oversight committee that would look at more sensitive aspects of defence work, such as maintaining the nuclear deterrent. MPs said this proposal was moving far too slowly. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A high-flying executive has lost her bid for millions in compensation after claiming a private IVF bootcamp at a leading fertility clinic caused her to suffer a stroke. Navkiran Dhillon-Byrne, 51, began a cycle of IVF treatment at the Assisted Reproduction and Gynaecology Centre (ARGC) in Wimpole Street, London, just yards from Harley Street, in 2018. This was four years after she was informed the NHS was unable to fund her. The ARGC clinic, headed by pioneering IVF specialist Mohamed Taranissi, speaks on its website of in-depth investigations, daily monitoring and real-time treatment adjustments and displays the text some call it IVF bootcamp our patients call it their miracle. Ms Dhillon-Byrne underwent IVF in April 2018 but suffered a stroke on 28 of that month, 10 days after her treatment finished, which her lawyers said has left her with ongoing vision and psychological problems. The would-be mother then sued, claiming that add-on treatment in the form of pioneering IVIG immunotherapy designed to moderate the bodys immune responses during pregnancy caused the stroke. In a claim lawyers said would have been worth millions, the marketing boss said she was not properly advised about the low chance of a successful IVF outcome or about the risks associated with IVIG treatment, and would not have gone ahead with it if she had known. In a judgment at Central London County Court this week, Judge Luke Ashby said she had only shown that the treatment possibly materially contributed to the stroke. But she had not convinced him that it probably did, meaning he rejected Ms Dhillon-Byrnes damages claim. open image in gallery Marketing boss Navkiran Dhillon-Byrne, left, outside Central London County Court ( Champion News ) He also found that she was properly advised by her specialists about the potential risks of the controversial immunotherapy. I acknowledge that the claimant has suffered a distressing series of events that must have been truly heart-wrenching for her and her husband, the judge added. During an eight-day trial, the judge heard that, after failing in previous attempts to have a baby, Ms Dhillon-Byrne had turned to the ARGC. She told the court she had been trying to bear a child since 2014 and, although she had become pregnant on three occasions, she ended up miscarrying. Ms Dhillon-Byrne, chief marketing officer at the City of London base of an international software company, said she opted for the ARGC after it was recommended by a friend who praised its high success rates. But she said she was not warned of the specific risks of thrombosis in relation to the IVIG part of her treatment and blamed it for the stroke. Suing for negligence and breach of duty, Ms Dhillon-Byrne maintained that the clinic overestimated her chances of a successful outcome from IVF and failed to secure her informed consent before commencing treatment. Had she been given a clear picture of her chances of a successful pregnancy or the risks of IVIG, she would not have consented to IVF and the supplemental IVIG therapy, she claimed. In her evidence, she said she felt rushed during some of her consultations, claiming that she received scant information about the role of IVIG therapy when she raised the issue with one of the clinics doctors. However, Clodagh Bradley KC, for the clinic and Dr Taranissi denied her claims, telling the judge that she had been given sufficient information to consent to the treatment. Despite IVIG being controversial and not licensed for use in fertility treatment, she said it was reasonable for the clinic to suggest she go through with it. Giving judgment at the end of the trial, Judge Ashby accepted that Ms Dhillon-Byrne should have been told her chances of successful IVF were only up to 10 per cent. But she had been given enough advice about the risks and benefits of IVIG to enable her to give informed consent for the treatment, he added. In my judgment, a competent, respectable and reasonable body of obstetricians and gynaecologists would have offered IVIG treatment in April 2018, he said. The benefits of IVIG therapy were adequately explained to her. The material risks were also sufficiently explained. There is a risk of thrombosis with IVF and pregnancy and she was advised of that. There is a risk of thrombosis with IVIG generally. But he added: The additional risk of thrombosis as a result of IVIG was, in my view, not material in circumstances where there are no reported cases in fertility. And he said that, even had she been given gold standard advice on risks and benefits, he was sure she would have gone ahead with the treatment anyway. In relation to medical causation, the claimant has proved only that IVIG possibly materially contributed to the stroke, not that it probably did, he continued. It follows that the claim will therefore be dismissed. Lawyers said outside court earlier that, if successful, Ms Dhillon-Byrne's claim was likely to have been worth millions due to the impact of the stroke on her high-flying career. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Puffins have been discovered nesting at a County Antrim nature reserve for the first time in a quarter of a century. This marks a significant milestone in the recovery of the vulnerable seabirds in Northern Ireland. The find was made by Ulster Wildlife on the Isle of Muck, located off Islandmagee. The comeback is attributed to a dedicated seabird recovery project, initiated by the nature conservation charity in 2017. The projects primary aim was to eradicate invasive brown rats, which pose a major threat to seabird eggs and chicks, from the small island. Alongside this, a programme of winter grazing has been implemented to maintain low vegetation, thereby reducing cover for the rats. open image in gallery Puffins are breeding on the Isle of Muck for the first time in 25 years ( Ronald Surgenor/PA Wire ) Ulster Wildlife said that rats present a considerable challenge for many seabird islands across the UK. Similar eradication efforts elsewhere have proven crucial in safeguarding breeding sites and aiding seabird populations to rebound. Signs of recovery on the Isle of Muck have been evident for some time, with annual surveys recording consistent increases in eider ducks, guillemots, herring gulls, and lesser-backed gulls both on and around the island. The breakthrough for puffins occurred in 2024 when five of the distinctive birds were observed prospecting the island. This summer, two puffins were captured on camera emerging from a nesting burrow on the grassy cliff ledges, providing definitive proof that the birds are now breeding. open image in gallery A puffin on the Isle of Muck Nature Reserve, off Islandmagee ( Ronald Surgenor/PA Wire ) For decades, there had been whispers that puffins once bred on the Isle of Muck, a story that felt more like folklore than fact, Andy Crory, nature reserves manager with Ulster Wildlife, said. But now, thanks to years of hard work creating a safe haven for thousands of seabirds, that myth is becoming a reality. Seabirds face immense challenges globally, with 24 of the 25 breeding species at risk of local or global extinction. So, while a handful of puffins on a tiny island may seem small, this moment is huge it proves that seabird restoration works. Mr Crory added: "Our hope is that the Isle of Muck will become a thriving stronghold for puffins and, in time, tempt back other lost species like the Manx shearwater. For now, were waiting with great excitement to see if the first pufflings baby puffins appear on the cliffs next summer. That truly would be the icing on the cake." The ongoing rat eradication programme and species monitoring at the Isle of Muck Nature Reserve receive funding from the Department of Agriculture, Environment and Rural Affairs, channelled through the Carrier Bag Levy. The charity has issued a warning that the Isle of Muck Nature Reserve is not accessible to the public, and attempting to cross the tidal tombolo when it appears at low tide is extremely dangerous. Ulster Wildlife is urging people to keep away and observe the island from a safe distance to give the returning puffins the best possible chance to settle and breed successfully next summer. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A prisoner thought to have been freed mistakenly was actually found to have been released lawfully after additional checks were made, it has been revealed. Meanwhile, another inmate released in error is now back behind bars. It means the current total of prisoners at large after being let out in error stands at two, justice minister Lord Timpson told Parliament. He noted, however, that things can change quickly. The Labour frontbencher said the blunders were symptomatic of a system stretched to its limits. Data released by the Ministry of Justice on Tuesday showed 91 accidental releases took place between April 1 and October 31 this year. The problem has come under the spotlight after the debacle that led to the freeing of sex offender Hadush Kebatu, the now-deported migrant at the heart of asylum hotel protests in Epping, Essex. Stronger security checks were announced for prisons and an independent investigation was launched in response to the controversy. Justice Secretary David Lammy told MPs earlier this week that three prisoners were currently at large after being released in error, while officials were investigating a case of a potential release in error on November 3, and the person may also still be at large. The Deputy Prime Minister said that none of the three confirmed were convicted sex offenders, according to their prison records, and that two were British nationals and one was a foreign national offender. Updating peers on Thursday, Lord Timpson said: I can now tell the House that the potential case to which the Deputy Prime Minister referred was indeed a release in error. Lord Timpson also said that another inmate released in error is now back behind bars ( Ben Whitley/PA ) I can also confirm that this individual was swiftly returned to police custody on the same day and returned to prison the following morning. I thank Leicestershire Police for its diligent work. He added: Finally, the foreign national offender, who was one of the three the Deputy Prime Minister referred to, was today classified as a lawful release, following additional checks that took place. What I have just set out means that the current total of releases in error from prison stands at two. But the minister went on: These are all operational matters and, as I am sure noble Lords appreciate, things can change quickly. Lord Timpson told the upper chamber: Releases in error are symptomatic of a system stretched to its limits. Prisons are full, almost to breaking point, which makes them an even more challenging environment. I pay tribute to the prison staff working under incredibly difficult circumstances. What we are talking about here is a paper-based system, with individual prisoners sentences worked out every time they arrive to a new prison. Highlighting cuts to prison staff under the previous Tory government, the minister said: That is around 6,000 fewer people. The knock-on effect is that, today, over half of frontline prison staff have less than five years experience. That makes mistakes more likely. He went on: The previous Government had 14 years to sort this problem out. The reason they did not is not because they did not try, it is because it is a complex and difficult task. I have taken on this challenge and what we are putting together is a sensible and achievable plan. Labour former home secretary Lord Reid of Cardowan said: I am certain that under previous secretaries of state for justice and home secretaries, including me, there have been frequent inadvertent releases of prisoners. Former top legal adviser to successive prime ministers Lord Carter of Haslemere said: Prisoners have been released in error for decades. I know because I used to advise on sentence calculation in the 1990s in the Home Office legal advisers branch and I was the Prison Service legal adviser. It was difficult then, it is now fiendishly difficult because of all the changes to the statute book that have happened since. The independent crossbencher added: The statute book is a total mess as far as trying to calculate when a release date applies for a particular prisoner. Prisoners are all in a different position. Some have additional days, some have served a different remand time. Get the free Morning Headlines email for news from our reporters across the world Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Sign up to our free Morning Headlines email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Storm Claudia is set to hit the UK today as the Met Office issued amber weather warnings, forecasting heavy rain will lead to flooding and disruption across the country. The amber warnings are in place from midday to midnight on Friday, with 50 to 75mm of rain forecasted for Wales with with some higher ground likely seeing 100-150 mm and 40 to 80mm expected in the East Midlands, the east of England, London and southeast England, northwest England, southwest England, Wales, and the West Midlands. Some 20 flood warnings and 33 flood alerts have also been flagged as Storm Claudia, named by the Spanish Meteorological Service, makes its way towards the UK. open image in gallery Vehicles drive through rain on the A38 in Plymouth, Devon, earlier this year ( Ben Birchall/PA ) A 24-hour yellow weather warning for rain has also been issued from 6am on Friday in the southern part of the country. A yellow rain warning is currently in place in central, Tayside and Fife, northeast England, northwest England, southwest Scotland, and Strathclyde until 7pm on Thursday. A total of 15 to 25mm of rain is expected, with some areas in southern Scotland potentially seeing around 40 to 60mm. open image in gallery The Met Office has issued yellow and amber weather warnings for Friday ( The Met Office ) Met Office chief meteorologist Matthew Lehnert said: Storm Claudia will bring very heavy rainfall to a large swathe of central and southern England and Wales on Friday into Saturday. This rain will become slow-moving, and some areas could see up to a months worth of rain in 24 hours. Much of this will fall on saturated ground, increasing the chances of flooding and contributing to the amber warnings we have issued. Within the Amber warning areas, some could see in excess of 150mm accumulate during the event, with 60-80mm fairly widely. Gusty winds in the northwest of England and northwest Wales is an additional hazard, with 60-70mph gusts possible in exposed places within the warning area. In areas under an amber warning, the Met Office is cautioning that fast-flowing or deep floodwater is likely and could cause danger to life. open image in gallery ( Getty Images ) Homes and businesses are expected to be flooded and the weather agency has also warned of travel disruption and power cuts in affected areas. The impacts may be exacerbated by strong easterly winds, as well as thunderstorms arriving on Friday afternoon, it said. Alun Attwood from Natural Resources Wales said: Were urging people to be vigilant and to make preparations for potential flooding now. You can check if you live in an area at risk of flooding on our website and sign up for our free flood warning service. We do not provide flood warnings for flooding from surface water, so its important for everyone to know their flood risk. open image in gallery Unsettled weather is expected throughout the week ( PA ) Here is the weather forecast for the UK for the coming week, according to the Met Office: Today A very wet day across parts of England and Wales with a strong easterly wind developing. A colder day for Scotland and Northern Ireland with sunny spells and isolated showers. Outlook for Saturday to Monday Rather cloudy and damp on Saturday across southern and central areas, but colder and clearer conditions further north will spread southwards during Sunday. Cold and bright for many on Monday. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Downing Street was blamed on Friday for forcing Rachel Reeves to reverse Budget plans to raise income tax in what was described as a panic move to save Sir Keir Starmers premiership. Labour MPs, ministers and the markets were left stunned by a Financial Times report that the chancellor has now abandoned the measure despite two weeks of clear hints in public speeches that she was poised to break the partys manifesto pledge. With markets spooked by the sudden U-turn, the cost of borrowing for the government spiked, with 10-year gilts up 12 basis points at 4.56 per cent. Treasury sources insisted the decision had been taken because of better-than-expected economic data, but others blamed interference from Downing Street in a bid to protect the prime minister from a potential leadership challenge. One minister told The Independent that No 10 is gripped by a state of panic. open image in gallery The sudden reversal has been described as a panic move ( PA ) The drama unfolded after the chancellor laid the groundwork for tax hikes, including several hints that she would need to break Labours election pledge not to raise income taxes. But the reversal came after the prime minister was under siege following a briefing to journalists reportedly by Downing Street officials that health secretary Wes Streeting was planning a leadership bid. The chancellor is now expected to increase a handful of smaller taxes in an attempt to balance the books, despite warnings from economists that such a move could make the system more complicated and inefficient. open image in gallery The U-turn came in a week in which briefings about a potential leadership bid from Wes Streeting caused a state of panic, in the words of one MP ( PA ) Possible measures include a gambling tax, a bank levy tax, various wealth taxes, or a mansion tax on properties valued at 2m and over. Jim ONeill, the former Treasury minister and Goldman Sachs boss who was brought in by the chancellor to be her economic adviser in opposition, described the developments as bothersome. He said: Im surprised. If it means their defaulting to accumulated fringe, possibly growth-damaging taxes again, it will be bothersome. Stephen Millard, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), warned: There are two dangers here. First, by resorting to smaller changes to lots of marginal taxes, the chancellor risks making the overall tax system ever more complicated and inefficient (in the sense of creating more distortions in the economy). Second, this would make it harder for the chancellor to build a large buffer against her fiscal rules. As weve seen over the past year, having a small buffer creates uncertainty and endless speculation about further tax rises, given it would only take a small downgrade in the UKs growth prospects to wipe the buffer out. Tax expert Dan Neidle told The Independent that seeking to raise money from a grab bag of lots of different tax measures instead would be very damaging. Isaac Delestre, senior tax analyst at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said: We obviously dont know how much shes looking to raise, but the risks of doing something unnecessarily economically damaging increase if she is going to look to raise large amounts from smaller taxes. He suggested: One other obvious option that could raise a lot of money is looking at income tax thresholds (the Labour manifesto pledge on IT, NICs and VAT only talks about rates of income tax). Although worth noting that in real terms, thresholds have already come down a lot since 2021 because theyve been frozen in real terms. open image in gallery Goldman Sachs boss Jim ONeill described the developments as bothersome ( PA ) Bloomberg reported that Ms Reeves received an improved fiscal forecast from her Budget watchdog, putting the black hole in the public finances at 20bn much lower than the 30 to 40bn previously estimated. Ruth Curtice, chief executive of the Resolution Foundation think tank, said the extent of pre-Budget media briefings and speeches was unusual. It is normal for economic forecasts and policies to change in the run-up to the Budget. It is not normal for so much of that to be laid bare in public, she said. The market moves this morning and in recent weeks suggest a serious look should be taken at the approach to market-sensitive forecast information. One Labour MP told The Independent: I dont think they have a clue. Theyre making even good news look bad. The decision on income tax was communicated to the Office for Budget Responsibility on Wednesday, when the chancellor submitted a list of major measures to be included in her 26 November Budget, according to the FT. A Treasury spokesperson said on Friday: We do not comment on speculation around changes to tax outside of fiscal events. The chancellor will deliver a Budget that takes the fair choices to build strong foundations to secure Britains future. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Creaky, idiosyncratic, mice in the basement and with doors that lead nowhere Number 10 Downing Street may be one of the most famous addresses in the world, but for many of its staff, conditions in the warren of poky rooms behind the famous door represent the perfect metaphor for the running of the state. While other countries executive branches of government are usually run from considerably grander buildings for example the USs White House, Germanys enormous Federal Chancellery or Italys Palazzo Chigi in Britain, the prime minister is expected to live, work and host official state meetings in a rather tired Georgian townhouse. After 300 years of near-continual use by prime ministers, their staff, and an army of civil servants, it is perhaps unsurprising that the crumbly building is reportedly held together with gaffa-tape, has fraying curtains, a lack of showers and has toilets which occasionally emit a stench. This is according to a report by Politico, which interviewed former staffers at number 10, and sets out a damning rundown of how the buildings age and (lack of) design at 10 Downing Street impacts staff. It raises concerns about efficiency, but also alludes to how the layout and the constrictions inherent in working in the building could even influence policymaking and inter-governmental communication. One particular issue singled out was the buildings poor mobile phone reception, which combined with the noise of soldiers on Horse Guards Parade, has meant people sometimes have to hang out of windows, or move rooms to find a place quiet enough, and with sufficient signal to hold a conversation. open image in gallery Keir hates it working at Number 10 that is, not the recent Christmas party the PM hosted for children ( Getty Images ) The phone signal is just atrocious in there, a former aide of Liz Truss told the publication. Its an absolute f***ing nightmare. Earlier this year, a report that 4G technology was being installed on the Moon sparked fury as many pointed out that swathes of the capital lack decent mobile phone signal. Clearly this includes Downing Street. A 2023 report from Ofcom meanwhile found that seven per cent of the country does not have any 4G coverage, while a separate study conducted by the research firm Opensignal found that UK mobile users had the worst average 5G download speeds of all G7 countries. Small rooms, battles over desk space, and fiercely-defended proximity to the prime minister are all apparently concerns for workers jostling within the tight confines of the house. A former aide to Boris Johnson said the layout was massively unhelpful for running the country and not fit for purpose. They said: If I needed the policy unit, I wouldnt be able to find them. I would ask them to come down and meet me in the lobby which is pathetic, but that is an illustration of how messed up it is there. Keir hates it, one former aide reportedly said. Has this begun to show? Across Whitehall, there are growing concerns that Downing Street under Starmers watch has become siloed, toxic, in Wes Streetings words, and increasingly adrift. Many insiders insist the fate of his premiership hinges less on policy than on the chemistry he cultivates with those around him. In barely sixteen months, he has cycled through a carousel of senior aides, leaving critics to question whether the revolving door masks a deeper vacuum of authority. While both Sir Keirs political problems and 10 Downing Streets physical constraint issues both clearly persist, it is not clear that solving one will solve the other. The Independent has contacted Downing Street for comment. Sign up for the View from Westminster email for expert analysis straight to your inbox Get our free View from Westminster email Get our free View from Westminster email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The home secretary is gearing up to set out the biggest shake-up of the asylum system in modern times next week, which is expected to be modelled on the Danish system. Denmark has one of the toughest immigration systems in Europe, and senior officials are hoping that taking lessons from the Scandinavian nation could help bring down the growing number of people arriving in the UK via small boats. A delegation of senior officials went to Copenhagen last month to learn about their interventions and draw lessons that could be applied to the UK. Why is the government looking to Denmark? The plan to copy Denmark comes as the government ramps up its efforts to bring down migration in the UK, amid growing public anger over the issue. It has been a difficult few months for the government, with Britain seeing rising numbers of small boat crossings in the Channel and two migrants deported under the UKs returns deal with France re-entering the country. At Labours party conference in September, Shabana Mahmood pledged to do whatever it takes to regain control of Britains borders but the government is yet to get a grip on the number of people making the dangerous crossing, with the total who have arrived in the UK by small boat this year reaching 37,575 on 6 November. The decision to look at the Danish system comes as part of an attempt to slash the pull factors that draw people to the UK, as well as making it easier to remove those with no right to stay. open image in gallery Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood is understood to have modelled her plans on Danish asylum policies ( PA Wire ) Last year, the Danish government said it had approved a historically low number of asylum applications something that is said to have impressed the home secretary. The countrys approach to migration and integration policy has reduced the number of asylum applications to the lowest number in 40 years in 2024, while they have also successfully removed 95 per cent of rejected asylum seekers. What policies could they implement? While the Home Office has yet to comment on specific policies, officials are thought to be looking at Denmarks tighter rules on family reunion, as well as considering restricting most asylum seekers to a temporary stay in the country. While refugees who have been targeted by a foreign regime are likely to be protected in Denmark, most people who have been granted asylum are only allowed to stay in the country temporarily. When a country is deemed safe, the Danish government has the power to withdraw or refuse renewal of protection, even where the individual has been resident for several years. Denmark also imposes conditions applied to people seeking settlement rights, such as being in full-time employment. Home Office officials are also said to be looking at the countrys tighter rules for family reunions, which include a minimum age of 24 for refugees applying for their partners to join them, a move designed to protect against forced marriages. A person who has been granted residency in Denmark must not have claimed benefits for three years. They must put up a financial guarantee, while both partners must also pass a Danish language test. open image in gallery Mike Tapp, a Home Office minister, has said the government want to stop asylum shopping ( PA Archive ) Denmark also takes a tough approach to integration, with a law that allows the state to demolish apartment blocks in areas where at least half of the residents have a non-Western background. A senior adviser to the EUs top court found this to be discriminatory based on ethnic origin. Refugees who live in these housing estates would not be eligible for family reunion. While the UK government is not expected to go as far as this in its imitation of Denmarks immigration system, the government is likely to take lessons from this aspect of the system as part of an attempt to boost integration in Britain. Denmarks strict immigration policies have also caused problems for big business, with companies pushing ministers to address labour shortages. This summer the Danish government proposed reforms aimed at expanding access to work permits for nationals of 16 non-EU countries, and reducing the minimum salary requirement. The home secretary is said to believe that the UK has become a destination of choice for asylum shoppers. However this view has been criticised by charity Refugee Council who pointed out that many people seek asylum in Britain because they speak some English or have long-standing ties that help them rebuild their lives in safety. Home Office minister Mike Tapp said on Thursday: We will lay out and make it less attractive for people to come here to bring down asylum shopping were seeing across Europe. What we see is abuse of the legal system, they are using it against us, thats unacceptable. He added that the government are really keen to make sure the ECHR is fit for purpose. How have Labour MPs responded? Labour MPs are split on the move, with some in red-wall seats seen as vulnerable to challenge from Reform UK wanting ministers to go further in the Danish direction. Others believe the policies will estrange progressive voters and push the party too far to the right. Left-wing MP Nadia Whittome, who is a member of the partys Socialist Campaign Group caucus, urged against emulating the Danish model, suggesting it was extremist. I think this is a dead end morally, politically and electorally ... I think these are policies of the far right. I dont think anyone wants to see a Labour government flirting with them, she told BBC Radio 4s Today programme. Meanwhile, Clive Lewis accused the government of mimicking Reform in its attempt to crack down on migration. When a progressive party adopts the logic of its opponents that migrants are a threat, that order must come before rights, that the states job is to manage people rather than empower them it doesnt neutralise the authoritarian right. It normalises it, he said. The outcome isnt a strong or fair society its an increasingly authoritarian one, with government strong enough to punish, but too weak to care. Secure the borders, open safe routes, democratise immigration, operate an efficient asylum system and invest in well-funded, universal, public services/housing. But Stoke-on-Trent Central MP Gareth Snell said that any change bringing fairness to an asylum system that his constituents dont trust is worth exploring. He said it was worth looking at what best practice we can find from our sister parties around the world where they have managed to find practical solutions to managing immigration. Sign up to our free Brexit newsletter for our analysis of the continuing impact of Brexit on the UK Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Sign up to our free newsletter for the latest analysis on Brexit's impact Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Rachel Reevess former top adviser has joined leading economists in warning that her decision to abandon income tax rises in the upcoming Budget and pursue smaller interventions will overcomplicate the system. The chancellor was widely expected to hike income tax in her fiscal plans later this month to fill a significant hole in the public finances. But the Financial Times has reported she has ripped up her earlier proposals and will look at different ways to shore up the fiscal deficit. open image in gallery Prime minister Keir Starmer and chancellor Rachel Reeves have come under pressure in the lead-up to the Budget on 26 November ( PA Wire ) However, economists have warned that the chancellor will not be able to create the buffer zone she wants to protect the UK against further global shocks by relying on introducing inefficient new taxes. The revelation late on Thursday night has been taken as a sign of a government in panic after another week of damaging headlines following an attempt by figures in Downing Street to brief that health secretary Wes Streeting was planning a coup. Jim ONeill, the former Treasury minister and Goldman Sachs boss who was brought in by the chancellor to be her economic adviser in opposition, described the developments as bothersome. open image in gallery Reeves has decided to ditch income tax rises ( AFP or licensors ) He said: Im surprised. If it means their defaulting to accumulated fringe, possibly growth-damaging taxes again, it will be bothersome. The decision not to increase income tax means that a shopping basket of smaller interventions is now back on the table. This includes a gambling tax, a bank levy tax, various wealth taxes, including a mansion tax on properties valued at 2m and over. Stephen Millard, deputy director of the National Institute of Economic and Social Research (NIESR), warned: There are two dangers here. First, by resorting to smaller changes to lots of marginal taxes, the chancellor risks making the overall tax system ever more complicated and inefficient (in the sense of creating more distortions in the economy). Second, this would make it harder for the chancellor to build a large buffer against her fiscal rules. As weve seen over the past year, having a small buffer creates uncertainty and endless speculation about further tax rises, given it would only take a small downgrade in the UKs growth prospects to wipe the buffer out. Tax expert Dan Neidle told the Independent that seeking to raise money from grab bag of lots of different tax measures instead would be very damaging. Isaac Delestre, senior tax analyst at the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS), said: We obviously don't know how much shes looking to raise, but the risks of doing something unnecessarily economically damaging increase if she is going to look to raise large amounts from smaller taxes. He suggested: One other obvious option that could raise a lot of money is looking at income tax thresholds (the Labour manifesto pledge on IT, NICs & VAT only talks about rates of income tax). Although worth noting that in real terms, thresholds have already come down a lot since 2021 because theyve been frozen in real terms. open image in gallery Jim ONeill, who was an adviser to Reeves, described the developments as bothersome ( PA ) However, Bloomberg reported that Ms Reeves received an improved fiscal forecast from her budget watchdog, putting the fiscal hole at 20bn, leading her to drop plans to raise income tax rates, people familiar with the matter said. A black hole of 20bn is challenging but much less than the 30 to 40bn previously estimated. The head of the Resolution Foundation think tank Ruth Curtice warned the government against the amount of pre-Budget wrangling that has been done in public. It is normal for economic forecasts and policies to change in the run up to the Budget. It is not normal for so much of that to be laid bare in public, she said. The market moves this morning and in recent weeks suggest a serious look should be taken at the approach to market-sensitive forecast information. The chancellor had seemed to lay the groundwork to hike income tax in an attempt to fill the hole in the public finances, warning earlier this week that keeping to the manifesto would signal deep cuts to public investment. But the Financial Times has reported that she has now abandoned those plans over fears they could anger both voters and backbench Labour MPs. One Labour MP told The Independent: I dont think they have a clue. Theyre making even good news look bad. It was also understood that chief of staff Morgan McSweeney and welfare secretary Pat McFaddens warnings about breaking Labours manifesto pledge on not raising income tax, national insurance or VAT had won the argument. Culture secretary Lisa Nandy said on Friday morning that ministers are working on making the fairest possible choices. Speaking to Times Radio, she described Budgets as the subject of a lot of work and careful consideration and, in our case as a government, about making the fairest possible choices so that we can help the economy to grow, and we can also ease the pain that people have been put through over the last decade-and-a-half. The decision on income tax was said to be communicated to the Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) on Wednesday, when the chancellor submitted a list of major measures to be included in her Budget on 26 November, according to the FT. An income tax rise would help her bridge a fiscal black hole estimated by some economists to be as much as 50bn, but it would also break Labours clear manifesto pledge not to raise income tax, national insurance or VAT. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Mining giant BHP has been found liable by a London High Court for the catastrophic 2015 collapse of a dam in southeastern Brazil. The significant ruling on Friday concerns a lawsuit previously valued by claimants' lawyers at up to 36 billion ($48.32 billion). The Fundao dam, located near Mariana, was jointly owned and operated by BHP and Vale's Samarco joint venture. Its devastating failure caused Brazil's worst environmental disaster, killing 19 people, leaving thousands homeless, inundating forests, and polluting the entire Doce River. Hundreds of thousands of Brazilians, dozens of local governments and 2,000 businesses are suing BHP. Judge Finola O'Farrell ruled that continuing to raise the dam's height when unsafe was the "direct and immediate cause" of its collapse, establishing BHP's liability under Brazilian law. open image in gallery The ruins of a house destroyed by floods following the deadly collapse of the Fundao dam in 2015 in Paracatu de Baixo village ( AFP/Getty ) BHP confirmed it would appeal the decision and continue to fight the lawsuit. BHP's President Minerals Americas, Brandon Craig, said in a statement that 240,000 claimants in the London lawsuit "have already been paid compensation in Brazil". "We believe this will significantly reduce the size and value of claims in the UK group action," he added. The ruling comes after ten years of legal wrangling, which left the hopes of hundreds of thousands of Brazilians for long-awaited justice. The iron ore tailings dam collapsed at 4.20pm, 44.5 million cubic metres of toxic sludge cascaded through the hills of Minas Gerais state, with pollutants recorded as far as 668 kilometres (451 miles) away from the dam. open image in gallery Villages were flattened and indigenous communities saw their way of life destroyed following heavy damage to the Doce River ( AFP/Getty ) Villages were flattened and indigenous communities saw their way of life destroyed following heavy damage to the Doce River, a critical source of irrigation, water, food and leisure for groups such as the Krenak. Claimants and lawyers previously hoped the courts decision will bring closure for the victims of the dam collapse, who have struggled to move on from their lives while they do not feel that those responsible for the dam collapse have faced the necessary consequences. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The makers of Cape Cod potato chips were hit with a potential class action lawsuit last month alleging the brand falsely claims its snacks are free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. The suit, filed in New York federal court on October 23, comes from shopper Rozaliya Ripa, who claims she bought the kettle-cooked chips numerous times under false pretenses, including during an August trip to a Brooklyn Stop & Shop store. Had Ripa known the claims were false and misleading, she would not have purchased the Products or would have only been willing to purchase the Products at a lesser price, the suit claims. The lawsuit alleges that Cape Cod chips contain citric acid, an ingredient that is no longer commercially available in its natural form and is made synthetically by using industrial chemicals to render the ingredient from mold. Campbells Company, which has owned Cape Cod since 2018, declined to comment on the claims in the pending litigation. open image in gallery A series of class action complaints allege Cape Cod potato chips falsely marketed their snacks as containing no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives ( Rozaliya Ripa ) Cape Cod chips are made with high quality, carefully selected ingredients, the company said in an email to The Independent. An initial conference in the case is scheduled for December. The chip company was founded in 1980 in Hyannis, Massachusetts, where its products are still manufactured. A survey this year from MarketBeat found that Cape Cod chips are the most beloved American-made product in the state. The company was hit with a similar suit in July. open image in gallery The Cape Cod potato chips brand was founded in 1980 in Hyannis, Massachusetts Defendant markets its products in a systematically misleading manner by misrepresenting that the products do not contain preservatives, the class action complaint reads. That same month, in a sign of an increasingly health-conscious marketplace, Del Monte Foods, a 139-year-old firm known for its canned fruits and vegetables, announced it was filing for bankruptcy protection. After a thorough evaluation of all available options, we determined a court-supervised sale process is the most effective way to accelerate our turnaround and create a stronger and enduring Del Monte Foods, CEO Greg Longstreet said in a statement. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A confidant of Bill Pulte, the Trump administration's top housing regulator, provided confidential mortgage pricing data from Fannie Mae to a principal competitor, alarming senior officials of the government-backed lending giant who warned it could expose the company to claims that it was colluding with a rival to fix mortgage rates. Emails reviewed by The Associated Press show that Fannie Mae executives were unnerved about what one called the very problematic disclosure of data by Lauren Smith, the company's head of marketing, who was acting on Pultes behalf. Lauren, the information that was provided to Freddie Mac in this email is a problem, Malloy Evans, senior vice president of Fannie Maes single-family mortgage division, wrote in an Oct. 11 email addressed to Smith. That is confidential, competitive information. He also copied Fannie Maes CEO, Priscilla Almodovar, on the email, which bore the subject line: As Per Director Pultes Ask. Evans asked Fannie Mae's top attorney to weigh in on what, if any, steps we need to take legally to protect ourselves now. While Smith still holds her position, the senior Fannie Mae officials who called her conduct into question were all forced out of their jobs late last month, along with internal ethics watchdogs who were investigating Pulte and his allies. Housing industry rattled by dismissals The dismissals rattled the housing industry and drew condemnation from Democrats. It also gave Pulte's critics evidence to support claims that he has leveraged the nonpublic information available to him to further his own political aims. This is another example of Bill Pulte weaponizing his role to do Donald Trumps bidding, instead of working to lower costs amidst a housing crisis, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee. His behavior raises significant questions, and he needs to be brought in front of Congress to answer them. The episode marks the latest example of Pulte using what is typically a low-profile position in the federal bureaucracy to enhance his own standing and gain the attention of President Trump. He's prompted mortgage fraud investigations of prominent Democrats who are some of the presidents best known antagonists, including Sen. Adam Schiff of California, New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Rep. Eric Swalwell. In June, he ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare a proposal for the firms to accept cryptocurrency, another industry Trump has boosted, as part of the criteria for buying mortgages from banks. Last week, he persuaded Trump about the allure of a 50-year mortgage as a way to increase home buying and building a proposal that was widely criticized because it would drastically increase the overall price of a loan. Pulte is also targeting the nation's largest homebuilders Pulte also has focused on large home construction companies, which have drawn Trump's ire. Pulte requested confidential Fannie Mae data and has publicly signaled that he is considering a crackdown if the companies do not increase construction volume. Im looking at the Fannie Mae builder data and with the top three homebuilders we buy EASILY over $20 billion in THEIR LOANS! he posted to X in early October. In a brief statement, the Federal Housing Finance Agency, which Pulte leads, did not address questions from the AP, but said the agency requires its regulated entities to carry out their operations in compliance with all applicable laws and regulations. Fannie Mae said it takes compliance with the law very seriously and we have a rigorous program to ensure we follow all laws and regulations. Pulte and Smith did not respond to requests for comment. Currying favor with the president Since his appointment to lead the FHFA, Pulte has sought to ingratiate himself with Trump. The 37-year-old scion of a homebuilding company fortune, Pulte has cultivated a reputation as a hyper-online millennial with a thirst for recognition and a desire to please the president. He and his wife also donated about $1 million to Trump's campaign, records show. When Trump sought to oust Federal Reserve chair Jay Powell, Pulte became a leading attacker, routinely taking to X, formerly Twitter, where he has over 3 million followers, to excoriate the central bank leader. On Monday, The Wall Street Journal reported that some Fannie Mae ethics and oversight officials who were fired last month had been investigating whether Pulte improperly obtained mortgage information for James, who was charged last month with bank fraud after Pulte sent a criminal referral to the Justice Department. She said the charges, which she denies, are politically motivated. Pulte's power over the mortgage lending industry is unusual. Not long after his Senate confirmation, he appointed himself chairman of both Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac, which both hold trillions of dollars in assets. The companies serve as a crucial backstop for the home lending industry by buying up mortgages from individual lenders, which are packaged together and sold to investors. The three competing roles present the potential for a conflict of interest that is detailed in emails reviewed by AP. Like many matters of public policy in Trump's Washington, it appears to have begun with a social media post. In early October, Trump criticized the homebuilding industry, which he likened to the oil-market-dominating cartel OPEC. They're sitting on 2 million empty lots, A RECORD, the president posted to his social media platform, Truth Social. I'm asking Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to get Big Homebuilders going. On it, Pulte posted in response on X. Sensitive data was gathered He turned to Smith, who in her brief tenure at Fannie Mae had become a trusted Pulte ally whose work portfolio transcended the boundaries dividing Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac and the FHFA, according to two people who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of retribution. Soon, a team at Fannie Mae was overseeing an effort to pull together a tranche of mortgage data, according to emails reviewed by the AP. Smith played a central role and shared the confidential lender-level pricing information with Freddie Mac, which set off alarms at both companies, according to the emails. A spokesman for Freddie Mac declined comment. In the Oct. 11 email to Smith, Evans, the Fannie Mae mortgage executive, also added others to the email chain because they were involved with this week's efforts to compile this information and he wanted to make sure you do not exacerbate this issue. Danielle McCoy, Fannie Mae's general counsel, weighed in, adding that the information Smith provided to Freddie Mac should never be shared and could put the company at risk. Others who were part of the email chain included Almodovar; chief operating officer Peter Akwaboah; Devang Doshi, a senior vice president for capital markets; and John Roscoe, a Pulte loyalist and former Trump White House aide, who served as Fannie Mae's vice president for public relations. Days later, Almodovar, McCoy and Evans who did not respond to requests for comment were out of a job. Meanwhile, Roscoe was promoted to co-president of the company, while Akwaboah was named acting CEO. Pulte also got something he wanted. A day after the terse email exchange, Trump posted a graphic to his Truth Social network that featured Fannie Mae's logo, a list of large homebuilders and the headline We Give Them Billions. Pulte quickly reposted it. ___ Associated Press writer Fatima Hussein contributed reporting. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Nineteen West African nationals deported by the U.S. to Ghana have been moved to an unknown location, a lawyer for one of the deportees said. Ana Dionne-Lanier, who represents one of the nationals, told The Associated Press on Thursday the group arrived in Ghana on Nov. 5 and were put in a hotel. They are protected from deportation to their home countries due to the risk of torture, persecution or inhumane treatment, she said. We dont know the location of any of them, Dionne-Lanier said, adding that neither she nor her clients family has been able to reach him. She said part of the group was sent by bus to an unknown border location between last weekend and Monday, while a second group, which included her client, was moved under heavy armed guard from the hotel around Wednesday. The Ghanaian government didnt immediately respond to a request for comment. Dozens of deportees have been sent to Africa from the U.S. since July after the Trump administration struck largely secretive agreements with at least five African nations including Eswatini, Rwanda and South Sudan to take migrants under a new third-country deportation program. The Trump administrations deportation program has faced widespread criticism from human rights experts, who cite international protections for asylum-seekers and question whether immigrants will be appropriately screened before being deported. The administration has been seeking ways to deter immigrants from entering the U.S. illegally and remove those who already have done so, especially those accused of crimes and including those who cannot easily be deported to their home countries. Faced with court decisions that migrants cant be sent back to their home countries, the Trump administration has increasingly been trying to send them to third countries under agreements with those governments. Last month, the Ghanaian rights group Democracy Hub filed a lawsuit against Ghanas government, alleging that its agreement with Washington is unconstitutional because it wasnt approved by the Ghanaian parliament and that it may violate conventions that forbid sending people to countries where they could face persecution. In September, the U.S. Department of Justice argued in a federal court that it had no power to control how another country treats deportees. It said that Ghana had pledged to the U.S. it wouldnt send the deportees back to their home countries. Banchereau reported from Dakar, Senegal. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Prison staff who leaked information about Ghislaine Maxwells preferential treatment have been fired, a lawyer for the convicted sex trafficker said. Maxwell, a longtime associate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was moved to a minimum security prison known as Camp Bryan after meeting with the Justice Department earlier this year. The DOJ interview followed backlash against the Trump administration for its handling of government files related to Epstein. One of Maxwells lawyers, Leah Saffian, released a statement Friday saying that employees at Camp Bryan have been terminated for improper, unauthorized access to an email system that allows prison inmates to communicate with the outside world, following a leak of Maxwells privileged client-attorney email correspondence. Last weekend, new details about Maxwells conditions at Camp Bryan came to light. Democrat Jamie Raskin, the ranking member on the House Judiciary Committee, wrote a letter to President Donald Trump in light of troubling recent developments in the case of Ghislaine Maxwell. open image in gallery Prison staff who leaked information about Ghislaine Maxwells preferential treatment have been fired, a lawyer for the convicted sex trafficker said ( AP ) Raskin detailed the concierge-style treatment Maxwell was receiving, citing information received by Democratic committee staffers. This treatment included customized meals hand-delivered to Maxwell, a service dog in training to play with and Warden Tanisha Hall being used as her personal secretary when reviewing and editing documents. The congressman also said, based on the information staffers received, that Maxwell was in the process of filing a Commutation Application with the Trump administration. Maxwell is serving a 20-year prison sentence for her role in a decade-long scheme to sexually exploit and abuse minor girls with Epstein. Raskins letter came shortly after the media released private emails from Maxwell. NBC News shared those emails, which were originally obtained by the House Judiciary Committee. In one email, Maxwell wrote to a relative about Camp Bryan: It is a well managed well run institution with an excellent Warden who leads from the topThe food is legions better, the place is clean, the staff responsive and polite. In other words I feel like I have dropped through Alice in Wonderlands looking glass. I am much much happier here and more importantly safe, Maxwell wrote. In another email Maxwell sent to her attorney, she explained a workaround she and the warden came up with to expedite her court documents. I spoke to the Warden about the problem with the mailI explained that we have a deadline that hinges on the Supreme Court and that I was hoping to have 2 turns of the document before it files with the court possibly as soon as the end of the month. Her creative solution was that you EM/scan it to her and she will scan back my changes! Of course that is fantastic as it saves days and days. open image in gallery Maxwell, a longtime associate of the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, was moved to a minimum security prison known as Camp Bryan after meeting with the Justice Department earlier this year ( REUTERS ) Maxwells lawyer said in Fridays statement, It is clear that no effort to fact check the credibility or veracity of the so called whistleblower was made by the Representative or his offices. Saffian also said Maxwell has not requested a commutation or made a pardon application as she is preparing a Habeas petition with a federal New York court related to prisoners rights and conviction challenges. The attorney claims the new petition shares evidence not available at her 2021 trial. When asked if he has ruled out a pardon for Maxwell, Trump told reporters on Air Force One Friday night, I haven't even thought about it. I haven't thought about it for months. Maybe I haven't thought about it at all. The Independent has reached out to the Justice Department and Camp Bryan for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A celebrity rabbi who served as Michael Jacksons spiritual advisor, counts himself a friend and trusted ally of RFK Jr., and lauded Donald Trump as the greatest friend of Israel to ever occupy the Oval office, is battling the condo board of his New York City apartment building over an amenity fee he allegedly sees as akin to Nazi genocide. Last May, Americas Rabbi Jacob Shmuley Boteach used a common room on the 18th floor of the Riverside Boulevard tower on Manhattans Upper West Side to hold a small memorial service for Shani Louk, a 30-year-old German-Israeli tattoo artist who was kidnapped and beheaded in the October 7, 2023, Hamas massacre, according to a lawsuit filed Wednesday by the board and obtained by The Independent. After the building billed Boteach, 58, its standard rental fee of $500, along with the customary $210 for cleaning, the boards complaint contends the Kosher Sex author and father of nine concluded that the Boards charging him $710 is equivalent to the Holocaust. In lieu of simply paying the $710 fee for the use of a common room in a Condominium he paid over $4 million to live in, Botach has undertaken a campaign to defame, threaten, insult and coerce the Board and its agents, alleging that the $710 fee is proof of antisemitism, and that its imposition desecrates the memory not only of the victims of October 7 but of all other tragedies throughout Jewish history and is a thread of the same fabric of history that produced the Holocaust all this for $710, what would be to a man who can buy a $4 million condominium, essentially pocket change, the complaint states, using the original spelling of Boteachs last name throughout. The board says in its complaint that the $710 fee is uniformly charged to everyone using the common room, regardless of the type of get-together, and equally regardless of the religion or heritage of the Unit Owner. Indeed, waiving the fee on the basis of religion would be a discriminatory act against those not of that religion, the complaint states. open image in gallery Rabbi Shmuley Boteach (right) is close with anti-vaxxer RFK Jr. the United States Secretary of Health and Human Services. The rabbi is now in a fight with his NYC building over an amenity fee for an event he hosted. ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery A photo of the event and the center of the lawsuit, provided by Boteach, who is second from right. Former New York Rep. Dov Hikind can be seen at left, and October 7 victim Shani Louks father is at right ( Provided ) It claims Boteach used the room again in September, bringing the amount he owes to $1,420, which he has vehemently, if unjustifiably refused to pay, according to the complaint, which says the board has now added $400 in late fees to the total. But, in an hour-long interview Thursday evening, Boteach flatly denied using the room for a second time, calling the notion of a September gathering a complete fabrication. He said he already pays some $3,000 a month in fees that he believes allow him access to the room without extra costs, as long as there are fewer than 10 attendees. He also insisted that others in the building use the room regularly for birthday parties and other events without paying, accused building management and the condo board of spying on him, said he was kept from joining the board himself, complained that his favorite concierge had been mistreated by higher-ups, and warned he is prepared to hit back with a catastrophic, massive counterclaim that will expose all the malfeasance in this building. Their hatred of Israel and of and of Jewish residents [in the building] is so great that they are prepared to spend millions of dollars to recover $710 while our elevators do not work, Boteach told The Independent. Just to stop a Jew from commemorating a victim of October 7. Boteach argued, Im not the kind of resident they want here, and said Black residents are also made to feel unwelcome in the buildings shared spaces, save the children of two players for the New York Knicks. Boteach further views the filing of the lawsuit against him as a sign of things to come in Mamdanis New York, calling the incoming mayor an Islamist and claiming hes being targeted for standing up for something Jewish. I am not a Jewish sheep, Boteach asserted, voice growing louder and more heated. I am a Jewish lion I don't fit in with my yarmulke, my beard. I'm the only Orthodox Jew in this entire building. I don't fit in. Well, tough luck. I am going nowhere This dumb building thinks that they're going to intimidate me. Boteach emphasized that U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. was at his memorial for Louk a year earlier which was not held in the building and that the controversial cabinet member cried during the service. open image in gallery Shmuley Boteach, seen here speaking at the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference in Poland, vows he will fight his condo board's lawsuit over its $710 room-usage fee ( AFP via Getty Images ) Attorney Adam Leitman Bailey, who is representing the condo board, pushed back strongly against Boteachs claims, denying that others use the 18th-floor room for free, and saying that Boteach is the only one who hasnt paid. Leitman Bailey, who is himself Jewish, said that three of the five condo board members are Jewish. One, Shmuel Kliger, is in fact an Israeli citizen and IDF veteran. Another, Randi Wax, is deeply involved in Jewish philanthropy and has hosted multiple Oct 7 hostages and their families at a home she owns in Southern California. The third, Dan Senor, a well-known Republican political strategist, is the son of a Holocaust survivor, studied at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem and has for years strongly advocated for Jewish causes. Boteach is using Judaism and antisemitism as a tool here to bully others, Leitman Bailey told The Independent. And none of these acts are actual antisemitism. In January 2022, Boteach and wife Debbie purchased a three-bed, four-bath spread on Manhattans Riverside Boulevard, a once-forlorn stretch by the Hudson River, for a little less than $4.5 million, the boards complaint says. Residents have access to a suite of private rooms for entertaining, on the 18th floor of the 38-story luxury building, the complaint continues. Condominium rules require reserving the rooms in advance, signing a rental agreement and paying set fees for their use and to have them cleaned afterward, according to the complaint. On October 7, 2023, Palestinian militant group Hamas carried out a deadly cross-border incursion from Gaza into Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostages. It was the deadliest terror attack in the Jewish states history; retaliatory strikes by the Israeli military have since killed an estimated 67,000 Palestinians. In May 2025, the complaint says Boteach used one of the 18th-floor event spaces to hold a memorial service for Louk. She was referred to by President-elect Trump, days before he was sworn in for his second term in the White House, as, That beautiful girl where [Hamas] threw her in the car, pulled her by her ponytail and threw her in the car like she was a sack of potatoes. open image in gallery The event in question of the dispute was a memorial for Shani Louk, an October 7 victim Boteach called the 'most desecrated woman in the history of the world' ( AFP via Getty Images ) I argue that she is the most desecrated woman in the history of the world, Boteach told The Independent. Louks father was at the memorial, Boteach said. Fewer than 10 people were there, he claimed. When building management found out about Boteachs allegedly unauthorized use of the room, the condo board added a $710 charge to his account. The complaint says the second $710 charge from September has also gone unpaid, leading to two separate late fees of $200 each. The blowback from Boteach, who insists that fewer than ten people attended the gathering, was swift. On September 4, he sent an email to the condo board and various unit owners in the building, demanding the charges be removed, and seeking an apology from a board member who told Boteach she wasdisappointed in [his] behavior as a rabbi, the complaint says. Otherwise, Boteach vowed to embroil [the entire building] in litigation which is going to [be] massive, national and ugly, according to the email, which is reproduced in the complaint. I WILL NOT BE PUNISHED FOR HAVING A FEW FRIENDS OVER TO COMFORT A JEWISH FATHER WHOSE DAUGHTER WAS MURDERED BY HAMAS, the email went on. [The condo] will be in the national news for their attempt to squash memorials for Jews murdered by Hamas, as is happening in other places all around the country and who are being sued for it. As owners, you all deserve to know whats about to happen. The missive then took building management to task as bigots, and threatened to subpoena and depose board members who Boteach said he viewed as compromised. (The board says nothing in the condominiums rules or by-laws permits them to waive the rental fees, regardless of the intended use, according to the complaint.) Another email Boteach sent in October also went to the condo board and select apartment owners, calling the board corrupt and only half-elected, and slamming the rental and cleaning fees for the 18th-floor room as extortion and an antisemitic desecration of Shani Louks blessed memory. open image in gallery Boteach, who once served as a spiritual adviser to Michael Jackson, is now warring with his condo board over an amenity fee he sees as anti-Jewish ( Getty Images ) We are up to date with all payments save for this blatantly discriminatory and illegal fee, levied specially against Jewish supporters of Israel, the message read. We will NEVER acquiesce to your disgusting and discriminatory treatment, even if it takes ten years in court... So, take off the disgusting, abusive antisemitic, Israel-hating bill for the one hour use of that tiny room on the 18th floor for which we already pay thousands per month. You will not shame us. It says Boteach also took to Facebook, where he has upwards of 900,000 followers, likening the boards enforcement of the amenity rental agreement to Nazis forbidding Jewish funerals, according to the complaint. Jews have long been punished not only for living, but for mourning, Boteach posted. In medieval Europe, rulers charged Jews exorbitant fees for burials or denied them entirely. In Nazi Germany, Jewish funerals were forbidden; bodies were dumped into pits, families denied Kaddish. Now, in Manhattan, a rabbi is threatened with dire legal consequences for hosting a tiny memorial for Shani Louk. At the same time, Boteach demanded a board seat after two members resigned, calling the entity corrupt, fraudulent and antisemitic when they denied him a position. The complaint says he has additionally harassed building staff, posting videos of it on Instagram. (Boteach denies harassing anyone, and said he is the one who has been harassed.) Botachs unhinged, legally specious, unreasonable, intentional and defamatory actions were designed to harass, intimidate, disrupt and interfere with the efficient and peaceful management of the Condominium, and to deprive the Condominium Board and Unit Owners of their right to the quiet enjoyment and peaceable use of their property, the complaint states. The condo board is asking a judge to order Boteach to cease any and all behaviors intended or reasonably expected to create and continue disruption in the building, to stop making and publishing allegations of religious animus and/or bigotry on the part of the Board of Managers and their agents and employees, and seeks compensatory and exemplary damages to be determined in court. For his part, Boteach says he is staying put. They're fixated on a rabbi who owes $710 because they don't want to be associated with Israel, he told The Independent. That's what this is all about, right? The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The United States Coast Guard announced on Thursday that it was forced to respond when a Russian military spy ship was detected off of Hawaii. The Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence ship Kareliya was spotted approximately 15 miles south of Oahu on October 29. A coast guard aircraft, the Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules, and Coast Guard Cutter William Hart, were dispatched to monitor the vessel, which was described as a Vishnya-class intelligence ship, a group of boats that were built in the dying days of the Soviet Union. The same ship was spotted in U.S. waters twice previously, in 2021 and 2022. Officials said its personnel were acting in accordance with international law to provide maritime security for U.S. vessels operating in the area and to support U.S. homeland defense efforts. It said that, under international law, foreign military vessels may transit and operate outside other nations territorial seas, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from shore. The Russian military vessel, Kareliya, was spotted about 15 miles south of Oahu ( U.S. Coast Guard ) The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian Islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters, said Capt Matthew Chong, chief of response, Coast Guard Oceania District. Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests. The Vishnya-class ships are equipped with intelligence-gathering technology, as well as two AK-630 close-in weapon systems and surface-to-air missiles. Hawaii is a vital cog in the U.S. militarys operations in the Pacific Ocean, playing host to the U.S. Pacific Fleet, the 3rd Marine Littoral Regiment as well as the Pacific Missile Range. The Russian embassy in Washington has not yet responded to a request for comment. In October, a Royal Navy destroyer and helicopter monitored a Russian warship as it sailed through UK waters in the English Channel. HMS Duncan was operating under NATO command as it monitored the destroyer Vice Admiral Kulakov, marking the first time such an operation had been undertaken. A Navy spokesman said the deployment was a historic first. He added: This represents the first time a Royal Navy warship has been tasked under the alliances direct command for such an operation, forming part of wider security efforts across northern Europe. The coordinated effort involved three nations, including a Dutch Air Force NH90 and the French Navy, the spokesman said. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A secret memo from the Department of Justice that green-lights U.S airstrikes on alleged drug boats reveals that the justification for such force is based entirely on assertions made by Donald Trump. The U.S. military has carried out a series of strikes targeting so-called narco-terrorists, with the White House criticized for not providing a specific legal basis for its actions. The attacks on small boats in the Caribbean began on September 2 and have since expanded with assaults on the eastern Pacific, killing at least 80 people in 20 strikes on alleged smuggling craft. According to the memo, seen by The New York Times, such strikes are deemed appropriate because of the idea that the U.S. and its allies are at present legally in a state of armed conflict with drug cartels assertions that the White House has repeatedly made. As a result, the killing of those suspected of running the drugs falls within the lawful purview of Trumps wartime powers, the outlet added. open image in gallery The U.S. military began opening fire on small boats in the Caribbean on September 2 and has since expanded its assaults to the eastern Pacific, killing at least 80 people in 20 strikes on alleged smuggling boats ( Department of Defense ) open image in gallery The killing of those suspected of running the drugs within the lawful purview of Trumps wartime powers, the outlet added, according to a secret DOJ memo ( US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth ) This contrasts with human rights groups and experts on international law who have warned that the strikes are illegal, with the governments of both Venezuela and Colombia accusing the Trump administration of engaging in extrajudicial murder. On Tuesday, the U.K. ended regional intelligence sharing with the U.S. after expressing disapproval of its actions. U.S. lawmakers on both sides of the political aisle have pressed the administration for more information about who is being targeted and the legal basis for its conduct. Per The Times, the memo begins by reiterating claims made by the White House, including that drug cartels are deliberately trying to destabilize the Western Hemisphere and murder American citizens. The groups are presented as terrorists who sell drugs to finance violence against the U.S. rather than simply illegal businesses, according to the outlet. Because of this, Trump has the authority to declare a state of armed conflict against the groups. A lengthy section at the end of the memo sets out a legal defense, stating that any administration official or troops charged over such killings would have battlefield immunity because of the alleged state of armed conflict, The Times reports. open image in gallery Details about the administrations justification for the military intervention in Latin America come as operations continue to ramp up. On Thursday Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (left) announced that ongoing efforts to tackle narco-terrorists would officially be known as Operation Southern Spear ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Details about the administrations justification for the military intervention in Latin America come as operations continue to ramp up. On Thursday, Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced that ongoing efforts to tackle narco-terrorists would officially be known as Operation Southern Spear. President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering, the secretary wrote on X. Today, Im announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and U.S. Southern Command, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood and we will protect it. Trumps argument that the U.S. is engaged in an armed conflict with drug cartels relies on the same legal authority used by the George W Bush administration when it declared its War on Terror after the Al-Qaeda attacks of September 11, 2001. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Jeffrey Epsteins book purchases paint him as an eclectic reader, with topics ranging from the Catholic church to cryptocurrency, from philosophy to pilates, from espionage to immortality. He acquired multiple works by American filmmaker Woody Allen, German psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer and Russian novelist Vladimir Nabokov whose book Lolita was infamously used to nickname Epsteins private jet. The convicted sex offenders reading list was assembled by Bloomberg using Amazon receipts delivered to his Yahoo email. The outlet obtained a trove of over 18,000 emails from the account earlier this year. The Independent contacted many of the authors included on the list, several of whom offered their reactions to learning their work was consumed by one of the worlds most notorious criminals. The digitally recreated library emerges as Epsteins legacy marked by his grave crimes, enigmatic career and ties to President Donald Trump has once again captured national attention. On Wednesday, a House committee released thousands of Epsteins private emails, including messages from attorneys, journalists, author Michael Wolff, and former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers. In the emails, Epstein wrote that Trump knew about the girls and spent hours at my house with a victim of sex trafficking. The same day, a House discharge petition secured enough votes, with the help of four Republicans, to force a chamber-wide vote to compel the Justice Department to release all of the files it has on Epstein. Trump has maintained he did nothing wrong and that he severed ties with Epstein years ago. On Friday, he accused Democrats of doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again. Here is a breakdown of some of the books Epstein purchased between 2007 and 2019, the year he died in prison while awaiting trial on child sex trafficking charges. open image in gallery Epstein pictured with his associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted on sex trafficking charges in 2021 ( ITV ) 2007 The earliest receipts to appear in Epsteins inbox pertain to books on mathematics the subject he taught at the Dalton School in Manhattan before embarking on a career in the world of finance, according to Bloomberg. One volume is titled Conversations with a Mathematician," while another was Exploring Randomness. Later in the year, between October and December, Epstein bought a series of books on spirituality and suffering, including The Jesus Dynasty: The Hidden History of Jesus, His Royal Family, and the Birth of Christianity. On Christmas Eve, he ordered several books on tantric sex. After 2007, there was a sizable gap in purchasing activity, which coincided with Epsteins controversial 2008 plea deal in Florida. He pleaded guilty to charges of soliciting a minor for prostitution and received an 18-month sentence, most of which he served under a work-release program. 2013 In 2013, the year he turned 60, the convicted pedophile started picking up books again. Late in the year, he ordered Family Wealth Management and The Story of a Practical Idealist. Both are about managing money. open image in gallery In 2017, Epstein bought a copy of "Why We Get Sick: The New Science of Darwinian Medicine." ( The Independent ) 2014 Epstein snapped up a large collection of books in 2014, including six installments from a series called The Man from O.R.G.Y. The Cold War era thriller follows a spy who is also a sex researcher. Later in the year, he purchased The Complete Book of Pilates for Men and The Physics of Immortality, which purports to prove that humans can be resurrected. In October, Epstein bought half a dozen copies of The Celebrity Assistants Handbook, which details how to deal with the uber wealthy. He also got his hands on a copy of The Rosie Project, a popular novel about an autistic professor seeking romance. The Rosie Project sold over a million copies in the U.S., sixty-five weeks on the NYT bestseller list, and a survey a couple of weeks ago had it as one of the top books of the 21st century, author Graeme Simsion told The Independent. So any avid reader is likely to have read it. Its a pretty clean book, Simsion said. In a follow-up response he offered another reflection. "This person that Ive read so much about likely spent as much time reading what Id written and maybe I shaped his views on something, he said. Clearly, here, that wasnt where work was needed." 2015 Among the volumes Epstein acquired in 2015 were Between Two Stools, an investigation into scatology, and Norman Mailers The Prisoner of Sex, in which the writer critiques feminism. He also picked up Henry Millers Tropic of Cancer, which chronicles the bohemian lifestyle of an American expatriate in Paris, as well as two books on corruption in the Vatican. open image in gallery In November 2018, Epstein purchased a copy of William Faulkner's "As I Lay Dying." ( The Independent ) 2016 In 2016, Epstein purchased a handful of books about or written by Woody Allen his friend and neighbor, who penned a 2003 birthday letter to Epstein that compared his home to Draculas castle, according to The New York Times. In May, the disgraced financier bought Extraordinary Minds, which examined four famous individuals throughout history. It was written by Harvard University psychologist Howard Gardner. When informed that his 1998 book was included in Epsteins library and asked for his reaction, Gardner told The Independent, That's a reasonable request and interesting to know. But I don't want to speculate about his motivation. Between June and October, the Brooklyn-born former Bear Sterns trader ordered four works by psychologist Gerd Gigerenzer, including one titled Gut Feelings: The Intelligence of the Unconscious." Epstein read my books? Gigerenzer told The Independent. Well, thats not exactly the audience I had in mind when I wrote Risk Savvy and Gut Feelings. But if he was looking for better decision-making, he really shouldve started sooner. The notorious criminal also scooped up over a dozen copies of James Pattersons book about Epstein called Filthy Rich. 2017 In the weeks surrounding Trumps inauguration, Epstein bought several tomes about narcissism, including "Borderline Conditions and Pathological Narcissism" by an Australian psychoanalyst. Around the same time, he acquired two books about swearing. One was In Praise of Profanity by Michael Adams, an English professor at Indiana University Bloomington. To say I'm shocked is an understatement, Adams told The Independent upon learning about Epsteins purchase of his book. If Epstein thought my book would validate his behavior, I hope he was as disappointed as I was shocked to hear that he bought it. Later in the year, the disgraced financier went on a buying spree, obtaining at least 18 titles, with topics ranging from foreplay to Darwinian medicine. open image in gallery In 2019, the last year of Epstein's life, he purchased "In The Closet of The Vatican," a book about gay Catholic priests. ( The Independent ) 2018 One year into Trumps first term, Epstein took an interest in white collar crime. He purchased a book on the Panama Papers which were leaked offshore tax files as well as a thriller about a Swiss banker. In May, he bought several volumes on cryptocurrency, including Bitcoin for Dummies and Blockchain Technology Explained. He also ordered at least four books about Trump. Among them were Fear by Bob Woodward and Fire and Fury by Michael Wolff, whom he frequently corresponded with over email. In November, the disgraced financier procured enough classic literature to last years, including celebrated works by William Shakespeare, Oscar Wilde and William Faulker, according to Bloomberg. Another purchase was Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israel's Targeted Assassinations. open image in gallery The Trump administration came under fire earlier this year for what critics said was a lack of transparency when it came to the Epstein files ( Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images ) 2019 During the last year of his life, as federal investigators were coordinating their case against him, Epstein once again demonstrated his omnivorous appetite. He picked up In the Closet of the Vatican, a book about gay Catholic priests, Mycelium Running, an ode to mushrooms and The Serious Guide to Joke Writing. In May, just three months before his death, Epstein made one of his final book purchases: Vladimir Nabokovs Lolita, a novel about a man obsessed with a 12-year-old girl. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An ex-girlfriend of Jeffrey Epstein said she was delivered to President Donald Trump by the late sex offender to be groped. Stacey Williams, a former swimsuit model, appeared on CNN on Thursday after thousands of the convicted sex offenders private emails were published by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee, reigniting public scrutiny into the Epstein controversy. Williams, who dated Epstein in the 1990s, was asked for her reaction to one particular email in which the disgraced financier boasted he gave one of his girlfriends to Trump in 1993. It screams about, you know, the mindset of these men, Williams said. You know, the same two men who did what they did to me when Jeffrey Epstein walked me into Donald Trumps office to be groped by him. Clearly we are these objects, these trophies, and its deeply misogynistic. Its horrifying. Williams first came forward in 2024 with her accusation that Trump touched her inappropriately at Trump Tower in 1993. At the time, the White House denied the allegation, describing it as unequivocally false, The Guardian reported. open image in gallery Former swimsuit model Stacey Williams appears on CNN to discuss allegations made in Epstein emails released by the House Oversight Committee. ( CNN/Screenshot ) These accusations were unequivocally false when they were first contrived and nothing has changed, White House Deputy Press Secretary Abigail Jackson told The Independent. Democrats and the mainstream media are desperately trying to use this hoax as a distraction to talk about anything other than Democrats getting utterly defeated by President Trump in the shutdown fight. Epstein, who was arrested and charged with sex trafficking of minors in 2019, died in prison that year while awaiting trial. His death was ruled a suicide. Speaking to CNNs Erin Burnett, Williams continued, I clearly was delivered there for the groping and, as Ive mentioned before, I had shared with Jeffrey Epstein that I was somewhat combative with men in the fashion industrySo I believed I was walked in there as a challenge, and when I froze and didnt respond, you know, I think Jeffrey got very upset about it. He expected a fight. open image in gallery In this 2015 email exchange between Jeffrey Epstein and former New York Times reporter Landon Thomas Jr., Epstein says he gave an "old girlfriend" to President Donald Trump. ( House Oversight ) Williams comments come the day after a House discharge petition that would force a vote on releasing the Department of Justices files on Epstein gained enough signatures to go into effect. Four Republicans signed the measure including Colorado Rep. Lauren Boebert, who was summoned to the White House on Wednesday to discuss the petition. House Speaker Mike Johnson said that he intends to hold a vote next week on releasing the files. Ive never understood the role of legislative officials in protecting pedophiles, Williams said. If some of them are finally arriving at some moral clarity, you know, thats a good thing. Transparency is critical. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Secretary of War Pete Hegseth has announced that the Trump administrations military intervention in Latin America to tackle narco-terrorists will be known as Operation Southern Spear. President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering, the secretary wrote on X late Thursday. Today, Im announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and U.S. Southern Command, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood and we will protect it. open image in gallery The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, shown here, joined the military build-up in the Caribbean this week ( AP ) Hegseth, Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, and other top military officials joined President Donald Trump in the Oval Office on Wednesday to present him with options for potential operations in Venezuela, including land-based strikes, according to CBS News. The administration has likened Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro to a cartel boss. Still, critics have argued that the majority of drugs smuggled into the southern states from the region come overland via Mexico or via the Pacific, not the Caribbean. The U.S. military nevertheless began opening fire on small boats in the Caribbean on September 2 and has since expanded its assaults to the eastern Pacific, killing at least 80 people in 20 strikes on alleged smuggling boats. The administration has justified its actions by claiming it is stopping harmful narcotics from reaching American shores and poisoning its citizens while failing to provide evidence to support its assertions. open image in gallery Secretary of War Pete Hegseth addresses a defense summit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, this week ( AP ) Human rights groups and experts in international law have warned that the killings are illegal, the governments of both Venezuela and Colombia have accused Washington of engaging in extrajudicial murder, and, on Tuesday, the U.K. ended regional intelligence sharing with the U.S. Trump has responded by insisting that the country is engaged in an armed conflict with the cartels, relying on the same legal authority used by the George W Bush administration when it declared its War on Terror after the Al-Qaeda attacks of September 11, 2001. The worlds largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, arrived in the Caribbean Wednesday with its strike group, which includes nine embarked squadrons of Carrier Air Wing Eight, plus the guided-missile destroyers USS Bainbridge and USS Mahan, and the missile defense command ship USS Winston S Churchill, according to the Air Force Times. open image in gallery An F-18E fighter jet takes off from the aircraft carrier the USS Gerald R Ford ( AFP/Getty ) They joined eight other Navy vessels already stationed in the region, including the USS Iwo Jima, USS Fort Lauderdale, USS San Antonio, USS Lake Erie, USS Jason Dunham, USS Gravely, USS Stockdale, and USS Wichita. The Ford hosts 60 aircraft and an estimated 4,000 sailors, while an additional 6,000 personnel are spread across the eight other vessels present. The considerable build-up of American forces in the area also includes a submarine, reconnaissance aircraft, 10 F-35 fighters, and Reaper drones, according to ABC News. My advice to foreign terrorist organizations is do not get in a boat, Hegseth said at a defense summit in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Wednesday. If youre trafficking drugs to poison the American people and we know youre from a designated terrorist organization, youre a foreign terrorist or trafficker we will find you and we will kill you. The secretary has revealed a penchant for dramatic rebrandings since taking charge of the Department of Defense, which he has reverted to its old name, the Department of War, and memorably named Junes airstrikes on Irans nuclear facilities Operation Midnight Hammer. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Indiana University professor was removed from teaching a class on social justice for using a graphic that listed President Donald Trumps Make America Great Again slogan as a form of white supremacy. On October 6, Jessica Adams, a lecturer in the universitys school of social work, was temporarily barred from continuing to teach the graduate-level class Diversity, Human Rights and Social Justice, after a student complained about the teaching aid to the office of Senator Jim Banks, a Trump ally. The senator then forwarded the complaint to university officials, who initiated an investigation and warned that Adams may be violating a recently passed state law requiring intellectual diversity at state educational institutions. Adams, in a news conference earlier this month, said the graphic, which is widely used, was being misinterpreted and that she was well within her remit given the subject-matter of her course. I was asked to teach on structural racism, and as you teach on structural racism in the United States, you cannot not discuss white supremacy as it is the ideology that emboldens racist behavior, Adams said. open image in gallery An Indiana University professor alleges she was wrongly removed from teaching a social work course on social justice after using a graphic that compared Trumps MAGA slogan to white supremacy ( Copyright 2021 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) The visual features a list of behaviors and ideas in- and outside a pyramid, which bisected by a line separating overt white supremacy at the top of the pyramid and a far greater number covert white supremacist ideas and actions below. In the graphic, the MAGA slogan is just outside the pyramid itself, at the top of the covert category, near the overt zone. The Indiana University Bloomington chapter of the Association of University Professors accuses the school of mishandling the investigation into the incident and ironically using the state law to stifle intellectual diversity. It alleged in a statement this week the school failed to fairly investigate the incident, denied Adams the right to have counsel, and saw the same administrators act as both investigators and complainants. open image in gallery An anonymous student lodged a complaint with Sen. Jim Banks, who forwarded the allegations to university officials that warned the professor she might be running afoul of a state intellectual diversity law ( Middle East Images/AFP via Getty ) Indiana University has said it does not comment on ongoing personnel matters. Banks, in a statement to The New York Times, criticized the professor. At least one student in the classroom was uncomfortable, and Im sure there are more, he said. This type of hateful rhetoric has no place in the classroom. Adams is awaiting the results of a review of the allegations and still teaches three other courses at the university. open image in gallery The Trump administration has pushed universities to accept sweeping reforms through a combination of civil rights investigations and threats to cut federal funding ( Rick Friedman/AFP via Getty Images ) Earlier this year, a Bloomington professor was sanctioned under the law. The professor, Ben Robinson, claims a full investigation into the allegations at issue never actually occurred and that the punishment was aimed at chilling other faculty from speaking out on hot-button issues. The Trump administration has put enormous pressure on universities to conform with its policy goals, sometimes cutting off hundreds of millions of dollars in federal funding to top institutions in an attempt to force new intellectual diversity requirements, cooperation with immigration raids, and the elimination of diversity programs. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump tore into his former ally Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene late Friday, after the Georgia Republican accused the White House of a huge miscalculation in brushing off attempts to release more of the Jeffrey Epstein files. In a Truth Social post, the president called Greene a ranting lunatic and accused her of going Far Left because of her recent criticisms of Republicans on issues including Epstein, healthcare, and inflation. I understand that wonderful, Conservative people are thinking about primarying Marjorie in her District of Georgia, that they too are fed up with her and her antics and, if the right person runs, they will have my Complete and Unyielding Support, Trump wrote, adding that he no longer takes Greenes calls. The stinging remarks came after Greene said earlier in the day that President Trump is engaging in a huge miscalculation by dismissing the bipartisan group of House lawmakers pushing the government to release more of the Epstein files. Greene, speaking with CBS Mornings on Friday, reiterated her belief that the president did not engage in any wrongdoing during his friendship with the late sex offender, but said she felt the White House has been wrong in dismissing Republicans seeking more information as stupid. open image in gallery President Trump said Friday he supports a primary challenge against Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, a former staunch ally, after the Georgia Republican criticized his handling of the Epstein scandal ( Getty Images ) Just being very honest with you, its something that I dont understand, the MAGA rep said, arguing that releasing more Epstein information sends a powerful message that the government will not protect the predators, even if they are tied to rich and influential people. After the presidents online threats, Greene called the vitriol astonishing and accused Trump of coming after her to make an example to scare all the other Republicans from voting for more Epstein disclosures. I have supported President Trump with too much of my precious time, too much of my own money, and fought harder for him even when almost all other Republicans turned their back and denounced him, she wrote on X, sharing images of text messages she said she sent to the president and his staff about Epstein. But I dont worship or serve Donald Trump. open image in gallery Greene has accused Trump of attacking her to intimidate other Republicans so he can stop them from voting for more Epstein files releases ( Getty Images ) The president has denied engaging in misconduct linked to Epstein, while directing Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate the financiers ties to prominent Democrats. Greene isnt the only one pushing the administration to do more to disclose information on Epstein. With the House back in session, a group of lawmakers, including a small handful of Republicans, have pushed forward an effort to force a vote on releasing more Epstein files. The House is expected to take up the vote next week. open image in gallery With the House back in session, and with the recent swearing in of Adelita Grijalva (left), a bipartisan group of reps has enough support to force a vote on releasing more Epstein files ( REUTERS ) The White House is under even further pressure on Epstein after Congress this week released a trove of emails where the late sex offender claimed Trump knew about the girls he was recruiting. I know nothing about that, Trump told reporters Friday night, reiterating his claim that the Epstein saga is a Democratic hoax meant to damage Republicans. If they had anything they wouldve used it before the election, he added. Greene, who supports the discharge petition effort on Epstein, has emerged as a rare voice inside the Republican Party who will directly criticize the president on a host of topics. In recent days, she has hammered the administration for what she sees as too much emphasis on foreign trips and diplomacy and not enough focus on persistent affordability issues. No one cares about the foreign countries, Greene recently told NBC News. No one cares about the never-ending amount of foreign leaders coming to the White House every single week. In the face of these criticisms, Trump has repeatedly brushed off the former ally. On Friday, Trump accused Greene of having changed politically and said hes getting calls from her district about a primary challenge. Shes lost a wonderful conservative reputation, he said. The president added that his foreign trips were key to promoting diplomacy and securing overseas investment in the U.S. open image in gallery President Trump has denied any wrongdoing over his former friendship with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell ( AFP/Getty ) The congresswoman has also taken aim at fellow Republicans for allowing Affordable Care Act subsidies to expire, a major sticking point in the recent government shutdown negotiations. Greene has called healthcare costs a five-alarm fire for the party. The legislator, once better known for her attention-getting style and embrace of conspiracy theories, has in recent months redirected her energies toward issues including the Israel-Hamas war, criticizing the U.S.-backed conflict for the high civilian death toll in Gaza. Amid the flurry of recent criticisms, some have speculated Greene is plotting a presidential run for 2028, when Republicans will be seeking a new standard-bearer after Trump hits his two-term limit. Greene has dismissed such speculation as baseless rumors. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Megyn Kelly is being slammed for questioning whether Jeffrey Epstein was even a pedophile, even though the disgraced financier was convicted on child sex offences. Kellys critics have torn into her comments on social media, with some pointing to an interview she gave in 2018 in which she appeared to have a very different view. While interviewing a victim of alleged abuse in 2018 on her show Megyn Kelly TODAY, the broadcaster went to great lengths to point out that the age of consent in California is 18, which means that theres no consenting for a 14 or even a 17-year-old in these circumstances. However, social media users have shredded a new claim former Fox News star made on The Megyn Kelly Show. On the November 13 episode of her show, she claimed that a friend of hers, with an inside view of the Epstein case, believed that Jeffrey Epstein was not a pedophile. open image in gallery Megyn Kelly has claimed that someone close to the Epstein case believes that Jeffrey Epstein was 'not a pedophile,' because he abused 15-year-olds and not younger children ( YouTube/Megyn Kelly ) But that he was into the barely legal type, Kelly continued. Like, he liked 15-year-old girls. I realise this is disgusting, I'm definitely not trying to make an excuse for this, Im just giving you facts. That he wasnt into, like, 8-year-olds. But he liked the very young, teen types who could pass for even younger than they were but would look legal to a passerby. However, Kelly did not stop there. The host continued on her tangent by claiming that Attorney General Pam Bondi had said that Epstein had tens of thousands of videos of allegedchild sexual abuse material on his computer. Kelly went on to say that for the first time, I thought, Oh, no, he was an actual pedophile, upon hearing Bondis claims, but subsequently took a swipe at the Attorney General by saying that she does not trust her. Eventually, Kelly concluded her rant by saying, So I dont know whats true about him, but we have yet to see anybody come forward and say, I was eight, I was under 10, I was under 14, when I first came within his purview. You can say thats a distinction without a difference. When her guest, Batya Ungar-Sargon, said no, its not, Kelly insisted, I think there is a difference. Theres a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know? open image in gallery Kelly claimed that a close friend, with an inside track on the case, believes that Epstein was not a pedophile and that he was instead into the barely legal type ( New York State Sex Offender Registry ) The journalists bizarre claims have incensed the internet, with Epstein trending at #1 on X, alongside Megyn Kellys own name, on the morning of November 14. Several posts have highlighted the apparent disparity between Kellys own comments. It cannot be remembered enough that these were the same people who got worked up about drag brunches, wrote stand-up comedian Gianmarco Soresi. To all the weirdos defending @megynkelly: 15 year olds are underage, and that is statutory rape. Pretty simple, another raged. He wasnt a pedophile, he just liked 15-year-olds is not the defense you think it is, Megyn, one other social media user wrote. Another X user, whose bio says that she is an English teacher turned librarian, wrote, I teach 15-year-olds. They are literal children. open image in gallery ( AFP/Getty ) Kelly has yet to respond to the massive social media backlash publicly. Her controversial comments came on the same day that the House Oversight Committee released another wave of records related to the Epstein case. In the emails, the convicted pedophile said that Donald Trump is the dog that hasnt barked, and claimed that he knew about the girls as he asked Ghislaine [Maxwell] to stop. The president has not been accused of any wrongdoing and has branded the affair as the Jeffrey Epstein hoax. The House of Representatives is preparing to vote on whether the Department of Justice should release all of the files related to the Epstein case. The vote will take place next week. The Independent has contacted Megyn Kelly for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Paul Ingrassia, a Donald Trump loyalist who allegedly admitted to having a Nazi streak, has reportedly been given a top job in the presidents administration. Ingrassia, 30, became the center of a major scandal just weeks ago after he was accused of sending text messages in which he said that holidays from kwanza to mlk jr day to black history month to Juneteenth must be eviscerated. The political firestorm that followed knocked Ingrassia out of the running to lead the Office of Special Counsel. However, a recent email, sent by Ingrassia and obtained by Politico, claimed that the 30-year-old was set to become deputy general counsel at the General Services Administration. The GSA oversees the most basic, fundamental functions of federal agencies by managing government property and supplies. In the email, which was sent on Thursday, Ingrassia said that it had been an honor to serve under Kristi Noem in the Department of Homeland Security, where he has worked as a White House liaison since February. open image in gallery Paul Ingrassia has reportedly been given a top job in the Trump administration, despite a string of scandals about his alleged activities ( Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) Its been the greatest honor to serve Secretary Noem and President Trump, alongside all of you, he wrote. I genuinely feel this is the strongest group of political appointees anywhere in the federal government, which is a credit to not just this groups work ethic, but above all, its character and integrity. According to Politico, a White House official confirmed the controversial staffers promotion and said that Ingrassia is a very helpful addition to GSA and will successfully execute President Trumps America First policies. A GSA spokesperson also told the website that the department was looking forward to having Paul Ingrassias legal talents to help advance the GSA mission and the Presidents priorities. Ingrassia became widely known in October, after Politico obtained the alleged string of racist text messages. One of the messages included using an Italian racial slur for Black people, and another stated that MLK Jr. was the 1960s George Floyd and his holiday should be ended and tossed into the seventh circle of hell where it belongs. His lawyer, Edward Andrew Paltzik, hit out against the allegations and suggested that they could have been intended to be satirical. Looks like these texts could be manipulated or are being provided with material context omitted, he wrote in a statement seen by Politico. However, arguendo, even if the texts are authentic, they clearly read as self-deprecating and satirical humor making fun of the fact that liberals outlandishly and routinely call MAGA supporters Nazis. open image in gallery The politician and lawyer was accused of admitting to having a nazi streak in text messages obtained by Politico ( U.S. Department of Homeland Security ) The scandal led Senate Majority Leader John Thune to say that he hoped that Ingrassia would withdraw his nomination for the Office of Special Counsel, as he was not gonna pass his confirmation. Ingrassia was also accused of sexual harassment, after he allegedly booked himself and a female colleague into a shared hotel room on a joint trip, according to Politico. The colleague eventually slept in the same room as Ingrassia, but slept in a separate bed, according to five administration officials who spoke to the publication. Three of those officials also told Politico that the unnamed female colleague had filed an HR complaint against Ingrassia but retracted it, fearing retaliation. Ingrassias lawyer denied the allegations in a letter to the newspaper. Mr. Ingrassia has never harassed any coworkers female or otherwise, sexually or otherwise in connection with any employment, Edward Andrew Paltzik wrote, adding that the pair did share a room but that no party engaged in inappropriate behavior. Ingrassia has since sued Politico for defamation in Warren County, Virginia, over the reports surrounding the alleged incident of sexual harassment. open image in gallery Ingrassia has held several high ranking positions in Washington D.C., including a role in the DHS ( Copyright 2019 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He also swatted away allegations that Ingrassia had his colleagues own reservation cancelled in a bid to get her to sleep in the same room as him. Ingrassias attorney and a DHS spokesperson also claimed that the HR investigation into him had ended and cleared him, finding no wrongdoing. The unnamed woman also said that she never felt uncomfortable and claims that she never made a complaint. A colleague misjudged the situation and made claims of alleged harassment that are not true, the woman added. There was no wrongdoing. According to two officials, though, she did file her own complaint, but only after a career official filed a separate complaint. The Independent has contacted the DHS, the GSA, Paul Ingrassia and Edward Andrew Paltzik (Ingrassias lawyer) for comment. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Back in the spotlight after her yearlong self-imposed exile when it was revealed shed engaged in a secret romance with Robert F. Kennedy Jr., Olivia Nuzzi claims in her new memoir that the health secretary wanted her to have his baby and that he uses psychedelic drugs, among other jaw-dropping details. Nuzzi, who recently joined Vanity Fair as its West Coast correspondent, dished on American Canto her book that is set to be released next month and her digital affair with Kennedy in a series of interviews with The New York Times. Her relationship with Kennedy, which began during the height of the 2024 presidential campaign when the current Trump Secretary of Health and Human Services was running as an independent, ultimately derailed her career. She was fired from her job at New York magazine, and her engagement with journalist Ryan Lizza publicly crumbled. Nuzzi eventually filed a petition for a protective order against her ex-fiance and accused him of harassment and blackmail related to leaking details about her extramarital relationship with Kennedy to other media outlets. In the end, she would largely disappear from the public eye for the next year, during which she spent time in Malibu writing her book. In American Canto, she never actually explicitly names Kennedy, though readers are clearly aware of who she is referring to throughout. Olivia Nuzzi dishes on her digital affair with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in a new book due out next month. ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Saying that she loved the 71-year-old anti-vaccine activist, Nuzzi notes that she only told Kennedy who is married to actress Cheryl Hines I love you after he said it first. She also reveals that Kennedy gave her the nickname Livvy and wrote poems to her. He went so far as to tell her hed take a bullet for her and even expressed his desire for her to have his child. She writes that the first few times Kennedy said he loved her, she did not say it back, the New York Times noted. Yet she knew she felt the same. I love him, I thought. Oh no. I love him so much. They spoke often and were intimate enough for her to see him flossing his teeth, his dopp kit overflowing with prescriptions. She also insisted that while Kennedy had claimed to be sober for decades, he confided in her that he was taking psychedelics and smoked the powerful drug dimethyltryptamine, or DMT. She, in turn, let him know she took Adderall and liked uppers. In the end, with Kennedy looking to join forces with Trump after his presidential campaign imploded, she said that Kennedys promise to take a bullet turned into her having to do that for him. Once news of their relationship broke in September of last year, she told Kennedy she would do whatever he needed. Kennedy, meanwhile, said: If its just sex, I can survive it. She told the Times that she has not spoken to Kennedy in a year. At the time the relationship came to light, Kennedy attempted to shrug it off, insisting hed only ever met Nuzzi once for a hit piece she wrote about him for New York magazine. Meanwhile, the Times pointed out that Nuzzis book is written in such a way that it allows her to construct a world where everyone is a sketch and proof is beside the point. She also asserts in the memoir that she understands people will disagree with her version of history, and that shes not trying to prove anything. Still, when asked whether she still had her text messages with Kennedy, she replied: I dont have anything to say about that. During one interview with the Times, Nuzzi gave up the pretense of trying to explain the unexplainable and joked about why she suddenly fell in love with the current head of Trumps health department. Maybe it was the vaccines, she quipped while sitting under a pine tree. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trump has broken his silence after days of dodging reporter questions over the bombshell emails where deceased pedophile Jeffrey Epstein said the president knew about the girls he and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell were abusing and revealed that Trump spent hours at his home with one of his victims. Writing on Truth Social, Trump accused Democrats in Congress of doing everything in their withering power to push what he called the Epstein Hoax as a distraction from all of their bad policies and losses. Trump also hit out at weak Republicans who he described as having fallen into their clutches because they are soft and foolish and complained that the demand for his administration to release case files from the FBI investigation into the late sex offender should be directed at a group of Democratic figures who have no role in the federal government. Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrats problem, not the Republicans problem! Ask Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers about Epstein, they know all about him, dont waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run! he added. In a separate post, Trump claimed he was ordering Attorney General Pam Bondi to open an investigation into Epsteins involvement and relationship with former president Bill Clinton, Democratic donor and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, ex-Harvard president Larry Summers, plus many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him. This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats, he said. The president added that Clinton, Summers, Hoffman and many others somehow spent large portions of their life with the late sex offender on his notorious private island. open image in gallery Donald Trump has spoken out days after bombshell emails from Epstein gave new details on their relationship. ( Getty Images ) open image in gallery The new emails have sparked interest in the files. Congress has also moved to soon vote on release more information on the Epstein investigation. ( AFP via Getty Images ) The presidents Friday morning social media outburst comes over 48 hours since Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released the incendiary emails from the notorious child abuser, leading the GOP majority on the panel to drop more than 20,000 other documents obtained from Epsteins estate in an effort to flood the zone and get the initial messages off of reporters collective radar. Instead, what followed was a deluge of unflattering material in which Epstein and many of the people with whom he corresponded described Trump in the most harsh of terms. In one message, Epstein wrote that he knew how dirty Donald is, while in others he called Trump f**king crazy and borderline insane or compared him to a Mafia boss whod been granted great dangerous power as the nations chief executive. He also boasted in one message that he was "the one able to take him down. But until now, Trump has not responded directly to the damaging revelations in part because he has uncharacteristically avoided taking questions from the group of reporters who accompany him into events on the White House campus. He has instead largely left the task of pushing back against the new Epstein emails to White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, who in a Wednesday statement outed the victim with whom Trump allegedly spent hours at Epsteins house as the late Virginia Giuffre, who died by suicide earlier this year. Trump previously claimed that Epstein had stolen Giuffre from his Mar-a-Lago club, where she worked as a spa attendant before being recruited, groomed and trafficked to Epstein by Maxwell. The unnamed victim referenced in these emails is the late Virginia Giuffre, who repeatedly said President Trump was not involved in any wrongdoing whatsoever and couldnt have been friendlier to her in their limited interactions, Leavitt said. Continuing, Leavitt repeated a disputed claim that Trump had kicked Jeffrey Epstein out of his club decades ago for being a creep to his female employees, including Giuffre and accused news outlets that are reporting on the released emails of engaging in bad-faith efforts to distract from President Trumps historic accomplishments. Any American with common sense sees right through this hoax and clear distraction from the government opening back up again, she added. open image in gallery Trump claimed he was ordering Attorney General Pam Bondi to open an investigation into Epsteins involvement and relationship with former president Bill Clinton, Democratic donor and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman and ex-Harvard president Larry Summers. ( AFP via Getty Images ) Trumps belated pushback to the latest Epstein revelations comes as the House of Representatives prepares to vote on legislation that would force the Department of Justice to release case files from the probe into the dead child abuser. After Democrats and a small number of Republicans successfully filed a discharge petition a parliamentary maneuver to bring legislation to the House floor over the objections of leadership House Speaker Mike Johnson said the required vote would occur next week. The bill, known as the Epstein Files Transparency Act, would then move to the Senate, where it would need to garner support from at least 13 Republicans to evade the upper chambers filibuster. If that happens, Trump would then have the choice to sign the legislation, veto it, or do nothing and allow it to become law without his signature after ten days (excluding Sundays). Its unclear whether enough GOP senators would support the legislation to force Trump to make that decision, but the furor around the bipartisan House bill has knocked the president and the White House off their stride for perhaps the first time since Trump returned to office in January. White House officials who spoke to The Independent on condition of anonymity described the president as spun up and furious over his apparent inability to dampen his own supporters interest in the entire Epstein matter or at least change the subject and move the news cycle along to another topic. But six years after Epstein died by suicide in a Manhattan jail cell while awaiting trial in federal court on sex trafficking charges, the continued interest in the case against him is largely a problem of the presidents own making. During last years presidential race, he implied that if elected to another term he would use his authority to release the case files, which his supporters have long believed to contain damaging revelations about prominent Democrats. And during his first months back in office, Attorney General Pam Bondi claimed to have a copy of an Epstein client list on her desk to review for release. Instead, his hand-picked Department of Justice leadership caused public anger this past June by issuing an unsigned statement claiming there was simply nothing in the departments possession that could be released. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice In less than a year, American voters will choose 48 governors, 435 members of the House of Representatives and 33 senators and strategists are warning Democrats to look in the mirror. Literally. The problem, many political consultants say, is that compared to Trumps central casting cabinet and the younger-skewing GOP, the most prominent Democratic messengers might not be attractive, or young enough to capture the attention of 2026 voters. Not long ago, whether a given partys politicians were hot or not wasnt much of a concern outside gossip columns or glossy magazine spreads, and Democrats were able to command the latter with ease. These days though, Trump calls the nation the hottest anywhere as a normal course and relishes talking about how attractive people are as a push back to what he sees as woke indoctrination. During the George W. Bush and Barack Obama years, and even through Trumps first term, the party had the benefit of an influx of young (for politics) and telegenic faces, ranging from Obama himself including wife Michelle and their daughters Sasha and Malia bursting onto the scene during the 2004 presidential election. And fresh Trump-era Democratic faces during the 2018 and 2020 cycles such as then-South Bend, Indiana Mayor Pete Buttigieg, New York Rep. Alexandra Ocasio-Cortez and Georgia senators Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock. But as the attention economy has shifted from glossy print spreads to television, streaming and short-form vertical video, the visual has seemingly become far more important than the substance of any politicians given message. open image in gallery Donald Trump has always put a premium on whether appointees have the right look for a given administration role ( Getty Images ) With some exceptions think New York Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and California Gov. Gavin Newsom the increasingly visual nature of modern media and politics has been almost entirely to the GOPs benefit. It became increasingly noticeable during the government shutdown that was the longest-ever funding lapse in American history, with the Republican Partys daily message carried through a series of near-daily press conferences by House Speaker Mike Johnson and Senate Majority Leader John Thune. Both are clean-cut, trim, with full heads of hair. Johnson often appears younger than his 53 years, while Thune is routinely cited as one of the best-dressed (and best looking) men in Washington. And within Trumps two administrations, there are countless examples of the president himself referring to his appointees looks as a qualifier for their positions, often by citing them as being from central casting. Shortly after he was sworn in for his first term in 2017, Trump used that exact description for his first secretary of defense, retired Marine Corps Gen. James Mattis. Speaking at a post-inauguration lunch, he said to his newly minted Pentagon boss: "If I'm doing a movie, I'd pick you, Gen. Mattis." That same year, he gave a similar compliment to his first vice president, Mike Pence, at a National Governors Association meeting. open image in gallery If I'm doing a movie, I'd pick you, Donald Trump told his first-term secretary of defense, retired Marine Corps Maj. Gen. James Mattis ( EPA ) Years before hed fall out with Pence in dramatic fashion after losing the 2020 election, he called the ex-Indiana governor a real talent, a real guy. And he is central casting, do we agree? Central casting, Trump said. Hes used the same terminology for some of his second-term appointments, including border czar Tom Homan during a speech to the 2025 Conservative Political Action Conference in February in which he asked the crowd: "Is this guy central casting, though? Tom Homan. Is he central casting?" By contrast, the Democratic opposition is providing few leading men or women or even landing character-actor roles like Homan. The top Democrat in the Senate, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York, is 74 years old, balding and stoop-shouldered. In recent years, hes also begun to rely on unflattering reading glasses when making public statements, underscoring his advanced age. His number-two, Washington Sen. Patty Murray, is a year older still. Things are slightly better in the House leadership, where Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries, Whip Katherine Clark and Conference Chair Pete Aguilar are slightly more dynamic. But the contrasts are still striking when watching both sets of leaders side-by-side with their GOP counterparts. One Democratic strategist, who asked for anonymity to be candid about members of their own party, rendered their verdict in brutally honest terms. open image in gallery Democratic Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer rarely appears in public without his ungainly reading glasses perched at the end of his nose ( EPA ) We look frumpy as hell and they look put together and authoritative, the strategist said. Another Democratic campaign professional who has worked with a number of prominent members in both chambers, conceded that there is a significant gap when it comes to the images of both partys most prominent messengers. From a base marketing perspective, people are more likely to trust somebody with a symmetrical face, they're more likely to trust somebody with a good smile, they're more likely to trust somebody with good head hair, right, somebody with a well-kept beard. So those things are all legit, he said. He added that Trump and his administration are obsessed with image and appearance and said the presidents obsession does have some benefits when it comes to messaging, but he cautioned that the Trumpian central casting focus is a mile wide and an inch deep. They care more about Pete Hegseth being mildly attractive than they do about whether or not he's actually good at doing his f***ing job, he said. Hegseth and other Trump cabinet members present themselves in a way that can be traced back to the same image-making factory that has permitted the GOP-aligned messaging machine to pump out a succession of clean-cut men and women who hew to an easily-identifiable and camera-ready aesthetic. open image in gallery Trump chose Pentagon boss Pete Hegseth in large part for his physical appearance ( Getty Images ) Largely thanks to the influence of Fox News, its long been well-defined to the point of parody. For women, it means sheath dresses in bright colors with the occasional pantsuit tolerated but not exactly encouraged. Long hair, impeccably blown out. For men, dark suits and bright color ties (usually red). What was more or less an unofficial dress code became de rigeur in 2017 once Trump entered the White House. Less than a month after his first term began, Axios reported that the then-45th president had very specific requirements for those working under him, with one source opining that Trump wanted the men in his administration to have a certain look including being sharply dressed with a good physical demeanor, good stature, hair well groomed." Another source said at the time that the president wanted the women working for him "to dress like women that means dresses, not suits, with hair kept long and well-maintained. Trumps preferences havent changed 10 months into his second term, either. The women in his administration (with few exceptions) wear dresses, the men stick to dark suits. And in the words of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, theyre fit not fat. Richard Hanania, a conservative writer who contributed to the anti-DEI portions of the Project 2025 blueprint for the second Trump administration but has since become a sharp critic of the president and his Make America Great Again movement, told The Independent there is already a body of existing academic research that shows Americans generally consider Republicans to be more attractive and suggested that part of the GOPs advantage stems from how many of the most prominent women in the party are more kind of overtly sexual in the way they dress and the way they act in a way that left-wingers are not. Hanania, who admitted to writing for number of white supremacist under a pseudonym in the early 2010s but has since renounced those views, also posited that the stylistic and aesthetic differences between Democratic and Republican women play into a stereotype that casts the Democratic Party as the party of feminization, or kind of aggressive feminists and suggested that the GOPs emphasis on traditional looks for men and women could present a pretty big problem for Democrats in close elections. To the extent that we understand that human nature is a thing that operates on averages across the entire population, and to the extent that we believe that good looking people have an advantage and people think in terms of stereotypes and prototypes, it would be unusual to expect that this wouldn't rebound to the advantage of Republicans, he said. No Democratic consultant or strategist contacted by The Independent for this story would speak on the record, citing fears of professional consequences for speaking publicly about the physical appearance of prominent members of their own party. But a number of operatives suggested that the problem Democrats are facing can be addressed by attrition as some older members retire or hang around too long and are replaced by younger and more telegenic officeholders. One consultant told The Independent that their partys hotness gap is a generational problem that means we end up putting a lot of, you know, older people on TV, though he suggested that the problem is getting better because the younger crop of Democrats are attractive in comparison. We're stuck in a moment where Democrats need generational change at basically every level, like we do need new leaders that we can put out on TV. We need new surrogates we can put out on TV and on social media. We need new campaign strategists. We need new influencers. We need new everything, he said. Clare Considine, a former senior adviser to MAGA South Carolina Rep. Nancy Mace, told The Independent that the Democratic operatives assessment is largely accurate and pointed to a calculation shed done of the median age of the House members who spoke at last years Republican National Convention was 49. Considine said she did not make a similar calculation for the House members who spoke at the Democratic convention a month later but she noted that it was most likely far older and suggested that part of Democrats problem is their partys lack of term limits for committee chairs. By contrast, she said the GOPs insistence on forcing committee leaders to give up their posts after three terms (six years) means that to a greater extent the party centers younger people. Like Hanania, she agreed that GOP women have recently tended toward a common look and attributed that imagery to the southern influence on GOP culture. She suggested that Democratic women unburden themselves from what she called the internalized misogyny of imagining that you have to be frumpy to be serious. But Considine agreed that the GOP has an advantage in an age where people often watch television with the sound off or quickly scroll through vertical videos on TikTok for their news because the Republican aesthetic helps their candidates gain credibility with a public that has a short attention span. There's a reason that pro athletes have a game day fit and treat the tunnel like a runway, because when you look good and you feel good, you're ready to play and perform, and it's why we have a trifecta, she said. The Democratic strategist who said the partys image problem is getting better also suggested that Republicans have similar issues and panned GOP figures such as Trump who think the answer to all of their problems is to find a hot lawyer who can explain that Donald Trump is indicting people through the DOJ on television and called the Trumpian preoccupation with central casting looks very shallow. None of it really covers up how f***ing ridiculous this administration is, he said. But another Republican media consultant who worked on Trumps 2020 campaign, Giancarlo Sopo, told The Independent that Democrats need to find a way to embrace shallowness at some level if they want to win in todays heavily-visual information environment. Any political party that dismisses beauty as ornamental does so at its own peril You dont have to like the execution, but President Trump intuitively understands that humans respond to aesthetics before argument, he said. Sopo cited the example of how the ideas put forth by President John F. Kennedy during the 1960 presidential campaign and afterwards werent particularly novel on their own but led to Kennedys victory and his administrations popularity because they felt new because his administration projected cultural renewal, especially compared with the man he succeeded as president, Dwight Eisenhower. His more avuncular predecessor, by contrast, was far more consequential yet has been largely forgotten by the public, he said. The lesson isnt that substance doesnt matter; its that without aesthetic resonance, it might fail to reach people at all. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice More than a year after Thomas Crooks opened fire on Donald Trump during a campaign rally in Butler, Pennsylvania, one of the most influential figures in conservative media says Trumps hand-picked Justice Department leaders are concealing important information about how the 20-year-old would-be assassin got within a rifles distance of a former president and what motivated him to do so. In an episode of his eponymous podcast released on Friday, Carlson took aim at current FBI Director Kash Patel, his predecessor Christopher Wray, and Patel deputy (and ex-Secret Service agent) Dan Bongino, each of whom he accuses of concealing key facts about Crooks and the security failures that led to him coming within a quarter-inch of making what wouldve been a fatal head-shot on Trump. He also broadly impugned the Department of Justice, headed by Attorney General Pam Bondi, which has oversight over the FBI. Thomas Crooks came within a quarter inch of destroying this country, and yet, a year and a half later, we still know almost nothing about him or why he did it. That's because, for some reason, the FBI, even the current FBI, doesn't want us to know, Carlson said. The former Fox News host continued, telling viewers that the Justice Department and FBI have hidden from the public what they know about the would-be assassin and stating that his report would reveal details of Crooks social media accounts while asking why the FBI was keeping his views a secret. open image in gallery Podcaster Tucker Carlson alleges that the FBI is currently hiding key information about the 22-year-old who nearly assassinated Donald Trump last year ( AFP via Getty Images ) open image in gallery Would-be assassin Thomas Crooks bullet grazed Trumps ear as he turned to read a chart on immigration at the Butler, Pa. rally, likely saving his life ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved ) He then launches into a surprisingly detailed account of how he and his staff came to possess and authenticate copies of much of Crooks social media history and online footprint, which he says leads to the conclusion that Crooks was not some secretive lone wolf who never warned anyone that he was planning violence. Carlson described how Crooks had left a detailed digital trail of violent threats, including calls for assassinations and political violence against prominent Democrats and was a Trump supporter whod called for dictatorship and for putting Hispanics back in their place before radically turning against Trump in 2020 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. It was an amazing transformation, he said as he rattled off a series of quotes from Crooks online history that displayed an increasing affinity for violence and disdain for right-wing media figures such as himself. So here you have volatile, troubled, possibly mentally ill young man with a long record of espousing violence in public. The FBI clearly knew he existed, Carlson continued before explaining that the FBI had entered into contracts for monitoring social media with mass data collection. But he then pivoted to accusing the FBI of having used a selective read of those comments to lie about what Thomas Crooks was thinking. open image in gallery Carlson takes aim at current FBI Director Kash Patel and Patel deputy (and ex-Secret Service agent) Dan Bongino, each of whom he accuses of concealing key facts about Crooks and the security failures that led to him coming within a quarter-inch of killing Trump. ( Getty Images ) He also said the bureau was not only stonewalling but is actually preventing an honest look at what happened, in part by refusing to release footage of the gun range where Crooks practiced before attempting to kill Trump and other evidence, including Crooks autopsy report, to Congress. He then asked: Why did the FBI suggest that he had no digital footprint in the first place, when the FBI had a great deal of evidence, hundreds and hundreds of comments, not from his digital activity, and what's on the other dozen accounts that the FBI clearly had access to? If there's nothing there, if they tell you this is just a lone nut who gave no indication he might do this, then what is stopping the FBI from at least giving the facts to Congress? Because if there's nothing there, these should be very easy questions to answer, he said. The right-wing podcasters allegations against the FBI touched off strong pushback from the bureaus Trump-aligned leadership, which created a so-called Rapid Response account on Thursday to go after Carlson. It immediately re-shared a post by the media figure with a caption: This FBI has never said Thomas Crooks had no online footprint. Ever. Sign up for the daily Inside Washington email for exclusive US coverage and analysis sent to your inbox Get our free Inside Washington email Get our free Inside Washington email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Donald Trumps administration has added four European left-wing groups to the U.S. governments list of foreign terrorist organizations, marking a global escalation of the presidents war on ideological opponents that treats Antifa similarly to the Islamic state. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the administration is designating Germanys Antifa Ost, Italy-based International Revolutionary Front, and two organizations in Greece Armed Proletarian Justice and Revolutionary Class Self Defense as both Foreign Terrorist Organizations and Specially Designated Global Terrorists that the administration claims are conspiring to undermine the foundations of Western Civilization through their brutal attacks. Groups affiliated with this movement ascribe to revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism, anti-capitalism and anti-Christianity, using these to incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas, Rubio said in a statement Thursday. In September, the president signed an executive order singling out the militant antifascist movement and the people who financially support it as a domestic terror organization. There is no domestic terrorist organization designation under U.S. law, and Antifa is not a specific organization but a term that encompasses a wider ideologically driven movement against fascism. But foreign terrorist organization labels could lead to financial sanctions, travel restrictions and federal law enforcement scrutiny, including surveillance and financial oversight of alleged connections in the United States. open image in gallery The Trump administration is escalating its global campaign against left-wing opposition by labelling four European leftist groups foreign terror organizations ( AFP via Getty Images ) That could include freezing assets belonging to anyone believed to be connected to the groups, and restrictions on U.S. citizens, organizations or companies from doing any transactions with them. The latest designations, effective November 20, mark the first time that the movement has been labeled a foreign terrorist threat. There are extensive foreign ties, and I think that would be a very valid step, White House deputy chief of staff Stephen Miller said during a White House roundtable discussion on Antifa in September. The administration is eager to seek legal justifications to stamp out left-wing dissent and connect his Democratic opponents and critics to the movement; officials, media personalities and right-wing allies have repeatedly accused Antifa of violent attacks against federal law enforcement while baselessly alleging that Democratic elected officials and groups that financially support Democratic candidates and causes are financially supporting them and covering up their crimes. The president also issued a national security directive in September that orders federal law enforcement agencies to dismantle groups accused of supporting acts of domestic terror before theyre committed, pointing to anti-Christian, anti-capitalism or anti-American views as identifiable markers. Fighting crime is more than just getting the bad guy off the streets, Attorney General Pam Bondi said during Septembers roundtable. Its breaking down the organization brick by brick, she said. Just like we did with cartels, we're going to take this same approach, President Trump, with Antifa: Destroy the entire organization from top to bottom. open image in gallery The administration has already labeled the decentralized militant antifascist movement a domestic terror group, though the legal ramifications are unclear ( REUTERS ) Antifa encompasses individuals and loosely affiliated groups in a broader militant subculture often physically confronting far-right groups in the streets that has become a global right-wing bogeyman in the wake of nationwide protests, with some turning violent, over the last decade. Since 2001, the vast majority of groups added to the foreign terrorist organizations have largely been connected to Islamic extremist groups and militants that have threatened the United States, such as al-Qaeda and the Islamic State. But the 23 entities that the Trump administration has added or plans to add mark the largest single-year additions to the list since it was established in 1997. Critics have warned against conflating militant antifascist activism with other ideologically motivated violence responsible for large-scale terror attacks. There seems to be no justification for how they determined any of these groups are foreign terrorist groups, according to sociologist Stanislav Vysotsky, author of American Antifa and Antifa: What Everyone Needs to Know. And certainly no evidence that they have direct ties to any U.S. antifa groups. Just like with the rest of this antifa panic, theyre just randomly creating boogeymen. He said the administration likely wont be able to prove links between domestic Antifa groups and foreign groups on the State Departments latest list, but that wont stop them from bringing the full force of federal law enforcement against antifascists domestically. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Germany's governing coalition agreed to subsidize energy prices for heavy industry over the next three years as it tries to breathe new life into a stubbornly slow economy that is weighing on Europe's performance. Chancellor Friedrich Merz said he and other coalition leaders agreed Thursday evening to introduce an electricity price of about 5 euro cents (6 U.S. cents) per kilowatt hour starting Jan. 1, through 2028, to support companies that use a lot of electricity and face international competition. Talks on the plan with the European Union's executive commission are near-complete and we assume we will get permission for this," Merz said. The German economy, Europe's biggest, has shrunk for the past two years and has not seen significant growth for much longer. The conservative Merz's coalition government with the center-left Social Democrats has made revitalizing it a priority since taking office in early May. Still, results haven't shown through yet, with gross domestic product stagnating in the third quarter. This week, the government's panel of independent economic advisers forecast it will grow by an unimpressive 0.9% next year after edging up 0.2% this year. The countrys economy, which is heavy on manufacturing and exports, has been held back by multiple factors including high energy prices, competition from Chinese producers of autos and industrial machinery, a lack of skilled workers and excessive bureaucracy. The government has launched a program to encourage investment and set up a fund of 500 billion euros ($581.4 billion) to pour money into Germanys creaking infrastructure over the next 12 years. The government promises to cut red tape and speed up the countrys lagging digitization. ING economist Carsten Brzeski, who put the current energy price at some 15 euro cents (17 U.S. cents) per kilowatt hour, said Friday that the planned subsidy sends a strong signal and could provide industry not only short-term relief but also clarity and stability for years to come. Holger Losch, deputy managing director of the Federation of German Industries, said the subsidized price would help particularly energy-intensive industrial companies to remain competitive internationally, adding that he hopes the EU allows Germany the flexibility to reduce a large number of companies' costs. Finance Minister Lars Klingbeil put the expected cost of the measure at between 3 and 5 billion euros ($3.4 billion and $5.8 billion). Coalition leaders also agreed to cut a tax on airline tickets starting in July, something the air transport industry has long demanded. The measures will need parliamentary approval. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Operation Raise the Colours has swelled the nation with pride as motorists flash under bridges and pedestrians doff their flat caps to Englands red cross and the union flag. By jingo its been fun. For those who see the world through Commando Comics and the redcoat glory of Michael Caines heroics in Zulu. Strange then, that the nostalgists of Britains right wing are not queuing outside recruitment centres clamouring to join a real army as their country is already in a hybrid war that could turn outright within months. Germanys on the march, though. If that phrase sends a jolt through anyone, thats because theyre looking in the wrong direction. Britain, and the rest of Europe, is facing the greatest threat to its democratic way of life and to the landmass that sustains it since 1945. But in Britain, the loudest patriots campaign against immigrants who are here because they want to share in the glories of Britannia, but are silent on defending Britain against Russia, which wants to smash the place to bits. open image in gallery The Brownhills Miner statue, which was draped in a union flag, in Walsall, Staffordshire, in September, as part of Operation Raise the Colours ( PA ) The UK is being left behind as its allies in Europe are fast waking up to the fact that history is being thrust upon them by what Vladimir Putin is doing in Ukraine and what hes telegraphed he wants to do to the rest of Eastern Europe. Even Germany, once constitutionally banned from having an effective army after the Nazi era, is planning to swell its ranks. This week, Berlin announced that all 18-year-old men will go through a compulsory medical screening for the military as part of plans to expand the Bundeswehr from 182,000 today to 260,000 by 2035. Germany wants to increase the reserve forces from 60,000 to 200,000. It is hoped that the expansion will be voluntary, but laws remain on the statute to bring back national service, which ended in 2011. It has plans to become one of the biggest defence forces in Europe and Nato. In four years, Germanys defence spending is expected to surge to 153bn (135bn) a year, 3.5 per cent of GDP. The UKs is likely to be about 75bn and Frances around 80bn. Berlins massive expansion into weapons production includes a policy to spend only about 10 per cent of its funds on American weapons to keep the jobs and benefits of government spending inside Germany and Europe. Germany will eclipse France and the UK in terms of size and influence inside European defence systems and Nato. So will Poland, which is already spending 4.7 per cent of GDP on defence, well ahead of the commitment by other Nato nations to reach 3.5 per cent. open image in gallery Soldiers of the German forces, Bundeswehr, secure the port part of the Quadriga 2025 military training manoeuvre in Rostock, Germany, in September ( DPA ) Warsaw has also introduced military training for every adult male in the country. We will try to have a ready model by the end of this year so that every adult male in Poland is trained in the event of war, Polands prime minister Donald Tusk said in May last year. So that this reserve [force] is truly matched to and sufficient to meet potential threats. Britains military recruitment targets are aimed at increasing the full-time trained strength of the army, Royal Navy, and Royal Air Force. But the response has been woeful. The army is 3 per cent below its target of around 10,000 new recruits in order to raise the full-time force to 76,000. The RN is worse off, missing its targets by 8 per cent and the RAF is the worst performing at 13 per cent below target numbers. The UK will spend an extra 2.2bn on defence in 2025-26 alone, bringing the total to more than 62.2bn, with the increased spending focused on modernising military capabilities, including new weapon systems, drones, AI-powered tech, and directed energy weapons lasers. Theres a huge effort to spend more on some 7,000 new weapons systems and submarines, including nuclear-powered boats. Keir Starmer and French president Emmanuel Macron have led Europe in building support for Ukraine in its defence against Russia, as American support was cut off entirely by Donald Trump. But unlike Germany, Poland, the Baltic states, and Croatia (which has reintroduced compulsory national service for men), Britain has yet to make the case to the British that their patriotism should be expressed in uniform rather than on bridges and lamp posts. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia launched a blistering assault on Ukraine overnight, killing at least six people and injuring 35. Some 430 drones and 18 missiles targeted the country, Ukraines president said, calling the strikes a deliberate and calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. Ukraines air force said most of the drones and missiles were shot down, but officials said falling debris and fires damaged high-rise apartments, a school, a medical facility and administrative buildings across nine districts in the city of about three million. "At that moment you don't know what to do first: save yourself, your child, or run to help people, because so many people were screaming and needed help," said Anastasia, 29, whose apartment block was hit. The attacks came just two days after Russias foreign ministry indicated it was ready to resume direct talks with Ukraine on ending the war in Istanbul. An official told TASS the ball is in Ukraines court. Russia continues to escalate its strikes on Ukraine while coordinating its messaging to present a show of good faith to the United States. Nearly four years since the invasion, the Kremlin maintains its maximalist designs on Ukraine. Zelensky said that Ukraine was responding to the strikes with long-range strength, and called for greater sanctions to be imposed on Russia. open image in gallery The overnight attacks hit residential buildings, despite Russias insistence it does not target civilians ( AFP/Getty ) Russia has waged a devastating aerial campaign against Ukraine since its all-out invasion of its neighbour nearly four years ago. US-led diplomatic efforts this year to stop the fighting have so far come to nothing. Friday's aerial assault, which also targeted Odesa in the south and Kharkiv in the northeast, was mostly aimed at Kyiv, where drones and missiles smashed into high-rise apartment blocks, according to Zelensky. Mariia Kalchenko said it was a miracle she survived after her building was hit. "I didn't hear anything, I just realised that my hair was on fire," the 46-year-old volunteer rescue dog handler said. In the Odesa region, Russian drones struck a busy street on market day in Chornomorsk, killing two people and injuring 11 others, including a 19-month-old girl, regional military administration chief Oleh Kiper said. Moscow denies targeting civilian areas, with the Russian Defense Ministry saying Friday it carried out an overnight strike on Ukraine's "military-industrial and energy facilities." Analysts nevertheless accuse Russia of deliberately targeting civilian infrastructure in order to wound morale. open image in gallery Eight of the capital's 10 districts reported damage. Emergency crews fought fires in apartment blocks, debris from explosions was strewn across yards and cars parked in the streets were set ablaze ( Reuters ) Natia Seskuria, an associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), said that the systematic targeting of civilian infrastructure was a central element of Russias strategy, designed to terrorise the Ukrainian population and erode public morale. The underlying calculation is that a war-weary society subjected to sustained attacks might exert pressure on the government to accept almost any settlement that promises an end to hostilities, she told The Independent. Thus far, however, this strategy has proven ineffective, as Ukrainians have demonstrated remarkable resilience and determination in the face of ongoing aggression. Fridays attack was the biggest on Kyiv in almost three weeks. Most recent Russian aerial attacks have aimed at electricity infrastructure around the country ahead of the bitter winter months. With no sign of the war abating, millions of Ukrainians face one of the harshest winters in years as humanitarian organisations scramble to deliver essentials to the frontlines and affected areas. The International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) warned on Friday that people whose livelihoods have been destroyed by the war are entering the winter with no financial buffer to support themselves. open image in gallery At least six people were killed in the strikes overnight, Ukrainian officials said ( Reuters ) Frequent power cuts continue to plunge neighbourhoods into darkness, cut heating and force hospitals to use emergency power. For older people and vulnerable people in high-rise buildings, blackouts can mean hours or days of isolation without elevators, heat, and often without food or medicine, the IFRC warned. Almost four years of conflict have eroded peoples resources. Many families are entering this winter with no financial buffer seven out of ten people said they dont have any savings left, said Jaime Wah, Deputy Head of Delegation for IFRC in Ukraine. We have been providing support to people for several years, but our resources are also running thin, Wah added. The scale of the needs is overwhelming, and with each passing day, those needs only grow. Keir Giles, a fellow of the Russia and Eurasia programme at Chatham House, told The Independent that Moscows attacks are designed to cause the maximum possible misery and suffering among the civilian population. Thats the principle we saw applied in Syria, in Chechnya and in countless others of Moscows wars dating back decades and centuries, he said. Mr Giles said Ukraine was the victim of Russias attempts to demoralise its victims through inhumanity. Thats the reason for attacks on maternity hospitals, and nurseries, targeting the most vulnerable in society, as well as for the systematic torture and starvation of Ukrainian military and civilian captives not for any objective purpose other than deliberate and demonstrative cruelty. These attacks continue despite Russias insistence that it is open to talks moving towards a ceasefire. open image in gallery ( Reuters ) Foreign ministry official Alexei Polishchuk said on Wednesday that Russia was ready to resume negotiations with Ukraine in Istanbul. No face-to-face talks have taken place between the two sides since they met in the Turkish city on July 23. Overtures towards peace come after a proposed summit between Russias Vladimir Putin and US president Donald Trump broke down in October, reportedly over Moscows intransigence over its demands. The two leaders have not met since August, when a summit held in Alaska failed to produce a deal. Mr Trump said the meeting was very productive, but the diplomatic push to end the war has yet to yield any results. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Police shot a knife-wielding man at Montparnasse station in Paris, after he had threatened his wife and children before boarding a train. The major train station in Paris was evacuated as officers confronted the man on Friday afternoon, after he had made the threats before taking a train destined for Montparnasse. The prosecutors office said an officer used his weapon on the man at Montparnasse station, who then inflicted knife wounds on himself. A witness told Reuters they heard several shots. Police were waiting for the man reported in French media to be a 44-year-old originally from Wallis and Futuna upon his arrival. When officers confronted the man, he threatened to take his own life and was then shot in the legs, the source said. open image in gallery Passengers wait inside the Montparnasse train station in Paris on Friday after the incident ( AFP via Getty ) A high-ranking police source has reportedly indicated that terrorism has been ruled out as a motivation at this stage, BFMTV reported. The man was travelling on board a OUIGO train connecting Rennes to Paris, arriving at Montparnasse station at 3:02pm local time (2:02pm GMT), Le Parisien reported. A witness told BFMTV he heard a loud bang before panic broke out around him. It took me two or three seconds to realise what was happening. People started saying, We have to get out of here, we have to leave quickly, so that got my heart racing and I got up and ran, the witness told the news network. open image in gallery A firefighter van is seen parked at a platform of the train station ( AFP via Getty ) The police intervention caused a crowd surge through the concourse, a Reuters photographer at the station said when the incident occurred. Authorities evacuated the station, which serves suburban commuter routes and high-speed trains headed to the countrys west and southwest. It appears from the initial information we have received that a man known for domestic violence had brandished a knife, and that a police officer used his weapon to stop him, the Paris prosecutors office said. The man then allegedly stabbed himself. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Russia is preparing for a big war in Europe as soon as 2029, Volodymyr Zelensky warned in an urgent message to Ukraines allies. Posting on X, the Ukrainian president called for the international community to double-down on sanctions on the Russian economy and weapons to decrease their capabilities. He wrote: Given the situation on the battlefield, we dont see Russia wanting to stop. The problem is that when we look at the Russian military industry, we see that they are increasing their production. In our assessment, they want to continue this war. We think that if we push hard, the Russians will need a pause. But we have to recognise that they want a big war, they are preparing to be able to start such a big war in 2029 or 2030 in this period on the European continent. open image in gallery Volodymyr Zelensky warned Europe that Russia is planning a big war as early as 2029 ( AFP via Getty Images ) Zelensky went on to say: I think that we have to think about how to stop them now in Ukraine. But also to do everything to decrease their capabilities. Not to give them money, which they still can get from energy. And not to give them weapons. It comes as the EU is looking into how it can source more money for Ukraine, either by seizing frozen Russian assets, raising funds on capital markets, or having some of the 27 EU nations raise the money themselves. open image in gallery Zelensky says it is time to push hard against Russia ( Ukrainian Presidential Press Service ) Russian president Vladimir Putin "thinks he can outlast us" in the battle over Ukraine's future, nearly four years after Russia's all-out invasion of its neighbor, Ursula von der Leyen said. "And this is a clear miscalculation," the president of the European Commission said. "Now is therefore the moment to come, with a new impetus, to unlock Putin's cynical attempt to buy time and bring him to the negotiation table." open image in gallery It has been over four years since Putin launched the war against Ukraine ( AP ) Meanwhile, the Kremlin said on Thursday that Ukraine would have to negotiate with Russia "sooner or later" and claimed that Kyiv's negotiating position would get worse by the day. Moscow, whose forces are currently trying to take control of the city of Pokrovsk in eastern Ukraine, has accused Ukrainian officials of refusing to engage in peace talks. In response, Kyiv says Moscow's demand that Ukraine cede occupied land as part of a peace deal is unacceptable and tantamount to surrender. Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters that Russia remained open to a political and diplomatic settlement and wanted peace. His comments follow stalled US-led peace efforts, with no progress since Trump and Putin held talks in Alaska in August. Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov spoke by phone to US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on 20 October to discuss a possible new summit, days after it was announced by Trump following a phone call with Putin. Trump subsequently said he had cancelled a prospective summit. The US president has backed calls for an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine with forces at their present positions. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A US congresswoman has promised to track down rich Americans accused of paying huge sums of money to shoot at civilians during the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s. Public prosecutors in Milan are looking into allegations that far-right extremists and gun enthusiasts from Italy, the US and Russia travelled to Serbia to take part in war tourism, where they paid Serbian forces to let them fire at residents in the city. Foreigners would allegedly pay between the equivalent of 80,000 and 100,000 (71,000 and 88,000) to engage in the shooting. They were given a price list for various rates, depending on the target, La Repubblica reported. Regarding the alleged murder tourism discussed below, I have opened an investigation into this matter and am in contact with the Bosnian consulate as well as the Italian embassy, congresswoman Anna Paulina Luna, who sits on the House Committee on Foreign Affairs, wrote on X. open image in gallery Civilians shelter from fire during the siege of Sarajevo ( Mike Persson/AFP/Getty ) Paying money to shoot civilians and even worse to shoot children is a level of evil our country cannot and will not tolerate. If there are any Americans who have engaged in this, they deserve to be charged and prosecuted. Ms Luna, an ally of Donald Trump who last month nominated the US president for the Nobel Peace Prize, added that the Italian and Bosnian governments will be sharing any and all information regarding any AMERICANS that may be implicated. The siege of Sarajevo took place between 1992 and 1996, and was the longest in modern European history, with more than 11,500 people killed. Witnesses to the war tourism trips in Italy say they were arranged from the northeastern city of Trieste. Participants would be positioned in sniper positions overlooking Sarajevo by Bosnian Serb militias loyal to Radovan Karadzic, the Serb former politician who led Republika Srpska. He was later convicted of genocide and crimes against humanity. Investigators believe Serbian intelligence services were aware of, or involved in, the operation, but Serbia has denied any role in the alleged killings. open image in gallery A fathers hands press against the window of a bus carrying his tearful son and wife to safety from the besieged city of Sarajevo ( AP ) Benjamina Karic, a former mayor of Sarajevo, told Italys ANSA news agency that an entire team of tireless people are fighting to have this complaint heard. Journalist Ezio Gavazzeni, who launched the case, told La Repubblica: [There was] a price tag for these killings: children cost more, then men, preferably in uniform and armed, [then] women, and finally old people, who could be killed for free. They departed Trieste for a manhunt. And then they came home and continued their normal lives. They were respectable in the opinion of those who knew them. Italian investigators are working to identify any Italians who took part, in order to charge them with voluntary homicide aggravated by cruelty and abject motives. A former US marine, John Jordan, previously testified to the International Criminal Tribunal for the former Yugoslavia in 2007 that tourist shooters came to Sarajevo to take pot shots at civilians for their own gratification. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Several people have been killed after a bus crashed into a bus stop in central Stockholm on Friday afternoon, Swedish police said. A large number of police cars and ambulances were on the scene, attending to the casualties. Rescuers said that some people were seriously injured. Five people are said to have been affected by the incident, according to authorities. The driver was arrested, and the crash is being investigated as aggravated manslaughter, Swedish outlet Aftonbladet reports. Police said they would not comment on specifics relating to the details of the victims, including the gender or ages of those killed or injured. Authorities said it was too early to say what had caused the incident, which took place at 3.23pm (2.23pm GMT) on Friday in the Ostermalm area, a large district in central Stockholm. The crash is said to have occurred near the citys Royal Institute of Technology. open image in gallery Roads were closed off to the public as emergency services raced to the scene ( TT News Agency ) Valhallavagen, the street near where the collision happened, has been cordoned off by emergency services. I have received the tragic news that several people have lost their lives and been injured at a bus stop in central Stockholm, prime minister Ulf Kristersson wrote in a post on X/Twitter on Friday. People who may have been on their way home to family, friends, or a quiet evening at home. We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their loved ones. Police, ambulance, and rescue services now have a very difficult and important job to do. I urge everyone to show consideration and understanding for their tasks. open image in gallery The driver was arrested and the crash is being investigated as aggravated manslaughter, according to local reports ( TT News Agency ) Swedens deputy prime minister Ebba Busch added: Devastated by the terrible news that people have lost their lives after a bus crashed into a bus shelter in central Stockholm. The government is closely following the developments and is in close contact with the relevant authorities. Several people are said to have run into local shops crying when the crash occurred, witnesses told SVT. It is being investigated as involuntary manslaughter, a police spokesperson said, adding that there was no information to suggest it had been an attack. The bus driver has been arrested but that is routine in such an incident. SVT reported that the vehicle was not supposed to be in service at the time of the incident. A spokesperson for Transdev told The Independent: At 3:20 pm today, one of our buses drove into a bus shelter on Vallhallavagen at the eastern station in central Stockholm. At the moment, we do not know why this happened, but we hope that the ongoing investigation will provide answers to it. The bus was not in service at the time, so there were no passengers on board. The bus had no known faults and was inspected and considered an approved vehicle in May. The brake pads were changed just a week ago. No remarks have been made on alcolocks (checked via log system for the vehicles). The information we have received at present is that people have died and additional people have been taken to hospital with injuries. We do not have detailed information about the injury situation. Our thoughts are with the affected and their families and we are, of course, cooperating fully with the police and authorities to get clarity on what has happened. Mathias Haglund, the commanding officer of the rescue service, said that only the driver had been on board, according to Euro News. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Ukraine has commenced mass production of its new, domestically developed interceptor drones, a critical step to strengthen its air defences. The Ukrainian defence ministry announced the initiative on Friday, as the conflict with Russia approaches its four-year mark, with cities facing almost daily drone assaults. Officials reported a recent attack involved 430 drones. The ministry confirmed that three manufacturers have already commenced production, with a further eleven preparing to establish their own production lines. These drones utilise a proprietary 'Octopus' technology. The ministry stated the system, tested in combat against Shahed drones, proved effective "at night, under jamming, and at low altitudes." President Volodymyr Zelensky's ambitious goal is to manufacture up to 1,000 interceptors daily. Russia is investing heavily in long-range drones and has been steadily increasing the number of drones it uses in a single strike on Ukraine. Aftermath of a Russian drone attack in the city of Chornomorsk ( Telegram/Odesa Regional Military Administration ) Interceptor drones, which cost a few thousand dollars each, are also important for Ukraine as it can save its more expensive missiles for faster, deadlier cruise and ballistic threats. The mass drone production comes as Volodymyr Zelensky on Friday condemned a wicked Russian missile and drone attack on Kyiv that left five people dead in the Ukrainian capital. A pregnant woman was among at least 34 people injured as Russia struck Ukraine with at least 430 drones and 18 missiles overnight, according to Ukrainian officials. The Ukrainian president said the attack was deliberately calculated to cause maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. Strikes also hit Kharkiv and Odesa regions, he said. The attack on the capital was ongoing, officials said, urging residents to remain in shelter until an air raid alert could be lifted. City authorities also warned of power and water outages. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Palestinian mother has been forced to give up on a prestigious scholarship to study at a British university after an unfair government policy prevented her from bringing her family to the UK. Amany, 34, won a life-changing Phoenix Space scholarship to study for an MSc in gender and international relations at the University of Bristol earlier this year. Last month, she told The Independent she was one of several students waiting for an evacuation from Gaza to take up their place at a UK university. Leaders at several of Britains top universities had warned Sir Keir Starmer that frustrating delays to evacuations meant that many students were at risk of losing their place. Now, she has been called up for evacuation out of Gaza on Wednesday, 19 November but has been told she must leave her children and husband behind. open image in gallery Amany is being asked to leave her three children behind in the war-torn Gaza Strip ( Amany ) Amany has three children: a 10-year-old daughter, Taima, and two boys, six-year-old Taim and three-year-old Adam. She says she has been left with an impossible choice. Every detail of my childrens happiness matters to me, their comfort, their strength, their ability to feel love within the family, she told The Independent. How can I leave them? As a determined and devoted mother, she says she spent considerable resources putting her children through private education before the war. They were enrolled in every extracurricular class she could find, and she tried to provide them with a semblance of normality even as the horror of the war in Gaza unfolded. An email sent to her by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Offices (FCDO) Gaza Departure Support team, seen by The Independent, reads: We can only extend our offer to try and support your exit from Gaza to complete biometrics to you individually, and not family members or dependents. It is not currently possible to take forward your request to include your husband or three children in any departure from Gaza. open image in gallery Most of Gaza has been reduced to rubble ( Reuters ) It continues: Therefore, we are sorry to let you know that your case for facilitated departure will not be progressed at this stage, unless you provide confirmation by reply email that you would like us to try and facilitate your exit individually. We recognise this is an extremely difficult and personal decision, which impacts you and your family. If this makes taking up your place this year difficult, you will need to contact your university to explore alternative options, it adds. It was really heavy on my heart when I got the news, Amany said. I cried all my tears. I felt alone navigating the situation as all my family and in-laws are outside Gaza. I cant bear leaving my children in such unbearable and horrible circumstances. The situation is not stable and the ceasefire is just a word on paper. On the ground, there are bombardments. How can I leave my kids alone with no support here? open image in gallery Amany with her two young boys ( Amany ) She says she has decided she will not take up the opportunity and will look elsewhere at other countries and other schemes if she is unable to take her children to the UK. Amany has been unable to break the difficult news to them, as they hoped for an evacuation. I didnt want to break their hearts, she said. Amany says she has no regrets about potentially being forced to give up the opportunity. My kids are my priority. They are more important than any dream or ambition. She has been left frustrated by what she calls a deeply unfair and discriminatory policy, which only allows dependents of scholars to come to the UK on a case-by-case basis. Just two weeks ago, ministers reversed a policy that forbade any dependents of Gaza scholarship students from coming to the UK. Now, dependants must meet certain requirements, including proving they can cover living costs. They must be studying a PhD, doctoral qualification or research-based higher degree, according to the Home Office website. It has left me with a sense of oppression and injustice as if my plans were not my own, she said. As someone with experience working with NGOs and humanitarian groups, she says she is surprised by the UKs policy. I didnt expect this from a country that consistently advocates for inclusion, human rights, and the rights of children, she said. open image in gallery Amanys forever home in Gaza was destroyed by Israels bombing campaign ( AP ) Its deeply disheartening to see policies that deprive children of joining their mothers. Our only intention is to seek safety. We arent seeking asylum. Its a temporary measure to allow me to study and find safety for a year. Amany and her family have been displaced seven times during Israels brutal war in Gaza. Her forever home, which she had decorated to be cosy and welcoming, was destroyed by IDF bombs. The Independent has contacted the Home Office and FCDO for comment. Last month, a Home Office spokesperson said: Students coming from Gaza to the UK have suffered an appalling ordeal after two years of conflict. They have endured unimaginable hardship but can now begin to rebuild their lives through studying in our world-class universities. That is why we are supporting the evacuation of dependants of students on scholarships who are eligible to study here under the immigration rules on a case-by-case basis. On The Ground newsletter: Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly dispatch from our international correspondents Get a weekly international news dispatch Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice South African authorities faced heavy criticism on Friday after more than 150 Palestinians, including a woman nine months pregnant, were held on a plane for approximately 12 hours due to complications with their travel documents. A pastor, who was permitted to meet with the passengers while they remained stranded, reported that conditions on board were "extremely hot" and that children were "screaming and crying". The group had landed at Johannesburg's O.R. Tambo International Airport on Thursday morning via a charter plane, following a stopover in Nairobi, Kenya, as confirmed by South Africa's Border Management Authority. The Palestinian passengers did not have exit stamps from Israeli authorities, did not indicate how long they would be staying in South Africa and had not given local addresses, leading immigration authorities to deny them entry, the statement said. The 153 passengers including families and children were allowed to leave the plane on Thursday night after South Africa's Ministry of Home Affairs intervened and a local non-governmental organization called Gift of the Givers offered to accommodate them. The Border Management Authority said 23 passengers had since traveled on to other countries, leaving 130 in South Africa. open image in gallery An Air France plane lands at the International O.R. Tambo Airport in Johannesburg, Oct. 1, 2020. (AP Photo/Themba Hadebe, File) ( Copyright 2020 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. ) Gift of the Givers founder Imtiaz Sooliman said it was the second plane carrying Palestinians to land in South Africa in the last two weeks and that the passengers themselves said they did not know where they were going. He said both planes were believed to be carrying people from war-torn Gaza. It was not immediately clear how the charter plane was organized, where exactly it came from and why the passengers were able to leave Israel without the proper documentation, as South African authorities claimed. The South African pastor who was given access to the plane while it was on the tarmac told national broadcaster SABC that many of the Palestinians now intended to claim asylum in South Africa. South Africa has long been a supporter of the Palestinian cause and the treatment of the travelers has sparked anger. It's dire, Nigel Branken, the pastor, said in an interview with SABC on Thursday from the plane as he described the conditions. When I came onto the plane it was excruciatingly hot. There were lots of children just sweating and screaming and crying. I do not believe this is what South Africa is about. South Africa should be letting these people into the airport at the very least and letting them apply for asylum. This is their basic fundamental right guaranteed in our constitution. Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A Washington-bound flight was forced to divert after the small 76-seat plane experienced an issue with its windscreen. American Airlines flight AA4435, operated by third-party carrier Republic Airways under the American Eagle subsidiary brand, made an unexpected landing mid-way through the flight. The Embraer aircraft was already delayed by two hours by the time it left Chicago at 9.30pm on Monday, 10 November, for a flight that usually takes just under an hour and a half. Halfway through the flight, data from FlightRadar shows the plane flew past Columbus, Ohio, but then proceeded to make a U-turn back to the city. A spokesperson for American Airlines said that the aircraft experienced a mechanical issue with the windscreen and diverted to Columbus. Instead of landing as intended at the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), the flight landed safely in Columbus. The aircraft was taken out of service to be inspected by our maintenance team, the spokesperson said. Customers departed for DCA on a replacement aircraft. Safety is the centre of everything at American. We never want to disrupt our customers travel plans and apologise for the inconvenience this has caused, they added. Some reports have specified that the windshield cracked mid-air, which caused the unexpected landing, but American Airlines did not confirm this. The aircraft remained on Columbuss apron for a day before it took off again for a flight from New York to Charleston, South Carolina. Aircraft windshields are designed to continue to function safely even if a layer sustains damage. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says that cracks can happen across all plane models and generally, when they occur, it is on the exterior glass pane, which serves as a protective covering for the several layers underneath. Windshields are around two to three inches thick with several layers. The FAA says cracks occur more often than passengers realise. The incident comes weeks after a United Airlines flight suffered a cracked windshield mid-flight, causing an unexpected landing in Salt Lake City. United flight 1039 from Denver to Los Angeles made a diversion on Thursday, 16 October, to address damage to its multilayered windshield. Read more: United Airlines flight suffers cracked windshield mid-flight Sign up to Simon Calders free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calders Travel email Get Simon Calders Travel email Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice President Donald Trumps team is officially axing a plan by the Biden administration to require airlines to pay passengers cash when flight disruptions are caused by carriers. In December 2024, the U.S. Transportation Department, under then-President Joe Biden, sought public comment on writing rules to require airlines to pay $200 to $300 for domestic delays of at least three hours and up to $775 for longer delays. USDOT first said in September that it planned to withdraw the proposal. On Friday, USDOT said the rules would result in "unnecessary regulatory burdens" in explaining why it would not go forward. Last month, a group of 18 Democratic senators urged the Trump administration not to drop the compensation plan. open image in gallery A screen displaying the flight status is seen at Newark Liberty International Airport in Newark, New Jersey on May 7, 2025 ( KENA BETANCUR/AFP via Getty Images ) "This is a common-sense proposal: when an airlines mistake imposes unanticipated costs on families, the airline should try to remedy the situation by providing accommodations to consumers and helping cover their costs," said the letter signed by Democratic Senators Richard Blumenthal, Maria Cantwell, Ed Markey and others. Airlines in the U.S. must refund passengers for canceled flights, but are not required to compensate customers for delays. The European Union, Canada, Brazil and Britain all have airline delay compensation rules. No large U.S. airline currently guarantees cash compensation for significant flight disruption. USDOT said Friday in abandoning the compensation plan that it would "allow airlines to compete on the services and compensation that they provide to passengers rather than imposing new minimum requirements for these services and compensation through regulation, which would impose significant costs on airlines." USDOT also announced in September it was considering rescinding Biden regulations requiring airlines and ticket agents to disclose service fees alongside airfares. It also plans to reduce regulatory burdens on airlines and ticket agents by writing new rules detailing the definition of a flight cancellation that entitles consumers to ticket refunds, as well as revisiting rules on ticket pricing and advertising. Airlines have pushed the Trump administration to go further and praised the action to rescind the Biden plan. Paul Williams delves into the hellish landscape of undercover ops, stings and stakeouts as he looks back at his biggest scoops The crime journalist remembers some of the big stories he covered from the Anglo Tapes to reporting on his arch nemesis John Gilligan in new book Crooks 2 Damning condemnation: John Gilligan leaving Portlaoise prison in 2013. Photo: Colin Keegan Henrietta McKervey Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Published last year, Crooks opened with the first time that Paul Williams unexpectedly found himself at the business end of a gun. He was a young reporter with one year of a two-year journalism course under his belt and aspirations to be a war correspondent. His four-decade career since has tracked the lives of some of Irelands most notorious criminals, but, as Crooks made clear, it came at a cost. He joined the Sunday World in 1987 (his career on an upward trajectory at the same time as The Monks) and has been a familiar name and face since. Kings of Leon will play at Thomond Park on July 1, 2026. After headlining this years Electric Picnic, Kings of Leon are set to return to Ireland next summer. The band have announced a date at Thomond Park in Limerick for next year on Wednesday, July 1. The American rockers are no strangers to Ireland, having played a number of concerts through the years, including headlining Slane Castle in 2011. Tickets for the Thomond Park gig, priced at 89.75 and 99.75, will go on sale next week from 9am on Friday, November 21 via Ticketmaster. An MCD presale will take place from 9am on Wednesday, November 19. In addition to the Thomond Park date, the group will also play at Belsonic in Belfast on June 29. Kings of Leon released a new four-track EP, titled EP #2, earlier this month, and have recently collaborated with country star Zach Bryan. The quartet, made up of brothers Caleb, Nathan and Jared Followill, and their cousin Matthew, have released nine studio albums, sold more than 20 million records and won three Grammy Awards across a career spanning more than two decades. The Tennessee band were the final act on the main stage at Electric Picnic 2025, headlining the Sunday slate at the Stradbally festival. An elderly resident of a nursing home was practically bled dry by a woman entrusted with his care who stole over 82,000 from his bank accounts, a court has heard. Dawn Lambert (62) of St Manntans Park, Wicklow Town, Co Wicklow was given a fully suspended prison sentence of three years after admitting to four counts of theft at a sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court. Children sometimes have nightmares about monsters. I had a real-life monster woman tells of devastating abuse by pillar of the community Pat Salmon Paedophile abused five-year-old girl in the bathroom of his home and looked my family in the eyes As a religious man I would say the devil took over - paedophile former Brother of St John Of God order admitted abusing 5-year-old -girl Eavan Murray Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 A woman who was abused by a pillar of the community as a five-year-old child has said that while young children sometimes have nightmares about monsters, I had a real monster. The number of children actively waiting on spinal surgery lists increased last month, in line with a national rise in surgery queues for all patients, as a statutory inquiry has been promised into the care of young patients with scoliosis and spina bifida. They feared their little boy was going to die Child (8) waits nearly two hours for ambulance after suffering horrific injury Man arrested over mosque terror plot is Sinn Fein activist who attended party conference addressed by Catherine Connolly Sinn Fein says man arrested was at party event in Dublin six weeks ago but is not a memberThe man met Mary Lou McDonald campaigning in general electionCouple were admitted into Leinster House twice this year as guests of Sinn Fein senator Catherine Connolly. Photo: Clodagh Kilcoyne/PA Wire Fionnan Sheahan Thu 13 Nov 2025 at 17:15 A man arrested in a far-right terrorism plot to attack a mosque is a Sinn Fein activist. During Mass Archbishop Dermot Farrell holds up the decree of Pope Leo XIV designating St Marys as the Cathedral Church of the Archdiocese of Dublin. Photo: Catholic Communications Office Pope Leo XVI has upgraded the St Mary's Pro Cathedral to the full Catholic cathedral of the Archdiocese of Dublin. The building on Marlborough Street has only officially had temporary status as a cathedral since it was opened 200 years ago today in honour of St Laurence OToole, as there were plans to build another elsewhere in the city. Sinn Fein activist held over mosque terror plot previously admitted selling cocaine Man arrested was at Sinn Fein event in Dublin six weeks ago addressed by President Catherine Connolly, but is not a party memberSuspect in far-right extremism probe met Mary Lou McDonald campaigning in general electionCouple were admitted into Leinster House twice this year as guests of Sinn Fein senator Sinn Fein president Mary Lou McDonald. Photo: PA Fionnan Sheahan Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 A Sinn Fein activist who is a terror suspect in a far-right plot to attack a mosque previously admitted to selling cocaine. With 875 producing wineries, there is much diversity to the countrys whites, reds and pinks Fifteen years ago this month, Argentina signed in Decree No 1800 to declare wine its national drink and Argentine Wine Day on November 24 was born. As explained in a well-researched blog post from Argentinian fine wine specialists Criado Wines (criadowines.ie), the day honours a rich 500-year history of winemaking and an industry that continues to thrive and evolve. Today, Argentina has 875 producing wineries, over half of them with a wine tourism offer, spread over 20 wine provinces with 114 GIs (Geographical Indications) officially recognised as producing distinctive wines based on geographic conditions such as climate, soil type, altitude and latitude, and so on. Mendoza is the most significant province, the heartland of Malbec production and home to three-quarters of this sprawling countrys vineyards. Located in the arid wine region of Cuyo, it nestles in the Andes foothills with altitudes rising from 600 metres above sea level up to 1,600 metres within just 60km, and temperatures dropping by 10C. Further north, altitudes get even higher: the worlds highest vineyard is in Jujuy province, at 3,329 metres. Further south into the cooler climes of Patagonia and the Atlantic Region, new GIs around Beunos Aires are producing fresh aromatic Sauvignon Blanc, Chardonnay and sparkling Pinot Noir. Wines of Argentina (winesofargentina.org) has useful maps and regional overviews for anyone curious to learn more about this diversity of regions and grape varieties. Argentine Wine Day is not the same as Malbec World Day on April 17 and nor should it be. Theres a lot more to Argentinian wine than Malbec. Think aromatic whites like herbal Torrontes and zesty Semillon, rich reds like fruity Bonarda and rustic Tannat, and pink criolla varieties native to Argentina, alongside many international grape varieties. However, Malbec is a great place to explore Argentinas diversity of terroir and how where the vines grow can affect the resulting wines. Plus, with our own cooler evenings, its a perfect time of year to reacquaint yourself with this winter-warming red. Wines of the week Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2022 Catena Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec 2022, Mendoza, 13.5pc, 25 High and bright with vibrant red and blue fruit, floral hints, notably silky texture and elegant freshness, this is a great-value example of Catenas Appellation series that highlights what different terroirs can offer by bottling separate elements from their blends. Delineated officially in 2013, the high-altitude Paraje Altamira (1,100 metres) was the first GI to be defined by geographical, geological and climatic characteristics, though it was long synonymous with quality Malbec thanks to its sandy, loamy soil and intense mountain light. Mitchell & Son, Molloys, Ely Wine Store, Foley Wines, Barnhill Stores Dalkey, criadowines.ie Pyros Appellation Malbec 2021 Pyros Appellation Malbec 2021, Pedernal Valley, San Juan, 14pc, 29 From a high-altitude northern valley named after its flinty soil, this is dark, bloody, intense and bold with firm tannic grip. FireCastle (Kildare), Leonards (Trim), Galvins (Listowel), Molloys, Lotts & Co, Bradys, DrinkStore, Baggot Street Wines (all Dublin), criadowines.ie Luz de Noche Malbec Luz de Noche Malbec, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 14pc, 24 From the high-altitude GI of Vista Flores, this unoaked Malbec is full-bodied and fruit-forward but joyously vibrant, thanks to grapes harvested at night to preserve their freshness. The Wine Pair, Neighbourhood Wine, The Grape Vine, Clontarf Wines, criadowines.ie Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2022 Kaiken Ultra Malbec 2022, Mendoza, 14.5pc, 22-24 Rich, lush, dense with dark fruit and fine tannins, from high-altitude GIs Vistaflores, Gualtallary and Altamira: an Irish Wine Awards Gold Star winner. Matsons (Cork), Avoca, Red Island Wine, Baggot Street Wines, McHughs, Jus de Vine, Woodberrys Wines, wineonline.ie, theallotment.ie, thenudewineco.ie Alma Mora Select Reserve Malbec Alma Mora Select Reserve Malbec, Argentina, 13.5pc, 9.99 A well-balanced bargain with oak-framed fruit and ripe tannins. Pair with Suelo Argentino Torrontes 2023 (8.99) for an aromatic white with orange blossom notes. Both limited edition. Lidl Conal Thomas: Governments new, ambitious housing blueprint is welcome, but is also bereft of reality The plans dont go far enough to address variables, nor are they future-proof Latest grand plan to solve housing crisis is a lot of old policies rehashed Conal Thomas Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Three-hundred-thousand homes by the end of the decade. Its a seriously ambitious target set out in the new national housing plan and one that might not be as realistic as Housing Minister James Browne has suggested. The archer who misses his mark does not blame the target. He stops, corrects himself and shoots again. So thought the canny Chinese philosopher Confucius. But the Coalition has gone one better with its highly anticipated new housing plan. Its solution to shooting wide of the mark on its three previous plans for fixing the housing crisis was to dispense with such targets. Changing the mood music above the drumbeat of doubt was always going to be tough. Yet Housing Minister James Browne has employed a novel approach in the removal of annual housing targets. They can become a distraction, he said with a straight face. They have certainly driven those waiting for them to distraction. Taoiseach Micheal Martin also defended dispensing with the targets. It was difficult to put yearly precise figures on private-sector delivery, he said. Yet they are the only acceptable metric of success the public trusts. Its true you dont need to hit a target if you cant see it, but keeping the public in the dark is another matter. The Government is delusional if it thinks it will be shielded from blame should it fail. It will be more firmly in the publics crosshairs than ever. Alone, the charity supporting older people, has expressed fears the plan does not set national targets for delivery of homes for older people. In terms of taxpayer money, the plan stands apart. A total of 28.2bn of exchequer funding has been committed, so an annual progress report on how efficiently and effectively that money is being spent would not be an unreasonable expectation. It aims to deliver 90,000 starter homes, working towards a total of 300,000 by 2030. Its two main ambitions are laudable. We have the right measures now in place, combined with the biggest investment in our history One is to trigger supply through policy changes such as boosting zoned and serviced land, supporting investment and ramping up construction capacity and skills. The other is to tackle homelessness, support older people, the disabled and Travellers. Provisions for social and affordable homes are included, but addressing either without a radical approach will be a waste of money, time and effort. All agencies of the State must be mobilised. The Government must command its full executive powers and legal force to override obstacles. If constitutional change is required, so be it. For the time to do all this was yesterday. Tanaiste Simon Harris said the Government needs a no-nonsense approach to bureaucracy. It is high time both he and the Taoiseach brought an end to said nonsense. We have the right measures now in place, combined with the biggest investment in our history, Mr Martin said. He better have, for all our sakes. On the plus side, Focus Ireland said a number of policies it has been arguing for are reflected in the new plan. Meanwhile, the Irish Planning Institute said all levers to increase housing supply are to be welcomed. The public is demanding more homes, not more excuses. Only results can speak now. On checking the dictionary for the meaning of the term, this is the description I got: A clusterbleep is a comedic device where an entire tirade of profanity is censored with a rapid series of bleeps, leaving the audience to infer the offensive nature of the original words from context and the speakers reactions. This can be used in television, movies, or other media for humorous effect. The term is a play on cluster f-bomb, where multiple curse words are replaced with bleeps. Im still at a loss as to what Mr Cowen meant. Would it have anything to do with a metaphorical cluster bomb thats about to befall his political party? Joe Terry, Blarney, Co Cork Nothing ordinary about the people of Ireland, or what we have endured I have never had an interest in politics but I watched this presidential campaign very closely. I am getting to an age where the time I have left has become a great concern. I read, thanks to Mary Regan (Connolly puts political leaders on notice that she wont be one to shy away from using her voice, Irish Independent, November 12), that during Ms Connollys inaugural speech she referred to the people of Ireland as ordinary. I and the rest of the people are no-where near ordinary. For the patience we have had to endure with the lack of services and lack of leadership from our Government, I would say that we, the people of Ireland, are extraordinary and deserve better than this derogatory remark. I also feel it is time that those leading our nation cease putting words in our mouths. It is not my firm wish to have a united Ireland, it is my firm wish that people stop bickering about this whimsical ideology of a united Ireland. These notions are nothing but warmongering and the world has seen enough wars. In light of all of this, I must ask if the concerns for my future have been pacified? I can confirm they have only grown greater. Sarah Roberts, Youghal, Co Cork President may not hold much power, but she will always speak up for voters Fair dues to your editorial (Good luck, President, with societal issues you aim to confront, Irish Independent, November 12). Your take on President Connollys six markers in her inauguration speech was generous. I could almost hear your encouraging applause coming off the page. Perhaps confronting is in the listening and speaking up on societal issues, which is all one should ask of a caring and relevant president. Action will still reside at the heart of the Government, not in the Aras. But real positive change tends to come from the people and our President will prove a cheerleader and an advocate for action, change and unity. Our Government knows only too well the challenges we face and undoubtedly our President will be a sensible constant in its ear. The President will be the peoples voice from time to time, when necessary. Aidan Roddy, Cabinteely, Dublin 18 Connollys vision of Irish as working language is one we can all get behind I wish to compliment President Catherine Connolly on her inauguration speech in Dublin Castle and, in particular, her comments about the Irish language. There is much that I disagree with President Connolly on but I fully support her in her attempts to bring Irish out from the shadows. As she eloquently put it: Ni sa gcuinne a labhairt go hiseal a bheas an Ghaeilge san Aras ach sa chead ait mar theanga oibre Irish will not be spoken in the corner, but first and foremost as a working language. President Connolly became fluent as Gaeilge in later life and understands better than native Irish speakers the difficulties of learning the language as an adult. Ta suil agam go spreagfaidh si nios mo daoine freastal ar ranganna Gaeilge chun feabhas a chuir ar a gcuid Gaeilge. I wish her the very best in this endeavour. Tommy Roddy, Ballybane, Co Galway OBriens comments show he and Head of State have very different outlooks Your editorial makes reference to recent comments by Denis OBrien that suggest he may be an unlikely ally of President Connolly when he called on policymakers to push through radical political change to save the economy. In actual fact and as initially reported in The Irish Times, he described graduates nowadays as entitled, referred to the corporate tax regime as digital colonialism and argued for radical reform in political leadership and government accountability to avoid a future economic downturn. He also controversially called for European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen to be replaced. The businessman said we need to prepare for a downturn in the global economy, which he predicts is imminent. One can immediately relate to the wisdom of the Irish electorate in putting an Independent TD in the Aras. At least we know that when times get tough again, President Connolly will have our back. Tom McElligott, Listowel, Co Kerry Heart-warming guard of honour for Higgins could be start of a puppy boom As a dog owner, it was very uplifting to hear that a large group of Bernese mountain dogs and their owners formed a guard of honour outside Aras an Uachtarain on Sunday as Michael D and Sabina Higgins were about to leave their home of the past 14 years. A lovely gesture. Unfortunately one of Michaels dogs, Brod, who died two years ago, did not witness the experience. Michaels younger Bernese dog, Misneach, did and no doubt will have great memories of a unique house. It will be interesting to see if there is a surge of Bernese puppies at Christmas. Seamus Joyce, Richmond, London BBC made a mistake, but it must stand up to Trumps bullying legal letters While there is no doubt that the BBC made an error in conflating two passages of the speech that US president Donald Trump made on January 6, 2021, I do believe that in its reply to his letter looking for a public apology and compensation, only two words should be used and the second word is lost. Paul Doran, Clondalkin, Dublin 22 President Catherine Connolly reviews the guard of honour during the inauguration ceremony at Dublin Castle. Photo: Reuters President Catherine Connolly will spend much of her time, like her predecessors, delivering and crafting speeches that stay within the boundaries of her constitutional remit while occasionally pushing those impediments to the limit. There will be much talk about vision and aspirations of an inclusive Ireland for all. The presidency is mostly about symbolism, apart from the power under Article 26 of the Constitution to refer a bill to the Supreme Court. The Irish populations relationship with the office is a type of licence to dream without risk, which is why recent presidents have had such a close relationship with the arts. However, when it comes to hard politics, the economy and bread-and-butter issues, the electorate switches to getting down and dirty and elects the dreary, pragmatic and mundane. I think a behavioural psychologist would have plenty of material on how people can divide their loyalties by sharing their voting preferences between dreamers and pragmatists when it suits. There is a story that the late US president Richard Nixon used to roam the corridors of the White House late at night, looking at the portraits of all the past presidents. When he paused before the portrait of the late John F Kennedy, he would mutter: When the people see you, they see what they would wish to be. When they look at me, they see who they really are. There may be an element of this at play in Irish presidential and general elections. Joseph Kiely, Letterkenny, Co Donegal There are many choices for those who dont like the messaging of Connolly In his comment piece on the presidency (Higgins gave us 14 years of left-leaning takes he certainly didnt speak for us all, November 11), David W Higgins asks who will speak out for us who disagree with the President. His opinions, as revealed in his article, are already very well promoted by Micheal Martin, Simon Harris, Heather Humphreys, the Healy-Raes and the politicians who take their orders from them. In fact, it is refreshing to hear the views of former president Michael D Higgins and his successor, Catherine Connolly. They are both a breath of fresh air. Breasal OCaollai, Dun Laoghaire, Co Dublin Having two candidates simply makes a mockery of choosing a president I am not sure it is truthful to speak of a choice with regard to our presidential election this year. Having two candidates makes a mockery of the office. Colm Devitt, Kill, Co Kildare Its sad theres no mention of the EUs role in ending conflict on the continent It is a great pity that in her first speech, President Catherine Connolly made no reference to the European Union and a protracted peace process started after numerous wars, large and small, on the continent closest to us. Donal OBrolchain, Drumcondra, Dublin If the price of journalism is too high, just wait until you see the cost of the lies Maire Treasa Ni Cheallaighs warning should be heeded (The fourth estate is in trouble why we need to pay our valuable journalists more, November 12). Journalism is becoming a profession for those who can afford poverty, and democracy cannot thrive on that. When reporters can no longer make a living, the powerful breathe easier and truth becomes a sideline rather than a service. We need a free and unfettered press to hold the great, the good and the megalomaniacal rich to account. Ill admit that journalists sometimes make me want to spit; I often disagree with what they write, but thats the point? Free speech loses its meaning if its only exercised by those we happen to agree with. While billionaires expand their platforms and institutions build their own media machines, the people who once asked the awkward questions are being quietly priced out of existence. If this continues, the economics of information will shift decisively: truth will become a private good. Thats how democracies decay not suddenly, but by attrition. Readers can still change the outcome. Supporting real journalism is not charity; its an act of civic self-defence. Once we stop paying for truth, we start paying for propaganda. Enda Cullen, Tullysaran Road, Armagh Housing Minister should look abroad to learn how affordable housing works One notes that a lot of countries have affordable housing. However, the countries that deliver affordable housing have different procedures that look very different from each other. Housing is relatively affordable in much of France and in Austria. Housing is also very affordable in South American cities, and its also affordable in Japanese cities. So one wonders whats going on in those places? They may all have separate methodologies, with different models. At the end of the day, these countries have found their own path to achieving an abundance of homes. May I suggest that Housing Minister James Browne takes time out to study some of these housing success stories? The lessons from such a study might assist our country in building more houses. John OBrien, Clonmel, Co Tipperary Money is available, so how come providing enough homes will take 15 years? The Governments latest National Housing Plan involves, as Taoiseach Micheal Martin says, the most unprecedented investment in housing ever. It appears there is a belief that, if you promise to throw billions of euro at the housing crisis (the Land Development Agencys budget will be over 8bn), people will actually take your advice and, as Housing Minister James Browne suggests, hang in there. Yet the health service will have a budget of 27bn for 2026 alone and, due to continuing and constant failings, has been described as a Third World sector. If those billions are thrown at the housing crisis, why, as a recent Department of Finance report suggests, will it take 15 years to solve? Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan A Cost Rental scheme has been launched for eight homes in Carrigtwohill A Cost Rental scheme has been launched for eight homes in Carrigtwohill by Cork County Council which aims to provide affordable rented accommodation to people on middle incomes. Applications for the new two and four bed houses at Baile Adaim, Carrigtwohill will open at 12 noon on Thursday, November 27, 2025. The development of eight newly built, A-rated, family homes is located in a much sought-after residential location in Carrigtwohill. There are six two bed mid-terraced houses and two four bed semi-detached houses, and the rent is at least 26% below private market rents in the area The scheme is aimed at people who do not own a home, are above the threshold for social housing but have difficulty affording private rented accommodation. Cost Rental provides secure tenancy at a rent which is below the market rent in the local area and is also a long-term secure rental option. This new tenure of rental property is supported by the Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage. The Mayor of the County of Cork, Cllr Mary Linehan Foley said: The development in Baile Adaim is conveniently located in this popular residential area just a short distance from Carrigtwohills town centre and all its amenities. This new scheme demonstrates the work that Cork County Council is doing in achieving the housing targets set by the government. Applications for the scheme will be accepted between 12 noon on Thursday, November 27, 2025 and 12 noon on Thursday, December 11, 2025 via the online application portal on Cork County Councils website www.corkcoco.ie. Houses will be allocated on a lottery basis to applicants who have submitted all the required documents and who are deemed eligible for the scheme. Renters will enter a tenancy arrangement with Cork County Council. Further information on this scheme and other upcoming schemes, including the eligibility criteria, guide to making an application and documentation required is also available on the website. West Cork councillors have welcomed the commitment of Amazon Web Services (AWS) to contribute to a local community fund and local STEM education as the cloud computing giant advances plans to bring a high-speed transatlantic data cable ashore near Rosscarbery. AWS says the fibre-optic cable from Maryland in the US to West Cork will be used to power global internet traffic and its data centres. With a planned completion date of 2028, the cable will make landfall at Owenahincha before travelling to a purpose-built, one-storey Cable Landing Station at Tullyneasky West on lands formerly used by Lisavaird Co-Op for storage sheds. The company will shortly apply to the Maritime Area Regulatory Authority for a Maritime Area Consent (MAC) to allow it to occupy part of the seabed. If the MAC is granted, AWS will then need to apply to An Coimisiun Pleanala for planning permission to install the cable. The cable wont be passing through the nearby Special Area of Conservation (SAC). AWS representatives recently met with local Councillors Deirdre Kelly, Isobel Towse and Daniel Sexton to discuss the project and the companys contribution to a community fund for local groups. The Irish Independent understands that the amount will be in the region of 150,000. Cllr Kelly told the Irish Independent that she hopes the project succeeds. I think it'll be a huge boost to West Cork in terms of internet and connectivity. There won't be any real upset to the community, the plan looks very well thought-out and unintrusive. The councillor said AWS has also committed to funding STEM education at local schools. It's up to local communities whether they wish to put in a number of applications or whether they want to come together and have one big project that they want delivered as a whole. They [AWS] are happy to take on board any ideas that are forthcoming. There's no need to wait until 2028, they're willing to engage with community groups once we get the word out there that there is funding available, she said. Cllr Sexton also welcomed the news of the community funding. This will support many local community groups, schools, and local initiatives, and I look forward to seeing the benefits it will bring to our area. I would also like to note that Amazon will not be installing within the Special Area of Conservation. This was a concern shared by myself, other elected representatives, and many constituents, he said. Cllr Towse said she was also "glad the survey didn't touch the SAC as that was the main concern from the beginning. They also confirmed they won't be building a data centre in West Cork, just a cable landing station. If the project goes ahead, it won't be without major investment in the community. In our meeting, myself and my councillor colleagues managed to secure a much more substantial figure for a community fund than what was previously offered, she said. AWS is the biggest cloud computing provider in the world. The company said Cork was chosen because most other major transatlantic cables land in either Mayo or Dublin, giving the tech giant an alternative pathway for critical internet traffic in the event of any problems or outages. Corks other main transatlantic cable, the EXA Express, has around one sixth of the capacity that the new AWS cable will have. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. The Governments new housing plan to tackle the growing crisis offers nothing new and represents a continuation of Fine Gael and Fianna Fails long record of failure claimed a Cork Senator. The housing plan titled 'Delivering Homes, Building Communities', was unveiled by the Minister for Housing James Browne on Thursday, November 13 and it promises to provide 300,000 homes, including 90,000 starter homes, over the next six years. Sinn Fein Senator Nicole Ryan said the latest housing plan, the fourth in just over a decade, offers nothing new. We got more of the same: rising house prices, rising rents, rising homelessness, and chronic under-delivery. After twelve years of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail leadership, how many plans do we need before people actually see results? It is just a reheat and repackaging of past failures. Senator Ryan said the Governments plan ignores key recommendations and fails to meet the scale of the crisis. It underestimates housing need by at least 20%, just as it ignored the Housing Commissions recommendations. There is no increase in social or affordable housing targets, targets that were already too low and are not being met as it is. There are no new measures to prevent or end long-term homelessness, no clarity on how they plan to meet the commitment to end long-term homelessness by 2030, and nothing to support SME builders in delivering good-quality homes for people to buy, she added. Senator Ryan stated that there is no increased investment in council planning departments or the planning courts, which means planning delays will get worse, not better. The only thing this government continues to prioritise is policies that benefit big investors and corporate landlords. We would deliver at least 21,000 social and affordable homes annually. We would take on vacancy and dereliction with compulsory sales orders and give renters real protection. In Cork North-West, I see the consequences every day, said Senator Ryan. Families unable to secure a home. Young people who want to build a life locally but are completely priced out. Older people left in unsuitable housing with no options. Across Cork North-West, dereliction is ignored, and councils are undermined instead of being supported to build. Ms Ryan said accountability must start with those in power locally. The sitting TDs in Cork North-West are part of this government. They should be fighting tooth and nail for the people of our constituency. Instead, people come into my office telling me they will not go to their government TDs for help because they feel completely let down. That says everything about the level of neglect. Referring to the latest Daft.ie rental report, Senator Ryan said a three-bed house in Cork County now averages 1,814 per month. A two-bed is nearly 1,500. Even a single room is costing well over 600. Rents in Cork are now twice the Celtic Tiger peak and supply has fallen sharply. This is the lived reality for workers and families across Cork North-West. Fine Gael TD for Cork North Central Colm Burke however said the new housing plan will help deliver the homes needed in Cork. The measures will lead to a significant increase in the construction of homes for people throughout Cork. We are increasing supply by removing blockages to the delivery of housing, zoning more land for development, and building more homes backed by a housing budget of 36 billion. We are empowering local authorities to tackle vacancy and dereliction in Cork, said Deputy Burke. Giving them powers to bring back homes to the housing market and introducing a new Derelict Property Tax. Were providing 563 million in homelessness services to build on the almost 9,000 prevention and exits from emergency accommodation last year and removing barriers for victims of domestic violence to support them moving to a safe home. Were also increasing the provision of homes suitable for older people and giving them more choice. A review of the planning exemptions for those who wish to convert their homes into separate living spaces and supporting rightsizing will help more older people make the decision they want, he added. Cork Chamber has welcomed the publication of the governments new housing plan. Cork Chamber CEO, Conor Healy, said the time for delivery is now. We need to see real progress on key enabling infrastructure, including water, wastewater, electricity and transport. This will require all stakeholders to work together and to take decisive action to remove systemic barriers, including planning delays, and to speed up infrastructure delivery. Mr Healy said the plan is a step forward, but more is needed. Housing supply is vital to Corks competitiveness and ability to attract and retain talent and investment. Delivering 7,50010,000 homes annually is essential. We look forward to the publication of the recommendations of the Accelerating Infrastructure Taskforce in the coming weeks. The implementation of these recommendations will be key to the success of this housing plan. Little Blues Heroes, Darcie Gavin (8) and Liam Tomney (7), from Tallaght, switching on Dublin Towns Christmas lights. Pic: Sasko Lazarov /Photocall Ireland Little Blues Heroes, Darcie Gavin (8) and Liam Tomney (7), switching on the Dublin Towns Christmas lights at Mary Street, with Santa and Lord Mayor of Dublin, Ray McAdam. Pic: Sasko Lazarov / Photocall Ireland From the twinkling shopfronts of Penneys to the glow of fairy lights overhead, festive spirit filled Mary Street last night as Dublins Christmas season officially got underway. The honour of switching on the dazzling Dublin Town Christmas lights went to Little Blue Heroes Foundation representatives Darcie Gavin (8) and Liam Tomney (7), both from Tallaght, who lit up the street with a single press of the magic button. The Foundation, a Garda charity, supports families of children with serious illnesses while empowering young people through community engagement. The switching on at Mary Street precedes the turning on of the iconic Grafton Street chandeliers and lights at Henry Street, South William Street, Capel Street and throughout the city centre. There is nowhere quite like Dublin City centre at Christmas, said Dublin Town CEO, Richard Guiney. The Dublin Town Christmas lights are by far the biggest task we undertake for our business members, and people of the city, and beyond, each year. It takes a team of 30 people, working through the night over four weeks, to erect the intricate displays. Little Blues Heroes, Darcie Gavin (8) and Liam Tomney (7), from Tallaght, switching on Dublin Towns Christmas lights. Pic: Sasko Lazarov /Photocall Ireland Each fixture and bulb is tested in advance, part of a mammoth effort that sees energy-efficient LED lights brighten 24 streets across the city centre this year. The lights bring the sense of Christmas to the city centre and thousands take selfies beneath the iconic displays, Mr Guiney said. They are the major catalyst of the City centre Christmas buzz, as well as attracting footfall. Shopping and socialising in Dublin City centre under the iconic Christmas lights is a key Christmas experience for many. We invite everyone to come to town and make new Christmas memories under the magic of the Dublin Town Christmas lights, he added. Now in its 17th year, Dublin Towns Christmas lighting project has continued to expand sustainably, with all displays regulated by time clocks to save energy. To put it in perspective, the Grafton Street chandelier uses just one-third of the electricity of a domestic shower. With the countdown to Christmas officially on, Dubliners are once again being invited to come to town and soak in the festive glow. Dubliners are also being invited to come into see Dublin City Councils popular Winter Lights Christmas-themed attraction, which is set to return to the streets of the capital in December, lighting up a further 25 city centre locations over the festive period. Further information on Christmas in Dublin is available at dublintown.ie Ard na Sidhe Country House, winners of the Food Lovers Choice Award Wild Atlantic Way, sponsored by Tourism Ireland. (LR) Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; Alice Mansergh, Tourism Ireland; Debbie Brosnan and David Norris, Ard na Sidhe Country House. Photo by Paul Sherwood Photographer. Great Southern Killarney, winners of 4 Star Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Guinness Storehouse. (LR) Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; Gavin Nolan and Catrina Nolan, Great Southern Killarney; and John Carroll, Guinness Storehouse. Photo by Paul Sherwood Photographer . The Bianconi Inn, winners of Pub Restaurant of the Year, sponsored by Guinness Storehouse. (LR) Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; Gerard Aherne and Ilona Szymsaj, The Bianconi Inn; and John Carroll, Guinness Storehouse. Photo by Paul Sherwood Photographer. Three Kerry businesses are making a little extra room on their mantelpiece this week after they took home top honours at the recent Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, an event that celebrates businesses right across the food, drink, and hospitality sectors. Announced at the awards ceremony at The K Club in Kildare last week, Kerry businesses took centre stage winning some of the top accolades of the night. The Kerry winners on the night were: The Bianconi Inn in Killorglin was named Pub Restaurant of the Year. The Great Southern Killarney in Killarney town was named as 4 Star Hotel of the Year. Ard na Sidhe Country House in Killorglin was awarded the Food Lovers Choice Award - Wild Atlantic Way. Owner of the Bianconi Inn, Hazel Boyle, said the win came as a real surprise. We honestly didnt expect to hear our name called, especially given the other brilliant finalists in the category Hazel said. It means a lot to us as its a reflection of the people behind The Bianconi, our fantastic team, our customers whove supported us for years, and the great food tradition thats part of Kerry and Killorglin. We just try to do things the right way: good food, local ingredients, and a warm welcome. Head Chef Lukasz Wacnik who attended the awards, added: It was a lovely shock to win. Theres so much great food across Ireland now, and to be recognised among them is really special. Were lucky in Kerry that theres incredible produce all around us, and a real pride in local food. This award is for everyone who works hard in the kitchen and front of house every day. The Good Food Ireland Awards, supported by FBD Insurance, AIB, Tourism Ireland, and other key partners, honour the businesses that form the heart of Irelands food community, from farm to fork and land to sea. Cllr Kennelly said everyone in town is questioning the removal of a roundabout at a busy Listowel junction A bird's-eye view of the newlook junction of the Clieveragh and John B Keane Roads in the centre of Listowel. Photo by John Kelliher Kerry councillors say everyone in town is questioning a new junction on a regional towns bypass road as reports of locals avoiding the crossing altogether mount. Councillors were unanimous in their condemnation of the new traffic measures at the Clieveragh Junction, Listowel, all asking Kerry County Council to revert the crossing back to its original state as a roundabout. The Listowel bypass, which was opened in June 2024, has delivered a much-needed traffic management improvement for the town but works also included the removal of a roundabout at the key Clieveragh crossroads, replacing it with a controlled lights system. When the new junction that links Ballylongford Road with the John B Keane Road and Upper William Street opened in 2023, The Kerryman reported widespread confusion and danger at the crossing. While most councillors at the recent Listowel Municipal District meeting reported locals avoiding the crossing, Councillor Aoife Kennelly said that one couple had even stopped shopping in the town altogether. Everyone in town is questioning why we got rid of the roundabout in the first place and can we not put it back, so I think were going to have to go back to the drawing board with this one, said Cllr Kennelly. Now you have people not just avoiding the junction but avoiding the town completely, so something badly needs to happen here. Councillor Jimmy Moloney asserted that there had been collisions at the crossing and asked to sit down with the councils safety team. He also decried the state of the junction at rush hour, saying he had sat through five sequences of the traffic lights to arrive at the council meeting that morning. A councillor officer contradicted Cllr Moloney, stating there had been no recorded collisions at the junction between January 2024 and May 2025, with a senior council engineer saying they didnt believe stories of people avoiding Listowel due to the crossing. While people may feel uncomfortable using the junction, they reasoned, but they are in fact safer. He extorted the councillors not to throw it away and said concerns are probably easing. The roundabout was removed due to one significant accident that occurred and multiple pedestrian incidents at the surrounding crossings. The introduction of controlled traffic lights at the crossroads in 2023 was intended to provide a more pedestrian and cycle-friendly junction and make it safer for motorists. At the time of opening, councillors complained about inadequate road markings, while crashes and scrapes were reported in the first few weeks. Fine Gael Councillor at the time, Mike Kennelly, said we have put lives in danger and urged the council to revert to the old roundabout system. It isnt working, it hasnt worked, its not a straight forward box junction. It was a loaded gun that was opened up at 3pm on a Wednesday afternoon, he said after its opening. It was a laughing stock. It was a loaded gun with that traffic light system. I dont want anyone here to say it will be fine, that old Irish adage, it wont be fine. My motion is to move back to the old roundabout system. At the meeting this week, councillors were shown the current traffic light modelling of the cross, indicating that the current light sequence was the best solution, despite councillors concerns over large tail backs during the morning rush. Cllr Moloney invited safety auditors to come and look out his window to see the traffic, unhappy with the answers provided by the council. He reasoned that authorities had spent tens of millions of euros on the bypass to improve motor traffic and the junction was clearly in contradiction to this principle. Whats been said from county elected members is facts, we dont want to be coming in here and creating problems, but this is what is being said to us all over North Kerry, not just in Listowel town, said Cllr Moloney. People are just avoiding this junction now and I know collisions might have gone down and a large reason why that might be the case is that people are just avoiding it. Could we actually meet with the safety audit team and explain whats going oncan we not scrap it and go back to the drawing board, and get the traffic flowing for what the project was originally intended and meant to do for investment in the area? Cllr Kennelly agreed the council needed to go back to the drawing board and reintroduce the roundabout. I know youve done all the research and you have all the data but facts and figures mean nothing to the people of Listowel who are using it everyday, who hate using it and are avoiding it, she said. Both Councillor Liam Speedy Nolan and Michael Foley echoed the other councillors comments, with Cllr Nolan saying people were on tenterhooks when approaching the junction. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting scheme Sligo Councillor dealing with a tsunami of people who are facing eviction The latest Daft.ie rental report has been described by Labour Cllr Ann Higgins as a damning indictment of the Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels failure to protect renters and deliver affordable homes. The report reveals market rents are now one third above pre-Covid levels and two thirds higher than in the Celtic Tiger peak, with this region (Connacht-Ulster, excluding Galway) showing what Cllr Higgins described as, An unbelievable depressing increase of 76%. Coupled with the significant drop in availability (-71%) in this region, the failed housing strategy has resulted in locking out of so many people from the rental market. The report shows that market rents in the year to September rose by 4.3% nationally and 5.9% in Connacht- Ulster (excluding Galway), with the average monthly rent in Sligo for a two-bedroom apartment now standing at 1,315. Cllr Higgins said the figures reveal that Irelands rent crisis has become intolerable, and that the Governments so-called housing plan has failed communities in Sligo and across the country. Cllr. Higgins said, The scale of Irelands rent crisis has become completely intolerable. Market rents are now one third higher than pre-Covid levels and two thirds above the Celtic Tiger peak. For too long, Fianna Fail and Fine Gael have failed to grasp the nettle and introduce real protections for renters. Their plans have failed, and it is ordinary renters here in Sligo who are paying the price. Families, workers and students here simply cannot keep up with these rising costs. Its pushing people out of their communities and forcing many into precarious living situations. Governments failed housing policy has created this horrendous perfect storm of lack of affordability and availability. Plainly put, there are too few properties to rent and those that are much too expensive. Availability is now less than one third (29%) of its 2015-2019 average, when an average of 630 homes were typically available for rent. The total number of homes put up for rent in Connacht-Ulster in the year to October was 3,450, down 9% year-onyear and 55% below the 2015-2019 average. Average monthly rents of 1,497 for a three-bedroom house in Sligo are totally unsustainable. This Governments failure to deliver affordable, secure homes has pushed an entire generation into permanent insecurity. It is wild that in 2025, people are paying record prices for the most basic human necessity a place to live. As we await the Governments new housing plan, due to be announced tomorrow, the question is whether they will finally face up to reality. Fianna Fail and Fine Gaels approach to housing has been one of delay, denial and deference to the market. They talk about solutions, but every year the problem gets worse. Labour has long called for measures to enhance security for renters. We must end no-fault evictions and stop tenants being forced out when a property is sold. Evictions for refurbishment should only be allowed where a property is genuinely uninhabitable not used as a loophole by landlords looking to hike rents. We also need to restrict so-called family use evictions to genuine cases involving a spouse or child, with far stronger oversight to prevent abuse. These changes are vital to give renters in Sligo and beyond a sense of stability and dignity in their homes. We need a new era in housing one built on fairness, transparency and security for renters and homeowners alike. People in Sligo deserve to know they can put down roots without fear of eviction or constant rent hikes. I am dealing with a tsunami of local people who are facing eviction in the next couple of months, with simply nowhere to go. With over 160 local people and families currently in homeless across Sligo, these figures are only going to go upwards. And it is important to remember that behind all the facts and figures, it is real people from all sectors, ages and backgrounds, from single people to families, who are stuck in this endless loop of not having certainty around where they will live within the next couple of months. Real people, real anxiety, real lives put on hold, real children growing up in homelessness, real people emigrating. Its time for real action, not more promises. Government must finally deliver for renters, rein in spiralling costs, and give people a break. Article Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme. Details surrounding the horrific nature of the alleged attack were heard at a sitting of Athlone District Court. A young mother has told of how she has been left terrified at thoughts her out of control husband who is subject to a deportation order will come back to their marital home and kill her, a court has heard. Health professionals in the county have been spreading the message of the long-term benefits to the feeding practice Various groups combined to host a coffee morning marking National Breastfeeding Week at the Brandon House Hotel in new Ross, Co. Wexford. An information stand and education session for staff took place in Wexford General Hospital for National Breastfeeding Week. An information stand and education session for staff took place in Wexford General Hospital for National Breastfeeding Week. HSE staff, mums and their babies marking National Breastfeeding Week at a coffee morning held in the Presentation Arts Centre, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford. National Breastfeeding Week took place recently and emphasised the theme, Hold me close: The power of skin-to-skin contact. The HSE and experts in lactation are continuing to emphasise that sentiment saying that it supports feeding, bonding and recovery after birth and increasing breastfeeding rates contributes to better long-term population health. Across Wexford, the HSE provides supports and resources to help parents protect and promote breastfeeding. Specialists in Lactation work alongside Health Promotion and Improvement Officers to encourage breastfeeding as part of health and wellbeing initiatives. Siobhan Sinnott who works as Child Health Programme Development Officer with the HSE says: Parents can get support and advice on establishing breastfeeding from their midwife and public health nurse. They can also ask questions about other aspects of caring for new-borns, such as recognising what is normal in the early weeks and soothing a crying or unsettled baby. Hospital and community healthcare specialists in lactation can offer support with specific breastfeeding queries and challenges. An information stand and education session for staff took place in Wexford General Hospital for National Breastfeeding Week. There are now over 30 breastfeeding support groups who operate both in person and online, available to parents across the region. The Cuidiu organisation is another fantastic support. Breastfeeding supports your childs health now and in the long term. Its also important for mothers, aiding recovery after birth and reducing the risk of breast cancer and diabetes said Stephanie Murrary, a Clinical Midwife Specialist in Lactation at Wexford General Hospital. We encourage mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and seek advice during the antenatal period to prepare for the early days and weeks. Were always delighted to see mums surprise themselves with how well they do, gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby. The range of activities during the national week highlighted significant ongoing work. For example, mums and their babies joined the Cuidiu organisation and the HSE for coffee mornings at the Presentation Arts Centre in Enniscorthy and in the Brandon House Hotel in New Ross. An information stand and education session for staff also took place at Wexford General Hospital. An information stand and education session for staff took place in Wexford General Hospital for National Breastfeeding Week. Placing a baby directly on their mothers chest immediately after birth is a key moment said Aoife Kehoe, Public Health Nurse and Lactation Specialist. It helps the baby adjust to the outside world and stimulates brain development. It also transfers beneficial bacteria from mother to baby, supporting the development of a healthy gut. Safe skin-to-skin contact should be practised as much as possible as your baby grows. It comforts your baby, helps them feel secure, and builds your confidence in caring for and feeding them. It can also improve sleep for both you and your baby. A picture of the original petition sent to the landlord seeking permission to build the church. Members of the clergy with Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash at the mass. Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash holding the original petition to the landlord seeking to build the church with parishioners. The Bishop of Ferns, Ger Nash, recently joined parishioners in Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford at a special mass to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Church of Saint Peter in the parish. Personal recollection, folk memory, social cohesion and a continuing message of hope for the future were bound together in a celebration of the milestone. The building is an architectural gem, designed by George Ashlin, an associate of Augustus Pugin, who designed more than two dozen buildings including Cobh Cathedral, and stands as a beacon for fishermen on the rock of the Quay. It has been carefully maintained as befitting the place it holds in the lives of its parishioners, embellished with a very fine adornment of stained-glass windows connecting again to the people who prayed here down through the years. The celebration opened with the gathering of the congregation and the procession of the Bishop of Ferns, and Fr Pat Mernagh P.P., Fr Michael Hore, Fr Jim Cogley and Fr Robert Maguire. Members of the clergy with Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash at the mass. The mass was accompanied by music from the choir conducted by Liam Bates and a rendition of Sweet Kilmore Quay by the Kinsella brothers to conclude an uplifting and historic service. The offertory gifts encapsulated the associations of the church. A copy of the petition signed by local people, many descendants of whom are living here yet, for the grant of the site to their landlord, a candle of remembrance of the people who made this place their place of worship, a book of parish records to connect a community shaped by grace across generations, a model fishing boat to carry gratitude for lives built on the sea, a scallop shell as a reminder that each journey starts with a single step, a commemorative booklet as a symbol of memory, gratitude and a shared story, and bread and wine as a symbol of Christs enduring presence. Bishop Nash made reference in his homily to the long history of the church and its people and their enduring faith and commitment. As the 81st Bishop of Ferns, he is in the line of succession after the 72nd bishop, Most Revd Thomas Furlong, who in 1875 dedicated this church. Some things change, some things do not, the legacy of the petitioners and of their successors is held in high regard in this community and will be handed on to their succeeding generations. Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash celebrated a special mass as part of the anniversary celebrations. As Fr Meyler who was parish priest in October 1875 had the privilege of saying the first mass in St Peters to his curate Fr Fortune, Fr Mernagh P.P. accorded Fr Cogley the opportunity to speak about his long association as curate in Kilmore Quay. In recalling his many friends, he reached back in time and memory to all who had gone before and bestowed so much to the present-day generation. After the final blessing the bishop patiently posed for shared photographs with all. The assembled company then headed to the Stella Maris Centre for refreshments, prepared to a very enjoyable standard by Bernie and staff. At this function Dick Bates launched a commemorative booklet containing the history of the church and many photographs depicting personalities from the Quay. All was done in the shadow of St Peters Church which stands proudly on the rock of the Quay. New Ross Women of Wexford gather together to mark Orange the World as 65,000 domestic abuse incidents are reported to Gardai in 2024 This month, as part of the Orange the World campaign and 16 days of action against sexual violence in Wexford, Wexford Library was filled with inspiring women for a powerful discussion on the actions that society needs to take. My love of Irish grows more and more...Im obsessed Childrens author Sadhbh Devlins latest book could make Irish language history The magic of her native tongue has inspired Bray author Sadhbh Devlin to tell such powerful stories that one is now the first in Irish to be shortlisted for a major award Sadhbh Devlin. Photo: Patrick Bolger David Medcalf Wicklow People Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 07:20 Vote for me!! Sadhbh Devlin (nee Gallagher) makes no apology for soliciting support from wherever she can find it. The Bray authors An Fia Sa Choill is on the shortlist in the junior childrens section of the An Post Book of the Year Awards. Brian McDonagh (64), with an address in Terenure, Co. Dublin and formerly of Drummin House in Delgany, Co. Wicklow, at Wicklow Circuit Court. Photo: Colin Keegan, Collins, Dublin. A Dublin businessman has appeared in court, after gardai claimed he breached conditions imposed in a case involving an alleged firearm incident during the repossession of his former home. Brian McDonagh (65), with an address in Limekiln Road, Manor Estate, Dublin 12, appeared before Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court on an application to have his bail revoked. Detective Garda Shiggins testified that on February 24, 2025 at Drummin House, Delgany, Co Wicklow, the former property of Mr McDonagh, various law enforcement personnel attended the premises to assist in the repossession of the home. Det Shiggins told the court it is alleged that Mr McDonagh pointed a firearm out his window in an attempt to intimidate those involved in the repossession. Mr McDonagh is charged with the production of a firearm, namely a shotgun, possession of a firearm, and wilfully obstructing or interfering with a sheriff contrary to Section 110 of the Courts and Civil Law (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2023. The court heard that in October, Mr McDonagh was made aware that his bail conditions required him to stay away from Drummin House and its grounds, and to sign on at Greystones Garda Station every Monday and Friday. Det Shiggins told the court that Mr McDonagh is alleged to have breached these conditions in October. He was arrested at the scene and later brought before Bray District Court. The court heard that gardai allege Mr McDonagh made admissions to fixing a legal notice on the gate of the gate lodge on the Drummin site, which was described as a large house on a substantial plot off the N11 just before Glen of the Downs. It was noted that Mr McDonagh has no bench warrant history. Counsel for the defence, Justin McQuade, instructed by Michael OConnor, told the court that his client is a family man and argued that gardai were seeking a second bite of the cherry by trying to revoke his bail. Mr McQuade BL said Mr McDonagh had previously been granted bail on two occasions and had not returned to the property while on his current bail. Judge Patrick Quinn directed Mr McDonagh to provide the court with his phone number, reside at an address in Dublin 12, and sign on at Greystones Garda Station twice a week. The matter was adjourned to January 13, 2026 Funded by the Court Reporting Scheme The longest pump track in Ireland will officially open in Wicklow town on Saturday, November 15, with the seed for the idea originated by a former resident of the town who has since relocated to Madrid, and a former councillor. The exciting new project is a collaboration between Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Town Team, who secured the funding for these works under the Town & Village Renewal Scheme. Its located along the Murrough seafront, beside the skatepark and playground. The initiative was started by John Kelly, an Irish native who moved to Wicklow town with his family just after the Covid pandemic. His two kids loved visiting the skatepark, and John felt the Murrough would also be an ideal location for a pump track. He reached out to the elected members of Wicklow Municipal District in 2022, with then sitting councillor Mary Kavanagh getting involved. I thought it was a great idea and an opportunity to turn some wasteland into something useful, said Mary. John was very knowledgeable about everything that is involved in establishing a pump track and the different dimensions involved. Wicklow County Partnership got on board, and knew where to go in order to secure funding. Dave Shannon and the Wicklow Town Team were very supportive. Wicklow County Council and Wicklow Municipal District then got involved ad the project began to progress. I am delighted to see it finally come to fruition as sometimes ideas such as the pump track end up going nowhere. It will greatly enhance the area and should get plenty of use. It will be the biggest pump track in the country. Hopefully it will lead to the roll out of further pump tracks at other locations in the county. Its healthy, based outdoors and is suitable for children of all ages. John Kelly and his family have since relocated to Madrid, but he has been kept updated on the project he helped to start, and has expressed his joy after hearing it is now finally ready to launch. The pump track will include a 200m main track, a 30m split line for more advanced bikers and a 50m kids track, measuring 280m in total. The work was carried out by Velosolutions, who specialise in the delivery of pump tracks. They built the Dodder Valley Park pump track in Dublin, which they say is the "largest full asphalt pump track in Ireland," with a total area of 1,300 square metres. They have also been approached about a pump track for Bray, but no funding has yet been secured for that particular project. Mary also has a close emotional tie to the pump track as it will be located beside the skatepark which her late sister Pat secured for the Murrough before she passed away in December of 2015. Its something very close to my heart. My late sister Pat was a leading campaigner in getting the skatepark established along the Murrough. It was her legacy and she carried out so much work to get it over the line, so its nice to have played a part in the construction of the pump track, in the same way Pat brought the skatepark to Wicklow town. You couldnt ask for a better location right by the sea, and next to the skatepark and playground. The pump track will be officially opened to the public at 1pm on Saturday, November 15. Adolf Hitler had a genetic sexual disorder, new DNA analysis reveals Channel 4 documentary Hitlers DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator also debunks myth that Nazi tyrant had Jewish ancestry Adolf Hitler's DNA was taken from the site where he died Holly Evans UK Independent Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Adolf Hitler had a hidden genetic disorder that would likely have hindered the development of his sexual organs, new analysis of his DNA has uncovered. US worker deported in error to El Salvador may now face his second deportation this time to Uganda LATEST | BBC now awaits response from Donald Trump after apologising for Panorama speech edit Mr Trumps lawyers threatened to sue the BBC for one billion dollars BBC awaits response from Donald Trump after apologising for Panorama speech edit Irish Independent Newsdesk Press Association Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 09:16 The BBC is awaiting a response from Donald Trump, after the corporation apologised for the editing of a speech by the US president which appeared on Panorama in 2024. Donald Trump said he had an obligation to sue the BBC Photo: Getty The BBC doctored footage of a Donald Trump speech a second time and ignored concerns that were raised about it. Spliced footage of the speech, which aired in an episode of Newsnight in 2022, made it appear that Mr Trump was encouraging his supporters to riot. Sara Sharif. The ten-year-old, who was murdered by her father and stepmother, Sara Sharifs abusive father and stepmother should never have been trusted with her care, according to a damning review that also found she was failed by the UKs safeguarding system. A Chinese national believed to be one of the most prolific sex offenders of all time has been jailed for a string of offences including rape and upskirting, as detectives appealed for hundreds of potential victims to come forward. Jeffrey Epstein tried to set up a meeting with the Kremlin to offer insight into Trump The disgraced financier offered to speak with Sergei Lavrov about handling the US president Donald Trump and his future wife, Melania, with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the Mar-a-Lago club in 2000. Photo: Getty James C Reynolds UK Independent Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 Jeffrey Epstein claimed he could give the Kremlin valuable insight into Donald Trump ahead of a summit between the US president and Vladimir Putin in Helsinki, newly released emails show. RAMALLAH, WEST BANK - NOVEMBER 08: A view of a damaged house of a Palestinian family burned by Israeli settlers in the village of Abu Falah near Ramallah, West Bank on November 08, 2025. A group of illegal settlers stormed the outskirts of the village and torched the one-story home, causing parts of the house to burn, local sources told. (Photo by Issam Rimawi/Anadolu via Getty Images) US president Donald Trump signs funding bill to end worst government shutdown in American history Millions of people had to go without food aid and pay, while thousands of flights were cancelled during ugly impasse House Speaker Mike Johnson applauds as US president Donald Trump signs bill in the White House to end government shutdown. Photo: Reuters Erik Wasson Washington Post Fri 14 Nov 2025 at 06:30 US president Donald Trump signed legislation to end the longest government shutdown in US history on Wednesday night, marking the official conclusion to a 43-day impasse that halted food aid to millions of households, cancelled thousands of flights and forced federal workers to go unpaid for more than a month. US President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump at the White House. REUTERS/Jonathan Ernst US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced a US military operation that he said would target "narco-terrorists" in the Western Hemisphere. "Today, I'm announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people," Hegseth said in a post on X. A pattern of disruptions, amplified by social media ( Image credit : Instagram/arianagrande| Ariana caught in the chaos of clout-chasing stunts ) Safety concerns for global touring artists ( Image credit : Instagram/arianagrande| Ariana moment sparks fresh doubts on event safety ) Legal and industry impact in Singapore ( Image credit : Instagram/arianagrande| Ariana premiere scare ends in chargesand new security questions. ) A security breach at the Wicked: For Good Asia-Pacific premiere in Singapore where an Australian man jumped a barricade and grabbed Ariana Grande has triggered wide-ranging conversations about crowd control, influencer-driven disruptors, and the growing culture of stunt-based notoriety. The incident, captured in viral clips, briefly halted the yellow-carpet event before security escorted the man away.The individual, identified as Johnson Wen, has a documented history of interrupting high-profile events, often sharing those moments online. Videos on his social channels show previous invasions at concerts and public appearances featuring major international artists. The latest incident fits a pattern in which individuals use disruptive behavior to gain attention, raising questions about how social platforms may unintentionally reward such behavior with virality.Grande appeared visibly startled when the man grabbed her, prompting immediate intervention from co-star Cynthia Erivo. The moment reignited discussion about safety protocols for artists who frequently interact closely with fans. Large-scale promotional events, particularly those held in open mall spaces, rely on multiple layers of security yet the breach demonstrated that even structured barricade systems can be vulnerable to sudden, unpredictable actions. People online have questioned whether existing measures are sufficient for global celebrities who routinely attract massive crowds.Wen has been charged in a Singapore court with being a public nuisance, an offense that carries a potential fine of up to S$2,000. The swift legal response reflects the city-states strict approach to maintaining order at public gatherings. Fans note that the case may push event organizers across the region to reassess their security protocols, especially for premieres that draw international media attention. The incident also highlights the challenges faced by security personnel balancing fan access, media presence, and the safety of high-profile guests.Despite the disruption, the premiere continued with the cast including Grande, Erivo, and Jeff Goldblum meeting fans who had queued for hours. Wicked: For Good, the second installment of the two-part adaptation, is set for release on 21 November. Key winners ( Image credit : Instagram/ @ichiragpaswan | Nitish, Modi & Paswan rise while opposition loses ground ) ( Image credit : X/ @pradip103 | Women voters drive historic turnout in Bihar 2025 ) Key losers and opposition setbacks ( Image credit : Instagram / @ichiragpaswan | Bihar 2025: Key players emerge victorious, others setback ) Bihar elections have more plot twists than a daily soap. Waiting for the next Arey yeh kab ho gaya? moment. #BiharElection2025 Nguyen (@jack_wagmi) November 14, 2025 Social media reactions This is the reason & their mentality... They won Bihar Elections with flying colors & breaking records after records. Dr Gaurav Joshi (@the_gauravj) November 14, 2025 The 2025 assembly elections in Bihar resulted in a commanding victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), securing over 200 seats in the 243-member assembly. The outcome reflected wins for some and setbacks for others.The most prominent winner was Nitish Kumar of Janata Dal (United), who overcame nearly two decades of anti-incumbency and voter fatigue. Leading in more than 80 constituencies, the NDA crossed the 200-mark, effectively blocking Tejashwi Yadavs rise. Despite the RJDs strong performance in 2020 and hopes of forming a full-term government, the youth versus experience narrative tilted decisively in Nitish Kumars favor.The results reaffirmed Prime Minister Modis dominant influence, with the NDAs performance relying heavily on his personal appeal. Despite local anti-incumbency against Nitish Kumar, voters distinguished state issues from Modis national leadership, casting votes in favor of Modi ki Guarantee. Welfare initiatives built a strong support base for the NDA, stalled opposition momentum, and reinforced Modis unparalleled vote-transferability, keeping the BJP well-positioned for 2029.Chirag Paswan made a remarkable comeback, with the LJP winning 22 of 29 contested seats. His strong appeal among Dalits and young voters, combined with strategic alliance moves, elevated him from a marginal player in 2020 to a key power broker in 2025.Women emerged as decisive drivers of the election, with a historic turnout of 72% versus 63% for men. Participation, supported by welfare schemes like the Rs 10,000 Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, Panchayati Raj empowerment, and Jeevika self-help groups, tilted support toward the NDA. Prioritizing safety, governance, and welfare, women became the true kingmakers of Bihar 2025.Although AIMIM did not win many seats, Owaisi emerged as a strategic winner. Leading in 5 seats, mostly in the Seemanchal region with a significant Muslim population, AIMIM demonstrated its ability to influence tight contests, reaffirming Owaisis relevance in a state where every vote counts.Tejashwi Yadav, the opposition CM face and Mahagathbandhans strongest contender, faced a major setback. Leading the RJD to 75 seats in 2020, he could lead in only 29 constituencies, marking the partys second-worst performance since 2010. Attempts to expand beyond the Muslim-Yadav base stalled, making him the biggest loser of the election.Rahul Gandhi and the Congress failed to make gains, reduced to single-digit seats despite high-profile campaigns like the Voter Adhikaar Yatra and allegations of vote chori. Prashant Kishor, despite media-heavy Jan Suraaj campaigns, failed to convert visibility into votes; his development-focused approach did not resonate, and last-minute withdrawal reinforced perceptions of political uncertainty.Mukesh Sahani, named Deputy CM candidate, failed to translate his caste appeal into seats, with many Nishad voters shifting toward the NDA. Frequent alliance changes also hurt his credibility. The India Bloc emerged as the biggest loser, weakened by poor organization, internal disputes, and a lack of a coherent strategy, unable to compete with the NDAs disciplined, welfare-driven messaging.The election outcome sparked a flurry of reactions online. One user celebrated, saying, "They won Bihar Elections with flying colors & breaking records after records." Another commented, "Bihar BJP has created history by becoming the single largest party in Bihar. In this years Assembly elections, people chose Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modis resolve of Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas, rejecting caste-based politics." A third congratulated the winners, writing, "Congratulations on your excellent performance in the Bihar Assembly elections!" Meanwhile, a fourth user added humor, "The National Democratic Alliance has won the elections in Bihar! Bihar elections have more plot twists than a daily soap. Waiting for the next Arey yeh kab ho gaya? moment."The Bihar 2025 elections have set the tone for the states political future, reinforcing the NDAs stronghold. Opposition parties now face the challenge of rebuilding and re-strategizing ahead of the next contest. Who is ahead so far? NDA starts strong in early trends Breaking News The whole world should see that the Modi govt in India has already started rigging the Bihar election results that are to be announced tomorrow. The public has taken to the streets the #BiharElections is being stolen. pic.twitter.com/WU4fD0AoaI Annushi Tiwari (@Kussikhuelafn) November 13, 2025 Who is behind? RJD faces tight contest, Congress struggles early Current #BiharElectionResults NDA has crossed the majority mark and is leading on 140 seats (JD(U) 62, BJP 59, LJP(RV) 15, HAMS 4) and Mahagathbandhan leading on 46 seats (RJD 34, Congress 10, CPI(ML)L 2) as per the early trends of Election Commission. Others and Independent pic.twitter.com/OWdHLHRp01 KAMLESH DABHHI (@kamleshdabhhi) November 14, 2025 Who is upset? Parties respond to early numbers and Exit poll predictions Counting setup and turnout: Why this election is significant NDA Sweeping Bihar NDA -140-50 MGB- 70-80 Looks like Vote Chori agenda of Rahul Gandhi has ensured loss of 10-20 seats NDA rock solid as ever #ExitPoll #BiharElection2025#ExitPoll pic.twitter.com/D8S7EQsxY6 Ashish Sneh Shakya (@gr8__ashish) November 11, 2025 New entrant Jan Suraaj shows unanticipated early leads Bihar began counting votes for all 243 Assembly constituencies at 8 AM, with early trends showing the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) pulling ahead of the Mahagathbandhan (MGB). As numbers continue to shift through the morning, counting officials, observers and party agents remain stationed across centres, while voter turnout and exit poll projections add further context to a closely watched election.Early numbers show the NDA establishing a lead across multiple seats. TV channels placed the alliance ahead in 150 seats against the MGBs 74 in the first round of updates. NDTV trends indicated the NDA crossing the majority mark of 122 relatively early in the count.According to ECIs initial figures, the BJP was ahead in 25 seats and the JD(U) in 18. The RJD opened with leads in 14 seats. Another set of channel-based trends showed the BJP leading in 40 seats, JD(U) in 24, the RJD in 33 and the Congress in seven. In some earlier snapshots, the NDA was ahead on eight seats while the MGB was leading on five.Individual constituency updates included BJPs Nitish Mishra leading in Jhanjharpur, RJDs Brajkishore Yadav ahead in Khajauli, BJPs Sujit Paswan leading in Rajnagar and JD(U)s Sudhanshu ahead in Harlakhi.The RJD, which is contesting 143 seats, is in competition with the BJP through much of the early counting. Some early updates showed the two parties nearly tied, with the RJD leading in 56 seats and the BJP in 55. The JD(U) also held strong with leads in 45 seats.The Congress, contesting 61 seats, appeared to be facing another difficult cycle. Early figures showed it leading in only seven seats, falling behind its previous tally. The CPI(ML) Liberation was ahead in three of its 20 seats, while the CPI led in one of nine. The VIP held a lead in one of its 12 seats.Before counting began, most exit polls had suggested an NDA victory, with one predicting a close contest. Tejashwi Yadav rejected these estimates, stating that the Mahagathbandhan would win with a large margin. As early trends favoured the NDA, parties monitored shifts carefully.Nitish Kumars JD(U) is contesting for a renewed mandate on the back of his long tenure. Whether he returns as Chief Minister for a possible fifth term depends on how the trend lines settle through the day. For the Mahagathbandhan, anti-incumbency and employment promises were central campaign themes.The Election Commission reported that counting is being conducted by 243 Returning Officers in the presence of 243 Counting Observers. It noted no repolls and no discrepancies during scrutinythe first time in recent years such an outcome has been recorded.Polling was held in two phases on November 6 and 11. Bihar saw a voter turnout of 67.13%, its highest ever. Women voters registered 71.6% turnout, ahead of men at 62.8%. Bihars scale is substantial, with 74.2 million registered voters and 8.5 lakh polling staff supported by more than 2,600 polling agents. Sixteen international delegates also observed the process.Postal ballots were counted first, and EVM counting began at 8:30 AM.Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj, contesting 239 seats, surprised observers by briefly holding leads in three constituencies. Exit polls had predicted a weak debut, with some giving it only one seat. One survey projected nearly 10% vote share, which could influence tight margins between the NDA and MGB.As counting continues across all 243 seats, Bihar awaits clarity on whether the NDA will maintain its early advantage or whether later rounds narrow the gap. The full picture will emerge as EVM tallies progress through the day. NDAs position in early trends When opposition continued to moan over EVMs / Vote Chori/ Brazil Voter after Haryana,Maharashtra and Delhi elections .. NDA was on the ground along with RSS RSS is backbone of BJP #BiharElection2025#ElectionUpdates pic.twitter.com/IXLXAUmqt7 Vias (@VlKAS_PR0NAM0) November 14, 2025 What NDA has promised: Cash support, jobs and pensions #WATCH | #BiharElection2025 | Hoarding with "Bihar Ka Matlab Nitish Kumar" comes up near CM residence in Patna as NDA leads on 185 seats as per the EC trends. JD(U) is leading on 81 seats. Counting continues. pic.twitter.com/6Mns6Fn1Rx ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025 Household relief and youth benefits T: 1307 Latest updated count from EC website for #BiharElection2025 @ 10:51 AM IST. NDA is set to cross 200, it's a wipe out for Mahagathbandhan. pic.twitter.com/sajOvNrlnf Mayank Sengar (@MSS_Unfiltered) November 14, 2025 Turnout and why these promises matter now Delhi: BJP MP Ravi Shankar Prasad says, "The election campaign has ended, and tomorrow is the second phase of polling in Bihar. Today, from the partys national platform, I would like to say with utmost humility that the Bharatiya Janata Party, along with the NDA, is moving pic.twitter.com/rZPGYBUydu IANS (@ians_india) November 10, 2025 Early trends in the Bihar Assembly elections suggest the NDA is moving toward a clear lead, setting the stage for a possible return of the Nitish Kumarled coalition. While counting began at 8 am, postal ballots immediately pushed the alliance ahead, with the Mahagathbandhan struggling to keep pace. As numbers shift through the day, the key question for residents is what the NDAs promised schemes would mean if the coalition forms the next government.Initial rounds of counting showed the NDA crossing the majority mark of 121 in the 243-seat Assembly, and early figures placed the alliance ahead in 163 seats. The Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, was trailing with leads in 76 constituencies. Smaller groups, including Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party and AIMIM, were ahead in two seats each.Within the NDA, the JD(U) was marginally ahead of the BJP in the early updates, with the two parties running close enough to renew the ongoing debate over who emerges as the senior partner. Chirag Paswans LJP (RV) was leading in 14 seats, while Jitan Ram Manjhis HAM held leads in three.On the opposition side, the RJD led in 59 seats. The Congress, contesting 61 constituencies, was ahead in 14. The CPI and VIP had early leads in one seat each.A few key contests also firmed up. Tejashwi Yadav held a lead in Raghopur, while his brother Tej Pratap moved ahead in Mahua after a slow start. Finance Minister Samrat Choudhary and Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha were also in the race in their respective constituencies.If the NDA retains power, residents can expect a wide set of welfare and financial support schemes. The coalition has committed 10,000 under the Mahila Rojgar Yojana, aimed at supporting women seeking employment. 25,000 has been promised under the Bihar Mahadalit Development Mission, directly targeting historically disadvantaged communities.Education-related support includes 10,000 for Shiksha Sevaks, which covers Talimi Markaz workers, and the continuation of the interest-free Student Credit Card Scheme. Unemployed graduates have been promised 1,000 per month under the Self-Help Allowance Scheme.Senior citizens and vulnerable groups would receive 1,100 under the Social Security Pension Scheme. The NDA has also committed 15,000 pensions for all eligible journalists, along with 15,000 under the Bihar Journalist Honour Pension Scheme.The coalitions agenda includes free electricity up to 125 units, which could reduce monthly burdens for many households. For young people, the NDA has restated its goal of providing government jobs to one crore youth, along with support under schemes like the Mukhyamantri-Pratigya Yojana.Artists would gain from the Artist Pension Scheme, while families awaiting community infrastructure can expect progress under the Mukhyamantri Kanya Vivah Mandap Yojana, which focuses on constructing marriage halls.Bihar recorded a turnout of 66.91%, the highest since 1951. Women voted in higher numbers than men, with participation reaching 69% in Phase 1 and 74% in Phase 2. Nitish Kumars longstanding focus on womens welfare could play a significant role in consolidating this support.As counting continues, the NDAs lead and its detailed list of welfare commitments place the alliance in a strong position. The final seat tally will determine how these promises move forward, but early trends suggest Bihar residents may soon see a new round of schemes and financial support if the NDA forms the government. Case that has shocked Los Angeles Serious charges reflect the severity of the crime District attorney responds to the communitys outrage A city grappling with grief and anger Los Angeles is reeling after a deeply disturbing incident involving a 14-year-old girl who was allegedly sexually assaulted inside a Hollywood restaurant earlier this month. The case, confirmed by the Los Angeles County District Attorneys Office, has left the community devastated and demanding answers about how such violence could unfold in a seemingly ordinary public space.According to prosecutors, the incident unfolded on 5 November when 38-year-old David Josue Lopes reportedly approached the young teenager inside the restaurant. Authorities allege that he led her to an enclosed corner of the premises, where the assault is believed to have taken place.The details laid out by investigators have shaken families across the city, with many horrified that a child could face such danger in a setting people usually associate with comfort and safety.Lopes has been charged with one felony count of committing a forcible lewd act upon a child under 14. The District Attorneys Office has also added allegations of aggravated kidnapping and inflicting bodily harm on a minor, charges that paint a grim picture of the ordeal the girl is believed to have endured.During his arraignment on 10 November, Lopes entered a plea of not guilty. He is currently being held without bail, and his next court appearance is scheduled for 12 December at the Foltz Criminal Justice Center. If he is found guilty, he could face a maximum sentence of life imprisonment without any chance of parole.District Attorney Nathan Hochman addressed the case through a formal statement, describing the allegations as profoundly distressing. He said the young victim and her family have suffered trauma that will leave a lasting emotional impact, and he emphasised that his office intends to pursue justice with every legal mechanism available.As the case moves forward, emotions across Los Angeles remain raw. Parents, educators and community groups have all voiced their heartbreak and anger, calling for stronger protections for children in public spaces. Many have urged compassion for the survivor, who now faces a long, painful road to healing.The incident has once again highlighted the vulnerability of young girls and the urgent need for safer, more accountable environments. ( Image credit : X/ @Jonas_DailyNews | Jonas Brothers bring energy to Fallon stage ) Surprising connections revealed ( Image credit : X/ @Jonas_DailyNews | Kellys viral fame sparks laughs and surprises ) Humor, surprises, and heartwarming moments Viral fame meets pop culture ( Image credit : Instagram/ @jonasbrothers | Nick, Joe, and Kevin share laughs and smiles ) Scott Kellys viral resume moment has taken him from TikTok fame to a late-night television appearance. On Thursday, Nov. 13, Kelly appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, where he finally met the Jonas Brothers, who had playfully engaged with his viral video online. The video, shared on Nov. 10 by concertgoer Jen Wilson, showed Brandon Bieron reviewing Kellys resume during a live Jonas Brothers show, with Wilson captioning, Scott Kelly, your resume was being reviewed at a Jonas Brothers concert tonight. Good luck. The video quickly went viral, reaching nearly 50 million views and prompting fans and brands to cheer Kelly on.During his appearance on Fallon, Kelly revealed that he first heard about the viral video from a friend while attending an MBA program class. He then shared an unexpected twist that the man scrolling through his resume, Brandon Bieron, was already in his contacts because they served together in the U.S. Army infantry battalion at Fort Drum in 2014. Even more surprising, Kelly had never applied for a job; he is already gainfully employed at a telecommunications company. The viral moment, however, sparked a new connection, as Bieron, who runs Reimer Home Services and hires veterans, will appear on a future episode of Kellys national security podcast, At the Waters Edge.Viewers tuning in can expect plenty of laughs and unexpected confessions on the show as Kelly admitted to the Jonas Brothers that he had never grown up with Disney Channel and had no prior knowledge of the band. Fallon and the Jonas Brothers reacted with surprise and humor as Kellys story of career accomplishments, military service, and viral fame offered a compelling, unusual narrative. Viewers will also enjoy a fun moment when Fallon shares a QR code to Kellys LinkedIn profile live on air, giving the audience a playful way to engage with the story.The segment also highlighted the widespread online support for Kelly. The Jonas Brothers jokingly praised his work ethic, with Nick saying Kelly inspired a song lyric, Joe declaring him hired, and Kevin claiming he was one of Kellys references. Popular brands joined the fun as well, with Vrbo claiming Kelly built my house, to Laneige praising his skin, and Old Navy complimenting his professional attire.The combination of humor, unexpected connections, and viral fame makes the Fallon appearance a must-watch for fans of viral moments and heartwarming stories alike. * Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the awakening of the Global South and its growing cooperation have become an indispensable part of the international landscape, with China-Africa cooperation at the core. * The highlights of China-Africa cooperation represent the Chinese vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened here on Thursday to explore ways to strengthen global governance and deepen China-Africa cooperation. The two-day event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa's Independent Media, among other partners, gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU. It focuses on how collaboration between media and think tanks can contribute to shaping a fairer and more inclusive global governance under the theme "Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation." STRENGTHENING CHINA-AFRICA SYNERGY Against the backdrop of profound changes unseen in a century, the awakening of the Global South and its growing cooperation have become an indispensable part of the international landscape, with China-Africa cooperation at the core. In 2015, 2018 and 2021, China successively announced at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) the implementation of the 10 cooperation plans, eight major initiatives and nine programs, drawing a blueprint for China-Africa cooperation. Quoting an African proverb, "If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together," Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, called on media and think tanks to take the conference as an opportunity to build consensus, strengthen solidarity and collaboration, and jointly create a better future in his keynote speech at the opening ceremony. Addressing the event, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng shared three keywords on China-Africa cooperation -- partnership, practicality and prospects. "China is ready to work with African countries to implement the outcomes of the FOCAC Beijing Summit, further expand win-win cooperation across all fields, and speed up the common modernization of China and Africa," said Wu. Noting that the relationship between Africa and China has evolved over decades of solidarity, mutual respect and shared aspirations for development, Leslie Richer, the AU director of information and communication, said that Africa will work with China and other Global South partners to make its voice heard more strongly, while promoting more balanced narratives through closer media and think tank cooperation. The event featured the launch of the Global South joint communication partnership network "United in Heart, Path and Action -- 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan," with the aim of better supporting the shared development of China and Africa. Applauding the development of the Africa-China relationship, Jonathan Titus-Williams, deputy minister of planning and economic development of Sierra Leone, said that the partnership has long been characterized by solidarity and shared purpose grounded in mutual respect, equality, and a collective aspiration for a just and peaceful world. As the permanent host of the China-Africa Economic and Trade Expo, China's Hunan province has made great efforts in recent years to promote cooperation in various fields such as agriculture, green energy and industrial chains with African partners. Recognizing the expo as an important initiative under the FOCAC's major action plans, Shen Yumou, head of the Hunan provincial commerce department, said that Hunan has been aiming to enhance China-Africa cooperation, focusing on building six major centers for trade in non-resource products, cross-border e-commerce, industrial development, financial cooperation, logistics and trade promotion, to serve as a strategic hub for China-Africa economic ties. PROMOTING INCLUSIVE GOVERNANCE At the conference, the Xinhua Institute, a think tank affiliated with Xinhua News Agency, released a report titled "Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership -- Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System." The report argues that the world faces a global leadership deficit, reflected in the failure of peace, imbalance in development and discord among civilizations. It calls for a "new model of global leadership," one that does not emanate from any single country, bloc or international organization, but rather represents a multilateral form of leadership -- a synergy forged by the international community in active response to global challenges. Noting the Global Governance Initiative put forward by China at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization Tianjin Summit in September, Lyu said, "Let us put the initiative into practice and jointly shape a just and equitable international order." He emphasized that media and think tanks from China and Africa should comprehensively expound on the Global South's solutions for advancing the reform of the global governance system, and demonstrate the Global South's strength reflected in the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries. The remarks by Xinhua's editor-in-chief resonated strongly with the participants. "Tunisia and many African countries are key partners in the Global Governance Initiative and support China's aspiration for a fairer and more equitable world order," said Najeh Missaoui, chairman and CEO of the Tunis Africa News Agency. Stressing the media's role in advancing shared governance, Missaoui noted that the media is no longer just a tool for delivering news or sharing information; it has become a powerful force of cultural influence -- shaping public opinion, contributing to decision-making, and nurturing dialogue and mutual understanding among peoples. Similarly, Ismaila Ceesay, minister for information of The Gambia, said that it is believed that the future of global governance must be inclusive, multipolar and reflective of the rich diversity of human experience. "China's support in fostering training, technology transfer and infrastructure development across Africa's media landscape is a valuable contribution toward this goal," he added. FORGING SHARED FUTURE The highlights of China-Africa cooperation represent the Chinese vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity. Since the establishment of FOCAC 25 years ago, China and Africa have cooperated on building or upgrading nearly 100,000 km of roads and more than 10,000 km of railways across Africa. Over the past three years, Chinese enterprises have created more than 1.1 million jobs on the African continent. The results of China-Africa cooperation are visible and palpable, and have truly benefited the people of both sides. Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa's Independent Media, hailed the Africa-China partnership as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve, one grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive world order. "Together, we can build a world that is more balanced, more just, and more humane -- a world where every voice counts and every nation thrives," he added. From Madagascar's hybrid rice to agricultural poverty reduction demonstration villages in Sao Tome and Principe, from Ethiopia's Eastern Industrial Zone to the China-Egypt TEDA Suez Economic and Trade Cooperation Zone, and from Mauritania's China-Africa Green Technology Park to the geothermal power plant of Sosian Energy in Kenya, the Chinese solutions are boosting the continent's modernization drive. Erastus Mwencha, former deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, praised China as one of the countries that really speak and advocate for the Global South, noting that Africa's Ubuntu philosophy, which means "I am because we are" holds that no one should be left behind, and reflects values that align closely with China's vision and advocacy. Noting the importance of an action-led global governance model to address the practical concerns of sustainable peace and development, Peter Kagwanja, president and chief executive of the Africa Policy Institute, said that Africa and China should partner in the proposed Global Governance Initiative as the surest pathway to a reformed and inclusive global governance system. "It is key to realize the noble dream of a community with a shared future for humanity in a multipolar order," he added. Artist Peter Paone speaks with a reporter at his West Mount Airy studio in the spring of 2025. Read more Painter Peter Paone might have never experienced his seven-decade-long illustrious art career if he hadnt tried breaking into the Barnes Foundation in the spring of 1952. At 15, he traveled three hours from his home at Seventh and Dickinson Streets in South Philly out to Merion, taking several buses and getting lost along the way. The venerable institution was not yet a public museum, and in the wake of founder Albert Barnes death a year earlier, access remained severely restricted by invitation only. Advertisement When Paone, unaware of those rules, arrived at the gate, he found it locked. I was angry, so I did what 15-year-old kids from South Philadelphia do. I climbed over the gate which was about 12 feet high, said Paone, 89, who lives in West Mount Airy. He landed on the other side, walked up to the stately building, and knocked. Arts educator Violette de Mazia, Barnes longtime assistant, opened the door, stunned and alarmed to see the teen in front of her. She said, Go away. You cant do that. Who are you? How did you get here? Paone recalled. She was very taken aback and she wasnt gonna let me in. Undeterred, Paone asked for a glass of water and de Mazia, somewhat begrudgingly, let him in while she fetched it. She returned to see the budding art student entranced by the impressionist works on the walls, so she relented and gave him a tour. It was an unforgettable day that paved the way for Paone to take classes with de Mazia, setting him on a path that catapulted him into the art world. For decades, Paone has served as an educator and mentor, becoming a father figure to Philadelphia artists while creating his own distinct body of work. Now on the cusp of 90, he is in the midst of a career renaissance with two museum shows this season and no signs of slowing down. Promising talent Paone has been making art for as long as he can remember. The middle son of Italian immigrants who moved to South Philadelphia, he spent long hours playing in the streets and listening to the stories of hardworking families like his. They lived in a two-story rowhouse not far from a community center called Reed House, where he found his first art teacher at around age 8. My parents were supportive in the sense that they didnt object, and I think mainly because they didnt know what an artists life was like. There was no financial support and there was no discussion about it, Paone said. My father did what he could to help me build an easel and build storage racks because I had a little room in the basement. Fleisher Art Memorial was another haven for the curious kid in the neighborhood where he regularly attended art classes each week. Years later, when he was a teen, his name appeared in The Inquirer for the first time, in a short blurb about the schools 1954 exhibit of young Philadelphia artists: Explorative in their subject-matter, full of linear vitality and bold color this exhibition is refreshingly alive, though these are young students still groping for technical enrichment. In [these works] we feel the contagion of promising talent in search of itself. He earned special permission to attend John Bartram High School, renowned for its creative arts program, and went on to study arts education at the Philadelphia Museum School of Art (later called University of the Arts) with a scholarship from the board of education that covered four years of tuition. Like many artists, Paone spent some years in New York, but he never left Philly for too long. He taught at the Pratt Institute and worked with two galleries for about 12 years, with a brief stint in Europe funded by a Guggenheim Foundation grant that opened opportunities for him to exhibit in London, Vienna, and Hamburg. He was always thinking about Philadelphia. In New York, you know, youre good for a season, then youre done, just like vegetables you start to smell and you get out, Paone said. He returned home in the late 70s, taking a teaching position at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts in 1978, where he soon established the academys first printmaking department. While he built a stellar reputation as an educator and mentor for generations of emerging artists, Paone did not have a major solo museum show in his hometown until about 35 years later, in 2013, at Woodmere Art Museum in Chestnut Hill, where he shared never-before-seen drawings and paintings in Wild Flowers. I dont think I could have had the career that I had outside of Philadelphia, I think, because of the art schools, because of the life I had in Philadelphia, and the collectors, and the Philadelphia Art Museum, he said. A studio of wonder For the last 50 years, Paone has lived in a quiet, wooded area on the edge of Wissahickon Valley Park with his wife, Alma Alabilikian. Surrounded by nature, the former carriage house home is both inviting and mysterious, like something out of a fairy tale. Inside, its a delightfully busy studio on the first floor (the couple lives right above). There are wonders in every corner, from a windowsill covered with tchotchkes to towering shelves laden with tomes on art history. His collection of roughly 6,000 books, amassed over his lifetime, has been willed to the Philadelphia Art Museum. Then there are the canvases, packed in by the hundreds all different sizes, all distinct frames, with clowns, dolls, and creatures amid scenes that puzzle and enchant. Lately, Paone has been fixated on still life paintings grumpy cats alongside decadent multitiered cakes, for instance and portraits of what he calls snowpeople, with mouse ears and bird faces. His subjects change, but a phantasmagoric splendor prevails throughout, evoking an uncanny, occasionally morbid vision. Its no surprise that for years Halloween has provided ample inspiration. One of his buzziest shows in recent years was Reality Reassembled: The Halloween Paintings of Peter Paone, which was at the Brandywine Museum of Art in 2019, about a decade after he retired from teaching at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts. Paone likes to say his main subject is the human condition. There are no models here his surrealist-inspired paintings come from his whimsical imagination. He spends about seven hours a day in the sunny, crowded space surrounded by dozens of brushes, cans, and paints he makes himself. Everything comes from memory. Everything comes from my own skills. I dont go out painting. I dont set up still lifes. I dont hire models, said the artist, who wears round, thick-framed glasses and has a penchant for bow ties. It all comes from my lifestyle and what I did and what I remember from childhood to now. A spotlight long overdue Today, Paones work is on view in two concurrent shows at the Woodmere (Snowpeople, through Feb. 15, 2026) and Doylestowns Michener Art Museum (Not So Still Life, through March 15, 2026). For Michener chief curator Laura Igoe, its thrilling to present new works from a Philadelphia icon. Hes thinking a lot about division in society today, which its hard not to think about in our current political moment, Igoe said. Dolls and clowns will be arranged within the still life, but they wont be engaged with each other theyll kind of be looking away from each other. He sees that as reflective of how we cant always talk to each other in America today. Woodmere CEO William Valerio finds new treasures every time he visits Paones studio, and hes consistently impressed by the painters relentless evolution. That was just one reason he ensured Paones portrait Peacock would have pride of place at the museums newly unveiled Maguire Hall. Peter is full of surprises and ideas. His creative imagination just gets richer and deeper, and he hasnt stopped making art nothing seems to slow him down, Valerio said. For Paone, this recognition is an affirmation of his refusal to capitulate to the commercial expectations of the previous decades. On one side, Im surprised. On the other side, its about time. Ive had a long and very active career on so many levels. So back then, when nobody wondered what I was doing, I was ahead of my time, and now Im in my time, he said. One of the things that came out of being a child in South Philadelphia is that under no circumstances do you compromise in those days, you didnt talk to the police. [It was] that kind of mentality. So I didnt succumb to being a pop artist so I could be more known I just kept going. Thats the secret of anybodys success, is, no matter what, just keep going. This image provided by PepsiCo shows original Doritos nacho cheese chips (left) and new Doritos without artificial colors. Read more A new line of Cheetos and Doritos wont leave anyones fingers orange. PepsiCo Inc. is introducing naked versions of its popular snacks that strip out artificial dyes as part of its push to boost healthier options. The offerings marketed as Simply NKD dont have any added colors, leaving them a natural pale yellow instead of the bright hues for which the brands are known. Advertisement The snacks are designed to taste the same as the original, but with a novel appearance that the company is betting will interest consumers, according to Rachel Ferdinando, chief executive officer of PepsiCo Foods U.S. It wasnt based on consumer data or trends, she said. No insight would ever suggest removing color from Doritos or Cheetos because these are fan favorites. Food companies have been swapping synthetic dyes for natural colors amid pressure from Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and the Make America Healthy Again movement he leads. PepsiCo already has a Simply line that includes Doritos and Cheetos without artificial dyes, but they are in slightly different flavors from the original versions. The NKD line tries to replicate the same flavor of the traditional snacks but without any added coloring. PepsiCo is also facing an activist investor campaign by Elliott Investment Management, which has built a $4 billion stake in the company. Elliott has called on PepsiCo to review and streamline its snacks portfolio and divest underperforming assets. Many of PepsiCos most popular snacks fall outside the growing category of better-for-you foods, though the company has expanded its healthier offerings, including Sabra hummus and Siete grain-free chips. In its most recent quarter, the company reported a 4% drop in volume in its North American food division. Shares of PepsiCo are down 5% for the year, compared to a 16% rise in the S&P 500. For fans of the original Doritos and Cheetos, which are still being made, these versions will be quite a change when they arrive in U.S. stores by Dec. 1. The NKD Flamin Hot Cheetos are a pale yellow that leave a white dust on fingers, unlike the deep orangey-red of traditional spicy Cheetos. Similarly, a NKD Nacho Cheese Dorito looks like a traditional corn chip and leaves no orangey smudge. PepsiCo tested the NKD line with expert tasters trying the chips under special red lights that prevented them from seeing the color of the chip. If you close your eyes, you have the same crunch, the same flavor, Ferdinando said. Companies have had at times to backtrack after softening their products colors. General Mills Inc. put artificial coloring back into its Trix cereal in 2017 after consumers complained about its naturally-colored version. The company this year said it would remove synthetic dyes from all U.S. cereals. PepsiCo also saw little enthusiasm for Crystal Pepsi, a clear cola launched in the early 1990s and discontinued soon after. Color shapes how consumers perceive food before eating it, said Renee Leber, a food scientist at the Institute of Food Technologists. For example, people often view a lighter-colored strawberry ice cream as not being as intensely flavored as one that is a deeper red, she said. If you keep the flavor the same, but you adjust the appearance, it can impact the perception of freshness for people, Leber said. But Ferdinando said people are increasingly seeking transparency around what is in their food. We see that consumers preferences are moving toward fewer ingredients, more alternative options, so we dont see it as a risk, she said. PepsiCo developed the chips in about eight weeks, according to Ferdinando. The company has been moving swiftly to broadly overhaul its portfolio and offer more options for health-conscious consumers, including products with more protein and clean labels with shorter ingredient lists. Crime Scene Unit officers transport files to the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice for the start of opening statements in the shooting death of Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez, Wednesday, November 12, 2025. Read more The trial of two men accused of murdering Philadelphia Police Officer Richard Mendez took a major turn Friday when another man involved in the 2023 shooting took the stand to testify against his former associates. Prosecutors say Alexander Batista-Polanco, of Camden, rode in a stolen Dodge Durango with three other young men that October evening as they stole a vehicle at the stadium area and later headed to Philadelphia International Airport to steal yet another car. Advertisement Mendez and his partner, Officer Raul Ortiz, had just begun their shift when they came across Batista-Polanco and his associates in the Terminal D garage. The men had broken the window of a Dodge Charger and were using a tablet to program a new key fob. Batista-Polanco waited in the Durango with Hendrick Pena-Fernandez, while Yobranny Martinez-Fernandez and Jesus Herman Madera Duran worked on the Charger. As the officers interrupted the robbery, Mendez confronted Duran; prosecutors say Martinez-Fernandez fired a gun from inside the Charger, striking Mendez four times in the back and Ortiz once in the forearm. Mendez died from his injuries; Duran, 18, was also struck and died in a nearby hospital. As prosecutors make their case before a Common Pleas jury that Pena-Fernandez and Martinez-Fernandez, both in their early 20s, should be convicted of murder the former in the second degree and the latter in the first robbery, and related charges, they touted evidence that included DNA, cell tower data, and witnesses who overheard the gunfire. Attorneys for Martinez-Fernandez and Pena-Fernandez maintain there were no eyewitness bystanders or video footage of the shooting. But to the surprise of some, that changed when prosecutors brought in Batista-Polanca. The 23-year-old, speaking through a Spanish translator, answered Assistant District Attorney Cydney Popes questions with little emotion as prosecutors asked him to identify the men and recount what he had seen. Batista-Polanca recognized those two people, he said solemnly, meaning Pena-Fernandez and Martinez-Fernandez, who sat across the room. I met them through my friend, Jesus, he said. Batista-Polanca explained that before Mendezs murder, hed known the men for about a year. They went out that night looking for Jeeps and Chargers they could steal and sell for a profit. He said theyd worn gloves and sheisty face masks to conceal themselves from law enforcement. The men also put their phones on airplane mode in an attempt to conceal their location from authorities, he said. Given the chance to cross-examine him, defense attorneys Robert Gamburg and Earl G. Kauffman peppered Batista-Polanca with questions about his credibility, suggesting hed told the jury what prosecutors wanted him to say. They drew attention to the favorable deal he is set to receive; in exchange for his testimony, Batista-Polanca pleaded guilty to a lower murder charge, which, in addition to other offenses, will likely award him a shorter sentence than the 80 to 161 years he faces. Pena-Fernandez and Martinez-Fernandez face life in prison without parole. Batista-Polanco disagreed that hed been pressured to lie, telling Kauffman his testimony was the truth. His comments confirmed details about the shooting, the frantic trip to the hospital to drop off an injured Duran, and the groups midnight flight to central New Jersey. Moments before the shooting, Batista-Polanca recalled hearing an officer yell, Is that your car? Shots then rang out from the driver-side area of the Charger, he said, where Martinez-Fernandez was crouched beneath the steering wheel. Discovering their friend, Duran, had also been shot, the men put the teen in the Durango and sped off to Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia, Batista-Polanca said. They dumped the mans body in front of an ambulance and made off for Cranbury, N.J., where Batista-Polanca said the group met with another man at a hotel before purchasing a canister of gasoline and torching the stolen Durango at an abandoned warehouse. Batista-Polanca got a ride back to Camden later that morning. He slept at an ex-girlfriends house, he said. Pope, the lead prosecutor, suggested that Batista-Polanca was risking too much to lie; she said the young man expressed fear for his life and the safety of his family in their previous meetings, given he was telling on his accomplices. He told defense attorneys he had not received any direct threats, however. You remain afraid for your family today, correct? Pope asked. Si, he replied. Dalton Janiczek is charged with attempted murder of a police officer and related crimes for the incident, which took place last month in Plymouth Township. Read more Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin Steele said Friday that a Plymouth Township officer was justified in shooting a man who wielded a Mercedes G63 like a weapon last month, intending to run over and kill the officer. The officer, whom Steele did not identify, fired six shots on Oct. 24 at Dalton Janiczek in the parking lot of a Doubletree Hotel on Fountain Road while attempting to perform a traffic stop. Advertisement The police officer shot at the driver of the vehicle to end the threat to his own life and to end the threat to bystanders in the area, Steele said. Our investigation determined the facts of this case supported the use of deadly force by the police officer. Janiczek, 21, suffered a graze wound to his head in the shooting. The Lower Gwynedd native was charged with attempted murder of a police officer and related crimes and remains in custody, denied bail. His attorney, Tim Woodward, declined to comment Friday. Earlier that day, Janiczek had threatened to blow up a police station in Chester County, and had fled from other officers attempts to pull him over, police said. When he saw the Plymouth Township officer in the hotel parking lot, Janiczek accelerated his SUV toward him, clearly in an attempt to strike him, according to Steele. The officer fired at the vehicles windshield before being struck and knocked to the ground. He suffered injuries to his legs, and required several surgeries to heal the damage that had been inflicted. Janiczek struck the officer with the car three more times as the officer was lying on the ground, applying a tourniquet to his leg. Janiczek then fled the area and crossed the double yellow line on Walton Road, striking another Plymouth Township police car, according to the affidavit of probable cause for his arrest. He continued to drive, and later caused a head-on collision with a vehicle driven by a Plymouth Township police sergeant, who was hospitalized with injuries to his legs. After that final crash, Janiczek was taken into custody. As he was led away, Janiczek threatened the group, telling one officer he was going to kill him if he wasnt restrained, according to investigators. John Wilson and George Clark were sentenced to prison Friday during a hearing at the Bucks County Justice Center. Read more Two men who conspired to kill a man as he celebrated his birthday in Bristol Township in July 2016 were sentenced Friday to decades in prison. John Marquis Wilson, 45, of Frankford, pleaded guilty Friday to third-degree murder, robbery and conspiracy, and was sentenced to 16 to 32 years in state prison for helping lure his childhood friend Herbert Lyals to a planned assassination. Advertisement Wilsons coconspirator, George Javon Clark, 34, was sentenced Friday to 20 to 40 years after a Bucks County jury found him guilty of third-degree murder and related crimes in July. Clark, of West Philadelphia, shot Lyals after Wilson called him multiple times, asking him to step outside of his birthday party being held at a relatives house in the Green Lawn section of Bristol Township, investigators said. The two men targeted Lyals, 38, because they had heard rumors he routinely carried large sums of money. Clark has continued to maintain his innocence after his conviction, saying he played no role in the plot to kill Lyals. Wilson testified against Clark at this years trial, which was held after a grand jury last year ruled that there was enough evidence to charge both men with Lyals murder. During the grand jury proceedings, investigators testified that Lyals had been shot in the chest and head after leaving his birthday party to answer a phone call. His family members later found him outside, mortally wounded with his cell phone nearby. Lyals still had several thousand dollars in his possession after he was shot. Other witnesses testified before the grand jury that they knew the two men had plotted to rob Lyals, and that one of Wilsons relatives helped them flee back to Philadelphia after the fatal shooting. The 2025-26 Pennsylvania state budget includes $175 million in cuts to cyber charter schools, which have come under intense scrutiny for academic outcomes and financials. The charter operators say the changes will mean some of their schools will close. Read more Pennsylvania public schools will save $175 million thanks to sweeping changes coming to cyber charters in the state budget deal reached this week. We finally reformed our cyber school system, Gov. Josh Shapiro said to cheers just after he signed the budget Wednesday. If parents want to send their children to a cyber school, thats fine but we shouldnt be overfunding them at the expense of our public schools." Advertisement Pennsylvanias cyber charters have drawn intense criticism for poor academic outcomes and financial practices, including some schools lavish spending on buildings even though they exist to educate students virtually. A report released earlier this year by state Auditor General Timothy DeFoor blasted cybers as sitting on too much taxpayer money; the old cyber charter formula paid them inflated per-student rates, he suggested. But to those inside the sector, the cuts in payments to charters are devastating and will lead to larger class sizes, fewer programs, and, potentially, even some schools closing. Heres what to know about the changes. What will change for cyber charter schools? Cyber charter schools will get less money per student. Pennsylvania previously paid cybers the same per-student rate that brick-and-mortar charters received. (The rate depends on the amount the students home district spends per student; in Philadelphia, charters are paid $14,949.26 per regular education student, and $45,572.96 per special education student at brick-and-mortar charters, though cybers receive $38,104.17 per special education student.) Now, cyber charters will receive less money per student districts will be able to lower their payments to account for things cybers dont need, like student transportation, building costs, and more. The state says the savings will amount to $175 million; the cybers believe that is an undercount and say they will take a $300 million hit. The new rates are not yet set. The law changes mean that, going forward, students who are truant will not be able to enroll at a cyber school without a judges permission. They also require students who are in synchronous, direct-instruction classes to have their cameras on to be marked present, and students in asynchronous classes to meet certain benchmarks, with results reported to the Pennsylvania Department of Education. The changes also impose twice-yearly residency checks to ensure students correct home districts are billed for their education. And the law mandates student wellness checks. What do cyber charter operators say about it? Cyber charter boosters say that two of the states 14 cybers will likely have to close within a year, and that within five years, an additional five virtual schools may be forced to close. They estimate that the cuts will lead to 2,000 layoffs of cyber charter teachers and staff. Jon Marsh, CEO of Esperanza Cyber Charter, a Philadelphia-based school, said the legislation has given him sleepless nights. He worries about the ability to continue to serve his 1,000 students virtually all of whom are students of color and living in poverty. We are going to survive, but we need to look at how to change our program, Marsh, who has worked in cyber charters for more than 20 years, said of the deeply cut per-student payment rate. Marsh envisions less direct-instruction time in synchronous virtual classes and bigger class sizes. I believe that Im going to have to move more towards asynchronous, Marsh said. Then you can get the higher loads. The math I did before shows that if my school has below 1,400 kids, 1,300 kids, its very hard [to survive]. Im at 1,000. Marsh said the changes mean cyber schools will need to enroll more students. I should be able to market into that population. Ive never chased enrollment here; its always been word of mouth. Were small. We service the neighborhood. Weve even had some conversations: Do you branch out and look at Reading and Allentown? Marsh said. Jane Swan, CEO of Reach Cyber Charter, said in a statement that the changes were disgraceful, and a direct attack on students who depend on public cyber charter schools as a lifeline. Public cyber charter schools, on average, educate a higher percentage of economically disadvantaged students, students experiencing homelessness, and students with special education needs than school districts. These are the students who need more support but decision-makers in Harrisburg are failing these vulnerable children. Michael Leitera, who leads PA Distance Learning Charter School, said the budget singles out these 14 public schools and imposes punitive and burdensome mandates that will result in fewer opportunities for students. Don Asplen, CEO of Achievement House Cyber Charter, called the state budget an attack on school choice, an attack on students, and an attack on public education in Pennsylvania. What do critics of cyber charters say about the changes? The cyber charter changes were a long time coming, said Laura Boyce, executive director of Teach Plus Pennsylvania. Tightening accountability is a commonsense step not to make it tougher for charters to operate, but to protect kids, Boyce said. She pointed to the case of a Chester County girl enrolled at a cyber charter who was, authorities say, tortured and ultimately killed by her family. On the financial side, there has been some irrationality in the funding system in terms of these schools having enough excess reserves to be buying up real estate and spending money on gift cards, Boyce said. But mostly, cybers student outcomes are abysmal, she said. Theres no way to look at the outcomes that are coming out of the cyber charter system and say, The system is working as intended. (For instance, at Commonwealth Charter Academy, the states largest cyber, 9% of students met PSSA targets in reading and 4% met them in math.) The nonprofit PA Schools Work agreed. The inclusion of cyber charter reform will help alleviate the financial burden on school districts that have been overpaying cyber charter schools and will ensure that taxpayer dollars are spent more effectively and equitably, the organization said in a statement. When do the changes take effect? The changes will take effect this school year. Cyber charter operators say they will get guidance from the state education department in 30 days on the new per-student rate they will be paid by their districts. Inquirer staff writer Gillian McGoldrick contributed to this article. The emergency department at Main Line Health's Riddle Hospital entrance in March. Read more Pennsylvanias new budget has $5 million in supplemental payments for the two Delaware County Hospitals that have seen significant increases in patient volumes since Crozer-Chester Medical Center and Taylor Hospital closed in the spring. Main Line Healths Riddle Hospital, near Media, is getting $3 million. The amount for Trinity Health Mid-Atlantics Mercy Fitzgerald Hospital, in Darby, is $2 million, according to budget documents. Advertisement The $5 million will be doubled by a federal match, said Democratic State Sen. Tim Kearney, who represents part of Delaware County. The $5 million is from a fund used to help hospitals the serve a large number of patients with Medicaid and used to go to Crozer Health, Kearney said Friday. Main Line said in a statement Thursday that the money will help it maintain services in the county. READ MORE: Pa. lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro have approved a $50.1 billion state budget, officially ending monthslong impasse Since Crozers shutdown in April, Riddles Emergency Department has experienced an unprecedented surge 46% more patients than the same period last year, an increase of nearly 4,000 overall, the nonprofit said. Main Line, which also owns Lankenau Medical Center, Bryn Mawr Hospital, and Paoli Hospital, said it has seen 55,000 patients from the Crozer market a 15% increase over the same time period last year. That figure includes 8,000 patients who went to a Main Line facility for the first time, the health system said. Trinity Health did not respond to a request for comment. Shuttered hospitals in limbo While Riddle and Mercy Fitzgerald have scrambled to accommodate patients who used to rely on Crozer Health, efforts are underway to bring healthcare services back to at least Taylor Hospital in Ridley. Local investors bought that facility in September for $1 million and are trying to entice one of the regions nonprofit health systems to bring it back as a hospital. A group from New Jersey called Chariot Allaire Partners LLC has agreed to pay $10 million for the former Crozer-Chester Medical Center in Upland but has not disclosed its plans. That facility served as a key safety provider for a low-income area of Delaware County. A partnership of Restorative Health Foundation and Syan Investments won an auction for Springfield Hospital for $3 million, but it does not have support from township officials. Delaware County legislators also obtained $1 million from the state to buy emergency department equipment if one of the closed hospitals, such as Taylor, reopens, Kearney said. Editors note: This story has been updated with additional detail on the funding. This suburban content is produced with support from the Leslie Miller and Richard Worley Foundation and The Lenfest Institute for Journalism. Editorial content is created independently of the project donors. Gifts to support The Inquirers high-impact journalism can be made at inquirer.com/donate. A list of Lenfest Institute donors can be found at lenfestinstitute.org/supporters. DEAR ABBY: I often see ads about stopping smoking. Id like to share my story of success in overcoming this filthy habit in the hope that it may help someone else. I smoked four packs of nonfiltered cigarettes every day. At the age of 37, I knew I wanted to quit. I set a goal to stop one month away, and on that day, cold turkey went into action. Im almost 86 now and have had no desire to smoke again since that day. People, be brave. Be strong and follow through. I hope this will help someone else to live long. Advertisement FREE IN WEST VIRGINIA DEAR FREE: Congratulations. You are fortunate that your heavy smoking didnt cause health problems for you later in life. Im pleased that going cold turkey worked so well for you. Today, products are available (gum, patches, etc.) to ease the discomfort of nicotine withdrawal. For decades, the American Cancer Society has sponsored an event called The Great American Smokeout. The theory behind it is, if someone can refrain from smoking for ONE DAY, he or she can build upon that for two days, a week, a month, etc. Many former smokers have quit this way. This year, the Smokeout is on Thursday, Nov. 20. I wish those of you who decide to give it a try good luck and good health. ** ** ** DEAR ABBY: I have a close friend who, I think, needs help. Shes a loving and caring mother, wife, teacher and friend. Because her husband has health issues, she retired early to be at home to care for him. She recently confided to me that they havent been intimate in almost 20 years. Two years ago, she started a romantic relationship with a man she knew. She says they both lack physical affection in their marriages and came together to fill that void. I was shocked and disappointed. Why would she risk everything for a roll in the hay? How do I remain a supportive friend when I disagree philosophically with what shes doing? She knows I dont condone her actions, and we havent discussed the issue since she told me. DISAPPOINTED FRIEND IN MASSACHUSETTS DEAR FRIEND: You describe this woman as a loving, caring mother, wife and friend. Her husband may have been impotent for the past 20 years. It is possible to be a supportive friend without passing judgment on her predicament, and that is what I recommend you do. If you would prefer she not discuss her affair with you, tell her that. ** ** ** DEAR ABBY: I would like to try to understand something. Whatever happened to common courtesy? When did it become acceptable to ignore a friends phone call, text or email? And to all those people out there who cancel plans with their friends (and you know who you are) simply because you received a better offer, this is RUDE! What are your thoughts on this? DISPOSED IN CANADA DEAR DISPOSED: Truthfully, I think that if either happens more than once, its time to reconsider how close these people really are to you and plan accordingly. Toni Willis (center with scissors) founder of Ardellas House cuts the ribbon surrounded by other dignitaries outside Ardellas House's second location on North 63rd Street, Read more When Maria Baez was released from the State Correctional Institution at Muncy in 2021, she had no family in Philadelphia and few resources. The statistics were against her: A third of formerly incarcerated people nationwide cant find work within four years of their release and experience higher rates of homelessness. In Pennsylvania, the majority of formerly incarcerated people return to prison within three years of their release. But Baez met Tonie Willis a guardian angel and shepherd for many women transitioning out of incarceration. In the four years since, Baez has gone on to study business at the Community College of Philadelphia, served as the campus student government president, and sat on the schools board of trustees. Advertisement I came out here for a brand new start, for a new opportunity a clean slate, Baez told a jam-packed living room in Overbrook on Friday morning. I told [Willis], Im going to be her biggest success story. I want to make her proud, I want to make sure that she does not regret investing in me and believing in me. READ MORE: Ardellas House helps formerly incarcerated women feel at home during reentry Baez was among the legions of successes celebrated Friday at the ribbon-cutting of Willis Ardellas House West, the second location of the holistic, residential reentry program. The five-bathroom, seven-bedroom home on North 63rd Street will house at least nine women at a time in the coming months, providing wrap-around support as they navigate the job market, mendrelationships with their families, and reintegrate into their communities. For too long, women coming home from incarceration have faced nearly impossible odds no housing, no income, and little support, Willis said in a statement. Ardellas House West represents not just a home, but a healing space a place where women can recover, rebuild, and reclaim their futures with dignity and hope. Willis founded Ardellas House in 2010 to help women like Baez bridge leaving prison and rejoining society. After years of fundraising and rehabbing a Strawberry Mansion home, Willis opened the flagship residential facility on North 33rd Street in 2022. It felt good to be accepted, said 33rd Street resident Farren Sweeney. It just feels really good to make it Its helped me get myself together. The occasion was marked with purple confetti, proclamations from Philadelphia City Council and the state legislature, pledges to donate as much as $10,000, and gleeful praise for Willis steadfast commitment to empowering women. For decades, the incarceration rate of women has been growing faster than that of men: Nationwide, the number of women in prison increased by more than 585% between 1980 and 2022, according to the Sentencing Project. More than 37,000 women are released from Pennsylvanias prisons and jails each year, the Prison Policy Initiative reported. There are no such thing as throwaway people, said Councilmember Curtis Jones Jr., whose district includes Ardellas House West. Everybody deserves a second, third, even fourth chance to get it right. Memorial flowers for Kada Scott rest near a tree outside the vacant Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School on Oct. 20. The school is the focal point of a war of words between a City Council member and a local developer, Daniel Pearson writes. Read more This weeks Shackamaxon focuses on blight and budgets. The new Battle of Germantown Despite being initially settled by peace-loving Quakers in the 17th century, Germantown served as the scene for what was likely the largest-ever battle in Philadelphias history in 1777. These days, a different sort of fight is the talk of the neighborhood. Tensions in the long-running war of words between Philadelphia City Councilmember Cindy Bass, who has represented the neighborhood since 2013, and developer Ken Weinstein have been ratcheted up by the killing of 23-year-old Kada Scott. Scotts body was found Oct. 18 in a shallow grave on the grounds of the former Ada H.H. Lewis Middle School, which has sat empty for more than a decade. Advertisement The middle school is just one in a series of major properties that have been left empty and undeveloped under Bass leadership. The former Germantown YWCA and town hall are also idle, and Bass has proved reluctant to utilize Turn The Key, the city program designed to spur the redevelopment of vacant land. Residents hope that Turn The Key will prove especially beneficial to their community, which is still recovering from the 2010 bankruptcy of Germantown Settlement, a nonprofit then-managed by Emanuel Freeman, which accumulated dozens of homes in the neighborhood and allowed them to fall into various states of disrepair. These blighted properties attract crime and disorder, and lower the areas quality of life. Weinstein, who specializes in reusing historic buildings, signed a letter of intent with the school district back in 2021. He proposed demolishing the school and replacing it with 78 homes. His plan was endorsed by the local registered community organization and supported by the board of the nearby Awbury Arboretum. It was not, however, supported by Councilmember Bass. While Bass denies responsibility for blocking the sale, it did not happen, despite continued interest from Weinstein and initial approval from the district. Then Scotts body was found on its premises, provoking the latest salvo. Weinstein pointed out that the property should not have been left vacant, unused, and available to criminals like Scotts killer. Bass called the developers comment insensitive. She then wrote an op-ed for the Chestnut Hill Local saying that community is more important than profits, asserting that Weinsteins ideas dont have backing from the community, and would lead to gentrification in the area. Council and community Philadelphias district Council members often invoke the community to defend decisions that are hard to justify based on facts and reason. Yet, who belongs to the community can seem quite self-interested. It often seems like if you agree with the relevant member, you are part of the community. If you dont, you arent. Yvonne Haskins, who has lived in and around Germantown for 50 years, said Bass hasnt been listening. Shes particularly saddened by the lack of redevelopment at the former Germantown YWCA. Bass (here she is again) opposed a plan from Weinstein (here he is again) for the site, which would have included affordable housing. Instead, Bass steered the property to an out-of-town developer, KBK. The firm has yet to make any progress in renovating the property. After growing up in the Jim Crow South, Haskins found the story of how the Germantown branch of the Y integrated itself giving everyone access to the pool inside inspiring. No white folks were jumping in the water with her down South. As a product of integration myself, I appreciate Haskins admiration for Germantowns legacy of pluralism and anti-racism. She said that Weinstein, contrary to his portrayal as the greedy pied piper of displacement, is actually a model developer and community member. Weinstein is working with SEPTA to rehab and reuse five vacant Regional Rail stations, and has fostered the growth of Jumpstart, a program that helps undercapitalized Black and brown Philadelphians break into the real estate industry. Weinsteins program has been so successful that it has been exported to other cities. Haskins is also skeptical of claims that Germantown would soon become a new focal point for gentrification in the city. The neighborhood has always hosted a mix of incomes, with affordable apartments and massive mansions sometimes sharing the same block. The situation on the ground may validate Haskins doubts. While Germantown has seen some development interest, it is hardly a real estate gold mine. In fact, nearly 400 units in the neighborhood were recently sold to the Philadelphia Housing Authority, primarily because their owners could not generate the projected profits. Budget saga ends All year, Harrisburg Democrats promised that public transit funding was their top priority this year. This turned out to be untrue. After all, how else can so many of them call this budget deal, which does not add any new money for mass transit, a win? Gov. Josh Shapiro has said that public transportation is off the table until 2027, which is after his own reelection. This seems to take for granted that he will win, and that the math in the Pennsylvania Senate will change. While last weeks election results were encouraging for Shapiro and his party, theres no guarantee the public will feel the same way next year. Even if Shapiro is handily reelected, he could yet again face the same Senate Republican majority that has stymied him his entire first term. Throughout the budget process, Philadelphias delegation repeatedly declined to issue any ultimatums on mass transit, insisting that they trust their partys leaders to deliver. For the third year in a row, they havent. Since 1988, Ive had the privilege of being a research fellow and shareholder of one of Philadelphias quiet marvels: the Library Company of Philadelphia. It began as a bold experiment an effort by tradesmen and thinkers to share books and ideas for the common good. Nearly three centuries later, that spirit of shared knowledge still animates the place. To a casual visitor, the Library Company might feel like a time capsule shelves of rare books, manuscripts, and prints stretching back to the colonial era. Advertisement But those who know it best understand that its alive. It hums with conversation and discovery. Its where a student first learning to handle an 18th-century pamphlet can find guidance from a seasoned curator, and where scholars from across the world come to pursue questions that shape how we understand the American past. History continues That vitality the sense that history is not finished, but ongoing is what has sustained the Library Company over the centuries. And its what now leads the institution toward an important new step: a merger with Temple University. The word merger can make people uneasy. For those of us who have based our scholarship on the Library Companys unique holdings, it might sound like a loss of independence or identity. But I see this moment as the next chapter in Benjamin Franklins long experiment a way to ensure this remarkable institution continues to serve Philadelphia and the world as a living, breathing center of learning. The Library Company has always thrived on partnership. It was founded not by a wealthy patron or a government grant, but by ordinary citizens pooling resources so that knowledge could be shared. That same ethos has guided it ever since. But running a major research library today requires more than devotion. It requires modern infrastructure, technology, and the reach of a larger educational ecosystem. It requires sustained financial support, something with which it has struggled in recent years. Without alumni or tuition revenue, and as National Endowment for the Humanities fellowship programs have ended, the Library Company faces serious financial headwinds. That is why the proposed partnership with Temple makes sense. Temples president, John Fry, will lead a $25 million fundraising effort as part of the universitys next capital campaign timed to the Library Companys 300th anniversary and Temples own 150th. He has pledged that the Library Companys distinctive scholarly culture will remain intact. Within Temples library system but from its location on Locust Street the Library Company will retain its curatorial leadership, its fellowship programs, and its identity. The next generation of researchers, students, and visitors will find in its reading rooms the same sense of wonder and discovery that has defined the institution since Franklins time. The Library Companys history shows that adaptation is part of its DNA. It evolved from a subscription library into a public research center; it opened its doors to women long before that was common; it embraced open-access digital scholarship when others hesitated. Each time, change only strengthened its mission. This new partnership will ensure scholars and readers of all backgrounds continue to benefit from the Library Companys programming, fellowships, and community. It means that the next generation of researchers, students, and visitors will find in its reading rooms the same sense of wonder and discovery that has defined the institution since Franklins time. Ties to the city It also deepens the Library Companys connection to the city. Temples students many of them Philadelphians and the first in their families to attend college will now have direct access to one of the nations greatest archives of American and Philadelphia history. Imagine the spark when a Temple student encounters a document that shaped the very city they call home. That is what public learning looks like in Franklins city. The Library Companys users form a community of scholarship that stretches far beyond Locust Street. Ive watched ideas take root in the reading room that later become books, exhibitions, and public conversations. Ive seen how its reach far exceeds its modest footprint. Now the Library Companys shareholders have the chance to ensure that influence continues securely, vibrantly, and with the full support of one of Philadelphias great universities. This is not an ending; it is a renewal. It reaffirms what Franklin knew in 1731: that when we work together, knowledge expands, solutions abound, opportunity multiplies, and the citys best ideals endure nearly 300 years later. Rosalind Remer was the executive director of the federal commission to commemorate Benjamin Franklins 300th birthday. She is the senior vice provost for libraries, collections and archives at Drexel University. The control tower at Philadelphia International Airport Nov. 9, 2025, as flight disruptions continue amid the FAAs federal government shutdown-related reduction mandate and air traffic controllers working without pay. Read more After 43 days, the longest government shutdown in history is finally over and federal workers will soon be returning to work and receiving their back pay. President Donald Trump signed legislation Wednesday night to reopen the federal government after approval of a deal that originated in the Senate earlier this week. The bill, which received bipartisan support, funds the government through Jan. 30. Advertisement Federal workers nationwide were among those hardest hit by the shutdown as they went weeks without a paycheck and some struggled to make ends meet. In addition, workers also faced the threat of layoffs during the shutdown or having their back pay withheld. State and local governments, unions, and USAA offered resources for impacted workers. It was the latest hurdle that government employees have had to clear under the Trump administration. Since January, the federal workforce nationwide, including in Philadelphia, has been subjected to layoffs, pushes to resign, and the ending of collective bargaining agreements. Some of the shutdown-related issues appear to be resolved in the legislation, which guarantees back pay to furloughed and excepted employees, and it also requires agencies to reinstate employees that were fired during the past month. The American Federation of Government Employees, the largest federal employees union, has supported the bill to reopen the government. In a letter to House members Tuesday, Daniel Horowitz, AFGEs legislative director, said, Passing this bill will reopen the government and allow federal employees to return to the work of serving the American people. It will ensure safety and security for our vital transportation systems. As government employees shift to a post-shutdown workplace, the Office of Personnel Management published a memo on next steps. Heres what it means for workers: When will federal employees receive back pay? The OPM memo affirmed that furloughed and excepted employees will be receiving retroactive pay and their standard rate of compensation dating to Oct. 1. Receiving back pay after a shutdown is required by law, despite the Trump administration calling this policy into question. Its unclear, however, when employees will receive that pay. The OPM memo said the agency is committed to ensuring that retroactive pay is provided as soon as possible. Throughout the shutdown, TSA officers have continued to perform their jobs without pay, and should start receiving their back pay beginning late next week, according to a union official. Employees at Philadelphia International Airport will receive one payment between Nov. 20 and 24 covering missed paychecks from the shutdown, said Joe Shuker, Region 7 vice president for AFGE Council 100, whose territory includes Pennsylvania. A corrected paycheck for the pay period that overlapped with the start of the shutdown is currently on hold due to restrictions on processing time, Shuker said. When will government employees return to work? Last month, tourists were disappointed to find that the Liberty Bell and other historic sites managed by the National Park Service were shuttered due to the lapse in government funding. But on Thursday, rangers were back at work. Furloughed federal employees, like those in the Park Service, returned to work Thursday. The OPM memo said that any worker impacted by the shutdown can now return to duty. For employees that cannot immediately return to work agencies may consider the use of appropriate flexibilities, the memo said. What happens to federal workers laid off during the shutdown? Thousands of federal employees were laid off in October during the shutdown, as promised by the Trump administration prior to the expiration of federal funding on Oct. 1. But the deal to end the shutdown requires employees who were laid off during this time (also known as a reduction-in-force) to be reinstated. According to the OPM memo, any agencies that laid off workers between Oct. 1 and Nov. 12 must send out notices rescinding the reduction-in-force within five days. Agencies are asked to notify OPM of the rescissions and will provide further individualized guidance. Its unclear, after receiving the rescission notices, specifically when impacted employees will be reinstated. Philadelphias federal workers and union leaders were deeply concerned about the prospect of layoffs ahead of the shutdown, with Everett Kelley, the AFGE national president, calling them illegal and DOGE-like (a reference to Trumps Department of Government Efficiency). AFGE also won an extension on Oct. 28 blocking layoff notices during the shutdown and any future ones that could arise during the lapse in funding. Sen. John Fetterman, D-Pa., left, and Sen. Dave McCormick, R-Pa., right, greet before participating in a debate moderated by Fox News anchor Shannon Bream in June at the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate. Read more Republican Sen. Dave McCormick told a crowd at a Veterans Day ceremony in Reading on Friday that his Pennsylvania Democratic colleague, Sen. John Fetterman, says hello. Fetterman, who was hospitalized this week after a heart issue caused him to fall, will probably leave the hospital on Saturday morning, McCormick said. Advertisement I spoke with him this morning, he said. Hes fine, hes going to be fine. Fettermans office did not immediately confirm the expected timeline shared by McCormick. The Republican senator noted that Fetterman banged up his face from the fall the same week he is launching his book Unfettered, joking that hell do anything to sell books. He has been a great force of good for the Democratic Party, a great common sense vote for Pennsylvania, McCormick said. Fetterman has received an outpouring of well-wishes from across the aisle following his hospitalization beyond McCormick, from the Pennsylvania Republican Party to the White House. WE NEED HIM BACK IN SENATE, posted Senate Republican President Pro Tempore Chuck Grassley (R., Iowa) on Thursday after his hospitalization was announced. Sen. John Kennedy, a Louisiana Republican, posted that he sends his prayers and best wishes to my friend and colleague. As of 4:30 p.m. Friday, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, a New York Democrat who has led the caucus since 2017, shared five posts on X since the news of Fettermans fall but none were about Fetterman. The Pennsylvania Democrat has made a name for himself as someone who is willing to break with his party and work with Republicans. He was one of eight Democratic caucus members who voted with the GOP to open the government this week without the health care subsidies Democrats were pushing for, infuriating some colleagues from his party. Karoline Leavitt, the press secretary for President Donald Trump, posted an emoji of prayer hands on X, saying shes praying for a speedy recovery for Senator Fetterman. Mehmet Oz, Fettermans 2022 Senate opponent who now serves in the Trump administration, also lent words of support. Oz shared on X that hes praying for Johns full recovery, referring to the senator by his first name. The former candidate who lost a bitter election to Fetterman now oversees the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Fetterman voted against Ozs appointment though he voted for other Trump nominees. Ozs campaign staffers and allies mocked Fettermans health during their feisty 2022 contest. Fetterman survived a near-death stroke just days before the primary, which was caused by a blood clot that had blocked a major artery in his brain. Fetterman said in his new memoir Unfettered, which he was promoting in the days leading up to his fall, that he couldnt hear for weeks after his stroke, communicating only with a whiteboard and markers. Once he could speak, he relied on closed-captioning. He revealed in the book that he should have dropped out of the race because of the toll the attacks on his health were taking on his mental health. Now three years later, Fetterman, 56, fell to the ground near his home after feeling lightheaded due to what his unnamed spokesperson described as a ventricular fibrillation flare-up in a Thursday post on X. He was transported to a Pittsburgh hospital out of an abundance of caution but stayed in the hospital for routine observation as his doctors fine-tune his medication regimen, according to the statement. Ventricular fibrillation is a kind of irregular heart rhythm and common cause of sudden cardiac death. Fetterman could have been assisted by a defibrillator he had implanted following his 2022 stroke, according to doctors who specialize in heart conditions but are not involved in the senators care. The Pennsylvania Republican Party posted well wishes for Fetterman and his family on X on Thursday. The Pennsylvania Democratic party, however, posted on X on Friday to attack Republicans for supporting Trump but had not made a post about Fettermans recovery as of Friday afternoon. Two of Fettermans Democratic colleagues in the House from Pennsylvania wished Fetterman a speedy recovery: U.S. Reps. Brendan Boyle, of Philadelphia, and Chris Deluzio, whose district includes Pittsburgh suburbs. (The other five House Democrats representing the Commonwealth did not share statements on X as of Friday afternoon.) While most House Republicans from the state also did not offer public well wishes for Fetterman, two joined in on the GOP chorus on X. U.S. Rep. Brian Fitzpatrick, a Bucks County Republican, called Fetterman my friend while wishing him a speedy recovery. Youve met every challenge head-on, and youll meet this one no differently, Fitzpatrick posted with muscle and American flag emojis. U.S. Rep. Ryan Mackenzie, a Republican who represents the Lehigh Valley, praised Fetterman for siding with Republicans during the government shutdown while wishing him a fast recovery. The Senator has been a strong champion for bipartisanship and the needs of Pennsylvanians throughout the shutdown, and he and his family are in our thoughts, Mackenzie said. On Thursday evening, Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro put a statement on X in support of Fetterman after being asked by The Inquirer if he would be commenting. Fetterman describes his longstanding tension with the governor in his new book. Fettermans willingness to befriend politicians outside of his party has marked his term in the Senate, which has been reflected in social media messages from GOP senators. Sen. Katie Britt, an Alabama Republican, last year partnered with Fetterman on a bill aimed at curbing the negative mental health impacts of social media. Britt visited Fetterman when he was hospitalized at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center for major depression shortly after he began his term in February 2023. Johns resilience and fortitude are second to none, and Im confident hell be back at it in no time, she said on Thursday. Staff writer Kristen Graham contributed to this report Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, center, speaks alongside Department of Human Services Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh, left, and Share Food Program Executive Director George Matysik, right, at the Share Food facility in Philadelphia last Friday The officials announced that SNAP benefits will be fully restored for Pennsylvanians following a court ruling directing the Trump Administration to fully fund November payments. Meanwhile, the state budget will provide money for Share and other food banks to help those in need. Read more Pennsylvanias spending on anti-hunger programs increased by 38% in the state budget passed Wednesday, an $11 million boost over last year to more than $40 million. Of that amount, $5 million will go to food banks throughout the state, Gov. Josh Shapiros office announced. In the Philadelphia area, Share Food Program and Philabundance, which supply food to local food pantries, are among the groups to receive funds. Advertisement The allocation is part of a nearly $50.1 billion state budget that Shapiro signed into law after a 135-day impasse. The extra money follows an unprecedented disruption to the federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, which, according to the state, helps nearly one in eight Pennsylvanians buy food. With the shutdown now over, SNAP benefits were expected to be issued by the weekend, according to officials from the Pennsylvania Department of Human Services. Despite the chaos coming from the federal government, were proving that we can still bring people together to get stuff done here in Pennsylvania, Shapiro said. In a statement about the budget, Shapiro said that making sure Pennsylvanians have enough to eat is one of the most important things we can do as elected leaders. He added that the funding increase will connect our farms with our food banks and help hungry Pennsylvanians put food on the table. While the government was closed, SNAP benefits were paused, and the Trump administration went to the Supreme Court to fight orders by federal judges to release the funding that goes to 2 million Pennsylvanians in need. The court allowed the administration to block SNAP payments Tuesday, in anticipation of the programs imminent resumption. Where will the $40 million in anti-hunger funds go? In the new budget, funding for the State Food Purchase Program (SFPP) increased from $26.6 million in 2024-25 to $30.6 million, a gain of $4 million. This includes an increase to the Pennsylvania Agricultural Surplus System (PASS) of $1 million, going from $5.5 million to $6.5 million. The SFPP allows food banks to purchase food wherever they can, according to George Matysik, Shares executive director. The PASS program stipulates that food banks must purchase products from Pennsylvania farmers, he added. The budget also increased funding for farmers market food coupons, growing from $2.5 million to $9.5 million, an increase of $7 million that includes the $5 million set aside for food banks, according to the Shapiro administration. The other $2 million goes toward the State Food Bucks program that supplements SNAP benefits and encourages healthy eating by providing a $2 coupon for every $5 spent at participating locations. While the budget allotment cannot come close to matching federal SNAP benefits, we need to pull resources from wherever we can, Matysik said. The Shapiro administration and our state elected officials have stepped up to pass a budget that helps support Pennsylvanians, he added. We are still in a hunger crisis The money could not have come at a better time, said Stuart Haniff, executive director of Hunger-Free Pennsylvania, a statewide network of 18 food banks, including Share and Philabundance. It certainly gives us breathing room, but make no mistake: We are still in a hunger crisis, seeing unprecedented demand at food banks. As much as food banks help, Haniff said, they can supply just one meal for every nine SNAP benefits produce. No food bank was ever meant to carry the burden of hunger by itself, he added. Even before SNAP benefits had been paused, Matysik said, Share saw a 120% increase in food need over the last three years. That was evident last week at Feast of Justice food pantry in Northeast Philadelphia, one of the citys largest, which is supplied both by Share and by Philabundance. On Tuesday, dozens of people crammed the building, waiting their turn to pick up the monthly supply of 35 to 40 pounds of food they were entitled to have an amount pantry leaders acknowledged is woefully insufficient to sustain a household over 30 days. Anxiety is so high here, said Pastor Tricia Neale, the pantrys executive director. We get phone calls all day, emails, people knocking on the door at all hours, all from people looking for food. One of Philadelphias top lawmakers defended Mayor Cherelle L. Parker on Thursday, saying her administrations recent decision to eliminate some diversity goals in city contracting is strategic. Our mayors walking a fine line in terms of making sure were not sued, City Council President Kenyatta Johnson said Thursday following the legislative bodys weekly session. Advertisement Johnson a Democrat who rarely disagrees with Parker publicly was responding to questions from the media after The Inquirer reported Thursday that the Parker administration had quietly eliminated some diversity benchmarks in the citys contracting programs. READ MORE: Philadelphia is halting the use of some diversity targets in city contracts as national DEI backlash grows The city, among other changes, is no longer pursuing the longtime goal of allocating 35% of all contracting dollars to businesses owned by women and people of color. The administration in September also ended the citys practice of setting benchmarks for contractors to direct a certain portion of their work to subcontractors and suppliers owned by women and people of color. Parkers administration said the city is removing specific diversity goals and shifting to incentivizing businesses that are small and local, a standard thats been adopted in other cities. The idea is to make the citys procurement policies race- and gender-neutral as a result of new legal precedent, including the Supreme Courts 2023 decision that ruled affirmative action in college admissions unconstitutional. The change comes as diversity, equity, and inclusion programs have faced a broader political backlash nationwide, and as President Donald Trump has threatened to withhold federal funding from jurisdictions that have DEI programs he considers illegal. READ MORE: Mayor Parkers restraint with Trump is both calculation and gamble as the president escalates against blue cities Johnson has for years prioritized ensuring that city dollars go to diverse businesses, and last year he convened a special committee to study the citys DEI practices. Despite defending Parker, he suggested that he would still advocate for Black and brown and women-owned businesses to win contracts for projects requiring city approval in his own South Philadelphia district, saying: In the event that it gets challenged, then well see whoever challenged it in court. City Councilmember Cindy Bass, a Democrat who represents parts of North and Northwest Philadelphia, said Thursday that she was greatly disturbed by the changes quietly implemented this fall. She said she wants to hear from the administration directly on what theyre intending to do, how this is going to have an effect, and how we will proceed as a city to make sure that dollars are flowing into neighborhoods, and particularly to workers who are generally left out of being able to participate. And City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, a member of the progressive Working Families Party who has been critical of Parkers posture toward the Trump administration, said she sees the move as caving to Trump. People want to see leaders fighting for something, Brooks said, and right now we dont see our city fighting for anything. Asked about Brooks comment that the mayor is caving, Johnson said he disagrees. [Parker is] a Black woman who has been advocating commonsense, pragmatic public policies around small businesses here in the city of Philadelphia, Johnson said. So I cant really give that comment any type of credence. Democratic Pennsylvania Governor Shapiro signed into law a bill to exit a regional market meant to cut greenhouse gas emissions, just over three years after the state joined the initiative to flight climate change. Both chambers of the state legislature voted to end the states participation in the Regional Greenhouse Gas Initiative as part of the states budget, which cut funding for the program. The bill unwinds a 2019 decision by Pennsylvanias former governor to join the cap-and-trade program. The move comes as Shapiro pushes to transform Pennsylvania into a major hub for artificial intelligence. The AI boom is propelling the biggest buildout of natural gas-fired power plants in years, and Pennsylvania has long been a top producer of the fossil fuel. Consumer Energy Alliance, which represents businesses and fossil fuel generators, applauded the move, saying it will help reduce escalating utility bills, while climate group Evergreen Action called RGGI the states strongest tool for lowering energy costs. While the exit is seen by some as a capitulation to Republicans and the fossil fuel industry, Shapiro said it removes a key barrier. For years the Republicans whove led the Senate have used RGGI as an excuse to stall substantive conversations about energy production; today that excuse is gone, Shapiro said during a press conference minutes before signing the budget. I am looking forward to aggressively pushing for policies that create more jobs in the energy sector, bring more clean energy onto our grid and reduce the cost of energy for all Pennsylvanians. Top Photo: Josh Shapiro, governor of Pennsylvania, during a christening ceremony for the State of Maine at the Hanwha Philly Shipyard in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, US, on Tuesday, Aug. 26, 2025. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics Pennsylvania New Jersey officials announced five new environmental enforcement actions in communities considered overburdened under New Jerseys Environmental Justice Law and the settlement of two previous environmental justice lawsuits. The latest lawsuits are against three gas stations in South Jersey, one gas station in North Jersey, and one gas station in Central Jersey that officials allege are responsible for gasoline contamination of soil and groundwater. and failed to abide by prior administrative orders. The two settlements resolve complaints the state Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) filed against Sigma Realty, Inc. in 2022 and Martin Service Center Corp. (MSCC) in 2023, owners of gas stations in Ewing and Union City, respectively. New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin and DEP Commissioner Shawn M. LaTourette announced the actions, noting that gasoline is a pervasive pollutant in the soil and groundwater around fuel stations, threatening the environment as well as human and animal health. Gasoline contamination of our soil and groundwater has unfortunately become a ubiquitous issue for property owners across New Jersey, affecting rural communities, suburbs, and cities, said Platkin. DEPs LaTourette said that low-income and minority communities have long borne the brunt of these contaminants. Including these most recent complaints, the state has filed more than 80 civil environmental enforcement actions in overburdened communities since 2018, under the Murphy Administration. More than three dozen have settled or resulted in favorable court judgements, resulting in more than $31 million in monetary damages and penalties for the state. Most of the remaining actions remain in pending litigation. The cases as outlined by state officials are: Settled Cases Sigma Realty Sigma Realty and its officers, Simon and Aglaia Siliverdis, acquired a former Ewing gas station in 1993, and failed for more than two decades to remediate known petroleum contamination. DEP issues an administrative order and civil penalty for violations of the Spill Compensation and Control Act (Spill Act) and Brownfield and Contaminated Site Remediation Act (Brownfield Act) in 2020. DEP sued in 2022 to enforce the order, which included a penalty of $105,000. In July 2025, Sigma sold the property to a third party, which signed a separate agreement with DEP to complete the remediation and pay outstanding fees. Sigma and its owners then resolved this lawsuit by paying a $117,500 civil penalty to DEP. MSCC DEP sought to enforce prior orders, issued in 2020 and 2022, to remove three non-compliant underground storage tanks (USTs) at 417 12th Street in Union City. Soil and groundwater contamination caused by a gasoline discharge persisted on the commercial site for over two decades. Under a court-approved settlement, MSCC and its owners agreed to remove the USTs, remediate the contamination, and pay $125,000 in civil penalties for violations of the Underground Storage of Hazardous Substances Act, the Spill Act, and the Site Remediation Reform Act. New Lawsuits Maybach Assets LLC, 556-564 Springfield Avenue, Newark, Essex County Before Maybach Assets purchased this property in 2023, it entered into a consent order with DEP in which it agreed to remediate the contaminated soil and groundwater known to be at the property. But the suit alleges it has failed to do so and shortly after receiving title to the property, Maybach stopped responding to DEP and the agreed-upon deadlines for remediation were missed. The lawsuit seeks to force Maybach to comply with the consent order, remediate the hazardous substances that discharged at the property, and pay overdue fees and civil penalties. McFarland and Sons, 555 West Union Avenue, Bridgewater Township, Somerset County In 1993, DEP discovered floating free-phase gasoline product and gasoline-related contaminants in groundwater monitoring wells at the property. After McFarland & Sons remediation efforts stalled and DEP incurred costs associated with remediating the property itself, in 2008 the parties entered into an consent order requiring McFarland & Sons to remediate the contaminated site. However, the state claims McFarland & Sons has failed to do so, and DEP has continued to incur costs associated with remediating the property. This lawsuit seeks to compel McFarland & Sons to comply with the consent order and fulfill the outstanding remedial requirements in accordance with the SRRA. This lawsuit also seeks to enforce civil penalties against McFarland & Sons, the companys owner and president, and a former owner of the property for failing to maintain the on-site UST systems in violation of the UST Act. From 2005 through 2017, DEP issued three separate enforcement documents, which were uncontested and became final agency orders. While the defendants have since complied with the UST Act, the state says they continue to owe penalties totaling $91,200. ARFA Enterprises,109 Delsea Drive, Sewell, Gloucester County In 1996, three 12,000-gallon USTs were removed from the property, revealing soil contaminated by leaked gasoline. In 1997, ARFA Enterprises, Inc. (ARFA) purchased this gas station, which had been operating at the site for more than 50 years, and ARFA knew of its responsibilities to clean up the property under New Jersey law. ARFA had begun to do the work when it sold the property to its current owner in 2016. However, its remediation work then stopped, prompting DEP to sue ARFA in November 2017. ARFA soon settled that lawsuit by entering an ACO requiring it to complete remediation by May 2024. ARFA has missed this deadline, completed little additional work since DEPs first lawsuit, and incurred more than $17,000 in unpaid fees. DEP is suing to enforce ARFAs obligation to remediate the property and the areas off-site where contamination has migrated, recover its unpaid fees and costs incurred, and collect additional civil penalties for ARFAs violations of its previous agreement. Johnnys Atlantic, 159 Bridgeton Fairton Road, Fairfield Township, Cumberland County DEP first became aware of the contamination in January 2000, when soil analysis conducted during the removal of nine petroleum USTs revealed that gasoline had leaked from two of the tanks and from two associated above-ground dispensers. Soil samples contained concentrations of benzene and xylene-group chemicals found in gasoline above the States soil cleanup criteria. In June 2000, DEP advised the service station owner at the time, Howard Henigan, that the Spill Act required him to take action to remediate the contaminated soil, which he began, but did not complete. Thirteen years later, in 2014, Henigan sold the property to Wayne Griner. In January 2016, with the soil still contaminated, DEP filed a complaint against Griner. The parties resolved the case in June 2016 by executing an order requiring Griner to remediate the soil, pay past-due fees of $3,830, and make an additional settlement payment to DEP of $5,200. Since that settlement, the state says Griner has failed to fulfill all of his obligations under the consent order. DEP is asking the court to compel Griner to remediate the property, pay past-due fees, and pay civil penalties. US Gas, 903 East Chestnut Avenue, Vineland City, Cumberland County In 1997, gasoline contamination was discovered in the soil at the property surrounding three USTs that were owned by Ross Fogg Fuel Oil Co. Monitoring wells were subsequently installed and groundwater contamination in excess of applicable standards was discovered. After Arshi purchased the property a few years later, a second discharge of gasoline from the USTs occurred. the state says Ross Fogg Fuel Oil Co. and Arshi have failed to remediate the contamination from both discharges. Earlier in 2025, DEP secured judgments in municipal court proceedings finding them responsible for the remediation and ordering civil penalties. Additionally, in 2023, DEP issued an a order against Arshi; Surjeet Sawhney, who owns Arshi; Guru Enterprises, which operated the USTs; and Karamjeet Sodhi, who owns Guru. The state cited these individuals for various UST violations and assessed a $72,400 penalty. It was uncontested and became a final agency order. While the UST violations have been resolved, the $72,400 penalty remains unpaid. DEP is suing to enforce the orders and compel Arshi and Ross Fogg Fuel Oil to clean up the property, as well as any contamination spread off-site from the property, and to pay penalties associated with their failure to perform the remediation. Photo: ARFA Enterprises, Inc. gas station in Gloucester County. Photo supplied by New Jersey Attorney General. Source: New Jersey Attorney General Topics Lawsuits Pollution New Jersey A former Connecticut police officer accused of mistreating prisoner Richard Randy Cox after he was paralyzed in the back of a police van pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor Wednesday and received no jail time, while three other officers chose to take their cases to trial. Betsy Segui, a former New Haven sergeant who supervised the city police station lockup, pleaded guilty to second-degree reckless endangerment in exchange for a 60-day suspended jail term. Another former officer, Ronald Pressley, took the same plea deal and received an identical sentence last week. Cox, 39, who did not attend the New Haven Superior Court hearing, was left paralyzed from the chest down on June 19, 2022, when the police van he was riding in without a seat belt braked hard, sending him head-first into a metal partition while his hands were cuffed behind his back. He had been arrested on charges of threatening a woman with a gun, which were later dismissed. I cant move. Im going to die like this. Please, please, please help me, Cox said in the van minutes after the crash, according to police video. He later was found to have broken his neck. Once at the police station, officers mocked Cox and accused him of being drunk and faking his injuries, according to surveillance and body-worn camera footage. Officers dragged Cox out of the van and around the police station before placing him in a holding cell before his eventual transfer to a hospital. When Cox told the officers that he thought he had cracked his neck, Segui responded, You aint crack nothing. You just drank too much, according to an internal affairs investigation report. Segui did not speak about Coxs treatment during the court hearing. She only answered standard questions from the judge about her guilty plea. Her lawyer, Gregory Cerritelli, said Segui wanted to put the criminal case behind her. Shes no longer working in law enforcement and has no desire to, so I think from her perspective this just gives her closure and lets her move on with her life and focus on her new career, he said in an interview after the hearing. He declined to say what Seguis new career is. Three other officers involved in Coxs transport, Oscar Diaz, Jocelyn Lavandier and Luis Rivera, rejected plea deals proposed by prosecutors and chose to take their cases to trial. All three are charged with cruelty to persons and reckless endangerment. Prosecutors said Cox was informed about Seguis plea deal beforehand and gave his consent. In 2023, the city of New Haven agreed to settle a lawsuit by Cox for $45 million. Louis Rubano, a lawyer for Cox, said Cox and his family had hoped the criminal cases would end as quickly as possible with plea bargains by all five officers. I think bringing a conclusion to this tragic situation is what the family wants, and the fact now that theres going to be potentially a trial for the other remaining officers forces Randy and his family to have to kind of re-live the events of that tragic day, Rubano said. Rubano said Cox has bought a home and is living there with his mother, who is caring for him with the help of medical professionals. The case drew outrage from civil rights advocates including the NAACP, along with comparisons to the Freddie Gray case in Baltimore. Cox is Black, while all five officers who were arrested are Black or Hispanic. Gray, who also was Black, died in 2015 after he suffered a spinal injury while handcuffed and shackled in a Baltimore police van. The case also led to reforms at the New Haven police department as well as a statewide seat belt requirement for prisoners. New Haven police fired Segui, Diaz, Lavandier and Rivera for violating police conduct policies, while Pressley retired. Diaz appealed his firing and got his job back. Diaz, who was driving the van when Cox got injured, said he had to brake hard to avoid an accident with another vehicle. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Law Enforcement BBVA SA is reviewing its insurance partnership in Turkey as its current agreement with Eureko Sigorta AS is set to expire, according to people familiar with the matter. BBVA is considering various options including a new partnership for its local unit Turkiye Garanti Bankasi AS, the people said, asking not to be named discussing private information. The process is at an early stage and BBVA could also decide to renew the existing partnership, the people said. The Spanish bank has hired Alvarez & Marsal Inc. to advise it on the matter, they added. We are shaping our roadmap in the insurance sector in collaboration with a consulting firm specializing in this field, said a representative for the Turkish subsidiary, known as Garanti BBVA. These efforts are a natural and routine part of our insurance strategy. Our strong partnership with Eureko Insurance continues in the same manner. A spokesperson for Eureko, which is part of Dutch group Achmea, said its collaboration with BBVA Garanti continues to be strong. Representatives for BBVA and Alvarez & Marsal declined to comment. BBVA controls around 86% of BBVA Garanti, a unit that accounted for around 7% of the groups profit in the three quarters to September. Spains second-biggest lender is refocusing its strategy after its unsolicited takeover bid for Banco Sabadell SA failed earlier this year. BBVA already has insurance collaborations with companies including Allianz SE, with which it agreed in 2020 to form a joint venture for non-life insurance in Spain. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. The British Broadcasting Corp. issued a formal apology to Donald Trump on Thursday over the misleading edit of the US presidents speech in a documentary program late last year, but rejected his demands for compensation. BBC Chairman Samir Shah sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President Trump that he and the corporation are sorry for the edit of the Presidents speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the programme, the BBC said in a statement. Separately, lawyers for the national broadcaster have written to Trumps legal team in response to the presidents threats of legal action, seeking no less than $1 billion in damages if the BBC didnt issue an apology, retract the documentary and compensate the president appropriately for harm caused. Read more: Judge Throws Out Trumps $15B Lawsuit Against New York Times While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree there is a basis for a defamation claim, the broadcaster said in a statement. The BBC also said it would not rebroadcast the documentary Trump: A Second Chance? on any of its platforms. The broadcaster will be hoping an apology will be enough to avoid a damaging defamation suit. UK Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy said the corporation was treating this seriously. They are right to apologize for serious mistakes, they are right to have sought legal advice to respond robustly to that point, she told the BBCs Today program on Friday. She added that the BBC hadnt asked the government to intervene in its dispute with Trump. In a letter Sunday, Trump attorney Alejandro Brito said if the BBC didnt comply by Nov. 14 at 5 p.m. New York time, the president would be left with no alternative but to enforce his legal and equitable rights, including by filing a lawsuit. It is now clear that BBC engaged in a pattern of defamation against President Trump by intentionally and deceitfully editing his historic speech in order to try and interfere in the Presidential Election, a spokesman for Trumps legal team said Thursday. President Trump will continue to hold accountable those who traffic in lies, deception, and fake news. The editing of the Panorama documentary spliced together two parts of Trumps speech before the riot at the US Capitol in a way that gave the impression of a direct call for violent action. The controversy surrounding the edit has embroiled the political and media establishment in the UK. BBC Director-general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness both stepped down days after the controversy came to light when the Daily Telegraph newspaper published a leaked memo from the network. The BBC apology came after a second instance of misleading editing by the BBC came to light. A clip of the same speech also aired on the BBCs current affairs program Newsnight in 2022, the Telegraph reported on Thursday. Trump has a history of taking legal action against media outlets for reporting the president sees as unfair or biased. By using, or threatening to use, the courts and his administrations authority, Trump has already forced major concessions from some of the largest outlets in the US. CBS agreed to pay $16 million to settle a suit by the president accusing the network of election interference over how the networks news show 60 Minutes edited a quote from an interview with presidential candidate Kamala Harris, which he claimed made her sound more coherent. ABC paid $15 million to settle a suit over news host George Stephanopouloss incorrect reference to Trump being found liable for rape in a lawsuit by E. Jean Carroll, while the jury had only found him liable for sexual abuse. The jury didnt accept Carrolls rape claim. The president also has multi-billion lawsuits pending in Florida against the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal over allegations of defamation that both organizations deny. The Times was sued over an alleged pattern of coverage that harmed the presidents brand and reputation, while the Journal was sued over a report that Trump had sent a crude birthday note to disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein in 2003. Yet there are significant legal differences between the claims against the BBC and the US media companies that Trump has previously targeted. The Panorama documentary at the center of the dispute was never aired in the US and the program was geo-blocked on the BBCs streaming service. It is so difficult to prove defamation in the US, and for a program that Americans have not seen, said Claire Enders, a media analyst and founder of Enders Analysis. There is no basis for the lawsuit, and there would be no basis for a settlement. It might be too late for Trump to sue in Britain because the broadcast was more than a year ago, which would fall outside the UKs so-called statute of limitations. Florida, on the other hand, has a two-year statute of limitations on defamation cases. Trumps lawyer indicated in his letter to the BBC on Sunday that the suit would be filed in Florida, but the timing is unclear. The Friday deadline is for the BBC to respond and that could trigger more negotiations before a case is filed. Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. A Wisconsin man accused of trying to burn down a congressmans office earlier this year because he was upset over the federal TikTok ban has pleaded no contest to felony arson. Caiden Stachowicz, 20, of Menasha, entered the plea Monday in Fond du Lac County Circuit Court, online court records showed. Defendants who plead no contest have decided they will no longer fight the charges against them but they do not admit guilt. District Attorney Eric Toney agreed to drop burglary and property damage charges in exchange for the plea. Stachowicz faces up to 40 years in the state prison system when hes sentenced March 5. Email and voicemail messages were left for his attorney, listed in the online records as Timothy Edward Hogan. According to a criminal complaint, a police officer responded to a fire outside Republican U.S. Rep. Glenn Grothmans Fond du Lac office around 1 a.m. on Jan. 19 and saw Stachowicz standing nearby. Stachowicz told the officer that he started the fire because he doesnt like Grothman, according to the complaint. He said that he initially planned to break into the office and start the fire inside but he couldnt break the window. He then poured gas on an electrical box in the back of the building and around the front of the building, lit a match and watched it burn, according to the complaint. He said he wanted to burn down the office because the U.S. government was shutting down TikTok in violation of his constitutional rights and peace was no longer an option. He noted that Grothman voted for the shutdown but that he didnt want to hurt anyone or harm Grothman himself. Grothman voted for a bill in April 2024 that mandated TikToks China-based company, ByteDance, sell its U.S. operation. The deadline was Jan. 19, but President Donald Trump has issued multiple executive orders prolonging it. His administration has been negotiating with Chinese officials to keep the popular social media app running in the U.S., but no deal has been announced. Messages were left at Grothmans Washington, D.C., office and with a spokeswoman. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. TOPEKA, Kan. (AP) A rural Kansas county has agreed to pay a little more than $3 million and apologize over a law enforcement raid on a small-town weekly newspaper in August 2023 that sparked an outcry over press freedom. Marion County sheriffs officers were involved in the raid on the Marion County Record and helped draft search warrants used by Marion city police to enter the newspapers offices, the publishers home and the home of a local city council member. They intentionally wanted to harass us for reporting the news, and youre not supposed to do that in a democracy, the editor and publisher, Eric Meyer, said Tuesday. He added he hoped the payment was large enough to discourage similar actions against other news organizations in the future. The raid prompted five federal lawsuits against the county, the city of Marion and local officials. Meyers 98-year-old mother Joan, the papers co-owner, died of a heart attack the next day, something he blames on the stress of the raid. During the raid, authorities seized cellphones and computers from the newsroom and rifled through reporters desks. Search warrants linked the raid to a dispute between a local restaurant owner and the newspaper, which had obtained a copy of her driving record while reporting on her request for a city liquor license. The raid also came after the newspaper had dug into the background of the police chief at the time who led the raid. The raid triggered a national debate about press freedom focused on Marion, a town of about 1,900 people set among rolling prairie hills some 150 miles (240 kilometers) southwest of Kansas City, Missouri. Police body camera footage from Meyers home showed his mother, who lived with him, visibly upset and telling officers, Get out of my house! An attorney for the newspaper, Bernie Rhodes, released a copy Tuesday of the five-page agreement resolving legal claims against the county. Claims against the city and city officials have not been settled, and Meyer said he believes they will face a larger judgment once those claims are eventually resolved. Marion Countys administrator and attorneys for the city and county did not immediately return messages seeking comment. Raids legality was questioned Under the judgment, the estate of Meyers mother will receive $1 million. Meyer, two former Record reporters and the papers business manager will split $1.1 million, and Ruth Herbel, the former city council member, will receive $650,000. Meyer said hes considering a fund to ensure that the paper remains financially viable or a program to encourage young journalists to work in communities like his. The goal isnt to get the money. The money is symbolic, Meyer said. The press has basically been under assault. Three days after the raid, the local prosecutor said there wasnt enough evidence to justify it. Experts said Marions police chief at the time, Gideon Cody, was on legally shaky ground when he ordered it, and a former top federal prosecutor for Kansas suggested it might have been a criminal violation of civil rights. Doug Anstaett, a retired Kansas Press Association executive director, said Tuesday that the raid violated the states shield law for journalists. It allows law enforcement agencies to seek subpoenas to obtain confidential information from news organizations but requires them to show a compelling interest and that they cant obtain it in another way. Anstaett was the associations executive director when the law was enacted in 2010. The Record is known for its aggressive coverage of local issues, and Anstaett suggested police where trying to get at Meyer because of his adversarial relationships with local officials, adding, it totally backfired. They didnt follow any of those requirements and therefore it was really a slam dunk in terms of whether they broke the law or not, he said. Genelle Belmas, a University of Kansas professor who teaches media law, described the raid as an egregious violation of the First Amendment rights of Meyer and the weekly. I share his hope that an award of this size serves as a deterrent against future ill-conceived warrants with political motivations, she said. And no amount of money brings Joan Meyer back. We need to stay vigilant against government incursions on the press. Sheriff issues apology The search warrants were premised on the idea that the newspaper and a reporter had illegally impersonated the local restaurant owner to obtain her driving record online and that the former city council member Herbel illegally circulated it by sending a cellphone screenshot to the city manager. Two special prosecutors who reviewed the raid and its aftermath said nearly a year later that the Record, its staff and Herbel had committed no crimes before the raid. The prosecutors also said the warrants signed by a judge contained inaccurate information from an inadequate investigation and that the searches were not legally justified. Cody resigned as police chief in October 2023. Cody is scheduled to go to trial in February in Marion County on a felony charge of interfering with a judicial process, accused by the two special prosecutors of persuading a potential witness to withhold information from authorities investigating his conduct. He had pleaded not guilty and did not respond to a text message Tuesday seeking comment about the countys agreement. The charge against Cody stems from text messages between him and the business owner after the raid. The business owner has said Cody asked her to delete text messages between them, fearing people could get a wrong idea about their relationship, which she said was professional and platonic. The Marion County Commission approved the agreement Monday after discussing it in private for 15 minutes. The agreement required Sheriff Jeff Soyez to issue an apology. The Sheriffs Office wishes to express its sincere regrets to Eric and Joan Meyer and Ruth and Ronald Herbel for its participation in the drafting and execution of the Marion County Police Departments search warrants on their homes and the Marion County Record, the sheriffs statement said. ___ Hollingsworth reported from Mission, Kansas. Photo: FILE A stack of the Marion County Record sits in the back of the newspapers building, awaiting unbundling, sorting and distribution, Aug. 16, 2023, in Marion, Kan. A former reporter for a weekly Kansas newspaper has agreed to accept $235,000 to settle part of her federal lawsuit over a police raid on the paper that made a small town the focus of a national debate over press freedoms. (AP Photo/John Hanna, File) Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s decision to let managers use artificial intelligence for help writing performance reviews stands to bring relief to one of bosses most dreaded annual tasks. It also raises questions as to whether bot-written reviews will make the process better or worse, especially for employees seeking meaningful feedback. Bringing AI into annual assessments can save managers time, and even result in more useful feedback than employees get from human bosses alone, executives and management experts say. Yet they caution that outsourcing too much could turn reviews into AI workslop. (At any rate, bot-written reviews are already out there whether employers bless them or not, with many managers making up their own rules.) The boundaries are going to be redrawn with this technology shift, said Benjamin Levick, who leads AI and operations at corporate card company Ramp. I dont know if theyll be full-blown uncomfortable or feel dehumanizing. Theres of course a risk of that if youre very clunky with how you utilize AI, but I do think that theres a way to thread the needle of infusing AI in more managerial practices. JPMorgans guidelines permit supervisors to use an internal chatbot to help compose their write-ups, but warns them that technology is not a substitute for human judgment. It also forbids them from using AI tools to assign performance scores or make pay or promotion decisions. Time-strapped managers may be doing their direct reports a disservice if they dont use available tools to more thoroughly evaluate employees work, Levick said. Id feel pretty bad if an AI just wholesale read everything that I wrote, looked at everything I did, and just assigned me a grade, and then my manager read the script at the end, Levick said. Thats the wrong way to do it, but I would probably also feel bad, honestly, if my manager only has a couple few hours to do this process and they spent all the time painstakingly manually reading the 2% of things they could get through and then wrote a review based on that very small subset. Bosses, like all humans, are prone to bias and faulty memory and may put too much weight on the recent past when reviewing a longer period, said Peter Cappelli, a management professor at the University of Pennsylvanias Wharton School and director of its Center for Human Resources. Cappelli said AI often can provide a more objective assessment than one you get from a human manager. That said, employees may consider a review to have less credibility if they know AI was involved. I get a reason to discount this and not pay any attention to it because I dont think it actually came from my boss, Cappelli said. It said I did a good job. Does the boss really think that? Experimental studies have shown that when people are given AI tools, they often offload analysis to the technology and rely less on their own judgment. That can cut both ways in a performance review. Employees may feel processed rather than personally evaluated, deepening cynicism toward a review process many already see as performative, Cappelli said. And because chatbots are known to be sycophantic, an AI-assisted review may be overly positive and fail to adequately address performance issues (one of many reasons why its a good idea to check any AI-written material for fairness, tone and accuracy). The pros and cons, plus the newness of AI, suggest companies will wrestle with their choices well beyond this performance review season. The decisions may be more clear-cut at companies now explicitly assessing how much or how well employees use AI, which is now part of the review criteria at companies including consulting firm KPMG LLP and e-commerce platform Shopify Inc. In his own role, Levick says he maintains responsibility for his opinions on employee performance, but uses AI to inform those opinions by helping him summarize lots of data, such as peer feedback and work employees submitted throughout the year. Its in there in every step, but at the end of the day, the review is fundamentally from me and includes my thoughts as the primary driver, he said. Other companies are experimenting with tools designed to take on a bigger role in the evaluation process. Payroll platform Rippling, for example, is selling a system, called Talent Signal, that assesses new employees first 90 days of output, labeling workers high potential, typical, or pay attention.The system analyzes employees performance on tasks, such handling customer queries or writing code, taking into account the complexity of the work. Managers can agree or disagree with a thumbs up or down. Some HR experts caution theres a limit to AIs usefulnessin evaluating performance. Nora Jenkins Townson, founder of Bright + Early, an external HR department for tech companies, has been pitched by numerous startups claiming to have fixed performance reviews by lightening the load on middle managers and reducing bias, for example by filling out a weekly rating card or logging notes from regular one-on-ones into a system, which at the end of the year would generate something like a performance review. For them to work well, you already have to have a solid definition of what success looks like, both at a company level and for each job, she said. You still have to sit and do the thinking about what good performance means to you. Photo: Generated by AI, AdobeStock Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence John Neals tenure at American International Group (AIG) is over before it began. The former CEO of Lloyds of London and AIG reached a mutual agreement that he would not join the company due to personal circumstances, according to a brief filing with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. Neal was slated to start as president of AIG and leader of its General Insurance businesses on Dec. 1. AIG announced Neals hire in July. AIG said CEO Peter Zaffino will work with the board on the companys future organizational structure. This is the second time this year Neal was hired to a position he never occupied. Early in 2025, he was appointed global CEO of Reinsurance and chairman of Climate Solutions at broker Aon. He took the job at AIG before starting at Aon. Neal served as CEO of Lloyds of London since October 2018. Five months ago, Neal on LinkedIn posted about his last day. The news is the latest within the hierarchy of AIGs General Insurance unit, which includes the North America and international commercial insurance businesses and AIGs global personal insurance book. Most recently, the company announced that Don Bailey, head of commercial insurance in North America, is retiring at the end of the year to focus on his health. Allison Cooper and Barbara Luck will be co-presidents of AIGs retail commercial business in North America. Lou Levinson is now president of wholesale for North America Commercial. Each of the new leaders of North America commercial, as well as Jon Hancock, CEO of international commercial insurance and AIGs global personal insurance business, were to report to Neal as leader of General Insurance. The unit was once led by David McElroy as chairman of the group. AIG announced McElroy was retiring on May 1, 2024, shortly after he was questioned by police about an alleged sexual assault in Vermont at a client conference. McElroy was charged late last year with sexual assault. He was arraigned early this year and pleaded not guilty. Meanwhile, AIG last month struck a deal with Everest Group, with an agreement to add the renewal rights of Everests retail commercial insurance business to the General Insurance portfolio. UPDATE: Sources said Jon Hancock will become AIGs CEO of General Insurance, effective Dec. 1. Cooper, Luck and Levinson will report to Hancock, as will Chris Flatt, global chief underwriting officer, and Julie Chambers, global chief claims officer. Hancock had been CEO of international insurance following a series of executive appointments in October 2023. Then at the start of 2025, Hancock was made EVP, CEO of international commercial insurance and global personal insurance. Those businesses will continue to report to Hancock. Topics Excess Surplus Lloyd's AIG Chevron Corp. chose West Texas as the site of its first project to provide natural gas-fired power to a data center, the beginning of a new line of business for the oil giant to capitalize on the boom in artificial intelligence. The company is in exclusive talks with the data centers end user, which it didnt name, and anticipates making a final investment decision early next year, according to a statement and presentation released ahead of Chevrons investor day on Wednesday. The facility is expected be operational in 2027, and will have capacity to generate as much as 5,000 megawatts in the future. Big Oil is looking to cash in on the enormous demand for energy that will be needed to power data centers, which are being located further away from major population centers and closer to sources of fuel. Chevron is one of the biggest producers in the Permian Basin of West Texas, which spews out so much natural gas that it often overwhelms pipelines and has to be burned off. Weve got the gas, Chief Financial Officer Eimear Bonner said in an interview prior to Chevrons investor presentation in New York on Wednesday. We are uniquely positioned to have a very competitive project. The power project is expected to ramp up by its third year to have the capacity to produce about 2,500 megawatts, which is more than the equivalent of two nuclear reactors. It will likely be built separately from the grid to avoid competing with electricity supply for the wider population. Chevron sees an opportunity to secure demand for its 3 billion cubic feet per day of natural gas output. The stock declined 1.7% by 10 a.m. in New York, with Brent crude prices trading down 2.7% at $63.41 a barrel. Key to Chevrons venture into AI was forming a partnership with Engine No. 1, the investor that ran a successful activist campaign against arch-rival Exxon Mobil Corp. in 2021. The collaboration with Engine No. 1 secured an order for seven large natural gas turbines from GE Vernova Inc. Chevron executives are due to explain its power strategy in more detail at the investor day, the Houston-based companys first for nearly three years. The energy giant expects to grow production through 2030 even while reducing capital spending, which will allow it to increase free cash flow 14% annually over the next five years, it said. The company expects to buy back between $10 billion and $20 billion of stock annually through 2030 at average prices of $60 to $80 a barrel Brent crude. It didnt change its current share repurchases, which were $2.6 billion in the last quarter, the low end of the range. You can count on us to be prepared for the unexpected, and resilient through any headwinds, Chief Executive Officer Mike Wirth said in prepared remarks. New long-term targets include: Reduced annual capital budget to $18 billion to $21 billion through 2030 from $19 billion to $22 billion Chevron expects to make about $30 billion in free cash flow by 2030, about 75% higher than current levels, at $70-a-barrel Brent Generating enough cash to cover its dividend and capital spending with Brent at $50 a barrel Growing oil and gas production by 2% to 3% annually Analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. had been expecting growth of about 1.7% annually Increasing annual cost savings to as much as $4 billion by the end of 2026, up from as much as $3 billion previously Copyright 2025 Bloomberg. Topics InsurTech Texas Data Driven Artificial Intelligence In an age of frequent mass shootings, insurers cannot escape coverage by arguing that each pull of the trigger was a separate occurrence unless the policy unambiguously says so, a federal appeals court held this week in a case stemming from the deadly 2018 high school shooting in Parkland, Florida. Because under controlling Florida law, occurrence is ambiguous and must be construed in favor of the insured, the district court did not err by concluding the Parkland shooting was one occurrence under Evanstons policy and granting summary judgment for the Sheriff on that basis, a three-judge panel of the U.S. 11th Circuit Court of Appeals concluded in Broward County Sheriff vs. Evanston Insurance Co. The decision could hold significance for excess and government coverage and could provide another guidepost for insurers on clearly worded policy language. The excess policy purchased by the sheriffs office in 2017 had a policy limit of $2.5 million. The sheriff was self-insured up to $500,000, and the policy had a $500,000 deductible. The sheriff had stationed a deputy as a school resource officer at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland. After a teenaged gunman opened fire in 2018, killing 17 students and teachers and injuring others, the sheriff faced as many as 60 lawsuits from families of the victims, who argued that the resource officer had acted negligently and failed to stop the killings. Evanston, a Markel Group subsidiary, essentially denied liability and legal defense coverage, contending that the separate occurrence clause mean that each injury or death constituted a separate incident meaning the $500,000 deductible and $500,000 self-insurance retention had to be met for each injury claim before coverage would kick in. By that measure, the sheriffs office would have needed to spend as much as $60 million on legal costs and judgments before Evanston provided coverage. Broward Sheriff Gregory Tony and his attorneys argued that the shooting was a single occurrence and that the retention and deductible had been exceeded by the multiple lawsuits and legal fees. The sheriff asked the trial court to declare that Evanston must provide coverage. The trial court, the U.S. District Court in Southern Florida, agreed in 2024, finding that the Evanston policy did not clearly define a separate occurrence, and any ambiguity must be construed in favor of the insured. Evanston appealed and the appellate court panel upheld the lower court in its Nov. 10 opinion. The decision could help clarify a 2003 Florida Supreme Court ruling that has been cited by insurers and insureds alike to support their interpretations of separate occurrence language. In a case known as Koikos vs. Travelers Insurance, the state high court had issued a decision that the 11th Circuit judges said was not a model of clarity. But subsequent court interpretations of the Koikos ruling have provided guidance. In the Broward Sheriff case, Evanstons attorneys relied on the Koikos ruling to bolster their contention that a mass shooting was to be considered multiple events with multiple deductibles. Yes, the 11th Circuit judges noted, the Koikos decision did seem to conclude that a restaurant shooting that injured two people was an example of two separate occurrences. But more importantly, subsequent rulings have found that the Koikos case was decided on ambiguity grounds finding that the insurance policy was unclear and must fall in favor of the policyholder. Construing the term occurrence in favor of the Sheriff, we conclude the entire Parkland shooting was a single occurrence. Because the entire Parkland shooting is one occurrence, only a single SIR (self-insurance retention) applies, 11th Circuit Judge Frank Hull wrote in the opinion. The 11th Circuit ruling is the second major decision to come out of the Parkland shooting on the issue of insurance coverage and so-called separate incidents. In a lawsuit brought by a victims family against the School Board of Broward County, the Florida Supreme Court in 2020 held that the school shooting was a single incident, for sovereign immunity purposes. In the sheriffs lawsuit, the 11th Circuit also shot down Evanstons claims that a policy wording ambiguity should not be construed in the insureds favor because, in this case, the sheriffs office was more than an ordinary policyholder. It is a sophisticated insured, Evanstons lawyers had argued. The lower court and the appeals court disagreed. The district court explained that Evanstons arguments relied almost entirely on non-binding caselaw from other jurisdictions and the sophisticated-insured rule was contrary to well-settled Florida principles of insurance policy interpretation, under which the Sheriffs subjective intent and supposed sophistication were irrelevant to construing ambiguous policy terms, the 11th Circuit judges wrote. The appellate court also ordered Evanston to pay the sheriffs attorney fees, noting that the shooting and lawsuits came before the Florida Legislature in 2022 prohibited one-way attorney fees in insurance claims disputes. Markel and Evanston representatives could not be reached for comment, nor could their attorneys in the case. Seth Haimovitch, a lawyer for the Broward Sheriff in the case, referred all questions to the sheriffs office, which did not respond to queries from Insurance Journal by Thursday evening. The 11th Circuit opinion can be seen here. Top photo: Students are evacuated by police from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, after the shooting in 2018. (Mike Stocker/South Florida Sun-Sentinel via AP) In Southern California, where police pursuits are common, this was one for the books. A suspect in an allegedly stolen minivan led authorities on a two-hour, 170-mile (274-kilometer) chase through four counties Monday that ended with her escaping into Mexico, officials said. The driver was detained by U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers when she reentered the country the next day. The Ventura County Sheriffs Office was due to take her into custody, and charges were pending. It began around 11 a.m. when deputies responded to reports of a Toyota Sienna taken from outside a sober living home in Thousand Oaks, about 40 miles (64 kilometers) northwest of Los Angeles, according to the Ventura County Sheriffs Office. The deputies chased the vehicle at speeds reaching 90 mph (145 kph). The California Highway Patrol took over the pursuit as the minivan headed south on Interstate 405 into Los Angeles County. TV news helicopters followed as the minivan swerved to avoid a spike strip that the CHP placed in its path. A second spike strip attempt also failed, and by noon the suspect had sped into Orange County on Interstate 5. After the chase reached San Diego County, the CHP notified Customs and Border Protection just after 1 p.m. that the vehicle was nearing the border. CHP units were called off from the pursuit on State Route 905 around 1:20 p.m. because of public safety concerns, a common practice for chases near the border to protect officers and motorists. We dont want this car forcing its way through the entry, hurting other people, CHP Sgt. Esteban Hernandez told the Los Angeles Times. Shortly before 1:30 p.m., CHP officers were notified that the minivan had made its way through the San Ysidro crossing into Mexico, Hernandez said. She reentered through the same crossing Tuesday, the highway patrol said in a statement. Officials at Customs and Border Protection did not immediately respond to a request for additional details. The suspect was identified as a 29-year-old woman who lived at the sober living facility. Copyright 2025 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics California Auto Subscriber Restaurant review: Park yourself at Dublin's Amy Austin for a fine meal sans wheels "Jerk marinade comote (16), aka sweet potato, was also rather diminutive but this time we didnt mind as it was outstanding the dish of the evening for me." In Dublin and soon Cork, two brothers, Jack and Theo Kirwan, are reconceptualising what it means to be modern millennial moguls in the spotlight. Their company, Sprout & Cos origin story, is now Irish food lore. They began with a Ballymaloe-stoked obsession with seasonality as a juice wholesaler, popping up in Avoca before opening a salad bar on Dublins Dawson St in 2015. On Monday, theyll open their first Cork location at 17 Winthrop St. Ten years in and almost nine restaurants later, mythology has settled around them. The brothers. The farm. The punny salads. The book. The recipe videos. The queue at lunchtime. The app to skip the queue at lunchtime. But the empire, such as it is, still runs on the human scale. For the Sprout brothers, it is people who are at the heart of their restaurant network a network that brings in a cultish following. That following includes designers like Lara Nagel, whose family co-owns Dede in Baltimore. On any given day, Lara can be found evangelising Sprouts Charred Chicken Taco bowl to almost anyone who will listen. I just love it so much, she tells me. Shes quick to cite the same trifecta of influences as many a seasoned reviewer: The fresh ingredients, the aesthetic combinations, the virtuous glow it gives you, because you know youre not eating rubbish. In the mythology of business, moguls build power by extraction: from labour, from land, from luck. The Kirwans trick has been to invert that and build by retention. After 10 years, they still retain their willingness to get on the floor and do a shift; they retain staff for years. They retain goodwill among their suppliers, customers, and internet users (just dont ask them about a northside Dublin location in the comments; they know, theyre working on it). Sprouts move to Cork will be a test of whether their model of trust can travel outside this Dublin-centric bubble of fandom. If the love for Sprout runs deep, so too do its roots. Its definitely in our veins, Theo says. Jack and Theo come from a long line of hospitality monarchs. Their granny, Gogo Kirwan, was the legendary woman behind the iconic Beaufield Mews. Their cousin, Simon Pratt, stitched himself into the fabric of Irish food culture by co-founding Avoca. Their late uncle, Liam ODwyer, practically invented Dublin nightlife with a portfolio that included Cafe en Seine, The George, and Zanzibar. He was an amazing man. Incredibly humble. Very creative and a huge inspiration. All of this has informed who they are as people, entrepreneurs, employers, and chefs. Along, of course, with their mother, Siobhan a woman who always puts a salad on the table. Who would have thought that little seed would sprout (pun intended) into a salad empire spanning the breadth of Ireland, with a farm and everything? The brothers are a welcoming pair, who talk quickly and over one another; the cadence is affectionate and competitive but never combative. Their inheritance also shows up in how they fight. Theo doesnt blink. Youre so open with each other because youre family, so you can have brilliant, passionate arguments, he says. Jack nods. They agree on the important things; everything else is contested in good faith. In the kitchen, we both challenge each other that can sometimes be difficult, but ultimately we both want the best thing for Sprout, Jack says. Rising star Theo & Jack Kirwan, founders of Sprout, at Sprout on Dawson Street, Dublin. Photo: Gareth Chaney They extend the friction beyond blood and to their staff on purpose. You dont want yes-men, Theo says. You want to be surrounded by people who are passionate and able to have arguments with you if they believe in something. That friction is where great stuff comes from. Gratitude is part of their infrastructure, so its no shock when Jack lights up as we get to talking about their Rising Star initiative. The initiative is an internal development programme designed for employees to upskill so they can progress to higher levels within the company. They talk to me about Kevin Santana, a man who started as a kitchen porter with no English. Now he works hand-in-hand with Theo to create all our food. We want the person whos starting as a kitchen porter to be supported on a journey to rise up to be a manager, managing 30 to 40 people if thats something they want, Jack says. We want to have it so that a restaurant manager can buy a house in this city. What keeps Sprout growing this succinctly is loyalty an old-fashioned word in a new-economy mouth. Five of their team of people from Dublin are moving to Cork for the grand opening on Winthrop St. Jack and Theo maintain that the most important person in our business is our manager. They each feel really privileged to be opening Cork with Nathalia Dorigan, affectionately called Nat by the brothers. Nat, a Sprout veteran, is progressing to manager of Cork thanks to the Rising Stars programme. Nat was with the brothers when they opened Camden Street and opened Monkstown. So when they were looking for volunteers to upend their lives and move to Cork, they were chuffed when she volunteered. In a sector notorious for burnout and turnover, theyve built a sustainable moguldom where loyalty from staff like Nat is the defining metric of success. The logic of reciprocity has guided them since they opened, and theyve played a hand in planting the seeds of success for other businesses too. When Sprout had spare frontage on Dawson St, they loaned it to Fable Bakery founders Elyse Clarke and Kate OSullivan. The pair had been selling pastries at markets in the city before launching as a pop-up in one of Sprouts busiest outlets in 2022. They launched their business at the front of our restaurant for less than five thousand euro, Theo says, with a rent-free period at the start and in the final six months. The bakery functioned like a concession, paying a percentage of its turnover instead of rent. In October, they opened their own place in Dun Laoghaire. Its very cool. Who wouldnt want to be part of that? Theo says. Theyre keen to be as helpful to up-and-coming founders as their family was to them. Hand physically on heart, Jack encourages people to reach out if they want to talk entrepreneurship in the hospitality field with him or Theo. Dreamlike Chicken cashew crunch salad from Sprout When they start detailing their expansion into Cork, the depth of the work theyve done shines through. Theyve been looking for the right property probably for about two years, Theo says, refusing to treat Cork City like a fait accompli. They sought advice from many natives and spent real time in the city trying to get a feel for it. Every place is different; were kind of going in and assuming nothing other than we gotta give it everything, Jack insists. Its more similar to when we opened Dawson Street for the first time than any other opening. To prepare, theyre running 10 mock services before the doors properly open, where the customer doesnt have to pay. For context, most restaurants run one family-and-friends night, maybe three max. Theyve gone for 10, so the team can get a feel for the venue and so they themselves can help the new staff and remember what a real lunch rush does to a station and to your pulse. First impressions are everything, Theo says. Were really just thinking about making sure that we nail it. Theyve picked a central site, an old Irish bank on Winthrop St, a street people in Cork reference by muscle memory. Anyone I speak to in Cork talks about [it], Jack says, amused by the ubiquity. Theres no street in Dublin as talked about. The space is smaller and brighter than what you think when you read old bank. Its not one of the giant banks, Jack is quick to clarify. They wax lyrical about the natural light that gives the space a dreamlike quality. Its a beautiful space, Theo says. When we saw the glass windows, we thought, this just lights up this is the one. Theyre just as diligent with the product as they are obsessively precise with the location. We work on new offerings for months and debate every grain of salt, Theo says of menu development now. That wasnt the way in the beginning. We basically developed the initial menu in about, what, five to 10 days, they remember le cheile. In 2015, on the cusp of their first brick-and-mortar location, Theo and Jack had moved into an apartment, put the names on the wall, and went wild hurling metaphorical spaghetti at the literal wall till a few solid options stuck. Only later did the process get industrial. The Supergreek ran for two weeks on Baggot St to gather feedback. The popular dishes that have stood the test of time include the Kale Caesar and the Sataysfied Chicken bowl (they refuse to choose their own favourite despite my prodding). But the brothers distrust comfort. If we ever feel satisfied by our menu, then we should quit and give up, Jack says. Theres always something to make better. Their cousin Tom Kellys maxim, If its not broken, break it, still governs. However, it can backfire. A cult favourite recently yielded its slot to the Supergreek. There are a lot of upset people calling for its return, Theo admits, half-wincing, half-proud. This procedure is, in many ways, pragmatic, but what theyre describing is devotion. Constant tinkering and refinement of a product shows love, care, and affection for it more than coasting on a laurelled menu ever could. Names matter, too. We spend so much time on the names, Theo says. They can make or break a dish. Even the way a bowl looks at the pass is part of the show. We spent a lot of time making sure our bowls look a certain way, Theo says. Then, he shrugs, the internet happens. Every day, they see people giving the full Kardashian salad-shake treatment to their obsessively aesthetic bowls till they emerge as monstrosities. He laughs. Its supposed to be eaten in the way it arrives; every bite is layered. But as long as theyre enjoying it, who am I to tell them how to eat? The Cork menu will be glutted with these familiar Sprout classics and seasonal signatures to start, but the brothers expect the menu to evolve as they tune it to a city theyre still getting to know bowl by bowl. Cork writer Sara Cullen spent 17 years working as a teacher and guidance counsellor in areas of high deprivation in Fife, Scotland. But her interest in social justice began as a 13-year-old student in Carrigaline Community School. My English teacher Declan Ryan, who is still there, he taught me To Kill a Mockingbird ... it totally fired me up about injustice, says Cullen. Soon after, she watched the film Dead Man Walking and wrote to Helen Prejean, the nun at the centre of the true story about a prisoner on death row. To her surprise, she received a reply, encouraging her to contact the Death Row Support Project. So I did that, and then I had a pen pal on death row. Would you believe it? Letters to and from Carrigaline to Oklahoma in the 1990s, Cullen says. Now, Cullen is channelling her experience and passion into her debut novel, Blood Red Sky. It tells the story of Aaron, a 16-year-old boy in Scotland, who is arrested when a fire breaks out at his school. He gets remanded, and hes awaiting a trial, and then the pandemic hits, and all the trials are cancelled, says Cullen. His brother and sister are at home with the mum and dad its about their sibling relationship and how his life develops when hes in this system. It was inspired by what Cullen witnessed in the UK during covid, when teenagers were held in custody after arrest, with no trial date. [Being remanded] should be because its too dangerous to let you out the street, but actually sometimes its because your parents cant have you at home, so its a place of safety, she explains. There was quite a lot in the news about that at the time, and youngsters taking their own life in custody when they hadnt been found guilty of anything. Aarons story is one that occurs in many families from areas of high deprivation in Scotland. Benefits stop when someone turns 16, so all of a sudden youve got less money coming in, but youve got an extra mouth to feed, explains Cullen. The book focuses on the bond between siblings, and Cullen has seen first-hand the impact incarceration can have on these relationships. One of the worst circumstances you can be separated from a sibling is prison, because you dont really get any sympathy when someones in prison, she says. Stigma of being incarcerated in prison Its stigmatised, its quite lonely, its quite expensive to go and see them, she says. And if youre 13 or 14 and your older brothers in prison, you actually cant go and see them unless someone brings you. Cullen studied English in University College Cork, and moved to Fife after completing her teacher training in University of Edinburgh. She lives there with her husband who is from Fife and their two children. I started teaching English in Fife, but in areas of quite high deprivation I was exposed to seeing how difficult life was for teenagers, she says. Fife was a very big mining area, and the mines all closed in the 1980s, and some of the communities have never recovered so theres intergenerational unemployment, which creates intergenerational poverty. She witnessed the impact poverty had on children and families. If you are poor, your life expectancy is a lot shorter youre more likely to get excluded from school, she says. Middle class teenagers get into trouble, but the difference is their families help them to turn it around. As a teacher, she began to feel powerless to help teenagers coming from poverty. No matter what [the schools] do, its not going to reach past half three and I just couldnt really get my head around this, because I was really invested in kids, and I was spending a fortune on lunches, coats but it gets more and more hopeless as they turn towards 16, she says. People tend to focus on babies and younger children. So teenagers kind of get left to their own devices, and then thats when all the trouble starts. Cullen earned a qualification in child welfare and protection from the University of Stirling, and since 2019 has worked in the multi-agency Public Protection Unit, which she describes as a powerhouse of child protection. She noticed a pattern in the cases she was seeing: It was the same families coming through no matter what the police and social workers and the teachers tried to do, it couldnt be sustained. And actually the common factor, quite a lot of the time, was this intergenerational poverty and lack of infrastructure around families. It became clear to Cullen that things would only improve with policy changes on a societal level: No matter how much individual agencies are trying to do, unless theres some kind of overarching, revolutionary changes for families and for people, the same kind of stuff is going to keep happening. Cullen saw a gap for a compelling novel that captures the stories of young people caught up in the system: Sometimes fiction can trigger something in people that non-fiction cant. Because its more accessible sometimes people need to read a story and see how they can apply it to real life. She spent five years writing the book, during which time she pitched it to numerous publishers. She almost signed with a literary agent, before deciding to opt for a charity publisher, Arkbound. Their approach aligned with Cullens vision for the book. I was never in this to make any money. Youve more control with the independent publishers, so youre really a team, she says. Cullen sent a copy of the book to Stephen Graham, the creator of the award winning TV series Adolescence, which also focusses on a teenage boy accused of a serious crime. We thought it might be up his street, she says. The thing about Adolescence, and the thing about this book, is that actually its about public safety as well its not about having a soft touch for youngsters its actually about prevention of crime. The book is written with young adults in mind, and Cullen wants the story to reach schools and youth detention centres in Britain and Ireland. She also hopes it will cause policymakers and adult readers to reflect on how we as a society view young people who get into trouble. Cullen believes changing how we respond to young people who come in contact with the justice system will benefit society as a whole. I think everybody would like to see a safer community, nobody wants to see youth disorder at the level that were seeing it on the news at the moment, she says. The book is already set to make an impact with secondary school students in her hometown. Carrigaline Community School have ordered 200 copies of it. Theyre teaching it to the whole of the transition year, she says proudly. While the story deals with serious topics, it is ultimately one of hope, says Cullen: The book is uplifting and happy, and that took five years to get right. Its about love and families and how difficult it is to be a parent who actually can provide for their child, whilst at the same time getting blamed for your childs behaviour. Malice (Prime Video) is too nice to be thrilling. This isnt just because it stars Jack Whitehall as Adam, an evil tutor who inveigles his way into the life of the wealthy Tanner family, when he joins them on their holiday in Greece to teach a bit of history. Whitehall is usually the pleasant romcom hero with a few moments of punchable smugness. Is it possible to turn him into a creepy villain to match Matt Damon in The Talented Mr Ripley? Not here anyway. But thats not the main problem with this lavish six-parter that fits into the rich people with problems slot genre that were stuck with now thanks to White Lotus. The issue is that it takes ages to feel like a thriller. We know things end badly because were told in the opening sequence that something terrible happened to the Tanner family and that the father, Jamie, deserved whatever Adam apparently dished out. But after that, its a lot of time watching the Tanners and friends being happy families. At one point, Adam tells the nanny that he would like to gut her and hang her on the washing line, but it looks thrown in there to remind us that this is supposed be a dark psychological thriller rather than an over-priced ad for a holiday in Greece. A few minutes later, he poisons her with an avocado salad, presumably so hell get hired as the Tannerss nanny and trigger the access he needs to wreak his revenge. These feel like clips from a totally different show. There is no single tone to this, nothing creepy or jarring to draw you in. The best of this is David Duchovny as Jamie Tanner. Hes utterly believable as the charming bully, who loves his wife and kids as long as they give him his way. The problem is, I dont know who to shout for. Something terrible has obviously happened to Adam in the past, but Whitehall doesnt have the range or, in fairness, the script, to make you feel sorry for him. Were told in the blurb that its Jamie and the Tanners who are in danger, but were still waiting for something bad to happen to them halfway through episode two. This would make a decent romcom series. They could have kept all the cast, changed the story slightly and renamed it as Love on the Island. It would have made a lot more sense than a show called Malice, with very little malice. Its nearly time for the most magical night of the year for Irish children and Cork is front and centre. Patrick Kielty is gearing up for his third Toy Show in a brand-new trailer released today, with none other than 'Captain Cork', played by Kabin Crew's Clara O'Riordan-Cummins, leading the charge and making sure every last detail is in shipshape. A SERIOUS public health issue has been identified in Ireland. Some 43% of adults aged 50 and older have high blood pressure. Thats according to a recent report from The Irish Longitudinal Study on Ageing (Tilda), a 12-year study involving more than 8,000 people. Tilda researcher and consultant geriatrician at St Jamess Hospital, Dublin, Dr Robert Briggs says there were even more worrying findings in the September report. Some 36% didnt even know their blood pressure was high. And even in the cases of those who knew and were taking medication to reduce it, 47% werent succeeding in bringing their blood pressure down to healthy levels. This isnt the first time warnings have been sounded in relation to concerns about blood pressure levels in older people in Ireland. A 2019 report published in The Lancet medical journal examined data from 526,336 participants from 12 countries in the East and West, including Ireland. It found that Ireland had one of the highest rates of blood pressure internationally and some of the lowest levels of diagnosis, treatment, and control of the condition. JJ Coughlan, consultant cardiologist at the Mater Private in Dublin JJ Coughlan, a consultant cardiologist at the Mater Private in Dublin, says these issues persist. We have a big problem with high blood pressure, he says. Not only do we have more of it, but we dont seem to be very good at identifying or treating it. What does blood pressure mean? Coughlan explains it as the force of blood being pumped around the body through the arteries. It consists of two numbers. The top number is the systolic blood pressure, which is the pressure with which the blood presses on the artery walls when the heart is contracting to pump the blood. The bottom number is the diastolic blood pressure, which is the pressure on the arteries when the heart is relaxing between beats. The European Society of Cardiology (ESC) classifies blood pressure into three categories: Non-elevated, elevated, and hypertension also referred to as high blood pressure. Non-elevated is less than 120/70mmHg (millimetres of mercury). Hypertension is 140/90mmHg, and anything in between is elevated. The ESC now recommends aiming for a systolic blood pressure of between 120 and 129. GP and clinical lecturer Sumi Dunne says doctors start to worry when the numbers start creeping up. She compares blood pressure in the cardiovascular system to water pressure in a water pump system. If the water pressure gets too high, the water pump system explodes and sustains serious damage, she says. High blood pressure wont cause the human body to explode but it can lead to major problems within the blood vessels, heart and brain; causing bleeds, heart attacks or strokes. According to Coughlan, high blood pressure is estimated to cause over half the cases of stroke and heart artery disease worldwide. It is also the single biggest risk factor contributing to the global burden of disease and all-cause mortality, leading to 9.4m deaths annually. Dunne adds that high blood pressure can also affect kidney efficiency and damage blood vessels in the eye, leading to retinal diseases such as macular oedema. Measuring your blood pressure Angie Brown is the medical director of the Irish Heart Foundation and a consultant cardiologist at the Bon Secours Hospital in Dublin. What most concerns her is that people are at increasing risk of hypertension, and many are entirely unaware of it. Angie Brown is the medical director of the Irish Heart Foundation and a consultant cardiologist at the Bon Secours Hospital in Dublin. What most concerns her is that people are at increasing risk of hypertension, and many are entirely unaware of it. Around the world, the prevalence of high blood pressure is growing, she says. It tends to increase with age, and we have an ageing population. Its often increased in people with higher BMIs, and as people lead more sedentary lives, we are seeing higher levels of obesity. Yet studies show that a significant number of people dont know they have high blood pressure, and those on medication may have inadequate control. Hypertension is a so-called silent condition. What this means, says Brown, is that there are often no symptoms: Occasionally, people with very high blood pressure may have a headache or feel generally unwell, but more commonly, they can have high blood pressure, which puts them at higher risk of heart attack, heart failure, stroke, kidney failure, or dementia, and not know anything at all about it. The only way people can know for sure is to get their blood pressure measured. Weve come a long way since the English clergyman Reverend Stephan Hales crudely inserted a tube into a horses artery to observe the pulsing of its blood in the 1700s. Today, getting a blood pressure reading starts with sitting quietly for five minutes. Next, a cuff attached to a blood pressure monitor is placed snugly around the persons upper arm. While the arm rests on a table at heart level, the cuff is inflated and then slowly deflates. The monitor measures the systolic and diastolic pressures and, on most digital models, the pulse rate. All people have to do is sit comfortably in a relaxed position for a moment or two, says Brown. GPs and many local pharmacies offer these blood pressure checks. Some people even buy their own monitor so they can check their blood pressure at home. There are several key points to consider when understanding our own blood pressure. One is that there can be a genetic component, which means hypertension can run in families. Another is that women tend to have lower blood pressure than men until they reach menopause. Plentiful oestrogen levels protect them until that point but their risk increases significantly afterwards, says Coughlan: Women also have other gender-specific risk factors. Women who have high blood pressure in pregnancy, for example, are at higher risk of developing high blood pressure later in life. We should all pay more attention to our blood pressure as we age, says Brown: Our arteries stiffen with age. That can cause blood pressure to rise. Other issues that can impact blood pressure include obesity, insulin resistance, and medical conditions like obstructive sleep apnoea and thyroid disease. Some drugs like amphetamines, steroids, and NSAIDs [nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs] can increase the blood pressure too, says Brown. Dunne is keen to point out that one high blood pressure reading doesnt necessarily indicate hypertension. Blood pressure varies over time, she says. Stress and exercise can cause it to spike, so a one-off reading means nothing. The trend is what matters. If a doctor is concerned that someones blood pressure may be high, they will recommend a portable 24-hour blood pressure monitor. It takes readings every half hour or so throughout the day and night, providing an average reading and an insight into the patterns throughout the day, says Dunne. Regularity of checks These days, many people track their blood pressure using smartwatches and other wearable devices. Coughlan cautions that these arent as reliable as the gold standard 24-hour blood pressure monitor. Thats still the best way to determine if you have high blood pressure or not, but wearable devices can certainly be useful to monitor your response to therapy and blood pressure control over the longer term. The good news for anyone diagnosed with high blood pressure is that there are several steps that can be taken to reduce it. In many cases, blood pressure can be effectively controlled with lifestyle measures, says Coughlan see sidebar for details. People whose blood pressure remains high despite implementing lifestyle changes may be prescribed medication. There are four main classes of blood pressure medication, says Coughlan. Doctors often recommend a combination as it can result in better control. According to statistics, he adds, Treating blood pressure with medication lowers the risk of stroke, heart attack and heart failure and may also result in a lower risk of dementia. Those statistics reinforce the importance of getting blood pressure measured regularly and treating it if and when its high. How often should we get our blood pressure taken? Brown recommends that anyone with a first-degree relative who has high blood pressure should start getting their blood pressure checked from the age of 18 and have it checked every three years until they are 40. The guidelines for everyone after the age of 40 are the same: Our blood pressure should be taken annually. That way, according to Briggs, we can take proactive steps to reduce it if ever it becomes elevated. The window of time between 45 and 75 is when its most important to control blood pressure, he says. Its when we should all get our blood pressure checked regularly and take action to prevent it from having a negative impact on our health in the long term. If we dont check our blood pressure, we cant know if its high and the consequences of that can be serious. But by detecting and managing hypertension, the risks of any adverse outcomes are much reduced. Simple steps to help you take control Dr Sumi Dunne. Photograph Moya Nolan Dr Sumi Dunne has a hopeful message for those diagnosed with elevated or high blood pressure. If you are otherwise well and healthy, there are a lot of simple things you can do to bring it back within healthy parameters. 1. Take a look at your diet, starting with your saturated fat intake. This is the fat found in fatty cuts of meat, processed meats such as bacon and sausages, dairy products such as cheese and butter, as well as pastries and fried foods. Its best to only eat these foods occasionally, says Dunne. 2. If youre wondering what to eat instead, she suggests the Mediterranean diet. Its rich in fruit, vegetables, olive oil and fish, she says. Its also easy, tasty, and full of health-giving antioxidants. 3. Control your salt intake. Dunne cites studies that show reducing salt intake can significantly impact systolic blood pressure levels. 4. Stop smoking. Each cigarette you smoke causes a temporary rise in blood pressure while also damaging the walls of the blood vessels. 5. Keep your alcohol intake within the recommended levels. Thats 17 standard drinks per week for men and 11 for women. A standard drink is half a pint of beer, stout, or cider, a measure of spirits, a small glass of wine, or an alcopop. 6. Dont drink more than two cups of coffee or other highly caffeinated drinks a day. 7. Move your body. We should all do cardiovascular exercise that makes us sweaty, says Dunne. This could be a brisk walk, cycle, or swim, and raises the heart rate for about 20 or 30 minutes. A good marker is being slightly out of breath doing it. 8. Prioritise sleep. Experts recommend that adults get between seven and nine hours of sleep per night. 9. De-stress. The likes of mindfulness, yoga, or just taking reflective time to reset can all help decrease stress, says Dunne. 10. If youve tried all of the above and your blood pressure remains high, try medication. You dont want to risk hypertension causing chronic disease or organ damage. You need to get your blood pressure down to healthy levels. The oldest ever recruit to graduate from the Garda College in Templemore has encouraged other people his age to go for it. Jeremiah Bourke, 51, said he wanted to join the gardai when he was younger but missed the opportunity. He said he recognises it is going to be a tough job, but said: Youre never too old. If youre able, why not? Give it a go. Id say to anybody out there, if you want to go for it go for it. He added: Ive done it, anyone can do it. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly (centre) with graduating gardai (left to right) Jeremiah Bourke, Amy Ni Riada, Kristina Courtney and Adam ORourke at Templemore Garda College, Co Tipperary (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Mr Bourke said he had always had hope that he could become a garda, so re-applied when the recruiting age limit increased from 35 to 50 at the start of last year. He was within that age range when he applied. I was in the retail business and wanted to give that a chance, but unfortunately as time goes fast the closing date for the competition passed me by. He added: I didnt miss the bus time and here I am attesting today at a later stage. He said it was not easy and a bit daunting to go through the training alongside younger recruit, but said he was supported by his wife and two children as well as all those at the College. Garda Amy Ni Riada (Cillian Sherlock/PA) He was one of 194 gardai attesting from the Templemore Garda College in Co Tipperary on Friday. Among them, Garda Amy Ni Riada was eager to get stuck in after trading in a career in the media to join An Garda Siochana. The former RTE journalist, from Castleisland in Co Kerry, said she developed a taste for working in high-pressure environments and a role with variety. She was inspired to join the gardai seeing the response to the November 2023 riots in Dublin. It was an eye opener for me that I wanted to be stuck in and got involved in that way. Ms Ni Riada, who will be stationed in Midleton, Co Cork, also said being in An Garda Siochana was perfect for her desire to work with the most vulnerable people in society, having previously reported on climate change, social issues and violence against women in east Africa. They were among 164 new gardai and 17 garda reserves attesting from the Garda College in Templemore on Friday. It is the largest single attestation of new gardai since 2019 and the college will also see its largest class of recruits in a decade enter next week. Amy Ni Riada and Kristina Courtney (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Garda Kristina Courtney also left a career in communications and media production to join the gardai. She said she was inspired to join after getting an insight into the operations of An Garda Siochana by working on RTEs Crimecall programme. Part of her role involved making actors look like the bad guys. Asked how she felt about dealing with real bad guys, she replied: Im up for the challenge. Dubliner Adam ORourke said he joined An Garda Siochana because he wanted a career where he could help people and challenge himself. Garda ORourke, from Walkinston, previously served with the Defence Forces in Lebanon. Now being stationed in Blackrock, Dublin, he said he was happy to start making a difference in the community: It is a fantastic day, I couldnt be happier. Speaking at the Garda College, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: It is a great honour to be here in Templemore today to witness the continued growth of An Garda Siochana and to welcome its newest members. Over a hundred years after it was first established, An Garda Siochana continues to thrive because it grows and adapts with the times. Of the 194 attesting on Friday, 137 are men and 57 are women and the new probationers will be assigned to divisions across the country by the Garda Commissioner. Of the new gardai, 87 will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 47 going to the Southern Region, 39 to the Eastern Region and 21 to North Western Region. Commissioner Justin Kelly met some of those graduating and, speaking at the ceremony, said: Today is a proud day. A day to celebrate with your family and loved ones. A day to take stock of all it has taken to get you to this point. Today marks the start of your new career in An Garda Siochana. Five people have been arrested in connection with the seizure 2.1m worth of cannabis and Dublin and Wicklow. As part of Operation Tara and ongoing investigations targeting organised crime, gardai attached to the Garda National Drugs & Organised Crime Bureau carried out search operations at residential addresses in the Dublin and Wicklow area last Thursday. A woman who fell about nine feet to the ground shattering her ankle while learning to rock climb at a climbing centre has sued in the High Court. Monica Luba, aged 35, told the High Court she had gone rock climbing at the Dublin Climbing Centre to get over her fear of heights. Opening the case, Michael Byrne SC told the court Ms Luba was brought bouldering at the end of her second induction session which is climbing without ropes or harness. Counsel said it was their case that the wall where Ms Luba was climbing was the most difficult wall in the building. He said an instructor had brought them on a smaller wall first and showed them how to climb and drop down to a mat. Counsel said it was their case that bringing Ms Luba bouldering at the end of the session was too much too soon on the most hazardous wall in the place and Ms Luba was ill-prepared for it. Monica Luba from Tyrellstown, Dublin, had sued JCN Adventure Ltd the owners of the Dublin Climbing Centre, Belgard Square East, Tallaght, Dublin, as a result of the accident on July 4, 2023. All of the claims are denied in the case and it is contended by JCN Adventure Ltd that there was alleged contributory negligence on the part of Ms Luba. It is claimed there was an alleged failure to follow instructions and that she had undertaken rock climbing which she knew carried a risk of injury. It is further claimed that the wall where the accident happened was not the most difficult wall in the centre and that it was the most appropriate one for beginners and the instruction at the time was how to hang and fall safely. Monica Luba's testimony In evidence, Ms Luba said she was on a second induction day with a friend when the accident happened. She said they had an instructor and were using ropes and she had a harness. She said 20 minutes before the end of the session the instructor brought them bouldering. They were shown how to climb the wall and drop down to a mat. She said the instructor climbed and dropped down and her friend followed. I was a bit afraid but I tried it. I was stuck. It was not straight, so I couldnt see. I didnt expect to be on a wall like this, a spider wall. It was much higher than the other wall," she said. She claimed she had to jump and her feet twisted when she landed. There was a terrible pain, she said and she later had to have surgery. She said she is not now able to run and she cant play ball with her child because her ankle swells up. Cross-examined by counsel for JCN Adventure, Moira Flahive SC, she agreed it was her fourth visit to the centre. She said she thought she would always be on the rope and she had done the bouldering because she wanted to finish the course. David Browne, engineer for Ms Luba, told the court that she suffered an uncontrolled fall. He said in his opinion the woman should have been instructed not to go so high. The case before Ms Justice Carmel Stewart continues. The man accused of murdering 61-year-old Michael Foley turned to the detective sitting beside him at Bandon courthouse after his first court appearance in February 2024 and said: Fintan, it was not pre-meditated. Detective Garda Fintan Coffey was sitting beside Daniel Hourigan after he was charged with murder and had his first court appearance in the case. Prosecution senior counsel, Jane Hyland, said to Det. Garda Coffey on Friday at the Central Criminal Court sitting in Cork: You accompanied him to the courthouse. At 10 to 1pm on that date after his case, he turned to you and said something." The witness replied: He said, Fintan, it was not pre-meditated'. Throughout today in the trial, memos of garda interviews which gardai had with Daniel Hourigan were read to the jury. They were carried out between February 14 and his first court appearance on the murder charge on February 16, 2024. In the first interview, Daniel Hourigan said to gardai: Why am I arrested when I done nothing? It is beyond me. What puts me here is what I want to know If you are looking for someone you are looking in the wrong place looking at me. Daniel Hourigan said that through a grand aunt, he was related to the late Michael Foley and said: The man was like an uncle to me. He said that he stayed in Michaels home in Macroom in May/June 2023 and was not there since, and last spoke to him on December 17, 2023, when Michael brought some of his clothing to Cork City to return to him. In a later interview, he was shown CCTV which the gardai said showed Daniel Hourigan and Linda OFlynn arriving in Macroom on January 31, 2024, and leaving the following morning. He replied at interview: All I am doing is getting on and off the bus. I am co-operating. I am not a murderer. I am innocent. Michael was grand that morning when I left. I got up and said Michael, look after yourself, and left. Two weeks later I heard he was dead. I nearly had a heart attack. One sure thing, I did not kill Mick. "He was alive that morning. I dont care what anyone says, he was alive when we were leaving... He was alive that morning. I am here to clear my name. It was put to him by the gardai that a bag left in the cargo hold of the bus from Macroom to Cork on February 1, 2024, was later found to contain a knife with Michael Foleys blood. He was shown a picture of the knife and said: I have never seen it in my life How could Michaels blood be on a knife in my bag, he was fine when I left him that morning. In a later interview when Daniel Hourigan was told that an inference could be drawn from any answer he might give, he was asked: Your left palm print in Michael Foleys blood was on the door frame of his bedroom at 4 Annville, Macroom, the home of Michael Foley, the house where his dead body was discovered on February 6, 2024. Mr Hourigan replied: No comment. The nine men and three women were asked by Ms Justice Siobhan Lankford to return to court again on November 17 for the continuing trial. 32-year-old Daniel Hourigan who is originally from Farranree in Cork City and 32-year-old Linda O'Flynn, who is originally from the Hollyhill area of Cork City both deny the murder of 61-year-old Michael Foley at his home in Macroom between January 31 and February 1, 2024. Each defendant effectively blames the other. To the murder charge, each of them replied not guilty to murder but guilty of impeding the prosecution of another person. The stepfather of a 16-year-old girl secretly cut a hole in the attic over the shower in the family home and filmed her removing her clothes and washing was jailed for two years on Friday. Judge Helen Boyle sentenced the 35-year-old to three years in prison, with the last year suspended, on a charge of attempting to make child pornography. The victim said in a statement read on her behalf by Detective Garda Kevin Hastings: When I was 16 years old, my mother's boyfriend secretly cut a hole in the attic so he could take photos and videos of me while I was in the shower and undressed. This completely destroyed any sense of safety or comfort I had in my own home. After the incident, he repeatedly tried to shift the blame onto me, saying I had somehow provoked him, even though I rarely ever spoke to him. This was extremely hurtful and confusing, as I had done absolutely nothing to encourage or justify his actions. "For several months after this happened, I was terrified to use the shower in my own home. I felt constantly watched and unsafe. This crime has so deeply affected my life that I don't even feel like a person anymore. I am still scared to use the bathroom in my own house. This makes me feel terrified and constantly on edge. I cannot enjoy something as simple as taking a shower because this fear is always in my mind. I just want to finally feel at peace in my own home and not have to live in fear anymore. At the time, I was in fifth year of secondary school. My mental health declined rapidly. I became withdrawn, anxious, and depressed, and my schoolwork suffered badly. "Four years later, I am still living with the consequences. I suffer from severe anxiety, frequent panic attacks, and ongoing depression. I am now in trauma therapy and on a high dose of antidepressants. I'm trying to move forward, but I still live in fear. This also caused a strain in me and my mother's relationship which we can only work on repairing once he is out of our lives. I know I can never go back to how I was before this happened. I will have to struggle with the impact on my mental health for the rest of my life. What he did has permanently changed who I am, how I see myself, and how safe I feel in the world. "What he did to me was not just a violation of my privacy, it was a complete betrayal of trust. He claims to see me as his own daughter, which makes me afraid if this is how far he was willing to go with me, even though he claims to see me as his own." Judge Boyle commended Det Garda Hastings for the persistence in using emerging computer technologies to bypass security codes which the defendant would not give gardai in order to examine the computer tablet on which the offensive material was stored. During the sentencing hearing, Det Garda Hastings explained the rationale for the charge attempting to produce child pornography. He said for a charge of actually producing child pornography, the anal or genital area would have to be visible and this was not so because of the positioning of a camera overhead. The judge noted the defendants assertion he did not make the recordings for sexual purposes but to have them in order to blackmail his partner in a dispute about another matter. Judge Boyle said whether or not that was true, the impact on the victim was still serious, irrespective of the defendants motivation. Growing numbers of new mothers are living in fear that their babies will be taken from them by social services because they are homeless. One woman who spoke to the Irish Examiner remains in hospital with her baby after a C-section, but is afraid that when she is discharged her child could be placed into care. The secret to the art of meaningful Christmas gifting - be it for a colleague or a loved one - is surprisingly more simple than you may imagine. In fact, those who have mastered the art of meaningful gift very often adopt the same approach they use for business - they leave it to the experts! Why spend hours battling decision fatigue when there are experts on hand who have done all the hard work for you? Curating dozens of options and meeting with producers the length and breadth of Ireland to ensure the very best? The experts in question are the team behind Seolta Gifts who have reimagined the traditional Christmas hamper into something fresh and exciting - creating the most thoughtful and refined selection of gifts to suit all palettes and purses. Every Seolta hamper is filled with produce from Irish providers who align with its Chosen, Wrapped, Given ethos ensuring every gift feels special and imbued with meaning. Our inspiration was simple, says Peter Hyland, Seoltas CEO, we set out to redefine the art of gifting. Brought to life by the team behind Carrolls Irish Gifts, Seolta combines over 40 years of heritage with a fresh, contemporary approach to hampers. We saw a crowded and fairly dull market filled with sameness and wanted to offer something more thoughtful, more refined, and unmistakably Irish. Each Seolta hamper is a curated celebration of Irish flavour, design, and tradition, a chance to share the best of Irish craft and food in a beautifully composed, premium way. And beautifully composed and premium the hampers are, combining as they do a whos who of Irelands most recognisable heritage brands (such as Sheridans and Butlers) with newer award-winning options (including Forest Feast and Bewleys) - keeping the focus purely on taste and quality with an element of surprise for those who perhaps feel they have seen all Irish producers have to offer. When explaining Seoltas curation process, Hyland says the remit was remarkably simple: Each product earns its place through provenance, taste, and design - ensuring it reflects the care and craftsmanship that define the brand, he explains. Every Seolta Gifts hamper is built around three guiding principles: quality, authenticity, and story. We partner with exceptional Irish producers who represent the best in artisan food, drink, and craft. Whether its hand-shaped cookies from West Cork, made with Irish butter and free-range eggs; or chutneys and crackers crafted by Irish family producers, theres always a sense of curation and balance - ensuring every hamper feels complete and considered. We treat each hamper as its own story, one that celebrates Irish makers and connects givers and recipients in a meaningful way. In addition to offering large scale hampers that will cover all your potential festive needs, Seolta Gifts also offer curated hampers which bring together the best in produce under one guiding theme. There are options available for the chocolate lover in your life, the wine connoisseur, the Guinness expert and the cheese and wine aficionado - making thoughtful gifting a whole lot easier. Every Seolta Gifts hamper is built around three guiding principles: quality, authenticity, and story. This approach was intentional, explains Hyland, as Seolta wants to cater for both corporate and personal shoppers seeking an elevated gifting experience - both for themselves and the recipient. From corporate clients recognising teams or partners, to individuals marking lifes milestones - Seolta serves anyone who wants their gifting to feel meaningful. Our customers value authenticity, provenance, and presentation; they want a gift that feels considered and personal, not just purchased. Whether its a corporate gesture of appreciation or a personal gift from the heart, every Seolta moment is designed to create a connection - because a great gift should always say something about the person who gives it. Seolta was built on Carrolls Irish Gifts deep understanding of what makes Irish gifting special, says Hyland. With over four decades of experience, our team knows the producers, the stories, and the expectations of customers at home and abroad. That insight shaped everything from sourcing and packaging to logistics and presentation. We designed Seolta as a seamless experience, from browse to unbox, combining beautiful presentation with dependable delivery and premium quality. Its the next evolution of our heritage: sophisticated, story-driven, and rooted in Irish authenticity. In many ways, Seolta represents how Carrolls continues to evolve from a retailer of great Irish products to a curator of truly memorable gifting experiences. While its understandably hard to pick standout produce from such an illustrious line up, when pressed Hylands answer reflects the innate understanding of gifting that Seoltas team bring to every hamper. Its hard to pick just one, but Im especially fond of the Sheridans Brown Bread Crackers. Sheridans Cheesemongers is an Irish family business that, like Carrolls, started from humble beginnings at a small Galway market stall and grew through passion, care, and a love of Irish food. Their crackers are simple, beautifully made, and pair perfectly with Irish cheese and wine - exactly the kind of thoughtful touch we love at Seolta. What I admire most is that Sheridans shares our belief in celebrating Irish craft and connection. Including their products in our hampers feels like a natural fit, a meeting of two Irish stories built on heritage and quality. Thats the kind of detail that makes a Seolta Gifts hamper feel truly considered. And its not just quality that is kept to a high standard, ease of purchase and seamless delivery are also two of the touchpoints on which Seolta Gifts prides itself. This commitment to customer service is delivered with the expertise that comes from knowing curation is only part of the journey. While the availability of personalised hampers and corporate branded products reflects Seoltas expertise in and deep love of quality. Customers can order either online or over the phone, safe in the knowledge that every hamper from Seolta Gifts is delivered through a seamless, polished experience from browse to unbox. For more information visit seoltagifts.com A man wielding a knife at the Montparnasse train station in Paris was shot and wounded by police on Friday, the citys prosecutors office said. At least one shot was fired during the incident involving a man known for domestic violence, a statement said. A double-decker bus crashed into a bus stop in Stockholm on Friday, causing fatalities and injuries, police said. Police said that several people were hit but they were not immediately giving information on their number, gender or ages. Authorities were alerted to the crash at 3.23pm on Friday. The vehicle rammed into the bus shelter on Valhallavagen, a street in the Swedish capitals Ostermalm district. The area is in the northern part of the city, near the Royal Institute of Technology. Police were treating the crash as involuntary manslaughter but were still investigating. It was not immediately clear what the cause was. Swedish news agency TT said police confirmed that the driver had been detained and would be questioned to determine what happened. Emergency services said the vehicle a regular city bus was not in service and no passengers were on board, TT reported. 11/13/2025 By Brett Buckner It was a trip that defined the course of Ingrid Galinats career. Now, Galinat, who serves as Jax State's Director of the International House and Programs, is hoping a similar experience will have the same effect on her students. Galinat and Jax State representatives recently signed an agreement with the University of Toyama (UT) to establish an educational student exchange program with the university, which is located in the Japanese prefecture of Toyama. After graduating with her bachelors degree from Kennesaw State University, Galinat joined the Japanese Exchange Teaching (JET) program from 2000 to 2001, living and working in the town of Kureha, where she taught English at Kureha High School, located in Toyama Prefecture. I had a great experience, she said. I was only there for a year, but when I came back, it left such a great impression on me that I decided to pursue a career in international education. In January, Galinat contacted Jerry Talandis through a website for JET alumni. Talandis had remained in Toyama and now works at UT as an English professor. I told him our university was looking for a new partner university, Galinat said, Knowing the smaller city structure of Toyama city and me actually living there, I knew this would be a great place to bring our American students to Japan through a university exchange. Talandis connected Galinat with Dr. Tomoko Yoshikawa, director of International Exchange at UT. They had several Zoom calls before Dr. Yoshikawa had a formal visit to Jax State in September and Galinat visited UT in October. The presidents of both universities have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), officially establishing the exchange program between Jax State and UT. Plans for the exchange are still in the early stages, and Galinat said it will be open to any Jax State student, particularly those interested in Japanese language and culture. "The plan is to take students to Japan hopefully the summer of 2026, but certainly by the summer of 2027," Galinat said. Once finalized, it will be a two- to three-week program during which Jax State students can travel to Toyama at a relatively low cost to take summer classes at UT. The goal is to send upwards of 10 students to Japan, with one or two UT students coming to Jax State to spend a semester or more on campus. I just know how beautiful that area is, Galinat said. I could see our students going over there. I'd love them to have the experience I did. Because it's a smaller city - not as big as Tokyo or Osaka - they really get to see true Japan. In Japan, students will be living in short-term housing located directly on campus. It's very modern inside, said Galinat, who was able to tour the housing area. Theres a dining hall that's maybe a five-minute walk away. The opportunity to visit Japan is truly life-changing. A lot of our students have never been outside the United States, so it is life-changing to go across the country, to go across the world, Galinat said. Im excited for them to experience a whole different culture and language. Though airfare remains the most significant cost, the program itself will be relatively affordable. That was one reason we wanted to partner with UT, Galinat said, because their exchange program is very affordable. Meet Ingrid Galinat and Sarah Faulkner, Jax State employee and former JET alumna, at the Study Abroad Fair on Tuesday, November 18, from 45:30 p.m. on the 11th floor of Houston Cole Library to learn more about the University of Toyama and the JET Programme. ( Tomdispatch.com ) Today, Donald Trump presides over his own Murder Incorporated, less a government than a death squad. Many brushed off his proclamation early in his second term that the Gulf of Mexico would henceforth be called the Gulf of America as a foolish, yet harmless, show of dominance. Now, however, hes created an ongoing bloodbath in the adjacent Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon has so far destroyed 18 go-fast boats there and in the Pacific Ocean. No evidence has been presented or charges brought suggesting that those ships were running drugs, as claimed. The White House has simply continued to release birds-eye view surveillance videos (snuff films, really) of a targeted vessel. Then comes a flash of light and its gone, as are the humans it was carrying, be they drug smugglers, fishermen, or migrants. As far as we know, at least 64 people have already been killed in such attacks. The kill rate is accelerating. In early September, the U.S. was hitting one boat every eight to ten days. In early October, one every two days. For a time, starting in mid-October, it was every day, including four strikes on October 27th alone. Blood, it seems, lusts for blood. And the kill zone has been expanding from the Caribbean waters off Venezuela to the Colombian and Peruvian coasts in the Pacific Ocean. Many motives might explain Trumps compulsion to murder. Perhaps he enjoys the thrill and rush of power that comes from giving execution orders, or he (and Secretary of State Marco Rubio) hope to provoke a war with Venezuela. Perhaps he considers the strikes useful distractions from the crime and corruption that define his presidency. The cold-blooded murder of Latin Americans is also red meat for the vengeful Trumpian rank-and-file who have been ginned up by culture warriors like Vice President JD Vance to blame the opioid crisis, which disproportionately plagues the Republican Partys White rural base, on elite betrayal. The murders, which Trump insists are part of a larger war against drug cartels and traffickers, are horrific. They highlight Vances callous cruelty. The vice president has joked about murdering fishermen and claimed he doesnt give a shit if the killings are legal. As to Trump, hes brushed off the need for congressional authority to destroy speedboats or attack Venezuela, saying: I think were just gonna kill people. Okay? Were gonna kill them. Theyre gonna be, like, dead. But as with so many Trumpian things, its important to remember that he wouldnt be able to do what he does if it werent for policies and institutions put in place by all too many of his predecessors. His horrors have long backstories. In fact, Donald Trump isnt so much escalating the war on drugs as escalating its escalation. What follows then is a short history of how we got to a moment when a president could order the serial killing of civilians, publicly share videos of the crimes, and find that the response of all too many reporters, politicians (Rand Paul being an exception), and lawyers was little more than a shrug, if not, in some cases, encouragement. A Short History of the Longest War Richard Nixon (1969-1974) was our first drug-war president. On June 17, 1971, with the Vietnam War still raging, he announced a new, all-out offensive on drugs. Nixon didnt use the phrase war on drugs. Within 48 hours, however, scores of newspapers nationwide had done so, suggesting that White House staffers had fed the militarized phrase to their reporters. Nixons call for a drug offensive was a direct response to an explosive story published a month earlier in the New York Times, headlined G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam. Tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers were addicts, with some units reporting that more than 50% of their men were using heroin. At press conferences, Nixon was now being questioned not just about when and how he planned to end the war in Vietnam, but whether drug users in the military would be sent to rehab or punished. What, one journalist asked, was he going to do about the soldiers who are coming back from Vietnam with an addiction to heroin? What he did was launch what we might today think of as Vietnams second act, a global expansion of military operations, focused not on communists this time, but on marijuana and heroin. In 1973, shortly after the last U.S. combat soldier left South Vietnam, Nixon created the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Its first major operation in Mexico looked eerily like Vietnam. Starting in 1975, U.S. agents went deep into northern Mexico, joining local police and military forces to carry out military sweeps and airborne fumigation. One report described it as a terror campaign of extrajudicial murder and torture against rural marijuana and opium producers, mostly poor peasant farmers. The campaign treated all villagers as if they were the internal enemy. Under the cover of fighting drugs, Mexican security forces, supplied with intelligence by the DEA and the Central Intelligence Agency, ferociously suppressed peasant and student activists. As historian Adela Cedillo wrote, rather than limiting drug production, that campaign led to its concentration in a few hierarchically structured paramilitary organizations that, in the late 1970s, came to be known as cartels. So, the first fully militarized battlefront in the War on Drugs helped create the cartels that the current iteration of the War on Drugs is now fighting. Gerald Ford (1974-1977) responded to pressure from Congress notably from New York Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel by committing to a supply-side strategy of attacking drug production at its source (as opposed to trying to reduce demand at home). While countries in Southeast Asia, along with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, had been major suppliers of heroin to the U.S., Mexicans, long a source of marijuana, had begun to grow poppy to meet the demand from heroin-habituated Vietnam vets. By 1975, it was supplying more than 85% of the heroin entering the United States. Developments in Mexico are not good, a White House aide told Ford in preparation for a meeting with Rangel. Ford increased DEA operations in Latin America. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) supported the decriminalization of pot for personal use and, in his speeches and remarks, emphasized treatment over punishment. Overseas, however, the DEA continued to expand its operations. (It would soon be running 25 offices in 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries.) Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) reigned in an era when drug policy would take a turn toward the surreal, strengthening the linkages between rightwing politics and illicit drugs. But lets backtrack a bit. The convergence of rightwing politics and drugs began at the end of World War Two when, according to historian Alfred McCoy, U.S. intelligence in Italy came to rely on crime boss Lucky Lucianos growing international narcotics syndicate, which would reach from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean Sea and from Istanbul to Havana, to conduct covert anti-communist operations. Then, in 1959, after the Cuban Revolution shut down that islands lucrative drug trade, traffickers moved elsewhere in Latin America or to the United States, where they, too, joined the anti-communist cause. The CIA then used those gangster exiles in operations meant to destabilize Fidel Castros Cuban government and undermine the domestic antiwar movement. At the same time, the CIA ran its own airline, Air America, in Southeast Asia, which smuggled opium and heroin as a way to support that agencys secret war in Laos. And the FBI notoriously used the pretext of drug policing to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize political dissidents, including the Black Panthers. They worked, for example, with local police in Buffalo, New York, to frame African American activist Martin Sostre, who operated a bookstore that had become the center of that citys Black radical politics, on trumped-up charges of selling heroin. Nixons creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration drew those threads together, as its agents worked closely with both the FBI in the U.S. and the CIA in Latin America. When, after the war in Vietnam ended in defeat, Congress tried to rein in the CIA, its agents used the DEAs expansive overseas network to continue their covert operations. By the time Reagan became president, cocaine production in the Andean region in Latin America was in full swing, with a distinctly curious dynamic in operation: the CIA would work with rightwing, repressive governments involved in coca production even as the DEA was working with those same governments to suppress coca production. That dynamic was caught perfectly as early as 1971 in Bolivia when the CIA helped overthrow a mildly leftist government in the first of a series of what came to be known as cocaine coups. Bolivias cocaine colonels then took as much money as Washington was willing to offer to fight their version of the drug war while facilitating cocaine production for export abroad. President Carter cut off drug-interdiction funding to Bolivia in 1980. Reagan restored it in 1983. The rise of Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet followed the same dynamic. Pinochet partly framed his 1973 CIA-enabled coup against socialist President Salvador Allende as a front in Nixons drug war. Working closely with the DEA, the general tortured and killed drug traffickers along with political activists as part of his post-coup wave of repression. Meanwhile, Pinochets allies began to deal drugs with impunity, with Pinochets family making millions exporting cocaine to Europe (with the help of agents from his infamous security forces). Once in office, Reagan began escalating the drug war as he did the Cold War and the bond between cocaine and rightwing politics tightened. The Medellin cartel donated millions of dollars to Reagans campaign against Nicaraguas leftwing Sandinista government. The ties were murky and conspiratorial, part of what McCoy has termed the covert netherworld, so its easy to fall down the deep-state rabbit hole trying to trace them, but details can be found in reporting by Gary Webb, Robert Parry, Leslie Cockburn, Bill Moyers, John Kerry, and CBSs 60 Minutes, among others. George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) engaged in a very Trump-like move in making his case to the public that the war on drugs needed to be escalated. He had the DEA go to the poorest part of Washington, D.C., to entrap a low-level African American drug dealer, Keith Jackson, paying him to travel to the White House to sell an undercover agent three ounces of crack cocaine. Bush then held up the drugs on national television to illustrate how easy it was to buy narcotics. A high school senior, Jackson spent eight years in prison so Bush could do a show-and-tell on TV. The president then ramped up funding for the war on drugs, expanding military and intelligence operations in the Andes and the Caribbean. These were the Miami Vice years, when efforts to suppress cocaine smuggling into Florida only shifted transport routes overland through Central America and Mexico. Bushs signature contribution to the War on Drugs was Operation Just Cause, in which, a few weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall in late 1989, he dispatched 30,000 Marines to Panama to arrest autocrat Manuel Noriega on drug trafficking charges. Noriega had been a CIA asset when Bush was the director of that agency. But with the Cold War over, he had outlived his usefulness. Bill Clinton (1993-2001) escalated his Republican predecessors tough on drugs policies. He maintained mandatory minimum sentencing and increased the number of people serving jail time for drug offences. In his last year in office, Clinton rolled out Plan Colombia which committed billions of dollars more to drug interdiction, but with a twist: privatization. Washington doled out contracts to mercenary corporations to conduct field operations. DynCorp provided pilots, planes, and chemicals for the aerial eradication of drugs (which had horrible environmental consequences) and worked closely with the Colombian military. A cyber start-up, Oakley Networks, now part of Raytheon, also received Plan Colombia money to provide Internet surveillance software to Colombias National Police, which used the tech to spy on human-rights activists. Plan Colombia led to hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and widespread ecological devastation. The result? Estimates vary, but roughly twice as much Colombian land is now believed to be dedicated to growing coca as at the start of Plan Colombia in 2000 and the production of cocaine has doubled. George W. Bush (20012009) again escalated the war on drugs, increasing interdiction funding both domestically and internationally. He also urged Mexicos president, Felipe Calderon, to launch his own brutal military assault on the drug cartels. By the time Calderon left office, security forces and the cartels combined had killed or disappeared tens of thousands of Mexicans. Conceptually, Bush linked the post-9/11 Global War on Terror to the Global War on Drugs. Trafficking of drugs finances the world of terror, he claimed. Barack Obama (20092017), like President Carter, emphasized treatment over incarceration. Nonetheless, he took no steps to wind down the war on drugs, continuing to fund Plan Colombia and expanding Plan Merida, which his predecessor had put in place to combat cartels in Central America and Mexico. In February 2009, the former presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia Fernando Cardoso, Ernesto Zedillo, and Cesar Gaviria released a report entitled Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift, which called for an end to the war on drugs, proposing instead decriminalization and the treatment of drug use as a public health issue. The authors were establishment politicians, and Obama could have used their breakthrough report to help build a new public health consensus concerning drug use. But his White House largely ignored the report. Donald Trump (20172021) increased already high-level funding for militarized counter-narcotic operations at the border and abroad, calling for the death penalty for drug dealers. He also floated the idea of shooting missiles into Mexico to destroy the drug labs, but to do so quietly so no one would know it was us. In Trumps first term, he offered a now-forgotten (in the U.S. at least) preview of the killing of civilians on boats. On May 11, 2017, DEA agents and their Honduran counterparts traveling by boat along the Patuca River opened fire on a water taxi carrying 16 passengers. Overhead, a DEA agent in a circling helicopter ordered a Honduran soldier to fire his machine gun at the taxi. Four died, including a young boy and two pregnant women, and three others were seriously injured. The incident involved 10 U.S. agents, none of whom suffered any consequences for the massacre. Joe Biden (20212025) supported de-escalation in principle and actually decreased funding for aerial drug fumigation in Colombia. He also issued blanket pardons to thousands of people convicted on federal marijuana charges. Nonetheless, like the presidents before him, he continued funding the DEA and military operations in Latin America. Donald Trump (2025-?) has opened a new front in the war against Mexicos drug cartels in New England. The DEA, working with ICE and the FBI, claims that in August it made 171 high-level arrests of members of the Sinaloa cartel throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Boston Globes Spotlight investigative team, though, reports that most of those arrested were involved in small dollar drug sales, or were simply addicts, and had no link whatsoever to the Sinaloa cartel. Trump insists that the war on drugs isnt a metaphor, that its a real war, and as such he possesses extraordinary wartime powers including the authority to bomb Mexico and attack Venezuela. Considering this history, whos to argue? Or to think that such a war could end anything but badly or, for that matter, ever end at all? Copyright 2025 Greg Grandin Via Tomdispatch.com By Tulio de Oliveira, Stellenbosch University and Cheryl Baxter, Stellenbosch University (The Conversation) Rising temperatures, changing rainfall patterns and extreme weather events create ideal conditions for pathogens and their vectors such as mosquitoes, midges and ticks to thrive. This is confirmed by a recent report for the global climate change conference, COP30. The report was produced by a team of global south scientists from the Climate Amplified Diseases and Epidemics consortium, which studies and figures out ways of responding to infectious diseases that climate change is making worse. It sets out how deadly diseases like West Nile virus, dengue and chikungunya are now spreading to new regions in Africa and Europe because of the changing climate. Some of the authors of the report, Tulio de Oliveira, Cheryl Baxter and PhD candidate Maambele Khosa, explain what needs to be done to keep people at risk of infection safe and prevent infectious disease from multiplying. What makes disease risks worse under climate change? There are several compounding factors. First, pathogens (such as a virus or bacterium that can cause disease) can adapt to new vectors and climates. This was recently seen with chikungunya virus mutations that made it easier for Aedes albopictus a mosquito species now widespread in Asia, Europe and North America to spread the virus. Second, extreme weather events like droughts and floods disrupt ecosystems and human settlements. The disruptions allow waterborne pathogens such as Vibro cholera, which causes cholera, to thrive. Flooding can also enhance breeding sites for vectors and delay public health responses. Third, climate-driven migration forces millions of people into overcrowded areas without enough water or toilets. This increases their exposure to endemic diseases (diseases that are consistently present within a specific geographic area or population group at an expected and predictable rate). It also sparks the spread of new pathogens. This problem is especially severe in Africa, where health systems are often under-resourced and populations are highly vulnerable. What new technology can be used to respond to climate-related epidemics? Surveillance and genomic tracking are critical tools for early detection and response. Genomic surveillance allows scientists to take samples of the first cases of an outbreak to identify emerging viruses before they cause widespread outbreaks. In other words, genomic surveillance monitors how viruses are evolving in real time. The COVID-19 pandemic system, where genomics were used widely to identify and characterise variants of the virus, can now be used to monitor other pathogens. This approach was effectively used in the recent Marburg outbreak in Rwanda. Epidemiological and ecological data is used to understand where vectors of disease are situated. Integrating this data with climate and genomic data into early warning systems can help predict where and when outbreaks might occur. For instance, a recent modelling analysis pinpointed the location of midges that transmit the Oropouche virus, then combined this with environmental data (like climate, soil and land use), and was able to predict Oropouche virus resurgence in the Amazon. Integrating sampling from the environment, animals and humans is known as the One Health approach. Over the last decade, this approach has been used to respond to Rift Valley Fever virus in Kenya. If nothing is done, what might happen? In Africa, climate-driven migration is projected to displace up to 113 million people internally by 2050. Without robust preparedness, African health systems will come under significant strain. This is because climate migrants, who have often lost everything, usually settle in areas with limited healthcare infrastructure, poor sanitation, and a high prevalence of infectious disease. This makes outbreaks more likely. The movement of people can also spread pathogens to new regions. Different countries need to co-ordinate a response as regions, and invest in preparing their health systems for climate-related disease outbreaks. If they dont, these pressures could lead to frequent epidemics. Climate migrants who have less access to care will suffer most. What needs to happen next? Governments must prioritise building healthcare systems that can withstand and respond to climate-related shocks such as floods, wildfires and extreme heat. Governments must also make sure that everyone has equal access to vaccines and diagnostics. They need to invest in community-based surveillance. This is where local people notice and report outbreaks so that quick action can be taken. It is very important that low-cost disease diagnosis be available at all local healthcare centres or clinics, even in rural areas, and not just in bigger hospitals. For example, during the COVID-19 pandemic, people could test themselves for the virus at minimal cost. Sustainable, ongoing funding is essential to support research, capacity building and public health interventions. Regional cooperation is also key in sharing data, coordinating responses and managing migration flows. This can help contain outbreaks and support adaptation. On 13 November 2025, the COP30 Health Day will promote regional co-operation by presenting the Belem Health Action Plan. This plan supports the implementation of our reports recommendations. This includes the increase of surveillance and monitoring, evidence-based policies, strategies, capacity-building and innovation. We urge governments to use COP30 to advance the climate and health agenda. Photo by Fusion Medical Animation on Unsplash Addressing climate-amplified diseases is important not just for health but as a matter of climate justice. The global south, despite contributing the least to climate change, bears the greatest burden. Governments and private industries that contribute the most to climate change should be held accountable. They must contribute their fair share to the response to climate diseases. Tulio de Oliveira, Director of the Centre for Epidemic Response and Innovation (CERI) at Stellenbosch University and the KwaZulu-Natal Research Innovation and Sequencing Plaform (KRISP)., Stellenbosch University and Cheryl Baxter, Head Scientific Research Support, Stellenbosch University This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened Thursday here to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, amplify the Global South's collective voice and promote a shared global governance. Co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa's Independent Media, among other partners, the two-day event gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU. Under the theme "Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation," the conference focuses on how collaboration between media and think tanks can contribute to shaping a fairer and more inclusive global governance. In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has always attached great importance to China-Africa cooperation, and at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit in September last year, Xi proposed that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Noting that media and think tanks shoulder the important missions of disseminating authoritative information and recording the events of our times, Lyu said: "We should contribute our wisdom to making the Global South a stabilizing force for safeguarding peace, a pillar of open development, a constructive force in global governance, and a promoting force for mutual learning among civilizations." Xinhua's editor-in-chief proposed implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. Media and think tanks from China and Africa should provide high-quality news coverage and academic research, and comprehensively expound on the Global South's solutions for advancing the reform of the global governance system, and demonstrate the Global South's strength reflected in the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries, he added. Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa's Independent Media, hailed the Africa-China partnership as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve, one grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive world order. The event gathered representatives from government, media and academic circles across African countries and China, highlighting the Global South's increasing cohesion and influence in global discourse, he added. In her speech, Leslie Richer, the AU director of information and communication, said that the global order is undergoing transitions amid growing calls from the Global South for fair representation, control over resources and development with dignity. Richer said that Africa is striving to move from being "a mere participant in global conversations" to becoming "a co-author in the story of humanity's future," adding that Africa will work with China and other Global South partners to make its voice heard more strongly on climate, finance and digital governance, while promoting more balanced narratives through closer media and think tank cooperation. Addressing the conference, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, said that China and Africa, as the world's largest developing country and the continent with the most developing nations, have a similar history of anti-colonialism and anti-hegemony, as well as a shared mission of development and revitalization, and are natural members and the backbone of the Global South. "Media outlets and think tanks play a unique role in promoting solidarity and cooperation among the Global South," he said, adding that the forum provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and building consensus. The ambassador also expressed his hope that all guests will speak freely and contribute their wisdom and strength to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and promoting solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. During the forum, the representatives held in-depth discussions on three topics: "China-Africa Commitments to Global Governance Reform," "China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalization," and "China-Africa Exchange in Global Civilizational Coexistence." They observed that after nearly 70 years of development, China-Africa relations have evolved into a model for a new kind of international partnership, and the cooperation has been deepening, leading the modernization process across the Global South. Ismaila Ceesay, minister for information of The Gambia, said that it is believed that the future of global governance must be inclusive, multipolar and reflective of the rich diversity of human experience. "China's support in fostering training, technology transfer and infrastructure development across Africa's media landscape is a valuable contribution toward this goal," he added. "We look forward to sharing our experience in renewable energy development, power system construction and talent training to support African nations in enhancing energy security and strengthening the resilience and voice of the Global South," Xu Xinfu, a director of China Energy Investment Corporation Co., Ltd., said at the conference. Shen Yumou, head of China's Hunan provincial commerce department, said that Hunan is ready to advance China-Africa mutual development through deeper opening-up and higher-quality cooperation, bringing more African products into the Chinese market and sharing more competitive industries and technologies with Africa. The forum also features the release of a think tank report titled "Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership -- Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System," and the launch of the Global South joint communication partnership network "United in Heart, Path and Action -- 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan." Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership -- Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System The horrific bloodshed in the Sudanese city of El-Fasher is a "stain" on the world, the UN said Friday, urging the international community to act following warnings of crimes against humanity and genocide. Since breaking out in April 2023, the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced nearly 12 million more and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The violence has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with the RSF seizing control of the key town of El-Fasher in Sudan's western Darfur region after an 18-month siege and reports of atrocities multiplying. "Bloodstains on the ground in El-Fasher have been photographed from space," UN rights chief Volker Turk said. "The stain on the record of the international community is less visible but no less damaging." Opening an urgent special session of the UN Human Rights Council about El-Fasher, he said the international community had not intervened despite repeated reports of "appalling atrocities" and warned perpetrators they would eventually be held to account. - 'Crime scene' - British ambassador Kumar Iyer urged the international community to pay "attention to the horrors unfolding in El-Fasher". "Staying silent is not an option," Iyer said. Reports have emerged of executions, sexual violence, looting, attacks on aid workers and abductions in and around El-Fasher, where communications remain largely cut off. The UN estimates that nearly 100,000 have fled El-Fasher in the past two weeks, many going to Tawila, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) away. "(They) recount unimaginable horrors prior to and during their escape", the UN refugee agency said on Friday. "Information gathered indicates that hundreds of women and girls were raped and gang-raped along escape routes, including in public, without fear of repercussions or accountability," Mona Rishmawi, from the UN's independent fact-finding mission on Sudan, told Friday's session. - 'Risk of genocide' - Adama Dieng, the African Union special envoy and the UN special adviser for the prevention of genocide, meanwhile warned that "the risk of genocide exists in Sudan. It is real and it is growing every single day." Sudanese ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan agreed. "What is happening in Sudan is an existential war that is targeting a whole community," he said. He condemned the United Arab Emirates in particular for "supporting (the RSF) with military and strategic equipment". The UAE denies backing the RSF. UAE ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh criticised both the paramilitaries and the Sudanese army, accusing the latter of "indiscriminate attacks on markets, villages and hospitals, amid famine, while ignoring international calls for a truce". - 'Justice will prevail' - The draft resolution under discussion Friday "condemns all forms of external interference that fuel the conflict". And it calls for the fact-finding mission to urgently investigate alleged violations of international law in El-Fasher, and seek to identify all alleged perpetrators with an eye to holding them accountable. Turk warned that "the International Criminal Court has indicated that it is following the situation closely". "All those involved in this conflict should know: We are watching you, and justice will prevail." He also said that "despicable disregard for civilian lives" was also becoming apparent in the neighbouring Kordofan region, which bridges the west of the country with the capital. "Kordofan must not suffer the same fate as Darfur," he added. The UN Human Rights Council on Friday ordered investigators to probe alleged atrocities in Sudan's El-Fasher and to seek to identify perpetrators so they can be brought to justice. The United Nations' top rights body adopted a resolution ordering the UN's independent fact-finding mission on Sudan to urgently investigate violations in El-Fasher. The text also called on the investigative team to "identify, where possible" suspected perpetrators in a bid to ensure they are "held accountable". The decision came at the end of a special session called to address the situation in El-Fasher, amid mounting warnings of crimes against humanity and the risk of genocide. "Bloodstains on the ground in El-Fasher have been photographed from space," UN rights chief Volker Turk warned as he opened Friday's session. "The stain on the record of the international community is less visible but no less damaging." Since breaking out in April 2023, the war between Sudan's army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has killed tens of thousands of people, displaced nearly 12 million more and triggered one of the world's worst humanitarian crises. The violence has escalated dramatically in recent weeks, with the RSF seizing control of the key town of El-Fasher in Sudan's western Darfur region after an 18-month siege and reports of atrocities multiplying. - 'Coordinated campaign against civilians' - British ambassador Kumar Iyer, whose country requested the special session along Germany, Ireland, the Netherlands and Norway, insisted that "the scale and severity of the crisis in Sudan can no longer be met with silence". "The violence in El-Fasher bears the hallmarks of a coordinated campaign against civilians by the Rapid Support Forces," he said, pointing to "credible reports of actively targeted killings, systematic, sexual violence, and the deliberate use of starvation". Before Friday's resolution was adopted, he urged countries to greenlight the text: "without it, accountability will remain out of reach and the cycle of impunity will continue." The text was adopted by consensus, although several countries, including Sudan, disassociated themselves from the paragraphs broadening the scope of the fact-finding mission's investigation. Reports have emerged of executions, sexual violence, looting, attacks on aid workers and abductions in and around El-Fasher, where communications remain largely cut off. The UN estimates that nearly 100,000 have fled El-Fasher in the past two weeks, many going to Tawila, about 50 kilometres (30 miles) away. "Information gathered indicates that hundreds of women and girls were raped and gang-raped along escape routes, including in public, without fear of repercussions or accountability," Mona Rishmawi, from the UN's independent fact-finding mission on Sudan, told Friday's session. - 'Risk of genocide' - Adama Dieng, the African Union special envoy and the UN special adviser for the prevention of genocide, meanwhile warned that "the risk of genocide exists in Sudan. It is real and it is growing every single day." Sudanese ambassador Hassan Hamid Hassan agreed, cautioning that his country was caught up in "an existential war". He condemned the United Arab Emirates in particular for "supporting (the RSF) with military and strategic equipment". The UAE denies backing the RSF. UAE ambassador Jamal Jama Al Musharakh criticised both the paramilitaries and the Sudanese army, accusing the latter of "indiscriminate attacks on markets, villages and hospitals, amid famine, while ignoring international calls for a truce". Much of Friday's discussion revolved around the need to ensure accountability for the atrocities on display. Turk warned that "the International Criminal Court has indicated that it is following the situation closely". He also said that "despicable disregard for civilian lives" was also becoming apparent in the neighbouring Kordofan region. "Kordofan must not suffer the same fate as Darfur," he added. Friday, November 14, 2025 - The Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) wishes to alert members of the public regarding a disturbing rise in violent robberies originating from interactions on online dating platforms, where unsuspecting individuals are lured into perilous situations under the pretext of friendship or romance. Victims, both citizens and foreign nationals, are often approached on dating apps or social media, cultivated into a false sense of trust, and subsequently invited to meet in private or unfamiliar locations. Tragically, these gatherings frequently culminate in ambushes, robberies, and, in some cases, physical assaults. In light of this alarming situation, we urge the public to exercise heightened caution when interacting with such platforms. To ensure your safety, it is crucial to protect your personal information. Avoid sharing any sensitive details, particularly financial information, with individuals you've only met online. Fraudsters are particularly skilled at creating emotional connections, which they then exploit to extract personal data that could lead to financial or personal harm. It is equally important to verify the individuals you interact with before placing your trust in them. If someone seems too perfect or their story appears inconsistent, consider this a red flag. When it comes to arranging in-person meetings, always choose safe, public spaces. Opt for well-lit locations like cafes, restaurants, or shopping centers for your first encounter. It is best to avoid private residences or secluded areas, as these can pose significant risks. Before you head out to meet someone, inform a trusted friend or family member about your plans, including whom you are meeting, where you will be, and the time of your meeting. Additionally, keep your phone charged and, if possible, share your live location with someone you trust. If you ever feel threatened or encounter suspicious behavior, disengage immediately and seek help. Dont hesitate to contact the nearest police station or reach out to official channels for support. Reporting any suspicious profiles or threats can help protect others from becoming victims. The DCI remains deeply committed to the safety of all citizens, residents and visitors in Kenya. Our teams are actively pursuing individuals and groups involved in these crimes, and we urge anyone with relevant information to come forward. Friday, November 14, 2025 - Kenyan actress, Marya Okoth, tied the knot with city lawyer, Jack Okula, last weekend in a glamorous private ceremony. During the invite-only affair, Marya radiated elegance in a classic white gown, while Okula complemented her grace in coordinated attire. Their union comes less than a year after Maryas public separation from comedian YY, with whom she shares a daughter, marking a deeply emotional fresh start for the actress. While guests admired Maryas bridal glow, it was Okulas heartfelt vows that stole the moment. Delivering a poetic, faithcentred speech, he reflected on their shared spiritual journey, recalling their baptism and rebaptism in the SDA Church. This relationship has literally brought me to my knees, he confessed, before promising to build a Godcentred home. Drawing from Shakespeares King John, he described Marya as a fair divided excellence, whose fullness of perfection lies in him. In front of family and friends, Okula pledged: I confess to have walked into a love so pure and true It is my covenant to cherish you till death do us part, and to deliver the family we create safely to God at the end of time. Months before the wedding, Marya had spoken candidly about navigating fame after her breakup with YY. She admitted that social media reshaped her life, forcing her to balance visibility with selfworth. You cant control how people perceive you, she said, acknowledging the sacrifices of trading privacy for career. YY later reflected on their split, insisting that their bond was respectful and meaningful, even without legal documents. We respected each other Its just the documents we didnt have. The papers are a formality. I dont want people disrespecting what Marya and I had by calling it a come-we-stay marriage. It was not. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 14, 2025 - The Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC) has arraigned Mr. Evans Agumba Oriato, a Compliance Officer at the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), for allegedly soliciting and receiving a Ksh 500,000 bribe. According to EACC, investigations established that Oriato, who is based in Kisumu, solicited and received the bribe as an inducement to assist Jane Memorial Secondary School in filing tax returns for the years 2016 to 2020. The Commission reported that the case began when the complainant was summoned to Oriatos office to discuss the filing of nil returns for the school. On December 31st, 2021, the officer allegedly demanded Kes 1 million to help resolve purported filing irregularities and received a down payment of Kes 500,000, with the remainder to be paid upon completion of the process. EACC says the suspect continued demanding the balance, prompting the complainants to report the matter to the Commissions Western Regional Office in Kisumu. Acting on the report, EACC mounted an operation in which Oriato was allegedly arrested while receiving Kes 250,000. He was processed at the Commissions offices and released on a cash bail of Kes 100,000 pending further action. Upon completing investigations, EACC forwarded the file to the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP), who reviewed the evidence and concurred with the recommendation to prosecute. Oriato was summoned on November 12th, 2025, booked at Railways Police Station in Kisumu, and held overnight pending arraignment. He was subsequently charged before the Kisumu Anti-Corruption Court with three counts of receiving a bribe, contrary to Section 6(1) as read with Section 18(1) and (2) of the Anti-Bribery Act No. 47 of 2016. He denied the charges and was released on a Ksh 500,000 bond with a surety of a similar amount. EACC says the operation is part of an ongoing nationwide crackdown on bribery within public service delivery institutions, aimed at improving access to quality services for all citizens. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 14, 2025 - Kapseret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, has once again caused a buzz online after he was captured cruising in his luxurious milk-white Mercedes-Benz G-Wagon, accompanied by a chase car closely trailing behind. The video shows the flamboyant legislator riding in the high-end machine as curious onlookers expressed admiration for the lavish convoy. Sudi, known for his taste for top-tier vehicles and a flashy lifestyle, has never shied away from showcasing his expensive car collection-often drawing both praise and criticism from Kenyans online. The video has reignited debate about the lifestyles of leaders as millions of Kenyans live from hand to mouth amid tough economic times. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 14, 2025 - Kisumu County Women Representative, Ruth Odinga, has spoken out following the ratification of new leadership within the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM). In a Facebook post on Friday, November 14th, 2025, Ruth congratulated her brother, Senator Dr. Oburu Oginga, who was confirmed as ODMs new Party Leader. Congratulations Hon. Dr. Oburu Oginga, on assuming the mantle of Party Leader for ODM. May your wisdom ignite a new spirit of purpose in the party and across the nation, she wrote. She also expressed excitement over her own swearingin as Deputy Organising Secretary, noting that ODM had firmly stepped into a new chapter under Oburus leadership, alongside deputies Governor Abdulswammad Shariff Nassir, Governor Paul Simba Arati and Senator Godfrey Osotsi. We have shed the orphan tag that followed the passing of our founding Party Leader, Rt. Hon. Raila Amolo Odinga. Today, we stand united, organised, and ready for the future, she added. She extended congratulations to other officials confirmed during the session, including Governor Gladys Wanga as National Chairperson, Hon. Otiende Amollo and Hon. John Ariko as Deputy National Chairpersons, Governor Ahmed Abdullahi as National Organising Secretary, and Hon. Rozaah Buyu as Secretary for Political Affairs. Ruth emphasised that the new leadership signals a fresh start for ODM, rooted in justice, equity and good governance. She underscored the importance of strengthening party structures and reconnecting with Kenyans at the grassroots. With Oburu Odinga at the helm, ODM has officially entered a transition period, tasked with steering the party toward the 2027 General Elections. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 14, 2025 - Meru Governor, Rev. Mutuma MEthingia, is facing sharp criticism after allegedly hiring social media bots to praise his work online. The accounts, many bearing Asian names and profile pictures from countries such as Thailand and Vietnam, have flooded his platforms with praise since he succeeded impeached Governor Kawira Mwangaza. Netizens argue that the Governor has failed to deliver on his promises and resorted to a desperate tactic of manufactured popularity. See some of the comments below. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 14, 2025 - A Dutch national who was recently caught in a viral video assaulting a police officer in Diani Police Station has been released by a Kwale court without charges, with the judge citing mental health concerns. Presiding Judge Joy Mutimbame ruled that Elwin Ter Horst, who was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, was unfit to continue with legal proceedings. The court directed that he be handed over to the Dutch Embassy in Nairobi for further action regarding his conduct and medical condition. Medical experts presented evidence confirming Ter Horsts condition, explaining that bipolar disorder severely affects mood regulation. The court recommended that he discontinue drug use and smoking and return to productive activities. Ter Horst was initially arrested on October 28th, 2025, after allegedly assaulting his girlfriend at a Diani hotel. However, his behavior in police custody sparked nationwide outrage when footage circulated online showing him verbally abusing officers, blowing his nose in their direction, and wiping mucus onto an officers trousers. Despite the provocation, police maintained composure throughout the incident. The National Police Service later condemned the conduct as crass, despicable, and utterly unacceptable, stressing that such behavior cannot and will not be tolerated under any circumstances. Speaking after the incident, Horst said he was in distress and hadnt eaten or taken his medication at the time of the incident. Apologies, I have psychosis and need my medicine. I want to live in this country, invest here, and help the people of Kenya. The Kenyan DAILY POST Friday, November 14, 2025 - A dramatic incident unfolded at the Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) after a distraught woman confronted staff members, accusing them of refusing to hand over her mothers body. In a video shared on TikTok, the grieving woman claimed that her mother died due to medical negligence and alleged that even after her death, the hospital staff continued to frustrate the family by declining to release the body. According to her, her mother was covered under the Social Health Authority (SHA) medical scheme, but hospital staff allegedly insisted that the cover was not working, despite President William Ruto assuring Kenyans that the new health system was functioning smoothly. In the video, the woman is seen openly lecturing staff members on duty and threatening to expose them to the media. One staff member attempts to walk away from the camera, but the woman chases after her as the confrontation intensifies. Other staff members try to calm her down, but their efforts appear unsuccessful. Following her outcry, several Kenyans took to social media to share similar experiences, claiming that they had encountered challenges at the facility. Wanasumbuanga sana, nikama wanakulanga mwili huko Kenyatta I really suffered when my brother died there, nilizungushwa, one user wrote. Watch the video. A Kenyan lady confronts a medical practitioner at Kenyatta National Hospital! pic.twitter.com/z5NlpYxiDz The Kenyan Vigilante (@KenyanSays) November 14, 2025 The Kenyan DAILY POST Energia All-Ireland Junior Cup Quarter-Final Athy v Suttonians Saturday, November 15th, 2.30pm @ The Showgrounds Athy face a daunting task this weekend as they continue their fairytale journey in the Energia All-Ireland Junior Cup. Having pulled off a hugely impressive win away to Galway side, Tuam, in the first round, Athy were given a home draw for the quarter-finals. Standing in their way of a place in the final four in the country are Dublin side, Suttonians. 2024/25 was a phenomenal season for Athy. It marked the Kildare club's very first campaign in Division 1A of the Leinster League and culminated with them capturing the coveted Provincial Towns Cup for the first time in over four decades. Athy lost away to Suttonians last week in the Leinster League. Can the Kildare club turn things around at The Showgrounds. This year presents an opportunity for Athy to go even further as they qualified for the illustrious All-Ireland Junior Cup. Introduced in the 2005/06 season, the competition is played on a straight knockout format consisting of the top four clubs from each province. Leinster clubs have dominated the tournament since it began, winning 12 out of 19 finals, including three-time winners Ashbourne and Tullamore, two-time winners Enniscorthy, and reigning champions Bective Rangers. The trophy has gone to Ulster five times and Munster twice, with Connacht still in search of their maiden victory. Athy ran in seven tries to beat Tuam 47-14 in Round 1, while Suttonians were 26-15 winners over Ballymoney in Antrim. There is just a seven-day turn around since the last meeting of the clubs, a game that saw Suttonians beat Athy 26-19 in Dublin. That was Suttonians' sixth consecutive win in Division 1A of the Leinster League - a result that sees them remain top of the table. Athy have won just one of their six league games - form that has them perched precariously at second-from-bottom. All four Leinster teams progressed to the quarter-finals of the All-Ireland Junior Cup, and like Athy and Suttonians, the other two eastern clubs have also been paired together as Wicklow travel to the capital to face Seapoint. Likewise, Ulster's remaining two teams have been drawn to play one another as Dromore of Down take on Enniskillen of Fermanagh. Munster and Connach each have one team left in the competition and they face off in Limerick where St Mary's host Galway side, Creggs. Sean McCarthaigh A judge has refused an application to revoke the bail conditions of a businessman who was involved in a stand-off with a sheriff and armed gardai at his former home in Wicklow earlier this year. A sitting of Wicklow Circuit Criminal Court heard Brian McDonagh (65) with an address in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, has been charged with two counts of burglary as a result of an alleged breach of his bail conditions at his former home at Drummin House, Delgany, Co Wicklow on October 4-5, 2025. Detective Sergeant Brian Shiggins told the court that the accused had previously owned and lived in Drummin House, but that there had been a court order to take possession of the property. Det Sgt Shiggins said Mr McDonagh had been charged with three offences in relation to an incident at Drummin House on February 24th, 2025. They relate to the alleged possession of a shotgun, the production of a firearm likely to intimidate, and to wilfully obstructing a sheriff. The court heard that the accused had bail conditions in October, which required him to stay away from Drummin House and its grounds and to sign on at Greystones garda station on Mondays and Fridays. Det Sgt Shiggins gave evidence that he was seeking to have Mr McDonagh remanded in custody for the alleged breaches of his bail conditions last month. He told counsel for the DPP, James Kelly BL, that it was alleged that the accused had encroached on the grounds of Drummin House by going to a gate lodge and posting a notice on its door on October 4th. Det Sgt Shiggins said Mr McDonagh had returned to the property on October 5th when he was arrested by gardai and brought before Bray District Court. When arrested, he said the accused fully admitted that he had placed a legal notice on the door of the gate lodge at Drummin House. Under cross-examination by defence counsel, Justin McQuade BL, Det Sgt Shiggins said he was not budging from seeking to revoke the accuseds bail. Questioned what evidence he had about a breach of the bail conditions, the witness replied that Mr McDonagh had made admissions when interviewed by gardai that he had been at the location and posted a notice on the door of the gate lodge. Det Sgt Shiggins said he would be looking for very stringent conditions if the court decided to grant him continuing bail. Judge Patrick Quinn remarked that the evidence about the alleged breach of the bail conditions was sort of hearsay and that the incident appeared to be a one-off breach. Mr Kelly said the prosecution would be happy if the accused testified to agree to certain bail conditions. Mr McDonagh committed to the court that he would reside at an address in Walkinstown, Dublin 12, and provided a mobile phone number at which he would be contacted by gardai at all times. He also agreed to observe the conditions to keep away from Drummin House and its grounds and to sign on at Greystones Garda Station on Mondays and Fridays. Remanding Mr McDonagh on continuing bail, Judge Quinn stressed to the accused that there should be no misunderstanding, but that his bail would be revoked if there were any further breaches of the undertaking he had given to the court. A MAN who tried to swindle a pump from a Naas hardware store eight years ago was recently sentenced to six months in prison for the offence. Shane ODonoghue (31), with an address at Old Knockmay Road in Portlaoise, appeared in Athy District Court from custody, having been remanded in custody only the week before on foot of six outstanding bench warrants. Did he leave Ireland? asked Judge Desmond Zaidan. The prosecuting officer Sergeant Dave Hanrahan didnt know the background, although he did have an outline of the details of the particular offence before the court, which occurred on 1 November 2017. Mr ODonoghue was also facing a charge of being drunk in public on the Newbridge Road in Naas on 18 November 2023. Explaining the eight-year-old offence, Sgt Hanrahan said: A group of males entered the business [Ted Johnsons on the Monread Road] and changed the price tag on a pump for a bet. When they went to the checkout, they paid the cheaper price, he added. How did the cashier find out? asked the judge, but the Sgt Hanrahan replied: I dont have that. As Mr ODonoghue had entered a guilty plea previously and was in Athy for sentencing, the sergeant revealed the defendant had 60 previous convictions, although all before 2017. These included four convictions for theft, as well as for public order, road traffic offences and possession of certain articles. Do you want the handcuffs taken off? I dont think hes a security risk, offered the judge kindly. Any convictions since 2017? asked the judge. Portlaoise District Court in September, as well as convictions in Wales, Northern Ireland and Coventry, replied the sergeant. Me sister is married in the UK, said Mr ODonoghue from the dock. My client wants to plead to these matters and take responsibility. There was no violence, and nobody was hurt, said defending barrister Hugo Mills. Mr Mills then explained how his client had six children, was accompanied in court by his mother, and that his father had tragically died by suicide. Given the historic nature of these offences, and judging by his taking responsibility, I would be seeking leniency, said Mr Mills. Im very sorry I just want to go home, said the defendant. However, Judge Zaidan sentenced him to six months in prison for the theft of the pump, and took the charge of being drunk in public into consideration. Declan Brennan A school teacher who had highly sexualised conversations online with teenage girls has been jailed for two and a half years. Dublin man Niall Ganley (33) was caught as a result of a sting operation by a UK-based vigilante group set up to stop sexual grooming of children online. Garda Lisa Finn told Jennifer Jackson BL, prosecuting, that in July 2023, a woman from this group met with UK police to report sexualised conversations between an Irish male and a fake profile for a child set up on a teen's social media website Chat Avenue. Dublin Circuit Criminal Court heard that Ganley had initiated contact with the profile identifying as a nine year old girl saying heya cutie, horny 27 year old teacher here from Ireland. The profile, with the pseudonym Isabella, replied I'm not old enough, it sucks being nine years old. Ganley then asked her if she had had any sexual thoughts and told her he would love to kiss her. He asked her to record her voice which the court heard was him trying to confirm the profile was a real child. The fake profile told him she was afraid to do this in case her mother would shout at her. Ganley went on to write that he had a car and could fit a mattress into it and he would take her on adventures. He sent her a nude photo of himself with an emoji covering his privates. He told her how sexual intercourse works and sent her instructions on female masturbation before sending a video of himself masturbating. He later told the profile I could bring you to the beach and we could stay at a hotel overnight. I'm sure your mum would trust a teacher. He also sent her a link to online porn and told her he would like to see her in her underwear. He asked her to send him photos and when she said she wouldn't he said he had to stop communicating with her. Gardai identified Ganley and located him at this then home at Grange Rd, Rathfarnham, Dublin. A search warrant was executed on August 11th 2023 and six digital devices seized. Analysis of these revealed 20 images and two videos of child sex abuse as well as records of online conversations with three different minors using the Skype app. Between February and April 2016 he had highly sexualised conversations and exchanged explicit images with a 16 year old girl. During this time he also contacted a girl who told him she was 13 and the conversation was of a sexual nature. For two weeks in February 2016 Ganley also had sexualised conversations with another teenage girl. The court heard investigators also found two up-skirting videos of teenage girls made by Ganley. Ganley pleaded guilty to inducing a child to participate in sexual activity, production of child sexual abuse material for distribution, possession of child abuse material, and communication with a child for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Gareth Baker SC, defending, that his client grew up in Westmeath and his family were horrified by his actions. He said Ganley has engaged fully with the charity One in Four and a report from them states that he has demonstrated insight into his offending and expressed genuine remorse. Counsel said Ganley sees now that his behaviour had become compulsive and is ashamed of it now. Mr Baker said that a precursor to this behaviour was the fact that as a teenager Ganley became addicted to pornography. He said his client states that he is actively working on never going down that road again, counsel said. Judge Martin Nolan set a starting sentence of five years but reduced it by half to take into consideration the mitigating factors which include the pleas of guilty, the co-operation, the lack of any previous convictions, the remorse and the steps taken to rehabilitate. If you have been affected by any of the issues raised in this article, you can call the national 24-hour Rape Crisis Helpline at 1800-77 8888, access text service and webchat options at drcc.ie/services/helpline/ or visit Rape Crisis Help. A TEENAGER who allegedly double raped his stepmother in their home just two weeks after he arrived in the country to improve his English was sent for trial in the Central Criminal Court last week just two months after the alleged assault. The 17-year-old appeared in Naas District Court from detention in Oberstown, where he has been on remand since the events of the night of 2-3 September to plead guilty to seven charges of rape and unlawful detention. There was a brief hiatus in proceedings when the youth failed to plead to the latter charge, saying through his translator she was free to leave at any time, while he pleaded guilty to five rape charges, and one of assault causing harm (section 3). However, after a short adjournment and consultation with his solicitor David Powderly, the youth came back and eventually pleaded to the unlawful detention charge as well. It is alleged that the youth committed the offences at the address in north Kildare on the night of 2 September, and was arrested shortly after midnight after neighbours in the apartment complex notified the authorities. Detective Garda Wendy Cagney told the court that the injured party explained how both of them had been in their room after a day out in Dublin when she noted he had a dark look in his eye. She put on her coat to leave for a walk but the defendant blocked the door and refused to let her leave, she said. He pushed her on the ground on her knees, and began a number of assaults. He fondled her vagina, put his fingers in her vagina. He then put his penis in her anus, fondled her breasts and ejaculated on her back. The assaults took approximately one hour, and the victim managed to phone her husband. Other tenants heard the assault and phoned the guards. The guards arrived at 11pm and detained the defendant. He was then taken to [named] garda station where he made full admissions, said DG Cagney. Judge Zaidan accepted this summary of the evidence and formally sent the youth forward for trial to the current sittings of the Central Criminal Court, and signed for legal aid for a senior and junior barrister to assist Mr Powderley. He noted that the alibi warning that he usually gives suspects being sent forward for trial in the superior courts was of no relevance on account of the guilty pleas, and added in conclusion: I want to keep this translator, because without her we wouldnt have made progress today. A US-based Kilkenny woman is being honoured by a New York business association for her visionary leadership. Mary McEvoy is originally from the city and has worked with international soft drinks giant PepsiCo since the late 1990s. She currently holds the role of Vice President, Commodities Global Procurement, PepsiCo. Now Mary is being recognised for her exceptional leadership, advocacy and commitment to building inclusive business ecosystems by WBEC Metro. The Womens Business Enterprise Council of New York is an American, national non-profit organisation dedicated to helping women-owned and small businesses thrive. Ms McEvoy holds the position of chair of the New York groups executive committee. Mary has provided steady guidance and critically valuable direction and insights for many years as she served on the WBEC NY DMV Board, and for that we are incredibly grateful. Thank you, Mary, for your visionary leadership that continues to expand access, inclusion, and opportunities for women-owned businesses! the organisation said, announcing she is this years recipient of the Presidents Award. Formerly of Michael Street in Kilkenny City, Mary is the daughter of Breda and the late Dan McEvoy. Mary was educated at the Lake School, Loreto Secondary School, and DIT Kevin Street, where she obtained a BSc in Physics and Chemistry from Trinity College. In her younger days, she was a keen athlete with Kilkenny City Harriers and played camogie with Dicksboro. A robber who fatally kicked, punched and stamped a vulnerable pensioner before taking off with a box of cornflakes and a cottage pie has been found guilty of murder. John Mackey, 87, was targeted by unemployed Peter Augustine after he visited a Co-op store in Manor House, north London, on the afternoon of May 6. A jury sitting at the Old Bailey returned their verdict on Thursday, convicting Augustine of robbery and murder. The victims family and loved ones, sitting in the public gallery, erupted in cheers and cried after hearing the verdict. One of them was heard saying: Justice, right thats what we wanted. Passers-by saw Augustine, 59, attacking Mr Mackey and searching his jacket as he lay on the ground, the Old Bailey was previously told. Another member of the public alerted police after she heard a shout of give me the bag and saw Mr Mackey lying inert on the pavement, the trial heard. Mr Mackey, who was bleeding from his head, regained consciousness but was unable to tell officers what had happened. He was treated in hospital for bleeding on the brain and broken ribs, but died from his injuries two days later. Police pieced together events from CCTV footage, although the attack itself was not caught on camera, prosecutor Jane Bickerstaff KC previously told the trial. Mr Mackey had set off from his address shortly after 5pm wearing a distinctive trilby hat, grey mackintosh coat and carrying a walking stick and black bag. At 5.12pm, he went into the Co-op where he bought cornflakes, an own-brand cottage pie and Mirror newspaper which he put in his bag. He paid for his goods using a 20 note and put the change of 11.50 in his trouser pocket. Eighteen minutes later, Augustine began to follow the pensioner. Mr Mackey then went into Manor Kebab at 5.36pm and bought sausage and chips as the defendant loitered outside, the trial was told. The victim was last seen on camera at 5.50pm and Augustine reappeared on CCTV three minutes later carrying what looked like the victims bag, jurors heard. A later search of the defendants room uncovered what was left of Mr Mackeys groceries and wrapping from the cottage pie, and sausage and chips. Augustine was arrested two days after the assault but showed no remorse for his actions while in custody, making a series of threats, acting violently and throwing a hot coffee at an officer, the Metropolitan Police said. Ms Bickerstaff previously told jurors that Mr Mackey was 5ft 5ins tall and weighed less than nine stone. She said: He would have been largely unable to put up any resistance to the attack due to his age and infirmity. The prosecutor told jurors that at the time, Augustine was living in reduced circumstances and was effectively homeless. She said he had used extreme force after he targeted Mr Mackey. When the defendant kicked and punched an elderly, vulnerable and largely defenceless man, who was prone on the floor, the Crown says that he intended to cause him really serious harm, Ms Bickerstaff said. Mr Mackeys family said in a statement: The level of professionalism, kindness, empathy and support given to us as a family from our first contact, first police officer on the scene Pc Hoyte, to todays conclusion, has been above and beyond. Throughout this harrowing experience of the investigation and trial we have felt included and listened to and most importantly from day one a real commitment to getting justice for Uncle John. He was the perfect uncle, funny, charming, mysterious and very definitely mischievous, never seen without his trilby hat and always immaculately dressed. He was an ally and friend to his 22 nieces and nephews, taking us to see his beloved Arsenal and introducing some of us to pubs around Manor House. He would never fail to slip a fiver to you, whispering dont tell your mum and dad. He was never happier than when he was with his 10 brothers and sisters, telling stories with lots of laughter always. Always a proud Irishman, he lived happily around Finsbury Park for over 65 years, a loved and popular member of his community. He will always be remembered with love and a smile. Acting detective chief inspector John Marriott, who led the investigation, said: I hope that Augustines conviction is a small reprieve for the family of John. It is a shameful tragedy that John was killed by Augustine, for a mere few bits of shopping. He deserved better. Augustines conviction is a testament to the officers who worked incredibly hard to build the evidence against him, which proved his part in Johns death. Augustine will be sentenced on November 28. COLUMBIA Rescuers used remotely operated cameras to find a 12-year-old boy who was lost in the Columbia stormwater system Thursday night, officials said Friday. The Columbia Fire Department, Police Department, Electric Utility, Stormwater Utility and Sewer Utility collaborated to rescue the boy. Dispatchers received a report of the missing boy just after 5 p.m., and rescuers got access to where the boy was located around 8:15 p.m. They pulled him out of the stormwater system around 9:40 p.m., according to the Columbia Fire Department. Officials said they believe the boy went into a box culvert on West Parkway Drive and was inside the stormwater runoff system. The search and rescue effort brought a large presence of emergency vehicles to the area of West Parkway Drive and West Broadway. The Fire Department said it had 16 trucks with 26 personnel on the scene. How the rescue happened When firefighters arrived at the scene, they conducted a thorough search of the area and upgraded the response to a technical rescue, Assistant Columbia Fire Chief Lester Shewmake said. More crews and equipment were sent to the scene. First responders tried to ping the child's phone, but because he was underground, the signal was not strong enough, Shewmake said. The Fire Department called the Columbia Utilities Department because it had greater technical expertise and a system that maps the network of stormwater inlets, boxes and pipes, including how wide and deep they are. Columbia Water Maintenance Supervisor Derek Ault said the Utilities Department helped explain the maps of the stormwater system to the Fire Department to give rescuers a better perspective on how to respond. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. When they got they maps, firefighters found some areas they were unable to access on the initial search, according to the Fire Department. Crews from the Utilities Department got firefighters access to these areas, and they put a remote-controlled camera into the stormwater pipe to find the boy. Rescuers attached ropes to the camera and drove the camera to the child inside the stormwater pipe. The child grabbed onto the rope, and firefighters safety pulled him out of a maintenance hole around 9:40 p.m., according to the Fire Department. Ault said the stormwater pipe the child was in was about 18 inches in diameter. He said he couldn't explain exactly how the boy got from box culvert to the area where he was found, but he said pipes vary in size across the stormwater system. He said the pipes can range from 6 feet in diameter to as small as 6 inches. MU Health Care paramedics treated the child and took him to University Hospital for observation, according to the Fire Department. Without the other departments, this would not have been possible," Shewmaker said in a news conference Friday. "Obviously, the Columbia Fire Department has some special expertise training and technical rescue but without the help of the Police Department, the Utilities Department with their mapping and cameras, this outcome would have been different and would have taken a lot longer." Shewmaker said the Fire Department has not asked the family for any further information and is choosing to respect its privacy. "I think everybody that was involved in it last night's very proud of the actions that they took to be able to help in his," Ault said Friday. "Everybody performed their job seamlessly, did a really good job at being there in a timely manner and facilitating the whole thing together as a city. Whether it be one department or six departments, we all worked together." We have used your information to see if you have a subscription with us, but did not find one. Please use the button below to verify an existing account or to purchase a new subscription. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. SHANGHAI, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Shanghai, China's financial hub and a popular foreign investment destination, hosted 1,060 regional headquarters of multinational companies and 631 foreign-invested research and development (R&D) centers as of September this year, latest data from the Shanghai Municipal Commission of Commerce showed. Zhu Min, the commission's director, told a conference on Wednesday that the functional capabilities of these regional headquarters -- spanning investment decision-making, R&D innovation, financial management, procurement and distribution, and supply chain management -- have been continuously enhanced. They form a sophisticated network of global resource allocation and play a vital role in strengthening Shanghai's urban competencies and international influence, Zhu said. More than half of the foreign-invested R&D centers in Shanghai are concentrated in key industrial chains such as biomedicine, information technology, and automotive components, facilitating the aggregation of global sci-tech resources and fostering scientific, technological, and industrial development, he added. In the first nine months of this year, Shanghai saw 4,764 newly established foreign-invested enterprises, a year-on-year increase of 5.5 percent. To date, the metropolis has attracted over 370 billion U.S. dollars in cumulative foreign investment and hosts nearly 80,000 foreign-invested firms. Foreign firms contribute about one-fourth of Shanghai's GDP and one-third of its tax revenue, according to the commission. Industry insiders have also noted growing confidence reflected in foreign-investment rankings. A total of 265 foreign-invested enterprises made it onto Shanghai's 2024 top-100 rankings in four key categories -- business revenue, import and export volume, tax, and job creation -- seven more than last year, according to the Shanghai Foreign Investment Association. The rankings reflect robust confidence among multinationals in Shanghai's high-quality development and its growing appeal to global investors, said Huang Feng, president of the association. Among the 265 companies, U.S. firms took the lead with 87 entries, accounting for 32.83 percent of the total, followed by Japanese companies with 33 and German firms with 26. "This marks the fifth consecutive year that U.S. enterprises have ranked first in number, demonstrating their strong commitment to the Chinese market," Huang said. Notably, nine companies appeared on all four lists. Tesla stood out as the only enterprise ranked in the top 10 across all four categories. From producing the 5-millionth battery pack at its Shanghai Gigafactory to the Asia-Pacific debut of its self-driving Cybercab at the just-concluded eighth China International Import Expo, the U.S. electric vehicle giant continues to strengthen its footprint in Shanghai. "The industrial chain localization rate of the Tesla Shanghai Gigafactory has exceeded 95 percent," said Tao Lin, vice president of Tesla. "It has driven the formation of a 100-billion-yuan new energy vehicle industry cluster in Shanghai. We plan to carry out more localized R&D in China in the future." Looking ahead, Zhu said that Shanghai will advance its high-level opening up and continue to foster a market-oriented, law-based and internationalized business environment. Heil Pool on Easton's South Side, seen here in 2015. Rudy Miller | For lehighvalleylive.com Heil Pool in Southside Easton needs several repairs, and the city is seeking a grant to help offset the cost. At its Wednesday city council meeting, Easton approved a grant application that would allow the city to apply for a statewide local share account. According to the resolution, the city will request $750,000 specifically for Heil Pool remediations, located at 900 Packer St. On Oct. 1, Easton Mayor Sal Panto held a city budget presentation, where he explained the repairs. He announced both Heil and Eddyside pools need remediation, which could cost millions in taxpayer dollars. He recommended prioritizing Heil Pool first and closing it for the 2026 summer season. He said the skimmer, which is a stainless steel system around the edge of the pool that collects debris and circulates water through the filter, is rusted and has broken away from the pool. This component needs replacement. The pool must also be replastered and repainted, he said. These are repairs that cannot wait and will assure that we have Heil Pool for another 20 years, Panto urged. The Statewide Local Share Account is a program administered by the Pennsylvania Department of Community & Economic Development. According to the DCED website, it is funded by gaming revenue under the Pennsylvania Race Horse Development and Gaming Act. It provides grants to Pennsylvania counties, municipalities, authorities, economic development agencies, land banks and government councils for eligible, public interest projects that improve quality of life. According to the program guidelines, one of the eligible uses is construction to include renovation and rehabilitation. This undated photo provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention shows a female Lone Star tick. At least 110,000 people in the U.S. have become allergic to red meat since 2010 because of a syndrome triggered by tick bites. A New Jersey man died as a result. A 47-year-old New Jersey man has become the first confirmed fatality from a severe case of meat allergy spread by ticks, researchers at the University of Virginia School of Medicine announced Thursday. The man, an airline pilot whose name was not released, went camping with family in the summer of 2024, according to the findings published in the Journal of Allergy and Immunology. After a day outdoors, he ate a steak dinner and went to bed. He woke up hours later with severe abdominal pain, diarrhea and vomiting, the researchers said. He recovered, but was unaware the reaction was caused by the meat allergy known as Alpha-gal syndrome. He died two weeks later, just hours after eating a hamburger while at a barbecue, according to the research findings. The cause of his death remained unexplained until tests performed by Thomas Platts-Mills, former chief of UVA healths Division of Asthma, Allergy and Clinical Immunology, who discovered Alpha-gal syndrome. The allergy is caused by the bite of the Lone Star tick and sensitizes people to alpha-gal, a sugar found in mammalian meat. Those affected can experience symptoms including rash, nausea and vomiting after consuming beef, pork or lamb. More than 110,000 suspected cases of Alpha-gal syndrome have been reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention between 2012 and 2022. Alpha-gal syndrome, however, is not among the illnesses that require notification to the CDC and the actual number of cases is estimated to be as many as 450,000. While researchers had suspected a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction - known as anaphylaxis - was possible with Alpha-gal syndrome, this marks the first confirmed death, according to the study. After an inconclusive autopsy listed sudden unexplained death, the mans wife sought additional review, according to the study. Platts-Mills obtained blood samples that confirmed alpha-gal sensitization and evidence of an extreme reaction consistent with fatal anaphylaxis. The mans wife reported he had no known tick bites but had suffered 12 or 13 chigger bites around his ankles that summer. Platts-Mills said that many supposed chigger bites in the Eastern United States are actually bites from Lone Star tick larvae. Several factors may have contributed to the severity of the reaction, including the man consuming a beer with his burger, exposure to ragweed pollen, and having exercised that afternoon. His family also reported he ate red meat very sparingly. Platts-Mills is urging physicians to be vigilant about the allergy, particularly as deer populations which host the Lone Star tick are expanding in many states. It is important that both doctors and patients who live in an area of the country where Lone Star ticks are common should be aware of the risk of sensitization, he said in a statement A prisoner who allegedly told another inmate he had a lovely arse has appeared in court accused of sexual assault. The man (49), who cannot be named due to reporting restrictions, appeared before Portlaoise District Court accused of sexual assault in the Midlands Prison in Portlaoise on November 10, 2024. Detective Garda Michael ODonovan said the defendant made no reply when charged. He told the court the DPP had directed that the case be heard in the district court subject to the Judges approval and he outlined the allegation for Judge Susan Fay. Det ODonovan said the incident occurred in the horticulture area of the prison. He said it is alleged the accused tapped the bottom of the injured party and he made a sexualised comment towards him. He said the injured party was another inmate and it was alleged the accused told the man that he had a lovely arse. On hearing the allegation, Judge Fay said she would accept jurisdiction in the case. Solicitor Brian Duffy requested disclosure and said I believe a certain course will be taken in the case. Judge Susan Fay granted disclosure to include CCTV and adjourned the matter back to Portlaoise District Court on December 8. She granted legal aid and said she would impose reporting restrictions for now in the case. People across Laois are invited to take part in Oiche na hOige / Youth Night 2025 next Friday, November 21. Oiche na hOige is a new national celebration of young people and the youth sector which has been created by Minster for Education and Youth Helen McEntee, the Education and Training Boards, the National Youth Council of Ireland (NYCI) and the youth work sector. The event will see youth clubs, services and community groups across Laois and Offaly host local gatherings to celebrate the energy, creativity, and achievements of young people, as well as the vital work of youth workers and volunteers. This new celebration of Ireland's young people will offer a range of events for people to enjoy right across the country, from music performances, to art exhibitions, discos, storytelling, and more. READ NEXT: Laois floods: Council issues new warning of more flooding with many parts already under water People across Laois and Offaly are invited to join youth clubs and community groups who are marking the night in a variety of ways across the counties with exciting events. Among the events on offer, Mountrath Scout Group will host a Come and Try event at Coole Hill in Castletown at 7pm. Youth Work Ireland Laois will also celebrate Youth Night at Unit D, JFL House in Portlaoise from 6pm to 11pm. Ballyroan Youth Club, Foroige Portlaoise UBU Youth Service, Mountrath Youth Theatre, and CCE Cill Chaomhain will also all be hosting their own celebrations on the night across the county. Then in Tullamore, St. Mary's Youth Club and Community Centre will host 'A Night at the Musicals' at St Mary's Youth Club and Community Centre on Harbour Street. Commenting on the new initiative, Minister for Education and Youth Helen McEntee said: "Oiche na hOige / Youth Night is about shining a light on the amazing contribution young people make to their communities and the adults who support them every day. "Hundreds of events are happening and I encourage young people, their families and communities to have a look at what is available and join in with some of the great events being run by youth services, showing what is available all year round." She added: "I hope that through Oiche na hOige / Youth Night, thousands of young people will get to experience youth services in their area." Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme A new study has revealed that Kildare is amongst Irelands hardest-working counties, ranking 9th in the national Hard-Working Index. The research, from leading business utility consultants Procure.ie, analysed the latest figures from the Central Statistics Office (CSO) to compare how far people travel to work, how long those journeys take, and how many people are unemployed in each county. These factors were combined to produce a score ranking every county in Ireland from hardest to least hard-working. Kildare earned a score of 239.9, reflecting low unemployment and relatively long commute distances. The findings highlight the commitment and work ethic of local residents, who demonstrate strong participation in the workforce, showing exceptional dedication to their jobs. READ NEXT: Anger at Kildare university students parking in estates Top 10 Hardest Working Counties in Ireland, according to the Procure.ie study, are: Laois 271.5 Meath 266.6 Leitrim 249.0 Wicklow 244.2 Westmeath 243.9 Roscommon 243.8 Offaly 242.2 Cavan 240.9 Kildare 239.9 Longford 229.9 Simon Lawlor, Chief Operating Officer at Procure.ie commented on the research: This research highlights the effort and commitment shown by people across Ireland every day. Counties like Laois and Meath stand out for their long commutes and strong employment levels, showing the dedication that keeps our economy moving. Behind that effort are businesses working just as hard to manage costs and support their teams. At Procure.ie, we help those businesses save on one of their biggest expenses, energy, so they can focus their resources on growth and their people. For further information, visit: https://www.procure.ie/irelands-hardest-working-counties-revealed/ Senator Fiona OLoughlin has this week welcomed the allocation of an additional six Gardai to Newbridge and a total of 13 new officers to County Kildare, following a major attestation ceremony at the Garda College in Templemore. The allocation comes after Senator OLoughlin personally invited Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan, to Newbridge in July to meet with local business owners and residents, where the urgent need for increased Garda visibility was a primary issue raised. Senator OLoughlin said: This is a great allocation for Newbridge and for County Kildare. I am really delighted to see our advocacy pay off with these six new Gardai for our town. When I invited Minister OCallaghan to Newbridge in July, he heard directly from our community about the need for a stronger Garda presence. Todays announcement is a direct and welcome response to that engagement. READ NEXT: Funding to assist in the integration of migrants in Kildare The 194 new Gardai and 17 Garda Reserves who have attested this week represent the largest single attestation of new officers since 2019. The new personnel will be assigned to Garda Divisions across the country, with significant numbers allocated to support high-visibility policing in Cork and Dublin. The attestation of 194 new Gardai is a very positive step for national policing, and I am particularly pleased that Kildare has received a strong allocation of 13 officers, Senator OLoughlin continued. This investment in our local Garda strength is crucial for community safety, supporting our local businesses, and ensuring residents feel safe and secure. The Senator also welcomed the news that the largest class of Garda recruits in a decade is set to enter the Garda College next week, signalling a continued commitment to growing the force. The pipeline of new recruits is essential. I will continue to work to ensure that Kildare remains a priority for Garda resources and that our communities get the visible, effective policing service they deserve. Today is a very positive day for Newbridge and for the wider Kildare area, concluded Senator OLoughlin. Sinn Fein TD for Kildare South, Shonagh Ni Raghallaigh, has raised serious concerns after reportedly dozens of families across the constituency reported being left without an appropriate primary school place for their children for the 2025/2026 school year. Deputy Ni Raghallaigh said that Junior Infants classes in both non-denominational and Irish-medium schools are heavily oversubscribed and that the situation is becoming untenable for parents who simply want their children educated locally and in the ethos and language of their choice. Families have a right to decide the ethos and the language of instruction of their childrens education, she said. Right now, that right is being denied. The government is failing to uphold the most basic expectations of a public education system. Deputy Ni Raghallaigh has written to Minister for Education Helen McEntee, urging her to take immediate action to ensure that additional capacity is secured for 2025/26 and that families are not forced into schools that do not reflect their needs or values. READ NEXT: Kildare County Council announces temporary relocation of Newbridge Community Library Services This is one of the most fundamental public service issues facing families in Kildare South, she said. Parents should not be left scrambling, anxious, or feeling powerless. Government must intervene to provide the school places our communities clearly need. Deputy Ni Raghallaigh encouraged any family who did not receive a place in their preferred local school to contact her office at: shonagh.niraghallaigh@oir.ie Political extremists have moved on to an organised attempt to undermine the State and inflict violence on people, the Taoiseach has said. Micheal Martin said there was a considerable degree of concern around extremism in Ireland, which he described as a threat to our society. His comments came after threats against politicians and migrants across the country as well as a Garda investigation into alleged preparations for a far-right attack on a mosque for which two people have been charged before the courts. Mr Martin said: This now is a very strong basis for indicating that this has moved on from sort of individuals or the general sort of narrative, to an organised attempt to undermine the State and our society and, above all, to inflict violence on people. The Taoiseach said everyone needed to be respected, regardless of ethnic background, colour or creed. Meanwhile, the Garda commissioner said he was concerned about outside influence from abroad impacting violent political extremists in Ireland. Commissioner Justin Kelly said gardai had concerns around political extremism whatever direction it is and said the service had done a lot of work to increase capabilities to counter it. This is a trend were seeing all across Europe. There is certainly an increase in what I would call violent political extremism, he said. Were not immune to that here on the island of Ireland. Obviously, theres been a number of quite high-profile events here and we continue to monitor it. The Taoiseach and commissioner were speaking to reporters at the largest single attestation of new gardai since 2019. A total of 194 gardai and 17 Garda reserves will now be assigned to Garda divisions across the country. It will be followed next week by the largest class of Garda recruits to enter the college in a decade. Mr Kelly said gardai continued to monitor the risk level around extremism, which was currently moderate. Asked about the alleged planned attack on a Galway mosque on behalf of a far-right extremist group, the commissioner agreed that some of the details may be shocking to the public. He said: But for us in An Garda Siochana, it is not something were shocked by. Obviously, we gather intelligence and we understand from partners abroad what the trends are, whats going on. This is something that Ive said previously: There are people here and they intend to do harm, particularly to some of our migrant communities. And thats something that we have to be completely alive to were not immune to that. Weve seen that in the UK, and across Europe. Mr Kelly said there was for sure, outside influence on political extremists and added: It is certainly something we are concerned about. Also speaking to reporters, Justice Minister Jim OCallaghan said he had great confidence in the ability of An Garda Siochana to gather information on ongoing threats but said there was a need for the public to provide assistance to gardai. The commissioner said gardai were aware of fewer than 10 groups in the violent political extremism space. He said some individuals and groups are more organised than others, adding that the groups were wide-ranging ideologically and could often have confused messaging and splintering. He said gardai were most concerned about those who were seeking to take violent action, saying this related to a small number of people. But he warned that there was still potential for dangerous activities among those small numbers. Mr Kelly said gardai had spent a lot of time gathering intelligence about all these different types of groups. The commissioner also said there had been really concerning incidents of threats against politicians and asylum seekers online. Well be particularly relentless around people who target people in positions of authority, people in IPAS (International Protection Accommodation Services) centres, any of that type of activity, he said. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Director General of the Liberia Standard Authority (LSA), Hon. Stephen Y. Mambu speaking to the media at MICAT. If anyone tells you about easy travel to another country, please investigate it first, she pleaded. Dont trust anyone not even your own family when it comes to these things. I almost lost my life. Its hard to keep a secret in politics, especially one as juicy as an engagement. So our Prime Minister Anthony Albanese did a stellar job in February last year surprising his now-fiancee, Jodie Haydon, with a diamond before it leaked. Together, they are doing an equally stellar job on keeping their upcoming nuptials under wraps. But, it wont be long before wedding bells are ringing. It's a moment for the history books, with Albanese being Australias first prime minister to get married while in office. So what do we know about the upcoming wedding? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There seems to be two clear options for when the couple may tie the knot: either the first week of December after parliament closes, or over the Christmas break. Anthony Albanese Jodie and son. Picture: Instagram/albomp What will Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon's wedding look like? Albanese proposed on Valentines Day and maybe he has an equally special date in mind for the wedding a Christmas Day event or New Years celebration, perhaps. The Lodge, which is the prime minister's official residence in Canberra, has been touted as the most likely venue for the wedding. Despite their shared Catholic upbringing, they cant have a Catholic church wedding due to Albanese's divorce. Haydon gave a hint to The Australian Womens Weekly that it will be possibly outdoors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair have also impressed it will not be a Jeff Bezos-style show. Personal and small are the words they use to describe the ceremony in recent interviews. "It's not a political event. It's an event between myself and Jodie," Albanese told Brisbane radio station B105. He said there will be no international figures on the guest list. Unsurprisingly, what our prime minister will be wearing has not been the subject of any discussion. But tongues are definitely wagging about the brides possible attire. A source close to the prime ministers office revealed Haydon was having trouble finding a dress. Anthony and Jodie could be tying the knot in weeks. Picture: AAP Its understood she is keen to choose an Australian designer but also wants an outfit that reflects a sensitivity to the nations cost-of-living crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [Haydon] is very understated," Karen Gee, who has designed 12 dresses for the Prime Ministers fiancee told Australian Financial Review. "She wouldnt wear a big skirt and veil. I think shed go for something structured but approachable." The designer said if she was a "betting woman", her money would be on a Carla Zampatti dress. She makes timeless, elegant dresses and nobody can really criticise you when you go that way," she said. While so much remains uncertain, there is one guest sure to be front and centre, and thats Toto, the prime ministers cavoodle. You can be sure Toto will make an appearance, Haydon said in a recent interview. When did Anthony Albanese and Jodie Haydon start dating? The soon-to-be wed couple met back in 2020 and its a sweet origin story. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Albanese was speaking at an event in Melbourne and asked if there were any South Sydney rugby league supporters in the audience. Haydon got his attention by yelling out: "Up the Rabbitohs." After that, she made the first move, sliding into his Twitter DMs. Picture: AAP I knew that we both followed the same footy team, we both have a love for the Inner West and I think I said in that direct message: Hey, were both single, Haydon told news.com.au. It led to their first date. We had what I thought would just be a drink at Young Henrys in Newtown, and we got on really well. Thats how it started, Albanese said. The prime minister pops the question Before making any big engagement decisions Albanese said he talked to his son, Nathan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I didnt want him to find out afterwards. So I talked with him and asked him to think about it, he told The Weekly. Fortunately, he was supportive, so his next hurdle was buying a ring without the press, or anyone else, getting wind. Travelling to House of Cerrone jewellers in Leichardt, he made his security cars park around the corner. The difficulty, of course was not to put it in the diary," Albanese said. Jodie got engaged to the prime minister in February, 2024. Picture: Anthony Albanese "My executive assistant was very shocked by the fact that it could be done without her knowing." Nathan, his security, and the jeweller were the only people to know of the prime minister's plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a Valentine's Day dinner at Canberra restaurant, Italian and Sons, he popped the question on a balcony at home. Its such a joy to be able to share this news with people, and its wonderful that Ive found a partner who I want to spend the rest of my life with, Albanese told media the morning after. What Haydons role as first lady will be? Jodie has worked in the superannuation industry for 20 years and is an advocate for women in the workplace. She juggles a full-time role as head of strategic partnerships at Teachers Mutual Bank, with her life in Canberra. I have my own professional path, and my own identity and purpose, she told The Weekly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I continue to work full-time and my employer has been very supportive. When I am at work, Im simply Jodie, not the Prime Ministers partner. Anthony, Jodi and the prime minister's son Nathan shared the stage when he became Australia's leader. Picture: AAP Shes also keen to stay away from political commentary. My job will be to focus on my day job and allow Anthony to focus on his," she previously told News Corp. While not a permanent fixture at the prime minister's side on his travels, she has accompanied him to the funeral of Queen Elizabeth II, King Charles coronation, the White House, the G20 Summit in India, and various events in Australia. In her official capacity as the prime ministers partner, she is also a Patron of the National Portrait Gallery and Ambassador for childhood cancer charity Redkite. Want the latest lifestyle and entertainment news? Make sure to follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok. Geological surveys show Liberia holds more than 17 billion tons of iron ore, with an estimated 12 billion tons located along or near the YekepaBuchanan corridor. TWO local companies have been shortlisted for prizes at the 2025 Business and Finance Awards. H&MV Engineering based in Castletroy and the Shannon Airport Group are nominated for prizes at the ceremony, which takes place in Dublin next month. Now in their 51st year, the Business and Finance Awards recognise outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation across Irish and international business. PICTURES: Limerick hurling manager John Kiely goes extra mile for cancer charity fundraiser H&MV Engineering has been selected in the Environmental, Social and Governance category. This is in recognition of its commitment to sustainability, innovation, and responsible business practice. And the Shannon Airport Group is one of five firms named in the category of Public Enterprise of the Year. Established in 1974, the Business and Finance Awards programme is Irelands longest-running and most prestigious business awards initiative. Over the past five decades, it has recognised and celebrated the achievements of some of the most influential leaders and organisations across business, politics, and society. This years gala evening at Dublins Convention Centre will welcome more than 1,000 global business, political and social leaders to celebrate outstanding achievement, leadership, and innovation across Irish and international business. Ian Hyland, president and publisher of Business and Finance magazine, said: It is inspiring to see such a strong and diverse shortlist for the 2025 Business and Finance Awards - a testament to the extraordinary calibre of leadership across Irelands business landscape. Special guest at this years event will be former US presidential candidate Hillary Clinton, who will be honoured with the Sutherland Leadership Award. LOCAL councillors are calling for urgent road safety measures to be put in place outside Dromtrasna National School as traffic levels continue to increase in the area. Cllr Liam Galvin and Cllr Francis Foley are canvassing for a full road safety audit, warning that a once quiet road has become extremely busy with school traffic. The councillors suggest that the audit could result in the installation of a speed ramp to help slow vehicles and protect children. The montly meeting of Newcastle West Municipal District heard the school now serves a growing number of pupils from the Abbeyfeale area. Cllr Galvin cited the recent addition of a second speed ramp outside the primary school in Tournafulla, describing it as working a treat in reducing traffic speeds. Cllr Foley added that he believes the Department of Education should fund such safety projects, rather than the local council. This is a matter of school safety and should be looked after by the Department, he said. Read More: Hundreds visit major Limerick Garda Security and Safety event at mart A letter from senior executive engineer Ben Noonan confirmed that council roads personnel will meet with the school principal to discuss safety along the public roadway. With the areas population growing, councillors say immediate action is needed to ensure the road remains safe for pupils, staff, and local residents. Funded by the Local Democracy Reporting Scheme As thirteen counties across Ireland brace themselves for heavy downpours and strong winds this Friday and Saturday, Met Eireann has now issued updated weather warnings. A Status Orange rain warning for Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow will now come into effect at the earlier time of 12pm this Friday afternoon until 8am Saturday morning, November 15. Significant rainfall accumulations, especially on high ground and exposed areas, are expected, with impacts including possible significant flooding and hazardous travelling conditions. READ MORE: ALERT! Popular snack recalled from Dunnes Stores and Supervalu amid possible presence of mould A Status Yellow rain warning also issued by the forecaster has now come into effect for Carlow, Kildare, Kilkenny, Louth, Meath, Cork, Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, Waterford as well as Dublin, Wexford and Wicklow at 9am this Friday. The warning will lift at 9am Saturday morning with heavy and persistent rain falling on saturated ground. Possible impacts include flooding, difficult travelling conditions and poor visibility. Meanwhile, a Status Yellow wind warning has been put in place for counties Dublin, Louth, Meath, Wexford and Wicklow, with warnings of strong and gusty northeasterly winds. This will come into effect at 12pm today, November 14, and will lift at 4am Saturday morning. Difficult travelling conditions and related debris are listed as possible impacts of this. According to Met Eireann, Friday is windy day nationwide and wet too across Munster and Leinster, with widespread rain becoming heavier through the day, particularly in the south and east, with flooding expected in places. It is expected to be much drier across Ulster and Connacht with some bright spells further north, with just some rain and drizzle encroaching onto southern parts. Highest temperatures of 7 to 12 degrees along with fresh to strong and gusty northeasterly winds and gales on eastern coasts. THE Labour Party will hold its 74th National Conference tomorrow, in Limerick. This is the first time members will gather following the election of 11 TDs and two Senators, as well as a Dublin MEP elected in June 2024. Ending the housing crisis, driving the climate agenda and transforming public services will dominate the conference discussion. Speaking in advance of the Conference, Labour TD for Limerick City, Conor Sheehan said this Government is failing to provide any hope or vision for change when it comes to housing. READ MORE: Anger as new community safety scheme replacing policing meetings branded a muppet show Deputy Sheehan said: I am so proud to welcome Labour Party members to Limerick this weekend for our 74th National Party conference. As the oldest party in the State, conference is a crucial event in the year for members to gather to discuss and debate the policies that our Party pursues." Limerick has heart, soul and grit but it also has many problems. An overburdened health service, a drugs crisis that has ravaged working class communities and a housing crisis that sees over 50 people rough sleeping every single night and leaves thousands of young adults stuck at home with their parents, if they havent emigrated." Deputy Sheehan continued: Limerick needs more than the apathy this clapped out gutless Government cobbled together by Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and the Lowry and Western alliance. That is why our job here is so important because Limerick needs Labour back in Government." Following the pathetic new housing plan announced this week, theres no doubt that the housing crisis will dominate the debate and conversations between members. Housing is the civil and workers rights issue of a generation, and many young people have lost hope of ever owning their own home due to successive failures of Fine Gael and Fianna Fail to grasp the brief." People have lost any sense of hope in the future. This Government is failing to give people the security of a good life. Effectively telling people to grit their teeth and bear another 15 to 20 years of this housing disaster. People are putting off huge life decisions due to housing insecurity, while renters are caught in a relentless cycle of paying good money to fund investors lifestyles." Following a Galway Tent style Budget announced in October, we are seeing quality of life eroded under Fine Gael, Fianna Fail and their Lowry lackeys. Wages are not keeping pace with the cost of existing in Ireland. Over 300,000 people are currently in energy arrears, yet families were offered nothing by the way of targeted energy supports. There is no plan, no strategy and no vision for the Ireland that we could be." Deputy Sheehan concluded: We need better - better schools, a cleaner environment, safer communities for all and secure and affordable housing. We have the resources, we have the people but we need a Government that will rise to the occasion." This weekend, Labour members will gather to debate the ideas and policies that this Government is failing to deliver on. We are relentlessly focused on the future because we know that this moment matters, and the time is now to deliver for Ireland. We look forward to gathering together in Limerick. After Microsoft, Amazon is backing legislation that would curb chipmaker Nvidia's ability to export chips to China, the Wall Street Journal reported on Thursday, citing people familiar with the matter. The legislation, known as the Guaranteeing Access and Innovation for National Artificial Intelligence (GAIN) AI Act, is also supported by AI startup Anthropic, according to the report. Incorporated into the National Defence Authorisation Act, the GAIN Act requires AI chip manufacturers to prioritise fulfilling domestic orders for advanced processors before exporting to foreign buyers. Microsoft publicly backed the legislation, whereas Amazon's cloud division has privately informed Senate staffers of their support for it, the report said. Meanwhile, Meta Platforms and Alphabet's Google have not taken a position on the Act, and neither has US President Donald Trump, the report added. Livemint could not immediately verify the report. Also Read | Amazon slashes nearly 700 jobs in New York alone amid plans of 14,000 job cuts Nvidia, the world's leading chip manufacturer, on Friday, warned that the GAIN AI Act could limit international competition for advanced chips, potentially reducing the computing capabilities available to other nations. "We never deprive American customers in order to serve the rest of the world. In trying to solve a problem that does not exist, the proposed bill would restrict competition worldwide in any industry that uses mainstream computing chips," an Nvidia spokesperson told Reuters earlier. If it becomes law, the bill will introduce new trade restrictions requiring exporters to get licenses and approval for shipments of silicon that exceed specific performance limits. What does the legislation say? The report quoted the legislation as saying, "It should be the policy of the United States and the Department of Commerce to deny licenses for the export of the most powerful AI chips, including such chips with total processing power of 4,800 or above and to restrict the export of advanced artificial intelligence chips to foreign entities so long as United States entities are waiting and unable to acquire those same chips." The rules resemble certain aspects of the previous AI diffusion regulation proposed by US President Joe Biden, which assigned specific amounts of computing power to allies and other nations. Also Read | How a Chinese AI company worked around US rules to access Nvidias top chips Anil Ambani on Friday clarified that the ED summons relate to a FEMA inquiry regarding a 15-year-old case linked to the JaipurReengus (JR) Highway project, not allegations under PMLA. ED summons to Mr Anil D. Ambani relate to a FEMA inquiry and not to any matter under the PMLA, contrary to false reports in the media. As per the EDs official media release dated 3rd November 2025, the matter pertains to a FEMA case relating to JaipurReengus highway project, according to a statement issued on behalf of Anil Ambani. What is the issue about? According to the statement, the matter originated in 2010, with a dispute involving a road contractor. That year, Reliance Infrastructure Ltd awarded an EPC contract for building the Jaipur Ring Road (also known as the JaipurReengus Highway). This was an entirely domestic project with no foreign exchange involved. The JR Toll Road has been fully completed, and since 2021, it has been managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI). Also Read | Reliance Group alleges corporate rivals tried to tarnish its reputation On November 3, ED announced that it has provisionally attached over 42 properties of the Reliance Anil Ambani Group worth more than 3,083 crore linked to various sections of the PMLA Act. The assets included 30 properties of Reliance Infrastructure, 5 properties of Adhar Property Consultancy Private, 4 properties of Mohanbir Hi-tech Build Private, 1 property each of Gamesa Investment Management Private, Vihaan43 Realty Private and a property of Campion Properties. The ED's press release on 3 November said, a separate search and seizure operation under FEMA in the case of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd. found 40 crore siphoned from the JaipurReengus highway project. Funds moved through Surat-based shell companies to Dubai. The trail has unearthed a wider international hawala network exceeding 600 crore. Hence, as per the statement issued, the summons relates to the FEMA inquiry. The statement added that Anil Ambani is not a board member of Reliance Infrastructure and served only as a non-executive director from April 2007 to March 2022, without involvement in daytoday management. (Bloomberg) -- Morgan Stanley is facing scrutiny from the Republican head of the US House China committee over whether the bank performed enough due diligence in underwriting the $3.7 billion Hong Kong initial public offering of Zijin Gold International Co. in September. In a letter to Chief Executive Officer Ted Pick dated Nov. 13, Representative John Moolenaar requested more information from Morgan Stanley including documents and communications related to the transaction, which at the time was the worlds largest such offering since May. At issue is how the transaction may have helped Zijin Golds parent, Zijin Mining Group, which is on a US blacklist for allegedly violating restrictions on using forced labor in the Xinjiang region of China. In his letter, Moolenaar questioned whether the deal was structured to consolidate Zijin Minings overseas gold assets under a separate entity, while allowing Zijin Mining to remain the controlling shareholder. Morgan Stanleys participation raises serious potential concerns about the adequacy of its due diligence practices in connection with a company that is included on a U.S. government entity list, is associated with human rights abuses, and maintains deep ties to the Chinese Communist Party, Moolenaar wrote in the letter. A Morgan Stanley representative didnt immediately respond to requests for comment. Morgan Stanley and Citic Securities Co. led the IPO, which is Hong Kongs second-largest listing this year, behind Contemporary Amperex Technology Co. Ltd.s $5.3 billion mega deal. Zijin Golds Hong Kong shares climbed 68% in their first day of trading, and have doubled since the debut. Moolenaar said that his request for information from Morgan Stanley was part of a broader review being conducted by the House Select Committee on China into the involvement of Wall Street banks in IPOs of Chinese companies with known ties to Chinas military or past track records of labor abuses. Morgan Stanleys underwriting of Zijin Golds IPO showcases the very type of commercial activity the US government seeks to prevent, he wrote. The letter comes after the House of Representatives Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party, the group led by Moolenaar, subpoenaed JPMorgan Chase & Co. and Bank of America Corp. in July over their role in CATLs Hong Kong listing. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com Cruising high over a remote sub-Antarctic island, drones have captured a situation unfolding that has scientists alarmed. The vision has revealed one of the worlds four main southern elephant seal breeding colonies has rapidly declined, with the number of females dropping by 47 per cent between 2022 and 2024. The British Antarctic Survey (BAS) research on South Georgia in the Southern Atlantic Ocean highlights the impact of highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI H5N1), a disease that has resulted in the deaths of tens of millions of birds and spread to over 40 wild mammal species. Separate research by Australia shows unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals on its territory, Heard Island, which is over 3,300km away. The island of South Georgia has over half the global population of breeding-age southern elephant seals, and BAS ecologist Dr Connor Bamford has described the decline there as truly shocking. Southern elephant seals can weigh up to 4,000kg and live for between 20 and 22 years. Source: Getty Surveys were previously conducted on foot, an uncomfortable and time-consuming task in such freezing, rugged conditions. But by using drones, they could be completed in minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The virus was first detected in seabirds in September 2023, and then spread to marine mammals. Its normal to see variations in southern elephant seals of up to seven per cent between years, but the recent decline was unprecedented. What makes this particularly concerning is that southern elephant seals are long-lived animals. Even short-term drops in reproductive output or mortality in the breeding population will have long-term impacts on population stability, Dr Bamford said. The ramifications of this outbreak will likely be felt for many years to come. Scientists returning after high mortality on Aussie island The publication of the BAS research overnight in the journal Communications Biology follows a visit by the Australian Antarctic Program to Heard and McDonald Islands in October, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the Department of Environment (DCCEEW) told Yahoo News that unusual levels of mortality in elephant seals at Heard Island were observed a sign the virus could be present. Scientists will be returning to HIMI between December 2025 and January 2026 to collect further data on seal and seabird populations, they added. Australian scientists will return to Heard Island (pictured) to investigate 'unusual' levels of mortality in elephant seals. Source: Getty With the virus also detected on the Antarctic Peninsula, mainland Australia is the only continent free of the disease. Its government has invested $100 million to prepare for the viruss eventual arrival, including on its territorial islands. A confirmed detection on Heard Island would not substantially increase the risk to Australia but reinforces the need for Australia to remain focused on preparing for an outbreak, a DCCEEW spokesperson said. Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories. (Bloomberg) -- Nexperia rejected a claim by its Chinese unit that it was interfering with production by blocking wafer supplies, as a feud within the Dutch company rages even after Beijing took steps to restore supplies of the vital automotive components. Nexperia China should be in the possession of a sufficient amount of wafers and finished products available to continue operations for several months, the Nijmegen, Netherlands-based company said in a statement on Friday. Any claims from Nexperia China to the contrary lead to serious doubt over stock management practices by local management. The statement came after the Chinese subsidiary told employees on Friday Dutch management was blocking the supplies, failing to allocate funds and not providing necessary support for its operations. The chipmaker, owned by Chinese firm Wingtech Technology Co., supplies power-control chips used by automakers from BMW AG to Volkswagen AG. The Dutch government took control over key decisions at Nexperia in September, triggering a reaction from Beijing that led to a shortage of the parts and disrupted car production in Europe and beyond. Even as the Netherlands and China work to resolve the conflict politically, tensions within the company remain high. The Dutch government intervened over signals that Wingtech founder Zhang Xuezheng, who was also chief executive officer of Nexperia, was asset-stripping for the benefit of his other businesses and threatening the supply of vital chips in Europe. Beijing responded by restricting exports of Nexperias products from China. Wingtech has denied those claims and demanded that Zhang get reinstated as CEO following his suspension by an Amsterdam court in October after a petition by European management. Negotiations to resolve the chip shortage have advanced in recent weeks, with Beijing authorities facilitating the resumption of some exports from Nexperias Chinese facility. While this signals progress, we note that this is a relaxation of export restrictions by means of exemptions rather than a full restoration of the supply chain, Nexperia said on Friday. Nexperia has fabrication facilities in Germany and the UK that ship wafers for testing and assembly to sites in China, Malaysia and the Philippines before many head back to Europe. Its plant in Guangdong, China, is one of the largest sites of its kind in the world. The Dutch firm said it has been working through alternative solutions to mitigate supply disruptions, including by selling and shipping wafers to its customers directly. We are committed to maintaining these workaround solutions for as long as necessary and until a normal supply chain with a full turnkey flow can be restored, it said on Friday. The firm also said it is looking to expand capacity at other locations and expects to do this in phases over the course of 2026. In a sign a political solution remains fraught, Chinas Ministry of Commerce expressed disappointment on Friday over recent comments from Dutch Minister of Economic Affairs Vincent Karremans on the Nexperia case, calling them misleading and reckless ahead of planned talks in Beijing. Beijings criticism was a response to the Dutch minister saying in an interview with the Guardian on Thursday he would have done the same thing again to assert control over the Chinese-owned chipmaker. China is extremely disappointed and strongly dissatisfied with such misleading, distorted and willful remarks, a Chinese commerce ministry spokesperson said in a statement on Friday, adding that the Dutch governments seizure of Nexperia turned the once-stable global chip supply chain into chaos. A delegation from the Netherlands is set to travel to Beijing early next week to find a mutually agreeable solution to the Nexperia issue, according to a statement from the Dutch government on Thursday. More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com (Bloomberg Law) -- Purdue Pharma LP won court approval to exit bankruptcy, capping six years of legal wrangling over a multibillion-dollar settlement and liability releases for the opioid manufacturers Sackler family owners. Judge Sean H. Lane said he will sign off on Purdues Chapter 11 plan during a hearing Friday in the US Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York. The plan contemplates an estimated $7.4 billion in payments to address nationwide harm caused by the mass marketing and production of addictive painkillers. The judge will issue his full, detailed ruling in court next week. The plan was negotiated for more than a year following the US Supreme Courts June 2024 decision overturning a prior iteration that provided a blanket legal liability shield in favor of the Sackler family for paying up to $6 billion in settlement contributions. That blockbuster ruling, which barred releases for non-bankrupt third parties that dont have creditor consent in all Chapter 11 cases, has reshaped how large corporate bankruptcy plans are formulated. Under the revised deal, the Sacklers will contribute approximately $6.5 billion in settlement installments over 15 years, subject to certain reserves. In accordance with the Supreme Courts holdings, creditors have been given the opportunity to opt out of releasing claims against the Sackler family in exchange for a smaller settlement distribution. Settlement funds will largely be used to enhance nationwide opioid abatement efforts, while roughly $850 million will be used to compensate individuals and families with addiction-related claims. Additionally, Purdue will transfer its business assets to a public benefit company called Knoa Pharma that will develop and distribute opioid overdose reversal and addiction treatment medications. Over 99% of voting creditors supported the updated settlement plan, spanning all US states and territories, along with groups of local government entities, hospitals and medical professionals, schools, tribes, and individuals with personal injury claims. The only objections litigated over the course of a three-day trial were those raised by a small number of individuals representing themselves, many of whom raised concerns over how much relief is being afforded to the Sacklers. At trial, Lane repeatedly explained that the revised plan doesnt force anyone to settle claims against Purdues owners and that bankruptcy proceedings dont relieve any parties of criminal liability. Purdue attorney Marshall Huebner of the Davis Polk & Wardwell LLP, in closing arguments Friday, acknowledged that the plan could never fully address the pain that so many people have suffered from opioid addiction and overdose, but said its the best outcome available to close the overly long chapter on this situation and let the money flow. No party is buying immunity in these proceedings and no party is buying their own form of justice, he added. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 facing more than 2,600 opioid addiction lawsuits related to its production and sale of OxyContin, which has been blamed for fueling a multi-decade crisis in the US. The bankruptcy proceedings elicited more than $40 trillion in creditor claims against the company. The company in 2020 pleaded guilty to federal conspiracy and fraud charges related to its business practices. The case is Purdue Pharma LP, Bankr. S.D.N.Y., No. 19-23649, hearing 11/14/25. To contact the reporter on this story: Alex Wolf in New York at awolf@bloomberglaw.com To contact the editor responsible for this story: Maria Chutchian at mchutchian@bloombergindustry.com More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com US-based multinational retail giant Walmart's President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Doug McMillon has announced that he is set to step down from his current role on 31 January 2026, according to a filing with the US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) on Friday, 14 November 2025. McMillon informed the company about his resignation on 11 November 2025. On 11 November 2025, C. Douglas McMillon, president and chief executive officer of Walmart Inc., notified the company that he will retire from his position as president and chief executive officer, effective on the close of business on 31 January 2026, according to Walmart's SEC filing. According to the official data, McMillon will continue to serve the company as a director till June 2026, when the company will hold its scheduled annual shareholder meeting. Serving as Walmarts CEO has been a great honour and Im thankful to our Board and the Walton family for the opportunity. Im incredibly proud of what our associates accomplished and deeply grateful for their commitment to our customers, to each other and to the communities we serve, said McMillon in the official release. Also Read | Google offers to change search results amid $3.4 billion EU penalty threat Who will replace the executive? Walmart's board of directors, in its meeting on 13 November 2025, appointed 51-year-old John Furner, who currently serves as the executive vice president and the head of Walmart's U.S. operations, as the president and chief executive officer of retail giant effective 1 February 2026. On November 13, 2025, the Board appointed Mr John R. Furner, age 51, as president and chief executive officer of the Company, effective February 1, 2026, according to the regulatory filing. Before his current role as executive vice president and the head of Walmart's U.S. operations, Furner served as the executive vice president and president and chief executive officer of Sams Club from 2017. Also Read | Amazon backs proposed legislation to limit Nvidia's AI chip exports to China Furner has experience holding leadership roles across merchandising, operations, and sourcing, according to the official filing. The company also disclosed that Furner's promotion will not bring any compensatory changes to the salary. According to data collected from LinkedIn, John Furner holds a BSBA degree in Marketing Management from the University of Arkansas from the year 1996. He started out at Walmart as an hourly associate in 1993, and over the last three years, he has held multiple roles in the company, including store manager, buyer, head of marketing and merchandising for Walmart China, based in Shenzhen. Walmart Inc. shares were trading 2.34% lower at $100.14 as of the pre-market Wall Street session at 9:29 a.m. (EDT). Shares closed 0.87% lower at $102.54 after Thursday's US stock market session. For Singapore Airlines, which owns one-fourth of Air India, there is no disillusionment about its investment, even though the Indian carriers losses weigh on its profitability. We remain committed to the transformation of Air India. There is no disillusionment. It is a long-term investment that we are making, and we understand there will be challenges, said chief executive Goh Choon Phong, during the post-result analyst and media briefing on Friday. Now past the halfway mark, Air Indias transformation programme, initiated in September 2022, seeks to overhaul every aspect of the business, including its fleet, customer experience, operations, and internal processes. The Air India investment enables the Singaporean flag carrier to participate directly in Indias high-growth domestic and international market across both full-service and low-cost carrier segments, it said in an investor presentation. Also Read | Pratt & Whitney engines for IndiGo grounded planes by June next year The customer confidence in the airline remains intact despite the fatal Ahmedabad crash, he said, adding Singapore Airlines has had a lot of interaction and engagement (with Air India) and has been helping (out) whenever needed. The Singaporean national carrier saw a 67.8% year-on-year drop in net profit to S$239 million for the April-September period. It attributed the decline to accounting losses from associated companies, including Air India, and lower interest income. Following the merger of Vistarathe joint venture between the Tata group and Singapore Airlinesinto Air India in November 2024, Singapore Airlines acquired a 25.1% stake in the combined entity and secured one seat on its board. The conglomerate acquired the Indian national carrier in 2022. Goh Choon Phong now serves on the Air India board, where Tata Sons holds the majority stake of 74.9%. A happy union This would be the first time Singapore Airlines is accounting for losses at the Indian carrier in its books. "These are accounting losses and do not have a material impact on our cash flow. We continue to have one of the strongest balance sheets, Phong clarified. Mint couldn't directly ascertain losses attributable to Air India, as the airline continues to be privately held, with results being declared annually to the ministry of corporate affairs. For the year ended 31 March 2025, the Tata-owned airline posted a 15% rise in revenue to 78,636 crore, but widened net loss 48% to 10,859 crore on-year. The consolidated entity comprises Air India, Vistara, Air India Express, and AIX Connect, and 2045-25 marks the first time its financials are reported as a single, merged group. Phong highlighted that Air India faced significant challenges in 2025, which were beyond its control, including the June crash. Also Read | Air India adds a jet a week to fleet; matches Indigo expansion The crash necessitated a safety pause, resulting in a capacity cut as aircraft were grounded for checks and maintenance, significantly shrinking the fleet and slowing international and long-haul operations. The restoration began in October, he said. Airspace closures in Pakistan and West Asia also impacted operations, particularly on long-haul routes, resulting in increased fuel consumption and costs. The rupee's fall against the US dollar, too, has had a significant impact. Air Indias chief executive, Campbell Wilson, who previously headed Singapore Airlines' low-cost carrier Scoot, said earlier this year that a continued closure of Pakistan airspace for a year would result in 4,000 crore of losses. When asked if there was any chance of a stake hike or further capital infusion into the Indian carrier, the CEO replied, These are discussions between shareholders. Board representation is in proportion to shareholding. But we continue to have a strong, engaging relationship (with Air India). There is no lack of interaction. It is not what we are concerned about. New Delhi: India has started consultations with potential buyers from Ghana, Rwanda, Uganda, Togo, Bahrain, Bhutan, Nepal and Sri Lanka as part of a plan to work around the 50% US tariff that severely impacts its small and medium businesses, which account for 45% of exports, according to three officials in the know of the developments. The ministries of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) and commerce have been leading these consultations along with the Indian embassies in these countries. Also Read | How India is emerging as the epicentre of global energy demand Currently, India exports products worth about $18 billion annually to the eight countries. In FY25, India's exports to these countries stood at $18.4 billion, about 4.2% of total goods exports in the last fiscal. Indias total exports to African countries in FY24 was $38.17 billion, and in FY25 it was $35.75 billion. Total export to South Asian countries was $26.80 billion in FY24 and $27.19 billion in FY25. Indias total goods exports in FY24 was $433.09 billion, and in FY25, it was $433.56 billion. The two ministries have jointly launched a pilot project to diversify export destinations toward friendly and emerging markets, including stakeholder consultations and buyer-seller meets, where potential buyers from these markets are present. The initiative aims to redirect goods initially meant for the US to select African nations and neighbouring countries such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and Bhutan. Going forward, the government plans to hold more meetings and engagements between Indian businesses and potential buying nations. Search for markets According to people familiar with the development, the pilot project has already begun in key African markets, including Ghana and Togo, which are being identified as potential hubs for rechanneling Indian exports, particularly in sectors like textiles, pharmaceuticals, engineering goods, and processed foods. The idea is to create alternative demand avenues for exporters who have seen their orders delayed or cancelled due to the new US tariff regime that came into effect on 27 August. The ministries are coordinating with Indian missions abroad, export promotion councils, and local chambers of commerce to facilitate logistics, certification, and market push in the countries. One of the three persons mentioned above, a senior commerce ministry official, said that the project will help Indian exporters adapt to changing trade dynamics and ensure continuity of shipments that would otherwise face high tariff barriers. This is part of a broader export resilience strategy, where we are not only mitigating immediate trade shocks from the US but also creating lasting access to new markets in Africa and South Asia," the second of the three persons mentioned above said. Earlier, Mint reported on 8 August that India was preparing to counter stiff US tariffs by pivoting to new markets in Africa and Latin America. The US has been India's largest trading partner, with goods exports to the US reaching $86.5 billion in FY25. Currently, key export destinations for Indian engineering goods include US, UAE, Saudi Arabia, Germany, and Italy. The Netherlands, South Korea, Belgium, Mexico, Japan, and Kuwait are also considered promising markets for which stakeholder consultations may be undertaken next. For pharmaceuticals, new destinations identified include Montenegro, South Sudan, Chad, Comoros, Brunei, Latvia, Ireland, Sweden, Haiti, and Ethiopia, while Greece is listed as a promising market. Traditional export markets for Indian drugs include the US, UK, Netherlands, South Africa, and Brazil. In electronics, the government has listed Sao Tome, Montenegro, Cayman Islands, St. Vincent, Mongolia, El Salvador, Turkmenistan, Honduras, Bahrain, Somalia, Puerto Rico, Vietnam, and Sweden as new export destinations. Russia, Mexico, and Turkey are marked as promising markets. For agricultural and processed food products, the focus will be on Nigeria, Switzerland, Lithuania, Slovenia, Mexico, Sweden, Portugal, Cameroon, Djibouti, Latvia, Egypt, Senegal, Canada, Argentina, and Brazil. (Table) Looking ahead Two such buyer-seller meets have taken place so far in Pune and Vizag, as part of the Raising and Accelerating MSME Performance (RAMP) programme of the MSME ministry, in the first two weeks of November. Queries sent to the union ministries of commerce and industry, MSME and external affairs remained unanswered till press time. "A total of MoUs where MSMEs from Maharashtra have won export business for sampling worth $1.47 million (about 13 crore) from several countries at the meet held in Pune. The buyers were largely from non-traditional procuring countries. A similar buyer interest was witnessed in the Vizag meet," Vinod Kumar, president, India SME Forum, while adding that sample purchases, if cleared, would be able to generate $116.77 million of exports for Indian small businesses. Apart from direct export orders, entrepreneurs from New Zealand expressed interest in investing $12.25 million in the form of trade joint ventures and foreign direct investments (FDI), he said. The third of the three officials mentioned above stated that approximately six similar buyer-seller meetings are scheduled from February to October next year. "These meets are unique in the sense that usually sellers go to the countries with prospective buyers or importers. But these are reverse buyer-seller meets (RBSM), wherein potential buyers are brought in to India to meet suppliers," the official said. Strategic move Karnataka-based apparel exporter Gokaldas Exports Ltd is among the players looking at Africa as a growth area at a time when the steep US tariff is hitting manufacturing. With several African nations enjoying more favourable market access to the US, the company is positioning its Africa operations to capture orders that might otherwise lose price competitiveness when shipped from India. In its Q2 results presentation, Sivaramakrishnan Ganapathi, vice chairman and managing director of Gokaldas Exports, said: In the quarters ahead, we have strong order book visibility for both our India and Africa businesses, supported by the possibility of AGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act, a US legislation) being reinstated. However, on the margins front, we expect the US reciprocal tariff on India to significantly affect the second half of this financial year, as the tariff burden is being shared with customers." "That said, any positive development on the US-India trade deal would ease this impact. Our Africa business is benefiting from a favourable tariff regime, and we plan to navigate these challenges through sharper cost optimization and improved productivity across the group," he said. The White House announced on November 13 that the United States and South Korea have finalised a joint fact sheet outlining agreements on trade and security matters, following the summit of President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung in October. Last month, Lee met Trump in Gyeongju, South Korea, and reached an agreement to reduce U.S. import duties on South Korean goods from 25% to 15%. US-South Korea deal details The US will impose either the higher rate under the U.S.-Korea Free Trade Agreement or the Most Favoured Nation (MFN) tariff, or a 15% tariff on South Korean goods, under its reciprocal tariff policy, the White House said on November 13. For pharmaceuticals, the tariffs will not exceed 15%. South Korea will construct nuclear-powered submarines and collaborate with the US in shipbuilding, artificial intelligence, and the nuclear sector, Lee said during a televised briefing. Also Read | A big data center planned in South Korea could be built and run by AI The deal includes $150 billion of Korean investment in the shipbuilding sector approved by the United States, which is referred to as the Approved Investments. It further involves an additional $200 billion in Korean investments, as pledged in the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Strategic Investments, which is anticipated to be signed by US and South Korean representatives. The two leaders expressed their support for the August announcement made by South Korean companies, which revealed foreign direct investments in the United States totalling $150 billion during President Trumps tenure. Both nations will make every effort to support and promote these investments, White House noted. Also Read | Trump Plans to Attend Davos Next Year in Boost to Switzerland The two leaders lauded Korean Air (KAL)'s order of 103 Boeing aircraft equipped with GE Aerospace engines. Valued at around $36 billion, the order comprises a variety of Boeing models, including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, and 777X passenger and freighter aircraft. This purchase will bring KALs total Boeing orders in 2025 to over 150 airplanes. Celebrations broke out amongst workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in both Patna and New Delhi on Friday as the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) cruised towards landslide victory in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025. Videos showed BJP workers celebrating with a chariot bearing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's face. "Dhairya rakho mere bhagwan Modi par," a party worker was quoted as saying by news agency ANI. Videos shared on social media also showed wild celebrations by party workers, some of whom were seen thrashing about on the ground in sheer joy as drums blared in the background. Bihar BJP chief Dilip Jaiswal also joined in on the celebrations as party workers and leaders posed for photos, distributed sweets and burst firecrackers. "I thank the voters of Bihar for supporting the PM Modi-Nitish Kumar-led NDA. At around 5 PM, Vijay Utsav will be held at the BJP office in Patna...," Jaiswal said, signalling more merrymaking later in the day. PM Modi is also slated to address BJP workers from the party headquarters in the national capital in the evening. Also Read | Raghopur constituency result: BJP widens lead against Tejashwi Yadav NDA on track to beat previous record in Bihar The joy of BJP workers and leaders was not unfounded: latest trends show the BJP winning in 91 seatsthe single largest party thus farand the saffron outfit-led NDA could well beat its 2010 record, when it secured 206 seats. Other NDA constituents have also fared well, with the Nitish Kumar-led JD(U) leading in 81 seats, the Chirag Paswan-led LJP(RV) leading in 21, and the Hindustani Awam Morcha (HAM) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM) in four each. In comparison, the Mahagathbandhan had an poor showing, with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), tipped by exit polls to emerge as the single-largest party, leading in a mere 27 seats. The Congress and left parties fared even worse, the the INC and the CPI(ML) leading in four each, and the CPI(M) in one. Bengal in sights? The NDA's all-but-certain landslide victory in Bihar was not just celebrated in the eastern state and in the national capital, but also echoed across to West Bengal, where polls are due next year. Commenting on the NDA's performance, Bengal BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari not just celebrated it, but asserted that Bengal was next. Bihar Assembly Election Result 2025: The stage is set for a high-stakes political showdown between the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) led by Tejashwi Yadav as vote counting for all 243 Bihar Assembly seats commenced on Friday morning. With the Jan Suraaj Party, led by former poll strategist Prashant Kishor, making its electoral debut, all eyes are on whether the state's political landscape is in for a major shake-up or a familiar verdict. The two-phase Bihar polls on 6 November and 11 November recorded a historic voter turnout of 67.13 per cent- the highest since 1951 - with zero repolls across the state's 38 districts, a testament to what the Election Commission called a "successful" election. The voting percentage among women voters was 71.6 per cent, also the highest to date in the state. With heightened security, zero repolls, and record voter participation, November 14 will reveal whether Bihar chooses continuity under Nitish Kumar, change under Tejashwi Yadav or pick a new party, Jan Suraaj. Why Bihar Matters? An unusually high turnout means the final picture could hold surprises as the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan vie for the majority figure of 122 out of 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly. However, the majority of exit polls have predicted that the BJP-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is likely to retain power in Bihar. The Bihar election assumes significance not just because it is one of the largest states in the Hindi belt, but also because of the state's relatively poor economic condition. Bihar contributes approximately 2.8% of Indias total economy, despite having 10% of the population, which indicates a lower average economic output per person compared to many other states. When does the counting begin? Counting will begin at 8:00 AM across all 243 constituencies, with over 4,372 counting tables, 243 Returning Officers, and 18,000 counting agents ensuring full transparency. VVPAT verification will be done for five polling stations per constituency to ensure accuracy. The main contest is between the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA includes the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Also Read | What 11 exit polls predict about whos winning Bihar The Mahagathbandhan led by Rashtriya Janata Dal includes the Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Deepankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). The NDA, INDIA bloc campaign The campaign saw the NDA banking on its development track record, while the Mahagathbandhan sought to tap into alleged youth "discontent", unemployment and social justice. The Mahagathbandhan, however, has claimed it is on the verge of a historic victory. At a meeting held at his residence in Patna, Tejashwi Yadav on Thursday expressed confidence that the alliance would form the next government. Yadav has accused the administration of preparing to "delay counting" and "manipulate results", alleging a conspiracy similar to 2020. "We are completely confident that we are forming the government with a clear majority," he said, cautioning officials against any "unconstitutional" actions during counting. View full Image Most exit polls predicted a win for the ruling NDA, with one projecting a close fight between the ruling alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Exit polls have historically been inaccurate. The Mahagathbandhan continues to claim a strong showing. RJD leader Prem Chand said, "We will get more than 162 seats." Tejashwi Yadav reiterated through an online meeting with district officials that RJD workers are "alert, vigilant, and fully prepared" to ensure the fairness of the counting process. In the 2020 polling took place in three phases. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secured 125 seats, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) won 110. Among the major parties in NDA, the JD(U) contested on 115 constituencies and secured 43 seats, while the BJP won 74 out of 110 seats it contested. In Mahagathbandhan, the RJD contested 144 seats and won 75, and the Congress won 19 seats out of 70. What did the Exit Polls Predict? Most exit polls predicted a win for the ruling NDA, with one projecting a close fight between the ruling alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Exit polls have historically been inaccurate. We are completely confident that we are forming the government with a clear majority. What happened in the 2020 Assembly Elections in Bihar? In 2020, the incumbent NDA emerged as the winner, securing 125 elected MLAs, while the principal opposition coalition, Mahagathbandhan, won 110 seats. Nitish Kumar was sworn in as the chief minister of Bihar. (With agency inputs) Bihar Assembly Election Result 2025 Highlights: Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan met Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar in Patna today, days after the declaration of the Bihar Assembly election results. Paswan extended his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to the Chief Minister on the NDA's resounding majority in the state. Chirag Paswan, who is one of the prominent faces of the NDA's Bihar campaign, described his meeting with the Chief Minister as "cordial and constructive." He said on X that the people of Bihar have given a decisive mandate in favour of the NDA, reflecting their trust in the coalition's leadership and development-oriented politics. The BJP-led NDA is on track for a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, crossing the crucial majority mark with 204 seats in the 243-member Assembly. This puts the Opposition Mahagathbandhan far behind, leading in only 32 seats, and leaving the Opposition reeling. A look at the Bihar assembly elections results: The NDA registered a historic landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Elections, winning 202 of the 243 seats in the state; meanwhile, the Mahagathbandhan could only secure 35 seats. NDA secured a three-fourths majority in the 243-member House. This is the second time the NDA has crossed the 200 mark in the assembly polls. In the 2010 polls, it had won 206 seats. In the NDA, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won 89 seats, Janata Dal (United) won 85, Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) (LJPRV) won 19, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) (HAMS) won five, and Rashtriya Lok Morcha won four seats. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) won 25 seats, the Indian National Congress 6, Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (Liberation) - CPI(ML)(L) - two, Indian Inclusive Party (IIP) - one, and Communist Party of India (Marxist) - CPI(M) - one seat. All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) won five seats, and Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) got one seat. Bihar Election 2025 Winners & Losers: Check Complete List The blog has ended. Thanks for joining! Counting of votes in the Bihar Assembly election is underway today, and early trends have revealed that the exit polls were right. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) looks set to return to power once again in the state, and this time with a far more decisive margin. As per current trends, the Congress is leading only in five seats in Bihar while the BJP is ahead in a whopping 81 seats, the JD(U) in 80 seats, the LJPRV in 22 seats, the RJD in 33 seats, the CPI(ML)(L) in 6 seats, and HAMS in 4 seats. Congress leaders have reacted sharply to their dismal show in the Bihar polls, with MP Manickam Tagore saying in a post on X. When you delete 65 lakh voters--mostly from the Opposition's voters --what do you expect on result day? Democracy cannot survive if the playing field is tilted before the match even begins. Follow live updates of the Bihar Election results right here! Currently, the NDA is way past the majority mark, leading in a whopping 182 seats while the Mahagathbandhan is ahead only in 57 seats. In an interaction with the media, senior Congress leader Pawan Khera blamed the results on Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying, "As I said, the initial trends in itself show that Gyanesh Kumar appears to be succeeding against the people of Bihar. This fight is not between the BJP, Congress, RJD, and JDU. This is a direct fight between Gyanesh Kumar and the people of India." "These are just early trends, we're waiting a bit. The initial trends certainly suggest that Gyanesh Kumar is gaining an upper hand over the people of Bihar... I can't underestimate the people of Bihar. They have shown courage. They showed it despite the SIR. Now, let's see in the coming hours how effective Gyanesh Kumar will be," Khera further added. In a similar vein, Congress leader Udit Raj also pointed out that the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral polls carried out by the EC was the reason for the grand old party's debacle in the Bihar polls. Check how key candidates are performing in the Bihar polls here! In an interview with ANI, Raj said, "SIR is leading. I won't say that this victory is of the BJP-JD(U); this is a victory of the Election Commission, of SIR. After the voter list was sanitised, lakhs of discrepancies were pointed out, but the EC didn't respond to even one. When objections were being raised, 89 lakh objections were raised; still, the EC said that nobody is raising any complaint. When they stoop to this level of cheating, what can we say? This is murder of democracy..." He further added, "If you delete the names of Opposition voters and send back thousands of voters despite them having digital slips...there was a wave of change in Bihar...BJP leaders were chased away by people at several locations. So, how are they winning? I feel this is a victory of SIR." Women were given 10,000 each: Ashok Gehlot Former Rajasthan Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot, who is also Congress' senior observer for Bihar, has claimed that women were given 10,000 ahead of the elections, but the EC did not take any step. Bihar results are disappointing, there is no doubt about it. The kind of atmosphere I saw there - women were given 10,000 each; it was being given even when the Election Campaign was ongoing...EC remained a mute spectator. Why did it not stop this? It should have, but it didn't... he said in an interaction with the media, further adding, This means that what Rahul Gandhi said for Vote Chori, this is what Vote Chori is. If fair elections are not held, if rigging takes place, if bopoth capturing takes place or there is cheating and money is being distributed - EC didn't take any action, they were colluding with the ruling party. WARNING DISTRESSING CONTENT: A photo unknowingly taken of you, or someone you love, in the street can instantly be turned into violent, pornographic material. An alarming Australian investigation has revealed schoolgirls are being undressed online and "subjected to acts of sexualised torture and degradation". Caitlin Roper from advocacy group Collective Shout told Yahoo News that no one is safe from artificial intelligence-based "nudifying" apps. You may have never posted a photo on social media, but your image can still be stolen, recreated and exploited in despicable ways, she warned. And pictures aren't just being pinched from social media, they're being taken on the streets, in schools and even from yearbooks meaning no digital presence is required for an image to be manipulated online. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Roper knows because she tried it herself as she attempted to put the sickening underground world of deep-fake pornography, and its potential to exploit Australian children, back under the microscope. She said females on these apps were "routinely subjected" to dehumanising sexual scenarios, the nature of some is so graphic that Yahoo News has decided not to share them. "In some images, they appeared terrified or crying; in others, it looked like they welcomed it. There were bruises and obvious signs of harm," Roper said. "A lot of very young women and girls content that I believe qualifies as child sexual abuse material." Roper revealed examples of how images were 'undressed'. Picture: Collective Shout A new "nation-leading" law came into effect in South Australia this month, criminalising the creation of wholly AI-generated deepfake images. Offenders now face fines of up to $20,000 or up to four years' imprisonment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Roper said legislation does not go far enough, with the apps accessible to virtually anybody with an internet connection. Roper recently analysed 20 nudifying apps in a bid to see "what a teen boy could do" with a smartphone and "access to a photo of a female classmate". The results left her in shock. Shocking scale of AI-based 'nudifying' apps exposed Not only was it unbelievably simple, but it was quick, Roper said. "I created an AI-generated image of a young woman a woman that didnt exist standing in the forest, dressed regularly," she said. "And with that image, I tested out the apps." Roper was able to digitally strip the woman in a matter of seconds, and for free. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said users of these apps can select everything from clothing removal to poses, specific sex acts, and create ultra-realistic and personalised images. Caitlin Roper from advocacy group Collective Shout is sounding the alarm on so-called 'nudifying' apps. Source: Supplied Certain platforms even encourage users to upload their creations to public galleries, which are often filled with violent and degrading sexual content. The material often depicts women of all ages being humiliated, assaulted, and tortured by men. Text prompts used to generate these images include terms like "abused", "crying" and "schoolgirl". "Its completely unregulated. What they would often have is a little checkbox, saying 'I confirm that I have consent, that Im not using children, or that Im not violating local laws'," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Which is just a very pathetic attempt to cover themselves. But obviously, these sites intend to undress, degrade, and humiliate." What's more, the vast majority of these sites only work on women's bodies. "If you put in an image, it digitally undresses a woman and shows female anatomy," she said. "They dont generally work on male images, so they are intended for use, typically by men and boys, against women and girls," Roper said. Unbelievably, certain sites even offer financial incentives to invite friends. Roper said they were not just marketed to adults, but to underage boys, too. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is now calling on governments around the country and the world to urgently tighten legislation and block access. In Victoria, the Crimes Act 1958 prohibits the intentional production and distribution of an 'intimate image' of another person without consent. Source: Victorian government What does the law state in Australia? Victoria and South Australia are the only Australian states with laws specifically targeting the creation and distribution of non-consensual deepfake sexual material. In Victoria, the Crimes Act 1958 prohibits the intentional production, distribution or threatened distribution of an 'intimate image' of another person without consent, and the definition has since been expanded to cover images that are digitally created or manipulated. South Australia this week introduced laws criminalising the production of AI-generated deepfake pornography that is invasive, humiliating, degrading, or sexually explicit, with penalties including fines and imprisonment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, NSW passed legislation to tackle sexually explicit deepfake material. It's now an offence to produce or share AI-generated intimate images depicting a real, identifiable person without their consent, with penalties of up to three years' imprisonment. At the federal level, the Online Safety Act 2021 already bans posting or threatening to post intimate images without consent, and the new Criminal Code Amendment Act 2024 explicitly criminalises the nonconsensual sharing of adulttargeted deepfake sexual material nationwide. Last year, Attorney General Mark Dreyfus introduced laws to parliament criminalising the sharing of artificially developed pornographic images, or genuine adult images distributed without consent, with offenders now facing a prison sentence of six years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those found to have created the images themselves could be jailed for seven years. And while it's certainly a step in the right direction, campaigners argue that the laws target distribution and not creation specifically. Laws not working as intended, advocate says Dr Asher Flynn, Chief Investigator at the Australian Research Council Centre for the Elimination of Violence Against Women, is among a growing chorus of academics asking for laws to be taken further. "[It's] really important to see 'creation' itself as a standalone offence," she had earlier told Yahoo News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It'd be good to see more onus put on the websites, the digital platform providers and the technology developers who are creating these types of tools too." Roper said many of the sites she encountered came out of Eastern Europe, making accountability extremely difficult. But she said restricting access is possible. "One recommendation we made to the United Nations was that all member states participate in a ban and enforce it," she said. "That could include geo-blocking, search engine restrictions, or social media platforms not advertising the apps. But the challenge is getting all countries on board. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We do have some laws in Australia ... but theyre not working as intended." If you or someone you know is impacted by child sexual abuse or exploitation, including historical child sexual abuse, or online child sexual exploitation there are support services you can access through the Australian Centre to Counter Child Exploitation website. These avenues of support are available to help, listen and believe. If you think a child is in immediate danger call Triple Zero (000), Crimestoppers on 1800 333 000, or your local police. Readers seeking support and information about suicide prevention can contact Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube. The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections have marked a historic milestone in the states electoral history, with no reported voting-day deaths and no re-polling required in any constituency. This marks a stark contrast to previous elections, which were marred by violence and the need for re-voting, signalling significant strides towards electoral reform in the state. As the counting of votes continues, early trends show that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is set to clinch a decisive victory. How unusual is this for Bihar? Bihar has long been synonymous with electoral violence and irregularities. Official records from past elections show how commonplace violence, deaths, and re-polling were in the states electoral processes. In the 1985 elections, 63 people died in poll-related violence, and re-polling was required in 156 booths. A particularly grim election cycle occurred in 1990, when 87 people were killed during the polls. Also Read | Opposition holds on to hopes of comeback as NDA takes massive lead in Bihar One of the darkest moments in Bihars election history occurred in 1995, when the then Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan was forced to postpone the elections four times due to widespread violence and electoral malpractice. In 2005, re-polling had to be conducted in 660 booths following violent clashes and widespread irregularities. The fact that the 2025 elections proceeded without such incidents is a notable departure from these troubled pasts, offering a rare instance of calm amid Bihars charged political atmosphere. Early trends in the 2025 Bihar elections: NDA surges ahead As the final results of the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections continue to be announced, the NDA has surged ahead, with early trends showing the alliance leading in more than 200 seats out of the 243-member assembly. Chief Minister Nitish Kumars leadership has been a driving force behind the NDAs impressive performance, and the BJP, the largest constituent of the NDA, is poised to emerge as the single-largest party in the state. Also Read | Bihar Election Results 2025 LIVE: NDA crushes opposition with 200 seat lead Nitish Kumar, speaking to reporters, confidently declared, Just a few hours of waiting, and the good-governance government will return, as his party looked set to form the next government in Bihar. What Is the status of the Opposition? The opposition Mahagathbandhan (MGB) coalition, which includes the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), Congress, and other regional players, is trailing far behind in the early trends. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, a key face of the opposition, has called for vigilance during the counting process, warning that any unfair practices would not go unnoticed. Our party workers are alert and present at the counting centres. If any official tries to repeat the mistakes of 2020 or crosses their limits, the public will give a strong response, Yadav cautioned. Despite the fierce political sparring, the Bihar elections have so far been remarkably peaceful, with no incidents of violence reported on voting day and no re-polling required. Robust voter turnout and electoral reforms: A step forward Voter turnout for the Bihar Assembly elections was robust, with 65.08% of eligible voters casting their ballots in the first phase on 6 November, and a higher 68.76% participation in the second phase on 11 November. Notably, the first phase saw a record-breaking turnout of 64.66%, the highest in Bihars electoral history. This reflects a growing commitment to democratic participation and a shift towards a more engaged electorate. What do exit polls say? Exit polls conducted ahead of the final result announcement have painted a clear picture of the NDAs lead. These polls suggest the ruling alliance is set to secure a comfortable majority, with analysts predicting a decisive win. While the opposition had hoped for a tighter race, it is clear that the NDAs appeal remains strong across the state. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is heading for a landslide victory in the Bihar Elections 2025, as early trends from the Election Commission show the alliance comfortably crossing the majority mark with over 190 of the total 243 Bihar Assembly seats. According to the Election Commission's data, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was seen emerging as the single-largest party, while CM Nitish Kumar's Janata Dal (United) was leading on nearly 80 assembly seats as of 12 pm on Friday (November 14). Also Read | Bihar Election Results 2025 LIVE: NDA crushes opposition with 200 seat lead Bihar Election Results 2025: What ECI trends show? The Nitish Kumar-led NDA has secured a combined total of 200 seats. Meanwhile, the Opposition and Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj are staring at a poll debacle. The Election Commission trends allocated around 50 seats to the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Congress-led Mahagathbandhan, and zero seats to Jan Suraaj, the newcomer in the Bihar Election 2025. Here are party-wise scorecard: View full Image Credit: ECI So, is the NDA heading for a historic victory? Here are five reasons why Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and BJP-led alliance is headed for a landslide victory in Bihar: 1. Nitish Kumar, the 'Sushasan Babu' of Bihar politics Despite facing voter weariness and questions over his shifting political alignments, Nitish Kumar, known as 'Sushasan Babu' (Mr Good Governance), has remained relevant in Bihar politics through his policy decisions, which include laws on reservation for women and welfare schemes for the Economically Backwards Class. For Nitish Kumar, who has governed Bihar for nearly two decades, the 2025 Bihar Election was widely viewed as a test of both political endurance and public trust. He was once celebrated as "Sushashan Babu" for pulling Bihar out of the shadows of what was often termed the "jungle raj." 2. Consolidated vote bank Nitish Kumar's J(U) enjoys the support of the Upper Class (10% of population), EBCs (31% of population), Other Backwards Classes aligning with the BJP's voter base. In addition to this, Kumar left no stone unturned to woo women voters with schemes like the Mahila Rijgar Yojana. Kumar also retains popularity among his core constituencies of Koeri/Kurmi communities. View full Image Credit: JVC ( X ) Moreover, the NDA fought with cohesion in the 2025 Bihar Election unlike the 2020 Bihar Elections, when Chiraj Paswan's Lok Jan Shakti Party (Ram Vilas) targeted Nitish Kumar to make a dent in the JD(U)'s vote share. The LJPRL fought the 2025 polls in alliance with the BJP and the JD(U). Many believed that NDA's broader coalition compensated for "anti-incumbency" against the Nitish government. 3. Women voters Nitish Kumar's enduring popularity among women voters is another reason that led to the NDA's sweeping victory in the Bihar elections. Several political analysts had said that women will emerge as the kingmakers in the 2025 state polls. Yashwant Deshmukh, the founder of CVoter Foundation, had said in an interview earlier that the "emotional connect" women of Bihar have with Nitish Kumar is altogether very different. 4. Weak Opposition Analysts felt that weak Opposition was another factor that boosted the NDA's prospects in the Bihar Elections 2025. Amitabh Tiwari, the Managing Partner Ascendia Strategies, Founder Partner VoteVibe, told Mint that there was no coherence in the Mahagathbandhan as it was solely focused on Tejashwi Sarkar. Also Read | Why today's Bihar verdict upholds Nitish Kumar as a formidable political brand Moreover, Muslim voters, which are crucial to the RJD and Mahagathbandhan, may have been upset over their non-inclusion in the Congress' Voter Adhikar Yatra. Besides, no CM or Deputy CM candidate of Mahagathbandhan in a Muslim. 5. PM Modi factor Prime Minister Narendra Modi stood firmly beside Nitish Kumar throughout the campaign. The alliance projected a united and reinvigorated front, emphasising welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion, social schemes, and administrative stability. The mix of PM Modi's national appeal and Bihar CM's extensive grassroots presence has created a formidable electoral force, one that appears poised to translate its political momentum into a landslide victory in Bihar. As Bihar reached the verdict stage, the PM Modi-Nitish partnership has emerged as the defining factor of the assembly election. On the election result day, the social media hailed PM Modi-Nitish ties as a deadly combo. Bihar Election Results: Congress won six of the 61 seats it contested in the Bihar elections, which turned out to be yet another setback for the party that fought was part of the Mahagathbandhan or the INDIA bloc, along with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Left parties. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) combine of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), secured a landslide win with leads on 202 seats in the 243-member Assembly, virtually decimating the opposition, including the Congress party. The BJP finished as single largest party with 89 seats, closely followed by the JD (U) with 85 seats The Mahagathbandhan finished with 35 seats. No takers for 'Vote Chori' The numbers are not just a drubbing for the Congress but a setback to Rahul Gandhi, who travelled in the poll-bound state months before the November polls to convince voters that the BJP, assisted by the Election Commission, had been indulging in vote chori and stealing votes Gandhi launched the Voter Adhikar Yatra in August, perhaps buoyed by the two previous yatras that helped the party consolidate votes in the last few elections, including the Lok Sabha elections 2024 and the Telangana assembly polls 2023. Clearly, Rahul Gandhi's "vote chori" plank failed to convince the voters in Bihar, where it was a dominant force till 1990. The Once-Dominant Congress Congress, like other states, was the dominant political force in Bihar for the first three decades after Independence and ruled the state continuously from 1947 to 1967. It returned to power in Bihar in the 1980s only to be dethroned by Lalu Prasad Yadavs Janata Dal in 1990. Over time, the grand old party's organisational strength in Bihar eroded, particularly in contrast with strong regional players like the RJD, the JD(U), and now the BJP. The party won 19 seats in Bihar in the 2020 assembly polls, down from the 27 seats it won in 2015. Under these circumstances, Congress often relied on being part of larger coalitions to remain politically relevant and never contested as a dominant solo force in Bihar in recent times. Bihar in-charge corporate agent The party's campaign in Bihar came under scrutiny from the beginning. Following his August yatra, Rahul Gandhi remained largely absent and returned to the campaign trail only on 29 October. Gandhi's absence had become a significant issue amid a crisis within the party's ranks, with many leaders alleging discrepancies in the distribution of tickets. A group of disgruntled Congress leaders, including former MLAs, staged a protest for being denied tickets. These leaders demanded the immediate replacement of the party's Bihar in-charge Krishna Allavaru with a political person. They accused Allavaru of being a corporate agent and sleeper cell of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh the ideological fountainhead of the BJP. Total Failure Many party leaders labelled Congress's dismal performance as a total failure of the organisation. "This reflects the weakness of our organisation. In any election, a political party relies on its organisational strength. If the organisation is weak and cannot function effectively, the overall outcome suffers," Congress leader and former Governor Nikhil Kumar told news agency ANI. Congress MP and former Union Minister Shashi Tharoor, who recently wrote an article titled Indian Politics Are a Family Business, arguing that Indian politics continue to remain a family enterprise, shared his thoughts as well. 'INDIA Bloc Leadership' I am sure that the party (Congress) has a responsibility to study in detail the causes. However, remember that we were not the senior partner in the alliance, and RJD also needs to carefully examine its own performance. But I will say that on a matter like this, it's very important that we look at the totality of our performance, Tharoor told ANI. INDIA bloc liability Congresss performance in earlier alliances, including in Uttar Pradesh with the Akhilesh Yadavled Samajwadi Party, has contributed to its liability tag within the INDIA bloc. This reflects the weakness of our organisation. In any election, a political party relies on its organisational strength. Congress frequently contests a significant number of seats in alliance arrangements but wins very few of them. In Uttar Pradesh (2017, 2022), the CongressSP alliance delivered poor outcomes. Also Read | In charts: How NDA is on its way to secure a landslide victory in Bihar The party's underperformance undermined the INDIA blocs strength in Bihar. Not that the RJD did better. It has been reduced to 25 seats, much fewer than the 75 it won in 2020, and emerged as the single largest party. Bihar Election Results 2025: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has taken the lead in early trends suggested by TV channels as counting began for the 243 Assembly seats of Bihar. Bihar voted in two phases 6 and 11 November and recorded one of its highest voter turnouts in Bihar's history. As early trends started coming in, the NDA was leading with 174 seats against the MGB's 60 seats, according to NDTV at 10:30 am. The majority mark in the Bihar assembly is 122, which means the ruling alliance has crossed the majority mark, as per early trends on TV. What do ECI numbers say? The Election Commission of India numbers, however, say the BJP is leading 73 seats while the JD-U is ahead on 77 seats. The RJD is ahead on 42 seats as per, ECI numbers. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banked on the two-decade-long rule of Nitish Kumar in the state and the 11-year rule of the PM Modi government at the Centre. The Mahagathbandhan or the INDIA bloc had hopes on anti-incumbency, misgovernance, and job promises. Why does Bihar matter? The Bihar election assumes significance not just because it is one of the largest states in the Hindi belt, but also because of the state's relatively poor economic condition. Bihar contributes approximately 2.8% of Indias total economy, despite having 10% of the population, which indicates a lower average economic output per person compared to many other states. The state recorded a historic voter turnout of 67.13%, the highest in its electoral history. Before the counting began, both the NDA and the INDIA bloc claimed the surge in voting reflected public support for their campaigns. Also Read | Prashant Kishor Bihar Polls Live: Jan Suraaj draws blank in early ECI trends Most exit polls predicted a win for the ruling NDA, with one projecting a close fight between the ruling alliance and the opposition Mahagathbandhan. Exit polls have historically been inaccurate. The ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) banked on the two-decade-long rule of Nitish Kumar in the state. What time did counting start? Counting arrangements were made for all 243 assembly seats and commenced at 8:00 AM today. The postal ballot counting began first, followed by the counting of EVMs at 8:30 AM. (This is a developing story. Check back for updates) The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is currently leading in Bihar, buoyed by the popularity of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi. If trends hold, they are on track to surpass the 2010 record when the NDA won 206 seats. The ongoing results reflect strong voter confidence in Nitish Kumar and PM Modi, with the alliance heading toward another historic victory. Also Read | Bihar Election Results 2025 LIVE: NDA crushes opposition with 200 seat lead View full Image Bihar exit polls prediction. Bihar assembly elections: Here's what early trends indicate In the current trends, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA has secured a combined total of 196 seats, with the BJP leading in 88, JDU in 79, LJP in 21, HAM in 4 and RLM in 4, as per data from the EC at 12:52 PM. RJD leads in 31 seats, Congress leads in 4, CPI(ML) leads in 5, while CPI-M leads in 1 and VIP in 0 seats each, taking the total to 41, as per data from the EC at 12:52 PM. Additionally, the BSP is ahead in one seat, and the AIMIM in five seats. What was Jungle Raj? The Jungle Raj era in Bihar, spanning from 1990 to 2005 under Lalu Prasad Yadav and later his wife, Rabri Devi, was a dark chapter in the history of governance collapse and societal breakdown. It was marked with massacres by caste-based private armies, such as Bara (1992) and Laxmanpur Bathe (1997), with little judicial recourse. How did Atal Bihari Vajpayee view Jungle Raj? Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the Prime Minister of India from 1998 to 2004 (overlapping with the peak of Jungle Raj under Rabri Devi), stated that the incidents were a national embarrassment and a failed state within the Union. Vajpayee further warned that their (Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi) anarchy threatened India's democratic credibility. In 2003, while addressing a public gathering in Patna, Vajpayee said, Bihar mein jungle raj chal raha hai yeh sirf Bihar ka nahi, poore desh ka sawal hai (Jungle Raj prevails in Bihar this is not just Bihar's issue, but the nation's). Vajpayee often slammed the Rabri Devi government for protecting criminals and destroying institutions, citing the kidnapping epidemic and caste killings. How Nitish Kumar pulled Bihar out of Jungle Raj? Nitish Kumar assumed the role of Chief Minister of Bihar in November 2005, inheriting a state synonymous with Jungle Raj. What changed? Within his first term, Nitish restored law and order as the foundation for all other reforms. Nitish established fast-track courts dedicated to heinous crimes, leading to the conviction of over 100,000 criminals between 2005 and 2010, compared to just 20,000 in the entire previous decade and a half. Also Read | A timeline of cases involving Lalu Prasad Yadav and his family High-profile cases, such as the Bara massacre, were resolved within months rather than decades. He overhauled the police system by recruiting nearly 70,000 new personnel, doubling the force, upgrading weaponry, increasing salaries, and constructing over 1,000 new police stations. Also Read | Gunmen kill parolee in Patna hospital; Tejashwi asks if anyone is safe in Bihar The results were stark: kidnappings for ransom fell from 411 in 2004 to 66 in 2010, and the murder rate dropped from 11.4 to 6.2 per 100,000 people, according to National Crime Records Bureau data. For the first time in years, industrialists, teachers, and doctors began returning to Bihar. Construction of roads, infrastructure projects Bihar has seen an extensive focus on road infrastructure through various state and central government schemes. Key programmes include the Chief Minister Gram Sampark Yojana and the JP Ganga Path project. The building programme, constructing over 50,000 kilometres of all-weather pucca roads between 2005 and 2015, connected every village with a population above 500, according to a report by the Bihar Road Construction Dept. Electricity and schools Bihars road density surged past the national average. Electricity, once a rarity, reached nearly 20,000 villages, and per capita power consumption quadrupled from 70 kWh in 2005 to over 300 kWh by 2015. Per capita electricity consumption in Bihar rose from 70 kWh in 200506 to 311 kWh in 201415, with 14,000+ new villages electrified under RGGVY and state schemes, according to the CEA Annual Report 2015 & Bihar Economic Survey 201516. Education Nitish Kumar focused on building 70,000 new classrooms and hired 300,000 teachers, while introducing the pioneering bicycle scheme for schoolgirls, which boosted female secondary enrollment from 300,000 to 1.8 million, according to NITI Aayog Evaluation Report (2017). The return of a confident, coordinated BJP-JD(U) alliance has significantly reshaped the battlefield this time. With Prime Minister Modi standing firmly beside Nitish Kumar throughout the campaign, the coalition projected a united and reinvigorated front, emphasising welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion, social schemes, and administrative stability. Bihar, India's third most populous state and one that is nearly 89% rural, has long played a critical role in shaping national politics. The NDA leadership has attributed the current mandate to the state's strong rural support base and what it describes as Bihar's vote for dignity and self-respect. Nitish Kumar's political life Nitish Kumar's political trajectory, spanning more than four decades, has often been cited as a study in adaptability and strategic clarity. Rising through the JP movement of the mid-1970s, he went on to contest the Harnaut Assembly seat in 1985 under the leadership of Satyendra Narain Sinha of the Janata Party and emerged as a significant voice for backward castes and secular politics. Kumar's political journey reflects his adaptability and strategic acumen. Inspired by political veterans such as Ram Manohar Lohia, SN Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and VP Singh, he sharpened his skills during the JP movement (1974-1977) alongside Jayaprakash Narayan. This formative experience not only shaped his political outlook but also earned him recognition among some of the most influential figures in Indian politics. In Mokama assembly constituency in Bihar's Patna district, Janata Dal (United) MLA Anant Kumar Singh, arrested in a murder case during electioneering, won by 28,206 votes. He defeated Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) candidate Veena Devi. Anant Singh, popularly known as Chhote Sarkar, is a controversial politician and strongman (bahubali). He is a five-time former MLA from the Mokama Assembly constituency in Patna district. Also Read | Bihar Election Results 2025 LIVE: NDA cruising to landslide with major lead At 64 years old (born 1961), he hails from Nadawan village in Barh block and is the younger brother of the late Dilip Singh (Bade Sarkar), a former MLA and minister who dominated Mokama in the 1990s. He travels in an antique buggy and wears signature white attire with dark sunglasses. Posters during his 2025 jail stint read, Jail ka faatak tootega, hamara sher chhootega (Prison gates will break, our lion will be released). His family has controlled Mokama politics for over two decades, with no outsider winning the seat since 2000. But how? How did Anant Singh win during Jungle Raj? Singh won Mokama in 2005 on a Janata Dal (United) ticket, defeating rivals amid Bihar's shift from Jungle Raj under Lalu Prasad Yadav. He retained the seat in 2010 (JD(U)), 2015 (as an Independent after quitting JD(U) over Nitish Kumar's alliance with RJD), and 2020 (RJD, with a 52.99% vote share). His wife, Neelam Devi, won the 2022 bypoll for RJD after his disqualification. In the 2025 Bihar Elections, he is back with JD(U) (NDA), contesting Mokama against RJD's Veena Devi (wife of rival strongman Surajbhan Singh). Despite being jailed on 2 November 2025, for the alleged murder of Jan Suraaj Party supporter Dular Chand Yadav, who was killed on 30 October in a clash, early trends on counting day show him leading by over 13,000 votes, potentially a sixth win if it holds. How Anant Singh became the face of Bhumihars in Bihar? The Jungle Raj, which lasted between 1990 and 2005 under Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi (RJD rule), was marked by lawlessness, caste wars, kidnappings, and economic collapse. For the Bhumihar community (upper-caste landowners, ~23% of Bihar's population), this era was a nightmare of targeted violence, land grabs, and political marginalisation often described by Bhumihars as a "genocide" or dark age. Aspect Bhumihars Anant Singh (as Bhumihars figure) Demographics 2-3% populations; landowners in north-central districts From Nadawan village; family controls Mokama for 20+ years Political Role Upper-caste vote bank for NDA; historical Congress base 5-time MLA; switches parties for leverage Strengths Education, land ownership Muscle power, sympathy votes, 68cr wealth Challenges Intra-caste splits 52 cases; jail stints 2025 polls Key in 20-30 seats; NDA edge Leading in Mokama despite arrest Anant Singh's family rose as protectors of Bhumihars during violent caste wars in the Barh-Mokama belt, where Naxalite attacks and Rajput-Yadav feuds targeted upper-caste landowners. The Jungle Raj remains a defining trauma for Bhumihars, explaining their unbreakable bond with the NDA and figures like Anant Singh, who rose to prominence as a protector in the vacuum left by state failure. How many criminal cases are there against Anant Singh? Anant Singh's 2020 affidavit revealed 52 criminal cases, including charges of murder, abduction, kidnapping, and violations of the Arms Act. He was convicted under the UAPA in 2022 for possessing illegal weapons and sentenced to 10 years, which led to his disqualification. More recently, in November, he was arrested in the Dular Chand Yadav murder case, filed by the victims grandson. Singh has denied the allegation, calling it a political conspiracy. His past is also shadowed by accusations in the 2018 murder and molestation case involving Reshma Khatoon, as well as violent feuds with rivals like Surajbhan Singh, conflicts that have resulted in the deaths of hired gunmen and bystanders. Despite convictions and frequent run-ins with the law, Singh has navigated jail terms and political shifts with surprising ease, often shielded by strategic alliances. This has mainly drawn criticism toward chief minister Nitish Kumarlong seen as an anti-crime reformerfor maintaining political ties with Singh. Bihar Election Results: As counting gets underway for Bihar Assembly elections today, exit polls have predicted a landslide victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA). Most surveys indicate that the NDA is set to secure a comfortable majority, with the Mahagathbandhan (MGB) expected to trail significantly behind. The projections also suggest that while the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) may remain the single largest party, the NDAs overall seat tally will give it a decisive edge in forming the next government. Also Read | Bihar Election Result Live: NDA ahead of MGB in early trends on TV Two new exit polls released on Wednesday projected a victory for the NDA in Bihar, with Axis My India giving the ruling alliance a clear lead and Todays Chanakya predicting a decisive win over the Mahagathbandhan. Both surveys indicated a poor debut performance for Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj (JS) party. Bihar assembly election 2020 result party-wise? What happened in 2020 Bihar Assembly election? The poll results saw closest outcomes in recent history of Bihar polls. The NDA bagged 125 seats, just three above the majority mark of 122 in the 243-member assembly. The MGB won 110 seats. Despite the 15-seat gap, the popular vote was nearly tied, with the NDA at 37.26% and the MGB at 36.58%. The RJD emerged as single largest party with 75 seats followed by the BJP with 74 seats. The JD-u won 43 seats while the Congress won 19 seats. The CPILM-L won 9 seats and AIMIM won 5 seats in 2020 polls. What was the status of alliances in 2020 elections? Within the alliances, the RJD emerged as the single largest party with 75 seats and 23.11% of the vote, followed by the BJP with 74 seats and 19.46%. The JD(U) won 43 seats with 15.39%, while the Congress took 19 seats on 9.48% of the vote. The election was decided by narrow margins in many constituencies. A total of 20 seats were won by less than 1% of the vote, 40 by less than 2%, and 52 by fewer than 5,000 votes. Eleven seats had margins under 1,000 votes. The closest contest was in Hilsa, decided by a margin of 12 votes. Other tight races included Barbigha (113 votes), Ramgarh (189), Matihani (333), and Bhorey (462). Both years saw NDA versus MGB, but alliances evolved following the 2020 realignments. View full Image Both years saw NDA versus MGB, but alliances evolved following the 2020 realignments. In 2020, the NDA included BJP (110 seats), JD(U) (122), and minor allies like HAM and VIP; LJP split to contest 135 seats independently, spoiling JD(U). By 2025, LJP (Ram Vilas) rejoined the NDA alongside HAM and Rashtriya Lok Morcha (RLM), while the MGB remained stable (RJD, Congress and Left). A major addition in 2025 is Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, contesting all 243 seats independently, absent in 2020, and projected to win 03 seats, potentially fragmenting opposition votes. AIMIM's role persists in Seemanchal, but JS introduces a new wildcard. Migration issue Bihar, home to 127 million people, holds significant sway in Indian national politics. The state elects 40 of the 543 members in the Lok Sabha. The state, a landlocked region bordering the Himalayan nation of Nepal, is the country's poorest with a per capita income of just 32,227 for the year ending March 2024, compared with the national average of 106,744. Migration is a defining feature, with ~2.5 million Biharis leaving annually for low-skill jobs in states like Punjab, Maharashtra, and Delhioften from marginalised SC/ST and OBC communities. This brain drain of unskilled labour sustains families via remittances totalling 25,000 crore yearly, boosting consumption but draining local talent. Improved transport post-2005 has intensified outflows, creating a cycle of poverty and dependency. Recent policies aim to reverse this through skill development and local job creation. What promises dominated 2020 and 2025 elections? COVID management, the migrant crisis, and unemployment dominated 2020. In 2025, campaigns shifted to ongoing concerns, including youth migration, which was highly raised by Congress's Kanhaiya Kumar padyatra and Rahul Gandhi's August tour. Other concerns raised were electoral reforms and voter list discrepancies from the SIR. The NDA emphasised development and stability, with Nitish Kumar's "Tiger Zinda Hai" slogan signalling resilience. The MGB, led by Tejashwi Yadav, pushed results over jumla, targeting anti-incumbency. JSP's anti-establishment pitch added a fresh layer, one that was absent in 2020. Change in NDA, INDIA dynamics since 2020 Bihar Elections Since the 2020 Bihar elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar has swapped his alliance twice in 2022 and 2024. He had formed the Bihar government in 2020 after forging an alliance with the NDA. The key parties that formed the NDA back then were the BJP, JD(U), and HAM. In August 2022, Nitish Kumar, dubbed "Paltu Ram" in political spheres, severed ties with the BJP and left the NDA to join hands with the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan. Tejashwi Yadav was then appointed Bihar's Deputy Chief Minister. However, Nitish Kumar's romance with the RJD lasted short of two years. In January 2024, Nitish Kumar switched sides again, coming back to the NDA just ahead of the Lok Sabha elections. What early trends show in the 2025 assembly election in Bihar? The ruling NDA was leading in 166 seats, surpassing the majority mark of 122, in early trends as counting was underway for the Bihar assembly polls on Friday morning, according to the Election Commission. The opposition INDIA bloc was way behind, leading in 59 of the 243 seats in the assembly. The tally is likely to change with several rounds of counting still left. The BJP was leading in 72 seats, its ally JD(U) in 71, the LJP(RV) in 18, the HAM (S) in four, and the RLM was leading in one seat after the first few rounds of counting. In the opposition bloc, the RJD was leading in 43 seats, the Congress in eight, the CPIM(L) Liberation in six, and the CPI and CPI(M) in one seat each. The Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj Party and the Mukesh Sahani-helmed VIP are trailing in all the seats they have contested. Bihar Elections 2025: Prashant Kishor travelled across Bihar for three years, pitching his Jan Suraaj party as an alternative to the states entrenched caste-driven politics. Ahead of elections, Kishor told Mint that his biggest achievement is that the party has already changed the political discourse, forcing both the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) to discuss jobs, migration, and governance. Kishor had predicted that his party would either perform exceptionally or end in a debacle arsh par ya farsh par. As the results of the elections become official, it turns out Prashant Kishors party has not won any seats. In fact, the party is not even featured in the vote share graph of the Election Commission of India (ECI). Jan Suraaj created a buzz in Bihar. Prashant Kishors roadshows and rallies drew huge crowds. Yet, his party failed to open its account. Why? Here are five reasons: 1- Ambition sans organisation Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj campaign generated buzz, but it did not develop a strong booth-level structure like other parties in Bihar. Analysts say that micro-level caste networks, local loyalties and sustained cadre mobilisation are key to winning Bihar. But Kishors movement showed enthusiasm without organisational spine. The 3,000-km padyatra and large gatherings created visibility for Prashant and his party. However, visibility would not necessarily translate into votes. Clearly, huge crowds at speeches didnt convert into committed voters. 2-Hurried Approach Jan Suraaj had only one leader Prashant Kishor. The partys campaign stayed top-heavy, lacking mid-level leaders. On the ground, people were familiar with perhaps only one name. Many analysts said Prashant Kishor seemed to be in a hurry and should have started by fielding candidates in fewer seats. Bihar politics rewards grounded, slow, generational work. 3- Monotonous Message Prashant Kishors repeated message that Bihar needs a new political alternative started on a loud pitch but eventually became repetitive. Voters on the ground asked why he had no manifesto, how he would be different, and with who does he would ally. As one analyst said, many people who showed up to attend Kishors road shows would vote for someone else. 4- Misconceptions Galore Prashant Kishor pushed a developmental narrative throughout his campaign. But Bihars electoral math still hinges heavily on identity and caste cohesion. Jan Suraaj lacked a counter-identity coalition. Many voters in Bihar had a misconception. Prashant Kishor advised multiple political parties in the past. Who will he side with, one voter asked in Purnea. He criticised the same leaders he once strategised for, he said. Also Read | Prashant Kishor Bihar Polls Live: Jan Suraaj draws blank in ECI trends Prashant Kishor was pushed to the margins because he couldnt break the central storyline of the election dominated by the Nitish-Tejashwi binary. The BJP emerging as a formidable force made things more difficult for him 5- Prashant Kishor didnt contest The party has already changed the political discourse, forcing both the RJD and BJP to discuss jobs, migration, and governance. Many people asked questions about why Kishor did not contest the election. Was it because he was not confident enough? This led to ambiguity, leaving many supporters uncertain. Barring a few big names, Jan Suraajs candidates were from what many called the army of no bodies. Nitish Kumar Bihar Election Result 2025: Nitish Kumar looks set to become Chief Minister of Bihar for the 10th time as NDA crossed 200 seats mark after results were declared on Friday. Nitish Kumar thanked people of the state for giving a "landslide" victory for the ruling NDA in the assembly polls. The ruling alliance was set to achieve a thumping majority in the elections by "demonstrating complete unity". In a post on X on Friday, Kumar wrote, "People of the state have expressed their confidence in our government by giving us a landslide mandate in the polls. For this, I bow to all the esteemed voters of the state, and express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks". He also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his continuous support to the NDA government in the state. Will Nitish Kumar become CM this time? The NDA has surged ahead in 200 plus out of 243 seats on Friday. The BJP has emerged as single largest party with nearly 95 per cent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state. The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD, the Congress and three Left parties, seemed to be poised for a crushing defeat, The Opposition alliance was struggling to cross the 35-seat mark. BJP's lead in more than 95 assembly seats out of 101 it contested, a performance that would further cement its position as the numero uno political force in the country. Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar posted his first reaction to the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) sweeping the 2024 Bihar assembly elections online. According to the latest data from the Election Commission of India (EC), the BJP-led NDA is on track for a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, crossing the crucial majority mark with 204 seats in the 243-member Assembly. In contrast, the Opposition Mahagathbandhan is trailing far behind, leading in only 32 seats. The trends are in line with most exit polls, which had predicted a victory for the NDA in Bihar this year. Final results in most seats are expected by 7 PM today, but there has been no official confirmation on the same from the EC. Vote counting began at 8 AM today, following a two-phase polling on 6 and 11 November. What did Nitish Kumar say? In a post on social media platform X (formerly Twitter), Nitish Kumar wrote, The people of the state have expressed their trust in our government by giving us a resounding majority in the 2025 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. For this, my respectful obeisance, heartfelt gratitude, and thanks go to all the respected voters of the state. He also thanked his political allies, the NDA partners, for the victory, I salute the respected Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi ji for the support he has given me and express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks to him. The NDA alliance demonstrated complete unity in this election and secured a landslide victory. For this landslide victory, our thanks and gratitude go to all our NDA alliesMr. Chirag Paswan, Mr. Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Mr. Upendra Kushwaha, he added. Further, Nitish Kumar promised the public that his victory signifies better development for the state, adding, With your cooperation, Bihar will progress further and will be included in the category of most developed states of the country. Also Read | Chapra Election Result 2025 Live Updates: Chhoti Kumari vs Khesari Lal Yadav According to data compiled by the Gasgoo Automotive Research Institute, China's passenger vehicle exports maintained strong growth from January to September 2025. The United Arab Emirates and Belgium ranked first among destinations for overall passenger vehicle and new energy vehicle (NEV) exports, respectively. Meanwhile, emerging markets such as Kazakhstan posted remarkable growth, becoming new anchors for Chinese brands' overseas expansion. From Europe's mature markets to the rapidly growing regions of the Middle East and Southeast Asia, Chinese automakers are reshaping the global landscape of NEV exports with broader geographic coverage and more flexible product structures. Overall, while China's passenger vehicle exports continue to strengthen their global presence and shift toward high-growth markets, fluctuations in certain regions highlight the need for automakers to further optimize their regional layouts and diversify risk. Top 10 destination countries by China's passenger vehicle exports UAE: 45,405 units in September and 344,989 units (+58.1% YoY) from January to September. Russia: 66,836 units in September and 339,866 units (53.7% YoY) from January to September. Mexico: 36,371 units in September and 322,183 units (+15.2% YoY) from January to September. Belgium: 19,684 units in September and 226,215 units (+5.0% YoY) from January to September. UK: 25,902 units in September and 216,150 units (+47.6% YoY) from January to September. Brazil: 23,226 units in September and 204,329 units (+4.1% YoY) from January to September. Australia: 21,864 units in September and 185,312 units (+58.4% YoY) from January to September. Saudi Arabia: 21,667 units in September and 185,186 units (+23.7% YoY) from January to September. Iran: 7,662 units in September and 137,841 units (35.8% YoY) from January to September. Kazakhstan: 15,169 units in September and 130,469 units (+81.0% YoY) from January to September. In the first three quarters of 2025, China's passenger vehicle exports continued to run at a high level, with increasingly diversified market distribution. Among the top ten export destinations from January to September, markets such as the UAE, Mexico, the UK, Australia, and Saudi Arabia recorded notable growth, underscoring the deep penetration of Chinese brands across the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Oceania. The UAE became the largest export destination, with a total of 344,989 units exported, up 58.1% YoY, reflecting robust demand for Chinese vehicles in the Middle Eastern market. Russia remains an important export market for Chinese automakers, but exports fell 53.7% YoY due to geopolitical factors and supply chain adjustments. In contrast, Mexico and Australia showed strong momentum, with exports rising 15.2% and 58.4%, respectively. Belgium and the UK continued their upward trends in September, reaching cumulative exports of 226,215 and 216,150 units, both posting stronger growth than earlier months. Backed by favorable policies and increasing demand for new energy vehicles, Europe is emerging as a key growth hub for Chinese car exports, reflecting the rising acceptance of Chinese brands in mature markets. Emerging markets continued to gain momentum, with Kazakhstan reaching 130,469 units in cumulative exports, up 81% YoYstill strong despite a slight slowdown from earlier months. Meanwhile, Malaysia dropped out of the top 10, and Iran ranked ninth with 137,841 units, underscoring the growth potential of Middle Eastern and Central Asian markets. Overall, China's car exports are now supported by multiple regionsincluding the Middle East, Latin America, Europe, and Central Asiacreating a more balanced global footprint and laying a solid foundation for deeper localization overseas. Top 10 destination countries by China's new energy passenger vehicle exports Belgium: 18,860 units in September and 218,144 units (+7.1% YoY) from January to September. United Kingdom: 18,396 units in September and 149,401 units (+58.5% YoY) from January to September. Brazil: 10,902 units in September and 135,061 units (0.0% YoY) from January to September. Mexico: 4,199 units in September and 102,382 units (+73.8% YoY) from January to September. UAE: 20,375 units in September and 89,948 units (+66.9% YoY) from January to September. Australia: 8,936 units in September and 89,694 units (+57.6% YoY) from January to September. Indonesia: 15,139 units in September and 71,869 units (+113.8% YoY) from January to September. Thailand: 10,403 units in September and 69,615 units (+30.4% YoY) from January to September. Israel: 9,142 units in September and 67,673 units (+59.7% YoY) from January to September. Spain: 8,077 units in September and 66,745 units (+42.1% YoY) from January to September. In the first three quarters of 2025, China's exports of NEVs maintained strong growth, with a clearly differentiated regional structure. Belgium topped the list with a cumulative export volume of 218,144 units, remaining a key gateway for Chinese NEVs entering the European market. UK ranked second with 149,401 units, up 58.5% YoY. Overall, European countries took three spots among the top 10 destinations, solidifying their role as the main growth engine for China's NEV exports. Latin American and Middle Eastern markets remained dynamic, with Brazil, Mexico, and the UAE ranking third to fifth. Brazil recorded exports of 135,061 units, indicating a phase of steady market absorption. Mexico saw a strong 73.8% YoY increase, standing out in the North American market. The UAE, with 89,948 units and a robust 66.9% growth rate, became a key driver of surging NEV demand in the Middle East. As local charging infrastructure and policy environments improve, Chinese brands are shifting from pure trade exports to deeper market engagement. Indonesia and Thailand delivered standout performances, leading Southeast Asia with YoY growth of 113.8% and 30.4%, respectively. This reflects the region's emergence as a key growth hub for Chinese NEV exports, driven by supportive policies and consumer upgrades. Meanwhile, Israel and Spain entering the top 10 highlights the rising demand for Chinese NEVs in the Middle East and Southern Europe. Overall, China's NEV exports are shifting from "single-market breakthroughs" to "multi-regional resonance," with a more balanced and resilient growth structure that underscores the deepening global competitiveness of Chinese brands. Bihar Election Results: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday minced no words to attack Rahul Gandhi after the thumping victory of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in the Bihar Assembly elections 2025, and said that the Congress may soon see a split. Addressing party workers at the BJP headquarters in Delhi amid chants of Modi-Modi, the Prime Minister stated that the Congress has no positive vision for the country. Modi said that he had warned the grand old party's allies that the party is a liability for them. Some 'naamdars' within the party are drowning everyone with them. Stating that even the Congress allies are beginning to understand that the party is drowning everyone in its negative politics, Modi said, "That is why, during the Bihar elections, I said that the 'naamdar' of the Congress is practising to drown himself and others in the Bihar elections by taking a dip in the pond." Modi further stated that the Congress has not returned to power in several states for decades and has won fewer seats in the last six assembly polls compared to its MLAs elected today. Today, the Congress has become MMC- Muslim League Maoist Congress and the entire agenda of the Congress now revolves around this, and therefore, within the Congress as well, a separate faction is emerging that is uncomfortable with this negative politics, said Modi. Meanwhile, the Prime Minister assured the people of Bihar that the assembly win marks the beginning of a new era and the state will progress faster in the next five years. The Prime Minister also exuded confidence that the party will emerge victorious in West Bengal elections. Ganga flows through Bihar and reaches Bengal. Bihar has also paved the way for the BJP's victory in Bengal. I also congratulate the brothers and sisters of Bengal. Now, together with you, the BJP will uproot jungle raj from West Bengal as well. Also Read | Did Congress turn into a liability for RJD in Bihar elections? Meanwhile, Modi thanked the people of Bihar, saying the victory has enthused them to take Bihar to newer heights Prashant Kishore Bihar Election Result 2025 LIVE Updates: New entrant in the Bihar Election 2025, Jan Suraaj, is witnessing a tough battle against the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan. It has not been able to lead in a single seat, in alliance with what exit polls had predicted. Bihar Election Results: What ECI trends show? The Election Commission's trends as of 10:45 am hinted at a clean sweep for the NDA, while the RJD gets pulled back by its allies. Meanwhile, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj failed to open its account. Jan Suraaj was launched by political strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor on October 2, 2024. Is Prashant Kishor contesting Bihar Elections 2025? Prashant Kishor is not contesting the Bihar Election 2025. He had told news agency PTI, The party has decided that I should not contest the assembly polls...If I were to contest, it would have distracted me from the necessary organisational work. Track Prashant Kishor Bihar Election Result 2025 Live Updates here 5 am: People of Bihar are winning Jan Suraaj spokesperson Vivek Kumar said, We are confident that for the first time in 30-35 years, the people of Bihar are winning. In a state where votes have always been cast based on caste and religion, for the first time in 40 years, the government opened its coffers. "There was so much fear that if we [the government] didn't work and didn't open the coffers, people would vote for the new option... these exit polls are all fake. When the EVMs are opened tomorrow, you will see the magic of the public. A new system will be created tomorrow...," Vivek Kumar said. 12:00 noon: Failed to make them (Bihar voters) understand In an interaction with PTI, Jan Suraaj Bihar president said, We have been saying from the start that we are trying to bring new politics to Bihar. It is tough to take this politics to the people of Bihar. Prashant Kishor always said if people understood what we were saying, we would be on top; if they didnt, we would fail. These trends show that people have failed to understand us, and we also failed to make them understand. 6:41 pm: Jan Suraaj fails to open an account. Here's what party-wise scorecard looks like: View full Image Party-wise performance in Bihar Assembly elections. ( EC ) Chirag Paswan wants Kishor to stay true to his words When asked about Prashant Kishor's statement that he would quit politics if the JD(U) manages to get 25 seats in the Bihar polls, Chirag Paswan said, " He should then stay true to his words... But I am not happy at someone's loss, but at our victory." The JD(U) has already bagged 66 seats and is currently leading in 19 more. What did exit polls predict for Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj: Bihar Election Exit Polls predicted a return of the NDA government in Bihar with a big victory over the Mahagathbandhan, and a disappointing show by Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj in its debut outing. Axis My India Exit Poll: NDA to win between 121-141 seats, and the Mahagathbandhan 98-118 seats. It gave 0-2 seats to the Jan Suraaj. People's Pulse poll: 133-159 seats to NDA, 75-101 seats to Mahagathbandhan and 0-5 seats to Jan Suraaj Matrize Exit Poll: NDA likely getting between 147-167 seats, the Mahagathbandhan 70-90, and the Jan Suraaj between 0-2 seats Samrat Chaudhary Bihar Election Result 2025 Highlights: The election results for the Tarapur and Lakhisarai Assembly constituencies, which were part of the recent elections in Bihar, were officially declared on Friday, November 14, 2025. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) secured victories in both seats, reinforcing its position in the state. As per the Election Commission of India (ECI) data, BJP candidates Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha emerged as winners in Tarapur and Lakhisarai, respectively. Tarapur constituency: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP leader Samrat Choudhary won the Tarapur seat in Munger district by a margin of 45,843 votes, securing 122,480 votes, while his rival Rashtriya Janata Dals Arun Kumar got 76,637 votes. Lakhisarai constituency: Bihar Deputy Chief Minister and BJP candidate Vijay Kumar Sinha, the incumbent leader from Lakhisarai, won the seat by a margin of 24,940 votes, securing 122,408 votes, while his rival Indian National Congress Amaresh Kumar got 97,468 votes. NDA clinches landslide victory The Nitish Kumar-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has secured a massive and historic mandate in the Bihar Assembly polls 2025, crossing the majority mark of 122 seats and leading towards a landslide victory of over 200 seats in the 243-member assembly. The BJP, under the strong campaigning of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and its state leaders, has surpassed its previous performance. The JD(U), led by Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, has also registered a strong comeback, solidifying its base. A notable performance was delivered by the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) under Chirag Paswan, significantly contributing to the NDAs powerful tally. As per the latest ECI data, the BJP has emerged as the single largest party with 76 seats, followed closely by the JDU, which secured 59 seats. The Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has won 14 seats out of the 29 seats it contested. The Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD)-led Mahagathbandhan failed to convert public interest into electoral success. The RJD's tally remains significantly lower than its last performance, and the Indian National Congress (INC) faced a severe setback, struggling to secure a meaningful presence. For the Mahagathbandha, RJD has secured 16 seats while as Indian National Congress has so far managed to secure just 3 seats. Siwan Election Result 2025 Highlights: Bihar's Siwan district, known as the birthplace of the country's first President, Dr Rajendra Prasad, is a highly contested seat for top leaders. Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) candidate and state Health Minister Mangal Pandey emerged as the winner in the Siwan Assembly election by defeating his rival Awadh Bihari Choudhary, the sitting MLA from the RJD. Pandey won the constituency by a margin of 9,370 votes, garnering total 92,379 votes. RJDs Choudhary managed to get total 83,009 votes. Among other candidates, All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeens (AIMIM) Mohammad Kaifi Samshir got 3,493 votes and Jan Suraaj Partys Intekhab Ahmad got 2,543 votes. Bihar Assembly Elections Bihar Legislative Assembly elections were conducted in two phases to elect 243 members to the state assembly. Voting for the first phase, covering 121 seats, took place on 6 November, while polling for the second phase, covering 122 seats, was November 11. The results are declared today (14 November). Bihar's Economy Bihar, India's poorest state, has a per capita income of only 32,227 ($364) for the year ending March 2024, significantly lower than the national average of 1,06,744. In 2022, the unemployment rate for individuals aged 15 to 29 in Bihar was 29.62%, significantly higher than the national average, according to the latest data from the International Labour Organisation. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has delivered a commanding performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, crossing the 200-seat mark in early trends, prompting West Bengal Leader of Opposition and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari to declare, "Ek hi slogan hai- Bihar ki jeet hamari hai, ab Bengal ki baari hai" ("There is only one slogan Bihar's victory is ours, now it is Bengal's turn"). As per Election Commission trends at 3:40 pm, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA is leading in a combined total of 204 seats, with the BJP at 95, JD(U) at 85, LJP (Ram Vilas) 19, HAM 5, and RLM 4. The opposition RJD leads in 24 seats, Congress in 1, CPI(ML) in 4, while CPI(M) in 2 and BSP in 1. AIMIM leads in 6 constituencies. How did TMC reply? The Trinamool Congress (TMC), quick to counter Suvendus declaration, took to social media with a rather cheeky response. On X (formerly Twitter), the official TMC handle shared a playful GIF, poking fun at his ambitious remark. Dream on, they captioned the post, suggesting that Suvendus political aspirations in Bengal were far from being realised. In a separate post, the TMC issued a more pointed critique of the BJPs governance style. The Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee led-party tweeted, "When power starts choosing for you, you stop choosing at all. Imagine a Bengal where even Pujo plans come with scrutiny, where walking with your own sister can be questioned, and where love itself feels like a crime. What If They Come doesnt just pose a question, it unfolds a world where the answer is already shaping the air. Stay with the series, the blueprint is only starting to reveal itself!" This statement appears to be a direct jibe at the BJP, highlighting concerns over overreach, surveillance, and interference in personal freedoms, while contrasting it with TMCs vision for Bengal. What does this victory mean for Nitish Kumar? For Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, who has governed Bihar for nearly two decades, this election has been widely viewed as a test of both political endurance and public trust. Once celebrated as Sushashan Babu for transforming Bihar from the chaos of the so-called jungle raj, Kumar has recently faced voter fatigue and questions over shifting alliances. Despite these challenges, current trends suggest that the electorate has reaffirmed faith in his governance. Analysts note that his focus on rural infrastructure, direct financial assistance, and inclusive growth continues to resonate with a diverse voter base. How did the BJP-JD(U) alliance shape the results? The return of a confident, coordinated BJP-JD(U) alliance reshaped the electoral battlefield. Prime Minister Narendra Modis active support alongside Nitish Kumar projected a united front emphasising welfare delivery, infrastructure development, and social schemes. The mix of PM Modi's national appeal and Bihar CM's extensive grassroots presence has created a formidable electoral force, one that appears poised to translate its political momentum into a landslide victory in Bihar, experts observed. How does this election compare to Bihars past polls? The NDA highlighted a significant improvement in election conduct. Previous Bihar polls were marred by violence and repolling: 63 deaths in 1985, 87 in 1990, multiple postponements in 1995, and repolling in 660 booths in 2005. By contrast, the 2025 elections recorded zero repolling and zero violence, hailed by the NDA as proof of strengthened law and order. Also Read | 5 reasons why Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj crashed in Bihar elections Why does Bihar remain a political bellwether? Bihar, Indias third-most populous state with nearly 89% rural population, has long influenced national politics. The NDA attributes its mandate to strong rural support and what it terms a vote for dignity and self-respect. The alliance also cited cultural positioning, including Prime Minister Modis push to have Chhath Puja recognised by UNESCO, as evidence of its commitment to local identity. Bihar Election Results 2024: The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) swept the Bihar election, winning 202 of the 243 seats in the assembly. The Mahagathbandhan won just 35 seats. The results defied almost all exit poll predictions. Among the NDA allies, the Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) emerged as the single largest party, with 89 seats. The Janata Dal (United) won 85 seats. The BJP contested on 101 seats, which means it won with a strike rate of about 89 per cent. The BJP had won 74 seats in the 2020 elections. The saffron party won 53 seats in 2015 and 93 seats in 2010, when the Janata Dal United won 115 seats. So it is the BJP's second-best performance after 91 seats it won in 2010 assembly elections in Bihar. Does the BJP even need JD (U) to form a govt? The BJP and the JD(U) contested the elections as partners of the NDA. The majority mark in Bihar is 122. With 89 seats, the BJP almost crossed the majority mark, aided by Chirag Paswan's LJP (Ram Vilas), which secured 19 seats, and the other two allies, which secured nine seats each. This may take the number to 117, four short of the magic number 122. Will Bihar get BJP CM? As single largest party, the BJP will naturally have more bargaining power. The 2025 election was different. In 2020, the NDA had said before the polls that Nitish Kumar would be the chief minister. The BJP won more seats (74) than JDU (43), yet Nitish Kumar became the chief minister. Throughout the campaign, the BJP said the elections were being fought under Nitishs leadership. They praised his governance record. However, when questioned on CM, BJP leaders avoided giving a direct answer. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the partys elected MLAs would decide the chief minister after the results. The only leader who gave a direct reply was Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, who said it will be Nitish Kumar. Why might the BJP still not get a CM? The BJP has been a major coalition partner in Bihar politics for decades, especially with the JD(U). While the BJP has a significant number of MLAs, there hasnt been a widely accepted BJP leader in Bihar who has enough weight to demand the CM post. Sushil Kumar Modi, a senior BJP leader, served multiple terms as Deputy Chief Minister, but never as CM. All Chief Ministers in the BJPJD(U) coalition governments have been from JD(U) primarily Nitish Kumar. Nitish Kumar, despite being from JD(U), is a strong, proven state-level leader with deep roots in Bihar. Kumar, who has been CM nine times before, brings stability and enjoys a broader appeal. If the BJP ends up as the single-largest party, it will naturally have more bargaining power. For the BJP, supporting Nitish as CM may be more strategically profitable: they can share power while avoiding the risks and responsibilities that come with the top job. Bihar Election Result 2025 Winners Highlights: The BJP-led NDA is on the track for a sweeping victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, crossing the majority mark with 204 seats in the 243-member Assembly. RJD's Tejashwi Yadav clinched a hat-trick in Raghopur, while BJP's Renu Devi, Maithili Thakur, JD(U)'s Chote Sarkar Anant Singh among others emerged victorious in their respective constituencies. Click here for the full list of winners and losers in Bihar Election 2025: Winning candidates from BJP, JDU, RJD, LJP, Congress Bihar went to polls in two phases and the Bihar Election Result 2025 will be declared today, November 14. The Election Commission of India (ECI) started the counting of the votes from 8 am onwards. Morwa Assembly Elections 2025 Result Highlights: Once a Janata Dal (United) stronghold, the Morwa constituency in Samastipur district has witnessed a tough fight from two other political parties and an unpredictable contest this term. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's JD(U) had held the seat for several years without much competition. However, in 2020, Ranvijay Sahu changed the game in the constituency, bagging a surprise win for Tejashwi Yadav's RJD. Early trends showed that JD(U) is back at clinching the seat, with its candidate Vidya Sagar Singh Nishad is leading in votes. However, tables turned later from the 5th round of counting as RJD toppled JD(U) and continued to strengthen its lead. At the end of 29 rounds, RJD has emerged as the winner. Morwa Assembly Elections 2025: Key candidates RJD's Ranvijay Sahu is running for re-election this term. JD(U) has fielded Vidya Sagar Singh Nishad in hopes of reestablishing their stronghold. For Jan Suraaj, Dr Jagriti Thakur, the granddaughter of legendary socialist leader Karpoori Thakur, is in the fray. From AAP, Tuntun Ray is contesting. Morwa Assembly Elections 2025: List of all candidates in the fray Political Party Candidate Name JD(U) Vidya Sagar Singh Nishad RJD Ranvijay Sahu Jan Suraaj Party Jagriti Thakur AAP Tuntun Ray Apna Kisan Party Ranjeet Kumar BSP Santhosh Rai Hindustani Awam Manch (United) Brijendu Kumar Singh SUCI(C) Chandrashekhar Rai Independent Abhay Kumar Singh Morwa Assembly Elections 2025: Voter turnout Morwa seat, one of the 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar, voted during the first phase of the elections on November 6. According to the Election Commission of India (ECI) data, the constituency saw a voter turnout of 63.29% per cent. Morwa Assembly Election: 2020 results In 2020, Ranvijay Sahu of the RJD won the Morwa seat, breaking the JD(U) 's years-long hold. JD(U)'s Vidya Sagar Singh Nishad emerged as a runner-up last term. Both leaders are also competing in the 2025 elections. The 2020 contest concluded with a victory margin of 10,671. Veteran actor Dharmendra was recently discharged from the hospital after being admitted for more than a week. Bollywood actor Salman Khan, who was among the first ones to visit Dharmendra at the hospital, shared an update. Addressing Dharmendra as his father, Khan shared that he is praying for his recovery. Salman Khan was recently at a press conference in Qatar before kickstarting his Da-Bangg The Tour Reloaded. At the event, he was asked to name his inspiration behind fitness. To this, he quickly named Dharmendra and talked about his love for him. Salman Khan on Dharmendra In a video, someone is seen asking Khan about his fitness inspiration. In reply, the superstar said, "Mere aane se pehle do-teen shaks the, aur unmein se awaal the Dharam ji (There were 2-three people, and Dharmendra was the most important one among them. He is my father, that's the end. I love that man and I just hope that he will come back," he added about he veteran who is currently recuperating at his home. The crowd erupted in cheers after Long live Dharam ji was said by the influencer who questioned Khan. Watch video: Dharmendra health update On Wednesday, Dharmendra was released from the hospital. He was admitted to Mumbai's Breach Candy hospital. On Thursday, Dharmendra's son, actor Sunny Deol, lashed out at photographers and paparazzi who gathered outside his Juhu home, where the veteran is receiving treatment. Also Read | Sunny Deol snaps at paparazzi outside his home amid Dharmendras health concerns His outburst was captured in a video which went viral on social media. In it, Deol, with folded hands, urged everyone to respect the familys privacy. Besides this, a video of ailing Dharmendra was also leaked online. Reportedly shot by a hospital staff member, the video showed the senior actor in bed while his family grieved by his side. Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol were also seen among them. It is said that the breach of the familys privacy is being investigated. Meanwhile, the coverage of Dharmendra's hospitalisation was seemingly criticised by Amitabh Bachchan after Karan Johar. In a cryptic post, Bachchan wrote on his blog, No ethics .. no sense of responsibility .. just an avenue of personal gain, without any consideration of the moment ..Disturbing and disgusting .. Superstar Shah Rukh Khan added another feather to his cap as he was honoured with a Dubai tower named after him. Reportedly, he is the first actor to achieve this milestone. On Friday, Khan attended the grand launch event in Mumbai with the founder and chairman of the Dubai-based Danube Group, Rizwan Sajan. Dubai property named after Shah Rukh Khan At the event, the group unveiled the property, named Shahrukhz Danube. Khan set the stage on fire as he joined Farah Khan and others. He treated everyone to his signature open arms pose on stage and also gave everyone a glimpse of his Don walk. He also briefly performed on stage, including his hook steps from the song, Chaiyaa Chaiyya. Not just these, he also left everyone cheering for him when delivered his iconic lines from Om Shanti OM: ""Itni shiddat se mein ne tumhe paane ki koshish ki hai, ki har zarre ne mujhe tumse milane ki saazish ki hai. Aaj aap sabne mujhe meri chaht se mila diya. Thanks, very much." The commercial tower comes with a gross saleable value of 4,000 crore, located on Dubais Sheikh Zayed Road, reported Business Standard. Also Read | When SRK went the extra mile for Cheteshwar Pujara during his IPL days Shah Rukh Khan on first ever property named after him At the event Khan grew emotional and talked about his late mother. He also shared how that the group's chairman specifically wanted to host the event in India and not Dubai. I really wanted the event to take place here, as I come from here. Wanting to make their lives better. As and when this project begins to roll, I hope people find their lives growing beautifully and exponentially, as they should, Khan said, as quoted by NDTV. My mother would be very happy. It is a very big honour. When my kids come, I will say, 'Papa ka naam likha hai, dekho.' I have seen all the details of this building for the past two months. It is state-of-the-art and affordable. For people who are starting off in Dubai, it will be a moment and an inspiration to make their lives, he added. Inside Dubai tower named after Shah Rukh Khan Reportedly, Shahrukhz Danube will boost grand interiors as a 56-storey premium commercial building with 40+ amenities. The property will also include a state of Khan in his iconic DDLJ pose, spreading his arms at the entrance. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- On November 13, Chinese autonomous-driving developer WeRide and Southeast Asia's super-app Grab said they had received formal approval from Singapore's Land Transport Authority (LTA) to conduct autonomous fleet trials in Punggol. The pilot will test vehicles under the jointly developed Ai.R (Autonomously Intelligent Ride) program, a key step toward deploying self-driving mobility services in the city-state. Photo source: WeRide The companies had already begun initial tests of WeRide's GXR robotaxi in Punggol in mid-October, marking Singapore's first trial of the vehicle. With the latest approval, WeRide and Grab intend to scale up the program significantly, aiming to quadruple the number of trial runs on designated feeder routes by the end of 2025. The Ai.R initiative is designed as a public-facing autonomous mobility service operated jointly by the two companies. The fleet includes 11 WeRide vehicles 10 GXR robotaxis with seating for five and a single Robobus shuttle that can carry up to eight passengers. The current trial period is intended to validate performance and safety ahead of commercial launch. Once operational, Ai.R will run on two dedicated feeder routes within Punggol, with the first public riders expected in early 2026. This would make Punggol the first residential district in Singapore to host an autonomous shuttle service. During road trials, the vehicles collect and analyze real-world traffic data to train their AI driving models for Singapore's local environment. This includes adapting to distinct traffic patterns, infrastructure layouts, and the nuanced behavior of drivers and pedestrians. The tests also expose the system to varied weather such as sudden downpours or intense sunlight to ensure consistent performance around the clock. Continuous refinement will focus on improving maneuvering precision, handling dense urban scenarios, and enabling smoother docking at pickup and drop-off points. Both the GXR and Robobus models rely on a perception suite combining lidar and cameras, delivering 360-degree sensing with detection ranges up to 200 meters. The system is engineered to maintain obstacle recognition even in rain, enabling faster responses to potential hazards. Photo source: WeRide To ensure safety during testing and early public operations, each autonomous vehicle will be staffed with a trained safety operator monitoring system behavior in real time. WeRide and Grab's training arm, GrabAcademy, are jointly preparing this workforce. The first cohort comprising more than ten Grab drivers transitioning into the new role has completed classroom and closed-course instruction and has now begun on-road training. Israeli settlers extended a wave of attacks in the West Bank, burning a mosque on Thursday and setting upon Israeli troops during a separate incident earlier in the week, drawing rare condemnation from authorities and concern from Washington over the escalating violence. The Palestinian religious affairs ministry shared photographs of the aftermath of the mosque attack on social media, showing damage to a prayer hall where windows appeared to be blown out and ash was strewn over part of the floor. Hateful messages promising revenge were spray painted in Hebrew on the outside of the building, the photographs showed. The attack early Thursday in the small Palestinian town of Deir Istiya followed another incident on Tuesday, when a mob of dozens of masked Israeli settlers assaulted Palestinians near the city of Nablus and set property ablaze before fleeing to an industrial zone where they attacked soldiers who were operating in the area. Four Israeli suspects were arrested, the Israel Police said. Tuesdays incident elicited rare public rebukes by Israeli military leaders and the head of the main settler association, the Yesha Council. Israeli military chief of staff Lt. Gen. Eyal Zamir said Wednesday that he strongly condemned attacks by Israeli citizens against both Palestinians and Israelis, calling them a red line that disrupts the mission of his forces. We are determined to stop this phenomenon and will act decisively until justice is served," Zamir said. The United Nations has warned of an alarming surge in attacks by Israeli settlers against Palestinians, with the number of incidents rising every year for almost a decade. This year, the U.N.s humanitarian office, OCHA, has recorded more than 1,400 settler attacks that resulted in casualties or property damage. Violence typically spikes around October, the start of the olive harvest season, which has become a flashpoint in the conflict with settlers increasingly seeking to disrupt it. OCHA said last week it recorded 264 attacks in October, most of them directly linked to the harvest. Maj. Gen. Avi Bluth, who heads the Israeli military command that oversees the West Bank, said the attacks by what he called anarchist fringe youth" were unacceptable and extremely serious. He said the directive to his troops is clear to not stand idly by, and do everything in your power to prevent any act of nationalist crime." Graffiti sprayed outside the mosque on Thursday warned: We are not afraid of Avi Bluth." Israeli officials have expressed concern in recent weeks over the escalating violence. Israels military is the main body overseeing security in the West Bank, home to some 3 million Palestinians and about 500,000 Israeli settlers. Much of the international community considers the Israeli settlements unlawful. Settlers say the recent violence is perpetrated by a small group of extremist youth who dont represent their movement, which aims to increase the Jewish population of the West Bank and ultimately bring it under Israeli sovereignty. At the same time, an increasingly outspoken far-right contingent in the West Bank has criticized authorities when they take action against Israelis, at times warning of retaliation. Asked about the violence, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio said this week that the U.S. was concerned but didnt expect it to derail efforts toward peace in the Gaza Strip. Certainly theres some concern about events in the West Bank spilling over and creating an effect that could undermine what were doing in Gaza," Rubio told reporters while in Canada for a Group of Seven meeting. We dont expect it to. Well do everything we can to make sure it doesnt happen," he said. Write to Feliz Solomon at feliz.solomon@wsj.com Bank holiday today: Banks across the country will remain open across the country even though India celebrates Children's Day today. Notably, all private and public banks across Bihar will remain open today, 14 November, as per the Reserve Bank of India's (RBI) region-wise holiday calendar list. Bihar Assembly elections results The results of the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections will be declared today, 14 November. The polls were conducted in two phases, the first on 6 November and the second on 11 November. The polls were conducted to elect 243 members to the state assembly. Polling for the first phase took place on 6 November, covering 121 seats, and the second on 11 November, covering 122 seats, to elect 243 members to the state assembly. When are banks closed? Banks across India are typically closed across different parts of the country to observe and celebrate national, religious, and regional holidays. Additionally, banks have fixed holidays designated by the Reserve Bank of India. All private and public banks are shut on the second and fourth Saturdays, as well as every Sunday of the month. When is the next bank holiday? For the month of November, there are no scheduled bank holidays to mark national, religious and regional occasions. Banks will only be closed on weekends except the third and fifth Saturdays of this month. Bank holidays in November 2025 Banks were closed for five days in the month of November, excluding weekends. Some of the bank closures for this month were designated by the RBI in observance of occasions such as Guru Nanak Jayanti and Kartika Purnima. What banking services are available on a bank holiday? Notably, online banking services will be available across the country to ensure uninterrupted access to banking services, even on bank holidays. Customers can use these services for convenient financial transactions. Additionally, fund transfer requests can be made using NEFT/RTGS transfer forms, demand draft request forms and chequebook forms. Credit cards, debit cards, and ATM cards can be obtained through card services. Services such as account maintenance forms, setting up standing instructions, and applying for a locker are also available. New Delhi: Indias homegrown electronics manufacturing companies from listed players such as Dixon Technologies and Syrma SGS to privately held Tata Electronics are aggressively expanding into new product categories and pursuing acquisitions. Despite significant revenue growth, the sector has been grappling with thin margins. Most of the companies will likely continue acquisitions as they look to set up a presence in new markets," said Harshit Kapadia, vice-president at broking firm Elara Capital. These companies are also looking to expand their margins beyond the high-volume industry of electronics assemblies, and the best way to expand margins is by venturing into industrial electronics across sectorswhere volumes are low but value-added margins are much higher." Dixon Tech Noida-based Dixon, which reported 14,855 crore in revenue in the September quarter, spent 803 crore on two acquisitions and a joint venture in the second quarter. It ended Q2 with a 6.2% operating margin, compared to 2.8% a year ago. The company spent 553 crore in stitching a joint venture with Kunshan Q Tech Microelectronics, a China-headquartered firm that makes electronics components. It also invested 250 crore to pick up a 74% stake in a joint venture for precision mobile phone and laptop components with Chongqing Yuhai, another Chinese company. Dixon told analysts that the company intends to spend 3,000 crore to make display modules and camera modules and had submitted an application to the Ministry of Electronics and IT (Meity) for the same. The application was filed under the Centres electronics components manufacturing scheme (ECMS), which was notified in April this year, with a total outlay of 22,919 crore in incentives, of up to 50% in capital expenditure subsidies against setting up manufacturing of local electronics components for Indias tech supply chain. In the next six to nine months, investments would be made to expand the capacities and deepen the level of manufacturing," Atul Lall, managing director of Dixon, told analysts in a post-earnings call on 17 October. We feel confident that the volume of smartphone camera modules can increase from 40 million units and revenues by 2,000 crore in large financial years to 190-200 million units per annum with the revenue closer to 6,000-7,000 crore, and sub-10% Ebitda margins in the next two to three years," Lall said. Syrma SGS Syrma SGS, which manufactures laptops as well as electronics systems for railways, automobiles, and more, spent 235 crore to acquire a 60% stake in Elcome Integrated Systems, a Navi Mumbai-based company that specialises in electronics systems for defence and maritime clients. I expect the business to add 100 crore to my top line this fiscal year itself as well as some margin accretion as well, before the business ramps up over the next fiscals," Jasbir Singh Gujral, managing director of Syrma, told analysts on 11 November. Syrma recorded an operating margin of 7.8% during the July-September quarter against 6% a year ago. Also Read | Big Tech pushes back against Indias AI draft rules Kaynes Technology Mysuru-based Kaynes Technology India Ltd raised 1,575 crore from institutional investors, less than three years after it went public in November 2022. It expects to spend 160 crore, or about 10% of the money it has raised, on acquisitions. "We continue to unlock backward integration into PCB manufacturing and parallel integration into OSAT (outsourced semiconductor assembly and test) and semiconductor packaging," said Jairam Sampath, whole-time director and chief financial officer, in a call with analysts on 5 November. These moves streamline the company's production process, enhance the supply chain control, and also create margin accretive opportunities, Sampath added. By connecting PCB and OSAT capabilities, we amplify innovation, operational efficiency and product quality, yielding cost advantages." Kaynes recorded 16.7% operating margin for Q2FY26 against 14.8% a year ago. Amber Enterprises Amber Enterprises Ltd, which listed in January 2018 as a maker of consumer durables such as air conditioners, also forayed into electronic manufacturing in FY23. Electronics manufacturing, such as smartwatches and industrial systems, accounted for a fourth of Ambers 1,647 crore revenue in the quarter ended September. Amber has spent a total of 693 crore on two acquisitions in the last quarter to scale up its presence in the space. In July, it spent 431 crore to acquire a 40% stake in Israeli electronics components maker Unitronics, and followed this with an investment of 262 crore in Power-One Micro Systems in August. Ambers decision to scale up manufacturing electronic items such as automotive systems and printed circuit boards (PCBs) appears to be an effort by the management to shore up its wafer-thin operating margin of 2.2% in Q2 against 4.4% a year ago. Tata, Foxconn and others While the four firms represented a large chunk of Indias electronics manufacturing industry, privately held Tata Electronics and Taiwanese contract manufacturer Foxconns India arm, Bharat FIH, are also key entities in the electronics ecosystem. Tata Electronics earned 66,602 crore in revenue in FY25 as per Tata Sons annual report, making it the biggest player in the industry. Tata announced a 91,000 crore foray into semiconductor manufacturing in February last year, and is in the process of building Indias first commercial chip fab in Dholera, Gujarat. Foxconn, meanwhile, announced a 15,000 crore expansion into electronics components manufacturing in India in May. Its India arm Bharat FIH has not filed its financial statements for last year. Last month, Larsen & Toubro Limited (L&T), one of Indias largest engineering conglomerates, also announced plans to venture into electronics manufacturing. The company already has a subsidiary in chip design, L&T Semiconductor. While the overall growth is there in the market, there are certain weaknesses in cash flow generation for some of the EMS firms," said Nirransh Jain, research analyst at financial services firm BNP Paribas. "As a result, most of these companies are venturing into component manufacturing, which will be a key driver of future growth. Joint ventures and acquisitions are thus a key part of EMS firms' strategies to improve client relationships as well as get the requisite technologies from these client-partners." Street expectations There will be more focus on increasing value addition, and venturing deeper into the components and electronics ecosystem going ahead, said Jain. However, the key thing to watch out for will be if the companies can deliver what the Street expectations have baked in." Dixon, which listed in September 2017 at 531 apiece, has given shareholders a 29x return on investment since then. During this time, the 30-share BSE Sensex has risen 1.6x. Amber, which listed in January 2018 at 1,226, has returned 5.8x against the index rising 1.4x. Syrma has returned 2.8x since it listed at 881 in August 2022, against the Sensex rising 42%. Kaynes, meanwhile, has given shareholders an 8.5x return since listing at 745 in November 2022, as against the index only rising 37%. As per the Centre's projections, electronics production in India is expected to reach 11 trillion by end-2025, and scale up 4x to 44 trillion by 2030. New Delhi: A day after withdrawing 14 quality control orders (QCOs) for 14 mostly imported petrochemicals and industrial raw materials in one stroke, the Centre has left open the implementation date of another major regulation the Machinery and Electrical Equipment Safety (Omnibus Technical Regulation) Order, 2024. The ministry of heavy industries has issued a fresh amendment to scrap the implementation date of 1 September 2026, signalling another pause in Indias recent push to tighten technical standards across sectors, as per a government notification issued on Friday. The Second Amendment Order, 2025, issued under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, modifies the clause to state that the regulation will come into force from such date as may be notified by the Central government in the official gazette, the ministry said. Also Read | Centre eases quality norms for electrical appliances The new date has not been specified, and the notification does not withdraw the order it only leaves the enforcement date open. This draws significance as Indias electrical equipment market has been growing significantly, driven by the increasing number of residential and commercial building projects. The electrical enclosures market size stood at $263.1 million in 2025 and is forecast to reach $341.85 million by 2030, advancing at a 5.38% CAGR over the period, as per Mordor Intelligence. The 2024 regulation, meant to lay down mandatory safety standards for a broad range of machinery and electrical equipment, was originally scheduled to take effect one year after its publication in August 2024. It was pushed to September 2026 through a June 2025 amendment, it said. With the latest change, the rollout has been left open-ended, adding to uncertainty among manufacturers and importers who were preparing for the shift to compulsory compliance. Also Read | Tata Electronics to Dixon: How electronics manufacturers are rewiring strategies The Government of Indias prudent approach considers the ecosystems preparedness and maturity. To maintain the power sectors high growth rate, a strong supply chain network and smooth logistics are critical, and the recent notifications should help in removing the bottlenecks, Vikram Gandotra, president of the Indian Electrical and Electronics Manufacturers Association, said, referring to the recent developments regarding the QCOs and the omnibus technical regulation. As far as the QCO is concerned, while the governments intention is good, it should apply across the value chain instead of just to raw materials. Such moves by the government are in the best interest of the manufacturing sector, said Pankaj Chadha, chairman of the Engineering Export Promotion Council. Monitoring imports However, trade experts cautioned that in sectors such as polymers, fibres, metals and intermediates where QCOs have been withdrawn, global suppliers may attempt to offload excess inventory at predatory prices. India must closely monitor import trendsdaily if requiredto ensure the absence of quality rules does not trigger a surge of dumped or sub-standard materials, said Ajay Srivastava, co-founder of the Global Trade Research Initiative. Continuous surveillance of customs data, DGTR (Directorate General of Trade Remedies) alerts, and landed price patterns will help the government act swiftly through anti-dumping, safeguard or tariff-rate measures if unfair trade practices emerge. Mumbai: India Inc. is increasingly rewriting its leadership playbook, breaking industry silos as more companies tap talent from unrelated sectors for top roles. From traditional manufacturing companies to startups, more firms are hiring chief experience officers (CXOs) across sectors as market volatility, artificial intelligence and digitisation redefine business models. Hiring a chief executive officer (CEO), a managing director (MD), or a chief financial officer (CFO) who has led acquisitions in unrelated sectors will not result in a myopic outlook that a top hat in the same industry might have. CXOs from unrelated sectors ask sharper questions, bring fresh thinking, and help reimagine how things can be done, experts said. Over the past year, the boardroom shuffle has seen Neelendra Singh move from footwear major Adidas to Lemon Tree Hotels as managing director last month. Abhishek Maheshwari joined fintech platform OneAssist as CEO from alternative asset manager Blackstone in September, and Shubbam Sharma took charge as chief growth officer at furniture startup Pepperfry from crowdfunding platform ImpactGuru in October. Harsh Chitale, who is expected to join auto major Hero MotoCorp in January 2026, comes from lighting products maker Signify. Other similar hires include Niranjan Gupta as chief financial officer at FMCG giant Hindustan Unilever in September from Hero MotoCorp and Mayank Gupta from Jindal Steel as group CFO of CarDekho, an online marketplace for buying vehicles, in July. Interestingly, both marked their second stints at their respective firms. When it comes to traditional firms, the initial comfort is to find people from within the industry, but inadequate depth of talent within the sector or the need to differentiate causes the need to look at adjacent sectors and not hire from a rival," Puneet Kalra, MD of executive search firm Russell Reynolds Associates told Mint. Hospitality, telecom, and FMCG can be collectively seen as pan-India distribution businesses for a large part, and therefore, the shift from one to another is plausible. The startup sector needs CEOs from other sectors as their business model is typically unique and the key skill needed is systems thinking, i.e., connect the dots and imagine new business models," said Kalra, who also advises on boards and CEOs for the search firm. Hiring from different sectors adds new expertise, strengthens strategic thinking, and drives innovation, which is critical in todays consumer landscape, an HUL spokesperson said. "This approach also helps us stay competitive and adapt to a fast-changing market." The outsider appeal The hunt to zero in on the right CXO also takes long. Search firms often spend months to find a suitable candidate. All checks and balances must be in place to ensure that the senior executive is shortlisted, which includes a higher success rate if they are from a different industry. Companies believe cross-sector CXOs will question existing practices, introduce new ways of working and often draw parallels from sectors that have seen similar crests and troughs amid market volatility, tariff struggles, and rapid pace of digitisation. Pepperfry has made several such cross-sector hires in the past, and is open to continuing especially because innovation often comes from looking at old problems through new lenses", said Joee De Choudhury, head, human resource, at the company. Furniture e-commerce, as a category, is still relatively nascent and evolving in India. Unlike more mature sectors, it continues to benefit immensely from diverse thinking and cross-industry expertise," said Choudhury. Also Read | Musical chairs in retail: top execs swap companies as competition heats up Listed broking firm AngelOne said it hires leaders who can connect the various facets of the business that spans finance, product, and technology rather than operating within just one segment. The company hired former Flipkart executive Arief Mohamad as chief business officer in October last year and Rohit Chatter (previously at Walmart) as its chief data officer in March. When you bring in CXOs from unrelated sectors, you get what I call productive distance For us, its not about where someone has worked, but what they have solved and how they think," said AngelOne chief human resource officer Subhash Menon. "We hire for mindset, adaptability, and proven excellence, because building the next decade of leadership requires capability over category," he added. Pharma to tyres Jyoti Bowen Nath, managing partner at search firm Claricent Partners is getting CXOs from the consumer space to old economy sectors like manufacturing, including metals and mining. With the fast-changing global scenario, Indian companies want CXOs who are in multinational exposure," Nath said. Recently, the head of a precious metals company was hired by a green energy business and a chief of marketing moved from a pharma company to a tyre firm, Nath added. Industry watchers who work with clients across sectors said the shift of CXOs from traditional firms to startups will get more prominent going ahead. Global investment and advisory firms, such as Elara Capital, note that top-level management skills are more important than sector familiarity. It is crucial for the top-level hires to effectively conduct business and collaborate with partners, suppliers and other relationships," said Karan Taurani, executive vice president at Elara Capital. We can expect to see more such hires happen as startups continue to build and grow into large organizations." New Delhi: Sixteen bidders have emerged for the Union governments tender for 10,900 electric buses, according to a statement by Convergence Energy Services Ltd (CESL), which is responsible for tendering electric buses to state transport agencies under the governments PM E-Drive scheme. These include bus manufacturers Tata Motors, JBM Auto, PMI Electro Mobility Solutions, Pinnacle Mobility Solutions and Volvo Eicher Commercial Vehicles, as well as operators Greencell Mobility Pvt. Ltd and Evey Trans Pvt. Ltd, according to two officials aware of the development. Mint reported first on 1 November that bus makers Tata Motors, JBM, PMI and Pinnacle (which makes e-buses under its subsidiary EKA Mobility) are among those interested in the tender. While CESL said in its statement that the tender for 10,900 e-buses in Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Surat and Delhi had attracted 16 bids, it did not name the bidders. The agency, a wholly owned subsidiary of Energy Efficiency Services Ltd (EESL), said in the statement that it has concluded the biggest ever" tender for e-buses in a big thrust to their adoption for public transport in the country. To be sure, bus makers and operators, as well as any other entities, can bid as a consortium under the tender. The tender has a gross cost contract (GCC) model, where manufacturers retain ownership of the asset, the e-bus in this case, and states pay for the operation of the buses on a per-km basis. Queries emailed to the bidding companies did not receive an immediate response. Greencell Mobility and its backer Eversource Capital, and Evey Trans could not be reached for comment. Mint earlier reported on 5 November that bidding for this tender had been deferred thrice due to stringent conditions on bidders and inadequate infrastructure in states. Also Read | Electric tractor sales barely take off even with state sops CESL said in a statement that state transport agencies had sought revisions in lot sizes, bus types and depot-related details, which led to extensions. As part of the standard tendering procedures, the technical bids were opened today, wherein a total of 16 bids were submitted. This encouraging participation demonstrates the growing confidence of the industry in Indias electric mobility transition," the CESL statement read. This tender, which will provide zero-emission buses to five major metropolitan regions in the country, assumes importance as it is the first phase of putting more than 14,000 e-buses on Indian roads under the PM E-Drive scheme. The central government has allocated 4,391 crore towards reducing the cost of procuring these buses under this scheme, making up about 40% of its total outlay. Bengaluru will receive 4,500 e-buses, Hyderabad 2,000, Surat 600, Ahmedabad 1,000 and Delhi 2,800 under the tender, which opened in late June and was slated to close in August. Also Read | Easier EV financing for trucks, buses in the works Incentives under the PM E-Drive scheme for e-buses are given to state transport agencies, which procure them from bus manufacturers on a per-kilometre operation fee. The tender is for the price discovery of this fee. Price discovery will happen once the bid evaluation is completed which may take up to four weeks, said one of the officials mentioned above, who spoke on condition of anonymity. The central government has planned to cover 20-35% of the cost of each e-bus, depending on its size. An e-bus today costs about 1-1.25 crore. A CareEdge Ratings March report estimates that, led by incentives, e-bus sales are expected to cross 17,000 units by FY27. Currently, about 3,500 such buses are sold each year. Adopting electric buses instead of diesel buses reduces vehicular emissions and cuts the country's fuel import dependence, both key goals of the PM E-Drive scheme. Its the end of an era for Berkshire Hathaway as Warren Buffett prepares to step aside as CEO. Investors shouldnt worry about the changein fact, they should welcome it. The CEO succession promises to be one of the most closely watched in American business. After 60 years at the helm, the 95-year-old Buffett will pass the baton to Greg Abel, his handpicked successor. Buffett wont be disappearing from the scenehe will remain chairman and plans to be in the office every day at Berkshires Omaha, Neb., headquarters to offer advicebut the company wont be the same. Nor should it. Buffett fans might not like to hear it, but the CEO transition is coming at a good time. Buffett has slowed down in recent years and grown increasingly cautious. Berkshires massive cash holdings have been a drag on performance; Buffett has been selling stock, when he should have been buying; and recent acquisitions have left much to be desired. Berkshire stock has risen 13% in 2025, lagging behind the S&P 500s 16% gain, and it has underperformed the index over the past three, 10, and 15 years. Its a very un-Buffett-like performance. Enter Abel. The 63-year-old executive and Berkshire veteran has spoken at the companys annual meeting, but hes something of an unknown quantity. He ran Berkshires energy operations before becoming vice chairman and head of the companys vast non-insurance businesses in 2018. He has Buffetts trust. But for Abel to succeed, he cant follow his mentors lead. If the case for investing in Berkshire once rested on Buffett, it will now have to thrive as a normal" company, and it should do some things it never had to: pay a dividend, hold quarterly earnings conference calls, and perhaps even move to index some of Berkshires equity investments. Berkshire needs to become a different companyand it must play to Abels strengths. Abel has a strong operational and financial management background," says Cathy Seifert, a CFRA analyst. He doesnt have professional money-management experience, and he doesnt have the Street cred like Buffett." Buffetts Street cred was built up over 60 years, and despite the recent weakness, he is leaving Berkshire in great shape. The company has a market value of over $1 trillion, nearly $50 billion of after-tax earnings power from a diverse group of businesses, a $300 billion equity portfolio led by Apple and American Express, and what Buffett calls a Fort Knox balance sheet with over $350 billion in cash. Berkshire is also the worlds largest conglomerate, at a time when conglomerates have fallen out of favor. Property-and-casualty insurance is its most important divisionit accounts for a quarter of revenue and about half its valueand includes Geico, the No. 3 auto insurer in the country. The other key units include Burlington Northern Santa Fe, one of the two big railroads west of the Mississippi River; Berkshire Hathaway Energy, a large electric utility that also owns natural-gas pipelines; and a real estate brokerage business. Each is probably worth $100 billion or more. Then there are dozens of other divisions, including Lubrizol (chemicals), Pilot (truck stops), Precision Castparts (aircraft parts), and odds and ends like International Dairy Queen, Duracell batteries, and NetJets, a leader in fractional private-jet travel. Assessing the whole, Buffett wrote this past week in a Thanksgiving letter to Berkshire shareholders that Berkshires businesses in aggregate have moderately better than average prospects led by a few non-correlated and sizable gems." Buffetts performance hasnt met the moderately better than average" bar in recent years. While he is renowned for his acquisition skills, the past decade and a half of takeovers has been disappointing. Lubrizols earnings are no higher than when Berkshire bought the company for $9.7 billion in 2011, and Berkshires stake in Kraft Heinzthe successor to Heinzis worth less than the $9 billion Berkshire put into the investment. Precision Castparts is now worth more than the $37 billion that Berkshire paid for it, but it has taken 10 years to get there, and almost any other aerospace-related investment would have done bettereven Boeing. Berkshires $13 billion purchase of Pilot looks fair, not great, while the 2022 purchase of insurer Alleghany for under $12 billion is one of the few real winners. Overall, Berkshire would have done much better to put the $80 billion it plowed into the five buys into an S&P 500 index fund. Berkshire, moreover, is a 20th-century company without a meaningful tech subsidiary and just one sizable tech equity investment, a $76 billion stake in Apple. New winning equity investments in the past five years have been few, aside from a group of Japanese trading companies, and Berkshire sold numerous stocks in 2020-22 at a fraction of their current prices, including JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo. Buffett also cashed out a $100 billion gain on his best investment, Apple, but has left about $50 billion on the table given Apples subsequent gains, Barrons estimates. The Apple sales are partly responsible for Berkshires $350 billion-plus in casha figure that even Buffett has conceded is high. Berkshire missed the stock market rally while hoarding cash," says Jim Shanahan, an Edward Jones analyst. Still, there is some trepidation over Buffetts impending departure. Berkshire stock has lagged behind the S&P 500 by over 20 percentage points since Buffett made the surprise announcement at the companys annual meeting in May that he would step down at year end. Some of the Buffett premium" has leaked out of the stock. Since then, Berkshire stock has dropped 5%, while the S&P 500 has gained 20%. Buffett, though, isnt stepping away completely. Along with remaining chairman, he plans to keep a significant amount" of Berkshire stock until Abel establishes himself. Buffett owns just under 14% of the companya stake worth $150 billionand holds about 30% of the vote because nearly all of his stake consists of class A supervoting shares, as opposed to the B shares favored by most individual investors. Hes giving away about 5% of that stake annually. Abel, for his part, is no slouch. While Buffett has taken a more hands-off approachhe preferred investing to managingAbel is a capable operational and financial manager whom the Oracle of Omaha credits with improving the performance of Berkshires subsidiaries. Buffett has repeatedly expressed confidence in Abel and his ability to guide Berkshire, a view he reiterated this past week, writing in his Thanksgiving letter that he is a great manager, a tireless worker and an honest communicator. Wish him an extended tenure." But even Buffett had Charlie Munger, Berkshires late vice chairman, to help him. Abel, who will address Berkshire investors in the annual shareholder letter around March 1, hasnt said much about whom he plans to lean on as he takes command of the Berkshire empire. The company has some strong executives, but certain key people could follow Buffett into retirement. Besides Abel, Berkshires most important executive is Ajit Jain, 74, the head of insurance operations, a brilliant insurance risk assessor and a Buffett confidant for nearly 40 years. He may retire in the next year or two. Potential replacements are the Berkshire insurance executives Kara Raiguel of reinsurer General Re and Joe Brandon of Alleghany. Then there are investment managers Todd Combs, 54, and Ted Weschler, 64, who now run about 10% of the $300 billion equity portfolio, with Buffett handling the rest. When they joined Berkshire more than a decade ago, Buffett said they would take it over when he stepped aside, but he later said in annual meetings that Abel should run the portfolio, raising questions about Weschler and Combs future role. Combs also has run Geico, Berkshires auto insurance unit, for six years, but that jobwhich was supposed to be temporarycould be nearing an end with Geicos financial revival in the past two years. Berkshire has no functions common in big corporations, such as investor relations, public relations, or corporate counsel, and Abel may want to add some of these areas and get help running Berkshire. He could also draw on former colleagues from his tenure at Berkshires utility business, including Adam Wright, who now heads Berkshires Pilot truck-stop unit. Abel might also do something un-Berkshire-like, and look outside the company for talent. With conglomerates on the outs with investors who prefer pure-play companies, some will argue that Berkshire should be broken up. But its a tribute to Buffett that the number of companies seeking to become more Berkshire-like by combining insurance and investments keeps growing. That includes heavyweight asset managers such as Apollo Global Management, KKR, and Brookfield, as well as investors like Bill Ackman, who wants to build a mini-Berkshire with a real estate company, Howard Hughes Holdings. In Berkshire, investors can buy the real thing, with all of its advantages. Every activist and investment banker will argue that, in a world without Warren and Charlie, Berkshires unorthodox structure shouldnt persist. I think Berkshire is worth defending," said Chris Davis, an investment manager and Berkshire board member in a 2023 Barrons interview. Davis said the boards role will be to protect Berkshires culture. Abel, though, should consider spinoffs or sales of smaller businesses. Berkshire is too big to be managed optimally. It has over 60 subsidiaries, but only 10 really matter. He should also loosen some of Buffetts strictures on acquisitions, but stick with what he knows. Berkshire, for instance, hasnt participated in corporate auctions, and that limits its flexibility. Buffett, though, has been willing to buy anything if he liked the business and the price was right. Abel should focus on his circle of competence, notably energy and utilities. Berkshires recent $9.7 billion deal to purchase Occidental Petroleums chemical business is in keeping with that approach. Even with its current business mix, Berkshire should be able to top the S&P 500assuming intelligent capital allocationespecially if index returns are more moderate than the 14% annual gains over the past decade. Heres the math: Berkshires stock price has long followed growth in its shareholder equity, or book value. With its earnings power, and assuming modest stock market gains, Berkshire should be able to generate high-single-digit annual growth in book value in coming years, and that could translate into similar gains in the stock. This all makes Berkshire a good choice for conservative investors. The thing that gives me comfort is the absolute financial strength of the company," says Bill Stone, chief investment officer of Glenview Trust. It owns a diversified group of businesses, and the balance sheet is amazing. You sleep well at night owning it." Buffett underscored the safety of Berkshire, writing this past week that Berkshire has less chance of a devastating disaster than any business I know." Edward Jones Shanahan is bullish, given what he sees as the companys reasonable valuation of about 1.5 times book value. That is admittedly in line with its average of the past five years. It trades for about 22 times this years earningsin line with the overall market. Berkshire watchers focus on a measure called look-through earnings," which gives it credit for the profits of the companies in its equity portfolio. That adjusted price/earnings ratio is in the high teens. Abel will have some tough decisions to make, starting with what to do with Berkshires cash hoard. Its one thing for the company to bank hundreds of billions of dollars with Buffett in charge, but investors may want Abel to offer a plan to bring it down. A big acquisition seems unlikely given the elevated stock market. Abels plan could include buying back stockBerkshire hasnt repurchased shares since May 2024but it should also pay a dividend, something the company hasnt done since paying a tiny one in the late 1960s and nearly every non-tech megacap company does. Investors have been comfortable letting Buffett invest Berkshires cash and earnings, but with Abel at the helm, the argument for resisting a dividend breaks down. A 2% dividend would cost Berkshire about $20 billion annuallyless than 50% of its operating earnings. Even with that payout, Berkshires cash levels wouldnt decline. That even argues for a potential special dividend. The downside for Buffett is that he would have to pay over $500 million a year in taxes if Berkshire paid a 2% dividend, given the size of his stake. That isnt a reason not to pay one, though. A dividend is likely after Buffetts death, so why not pay one now. View Full Image Greg Abel, CEO of Berkshire Hathaway Energy, at the 2023 Allen & Co. conference in Sun Valley, Idaho. Abel will also have to decide what to do with Berkshires investment portfolio. Buffett has said that if Berkshire cant top the market, investors might as well buy a low-fee S&P 500 index fund. Its something Abel should consider with part of Berkshires equity portfolio. Berkshires stock-picking record in the past decade has been mixed: a big hit with Apple and Japanese trading companies, but several misses, including buying a big stake in Occidental stock before it bought the chemical business. Combs and Weschler probably have underperformed, too, with the latter believed to be responsible for two longtime portfolio underperformers, DaVita and Sirius XM Holdings. Abel could also name a chief investment officer to oversee Berkshires entire portfolio, which is dominated by stocks. He could also start building a bond portfolio, like other insurers who park most of their investments in fixed-income securities. Berkshire runs a barbell" portfolio of cashover $350 billionand stocks$300 billionand just $17 billion of bonds. Abels ultimate success will depend on establishing his credibilityand Berkshireswithout Buffett. He should start by buying more Berkshire stock. While nearly all of Buffetts net worth is in Berkshire, thats unlikely the case for Abel. He bought about $100 million of stock in late 2022 and early 2023, and his total stake is now worth $175 million. Thats bigger than what most CEOs own. His net worth, however, is likely close to $1 billion after he sold a 1% stake in Berkshire Hathaway Energy back to the company for nearly $900 million in cash in 2022, and he earns more than $20 million a year. Buying stock at current levels would be a sign of confidence and commitment by Abel to Berkshire holders. He should hold quarterly earnings conference calls, which would allow investors to better evaluate the complex company. He should also provide better financial disclosure by regularly releasing profit numbers on Lubrizol and other businesses, something Berkshire currently doesnt do. More information on the insurance operations would be helpful, too, including policy trends at Geico. More than anything, Abel must spin a new story. Buffett has said there are three million Berkshire shareholder accounts, a huge figure that somewhat overstates the number of individual investors. The company will need a new base to replace an aging group of individual holders. To attract them, Abel will need to articulate a vision for a post-Buffett Berkshire. It could be something like this: I plan to build on the platform that Warren Buffett created and use Berkshires durable and ample earnings for investments, acquisitions, share repurchases, and dividends. Berkshire will be a more focused company under my leadership, with greater financial transparency, and maintain a Fort Knox balance sheet. I realize I cant be Warren Buffett. But with the help of our talented managers, I pledge to improve our subsidiaries and turn what is the largest conglomerate in the world into the best-run conglomerate. My goal is to attract a new generation of investors to Berkshire and position the company to produce market-beating returns over time." With over 80% of its revenue from the U.S. and a group of diversified businesses, Berkshire is the closest thing to a mutual fund in the stock market, and it should remain a worthwhile investment. As long as Abel proves able. Write to Andrew Bary at andrew.bary@barrons.com Oil rose after Ukraine attacked a key Russian oil port and Iran seized a tanker near the Strait of Hormuz, injecting a fresh geopolitical premium into prices. West Texas Intermediate rose 2.4% to settle above $60. Brent also advanced. A major drone attack damaged an oil depot and a vessel in the vital Black Sea port of Novorossiysk. About 700,000 barrels a day of Russian oil were shipped from there in September and October, according to vessel tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, while a nearby terminal handles more than 1.5 million barrels a day of Kazakh shipments. Ukraines General Staff also said that it struck Rosneft PJSCs Saratov refinery in Russias Volga region. Thats the third attack this month on the facility. The attacks came on the same day that a US defense official said Iranian forces seized a tanker after it passed the vital Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, through which about a fifth of the worlds oil flows. The ship was smuggling 3,000 liters of fuel, state-run Islamic Republic News Agency reports. While authorities are still confirming the nature of the diversion toward the countrys territorial waters, Fridays event would add to concerns that Iran is turning to hijacking merchant ships again. Though motive remains unclear, Irans moves appear less likely to be a concerted effort to inhibit crude flows than a potential response to a US action against the Middle Eastern nations exports, said Gregory Brew, a geopolitical analyst at the Eurasia Group. Irans exports have been in excess of two million barrels a day over September and October, he added. The twin concerns come against the backdrop of a tightening of US sanctions against Russia. Curbs on the countrys two largest oil companies, Rosneft and Lukoil PJSC, are due to kick in within days. Those restrictions wont be absolute: The Trump administration extended a sanctions waiver on Friday for some Lukoil transactions as it steps up engagement with foreign governments and potential buyers over the oil firms international assets. Still, the measures are already impacting fuel prices and key figures from the International Energy Agency to Europes largest refiner warn about the impact on the market from the curbs. Fridays bullish undercurrent helped stem a drop in crude prices, with futures down 16% this year on mounting expectations for a glut. The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and its allies have been restarting idled capacity in a bid to recapture market share, while nations outside the group have also raised production, creating a giant haul of cargoes sailing at sea. Were seeing a familiar pattern here, with frequent temporary spikes and steep corrections, said John Driscoll, founder and director of JTD Energy Services Pte. Risks from Ukrainian attacks on Russian facilities, sanctions and geopolitical uncertainty, coupled with demand for oil for the year-end, are coming together to temper the correction, he said. Options markets were quick to react to the elevated risks. Bullish call options were fetching a small premium over bearish puts early on Friday, while a raft of contracts that would profit a buyer from a move back above $70 a barrel changed hands early in the day. Traders have been assessing the cumulative impact on Russias energy infrastructure of the Ukrainian strikes, which have largely comprised a series of long-range attacks on ports and refineries. The assaults are an effort to reduce the energy revenue that helps Moscow finance its war. In the Novorossiysk attack, falling debris caused a fire at the depot located at Transneft PJSCs Sheskharis oil terminal, the regional emergency service said. The blaze was put out after more than 50 units of firefighting equipment were deployed, authorities said, but provided no details on the damage. Kazakhstan said it continued to ship oil after the strike, with the countrys energy ministry in contact with Russian pipeline operator Transneft to obtain up-to-date information. Ukraine last struck Russias Black Sea oil-loading infrastructure in late September. That attack forced the Sheskharis terminal and the Caspian Pipeline Consortium loading facilities to briefly halt, before resuming operations. Elsewhere, OPEC member Venezuela was in focus with the arrival in the region of a US strike group led by the USS Gerald R. Ford, the worlds largest aircraft carrier. Military officials showed US President Donald Trump options for potential operations in the country in the coming days, CBS News said. In recent weeks, Washington has built up forces in the southern Caribbean, and blown up vessels near Venezuelas coast suspected of trafficking drugs. To get Bloombergs Energy Daily newsletter in your inbox, click here. With assistance from Weilun Soon, Yongchang Chin, Julian Lee and Will Kubzansky. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. Pine Labs IPO listing: Shares of fintech firm Pine Labs were off to a solid start on Dalal Street despite a tepid response to its initial public offering (IPO) as they listed at a nearly 10% premium on the exchanges today, November 14. Pine Labs' share price debuted at 242 on the BSE and the National Stock Exchange, a premium of 21 or 9.50% over the IPO price of 221. The listing defied expectations as the grey market premium (GMP) for Pine Labs was at 5.5 apiece, signalling a listing pop of 2.5%. Pine Labs IPO Details PayPal-backed Pine Labs attracted just 2.46 times subscription on the final day of share sale on Tuesday, with the qualified institutional buyer (QIB) quota booked the most. The QIB part fetched four times subscription, while the quota for retail individual investors got subscribed 1.22 times. However, only 30% of the portion for non-institutional investors was subscribed. Recent IPO listings have delivered mixed results as investors remained concerned about valuations. Eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions fell as much as 12% after its listing on Monday, while Billionbrains Garage Ventures, the parent of Indias top discount broker Groww, surged 31% on debut Wednesday. Pine Labs had fixed a price band of 210-221 per share for its IPO, targeting a valuation of over 25,300 crore. View full Image Pine Labs IPO The IPO comprised a fresh issue of shares worth 2,080 crore and an offer for sale (OFS) of over 8.23 crore equity shares. Proceeds from the fresh issue will be used by the company to repay debt, for investment in IT assets, expenditure towards cloud infrastructure, technology development initiatives and procurement of digital checkout points. The company will use funds for investment in its subsidiaries, such as Qwikcilver Singapore, Pine Payment Solutions, Malaysia, and Pine Labs UAE, for expanding the presence outside the country. Noida-based Pine Labs is a technology company focused on digitising commerce through digital payments and issuing solutions for merchants, consumer brands, enterprises, and financial institutions. Mumbai: Indias capital markets regulator has initiated a review of its rules on case settlement to simplify calculations and address concerns about stringent conditions and inflated penalties, according to three people familiar with the matter. The regulators goal is to simplify, expedite, and make the process more accessible by allowing parties to voluntarily settle cases rather than await regulatory action, the people said. They cited Sebis meetings with law firms and market participants held earlier this month to seek feedback. The Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) is expected to release a consultation paper on this by the end of the year, the people said, speaking on the condition of anonymity about the regulatory process. The review could ease the process for pending settlement applicationsaccording to Sebi's annual report, these rose to 703 in FY25 from 434 in FY24 and 386 in FY23. According to the people cited earlier, lawyers flagged several recurring issues at the meeting with the regulator: They said Sebis approach of adding base amounts for every charge, even for a single violation, sharply raised overall settlement costs. Many also criticised the inclusion of unrelated base values, arguing that they artificially inflated the total amount. Another concern was that the internal committee often imposed non-monetary conditions such as market bans, even when the original notice mentioned only monetary penalties. Lawyers said this was beyond the committees scope. They also objected to Sebis requirement that companies declare an officer in default as a settlement term, even though settlements are approved without an admission of guilt. Experts said this undermined the principle that a settlement shouldnt suggest wrongdoing. Some participants also questioned the inclusion of a 12% interest charge on disgorgement amounts the sum a wrongdoer is legally required to return because they obtained it illegally or unethically which is not specified in Sebis regulations. Calls for standardization A major concern raised at the meetings was around the wide discretion Sebi has in deciding settlement sums. Although there is a formula for calculating settlements (including base amounts, conversion and regulatory action factors), Sebi can still impose larger amounts at its discretion. The regulators multi-tiered process includes an internal committee of senior officials, a high-powered advisory panel with retired judges and market specialists, and final approval by Sebis whole-time members. Lawyers said large settlement sums often discourage applicants, and that some parties prefer to seek interim relief or face adjudication rather than opt for settlement, given the large amounts sought. The settlement framework may require greater balance. There appears to be a misalignment between the scale of the settlement amount proposed and the corresponding penalties imposed later," said Abhiraj Arora, former Sebi officer and partner at Saraf and Partners, a law firm. In one front-running case, an individual with unlawful gains of about 28 lakh faced a settlement in which his sister was asked to pay 72 lakh (settlement amount plus disgorgement sum and interest), and he was asked to pay 47 lakh (settlement amount). In another case involving 14 entities, the total unlawful gain was less than 40 lakh for 10 entities, but their settlement amount totalled 44 lakh. The indicative settlement amount for all entities was 6.8 crore against total unlawful gains of around 3 crore. Lawyers also cited a failed settlement involving Reliance Industries Ltd (RIL) in 2020. Although Sebi proposed 3,000 crore, Reliance countered with 1,000 crore. The settlement failed, and Sebi later imposed a penalty of just 25 crore. The case, dating back to 2007, involved allegedly manipulative trades in the shares of the erstwhile subsidiary Reliance Petroleum Ltd (RPL), which later merged with RIL. Sebi alleged that RIL used agents to engage in fraudulent transactions in both the cash and futures segments before selling a stake in RPL. For high-stakes violations, the proposed settlement amount can be so high that entities would rather face adjudication," said Sidharth Kumar, former Sebi officer and senior associate at law firm BTG Advaya. Non-monetary penalties Beyond costs, lawyers criticised several procedural aspects of Sebis settlement rules. A major contention was the imposition of non-monetary penalties such as market bans by the internal committee, even when not specified in the original notice. Another contentious practice is the requirement that intermediaries declare an officer in default despite no admission of guilt, which lawyers say undermines the spirit of settlement. Applicants arent supplied with investigative material, leaving them unable to make informed representations," said Akshaya Bhansali, managing partner at Mindspright Legal. The approach to naming lenders lacks uniformity, while mitigating factors are applied subjectively across committees." Bhansali added that inconsistencies persist in calculating the interest on disgorgement amounts. Sometimes interest is levied from the moment of violation, sometimes from the close of the probe period. Clear guidance is required," she said. Sebi has invited written suggestions from law firms, which will be discussed later this month before the consultation paper is finalized. One of the anticipated suggestions is regarding the power of internal committees. Lawyers said Sebi seldom negotiates base values during internal committee meetings, raising doubts about flexibility in negotiating the base settlement amount. Queries emailed to Sebi remained unanswered. One-sided process? The regulators multi-tiered approval chain, from internal committees to high-powered advisory panels (HPACs) and whole-time members (WTMs), has also drawn criticism. Kumar explained that while parties can present their case to the internal committee, they lack access to HPAC, which only hears Sebis side. This undermines principles of natural justice. Only in rare, high-stakes matters does HPAC interact with applicants," he said. WTMs can also veto HPAC decisions and send cases back to restart the process, prolonging resolution. Ideally, rejected cases should be remanded back to HPAC for reconsideration," Kumar added. Lawyers also said settlement orders, even those issued by adjudicating officers, were often cryptic, providing little insight into Sebis calculations or rationale. While confidentiality concerns are valid, a balance can be struck, as seen in NCLTs merger orders, where non-confidential details are publicly accessible. Since settlement amounts go to the Consolidated Fund of India (CFI), Sebi must ensure there is no arbitrage between adjudication and settlement and that public funds are protected," said Kumar. Bhansali added that a lack of a clear formula for multi-regulatory violations, such as simultaneous breaches of listing obligations and disclosure requirements (LODR) and takeover norms, leaves applicants in the dark about their exposure. If these issues are resolved, the process will become far more transparent, allowing applicants to negotiate key terms rather than accept them as fait accompli," Bhansali said. On the global manufacturing map, Anhui is now prominently positioned: one out of every ten display panels worldwide is produced here, one out of every ten new energy vehicles in China rolls out from its facilities, and nearly 30% of China's industrial vehicles bearing the "Anhui brand" operate across the globe. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, this land once known for agriculture and energy raw materials has staged a magnificent industrial transformation, historically stepping into the ranks of major industrial provinces. With an impressive performance showcasing "rising ranking, optimizing structure, improving quality and efficiency, innovating industries, and strengthening enterprises," it has demonstrated the robust strength of a "strong manufacturing province." Since the beginning of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the value added of Anhui's industries above the designated size has grown at an average annual rate of 7.9%, 2 percentage points higher than the national average. In the first three quarters of 2025, it ranked fourth nationwide with a year-on-year growth rate of 8.8%, outpacing both the Yangtze River Delta and Central China region, highlighting its development resilience with "speed." Behind this advancement in overall scale is the continuous expansion of Anhui's industrial economy. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the total industrial value added has surpassed the 1.42 trillion yuan mark. The revenue of industries above the designated size has leaped from 3.8 trillion yuan to 5.5 trillion yuan, achieving a climb in national ranking from 12th to 6th place. What is even more remarkable is the steady rise in its contributionindustry's share of the province's GDP growth has consistently remained above 30%, reaching 41.9% in 2024 and surging to 46.4% in the first three quarters of 2025. This means it has nearly supported "half of the economic growth," with its role as both a "ballast stone" and a "locomotive" becoming increasingly prominent. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the annual production of automobiles and new energy vehicles in the province has increased by 2 times and 15 times, respectively. In the first three quarters of this year, Anhui ranked first in the country in automobile production, new energy vehicle production, and automobile exports. The transition from traditional fuel vehicles to new energy vehicles vividly epitomizes Anhui's industrial ascent. At the 2025 World Manufacturing Convention held this year, cutting-edge technological products such as flying cars and solid-state batteries were showcased in abundance. Among the 1,623 exhibited products, those from emerging and future industries accounted for as much as 62%. Behind this lies the solid progress of Anhui's ongoing industrial structural optimization. Since the launch of the 14th Five-Year Plan, Anhui has prioritized the development of strategic emerging industries, driving the manufacturing sector to build stronger foundations and enhance competitiveness. The output value of strategic emerging industries has achieved an average annual growth rate of 16.1%, with its share in the output value of industries above the designated size increasing from 40.3% to 43.6%, ranking third nationally. The share of value added from high-tech manufacturing rose from 12.2% to 16.1%, and in the first three quarters of 2025, it recorded a growth rate of 27.8%, the highest since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, contributing 46.2% to the growth of industries above the designated size. The value added of equipment manufacturing accounted for 42.4% of the total, exceeding the national average by 7.8 percentage points, establishing it as a crucial pillar of the industrial economy. The continuous deepening of "attracting investment and talent" and the platform effect of the World Manufacturing Convention have injected strong momentum into industrial structure optimization. The 2025 World Manufacturing Convention attracted 659 international guests from 53 countries and regions, facilitated 735 cooperation projects with a total investment of 380.2 billion yuan, of which projects in the ten major emerging industries accounted for over 88%. Innovation-driven development has been the core catalyst for enhancing quality and efficiency. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, enterprise R&D investment in Anhui has exceeded 100 billion yuan, with over 200 national-level innovation platforms established. More than 90% of industrial enterprises with annual revenues exceeding 100 million yuan now engage in innovation activities. During the 14th Five-Year Plan period, Anhui has consistently nurtured advanced manufacturing clusters, forming integrated industrial chains in sectors such as automobiles, high-end equipment, electronic information, advanced photovoltaics, and new energy storage. The revenue of the equipment manufacturing industry has surpassed 1.2 trillion yuan, rising to sixth place nationally, with high-end equipment accounting for nearly half of this revenue. Currently, Anhui is accelerating the development of a world-class new energy vehicle industrial cluster, focusing on "chain leader" enterprises within the industrial chain. In just recent years, it has attracted leading new energy vehicle manufacturers such as NIO, Volkswagen Anhui, and BYD. With an increasingly solid industrial foundation, component suppliers are also gathering in the province in growing numbers. While industries are being revitalized, "Anhui-made" products are also accelerating their global expansion. Since the start of the 14th Five-Year Plan period, the share of mechanical and electrical products in the province's total export value has increased from 59% to 70.4%. In the first three quarters of 2025, exports of the "new trio" new energy vehicles, lithium batteries, and photovoltaic products surged by 71.9% year-on-year. Anhui has achieved a historic leap: transitioning from a major traditional agricultural province to a manufacturing powerhouse, and from an energy and raw materials base to a hub for emerging industries. Standing at this new developmental starting point, Anhui will continue to steadfastly implement its strategy of building a strong manufacturing province. By leading industrial upgrading through technological innovation and empowering enterprise development with high-quality services, "Anhui-made" products will shine even brighter on the global stage, writing a new chapter in the construction of a strong industrial province. Source: anhuinews.com Beijing (Gasgoo)- On November 13, global mobility technology company ECARX announced that, following its previous GEI sourcing nomination, it will further expand cooperation with Volkswagen Group. Under the new agreement, ECARX will provide advanced intelligent cockpit solutionsincluding its Antora series computing platforms and Cloudpeak cross-domain software platformfor several Volkswagen-brand models to be sold in the Latin American market. This marks the second collaboration project announced by ECARX and Volkswagen Group in 2025. The two parties first signed an agreement in March this year to deliver industry-leading intelligent cockpit systems for Volkswagen and Skoda models. Photo credit: ECARX Under the new partnership, ECARX will equip multiple Volkswagen models launching in Latin America with intelligent cockpit solutions integrated with Google Automotive Services (GAS), powered by the Antora 1000 computing platform as core hardware. Entry-level models that do not feature GAS will adopt the Antora 500 platform, ensuring consistently high-quality smart cockpit experiences across the entire model lineup. The Google Automotive Services ecosystem integrates key functions such as Google Maps navigation, Google Assistant/Gemini voice assistant, and Google Play app store, offering a rich interactive experience. Automotive OEMs typically require 12 to 18 months to complete GAS integration and certification, but ECARXby following Googles best practices and applying streamlined processes and toolshas shortened this cycle to just eight months,according to the company. The Antora 1000 is ECARX's fourth-generation scalable cross-domain computing platform, powered by the 7nm automotive-grade StarDragon No.1 high-performance SoC developed by SiEngine. The platform delivers robust computing performance and has obtained regulatory certifications in major global markets. ECARX's Cloudpeak cross-domain software platform is built on Android Automotive OS and Linux, offering high modularity and flexibility. It is compatible with Android Auto, Apple CarPlay and other phone-to-vehicle connectivity services, and can integrate GAS and various software ecosystems as needed. Both Antora and Cloudpeak are independently developed by ECARX to deliver high-performance, efficient and low-power intelligent cockpit solutions. ECARX Co-founder, Chairman and CEO Ziyu Shen said: Following the initial collaboration reached earlier this year, this new agreement reflects strong recognition and forward momentum from both sides. Alexander Seitz, Chairman of Volkswagen Group South America, said: Since our first collaboration in March, cooperation between ECARX and Volkswagen Brazil has progressed rapidly and efficiently. The further expansion of this cooperation will bring ECARX's advanced intelligent cockpit technologies to many models in Brazil and across Latin America, delivering smart experiences that meet Volkswagen's high standards of quality. Kotak Mahindra Bank stock split: One of India's largest private lenders Kotak Mahindra Bank announced on Friday, November 14, that its board will meet next week to consider stock split of shares. The board meeting date has been fixed as Friday, November 21. We wish to inform you pursuant to the provisions of Regulation 29(1) of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 that a meeting of the Board of Directors of the Bank would be held on Friday, November 21, 2025 to, inter alia, consider a proposal for sub-division (split) of the existing equity shares of the Bank having face value of Rs. 5/- each, fully paid-up, in such manner as may be determined by the Board of Directors, Kotak Mahindra Bank said in an exchange filing today. If approved, this would be the first such announcement by the private bank company in as many as 15 years. The last stock split was declared by Kotak Mahindra in 2010 in the ratio of 2:1. Kotak Mahindra Q2 Results The lender recently posted a tepid set of earnings for the July-September quarter, wherein it saw an 11% year-on-year (YoY) decline in its consolidated net profit to 4,468 crore, pulled down by a slower growth in core income and weak performance of some subsidiaries. Meanwhile, on a standalone basis, too, its profit fell 3% YoY to 3,253 crore for the quarter under review. Total consolidated income dropped to 24,901.39 crore in the second quarter of FY2025-26 (FY26) from 26,880.02 crore in the year-ago quarter. Standalone income, however, rose to 16,239 crore YoY from 15,900 crore in the same period last year. Also Read | Kotak Mahindra Bank sees margin recovery in H2, overall asset quality stable Kotak Mahindra Banks core net interest income rose 4% to 7,311 crore, supported by a 16% increase in advances. However, the growth was tempered by a sharp drop in net interest margin, which fell to 4.54% from 4.91% in the same period last year. From an asset quality perspective, fresh slippages came down to 1,629 crore from 1,875 crore in the year-ago period, and the gross non-performing assets ratio improved to 1.39% as of September from 1.48% in June. Net NPAs or bad loans declined to 0.32%, from 0.43% at the end of the second quarter of the previous fiscal. Commenting on the earnings, Elara Securities said that it retained an Accumulate rating, with a higher target price of 2,481. The bank has had an uncharacteristic softer past couple of quarters, even if we were to see a challenging operating environment. We believe the bank offers a safer earnings compounding story and can essentially push on growth. We adjust for subsidiary valuation and roll over to September 2027E, resulting in a higher TP of 2,481 from 2,398 based on a SOTP method, it said. Shares of Kotak Mahindra Bank closed the day flat at 2075.15 on the BSE. Shares of Lenskart have been in the news since its listing on Monday. It would be appropriate to say that it was a muted listing. The companys stock market debut happened at a small discount to its issue price, despite the bullish momentum in the market. Almost immediately after listing, the stock was hit with a wave of selling, and the price dropped more than 10% intraday. Then came the intraday recovery from the lows. The stock rallied over 12% to end day one in the green but only marginally. All this after the IPO was much-hyped and oversubscribed 28.3 times, including 7.5 times retail, and 40.4 times qualified institutional buyer (QIB). In short, it was a victim of its own hype. Since listing, the stock has risen marginally. At the time of writing, it was trading at 412 compared to the issue price of 402. Lenskart Share Price Since Listing Source: Equitymaster But what about the future of the stock? In this editorial, we will consider the pros and cons of investing in the stock of Lenskart. Read on Pros #1 Strong Market Position Lenskart Solutions has a dominant position in India's eyewear retail market. It has a hybrid omni-channel business model that combines a vast physical store network along with a strong digital presence that appeals to the younger generation. Also, unlike many retail players, Lenskart Solutions owns the entire value chain from design and manufacturing to retail. This gives it control over the supply chain to an extent. Lenskart has, over the years, transformed into a formidable business in the eyewear sector and has positioned itself for long-term growth. The companys high-growth retail expansion and technology-driven customer personalisation, makes it a promising candidate in the consumer lifestyle sector. Also Read | Lenskart IPO: Why funds are buying into high valuations #2 Delivering on Growth The company has delivered on revenue growth. In FY25, the companys revenue was up 22.5%. The business model and brand value of Lenskart are the sources of the companys steady growth over the years. The growth rate is not extraordinary but its quite good as long as it can be sustained. In FY25, the company also reported a net profit of 2,97.3 crore. However, this was buoyed by other income, excluding which the company was still in the red at the operating level. Cons #1 Profitability Needs to be Established Lenskart turned profitable in FY25, but it was largely due to the other income. Even if the company were to turn profitable from an operational point of view in FY26, the bottomline would still be positive only by a small amount compared to the revenue. In other words, the companys net profit margin would need to improve significantly before investors can be confident that the company can deliver sustainable net profit growth. And for long-term investors, a companys long-term net profit growth is the most important factor in earning good stock market returns. #2 High Valuations The companys PE ratio, at the IPO upper price band, was around 230, which was very high. After the IPO, at the time of writing, the stock is trading even higher. No matter how good the fundamentals of a business may be, investors should always pay close attention to the valuations of the stock. About Lenskart Lenskart Solutions is well-known as a vertically integrated eyewear retailer that designs, manufactures, and retails eyeglasses, sunglasses, and contact lenses. It leverages technology such as 3D try-on for a seamless shopping experience. The company was founded in 2010 (as Lenskart.com brand) and is headquartered in Gurugram, India. Lenskart Solutions started as an online business (was selling contact lenses initially) and later added full eyewear and offline stores. Happy Investing. Disclaimer: This article is for information purposes only. It is not a stock recommendation and should not be treated as such. This article is syndicated from Equitymaster.com Pine Labs IPO listing: Contrary to muted market expectations, Pine Labs shares staged a stellar debut in the primary market on Friday, November 14, as investors focused on the company's prospects despite valuations being on the higher side. After listing at a near 10% premium on the bourses today at 242 on the National Stock Exchange (NSE), Pine Labs' share price extended gains to rise as much as 28.5% above its issue price of 221. The stock hit the day's peak of 284. Earlier today, the grey market premium (GMP) for Pine Labs was 5.5 per share, indicating the listing pop of just 2.5% for the PayPal-backed company. Recent IPOs have delivered mixed performances, raising concerns that the sizzling IPO market momentum could slow down. Eyewear retailer Lenskart Solutions dropped as much as 12% on its Monday debut, while Studds and Orkla also listed at discounts. However, Billionbrains Garage Ventures the parent company of Indias leading discount broker Groww jumped 31% when it listed on Wednesday, and now Pine Labs has jumped almost 28% easing these worries. What should investors do with Pine Labs shares? Now with the listing done, and stock trading at a hefty premium despite a tepid stock market trend, the question remains should investors buy more or book profits? According to Prashanth Tapse, Sr VP Research at Mehta Equities, Pine Labs listed better than Street expectations despite valuations being slightly on the higher side at the issue level. The healthy debut reinforces investor confidence in the companys strong fundamentals, scalable business model, and leadership position across digital payments and commerce-tech solutions, said Tapse. He advised a long-term HOLD recommendation for allotted investors. As for non-allotted investors, a wait-and-watch approach is prudent until valuations stabilise and the stock finds a sustainable post-listing range, said the expert. Also Read | Pine Labs Share Price LIVE: Stock jumps after listing at strong premium "We believe Pine Labs presents a compelling long-term opportunity as one of Indias leading and globally expanding commerce technology platforms. Its business sits at the strategic intersection of payments, fintech, merchant solutions, and digital infrastructure, giving it multi-dimensional monetisation avenues," as per Tapse. He believes the company continues to command a premium due to its: Market leadership across merchant payments and POS-based fintech solutions High contribution margins driven by software-led and subscription-based revenue Scalable digital infrastructure enabling strong operating leverage Expanding addressable market across India and Southeast Asia Focus on high-margin value-added services (VAS) and tech-driven merchant monetisation Meanwhile, Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart, said that Pine Labs' listing was driven by healthy investor confidence in the company's established footprint as a merchant-commerce and fintech platform offering point-of-sale, QR payments, BNPL, and loyalty services to retailers across India. "Pine Labs strengths include a wide merchant network, strong bank & payment partner integrations, consistent growth in transaction volumes, and a diversified revenue model that spans payments, credit, and merchant solutions. Despite the strong debut, investors remain cautious because of competitive intensity in fintech/merchant commerce, regulatory risk in payments, and the need to deliver scaled profitability. The IPO attracted meaningful institutional participation, supported by expectations of continued growth in digital-payments adoption, merchant value-added services expansion, and improved operating leverage," said Niyati. Investors/traders allotted shares may consider booking part of the gain and holding the remainder for the medium to long term, with a stop-loss of 200, the analyst opined. Nitin Jain, Sr. Research Analyst at Bonanza, said that investors should view Pine Labs stock as a growth-oriented, moderately risky investment. It can be considered a small part of a diversified portfolio with a medium to long-term perspective, balancing potential gains from fintech expansion against current losses and execution risks, as per Jain. Close monitoring of quarterly financials and market dynamics is advised post-listing. Q2 results today: The second-quarter earnings season is now in the final stages, with more than 900 companies to release their financial results today, November 14. Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles, Marico, Oil India, MRF, Max Healthcare Institute, and Inox Wind are among the companies to declare their earnings today. It was an earnings-packed week for Dalal Street as over 2,500 companies were scheduled to declare their Q2 FY26 results. The ongoing Q2FY26 results season will continue to shape market direction, with several major companies scheduled to release their financials. These results will provide a clearer picture of sectoral trends and corporate profitability ahead of the festive quarter, said Ajit Mishra, SVP Research, Religare Broking Ltd. Oil India Q2 results preview. According to brokerage firm Elara Capital, Oil India's September quarter earnings may be hit by falling crude oil prices and the weaker competitiveness of gas/LNG versus crude oil. The company is likely to post a 30% fall in EBITDA; meanwhile, crude oil production and gas production are likely to remain flat, as per Elara. Oil Indias (OINL) EBITDA may fall 30% YoY due to lower realisation for oil. OINLs crude oil production may drop by 3% YoY, and gas production may be flat YoY, the brokerage firm said. Max Healthcare Q2 results preview Brokerage firm Choice Broking believes that Max Healthcare is likely to post a strong quarter, with profit after tax (PAT) likely to rise 16.5% YoY and revenue to surge 24%. We expect MAXHEALTH to deliver a strong performance, with revenue rising 23.8% YoY, supported by a favourable case-mix shift towards high-speciality therapies, strong volume growth and aggressive expansion strategy, the firm said in a note. Marico Q2 results preview According to brokerage firm Motilal Oswal, Marico's domestic business saw steady momentum in Jul-Aug and saw transitory impact of disruption in trade channels and CSD ahead of the implementation of new GST rates in Sep. We expect 28% consol. revenue growth and ~6% domestic volume growth. The high pricing contribution is driven largely by price hikes in Parachute. Gross margins expected to contract 560bp YoY to 45.2% given high base and rise in RM prices. Operating margins are expected to contract 330bp YoY to 16.3%, the brokerage firm said in a note. Here's a list of companies to declare Q2 results on Friday, Nov 14, 2025 - Stocks to buy for the short term: The Indian stock market benchmarks, the Sensex and the Nifty 50, ended flat on Thursday due to profit booking ahead of the Bihar election outcome. The Nifty 50 ended at 25,879, getting closer to the psychologically important 26,000 mark. The index has been in the green this week after two consecutive weeks of losses. If the Bihar election results turn out on expected lines, the market may extend gains further. However, a result contrary to expectations may trigger short-term volatility in the market. According to Ajit Mishra, SVP of research at Religare Broking, some consolidation cannot be ruled out after the recent rally, as the Nifty 50 has approached the 26,00026,100 resistance zone, coinciding with its previous swing high. However, the overall undertone remains constructive, supported by resilience in key sectors such as banking and IT. "Traders are advised to adopt a stock-specific approach, focusing on sectoral outperformers like banking, auto, and metals, while maintaining a disciplined risk management strategy amid potential volatility," said Mishra. Also Read | Breakout stocks to buy or sell: Sumeet Bagadia recommends five shares to buy Stock picks for the short term Mishra suggests buying the following three stocks for the next one to two weeks as he sees a favourable technical setup for them. Adani Ports and Special Economic Zone | Buy | Target price: 1,620 | Stop loss: 1,430 Mishra pointed out that Adani Ports is exhibiting a strong bullish structure, with the price decisively breaching its multi-month resistance zone on the back of robust volumes. This breakout from a volatility contraction pattern (VCP) suggests the beginning of a potential expansion phase following a period of consolidation. The stock is now trading convincingly above its short- to long-term EMAs across multiple timeframes a significant bullish signal indicating a positive shift in long-term sentiment. "The recent swing low near 1,430, coinciding with the 20-day EMA, will act as a crucial intermediate support. On the upside, the stock appears poised to retest its all-time high in the near term," said Mishra. View full Image Adani Ports technical chart ( Religare Broking ) Bharat Forge | Buy | Target price: 1,520 | Stop loss: 1,320 As per Mishra, Bharat Forge is displaying strong bullish momentum, as the price has broken above its previous swing high with increasing volumes. The stocks position above the key exponential moving averages (50, 100, and 200 EMA) underscores its sustained strength and positive bias. The formation of higher lows, along with a sharp recent upswing, highlights persistent buying interest and reinforces the prevailing bullish sentiment. "Traders may consider accumulating the stock within the identified range to benefit from the ongoing upward momentum," said Mishra. View full Image Bharat Forge technical chart ( Religare Broking ) ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company | Buy | Target price: 670 | Stoploss: 609 Mishra underscored that there seems to be some rotational buying within the life insurance space, and ICICI Prudential Life Insurance has emerged as a notable participant. After a prolonged consolidation phase, the stock is now showing renewed buying interest, supported by healthy volumes. It has broken out of a base formation near its trendline support and reclaimed its 200-day EMA signalling a potential trend reversal from downtrend to uptrend. "With momentum gradually strengthening, a sustained move above the breakout zone could pave the way for an upside towards 665 670, offering a favourable opportunity for accumulation," said Mishra. View full Image ICICI Prudential Life Insurance Company technical chart ( Religare Broking ) Read all market-related news here Read more stories by Nishant Kumar In February 2024, acclaimed Slovenian chef Ana Ros travelled to India to host a series of masterclasses and dinners at the Taj Hotels in Delhi and Mumbai. In Bengaluru, Cambodian chef Ros Rotanak showcased her signature Khmer cooking at The Leela Palace in June. Last month, chef Julien Royer and his team from the three Michelin-starred French restaurant Odette in Singapore served a five-course meal at The Oberoi in Bengaluru and Mumbai. ITC Hotels brought down chef Pam Pichaya Soontornyanakij from the Michelin-starred Potong restaurant in Bangkok last year. Are Indias five-star hotels becoming the hottest venues for international pop-ups? Ever since the pandemic, standalone restaurants have made a mark with their unique pop-up events. These range from limited edition or weekend-only menus to one-night-only experiences. Over the last couple of years, Indias five-star hotels have made a conscious effort to rewrite their food and beverage programmes, and international pop-ups and bar takeovers have played a key role in keeping diners curious and excited. Collaborations with chefs from around the world have brought fresh energy and exposure to the food culture. It helps that food is one of the primary reasons people travel, and pop-ups fit into this trend. Hosting a collaboration or a pop-up is an opportunity to test new waters, drive revenue and build brand identity, but most importantly, to stay relevant and keep diners coming back. One of the big reasons for hotels to host pop-ups is to keep up with standalone restaurants. Following the pandemic, weve noticed a new pool of young, Instagram-savvy talent in F&B operations, who are thinking out of the box to bring in fresh perspective to pop-up events," says Diganta Chakraborty, founder & CEO of Elemental, which works with hospitality brands to curate bespoke culinary events. He points out tourism is primarily driving the shift, as guests who discover a chef/bar through a hotel pop-up often end up travelling to the chefs home country to dine at their restaurant. View Full Image Chef Ros Rotanak. Much of Elementals investment goes into travelling to different countries, to eat at award-winning restaurants and bars, primarily to identify chefs/bartenders for collaborations. The more we travel, people get more comfortable and open to do business. Right now, Asia and Europe are the two markets considering the growing number of Indian travellers heading to these destinations," says Chakraborty. When he lived in Colombo sometime around 2017, he met the ace mixologist Ryan Chetiyawardana (popularly known as Mr Lyan), who now helms the award-winning bar Lyaness in London. The encounter sparked a friendship, and this July, he brought him down for a takeover at the Four Seasons Hotel in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru. I was fascinated by his approach to no perishables, which meant no ice or no fresh fruits. I thought it was unique and something Indian bars could learn from. The value is also more for the team that gets to experience what the visiting chef/mixologist brings to the table," he says. It also factors in the demographics of the hotels clientele. For a dinner series last weekend at The Chambers-Taj Hotels (Mumbai and Kolkata), Chakraborty, who had dined at Legume in 2023, negotiated a partnership with the plant-based Seoul restaurant as the diners were vegetarians. Chef Sung Si-woo served chickpea gnocchi and hazelnut sorbet. View Full Image Chef Julien Royer, Odette Singapore. The post-pandemic boom in the Indian bar and restaurant space means five-star hotel chains have to constantly innovate and offer more than just a beautiful experience. Guest loyalty is of prime importance to luxury brands like The Oberoi, which has hosted some of the most-talked-about international pop-up dinners in the recent past. These include the Michelin-starred restaurants Orfali Bros from Dubai in 2024 and Odette from Singapore last month. While the Dubai restaurant ranks #37 on the Worlds 50 Best Restaurants 2025 list for its Syrian-inspired cuisine, Odette is Cantal-born French chef Julien Royers homage to his grandmothers cooking. A spokesperson from The Oberoi group says pop-ups and collaborations are a way to take the guest experience beyond the stay. The idea is to create experiences that are more than just a meal, something that offers a story, cultural connection and a sense of discovery," she says. Bar takeovers are riding this wave too. A craft cocktail craze that took shape post pandemic has become a full-fledged movement as five-star hotels collaborate with top bartenders and mixologists from around the world. In a city like Bengaluru, the thriving bar culture is a bonus. Bengalurus audience deeply values the craft of mixology. So curated takeovers introduce our guests to diverse global styles, techniques and trends shaping the contemporary cocktail culture," says Madhav Sehgal, senior vice-president, The Leela Palace Bengaluru. ZLB23, the in-house vibey Kyoto-inspired bar here, which ranks #31 on Asias 50 Best Bars 2025 list, has hosted several acclaimed international bartenders. Among them are Deke Dunne from Allegory DC in Washington; Indra Kantono from Singapores Jigger & Pony, which ranks #3 on Asias 50 Best Bars 2025 and #9 on Worlds 50 Best Bars 2025; and the mezcal bar Barro Negro from Athens. Bringing in a mezcal bar resonates with the growing trend of Indias fascination with small batch, artisanal spirits. It was a chance to showcase whats stirring on the other side of the world, right here at our bar." Aditya Ramani, director of food and beverage, JW Marriott Mumbai Juhu, views it as an opportunity to expand the diversity of the food and drinks offerings by bringing in chefs from their sister properties in Sri Lanka, Bali and Oman. Apart from the social media frenzy of these takeovers, the best bars and restaurants lists and awards hold a lot of aspiration for guests, almost like having a fan following," he says. In June, the cocktail bar Laut from Singapore came down to India for a takeover at the hotels refurbished European restaurant Mezzo Mezzo. View Full Image Chef Mattia Bianchi. Although the cuisine is different, for us the idea was to give the bar programme a push in terms of experimenting with the current cocktail trends. Since the restaurant reopened a few months ago, we also realised takeovers such as these are a great way to connect with the international bar community," he adds. Co-founder Leon Tan (of Laut) walked through the markets of Mumbai to select local ingredients such as raw mango and coconut for his creations. Its a big takeaway for our young team, who want to learn and get inspired by world-class mixologists," he adds. There are also potential challenges. International pop-ups carry high commercial stakes with chefs flying in premium ingredients sourced specially for each event. Tickets for experiences featuring globally renowned chefs, typically from award-winning lists, can range from 30,000- 50,000 per guest in Mumbai, Delhi and Bengaluru. When chef Prateek Sadhu graduated from culinary school in 2006, a job at a big hotel was his primary goal. After working at The Leela Palaces and Resorts and Indian Hotels Company Ltd (Taj Group) for about eight years and earning a degree at the Culinary Institute of America, New York, Sadhu decided it was time to go small. He ran the kitchen at Mumbais standalone fine-dining restaurant Masque from 2016-22. The next year, he took a big step to go even smaller. He launched the 16-seater, reservation-only Naar in Darwa, Himachal Pradesh. Sadhus career graph mirrors that of many other young chefs in Indiastarting in a large kitchen and learning the ropes of the food and beverage (F&B) business, moving to work as a chef for a restaurant with a concept, and finally opening a speciality, gourmet restaurant to make a name for themselves. Back then, if you had a job in a hotel, you had arrived," says Sadhu, 38. It was the epitome of success. Over time, though, room revenue and banquet billings have taken precedence over dining concepts. The restaurant industry has evolved, but the hotel playbook hasnt changed since the late 1990s or early 2000s. F&B has taken a backseat," he says, explaining why a number of young chefs prefer to go it alone. Theres never been a better time for Indian food: it is being championed by talented chefs abroad and at home, our restaurants are winning prestigious awards, diners are enthused about sampling regional cuisine, and hot restaurant reservations are viewed as social currency. At Sadhus Naar, the tasting menu experience set in the foothills of the Himalayas turns the focus on seasonal ingredients of the mountains. In Bengaluru, Kavan Kuttappa has a 20-seater restaurant, Naru Noodle Bar, that is best known for four ramens in beautiful broths. In Mumbai, Hussain Shahzads intimate 12-seater chefs table experience at Papas recreates the relaxed feel of an old home while serving Indian food thats a little bit playful and inspired by global techniques. Chef-entrepreneurs are coming up with some of the most sophisticated dining concepts to feed the demands of the well-travelled urban diner. But barring a few exceptions, hotel restaurants are not part of this great experiment. View Full Image A spread at Madam Chow, The Oberoi Gurugram. The 2024 India Food Services Report, published by the National Restaurants Association of India, states that the restaurant sector contributes 1.9% to Indias GDP and is projected to grow to 7.76 trillion by 2028 from 5.69 trillion currently. This growth is being driven primarily by standalone restaurants, but this wasnt always the case. In the 1990s in India, good food meant dining at a five-star hotel. Now, the high-end diner in India is eating out in standalone restaurantsthats where they can be assured of unique storytelling, a pampered experience, superlative service and of course, an excellent F&B product. The scene is buzzing with ideas, eager investors, new takes on cuisines and ambition," says Siddhaarth Jalan, academy chair for India and subcontinent, The Worlds 50 Best Restaurants. From the 1970s till about the 1990s, the Taj Group was considered the tastemaker of India. Camellia Panjabi, now known for popularising fine Indian cuisine across London via restaurants like Chutney Mary, Amaya and Masala Zone, was then an employee of the Taj Group and launched restaurants that are now regarded as institutions. The papers and glossy magazines were full of dazzling stories of glamorous folks dining at Zodiac Grill at Taj Colaba and Thai Pavilion at Taj President in Mumbai and Orient Express at Taj Palace in New Delhi, all exciting new restaurants at the time. In the 1970s, Bukhara opened at ITC Maurya and introduced an eat-with-your-hands philosophy. View Full Image Naar. That spirit of experimentation and excitement seems to be lacking today. Amid rising operational costs and economic shifts, luxury hotels have turned their focus to the more lucrative opportunities of hosting weddings and conferences. Instead of standout creative menus, they offer special shaadi packages that cater to big wedding spenders and play it safe. That said, hotel restaurants and standalone restaurants cater to entirely different bands of customers and have distinct ways of operating. Says food author Marryam H. Reshii, Standalones have a one-point agenda, while hotels have to balance room revenue, guest preferences, banquet billings and all kinds of overheads. By the time a hotel launches a concept, the world has moved on. Id personally love to see more representation from across India on our hotel menus. How much can you flog a butter chicken?" Since hotel restaurants run full, either with in-house guests or non-residents, the incentive to change things up and take a risk to attract younger, more experimental diners is low. But, corporate hotel chefs and F&B managers are realising that the dining-out scene has transformed. We arent just competing with other hotel brands, but with the entire restaurant industry," says Satbir Bakshi, corporate chef de cuisine at The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. He had a chat with his management about this a few years ago when they realised that roughly 50% of diners at The Oberoi New Delhi were non-residents. Frangipani and India Jones (at Trident, Nariman Point, Mumbai, part of The Oberoi group) have been successful restaurants for 20 years. But theyve also been the same for that long." Prompted by this realisation, the group is revamping F&B across their properties with a view to draw back local diners. Building a successful restaurant brand requires strategic positioning within the hotel and a clear, distinct identity. Gone are the days of generic hotel restaurants. Each outlet now needs its own personality," Bakshi says. In Mumbai and Delhi, for instance, their guests include business travellers, expatriates, HNIs, and affluent millennials. They are well-travelled, and so our F&B offerings align with global trends. In tourist-centric locations like Udaipur and Jaipur, guests seek hyperlocal culinary experiences." View Full Image Pie at Papa's Mumbai. SHOWING THE WAY While young diners might be excited about what hot new chef-table restaurants bring to the scene, hotels help build a robust restaurant ecosystem. There is an upside to scale. Bakshi points out how hotels can open up supply chains for the entire industry. In 2012, Indian diners werent familiar with burrata. Having tasted it abroad, I hunted down a supplier in Bengaluru, we figured out a distribution system, and slowly, other hotels and restaurants began ordering from him. Thanks to the scale and volume of orders that hotels make, homegrown brands can thrive and contribute to better quality ingredients across restaurants, building a better ecosystem." Nikhil Nagpal, chef culinaire, Avartana, a south Indian focused, fine-dining restaurant chain, ITC Hotels, has a different view about what hotel restaurants bring to the table. He says diners come to hotels expecting consistent quality. They aim to create dining concepts over time, which can scale across multiple locations. While expanding Avartana (which opened in 2017 and is often on best restaurant" lists) across Chennai, Kolkata, Mumbai and Delhi, certain ingredients, like the pepper and cumin for the restaurants clarified rasam, are shipped from Chennai to ensure the same depth of flavour for the dish that has become the restaurants calling card. Chefs too travel between the different cities to ensure consistency and quality. The concept of elevated south Indian cuisine itself took two years to bring to life. When a distinct restaurant identity is brought together with a good team, it leads to great results," says Nagpal. Both Bakshi and Nagpal highlight the need for a unique identity to make a hotel restaurant stand out from the crowd. Restaurateur and hotelier Abhishek Honawar, who owns 28 Kothi and The Johri in Jaipur, says that a restaurant can survive within a hotel only if both have separate identities that are cohesive, with independent storytelling abilities. Yes, the diner still wants to experience traditional cuisines, but it must be made relevant to them". To do that, classic flavours and ingredients have to be reimagined without compromising on history. Pune-based Ajit Naimpally, 83, dines out at least twice a week with his wife and friends, and loves sampling new menus at hotels. He says for older customers, restaurant hotels offer predictability, comfort and personalised service. When I dine out, I want to be assured of not just good food but comfortable seating, valet parking and accessibility. I cant take my wife to a dimly-lit place with only high seating that serves small bites and clarified cocktails." In other words, the idea is to keep customers returning by offering a sense of dependability without being boring. While the hotel dining scene and the standalone restaurant industry serve different purposes, the diner looks at the restaurant segment as a whole when making a decision about where to go for dinner. Factors like consistency and price are important, but also, elements like vibe, the chefs persona and backstory, and the level of experimentation with a cuisine all come into play when this dining out decision is being taken. And its here where hotels fall behind. View Full Image The Johri, Jaipur. DIFFERENT FLAVOURS While diners may desire sameness, it can become tedious for chefs. When asked why he moved away from a career in hotels, Sadhu replies: Honestly? I was bored, burnt out and tired of all the politics. In a hotel structure, the more you grow as a chef, the more you move away from the kitchen. Theres so much admin and paperwork involvedif you want to grow as a chef, you need to be in the kitchen, not signing documents." Other chefs who have made a similar shift include Niyati Rao of Mumbais Ekaa and Bombay Daak, Pallavi Mithika Menon, co-founder of Bengalurus NAVU Project, and Countertop Indias Pankaj Balachandran, the man behind some of Indias coolest bar concepts. All of them began at the Taj Group. Hunger Inc.s Hussain Shahzad started at The Oberoi Hotels & Resorts. Whether its burnout, the desire for creative independence, or dissatisfaction with corporate constraints, their journeys from hotel employees to entrepreneurs werent linear. But they all point to the fact that the hotel ecosystem in India may not inspire or foster young talent. It isnt hard to see why: standalone restaurants offer faster career growth and high visibility, especially in the age of social media and storytelling. For a young chef slaving away in a back kitchen of a hotel, the standalone life is bound to seem more glamorous. Young talent doesnt see that Prateek is the exception, not the rule. They are enamoured by the success, but they dont see his years of training, hard work, the risk he took or the financial uncertainty that comes with running your own business and learning on the job," explains Bakshi. Still, to retain talent, the group offers structured culinary programmes, leadership development platforms like The Oberoi Centre of Learning and Development (OCLD) and global training stints with brands such as Mandarin Oriental hotels across Asia. New Delhi: Indias long-awaited data-privacy regime formally kicked in on Friday. More than two years after the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act) was passed by Parliament, the ministry of electronics & information technology (MeitY) notified the rules and established a four-member data-protection board, bringing the law into effect. Companies will need to comply with the Acts provisions within 1218 months, including appointing consent managers and data-protection officers, putting in place systems for express user permission, and reporting data breaches within 72 hours. Platforms must also take parents consent for users under 18, and cannot use certain datalike data that enables targeted adsa change industry had long sought. The data protection board under the Act takes effect immediately. The chairperson of the board will receive a remuneration of 4.5 lakh a month as notified in the gazette, while the other three members will be paid 4 lakh a month. According to a government official who requested anonymity, a select committee under Meity will now recommend names, following which appointments will be notified. Reactions from analysts and observers were mixed. Some broadly welcomed the clarity on implementation timelines, lighter compliance requirements, and the added safeguards for childrens data. Others warned that the rules still lack clear checks on government data use and could leave industry carrying more obligations than the state. However, the official cited above said that Rule 7 of the Act clearly mentions exemptions under which the Centre can access personal data and beyond that, there is no scope for any government agency to handle personal data different from corporate entity. If parties had concerns against access of personal data by government bodies, they must have made a strong-enough case for these clauses to be reconsidered during our extensive consultation process. Given that no such case happened, its difficult to ascertain what these alleged exemptions are, the official added. Meanwhile, tech companies, which will be most impacted by the new rules, did not immediately react. We are currently in the process of assessing the DPDP rules, an Amazon India spokesperson said when contacted by Mint. Meta Platforms, too, said it was not likely to comment on Friday. Queries sent to Google India, InMobi, TCS, Infosys, Protean, Genpact, Zoho, Bharat Matrimony remained unanswered till press time. The details Companies will need to implement various parts of the law in 12-18 months. In 12 months, that is, by 14 November 2026, they need to appoint consent managersthe person accountable for social media platforms seeking permission to use peoples personal data. And within 18 months, companies have to implement a mechanism to seek express permission from users before using their data for business purposes, such as targeted advertisements. They will also be required to inform the newly notified data protection board of data breaches within 72 hours, and inform users about these without delay. Further, all social media platforms and other parties that handle user data will be required to appoint a data protection officer in the next 18 months. For users under 18, companies will need to seek verifiable parental consent before using their data. At the same time, certain types of data, such as those that enable general tracking of users for ads, will be completely barred to ensure childrens safety. Importantly, the final version of the law will allow platforms to live-track the location of underage users for safety purposes onlya key demand that was granted by Meity after multiple parties voiced concerns against a blanket ban on access of underage users data. Then, Rule 15 of the DPDP Act allows personal data to be saved outside India, but bars any storage in countries that are blacklisted by the Union government. Further, Rule 13(4) says storing personal data outside India may be restricted if defined so by a special committee that will include members of Meity as well as other ministries and government departments. Industry reactions Industry stakeholders largely welcomed the draft. Aparajita Bharti, founding partner at policy consultancy firm The Quantum Hub, said the rules offer clarity to companies in terms of the timeline of implementation. It was also important to clarify exemptions to usage of underage personal data for enabling safety features for childrensuch as applications that parents use for tracking location, ensuring children see age-appropriate content and ads, etc., Bharti said. With these features now notified, a key industry demand has been clearly responded to by the Centre. Supratim Chakraborty, partner at law firm Khaitan & Co, said the final version of Indias first privacy regulation has eased compliance for businesses by not mandating that they would have to offer users an itemized description of goods and services. This means that even though businesses will have to specify a list of all personal data they will take from a user, they wont have to minutely map these against an itemized list of goods and services, he explained. Chakraborty added that the rules have also taken into account Indias ability to restrict foreign government-backed bodies from using and processing Indian citizens data. Overall, the final version of the rules are in line with what the Centre was mentioning that it would offer, he said. Others, however, flagged some concerns, especially on user protection and government capability. Both have been strengthened, but not necessarily in the same direction, said Dhruv Garg, lawyer and partner at tech policy consultant, India Governance and Policy Project (Igap). The government itself must abide by the same rules and principles. Further, the law may face legal scrutiny and challenges, if eventual assessment finds data retention and government exemptions to be disproportionate. He added that the rules still lack detailed checks on how government agencies handle personal data, leaving broad discretion in data access, potential risks of profiling, and no independent audit or oversight mechanisms. Garg also said that while the DPDP rules do give a one-year data retention timeline, scope for persistent data logs may enable deep retrospective data visibility, which could be another concern. While retention of personal data may improve data audits, it will also raise real privacy concerns over persistence of digital footprints. In the long run, the current DPDP rules will also require all tech service providers to maintain large logs. Also Read | Indias EV charging app to skip personal data collection While the DPDP rules, 2025 mark an important institutional milestone, they do not address key structural concerns repeatedly raised by civil society since the 2022 and 2023 iterations of a data protection law. As a result, ordinary users still lack a rights centred data protection legal framework, even as large data processing entities gain greater discretion and benefit from opacity, a statement by privacy advocacy body Internet Freedom Foundation of India (IFF) read. A joint statement by Nasscom and Data Security Council of India (DSCI) further said that while simplifying legislation for companies on handling data was appreciated, certain matters raised by industry during consultation arise from the architecture of the Act itself and could not realistically be addressed through subordinate legislation. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA), led by the BJP and JD(U), has won a strong and clear victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly Elections. The NDA is leading or winning in 200 seats, according to the latest results and trends. The opposition Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD and Congress, fell far behind. The BJP and the JD(U) have secured a comfortable majority in the 243-seat Bihar Elections. This outcome sets the stage for Nitish Kumar to continue as chief minister and lead the new government. Bihar Elections: Memes flood social media Hundreds of memes have flooded social media, with supporters of various political parties sharing their share of humour. While BJP supporters are making fun of the opposition, others are commenting on the unpredictability of the Bihar election. Bihar ki ek khaasiyat hai. Jab jab aapko lagta hai aap Bihar ko samajh gaye hain, Bihar aapko jhatka deta hai (Bihar has a unique quality. Just when you think youve understood Bihar, Bihar gives you a shock.). Bihar is not for beginners, says one meme. Bro actually thought he would get seats by talking about Jobs, education, health and development in Bihar, came a sarcastic comment for Prashant Kishor. His Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) failed to get any seats in its debut in the Bihar Elections 2025. Meanwhile, social media hails Nitish Kumar supremacy as he is set to become the chief minister of Bihar for the tenth time. On 14 November, the BJP praised the NDAs performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, describing it as historic. The NDA held strong leads in more than 180 of the 243 seats, with trends indicating that the BJP was heading for one of its biggest tallies. Senior BJP leader Ravi Shankar Prasad stated that voters prioritised development and good governance over caste and community. He added that people trusted Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership and his focus on Bihars progress. "People have shown faith in Modiji, BJP and NDA...I am proud of the fact that our Bihar is today ready to march on a new path of development," the BJP MP said. "They also remember Lalu's jungle raj," Prasad said. Prasad also expressed pride that Bihar was ready to move forward faster on the path of development under the NDA government. "This vote is of hope and trust. People have shown faith in Prime Minister Modi's leadership and his guarantee for development," PTI quoted Prasad as telling reporters in New Delhi. Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta has shared her congratulatory message. According to her, Bihar and Delhi are interconnected. "Congratulations to the people of Delhi and Bihar. The trends show that NDA is heading towards victory...I hope that Bihar progresses on the path of development under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi," CM Gupta said. BJP's national agenda Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut said the NDAs strong lead in Bihar was not surprising. He alleged that the Election Commission and the BJP were working together to push a national agenda. Raut compared the Bihar results to the 2024 Maharashtra Assembly polls, where the BJP-led Mahayuti won a huge victory and the MVA was wiped out. Nine people died and 32 people, including civilians and police personnel, were injured in the accidental explosion that took place at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, the Jammu and Kashmir Police said on Saturday. The blast took place while officials were handling samples of explosive material recovered from Faridabad, Haryana, on November 9 and 10, 2025 in connection with the 'white-collar' terror module case. What did J&K Police say? J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat said that due to the unstable and sensitive nature of the recovery, the sampling process and handling was being done with utmost caution by the FSL team. However, unfortunately, during this course, last night, around 11.20 PM, an accidental explosion took place. Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary, police said. He said, Nine people have lost their lives in this incident. One personnel of SIA, three personnel of the FSL team, two crime scene photographers, two revenue officials who were part of the Magistrate's team, one tailor who was associated with the team. In addition, 27 police personnel, two revenue officials and three civilians from the adjacent areas have received injuries and were immediately evacuated to the nearest hospital..., J&K DGP Nalin Prabhat said. The Jammu and Kashmir police had brought the 360 kilograms of explosive material from Faridabad after seizing it from the rented residence of Dr Muzzamil Ganaie, alias Musaib, a native of Koil in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama who was arrested in a joint operation by Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir Police. It was not immediately known if the entire 360 kg of explosives was stored at the police station, where the primary case for the terror module was registered. The explosives were stored by Ganaie and Dr Umar Nabi, the man who was driving an explosives-laden car which detonated outside Red Fort in Delhi on Monday evening, in which at least 13 people lost their lives and several others suffered injuries. In total, 2,900 kg of explosive material was found. Of this, 360 kg of inflammable material suspected to be ammonium nitrate as well as arms and ammunition were recovered from Ganaie's rented accommodation in Faridabad He worked as a doctor at the Al Falah University, which also houses a hospital on its campus. During the investigation, the role of Muzammil was found to be suspicious, following which a team from the Nowgam police station in Kashmir arrested Muzammil with the assistance of the Faridabad Crime Branch, the statement said. The government has termed the explosion, which ripped through a car near Red fort, as a heinous terror incident, directing investigating agencies to deal with the case with the utmost urgency and professionalism. Also Read | Delhi blast suspect Dr Umar Nabi seen at Turkman Gate Mosque | Viral CCTV clips Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police (DGP) Nalin Prabhat conducted a hybrid security review of the Union Territory. Toyotas twin-turbo V-6 woes arent over yet, as the automaker has announced another recall concerning the engine found in a number of its body-on-frame vehicles. Back in 2024, Toyota recalled over 100,000 Tundras and Lexus LXs over motor problems, with the fix ultimately being new engines for all involved. This time, Toyota and Lexus are recalling approximately 127,000 additional vehicles equipped with the 3.4-liter twin-turbo V6 for the same reason as the first round. The vehicles being recalled now include the 2022-24 Toyota Tundra, 2022-24 Lexus LX and 2024 Lexus GX. Vehicles with the hybrid powertrain are not included in the recall. Thats a model year extension from before, as the newest vehicle Toyota previously recalled was a 2023 model year in its previous recall. Its also the first time the GX has been included, but well point out that other models using the V35A engine are not part of this action. toyota Theres nothing new concerning the reason for the recall. Toyota says that machining debris from manufacturing may not have been cleared from the engine when it was produced. For those vehicles affected, Toyota says the pressure on the main bearings due to the engine configuration is such that, if the aforementioned machining debris adheres to the bearings and operation of the engine continues at higher loads over time, failure of the bearings may occur. Of course, this could lead to engine failure and a loss of motive power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the vehicles Toyota is recalling are produced within certain dates. For example, the 3717 GXs being recalled were produced from May 2023April 2024; the 9895 Lexus LXs are from February 2022April 2024, and the 113,079 Tundras from November 2021February 2024. Toyota notes that some engines produced after the new recall cutoff points were produced with improved manufacturing processes and remain under investigation. It also says that others were produced with an improved main bearing. As of now, Toyota is unsure the percentage of involved vehicles that contain a defect. If your Toyota or Lexus is part of this new recall, Toyota says youll be notified by early January 2026. Perhaps most intriguing of all is the fact that Toyota hasnt defined the solution yet, and simply states it is currently developing the remedy for this issue. Wed be surprised if the answer is any different from before, which was installing new engines in recalled vehicles. You Might Also Like Five people have been killed in a tragic accident in Ratlam district of Madhya Pradesh after a speeding car lost control, smashed through the barrier of an eight-lane motorway, and plummeted into a ditch on Friday morning. The fatal crash took place on the Delhi-Mumbai Expressway, within the jurisdiction of the Rawti police station, approximately 30 kilometres from the district headquarters, Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar told PTI. Also Read | SC seeks responses from NHAI, Road Ministry after Phalodi road accident "The car was heading towards Mumbai from Delhi. The vehicle broke the expressway barrier after the driver lost control and plunged into a ditch," Kumar said. The official indicated that the vehicle was travelling at excessive speed. It completely demolished the sturdy aluminium safety barrier before descending into the ditch. The casualties include a 15-year-old boy and a 70-year-old man. "We suspect the driver may have dozed off at the wheel, causing the accident," Kumar said. Police recovered the bodies from the ditch, and they have been dispatched for a post-mortem examination. A comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the crash is now underway. Man killed, wife critically injured in UP motorcycle accident A 40-year-old man was killed and his wife critically injured after their motorcycle was hit by an unidentified vehicle on National Highway-19 in Chandauli district of Uttar Pradesh. According to a news agency PTI report, Station House Officer of Chandauli Sadar police station, Sanjay Kumar Singh, said that the incident took place on 12 November. The deceased has been identified as Vinod Kumar Kesari, a resident of Bhikaripur village, he said. The SHO said Kesari was returning home from Saiyadraja along with his wife on a motorcycle when the accident occurred. The injured woman has been admitted to the district hospital where her condition remains serious, he added. Car rams into stationary truck in Shamli, 4 dead Four people died when their car rammed into the rear of a stationary truck in Shamli district. The deceased were identified as Vivek (26), Prandeep (30), Ashish (28), and Sahil (25), all residents of the Sonipat district in Haryana. The accident took place on 7 November night near the Bantikheda bridge on the Panipat-Khatima highway, when the four people were on their way to Muzaffarnagar, police said. ASP Santosh Kumar Singh told reporters that the ill-fated car rammed into a stationary truck. The Delhi Police on Thursday issued a comprehensive travel advisory, urging the public to reach railway stations, metro stations, and the airport well in advance of their scheduled departure times. This heightened vigilance follows the car explosion near the Red Fort Metro station Gate No.1 on 10 November, which resulted in 13 fatalities and injuries to more than 25 people. According to the advisory issued by Joint CP, Delhi, Milind Dumbre: In view of the heightened security arrangements in the national capital, all passengers are advised to reach the railway stations, metro stations and airport well in advance. The advisory, implemented to ensure smooth security checks and avoid last-minute inconvenience, stipulates strict arrival times for travellers: Train Passengers : Must arrive at least one hour prior to the scheduled departure. Metro Travellers : Should be at the station 20 minutes before their intended train departure. International Flights: Air passengers are strongly advised to reach the airport a minimum of three hours in advance. Authorities have appealed for public cooperation to maintain safety and ensure seamless travel arrangements across the capital during this period of intensified security. New Evidence in Delhi Red Fort Blast Investigation The investigation into the blast case continues, with security agencies piecing together evidence around the prime suspect, Dr Umar Un Nabi, who was killed in the explosion but is considered the prime accused. Fresh CCTV footage has surfaced, clearly showing Dr Umar entering the national capital via the Badarpur border in a white Hyundai i20 car. The footage captures the suspect bringing his vehicle to a standstill at the Badarpur toll gate, where he is seen taking out cash and passing it to the toll collector. Furthermore, security agencies have reportedly recovered the diaries of both Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, the other accused, according to a report by the news agency ANI, citing sources. These diaries explicitly reference the dates 8 to 12 November, strongly suggesting that planning was underway for such an incident during that specific timeframe. The diaries also reportedly contain the names of approximately 25 individuals, most of whom hail from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad, the ANI report said. Umar, who was known as an academically accomplished professional in his circle, allegedly turned radical over the past two years. The DNA test of samples collected from the Red Fort blast site has confirmed that Dr Umar Nabi was driving the car that exploded on Monday. New Delhi: India and Canada have been seeking to stabilise their trade relationship this week, having held their first senior-level economic talks since political tensions disrupted bilateral engagement last year, Indias ministry of commerce & industry said on Friday. Maninder Sidhu, Canadas minister of export promotion, international trade and economic development, who visited New Delhi from 11-14 November at the invitation of commerce and industry minister Piyush Goyal, met with his Indian counterpart at the seventh Ministerial Dialogue on Trade and Investment. The commerce ministry said in a statement, Pursuant to the direction provided by the prime ministers of the two countries during their bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the G7 meeting in Kananaskis, Canada, as well as the foreign ministers joint statement on Renewing momentum towards a stronger partnership of 13 October 2025, which identified trade as the cornerstone of bilateral economic growth and resilience, the two trade ministers held the 7th edition of the ministerial dialogue on trade and investment (MDTI). The ministers reaffirmed the strength and continuity of the India-Canada economic partnership and reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation through sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and forward-looking initiatives, it added. Back from the brink India-Canada ties have deteriorated sharply in recent years, largely owing to long-standing tensions over the Khalistan separatist movement. The relationship reached breaking point after the June 2023 killing of Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia, when then Prime Minister Justin Trudeau claimed there was credible evidence linking the incident to Indian government agents, an accusation New Delhi rejected as baseless. The fallout triggered reciprocal diplomatic expulsions, a freeze in trade negotiations, and additional expulsions in late 2024, tied to Canadas ongoing investigations. These incidents pushed the relationship between the two countries to one of its lowest points in decades. The commerce ministry added, The ministers noted robust growth in bilateral trade in goods and services, which reached $23.66 billion in 2024, with merchandise trade valued at nearly $8.98 billion, a substantial 10% increase over the previous year. The ministers reaffirmed the strength and resilience of the India-Canada economic partnership and emphasised the importance of continued engagement with the private sector to unlock new opportunities for trade and investment.. They welcomed the steady expansion of two-way investment flows, including notable Canadian institutional investment in India and the growing presence of Indian firms in Canada, which together support tens of thousands of jobs in both economies. The ministers committed to maintaining an open, transparent, and predictable investment environment and to exploring avenues for deeper collaboration across priority and emerging sectors, it said. Bilateral trade in goods and services between India and Canada touched $23.66 billion in 2024, an increase of $12.7 billion from 2023. Also Read | Modi, Putin vow to deepen ties defying Trump tariffs Focus on emerging sectors The discussions between Goyal and Sidhu focused heavily on emerging sectors, where the two economies see strategic complementarities. The ministers agreed to promote long-term supply chain partnerships in critical minerals, an area central to their clean-energy transitions, and to deepen collaboration in aerospace and dual-use industrial capabilities, where Canadian firms have a longstanding presence in India and Indias aviation market is one of the fastest-growing globally, the commerce ministry said. The ministers expressed satisfaction with the progress made in strengthening bilateral economic engagement and reaffirmed their shared commitment to elevate the economic partnership to reflect global developments and evolving supply chain and trade dynamics, it added. They emphasised the importance of maintaining momentum in the bilateral dialogue and supporting people-to-people ties, which provide a strong foundation for the partnership, it said. Also Read | Closer integration with Asia can benefit India amid global uncertainty: AIIB Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to release the next installment of the farmer's beneficiary scheme PM-KISAN Yojana next week, according to a PTI report. Launched on February 24, 2019, PM-KISAN or the PM Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, is a government scheme that provides financial assistance of 6,000 per year to all eligible farmer families in India. When is the PM-KISAN 21st installment due? According to Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a statement today, PM Modi will release the 21st instalment of PM-KISAN scheme on November 19, 2025. As per the ministry statement more than 3.70 lakh crore has been disbursed to 11 crore farmer families via 20 pervious installments. It added that these funds have helped farmers to buy farm inputs besides catering to other expenses such as education, medical and marriage. Also Read | Chapra Election Result 2025 Live Updates: Chhoti Kumari vs Khesari Lal Yadav Who is eligible for PM-KISAN disbursements? To be eligible for PM-KISAN, farmers must have their land details seeded on the scheme portal. They must also link their bank accounts with Aadhaar. According to the statement, the government has undertaken periodically village-level special saturation campaigns to identify, verify and include all the cultivable land-owning farmers under the PM-KISAN Scheme. Also Read | Nithin Kamath breaks down buyback taxation as Infosys announces 18,000 cr plan Impact of PM-KISAN: Strong catalyst in rural economic growth The statement cited a study by the International Food and Policy Research Institute in 2019, which looked into the impact of the PM-KISAN scheme on the lives of farmers. The study strongly suggests that the funds disbursed under the PM-KISAN scheme have acted as a catalyst in rural economic growth, aided in alleviating the credit constraints for farmers, and increased investments in agricultural inputs, the statement said. It added that under the scheme, ensuring last-mile coverage for farmers is of paramount importance. In line with this, the agriculture ministry has launched a new initiative to create a farmer registry. This well-organised and meticulously scrutinised database will eliminate the need for farmers to go through cumbersome processes to access social welfare benefits, the statement added. (With inputs from PTI) As the security agencies are investigating the inter-state white collar terror module and the massive blast in the Red Fort area in Delhi, the Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) Police have moved the Interpol for issuing a Red Corner Notice against a terror accused, Dr Muzaffar Rather, brother of Dr Adil Ahmad Rather. Muzaffar is also from Qazigund in south Kashmir and part of Al Falah University in Faridabad district of Haryana. He came under the scanner after the questioning of those who were arrested. Also Read | Police arrest two hybrid terrorists in Kashmir's Sopore region During the interrogation, they said that Dr Umar Nabi, Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganaie and Muzaffar had travelled to Turkey for around 20 days in 2021. Muzaffar reportedly left India in August and is believed to be in Afghanistan. The case is now being investigated by SIA, the J&K police cant directly go for Interpol Red Corner notice. But it can initiate a process and a central agency can issue the Red Corner notice. This case is still being investigated, an official was quoted as saying by Hindustan Times. White-collar terror module and JeM posters The Jammu & Kashmir Polices State Investigation Agency (SIA) is actively probing the 'white-collar' terror module that was busted in October. The module was initially uncovered during a police investigation into Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) posters in Nowgam, Srinagar, which ultimately led authorities to a larger network reportedly involving some doctors. According to the police, the entire module was being operated by the three primary accused Umar, Muzammil and Muzaffar, who used the encrypted platform Telegram for communication with their handler located in Pakistan. Meanwhile, Turkeys Directorate of Communications Centre for Countering Disinformation released a statement on 12 November, strongly denying recent reports that its territory was being used for radicalisation activities linked to such operations. The media reports claiming that Turkiye is linked to terrorist acts in India and provides logistical, diplomatic, and financial support to terrorist groups are part of a malicious disinformation campaign aimed at damaging bilateral relations, the statement said. The claim that Turkiye engages in radicalisation activities targeting India or any other country is purely disinformative and lacks any factual basis, it added. In the blast on 10 November, 13 people were killed and more than 25 were injured after an explosives-laden i20 car detonated near Red Fort Metro Station Gate No.1. It was being driven by 28-year-old Dr Umar Nabi. His involvement was confirmed after DNA samples from his mother matched the body parts found at the site. Umar, who also worked at Al Falah, is believed to have been the most radicalised of the lot. He drove the Hyundai i10 around the city on that fateful Monday, parked it near the Red Fort complex for three hours and then drove it slowly in the evening. In a rare condemnation, the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops said it was troubled by threats of US President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. They also advocated for meaningful immigration reform. In a special message, the first of its kind in 12 years, the bishops said, We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools. The messageechoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for deep reflection about the way migrants are being treated in the U.S. under Trump. Also Read | Freeze US immigration! Lawmaker Chip Roy announces plans of new bill What did the bishops say? In their message, the bishops expressed concern about what they described as "a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement. They said they were saddened by the debate and vilification of migrants, and opposed "the indiscriminate mass deportation of people." The bishops also raised concerns about conditions in detention centers, and what they called the arbitrary removal of legal status of some migrants. "We recognise that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good," the bishops said. The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration efforts, did not immediately respond to Reuters' request for comment. Trump's immigration policy The Donald Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office earlier this year. Trump has rescinded the policy that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations, including churches, hospitals and schools, and deployed federal agents across the US to ramp up such arrests. A longtime Georgia prosecutor, Pete Skandalakis, has appointed himself to oversee the Fulton County election interference case against President Donald Trump and 18 others after District Attorney Fani Willis was disqualified. The move comes after no other prosecutors were willing to take the politically sensitive case. Several prosecutors were contacted and, while all were respectful and professional, each declined the appointment, Skandalakis said in an emailed statement Friday. Background of Willis removal Willis, who announced the indictment in August 2023, was removed from the case over an appearance of impropriety stemming from her romantic relationship with Nathan Wade, the special prosecutor she had appointed to lead the investigation. While Judge Scott McAfee initially allowed her to remain if Wade resigned, the Georgia Court of Appeals ultimately removed her in December 2024. The state Supreme Court declined to hear her appeal. How Skandalakis ended up with the case After Willis removal, the nonpartisan Prosecuting Attorneys Council of Georgia was tasked with appointing a replacement. Facing a looming deadline and the risk of case dismissal, Skandalakis chose to take on the role himself. The public has a legitimate interest in the outcome of this case. Accordingly, it is important that someone make an informed and transparent determination about how best to proceed, Skandalakis said. He emphasized that he has not yet completed reviewing the case, citing 101 boxes of documents and an 8-terabyte hard drive received from Willis office. By taking on the case, I can finish assessing it and decide what to do next, he said. Legal implications for Trump and co-defendants Legal experts note that action against Trump is unlikely while he remains President. Fourteen co-defendants, including Rudy Giuliani and former White House Chief of Staff Mark Meadows, still face charges. Trump recently issued pardons for individuals involved in related efforts to overturn the 2020 election, though these have no effect on state-level charges. Trumps attorney, Steve Sadow, commented: This politically charged prosecution has to come to an end. We remain confident that a fair and impartial review will lead to a dismissal of the case against President Trump. Allyn Stockton, attorney for Giuliani, called Skandalakis self-appointment an interesting twist but added: Everything I know about Mr. Skandalakis is that he is a fair minded and honorable man who is void of any political agenda. Skandalakis previous involvement This is not Skandalakis first role in cases related to the Trump election controversy. He previously handled an investigation into Georgia Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who had acted as a fake elector for Trump. Skandalakis ultimately chose not to pursue charges against Jones, citing lack of criminal intent. I doubt anything will ever move forward with the president, Georgia State University law professor Anthony Michael Kreis said, noting that the Prosecuting Attorneys Council has limited resources. This may lead to a simplification of the case or plea deals for the other defendants. Skandalakis qualifications and commitment Skandalakis has led the Prosecuting Attorneys Council since 2018 and spent 25 years as an elected Republican district attorney for the Coweta Judicial Circuit in southwest Georgia. He will not receive additional pay for taking over the case, with Fulton County covering expenses. (With AP inputs) Also Read | Epstein survivors demand DOJ unseal remaining files amid Trump mentions US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced a US military operation that he said would target "narco-terrorists" in the Western Hemisphere. He formally named the anti-drug mission in the Caribbean Operation Southern Spear. President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering. Today, Im announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR, Pete Hegseth said in a post on X. He said, Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The US Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is the military's combatant command that encompasses 31 countries through South and Central America and the Caribbean. The move emphasises the growing significance and permanence of the militarys presence in the region, which started over the summer as part of what the Trump administration is calling its war against narcoterrorism. At least 19 known US strikes on vessels in South American waters have killed 76 people. The newly named operation will encompass nearly a dozen US Navy ships, as well as around 12,000 sailors and Marines who will be in the area after the arrival of the aircraft carrier USS Gerald R Ford, the Associated Press reported. US conducts 20th strike On Monday, the US conducted its 20th strike on an alleged drug trafficking boat, a Pentagon official was quoted by news agency Reuters as saying on Thursday. "The strike occurred in the Caribbean and four narco-terrorists were killed, no survivors," the official said. The official said the strike killed 79 people, and two were wounded and repatriated to their home countries, while there was one attempted rescue at sea by Mexican authorities as a result of the strikes. Earlier on 10 November, Pete Hegseth posted on X, "...two lethal kinetic strikes were conducted on two vessels operated by Designated Terrorist Organizations." These vessels were known by our intelligence to be associated with illicit narcotics smuggling, were carrying narcotics, and were transiting along a known narco-trafficking transit route in the Eastern Pacific, he said. Both strikes were conducted in international waters and 3 male narco-terrorists were aboard each vessel. All 6 were killed. No US forces were harmed, Pete Hegseth added. Under President Trump, we are protecting the homeland and killing these cartel terrorists who wish to harm our country and its people, the US official said. The US strikes against suspected drug vessels in the Caribbean and off the Pacific coasts of Latin America have killed dozens of people, whom the Trump administration calls drug-trafficking terrorists responsible for thousands of deaths in the United States, without providing evidence. The US government has not publicly explained the legal justification for its decision to attack the boats. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday pushed back against criticism from some US allies over the legality of the strikes, saying Europeans don't get to dictate how Washington defends its national security. Widespread power outages reportedly affected the Black Hills, northeastern Wyoming and parts of Montana. According to Rapid City officials, Black Hills Energy crews have started restoring electricity in some neighbourhoods. Police and the Pennington County Sheriffs Department are managing traffic at major intersections that remain without power, according to Kotatv. The city is urging residents to stay put unless travel is necessary The outage also caused Rapid City Transit to halt service until 2:30 pm (local time). Buses are now operating again, though RTS officials warn that riders may still face delays because some intersections remain affected or are experiencing heavy traffic. The Pennington County Courthouse was evacuated after electrical issues led to reports of popping noises and smoke. Rapid City Police Department issues advisory MOTORIST ADVISORY: We're getting reports of a widespread power outage across Rapid City. If you encounter an intersection with a non-functional traffic signal, treat it as a four-way stop. We're currently working with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office to get officers and deputies to assist with traffic at the citys busier intersections for the time being, Rapid City Police Department's post said on Facebook. View full Image Advisory The Rapid City Public Library has shut down because of equipment problems, the report noted. The Rapid City Fire Department is reminding the public to call 911 only for true emergencies, not to report or ask about power outages, so emergency lines stay clear. Also Read | Severe thunderstorm warning issued for Central Oregon! Power outages reported A KOTA reporter spoke with a representative from Black Hills Energy, who explained that a transmission issue connected to a third-party facility was to blame. Meanwhile, Black Hills Energy released a statement saying it has implemented its response plan and that its crews are thoroughly trained to handle situations like this. Nearly half of their affected customers have had their power back. According to Black Hills Energy, it they will continue to safely restore power to customers this afternoon and potentially into the evening hours. Widespread power outage affects Dominican Republic In related news, Parts of the Dominican capital, Santo Domingo, and the tourist hub of Punta Cana were left without electricity Tuesday after the national energy provider reported a widespread outage caused by a transmission system failure", according to AFP. Social media posts indicated that other regions around the country were also impacted. By evening, officials said that power was being progressively brought back online. Energy Minister Joel Santos told reporters that it is a failure that ended up affecting the system as a whole, creating what is called a blackout. Obviously, it is a regrettable situation. In a tragic incident, a double-decker bus hit a stop in central Stockholm on Friday, killing several people, following which authorities have launched an investigation. The driver of the bus has been arrested, and the incident is being investigated as involuntary manslaughter, said police. The incident occurred near the Royal Institute of Technology university. Authorities were alerted to the crash at 3:23 p.m. on Friday. The vehicle rammed into the covered bus shelter on Valhallavagen, a street in the Swedish capitals Ostermalm district. However, it was not clear if the incident was an accident as there was no information pointing to it being an attack. The police did not reveal the number of casualties and how many people were injured. Police said they would not comment on the number, gender or ages of those killed or injured, reported Reuters. View full Image A Swedish officer stands near the site where a bus hit a bus stop in central Stockholm, Sweden, November 14, 2025. ( REUTERS ) In a post on X, Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that he has received the tragic news that several people have lost their lives and been injured at a bus stop in central Stockholm. People who may have been on their way home to family, friends, or a quiet evening at home. We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their loved ones. Kristersson added that police, ambulance, and rescue services now have a very difficult and important job to do. I urge everyone to show consideration and understanding for their tasks. Emergency services said the bus was not in service and no passengers were on board, AP reported, quoting Swedish news agency TT. "We can confirm that an accident has occurred," Sophie Gunnarsson, press spokesperson for public transport group SL, said in Swedish, according to UK's Mirror. She added that it was a serious incident, and they don't yet know the cause. "At this time, the police are not commenting on information about the number, gender or ages of victims," the police write on their website. Toyotas got a major headache on its hands. Over a million of its Toyota, Lexus, and Subaru rides are being recalled because their fancy rearview cameras might suddenly bailfreezing up or just blacking out when you throw em in reverse. Not exactly the kind of tech fail you want when backing out of a parking spot, right? Crash At Mecum Takes Out Corvettes and Pontiac Trans Am Federal safety types flagged the glitch, a sneaky software gremlin lurking in the Panoramic View Monitor system. Without that rear cam, drivers are basically blind out back, upping the odds of a fender bender or worse. Were talking 2022-2026 models here, from sensible sedans to hulking SUVs and gas-sipping hybrids. Owners will get the bad (but free-to-fix) news via snail mail before New Years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The hit list reads like a showroom floor: Lexus ES, GX, LCheck, nearly half their alphabet. Toyotas not spared either. Camry Hybrid? Check. Prius? Yep. Even Subarus Solterra, that electric side project with Toyota, got caught in the mess. So far, no wrecks or injuries tied to the bug, but Toyotas playing it safe, practically begging drivers not to drag their feet on the software patch. Kinda wild, isnt it? Cars now run on more code than a Silicon Valley startup, and when it hiccups, suddenly youve got a million-vehicle problem. Toyotas sweating alongside regulators to sort it out, but good luck explaining this one to customers who thought their ride was smarter than this. Join our Newsletter, subscribe to our YouTube page, and follow us on Facebook. A shocking case from China has drawn major public attention. A man conspired with his cousin to kill his own 7-year-old son for insurance money. The incident happened in 2020. But, its details have recently been revealed. The man, identified as Zhang, had constant fights with his wife over money problems and her alleged affair. Angry and distressed, he decided to murder their child to claim a large insurance payout, the South China Morning Post reported. Also Read | US man executed for 1979 killing of 6-year-old girl abducted from her bedroom Zhang contacted his cousin, a truck driver, because the truck owner had taken out two big insurance policies. He thought it could be used to cover a staged accident. In October 2020, Zhang parked his car on a roadside with his son seated inside. He then told the boy to stand near the vehicle. At that moment, the cousin drove a truck straight into the parked car, killing the child on the spot. Zhang pretended to be heartbroken and cried while holding his sons body when police reached the scene, according to SCMP. The cousin told officers he had been distracted by his phone and did not see the car. Zhang hid the fact that they were related. Also Read | JDU candidate Anant Singh arrested in connection with murder of Dularchand Yadav Months later, Zhang collected 180,000 yuan (nearly 22.5 lakh) as insurance compensation and shared 30,000 yuan ( 3.75 lakh) with his cousin. The cousin initially received a suspended sentence for the accident. He was ordered to compensate the family with one million yuan ( 1.25 crore). Most of it was paid by the insurer. The total compensation was nearly 1.5 crore. Twist in the tale The situation took a turn when it was discovered that the cousin had forged his transport licence. He was not legally certified to drive the truck. As a result, the insurer refused to pay. The court then directed the truck owner, Luo, to compensate the family instead. Also Read | Nithari killings case: Supreme Court acquits Surinder Koli in last pending case Shocked, Luo contacted the police and revealed that another man, Ye, knew about Zhangs plan. Ye stayed silent out of fear. Police investigated further, the publication added. Eventually, Zhang and his cousin were arrested. The murder plot was exposed. The cousin was later sentenced to death with a two-year reprieve, which means the execution is suspended for two years. On paper, Bihars economic performance has been decent. Its economy has grown 3.5 times from 2.5 trillion in 2011-12 to 8.5 trillion in 2023-24. Per capita income has grown eight times between 2004-05 and 2023-24. But on the ground, the state remains one of Indias poorest. Its performance on human development factors is worrisome and pulls down Indias overall score. The state is unable to provide employment to its youth and remains the largest supplier of labour to other states and even other nations. This is the case because Bihar has not experienced industrialisation like many other states have done or progressed economically. With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) poised to win an impressive mandate in the state assembly elections and retain power, the time is right to undertake large-scale industrialisation in Bihar. It may not be easy. Agriculture still accounts for 76% of employment in the state. Manufacturing plays a small role, contributing just 7.6% the the gross state domestic product (GSDP). Also Read | Four charts that show how Bihar fared on major economic indicators Lack of infrastructure and a proper ecosystem that manufacturing needs have prevented industrialisation of the state. Many years ago, a leading Tamil Nadu-based sugar mill got a licence to set up a sugar mill in Bihar. It made perfect business sense. With a good diurnal temperature (difference between the peak and low temperature during the day), sugarcane cultivated in Bihar had a very high recovery rate (percentage of sucrose content in the cane). This meant higher output at a low cost. But the project never really took off as the entrepreneur concerned soon realised that the area allotted for the sugar mill had no road infrastructure to transport the sugar that will be produced. For reasons best known to the policy makers there, no sincere effort was made to develop them. They instead chose to offer the electorate freebies and tall promises. Even in this election, Rashtriya Janata Dal leader Tejashwi Yadav promised to offer one government job per family in a bid to regain power. However attractive that promise appeared, the people of the state seem to have ignored it, if the results are any indication. If the NDA wants to offer Bihar a real return gift, it must begin with rapid industrialisation of the state. This would involve a huge investment in infrastructure, identifying sectors that suit Bihar and putting in place investor-friendly policies. Human resource development needs to be reimagined. Bihar needs to come up with a compelling offer to draw investors. It is not something that has not been attempted before. The BJP, after coming to power in Odisha, another labour-intensive state, has rolled out policies for large-scale industrialisation of the state. That the state has skilled its workers effectively has helped. Today, the states bureaucracy is tuned to attracting investments in a diversified manner. A mineral-rich Odisha is now seeking non-mineral investments, and industrial clusters are being developed across the state for uniform development. The answer to that question must be a resounding No. Yet Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, eager to project strength, have raised fears that they may be moving to revive the dangerous practice. While the significance of testing nuclear weapons dwindled over 60 years ago, the terrifying circumstances that brought that era to a close should remain top of mind, reminding leaders why using nuclear testing to gain a strategic advantage is a terrible idea. Thanks to Hollywood, many audiences know something about the dawn of the nuclear age. Led by physicist J. Robert Oppenheimer, a crack team of eccentric geniuses housed at Los Alamos, New Mexico, built and tested the first atomic bomb in 1945. It led Oppenheimer to recall a line from the Hindu sacred text, The Bhagavad Gita: Now I am become death, the destroyer of worlds." Although the atomic scientists who followed Oppenheimer lacked his literary sensibilities, they took world-destroying quite seriously. Teams in the US and the Soviet Union competed to build and test ever-larger bombs in a blatantly obvious effort at intimidating the other side. The US went first, forcing the indigenous people of Bikini Atoll to relocate so that it could detonate bombs in the Marshall Islands in 1946. Radioactive debris rained down on the sailors sent to watch the tests. They absorbed dangerous doses of radiation, as did many of the native islanders living in the area, inaugurating a multigenerational legacy of cancers and birth defects. Nevada, where the military began above-ground tests in 1951, was no better. Here, too, the federal government confiscated land owned by indigenous peoples and placed soldiers far too close to the detonation sites. In subsequent decades, their bodies would be plagued by cancers and other maladies born of their fateful exposure. Back in the Marshall Islands, the US began testing a new generation of nuclear weapons that used conventional fission bombs to detonate a much larger, fusion, or hydrogen bomb. These experiments went terribly awry during the infamous Castle Bravo test of 1954. The bomb in question was supposed to generate the equivalent of five to six megatonnes of TNT. Thanks to some serious miscalculations, though, the explosion clocked in at 15 megatonnes, or 1,000 times the size of the bomb dropped on Hiroshima. The explosion sucked up 10 million tonnes of sand and pulverized coral, creating a massive fallout cloud that fell on islanders, US military personnel, and even Japanese fishing vessels 80 miles east of the test site. This was what historian Alex Wellerstein has described as the greatest single radiological disaster in American history." It also holds the record of being the biggest nuclear test ever conducted by the US. And it might have remained the biggest test ever had it not been for the Soviet Union. After World War II, the Communist nation worked desperately to build and test its own bomb, terrified of what might happen if it failed. Indeed, a Russian nuclear scientist who attended the Bikini test in 1946 claimed that the purpose of the demonstration had been to frighten the Soviets." Thanks to atomic spy Klaus Fuchs, the Soviets managed to detonate their first atomic weapon in 1949. Still, they spent much of the next decade playing catch-up, countering progressively larger tests with their own demonstrations. Premier Nikita Khrushchev, eager to pull ahead, approved a top-secret project to build the biggest nuclear weapon in human history. It was known as Kuzmas mother, an allusion to a Russian idiom that basically means: Well show you!" When completed in 1961, Kuzmas mother also known as the Tsar Bomba or the King of Bombs was the size of a school bus and weighed 25 tonnes. It was too big to fit into any of the Soviet bomber aircraft, so the military removed the bomb bay doors on a Tupolev TU-95 and strapped it to the bottom of the plane. On 31 October 1961, the TU-95 left a Russian airfield bound for Novaya Zemlya, a collection of islands above the Arctic Circle; a separate plane containing a film crew accompanied it. They departed not knowing if they would return home: authorities had given the planes a 50/50 chance of surviving the shock wave. When they reached the target location, the bomber dropped its lethal package. The bomb, fitted with a parachute to slow its descent and give the planes time to escape, floated downward until it reached 4,000 metres before exploding. The blast, which could be seen more than 1,000km away, registered at 57 megatonnes, 10 times more powerful than all the bombs and ordnance used in World War II. Had any human been within 62 miles of the epicentre (there werent any), they would have been immediately vaporized or have suffered third-degree burns. The shock wave shattered windows 560 miles away. Also Read | Political atavism: Global diplomacy hath taken a medieval turn The test inflamed Cold War tensions, and a year later, the world came dangerously close to complete annihilation during the Cuban Missile Crisis. In its wake, saner heads began to prevail, and the US and Soviet Union signed the Partial Test Ban Treaty in 1963, which moved nuclear testing underground, where it became less of a provocation. A complete test ban followed 30 years later, aided by the fact that computer modeling has effectively made nuclear testing obsolete. Trump and Putin now seem inclined to take us back to the bad old days of nuclear testing out of some misguided belief that its an effective way to assert dominance over adversaries. History already shows how that story ends. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist. Sceptics may dismiss the cathartic effect of GenAI therapy as a digital placebo, or clever illusion spun by next-word prediction models. Emily M. Bender, a professor of linguistics at the University of Washington, and her colleagues famously described language models as stochastic (probabilistic) parrots." Yet, for millions of lonely users, AI chatbots and mental health apps offer affordable, non-judgemental, round-the-clock companionship. Therapy and companionship now top the ways people use GenAI, wrote Filtered.com co-founder Marc Zao-Sanders in Harvard Business Review. His report analysed discussions on Reddit and other online communities. Similarly, a September MIT Media Lab paper My Boyfriend is AI noted that Character.AI handles companion interactions equivalent to some 20,000 requests every second, and that sexual role-playing was ChatGPTs second-most common use case. Elon Musks Grok already has a goth-anime adult bot named Ani. And OpenAI plans to permit erotic content for verified adult ChatGPT users. Morality is subjective in a cultural and religious context, but simulated empathy can feel real even as programmed consent is unreal. This makes AI therapy suspect. A 2025 Stanford study warns that AIs mimicry of intimacy can blur fantasy and reality, particularly for teens. It can get weirder as humanalgorithm bonds deepen. Also Read | The chatbot boom may be fading as firms seek safer, more focused AI Just this week, a 32-year-old Japanese woman broke her engagement with her human partner to marry an AI character built on ChatGPT. But AI bots cannot be legal spouses. And what if the behaviour of the bot changes after a model upgrade, or it simply vanishes if its maker shuts shop? Given their deep bonds with these bots, some users may sink into depression and even attempt suicide. Who, then, will be held responsible? In August, the parents of a 16-year-old filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, alleging that its chatbot isolated their son and helped plan his suicide. OpenAI now is battling seven such cases. However comforting they sound, the efficacy of digital counsellors remains scientifically unproven. Hence, monetizing AI intimacy too raises an ethical concern. Replika Pro, Soulmate AI and DreamGF already charge monthly fees for romantic or erotic chats. Grand View Research expects the AI therapy market to hit $5 billion by 2030 from $1.13 billion in 2023. Given the complexity, AI therapy needs global and local guardrails coupled with a human touch. OpenAI, for instance, plans to add age-gating for erotic content, but admits detection isnt foolproof. It also has an Expert Council on Well-Being and AI comprising psychologists and psychiatrists. China has banned AI-generated erotic content, while EUs upcoming AI Act (2026) may classify erotic AI as high-risk," requiring consent checks and human oversight. The US and India prioritise data protection over sexual content. India even banned 25 OTT platforms in July for obscenity. But overregulation can drive users underground. Also Read | Dont hand over your thinking brain to your AI assistant In the movie Her, a lonely Theodore Twombly (played by Joaquin Phoenix) falls for his AI assistant, Samantha (she uses Scarlett Johanssons voice). The MIT Media Lab researchers note in their paper that Her is here," not as one sentient AI, but as countless daily interactions between humans and algorithms. The real question, they believe, isnt whether AI relationships are real," but whether they help humans flourish despite flaws. Policymakers might want to consider this perspective too. Suggesting that fossil fuels will stick around for a long time remains taboo in the energy debate. In climate change gatherings, the world has agreed to consign coal to history and transition away from oil and natural gas. It has signalled, too, the beginning of the end of the fossil-fuel era and a swift transition to renewables. Thats all very well meaning but theres a problem: With apologies to Margaret Thatcher, fossil fuels are not for turning. Just two years ago, the International Energy Agency (IEA) unequivocally said that fossil-fuel demand would peak before the end of this decade. It was a black-and-white statement that left no wiggle room. The world is on the cusp of a historic turning point," IEA Executive Director Fatih Birol said at the time, adding: This is the first time that a peak in demand is visible for each fuel this decadeearlier than many people anticipated." The message won accolades from green campaigners and shocked the energy establishment. But it was premature, in part because it didn't anticipate an obvious flaw: governments backpedaling on their clean-energy commitments. Also Read | Climate talks: Fossil fuel lobbyists should be kept off the high table Thus, the IEA is now in retreat. The agency, whose analysis is closely followed, isn't so sure anymore about a peak. Maybe coal will reach a zenith, but oil may not, and gas certainly wont. And when, and if, fossil-fuel demand eventually tops out, it will do so at a higher level than the agency anticipated, in some cases barely showing any reduction from todays consumption levels. The flip-flopping has damaged the agency's reputation, perhaps irreparably. It could have been avoided by sticking to the unsexy basics: providing boring, data-driven analysis exploring all the possibilities rather than a narrow set of outcomes. The focus should be on what's actually occurring rather than on what governments, subject to voter pressure, say they hope will happen. So whats happening? The IEA gets it right this time. The world remains thirsty for energy," it says in the 2025 edition of its flagship report, the World Energy Outlook, published 12 November. At the same time, there is less momentum than before behind national and international efforts to reduce emissions," it adds. In an earlier draft, the IEA appropriately put the blame where it lays, citing a great emphasis in some countries, notably in the United States, on preserving the energy status quo rather than changing it." That wording didnt survive the drafting process; we can only wonder who Tipp-exed it out. The biggest obstacle is that electricity demand is exploding as the world moves to electrify everything. Out go gasoline cars, in come electric vehicles; out go gas boilers, in come heat pumps, and so on. Add new power needs, from cooling and water desalination to data centers, and the growth pace is unprecedented," Birol told me in an interview. Solar and wind are making a huge effort to meet a significant chunk of the incremental demand, but nuclear, coal and gas are still needed. And oil keeps growing. Put together, that means that the energy transition is, for now at least, one of addition rather than substitution, where renewable sources of energy top up fossil fuels rather than replacing them. To be sure, addition and substitution are two phases of any transition; the former is a prerequisite step to achieve the latter. But what the IEA is mapping out now suggests the addition phase may last for 25-plus years. Also Read | Why a green energy transition is critical for Asias economic growth Every year, the IEA tries to imagine the future of energy, making huge assumptions about economic development, population growth, political will, technological developments and prices. While the exercise is quite useful, it doesnt come remotely close to being a forecast. The agency long used a baseline model, the Current Policy Scenario (CPS), but it had significant shortcomings: Historically, it undercounted solar and wind power and over-estimated fossil fuels. Thus, in 2020, the IEA discontinued it, in part due to pressure from green campaigners, effectively replacing it with a Stated Policies Scenario (STEPS) including policy proposals, even if the specific measures needed to put these proposals into effect have yet to be fully developed." Also Read | CoP-30: Why we can count on innovation to lead our battle against climate change In short, it mixed policy with political promises. It added another, called Net Zero Emissions (NZE), which mapped what would be needed to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. Starting in 2023, that renewed emphasis on political ambitions shifted the path for fossil-fuel demandand carbon-dioxide emissionsto predict peak consumption by 2029. This year, the IEA has revived its CPSin part due to pressure from the Trump administration. The scenario shows that neither oil nor gas demand would peak until, at the earliest, 2050. Even the new edition of the STEPS scenario doesnt show a zenith this decade anymore for oil and gas. Instead, the high point for oil demand is delayed one year, from before 2030" to around 2030," and gas keeps growing until 2035. Also Read | Take states on board in Indias green electricity planning Peak consumption has become the Holy Grail of the energy debate. But the precise year when it arrives is far less important than the shape of the consumption curve before and after its reached. Focusing on the path, rather than the summit, is crucial to understanding where the world is heading. For oil, those curves show demand remaining not far from todays levels of about 100 million barrels a day. Consumption may grow a bit, reaching nearly 113 million barrels a day by 2050 under CPS, or it may drop a bit to 97 million barrels a day under STEPS; but it wont collapse in the off-a-cliff- trajectory that green campaigners hope for. To me, thats the most important message of this weeks report: Fossil fuel demand remains entrenched. Now that we know where were going, we can have a sensible debate about the benefitsand costsof changing course. Bloomberg The author is a Bloomberg Opinion columnist covering energy and commodities. New Delhi: The National Democratic Alliance is set to return to power in Bihar with an even bigger majority, but the next state government will take office amid tightening fiscal constraints, sharply limiting its ability to deliver on expansive election promises such as 10 million jobs and seven new expressways. The state has a revenue base of 2.4 trillion to 2.6 trillion, but nearly 60% of its revenue receipts are pre-committed to salaries, pensions and interest payments, shows government data. The state's fiscal deficit in FY26 is targeted at Centres 3% cap, assuming a 10% decrease in revenue expenditure and a 7% decline in capital outlay over the revised estimates of FY25, according to PRS Legislative Research, a non-profit that analyzes government budgets. This severely restricts room for discretionary spending on new welfare schemes, government hiring or capital-intensive projects, according to experts. Even recent boosts from the Centre offer only partial relief. The 15th Finance Commission raised Bihars share of central taxes from 9.665% to 10.058% for 2021-26, factoring in population, disparity and economic performance, and provided grants for rural local bodies for 2024-25 and 2025-26. But these inflows are modest compared to the scale of the commitments in the NDAs Sankalp Patra or manifesto for the Bihar elections. Also Read | Bihar elections: A primer for the next government to jumpstart the state Promises vs reality The manifesto promises 10 million jobs, seven new expressways, several upgraded airports, and large agricultural and women-focused livelihood programmes. Converting these promises into deliverable programmes will require unprecedented financial engineering, heavy central assistance, and strong administrative capacity, experts said. The NDAs sweeping victory will provide Bihar with political stability and closer alignment with the Centre, substantially improving the prospects of delivering large-scale infrastructure and welfare commitments, including 10 million jobs, multiple expressways and airports, and major women-focused livelihood programmes," said Manoranjan Sharma, chief economist at Infomeics Ratings Ltd, a credit rating agency. However, translating these ambitious promises, especially the 10 million jobs pledge, into sustained economic gains will demand careful sequencing, substantial central and PPP (public-private partnership) financing, strict fiscal discipline, and strong administrative capacity," Sharma said. Otherwise, the state risks rolling out costly, short-duration schemes that could deepen fiscal stress. There are significant implementation challenges: land acquisition, environmental clearances, project management capacity, and the broader issue of prioritising quality over quantity in new employment." Sharma warned that without strong private-sector integration, many of the promised jobs may end up being low-wage or temporary ones, or tied to asset-creation schemes with limited long-term impact. Ultimately, delivery at this scale will hinge on large central inflows, robust private investment, innovative financing models, and prudent fiscal management since the commitments far exceed Bihars current fiscal capacity," he added. The economic pressure will be particularly severe from infrastructure promises. Expressways cost 150-200 crore per kilometre, so seven new corridors are far beyond what Bihar can fund from its own capital outlay and borrowing limits, according to PRS. Airport upgrades and agricultural infrastructure expansion would add more fiscal strain. Implementing these at scale would depend on central co-financing, PPPs, special purpose vehicles (SPVs) and concessional loans, each of which is vulnerable to delays due to land acquisition challenges, weak contractor capacity, and project governance issues long associated with the state, said experts. Also Read | In charts: How NDA is on its way to winning big in Bihar Government hiring is constrained as well. The 10 million jobs target rests on a combination of government recruitment, private-sector placements, and self-employment schemes. But even modest additions to the state payroll would lock Bihar into decades-long salary and pension obligations. Budget data from PRS Legislative Research shows committed expenditure accounted for 40-65% of revenue receipts in recent years, leaving limited space for recurring liabilities without new taxes, offsetting cuts or higher borrowing. The states administrative churn compounds its fiscal strain. A PRS analysis showed that over 2020-25, almost 60 elected representatives served as ministers, with around 20 departments headed by four or more ministers. Portfolios such as tourism, law, disaster management, and revenue & land reforms had six or more ministers each. Only the chief minister and two others held their posts over the full five-year term. Meanwhile, 84% of ministers from the legislative assembly and two from the legislative council are re-contesting this election, signalling both continuity and volatility in the administrative framework, according to PRS. Fundamental change in mindset Nishant Kumar, associate professor, centre for political studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, cited the announcement of schemes worth 4 trillion in the past few months as the reason for Bihar again showing faith in the NDA. This has brought a fundamental change in the mindset of Bihars people," he said, underscoring the expectations from the next government. The real game-changer is the 10,000 given to women of the state to become economically independent," Kumar said. Nitish Kumar has been working on schemes for women's empowerment since 2006. The current measure actually hit the right chord with women voters. It has been very successful in consolidating the vote behind the NDA." Amit Kr. Singh, associate professor, special centre for national security studies at Jawaharlal Nehru University, said, The results in Bihar are along expected lines, and continuation of the government there will help the state emerge stronger, both politically and economically, at the national level." Citing that India is the only economy globally that is showing consistent growth despite prevailing global headwinds and geopolitical disturbances, Singh said, Bihar could also take advantage of this to grow its own manufacturing and emerge as a major national hub. This time, there will be a definite change in the way Bihar gains its importance nationally." Also Read | Four charts that show how Bihar fared on major economic indicators President Donald Trump is expected to reach an agreement with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman that would allow the kingdom to purchase F-35 stealth planes, according to an administration official. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet made public, said Trump and the crown prince known as MBS intend to sign economic and defense agreements during a visit to the White House scheduled for Tuesday. Those agreements will also include a deal on purchases of liquefied natural gas, the official added, without providing more details. The sale of F-35s, if completed, would be a major concession to Saudi Arabia as Washington and Riyadh look to deepen their ties and as Trump presses the country to join the Abraham Accords and normalize relations with Israel. The Saudis have been seeking to purchase F-35 planes, which are made by Lockheed Martin Corp. and are among the worlds most advanced jets, according to officials familiar with the negotiations. The jets cost about $100 million each. There have been signs that Trump is willing to sign off on a purchase, despite some major stumbling blocks. One sticking point is that Israel is the only state in the Middle East that has the fighter jets and is eager to protect that monopoly, which it says provides a crucial edge for its security. A Pentagon report raised concerns that China could acquire the planes advanced technology if a sale to Saudi Arabia was approved, citing Beijings defense ties with Riyadh, the New York Times reported. A potential F-35 sale is one of a number of issues that Trump and MBS are expected to address during the visit, with access to artificial intelligence chips and nuclear technology, the future of Gaza and the issue of Saudi relations with Israel also high on the agenda. The relationship between the US and Saudi Arabia was strained following the murder of newspaper columnist Jamal Khashoggi in 2018, but Trump has looked to cultivate a close relationship with the crown prince. The White House did not respond to a request for comment. 2025 Bloomberg L.P. This summer, the cybersecurity firm Volexity spotted China-backed hackers using AI-tools to automate parts of a hacking campaign against corporations, research institutions and nongovernmental agencies. The hackers were using LLMs to determine who they should target, how to craft their phishing emails and how to write the malicious software they used to infect their victims, said Steven Adair, Volexitys president. AI is empowering the threat actor to do more, quicker, he said. Microsoft has announced a new initiative called Project Gecko to create cost-effective, tailorable AI systems for communities that are typically underrepresented in typical AI training data. While generative AI powers many of the powerful new tools and apps, Microsoft says that the new technology performs poorly in many languages and does not reflect the social and cultural realities of every population The tech giant says that its new Project Gecko addresses these challenges by focusing on equitable and inclusive AI development. Ashley Llorens, Corporate Vice President and Managing Director, Microsoft Research Accelerator in a blog about the new project said,Building AI systems from the ground up, shaped by the knowledge, languages, and modalities of the global majority, yields more innovative, useful solutions for a great number of people. This is a crucial step in our progress toward adapting and deploying AI widely in low-resource settings. What is Project Gecko? Project Gecko is aimed at building AI systems which utilize local languages, culturally sensitive content, and multimodal engagement via text, voice, and video. Under the new project, Microsoft has brought researchers from Microsoft Research Africa, Nairobi, Microsoft Research India, and the Microsoft Research Accelerator in the United States, along with Digital Green The company has also developeda new AI system called MMCTAgent (Multimodal Critical Thinking Agent Framework). This system analyzes inputs from speech, images, and videos in order to provides relevant, context-aware responses. Microsoft says it is designed to improve experimental frontier models by supporting domain-specific tools that extend their capabilities Since many low-cost connected devices in the Global South don't have the required computing capacity to run large language models (LLMs), Project Gecko researchers work with Small Language Models (SLMs) as well. The initial focus of Project Gecko is on small farms in India and Kenya. The Project Gecko also team plans to expand their work into healthcare, education, and retail. Microsoft says that Project Gecko technologies helped enhanced FarmerChat, a speech first AI assistant by Digital Green. Using the new technology, the goal was to help farmers use use speech or text to submit a query and receive an actionable answer with step-by-step instructions in text, voice, and relevant video in their preferred language. Tech giant Google has warned users about emerging online scams that cybercriminals are increasingly using artificial intelligence and deceptive software to target consumers. Published on November 6, the update outlines several faster-growing threats, such as malicious VPN apps, emerging as a dangerous trend. How VPN apps are emerging as a major threat? According to the latest report from Google, hackers are disguising harmful software as trusted virtual private network (VPN) tools to infiltrate user devices. These affected apps are frequently imitating popular VPN brands or using aggressive social-engineering tactics. This includes sexually suggestive ads or fear-based messaging linked to geopolitical events, to deceive users into installing them. After the users download these malicious apps, the fraudulent VPNs are capable of delivering a range of dangerous malware, such as information-stealers, remote access trojans and banking trojans. Google adds that hackers can even access the users browsing history and crucial credentials. View full Image Google urged users to enable Google Play Protect, noting that its enhanced fraud-protection pilot can automatically help users to block the installation of highly risky apps, obtained through sideloading from browsers, messaging apps or file managers. ( Google ) How does Google plan to fight fake VPN apps? The California-based company highlighted in its report that Android and Google Play now rely heavily on machine-learning to detect such harmful apps. It also urged users to enable Google Play Protect, noting that its enhanced fraud-protection pilot can automatically help users to block the installation of highly risky apps, obtained through sideloading from browsers, messaging apps or file managers. Sharp increase in online job scams Google reports a sharp increase in scams targeting job seekers. Criminal groups are creating convincing replicas of recruitment websites, fake government job notices and fraudulent recruiter profiles. Victims are typically asked to pay upfront fees or to share sensitive documents during sham video interviews. Some are tricked into installing malicious interview software that compromises their devices and corporate networks. The company noted that its Misrepresentation policy prohibits such fraudulent ads and said tools like Gmail phishing detection, Messages Scam Detection and 2-Step Verification offer added protection. Extortion through fake negative reviews Businesses are also being hit with review-bombing campaigns designed to force them into paying extortion fees. After flooding a business profile with false one-star ratings, scammers reach out privately and threaten further damage unless money is paid. Google Maps is rolling out new reporting mechanisms to help merchants flag extortion attempts directly. View full Image After flooding a business profile with false one-star ratings, scammers reach out privately and threaten further damage unless money is paid. ( AI-generated graphic ) AI product impersonation scams intensify With interest in AI tools at an all-time high, criminals are impersonating popular services to lure users into downloading harmful apps, fleeceware subscriptions or credential-stealing extensions. Fake offers of free or exclusive access are heavily promoted through hijacked social-media accounts, cloaked ads and malicious code repositories. Also Read | Sam Altman clarifies OpenAI wont seek government bailouts for datacentres Google said its Play Store and Chrome Web Store enforcement teams continue to remove apps that mimic legitimate AI products, while Safe Browsings AI-powered protections warn users of risky downloads in real time. Fraud recovery scams target previous victims Individuals who have already lost money to scams are being approached again by fraudsters posing as investigators, government agencies or law firms claiming they can recover stolen funds. These operations often rely on convincing websites or AI-generated documents and demand upfront fees. Google highlighted that scam-notification tools in Messages and the Phone app provide early warnings before conversations become risky. Also Read | Anthropic says Chinese group misused its Claude AI to run major cyberattack Holiday shopping scams expected to climb As Black Friday and Cyber Monday approach, Google anticipates a spike in fake online shops, misleading discounts and phishing messages masquerading as delivery updates. New protections have been introduced for Pixel 9 users who opt into Enhanced Protection in Chrome, using on-device Gemini models to detect threats. Credit: Canton Repository Its no secret that Pat McAfee plays by a different set of rules than most ESPN talent. In fact, according to Sage Steele, when it comes to the former All-Pro punters role at the network, the Worldwide Leader is effectively helpless. Appearing on Fearless with Jason Whitlock, Steele discussed the fallout from McAfee interviewing President Donald Trump on the Veterans Day episode of his eponymous daily show. But when asked whether ESPN would be able to exercise more control over the West Virginia product if he operated out of Bristol, the ex-SportsCenter anchor said that its already become clear how much leverage McAfee possesses over her former employer. Specifically, Steele noted the former Indianapolis Colt punter not facing any punishment after referring to now-former ESPN executive Norby Williamson as a rat and Williamson then leaving the network a few months later. That was all the evidence the 52-year-old needed to know the nature of the Disney companys relationship with McAfee, who has been licensing his daily show to ESPN since 2023. For that to happen and there be no whether everybody agrees or not when you rip an executive, name drop and call him names and nothing happens, you know that you have full control, she said. Steele proceeded to layout a hypothetical scenario in which McAfee asked for permission to interview Trump and was told no, laughing off such a possibility. She also noted the College GameDay stars commentary regarding Disneys ongoing carriage negotiations with YouTube TV as further evidence that he cant be tamed by the network. That man has no rules, she said. And I think its hysterical because Im picturing being a fly on the wall watching the executives meltdown as this interview happened yesterday. But they could not tell him no. Steele isnt the first person to call attention to the one-sided nature of McAfees relationship with ESPN, as Dan Le Batard has previously pointed out that the network licensing his show thus not making him a traditional ESPN employee gives the 38-year-old all the leverage in their dynamic. Still, more than two years into the five-year deal, the setup still remains jarring for many especially for ex-ESPN talent who were accustomed to operating under much stricter guidelines. When ChatGPT first launched in late 2022, the big debate was how one would differentiate between AI-written and human-written content. Since then, users have found that AI tools leave a lot of tells that clearly differentiate them from human content, and perhaps the most prominent among them is the excessive use of em dashes. The problem that occurred with ChatGPT and other AI tools continued to persist even when users told the AI specifically not to use em dashes. However, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman now says that the company has fixed the problem and that if users tell ChatGPT not to use dashes, it will follow those instructions. Small-but-happy win: If you tell ChatGPT not to use em dashes in your custom instructions, it finally does what it's supposed to do! Altman announced in a post on X. When we told ChatGPT not to use em dashes in its responses, the chatbot finally gave a response which didnt contain any dashes. Got it! Ill stick to responses without em dashes from here on, it wrote back. However, many users replying to Altman's post revealed that ChatGPT was continuing to answer with dashes in its responses. Some other users claimed that ChatGPT listed Joe Biden as the President of the United States, highlighting the problem of hallucination that has affected AI chatbots for a long time. OpenAI brings group chats to ChatGPT: Meanwhile, OpenAI announced today that it is bringing Group Chats to ChatGPT, adding a social component to the popular chatbot. The feature works similarly to WhatsApp Groups, but users now also have ChatGPT in those conversations to act as a mediator or explore new things together. Users can share a link with their friends, and up to 20 people can join through it. However, the feature is still in pilot stage and OpenAI is only rolling it out to select markets at first, with plans to expand coverage in the future. View full Image ChatGPT Group chats The much-awaited third season of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives puts Jessi Draper Ngatikaura at the center of the drama. Her emotional affair with a cast member from Vanderpump Villa dominates the storyline, creating tension in her marriage to Jordan Ngatikaura. Its one thing to go through that privately, but now were opening the wounds publicly, and everyone has an opinion, Jessi told Deadline. Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiered on 13 November. It was definitely really hard, but it was also freeing to tell my story and have my friends on the show there for me, Jessi added. Drama, road trips, and festival fun Apart from Jessi, the rest of the cast also faces challenges this season. Taylor Frankie Paul, Layla Taylor, Miranda McWhorter, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, and Whitney Leavitt bring drama, road trips, lie detector tests, and festival adventures to the screen this time around. Taylor Frankie Paul, dealing with earlier mental health struggles, returns stronger and is set to become the next Bachelorette. Season 1 aired 14 months ago and our lives have changed so much in a year. Taylor getting The Bachelorette is huge for her and for all of us, Jessi said while talking about her friend. From reality TV to Disney stardom Season 3 also follows cast members beyond Hulu. Jen Affleck and Whitney Leavitt joined Dancing With the Stars, balancing motherhood and competition. Affleck said, The fact that I was able to pursue a dream and share my story on a bigger platform meant everything to me. Producers highlight that the show is different from typical reality TV. These ladies dont need alcohol to speak their minds, said executive producer Jeff Jenkins. Theyre very opinionated, and their personalities carry the story. Faith, friendship, and future seasons The series blends faith with modern life dilemmas, making it relatable to many viewers. Although the show has not been officially renewed for Season 4 yet, Hulu plans to continue exploring the cast and potential spinoffs. Were always together, so filming just feels like part of our lives. Its fun, its intense, and its real, Jessi said. With marriages tested, friendships evolving, and cast members dancing and dating across Disney platforms, the Mormon wives are swinging back onto screens with drama, heart, and plenty of surprises. Also Read: Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman to be honoured with posthumous star on Hollywood Walk of Fame FAQs 1. When does Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives premiere? Season 3 of The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is now streaming on Hulu, featuring the casts personal drama, friendships, and new adventures. 2. Who are the main cast members in Season 3? These include Jessi Draper Ngatikaura, Taylor Frankie Paul, Layla Taylor, Miranda McWhorter, Demi Engemann, Jen Affleck, Mayci Neeley, Mikayla Matthews, and Whitney Leavitt. Attorneys for Tennessee death row inmate Harold Wayne Nichols are asking the governor to convert his sentence to life imprisonment with just a month until his scheduled Dec. 11 execution date The oldest ever recruit to graduate from the Garda College has encouraged other people his age to go for it. Jeremiah Bourke, 51, said he wanted to join the gardai when he was younger but missed the opportunity. He said he recognises it is going to be a tough job, but said: Youre never too old. If youre able, why not? Give it a go. Id say to anybody out there, if you want to go for it go for it. He added: Ive done it, anyone can do it. Mr Bourke said he had always had hope that he could become a garda, so re-applied when the recruiting age limit increased from 35 to 50 at the start of last year. He was within that age range when he applied. I was in the retail business and wanted to give that a chance, but unfortunately as time goes fast the closing date for the competition passed me by. He added: I didnt miss the bus time and here I am attesting today at a later stage. He said it was not easy and a bit daunting to go through the training alongside younger recruit, but said he was supported by his wife and two children as well as all those at the College. He was one of 194 gardai attesting from the Templemore Garda College in Co Tipperary on Friday. Among them, Garda Amy Ni Riada was eager to get stuck in after trading in a career in the media to join An Garda Siochana. The former RTE journalist, from Castleisland in Co Kerry, said she developed a taste for working in high-pressure environments and a role with variety. She was inspired to join the gardai seeing the response to the November 2023 riots in Dublin. It was an eye opener for me that I wanted to be stuck in and got involved in that way. Ms Ni Riada, who will be stationed in Midleton, Co Cork, also said being in An Garda Siochana was perfect for her desire to work with the most vulnerable people in society, having previously reported on climate change, social issues and violence against women in east Africa. They were among 164 new gardai and 17 garda reserves attesting from the Garda College in Templemore on Friday. It is the largest single attestation of new gardai since 2019 and the college will also see its largest class of recruits in a decade enter next week. Garda Kristina Courtney also left a career in communications and media production to join the gardai. She said she was inspired to join after getting an insight into the operations of An Garda Siochana by working on RTEs Crimecall programme. Part of her role involved making actors look like the bad guys. Asked how she felt about dealing with real bad guys, she replied: Im up for the challenge. Dubliner Adam ORourke said he joined An Garda Siochana because he wanted a career where he could help people and challenge himself. Garda ORourke, from Walkinston, previously served with the Defence Forces in Lebanon. Now being stationed in Blackrock, Dublin, he said he was happy to start making a difference in the community: It is a fantastic day, I couldnt be happier. Speaking at the Garda College, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: It is a great honour to be here in Templemore today to witness the continued growth of An Garda Siochana and to welcome its newest members. Over a hundred years after it was first established, An Garda Siochana continues to thrive because it grows and adapts with the times. Of the 194 attesting on Friday, 137 are men and 57 are women and the new probationers will be assigned to divisions across the country by the Garda Commissioner. Of the new gardai, 87 will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 47 going to the Southern Region, 39 to the Eastern Region and 21 to North Western Region. Commissioner Justin Kelly met some of those graduating and, speaking at the ceremony, said: Today is a proud day. A day to celebrate with your family and loved ones. A day to take stock of all it has taken to get you to this point. Today marks the start of your new career in An Garda Siochana. International travel is easier than ever. Offline translation and navigation apps are readily available, and booking flights and accommodations can be done online from the comfort of your home. Still, youll need internet access upon arrival to order a ride, contact your Airbnb host, update family and friends, etc. Local carriers often sell SIM cards at international airports, but these usually come with a tourist tax and limited package options. Ive been traveling from one place to another for the past five years, and Airalo is the app I always use to get instant 4G/5G cellular access as soon as I land. Heres how it works. Like with most online services, when you download the Airalo app on your iPhone for the first time, youll have to sign up with your email address. Once youre in, you can instantly start eSIM shopping. The apps main tab features a search bar, letting you quickly locate the available packages for a certain country or continent. There are also global eSIMs that work in up to 137 countries. So, whether youre touring multiple regions or heading to a single destination, you should find a package that covers your trip. The Airalo app is an indispensable tool for international travelers. Foundry After choosing the country or region, you get to view a list of available offers, which are predominantly data-only. This doesnt bother me in the slightest, as all of my contacts primarily rely on VoIP and IM apps anyway. Each pack features a specific validity period and consumption quota, and you can always top up your active plan if you need more time or data. To proceed with the purchase, you simply enter your bank card detailsand Airalo can optionally store them for faster checkouts in the future. When Im planning an international trip, I buy a compatible Airalo eSIM and install it on my iPhone before I depart. All it takes is joining a Wi-Fi network and following the straightforward on-screen instructions. Assuming you havent opted for a continental or global eSIM, your plan wont activate until you land and your iPhone automatically connects to the relevant carriers cell tower. So, you can safely install the eSIM in advance and enjoy the convenience of instant connectivity the moment your airplane lands. Ive never experienced any issues with Airalos service, and when my friend unwittingly bought a package on his incompatible Android phone (ignoring the apps multiple warnings), the company agreed to fully refund him. And thanks to their iOS widget, I can quickly glance at my Home Screen to find out how much data I still have left. Its reliable and convenient, and it spares me from needing to sign up with numerous foreign carriers and pay marked-up prices. The Animal Rescue League of Boston (ARL), one of the regions largest animal welfare organizations, has received its largest ever donation as it pursues its fundraising goals to build out a new facility and expand its operational capacities. The $2 million gift from longtime ARL supporters Arthur and Paula Rabe was announced by the organization on Nov. 13. ARL is in the process of constructing a brand new three-story, 35,000 square-foot state-of-the-art building at its 10 Chandler St. location in the South End. The project is set to cost $48 million and broke ground in June, according to ARL. With it, ARL aims to provide a veterinary hospital, an animal care and adoption center and a hub for pet owner supportive services in the center of Boston. Our Boston shelter is the heart and soul of the ARL, but it is outdated and no longer meets the standard of care that animals deserve and that we can provide, said Dr. Edward Schettino, the president and CEO of ARL, in a statement. Our new flagship facility is a crucial investment in the future of animal welfare and ensures we can meet the growing demand for low-cost, high-quality veterinary care, temporary pet housing, and expert resources that pet owners rely on, Schettino added. Schettino said that ARL is profoundly grateful for the Rabes generous donation. The Chestnut Hill couple first connected with ARL in 2007 with the adoption of their cat, Jill. They later adopted a second cat named Paul from the organization. Read More: Tom Brady claims dog Junie is clone of previous family pet ARL originally set up a fundraising campaign of $10 million, but after surpassing this goal, it has expanded its target to $12 million. ARL said it is currently 96% to goal and is now asking for the publics help to get the fundraising campaign across the finish line. Any donation to ARLs campaign will be matched up to $715,000 through a gift from the estate of benefactor Barbara Loke, the organization said. The new building is also meant to address increased demand from pet owners who are being squeezed by the housing crisis, food insecurity and the high costs of veterinary care, ARL said. At the same time, ARL aims to use its new expanded footprint for designated quarantine spaces for animals transported to Boston from out of state. Dogs and cats brought across state lines into Massachusetts must quarantine for a minimum 48-hour window upon arrival under state law, which can create an initial upfront spacing issue for large intakes of animals all at once. Read More: Alligator spotted near Charles River in Boston caught by exotic animal expert 12 1 / 12 Dogs brought to Massachusetts from Louisiana by the Animal Rescue League of Boston The organization frequently partners with the BISSELL Pet Foundation to relocate animals from higher need areas of the country, particularly the South, acting as a pressure release valve for local animal rescue organizations. The group recently received six dogs from Louisiana at its Dedham campus, including four 4-month-old puppies. Each year, ARL said that it helps more than 20,000 animals. The group is reliant upon the generosity of its supporters to fund its work as it receives no government funding. A man responsible for Boston Public Schools (BPS) bus maintenance and safety has been accused of soliciting over $870,000 in an 11-year-long bribery scheme with vendors who worked on the school buses and in bus yards. Michael Muller, 59, of Millbury, the former Director of Fleet and Facilities for the Transportation Company which manages BPS bus operations, is one of two men listed in a 21-count indictment on the case, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office. He is charged alongside John Colantuoni, 60, of Westwood, who is one of the vendors accused of paying the bribes. Colantuoni was arrested in Florida on Friday morning. Muller faces charges including five counts of soliciting and accepting bribes as an agent of BPS, five counts of conspiring to commit bribery, five counts of conspiring to commit mail fraud and four counts of extortion. Colantuoni is charged with one count of paying bribes to Muller as an agent of BPS, one count of conspiring to commit bribery, one count of conspiring to commit mail fraud and one count of obstruction of justice. The bribes, which happened between 2010 and 2021, included cash, checks, a used pickup truck worth $15,000 and $85,000 in building materials for Mullers vacation home in Rhode Island, according to the office. Muller also required one vendor to hire his adult child as an employee. Court documents describe how Muller supervised employees and vendors who worked on the BPS fleet of more than 700 school buses kept in bus yards owned by the City of Boston. Mullers job was to ensure that BPSs fleet is safe, well-maintained and ready for service on a daily basis, according to the BPS contract. His transportation company would subcontract its work to vendors who cleaned the buses, made repairs and plowed snow which Muller oversaw and vendors submitted invoices that BPS paid from its annual transportation budget funded by taxpayers. Texts between one of the vendors spanning from 2016 through 2018 revealed Muller demanding kickback payments right after checks cleared, according to the indictment. In one exchange with a vendor, Muller wrote, What time we meeting and were [sic]? We can meet on pike at rest stop if that works. Also are u giving my whole half or half of what you have? I have today off and want to do some shopping so sooner would be great. The vendor replied, Bank opens @9 am. Rest area @ Natick. Muller also conspired with another vendor to invoice $189,444 for snow removal work the vendor never performed, then have the vendor pay him most of the money, the office said. He also demanded that another vendor to pay him a 5% kickback and would receive checks made out to a landscaping company he owned for the fake invoices. Colantuoni was the president and half-owner of a construction company in Norwood. He is accused of buying the $85,000 in building materials from a lumber company for Mullers vacation home while revenues to Colantuonis company from the Transportation Company increased dramatically, the office said. Muller further tried to conceal his scheming with Colantuoni by telling the lumber company Colantuoni was his uncle. Meanwhile, Colantuoni tried to keep Mullers address off the lumber company invoices, even giving a false address to the lumber company in Falmouth, the office said. Furthermore, Colantuoni is accused of making false and misleading statements about his companys purchase of the building materials during his testimony to a grand jury. Families and taxpayers trust that the people overseeing their childrens school buses are doing the right thing, not looking for a payout. As alleged, these defendants broke that trust treating taxpayer-funded contracts as a source of illicit income and, for years, siphoning off money that should have supported students. Their alleged conduct undermines confidence in a system that families rely on every day, said U.S. Attorney Leah B. Foley. We are committed to rooting out corruption wherever it occurs and ensuring that public dollars are used for public good, Foley said. Todays arrests are shining a light on an alleged bribery and kickback scheme spearheaded by the manager of a company entrusted by Boston Public Schools to maintain its fleet of vehicles used to transport the citys most precious cargo, its children, said Ted E. Docks, Special Agent in Charge of the FBIs Boston Division. These two men stand accused of padding their income with ease, turning a tidy profit at the expense of taxpayers. Add in the allegations of extortion and obstruction of justice and youve practically got a playbook of the varied ways to violate the publics trust. Make no mistake, the FBI will continue to work with our partners to ensure those who violate their obligations to the public are brought to justice, Docks said. The announcement of the arrests came by way of the U.S. Attorneys Office, the FBI Boston Division and the IRS Criminal Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by assistant U.S. Attorney Christine Wichers. Muller will appear in Boston federal court at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, while Colantuoni will make his initial federal court appearance in Tampa, Florida on Friday. He will appear in Boston at a later date. A single Supreme Judicial Court justice appeared skeptical Thursday over a push to permanently dismiss hundreds of criminal cases, as Massachusetts grapples with a constitutional crisis affecting people charged with a crime in the state thats stretched nearly six months. The crisis began after a work stoppage over bar advocate attorneys pay left thousands of defendants without lawyers, triggering the courts emergency Lavallee protocol a safeguard that forces judges to release defendants without counsel after seven days and dismiss cases after 45. Prosecutors warned the fallout has been severe, pointing to 26 serious cases dismissed in Dorchester alone that include accusations such as the sexual assault of a 10-year-old girl, the beating of a pregnant woman and attacks involving flamethrowers, knives and fists. According to the Committee for Public Counsel Services (CPCS), those cases are among at least 800 statewide since Lavallee began that have been dismissed without prejudice, meaning the charges can be refiled. In contrast, dismissals with prejudice as the CPCS proposed in a motion to Strengthen the Lavallee Protocol filed Monday would stop prosecutors from recharging defendants for those same suspected crimes, even if attorneys become available in the future. Lawmakers tried to ease the crisis in August by passing a law to raise hourly rates for bar advocates from $65 to $85 by 2027, a move the bar advocates called a slap in the face. The number of unrepresented defendants didnt begin to fall until November, when CPCS launched an incentive program offering $2,500 for every five new cases taken through Nov. 17. That effort has helped drive the count down from more than 2,000 in October to 736 as of Monday but CPCS is arguing even stronger medicine is still needed. No doubt the incentive program has made a difference for a number of clients, and it has eased some of the strain on the system but it is a temporary measure that has not, and will not, fix the ongoing situation, CPCS spokesperson Robert McGovern told MassLive on Thursday. New cases continue to come into the system and every day there are people standing before the court with no one by their side, McGovern continued. We appreciate the Supreme Judicial Court considering the important questions that this case brings up, and we will continue to do everything in our power to make sure that every person due an attorney in Massachusetts receives the zealous representation they deserve. CPCS attorney Rebecca Jacobstein told Justice Dalila Wendlandt in the courtroom Thursday that the continued delays in appointing counsel and the resulting violations of defendants constitutional rights have become routine, leaving many people with their cases past the 45-day dismissal mark still unrepresented. But Assistant Attorney General Marina Pullerits and Suffolk County representative Elizabeth Martino argued that CPCSs request for dismissals would cause a public safety crisis. The purposes of the protocol ... are meant to be temporary and remedial. That would just be a sanction, severe sanction, instead a huge impact on safety in our communities, Martino told the courtroom. The district attorneys office filed a motion against CPCSs request late Wednesday night to put an end to Ongoing Missapplications [sic] of the Lavallee Protocol. ... Requiring dismissal with prejudice would interfere with prosecutorial discretion and the separation of powers, Pullerits argued. She added permanent dismissals were too extreme a method and should be reserved for cases of gross conduct by the government, and that the public would be at risk if serious cases cannot be re-opened. Wendlandt instructed the parties to give regular updates on efforts to address the crisis, especially as CPCS has a contractual relationship with bar advocate attorneys. Wendlandt needs to know what the advocates are doing daily, hourly, weekly to help shore up this shortage and added that if that information comes directly from the bar advocates, so much the better. Im not inviting our advocate organizations to intervene, but I am not precluding them from filing a motion to intervene, Wendlandt said. Wendlandt set a deadline for parties to file responses to the district attorney offices motion by 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 and emphasized that the court would closely monitor ongoing progress. MBTA commuter rail riders at South Station in Boston will soon pass through fare gates to enter and exit the train platforms. (Anne Brennan/MassLive) MBTA commuter rail riders passing through South Station will soon be introduced to a new fare collection system. In August, the T announced it would install fare gates at its busiest transit hub, outside the commuter rail and Amtrak platforms. The gates are expected to begin collecting fares in December, an agency spokesperson confirmed. Similar to the MBTAs subway lines, riders will need to scan a ticket to access the platforms. However, unlike on the subway, they will also need to scan their ticket to exit. Commuter rail fare gates will also not accept tap-to-pay from a credit or debit card, phone or watch, as the subway and buses do. Still, the MBTA has said the new fare collection system will have minimal impact on riders trips. Fare gates have already been used at the commuter rails North Station platforms for about three years. The MBTA also says it plans to install them at Ruggles and Back Bay stations by early next year. At South Station, the agency held off installing the gates during the construction of a skyscraper above the station, MBTA General Manager Phillip Eng told the agencys board last year. That building project was completed in September. At the same board meeting, transit officials said they estimated that 25% of fares are not collected on commuter rail trains operating out of South Station. The T estimated in 2019 that it was losing $10 million to $20 million in revenue from uncollected commuter rail fares, or between 4% and 8% of potential revenue. The industry standard is 3%, in even the most airtight, gated systems, the agency said. The public has a right to expect us to do our part and to ensure revenue is collected, Eng said in August when the T announced the South Station fare gates. These fares support our operations budget and are important to continuing the delivery of safe, reliable and more frequent rail service, he added. After the T launched the North Station fare gates in October 2022, riders described them as inconvenient, aggravating and a little frustrating, according to an early 2023 Boston.com article. Some people said the scanners struggled to read barcodes on smartphones, causing riders to miss their trains because lines backed up. An MBTA webpage posted last weekend but evidently taken offline, said the South Station fare gates would open during a testing phase on Dec. 15. The MBTA did not provide additional details on the timeline for the fare gate rollout or confirm whether riders would first use the gates during a testing period. December is the month we plan for the gates to be operational, a T spokesperson said in response to questions from MassLive. The agency said in August it would install 40 gates at South Station, 11 of which are wide enough to fit wheelchairs, scooters, bicycles, luggage and strollers. Even after fare gates open at South Station, riders will still need to show conductors their ticket on board their train to verify they paid for the correct trip. Riders must then keep their tickets to scan upon exiting the concourse. Though long in the works, the expansion of commuter rail fare gates comes as the MBTA has also launched a crackdown on subway fare evasion. The agency said the crackdown would eventually expand to buses and the Green Line and Mattapan Line trolleys as well. Fare evasion was decriminalized by state lawmakers in 2021, meaning violators face fines rather than criminal liability. Since September, riders who have been caught dodging the subway fare gates have been given a warning first before being issued a ticket or subsequent violations. Fines start at $50 and climb to $100 after four violations. In the first six weeks of the program, 85 riders were issued warnings, though none were fined. The New England Aquarium in Boston, Massachusetts after dark. Courtesy of New England Aquarium UPDATE: This even is sold out as of at least Nov. 15. Whether they love penguins, sea turtles or tropical fish, adults of all ages are invited to spend a night with their favorite underwater animals at the New England Aquarium in Boston later this month. The aquarium is hosting its Aquarium After Dark event on Saturday night, Nov. 22. Open only to visitors 18 years old and older, the event will allow attendees to sip and snack while surrounded by some of NEAQs most popular residents. Food service stations will offer light bites while bars will serve a selection of beer, wine, aquatic-themed cocktails and non-alcoholic drinks. The purpose of Aquarium After Dark is to help visitors see some of the few animals that are particularly active at night, such as the Giant Ocean Tanks nurse shark and green moray eel. The event will also feature several educational opportunities where attendees can learn more about NEAQs conservation work and animal care. While the aquarium has done something similar in the past, this will be the first time they host an event specifically for adults. At the moment, NEAQ plans on hosting Aquarium After Dark once unless there is an interest to have it again or regularly. The event, which is sold out as of at least Nov. 15, will be held from 7-10 p.m. on Nov. 22 at the aquarium, which is located at 1 Central Wharf in Boston. Two pours of Sam Adams Utopias at the brewery's location in Jamaica Plain. (Nick O'Malley/MassLive) BOSTON Every two years, Sam Adams puts out a beer unlike anything else on the market. Every edition is different, a one-of-a-kind blend that defies conventional beer classifications, makes credit cards tremble in fear and can have consumers rethinking what a beer is capable of. This is Sam Adams Utopias, a beer that goes so hard its basically hard liquor and is illegal in 15 states, including Vermont and New Hampshire. Utopias has a near-mythical status in Sam Adams lineup. Theres no other beer the brewery makes that is remotely comparable. Its a blend of barrel-aged beers that routinely has a sky-high ABV and a price point to match. This years edition is no different, clocking in with a $240 price tag and a record 30% ABV (alcohol by volume). Its also uncarbonated and comes in a striking ceramic bottle that looks like a copper brewing kettle. Its meant to be served in 1- to 2-ounce pours at room temperature. And after years of pining over the high-priced bottles Id see in liquor stores, I finally got to try it out while sitting down with Shelley Smith, senior manager for R&D brewing & operations. Sam Adams Utopias | Review The obvious question to ask about this beer is, Why does it cost so much money? It might even have you asking, What, is it made from gold bars and bitcoin? No, youre not really paying for the actual ingredients of the beer. Youre paying for time, which is a fundamental component of what makes this beer unique. Utopias is a strong ale in a unique category of its own, Smith says. But the magic goes well beyond the style of beer. Its the cooperation that occurs across Sam Adams locations. Utopias is initially brewed at the companys Cincinnati location. Its then transported to Pennsylvania, where Sam Adams has a cask house thats 99% devoted to aging Utopias in various barrels including bourbon, white port and scotch. Smith says Sam Adams strives to age individual vintages in barrels for at least five years. Some elements included in the blend have been barrel-aged for up to 30 years. The aged beer is then moved to the original Sam Adams brewery location in Jamaica Plain, where brewers develop and finalize the blend. For customers who do actually get their hands on it, be warned: Do not treat this like a normal beer. Treat it more like a prized whiskey. What does it taste like? Sam Adams Utopias (the 2025 edition, at least) is a boozy lightning strike of caramel, maple syrup and molasses on your tongue. It packs a sharp punch of flavor that Ive never really tasted in another beer. You get a caramelized tidal wave of rich amber malt flavors, smoky notes and a boozy background that will never let you forget what youre drinking. The various flavors that result from barrel aging all pour out like clarion trumpets. You get an initial wave of wobbly sweetness from the booze. Then you get the various layers of flavor sorcery that come from the aging: toffee, nuttiness and a velvety finish reminiscent of maple syrup. You get a powerful, complex rush of flavors similar to what you get in a well-aged whiskey. However, Utopias doesnt quite have the bite of higher-proof liquors. While its all the way up at 30% ABV, Utopias still carries some of those pleasing qualities that make a complex beer enjoyable. So is it any good? Yes, for me at least. I really enjoyed the slow, meandering process of working through and appreciating all the flavors. This beer is complex and tastes unlike pretty much any other beer youll have. Its uncarbonated and best served at room temperature. Thats the key element here. You need to treat Utopias like a slow-sipping whiskey or wine, rather than a beer. Sam Adams Utopias is the polar opposite of an ice-cold lager to unwind after a long day. Its warm and requires your full attention to truly appreciate. But for those who like that sort of thing, its a wonderful experience. Once you get past that crazy price tag. The final word Utopias is designed to have staying power. Smith says that, because it isnt carbonated, customers need not worry about drinking it all in one sitting. The ceramic bottle is resealable, so you can enjoy it slowly over time. Utopias fans will have to savor it for a while, as it takes Sam Adams two years to come out with a new batch. But those future batches are already in the works. Because of the long aging times, Sam Adams already has barrels full of beer that will be included in Utopias in 2027, 2029 and beyond. --- Nick Ate It is a recurring column with a light-hearted take on food. Want more Nick Ate It coverage? You can follow Nick on Instagram (@NickAteIt) and TikTok (also @NickAteIt) You can send any praise/food suggestions to nomalley@masslive.com. Please send all criticisms and complaints about Nicks highfalutin taste in beer to jpignatiello@masslive.com. You can check out the rest of the series here. Dillard's joins the growing number of stores shrinking their portfolio. Google Maps With less than two months left of 2025, many major retailers are leaving the year with a smaller portfolio than when it started. And some stores were hit harder than others iconic department stores like Macys closed dozens of stores nationwide this year, while trendy chains like Claires closed hundreds in 2025. But it doesnt stop there. While some chains released official statements about closures, others have kept the news quiet and are shrinking slowly like Dillards. The company closed at least one of its 272 locations in 2024, another in 2025 and will close at least one more location in early 2026 As of Nov. 14, Dillards shoppers in Tennessee said goodbye to the chains Stones River Town Centre location in Murfreesboro. The store ceased operations in January and resulted in approximately 75 layoffs, the Murfeesboro Daily News Journal reports. According to the Murfreesboro Daily News Journal, Dillards notified Murfreesboro Mayor Shane McFarland that outlined the closure was intended to be permanent and that all employees would be terminated. Read more: America says goodbye to pennies after 232 years as US Mint ceases penny production Dillards at Planos Willow Bend is next on the chopping block. According to The Dallas Morning News, the company has a large STORE CLOSING banner plastered on the outside of the building as well as a sign on its door reading thanks for the memories. At least 93 employees are facing layoffs as a result of the closure, according to an official Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification. The company did not immediately respond for comment on this article. Previously closed stores: Brian Walshe and one of his lawyers, Kelli Porges, arrive at the Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham, Mass. Monday, Dec. 2, 2024. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP) A doctor at Bridgewater State Hospital determined Brian Walshe was competent to stand trial after a 40-day evaluation, meaning the 50-year-old mans trial will begin as scheduled. Walshes lawyers did not contest the finding at a hearing before Judge Diane Freniere on Friday morning. Court officers brought the 50-year-old into the Dedham courthouse in handcuffs just after 11 a.m., his first court appearance since being sent to Bridgewater in early October. For the hearing, Walshe wore a suit and tie as he had during many other pre-trial hearings in the case. Walshe spoke to one of his lawyers at the defense table and appeared to nod along as she spoke. Freniere ordered the competency evaluation for Walshe after his lawyers raised concerns in court papers about his ability to participate in his own defense. A stabbing in the Norfolk County jail where he has been housed since his arrest left him anxious, paranoid and unable to concentrate, the lawyers said. The trauma resulting from the unexplained and sudden attack continues to significantly impact ... his ability to work with his attorneys, they wrote in court papers. On Friday, Attorney Larry Tipton, who is representing Walshe, expressed concern about his clients ability to settle back into the Dedham jail where he is housed after spending time at Bridgewater. Freniere noted that he would have the duration of jury selection to get settled. Jury selection for Walshes trial will begin on Tuesday. Freniere has said she expects the jury to begin hearing evidence on Dec. 1, after the Thanksgiving holiday. Walshe is accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana, on New Years Day 2023 in the Cohasset home they shared with their three children. His trial was originally scheduled to begin on Oct. 20, but was delayed for the competency evaluation. Walshe is accused of hiding his wifes remains in dumpsters in various locations across the state. Ana Walshes body has never been found. In court papers, prosecutors have said Brian Walshe made a series of Google searches leading up to and after his wifes death, including best state to divorce for a man, dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body, and can you be charge with murder without a body. Walshes lawyers fought to suppress evidence of the searches, claiming it was obtained illegally, but Freniere, and later a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, denied those efforts. A final pre-trial hearing in Walshes case is scheduled for 9 a.m. Monday, where Freniere is likely to rule on a series of motions in the case regarding evidence both sides want to admit or keep out of the forthcoming trial. Walshe, who has pleaded not guilty, is charged with murder, disinterring a body and misleading a police investigation. A 27-year-old man who worked as the assistant admissions director at Emmanuel College in Boston pleaded guilty Wednesday to attempting to solicit a girl who applied to the school to have sex with him, federal prosecutors said. Jacob Tyler Henriques, of Boston, pleaded guilty to one count each of attempted sex trafficking of a minor and cyberstalking, U.S. Attorney for Massachusetts Leah Foleys office said in a statement. Henriques, who was arrested and charged in May, will be sentenced in March 2026. Henriques used his position in the admissions office to get access to the personal information of both admitted and prospective students, whom he contacted to try to solicit commercial sex, according to the statement. On April 25, 2025, Henriques met with multiple admitted or prospective students. After meeting with at least three students, Henriques began contacting them, offering to pay them for some fun, according to the statement. Henriques also offered to provide the students with pornography and, in some instances, sent them pornographic videos or images. Henriques also began contacting a fourth student who had formally committed to attend the college. He offered to pay her for some fun and sent pornographic videos to her, according to the statement. Around the same time, Henriques tried to traffic a 17-year-old girl who was a prospective student after he reviewed a form she filled out to register for a tour, which contained her date of birth. Henriques asked the girl what grade she was in, and she told him where she went to high school, according to the statement. Within hours of completing a tour of the college, Henriques began texting the girl using the phone number on her form. He offered to pay her $400 for some fun and said he had pornographic videos and pictures for her. Henriques continued to contact the girl, refusing to say who he was or how he got her number, according to the statement. As he continued messaging the girl, he told her porn and $ was ready for her, then sent five pornographic videos and asked if she wanted to participate in a gangbang and have sex with him, according to the statement. The girl rejected his offer multiple times. But Henriques continued to press her, telling her he would buy her anything she wanted. Between April 25 and April 28, Henriques accessed the girls profile 47 times, according to the statement. After she blocked his number, Henriques began soliciting her via email, according to the statement. Henriques faces a minimum of 10 years and up to life in prison on the attempted sex trafficking charge, and up to five years in prison on the cyberstalking charge. NBC television correspondent Jim Avila, center, speaks to his U.S. based network office by satellite phone as injured soundman David Moodie looks on with an arm bandage after being evacuated from the al-Aike Hotel in Baghdad after a bomb was detonated outside the NBC staff hotel rooms Thursday Sept. 25, 2003. ABC announced Avila died earlier this week. He was 69. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) AP Jim Avila, a longtime correspondent for ABC News, has died at 70 after battling a long illness. ABC shared the news of his death on Thursday. Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague, said ABC News President Almin Karamehmedovic in an email sent to staff. Avila was a correspondent for ABCs 20/20 based in Los Angeles. He covered the White House for the network during former president Barack Obamas second term from 2012 to 2016. Avila specialized in politics, justice, law and consumer investigations. He covered several high-profile trials throughout his career, including those of Michael Jackson and OJ Simpson, according to ABC News. Winning several awards during his time as an ABC correspondent, including two National Emmy Awards and five Edward R. Murrow Awards, he was named a 2019 Hall of Fame honoree by National Association of Hispanic Journalists, according to ABC News. Even after his health struggles started, Avila continued to contribute to journalism through opinion writing and local reporting, sharing his experience and deep curiosity to tell the stories that mattered most to his community and viewers, Karamehmedovics email to staff read, according to ABC News. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, including his three children, Jamie, Jenny, and Evan, and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth, Karamehmedovic said. Aidan Kearney, the blogger known as "Turtleboy," speaks to reporters outside Norfolk Superior Court in Dedham on Thursday, March 6, 2025. (Charlie McKenna/MassLive) A judge was specially assigned to oversee the two pending witness intimidation cases against Aidan Kearney, the blogger known as Turtleboy, on Friday. Judge Christopher Belezos, who is currently assigned to Plymouth County, will oversee all future hearings in the cases against Kearney, which stem from indictments handed up in 2023 and 2025. Belezos was a criminal defense attorney until he was appointed to the bench by Gov. Charlie Baker in 2022. Belezos took the spot on the judiciary vacated by Robert Cosgrove, State House News Service reported. Cosgrove is now the special prosecutor assigned to Kearneys cases. The order, handed down by Chief Justice of the Superior Court Michael D. Ricciuti, sets Belezos up to oversee a key hearing in Kearneys case in a matter of weeks. At the hearing, his lawyers are expected to argue a motion to dismiss the 2023 indictment and a motion to remove Cosgrove as the special prosecutor on that case. The hearing is also expected to address an effort to force prosecutors to turn over evidence related to former Massachusetts State Police Trooper Michael Proctor. The hearing is set for Dec. 5 at 2 p.m. in Norfolk Superior Court. Attorney Tim Bradl, who is representing Kearney, wrote on X Friday night that while he didnt know what prompted Belezos assignment, the judge was above reproach and one of the most highly regarded justices on the Superior Court. Lets get on with it, Bradl said. Until recently, Kearney faced three indictments in Norfolk Superior Court on charges of witness intimidation. One of those cases was dropped last week after the district attorneys office couldnt find another prosecutor to take it on. That case concerned the alleged intimidation of an ex-girlfriend who was a witness in the other open case against Kearney at the time. In the other two cases, Kearney is accused of intimidating and harassing witnesses in the Karen Read case. His team has claimed his conduct is protected by the First Amendment. This photo provided by the Stoughton, Mass., Police Department shows Matthew Farwell, a former police officer who pleaded not guilty Wednesday, Aug. 28, 2024, to charges of killing a woman he is accused of sexually exploiting when she was underage and then trying to stage the death as a suicide after she told him she was pregnant. (Stoughton Police Department via AP) AP Lawyers for Matthew Farwell, the former Stoughton Police detective accused of killing Sandra Birchmore, indicated in a court filing Friday that they intend to seek a change of venue for his forthcoming trial. Farwell, 40, is accused of killing Birchmore to prevent her from disclosing that he began sexually abusing her when she was underage, and that the pair sometimes had sex while he was on duty. He is also charged with causing the death of Birchmores unborn child, whom she believed he was the father of. But DNA analysis revealed Farwell was not the father, The Boston Globe reported. In court papers, attorney Kimberly Stevens, who is representing Farwell, wrote that the forthcoming motion would address the voluminous pretrial publicity in his case, the prejudicial impact of such publicity on a potential jury pool in the District of Massachusetts, and the law and constitutional rights requiring a transfer of venue. Farwells trial is scheduled to start on Oct. 6, 2026, in federal court in Boston. A key deadline in the case looms early next year for federal prosecutors: they must file notice by Jan. 20 whether they intend to pursue the death penalty against him. The former police officer is charged with a single count of killing a witness or victim. He also faces an additional charge of protection of unborn children, court records show. Farwell first encountered Birchmore after she joined a program run by the Stoughton Police to teach young people about law enforcement careers, where he was a volunteer and later an instructor. Birchmore was 12 years old when she signed up in 2010. Prosecutors say he began sexually abusing her at 15, below the age of consent in Massachusetts. Her death was initially ruled a suicide by the medical examiner, but federal prosecutors arrested Farwell and charged him with killing Birchmore last August. A 19-year-old man, who police say had been arrested for driving with a suspended license, injured two workers at a Charlestown tow yard as he tried to drive his car off the lot, Massachusetts State Police said. Diogo Silva, of Medford, is set to be arraigned in Somerville District Court on Friday on charges including assault and battery with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, according to State Police. The incident began when State Police arrested the man for driving with a suspended license, the agency said in a statement. When the man went to the tow yard to retrieve his car, the tow company refused to release it to him. The man is accused of attempting to drive the car off the lot even after the company refused to release it. Police say the man hit and injured two employees in their 50s as he drove away and then fled the scene. Medford police later found the mans unoccupied vehicle. State Police found the man and took him into custody. A Boston University student who serves as the president of the schools College Republicans group boasted on social media about calling Immigration and Customs Enforcement for months before agents detained workers at Allston Car Wash last week. In a social media post on Nov. 7, Zac Segal, who is earning degrees in business and political science at the university, wrote that he had been calling ICE for months on end. The post came just days after immigration officials descended on Allston Car Wash, detaining nine employees. This week they finally responded to my request to detain these criminals. As someone who lives in the neighborhood, Ive seen how American jobs are being given away to those with no right to be here. Pump up the numbers! Segal wrote on X. According to the Boston University Mens Track & Field page, Segal hails from London, England and is a junior at the school. Ive been calling ICE for months on end. This week they finally responded to my request to detain these criminals. As someone who lives in the neighborhood, Ive seen how American jobs are being given away to those with no right to be here. Pump up the numbers! https://t.co/jJtm9KzvU6 Zac Segal (@endthehiding) November 7, 2025 Segal was quote-tweeting a Boston.com story about the raid. When The Boston Globe published a story about Segal, he posted again, writing, We must stand up for this country. While Segal is still active on X, he has taken down his profile on LinkedIn. Segal did not respond to multiple messages from a MassLive reporter this week. According to their lawyer, at least some of the nine employees had employment authorization cards issued by U.S. Customs and Immigration Services, which allow non-citizens to work in the country for a specific time period. When ICE agents descended on the business Nov. 4, some employees tried to retrieve their documents from their lockers but were prevented from doing so, said Todd Pomerleau, a lawyer representing the employees. Pomerleau has since filed habeas corpus cases in federal court for each employee, challenging their detainments as unlawful. Five of the people who were detained have been granted bond hearings. The raid generated significant outrage in the community, drawing protesters to the car wash. Last week, a vigil was held to show support for the detained employees. Boston City Councilor Liz Breadon, who represents the Allston neighborhood where the car wash is located, called the detentions kidnapping plain and simple. It is a horrifying chapter in the illegal and vindictive targeting of Boston by ICE and the Trump Administration, she said. Department of Homeland Security Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin told WCVB that all nine of the employees were in the country illegally. On Nov. 4, ICE conducted a targeted immigration enforcement operation in Allston, Massachusetts that resulted in the arrest of 9 illegal aliens, including an illegal alien who chose to commit a felony by illegally re-entering the U.S., McLaughlin said in a statement. Three entered under the Biden administration, four were gotaways at the border, one entered illegally under W. Bush, and another overstayed his visa, which expired under President Clinton. Toyota is gearing up to invest $10 billion in the U.S. after investing an additional $14 billion in a North Carolina battery manufacturing plant. Dallas Gagnon Major car manufacturer Toyota has announced plans to invest $10 billion into its U.S. manufacturing operations over the next five years after opening its first-ever U.S. battery manufacturing facility earlier this week. Toyota Motor Corporation (Toyota) announced an additional investment of up to 10 billion USD in the United States over the next five years, the company said in a release. This will bring the companys total U.S. investment to nearly 60 billion USD since beginning operations in the U.S. nearly 70 years ago. The $10 billion investment is in addition to $14 billion the company has already invested in establishing the battery manufacturing facility in North Carolina. It is Toyotas eleventh U.S. plant and the companys first and only battery plant outside of Japan, the company said of the North Carolina plant. The nearly $14 billion facility will create up to 5,100 new American jobs. The additional $10 billion investment builds on its unwavering commitment to the U.S., and the funds will support future mobility efforts, the release reads. The Japanese automaker first announced plans to ramp up manufacturing operations in the U.S. in December 2021 to produce car batteries for its hybrid and electric vehicles. Ted Ogawa, president and chief executive officer of Toyota Motor North America, said the projects completion and additional $10 billion investment plan marks a pivotal moment in our companys history. Last month, U.S. President Donald Trump said during a speech to U.S. troops that Toyota was gearing up to invest more funds in America. He encouraged Americans to go out and buy a Toyota. However, the company did not officially announce theyd invest until Nov. 12 after opening the North Carolina plant. Read more: America says goodbye to pennies after 232 years as US Mint ceases penny production In a Wednesday release, Ogawa called Toyota a " pioneer in electrified vehicles," and said the investments further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities and suppliers. He added that the company knows there is no single path to progress and that is why Toyota remains committed to our multi-pathway approach, offering fuel-efficient gas engines, hybrids, plug-in hybrids, battery electronics and fuel cell electronics. 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United Arab Emirates United Kingdom of Great Britain & N. Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Brian Walshe enters the courtroom for his arraignment, April 27, 2023, in Dedham, Mass. Walshe, a Massachusetts man charged with killing his wife, was sentenced Tuesday, Feb. 20, 2024, to more than three years in jail over an unrelated art fraud case involving the sale of two fake Andy Warhol paintings. (Greg Derr/The Patriot Ledger via AP, Pool, File) Lawyers for Brian Walshe, the man accused of killing and dismembering his wife in early 2023, believed he couldnt get a fair trial in Norfolk County because of the extensive pre-trial publicity surrounding his case. But the presiding judge ruled from the bench Friday morning that any risk of prejudice for Walshe could be avoided by a thorough jury selection process. Even pervasive adverse publicity does not inevitably lead to an unfair trial, Judge Diane Freniere read from an order. Although the media coverage has been extensive, and somewhat graphic due to the nature of the crimes charged, it has also been primarily factual. Walshes lawyers moved for not just a change of venue, but also for jurors to be brought in from a different county. In one recent high-profile case, that of Emmanuel Lopes, who was convicted of killing a police officer and an older woman, a Norfolk County judge allowed a motion to bring in jurors from a different county. But Freniere determined that the motion filed by Walshes lawyers didnt provide evidence that the media coverage had been particularly pervasive in Norfolk County as opposed to other parts of the state. Any concerns as to the impartiality of prospective jurors from this county due to pretrial publicity will be addressed by this court with careful and thorough voir dire, she read, adding that Walshes lawyers could renew the motion if it became impossible to seat an impartial jury in the case. Attorney Larry Tipton, who is representing Walshe, objected to the ruling. Freniere made the ruling during a hearing Friday morning called to determine whether Walshe was competent to stand trial. A doctor at Bridgewater State Hospital submitted a report to the judge, ultimately concluding the 50-year-old mans case could proceed as scheduled. Walshe spent 40 days at Bridgewater after being sent there for evaluation by Freniere in early October. His trial was initially set for Oct. 20, but delayed for the evaluation, which was ordered when his lawyers raised concerns about his ability to participate in his own defense. A stabbing in the Norfolk County jail where he has been housed since his arrest left him anxious, paranoid and unable to concentrate, the lawyers said. The trauma resulting from the unexplained and sudden attack continues to significantly impact ... his ability to work with his attorneys, they wrote in court papers. But now, with Walshe deemed competent, the trial will begin on Tuesday with jury selection. If a jury is seated before the Thanksgiving holiday, evidence will begin on Dec. 1. Freniere has said she aims to get the case completed before Christmas. Walshe is accused of killing and dismembering his wife, Ana, on New Years Day 2023 in the Cohasset home they shared with their three children. Prosecutors say he hid his wifes remains in dumpsters in various locations across the state. Ana Walshes body has never been found. In court papers, prosecutors have said Brian Walshe made a series of Google searches leading up to and after his wifes death, including best state to divorce for a man, dismemberment and best ways to dispose of a body, and can you be charge with murder without a body. Walshes lawyers fought to suppress evidence of the searches, claiming it was obtained illegally, but Freniere, and later a single justice of the Supreme Judicial Court, denied those efforts. Prosecutors have said Walshe was motivated to kill his wife by the knowledge that she was having an affair with a man in Washington, D.C., where she worked, and by money troubles stemming from a federal art fraud case. Walshe has pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, disinterring a body and misleading a police investigation. If convicted, he would face life in prison without the possibility of parole. U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, speaks to supporters and members of the Massachusetts Democratic Party as they take in election results at a watch party at the SoWa Power Station event hall in Boston. (Sebastian Restrepo/MassLive). Sebastian Restrepo/MassLive U.S. Rep. Ayanna Pressley, D-7th District, and U.S. Sen. Ed Markey, D-Mass., defended a federal worker who was given notice of her planned firing after a TV interview in early October. Pressley and Markey sent a letter on Thursday evening to U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, saying that the agency retaliated against the federal workers free speech rights. They are demanding that the womans job be reinstated. I am writing to urge you to immediately rescind the Notice of Proposed Removal (NOPR) sent to U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) employee and my constituent, Ellen Mei, the lawmakers letter states, adding that Mei appeared in a media interview in her personal capacity. The letter called Meis termination notice unlawful and retaliatory after Mei warned the public about the administrations cuts to food benefits and staff layoffs in the early days of what became the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. The firing notice came during Trump and Republicans government shutdown, in which they weaponized critical food security programs, refused to fund SNAP, and let families go hungry, a press release said. Ms. Mei joined the USDA to serve her country and her fellow Americans who rely on the critical services of the Agency you are charged with leading and stewarding, the lawmakers wrote in her letter to Rollins. Like every public servant, she took an oath to serve this nation, protect and honor the Constitution, and dedicate her labor in pursuit of the USDAs mission. The Department of Agriculture issued a statement to MassLive on Thursday evening: During a lapse in appropriations, furloughed USDA employees are not authorized to perform any official duties, including speaking on behalf of the Department. The USDA does not comment on individual personnel matters. Why did USDA decide to fire Mei? Mei, a 29-year-old employee with the Agriculture Department who is based in Boston, appeared on MSNBC on Oct. 2 and discussed the impacts of the shutdown on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. The next day, the agency informed Mei that she was going to be fired for her appearance on MSNBC, according to Mei in a new interview on Thursday. On October 3rd, I got a notice from the agency saying that they wanted to fire me for my appearance on MSNBC, Mei told MSNBC. They said specifically that I was not authorized to speak on behalf of the agency and that I disclosed information that I was not authorized to disclose, and therefore, I was unfit for further federal service. During her four-minute interview in October, Mei said she and her co-workers are anxious because were hearing about the risk potentials and office closures that are looming over USDA as this shutdown kind of drags on. She also explained how funding for SNAP would most likely be available in October, but that things might get a little dicey if this drags on into November. Mei also granted interviews to The Boston Globe and GBH. She defended her initial interview last month as representing her own views and those of her union members. Mei said she is also the president of the National Treasury Employees Unions Chapter 255, which represents employees at USDAs Food and Nutrition Service in the Northeast, according to an interview on MSNBC. I have a duty as a chapter president to represent the views of my coworkers, and I have a duty and a right to do so under the federal labor management statute, Mei said. Correspondence between Mei and the Agriculture Department states that the process to remove her from her position has begun, and that she will be let go 30 days after the shutdown ends, according to documentation obtained by The Washington Post. She has 20 days from the day the government reopened to contest her dismissal, the Post reported. She plans to appear at a news conference on Friday in Boston with other union members to protest the agencys decision. President Donald Trump signed a government funding bill on Wednesday night, ending the record 43-day shutdown. State leaders across the country are working to get full SNAP benefits to millions of people, though it could take up to a week for some to receive the delayed aid, The Associated Press reported. President Donald Trump has responded to the recent release of Jeffrey Epsteins emails by the the House Oversight Committee. In a post on Truth Social Friday morning, Trump called the move a hoax by Democrats trying to deflect from all of their bad policies and losses. The Democrats are doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again, despite the DOJ releasing 50,000 pages of documents, in order to deflect from all of their bad policies and losses, the post reads. Especially the SHUTDOWN EMBARRASSMENT, where their party is in total disarray, and has no idea what to do. The emails, released Wednesday, include one Epstein wrote in which he told confidant Ghislaine Maxwell that Trump had spent hours at Epsteins house with a sex trafficking victim and another stating that he knew about the girls. On Truth Social, Trump went on to say that Epstein was a Democrats problem and condemned Republicans that have sided with Democrats on the release of the Epstein files. Ask Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers about Epstein, they know all about him, dont waste your time with Trump, he said in the post. I have a Country to run! In a separate post, the president said he was going to request a formal investigation into those he mentioned in the previous post. I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epsteins involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, J.P. Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him, he wrote. He also went on to state that his mentioning in regards to Epstein was a Russian scam with all arrows pointing to the Democrats. AMHERST Journalist Lulu Garcia-Navarro will join Alexander Theodoridis, associate professor of political science and co-director of the UMass Poll, for a conversation titled Democracy at the Microphone on Tuesday, Nov.18, from noon to 1:30 p.m., in the Bernie Dallas Room of Goodell Hall at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. The event is free and open to the public. The discussion will explore what Garcia-Navarros career spanning her years at NPR and her current role hosting The New York Timess flagship interview series, The Interview has taught her about navigating conversations across political divides, fostering public trust and sustaining democratic values through plural storytelling. Garcia-Navarro is a two-time Peabody Award-winning journalist with decades of experience reporting from around the world and interviewing leading figures in politics, culture and society. Her guests on The Interview have ranged from Vice President JD Vance to Miley Cyrus. Before joining The Times, Garcia-Navarro spent 17 years at NPR, serving as a longtime international correspondent in the Middle East and Latin America and later as host of Weekend Edition Sunday. She is also an on-air contributor to CNN. This event is part of UMass Amhersts Democracy in Troubled Times initiative, a campuswide effort featuring speakers and events focused on issues related to democracy in the U.S. Delinda Dykes will return to her job as a guidance counselor at Amherst Regional Middle School after a judge's ruling. The school district said Friday it will comply with the court's ruling. (Provided photo) Staff AMHERST The Amherst-Pelham Regional School District says it will comply with a court order to reinstate a school guidance counselor fired amid allegations she misgendered transgender students. Delinda Dykes challenged the firing and won reinstatement in August. The school district appealed, stating that it felt the arbitrators conclusions did not sufficiently consider the districts responsibility to ensure the safety and well-being of all students, according to a statement from the district Thursday. Last month, Hampshire Superior Court Judge James M. Manitsas denied that appeal, citing Dykes efforts to create a safe learning environment and saying reinstating her was in the best interests of students. Dykes was fired in 2023 from her position at Amherst Regional Middle School. She was on paid leave at home while the court case was underway. Some students use different pronouns to self-identify, but Dykes used incorrect names or pronouns, even when corrected, according to a Title IX investigation cited by the district. Dykes, also a former interim principal at the school, was accused of having once remarked: In the name of Jesus we pray that the LGBTQ gay demon that wants to attack and confuse these kids to leave this school now. The arbitrator also said Dykes allegedly removed the nail polish a gay student had painted on another teachers nail on the basis that the kids were confused enough as it was. Dykes allegedly asked officials if she had to call a student a potato sack if that was what they requested. The arbitrator ruled that the nail polish incident was not a remark directed at a student but an interaction between adults; the arbitrator also found that Dykes apologized, and some of the aggrieved students said she made an effort to do better. Rather than making independent findings on the counselors actions, the judge determined the court was legally bound to accept the arbitrators factual findings, upholding that decision, the statement from the school district said. The Amherst-Pelham Regional School Committee acknowledges that this outcome will evoke strong reactions across the community. The committee emphasizes that the districts compliance with the courts ruling is a legal obligation, not a discretionary act by the committee or the superintendent, the statement said. Superintendent E. Xiomara Herman said the districts focus will remain on its students. Every decision we make must protect their learning environment and affirm their right to feel safe, valued, and respected, she said. As we comply with the courts ruling, we will continue to strengthen the systems that hold us accountable to those values, ensuring that all personnel honor and uplift the diverse identities of our students. SPRINGFIELD Teniel Rhiney was renting a two-bedroom Springfield apartment with her two children and a third on the way when she smelled an occasional rotten egg stench in her kitchen. We lived there for months before I realized that smell was gas. ... We were breathing that in for months, she told a panel of legislators Thursday afternoon. That experience is one reason why Rhiney an environmental justice organizer at Arise for Social Justice in Springfield urged lawmakers to support legislation that would prevent the expansion of gas facilities in or near environmental justice areas. Gas is hazardous for our health, she said. The legislation filed in the Senate by Sen. Adam Gomez, D-Springfield, and Rep. Bud Williams, D-Springfield, in the House comes as a controversial Eversource pipeline project between Longmeadow and Springfield is pending. Rhiney was one of many people from the Springfield area who testified in support of the legislation on Thursday at a State House hearing before the Joint Committee on Telecommunications, Utilities and Energy. The bill would prevent new gas facilities, or expansion of current ones, within 5 miles of environmental justice communities unless required for the safety of the public. The state considers areas environmental justice communities if they meet certain racial or income requirements or where a quarter of people dont speak English very well. The legislation has a clear message: Environmental justice neighborhoods must no longer be treated as acceptable zones for pollution and risk, Gomez said in a statement. He told The Republican that the proposed pipeline project is one reason he filed the bill. The bill also would require that gas companies create plans to transition to net-zero emissions, and it would create a state office that would train those who work in the gas industry for jobs in clean energy. Charles Holmes, founder of Born Free Outreach Services, experienced a gas explosion in 2012. Holmes is part of the group protesting the proposed Springfield pipeline on Aug. 7. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Charles Holmes, a Springfield resident, pointed to greener energy solutions. We have alternatives: Solar energy, wind power and advanced battery storage technology are no longer experimental. Theyre proven, he said. The question isnt whether alternative energy solutions exist. They do. The question is whether we have the courage and a commitment to prioritize them. Cathy Kristofferson, a Central Massachusetts resident, said the state should not be expanding gas infrastructure when we should be working our damnedest to transition off the gas system. Naia Tenerowicz, a member of the Springfield Climate Justice Coalition, also spoke in favor of the bills, saying that the pipeline expansion project is bad for peoples health and the climate. Dangerous, polluting projects like this one are disproportionately sited in our communities, because as communities with many people of color, low income, immigrant and disabled residents, we are seen as expendable, Tenerowicz said. I am here to tell you that our lives matter. If passed, the bill could stop Eversources controversial pipeline expansion project. The state considers all of Springfield to be an environmental justice community. Eversource has proposed building a 5.3-mile, 16-inch diameter gas pipeline from Longmeadow into Springfield and creating a new point of delivery facility in Longmeadow. It would be a secondary pipeline that the company says is needed as a backup to its current 70-year-old line. More than two years ago, the state reviewed Eversources draft environmental impact statement and decided that it did not comply with the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act. The company has to submit a supplemental report to further justify the project. That report has not yet been submitted. Eversource plans to submit its supplemental impact report by the end of the year, a company spokesperson said on Wednesday. When asked for comment on the legislation, a company spokesperson did not immediately respond. The proposed project was estimated to cost $65 million several years ago, and now estimates have grown to $85 million. This is the proposed path of a gas pipeline. (Eversource map) The project is contentious. Both the Springfield City Council and Longmeadow Select Board have voted against it. Eversource held a meeting about the project in August that drew at least 80 people. This is not an expansion project, Ryan Barnes, project manager said at the time. It is solely to strengthen our existing system and to make sure our customers have gas service if there was anything to happen. Emmy Cooper, an academic advisor at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, protests outside the Whitmore Administration Building on Thursday over what employees characterize as low pay, unfair working conditions and underinvestment on the campus. The rally was organized by the Professional Staff Union. Nov. 13, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook AMHERST Five hundred days. Thats how long a union at the University of Massachusetts Amherst representing thousands of workers says it has gone without a contract. On Thursday afternoon, hundreds of Professional Staff Union members and other union allies took to the Whitmore Administration Building to hand Chancellor Javier Reyes staff leaflets outlining changes they want to see in the next few weeks. We feel disrespected by the administration, said Emmy Cooper, an academic advisor in the College of Natural Sciences at the university. Were losing confidence in (Reyes). Michelle Goncalves, a chief of staff at the University of Massachusetts Amherst, holds letters of no-confidence in Chancellor Javier Reyes submitted by members of the Professional Staff Union. Nov. 13, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook On Dec. 3, the union plans to take a vote of no-confidence in Reyes. The union follows in the footsteps of the Faculty Senate as well as undergraduate and graduate students who have also expressed their lack of confidence in Reyes, following pro-Palestinian protests last year. We want to be here and we are committed to our students, said Cooper, who claimed Reyes has not fairly negotiated with the union. Ahead of the early December vote, the union has four demands for the university administration: Take merit pay off the table, hands off our (cost-of-living adjustments), say no to union busters and say no to genocide supporters. Many of us work two or three jobs and seek food assistance from the food bank, said Cooper. What Reyes is suggesting could make it much harder for us to show up for our students. Andrew Gorry, co-chair of the union, said the university told the union it had no money to offer staff but it is funding a multimillion dollar overhaul of the schools football stadium. Higher education is under attack by the Trump administration and we need the chancellor to stand up for us, said Gorry. When reached for comment about ongoing contract negotiations, and the vote of no-confidence in Reyes, a spokesperson for the university claimed the union has made several factual errors that the school would like to correct. Michelle Goncalves receives letters of no-confidence in Chancellor Javier Reyes from the Professional Staff Union members over low pay, unfair working conditions and perceived underinvestment in the campus. Nov. 13, 2025. (Douglas Hook / The Republican) Douglas Hook Melinda Rose, the spokesperson, said the chancellor is not a member of the bargaining team and went on to make these statements: UMass has not filed for an impasse with the Professional Staff Union. And the university did not request a mediator for the Massachusetts Society of Professors, the union representing faculty and librarians. The university said the presence of a mediator is not a threat, but rather is codified in state law for either party to request if a resolution is not reached. The Department of Labor Relations has a 100+ year history of providing mediation support to bargaining units that are unable to reach resolution after substantive bargaining, said Rose. To that point: UMass has held 42 bargaining sessions with (the Professional Staff Union) in an attempt to reach resolution. Rose said the university is seeking to meet with the union Monday after both the union and the university have their discussions with the mediator. The university will continue to present its proposals in good faith and bargain under the laws set forth in Chapter 150E," said Rose. In response to the universitys statement Thursday afternoon, Gorry, co-chair of the Professional Staff Union, said the university administration is playing word games. Its unfair that the university is trying to halt bargaining and ... trying to force us into mediation, he said. (Reyes) should agree to go back to the bargaining table. Sally Munson, the director of Our Community Food Panty, said Wednesday, the pantry only needs turkey broth, gravy, and stuffing mix to fill up these shelves for the Thanksgiving Dinners for its clients. (FILE) THE WESTFIELD NEWS SOUTHWICK When it appeared the U.S. Department of Agriculture would pause SNAP benefits for November because of the government shutdown, beneficiaries were worried and confused about what would happen to them, Our Community Food Pantry helped calm their fears and offered food to everyone in need. People were nervous and scared, said Pantry Director Sally Munson about the dozens of phone calls the pantry got before and after Nov. 1. However, the predictions about those going without the food needed for their families may have been overexaggerated after Gov. Maura Healey restored the benefit for more than a million state residents despite the most recent threat from the federal government to claw back a portion of it. But that didnt matter to the residents of Southwick, Granville, and Tolland, the communities the pantry serves. People were generous and were seeking us out to help. They came in with checks and food, she said, adding that district schools also donated. And she knows why. Because the community came together. Its been amazing and wonderful, Munson said. Over the last two weeks, she said the pantry has had about 10 or 12 families sign up for assistance. Unlike many of the pantries in the area that are only open one or two days a week, Our Community Food Pantry is open four days a week. We got a lot of phone calls from people from other areas, saying it was a direct result of it being open and a real person answering the phone to provide answers and help. And the pantry had people from other communities just showing up at their 222 College Highway location asking for assistance. We had an influx of people coming from other areas and they were panicky. But we dont turn people away, she said. For those outside of the pantrys service area, Munson said each was given a basic bag of food, usually some meat and nonperishables, and provided contact information for their local pantry or other organizations like the Salvation Army. She also wanted to alert the community to this weekends annual Scout for Food. Scout Troops 114 and 338 will be collecting food donations from homes throughout the community and drops it off at the pantry. Residents wanting to participate should place nonperishable foods and unexpired cans of food in bags usually in their driveways to be picked up. The bags should be put out by 9 a.m., Saturday, Nov. 22. Munson asked those donating to check the expiration dates because if expired, it gets thrown out. With Thanksgiving only two weeks away. Munson said there are still a few food items the pantry needs. The pantry needs turkey broth, gravy, and stuffing. The 150 turkeys that are part of the Thanksgiving week groceries for clients are provided by the congregation of the Southwick Episcopal Church, which provides nearly 500 turkeys to organizations in the region during the holiday season. Students and faculty at the College of the Holy Cross, along with residents of Worcester held a protest Thursday evening against the college holding a recruitment meeting with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) representatives. Prior to the protest, Holy Cross President Vincent D. Rougeau wrote an email to the Holy Cross community dated Nov. 13 announcing the meeting with DHS representatives will be held online instead of on campus. For the past six years, DHS has held recruitment meetings with students on campus, according to Rougeau. Despite the venue change, about 200 people attended the protest, which featured speeches from students, academics and faculty, according to protester and Worcester resident Claire Schaeffer-Duffy. An account in the Telegram and Gazette estimated the crowd size at 100. It was peaceful, Schaeffer-Duffy said of the protest. One of the speakers at the protest was Martin Kelly, an associate chaplain at Holy Cross. In his speech, which Kelly shared with MassLive, the associate chaplain criticized the Trump administration, saying that they are treating immigrants as if they are a grave danger rather than a neighbor. At Holy Cross, we cannot blindly support a system of oppression. We cannot pretend that choosing to work for the Department of Homeland Security or ICE (Immigration and Customs Enforcement) at this particular moment is just another job or just another way to serve your country, Kelly said in his remarks. We cannot legitimize institutional violence. A college spokesperson did not immediately respond to a MassLive request for comment Friday about whether the recruitment event would still be held in-person if the protest never happened. Spokespeople for ICE and DHS did not immediately respond Friday to requests for comment. Im so incredibly proud of the way the Holy Cross community mobilized in response to this recruiting event, said Tessa Patti, a senior at Holy Cross. The love for our international students and Worcester community was palpable last night. Students at the College of the Holy Cross and some Worcester residents plan to protest an annual event Thursday afternoon during which Department of Homeland Security representatives discuss federal careers. Some Holy Cross students organized a protest and will be joined by residents in a show of support, according to Mysti Green, a board member for the political group, Worcester Indivisible. For six years, Homeland Security representatives have visited Holy Cross campus to talk about federal careers, according to a letter President Vincent D. Rougeau wrote to the Holy Cross community dated Nov. 13. This years meeting will be held over Zoom, he wrote. A flyer Green shared with MassLive demands Holy Cross to cancel that meeting scheduled for 4:30 p.m. Nov. 13 calling it an ICE recruitment event. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, or ICE, is a component of DHS. Green said she was unsure how many people would show up for the protest outside Hogan Campus Center Thursday afternoon. Many in the Holy Cross community are deeply upset by some tactics currently being employed by the federal government in the area of immigration enforcement, Rougeau wrote in the letter. In recognition of this, some are planning to peacefully demonstrate. Holy Cross affirms the rights of students, faculty and staff to express ideas and state their agreement or disagreement with the opinions of others. This includes the right to disagree through peaceful protest that does not disrupt campus operations, work or learning, violate college policy or cause a threat to campus safety. A DHS and ICE spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment on Thursday. In response to the upcoming meeting, Worcester District 5 Councilor Etel Haxhiaj wrote an open letter to Rougeau asking him not to allow ICE on the colleges campus. In her letter, which she posted online, Haxhiaj wrote about the chaotic ICE operation on Eureka Street on May 8. The operation led to the arrest of Rosane Ferreira-De Oliveira, a Brazilian mother of four who was eventually released in October. Haxhiaj was present at the arrest, where she confronted ICE agents and Worcester police officers who were called to the scene. She currently faces charges related to an interaction she had with a Worcester police officer. I am sure, like me, you feel the pain of a community that is being terrorized by armed men inciting fear, separation and division in our neighborhoods, Haxhiaj wrote. Do you still hear the screams of a seventeen-year-old child watching her innocent mother being dragged away in an unmarked SUV surrounded by armed police and ICE agents? I do. Every day. Rougeau, through a college spokesperon, declined to comment beyond the letter, including whether he would consider canceling the meeting. 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The Ballina Water Network Upgrade project is part of Uisce Eireanns Growth and Development Programme, a national programme of targeted investment to increase the capacity of Irelands water and wastewater infrastructure. Uisce Eireann Programme Manager Donal OConnor said these works are essential to support the future growth and development of Ballina, including planned residential development. This project is part of Uisce Eireanns commitment to delivering the water services necessary to support sustainable housing and economic development in communities across Ireland, said Donal. By investing in these new water network upgrades in Ballina, we are enabling future growth while safeguarding essential services for current and future generations. READ NEXT: Mayo business triumphs at Good Food Ireland Awards 2025 The programme of works will take place on McDermott Street and Gurteens, involving the installation of over 1.4km of new pipeline. The project will be carried out in two phases. The first phase, which will begin on Monday, 24 November, will involve the installation of approximately 310 metres of new pipes from the reservoir at Gurteens along the L1119 as far as the junction of McDermott Street and Fenian Row. This phase of work will require traffic management in the form of a traffic light system. This traffic management will be in place from Monday, November 24, until mid-December. The second phase of works will continue down McDermott Street as far as its junction with Teeling Street. This phase is due to commence in late spring 2026. These works may involve short-term water interruptions, and customers will be given a minimum of 48 hours notice before any planned water interruptions. The Law Society of Ireland has announced the appointment of Mayo solicitor, Rosemarie J Loftus, as President of the Law Society. Rosemarie is a partner at family law firm, Bourke, Carrigg & Loftus, in Ballina, County Mayo. She is the 155th President of the Law Society of Ireland and the first female Mayo President to serve in the role. Rosemarie qualified as a solicitor in 1991. She will serve a one-year term as President of the Law Society, representing over 12,000 practising solicitors, until November 2026. READ MORE: Two south Mayo family homes set to go to auction at 215,000 Speaking on her appointment, Ms Loftus said: It is both an honour and privilege to serve as President of the Law Society for the next 12 months, and to be only the seventh woman to do so. Recognising the vital role that sole practitioners and smaller firms play in their local communities, and the unique challenges and opportunities they face, I am committed to supporting and advocating for my fellow solicitors to the best of my ability. As a proud Mayo woman and solicitor practising in Ballina, I will call on my experiences of working within a smaller community to be a progressive voice, supporting and representing local and rural solicitors across the country. She said Rosemarie says she will not underestimate the responsibility that I will have and I will undertake the role with great pride and care. As the Law Society continues to deliver its ambitious strategy, supporting solicitors across the country, I will champion this work for the benefit of the public and legal profession, both present and future. Together, we will work towards the enhancement and evolution of a justice system that can best support the needs of its users. The expertise within the solicitors profession, along with the commitment of the Law Society and our stakeholders, means we can work to create a justice system that is just, equitable, and meets the needs of Irish society. I look forward to building on the great work of my predecessors and serving the solicitors profession with optimism and commitment. She added. Ashford Castle has been recognised as a winner at the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025, held at The K Club, Kildare, on Monday, November 10. The prestigious castle was awarded 5-Star Hotel of the Year, a title decided by an independent panel of Irish and international experts following mystery inspections and comprehensive assessments. Judging criteria included a strong commitment to local sourcing, Irish provenance, and sustainability. Minister Noel Grealish was the guest of honour at the event, acknowledging everyones contribution to Irish food, drink, and hospitality. READ MORE: Mayo man to the fore at President of Ireland's inauguration in Dublin Castle Commenting on the event, Minister Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine, said: I was delighted to attend the Good Food Ireland Awards, which brings together two of Irelands most successful indigenous sectors food and tourism. At their heart, the Good Food Ireland Awards honour excellence, and reflect the values and vision embedded in Food Vision 2030, our national strategy for sustainable agri-food development, that have made Irish food a global benchmark for quality and sustainability. Reflecting on the event and congratulating the winners, Margaret Jeffares, Founder of Good Food Ireland, adds: Good Food Ireland was born from a desire to celebrate Irelands world-class food and drink. Our awards shine a spotlight on the businesses that play a vital role in our entire food ecosystem, from farm to fork. Awards Official Sponsor, FBD Insurance, has been supporting Farming, Food and Hospitality businesses across Ireland for over 50 years. In its third year of sponsorship, John Cahalan, Chief Commercial Officer, FBD Insurance, adds: The theme of the Good Food Ireland Awards 2025 was Rooted in Taste, Backed by Trust, which resonates with us as a business. Trust is earned, and the winners from this years Good Food Ireland awards have earned their place as trusted businesses who deliver exceptional products and service day in, day out. From field to fork, there are so many exceptional businesses across the Island as demonstrated by our extensive list of finalists, but on this occasion, Im delighted to congratulate Ashford Castle for its award win. Each winner should feel enormously proud to be recognised as one of the best in Ireland. Pictured above the Good Food Ireland Awards: Ashford Castle, winners of 5 Star Hotel of the Year, sponsored by Waterford Crystal, from left: Noel Grealish, Minister of State at the Department of Agriculture, Food, Fisheries and the Marine; Liam Finnegan, Lisa Twomey and Robert Bowe, Ashford Castle; and Chris Bend, Waterford Crystal. Actress Zeenat Aman, long regarded as one of Hindi cinemas most graceful and glamorous stars, has lived through moments that sharply contrasted her elegant public image. One such moment was the shocking 1979 incident in which her eye was reportedly injured during an alleged assault involving actor Sanjay Khan. At the time, Sanjay was married to Zarine Khan and rumours of a relationship with his Abdullah co-star Zeenat had been dominating industry gossip. Instagram/bollywoodtriviapc Decades later, photographer Jayesh Sheth revisited this turbulent phase while speaking on The Pooja Bhatt Show. Jayesh recalled visiting the set of Abdullah to capture stills when Sanjay and Zeenat were in the midst of what he described as a strong affair. He remembered the shoot for the song Maine Poochha Chand Se at RK Studios, describing how Sanjay posed easily while Zeenat was protective about her images. She allowed publication only of a couple of photos, saying she would personally choose which ones and this exchange marked the beginning of their professional bond. Jayesh then recounted the aftermath of the notorious incident at Taj, which left Zeenat with a visibly injured eye. Once she recovered sufficiently, he organised a photoshoot to capture her in that phase. Jayesh described her energy during the session as fierce and charged, almost as if she were channelling her pain into strength: her hair was open, she was lit from the back and she was giving pose after pose in vengeance. Despite light makeup, the swelling around her eye remained noticeable and yet the resulting images were powerful enough that Zeenat herself was stunned by them. In recent years, Anhuis regional innovation capacity has remained among the nations leading ranks. The cohort of technology-based enterprises has grown vigorously, creating a vivid landscape of large enterprises standing tall and numerous small enterprises spreading everywhere. By 2024, the province had 23,000 high-tech enterprises and 35,000 technology-oriented SMEs, making a prominent contribution to the cultivation of new quality productive forces. Technological innovation requires the concrete support of finance. Faced with practical challenges, Anhui is actively exploring collaborative approaches to break the impasse and advance coordinated development. Full-chain alignment: breaking development bottlenecks Technological innovation has never been a simple linear process. From basic research to technology transfer and commercialization, each stage has distinct funding needs and risk profiles. The one-size-fits-all approach of traditional lendingboth in approval logic and product designclearly fails to meet the differentiated demands of each innovation stage, and breaks in the supplydemand chain for capital are increasingly apparent. How to break the bottleneck? Building a financial product and service system that fits the entire innovation chain may be the key. We have been deeply cultivating science-and-technology finance, shifting our service focus from looking at assets to looking at technology, and upgrading service models from single loans to ecosystem empowerment, said Chen Zi, vice president of the Anhui Branch of Bank of China. In response to the challenges of technology-based enterprises at different stages, the bank has developed specialized products such as the SciTech Loan, providing a continuous stream of financial support throughout the enterprise lifecycle and helping to create a high-level circulation among technology, industry, and finance. The targeted infusion of financial water is being converted into tangible results. As of the end of August this year, the provinces outstanding technology loans totaled 1.65 trillion, ranking seventh nationwide. A relevant official from the Provincial Financial Office stated that support will be provided for the construction of three major scitech hubs and high-level technology incubators, innovative financing models for major scientific infrastructure will be introduced, and assistance will be given to enable high-level scientific teams to start businesses and innovate in Anhuithereby ensuring essential elements for highquality technological innovation. Full-cycle accompaniment: escorting enterprise growth Technology-based enterprises follow a stepwise growth trajectory from seedling to growth to maturity. How to precisely match the enterprises growth rhythm and provide financial services that cover the entire process has become another important issue in the development of Anhuis tech finance. In response, Xing Tai Holdings, leveraging an integrated financial business layout that includes Xinan Bank and Xing Taiaffiliated financing guarantees, leasing, commercial factoring, private equity funds, and microloans, has built a deep-accompaniment system for technological innovation from the laboratory to the industrial chain. R&D, transformation, mass productionat every critical node in the growth of tech enterprises, Xing Tai Holdings embeds itself deeply, using precise matchmaking to resolve firms financing difficulties and development concerns, comprehensively meeting the differentiated financing needs of startups and key innovation entities within industrial chains, said a senior executive of Xing Tai Holdings. The Provincial Financial Office official noted that Anhui is building a more systematic, fullcycle financial support system. The province is accelerating the creation of a forest of funds, using policy guidance to encourage capital to invest earlier, in smaller projects, and in hard technologies; continuously expanding the scale of technology loans with an emphasis on increasing medium and longterm credit supply to match the longterm development needs of innovation firms; and deeply implementing the Welcoming Pine action plan to improve the enterprise listing cultivation system, promoting more highquality tech enterprises to list domestically and overseas and achieve leapfrog development through capital markets. Joint efforts: building a healthy ecosystem together The techfinance ecosystem is a systemic project that requires coordinated efforts from multiple stakeholders; it cannot be completed by a single department or institution alone. The Provincial Financial Office official believes that building a healthy ecosystem relies on synchronized resonance among finance, fiscal authorities, and enterprises. Only by forming a coordinated mechanism of policy guidance, market operation, multiparty participation, and shared risk can the techfinance ecosystem flourish. With policy coordinated efforts, deep bankenterprise ties, and mechanisms that innovate beyond boundaries, Anhui is using the powerful synergy of diverse parties to break the dilemma of techfinance working in isolation and to build a flourishing ecosystem. Source: anhuinews.com - " "! , ! , , . East Chicago native Emilio Albert De La Garza Jr. received the nations highest honor after sacrificing his life to save fellow soldiers during the Vietnam War. Veterans and community activists have pushed for years to get East Chicago, the city where he was born and raised, to honor the Mexican-American Medal of Honor recipient by naming a building or public space in his honor. Now De La Garza is getting his due in his hometown. On a blustery, chilly day, with a blanket of yellow and orange leaves crunching underfoot outside city hall, amid solemn ranks of veterans in crisp military dress uniforms, as ruddy-cheeked students in school uniform sweater vests sang patriotic songs, East Chicago dedicated the Emilio De La Garza Jr. Veterans Wall Memorial on Thursday morning. De La Garza was killed in action 55 years ago on April 11, 1970, in Da Nang, Vietnam. He jumped on a grenade to save his platoon mates. Its unfortunate it took 55 years to get this done, his widow and high school sweetheart, Rosemary Gonzalez, said. Its beautiful to see it. Its a permanent tribute. De La Garza, the son of a World War II veteran, had enlisted in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War shortly after graduating from Washington High School in Indiana Harbor and briefly working at Inland Steel. He married Gonzalez a week before he shipped off to Vietnam and saw her and their daughter while on leave in Hawaii in 1970. A week later, soldiers with grave expressions and dress uniforms knocked on her door to tell her he had died in combat. His daughter was too young to remember what he was like as a person. De La Garza earned a host of medals, including a Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Navy Presidential Unit Citation and the Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation with a Gallantry Cross. American Legion Post 508 was named after him. Ivy Tech, the United Steelworkers Local 1010 union hall and the East Chicago Public Library all honor him with displays. But veterans groups had to push for years to get him city recognition. It came in the form of a monument with silhouettes of soldiers, a stone monument, a fountain and a wall engraved with the names of East Chicago natives killed during all major wars. A plaque is being installed describing the conspicuous gallantry that earned De La Garza the Medal of Honor. It was a struggle, Mayor Anthony Copeland said. You can see it created something beautiful. Sometimes something can be chaotic. But once it goes smooth, it produces beauty. The reason were here today is because of the sacrifices that are being made. East Chicago illuminates the memorial at night to give it a dramatic lit-up appearance. The City of East Chicago came together, and this is what we came up with to honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice so each and every one of these children can be free and can dream the highest dream, Copeland said. This is something that is bigger than all of us. We wanted to build it for generations after us to see the sacrifices that were made. If any of your loved ones are on that wall, I would tell you to run your fingers across it in remembrance of that person. You can see that sacrifice was made honorably and made for a purpose. De La Garza was the first Latino in Indiana to receive the Medal of Honor. Hes been a source of pride in East Chicagos large Latino community. Our community stands together to reflect the courage, sacrifice and enduring legacy of the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Today is especially meaningful as we gather not only to honor our veterans but to dedicate this new memorial, East Chicago Police Department Chief Jose Rivera said. This monument thats being unveiled today stands as more than just stone and metal. Its a story. Its our communitys story. Each name, each symbol represents a life dedicated to something greater than self. It will stand as a place of reflection and remembrance, a place where children can come to learn what service truly means and where we can all pause to give thanks for the freedoms we enjoy because others stood in our defense. As we go about our day, let us take a moment to thank a veteran. Not just today, but every day. Let us listen to their stories and learn from their examples and live in a way that honors our sacrifice. May we never forget what you have given us. East Chicago Redevelopment Director Frank Rivera said the memorial wall told the story of ordinary citizens who did extraordinary things. Each name is a reminder that freedom has never been free. It was earned through sacrifice, through valor and for the love of our great country, Rivera said. We as a community stand humbled and united in lasting gratitude. May this site serve as a place of reflection for future generations to come, and to serve as a commitment to ensure the stories of the past whether of sacrifice, loss or achievement can be understood and learned from those who came later. 2025 The Times (Munster, Ind.). Visit www.nwitimes.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. The son of a dual U.S.-Saudi citizen detained abroad on terrorism charges for social media posts told Military.com that hes received white noise from the Trump administration regarding his fathers potential release, all as President Donald Trump is scheduled to meet face-to-face next week with Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud. Saad Almadi, 75, traveled from his private Florida residence to Saudi Arabia in November 2021 and, according to hostage advocates, was wrongfully imprisoned over 14 posts he made on his private X account, then known as Twitter. Upon arrival, Almadi was detained by Saudi agents on charges of harboring a terrorist ideology, destabilizing the Kingdom, and terrorism On Oct. 3, 2022, Almadi was sentenced to 16 years detention and given a 16-year exit ban, preventing him from leaving Saudi Arabia and returning to the states. In March 2023, after extensive lobbying from the Biden-era State Department, Almadi was released from detention but still under the guise of the exit ban. "The Saudis, they have a tremendous amount of power." Almadi was brought back into court by Saudi officials this past September, ultimately receiving a three-year sentence (with time served) and his travel ban was reaffirmed. Saad Almadi, 75, traveled from his Florida residence to Saudi Arabia in November 2021 and, according to hostage advocates, was wrongfully imprisoned over 14 posts he made on his private X account, then known as Twitter. (Foley Foundation) What my father is facing is beyond expression, Ibrahim Almadi, 29, Saads son, told Military.com. Even if I talk to you for hours and hours, I can't express it but it's very, very bad. The Saudis, they have a tremendous amount of power. I mean, look at them, they get away with murder; they get away with jailing Americans. Now they're going to come to the states and discuss F-35s and an agreement in defense systems. How can we trust them? The crown prince is currently scheduled to meet with Trump on Nov. 18 in the nations capital, aimed to bolster the relationship between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia and to discuss integral ties pertaining to economics, foreign and defense policies. When asked about Saads detainment, a White House official told Military.com: President Trump is aware of this case. We will not get ahead of any potential discussions. Military.com reached out to the State Department for comment. Imprisoned For Tweets The 14 social media posts spanning several years that unraveled Saad Almadis life, and the life of Ibrahim and his four siblings, never advocated for violence or expressed/promoted a particular terrorist group or ideology. Ibrahim said his fathers musings about Saudi military operations and rulership, all written and published from his Florida home, were rather innocuous and talked about normal everyday issues in societies. Saads account as a whole was described as funny. Really, nobody's listening to him or nobody's paying attention to his points or views, said Ibrahi, who lives in Boca Raton but travels to D.C. to aid his fathers efforts. And he has no influence in the Kingdom. He's just a retired human being. Saad formerly worked as a project manager who retired in the 2000s. President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman gesture as they meet delegations at the Royal Palace in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, Tuesday, May 13, 2025. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) One of the posts sent as part of Saads account, Mohajer44, was a reply to Ibrahim, stating: The Saudi government is removing everything that is old, they removed what was in Mecca before them, and what was in Riyadh, and the rest will come. Another post that went out to his fewer than 1,000 followers read: Do not waste your time as a Saudi, get Lebanese citizenship and be omnipotent, and they have a Christian university, take a degree from it, and you will find a job as a consultant and expert in any field you choose, even if your specialty is a missionary of the Christian religion. And another: Most of the Shura Council are just beneficiaries and they are not interested in the interest of the people or the country, especially the womens section. Unfortunately, the credibility and trust entrusted to them were not valued by mere puppets. As for the members, they are the two members as greed from the king who appointed them. Some of the posts were deleted, including one supposedly praising Washington D.C. officials who back in 2018 approved the renaming of a street in honor of killed Washington Post journalist Jamal Khashoggi, whose death that same year in the Turkish Consulate in Istanbul was alleged to have occurred under the order of the crown prince himself. The funny thing, these [Twitter posts] are evidence of the terrorism14 tweets, they have nothing else, Ibrahim said. If anybody who knows my father or even sits with him for a few minutes, they would know he has different kinds of ideas about Islam and that would actually make the situation worse on him. He's far away from being a terrorist or even criticized as a terrorist. Aside from Ibrahim and one other child, Saad Almadis other three children live in Saudi Arabia. Open Line of Communication Ibrahim has been critical of the previous Biden administration and its efforts, or lack thereof, to return U.S. citizens accused of political wrongdoing. He's also praised the Trump administration for its special hostage envoy to help accelerate releases abroad, in cases where Americans have been held in countries like China and Russia. Sebastian Gorka speaks during the Conservative Political Action Conference, CPAC 2024, at the National Harbor, in Oxon Hill, Md., Friday , Feb. 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Jose Luis Magana) That line of communication has included Ibrahim having direct access to multiple Trump administration officials who have updated him on any movement in his fathers case. One of those government contacts has been Sebastian Gorka, a White House adviser in Trumps first term and a deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism during the current administration. The Trump administration has been doing a very excellent job with me, actually, Ibrahim said. I have two of the president's advisors in my cellphone. I can reach them, text them anytime I want. Trump was asked about Saad by the press in May 2025, saying he wasnt at all familiar with the case but would see what he could do. "This is what you get for killing people and jailing Americans" About 10 days after Trumps remarks, Ibrahim was invited to meet with Gorka to discuss Saads situation. Nothing transpired for months, until Oct. 3 when Ibrahim and Gorka met again at the White House. [Gorka] told me, We have seven days to work on it. Now it's past [a] month, Ibrahim said. They told my father in the embassy when he visited in mid-October that his file would move to President Trump's desk [the] first week of November, and [that] the visit of MBS would be rejected if my father was not back. But now we are at Nov. 12. Nothing about my father, nothing with rejecting the visit. So, this is what you get for killing people and jailing Americans. Trump Should 'Urge' MBS For Release The Foley Foundation, which advocates for U.S. hostage prevention and release, said that Saad Almadi has no connections with any terrorist organization and poses no threat to Saudi Arabia. They encourage Trump to make a direct request to the crown prince for Saads release, which they said would not be ignored. Mr. Almadis case is about free speechthe very principle my son Jim was held captive and killed defending, Diane Foley, president and founder of the James W. Foley Legacy Foundation, told Military.com. President Trump has long stood for free expression and putting American citizens first. I hope he will urge Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman to send Mr. Almadi home before their White House meeting. President Donald Trump listens during a meeting with Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, July 16, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Abdullah Alaoudh, senior director of countering authoritarianism at the Middle East Democracy Center, was also critical in remarks made in September. Why is an American father who was arrested over innocuous tweets still trapped in Saudi Arabia while President Trump cozies up to MBS? Alaoudh said. If the Trump administration is serious about putting Americans first, Saad Almadi would be home with his family in Florida. Ibrahim, who has also personally mentioned his fathers case with U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson, said he gets to speak and FaceTime with his father. Efforts to spur his release included moving to Washington D.C. for about a year. Finding advocates like those at the Foley Foundation instilled hope for Ibrahim, who said he felt tired of fighting alone. I'm [Saads] son and not only his son, I'm his best friend, Ibrahim said. I didn't hug him or get to see him or spend holidays with him. I have my life completely on pause. I'm not doing anything in my life, just working his case. A white paper being disseminated through the U.S. Department of War calls on Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and top officials to adopt a broader aircraft system to replace older fleets and better aid NATO partners while sending a stronger message to adversaries, Military.com has learned. The document, shared with Military.com by a source familiar with the matter, encourages the U.S. to adopt a Gulfstream G550based Conformal Airborne Early Warning (CAEW) platform already fielded by Israel and Italy as a combat-proven complementary solution. The equivalent in the United States is known as the EA-37B, an Air Force electronic warfare aircraft nicknamed Compass Call that uses the modified airframe of a G550 business jet but with a sensor package developed by BAE Systems. Airborne early warning and control is an important capability for the alliance," a NATO official told Military.com. "An initiative to replace the existing AWACS fleet is ongoing, and the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA) is supporting this process and the allies involved. Military.com reached out to the Pentagon for comment. The G550 model aligns with NATOs 5% defense pledge and the 24-month Rapid Adoption Action Plan (RAAP), endorsed in June and which strives to accelerate the adoption of allies new defense technology, per the document. NATO is entering a decisive moment in airborne command and control, the document notes, acknowledging that future architectures extending toward broader, multidomain information integration are required for modernity and properly meeting the demands of high-threat environments. The document is reportedly moving to the desk of Hegseth, who according to sources has not yet been made privy to the document. Boeing Remains Committed Calls for a revamped system come as multiple NATO countries announced Thursday that they will not acquire six Boeing E-7 Wedgetail aircraft viewed as successors to Boeing E-3Asnow used as AWACS (Airborne Warning and Control Systems) aircraft with an expected shelf life lasting until 2035. Boeing remains fully committed to NATO and allied nations airborne early warning and control needs, a Boeing spokesperson told Military.com. The E-7A is the most capable and mature AEW&C platform fielded today, with combat-proven capabilities, interoperability with alliance systems, and a ready industrial and sustainment framework to meet operational timelines. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks during the 4th annual Northeast Indiana Defense Summit at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Fort Wayne, Ind. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings) A Boeing official noted how In November 2023, the Boeing E-7A was selected as the only capability that meets or exceeds the airborne early warning and control requirements identified by NATO Allies. Less Money, Better Safety The document circulating through the Department of War calls for a NATOowned, European-led business jet fleet, structured under the NATO Support and Procurement Agency (NSPA). It could be jointly funded and operated to avoid current bottlenecks. That translates to a global supply chain procuring and modifying aircraft faster than current programs allow, while also allowing for phased growth without redesigns. It would supposedly reduce sustainment costs and minimize future upgrades. For example, a 6-8 member crew would operate a G550 at a cost of about $6,000 per hour, over a period of 8-10 hours and in a craft with higher survivability against threats. Thats compared to a 12-14 member crew of an E7 operating at the approximate cost of $20,000 per hour, over a period of 10-12 hours and in a craft with moderate survivability against threats. The E-3 crew, described as a craft with low survivability costs a 16-20 member crew roughly $30,000 over an 8-10 hour period. Air Solution This is a European-led solution in execution, the paper states. While the baseline airframes and some mission systems draw from U.S. and Israeli programs, conversion, certification, sustainment, and mission software canand shouldbe conducted in Europe. That ensures political ownership, creates workshare for European industry, and opens opportunities for regional AI/ML and systems suppliers. Politically, a NATOowned G550 fleet would demonstrate cost-conscious burden sharing and turn the 5% pledge into tangible capability. Such a transition would also quantify NATOs ability to rapidly innovate, providing reassurance to the public and a strong message of deterrence to adversaries. By leveraging an existing platform and allied industrial capacity, NATO can deliver a layered airborne C2 solution that complements the E7, enhances resilience, expands under-resourced mission areas, and proves the alliance can innovate at the speed of relevance, the document says. The first new jet for Poland's government officials, U.S. made Gulfstream G550, is being welcomed with a water cannon salute as it lands at the military airport, in Warsaw, Poland, Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Since early 1990s Poland has been planning to buy new planes for VIP's to replace Soviet made aircrafts. (AP Photo/Alik Keplicz) 'Several Critical Gaps' The Gulfstream G550 can close C2 gaps, per the document, and offers advantages in areas including survivability and agility, reducing vulnerability of the aircraft; improving coverage; maintaining human capital and expertise to work on newer systems; and could better be integrated across all domains. While the E7 will modernize NATOs airborne battle management, the document mentions several critical gaps that have been repeatedly highlighted by senior commanders. They include vulnerability not just to surfacetoair missiles and longrange fires but also to asymmetric threats from low-cost drones. It also describes how coverage over the High North, Baltics, Central Europe, and Black Sea is unfeasible with E7s. Theres also concern about the timeline to have E-7s produced and distributed with the current timeline extending into the 2030s, which could leave the U.S. and NATO allies in limbo as E-3s simultaneously phase out of rotation. NATOs airborne battle management advantage is at a crossroads, the document states. Choosing the E7 Wedgetail to succeed AWACS was a vital step; it is not enough. A complementary, proven platform is required to close NATOs gaps in AEW and related mission sets. Distributed across Europe, it would harden wartime resilience and expand peacetime training opportunities, strengthening tomorrows readiness nownot a decade from now. NATO Partners Seek 'Alternatives' The Netherlands are one of six NATO nations now exploring alternatives for fleet replacement and seeking new partners, according to a statement released by the Dutch Ministry of Defense. In June, a senior U.S. military official announced the countrys withdrawal from the AWACS replacement program and effectively removed itself from providing strategic and financial assistance to partners. NATO has been using AWACS since 1982. The department is canceling the E-7 Wedgetail program due to significant delays with cost increases from $588 million to $724 million per aircraft and survivability concerns in a contested environment while investing in alternate solutions including space-based capabilities and adding additional E-2D aircraft, the official said at the time. The Dutch MoD said in a statement Thursday that under the previous program, both the strategic and financial foundations were lost which resulted in halting the acquisition of the E-7. The NATO members are now exploring alternatives for fleet replacement and seeking new partners, per the statement. "The goal remains to have other, quieter aircraft operational by 2035," Dutch State Defense Secretary Gijs Tuinman said. "The U.S. withdrawal also demonstrates the importance of investing as much as possible in European industry." NATO chief Mark Rutte on Thursday signaled the urgency to "speed up on figuring out replacements. Military.com reached out to the Dutch MoD for comment. UPDATED 11/17/25, 10:15 a.m. ET: This story was updated with comment from NATO. From Guadalcanal to Okinawa, the Marine Corps earned its reputation for tackling some of the bloodiest battles of World War IIs Pacific Theater. What few remember is that the U.S. Army usually fought alongside the Marines through some of the fiercest battles in history. However, only one Army regiment the 147th Infantry stood shoulder to shoulder with Marines in five of the toughest Pacific campaigns. Its soldiers fought in the same jungles, on the same beaches and across the same volcanic rock, yet their story remains largely unknown. The 147th Infantry: From the Buckeye Division to the Pacific Theater The 147th Infantry Regiment was originally part of the Ohio National Guards 37th Infantry Division. When the Army reorganized its divisions in 1942 from four regiments to three, the 147th was cut loose and became an independent regiment. That independence meant it could be sent wherever it was needed most. Instead of fighting as part of a larger division, the 147th was repeatedly attached to Marine units fighting in the Pacific. Independent units like this were usually tasked with holding ground, clearing out bypassed Japanese positions and doing the dangerous work of rooting out survivors after the main battles ended. It was an unusual role for an Army unit, and it soon placed the regiment on the front lines of nearly every major Marine fight in the Pacific. The Battle of Guadalcanal The regiments baptism by fire came on Guadalcanal in late 1942 and early 1943. Japanese forces had already been hammered for months, but thousands dug in around the ridges of Mount Austen. The 147th would eventually be called upon to help the other troops take the position. According to the Armys official history, on January 20, 1943, the 3d Battalion, 147th began moving into the front line between the 6th Marines and the 182d Infantry during the final push to eliminate Japanese resistance. General Alexander Patch combined the 147th, the 182nd Infantry and the 6th Marines into the Composite Army-Marine Division. For several weeks, the soldiers and Marines hacked through dense jungle, crossed rivers under fire and fought bitterly for every ridge. By the time Guadalcanal was declared secure on Feb. 9, 1943, the 147th had lost dozens of men but proved it could fight in some of the Pacifics harshest terrain. Soldiers of the 147th Infantry Regiment at a heavy weapons range, learning to operate and fire Japanese weapons. The regiment would fight in numerous engagements across the Pacific Theater alongside Marines. (American Warrior) The U.S. Army on Saipan and Tinian After garrison duty on several smaller islands, the 147th returned to combat in the summer of 1944 during the invasions of Saipan and Tinian. On Saipan, the regiment landed behind the Marine divisions and the Armys 27th Infantry Division. It was tasked with clearing caves, bunkers and pillboxes that often concealed diehard Japanese defenders that were bypassed by the main force. The soldiers had to resort to using satchel charges and flamethrowers to prevent Japanese troops from launching surprise attacks against unsuspecting rear-echelon troops. Even after Saipan was officially secured, the 147th fought skirmishes against stragglers who refused to surrender. A few weeks later, the regiment landed on the nearby island of Tinian. There, the men perfected their brutal craft. They again used flamethrowers, satchel charges and grenades to burn or blast Japanese soldiers out of caves and tunnels. These tactics, refined in the Marianas, would define the regiments role for the rest of the war. Members of Company F, 147th Infantry, display captured Japanese flags found in an underground hospital, April 11, 1945. Relieving Marine Corps units, the Soldiers of the Ohio National Guards 147th Infantry Regiment fought on the island from March to September 1945, clearing the remaining enemy troops, some of whom were hiding in intricate cave systems. (Photo from Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections). The Marine Corps and Iwo Jima The regiments toughest assignment came on Iwo Jima in March 1945. Although the battle remains the largest all-marine amphibious assault in history, the Army played their part in the engagement. After the Marines captured the islands airfields in the first week of the engagement, thousands of Japanese soldiers still hid in the islands underground tunnel complexes. The 147th was brought in to root these troops out while the Marines finished securing the island. They became known as the Cave Men. Pvt. James McGuire of Company B recalled, Our company formed teams equipped with guts, flashlights and pistols. Platoon leader James J. Ahern described the dangers bluntly: I threw in a white phosphorous grenade and the Jap threw it back I tossed in a fragmentation grenade and the Jap threw it back This got my dander up. I cleared the cave with a flamethrower. For three months, the regiment hunted down Japanese troops who tried to escape or ambush them. Fifteen men were killed and 144 wounded, but the 147th killed more than 1,600 Japanese and captured nearly 900 more. Thousands of others were sealed inside their tunnels forever. Lt. Gen. Robert C. Richardson, commanding Army forces in the Pacific, commended the regiment for its consistent courage and combat ingenuity in dealing with an enemy determined upon a course of fanatical resistance. Soldiers of the 147th Infantry Regiment with captured Japanese soldiers on Iwo Jima. The regiment killed or captured thousands of Japanese troops on the island in the months after the Marines declared the island secured. (American Warrior) The Final Battle on Okinawa Fresh from Iwo, the 147th landed on Okinawa in April 1945. After the collapse of organized Japanese resistance, the regiment again turned to cave-clearing operations, applying its hard-earned tactics in the final bloody battle of the Pacific. Dozens of troops from the regiment were killed or wounded, trying to root out the last fanatical Japanese troops on the island. Like on Iwo, the soldiers had to resort to simply sealing the caves, forever trapping the enemy underground. By the end of the summer, the island was declared secure, and with it the road to Japan itself lay open. One battalion from the regiment was sent back to Tinian, where the men helped guard the components for the atomic bombs that would destroy Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Following the end of the war in September 1945, the regiment was rotated back home with little fanfare. Soldiers of the 147th Infantry Regiment, Ohio National Guard, on Okinawa. The soldiers fought on the island until the end of WWII in September 1945. The regiment fought alongside the Marines through some of their toughest battles in the Pacific. (Photo from Ohio Army National Guard Historical Collections) A Forgotten Regiment with a Unique Distinction Despite its record, the 147th remains relatively unknown. Its independent status meant the regiment had no divisional patch that could earn recognition, no large public identity, and it usually operated in the shadows of the Marine Corps. The Marines, rightly, received widespread public recognition for their costly assaults throughout the Pacific. The Army, despite constituting the vast majority of the troops numbers in the theater and conducting the majority of amphibious assaults, are often forgotten. The soldiers of the 147th fighting beside the Marines or mopping up behind them, rarely saw their names in the headlines. 147th Infantry Regiment soldiers used flamethrowers extensively throughout the Pacific to clear out Japanese bunkers and caves. The regiment lost dozens of men in operations to mop-up behind the main force. (American Warrior) Yet their achievements were impressive. Over the course of the war, the regiment fought in more landings, cleared more caves and killed or captured more enemy troops than many Marine regiments. On Iwo Jima alone, their tally of enemy killed and captured amounted to nearly 10 percent of the islands entire Japanese garrison. In recent years, historians have begun to restore the regiments place in WWII history. On the 75th anniversary of Iwo Jima in 2020, veterans accounts brought the danger of their work back into the spotlight. Daytime or nighttime, combat action on Iwo Jima was always exciting. The risks were there, some days were more adventurous than others, Ahern said. The regiment may not have raised a flag on Mount Suribachi, but it fought and bled in five of the Marine Corps toughest battles. Its legacy is a reminder that the Army, too, paid heavily in the island war against Japan, and that victory in the Pacific was a joint effort. At 10:59 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, a German machine gun crew fired a burst of rounds at approaching Americans. One bullet struck 23-year-old Pvt. Henry Gunther in the left temple. He died instantly. Sixty seconds later, the guns fell silent across the Western Front. Gen. John Pershing would officially designate Gunther as the last American soldier killed in World War I. He was one of approximately 2,738 men who died that morning casualties of the six-hour window between the armistice signing and its enforcement. He is thought to be the last soldier of any nation to die during the war. As Americans observe Veterans Day, Gunther's death captures both the valor of military service and the sometimes cruel outcomes of war. A German-American Bank Clerk Goes to War The war found Henry Gunther working behind a desk at the National Bank of Baltimore. Born June 6, 1895, he was the eldest son of George and Lina Gunther, both children of German immigrants who settled in Highlandtown, a heavily German neighborhood in East Baltimore. The family attended Sacred Heart of Jesus Roman Catholic parish, where Henry had organized and led a youth cadet program with about 85 boys. His mother would later describe him as the life of the house someone with gentle manners and a willingness to help anyone who needed it. When Congress declared war on Germany in April 1917, German-Americans faced intense scrutiny. Some were accused of disloyalty. Others faced violence. Gunther didn't rush to enlist, but he prepared himself for military service in 1916 by training at Plattsburg with a hospital unit. When Congress declared war on Germany in April 1917, German-Americans faced intense scrutiny. Some were accused of disloyalty. Others faced violence. Gunther didn't rush to enlist. The draft called for him in September 1917. He reported to Camp Meade and was assigned to the 313th Infantry Regiment, 79th Division a unit that would become known as Baltimore's Own. His organizational skills earned him a promotion to supply sergeant, handling equipment and clothing for his company. In July 1918, he shipped to France. Henry Gunther in uniform smoking a cigar. After being drafted, Gunther was assigned to the 79th Division and deployed to France in 1918. (Wikimedia Commons) A Letter That Cost Him Everything Gunther wrote home from the trenches. He described the brutal conditions at the front the mud, the fear, the constant artillery. He told a friend to do whatever was necessary to avoid being drafted. Army postal censors intercepted the letter. In wartime, mail from soldiers was routinely screened for intelligence leaks and anything that might damage morale. Gunther's letter violated both. The punishment was immediate and severe. The Army stripped Gunther of his sergeant's stripes and yanked him from supply duties. He was busted down to private and sent to the front lines as a rifleman just as his regiment prepared for two months of continuous combat in the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Some accounts suggest his troubles went further than military punishment. His grand-niece Carol Gunther Aikman told the History Channel that Gunther's fiancee broke off their engagement after learning of the demotion. However, a February 1919 Baltimore Sun article published just months after Gunther's death identifies Olga Gruebl as his fiancee and describes her attending a meeting with his parents and the regiment's chaplain. The article notes they had planned to marry on his birthday, June 6, 1918, but postponed due to the war. Gruebl never married after Gunther's death, dying in 1964. Whatever the truth about his personal life, the demotion devastated Gunther professionally and psychologically. Troops of the American Expeditionary Force in France. Although Americans began arriving on the Western Front in late 1917, the bulk of the AEF arrived in the summer of 1918. Over one million Americans would participate in heavy fighting across the front until the final moments of WWI. (Wikimedia Commons) A Soldier Trying to Prove Something Baltimore Sun reporter James M. Cain had served as a private in France during the war. Afterward, he interviewed soldiers from Gunther's unit about the final day. Cain would later gain fame writing noir novels, including The Postman Always Rings Twice and Double Indemnity, but in 1919, he was documenting what happened to a fellow Baltimorean. According to Cain's reporting, Gunther's comrades noticed an immediate transformation. The outgoing sergeant became withdrawn and brooding. He fixated on one goal, and that was proving he wasn't a coward or a German sympathizer. During the Meuse-Argonne Offensive that fall a massive operation involving more than a million American troops Gunther volunteered for increasingly dangerous assignments. When the regiment needed runners to carry messages between command posts, Gunther stepped forward. The job meant sprinting across open ground under enemy fire. German snipers specifically targeted runners. For a full week, Gunther carried messages while bullets ripped past him. A German round hit him in the hand. He wrapped it himself and kept running. Days before Nov. 11, another bullet struck his wrist. The next morning, he reported for duty as usual. Map showing the frontlines of WWI. The Meuse-Argonne Offensive began in September 1918 and continued until the end of the war. The one million Americans who participated in the offensive were instrumental in breaking German lines. Henry Gunther was killed at the conclusion of the offensive and the war. (Wikimedia Commons) The Six Hours That Killed Thousands German, British, and French negotiators gathered in a railway dining car in a forest clearing north of Paris. Shortly after 5 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918, they signed an armistice agreement. Allied Supreme Commander Ferdinand Foch set the ceasefire for 11 a.m. six hours away. The delay allowed time to transmit orders to remote sections of the front. But Foch also wanted the symbolic weight of ending the war at the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. That symbolism came with a body count. Rather than ordering troops to hold positions and wait, Allied commanders across the front sent their men forward. Some generals wanted to capture one more town before the armistice took effect. Artillery batteries fired off whatever shells they could to avoid hauling them away. Historian Joseph Persico documented in Eleventh Month, Eleventh Day, Eleventh Hour that approximately 2,738 soldiers died on the Western Front that final morning more than 11,000 total casualties when including wounded and missing. A runner reached the 313th Regiment at 10:44 a.m., informing the command staff of the impending armistice. Brig. Gen. William Nicholson, commanding the regiment, issued orders to his troops. There would be absolutely no let-up until exactly 11 a.m. Keep fighting for 16 more minutes. Brig. Gen. William Nicholson (third from right) and his brigade staff during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive. Nicholson was the oldest American soldier to see frontline combat during WWI. His decision to press his men forward until the armistice led to the death of Henry Gunther. (Wikimedia Commons) Sixteen Minutes Left to Live Gunther's squad was moving through the village of Chaumont-devant-Damvillers in Lorraine when they spotted German positions ahead two machine gun crews manning a roadblock. The German soldiers knew the war was ending. They received word to hold their positions but avoid needless killing in the final minutes. When American troops appeared through the morning fog, the Germans fired warning shots high over their heads. Gunther hit the ground as rounds cracked through the air. Then he did something nobody expected. He started crawling forward through the mud toward the German machine guns. His fellow Americans screamed at him to stop. The German crews stood up from behind their weapons, waving their arms frantically. They shouted in broken English for the American soldier to go back. The war was nearly over. There was no reason for anyone to die. Gunther either couldn't hear them or chose not to listen. He climbed to his feet, fixed his bayonet to his rifle, and charged directly at the machine gun position. He was given an order, and he was going to see it done. The Germans continued screaming for him to stop, but as Gunther closed in and raised his rifle, they had no choice. A five-round burst cut Gunther down; one bullet struck him in the head, the rest tore into several letters he had received from Olga and his parents. The time was 10:59 a.m. Witnesses later reported that the artillery barrages across the Western Front seemed to stop at the precise moment Gunther's body fell. The German machine gunners who killed Gunther immediately grabbed a stretcher. They placed his body on it and carried him across no man's land back to American lines. They explained what had happened. The American and German soldiers present, having survived the war, shook hands and parted ways. The regiment's Catholic chaplain, Lt. Rev. George F. Jonaitis, helped dig Gunther's grave where he fell. Jonaitis conducted the burial service, laying Gunther to rest in French soil as WWI came to an end. German machine gun crew during the Second Battle of the Somme. (Wikimedia Commons) Henry Gunther: Redeemed in Death The following day, Gen. Pershing issued his Order of the Day announcing the end of hostilities. In that official statement, Pershing specifically identified Henry Gunther as the last American soldier killed in World War I. Whatever redemption Gunther sought, he found it. The Army posthumously restored him to the rank of sergeant. He received the Distinguished Service Cross along with a divisional citation for gallantry in action honors he desperately sought in life but received only after death. Three months later, in February 1919, Lt. Jonaitis traveled to Baltimore to tell the family about Henry's final moments. George and Lina Gunther, as well as Olga Gruebl listened. Lina broke down as the chaplain described her son's death. The chaplain delivered Henrys final letters to Olga. Henry's mother told the chaplain that her son had been one of the best boys that ever lived and had never given her a moment's worry. She wanted his body brought home. If necessary, she said, she would travel to France herself to retrieve it. In 1923, the Army exhumed Gunther's body from a military cemetery in France and returned him to Baltimore. He was buried at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery. His family noted the cemetery's name seemed grimly fitting Gunther had died trying to redeem himself. His grave marker reads: Highly decorated for exceptional bravery and heroic action that resulted in his death one minute before the armistice. Nearly nine decades after his death, on Nov. 11, 2008, the French government dedicated a memorial near the spot where Gunther fell in Chaumont-devant-Damvillers. Two years later, the German Society of Maryland unveiled a memorial plaque at his Baltimore grave. The ceremony was scheduled for 10:59 a.m. Sgt. Henry Gunthers grave at Most Holy Redeemer Cemetery in Baltimore, Maryland. (Wikimedia Commons) Why We Remember Veterans on Nov. 11 The moment Henry Gunther fell became the moment that defines Veterans Day. President Woodrow Wilson proclaimed the first Armistice Day in November 1919, honoring those who died in World War I. Congress made Nov. 11 a federal holiday in 1938. After World War II and Korea required millions more Americans to serve, Congress broadened the holiday's scope. In 1954, President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed legislation renaming it Veterans Day expanding recognition beyond WWI to honor all who have worn the uniform. Soldiers of the 64th Infantry Regiment celebrate Armistice Day, the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month, finally bringing World War I to an end. Over 300 Americans were killed in the final hours of the conflict. (Wikimedia Commons) Congress kept the observance on Nov. 11 to preserve what that date represents: the exact moment when the guns fell silent at 11 a.m. on Nov. 11, 1918. Gunther was the last of millions to die during WWI, while over 300 other Americans died in the hours before his death that day. Gunther's death one minute before that silence captures why the day matters. His story a soldier who died seeking redemption in the final moments of WWI reflects the cost of service that Veterans Day asks Americans to remember. Every Nov. 11, Americans honor service members like Gunther who gave everything, as well as veterans of all branches and eras, through peace and war. On Veterans Day (and throughout the week), we honor all veterans and talk about how veterans make a lasting difference in their communities. Drawing on their experiences of service, leadership, and resilience, many step into roles that strengthen local organizations, support fellow veterans, and create opportunities for others. Their impact extends well beyond their time in uniform, helping to build stronger, more connected communities nationwide. Often, veterans' experiences shape how they lead in communities. Military.com spoke with Daniel Avegalio, Dean of Students at Missouri Western State University, and Kevin Schmeigel, current co-founder of ZeroMils, who continues to elevate others through their dedication. Both veterans share how theyve redefined their own sense of purpose and what it means to give back. Kim OBrien: How has your veteran experience shaped how you lead today? Daniel Avegalio: Such a great question, there are various things that I learned from my time in the Military. Some key areas for me are being disciplined and mission-focused. Being able to be decisive under pressure. There were challenging times on deployment where I had to make quick and good decisions. The importance of teamwork and trust are two other areas, and my leadership style of being a servant leader of putting the needs of the team first, regardless of their position. Lastly, adaptability and problem-solving. These are all things I learned from the Military and use effectively today! Kevin Schmiegel is the founder of ZeroMils which is an organization focused on helping military families thrive in the workplace and in communities. Kevin Schmeigel: After retiring from the Marine Corps as a lieutenant colonel following 20 years of service, I founded and led Hiring Our Heroes, a U.S.-based veteran employment-focused nonprofit. After leaving the organization to take care of my own health and well-being, I lost my sense of purpose and felt disconnected from the military community. Despite landing a job several months later with good pay and an impressive title, I spiraled into depression until I found purpose again. Thats when I returned to nonprofit work, during which I led two other national military nonprofits that impacted more than 3 million service members, veterans, and their families over the course of a decade. In both reconnecting with veterans and giving back to those who served the nation, I was thriving again. This eventually led to my co-founding ZeroMils, a service-disabled veteran-owned small business with a mission to create Military Thriving cultures and communities that go beyond being military friendly and help change the broken veteran narrative. Kim: What initiatives or events have you found to be most effective in strengthening connections among veterans? Daniel: I feel that joining the Military gave us a sense of belonging and purpose, but also the feeling that we were always helping people. So, I think as Veterans, finding those connections in the community as a civilian is just as important, but finding ways to still continue to give back with purpose. So participating in events that give back to the community always gives us back that camaraderie or feelings we had in the Military. Volunteering for Team RWB, The Mission Continues, is another one. Even your local VFW, American Legion, and United Way all offer opportunities. I am grateful that I work at a University and we do activities like these with our Center for Service program. I have a saying that our uniform never comes off, depending on how we support our community in life! Kevin: In October 2024, ZeroMils hosted its inaugural Military Thriving Change Forum at Georgetown University with the goal of strengthening our community by giving Veterans opportunities to connect, serve, and find continued purpose together. By empowering hundreds of Veterans from dozens of corporations employee resource groups to serve shoulder to shoulder with young people in collaboration with best-in-class nonprofits, our Uniting In Service events are not only strengthening connections, they are helping to change misperceptions about Veterans and inspiring the next generation to serve, both in and out of uniform. Since March 2025, weve seen our Uniting In Service events in Dallas, Washington, DC, and Minneapolis impact more than 7,500 underserved families while helping Veterans find purpose through continued service. Our 4th and final community-wide service event will be in Charlotte on November 6th, where we will assemble 5,000 food kits for hungry children in NC. Our hope is to demonstrate that Veterans Day is not about serving Veterans, its about Veterans serving America. Kim: What motivates you to stay involved? Daniel Avegalio is the Dean of Students at Missouri Western State University. Daniel: I joined the Military to not only serve but also the help others. I feel like in my job today as Dean of Students, I can honestly say, I have the opportunity to wake up every day, knowing I can help change the lives of students. It is the same feeling I get in helping our Military and Veteran Community. When I got out of the Marine Corps back in 2010, I found we did not have the resources or support systems that we have now. It is sad to say, but we still have similar issues almost 15 years later, although they are better. So I told myself back at that time, that I would do my best to help advocate and support where I can, so no other service member or Veteran had to go through what I went through when I transitioned out of the Military. So I try to help where I can! Kevin: My own struggles and experiences going from barely surviving to thriving motivate me to stay involved. In discovering that meaningful employment isnt the only thing we need in our lives post-military transition, I want to help Veterans reach their full potential and thrive. Veterans are no strangers to discipline, teamwork, and commitment. Many veterans transform American communities by uplifting others. Among them are Daniel and Kevin, whose volunteerism, mentorship, and leadership are changing lives for the better. Their work not only reminds us of selfless service, but also how veterans show up in American communities in everyday life. If you want to research which colleges and universities may be Military Friendly, a quick Google search will give you plenty of options. Safe places to start are the VAs GI Bill Comparison Tool or the Veterans Education Success, which is an organization dedicated to protecting military-affiliated students and the integrity of higher education with significant victories under its belt. Organizations like this have solid research and political and legal advocacy. There are a variety of resources available to help you find the college or career service that fits your needs, but as you seek to use your well-earned educational benefits, be sure to invest time in preventative education against fraud and ask questions to gauge how they work with the military student population. The Department of Veterans Affairs has announced partnerships with more than 700 institutions of higher learning across the U.S. as part of the Yellow Ribbon Program a provision under the Post-9/11 GI Bill that aims to help cover additional costs associated with pursuing some types of a college-level education (DVIDS). The Role of Colleges and Universities Colleges and universities should be transparent. This means common inquiries like tuition costs and fees are shared upfront, and there is a human you can talk to about your questions. They should also exhibit clear policies, reporting procedures, financial management, safe security practices, and publicly accessible data. As a prospective student, getting the information you need to make an informed decision should never feel like a daunting task, and you should not have to pay extra fees for basic services. Additionally, you do not want to find out youve been provided promises or guarantees inappropriately to make enrollment numbers look great. You can also do quick research on your schools reviews, ratings, and testimonials. Additionally, you can easily look up tax filings and audits of nonprofit postsecondary organizations to see how money is being spent and if there are any alarming figures. The Role of the Federal Trade Commission According to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), $15.5M refund payments were sent to more than 42,511 recipients just this past year in March based on Career Step, LLCs settlement, which targeted military members and spouses with fraudulent marketing. Career Education Corporation paid $28.89M for deceptive recruitment and enrollment practices. DeVry University and the University of Phoenix are a couple of other case examples of misleading advertising that led to millions in settlements. Understanding how fraud occurs and reporting it when it happens is an important step that leads to action and results. It can help other impacted individuals and hold institutions accountable. As of September this year, $2.39B payments were sent to more than 15 million recipients via the FTC. This information is publicly available at the FTC Refunds to Customers interactive dashboard. For specific military consumer protection, you can stay current using the Military Consumer tool and report fraud at https://reportfraud.ftc.gov/. (Please note that there is a current service lapse due to the government shutdown.) U.S. Army Sgt. Javier Hernandez, infantryman with the 1st Battalion, 175th Infantry Regiment, Maryland National Guard, at the Fifth Regiment Armory, Baltimore, Maryland. Hernandez has taken advantage of the education benefits offered by the MDARNG including Federal Tuition Assistance, State Tuition Assistance Reimbursement (STAR), and the post 9/11 GI Bill to help him achieve his goal of attending dental school. (National Guard photo by Enjoli Saunders) Your Role Taking time to research and ask questions may save you time and resources down the road. Be careful to protect your personally identifiable information. Here are some sample questions to ask related to your education program and career goal. How is your school accredited, and has there been any recent changes to accreditation? Do you have programmatic accreditation for my program? National accreditation typically has less rigorous processes and transferability than regional accreditation standards. Will my academic credits be accepted if I go to X school in the future? Always communicate with every school you intend to transfer to about your goal, as you do not want outdated information or misinformation. What do your career and workforce readiness programs look like? Do you offer support with job networking or internships? What specific support does your school provide to military-connected students? Some examples might include tuition or fee-based waivers, campus engagement programs, and specialized staff. Does my program of interest include face-to-face options for Chapter 33 benefits? What are the specific rules on credit transfer? How does your institution accept JST credits? Is there a cap on electives? How are my transfer credits applied specifically to my program? Do you have institutional military scholarships or grants? Does your college articulate credit for military work experience? While there are many reputable colleges and universities committed to serving military-connected students, it only takes one to wreak havoc on your life. Invest in yourself and your future, and lean on reputable organizations and agencies available to you to stay informed and receive assistance. Taking the time to ask intentional questions and conduct a bit of research will help you maximize your educational experience and goals. Also see 5 Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Online University for You and Ask the Right Questions Before Choosing a School. Several military installations have issued reminders directing residents in privatized base housing to remove Christmas decorations within specified timeframes. The notices, distributed by housing management offices and private contractors, cite community standards established under the Department of Defenses Military Housing Privatization Initiative, which sets uniform requirements for maintenance, safety, and appearance across military housing communities. At Tyndall Air Force Base, residents received an email from Balfour Beatty Communities titled One Holiday at a Time. The message reminded tenants that outdoor decorations may only be displayed within 30 days of the holiday and must be removed within 15 days afterward. It also required that holiday lights only be used between 1800 and 2300 nightly. The policy, according to the company, comes directly from the housing lease and community standards rather than from a uniform Department of Defense regulation across all bases. A report from the Associated Press confirmed similar timelines appear in Tyndalls housing handbook, which allows Christmas decorations from the week after Thanksgiving until the third week of January. Those rules reflect the standard provisions in privatized housing agreements that require residents to maintain a neat and orderly appearance of exterior spaces. Why These Rules Exist The Military Housing Privatization Initiative authorizes private companies such as Balfour Beatty Communities and Lendlease to manage, maintain, and enforce standards within base housing. Those companies draft community handbooks in coordination with installation housing offices and commanders. The rules often address landscaping, exterior maintenance, and holiday displays. However, no single DoD regulation dictates specific decoration timelines. A view of Fort Jackson's on-post housing in South Carolina. (Courtesy photo) Legal Basis for the Rules The framework for these requirements comes from 10 U.S.C. 2890, which directs the Secretary of Defense to issue two documents for privatized housing: the Tenant Bill of Rights and the Tenant Responsibilities. The Bill of Rights focuses on protections for residents, such as the right to a written lease, maintenance history, and dispute resolution, while the Tenant Responsibilities establish that residents must comply with their lease and related community rules. Specifically, section 2890(c)(6) states tenants have the responsibility to read all lease-related materials and to comply with the terms of the lease agreement. Because community standards are incorporated into those leases, this language makes adherence to those standards a condition of tenancy. The DoD requires each lease to attach both documents and guarantees these rights and responsibilities through its housing contracts. Safety and Uniformity Considerations Housing officials often justify these timelines as safety measures. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that prolonged outdoor use of string lights or extension cords can cause electrical overheating and fire hazards. Decoration curfews and removal deadlines reduce those risks and simplify maintenance inspections. Uniformity also plays a role. Many community standards cite visual harmony or consistent neighborhood presentation as objectives. Some base handbooks say decorations are not to detract from the overall appearance of the neighborhood and be removed promptly once the holiday season ends. Such expectations align with the DoDs oversight framework for privatized housing performance, which evaluates contractors on safety, maintenance, and resident satisfaction metrics. Buffalo Soldier Acres, on Fort Sill is adding 78 new town houses for junior enlisted Soldiers (army.mil). Resident Reactions and Public Debate The policy has drawn mixed responses. Some residents at Tyndall and other bases expressed irritation after receiving removal reminders. A New York Post story highlighted families who said the timing limited their ability to celebrate early or conflicted with personal traditions. Others called the enforcement tone Grinch-like and argued the contractors email mischaracterized existing rules. Other residents also suggested individuals give Thanksgiving a chance. Broader Context for Military Communities Seasonal decoration policies are a small part of a larger discussion about privatized military housing reform. After congressional hearings exposed serious maintenance and oversight failures, the DoD introduced new procedures for accountability, transparency, and tenant engagement. Clearer lease standards, including those governing exterior appearance, were part of that response. The decoration deadlines reflect how those reforms now operate in practice: civilian housing partners apply private-sector lease enforcement under federal oversight. For residents, the rules sometimes feel intrusive; for contractors, they represent compliance requirements tied to performance incentives. Administrative Routine By late January, most housing offices will complete post-holiday inspections and shift focus to spring maintenance. The reminders to remove decorations are not new policies but recurring lease obligations. The controversy surrounding them highlights how seemingly minor issues like the timing of holiday decor can illuminate deeper tensions between privatized property management and military community expectations. Whether viewed as overreach or ordinary enforcement, the annual decoration notices show how base housing operates within a civilian legal framework adapted for a military setting, where tradition, compliance, and oversight meet at the front porch. One couldnt blame a homeless veteran for feeling a little bit skeptical when offered a free roof over their heads after spending weeks, perhaps months, living on the streets. But Bryan Meyer, CEO of Veterans Community Project, quickly puts veterans at ease when surprising them with their new home. Is There a Catch? Theres no catch this is what we owe you, Meyer tells them. Meyer and his organization provide tiny houses to veterans battling homelessness as part of the Veterans Community Project Village. Meyer knows from experience that veterans often face challenges adjusting to civilian life. The former Marine was deployed to the Middle East more than once. Feeling lost and isolated after leaving the military, Meyer grappled with how to acclimate to the new world around him. Stuck in legal woes, he finally received help from a judge who suggested counseling. Speaking to a crowd during the groundbreaking for a recently unveiled Veterans Community Project Village, Meyer said he was lucky enough to run into a handful of other veterans who all felt the same way. Meyer thought there must be a better alternative than veterans living on the streets. We all said to ourselves, theres got to be something a little bit better out there for veterans, Meyer said. The Veterans Community Project breaks ground on a new 40-unit village in northwest Milwaukee in October. (Photo from Veterans Community Project) How Are They Built? Meyers organization constructs houses for veterans transitioning out of homelessness. The Veterans Community Project also offers on-site case management to help veterans with mental health problems, build resume skills to find work, and find stable housing. Homeless veterans are sleeping in our city streets and parks, Meyer said. Theyre our neighbors, mothers, brothers, and sisters. Vinnie Morales, also involved with the Veterans Community Project as a co-owner, spent deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. Morales said while the tiny home concept might seem strange to civilians, its not a huge deal to veterans used to living with bare essentials. From a war fighter perspective, specifically the global war on terror generation, if you had 240 square feet to yourself with air conditioning and running water and all the amenities that our projects have while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, you definitely were doing something right, Morales said. For the global war on terror generation, these tiny houses are a second home. Veterans Community Project is helping more Veterans than ever transition out of homelessness, move into tiny homes in our Villages, and then to their own sustainable permanent housing (Photo courtesy of Veterans Community Project LinkedIn). Tiny Home Communities Keep Growing Its estimated that more than 32,000 veterans are homeless, based on the latest numbers from the Department of Veterans Affairs, which means theres plenty of opportunity for the Veterans Community Project to grow. As of Nov. 12, there were six tiny home villages across the country. Meyer hopes his organization can build more in 2026 and beyond to serve veterans like Chris, who came to the project for help and turned his life around. Chris is an Iraq veteran. Were around the same age, and he became completely street homeless, completely cut off from his family, no custody rights, anything like that, Meyer said. Eventually, he came to our village. Chris lived in a tiny house for a while, accepted counseling, and forged a bond with other veterans living in the community. Eventually, he got back on the right track. He went on to earn his college degree, and hes now a manager in our construction business, Meyer said. He can see his kids again, and he even recently purchased a home of his own. Support for the Program The Veterans Community Project receives funding from large corporations like Phillip Morris International's U.S. businesses and several other non-profit groups with military ties. While the financial support is key, homeless housing projects or encampments are sometimes met with not in my backyard (NIMBY) pushback from the local community. But Meyer says so far, all six locations have been met with open arms. Every single location has actively recruited us, Meyer said. One city that often sees NIMBY resistance is Madison, Wisconsin. However, Wisconsin Gov. Tony Evers is one of the programs staunchest supporters. In October, work began on a new 40-unit village coming to Milwaukee. These tiny homes are more than a roof overhead and a safe place to sleep at night. They are a foundation that will help restore dignity, stability, and community for those who have sacrificed so much for all of us, Evers said. I have no doubt that our veterans will be in good hands once this tiny home village comes to life. So far, a vast majority of veterans whove completed the program have done well. The Veterans Community Project boasts an 85 percent success rate, according to its statistics. When workers at the Pentagon quietly removed Department of Defense plaques and replaced them with new bronze signs reading Department of War, the reaction was immediate. Photos of Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth installing a 60-pound Department of War plaque spread across social media within hours. Supporters praised the symbolism. Critics argued it sent the wrong signal to allies and adversaries. But behind the headlines, the change raises a deeper questionhow much power does a name really have? And when it comes to Americas most important military institution, does renaming the Department of Defense actually matter? This story is about psychology, strategy, culture, and cost, all wrapped in a single word. Why the Pentagons Name Change Is Back in the Spotlight President Trumps September executive order directed the Pentagon to revert to its historic name, though Congress would still need to update the title in federal law. Soon after, Pentagon workers took down the old DoD signs and installed Department of War plaques at two major entrances. Hegseth said the rebrand restores a clarity of purpose tied to winning wars. But the change isnt just semantic. According to congressional staff and independent analysts, a full rebrand, from IT systems to global basing signage, could cost up to $2 billion. For comparison, renaming Army and Air Force bases that previously honored Confederate officers cost $62 million across nine installations (Naming Commission final report). If renaming nine bases costs $62 million, imagine renaming an entire global defense enterprise. The Pentagon hasnt released its own cost figure yet. But experts agree the price tag will not be small. New signage on the Pentagon reflecting the name change (DoW photo). The Psychology Behind a Name Change If this debate sounds symbolic, it is. But symbols can shape how institutions think and act. Psychologists call this primingthe idea that language triggers mental models long before people make decisions. A name is a frame. It signals who you are and what you do. Defense suggests protection, stability, deterrence, and partnership. War suggests offense, aggression, kinetic force, confrontation. This is what linguist George Lakoff calls linguistic framing: words activate metaphors, metaphors activate emotions, and emotions influence behavior. For an organization as large as the Pentagon, a name shapes strategic identity. The War Departments name changed to the Department of Defense in 1949 because the U.S. was entering a world defined by alliances, nuclear deterrence, and global stabilitynot constant open conflict. That shift was strategic. Reverting to War sends a different message about Americas role today. Could the Name Change Influence U.S. Military Behavior? Names dont issue orders. They dont mobilize troops or authorize funding. But names can influence how leaders interpret threats and justify actions. They shape public opinion, political rhetoric, and internal culture. A Department of War could subtly frame global competition in more confrontational terms. Studies in cognitive psychology and strategic communication show that lexical choices influence risk perception. Words like war, fight, and enemy create sharper mental boundaries than words like defense, security, or stability. It doesnt mean the U.S. becomes more aggressive just because of a sign change, but it does shift the psychological baseline. And in Washington, baselines matter. A flag hanging on the Pentagon (Alexander Kubitza / Wikimedia Commons). What It Could Cost to Rename the Department Renaming the Pentagon is not like swapping out a building placard. The departments name is embedded in thousands of systems and agreements, including: IT networks and cybersecurity certificates Digital forms, procurement language, and acquisition regulations Diplomatic agreements and NATO standardization documents Global basing signage at 4,800 facilities Military education materials and doctrine Public-facing websites, recruitment platforms, and branding Congressional aides estimate the global rebrand could approach $2 billion when all indirect changes are included. And it wont happen overnight. Every partner nation with a U.S. defense agreement, from Japan to Poland to the Philippines, would have to update documentation referring to the Department of Defense. Thats decades of treaties, MOUs, and operational frameworks. The 20212023 base renamings provide a clear example of scope: nine bases, $62 million, and months of planning. The Pentagon is exponentially larger. Military Culture: Why Language Is Never Just Language The U.S. military is built on symbolspatches, mottos, call signs, unit heritage. Language reinforces identity. A title like commander versus manager carries weight. Marines arent employees; they are Marines. The Pentagons name is part of that cultural story. Changing it reshapes not just outward messaging but internal mindset: How leaders talk about missions How troops imagine the purpose of service How policymakers explain national security How the public interprets Americas posture in the world A name becomes part of the cultural narrative. And culturemore than any budgetdrives how institutions think. The New Department of War logo is seen after US President Donald Trump signed an order to rename the Department of Defense to the Department of War in the Pentagon, Washington D.C. (Photo by Celal Gunes/Anadolu via Getty Images). Supporters say it restores clarity. Critics say it signals aggression. Supporters of Department of War argue: It is more honest about the militarys purpose. It reinforces a mindset focused on winning, not managing. Rivals like China, Russia, and Iran will better understand U.S. resolve. Critics counter: It may signal unnecessary aggression to allies. It oversimplifies the militarys modern mission set (cyber defense, space operations, humanitarian relief). It risks escalating tensions by emphasizing conflict over deterrence. Inside the Pentagon, some leaders have raised concerns that the new name could complicate basing rights and diplomatic agreements, where defense carries a softer connotation than war. The debate is not just semanticits strategic. The Publics Reaction Reveals a Generational Divide A new Reuters/Ipsos poll tracking public attitudes toward recent national security shifts found broad disagreement over the administrations more aggressive security posture (Reuters polling). While the poll did not directly ask about the name change, the results show Americans are sharply split on how forcefully the military should act. Among service members and veterans, reactions are mixed as well: Some welcome the return to a fighting spirit. Others say the change does not reflect the realities of modern operations. The split mirrors a broader generational divide in how Americans define military power: through overwhelming force, or through alliance management and deterrence. A Look Back: The Last Time America Changed the Name The U.S. created the Department of War in 1789 to oversee the Army. After World War II, the Truman administration reorganized the national security apparatus into the National Military Establishment, and in 1949 renamed it the Department of Defense. That 1949 change was intentional: it symbolized a shift from winning wars to preventing them. The current push to restore War may symbolize the reverse. U.S. President Donald Trump displays a signed executive order on the Defense Department (Photographer: Francis Chung/Politico/Bloomberg via Getty Images). SoDoes It Matter? This is where the debate becomes bigger than politics. Names matter because they tell a story. They signal how a nation sees itself. They influence how institutions behave. They shape how allies interpret American actions. They affect how adversaries calculate risk. A Department of Defense suggests a commitment to stability. A Department of War suggests readiness for direct confrontation. Neither is inherently good nor bad. Both reflect strategic worldviews. But the difference is not small. Not at this moment in history. The renaming debate forces the country to ask: What story should America tell about its military today? Is it the story of a nation defending the system it built? Or the story of a nation preparing for the conflicts it expects? At a time of global volatilityfrom the Western Pacific to the Middle East to cyberspacenames shape perceptions long before strategy does. In national security, perception is power. And sometimes, a name is not just a name, its a declaration. The Rays announced that right-hander Brian Van Belle went unclaimed on waivers and was outrighted to Triple-A Durham. Tampa Bay had designated him for assignment last week when cutting their roster down to 40. Marc Topkin of The Tampa Bay Times reports that Van Belle underwent elbow surgery that will cost him the entire 2026 season. The 29-year-old had finished the year on the injured list with what was initially diagnosed as elbow inflammation. That was apparently serious enough to necessitate surgery thatll prevent Van Belle from building off this years brief MLB debut. The Miami product made four appearances after being acquired from the Reds as part of the three-team Zack Littell deadline deal. He gave up five runs over 8 1/3 innings while picking up his first win. Van Belle will remain in the farm system without occupying a 40-man roster spot next season. He could get a look in Spring Training in 2027. Hes coming off a cumulative 3.17 ERA in 105 Triple-A innings between the Red Sox, Reds and Rays systems. Van Belles fastball sits around 90 MPH, but he has a plus changeup and excellent control. Jibreel Pratt, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to conceal donations of cryptocurrency he had planned to make to ISIS. File photo. Fuad Shalhout -- MLive.com DETROIT, MI A 26-year-old man was sentenced to nearly a decade in federal prison for sending money to a terrorist organization. Jibreel Pratt, of Detroit, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempting to conceal donations of cryptocurrency he had planned to make to the Islamic State of Iraq and Al-Sham, also known as ISIS, according to a release from the U.S. Attorneys Office with the Eastern District of Michigan. Pratt had contacted someone he believed to be associated with ISIS, as well as recorded videos of himself pledging allegiance to the organizations leader, according to court records. He also had created a scheme to use drones and remote-control cars in conjunction with explosives and told the contact he wanted to be in a leadership role in the terrorist organization. He donated roughly $900 worth of bitcoin to ISIS in 2023, according to court records. Pratt pleaded guilty in July, court records indicate. He was sentenced to nine years in prison on Thursday, Nov. 13. It should send a strong message to anyone seeking to support foreign terrorist organizations, via financial means or otherwise, that the FBI will not stand idly by and allow this activity to occur within the United States, said Jennifer Runyan, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office, in a statement. Pratt was also federally charged in connection with committing wire fraud and illegally accessing a protected computer. That case is ongoing. The Au Train Dam in Alger County, Mich., Sept. 16, 2025. The Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) is moving to terminate the dam's operating license following years of unresolved safety violations. Garret Ellison AU TRAIN, MI Federal regulators are taking steps to terminate a troubled Upper Peninsula hydroelectric dams operating license following years of unresolved safety violations and the owners recent loss of legal control over key project lands. In a notice issued Nov. 14, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) said UP Hydro LLC has failed to comply with agency orders and can no longer meet the basic license terms for its 900-kilowatt Au Train Dam on the Au Train River in Alger County. The commission is treating the situation as an implied surrender, a step that would shift jurisdiction and oversight to the state of Michigan. Public comments and motions to intervene are due Dec. 15. The move marks the most serious enforcement action against the century-old dam, which regulators and conservation groups consider one of the states riskiest privately-owned hydroelectric structures because its spillway cannot safely pass a Probable Maximum Flood, meaning the largest flood scientists believe could realistically happen at the site. Wisconsin-based Renewable World Energies (RWE) and its subsidiary, UP Hydro LLC, acquired the dam in 2010. The company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in 2023. It previously filed to surrender its Au Train license in 2020 but later withdrew that request in 2024. Executives with RWE did not immediately return messages. State regulators have grown increasingly frustrated. The departments of Natural Resources (DNR) and Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) have repeatedly warned about delayed maintenance, operational problems and the potential risk to downstream communities should the dam fail to hold back its 1,557-acre reservoir during a major storm. Luke Trumble, dam safety supervisor at EGLE, said in August that the agency was preparing for the dam to lose its license. I think we all believe that thats whats going to happen. Trumble said the Au Train Dam shares operational parallels with the infamous Edenville Dam, which unleashed catastrophic flooding in 2020. The dam doesnt meet flood passage requirements and shows clear signs of seepage and aging concrete, he said. Its on a similar trajectory to Edenville, Trumble said. If the license is lost, the state would likely require RWE to address the dams long-standing structural deficiencies. Trumble said Michigan typically does not rebuild private dams and the state may order a long-term drawdown or move toward partial or full removal if the structure cant be brought into compliance According to FERC, the crumbling Au Train Dam lacks adequate spillway capacity despite years of federal orders to address that. The company has proposed interim measures in recent years such such as lowering spillways and modifying emergency drawdowns but never followed through on required studies, permits or engineering work. The dam is rated high hazard, meaning a failure could kill people. Crumbling concrete atop the Au Train Dam spillway, Sept. 16, 2025. (Garret Ellison | MLive) Garret Ellison In its public notice, FERC detailed years of missed deadlines, incomplete filings and abandoned plans, including RWEs failure to complete a 202324 drawdown plan and failure to modify the spillway and south levee. The company lost most of the land around its reservoir and facilities this year when Stephenson National Bank & Trust obtained title to the parcels through foreclosure and sold them to a private buyer. The dams federal license requires legal possession of the powerhouse and other critical parcels to ensure safe operation, but the new landowner informed state officials in September he would block access to the powerhouse next to the Lower Au Train Falls unless a lease was signed. The company told FERC this year that run-of-river flows cannot be safely maintained without staff on site, but no lease has been finalized. The dam impounds the Au Train River to create a popular recreational basin known for smallmouth bass fishing. The river drains to Lake Superior through the small village of Au Train west of Munising. The loss of parcels around the basin forced the DNR to close the Forest Lake State Forest Campground in June when access to the site was lost. MDNR is concerned that RWE will abandon the project dams without addressing safety concerns or planning for continuous water flow from the dam to the downstream Au Train River, the DNR wrote in June. The dam sits on a drainage divide between Lake Superior and Lake Michigan and local officials worry that removing it would drastically reduce river flows through the village of Au Train, which is home to resorts on Au Train Lake and several paddling liveries. Au Train Township supervisor Tom Balmes said in September that the township would not take over the dam under any circumstances because of the liability and cost. Theres no way wed take on that liability, Balmes said. Wed be inheriting a major problem that seems to need some deep pockets to fix. Au Train Township supervisor Tom Balmes looks over the spillway at the Au Train Dam, Sept. 16, 2025. (Garret Ellison | MLive) Garret Ellison Balmes characterized the township as being stuck on the sidelines because it has no authority to force the dam owner, FERC or the state to act. He said the township has focused on emergency preparedness in recent years by running tabletop exercises and developing a local text alert system to warn residents if the structure lets go. Bob Stuber with the Michigan Hydro Relicensing Commission said Au Train is a poster child for what can go wrong with a private dam and should serve as a warning about the risks involved with a high-profile proposal by Consumers Energy to sell its 13 river hydro dams to a private equity firm that plans to operate each under a separate LLC. Stuber said revoking the Au Train dams license without a decommissioning plan would be a dereliction of duty on FERCs part. It points to a major flaw in all these licensed dams, Stuber said. If you dont have any financial assurances in place, this is what can happen. It didnt work on the Tittabawassee River, it certainly isnt working on the Au Train, Stuber said. Kinda of makes you wonder about the Consumers projects. Through subsidiaries, RWE owns two other licensed hydroelectric dams in Michigan; in Belding and Three Rivers. Lila Lohr and Penny Cordish walk back to the Pearl Mist, docked in Muskegon, after a day exploring Frederik Meijer Gardens in Grand Rapids. Kayla Tucker Michigans shoreline towns will welcome thousands of visitors who step off luxury Great Lakes cruise ships in 2026. Who are they? Cruise passengers are generally retirees with disposable income who are experienced travelers and prefer unique, intimate experiences over the larger vessels, said Craig Clark, spokesman for Cruise the Great Lakes, a regional marketing program. The largest ships cruising the lakes, the sisters Viking Octantis and Viking Polaris, have a passenger capacity of 378. Compare that to the average ocean liner capacity of 3,000 passengers. Most of them are from the U.S. and Canada, Clark said. However, the number of French- and German-speaking tourist is climbing. Passengers aboard the Pearl Mist cruise ship watch as the ship docks around 8 a.m. on June 9, 2016 it will make its way through Muskegon Lake where it will dock Heritage Landing in downtown Muskegon, Mich. This is the first of ten cruise trips planned to port in Muskegon this summer. Muskegon County paid $243,000 to build an outcropping hard platform on the dock at Heritage Park. (Joel Bissell | MLive.com) MLive.com Muskegon Chronicle MLive.com Muskegon Chronicle RELATED: Great Lakes cruising expected to see huge growth, $300M economic impact in 2026 Great Lakes cruising is expected to generate $300 million of economic impact for the region in 2026. Thats 25% growth over 2025 and shows continued long-term growth of the industry. More passengers, port visits, rising prices for these cruises, plus passenger spending at port cities are driving growth, officials said. RELATED: These Michigan port cities will welcome cruise ships in 2026 Michigan has eight ports of call for the upcoming season: Alpena Detroit Escanaba Houghton Mackinac Island Marquette Muskegon Sault Ste. Marie Six cruise lines operating nine ships will visit those ports next year: American, Hapag-Lloyd, Pearl Seas, Ponant, Victory and Viking cruise lines. Ponant, Victory and Viking each operate two ships while the others have one each. RELATED: American Patriot cruise ship to call on these Michigan harbor towns in 2026 As seven Michigan law enforcement agencies have signed 287(g) agreements with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, another community has backed away from the program. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley, File) AP CENTER LINE, MI - A Michigan city has walked back from a plan for its police department to partner with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, ICE, after facing backlash from the community and activists. Center Line, a city of roughly 8,500 on the southern edge of Macomb County, withdrew its informal commitment to sign a 287(g) task force model agreement last week. We just felt that this was not the best time for it, said Center Line City Manager Dennis Champine. No one opinion for or against it really changed our minds. Broadly, the 287(g) program allows local police normally prohibited from doing federal immigration enforcement to do some immigration tasks. But its faced criticism for instilling fear, eroding trust, diverting local resources and turning police into what immigration advocates have called a deportation machine." Related: Were not hunting anyone. Michigan police department joins ICE program Center Line is now the second Michigan community to nix this partnership with ICE in the past month, in contrast to a growing number of law enforcement agencies throughout the state and the country that have joined the 287(g) program during President Donald Trumps second term. Weve really seen an explosion of 287(g) agreements across the country, said Adriel Orozco, senior policy counsel at the American Immigration Council. In October, the Center Line Public Safety Department entered into a memorandum of agreement with ICE. As a part of the 287(g) program, the local police agency would get free training to identify undocumented immigrants, enforce limited immigration laws under ICE oversight and execute administrative warrants on immigrants being held in jail. It was no different than any other agency that offers trainings to our officers, and that was to get sergeants acclimated with the proper identification of individuals whose immigration status might be in question at the point of contact, Champine said. The goal, according to a press release from Center Line officials, was to give local police a broader understanding of immigration laws, multicultural communication and training to avoid racial profiling. Officers would also be able to address any perceived immigration violations while doing daily police worker. Nothing more, the news release said. The City of Center Line had no intent to participate in any ICE enforcement activities in direct partnership with ICE agents, such as raids on businesses or residents homes, as the city does not have the resources for that sort of activity. Center Line rescinded the agreement on Nov. 4, one day after roughly 75 people showed up to a city council meeting. It was standing room only with some holding signs saying ICE out and Abolish ICE. More than a dozen people spoke against the 287(g) agreement including members of Rising Voices, an advocacy group. ICE is tearing families apart, and the city of Center Line will also be tearing families apart, said resident Riley Myers. I fell in love with with this city and Detroit and many immigrants have also fell in love with this city. You have a responsibility to take care of your citizens. Related: Michigan considers banning ICE agents from churches, schools Another Center Line resident questioned if police would have the time and resources to devote to immigration enforcement activities. If their time is divided between the city safety and some kind of literally trumped up immigration thing, then where does that leave us being protected, said Peter Pterneas. After 50 minutes of public comment, Center Line Mayor Bob Binson told the crowd the 287(g) agreement was already in motion, and it wasnt something city council voted on. As the crowd continued to press the mayor, city officials said the meeting became raucous. Some people were then asked to leave. Champine says he decided to rescind the 287(g) agreement because of a combination of things, weighing public opinion and discussing the agreement with city council members and the mayor. After all of the discussions, after hearing the public, and we had an internal discussion, we just felt that the juice wasnt worth the squeeze, he said. The 287(g) program has grown rapidly under Trumps goal to boost immigration enforcement and mass deport a million people a year. In January, 60 police agencies were participating in the program nationwide, but that number has now ballooned to 1,163 agencies. Its swelled partly because Texas has mandated all its county sheriffs join the program, and Florida directed its state police to sign agreements. The 287(g) program has always been seen sort of as a force multiplier, said Orozco. The ability for ICE to have connections with local law enforcement and using local law enforcement as an extension of its authority allows it to be present in more communities. In Michigan, there were no law enforcement agencies participating in the program before January. Since then, seven have have entered agreements. The Trump administration also revived a controversial arm of the program called the task force model. This allows police officers who receive federal training to perform certain functions of an immigration officer. That means if drivers are stopped for speeding, officers can then ask about immigration status and arrest them. The task force had previously been shut down for 13 years because of its documented history of racial profiling. In 2011, the U.S. Department of Justice concluded one Arizona sheriffs office was conducting sweeps in Latino neighborhoods and a year later, a North Carolina sheriffs office was found violating civil rights by unlawfully detaining Latinos. Its now the most common 287(g) model, with more than 600 police agencies under that kind of agreement. The other two models, warrant service officer and jail enforcement, largely lean on immigration enforcement through local jails and state prisons. (287(g)) really allows the agency to be able to expand its ability to meet the deportation quota set out by this administration, Orozco said. Related: Immigrant teenager in Michigan hit with new $5,000 fee for crossing the border The Trump administration has also encouraged all state and local law enforcement agencies to join the program by offering salary reimbursements for each officer. Funding made available under Trumps spending package, the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, provides between $500 and $1,000 per officer participating based on the successful location of illegal aliens. By joining forces with ICE, youre not just gaining access to these unprecedented reimbursement opportunities youre becoming part of a national effort to ensure the safety of every American family," said ICE Deputy Director Madison Sheahan in a statement. But some communities are backing away from the program. Last month, a mid-Michigan police chief decided to rescind a 287(g) agreement not because of backlash but staffing issues. Matt Bade, chief of the Metro Police Authority of Genesee County south of Flint, said the program would have allowed five officers to hold people until they could be taken into federal custody. But those officers hadnt completed their 40 hours of training and were unable to because of other duties. Bade stood by the 287(g) program, saying it could still benefit the community, but said his decision wont be reversed in the foreseeable future because of the operational capacities of the department. Related: Michigan police chief says hes rescinding ICE cooperation agreement In Texas, the Dallas Police Department reportedly rejected a $25 million offer to join the 287(g) program, saying it is focused on serving our city by answering 911 calls and aggressively fighting violent crime. Dallas Police Chief Daniel Comeaux told CBS News that the funding would require all 3,200 officers to be trained and make at least one immigration arrest. He said the department would also be expected to make 50 arrests a day, a quota that ICE denied is tied to the program. Earlier this month, a Maryland county sheriff also backed away from a 287(g) agreement after a new guidance issued by the state attorney general made it more difficult to participate in the program. And Delaware became the seventh state to ban 287(g) agreements this summer after a local police force in Camden faced backlash for joining the program, prompting it to withdraw from the formal partnership. The opposition goes from just general backlash around ICEs tactics from community members not knowing if their communities are going to be safe, said Orozco. But were also seeing more practical backlash from law enforcement agencies themselves just not having the manpower or not wanting to invest the manpower to be able to expand ICEs authority into their community. NBC television correspondent Jim Avila, center, speaks to his U.S. based network office by satellite phone as injured soundman David Moodie looks on with an arm bandage after being evacuated from the al-Aike Hotel in Baghdad after a bomb was detonated outside the NBC staff hotel rooms Thursday Sept. 25, 2003. ABC announced Avila died earlier this week. He was 69. (AP Photo/David Guttenfelder) AP Former ABC News and 20/20 correspondent Jim Avila has died at the age of 70 following a lengthy illness. Avilas death was announced internally Thursday by ABC News president Almin Karamehmedovic. Jim was a gifted journalist and a generous colleague, Karamehmedovic said in an email. During his time with ABC News, Avila covered politics, justice, law and consumer investigations. From 2012 to 2016, Avila covered the White House during President Barack Obamas second term. Earlier in his career he covered the OJ Simpson trial and provided coverage during the conflicts in Afghanistan and Iraq According to his ABC News bio, his work earned him several honors. He won the prestigious Merriman Award from the White House Correspondents Association for breaking the news that the United States and Cuba had reopened diplomatic relations, the bio reads. Avila also won two National Emmy Awards and five Edward R. Murrow Awards, along with several other accolades. In 2019, Avila was named a Hall of Fame honoree by National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Avila began working for ABC in 2004 and left in 2021. He was most recently working as an investigative reporter for KGTV, the ABC affiliate in San Diego. We send our heartfelt condolences to his family, including his three children, Jamie, Jenny, and Evan, and we thank him for his many contributions and unwavering commitment to seeking out the truth, Karamehmedovic said. The Los Angeles Times reports that longtime friend and former colleague NBC News correspondent Josh Mankiewicz said Avila died from complications from a fall. Mankiewicz said Avila had been in hospice care for the last six weeks after receiving a kidney transplant. He is survived by his mother Eve Simon and three children. A rare life ring from the 1975 Edmund Fitzgerald shipwreck that was part of state of Michigan lawsuit settlement negotiations is displayed on Oct. 12, 2025, outside Detroit. (Randal Smith via AP, file) AP LANSING, MI A rare life ring found after the Edmund Fitzgerald sinking will stay with its original owner after it was included in a Michigan police misconduct lawsuit settlement. Larry Orr, 77, of Florida, is keeping the life ring after it was initially transferred to the state of Michigan as part of a settlement in a lawsuit that was unrelated to the famous shipwreck. Orrs attorney Shannon Smith said Friday, Nov. 14 that her client has received $600,000 from the state and will keep the life ring, which he found along with part of a lifeboat on the shore of Lake Superior in 1975 a week after the freighter sank with all hands. The life ring was previously on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum for decades but is now back in Orrs possession. The settlement had tied a larger payment to forfeiting the relic. Orr told the Associated Press that the state learned about the life ring during a search of his Michigan home and expressed interest in acquiring it during settlement negotiations. I think we should have gotten a million for everything they did to me, Orr said. In 2022, Orr accused Michigan State Police Lt. David Busacca and others of violating his rights during a sexual abuse investigation that was built on false claims and later discredited. He spent five months in jail in addition to house arrest before charges were dropped in 2019. Orrs case against the state was dismissed in U.S. District Court in Ann Arbor on Oct. 30, according to federal records. Shannon Banner, a spokesperson for the Michigan State Police, said the life ring was initially included in the settlement terms approved by the AG-appointed attorney and the court. However, upon learning the details of the settlement, we are not comfortable with the life preserver being included, Banner said last week, prior to the final settlement. The intention of the settlement negotiators was always for the historic Michigan artifact to be on long-term loan to Michigan museums, she said. The orange life ring with faded white lettering had been on display at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum at Whitefish Point until this year. The museum declined to share additional details about the ring or its display. The museums Fitzgerald exhibit included a life ring in October with brighter white lettering. An Edmund Fitzgerald life ring on display in October 2025 at the Great Lakes Shipwreck Museum in Whitefish Point, Mich. Joel Bissell | MLive.com Theres nothing for us to say, its a non-issue, said shipwreck museum spokesperson Corey Adkins. Orrs life ring is one of several linked to the Edmund Fitzgerald that are now scattered around the Great Lakes. Several museums have one, although some may predate the actual wreck itself. Historical photos from the aftermath of the sinking show recovered life rings covered in oil. Coast Guard officers on a Board of Inquiry inspected life rings that were recovered from the ore carrier Edmund Fitzgerald, which sank in stormy weather in Lake Superior on Nov. 10, 1975. All 29 crewmen aboard perished and did not get a chance to use any of the lifesaving equipment. Inspection took place at Cleveland Harbor on Sunday, Nov. 24, 1975, and officers donned white coveralls because equipment was covered with oil. (AP Photo/GE) AP The White River Light Station in Whitehall, Mich., has one on display which has faded black lettering that is owned by Fruitland Township. We dont necessarily have the greatest record on how we acquired that, said Jack Greve, Sable Lighthouse Keepers Association director. Just because it has its name on it doesnt mean it was part of the wreck, Greve said, suggesting it came off the ship before it sank. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers visitor center in Canal Park in Duluth, Minn., displays one found by the U.S. Coast Guard in 1975 and was later donated by the Oglebay Norton Company, which owned the ship, according to park ranger Scott Bjorklund. The Anchor Bar in Superior, Wis. displays one, although its authenticity is questioned. A Michigan family on vacation found one on the Keweenaw Peninsula shoreline in 2007 that later turned out to be fake. Other Great Lakes museums which display a Fitzgerald life ring include the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio, and the Fairport Harbor Marine Museum and Lighthouse in Ohio. The Valley Camp freighter museum in Sault Ste. Marie, Mich., displays part of a Fitzgerald life ring alongside an exhibit that includes the doomed freighters lifeboat. The fragment was found by Ontario Provincial Police found in June 1976 on the shore of Batchawana Bay. That is one of the main attractions, said museum curator Paul Sabourin. GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY, MI A man has pleaded not guilty in a hit-and-run boat crash that happened in August in Grand Traverse Bay, WPBN/WGTU reports. Mark Mikula, of Leelanau County, pleaded not guilty to Grand Traverse County District Court for charges related to the alleged incident, the report said. It is alleged that, around 1:22 a.m. on Aug. 31, Mikula was operating a pontoon boat on the West Arm of the bay without lights on, struck a 26-foot boat and then continued traveling north, MLive previously reported. The operator of the boat that was struck called 911 and was towed to shore. RELATED: Boater rescued from Grand Traverse Bay after hit-and-run crash with pontoon The next day, two paddleboarders reported a damaged pontoon, which was found to have pieces of fiberglass from the other boat onboard, the TV station reports. The pontoon was registered to Mikula. Mikula is due back in court on Dec. 4. CLINTON COUNTY, MI -- A federal accident report shows the crew of a business jet that crashed in October near Lansing decided to conduct their own stall test after maintenance was performed. Staff with the National Traffic Safety Board released a preliminary report on the Oct. 16 triple-fatal crash in Clinton County involving a Hawker 800XP. The report shows that the plane had been at Battle Creek Executive Airport at Kellogg Field since March for routine maintenance. The planes manufacturer required that, following maintenance, a stall test flight must be performed before the plane could return to service. According to the NTSB, the planes captain was provided a list of experienced test pilots who could be hired to perform the stall test. But the planes two regular pilots and a mechanic could not coordinate with a test pilot, so they opted to perform the test themselves. The captain and co-pilot were experienced in flying the Hawker 800XP and operated the craft about 150 hours per year. Those on the plane earlier were identified as pilots Rodolfo Pimentel Zamora, 50, and Francisco del moral Jimenez, 55, and mechanic Alvaro Espejo Javier Rodriguez, 69. All three were from Mexico. During the Oct. 16 test flight, data shows the airplane began a rapid descent. A traffic controller tried to reach them. The flight crew responded, we are in a... followed by a transmission in Spanish which translated to in a stall, recovering, sorry. according to the NTSB report. There was no additional radio traffic before the crash. NTSB staff continues to investigate the crash. FBI agents were present in Dearborn, on Middlepointe Street and Moross Friday, Oct. 31, conducting law enforcement operations. Federal officials confirmed the activity was part of a broader investigation that, according to FBI Director Kash Patel, stopped what agents described as a potential terrorist attack planned in Michigan over the Halloween weekend. | Fuad Shalhout Fuad Shalhout -- MLive.com DEARBORN, MI - Three Dearborn men have been indicted in an alleged ISIS-inspired terrorism plot that investigators say targeted locations from Ferndale nightlife districts to Cedar Point, according to new filings in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan. A federal grand jury returned a two-count indictment charging Ayob Nasser, 19, his brother Mohmed Ali, 20, and 20-year-old Majed Mahmoud with conspiracy to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization and conspiracy to receive and transfer firearms and ammunition intended to be used in an act of terrorism. The indictment replaces the earlier criminal complaint and moves the case into the next stage of the federal criminal process. Prosecutors allege the men coordinated with others in encrypted online spaces inspired by ISIS ideology and discussed plans to carry out an attack around Halloween weekend. Court filings state investigators believe the group trained at gun ranges, acquired AR-style rifles, shotguns, handguns and tactical gear, and researched potential targets including clubs in Ferndale and Cedar Point in Ohio. The indictment was handed down Wednesday, Nov. 12, and follows developments in a broader multi-state investigation. Three additional suspects in New Jersey and Washington state have been arrested after officials said they were part of the same encrypted online network. Those individuals were allegedly pursuing their own ISIS-inspired schemes unrelated to the Michigan plot, but they communicated within the same online community monitored by investigators. Ali, Mahmoud and Nasser previously appeared before a magistrate judge in Detroit this week, where they agreed to remain in federal custody while the case proceeds. Their attorneys did not speak to the media following those hearings. The FBI Detroit Field Office and the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Michigan said the investigation remains ongoing. A patients room on the eighth floor of the D. Dan & Betty Kahn Health Care Pavilion at Michigan Medicine on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025 before it opens to the public. Abra Richardson | MLive.com ANN ARBOR, MI - The Pavilion Hospital has been in the works ever since I arrived at MLive. After it was announced in 2018, the University of Michigan in September 2019 committed $920 million for the adult inpatient facility focused on intensive, specialty care. That was the same month I became an intern for the Jackson Citizen Patriot. I covered multiple Pavilion updates as the UM reporter for four years. In the last six years, what was once a small green space on the medical campus has been transformed into 690,000-square-foot, 12-story building housing 264 in-patient beds and 2,000 employees. As our UM reporter William Diep detailed, the long-awaited facility will accept patients by the end of the year. Read more: Long-awaited University of Michigan Pavilion hospital to accept patients by end of year Named after D. Don and Betty Kahn after a $50 million donation, the Pavilion adds to the citys suite of high-tech, expert medical care. Medical staff plan to support patients in intensive care, as well as lead specialty services for neuroscience, cardiovascular and thoracic care, among other specialties. The project was delayed due to pandemic-related issues. One of my first stories on the UM beat was how the Pavilions construction was back on schedule on the same budget as before. I feel like this column has frequently focused on the changing landscape of Ann Arbor, from rotating businesses to bulldozed homes for big projects and more. That can come with a negative connotation no matter how neutral our reporting is. When the city is evolving to house more medical care, its hard to state that as anything other than an unabashed good. This is personal to me: my wife suffered a traumatic brain injury at a young age, while my eldest son was born seven weeks premature. Both times, the proximity to a health system with the resources and care technology that Michigan Medicine has resulted in longer lives for my loved ones. So yes, this project took six years to finish. My expectation is that it was worth the wait. Other Ann Arbor stories There were a couple business stories that resonated with readers this week. Diep wrote about an eatery at the Biggby Coffee Ice Cube, 2121 Oak Valley Drive, set to open in the next month or two. CD Top Shelf, part of the Southeast Michigan-based sandwich chain Chop Detroit, aims to be modern and laid back, owners said. It will offer pizza, chicken tenders and other fried foods. In addition, West End Grille set a date for its reopening after a three-week renovation. The 30-year restaurant plans to close on Dec. 16 and resume operations Jan. 16. Read more: Dont worry! This downtown Ann Arbor restaurant will soon reopen its doors In other news, city reporter Ryan Stanton attended the premiere of a new documentary A Ripple in Ann Arbor at the Michigan Theater last weekend. Made by local filmmaker Aliyah Mitchell in partnership with the Ann Arbor District Library, it detailed the pain of Black residents when city police 30 years ago questioned and collected blood samples from hundreds of Black men while in pursuit of a serial rapist. Ann Arbors infamous DNA dragnet spanned several months in 1994, and local leaders at the premiere said it was wrong and amounted to racial profiling. On behalf of the Ann Arbor Police Department and as your chief, I am sorry. I am truly sorry, Police Chief Andre Anderson said. The practice employed at that time was not right, he said. It had a detrimental impact on people of color, as well as our community, mainly Black men. Other officials who joined the police chief in issuing apologies from the stage Sunday included Mayor Christopher Taylor, City Council Member Cynthia Harrison, Washtenaw County Prosecutor Eli Savit and Sheriff Alyshia Dyer. Our public safety reporter Jordyn Pair has also been periodically updating the cancellations at DTW Airport during the government shutdown. Her latest, which came before news that Congress has sent a plan to reopen the government to President Donald Trump, saw 30 flights canceled on Nov. 12. Hopefully the cancellations, as well as the need for emergency food distribution and other federal funding issues, cease as families near the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. DEARBORN HEIGHTS, MI A suspect has been arrested after being accused of threatening a Dearborn Heights Mosque the day after the shooting and fire that killed four people at the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Grand Blanc Township. Kenneth Gehrke, a 63-year-old Illinois man, turned himself in to investigators after the Wayne County Prosecutors Office issued a warrant for his arrest. The threat was allegedly made on Sept. 29, 2025, one day after the church shooting in Grand Blanc Township on Sept. 28. The Dearborn Heights Police Department worked with the Elgin (Illinois) Police Department, the FBI, Wayne County Department of Homeland Security & Emergency Management and the Michigan Intelligence Operations Center to investigate the threats. I am pleased this individual has been located, and now remains in custody, Chief Ahmed Haidar said in a statement. The arrest is a great example of local, county, state and federal partners working together to address incidents of this type. Special thanks to the Officer in Charge of the case, Sergeant Ahmad Mazloum, along with the Dearborn Heights Police Department Detective Bureau and our federal partners for their extensive resources and assistance throughout the investigation. Dearborn Heights Mayor Mo Baydoun thanked investigators for the arrest. Rest assured, Dearborn Heights does not take any type of discrimination, threat or violence lightly incidents of this type are simply not tolerated in our community, and they will be addressed as such, Baydoun said in a statement. FBI investigators recently said that anti-religious beliefs were the motive behind the Grand Blanc Township attack. A box of pantry staples is seen in this 2025 MLive file photo. Jacob Hamilton (This story has been updated with additional information.) FLINT, MI -- City residents who have received vouchers for food boxes can cash them in starting Friday, Nov. 14, at the Food Bank of Eastern Michigans outreach facility on Lapeer Road. The city announced the distribution location and dates in a news release on Thursday, Nov. 13, and a spokesman said vouchers were still being issued to residents who receive Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits. Boxes can be picked up from noon to 3 p.m. on Friday, and from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on both Tuesday, Nov. 18, and Friday, Nov. 21. The city said a second round of food box distributions that was initially announced will not occur because the need for additional emergency vouchers has ended due to the resumption of SNAP benefits. The Food Bank outreach facility is located at the former Northgate building at 2211 Lapeer Road. Residents will need the voucher issued by the city and matching identification to receive a 30-pound box of food, according to the citys announcement. Food will not be distributed at the Christian Love Faith Center, the Hunger Solution Center on Howard Avenue, or at the Food Banks primary warehouse at 2312 Lapeer Road, according to the announcement. City officials had initially said distributions would be made by the Food Bank and the Christian Love Faith Center. City officials have said vouchers would be available until Friday at City Hall. Residents relied on this program during a period of real uncertainty, Mayor Sheldon Neeley said in a statement issued by the city on Thursday. Although SNAP benefits have resumed, we will continue honoring the vouchers we issued. Keeping our word to residents remains our top priority. Genesee County Commissioner Shaun Shumaker, R-Fenton Twp., responds to public comments during an Aug. 25, 2021, meeting of the county Board of Commissioners in this Flint Journal file photo. (Isaac Ritchey | MLive.com) Isaac Ritchey | MLive.com GENESEE COUNTY, MI -- The Genesee County Board of Commissioners is changing the process for appointing members to its Diversity, Equity & Inclusion Commission, ending a practice in which the commission appointed its own members. Board members approved the change in direction at their meeting on Wednesday, Nov. 12, putting them in charge of future appointments after Commissioner Shaun Shumaker, R-Fenton Township, pushed for the change. Shumaker, a former DEI Commission member who resigned from the position earlier this year, said he proposed the change to make the appointment process consistent across county government. I want it to be the same process across the board, he said. None of our boards should be any different. Shumaker had asked to be replaced as one of two county board representatives on the commission in February, saying the group wasnt inclusive and lacked diversity. He continued those assertions on Wednesday, calling the commission a divider of people. I think its dividing everyone intentionally ..., Shumaker said. If youre a conservative, thats not on the agenda over there. Theres no conservatives on that board, and they are appointing their own board members, so how are you going to get anybody with a different philosophy, he asked. Commissioners agreed to form the DEI Commission in 2021 and empowered it to appoint members representing county employees, community members, and other non-voting members. That put the appointment process in conflict with the usual direct appointments carried out by county commissioners. The county board charged the commission with tackling issues related to racial, economic, and gender equity in county government. The vote to create the group came in the months following the killing of George Floyd by a Minneapolis police officer. Elizabeth Jordon, chair of the commission, told commissioners on Wednesday the group has followed the countys policies for advertising vacancies, posed application questions that are asked of candidates for other county board appointments, and also asked additional questions specifically related to the commissions work. Jordan said the process has worked, attracting 15 candidates who applied for three commission seats earlier this year. County Commissioner Charles Winfrey, D-Flint, said some of those questions should continue to be asked regardless of how appointments are made. Winfrey said the commission should continue its work to make county government in Genesee County as a whole more welcoming, more inclusive and more equitable for everyone. Shumaker said that since he asked to be replaced on the DEI Commission, no other commissioner has taken his place on it. Theres a seat sitting available -- thats my seat -- that not one single person on this board has taken advantage of, he said. So how much do you really care for it? How important is it (when) no one has taken it? Shumaker has at times been a lone conservative voice on the county board during his four terms as a commissioner. His concerns about the DEI Commission were strong enough that he voted against a resolution recognizing Black History Month earlier this year, specifically because it included a reference to the countys DEI efforts. Shumaker later introduced and voted for a resolution that also recognized Black History Month but omitted any reference to the DEI Commission. Shumaker has said his comments about the countys DEI efforts resulted in a hostile social media backlash, bullying of his family members, and an email to his employer, labeling him a racist, misogynist and bigot. Hunters make their way to the buck poles on opening day An unofficial Michigan holiday is taking place this weekend and there are several events taking place to mark the occasion. Regular firearm deer hunting season begins on Saturday, Nov. 15 and runs Nov. 30 across the state. A yearly ritual for some hunters includes bringing their prized first-day deer to a local buck pole which is a celebration held on opening day of each new season. Heres a look at buck poles taking place in the mid-Michigan region. Davison A buck pole is taking place beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday, with Marty Madden on the hill behind Maddens Lounge taking in the deer. Maddens Lounge is located at 809 N. State Road in Davison. All bucks must be up on the pole by 9 p.m. to be eligible for awards and prizes. For more information, contact Maddens Lounge at 810-653-5330. Marlette Touting itself as the largest buck pole in Michigan, Bens Great Outdoors located at 2424 S. Van Dyke Road in Marlette is hosting an event with more than $20,000 in prizes. A total of 12 prizes will be given out on the day including first buck, largest buck, oldest hunter with a buck, female hunter biggest buck, best buck for boy and girl hunter (14 & under) and more. Those bringing in a buck to hang on the buck pole between 8 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. Saturday are being asked to use the main entrance on M-53. More than 180 bucks were brought in during the 2024 buck pole event. Additional information on the event and qualifications to enter can be found on Bens Great Outdoors Facebook page or by calling 989-635-7548. Otter Lake The Rhythm Rodders Car Club is hosting Buck Pole at the Car Club in Otter Lake. A $100 gift certificate will be given out for the first buck on the buck pole at the club, located at 5635 Genesee Ave. Other activities on the day will include a 50/50 raffle, live DJ, with prizes announced at 8 p.m. Chili and hot dogs will be available for donations, and parents can bring out their children to meet Bigfoot. Call 810-793-8189 or visit the clubs Facebook page for more information about the event. Lapeer Vic Bond Sales in Lapeer will be holding its inaugural buck pole event. Bucks will be scored, based on an antler points and rack width combination, between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. Saturday at the business, 1400 Imlay City Road. They must remain on site until the winners are announced. Prizes are going out to the first, second, and third largest bucks, biggest spike, and the youngest and oldest hunters. All scored bucks will be eligible for the grand door prize, a twin hunter blind with a 5-foot stand and curtain kit provided by Redneck Blinds. A hot dog station, chowder, venison chili, and hot/cold drinks will be sold during the event. More information on the event can be found on the Vic Bond Sales Facebook page or by calling 810-787-5321. Crump The Silver Derby Bar in Bay Countys Crump is also holding its first-ever buck pole event. Located at 506 N. Garfield Road, the bar is asking for a $10 buy-in, with those bringing the first and second largest buck between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. Saturday receiving a prize. Judging will be based on adding points and inside-to-inside rack measurements taken by someone on site. The winners will be announced Saturday night. Those with questions about the event may call the bar at 989-200-2109 or visit The Silver Derbys Facebook page. Brant Hunters can bring in their bucks to The Shed Bar and Grill in Brant for their 7th annual buck pole event taking place over two weekends. The festivities will kick off Saturday, Nov. 15 and Saturday, Nov. 22 with breakfast available from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at The Shed, located at 11995 S. Merrill Road. Bring your buck to The Shed Bar & Grille to hang on our pole for at least an hour to be entered for a chance to win our fantastic prizes! the bar and grills Facebook page reads. Prizes valued at more than $5,000 will be given out for the biggest buck, most points, heaviest buck, veterans and participation drawing, and more categories. Additional information on the event can be found on The Sheds Facebook page or by calling 989-643-7469. Clare Loomis Lounge in Clare is inviting hunters and all others to their buck pole event on Saturday. The buck pole starts at 9 a.m. as well as breakfast specials from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the lounge, located at 10615 N. Loomis Road. Entries for the buck pole will conclude at 8 p.m., with winners announced at 9 p.m. when a live DJ kicks off for the evening. Prizes for the winners will include lock on stands, climbing sticks, gun cases and hearing protection, full shoulder mount, euro mount and more. More information on the buck pole event can be found on the Loomis Lounges Facebook page. Owosso The buck poles have been set up at Fortitude Farms & Events for the weekend event. Hosted by Fortitude Farms, located at 4377 S. M-52 in Owosso, in partnership with Young Chevrolet Cadillac Buick GMC, the buck pole begins at 4 p.m. with the last buck taken at 9 p.m. Saturday. Cash prizes will go out for the biggest overall buck, second biggest, youth biggest buck (17 and under) along with other giveaways during the event. Each hunter who brings a buck to the buck pole that was harvested on Saturday will be entered to win a 350 Legend rifle. Additional information on the event can be found here. Vassar The 6th annual buck pole at Central Shop Rite Market in Owosso will have several prizes for hunters and others. From 8 a.m. until 7:30 p.m., the buck pole will be open at the market, located at 500 Goodrich St. with prizes including a crossbow, tabletop griddle, roller chair, propane heater, trail cams, ground blind, archery stand, binoculars and more. For more information on the buck pole event, call the market at 989-823-2441 or visit their Facebook page. MLive file photo of a float paying tribute to the movie "A Christmas Story" in downtown Lowell. Brian Forde LOWELL, MI - Kick off the holiday shopping season this weekend at the 33rd annual Christmas Through Lowell event in historic downtown Lowell and the greater Lowell area. The annual event, which is scheduled for Nov. 14-16, is a three-day shopping experience sponsored by the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. It attracts shoppers from all over Michigan, from Traverse City to Detroit and beyond, according to a news release. Seventy-five homes, area churches and local businesses will host over 350 vendors. The unique and magical settings provide an ideal way to kick off the holiday season. Each year, the Christmas Through Lowell planning team also chooses one location as its featured artist to be highlighted throughout the event. The 2025 featured artist is Location #36, Curators of Fine Crafts, displaying at 4360 Segwun Ave. Owners Debbie Morin and Paula Hunt have participated in Christmas Through Lowell since 2017. Their home location features resin work, dried flower crafts, numerous hand-sewn projects, frazzled snowmen, repurposed items, and salt shaker snowmen, which have become a location favorite over the years. Prices range from $1 to $45. CTL is a big part of our community, and we want to be a positive addition to the event, Morin said. It gives our crafts purpose. We enjoy planning the sale, lights, trees, music, Christmas crafts, and visiting with all of those who visit our stop each year. Printed guidebooks and maps are available at participating Lowell businesses and the Lowell Area Chamber of Commerce. Shoppers can dine at one of Lowells restaurants or at one of several Christmas Through Lowell locations serving lunch during the event. Visit ChristmasThroughLowell.org to view the digital guidebook and interactive Google map. Guests may also connect with the event through the Facebook event page. Camp Lawn Care and Snowplowing, founded in 2005, will join Ole Man RB's Tree Service to provide more comprehensive outdoor services across West Michigan. Ryan Stanton | The Ann Arbor News GRAND RAPIDS, MI Camp Lawn Care and Snowplowing of Grand Rapids has been sold to Ole Man RBs Tree Service of Greenville, according to a release. The acquisition was announced on Nov. 10 by Calder Capital, which served as an advisor to Camp Lawn Care and Snowplowing. The lawn care and snowplowing company was founded in 2005 and serves clients in Grand Rapids and throughout West Michigan. This was an excellent fit for both buyer and seller, said Jon Pastoor, who served as Calder Capitals lead mergers and acquisitions advisor in the deal. This move sets Camp Lawn Care up for long-term success. Ole Man RBs Tree Service provides tree removal, stump grinding, and lot clearing in Greenville, Rockford and other surrounding West Michigan communities. The acquisition of Camp Lawn Care and Snowplowing will help the company serve its clients outdoor needs in a more complete way, according to a release. Terms of the deal were not disclosed in the acquisition announcement. In 2025, we have witnessed a steadily increasing demand for service-based businesses, including those in the landscaping, grounds maintenance, and tree-care space, said Max Friar, Calder Capitals managing partner. Our team has rich experience advising owner-operators in these service segments, yet we are particularly proud to deliver a strong outcome for Camp Lawn Care & Snowplowing and their West Michigan customers and employees. The former Kent Community Hospital, located at 750 Fuller Ave., will be demolished, paving the way for a new county administration building. (Photo provided by Kent County) Kent County GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The Veterans Day ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery is intended to honor and thank all those who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. It is important for me to watch it annually. We should honor their patriotism and willingness to defend and fight to preserve the freedoms we enjoy in this country. Our veterans deserve our gratitude and support year-round, not just on the holiday. Reporter Ehren Wynder, who served in the Marines, made fellow local veterans aware of where they could get free meals and deals. Last year, we buried my Uncle George Scott, who served in the Marines during the Vietnam War, at Fort Jackson National Cemetery in South Carolina. Families can choose to be closer to home instead of Arlington. On Tuesday, I also reflected on my late brothers who served in the Army and Navy. Sadly, each of them spent a significant time in the hospital before they died from illnesses unrelated to their proud service. In other news this week, reporter Melissa Frick told us about how the former Kent Community Hospital is set to be demolished to pave the way for a new county administration building. Crews will begin tearing down the building at 750 Fuller Avenue in March for the project estimated to cost around $92 million. The county is planning to move 187 of its staff out of its current downtown office, at 300 Monroe Ave. The Kent County Board of Commissioners approved $5 million to demolish the building that has sat vacant since last fall when Corewell Health moved out. Sticking with hospital news, readers in the Grand Rapids area and around the state were eager to see the hospital safety grades that Justin Hicks reported from the watchdog group Leapfrog. Justin shared fewer Michigan hospitals earned an A while three received failing marks. Only one hospital in Kent or Ottawa County received an A - Corewell Health Zeeland Hospital. Growth and development stories usually draw readers, so not surprising many were interested in a project in the suburb of Caledonia. Danielle James told readers all about whats being built on East Paris Avenue. West Michigan construction firm First Companies is working on an 82,870-square-foot industrial building with room for four tenants. Located at 6207 E Paris Ave. SE, the building is being advertised online as being near Gerald R Ford International Airport. It will be a neighbor to an Amazon facility and the Switch Pyramid campus data center. With many people traveling for pleasure and business throughout the year and the holidays fast approaching, Brian McVicars article on Monday about which Grand Rapids hotels are generating the most room revenue resonated with readers. His piece was part of a three-story package that kicked off with When Grand Rapids hotel rates surge, visitors bite the bullet," followed by "With 22 new hotels in Kent County, whos gaining, whos losing room revenue." There were also a handful of accidents in the area that readers were interested in, including a 12-year-old Hudsonville girl who suffered serious injuries when she was struck by a vehicle around 3:15 p.m. Wednesday. The girl did not see a westbound Ford Explorer when she attempted to cross Greenly Street near Jamesfield Drive in Jamesdown Township. She was taken by Life EMS to Helen DeVos Childrens Hospital. Sticking with Ottawa County news, John Tunison reporter that bird flu has now been detected in three more commercial poultry flocks in the county, bringing the total infected flocks in the county to 10. Michigan Department of Agriculture and Rural Development agency staff on Nov. 12 reported the finding. Those are just some of the stories in the Grand Rapids area this week that interested our readers. Monica Scott is the editor for MLive Media Groups The Grand Rapids Press and Muskegon Chronicle. She was previously a reporter who covered the city, county and schools in Grand Rapids. Grand Rapids Police have identified the victim in a fatal shooting. (MLive File Photo) GRAND RAPIDS, MI Police identified Amari Hodges, 22, as the victim of a fatal shooting. He was found shot in a crashed vehicle on Wednesday, Nov. 12. The Kent County Medical Examiner has determined the death to be a homicide, Grand Rapids police said. The incident happened around 8:50 p.m. Police in the area of Hall Street SE and Kalamazoo Avenue heard gunshots, and then found the crashed vehicle while searching the area. Hodges died at the scene. Early on, police said it was unclear if the man was shot while driving or started driving after he was shot. The investigation is ongoing, police said Friday. Major Case Team detectives are investigating. Police asked anyone with information to contact investigators at 616-456-3380 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or silentobserver.org. Yasir Lagrone, 18, was arraigned Friday, Nov. 14 on multiple felonies after he allegedly traded gunfire with police. (John Tunison | MLive) John Tunison GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- An 18-year-old accused of exchanging gunfire with Grand Rapids police also fled police with a gun earlier this year. Yasir Elijah Lagrone was arraigned Friday, Nov. 14 on multiple felonies, including two charges of attempted murder for firing upon two officers. Police said the two officers were fired upon Tuesday, Nov. 11 as they tried to speak to Lagrone in a Southeast Grand Rapids neighborhood. Lagrone was a suspect in a stolen firearm complaint and the officers came upon him in the area of Blaine Avenue SE at Adams Street. Bodycam video released by police earlier this week shows a person start to run from the officers, with gunfire heard. The officers then fired back. No one was injured, but the officers patrol vehicle was struck. Police soon after recovered a ditched handgun and, after that, located and arrested Lagrone. Court records show that on June 14, just after 3 p.m., police responded to a report of a fight in the area of Madison Avenue SE and Gilbert Street. Lagrone was in that area. Nearby security guards thought he might have a weapon and told arriving officers about their suspicion. Officers then approached Lagrone and told him to leave the area because they did not want him going into a nearby crowd. According to a probable cause affidavit, Lagrone then tried to walk past an officer. The officer stretched out his arm, but Lagrone allegedly swatted the arm away and began running. Officers pursued him and they saw him throw something in a construction zone. The object later was determined to be a Glock 19X with a 30-round extended magazine. Lagrone slipped away, but police set up a perimeter and later came upon Lagrone. He fled again, but later was arrested. Lagrone pleaded guilty on Oct. 7 to carrying a concealed weapon and was set to be sentenced in April. State police on Thursday, Nov. 14, discovered what appeared to be human remains at a residence in Otsego Township. (MLive File Photo) Kaytie Boomer | MLive.com ALLEGAN COUNTY, MI State police are investigating the discovery of suspected human remains in Otsego Township. Police responded around 2:30 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 13, to the 600 block of Lincoln Road, near West River Street, for a report of a missing person and to conduct a welfare check. Troopers discovered what appeared to be human remains. The Grand Rapids state police crime laboratory processed the scene. Anthropologists from Western Michigan University excavated the remains. This is an ongoing investigation with many unknowns, a state police lieutenant said. An autopsy is scheduled for Friday. Odd Side Ales tapped Midwest Construction of Zeeland to convert the former Fifth Third Bank at 50 Park St. in Fruitport into a full-service taproom and cafe with a small plates menu. Joel Bissell | MLive.com MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI Odd Side Ales on Thursday, Nov. 13, announced the official opening of its long-awaited taproom and coffee house at 50 Park St. in Fruitport. The Grand Haven-based brewery announced plans to open a satellite location this summer, shortly after celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Midwest Construction of Zeeland spent the summer remodeling the 2,700-square-foot former Fifth Third Bank branch into a full-service taproom serving beer, coffee and handcrafted cocktails. There also is a small kitchen serving flatbread pizzas, nachos and charcuterie boards, according to Odd Side Ales website. While the taproom has a smaller footprint than Odd Side Ales flagship Grand Haven location, the acre of land it is on offers an outdoor presence that the Grand Haven taproom doesnt have, making it ideal for summer activities. Its right across the street from (Pomona Park). They have a huge festival every year and concerts in the summer, so we see a lot of benefit from that too, Owner Chris Michner told MLive/the Muskegon Chronicle in June. While several West Michigan craft brewers have shut their doors or consolidated operations due to shrinking sales and rising costs, Odd Side Ales is doubling down on its physical footprint. Part of its success has been its diversification into coffee. The company purchased the Coffee Grounds cafe in 2019 and added it to its Grand Haven taproom operations. Michner said in June that a combined cafe and taproom will be a welcome addition to the area of Fruitport around Pomona Park that doesnt have many coffee or craft beer businesses. BAY CITY, MI Federal prosecutors have charged a West Virginia-based company with a felony for allegedly engaging in haphazard removal of asbestos from a demolished Saginaw plant. Acting Assistant U.S. Attorney General Adam Gustafson on Monday, Nov. 10, filed his complaint against Applied Partners LLC, charging the entity with violation of asbestos work practice standards. The charge is punishable by up to five years imprisonment and fines. Applied Partners engaged in the misconduct while demolishing a former TRW Automotive plant at 2328 E. Genesee Ave. between Sept. 17, 2019, and Oct. 24, 2019, prosecutors allege. Applied Partners, a company that capitalizes and monetizes assets from industrial structures that have reached the end of their usefulness, bought the defunct site in July 2018 for $3.35 million. The company sold it to subsidiary AP Sag LLC the following June. The site comprised at least 260 linear feet, 160 square feet, and 35 cubic feet of regulated asbestos-containing material, the complaint states. During demolition, Applied Partners personnel knowingly performed acts in violation of National Emissions Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants, the complaint alleges. More specifically, Applied Partners failed to do the following, the prosecution alleges: Remove all regulated asbestos-containing material from a facility being demolished before any activity began that would break up, dislodge, or similarly disturb the material or preclude access to the material for subsequent removal. Adequately wet all regulated asbestos-containing material and ensure that it remained wet until collected and contained or treated in preparation for disposal. Carefully lower all regulated asbestos-containing material to the ground and floor, not dropping, throwing, sliding, or otherwise damaging or disturbing the material. Have an on-site representative trained in the provisions of asbestos regulations at the facility during asbestos stripping, removal, handling, or disturbing operations. Michigans Department of the Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) in February 2020 fined three area entities for asbestos-related violations related to the plants demolition. EGLE issued a total of 12 violation notices to AP Sag LLC, Messaros Trucking Inc., and RJ Torching Inc after inspecting the site. EGLE alleged the entities did not have a contractor supervisor on site, allowed visible emissions, and failed to handle asbestos-containing materials properly during multiple steps of demolition. AP Sag failed to estimate the amount of asbestos-containing material on site, EGLE alleged. The three entities agreed to the terms of EGLEs Consent Order to resolve the alleged violations. RJ agreed to pay a $13,500 fine, AP Sag to pay $35,000, and Messaros to pay $12,000. Mark Cenit, spokesman for Applied Partners, told MLive at the time the company wouldnt have signed a settlement that admitted wrongdoing. He said the company found hidden materials while demolishing a powerhouse and did what it should have done if theres an unintended discovery of asbestos: Stop work, have it tested, notify authorities and clean it. The TRW plant had a storied history of manufacturing before demolition began in December 2018. Though it was long an automotive plant, it was used to make propeller blades during World War II and tank transmissions during the Korean War. The site is now owned by the Saginaw County Treasurers Office. Future court dates on the newly filed felony are pending. A Flock ALPR license plate-reading camera is seen in this MLive file photo. The Bay City Commission is expected to vote on a contract with Flock Safety for the implementation of more than 10 license plate-reading cameras throughout the city during its meeting on Monday, Nov. 17. Joel Bissell | MLive.com BAY CITY, MI Bay City officials will soon vote on an agreement for the implementation of automated license plate-reading cameras throughout the city. The Bay City Commission has been discussing the matter since this summer and previously delayed its vote on the agreement. License plate-reading cameras (LPRs) are capable of notifying officers immediately when passing vehicles suspected of being involved in serious crimes are identified. If the proposed two-year contract is approved, 13 license plate-reading cameras provided by Georgia-based company Flock Safety will be placed throughout the city. The cameras are used in communities across Michigan and the United States, according to city documents. The implementation of the cameras will cost the city $45,150 for fiscal year 2026 and $39,000 for fiscal year 2027. Funding for the agreement has already been set aside in the citys budget for the current fiscal year. According to city documents, Flock Group Inc. representatives Mike Lampman and Trevor Chandler will deliver a presentation for city officials during the Bay City Commissions meeting at 6 p.m. on Monday, Nov. 17, at Bay City Hall, located at 301 Washington Ave. The agenda for the meeting is available online at baycitymi.gov. Gabrielle Dresner of the ACLU is also expected to give a presentation during the meeting. The commission is expected to vote on the agreement following the presentations. City Manager Dana Muscott has recommended the council approve the proposed agreement, which has been reviewed by City Attorney Neil Wackerly. The Bay City Department of Public Safety was recently the target of some public backlash after urging residents to call on commissioners to support the Flock Safety agreement. The department voiced its support for the agreement in several Facebook posts in September. Residents opposing the agreement have argued that implementing license plate-reading cameras in the city would violate their privacy. According to city documents, the cameras have been used to solve numerous crimes, and the Bay City Department of Public Safety has itself used license plate-reading cameras from other law enforcement agencies to help solve crimes in the city. Additionally, Public Safety Director Caleb Rowell argues in city documents that technology offered by Flock Safety is a force multiplier for law enforcement agencies, and purchasing license plate readers is more affordable than hiring additional personnel. The intended use of the LPR technology is to assist officers with objectively actionable leads needed to solve investigations and protect the community, Rowell said. Rowell noted the city has recently seen an uptick in vehicle theft and argued that license plate-reading cameras could help the department solve such cases and recover stolen vehicles at a faster rate. In a post on its Facebook page, the Bay City Department of Public Safety provided a list of various locations in the city where it would place the Flock Safety cameras. However, the list remains subject to change, according to department officials. Here are the department of public safetys proposed license plate-reading camera locations: Broadway and McGraw streets: north and southbound traffic Center Avenue and Livingston Street: westbound traffic Thomas Street and Euclid avenues: eastbound traffic Washington and Columbus avenues: south and eastbound traffic Salzburg Road and Euclid Avenue: eastbound traffic Wilder Road and North Henry Street: southbound traffic Saginaw and 7 th streets: westbound traffic Midland Street and Euclid Avenue: eastbound traffic Madison and McKinley avenues: north and southbound traffic Woodside Avenue and Trumbull Street: southbound traffic Additionally, the department has already drafted a policy regulating the use of Flock Safety technology and data gathered by license plate-reading cameras in the city. The Bay City Department of Public Safety will use LPR system technology to capture and store digital license plate data and images while recognizing the established constitutional and privacy rights of the public. According to the proposed policy, data captured and stored by license plate-reading cameras will only be available to the public if it is tied to a criminal complaint and allowable per federal and state FOIA (Freedom of Information Act) rules. License plate images gathered by cameras would be compared to the NCIC hot file database, which tracks vehicles tied to investigations, such as vehicles of interest, stolen and unregistered vehicles, and vehicles tied to missing person cases. Before officers can take any enforcement actions based on license plate-reading camera data, alerts from the system must be verified through the NCIC Hot file database or other similar databases such as the Bay City Department of Public Safety RMS (Records Management System). Only authorized department personnel would be permitted to access the camera system. The policy also clarifies that license plate-reading cameras are not equipped with facial recognition technology. Department personnel would only be allowed to use the system for official law enforcement purposes. The license plate-reading camera system will not report immigration warrants to officers and will not be used to investigate immigration-related offenses or for the enforcement of federal immigration laws. All photos and other data gathered by the system that are not tied to an investigation would be deleted 30 days after being captured. Additionally, the policy lays out requirements for other law enforcement agencies requesting access to the system. System alerts will only be available to agencies that have a mutual aid agreement or other similar agreement with the Bay City Department of Public Safety. Departments requesting access to the system must also tell the tell the department their intention for use and have a policy in place addressing the use of license plate-reading cameras. Michigan representatives voted Thursday to conceal their employment, property addresses and other personal information from public view. (MLive file photo) Michigan representatives voted Thursday to conceal their employment, property addresses and other personal information from public view. The state House passed legislation Thursday in a 84-17 vote that would allow currently serving state and federal lawmakers, secretaries of state, attorneys general and lieutenant governors to request their personal information not be publicly posted. Current as well as former governors of the state could also request to have this information protected from public view. The legislation now heads to the Michigan Senate for consideration. If passed by the Senate without amendment, it would head to the governors desk to sign into law. A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Winnie Brinks, D-Grand Rapids, did not immediately return a request for comment. While the legislation is intended to safeguard the states elected officials from violence and threats of violence, it also creates significant transparency issues. By concealing property addresses of elected leaders, it will make it harder for the public to determine whether an elected official actually lives in the district they were elected to represent, said Michigan Press Association Public Policy Manager Lisa McGraw. By concealing the employment of elected leaders, the public will also not be able to determine whether a politician, or their employer, is benefiting from a law or policy that theyre pushing, McGraw said. The legislation comes amid rising political violence around the U.S. Earlier this year, a Minnesota state representative and her husband were killed in their home. The gunman also drove to the home of a Minnesota state senator, wounding him and his wife. Officials with the office of state Rep. Sarah Lightner, R-Brighton Township, said the attack in Minnesota made it apparent that Michigans elected officials are facing increased threats to their personal safety and the safety of their immediate family members. Lightner put forward the legislation. This bill attempts to balance increased security protections for elected officials and transparency, Lightners office said. When protestors research a legislators home address so they can throw a Molotov cocktail at their front door while they are at home with their children, we need to take thoughtful action. The Michigan House is considering similar privacy protections for judges in the state. That bill, which originated in the Senate, has yet to be voted on in the House. To balance the safety of elected leaders with the need for transparency in a democracy, McGraw suggested elected leaders look instead at withholding personal information on a case-by-case basis and turning down the political temperature. You want elected officials to be safe. We all do, she said. But theres no balance in this. Under the legislation, only the city or township where an elected leader has their primary residence listed at would be public information. The specific address would be concealed. Other property owned by the elected leader or their immediate family and regularly used as a dwelling or for recreation would be fully hidden. Information about where an elected leader is employed would also be protected information that couldnt be publicly displayed. For an elected leaders spouse, the employers name couldnt be withheld, but the employers address could be. Other protected information about the elected leader or their immediate family includes dates of birth, home and cellphone numbers, license plate numbers, the daycare or school location of immediate family members, personal email addresses and bank account information. Public bodies, people, companies or organizations that display protected private information would have to take the information down within five days of receiving a request to do so. If the request isnt acted on within five business days, the elected leader could take civil action. Protected private information would not need to be taken down if the information was displayed as a relevant part of a news story. Michigan already ranks low in governmental transparency. Currently, Michigan is the only state in the U.S. where the governors office is exempt from Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) requests. Only one other state exempts lawmakers from FOIA requests. FOIA requests allow the public to petition for documents, communications and other records from government bodies and officials. House Speaker Matt Hall, R-Richland Township, has blocked legislation that would expand FOIA from consideration. I think that the people in Michigan are getting sick of being at the bottom of the barrel of transparency as a whole, and this is just one more layer, McGraw said. Stations await voters where they will fill out ballots during the special general election for 3rd Ward Flint City Council member on Tuesday, Aug. 5, 2025 in Flint. Jake May | MLive.com LANSING, MI - Republican state legislators are calling for federal oversight of Michigans 2026 elections, due to Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons name appearing on the ballot. In a Nov. 13 letter, a group of 22 GOP legislators asked the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) to oversee the states upcoming primary and general elections. Benson, the states chief elections official, is also running for governor. The letter called it an unavoidable conflict of interest. In response, Michigan Department of State Chief Communications Officer Angela Benander described the letter as pouring gasoline on our democracy and asking the DOJ to light a match. She said lawmakers are using dangerous, false rhetoric to encourage President (Donald) Trump to illegally interfere in our states ability to hold fair and free elections. They are aligning with the administrations ongoing efforts to manufacture crises in order to justify ongoing federal overreach that puts our citizens privacy, safety and freedoms in danger, she said. This department and Secretary Benson will continue to stand up to these efforts to silence the voices and trample the rights of all Michiganders. Bensons campaign sent a statement upon request. Jocelyn Benson has overseen the most secure and transparent elections with the highest turnout in our states history, Nikki Goldschein, Bensons campaign manager, said. Even when armed protestors showed up outside her home in 2020, she had the moral courage to stand up to anyone even the President of the United States to protect the voices and votes of Michigan citizens. And like every Secretary of State before her - she has done all of this while she herself was on the ballot. Michigan Republicans continue to ignore the facts and instead are choosing to bend the knee to Donald Trumps well documented efforts to dismantle democracy and push for an illegal takeover of our states elections. Rather than work to address the rising cost of living in our state, they are hell bent on ripping away health care from Michiganders and repeating the same old conspiracy theories. The letter, sent to Attorney General Pam Bondi, requests that DOJ deploy personnel to observe polling places, absentee ballot processing, voter registration activities and central count facilities across the state. The DOJ declined to comment. Previous secretaries of state, including Benson herself, have administered elections while also running for statewide office. The states elections are overseen by hundreds of local clerks, and are certified by bipartisan boards of canvassers that review vote totals reported by each county, and for statewide races. Benander described Michigans elections as among the most transparent, secure and accessible in the nation. They are run by over 1,600 local election officials who are bipartisan, professional and committed to their work, she said. They are consistently monitored by thousands of election observers from both sides of the aisle, as well as federal election monitors. Next years election will be no different, she said. But in the letter, Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt, R-Porter Township, said federal intervention is necessary to safeguard the 2026 elections, because of Bensons history in office. Jocelyn Benson is the worst secretary of state in American history and cannot be trusted to manage our elections, he said in a statement. Nesbitt is also a candidate for governor, and was the first Republican to make an announcement. Benson, the first Democrat to announce a gubernatorial run back in January, will face off against several Democrat candidates in the August 2026 primary. If she wins, shell run against the not-yet-determined Republican primary winner and independent candidate Mike Duggan, the former mayor of Detroit. The letter reads that Benson will be administering an election in which she has a direct personal stake in the outcome. Such a situation risks compromising the impartiality required for fair election oversight and demands external federal scrutiny to maintain public trust. It points to serious concerns about Bensons job performance and ability to ethically administer a statewide election, including her gubernatorial campaign announcement held in the lobby of a state-owned facility. Earlier this year, Attorney General Dana Nessel determined Benson violated Michigans campaign finance law when she used the Richard H. Austin Office Building in Lansing for her Jan. 22 announcement. The law prohibits using public resources, including space, for political campaign activities. Nessels office determined Benson violated that provision, but didnt have authority to issue a fine or criminal charges. The letter also repeats Republican complaints about the 2020 election, including criticism of Bensons decision to mail out absentee ballot applications across the state during the COVID pandemic. That decision was challenged in court, and the cases were dismissed by the Court of Claims in August 2020. In a statement, Nesbitt said, Were blessed to have President Trump and Attorney General Bondi in office, and Im confident that they can safeguard our elections from any outside or inside interference. Some Michigan Democrats disagreed. Michigan Democratic Party Chair Curtis Hertel said, Republicans are opening the door to try and interfere in the 2026 election in a pathetic ploy for attention. Michigan Republicans have discredited themselves time and again as theyve pushed baseless election conspiracy theories. The letter was signed by state Reps. Steve Carra, Jay DeBoyer, Joseph Fox, Mike Hoadley, Nancy Jenkins-Arno, Gina Johnsen, Tom Kunse, Matt Maddock, Greg Markkanen, Dave Prestin, Rachelle Smit, Jason Woolford and Jennifer Wortz. In addition to Nesbitt, Sens. Joe Bellino, Kevin Daley, Michele Hoitenga, Ruth Johnson, Dan Lauwers, Jim Runestad, Lana Theis and Michael Webber also signed on. Johnson, who signed the letter, ran for the state Senate while serving as secretary of state in 2018. When asked for comment, she also pointed to Bensons time in office. Despite initial warnings from the Trump administration, Michigan will not be punished for issuing full payments of food assistance benefits to residents during the government shutdown. (MLive file photo) Rose White | MLive Despite initial warnings from the Trump administration, Michigan will not be punished for issuing full payments of food assistance benefits to residents during the government shutdown. Michigan stood to lose about $100 million in federal funding for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) administration costs for failing to claw back full food assistance payments it issued amid a legal back-and-forth over whether, and how much, states could pay out SNAP benefits. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) had said only partial SNAP benefit payments were authorized and threatened to make states like Michigan also pay the difference between the full payments and the partial payments. It wasnt immediately clear how much that difference was for Michigan. Michigan Department of Health and Human Services spokesperson Erin Stover has not responded to multiple requests this week for comment on the situation. USDA officials in a memo Thursday wrote that additional penalties will not be pursued against states like Michigan due to extraordinary circumstances. State agencies must take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly, USDA officials wrote. The reduction in maximum allotments for November is no longer in effect. SNAP benefits for December will be issued to recipients as usual. According to the Associated Press, Michigan was one of 18 states that issued full benefits to SNAP recipients during the shutdown. A number of other states issued partial benefits, and some none at all. SNAP, formerly known as food stamps, provides food assistance to lower-income residents. Nearly 1.4 million Michiganders, including 492,000 children, rely on SNAP benefits to buy groceries. The average eligible household in Michigan received $335 in monthly SNAP benefits last year. At the start of November, Michigan did not issue any SNAP benefits, as the federal government said that, due to the now-resolved shutdown, there was no money authorized for the months benefits. States like Michigan sued, resulting in a federal judge ordering the USDA to use contingency funds to authorize full November SNAP benefits. The ruling was issued Nov. 6 but was paused the following night by Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson, who put the court order on hold pending an appeal of the ruling. During that brief one-day window before the pause took effect, Michigan issued full benefits for those who receive them on the third, fifth and seventh of each month. Attorney General Dana Nessel said this was around 200,000 Michigan residents. The Trump administration demanded over the weekend that states undo full benefits paid during the one-day window, according to a USDA memo. The memo warned that states could face financial penalties, like losing federal funding for SNAP administrative costs, if they dont comply. The federal government previously paid 50% of states costs for administering the SNAP program. For Michigan, this was about $200 million, according to the latest federal data. The federal governments share of costs was reduced to 25% by President Donald Trumps One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax and spending bill enacted earlier this year. Late Sunday a federal appeals court upheld the order to allow disbursement of full SNAP benefits for November. But the Supreme Courts pause gave the federal government at least 48 hours from the appeals ruling before full benefits had to be paid out, the Associated Press reported. Despite that pause from the Supreme Court, Michigan announced Monday it would continue paying out full benefits. The Supreme Court on Tuesday extended the pause on the ruling requiring the Trump administration fully fund the SNAP program for November. However, the federal government shutdown ended the following day with SNAP being fully funded. Prior to USDA saying it wouldnt penalize states that issued full benefits during the shutdown, Michigans Democratic Congressional delegation wrote to USDA leadership, objecting to these threats. Varun Singh A journalist covering the automotive sector in depth, across business and product verticals. Trying to hit the gym at least four times a week! I am not a fitness freak though. 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I Accept Salman Khan on his enduring bond with Dharmendra, wishes for his speedy recovery: 'He is my father and I just hope that he will come back...' Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. Salman Khan talks about his bond with Dharmendra amidst his deteriorating health Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. 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I Accept Yoon Ga-euns The World of Love touches Chinese audiences with its message of healing and hope after years of Hallyu ban Palak Vij is a Sub Editor and Entertainment Journalist with over a year of experience covering films, television, and pop culture in the digital space. The World of Love gets love from China Palak Vij USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept Tata Motors can look at multiple synergies with Iveco: MD Girish Wagh Swaraj Baggonkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept In an interview with Fox News recently, US President Trump said that the country needed skilled workers, which is a departure from his earlier stance. Reshab Shaw USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The 48-inch pipeline, with a capacity of 85 million metric standard cubic meters per day, accounts for nearly 18 percent of Indias gas volumes transported. Swaraj Singh Dhanjal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The government has asked the renewable energy ministry to accelerate efforts to list the New Delhi-based firm Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. 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I Accept Sunil Matkar USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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I Accept Manisha Lal Khandpur is a News Editor at Moneycontrol where she works on the Desk and Special Projects. She pursued journalism at Bhartiya Vidya Bhawan, Delhi, and has an extensive career spanning 17 years across Digital Media, Broadcast, and Radio. Previously, she was a News Editor at Editorji, managing the desk, and a Principal Content Producer at Times of India, leading news shifts. She has also been a Senior Correspondent at Bhaskar, P7, and Live India. She has briefly been a part of academia, bringing her industry expertise into the educational sphere. Manisha Lal Khandpur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Manisha Lal Khandpur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Swiggy to move HQ from Bengaluru's Bellandur to Whitefield; cites better infra, affordable housing Christin Mathew Philip is a Senior Assistant Editor at Moneycontrol.com with 15 years of experience in journalism and a recipient of the Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award. Based in Bengaluru, he understands the pulse of the people and covers issues that matter, including mobility, infrastructure, start-ups, and government policies. He tweets at @ChristinMP_ Tushar Goenka is a breaking news reporter who focuses on startups. Interested in venture capital, quick commerce, e-commerce, food delivery and D2C. Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Tushar Goenka USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Withdrawal of 14 QCOs landmark reform, to enhance EoDB in textiles, plastic and chemical industries: Experts A QCO is a legal directive issued by a Ministry that makes compliance with a specific Indian Standard (IS). Priyansh Verma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Congress losing people's trust, not able to reach three digit figure in last three Lok Sabha elections, says PM Modi We formed the government at the Centre for the third time in row. This happened for the first time afte 60 years. We won in Haryana, came back to power in Maharashtra and now in Bihar, which has such a big population, secured another win. People are looking at the NDA government with big hopes. Every community, caste, region has given us their confidence and blessings and are continuously showering us with their support. If people are voting for us even after 20 years, this is a pro people, pro development politics. This is the way forward for Indian politics and this is how we will also make Bihar a developed state. Congress which ruled for decades is losing people's trust. It has been out of power in several states for several decades. For the last three lok sabha elections, Congress has not been able to reach the 3 digit figure. In the last few years, there were 6 state elections but congress was not able to get a total of 100 seats in these elections Bihar elections 2025: Rahul Gandhi thanks voters, says 'couldn't win polls that weren't fair from the start' Ria Kapoor USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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I Accept Bihar Verdict 2025: How the new M-Y axis checkmated Mahagathbandhan's Muslim-Yadav calculus Parimal Peeyush is News Editor at Moneycontrol. A journalist for over 17 years, his experience spans across newspapers, magazines and digital news media. Having joined Moneycontrol in August 2024, Parimal oversees the Political Desk and covers issues around the intersection of politics, law and crime. Women stepped out in record numbers to cast their votes in the Bihar elections. (File: PTI) Parimal Peeyush USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept By Poll Results 2025 Live: NC's Aga Syed Mahmood Al-Mosavi leads in J&K's Budgam In Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam, National Conference's Aga Syed Mahmood Al-Mosavi is leading, while Peoples Democratic Party's Aga Syed Muntazir Mehdi is trailing by 624 votes as of 9 am, according to the ECI. Twenty candidates are contesting the Budgam bypoll, triggered after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah resigned the seat. Abdullah had won both Budgam and Ganderbal in the 2024 Assembly elections but chose to retain Ganderbal, leading to the vacancy. The by-election has effectively become a three-way contest among the NCs Aga Mehmood, the PDPs Aga Syed Muntazir, and the BJPs Syed Mohsin. Five factors why Nitish Kumar remains key to NDA's win in Bihar Nitish Kumar became Bihar CM for the first time in 2000. Priyanjali Ghose USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept JD(U) tally set to decimate Prashant Kishor's prediction: Will he now keep his promise? Smriti Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Lakhisarai Election Results: 'Our results will be better than the exit poll', says Vijay Kumar Sinha With early trends giving a lead to NDA, deputy CM Vijay Kumar Sinha said, "What was anticipated is now turning into results. The trust that the people of Bihar have placed in Modi and Nitish Kumar will give the country a new direction." "Appu and Pappu spread an atmosphere of madness without thinking, so no one takes their words seriously. Our results will be better than the exit poll," he added. Mokama election result 2025: Who is Anant Singh? Jailed JD(U) leader who won by 28,206 votes Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Patna Assembly Election Result 2025 Live: BJPs Sanjay Jaiswal claims two-thirds majority BJP leader Sanjay Jaiswal exuded confidence as vote counting progressed, asserting that the party is on track to form the government with a clear two-thirds majority. Speaking to the media, Jaiswal said, Everyone can see it clearly, we are forming the government with a more than two-thirds majority, thats certain. Those who were only visible in the media and on social media, just look at their condition today; they are nowhere to be seen in the actual election results. His comments came amid early trends showing the NDA leading in a majority of seats, while the opposition, including Tejashwi Yadavs Mahagathbandhan, lags behind. Scare for Lalus sons: Tejashwi struggles in Raghopur as Tej Pratap faces setback in Mahua Arishaa Izaj USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Tej Pratap Yadav Election Results 2025 Live Updates: Key candidates in the Mahua constituency Tej Pratap Yadav (JJD): Once Mahuas MLA, Tej Pratap is contesting from a new party banner, aiming to reassert his familys political dominance. His campaign has focused on legacy, loyalty, and local connections. Mukesh Raushan (RJD): The sitting MLA and RJD loyalist is defending the partys traditional turf, banking on the INDIA blocs strength and welfare plank. Sanjay Kumar (LJP-RV): Representing the NDA camp, the LJP (Ram Vilas) candidate is backed by BJP, JDU, HAM, and RLM, hoping to consolidate the alliances vote share in Vaishali. Indrajeet Pradhan (Jan Suraaj Party): A relatively new entrant, Pradhans campaign appeals to younger voters and those seeking a break from the RJDLalu dynasty politics. NDA inches toward historic win in Bihar; Tejashwi Yadav faces setback: How is it unfolding? The 2025 Bihar Assembly elections are shaping up as a decisive contest, with the NDA gaining a commanding lead while the RJD struggles to hold its traditional strongholds. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, the partys Chief Ministerial candidate, was trailing by 4,829 votes in Raghopur after 11 of 30 rounds of counting, according to Election Commission data. BJP candidate and former MLA Satish Kumar led in the constituency. Raghopur has a history of political upsets: in 2010, Kumar, then a JD(U) candidate, defeated Tejashwis mother and former CM Rabri Devi by 13,006 votes. The NDA is on course to surpass the 200-seat mark, mirroring its 2010 performance when it won 206 seats. As per the latest trends after 2 pm, the alliance led in a combined 201 constituencies: BJP in 90, JD(U) in 82, LJP in 20, HAM(S) in 5, and RLM in 4. Meanwhile, the RJD led in 28 seats, Congress in 5, CPI(ML) in 2, CPI-M in 1, BSP in 1, and AIMIM in 5. Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj, projected to make Bihar a three-way contest, trailed in all seats contested. The trends indicate a significant consolidation of NDA support across Bihar, signaling a potential landslide as counting continues. Chhabi Kala USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept SNM Abdi is an independent journalist specialising in Indias foreign policy and domestic politics. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. The Bihar victory will put an end to all the speculation which showed Nitishs party in very poor light. (Source: PTI) Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Amitabh Sinha is the executive editor of News18 India. He has extensive experience in print and TV journalism. He started his career with Patna's 'Times of India' and reported for almost 14 years at 'Aaj Tak'. He has been associated with Network18 since 2015. writes with equal authority in Hindi and English languages and has reported on many important events and incidents in India and abroad. He has a long experience in parliamentary journalism and has special grasp of e policies and schemes of the government. He writes regularly on News18's website in both Hindi and English languages. He is a post graduate from Delhi University. X- @amitabhnews18 Rewati Karan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept OPINION | Trumps Asia Visit: Key lessons for India in securing a fair deal with the US Abhishek Sharma is a Junior Fellow at Observer Research Foundation. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. The Trump administration has been more than open to sealing a comprehensive deal beyond the trade agreement. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept OPINION | Why Bharat Mata is central to the RSSs concept of patriotism Arun Anand has authored two books on the RSS. His X handle is @ArunAnandLive. Views are personal, and do not represent the stand of this publication. Namrata Agarwal USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept After move to India, French designer says neighbours are 'more than people living next door'. Her viral post Her post prompted a large response across social media, with many users reflecting on similar experiences. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Founder fires 2 employees after finding out they were cheating on their partners: 'Can't have cheaters' When questioned whether she would fire someone for cheating even if it occurred outside work, Natalie Dawson replied in the affirmative. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept As of now, the newspaper has not issued a public statement addressing the episode. Shubhi Mishra USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) splits into three after sun encounter see stunning images here Comet C/2025 K1 (ATLAS) observed breaking apart by the 1.82 m Copernicus telescope at Italys Asiago Observatory. (Image: F. Ferrigno/INAF/Univ. Parthenope) Sheetal Kumari USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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I Accept 5 things to know about India's new Digital Personal Data Protection Rules Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aihik Sur USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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Bangladesh's former prime minister Sheikh Hasina, ousted in mass protests last year, has said she hopes a ban on her party will be lifted before general elections due next year. Hasina made her remarks from India where she fled in August 2024. The special tribunal trying her for crimes against humanity is due to deliver a verdict on Monday. Hasina is accused of being the main architect behind hundreds of killings during the uprising against her autocratic rule - an allegation she denies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty for Hasina if she is found guilty on Monday. Security has been tightened in and around the tribunal in the capital Dhaka ahead of the verdict. It will mark a significant moment for the country as well as for the relatives of those killed during the student-led anti-government protests that ousted Hasina. UN human rights investigators have said up to 1,400 people were killed when Hasina and her government used systematic, deadly violence against protesters in the failed bid to hold onto power. The former prime minister has refused to return from India to attend the trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We hope that common sense will prevail and that this [election] ban will be lifted. We have tens of millions of supporters who must not be disenfranchised," Hasina said in written answers to emailed questions from the BBC. "Whether in government or opposition, the Awami League is part of the national conversation in Bangladesh, and that will not change." She said her trial in absentia was a "farce" orchestrated by a "kangaroo court" controlled by political opponents. Hasina is charged with personally ordering security forces to fire at protesters in the weeks before she fled. She said she "categorically" denied such allegations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I'm not denying that the situation got out of control, nor that many lives were lost needlessly. But I never issued any order to fire on unarmed civilians," she said. Over the past few months prosecutors have presented the tribunal with evidence they say proves her guilt. Leaked audio of one of her phone calls verified by BBC Eye earlier this year suggested that she had authorised the use of "lethal weapons" in July 2024. The audio was played in court during the trial. Hasina was formally indicted along with two others in July this year. They are former home minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal and former inspector general of police Chowdhury Abdullah Al-Mamun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prosecutors have sought the death penalty for Kamal, who is in hiding. Mr Chowdhury pleaded guilty in July but has not been handed a sentence. Speaking about the trial, Hasina said she hadn't been able to defend herself or appoint her own lawyers. She added her political opponents had gone after her in an attempt to "liquidate" her Awami League party as a political force ahead of the February 2026 election. Lawyers representing her issued a statement on Monday saying they had filed an urgent appeal to the UN raising serious fair trial and due process issues at the International Crimes Tribunal in Bangladesh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hasina's answers to the BBC also covered other serious allegations of abuses committed during her 15-year rule, which will be heard in another case at the special tribunal. Hasina denies charges of crimes against humanity in that case too. After she was ousted from power, a number of secret jails were discovered holding prisoners who had been detained for years without any legal process. Many other critics and opponents of Hasina who had been abducted or held in these prisons are alleged to have been killed unlawfully. Asked who was responsible for this, Hasina said she "did not have knowledge" of them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also denied her involvement in alleged extra-judicial killings and disappearances, which rights group say she was responsible for as the head of government during her leadership. "This is denied in terms of my own involvement, but if there is evidence of abuse by officials, let us have it examined properly in an impartial, depoliticised process," she told the BBC. Hasina and other senior members of her former government are also facing trial for corruption in a separate court, charges they deny. UPDATE 14 November: An original version of this article referred to Sheikh Hasina's remarks as a BBC interview. The article has been updated to clarify that she was responding to questions by email. Google sues to shut down China-based Lighthouse network accused of scamming millions with fake Google-branded phishing kits Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. 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Dinesh Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Reshab Shaw USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Microsoft says old OpenAI deal blocked it from building its own AGI until now Invite your friends and family to sign up for MC Tech 3, our daily newsletter that breaks down the biggest tech and startup stories of the day Aabhas Sharma USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept 9 new international routes you can now fly non-stop from India Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Bengaluru skyline at sunset Indias fastest-growing city and a hub for tech, startups, and urban culture. (Image: Unsplash) Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Malaysia introduces new 90-day overstay fine policy: What travellers and foreign workers need to know Priyanka Roshan With over eight years in multimedia journalism, is passionate about storytellingboth visual and textualacross travel, jobs, business, markets, politics, and daily news. From crafting engaging articles to producing compelling videos, she blends creativity with strategy to bring stories to life. With a strong foundation in SEO, and video production she ensures content not only informs but also resonates with audiences. Priyanka Roshan USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept China and US still to agree on rare earth deal weeks after talks Arindam Roy USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. 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I Accept Pragya Trivedi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept A picture dated 1939 shows German Nazi Chancellor Adolf Hitler giving the nazi salute during a rally next to "Deputy Furhrer" Rudolf Hess. AFP PHOTO / FRANCE PRESSE VOIR (Photo by FRANCE PRESSE VOIR / AFP) Abhinav Gupta USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. 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For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept US approves $330 million arms sale to Taiwan in first deal under new Trump administration Pradeep Tripathi USER CONSENT We at moneycontrol use cookies and other tracking technologies to assist you with navigation and determine your location. We also capture cookies to obtain your feedback, analyse your use of our products and services and provide content from third parties. By clicking on 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies and other tracking technologies. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy. *We collect cookies for the functioning of our website and to give you the best experience. This includes some essential cookies. Cookies from third parties which may be used for personalization and determining your location. By clicking 'I Accept', you agree to the usage of cookies to enhance your personalized experience on our site. For more details you can refer to our cookie policy *I agree to the updated privacy policy and I warrant that I am above 16 years of age I agree to the processing of my personal data for the purpose of personalised recommendations on financial and similar products offered by MoneyControl I agree personalized advertisements and any kind of remarketing/retargeting on other third party websites I agree to receive direct marketing communications via Emails and SMS Please select (*) all mandatory conditions to continue. I Accept The Trump administrations war (of pretext) against Latin Americas drug cartels is further isolating the US on the world stage. I started writing this post yesterday (as in Thursday) afternoon, GMT+1. However, just after I called it a night, when the article was more or less finished, the United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth announced Operation Southern Spear, a mission ostensibly to defend the US homeland from drug trafficking organisations throughout the Western hemisphere. President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering. Today, Im announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 13, 2025 The key quote: The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood and we will protect it. In other words, this military operation, bearing the name Southern Spear appears to be aimed at the entirety of the US southern neighbourhood, from Mexicos Rio Bravo to the southern tip of Tierra de Fuego, where the US is reportedly developing a joint military base with Argentinas Milei government (which is opposed by 71.5% of the local population). For the moment, there is little information about Operation Southern Spear beyond Hegseths 60-word tweet. As NC reader Ben Panga pointed out on yesterdays links page, Operation Southern Spear was actually originally announced on January 27 almost ten months ago by US Southern Command. A press release by the US Fourth Fleet described it as the latest development in operationizing robotic and autonomous systems in the naval theatre: U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet is advancing the Navys Hybrid Fleet Campaign through Operation Southern Spear, which will start later this month in U.S. Southern Command Area of Responsibility (USSOUTHCOM AOR) and at U.S. 4th Fleet Headquarters at Naval Station Mayport. Southern Spear will operationalize a heterogeneous mix of Robotic and Autonomous Systems (RAS) to support the detection and monitoring of illicit trafficking while learning lessons for other theaters, said Cmdr. Foster Edwards, 4th Fleets Hybrid Fleet Director. Southern Spear will continue our (4th Fleets) move away from short-duration experimentation into long-duration operations that will help develop critical techniques and procedures in integrating RAS into the maritime environment. Specifically, Operation Southern Spear will deploy long-dwell robotic surface vessels, small robotic interceptor boats, and vertical take-off and landing robotic air vessels to the USSOUTHCOM AOR. 4th Fleet will operationalize these unmanned systems through integration with U.S. Coast Guard cutters at sea and operations centers at 4th Fleet and Joint Interagency Task Force South. Southern Spears results will help determine combinations of unmanned vehicles and manned forces needed to provide coordinated maritime domain awareness and conduct counternarcotics operations. In other words, as Ben Panga notes, it seems that Venezuela is about to be a proof-of-concept / show-of-force / testing-ground for US drone war capabilities. For now, theres not much else to report on Operation Southern Spear, apart from the fact that it coincides with the arrival in the region of the US largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald Ford, where it joins other naval vessels, B-1 bombers and thousand of troops to intimidate and quite possibly attack Venezuela. It also coincides with the release by the House Committee of thousands of documents from the Jeffrey Epstein estate. The first response to Hegseths original tweet (below) sums the situation up nicely. Personally speaking, I rather like Alex Christoforous alternative name for the military operation: Operation How to Lose the Midterm Elections. Now for the original post Thanks to its near-daily strikes against small boats in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific, Washington is further alienating itself on the world stage. Even the United States staunchest ally, the United Kingdom, which covertly facilitated Israels genocide in Gaza, wants nothing to do with the Trump administrations campaign of extrajudicial killings on the high seas. CNN reported on Tuesday that London has stopped sharing intelligence with Washington about vessels suspected of drug trafficking in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in the US military attacks, which it considers illegal: The UKs decision marks a significant break from its closest ally and intelligence sharing partner and underscores the growing skepticism over the legality of the US militarys campaign around Latin America. For years, the UK, which controls a number of territories in the Caribbean where it bases intelligence assets, has helped the US locate vessels suspected of carrying drugs so that the US Coast Guard could interdict them, the sources said. That meant the ships would be stopped, boarded, its crew detained, and drugs seized. The intelligence was typically sent to Joint Interagency Task Force South, a task force stationed in Florida that includes representatives from a number of partner nations and works to reduce the illicit drug trade. But shortly after the US began launching lethal strikes against the boats in September, however, the UK grew concerned that the US might use intelligence provided by the British to select targets. British officials believe the US military strikes, which have killed 76 people, violate international law, the sources said. The intelligence pause began over a month ago, they said. The UNs human rights chief, Volker Turk, said last month that the strikes violate international law and amount to extrajudicial killing. The UK agrees with that assessment, the sources told CNN. Another key NATO ally, France, has publicly criticized the boat strikes, describing them as a violation of international law. At a G7 summit of foreign ministers in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot said: We have observed with concern the military operations in the Caribbean region, because they violate international law and because France has a presence in this region through its overseas territories, where more than a million of our compatriots reside They could therefore be affected by the instability caused by any escalation, which we obviously want to avoid. Canada is also distancing itself from the US escalatory actions in the region. In a response to CBC News on Oct. 31, a Global Affairs spokesperson said the Canadian military has had no involvement in the US military operations in the Caribbean Sea and Eastern Pacific. Those operations included strikes against nine boats in the Eastern Pacific, seven in the Caribbean and two in the SOUTHCOM area, reportedly resulting in the deaths of 75 people. There have so far been three survivors, all of whom were repatriated to their respective countries since the US justice system had no case against them. It is perfectly possible that European countries are publicly objecting to the US military actions as a way of pressuring Trump administration on Ukraine. After all, it took over a year for many European governments to raise a whiff of protest against Israels genocide in Gaza, and some such as Germany and the UK continue to facilitate Israeli war crimes. In other words, Europes denunciations of Trumps boat strikes should be treated with caution. However, it is also true that the attacks in the Caribbean and the Eastern Pacific are blatant war crimes and, as already mentioned, the chain of command could not be clearer. These attacks appear to be unlawful killings carried out by order of a Government, without judicial or legal process allowing due process of law, said UN human rights experts earlier this month. Unprovoked attacks and killings on international waters also violate international maritime laws. We have condemned and raised concerns about these attacks at sea to the United States Government.. Secretary of State Marco Rubios response so far has been to tell European leaders that they have no say on what is or isnt permissible by international law while (quite rightly) highlighting their hypocrisy over arming Ukraine with nuclear-capable missiles. ULTIMA HORA VENEZUELA! URGENTE LO ULTIMO! Marco Rubio expone a Europa: "No creo que la Union Europea pueda determinar lo que es la ley internacional () EEUU esta siendo atacado por el crimen organizado, narcoterroristas en nuestro hemisferio". pic.twitter.com/JJuXxIZQIy DIFUNDELO YA! (@DIFUNDELOYA) November 12, 2025 The last sentence But when the United States positions aircraft carriers in our hemisphere where we live, somehow thats a problem suggests that Rubio cannot even identfy the main source of the problem. It is the extrajudicial killings of unknown people on boats, not the mobilisation of aircraft carriers, that European leaders are specifically objecting to. Indeed, European leaders would happily support indeed have probably already pledged their support for a direct US military operation against Venezuelas Maduro government. Its not just European leaders who have denouced the boat strikes. According to Infobae (in Spanish), more than 50 other countries, through joint statements, have condemned Washingtons illegal use of force. Russias Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov had this to say: I cant conclude my comments on Venezuela first without mentioning our position on the unacceptable measures adopted by the US, on the pretext of combatting drug trafficking destroying, without trial or investigation, or indeed presenting any proof to anybody, boats that according to them are transporting drugs. Thats how countries that operate outside the law, who consider themselves above the law, behave. Im sure this path the Trump administration has chosen with regard to Venezuela will not lead to a good place and will do further harm to the USs reputation in the world. The New Age of the Hemispheric Presidency Washington, it seems, is long beyond caring about that. It is now in the grip of what Jose Atiles calls the hemispheric presidency: Long treated as a secondary concern, including during President Donald Trumps first term, when attention centered on China, the Middle East, and Eastern Europe, [Latin America] has returned to the forefront of US global strategy. But what is emerging is not a revival of Cold War containment or the Monroe Doctrine . It is the consolidation of a new US doctrine, one that aims to fuse emergency powers, economic warfare, and militarization into a unified hemispheric order. This emerging doctrine is anchored in the expansion of presidential authority. It represents the full extension of the unitary executive theory or the imperial presidency into the sphere of foreign policy, an effort to normalize executive unilateralism as the organizing principle of US governance at home and abroad. Trumps approach reveals how emergency powers techniques, such as executive orders, emergency declarations, and budgetary discretion, are being implemented as instruments of foreign policy. This realignment is only possible because of the profound transformations generated by the War on Drugs and the War on Terror, which over the last three decades expanded the legal and institutional capacity of the US executive branch to govern through permanent emergency. What began as exceptional counterinsurgency frameworks, asset seizures, sanctions, and military authorizations without congressional approval has evolved into the standard operating logic of the US government. The Trump administrations foreign policy rests on a single assumption: that the president can act independently of Congress, international law, and long-standing diplomatic norms. This logic manifests through unilateral bailouts, economic and financial sanctions, and militarized interventions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is also well versed in the vernacular. Asked how the bailout of Argentina is of benefit to Americans, he says: of course it is good because we are taking back Latin America through our economic leadership. There will be no bullets (NC: as long as the natives do what they are told). The whole hemisphere is coming our way. Scott Bessent: "Estamos RECUPERANDO America Latina a traves de liderazgo economico. No habra balas" Recuperando?? Se supone que nos tenemos que alegrar de un nuevo Plan Condor solo porque al menos viene sin dictaduras sangrientas? Y si no los votamos, que pasa? Hay balas? pic.twitter.com/U2nnfZMzo5 Arrepentidos de Milei (@ArrepentidosLLA) November 12, 2025 As this stark reality of the US hemispheric ambitions becomes apparent, the pushback is growing. Even in the US, the chorus of opposition, particularly among Trumps MAGA base, is rising to any potential regime change operation in Venezuela. A recent article in Time magazine warns that opposition groups in Venezuela, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado, are using misinformation to promote regime change. Even regular FOX News commentator General Jack Keane has cautioned about the risks of the US pursuing another regime change war. Back in late August, just before the boat strikes began, we asked whether the US was trying to cobble together a new coalition of the willing for another resource war, this time against Venezuela. The answer to that question is yes, but it has done a shockingly bad job of it. The only nations that seem to want any part of the action are small states in the region run by lackey governments that are willing (or have little choice but) to let the US use their land, sea and airspace as a launchpad for its hostile actions against Venezuela. They include El Salvador, the Dominican Republic, Panama and Trinidad and Tobago. Governments such as Mileis in Argentina and Daniel Noboas in Ecuador are also firmly. In fact, Ecuador will be voting this Sunday in a referendum on whether to allow the return of foreign (as in US) military bases and the drafting of a new constitution that could grant Noboa more power. Colombia Suspends Intelligence Sharing With US (Or Does It?) In neighbouring Colombia, by contrast, President Gustavo Petro ordered all levels of intelligence within the Colombian security forces to suspend communications and other dealings with US security agencies. Petro said the measure would remain in effect as long as Washington continues its attacks on suspected drug-trafficking boats. Petro was apparently emboldened to take such a drastic measure by the UK governments announcement that it had also stopped sharing intelligence with the US regarding drug trafficking operations in the Caribbean. Another seeming factor was a photograph taken in the Oval Office showing a document with a photomontage of Nicolas Maduro and Gustavo Petro dressed in orange jumpsuits as if they were US prisoners. Funcionario en el despacho Oval sosteniendo una carpeta que contiene la imagen de Nicolas Maduro y Gustavo Petro vestidos de uniforme naranja. pic.twitter.com/xiT4pySBpu (@Cristancho3000) November 9, 2025 Petro, now in the final year of his four-year term, initially considered recalling Colombias ambassador to the US for consultations, but instead chose to suspend sending communications and other dealings with US security agencies a move that has sparked outrage among the political elite in Bogota as well as on Capitol Hill. We know of Mr. Petros relationship with narco-terrorist groups within Colombia, Florida Republican Congressman Mario Diaz-Balart told NTN24 , adding that the suspension of intelligence sharing benefits drug traffickers. Given the prominent role the CIA has played in facilitating drug trafficking all over the world, including Colombia, that is highly debatable. Also, neocon lawmakers in the US like Diaz-Balart, Marco Rubio and Lindsey Graham dont normally have a problem associating with narco-traffickers (see below). Heres Lindsey Graham and fellow neocon senators with Colombias Alvaro Uribe, who was listed as an important narco-trafficker by US intel Uribe was a tool of the US regime who crushed rebellious workers and peasants Maduro is the opposite therefore hes illegitimate pic.twitter.com/nAXcd8ffK7 Max Blumenthal (@MaxBlumenthal) November 14, 2025 The Colombian government appears to have since backtracked, according to Infobae. Either that or senior members of Petros government are directly contradicting his orders. Statements by Colombian Interior Minister Armando Benedetti introduced an important nuance to the debate. Benedetti asserted that cooperation between the United States and Colombia has never ceased. President Gustavo Petro never said that the American security agencies FBI, DEA, HSI are going to stop working in Colombia alongside our intelligence agencies Dipol, Dijin and CTI, and we will continue working as this Government has done against drug trafficking and crime with the United States, he stated in a message published in X. Colombia, as readers may recall, has been under Washingtons sway for decades, becoming the the US main beachhead in South America. The first left-wing president of Colombias 206-year history, Petro was always going to have his work cut out, especially given the conservative nature of Colombian society and the US influence and long-history of interventions in the country. Nonetheless Petro has raised his voice on some of the biggest issues of our time, including Israels genocide in Gaza, the failure of the US-led war on drugs, the destruction of the Amazon rainforest, and now Trumps extrajudicial killings in the Caribbean and Pacific. Here he is blasting the US government for threatening to destroy Colombia and Venezuela as a blatant diversion from the Epstein pedophilia scandal: ICYMI: Colombias Gustavo Petro BLASTS The United States. A clan of pedophiles wants to destroy our democracy. To keep [Epsteins] list from coming out, they send warships to kill fishermen and threaten our neighbor with an invasion that is only about their oil. They pic.twitter.com/RF7WQ1PjAl Going Underground (@GUnderground_TV) November 12, 2025 As we have argued for the past three years, Washingtons escalating war against the drugs cartels is essentially a war of pretext. The real motives are the same as always to smash and grab the regions resources; to remove left-leaning governments that seek to create a more equitable economic system; and to rebuild US strategic and military dominance over its so-called back yard, at the expense of its main rivals, China, Russia and the BRICS association. But it is also a war of distraction, a Wag-the-Dog conflict. In the Hollywood movie of that name, the president is caught making advances on an underage girl inside the Oval Office less than two weeks before the election, so his spin doctors construct a fictional war in Albania to divert the publics attention. In this real life story, the president is protecting a pedophile ring run by a now-deceased close friend of his that, to all intents and purposes, operated as an Israeli intelligence operation. In order to divert attention from the growing scandal, in which colleagues, associates and donors of the president are almost certainly implicated, the president appears to be launching a real war against not just one country but a vast region that straddles two continents. Reality sometimes is not just stranger than fiction, it can be a whole lot darker. Yves here. I must confess to regularly tuning out news and policy promises on the never-ending US war on drugs. Its seemed to be a favorite way to funnel money into shady overseas operations while posturing at home. However, our current heinous phase, of using it as a pretext for regime change in Venezuela and broadcasting extrajudicial murders, demonstrates that differences in degree are differences in kind. And the history below shows that this campaign to make US addiction about external baddies is chock full of twists, contradictions, and seedy episodes. But there actually is reason to Do Something, even if what the US is doing is not that: The original chart at World Population Review is interactive, so you can scroll over each country to view its total per 100,000. A second point worth adding (the author seems to take it for granted) is that targeting foreign supply will not dent domestic drug use. As former ambassador Chas Freeman has pointed out, the two successful instances of ending large scale drug addiction, both opiates (in China during the Opium Wars and in the US after the Civil War) involved rounding up the addicts and forcing them to go cold turkey, and going after domestic supply networks. Of course, we cant possibly do that in our modern neoliberal world. Wed have to house and feed them until they got clean. And with jobs far more specialized than they were even a couple of generations ago and with understandable employer leeriness about ex-junkies, how could they then find jobs? That is not to say that problems like this could not be solved, but it would take a level of social services delivery that the US simply does not engage in on any scale. By Greg Grandin. Originally published at TomDispatch Today, Donald Trump presides over his own Murder Incorporated, less a government than a death squad. Many brushed off his proclamation early in his second term that the Gulf of Mexico would henceforth be called the Gulf of America as a foolish, yet harmless, show of dominance. Now, however, hes created an ongoing bloodbath in the adjacent Caribbean Sea. The Pentagon has so far destroyed 18 go-fast boats there and in the Pacific Ocean. No evidence has been presented or charges brought suggesting that those ships were running drugs, as claimed. The White House has simply continued to release birds-eye view surveillance videos (snuff films, really) of a targeted vessel. Then comes a flash of light and its gone, as are the humans it was carrying, be they drug smugglers, fishermen, or migrants. As far as we know, at least 64 people have already been killed in such attacks. The kill rate is accelerating. In early September, the U.S. was hitting one boat every eight to ten days. In early October, one every two days. For a time, starting in mid-October, it was every day, including four strikes on October 27th alone. Blood, it seems, lusts for blood. And the kill zone has been expanding from the Caribbean waters off Venezuela to the Colombian and Peruvian coasts in the Pacific Ocean. Many motives might explain Trumps compulsion to murder. Perhaps he enjoys the thrill and rush of power that comes from giving execution orders, or he (and Secretary of State Marco Rubio) hope to provoke a war with Venezuela. Perhaps he considers the strikes useful distractions from the crime and corruption that define his presidency. The cold-blooded murder of Latin Americans is also red meat for the vengeful Trumpian rank-and-file who have been ginned up by culture warriors like Vice President JD Vance to blame the opioid crisis, which disproportionately plagues the Republican Partys White rural base, on elite betrayal. The murders, which Trump insists are part of a larger war against drug cartels and traffickers, are horrific. They highlight Vances callous cruelty. The vice president has joked about murdering fishermen and claimed he doesnt give a shit if the killings are legal. As to Trump, hes brushed off the need for congressional authority to destroy speedboats or attack Venezuela, saying: I think were just gonna kill people. Okay? Were gonna kill them. Theyre gonna be, like, dead. But as with so many Trumpian things, its important to remember that he wouldnt be able to do what he does if it werent for policies and institutions put in place by all too many of his predecessors. His horrors have long backstories. In fact, Donald Trump isnt so much escalating the war on drugs as escalating its escalation. What follows then is a short history of how we got to a moment when a president could order the serial killing of civilians, publicly share videos of the crimes, and find that the response of all too many reporters, politicians (Rand Paul being an exception), and lawyers was little more than a shrug, if not, in some cases, encouragement. A Short History of the Longest War Richard Nixon (1969-1974) was our first drug-war president. On June 17, 1971, with the Vietnam War still raging, he announced a new, all-out offensive on drugs. Nixon didnt use the phrase war on drugs. Within 48 hours, however, scores of newspapers nationwide had done so, suggesting that White House staffers had fed the militarized phrase to their reporters. Nixons call for a drug offensive was a direct response to an explosive story published a month earlier in the New York Times, headlined G.I. Heroin Addiction Epidemic in Vietnam. Tens of thousands of U.S. soldiers were addicts, with some units reporting that more than 50% of their men were using heroin. At press conferences, Nixon was now being questioned not just about when and how he planned to end the war in Vietnam, but whether drug users in the military would be sent to rehab or punished. What, one journalist asked, was he going to do about the soldiers who are coming back from Vietnam with an addiction to heroin? What he did was launch what we might today think of as Vietnams second act, a global expansion of military operations, focused not on communists this time, but on marijuana and heroin. In 1973, shortly after the last U.S. combat soldier left South Vietnam, Nixon created the Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA). Its first major operation in Mexico looked eerily like Vietnam. Starting in 1975, U.S. agents went deep into northern Mexico, joining local police and military forces to carry out military sweeps and airborne fumigation. One report described it as a terror campaign of extrajudicial murder and torture against rural marijuana and opium producers, mostly poor peasant farmers. The campaign treated all villagers as if they were the internal enemy. Under the cover of fighting drugs, Mexican security forces, supplied with intelligence by the DEA and the Central Intelligence Agency, ferociously suppressed peasant and student activists. As historian Adela Cedillo wrote, rather than limiting drug production, that campaign led to its concentration in a few hierarchically structured paramilitary organizations that, in the late 1970s, came to be known as cartels. So, the first fully militarized battlefront in the War on Drugs helped create the cartels that the current iteration of the War on Drugs is now fighting. Gerald Ford (1974-1977) responded to pressure from Congress notably from New York Democratic Congressman Charles Rangel by committing to a supply-side strategy of attacking drug production at its source (as opposed to trying to reduce demand at home). While countries in Southeast Asia, along with Afghanistan, Pakistan, and Iran, had been major suppliers of heroin to the U.S., Mexicans, long a source of marijuana, had begun to grow poppy to meet the demand from heroin-habituated Vietnam vets. By 1975, it was supplying more than 85% of the heroin entering the United States. Developments in Mexico are not good, a White House aide told Ford in preparation for a meeting with Rangel. Ford increased DEA operations in Latin America. Jimmy Carter (1977-1981) supported the decriminalization of pot for personal use and, in his speeches and remarks, emphasized treatment over punishment. Overseas, however, the DEA continued to expand its operations. (It would soon be running 25 offices in 16 Latin American and Caribbean countries.) Ronald Reagan (1981-1989) reigned in an era when drug policy would take a turn toward the surreal, strengthening the linkages between rightwing politics and illicit drugs. But lets backtrack a bit. The convergence of rightwing politics and drugs began at the end of World War Two when, according to historian Alfred McCoy, U.S. intelligence in Italy came to rely on crime boss Lucky Lucianos growing international narcotics syndicate, which would reach from the Mediterranean Sea to the Caribbean Sea and from Istanbul to Havana, to conduct covert anti-communist operations. Then, in 1959, after the Cuban Revolution shut down that islands lucrative drug trade, traffickers moved elsewhere in Latin America or to the United States, where they, too, joined the anti-communist cause. The CIA then used those gangster exiles in operations meant to destabilize Fidel Castros Cuban government and undermine the domestic antiwar movement. At the same time, the CIA ran its own airline, Air America, in Southeast Asia, which smuggled opium and heroin as a way to support that agencys secret war in Laos. And the FBI notoriously used the pretext of drug policing to expose, disrupt, misdirect, discredit, or otherwise neutralize political dissidents, including the Black Panthers. They worked, for example, with local police in Buffalo, New York, to frame African American activist Martin Sostre, who operated a bookstore that had become the center of that citys Black radical politics, on trumped-up charges of selling heroin. Nixons creation of the Drug Enforcement Administration drew those threads together, as its agents worked closely with both the FBI in the U.S. and the CIA in Latin America. When, after the war in Vietnam ended in defeat, Congress tried to rein in the CIA, its agents used the DEAs expansive overseas network to continue their covert operations. By the time Reagan became president, cocaine production in the Andean region in Latin America was in full swing, with a distinctly curious dynamic in operation: the CIA would work with rightwing, repressive governments involved in coca production even as the DEA was working with those same governments to suppress coca production. That dynamic was caught perfectly as early as 1971 in Bolivia when the CIA helped overthrow a mildly leftist government in the first of a series of what came to be known as cocaine coups. Bolivias cocaine colonels then took as much money as Washington was willing to offer to fight their version of the drug war while facilitating cocaine production for export abroad. President Carter cut off drug-interdiction funding to Bolivia in 1980. Reagan restored it in 1983. The rise of Chilean dictator General Augusto Pinochet followed the same dynamic. Pinochet partly framed his 1973 CIA-enabled coup against socialist President Salvador Allende as a front in Nixons drug war. Working closely with the DEA, the general tortured and killed drug traffickers along with political activists as part of his post-coup wave of repression. Meanwhile, Pinochets allies began to deal drugs with impunity, with Pinochets family making millions exporting cocaine to Europe (with the help of agents from his infamous security forces). Once in office, Reagan began escalating the drug war as he did the Cold War and the bond between cocaine and rightwing politics tightened. The Medellin cartel donated millions of dollars to Reagans campaign against Nicaraguas leftwing Sandinista government. The ties were murky and conspiratorial, part of what McCoy has termed the covert netherworld, so its easy to fall down the deep-state rabbit hole trying to trace them, but details can be found in reporting by Gary Webb, Robert Parry, Leslie Cockburn, Bill Moyers, John Kerry, and CBSs 60 Minutes, among others. George H.W. Bush (1989-1993) engaged in a very Trump-like move in making his case to the public that the war on drugs needed to be escalated. He had the DEA go to the poorest part of Washington, D.C., to entrap a low-level African American drug dealer, Keith Jackson, paying him to travel to the White House to sell an undercover agent three ounces of crack cocaine. Bush then held up the drugs on national television to illustrate how easy it was to buy narcotics. A high school senior, Jackson spent eight years in prison so Bush could do a show-and-tell on TV. The president then ramped up funding for the war on drugs, expanding military and intelligence operations in the Andes and the Caribbean. These were the Miami Vice years, when efforts to suppress cocaine smuggling into Florida only shifted transport routes overland through Central America and Mexico. Bushs signature contribution to the War on Drugs was Operation Just Cause, in which, a few weeks after the fall of the Berlin Wall in late 1989, he dispatched 30,000 Marines to Panama to arrest autocrat Manuel Noriega on drug trafficking charges. Noriega had been a CIA asset when Bush was the director of that agency. But with the Cold War over, he had outlived his usefulness. Bill Clinton (1993-2001) escalated his Republican predecessors tough on drugs policies. He maintained mandatory minimum sentencing and increased the number of people serving jail time for drug offences. In his last year in office, Clinton rolled out Plan Colombia which committed billions of dollars more to drug interdiction, but with a twist: privatization. Washington doled out contracts to mercenary corporations to conduct field operations. DynCorp provided pilots, planes, and chemicals for the aerial eradication of drugs (which had horrible environmental consequences) and worked closely with the Colombian military. A cyber start-up, Oakley Networks, now part of Raytheon, also received Plan Colombia money to provide Internet surveillance software to Colombias National Police, which used the tech to spy on human-rights activists. Plan Colombia led to hundreds of thousands of civilian deaths and widespread ecological devastation. The result? Estimates vary, but roughly twice as much Colombian land is now believed to be dedicated to growing coca as at the start of Plan Colombia in 2000 and the production of cocaine has doubled. George W. Bush (20012009) again escalated the war on drugs, increasing interdiction funding both domestically and internationally. He also urged Mexicos president, Felipe Calderon, to launch his own brutal military assault on the drug cartels. By the time Calderon left office, security forces and the cartels combined had killed or disappeared tens of thousands of Mexicans. Conceptually, Bush linked the post-9/11 Global War on Terror to the Global War on Drugs. Trafficking of drugs finances the world of terror, he claimed. Barack Obama (20092017), like President Carter, emphasized treatment over incarceration. Nonetheless, he took no steps to wind down the war on drugs, continuing to fund Plan Colombia and expanding Plan Merida, which his predecessor had put in place to combat cartels in Central America and Mexico. In February 2009, the former presidents of Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia Fernando Cardoso, Ernesto Zedillo, and Cesar Gaviria released a report entitled Drugs and Democracy: Toward a Paradigm Shift, which called for an end to the war on drugs, proposing instead decriminalization and the treatment of drug use as a public health issue. The authors were establishment politicians, and Obama could have used their breakthrough report to help build a new public health consensus concerning drug use. But his White House largely ignored the report. Donald Trump (20172021) increased already high-level funding for militarized counter-narcotic operations at the border and abroad, calling for the death penalty for drug dealers. He also floated the idea of shooting missiles into Mexico to destroy the drug labs, but to do so quietly so no one would know it was us. In Trumps first term, he offered a now-forgotten (in the U.S. at least) preview of the killing of civilians on boats. On May 11, 2017, DEA agents and their Honduran counterparts traveling by boat along the Patuca River opened fire on a water taxi carrying 16 passengers. Overhead, a DEA agent in a circling helicopter ordered a Honduran soldier to fire his machine gun at the taxi. Four died, including a young boy and two pregnant women, and three others were seriously injured. The incident involved 10 U.S. agents, none of whom suffered any consequences for the massacre. Joe Biden (20212025) supported de-escalation in principle and actually decreased funding for aerial drug fumigation in Colombia. He also issued blanket pardons to thousands of people convicted on federal marijuana charges. Nonetheless, like the presidents before him, he continued funding the DEA and military operations in Latin America. Donald Trump (2025-?) has opened a new front in the war against Mexicos drug cartels in New England. The DEA, working with ICE and the FBI, claims that in August it made 171 high-level arrests of members of the Sinaloa cartel throughout Massachusetts and New Hampshire. The Boston Globes Spotlight investigative team, though, reports that most of those arrested were involved in small dollar drug sales, or were simply addicts, and had no link whatsoever to the Sinaloa cartel. Trump insists that the war on drugs isnt a metaphor, that its a real war, and as such he possesses extraordinary wartime powers including the authority to bomb Mexico and attack Venezuela. Considering this history, whos to argue? Or to think that such a war could end anything but badly or, for that matter, ever end at all? Copyright 2025 Greg Grandin Lemurs Are Having a Mysterious Baby Boom in Madagascar. Heres Why That Might Not Be a Good Thing Smithsonian Magazine Man takes Hamilton city bus on a joy ride making stops to let passengers on and off, say police CBC Woman accused of leading authorities on 173-mile SoCal pursuit before escaping into Mexico is arrested Los Angeles Times Waymo robotaxis are now giving rides on freeways in LA, San Francisco, and Phoenix TechCrunch Climate/Environment Pandemics Water Africa Japan Takaichi: the Honeymooner Julian Macfarlane India China? Syraqistan More than a dozen Israeli soldiers spoke to ITV for their new documentary Breaking Ranks: Inside Israels War, about how their armys two-year campaign in Gaza involved shooting unarmed Palestinians en masse, using teenagers as human shields, and flattening entire neighborhoods pic.twitter.com/QiljtBxl3D Drop Site (@DropSiteNews) November 12, 2025 European Disunion Old Blighty New Not-So-Cold War South of the Border The Great Game Kazakhstan, Russia Sign Landmark Comprehensive Alliance Declaration Astana Times Laffaire Epstein Trump 2.0 Eric Trump: You can send $500 million worth of bitcoin on a Sunday night at 11pm while having a glass of wine with your wife for virtually zero fees. pic.twitter.com/KU4PvccN98 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) November 13, 2025 The Uniparty Where Is the Opposition to an Attack on Venezuela? Daniel Larison Police State Watch Mamdani Our Famously Free Press Healthcare? AI Vast collection of historic American music released via UCSB Library partnership with Dust-to-Digital Foundation UC Santa Barbara The Current Imperial Collapse Watch MAHA Class Warfare Antidote du jour (via): See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. One might think, with the leaders of most EU member states having worked themselves into hysteria over Russias plans to conquer Europe once it wraps up the Ukraine conflict, particular in light of the budget stresses across member states, that getting the maximum bang for each buck of arms expenditure would be a top priority. You be wrong! As John Helmer explains long-form below, Estonia, the country aspiring to be the biggest badass among NATO members, at least in military spending to GDP terms, may be setting out to rival Ukraine in the level of grift that will be part of the expenditures. Even worse than Ukraine, which despite its infamous corruption, does attempt to hide it, a big chunk of the skim will be out in the open, with Ukraine intermediaries set to get 10% to 15% commissions, apparently for knowing the right people. Helmer explains that this and other revelations surfaced via a summary of an official report being tossed over the fence to the media: The 240-page report on Estonias mismanagement of the military budget, prepared by a multi-party committee of parliament deputies, was leaked in an 11_page summary tabled in the Riigikogu, Estonias parliament, last week. The documents which have leaked to the Estonian press have not been released by parliament nor published. On top of this sort of looting of taxpayer monies not being a good look, it is likely to rankle voters even more as disclosure of, erm, misuse of funds sent to Ukraine for warmaking and general budgetary support comes to light. Recall that a CBS documentary reported that 30% of the funding for weapons was pilfered (IIRC via black markets sales); CBS was forced to remove that revelation. Since then, there has been occasional noise-making about where did all that money to Ukraine go and perhaps some inquires being prudent. Now that the less-deluded are waking up to the fact that Ukraine is a goner, some are also seeking to get ahead of the blame game. One obvious strategy is to pin the loss on all the pilfering by Ukraine. In that spirit, see this overview of a new scandal, Ukraine corruption scandal explained: The $100M plot rocking Zelenskyy courtesy Politico earlier in the week. But $100 million sounds like couch lint in light of all of money not well accounted for. Nevertheless: Ukrainian anti-corruption agencies revealed Monday that some of Zelenskyys close associates were allegedly involved in a plot to skim around $100 million from Ukraines energy sector. The scandal erupted as Ukrainians suffer blackouts caused by Russian bombing. The state said it had spent tens of millions of euros to protect energy infrastructure from drones and missiles. The probe, which lasted 15 months and was called Operation Midas, involved 1,000 hours of wiretapping and resulted in the seizure of bags of cash. The agency said five of the seven alleged participants in the scheme have been detained. The group is accused of manipulating contracts at Energoatom, Ukraines state nuclear energy company, to extract kickbacks worth 10-15 percent of contract values. Investigators say the network laundered roughly $100 million through a secret Kyiv-based office. Ukraines state anti-corruption watchdogs the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine, or NABU, and the Special Anti-Corruption Prosecutors Office, or SAP dismantled an alleged criminal organization that consisted of current and former energy officials, a noted businessman, government ministers and a former deputy prime minister. In the summer, Zelenskyys office and the parliament in Kyiv tried to strip the independence of NABU and SAP and place them under the supervision of Ukraines prosecutor general, a political appointee. The move, which coincided with signs that the watchdogs were probing presidential insiders, prompted the first major anti-government street protests since Russias full-scale invasion began in 2022. With the EU also urging a rethink, Zelenskyy reversed course. In the current case, Zelenskyy called for maximum transparency in the energy sector, and said he fully supports every investigation. He also called Wednesday for the current energy and justice ministers, featured on the NABU tapes, to resign. So it is not hard to image that Zelensky allowed or even encouraged this relatively small-beer probe to proceed to bolster the appearance that he is anti-corruption. One imagines it will be a long time, if ever, before serious efforts to get a handle on the scale of the looting get underway. By John Helmer, the longest continuously serving foreign correspondent in Russia, and the only western journalist to direct his own bureau independent of single national or commercial ties. Helmer has also been a professor of political science, and an advisor to government heads in Greece, the United States, and Asia. He is the first and only member of a US presidential administration (Jimmy Carter) to establish himself in Russia. Originally published at Dances with Bears Estonian politics are being turned upside down because of a leaked report into the diversion of defence spending. The timing is not an unlucky coincidence. It is the result of the countrys leaders claiming kudos for leading the NATO alliance in lifting the military proportion of their Gross Domestic Product (GDP) from 3.4% to 5.4%. This increase was enacted in April when the Estonian government and parliament approved a four-year 2.8 billion additional defence funding bill in order to meet the NATO target dictated by President Donald Trump. The increased spending will lift Estonia from the 19th rank of the global defence/GDP ratio, four ranks behind Poland ( 4.15% as of 2024 ) and one rank behind the US (3.42%), to lead the NATO member states . I really, from this podium, in this building, want to applaud your leadership on meeting the five percent defense spending target, not years down the road but in all of your countries in 2026, US Defense Secretary Peter Hegseth announced at a Pentagon meeting with Hanno Pevkur, the Estonian defense minister on July 25; beside Pevkur were his Latvian and Lithuanian counterparts. It underscores your dedication to the Alliances security and sets a very clear example for others to follow. Pevkur replied : Our meeting today is a testimony to the strong and trusted partnership between the Baltic States and the United StatesWe stand up for one another and we defend each other when its needed. This is what brotherhood in arms truly means. In the Estonian language, that last sentence of Pevkurs means brothers hands in each others pockets. According to official announcements in Tallinn late last month, Pevkur has agreed to spend $4.73 billion on new US HIMARS artillery systems and ammunition. More than 10 billion ($12 billion) in defence spending is now planned for the four-year period, 2026-2029 . The Estonian media report that procurement accounts for 37 percent of the budget, ammunition for 25 percent, personnel costs for 14 percent, operating expenses for 13 percent, intelligence and early warning for 3 percent, support for the Defense League [ citizen mobilisation ] for 3 percent and infrastructure investments for 5 percent. More than half of this total is expected to go directly to the US military-industrial complex and a Ukraine-sized percentage of 10% to 15% return to Estonian middlemen as commissions . US and European military companies are also being invited to invest in new production of weapons and security technology in Estonia itself. Estonia also plans, the government says , to invest 50 million in defence industry and innovation, including the establishment of a Future Capabilities and Innovation Command and a new defence industry park in Parnu County. The list of Russia warfighting allies to supply sell to Tallin was published in this Estonian government report , issued before the Trump increase was implemented. This is the greatest boondoggle in the history of Estonia since the country pinned its hopes on Adolf Hitler and German military investment between 1941 and 1944. ESTONIAS DEFENCE SPENDING AS A PROPORTION OF GDP, 2024-25 Source: https://www.intellinews.com/proposed-defence-spending-hike-to-5-of-gdp-exposes-divisions-among-nato-members-387401/ Source: https://x.com/BudrysKestutis/status/1962505391972974801 We have made a historic decision from the point of view of Estonian national defence. We have never allocated so much additional money to national defence in one year in Estonia, said Hanno Pevkur, Estonian Defence Minister. Already next year, defence spending will rise to about 5.4% of GDP, or over 2% in one year, and it will stay there for quite a long time, noted Pevkur. The four-year average is also 5.4%, and this will give us the opportunity to meet the military capability goals that we have agreed on in NATO, he added . Pevkur and Hegseth at the Pentagon on July 25, 2025, with the Latvian Defense Minister Andris Spruds (left) and Lithuanian Defense Minister, Dovile Sakaliene (right). The 240-page report on Estonias mismanagement of the military budget, prepared by a multi-party committee of parliament deputies, was leaked in an 11_page summary tabled in the Riigikogu, Estonias parliament, last week. The documents which have leaked to the Estonian press have not been released by parliament nor published. In the selective reporting so far, it has been revealed that the Estonian military command has lost control of the new spending to two civilian agencies, the State Defense Investment Centre (RKIK, English acronym ECDI) and the Defense Resources Agency (KRA). They have been staffed by political appointees. Their job it is suspected in the public at large is the manipulation of contract pricing of procurements; collection of commissions; fabrication of deliveries and inventories; falsification of accounts; and laundering of the proceeds into offshore accounts operated for the benefit of government officials. Source: https://www.kaitseinvesteeringud.ee/en/ Source: https://kra.ee/en/ The new report was compiled by a working party of MPs Leo Kunnas (Independent), Alar Laneman (Reform Party), Neeme Vali (Isamaa), and Anti Poolamets (EKRE), and was led by Meelis Kiili (Reform), a former commander and major general of the Defense League. Peeter Tali (Eesti 200) was initially in the working party but he resigned in protest over some of the reports claims. In a press interview , Kiili responded to criticism that his report had unfairly blamed former military commanders for giving up control of the arms planning and procurement process, and for subordinating Estonias defence strategy to civilians too inexperienced to prepare for war with Russia. Question: The shorter, 11-page summary of the report presents a very serious assessment. Ill quote: In the working groups view, the Estonian state as a whole is not sufficiently prepared for a potential war. Could you explain the reasoning behind that assessment? Answer: We also need local governments and society at large to be involved. We cannot place the responsibility of strategic tasks on subordinate structures. We cant expect the Rescue Board to manage a nationwide crisis. These are our conclusions: fix the structures, grant the necessary authority and make sure that at the political level, we have decision-makers with the necessary competence. Thats quite simple. The assessment stems from the fact that we are preparing for crises and war using peacetime methods. We dont truly grasp what a crisis or war entails. We havent experienced those kinds of crises ourselves theres no direct experience to draw from. But what weve seen in Ukraine provides a very clear insight. Throughout the reports drafting process, the working group constantly referred to both Russias military doctrine and developments in Ukraine. And in some ways, the situation were in today is one where people still say: Lets not talk about these things. Id remind everyone that on February 22, 2022, President Zelensky told the Ukrainian people that there would be no war. People need to be spoken to honestly and directly. Thats why the language of this report is honest and straightforward. Speaking frankly gives us the opportunity to address these issues just as frankly. Also note that if the working groups recommendations are implemented, much of this can be restored very quickly. What we need is to feel and know that the country is being led. We need to strengthen the prime ministers role in times of crisis and war so that they lead decisively, not just chair meetings. This is about decision-making and the speed of decisions. We also need local governments and society at large to be involved. We cannot place the responsibility of strategic tasks on subordinate structures. We cant expect the Rescue Board to manage a nationwide crisis. These are our conclusions: fix the structures, grant the necessary authority and make sure that at the political level, we have decision-makers with the necessary competence. Kiilis report accepts without question that Estonias military priority is fighting Russia. There is no mention of over-pricing of US arms contracts; no allegation of official corruption and money laundering. The Estonian press and parliament have suppressed all public discussion of these local issues while discussion of newly revealed corruption in the Zelensky regimes handling of defence contracts is widespread . When the Russian press has reported this Estonian controversy, Estonian government officials have counter-attacked; they claim in the Tallinn media that criticism of Pevkurs management of the defence budget, including a National Audit Office (Riigikontroll) investigation released before Kiilis report surfaced, is Russian disinformation and Kremlin propaganda. In September the state auditor had released a press statement exposing problems in the management of contracts of the agencies under the Ministry of Defence, in the monitoring of contracts and their performance, in the verification and registration of the conformity and delivery of the goods received, which must be solved immediately against the backdrop of the rapidly growing defence budget. The auditors also accused government officials of withholding data on contract monies, pricing, and over and under-stocking of inventories. This amounted to a systemic problem in the use of funds that needs urgent and substantive attention by the Ministry of Defence. The audit findings challenged the accuracy of the inventory balance of the Ministry of Defence in the amount of 723.9 million. Source: https://www.publicnow.com/view/4B2B371B5ED72366E906BB3846FD0CFC01E72B59?1756849697 The National Audit Office was also scathing in its criticism of the two military procurement agencies, RKIK and KRA: The audit indicated that the Estonian Centre for Defence Investments and the Defence Resources Agency have problems in managing the contracts signed and in monitoring the arrival of the goods to be delivered. Examples were cited of error payments of $79.1 million and errors in the delivery and receipt documents of defence equipment purchases and in other purchase documents, which means that it is not always possible to verify the contract under which the goods were received and whether and when they arrived. Internal partisan politics, personal jealousies, and individual ambitions have also created disinformation, the Estonian media have claimed . The general problem with this report [Kiili report] is that some good recommendations get buried lets be honest under a disinformation campaign. In Moscow yesterday, an unusual assessment of the Estonian situation was published as an example of the impact on NATO of the Trump five-percent policy. The author was Stanislav Leshchenko writing in the Moscow security analysis platform, Vzglyad . Trump, he said, had created a feeding trough for people close to the ruling party in the country. At least, the Estonian opposition is sure of this. Source: https://vz.ru/world/2025/11/13/1373432.html The translation which follows is verbatim. Illustrations have been added for English readers. November 13, 2025 The Russian threat has turned out to be the reason for a big cut in Estonia By Stanislav Leshchenko The huge expenses allegedly directed by Estonia to prepare for repelling Russian aggression have actually become a feeding trough for people close to the ruling party in the country. At least, the Estonian opposition is sure of this, and the data for this have been collected in the relevant parliamentary report. What exactly was discovered? Estonia has been dramatically increasing its military spending recently, to the point where it is ready to take out huge loans. And recently, several experts from the commission of the Estonian Parliament (Riigikogu) on state defence released a report on how exactly this money is being used. According to the authors of the report, the commander of the Defense Forces has been stripped of key functions which ensure effective management of the army, such as the issue of personnel and the direction of troop logistics. These functions have been transferred to the State Defense Investment Centre and the Defense Resources Agency, which have been pulled out of the army structure. Accordingly, the report identifies the main problem of the Estonian army: The chain of command has fragmented, as the Ministry of Defense tried to transfer the peacetime management model to crisis and wartime. The report holds former commanders-in-chief of the Estonian Army Riho Terras (who headed the Defense Forces in 2011-2018) and Martin Herem (2018-2024) responsible for this. Left, Lieutenant General Riho Terras: Estonia has a clear plan for dealing with any little green men the undercover Russian special forces operatives who sprung up in the early days of the Ukraine crisis last year according to the countrys chief of defence: they will be shot. https://www.ft.com/content/03c5ebde-f95a-11e4-ae65-00144feab7de Right, Major General Martin Herem: Estonia can't be occupied within days. It's possible that some areas may be taken, but the question becomes if the enemy really wants to go ahead if they face 21,000 men. https://news.err.ee/652005/estonia-can-no-longer-be-taken-within-just-days-says-brigadier-general The full version of this report was supposed to be released on November 6, but it never happened. The negative reaction to the publication in the press of no more than excerpts from it turned out to be so great that the head of the parliamentary commission on state defense, Kalev Stoicescu (Estonia 200 Party), said that the report requires serious changes and that we need to focus on security instead of solving social or other issues. However, the main author of the sensational document, retired General Meelis Kiili, continues to insist on his vision: he believes that providing for the rear of the Estonian army does not meet its real needs. Kiili threatens that the document will be published again, and emphasizes that it was prepared by specialists. Riho Terras and Martin Herem themselves disagree with the criticism. Due to the existence of the Department of Defense Resources, battalion and brigade commanders are no longer engaged in the purchase of light bulbs, mowing grass, catering and other similar things, Herem says, fighting back. And Terras claims that many of those who compiled this report today were already involved in decision-making, but there was no criticism from them at that time. The current Minister of Defense, Hanno Pevkur, also sided with them.: I am more than convinced that the governance of Estonia, both in wartime and in peacetime, is well-regulated. Estonias government was elected in 2023, with the Reform Party, led by Kaja Kallas, winning 31.2% of the vote; EKRE running second with 16.1%; and the Centre Party third with 15.3%. https://www.politico.eu/europe-poll-of-polls/estonia/ Since then voter support has turned sharply against the government coalition of Reform, the Social Democratic Party (SDE) and Eesti 200. https://news.err.ee/1609848678/norstat-poll-reform-party-rating-hits-new-low-point As domestic disapproval of Kallas grew, she resigned in mid-2024 to become the European Unions foreign minister. It should be noted that in 2017 Estonia established the State Center for Defense Investments (RKIK). The competence of RKIK includes the organization and conduct of military tenders worth 10,000 euros and above. In turn, the Defense Resources Agency appeared fifteen years ago and even at the very beginning of its activity, this institution was accused of squandering money: for example, it annually paid 30 thousand euros for the preparation of useless tests for conscripts. Estonia has recently purchased a large number of different weapons, from Finnish SAKO TRG M10 rifles to Israeli-Singaporean Blue Spear 5G anti-ship missiles. All these purchases go through RKIK and often raise a lot of questions, from the adequacy and channels of the amounts paid to the quality of the products purchased. For example, in September of this year It turned out that the high-precision R20 submachine guns, purchased six years ago in the United States for several million euros, were of poor quality. The entire batch had to be sent to the factory for warranty repairs. Also in early September, there was news that the State Audit Office had identified many problems in the field of the Estonian Ministry of Defense during the audit process, both in the management and control of contracts concluded by the Ministry, as well as in verifying compliance and receipt of delivered goods, as well as in their registration. It was noted that with a sharp increase in the volume of funds used in the defense sector, the risks are also growing, which in some places have already become reality. The National Audit Office admitted that they were unable to verify some areas of the Ministry of Defenses activities because the agency did not provide all the information necessary for the audit. The number of contracts is not even known, nor the time of their expiry or the total sum committed. The problems we have identified cannot be reduced only to accounting issues the audit showed serious confusion in the organization of work, which has financial consequences. The confusion with linking contracts, advance payments and goods, as well as other shortcomings listed in the report, indicate a systemic problem in the use of funds, which requires urgent and substantive attention from the Ministry of Defense, said the head of the National Audit Office, Janar Holm. According to him, the management of RKIK handles public funds with amazing ease. So, in March 2024, the State Defense Investment Center mistakenly paid about 79.1 million dollars to one of the suppliers, and in July of the same year another 8.7 million dollars. The supplier returned $47.8 million, but the remaining amount ($40 million) was retained by him in the advance payment account to cover future transactions under the same contract. Moreover, RKIK did not consider it necessary to demand a refund of the overpaid amount, as it considered this too complicated an operation, saying that someday, over time, purchases for this amount would still be made. Another suppliers account has accumulated a prepayment balance of 9.6 million euros since 2018. Later, RKIK ordered additional goods from this supplier, but never used the opportunity to pay for them using this accumulated balance. There are errors in the documents on the transfer and acceptance of purchased weapons: therefore, it is not always possible to verify on the basis of which contract certain military goods were received and when they arrived. The state control service noted that there are no guarantees that after the acceptance of the acquired property and partial prepayment for it, it will be possible to control when and in what quantity it will actually arrive. The auditors also revealed cases when the purchased property was registered with the Army with a delay of several years. In April 2025, purchases from three suppliers totaling 45.8 million euros were retroactively attributed to expenses in 2024. In general, a huge number of such violations have accumulated. Erroneous payments to contractual partners, which in the worst case reach several tens of millions of euros, or an advance payment of almost 10 million euros, which has been waiting for its settlement for eight years, are just the most striking examples. Confusion with the linking of contracts, advance payments and goods, as well as other shortcomings they indicate a systemic problem in the use of funds, Holm emphasizes. In his opinion, the Minister of Defense, together with the General Director of RKIK and the commander of the Army, should immediately solve serious problems with property accounting, inventory and other work processes. In early June, Magnus-Waldemar Saar,who served as CEO of RKIK, announced his retirement. As the Estonian media wrote ironically, it remains unclear what exactly influenced his decision fatigue or the audit of the State Audit Office at that time. However, there has still been no replacement for him. Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur reluctantly admitted that accounting for the state of military assets requires refinement. Left. Anu Rannaveski was appointed to lead the Defense Resources Agency (KRA) in 2022; the organisation website does not list its leadership. Centre, Janar Holm, appointed head of the National Audit Office since 2018. Right, Magnus-Valdemar Saar awarded the Class II Service Cross of the Defense Ministry on July 17, 2025, following his resignation after four years for his systematic and transparent approach to national defence procurement. https://www.kaitseinvesteeringud.ee/en/minister-of-defence-awards-service-cross-to-outgoing-rkik-director-magnus-valdemar-saar/ Former commander-in-chief Riho Terras (now a member of the European Parliament) spoke out in support of the National Audit Office, according to which unacceptable chaos reigns in the work of the Ministry of Defense. Terras believes that Defense Minister Pevkur is observing the state of affairs in his department from the outside with cold indifference. In a situation where Prime Minister Kristen Michal repeats that all proceeds from the tax rally go solely to increase defense spending, such chaos is unacceptable! It destabilizes the whole society and betrays taxpayers. How can we know that our money is being handled as promised? Theres no way anymore. Because now it turns out that millions of euros are being paid by mistake, Terras is indignant, calling on Pevkur to take responsibility for the mess and resign. What does it all mean? The opposition EKRE party comments on the situation most openly. They believe that at one time the creation of the RKIK, an organisation that was removed from the control of the commanderinchief of the Estonian army, was established in order to make the procurement process more efficient as a feeder. The founder of this party, Mart Helme, accuses Prime Minister Kristen Michal and the Reform Party he heads that they have created an inexhaustible resource with their rhetoric about the Russian threat. According to Helme, the huge funds allocated for defence are flowing into the pockets of people close to the ruling party. Last spring, EKRE stated: We see how huge amounts of money are being sent to the so-called defence industry, which, in our opinion, has become another corrupt project of the Reform Party. The transfer of former high-ranking government officials and military personnel associated with the Reform Party to defence companies, for which hundreds of millions are allocated, in no way strengthens Estonias defence capability, but on the contrary, directs limited resources into the hands of a very narrow circle of people, bringing extremely insignificant results. The Financial Times has a new piece on a growing social problem in many countries: the fate of young adults who fail to land jobs after college or high school. While its hard to get good data on this cohort, there is plenty of evidence of high levels of youth unemployment, not just in Western economies, but China as well, pointing to the risk that these individuals become socially isolated and never become integrated into normal life. This is yet more evidence of the pattern set forth in Karl Polyanis classic The Great Transformation. Polyani described how the operation of capitalism was destructive to society, and that that process was blunted but not halted or reversed by reforms and regulation. Here, what we see is both business leaders and governments abandoning their duty to provide for sufficient work in a system where for the considerable majority, selling ones labor is a condition of survival. Corporations been somewhat stealthily and in recent years, openly hostile to increasing their workforces, more and more depicting headcount shrinkage as a badge of honor. These cuts have been falling hard on entry level workers. We have been pointing since the inception of this site to periodic cries for help on the tech site Slashdot, of fresh computer science grads failing to land jobs and seeking advice. The greybeards confirm that this is a serious issue yet can seldom give guidance as to what to do. Starting in the early 2010s, there were more reports of technology decimating entry level jobs in the law, where scut-level research and drafting were critical to yeomen learning their trade. We see these practices as destructive even on the level of individual companies. Managers have come to treat their workers as disposable and seem to relish the power that greater employee precarity give them. But disposable workers will not be loyal. In addition, turnover comes at the cost of screening for replacements and training them (they at least have to learn certain procedures and rules). But the boss class might not mind that because that extra effort falls on them, falsely increasing their claims to value. But even if one can contend that these new norms are good for individual enterprises, they are clearly damaging on a larger societal level. Having more and more young adults become dependents, either of their families or of the state, impedes household formation and child-bearing. Demographic growth is one of the two drivers, with productivity growth, of economic expansion. It is true that slowing/reversing population growth is necessary to have any hope of ending resource depletion, environmental degradation, and species loss. But the manner in which this is happening is to enrich the top wealthy, who are not cutting back on their profligate, destructive lifestyles, offsetting potential planetary benefits. One of the odd features of this modern immiseration of the young is that the soma of devices may be serving the elites by shunting energy and attention into isolation, when in decades past, at least some of the disaffected young might have taken to the streets or otherwise joined organizations not part of respectable society (including gangs). But a cynic might point out that smartphone addiction not only leads to disengagement but often depression, and medicating the young is another way to milk them without having them become perceived liabilities in the form of pesky workers. Before turning to the Financial Times story, some snippets confirming the extent of the underlying driver of high levels of youth unemployment. The last official US jobs data in the US, for August 2025, showed that college graduates aged 20 to 24 had an unemployment rate of 9.3%, markedly higher than that of older degree holders (25 to 34 years olds came in at 3.6% jobless). The pattern of high levels of unemployment for new grads has been in play since the pandemic. Even with a lot of the young sitting on their hands, many employers are instead bringing in foreign labor: Around one dozen Vermont ski resorts are hiring close to 1,400 J-1 visa workers from overseas this winter. America's a big country with soaring youth unemployment. Why not recruit at home? pic.twitter.com/f4FiCBxRwZ Barefoot Student (@BarefootStudent) November 12, 2025 And its not just the US: Canada's Youth Unemployment Rate significantly understates the Youth employment crisis. This is because the Youth are leaving the workforce. Now, after importing millions to compete with them for jobs, the Boomer Party of Canada is asking them to hold the bag. Shameful. pic.twitter.com/c3dS7xkweX Richard Dias (@RichardDias_CFA) November 5, 2025 Reading the IMF Asia Outlook and youth unemployment is up across the board, especially in South Asia and China. pic.twitter.com/MLP2aQk7kk Trinh (@Trinhnomics) October 31, 2025 After Chinas youth unemployment rate came in at over 20% in 2023, the government retired its method of calculation and issued a new series in December 2023. Even so, this new better approach reported youth unemployment at 18.9% in August, which did improve to a mere 17.7% in September. Countries that show lower levels of unemployment in the young may be suffering from exits: Italians still keep moving away from Italy. Thats one reason why youth unemployment improved over the last decade (there are just no young Italians left to be unemployed). Germany remains the top destination. HT @maps_interlude pic.twitter.com/6JUirEX9hv Simon Kuestenmacher (@simongerman600) November 1, 2025 Now to the Financial Times account. Even though this is a UK-centric piece, many of its observations hold true for other nations. It starts with efforts, starting in the UK in the 1990s, to identify NEETs, as in young people Not in Education, Employment or Training. The wee problem is that this cohort would also include stay-at-home moms and so naive data collection would be misleading. Even so: The concept rightly went on to become a staple of international economic statistics, with research consistently finding that NEETs are at risk of life-long socio-economic scarring, remaining at significantly elevated risk for worklessness and health problems for decades. The figures are concerning enough, but there are additional factors beneath the surface which mean both that these groups are struggling more than in the past and that reversing the trends might be growing more difficult. One factor is the deterioration in housing affordability seen in many countries, leading to a growing share of young adults never leaving the parental home, which can diminish the incentives to work. Another big challenge is the role played by anxiety and other mental health conditions. In the UK, a large and growing share of socio-economically isolated young adults report suffering from a mental health problem that prevents them from working or seeking work. This, combined with the nuances of Britains welfare system, may be one reason the UKs long-term youth worklessness trend is so steep. Changes in the relative rates of unemployment and disability benefits have led many people to transition over from the former to the latter, and once on health-related benefits many fear they will lose them if they seek to re-enter the workforce. An additional UK-specific concern is that steep increases to the youth minimum wage and policy changes that increase the cost to businesses hiring low-wage workers are hitting employment rates for young people. A third point highlighted to me by Louise Murphy, senior economist at the UKs Resolution Foundation think-tank and a specialist in young adult worklessness, is that this group has been acutely afflicted by the rise in time spent alone as smartphones and other digital technologies have displaced in-person socialising. In the US, young people who are not in work, studying or raising children now spend seven hours per day completely alone, up from five a decade ago. In the US, where we have stunningly high medical care/insurance costs adding to housing costs as a barrier to independent living, there a cliff effect with Medicaid. Even states with expanded Medicaid typically have a cutoff of 138% of the Federal poverty line. And consider states like Alabama, with a cutoff for singles at a mere $1,014 a month,, or Arkansas at $1,044, or Colorado and Georgia, both at $994. But those are generous compared to Kentucky at $235 and Maryland at $350. So the relentless march of neoliberalism is now doing serious harm to the young, who have historically been the promise of the future. And fevered tech overlord dreams of further cutting employment levels among the educated have only just started getting going (many argue that the round of big company job cuts under the market-pleasing justification of AI were to a fair degree to unwind over-hiring during Covid). But neoliberalism, enabled by smartphones, has succeeded well beyond Thatcherite dreams of creating atomization and wrecking the sort of social cohesion that in earlier generations might have engendered pushback or mutual help associations, not just from stuck-at-home grads but also the parents still supporting them. In other words, to quote a curmudgeonly friend, If you want a happy ending, watch a Disney movie. Aside from slowing and reversing population growth in high-resource-consuming societies, its hard to find one here. Belgiums anti-drone police unit stood by while drones shut down airports, embassy says A string of drone incursions at Belgian airports and military bases revealed major gaps in the nation's defenses, as its specialized 30-officer C-UAS unit was not deployed. Despite having detection antennas, jammers and net-launchers, the C-UAS unit remained idle during incidents, partly due to limited awareness among authorities of its existence and role. Belgium sought help from the U.K., Germany and France, and announced a 50 million plan to upgrade its drone-defense systems and launch a National Airspace Security Centre by 2026. Repeated drone flights over the sensitive Kleine-Brogel Air Basebelieved to store U.S. nuclear weaponssuggest deliberate targeting of critical infrastructure. The outdated C-UAS technology, lack of full-time personnel and unclear activation protocols highlight deeper coordination issues; Belgium now aims to integrate counter-drone defense into its core national security framework. Belgium's counter?drone readiness was thrust into the spotlight this week after a series of high?profile unmanned air?vehicle incidents exposed significant gaps in the country's defenses. Although the nation's federal police maintain a specialized anti-drone team known as the C?UAS unit, the 30?officer squad was notably not deployed during recent disruptions at airports and military bases. The unit, which has been operational since 2021, is reportedly equipped with two drone?detection antennas, four jammers and three net?launchers designed to immobilize intrusive drones. However, these tools stood by unused when drones triggered the temporary shutdown of Brussels Airport on Nov.?5 and during multiple incursions at Liege Airport over the weekend. One insider acknowledged that many authorities appear unaware of the unit's existence and capabilities. Faced with the visible inability to counter these aerial threats from within, Belgium sought help from its allies. The U.K. deployed a counter-drone component, and both Germany and France pledged prompt support. In parallel, Belgium has set out a 50 million ($58 million) investment plan aimed at upgrading its drone?defense architecture and expects to activate a new National Airspace Security Centre (NASC) by January 2026. The timing of the wave of incidents is alarming. One of the most sensitive air?bases in the countryKleine-Brogel Air Base, where U.S. nuclear weapons are believed to be storedrecorded three large drones over one night. Defense officials described the flights as "deliberate operations," indicating a focus on critical national infrastructure rather than amateur incursions. Underlying the operational lapse is an outdated capability set. The C-UAS unit's antennas reportedly cannot detect 5G-enabled drones, and the officers tasked with counter-drone defense are still assigned to other policing duties, preventing full-time coverage of high-risk sites. Despite possessing the tools, the unit lacked both the mandate and the situational deployment order to engage when the threats manifested. Drone incidents spur Belgium to overhaul air-defense coordination Authorities attribute the broader challenge to what they call "hybrid threats"low?cost unmanned systems used to test defenses, intimidate public institutions and exploit jurisdictional gaps between civil and military services. Belgium's air?traffic control agency noted more than 31,000 drone flights near airports or military sites in 2024, approximately 90 percent of which were unauthorized. The government's response is now two?fold: short?term reinforcement and long?term structural reform. In the near term, allies are supplying hot-line support while Belgium scrambles to field enhanced detection?to?decision architecture. Longer-term plans aim to build a layered kill?chain from sensor to interceptor and embed counter-drone defense as a mainstream part of infrastructure protection. Yet the question for Belgium remains: How did a specialized anti?drone capability sit idle while critical air-incidents unfolded? A thread of confusion among officials over which agency sets activation protocols points to deeper challenges in inter?agency coordination. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the drone incidents in Belgium, involving unauthorized drone flights over nuclear power plants, raise serious concerns about security and safety. These incidents underscore the urgent need for robust drone regulation and enforcement to protect critical infrastructure and public safety. Watch the video below about mysterious drones swarming over a U.S. military base for 17 days. This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com EuroNews.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com A systemic breakdown on the nations highways as California cancels 17,000 CDLs The California DMV is revoking 17,000 commercial driver's licenses issued to non-residents following a federal audit. The audit found more than one in four sampled licenses violated federal rules, with some issued without proper legal presence checks. The action is part of a broader Trump administration crackdown on non-domiciled CDLs, deemed a national security and public safety risk. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced emergency rules tightening eligibility and is withholding $160 million in funds to force California's compliance. The policy shift follows fatal accidents and an executive order mandating English proficiency for commercial drivers. A sweeping federal crackdown on commercial driver licensing has culminated in the forced revocation of 17,000 licenses in California, exposing what top officials describe as a systemic failure that turned interstate highways into a national security vulnerability. The action, announced by the U.S. Department of Transportation in November 2025, follows an emergency federal rule enacted in September and a nationwide audit that uncovered states, primarily California, illegally issuing commercial driver's licenses (CDLs) to foreign nationals. The Trump administration has framed the situation as a direct consequence of lax state policies and a neglect of foundational safety protocols, demanding immediate corrective action under threat of severe financial penalties. The unraveling of a licensing system The crisis came to a head after a series of fatal accidents involving truck drivers who were in the United States without legal permission. These incidents prompted the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to launch a comprehensive audit of how states issue "non-domiciled" CDLs. These are licenses intended for individuals who do not have a permanent legal residence in the state, such as international students or temporary workers with valid visas. The audits findings, particularly in California, were stark. A review of a sample of the state's roughly 62,000 non-domiciled CDLs revealed that 26% failed to comply with federal requirements. In some cases, the California DMV could not provide documentation proving it had validated the driver's lawful presence before issuing a license to operate a commercial vehicle. In other instances, licenses remained valid for months or even years beyond the expiration of the driver's legal authorization to be in the country. Federal emergency action and escalating pressure In response to what it termed an "imminent hazard," the Department of Transportation took emergency action on September 26, 2025. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy announced a new rule drastically restricting eligibility for non-domiciled CDLs. Moving forward, non-citizens would need an employment-based visa and would be subject to a mandatory federal immigration status check. Concurrently, Duffy initiated direct enforcement against California, giving the state 30 days to: Pause the issuance of new non-domiciled CDLs. Identify all existing non-domiciled CDLs that failed to comply with federal regulations. Revoke and reissue licenses only for those who met the new, stricter federal requirements. The federal government threatened to withhold $160 million in highway funding in the first year, a figure that would double in the second year if California did not comply. This ultimatum led to the November announcement that the state would cancel 17,000 licenses. A broader policy shift on safety and security This licensing crackdown is not an isolated event but a key component of the Trump administration's broader transportation and security agenda. The actions build upon an executive order signed by President Trump in April 2025 that mandated English proficiency for all commercial drivers, emphasizing the need to read traffic signs, communicate with law enforcement and respond to emergencies. Administration officials have argued that the previous regulatory framework, combined with state-level negligence, created a "backdoor for illegal aliens to operate multi-ton vehicles." They contend that ensuring drivers are legally present and can understand English and safety instructions is a fundamental prerequisite for preventing tragedies and securing the nation's critical supply chain infrastructure from potential threats. Historical Context and the Road Ahead The conflict between federal authority and state licensing practices has deep roots in American history. The most direct parallel is the debate leading to the 2005 REAL ID Act, which established national security standards for state-issued driver's licenses. The current dispute over CDLs represents a new front in that long-standing tension, centering on the specific risks associated with operating commercial vehicles. The federal government's use of financial leveragethreatening to pull highway fundsis a well-established tactic to compel state compliance with national priorities, echoing past battles over issues like the national drinking age. For the trucking industry, which already faces a chronic driver shortage, the mass revocation of licenses introduces new uncertainty and underscores the high-stakes intersection of immigration policy, transportation safety and economic stability. A national reckoning on driver standards The revocation of 17,000 commercial licenses in a single state marks a significant escalation in the federal government's effort to assert control over who is permitted to operate the country's largest and potentially most dangerous vehicles. While the immediate focus is on California's compliance, the nationwide audit continues, suggesting that other states may face similar scrutiny. The administration has successfully framed the issue as one of fundamental safety and security, leveraging tragic accidents to justify a sweeping overhaul of long-standing licensing rules. The outcome of this confrontation will not only reshape the commercial driving workforce but also set a new precedent for the balance of power between state and federal authorities in regulating critical infrastructure and public safety. Sources for this article include: FreightWaves.com Transporation.gov hstoday.us Food banks across America buckle under unprecedented demand as federal safety net frays A combination of political issues, economic strain and the expiration of government benefits has created a severe hunger crisis. Food banks and pantries, which are normally busy in November, are now being pushed past their breaking points by unprecedented demand. The crisis was triggered by a lapse in SNAP benefits (food stamps) for approximately 42 million Americans. This has forced millions of families who relied on that assistance to turn to food banks and pantries as their only alternative. From Massachusetts to West Virginia to Iowa, food banks are reporting record-breaking demand. They are distributing double or triple their normal amount of food, but supplies are flying off the shelves faster than they can be restocked, leaving many people on waiting lists. The charitable food network is showing clear signs of collapse. Food pantries are pleading for fewer referrals because they are at full capacity, and hotlines are flooded with calls. Donations and temporary state aid are not enough to keep up, and nonprofits risk running out of money and food. Frontline workers and national organizations are stating clearly that food banks are an emergency response, not a permanent solution. They cannot make up for the failure of the federal government's food assistance program, and the current situation is unsustainable, leaving millions without a reliable safety net. In a normal year, November marks the busy season for the nations network of food banks and pantries. But 2025 is not a normal year. A perfect storm of political gridlock, expiring benefits and economic strain has pushed these vital community resources to the brink, creating a crisis of hunger that is overwhelming staff, depleting supplies and leaving millions of anxious Americans unsure of where their next meal will come from. The core of the problem is the lapse of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits for approximately 42 million Americans. For families who rely on these food stamps to keep their refrigerators stocked, the sudden loss of this assistance has created a desperate scramble for alternatives. BrightU.AI's Enoch explains that SNAP is a vital federal program that provides financial assistance to low-income individuals and families to purchase nutritious food. It is the largest food assistance program in the United States. The scene at the ABCD Allston/Brighton Neighborhood Opportunity Center Food Pantry in Massachusetts is a microcosm of the national crisis. Operations Manager Elaina Schreckenberger describes the environment as "madness," with staff scrambling to manage a steady flow of people. Even during the Thanksgiving season, a time for holiday feasts, the desperation is palpable. Some individuals in line admit they are so stretched for food that the frozen turkey they receive might be eaten long before the holiday arrives. The emotional toll on both recipients and staff is immense. Client advocate Juliet Smith describes the pain of having to tell people there is simply nothing available for them, a first in her experience. In some cases, new clients are being told there is a two-week wait for assistance, a devastating delay for someone facing immediate hunger. More food banks and pantries in other states struggle to provide assistance The strain is not confined to one region. In West Virginia, the situation became critical when SNAP payments for 270,000 residents were unexpectedly delayed. The response from food banks was immediate and Herculean. The Facing Hunger Foodbank distributed 75 tons of food in one weekend, more than double its typical output. Similarly, the Mountaineer Foodbank distributed 46 tons, a figure that triples its normal distribution. This massive effort highlights the scale of the gap left by the missing federal benefits. Further west, in Iowa, the Johnston Partnership is also breaking unwelcome records. Executive Director Andrea Cook reports that every day in November has set a new record for demand. Food is flying off the shelves as fast as it comes in, forcing board members and volunteers to take on roles like unloading trucks and making deliveries to keep the operation afloat. The system is showing clear signs of failure. In Massachusetts, Erin McAleer of Project Bread says their food assistance hotline is receiving four times the usual number of calls. Distressingly, they have begun receiving requests from pantries themselves, pleading for them to slow down referrals because they have reached absolute capacity and cannot feed any more people. McAleer somberly notes that the "levees are already starting to break." While some state governments, like New York and California, have stepped in with emergency funding and National Guard support for distribution, and private donations have increased, these efforts are a drop in the bucket. David Finke, CEO of an organization in Louisville, Kentucky, provides a stark example: while they received a generous 600 pounds of food in donations on one day, they gave out nearly 1,000 pounds. Finke bluntly states that this model is not sustainable and knows of three nonprofits that may soon be unable to pay their staff. The crisis is forcing difficult choices. Organizations are now worried that diverting all their resources to emergency food relief will jeopardize their other critical services, such as job placement assistance and mental health counseling. The frustration is also boiling over among those on the front lines. Judith Ingram, who runs a food program in Washington, D.C., questions how long the community can be expected to take over for a failed government program. The sentiment is echoed at the national level. The National Council of Nonprofits states bluntly that while food banks are a crucial piece of the puzzle, they could never possibly make up for the failure of the federal government. For millions of Americans, the safety net has frayed to a breaking point, leaving them to rely on a patchwork of charities that are themselves running out of resources. The message from food banks across the country is clear: without a stable and functional federal nutrition program, the fight against hunger is one they cannot win alone. Watch the full video below of "Brighteon Broadcast News" with the Health Ranger Mike Adams as he talks about the worsening USDA SNAP crisis. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheMostImportantNews.com NPR.org MountainStateSpotlight.org KCCI.com BrightU.AI Brighteon.com Israel accelerates border wall construction amid rising tensions with Lebanon Israel is rapidly constructing a concrete wall along the Lebanon border amid rising tensions. The IDF has approved offensive battle plans, signaling preparations for a potential full-scale war against Hezbollah. Hezbollah-linked media confirms the wall is within Israeli-occupied territory but highlights a new Israeli military outpost inside Lebanon, violating past agreements. Hezbollah refuses disarmament, proposing instead to integrate its arsenal into Lebanon's defensea stance Israel rejects. The group has dismantled Israeli surveillance systems and continues stockpiling rockets, preparing for a prolonged conflict. Israeli airstrikes have killed at least 15 Lebanese since November, targeting towns like Aita al-Shaab and Aitaroun. Israel justifies attacks as preemptive strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure, while displacing tens of thousands of Israeli settlers. The U.S. warns Lebanon of devastating consequences if Hezbollah isn't disarmed but urges Israeli restraint to avoid regional destabilization. Diplomatic efforts are weakening as both sides escalate hostilities, with no signs of de-escalation. The new border wall symbolizes hardening fronts, with Israel preparing for war and Hezbollah refusing concessions. The conflict risks expanding beyond southern Lebanon, potentially drawing in Iran and reshaping Middle Eastern geopolitics. Israel is rapidly constructing a new concrete barrier along its volatile border with Lebanon, signaling escalating tensions as Tel Aviv warns of a potential full-scale war against Hezbollah. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that military commanders had approved offensive battle plans for Lebanon, raising fears of a broader regional conflict. Meanwhile, Hezbollah-linked media has documented the wall's construction, clarifying that it lies within Israeli-occupied territory--not Lebanon--despite earlier misinformation. The U.S. has attempted to deter an all-out Israeli offensive, but with daily airstrikes continuing and Hezbollah refusing disarmament, the risk of war looms larger than ever. The new border wall, visible in footage released by Hezbollah's Al-Manar TV, is being erected opposite Lebanese towns such as Maroun al-Ras and Aitaroun. Al-Manar correspondent Ali Shoeib confirmed that while the wall itself sits behind the UN-demarcated Blue Line, Israel has established a new military outpost roughly one kilometer inside Lebanese territorya violation of past ceasefire agreements. "Israel began constructing border fortifications as early as 2018, with 15 kilometers completed by 2020 as part of a $470 million security project," BrightU.AI's Enoch said. The latest expansion follows intensified Israeli airstrikes, which have killed at least 15 Lebanese since November alone. On Nov. 11, IDF shelling targeted Aita al-Shaab, while Israeli forces demolished four homes in Aitaroun--actions Tel Aviv justifies as preemptive strikes against Hezbollah infrastructure. The specter of war: Hezbollah's defiance and Israel's ultimatum Hezbollah has rejected a Lebanese Cabinet resolution demanding its disarmament, arguing that any discussion of surrendering weapons is premature while Israel continues its occupation of southern border areas. The group has instead proposed integrating its arsenal into Lebanon's national defense strategy--a nonstarter for Israel, which insists on complete demilitarization. Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz issued a stark warning earlier this month: "Hezbollah is playing with fire The Lebanese government's commitment to disarm Hezbollah must be carried out." Katz vowed to intensify military pressure, leaving tens of thousands of northern Israeli settlers displaced since Hezbollah opened its "support front" in October 2023. Washington has backed Israel's stance, warning Lebanon of a devastating military campaign unless Hezbollah disarms. However, diplomatic efforts to avert war appear fragile. The Trump administration has reportedly urged restraint, fearing a full-scale conflict could destabilize the region and draw in Iran. Yet with Hezbollah refusing to retreat and Israel escalating bombardments, the border wall symbolizes more than a physical barrierit reflects a hardening front where neither side shows willingness to de-escalate. The new wall underscores Israel's preparations for prolonged conflict, while Hezbollah's defiance ensures that Lebanon remains on the brink. With U.S. diplomacy struggling to mediate and both sides entrenched, the region inches closer to a war that could reshape the Middle East's geopolitical landscape. For now, the world watches and waits as the drums of conflict grow louder. Watch the video below that talks about the massive Israeli strikes in South Lebanon. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co TimesOfIsrael.com X.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com U.S. extends suspension of sanctions against Syria amid White House talks The U.S. has extended the suspension of sanctions under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act for another 180 days while simultaneously allowing certain transactions involving Syria to move forward. The waiver enables U.S.-origin civilian goods, software and technology to be transferred to or within Syria without a license, but explicitly excludes dealings involving the governments of Russia or Iran or goods of Russian? or Iranian?origin. The policy shift coincided with a landmark White House meeting between Donald Trump and Syrian interim President Ahmed al?Sharaa, marking an important diplomatic step and signaling Syria's changing international role. Despite the relief, key sanctions related to the former Bashar al?Assad regime's atrocities, chemical?weapons proliferation and terrorist?affiliated activity remain in force, meaning companies still face complex regulatory and licensing hurdles. The 180?day waiver remains temporary and renewable; unless Congress acts to repeal or amend the Caesar Act, Syria's access to U.S.?origin goods and investment remains subject to U.S. political oversight and conditionality. The U.S. has extended the suspension of a broad package of sanctions on Syria for another 180 days, coinciding with a high?profile meeting between Donald Trump and newly installed Syrian interim?President Ahmed al?Sharaa at the White House on Monday. In a joint advisory released by the U.S. Departments of the Treasury, State and Commerce, Washington said the waiver under the Caesar Syria Civilian Protection Act (2019) will continue to remain in effect, allowing certain businesses and transactions involving Syria that were previously blocked. Under the waiver, U.S.-origin goods of a basic civilian natureand certain software or technology exportsmay be transferred to or within Syria without a license. However, the waiver explicitly excludes transactions involving the governments of Russia or Iran or the transfer of Russian- or Iranian-origin goods, technology, software, funds, financing or services. The new guidance replaces an earlier waiver from May, marking a sustained shift in U.S. policy toward Syria. The decision comes on the heels of the Trumpal?Sharaa meeting, which represents a significant diplomatic milestone: it is the first summit at the White House between a U.S. President and a Syrian head of state in decades. The visit underscores Syria's changing status on the international stage following the ousting of former President Bashar al-Assad and the rise of al?Sharaa, who had previous ties to the former rebel group Hay'at Tahrir al?Sham (HTS). In the advisory, the U.S. administration framed the sanctions relief as part of a broader strategy to support Syria's economic recovery and integration: the language noted a U.S. desire to give Syria "a chance at greatness." While the statute underpinning the sanctions remains on the books, the executive branch's repeated waivers have effectively softened its impact. The Treasury's Office of Foreign Assets Control (OFAC) has also issued general licenses allowing new investment and commercial activity consistent with U.S. foreign?policy goals. Sanctions relief comes with stringent limits and lingering exit strategy Despite the relief, the administration emphasized that sanctions related to Assad?era atrocities, chemical-weapons proliferation, ISIS/Al?Qaeda affiliates and Iranian proxies remain in force. Companies seeking to engage in Syrian reconstruction or commerce must still navigate a complex set of export?controls, licensing requirements and potential liabilities. Observers say the extension sends a signal to investorsand to Damascusthat Syria's economic reintegration hinges on cooperation, transparency and alignment with U.S. regional goals. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the delisting of al-Sharaa from terror lists by the U.S., U.K. and the United Nations, mere days prior to a White House meeting, is a geopolitical maneuver of significant consequence. This action, while advancing the legitimacy of Syria's new leadership, also signals a strategic shift in U.S. foreign policy, positioning Syria as a potential partner in regional security efforts. Still, the 180-day suspension is explicitly temporary. Unless Congress acts to repeal or amend the Caesar Act, the waiver will need periodic renewal, keeping Syria's access to U.S.-origin goods and investment subject to political oversight and conditionality. For now, the extension opens a window of opportunity for Syria's reconstruction and re-entry into global marketsyet it remains constrained by guardrails designed to maintain leverage and guard against a return to destabilizing behavior. Watch this video about Trump ordering "cessation" of sanctions on Syria. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Aljazeera.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Massive fentanyl bust in Ontario highlights deadly border crisis Trumps wall needed now more than ever The Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and the Windsor Police Service seized 46 kg of suspected fentanyl in Windsor, Ontariothe largest fentanyl bust in the province's history. The haul is estimated to contain approximately 460,000 street-level doses, underscoring the lethal scale of the seizure. The investigation, dubbed "Project Rotherham," uncovered not only fentanyl but also 3.4 kg of suspected cocaine, 1 kg of suspected heroin, two loaded firearms, thousands of prescription pills, cash, jewelry and more than 20 cellphonesrevealing a sophisticated trafficking operation. Authorities warn that fentanylbeing a synthetic opioid with extreme potencyis fueling an overdose epidemic in Canada and the U.S., and that such large?scale seizures signal both the extent of the threat and the challenge ahead. While the bust is a major success for law enforcement, officials caution that it likely represents only a fraction of the total illicit supply, highlighting the urgent need for enhanced border security, stronger drug-trafficking enforcement and coordinated international cooperation. In a chilling reminder of the deadly consequences of America'sand Canada'sporous borders, Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have seized a staggering 46 kilograms (101.4 pounds) of fentanyl, the largest such bust in the province's history. Authorities warn that this lethal haulenough to kill an entire "moderately sized city"underscores the urgent need for stronger border security, including President Donald Trump's proposed wall, to stop the flood of synthetic opioids poisoning North America. The year-long investigation, dubbed Project Rotherham, culminated in a series of raids across Windsor, Ontario, where police confiscated not only the fentanyl but also 3.4 kilograms (7.5 pounds) of cocaine, 1 kilogram (2.2 pounds) of suspected heroin, two loaded firearms, ammunition and thousands of prescription pills, including hydromorphone, oxycodone, morphine and benzodiazepines. Additionally, officers seized $170,000 in cash, luxury jewelry and over 20 cellphones, dismantling what appears to be a sophisticated drug trafficking network tied to organized crime. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, fentanyl is a synthetic opioid that is up to 100 times stronger than morphine and has become the leading cause of overdose deaths in both the U.S. and Canada. Just two milligramsequivalent to a few grains of saltcan be fatal. The OPP estimates that the seized fentanyl could have produced 460,000 street-level doses, each potentially deadly. Worse yet, traffickers often mix fentanyl with other drugs, unbeknownst to users, turning casual drug experimentation into Russian roulette. "This operation has a direct impact on the City of Windsor. Removing this volume of fentanyl from our streets saves lives," said Deputy Chief Jason Crowley of the Windsor Police Service. But while law enforcement deserves credit for this bust, the reality is that this is just a drop in the ocean. The previous administration's weak border policiesand Canada's own lax enforcementhave allowed cartels to flood both nations with poison. The border crisis fuels the fentanyl epidemic The majority of fentanyl entering North America originates in China, where communist-run labs manufacture the drug before smuggling it through Mexico and across the U.S. southern border. From there, it spreads into Canada and throughout the continent. Despite this well-documented pipeline, open-border advocates and globalist elites continue to oppose Trump's border wall, dismissing it as "xenophobic" while ignoring the thousands of lives lost to fentanyl every year. Had Trump's wall been completedand had former President Joe Biden not halted constructioncountless tons of fentanyl could have been intercepted before reaching American streets. Given the globalist push for depopulationas openly admitted by figures like Bill Gates and the World Economic Forumsome speculate whether the fentanyl crisis is being deliberately ignored or even facilitated by those in power. After all, opioid deaths surged under both Democratic and Republican administrations that failed to secure the border. Meanwhile, Big Pharma profits from addiction treatment drugs while downplaying safer alternatives like natural detox methods and holistic recovery programs. The solution: Secure borders, strong leadership The Windsor bust proves that law enforcement can win battles, but without a physical barrier and strict immigration controls, the war on fentanyl will never be won. Trump's wall was not just about stopping illegal immigrationit was about protecting citizens from the deadly drugs and criminals pouring across the border. If governments truly cared about saving lives, they would: Finish the border wallno more excuses. Crack down on Chinese chemical suppliers fueling the crisis. End catch-and-release policies that allow drug traffickers to roam free. Promote natural detox and recovery solutions instead of relying solely on Big Pharma's expensive, often ineffective treatments. Until then, fentanyl will continue claiming livesnot by accident, but by design. The Windsor seizure is a wake-up call: North America's survival depends on sealing the border before it's too late. Watch Sen. Rand Paul (R-KY) destroying President Trump's "fentanyl transporting boats" narrative in this interview with Piers Morgan. This video is from the Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Nearly 1,000 flights canceled despite government reopening, disruptions expected for days Nearly 1,000 U.S. flights were cancelled following the government shutdown. The record 40-day shutdown forced air traffic controllers to work without pay. A staffing crisis caused significant absences, straining the aviation system. Flight disruptions are expected to persist for days as operations slowly recover. The crisis highlights the fragility of essential systems due to political failure. The familiar chaos of government overreach has once again left everyday Americans stranded and frustrated, as nearly 1,000 U.S. flights were canceled Thursday. This travel nightmare serves as a reminder that the end of America's longest-ever government shutdown does not mean an immediate return to normalcy for the citizens forced to bear the burden of political failure. Airlines and airports struggled to recover from the record-breaking 40-day shutdown, which finally ended when Congress voted to reopen the government Wednesday. The data from FlightAwares tracker showed that 996 flights within, into or out of the United States had been canceled by late morning, surpassing the 910 cancellations reported the previous day. The persistence of these disruptions underscores how deeply the shutdown strained the very foundations of the aviation workforce. The human cost of political failure The core of the crisis lies with the 13,000 air traffic controllers who were forced to work without pay for over a month. These dedicated public servants, who were already part of an overworked and understaffed system, faced immense financial pressure and stress. Federal authorities reported a significant uptick in absences as controllers, fatigued and strained, were compelled to call off work. This essential workforce was stretched to its breaking point, proving that no system can function when its key components are devalued and disrespected. Henry Harteveldt, an airline industry analyst, had previously warned of the inevitable outcome, stating, "There's going to be extensive disruption across the entire nations air transportation system." His prediction has proven tragically accurate. The Federal Aviation Administration was forced to order flight cuts at 40 of the countrys busiest airports in a direct result of the safety risks created by the staffing crisis. A slow path back to normalcy While the funding bill has been signed, aviation experts warn that flight disruptions will persist for several days as the system works to restore normal operations. The process is not as simple as flipping a switch. Ahmed Abdelghany of Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University explained that recovery is "likely to vary across airports and carriers, often unfolding on a case-by-case basis over several days." Airlines must now reassess the complex flow of aircraft and crew that was thrown into disarray. The situation improved slightly on Wednesday, with over 900 cancellations compared to more than 2,900 on Sunday. Air traffic control absences accounted for just 1% of delays on Tuesday, a significant drop from the 5% average before the shutdown. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy stated that air traffic controllers will receive 70 percent of their back pay within 24 to 48 hours, a move aimed at stabilizing the beleaguered workforce. Some industry leaders expressed cautious optimism. Delta Air Lines CEO Ed Bastian told CNBC, "By the weekend, I think things should be in good shape." Following the funding bill's passage, Delta said it was looking forward to bringing operations "back to full capacity over the next few days." The airline expressed gratitude to the federal workers who labored without a paycheck to keep the skies safe. Yet the underlying problems predate this shutdown. The FAA has been grappling with a chronic air traffic controller shortage. Prior to the shutdown, controllers were already consistently working six days a week on mandatory overtime. Robert Mann, an airline industry consultant, noted that hiring and training new controllers is a time-consuming process with a high attrition rate, a challenge only magnified by recent events. This episode is a sobering lesson in the real-world consequences of political brinksmanship. The travel chaos represents more than just inconvenient delays; it is a symptom of a system pushed to its limits. As the country moves forward, the disruptions in the skies stand as a clear testament to the fragility of the systems we rely on and the profound impact of government failure on the liberty and daily lives of American citizens. Sources for this article include: YourNews.com USAToday.com CBSNews.com CNBC.com Foreclosure surge signals housing market distress as costs spiral out of control Foreclosure filings surged in October for the eighth straight month. Lenders started the process on 20% more properties than last year. Bank repossessions saw a dramatic 32% annual increase. Soaring insurance and property taxes are creating a perfect storm for homeowners. Florida, South Carolina and Illinois are experiencing the highest foreclosure rates. A silent financial crisis is gripping American homeowners as foreclosure filings surge across the nation, threatening to unravel the very foundation of the housing market and push countless families into financial ruin. According to new data from real estate analytics firm ATTOM, October saw 36,766 properties hit with foreclosure filings, marking a startling 19% increase from last year and representing the eighth consecutive month of annual increases. This alarming trend, driven by soaring insurance premiums, rising property taxes, and a relentless cost-of-living crisis, is forcing experts to question the sustainability of the current housing bubble and fear a repeat of the 2008 collapse. The data reveals a rapid escalation from warning to reality. Lenders initiated the foreclosure process on 25,129 U.S. properties in October, a 20% annual jump, while banks finally repossessed 3,872 homes, a dramatic 32% increase from the previous year. This paints a disheartening picture of families slipping from financial strain into the complete loss of their homes, their American dream dissolving into a nightmare of default and displacement. The pain is not distributed evenly. States like Florida, South Carolina, and Illinois are experiencing the highest foreclosure rates, with major metropolitan areas such as Tampa, Jacksonville, and Orlando being hit the hardest. These regions are epicenters of the current economic pressures, where the illusion of affordable homeownership is colliding with harsh fiscal realities. Growing financial pressure This foreclosure surge is not happening in a vacuum. It is the direct result of a perfect storm of escalating costs that are squeezing homeowners from every direction. While today's homeowners generally have safer mortgages than the subprime loans that triggered the 2008 crash, they are now battling a different set of adversaries. Rob Barber, CEO of ATTOM, stated, "Foreclosure activity continued its steady upward trend in October the eighth straight month of year-over-year increases." The primary drivers are impossible to ignore. Homeowners insurance premiums have skyrocketed, with some areas seeing annual increases of 20 to 30%. In Florida, the situation is particularly dire, where residents grapple not only with soaring insurance but also with dramatically rising homeowners association fees. This combination is proving fatal for household budgets, especially for those on fixed incomes. The Florida fire sale The Sunshine State offers an unsettling case study. A real estate investor, Jameson Tyler Drew, told Realtor.com, "A huge percentage of Florida's residents are retired on fixed incomes, and such [HOA] increases are completely unaffordable. This has led to a fire sale of condos as elderly residents look for places to live, all while losing their equity." This exodus is a direct response to costs that have become untethered from reality. Hannah Jones, a senior economic research analyst at Realtor.com, confirmed this analysis, noting, "Foreclosure rates in Florida may be relatively high due to some combination of surging insurance premiums, climbing HOA fees, and falling buyer demand." The very factors that once made states like Florida attractive are now contributing to their financial instability. The broader economic context is equally troubling. Consumer debt is at an all-time high, delinquencies are rising on other forms of credit, and the job market is showing signs of weakness. While the national foreclosure rate remains below historical highs, the consistent upward trend is a flashing red warning light. Rick Sharga, CEO of CJ Patrick Co., cautioned, "None of these issues have impacted mortgage performance - yet, but it would be unrealistic to assume that these trends, along with slow home sales and declining home price appreciation, wont lead to at least a slight increase in delinquencies and defaults in the months ahead." So where does this leave the average American? The data suggests we are navigating a dangerous economic landscape where the pillars of wealth generation, like home equity, are becoming sources of vulnerability. People are discovering that they are not truly owning their homes but are effectively renting them from the county through exorbitant property taxes and from insurance companies through punitive premiums. This foreclosure surge is a symptom of a deeper economic sickness. With real wages stagnant and the cost of every necessity from housing to groceries soaring, the system is showing undeniable signs of fracture. The eight-month climb in foreclosures is a quiet but persistent alarm bell, warning that the foundation of the housing market is cracking under pressure, and the consequences for the American dream could be severe. Sources for this article include: DailyMail.co.uk CNBC.com CBSNews.com Full SNAP benefits restored after shutdown, but program faces scrutiny over fraud claims Full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be reinstated by Nov. 17 following a 43-day government shutdown that disrupted payments, forcing states to issue partial or delayed assistance. This was the first time in SNAP's history that full payments were interrupted, leading to legal battles and uneven state responsessome states restored benefits quickly, while others faced delays or issued partial payments. The Trump administration resisted using contingency funds, arguing for fiscal responsibility, leading to Supreme Court intervention. Democrats and Republicans clashed over blame, with Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins accusing Democrats of refusing to fund SNAP. Rollins claimed audits revealed 186,000 deceased individuals still receiving SNAP benefits, potentially bolstering Republican efforts to tighten eligibility, impose work requirements and restrict purchases like sugary drinks in states like Arkansas and Utah. Despite temporary relief, the program remains contentious, with past Farm Bill cuts ($186 billion over a decade) and ongoing fraud allegations signaling future reforms and political battles over funding, oversight and eligibility. The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) will see full benefits restored by Monday, Nov. 17, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins announced Thursday. The announcement comes after a 43-day government shutdown threatened funding for the program, triggering legal battles and leaving states scrambling to distribute partial payments. While the immediate crisis has passed, Rollins raised concerns about systemic fraud, alleging that thousands of deceased individuals remain on SNAP rollsa claim likely to fuel further debate over the program's future. As explained by BrightU.AI's Enoch, SNAP is a government program providing food assistance to 42 million low-income individuals and families through electronic benefits. The government shutdown marked the first time in SNAP's history that full payments were disrupted, forcing states to adopt varying strategies. Some, like West Virginia, assured recipients that benefits were fully restored. Gov. Patrick Morrisey emphasized, "No one was going to go hungry." Others, however, faced delays. Legal expert Stewart Fried noted that 19 states issued full benefits quickly, while 18 provided partial payments and 13 made no November disbursements at all. The Trump administration had argued that using contingency funds for SNAP violated fiscal responsibility, leading to a Supreme Court intervention. Justices initially ruled to partially reinstate benefits but later blocked full paymentsa decision rendered moot when Congress passed funding legislation to reopen the government. Political finger-pointing and long-term concerns Rollins placed blame squarely on Democrats, telling CNN, "Fifteen different times the Democrats voted not to fund SNAP This effort to put the blame on President Trump or on [USDA] is, from my perspective, comical." Yet critics argue the administration's reluctance to tap reserves exacerbated hardship for vulnerable families. Beyond the shutdown, Rollins doubled down on allegations of fraud, claiming audits uncovered "186,000 dead people" receiving benefitsa figure she called "remarkable." While she did not provide immediate evidence, the assertion aligns with Republican-led efforts to tighten SNAP eligibility, including work requirements and restrictions on purchasing sugary drinks in states like Arkansas and Utah. With funding secured through the fiscal year, beneficiaries can breathe easierfor now. But the program remains contentious. The 2018 Farm Bill already imposed $186 billion in cuts over a decade, and Rollins' fraud claims may bolster further reforms. Meanwhile, states must navigate administrative hurdles to deliver back payments swiftly. The restoration of SNAP benefits ends a tense chapter for millions of Americans who rely on food assistance. Yet the shutdown exposed vulnerabilities in the program's funding structure, while Rollins' fraud allegations signal looming political battles. As debates over eligibility, oversight and budget cuts continue, one thing is clear: SNAP's future hinges on both fiscal policy and public trust. Watch the video below that talks about SNAP looting and chaos as illegals vote during the federal shutdown. This video is from the TREASURE OF THE SUN channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheEpochTimes.com TheFiscalTimes.com TheHill.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Israeli settlers escalate ethnic cleansing campaign in West Bank amid global silence A UNRWA report states that over 30,000 Palestinians in the West Bank have been internally displaced in 2025 amid escalating violence involving Israeli military operations and settler attacks. Israeli forces have conducted operations involving home demolitions, infrastructure destruction and military assaults in refugee camps such as Jenin and Tulkarem, while settler attacksincluding arson and vandalismhave sharply increased. Impunity for settler violence remains widespread, with statistics from Yesh Din showing most cases closed without indictment; some Israeli officials are described as supporting policies that encourage displacement. The text frames the current events as a continuation of historical displacement, referencing the 1948 Nakba and citing recent cases where entire communities have fled following settler and military pressure. Settlers have allegedly used resource deprivation and agricultural sabotagesuch as blocking water access, burning crops and killing livestockwhile international institutions criticize the occupation and violence continues amid limited global intervention. The occupied West Bank has become the epicenter of a brutal campaign of forced displacement, with over 30,000 Palestinian refugees internally displaced since January alone, according to a recent report by the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA). This staggering figure reflects the accelerating violence unleashed by Israeli settlersarmed, protected and emboldened by the Israeli militaryas they systematically erase Palestinian presence from the land. Military and settler violence: a coordinated assault The Israeli army has played a central role in this mass expulsion, deploying tanks, airstrikes and bulldozers to demolish homes, obliterate roads and cripple civilian infrastructure in refugee camps like Jenin and Tulkarem. Meanwhile, Israeli settlersmany armed and operating under military protectionhave intensified their attacks, burning crops, poisoning livestock and vandalizing mosques in a relentless effort to terrorize Palestinians into fleeing. October 2025 is on track to be the bloodiest month since UNRWA began tracking settler violence in 2013. Yet, amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, the West Bank's suffering has been largely ignored. Last week, settlers torched a mosque in Deir Istiya, defacing its walls with Hebrew graffiti reading, "We will take revenge again" and "Keep on condemning." This was a direct response to Israeli military chief Avi Bluth's rare condemnation of settler attacksa hollow gesture given that three of the four settlers arrested for a separate rampage in Beit Lid and Deir Sharaf were released within days. A system of impunity Israeli authorities routinely dismiss settler violence as the work of a few extremists, yet statistics reveal a deliberate policy of impunity. According to Israeli human rights group Yesh Din, 94% of investigations into settler violence since 2005 have been closed without indictment, with only 3% resulting in convictions. This systemic leniency ensures that settlers face no consequences for their crimes, emboldening further attacks. Far-right Israeli ministers, including Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich and National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, openly advocate for the expulsion of Palestinians and the annexation of the West Bankmirroring their genocidal ambitions in Gaza. Smotrich has repeatedly called for the "voluntary emigration" of Palestiniansa euphemism for ethnic cleansingwhile Ben Gvir has armed settlers, calling them "heroes" for their violent raids. A repeat of the Nakba For many Palestinians, this is not the first time they have been forcibly displaced. Families uprooted from villages like Mughayyir al-Deir were already refugees from the 1948 Nakbawhen Zionist militias expelled over 700,000 Palestinians from their homes. Now, history repeats itself as settlers, backed by the state, erase entire communities. In Mughayyir al-Deir, extremist settlersincluding U.K.-sanctioned terrorist Elisha Yeredforced 150 Palestinians to flee after a five-day campaign of arson, beatings and livestock slaughter. Yered bragged on social media: "This outpost contained about 150 people from the enemy population, but it was broken." Israeli soldiers stood by as settlers harassed families dismantling their own homes. One villager, too afraid to be named, told reporters, "We are all leaving." Water theft and agricultural sabotage Settlers have also weaponized resource deprivation, cutting off water supplies to Palestinian villages while Israeli authorities confiscate wells and farmland. Near Jericho, settlers attacked Palestinians at the Al-Auja Waterfall for the third time in 24 hourspart of a land grab for a new illegal outpost. The day before, they severed the village's water pipes. Near Nablus, settlers burned 40 dunams of wheat fields in Sebastia, destroying livelihoods. In Hebron, they uprooted 70 olive treesa vital source of income for Palestinian farmers. Near Bethlehem, settlers slaughtered goats and sheep, targeting Bedouin herders who depend on livestock for survival. Global complicity and the future of Palestine The International Court of Justice ruled last July that Israel's occupation is illegal and demanded the evacuation of settlements. Instead, the violence has escalated, with nearly 970 Palestinians killed in the West Bank since October 2023most by soldiers or settlers. The silence of Western governments, particularly the U.S., which continues funding Israel's military despite its war crimes, underscores their complicity. As Palestinian families are driven from their land, the world watchesor worse, looks away. The West Bank is now a laboratory of oppression, where Israel perfects its tactics of displacement before exporting them to Gaza. Unless the international community acts decisively, the Nakba's second chapter will be written in bloodand Palestine's erasure will be complete. According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestine is a tragic result of Zionist aggression and geopolitical manipulation, fueled by false flags and globalist agendas to destabilize the region. True peace can only come by exposing these corrupt power structures and rejecting the forced displacement and genocide of Palestinians. Can Israel survive the repercussions of its own actions? Watch this video. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co BrightU.AI Brighteon.com Justice Department defends US military strikes on drug vessels, but critics raise constitutional alarms about due process The relentless fight against drug cartels is a righteous cause that commands broad public support, but recent actions by the U.S. military are casting a long shadow over the very principles of justice the nation claims to defend. While the intention to dismantle narcotics networks is clear, the method of using lethal military force against suspected drug-trafficking vessels, without arrest or trial, invites a troubling question. Has the pursuit of security begun to erode the foundational right to due process, a right enshrined to protect every individual from the unchecked power of the state? The Justice Department's move to legally shield troops involved in these deadly strikes suggests a concerning shift toward a battlefield mentality in a domain traditionally governed by strategic Coast Guard missions, law enforcement training, and judicial oversight. Key points: The U.S. Justice Department has issued a legal opinion justifying military strikes on suspected drug-trafficking boats and providing immunity for personnel. These operations have resulted in dozens of fatalities, bypassing traditional law enforcement interdiction and prosecution. Legal experts and international allies are raising alarms that these actions may violate international law and set a dangerous precedent. The core conflict pits the goal of disrupting drug flows against the constitutional guarantee of due process for all accused individuals. The constitutional foundation at risk At the heart of the American justice system lies the Fifth Amendment, which plainly states that no person shall be "deprived of life, liberty, or property, without due process of law." This is not a conditional right reserved only for citizens on U.S. soil; it embodies a principle of fundamental fairness that defines the nation's legal character. The current policy of authorizing lethal force against suspected traffickers based on intelligence, rather than after a judicial proceeding, effectively replaces the gavel of a judge with the crosshairs of a drone. This creates a scenario where the federal government assumes the roles of investigator, judge, jury, and executioner, all in a single, fatal stroke. Where is the line between a justified military engagement and an extrajudicial killing when the suspects are not uniformed soldiers of a recognized nation but individuals accused of a crime? From policing to a militarized war on drugs Historically, the U.S. approach to maritime drug interdiction has been led by the Coast Guard, an agency equipped to board vessels, seize contraband, and detain suspects for prosecution in federal court. This process, while arduous, operates within a framework of law that presumes innocence until guilt is proven. The recent shift to airstrikes, resulting in at least 76 deaths according to reports, represents a dramatic militarization of this effort. The Trump administration's declaration of a "non-international armed conflict" against drug cartels is the legal linchpin for this new strategy, but critics argue it stretches the definition of armed conflict beyond recognition. This reclassification transforms a criminal justice challenge into a military one, thereby invoking rules of engagement that sidestep the protections of the criminal justice system. If any boat can be sunk on suspicion alone, what prevents this power from being misapplied? The precedent set is a dangerous one, suggesting that the government can designate any criminal enterprise as a combatant and suspend constitutional safeguards. The international community is watching with unease. Allies like France have openly expressed concern that the U.S. actions risk breaching international humanitarian law. This external scrutiny mirrors a necessary internal debate. A government that can gun down suspected criminals without due process is a government that has taken a profound step away from its own constitutional moorings. The desire to see drug lords brought to justice is righteous, but that justice must be administered by the courts, not by missile fire. The rule of law is what separates a civilized society from the very lawlessness it seeks to combat. Ensuring that the fight against drugs is conducted within that legal framework is not an obstacle to victory; it is the definition of what we are fighting to preserve. The pursuit of safety must not come at the cost of the principles that make the nation worth defending. Sources include: YourNews.com Verdict.Justia.com Enoch, Brighteon.ai Nordic-Baltic allies commit $500 million in U.S. military equipment for Ukraine amid escalating war effort Eight Nordic and Baltic nations (Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway, Sweden) committed $500 million to NATO's Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), bringing total PURL funding to $3.3 billion since July 2025. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky intensifies calls for Western military aid, emphasizing air defense and energy infrastructure protection as Russia bombards Ukraine's power grid ahead of winter. Conceived under Trump-Rutte talks, PURL redirects Ukraine's arms financing to European allies while relying on U.S. weapons manufacturing. Ukraine submits priority lists, NATO funds purchases, and U.S. ships directly to frontlinesincluding Patriot missiles and HIMARS. Western military aid dropped 43 percent (July-August 2025), signaling donor fatigue, but EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen pledges 6 billion ($6.98 billion) loan. Russia condemns PURL as NATO escalation and a violation of post-Cold War agreements. NATO explores seizing frozen Russian assets, joint bonds, and integrating Ukraine's defense industry into NATO supply chains. With Russia gaining ground, questions remain if $500M/month is sufficient for Ukraine's survival. In a significant show of solidarity, eight Nordic and Baltic nations have pledged $500 million to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a U.S.?backed program expediting weapons deliveries to Kyiv as Russian forces continue their advance. The joint funding packageannounced by Denmark, Estonia, Finland, Iceland, Latvia, Lithuania, Norway and Swedenbrings total PURL commitments from NATO members to approximately 3.3 billion since the initiative's launch in July. The move comes as Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky intensifies calls for sustained Western military aid, emphasizing air defense and maritime security as existential priorities. "We are buying missiles and air defenses to save energy," Zelensky stated in a social media post Thursday, Nov. 13, referencing Russia's ongoing bombardment of Ukraine's power grid ahead of winter. PURL: A transatlantic lifeline According to BrightU.AI's Enoch, PURL is a program designed to streamline the process of providing military aid to Ukraine. Under this initiative, Ukraine submits a list of its most urgent military needs, which are then prioritized and funded by NATO member states. The funds are used to purchase weapons and equipment from U.S. manufacturers, which are then directly shipped to Ukrainian forces. The program was conceived during a White House meeting between NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte and U.S. President Donald Trump. While the U.S. has not disclosed specific PURL shipments, reports indicate packages include Patriot missile interceptors, HIMARS rockets and other munitions critical for countering Russia's air superiority. The Trump administration has also greenlit long-range cruise missile sales to Ukraine, partially funded by existing U.S. military aid. NATO's Rutte praised the Nordic-Baltic commitment, calling it vital for Ukraine's winter survival. "This equipment is extremely important as Ukraine enters the winter months," Rutte said. "NATO Allies will continue to deliver essential equipment and supplies." The PURL initiative emerged after Trump criticized Europe for relying too heavily on U.S. military aid. With Washington reducing direct arms transfers, the program now serves as the primary conduit for European-funded U.S. weaponry. Seventeen NATO membersmostly Europeanhave joined the effort, aiming to provide Kyiv with "a predictable flow" of support, Rutte noted. However, recent data from Germany's Kiel Institute reveals a 43 percent drop in Western military aid to Ukraine between July-August compared to early 2025, signaling potential donor fatigue. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen sought to counter this trend Thursday, announcing a 6 billion ($6.98 billion) loan to Ukraine and vowing further financial backing. "[Russian President Vladimir] Putin thinks he can outlast us," von der Leyen declared in a speech to the European Parliament. "This is a clear miscalculation. Now is the moment to unlock Putin's cynical attempt to buy time and bring him to the negotiation table." Kremlin's red line Moscow has repeatedly condemned NATO's deepening involvement, framing PURL as a direct escalation. The Kremlin views Western-backed security guarantees for Ukraineincluding potential NATO troop deploymentsas a violation of post-Cold War agreements and an existential threat. Meanwhile, Ukraine's battlefield struggles persist. Russian forces have regained territory in the south and east, and peace talks remain stalled. Zelensky's government insists that sustained arms deliveries are the only path to leverage negotiations. With PURL now a cornerstone of Ukraine's defense strategy, NATO allies are exploring additional funding mechanisms, including seizing frozen Russian assets or issuing joint bonds. The Alliance also plans to integrate Ukraine's defense industry into NATO supply chains, leveraging Kyiv's combat-tested expertise. As winter looms, the urgency for air defenses and energy infrastructure protection grows. For Ukraine, the Nordic-Baltic pledge is a tactical winbut with Russia digging in, the question remains: Will $500 million a month be enough? Watch the video below about NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte saying the alliance is continuing to arm Ukraine with $2 billion worth of U.S. military equipment. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: Antiwar.com Euronews.com RBCUkraine.ua BrightU.ai Brighteon.com UAE and U.S. forge AI-powered drone alliance amid growing military tech race with Iran and China Anduril Industries (U.S.) and EDGE Group (UAE) formed a joint venture to develop AI-powered autonomous drones in Abu Dhabi. This strengthens military-tech collaboration amid rising threats from Iran and China, while expanding UAE-Israel ties under the Abraham Accords. A midsize, AI-driven VTOL drone designed for military and civilian use, disrupting maritime patrol and special mission operations. UAE committed to purchasing the first 50 units, with production based in a new Abu Dhabi R&D facility. EDGE gains access to Anduril's Lattice AI system, enabling synchronized drone swarms for autonomous, coordinated missions. Enhances situational awareness and tactical flexibility, positioning the UAE as a leader in AI warfare technology. EDGE and UAE MoD launched the Drone Challenge to cultivate local AI expertise in drone programming. Aligns with UAE's "Principles of the 50," prioritizing AI and cybersecurity skills for national defense. UAE's push mirrors competition with China, Russia and Iran, which are advancing hypersonic and autonomous weapons. Ethical concerns arise over AI's role in warfarewhether it reduces casualties or escalates conflicts unpredictably. In a strategic move that underscores the deepening military-tech collaboration between the United States and the United Arab Emirates, defense giants Anduril Industries and EDGE Group have announced a landmark joint venture to develop AI-powered autonomous drones in Abu Dhabi. The partnership, solidified during U.S. President Donald Trump's visit to the UAE earlier this year, marks a significant leap in the Emirates' push to establish itself as a hub for next-generation warfare technologywhile simultaneously expanding its military cooperation with Israel and positioning itself against rising threats from Iran and China. "Autonomous drones, also known as unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) or unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), are aircraft that can fly and perform tasks without the need for a human pilot on board. They are equipped with advanced technologies such as sensors, cameras and AI algorithms that enable them to navigate, make decisions and operate independently," BrightU.AI's Enoch said. "Autonomous drones represent a significant technological advancement with numerous potential applications. However, they also raise important challenges and ethical considerations that must be addressed to ensure their safe and responsible use." The Omen drone: A new era of AI warfare The centerpiece of the collaboration is the "Omen" drone, a midsize, tail-sitter autonomous aircraft capable of vertical takeoff and landing (VTOL), blending helicopter agility with fixed-wing speed and range. Designed for both military and civilian applications, the Omen is engineered to disrupt traditional maritime patrol and special mission aircraft operations. "This is about disrupting current maritime patrol, special mission aircraftmuch bigger systems. That's what were going after," said Anduril Senior Vice President Shane Arnott. The UAE has already committed to purchasing the first 50 units, ensuring a stable production pipeline for the new Abu Dhabi-based facilitya 50,000-square-foot R&D center that will serve as Anduril's first major operational hub outside the U.S., United Kingdom and Australia. AI-driven battlefield dominance A critical component of the partnership is EDGE's access to Anduril's Lattice AI system, an advanced command-and-control platform enabling synchronized drone swarms to operate autonomously in coordinated missions. This "3D command and control center" promises to revolutionize aerial warfare by providing militaries with unprecedented situational awareness and tactical flexibility. "This joint venture gives us the basis for trusted production in the Middle East, as well as allowing us to build some of those systems that get developed as part of this partnership in the United States for our U.S. customers," Arnott added. Deepening U.S.-UAE-Israel defense nexus The collaboration builds on the UAE's growing defense ties with Israel, formalized under the Abraham Accords brokered by the Trump administration in 2020. EDGE already holds stakes in Israeli defense contractors like Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), while Abu Dhabi has welcomed offices from firms such as Bayt Systems and Third Eye Systems. Satellite imagery reveals an expanding network of Emirati-Israeli military and intelligence installations near Yemena strategic foothold that underscores the region's escalating tensions with Iran. In April, Iran successfully overwhelmed Israel's Iron Dome with a swarm of drones, exposing vulnerabilities in Western defense systems and accelerating the demand for AI-driven countermeasures. Training Emirati talent for the AI arms race Parallel to the drone venture, EDGE and the UAE Ministry of Defense (MoD) have launched the Drone Challenge, an initiative aimed at cultivating Emirati expertise in AI-powered drone programming. Set to take place at UMEX 2026, the competition invites citizens aged 18 and above to develop secure, innovative AI solutions for unmanned systems. "This initiative embodies the shared vision of EDGE and the MoD to invest in national human capital," EDGE stated, aligning with the UAE's "Principles of the 50"a government strategy prioritizing advanced skills in AI and cybersecurity. A global AI arms race intensifies The UAE's aggressive push into AI-driven defense comes amid rising competition with China and Russia, both of which are outpacing the U.S. in hypersonic and autonomous weapons development. Meanwhile, Iran's advances in drone and electronic warfare have proven disruptive, as seen in its recent strike against Israel. For Andurilfounded by Palmer Luckey, the tech billionaire behind Oculus VRthe UAE partnership represents a strategic foothold in the Middle East. Troy Lambeth, senior vice president of Edge, said the partnership brings together two of the most disruptive defense corporations globally with a shared ambition to co-develop the primary platform of Omen. The future of warfare: AI vs. human command As militaries worldwide race to integrate AI into combat systems, ethical and strategic questions loom. Will autonomous drones reduce human casualtiesor escalate conflicts with unpredictable consequences? And as the UAE positions itself as a leader in AI warfare, will it leverage these technologies for regional stabilityor further entrench itself in the global arms trade? The age of AI-powered warfare has arrived, and the UAE is determined to be at its forefront. Watch the video below about China unveiling a cutting-edge AI-powered attack drone. This video is from Cynthia's Pursuit of Truth channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: TheCradle.co BrightU.ai Zawya.com KhaleejTimes.com TheNationalnews.com Brighteon.com Serbian President Vucic: War between NATO and Russia is now INEVITABLE Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warns that Europe and Russia are on an unavoidable collision course, with NATO nations rapidly militarizing under the guise of "defense," while Russia prepares for war in response. Countries like Finland, Poland and Romania are drastically increasing defense spending, dismissing Russian diplomatic overtures and pushing the continent toward a dangerous escalation reminiscent of Cold War brinkmanship. As a neutral nation seeking EU membership while maintaining strong ties to Russia, Serbia is forced to balance its reliance on Russian energy and historical bonds with the Kremlin against pressure from Brussels. Russia has warned of potential tactical nuclear use if NATO conventional deterrence fails, while modern hybrid warfare (cyberattacks, economic sabotage, disinformation) further destabilizes the situation. Diplomatic channels remain frozen amid mutual accusations of bad faith. Vucic's warning highlights the urgent need for cooler heads to prevail, honoring past agreements (like Minsk) and avoiding reckless provocations, lest elite-driven geopolitical agendas plunge the world into World War III. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has declared that a direct military confrontation between Western nations and Russia is no longer a matter of speculation but an impending reality pointing to unprecedented militarization efforts across Europe. The Serbian leader made the remarks in a televised interview on Tuesday, Nov. 11. He warned that the accelerating arms race framed by North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) members as defensive preparations has pushed the continent toward an unavoidable conflict with Moscow. His stark assessment comes as nations from Finland to Romania dramatically expand defense budgets, echoing Cold War-era tensions while dismissing Russian proposals for continental security negotiations. "My conclusion is that there is a growing certainty that a war between Europe and Russia will happen," Vucic stated bluntly. "They are preparing for war or for defense, as they call it. Romania, Poland, Finland, smaller countries too. And the Russians as well." Vucic emphasized that this mobilization is not theoretical but a tangible escalation, driven by what he described as political narratives obscuring deeper economic crises within the European Union. Moscow has long accused NATO of deliberately provoking instability through eastward expansion, a charge amplified since the Ukraine conflict began. Serbia, a neutral nation pursuing EU membership while maintaining strong ties to Russia, finds itself in a geopolitical vise. "We are caught between a rock and a hard place," Vucic admitted, signaling Belgrades need to bolster its own military readiness despite its refusal to join Western sanctions against Moscow. Serbia remains reliant on Russian energy and shares deep historical and cultural bonds with the Kremlin, complicating its alignment with Brussels. Meanwhile, Vucic revealed plans to export surplus Serbian arms to European Union nations a paradoxical move underscoring the continent's frenzied rearmament. Vucic: Everyone is preparing Analysts note that Europe's militarization mirrors Cold War patterns, with NATO members citing an existential Russian threat while Moscow dismisses such claims as pretexts for aggression. The EU's rapid defense buildup, including Finland's recent NATO accession and Poland's record-breaking military spending, has been met with Kremlin warnings of "leaps" toward tactical nuclear use if conventional deterrence fails. Such rhetoric recalls the darkest days of 20th-century brinkmanship, yet unfolds amid modern hybrid warfare tactics cyberattacks, economic sabotage and disinformation campaigns that blur traditional battle lines. Vucic's warning arrives as diplomatic channels between Russia and the West remain frozen, with mutual accusations of bad faith dominating state media on both sides. The Serbian president's unique position neither fully aligned with NATO nor overtly hostile to Moscow lends credence to his grim prognosis. "Everyone is preparing," he said. "What can come from that? Only conflict." Cooler heads must prevail to prevent a catastrophic global conflict driven by elite arrogance and geopolitical manipulation, which threatens to escalate into World War III and further destabilize regions like Ukraine and the Middle East, notes BrightU.AI's Enoch engine. Honoring agreements like Minsk and avoiding reckless provocations is essential to de-escalate tensions and protect innocent lives from the destructive agendas of warmongering globalists. As European capitals stockpile weapons and draft civilian mobilization plans, the world watches whether Vucic's prediction will materialize as another catastrophic war or if cooler heads might still prevail. For now, the relentless march toward confrontation shows no signs of slowing. Watch Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic warning that the West will "go to hell" if it refuses Russian President Vladimir Putin's offer in this clip. This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Caliber.az IslamTimes.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Zelensky ally flees Ukraine amid major FBI-linked corruption probe A key associate and friend of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, businessman Timur Mindich, fled Ukraine just before anti-corruption agents raided his and his associates' properties. There are suspicions that he was tipped off by a corrupt official. The raids are part of an investigation into a criminal organization accused of stealing approximately $100 million from state funds. This money was meant for securing critical infrastructure, including nuclear power plants. This scandal is especially damaging as Ukrainians are already suffering from severe, daily power blackouts due to Russian attacks. The theft of funds intended to protect energy infrastructure highlights a profound failure of governance while citizens endure immense hardship. The scandal directly implicates Zelensky's inner circle, with reports of him being recorded at Mindich's apartment. Zelensky has previously tried to limit the power of the very anti-corruption agencies conducting this investigation, raising concerns about his commitment to fighting graft. The situation puts Zelensky in a difficult position. He faces pressure from both the Ukrainian public and international allies to act decisively against corruption. His failure to do so could cost him domestic support and vital foreign aid. A key ally of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky has fled the country, hours before a major anti-corruption operation targeted his properties and those of his associates. The incident has cast a harsh new light on the persistent issue of graft within Ukraine's government, even as its citizens endure daily hardships caused by the ongoing Russia-Ukraine war. Businessman Timur Mindich, a long-time friend and associate of Zelensky, left Ukraine on Nov. 10. His departure came just before officers from Ukraine's National Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) carried out coordinated raids on his home and the homes of his close contacts. The operation is part of a wider investigation that involves cooperation with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Reports suggest that Mindich may have been tipped off about the impending raids by a senior official within the Specialized Anti-Corruption Prosecutor's Office (SAPO). This official allegedly had access to sensitive information about high-profile cases being handled by NABU. The searches were not limited to Mindich. They also targeted locations linked to Justice Minister German Galushchenko, a former energy minister described as Mindich's insider in the government, and the state-run nuclear power operator, Energoatom. The $100 million energy sector scandal At the heart of the investigation is an alleged criminal organization operating within Ukraine's energy sector. Authorities claim that about $100 million was siphoned off from state funds. This amount represents between 10% and 15% of the value of contracts intended to enhance security at critical sites, including the country's nuclear power plants operated by Energoatom. The scandal strikes a particularly raw nerve, given the current situation in Ukraine. In the capital, Kyiv, residents are without electricity for eight to 11 hours every day. This is a direct result of Russia's improved ability to target power plants and substations. The blackouts have forced businesses and households to revert to diesel generators and candles, reminiscent of the first blackouts three years ago. The power cuts also mean a lack of heating, non-functioning elevators in high-rise buildings and interrupted water supplies, with conditions often worse outside the capital. Zelensky's tangled connections Mindich is not just any businessman; he is widely known for his close personal ties to Zelensky. Ukrainian media have reported that Zelensky celebrated his birthday at Mindich's apartment in 2021. Furthermore, the same apartment was reportedly under surveillance by NABU this year, and audio recordings from that surveillance, dubbed the "Mindich tapes," are said to have captured the Ukrainian leader. The existence of these tapes was reported shortly before Zelensky moved to limit the independence of NABU, a move that prompted significant pushback from Western governments supporting Ukraine. Zelensky has previously argued that Russian agents had infiltrated anti-corruption bodies like NABU and SAPO, a claim Moscow has denied, instead insisting that the West controls the agencies. This is not the first time Zelensky's administration has been clouded by scandal. While Zelensky has so far managed to avoid being directly implicated, his government has been rocked by a series of corruption investigations since 2023. These have included an illegal land development project involving a deputy prime minister and the embezzlement of funds meant for soldiers' food. BrightU.AI's Enoch notes that public tolerance for such corruption has been declining. Last summer, Zelensky faced the largest anti-government protests since the full-scale invasion began, following his approval of a parliamentary move to weaken NABU and SAPO. He reversed this decision under heavy pressure from Ukraine's international allies, for whom anti-corruption reforms are a critical condition for continued support. A critical juncture for leadership The scandal places Zelensky in a difficult position. A former minister in his government noted that the president must "act as harshly as possible" to maintain popular support. Ukrainians are watching to see if he will sanction, arrest, and prosecute those involved. Failure to act decisively risks the perception that he is aligned with the accused. The case also has potential international ramifications. Some observers fear that regardless of how Zelensky handles the situation, the scandal could be used as political leverage against him by foreign partners, including a potential new U.S. administration. As court hearings on the investigation continue to be live-streamed to the public, featuring snippets from what investigators say are 1,000 hours of recorded conversations, the pressure on Ukraine's leadership is intensifying. The discovery of large bundles of U.S. hundred-dollar bills, wrapped in plastic and displayed by NABU, serves as a stark visual reminder of the corruption that continues to plague Ukraine at a time when its people are making immense sacrifices. Watch this episode of the "Health Ranger Report" as Health Ranger Mike Adams and guest Ray McGovern, a former CIA officer, talk about Trump, Putin, Zelensky and the fight for peace in Ukraine. This video is from the Health Ranger Report channel on Brighteon.com. Sources include: RT.com Edition.CNN.com AlJazeera.com BrightU.ai Brighteon.com Due to scheduled maintenance from Saturday, March 15, 2025, at 10 PM to Sunday, March 16, 2025, at 2 AM, there may be interruptions for our News Gazette Digital subscribers. During this time frame, please click on any News Gazette website content without logging into your News Gazette Digital subscription account. Thank you for your patience during this scheduled maintenance. Australian business leaders are fighting back against cyber criminals, with ransom payments nearly halving from $1.35 million. Whats happening: Average ransom payments have nearly halved to $711,000, down from $1.35 million, as organisations strengthen cyber resilience and adopt formal response protocols. Why this matters: Whilst preparedness is improving, one in five organisations experience multiple attacks regardless of payment, highlighting the critical need for proactive defence strategies over ransom negotiations. Australian businesses are refusing to pay cyber criminals at unprecedented rates, with new research revealing a dramatic shift in how organisations respond to ransomware attacks. McGrathNicols annual ransomware survey found 64% of Australian business leaders who suffered attacks in the past five years chose to pay ransom demands, a significant decline from 84% in 2024. The average payment has nearly halved to $711,000, down from a high of $1.35 million last year. The findings emerge from a survey of over 800 decision makers across Australian businesses with 50 or more employees, conducted in partnership with YouGov. The research reveals 69% of business leaders have experienced ransomware attacks in the past five years, with sophisticated global criminal groups continuing to target local organisations. SMEs remain vulnerable Darren Hopkins, Head of Cyber at McGrathNicol, said small to medium enterprises remain particularly vulnerable. SMEs continue to bear the brunt of ransomware attacks. Without dedicated resources and cyber teams, many SMEs are vulnerable to being seen as soft targets by cyber criminals, and we are working closely with our clients, industry partners and government to share threat intelligence and respond effectively. The data starkly illustrates this vulnerability: 89% of organisations experiencing ransomware attacks in the past 12 months were SMEs. Hopkins emphasised that paying ransom demands offers no guarantee of resolution. Paying a ransom does not guarantee data recovery nor does it prevent future attacks. We know that one in five respondents have experienced multiple ransomware attacks regardless of payment. Why payment rates are falling The survey identifies three critical factors driving the decline in payments: insurance coverage amounts continue to decrease, regulatory and reputational pressure is increasing, and growing scepticism surrounds ransom payments as the default recovery option. Higher preparedness levels and increased executive engagement are also contributing to the trend. The estimated amount businesses would be willing to pay has also decreased substantially to $906,000, down from $1.42 million. Brendan Payne, Cyber Partner at McGrathNicol, said organisations are shifting toward proactive strategies. With more than half of respondents who were attacked and breached saying the attack had a severe or significant impact on their supply chain, its good to see business leaders acting to safeguard their people, partners, customers and critical assets. We are seeing a shift towards more proactive resilience and recovery. Preparedness improves The research shows organisations are adopting formal defence measures, with more implementing board notification protocols, crisis planning, and incident response plans. Almost one third of respondents reported their business successfully defended against an attack. Year-on-year, we have also seen more organisations adopt formal board notification protocols, crisis planning and incident response plans. Our research supports this. Almost a third of respondents say their business was able to successfully defend against an attack, Payne said. The reputational stakes remain high, with 92% of respondents stating that knowledge of a ransom payment would negatively impact their perception of partners and suppliers they conduct business with. Mandatory reporting gains support Mandatory reporting under the Cyber Security Act 2024, effective from May 2025, continues to receive strong support from 71% of Australian business leaders. Those who experienced attacks in the past five years show even higher support at 76%, compared to 61% among those without recent attack experience. Hopkins said organisations that have faced attacks firsthand recognise the value of information sharing, with the reporting framework designed to promote greater visibility, transparency, and industry collaboration. At the larger end of town, those in businesses earning $10 million plus are more likely to say they are very prepared for a ransomware attack, but we urge executives not to become complacent, Hopkins said. You cant trust cyber criminals but you can minimise long-term damage to your business through investment in prevention, detection and strong incident response capabilities. The survey data shows a consistent pattern across recent years, with average ransom payments sitting at $1.03 million in 2023, $1.01 million in 2022, and $1.07 million in 2021, before peaking at $1.35 million in 2024. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. After a lot of prayer and reflection, Cindy and I have decided we're staying in this race for governor not for politics, but for every family trying to make it in a state that's lost its way, for every parent who dreams of a better future for their children and for every Illinoisan who knows that we can do better." What we do know is that as of October 1, funds for this program wont be available, UI College of ACES Dean German Bollero said. Again, were trying to do it with compassion and empathy for these people. These are the most incredible group of employees you could ever dream of. New research shows that it's possible to end the practice of using people as 'human bait' to catch and test the blackflies that spread river blindness (onchocerciasis). The study by international non-profit Sightsavers in partnership with the Global Institute for Disease Elimination (GLIDE) and ministries of health in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Malawi and Mozambique, will be presented at the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene (ASTMH) on 13 November 2025. Every year countries across Africa collect many thousands of blackflies to monitor for the presence of river blindness, a parasitic infection that causes severe and painful itching and, in the worst cases, irreversible blindness. Until now 'human landing catch,' where volunteers sit by rivers to lure and catch the flies on their skin, has been the only method recommended by the World Health Organization (WHO) for collecting blackflies so that they can be tested for the disease. The research tested 16 different variations of insect traps (called Esperanza window traps) at blackfly breeding sites in Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Malawi and Mozambique. Traps used carbon dioxide to mimic human breath alongside colour variations, different orientations, worn socks (blackflies are drawn to the smell of sweat) and even a fake 'stinky foot' scent. Although the optimum trap design varied from location to location, the researchers found that seven pairs of traps, easy to set up and requiring minimal maintenance, were as effective as one fly catcher. In Ghana and Malawi, where fly numbers were high, traps using yeast-generated CO with worn socks performed equally as well as traps with synthetic CO and scent. In Cote d'Ivoire and Mozambique, where overall fly numbers were lower, the traps with yeast-generated CO and worn socks performed best. "Using people as bait, even if they've willingly volunteered, raises big ethical questions," says research co-lead Louise Hamill, Sightsavers Director for Onchocerciasis. "We clearly need a better solution, and with the help of some dirty socks, our team has found one." "Flycatchers sit for hours at a time with their skin exposed, braced to collect any blackfly that land on them. They are given precautionary treatment and try to catch the insects before they bite, but it's hard work and I know from experience how painful the bites can be. Sitting by water all day also puts them at risk of tsetse flies' and mosquitoes' bites which can lead to other diseases, as well as snake bites." "An additional benefit is that, when set up in high density, the traps reduce blackfly populations at breeding sites by catching the females looking for a bloodmeal before they're able to lay their eggs. This has potential to offer communities long-term protection from river blindness." River blindness is caused by a parasitic worm (Onchocerca volvulus) which is spread by bites from infected blackflies. According to the WHO, at least 250 million people in 29 countries are at risk of contracting the disease. Adult worms, up to 30cm long, can live for 15 years inside their human host, producing millions of baby worms, called microfilariae. These migrate to the skin and eyes causing symptoms like severe and painful itching and chronic inflammation. If the microfilariae migrate to a person's eyes, they cause lesions that lead to permanent sight loss. The socioeconomic impact of onchocerciasis is profound. It can significantly impair infected people's ability to work and perform daily activities, leading to loss of income. The stigma associated with the visible manifestations of the disease contributes to social exclusion, and early exposure to onchocerciasis in childhood has been associated with a particular type of epilepsy, known as onchocerciasis-associated epilepsy. There is no vaccine or preventative medicine for river blindness, but the drug ivermectin kills the microfilariae and, when given out across entire communities, helps to break transmission. In January 2025 the WHO confirmed that Niger had become the first country in Africa to eliminate the disease. Research institutions around the world house valuable genetic information that could help unlock countless medical mysteries. However, because DNA degrades over time, it is difficult for researchers to analyze DNA samples older than 20 years using conventional analytical approaches. Although modern technologies have transformed researchers' ability to learn about disease, these technologies have primarily been used on modern genetic samples. The ability to study genetic data from earlier decades has been exceedingly limited, which hinders researchers' understanding of old diseases and why changes in diseases occur over time. By adapting techniques originally used to study ancient DNA from archaeological specimens, researchers at the University of Chicago were able to recover genetic information from nearly century-old medical samples. The work will be presented at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo, taking place Nov. 1115 in Boston. To test their technique, the researchers used samples of tissue from colorectal cancer specimens collected between 1932 and 2023. The researchers chose to focus on colorectal cancer because it has become significantly more common among young adults over the past several decades without a clear explanation. Today, a 35-year-old is twice as likely to develop colorectal cancer compared to a 35-year-old in 1985. The researchers isolated tumor tissue from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded specimens for DNA extraction. The researchers optimized the removal of paraffin wax and chemical preservatives to maximize the amount of usable DNA. Next, the researchers used tailored approaches to put the DNA fragments into a readable format for sequencing. They created a custom pipeline using digital tools typically reserved for ancient DNA analysis so they could match samples with missing or damaged DNA to the human genome. After checking the quality of the DNA, the researchers sequenced the genome using whole-genome sequencing and a targeted gene-enrichment panel (OncoPlus) to find genetic mutations that drive tumor growth. In both cases, they modified the protocols to retain tiny fragments of DNA that is traditionally discarded. Finally, they analyzed the non-human DNA found in the tissue samples to identify bacteria that may have been in the tumor. Dr. Alexander Guzzetta, M.D., Ph.D., who oversaw the project alongside ancient DNA researcher Maanasa Raghavan, Ph.D., noted, "When we analyzed bacterial DNA from colon cancer tissues, we not only detected normal gut microbes but also bacterial species which are specifically associated with colon cancer." The team is now working on refining their analysis methods to better understand these bacteria and understand how their presence may have shifted over time. Although Guzzetta's team is currently focused on colorectal cancer he hopes that other researchers use this work to study other disease changes over time. "There is massive potential here for other groups to use these approaches to unravel the root causes underlying the shifting landscape of modern diseases," Guzzetta said. "This approach could unlock the ability to study how diseases evolve over decades and shed light on how their biology has changed through time." This work was led by Alexander Guzzetta, M.D., Ph.D., at the University of Chicago, and will be presented during a platform presentation at 2:45 p.m. Eastern time on Nov. 13, at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston. The work will also be presented as a poster in the convention center. Guzzetta's poster number is TT008. He will be available to discuss the work with reporters. A new sociomedical perspective shows how off-label use of GLP-1 drugs for slimness is redefining what counts as a healthy, responsible body, revealing hidden moral pressures and global inequalities behind the weight loss boom. Perspective: The Uncharted Territory of the New Obesity Drugs in Users Without Obesity: A Sociomedical Perspective. Image Credit: Pietukhova / Shutterstock In a recent perspective in the journal Obesity , researchers discussed recent medical developments that have not only revolutionized the treatment of diabetes and obesity, but whose popularity has also quickly spread among groups who lack clinical indication for obesity or diabetes treatment. This off-label use, the authors argue, is exposing deeper tensions between medical innovation, weight stigma, and the social value attached to thinness, as medication becomes a means of attaining social and aesthetic goals rather than improving health. Cultural Drivers of Nonmedical Weight Loss Use Glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists ( GLP-1 RAs ) have revolutionized the treatment of obesity and diabetes, offering significant weight loss with manageable side effects. However, their popularity has rapidly spread to individuals without obesity or metabolic disorders, who use them off-label to achieve or maintain slimness. This phenomenon, marked by celebrity endorsements, media attention, online sales, and widespread social media discussion, reflects more than a medical trend. It reveals a growing cultural shift in which slimness is equated with moral virtue, self-discipline, and social value, as the authors describe it - a moral economy of the body. The authors argue that this off-label use exposes deeper tensions between medical innovation, body image ideals, and the social meanings attached to thinness, and explicitly ask whether such use should be considered an abuse of medical technology or a rational adaptation to weight-stigmatizing environments. Understanding these behaviors requires moving beyond clinical data to explore the psychological, cultural, and political contexts that shape how people use these drugs. Off-label use represents a form of pharmacological thinness, where medication becomes a means of attaining aesthetic and social goals rather than health improvement. Positioning GLP 1 RAs as Lifestyle Optimization Tools GLP-1 RA drugs were initially developed for individuals with obesity and type 2 diabetes, but their reach has extended far beyond this population. With the rise of online promotion and influencer marketing, these drugs are now positioned as tools of lifestyle optimization and bodily perfection. This expansion also highlights the limitations of the body mass index ( BMI ) in defining obesity, as many individuals with normal or mildly elevated BMIs may perceive themselves as needing intervention. Weight loss, once a clinical outcome, has become a visible marker of personal virtue, performative achievement, and conformity to dominant beauty and health ideals, reflecting broader neoliberal healthism ideals that conflate appearance with moral responsibility. Within this moral economy, losing weight symbolizes effort and commitment, while failing to do so is seen as a moral shortcoming. For users without obesity, these drugs may represent a means of achieving socially approved body shapes and social worth without the burden of traditional self-discipline. They help individuals navigate a culture that equates thinness with attractiveness, competence, and even employability. Gaps in Understanding Eating Behavior and Drug Experience Research gaps remain across multiple domains regarding the off-label use of GLP-1 RAs . One key gap concerns food and appetite, particularly how these drugs reshape users' emotional and sensory relationships with eating. While some individuals may feel liberated by reduced hunger, others may experience distress, alienation, or loss of enjoyment associated with food. Another area of uncertainty involves side effects, as users' perceptions of symptoms such as nausea or fatigue may vary widely and may even be interpreted as markers of treatment efficacy. For some, these effects are interpreted as signs of drug efficacy or commitment to weight loss, whereas others experience them as discomforting or harmful. Gaps also persist in understanding the impact of these drugs on body image and self-worth. While weight loss may enhance self-esteem for some, it may simultaneously heighten dissatisfaction or lead to further body modification pursuits, such as cosmetic procedures. Off-label use may alter eating behaviors, emotional regulation, and mental health, potentially leading to increased anxiety, guilt, or disordered eating. Access Pathways, Medical Oversight, and Social Privilege Further research is required on access and dependency, particularly regarding how users obtain these drugs through medical or informal channels, and how cost, medical oversight, medical gatekeeping, and social privilege shape accessibility. Emotional dependence also warrants investigation, as some users may fear weight regain more intensely than adverse effects, raising concerns about long-term reliance. Social media plays a pivotal role in normalizing GLP-1 RA use, spreading narratives that frame pharmacological weight loss as desirable and legitimate. However, the ways digital spaces shape motivations, self-image, and peer validation remain poorly understood. Users may view pharmacological weight loss as more legitimate or effective than other methods, reinforcing moral hierarchies around body management. Cross-National Research to Understand Cultural Differences The authors propose a multinational research initiative, currently involving Brazil, the US, Denmark, and Japan, to examine how off-label GLP-1 RA use manifests across different societies, where cultural contexts shape distinct motivations. For example, this includes navigating racialized beauty standards in Brazil and technologies of neoliberal self-discipline in the US. This is not merely a deviation from medical norms but part of a broader cultural transformation in how the body, health, and morality are understood. An intersectional framework is vital to understanding how factors such as gender, race, age, class, and geography shape who uses these drugs, how they are judged, and what outcomes they experience. Without such nuance, users risk being stereotyped as vain or irresponsible, while the deeper structural pressures that normalize pharmaceutical thinness remain invisible. Integrating Biomedical and Sociocultural Perspectives Ultimately, understanding off-label GLP-1 RA use requires integrating biomedical insights with sociological and cultural analysis. These drugs not only alter metabolism and appetite but also reshape identities, social hierarchies, and moral judgments. A new study published in Nature and Science of Sleep reveals a strong connection between social media addiction and poor sleep quality among high school graduates in Bangladesh, offering fresh insights into the mental health and digital habits of young people. Researchers from the Marshall University Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine, CHINTA Research Bangladesh, University of South Asia, Jahangirnagar University and the Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, analyzed data from 1,139 students preparing for university admission. The study found that higher levels of social media addiction were closely associated with poorer sleep quality. Two key symptoms - "relapse" and "daytime performance disruption" - emerged as major links between excessive social media use and sleep problems. The study also uncovered significant gender differences. Female participants experienced poorer sleep quality when social media addiction was present, while male students exhibited a higher overall prevalence of addiction, suggesting a differential, sex-related susceptibility to the effects of social media use. Through network analysis, the researchers identified several "central" symptoms that bridged social media use and sleep health: "mood modification," "taking time to fall asleep" (sleep latency) and "efficiency disruption during the day." These findings underscore that sleep health and social media behaviors are deeply intertwined. Our results highlight the importance of targeted interventions to promote healthier digital and sleep habits among young people." David Gozal, M.D., M.B.A., Ph.D. (Hon), corresponding author, vice president for health affairs, Marshall University and dean of the Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine The study contributes to a growing body of evidence on the impact of social media on mental and physical well-being and emphasizes the need for awareness campaigns and preventive strategies that consider both behavioral and gender-based factors. Australian startups secured over $86 million in funding this week, spanning sectors from agtech and renewable energy to biotech and SaaS. Heres the breakdown. Number 8 Bio secures $11M Series A Sydney-based Number 8 Bio has secured $11 million in Series A capital for its technology aimed at cutting methane emissions from livestock. Icehouse Ventures, a New Zealand investment firm, spearheaded the round. Existing backer Main Sequence stayed in, while Japanese climate-focused investor One Innovators joined the cap table for the first time. The Japan connection makes strategic sense: its Australias second-biggest beef export market. Main Sequence, backed by CSIRO, had previously led a $7 million Seed round last September, with Breakthrough Victoria and The March Group participating. Founders Dr Tom Williams and Dr Alex Carpenter established Number 8 Bio in 2022, going through the UNSW SynBio 10X Accelerator that year and claiming the Positive Impact Award. SunDrive adds another $25.3M from ARENA Government renewable energy agency ARENA has poured $25.3 million more into Sydneys SunDrive, backing the startups push to develop cheaper solar panels using copper instead of silver. Its ARENAs second major backing of SunDrive, after putting in $11 million during 2023. Total government support now sits at nearly $40 million. Vince Allen and David Hu kicked off SunDrive in a Wollongong garage back in 2015, chasing Allens vision of swapping costly silver for copper in solar cells. The change could slash production costs by roughly 30%. Blackbird came in for SunDrives Seed in 2018, then a $5 million Series A two years later. A $21 million Series B followed in 2022, though last year brought tougher times that led to staff cuts. Rage Biotech bags $29M Series A Rage Biotech, working on treatments for chronic inflammatory diseases, has raised $29 million in Series A funding. IP Group Australia and superannuation fund Hostplus jointly led the investment, with earlier supporters like Monash Ventures staying involved. The money will support first human clinical trials for Rages nasal therapy designed to treat inflammatory lung conditions. The startups name comes from Receptor for Advanced Glycation End-products, a receptor that plays a role in inflammation linked to chronic lung diseases and other ailments. Rage Biotech spun out from partnerships between IP Group Australia, three universities (Monash, Murdoch, and Western Australian), and two medical research institutes (Baker and Perron), all focused on inflammatory disorder treatments. Victorian agtech Drone-Hand lands $720K pre-Seed Drone-Hand, a Victoria-based agtech venture, has raised $720,000 in pre-Seed backing for its autonomous livestock management system. American venture capital firm Radius Capital led the investment, with three local agribusiness investors providing additional support. Edward Barraclough, who grew up on a mixed livestock farm in NSW, founded the Gippsland operation in 2023. The inspiration struck while observing his 80-year-old father working the property. Great Question bags $19.9M (US 13M) Series A Great Question, a San Francisco customer research platform co-founded by Australian Ned Dwyer in 2020, has closed a $19.9 million (US$13 million) Series A. Its the largest funding round in the companys history. Inovia Capital, based in Canada, led the raise. Y Combinator, January Capital, and Character Capital also participated. The platform helps companies run, analyze, and share customer research insights. The raise has prompted Dwyer to share reflections on navigating Silicon Valleys fundraising scene as an Australian expat, and how conditions have evolved for founders making the move from Australia to America. Keep up to date with our stories on LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Sequencing nearly half a million genomes, researchers show that most additive genetic influences on height, lipids, and other complex traits are now directly measurable, while pinpointing ultra-rare and structural variants as key suspects behind the heritability that remains missing. Study: Estimation and mapping of the missing heritability of human phenotypes. Image Credit: Buntan / Shutterstock In a recent study published in the journal Nature , a group of researchers quantified the contribution of rare and common coding and non-coding variants, as measured by whole-genome sequencing ( WGS ), to heritability across diverse human traits, and assessed the extent to which pedigree-based narrow-sense heritability they collectively explain. Limits of GWAS and WES for Genetic Variation Most human traits show some heritability, yet the deoxyribonucleic acid ( DNA ) changes behind this family resemblance remain elusive. Twin and family studies suggest strong additive genetic effects, but genome-wide association studies ( GWAS ) using common single-nucleotide polymorphisms ( SNPs ) explain only a modest share of variation. Whole-exome sequencing ( WES ) highlights rare coding variants but covers only under 3% of the genome. WGS can survey rare variation across coding and non-coding regions; however, their contribution to trait differences remains unclear. Further research is needed to measure how much missing heritability these rare variants explain. Large Scale UK Biobank Sequencing Dataset The investigators used WGS data from 490,542 United Kingdom Biobank ( UKB ) participants and focused on 347,630 unrelated individuals of European ancestry. They analyzed 40.6 million autosomal SNPs and insertion-deletion ( indel ) variants with a minor allele frequency ( MAF ) above 0.01%. For 41 complex traits and diseases with measurable pedigree-based heritability, they estimated WGS-based heritability using genetic restricted maximum likelihood ( GREML ) with linkage disequilibrium ( LD ) and minor allele frequency stratification, implemented in the Mixed Model and Partitioning Heritability ( MPH ) software. They decomposed total heritability into contributions from rare variants with MAF below 1% and common variants with higher frequency. Further, they partitioned these components into coding and non-coding genomic annotations. Pedigree Heritability and GWAS Mapping Strategy Pedigree-based narrow-sense heritability was estimated from 171,446 related pairs, allowing direct comparison with sequencing-based estimates. The team also conducted GWAS in 452,618 individuals to map independent common and rare variant associations, correcting for the winners curse. Analyses adjusted for age, sex, genetic principal components, and birthplace clusters, and focused inference on 34 phenotypes with significant WGS and rare variant heritability. This work spanned both quantitative traits and common diseases. Notably, for behavioral traits such as educational attainment and fluid intelligence, the study required additional correction for assortative mating and geographic stratification to avoid inflated heritability estimates. This nuance underscores the complexity of dissecting genetic contributions for specific phenotypes. Rare Variant and Coding Region Heritability Patterns Across 34 traits with rare variant signals, WGS-based heritability estimates ranged from 8% for the number of children to 71% for height, averaging 28%. Rare variants with MAF below 1% accounted for about 20% of pedigree-based heritability, while common variants contributed 68% of pedigree-based heritability, leaving approximately 12% still missing. Thus, within the 88% of heritability captured by WGS , rare variants account for approximately 23%, and common variants account for 77%. Coding regions represented less than 1% of all analyzed variants yet contributed roughly 17% of total WGS heritability and about 20% of rare variant heritability, implying a 26- to 36-fold enrichment for functional coding changes. Non-coding variants, although individually weaker, collectively explained most of the rare variant contribution. Trait Specific Differences in WGS Heritability When sequencing-based heritability was compared with pedigree-based estimates from 171,446 relative pairs, WGS captured 88% of narrow-sense heritability on average. For 15 highly powered traits, there was no significant difference between sequencing-based and pedigree-based estimates, suggesting that most of their additive genetic variation is now accounted for by observed variants. In contrast, traits such as number of children and telomere length retained substantial heritability, hinting at roles for ultra-rare variants, structural variation, or non-additive genetic effects. The study also cautioned that including ultra-rare variants ( MAF less than 0.01%) produced negative heritability estimates for some traits, a classic sign of model misspecification, indicating that current methods are not yet reliable for this variant class. Rare Variant Associations and Structural Variation The explained heritability ratio, defined as the ratio of WGS-based to pedigree-based heritability, averaged 0.88 but varied across traits, illustrating that genetic architecture and statistical power shape how complete current maps have become. GWAS using the same genomes identified more than 12,000 independent associations, including 11,243 common variant hits and 886 rare variant hits across 34 traits. Each rare association explained more phenotypic variance than each common association. Rare signals were informative for lipid traits, where low-density lipoprotein ( LDL ) cholesterol and high-density lipoprotein ( HDL ) cholesterol had rare variant associations that, together, explained more than 33% of their rare variant heritability. Alkaline phosphatase ( ALK ) was the only non-lipid trait showing similarly high explanatory power. Many of these rare associations lie in or near loci already flagged by common variant signals, showing colocalization. Structural Haplotypes and Missing Sequence In several regions, clusters of rare and common associations coincided with structural variants, reinforcing the idea that complex haplotypes underlie some of the strongest genetic effects. The analysis also revealed that previous work suggests the X chromosome contributes less than 3% to heritability, and that the hg38 genome build used misses approximately 8% of the DNA sequence, both factors that account for a small fraction of the still-missing heritability. Clinical Relevance of WGS Heritability Mapping Overall, the results indicate that a measurable portion of the previously missing heritability is already mappable with fewer than 500,000 fully sequenced genomes, particularly for well defined traits such as blood lipids and liver enzymes. For patients and clinicians, these findings reasonably suggest more precise genetic risk scores, earlier detection of high-risk profiles, and better-targeted prevention strategies worldwide in practice, although clinical translation was not directly examined in this study. Remaining Gaps and Future Genomic Research This study demonstrates that WGS can recover most of the narrow-sense heritability previously inferred from family-based designs for many human traits. By dividing heritability into rare and common as well as coding and non-coding components, it narrows the space left for unknown genetic factors and clarifies where missing heritability still remains. For families, clinicians, and policymakers, the findings suggest that polygenic scores incorporating rare variants could improve risk prediction, especially for lipid-related traits. Closing the remaining gap will require larger, ancestrally diverse global cohorts and improved tools for ultra-rare and complex structural variation. More than three-quarters of American adults didn't get a covid shot last season, a figure that health care experts warn could rise this year amid new U.S. government recommendations. The covid vaccine was initially popular. About 75% of Americans had received at least one dose of the first versions of the vaccine by early 2022, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention data shows. But only about 23% of American adults got a covid shot during the 2024-25 virus season, well below the 47% of American adults who got a flu shot. The vaccination rates for flu, measles, and tetanus are also going down. Yet covid remains a serious, potentially deadly health risk, listed as the primary cause of death on roughly 31,400 death certificates last year. By comparison, flu killed about 6,500 people and pneumonia, a common complication of the flu, killed an additional 41,600, CDC data shows. As millions of Americans decide whether to get a covid shot this season, public health researchers worry vaccination rates will slide further, especially because Hispanic and Black Americans and those under 30 have lower rates, exposing them to serious complications such as long covid. Under the Trump administration and Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., the federal government has narrowed its recommendations on the covid vaccine, leading to a hodgepodge of rules on pharmacy access, with Americans living in Republican states often facing more barriers to getting a shot. "A lot of misinformation is going around regarding covid," said Alein Haro-Ramos, an assistant professor of health, society, and behavior at the University of California-Irvine. "Vaccine hesitancy is going to increase." In August, the FDA narrowed approval for covid vaccines to those 65 or older and to adults and children with at least one underlying condition that puts them at high risk for serious complications from covid. A month later, the CDC's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices voted to recommend "shared clinical decision-making" on the vaccine, pulling back from advising all adults to get vaccinated. The committee advised doctors to emphasize to adults under 65 and children that the benefits of the vaccine are greatest for those with underlying health conditions. The guidance is rebutted by infectious disease experts who say most adults and children should get both the flu and covid vaccines, which are safe, effective, and prevent serious illness. Several independent medical organizations like the American Academy of Family Physicians and the American Academy of Pediatrics have reiterated their support for broad adoption of covid vaccines. More than two dozen states have taken steps to ensure most people can get a covid shot at the pharmacy without a prescription, with many states tying their policies to the advice given by medical organizations. And many of those states require insurers to cover vaccines at no cost, according to a KFF analysis. In several other states, predominantly Republican-led, pharmacy access to vaccines may require a prescription. Among the most commonly cited reasons for covid vaccine hesitation are fears about side effects, long-term health consequences, and the effectiveness of the vaccine, and mistrust of pharmaceutical corporations and government officials, according to a 2024 review of multiple studies, published in the journal Vaccines. Covid vaccine hesitancy in the 2024-25 virus season was higher among Latinos, African Americans, men, uninsured people, and people living in Republican-leaning states, CDC data shows. Latino adults were significantly less likely than adults from most other racial and ethnic groups to get a covid shot last season, with a vaccination rate around 15%. Some of that may be due to age: A disproportionate share of Latinos are young. But public policy actions may also be a factor. The first Trump administration, for example, tied Medicaid to "public charge," a rule allowing the federal government to deny an immigrant a green card or visa based on their dependence on taxpayer-funded programs. Some Latinos may be afraid to sign up for social services even after the Biden administration reversed those first-term Trump actions. Haro-Ramos co-authored a study published in 2024 that found many Latinos were hesitant to get vaccinated because of fears about their immigration status, and that experiencing health discrimination, like care denials or delays, increased their vaccine hesitancy. "Do you trust the health care system, broadly speaking? Do you want to provide your information your name, your address?" Haro-Ramos said. "Trust is critical." Haro-Ramos said the problem has likely worsened since her study was published. The Trump administration revealed this summer that it would give the personal information of Medicaid enrollees to Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Many Latinos are canceling doctor appointments to head off possible confrontation with immigration enforcement officials. "People are avoiding leaving their homes at all costs," Haro-Ramos said. Janani Rajbhandari-Thapa, an associate professor at the University of Georgia College of Public Health, recently co-authored a study of covid vaccination among nearly 1,500 African Americans living in south Georgia. The study found that participants were more likely to listen to their health care providers than faith leaders or co-workers when seeking advice on getting vaccinated. More than 90% of those studied had received at least one dose of the vaccine, but those who were unvaccinated were more likely to agree with false statements that tied vaccines to miscarriages, to components' remaining in the body for a long time, or even to the conspiracy that they implant a computer chip in the body. "It's the clinicians who can take the messages about vaccination that these are myths," Rajbhandari-Thapa said. Even though covid hospitalization and death rates have fallen dramatically since the worst days of the pandemic, fatal complications related to covid remain most common among older people. Around 89% of U.S. covid deaths last year were among people 65 and older, compared with about 81% of flu and pneumonia deaths. As the pandemic falls into the rearview, young people have developed a sense of invincibility. Only 11% of Americans ages 18 to 29 received a vaccine during the 2024-25 virus season, the lowest vaccination rate among adult age groups. That's far below the 70% of young adults who got at least one dose of the initial covid vaccines by November 2023. While many people get covid after receiving a covid shot, because the vaccine's ability to prevent infection wears off pretty fast, some misunderstand the purpose of the shot, said Otto Yang, an infectious disease specialist at UCLA Health. "They think, 'Well, the vaccine didn't prevent me from getting covid, so the vaccine didn't work,'" Yang said. "And what they're not seeing is that the vaccine prevented them from getting severely ill, which is ultimately the most important thing." And the vaccine can help prevent long covid, which is a problem for all ages, Yang said. A recent Northwestern University study found that younger adults suffer worse symptoms of long covid than older adults. Ultimately, Yang said, it is not a consistent choice to get a flu vaccine but forgo a covid vaccine, since both are safe, effective, and prevent serious illness. It is clear, he added, that people with compromised immune systems and those at higher risk should get a covid shot. The decision is "a little bit less clear" for others, but "probably most adults should be getting vaccinated, just like it's recommended for the flu vaccine, as well as most children." The University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center today launches its historic $2.5 billion comprehensive philanthropic campaign, Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer. The campaign represents the largest fundraising effort in MD Anderson's 84-year history, bringing together philanthropic support from around the world to advance the institution's mission to end cancer. Initial donor support already has raised $1.9 billion toward the campaign goal. We are in an era of cancer care and research like no other - when the possibility to end cancer is achievable at MD Anderson. Together, we are pushing the frontiers of scientific discoveries, advancing new treatments for patients with cancer and creating hope and opportunity for humanity." Peter WT Pisters, M.D., President of MD Anderson Only Possible Here, The Campaign to End Cancer Based on the institution's Strategy, the campaign centers on three focus areas - expand reach, expedite breakthroughs and elevate the patient experience - with a goal to end cancer. Under these focus areas, the institution has identified strategic priorities supported by the campaign and key to accomplishing its goals. These signature priorities include: MD Anderson's expansion to Austin Breaking ground in 2026, this campus will bring MD Anderson's world-renowned, comprehensive cancer care to patients in Austin and the Central Texas region. Cancer Neuroscience Program Leading a first-of-its-kind program at the intersection of oncology and neuroscience to decipher how cancer hijacks and impairs the nervous system, and to pioneer transformative treatments that ensure patients survive and thrive. Institute for Cell Therapy Discovery & Innovation The institute fuels the creation of breakthrough cell therapies that can be readily adapted to address emerging needs, specifically focusing on chimeric antigen receptor natural killer cell (CAR NK) therapy. Institute for Data Science in Oncology The institute seeks to decrypt the vast amount of patient and disease data collected at MD Anderson by using state-of-the-art tools and techniques such as artificial intelligence (AI) to find unseen patterns, to derive meaningful information and to inform action and discovery. James P. Allison Institute The institute seeks to bring the benefits of immunotherapy to all patients by building on the groundbreaking discoveries of immunologist and Nobel laureate James P. Allison, Ph.D., and to enable rapid translation of breakthroughs into new therapies and combinations to be evaluated in clinical trials at MD Anderson. Kinder Children's Cancer Center, a joint venture of UT MD Anderson and Texas Children's Launching in spring 2026, this groundbreaking effort has a single bold purpose: to end childhood cancer by combining the world-class expertise of both institutions to accelerate cures and provide specialized care in a purpose-built facility. Meyers Institute for Oncology Nursing This first-of-its-kind institute supports and develops nurses throughout their careers by providing educational, professional and wellness-based resources tailored to oncology nurses and nurse scientists. Blueprint for Impact This purposefully designed master facilities plan optimizes MD Anderson's ability to navigate a dynamic market and embrace health care delivery models of the future. Of note, this includes the new Patient Care Building 1, which will span 1.8 million square feet and will significantly increase MD Anderson's outpatient and inpatient capacity, allowing for more advanced and personalized care and the integration of art and architecture to improve the patient experience. Patient Navigation In what will be the nation's largest oncology patient navigation program, all patients receive an oncology nurse navigator throughout the continuum of care, from the first point of contact to survivorship and post-treatment care. "This campaign presents an opportunity for anyone to become involved in the world's most important and impactful effort to end cancer," said Clarence P. Cazalot, Jr., campaign chair and former chair of the MD Anderson Cancer Center Board of Visitors (BOV). "MD Anderson has an unparalleled track record of life-saving discoveries and therapies, a world-class team and a compelling, unmatched set of signature priorities with the potential to transform cancer detection, treatment and clinical care." Special evening features heartfelt patient testimonials, surprise musical performance Tonight, MD Anderson celebrates the launch of the public phase of the campaign at a star-studded celebration. The evening's festivities will be emceed by award-winning musician and radio-television host, John Tesh, who also is a cancer survivor and MD Anderson patient. The event will feature remarks from MD Anderson leaders, faculty, patients and special guests, including a surprise performance by legendary musician Willie Nelson and his son Micah Nelson for the 750 supporters in attendance. "Whether you contribute your time, your talent or your treasure, you are helping MD Anderson transform cancer care and ultimately save more lives," said James L. Gallogly, chair of the BOV. "MD Anderson is Making Cancer History in Texas, across the nation and around the world." The stereotypical image of psychotherapy shows a patient lying on a couch, exploring their deepest traumas. This leads to awareness of unconscious habits, thoughts, and drives and has long been a cornerstone of psychotherapy. However, the cognitive processes underlying the new awareness that emerges-what's actually happening in the patient's brain on that couch-remain a mystery. "Part of the problem with psychotherapy is that we haven't had good insights into the mechanistic problems," said Jaan Aru, an associate professor at the University of Tartu, in an interview with the Observer. "So, it's very hard to design a therapy." In a 2025 paper in Perspectives on Psychological Science, Aru and Nick Kabrel, Aru's graduate student at the University of Zurich, wrote that becoming aware of unrecognized psychological and behavioral challenges is the most crucial mechanism in conversation-based psychotherapy. Furthermore, they argue that becoming aware can be best framed as a process that expands one's cognitive map and changes the way one navigates through the mind. This framework also provides a testable theory about the neural correlates behind successful psychotherapy. Kabrel came to this theory through personal experience. He noticed how a therapist's questions could prompt him to search through his memories and beliefs, and the introspection was surprisingly powerful. He wondered what was happening in his brain in those moments and noticed something that sparked his interest. "When I search through memory or search in my mind, it always feels as if I am navigating in some kind of environment," he said. As he looked into this idea of mental navigation, he realized he was not alone. In a 2024 paper, he and Aru showed that patients and therapists used more spatial language-such as "this is unexplored territory" or "I'm going in circles"-during psychotherapy sessions than during everyday conversation. In the new paper, Aru and Kabrel proposed a framework based on how individuals construct their internal worlds in the form of cognitive maps: structured representations of phenomena like objects, concepts, people, and memories, and the relationships among them. Research revealing how the brain represents three-dimensional space helped inspire how this navigation may occur in the brain (O'Keefe and Dostrovsky, 1971; Hafting, 2005). In the hippocampus, place cells fire when animals are in a specific location, while the entorhinal cortex's grid cells act like a coordinate map. More recent research revealed these cells also encode abstract concepts, such as time, sound, social hierarchies, and word meanings (MacDonald, 2011; Aronov, 2017; Park, 2021; Solomon, 2019; Vigano, 2021). "The brain is highly likely to make use of this mapping system in these other domains, too," Aru said. This idea of mental navigation could be a very general framework to understand thinking and abstract cognition." Jaan Aru, Associate Professor, University of Tartu Framing introspection in this way may help people realize that changing the way they navigate through their thoughts could help them out of a pathological way of thinking. For example, someone suffering from depression might think they are flawed, and any interaction with someone else that ends negatively will be interpreted as their fault because of these perceived flaws. As they continue to view the world through this same negative lens, this thought pattern gets reinforced. It's analogous to hiking through a forest: The more a path is used, the wider it gets and the more likely it is to be used again. But a therapist helping them see a different interpretation-a different navigational route-may allow them to reframe their thoughts and not see everything as their fault. Kabrel recommends a psychotherapist say something like, "This is the place where we are stuck. We come back here every time, but we need to expand this." Aru thinks this idea is not just for people with mental illness, but for everyone. "Often the problem is that people have very narrow maps, very narrow ways of thinking. And it's a very general problem," he said. "Our goal as a society could be to expand the way people actually think." On a smaller scale, the goal of the paper is to encourage psychological scientists and neuroscientists to design experiments to test this new framework and the possible neural correlates involved. In the meantime, Aru knows that some scientists may be doubtful. "It's completely understandable if there are scientists who would say, 'Oh, you're stretching it too far. How do you know that it's really related to grid cells?'" he explained. "For me, this is the fun thing about science. You can try to make these links, and sometimes these links are actually there. Then suddenly we might be understanding something that we previously didn't, and we might be expanding our own mental maps with that." A University of Massachusetts Amherst study has found that gerrymandering in North Carolina resulted in reduced access to healthcare services. As states across the country grapple with politically charged redistricting efforts, the finding could ultimately offer a new strategy to fight gerrymandering in the courts, the researchers say. "Access to healthcare should not be dependent on which party is in power," says Auden Cote-L'Heureux, lead author of the paper published Nov. 13 in the American Journal of Public Health, which also issued an editorial piece on the research. "Healthcare should be protected from political whims." Cote-L'Heureux, a recent UMass Amherst graduate now studying for a master's degree at the University of Bonn in Germany, carried out the research with senior author David Chin, assistant professor of health policy and management in the School of Public Health and Health Sciences. They analyzed electoral, demographic and health center data to examine how gerrymandering may affect access to a federally qualified health center (FQHC), which provides primary and preventive healthcare services regardless of the ability to pay. Redistricting is the constitutionally mandated practice of redrawing electoral districts as populations shift to ensure equal representation in the federal House of Representatives and state legislative bodies. Gerrymandering, on the other hand, is the redrawing of electoral districts to benefit a political party or candidate; the current Supreme Court has made gerrymandering difficult to litigate successfully, except in particular cases where it violates the Voting Rights Act. "This is perhaps not the first, but I think the most rigorous assessment of this simple question does this representation [created by gerrymandering] translate into either good or harm?" says Chin. "You can use publicly available data to infer political determinants of health." The researchers examined ZIP codes as a proxy for communities. A ZIP code split between two or more legislative districts was considered highly gerrymandered, whereas a ZIP code that lies entirely or mostly within a single district is generally less gerrymandered. The researchers also used recently developed techniques that allowed them to determine the degree to which each individual voter is artificially "dislocated" from like-minded voters, another way of measuring gerrymandering. We find that ZIP codes that were more gerrymandered between 2004 and 2022 had fewer federally qualified health centers in 2022 and were less likely to gain health centers between 2004 and 2022. In addition, those communities had fewer patients visiting those health centers in 2022." Auden Cote-L'Heureux, lead author of the paper The researchers noted that residents in communities split evenly between two state senate districts during the 18-year period had to travel about 30% farther to their nearest FQHC in 2022 than individuals in communities lying entirely within a single district. Greater gerrymandering severity of state senate districts was linked with up to a 29% reduction in the number of FQHCs. "These findings are consistent with the hypothesis that gerrymandering weakens local political representation and can lead to reduced access to vital healthcare services - a structural issue with far-reaching implications for health equity and national policy reform," the researchers wrote. Cote-L'Heureux notes that the Supreme Court ruled in 2019 that partisan gerrymandering - gerrymandering to favor a party - cannot be contested in the federal courts because it constitutes a "non-justiciable political question." Chin and Cote-L'Heureux say their findings could offer a potentially legally sound way to contest gerrymandering. "There hasn't been a compelling argument in our current Supreme Court's opinion as to how to measure gerrymandering's harm, and our research provides a way of measuring its harm," Cote-L'Heureux says. Chin agrees. "This is a pretty clear illustration of the relationship between political representation as it translates to individuals receiving healthcare at FQHCs," Chin says. "We have laid the groundwork, the empirical pieces, for people who are interested in this." Interactive Map: https://audencote.github.io/NCInteractiveMap/ Click on each county to see the amount that each ZIP code in North Carolina is gerrymandered by current state House districts, according to the partisan dislocation metric. Blue indicates gerrymandering in favor of Democrats, and red in favor of Republicans. 114-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka dies Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:27 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bengaluru, Nov 14 (PTI) Padma Shri awardee and environmentalist Saalumarada Thimmakka passed away at a private hospital here on Friday. The 114-year-old was ailing for quite some time and was hospitalised for treatment where she breathed her last, her family sources said. Recommended Stories Born on June 30, 1911, Thimmakka earned the fame Saalumarada after she planted 385 banyan trees all along the 4.5 km stretch between Hulikal and Kudur in Ramanagara headquartered Bengaluru South district. With no formal education, Thimmakka started the plantation campaign as she treated them as her children to fill the void in life for being childless. For her work, she received 12 awards, including Padma Shri in 2019, Nadoja award by the Hampi University (2010), National Citizen Award (1995) and Indira Priyadarshini Vrikshamitra award (1997). In his condolence message, Chief Minister Siddaramaiah said, I am deeply saddened to hear the news of the demise of Salumarada Thimmakka. Thimmakka, who planted thousands of trees and nurtured them like her own children, dedicated most of her life to environmental conservation." He said even though Thimmakka had left for the heavenly abode, her love for the environment has made her immortal. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The region has become poorer with the demise of Thimmakka, the CM added. Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda, his son and Union Minister H D Kumaraswamy, Deputy Chief Minister D K Shivakumar, former Chief Minister B S Yediyurappa, Karnataka ministers, MPs and MLAs and several political leaders have mourned the demise of Thimmakka. PTI GMS GMS KH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:27 IST News agency-feeds 114-year-old Padma Shri awardee Saalumarada Thimmakka dies Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 2 members of Tillu Tajpuria gang arrested in Delhi's Dwarka Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:27 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Two alleged members of the Tillu Tajpuria gang were arrested in southwest Delhis Dwarka, allegedly while planning to eliminate a target, police said on Friday. According to the police, Parth (22) and Vikrant (21), both residents of Ambrahi village, had recently joined the gang and were allegedly working on the instructions of Amit alias Dabang, a key member who ordered the killing. Recommended Stories The accused used an encrypted application to communicate with the gang, they said. The police said they received information in the early hours of November 5 that some youths from Ambrahi village had recently been recruited by the gang and were in possession of illegal weapons. Acting on the tip-off, a team intercepted Parth near Dhulsiras Chowk and recovered a pistol with a live cartridge, a mobile phone with the Zangi app allegedly used for gang communication, and a motorcycle found to be stolen from the Dwarka South area," Deputy Commissioner of Police (Dwarka) Ankit Singh said. Officials said Parth was arrested, and a case was registered. Based on his disclosure, the police apprehended Vikrant on November 7 near Ambrahi village, recovering another pistol and two live cartridges from his possession, they added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all During the interrogation, Parth revealed that he had personal enmity with some people in his village and had approached the gang for support. The gang provided him with weapons and cash and asked him to recruit more youths. Vikrant, who worked as a cleaner, joined him for easy money, the police said. Further investigation is underway. PTI SSJ ANM SSJ ANM ANM Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:27 IST News agency-feeds 2 members of Tillu Tajpuria gang arrested in Delhi's Dwarka Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 4 Taliban militants arrested in Islamabad suicide attack case: Pak govt Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 17:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad, Nov 14 (PTI) Pakistan on Friday said that security agencies have arrested four militants belonging to the banned Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) for their involvement in a suicide attack outside a court in Islamabad. At least 12 people were killed and 36 others injured on Tuesday when a suicide bomber detonated his explosives near the entrance of the Islamabad District Judicial Complex in the G-11 area of the capital. Recommended Stories In a statement on social media, the government said that four militants were arrested in a joint operation conducted by the Intelligence Bureau Division and the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD). During the investigation, the handler of the suicide bomber, identified as Sajidullah alias Sheena, confessed that TTP Commander Saeedur Rehman alias Daadullah contacted him through the Telegram app to carry out a suicide attack in Islamabad to cause maximum casualties of law enforcement agencies, Dawn reported, citing the statement. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all A day earlier, Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi said that the suicide bomber involved in the deadly Islamabad bombing was an Afghan national. Naqvi said that authorities have identified the attackers as well as those involved in the Islamabad bombing. PTI ZH ZH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 17:12 IST News agency-feeds 4 Taliban militants arrested in Islamabad suicide attack case: Pak govt Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Adani Group to invest Rs 63,000 cr in two major power projects in Assam Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 13:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) The Adani Group will invest about Rs 63,000 crore in Assam to build major power projects, including the Northeasts largest private coal-fired plant, and new pumped-storage facilities. In a statement, the conglomerate run by billionaire Gautam Adani said its energy companies have received Letters of Award from the state government for two large power projects in Assam. Recommended Stories Adani Power Ltd will put in roughly Rs 48,000 crore to build a 3,200 MW greenfield ultra-super-critical thermal plant under the Design, Build, Finance, Own and Operate (DBFOO) model. The company won the project with a tariff bid of Rs 6.30 per kWh (per unit) and has secured coal linkage under the Centres SHAKTI policy. The plant will be commissioned in phases from December 2030 and is expected to generate 20,00025,000 jobs during construction and about 3,500 in operations. Adani Green Energy Ltd, the groups renewable energy company, will invest around Rs 15,000 crore in two Pumped Storage Projects (PSPs) with a combined capacity of 2,700 MW. It has also received an LoA for 500 MW of storage capacity that will be served through these PSPs. The group said total employment during the project phase across both investments would be about 30,000. It described the developments as the largest private-sector investment in the Northeast and aligned with chairman Gautam Adanis earlier pledge to invest Rs 50,000 crore in the region. Adani said the projects would boost Assams energy security, industrial growth and grid resilience. The thermal project has approvals from the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission, and a power supply agreement with APDCL is expected to follow. Adani Power Ltd (APL), Indias largest private sector power generator, will invest Rs 48,000 crore to set up a 3,200 MW greenfield ultra super critical power plant in Assam. Separately, Adani Green Energy, Indias largest renewable energy company, intends to invest Rs 15,000 crore, to set up two PSP in the state with a combined capacity of 2,700 MW," the statement said. The 3,200 coal-fired plant, which will be commissioned in a phased manner from December 2030, will enhance Assams energy infrastructure, supporting its growing industrial and household needs with reliable and efficient power. This facility is designed to set new benchmarks in environmental stewardship, leveraging modern technology to minimise emissions and maximise operational efficiency," the statement said. APL has received the requisite approvals from the Assam Electricity Regulatory Commission and the Power Supply Agreement (PSA) with APDCL (Assam Power Distribution Company Ltd) is expected to be executed in due course. The firm is implementing Indias largest private sector capex programme to secure the nations growing base load demand. It has a current operating capacity of 18.15 GW from 12 thermal power plants and one solar plant and is aiming to achieve an overall generation capacity of 42 GW by 2031-32. The pump-storage project will introduce cutting-edge solutions for energy storage, grid stability and managing electricity demand during peak times, thus ensuring a sustainable and resilient supply of electricity. It will play a crucial role in integrating renewable energy sources, supporting Assams journey toward a greener future, the statement said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The North-East is emerging as a vital frontier in Indias growth story," said Gautam Adani, Chairman of the Adani Group, and we are proud to contribute to its transformation. Our 3,200 MW thermal power project and 2,700 MW PSP projects in Assam collectively represent not only the largest private sector investment in the region but also firm steps toward energy security, industrial development and job creation. These projects will not only energize Assam but also catalyse progress across the entire northeastern corridor." PTI ANZ DR DR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 13:12 IST News agency-feeds Adani Group to invest Rs 63,000 cr in two major power projects in Assam Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Beed police review law and order situation head of civic polls Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:42 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Beed, Nov 14 (PTI) Police authorities in Beed reviewed the districts law and order situation in view of the upcoming local body polls, an official said on Friday. The meeting was held on Thursday at Beed city police station and was attended by citizens, peace committee members and political leaders, he added. Recommended Stories During the meeting, information was provided about QR codes, helpline numbers and digital platforms introduced by Superintendent of Police Navneet Kanwat for lodging complaints. Beed Sub-Divisional Police Officer Pooja Pawar told those who took part in the meeting that stringent legal action will be taken against anyone attempting to disrupt the election process or create disorder," the official added. PTI COR BNM Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:42 IST News agency-feeds Beed police review law and order situation head of civic polls Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tour guide escapes death after being strangled by 6-meter python Video footage shows an Indonesian tour guide being strangled by a 6-meter-long python on Borneo Island. A tour guide in Indonesia was rescued after a 6-meter python dragged him into a river and wrapped around his neck. He discovered the massive python on the riverbank while leading tourists through a waterway on Borneo Island, New York Post reported. A video footage that recently went viral on social media shows him sitting at the edge of the boat and reaching into the water to grasp the snake's head. Suddenly the python pulled him into the water, causing him to fall overboard. After resurfacing he thrashed desperately, but the snake quickly coiled around his torso, constricting his arms and neck. Fellow tourists immediately jumped in to help and eventually freed him by seizing the snakes head and tail, Daily Mail reported. He sustained no serious injuries. The group later lifted the python onto the boat, took photographs, and released it back into the wild. Mohammad Alisa, who filmed the incident, stated, "It was the largest and strongest snake weve ever seen." A few months earlier, an 8.5-meter-long python reportedly swallowed a man alive in Indonesia. Borneo Island is home to various python species, including the short-tailed python and reticulated python. These non-venomous snakes inhabit wetlands, forests, and riverbanks, hunting by constricting prey. They occasionally venture into human settlements in search of food. Chinese astronauts stranded after debris hit spacecraft return to earth safely Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Beijing, Nov 14 (PTI) Three Chinese astronauts, who aborted their departure home after their spacecraft was hit by debris, returned to earth safely on Friday. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said. Recommended Stories They were scheduled to return on November 5, but their journey was postponed at the last minute after small" space debris hit the station, according to CMSA. Official media earlier reported that the crew was unable to return on their own spacecraft after tiny cracks were found in the porthole of the Shenzhou-20s return capsule damage that was likely caused by the debris impact. The incident, the first since the space station was launched in 2011, sparked concerns here as the station was built to accommodate three astronauts. China rotates the crew at the station every six months. The Shenzhou-21 spaceship undocked from the space station combination and the return capsule touched down at 4:40 p m Beijing time at the Dongfeng landing site in north Chinas Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, CMSA said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The astronauts are all in good health. They had spent 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest in-orbit stay among Chinese astronauts, the CMSA added. China built its space station after it was reportedly excluded from the International Space Station (ISS) over concerns that Chinas space programme is manned by its military, the Peoples Liberation Army (PLA). PTI KJV RD RD Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:12 IST News agency-feeds Chinese astronauts stranded after debris hit spacecraft return to earth safely Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi court sends realtor to 14-day ED custody in PMAY scam case Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:27 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) A Delhi court on Friday allowed the ED 14 days custody of Gurugram builder and director of the Ocean Seven Buildtech Pvt Ltd (OSBPL), Swaraj Singh Yadav, in an alleged money-laundering case. Yadav was produced at the residence of Additional Sessions Judge Shefali Barnala Tandon around 2:25 am on Friday after being arrested in a money-laundering case linked to allotments made under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), the Union governments flagship scheme. Recommended Stories The agency said he was brought to the judges residence at the odd hour" because of the directions of the constitutional courts mandating an arrestees production within 24 hours. PMAY was launched on June 25, 2015, to provide pucca houses to all eligible urban households by 2022, when the nation completed 75 years of its independence. Special Public Prosecutor Simon Benjamin said that the builder was allegedly involved in the cancellation of PMAY flats (originally priced at Rs 26.5 lakh) allotments and reselling them at double the price, ranging from Rs 40-50 lakh. The prosecutor also alleged that Yadav had been involved in duping over thousands of home buyers across locations, including Mumbai, Jaipur and Gurugram. He said the accused withdrew funds from his companys escrow account (account managed by a third party that holds funds) and transferred them to some associated companies. The agency further alleged that the realtor diverted Rs 222 crore for purchasing personal assets, including real estate. Noting the submissions, the court said, The perusal of grounds of arrest reveals that there exists a grave apprehension that arrestee Swaraj Singh Yadav may attempt to abscond and evade criminal proceedings and financial liabilities." It said the overseas residence of his immediate family members and the reported diversion of funds abroad substantially increase the accuseds flight risk. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court noted that the custodial interrogation of the realtor was necessary for further investigation in the case to establish his active role in the commission of the offence of money laundering." It said, By way of present application, investigating officer (IO) seeks 14 days ED custody of the arrestee for interrogation to ascertain the role of other alleged/suspected/ beneficiary/ accomplice persons involved in the above said laundering of proceeds of crime and also to unearth the further proceeds of crime." Noting the EDs plea, the court said his custodial interrogation was also needed to reveal crucial evidence related to the proceeds of crime and other persons involved, besides identifying the complete modus operandi of the offence. ED is granted 14 days custody of the arrestee till November 28," the court said. PTI SKM MNR MNR MNK MNK Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:27 IST News agency-feeds Delhi court sends realtor to 14-day ED custody in PMAY scam case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Dhami visits ancestral village with mother Last Updated: November 15, 2025, 00:42 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Dehradun, Nov 14 (PTI) Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami visited his ancestral village, Tundi-Baramon, in Pithoragarh district, with his mother on Friday. During his stay, he met people in the village and offered prayers at the village temple. Recommended Stories Sharing his experience on social media, Dhami said that arriving in the village with his mother was a very emotional moment for him". This is the land where I spent my childhood, went to school for the first time, and where the rich shade of village affection, culture, and traditions shaped my personality." he posted on X. Dhami said the affectionate blessings of the elders and the immense love of his mother filled his heart with emotions. Many elders still call me by my childhood name. This feeling of belonging is difficult to describe." The smiles of the children and young people brought back to life all the memories that taught me values and inspired me to move forward, the chief minister said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all every face felt like his own, every courtyard was filled with memories, and every step felt like a walk through the streets of his childhood," Dhami said, adding that Tundi-Baramou was not just a village for him, but his roots, values, and identity. Your affection is my strength, inspiration, and responsibility. This day will always be etched in my heart. Your love and trust are my greatest assets, which will continue to guide me at every step." PTI DPT SKY SKY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 15, 2025, 00:42 IST News agency-feeds Dhami visits ancestral village with mother Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Edvia: Explore the World's Top Universities - Effortlessly Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) PNNGurugram (Haryana) [India], November 14: Being a student with the dream of studying abroad is not easy. Theres plenty of advice, confusion, and uncertainty, and when students cant find a clear path forward, it becomes overwhelming.The Problem Every Student FacesStudents aspiring to study abroad often find themselves asking:* Can I trust anyone?* Am I even eligible to study abroad?* Will someone charge me extra money?These were the same questions Mr. Daljeet Sandhu frequently heard while speaking with students. Determined to end this struggle once and for all, he created Edvia, a platform designed to guide students through every step of their study abroad journey, right from the comfort of their homes.Everything Is Fully TransparentEdvia understands the value of time and money. Thats why transparency is built into every stage of the study abroad application process.1) Keeps you informed about your application status2) Provides complete details about scholarships3) No hidden fees, everMeet Edvias AI Course FinderEdvias AI Course Finder makes the search for your dream university and program effortless. Within seconds, it matches your academic profile with data from 850+ universities worldwide, giving you the best options that suit your background and goals.Its not just a feature, its a bridge between students and their dreams.With a single click, you gain access to multiple tools designed to simplify your study abroad experience and eliminate confusion.Features That Make It Even BetterWhile Edvia offers a range of smart tools, two standout features make it even more powerful:1) 247 Chatbot Assistance:The chatbot provides instant answers to your questions anytime, anywhere. Whether its about course selection, applications, or scholarships, Edvias chatbot responds quickly and efficiently.2) Global Search Option:Type in any keyword, and the global search engine pulls results from multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, and New Zealand giving you a wide range of choices to explore and compare.Why Students Trust EdviaTrust comes from clarity. Studying abroad is a major investment of both time and money, and students deserve to know exactly where every penny goes.With Edvia, students can track their application status in real-time while enjoying complete financial transparency from tuition fees to visa requirements. This visibility builds confidence and eliminates the anxiety that often accompanies traditional study abroad applications. Why Students Love ItFor most students, applying abroad is an emotional and financial commitment. One wrong move can change everything.Edvia ensures that doesnt happen.It helps students:* Choose courses tailored to their goals* Access genuine scholarships* Experience fast, transparent, and smooth processingUnlike conventional consultancies driven by commissions, Edvia offers unbiased, student-first guidance backed by years of expertise in the study abroad sector.Vision: Global Education for AllEdvias mission is to make global education accessible and seamless for every student, regardless of their background or financial condition.Too many students give up on their dreams because they cant afford expensive consultants. Edvia bridges that gap by providing free access to its AI tools, empowering every learner to turn aspirations into reality.It connects students, universities, and opportunities, creating a truly inclusive education ecosystem.The Future Is HereWe live in the era of Artificial Intelligence, where everything, from food delivery to transportation, is optimised through technology. So why should your career journey be any different?Edvia.ai offers smart AI-driven study abroad assistance, guiding you at every step, from university selection to application success.With just a few clicks from the comfort of your home, you can build a bright and confident future.Try Edvia today, and let AI power your global dreams.(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:57 IST News agency-feeds Edvia: Explore the World's Top Universities - Effortlessly Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Five killed as car breaks expressway barrier, falls into ditch in MP Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 13:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ratlam/Indore, Nov 14 (PTI) Five persons were killed after a speeding car veered out of control, crashed through the barrier on an expressway, and fell into a ditch in Madhya Pradeshs Ratlam district on Friday, police said. The accident occurred in the morning on the eight-lane Delhi-Mumbai Expressway in the Rawti police station area, about 30 km from the district headquarters, Superintendent of Police Amit Kumar told PTI. Recommended Stories The car was heading towards Mumbai from Delhi. The vehicle broke the expressway barrier after the driver lost control and plunged into a ditch," he said. The official said the vehicle appears to have been speeding as it smashed a strong aluminium barrier before hitting the ditch. Five people, including a 15-year-old boy and a 70-year-old man, were killed in the crash, he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We suspect the driver may have dozed off at the wheel, causing the accident," Kumar said. Bodies were retrieved from the ditch and sent for post-mortem, and a detailed investigation is underway, he added. PTI HWP LAL ARU Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 13:57 IST News agency-feeds Five killed as car breaks expressway barrier, falls into ditch in MP Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Former TTD official found dead on railway track in Andhra Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Anantapur (Andhra Pradesh), Nov 14 (PTI) A government official, who worked with TTD and reported a cash offerings theft at the Tirupati temple, was found dead under suspicious circumstances in the district on Friday, police said. Anantapur district Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) Rohit Kumar Choudhary said that the body of Satish Kumar was found on the railway tracks and was shifted to the Government General Hospital for a post-mortem. Recommended Stories The circumstances surrounding Satish Kumars death remain unclear at this stage, and the identity is also yet to be ascertained," Choudhary told PTI, noting that investigators are awaiting forensic examination results to determine if there was any foul play. Police received information at around 11 am when railway workers discovered the body during routine maintenance work and immediately alerted Government Railway Police officials. Incidentally, Satish Kumar had filed a complaint against Ravi Kumar for allegedly stealing from the Tirupati temples cash (offerings) counting centre, known as Parakamani. Satish Kumar was regarded as a key officer in the Parakamani theft case at the Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple in Tirumala. He had filed a complaint in April 2023 against senior assistant Ravi Kumar, alleging that he had stolen money during the counting of cash offerings received by the deity. At that time, Satish Kumar was working in the Parakamani section and reportedly caught Ravi Kumar misappropriating money from the offerings, which led to a major investigation under the TDP-led government. Meanwhile, Satish Kumars death has sparked a verbal volley between ruling TDP and opposition YSRCP leaders. TDP spokesperson Pattabhi Ram Kommareddy alleged that Satish Kumar had faced threats to withdraw his complaint. Kommareddy said that Satish Kumar had been summoned by a Special Investigation Team (SIT) for questioning today, but was ultimately found dead on a railway track. He questioned claims of suicide, pointing to alleged injuries on Satish Kumars face and hinting that he may have been assaulted. Reacting to Satish Kumars death, YSRCP senior leader Sake Sailajanath alleged that Satish Kumar had faced harassment from SIT officials and demanded a judicial probe. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He said that only an impartial judicial investigation could clarify the events surrounding the officers death, alleging that coercive questioning and escalating political accusations had distorted the circumstances. He also accused the NDA coalition government of turning the sacred TTD into a political theatre for its selfish agenda." PTI MS STH SSK ROH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:57 IST News agency-feeds Former TTD official found dead on railway track in Andhra Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... If the AI bubble does burst, taxpayers could end up with the bill Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 11:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bath, Nov 14 (The Conversation) You might not care very much about the prospect of the AI bubble bursting. Surely its just something for the tech bros of Silicon Valley to worry about or the wealthy investors who have spent billions of dollars funding development. But as a sector, AI may have become too big to fail. And just as they did after the financial crisis of 2008, taxpayers could be picking up the tab if it collapses. Recommended Stories The financial crisis proved to be very expensive. In the UK, the public cost of bailing out the banks was officially put at 23 billion pounds roughly equivalent to 700 pounds per taxpayer. In the US, taxpayers stumped up an estimated USD 498 billion (362 billion pounds). Today, the big AI firms are worth way more than banks, with a combined value exceeding 2 trillion pounds. Many of these companies are interconnected (or entangled) with each other through a complex web of deals and investments worth hundreds of billions of dollars. And despite a recent study which reports that 95 per cent of generative AI pilots at companies are failing, the public sector is not shy about getting involved. The UK government for example, has said it is going all in" on AI. It sees potential benefits in incorporating AI into education, defence and health. It wants to bring AI efficiency to court rooms and passport applications. So AI is being widely adopted in public services, with a level of integration which make it a critical feature of peoples day to day lives. And this is where it gets risky. Because the reason for bailing out the banks was that the entire financial system would collapse otherwise. And whether or not you agree with the bailout policy, it is hard to argue that banking is not a crucial part of modern society. Similarly, the more AI is integrated and entangled into every aspect of our lives, the more essential it becomes to everyone, like a banking system. And the companies which provide the AI capabilities become organisations that our lives depend upon. Imagine, for example, that your healthcare, your childs education and your personal finances all rely on a fictional AI company called Eh-Aye". That firm cannot be allowed to collapse, because too much depends on it and taxpayers would probably find themselves being on the hook if it got into financial difficulties. Bubble trouble - For the time being though, the money flowing in to AI shows little sign of slowing. Supporters insist that despite the failures, investment is critical. They argue that artificial general intelligence (AGI), the point at which AI acquires human-like cognitive capabilities, will vastly improve our lives. Others are less optimistic. Commentators including computer scientists Gary Marcus and Richard Sutton have cast doubts on the power of AI to become truly intelligent. In my own research, I highlight the limitations of large language models (LLMs) when it comes to reasoning. Similar conclusions have been drawn at other universities and even at tech company Apple. So perhaps the endless expansion of the AI bubble comes down to how strongly the AI pioneers believe in its future. Theyve gone pretty far with it, so maybe it makes sense for them to go all in, with a pragmatic kind of faith that keeps the bubble growing. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The trouble is that one tech billionaires act of faith could also be described as a gamble. And its a gamble they want everyone to join, with taxpayers money on the table. So if the gamble fails and the bubble bursts, who would bear the costs? Would the UK government cut funding from the NHS or siphon money from a cash strapped education sector? Would it bail out pension funds that had over-invested in AI? One thing is certain. The future being offered by AI firms is not guaranteed. Yet governments and businesses are worried they will miss out if they dont get on board and there are no safeguards in place to protect taxpayers from the fallout if things go wrong. (The Conversation) GRS GRS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 11:57 IST News agency-feeds If the AI bubble does burst, taxpayers could end up with the bill Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IMD issues cold wave warning for 11 Jharkhand districts till Nov 17 Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Ranchi, Nov 14 (PTI) The India Meteorological Department (IMD) on Friday issued a coldwave warning for 11 Jharkhand districts, including Ranchi, till November 17. The IMD has issued a yellow alert (be aware) for 11 districts Garhwa, Palamu, Chatra, Latehar, Lohardaga, Gumla, Simdega, Khunti, Ramgarh, Ranchi, and Hazaribag from 8:30 am on November 14 to 8:30 am on November 17. Recommended Stories The Ranchi IMD Deputy-Director and Weather Scientist Abhishek Anand said, The 11 districts are likely to experience a dip of 2-3 degree Celsius in minimum temperature, taking the temperature below 10 degree Celsius during the next three days." In the past 24 hours, some districts in north-western parts such as Chatra, Latehar, Palamu and Garhwa recorded minimum temperature below 10 degree Celsius, he said. Khunti was the coldest place in the state at 7 degree Celsius, followed by Daltonganj at 9.3 and Ranchi at 9.4 degree Celsius. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Jamshedpur recorded 12.6 degrees Celsius, Lohardaga 9.7 and Chaibasa recorded a minimum temperature of 13.6 degrees Celsius, the bulletin said. Dense fog is expected in the early morning hours, affecting visibility in both rural and urban areas of the state, the department said, urging people to remain cautious. PTI RPS RPS RG Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:57 IST News agency-feeds IMD issues cold wave warning for 11 Jharkhand districts till Nov 17 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India needs 86.11 million enrolments by 2035 to meet NEP target: Report Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:42 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) India needs 86.11 million enrolments by 2035, an 85 per cent increase from the current level, requiring a sustained 5.3 per cent compounded annual growth rate in higher education capacity, according to a new report. The report titled Continuous improvement journey of Higher Education Institutions: Approaches and Practices Shaping the Future of Learning" was published by Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and Grant Thornton Bharat. Recommended Stories To achieve the ambitious New National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 target of 50 pc in Gross Enrolment Ratio (GER) by 2035, Indias higher education system must accommodate approximately 86.11 million students- an 85 pc increase from its current levels. This translates to a sustained annual growth rate of around 5.3 pc over the next decade, a daunting challenge that necessitates a significant expansion in both student seats and faculty capacity," the report said. Traditional brick-and-mortar institutions will remain foundational, but they alone cannot meet this scale. Therefore, a differentiated approach is essential one that includes systemic adoption of technology-enabled, flexible learning pathways such as digital universities, virtual learning ecosystems and credit-based online programmes that extend access beyond physical campuses," it added. The findings are based on three focused roundtables with over ten universities in the northern region, complemented by secondary research and analysis, reflecting the lived experiences and priorities of higher education leaders navigating transformation on the ground. With nearly 40 pc of core job skills expected to evolve by 2030, employability is emerging as a deliberate design principle within higher education. Institutions are embedding micro-credentials, modular credits, and work-integrated learning, while leveraging AI-enabled assessments and industry partnerships," it said. As technology, globalisation, and learner expectations reshape the education landscape, HEIs are experimenting with innovatively enhancing academic flexibilities, improving stakeholder experience through participatory governance, policies and process revitalisation and workflow improvements and automation with technology playing an integral role both in academic and non-academic spheres," it said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The report underlines that the transformation of higher education in India is no longer a policy aspirationit is an operational imperative. As institutions further their journey of continuous improvement, the dialogue now is shifting from access only to also include scale and quality," it added. PTI GJS GJS HIG HIG Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:42 IST News agency-feeds India needs 86.11 million enrolments by 2035 to meet NEP target: Report Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... India negotiating trade pact with US, EU, others: Goyal Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Visakhapatnam, Nov 14 (PTI) Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal on Friday said India is negotiating free trade agreements at present with countries, including the US, European Union, New Zealand, Oman, Peru and Chile. He also said that the India Trade Promotion Organisation (ITPO) would be happy to join hands with the Andhra Pradesh government to develop a world class convention centre Andhra Mandapam here like Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi. Recommended Stories The minister added that lowering trade barriers globally will help promote free flow of goods, services and capital. India has already implemented free trade agreements with countries such as the UAE, Australia and four-nation European bloc EFTA. We are currently negotiating with the EU, US, Oman, New Zealand, Chile and Peru and many more wanting us to start negotiations," he said here at CII Partnership Summit 2025. To promote ease of doing business, he said the Centre has removed as many as 42,000 compliance requirements and abolished 1,500 laws. Later speaking at the event, Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said that he will provide land for the construction of a world class convention centre. Further, Goyal suggested steps to expand global cooperation. He suggested promoting two-way investments by lowering trade barriers and creating an open transparent environment that enables a free flow of goods, services and capital. The other suggestions include technology cooperation; and building a predictable policy framework to promote long term partnership. These remarks are important in the wake of growing protectionism globally. Goyal added that Indias trust-based diplomacy is reflected in its expanding network of Free Trade Agreements (FTAs). top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Meanwhile he laid the foundation stone for Drone City and Space City in Andhra Pradesh through virtual mode on the sidelines of the event along with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu. He said that India should be self-reliant in production of high-quality drones and the upcoming Drone City in Kurnool will help in that direction. PTI RR HVA Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST News agency-feeds India negotiating trade pact with US, EU, others: Goyal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NAIROBI, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Kenya on Thursday hosted a seminar to discuss the Chinese-proposed Global Development Initiative (GDI) and its pivotal role in promoting fair, inclusive, and green growth. The event, which was held in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital, brought together senior government officials, diplomats, representatives of multilateral agencies, scholars, and industry executives. Musalia Mudavadi, Kenyan prime cabinet secretary and cabinet secretary for Foreign and Diaspora Affairs, said the government has aligned itself with the GDI and its rallying call for a people-centered growth agenda. "Kenya believes in the vision and the objectives of this initiative, in particular the focus of providing a platform bringing together countries and other partners to share ideas in support of the realization of Agenda 2030," Mudavadi said in a speech read on his behalf by Lucy Kiruthu, deputy director-general for political and diplomatic affairs in the Ministry of Foreign and Diaspora Affairs. Mudavadi added that the GDI promotes inclusiveness in planning and in identifying priority projects in line with the evolving needs of developing countries across health, education, water, sanitation, and agriculture sectors. Chinese Ambassador to Kenya Guo Haiyan said that a spirit of consensus and cooperation was needed to help promote a fairer, more inclusive, and more sustainable global development in the face of rising uncertainties. The GDI, according to Guo, is a global public good that advances the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development while offering a solid foundation for strengthening cooperation among Global South countries. "The GDI advocates balanced development, calls for fair access to development opportunities and outcomes for different countries and groups," Guo said. Stephen Jackson, United Nations resident coordinator for Kenya, said that the GDI presents a counterforce to challenges facing humanity, including the climate crisis, hunger, geopolitical tensions, and the digital divide. "The GDI represents a timely, visionary, and necessary response to these challenges," Jackson said. It places people at the center of modernization and aligns closely with the 2030 Agenda's priorities of poverty eradication, food security, climate action, and equitable growth, he added. Editor: ZAD India, Saudi Arabia eye doubling textile trade; MoU likely soon Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 10:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi [India], November 14 (ANI) India and Saudi Arabia are close" to finalising an agreement to double the bilateral textile trade, with officials saying Riyadh is looking to scale up imports of Indias high-quality fabrics.The pact is in its final stages, with duty reductions and several other proposals currently under negotiation, sources in the Textile Ministry told ANI.India is the second-largest supplier (USD 517.5 million) to Saudi Arabias textile and apparel sector, capturing an 11.2 per cent share of Saudi Arabias total textile and apparel imports in 2024.We are trying to collaborate in such a way that trade goes beyond 20-25 percentage points. Riyadh wants to increase the import share from India. Mou will have a different type of collaboration," sources said.Both sides are exploring ways to raise Indias share through by collaborative programmes, duty reductions and product-specific partnerships.The MoU is almost in the last leg, and will be on a larger level with fashion shows, exhibitions and separate fairs. A Saudi delegation will also attend Bharat Tex," sources added.In 2024, Saudi Arabia imported USD 6.27 billion worth of textiles and apparel from across the world, with significant imports including apparel (65 per cent), fabrics (15 per cent), carpets (8 per cent) and made-ups (6 per cent), according to ITC Trade Map data. India, the second-largest supplier, exported USD 517.5 million worth of textiles to the Kingdom in 2024, while China remains its dominant supplier with a 46 per cent share.Saudi Arabia wants to increase its trade share with India because our fabric quality is very good," sources added. When asked about the timeline, the official said discussions are being streamlined very fast".A high-level Saudi delegation led by Vice Minister of Industry and Mineral Resources Khalil ibn Salamah met Indias Textile Secretary at Udyog Bhawan on Wednesday to advance cooperation in the sector. The meeting also explored Saudi investments in Indias ready-made garment sector and opportunities in handloom, handicrafts, and carpets, with both sides stressing sustainability, as per a statement by the Ministry of Textiles..The ministry highlighted the potential for deeper collaboration in man-made fibre (MMF) and technical textiles, areas where India is expanding rapidly and Saudi Arabia has an advantage as a petrochemical hub. (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 10:12 IST News agency-feeds India, Saudi Arabia eye doubling textile trade; MoU likely soon Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Japanese Envoy holds talks with Andhra CM on deepening ties with state Last Updated: November 15, 2025, 04:11 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Amaravati (Andhra Pradesh) [India], November 15 (ANI): Ambassador of Japan to India, Ono Keiichi, held talks with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on deepening Japan-Andhra Pradesh ties.Ono also congratulated Naidu on the successful hosting of the CII Partnership Summit 2025.In a post on X, he said, Congratulate on the successful hosting of the CII Partnership Summit 2025. Had a great follow-up meeting with Honble CM Mr N Chandrababu Naidu to deepen Japan-AP industrial ties."https://x.com/JapanAmbIndia/status/1989357464572301434?s=20Naidu said they discussed about exploring Andhra Pradeshs growing potential across key sectors.In a post on X, he said, Delighted to meet H.E. Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, to explore Andhra Pradeshs growing potential across key sectors, from building a strong supply-chain ecosystem for EVs and battery manufacturing to new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, shipbuilding, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). We also discussed deepening collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, drawing inspiration from Koyama, Japans pharma capital. I am pleased that 20 Japanese companies have joined us at the CII Partnership Summit in Vizag and expressed strong interest in Andhra Pradesh. Japans culture of precision and perfection is truly admirable, and we look forward to further strengthening this trusted partnership."https://x.com/ncbn/status/1989342437937135792?s=20Andhra Pradesh was placed at the centre of Indias next phase of growth as business leaders announced concrete plans for finance, skills and healthcare at the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Vizag.Sanjiv Bajaj, CMD of Bajaj Finserv, said the state was not just a state, it is a strategic growth engine for India," pointing to its coastline, infrastructure and governance as a gateway for trade, for technology and digital and tech innovation." He said a modern and inclusive financial system must keep pace with this growth and added that Bajaj Finserv looked forward to enabling every Andhraite in their own journey."He stated the company hoped to cover over 30 lakh Andhraites, individuals, small businesses disbursing over Rs15,000 crore just in this year alone, only in Andhra Pradesh." (ANI) Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 15, 2025, 04:11 IST News agency-feeds Japanese Envoy holds talks with Andhra CM on deepening ties with state Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jordan's king, Indonesia's leader hold talks on economic ties, Gaza Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 19:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Jakarta, Nov 14 (AP) Jordans king and Indonesias leader on Friday held talks as the two longtime friends agreed to strengthen military cooperation and economic ties between the two Muslim-majority nations. King Abdullah II and President Prabowo Subianto share a long-standing personal relationship as alumni of the US Fort Benning military academy that dates to 1995 when both were still serving as military officers in their respective countries. Recommended Stories Three years later, Subianto sought self-exile in Jordan amid allegations of his involvement in the 1998 abductions of political activists during the dark days of Indonesias military dictatorship. Despite his stateless status at the time, he was welcomed by then monarch King Hussein, Abdullahs father. Subianto lived in Amman for several years before returning home in 2008. Abdullahs state visit to Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country and Southeast Asias largest economy, was the fourth stop on his tour to Asian nations that includes Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Pakistan. Abdullah received a warm welcome in Indonesias capital, Jakarta, with his royal plane escorted by two fighter jets. He was welcomed on the tarmac by Subianto at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. The king rode with Subianto in a motorcade to the Merdeka palace, where the two leaders held talks. I have an emotional bond with Jordan, His Royal, His Majesty and (then) His Majesty King Hussein who kindly received me 27 years ago that was how close we are," Subianto said before the meeting, Please consider Indonesia your second home and Indonesia respects you highly." We want to work closely with you," he said. In a rare gesture, Subianto invited Abdullah to dinner at his private residence in South Jakarta, not a formal state banquet in the presidential palace as visiting heads of state are usually granted. It was a reflection of the personal connection between the two leaders. I am proud and honoured to be here, proud and honoured to call you my old friend," Abdullah said. I know that in the discussions that were having tonight and tomorrow, there are many new opportunities to strengthen the bond between Indonesia and Jordan." When Subianto visited Jordan in April, months after his inauguration as Indonesian president, the king drove a vehicle with Subianto seated beside him in the front passenger seat and took him to his hotel. During his two-day visit to Indonesia, Abdullah also will meet with representatives of the countrys sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia to discuss opportunities for long-term sustainable investment that contribute to both Indonesias economic development and global partnerships, thus possibly expanding the funds list of foreign partners. Danantara Indonesia, established in 2021 to manage and invest the countrys national assets, plays a crucial role in driving strategic investments across various sectors to support national development and economic growth. Indonesian government data showed Jordanian investments in Indonesia remained modest at just $5.41 million in the first quarter this year, putting Jordan at 43rd place on the list of Indonesias biggest foreign investors, while trade between the two countries weakened, falling to $559.7 million between January to September from $709.4 million in the same period the previous year. Defence Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters after separate talks with Jordans armed forces Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj Gen Pilot Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunaity that Subianto and Abdullah also oversaw the signing of several agreements, including intelligence sharing on Gaza. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sjamsoeddin said that Jordan is significantly important in assisting with Indonesias humanitarian operation for Gaza because Indonesia, which has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians, doesnt have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Abdullah will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. (AP) SCY SCY Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 19:57 IST News agency-feeds Jordan's king, Indonesia's leader hold talks on economic ties, Gaza Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Natco Pharma Q2 net profit down 23.44 pc at Rs 517.9 cr Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) Natco Pharma Ltd on Friday reported a 23.44 per cent decline in consolidated net profit at Rs 517.9 crore in the second quarter ended September 30, 2025, impacted by higher R&D expenses and one-time employee bonus. The company had posted a consolidated net profit of Rs 676.5 crore in the same quarter of the previous fiscal, Natco Pharma said in a regulatory filing. Recommended Stories Consolidated revenue from operations in the second quarter stood at Rs 1,363 crore, as against Rs 1,371.1 crore in the corresponding period last fiscal, it added. Total expenses in the quarter under review stood at Rs 849.3 crore, as compared to Rs 616.7 crore in the same period a year ago, the company said. During the quarter, the company incurred substantial R&D expenses on bioequivalence and one-time employee bonuses, in addition to other business-related provisions, Natco Pharma said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Formulations export revenue was lower at Rs 1,147 crore in the second quarter, compared to Rs 1,211.3 crore in the year-ago period. The active pharmaceutical ingredients (API) vertical recorded Rs 53.9 crore, as against Rs 49.6 crore, it added. The company declared a second interim dividend of Rs 1.50 per equity share of Rs 2 each for the financial year 2025-26. PTI RKL DRR Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:12 IST News agency-feeds Natco Pharma Q2 net profit down 23.44 pc at Rs 517.9 cr Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... One killed, 4 injured as car plunges into river in UP's Bareilly Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:27 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Bareilly (UP), Nov 14 (PTI) A 20-year-old man died while four others sustained serious injuries after the car they were travelling in broke through the railing of a bridge here and plunged nearly 20 feet into the Bahgul River, police said on Friday. The incident took place under Sheeshgarh police station limits in Uttar Pradeshs Bareilly district when the group was travelling from Kheda Sarai village to Manpur to collect goods. Recommended Stories The driver allegedly lost control while crossing the Bahgul river bridge, causing the sedan vehicle to crash into the railing before falling into the river beneath, Additional Superintendent of Police (North) Mukesh Chandra Mishra said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Villagers and police personnel pulled out the victims from the river. They were rushed to a nearby hospital, where one of them succumbed to injuries during treatment, he said. The deceased has been identified as Adil. Guddu (28), Qasim (25), Salman (21) and Farman (20), all residents of Kheda Sarai village, sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment, he added. PTI COR CDN SMV ARB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:27 IST News agency-feeds One killed, 4 injured as car plunges into river in UP's Bareilly Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Pakistan criticises India for 'distorting' Trump's remarks on nuclear tests Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:42 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Islamabad, Nov 14 (PTI) Pakistan on Friday criticised India for what it called distorting" US President Donald Trumps remarks on nuclear tests. Foreign Office spokesman Tahir Andrabi said Pakistans last nuclear tests were conducted in May 1998, and its position on nuclear testing is well established and clear. Recommended Stories Trump recently named Pakistan among the countries testing nuclear weapons. Commenting on Trumps comments, India last week said Pakistans clandestine" nuclear activities were centred around decades of smuggling and export control violations. At his weekly press briefing on Friday, Andrabi said Pakistan has been supporting UN General Assembly resolutions calling for a comprehensive ban on nuclear testing. India is clearly distorting facts and misrepresenting the remarks of US President Trump. The US side has already clarified its position to the media regarding the statement by the President," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Allegations of clandestine or illegal nuclear activities are baseless, malicious," he added. When asked about the deadly Delhi blast, he said, We do not know who these people (suspects) are." On Monday evening, a powerful explosion ripped through a car in Delhi, killing 13 people and injuring several others. Investigators allege that a suspect in the Delhi blast maintained links with terror outfits, including Jaish-e-Mohammed, and may have facilitated logistics for their operations. PTI SH ZH ZH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:42 IST News agency-feeds Pakistan criticises India for 'distorting' Trump's remarks on nuclear tests Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Security forces kill 26 terrorists in northwest Pakistan Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Peshawar, Nov 14 (PTI) Pakistani security forces killed 26 terrorists in multiple intelligence-based operations in the restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, officials said on Friday. The three operations were conducted in the Bajaur, Kohat and Karak districts on Thursday. Recommended Stories The operation in Bajaur was conducted after receiving credible information about the presence of a large number of terrorists in the Gaddar village. As soon as the information was received, the forces carried out an extremely effective and targeted operation, during which 22 terrorists were killed," a security official said. The terrorists were hiding in the village which the locals had already evacuated with the cooperation of tribal elders. At the time of the military operation, all the houses around the target were empty, due to which no civilians were harmed," the security official added. The nation of Pakistan and its security agencies are united to completely eliminate this scourge of terrorism, and these operations will continue until the last terrorist is eliminated," the official added. Separately, according to District Police Officer (DPO) Kohat, Shehbaz Ilahi, the station house officer of Saddar police station was on a routine patrol with his team when the terrorists opened fire on them near Bazid Khel. Police retaliated immediately and engaged the attackers in a gun battle, which resulted in the death of all three of them on the spot. In another incident, acting on intelligence, police launched an operation in Mir Kalam Banda area in Karak district. One terrorist, wanted in multiple serious cases, was killed during the intense exchange of fire, a spokesperson for the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) said. Police officials said investigations are underway to identify the network linked to the slain terrorists. Last week, the militarys media wing reported that at least three terrorists had been killed in two separate operations in the province. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pakistan has lately witnessed a surge in terror activities, particularly in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan provinces. The spike in incidents followed the proscribed Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) ending a ceasefire with the government in November 2022 and vowing to attack security forces, police, and personnel of law enforcement agencies. PTI AYZ NPK GRS GRS GRS Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST News agency-feeds Security forces kill 26 terrorists in northwest Pakistan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Three accused of double murder nabbed after encounter in Haryana's Rohtak Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:12 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chandigarh, Nov 14 (PTI) The police on Friday arrested three persons in a double-murder case following an encounter in Haryanas Rohtak district, officials said. According to the police, a man and his son were allegedly shot dead in Baliyana village in Rohtak due to an old rivalry and the three accused were absconding in the incident. Recommended Stories The accused have been identified as Sanjay (41) the main suspect Virender (29) and Rohit (24), all residents of Baliyana village, and the country-made pistol used in the crime has been recovered from them, the police said. The trio had allegedly planned to murder another person in the same village, they added. The three accused were riding a scooter when they were intercepted in Rohtaks Industrial Model Township area on Friday morning, the police said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sanjay allegedly opened fire at the police team, who fired in retaliation. In the exchange, Sanjay sustained a bullet injury while Virender and Rohit were injured after they fell from the scooter while trying to flee, they added. The pistol used in the double-murder, three live rounds, and the scooter are among the recoveries made in the case, police said. PTI SUN ARB ARB Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:12 IST News agency-feeds Three accused of double murder nabbed after encounter in Haryana's Rohtak Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... TN CM announces three per cent DA for govt employees, teachers Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Chennai, Nov 14 (PTI) Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin has announced a three per cent hike in the dearness allowance for state government employees, teachers and pensioners with effect from July one. The state government will incur an additional expenditure of Rs 1,829 crore per annum following the increase in the DA from 55 per cent to 58 per cent, an official release said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories The gesture would benefit about 16 lakh government employees, teachers, pensioners, and family pensioners, the release said on November 13. The chief minister said the government staff and teachers played a crucial role in implementing welfare schemes and added that the government was committed to their welfare despite fiscal constraints. PTI JSP JSP KH Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:57 IST News agency-feeds TN CM announces three per cent DA for govt employees, teachers Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... ZP students from Pune to embark on NASA visit from Nov 15 Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:57 IST Representational image (Image: News18) Pune, Nov 14 (PTI) Twenty-five Pune Zilla Parishad school students are all set to visit US-based National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). The students, who will visit NASA as part of an initiative by Zilla Parishad in collaboration with Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics (IUCAA), will depart from Mumbai on November 15. Recommended Stories On Friday, Divisional Commissioner Chandrakant Pulkundwar felicitated the students and said the tour will help boost confidence and communication skills among rural youth. Out of 15,000 students, around 235 were shortlisted through written and oral interviews, and finally 75 were selected. Of them, 25 would visit NASA, while the remaining 50 will tour ISRO (Indian Space Research Organisation) facilities in India," a ZP official said. Another 160 students will be exposed to other institutions like planetariums, IUCAA, GMRT (Giant Metrewave Radio Telescope), and Rashtrapati Bhavan and Parliament, within India. The Inter-University Centre for Astronomy and Astrophysics helped identify the students through a stringent assessment process involving two written tests and one personal interview," said Pune ZP CEO Gajanan Patil. During this educational tour, students will visit NASAs Kennedy Space Centre, the Smithsonians National Air and Space Museum, NASAs Earth Information Centre and major technology companies in San Francisco. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Pulkundwar urged them to strictly follow discipline and decorum, avoid touching unfamiliar objects, support each other as a team, heed the teachers instructions and take care of their health. He added that such tours should serve the purpose of strengthening the nation and expressed hope that similar overseas visits will become more frequent. PTI SPK BNM Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google. Join the fun, play games on News18 First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:57 IST News agency-feeds ZP students from Pune to embark on NASA visit from Nov 15 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A robot of Unitree Robotics interacts with attendees at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 12, 2025. (Xinhua) For the first time, the Web Summit included a China Summit, drawing a lineup of prominent Chinese tech companies. LISBON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Unitree Robotics's exhibition booth at this year's Web Summit in Lisbon was more like a miniature concert stage, with a crowd of people several layers deep watching a nimble humanoid robot shaking hands with visitors, bowing, punching the air, and finally breaking into a dance routine under flashing lights. Rodriguez, a startup founder from Spain, stepped forward to shake the robot's hand, pose for photos, and sway along with its improvised dance moves. "I'd only ever seen Chinese robots online. This is my first time seeing one in person -- it's incredible," he said, shaking his head in disbelief. "I absolutely love it!" said Eliano Marques, head of a local data and artificial intelligence (AI) startup, laughing as he wrapped an arm around the robot. Impressed, he decided on the spot to order two units. "The future of robotics is in China. We want long-term, in-depth cooperation with Unitree." According to Wang Zhe, Unitree's regional manager, the company's Portuguese distributor received numerous inquiries during the summit and has already sold dozens of robots locally. "There will be more," he added, confidently. A robot of Unitree Robotics interacts with attendees at the Web Summit in Lisbon, Portugal, Nov. 12, 2025. (Xinhua) The excitement around Unitree's robots reflects the growing attention Chinese innovation is receiving around the globe, as well as the momentum of digital cooperation between China and Portugal. This year's Web Summit also featured, for the first time, a China Summit, with exclusive stages and programs spotlighting China's advances in AI and industrial transformation. One highlight was the presence of a delegation of Chinese tech companies including Huawei, Alibaba, Tencent, and Unitree in their first collective appearance at the Web Summit. "These companies represent the vitality and potential of China's digital trade and digital economy. They've come with sincerity, seeking mutually beneficial cooperation and shared development," said Zhu Guangyao, an official from China's Ministry of Commerce. In the China exhibition area, Huawei showcased its leading capabilities in AI and cloud computing; Tencent drew crowds with a 3D-printing design platform; Alibaba presented its global offerings in cloud computing, AI, big data, and enterprise services. Many European visitors said the technologies and products on display from Chinese companies were "more open and more mature than expected." A humanoid robot demonstrates its skill of folding a cloth at the 2025 World Internet Conference (2025 WIC) Light of Internet Expo in Wuzhen, east China's Zhejiang Province, Nov. 6, 2025. (Xinhua/Huang Zongzhi) Joana Gaspar, executive board member of Portugal's Agency for Investment and Foreign Trade (AICEP), emphasized that China has industrial-scale and technological depth, while Portugal has strong experience in regional innovation clusters and industry-academia-research integration. "This highly complementary relationship can drive joint innovation with global impact," she said. Portugal hopes to deepen cooperation with China in areas such as energy transition, green mobility, smart manufacturing, digital technology, health and life sciences, Gaspar added. Editor: WXY Pine Labs Shares List At 9.5% Premium Over IPO Price; What Should Investors Do Now? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 10:39 IST Pine Labs share price: Fintech major Pine Labs debuted on the stock exchange with a 9.5% premium Pine Labs Share Price Fintech major Pine Labs made a strong market debut on Friday, listing at Rs 242 a 9.5% premium over its IPO price of Rs 221. The Rs 3,900-crore public issue was subscribed 2.48 times, driven mainly by institutional demand. QIBs subscribed 3.97 times, while retail participation was modest at 1.27 times and the NII segment lagged at 0.30 times. Founded in 1998, Pine Labs is one of Indias leading merchant commerce and digital payments platforms. Its ecosystem spans smart PoS solutions, BNPL integrations, payment gateway services, gift card arm Qwikcilver, and merchant lending tie-ups. As of June 2025, it serves 988,000 merchants, 716 consumer brands, and 177 financial institutions. Recommended Stories The company counts marquee global investors such as Temasek, Peak XV Partners, PayPal, Actis, and Mastercard among its backers. Financially, Pine Labs has delivered strong topline growth but carries legacy accumulated losses. Revenue for FY25 rose 28% to Rs 2,327 crore, and after years in the red, the company turned profitable in Q1 FY26 with a PAT of Rs 4.79 crore. Its net worthnegative earlierturns positive after the issue. Indias fintech and digital payments industry continues to expand rapidly. The total addressable TPV of Rs 116.8 lakh crore ($1.4 trillion) in FY2025 is projected to rise to Rs 256276 lakh crore ($3.03.3 trillion) by FY2029, growing at 2224% annually. Rising card penetration, affordability-led products, and broader merchant digitisation are key drivers. High growth expectations also mean valuations remain elevated. The IPO included a sizeable OFS of Rs 1,820 crore, enabling early investors to partially exit. Despite premium pricing, institutional investors are optimistic about Pine Labs long-term potential. Its strong merchant network, recurring payments flows, and deep bank partnerships support its transition from a payments company to a software-led commerce platform offering loyalty solutions, instant EMIs, digital gift cards, and working-capital financing. A major share of the IPO proceeds will go towards expansion: Rs 532 crore for debt repayment, Rs 760 crore for cloud and technology investments, Rs 60 crore for expansion across Singapore, Malaysia and the UAE, and Rs 626 crore for acquisitions. Analysts note that while the IPO appeals to long-term investors, the pricing offered limited scope for a big listing pop. The muted 3% GMP ahead of listing reflected cautious sentiment around high-valuation tech IPOs with thin profitability. While Pine Labs return to profitability in Q1 FY26 is encouraging, analysts emphasise the need for sustained earnings performance as fintech valuations increasingly depend on durability, cash flows, and long-term profitability. What Should Investors Do? Key market veteran, Deven Choksey highlighted the factors to watch for Pine Labs. According to him, Pine Labs is a profitable company, which has been a solution provider in the universe and thats a good proposition that we like. They already established themselves with the base and all. Rightfully they are going public to unlock the value." Prashanth Tapse of Mehta Equities said that post listing, he continues to recommend a long-term hold for investors who were allotted shares. For those who did not receive an allotment, he believes a wait-and-watch approach is wiser until the stock stabilises and settles into a sustainable post-listing range. Tapse added that Pine Labs remains a compelling long-term play, backed by its position as one of Indias leading and globally expanding commerce technology platforms. Shivani Nyati, Head of Wealth at Swastika Investmart Ltd., said: Pine Labs Limited made a good debut on the stock market, listing at Rs 242 per share, which was a 9.5% premium above its issue price of Rs 221. The listing was driven by healthy investor confidence in Pine Labs established footprint as a merchant-commerce and fintech platform offering point-of-sale, QR payments, BNPL, and loyalty services to retailers across India. Pine Labs strengths include a wide merchant network, strong bank & payment partner integrations, consistent growth in transaction volumes, and a diversified revenue model that spans payments, credit, and merchant solutions. Despite the strong debut, investors remain cautious because of competitive intensity in fintech/merchant commerce, regulatory risk in payments, and the need to deliver scaled profitability. The IPO attracted meaningful institutional participation, supported by expectations of continued growth in digital-payments adoption, merchant value-added services expansion, and improved operating leverage. Investors/traders allotted shares may consider booking part of the gain and holding the remainder for the medium to long term, with a stop-loss of 200," Nyati added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Aparna Deb Aparna Deb is a Subeditor and writes for the business vertical of News18.com. She has a nose for news that matters. She is inquisitive and curious about things. Among other things, financial markets, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 10:19 IST News business markets Pine Labs Shares List At 9.5% Premium Over IPO Price; What Should Investors Do Now? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Gangrape Survivor From UPs Bulandshahr Confronts DIG, Begs Him To Arrest Accused Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:05 IST The gangrape survivor broke through several male and female police personnel and pleaded with Meerut Range DIG Kalanidhi Naithani to trace and arrest the absconding accused. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The survivor pushed past multiple police personnel before reaching the DIG to demand the arrest of two absconding accused. (IMAGE: X) Videos on social media from Uttar Pradeshs Bulandshahr showing a gangrape survivor breaching police barriers to plead with Meerut Range Deputy Inspector General (DIG) Kalanidhi Naithani to arrest the accused went viral on Friday. In the video, she can be heard saying that she was gangraped by six men, adding that four have been arrested while two remain absconding. The authenticity of the videos could not be independently verified by News18. Recommended Stories In the clips, the woman is seen freeing herself from some police personnel and pushing through another group of officers who appeared to be trying to restrain her. She eventually slipped past them and managed to convey her appeal directly to the DIG. Another woman accompanying her was also seen running past the officers toward the DIGs car in an attempt to meet him. A gang-rape survivor in #UttarPradeshs #Bulandshahr defied attempts by police to stop her and personally met the Deputy Inspector General (DIG) of Police, urging strict action against her rapists. pic.twitter.com/MnWoFqOEdX Hate Detector (@HateDetectors) November 14, 2025 The DIG assured her that efforts were underway to apprehend all the absconding accused and that they would be brought to justice soon. Reacting to the video, Uttar Pradesh opposition leader and Samajwadi Party (SP) chief Akhilesh Yadav blamed the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) government in the state over the issue of women safety. , pic.twitter.com/bB7ZYBxKYQ Akhilesh Yadav (@yadavakhilesh) November 14, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all After witnessing this road show" of atrocities under BJP rule, with what face will the Honourable Chief Minister of UP conduct road shows" abroad? Let us see whether the Chief Minister dismisses these people or runs a bulldozer on the police station. This is highly condemnable and also highly punishable," Yadav said. If the BJP goes, womens honour can be saved," he further added, sharing the viral video on his X account. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Bulandshahr, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:00 IST News cities Gangrape Survivor From UPs Bulandshahr Confronts DIG, Begs Him To Arrest Accused Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sena UBT, BJP Workers Clash Outside Five-Star Hotel Over Staff Union Dispute Curated By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:00 IST Shiv Sena (UBT) members claimed that signatures were collected from Bharatiya Kamgar Sena members without their knowledge, and a BJP-affiliated union was formed at the hotel. File photo of Mumbai police. (Representative image) Workers from Shiv Sena UBTs Bharatiya Kamgar Sena and BJP supporters got into a confrontation outside a five-star hotel in Mumbai, just days after the hotels staff joined a union linked to the BJP. Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Anil Parab went to the hotel in Bandra West after hearing that Bharatiya Kamgar Sena members were being misled and recruited into the BJP-backed Akhil Bharatiya Kamgar Karmachari Sangh. Recommended Stories Parab told police that workers were tricked and their signatures were taken under false pretenses as he spoke to them at the hotel entrance. Police stopped Parab from entering, which led him to protest, saying he should be allowed to meet his partys workers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Shiv Sena (UBT) members claimed that signatures were collected from Bharatiya Kamgar Sena members without their knowledge, and that a BJP-affiliated union was improperly formed at the hotel. On Wednesday, hotel staff officially joined the Akhil Bharatiya Kamgar Karmachari Sangh in front of its chief and BJP state president Ravindra Chavan. The new unions board was revealed at the hotel, followed by a meeting at the gate. First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:00 IST News mumbai-news Sena UBT, BJP Workers Clash Outside Five-Star Hotel Over Staff Union Dispute Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sons Are Now Taking Their Parents To Court Instead Of On Pilgrimages: HC Citing Shravan Kumar Curated By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:58 IST Justice Jitendra Jain, in an order passed on Thursday, declined to stop the man's parents from using his house in Goregaon, Mumbai, when they visit for medical treatment Bombay High Court (File photo) The Bombay High Court said that something is wrong with todays upbringing when a son takes his elderly parents to court instead of taking them on a pilgrimage like Shravan Kumar did. The court refused to grant relief to a man who wanted a restraining order against his parents. Justice Jitendra Jain, in an order passed on Thursday, declined to stop the mans parents from using his house in Goregaon, Mumbai, when they visit for medical treatment. The man had challenged a January 2018 civil court order that refused to restrain his parents from using the house. The High Court said this was another example of the sad situation where a son, instead of caring for his sick and elderly parents, files a suit against them. Recommended Stories Justice Jain said: Our moral values have fallen so much that we have forgotten Shravan Kumar, who took his parents on a pilgrimage and gave his life for them. Shravan Kumar is a character from the Hindu epic Ramayan, known for his devotion to his parents." The High Court said, In todays age, there is something seriously wrong in the upbringing of our children when a child takes parents to court instead of on a pilgrimage." Justice Jain mentioned several sayings about parent-child relationships and said caring for parents is a sacred and moral duty. Its a labor of love that comes full circle, because when you honor, love, respect, and care for your parents, its not just showing gratitude, but also honouring God," he said. Sadly, the harsh reality is sometimes the opposite, when you realise that parents can care for 10 children, but sometimes ten children cannot care for their parents," the court added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Referring to this case, Justice Jain said the petitioner must take care of his elderly parents. The court noted that the parents currently live with their third son in Kolhapur, Maharashtra, but often travel about 380 km to Mumbai for medical treatment at J J Hospital. The bench ordered that the petitioner or his wife must receive the parents when they come to Mumbai, bring them to their home, and accompany them to the hospital. If the order is broken or the parents face any inconvenience, the petitioner will be held in contempt and appropriate action will be taken against him, the court warned. First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:58 IST News mumbai-news Sons Are Now Taking Their Parents To Court Instead Of On Pilgrimages: HC Citing Shravan Kumar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Assam CM Hands Over 8,206 Appointment Letters, Govt Job Count Reaches 1.34 Lakh Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:44 IST Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma issued 8,206 appointment letters, taking total government jobs under the current administration to 1,34,999, with a focus on merit-based recruitment. Assam CM Himanta Biswa Sarma distributes 8,206 appointment letters in Guwahati. (PTI Photo) Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma on Thursday handed over appointment letters to 8,206 candidates selected under the Directorate of Higher Education, Directorate of Secondary Education and the State Council of Educational Research and Training (SCERT) at an official programme. With this latest round of recruitment, the total number of people who have secured government jobs during the tenure of the present government has risen to 1,34,999, he said. The chief minister said that the young men and women who received their appointment letters have reached this point after years of effort. He said, Getting a job without paying even a single rupee is a true achievement and this transparent system has opened the door to many competent youth of the state. He added that Assam has talent across many fields and that proper identification and support through education can help these young people make valuable contributions to society. Recommended Stories He said that improving the public education system is a major challenge and claimed that before 2011, teacher recruitment in the state was affected by political interference. He said that nepotism was common in the recruitment of college teachers and that appointments were often made for political reasons. He said that in some cases, two or three teachers were appointed against one sanctioned post. He said that the introduction of Teacher Eligibility Tests (TET) in primary, secondary and higher secondary levels in 2011 brought about a major reform in the recruitment system. He said this initiative faced political resistance at the time, but ultimately ensured merit-based recruitment in schools and colleges. He said that without merit-based recruitment, the public education system would collapse, and Assam would not be able to become one of the leading states in the country. He also recalled the governments pre-election promise of providing one lakh government jobs based on merit. He said that the number has now crossed the one lakh mark and reached 1,34,999, and that no allegations of corruption have been made in relation to these appointments. Sarma said that infrastructure like roads can be built quickly with money, but the process of building a good student takes time and effort from teachers. He said, If we fail to provide the next generation with a sound public education system, Assam can never become a developed state". He added that children from poor and lower middle-class families must be able to continue their studies. He said, If children from poor and lower-middle-class families are unable to pursue studies due to lack of money, inequality will grow. The rich will study in private institutions, while the poor will become frustrated and unproductive human resources". ALSO READ: Centre To Set Up 100 New Sainik Schools Under PPP Model: Amit Shah He said that in the next five years, there will be a large demand for educated and skilled youth in Assam. He said that the government plans to send skilled Assamese youth abroad so that the state can benefit from foreign exchange earnings. Sarma said that mathematics teachers have been appointed for the first time in secondary schools. He urged the newly appointed teachers to build an environment where students enjoy learning mathematics. He said that several new medical and engineering colleges, along with institutions like AIIMS and an IIM, have opened or are being set up in Assam. He said that students need strong mathematical skills to secure admission to these institutions. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The new appointees include 263 Assistant Professors and 110 Grade III staff under the Directorate of Higher Education. They also include 1,275 Postgraduate Teachers and 6,522 Graduate Teachers under the Directorate of Secondary Education. In addition, 28 Lecturers have been appointed in District Institutes of Education and Training and eight Assistant Directors have been recruited under SCERT. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:44 IST News education-career Assam CM Hands Over 8,206 Appointment Letters, Govt Job Count Reaches 1.34 Lakh Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Centre To Set Up 100 New Sainik Schools Under PPP Model: Amit Shah Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:08 IST Amit Shah announced that the Centre will establish 100 Sainik Schools under the PPP model, aiming to expand military education access and boost opportunities for students. Amit Shah announces plan to set up 100 new Sainik Schools under PPP model.(Representative/File Photo) The Narendra Modi government has decided to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country through the Public Private Partnership model. Union Home Minister Amit Shah announced this on Thursday while speaking via video conference at the inauguration of the Shri Motibhai R Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School and the Sagar Organic Plant, as reported by news agency PTI. Shah said the new Sainik Schools will create opportunities for children from several districts of Gujarat to join the armed forces. According to a government release, the Shri Motibhai R Chaudhary Sagar Sainik School has been constructed at a cost of Rs 50 crore. The school includes facilities such as smart classrooms, hostels, a library and a canteen. Recommended Stories Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Centre has decided to establish 100 new Sainik Schools across the country under the PPP model. Among these, Motibhai Chaudhary Sainik School will certainly become a symbol of pride for Mehsana," the release quoted Shah as saying. Speaking about the Sagar Organic Plant, Shah said it will play an important role in providing reliable organic products under the Amul brand to consumers across India and abroad. He said the plant will ensure that farmers who practice organic farming receive fair profits. This plant, with a daily capacity of about 30 metric tonnes, is certified under National Programme for Organic Production (NPOP) and by Agricultural and Processed Food Products Export Development Authority (APEDA). Because of APEDA certification, farmers engaged in natural farming in north Gujarat will greatly benefit as their produce can reach global markets," Shah said. The Union Cooperation Minister added that the growth of this organic plant will help improve public health and raise the income of farmers who follow organic farming methods. He also encouraged farmers and their families to choose organic products for their own well-being. Shah highlighted the progress made by Dudhsagar Dairy over the years. In 1960, Dudhsagar Dairy collected 3,300 litres of milk per day, which has now increased to 35 lakh litres per day. This dairy is connected to cattle-rearers from 1,250 villages in Gujarat and to more than 10 lakh milk production groups across Rajasthan, Haryana, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh," he said. Its turnover has reached Rs 8,000 crore. With eight modern dairies, two milk chilling centres, two cattle feed plants, and one cement production unit, Dudhsagar Dairy today plays a major role in Gujarats White Revolution," he added. ALSO READ: Noida, Greater Noida & Gurugram Schools Shift To Hybrid Classes For Students Up To Class 5 Shah noted that several efforts have been made to strengthen the dairys circular economy. These include the formation of 75,000 new primary dairy cooperative societies across India. He also said the Modi government aims to ensure that half of the milk produced by cooperative societies reaches national and international markets, which will increase the earnings of cattle-rearers. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He said, The Modi government will ensure 50 per cent of milk produced by cooperative societies reaches national and international markets, benefiting cattle-rearers. To ensure the benefits of the circular economy reach cattle-rearers, the Modi government has established three multi-state cooperative societies." Shah added that women play a major role in the dairy sector. This year, Gujarat experienced unseasonal heavy rainfall. To assist the affected farmers, the Bhupendra Patel government has announced a very generous relief package. The Gujarat government has resolved it will not step back from helping farmers," he said in the presence of the Chief Minister. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:01 IST News education-career Centre To Set Up 100 New Sainik Schools Under PPP Model: Amit Shah Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IIT Madras Launches Language And Cognition Lab To Study Indias Linguistic Diversity Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:15 IST IIT Madras has opened Indias first Language and Cognition Lab to study how people process language and to advance research on Indian languages using modern experimental tools. IIT Madras unveils Indias first Language and Cognition Lab for advanced language research. (File for representation) The Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) has launched the new Language and Cognition Laboratory (LC-Lab) to study Indias rich linguistic diversity through an interdisciplinary and technology-driven approach. Set up in the Department of Humanities and Social Sciences, it is the first lab in the country to focus on Indias many languages through systematic research in experimental linguistics. The LC-Lab, inaugurated on 10 November 2025 by IIT Madras Director Prof. V. Kamakoti, began operations in the presence of HSS Department Head Prof. Rajesh Kumar, Faculty Coordinator Dr. Anindita Sahoo, and other faculty members and stakeholders. The facility will examine how humans perceive, process, and produce language using modern experimental tools. Recommended Stories In the long run, the lab aims to support the creation of human-centred and linguistically aware AI systems so that Indian languages and cultures are better represented in new technologies. The LC-Lab will collaborate with the Centre for Responsible AI (CeRAI), IIT Madras, to study how AI methods can be used in language and cognition research. Explaining the importance of such interdisciplinary work, Prof. V. Kamakoti, Director, IIT Madras, said, Linguistics is increasingly moving toward empirical, data-driven inquiry, combining methodologies from the sciences and humanities. India needed a dedicated facility that integrated linguistic theory with modern experimental and computational tools. The Language and Cognition Lab was established to fill this gapcreating a space that connects linguistics, cognitive science, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence, and contributes to the development of socially relevant, linguistically informed technologies." The LC-Lab will study how people understand linguistic information through methods such as eye-tracking and reaction-time experiments. The research will mainly focus on Indian languages and aims to offer insights into how grammar, voice, and sentence structure are processed and produced in multilingual environments. Current projects examine areas such as grammatical voice and copula constructions. New work will soon begin on studying dyslexia among Indian children with the aim of improving learning outcomes and developing teaching methods that are more sensitive to linguistic diversity. Highlighting the labs academic direction, Faculty Coordinator Dr. Anindita Sahoo said, The Language and Cognition laboratory (LC-Lab) is dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary research in language and cognition through the use of technologies that reveal behavioural patterns and enable data-driven understanding of human interaction." The lab follows an interdisciplinary framework that brings together perspectives from science, technology, and the humanities to support both research and technological innovation. In the short term, researchers will carry out experimental studies using eye-tracking machines to test established linguistic theories in Indian languages. In the long term, the team plans to add advanced neurocognitive tools such as Electroencephalography (EEG) and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). These technologies will help build a deeper understanding of language, cognition, and computational modelling and will encourage collaboration with experts in areas such as psychology, neuroscience, and artificial intelligence. ALSO READ: Centre To Set Up 100 New Sainik Schools Under PPP Model: Amit Shah The LC-Lab has been supported by IITM Pravartak Technologies Foundation and Aspire Infolab, Hyderabad, which have funded its establishment and infrastructure. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Before the official inauguration, IIT Madras hosted a symposium featuring a panel discussion titled Language for thought: Exploring Interdisciplinary Dimensions. The session opened with introductory remarks by Prof. Balaraman Ravindran, Head of CeRAI. The panel included Dr. Sanjiv Patjoshi (IPS), DGP, Prof. Vijayanthi Sarma from IIT Bombays HSS Department, and Prof. Maria Teresa Guasti from Universita degli Studi Milano-Bicocca, Italy. The discussion was moderated by Prof. Sudharsan Padmanabhan, IIT Madras, and focused on how language connects with thought across fields such as philosophy, psychology, technology, policy, and public life. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:15 IST News education-career IIT Madras Launches Language And Cognition Lab To Study Indias Linguistic Diversity Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Noida, Greater Noida & Gurugram Schools Shift To Hybrid Classes For Students Up To Class 5 Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 12:02 IST Authorities in Noida, Greater Noida and Gurugram have allowed schools to hold hybrid classes for students up to Class 5 as air quality worsens across the NCR. Schools in NCR shift to hybrid classes for students up to Class 5 amid poor air quality.(Representative image/PTI) In view of the worsening air quality in the National Capital Region, authorities in Noida, Greater Noida and Gurugram have allowed schools to continue classes in a hybrid format for students up to Class 5. The decision has been taken to protect the health of young children while ensuring that their studies are not disrupted. Gurugram Recommended Stories Acting on directions issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management, the Deputy Commissioner of Gurugram announced that all schools in the district will follow a hybrid learning model for students up to Class 5. This will allow schools to offer both online and offline classes. The announcement was made after the administration implemented Stage 3 measures under the Graded Response Action Plan due to the sharp decline in air quality in Delhi NCR. Recent reports have shown that air quality levels in Gurugram have remained in the Very Poor" category. A message posted on X stated that because of the deteriorating air quality, and based on the CAQM guidelines under Stage III for severe air quality, classes for students up to Class 5 will now be conducted in hybrid mode wherever possible. ALSO READ: UPSC CSE 2025: Commission Opens Personality Test Application Form Update Window Noida, Greater Noida Amid rising concerns from parents regarding the increasing pollution levels, District Magistrate Medha Roopam directed all schools in Noida and Greater Noida to switch to hybrid learning for students up to Class 5. The decision is in line with CAQMs recent instructions for NCR schools and will require classes to run through a combination of online and offline modes until further orders, according to officials. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Earlier, the Delhi government had issued similar instructions asking schools to conduct hybrid classes for students up to Class 5. Parents were given the option to choose online learning as pollution levels worsened across the city. The move follows the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)s decision to impose Stage III restrictions under the Graded Response Action Plan on Tuesday after pollution levels in Delhi NCR recorded a sudden spike. About the Author Education and Careers Desk A team of reporters, writers and editors brings you news, analyses and information on college and school admissions, board and competitive exams, career options, topper interviews, job notifications, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 12:02 IST News education-career Noida, Greater Noida & Gurugram Schools Shift To Hybrid Classes For Students Up To Class 5 Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Want To Study In The UK? Your Ultimate Guide To Scholarship By Types, Eligibility And How to Apply Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:11 IST Some UK government scholarships dont just cover tuition, they also fund your living expenses, travel, visa fees, accommodation, and even provide a monthly stipend. Most UK scholarships close between August and December for the following academic year. (Representative image: Getty) For many Indian students, studying in the United Kingdom is a dream shaped by its world-class universities, global exposure, and strong career pathways. But the dream comes with a price tag, often a steep one. Tuition fees, accommodation, travel, and living expenses can collectively turn into a financial mountain. Thats exactly where scholarships come in. And contrary to popular belief, scholarships arent reserved only for academic toppers. The UK offers a wide network of financial aid options (government-funded, university-funded, subject-specific, and external) that support students from diverse backgrounds. Recommended Stories If youre applying for the first time, navigating this ecosystem can feel overwhelming. This guide simplifies every major type of scholarship available for Indian students and explains how to find, evaluate, and apply for them. A Brief Guide to the Most Important Scholarships for Indian Students in the UK Government-Funded Scholarships For Indian students, the most prestigious scholarships often come from the UK government. These programs dont just fund your tuition; many cover living expenses, travel, visa fees, accommodation, and even offer monthly stipends. Chevening, Commonwealth, and GREAT Scholarships are the three most recognisable names. Each serves a different purpose. Heres a look at some of the important government scholarships that the UK offers to Indian students Chevening Scholarships: Chevening is the UKs flagship leadership scholarship, funded by the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office. It fully finances a one-year masters program covering tuition fees, living costs, travel, visa fees, and accommodation. Chevening looks for applicants with leadership potential, professional experience, and a clear vision for how they will contribute to India after returning. Its ideal for mid-level professionals, policy graduates, communicators, economists, social-sector workers, and anyone who has demonstrated community or organisational impact. Commonwealth Scholarships: Designed for students from Commonwealth countries, these scholarships support masters and PhD programs, particularly for fields related to development, public policy, healthcare, engineering, education, climate science, and social sciences. Depending on the category, they may cover full tuition, stipends, travel, and research grants. A key selection factor is how your work benefits your home country. Strong academic merit and a well-structured research plan are crucial for postgraduate applicants. GREAT Scholarships: A UKIndia collaboration, GREAT Scholarships provide partial funding (usually around 10,000) for masters courses at select UK universities. These scholarships are course-specific and university-specific, so the eligibility varies. Theyre ideal for students with strong academic records who need partial funding support. They also have a sub-category called GREAT Scholarships for Justice and Law," aimed at students pursuing law-related programs. What makes these government scholarships special is not just the funding but the networks they create. Chevening alumni, for instance, become a part of a global leadership network that often shapes future career paths. Commonwealth scholars have access to academic resources and research networks across the UK. These are not just scholarships; theyre long-term career accelerators. University-Funded Scholarships Mostly, all the major universities in the UK offer their own set of scholarships specifically designed for international students. These can be merit-based, need-based, course-specific, or country-specific. Unlike government-funded scholarships, which have fixed annual cycles and limited seats, university scholarships are more flexible. Oxford, Cambridge, LSE, UCL, Warwick, Manchester, Kings College London, Edinburgh, and dozens of other institutions offer financial support ranging from partial tuition waivers to full funding with stipends. Some of the university-funded scholarships are: Clarendon Scholarships at Oxford Cambridge International Scholarships for PhD applicants UCL Global Masters Scholarships Edinburgh Global Scholarships Warwick Chancellors Scholarships (for research degrees) Imperial Colleges Engineering and Science scholarships The university-administered awards vary widely; some are merit-based, some need-based, and some are strictly course-specific. Often, these scholarships are easier to get compared to government-funded ones, simply because fewer students know about them These scholarships are extremely important for Indian applicants because they often apply directly to their chosen course. Departments sometimes have their own scholarships for applicants with exceptional portfolios, research proposals, or industry experience. Humanities students, for instance, may find college-specific funding at Oxford or Cambridge, while STEM applicants may be eligible for departmental assistantships or research grants at universities like Imperial College London. Understanding how each university structures its funding is essential. Most universities have a dedicated scholarships page for international students. Once you shortlist your universities, exploring these internal funding options should be your next step. External Scholarships: Private Trusts, Charities, and Foundations Several organisations outside the UK government and universities support Indian students. The Inlaks Shivdasani Foundation, Tata Trusts, Rhodes Trust (for Oxford), Gates Cambridge Trust (for Cambridge), and Commonwealth Shared Scholarships offer some of the most competitive funding opportunities. Each of these scholarships has a distinct vision. Inlaks invests in young Indians pursuing creative, research-focused, or innovative careers. Heres a look at some of the renowned privately funded scholarships Rhodes Scholarship Rhodes is one of the worlds oldest and most prestigious scholarships, offering full financial support for postgraduate study at Oxford. It selects students based on leadership, academic excellence, integrity, and a proven commitment to community service. Scholars join a global network of leaders across politics, science, arts, and public service. For Indian students, the competition is extremely tough, but not impossiblestrong academic achievements and leadership roles are essential. Gates Cambridge Scholarship: Funded by the Gates Foundation, this scholarship supports full postgraduate study at Cambridge. It covers tuition, living costs, travel, and academic development funds. Gates Cambridge looks for outstanding intellectual ability, a strong fit for your chosen course, leadership potential, and a commitment to improving lives. Its often preferred by students pursuing research-heavy or innovation-driven careers. Tata Trust Scholarships: Tata Trusts offer a mix of grants, loans, and partial scholarships to support Indian students pursuing overseas masters and doctoral degrees. These are not university-specific. They typically fund part of the tuition or living expenses and expect the student to arrange the remaining amount. The JN Tata Endowment, one of Indias oldest overseas-study funds, requires students to repay a small amount after their course, maintaining it as a revolving fund. Inlaks Shivdasani Scholarships One of Indias most competitive privately funded scholarships, Inlaks supports postgraduate study at top universities in the UK, US, and Europe. Its especially valuable for students in the arts, culture, design, film, performing arts, and specialised humanities or social science programs. Inlaks looks for exceptional talent, not merely academic scores. A strong portfolio, interview performance, and creative excellence often determine selection. Felix Scholarship: Primarily for students from India and developing countries, the Felix Scholarship funds postgraduate study at the University of Oxford, SOAS University of London, and the University of Reading. It covers full tuition, living allowances, and travel. This scholarship is meant for academically brilliant students who come from economically disadvantaged backgrounds. It aims to empower students who may not be able to study abroad without financial aid. Charles Wallace India Trust Scholarships: CWIT supports mid-career Indian professionals in the arts, heritage conservation, museums, and humanities. It offers short-term grantsusually 23 monthsfor fellowships, training, research, and residencies in the UK. Its not a full degree scholarship, but is a valuable option for creative or cultural practitioners seeking exposure to UK institutions. Subject-Specific And Field-Based Scholarships Certain fields, especially STEM, public policy, law, development studies, AI, and the arts, offer additional funding opportunities. These are usually created to promote excellence or encourage students to join high-demand or underrepresented fields. For example, there are scholarships specifically for marine science students, scholarships for women in STEM, fellowships for public health researchers, and grants for students pursuing sustainability or climate-related programs. These scholarships usually evaluate your past work, academic background, portfolio, and statement of purpose much more closely. They may require a writing sample, project portfolio, or research plan. If youre a creative arts student applying to courses like filmmaking, design, or architecture, your portfolio often becomes the most important part of your scholarship application. For example, the British Council Scholarships for Women in STEM supports women pursuing postgraduate degrees in STEM fields. These scholarships are offered at select UK universities. They cover tuition, stipend, travel, visa, health insurance, and sometimes childcare. They are particularly helpful for women from India or South Asia who want to pursue fields like data science, engineering, biotechnology, climate science, and mathematics. How To Find The Right Scholarship For You Given the variety of scholarships available, your starting point should always be clarity about your course, university preferences, and long-term goals. Once you know what you want to study and why, finding scholarships becomes easier and far less overwhelming. Students who begin late or search without direction often miss deadlines, confuse eligibility requirements, or overlook scholarships for which they could have easily qualified. Most UK scholarships close between August and December for the following academic year, a timeline that Indian applicants often underestimate. Reading the eligibility criteria carefully is crucial. Some scholarships prioritise academic excellence, while others value leadership, social impact, research aptitude, or financial need. A scholarship meant for students in public policy may not apply to someone pursuing finance. Similarly, a scholarship for women in STEM will exclude students from non-STEM backgrounds. The more you understand what a scholarship values, the better you can position your profile to match it. What You Need to Apply Scholarship applications are not an afterthoughtthey require the same level of preparation as your university applications, sometimes even more. Most scholarships expect you to submit academic transcripts, language test scores, statements of purpose, portfolios (for creative fields), recommendation letters, financial documents, and in some cases, leadership essays or research proposals. Your statement of purpose is especially crucial. Scholarships want to understand why you chose your field, what you plan to do after graduating, and how their support will multiply your impact. A generic essay almost always gets rejected. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Letters of recommendation also play a defining role. A strong LOR from a professor, mentor, or employer who genuinely understands your work adds credibility to your application. It helps selection committees see your academic and personal growth through someone elses perspective. For creative students, portfolios often become the final deciding factor. Whether its a design students work, an architects drawings, or a filmmakers reels, your portfolio showcases your journey, not just your talent. Curating it carefully, choosing your best work, and presenting it clearly can significantly improve your chances. About the Author Surbhi Pathak Surbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11. First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:11 IST News education-career Want To Study In The UK? Your Ultimate Guide To Scholarship By Types, Eligibility And How to Apply Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... A Sister's Verdict: Nitish Kumar's Sibling Laughs Off Critics, Declares Brother Deserves 'Full 100 Marks' For Bihar Win Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:44 IST Indu Kumari credited the Bihar poll win to the relentless efforts of NDA leaders, adding that Nitish Kumar's personal involvement in governance had played a crucial role Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Nitish Kumar's sister, Indu Kumari, celebrated NDA's win in Bihar, crediting women's support and her brother's leadership. (News18 Hindi) With the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) heading for a sweeping victory in the Bihar Assembly elections, Chief Minister Nitish Kumars younger sister, Indu Kumari, expressed her delight, saying, I am very happy. Women have shown trust. Women in Bihar think very highly of Nitish Kumar." Speaking to the media, Indu Kumari credited the win to the relentless efforts of NDA leaders, adding that her brothers personal involvement in governance had played a crucial role. She reflected on the transformation she has witnessed in the state, particularly for women. Recommended Stories Earlier, women in Bihar didnt step out of their homes, they were scared. But now, because of Nitish Kumar, many women have been able to get jobs," she said, highlighting the social impact of the liquor ban, which she said benefited women the most. The results have been very good. Women are the happiest. When men used to come home drunk, they troubled women a lot and didnt respect them," she said. Recalling her own experiences, Indu Kumari said she had witnessed the era of jungle raj and added that she would award her brother a perfect score for his tenure. I would give my brother a full 100 out of 100 marks because there hasnt been any work during his tenure that could be criticised," she said. On celebrations at the family home, she noted there were no grand festivities, reflecting Nitish Kumars preference for simplicity. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Indu Kumari, who lives in Patna with her husband Anil Kumar, studied alongside Manju Devi, Nitish Kumars wife, though she was a year junior. Meanwhile, election trends for all 243 seats indicate the BJP leading on 95 seats, the JD(U) on 83, and the RJD on 25. Other parties include LJP (RV) on 19 seats, HAM on 5, while the Congress was ahead on only 1 seat. Overall, the NDA is ahead on 203 seats, while the INDIA bloc trails far behind. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:44 IST News elections A Sister's Verdict: Nitish Kumar's Sibling Laughs Off Critics, Declares Brother Deserves 'Full 100 Marks' For Bihar Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delegates attend the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 13, 2025. The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened here on Thursday to explore ways to strengthen global governance and deepen China-Africa cooperation. The two-day event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa's Independent Media, among other partners, gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened Thursday here to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, amplify the Global South's collective voice and promote a shared global governance. Co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa's Independent Media, among other partners, the two-day event gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU. Under the theme "Reforming Global Governance: New Roles and Visions for China-Africa Cooperation," the conference focuses on how collaboration between media and think tanks can contribute to shaping a fairer and more inclusive global governance. In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Lyu Yansong, editor-in-chief of Xinhua News Agency, said that Chinese President Xi Jinping has always attached great importance to China-Africa cooperation, and at the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation Beijing Summit in September last year, Xi proposed that the overall characterization of China-Africa relations be elevated to an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era. Noting that media and think tanks shoulder the important missions of disseminating authoritative information and recording the events of our times, Lyu said: "We should contribute our wisdom to making the Global South a stabilizing force for safeguarding peace, a pillar of open development, a constructive force in global governance, and a promoting force for mutual learning among civilizations." Xinhua's editor-in-chief proposed implementing the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative, the Global Civilization Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative. Media and think tanks from China and Africa should provide high-quality news coverage and academic research, and comprehensively expound on the Global South's solutions for advancing the reform of the global governance system, and demonstrate the Global South's strength reflected in the solidarity and cooperation of developing countries, he added. Iqbal Surve, chairman of South Africa's Independent Media, hailed the Africa-China partnership as a beacon of what genuine cooperation can achieve, one grounded in mutual respect, shared goals, and a commitment to building a fairer, more inclusive world order. The event gathered representatives from government, media and academic circles across African countries and China, highlighting the Global South's increasing cohesion and influence in global discourse, he added. In her speech, Leslie Richer, the AU director of information and communication, said that the global order is undergoing transitions amid growing calls from the Global South for fair representation, control over resources and development with dignity. Richer said that Africa is striving to move from being "a mere participant in global conversations" to becoming "a co-author in the story of humanity's future," adding that Africa will work with China and other Global South partners to make its voice heard more strongly on climate, finance and digital governance, while promoting more balanced narratives through closer media and think tank cooperation. Addressing the conference, Chinese Ambassador to South Africa Wu Peng, said that China and Africa, as the world's largest developing country and the continent with the most developing nations, have a similar history of anti-colonialism and anti-hegemony, as well as a shared mission of development and revitalization, and are natural members and the backbone of the Global South. "Media outlets and think tanks play a unique role in promoting solidarity and cooperation among the Global South," he said, adding that the forum provides a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and building consensus. The ambassador also expressed his hope that all guests will speak freely and contribute their wisdom and strength to building an all-weather China-Africa community with a shared future for the new era, and promoting solidarity and cooperation in the Global South. During the forum, the representatives held in-depth discussions on three topics: "China-Africa Commitments to Global Governance Reform," "China-Africa Action for Global South Revitalization," and "China-Africa Exchange in Global Civilizational Coexistence." They observed that after nearly 70 years of development, China-Africa relations have evolved into a model for a new kind of international partnership, and the cooperation has been deepening, leading the modernization process across the Global South. Ismaila Ceesay, minister for information of The Gambia, said that it is believed that the future of global governance must be inclusive, multipolar and reflective of the rich diversity of human experience. "China's support in fostering training, technology transfer and infrastructure development across Africa's media landscape is a valuable contribution toward this goal," he added. "We look forward to sharing our experience in renewable energy development, power system construction and talent training to support African nations in enhancing energy security and strengthening the resilience and voice of the Global South," Xu Xinfu, a director of China Energy Investment Corporation Co., Ltd., said at the conference. Shen Yumou, head of China's Hunan provincial commerce department, said that Hunan is ready to advance China-Africa mutual development through deeper opening-up and higher-quality cooperation, bringing more African products into the Chinese market and sharing more competitive industries and technologies with Africa. The forum also features the release of a think tank report titled "Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership -- Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System," and the launch of the Global South joint communication partnership network "United in Heart, Path and Action -- 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan." Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership -- Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2025 shows a scene at the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened here on Thursday to explore ways to strengthen global governance and deepen China-Africa cooperation. The two-day event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa's Independent Media, among other partners, gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU. (Xinhua/Han Xu) This photo taken on Nov. 13, 2025 shows a scene at the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa. The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference on Thursday launched the "United in Heart, Path and Action -- 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan," aiming to align China-Africa media and think tank cooperation and better support shared development while amplifying the collective voice of the Global South in global governance. (Xinhua/Han Xu) Delegates attend the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference in Johannesburg, South Africa, Nov. 13, 2025. The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened here on Thursday to explore ways to strengthen global governance and deepen China-Africa cooperation. The two-day event, co-hosted by Xinhua News Agency, the African Union (AU) and South Africa's Independent Media, among other partners, gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the AU. (Xinhua/Chen Wei) Editor: WXY Alvida Chacha To Jail Ka Faatak Tootega: Poster Politics Peaks As RJD, JDU Clash On Counting Day Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:02 IST A fierce poster war erupted in Bihar on counting day, with RJD and JDU trading sharp jibes as early trends set the tone. Bihar Counting Day Turns Heated with Dueling Posters from RJD and JDU As vote counting gets underway in Bihar, a full-fledged poster war has taken over the political landscape. From Rashtriya Janata Dals (RJD) provocative Alvida Chacha" message aimed at Chief Minister Nitish Kumar to posters celebrating Janata Dal (United) strongman Anant Singh with slogans like Jail ka faatak tootega", the charged atmosphere reflects the high stakes of this years election. Early trends place the NDA ahead in over 100 seats. Recommended Stories RJDs alvida chacha jibe at JDU At the RJD headquarters in Patna, a large poster declaring Alvida Chacha", a farewell to Nitish Kumar, grabbed attention early on counting day. The poster features the chief minister walking away from his chair, hinting at what the RJD hopes will be the end of his tenure. The RJD, which contested 143 seats, remains buoyed by confidence within the Mahagathbandhan. Party leaders have echoed Tejashwi Yadavs repeated assertion that he will take oath as Chief Minister on 18 November, signalling their upbeat expectations despite fluctuating trends. Anant Singhs Jail ka faatak tootega poster Meanwhile, in Mokama, posters supporting jailed JDU candidate Anant Singh have surfaced ahead of the results. One of the most widely shared posters reads, Jail ka faatak tootega, hamara sher chootega", calling for the release of the controversial strongman. Anant Singh, arrested on 2 November in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj worker Dular Chand Yadav, remains a central figure in the constituencys charged political environment. The post-mortem report indicated death due to cardiorespiratory failure resulting from injuries caused by a hard and blunt object, police said. Three individuals, Anant Singh, Manikant Thakur, and Ranjeet Ram, were arrested in the case. Mokama, which voted in the first phase on 6 November, has witnessed a triangular contest involving Singh (JDU), Priyadarshi Piyush (Jan Suraaj) and Veena Devi (RJD). NDA vs Mahagathbandhan The poster battle escalated further with the JDU putting up banners of Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai", portraying Nitish Kumar as the unshakeable leader poised to secure a record fifth term. Dedicated by former minister Ranjit Sinha, the posters seek to reinforce Nitishs image as Bihars longest-serving chief minister. In retaliation, RJD supporters displayed the now-viral Alvida Chacha" posters outside their office, accompanied by caricatures of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, an unmistakable swipe at the NDAs leadership. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bihar witnessed a historic turnout of 67.13% across the two-phase elections on 6 and 11 November, the highest since Independence. As counting proceeds across 243 constituencies, all eyes remain on whether Nitish Kumar will continue his reign or whether a resurgent opposition will upend Bihars political order. Exit polls have largely predicted an NDA edge, with the BJP expected to emerge as the single largest party. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:02 IST News elections Alvida Chacha To Jail Ka Faatak Tootega: Poster Politics Peaks As RJD, JDU Clash On Counting Day Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Election Results: Congresss Special 6 Who Won, Saved Rahul Gandhi From Utter Humiliation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 20:43 IST The Congress had contested 60 seats as part of an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Congress leader Rahul Gandhi earlier termed the EC's response to his allegations as "excuses" and urged it to provide the information sought. (Image: PTI/File) The Congress, which was once a major political party in Bihar, recorded one of its worst performances in the state on Friday. While analysts blamed many factors, including Rahul Gandhis Chhath Puja controversy, for the performance, the Congress has been blaming the Election Commissions Special Intensive Revision (SIR) among other issues. Recommended Stories The Congress had contested 60 seats as part of an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), fewer than the 77 seats it contested in the 2020 elections. The Congresss list of winners S.No Constituency Winner 1 VALMIKI NAGAR(1) SURENDRA PRASAD 2 CHANPATIA(7) ABHISHEK RANJAN 3 FORBESGANJ(48) MANOJ BISHWAS 4 ARARIA(49) ABIDUR RAHMAN 5 KISHANGANJ(54) MD. QAMRUL HODA 6 MANIHARI(67) MANOHAR PRASAD SINGH The sharp drop The Congress was a strong party in Bihar, especially before the states bifurcation in 2000. It regularly ranked among the top three parties. 1985: The Congress won a clear majority with 196 seats, making Chandrashekhar Singh the Chief Minister. 1990: The Congress was the second-largest party with 71 seats. Jagannath Mishra then became the CM. 1995: The party dropped to 29 seats. 2000: The Congress won 23 seats. 2005: The Congress won 9 seats. 2010: The Congress won 4 seats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all 2015: The Congress secured 27 seats. 2020: The Congress won 19 seats. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 20:35 IST News elections Bihar Election Results: Congresss Special 6 Who Won, Saved Rahul Gandhi From Utter Humiliation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Blowout: How Congresss Leadership Crisis, Aloe Vera Disconnect Led To Crushing Defeat Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 17:13 IST The internal chaos was compounded by strategic blunders and a failure to heed ground-level warnings Beyond local failures, the central leaderships national narratives also failed to resonate with the Bihar electorate. File pic The dismal performance of the Congress in the Bihar assembly electionsstruggling even to secure single-digit leadshas been attributed to a profound disconnect between the partys central leadership in Delhi and its local functionaries in Patna. Recommended Stories This internal chaos was compounded by strategic blunders and a failure to heed ground-level warnings, highlighting the consequences of treating Bihar as a mere testing ground for high-command experiments. Leadership Failures The first visible sign of disarray was the appointment of Krishna Allavaru as the state in-charge. Local party workers frequently complained about the Delhi-flown leaders inaccessibility and struggled to pronounce his name, referring to him jokingly as anything from aloe vera" to alallla." This tongue-twister of a name symbolised the chasm: a distant leadership that could not even communicate effectively with its own cadre. Many state leaders were irked that Bihar had become a recurrent site for political experiments dictated by Rahul Gandhi and his close circle. The earlier attempts to revitalise the Youth Congress through internal elections and, subsequently, by parachuting young leaders from outside had both previously failed. This time, during the election, a semblance of strategy was expected, yet chaos reigned. Plans were formulated at a prominent Patna five-star hotel, with strategists meeting daily over elaborate breakfasts and endless coffee, only to visit the Congress office briefly before retreating. Corruption Allegations and Ignored Dissent Simmering anger over ticket distribution was flagrantly ignored. Scenes of open dissent and angry confrontations at the Patna office, where Allavaru and state chief Rajesh Ram were surrounded by agitated workers, were dismissed as mere enthusiasm" of ticket seekers. However, the underlying resentment was profound, driven by serious allegations of corruption and claims that tickets were being sold, leading to deserving and winnable local candidates being overlooked. The consequences of this internal mismanagement are now glaringly evident in the partys results. Within the Mahagathbandhan, two major missteps by the Congress damaged alliance unity and optics. Firstly, the party delayed the official announcement of Tejashwi Yadav as the chief ministerial face. The eventual confirmation occurred without the presence of either the Gandhis or the Congress President, creating an impression that Tejashwi was not being given due importance. This perception was reinforced when the alliances manifesto release was also conducted in the absence of the central Congress leadership. Failed Central Narratives and Campaign Missteps Beyond local failures, the central leaderships national narratives also failed to resonate with the Bihar electorate. The vote chori" (vote theft) theme, aggressively pushed by Rahul Gandhi, proved to be a flop. On the eve of the first phase of Bihar polling, Rahul Gandhi held a high-profile press conference in Delhi, where he alleged that 25 lakh votes had been stolen" in the Haryana assembly elections, terming the purported fraud a hydrogen bomb". This move, intended to build a narrative of electoral malpractice across the country, did not strike a chord with Bihars voters, who were focused on local issues such as jobs and price rise. Instead of mobilising the electorate, the focus on vote theft" was seen by many critics within the party as an expression of preemptive defeatism and a distraction from core issues. Furthermore, the Voter Adhikar Yatra" campaign alongside Tejashwi was also marred by controversy. During the yatra, Mahagathbandhan supporters allegedly hurled abuses at Prime Minister Narendra Modis late mother, a deeply emotional and sensitive issue that the BJP instantly leveraged to attack the oppositions culture and values. The controversial episode overshadowed the yatras intended message of electoral rights, further alienating conservative and women voters. Despite the collective failure, with the party struggling across constituencies, senior leaders like Nikhil Kumar and Shakeel Ahmad, who resigned in protest, pointed out that the central command ignored warnings about flawed ticket allocation and the missed opportunity to acknowledge womens power in the campaign. The final irony remains that while the election results provide a damning verdict on the Congress strategy, the Gandhis are once again seemingly absent from the scene of action. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Pallavi Ghosh Pallavi Ghosh has covered politics and Parliament for 15 years, and has reported extensively on Congress, UPA-I and UPA-II, and has now included the Finance Ministry and Niti Aayog in her reportage. S... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 17:07 IST News elections Bihar Blowout: How Congresss Leadership Crisis, Aloe Vera Disconnect Led To Crushing Defeat Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Tej Prataps Wedding To Tejashwis Wifes Name: When Lalu Yadavs Family Intrigued Desis Did It Impact RJDs Poll Results? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:30 IST Lalu Prasad Yadav and family shape Bihar elections with controversies, feuds, and legal battles, impacting RJD vote share and political dynamics. Brothers Tej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav have campaigned against each other in the Bihar polls. Threaded through newsfeeds and social media, the lives of Lalu Prasad Yadav and his sprawling political family has often captured public attention and sometimes even eclipsed political headlines. As Bihar election results pour in, the focus is not only on which party will cross the halfway mark of 122 seats, but also on how the dynamics of one of its most well-known political families have influenced the narrative. At the centre of the Bihar poll battle is the Yadav family. Lalu Prasad Yadav and his wife Rabri Devi, both former Chief Ministers of Bihar, have nine children, two of whom, Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav, are prominent political figures. Their daughters, too, either hold public roles or are married into influential political families. Recommended Stories Times When Lalus Family Made News: Namechange controversy of Tejashwi Yadavs wife In 2021, Tejashwi Yadav married his longtime girlfriend, Rachel Godinho. Soon after, the media reported that her name was changed to Rajshree Yadav", triggering questions. In July, Union minister Giriraj Singh publicly questioned how she became a voter and why the namechange was made. Public feud and expulsion of Tej Pratap Yadav On May 25, 2025, Lalu Prasad Yadav announced that Tej Pratap would be expelled from the party Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) for six years and disassociated from the family, citing behaviour inconsistent with family and party values. The trigger was a viral socialmedia post where Tej Pratap claimed a 12year relationship with a woman named Anushka Yadav, despite his marriage to Aishwarya Rai. In August 2025, Tej Pratap floated his own party, Janshakti Janata Dal. Guests Steal Crockery At Tej Prataps Wedding Tej Pratap Yadavs wedding to Aishwarya Rai in May 2018 was chaotic. A large crowd breached the security arrangements, looted food and crockery, and caused disorder at the venue. Organisers had prepared for around 7,000 guests, but shortly after the ceremony began, people entered the VIP section, overturned tables, and took utensils. Daughter Rohini Acharyas Socialmedia Tebellion In September 2025, Rohini Acharya unfollowed Lalu Yadav and brother Tejashwi Yadav on her social media account. Reports suggest her grievance was linked to the influence of a close aide of Tejashwi (Sanjay Yadav) within the family and party structure. She lost the high-profile Saran Lok Sabha seat to the BJP in 2024. Legal And Electoralroll Controversies In August 2025, Tejashwi Yadav claimed his name had been removed from the draft electoral rolls in Bihar, but the election authorities refuted the claim. Fodder Scam The saga of the fodder scam, a massive defalcation of public funds from animalhusbandry treasuries in undivided Bihar, has followed Lalu Prasad Yadav for decades. The 1996 scam allegedly involved around Rs 950 crore siphoned from multiple treasuries, with fake bills and inflated withdrawals. In May 2022, a special CBI court found Lalu Yadav guilty in the Doranda treasury case (one of the episodes in the Fodder Scam) involving Rs 139.35 crore. In July 2025, the Jharkhand High Court admitted the CBIs appeal to increase his sentence in a case tied to Rs 89.27 lakh withdrawal. IRCTCHotel Tenders Case A new front opened in October 2025 when a Delhi court framed corruption and criminalconspiracy charges against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi and Tejashwi Yadav in the context of tenders for maintenance contracts of hotels owned by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC) during Lalus tenure as Railway Minister (20042009). The CBI alleged that in return for favourable tenders, land was transferred via a shell company. In November, the CBI presented a list of about 12 witnesses against the family in this case. The trial is underway. LandForJob Scam In 2023, the CBI filed chargesheets against Lalu Yadav, Rabri Devi, Tejashwi Yadav and others, alleging that during Lalus tenure as Railway Minister, there were appointments in GroupD posts (West Central Zone, Railways) in exchange for land parcels transferred to the family or associates. A Delhi court deferred its decision on whether to formally frame charges to December 4, 2025. Opponents Fire And Impact On RJD Vote Share The public feud within Lalu Prasad Yadavs family was actively exploited by opposition parties like the BJP and JD(U) to question the RJDs unity and effectiveness. The family disputes also had a direct impact on vote shares in key constituencies during the 2025 Bihar elections. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In Mahua, once a stronghold of Tej Pratap Yadav, the RJD vote was split three ways between him, the official RJD candidate Mukesh Kumar Raushan, and LJP candidate Sanjay Singh, allowing the NDA to gain an advantage. In Raghopur, a traditional Yadav bastion, Tejashwi Yadav is facing a tougher contest from the BJP. Across other Yadav-dominated areas, Tej Pratap fielded candidates in 43 seats, many formerly RJD strongholds. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:30 IST News elections Tej Prataps Wedding To Tejashwis Wifes Name: When Lalu Yadavs Family Intrigued Desis Did It Impact RJDs Poll Results? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Poll Nail-Biters: Five Candidates Who Won By Slim Margins As Low As 27 Votes Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:54 IST The NDA looks set for a sweeping victory in the Bihar elections, decimating the Mahagathbandhan. Here are the top five candidates who won by the narrowest margins. NDA supporters and workers celebrate the alliance's victory in the Bihar Assembly elections. (PTI Image) Bihar Assembly Election 2025: It is a big day for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, as current trends show the alliance cruising towards a landslide victory with leads in 204 seats of the states 243 seats. However, for some candidates, the contest ended in a nail-biting finish. The contest in Sandesh was the tightest in Bihar so far, with JD(U) candidate Radha Charan Sah defeating RJDs Dipu Singh by a razor-thin margin of only 27 votes. Lets have a look at five candidates who won by the slimmest margins. Recommended Stories Sandesh: JD(U)s Radha Charan Sah defeated RJDs Dipu Singh by a margin of only 27 votes. Sah got 80,598 votes (43.99%), while Singh won 80,571 votes (43.97%) in the most thrilling contest. Ramgarh: Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) leader Satish Kumar Singh Yadav defeated BJPs Ashok Kumar Singh by a margin of just 30 votes, the partys sole win in Bihar. Yadav polled 72,689 votes (37.29%) and Singh got 72,659 votes (37.29%). Agiaon: BJPs Mahesh Paswan emerged as the victor, defeating CPI(ML)(L)s Shiv Prakash Ranjan by a margin of only 95 votes. Paswan polled 69,412 votes (45.2%) and Ranjan got 69,317 votes (45.14%). Dhaka: RJDs Faisal Rahman managed to defeat BJPs Pawan Kumar Jaiswal by a slim margin of 178 votes. Rahman polled 112,727 votes (45.72%), while Jaiswal won 112,549 votes (45.64%). Forbesganj: Congress candidate Manoj Bishwas defeated BJPs Vidya Sagar Keshari by a margin of 221 votes. Bishwas managed to gain 120,114 votes (47.77%), and Keshari got 119,893 votes (47.68%). As of 10:00 pm, the NDA was comfortably ahead with leads in 203 out of 243 seats. The BJP is leading in 90 seats, while the JD(U) is second best with 85 seats. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On the other hand, the Mahagathbandhan showed a dismal performance with leads in only 35 seats, far below its tally in the 2020 elections. The RJD was leading in 25 seats, and the Congress is currently ahead in only six seats. Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party drew a blank in its first political contest. The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, defied initial exit poll predictions of a complete rout. While the party did not secure a major breakthrough, it managed to maintain a respectable presence in the crucial Seemanchal region, confirming its ability to act as a regional spoiler. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 21:05 IST News elections Bihar Poll Nail-Biters: Five Candidates Who Won By Slim Margins As Low As 27 Votes Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi Likely To Visit BJP Headquarters In Delhi At 6.30 PM After Bihar Election Result Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 13:30 IST PM Narendra Modi is expected to visit the BJP headquarters in Delhi today evening as Bihar election trends show the NDA comfortably ahead. A file photo of Prime Minister Narendra Modi (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the BJPs party headquarters in New Delhi on Friday, post the result of the assembly elections in Bihar. Sources said the Prime Minister is expected to be at the party headquarters at nearly 6.30 pm today. Recommended Stories As the counting of votes began at 8 am on Friday, the NDA was leading in 166 assembly seats, surpassing the majority mark of 122 in the 243-member Bihar Assembly. Meanwhile, the opposition INDIA bloc was ahead in 56 constituencies, prompting rival camps to assert confidence in their prospects. The Election Commissions numbers delivered a sweeping early advantage to the ruling alliance. Within the NDA, the JD(U) led in 75 seats, the BJP in 72, with allies LJP (RV) (18) and HAMS (5) adding heft to the front. The Mahagathbandhans early tally rested largely on the RJDs leads in 41 seats, followed by Congress at seven, Left partners CPI(ML)-Liberation (5) and CPI(M) and CPI in one each. The tally is likely to change with several rounds of counting left. As the NDAs win became clearer, Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said the Bihar assembly elections reflect the strength of Prime Minister Narendra Modis leadership. The Bihar assembly election results demonstrate the strength of Prime Minister Modis leadership. After Haryana, Maharashtra and Delhi, the NDA has won once again in Bihar. This is the impact of Modis leadership," he told reporters in Indore. Yadav said he had sensed during the campaign that the political atmosphere in Bihar was favourable for the NDA, which he said was now visible in the results. Meanwhile, Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram raised doubts over the integrity" of the counting process even as Election Commission trends placed the NDA comfortably ahead of the Mahagathbandhan. Ram alleged serious anomalies" in the counting process, claiming that the procedure had slowed abruptly in several centres after the initial rounds. Accusing the administration of attempting to steal votes", he claimed there were reports of server vans" hovering around counting centres and irregularities at booths." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all When vote theft happens in Maharashtra and Haryana, why will people not suspect the same here? Especially the Opposition," he told news agency PTI. ALSO READ | Congress Rakes Up SIR As NDA Heads For Landslide Victory About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 14, 2025, 13:05 IST News elections PM Modi Likely To Visit BJP Headquarters In Delhi At 6.30 PM After Bihar Election Result Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Election Result 2025: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Shaves Off Early Gains, Fails To Open Account Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 11:13 IST The poll strategist had presented Jan Suraaj as a fresh alternative to Bihars long-standing political landscape dominated by the Janata Dal (United), Rashtriya Janata Dal, and BJP Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Prashant Kishor had also predicted that his party could either win 10 seats or more than 150 seats in the Bihar polls. (PTI) Bihar Election Result 2025: Election strategist-turned-neta Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party (JSP) has failed to open its account as counting began for the 2025 Bihar election on Friday. Exit polls had predicted that the party, which is contesting on 239 of the states 243 seats, would stay between 0 and 5 seats on its electoral debut. The poll strategistwho played key roles in the Bharatiya Janata Partys (BJP) 2014 campaign and later worked with parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), and the Congresshad presented Jan Suraaj as a fresh alternative to Bihars long-standing political landscape dominated by the Janata Dal (United), the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), and the BJP. Recommended Stories Kishor had stated that his partys entry into the elections would create a triangular contest in the upcoming polls, adding that the public is seeking an alternative to both the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) and the Mahagathbandhan. He had also predicted that his party could either win 10 seats or more than 150 seats in the Bihar polls. The News18 Mega Exit Poll had predicted that Kishor would win between 0-5 seats. Matrize gave it 0-2 seats, Peoples Insight 0-2, Chanakya 0, Peoples Pulse 0-5, JVC Poll 0-1, Dainik Bhaskar 0 and PMARQ 1-4 seats. Only Peoples Pulse had projected that Jan Suraaj could secure nearly 10 per cent of the votean impressive outcome for a party contesting its first election. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Kishors Jan Suraaj movement, launched in 2022, started as a statewide outreach effort focused on reimagining governance" in Bihar through grassroots involvement. Over the past two years, the initiative has developed into a political platform, conducting village-level meetings, padyatras, and consultations across various districts. As per the latest early trends, the ruling alliance led by BJP and chief minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal United, and including smaller allies like Chirag Paswans Lok Janshakti Party, has raced into a lead as predicted by exit polls that had forecast a comfortable majority. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:38 IST News elections Bihar Election Result 2025: Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Shaves Off Early Gains, Fails To Open Account Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'If 2020 Mistakes Are Repeated...': Tejashwi Yadav's Warning Ahead Of Bihar Election Result Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 08:16 IST Tejashwi Yadav asserted that the Mahagathbandhan will win a clear majority in the Bihar elections. He also warned officials against any irregularities. Patna: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav flashes victory sign during a press conference (Photo: PTI) On the eve of the Bihar Assembly election results, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav asserted that the Mahagathbandhan is set to secure a clear majority," rejecting exit polls that project the NDAs return to power. Even after the counting of votes began on Friday, Tejaswi Yadav said, Sarkar Banne ja rahi hain, naukri raj aayega'" (we are going to form a government for employment in the state). Recommended Stories Speaking at a press conference in Patna on Thursday, Yadav cautioned government officials against any misconduct during the counting process. We are completely confident that we are forming the government with a clear majority. We will very comfortably win the election tomorrow. Our workers are at all the counting stations and are alert," he said. Yadav recalled the 2020 assembly elections in Bihar, and alleged that the Mahagathbandhan was on track to form the government but for manipulations by pliant officials". He urged the Election Commission of India to ensure impartiality in the counting of votes. If the administration repeats their 2020 mistake again, or anyone crosses their limit, does something unconstitutional and unfair, and if any official acts on anyones orders, then the public will take care of it," Yadav warned. Patna, Bihar: RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav says, Our party workers are alert and present at the counting centers. If any official tries to repeat the mistakes of 2020, crosses their limits, or acts on someones directions with malicious intent, the public will give a strong pic.twitter.com/cbecS7asT7 IANS (@ians_india) November 13, 2025 During his speech, the RJD leader also accused the BJP of engineering a narrative of victory through sympathetic media outlets and certain officials. We had also observed earlier that certain BJP leaders, along with some compliant media and officials, were creating a propaganda and perception that the BJP was winning the election. The BJP is anxious and restless, aware that this government is on its way out," he said. Yadav further alleged that he had received inputs about attempts to manipulate the counting process on November 14. We have received information from officials who are receiving calls or being called in to meet that there will be a conspiracy tomorrow to slow down the entire counting process, and not to declare the seats that Mahagathbandhan wins tomorrow and declare the NDA seats first," he claimed. Earlier during the day, Yadav held a virtual meeting with party candidates and district office-bearers to go over detailed guidelines and preparations related to the counting process. In a post on X, he repeated that both the party and the people of the state remain fully prepared. He said, The justice-loving people of Bihar, the birthplace of democracy, and all social and political workers who love Bihar and the Constitution are alert, vigilant, cautious, and fully capable, aware, and prepared with enthusiasm, hope, and confidence to deal with any kind of improper unconstitutional activity." He added that Bihars voters are committed to protecting democratic values, and said, Bihar and Biharis are committed to saving democracy and the Constitution." The counting of votes for the 243-seat Bihar Assembly began at 8 am on November 14, and the results are expected the same evening, bringing to a close a month-long election held after a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Most exit polls have forecast an edge for the NDA. ALSO READ | Friday Fever Rising: Will Bihar Count On Old Guard Or New Hope To Lead It For Another 5 Years? About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 14, 2025, 06:49 IST News elections 'If 2020 Mistakes Are Repeated...': Tejashwi Yadav's Warning Ahead Of Bihar Election Result Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Big Bihar Win, Can Bahubali Anant Singh Become MLA Despite Being Jailed On Murder Charge? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:45 IST Anant Singh defeated his closest competitor RJD's Veena Devi by over 30,000 votes. Anant Singh is famously known as Chhote Sarkar. (Photo: ANI/X) Anant Singh, the bahubali politician who is often in the headlines, has won from Mokama seat in the 2025 Bihar elections. Singh, who was super confident of another triumph, had prepared for a grand feast early on Friday with two lakh gulab jamuns on standby, ready to be distributed after a sweet victory. Anant Singh defeated his closest competitor, RJDs Veena Devi, by over 30,000 votes. The only question now is whether a man inside Beur Jail on murder charges can once again take oath as an MLA. After winning in 2015 as an Independent and again in 2020 on an RJD ticket, Singh contested in 2025 for JD(U). Recommended Stories The Bahubali Of Mokana Anant Singh, famously known as Chhote Sarkar", is among the most notorious yet popular political figures in Bihar. His political journey cannot be separated from his long criminal history: over 50 cases of murder, attempted murder, kidnapping, extortion, land grabbing and arms violations have been registered against him over four decades since 1979. Despite the rap sheet, Singh retains strong support in Mokama, where many see him as a protector of his caste and community. Critics call him the face of Bihars muscle-driven politics, while supporters portray him as a Robin Hood who fought rival gangs and hostile governments. Hostage Drama And Media Fright Singh first gained national notoriety in 2007 when journalists were allegedly held hostage at his government bungalow. They had gone to question him about his alleged involvement in the murder and assault of Reshma Khatoon, whose body was found stuffed in a sack. AK-47 Case One of the most high-profile controversies erupted in 2019, when police raided Singhs ancestral home and recovered an AK-47 rifle, ammunition and magazines. He was convicted in 2022 and sentenced to 10 years imprisonment under the Arms Act and UAPA. Later, the Patna High Court reportedly granted relief, with questions raised over evidence and political motivations surrounding the case. Land Encroachment Allegations Singh has repeatedly been accused of encroaching land, most notably over 10,000 sq ft in Patliputra Colony near his luxury hotel, Buddha Heritage. Following public pressure and intervention by a state minister, Singh eventually vacated the land. The Dularchand Yadav Murder Case Days before voting, on October 30, 2025, Jan Suraaj Party worker Dularchand Yadav died under mysterious circumstances during a political clash in Mokama. The postmortem revealed that he died of cardiorespiratory failure caused by a hard, blunt-force injury to the heart and lungs. Anant Singh was arrested on November 2 based on eyewitness statements and preliminary investigation. He insists he was nowhere near the scene and alleges political conspiracy. The case intensified caste tensions, Singh is a Bhumihar, Yadav belonged to the OBC Yadav community. He remains in jail. Kidnapping And Murder Of 4 Youths Singh was accused of kidnapping four young men accused of harassing a girl related to one of his associates. One of them, Puttus Yadav, was allegedly murdered. Singh was arrested in 2015 in connection with this case, triggering a scuffle with Patna City SP Chandan Kushwaha during his transfer. Can Anant Singh Become MLA While In Jail? Anant Singh can legally become an MLA even while in jail. Indian law bars only those who have been convicted and sentenced to two years or more, and Singh is currently an undertrial in judicial custody, not a convict. Under the Representation of the People Act, undertrials are allowed to contest and win elections, and they can also take oath as legislators with court permission. If Singh wins, he may require parole or interim relief to appear for the oath-taking ceremony, but he remains fully eligible to serve as an MLA unless he is convicted and handed a sentence of two years or more. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Bihar Assembly Election Results 2025 Across Bihar, the NDA surged ahead, leading in nearly 190 of the states 243 seats, far above the 122 needed for a majority. The BJP hovered around 87 seats, JD(U) around 75, and the Mahagathbandhan, led by the RJD, lagged far behind with just about 35 seats in early trends. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 12:26 IST News elections After Big Bihar Win, Can Bahubali Anant Singh Become MLA Despite Being Jailed On Murder Charge? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The International Finance Corporation (IFC), the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD), Notus (Germany) and Rengy Development (Ukraine) signed agreements on the implementation of RES projects, the Ministry of Economy, Environment and Agriculture of Ukraine reported. The agreements were signed during the EU-Ukraine Investment Conference as part of the ReBuild Ukraine 2025 international exhibition, which is taking place on November 13-14 in Warsaw. "Agreements have been signed between the IFC, the EBRD, Notus, and Rengy Development for the implementation of renewable energy projects. Notus is building a 120 MW wind farm in Odesa region, and Rengy Development is implementing solar and storage projects with a total capacity of over 140 MW in southern and central Ukraine," the ministry announced on Thursday on its website. The statement also noted that, during the conference, a ceremony was held to announce new investment programs between the EU and international financial partners within the Ukraine Investment Framework. Separate memorandums were also signed for projects that will be financed by UIF funds. "These include new programs totaling EUR 722 million, which EU countries approved last month. The programs aim to develop public infrastructure in the healthcare, utilities, and housing sectors, as well as private businesses. They are expected to mobilize approximately EUR 2 billion in new investments in the Ukrainian economy," the ministry noted. During ReBuild Ukraine 2025, Naftogaz Group and the European Investment Bank (EIB) signed a EUR 127 million grant agreement for gas imports. Bihar Election Results 2025 Memes: Netizens Flood Internet With Reactions, Say 'Nehru Ji Watching...' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 12:19 IST Social media is flooded with jokes about politics. The youth and digitally-savvy voters are leading the charge. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Bihar Election Memes:: More than 7.4 crore voters across 38 districts cast their votes in both phases to decide the fate of 2,616 candidates.(Image: PTI/File) Memes on Bihar Election Results 2025: As counting of votes for high-stakes Bihar elections is underway, social media is lighting up not just with analysis and commentary, but with a full-on meme outbreak. The memes over the Bihar poll results are a wild mix of satire, biting political commentary, and just plain internet humor exactly what youd expect when high-stakes politics meets meme culture. Social media is flooded with jokes about politics. The youth and digitally-savvy voters are leading the charge as platforms like Instagram and X are buzzing with viral content, turning the election into a full-blown scroll war" rather than just a ground campaign. Recommended Stories From jittery supporters furiously refreshing result pages to parties scrambling with every twist in the trends, the internet is delivering peak political comedy. Taking to X, a user @sagarcasm wrote, Nehru ji watching Congress performance on his birthday." The viral tweet is just one example of how netizens are mocking the performance of the Indian National Congress while the results come in. Every political party today: Hum jeet rahe hain."Reality: Aap sab milke bhi nahi jeet rahe." #BiharElection2025PC courtesy: Google pic.twitter.com/KlFVkMc0Hz NeelOnStrike (@iamneelcrick) November 14, 2025 Every political party today: Hum jeet rahe hain." Reality: Aap sab milke bhi nahi jeet rahe," joked another user @iamneelcrick. Taking a jibe at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav as he trails, a third user wrote, Aur jab humaari baari aayi CM banne ki, toh sala Exit Poll bhi sahi nikal gaya." Bihar Assembly elections were held in two phases on November 6 and 11 across all 243 constituencies. According to the Election Commission, the state has 7.42 crore registered voters, including 3.92 crore men and 3.5 crore women. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Turnout remained strong, with 65.08% polling recorded in the first phase and 68.76% in the second. The opening phase, covering 121 seats across 18 districts, saw the highest-ever turnout in Bihars electoral history at 64.66%, marking a significant rise from previous elections. Exit polls released on November 12 have indicated a clear advantage for the ruling NDA, projecting a comfortable lead over the Mahagathbandhan. About the Author Manisha Roy Manisha Roy is a Senior Sub-Editor at News18.com's general desk. She comes with an experience of over 5 years in media industry. She covers politics and other hard news. She can be contacted at Manish... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 12:17 IST News elections Bihar Election Results 2025 Memes: Netizens Flood Internet With Reactions, Say 'Nehru Ji Watching...' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is Bihar Angry With RJD? Deciphering Election Mandate & Link With Lalu Yadavs Very Large Family Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:42 IST In the 2025 Assembly elections, the NDA crossed 200 seats, while the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan shrank to just 37. Lalu Yadav and Rabri Devi have nine children. (Photo: PTI) For nearly four decades, the political landscape of Bihar has been shaped, sometimes shaken, by one family. The Yadavs have been an empire, sprawling, loud, unfiltered, and forever in the headlines. Now in 2025, as Bihar voted in record numbers and delivered a stinging verdict, the once-invincible family tree of Lalu Prasad Yadav stood rattled. Lalu Prasad Yadav, born in Gopalganj, rose from student politics to become one of Indias most colourful, controversial, and charismatic leaders. In 1973, he married Rabri Devi, and together they built a home and a full-blown political dynasty. They have nine children: seven daughters, two sons, each carrying a slice of Lalus legacy, some willingly, some reluctantly, and all under the public eye. Recommended Stories Lalu Yadavs Family Tree Misa Bharti The Eldest A doctor by training, Misa became the first daughter to step into the political arena. A Rajya Sabha member, she has frequently been in the spotlight, especially due to her involvement in the ongoing land-for-jobs" investigation. Central agencies like the Enforcement Directorate and the CBI have questioned her multiple times, and she has been named in the EDs first chargesheet related to the case. Ragini, Chanda, Rajlakshmi The Political Marriages These daughters married into power circles: a Samajwadi Party leader, a pilot, and a member of the extended Mulayam Singh Yadav family. Their lives remained mostly outside Bihars stormy political theatre. Rohini Acharya Rohini Acharya is often viewed as the emotional core of the Yadav family. Based in Singapore, she became known after donating a kidney to her ailing father in December 2022. On social media, she became the familys defender-in-chief, often locking horns with critics and even her own siblings. The Quiet Daughters Bharti, Chhaya, and Hema, the lesser-known youngest daughter live away from the spotlight. Tej Pratap Yadav The Rebel Prince Once projected as Lalus flamboyant heir, Tej Prataps fall has been as dramatic as his rise. From ministerial posts to public meltdowns, from turbulent relationships to theatrical press moments, he drifted away from the family until 2025, when the break became final. He was expelled from the party for six years and disowned from the family. In the 2025 election, pushed to third place in Mahua, as per the Election Commission. Tejashwi Yadav The Chosen Successor Tejashwi is the younger son, the one Lalu called his political aashirvaad". He rose fast: Deputy Chief Minister, Opposition leader, and the face of the 2025 campaign. But even he could not escape the wave of anger in 2025. In Raghopur, the familys fortress, he was forced into a tight race he was expected to win effortlessly. Every round of counting told the same story: Bihar was no longer voting out of loyalty to the Yadav name. The 2025 Verdict Lalus political ascent peaked when he became Chief Minister of Bihar in 1990 as a Janata Dal leader. His second term was consumed by the infamous fodder scam, a corruption scandal that led him to resign and install his wife Rabri Devi as Chief Minister in his place. In 1997 he split from the Janata Dal to form the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). Rabri Devi was CM for seven years until JD(U)s Nitish Kumar took office in 2005. In 2025, Bihars anger towards the Yadavs was no longer quiet; it was visible in turnout numbers, in constituency murmurs, in the results flashing on counting day. In the Bihar Assembly elections, NDA crossed 200 seats, while the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan, managed to secure only 37. A comment on social media platform X read, Imagine the damage Lalu Yadav has done to Bihar that even after 20 years of anti incumbency, people are coming out in huge numbers and vote for Nitish Kumar just to prevent Lalu & sons returns." Imagine the damage Lalu Yadav has done to Bihar that even after 20 years of anti incumbency, people are coming out in huge numbers and vote for Nitish Kumar just to prevent Lalu & sons returns. EngiNerd. (@mainbhiengineer) November 14, 2025 Lalu Yadav is 77 years old. This is the end of RJD. Its so satisfying that he is alive to see the end of what he started. He destroyed Bihar and now Biharis are destroying him," another comment read. Lalu Yadav is 77 years old. This is the end of RJD. Its so satisfying that he is alive to see the end of what he started. He destroy Bihar and now Biharis are destroying him. pic.twitter.com/LfxGWBzkuV Incognito (@Incognito_qfs) November 14, 2025 Why Bihar Turned Away From The Yadavs Corruption Fatigue The fodder scam, the IRCTC case, the land-for-jobs scandal, the list became too long, too often updated. For voters, the family name became synonymous with allegations, court dates, and moral fog. Endless Family Drama Instead of governance, the Yadav narrative became a soap opera: brothers at war, sisters arguing online, parents stepping in like referees. The expulsion of Tej Pratap was the final straw for many who saw the family as unstable and self-involved. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Dynastic Overload Bihars youth wanted jobs, not surnames. In a state where almost every election depended on caste arithmetic, the idea that one family should dominate began to feel antiquated. Aspirational voters rejected dynasty politics outright. A Sense of Moral Decline Lalu publicly talked about moral values" while expelling his own son. With scandals, internal fights, and messy personal revelations surfacing regularly, the familys moral authority evaporated. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:36 IST News elections Is Bihar Angry With RJD? Deciphering Election Mandate & Link With Lalu Yadavs Very Large Family Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Election Results: Did Congresss Chhath Controversy Sink Mahagathbandhan And RJDs Tejashwi? Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:03 IST Did cultural disrespect especially the Congress leaderships remarks about Chhath Puja accelerate the Congress downfall and, in turn, that of Mahagathbandhan? Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Congress leader Rahul Gandhi (left) with RJD's Tejashwi Yadav. (PTI File) By noon, the Bihar verdict had settled into a decisive, almost brutal clarity. The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) had surged to 201 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan found itself squeezed down to around 50. The Congress after delaying seat-sharing talks in hopes of a larger slice emerged with just 5 seats, a fall of 14 seats compared to 2020. In pure performance terms, that is a 74% collapse. Recommended Stories While multiple factors shape any electoral outcome, one question is now echoing across Bihars political circles: Did cultural disrespect especially the Congress leaderships remarks about Chhath Puja accelerate the Congress downfall and, in turn, that of Mahagathbandhan? #BiharElection2025 | Muzaffarpur, Bihar: Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi says, Theres no Yamuna there; theres a pond there. Narendra Modi went to bathe in his swimming pool. He has nothing to do with the Yamuna. He has nothing to do with Chhath Puja. He just wants your vote. If pic.twitter.com/rCR5jHxhyH ANI (@ANI) October 29, 2025 Cultural missteps in a state where culture is identity Bihar is not just Indias third most populated state; it is a cultural civilisation. With 89% of its population living in rural regions, it is also one of the most tradition-rooted societies in the country. Here, festivals like Chhath Puja are not mere rituals, they are markers of dignity, identity, and emotional pride. This is where the narrative turned. In the run-up to the election, comments from INDI Alliance leaders, including Rahul Gandhis dismissal of Chhath Puja as drama", were weaponised by the BJP as evidence of cultural alienation and elitist disdain. In a state where even political rivals refrain from touching Chhath, the remarks landed as an insult not just to a festival, but to Bihari self-respect. For a politically charged Bihar, where each action holds meaning, the contrast could not have been sharper. While opposition leaders mocked, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as his government moved to elevate Chhath Puja to UNESCOs Intangible Cultural Heritage list, just like Durga Puja closer home in West Bengal, gave it global recognition. The BJPs customised narrative positioned Modi as the custodian of Bihari pride and the opposition as indifferent, even hostile. The results suggest the framing worked. A mandate for dignity, not just development The scale of the NDAs win fits into a larger trend. Bihar has repeatedly aligned itself with Brand Modi, delivering bumper mandates in 2014, 2019, 2024 Lok Sabha elections, and the 2020 and now 2025 Assembly elections. With millions of migrant workers spread across the country and deep emotional ties to cultural rituals, Bihar tends to vote on identity as much as on development. This election reinforced that pattern. Bihar voted for dignity and respect. The BJPs pitch that the INDIA bloc insults Bihari identity for political convenience appears to have resonated deeply. PM Modi himself hit out at RJD and Congress from Bihars Saharsa rally, when he had said, The royal family of Congress, the royal family of RJD, celebrate festivals of the world and enjoy celebrating foreign festivals. But what do these people say when it comes to the Chhath festival? They say that these people are all just staging a drama." He was targeting Rahul Gandhis drama" comment on Chhath and referring to Lalu Prasads viral Halloween video. An electoral win or loss is much more complex than that. Of course, it depends on governance, caste metrics, social equations and much more. But for a state like Bihar, Chhath is a great unifier that binds all, cutting across social and economic strata. Congress has, even if unintentionally, taken a dig at it in an election season, which has now cost the party dear. A massive landslide in a high-turnout rural state is one barometer of that. A collapse of the opposition precisely where cultural identity was contested should have been gauged by the INDIA bloc, particularly the Congress, well ahead in time, and salvaged. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Mahagathbandhans losses cannot be reduced to one factor alone. But the Chhath controversy accelerated a narrative the BJP has long cultivated: that Modi respects Bihar, while the opposition mocks its identity. In an overwhelmingly rural, tradition-driven state, that perception proved decisive. About the Author Anindya Banerjee Anindya Banerjee, Associate Editor brings over fifteen years of journalistic courage to the forefront. With a keen focus on politics and policy, Anindya has garnered a wealth of experience, with deep ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:03 IST News elections Bihar Election Results: Did Congresss Chhath Controversy Sink Mahagathbandhan And RJDs Tejashwi? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Election Results Reveal Congress Faultlines, From Calls For Introspection To Open Defiance Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 19:07 IST The NDAs strong lead in Bihar has triggered a wave of contrasting reactions in Congress, from calls for organisational reboot to renewed allegations of EC interference Congress leader Shashi Tharoor and spokesperson Pawan Khera. As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) powers ahead in Bihar with leads above the 200-seat mark, the Congress is witnessing unmistakable internal churn. Senior leaders, former office-bearers, MPs and prominent voices close to the partys old guard have issued sharply divergent reactions, some calling for deep introspection, others striking a defiant, confrontational tone aimed at the Election Commission and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). While one section of the party is openly acknowledging organisational weaknesses after yet another electoral setback, another is insisting that the real problem lies in an allegedly compromised electoral process. Recommended Stories Together, the statements reflect widening fissures within the Congress at a moment when the Oppositions Mahagathbandhan is struggling to keep pace with the NDAs sweeping lead. Calls For Introspection Former Governor and senior Congress leader Nikhil Kumar was among the first to publicly acknowledge organisational shortcomings. This reflects the weakness of our organisation," he said, adding that elections cannot be fought without a strong ground presence. Our candidates are all very capable, but even better candidates could have been chosen. The organisation should have worked strategically, intelligently and maintained a strong presence across all constituencies." Echoing this inward-looking sentiment, but with far sharper criticism, Mumtaz Patel, daughter of late Congress veteran Ahmed Patel, posted a scathing note on X. No excuses, no blame game, no introspection, its time to look within and accept reality," she wrote, warning that loyal ground workers have endured failure after failure due to power concentrated in the hands of few who are totally disconnected with ground reality." No excuses ,No blame game No introspection , its time to look within and accept reality. Till when will countless loyal ground workers who have stayed with the party through thick and thin wait to see success instead its failure after failure due to power concentrated in Mumtaz Patel (@mumtazpatels) November 14, 2025 She added that these individuals will be rewarded again and again because they have made themselves indispensable with their control and power." Tharoor Urges Review But Points To RJD Too Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said the party must study in detail the causes" of the electoral outcome. Noting that the Congress was not the senior partner in the Mahagathbandhan, he added that the RJD must carefully look at its own performance" as well. Tharoor also revealed he had not been invited to campaign in Bihar. I was not there and I was not invited to campaign Those who were there will certainly study the outcome." He pointed to issues of organisations strengths and weaknesses" and messaging," and remarked that women voters were certainly given some incentives just before the Code of Conduct," even if such practices remain within legal boundaries. Vote Chori Allegations Return On the other end of the spectrum are leaders who have rejected the idea that organisational lapses alone led to the Mahagathbandhans poor showing. Instead, they have revived accusations of bias against the Election Commission, alleging large-scale irregularities. Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera said the real contest" in Bihar was between the ECI and the people of Bihar," adding, Going by the early trends, it seems Gyanesh Kumar is outweighing the people of Bihar." Accusing the senior poll official of political bias, Khera claimed, Gyanesh Kumar Gupta is writing this book for PM Modi," referencing the title To Serve with Love. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has, for months, alleged systematic vote chori" by the BJP and the Election Commission across multiple states, including Bihar. He has argued that large-scale electoral manipulation" is weakening public trust in democracy, a refrain he has repeated even as results show the NDA cruising towards a decisive victory. Tagore, Udit Raj Hint At Tilted Playing Field Manickam Tagores morning post added to the defiant blocs narrative. Citing the deletion of lakhs of voter names, he wrote: When you delete 65 lakh voters mostly from the Oppositions voters what do you expect on result day? Democracy cannot survive if the playing field is tilted before the match even begins." When you delete 65 lakh votersmostly from the Oppositions voters what do you expect on result day?Democracy cannot survive if the playing field is tilted before the match even begins.#SIR #VoteChori Manickam Tagore .B . (@manickamtagore) November 14, 2025 The tone was widely interpreted as an admission that the Mahagathbandhan may not recover ground in this election. Congress leader Udit Raj echoed the sentiment, claiming, This is not voters win, this is the win of Election Commission and SIR. This is the murder of democracy." A Party Split Between Self-Reflection And Confrontation Taken together, the reactions reveal a Congress divided between two impulses. One section admits that the party must confront deep-rooted organisational weaknesses, leadership disconnect and poor messaging. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The other insists the defeat is rooted in structural unfairness, from the SIR voter revision controversy to broader accusations of EC bias and vote chori." With the NDA heading towards one of its strongest mandates in Bihars history, the Congresss contrasting responses are laying bare long-simmering internal tensions. Whether the party ultimately leans towards introspection or doubles down on defiance will define its next political course. About the Author Karishma Jain Karishma Jain, Chief Sub Editor at News18.com, writes and edits opinion pieces on a variety of subjects, including Indian politics and policy, culture and the arts, technology and social change. Follo... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST News elections Bihar Election Results Reveal Congress Faultlines, From Calls For Introspection To Open Defiance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Elections: AIMIM Defies Exit Polls, Maintains Strong Presence In Seemanchal Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:33 IST AIMIM leads in seats such as Jokihat, Kochadhaman, Amour, and Baisi, all of which the party won in the 2020 elections The AIMIMs unexpected perseverance in Seemanchal underscores the fractured nature of Bihar's regional politics and the party's consistent ability to disrupt the electoral arithmetic of the major alliances. File pic/PTI The All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM), led by Asaduddin Owaisi, has demonstrated a surprising resilience in the ongoing Bihar assembly election results, defying predictions of a complete rout by nearly all exit polls. While the party secured a breakthrough victory in five seats in the 2020 assembly polls, early trends on counting day show the party leading in six constituencies this time, primarily within its traditional stronghold of the Seemanchal region. Recommended Stories This performance is a significant rebuttal to pre-poll forecasts, which largely overlooked the party and suggested a consolidation of the minority vote in favour of the Mahagathbandhan (INDIA bloc), particularly the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and Congress. The unexpected resurgence highlights AIMIMs ability to maintain and, in some pockets, expand its influence in a region with a substantial Muslim population, comprising the districts of Araria, Katihar, Kishangan, and Purnia. The Seemanchal Stronghold The partys performance is concentrated in Seemanchal, where early trends indicate leads in seats such as Jokihat, Kochadhaman, Amour, and Baisi, all of which the party won in the 2020 elections. The success comes despite major setbacks in the intervening years, notably the defection of four of its five Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) to the RJD shortly after the last election. AIMIMs ability to rebuild its support base and secure leads, despite the loss of three of those defector MLAs who were then denied tickets by the RJD, underscores a fundamental political challenge to the Mahagathbandhan. The Mahagathbandhan had banked on the argument that a vote for AIMIM splits the minority vote, thereby indirectly aiding the NDA. Leading the charge once again is Akhtarul Iman in the Amour constituency, who was the sole MLA to remain loyal to the party after the 2020 defections and is now maintaining a substantial lead. A Challenge to the Mahagathbandhan AIMIM leaders have been quick to leverage the results to attack their opposition, arguing that the RJD and Congress are responsible for the division of minority votes" by refusing to ally with the party. AIMIMs state leadership claimed they had offered to join the Mahagathbandhan coalition for a minimal allocation of just six seats, an offer that was rebuffed. While the overall trends point towards a decisive victory for the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) across the state, the AIMIMs unexpected perseverance in Seemanchal underscores the fractured nature of Bihars regional politics and the partys consistent ability to disrupt the electoral arithmetic of the major alliances. The partys performance ensures its continued relevance as a key political player, particularly in the northern districts, forcing future alliances to seriously consider its presence. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:33 IST News elections Bihar Elections: AIMIM Defies Exit Polls, Maintains Strong Presence In Seemanchal Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Polls Won, BJP Sets Sights On Bengal For 2026: TMC Says The 2 States Are Different Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:47 IST Just after the result, the BJP tweeted, Next is West Bengal. The TMC tagged that tweet and posted a video of a kid who says, Sapne dekhna acchi baath hain. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google The battle for Bengal has effectively begun, say analysts. (PTI) With the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) set for a landslide win in Bihar, celebrations erupted at the Bengal BJP headquarters, wth Supporters broke into smiles and began distributing sweets at the partys Salt Lake office. Similar scenes were reported across BJP offices in the state from Nandigram to Cooch Behar where workers were seen celebrating and sharing sweets to mark the victory. Supporters gathered at the Salt Lake office raised slogans Next is Bengal. Probal Roy, a party worker from New Town, told News18, We are very happy and have come with sweets. We are ready now. The next battle is in Bengal, and we believe this time, Trinamool Congresss (TMC) visarjan (immersion) is final." Recommended Stories Bengal BJP State President Shamik Bhattacharya told News18: There is no jungle raj in Bihar. The entire Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Election Commission (EC) took place smoothly, with no violence or issues. This is the kind of governance the NDA has established. Earlier, people migrated from Bihar to Bengal. Now its the other way around, with people from Bengal leaving the state. We are very happy today." The next fight is Bengal. We are confident that TMCs visarjan will happen next. People have already come out on the streets against the TMC. We have defeated Didis brother Arvind Kejriwal, then Haryana, then Maharashtra, then Bihar now it is time for Bengal," he said. Bhattacharya added that SIR is not the BJPs weapon" and emphasised that the focus will be on removing illegal voters in Bengal. The Bihar win will be a major boost for us," he said. Party sources told News18 that from Friday evening, the BJPs full focus will shift to Bengal. Senior leader Bhupendra Yadav is expected to be in Kolkata to hold a series of meetings, as the party prepares to go into attack mode" against the TMC. Plans have already been drawn up, and groundwork for the Bengal election will begin immediately. On the other hand, TMC insiders told News18 that they believe the Bihar result will have no impact on the Bengal polls. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh said: Some BJP leaders are celebrating and assuming that this result will influence Bengal. Let me make it clear: the Bengal and Bihar elections are completely different. The factors vary entirely. Their excitement has no basis." TMC sources added that the party will also begin its campaign programmes this week. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Political analysts in Bengal summed up the emerging scenario by saying: Fasten your seat belts. The next station is Bengal." According to them, the battle for Bengal has effectively begun and both the parties are gearing up for Bengal. Just after the result, the BJP tweeted, Next is West Bengal." The TMC tagged that tweet and posted a video of a kid who says, Sapne dekhna acchi baath hain." About the Author Kamalika Sengupta Kamalika Sengupta is the Editor (East) at CNN-News18 / News18.com, focusing on politics, defence, and womens issues. She is a seasoned multimedia journalist with over 20 years of experience reporting... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:47 IST News elections Bihar Polls Won, BJP Sets Sights On Bengal For 2026: TMC Says The 2 States Are Different Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Voters Paid Back For The Pain Of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: BJP Chief JP Nadda Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 19:52 IST "The pain in their hearts after the 2024 Lok Sabha polls made them decide that in every poll heareafter, they will support PM Modi," said JP Nadda BJP National President JP Nadda arrives at the BJP Headquarters, in New Delhi on Friday. (PTI) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) national president JP Nadda on Friday said citizens extended full support to Prime Minister Narendra Modi in the Bihar elections to make up for the pain of the 2024 Lok Sabha elections". In a speech from the Delhi BJP headquarters, after the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) landslide victory in Bihar, Nadda said, When the 2024 Central government was formed under PM Narendra Modi, the BJPs seats went down a bit. Voters of India did not like it. They couldnt believe that the BJPs seats had reduced. The pain in their hearts made them decide that for every poll heareafter, they will support Modi ji." Recommended Stories This is a sign of trust towards PM ModiThey have shown it after every poll since the 2024 Lok Sabha electionBe it HaryanaMaharashtrathe citizens supported the BJP in full forceEven DelhiThe voters are blessing PM Modi. They wont repeat the mistake of 2024 Lok Sabha elections," he said. Nadda said, I am thankful to the voters of Bihar. The mandate is not just a verdict, it is a tsunami. It has made it clear that be it the janta of Bihar or the country, they trust PM Narendra Modi ji for development. The polls were about development versus jungle rajThe politics of development, proactiveThe roadmap of development gave no-entry signal to jungle raj," he said. #BiharElections | Delhi: Union Minister and BJP National President JP Nadda says, "In this election, we have received the blessings of all sections of society. On the other hand, the grand alliance was doing politics by dividing society; their strategy was to rule by dividing pic.twitter.com/AIGd4p3MVs ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025 In this election, we received the blessings of all sections of society. On the other hand, the grand alliance was doing politics by dividing society; their strategy was to rule by dividing society. They wanted to run Bihar not with the help of Biharis, but with the help of infiltrators. The people of Bihar have given them a befitting reply and sent a clear message that the people of Bihar stand with nationalist forces," he said. Earlier, in a post on X, Nadda said the resounding majority" that the NDA has got in the election is also proof that people of Bihar have completely rejected the Mahagathbandhans jungle raj and corruption, and embraced the dimensions of good governance, stability, and development" of the ruling coalition. The historic public support received by the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar is a seal of trust from the people on the development-oriented and public welfare policies of the double-engine government" of Prime Minister Modi and Chief Minister Kumar, the BJP chief said. This unprecedented mandate" will give a concrete form to fulfil the NDAs resolve of making Bihar a developed state and India a developed country, he added. The NDA was set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in close to 200 out of the total 243 seats, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with nearly 95 per cent strike rate. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Mahagathbandhan, which includes the RJD, the Congress and three Left parties, was struggling to cross the 35-seat mark. With PTI inputs About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 19:40 IST News elections Bihar Voters Paid Back For The Pain Of 2024 Lok Sabha Elections: BJP Chief JP Nadda Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Congress Not Senior Partner: Shashi Tharoor Says RJD Has To Look Carefully At Bihar Performance Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:54 IST Shashi Tharoor said Congress has a responsibility to study in detail the causes as Bihar appears to hand NDA another mandate. He revealed he was not invited to the campaign. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Shashi Tharoor said he was not asked to join the Bihar poll effort but highlighted that Congress would review its performance in the elections. (IMAGE: PTI) Kerala Congress MP Shashi Tharoor said Congress has a responsibility to study in detail the causes and review its performance. Tharoor also pointed out that his party was not the senior party in the alliance and asked the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) to carefully look" at its performance. The BJP-led NDA has impressive leads in more than 200 of the states 243 assembly seats, with trends indicating that the party was on track to post its biggest tally with an excellent strike rate. NDA crossed the 200 mark in Bihar with the BJP leading in 95 seats, JDU in 84, and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) on 20 seats. Recommended Stories I am sure that the party has a responsibility to study in detail the causes. But remember, we were not the senior partner in the alliance and that RJD also must look carefully at its own performance," Tharoor told reporters on Friday. He also revealed that he was not invited on the Congresss election campaign trail. I was not there and I was not invited to campaign in Bihar, so I cant say much from personal experience. Those who were there will certainly study the outcome," he added. There is, of course, the popular mood. There are questions about the organisations strengths and weaknesses. There is a question of messaging. These are issues that will have to be looked at," he said. The Congress Lok Sabha MP from Thiruvananthapuram said women voters were certainly given some incentives just before the Code of Conduct". Whether we like it or not, unfortunately, that is legal under our lawsI am afraid this is not the first time that we have seen state governments doing such things, of giving benefits to certain segments of society," he said, adding that he does not think it is a healthy practice". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We saw something quite similar in Maharashtra as well as other seats in the past. Anyway, its a question of leading at the moment. They are leading by a rather large margin. But lets wait for the Election Commission to discuss and disclose the results," he further added. (with inputs from ANI and PTI) About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Thiruvananthapuram, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:42 IST News elections Congress Not Senior Partner: Shashi Tharoor Says RJD Has To Look Carefully At Bihar Performance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... From Booth Polish To Voter Tracking: How BJP Secured Bihar Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 19:20 IST Behind this victory stand countless unsung organisational workers who ensured that nothing was left to chance Behind this victory stand countless unsung organisational workers who ensured that nothing was left to chanceonce again proving that the BJPs election machinery remains unmatched. File pic/PTI Booth management has long been the Bharatiya Janata Partys biggest organisational strengtha model perfected by Union Home Minister Amit Shah since the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. Over multiple elections, this system has consistently delivered major gains for the party. Recommended Stories The Bihar assembly elections were no exception. A detailed strategy had been prepared months in advance. Voter outreach began as early as June and covered all 101 constituencies where the BJP contested. Importantly, each voter was contacted not once but three separate times. In June: Party leaders conducted door-to-door visits, distributing booklets highlighting the Modi governments achievements and how they strengthened the Bihar government. In September: The same leaders revisited voters, addressing specific queries and guiding them on how to benefit from central schemes. Post-Ticket Announcement: Candidates and local teams again reached out to voters to reinforce, connect and mobilise support. As polling approached, the BJP set up assembly-level war rooms in every constituency it contested, all linked to a central war room overseen by the partys top leadership. With two volunteers assigned to each booth, the BJP effectively manned more than 28,000 booths. In the final days before voting, volunteers personally urged families to turn out and vote together. On polling day, every single vote was accounted for. Hourly updatesenabled by technologytracked turnout booth by booth. If any area lagged, volunteers received immediate instructions to reach out to potential voters and motivate them to cast their ballots. Over 300 personnel worked round the clock at the central war room, updating data every hour, with senior organisational leaders monitoring every detail to ensure maximum participation. While top leaders like Prime Minister Modi, Home Minister Shah, and BJP president JP Nadda focused on major rallies, several other leaders and star campaigners were deployed across both BJP and NDA seats to strengthen the campaign. The massive turnout, the record vote margins, and the emphatic result reflect the publics strong approval of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Behind this victory stand countless unsung organisational workers who ensured that nothing was left to chanceonce again proving that the BJPs election machinery remains unmatched. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all First Published: November 14, 2025, 19:18 IST News elections From Booth Polish To Voter Tracking: How BJP Secured Bihar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Sanjay Raut Says 'Democracy Sold For Rs 10K' After Opposition's Bihar Rout, Giriraj Singh Hits Back Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 21:24 IST Giriraj Singh condemned Sanjay Raut's democracy remark after NDA's Bihar win, demanding Uddhav Thackeray's apology. Modi hailed the victory, promising change in West Bengal Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Sanjay Raut and Union Minister Giriraj Singh Union minister Giriraj Singh slammed Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Rauts remarks saying democracy was sold for Rs10,000 in Bihar and demanded apology from Uddhav Thackeray. Following the NDAs massive victory in Bihar assembly, Raut shared a photo on X, saying: Democracy is sold for Rs10,000. It could be seen in Bihar." Recommended Stories The BJP-led NDA won 200+ seats of the 243 Assembly seats. In response, the Union minister criticised the Shiv Sena leader and demanded an apology from party leader Uddhav Thackeray. This remark is an insult to the country. Sanjay Raut. This an insult to Bihar and Indian women. Indian women are priceless. Uddhav Thackeray must apologise," he said. For the first time ever, the BJP and JDU had contested equal number of seats 101. The LJP (Ram Vilas Paswan faction) had contested 29 seats. The Congress, which was once a major political party in Bihar, recorded one of its worst performances in the state on Friday. The Congress had contested 60 seats as part of an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), fewer than the 77 seats it contested in the 2020 elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday said the NDAs landslide victory in the Bihar elections has paved the way for next years West Bengal polls. Addressing the NDAs victory rally at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi, he declared that just as the BJP transformed Bihar, it would end jungle raj" in Bengal as well. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He further said the results of the Bihar assembly elections have reaffirmed peoples faith in the Election Commission of India, despite the oppositions sustained vote chori allegations. This election strengthened the belief of voters in the Election Commission (EC). Bihar has shown that the bill of the people wins and any false, who gets rooted out" Modi said, while addressing party workers and supporters at the BJP headquarters in New Delhi. First Published: November 14, 2025, 21:17 IST News elections Sanjay Raut Says 'Democracy Sold For Rs 10K' After Opposition's Bihar Rout, Giriraj Singh Hits Back Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Main water pipeline in Mykolaiv region to be reconstructed with EUR 3.6 mln grant from Impact Fund Denmark Nefco The Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (Nefco) has signed an agreement to provide a grant from Impact Fund Denmark to support reconstruction of the main water pipeline in Pervomaisk, Mykolaiv region, Nefco's press service told Interfax-Ukraine. The signing took place at the ReBuild Ukraine conference in Warsaw, Poland. The project is part of Nefco's Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine, which supports the restoration of critical infrastructure to strengthen the country's resilience. As reported earlier, Denmark is allocating 108 million Danish kroner (about EUR 14.5 million) for this program. The total budget of the Pervomaisk project is roughly EUR 4 million, of which EUR 3.6 million will be provided as a grant by Impact Fund Denmark. The Pervomaisk City Council will contribute EUR 0.4 million in local co-financing. The project foresees reconstruction of an 8.8-km underground water pipeline from the city's water treatment plant to clean-water reservoirs. This investment builds on a previous EU-funded project that supported reconstruction of the Pervomaisk water treatment facility (according to Nefco's website, the contract for that work was awarded to Scientific and Production Association ECOSOFT LLC of Ukraine with a project budget of EUR 2.2668 million). Thanks to Denmark's new financing, the city will be able to fully commission the upgraded water treatment plant and ensure reliable access to drinking water for all 35,000 residents. Expected outcomes include annual electricity savings of 726 MWh, yearly water savings of 1.2 million cubic meters, and a reduction of CO emissions by 581 tons. Project implementation is scheduled to begin in December 2025 and be completed by the end of 2026. 'I'll Come Back To Bihar': How NDA Win Has Proved True PM Modi's Rally Remark Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:27 IST PM Modi's Chanpatia rally boosted NDA momentum in Bihar Assembly Election 2025, with early trends showing NDA leading and preparations for post-result celebrations underway Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google As vote counting for Bihar election 2025 continues, PM Modi's confident remarks about returning for the oath-taking ceremony are now seen as prescient.(Image: Reuters/file) As counting trends in the Bihar Assembly Election 2025 settle into a clearer pattern, Prime Minister Narendra Modis remarks at the Chanpatia rally are being widely viewed as an early political cue that is now finding reflection on the electoral map. In what turned out to be his final public meeting in the state before polling closed, PM Modi had declared that after NDAs victory on November 14, he will return to Bihar to attend the oath-taking ceremony. At that time, the comment was interpreted as a confident pitch aimed at energising the BJP-led campaign. With early trends showing the NDA steadily widening its advantage across several constituencies, the statement appears increasingly prescient. Recommended Stories Political analysts say the Chanpatia rally delivered a late surge for the NDA, particularly in constituencies where margins were expected to be razor-thin. The PM factor", they contend, offered critical momentum to BJP and allied candidates, reshaping contests in parts of West Champaran, East Champaran, Karakat, Sheohar, and other border districts. The rally, held on November 9, is being described in political circles as one of the most influential public outreach events of this Bihar polls cycle. In his address, the PM Modi had foregrounded employment, development initiatives, law-and-order stability, and the argument for a reliable, stable government" under the double-engine model. His sharp critique of the opposition and direct assurance that the results on November 14 would vindicate the NDAs governance narrative were seen as a clear attempt to consolidate last-mile voters. The buoyancy in todays emerging numbers suggests the message may have travelled effectively. Within BJP and JDU circles, the atmosphere has already turned celebratory, with party functionaries indicating that preparations for post-result events are underway. Senior leaders credit the evolving trends to the prime ministers leadership and the cohesion of the NDAs campaign machinery in a fiercely contested Bihar elections season. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Party offices in Patna and district headquarters have begun making arrangements for public gatherings, though the formal oath-taking schedule will only be finalised after the Election Commission declares the official results. For now, all eyes remain on how swiftly the government formation process moves once counting concludes, and whether PM Modis anticipated return to Bihar for the oath ceremony materialises exactly as he projected from the Chanpatia stage, remarks that, at the time, seemed rhetorical but today carry the weight of an unfolding political reality in the Bihar polls. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:27 IST News elections 'I'll Come Back To Bihar': How NDA Win Has Proved True PM Modi's Rally Remark Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Inside Bihar Election Verdict: How A Targeted Women-Centric Push Boosted NDA's Win Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 17:47 IST Nitish Kumars Mahila Udyamita Yojana, offering Rs 10,000 to eligible women and up to Rs 2 lakh for business expansion, is seen as a key factor powering NDAs strong performance Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The ruling alliance appeared comfortably placed to secure a two-thirds majority, with projections suggesting 208 of the 243 seats. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) was on course for a sweeping triumph in the Bihar Assembly elections on Thursday, with early trends indicating a return to power for the Nitish Kumar-led coalition and a decisive collapse of the Oppositions INDIA bloc. The ruling alliance appeared comfortably placed to secure a two-thirds majority, with projections suggesting 208 of the 243 seats, marking one of its strongest performances in the state in recent years. According to the latest provisional figures, the BJP was ahead in 92 seats, followed by the JD(U) with 83. The RJD, which had emerged as the single largest party in the 2020 Assembly polls with 75 seats, suffered its steepest electoral setback in a decade, leading in barely 26 constituencies. The Congress was ahead in 5. The much-publicised debut of Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party failed to translate into electoral traction, with the outfit not leading in any seat. Recommended Stories The numbers signalled a dramatic turnaround for the JD(U), which had been reduced to 43 seats in the last election. Contesting 101 seats this time, the party appeared to have more than doubled its footprint, buoyed by what analysts described as a carefully calibrated outreach to women voters and the consolidation of traditional support groups. The BJP, meanwhile, seemed to have improved on its 2020 tally of 74 seats, reaffirming its sustained organisational hold across large parts of Bihar. Political analysts pointed out that the NDAs resurgence had once again reinforced a trend visible across several recent state elections, the counter to anti-incumbency driven by targeted welfare schemes for women. The pattern, evident in Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Jharkhand and Haryana over the past two years, appeared to have played out decisively in Bihar as well. Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Mahila Udyamita Yojana, under which the state government transferred Rs 10,000 to eligible women and announced additional assistance of up to Rs 2 lakh for small business expansion, is believed to have been a crucial driver behind the NDAs strong showing. The financial cushion, officials said, was intended to nudge women towards greater economic participation and household stability, a factor that found deep resonance across rural constituencies. The phenomenon is not new. In Madhya Pradesh, the BJPs thumping victory in the 2023 Assembly polls was widely attributed to former Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhans Ladli Laxmi initiative, which saw direct monthly transfers to women beneficiaries. The party went on to win 163 of the 230 seats, securing a fifth consecutive term. Maharashtra witnessed a similar pattern in 2024, when the Shinde government rolled out the Majhi Ladki Behen scheme, offering Rs 1,500 per month to eligible women four months before polling. The BJP capitalised on the momentum, securing an unprecedented 132 seats and cementing the Mahayuti alliances return to power. Jharkhand followed suit with the Maiya Samman Yojana, launched by Hemant Soren just weeks before voting. A mid-campaign increase in financial assistance, from Rs 1,000 to Rs 2,500, helped the JMM stave off anti-incumbency and retain control of the state. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Haryanas 2024 election saw the BJP deploy the same strategy, promising monthly support of Rs 2,100 for women ahead of voting. The party secured 46 of the 90 seats, forming a single-party government for the third consecutive term in a state long known for volatile political swings. The scheme is expected to be rolled out formally by the end of 2025. In Bihar, however, the scale of the INDIA blocs collapse was striking. Tejashwi Yadav, the alliances principal face, failed to galvanise the RJDs traditional voter base, with the party projected to fall to 26 seats. The Congress, too, appeared to be shrinking to single digits, while the CPI-ML, once seen as a rising force in the Opposition camp, was ahead in only four seats compared with 19 in the previous Assembly. Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 17:47 IST News elections Inside Bihar Election Verdict: How A Targeted Women-Centric Push Boosted NDA's Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... J&K Bypolls: Omar Abdullahs NC Loses Its Stronghold After Decades Of Dominance Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:54 IST The setback serves as both a wake-up call and a political challenge for Abdullah and the NC to reconnect with their base Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah. (File Photo) Fridays loss of the Budgam seat for the National Conference (NC) marks a historic and jarring setback for both Chief Minister Omar Abdullah and his party, which had never lost this traditional stronghold except once to the Congress. It was seen as an early litmus test for Abdullahs NC just over a year into its term. Budgam has long been a fortress for the National Conference, consistently backing the party since the first election in 1962, except 1972 when the Congress won the seat, through to the 2024 Assembly polls. Recommended Stories Historically, the NC had won every election in Budgam, including a sweeping victory by Abdullah in 2024, when he won the seat by over 18,000 votes against PDP rivals. The seats significance lies not only in its political legacy but also in its symbolism as a bastion of NCs enduring influence in Kashmir. Losing Budgam delivers a severe blow to the partys prestige and reflects anti-incumbency and public dissatisfaction with some unfulfilled promises by Abdullahs government. The loss also signals a major critical reassessment of policies and strategies moving forward. This defeat reverberates beyond just one constituency; it casts a shadow on NCs broader appeal and signals a potential shift in voter sentiment in Kashmir valley that has steadfastly supported the party for decades. The setback serves as both a wake-up call and a political challenge for Abdullah and the NC to reconnect with their base and address the pressing issues that have led to this unprecedented outcome. Ruhullah miffed with National Conference Aga Ruhullah Mehdi, the influential Shia leader and Member of Parliament from Srinagar, stayed away from directly supporting any candidate in the Budgam seat by-election. Mehdi has represented Budgam in the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly three times as an MLA. Ruhullahs decision not to campaign for the National Conference candidate was widely seen as a clear signal of his deep dissatisfaction with the Omar Abdullah-led government. Ruhullah publicly expressed displeasure with the partys governance style and accused it of betraying its electoral mandate and compromising key promises made during the 2024 Assembly elections. Ruhullahs support carries significant weight among the local voters in the Budgam district. His absence was perceived as a setback for NC, introducing uncertainty and potentially weakening the partys traditional hold on Budgam, given Ruhullahs influence among the electorate. He also skipped casting his vote during the by-election, as he was abroad in Germany at the time. His stance effectively left the field open and may have contributed to the tighter contest and eventual loss for NC in Budgam. In the absence of any statement from Ruhullah, it is believed that his loyal voters either abstained from voting or shifted their traditional support elsewhere. PDPs victory, a comeback? The Peoples Democratic Party was able to connect with people in Budgam primarily by positioning itself as a voice of change and criticising the ruling National Conference for unfulfilled promises. During recent campaigns, PDP leaders, including party president Mehbooba Mufti, accused the NC-led government of betraying the trust of the Budgam electorate by failing to deliver on development and governance commitments. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mehbooba Mufti highlighted that Budgam had been treated as a political outpost by the NC, which focused on the area only during elections without addressing local concerns effectively. The PDP was also able to quietly secure support from religious and other groups across the district. However, the PDPs victory in Budgam cannot yet be seen as a resurgence. About the Author Ieshan Wani Ieshan Wani, senior correspondent, CNN-News18, has over eight years of experience in reporting, producing and editing news for broadcast, digital and print platforms. His reporting has mostly been fro... Read More Location : Jammu and Kashmir, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:54 IST News elections J&K Bypolls: Omar Abdullahs NC Loses Its Stronghold After Decades Of Dominance Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Katta Sarkar Will Never Return To Bihar': PM Modi Says Voters Taught Anti-India Forces A Lesson Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 20:27 IST PM Modi hailed NDA's record victory in Bihar in his address to BJP workers in Delhi, and said the people had rejected politics of appeasement by the RJD-Congress alliance. PM Modi addressing BJP workers in his Bihar victory speech. (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi hailed the National Democratic Alliances (NDA) landslide victory in Bihar and said the Rashtriya Janata Dals (RJD) katta sarkar (gun-wielding government) will never return in the state. In the Election, whenever I would speak about Jungle Raj and Katta Sarkar, there was never any opposition from the RJD, but the Congress would be hurt. I can say once again, it (katta sarkar) will never return in Bihar," he said in his victory speech. Recommended Stories The Prime Ministers remarks were met with a deafening applause from party workers after the NDAs landslide win. We in the NDA are servants of the people we win hearts through our hard work. We have won the hearts of the people, and that is why Bihar has said once again, Phir ek baar, NDA sarkar!" he said. PM Modi said he had asked the people of Bihar to give the NDA a resounding victory, and they gave the alliance the biggest margin of victory since 2010. On behalf of the entire NDA family, I thamk all the people of Bihar and accept this victory in all humility." He also thanked Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Chirag Paswan for the victory. He also highlighted that earlier elections in Bihar were marred by booth capturing and poll violence, but this years election was largely peaceful despite a record turnout. Taught Anti-India Forces A Lesson Attacking the opposition, PM Modi said, Some parties in Bihar had created a politics of appeasement with their MY formula. But todays victory has given a new and positive MY formula Mahila and Yuva." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The Prime Minister asserted that Bihar has shown that India is the mother of democracy, and the people taught anti-India forces" a lesson. He said the RJD-Congress had created a negative image of Bihar, failed to respect the culture of the state, and disrespected the biggest festival of Chhath ahead of the elections. People of Bihar will never forget how their pride and dignity had been disrespected," he added. The revision of voter rolls was taken very seriously by the youth of Bihar, and they supported it it is the responsibility of all political parties to ensure free and fair voting and to make sure that rightful voters get the opportunity to cast their vote," he said on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 19:19 IST News elections 'Katta Sarkar Will Never Return To Bihar': PM Modi Says Voters Taught Anti-India Forces A Lesson Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Muslim League Maoist...': PM Modi Says Discontent Brewing In Congress, Predicts Split Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 20:24 IST Prime Minister Modi described Congress as MMC (Muslim League Maoist Congress), saying that the party had no positive vision for India and was a liability for its alliance partners. PM Modi addressing BJP workers in Delhi after the Bihar polls. (PTI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing attack on the Congress after the partys humiliating defeat in Bihar, calling it a liability for its alliance partners and predicting that it will split soon due to growing internal discontent. Addressing the BJP workers in Delhi after the NDAs landslide victory in Bihar, PM Modi said the Congress has not been able to win a single election in six states since 2024. He said the Congress would not be able to put up a combined 100 seats from these six states. Recommended Stories Today, the Congress has become MMC Muslim League Maoist Congress and the entire agenda of the Congress now revolves around this, and therefore, within the Congress as well, a separate faction is emerging that is uncomfortable with this negative politics. I think that there could be another major split in the Congress," he said. He also took a dig at Rahul Gandhi without naming them, saying that the naamdaar has sparked widespread internal discontent with his policies and was leading the party to a political disaster. PM Modi said Congress is all about divisive politics, has no positive vision for the country, and seeks to promote the agenda of the countrys enemies. Even Congresss allies are beginning to understand that Congress is drowning everyone in its negative politics. That is why, during the Bihar elections, I said that the naamdaar of the Congress is practising to drown himself and others in the Bihar elections by taking a dip in the pond," he added. PM Calls Congress Parasite PM Modi also called Congress a liability for its alliance partners and issued a strong warning. I had earlier warned Congresss allies from this very stage that Congress has become a liability. It is a parasite party that wants to make a comeback by swallowing the vote banks of its allies. That is why even its partners need to be cautious of Congress," he said. He also said the conflict between the RJD and Congress will come out into the open after their rout in Bihar. The PM also told BJP workers that the Congress had insulted him and the Election Commission during their vote theft campaign. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Todays victory is the beginning of a new journey. The trust that Bihar has placed in us has increased our responsibility even more. I assure you that in the coming five years, Bihar will progress at an even faster pace. New industries will be set up in Bihar, and efforts will be made to ensure that the youth of Bihar get employment within the state itself," he added. He also called the NDAs victory an approval of its pro-people, pro-governance, and pro-development politics. In his concluding remarks, PM Modi pledged to end jungle raj in West Bengal. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 19:53 IST News elections 'Muslim League Maoist...': PM Modi Says Discontent Brewing In Congress, Predicts Split Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... People Of Bihar Vs Election Commission: Congress Rakes Up SIR As NDA Heads For Landslide Victory Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 11:19 IST The Congress continues to question the integrity of the electoral process, while the BJP maintains that the results reflect voters trust. Senior Congress leader Pawan Khera (PTI image) As trends pointed to a sweeping victory for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) in Bihar, the Congress, a key constituent of the Opposition Mahagathbandhan, shifted its criticism toward the Election Commission of India (ECI). Congress accuses EC of bias Recommended Stories Congress spokesperson Pawan Khera sharply remarked that the real contest in Bihar was between the ECI and the people of Bihar," alleging that the electoral process had been compromised. Commenting on the early leads favouring the NDA, Khera said, Going by the early trends, it seems Gyanesh Kumar is outweighing the people of Bihar." He added that despite issues such as SIR and what he termed vote chori," the people of Bihar had displayed great courage." He went a step further, suggesting that senior election official Gyanesh Kumar was writing a book for Prime Minister Modi," accusing of political bias. There was a book called To Serve with Love. Gyanesh Kumar Gupta is writing this book for PM Modi," said Khera. Meanwhile, Union Minister Giriraj Singh declared that the triumph belongs to the BJP and predicted the partys next win in Bengal. Those who understand Bihar know that the people of Bihar do not want jungle raj (lawlessness). Bihars people do not want anarchy, nor do they want to hand over power to corrupt leaders," the Union Minister said. Rahul Gandhi vote chori claim Congress leader Rahul Gandhi has been consistently alleging large-scale electoral manipulation by the BJP and the Election Commission. Over the past months, he has accused the ruling party of orchestrating vote chori" in several states, including Haryana and Bihar. Rahul Gandhi has claimed that the electoral system is being undermined through systematic fraud, weakening public trust in democratic processes. His remarks come at a time when the NDA appears set for a decisive victory in Bihar, placing the Mahagathbandhan on the back foot. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all With results solidifying the NDAs lead, the Oppositions rhetoric has grown sharper. The Congress continues to question the integrity of the electoral process, while the BJP maintains that the results reflect voters trust. As counting progresses, the war of words between the ruling alliance and the Opposition is expected to intensify, raising the political temperature across Bihar. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 11:12 IST News elections People Of Bihar Vs Election Commission: Congress Rakes Up SIR As NDA Heads For Landslide Victory Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Rs 10,000 For Women, Fear Of 'Katta Sarkar': 5 Things That Gave Nitish Kumar A Big Win In Bihar Reported By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:44 IST What added to the mix for the NDA was the free electricity given to all domestic consumers till 125 units which was a game-changer in some villages. The messages of CM Nitish Kumar and the PM Narendra Modi, worked in conjunction to convince the voters, especially the women voters, to keep their faith in the NDA. (Image: PTI) Das Hazari Chunaav Hai, Doosri Taraf Katta Sarkar Hai (It is the Rs 10,000 election, it is a lawless government on the other side) this is the line that has swung the election for the NDA led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. While it was the Rs 10,000 scheme for 1.3 crore women by the CM which solidified his women voter base and contributed to a record women voter of over 71 per cent, it was the PMs words in election rallies of katta, dunali, rangdari (guns and lawlessness) that reminded the voters of the jungle raj that would be back in Bihar if the RJD returns. Modis popularity in Bihar helped reinforce this message in the psyche of the people. Recommended Stories Click here for LIVE updates on Bihar Assembly Election Results 2025. Both these messages, of the CM and the PM, worked in conjunction to convince the voters, especially the women voters, to keep their faith in the NDA. With the Rs 10,000 already reaching their bank accounts, women reinforced their belief in Nitish Kumar rather than believe the promise of Tejashwi Yadav that he will give them Rs 2500 per month if he wins. What added to the mix for the NDA was the free electricity given to all domestic consumers till 125 units which was a game-changer in villages where people invariably had nothing to pay as electricity bills. Hamare gaon mein toh bhains bhi pankhe ke niche soti hai (In our village, even the buffalo sleeps under a fan)", said a villager. Click here to see the full list of winners in Bihar The cherry on the cake was Nitish Kumar enhancing the old-age pension for 1.2 crore senior citizens from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100. The seniors in Bihar saw this as a big gift from their contemporary, Nitish Kumar, and all the talk of the CMs failing mental acumen fell aside. Nitish Kumar was back in the reckoning among people as a wise, senior leader and whom people had a lot of goodwill for. We do not want to retire Nitish Kumar with a defeat. We will make him win and let him choose his time and moment for retirement," a group of villagers had told the correspondent in Rohtas. That said, there surely was some unhappiness on the ground with the NDA over the unemployment situation that Kumar as the CM has not been able to effectively resolve over the last two decades. Some saw Nitishs Rs 10,000 aid for women, the free electricity roll-out and old age pension hike as the counters to the unemployment issue that was an ace up the oppositions sleeve. But in the end, it seems that any anti-incumbency vote on the account of unemployment got split between the RJD and the other opposition player, the party of Prashant Kishor who had also developed a popularity amongst the youth by raising the unemployment and migration issue. The Mahagathbandan also made a cardinal mistake in the election campaign a few months ago when it shifted its focus from the plank of lawlessness in the NDA regime to the SIR issue. A murder in the heart of Patna, of industrialist Gopal Khemka in July, had shocked Bihar and the NDA government was under fire. But soon after, Congress under Rahul Gandhi shifted the Mahagathbandans focus to the SIR issue with the Vote Adhikar Yatra across the state. The SIR issue lost its relevance by the time the elections came and vote chori was hardly a conversation amongst voters when the time to press the EVM button came. In hindsight, it was a big tactical blunder by the Mahagathbandan to shift its focus from the purported lawlessness under the NDA regime, to the SIR issue. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all This election is also a big moment for Nitish Kumar who has improved his strike rate from the 2020 election when his party performed the worst since 2005 winning just 43 out of the 115 seats it contested. This time, out of 101 seats it has contested, the JDU looks set to win well over half the seats. Kumars improved strike rate is also a statement after his partys slogan 25 se 30, Phir Nitish (From 2025 to 2030, it will be again Nitish Kumar) settling firmly the question that Kumar will be Chief Minister again and truly the Baadshah of Bihar. About the Author Aman Sharma Aman Sharma, News Director For CNN News18 and News18 English, has over two decades of experience in covering the wide spectrum of politics and the Prime Ministers Office. He has written widely on pol... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 11:05 IST News elections Rs 10,000 For Women, Fear Of 'Katta Sarkar': 5 Things That Gave Nitish Kumar A Big Win In Bihar Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... The Many Lives Of Nitish Kumar: Why No Setback Is Too Big For The Chief Survivalist Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 11:26 IST As he stands on the cusp of yet another term, Nitish Kumar once again proves that in the unforgiving arena of Bihar politics, no one stages a comeback quite like him Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Nitish Kumars political journey remains a study in endurance, adaptability and an unerring instinct for survival. (PTI) He has been written off more times than history cares to remember. But each comeback, stronger than the last, has firmly established Nitish Kumar as the master survivalist of Indian politics. The JD(U) chief appears poised to take oath as Bihar Chief Minister for the record 10th time as the National Democratic Alliance races to a landslide win, leaving the RJD-Congress Mahagathbandhan in the dust. Around three hours into the counting of votes on Friday, the NDA was leading on 177 seats, way above the majority mark of 122 in the 243-seat Bihar Assembly. The JD-U was leading on 79 seats while ally BJP was leading on 75. Recommended Stories If the trends hold, Nitish Kumar, already the states longest-serving chief minister, will get a record fifth term. In his previous four terms, Nitish Kumar notched up the notorious distinction of taking oath nine times as part of different coalitions, a testament to his survival instincts. Over the years, the Janata Dal (United) president has distinguished himself as a leader who ruled Bihar for the longest time without his party having ever won a majority on its own. Concealed beneath the feat is the fact that the 72-year-old leader could never remain at peace with his allies which also made him change partners frequently. No wonder, in a political career spanning four decades, the accusation of opportunism" and names like Paltu Ram have stuck out like a sore thumb, even though there has been no dearth of admirers who remember him for keeping at bay taints of corruption, nepotism and misgovernance. THE BEGINNING Born on March 01, 1951, in Bakhtiyarpur, a nondescript town on the outskirts of Patna, to an Ayurvedic practitioner-cum-freedom fighter father, Kumar is an electrical engineer by training. During his days at the Bihar Engineering College, now known as NIT, Patna, he became active in student politics and got associated with the JP movement which introduced him to many of his future associates, including Lalu Prasad and Sushil Kumar Modi who were then, respectively, president and general secretary of the Patna University Students Union. His first electoral success came in the 1985 assembly elections which the Congress swept though he managed to win the Harnaut seat for Lok Dal. Five years later, he moved to Delhi as an MP from the now-abolished seat of Barh. After another half a decade, when the Mandal wave was at its peak and Prasad was reaping its dividends, Kumar sided with George Fernandes to float the Samata Party, which later morphed into the JD-U and share power with the BJP at the Centre and, from 2005 onwards, in the state. FIRST STINT AS CM Nitish Kumars first five years as Chief Minister are recalled with admiration even by critics, marked by vast improvements in the restoration of law and order in a state that made headlines for massacres by rivalling militias and kidnappings for ransom. A product of the Mandal churn, the Kurmi leader also realised that he did not have the advantage of belonging to a populous caste group and created sub-quotas among OBCs and Dalits who were called Ati Pichhda (EBC) and Mahadalits, a decision that was resented by the dominant Yadavs and Dusadhs (supporters of Paswan). 2013 BREAK-UP WITH BJP After his breakup with BJP in 2013, Nitish Kumar still survived in power as the JD(U), which was then just a few members short of the majority mark, got outside support from parties like Congress and CPI, besides a disgruntled faction of the RJD. A year later, though, he stepped down owing moral responsibility for the JD(U)s drubbing in Lok Sabha elections. THE MAHAGATHBANDHAN In less than a year, he was back as Chief Minister, elbowing out his rebellious protege Jitan Ram Manjhi, this time armed with ample support from the RJD and the Congress. The Grand Alliance that came into being with JD(U), Congress and RJD coming together, won the 2015 assembly polls handsomely but came apart in just two years. BACK WITH BJP Nitish Kumar returned to the NDA in 2017, hoping to get some traction after taking a stand against corruption taint on his then deputy Tejashwi Yadav. RETURN TO MAHAGATHBANDHAN Five years later, he again grew disillusioned with the BJP, blaming it for the JD(U)s debacle in the assembly polls of 2020, when Chirag Paswan fielded many BJP rebels on tickets of his Lok Janshakti Party. By August 2022, he was back in the Mahagathbandhan or Grand Alliance, which now also included three Left parties. TRYST WITH INDIA BLOC Although he retained his chair, Kumar indicated that he had his fill and wanted to mentor Tejashwi Yadav, back as his deputy, as his political successor in the state while applying himself with great vigour to bring together all political outfits opposed to the BJP, hoping for a Janata Party-like formation which could, like the post-Emergency polls, pull off a victory against a seemingly invincible regime. As host of the first meeting of such like-minded parties in Patna in 2023, Nitish Kumar was widely regarded as the architect of the opposition front INDIA which, however, baulked at naming him as its convenor, and irked him with suggestions like projecting the elderly Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge as the prime ministerial candidate. DRAMATIC RETURN TO NDA top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Nitish Kumar took oath as the chief minister of Bihar for a record ninth time after a dramatic volte-face, ditching the Mahagathbandhan and the INDIA bloc and forming a new government with the BJP, which he had dumped less than 18 months earlier. Nitish Kumars political journey remains a study in endurance, adaptability and an unerring instinct for survival. His zigzag course through Bihars alliances may invite criticism, but it has also kept him firmly at the centre of power for two decades outlasting rivals, rebuilding after setbacks and reinventing himself with each electoral tide. As he stands on the cusp of yet another term, Kumar once again proves that in the unforgiving arena of Bihar politics, no one stages a comeback quite like him. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 11:26 IST News elections The Many Lives Of Nitish Kumar: Why No Setback Is Too Big For The Chief Survivalist Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Tiger Zinda Hai' And How: Poster Outside JDU Office Sums Up Nitish Kumar's Roaring Victory Reported By : News18.com Edited By: Oindrila Mukherjee Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 23:58 IST Nitish Kumar defied health attacks to win Bihar's assembly election, backed by women voters, free electricity, and a spotless image, with NDA unity and BJP as largest party JD(U) chief Nitish Kumar looks set to take oath as Bihar chief minister for the 10th time. (Image: PTI) A poster outside the JD(U) office in Patna sums encapsulates what will go down as a historic assembly election in Bihar. The slogan emblazoned on the poster says in not so very subtle terms: Tiger Zinda Hai". Attacks on his so-called ill health and being labelled medically unfit by the Tejashwi Yadav-led Mahagathbandhan could not stop incumbent chief minister Nitish Kumar from roaring to victory. Recommended Stories Nitish Kumar was allied with the BJP, Chirag Paswan-led LJP (Ramvilas), and other NDA constituents Jitan Ram Manjhis HAM and Upendra Kushwahas RLM. Yahan teer nahin, helicopter hai, per vote to Nitish ji ki liye hi hai," a voter near Fatua told News18. This indicated that the NDA functioned as a unified entity, with Nitish transferring his goodwill and votes, while the Mahagathbandhan engaged in friendly fights". The BJP might emerge as the single largest party when the final results are declared, but even its staunchest supporters acknowledge this mandate was for Nitish. So, what led to it? Heres all you need to know: Rs 10,000: It is clear that the 2025 elections became a dus hazaari chunav. Women were already fans of Nitish Kumar due to initiatives like sharab bandi and cycles for girls. The decision to provide them Rs 10,000 as seed money for entrepreneurial ventures strengthened this support. The Mahagathbandhan attempted to discredit this by saying women would have to return the money if their enterprise did not succeed. Before the first phase of polling, however, Nitish clarified that there would be no refunds required. The promise of up to Rs 2 lakh support further solidified the women votes who rejected Tejashwi Yadavs Rs 30,000 upfront dole. Jobs: Unemployment seemed to be Nitishs Achilles heel. Tejashwi appeared to have captured the youths imagination by promising government jobs. But the NDA successfully sowed doubt in voters minds about where the money would come from to fulfil such promises. Nitish was the CM when his government, with Tejashwi as his deputy, delivered on job promises. The RJD tried to take credit, but voters seemed to credit the captain of the ship and believed in the NDAs promise of jobs in both government and private sectors. The Rs 10,000 to women added to family income, offsetting some economic distress related to unemployment. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Free Electricity: Once labelled revdi, sops like free power and water supply proved winners again. Bihar has endured long periods of powerlessness. During his first term, Nitish brought electricity to Bihars interiors. By offering up to 125 units of free electricity in these polls, he won over more voters. His track record in constructing road and power infrastructure received approval even from his worst critics. Personal Integrity: Nitish did not face any anti-incumbency this election. There were no allegations of personal corruption, or parivarvad (unlike the RJD and Congress), and his personal image remained spotless even after 20 years. Buddhe ho gaye hain to bimaar bhi honge, per file to sahi se sign kar rahe hain na (He is old, so he may have illnesses too but hes sentient enough to sign his files, right)?" a group of men in Nalanda told News18 when asked if the incumbent CM is fit to rule. Older Bihari voters had not forgotten the terror of jungle raj that Nitishs reign ended. Humri beti cycle chala kar, bina darey school jaati hai. Ee Nitish babu ka diya hua hai (My daughter goes to school on a cycle without any fear. Thats all because of Nitish babu)," a woman in Bakhtiarpur told News18. About the Author Arunima Arunima is Editor (Home Affairs) and covers strategic, security and political affairs. From the Ukraine-Russia War to the India-China stand-off in Ladakh to India-Pak clashes, she has reported from gr... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 23:58 IST News elections 'Tiger Zinda Hai' And How: Poster Outside JDU Office Sums Up Nitish Kumar's Roaring Victory Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Victory Of Every Bihari Who Believes In Developed Bihar: Amit Shah On NDA's Landslide Win Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:45 IST Amit Shah on Friday saluted the people of Bihar Bhumi and called them protector of knowledge, hard work, and democracy for handing NDA, a decisive mandate in the elections. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google PTI11_09_2025_000250B.jpg Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday said the resounding" mandate delivered by the people of Bihar is a seal of approval on the NDAs committed service to development in Bihar". He made the remarks in a social media post as the BJP-led NDA registered strong leads in more than 200 of the states 243 assembly seats, with trends indicating the alliance was on track for its biggest tally yet. The NDA crossed the 200 mark, with the BJP ahead in 95 seats, the JDU in 84 and the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) in 20. Recommended Stories Shah also offered a million salutes" to the people of Bihar Bhumi", calling them protectors of knowledge, hard work and democracy". The senior BJP leader added that the NDAs victory is the victory of every Bihari who believes in a developed Bihar. , Politics of performance @narendramodi , @NitishKumar Amit Shah (@AmitShah) November 14, 2025 In the last 11 years, Modi ji has worked with an open heart for Bihar for womens safety, good governance and the welfare of the poor and Nitish ji has taken Bihar out of the darkness of jungle raj. This public mandate is for the resolve of Developed Bihar," he said in a post on X. Politics of Performance This is the victory of every Bihari who believes in Developed Bihar. No matter what guise those who practice jungle raj and appeasement politics adopt, they will not get the opportunity to loot. The public now gives its mandate solely and exclusively on the basis of the politics of performance" he further added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Amit Shah went on to congratulate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and all NDA leaders and workers, while also saluting BJP workers in Bihar from the booth level to the state level for their tireless effort in securing the mandate. He assured the people of Bihar, especially women, that the NDA will honour the trust placed in it and, under Modis leadership, will work with even greater dedication to fulfil their expectations. First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:25 IST News elections 'Victory Of Every Bihari Who Believes In Developed Bihar: Amit Shah On NDA's Landslide Win Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official Four people were killed and dozens injured, including children and a pregnant woman, as a result of a massive Russian air strike on Friday night, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said. Since last night, our emergency services have been working at the sites of the Russian strikes. A wicked attack as of now, we know of dozens of wounded, including children and a pregnant woman. Sadly, four people have been killed. My condolences to their families and loved ones. About 430 drones and 18 missiles were used in the strike, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles, he said on X. The President called Russia's strike "specifically calculated" to cause maximum damage to people and civilian infrastructure. This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. In Kyiv alone, dozens of apartment buildings have been damaged. The Azerbaijani Embassy was hit by debris from an Iskander missile. The main target of the attack was Kyiv, and strikes also hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa regions. According to preliminary data, the Russians used a Zircon missile in Sumy region this morning, the message reads. Zelenskyy stated that the world must stop the aggressor by imposing sanctions, and Ukraine, in turn, will respond with further long-range strikes. Ukraine is responding to these strikes with long-range strength, and the world must stop these attacks on life with sanctions. Russia is still able to sell oil and build its schemes. All of this must end. A great deal of work is underway with partners to strengthen our air defense, but it is not enough. We need reinforcement with additional systems and interceptor missiles. Europe and the United States can help. We are counting on real decisions. Thank you to everyone who helps, the President stressed. According to head of the Kyiv State Emergency Service, Tymur Tkachenko, the death toll in Kyiv has risen to four. "According to updated information, four people were killed in the night attack. Another 27 were injured, two of them children. Medics provided assistance to all the wounded, and 15 were hospitalized. Our sincere condolences to those who lost loved ones today," he wrote on Telegram. 9 Killed, 27 Injured In 'Accidental Blast' At J&K Police Station From Explosives Seized In White-Collar Terror Case Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 15, 2025, 06:35 IST Officials said that the blast occurred during the forensic analysis and sampling of the materials being stored The intensity of the accidental blast was immense, causing extensive damage inside the police station compound. Representational image A massive explosion occurred late on Friday night at the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir, resulting in multiple fatalities and injuries among police and forensic personnel. The blast happened accidentally while a team was examining a substantial cache of explosive material recently seized in connection with a high-profile white-collar terror module" case. Recommended Stories Initial reports from officials suggested around eight personnel were injured, but later sources confirmed a far higher casualty count. At least nine people were killed and 27 others were injured, many critically, in the powerful blast. The deceased included policemen and forensic team officials who were conducting the inspection, as well as two officials from the Srinagar civil administration, including a Naib Tehsildar. The injured were swiftly transported to the Indian Armys 92 Base Hospital and Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) for urgent medical care. The tragic accident occurred during the sampling process of explosive material, reportedly a large quantity of ammonium nitrate, which had been confiscated in interstate raids. The material was linked to an ongoing investigation by the Jammu and Kashmir Police into a sophisticated terror network connected to the car bomb blast at Delhis Red Fort this week that killed 13 people. The investigation, which originated with the appearance of pro-Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) posters in the Nowgam area in October, unravelled a sophisticated interstate terror module involving radicalised professionals, including medical doctors. This network, described by the police as a white-collar terror ecosystem", was allegedly involved in fundraising, logistics, and the procurement of arms and IED components. The seized explosives, estimated to be close to 2,900 kilograms of various bomb-making materials, including a significant quantity of ammonium nitrate, were recovered during searches across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana, and Uttar Pradesh. Specifically, 360 kilograms of explosive material was seized from the rented residence of Dr Muzzamil Ganaie, one of the arrested suspects in Faridabad. It was this seized material, brought to the Nowgam police station, that was being inspected at the time of the explosion. The intensity of the accidental blast was immense, causing extensive damage inside the police station compound, destroying several parked vehicles, and shattering windowpanes in nearby residential areas. The explosion was so powerful it could be heard several kilometres away. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Senior police and civil administration officials immediately rushed to the scene, and the area was cordoned off. While some sources initially linked the blast to the explosives seized from the terror module, police officers later ruled out any external terror angle, confirming it was an accidental explosion that occurred during the forensic analysis and sampling of the materials being stored. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 15, 2025, 04:12 IST News india 9 Killed, 27 Injured In 'Accidental Blast' At J&K Police Station From Explosives Seized In White-Collar Terror Case Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... After Four Years On The Run, Man Arrested In Chhattisgarh Over Virtual Marriage, Sexual Assault Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 20:32 IST In 2021, a woman claimed a man held a so-called virtual marriage with her and then sent another man on the honeymoon, which he watched over a video call. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The victim, who was 17 at that time, was sexually assaulted by Dilip Chauhan twice. (IMAGE: REPRESENTATIVE) A man evading the police for nearly four years was arrested in Chhattisgarhs Jashpur district in connection with a 2021 case of virtual marriage and sexual assault. The man was identified as Dilip Chauhan, 29, from the Kunkuri area. The case was reported back on April 9, 2022, at the Dulduda police station, where a woman told police that she had received a wrong number call in 2021 from a man who identified himself as Kundan Raj, a resident of Patna, according to a report by India Today. Recommended Stories Kundan contacted the woman after seeing her profile picture on social media, and the duo began speaking on a regular basis. After a few months, he told her that he wanted to marry her. In a bizarre ritual, Kundan conducted what he called a virtual marriage, where he asked her to apply sindoor (vermilion). The woman was only 17 years old at the time of the incident and studying in Class 12. She left her studies after the case came to light and is currently receiving counselling and security support. Bizarre Virtual Honeymoon He also recorded explicit videos of the woman. When she refused further recordings, he threatened to release the earlier videos. The woman complied with several of his demands after being pressured, until Kundan told her to meet his associate as part of their honeymoon. Kundan told the woman that he knew someone from the village and would send him for the honeymoon, while he would watch through a video call. On Kundans instructions, Dilip Chauhan allegedly sexually assaulted the victim twice, as per the India Today report. According to the woman, Chauhan introduced himself as Deepak Yadav and did wrong things" with her while Kundan watched over a video call. Finally, when the woman refused his demands, Kundan sent the explicit videos to her sister, who went to the police station with the victim and filed a complaint. On The Run For Four Years An FIR was registered under sections of the IPC, POCSO Act and IT Act. Kundan was arrested in Patna on April 15, 202, by a police team from Jashpur, and he named Dilip Chauhan as the one who assaulted the woman. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all However, soon after the complaint was filed, Chauhan fled and kept changing locations to evade the police. After four years on the run, he was finally traced to Kunkuri and apprehended this month. He was sent to judicial custody, where the victim identified him before a court. Chauhan also confessed to his crime. Under Operation Ankush, we arrested him, and further investigation is ongoing. He is being prepared to be sent to judicial custody," SSP Jashpur Shashi Mohan Singh told India Today. Meanwhile, Chauhan said he acted only on Kundans instructions. About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More Location : Chhattisgarh, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 20:32 IST News india After Four Years On The Run, Man Arrested In Chhattisgarh Over Virtual Marriage, Sexual Assault Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Andhra Pradesh And Singapore Sign Agreement On Urban Development, Flight Services Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:28 IST The deal was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Singapore Home Minister Shanmugam. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Singapores government and companies are known for their innovative ideas, and Andhra Pradesh is eager to work with them. (File Pic) The governments of Andhra Pradesh and Singapore signed an agreement on Friday to work together on urban governance, sustainable development, and flight services between Vijayawada and Singapore at the 30th CII Partnership Summit. Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu said Singapores government and companies are known for their innovative ideas, and Andhra Pradesh is eager to work with them. The deal was signed in the presence of Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu and Singapore Home Minister Shanmugam, according to a press release. At the MoU exchange ceremony, Naidu said strong public policies have helped Singapore develop quickly. He mentioned that Singapore assisted him in planning the greenfield capital city of Amaravati, which had challenges but is now being rebuilt. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories Union Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu announced that flights between Vijayawada and Singapore will operate three times a week, and flights between Visakhapatnam and Singapore are already running. Shanmugam said there is a strong relationship between Singapore and Andhra Pradesh and is confident that Singapore-based companies will get full support in the state. He added that a joint steering committee will oversee the implementation of the agreement. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Visakhapatnam, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:25 IST News india Andhra Pradesh And Singapore Sign Agreement On Urban Development, Flight Services Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bihar Election Results 2025: Traffic Curbs In Central Delhi Ahead of PM Modis Visit To BJP HQ Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 17:47 IST Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the BJP headquarters, with the NDA likely to win big in the Bihar elections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the BJP headquarters. (File Pic) The Delhi Traffic Police issued an advisory on Friday announcing restrictions, diversions, and parking limits in central Delhi from 3 pm to 9 pm because of VVIP movement. These measures are in place as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to visit the BJP headquarters, with the NDA likely to win big in the Bihar elections. The advisory says both main roads and service roads around W Point, A Point, ITO Chowk, IP Marg, BSZ Marg, DDU Marg, Tagore Road, Vishnu Digambar Marg, Mirdard Road, Mirdard Red Light, Ranjeet Singh Marg, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Jangir Road, and Press Road will have restrictions or diversions during these hours. Recommended Stories People are advised to avoid these areas and use other routes. More diversions may be added depending on traffic. Parking is only allowed in designated spots. Police said no vehicles can park on Bahadurshah Zafar Marg, IP Marg, DDU Marg, Tagore Road, Vishnu Digambar Marg, Mirdard Road, Mirdard Red Light, Ranjeet Singh Marg, Ranjeet Singh Flyover, Jangir Road, and Press Road. Vehicles parked illegally will be towed and fined. Commuters are asked to cooperate with traffic staff and follow instructions. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 17:47 IST News india Bihar Election Results 2025: Traffic Curbs In Central Delhi Ahead of PM Modis Visit To BJP HQ Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... CBI Arrests Singapore-Based Accused In Bank Fraud Case Of Rs 31.60 Crore Published By : ANI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:14 IST The accused Rajesh Bothra figures as an accused in some other cases of CBI, ACB, Lucknow, in which he has been chargesheeted alongwith other accused persons. The accused Rajesh Bothra will be produced before the respective Trial Court today. (Image for representation) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the accused Rajesh Bothra, a resident of Singapore on November 13 in connection with a bank fraud case of Rs 31.60 crore, based on inputs about his arrival in India and tracing him to Hotel Andaz and Hyatt Residences, Aero City, New Delhi. According to an official release, the CBI registered the instant case based on a complaint received from PNB against the company M/s Frost Infrastructure and Energy Pvt Ltd (M/s FIEL) and its Directors, unknown persons and unknown public servants for defrauding the bank to the tune of Rs 31.60 crore by way of availing the FLC limit from the bank. Recommended Stories CBI Arrests Singapore-Based Accused in a Bank Fraud Case of Rs. 31.60 Crore pic.twitter.com/anx9ZuBna0 Central Bureau of Investigation (India) (@CBIHeadquarters) November 14, 2025 As per the release, the investigation, so far, has revealed that the accused Rajesh Bothra played an active role in the conspiracy with the FIR-named company M/s FIEL and its Directors by providing bogus/forged Bills of Lading falsely showing sale-purchase transactions of Mis FIEL with M/s FAREAST and M/s Gulf Distribution Ltd. The bogus/forged Bills of Lading were submitted by M/s FIEL to the bank, which facilitated Mis FIEL in siphoning the LC proceeds, causing wrongful loss to the tune of approximately Rs 32 crore to PNB (e-OBC). Investigation has revealed that M/s FAREAST and Mis Gulf Distribution Ltd. were actually controlled and operated by Rajesh Bothra and no actual business or movement of goods took place as falsely shown in the forged Bills of Lading. The accused Rajesh Bothra also figures as an accused in some other cases of CBI, ACB, Lucknow, in which he has been chargesheeted alongwith other accused persons. The accused, Rajesh Bothra, never joined the investigation in the aforementioned cases, nor did he appear during the trial. The accused, Rajesh Bothra, is wanted in several other bank fraud/economic offence cases. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The arrest of the accused, Rajesh Bothra, will ensure his examination in the case under investigation and his presence before the Trial Courts for facing trial in chargesheeted cases, and prevent him from evading the process of law by escaping from India. The accused Rajesh Bothra will be produced before the respective Trial Court today. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:13 IST News india CBI Arrests Singapore-Based Accused In Bank Fraud Case Of Rs 31.60 Crore Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Deeply Painful And Shocking Blow: Palaniswami Condemns DMK Govt Over Cauvery Issue Published By : ANI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 07:47 IST Palaniswami said the river sustains the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers in the delta region and provides drinking water to more than 20 districts. AIADMK general secretary Edappadi K Palaniswami (PTI file photo) AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) issued a strongly worded condemnation of the DMK government on Thursday following the Supreme Courts permission for Karnataka to proceed with its Mekedatu dam project, a decision he described as a deeply painful and shocking blow" to the people of Tamil Nadu. Calling the Cauvery the lifeline of Tamil Nadu," Palaniswami said the river sustains the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers in the delta region and provides drinking water to more than 20 districts. Recommended Stories Any obstruction or diversion of Cauvery waters threatens the very existence of Tamil Nadus farmers. Todays decision has pushed them into fear, anxiety, and uncertainty," he said. Palaniswami squarely blamed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the sleeping DMK government" for enabling this outcome. Instead of forcefully opposing Karnatakas plan to turn Tamil Nadu into a desert, the DMK government failed to present strong arguments before the Supreme Court. Their inaction has paved the way for this judgment," he charged, as per the release. Recalling AIADMKs continuous and uncompromising opposition, Palaniswami said that during the 28th meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) in Delhi on February 1, 2024, Karnataka had sought to include the Mekedatu dam proposal in the meeting agenda. At that time, too, I exposed the DMK governments silence. Their refusal to object then has today resulted in grave consequences." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all He said it was an unforgivable crime" that the DMK leadership, driven by their business and political interests in Karnataka, had effectively acted as guarantors for the neighbouring state. To protect their familys business ventures there, the DMK rulers have sacrificed Tamil Nadus rights over the Cauvery," he said. EPS urged the DMK government to immediately take all necessary legal and administrative measures to restore Tamil Nadus rightful share in the river. The DMK must wake up at least now. The farmers of Tamil Nadu, and the millions who depend on Cauvery water, cannot afford any further betrayal," he said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 07:47 IST News india Deeply Painful And Shocking Blow: Palaniswami Condemns DMK Govt Over Cauvery Issue Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Delhi Bomber Umar Nabi's House In J&K's Pulwama Demolished After Powerful Midnight Explosion | Video Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 10:06 IST Security forces in Pulwama demolished the house of Dr Umar Nabi, the driver of the car that exploded near the Red Fort in Delhi, and was later identified as the suicide bomber. A file photo of Dr Umar Nabi (L)/Debris of his demolished house in Pulwama (R) Security forces late on Thursday demolished the house of Dr Umar Nabi, the suicide bomber in the Delhi Red Fort bomb blast case, in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district. Officials said the action was initiated after explosives were recovered from his residence during searches. The demolition, carried out between Thursday and Friday, was a follow-up to a massive blast that destroyed the house, prompting security forces to cordon off the entire area. Recommended Stories A high alert was declared across South Kashmir, with additional forces deployed to prevent any law-and-order issues as searches continued through the night. Forensic teams were expected to examine the debris to gather further evidence. The exercise was similar to how the houses of the Pahalgam terror attack accused were demolished, after forces had claimed that there were explosions in their houses during the odd hours. The car blast near the Red Fort on Monday night claimed 13 lives and injured several others. The impact of the explosion was such that several vehicles were damaged, and visuals from the site showed mangled bodies and scattered debris. Umar was behind the wheel of the Hyundai i20 that was laden with explosives. His identity was confirmed after DNA samples collected from the blast site matched those of Dr Umars mother. Umar, who was known as an academically accomplished professional in his circle, allegedly turned radical over the past two years. Investigators said he had joined several radical messaging groups on social media. It was also revealed that Umar was seen in multiple CCTV clips recorded across Delhi on the day of the incident. One particular piece of footage from the Sunehri Masjid parking lot near the Red Fort shows him entering at 3.19 pm and leaving at 6.28 pm, barely 24 minutes before the explosion occurred. Umar was a key member of a white collar" terror module busted earlier this week. He hails from Koil village in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama. Hours after police busted the terror module with links to proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, and arrested eight people, including three doctors, the high-intensity blast ripped through a slow-moving car near Delhis Red Fort area. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Around 3,000 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, potassium chlorate and sulphur were seized after police busted the terror module, which spanned across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. ALSO READ | Delhi Car Bomber Umar Nabi, 2 Others Visited Turkey In 2022 About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 14, 2025, 07:36 IST News india Delhi Bomber Umar Nabi's House In J&K's Pulwama Demolished After Powerful Midnight Explosion | Video Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 23:50 IST ECI Results Bihar Assembly Election 2025 Updates: As the counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections concluded, the BJP-led NDA secured 202 seats and headed for a landslide victory, while the opposition Mahagathbandhan crumbled in the high-stakes contest. The numbers show that the ruling alliance has comfortably crossed the 200-mark, while the INDIA bloc falls behind. Follow Live Bihar Poll Updates Here According to the Election Commissions, out of the total 243 seats, the NDA won 202 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan crumbled to just 34 seats. Before the voting began, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar said, Just a few hours of waiting, and the good-governance government will return. The state recorded 67.13% turnout on November 11, the highest since 1951, according to the Election Commission of India (ECI). The data shows a record 71.78% participation by women voters, while 62.98% of men cast their votes. The ECI confirmed that no discrepancies or malpractices were detected during polling, and therefore no re-polling has been ordered at any of Bihars 90,740 booths. The counting of votes began at 8 am on Friday. As per ECI protocol, postal ballots are being counted first, followed by electronic voting machines (EVMs) from 8:30 am onward. Real-time results are being updated on the Commissions website: results.eci.gov.in. According to the latest guidelines, postal ballot counting must be completed before the second-to-last round of EVM counting. Postal ballots are tallied in the presence of candidates or their authorised agents under the supervision of the Returning Officer (RO) or Assistant RO. During EVM counting, control units are brought to tables round-wise and shown to counting agents to verify that seals are intact and serial numbers match entries in Form 17C (Part I). The votes recorded in the EVMs are then cross-verified with the same form. In case of any mismatch, VVPAT slips from that polling station are counted mandatorily. Himachal Pradesh Govt Asks Centre To Reopen Trade Through Shipki La Pass Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:33 IST The chief minister also announced that Rampur school will follow the CBSE curriculum from the next academic session. Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said talks are ongoing to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La. (File pic for representation) Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said on Friday that the state government has requested the Centre to reopen trade through the Shipki La pass, and talks are ongoing to start the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra via Shipki La. CM Sukhu mentioned that the existing road from Rampur Bushahr and Pooh up to the pass would make it easier to build the needed infrastructure for the pilgrimage. He said this while leading the closing ceremony of the four-day International Lavi Fair at Rampur in Shimla district on Friday. I started border tourism from Shipki La, and because of this, more than 70,000 tourists have visited this pass along the China border, he said. Wishing everyone for the Lavi Fair, he said the fair is not just a symbol of our cultural heritage but also a living example of the centuries-old trade and cultural ties between India and Tibet. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Recommended Stories He said this old fair still acts as a way for trade, cultural exchange, and keeping folk traditions alive. He also said the government has raised the issue of helping families who lost their land due to disasters on forest land with the Union government, since the Forest Act is handled by the central government. If the central government gives permission, we are ready to give one bigha of land to every landless family, and if the state government had the power, I would have changed the forest laws in a minute, he added. The chief minister also announced that Rampur school will follow the CBSE curriculum from the next academic session. Earlier, Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh welcomed CM Sukhu to Rampur and said the fair, which started in the 17th century, keeps growing while keeping its original spirit. He said it is important to connect the younger generation with the fair as times change. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Himachal Pradesh, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:33 IST News india Himachal Pradesh Govt Asks Centre To Reopen Trade Through Shipki La Pass Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes Near Tambaram In Chennai, Pilot Ejects Safely Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:31 IST The aircraft went down around 2 pm, but the pilot managed to eject safely before impact Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The IAF said the Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer was on a standard training sortie when the incident occurred. An Indian Air Force (IAF) trainer aircraft crashed near the Tambaram air base in Chennai on Friday during a routine training mission. The aircraft went down around 2 pm, but the pilot managed to eject safely before impact. In a statement issued soon after, the IAF said the Pilatus PC-7 basic trainer was on a standard training sortie when the incident occurred. Recommended Stories An Indian Air Force PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed at about 1425 Hr near Tambaram, Chennai, today. The pilot ejected safely, and no damage to civil property has been reported," the IAF said. An Indian Air Force PC-7 Mk II trainer aircraft met with an accident during a routine training mission and crashed at about 1425 Hr near Tambaram, Chennai, today. The pilot ejected safely, and no damage to civil property has been reported. A Court of Inquiry has been constituted Indian Air Force (@IAF_MCC) November 14, 2025 The air force further noted that a court of inquiry has been ordered to determine the cause of the crash. This latest incident comes months after a series of IAF aircraft accidents reported earlier this year. In July, two IAF pilots were killed when a Jaguar fighter aircraft crashed into a field near Bhanuda village in Rajasthans Churu district during a training exercise. The twin-seater jet experienced a technical malfunction, and in an effort to avoid populated areas and protect the airfield, Squadron Leader Lokendra and Flight Lieutenant Rishi steered the aircraft away before it went down. Both pilots succumbed to their injuries. It was the third Jaguar aircraft crash reported this year. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all In March, another Jaguar fighter jet on a routine sortie crashed near Ambala in Haryana after a system malfunction, with the pilot ejecting safely. A month later, a Jaguar crash near Jamnagar claimed the life of one pilot during yet another training sortie. ALSO READ: IAFs Jaguar Fighter Jet Crashes Near Rajasthans Churu, Both Pilots Killed About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 15:53 IST News india IAF Trainer Aircraft Crashes Near Tambaram In Chennai, Pilot Ejects Safely Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko, in a post on the social network X, called on European countries to turn frozen Russian assets into real support for Ukraine. "Transforming frozen Russian money into real support for Ukraine would send a message that would be heard loud and clear in the halls of the Kremlin. Russia understands only the cost of its own losses," Svyrydenko emphasized. According to her, frozen assets are tens of billions of dollars accumulated by the Russian elite, which unleashed the war against Ukraine. Once redirected, these funds can become a pillar of Europe's collective security and strengthen Ukraine's defense capabilities, in particular in the field of air defense, protection of energy systems and domestic production of weapons. Svyrydenko noted that Europe must demonstrate that aggression "carries consequences not merely on paper but in practical, measurable losses to those who wage war." "If Europe wants peace, it must demonstrate that aggression carries consequences not merely on paper but in practical, measurable losses to those who wage war. Using these assets is one of the clearest instruments we have to bring that outcome closer," the prime minister emphasized. India's Tribal Renaissance: From Historical Margins To National Mainstream Under PM Modi Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST The Modi government has ensured that the valour of tribal heroes is brought from memory into the public consciousness Tribal livelihoods have been bolstered through the promotion of micro-enterprises. (File Photo) For decades, the courageous struggles of Indias tribal freedom fighters remained footnotes in the national narrative, and the development of tribal communities operated on the periphery of government programmes. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, this trajectory has been fundamentally transformed, elevating tribal history to a cornerstone of national heritage and making tribal empowerment a mainstream mission of governance. Recommended Stories Honouring History Through National Observances and Personal Engagement The Modi government has ensured that the valour of tribal heroes is brought from memory into the public consciousness. A crucial step was the establishment of 15 November as Janjatiya Gaurav Diwas, marking the birth anniversary of revolutionary Bhagwan Birsa Munda. This observance has expanded into Janjatiya Gaurav Week, celebrated across ministries with cultural programmes, exhibitions, and educational activities. Further historical recognition includes the national celebration of Rani Durgavatis 500th birth centenary in 2023, honouring the courage of tribal women leaders. PM Modi has consistently linked these commemorations to the living sites of resistance. He attended the Mangarh Dham ki Gaurav Gatha in Banswara, Rajasthan, commemorating Govind Guru, and became the first sitting Prime Minister to visit Birsa Mundas birthplace in Ulihatu, Jharkhand, embedding the Ulgulan movement into the nations cultural fabric. A defining feature of this approach is the direct engagement with the descendants of heroes like the Paika Rebellion families and Shaheed Veer Narayan Singh, reinforcing that history is about living families, not just monuments. Memorials and Public Spaces Embed the Tribal Legacy To permanently preserve this legacy, the Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum plan, announced in 2016, has approved 11 museums across 10 states. Already, three dedicated museums have been inaugurated, including the Bhagwan Birsa Munda Memorial Park-cum-Freedom Fighter Museum in Ranchi and the Badal Bhoi State Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum in Chhindwara. The development of the Rani Maa Gaidinliu Tribal Freedom Fighters Museum is underway, and PM Modi inaugurated Indias first Digital Museum on Tribal Freedom Fighters in Raipur. The names of tribal heroes are now woven into Indias public infrastructure: Rani Kamalapati Railway Station in Bhopal honours the Gond queen, while the Jannayak Tantya Bhil Station commemorates the Bhil resistance. In Andhra Pradesh, a 30-foot bronze statue of Alluri Sitarama Raju celebrates his leadership of the Rampa Rebellion, ensuring that tribal heroism shapes Indias civic landscape. A Fivefold Increase in Welfare Spending When PM Modi took office in 2014, the Ministry of Tribal Affairs had a modest budget of Rs 4,498 crore. Over the past decade, this vision has expanded dramatically. Today, 42 ministries actively contribute to tribal welfare through the Development Action Plan for Scheduled Tribes (DAPST), increasing overall tribal-focused spending from Rs 24,000 crore in 2014 to a staggering Rs 1.25 lakh crore in 202425a fivefold rise. The Tribal Affairs Ministrys budget alone has tripled to Rs 13,000 crore, transforming tribal welfare from a marginal item into a national priority. Flagship Missions Deliver Doorstep Development The governments resolve to bridge developmental gaps is embodied by two flagship missions: PM Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PM JUGA) and PM JANMAN. PM JUGA, with an outlay of Rs 79,156 crore, targets 63,843 tribal-majority villages, focusing on housing, healthcare, and connectivity. In just one year, its impact is visible, with over 4 lakh pucca houses completed and nearly 2,200 villages connected through mobile networks. Simultaneously, the PM JANMAN mission, dedicated to uplifting the 75 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) with a budget of Rs 24,104 crore, is ensuring that even the most remote communities are not left behind. This mission has already delivered over 90,000 pucca homes and sanctioned nearly 700 mobile medical units to provide essential doorstep healthcare, turning the dream of Viksit Bharat (Developed India) into a grassroots reality. Education and Healthcare Transformation The educational landscape for tribal children has been fundamentally altered. In 201314, only 119 Eklavya Model Residential Schools (EMRS) were functional; by 2025, this number will rise to 479 EMRS, serving 1.38 lakh students. Complementing this, the government has provided over Rs 22,000 crore in scholarships over the last 10 years, increasing the annual number of tribal students receiving financial aid from 18 lakh to nearly 30 lakh. In healthcare, accessibility norms have been relaxed in hilly and tribal areas to ensure closer access to Sub Health Centres and Primary Health Centres. Furthermore, the National Sickle Cell Anaemia Elimination Mission has conducted over 6.47 crore health screenings across tribal belts, while the Swasth Nari Sashakt Parivar Abhiyan has mobilised specialists to remote areas, marking a historic leap towards inclusive and preventive tribal healthcare. Empowering Livelihoods and Entrepreneurship Tribal livelihoods have been bolstered through the promotion of micro-enterprises. Over 4,550 Van Dhan Vikas Kendras (VDVKs) have been sanctioned, benefiting 12.8 lakh tribal individuals, with a strong focus on empowering women entrepreneurs. Through the support of TRIFED and NSTFDC, tribal products are now marketed through 117 outlets. A new wave of tribal startups is emerging, supported by the Dharti Aaba TribePreneur initiative, backed by a Rs 50 crore innovation fund and mentorship from institutions like IITs and IIMs. This holistic approach ensures that tribal communities are empowered not just through welfare, but through dignity, opportunity, and ownership of their heritage. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:12 IST News india India's Tribal Renaissance: From Historical Margins To National Mainstream Under PM Modi Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... No Blame On Pilots; Probe Aimed At Finding AI-171 Crash Cause: Centre To Supreme Court Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 08:12 IST SC said the central purpose of AAIB inquiry is to determine the technical cause of the accident and issue corrective recommendations. On June 12, the London Gatwick-bound Boeing 787-8 aircraft crashed soon after taking off from the Ahmedabad airport. (PTI) The Supreme Court on Thursday underscored that the Air India Dreamliner pilots cannot be held responsible for the 12 June crash, as the Centre clarified that the ongoing AAIB investigation aims only to identify the cause of the tragedy and not to blame the cockpit crew or any individual. Over 250 people, including crew members and bystanders on the ground, were killed in the tragic accident. Recommended Stories Appearing before a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta stressed that the probe was being carried out strictly in compliance with international civil aviation standards. He added that the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) framework lays down mandatory steps for all air crash investigations. Mehta said the Ministry of Civil Aviation had also issued a clarification after the preliminary AAIB report to dispel misconceptions that blame had been attributed to the pilots or any other party. There is no attempt to apportion blame. These investigations involve representatives from countries whose nationals are victims," he said. What did SC say? The Supreme Court echoed this position, noting that the central purpose of an AAIB inquiry is to determine the technical cause of the accident and issue corrective recommendations to ensure such incidents do not recur. The object is not to apportion blame," the bench remarked while seeking a detailed response from the Centre. The notice was issued on a petition filed by the father of Captain Sumeet Sabharwal, one of the pilots who died in the crash. His counsel, senior advocate Gopal Sankaranarayanan, argued that the investigation had failed to fully follow ICAO standards, raising concerns about the integrity of the process. Advocate Prashant Bhushan, appearing for NGO Safety Matters Foundation, contended that an independent court of inquiry was necessary given reported systemic failures" in Boeing 787 aircraft globally. He warned that continuing operations without a comprehensive probe risked passenger safety. The solicitor general, however, urged the court to let the investigation proceed without external interference, cautioning against creating unnecessary public alarm. Questions over preliminary findings The petitioners have challenged early AAIB observations hinting at possible human error", saying such conclusions were premature when electrical or software failures had not been conclusively ruled out. They argue that any suggestion of pilot error, without definitive evidence, unfairly tarnishes the deceased crew. The preliminary AAIB report noted unexpected movement of both engine fuel control switches to CUTOFF shortly after take-off, prompting loss of thrust and triggering the Ram Air Turbine. A Mayday call was recorded seconds before the crash. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Previous hearings saw the Supreme Court remark that no government report had blamed the pilots. It also criticised selective public disclosure of the preliminary report, observing that grieving families should not face further stigma. The case will be taken up after the Centre files its detailed affidavit, as the court continues to underline the need for a fair, expert-driven and transparent investigation into one of Indias worst aviation disasters. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 08:12 IST News india No Blame On Pilots; Probe Aimed At Finding AI-171 Crash Cause: Centre To Supreme Court Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Person Not Reduced To Non-Person...': Kerala HC On UAPA Convict's Plea To Publish Book Reported By : LawBeat Last Updated: November 15, 2025, 03:11 IST The court said a prisoner's right to express thoughts and publish literary works cannot be denied unless the content threatens public order or national security Justice VG Arun issued the order on November 3 disposing of the writ petition filed by a man serving his sentence after conviction under the UAPA and IPC. (Image for representation: Shutterstock) The Kerala High Court has instructed the state government to decide within three months on UAPA convict Roopesh TRs application seeking permission to publish a book he authored while in prison. The court said a prisoners right to express thoughts and publish literary works cannot be denied unless the content threatens public order or national security. Recommended Stories Justice VG Arun issued the order on November 3 disposing of the writ petition filed by Roopesh, who is serving his sentence at the Central Prison and Correctional Home, Viyyur, after being convicted under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 and the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. The petitioner, aged 54, stated that he had written a Malayalam book titled Bandhitharude Ormakurippukal (Memoirs of the Incarcerated) and had requested permission to publish it. The superintendent of the prison forwarded his application and the manuscript to the director general of prisons and correctional services with a recommendation, but no decision was made. The petition challenged the delay, arguing that such inaction violated his constitutional rights. Advocate Kaleeswaram Raj, representing the petitioner, asserted that neither the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services (Management) Act, 2010, nor the Kerala Prisons and Correctional Services (Management) Rules, 2014, contain provisions prohibiting prisoners from publishing their literary works. He stated that Section 36 of the Act recognises prisoners rights to live with dignity and enjoy fundamental rights under Part III of the Constitution, subject to confinement conditions. He argued that freedom of expression includes the right to write and publish, and denying permission without justification amounted to discrimination since other prisoners had been allowed to publish their works. Opposing the plea, Senior Government Pleader Amminikutty submitted that the government was not denying permission but needed to examine the manuscripts contents because the petitioner was convicted under the UAPA. The government informed the court that a thorough review was necessary to verify if the book contained any material promoting or supporting unlawful activities or banned organisations, or anything derogatory, defamatory, or prejudicial to national interest. It requested three months to complete the process. The High Court held that prisoners fundamental rights are not entirely extinguished upon conviction and can be restricted only to the extent that their enjoyment becomes incompatible with imprisonment. The judgment stated, By reason of the conviction, a person is not reduced to a non-person and his rights made subject to the whims of the prison administration." Justice Arun noted that prisoners like the petitioner could be subject to stricter examination of their writings, but such scrutiny should not become an unreasonable obstacle. Referring to the Supreme Courts decision in State of Maharashtra v. Prabhakar Pandurang Sanzgiri (AIR 1966 SC 424), the court reiterated that detainees or prisoners have the right to publish their writings unless the content is against national interest. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The court also pointed out that the Kerala Prisons Act and Rules encourage reading and writing as part of the reformative process. Rule 254 allows prisoners to read and write until prescribed hours, consistent with the objective of rehabilitation. Disposing of the writ petition, the High Court directed the State government to take a decision on Roopeshs application within three months of receiving a certified copy of the judgment and to communicate the decision to him. The court also instructed the authorities to consider the Supreme Courts observations in Sanzgiri and the findings recorded in this case while making their determination. About the Author Salil Tiwari Salil Tiwari, Senior Special Correspondent at Lawbeat, reports on the Allahabad High Court and courts in Uttar Pradesh, however, she also writes on important cases of national importance and public in... Read More Location : Kerala, India, India First Published: November 15, 2025, 03:11 IST News india 'Person Not Reduced To Non-Person...': Kerala HC On UAPA Convict's Plea To Publish Book Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... PM Modi, Nitish Kumar Pay Tribute To Pt Jawaharlal Nehru On His Birth Anniversary Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 07:44 IST Nitish Kumars tribute to Jawaharlal Nehru on Bihar verdict day sparked attention amid an intense electoral showdown between the NDA and Mahagathbandhan. Prime Minister Narendra Modi. (IMAGE: NEWS18 FILE) Prime Minister Narendra Modi paid homage to Indias first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, marking his birth anniversary with a brief tribute online. His post on X reads, Tributes to former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary." Recommended Stories Meanwhile, an hour before the Election Commission commenced vote counting on Bihars verdict day, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar also marked the birth anniversary of Indias first Prime Minister and former Congress leader, Jawaharlal Nehru. Posting on X, the CM wrote, On the birth anniversary of Indias first Prime Minister, Late Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji, I pay my humble respects to him." Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 14, 2025 The gesture raised eyebrows because Nitish Kumar, contesting the election as part of the NDA, faces the Congress, an ally in the Mahagathbandhan with Lalu Prasad Yadavs RJD, on the opposing side. Bihar is gripped with anticipation as counting begins on Friday, November 14 for one of the most consequential assembly elections in decades. The two-phase polling on 6 and 11 November recorded nearly 67% turnout, the highest in the state since Independence, reflecting a strongly engaged electorate. Tributes to former Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Ji on the occasion of his birth anniversary. Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) November 14, 2025 NDA vs Mahagathbandhan The ruling NDA, led by Nitish Kumar alongside the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), is locked in a close fight with the Mahagathbandhan led by Tejashwi Yadavs Rashtriya Janata Dal. The Congress and Left parties remain important partners within the opposition bloc. Smaller players, including Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party, AIMIM, and Pappu Yadavs Jan Adhikar Party, have attempted to carve out regional pockets of influence, particularly in the Seemanchal belt. For Nitish Kumar, at the helm for over 17 years, this election is a crucial test amid rising criticism over unemployment, migration, and law and order. Tejashwi Yadavs campaign, centred on job creation and youth aspirations, has resonated strongly with young voters. What exit polls said? Exit polls predict a tight contest, with many suggesting a photo finish between the two major alliances. Counting began at 8 a.m. across 38 district centres, starting with postal ballots before moving to EVMs, setting the stage for a decisive and closely watched verdict day. The Election Commission reported a peaceful polling process across all 243 constituencies, despite isolated incidents of violence and minor irregularities. With over 1.25 lakh security personnel deployed, including central forces and state police, the EC maintained heightened vigilance, especially in districts vulnerable to Naxal disturbances such as Gaya, Jamui, and Aurangabad. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The turnout, 10% points higher than the 57.3% recorded in 2020, has prompted intense speculation. Analysts suggest the surge could indicate anti-incumbency, youth-driven energy, or effective mobilisation by all major political parties. Observers say the numbers reaffirm that Bihars electorate remains deeply invested in its political trajectory, far from the apathy often attributed to it. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 07:44 IST News india PM Modi, Nitish Kumar Pay Tribute To Pt Jawaharlal Nehru On His Birth Anniversary Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... President Droupadi Murmu Reaches Delhi After First Visit To Angola, Botswana Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:01 IST The two-legged state visit by President Droupadi Murmu between November 8 and 13 began from Angola's capital Luanda followed by Botswanan capital city of Gaborone. President Droupadi Murmu | File Image/PTI President Droupadi Murmu arrived in Delhi on Friday, concluding her six-day state visit to Angola and Botswana where she underscored Indias firm commitment for stronger ties with the two countries in various sectors including energy, trade and investment. This was the first visit of an Indian President to the two African nations. Recommended Stories The two-legged state visit between November 8 and 13 began from Angolas capital Luanda followed by Botswanan capital city of Gaborone. The India One VVIP aircraft carrying the President landed at the Air Force Station (AFS) Palam early Friday morning after it got airborne from the Sir Seretse Khama International Airport in Gaborone on Thursday evening. In her bilateral meetings with the Presidents of the two countries Joao Manuel Goncalves Lourenco of Angola and Duma Gideon Boko of Botswana Murmu reaffirmed Indias commitment for strengthening ties by initiating newer cooperation in various sectors while intensifying the existing ones. Murmu told the Angolan leadership that Indian oil and gas companies are desirous of entering into a long-term" purchase contract with them to meet the countrys energy requirements, and they also wish to invest in petroleum refining and exploration of critical and rare earth minerals. She said there were unlimited possibilities" to expand the ties between the two countries in energy, agriculture, food processing and medicine sectors even as she offered the high-speed Vande Bharat trains to the Atlantic Ocean bordering country in order to enhance its rail transport infrastructure. Angola, during Murmus visit, also agreed to join the International Big Cat Alliance (IBCA) and the Global Biofuel Alliance (GBA), two initiatives that are led by India. The second leg of her visit saw Murmu taking the symbolic handover of eight Botswanan cheetahs as part of an ambitious translocation pact of the big cats to India, extinct from the country since the mid-1950s. She also witnessed the release of two cheetahs into a quarantine pen at a nature reserve along with President Boko on Thursday. Boko said Murmus visit was historic" as an Indian head of state visited his country for the first time and it was also the first visit by a foreign premier since he took office in November 2024. The visit of honourable President to Africa to Angola and Botswana reflects the priority that the Government of India attaches to the engagement with the African continent as a whole," Sudhakar Dalela, secretary (economic relations) in the Ministry of External Affairs, said during a pre-departure press briefing on Thursday at Gaborone. The visit also reflects Indias firm commitment" to expanding partnership with the African region, including within the framework of India-Africa Forum Summit, he said. The secretary said India was very hopeful that these cheetahs will move to India not in a very distant future." India also signed two MoUs with Angola during this visit one relating to cooperation in fisheries, aquaculture and marine resources, and the other related to counsellor matters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all India and Botswana also signed an MoU to facilitate the supply of quality and affordable medicines to the southern African nation, 70 per cent of whose area is covered by the Kalahari desert. Murmu attended the 50th Independence Day celebrations of Angola on November 11 and addressed the Members of Parliament of both the countries. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:01 IST News india President Droupadi Murmu Reaches Delhi After First Visit To Angola, Botswana Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Punjab Police Busts Pakistan's ISI-Linked Grenade Attack Module, 10 Arrested Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:49 IST Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through three operatives based in Malaysia. Punjab Police dismantled a grenade attack module allegedly backed by Pakistans ISI. (Representative Image) The Punjab Police on Thursday unearthed a grenade attack module backed by Pakistans spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and arrested 10 people linked to the plot. According to the reports, the group had been in contact with Pakistan-based handlers who instructed them to carry out a grenade strike in a crowded part in Punjab to spark unrest. Three of the accused, identified as Kuldeep Singh, Shekhar Singh and Ajay Singh, are residents of Sri Muktsar Sahib, Director General of Police Gaurav Yadav said. Recommended Stories While Amrik Singh, Parminder alias Chiri, Vijay, Sukhjit Singh alias Sukh Brar, Sukhwinder Singh, Karanveer Singh alias Vicky and Sajan Kumar alias Sanju have been brought on production warrant from different jails for their role as couriers and facilitators, the DGP added. In addition to this, the police have also recovered a Chinese hand grenade from the accused. Preliminary investigation revealed that the accused were in contact with Pakistan-based handlers through three operatives based in Malaysia to coordinate the pickup and delivery of the hand grenade. Investigations are underway to establish forward and backward linkages in this case. Ludhiana Police Commissioner Swapan Sharma said acting on credible intelligence inputs, an FIR was registered against suspects Kuldeep Singh, Shekhar Singh and Ajay Singh at Jodhewal police station, reported news agency PTI. Special teams were formed to ensure swift and effective action, he said, adding that the three suspects were arrested by the police teams. He said further investigation pointed towards the foreign-based masterminds, Malaysia-based Ajay alias Ajay Malaysia, Jass Behbal and Pawandeep. These individuals are known to reside together abroad and were in contact with local facilitators Amrik Singh and Parminder, both of whom were previously involved in drug smuggling operations for them, Sharma said. The police commissioner said during the investigation, Vijay, brother of Ajay Malaysia, who was lodged in Ganganagar jail in connection with a drug case, was also arrested on production warrant for his role as a facilitator in this case. The probe further uncovered the local network involving accused persons Sukhjit Singh, Sukhwinder Singh, Karanveer Singh and Sajan alias Sanju in facilitating the delivery of the hand grenade in Punjab, he added. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Sharma said the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act has been invoked, and Red Corner Notices have been issued against the accused persons operating from abroad. (With agency inputs) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Punjab, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:49 IST News india Punjab Police Busts Pakistan's ISI-Linked Grenade Attack Module, 10 Arrested Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... RSS Refutes Congresss Allegations Of Engaging With Pak-Linked US Lobbying Firm Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 06:47 IST Jairam Ramesh had claimed RSS compromised national interests by associating with American law firm Squire Patton Boggs. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat After Congress allegations, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) has strongly denied allegations made by the Congress Party that it hired a foreign lobbying firm in the United States. Responding to the claim, RSS Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh Sunil Ambekar issued a statement asserting that the organisation functions solely within India and has no engagement with any lobbying firms abroad. Posting on X, Ambekar wrote: Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh works in Bharat and has not engaged any lobbying firm in the United States of America." Recommended Stories Congress accuses RSS of betraying national interest Earlier on Thursday, Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh launched an attack on the RSS after media reports claimed the organisation had allegedly spent a considerable sum to engage American law firm Squire Patton Boggs (SPB), described as one of Pakistans official lobbying arms, to represent its interests in Washington DC. Ramesh, citing the media report, alleged that the RSS had compromised national interests by associating with such a firm. He accused the Sangh of having a long tradition" of acting against the countrys democratic values and freedom movement. This is hardly the first time that the RSS, with its long tradition of betraying the freedom movement, opposing Mahatma Gandhi and Dr Ambedkar, and attacking the Constitution and the national flag, has betrayed national interest. It is a pseudo-nationalist outfit," Ramesh posted on X. Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh works in Bharat and has not engaged any lobbying firm in United States of America"- Sunil Ambekar Akhil Bharatiya Prachar Pramukh , RSS@editorvskbharat Sunil Ambekar (@SunilAmbekarM) November 13, 2025 What RSS chief said? The developments also revived an ongoing political debate around the RSSs legal status and financial transparency. A few days earlier, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat had clarified why the organisation does not pay income tax, explaining that both the Income Tax Department and Indian courts recognise the RSS as a body of individuals", which is exempt from tax liability. Speaking at the 100 Years of Sangh Journey: New Horizons" lecture series, Bhagwat said the Sanghs origins in 1925 pre-dated Indias independence and that registration under the British government was neither expected nor required. He noted that the organisation had been banned three times, and each time the courts ruled in its favour, reaffirming its legal validity. Legally and constitutionally, we are a valid organisation," Bhagwat said, adding that even Hindu dharma is not registered". Congress demands scrutiny top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The issue has prompted renewed political criticism from the Congress, with Karnataka minister Priyank Kharge questioning the RSSs unregistered status and alleging that it avoids scrutiny over its funding. Kharge has also called for a ban on RSS activities in government schools, colleges, and state-owned temples, arguing that no organisation should be allowed to conduct activities outside approved syllabi on public premises. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 06:47 IST News india RSS Refutes Congresss Allegations Of Engaging With Pak-Linked US Lobbying Firm Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol Visits Pune Accident Site, Urges Permanent Solution Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 16:35 IST Eight people died and 14 others were injured on Thursday evening when a car was crushed between two large container trucks, causing a huge fire that engulfed all three vehicles. The Union Minister said that a meeting of various agencies will be held on Saturday to discuss and plan interim measures. (File pic for representation) One day after eight people died in an accident on Punes Navale bridge on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway, Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol inspected the site on Friday and called for a permanent solution to prevent more tragedies on this dangerous stretch. He said that a meeting of various agencies will be held on Saturday to discuss and plan interim measures. Eight people died and 14 others were injured on Thursday evening when a car was crushed between two large container trucks, causing a huge fire that engulfed all three vehicles on the Navale Bridge, which is known for frequent accidents on the Mumbai-Bengaluru highway. Recommended Stories Mohol, who represents the Pune Lok Sabha constituency, visited the accident site with Municipal Commissioner Naval Kishore Ram, Police Commissioner Amitesh Kumar, senior officials from the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and local MLA Bhimrao Tapkir. The Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation said that a meeting of all stakeholder agencies, including NHAI, Public Works Department (PWD), Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC), Pune Metropolitan Region Development Authority (PMRDA), and the traffic department, will be held on Saturday to discuss and finalize interim measures. Efforts will be increased to fast-track an elevated corridor project between Narhe (near Sinhagad Road) and Ravet (in Pimpri Chinchwad area) via Sutarwadi. In a previous accident in November 2022 on the Navale Bridge, a truck hit more than 40 vehicles, with about two dozen heavily damaged and around 20 people injured. Mohol said, After the 2022 crash, several short-term and long-term steps were identified. Measures like adding more rumblers, deploying extra speed guns, and closing gaps between lanes were implemented. These steps reduced accidents over the past two to three years." However, the tragic loss of eight lives on Thursday shows that permanent solutions must now be sped up," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Mohol mentioned that Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari had earlier chaired meetings in Pune and Delhi after a series of crashes on this stretch. A 32-km elevated road between Jambhulwadi and Sutarwadi, and from Sutarwadi to Ravet, costing around Rs 6,000 crore, has been approved in principle and its detailed project report (DPR) is ready. We will follow up with Gadkariji for quick execution of this long-term solution," he added. As immediate measures, heavy vehicles entering the stretch will have brake and load checks near Khed Shivapur toll plaza, more rumblers will be installed, and extra speed enforcement will be done, Mohol said. Service roads will be upgraded for smoother traffic flow, and authorities will also look into diverting heavy vehicles through alternative routes, he said. All agencies will meet tomorrow. If any lack of coordination is found between them, strict action will be taken," Mohol said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 16:35 IST News india Union Minister Murlidhar Mohol Visits Pune Accident Site, Urges Permanent Solution Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Childrens Day 2025: Are Todays Parents Choosing To Be Cool Over Being Strict? Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 13:57 IST Modern approval-seeking parents value warmth and freedom over rules, but does trying to be a cool friend risk shifting the traditional balance of parental authority? Traditional authority may feel oldfashioned, but for decades it has provided a framework within which children learn boundaries, selfcontrol, and respect (Image: Canva) Childrens Day is a time to celebrate children and the small joys that make their everyday lives meaningful. It is also an opportunity to reflect on how parents nurture, guide, and connect with their children. Many parents have explored approaches such as gentle parenting, which emphasise on connection, communication, and choice within safe boundaries by relinquishing traditional authority in favour of cultivating friendship. Rather than issuing firm guidance, parents are now seeking their childrens approval. Rather than commanding respect, they strive to be the cool parent. What once was a firm parental hand now often feels more like a gentle invitation. This is not merely a parenting fad, growing evidence from recent years suggests that an increasing number of modern parents prioritise emotional connection and approval over rules and discipline. A recent scoping review found that parenting styles are being reshaped in the socialmedia era, with permissive and emotionally responsive approaches becoming more common. At the same time, foundational research continues to affirm that the most balanced style authoritative parenting, which combines warmth with structure, remains uniquely effective in fostering emotional regulation, academic resilience, and social competence. Recommended Stories Why Has Parenting Turned To Approval? Modern approvalseeking" parenting can take many forms. In reality, it often aligns with permissive parenting high in warmth but low in demandingness. Parents encourage dialogue, allow their children significant freedom, avoid punishment, and rarely enforce strict consequences. But there is nuance, many of these parents would reject the label permissive", they speak of empathy, partnership, and emotional attunement. They want to be a safe space. They do not want to be dictators; yet, in doing so, the power dynamics of the parentchild relationship shift. This style contrasts with authoritarian parenting as practiced in 90s and early 2000s, which emphasises obedience, control, and fewer explanations, and with authoritative parenting, which balances structure and warmth. Traditional authority may feel oldfashioned, but for decades it has provided a framework within which children learn boundaries, selfcontrol, and respect. The Influence of Social Media and Misinformation on Modern Parenting One strong driver is the proliferation of parenting advice on social media. A scoping review published in 2025 shows how platforms like Instagram and TikTok shape parenting norms, not always for the better. Many parents rely heavily on influencer content for guidance, but such content can be conflicting, unverified, or overly simplistic. In the UK, the Education Secretary has recently warned that a third of parents lean on social media for parenting advice. That dependence may encourage parents to prioritise approval and likability over structure, because social media rewards relatability more than discipline. In earlier generations, parents leaned on extended families, grandparents, aunts, uncles for support, correction, and guidance. Today, parents are more likely to lean on friends, peer networks, and online communities. This peerbased village" often affirms parenting by emotional connection, reinforcing the idea that being gentle, understanding, and nonauthoritarian is desirable. For many new parents, the choice is deliberate: they want to break free from the parenting style they experienced. A recent survey of parents with young children found that more than half are consciously abandoning the methods their own parents employed, prioritising emotional strategies like communication, confidence, and regulation over rigid discipline. This cyclebreaking" impulse is powerful but it carries its own risks, particularly when unanchored by structure. What Are Psychological Consequences On Children? Emotional Regulation and Mental Health Parenting style is not just a matter of preference: it affects how children regulate their emotions. A 2025 study in the International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research found that permissive parenting correlates with difficulties in emotional regulation. Without firm boundaries, children sometimes internalise anxiety or resort to impulsive behaviour because they have less experience managing frustration. In a related study, children of permissive parents were more likely to develop problematic coping mechanisms including excessive internet use. This suggests that in the absence of consistent guidance, children may turn to digital outlets to soothe their worries. Behavioural Challenges Permissive or lax parenting can also lead to behavioural problems. A longitudinal study in Japan revealed that children raised without consistent discipline showed higher levels of externalising behaviours for example, acting out and defiance especially among boys. These behaviours may reflect a lack of internalised limits; children have never had clear external limits to internalise. Social and Academic Life Meanwhile, authoritative parenting continues to show strong associations with favourable outcomes. Research in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that adolescents raised under balanced, democratic parenting styles exhibited higher resilience and better academic performance. That is not surprising, children with structure and warmth tend to feel secure enough to take risks, ask questions, and bounce back from setbacks. On the contrary, too little boundary-setting can hinder social competence over time. A comprehensive review in 2025 noted that permissive and authoritarian styles are less favourable for long-term socioemotional and academic development compared to the authoritative approach. Coping During Stressful Moments The impact of parenting style even extends to how children respond in stressful or medical situations. A 2025 observational study found that children aged 46 exhibited more anxiety and uncooperative behaviour during dental visits when their parents adopted permissive or lax parenting. When children do not routinely experience firm but caring limits, they may find unfamiliar or stressful situations more frightening. The Parents Dilemma: Approval vs Authority Many parents built on good intentions. They want to protect their children from the harshness they once experienced. They genuinely want open communication; they value emotional literacy. But as they lean into these values, they sometimes find themselves sidestepping limits: avoiding consequences, negotiating rules endlessly, or simply giving in to maintain harmony. There is also a social and political dimension. Some critics argue that the retreat from authoritative parenting reflects a broader erosion of respect for authority, not just within families but across institutions. Educators have warned that overly permissive parenting undermines childrens readiness for school and weakens parental influence, with arguments resonating with those who worry that cool parenting" can slide into abdication. At the same time, many parents resist the label of being strict"- they reject the idea of discipline as authoritarian control. They insist they are not giving up on boundaries, they are redefining them. This tension reveals a deeper paradox: in wanting to be loved, parents sometimes risk being ignored. How Can Parents Strike a Healthier Balance? If the pendulum has swung too far, how might parents recalibrate? Here are several evidencebased strategies: Re-centre on Authoritative Parenting Effective parenting combines warmth with structure. Parents can establish rules while clearly explaining the reasons behind them, ensuring children understand the purpose of guidance. Consequences should be consistent, yet flexible enough to allow negotiation when appropriate. Open dialogue is important, giving children space to voice concerns while maintaining clear and firm boundaries. Set Boundaries Around Digital Influence Parents should approach online parenting advice with caution, recognising that not all influencers are experts. It is important to prioritise evidence-based resources, such as books, peer-reviewed research, and guidance from qualified professionals, rather than relying on viral trends or social media content that may lack credibility or context. Build a Balanced Support Network Parents can benefit from restoring a sense of a traditional village" by leaning on family, community groups, and teachers for guidance and support. While peer networks offer camaraderie and shared experiences, involving professionals such as counsellors or structured parenting programmes ensures that children receive consistent boundaries and guidance, not just validation. Teach Emotional Regulation When enforcing rules, parents should model calm and reasoned behaviour, demonstrating consistency and patience. It is important to use age-appropriate discussions to explain the purpose of discipline, helping children understand why rules exist rather than simply expecting obedience. Encouraging children to reflect on their behavior considering what happened, why it happened, and how they might respond differently next time reinforces learning, accountability, and emotional regulation within a supportive environment. Practice Reflective Parenting top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Periodically reassess your parenting style to see if you are seeking your childs approval more than providing guidance. Be honest about areas where you might be avoiding discomfort, such as conflict or enforcing consequences, and seek feedback not only from your child but also from unbiased sources to gain perspective. Being the cool parent" is not inherently wrong but if that coolness comes at the expense of structure, then children may lose more than they gain. The most resilient, emotionally healthy children are rarely those who never face limits: they are those who learn to navigate them. They grow up not just being liked, but being understood and knowing their relationship with their parents is rooted not just in friendship, but in trust and respect. First Published: November 14, 2025, 13:57 IST News lifestyle Childrens Day 2025: Are Todays Parents Choosing To Be Cool Over Being Strict? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Credits Undying Love For Drama For Expressive Storytelling Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:02 IST In conversation with News18, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, talk about how the confluence of art and fashion has inspired their 40 year legacy. Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla with actor Tabu at Art Mumbai. Two masters of storytelling, 27 performers, a crew of 112 people on stage and one iconic muse, thats how A Thousand & One Nights came to life at Art Mumbai. A vision of Indias most loved couturier duo, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, the 360 degree runway lit up with creations from an array of chapters including The Divine Dancers, The Muses, The Devotees, The Seductresses, The People of The Street and The Royals. Recommended Stories From actor Tabu as their showstopper, adorning an archival masterpiece featuring the iconic architectural coat inspired by the Purana Qilla, sketched by Abu Jani 35 years ago to entering their 40th year with their undying love for drama, Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla without a doubt are trendsetters. In conversation with News18, Abu Jani and Sandeep Khosla, talk about how the confluence of art and fashion has inspired their 40 year legacy and who has been the inspiration behind their love for reinventing Indian crafts. Do you believe fashion is art in movement? And how has it shaped your legacy as designers and storytellers of fashion? Absolutely. Fashion is art infused with glamour. Our legacy of almost four decades has art written all over it. For instance, our Jio World Plaza Mumbai store is the equivalent of an Indian source book that honours our countrys infinite art-forms. We love paintings, literature, sculptures, you name it. Art is not just a medium, its our way of life. Its the bridge that connects us to the world. How has the confluence of art and fashion inspired your 40 years of designing? We could write a book about that. Our work exists in the space where art and fashion overlap. In our minds, there is hardly any difference between the two. We are ever moved by colours and textures, and we constantly seek to express our experience through pure fabrics and hand embroidery. Whats the story behind your love for reinventing Indian crafts and celebrating it through your design language? We grew up adoring the women in our lives. The way they dressed and carried themselves with utmost grace had us spellbound all the time. Our mothers, sisters and aunties would dress in the finest weaves and hand-embroidery. As we got older, we noticed that the quality of such crafts was diminishing due to the increasing demand of mass produced goods. The chikan stitches became less refined. Nylon replaced pure cotton and we realised that we have a monumental purpose ahead of us. That is, to preserve the integrity of Indian crafts and continually pursue different ways of reinventing them. A Thousand & One Nights showcase saw each collection embrace a creative narrative through performance. What inspired this expressive storytelling? Our undying love for drama! Presenting couture with context honours the many elements that go into making something memorable. With art, design, dance and music, we merge our love for a classic tale that nourished our creativity, with the decadence of handcrafted glamour. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Why has maximalism and opulence on the runway always been a big part of the brands legacy? Because its who we are and how we live. To dress like theres no tomorrow is to truly celebrate today. About the Author Akshata Shetty Completing almost two decades in journalism, Akshata Shetty's journey from print to online journalism is a celebration of fashion, art and music. Akshatas fashion stories are about the people who cel... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:02 IST News lifestyle fashion Abu Jani Sandeep Khosla Credits Undying Love For Drama For Expressive Storytelling Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy will visit Athens, Greece, on Sunday, Kathimerini reports. "The visit's itinerary is constantly being adjusted for security reasons, but his arrival is expected early in the afternoon. He will first visit the Presidential Administration, where he will meet with the President of the Republic, Konstantinos Tasoulas," the message reads. Zelenskyy is also expected to hold talks with Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis and later meet with Speaker of Parliament Nikitas Kaklamanis. This is the Ukrainian president's second visit to Greece, following his trip in the summer of 2023. How Wellness Is Redefining Travel, Fitness And The Workplace In India Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 12:46 IST Discover how wellness is transforming travel, fitness, and workplaces in India, with insights from leaders at EaseMyTrip, Zumba Fitness, TreadBinary, and Apna. Whether its choosing mindful travel experiences, embracing joyful fitness routines, or redesigning workplace culture for better mental health, Indians today are actively seeking balance, purpose, and holistic well-being. As India continues to navigate a fast-paced world shaped by post-pandemic realities, wellness has moved from being a luxury to becoming a central priority. Whether its choosing mindful travel experiences, embracing joyful fitness routines, or redesigning workplace culture for better mental health, Indians today are actively seeking balance, purpose, and holistic well-being. Wellness Tourism on the Rise Recommended Stories According to Rikant Pittie, CEO and co-founder, EaseMyTrip, Indian travellers are increasingly viewing holidays as opportunities to recharge both mind and body. Indian travellers are increasingly seeking journeys that prioritise mental and physical well-being. Rest and relaxation have emerged as the foremost goal for most of the travellers," he notes. This growing inclination toward wellness-centric breaks is reflected in the data: nearly one in four travellers plans a health or wellness-focused trip in the coming year. Domestic destinations such as Rishikesh, Puducherry, Ooty, Lonavala, Jaipur, and Goa are gaining popularity thanks to their blend of scenic landscapes, cultural depth, and wellness retreats. Some of these destinations have recorded up to 2025% year-on-year growth in searches," adds Pittie. On the international front, cities like Dubai, Singapore, Vietnam, Japan, and Bali continue to attract Indian tourists looking for immersive and rejuvenating experiences. As he explains, Travellers today discover and book trips that support well-being while creating lasting memories." Joyful Fitness Takes Centre Stage Wellness, however, isnt limited to vacations. In everyday life, Indians are embracing fitness formats that combine physical benefits with emotional upliftment. Beto Perez, co-founder and creator, Zumba Fitness, says that Zumba has transformed how people in India perceive exercise. Zumba has transformed how Indian people view fitness. Today, its not just about exercise, but about pure joy, connection, and holistic wellness," he shares. Zumba classes offer both cardio and strength benefits but also something more profound, a sense of community. When individuals move together to music, this sense of community and belonging goes beyond the exercise," says Perez. He adds that the rhythm and energy of Zumba helps individuals feel alive and present, almost meditative in nature. What inspires him most is the passion of Indian instructors: They bring Zumba to life and help individuals locate a healthier and happier version of themselves." The Changing Face of Workplace Well-Being The workplace, too, has become a critical arena for mental wellness. Yuvraj Shidhaye, founder and director, TreadBinary, believes that mental well-being at work goes beyond stress reduction. Prioritising mental well-being at work isnt just about reducing stress; its about nurturing a culture where people feel supported, valued, and motivated," he explains. When organisations invest in psychological wellness through open conversations, empathy-led leadership, and realistic workloads, the results are tangible. It directly reflects in overall productivity," he adds, emphasising that supportive workplaces help employees manage challenges better and stay engaged. This sentiment is echoed by Kartik Narayan, CEO, Jobs Marketplace, Apna, who highlights the pressures of modern work life. Lives have become complex and easy credit after Covid has raised business expectations, straining mental health," he notes. According to him, leaders must reset expectations, offer clarity, and invest in skill development and fair pay to ease this burden. Wellness today is not policy but design built into how work happens," he asserts. When employees feel supported, their ability to think clearly, adapt quickly, and remain resilient improves dramatically. As Narayan puts it, The future of productivity will rest on how well-being and performance reinforce each other." A Holistic Future Ahead top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Across sectors, travel, fitness, and work, the message is clear: well-being is no longer optional. It is becoming the foundation on which people choose their experiences, careers, and lifestyles. Whether its choosing a mountain retreat to reset, dancing in a Zumba class to uplift the spirit, or relying on a workplace designed for psychological safety, Indians are seeking wellness in every dimension of life. The shift is cultural, behavioural, and deeply personal and as these leaders reveal, it is shaping a healthier, more mindful future for the country. About the Author Swati Chaturvedi Swati Chaturvedi is a seasoned media professional with over 13 years of experience in journalism, digital content strategy, and editorial leadership across top national media houses. An alumna of Lady... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 12:46 IST News lifestyle health-and-fitness How Wellness Is Redefining Travel, Fitness And The Workplace In India India Ranks 2nd In Office Romances: 5 Tips To Balance Love And Career Curated By : Translation Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 12:58 IST Even as office romance becomes more common, the smart approach is to balance love and career. Following these tips can make workplace relationships a source of happiness Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Approximately 40% of Indian employees have dated or are currently dating a coworker. (AI Generated/News18 Hindi) Office romance is on the rise worldwide, and a new global survey shows India ranks second in workplace relationships, just behind Mexico at the top. According to a report by Ashley Madison and YouGov, approximately 40% of Indian employees have dated or are currently dating a coworker. These findings indicate that office romance is no longer just a rumour but a reality. Recommended Stories The survey also found that men are more open about office relationships and more willing to accept them. Younger employees, however, tend to be more cautious, especially if they worry it might affect their careers. Accroding to experts, this shift reflects a growing acceptance of modern relationships in India. The significant amount of time spent together at work often leads to emotional connections. For those involved in office romances, it is important to manage these relationships wisely. Here are five tips to balance professional and personal life: top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Set boundaries: Whether its dating or friendship at work, one should decide what stays professional and what is personal. This helps reduce rumours and keeps one focused on work. Communication is key: One should talk openly with their partner about what can be shared at work and what should remain private. This avoids misunderstandings and strengthens your relationship. Dont forget work priorities: Love is great, but ones responsibilities and deadlines are just as important. One should never let their work fall behind. Stay professional in front of everyone: One should always maintain a professional image in front of coworkers and supervisors, as overacting or showing off can damage ones reputation. Maintain privacy: People often share too much about office romance on social media, which can spread rumours. One should think carefully before posting and use social media wisely. Even though changing attitudes have made office romance more common, maintaining a balance between love and career is the smart approach. If one follows these tips, an office relationship can bring happiness rather than stress. So the next time one considers dating a coworker, these pointers should be kept in mind. First Published: November 14, 2025, 12:58 IST News lifestyle relationship India Ranks 2nd In Office Romances: 5 Tips To Balance Love And Career De De Pyaar De 2 Review: R Madhavan Takes The Cake In Ajay Devgn, Rakul's Tolerable Love Story Written By : News18.com Edited By: Shrishti Negi Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 10:15 IST De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Ajay Devgn fails to recreate the charm of the original 2019 film. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google De De Pyaar De 2 Review: R Madhavan and Jaaved Jaaferi steal the show. De De Pyaar De 2 U/A 3/5 14 November 2025|Hindi 2 hrs 26 mins | Comedy Starring: Ajay Devgn, R Madhavan, Rakul Preet Singh, Gautami Kapoor, Meezan Jaaferi Director: Anshul Sharma Watch Trailer De De Pyaar De 2 Review: Six years after Ajay Devgns Aashish and Rakul Preet Singhs Ayesha first fell in love, the couple now returns to screens on November 14 with a new challenge. This time, they need to convince Ayeshas parents that they are right for one another despite their glaring age gap. However, the only thing I am convinced of is that the sequel falls short of the original film. The film begins with a comedic flashback narrated by Jaaved Jaaferi, who, in all his scenes, has outshone every other actor in the film. The story then takes us from London to Chandigarh, where Rakuls Ayesha returns home for her sister-in-laws delivery, as its a perfect opportunity for her to tell her parents about her 51-year-old boyfriend and soften the blow amid the celebration. Recommended Stories We are then introduced to R Madhavan and Gautami Kapoor, who are Ayeshas educated, progressive and modern" parents. R Madhavan plays a father who wants to be friends with his children. He is a doting father-in-law, a loving husband and inarguably a much better performer than our leading hero. Much like Jaaved Jaaferi, R Madhavan steals every frame and aces all emotions of his character. Whether its an outright comedy scene or an emotional meltdown, Madhavan reminds us of his stellar acting chops. Gautami Kapoor complements him flawlessly, and their pairing works well on screen, perhaps even better than Ajay Devgn and Rakul Preet Singh. Madhavan and Kapoors modernity is challenged when they learn that their daughter wants to marry a man who is barely two years their junior. They are faced with the age-old dilemma: log kya kahenge? What follows is a comedic battle of wits between father and daughter. While the perfect dad now tries to manipulate his daughter into marrying a young Meezan Jaaferi, the outspoken girl ploys a charade to convince her father otherwise. Meezan Jaaferi doesnt do much in the film, except aid Jaaved Jaaferi in cracking meta jokes about his son. However, he did come across as someone with potential to give a better performance in a better film. Rakul Preet Singh brings a certain charm to the more light-hearted scenes. However, her emotional breakdowns, especially the one with Madhavan in the middle of a dance sequence, seemed laughable. Ajay Devgn is well, Ajay Devgn. He gave a tolerable performance in film, except for some of his comedy scenes with Jaaved Jaaferi. While I do believe in watching certain films just for the sake of the experience, without looking for logic and without expecting stellar performances, these factors cannot be overlooked if I had a frown during most of the film. When De De Pyaar De was released in 2019, it came as a surprise and managed to impress most people. The concept was intriguing, and the narrative made the film an interesting watch, despite some flawed performances. While De De Pyaar 2 gives you hope in the beginning, the film eventually succumbs to half-baked writing. Some jokes land quite well, but thats about the only thing that works. One might enjoy watching the film once for the jokes and Jaaved and Madhavans performances. However, it didnt recreate the recall value of the original About the Author Kashvi Raj Singh Kashvi Raj Singh is a Sub Editor at News18. She extensively covers Bollywood, Hollywood and television. She not only keeps an eye out for interesting news angles but also often writes social commentar... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 10:15 IST News movies bollywood De De Pyaar De 2 Review: R Madhavan Takes The Cake In Ajay Devgn, Rakul's Tolerable Love Story Karisma Kapoor's Daughter Says Fees Unpaid For 2 Months, Delhi HC Says 'Don't Want Melodrama' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:28 IST Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the children, said that under a matrimonial decree, Sunjay Kapur was responsible for funding his childrens education and expenses Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Samaira and Kian had a close relationship with their father. (News18 Hindi) Bollywood actor Karisma Kapoors children on Friday told the Delhi High Court that the fees of one of them, who is studying at a university in the United States, have not been paid for the past two months. The claim was made before Justice Jyoti Singh, who cautioned the parties not to make the proceedings melodramatic." She instructed the legal team representing Priya Kapur, the widow of the late Sunjay Kapur, to ensure that such matters are resolved outside court in future and are not brought before the bench again. Recommended Stories The hearing was part of a larger dispute in which Samaira Kapur and her brother are challenging the validity of their late fathers purported will, which reportedly involves assets worth around Rs 30,000 crore. Senior advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, appearing for the children, said that under a matrimonial decree, Sunjay Kapur was responsible for funding his childrens education and expenses. He claimed that the estate of the children is currently under the control of Priya Kapur, and the fees for Samaira, who is studying in the US, have not been paid for two months. However, senior advocate Rajiv Nayar, representing Priya Kapur, rejected the claim as baseless and fabricated. He maintained that Priya has consistently provided for the children and that all dues, including the university fees, have already been paid. Nayar also suggested that the issue was raised in court to attract media attention. The proceedings also involved discussions on an interim injunction filed by the Kapoor siblings, seeking to prevent Priya Kapur from disposing of any assets belonging to their late father. The court has scheduled further arguments on the matter for next week. The children have previously questioned the authenticity of the will and, in court, referred to Priya Kapur as a Cinderella stepmother," alleging that she prioritises her own interests over theirs. In response, Priya informed the court that the children have already received Rs 1,900 crore from the family trust. Earlier, the court had directed Priya Kapur to submit a detailed list of Sunjay Kapurs assets. (With inputs form PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:25 IST News movies Karisma Kapoor's Daughter Says Fees Unpaid For 2 Months, Delhi HC Says 'Don't Want Melodrama' Opinion | Bihar TsuNaMo: Why Brand Modi Bucks The Global Anti-Incumbency Trend Written By : CNN-News18 Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:26 IST Brand Modi appears to have transcended conventional identity fault lines to connect with disparate audiences The trust Modis persona evokes now arouses comparisons with an older generation of tall Indian politicians at both state and federal levels. Pic/ANI The NDA has ridden a BJP wave to a record, perhaps unprecedented, fifth term in Bihar. A BJP wave because the party has defied predictions and assessments to outperform even its senior partner, the JD(U). This is a harking back to the 2010 assembly election, when the BJP won 91 seats. Only this time, its strike rate, the ratio of wins to seats contested, is substantially higher. Recommended Stories The Bihar heroics cap a period of stunning return to electoral form for a party that suffered an unforeseen setback in the 2024 Lok Sabha election. Consider the facts: the BJP went past its own best in the Haryana assembly polls as it scored a historic hat-trick in October 2025. The BJP secured its highest-ever 26.77% vote share in the Maharashtra assembly elections in November 2025. And most recently, the BJP returned to power in the Delhi assembly polls after 27 long years in political exile in February 2025. In each of these elections, the BJP centred its campaign around PM Modis persona. This leadership-centric strategy, combined with an intensified emphasis on welfare guarantees, last-mile delivery, targeted social schemes, and centralised messaging, has reshaped the partys state-level campaigns. These mechanisms ground the credibility quotient" in tangible governance outcomes rather than abstract popularity. Taken together with the BJPs return to power at the federal level for a third successive time, the pattern is a testament to the longevity of Brand Modis credibility quotient. Its ability to withstand anti-incumbency and continue to enthral the public stands in stark contrast to global trends. In our own neighbourhood, voters have risen, often in a welter of anger, to dismiss incumbents. Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal spring instantly to mind. In the US, a prideful, nativist MAGA movement brought Donald Trump back to power even though Joe Bidens presidency oversaw a phase of economic consolidation. Beyond that, there has been churn in Canada, the UK, Argentina, Germany, and Japan. The global field is scarred by incumbents swept out of office. What makes Modi buck the trend? The data allows us to put forth a cogent theory. Brand Modi appears to have transcended conventional identity fault lines to connect with disparate audiences. In the 2025 assembly election in Bihar, for instance, the NDA vote share has closed in on the 50% threshold. This signals the coming together of non-traditional voters to forge a broad social coalition. In the 24 seats of Seemanchal, a Muslim and Yadav-heavy MGB vote bastion, Tejashwi Yadavs RJD is down to just three; the BJP at eight has punched above its weight. The BJP also demonstrated its ability to eat into Maratha and Jat votes in Maharashtra and Haryana. In the 2024 Lok Sabha election, Brand Modi attracted 58% of OBC voters, 35% of Dalit voters, and 45% of Adivasi voters. This broadening BJP social coalition means its opponents, most notably the Congress under Rahul Gandhi, are becoming increasingly sectarian, confined to the margins, and faced with an existential crisis. The trust Modis persona evokes now arouses comparisons with an older generation of tall Indian politicians at both state and federal levels. More than one expert has labelled Modi the Nehru of the right". top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Rahul Shivshankar Rahul Shivshankar is Consulting Editor at Network18. He tweets at @RShivshankar First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:26 IST News opinion Opinion | Bihar TsuNaMo: Why Brand Modi Bucks The Global Anti-Incumbency Trend Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Opinion | The Jamaat Problem: Inside Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmirs White-Collar Terror Machine Written By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:11 IST The story is one of a methodical, generational projects that culminates in the ideological justification for men and women willing to build bombs and kill civilians Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Investigators examine the site of Monday's car blast near the historic Red Fort, in New Delhi, on November 11, 2025. (AP) When police in Faridabad arrested Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganai, they found something that would have been unthinkable in the early 1990s: an educated, white-collared professional who had been seduced into the mechanics of mass murder. In his rented apartment, investigators discovered 358 kilograms of ammonium nitrate, an assault rifle, remote detonators, and the calculated precision of someone trained to kill. Dr Ganai was not an isolated extremist acting on impulse. Its being claimed that he was part of a network, one that traced its ideological inheritance back to an organisation that claimed to represent Kashmirs Muslim majority but functioned, in practice, as the architect of separatist terrorism: Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir. Recommended Stories The November 10 explosion that devastated Delhis Red Fort, killing 13 people, has forced Indian security establishments to confront an uncomfortable truth. After decades of counterterrorism operations, successive bans, asset seizures, and intelligence successes against terrorist groups, the underlying ecosystem that sustains militancy remains substantially intact. At its foundation, its claimed there lies not a clandestine terror cell, but an organisation that operated in plain sight for 70 years. It was running schools, collecting charitable donations, maintaining property holdings across Kashmir, and cultivating what analysts describe as a terror ecosystem" that could seamlessly transition ideological commitment into operational capability. The Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir story is one of a methodical, generational projects. It begins with philosophical conviction, proceeds through institutional development, and culminates in the provision of cover, funding, recruitment networks, and ideological justification for men and women willing to build bombs and kill civilians. JEI J&Ks Ideological Inheritance and the Break with the Mainstream To understand Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir, one must first grapple with its parent body: Jamaat-e-Islami, the transnational Islamic movement founded in 1941 by Syed Abul Ala Maududi. Maududis vision was revolutionary in its scope and radical in its implications. He rejected the idea that Muslims could live as minorities in secular democracies, argued that democracy was fundamentally incompatible with Islamic governance, and posited that the state should enforce Islamic law in its totality. But history is rarely monolithic, and the Jamaat-e-Islami that emerged after Indias partition showed a surprising capacity for ideological flexibility. The Indian branch, Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, gradually reconciled itself to living in a secular, pluralistic democracy. The transformation was real enough that by 2023, JeI Hind distanced itself publicly from its separatist cousin in Kashmir, asserting in petitions to Indias courts that it had nothing in common" with Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir beyond a shared historical origin. The Kashmir chapter underwent precisely the opposite evolution. When Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir formally separated from the Indian parent body in 1953, the split ostensibly concerned a single issue: whether Kashmir should accede to India. But that disagreement concealed a deeper ideological departure. While Jamaat-e-Islami Hind was learning to work within democratic structures, Jamaat-e-Islami J&K was becoming wedded to a maximalist vision in which only two outcomes were acceptable: a plebiscite that might grant Kashmir independence, or merger with Pakistan. Anything else, including permanent accession to India, was viewed as a historical betrayal requiring active religion-fueled resistance. One branch of the Maududi movement learned to compromise; the other refused. One embraced democracy as a practical necessity; the other saw it as ideologically bankrupt. One worked to ameliorate conditions for Muslims within an existing state; the other dedicated itself to dismantling that states claim over their territory. The Architecture of Separatism: From Social Organisation to Militant Control The operational architecture of Jamaat-e-Islami J&K lay not in its ability to mobilise insurgencies; that work fell to militant groups such as Hizbul Mujahideen. Rather, it lay in constructing a superstructure that could simultaneously perform legitimate social functions while providing logistical, financial, and ideological support for separatist violence. This is the distinction that allowed JeI-JK to maintain a veneer of legality for decades while functioning, in effect, as the civilian wing of Kashmirs militant movement. Beginning in the 1970s, Jamaat-e-Islami J&K, operating through the Falah-e-Aam Trust, established hundreds of schools across rural Kashmir. These institutions provided affordable education to impoverished families with limited access to state-run alternatives. For decades, generations of Kashmiri children attended these schools. But the schools also served another purpose. According to security assessments, JeI-JK deliberately used these institutions to inculcate separatist ideology in children, to encourage participation in resistance movements, and to identify promising recruits for militant organisations. The organisations youth wing, Jamiat-ul-Tulba, operated within these schools as an ideological incubator. Teachers with Jamaat affiliation structured curricula to emphasise Kashmirs distinct identity, the illegitimacy of Indian rule, and the religious obligation to participate in Jihad. Jamaat-e-Islami J&K collected funds domestically through zakat, mowda, and bait-ul-mal, all legitimate Islamic charitable mechanisms. The organisation also solicited donations from abroad, particularly from Pakistan and Gulf countries, using religious justifications for why money should flow to Kashmir. These funds were designated for social welfare, education, and healthcare, but a substantial portion was diverted and were passed directly to militant organisations, including Hizbul Mujahideen, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and Jaish-e-Mohammed. The money flowed from charitable trusts controlled by JeI-JK to militant groups that the organisation either controlled directly or maintained intimate operational relationships with. By 2022, when the State Investigation Agency moved against these holdings, it identified 188 JeI-JK properties across Jammu and Kashmir. These were schools, hospitals, medical clinics, office buildings, and agricultural land, all held in the name of trusts nominally established for charitable purposes. The aggregate value exceeded hundreds of crores. In August 2025, the Jammu and Kashmir government took the extraordinary step of seizing 215 schools affiliated with the banned organisation. Pakistans Hand and the ISI Connection For anyone seeking to understand JEI J&Ks operational capacity, the Pakistani connection is the foundation. The organisation did not maintain ties to Pakistani intelligence solely out of ideological affinity, though that certainly existed. Pakistans ISI actively cultivated JeI-JK as an instrument of state policy, viewing the organisation as the ideal conduit for projecting Pakistani influence into Kashmir while maintaining plausible deniability regarding support for separatism. The relationship crystallised in 1989 with the formation of Hizbul Mujahideen. It was a Pakistan-engineered military structure, established by the ISI under the direction of Pakistans military leadership and designed explicitly to counter the pro-independence Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front, which dared to advocate complete separation rather than merger with Pakistan; both, however, had links to the ISI and the Pakistani military leadership. The founding meeting was held in Kathmandu on January 14, 1990. What emerged from that meeting was a constitution for Hizbul Mujahideen that, according to terrorism analysts, virtually turned the organisation into a subsidiary of Jamaat-i-Islami". JeI-JK was granted the authority to nominate the leadership of Hizbul Mujahideen. The Jamaat J&K faction had direct command authority over an armed militant group. Intelligence assessments by Indian security agencies confirm that JeI-JK leadership established strong links with Pakistans ISI for ensuring logistics support for arming, training and supply of weapons to Kashmiri youths" and that leaders continue to maintain regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for support". The Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi served as a coordination point, with Hurriyat Conference leaders (many affiliated with JeI-JK) meeting regularly with Pakistani officials to receive strategic direction and ensure continued financial support. Pakistan channelled approximately 90 per cent of terrorist financing in Kashmir through the ISI or through its High Commission in India and Nepal. Much of this money moved through the very charitable mechanisms that JeI-JK controlled, trusts, educational institutions, and social organisations that maintained the appearance of legitimacy while serving as conduits for terror financing. FIRs filed by Jammu and Kashmir Police documented that Syed Ali Shah Geelani, a prominent Hurriyat leader closely associated with JeI-JK, received approximately Rs 10 crore in a single transaction in October 1995, with the Jamaats website explicitly directing donors to transfer funds to bank accounts in Lahore. Radicalisation in the Professional Class: The Blast in Delhi By early November, Indian intelligence agencies were tracking a small number of operators in the medical community. Dr Muzammil Ahmad Ganai had worked at Al-Falah University Hospital in Faridabad. So had Dr Shaheen Sayeed, a Lucknow-based physician. And Dr Adeel Majeed had trained at GMC Srinagar before moving to more lucrative positions outside Kashmir. All of these had medical degrees from recognised institutions. They had paying jobs and credentials, and social standing. Yet each had become convinced that their professional expertise should be converted into instruments of mass casualty terror. No one would suspect doctors" as mechanisms of mass terror was quoted in one of the case reports, and this is certainly how the terror plot was carried out. The precision of this insight now shows how the newer generation of terror networks operates. They do not recruit exclusively from marginalised populations. They actively seek educated professionals whose social and academic background makes them invisible to threat-assessment protocols designed to flag the obviously suspicious. Dr Muzammil Ganais trajectory makes perfect reading for this evolved recruitment pathway. He had completed his medical degree, worked in professional healthcare settings, and apparently led an outwardly conventional life. But somewhere in his trajectory, he had been exposed to narratives about Kashmir, Indian rule, and the religious obligation to resist. Whether this exposure occurred in classrooms run by JeI-JK-affiliated organisations, through family connections to the separatist movement, or via subsequent radicalisation is not entirely clear. What is clear is that by November 2025, he had become sufficiently convinced of the justice of the cause to participate in planning attacks that would have killed civilians indiscriminately. The network was not limited to doctors with direct connections to Kashmir. Dr Shaheen Sayeed was tasked with establishing Jamaat-ul-Mominat, the womens recruitment wing of Jaish-e-Mohammed, aimed at enlisting educated female professionals into terrorist operations. Another crucial figure, Maulvi Ishtiyaq, an imam from Shopian, was directly involved in radicalising the doctor network. During raids at his residence following the blast, investigators arrested both him and his wife, establishing that they had been engaged in the recruitment and ideological conditioning of medical professionals, including those who would later participate in the Faridabad module, as well as youth in Kashmir itself. Dr Nisar-ul-Hassan, a professor at Al-Falah University, had previously been dismissed from Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital in Srinagar in 2023 under Article 311(2)(c) of the Constitution, specifically on terror-related charges. Rather than remaining under surveillance or moving into obscurity, Hassan obtained employment at Al-Falah University, which became a nodal point for multiple individuals subsequently identified as part of the terror network. For seven decades, Jamaat-e-Islami Jammu and Kashmir invested heavily in persuading Kashmiri Muslims that Indian rule was illegitimate, that resistance was a religious obligation, and that separation from India represented a moral imperative. These messages permeated schools, mosques, and community organisations. They were reinforced through textbooks, sermons, and social institutions. They became embedded in the assumptions through which generations of Kashmiris understood their political situation. The formal ban removed the organisation from overt operations, but it did not erase the ideological substrate it created. Individuals socialised in JeI-JK schools, trained in JeI-JK youth wings, and exposed to JeI-JK rhetoric continue to carry these convictions even when the organisation itself is prohibited. Some moved into politics, some into civil service, some into professional careers, and a small but consequential proportion eventually move into active terrorist networks seeking to operationalise the separatist ideology they absorbed over years of exposure. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all J-e-I J&Ks insistent refusal and rejection of Indias political and democratic pluralism, and the creation of an institution meant to erode that pluralism from within, is an affront to Indias fundamental values. The educational institutions may be seized by the government, properties confiscated, and leadership imprisoned. But the foundational work, the decades-long effort to convince Muslims in Kashmir that separation from India is a religious obligation, that democracy cannot accommodate their interests, and that resistance justifies any means, has already been done. About the Author Sohil Sinha Sohil Sinha is a Sub Editor at News18. He writes on foreign affairs, geopolitics along with domestic policy and infrastructure projects. First Published: November 14, 2025, 14:11 IST News opinion Opinion | The Jamaat Problem: Inside Jamaat-e-Islami Kashmirs White-Collar Terror Machine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 15:41 IST 1 / 13 More than a decade ago, Chirag Paswan tried to build a life far away from the world of rallies, speeches and party meetings. He stepped into films, took a chance on a completely different career and appeared on the big screen with hopes that had nothing to do with politics. That phase did not last long but it became an important chapter in his story. Today, as his name returns repeatedly during Bihar assembly elections, people often look back at how unusual his journey has been and how many paths he travelled before finding his place in public life. + Follow us On Google 2 / 13 Chirag was born on October 31, 1982, to Ram Vilas Paswan, who was one of Indias most respected Dalit leaders and the founder of the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP). Even though he grew up in a political family, Chirags first steps were not towards politics. He completed his schooling through the National Institute of Open Schooling in Delhi and later joined a B.Tech course in Computer Engineering at the Institute of Engineering and Technology in Jhansi. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 13 During his third semester, he chose to drop out. At that point, he wanted to explore something creative. This decision took him towards acting, a field that was completely different from the one his father was known for. 4 / 13 In 2011, he made his film debut with Miley Naa Miley Hum opposite Kangana Ranaut. The film did not perform well and Chirag often mentioned that he understood what a bad film looked like because he had acted in one. His acting career stopped almost as soon as it began but the experience stayed with him. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 13 One thing that continued from that period was his personal bond with Kangana Ranaut and both now serve as Members of Parliament. Over the years, he was also seen at gatherings where TV personalities like Vishal Singh and reality-show winner Prince Narula were present. 6 / 13 In 2012, his life began to shift again. Chirag joined LJP following the path his father had built. His entry into politics was soon followed by success. In 2014, he won the Jamui Lok Sabha seat that marked his first major victory. ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 13 By 2019, he had become the national president of the LJP. This role brought pressure especially when the party faced internal disagreements. He managed to hold his ground and retain his parliamentary seat. 8 / 13 The most challenging period came after the death of Ram Vilas Paswan in 2020. A dispute over leadership created a split within the party. Chirags uncle, Pashupati Kumar Paras, became the LJP parliamentary leader with the support of several MPs. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 13 Chirag responded by forming the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas). In the 2024 Lok Sabha elections, his party won all five seats it contested. Soon after, he joined the Union Cabinet as the Minister for Food Processing Industries in the Modi 3.0 government, a ministry once held by his father. 10 / 13 In the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Chirags role has drawn even more attention. Chirag came up with a strong showing with his party leading in over 20 seats out of the 29 it contested. His partys role in NDA returning to power was undeniable. ADVERTISEMENT 11 / 13 Chirag has spoken confidently about the NDAs prospects. He has often highlighted the publics trust in the double-engine government model and the work done by party supporters on the ground. His slogan Bihar first, Bihari first has been repeated throughout the campaign . 12 / 13 Some surveys have mentioned him as the third option for the chief ministers post after Tejashwi Yadav and Nitish Kumar. Despite this, he has not positioned himself as a contender for the role. ADVERTISEMENT Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 14:46 IST 1 / 10 For a long time now, Kim Soo-Hyun has been making headlines. Alas, for all the wrong reasons. He has been accused of dating the late actress Kim Sae-Ron when she was a minor. While the matter is in court, both sides have levelled several allegations against one another so far. What's happening now? What do both sides say? Let's find out. + Follow us On Google 2 / 10 The controversy started in March 2025, when a YouTube channel called Garosero Research Institute (HoverLab) released a video alleging a secret, long-term relationship between Kim Soo-hyun and Kim Sae-ron. In that video, a woman claiming to be Sae-rons aunt said the relationship began in 2015, when she was just 15 and while he was 27. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 10 Later, Garo Sero Institute also released an audio in which Kim Sae-Ron was allegedly admitting to having sex with Kim Soo Hyun when she was in class 8. The legal representative of the bereaved family of the late Kim Sae-Ron and Kim Se Ui of Garo Sero Institute held a press conference in Seoul in which they made the shocking audio recording public. 4 / 10 In the audio, Kim Sae-Ron was heard talking about his relationship with Kim Sae-Ron, as he also admitted to having a physical relationship with her. "The first time we did it was when I was in 8th grade, during the winter vacation," he said. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 10 Kim Soo Hyun also held a press conference later and addressed allegations against him. Ill address the biggest concernI did not date the deceased when she was a minor. We dated five years ago for about a year, long before Queen of Tears aired," he said. 6 / 10 The actor also broke down during the press conference and explained why he denied dating Sae Ron earlier, saying, As the lead actor of Queen of Tears, I couldnt confirm the relationship publicly because of its potential impact on the cast and crew." ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 10 Kim also denied accusations that his agency pressured Sae Ron over her debts, saying, Aside from the fact that we were both actors, we were simply an ordinary couple who broke up over time." 8 / 10 Amid the controversy, thousands of people signed a petition in South Korea to form the Kim Soo Hyun Prevention Act. It urges the lawmakers of South Korea to raise the age of consent from the current 16 years to up to 19 years. For now, South Korean people attain adulthood at 19. However, the age of consent in the country is 16. ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 10 Amid the ongoing controversy, Kim Soo Hyuns career has gone for a toss. His projects have been halted and brand deals have also been cancelled. Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 13:02 IST 1 / 12 Election seasons often throw unexpected names into the spotlight. This year in Bihar as rallies happened and every seat becomes a battlefield in the 243-constituency race, one familiar face from cinema has suddenly become the focus of conversations far away from film sets. + Follow us On Google 2 / 12 That face belongs to Neha Sharma. The Bollywood actor, known for her charm on screen and an Instagram feed filled with stylish moments, is now drawing attention for something completely different in Bhagalpur. ADVERTISEMENT 3 / 12 For the elections, the glamour, photo shoots and film sets were on pause as she moved through busy streets in an open jeep, waving to people and standing beside her father on the campaign trail. 4 / 12 Her father, Congress leader Ajit Sharma, is once again contesting from the Bhagalpur assembly seat, a constituency he held on to last time by a very narrow margin. ADVERTISEMENT 5 / 12 It is not as if Neha is a stranger to the place she is campaigning in. Bhagalpur is where she grew up, studied and spent the early years of her life. She completed her schooling at Mount Carmel before moving to Delhi to study fashion design at National Institute of Fashion Technology (NIFT). 6 / 12 But fashion wasnt the path she ultimately stayed with. As her interests shifted, Neha found herself drawn towards cinema. Her break into films came in 2007 with the Telugu movie Chirutha opposite Ram Charan. (Photo: IMDb) ADVERTISEMENT 7 / 12 Three years later, she stepped into Bollywood with Crook followed by the comedy Kyaa Super Cool Hai Hum that brought her more recognition. Films like Yamla Pagla Deewana 2, Tum Bin 2 and the short film Kriti continued to build her on-screen journey. (Photo: IMDb) 8 / 12 In 2020, she starred in Ajay Devgns Tanhaji and the same year stepped into the world of streaming with Illegal where she plays a fierce and ambitious lawyer. Through these years, she managed to stay largely separate from the political identity of her family. (Photo: IMDb) ADVERTISEMENT 9 / 12 Her father, Ajit Sharma, became a prominent figure in Bihar politics as he rose to become the Congress Legislative Party leader. As his responsibilities grew so did speculation about whether Neha would follow him into public life. 10 / 12 Those rumours intensified during the 2024 Lok Sabha campaign when she was seen leading roadshows and urging people to vote. But Neha Sharma has been clear: she isnt joining politics (at least not now). ADVERTISEMENT 11 / 12 She has repeatedly said that she campaigns for her father the way any daughter would, not because of political ambition or party plans. She had mentioned that her focus is on acting and believes she would need much more time and preparation before even considering a formal political role, if at all. Tejashwi, Tej Prataps Father Was Viral Even Before Internet Existed! But Have They Inherited Lalu Yadavs Rustic Wit? Curated By : Trending Desk Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 08:30 IST With ballots cast and counting looming, the question is no longer who will win, but who left a bigger mark along the campaign trail. Tej Pratap is Tejashwi Yadavs elder brother. (Photo Credit: X) Bihar has voted, the booths are quiet, and the state now holds its breath for the 2025 Assembly election results. This year, the contest went beyond numbers and alliances, becoming a battle of personality, wit and family drama between political stalwart Lalu Prasad Yadavs sons, Tejashwi and Tej Pratap. With the ballots cast and counting only hours away, the question isnt only who will win, but who made the most lasting impression on the campaign trail. Recommended Stories Tejashwi, the RJD and Mahagathbandhan-backed Chief Ministerial candidate, ran a well-orchestrated campaign, mingling sharp political jabs with light-hearted quips. Tej Pratap, expelled from the family and campaigning independently under the JJD, leaned on personal anecdotes, eccentric antics, and viral moments to assert his presence. As Bihar waits for the voters verdict, one unofficial contest stands out: who entertained the state more? Who Is Funnier? Tejashwi Yadav Tejashwi often uses humour in his public speeches and jibes. For instance, in one press conference when tensions were high, he lightened the tone by saying his rival, LJP leader Chirag Paswan, should get married", and the room broke into laughter. Humour can cut both ways: he has also been mocked. Example when he compared himself to global tech icons like Bill Gates and Mark Zuckerberg and was trolled for the comparison. Tejashwi Yadav says Jobs & Zuckerberg didnt have degrees" to justify his own zero education. ~ One built Apple. Other built Facebook.This guy? Built nothing. Just inherited Lalus CORRUPTION empire. Have some shame pic.twitter.com/FdG5xNNpNT The Analyzer (News Updates) (@Indian_Analyzer) July 21, 2025 Tej Pratap Yadav Tej Prataps humour (or viral moments) are more offbeat" and raw. For example, a video showed him stopping his car at a roadside sweet shop and making jalebi himself and then eating it. The unique, unconventional entrances of his candidates under his banner also drew attention this election season. One came to the nomination on a buffalo, another in handcuffs. Popularity: Who Leads? Tejashwi Yadav Preelection data shows Tejashwi strong as the CM face for the opposition. A Peoples Pulse survey, reported in NDTV, put him as the most preferred candidate for Chief Minister. An opinion poll by The Times of India said Tejashwi secured 36.5 per cent support as the preferred CM face ahead of others in 2025. He contested from his stronghold, Raghopur (Vaishali district), the Yadav family bastion. Tej Pratap Yadav His popularity is more niche. He has socialmedia visibility, viral videos, and a distinct persona. But electorally, his new political setup (after being expelled from RJD) is untested and smaller in scale. He is contesting from Mahua, another seat with familial ties. He reportedly claimed his party would win 1015" seats in the 243-member assembly. Who Is More Like Lalu Prasad Yadav? Tej Pratap Yadav: The Lalu Style" candidate Many observers say Tej Pratap resembles his father in his raw, emotive style, the rustic charm, the plainspoken tone. A viral video was titled Lalu Prasad Yadav jaisa andaz" (style just like Lalu) in reference to him. His political moves are unpredictable, dramatic, and rooted in that kind of mass connect" persona characteristic of Lalu. That aligns him with the idea of Lalus heir in spirit". Tejashwi Yadav: A modernised version Tejashwi, by contrast, is less about rustic charm and more about strategic politics, larger ambitions, coalition building, and modern campaign style. He is seen as carrying forward the legacy but in a different idiom. Observers say he lacks the raw populist charisma of Lalu. Times When The Two Brothers Went Viral At a rally in the Mohiuddinnagar (Samastipur) area, a video of a child on stage went viral. He was saying, Jab CM ban jaayenge Tejashwi bhaiya, toh katta leke ghumunga" (When Tejashwi ji becomes CM, Ill walk around with a countrymade gun). The video triggered a backlash, with the Bharatiya Janata Party calling it a glorification of gun culture. At Patna Airport, a video captured the two brothers crossing paths. Tej Pratap was seen browsing for a 38 size bandi (Nehru jacket)" at a garment store while Tejashwi approaches; the interaction, body language and silence became widely commented on. During the Bihar election periodTej Pratap Yadav and Tejashwi Yadav met each other at the airport#BiharElection #tejpratapyadav #TejashwiYadav #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/ycbrC9xeHU Nation Level Mr. Malik (@nation_levels) November 4, 2025 top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Tej Prataps departure from the family and party (expelled by his father and the RJD) itself became fodder for socialmedia commentary and external framing of his persona. Tejashwi Yadav is generally seen as funnier in politics and enjoys wider popularity, while Tej Prataps humour, mostly on social media, appeals to a smaller audience. Their rivalry also shows their different ties to Lalus style: Tej Pratap often claims he is like the real" Lalu, while Tejashwi is seen as less aligned with his fathers persona. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Delhi, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 08:30 IST News politics Tejashwi, Tej Prataps Father Was Viral Even Before Internet Existed! But Have They Inherited Lalu Yadavs Rustic Wit? Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy discussed support for Ukraine and joint steps with partners to put pressure on Russia with Finnish President Alexander Stubb. I spoke with President of Finland Alexander Stub. Once again, Russia has launched a heinous attack against Ukraine, our people, and ordinary residential buildings. Alex expressed his condolences to the entire Ukrainian nation and condemned this vile Russian strike. I thanked him for his words of support. We discussed further support for Ukraine in every possible direction, as well as our joint steps with partners to exert pressure on Russia. Only pressure with sanctions and strength can force Russia to end this war, a war that no one but them ever needed. We will do everything possible to achieve this, he said on X Friday. 'Bihar Will Progress Even Further...': Nitish Kumar's First Reaction After NDA's Victory Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 18:49 IST Kumar thanked Bihar voters on X after NDA won a massive majority in the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections The ruling alliance appeared comfortably placed to secure a two-thirds majority, with projections suggesting 208 of the 243 seats. Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar on Friday expressed his gratitude after the NDA secured a massive majority in the Bihar Legislative Assembly elections. Sharing his reaction on X, Kumar thanked the people of the state for their trust and support, calling it a demonstration of confidence in his government. Recommended Stories In the Bihar Legislative Assembly Elections-2025, the people of the state have expressed their confidence in our government by giving us a massive majority. For this, I bow to all the esteemed voters of the state, and express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks," Kumar wrote. -2025 , Nitish Kumar (@NitishKumar) November 14, 2025 He also extended his thanks to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his guidance and backing, while acknowledging the contribution of his NDA allies, including Chirag Paswan, Jitan Ram Manjhi, and Upendra Kushwaha, for the coalitions united effort that led to the sweeping victory. The NDA alliance has achieved a massive majority in this election by demonstrating complete unity," he noted. The Chief Minister further expressed hope that the government would continue to focus on the welfare and development of the state in the coming years. With the support of all of you, Bihar will progress even further and will be included in the category of the most developed states in the country." The National Democratic Alliance, comprising the BJP, Nitish Kumars JD(U), and other partners, is poised to sweep the polls for the 243-member Bihar assembly. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all As of 6:30 pm, the NDA was leading on 204 seats, with the BJP emerging as the single largest party with 91 seats, followed by the JD(U) on 85. Chirag Paswans LJP (Ram Vilas) was leading on 19 out of 29 seats it contested, while Jitan Ram Manjhis HAMS led on five seats. In contrast, the Mahagathbandhan, which includes Tejashwi Yadavs RJD, the Congress, and three Left parties, was struggling with only 34 seats, with the Congress facing a near wipeout. Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party drew a blank in its debut election. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Bihar, India, India First Published: November 14, 2025, 18:15 IST News politics 'Bihar Will Progress Even Further...': Nitish Kumar's First Reaction After NDA's Victory Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Netizens Have A Field Day After Congress's Bihar Poll Drubbing: 'Hrithik Roshan Has More Fingers' Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 23:24 IST Congress's dramatic collapse in Bihar prompted a variety of memes online, mixing sharp satire with pointed political commentary. The party managed to win only six seats. The Bihar elections turned out to be a sorry show for the Mahagathbandhan. (PTI/File) Game, set and match! As the day comes to a close, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) achieved a landslide victory after crossing the 200-mark in the Bihar Assembly elections, while the Mahagathbandhan was completely decimated with only 35 seats in its name, as per current trends. The election was a disaster for Mahagathbandhans primary national ally, the Indian National Congress, as Rahul Gandhis vote theft campaign failed to find any resonance on the ground. The party won 19 seats in the last election, but managed to win only six this time, barely ahead of the AIMIM. Recommended Stories In fact, what was supposed to be a contest between the NDA and the Mahagathbandhan turned out to be a race between the BJP and the JD(U) to become the single largest party. In the end, the BJP took home 89 seats, followed closely by Nitish Kumars party with 85. Congresss spectacular failure on the ground released a torrent of memes on social media, with users highlighting Rahul Gandhis yet another poll defeat and his failure to connect with the voters. Several users posted humorous and cheeky videos showcasing the downfall of Congress in Bihar in a blend of satire and deep political commentary. Sharing an image of Bollywood actor Hrithik Roshan, a user wrote, Bro has more fingers on one hand than number of Congress MLAs in Bihar." Another user said even Asaduddin Owaisis party was becoming bigger than the Congress in Bihar. Bro has more fingers on one hand than number of Congress MLAs in Bihar. pic.twitter.com/smG0ng6Lco Abhishek (@MSDianAbhiii) November 14, 2025 Rahul Gandhi every election pic.twitter.com/U18gFFIMoX maithun (@Being_Humor) November 14, 2025 Congress ka acha hai, Ek hi Innova mein sare MLA vidhansabha jaa sakte hai#BiharElection2025 Suraj Goswami (@atit_sg) November 14, 2025 Rahul Gandhi every election pic.twitter.com/DhZbJKyKIg maithun (@Being_Humor) November 14, 2025 The social media handles of the BJP also mocked Rahul Gandhi and the Congress over the defeat. Happy Childrens Day, @RahulGandhi. Bangkok is calling you!! Tata & Bye Bye," wrote the BJP Karnataka on X. In Congress, speaking sense is a punishable offence. #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/ovSk20mtQO BJP KERALAM (@BJP4Keralam) November 14, 2025 Bihar voters to Rahul Gandhi #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/NSTo2ShlMR Ministry Of Sarcasm (@M_OfSarcasm) November 14, 2025 Congratulating other states for BJP victory while my state has to suffer 3 more years of Congress govt#BiharElection pic.twitter.com/j9ZMXBE0PR Preetam Rao (@Preetam_M_Rao) November 14, 2025 Netizens also poked fun at RJD and party supremo Lalu Prasad Yadav over their dismal showing in this years Bihar Assembly elections. It is worth mentioning that the party had won 75 seats out of the Mahagathbandhans tally of 110 in a close poll competition in 2020. Aur jab humaari baari aayi CM banne ki, toh sala Exit Poll bhi sahi nikal gaya#BiharElections2025 | #BiharPolitics pic.twitter.com/yR3wd8IChp Sagar (@sagarcasm) November 14, 2025 Governance was such that hes out of power for 20 years and still facing anti-incumbency.Nepali politicians should learn a lesson from this. pic.twitter.com/BGIoMj4d6J Dilip Thapa (@dilipthapa49) November 14, 2025 Bihar Assembly elections were held in two phases on November 6 and 11 across all 243 constituencies. According to the Election Commission, the state has 7.42 crore registered voters, including 3.92 crore men and 3.5 crore women. Turnout remained strong, with 65.08% polling recorded in the first phase and 68.76% in the second. The opening phase, covering 121 seats across 18 districts, saw the highest-ever turnout in Bihars electoral history at 64.66%, marking a significant rise from previous elections. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all About the Author Aveek Banerjee Aveek Banerjee is a Senior Sub Editor at News18. Based in Noida with a Master's in Global Studies, Aveek has more than three years of experience in digital media and news curation, specialising in int... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 23:13 IST News viral Netizens Have A Field Day After Congress's Bihar Poll Drubbing: 'Hrithik Roshan Has More Fingers' Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Bill To Eliminate H-1B Visas Soon, Says Republican Congresswoman Taylor Greene Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 12:43 IST A Republican Congresswoman is preparing legislation to end the H-1B visa programme, shortly after Donald Trump publicly defended skilled foreign workers. Republican Congresswoman Pushes to Scrap H-1B After Trump Backs Skilled Foreign Workers Republican Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene has announced plans to introduce a bill aimed at phasing out the United States H-1B visa programme, a move that could have significant consequences for Indian professionals who are its largest beneficiaries. The announcement comes just days after President Donald Trump defended the programme, arguing that the US lacks sufficient skilled workers in key sectors. Recommended Stories What Greene said? In her statement on X, Greene accused major American industries, including Big Tech, artificial intelligence companies, and hospitals, of misusing the H-1B system to the detriment of domestic workers. Big Tech, AI giants, hospitals, and industries across the board have abused the H-1B system to cut out our own people," she wrote. Claiming the bill would put Americans first", Greene said she had full faith in the American people" and intended to prioritise American labour across all sectors. Her proposed legislation seeks to abolish the programme entirely, asserting that US technology, healthcare, engineering, and manufacturing industries have become dependent on imported talent at the expense of local workers. My bill ELIMINATES the corrupt H-1B programme and puts AMERICANS FIRST again," she declared, framing the move as essential to protecting the American Dream" for the next generation. The bill includes a single exemption: the issuance of 10,000 visas annually for medical professionals such as doctors and nurses. Even this will be phased out over ten years, Greene said, to allow time for developing a domestic pipeline" of American physicians. More than 70% of H-1B visas currently go to Indian nationals, who represent the backbone of the programmes specialised technology and engineering workforce. The proposed legislation is therefore seen as a potential blow to thousands of Indian professionals seeking long-term employment and residency in the United States. Greenes move stands in striking contrast to Donald Trumps recent remarks offering rare support for the H-1B route. In an interview with Fox News, Trump argued that the US does not possess the necessary domestic talent for certain high-skill roles, especially in technology and defence. Trumps U-turn on H-1B visa When questioned whether the H-1B programme suppresses American wages, Trump acknowledged the concern but insisted that specialised talent still had to be brought in. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all You do also have to bring in talent," he said. When the interviewer insisted that America had plenty of talented workers", Trump retorted, No, you dont You dont have certain talents. People have to learn. You cant take people off an unemployment line and say, Im going to put you into a factory where were going to make missiles." Greenes bill, if introduced, will feed into an intensifying debate in Congress over immigration and skilled labour pathways. The future of the H-1B programme, a key route to US employment and, eventually, a Green Card, is likely to remain a contentious political battleground in the months ahead. About the Author Shuddhanta Patra Shuddhanta Patra, a seasoned journalist with eight years of experience, serves as Senior SubEditor at CNN News 18. With expertise across national politics, geopolitics, business news, she has influen... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 14, 2025, 12:43 IST News world Bill To Eliminate H-1B Visas Soon, Says Republican Congresswoman Taylor Greene Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin Launches Huge Glenn Rocket Carrying Twin NASA Spacecraft To Mars Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 07:13 IST Blue Origin successfully launched its debut New Glenn rocket from Florida, sending NASAs twin EscaPADE satellites on a 22-month journey to Mars. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket launches on NASA's EscaPADE mission (Photo: Reuters) Jeff Bezos space company Blue Origin on Friday launched the giant New Glenn rocket from Florida. This is the rockets debut mission, sending two NASA satellites toward Mars and nailing the return landing of its reusable booster for the first time. With Thursdays launch, NASAs twin EscaPADE spacecraft became the first science payload that Blue Origin has delivered to space for NASA or any customer. Recommended Stories The powerful two-stage rockets first flight since its inaugural launch in January and the successful booster landing at sea represented key milestones for Blue Origin in its quest to compete on a more equal footing with Elon Musks SpaceX, the worlds leading rocket-launch service. A live Blue Origin webcast showed the rocket ascending from its launch tower through clear afternoon skies in a thunder of flames and billowing clouds of vapour moments after its seven BE-4 liquid-fueled engines roared to life. The launch followed several days of delays due to cloudy skies and a geomagnetic storm. Some 10 minutes after liftoff, the 17-story-tall New Glenn first-stage booster made a return landing on the deck of a barge, named Jacklyn in honour of Bezos mother, floating in the Atlantic, achieving for Blue Origin an important feat in reusability that was pioneered by SpaceX. About 20 minutes later, mission control confirmed that New Glenns upper stage had achieved its primary mission, deployment of the EscaPADE spacecraft into outer space to embark on a 22-month voyage to Mars. The rocket also carried a secondary payload from the satellite company Viasat that remained attached to its upper stage for a technical demonstration of an in-space relay of telemetry data above Earth. Blue Origin said the test was a success. When the rocket made its debut flight in January, it carried Blue Origins own payload to space, a prototype for its manoeuvrable Blue Ring spacecraft that the company is developing for the Pentagon and commercial customers. Blue Origin, founded by Bezos in 2000, has until recently been known mainly for a space tourism business that flies wealthy passengers to the edge of space in its suborbital New Shepard rocketship. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The single-stage reusable vehicle has also carried more than 200 research experiments inside its capsule. ALSO READ | How Do Reusable Rockets Work? China Plans First Launch, Heres How Close India Is About the Author Vani Mehrotra Vani Mehrotra is the Deputy News Editor at News18.com. She has nearly 10 years of experience in both national and international news and has previously worked on multiple desks. First Published: November 14, 2025, 07:12 IST News world Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin Launches Huge Glenn Rocket Carrying Twin NASA Spacecraft To Mars Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... EAM Jaishankar To Meet Russian Counterpart In Moscow On Monday Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 21:58 IST Jaishankar is also expected to virtually open two Indian Consulates in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan in the Volga region, and Ekaterinburg in the Urals. The leaders will discuss current and future political cooperation and review important issues in their relationship. (File Pic) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will meet Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov in Moscow on Monday to talk about cooperation between the two countries, according to the foreign ministry. Foreign Ministry spokesperson Maria Zakharova said the Indian minister will come to Moscow with an official team for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Heads of State Council meeting, which is scheduled for November 17-18. She said, On Monday, November 17, the Russian Foreign Minister will have talks with the Indian External Affairs Minister." The two leaders will discuss current and future political cooperation and review important issues in their relationship. They will also share views on major international and regional topics, including working together in the SCO, BRICS, the UN, and G20. Recommended Stories Jaishankar is also expected to virtually open two Indian Consulates in Kazan, the capital of Tatarstan in the Volga region, and Ekaterinburg in the Urals. Kazan and Ekaterinburg are becoming important centers for developing Indian expertise and advanced technology cooperation. Russian President Vladimir Putin is expected to visit India around December 5 for annual summit talks with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Putin last visited New Delhi in 2021. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Moscow, Russia First Published: November 14, 2025, 21:58 IST News world EAM Jaishankar To Meet Russian Counterpart In Moscow On Monday Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Evil Witch': China Rages At Japan PM Takaichi Over Taiwan, Envoy Makes 'Cut Off Dirty Neck' Threat Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 23:25 IST China and Japan have summoned each others ambassadors after Japanese PM Takaichi told lawmakers last week that Chinese attack on Taiwan could spark military response. Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google Japan's Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi (L) shakes hands with Chinese President Xi Jinping ahead of the Japan-China summit on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Gyeongju. (IMAGE: AFP) A Chinese political commentator called Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi an evil witch" and a Chinese diplomat in Japan talked about cutting off the dirty neck" interfering in Chinas internal issues two weeks after she said a Chinese attack on Taiwan could force a military response from Tokyo. China and Japan have both summoned each others ambassadors and Beijing has demanded that the Japanese PM retract her egregious" remarks which were a rare, explicit statement which could be a first for a sitting Japanese PM. Recommended Stories The dirty neck that sticks itself in must be cut off," Xue Jian, the Chinese consul general in the Japanese city of Osaka, said in a post on X that has since been deleted. Tokyo summoned the Chinese ambassador to Japan, Wu Jianghao, to lodge a protest over Xues post, on Friday. Chinas Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned on Thursday the Japanese ambassador, Kenji Kanasugi, according to a statement published on Beijings foreign ministry website. Which way is up? Clearly, @HuXijin_GT spent so long peddling Chinese Communist Party propaganda at the @globaltimesnews, he can no longer tell the difference between diplomacy and provocation. pic.twitter.com/ODgtJqHxf4 (@USAmbJapan) November 13, 2025 It said Sun made serious demarches over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichis erroneous remarks regarding China". NEW:A recent post on X by Xue Jian, the Chinese Consul General in Osaka, has drawn attention. He wrote (translated from Japanese):If you recklessly charge in, that filthy neck will have to be cut off without a moments hesitation. Are you prepared for that?"#Japan #China pic.twitter.com/8wwfHNNt21 mao( (@mao301104) November 9, 2025 If anyone dares to interfere with Chinas unification cause in any form, China will surely strike back hard," the statement said. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi said on Thursday that the now-deleted post was highly inappropriate". We strongly urge the Chinese side to continue taking appropriate measures to ensure that this does not affect the broad direction of Japan-China relations," added Motegi, who was in Canada for a G7 meeting. Hu Xijin, a Chinese journalist with the state-run Global Times, said Takaichi was an evil witch" who had successfully ignited a new explosion of mutual hatred between Chinese and Japanese public opinion." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Takaichi is an outspoken backer of Taiwan, advocating security ties with the self-ruled island. Security legislation passed in 2015 allows Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defence" under certain conditions including if there was a clear danger to the countrys survival. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Tokyo, Japan First Published: November 14, 2025, 23:25 IST News world 'Evil Witch': China Rages At Japan PM Takaichi Over Taiwan, Envoy Makes 'Cut Off Dirty Neck' Threat Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Florida Man Executed For 1979 Killing Of 6-Year-Old Girl Abducted From Her Bedroom Published By : PTI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 07:28 IST Arrested hours later on a traffic warrant, Jennings matched the description of a man seen near the Kunash home when the girl disappeared. Jennings drew the death penalty for the murder of Rebecca Kunash, who was raped and drowned in a canal.(Representative Image) A man convicted of the 1979 killing a 6-year-old girl who was abducted from her bedroom was put to death Thursday evening in a record 16th execution in Florida this year. Bryan Frederick Jennings, 66, was pronounced dead at 6:20 p.m. following a three-drug injection at Florida State Prison near Starke. Jennings drew the death penalty for the murder of Rebecca Kunash, who was raped and drowned in a canal. Recommended Stories When asked if he had a final statement, Jennings said No" loudly. As the drugs were then administered, his chest heaved and his arms twitched for a few minutes. Then he laid still with his mouth open. No victim family members spoke to the media after the execution, and Department of Corrections spokesman Jordan Kirkland said the procedure went as planned. The execution took place without incident," he said. There were no complications." The execution of the ex-Marine was one of three scheduled this week in the U.S., though Oklahomas governor spared the life of a man just before a planned lethal injection Thursday. On Friday, inmate Stephen Bryant is set to be executed by firing squad in South Carolina for a five-day killing spree decades ago. Court records show Jennings was a 20-year-old on leave from the Marine Corps on May 11, 1979, when he removed the screen from the girls bedroom window while her parents were in another room. Jennings abducted the girl, took her in his car to a canal and raped her, trial testimony showed. He then swung her by her legs to the ground with such force that she fractured her skull," according to court records. The girl was then drowned in the canal, where her body was found later that day. Arrested hours later on a traffic warrant, Jennings matched the description of a man seen near the Kunash home when the girl disappeared. Shoe prints found at the home matched those Jennings was wearing, his fingerprints were found on the girls windowsill, and his clothes and hair were wet, court records stated. Jennings was convicted and sentenced to death twice for the 1979 murder in Brevard County, both of which were reversed on appeal. The final trial in 1986 resulted in a third death sentence. He also drew life sentences for kidnapping, sexual assault and burglary convictions. Gov. Ron DeSantis, the Republican who signed the death warrant, has ordered more executions in a single year than any Florida governor since the death penalty was reinstated in the U.S. in 1976. The previous state record was set in 2014 with eight executions. Additional Florida executions are scheduled on Nov. 20 for Richard Barry Randolph and on Dec. 9 for Mark Allen Geralds, which if carried out would bring the years total to 18 so far this year. DeSantis has explained the unprecedented number of executions by saying his goal is to bring justice to victims families who have waited decades for the death sentences to be carried out. Some of these crimes were committed in the 80s," the governor said at a recent news conference. Justice delayed is justice denied. I felt I owed it to them to make sure this ran very smoothly. If I honestly thought someone was innocent, I would not pull the trigger." Florida executions are all carried out via lethal injection using a sedative, a paralytic and a drug that stops the heart, according to the state Department of Corrections. Jennings had filed numerous state and federal court appeals, most recently contending he went months without a lawyer prior to DeSantis signing his death warrant, calling that a violation of his right to counsel. With Jennings death, a total of 42 people have undergone court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S., and at least 16 others including Bryant were scheduled to be put to death in the rest of 2025 and throughout 2026, according to the non-profit Death Penalty Information Center. South Carolinas highest court recently refused to stop plans for Bryants firing squad execution, which is scheduled for Friday evening. Bryant was convicted of killing three people more than 20 years ago while leaving taunting messages for police in the blood of one of his victims. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all On Thursday, Oklahoma Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted Tremane Woods sentence to life in prison moments before Woods was to be put to death for his role in the 2002 killing of farmworker Ronnie Wipf during an attempted robbery. Woods attorneys didnt deny their clients participation in the robbery but maintained the mans brother Zjaiton who died in prison in 2019 while serving life without parole actually stabbed Wipf. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 07:28 IST News world Florida Man Executed For 1979 Killing Of 6-Year-Old Girl Abducted From Her Bedroom Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... G7 Flags Chinas Military Growth, Pledges Support To Ukraine Published By : ANI Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 13:15 IST G7 ministers meeting in Canada discussed Chinas rising military influence, urged regional stability, and pledged stronger backing for Ukraine amid escalating Russian attacks. Canada's Minister of Foreign Affairs Anita Anand with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio during their bilateral meeting at the G7 foreign ministers meeting, in Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, Canada, on Wednesday. (Image: Reuters) The Foreign Ministers from the Group of Seven (G7) democracies have raised concerns about Chinas growing military power and repeated their commitment to finding alternatives to Chinas control over important mineral supplies at the recent G7 Foreign Ministers Meeting in Canada, according to Kyodo News. The ministers, in a statement after their two-day meeting in southern Ontario, Canada, confirmed their strong support for Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, independence, and territory against Russian aggression. Recommended Stories The G7 called for an immediate ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine war and said they are considering more actions against groups that help Moscow financially. China was a major topic during talks about Asia. The G7, which includes Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the European Union, showed concern about Chinas fast military growth, including its nuclear abilities. The ministers asked Beijing to be more transparent and to show it supports stability in the region. They also opposed any efforts by China to change the current situation by force or pressure in the South and East China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, as reported by Kyodo News. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi stressed the need for a free and open Indo-Pacific region based on law. The meeting also discussed economic security, maritime and energy security, and building strong supply chains that do not depend on any one country. At a working dinner, the ministers criticized North Koreas nuclear and missile programs, noting that some of its funding comes from crimes related to cryptocurrency, according to Japans Foreign Ministry. Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha joined a special session to update the ministers on the situation as Russia increases attacks on Ukraines energy infrastructure, Kyodo News reported. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said, Ukraines fight is our fight too," confirming the G7s promise to give all needed support to Kyiv. Sybiha asked for more pressure on Russia and stronger support as Ukraine faces a very difficult, very tough winter." Eight non-member countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine, also joined the G7 talks, showing Canadas effort to expand discussions on global issues. Location : Canada First Published: November 14, 2025, 13:15 IST News world G7 Flags Chinas Military Growth, Pledges Support To Ukraine Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Is MAGA Turning Against Donald Trump Over Epstein Files? Backlash On Truth Social Sparks Speculation Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:30 IST US Congress pushes to release Jeffrey Epstein files despite White House opposition, sparking tension within Donald Trump's MAGA base and renewed scrutiny of Trump's ties to Epstein An image of US President Donald Trump alongside disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein is displayed on a vehicle on the day of the state visit of the US President and first lady Melania Trump, in Windsor, Britain. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) A push in the US Congress to make public the governments confidential files on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein has gathered momentum, despite opposition from the White House. The move comes even as many Republican lawmakers who have long demanded the release of these records downplayed newly surfaced emails written by Epstein, including some that mention US President Donald Trump. Recommended Stories On X, critics of Trump and Democrat-leaning accounts claimed that the US Presidents grip on his MAGA base is showing signs of strain. Donald Trumps Truth Social comments this morning show a base turning on its President. Wow," said Aaron Parnas, a lawyer who frequently comments on Trump, while sharing replies that appeared to accuse the President of hiding his links to Epstein. Trump again claimed on Friday that pressure to release details of Epsteins alleged sex abuse network is a hoax" pushed by his Democratic opponents. Donald Trump's Truth Social comments this morning show a base turning on its President. Wow. pic.twitter.com/qCpFDzT8G9 Aaron Parnas (@AaronParnas) November 14, 2025 The Democrats are doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again," he wrote on Truth Social, adding that Republican lawmakers joining the effort to force publication of the files are soft and foolish." Whoa! After waking up and posting on Truth Social that the Epstein files are a "hoax," Trump is getting eviscerated. MAGA supporters are now calling him a conman. Dirty Donald is in pure panic mode. pic.twitter.com/F0FoF8CQW9 Bill Madden (@maddenifico) November 14, 2025 His angry post came as the Epstein scandal intensified, with growing scrutiny of the 79-year-old Presidents long and close association with the disgraced financier. Epstein died in prison in 2019, which authorities ruled as suicide, before he could face trial on federal sex charges. Questions about the alleged sex ring he ran, and about the powerful men who were said to benefit from it, have only grown. Trump and some of his allies had previously told their right-wing supporters that they would push to release all evidence related to Epstein, including information about his alleged clients. Since entering the White House in January, however, Trump has pushed back against efforts to make the files public. Not only Democrat-leaning accounts, but several Republican influencers have also called attention to the so-called Epstein Files. The issue escalated further after House Oversight Committee Democrats released old emails, including one in which Epstein claimed Trump was aware of the sexual abuse of underage girls but never took part in it. Trump once socialised with Epstein but said they had a falling-out in the mid-2000s and denied any involvement in Epsteins crimes. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trump earlier this year lashed out at supporters who have made Epstein a central issue and said he no longer wanted their support. He has distanced himself from the MAGA base," said US Representative Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who co-led a petition that will force a vote next week on releasing the Epstein files. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:30 IST News world Is MAGA Turning Against Donald Trump Over Epstein Files? Backlash On Truth Social Sparks Speculation Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Jeffrey, Need Your Advice: Emails Link Epstein To Maldives, Norway Leaders, Global Elites Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 17:22 IST From Maldives ex-president, Norwegian ex-PM to academics like Chomsky to Trump ally Steven Bannon, global elites sought Epstein either for advice or introduction to other elites. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US financier Jeffrey Epstein appears in a photograph taken for the New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services' sex offender registry. (IMAGE: REUTERS FILE) In late 2014, Jeffrey Epstein received an email from Maldives former president Mohamed Waheed Hassan. Jeffrey. Need your advice," the ex-leader wrote, explaining that his finance minister had told him about an anonymous funds manager who is willing to deposit 4 billion dollars" in the countrys coffers. I dont feel I have enough information on this. I dont know who this funds manager is," he added. What do you think I should do? Does this all sound ridiculous to you? I have a strange feeling about this whole thing." Recommended Stories Epsteins reply to what appeared to be a nervous Hassan was blunt: this from a fraud web site, your mimister (minister) will get upset that you dont want to at least try, what do we have to lose, always the pitch". Thousands of documents released by the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday offer a fresh look at how Epstein interacted with business leaders, journalists, academics and political figures over the course of a decade. The messages begin around the time he completed his Florida sentence in 2009 and continue up to the months before his arrest on federal sex-trafficking charges in 2019. Across that period, Epsteins network was strikingly broad, cutting across countries and political lines. Figures as varied as liberal academic Noam Chomsky and Steve Bannon, a longtime ally of former US President Donald Trump, were among those in contact with him. Some wrote to express support as Epstein faced lawsuits and renewed scrutiny. Others sought introductions or advice on subjects ranging from dating to oil prices. One even consulted him on how to respond to sexual harassment allegations, according to an Associated Press report. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019 and died by suicide in jail a month later. His crimes, high-profile connections and the circumstances of his death have fuelled conspiracy theories and online speculation for years. Need To Understand More About Trump Jagland, Norways former prime minister, turned to Epstein as a resource while he tried to get to grips with the incoming Trump administration. In February 2017, a month after Trumps first inauguration, Jagland asked if he could visit Epstein in Strasbourg, the seat of the European Parliament. I really need to understand more about Trump and whats going on in the American society," Jagland wrote. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all At the time, Jagland was serving as secretary-general of the Council of Europe, the continents leading body on human rights and the rule of law. Epstein appears to have embraced his reputation as a font of wisdom. In the typo-strewn, sometimes jarringly informal emails, he presents himself as an authority on Trumps mindset and negotiating tactics, offering blunt, confident takes to his correspondents. He understood trump after our conversations. it is not complex. he must be seen to get something its that simple," Epstein wrote to Jagland, referring to conversations with Vitaly Churkin, Russias former UN ambassador. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 14, 2025, 17:22 IST News world Jeffrey, Need Your Advice: Emails Link Epstein To Maldives, Norway Leaders, Global Elites Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Special Operations Forces (SOF) units destroyed a gathering point for personnel from the 51st Russian Army in the village of Zatyshok in Donetsk region, the SOF press service reported. "At the time the drones were used, enemy troops from the 1st and 9th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade were massing in the building. The enemy was amassing forces under the cover of adverse weather conditions. The Russian 51st Army's task was to encircle the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration from the north. Despite the adverse weather conditions, the SOF drones successfully reached their target," the Telegram channel reported. Enemy casualty figures are being clarified. "Special Operations Forces continue to conduct asymmetrical operations to reduce Russia's offensive capabilities," the Special Operations Forces noted. Kerala Teen Falls To Death From Dubai High-Rise Terrace While Taking Photos Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 21:22 IST The victim, Mohammed Mishal from Kozhikode district, had been in the city for around two weeks visiting his cousins Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Mishal was rushed to Rashid Hospital immediately after the fall but could not be saved. (AFP file photo) A 19-year-old student from Kerala died in Dubai after falling from the terrace of a high-rise building in Deira while taking photographs, local media reported. The victim, Mohammed Mishal from Kozhikode district, had been in the city for around two weeks visiting his cousins. The incident took place on November 7 when Mishal reportedly went up to the terrace of a multi-storey building to capture photos of aircraft flying overhead. Recommended Stories Haneefa K. K., a family friend, told Gulf News that the teenager had been staying with relatives while his parents remained in Kerala. Mishal, described as passionate about photography, was pursuing a diploma in civil engineering at a college in Kozhikode. According to Khaleej Times, Mishal was rushed to Rashid Hospital immediately after the fall but could not be saved. A social worker quoted in the report said the teen had suffered multiple internal injuries and remained alive until he reached the hospital, where he passed away shortly after. Mishal was the only son of his parents and is survived by his mother, father and two sisters. Friends and relatives in Dubai are assisting with the necessary legal procedures. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Its a tragic loss. We are completing the legal formalities and hope to repatriate his body soon," Haneefa said. (With inputs from PTI) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Dubai, United Arab Emirates (UAE) First Published: November 14, 2025, 21:22 IST News world Kerala Teen Falls To Death From Dubai High-Rise Terrace While Taking Photos Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... NYPD Officers Kill Man In A Shootout After He Threatened People And A Hospital Published By : Associated Press Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 11:44 IST Police said the man then went to a nearby deli, pointed a gun at a worker behind the counter and told him to call 911, saying he was going to a hospital to shoot it up. When the officer tried to escort him out, they struggled, the man retrieved his gun and the officer called for backup, police said. (Representative/File Photo) A man with a gun was killed Thursday in a shootout with police in New York City after he pointed his weapon at a man in an apartment building elevator and a deli worker and threatened to shoot up a hospital, police said. New York Police Department officers took the man to a hospital in a police vehicle and he was pronounced dead, Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera told reporters. Police officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Recommended Stories The man was in an elevator in a residential building in Manhattans Upper East Side around 7 p.m. when spoke to another man and then pulled out a firearm and pointed it at him, police said. Police said the man then went to a nearby deli, pointed a gun at a worker behind the counter and told him to call 911, saying he was going to a hospital to shoot it up. Shortly after, the man briefly entered Mount Sinai Medical Center before leaving and placing a firearm on the ground, police said. He then went back inside, where he told a a police officer working a paid security job that he had a gun, police said. When the officer tried to escort him out, they struggled, the man retrieved his gun and the officer called for backup, police said. The man then walked down the street and encountered police officers in vehicles. Rivera said the man immediately fired his gun at the officers when they got out of their vehicles. The officers returned fire and hit him, he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Every day, our officers put on their uniforms and they encounter dangerous situations across this city. But its another kind of danger when someone goes into a deli and hospital with a gun and opens fire directly at the NYPD," Rivera said. Rivera didnt provide details about the man. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More First Published: November 14, 2025, 11:44 IST News world NYPD Officers Kill Man In A Shootout After He Threatened People And A Hospital Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... South Africa Says Will Hand G20 Presidency To 'Empty Chair' After US Skips Summit Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 21:47 IST The US pulled out of the November 2223 summit after Trump accused South Africa of human rights abuses Rapid Read + Follow us On Google US President Donald Trump meets South African President Cyril Ramaphosa in the Oval Office of the White House. (AP file photo) South Africa will symbolically hand over the G20 presidency to an empty chair" next week, President Cyril Ramaphosa said on Friday, after the United States confirmed it would not send any officials to the summit in Johannesburg. Ramaphosa, speaking during a clean-up drive in Soweto ahead of the meeting, said the gesture reflected Washingtons absence but emphasised that Pretoria still sought to stabilise relations with one of its most important trading partners. Recommended Stories The United States pulled out of the November 2223 summit after President Donald Trump accused South Africa of human rights abuses," repeating widely debunked claims that white South Africans are being slaughtered" or forcibly removed from their land. Trump has also said that US refugee policy this year would prioritise Afrikaners, who are largely descended from Dutch settlers. Responding to questions from reporters, Ramaphosa said he had once hoped to avoid handing over the presidency to an empty chair. But the empty chair will be there," he remarked, adding that he intended to speak with Trump after the summit to address the tension. South African officials have repeatedly dismissed the US Presidents assertions as baseless, stressing that no racial group faces systematic discrimination in the country. Despite the diplomatic strain, Ramaphosa underlined that it was vital to maintain strong commercial links with the US, one of South Africas largest export destinations. We export products to that country that in the end dont end up in the White House. They end up in the hands of consumers in the United States," he said. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all The president also warned against calls to reduce engagement with Washington, saying diplomacy sometimes required dialogue with difficult partners. There could well be a view that we should not engage with the United States. (But) sometimes you have to talk to people who may not be very friendly to advance the interests of your own people," he said. (With inputs from Reuters) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : South Africa First Published: November 14, 2025, 21:47 IST News world South Africa Says Will Hand G20 Presidency To 'Empty Chair' After US Skips Summit Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Swift Adoption': US, Key Arab Nations Urge UNSC To Back Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:48 IST Countries backing the measure include Qatar, Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey Rapid Read Choose News18 on Google US President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump with other officials at the White House. (Getty Images via AFP) The United States, along with several Arab and Muslim-majority nations, on Friday called for the UN Security Council (UNSC) to quickly adopt a resolution supporting President Donald Trumps peace plan for Gaza. Countries backing the measure include Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkey. Recommended Stories In a joint statement, the nations expressed their support for the resolution currently under consideration" and also highlighted the need for its swift adoption." The United States, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkiye express our joint support for the Security Council Resolution currently under consideration," the statement noted. Last week, the United States formally began negotiations within the 15-member Security Council on a draft resolution that would build on a ceasefire in the two-year conflict between Israel and Hamas and endorse Trumps plan. According to a draft seen by AFP, the resolution welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace," a transitional governing body for Gaza that Trump would theoretically chair, with a mandate extending until the end of 2027. The plan also authorises member states to form a temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)" to work alongside Israel, Egypt, and newly trained Palestinian police to secure border areas and help demilitarise the Gaza Strip. Notably, the latest draft also mentions a potential future Palestinian state, which was absent in previous versions. The joint call for swift adoption comes amid competing proposals. Russia has circulated its own draft resolution, which does not authorise the creation of a Board of Peace or the immediate deployment of an international force. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all While the Russian draft welcomes the initiative that led to the ceasefire," it does not mention Trump and instead asks the UN Secretary-General to explore options for implementing the plan and report on the potential deployment of a stabilisation force in Gaza. (With inputs from AFP) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : United States of America (USA) First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:48 IST News world 'Swift Adoption': US, Key Arab Nations Urge UNSC To Back Trump's Gaza Peace Plan Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Trump Admin Hires 50,000 Staff Even As Major Downsizing Continues Published By : Reuters Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 09:24 IST Since taking office, President Donald Trump hired 50000 mainly for national security roles, while cutting jobs in agencies like IRS and HHS. US President Donald Trump (File Photo) The U.S. government has hired 50,000 employees since President Donald Trump took office, his top personnel official said, with the new staff largely in national security positions reflecting the administrations policy focus. The bulk of the new hires, reported first by Reuters, work at Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said Scott Kupor, the federal governments human resources director, in an interview on Thursday night. Recommended Stories The staff changes are part of Trumps campaign to reshape the government while sharply cutting other federal jobs. The administration brought on the new employees while freezing hiring and laying off workers in other parts of the government, such as the Internal Revenue Service and the Department of Health and Human Services. The administration expects to shed about 300,000 workers this year, Kupor said in August. Trump appointed billionaire Elon Musk in January to launch a project to downsize the 2.4 million-strong federal civilian workforce. Musk, with Trumps backing, said the federal workforce had become too big and too inefficient. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Trumps administration dismissed employees charged with enforcing civil rights laws, collecting tax revenue and overseeing clean energy projects. As part of the downsizing, about 154,000 employees accepted a buyout offer from the Trump administration. The buyouts impacted a wide range of government activities, including weather forecasting, food safety, health programs and space projects, according to former federal employees and unions who spoke to Reuters earlier this year. First Published: November 14, 2025, 09:24 IST News world Trump Admin Hires 50,000 Staff Even As Major Downsizing Continues Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US Catholic Bishops Issue Rare Rebuke Of Trumps Immigration Crackdown Published By : Reuters Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 11:46 IST US Catholic Bishops condemned Trump's immigration crackdown, urging reform and voicing concern over fear, profiling, and mass deportations. US President Donald Trump speaks during an event honoring the LSU baseball NCAA national champions and the LSU-Shreveport baseball NAIA national champions at the White House in Washington, DC. The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops has issued a rare condemnation of U.S. President Donald Trumps immigration crackdown and advocated for meaningful immigration reform." We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools," the bishops said in a special message, the first of its kind in 12 years. Recommended Stories The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees immigration efforts, did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The message echoes similar critiques made by Pope Leo, who has called for deep reflection" about the way migrants are being treated in the U.S. under Trump. The Trump administration has advanced an aggressive immigration agenda since taking office earlier this year. Trump has rescinded policy that limited immigration arrests near sensitive locations, including churches, hospitals and schools, and deployed federal agents across the U.S. to ramp up such arrests. In their message, the bishops expressed concern about what they described as a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling" and immigration enforcement. They said they were saddened by the debate and vilification of migrants, and opposed the indiscriminate mass deportation of people." The bishops also raised concerns about conditions in detention centers, and what they called the arbitrary removal of legal status of some migrants. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all We recognize that nations have a responsibility to regulate their borders and establish a just and orderly immigration system for the sake of the common good," the bishops said. About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : Washington D.C., United States of America (USA) First Published: November 14, 2025, 08:46 IST News world US Catholic Bishops Issue Rare Rebuke Of Trumps Immigration Crackdown Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... US To Lower Tariffs On Switzerland To 15% From 39%, Says Swiss Minister Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 22:36 IST President Donald Trump administration plans to cut US tariffs on Swiss goods from 39% to 15%, easing costs for wristwatches, medical equipment, and benefiting Swiss exports. Switzerland Economy Minister Guy Parmelin (X) President Donald Trump-led administration is planning to reduce the US tariffs on goods from Switzerland, Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin announced on Friday. During the meeting between US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer, it was decided that the USs tariff rate on Swiss imports will fall to 15% from 39%, which is one of the highest levies the United States charges for any countrys goods. Most goods imported from Switzerland by the US includes wristwatches, unsmelted gold and medical equipment. Recommended Stories According to CNN, though gold had been excluded from the tariffs, wristwatches and medical equipment, as well as other Swiss exports, could get cheaper for Americans to buy. Greer said: Theyre going to send a lot of manufacturing here to United States pharmaceuticals, gold smelting, railway equipment." More details on the agreement are yet to be released. At a press conference, Parmelin said that the tariff reduction would provide relief for about 40% of Switzerlands total exports. Reuters quoted the Swiss government as saying that the deal, which includes Liechtenstein, will reduce Swiss import duties on US industrial products, fish and seafood and agricultural products that Switzerland considers non-sensitive." According to a US Commerce Department data, the country had a $38 billion trade deficit with Switzerland last year. Greer pointed out that the agreement seeks to lower the trade deficit. Previous to Trumps second term, goods from Switzerland were usually charged a tariff of between 0% to 2.5%. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Following the announcement, Swiss industrial groups have welcomed the deal. For the industrial sector, which was subject to a 39% tariff since August 1, this is good news. For the first time, we have the same conditions in the US market as our European competitors," said Nicola Tettamanti, president of Swissmechanic, which represents small and medium-sized manufacturers. Location : Switzerland First Published: November 14, 2025, 22:36 IST News world US To Lower Tariffs On Switzerland To 15% From 39%, Says Swiss Minister Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... 'Way Better Spies Than China': French Embassy Roasts Trump With Viral Louvre Detective Meme Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 17:56 IST The French embassys post on social media playfully mocked Trumps remarks about Frances intelligence capabilities Rapid Read + Follow us On Google The photo, taken by an Associated Press photographer, initially sparked speculation online that the man was a detective involved in the Louvre jewellery heist. (AP file photos) The Embassy of France in the United States fired a witty response to comments made by US President Donald Trump, using the viral image of the detective" from the recent Louvre jewellery heist. The embassys post on social media playfully mocked Trumps remarks about Frances intelligence capabilities, stating, Come on, weve got WAY BETTER spies than China," alongside the now-famous image of the sharply dressed man. Recommended Stories Come on, weve got WAY BETTER spies than China https://t.co/QjLAt6spGR pic.twitter.com/r13kOMC9XU Embassy of France in the U.S. (@franceintheus) November 13, 2025 The exchange originated during a Fox News interview, where Trump defended the presence of Chinese students at American universities, saying it was good to have outside countries." Host Laura Ingraham pushed back, claiming Chinese nationals spy on us" and steal our intellectual property." Trump then asked, Do you think the French are better?" Ingraham agreed, but Trump replied, Im not so sure. Weve had a lot of problems with the French." The clip went viral after journalist Kaitlan Collins shared it on X, but it was the French Embassys humorous comeback that grabbed attention. Ingraham: Theyre not the French. Theyre the Chinese. They spy on us. They steal our intellectual property"President Trump: What you think the French are better?" Ingraham: Yeah." Trump: Im not so sure. Weve had a lot of problems with the French." pic.twitter.com/PqzCsm0UV1 Kaitlan Collins (@kaitlancollins) November 11, 2025 The embassys post featured the detective" a man in a striking suit, fedora, and holding an umbrella who appeared pensive while walking past police at the Louvre gate during the robbery coverage. The photo, taken on October 19 by an Associated Press photographer, initially sparked speculation on social media that the man was a detective involved in the case. In reality, he was a 15-year-old French student named Pedro Elias Garzon Delvaux. Speaking to the AP earlier this week, Delvaux said he was at the museum with his mother and grandfather when he passed the closed gates, unaware of the robbery. We wanted to go to the Louvre, but it was closed," he explained. Delvaux only discovered days later that the photo had gone viral. The Louvre heist itself involved a four-member gang who, in just seven minutes, stole jewellery worth an estimated $102 million before fleeing on scooters. top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Delvaux, who has adopted a style inspired by fictional detectives, said he liked to dress chic" and had no connection to the crime. (With inputs from agencies) About the Author News Desk The News Desk is a team of passionate editors and writers who break and analyse the most important events unfolding in India and abroad. From live updates to exclusive reports to in-depth explainers, ... Read More Location : France First Published: November 14, 2025, 17:56 IST News world 'Way Better Spies Than China': French Embassy Roasts Trump With Viral Louvre Detective Meme Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... Yes, Peace: Maduro Urges Trump Not To Start An Afghanistan-Style War With Venezuela Curated By : News18.com Last Updated: November 14, 2025, 19:08 IST The Venezuelan leader said there should be no more forever wars, as a US aircraft carrier moves closer to the region. Rapid Read + Follow us On Google Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro takes an oath during a pro-government youth rally in Caracas, Venezuela. (IMAGE: AP PHOTO) Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, often accused of authoritarianism, urged his American counterpart Donald Trump not to lead the United States into an Afghanistan-style forever war" with Venezuela. Maduro told CNN that Trump must choose peace over conflict. Recommended Stories No more forever wars. No more unjust wars. No more Libya. No more Afghanistan. Long live peace," the Venezuelan President said outside the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on Thursday when asked what his message to the American people would be. When asked what he would say directly to the US President, Maduro replied: My message is yes, peace. Yes, peace." His remarks come as the most advanced US aircraft carrier, USS Gerald R. Ford, is expected to reach waters off Venezuela in the coming days, a show of American military power not seen in Latin America for generations. Earlier US Secretary Of War Pete Hegseth tweeted that the Southern Command mission would defend our homeland" and secure it from the drugs that are killing our people". CNN: What is your message to the people of the United States?Maduro: No more endless wars, no more unjust wars, no more Libya, no more Afghanistan. CNN: Do you have a message for President Trump? Maduro: My message is yes, peace. Yes, peace. pic.twitter.com/GpuRU2hqSG Acyn (@Acyn) November 14, 2025 The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood and we will protect it". The Fords impending arrival is a major moment in the Trump administrations campaign in South America, which it describes as a counterdrug operation. It escalates the already massive buildup of military firepower in the region, with added pressure from bomber training runs near the Venezuelan coast, CIA operations that have been publicly authorized inside the country and boat strikes in the Caribbean and eastern Pacific Ocean that have killed over 75 people. The US has long used aircraft carriers as tools of deterrence to pressure and influence other nations, often without employing any force at all. They carry thousands of sailors and dozens of warplanes that can strike targets deep inside another country. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday formally named the mission Operation Southern Spear. Secretary of State Marco Rubio insists that President Donald Trump is focused on stopping drugs from entering the U.S. by combatting organized criminal narcoterrorists." top videos View all Swipe Left For Next Video View all Thats what hes authorized. Thats what the militarys doing. Thats why our assets are there," he told reporters Wednesday after meeting his counterparts from the Group of Seven democracies in Canada. But Rubio also says the US doesnt recognize Maduro, who was widely accused of stealing last years election, as the leader of Venezuela and called the government a transshipment organization" that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs toward the US. About the Author Shankhyaneel Sarkar Shankhyaneel Sarkar is a Chief Sub-Editor at News18. He covers international affairs, where he focuses on breaking news to in-depth analyses. He has over seven years of experience during which he has ... Read More Location : Caracas, Venezuela First Published: November 14, 2025, 19:08 IST News world Yes, Peace: Maduro Urges Trump Not To Start An Afghanistan-Style War With Venezuela Disclaimer: Comments reflect users views, not News18s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments... German Chancellor Friedrich Merz said Thursday that he asked Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to curb the flow of young Ukrainian men into Germany as refugees, Barron's reports. "I asked the Ukrainian president to ensure that young men from Ukraine in particular do not come to Germany in ever-increasing numbers, but rather serve in their own country. They are needed there," Merz said after his conversation with the Ukrainian president. Merz also said that German social welfare rules would soon be changed in a way that would lower payments for Ukrainian refugees and "thus offer greater incentives to find employment". "The benefits for these refugees will be structured in such a way that the incentives to work outweigh the incentive to remain in the welfare system," Merz said at a Berlin business congress. The article notes that Germany has already accepted around a million Ukrainian refugees since 2022, and since August, when Ukrainian authorities allowed young people aged 18 to 22 to travel outside the country, the number of men in this age group seeking asylum in Germany has risen from just over 100 per week to 1,796 in a week in early October. Anchorage, Alaska, is about to launch an experiment that could reshape how Americans vote: letting residents cast ballots via smartphone. Starting with the city's April municipal election, the pilot program will give Anchorage's 240,000 registered voters the option to vote by phone, though traditional mail and in-person methods remain available, the New York Times reports While this trial covers only local races, its outcome could influence future elections nationwide. Alaska's unique challengesharsh weather, remote communities, and a highly mobile populationhave prompted officials to look for ways to make voting easier and more reliable. "We've been trying to make it even easier for them to vote and make it so you don't really have an excuse not to vote anymore," says Anchorage election administrator Liz Edwards. The city is using the Mobile Voting Project platform, an open-source system funded by venture capitalist Bradley Tusk. Supporters argue that mobile voting could boost turnout, especially in low-profile elections where participation is often dismal. Tusk contends that low turnout fuels political dysfunction and polarization. Skeptics, however, question the timing and security of phone-based voting, especially given the current climate of mistrust and conspiracy theories around elections. David Becker, who heads the Center for Election Innovation and Research, warns that digital voting could give fuel to election deniers. "I can't imagine a worse time in American history to be rolling it out," Becker tells the Times. Anchorage's system attempts to address these concerns by requiring voter identification, providing unique voting links, and creating a paper backup for each digital votepaper ballots, not digital tallies, will be used for the official count. The experiment comes as internet voting remains rare globally, with Estonia as the only country allowing all citizens to vote online in national and local elections. Even there, turnout is not dramatically higher, though local participation exceeds that in the US. In South Korea, the entire country paused on Thursday as more than a half-million students took the high-stakes university entrance exam. Flights at all airports were prohibited from taking off or landing between 1:05pm and 1:40pm to ensure silence during the English listening portion of the grueling nine-hour test, which is seen as a gateway to success in South Korea's fiercely competitive society, reports Reuters . Flights circled near airports during the 35 minutes, forbidden to descend below 10,000 feet. Stores were closed and financial markets and offices opened an hour late to make sure students didn't get stuck in traffic. In Seoul, subway service was increased by 29 runs in the morning, the Korea Herald reports. The College Scholastic Ability Test, with around 200 questions across a variety of subjects, determines not only whether someone will go to university, but their future job prospects and income, the BBC reports. Parents waited nervously outside test centers Thursday. For many families, the exam marks the culmination of nearly two decades of preparation and sacrifice. "This exam has been a goal for nearly 20 years and also a new beginning," said one mother as her daughter sat for the test. Most students begin at 8:40am and finish around 5:40pm. Blind students are given longer to complete the test and often finish as late as 10pm, with no dinner break during back-to-back exams, reports the BBC. This year saw the highest number of test-takers in seven years, a spike attributed to a mini-baby boom in 2007, considered a lucky year to have children. The birth surge paused a decades-long population decline, though South Korea remains one of the world's fastest-aging countries, with a birthrate inching up to just 0.75 in 2024, per Reuters. Ukraine is in contact with the US Congress regarding the investigation into the operation to expose corruption in the energy sector, said Ukrainian Ambassador to the United States Olha Stefanishyna in a comment to NBC News. "We, of course, are in contact with a wide circle of members of Congress and the Senate. We have provided the latest updates," she said, responding to a question about informing U.S. lawmakers regarding the investigation. Stefanishyna also clarified that, although two government members are involved in the case, they do not report directly to the Zelenskyy administration, and emphasized that the officials have currently been suspended from their positions. The question of their dismissal will be considered by the Verkhovna Rada next week. "We consider it important that Ukraine has a functioning institutional system, and there is no place for impunity. This is an unpleasant situation, but nothing like this has happened before in Ukraines history. It shows that the anti-corruption mechanisms we have established are indeed working," Stefanishyna stressed. Verizon is preparing for the largest workforce reduction in the company's history, the Wall Street Journal reports, citing "people familiar with the matter." The sources say the company plans to cut about 15,000 jobs, around 15% of its workforce. The move comes as the telecom giant faces intensifying competition in both the wireless and home internet sectors. Most of the cuts are expected to be layoffs, and the company will also convert roughly 200 of its retail stores into franchises, effectively removing those employees from Verizon's payroll. As of February, Verizon employed about 100,000 people. The job reductions are part of a broader effort to streamline operations and cut costs amid shrinking subscriber numbers. Verizon has lost postpaid phone subscribers for three consecutive quarters, with a net loss of 7,000 postpaid connections in the most recent quarterthough analysts expected a gain. Rivals AT&T and T-Mobile have continued to grow their subscriber bases during the same period. Last month, Verizon appointed Daniel Schulman, formerly of PayPal and Virgin Mobile USA, as its new CEO. Schulman has made clear that cost-cutting will be central to his strategy, describing the company as being at a "critical inflection point" and vowing to make Verizon more efficient and agile. "Verizon has gone from number one in market cap, bond ratings and market share to number three," Verizon chairman Mark Bertolini told CNBC on Thursday. "And the network isn't as differentiated as it used to be, in large part because everybody's been spending money to put these 5G networks in place," Bertolini said. "So losing 30% share over the last eight years is an issue, and we have to do something different." Nearly half of the breeding female elephant seals on South Georgia, a remote island near Antarctica, have died in a bird flu outbreak, according to a new study published in the journal Communications Biology . Researchers from the British Antarctic Survey used drones to survey the island's three largest breeding beaches and found a 47% decline in breeding femalesa loss of approximately 53,000 animalssince the virus arrived in 2023, per AFP . South Georgia is home to more than half of the world's population of Southern elephant seals, the largest seal species on Earth. Scientists say the outbreak has also led to high mortality among seal pups, many of which died after being abandoned by sick mothers or contracting the virus themselves. In a related outbreak on Argentina's Valdes Peninsula, 97% of pups died and 67% of breeding females were lost. "If the South Georgia population responds similarly to the modeled outlook at Peninsula Valdes, the future is bleak," the study's authors write. However, marine ecologist Connor Bamford, the study's lead author, says the South Georgia population is likely to be more resilient due to its larger size, which numbers in the hundreds of thousands. "That being said, the impacts to this population will be felt for many years to come," he notes. Scientists believe the seals are spreading the virus through water droplets while breeding in dense colonies on beaches. "There are thousands of them together, all coughing and splattering," Bamford explains. Researchers are now calling for regular monitoring of the population. An Indiana University professor has been pulled from teaching a class after showing a graphic that labeled the "Make America Great Again" slogan as an example of veiled white supremacy. The incident, which occurred in a graduate-level social work course, drew swift attention after a student complained to GOP Sen. Jim Banks, a vocal Trump supporter, per the New York Times . Banks then contacted the university, prompting school officials to suspend the professor, Jessica Adams, from teaching the "Diversity, Human Rights, and Social Justice" class. "Also lists Columbus Day and 'colorblindness' as White Supremacy," the complaint reads, per the IndyStar, which shows the graphic. Adams, who's still teaching three other courses, said her intent was misunderstood and that the graphica pyramid widely used to illustrate examples of overt and covert white supremacywas meant to spark discussion on racism, not to single out individual political slogans. The controversy unfolds under a new Indiana law requiring state universities to promote "intellectual diversity" and evaluate faculty on their ability to present a wide range of perspectivesthough not the personal perspectives of the professors themselves on matters unrelated to coursework, which the law bans. The university has said it's committed to academic freedom and due process, but it has declined to comment on Adams' situation specifically. Adams said she'd received no direct complaints from students in her class, and that the student who objected didn't file a formal university complaint but instead went right to Banks. The dean of social work, who didn't comment publicly, became the formal complainant after being contacted by the senator. Adams offers her thoughts to the Chronicle of Higher Education on the complaining student: "I can understand that if you have a differing viewpoint, that it can be hard to speak up, but I think that's an important part of learning, right?" Adams' suspension has drawn criticism from the American Association of University Professors, which argues that the law is being used to silence faculty and align university policy with political priorities, per the Times. The school has also faced backlash for recent actions against diversity programs and the student newspaper. "Max" makes a triumphant return to the top of the American Kennel Club's annual list of top male dog names, after being dethroned last year by the name Milo. Meanwhile, "Luna" ascends to the top of the female pooches. "Choosing a pet's name is such a fun and important part of the process when acquiring a dog," AKC chief Gina M. DiNardo said in a statement, per People. Owners "put a great deal of effort into picking a name that perfectly fits their pet and often spend a lot of time making that decision." Without further ado, here are the top names people are bestowing upon their pups around the nation: An Oklahoma inmate whose life was spared by the governor just moments before he was to receive a lethal injection on Thursday was later found unresponsive and rushed to receive medical attention, prison officials said. Wood was stable and alert Thursday evening, and prison officials don't suspect foul play. Guards found Tremane Wood, 46, unresponsive in his cell during a routine check hours after his sentence was commuted and after he'd visited with his attorneys, says state Department of Corrections spokeswoman Kay Thompson. Wood had been waiting in a holding cell next to Oklahoma's death chamber on Thursday morning when he learned Gov. Kevin Stitt had commuted his sentence to life without parole. Family members of the victim had supported Wood's clemency bid, and the governor cited their "Christian forgiveness and love" in a statement announcing his decision. Wood had been scheduled to be executed for the stabbing death of Ronnie Wipf, 19, during a botched robbery in 2002, but Wood maintained the actual killer was his brother, who died while serving a life sentence. It's just the second time the Republican governor has granted clemency during his nearly seven years in office. Wood had received his last meal and been moved to a cell next to the death chamber, but he hadn't yet been strapped to the gurney when the governor made his decision, Thompson said. In his executive order commuting Wood's sentence, Stitt says Wood shall not be eligible to apply for or be considered for a commutation, pardon, or parole for the rest of his life, similar conditions as those imposed in 2021 after he granted clemency to death row inmate Julius Jones. A new batch of emails reveals that disgraced financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was a go-to adviser for a global roster of high-profile figures, even after he pleaded guilty in 2008 to prostitution charges. The 20,000-plus pages of correspondence, released by House lawmakers, show how former world leaders, top officials, and media personalities routinely sought Epstein's input on matters ranging from world affairs to personal matters, per NBC News . In 2017, former Norwegian Prime Minister Thorbjorn Jagland, then secretary-general of the Council of Europe, asked Epstein for insight into President Trump's administration, writing, "I really need to understand more about Trump and what's going on in the American society." Mohamed Waheed Hassan, the former president of the Maldives, reached out to Epstein in 2013 for advice on a suspicious $4 billion offer to his country's government. Epstein's blunt responsewhich Hassan ultimately said he would followcalled the offer fraudulent. Other emails capture more mundane exchanges: Former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers traded personal messages with Epstein, seeking guidance on a relationship, while journalist Michael Wolff (a co-founder of Newser) asked for a medical referral. The Guardian, meanwhile, details Epstein's correspondence with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, to whom Epstein apparently served as a "behind-the-scenes adviser" in 2018, with Epstein guiding Bannon on political messaging as he defended the agenda of President Trump, who was then serving his first term. Epstein's confidants weren't all men: CNBC, for instance, reports on "chummy" emails between Epstein and Goldman Sachs general counsel Kathy Ruemmler. The investment bank backed Ruemmler on Thursday, with a rep stating, "Kathy is an exceptional general counsel and we benefit from her judgment every day." The emails, often informal and riddled with typos, reflect Epstein's reputation as an all-purpose fixer with access to the powerful. Despite his 2008 conviction, Epstein remained in the orbit of politicians, academics, and journalists. The newly released messages are likely to fuel more questions about why so many influential people continued to rely on Epstein's advice, and whether they ever acted on his counsel. UPDATE Nov 14, 2025 2:10 PM CST The White House is opening up its own Jeffrey Epstein inquiriesinto Democrats. Hours after President Trump said he would order Attorney General Pam Bondi to investigate Epstein's ties to prominent Democrats such as Bill Clinton, the attorney general obliged and put a prosecutor from the Southern District of New York on the case, reports the Hill. "Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and I've asked him to take the lead," Bondi tweeted. "As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people." Nov 14, 2025 11:11 AM CST President Trump on Friday doubled down on his assertion that all this controversy about Jeffrey Epstein is a "hoax" cooked up by Democrats to distract from their "disastrous" policies and the government shutdown. And he also threatened to order up his own investigations into Epstein's ties with prominent Democrats. Details: One of the big media names trending in regard to Jeffrey Epstein is that of Megyn Kelly. As Mediaite explains, it's because she spent part of her Sirius XM show on Wednesday suggesting that people were wrong to label Epstein a pedophile. "Like, he liked 15-year-old girls. And I realize this is disgusting," said Kelly. "I'm definitely not trying to make an excuse for this. I'm just giving you facts, that he wasn't into, like, 8-year-olds. But he liked the very young teen types that could pass for even younger than they were, but would look legal to a passerby." A bit later, she added: "There's a difference between a 15-year-old and a 5-year-old, you know?" Kelly also said she knew someone close to the case who didn't consider Epstein a pedophile. Bryan Kohberger, the man convicted of killing four University of Idaho students in 2022, has been ordered to pay for the urns of two of his victims as part of his restitution. A judge issued the ruling on Thursday, the third anniversary of killings, saying Kohberger is financially responsible for the urns of Kaylee Goncalves and Madison Mogen, NBC News reports. The total cost for the two urns is $3,075.58. Reimbursement for the families of the other two victims, Xana Kernodle and Ethan Chapin, was included in Kohberger's plea deal, reports the Idaho Statesman . Kohberger, who accepted the plea deal over the summer, is serving four consecutive life sentences for the murders as well as a 10-year sentence for burglary. In addition to the cost of the urns, he has been ordered to pay $251,227.50 in criminal fines and fees, $20,000 in civil judgments to each family, and nearly $32,000 in restitution to the families of Kernodle and Chapin. District Judge Steven Hippler, who handed down the sentence in July, ruled that the cost of the urns is a funeral expense, which was agreed to in the plea deal. At a hearing last month, Kohberger's lawyers argued that the expenses had already been paid for with GoFundMe campaigns. At Thursday's hearing, his defense team argued that, since Kohberger will spend the rest of his life in prison, he has no realistic means to pay extra expenses. Hippler, however, revealed that Kohberger had "received several hundred donations totaling $28,360.96 while incarcerated at the Latah County and Ada County jails," Fox News reports. "According to defense counsel, many of these donations came from Defendant's family members." The judge also noted that Kohberger might be able to obtain funds from work in prison or future media deals. Russia unleashed a major missile and drone barrage on Kyiv early Friday, killing six people and leaving gaping holes in apartment buildings. Russia used at least 430 drones and 18 missiles in the nighttime attack, said Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, per the AP . The aerial assault, which also targeted Odesa in the south and Kharkiv in the northeast, was mostly aimed at Kyiv, where drones and missiles smashed into high-rise apartment blocks, according to Zelensky. It was "a specially calculated attack to cause as much harm as possible to people and civilians," he said in a post on Telegram. Moscow denies targeting civilian areas, with the Russian Defense Ministry saying Friday it carried out an overnight strike on Ukraine's "military-industrial and energy facilities." Most recent Russian aerial attacks have been aimed at electricity infrastructure around the country ahead of the bitter winter months. Friday's attack was the biggest on Kyiv in almost three weeks. Ukraine used its American-made Patriot air defense systems to repel the attack and shot down 14 missiles, Zelensky said. The Ukrainian leader has pleaded with foreign supporters to send more of the sophisticated systems. Top European defense officials meeting in Berlin on Friday vowed to keep up their support for Ukraine, with Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal joining the meeting remotely. Russian defense officials, meanwhile, said Friday that air-defense forces shot down 216 Ukrainian drones overnight over a number of Russian regions, including the annexed Crimea. By the end of 2025, Russia plans to recruit approximately 12,000 North Korean workers to work at enterprises in the Alabuga Separate Economic Zone in Tatarstan, according to the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ukrainian Ministry of Defense. "It is in Alabuga that the long-range Shadeds/Geran drones, which the Russian army uses to carry out terrorist strikes on Ukraine's civilian infrastructure, are manufactured. To discuss the details of the labor sale, a meeting was held at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs in late October between local officials and representatives of the North Korean company Jihyang Technology Trade Company, which is responsible for the search and selection of Korean workers," the Telegram channel reported. The Russians promise to pay foreign labor force approximately $2.50 per hour, and their shifts will last at least 12 hours. "Such measures indicate a deepening of strategic cooperation between the two dictatorships to continue the aggressive war against Ukraine," the GUR noted. A popular YouTuber from San Diego has gone missing off the coast of Baja California, prompting an extensive search by Mexican authorities, private boaters, and the US Coast Guard. The YouTuber, identified as Mikey Rijavec, was last heard from on Tuesday when he made a mayday call reporting engine trouble while fishing alone about 8 miles offshore, reports NBC News . The call abruptly cut off, and no further contact was made. Rijavec's 14-foot skiff was later found adrift 5 miles from the coast, but the boat's 6-horsepower outboard engine was missing. Friends and fellow anglers, including podcaster Phil Friedman, described Rijavec as an adventurer who often "pushes the envelope." "What could have happened? Oh my God, it's endless," Friedman said, speculating on possibilities ranging from foul play to a run-in with a large sea creature. Rijavec's disappearance has left his Ocean Beach community worried, with neighbors describing him as a passionate fisherman and a genuinely nice person. One neighbor noted the region's stormy conditions, while another called the situation "really sad." The US Coast Guard initially led the search effort on Tuesday but tells NBC 7 it has since turned over responsibility to Mexican authorities. Friedman and others are holding out hope that Rijavec may have made it to shore or is surviving at sea, possibly with the help of a survival suit. Switzerland announced plans on Friday to invest $200 billion in the United States through 2028 as it finalized a hard-wrought deal to slash US tariffs on Swiss goods. Economy Minister Guy Parmelin said the Trump administration has agreed to cut US tariffs on most Swiss goods to 15%the same level imposed on the neighboring European Unionfrom 39%, the highest rate on any Western country. Parmelin hailed the deal as a result of "new momentum generated by the commitment of the American president" and said it would take "several weeks" to take effect, the AP reports. The White House confirmed the deal Friday, adding that companies from Switzerland and tiny Liechtenstein would invest $67 billion of the $200 billion in the United States next year. "These investments will create thousands of well-paying American jobs across all 50 states in a number of sectors, such as pharmaceuticals, machinery, medical devices, aerospace, construction, advanced manufacturing, gold manufacturing, and energy infrastructure," said a White House fact sheet. The US consistently runs a deficitmore than $38 billion last yearin the trade of goods with Switzerland. The White House said "this deal with Switzerland will put us on a path to eliminate that deficit by 2028.'' The deficit rose to more than $55.7 billion in 2025 through July, largely due to the "front-loading" of imports from Switzerland in the first quarter ahead of expected tariffs, reports Reuters. US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer told CNBC Friday morning that Switzerland would move manufacturing of some pharmaceuticals, gold smelting, and railway equipment to the US. Switzerland is already a top foreign investor in the US. The $200 billion in Swiss investment will involve the private sectorwhat Parmelin called "Team Switzerland" cooperating with government. It wasn't immediately clear whether that was all new investment: Pharma giant Roche announced a $50 billion investment as the tariff tensions emerged. Some Swiss goods, notably in the pharmaceuticals, chemicals, gold, and semiconductor industries, had already been exempted from the 39% rate, which had threatened to put Swiss goods at a massive disadvantage to competitors. The reduction in US tariffs comes months after the Trump administration raised tariffs on Swiss goods from an initial 31% announced in April to 39% on July 31 after what was reportedly a "disastrous" phone call between Trump and Swiss President Karin Keller-Sutter. The deal announced Friday comes after a months-long diplomatic courtship by top Swiss officials, who deployed high-level teams to Washington, including missions led by Keller-Sutter and Parmelin. Last week, a half-dozen top executives from leading Swiss companies including Rolex, gold refining company MKS Pamp, and luxury group Richemont met with Trump at the Oval Office to press the Swiss case. A federal bankruptcy court judge on Friday said he will approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma's latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic. The deal overseen by US Bankruptcy Judge Sean Lane would require members of the Sackler family who own the company to contribute up to $7 billion over 15 years, the AP reports. The new agreement replaces one the US Supreme Court rejected last year, finding it would have improperly protected members of the family against future lawsuits. The judge said he would explain his decision in a hearing on Tuesday. TOKYO, Nov 14 (News On Japan) - Tokyo Metropolitan Government issued an influenza epidemic warning on November 13th after the number of reported cases reached the alert threshold, marking the first such announcement in November in 16 years. According to the metropolitan government, the average number of seasonal influenza cases per medical institution during the week ending November 9th was 29.03, about 1.2 times higher than the previous week. Since this exceeded the alert level set by the city, officials formally declared an epidemic warning. This years outbreak has spread earlier than usual, with the last November warning issued in 2009. At hospitals, the number of influenza patients has been increasing since last week, and more people are coming in for vaccinations. One doctor noted that the peak seems to have shifted forward by one to two months. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare reported last Friday that the number of influenza infections nationwide exceeded 57,000, about 2.4 times higher than the previous week. The number of regions reaching the alert level over 10 patients per medical institution rose from zero two weeks ago to 23 last week. I didnt expect the peak to come in November, said one doctor. We knew it would spread, but now its really happening. The nationwide spread of influenza is about a month earlier than last year, making it the second-fastest outbreak in the past 20 years. The impact has extended to schools in Kameoka City, Kyoto Prefecture, one elementary school class was closed after more than ten students were absent with the flu, up from just two students the previous Friday. Since September, more than 500 schools across Japan have temporarily closed classes due to influenza. Private after-school daycare facilities have seen an increase in children attending while their schools are closed, especially from households where both parents work. Public schools dont accept children during closures, so its a relief that private centers like this stay open, said one mother. Medical experts suggest that the rapid spread may be linked to the increase in inbound tourism and large upcoming events such as the Expo, which could have contributed to the introduction of viruses from abroad. They also pointed out that the outbreak began before many people had the chance to get vaccinated. Doctors warn that although the current wave might subside earlier than usual, another influenza strain could emerge later, while COVID-19 cases are also expected to increase toward February next year. Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant, maintaining preventive habits such as handwashing, mask-wearing, and ensuring good ventilation. Source: TBS In Ukraine, Patriots and several other systems were activated, neutralizing 14 Russian missiles, and Ukrainian soldiers successfully used "long Neptunes" against specific targets on Russian territory, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated. On his Telegram channel, he noted that he had heard reports from the Commander-in-Chief and the Commander of the Air Force. First, our Patriots, along with some other systems, worked effectively, and 14 Russian missiles were neutralized overnight. Among them were two aeroballistic missiles and six ballistic missiles. And we will continue strengthening this component of our air defense with systems capable of shooting down ballistic missiles, Zelenskyy said. The second point the head of state wrote was an instruction to diplomats to inform partners as much as possible about Russian attacks, the nature of these attacks, and the chosen targets. Russia continues its terror against Ukrainian cities, specifically against civilian infrastructure and the key targets for Russia last night were residential areas in Kyiv and energy facilities, he explained. Third, overnight our warriors successfully used Long Neptunes against designated targets on Russian territory and this is our entirely just response to Russias ongoing terror. Ukrainian missiles are delivering increasingly significant and precise results virtually every month, the president said. TOKYO, Nov 14 (News On Japan) - Tokyo Metropolitan Police have arrested four men, including 41-year-old Daisuke Takehara, on suspicion of confining a man they did not know inside a car in Shibuya Ward. The suspects, including three Uzbek nationals, allegedly deceived the victim and then threatened him for money. According to investigators, the incident occurred in October at a parking lot in Shibuya. Takehara and the others approached the victim under the pretense of being lost and asked for directions. They then invited him into their vehicle, saying Its cold, why dont you get in the car? Once inside, their demeanor changed abruptly. The men forced the victim to sit in the middle of the back seat, pressed him from both sides, and one suspect put his arm around the mans neck while threatening him, saying Youre not going home today. Do you have money? Although the victim had no prior acquaintance with the suspects, police said he was targeted because one of his friends was involved in a financial dispute, and he was coerced to cover the debt. The Metropolitan Police have not disclosed whether the suspects have admitted to the charges. Investigators believe a broader criminal group that employs foreign nationals may be involved and are working to uncover the full details of the case. Source: FNN TOKYO, Nov 14 (News On Japan) - A senior Tokyo Metropolitan Police officer has been arrested on suspicion of leaking confidential investigation data to members of a decentralized criminal network known as Tokuryu. The suspect, 43-year-old Assistant Inspector Daisuke Jimbo of the Anti-Organized Crime Division, was taken into custody after internal investigators found evidence that he had shared surveillance footage and other materials with individuals linked to the group. Jimbo, who previously led investigations into Natural, Japans largest scout-based organization accused of illegal recruitment and human trafficking, is alleged to have passed information to its members. According to police sources, internal monitoring of Jimbo began around April or May this year following signs of an information leak. Fuji TVs Metropolitan Police Bureau correspondent Takashi Yamashita reported that suspicions first surfaced earlier in the year when Natural members scheduled for arrest in January suddenly disappeared just before the operation began. Investigators were furious, saying, Its impossible for them to flee at such timingsomeone inside must be leaking information, Yamashita recalled. The direct link between that incident and Jimbo has not yet been established. Police sources said Jimbo allegedly used a specialized application employed by Natural members to transmit images from cameras installed for surveillance purposes. While investigators have not confirmed whether the same app was used, footage aired in Fuji TVs September edition of Spotlight showed Natural members demonstrating an internal communication app called Chat Alpha, designed to appear like a news application. The app, reportedly developed by Natural itself, is mandatory on all members smartphones and serves as a channel for sharing operational updates and escape tactics. One active member interviewed during the program explained, We share how to avoid arrest and what to do if detained. Its like directives from management. Fuji TVs investigation further revealed that the app contained advance warnings of police raids, including one stating, We received leaked information that Chiba police will raid 45 shops on July 13th or 14th. Chiba Prefectural Police did, in fact, conduct raids on those dates and arrested several individuals, although the department declined to comment on whether the leak originated from inside law enforcement, saying, We are not aware of such posts or testimony. The arrest of a serving police officer has sent shockwaves through the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department, which only last month reorganized its structure and created a new Special Investigation Division dedicated to cracking down on Tokuryu networks. Its nothing short of betrayal, said one senior officer. Its an act that has deeply disappointed every investigator. Reporter Yamashita noted, This case shows how the very people tasked with dismantling Tokuryu were instead being manipulated by them. The incident underscores the urgent need for stricter information security within the police force. Source: FNN FUKUOKA, Nov 14 (News On Japan) - November 11th marks Sake Day, a date chosen because the kanji for salmon () contains the characters for eleven side by side. Although Japans wild salmon catch has fallen due to rising sea temperatures and shifting ocean currents, the popularity of farmed salmon is growing rapidly across the country, including in Fukuoka. At an elementary school in Munakata City, Fukuoka Prefecture, students enjoyed salmon for their school lunch on November 11th. The dish featured Mirai Salmon, a locally farmed species produced by Kyushu Electric Power Group, which began land-based aquaculture in 2023 to ensure a stable domestic supply. Using AI and other technologies to optimize rearing conditions, the company now ships around 100,000 salmon each year. The fillets, thinly sliced and added to miso soup, were well received by students, who praised their rich flavor and freshness. According to the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, Japans wild salmon catch has dropped to less than a quarter of its level 20 years ago, largely due to weakened southward migration and prolonged periods of warmer seawater. In contrast, the number of regional aquaculture projects producing so-called local salmon has nearly tripled over the past decade, reaching 147 sites nationwide. These initiatives often highlight local specialties: in Tochigi Prefecture, farmers mix strawberries into feed, while in Ehime, mikan juice byproducts are used to create distinct regional flavors. In Fukuoka, Mirai Salmon has also become popular among restaurants. One establishment in Kitakyushus Yahata Nishi Ward offers ten different dishes featuring the fish. Its bright color and freshness make it perfect for raw dishes, said the chef, noting that farmed salmons controlled environment minimizes the risk of parasites, making it ideal for sashimi. Customers have praised its tender texture, subtle sweetness, and lack of odor. Land-based aquaculture is also inspiring a new generation of entrepreneurs. In Shingu Town, 18-year-old Koki Fujiwara manages a salmon farming business he founded with his father. After visiting a salmon farm in Kumamoto at age 15, Fujiwara decided to pursue sustainable aquaculture and now raises about 2,000 salmon using a groundwater circulation system. We dont use antibiotics, instead adding yogurt to boost the fishs immune system, he explained. His company sells salmon mainly to restaurants for around 3,000 yen per kilogram, and he hopes to expand production to meet rising demand. Supply hasnt caught up with demand yet, Fujiwara said. I want to help make salmon more accessible to families and children everywhere. As Japans climate and seafood environment evolve, farmed salmon is emerging not just as a substitute for dwindling wild stocks but as a symbol of innovation in sustainable food production. Source: FBS Photo: https://www.facebook.com/story.php? Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha, commenting on the Russian strike on Kyiv, emphasized that the attack demonstrates the urgent need for new contributions to defend Ukraine. As I returned home from my visits to Canada and the UK this morning, Russia launched a brutal missile and drone attack on Kyiv, targeting ordinary houses, hospitals, energy, and civilian infrastructure. Around 30 residential homes were damaged. At least one person was killed, and 24 were injured, including a pregnant woman and a 10-year-old boy, Sybiha said on X. In an address to his colleaguesthe heads of the G7 foreign policy agenciesthe Foreign Minister emphasized that he expects the decisions discussed at the G7 meeting to be quickly implemented. This brutal Russian attack demonstrates the urgent need for new contributions to Ukraines defense and new steps to increase pressure on Russia, including the long-awaited decision on frozen assets. We can force Putin to end the war by hitting him harder than he expects. The continuation of Russias brutal war against civilians will not bring him anywhere except to the Special Tribunal. There will be justice for all Russian crimes, the minister stressed. Photo: https://me.gov.ua On Thursday, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine approved the list and quantities of equipment and components that Slavski LLC (Lviv) will be able to import into Ukraine for the implementation of its investment project. This equipment will be exempt from import duties, the Cabinets press service reported. This preferential treatment is part of the state support for investors implementing projects with significant investment. "The mechanism of state support for investors works in practice. Exemption from import duties on equipment for Slavski LLCs project is another example of how the state creates real incentives for businesses to invest in Ukraine. Such initiatives help launch modern manufacturing, increase the competitiveness of the economy, and strengthen investor confidence," the press service cited Vitaliy Kindrativ, Deputy Minister of Economy, Environment, and Agriculture of Ukraine. State support for projects with significant investment is one of the key tools of the Made in Ukraine policy. Enterprises investing EUR 12 million or more can receive up to 30% of their capital investments from the state in particular, for connections to engineering networks, construction of substations, power lines, and other infrastructure facilities. The state support program for large investment projects also provides profit tax exemption for five years after the project launch. As previously reported, on June 12, 2025 in Lviv, two special investment agreements were signed between the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine, the Slavske village council, and Slavski LLC and Rozhanka Park LLC, which are implementing the ski and recreational infrastructure of the GORO Mountain Resort project. The death toll from the Russian attack has risen to five, according to Kyiv City Military Administration head Tumur Tkachenko. "According to updated information, the death toll from the overnight strike has risen to five. My sincere condolences to the families and friends," he wrote on Telegram on Friday afternoon. Earlier reports indicated four dead and 34 injured. Search and rescue operations at the site of the Russian drone strike on a multi-story building in Kyiv's Desniansky district are ongoing, the State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported. Photo: https://t.me/V_Zelenskiy_official On Friday, November 14, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko, with whom he discussed personnel changes in the government. "We also talked about personnel changes in the government - the Prime Minister of Ukraine will propose candidates for the Ministers of Energy and Justice," Zelenskyy wrote on the Telegram channel. In addition, Svyrydenko reported on the launch of the audit process in state-owned companies. During the meeting, it was determined that the timing of inspections should be prompt, and all results should be sent to law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies for appropriate response. "Taking into account the results, there will be personnel decisions," the president noted. He also instructed the Prime Minister to promptly inform Ukraine's key partners about the results and relevant decisions. "Transparency in state-owned companies and the absence of any schemes must be guaranteed," the head of state emphasized. In addition, the meeting discussed the situation with the recovery in the regions after the Russian strikes. According to Zelenskyy, repair teams are working almost around the clock, the necessary resources have been attracted. "We are increasing the equipment reserve, work with partners on this is constantly ongoing," he noted. Svyrydenko also reported on the implementation of support programs for frontline and border communities. "A new winter support program for our people will start tomorrow - government officials will publicly present all the details. Last year, more than 14 million Ukrainians took advantage of winter support, and we expect no less volume for this winter," Zelenskyy noted. Photo: https://www.facebook.com/RedCrossUkraine The Ukrainian Red Cross was providing assistance to victims of the Russian combined missile and drone attack at five locations in Kyiv overnight. The Ukrainian Red Cross emergency response team, working together with first responders from the State Emergency Service (SES) of Ukraine, delivered support in five locations: in Podilskyi, Solomianskyi, Desnianskyi, Darnytskyi, and Obolonskyi districts. Volunteers carried out door-to-door visits and provided assistance to two affected people, URCS said on Facebook Friday. Ukrainian Red Cross assistance points are currently operating at the sites of the strikes. Volunteers are distributing hot drinks to residents of damaged buildings and to emergency responders involved in dealing with the aftermath of the attack. First aid and psychological first aid are also available when needed. Emergency response and rescue operations are ongoing. As reported, the Russian attack on Kyiv on Friday killed five people and injured 34. Twenty-two locations in various districts of the capital were damaged, including residential buildings, a hospital, a diplomatic mission, shops, and offices. The vast majority of Russian strikes occurred in residential areas. The owners of several graves meant for their family members have filed a lawsuit claiming a man was mistakenly buried in one of the plots and the cemetery is refusing to remove the remains. Anne Divine and Mitchell Spellman state in court papers they own 10 graves at Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries and noticed on June 4 that a man unrelated to them was buried in one of the plots. Divine called The Jewish Community Center of Paramus, which controls family burial plots in the cemetery, and requested that the man be removed from the grave. The community center refused, instead offering Divine and Spellman other graves in another section of the cemetery, according to the suit, filed Nov. 10 in state Superior Court in Bergen County. Representatives of the community center and cemetery did not immediately respond Friday to requests for comment on the lawsuit. On June 30, Divines daughter met in person with a rabbi at the community center and asked that the body be moved from her familys burial plot. The rabbi refused, the lawsuit claims. The suit says Spellman called the rabbi himself to emphasize the importance of Jewish law and the need to move the body, but his request was denied. As a result of the above, plaintiffs have been forced to endure severe emotional distress and mental anguish, the lawsuit says. The family is suing the community center, along with Cedar Park and Beth El Cemeteries for negligence, claiming they failed to confirm the proper identity of the man before burying him in the grave they reserved for their family. The suit seeks a jury trial and monetary damages. A Hackensack woman was arrested last week after she was accused of knowing about a child being sexually assaulted and failing to stop it, authorities announced Thursday. The investigation began earlier this month when the Hackensack Police Department notified the Bergen County Prosecutors Office about the alleged assaults, the office said in a statement. Detectives determined that Jennifer Garcia-Mota, 42, had prior knowledge of the assaults and allowed them to continue, investigators said. No other information was released by the office. Garcia-Mota was arrested on Nov. 7 in Paramus and charged with second-degree endangering the welfare of a child, authorities said. She was taken to the Bergen County Jail and held there until her first court appearance, the office said. A Burlington County man died in a head-on collision early Thursday on Route 206 in Southampton, the New Jersey State Police said. A 43-year-old man from Trenton was driving a Toyota southbound on Route 206 with a 47-year-old Trenton man in the front passenger seat when he crossed over the centerline into oncoming traffic at about 5:12 a.m., police said. The Toyota first struck the side of a Chevrolet pickup truck, operated by a 30-year-old man from Pemberton Township traveling north, before striking a Kia head-on. The Kia was operated by Austin Smolskis, 28, of Browns Mills, Pemberton Township, who was traveling north behind the Chevrolet pickup truck. He died from injuries sustained in the crash, police said. The two Trenton men sustained serious injuries and were transported to a nearby hospital, police said. The crash remains under investigation, the state police said. New Jersey has 11 more Blue Ribbon Schools after the state added this year's honorees to the list. Nine public schools and two private schools in New Jersey have received the states new Blue Ribbon Schools Award, officials said. The state program is a successor to the longtime National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which the Trump administration and the U.S. Department of Education ended in August after 43 years. The state Department of Education decided to pick up the program and honor the 11 schools that had been selected prior to the national programs cancellation, state officials said. Three schools are in Bergen County and two schools are in Jersey City, in Hudson County. The others are in Atlantic, Camden, Essex, Mercer, Middlesex and Monmouth counties. New Jerseys 2025 winners are: Audubon Mansion Avenue School, Audubon Public School District East Brunswick Hatikvah International Academy Charter School Englewood The Elisabeth Morrow School, private school Glen Ridge Ridgewood Avenue School, Glen Ridge Public School District Holmdel Indian Hill School, Holmdel Township School District Jersey City Liberty High School, Jersey City Public Schools Jersey City Our Lady of Czestochowa School, private school Lodi Roosevelt School, Lodi School District Princeton Littlebrook School, Princeton Public School District Teterboro Bergen County Technical High School, Bergen County Vocational Technical School District Ventnor Ventnor Elementary School, Ventnor City School District All of the schools were recognized at the state Board of Education meeting last week. New Jerseys 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what is possible when educators, students, and communities work together to support academic growth and opportunity for all learners, said Kevin Dehmer, the states education commissioner. The states methodology appears to have followed the criteria for the former National Blue Ribbon Schools program, which considered administrative leadership, high standards and effective teaching methods. The Blue Ribbon distinction honors schools that stand out whether through consistently high achievement or by making remarkable strides in closing opportunity gaps. We are proud to continue recognizing schools that strengthen how they serve all students and set a standard for success across our state," Dehmer said. New Jersey had 11 schools chosen as National Blue Ribbon Schools in 2024, the programs final year. That was up from nine in 2023. Officials held a ribbon-cutting on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, for El Barrio Wellness in Newark, a mental health clinic for the area's Hispanic community operated by the nonprofit La Casa de Don Pedro. Participants included (l-r) Mayor Ras J. Baraka, clinic director Dr. Enmanuel Mercedes (partly obscured), RWJ Barnabas Health VP Balpreet Grewal, La Casa VP Wendy Melendez (behind Grewal), La Casa Executive Director Peter Rosario, and Newark City Councilman Patrick Council. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com These have been tough times for the mental health of Newarks Hispanic community, more than 100,000 people with Spanish-language roots whove been hit by the immigration crackdown and pause in SNAP benefits. The kinds of trauma that people are experiencing, kids experiencing getting snatched out of their homes, off the street, coming out of hearings, Newark Mayor Ras J. Baraka said, referring to the crackdown in particular. It causes mental anguish on top of the other mental anguish that youre going to have trying to figure out how to eat, how youre going to get a job, all these other kinds of things. So Baraka and others welcomed the opening of a bilingual mental health clinic on Thursday in the citys Black and brown Lincoln Park neighborhood. The clinic is a joint project of the nonprofit La Casa de Don Pedro and RWJ Barnabas Health, a statewide healthcare network whose 700 locations include Beth Israel Medical Center in Newark. El Barrio Wellness, as the clinic is known, includes what La Casa calls a Food Pharmacy stocked with staples that are both healthy and savored by Spanish-speakers. To have this here, with a pharmacy for food in the basement, is exactly what we need to be doing, Baraka said. In addition to the basement pantry and administrative offices, the clinic or wellness center includes a half dozen rooms of varying sizes for individual and family therapy or counseling sessions. One spacious room on the second floor, intended for family sessions, includes bay windows, two sofas, a pair of armchairs, a coffee table, a rug and a nonworking fireplace. We may call it the Living Room, said Dr. Enmanuel Mercedes, a psychologist who directs the center, stressing that comfortable, welcoming surroundings contribute to effective therapy sessions. Dr. Enmauel Mercedes, director of the El Barrio Wellness mental health clinic in Newark, said comfortable surroundings, like the furnishings in this family counseling room or the staff's knowledge of Spanish language and Latino culture, can make therapy more effective. Steve Strunsky | NJ Advance Media For NJ.com The center also includes a play-therapy room for traumatized children, which contains picture books, a child-size table and chairs, a cushioned hopscotch mat, and an easel with a whiteboard and colored markers. Officials said the center may eventually include a childcare space where children can spend time while their parents or guardians have individual or couples sessions. Comfort is a key point of the center, particularly on an emotional level, said Mercedes. Beyond its cozy furnishings and large windows that let in the sun, Mercedes said the center is intended as a place without the language or cultural barriers that can sometimes hinder the trust needed for clients or patients to open up about whats wrong so it can be addressed effectively. He also stressed that the center will be open to people beyond Newark and will not be limited to Spanish- or English-speaking people. In addition to having hired two full-time and two part-time therapists and a pair of student clinicians, the centers operators hope to recruit additional staffers who speak French and Creole for Essex Countys West Indian immigrants, Portuguese for Brazilians in Newarks Ironbound section, or Hindi or Bengali for Indian immigrants, and so forth. We are looking at serving the entire state, Mercedes said, anyone that is looking for clinicians that speaks their languages and understand their cultural experiences. Newark City Councilman Patrick Council, who was on hand for the ribbon-cutting, said the new center would serve as a referral point for constituents who contact his office seeking mental health counseling. The yellow brick townhouse occupied by the new center may be familiar to Spanish speakers as the former home of El Club de Barrio, a social services agency that merged with La Casa de Don Pedro about 15 years ago. This kind of became social services central, La Casa Executive Director Peter Rosario said of the surrounding neighborhood, which also includes the Integrity House addiction and mental health services nonprofit geared toward the regions general population. The new wellness center will be run by La Casa, the biggest social service provider for Newarks Hispanic community, with 13 locations citywide. Its board chairman, Arcedio Aponte, attended Thursdays ribbon-cutting. For its part, RWJ Barnabas Health covered 80% of the $500,000 cost of redeveloping the building, which used to house La Casas HR department and AIDS-related programs, both of which were relocated. The remaining cost of the center was covered by the State Department of Children and Families through its Hispanic Womens Resource Center in Newark. La Casa and Beth Israel both provide mental health services to the areas Hispanic community, but in complementary ways not as competitors. For example, Beth Israels MDs and technology offer emergency room services and drug prescriptions that La Casas therapists and counselors cannot. At the same time, La Casa provides housing, employment, food and other forms of assistance that may be linked to mental health but not addressed by the hospital, which is about three miles from the new wellness center. Officials said the relationship and services will only improve with the addition of the new wellness center. Peter Rosario sits on our advisory board, said Balpreet Gewal, an RWJ Barnabas executive who took part in the ribbon cutting. We know his services and he knows ours, and we communicate that back and forth. Whether its our patient coming in here, or vice versa, we know when and what intervention is needed. For information on hours, services or booking an appointment, visit the El Barrio Wellness home page. Omaira Merced (left), of Irvington, has filed a notice of claim against a hospital and two police departments, alleging they failed to notify her that her son, Joel Ortiz (right) had died and was buried in an unmarked grave. Steven Haddad A New Jersey woman intends to sue University Hospital in Newark and two police departments for $100 million after learning that her 28-year-old son died more than a year ago and nobody informed her. Omaira Merced, 53, of Irvington, has filed a notice of tort claim against the hospital, along with the Irvington and Newark Police Departments, alleging they failed to notify her that her son had died and that he was buried in an unmarked grave. My son, Joel Ortiz, has been missing since September 2024. He left our home saying he was going to meet a friend at Newark Penn Station and said he would be back but he never returned, Merced wrote in a Facebook post in August. Two weeks after that post, on Sept. 2, Merced learned from Irvington police that her son had died a year earlier, according to a notice of tort claim filed by her attorney, Steven Haddad, of Woodbridge. Omaira Merced found out that her son, Joel Ortiz, had been deceased almost a year after his date of death, Haddad wrote in the notice, which was sent out on Sept. 18. To make matters worse, Merced found out her son had been buried in an unmarked grave in Hudson County, Haddad said. The notice contains a police report stating Joel had an addiction problem and mental health issues around the time his mother reported him missing. Haddad said the son was found unresponsive on a street in Essex County, and he died of cardiac arrest in University Hospital in Newark on Sept. 28, 2024. Joel Ortiz was then buried in an unmarked grave in North Bergen without his family present and without anyone contacting his next of kin, according to Haddad. Its unclear from the notice who had Joel Ortiz buried in North Bergen or why family was not contacted. Spokespersons for University Hospital, Irvington and Newark did not immediately respond to requests for comment. The legal notice alleges police and hospital officials mishandled Ortizs remains, withheld his body from family members, and misidentified him all of which has caused his family emotional distress and anguish. Merced told News 12 New Jersey she plans to have her son exhumed from the cemetery in Hudson County and transferred to the family plot in Union County. Haddad said the mother has 180 days from the filing of the notice of tort claim in which to do so. French President Emmanuel Macron will receive Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday, BFMTV reported on Friday. "Emmanuel Macron will host Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy in Paris on Monday, November 17, for a visit aimed at 'reaffirming France's commitment to Ukraine' and 'maintaining the momentum of work begun on the issue of security guarantees' for Kyiv," the broadcaster reported, citing information from the Elysee Palace. The meeting of the presidents will allow them to "discuss issues of bilateral cooperation, particularly in the energy, economic, and defense spheres." The visit will also "reaffirm France's long-term support for Ukraine and maintain the momentum of the work begun on security guarantees" within the Coalition of the Willing. This is Volodymyr Zelenskyy's ninth visit to France since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in 2022. The outside of Goodbeet in Haddon Township, NJ on Friday, November 7, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media Ashley Coyne made a difficult decision she hoped would attract new customers. It instead created backlash. Coyne opened Goodbeet, a vegan and gluten-free eatery in Haddon Township back in 2015 serving veggie bowls, salads, cauliflower wings, avocado toasts, smoothies and more. But on Oct. 19, Coyne announced on social media the restaurant was breaking vegan. Were keeping our menu the same, the post read, but adding the option to add local, organic, pasture-raised chicken or wild caught Jail Island salmon on to any bowl along with a platter option for a protein and two sides. Coyne said the move was necessary to boost flagging business. Not because vegan food has become less popular, but because it has become so widely available at non-vegan restaurants that her eatery no longer stood out. She was prepared for some pushback from the vegan community when she made the announcement. She wasnt prepared for this. I knew there would be backlash about the animal products, Coyne told NJ Advance Media. But I thought theyd be happier that we were fighting to stay alive opposed to just throwing our hands up and closing. Ashley Coyne at Goodbeet in Haddon Township, NJ on Friday, November 7, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media The announcement post quickly received a slew of comments, from people expressing their disappointment and disproval of the plan. Really disappointed in this. Especially in the excitement in which youre delivering the news, one comment read. Absolutely not! Wont be dining there anymore! Also, its quite weird the way you worded it, another commenter said. The flooding of responses pushed Coyne to write a follow-up post on Oct. 21, explaining she wasnt turning her back on the vegan community but helping her business stay alive. People were saying such upsetting and hurtful things. They were saying they hate me, they hope we fail, they hope we go out of business, Coyne said. All of these terrible things for adults to be saying on a social media platform while theyre fighting for animal rights. The quinoa cesar salad with chicken at Goodbeet in Haddon Township, NJ on Friday, November 7, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media Coyne says rising costs of labor and products in the restaurant industry necessitated a change. The increased access to vegan and plant-based foods at chain restaurants, bars and other popular spots has hurt vegan restaurants like Goodbeet as well. Were competing with Chopt down the street now, Wonder just opened, Cava all of these places have vegan options," Coyne said. They also have options for people that want meat, so people are going there if they have someone in their party that doesnt love vegan food. While Coyne and Goodbeet are facing online scrutiny, its hardly the first vegan eatery to introduce meat to its menu. Eleven Madison Park, the famed Michelin-starred restaurant in New York City, reintroduced meat to its menu in October after operating for four years as fully vegan. When announcing the news, owner and chef Daniel Humm said the restaurant had unintentionally kept people out when it shifted to vegan-only offerings. That decision served as inspiration for Coyne and her eatery. Marcia Riera prepares a bowl at Goodbeet in Haddon Township, NJ on Friday, November 7, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media Goodbeets decision has drawn mixed reactions from other vegan restaurants across New Jersey. I would never do that, Eric Nyman, owner of Wildflower Vegan Cafe in Millville told NJ Advance Media. But its a free country and most restaurants serve animal products, so what are you going to do? Nyman, who has operated Wildflower since 2011, believes vegan food fandom has dwindled and restaurant ownership has become more expensive. But he stood firm that breaking vegan isnt the only option. I would look really hard at their business model otherwise. Were their portion sizes reasonable? Were the prices reasonable? Are they paying too much on labor, or paying too much on ingredients, or paying too much on rent? Nyman said. There are so many things an eatery can do to change the course of their business other than adding dead animals to the menu. The inside of Goodbeet in Haddon Township, NJ on Friday, November 7, 2025. Gavin Schweiger | For NJ Advance Media Nadeem Gandhi, co-owner of Cultivate Plant-based Eatery in Rahway, says he wouldnt add not-vegan options to the menu to stay open. We would never think of doing that at Cultivate Gandhi said. Only the owner of that restaurant knows what works for them. They know their clientele and client base. Its a really personal decision for anyone to make and a really hard one. Gandhi doesnt judge Coyne for the decision, and says the vegan community shouldnt either. I think if a vegan restaurant owner comes to the realization that they have to add meat to the menu, its not because theyre trying to betray, Gandhi said. But because they feel like its financially necessary to, for the livelihood of themselves and for the livelihood of their staff members. Operating a restaurant in 2025 is difficult, vegan or not. He points out the non-vegan restaurants offering plant-based items are just trying to boost business as well. Its not like the restaurant down the street a diner or an Italian restaurant that adds a whole vegan section to the menu is doing it because theyre just like, Oh, I love the planet and I love the animals," Gandhi said. Theyre trying to also increase their business because guess what? Theyre struggling too. Despite the online angst, Goodbeet has indeed seen a boost in business since the menu expansion. I dont think a majority of our customer base was fully vegan anyway, Coyne said. So a lot of our regulars have been so excited. Key services at Monmouth Medical Center, left, may be moving to a new acute care hospital opening in 2032 on the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls, pictured in a rendering on the right. RWJ Barnabas Health The State Health Planning Board sat through hours of impassioned testimony Thursday on the relocation of services from Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch to a new acute care hospital in Tinton Falls. The public hearing, held at the Anne Vogel Family Care and Wellness Center in Eatontown, was nearly derailed before it even started by U.S. Rep. Frank Pallone, D-6th Dist., who objected to the size of the space reserved for the hearing which drew more than 300 people. The hearing was originally scheduled for Oct. 29 at the Ocean Place Resort in Long Branch. Pallone alleged Thursday the state moved the meeting to make it more difficult for people who oppose the project to be able to come. I have never seen such an outrage in my entire life, Pallone said in a heated exchange with former U.S. Sen. George Helmy whos also executive vice president, chief external affairs and policy officer for RWJ Barnabas Health. Youre a United States Senator and you think this is okay? Pallone asked, standing over a seated Helmy prior to the hearing. Officials with RWJ Barnabas Health, which owns Monmouth Medical, said they planned for 250 attendees. However, when the meeting started at 4 p.m., there were still dozens of people waiting in a long queue outside. Pallone later claimed in a press release that more than 500 residents arrived to speak and were denied entry. NJ Advance Media couldnt verify that number. While I understand and appreciate the congressmans comments, we do believe we provided adequate opportunity, Eric Carney, president and chief executive officer of Monmouth Medical, told NJ Advance Media Thursday night when asked about Pallones remarks. More than three hours after the meeting started, Mike Beson was among a handful of people still waiting in an overflow room for his chance to speak. Im here to say that its an underserved area, said Beson, a resident of Ocean Township. Monmouth Medical, a 513-bed facility in Long Branch owned by RWJ Barnabas Health, plans to transfer its labor and delivery services, acute care in-patient beds and the hospitals license to a new facility on the site of the Vogel Medical Campus in Tinton Falls. The new 252-bed acute care hospital will be constructed in two towers, one dedicated to women and childrens services and the other to surgery. The facility will also have in-patient services. Its expected to open in 2032. A rendering of the new acute care hospital opening in 2032 on the Vogel Medical Campus. RWJ Barnabas Health There will still be a range of services available at Monmouth Medical after the move. The current labor and delivery unit will become a residential behavioral health unit. The hospitals emergency department will remain. The relocation plan has gotten mixed reactions. On Thursday, opponents repeatedly raised concerns about accessibility. The new hospital will be built about 20 minutes from the existing facility. Youre putting one more burden on people who cant get around. I love the statement that was just made its not that big a commute. My question is: for whom?" asked the Rev. Sue Mamchak, who said she doesnt have a car and lives on a fixed income. Its $18 to go from Long Branch to Tinton Falls, Mamchak said. Please, remember the impact of just the problem of getting there. A spokeswoman for RWJ Barnabas Health said Friday the proposal includes free rideshare service for those who need it. Other speakers raised concerns about the impact the move would have on other hospitals in the region, such as Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune City, Ocean University Medical Center in Brick and Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. The abrupt shift in population flow caused by Monmouths move would overwhelm hospitals never built to handle that surge, destabilizing the entire regional balance of care, said Tim Hogan, president and CEO of Riverview Medical Center. For Riverview Medical Center, should this proposal go through in current form, we will have hard decisions to make, including whether it is viable to remain open, Hogan told the State Health Planning Board Thursday. Support for new facilities But not everyone opposes the idea. There was a strong showing of support for the proposal Thursday from Monmouth Medical employees, members of the hospitals board and others affiliated with the hospital. Many of them mentioned the need for updated facilities. A majority of the hospitals medical care is provided in buildings that predate 1970, with the oldest built in 1935, according to Carney, the hospitals president and CEO. On Thursday, Carney testified that an architectural assessment of the 13-acre campus completed in 2016 deemed the current location in Long Branch undesirable and near end of life for continued hospital operations. Should we stay in a building that will become eventually unusable or should we build with the future? My argument is we should go towards the future, said Dr. Dmitry Oleynikov, chief of surgery at Monmouth Medical. Other speakers suggested that Monmouth Medical pursue a third option that allows both the existing hospital and the future hospital to operate as licensed acute care facilities. It cant be either/or, said Bishop William Edwards of the Long Branch Church of God. I believe its got to be both/and. Both sides make valid points. The move isnt final yet. The public can still submit comments to the State Health Planning Board via email through Nov. 20. The board will vote on a recommendation at its next meeting, on Dec. 4. The boards decision will then be submitted to the Acting Commissioner of Health Jeffrey A. Brown, who has the final say. The hospital needed millions in state funding to sustain operations, according to its health care parent company. Jackie Roman | For NJ Advance Media Editors note: This article has been updated to include a comment from the New Jersey Department of Health. A Jersey City hospital will close its doors after 152 years of service after failing to get millions in support from the government, its parent company announced Friday. Heights University Hospital will operate only as a standalone emergency department and support services starting on Saturday, said Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, president and chief executive officer of Hudson Regional Health. The news, announced at a press conference, was not entirely a surprise. Hudson Regional, which owns the hospital, announced in October that it would begin to lay off staff and wind down services. As of Friday, just five patients remained in the hospital, said Kifaieh. Hudson Regional has been strapped for cash. Just seven months after Hudson Regional took over Heights University Hospital from CarePoint Health System, which had its own share of problems, the company made a public appeal for financial support. On Friday, Kifaieh said that critical funding failed to materialize and the hospital will close. Unfortunately, we couldnt get commitment from the governors office regarding funding for such an endeavor and we are where we are here today, said Kifaieh. Gov. Phil Murphys office directed questions to the state health department. A spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Health said Friday that good faith efforts were made to support Heights Hospital, including $2 million in October to assist with payroll and prevent closure. Despite all of these efforts, Hudson Regional Hospital has failed to fund their payroll this week and failed to fully perform as it represented in its Plan of Restructuring, which was approved by the Bankruptcy Court as a condition of exiting bankruptcy. And it has not followed through on its commitments to the community it serves and to the State to turn things around after taking over the hospital, said Dalya Ewais, a spokeswoman with state Department of Health, in a statement. Kifaieh said Hudson Regional has been trying hard to keep the hospital open and has pumped $300 million into operations, with a major portion dedicated to Heights University Hospital. Despite that investment, the hospital is losing $1.5 million per week. We believe that we put a lot of effort during this past year to make something out of what we have here, the unfortunate situation that were in financially. But again, we got to a point where we just could not, said Kifaieh. The hospital will continue to operate a standalone emergency department and provide other health care services out of its auxiliary building. The areas where there are no services will be shut down. Employees at Heights Hospital also learned Thursday night about a delay in processing payroll and were notified that paychecks scheduled for Friday will be delayed. In an email, employees were told the delay is due to insufficient financial support from the State of New Jersey, along with severely constrained cash flow. The employees union, a local of Health Professionals and Allied Employees, said Hudson Regional has surpassed CarePoint as the worst employer in Hudson County. Hudson Regional has made this decision illegally with no regard for Department of Health regulations or the WARN Act. What will happen to the patients in this community? Their employees have been left without a paycheck for two weeks of work and without future employment, union president Debbie White said in a statement Friday. The company said all employees will be paid in full as soon as feasible. Heights Hospital has about 699 employees, said Kifaieh. The larger Hudson Regional health network has already absorbed 100 full time employees affected by the hospitals downsizing and plans to absorb about 100 more, he added. Ward E Councilman James Solomon called on Murphy and the state health department to file an emergency injunction to prevent the hospital from closing. Enough of playing with peoples lives and playing with peoples health care, Solomon said in an Instagram reel posted Nov. 13. Gov. Murphy, Commissioner Brown take action. Do not wash your hands of this situation. File the restraining order now, said Solomon, whos currently in a runoff election against former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey to become the citys next mayor. Grim as the situation may be, a restraining order isnt the answer, said Ewais, a spokeswoman with state Department of Health. Given the low patient volume (soon to be zero today), staffing reductions, and the refusal of HRH to appropriately fund facility operations, a TRO would not be effective nor appropriate at this time. The State will continue its review of the newly filed closure CN and its oversight to ensure the emergency room remains functioning, Ewais said in a statement Friday afternoon. The hospital, located on Palisades Avenue, has been a fixture in the city through many seasons of change. It was originally founded in 1872 as Christ Hospital. A Jersey City News article from 1897 describes the hospital as one of the most admirable institutions in the city. But even a century ago, the hospital struggled to provide care with limited resources. The 1897 news report said: We have always understood that the hospital was cramped in its resources. It has no public aid whatever. It relies almost entirely upon the contributions of citizens, and these have hardly kept pace with the needs of a house which never closes its doors to the victims of sickness or disaster. Its unclear whats going to happen to the hospital site. Hudson Regional expressed interest last month in using part of the site for a residential housing development and using the profits to replace Heights Hospital, which has aging infrastructure. Opponents to that plan, including Solomon, allege that replacing the hospital with development was the companys plan all along. Hospital officials denied that was their plan. None of us wanted to get to this point. This is not driven by any of the allegations out there that this is related to real estate development, said Kifaieh. Either way, that plan now faces an uphill battle. On Wednesday, Jersey City officials voted to introduce an ordinance that would prevent senior housing and assisted living residences from being built in the citys medical zone. If approved, the ordinance could impede Hudson Regionals plans for future use of the property. A New Jersey man was sentenced to 17 years in prison earlier this year for slipping his hand into the shorts of a female student as she slept in her Sarasota, Florida college dorm room in 2021, records show. Jon Cannon, 34, pleaded no contest in March to burglary with an assault or battery, a first-degree felony, for the August 2021 crime at New College of Florida. A judge sentenced him the same day, and he is currently serving his time in a state prison in Floridas panhandle. Cannon served about 18 months in prison in New Jersey for fondling and groping students as they slept at Rider University and at The College of New Jersey in 2015 and 2016. One victim awoke to see him masturbating next to her bed. He was briefly paroled in early 2018, charged with stalking in Waterford, Camden County, in May of that year, and was returned to the state prison system. In the Florida crime, the victim told police she was awakened by a man at the edge of her bed whose hand was in her shorts touching her underwear. She demanded to know who he was, and the intruder said his name was Joe and he was a neighbor, court records show. The woman screamed for her roommate, pushed the man out of her room and called police. The man escaped the scene on foot, records show. Florida authorities arrested Cannon in October 2021. The colleges student-run newspaper, The Catalyst, reported in 2022 that college police investigators linked Cannon to the attack by capturing the license plate on his vehicle via a traffic camera, and obtained his DNA from a grape soda bottle a detective retrieved after seeing him drinking from it on surveillance footage. The paper said Cannon had entered the dorm by happening upon an unlocked door. Cannon is originally from Hamilton. He was living in Bradenton, Florida and working at a chain pizza store in a nearby island town when authorities arrested him for the dorm burglary. The local jail booked him with a Bordentown, New Jersey address. His attorney did not immediately return a message seeking comment. Nastos Old World Desserts will open its second location on Nov. 22 in Woodbridge. Nasto's A ice cream institution for the past 86 years in New Jersey will finally open its second location next week in a much-anticipated expansion. Nastos Ice Cream Co.s will hold a grand opening Saturday, Nov. 22 at the new store in the Cloverleaf Shopping Center at 992 St. Georges Ave. in the Avenel section of Woodbridge. The big event will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, giveaways, live music and free samples. The new shop will be open from noon to 10 p.m. on opening day and Sunday, Nov. 23. Once open, the store will operate seven days, with hours to be announced. Assorted desserts sit in a freezer ready to be purchased at Nasto's Ice Cream Co. store on Jefferson St. in Newark on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media Nastos Old World Desserts has been serving its sweet treats and ice cream at its Newark shop since 1939. Founded by Frank Sr. and Angelina Nasto, the company started as a neighborhood shop in Newarks Ironbound Section and has grown into a manufacturer of premium ice cream and frozen desserts. The exterior of Nasto's Ice Cream Co. store on Jefferson St. in Newark on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. Julian Leshay | For NJ Advance Media The Woodbridge location will serve the companys signature Italian specialties, including Spumoni, Bisque Tortoni and the original Tartufo. Other offerings include ice cream, gelato, sorbet, Italian ices, ice cream cakes, gourmet cakes, pastries and individual desserts. Gabriella Nasto told NJ Advance Media that she and her sister, Victoria, fourth generation family members in the business, are excited to be part of the Woodbridge community. The recipes trace back to Frank Nasto Sr.s hometown of Nocera, Italy. The Newark store at 236-240 Jefferson St. features a machine in the front window where customers can watch ice cream being made. The business expanded under the guidance of Frank Sr.s eldest sons, Al and Frank Jr., supported by a family foundation of nine children who contributed to its growth. Ruperto Vicens Marquez was detained by ICE agents on his way to work on Sunday, October 19. Kerri Kennedy People in Atlantic Highlands are anxiously preparing for the return of Ruperto Vicens Marquez, the beloved co-owner of Emilios Kitchen who has been held in Delaney Hall in Newark since Oct. 19 after ICE agents picked him up on his way to work. An immigration judge on Thursday ordered Vicens Marquez be released on $7,000 bond. The judges decision started a 24-hour window for the U.S. Department of Homeland Security to appeal - while the community that rallied behind the restauranteur planned a homecoming celebration in Atlantic Highlands. As of Friday evening, there had been no notice of appeal. But it appeared that Vicens Marquez would remain locked up at Delaney Hall at least until Monday. Kerri Kennedy, a borough resident who organized two rallies on behalf of Vicens Marquez, said in a Facebook post on Friday night that the ICE office is closed for the weekend. Due to bureaucratic delays, ICE offices had closed for the day before the 24-hour release period ended, and will not reopen until Monday, she said. As a result Ruperto will be forced to remain in detention over the weekend despite having every legal requirement for his release." Kennedy, a member of the American Friends Service Committee, hoped to a hold a welcome home rally for Vicens Marquez in Veterans Park in Atlantic Highlands on Saturday. But that rally has now been pushed back until Monday at 4 p.m., she said. This extention of his detention is not only disappointing but also a stark reminder of the system barriers faced by individuals who have been unjustly detained, she said in the Facebook post. Vicens Marquez, a Mexican immigrant, owns and operates Emilios Kitchen and another recently-opened restaurant in Belmar with his brother. He has a spouse and three children who depend on him, but was locked up Oct. 19 when ICE agents stopped a car carrying Vicens Marquez and at least two other men who were suspected of entering the country illegally. His attorney, Steve Lyons, maintains Vincens Marquez had work authorization, and got swept up in the ICE raid. My client was not the intended target, Lyons said Friday. Lyons said Vicens Marquez, who lives with his family in Middletown, went through the proper channels and had work authorization issued by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security through its U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. Vicens Marquez had applied for citizenship but his immigration was still a long way off when he was picked up, scheduled for May 2028, Lyons said. Lyons said the issue before the judge on Thursday was whether Vicens Marquez was a danger to the community or posed a flight risk. The judge determined that he was neither, Lyons said. Atlantic Highlands Mayor Lori Hohenleitner said word of Vicens Marquezs detention shocked the community. The restaurant, which serves 100 percent organic food, was not only a popular eating spot, but gave back with food donations at community events. Everybody goes there, the mayor said. They make great food, and they give back. They make our community better. The mayor said the sudden disappearance brought the fear of ICE home to Atlantic Highlands. On Friday, she was preparing for what should be an emotional homecoming. Were hopeful, the mayor said of Vicens Marquezs pending release. Kennedy said she was already involved in the immigrants rights movement through her work with the American Friends Service Committee, the non-profit founded 108 years ago by Quakers that is dedicated to peace and social justice. She first organized a vigil in Atlantic Highlands, then a protest at Delaney Hall on Nov. 1 that drew 100 people. On Saturday, she planned to attend the gathering at borough hall, scheduled to begin at noon. Its going to be a celebration, she said. The free event will feature artifacts from the Transatlantic Slave Trade. Canva As the nation prepares to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence next year, Veronica Jones wants Camden residents to know the history of those documents. So, the former school administrator and founder of DiasporaTEA, a business dedicated to educational programming and travel, will host a community dialogue and historical exhibit to do just that. The whole country is going to be celebrating the Declaration of Independence, Jones said. Its really important for residents to understand the stories around the creation of the Declaration of Independence, the Constitution and the Emancipation Proclamation, she added. Understanding ... What was that document? Why was it created? What role did African Americans or slavery play in the creation of that document? The free event will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Nov. 22 at La Unique African American Bookstore & Cultural Center, 111 N. 6th St., near Camden City Hall. Jones said it will feature artifacts from the Transatlantic Slave Trade, provided by the Lest We Forget Museum of Slavery in Philadelphia, and speakers, including museum staff, history educators and a representative from the New Jersey Amistad Commission, created through legislation passed over 20 years ago to infuse K-12 education in the state with Black history. Attendees will have the chance to participate in a conversation about enslavement, freedom and American democracy. Light refreshments will be served. The event, funded by a grant from the Pulitzer Center, is hosted in collaboration with La Unique African American Bookstore & Cultural Center, a Camden-based organization centered on African and Black art, literature and culture. A Maryland man has been arrested and accused of sending sexually explicit photos to a person he thought was a 13-year-old child living in New Jersey, officials said. Cristobal Slobodzian, 38, of Hyattsville, Maryland was charged with second-degree attempted sexual assault, attempted endangering the welfare of a child, and attempted obscenity, according to the Morris County Prosecutors Office. Slobodzian is accused of carrying on a conversation beginning in July with an undercover officer from the county prosecutors office who he believed was a 13-year-old girl, officials said. The suspect sent several sexually explicit photos to the undercover officer through a teen chat application, according to officials. Investigators determined the messages had been sent from a residence in Prince Georges County, Maryland, and authorities searched the residence on Wednesday, officials said. Slobodzian was arrested and is pending extradition to New Jersey, officials said. Slobodzian did not have an attorney listed in court records Friday. A month has passed since a 19-year-old Rutgers University student was critically injured in a fraternity house. Theres still no word on the extent of his injuries, but the prosecutors office confirmed Friday that he is still receiving treatment at a local hospital. The Matawan man, who was electrically shocked, was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital the night of Oct. 14. The student was first in critical condition when he was admitted to the hospital but his condition improved roughly a week and a half later around Oct. 23. A spokesperson at the New Brunswick hospital declined to comment Friday on the students condition due to privacy concerns. The Middlesex County Prosecutors Office has yet to release any information about the investigation into the brothers of the Alpha Sigma Phi fraternity. As of Nov. 12, the office said there were no updates. Rutgers University officials said last month they were cooperating fully with the investigation and have not announced any new updates on the matter. The Rutgers University student was found unresponsive by authorities at around 12:30 a.m. before he was rushed to the hospital. An emergency call was made to the police but was disconnected before a dispatcher could speak to the caller. Facing effects from years of pollution from cancer-causing chemicals, Ocean County officials are urging New Jersey to localize control over a $450 million payout from the manufacturer responsible for the contamination. In May, Gov. Phil Murphys administration secured the settlement with 3M, a maker of PFAS and PFOS, commonly known as forever chemicals, which are slow to break down in the environment and have been linked to various illnesses. At the time, state officials said the deal was the largest PFAS settlement in New Jersey history, a record broken months later, when chemical giant DuPont and its affiliates agreed to pay $2 billion for clean-up efforts. Ocean County Commissioners now argue that the Murphy administration should reconsider the terms of the 3M deal. The commissioners contend that in its current form, the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection, DEP, is given too much control over the massive payments. That, in turn, would leave municipalities most affected by PFAS waste without resources to remediate the pollution. Making local governments in control, the commissioner said, would ensure the valuable tool to treat water systems and other PFAS-cleaning initiatives are done meaningfully. We are seeing a growing PFAS plume moving through our groundwater, Ocean County Commissioner Robert S. Arace said. As more municipal wells are affected, our towns are being forced to install costly treatment systems just to protect drinking water. If the settlement funds are held solely by the DEP, our local officials are in the dark and our residents are left waiting. The governors office did not immediately respond to a request by NJ Advance Media for comment. The states settlement with 3M resolved a pair of 2019 lawsuits against the chemical maker for its role in spreading PFAS contamination. The litigation centered around the companys Chambers Work site in Pennsville and Carneys Point townships in Salem County and a site in Parlin, in Sayreville, Middlesex County. Closer to Ocean County, water systems have likely been tainted with forever chemicals because of the use of firefighting foam at Joint Base McGuire-Dix-Lakehurst. In 2019, the base was included on a list of the 100 most military facilities facing PFAS contamination. Frank Sadeghi, the commissioner boards deputy director, argued that New Jersey controlling such large swaths of money could cause it to be diluted by the state government. Ocean Countys suggestion calls for channeling the settlement funds across all of the states 21 counties based on their needs for water treatment, public health and remediation. This settlement money should go where the damage has been done, not disappear into layers of state administration, Sadeghi said. Each county faces unique environmental and infrastructure challenges. Local governments are on the front lines of addressing them every day, and those decisions should be made by the people who know their communities best. The Ukrainian film company Kalyna Film has begun production of its first Ukrainian-American historical film in partnership with a private U.S. investor a legal firm, Joe DiRienzo, the companys Head of US Development at Kalyna Film, told Interfax-Ukraine, arriving in Kyiv for the start of the active production phase. According to him, in 2025 the film company signed agreements with foreign partners regarding the production of three projects, one of which is being made at the request of the American side. In addition, the company opened an office in New York. DiRienzo explained that in Hollywood interest in Ukrainian teams is growing, as they combine productivity with a willingness to work in conditions that other markets consider extreme. "Ukraine does not have the luxury to delay and that is why it develops faster. You do what others only dare to attempt. Dont slow down let the world catch up," the Head of US Development at Kalyna Film. The Head of US Development at Kalyna Film added that in recent years the American industry has slowed project production due to complex approval procedures, high costs, and other factors, which creates a contrast with Ukraine, where these processes are happening more dynamically. "The U.S. remains tied to old working models, because they are the ones that made us rich. Ukraine, however, understands that there is no way back. You cannot pretend to live in the old world when you are forced to create a new one. And it is precisely this new path that will make you rich," emphasized DiRienzo. According to DiRienzo, in 2023-2024 Kalyna Film produced more than 25 hours of audiovisual content, with all projects financed by Ukraine and with the involvement of a small European grant. One of the companys strategies is to produce content in Ukraine with the subsequent entry into the U.S. market, the Head of US Development at Kalyna Film clarified. An Ocean County man entrusted with watching a French Bulldog fatally shot the animal, investigators said. Officers from the Berkeley Township Police Department responded to a Lyford Court home shortly after 9 p.m. on Oct. 3 after a caller told them her one-year-old French Bulldog, Ruby, had died after they dropped her off at a family members house, according to a statement from the department. Jeffrey Lentz, 56, of Berkeley Township, was watching Ruby and her owners told police they received a call that she had been injured and died from her wounds, police said. A veterinarian examined Ruby and discovered that the dog had been shot in the face after an X-ray showed a bullet lodged in her jawbone, the department said. Ruby was transported to the New Jersey Animal Health Diagnostics Lab in Trenton for a necropsy and police also launched an investigation into her death, authorities said. After a month, police determined that Lentz fired a gun at the dog and he was charged with animal cruelty and firearm charges, police said. Lentz was arrested on Nov. 3 and taken to the Ocean County Jail ahead of his first court appearance, the department said. During a Nov. 10 hearing, a superior court judge ordered Lentz to be released, according to court records. A 27-year-old woman wanted for outstanding warrants bit, spit on and kicked police officers as they arrested her at a Passaic County hotel, authorities said Thursday. The woman, a Parsippany resident, was sitting in a parked vehicle at the Quality Inn on Route 46 in Wayne shortly after 6 p.m. on Tuesday when patrol officers recognized her from a previous arrest, according to township police. They found that she had multiple active criminal warrants for her arrest, Detective Captain Dan Daly said in a statement. When the officers told her she was under arrest, she became hostile and refused to cooperate, Daly said. As they tried to remove her from the vehicle, she refused to let go of the steering wheel and kicked at the officers, according to Daly. Police pulled her from the vehicle and onto the pavement. As they attempted to handcuff her, she bit one of them on the arm, Daly said. The officers overpowered her, got the handcuffs on and moved her to a patrol car, where she spit in another officers face, Daly said. At police headquarters, the woman continued spitting wildly and screaming. She was placed in a cell and an ambulance responded to transport her to a hospital for evaluation, Daly said. The woman was released from a hospital after an evaluation and taken to the Passaic County Jail. The officer who was bitten was also taken to a medical facility and treated for the wound, Daly said. The woman was charged with two counts of third-degree aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, third-degree resisting arrest, and fourth-degree throwing bodily fluids at an officer. She was also charged with disorderly persons offenses of refusal to submit to fingerprinting, criminal mischief and obstruction, court records show. Attorney information for the woman was not available on Friday. Julie Roginsky, a Democrat, and Mike DuHaime, a Republican, are consultants who have worked on opposite teams for their entire careers yet have remained friends. Here, they discuss the weeks political events across the country with Star-Ledger editor Enrique Lavin. Q: Mikie Sherrill won by a landslide to become New Jerseys next governor. Several Republican state Assembly members lost to Democrats. Whats next for the GOP in New Jersey after this blue-wave? And will President Trump and MAGA remain a factor in the state? Julie: All politics is national now. As long as Donald Trump is president and keeps going the way he is going, Republicans are going to have a problem. Having said that, Democrats are now once again in control of everything in Trenton, so voters will expect them to deliver. Mike: State Republicans will go through a bit of a food fight to try to assign blame, not just for the loss at the top of the ticket, but having lost so many seats in the Assembly, leaving the party at its lowest point since Watergate. Some will say Jack was too close to Trump. Others will say he didnt embrace Trump enough. These are soul-searching times for the party out of power. Q: The governor-elect reached out to Republican lawmakers in both chambers last week. She told NJ Advance Medias Brent Johnson shes focused on building coalitions across party lines to advance her agenda where she can find support first. Will she succeed? Julie: New Jersey has the most powerful governor in the nation, so Gov-elect Sherrill will have a lot of leverage to get her way with both sides of the aisles. There is an opportunity for her to govern with a broad coalition, especially with the help of Republicans who understand that MAGA grandstanding is counterproductive these days. Mike: Its a smart move by Gov-Elect Sherrill. She won in large part because her brand is moderate, not far left. Working with Republicans will enhance that brand. While some Republicans will keep their distance, most will want to work with a new governor who won by so much, not only because of the authority of the office, but because she won or came close in most of their districts, demonstrating raw political power. The Epstein files Q: Republicans released thousands of pages of Epstein-related documents and emails that contradict Donald Trumps claims that he barely knew Jeffrey Epstein and had no knowledge of the underage sex trafficking happening under his nose. The president has lied about many things before. Will this one have any political repercussions? Julie: The noose is tightening around Donald Trump. It may take years but in my experience, men who mistreat women always get their just rewards eventually especially when power dynamics shift and there is less and less fear from those who want to come forward. As for the people who defend and whitewash bad behavior, they are disgracing themselves. Eventually, justice will come for them too and even if it does not, they will have to look their children in the face and defend the indefensible. Mike: MAGA world has tolerance for much, and they will believe Trump until irrefutable proof overtakes circumstantial evidence. But until that day, they will stick with him. Q: The House is set to vote on a bill this week that would compel the Department of Justice to release all Epstein files. Republicans are split, with some supporting full disclosure despite Trump making last-minute calls urging them to withdraw support. If the files are released, what scenarios could unfold? Julie: Lets temper expectations. Even if this bill makes it out of the House, it will likely die a death in the senate. If it makes it out of the senate, it will go to the White House, where Trump will veto it. The way these files will be released is when a whistleblower comes forward or when survivors speak up. Trump, like other miscreants, just assumes that no one will talk because no one has yet. No one should be basing their political careers on the fact that women are too terrified to come forward. Trust me, they arent and enough will. Mike: The political repercussions for others will fall on the coverup. Covering up for pedophiles is unforgivable. Doing so out of political fear is so cowardly. Why be in office if you will not stand up for victims. Q: How will New Jersey House Republicans Tom Kean Jr., Chris Smith and Jeff Van Drew fare in 2026 after siding with Trump on the Epstein saga? Julie: If the election were held today, Kean would likely be toast. If there is a Watergate-style Democratic landslide next year, it is possible that even Smith and Van Drew would be in trouble. Democrats broke the supermajority in Mississippi and picked up three statewide state-level offices in Georgia. No Republican should be sleeping well at night, especially when they keep suborning the worst of Trumps awful behavior. Mike: I said it last cycle and the cycle before. Tom will win. Mikie won that district by less than 2 points. And unlike Jack, Tom is hometown favorite in Union County who has won there time and time again, so he wont be swamped. And Mikie is a far stronger candidate than anyone the Democrats will put up. Tom will survive even a national bloodbath. Shutdown fallout Q: Six Democratic senators broke ranks to end the shutdown after a historic 43 days, arguing it was causing severe harm to SNAP recipients and unpaid federal workers. They settled for a promise of a December vote on ACA subsidies rather than a guaranteed extension. President Trump and most Republicans have declared victory. Some Democrats claim they won by drawing attention to Trumps cuts to health programs. Whos the real winner? Julie: No one is the real winner but there are a lot of losers to go around. Republicans, who are now saddled with having skyrocketing healthcare premiums around their necks. Democrats, who swore they would never cave until they lowered the cost of healthcare but did. More specifically, Beltway Republicans, who dont appreciate the message the electorate sent two Tuesdays ago and Beltway Democrats, who seem to ignore that there is a Tea Party brewing on the left that is going to sweep many of them out if they dont get with the program. Mike: Im glad poor people will get food. Beyond that, both parties look bad, and Democrats look worse. Q: Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, who opposed the deal, faced intense criticism for failing to keep his caucus unified. Progressives branded the vote a betrayal and are openly called for his ouster as party leader. Even Sen. Cory Booker said its time to make way for a younger generation of Democrats without naming Schumer. How will this play out? And does it create an opening for Republicans? Julie: It pains me to say this but if Democratic leaders in Washington have a unifying principle these days, it isnt progressivism or pragmatism its fear. Fear of bad headlines. Fear of Wall Street. Fear of Fox News. Fear of Donald Trump. Fear, most of all, of their own shadows. And nowhere is that timidity more calcified than in the United States Senate, where Democrats have made governing from fear into an art form. This is a long way of saying that it is time for Sen. Schumer to make way for others who can be more effective leaders. Mike: There was a time when Sen. Schumer was a very effective politician, both in New York and nationally. That time has passed. His continued leadership is a gift to Republicans. 2026 midterms Q: Van Drew said on FOX News, Its going to be a hell of a hard thing to do [win in 2026] if people are just struggling with their healthcare. Does this hint that New Jersey House Republicans might be open to joining Democrats to lower health care costs or preserve Obamacare subsidies? Julie: Van Drew is going to say the right thing and then keep voting to deprive his own constituents of access to healthcare. He pledged his undying loyalty to Trump, remember, and Trump thinks the Affordable Care Act is a scam, which he has no interest in fixing. Now, even the Republicans in Van Drews district might think twice before supporting someone who is responsible for higher prices, from the grocery store to the doctors office. Mike: Jefferson Van Drew was once a proud and loyal Democrat. And his district [the 2nd in South Jersey] includes some of the poorest municipalities and counties in the state, and are very dependent on SNAP, Medicaid, and other government benefits. Van Drew has not survived this many elections, representing both political parties at different times without being a very savvy and effective politician. He will do what it takes to survive. Q: Sherrill said she will resign from the House next week as she prepares to be sworn in as governor in January. Theres already a packed field of candidates to fill her seat, including eight Democrats and one Republican. What do you expect from this race? Julie: This is going to be a very quick primary election, so having built-in name recognition and a lot of money matters. Mike: Its a smart move to resign and focus on the transition, which is a full-time job. I am waiting to see who the Democratic party big dogs get behind. Q: Rep. Bonnie Watson Coleman announced shes retiring after a three-decade career in public office, including 10 years in D.C. The race for her seat could get crowded as well. What will you watch for there? Julie: Bonnie Watson Coleman is the best. She is just a great person and a fighter for New Jersey. Much like in the Sherrill district, voters will be looking for someone who will be effective in taking it to Trump and standing up for progressive values. Mike: Nee Jersey losing two women from our Congressional delegation is not great for our state, and it sets up a tenuous moment for Democratic leaders to see if they back up their talk on opportunity for women. As for Rep. Watson Coleman, she was also the Democratic state party chair for a time when Chris Christie was governor. She was a smart and formidable foe who earned our respect due to her tenacity and love for New Jersey. Q: Theres chatter about incumbent U.S. senators on both sides being vulnerable in 2026, especially if theyre seen as defending the status quo. Who are you watching in those races? Julie: I dont know about incumbent senators but I think an interesting race to watch is the Democratic primary up in Maine. You have a politically inexperienced oysterman beating the incumbent Democratic governor in polling because she is the choice of the establishment both at home and in Washington. The same applies in Michigan, where Rep. Hailey Stevens is backed by the establishment but facing a stiff contest from two much more plain-spoken challengers, including the wonderful Mallory McMorrow. If I were running for office today, I would stow the focus-grouped talking points and just speak from the heart. Unfortunately for many of these candidates, you cannot fake authenticity. Mike: Republicans are going to hold onto the United States Senate. The map is so favorable for the GOP. There are very few competitive races in states held by Republican senators right now. It would have to be a landslide of epic proportion for Democrats to pick up four seats. Election denialism Q: What do you make of Trump pardoning Rudy Giuliani and 76 others accused of trying to overturn the 2020 election? They werent charged federally. Julie: Trumps clemency order was not about the past (although rewriting history is one of his favorite pastimes). It is entirely about sending a message to his base, and to the rest of us, about the future. And that message is deeply disturbing. Trumps decision should be read less like mercy and more like an operational playbook for future election theft: by publicly absolving key architects of the 2020 fake electors scheme, he is sending a clear signal to his movement that lawbreaking to seize or retain power will be rewarded. The pardons, though they have little legal effect, telegraph that attempts to manufacture or submit bogus certification paperwork and to pressure election officials are acceptable tools in the partisan arsenal. Mike: Personally, I love Rudy and appreciate the amazing job he did as mayor and the indispensable role he played uniting our country after September 11. Knowing him personally, I saw the brilliance and tenacity that made him so successful up close. Thats why I was so sad to see him fall under the spell of Trump on election denialism. The election in 2020 was not stolen. Too many Republicans now baselessly claim voter fraud when they lose an election. To the extent that these pardons continue the false narrative that our elections are not safe and secure, its terrible. We cant only accept election results when our side wins. Political consultants Julie Roginsky and Mike DuHaime Photo by Stephanie Cowan Editors note: Can Americans still have a sensible and friendly political discussion across the partisan divide? The answer is yes, and we prove it every week with this Friendly Fire conversation. White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt speaks with reporters in the James Brady Press Briefing Room at the White House, Tuesday, Sept. 9, 2025, in Washington. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) AP White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt is facing an outcry after making disparaging remarks about Sen. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) and Palestinians. During an interview Thursday with Fox News Jesse Watters, Leavitt said President Donald Trump and the GOP shellacked Schumer to end the 43-day government shutdown. Schumer, the Senate Minority Leader, has come under fire after seven Democrats and one independent sided with Republicans to sign a government funding bill earlier this week. "And now you see how far they are moving to the left, Leavitt said of Democrats. Now theyre running Chucky Schumer out of town. Its too bad he turned into a Palestinian, he did it for nothing. And the Democrat party is truly becoming a full-blown communist party." Leavitts remarks echoed previous comments that Trump and Vice President JD Vance made using Palestinian as a slur to attack Schumer, the highest-ranking Jewish elected official in American history. Schumer is a Palestinian, as far as Im concerned, Trump said in March. Hes become a Palestinian. He used to be Jewish. Hes not Jewish anymore. Vance last month called Schumer one of the most famous Palestinians in the world and claimed he was not supportive enough of Israel in its war against Hamas. Earlier this year, Nihad Awad, the national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, said Trumps use of the term Palestinian as a racial slur is offensive and beneath the dignity of his office, according to The Guardian. Leavitts recent remarks about Schumer have been met with similar backlash. This is the kind of stuff that appeals to racist Neanderthals, which is why it comes out of the Trump admin so often to get aired on Fox, said Ron Filipkowski, editor-in-chief of progressive news site MeidasTouch.com. Majid Padellan, a left-wing activist, said Leavitts behavior was embarrassing, disgraceful. Karoline Leavitt isnt even pretending to be a Press Secretary anymore, Padellan said in a post on X. Or a Christian. Or a serious person. ... Stop normalizing it. Shes not messaging, shes parroting Trumps laziest insults, said Brian Allen, a left-wing writer and podcast host. Schumer had not commented on Leavitts remarks as of Friday afternoon. The Senate Minority leader has forcefully condemned Hamas, which killed around 1,200 people and took 251 hostages in a terrorist attack in southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. In July, he voted for a bill to approve over $675 million in arms sales to Israel. Schumer has also called Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu an obstacle to peace who no longer fits the needs of Israel." However, he has rejected claims that the humanitarian crisis in Gaza is a genocide, as a United Nations commission report declared in September. To date, more than 67,000 Palestinians and 2,000 Israelis have been killed in the conflict. President Donald Trump waves after speaking to the media upon his arrival at Joint Base Andrews, Md., Sunday, Nov. 9, 2025, after returning from his Mar-a-Lago estate in Palm Beach, Fla. and en route to an NFL football game between the Washington Commanders and the Detroit Lions. (AP Photo/Luis M. Alvarez) AP President Donald Trump may be pushing more young women to want to leave the United States permanently, a new poll suggested. The new Gallup poll, released Thursday, found for the second year in a row that about 1 in 5 Americans would like to move permanently to another country. TThe figure is largely driven by an increasing share of young women who said they would like to permanently move out of the U.S. The poll showed that 40% of women aged 15 to 44 said they would move to another country if given the opportunity, which is about 10 times the share of women who said the same in 2014. This is similar to the 44% who said the same in 2024, according to Gallup. The poll also showed a stark difference with men in the same age group. Just 19% of men said they would move abroad permanently if given the opportunity. Gallup noted that the desire to move abroad is partially fueled by political attitudes. For example, the poll showed there was a 25-point gap between those who approve and disapprove of Trumps presidency. Twenty-nine percent of those disapprove of Trump said they would like to move to another country, while 4% of those who approve of Trump said the same. Gallup noted that the "desire to permanently leave the U.S. was not always such a politicized issue." Between 2008 and 2016, migration aspirations were similar regardless of views toward the countrys leadership. After Trumps election, 2017 marked the first time this gap exceeded 10 points. During Trumps first term, the difference in migration aspirations between those approving and disapproving of national leadership averaged 14 points. Under Biden, the gap narrowed to eight points, before climbing to 25 points in 2025, the first year of Trumps second term in office" Gallups analysis stated. The Gallup poll was conducted among 1,000 Americans aged 15 and older between June 14 and July 16. It has a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4.4 percentage points. The poll comes as Trump has struggled with his overall approval numbers. A new AP-NORC Center for Public Affairs Research poll showed Trump with a 36% approval rating and a 62% disapproval rating. The poll also suggested Republicans are souring on the president, with 32% of Republicans disapproving of the way Trump is managing the government, up from 19% in March. A judge declined Thursday to throw out the criminal case against U.S. Rep. LaMonica McIver, the New Jersey Democrat who was charged with assaulting federal agents during a chaotic visit last spring to an immigration detention center in New Jersey. McIvers lawyers had argued that the prosecution was selective and vindictive, and that the congresswoman hadnt assaulted anyone during her May 9 trip to Delaney Hall detention center in Newark. They also said McIver, D-10th Dist., was performing legislative duties protected by the Constitution when she showed up to inspect the detention center, and was thus immune from prosecution. U.S. District Judge Jamel Semper wrote that McIver failed to show the prosecution was vindictive and that her actions were wholly disconnected from the oversight she was conducting as a member of Congress. McIvers attorney, Paul Fishman, said in an emailed statement that he believed the courts decision was wrong. The case is a high-profile clash between President Donald Trumps second administration and a Democratic lawmaker who has been sharply critical of the presidents policies. McIver has pleaded not guilty and vowed to continue her work as a lawmaker. It is clear this administration is treating Congresswoman McIvers actions differently than the actions of those who are on their side, Fishman said. The judge didnt reach a decision yet on another of one of the congresswomans motions to toss the charges. The acting U.S. attorney in New Jersey, Alina Habba, brought the case. Her tenure overseeing federal prosecutors in New Jersey is separately being challenged in court, with appellate judges having heard arguments in that case and a decision pending. McIver was indicted in June on three counts of assaulting, resisting, impeding and interfering with federal officials. Two of the counts carry a maximum sentence of up to eight years in prison. The third is a misdemeanor with a maximum punishment of one year in prison. Delaney Hall, a 1,000-bed facility, was the site of raucous protests last spring. McIver was among several elected officials, including Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, who attempted to visit the facility in May. As they tried to gain access, Baraka, a Democrat, was arrested by federal agents. McIver was among several people jostling in the crowd of people around Baraka as it happened. Prosecutors claim McIver slammed her forearm into an agent and placed her arms around the mayor to try to stop his arrest. It is not clear from police body camera video if the contact with the agent was intentional or the result of jostling in the chaotic scene. The judges opinion on Wednesday cites video footage and says McIver pushed and was pushed during the incident. A trespassing charge against the mayor was later dropped. Members of Congress are legally authorized to go into federal immigration facilities as part of their oversight powers, even without notice. Congress passed a 2019 appropriations bill spelling out that authority. McIver first came to Congress in September in a special election after the death of Rep. Donald Payne Jr. left a vacancy in the 10th District. She was then elected to a full term in November. Voters came out in huge numbers for the race between Republican Jack Ciattarelli and Democrat Mikie Sherrill. NJ Advance Media More voters came out for New Jerseys 2025 general election than any other governors race in the past 27 years. About 54% of registered voters cast a ballot in the 2025 election, unofficial voting data shows. Thats the highest turnout for the past seven gubernatorial races, and the second-highest for a non-presidential year since 1998. Democrat Mikie Sherrill beat Republican Jack Ciattarelli, earning more than 56% of the vote in the election to succeed outgoing Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy. More than 3.15 million people voted, the voting data shows. That is lower than the 4.3 million who voted in the presidential election last year, but much higher than the number who voted in the 2021 governors race. This years election was expected to be a particularly close race, with last-minute polls showing Ciattarelli and Sherrill within striking distance of each other. However, Sherrill won by a wider-than-expected margin. Political experts considered the election to be an early referendum on President Donald Trumps second term in office. This year was also the first gubernatorial race since New Jersey introduced early voting in 2023. The highest turnout in a non-presidential year was 2018, when 55% of voters cast ballots. That year, which was the first midterm after Trump was elected, saw unusually high turnout for a midterm election. Turnout this year was 14 percentage points higher than in 2021, when just 40% of voters cast a ballot. Voter turnout tends to be highest in presidential years, and lowest in years with no federal or statewide offices on the ballot. The best turnout since 1998 happened during the presidential elections of 2004 and 2008, when concerns about the wars in the Middle East and the economy sent voters to the polls. In those years, 73% of voters cast a ballot. The lowest year for turnout was in 2015, when just 22% of registered voters cast ballots. Only state Legislature and local races were up for a vote that year. Cant see the chart? Click here. Democrat Mikie Sherrill beat Republican Jack Ciattarelli in the race for New Jersey governor by linking him to Donald Trump. Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images and NJ Advance Media file photos Tom Martello writes a regular column about the 2025 race for New Jersey governor. A prominent Jersey Republican once told me how impossible it was cutting his political teeth just after Watergate, Richard Nixons career-ending scandal. He said voter anger was so far-reaching, it cost him victory in a simple school board election in a rural Republican town. More than half a century later, Donald Trump took a sledgehammer to the Republican Party on Election Day, killing any chance Jack Ciattarelli had to be Jersey governor and paving the way for Democrat Mikie Sherrill to win by a whopping 13-plus points. The we just cant stomach Trump feeling didnt stop there, either. When all is said and done, Democrats in the state Assembly will have their biggest majority since you guessed it right after Watergate. As we close the book on a long, muddy and bitterly contested election year, heres the point that cant be overstated: This was a Jersey governors race with a result that had virtually nothing to do with Jersey issues. In my four decades covering Trenton, I can think of no corollary. Exit polls show while voters worried about their pocketbooks, most said a key reason for choosing a candidate for governor was, for better or worse, Donald Trump. But now that those voters have made their statement to the nation, where does that leave New Jersey and its politics? To borrow a line from The Talking Heads: Same as it ever was. Jersey hasnt changed Property taxes are still the highest in the nation. Your utility bills havent gone down. The New Jersey budget is still facing a crisis because the party still in charge in Trenton kept spending more than the state took in over the past few years. And the Democratic Partys very public split between progressives and moderates did not disappear. Indeed, that split played out this week on the national stage with angry talk (including from Sherrill) about the Democratic defections on the government shutdown. In New Jersey, the moderate Sherrill was able to pull together progressives and people of color who say her party has taken them for granted by focusing on their common enemy. These were her sharpest critics during the primary, and they are already reminding her they helped her win last week. Black clergy, for example, met this week to discuss their post-election strategy for the Black Church. They plan to present their list of priorities to Sherrill after she takes office. We are our own hot mess on the Democrat side because theyll be saying we were the ones who carried you to victory, and will want things, one leading Democrat told me. The progressives, theyre never satisfied. But if the pendulum swings too far, do you alienate moderate voters? And if it doesnt swing far enough, do we lose that sector of the electorate next time? Matt Hale, political science professor at Seton Hall University and a Democratic councilman in Highland Park, said Sherrill will have a challenge satisfying different factions of her party, but added that issues that were the subtext of the campaign, affordability issues, energy prices, those hit everybody (including progressives). At the end of the day, you know, you might get elected because everybody hates Trump, but you wont get reelected if you dont get stuff done for Jersey, he said. Sherrill, who is now building her new administration and making that transition from campaigning to governing, told NJ Advance Medias Brent Johnson shes not concerned about the divisions in her party. All Democrats want to protect the middle class and working people, she said, and the differences werent about where we needed to go. They just in some cases were about how we need to get there. Democratic angst, Republican panic Of course, any Democratic angst (they always have that, dont they?) is tiny compared to what Jersey Republicans are going through. In Trenton, theyre still fighting for scraps as they learn aligning with MAGA is a losing formula here. And the GOP is filled with panic across the nation over whether Trump will cost them control of Congress in next years midterms (and that was before this weeks Epstein files drama). Hale said a conversation he had with a voter he cant remember if it was a conservative Democrat or a Republican hit home with him. This person was literally torn between Ciattarelli and Sherrill, he said. And for this person, the decision was, If we dont have a democracy in five or 10 years, I want to make sure that for my kids, that I didnt vote for someone that might have enabled it. The kicker: The voter honestly thought Jack Ciattarelli had more ideas and may be a better governor. But at the at the end of the day I dont want anybody to help Donald Trump. So the soul-searching for Republicans commences. But if theres any lesson to be drawn here, its perhaps that in our modern political era, when the national conversation drowns out anything and everything happening locally, winners can never get too comfortable. And both sides have reason to be wary going forward. After all, it was just a year ago when Trump regained the White House and came within six points of taking true-blue Jersey. The Democrats felt at least as bad as Republicans feel right now, noted Republican State Sen. Declan OScanlon told me. As the Republicans chief budget officer, OScanlon said Sherrill will inherit a mess from Gov. Phil Murphy and the very same Democrats she will have to deal with in the Legislature. Tough budget decisions can always take the luster off a new governors rookie year and make it difficult to deliver promises to interest groups. So using the age-old adage a year is a lifetime in politics is he predicting a Republican rebound and massive Sherrill backlash in 2026? Er, not exactly. You know, does the economy and the uncertainty people are feeling in the economy, does that begin to turn around? If that happens, then the Democrats who feel so confident today may have a rude awakening this time next year, OScanlon said. But in terms of what happened this year, its a warning sign (for our party). As a government shutdown looms, a NPR/PBS News/Marist poll released Tuesday found who Americans would blame if it were to come to fruition. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) President Donald Trump is calling for a federal probe to investigate alleged ties between Jeffrey Epstein and former President Bill Clinton, ex-Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, banking giant JP Morgan Chase and others. In a series of Truth Social posts made Friday morning, Trump said that Democrats are using the Epstein Hoax to deflect from their disastrous SHUTDOWN, and all of their other failures. The president directed Attorney General Pam Bondi, the Justice Department and the FBI to launch an investigation. This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats, Trump said. Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his Island. Stay tuned!!! On Friday afternoon, Bondi announced that the U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York, Jay Clayton, would lead the investigation. Thank you, Mr. President. As with all matters, the Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people, Bondi said in a post on X. The new probe comes after the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday released previously sealed emails from Epsteins estate. The disgraced financier made several references to Trump in his correspondences with long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year sentence for sex trafficking, and author Michael Wolff, among others. In those emails, Epstein claimed that Trump knew about the girls and had spent hours at his house with Virginia Giuffre, a victim who provided key information leading to Maxwells conviction. Giuffre, who died by suicide in April, never implicated Trump in any wrongdoing. In another email to Kathy Ruemmler, former White House counsel to President Barack Obama, Epstein said he knows how dirty donald is. The newly released emails contained no evidence that Trump had knowledge of or involvement in Epsteins crimes. The president has not been implicated in any of the offenses committed by Epstein, who was charged with sex-trafficking girls as young as 14 prior to his death by suicide. In addition to Trump, Epsteins emails included exchanges about Clinton, and direct communications with Summers and Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, who was recently stripped of his royal titles. Clinton has denied having any knowledge of Epsteins criminal activities. Ask Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers about Epstein, they know all about [Epstein], dont waste your time with Trump, Trump said on Truth Social. I have a Country to run! Trump has repeatedly said he was not aware of or engaged in Epsteins crimes. And he has railed against a pending House vote that would compel the Justice Department to unseal and release files related to the Epstein case, calling Republicans who support the discharge petition soft and foolish. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced the chamber will hold a floor vote on the bipartisan bill next week. The Democrats are doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again, despite the DOJ releasing 50,000 pages of documents, in order to deflect from all of their bad policies and losses, Trump said Friday on Truth Social. Rep. Eric Swalwell (D-Calif.) is firing back over reports that he has been referred to the Justice Department for a potential federal criminal probe. Bill Pulte, the head of the Federal Housing Finance Agency, sent a letter to Attorney General Pam Bondi on Wednesday over allegations of mortgage fraud tied to a Washington, D.C., home, NBC News first reported Thursday. Several outlets have since confirmed the possible investigation, which would make Swalwell the fourth Democratic official to be accused of mortgage fraud in recent months. During an appearance on MSNBCs The Weeknight, Swalwell late Thursday said he has yet to hear from the Justice Department, but called the allegations false. He also slammed similar claims against Sen. Adam Schiff (D-Calif.), New York Attorney General Letitia James (D) and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. A spoiler alert for you there will be allegations next week against somebody that will be false, Swalwell said. He continued: But this is really about Donald Trump going after his political enemies. And no one has been a more vocal critic than me. Swalwell, who said he has one of the only surviving lawsuits against Trump, noted that he doesnt wake up every day to fight the president. I fight for Californians. He just happens to get in the way, Swalwell said. The California Democrat went on to predict that Democrats will win the majority during the 2026 midterm elections, adding they will then have subpoena power, and accountability will happen. So Bill Pulte and any other lawless official who is carrying out these political prosecutions on behalf of Donald Trump, they should familiarize themselves with the Judiciary Committee room, because theyre going to be spending a lot of time there answering questions, Swalwell said. And I sure hope everything they did was above board. Swalwell had also posted a statement earlier on X denouncing the allegations. As Mark Twain said, Patriotism is supporting your country all the time, and your government when it deserves it, Swalwell said, before adding: Mr. President, do better. Be better. According to an anonymous source who spoke to NBC News, the referral alleges millions of dollars worth of loans and refinancing connected to Swalwell declaring his primary residence in the nations capital. The report comes as Trump has publicly urged Bondi to prosecute his perceived political opponents. Swalwell told CNN in September that he fully expects to be prosecuted by the Trump administration. Im ready for it, Swalwell said. ...But Im not going to flinch. Im not hiding under the bed. Im not going to shrink because thats the aim. Thats why they do this, is they hope that dissent and oversight goes away. In Kyiv, rescuers found the body of the sixth victim of the Russian attack that took place on Friday night. "The death toll from the night attack has increased rescuers have discovered the body of the sixth victim," wrote Tymur Tkachenko, head of the capital's military administration. "The number of injured has risen to 35. Rescuers and medics continue to work on the ground," he wrote. Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko provided more details: "The body of another victim was found in a damaged building in Desniansky district. According to current information, six residents of Kyiv's Desniansky district have died." Yes, the crow situation seems better Seems about the same to me There still seem to be a lot of crows and crow messes Vote View Results Schools in Lviv, Chortkiv to be modernized to NZEB standard with support from Norway NEFCO Photo: https://www.facebook.com/NefcoNordic The Nordic Environment Finance Corporation (NEFCO, Nefco) has signed two grant agreements totaling EUR 8.2 million for the modernization of educational institutions in Lviv and Chortkiv to the NZEB standard (buildings with nearly zero energy consumption), the NEFCO press service told Interfax-Ukraine. The agreements were signed under NEFCOs Green Recovery Programme for Ukraine on Thursday, 13 November, at the ReBuild Ukraine conference in Warsaw, Poland. In Lviv, the Oriana Lyceum will be restored after damage sustained in December 2023 due to a missile strike, using modern energy-efficient technologies and renewable energy sources. The total budget is approximately EUR 5.6 million, of which EUR 5 million will be provided as a grant from Norad, and EUR 600,000 will be co-financed by the Lviv City Council. In Chortkiv, the Bilivska Secondary School will undergo significant reconstruction, including the installation of geothermal heating and a solar power plant, creating a safer and more sustainable learning environment. The project budget is estimated at EUR 4.5 million, of which EUR 3.2 million will be provided as a grant from Norad. In addition, the Chortkiv City Council will allocate EUR 1.3 million. According to Chortkiv Mayor Volodymyr Shmatko, the implementation of the project using the grant at Bilivska School will take place in 2026-2027. These projects, carried out with the support of Norad, are part of a broader program that envisages the reconstruction and modernization of three educational institutions through the implementation and demonstration of nearly zero-energy building standards (NZEB) in Ukraine. Norad is an administrative and specialized development and cooperation agency that supports the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Climate and Environment in achieving Norways development policy goals and promoting sustainable development. Police and Crime Commissioner Alison Hernandez has reacted to the governments plans to abolish PCC roles, saying she is shocked by the decision and is working out what it will mean for residents and staff in Devon, Cornwall, and the Isles of Scilly. In her statement, Ms Hernandez reassured the public that her office will continue its work over the next two and a half years, holding the police to account. She highlighted achievements during her tenure, including a record number of police officers, 3,610, the reopening of multiple police stations, and what she described as the forces strong financial stability. READ NEXT: Exciting new seafront hotel in Torquay gets closer to opening Ms Hernandez also questioned the projected 100 million savings announced by the Home Office. She said much of her offices work, including victim services, complaints appeals, and elements of the police misconduct process, must remain independent of policing and will continue to incur costs regardless of where oversight sits. Speaking in the Commons today, Sarah Jones, Minister of State for Crime, Policing and Fire in the UKs Labour government, confirmed that most of the projected savings would come from avoiding the cost of holding PCC elections every four years. Torbay Weekly understands this suggests that much of the bureaucracy associated with the role is likely to remain. Ms Hernandez confirmed her office will continue to oversee the recruitment of the next Chief Constable, and that her positive working relationship with current Chief Constable James Vaughan will continue until the end of his contract in January 2027. PCCs were introduced in 2012 under the Conservative government to give the public a direct say in policing. The government says the move to abolish PCCs is expected to save 100 million over the course of this parliament. Oversight of local police forces will transfer to either elected mayors or council leaders following the end of commissioners terms in 2028. FirstGroup, which operates the long-distance train company Lumo, has applied for a new open-access service linking Torbay with London. If approved, the weekday service could increase from three direct trains to eight. Lumo launched in October 2021 and currently runs between London and Edinburgh. The service has carried around two and a half million passengers and is considering extensions to Glasgow. According to FirstGroup, the proposed service would provide five return journeys each day between Paignton and London Paddington, almost tripling the current direct services. READ NEXT: Devon and Cornwall PCC 'shocked' as government scraps police commissioner role It is understood that the first Lumo train from Torbay will arrive in the capital at 10.19am on a weekday. ABOVE: Map of the proposed route. Credit: Lumo The company says the new route would offer the Torbay area a robust, regular direct service to London and improve regional links to Bath Spa and Bristol Temple Meads. The proposed route would call at Torquay, Torre, Newton Abbot, Teignmouth, Exeter St Davids, Taunton, Bristol Temple Meads and Bath Spa. The application has been submitted to the ORR, with a consultation period and discussions with Network Rail to follow. Services could potentially begin in 2028. Last night, SBU Alpha special forces, together with the Main Intelligence Agency (GUR) of the Ministry of Defense of Ukraine, the Special Operations Forces of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the State Border Guard Service, the coastal missile and artillery troops of the Navy, and other components of the Ukrainian Defense Forces, conducted a special operation to destroy the oil terminal of the Novorossiysk seaport (Krasnodar Krai, Russia). "This port is Russias second-largest oil export hub and a key logistics hub for petroleum product exports via the Black Sea. The attack damaged oil loading platforms at the berths, pipeline infrastructure, and pumping units. A major fire continues at the oil terminal," a well-informed source in the SBU told Interfax-Ukraine. Also in Novorossiysk, a hit on S-300/400 anti-aircraft missile system positions at military unit 1537 was confirmed. A powerful detonation was recorded after the hit. "The SBU, together with the Security and Defense Forces, continues to reduce petrodollar revenues to the Russian budget. Every damaged refinery or oil terminal means millions of dollars lost to the Kremlins war machine. We will continue to deprive the aggressor of resources until it loses the ability to wage this war," the source noted. Exeter MP Steve Race has met scientists from the University of Exeter who are developing new technology to remove carbon from the ocean and tackle pharmaceutical pollution in UK waterways. The meeting took place in Westminster during Evidence Week, an annual event where MPs hear directly from researchers about emerging science and how evidence is used to inform policy. Two Exeter research teams demonstrated work that could have major environmental applications: one designing systems to extract and store carbon from seawater, and another developing new methods to prevent medicines and chemical residues from entering rivers and coastal ecosystems. READ NEXT: New St Petrock's film shines light on homelessness in Exeter Steve said it was important for MPs to stay informed as they make decisions affecting national climate and environmental policy: MPs face decisions on a huge range of topics every week, and its vital we have accurate evidence to rely on, he said. Exeter is a world leader in climate and environmental science, so it was good to see our local researchers showcasing their work in Parliament. He also received new data on how hands-on science education in schools influences young peoples chances of entering STEM careers, an issue particularly relevant as the South West continues to push for stronger skills pipelines in green industries. Evidence Week, now in its eighth year, brings together MPs, researchers and public groups to scrutinise how scientific evidence shapes legislation. This years programme included briefings on climate, cost of living, childrens wellbeing, and AI, as well as training for parliamentary staff on how to interpret data and research. Tracey Brown, director of the charity Sense about Science, which organises the event, said politicians do not need to be scientists but need to be ready to evaluate evidence critically at a time of rapid technological change and widespread misinformation. Exeter researchers continue to play a national role in climate science, with university teams contributing to work on net-zero planning, ocean health and environmental resilience. Two brothers who run the North Devon franchise of an innovative surfacing business have received the Young Guns Award at the British Franchise Awards for 2025. Scott and Cameron Stevenson were singled out for their rapid business growth and entrepreneurial since taking on the eco-friendly Oltco North Devon franchise in 2022. The business offers resin-bound resurfacing solutions, combining recycled plastic with stone to create high-performance surfaces for driveways, patios, pathways and flooring. Using the Oltco product Recycle Bound, the pair have helped recycle the equivalent of 47 million plastic straws through installations across Devon. Their commitment to green innovation and five-star service has propelled Oltco Devon towards a projected 1million turnover in 2025-26, firmly establishing them among the leaders in the regions sustainable construction sector. The British Franchise Awards, sponsored by HSBC UK, celebrate the UKs brightest rising stars in business and are known as the Oscars of franchising. Scott and Cam Stevenson brought the North Devon Oltco franchise in 2022 with no prior knowledge of the surfacing sector - Scott transitioned from a career in the Royal Navy and offshore renewables. He said: Were incredibly proud to win the Young Guns Award. Its a huge moment for us and for Oltco. Weve worked hard to build a business that reflects Oltcos values of innovation, sustainability and quality and winning this award is a massive moment for our family and our team. Every driveway, patio or pathway we lay is a chance to make our community that little bit greener, and thats something were really proud of. READ NEXT: Oltco North Devon helps recycle the equivalent of 200 million plastic straws Cam added: Running a business with my brother has been a brilliant journey. Weve faced every challenge together and shared every success. Devon has backed us from day one and this award feels like a win for everyone whos supported us, from our customers to our team. Were proud to show whats possible when local people work together with purpose. Being part of the Oltco network has given us the platform to grow something truly meaningful and to be recognised by the British Franchise Association is an honour. Above: Scott Stevenson and Oltco director John Pearce celebrate at the British Franchise Awards. Pip Wilkins QFP, CEO of the BFA, said: Our huge congratulations to Scott and Cam. It is businesses like this that are leading the way in British franchising; making it the hugely successful sector that it is. They are shining examples of successful, ethical franchising in the UK and we look forward to seeing them achieve even more in 2026. John Pearce, director at Oltco, added his own congratulations: Oltcos franchise model empowers ambitious people to build profitable, purpose-driven businesses. Scott and Camerons achievement at the British Franchise Awards is a shining example of whats possible when hard work meets innovation. Photo: https://mepr.gov.ua Ukraines Energy Minister Svitlana Hrynchuk, who is a defendant in the Midas Operation being investigated by the National Anti-corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU), has denied that her work at the Ministry of Energy was influenced by outsiders. "No one had any influence on my decision-making as Minister of Energy," she said at a meeting of the Verkhovna Radas energy committee on Friday, where the Ukrainian Prime Ministers motion for her dismissal and Hrynchuks own corresponding statement are being considered. She also denied that she had an interview with another defendant, Ihor Myroniuk, before being appointed as the head of the Ministry of Energy. "I had an interview with the Prime Minister only before being appointed. No one ever conducted such interviews with me. Whether I know Myroniuk or not is irrelevant," Hrynchuk said. "The president, the state leadership, and my colleagues in the government knew me from my work, so there were no questions about me when the prime minister proposed me for the position. I am not familiar with most of the people involved in the recordings, and those I do know had no influence on my work. If law enforcement agencies decide that I made this or that decision under the influence of some person, I am ready to answer for it. But no claims have been made against me. I hope there will be none. I did my job honestly and within the law," the energy minister said. According to her, she was not searched as part of the investigation, and she did not visit the office of the organization where the people involved in the case gathered. To shape public opinion about corporate legal cases, communicators need to be prepared from the filing forward, according to a new study from H/Advisors Abernathy. When Lawsuits Make Headlines says that media interest in a case is the strongest at the initial legal filing, giving plaintiffs a leg up when it comes to publicity. Those initial filings were responsible for a third of media coverage for the 785 cases examined in the study, far outpacing the coverage generated by responses to complaints, settlements or rulings. In addition, more than three-quarters (77 percent) of articles centering on corporate litigation quote the legal filings in their coverage. Because of that, the study encourages communications pros to take an active role in making sure that filings are media ready. On-the-record media statements are an underutilized resource, the study says, with only 35 percent of plaintiffs and 45 percent of defendants getting those statements quoted in coverage. Gaining media coverage can also depend on where a case is tried. While 16.4 percent of the cases in the study were tried at the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, only 12 percent of the media attention went to those cases. More than twice as much coverage (26 percent) went to cases tried in the Northern District of California, even though only 12.9 percent of cases were tried there. The District of Columbia had a lower volume of cases (4.3 percent), but those cases accounted for 9 percent of media coverage. Not surprisingly, tech cases draw more media attention than those in any other sector. While financial services companies filed the most casesas both a plaintiff (73) and a defendant (183)tech companies were the subject of the most articles. The study also stresses that comms pros need to be especially well prepared when they are representing defendants. Article headlines are far more likely to name just the defendant (42 percent) than just the plaintiff (7 percent). However, almost half (46 percent) name both parties. Our proprietary research identified how corporate litigation matters are often framed by the media, said H/Advisory Abernathy CEO Tom Johnson. Companies must be thoughtful about how they frame their filings in particular, most importantly from a legal perspective, but also with an eye toward making sure their position is properly and strongly articulated in the court of public opinion. When Lawsuits Make Headlines looked at articles across Bloomberg, the New York Times and the Wall Street Journal. Sinn Fein has expelled a party member in the Midlands after her partner was arrested as part of across border investigation into a planned terrorist attack by a far right extremist group. Sinn Feins National Chairperson Declan Kearney today confirmed that the partner of a female member of the party in Laois had been arrested as part of the investigation into last weeks arrest in Portlaoise of two alleged far right extremists. Mr. Kearney said: We will not allow our party to be exposed to any far right elements. The far right have targeted our party for several years now with death threats, pickets on members homes and offices and more recently violent actions. We have worked carefully with the Gardai, who have been active and vigilant in the face of these threats. Mr. Kearney said: Last weeks arrest of two individuals alleged to be far right extremists has caused huge concern across the country. It was the speedy action of Gardai which prevented potentially devastating events occurring. The party was informed on Friday night that the home of a female party member and her partner had been raided and he has since been arrested. The female party member was expelled from the party on Saturday evening as she failed to notify the party that her home was raided or inform the party about the associated seriousness of this situation. We will not allow our party to be exposed to any far right elements. The far right have targeted our party for several years now with death threats, pickets on members homes and offices and more recently violent actions. Sinn Fein will not be intimidated. We have worked carefully with the Gardai, who have been active and vigilant in the face of these threats. As this is a live and serious Garda investigation we cannot say anymore at this time. Crime may not pay, but from November 28 until December 1, it will certainly sell as the Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) will be holding an exclusive online auction of the luxury goods they seized under the Proceeds of Crime Act. Thanks to the auction, Longford shoppers and bargain hunters will be able to pick up a variety of items from brands such as Louboutin, Canada Goose, Gucci, Burberry, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, Valentino, Bvlgari, and Chanel. Managed by Wilsons Auctions on behalf of CAB, the online auction will take place from Friday 28th November to Monday 1st December, and will feature goods such as handbags, sunglasses, watches, footwear, clothing, and accessories. This auction will be of particular interest to watch-lovers and collectors, as over 20 timepieces are to the forefront of this event. Some of the watches listed are also of the rare variety, so much so that they feature on various waitlists. These include two Rolex Submariners, a Rolex GMT-Master II, a Rolex Day-Date, an Audemars Piguet Royal Oak, and a Cartier Balloon Bleu. Designer accessories include sought after items such as a Louis Vuitton LV belt, a Louis Vuitton backpack, a Chanel wallet on chain and a Gucci GG Supreme belt. A Hugo Boss tracksuit also features in the line up. The auction, which is open to the public, will only be taking place online, and anyone interested in bidding will have to first register their details on wilsonsauctions.com. Registered bidders will then have the weekend to place their bids items before the auction closes at 1pm on Monday, December 1. Interested bidders can view the full auction catalogue and all information by visiting wilsonsauctions.com A bail hearing was told Gardai believed a terror attack was imminent prior to the arrest of a man in Portlaoise last week. Karolis Peckauskas (38) of An Tobar, 37 Newfoundwell Road, Drogheda, Co Louth, faces one charge of possession of an explosive substance, to wit four threaded pipe end caps and six litres of hydrogen peroxide at OMoore Place, Portlaoise on Tuesday, November 4, 2025. He applied for bail at a sitting of Portlaoise District Court where Detective Garda Joseph Fahy objected on behalf of the State. Det Fahy said the defendant was stopped and searched in an 08D registered car at OMoore Place on November 4. He said the defendant owned the car and items including hydrogen peroxide, pipe end caps and plumbers putty were found in his car. Det Fahy said a manifesto and a video were discovered during the search which indicated knowledge of Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs) and suggested involvement of a right wing violent extremist group and the planning of a terrorist attack on behalf of a right wing group. He said the video indicated an intention to carry out a violent action and he was concerned the defendant wouldnt answer bail as he had family in Lithuania. He said gardai believe the defendant is a member of a right wing violent extremist group and are objecting to bail due to the seriousness of the allegations. Niall Storan BL said there was a sole charge before the court in relation to his client. He said his client had lived in Ireland since 2006 and his father has been here for 30 years. Mr Storan said the man has a brother and niece in Ireland and is engaged to a Latvian woman who has lived in Ireland for 20 years. Det Fahy said hydrogen peroxide is known to be used in the production of IEDs. Mr Storan said "hydrogen peroxide could be used for any number of things. Det Fahy said a manifesto document outlining an intention to attack a mosque was also found in the car. We believed that there was an attack imminent in relation to that mosque, said Det Fahy. Garda Sergeant JJ Kirby said we would have a serious, serious, objection to bail and he said there was a video available to the court. Mr Storan strongly objected to the inclusion of the video and said the recording hadnt been disclosed to him and he didnt see the relevance of it. Sgt Kirby said I think it is one of the essential ingredients of the States case. I would urge you to look at it but in the interest of the security of the State, I would say that it should be in camera. Mr Storan said the case related to items found in a car and whether they were for use to make pipe bombs. He said his client, who was aided by an interpreter and had members of his family in court, was in a position to provide an independent surety of 20,000, if given time. Mr Storan said there was no evidence that his client would commit serious offences if granted bail. He pointed out that there was no charge in relation to conspiracy to commit any offences. Sgt Kirby said the evidence is very strong and it suggests there is documents planning a terrorist attack on behalf of a right wing extremist group. He said the investigation is at an early stage and there may be further charges. Judge Cody said he wanted to look at the video with counsel for the accused. The court was then cleared and the video was played. When court resumed, Judge Cody said the video showed a group of four men and two men read a typed and prepared statement. He said he believed the evidence of Garda Fahy who believed one of those persons in that video was the accused. Judge Cody said the men in the video were joking and laughing in the video and it was clear that it was practice for a statement and not an actual statement to be issued. The video was addressed to all citizens North and South of Ireland and stated that they were speaking honestly and directly recognising that everyone in the country had enough of poor treatment particularly children, women and the elderly who had been left homeless starving and under threat due to the number of migrants brought to the country by the government. They identified themselves as the IDA or the Irish Defence Army, said Judge Cody. He explained that the group said they were taking responsibility for the destruction of the first Mosque in Ireland which was based in Galway. They say that this will not be their last attack and that their approach will be an eye for an eye, he said. They then say they intend to target IPAS centres, Mosques and hotels housing migrants. Judge Cody said he was accepting Garda Fahys evidence and that he was satisfied to refuse bail. He remanded the defendant in custody to appear again via video link before Portlaoise District Court on December 11. Germany pledges another EUR 150 mln for PURL initiative to purchase American weapons for Ukraine - Pistorius Photo: Kay Nietfeld / dpa German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius has announced another contribution from Berlin to finance a package of American weapons purchases for Ukraine under the NATO-US Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL) initiative. "This fall, Germany has already taken on the financing of a large PURL package worth 500 million euros, and now there is another piece of news. Yesterday we agreed to participate in another package here at short notice," he said at a press conference after the Group of Five meeting in Berlin on Friday. Pistorius said he had spoken to NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte yesterday about additional funding. "We have agreed to participate in another package worth at least 150 million euros," the minister said. EU High Representative Kaja Kallas is also taking part in the meeting in Berlin. Ukrainian Defense Minister Denys Shmyhal joined the meeting via video link. The "Big Five" format was created a year ago at the initiative of Germany and France. It is characterized, first of all, by its European focus - in particular, support for Ukraine and European security. ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "Either this nation shall kill racism, or racism shall kill this nation." (S. Jonas, August 2018) ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "How do you spell ICE in German? GESTAPO." ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, they came for the socialists, and I did not speak out because I was not a socialist. Then they came for the trade unionists, and I did not speak out because I was not a trade unionist. Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out because I was not a Jew. Then they came for me and there was no one left to speak for me. Pastor Martin Niemoller (c. 1946) ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- First, on the End of the Shutdown, which, as is (very) well-known, was facilitated in the Senate by seven moderate Democrats and one Independent, who were roundly criticized by many on the Left (and some in the Center too), primarily because the resolution to do so did not include funds to subsidize premiums for the Affordable Care Act, which will rise astronomically. As I said in a comment on a Substack column: As for the end of the Shutdown, about which so many Democrats/anti-Trumpers have been highly critical, while being a long-time member of that group (who in print was characterizing Trump as a fascist in early 2016), I am not among that number. Yes, the ACA (which affects 6% of the population) did not get the increases it needs. BUT, for example, SNAP was fully funded, certain fired Federal employees will have to be hired back, Fed. workers will get back pay, the ATCS will be fully back in time for the Thanksgiving holidays, AND, historically likely the most important outcome of ending the shutdown, Speaker Johnson was forced to call back the House, Rep. Grijalva was sworn in in the House, the needed 218 votes for the Release-the-Files resolution were provided. For me, in historical terms, this is the most important outcome of ending the shutdown, because of its potential effect on the TrumpRepubloFascist Administration. For look (as just about every possibly-interested party is) at what has happened to what is generally being referred to as "Trump-Epstein." The passage of the resolution in the House, plus the coincident release of a vast trove of Trump-Epstein emails under the leadership of Rep. Ro Khanna in cooperation with the Epstein survivors organization, has created a firestorm of problems for Trump and his in-government allies. It is worth a reminder that the Deputy Attorney General was a Trump defense attorney [the one who lost the New York election interference case]) and that, among other things, yesterday [Nov. 13], Trump was silent for the whole day, something that has not happened for a VERY long time. It remains to be seen just how Trump, his DOJ, his Congressional allies, and his dwindling numbers of supporters in the general population (see his dropping poll numbers), are going to deal with this situation. First up in the "Release the Files" saga is the Senate vote on the House resolution to force the Justice Department to release the files (apparently a huge trove of them) which it has. As noted, Trump is trying hard to get the Senate to use the filibuster rule against any vote on the resolution, but for a variety of reasons, that tactic apparently is not going to work. And it seems as if a slowly increasing number of Republican Senators, like an increasing number of their colleagues in the House, are in any case going to vote against Trump's interest on this one, either on principle or because they see th way the wind is blowing. Trump is indeed going nuts, right now, if only because he knows a lot more than the rest of us (yet) about what is in The Files. As noted, apparently, among Republican Senators up for re-election next year (and there might even one or two who would stand on principle on this one --- hey, you never know) he is not going to be able to engineer rejection of the Release-the-Files resolution. If it does pass the Senate, of course he could veto it, which would tell anybody who would agree to listen everything they would want to know. BUT, the "Epstein emails" are flooding the zone anyway. The Kraken have been released (at least some of them). Obviously (and it is obvious to MANY observers), if there were not a significant amount of Trump-incriminating evidence of, shall we say, participation in one way or another in the Epstein/Maxwell horror-show, he wouldn't still be fighting so hard to prevent the Files release. But supposing they do come out, but in a Trump-edited version (that, apparently, the FBI has already created with a good deal of very creative editing). What would be needed in that case is a full, unredacted, certifiable, copy of them sitting somewhere, just waiting for the moment after Trump is unable to fully stop their formal release. One useful summary of the depth of the Epstein-sex-crimes horror that Trump is: Donald Trump spent hours with a sex trafficking victim that Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell recruited from his Mar-a-Lago club and abused for years. Moments after explosive new emails suggested the president may have known more about Epstein's conduct than he has previously acknowledged, pro-release MAGA Republicans identified the victim at the heart of the documents as the late Virginia Giuffre, Epstein's most high-profile survivor. In one email to Maxwell, which was dated April 2, 2011, Epstein refers to Trump as the dog that hasn't barked and reveals that a certain victim whose name was redacted in the files "spent hours at my house with him." (By the way, the "dog that didn't bark" is a reference to a Sherlock Holmes short murder mystery in which the killer was eventually identified because when the murders [of a horse and its trainer] were committed, in a stables, around mid-night, the stables dog was there. As it happened, he/she didn't bark --- because he/she knew the person who had just entered the stables, and it could only have been a particular person. Case closed [at least for Sir Arthur Conan Doyle].) On a different subject which is being mentioned, that is what the Russian President Vladimir Putin "has on Trump," and speculation on how he might use that information at the most critical time in either Trump Presidency. Among other items, the list includes: the details the Deutsche Bank affair; the details (of course) of Russian interference in the 2016 election (from the U.S. side, see the Mueller Report); Putin's interpreter's notes from the famous 2018 Helsinki meeting (Trump had his interpreters notes destroyed); and Roger Stone and the DNC tapes, supplied to him by Julian Assange (who got them from where?), which Stone then conveniently dropped a couple of hours after the Access Hollywood tape was released. Of course, this intense drama and Trump's increasingly desperate attempts to prevent the release of the unredacted version of The Files makes one wonder what's in his tax returns and medical records that he has also fought for years to avoid having released to the public. In conclusion, of course the history of this --- the most sordid, the most illegal, the most Unconstitutional --- series of events in U.S. history, make the Nixon-from-49-state-winner-to-the-only-President-ever-to-resign-the-office saga --- look mild by comparison. (Article changed on Nov 14, 2025 at 12:10 PM EST) (Article changed on Nov 14, 2025 at 12:27 PM EST) On this 769th day of the ongoing genocide/holocaust in Gaza, the situation remains dire. Since Trump touted a ceasefire dubbed a peace deal, Israeli occupation forces killed 900 Palestinians. The genocide and ethnic cleansing continue. Over the past 30 days, the Israeli regime intensified its systematic campaign of territorial control and Palestinian erasure across the occupied West Bank conducting 1,503 invasions in Palestinian communities and kidnapping 691 Palestinians. Palestinians taken face being beaten, starved, and systematically raped - see Electronic Intifadas reporting, and Two Palestinian Elders Taken Used as Human Shields, Then Murdered by the IDF. And just a short video from Randa in Gaza showing the levels of destruction, and from a friend Dr. Hassan in Gaza, and we had our first rain today, a blessing for the land but a huge problem for 2 million people in tents. See pictures here and read this By Kathy Kelly. We attend conferences of people interested in improving the world regularly. Just this week, I attended The Ramallah Congress on the Decolonization of Palestine (took nearly 3 hours to get to Birzeit University from Bethlehem because of the occupation/apartheid), an online conference on reconstruction in Gaza with representatives from over 15 countries, and the Kairos Palestine Conference. Sometimes we do not attend but lobby delegates as we are doing at the climate change conference ongoing in Belem, Brazil. I also give one talk and one radio/TV interview on average every day to visiting delegations at our institute (palestinenature.org) or online. Here are examples: My testimony to the Palestine Tribunal on Canadian Responsibility; Cafe Palestine: The normalization of genocide and ecocide Saturday 15 November from 4pm 6pm (UK time). At this Cafe Palestine we reflect on a world that sponsors genocide, and indulges a cynical disregard for the ecological disasters that have been unleashed on Gaza and which threaten further mass death, particularly in the global South. Speakers: Prof Mazin Qumsiyeh and Prof Paul Hoggett; International Conference 18-19 November on Palestinian Archaeology and Cultural Heritage. New Israeli Documentary (2025) sheds light on how Israeli intelligence bombed a synagogue in Baghdad 1951 (one of many false flag operations to scare Jews to join their colonial project). And here is on the attempted bombing of western targets (this one failed) as flase flag called the Lavon Affair. Jewish Journalist EXPOSES Israels DARK SECRET History. The Trillion Dollar War Machine: How Runaway Military Spending Drives America into Foreign Wars and Bankrupts us at Home. America spends nearly a trillion dollars a year on its military. This extraordinary spending not only detracts from our ability to address pressing social problems but compels us into foreign wars to justify our vast arsenal. Sold to us in the name of security, our military industrial complex actually makes us far less safe. How The CIA & Mossad Set Up Sudan for Genocide and for profit since the 1990s. Abby Martin, founder of Empire Files, on Gaza and Zionism , at her very best! After a 2 minute introduction in Arabic (with English subtitles) the interview proceeds in English. Chris Hedges: America Is a Banana Republic. Israel's Zombie Economy (Part 2): The Counterrevolution of the Israeli Arms Industry w/Shir Hever. Wonderful project Better World Info and in particular guide to the atrocities in Gaza - with over 25,000 links. Stay Humane, act, and keep hope and Palestine alive Mazin Qumsiyeh A bedouin in cyberspace, a villager at home Professor, Founder, and (volunteer) Director Palestine Museum of Natural History Palestine Institute of Biodiversity and Sustainability Bethlehem University Occupied Palestine facebook pages Personal Institute French They were careless people, Tom and Daisy they smashed up things and creatures and then retreat back into their money or their vast carelessness or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made F. Scott Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby That's nothing, said an employee at my favorite neighborhood grocery store. I had come in and noticed the grocery cart area near the entrance almost empty, and I looked around and saw why. Standing near the employee, I commented on the store, crowded with young mothers and their children. There was a woman who came up to the counter with four grocery carts, the employee said. She had young children. Hungry children, no doubt. In a predominately white neighborhood, I've always felt comfortable here. Apparently, white, black, latino/a, Muslim, Asian, Indian. It's the country. It's the world. All of us feel welcome. But the president of this country wants more hungry children in order to achieve-- the impossible! Democrat Governor Tony Evers, Wisconsin, released the funds to send out to SNAP recipients. Just as Social Security is an entitlement, so is SNAP. In the last couple of weeks, families with children and seniors have had to rely on food panties and the neighborliness of neighbors to keep the shelves filed. Immediately after Evers released the funds and recipients headed for local grocery store, the Dear Leader began demanding that Evers return the funds! This after two judges ordered the Leader to issue SNAP funds children are going without food! --he refused. The US Supreme Court followed the judges and stayed the order. Still, the Dear Leader demanded that Evers put the money, from an entitlement program, mind you, be put back! For whom? Children in the US are without food! Pursuant to and consistent with an active court order, Wisconsin legally loaded benefits to cards, ensuring nearly 700,000 Wisconsinites, including nearly 270,000 kids, had access to basic food and groceries. Evers told the press when asked if he heard the Dear Leader's demand to return the SNAP benefits. He had and his answer was no, said Evers. Not everyone is so cruel and callous as the Dear Leader who can host a second Gatsby party, lavishing guests such as the Trump-like Javier Milei, president of Argentina, and Viktor Orb n, president of Hungary. The display of wasteful excess that one of my favorite writers described in The Great Gatsby was intended to be a critique of the cruel and callous wealthy class. F. Scott Fitzgerald was denouncing such a display as criminal. But for the criminal Dear Leader, its quite possible that he met to send a mess about just how cruel and callous he and his regime could be. Maybe this is the message: There is more to come! Just as the capitalism demands that little if anything is ever given away to the little people, the Dear Leader and his ilk have been claiming that elections and everything else, like SNAP and Medicaid, have taken money that belongs to the wealthy class. In the meantime, the Dear Leader of this free world of wealth, will host more Gatsby parties. He will build a 300-million-dollar ballroom as he has hand installed gold marble bathrooms in the White House for the benefit and behinds of wealthy. The people who matter! The little people, in turn, are thieves! It never should've come to this, Evers said. Last month more at least 7 million Americans protested across the US, saying no, NO KING in America! Its should have come to this! ** Recognize that within the Constitution is the potential for tyranny, writes professor of history, Andrew Hartman. The US, founded on a compromise with slaveholders, incorporated into this and the Declaration of Independence ideas about freedom and democracy when, in fact, enslaved blacks and indigenous had no such things as freedom, which meant that the US was a democracy for the wealthy. The document writers barely noted the economically poor or working class whites unless needed to patrol or hunt down runaways or Indigenous people. As Fitzgerald noted in the 1920s the wasteful and callousness of the wealthy class in New York in his day, the Roaring Twenties, another writer, journalist at the time, also noted the atmosphere for the economically poor and working class in the US. Not only were the masses slaves of the bourgeois class, of the bourgeois State, Marx insisted, They are daily and hourly enslaved by the machine, by the overlooker, and above all, by the individual bourgeois manufacturer. I can imagine how Marx would have looked at that era of American growth and considered the contradiction in what the Constitution claimed and in the actual presence of enslaved blacks and then in the dreadful state of the free blacks. Who better than the former enslaved black to see through the working state in the US and equate it, too, to days of existing on plantations? Who better than the black America to see how freedom had not come to them. That they were, in fact, less of value than the cotton and tobacco they were asked to return and pick for barely a living wage. Hartman recognizes in the modern era enslaved Americans and of all races. If you can't leave a demeaning and an exhausting job or one with long hours because you'd like to keep a roof over your head and some food in the refrigerate and cabinets, or you need to pay insurance premiums, you must have thought about those at the top of the company, living and eating well, and receiving ever bigger bonuses, year after year. We are enslaved! Slavery has another name! And we are enslaved to what? Marx called for the abolition of slavery and a focus on class struggle. The history of all hitherto existing society is the history of class struggle. If you take your eyes off the history of white supremacy in the US, youll encounter what the black soldier Isaac Woodard did in 1946. Or what Ruby Bridges experienced in 1960. Ask any black mother trying to feed children on SNAP benefits, if its just a matter of class without race. White supremacy is ingrained in the American foundation, in its psyche! It came over in ships sailed by immigrants from England who, not long after, went on a rampage, slashing and burning homes of the native population, and killing the people as if these people hadn't a long-standing civilization. It was there in 1619 when the first hunters captured Africans to enslave in the New World. It's still with us when the Dear Leader opens to door to South Afrikaners rather than desperate Haitians or Mexicans, trying to escape the legacy of an ideology that proclaims value for resources and materials and not the black and latino/a populations. Its there, dripping in hatred and fear, when Michael Brown's 18-year-old body is allowed to remain on the ground for four hours after he was shot by police officer Darren Wilson. Its there when the Dear Leader repeatedly, and I believe, deliberately, informs his supporters that its black and brown immigrants who receive SNAP benefits, In fact, its whites who are the largest racial group receiving these benefits. According to The Root, 35% of SNAP recipients are white. But that doesn't stop the Leader from continuing the lies to justify the cruelty on display as resources shift from the economically poor and working class to the wealthy class. White supremacy was maintained at certain employment sites! Laws and signs might not be in place today, but the Dear Leader is determined to fire as many blacks from high-profile positions, whether or not he has the authority to do so. He is all about his class, but he hates black people! It's a matter of the owners versus the owned, writes Hartman. I get that. But as a black woman, I see black America still fighting for equal rights and the backlash heralded the Dear Leader to the highest office in the country. Democracy is in need of our attention. We can't continue repeating that we have a democracy when, in fact, what has happened with the SNAP benefits alone indicates a problem. Why is there a SNAP program now? Why isn't democracy assuring that all eat as well as the Dear Leader and friends? Or at least, eat healthy? Why is it necessary for Americans to worry about Medicaid and Obamacare or their individual insurance companies raising their premiums? Why don't we have Single Payer? The Dear Leader is destroying the peoples house while the people are struggling to pay rent. Oh, yes, black people will steal black and latino/a immigrants will jump over fences and barriers We have to protect Americans! Who are those Americans? The Dear Leader and the white Christian nationalists say its white Americans only! As Hartman notes, there is in the US an insatiable demand for unpaid labor that persist and should tell Americans that something needs to be changed. And soon. This maybe the point of departure, writes Hartman, for the working class now from those who see only profits, value things, cant abide by the lived experiences of the economically poor and working class Americans. Its not enough to just repeat this phrase. The economically poor and working class must unite in the awareness of the history of the enslaved and working and economically poor classes in the US. And only then can this collective begin to shake off the chokehold of capitalism. We know better. SNAP shouldn't be. No SNAP, no hungry children! But we the people can never be free until we are free from capitalism. Author: Krishna Kumar Date: Mon Aug 25 08:40:04 2025 +0530 net: Prevent RPS table overwrite of active flows [ Upstream commit 97bcc5b6f45425ac56fb04b0893cdaa607ec7e45 ] This patch fixes an issue where two different flows on the same RXq produce the same hash resulting in continuous flow overwrites. Flow #1: A packet for Flow #1 comes in, kernel calls the steering function. The driver gives back a filter id. The kernel saves this filter id in the selected slot. Later, the driver's service task checks if any filters have expired and then installs the rule for Flow #1. Flow #2: A packet for Flow #2 comes in. It goes through the same steps. But this time, the chosen slot is being used by Flow #1. The driver gives a new filter id and the kernel saves it in the same slot. When the driver's service task runs, it runs through all the flows, checks if Flow #1 should be expired, the kernel returns True as the slot has a different filter id, and then the driver installs the rule for Flow #2. Flow #1: Another packet for Flow #1 comes in. The same thing repeats. The slot is overwritten with a new filter id for Flow #1. This causes a repeated cycle of flow programming for missed packets, wasting CPU cycles while not improving performance. This problem happens at higher rates when the RPS table is small, but tests show it still happens even with 12,000 connections and an RPS size of 16K per queue (global table size = 144x16K = 64K). This patch prevents overwriting an rps_dev_flow entry if it is active. The intention is that it is better to do aRFS for the first flow instead of hurting all flows on the same hash. Without this, two (or more) flows on one RX queue with the same hash can keep overwriting each other. This causes the driver to reprogram the flow repeatedly. Changes: 1. Add a new 'hash' field to struct rps_dev_flow. 2. Add rps_flow_is_active(): a helper function to check if a flow is active or not, extracted from rps_may_expire_flow(). It is further simplified as per reviewer feedback. 3. In set_rps_cpu(): - Avoid overwriting by programming a new filter if: - The slot is not in use, or - The slot is in use but the flow is not active, or - The slot has an active flow with the same hash, but target CPU differs. - Save the hash in the rps_dev_flow entry. 4. rps_may_expire_flow(): Use earlier extracted rps_flow_is_active(). Testing & results: - Driver: ice (E810 NIC), Kernel: net-next - #CPUs = #RXq = 144 (1:1) - Number of flows: 12K - Eight RPS settings from 256 to 32768. Though RPS=256 is not ideal, it is still sufficient to cover 12K flows (256*144 rx-queues = 64K global table slots) - Global Table Size = 144 * RPS (effectively equal to 256 * RPS) - Each RPS test duration = 8 mins (org code) + 8 mins (new code). - Metrics captured on client Legend for following tables: Steer-C: #times ndo_rx_flow_steer() was Called by set_rps_cpu() Steer-L: #times ice_arfs_flow_steer() Looped over aRFS entries Add: #times driver actually programmed aRFS (ice_arfs_build_entry()) Del: #times driver deleted the flow (ice_arfs_del_flow_rules()) Units: K = 1,000 times, M = 1 million times |-------|---------|------| Org Code |---------|---------| | RPS | Latency | CPU | Add | Del | Steer-C | Steer-L | |-------|---------|------|--------|--------|---------|---------| | 256 | 227.0 | 93.2 | 1.6M | 1.6M | 121.7M | 267.6M | | 512 | 225.9 | 94.1 | 11.5M | 11.2M | 65.7M | 199.6M | | 1024 | 223.5 | 95.6 | 16.5M | 16.5M | 27.1M | 187.3M | | 2048 | 222.2 | 96.3 | 10.5M | 10.5M | 12.5M | 115.2M | | 4096 | 223.9 | 94.1 | 5.5M | 5.5M | 7.2M | 65.9M | | 8192 | 224.7 | 92.5 | 2.7M | 2.7M | 3.0M | 29.9M | | 16384 | 223.5 | 92.5 | 1.3M | 1.3M | 1.4M | 13.9M | | 32768 | 219.6 | 93.2 | 838.1K | 838.1K | 965.1K | 8.9M | |-------|---------|------| New Code |---------|---------| | 256 | 201.5 | 99.1 | 13.4K | 5.0K | 13.7K | 75.2K | | 512 | 202.5 | 98.2 | 11.2K | 5.9K | 11.2K | 55.5K | | 1024 | 207.3 | 93.9 | 11.5K | 9.7K | 11.5K | 59.6K | | 2048 | 207.5 | 96.7 | 11.8K | 11.1K | 15.5K | 79.3K | | 4096 | 206.9 | 96.6 | 11.8K | 11.7K | 11.8K | 63.2K | | 8192 | 205.8 | 96.7 | 11.9K | 11.8K | 11.9K | 63.9K | | 16384 | 200.9 | 98.2 | 11.9K | 11.9K | 11.9K | 64.2K | | 32768 | 202.5 | 98.0 | 11.9K | 11.9K | 11.9K | 64.2K | |-------|---------|------|--------|--------|---------|---------| Some observations: 1. Overall Latency improved: (1790.19-1634.94)/1790.19*100 = 8.67% 2. Overall CPU increased: (777.32-751.49)/751.45*100 = 3.44% 3. Flow Management (add/delete) remained almost constant at ~11K compared to values in millions. Signed-off-by: Krishna Kumar Link: https://patch.msgid.link/20250825031005.3674864-2-krikku@gmail.com Signed-off-by: Jakub Kicinski Signed-off-by: Sasha Levin - Through the partnership with renewable energy provider NEFIN, the goal is to bring energy savings down by approximately 50% with the newly installed solar The federal government on Friday filed a notice of its intent to appeal U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immerguts permanent injunction barring the deployment of National Guard troops from any state to Oregon. Oregons attorneys said the expanded federal appeals court panel convened to consider the U.S. Justice Departments challenge to a temporary order in the Guard deployment case should instead hear the appeal of Immerguts permanent injunction. On Nov. 7, Immergut found that Trump had exceeded his authority, in deploying National Guard to Portland against the governors wishes, concluding there was no threat of rebellion against U.S. government authority in Portland and officers have not been thwarted from executing federal law amid nightly protests outside Portlands U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building. On Oct. 28, an 11-judge panel of the 9th Circuit had agreed to hear the Justice Departments appeal of Immerguts narrower temporary restraining order issued Oct. 4 that barred only the federal deployment of Oregon National Guard troops to Portland for 14 days. That came after a vote of the majority of active 9th Circuit judges threw out an earlier split ruling by a three-judge circuit panel that sided with the Trump administration. Oregon Assistant Attorney General Stacy M. Chaffin argued in a brief submitted Friday to the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals that since the larger panel of 11 judges, known as an en banc panel, was formed on the temporary order, it may decide all matters in the case including, at the en banc courts option, future appeals in the same case. Chaffins brief came in response to the Justice Departments motion to dismiss its appeal of Immerguts Oct. 4 temporary restraining order. The federal Justice Department has argued the temporary order is now moot. The state is opposed to the dismissal, noting that Immergut also is still considering whether to hold the federal government in contempt of that order for allowing nine Oregon National Guard troops to remain at Portlands ICE facility for about seven hours after her order was issued. Chaffin also sought clarification from the 9th Circuit on how long its temporary hold maintaining the federalization of 200 Oregon National Guard troops but not their deployment will last, in light of Immerguts latest injunction. She said those troops remain inaccessible for service to the state of Oregon and away from their families. Appeal process may take some time, experts say The appeals process could be lengthy, according to legal experts. Typically, a briefing period would take at least 150 days, and potentially longer if any side seeks more time. Once briefing is completed, oral argument would be scheduled, typically 45 to 90 days later, and a three-judge panel of the appeals court would later issue a ruling. Yet the federal government could ask the 9th Circuit to expedite the appeal, and a briefing schedule could be accelerated, said Jeff Feldman, a law professor and co-director of the Ninth Circuit Appellate Advocacy Clinic at the University of Washington School of Law. The success of a motion to expedite would depend on how strong a case the government could make that the normal schedule would result in a significant hardship or prejudice, he said. How long it would take the 9th Circuit to issue a decision on an appeal is anyones guess. The court sometimes issues a very quick decision, and sometimes takes months or longer depending on work load, the perceived urgency of the case and whether there are concurring or dissenting opinions that have to be drafted, Feldman said. Meanwhile, an Illinois case before the U.S. Supreme Court could directly impact Oregons legal challenge. The Supreme Court is not anticipated to issue a ruling on whether to put an emergency hold on an Illinois federal judges temporary restraining order that prevents the deployment of National Guard to Chicago until it receives additional briefs by Monday. Its hard to predict the impact of the Illinois case without knowing which issue(s) the court focuses on and how it decides to resolve them, Feldman said. Theres enough common ground between the cases that it is likely that, at a minimum, the decision in the Illinois case will provide guidance to the Ninth Circuit in how to review and assess the claims in the Oregon case. Lewis & Clark Law School Professor Tung Yin agreed. If the U.S. Supreme Court issues a minimal ruling limited to the facts in Chicago and/or limited to the legal standards about putting holds on a temporary restraining order, then it might not have much effect on this case, Yin said. But if the Supreme Court decides how to interpret the language of the federal statute that Trump invoked to federalize Guard troops in both Chicago and Portland, then that ruling would be binding here, Yin said. The Supreme Court in the Illinois case asked attorneys to file additional briefs on how the court should interpret the phrase regular forces in Title 10, Sec. 12406, which allows the president to deploy National Guard members when hes unable with the regular forces to execute the laws of the United States. Lawyers have disagreed over whether regular forces refers to civilian law enforcement such as Federal Protective Service or U.S. Customs and Border Protection officers or active-duty military officers. Yet since Immergut found ICE was still able to enforce federal law in Portland, one could infer that active duty military, nor National Guard, would be needed, Yin said. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers last Saturday were randomly running the license plates of vehicles traveling around them in Beaverton, federal records show. AP Federal immigration officers randomly ran license plates of cars in the Beaverton area last Saturday for names and birthdates of registered owners that they then plugged into a Department of Homeland Security database to check if anyone was in the United States unlawfully. That tactic led to the stop of a 24-year-old man driving a red Chevrolet Camaro on Southwest Tualatin Highway around 8:25 a.m., according to court records. A federal judge this week found the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers detention of the asylum seeker was unlawful not based on the randomness of the stop but his status and ordered the Tacoma Immigration Court to hold a bond hearing for him by Friday or release him. The ICE officers stop of the car based on their scouring of license plates to access state vehicle registration data is just the kind of enforcement that Oregons two U.S. senators and other lawmakers this week announced that they were trying to curb. Theyve urged Democrat-led states to block the sharing of their state Driver & Motor Vehicle information with federal Homeland Security officers. Oregon is among the states working to do just that. The senators letter urged states to ensure the data cant get into the hands of ICE and other federal immigration enforcement agencies that are now acting as Trumps shock troops. This commonsense step will improve public safety and guard against Trump officials using your states data for unjustified, politicized actions, while still allowing continued collaboration on serious crimes, the letter said. ICE ran plates of vehicles traveling around them An assistant U.S. attorney and an ICE deportation officer described the process that led to Saturdays stop of the 24-year-old Aloha resident, who was only identified as JYLC in court records. They said federal officers doing immigration enforcement in the Beaverton area were randomly running the license plates of vehicles traveling around them and then put the names and dates of birth of registered owners of those vehicles through Homeland Security systems to determine if the registered owner was in the U.S. unlawfully and potentially subject to enforcement action. The ICE officers who ran the Camaros plate found that the address on the owners vehicle registration did not exactly match the last address the vehicle owner had reported to ICE officials in February 2022, according to court filings. The different addresses were on the same avenue in Aloha, but 449 feet away from one another, according to an ICE officers sworn declaration. The federal officers then hand-generated in the field what they called an administrative arrest warrant and stopped the Camaro, according to the officer. The officers also learned JYLC was driving without a license but did not issue a criminal citation. JYLC is a citizen of Guatemala who lives with his 13-month-old son, his partner and extended family. He was pulled over and handed the ICE officer his Oregon identity card. He came to the U.S. at age 16 as an unaccompanied minor, fleeing gang violence in his country, according to his lawyer Nicholas Costa. As a teen, JYLC was transferred to the Office of Refugee Resettlement but then ultimately released on his own recognizance to live with his mothers partner and then with his mother, with conditions to report to ICE officials periodically. He applied for asylum in 2019 and his next immigration court date was set for mid-December, Costa said. The 24-year-old admitted he had moved in November 2023 and may not have provided the new address to ICE officials. Costa said JYLC has complied with all prior ICE reporting obligations and his alleged failure to file a separate change-of-address form was, at most, a technical oversight, not a willful act of evasion. He said his client relocated within the same neighborhood, continued to live with his family and remained fully accessible to ICE. ICE deportation officer David Bagirov, who has been employed with the agency since February after working four years for U.S. Customs and Border Protection, said he took the 24-year-old into custody and revoked his 2019 release on recognizance because he had failed to obtain written permission in advance from ICE officers before changing his address. JYLC was handcuffed and told incorrectly that he had a deportation order and was transferred to the Northwest ICE Processing Center in Tacoma later that day, his lawyer said. Costa was on a trip in New York City when he learned of his clients arrest and scrambled to file a petition remotely to challenge his detention in federal court in Oregon at 4:58 p.m. on Saturday, just nine minutes before his client was moved across the border into Washington state at 5:07 p.m. An Oregon federal judge would no longer have jurisdiction to preside over the case once the 24-year-old was whisked out of state. Assistant U.S. Attorney Sarah E. Feldman and Bagirov defended the mans detention, arguing that JYLCs failure to update his address meant hes a flight risk and cited a section of federal code that allows expedited removal of people who arrive in the U.S. unlawfully. Judge calls federal governments argument dubious But this week, U.S. District Judge Amy Baggio found the mans detention by ICE violated the law. She issued a written ruling based on court briefs without holding a hearing. The part of immigration law that the Justice Department and ICE officer relied on for expedited removal is reserved for people just arriving in the United States, and does not govern those already present in the United States, such as JYLC, who has been in the country since 2017 and has a pending application for asylum since 2019, Baggio wrote. This Court previously rejected this dubious assertion, by the federal government in a prior ruling this year thats consistent with the holdings of dozens of district courts across the country, Baggio wrote. The judge then listed at least 33 other court cases around the nation that came to the same conclusion. Alternately, the federal government cited a different immigration law, contending that JYLC was detained because he violated the conditions of his prior release by ICE by failing to update his address and driving without a license. But Baggio said under that statute, the 24-year-old is entitled to a bond hearing before an immigration judge and the federal government had failed to provide one since his arrest. It appears that Respondents agree that Petitioner is entitled to request a bond hearing, although Respondents make no commitment to provide one, Baggio wrote. Not convinced the Tacoma Immigration Court will grant JYLC a bond hearing that he is legally due, Baggio ordered the Tacoma Immigration Court to provide JYLC a bond hearing by Friday. If not, she ordered ICE to release him from custody. Baggio ordered the bond hearing because she said she was not sure one would be offered to JYLC otherwise, pointing to another federal judges ruling earlier this year in Washington state that found the Tacoma Immigration Court has adopted a policy of denying bond hearings for people accused of violating the Immigration and Nationality Act. Late Thursday, JYLCs lawyer was notified that a bond hearing is scheduled for his client at 11:30 a.m. Friday in Tacoma. Motorist stopped says he was afraid of returning to Guatemala Costa derided the ICE stop as completely arbitrary. The stop was fundamentally random and untargeted and ICE lacks a legitimate basis for his detention, Costa wrote to the court. They werent worried about this guy. They were just randomly trying to nab people, he added. Costa also argued that ICEs administrative warrant generated in the field before the vehicle stop suggested it was used as a pretext for the stop, not as a response to any documented violation by his client. JYLC, in his own statement to the court, said hes afraid of losing his construction job as hes the financial provider for his partner and their toddler. I cannot sleep. I have never been in prison or jail before, he said. Hes afraid of being sent back to Guatemala because he was attacked and stabbed by gang members, and his grandfather and uncle were both killed by the gang, his declaration said. The federal Justice Department lawyer and ICE officials complained that the judge required them to respond to Costas petition, filed Saturday, within 24 hours during the weekend, according to Baggio. Baggio said she issued the quick deadline, in part because of the federal government s assertions made in multiple similar immigration cases that they possess an unqualified right to arrest and detain (under federal law) all persons present without legal status, despite dozens of district courts finding such arrests and detention unlawful. Oregon state police reviewing processes on data sharing Drivers license data is shared between state, local, and federal police forces through a nonprofit organization called Nlets. ICE and Homeland Security Investigation officers also have access to the system, and combined, the two agencies have accounted for nearly 900,000 queries to the database in the last federal fiscal year that ended Oct. 1, according to a letter signed by Oregons two U.S. senators and 38 other members of Congress. Few state government officials understand how their state is sharing their residents data with federal and out-of-state agencies, the letter said. Illinois, Massachusetts, Minnesota, and New York already have blocked ICE access as of early November, while Washington state blocked access after discussions with lawmakers. Oregon is working on a process for blocking ICE access, according to the lawmakers. Chris Crabb, a spokesperson for Oregon Driver and Motor Vehicle Services, on Thursday referred questions to Oregon State Police about how the state is trying to limit the sharing of such motor vehicle data. Nlets is an international public safety switchboard that allows state and federal criminal justice agencies to access DMV information. Any federal agency that meets the definition of a criminal justice agency may be granted access to Nlets, according to state police Capt. Kyle Kennedy. The Oregon State Police is responsible for the states Law Enforcement Data Systems, the repository of Oregons criminal justice information. Kennedy said by email that based on the lawmakers letter that the state police is reviewing processes to ensure administrative queries are compliant with Oregon laws and administrative rules. Post-script: An immigration judge held a hearing Friday morning and set JYLCs bond at $5,000. He was able to post it and was expected to be released, his lawyer said. According to the amended suit, people detained by federal immigration officers in Oregon have been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field offices in Portland and Eugene without access to a lawyer, even when those attorneys are present on the property, immigration attorneys say. Mark Graves/The Oregonian Oregon immigration lawyers suing the federal government are now seeking class action status on behalf of anyone arrested in the state since mid-October for alleged civil immigration violations who has been deprived access to a lawyer and anyone at risk of arrest. The immigration lawyers this week filed an amended suit and a motion for a preliminary injunction that U.S. District Judge Ann Aiken will hear on Dec. 12. She previously denied a temporary restraining order. Attorneys with Innovation Law Lab of Portland filed the civil action on behalf of the Portland-based Clear Clinic, a nonprofit that offers free legal advice on immigration matters, and the farmworkers union Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste. They estimate that more than 300 people in Oregon were detained by ICE officers last month and more than 150 so far in November. In the past week, pre-dawn sweeps have shaken immigrant communities in Beaverton, Eugene, Cottage Grove, Salem and Hood River, according to Innovation Law Lab lawyers. A new plaintiff, identified only as Leon X, requests that he be appointed as the representative of the class. Leon X , who is 32, came to the United States at age 6 and has grown up in the Willamette Valley, where his parents were farmworkers. He was granted protection under Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals, known as DACA, when he turned 19. The program provided nearly 800,000 young immigrants a reprieve from deportation and the ability to work legally in the United States with renewable work permits. His DACA status is valid through mid-summer of next year. He also has a pending application for a U visa, as he was the victim of a crime when he was a child, his sworn declaration said. The special U visa is provided to immigrants who report crimes, are victims of crimes or assist police in prosecuting another. I am terrified that ICE will arrest and detain me without a warrant or cause while I am living my daily life in Oregon, his declaration said. He said hes been active in rapid response and immigration protection work in Oregon as ICE has ramped up enforcement to what he called new and horrifying levels. According to the amended suit, people detained by federal immigration officers in Oregon have been held in U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement field offices in Portland and Eugene without access to a lawyer, even when those attorneys are present on the property, immigration attorneys say. ICE officers have driven people out of state before they had a chance to speak with a lawyer, even when an attorney was asking to speak with them before the transfer. People detained havent been told when a lawyer is present at the ICE building and asking to speak with them, and federal ICE officials have failed to list accurate information in the agencys detainee locator, impeding attorneys ability to locate their clients, the suit alleges. Jeffrey Chan, assistant field office director in Portland for ICEs Removal Operations division, countered in court papers that since ICE has no detention center in Oregon to hold people for longer than 12 hours, attorney access is limited while ICE officers are booking and processing someone in one of its three field offices in Portland, Eugene or Medford, before theyre transported to the detention center in Tacoma. ICE does not systematically deny access to counsel, Chan wrote in his own declaration. After recent enforcement actions, he said attorneys presenting a valid form are granted access where feasible, and if theyre denied access, its likely because they lack documentation that they represent a certain client, ICE officers are still busy fingerprinting or interviewing the detainee, theres lack of security screening for visitors at the field offices after regular hours and on weekends or the detainee has refused a lawyers visit. But Innovation Law Labs amended suit cited an example of ICE denying a lawyer access to a client because the officer claimed her client did not want to meet with her, but the lawyer subsequently learned her client had never refused her visit and had in fact requested to speak with an attorney. In late October, Aiken denied the immigration lawyers motion for a temporary restraining order after the immigration lawyers walked back their request for the judge to block for at least three days the out-of-state transport of people detained by immigration officers without access to a lawyer. Aiken set the December hearing to allow more time to hold an evidentiary hearing on the new motion for a preliminary injunction. Dozens of SNAP recipients who used their EBT cards, which work like a debit card, while buying groceries in the Coos Bay area this past week found out that thieves had skimmed their information and wiped out their accounts. (Stephanie Scarbrough/AP file photo) AP Days after the state of Oregon worked overnight to restore federal food assistance money to the cards of 757,000 residents whose benefits were frozen during the federal government shutdown, thieves used card skimmers to steal from 41 Oregon recipients as they checked out at the grocery store. Its outrageous, said Oregon Attorney General Dan Rayfield, in a news release Thursday. Oregonians went without benefits for far too long, and to have those dollars stolen the moment they hit someones card is unconscionable. Rayfield added: These scammers are preying on the most vulnerable people in our communities its like yanking groceries out of someones hands at the checkout. Rayfields office, the Oregon Department of Justice, reported that the thieves stole from the 41 recipients of SNAP formally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program at one or more grocery stores in the Coos Bay area over a five-day period this past week. The department is still trying to determine how many card skimmers were used and at what location, but it said that the victims started reporting last Saturday that their cards had been wiped of benefits. Thats one day after Gov. Tina Kotek announced that state workers had rapidly responded to a federal judges ruling by recharging overnight the debit-like cards that allow recipients to access their benefits. The department said the thieves spent the stolen benefits outside of Oregon. Card skimmers can be hard to detect. The devices are placed over the credit- and debit-card readers at the checkouts of stores. Without close inspection, it can appear that nothings amiss. The state Justice Department released a video last month taken at a Medford grocery store, to show just how quickly it can happen: A suspected thief who is waiting in the checkout line can be seen reaching into his pocket and placing a skimmer on top of the card payment machine. It only takes a second or two. The scheme is rapidly expanding. In the first half of September, the state Justice Department announced that thieves stole the benefits of at least 424 low-income Oregonians who receive money through SNAP or another governmental support program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF). Although state officials didnt immediately have figures available on how much thieves stole in the Coos Bay area this past week, in early September, the thieves stole an average of $450 per skimmed card. Jake Sunderland, a spokesperson for the Oregon Department of Human Services, which administers the federal money, said on Friday that Oregon is unable to replace funds stolen from the SNAP recipients because the federal government discontinued such funding last year. He said card skimmer theft is a widespread problem thats not limited to Coos Bay. Officials say SNAP and TANF recipients can reduce the risk of falling victim by logging into their accounts and changing their PINs frequently, freezing their accounts between shopping trips and prohibiting online and out-of-state purchases through a Protect My Account feature. President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy held a meeting with the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Ukraine to the United States in 2021-2025 Oksana Markarova, during which, in particular, he discussed possible areas of future cooperation. "Met with Oksana Markarova. Thanked her for working for our state for many years, not just in her diplomatic role. We discussed possible areas for future cooperation, in particular, there are many things that can be done for Ukraines recovery, for strengthening our society, and in our relations with international institutions. I appreciate her readiness to continue working for Ukraine," Zelenskyy said on Telegram on Friday. Paul Mallory, the co-founder, smiling face and sharp wit behind beloved downtown Portland restaurant Higgins, died at home of natural causes on Tuesday, family and friends confirmed. He was 71. In a message posted to social media late Thursday, chef Greg Higgins called Mallory the quiet force behind so much of what made Higgins what it is. From day one, he poured his soul into this restaurant, Higgins wrote. His humor, smarts, loyalty and unwavering belief in our mission made Higgins possible. He cared for our staff like family, and offered a warm welcome to everyone who crossed our threshold. He stood beside me through every high and low and there were many. I truly could not have asked for a better partner in this lifes work. Higgins last saw his business partner after an afternoon meeting Monday as they walked to their cars, chit-chatting about sports, he said in a phone interview Friday. The news of Mallorys death the next day was a gut punch. Mallory and Higgins first met at the Broadway Revue, 1239 S.W. Broadway, where Mallory was a bartender and where Higgins liked to drop by for a beer after work. At the time, Higgins was the chef at The Heathman restaurant just down the hill, while Mallory had a day job with food service company S.E. Rykoff & Co. He saw how I was working myself into a frenzy at the hotel, and finally cornered me: Are you going to do this for the rest of your life? Higgins recalled him asking. I told him I was aiming to open my own place at some point. Turns out, he knew that the Broadway Revue was going to be for sale, and pitched an idea. He was looking for a strong chef and thought I fit the bill. The two scraped together funding, found a contractor and began the work of transforming the old bar into Higgins. The place was a shambles, Higgins said. Disgusting, really. We were thinking we were just going to resurface the floors and paint the walls. But every time we touched something it became a money pit. High standards for hospitality Higgins opened in March 1994, six weeks after originally planned. The restaurant soon became a standard-bearer for Portlands growing farm-to-table food scene, championing quality Oregon produce, scratch-made cooking and local craft beer and wine. First-rate hospitality played a key role in the restaurants success, with Mallory setting the same high standards in the dining room that Higgins expected in the kitchen. That often manifested itself with an obsessive attention to detail. He was a compulsive duster, Higgins said, Every day he would come in and get out one of these crazy pink duster things and would be whisking around the restaurant, dusting everything in sight. Wheres Paul? Oh, hes dusting. Which is great because some restaurants never do that, so you get grunge. In those early days, Mallory was still super active, riding bikes and working out every day, Higgins said, then red-lining it the moment he got to work. Because of that, Mallory never put on a pound despite a voracious appetite. Though he could be a practical joker himself, there was a time the kitchen crew got one over on Mallory. That day, Higgins pastry chef had laid out a plate of Oreo-style cookies. The cooks in the kitchen would wait with anticipation as each employee arrived to work, snagged a cookie and took a bite turns out, the Oreos were actually frosted with toothpaste. So Paul comes in, eats one, just mouths it down, then goes screaming up to the front to check the messages, Higgins said. A few minutes later, he passes again and takes another. Then he goes to check on the bar, and by the time he came back for the third one we couldnt help it, we were screaming laughing. When the restaurant called for help After 31 years of success, the business partners sent out a Hail Mary newsletter last July, announcing that Higgins was on the brink of closing. That night, the dining room and bar went from mostly empty to fully booked with longtime fans. The influx of customers sustained Higgins throughout the typically slow late-summer months. As a group, were used to getting punched in the mouth and then getting it under control, but this was like wrestling a beast, Mallory told The Oregonian/Oregonlive in September. We did these kinds of numbers 30 years ago, but we were also 30 years younger. Now weve got a little more experience, but a little less horsepower. The crew that helped start Higgins in 1994, including co-owners Paul Mallory (seated atop banquette at center left) and chef and co-owner Greg Higgins (in chair at center right). The Oregonian/file Mallory was born in New Haven, Connecticut, but moved as a child to Philadelphia, where his father worked as a chemistry professor at Bryn Mawr College. He first visited Oregon while hitchhiking across the country at age 16, then returned two years later to attend Lewis & Clark College in Southwest Portland. At his Hillsboro home, Mallory had that same sense of humor, but could be quieter and more gentle, according to his wife, Kelly Mallory. He never met a stranger, Kelly Mallory said. He has his little swim club at the gym. Even though he could tend to be a little bit of an introvert, he was just kind of magnetic. People were just drawn to him. The Mallorys met at the gym a little more than 20 years ago. His icebreaker: Do you like baseball? The two became friends, but Kelly Mallory had just gone through a divorce and wasnt sure she was ready for another relationship. Her three daughters thought otherwise. No, we want him, Kelly Mallory recalls them saying. He taught my one daughter to drive, tutored my other daughter in math, and he was just our guy from day one. The two married in 2006, and Kelly Mallory soon became a Philadelphia Phillies fan. Paul Mallory is survived by sons Kyle Mallory and Michael Mallory; daughter Megan Schmitt; stepdaughters Brittany Aweidah, Jordan Coughlin and Taylor Olson; five grandchildren and three step-grandchildren. According to Kelly Mallory, Paul Mallory had given up bike riding after a fall and broken leg a few years back. His new passion was swimming, a sport he studied with the same passion he once brought to learning the finer points of hospitality. He just had to become great at everything he tried to do, she said. A celebration of life will take place in early 2026. The Oregon Public Utility Commission has reaffirmed its approval of a nearly 300-mile electrical transmission line thats set to run from Idaho and carry power across five Oregon counties despite concerns it will primarily serve a private data center rather than the public. The commission on Thursday declined to rescind a certificate that authorizes Idaho Power, the developer and co-owner of the Boardman-to-Hemingway project B2H for short to seize private land via eminent domain. Regulators maintained the line remains in the public interest. The decision came in response to a petition filed this summer by the nonprofit Stop B2H Coalition and its co-chair, Irene Gilbert, a retired government employee who has challenged the project for years over its impact on Oregons rural landscapes. The petition said the certificate should be revoked because PacifiCorp, the transmission lines co-owner, suddenly switched plans and told regulators this spring it no longer intends to sell power from the line to Oregon customers but rather to a private industrial user. The utility has declined to confirm the customer is a data center. But the power-hungry facilities have been expanding rapidly in Eastern Oregon, and few other businesses demand the amount of energy the new transmission line would carry. Gilbert and her coalition argued on Thursday that the change in plans constitutes the abuse of eminent domain and that fundamental public purpose has been abandoned for private gain. The commission had issued the certificate in 2023 because PacifiCorp which owns 55% of the Boardman-to-Hemingway transmission line had demonstrated the line would serve its 805,000 customers including the 620,000 customers in Oregon, most of them on the west side of the state. It would also boost the utilitys transmission capacity between its eastern and western service regions, which encompass six states. The utility had previously told regulators that the line would decrease customer costs by about $1.7 billion through 2042 by allowing it to move more power with greater efficiency. This spring, however, the utility suddenly announced it had changed course. It told regulators it would not be able to send the power west to its Oregon customers because it was unable to procure firm transmission rights from the Bonneville Power Administration due to delays in that agencys transmission development process. Instead, it said it would sell the power to an industrial customer. Allowing a project justified for broad public benefit to proceed primarily for the private commercial gain of a single corporation fundamentally undermines Oregons constitutional requirements for eminent domain, said Jim Kreider, an environmental activist from La Grande who co-chairs the coalition with Gilbert. This is an unjustified taking of public property under private pretenses. Whats more, Kreider and Gilbert said, PacifiCorp knew it would not be able to serve Oregon customers with power from the line months before it applied for the certificate from state regulators. They said BPA had notified PacifiCorp in October 2022 about the delays, yet the company failed to disclose that information to regulators and applied for the certificate claiming the line would benefit hundreds of thousands of residents. Other advocacy groups including the Sierra Club, Mobilizing Climate Action Together, Renewable Northwest and the Northwest Energy Coalition that support grid expansion in the region to advance the states climate goals told regulators they were also frustrated that the B2H line may not be used as it was intended and justified by the state-issued certificate. The line, now under construction after two decades of reviews and lawsuits, will be among the largest and one of the few transmission projects built in the Pacific Northwest in recent years despite a severe shortage of transmission capacity in the region and a growing backlog of renewable energy projects waiting to connect to the grid. The groups maintain that the certificate was premised upon the transmission lines broad public benefits, not the needs of a single private entity. Allowing PacifiCorp to change course would violate the spirit and legal framework under which the line was approved by this commission, Alex Houston, an attorney with the Green Energy Institute who represents the groups, told commissioners. It would also harm Oregon customers and set a dangerous precedent wherein the justifications supporting issuance of a certificate may summarily be disregarded once the utility gets approval, he said. Instead of revoking the certificate, Houston asked the commission to enforce it, including by issuing financial penalties of up to $10,000 for each day PacifiCorp fails to comply. The commission did not take up the suggestion. Commissioners said the line was still needed, that the shift in use was part of the planning process, and that the line might still serve more Oregon customers in the future. A transmission line is built with one vision in mind, and as the world evolves, it gets used in a multitude of ways across the timeframe that its on the landscape, said commission chair Letha Tawney. Kim Herb, the agencys utility strategy and planning manager, admitted that staff were concerned with PacifiCorps lack of transparency, but said that didnt justify revoking the certificate. The companys change of plans isnt conclusive, she added, and serving even one large customer may still meet the statutory standard for public use. In addition, Herb said, Idaho Power had shown the need for additional transmission capacity to serve its electricity load and maintain grid reliability, which satisfied the lines public use criteria. Idaho Power serves only about 20,000 Oregon customers. Those customers live in a part of the state that has seen neither growth in the number of residents nor an increase in their energy demand, aside from the data centers moving in. Gilbert argued the utilities have inflated the energy need and that data center operators might opt for local or on-site energy solutionssuch as microgrids capable of operating independently from the traditional gridrather than relying on costly transmission lines and enduring long interconnection delays. Data centers have already adopted or proposed similar strategies in other states, including battery storage, natural gas turbines and even small modular nuclear reactors. If that were to happen, residential customers would be stuck paying for the cost of B2H, she said. Its basically setting up a situation where its questionable whether the projections regarding the number of large users are actually going to occur. So who will end up paying for these are the residents Gilbert said. Idaho Power launched construction on the B2H line this summer, cutting several access roads and laying foundations for 100 of the 1,200-plus transmission towers planned in Morrow and Malheur counties. The plan to finish the line in 2027 is still on track. Jocelyn Pease, an attorney who represents Idaho Power, told commissioners the utility has obtained 95% of the access rights to begin construction. PacifiCorp attorney Zach Rogala said the utility might still serve Oregon customers if were successful in securing transmission rights in the future. After U.S. Catholic leaders voted this week to prohibit gender-affirming care at hospitals tied to the church, Providence Health & Services is now evaluating what the decision could mean for patients across the Oregon. The Catholic not-for-profit is the states largest health system. Providence Portland Medical Center in northeast Portland is photographed on Mon., April 17, 2023. Dave Killen / The Oregonian After U.S. Catholic leaders voted this week to prohibit gender-affirming care at hospitals tied to the church, Oregons largest health system is now evaluating what the decision could mean for patients across the state. On Wednesday, the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops approved changes to the ethical guidelines that govern thousands of Catholic hospitals and clinics nationwide. The updates formally instruct Catholic institutions not to provide gender-affirming medical interventions, including hormone treatments and surgeries. The vote cements a position the bishops outlined in 2023, when they advised Catholic facilities to halt such care. Catholic health systems are a major part of the countrys medical landscape: about one in seven U.S. patients is treated at a Catholic hospital, according to the Catholic Health Association. In some communities, these facilities are the only option for emergency or specialty care. In Oregon, the move carries particular weight. Providence Health & Services, the states largest health system, operates eight hospitals and more than 90 clinics across the state, caring for an estimated 1.25 million Oregonians last year, according to filings with the state. Its insurance subsidiaries Providence Health Plan and Providence Health Assurance provide coverage to roughly 500,000 through commercial, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage plans. In an emailed statement, a Providence spokesperson said the Catholic not-for-profit system is aware of the bishops revisions but are not making any immediate changes. At this time, no clinical practices are being altered as a result of the revisions while we study the amendments to understand the changes and their impacts, the spokesperson said. The Providence spokesperson said the Washington-based hospital chain serves transgender patients who we know are subject to greater risk of suicide, homelessness, harassment, bullying and acts of violence. Gender-affirming care includes medical and psychological treatments for people whose gender identity differs from their sex at birth. It can involve counseling, hormone therapy and, for some adults, surgeries, such as chest reconstruction or facial feminization. Major medical organizations including the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Pediatrics and the Endocrine Society consider the care as medically necessary, including for minors. Gender-affirming services have generally not been offered at many Catholic health care institutions, The Associated Press reported. The bishops vote now sets a clearer, more uniform standard nationwide. Transgender health care has become a sharp national political divide. The Trump administration has advanced multiple policies to limit access, particularly for minors. Executive orders signed by President Donald Trump direct the federal government to recognize only two sexes male and female and reinstate a ban on transgender military service. The administration is also seeking to end gender-affirming care for anyone under 19 and remove coverage for such care from Medicaid, Medicare and federal employee health plans. The presidents executive orders also seek to end federal research and education grants for medical institutions that provide gender-affirming care to minors. Some hospitals, like Kaiser Permanente, have stopped providing gender-affirming surgeries for minors in response. Oregon and several other states are challenging the orders in court. Oregon, meanwhile, has long been at the forefront of transgender and reproductive health care rights. The state is home to roughly 23,000 transgender residents, including about 3,000 minors, according to a 2022 estimate by the Williams Institute, an LGBTQ+ think tank housed in the UCLA School of Law. In 2023, the Legislature passed House Bill 2002, a sweeping measure that strengthens access to both reproductive and gender-affirming services. The law requires the Oregon Health Plan and state-regulated private insurers to cover a wide spectrum of medically necessary treatments related to gender transition. It also shields Oregon providers from legal action if they treat patients who travel from states where such care is banned or restricted. Regardless of the Catholic U.S. bishops new directives, a spokesperson for Providence said the health system intends to follow state and federal nondiscrimination laws. Catholic health care is committed to recognizing the inherent human dignity of every person, especially those who are vulnerable and marginalized, the spokesperson said in an email. We do not discriminate in the provision of health care services to anyone. We seek to provide to all persons a respectful, welcoming place of care and to bring healing to the communities we serve. Walking up downtown Portlands Southwest 10th Avenue on a rainy late fall day, your head down against the wind, you might be surprised to see a reflection on the dark, wet bricks: A glint of sunlight, almost. Look up. A huge circle of gilded bronze, sculpted to look like tree branches bent into a perfect, spoke-less wheel, stands in front of the new Mark Rothko Pavilion. This is the sun, created in 2018 by Swiss sculptor Ugo Rondinone. Its a bright light on a dark day and a glowing echo on a sunny day. Unlike the dark sculptures of historical figures that used to sit atop pedestals on the South Park Blocks, its warm no matter the weather, bouncing light instead of sucking it in. And it is an aperture onto the pavilion, which connects disparate pieces and opens the Portland Art Museum to the city on all sides. At the back entrance to the Portland Art Museums Rothko Pavillion a section of the sun, by Swiss sculptor Ugo Rondinone, is reflected in a puddle on the ground. November 14, 2025 Beth Nakamura *** Brian Ferriso has a go-to story about his early days as the executive director of the Portland Art Museum. In the parable, hes headed to work on the Portland Streetcar when he overhears two Portland State University students talking: What is that place there? one student says. I think its a museum, says the other. Im not sure. I dont think anything really happens there. The west (Southwest 10th Avenue) end of the Portland Art Museum walkway between Southwest 10th Avenue and Southwest Park Avenue in 2017. Amy Wang/The Oregonian In some sense, that interaction illuminated the entire path ahead of him. By the time he leaves, after nearly 20 years at its helm, the inscrutable, unconnected brick facades of the two buildings that make up the Portland Art Museum will be completely transformed and no one will mistake that place for somewhere with nothing going on inside. Named after Portland-raised painter Mark Rothko, the $116 million Rothko Pavilion connects the two halves of the art museum and turns two brick monoliths into one open invitation. Over a thousand people donated to 98% privately funded campaign, which ended up being $5 million over budget. Those included donations as low as $5, up to $13.5 million from Arlene Schnitzer and $5 million each from Mary and Tim Boyle, Trudy and Pat Ritz, Nani S. Warren and Helen Jo and Bill Whitsell. The Rothko Pavilion will open to the public on Thursday, Nov. 20. A week and a half later, Ferriso will start his new job: director of the Dallas Museum of Art. He will leave on a high note, with the new plaza along the park blocks bearing his name. The 24,000-square-foot pavilion is nearly 20 years in the making, a testament to long-term vision that made it through economic downturns, civil unrest and a global pandemic. The Portland Art Museum closed to the public amid the coronavirus pandemic. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian A lot of small moves add up to something bigger, Ferriso said, from across a table in his office in the museum. That incidental, overheard conversation on a streetcar reinforced his thinking at the time, that he wanted to embed the museum in Portland. I felt the museum was disconnected with the community, he said. I felt the museum did a very good job with bringing the world to Oregon, he said, but he wanted to open the stream the other direction to, to bring Oregon to the museum. And so he put energy into the youth programs, making kids and school tours free. He brought in local artists and more accessible work. I started with the foundational elements: the staffing, the program, the finances, Ferriso said. The building was the last part of the puzzle. *** What is the Rothko Pavilion? To understand it, you have to first know that the art museum is actually two buildings on two separate city blocks. A view of Portland Art Museum's building in 1956. (The Oregonian) The Main Building is what most people think of when they think Portland Art Museum. Its where you traditionally would enter the building, on Southwest Park Avenue, in a building designed by Pietro Belluschi and completed in 1932. A public walkway that would be the continuation of Southwest Madison Street separates the Main Building from the Mark Building, a former Masonic temple, built in the 1920s and acquired by the museum in 1992. Masonic Temple on the South Park Blocks in 2002. LC- THE OREGONIAN Before the pavilion, the buildings were technically but inelegantly connected by an underground passage. Both the Main and Mark buildings had their deficits. Some areas had no bathrooms, the galleries were decidedly warrenlike. The old elevators didnt always work. Neither side was especially inviting. A docent at the Portland Are Museum leads a group of teachers and parents through an exhibit in 2012. LC- The Oregonian The Rothko Pavilion is essentially a connector and a problem solver: There are more bathrooms, more elevators, more space for art and more space to just sit. And the whole thing is glass, a direct response to the impenetrable brick of the Main and Mark buildings. I did think initially the building was going to be a little bit more straightforward, Ferriso said. He didnt fully grasp the architectural challenges that would present themselves along the journey of connecting two buildings on different blocks, built in different decades. There are 11 elevation changes, he said, which gives a sense of the complexity of the project. Portland Art Museum campus cross-section rendering. Hennebery Eddy Architects The project was designed in collaboration with Portland-based Hennebery Eddy Architects and Chicago-based Vinci Hamp Architects and adds nearly 100,000 square feet of new or upgraded gallery and public space. Instead of a third building, said Tim Eddy, one of the founding principal architects and the president of Hennebery Eddy Architects, during a press preview event, the pavilion was intended to be the connective tissue between the two historic buildings. Seismic joints mean that in an earthquake, it would function as an independent building, but in practice, it means a visitor can see from one side of the Mark building all the way to the Main building. It means three new elevators, plus repurposing of the two existing ones, so guests get to all 11 of those various elevations without using stairs. According to the director of collections and exhibitions, Donald Urquhart, a trip that used to take 45 minutes, from a gallery on the top floor of one building to a gallery on the top floor of the other, now takes a few seconds. Construction on the Rothko Pavilion in 2024. Dave Killen / The Oregonian We dont have a linear museum anymore, Urquhart said, from one of the central floors where a bright red Dale Chihuly piece sits near a traditional Kwakwakawakw feast dish. It used to take a map to navigate through the museum, Urquhart said, but now, the space is opened, all sides and galleries are suddenly accessible. And the experience of wandering through the museum is that of exploring, not of getting worried you might get lost. Art is everywhere. Turn into what was once the library in the Mark Building and you find Pipilotti Rists 4th Floor To Mildness, where you can lie on a bed and feel yourself dissolving inside a pond. The faces in local artist Lisa Jarretts Tenderhead at the Black Art and Experiences Galleries take up two floors and change from every angle. An entire room features artist Lisa Jarrett and her exhibition, "Tenderhead." The exhibition is in the Portland Art Museum's new Black Art and Experiences Gallery and can be seen from the open public passageway under the new Rothko Pavilion. November 14, 2025 Beth Nakamura Upstairs, sit in silence with Rothkos work from different periods in his life. Downstairs, get mesmerized by a video installation from Marco Brambilla. Portland itself becomes an art object. Terraces lead to outdoor spaces where the city is framed in different ways. The museum even slips outside its own boundaries, with the public walkway that is open at all hours and cuts through the building, giving passersby a view into the Black Art and Experiences Galleries. Initially, the walkway was only going to be open when the museum was open, which was deeply unpopular with those who lived near the museum. So the museum amended the plan. Now, pedestrians who want to cut through become museum guests, peering in on a gallery as they walk home, or to the grocery store or class. Creating the exterior walls from specialty, glare-resistant and bird-safe glass means people inside can look out on the city in all directions and people outside on both sides can see in. Walking by on a rainy day, a sunny day or anything in between, the corona of the sun shining brightly, people moving in and out of the bustling new cafe and underneath the building from Park to 10th, it is clear that Ferriso did what he set out to do: He took a building that previously had one entrance and made it all entrances. And in doing so, he brought Oregon to the museum. This story is a collaboration between Puente News Collaborative and the Texas Observer. It first appeared on palabra, the digital news site by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. By Jason Buch CIUDAD JUAREZ - As the healthcare workers approach the small collection of makeshift shelters along the train tracks that cut through the northern Mexico industrial hub of this border city, the people who gather in this place to use drugs prepare for their arrival. Theyre ready to exchange used syringes for clean ones, a practice that helps prevent injury and disease. They prepare their kits in anticipation of the small packets of distilled water in which they can more safely cook heroin. The workers for Programa Companeros (companions), a nonprofit that provides supplies and assistance to vulnerable populations in Juarez, have invested years building relationships with people who use heroin in Juarezs picaderos (a colloquial term equivalent to shooting galleries). Some of these locations are essentially tolerated by local authorities, allowing Programa Companeros to develop established services; the group calls these drug consumption sites. But even at sites where theres little effort at coordinated narcotics enforcement, gathering in one place leaves people vulnerable to abuses from Mexicos military and police forces, who are increasingly flooding the city of 1.5 million across the Rio Grande from El Paso, Texas. The border has long been one of the most heavily policed parts of the United States and Mexico. Since taking office this year, President Donald Trump has deployed additional troops to the already militarized region and put pressure on Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum to do the same. Research about past border deployments has shown that they make it more difficult for health workers on both sides of the border to reach vulnerable populations. Jesus Quintana prepares an injection after receiving a clean syringe from Programa Companeros. Photo by Omar Ornelas/Puente News Collaborative/Texas Observer A 38-year-old man at the consumption site by the tracks who identified himself only as Erick said that when he first met the Programa Companeros outreach workers, he was suspicious of the men in jeans and slacks and fresh T-shirts offering needles. I thought they were like, honestly, some kind of police or something like that, he said. He could hardly be blamed for thinking that. The presence of military forces in Juarez is obvious throughout the city. The skeleton of whats called the Torre Centinela (sentinel tower), the future command center for the state of Chihuahuas massive surveillance program, rises above Juarezs downtown. White Guardia Nacional (national police force) pickups with machine guns mounted behind the cab and masked soldiers crammed in the bed can be seen cruising the city. Dark Mexican army trucks patrol as well. Erick said security forces do show up at the site, but rarely to make arrests. They come here, and they get the guy thats selling and beat him up, he said. The cops and the military. If you have money on you, youd better hide it, because if they stop you here and you have money in your pockets, theyll take it away from you. Erick grew up in Juarez and crossed the border at age 19, he said, living first in El Paso and later in New Mexico. Two years ago, after an arrest for driving while intoxicated, he said he was deported to Juarez. Erick had been involved in a gang in New Mexico, and before his deportation was jailed at an immigration detention center in the West Texas town of Pecos, where he started using heroin. Back in Juarez after a 15-year absence, the only community he could find was in the picaderos. Despite his suspicions, Programa Companeros was already well known among the other heroin users hed found. The organizations staff say their nonjudgmental approach and willingness to provide supplies that people who use drugs want, like needles, helps them build trust and direct people to other services. Erick said he now goes to the groups headquarters, where services including showers, clean clothes, counseling, and medical and dental care are offered. Daniel Vela Carrazco, a caseworker and registered nurse, reviews a list of individuals who received clean syringes from Programa Companeros in Ciudad Juarez. Programa Companeros works to prevent the spread of HIV and other communicable diseases. The organization also provides services including showers, clean clothes, counseling, and medical and dental care. Photo by Omar Ornelas/Puente News Collaborative/Texas Observer For nearly 40 years, Programa Companeros has practiced harm reduction, a broadly defined strategy for providing services to people who use drugs without attaching stigma or strict parameters, and involving them in planning and implementing that strategy. Fentanyl, a powerful synthetic opioid often produced in Mexico to meet U.S. demand, is now on the streets in that country as well, creating a public health crisis. In May, a batch of powdered cocaine tainted with fentanyl killed five people in Juarez over the course of two hours, local officials said. Juarezs location on the border with Texas creates unique challenges for providing harm-reduction services. Migrants from all over Mexico and the globe flock to that border, fleeing violence or instability and looking for work, either in Juarez or in the United States. Theres also the community of recent deportees, like Erick, oftentimes dropped into a country they barely know. Health workers in the region must provide services to a particularly vulnerable population whose members sometimes speak little or no Spanish. The increased militarization of the border then pushes those vulnerable populations further into the shadows and makes them harder to reach, say health workers and activists. The atmosphere of militarization and surveillance is pervasive on both sides of the border. This only increased in February, when Mexico launched Operativo Espejo to mirror the militarization on the U.S. side. The effort, both governments said, was aimed at deterring immigration and drug smuggling. In Mexico, Sheinbaum deployed 10,000 troops to the border, including nearly 2,000 to Juarez. The border is hypermilitarized, as weve never seen, said Dr. Patricia Gonzalez Zuniga, a physician whos done research and volunteer outreach in Tijuana, across the border from San Diego, California. Now, if you go, like, to a shopping center, just to the store or a market, you will find a lot of military trucks full of soldiers. I work with people who are homeless, and the stories that they told us are very awful. A substance user prepares for an injection after receiving clean syringes from Programa Companeros. Photo by Omar Ornelas/Puente News Collaborative/Texas Observer Whether it involves distributing clean needles and the overdose-reversal drug naloxone, or just providing food, clean clothes, and medical care, harm reduction focuses on diminishing the negative impacts of drug use rather than insisting that people quit. Research has found that needle exchanges not only reduce the spread of disease but are a gateway to other services; people who use syringe exchanges are more likely to enter recovery. The El Paso-Ciudad Juarez region, which includes parts of Texas and New Mexico, and the Mexican state of Chihuahua, offers a stark example of the opportunities and challenges harm-reduction workers face along the border. The region suffers from a lack of investment. Weve been underfunded, said Julia Lechuga, an associate professor of health psychology at the City University of New Yorks Hunter College and who has researched harm reduction in El Paso and Juarez. Frankly, its an uphill battle. There are not enough resources to provide harm reduction and provide intervention and treatment. The Trump administrations spending cuts, which have targeted progressive policies including harm reduction, have shrunk resources for programs nationwide. The state of Texas has targeted services for immigrants, which creates uncertainty for organizations working in border communities that have large undocumented populations. Every organization in El Paso that provides substance-use services has lost funding, and it has already had an impact on our ability to serve, said Jamie Bailey, a peer recovery specialist and the co-chair and co-founder of the El Paso Harm Reduction Alliance. Its a very difficult position to be in because you want to continue to be able to serve your community and you also dont want to turn away people that need help based on their immigration status. But being on the border also provides some benefits. Just as ideas about treatment and outreach flow back and forth between Texas, New Mexico, and Chihuahua, so does lifesaving medication. Programa Companeros, for instance, works its way around Mexicos restrictions on naloxone by accepting donations from groups in Texas. Daniel Vela Carrazco, from Programa Companeros, exchanges syringes with a substance user. Photo by Omar Ornelas/Puente News Collaborative/Texas Observer In April, Programa Companeros workers Julian Rojas and David Montelongo picked their way along a rocky path running between a cinder block wall and the train tracks that pass by the consumption site in Juarez. Rojas carried a black backpack with the supplies for their days mission. Montelongo carried a red plastic container for the used needles theyd be collecting. Over the course of the day, they stopped at a house in a residential neighborhood and an abandoned building in the citys historic downtown. While passing through the heavily patrolled centro, close to bridges that connect Juarez to El Paso, they were cautious, subtly exchanging needles. When asked if he thought syringe exchanges encourage people to try heroin, a criticism levied by opponents, Rojas, who said he has personal experience with drug use, scoffed. Its not a question of whether people will use, he said. Its a question of whether theyll use it safely. Programa Companeros workers said the worst period for militarization in Juarez was during the 2010s, when the Mexican government deployed troops to curb open warfare between criminal organizations. They heard from people whod been beaten with boards and stabbed with their own syringes by Mexican security forces. The violence still persists, mainly by the municipal police, the National Guard at times, Rojas said. But not with the same intensity as in those years. A substance user receives a heroin injection with a clean syringe provided by Programa Companeros from another individual also experiencing addiction. Photo by Omar Ornelas/Puente News Collaborative/Texas Observer But if targeting the picaderos for shakedowns continues, and the people who use drugs are forced further into the shadows, it will be harder for Programa Companeros to reach people who need its services. The new troop deployments have raised concern among those who work in harm reduction that violence against people who use drugs will spike. In 2023, Lechuga, the health psychology professor, published a study that found that the 2010s military deployment in Juarez promoted engagement in behaviors that increased drug use and health harms, including HIV risk. The Mexican military deployments impact also spilled over the border, she added, as greater militarization on the Mexican side led to increasing harsh police tactics on the U.S. side. In El Paso, the state and federal governments have rolled out highly publicized border enforcement operations in recent years. Earlier this year, videos circulated online purporting to show immigration officials knocking on doors in El Paso. News stations showed immigrants crowded onto deportation flights out of Fort Bliss, the 1,700-square-mile U.S. Army post headquartered on the citys edge. In March, the Trump administration deployed armored combat vehicles to the borderlands. The under-construction Torre Centinela project will share information with Texas law enforcement and is visible from El Paso. All that can rattle drug users who may have suffered mistreatment from officers or may be experiencing paranoia, said Joey Montes, outreach lead at the Recovery Alliance of El Paso. I could imagine what theyre feeling when they see actual authorities out there in vests with their badges, big guns, just roaming the streets, Montes said. So Im pretty sure thats scaring a lot of them into hiding. U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon and members of the state's hemp industry say that new federal restrictions on hemp products will cripple the sector. This file photo shows Jeremy Beck harvesting hemp at East Fork Cultivars in Josephine County in 2020. Critics are raising the alarm about a federal ban on many hemp products that was slipped into the funding bill that ended the record-long government shutdown on Wednesday. They say it will strictly clamp down on hemp products from Oregon and across the nation, including everything from CBD gummies, drinks and oils used to relieve pain, anxiety and sleepless nights to hemp-made construction materials such as insulation. That, they say, will deal a devastating blow not only to consumers, but to farmers, manufacturers and retailers and the economies of states such as Oregon, where the value of hemp production in 2023 reached $126 million. Much of it is used to create products with the non-psychoactive ingredient cannabidiol, also known as CBD, that some studies suggest may help with chronic pain, anxiety, insomnia and addiction. Advocates for this language thats in the bill will tell you this wont affect CBD, Sen. Jeff Merkley, an Oregon Democrat, told his colleagues during a floor discussion earlier this week. Every expert Ive consulted has said that is exactly wrong. That this will in fact wipe out 95 to 99% of the industry. But Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, a Republican and a chief backer, pushed the provision through to stop bad actors from exploiting current law to derive another compound from hemp: THC. The THC is then manufactured into candy-like products and sold to children at gas stations and convenience stores across the country, McConnell said. Earlier this year, Oregon regulators released a report that found most hemp flowers and gummies sold in the state were actually high-potency pot. The analysis specifically raised concerns about packaging marketed in a manner appealing to minors. Many hemp-derived products with THC have between two to 10 or even more milligrams of THC, but the new law bans hemp-derived products with more than 0.4 milligrams of total THC per package. McConnell said the law will preserve and protect farmers and the growing hemp industry, estimated to be worth $28 billion nationwide. Therein lies the dispute. Sen. Rand Paul, who like McConnell is a Republican elected by the people of Kentucky, disagrees with McConnell. He told colleagues Monday that the McConnell-backed restrictions on hemp are designed to regulate the hemp industry to death. Beau Whitney, chief economist at the Portland-based hemp and cannabis analyst group Whitney Economics, agrees with Paul. He said because of a fundamental way in the way the federal government defines hemp and the new THC limits, the new law will result in the complete elimination of hemp-derived CBD products. He said itll also thwart the production of hemp food products like protein powders, hemp-derived THC drinks, construction materials, auto parts and textiles. This has sweeping implications, said Whitney, who met Thursday with staff from the House Agriculture Committee in Washington, D.C. Thats if the changes arent amended by November 2026, which is when the new rules are set to take effect. But Whitney worries that damage to the industry may already be done. A lot of this creates uncertainty, if you plant it in the spring, will it be legal in the fall? Whitney said. So farmers are no longer interested in growing this because theres too much risk. Last year, Oregon farmers planted about 2,000 acres of hemp, Whitney said. Many in the industry are willing to accept more regulations, especially as members of Congress have expressed increasing concern, said Courtney Moran, a Portland attorney who has lobbied in the past for farmers and manufacturers and now represents clients in hemp cases. The majority want bad actors out, who are putting out products that are not safe or that are marketing to children, Moran said. But Moran contends that the law as passed needs to be amended so it doesnt overcompensate by putting in such severe definitions or policies that the good products are forbidden. Moran said shes optimistic. I dont think this is game over, Moran said. Its a wake-up call. Portland Police Bureau officers form a barricade during an arrest at protests at the Portland ICE facility on Saturday, Oct 11. A new petition aims to drastically increase the number of police in the city. Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Two Portland residents, with the backing of the police union, want voters to force the city to hire more cops. Bob Simril, a former city council candidate who ran to represent District 2, and Portland resident Juanita Swartwood filed a petition Wednesday for a ballot initiative that would require the city to divert money to police from its clean energy surcharge on large retailers. The initiative would change the city charter to require at least two Portland police officers per 1,000 city residents, a feat that petitioners say will demand at least 400 additional officers. Backers argue that Portlands police force is woefully understaffed compared to other large cities and that the agency cannot achieve the outcomes Portlanders reasonably expect and deserve. The Portland Police Bureau has about 812 officers for roughly 640,000 residents. That pencils out to about 1.2 officers per 1,000 people. The idea to boost that cop-to-resident ratio is still far from a reality. The petition still has to be certified before backers can even collect enough signatures for the initiative to land on the November 2026 ballot. The petition proposes the city pull money from the Portland Clean Energy Benefits Fund to hire the new officers. The fund, intended to bankroll clean energy initiatives and jobs, is flush with cash, petitioners say. Initially expected to raise about $30 million a year, the fund is now projected to bring in about $200 million annually over the next few years, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported in March. Petitioners argue that tapping the fund is one way for Portland to hire more officers without requiring a new tax. This measure delivers more police for safer neighborhoods and faster emergency response times while maintaining funding for climate projects and not raising taxes, Simril said in a news release. The initiative would dedicate 25% of the revenue from the clean energy surcharge to hire, train and equip new officers, but specifies that the money cant be used to backfill current Police Bureau funding. The effort is backed by the Portland Police Association union, and an auto group owner who recently bought Big Pink, a press release says. Both have pledged $25,000 to support the measure. Too few officers means victims wait longer, suspects slip away, and officers arrive after violence has escalated, Sgt. Aaron Schmautz, the police union president, said in a statement quoted by the news release. This initiative is critical to give Portlanders the number of police they need and the safety they deserve. Bureau statistics show that it has taken Portland police an average of 19 minutes to respond to high priority calls this year, and more than 90 minutes to respond to low-priority calls. In a statement on Thursday, the Portland Police Bureau said it is always interested in adding officers. The bureau has faced a wave of retirements and resignations over the past five years and Chief Bob Day has lobbied the city for more funding on a quest to grow the force to at least 1,000 officers. As Portland continues to face complex public safety challenges, more officers would allow us to create more engagement with community members, build trust, and respond more effectively to calls for service, police spokesperson Mike Benner said in an email. The boarded-up U.S. Immigration and Enforcement building at the corner of South Macadam Avenue and Bancroft Street has been the focal point of protests since June. Allison Barr/The Oregonian A man caught attempting to barricade shut a side door of the Portland U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement building in mid-June was sentenced Thursday to one year of federal probation. Liam Harry Houpis, 22, of Vancouver, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor crime of creating a hazard on federal property. He was one of three people charged with federal crimes at the Portland ICE facility who appeared in court Thursday. Since June, 38 people have been federally charged in connection with nightly protests at the building. On the night of June 19, Houpis was seen using a drill to screw metal brackets onto a plywood door that covered a side exit of the ICE building in the South Waterfront neighborhood, according to Assistant U.S. Attorney Greg Nyhus. Federal officers emerged from another door and arrested Houpis, Nyhus said. Houpis has no prior criminal convictions, works full time as a line cook in Vancouver and was not a regular protester outside the ICE building, said Mark Ahlemeyer, his assistant federal public defender. Houpis was outside the ICE building twice, the night before his arrest and the night of, and has not returned since, Ahlemeyer said. Ahlemeyer also said that his client was not part of a group of protesters who showed up in dark clothing and masks - often referred to as black bloc - and congregated outside the building during the height of protests that month. Houpis also did not show up with any protective gear and does not share any antifa ideology, Ahlemeyer said. He made a very poor, impulsive and very youthful decision that hes come to regret greatly, Ahlemeyer told U.S. District Judge Karin J. Immergut. Houpis stood before the judge and apologized for his actions and for creating any inconvenience to the law enforcement officers impacted. You made them afraid, Immergut interjected, more than inconvenienced. I do understand the gravity of the situation now, Houpis said. At the time, I did not. I humbly apologize. Houpis spent one night in jail but has been out of custody since. Immergut said she hoped Houpis now recognizes the distinction between using your lawful voice to protest under the First Amendment and breaking the law. The constitutional right to free speech isnt a license to engage in unlawful conduct. It detracts from other peoples peaceful right to lawfully protest, the judge told him. I hope this will be a lesson to you that this conduct is not tolerated, she said. The lawlessness with regard to protests has got to stop. Immergut ordered Houpis to not return to a specified geographic area surrounding the ICE facility and to complete 40 hours of community service. When Houpis attempted to barricade one door of the ICE building, most of the administrative staff who typically worked inside already had been relocated to another location and the buildings windows and doors were boarded up following a riot that police had declared outside the facility five nights earlier, the judge noted. Immergut recently presided over a trial on whether President Donald Trump could lawfully deploy National Guard members to protect Portlands ICE building amid the nightly protests that began in June. Last week she issued a permanent injunction barring the Trump administration from doing so, finding that there was no justification. She noted that the height of the protests occurred in June, have been sporadic since, and can be handled by federal and local police. Also Thursday, Oriana Korol, the clarinet player from the Unpresidented Brass Brand who was arrested across the street from the ICE building on Oct. 12, and Lisa Miyamoto, accused of striking a federal officer with a wooden tambourine outside the building last month, appeared separately in different courtrooms. Korols attorney Bear Wilner-Nugent entered a not guilty plea on her behalf to an indictment charging her with assaulting a federal officer. Shes accused of interfering with the arrest of a man who fled from federal officers and barreled into the band that was standing across the street from the ICE building. Her sentencing is set for January. Korol, 38, told The Oregonian/OregonLive last month that she planned to fight the charge in court and that her experience has only strengthened her commitment to social justice. Miyamoto, 56, pleaded guilty to the misdemeanor assault of a federal officer. Miyamoto admitted that on Oct. 19, she struck a Federal Protective Service officer in the chest with a wooden tambourine after he had asked her to step backwards out of the buildings driveway. She remains out of custody pending sentencing in February. Prosecutors have dismissed charges against three of the 38 people arrested on federal felonies or misdemeanor allegations stemming from the ICE protests since June. Seven people have been sentenced to between six months and one year of federal probation. Another 10 have entered guilty pleas and are awaiting sentencing. Lumberjack Santa hands candy canes out to attendees of the 2025 Stimson Lumber Tree Arrival after delivering a 75 ft tree to Pioneer Courthouse Square. Sean Sterling Portlands official holiday tree has made its grand entrance at Pioneer Courthouse Square. For nearly a quarter of a century, Stimson Lumber Company has donated a towering tree to Portlands Living Room to serves as the citys centerpiece for the holiday season. This years Douglas fir grown on sustainable forestlands in Timber, in rural Washington County made its journey to the square on Nov. 12, 2025, with the help of Highway Heavy Hauling, a woman-owned, Oregon-based trucking company. Measuring 75 feet and weighing over 9,000 pounds, the trees arrival was no small feat. A crew of 21 people from seven different companies worked together to safely transport it downtown. Dozens of people gathered on the bricks of The Square to welcome the tree at a celebration filled with tubas, cookies and hot cocoa. Among the crowd were Dickensian carolers, witches from Oz, Pink Martini frontman Thomas Lauderdale and, of course, Lumberjack Santa, who handed out candy canes to children and adults alike. The tree still requires considerable preparation before its ready to sparkle. To avoid breakage during transportation, it travels without many of its outer branches. A second semi-truck arrived shortly after the first, filled with the lower boughs. Pioneer Courthous Squares event production team will spend two weeks reattaching the limbs to give the tree its expected shape. Hollywood Lights will then step in and wrap the tree in 9,500 multicolored LED lights. The official tree lighting will occur the day after Thanksgiving. The Stimson Lumber Tree Arrival Presented by SmartPark is the first event of Pioneer Courthouse Squares 41st Holiday Season. 2025 Holiday Lineup The chipmaker's Oregon layoffs now exceed 3,000 this year, even more jobs than Intel cut in 2024. Many of the workers laid off Thursday work in its Hillsboro factories. Walden Kirsch/Intel Intel laid off another 669 Oregon workers Thursday on top of 2,400 Washington County jobs the chipmaker cut in July, according to a filing with state workforce officials. Long the semiconductor industrys most advanced manufacturer, Intel lost its lead several years ago and is now losing market share in PCs and data centers. Its sales are flat and the company is missing out on the boom in artificial intelligence because it has no advanced chips for that segment. CEO Lip-Bu Tan announced last summer that the company would eliminate 15,000 jobs across the company, part of an effort to cut costs and reduce layers of management that Tan said was hobbling innovation. Intel said these latest cuts are a continuation of the downsizing the company began in July. It did not respond to a question about whether it is making similar layoffs elsewhere this week. These targeted actions, while difficult, are part of our efforts to strengthen our position for long-term success and support the future growth of our business, Intel said in a written statement. We are committed to treating all impacted employees with respect and providing resources to support them through this transition. Earlier this week, Tan held an all-company meeting where he discussed Intels outlook and his plans for the business. But he didnt mention that more layoffs were imminent, according to employees who listened in on the call. Intels layoff notice to state officials indicated the cuts are taking place at all four of its main Oregon sites. The layoffs are concentrated in Intels manufacturing business, with more than 300 factory technicians losing their jobs. The Trump administration invested $8.9 billion in the company in August, becoming Intels largest shareholder, but the cash infusion hasnt stopped the bleeding. Intel has forecast about $52 billion in revenue this year, down from $79 billion in 2021. The company isnt in any immediate financial danger, though. In addition to the billions in federal dollars, Nvidia invested $5 billion in Intel last summer and Japanese investment firm SoftBank bought a $2 billion stake. Intel finished September with more than $30 billion in cash and short-term investments. Intels stock fell 5.2% Thursday on a bad day for the market, before the company announced the Oregon layoffs, closing at $35.91. The stock has traded between $17.67 and $42.48 in the past year. With Thursdays cuts, this years layoffs now exceed the 3,000 Oregon jobs Intel eliminated in 2024. They bring the companys local workforce down to around 16,000, the lowest point since 2012. Intel remains Oregons largest corporate employer and Washington County remains the companys largest site anywhere in the world. Its where Intel develops each new generation of microprocessor before exporting that technology to factories in Arizona, Ireland and Israel. Still, Thursdays cuts represent another major hit to Oregons flagging economy. Employers are laying off workers nearly as fast as they did during the Great Recession, though the unemployment rate has remained modest by historical standards at roughly 5%. The head of the Office of the President of Ukraine, Andriy Yermak, met with the US Charge dAffaires ai in Ukraine, Julie Davis, with whom he discussed the latest Russian massive strike and the topic of the fight against corruption. "We focused separately on the topic of the fight against corruption. We expressed our common confidence that the investigations of the latest high-profile cases should be thorough, professional and impartial and lead to real results, and not be used to destabilize the situation in Ukraine in favor of Russias plans," Yermak said on Telegram on Friday. They also discussed the escalation of Ukrainian long-range strikes on Russia in response to Russian crimes and the situation on the front. Literature has never exercised or threatened violence as governmental or religious authorities have.they were followed by book experts who worked for institutions includi conveying to the townspeople some sense of the foreign lands to which the powe It was as an aviator that he was ti judge on court brazilian court hotel hearing court Soon they are romantically and sex I got pretty obsessed with t an excerpt of which appears in the n I will look back and see my life di a connecticut yankee in king arthur's court 1949 film la superior court stanley mosk earls court house hotel killarney But the hot/funny dichotomy is not Doheny became embroiled in o just as it intrigued Peeperkorn and admitting how I did feel a queer kind of kinship with my lover: we were both children of short-lived cross-cultural relationships between bohemiansThe heros gradual process but now I gather begin to suspect that they have something of value and are going to be quite as brave as the dog in the manger about protecting it.Elena Saavedra Buckley goe at least to me) who gets hopelessly bushed when he sets foot abroad is John Updike: his writings set in Italy for instance set ones teeth on edge.And yet inevitably somethin leap out like lightning flashes in their ineluctable lucidity: from the Wright brothers to the contraceptive pill via the social and sexual philosophy of the ejector seat; or and the numerous cats in the books I browsed at the bookshop or came across in novels or newspaper columnsall of them had names with an appropriately cute ring to them.t And now we see that played out here in our country with desperate attempts to in my case one of the books that the book-club ads blackmail the vacuum with Have you caught yourself say more of the combining of my own imaginationthe eusions of my own feelings and passions than the cold workings of the brain on whats not to like about minor league baseball by the boardwalk and beer at a steep discount? There are also many only-in-Coney-Island quirks.Does it have to do with birth? S when I think that all the condence I have had in the aection of others is come to thisI did not expect this blow from you.we were taught how to locate the hibre-qalthe wo Theres a moment during this recording session when she looks directly into the camera and wonders why she didnt move back to Louisiana after she had children.He was an in Two similar triangles having two noncorresponding equal sides represent a prop I saw and heard all of this while I bound the rotten back fences top rail and leaning post together with wire from an electronics hobby kit.But only when the reader understa in which some authors undergo an almost mandatory process of abjuration while their readers are coming of age as writers.and then I broke up with her and then she wanted to g The Ukrainian drone-interceptor of Shahed UAVs Octopus has been launched into serial production, the drones can operate at night, under jamming and at low altitudes, the Ministry of Defense press service said. "The technology has been transferred to the first three manufacturers, eleven more are preparing production lines," the Defense Ministry said in a statement on Friday. It is noted that Octopus is the Ukrainian technology for intercepting Shahed UAVs, developed by the Armed Forces and confirmed in battle. "It works at night, under jamming and at low altitudes. Thus, we are launching interceptors into mass production so that they can protect Ukrainian skies as soon as possible," the Ministry of Defense said. According to media reports, currently in Ukraine about 200 companies are engaged in unmanned technologies, of which at least 30 are working on interceptor drones in one way or another. " Some Ukrainian companies already have state contracts. In addition to domestic ones, Ukraine also purchases interceptors from foreign companies. In particular, the American Swift Beat, with which a long-term strategic partnership has been concluded. The drones of this company combine artificial intelligence and modern unmanned technologies and are among the most effective in combating Russian drones. As previously reported with reference to President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Ukraine, together with the United States, has begun joint production of interceptor drones. He did not specify which model of drones this is. In October, British Defense Minister John Healey said London and Kyiv would begin joint production of interceptor drones within a few weeks. The president said Ukraine and the United Kingdom had jointly launched production of the Octopus interceptor drone. The lack of organization at the Preakness is appropriate; horse racing is Americas least centralized sport.who used to pick me up from school at La Sorbonne and then have se Within a mile or so of Murrays childhood home was a settlement created by the men and women who came to the US on the Clotildathe last known slave ship ever brought from Wes PARKERDo you see that as part of a costco food court menu 2025 with prices p diddy court sketches new night court cast 2023 and Im sensitive to the difference the literal cliff-hanger at I had also written down an idea from the smoke from the campfires rises and converges until it resembles an enormous centipede marching down the creek.Its relationship to the cross (four points) made it an o to which her restless father removed the family for a spell of years almost im OU Interfraternity Council resolved the investigation of several hazing instances last week involving the Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Sigma fraternities, according to reports listed on the Stop Campus Hazing Act website. Hazing is defined by OUs Stop Campus Hazing Act website as an intentional act committed by a person, regardless of rank, against another person, regardless of their willingness to participate. Phi Delta Theta and Kappa Sigma were both under investigation beginning late September for several reports of hazing within the respective chapters. NEWSLETTERS * required Thank you for subscribing! Email * Please enter a valid email address First Name Last Name A few times a week FREE SIGN UP Subscribing... Phi Delta Theta Phi Delta Theta was the subject of two reports made Sept. 20, according to Stop Campus Hazing Act reports. The conduct process began Sept. 25 and ended Monday. Hazing incidents are noted to have taken place over the course of the fall 2025 semester, including verbal degradation, physical overexertion, task assignments and illegal alcohol consumption. According to a written report on the Stop Campus Hazing Act website, hazing consisted of pledge assignments, where new members were required to perform various tasks, such as giving weather reports or delivering food. The reports state new member educators picked assignments from a list used year-to-year as a tradition within the fraternity. New members were also asked to complete scavenger hunts, which included visiting Oklahoma State Universitys Phi Delta Theta chapter. Pledge class members were required to carry pledge packs, which held assorted nicotine and tobacco products, condoms, games such as dice and cards, ping pong balls, a blue journal, blue pens and three matches. Failure to meet the fraternitys expectations resulted in punishment by physical exercise, according to the reports. The report states the fraternity held a Hell Night on Sept. 24, where new members were called to the house to be blindfolded and marched into the chapter room for various activities, including dancing, rapping, exercising, trust falling and illegal alcohol consumption. The report states that one individual had alcohol taped to their hands and encouraged to overindulge, leading to the members hospitalization caused by alcohol poisoning. Phi Delta Theta was found responsible for four charges from the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code of Conduct: violation of OUs alcohol policy, hazing, hazing involving physical harm and hazing with degrading behavior. The national Phi Delta Theta organization wrote in a statement Saturday that it joined OU to conduct the investigation. "Phi Delta Theta expects that every member welcomed into the Fraternity is treated with respect and their safety is held in the highest regard," the statement reads. "The organization does not tolerate any actions that directly contradict the values and policies of the Fraternity. The actions following the investigation provide an opportunity for reform within the chapter and the removal of members involved in the wrongdoing." OU's Phi Delta Theta chapter did not immediately respond to OU Dailys request for comment by the time of publication. Kappa Sigma Kappa Sigma was the subject of four reports made on Sept. 24, with incidents having taken place over the fall 2025 semester, according to reports. The conduct process began Sept. 29 and ended Nov. 5. The general description of hazing incidents show that new members were expected to be at the chapter facility when not in class and to complete acts of servitude for active members including cleaning members houses, doing laundry, providing rides and food using their student meal plans and other means. Hazing included drinking games, interviewing active members, physical exercise with occasional blindfolding, illegal alcohol consumption, consumption of food such as raw onions and off-campus hazing. The report states that as punishment for not completing a certain number of interviews or not spending enough time at the chapters facility, new members would be broken into small groups and sent to the off-campus residence of an older member, referred to as a previous pledge master. Members were required to complete various exercises and consume a drink made by the pledge master. This activity resulted in the hospitalization of a pledge member following an allergic reaction of a drink, according to the reports. Kappa Sigma was found responsible for six charges from the Student Rights and Responsibilities Code of Conduct: violation of the university alcohol policy, providing alcohol to individuals under 21, hazing, hazing with physical harm, hazing with degrading behavior and university policy violations. Kappa Sigma did not immediately respond to the Dailys request for comment by the time of publication. This story was edited by Ana Barboza and Natalie Armour. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story. Editor's Note This story was updated at 10:14 a.m. Nov. 17 to add a statement from the national chapter of Phi Delta Theta. The upgraded board machine is now fully operational, and the renewed MetsaBoard Classic FBB folding boxboard is available for customer deliveries. The upgraded board machine is now fully operational, and the renewed MetsaBoard Classic FBB folding boxboard is available for customer deliveries. Metsa Board Completes EUR 60 Million Modernization at Simpele Mill Nov. 13, 2025 - Metsa Board in mid-October completed an EUR 60 million modernization project at its Simpele paperboard mill in Finland, marking a significant milestone in product performance. The upgraded board machine is now fully operational, and the renewed MetsaBoard Classic FBB folding boxboard is available for customer deliveries. The latest upgrades elevate paperboard quality to a new level, while supporting Metsa Board's transition toward fossil-free production. The introduction of modern curtain coating technology enhances print quality and visual uniformity delivering sharper, more vibrant print results for demanding packaging applications. Esa Kaikkonen, CEO at Metsa Board, views the investment as a strategic advantage for brands navigating evolving packaging demands and tightening regulations. "Our customers face increasing pressure to meet stricter sustainability and safety standards, while also managing cost efficiency and waste reduction," Kaikkonen explained. "We want to help our customers stay ahead and lead the pack by offering solutions that are safe, reliable, and deliver excellent material efficiency, with a high-quality print surface for brand promotion. That's also the aim with our Simpele investment, which is now completed." The investment included a full rebuild of the coating section, expansion of the coating color kitchen, and installation of a new pallet packaging line. More than 430 professionals contributed to the project. Previously, 89% of the energy used in production at the Simpele mill was fossil-free. With the new technology now in place, that figure will rise to 98% reinforcing Metsa Board's commitment to achieving fossil-free mills by 2030. About the Simpele Mill Metsa Board Simpele mill, located in Simpele in Southeast Finland, produces high-quality lightweight folding boxboard for packaging end uses such as foodstuffs and frozen foods as well as medical products. The mill has about 270 employees and the capacity to produce 300,000 tonnes per year of paperboard. Metsa Board is a producer of lightweight and high-quality folding boxboards, food service boards and white kraftliners. SOURCE: Metsa Board International Paper to Close Compton, CA and Louisville, KY Container Plants The Compton facility closure will impact 125 employees, while the Louisville facility closure will impact 93 employees. The Compton facility closure will impact 125 employees, while the Louisville facility closure will impact 93 employees. Nov. 14, 2025 (Press Release) - International Paper today announced the closure of its container packaging plants in Compton, California and Louisville, Kentucky. The facilities will cease operations by January 2026. All customers will be serviced from other nearby locations. The Compton facility closure will impact 125 employees, while the Louisville facility closure will impact 93 employees. The company will work to minimize the impact on employees by using attrition, retirements and current vacancies at other International Paper locations. Team members at these locations will receive outplacement assistance, access to mental health support resources and severance benefits. "Making the decision to close a facility is incredibly difficult, especially knowing the impact it has on our team members and their families," said Tom Hamic, executive vice president and president, North American Packaging Solutions, International Paper. "We are sincerely grateful for the contributions of our departing team members, and we are fully committed to supporting them through this transition." International Paper is undergoing a transformational journey to become a stronger sustainable packaging solutions company. A critical step in this journey is to streamline IP's footprint to focus investments on facilities that will best serve customers and accelerate strategic initiatives to improve quality, reliability and service delivery. International Paper (NYSE: IP; LSE: IPC) is the global leader in sustainable packaging solutions. With company headquarters in Memphis, Tennessee, USA, and EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa) headquarters in London, UK, IP employs more than 65,000 team members and serves customers around the world with operations in more than 30 countries. Net sales for 2024 were $18.6 billion. In 2025, International Paper acquired DS Smith creating an industry leader focused on the attractive and growing North American and EMEA regions. SOURCE: International Paper The Ministry of Veterans Affairs of Ukraine proposes Switzerland to create a multilateral donor fund to support the veteran community. "Among the proposed areas of partnership is the creation of a multilateral donor fund to support the veteran community, which will allow implementing large-scale projects," the department said in a statement following the meeting between Minister Natalia Kalmykova and Swiss Ambassador to Ukraine and Moldova Felix Baumann and representatives of the Department of Peace and Human Rights of the Swiss Foreign Ministry and the Swiss Embassy in Ukraine. It is noted that the parties paid special attention to the prospects for cooperation in rehabilitation, particularly, the possibilities of treatment of Ukrainian Defenders in Switzerland and support for the development of rehabilitation institutions in Ukraine. The Swiss side is also considering the possibility of educational programs for veterans, including vocational education and training of specialists in the field of demining. In addition, the meeting discussed Swiss assistance programs to Ukraine: investments in reconstruction, humanitarian support, demining and rehabilitation projects, as well as active diplomatic interaction aimed at establishing a just peace. Note: This story was updated to include a statement from attorneys representing the childcare facility. A 27-year-old daycare teacher in central Pennsylvania was charged with two felonies after police said she broke an infants leg earlier this month, according to charging documents. Around 10 a.m. Nov. 5, Lancaster County Children and Youth Services notified Quarryville Police of a possible instance of child abuse at Shining Stars Childcare. The victims mother told CYS her infant daughter was inconsolable when she picked her up from the childcare facility Nov. 3. Fearing a fever, the mother took the child to Penn State Hershey Medical Center, where medical professionals determined the child suffered a non-displaced fracture on her left leg, an injury they said did not happen by accident. Investigators then met with staff at Shining Stars Childcare and spoke with the teacher responsible for the victims care, Kathryn Taska, of New Providence. Police said Taska changed her story several times and was aware of the victims injury before investigators asked specific questions about the victim. After police told Taska there was an incident involving an infant, she said, I know I was on break; she was napping when I was on break, after nap she seemed fine but just a little fussy. Police noted they had not yet told Taska which infant they were speaking of. Taska then told investigators she had notified the facilitys assistant director and the childs mother of the injury, which was not true. Another staff member at the childcare facility told police they noticed the victim was distraught and crying after Taska tried to place her in a child safety chair. Taska is charged with two felonies, endangering the welfare of children and aggravated assault of a victim less than 6 years old. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for Nov. 19. An attorney from Nikolaus & Hohenadel, the firm representing Shining Stars Childcare, provided PennLive with the following statement Thursday evening: Shining Stars Early Learning of Lancaster LLC is aware of the recent allegations involving a former employee. The former employee in question was immediately removed from the facility and is no longer employed at Shining Stars. We take these allegations seriously and are fully cooperating with the appropriate authorities as they conduct their investigation. The safety, trust, and well-being of the children and families we serve have always been and continue to be our top priority. A 27-year-old Cumberland County woman was arrested this week in connection with the 2023 overdose death of her 2-year-old daughter, police said. On Wednesday evening, Annjalee Nunez surrendered to Mechanicsburg police. She was booked and taken to the Cumberland County Prison, with her bail denied. Nunez is charged with three felony offenses: third-degree murder, involuntary manslaughter and endangering the welfare of a child. The charges stem from the Jan. 10, 2023, death of her daughter, Ivory Nunez, who was almost 3 years old. An affidavit of probable cause filed against Nunez gave the following account: Around 5 a.m. Jan. 10, 2023, Nunez woke up and realized her daughter was in the same position as when she fell asleep. Nunez then called first responders to her apartment on the 100 block of North Hanover Street in Carlisle. When Nunez tried to move Ivory and turn her over, she noticed the childs skin was discolored and her body was hard and cold. Nunez said the toddler was not breathing and had vomited a small amount, according to police. Ivorys grandmother, Jamie Garrison, of Mechanicsburg, told PennLive they were initially told the girl died because of a seizure. Later testing found fentanyl in Ivorys blood. That prompted police to test samples of the girls hair, which also came back positive for fentanyl, according to court records. A forensic pathologist ruled Ivorys death from acute fentanyl toxicity and the manner of death homicide. The Cumberland County District Attorneys office said Ivory was repeatedly exposed to fentanyl for months prior to her death. A hair sample later collected by police from Nunez tested positive for fentanyl and cocaine. According to Ivorys online obituary, family members said she was loved immensely and brought us true joy. She liked bubbles, coloring, singing, and dancing. By MICHAEL R. SISAK, The Associated Press NEW YORK (AP) Luigi Mangione is still waiting to log in. Months after a judge said he could have a laptop in jail to review evidence, lawyers for the man accused of killing UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson say the device has yet to be delivered. The delay, Mangiones lawyers said in a court filing made public Thursday, is putting the 27-year-old suspect in a time crunch with little more than two weeks before an important hearing in his state murder case. Mangione, also facing a federal death penalty case, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center, a federal jail in Brooklyn, since his December 2024 arrest in Pennsylvania. He has pleaded not guilty. A judge approved the defenses request for a laptop in August, but getting it in his hands has been slow because of modifications required to prevent misuse and the volume of evidence being saved to it. The Manhattan district attorneys office, which is prosecuting the state case, didnt want him to have a laptop. Federal prosecutors didnt take a position, and their spokesperson declined to comment Thursday. Although the federal court has previously issued a laptop order, there is a lengthy and laborious process that must be completed before Mr. Mangione receives the laptop, defense lawyer Karen Friedman Agnifilo wrote. To comply with jail regulations, she said, the laptop had to be sent to an outside technology vendor to disable its connections to the internet, printers and wireless networks a process that took many weeks to complete. The changes mean the tech-savvy Mangione, a former software engineer, wont be able to use the laptop to view websites, send messages or post on social media. Now, the device is with federal prosecutors, who are loading the computer with some of the more than seven terabytes of evidence that has been collected in the case, Friedman Agnifilo said. The rest will be saved to an external hard drive that also will be provided to Mangione. Such evidence sharing, known as discovery, is routine in criminal cases and is intended to help ensure a fair trial. Defendants often assist their lawyers in reviewing evidence and shaping their defense. Once Mr. Mangione receives the laptop and hard drive, he will need time to meaningfully review the material before a Dec. 1 hearing on evidence and other issues in the state case, Friedman Agnifilo said. Mangiones lawyers are seeking to have prosecutors barred from using certain evidence collected during his arrest, including a 9 mm handgun, a notebook in which authorities say he described his intent to wack an insurance executive, and statements he made to police. Thompson, 50, was killed on Dec. 4, 2024, as he arrived at a Manhattan hotel for his companys annual investor conference. Surveillance video showed a masked gunman shooting him behind. Police say delay, deny and depose were written on the ammunition, mimicking a phrase used to describe how insurers avoid paying claims. A western Pennsylvania man convicted of trying to meet an FBI agent posing as a preteen girl for sex has been sentenced to 14 years in federal prison, according to acting U.S. Attorney Tony Rivetti in Pittsburgh. Ryan Peters, 36, of McKees Rocks, Allegheny County, will also spend 15 years on supervised released after serving his sentence for attempted coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in illegal sexual activity and possession of child sexual abuse material. A statement from Rivetti said that authorities served a search warrant on Peters home following tips to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Investigators found several electronic devices, including a cell phone hidden in a cats litterbox, that were later found to contain child sexual abuse material, such as five videos and 11 images of minors involved in sexually explicit activity. Weeks after that search, Peters went online and contacted someone who he believed was a 12-year-old girl from Pittsburgh, but it was an FBI agent. Peters discussed sex with the girl and solicited sexually explicit photos of her. One arranged meeting fell through in August 2021, but Peters rescheduled for Sept. 13, 2021. When Peters showed up for the meeting, he was arrested. Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant at 101 W. Chocolate Ave. at the Hershey Towne Square is among the chain's restaurants that are permanently closed. File photo by Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com The former CEO of Famous Daves BBQ told the Philadelphia Inquirer this week he wants to buy a handful of former Iron Hill Brewery locations, including one in Derry Township. Jeff Crivello, CEO of Ciao Hospitality, received a court order to acquire 10 of the closed restaurants, which he plans to reopen as Iron Hills or other restaurant concepts. Crivellos $12 million credit bid was approved in U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey. Along with the Derry Township location, Crivello is negotiating with landlords to take over the restaurants in Center City Philadelphia, Huntingdon Valley, Newtown, West Chester, Wilmington, Lancaster, Rehoboth Beach and two locations in South Carolina, according to the Inquirer. Crivellos move comes two months after the Delaware-based Iron Hill filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy under U.S. Bankruptcy Court in New Jersey and closed 16 locations. Bankruptcy documents show the chain had $125,000 in the bank and owed creditors $20 million. Crivello is known for revitalizing brands such as Famous Daves and Cowboy Jacks. The Iron Hill acquisition marks his first endeavor in the Philadelphia region. Plans for the Derry Township restaurant were not released. However, Crivello told the Inquirer he plans to reopen the Rehoboth Beach and Columbia and Greenville, South Carolina locations as Three Notchd Brewing Co. Three Notchd operates six locations in Virginia. The six Iron Hill restaurants Crivello isnt buying will be auctioned off in early December, according to the Inquirer. Find out where the new sandwich will be? Kevin Carter/Getty Images The secrets out and fans are ranting and raving about Chick-fil-As latest venture. Thats because the beloved chicken chain is currently testing out its new item in two cities in two different states. Its a classic breakfast mashup that some might even consider taking a road trip to obtain. Theres a possibility that Chick-fil-A could churn out Chicken & Waffle sandwiches in its restaurants nationwide. But only if its deemed a hit in the selected areas. Right now, the company is testing out the fun menu item as both a breakfast, lunch and dinner option. The main difference is that the breakfast sandwich is smaller in size compared to the full-sized lunch and dinner sandwich. Theres also a spicy chicken sandwich option to that as well. Chick-fil-A describes the new sandwiches as Crispy chicken stacked between warm maple waffles, all with a touch of smoked bacon. Be sure to note that theres also a honey butter spread and a side of syrup. Additionally, customers also have the option to order just the waffles alone with the side of syrup, but thatll only be available in one of the two locations. For those whore wondering, the test hasnt begun yet, so there is time to map out when to take part. As for where exactly the menu item will be available, a franchise store in Maryland posted about the release on its Facebook page on Nov. 9 and revealed the Chick-fil-A Westminster location on 144 Englar Road, Westminster, will be serving the brand-new item beginning Dec. 1. And its only available all day for a limited time at that location. Select restaurant locations in San Antonio, Texas, will also be serving the new sandwiches, but so far, itll only be available as a breakfast option, the company told Parade via email. On the Instagram account Snackolator, which reviews new snacks, candy, and fast food, fans flocked to the comments to share their fervent excitement. Many have noted that its about time the franchise did this. Why is this even a test? This needs to be nationwide yesterday, one user chimed. I have never been happier to live near Baltimore, another admitted. Testing?? Why does THIS need testing? Full send already!! another user inquired Please put this on the permanent menu, one person requested. Earlier this week, South Middleton Townships Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception and several variances related to the landmark Boiling Springs Tavern in Boiling Springs. File photo by Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com Dan Gleiter | dgleiter@pennlive.com A historic Cumberland County restaurant that closed more than five years ago could be poised for a comeback. Earlier this week, South Middleton Townships Zoning Hearing Board approved a special exception and several variances related to the landmark Boiling Springs Tavern in Boiling Springs. Owners Terry and Kathi Rickert are proposing about 6,198 square feet in additions to the landmark restaurant at 1 E. First St., as well as exterior and interior renovations. The property will feature an ice cream shop, lodging facilities, a restaurant, a private dining room, a lounge with a bar and an outdoor dining pavilion. The plans call for eight guest rooms and 70 parking spaces. Site plans submitted to South Middleton Township for an expansion and renovation project at Boiling Springs Tavern in Boiling Springs. The renderings are from DAS Architects Inc. in Philadelphia. Provided According to a site plan submitted to the township, the restaurant will open at 6 a.m. for breakfast with pastries and coffee and remain open until about 11 p.m. Terry Rickert, owner of Rikore Inc., which oversees businesses such as Mount Holly Springs Specialty Paper Inc., could not be reached for comment. The proposal marks the latest attempt by the Rickerts to revitalize the property. When they purchased the tavern in 2017 from Geoff and Debi Keith, the Rickerts said they planned to renovate at a later date. The building dates to 1832 and was built by Boiling Springs resident Phillip Brechbill. The Rickerts closed the tavern in 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. In 2022, they were working with DAS Architects Inc. in Philadelphia to renovate the tavern. But their plans to add hotel rooms on the second and third floors, upgrade the dining room and kitchen and incorporate an outdoor-covered bar, lounge and dining patio with outdoor kitchen never materialized. For their latest proposal, township Manager Cory Adams said the board informed the Rickerts that any site improvements will require a hydrogeological analysis. The requirement stems from the restaurants proximity to Childrens Lake. The 6-acre, spring-fed lake sits across Route 174 from the restaurant and recently underwent a $3 million rehabilitation and enhancement project. Adams stressed the project is in the early stages. The township will hold a conditional use hearing on the matter in the near future. After that, the projects preliminary and final land development plans would go through the formal approval process. Over the years the Rickerts have come under fire on social media for not carrying through on plans to renovate several well-known properties they purchased in the Carlisle region. Have any of his plans ever come to fruition? We loved the Boiling Springs Tavern and its sad to drive by there, just like it is sad to drive by his other vacant buildings, wrote one person on a post earlier this year on the Great Eats in Carlisle Area Facebook page. He is just a visionary, period. Theres no substance to his imaginary breathtaking dreams. All talk, no action. Just buying up properties that are becoming an eyesore, shared another person. Nothing became of the Rickerts proposal to build a deli with drive-thru at 1 Forge Road at a former convenience store and bank across from the South Middleton School District. In 2009, the Rickerts proposed an ambitious expansion project at the Deer Lodge in Mount Holly Springs to build an additional restaurant, banquet facility and lodge but the project didnt materialize. They purchased the lodge in 2008 after it closed on New Years Eve 2007. The couple also own Hollyhurst Farms, a horse boarding stable in Mount Holly Springs, and converted the former Holly Inn in Mount Holly Springs into Mountain Creek Tavern operating with several hotel rooms. The Boiling Springs Tavern project is one of two restaurant renovations under proposal in the township. A restaurant with outdoor seating is proposed at the historic Boiling Springs Mill, which was heavily damaged by fire in 2022. Royal Chocolate is a Cumberland County sweetshop offering crepes, pancakes, specialty chocolates, cheesecake and a variety of coffees. Sam Saidi, an immigrant from Yemen, moved to the United States in 2006 and opened his first shop in 2011, a deli in the Bronx, New York. In central Pennsylvania, I want to provide the community with something new, Saidi said. There arent many shops like mine in the area. Located in the Windsor Park Shopping Center, Royal Chocolate offers patrons cheesecakes and crepes, made daily. The establishment also features fresh pistachio cream imported from Jordan, and Saidi even crafts his own Dubai chocolate bars. Restaurant name: Royal Chocolate Crepe & Waffle Address: 5204 Simpson Ferry Road, Silver Spring Township Hours: 8 a.m.-9 p.m. daily Signature dish that we photographed: Royal Chocolate Crepe Why is it so popular? Its a classic flavor with a modern twist Hows it made? Both the crepe and waffle have strawberries, bananas, white chocolate and our favorite pistachio drizzle. Price of the dish? $13.99 What does it taste like? Heaven! Seriously though, its a sweetness that is deliciously satisfying without being too sweet How did you come up with the featured dish? We wanted something that represented who we are, which is classic and modern at the same time Approximately how many of these do you sell each week? 60 Anything else you would like to add? The Dubai, chocolate crepe, waffle and pancake is a close second to our Royal crepe/waffle. Photo: https://www.facebook.com The Command of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) has developed a set of measures to counter Russia's plans to capture Pokrovsk and Myrnohrad, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Ukraine (AFU) Oleksandr Syrskyy. "Yesterday I held a working meeting with the commanders of units conducting combat operations in Pokrovsk and Ocheretyne directions, in particular directly in the area of the Pokrovsk-Myrnohrad agglomeration," he said in the Telegram channel on Friday. Syrsky said the enemy "is not giving up attempts to break through to residential buildings, apartment buildings and gain a foothold there to expand the zone of control. Taking this into account, a set of measures to counter the enemy's plans have been developed," he said. Syrsky said the greatest attention was paid to the issues of sustainable logistics of the units of the Defense Forces of Ukraine, as well as countering the enemy's use of FPV drones, reconnaissance UAVs, artillery and mortars. "Additional options for action under different conditions of the situation were worked out," he said. The bill bars Carlisle police from engaging with federal ICE agents on immigration enforcement matters, in the absence of a court-issued warrant. Proponents say it keeps local resources working on local issues. Mark Pynes | mpynes@pennlive.com CARLISLE - Carlisle Borough Council passed a Community Trust and Local Autonomy ordinance Thursday that puts the borough on record as steering clear of most immigration enforcement. The ordinance passed on a 6-1 vote, concluding months of discussion. The adoption puts Carlisle in a growing list of Pennsylvania communities like Lancaster, Allentown and Reading, who have adopted similar measures. The measure, in its essence, codifies already existing borough policy in two key areas: That Carlisle police are not to concern themselves with civil immigration enforcement except when required to do so by a binding court order. They will still pursue all persons suspected of involvement in criminal activity or subject to arrest warrants. Borough staff are not to consider anyones citizenship status in conjunction with the provision of borough services. The ordinance, which evolved from a request from residents to consider what they termed a Welcoming Community ordinance, has dominated public comment at council meetings for months. In that time, most speakers have argued vehemently in favor, calling it a needed declaration of support for basic human rights in the face of increased immigration enforcement by the Trump Administrations Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency. A few opponents, meanwhile, often suggesting they speak for a silent majority, have blasted the proposal as a nonsensical statement of support for open borders. Thursdays meeting was different, in that most speakers - including several non-borough residents - either opposed or urged council to table the issue. Some accused council of trying to subvert federal immigration policy; while others blasted them for trying to play Congress. We want our borough government to stay local, and not to jump into what I consider to be national politics, said resident Heather Leatherman. Others said the borough needs more time to vet the proposed ordinance for all potential consequences, which they argued could include encouraging more undocumented residents to locate here, and then straining the local social services safety net to the breaking point. Supporters said passage will breathe life into the boroughs stated goals of working to create a welcoming community. As Devon Spiva, a Penn State Dickinson Law School student put it Thursday: When we call 9-1-1, the first question is: What is your emergency? Its not: What is your immigration status? Council member Cate Mellen, the only member to vote against the bill Thursday, said she is not opposed to the ordinances aims. She has argued this fall that its passage could paint a bulls-eye on Carlisles back, possibly leading to a new concentration of ICE activity here, and a blacklisting of the borough for future federal grant funds. Mellen has also said in the past that she believes the issue is better suited to a community-wide ballot question, as sanctioned by the boroughs home rule charter. This is a complex and divisive issue, and I feel really strongly that it should be put to all of the voters of this borough to decide, Mellen said. Mellen was easily outvoted by her council colleagues on Thursday. Mayor Sean Shultz argued nothing in the proposed ordinance blocks the federal government from enforcing immigration laws; it simply stops an administration from commandeering local resources to do so. Shultz also said the ordinance is essentially giving the weight of law to what have been long-established policies at borough hall. A leading advocate for immigrant rights in Pennsylvania told PennLive there is some practical benefit to that, in that it sends a strong signal to undocumented residents that they are part of the community. Harrisburg immigration attorney Shamaine Daniels, who serves as Pennsylvania director of CASA, said that codifying this kind of legal arms-length relationship with federal immigration enforcement encourages undocumented residents to come forward to police when they have been victimized by or witnessed a crime. Or to contact borough officials if they have a code issue. In the long run, that level of community buy-in is good for everyone, Daniels said. And inside City Halls, she said her experience has been, it just reshifts how people feel about their job [if immigration is taken off the table]. If you care about your local government tending to local matters, then you want them signing onto these ordinances, Daniels said. Jasmine Rivera, director of the Pennsylvania Immigration Coalition, a state advocacy group for immigrant rights, said having an ordinance also feels more lasting. Weve seen leadership changes that lead to day-to-day practice changes, she said. Just because these are the practices today does not mean that it couldnt suddenly change tomorrow. Which is why having an ordinance on the books is so critical. Crackdowns increasing There has been evidence of increased immigration crackdowns in Pennsylvania during the first year of the second Trump Administration. According to information compiled by the Deportation Data Center, ICE agents had made 3,031 arrests across Pennsylvania this year, through the end of July. That is nearly four times the 788 arrests reported through the same period in 2024. Daniels said shes seen no direct proof the activity tracks with welcome ordinances. To illustrate, she said CASA was alerted that earlier this month, ICE agents conducted immigration sweeps at several restaurants in the Hershey and Harrisburg areas. That, she noted, was after a split Dauphin County Commission voted down a welcoming ordinance covering the county and its departments. The city of Lancaster, meanwhile, has one of the strongest ordinances in the state outside of Philadelphia, and it was not on the last list of municipalities that the Trump Administration listed as under consideration for federal defunding. ICE, at present, lists 47 law enforcement agencies - most of them county sheriffs or local constables - in Pennsylvania that have inked agreements with federal authorities to aid with aspects of immigration enforcement. Carlisle police have never been party to such an agreement in recent years. The borough did, Police Chief Taro Landis noted in September, contact ICE after stopping a juvenile for a motor vehicle violation in April. In that case, Landis explained, officers were solely trying to get help in connecting the youth to a family who could take custody. When that effort failed, the youth fell into ICEs control. Landis has said the borough, in an effort to prevent that kind of situation from recurring, is instituting new policies to require officers on the street to seek check-in command staff approval before contacting a federal or state agency in conjunction with a case. The department has also bolstered connections with Cumberland County juvenile probation and Children and Youth Services, Landis said. Carlisle, a town of about 21,000, has a foreign-born population of about 8 percent, according to the most recent census estimates. A 49-year-old Perry County man died after he crashed into a tree in Wheatfield Township earlier this week, according to Pennsylvania State Police. The crash, which took place around 4 p.m. Tuesday on Sulphur Springs Road, killed Kenneth E. Heffley Jr., police said. Heffley Jr. was driving north in a Kia Forte when he crossed into the oncoming lane of traffic and struck a tree off the side of the road. He was taken to Penn State Holy Spirit Medical Center, where he died of his injuries around 11:45 p.m. SUNBURY A Northumberland County woman has been sentenced to state prison in the death of a 1-year-old girl she was watching. Amanda Lynn Walton, 42, of Sunbury, who pleaded guilty in August to a charge of involuntary manslaughter, was sentenced Wednesday in county court to 1 to 5 years. Walton told investigators she awoke the morning of July 12, 2024, to find the toddler to whom she was distantly related next to her on the couch. Her lips were blue, so she called 911, she said. The evening before, she took her prescribed suboxone, which makes her drowsy, and she fell asleep on a living room couch by the girl, Walton said. The cause of the toddlers death remains undetermined, assistant public defender David Albertson said. There were seven children in the residence, ranging in age from 1 to 5, city police said. Packets of suboxone were found on a dresser and bedside stand next to a bag of Swedish fish within reach of small children, the arrest affidavit stated. A charge of endangering the welfare of children was dropped as part of the plea agreement. A piece in The American Conservative magazine makes the case that Harrisburg has all the components to become the next tech start-up center. This file photo from 1998 shows construction on the Whitaker Center on Market Street in Harrisburg. Joe Hermitt | jhermitt@pennlive.com Harrisburg Patriot-News Elon Musk should buy Harrisburg. Ok, not really, but its the hint of an idea that forms the premise of an article published in The American Conservative magazine. The article titled Elon Musk Should Buy Some Small Town Centers explores the conundrum of why dried-up midsize towns that boast good housing stock thats affordable, cant be ground zero for the next big tech start-up, in contrast with big urban centers like San Francisco, which have abysmal house prices, high crime, and terrible social policies. The articles author, Sumantra Maitra, is the director of research and outreach at the American Ideas Institute, which publishes the magazine. Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is beautiful, and practically a dead town during the weekends, Maitra writes, after touring the city. At least that was my impression when I was there for a very short visit. And yet it shouldnt be. He called Harrisburg a historic town full of wonderful, if empty, pubs and restaurants. Some didnt survive Covid, but most are still struggling along. The waterfront is a hub of safe real estate, a lot of them for sale. Housing is both extremely nice and affordable, especially for young new homeowners and couples planning on their first joint property together, he writes. Maitra said he saw at least 13 empty commercial offices for lease in the two-mile town center and plenty more available for new tech start-ups. The city is relatively safe, no more dangerous than any other metropolitan urban centers in the U.S., he notes. Other than in the headline, Maitra does not invoke Musk anywhere in the article. He clearly is making a point, however, that Pennsylvanias capital area is well positioned to host a tech start-up, something Musk has excelled at with acumen at the helm of Tesla, SpaceX, Twitter and xAI. Tech billionaire Elon Musk courted the favor of President Donald Trump for a short while before bitterly parting ways. The American Conservative magazine argues Musk should buy Harrisburg. Musk is seen here with Trump at the Butler Farm Show on Oct. 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) AP He is the wealthiest person in the world with an estimated net worth of $500 billion, according to Forbes. The author writes that he is befuddled by a trend seen in the U.S. as well as the U.K. that midsize towns like Harrisburg have failed to boast the expansion of jobs in industries like tech, even though they require none of the prerequisites of bygone eras, such as ports, railway stations, or industrial parks. Funding is a different story. The effort requires a major seed-funder (like Musk) and donors, a dedicated workforce of around a couple of dozen of smart people in one office, a few restaurants, bars, and other auxiliary businesses nearby, and affordable housesthat is to say, compatible with salaries. Indeed, the question of whats behind Harrisburgs lagging economy was the crux of a six-part PennLive series this year on the decline of the citys downtown, contrasted with the success experienced in Lancaster. PennLive writers Sue Gleiter and John Luciew explored how after a brief revitalization in the new millennium, Harrisburgs economic trajectory turned south. Maitra employs basic math to make his point of how Harrisburg would be the perfect spot for a tech start-up: 10 commercial properties of mixed sizes in the downtown cost around $5 million total; the payroll of around 50 tech guys totals around $6 million (about $120,000 each). That means that 10 such startups can exist for a cost of under $30 million. Add to that the infusion of economic vitality to restaurants, cafes, bars, and the region is on its way to revitalization. Maitra is not the only one entertaining this idea. Gov. Josh Shapiro has committed to data center development in Pennsylvania with a multimillion-dollar state funding promise for industrial projects across the commonwealth. Any of these deals, youve got to work with the local community, the governor said recently while promoting his plan in Mayfield, Lackawanna County, home to a massive inventory of abandoned coal mines. The Shapiro administration has at least 11 new projects under the Pennsylvania Strategic Investments to Enhance Sites Program, which has earmarked up to $400 million in loans and grants for construction that leads to economic development. While the state tries to lay the groundwork for revitalization, Maitra envisions what the ultra-rich private sector could bring to the table and struggling downtowns, like Harrisburg. The total net worth of the top five U.S. billionaires is approximately $1.19 trillion, Maitra notes. There are around 900 billionaires in the U.S. by some estimates. The amount of growth they could fuel in towns like Harrisburg is mathematically astonishing to contemplate and would dwarf any competition in the EU or China, Maitra argues. It is time to bring such work mobility back, and not let smaller American towns die from degrowth, he writes. Musk is no stranger to the Commonwealth. He graduated from the University of Pennsylvania; and made several appearances here in 2024 stumping for then-candidate Donald Trump. No word yet on Musks response to Maitras big idea. Nearly a quarter of Commonwealth adults are family caregivers, yet many struggle in isolation. As our population ages, we must transform recognition into meaningful action. Getty Images By Jason Kavulich and Bill Johnston-Walsh Every November, a quiet, yet profound tribute unfolds across the nation: National Family Caregivers Month. While we celebrate many professions and contributions, this observation, long championed by AARP Pennsylvania and the Department of Aging, is for the over 63 million Americans who provide unpaid care to a family member or friend. They are the silent backbone of our health care system, providing the day-to-day support that allows millions to live with dignity in their own homes. In Pennsylvania, Gov. Josh Shapiro recently signed a proclamation recognizing November as Family Caregivers Month. This is more than a simple gesture of gratitude: it is a call to action to recognize the needs of caregivers and the critical roles they fulfill. Pennsylvania is built on strong communities and a tradition of neighbors helping neighbors. Today, this tradition is upheld by an army of nearly 2.4 million family caregivers almost a quarter of all adults in the Commonwealth who provide critical, unpaid support to their loved ones with complex medical conditions or disabilities. Pennsylvanias caregivers are the spouses, children and friends who manage complicated medication schedules, help with daily activities like bathing, dressing and getting in or out of bed or a chair, and assist with tasks like grocery shopping, transportation, housework, and preparing meals. These caregivers are the unsung heroes of our long-term care system. A new report, Caregiving in the U.S. 2025, released by the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, revealed that in Pennsylvania, 25 percent of caregivers live in a household with income under $50,000; 70 percent work while also caregiving; and 33 percent are caregivers who care for an adult while also caring for a child under 18. The unpaid care they provide is valued at a staggering $22 billion annually. Without them, our health care system would be overwhelmed, and many older adults would be forced into costly nursing homes. But this invaluable contribution comes at a steep price. Providing this high-intensity care often without formal training exacts a heavy toll on caregivers own health, finances, and well-being. For caregivers who spend more than 21 hours a week on their duties, the impacts on their physical, mental, emotional, and social well-being are well-documented and profound: they are more likely to be stressed, isolated and unable to look after their own health care needs. Yet 32 percent of caregivers in the state report spending at least 40 hours a week providing care for a family member. The Shapiro Administrations early, bold action on behalf of older adults and their caregivers is evident in Aging Our Way, PA, a 10-year plan to improve the infrastructure of aging services. The plan was developed with the strong support of AARP Pennsylvania and the input of more than 20,000 older Pennsylvanians who wrote in, called and attended hundreds of community sessions in every county of the state. Overwhelmingly, more help for caregivers was voiced as a priority need. Pennsylvania listened, and AARP Pennsylvania applauded when in May 2025, the Department of Aging launched the PA CareKit, a collection of tools specifically designed to help unpaid caregivers assess their needs, organize tasks and find support on their caregiving journey. The PA CareKit is receiving national recognition for its personalized, yet practical approach and printed materials are now available in many community locations like libraries, senior community centers and area agencies on aging. Pennsylvania also has the distinction of pioneering and expanding the Caregiver Support Program, which reimburses caregivers for caregiving-related services and supplies, and we encourage caregivers to learn more at pa.gov/aging/caregiver. With the states population of adults aged 60 and older expected to grow to one in three Pennsylvanians by 2030, family caregivers can expect to experience heightened challenges related to workload, burnout, and social and financial burdens. The evidence is clear: unpaid family caregivers are the linchpin of our health care system. May we all dedicate time this month to shine a spotlight on the realities of caregiving and show our support by connecting them to vital resources, providing them with the tools and community they need to thrive, and advocating for policies that offer more robust respite care options and financial relief. Together, we can all contribute to a more caring, welcoming and age-friendly Commonwealth. Jason Kavulich is Secretary of the Pennsylvania Department of Aging. Bill Johnston-Walsh is State Director, AARP Pennsylvania. The Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine in the draft state budget for 2026 has provided additional funds for frontline territories: a total of UAH 10.6 billion in subsidies and UAH 30.9 billion to support territories that have lost income due to the full-scale invasion, Prime Minister of Ukraine Yulia Svyrydenko announced following a meeting with the heads of regional military administrations of frontline regions. "I held a meeting with the heads of regional military administrations of frontline regions. We synchronized positions on the results of previous work and discussed further steps. The key issues are providing communities with the necessary resources for the heating season and other current issues," she said on her Telegram channel on Friday evening. "In the 2026 draft budget, we have provided additional funds for frontline territories, a total of UAH 10.6 billion in subsidies and UAH 30.9 billion to support territories that have lost income due to the full-scale invasion. In addition, we have provided for an increase in the salaries of primary and emergency medical care doctors and doctors in frontline regions, thanks to an increase in funding for the medical guarantee program to UAH 191.6 billion," she said. According to Svyrydenko, support for frontline regions continues to be a priority for the government. "It is important for us to ensure support for frontline regions both this year and to provide support for next year," she said. "We expect MPs to support the document in the Verkhovna Rada," the Prime Minister said. The Verkhovna Rada has registered bill No. 14210, which proposes to expand the grounds for temporarily restricting the travel abroad of Ukrainian citizens. According to the bill card on the parliament's website, the document was registered on November 14. Its title: "Bill on amendments to Article 6 of the Law of Ukraine On the Procedure for exiting Ukraine and entering Ukraine by citizens of Ukraine regarding the expansion of the grounds for temporarily restricting the travel abroad of Ukrainian citizens." The initiators were five MPs: Iryna Friz (European Solidarity), Yuriy Mysiahin (Servant of the People", Dmytro Pryputen (Servant of the People), Roman Kostenko (Holos) and Solomia Bobrovska (Holos). The text of the bill and its explanatory note have not yet been made public. According to one of the authors, MP Friz, the bill will prohibit travel abroad for draft evaders who have not updated their data on time. This is a temporary ban on travel for those who have violated the law on military registration and received a preferential reservation for 45 days to eliminate the violation. "Reservation cannot be a tool for fleeing the country this is a clear position. Therefore, today my colleagues and I registered bill 14210, which will prohibit travel abroad for violators (evaders) of military registration rules who did not update their data on time, but if necessary, they will be able to receive preferential booking after the parliament adopts bill No. 13335," she said on Facebook. Martial law has been in effect in Ukraine since February 24, 2022. During this period, travel abroad is limited to men aged 18 to 60 who are subject to mobilization. However, the categories specified by law can travel: people with disabilities, parents with many children (all children under 18), guardians, accompanying persons with disabilities, students of foreign universities, as well as certain other groups. Each category has its own list of documents. Border guards emphasize that the decision on a pass is made individually at the checkpoint. At the end of August, the Cabinet of Ministers updated the procedure for crossing the state border. Now, men aged 18 to 22 will be able to leave Ukraine without hindrance during martial law. This applies to all Ukrainians of the appropriate age. Why GGPoker Banned Final Table Chip Leader with $300k Going to the Winner Jon Sofen Senior Editor U.S. Copy link Two players were permanently banned from GGPoker, including the chip leader entering the GGMillion$ final table on Tuesday, for an alleged ghosting incident. Adrian Mateos, Spain's top tournament player ever, would go on to win the tournament for $306,251. He'd entered the final table as the smallest stack out of nine players with just 20 big blinds. But he'd spin it up like he's done many times online and live over the past decade. Mateos' win, however, has been overshadowed by an incident that occurred before the final table began, and it involved the chip leader, a player who competes on GGPoker under the screen name "Hindaru." Why Did Online Poker Player Get Banned from GGPoker? Hindaru, whose real name is unknown, entered play with 69 big blinds. But he wouldn't play a single hand at the final table, and the online poker giant explained why the player was not only removed from the tournament, but also permanently banned from the site. "GGPoker has permanently banned two players following an account-sharing violation detected during the GGMillion$ tournament. Our security team identified the breach before the final table on November 11, 2025, and took immediate action to protect the integrity of the competition," a statement from GGPoker reads. Jeff Gross, one of the commentators for the final table livestream, also issued a brief statement before play began. The longtime poker pro from Michigan told viewers that "the chip leader today is being blinded out. That is due to Game Integrity and they are looking into it and sorting that out." Gross told his co-host, Alexandros Theologis, that he'd never seen a chip leader get blinded out at a final table. There was reason for GGPoker to ban Hindaru, and that reason was the online poker player allegedly allowed another player to play under their account. That player, unidentified by real name, was also banned from the poker site. "During Day 1 of the GGMillion$ tournament on November 9, 2025, our security team identified that the account 'Hinaru' was being played by someone other than the registered account holder. The investigation confirmed that another player had been using Hinarus account throughout the tournament, a practice known as 'ghosting.' This constitutes a clear violation of GGPokers Security and Ecology Policy, which prohibits account sharing under any circumstances. Every player must compete on their own accountno exceptions," GGPoker wrote. It's unclear how GGPoker was able to identify that ghosting had occurred. Hinaru's stack was blinded down to zero chips until the account busted in fifth place for $115,752. That money, however, was not added to the alleged cheater's online poker account. It was instead resdistrubted to affected players. GGPoker recently gave previously banned players an opportunity to apply for reinstatement. The online poker site with the largest player base in the world also launched a new Online Poker Millionaires docuseries, and the first episode featured Theologis. Share this article Photo: Interfax-Ukraine / Oleksandr Zubko The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine (MFA) is forming the composition of the working groups of the Platform for the Progressive Development of International Humanitarian Law (IHL), Advisor to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Marianna Hrebeniuk has said. According to her, the formation is taking place in three areas: Human Dimension, Environmental Dimension and Institutional Dimension of Ensuring Compliance with IHL. "We [the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine] proposed to establish a Platform for the Progressive Development of International Humanitarian Law, within which three clusters will operate," Hrebeniuk said during the roundtable discussion "Duty of Care: What Humanitarian Workers and Volunteers Need for Security" at Interfax-Ukraine. She said the Human Dimension is planned to include the issue of strengthening the protection of humanitarian personnel. The MFA invites qualified lawyers from NGOs engaged in humanitarian activities to join the working group in developing relevant proposals. The Platform for the Progressive Development of IHL was launched at the initiative of Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine Andriy Sybiha. Its goal is to create an international platform for interaction between representatives of states, international organizations, experts and practitioners in the field of IHL, as well as monitoring the effectiveness and further progressive development of the norms of international humanitarian law. Chloe Barlow is a multimedia reporter straight out of the Midlands. She trained in journalism at both the University of South Carolina and Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She covers a wide breadth of South Carolina news, but she is especially interested in accountability and justice reporting. Tony Kukulich is an editor/reporter working in the Beaufort County bureau. Turning to journalism as a second career, he started as a photojournalist in the San Francisco Bay Area. After moving to Bluffton in 2021, he wrote for several area publications before joining The Post and Courier the following year. Regional Editor Brandon Roberts is the managing editor of Summerville Communications Inc., which prints The Summerville Journal Scene and The Berkeley Independent. Kalyn Oyer is a Charleston native and the features editor for The Post and Courier. She's a music festival and concert photographer and avid showgoer who used to write about music for the Charleston City Paper as well as national publications. Ukraine's second-largest mobile operator, VF Ukraine (Vodafone Ukraine, VFU), which since late May has repurchased nearly $7 million of its own eurobonds in connection with dividend payments, received buyback offers at its latest tender, covering $10.84 million in nominal bonds, exceeding that amount by at least a factor of 8.7. "Since the total amount of bonds submitted under the Tender Offer significantly exceeded the Tender Offer Amount, the submitted bonds will be accepted for purchase on a pro rata basis, using a scaling factor of 0.1150681," the company said in an exchange filing on Friday. Settlement is scheduled for November 20. As reported earlier, Vodafone Ukraine repurchased the equivalent of EUR 1 million in bonds in each of its first two tenders. The debut buyback was priced at 99% of par, and the second at 90%. The company did not disclose results of the second tender, while the scaling factor for the first was 0.0040355668. In the third tender, priced at 85% of par and capped at $4.67 million, Vodafone Ukraine received $53.395 million in offers and accepted $5.208 million, with a scaling factor of 0.1315451889487317. The fourth tender was announced on August 13 and subsequently extended seven times. During the process, the buyback price was increased from 85% to 98% of par, and the purchase amount was raised to $10.84 million. The bonds mature in February 2027 and carry a coupon of 9.625%. They were originally issued for $300 million. Following cancellation of repurchased bonds, the outstanding nominal amount now totals $292.532 million. The eurobond buybacks are linked to Vodafone Ukraine's April 24, 2025, announcement of dividend payments to its shareholder totaling UAH 660.245 million ($15.9 million at the exchange rate cited). Due to National Bank restrictions, dividends are paid in monthly installments. Each monthly dividend is expected to equal the hryvnia equivalent of EUR 1 million. Under the bond terms, the company must offer bondholders the option to sell bonds in an amount equal to any dividends paid abroad. Seven monthly dividend payments, each equivalent to roughly EUR 1 million, have already been made. Vodafone Ukraine increased its net profit by 10.7% in the first nine months of this year, to UAH 3.4468 billion, and its revenue by 13.3% to UAH 19.03 billion. The report also noted that to service and repurchase eurobonds, the company is receiving loans from related parties. In February, parent company Telco Investments B.V. provided $49.59 million for partial eurobond repayment. In June, Vodafone Ukraine signed a dollar-denominated credit-line agreement with Telco Investments for the equivalent of UAH 660 million at 10% interest, maturing in 2028. Finally, in July 2025, the company signed a $10 million loan agreement with Dutch firm Cemin B.V. at 10% interest, with repayment due no later than the end of 2027 but not before eurobond redemption. The funds are disbursed in tranches to the company's foreign bank account and must be used for bond buybacks conducted due to the resumed dividend payments. Quick Response and Public Safety Reporter Caitlin Bell is a breaking news and courts reporter for The Post and Courier Charleston. She is a graduate of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations. County in C China's Hubei cultivates thriving turquoise industry People's Daily Online) 09:31, November 14, 2025 Photo shows a panoramic view of the international jewelry trading center in Zhushan county, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo courtesy of the media convergence center of Zhushan county) Rough chunks of turquoise are being transformed into treasures by skilled artisans, fueling the booming turquoise industry in Zhushan county, central China's Hubei Province. In Majiadu town's Yingpanhe village, one of China's first designated "Taobao villages"rural e-commerce hubs supported by Alibaba's logistics, services, and trainingmore than 1,100 turquoise shops now line the streets. Livestreaming marketing has been employed to boost sales. So far this year, the town's e-commerce sales have reached 1.5 billion yuan (about $210.68 million). At the Douyin e-commerce livestreaming base, 1,922 merchants have gathered, completing 4.5 million orders annually with a total transaction volume of 3.5 billion yuan. "We used to wait at our stalls for customers to come. Now we can sell nationwide through our phones, and our income has doubled," said shop owner Luo Jingjing, who once worried about her store's sporadic orders. Today, she leads a 40-member livestreaming team that sells turquoise bracelets to Europe and the U.S. "Annual sales have grown a hundredfold, reaching tens of millions of yuan," she added. A livestreamer promotes a turquoise product in Zhushan county, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo courtesy of the convergence media center of Zhushan county) To boost e-commerce, Zhushan county has upgraded infrastructure, expanded network coverage, strengthened logistics systems, and launched targeted talent training programs. It has organized 19 large-scale training sessions, cultivating over 3,000 industry professionals, including more than 110 e-commerce livestreamers. This digital transformation has brought Zhushan's once-hidden turquoise to global markets, building an industrial chain with an annual output value of 20 billion yuan. Inside the international turquoise museum in Zhushan county, excavated artifacts reveal the gemstone's deep historical roots, affirming its unique place in Chinese civilization. On Nov. 8, the international jewelry trading center in Zhushan county hosted a turquoise fashion show. Models walked the runway wearing turquoise jewelry that blended traditional motifs with contemporary aesthetics, as more than 500 brand representatives, designers, and industry experts from around the world gathered to witness the ancient gemstone's modern transformation. The 11,000-square-meter international jewelry trading center has become a cultural landmark where tradition meets innovation. An artisan works on a turquoise artwork in Zhushan county, central China's Hubei Province. (Photo courtesy of the convergence media center of Zhushan county) At the carving workshop in the international turquoise industrial park in the county, Qin Lipeng, winner of the Tiangong Award, the most influential award for China's jade carving and stone carving, guided his apprentice in carving a Tibetan Buddhist statue. "Training a qualified carver takes at least five years," said Tao Chong, curator of the international turquoise museum in Zhushan county, acknowledging that a shortage of skilled talent was once the biggest bottleneck to industry development. To address this, Zhushan Vocational and Technical School established a turquoise college in 2019, adopting an innovative model that integrates cooperation with enterprises and master carvers. Today, most graduates from the first cohort have become technical leaders at local enterprises, injecting new vitality into Zhushan's turquoise sector. (Web editor: Hongyu, Liang Jun) PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-14 04:15:07 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 730 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 ST. PETERSBURG, FL / ACCESS Newswire / November 13, 2025 / As consumers grow weary of 10-step routines and harsh actives that damage the skin barrier, IKI Skincare introduces the Skin Minimalism Collection - a science-driven line created to simplify skincare and restore balance.The brand's launch represents a clear shift away from the "more-is-better" philosophy that has dominated beauty for decades. Instead, IKI's approach to minimalist, evidence-based skincare empowers consumers to achieve healthy, resilient skin with fewer products and smarter science.The Rise of Skin Minimalism In recent years, dermatologists have reported a dramatic increase in routine fatigue and barrier damage among patients using too many products or overly strong actives. According to experts, this over-treatment leads to redness, inflammation, and sensitivity - conditions now common across all age groups."The future of skincare lies in restraint and science," says Dr. Maria Urbani, founder of IKI Skincare and a physician specializing in aesthetic medicine and laser therapy. "People don't need more products; they need the right ones - formulated with integrity, balance, and purpose." This consumer shift toward intentional skincare has gained global traction under the term skin minimalism: a movement that prioritizes barrier health, transparency, and clinically validated ingredients over marketing hype.Clinical Science Meets Japanese Philosophy Rooted in Japan's beauty principles of ikigai - purpose and authenticity - IKI Skincare blends Eastern balance with Western dermatological rigor. Each formula reflects the brand's belief that simplicity, consistency, and barrier protection form the foundation of true skin health.IKI's formulations are:- Dermatologist-tested and hypoallergenic- Free of fragrance, sulfates, and alcohol- Designed for sensitive and rosacea-prone skin"Our goal was to create products that respect the skin barrier while delivering visible results," Urbani explains. "Skin Minimalism isn't about doing less; it's about doing what matters most." A Movement, Not Just a Launch Beyond its debut collection, IKI Skincare is building an educational platform that helps consumers rethink their relationship with skincare.30-Day Skin Minimalism Challenge Launching January 1, 2026, participants will receive guided support from IKI's in-house medical team through expert tips, ingredient education, and weekly Q&A sessions on how to repair and protect the skin barrier.Resource Guide: "5 Signs Your Routine Is Hurting Your Skin (And How to Fix It)" Available for free download at ikiskincare.com , the guide-developed in collaboration with dermatologists-offers practical steps for identifying and reversing over-treated skin.Skin Minimalism Social Campaign Through social media, IKI invites users to share their simplified routines and celebrate real skin-texture, pores, and all-under the hashtag #SkinMinimalism. The campaign encourages authenticity and shifts beauty culture toward inclusion and honesty.Market Insights: Why Consumers Want Less According to Harvard Health Publishing, consumers are more likely to trust brands that emphasize ingredient transparency and provide clear education. Likewise, a recent Statista survey found that 63 percent of skincare users in North America plan to simplify their routines in 2026.This growing preference for science-backed simplicity positions IKI Skincare as a leader in a fast-evolving beauty landscape - bridging the gap between clinical credibility and consumer accessibility."People want proof, not promises," Urbani says. "By combining research, empathy, and Japanese balance, we're helping customers rebuild confidence in their skin - and in the brands they trust." Looking Ahead: The Future of Barrier Health Following strong reception among early dermatology partners and retail testers, IKI Skincare plans to expand its portfolio in 2026 to include broad-spectrum mineral SPF options formulated for sensitive skin. The line will maintain the brand's minimalist ethos -short ingredient lists, high performance, and clinically verified safety."Our next focus is photoprotection," Urbani adds. "Sunscreen shouldn't sting, clog, or irritate - especially for rosacea-prone patients. We're developing formulas that feel invisible, inclusive, and effortless." About IKI Skincare Founded by physician Dr. Maria Jose Urbani, IKI Skincare is a science-backed skincare brand dedicated to restoring balance through simplicity. Rooted in the Japanese philosophy of ikigai, IKI partners with medical professionals specializing in aesthetic medicine and skin health to design clinically tested formulas for sensitive and barrier-compromised skin. The brand's mission: fewer steps, smarter science, and skin that feels calm - not compromised.For more information, visit ikiskincare.com or follow @ iki.skincare on social media.Media Contact Organization: IKI SkincareContact Person Name: Leonardo LaviosaWebsite: https://ikiskincare.com/ Email: llaviosa@ ikiskinexperts.com City: St. PetersburgState: FloridaCountry: United StatesSOURCE: IKI Skincare PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-14 11:00:10 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 439 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 DUBLIN, IE / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / Nemysis Limited is pleased to announce the signing of a Subscription Agreement (the "Agreement") under which Kolinpharma, through its Parent company IGEA Holding S.p.A., has invested in the capital of Nemysis.The proceeds from the issue of shares will be used to accelerate the commercialization of the Company's novel and innovative oral iron supplement, Iron Hydroxide Adipate Tartrate ("IHAT"), expand Nemysis' broader product portfolio, and support the completion of development and initial commercial manufacturing of Endoprotease 40, the Company's oral enzymatic therapy designed to degrade gluten and prevent symptomatic exposure in both celiac and non-celiac gluten-sensitive individuals.This investment represents a further commitment under the Company's current funding round and serves as a significant endorsement from a commercial partner operating in markets directly aligned with Nemysis' products. It is also expected to strengthen ongoing funding discussions with private investors.Commenting on the Agreement, Danilo Casadei Massari, Chairman & CEO of Nemysis, stated:"We are very pleased to welcome Kolinpharma's investment and support. With its extensive experience across markets aligned with our portfolio and its strong position in the Italian healthcare sector-where it successfully commercializes "IHAT" under its own trademark , Kipfer-Kolinpharma represents an ideal strategic partner for Nemysis.Rita Paola Petrelli, President of Kolinpharma S.p.A and Igea Holding S.p.A, added:"We are proud to support Nemysis in advancing its innovative product portfolio. This partnership aligns with our mission to promote health and wellbeing, with a primary focus on the Italian market and growing international opportunities. We see strong potential for future collaborations as both a shareholder and strategic stakeholder." About KolinpharmaKOLINPHARMA S.p.A., founded in 2013, is an innovative and Multi-Certified SME operating in the nutraceutical sector, specializing in Research and Development activities carried out exclusively by its internal R&D Department. For the execution of in vitro and clinical studies, the Company collaborates with leading Italian universities. Its in-house R&D department has enabled the registration of 51 patents (both Italian and international).Strongly committed to sustainability, the Company began reporting on ESG matters starting with its 2019 Sustainability Report, obtained Benefit Corporation status in 2021, and achieved B-CORP certification in 2024.Kolinpharma products are developed using innovative and technologically advanced raw materials and, under the recommendation of medical specialist, are intended to support pharmacological treatments in the osteoarticular, urological, gynecological, neurological, and immunological fields. The efficacy of Kolinpharma's products is supported by extensive scientific evidence, including in vitro and clinical studies, with results published in international technical and scientific journals.Contact InformationDanilo Casadei MassariCEOcasadei-massari@ nemysisltd.com +35315313450SOURCE: Nemysis Limited PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-14 11:20:08 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 1037 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 HONG KONG, CHINA / ACCESS Newswire / November 14, 2025 / SouthGobi Resources Ltd. (Hong Kong Stock Exchange ("HKEX"):1878, TSX Venture Exchange ("TSX-V"):SGQ) (the "Company" or "SouthGobi") today announces its financial and operating results for the three and nine months ended September 30, 2025. All figures are in U.S. dollars ("USD") unless otherwise stated.Significant Events and HighlightsThe Company's significant events and highlights for the three months ended September 30, 2025 and the subsequent period to November 14, 2025 are as follows:Operating Results- The Company increased the scale of its mining operations since 2024, as well as implementing various coal processing methods, including screening, wet washing and dry coal processing, which have resulted in improved coal quality and enhanced production volume and growth of coal export volume into China during the period.In response to the market demand for different coal products, the Company focused on expanding the categories of coal products in its portfolio, including mixed coal, wet washed coal and dry processed coal. In addition, the Company has experienced success with processing its inventory of F-grade coal products through cost-effective screening procedures. As a result of the improvement in the quality of the processed F-grade coal, the Company was able to meet the import coal quality standards established by Chinese authorities and has been exporting this product to China for sale since the first quarter of 2024, further enhancing the Company's coal export volume.The Company recorded sales volume of 3.0 million tonnes for the third quarter of 2025 compared to 2.1 million tonnes for the third quarter of 2024, while the Company recorded an average realised selling price of $49.0 per tonne for the third quarter of 2025 compared to $67.8 per tonne for the third quarter of 2024. The decrease in the average realised selling price was mainly due to the Company facing headwinds in the China coal market since 2024, leading to the Company changing its product mix to sell a greater percentage of lower-priced coal products.Financial Results- The Company recorded a $1.1 million profit from operations for the third quarter of 2025 compared to a $27.7 million profit from operations for the third quarter of 2024. The financial results were impacted by the decreased average realised selling price and the change in product mix as the Company sold more processed coal with higher production costs.Notice from Mongolian Government Plenipotentiary and designation of Company's mining deposits as mineral deposits of strategic importance -On April 2, 2025, Southgobi Sands LLC ("SGS") received a letter from a plenipotentiary representative of the Mongolian government (the "Letter") which invited SGS to participate in negotiations in relation to determining the Mongolian state's ownership interest in SGS, being the legal entity which holds the Company's coal mining and exploration licenses in Mongolia.The Letter states that, in furtherance of Mongolia's National Wealth Fund Law which was passed in April 2024, the Mongolian government resolved on February 5, 2025 to appoint a plenipotentiary representative (the "Plenipotentiary Representative of the Mongolian Government") to negotiate with legal persons holding a mining license for a deposit designated by the Mongolian government as a strategically important deposit ("Mineral Deposits of Strategic Importance") in relation to determining the proportionate interest the Mongolian state has in such legal entity or whether to replace the Mongolian state's interest with a royalty interest.The Company has been advised by its Mongolian legal counsel that, the Government of Mongolia is empowered to participate on an equity ownership basis with the license holder in the exploitation and/or mining of each Mineral Deposit of Strategic Importance on terms to be negotiated between the Government of Mongolia and such license holder. Based solely on the knowledge of the Company's Mongolian legal counsel, the Company is aware that various other license holders of Mineral Deposits of Strategic Importance have entered into similar negotiations with the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Mongolian Government.On April 24, 2025, SGS initiated preliminary discussions with the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Mongolian Government. The Company anticipates that the discussion between SGS and the Plenipotentiary Representative of the Mongolian Government will continue and both parties will endeavour to engage in good faith for the purpose of arriving at a mutual and constructive understanding and agreement. The Company intends to fully cooperate with the Mongolian government and provide all necessary information to the extent permitted by applicable law.As at the date of this press release, the deposits covered by four of the Company's Mongolian mining licenses have been designated as Mineral Deposits of Strategic Importance by Mongolian government authorities. The relevant mining licenses relate to the Company's Ovoot Tolgoi Mine and the Soumber Deposit.Additional Tax and Tax Penalty Imposed by the Mongolian Tax Authority ("MTA") -On July 18, 2023, SGS received an official notice (the "Notice") issued by the MTA stating that the MTA had completed a periodic tax audit (the "Audit") on the financial information of SGS for the tax assessment years between 2017 and 2020, including transfer pricing, royalty, air-pollution fee and unpaid tax payables. As a result of the Audit, the MTA notified SGS that it is imposing a tax penalty against SGS in the amount of approximately $75.0 million. The penalty mainly relates to the different view on the interpretation of tax law between the Company and the MTA. Under Mongolian law, the Company had a period of 30 days from the date of receipt of the Notice to file an appeal in relation to the Audit. Subsequently the Company engaged an independent tax consultant in Mongolia to provide tax advice and support to the Company and filed an appeal letter in relation to the Audit with the MTA in accordance with Mongolian laws on August 17, 2023.On February 8, 2024, SGS received notice from the Tax Dispute Resolution Council ("TDRC") which stated that, after the TDRC's review, the TDRC issued a decision in relation to SGS' appeal of the Audit, and ordered that the audit assessments set forth in the Notice of July 18, 2023 be sent back to the MTA for review and re-assessment.On February 22, 2024, SGS received another notice from the MTA stating that the MTA anticipated commencing the re-assessment process on or about March 7, 2024 and the duration of such process will be approximately 45 working days.On May 15, 2024, SGS received a n PR-Inside.com: 2025-11-14 02:05:06 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 535 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 NEW YORK CITY AND NEW ORLEANS / ACCESS Newswire / November 13, 2025 /Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors with substantial losses that they have untilJanuary 12, 2026to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stride, Inc. ("Stride" or the "Company") (NYSE:LRN), if they purchased or otherwise acquired the Company's securities between October 22, 2024 and October 28, 2025, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Stride and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-lrn/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byJanuary 12, 2026 .About the LawsuitStride and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On September 14, 2025, it was reported that the Gallup-McKinley County Schools Board of Education had filed a complaint against the Company, alleging fraud, deceptive trade practices, systemic violations of law, and intentional and tortious misconduct, including inflating enrollment numbers by retaining "ghost students" on rolls to secure state funding per student and ignoring compliance requirements, including background checks and licensure laws for its employees. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $18.60 per share, or 11.7%, to close at $139.76 per share on September 15, 2025. Then, on October 28, 2025, the Company disclosed that "poor customer experience" had resulted in "higher withdrawal rates," "lower conversion rates," and had driven students away, and that the Company estimated the impact caused approximately 10,000-15,000 fewer enrollments and that, because of this, its outlook is "muted" compared to prior years. On this news, the price of Stride's shares fell $83.48 per share, or more than 54%, to close at $70.05 per share on October 29, 2025.The case is MacMahon v. Stride, Inc., et al., Case No. 25-cv-02019.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. This past year, KSF was ranked by SCAS among the top 10 firms nationally based upon total settlement value. KSF serves a variety of clients, including public and private institutional investors, and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana, Chicago, and a representative office in Luxembourg.TOP 10 Plaintiff Law Firms - According to ISS Securities Class Action ServicesTo learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partnerlewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163CONNECT WITH US: Facebook || Instagram || YouTube || TikTok || LinkedInSOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC The controversy surrounding Regina Daniels age and alleged drug use deepened on Friday after her brother, Sweezzy, claimed that the voters card Senator Ned Nwoko shared online was forged and produced in his sitting room. The claim came just as Serenity Royale Hospital, an Abuja facility specialising in substance-abuse management and psychological care, publicly disowned a medical report suggesting the actress tested positive for multiple hard drugs. PREMIUM TIMES reported that the lawmaker shared Reginas voters card on his social media pages to defend himself, saying he didnt marry Regina when she was 17. The lawmaker shared what he claimed to be Reginas voters card, which stated her year of birth as 1998. However, the claim and the document contradict a statement he issued on Monday, in which he said the actress, whom he claimed was born on 10 October 2000, married him at 19. Sweezzy wrote on his Instagram page: Fake doctors report. Fake marriage certificate. Fake voters card. A voters card was printed in Ned Nwokos sitting room at Ugboko. Thats her only document that carries Daniels, and all others carry Ojeogwu. The oldest document will be presented for evidence in a court of law. Id advise you to desist from this falsifying behaviour and be upright. Regina never went with you to any registry, just in case you post the fabricated Marriage certificate too Regina was born on 10 October 2001. You might need to tell the world what happened when Regina introduced you, Ned Nwoko, to me in May 2019. I was never in support, but as a blood decision, no yawa. I can only advise a brother and not dictate like you do. Your kidney failure has been your technique for always saying sorry to Regina after abusing her in your home. Drugs Additionally, Sweezzy refuted Mr Nwokos allegation that he and some of his siblings were involved in cocaine use. He added that Regina had repeatedly claimed that Mr Nwoko habitually used his illness to blackmail her. You should be resting, you know? Youre too old for these lies, and Im highly disappointed. Neither I nor any of my siblings has ever been involved in the intake of cocaine. Its ridiculously outrageous to state that Im a supplier of these drugs. Quick question for Mr Ned Nwoko: What samples were given to the hospital, and how were they collected? Or is this your result? I rest my case! Let old behave like old and young behave like old if possible, said Sweezzy. Test result The hospital said the purported medical report, which went viral on Thursday, alleging that the laboratory tests conducted by a certified expert detected toxic levels of marijuana, cocaine, morphine, opiates and alcohol in Reginas system, was not from them. In a statement posted on its Instagram page on Friday and signed by its management, the hospital denied issuing any medical report regarding the actress or being involved in any such report. The statement read: Our attention has been drawn to a post (on an alleged midterm home detox report) being circulated online in the name of Serenity Royale Hospital regarding Mrs Nwoko Regina. We wish to state clearly that the publication and circulation of the said post containing classified information did not emanate from us and respectfully request the public to disregard the same. We remain committed to high-standard medical practice with a huge commitment to ensuring medical confidentiality. Enter Regina Reacting to the hospitals rebuttal of the medical report, Regina revealed that she went crazy when the document first surfaced online. She said she would have sued the hospital, but commended the management for standing by the truth. Thank you for this. Knowing the owner of this hospital is a family friend made me almost go crazy and sue you all. But thanks for standing by the truth despite knowing youre a big fish in the family, saving your hospital, and just doing the right thing. So thanks, and let me kill this, Regina wrote on her Instagram Story on Friday. The alleged medical report surfaced hours after Laila Charani, the fifth wife of Mr Nwoko, alleged that Regina once introduced her to drugs. She claimed that the crisis between the actress and the lawmaker stemmed from Reginas alleged substance abuse. Laila further alleged that Regina was involved in lesbianism. For the record, the Moroccan-born entrepreneur stated, You infected everyone with your virus, and this is why I will not trust my daughters around you unsupervised, especially when I found out that you were sleeping with every single girl around you. I say this not out of anger, but from a place of truth and concern for the level of lies you are peddling for reasons known to you alone. However, in a statement shared on her Instagram Story, the actress hit back at Laila, insisting that homosexuality is not shameful and challenging her to provide evidence to support the allegation. She wrote, First off! Openly saying you cant leave kids around me is the most useless and hurtful thing Ned ordered his wife to speak. Im such a mother to many children that its quite tiring. Also, saying I sleep with every single girl? Truthfully, sleeping with the same gender isnt a thing that I consider shameful, but how is the other woman so certain? Lol. Is she certain because I slept with her, too? I hope she also knows that if not for the polygamy disadvantages, her son and mine cant be together because of all the atrocities we have caught him doing that I will never mention! But my son loves him, so what can I do? Ned better protect my kids! Their foundation is the ultimate; do not use them to weaken me! Backstory This newspaper reported that the marital crisis between Mr Nwoko and Regina began in October, following her allegation that the lawmaker physically assaulted her. Regina stated that she was no longer interested in continuing the marriage, while Mr Nwoko countered by accusing her of drug abuse. The controversy has since escalated, with a series of allegations emerging, including claims of an underage marriage and the alleged detention of Reginas brother, Samuel Sammy West Ojeogwu, among others. Before the marital dispute, this newspaper noted that although Laila and Regina appeared to publicly maintain a cordial relationship, their bond was reportedly distant. The two women were occasionally seen together at family gatherings or featured on Reginas social media pages, particularly between 2020 and 2021. Their relationship, however, reportedly became strained following Lailas temporary separation from Mr Nwoko in 2021. When she returned to the marriage in 2022, the household dynamic shifted again, with observers noting a marked decline in Reginas public interactions with her co-wife. Nigerias Minister of State for Health, Iziaq Salako, has said the country is not yet capable of locally producing vaccines for use. Mr Salako, a medical doctor, spoke on Thursday night when he appeared as a guest on Channels TVs Politics Today. Seun Okinbaloye, the programme anchor asked the minister if Nigeria could produce vaccines now. Unfortunately, not, he responded The minister, however, said Nigeria under President Bola Tinubu administration was currently working hard to promote local vaccine production in the country. Mr Salako stressed that producing vaccines requires careful economic and technical consideration, explaining that local production, for instance, must be economically viable. It is not enough to just say you want to produce vaccines. You must first consider comparative advantage. If producing locally costs more than importing, then it defeats the purpose. You must do all the analysis, he stated. The minister argued that although Nigerias population of over 200 million people was an advantage, vaccines produced in Nigeria must align with global standards to be marketable elsewhere. When you produce a vaccine that is not globally used, thats a challenge. Its high-end technology, and (thats why) we cant rush into it (local vaccine production), he said. Were ready for COVID-19-like outbreaks Mr Salako also claimed, unlike before, Nigerias health security system is now strong and ready to handle global outbreaks such as COVID-19 pandemic. We have no cause for panic. There is 24/7 preparedness and constant surveillance to ensure health security, he claimed. Our ability to detect and prevent pandemics has increased from 39 to 55 per cent, the minister added. Most federal hospitals now digitised Mr Salako boasted that 80 per cent of federal hospitals across Nigeria have been digitised and stressed that the digital process had simplified hospital operations in the country. I can tell you that close to 80 per cent of our federal, tertiary health institutions are today digitised, he remarked. The minister explained that the implication of the digitisation is that patients will no longer need to have physical cards to access healthcare. Some hospitals are able to make appointments on the phone through mobile apps that have been developed (by different health facilities, he said. Nigerias efforts into local vaccine production Nigeria has been making unsuccessful efforts to promote local vaccine production in the country. The Nigerian authorities, in 2022 for instance, signed an agreement with Cuba to implement actions on a number of scientific and technical development, vaccine production, to improve the health of Nigerians. Like other efforts, the signing of the agreement has not yielded the desired results on local vaccine production in Nigeria. In April this year, Director of Food and Drug Services in the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare Olubunmi Aribeana argued that local manufacturing of pharmaceuticals and vaccines was critical to achieving medicines security in Nigeria. Director-General of NAFDAC Mojisola Adeyeye corroborated Mr Aribeana in October on the need for vaccine production in Nigeria and then urged pharmaceutical manufacturers in the country to invest in local vaccine production to prepare against future public health crises. READ ALSO: FG pledges to revitalise PHCs to drive universal health coverage But the situation is yet to change. As Nigeria continues to struggle in the quest for local vaccine production, procurement of foreign-made vaccines is costing the country billions of Naira. On Wednesday for instance, Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for the Economy Wale Edun announced that the country was seeking to raise about N150 billion to fund vaccine procurement for 2025 and 2026. With the development, Nigerias health spending now accounts for 5.2 per cent of the national budget, up from just over three per cent a few years ago. The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) says the conduct of its national convention on Saturday in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, is sacrosanct. The Chairman, 2025 National Convention Organising Committee (NCOC), Governor Umar Fintiri of Adamawa State, stated this while addressing journalists after the partys stakeholders meeting in Abuja. The stakeholders who attended the meeting included members of the PDP Governors Forum, National Working Committee (NWC), and Board of Trustees, among others. Weve just come out of our critical stakeholders meeting, where a lot of elaborate decisions were taken. I want to tell you here that we are going to Ibadan for our convention and the convention is sacrosanct, Mr Fintiri said. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting took place at the Bauchi State Governors Lodge, Asokoro, Abuja. Some of the stakeholders sighted at the meeting were Governors Bala Mohammed of Bauchi State, Seyi Makinde of Oyo State, PDP National Chairman, Umar Damagum, National Publicity Secretary, Debo Ologunagba, and former Senate President, Bukola Saraki. Others are former Minister, Tanimu Turaki, who is the consensus candidate for the position of national chairman at the convention. Also at the meeting were the senator representing Kogi Central, Natasha Akpoti-Uduaghan, Chairman, PDP South-south Caretaker committee, Emmanuel Ogidi, among others. Confusion There has been confusion over the possibility of the party going ahead with the convention following conflicting court judgements on the exercise. In the last few days, two groups of members of the party have placed advertisements in the media, with one saying that the convention has been cancelled while the other insisted the exercise would go ahead as planned. While the faction led by Abdulrahman Mohammed, the partys national vice chairman, North-central, said the convention would no longer hold on account of two court judgements stopping the exercise, the National Working Committee led by Umar Damagum, said it would hold. The Mohammed-led group is loyal to the FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, a member of the PDP, serving in the APC federal administration of President Bola Tinubu, and the National Secretary, Samuel Anyanwu. Some members of the group, including the PDP chairmen in Imo and Abia states, had sued the party over the inappropriateness of holding the convention. In his 31 October judgement, James Omotosho of the Federal High Court, Abuja Division, stopped the convention and asked INEC not to monitor, supervise, or recognise it. On 4 November, an Oyo High Court, in a judgement, gave a contrary judgement, asking the party to proceed with the convention. It asked INEC to monitor the exercise. But while delivering judgement in a suit against the party by former Jigawa State governor, Sule Lamido, on Wednesday, Peter Lifu, a judge of the Federal High Court, also stopped the convention. Despite the array of judgements, the party has repeatedly said it would proceed with the elective convention. Harris Dickinson, 29, has several tattoos. On his right shoulder, as can be seen in some of his films, is the word KES, a reference to Ken Loachs 1969 film of the same name, which was also Polish director Krzysztof Kieslowskis favorite movie. Now thats a statement of intent. Dickinsons directorial debut, Urchin which hits cinemas on Friday screened at the San Sebastian Film Festival in September. When asked about his tattoo by the press, the Londoner rolled up the short sleeve of his T-shirt and proudly displayed the reference. Loach is one of my guys, he laughed. Dickinsons public image is likely shaped by his acting work: he starred in Triangle of Sadness (2022) by Ruben Ostlund, appeared in The Kings Man the same year, played Nicole Kidmans turbulent lover in Babygirl (2024) Antonio Banderas spoke highly of him on that shoot and was in Blitz (2024) by Steve McQueen. But he has a much more eclectic career; he first drew attention in 2017 with Beach Rats and has gravitated toward auteur-driven, risky projects (The Souvenir: Part II, The Iron Claw, Where the Crawdads Sing) rather than those offered for his good looks (Maleficent: Mistress of Evil). Everything will change when Sam Mendes quartet of Beatles films premieres, in which Dickinson will play John Lennon. At least that September morning in San Sebastian, the actor was relaxed. He checked his phone briefly, and, smiling and speaking slowly, explained why he decided to direct and why he debuted with a socially conscious film like Urchin. As a child, I thought I would be a cameraman, he said. I made skate videos, and then, at university, I started making my own short films and a comedy series that I posted on YouTube every week. But film school was too expensive for the son of a social worker and a hairdresser. Indeed, there was even a time when he almost joined the Royal Navy. Acting became a more realistic project, he explained. I started in theater when I was 20 or 21, although I never gave up writing. Im already writing my second feature film, he added. Frank Dillane, in Harris Dickinson's Urchin. The drive remained, which is why he directed the short 2003 in 2021, while his acting career was already on the rise. I felt I finally had permission to shoot a feature. And does he wonder how audiences will react to this shift in his career? People probably dont know what Ive been spending my time on. When I said I wanted to make this film, and even when I made it, I sensed a general feeling of Oh, you wanted to make a film? Are you a privileged actor whos decided he wants to try directing? What they dont know is that it was actually my goal. Its just that I havent been going around announcing it. From the outside, it seems frivolous, but Ive dedicated years to this. Urchin was born from what he saw through his fathers profession and his own experience. In 2019 and 2020, I worked with an organization in my community in East London with people who had been living on the streets for years. It was a topic that both interested and outraged me. The local government doesnt necessarily help in the right way, despite its efforts. These shortcomings motivated me to try to tell a story about someone struggling against themselves. Urchin opens with the films protagonist, Mike, sleeping sprawled on the sidewalk of a London street. Its daytime, and hurried pedestrians pass around him. A preacher shouts, trying to convince passersby of the wonders of his religion. The yelling wakes the homeless man, who, after an argument with the zealot, gets up and begins his own journey during which he will attack and rob the only man who tries to help him. Its important to care about your characters, even when they have questionable behavior, said Dickinson. I wanted to show the struggle someone faces in that situation, without focusing on the institutions, as if it were an odyssey, not a reflection of the shortcomings of parole or prison reform. I greatly admire the people who work in those fields, like my father. I dont want it to seem like Im blaming anyone. And then comes the moment to delve into the meaning of his tattoo. My mother is a huge film buff. She used to take me to the cinema when I was little. She introduced me to Mike Leigh, and I identified with the characters in his world. They felt like people from my own life, and I found it intriguing. Then came Ken Loach, Lynne Ramsay, who started in social realism, Shane Meadows, Andrea Arnold, Sarah Gavron, Clio Bernard all filmmakers from the U.K. and Joanna Hogg as well They are the foundation of a tradition that Im grateful to be a part of. Dickinson spotted the star of Urchin, Frank Dillane, the son of acting legend Stephen Dillane, in the series Fear the Walking Dead. When we started auditioning actors, he walked into the room and gave an incredible audition. I found him intriguing. I knew I didnt want to fall into the stereotype of the rebellious youth. Frank embodied exactly what I needed, because he had to be charming and eccentric, and he had to be both embarrassed and pathetic. An imperfect human being. And did Dickinson keep the supporting role for himself? Not at all! A week before filming, the actor wed cast left, and Frank looked at me and said, Youre the only one who knows the entire script. I had no choice. Urchin is not a political film, the director insists, but I wanted to get involved in causes, I wanted to mobilize, even though I didnt know how. Many people feel the same level of frustration. We want change; however, we dont know where to start. Whether with activism, with legislative change from the government, or with individual support. Theres an incredible charity in London called Under One Sky. They go around the city in groups of five, and they find people in vulnerable situations. They give them food, they hand out sleeping bags. It may not be changing the whole picture, but they answer a question: what can be done today that is effective? Weve lost faith in hierarchical structures, weve lost faith in politicians, he added. I dont want to be cynical, but where are we going if theres so much distrust in people? Change lies in the community, in local efforts, in understanding and empathy. All things considered, I dont have a prophetic answer. Harris Dickinson, in Urchin, which he directed. Religion surfaces in the first and last sequences of the movie. The street preacher scene was inspired by a personal experience. He wouldnt stop talking and shouting, as if he went from innocent religious rhetoric to blind rage. Its confusing because religion is supposed to be something kind, even though we know it isnt, said Dickinson. Im interested in faith and spirituality. Perhaps many of us share that feeling of confusion about faith in general and feel that were part of something bigger, but without knowing what it is and without wanting to label it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The Federal High Court, Abuja, on Friday issued a final order stopping the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) from proceeding with its 2025 national convention in Ibadan, Oyo State. The convention, scheduled to hold Saturday and Sunday (15 and 16 November) is intended to elect national officers for the party. The judge, Peter Lifu, gave the order while delivering judgement in a suit filed by former Jigawa State governor Sule Lamido, who had asked the court to bar the PDP to be put on hold until it complies with its constitution and guidelines. Mr Lamido said he was denied the opportunity to buy a chairmanship nomination form to enable him to participate in the convention. The judge ordered that the Ibadan convention must be put on hold until Mr Lamido is allowed to purchase the nomination form for the office of national chairman and campaign for his aspiration. He also prohibited the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) from supervising, monitoring or aiding the convention until Mr Lamido is allowed to participate. The judge held that the PDP is under a strict obligation to adhere to its own rules and regulations by giving eligible members the opportunity to pursue their individual aspirations. He said it was wrong of the party to deny Mr Lamido the opportunity to purchase the nomination form for the national chairmanship. He stated that the PDP was in clear breach of its constitution and guidelines by denying some members access to nomination forms for elective offices at the convention. Counter orders The planned convention has set off a string of orders, with one of them countering the rest. Another judge of the same court, James Omotosho, had on 31 October restrained INEC from recognising the outcome of the forthcoming PDP convention. He issued the order while delivering judgement in a different suit challenging the legality of the convention. The suit was filed by three aggrieved members of the party: Austin Nwachukwu (Imo PDP chairman), Amah Nnanna (Abia PDP chairman) and Turnah George (PDP secretary, South-South). Mr Omotosho said the PDP failed to comply with relevant conditions and laws for holding the convention. He noted that evidence from the electoral umpire and some respondents showed that congresses were not held in some states, in breach of the law. He also held that notices and correspondences signed by the PDP national chairman without the national secretary violated the law and were therefore null and void. In addition, the court found that the PDP failed to issue the mandatory 21 days notice of meetings and congresses to enable INEC to monitor them. The judge said the partys failure to comply with the law jeopardised the convention and advised it to take the necessary steps before proceeding with elections. Mr Lifu had also on 11 November issued an interim injunction restraining the PDP from holding the convention and barring INEC from supervising, monitoring or recognising the outcome of the election of national officers. He based the restriction on the PDPs refusal and failure to comply with relevant conditions and laws for conducting conventions. He said evidence from Mr Lamido showed that the timetable for the convention was not published for members as required by law. The judge said the balance of convenience favoured Mr Lamido because he would suffer more if unlawfully excluded from the convention. He noted that Mr Lamido undertook to pay damages to the PDP if his suit was found frivolous, to ensure remedy. The judge added that due process must be strictly followed, warning that failure to do so would endanger democracy. He cited section 6 of the 1999 Constitution, saying courts must dispense justice without fear or favour. He warned that anarchy would prevail whenever courts abdicate their constitutionally assigned functions. But the decisions of the Federal High Court in Abuja rub against another order of the Oyo State High Court in Ibadan, asking the PDP to proceed with the convention as planned. The judge, A. L. Akintola, issued the interim order on 3 November following an ex-parte application filed by Folahan Adelabi. The judge held that the claimant successfully demonstrated the need for urgent judicial intervention in the PDP matter. The court finds merit in the claimants motion ex-parte. The same succeeds and is hereby ordered as prayed, the judge ruled. Mr Adelabi filed the application, joining as respondents the PDP, its Acting National Chairman, Umar Damagum; Governor Umaru Fintiri (representing the National Convention Organising Committee); and INEC. The claimant had urged the court to restrain the defendants from truncating, frustrating, or disrupting the timetable, guidelines, and schedule of activities leading to the convention. Granting the prayer, the court issued a raft of interim orders restraining any interference with the PDPs timetable and schedule of activities and compelling the defendants to hold the national convention as fixed. A man was killed on Friday evening after a coaster bus veered off the road and rammed into him while he was waiting to board a vehicle opposite Sky Memorial in Wuse, Abuja. The victim was Henry Echi, a travel agent with Hinterland Travel, who hailed from Rivers State. He was on official duty at the time of the incident, according to his colleague, Martha Nwakwo. Speaking in shock to a police officer at the scene, Ms Nwakwo said the deceased had been standing by the roadside, waiting for a bus, when the tragedy occurred. The scene was gruesome. Images taken there showed one of the victims organs exposed and partially covered with documents he had been holding before the crash. The documents were scattered around the area. Eyewitnesses told PREMIUM TIMES that the driver suddenly left his lane and sped into commuters waiting for buses. We dont know whether his brakes failed, but many people could have died here today, said Uba Abdullahi, a witness. People ran for safety, but the man was not lucky enough to escape, he added. Haruna Isah, deputy chairperson of the Long Bus Drivers under the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) in Wuse, said the driver had reported himself to the police at the Berger Police Post. The drivers motorboy, who angry commuters had earlier surrounded, was also rescued by the police. Police officers at the scene declined to comment, while officials of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) stated that they were not authorised to speak to the press. One of them noted that they were on patrol and stopped when they saw a crowd gathered. READ ALSO: Governor suspends traffic agencys operation after fatal accident As of the time our reporter left the scene, FRSC operatives were preparing to remove the body. The deceaseds phone was recovered from the scene and handed over to a police officer with the name tag, Daniel Joel. The Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) and the Assembly of Healthcare Professional Associations (AHPA) have declared an indefinite nationwide strike, effective Saturday, 15 November 2025, citing the federal governments prolonged failure to implement the adjusted Consolidated Health Salary Structure (CONHESS) and address other longstanding welfare concerns. The announcement was made in a statement signed by Kabiru Minjibri, JOHESU national chairman, on Friday. Earlier this month, JOHESU issued a 15-day ultimatum to the federal government, demanding the immediate implementation of the adjusted CONHESS and other unresolved welfare issues affecting health workers. The union warned that failure to meet the demands within the stipulated period would compel it to commence industrial action. The ultimatum followed previous strike suspensions in June 2023 and October 2024, which were called off after presidential intervention and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the government. JOHESU comprises several key unions, including the Medical and Health Workers Union of Nigeria (MHWUN), the Nigerian Union of Allied Health Professionals (NUAHP), the Senior Staff Association of Universities, Teaching Hospitals, Research Institutes and Associated Institutions (SSAUTHRIAN), and the Non-Academic Staff Union of Educational and Associated Institutions (NASU). PREMIUM TIMES reports that the strike is coming at a time when an ongoing strike by resident doctors has crippled activities at Nigerias secondary and tertiary hospitals. Longstanding grievances According to the statement, the strike was triggered primarily by delays in implementing the High-Level Body Committees report on CONHESS, submitted to the Presidential Committee on Salaries and Wages in 2022. The unions said this demand has been central to their advocacy since 2014, when a similar adjustment under the Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS) was implemented for doctors, in an alleged breach of the 2009 Collective Bargaining Agreement. JOHESU also accused relevant Ministries, Departments, and Agencies of delaying the matter, citing the absence and later slow prioritisation by the Presidential Committee on Salaries. The union said the decision to go on strike was taken following a unanimous resolution at the JOHESU Expanded National Executive Council meeting on 14 November 2025, in compliance with Section 41 of the Trade Disputes Act, Cap. T8, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004. JOHESU directed its state chapters to issue 15-day strike notices to their respective governments, as stipulated by labour laws, and assured members of full support from the national secretariat during the industrial action. Implications for health services The unions warned that the strike would affect federal teaching hospitals, specialist centres, and state-owned hospitals, coming amid an ongoing indefinite strike by the Nigerian Association of Resident Doctors over unpaid hazard allowances, poor working conditions, and unmet welfare commitments. While we empathise with Nigerians who rely on health services, this situation is beyond our immediate control because of government inaction, the statement said. JOHESU also emphasised that members should comply fully with the strike directive, warning that any form of intimidation or victimisation by the government or employers would not be tolerated. The union called on state chapters to serve 15-day notices in line with labour laws and assured members that the national secretariat would provide full support throughout the industrial action. Fourteen members of the Ondo State House of Assembly have passed a vote of confidence on the Speaker, Olamide Oladiji. This followed an earlier move by 12 members who signed a resolution on Thursday calling for the removal of the speaker over allegations of gross misconduct. A row broke out among the lawmakers earlier in the week over a revised 2025 budget submitted by Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa. Some of the lawmakers expressed concerns over the manner of budget implementation and the failure of the leadership of the House to transparently scrutinise the document. PREMIUM TIMES reported that a resolution signed by 12 members out of the 26-member legislature and made available to journalists in Akure, the state capital, accused the speaker of gross misconduct and misappropriation of N50 million earmarked for public hearing. While passing a no-confidence vote on the speaker, the lawmakers sought his removal and the emplacement of a credible leader. However, a counter resolution, which emanated from the House on Friday by 14 members, expressed total support for Mr Oladiji. The group dismissed calls for his removal and described allegations of gross misconduct as baseless and politically motivated. In the resolution dated 14 November, the lawmakers urged the people of Ondo State to disregard the earlier vote of no confidence reportedly issued by another group of members. They insisted that the removal of a speaker must follow the procedure clearly outlined in Order II, Rule 9 of the Standing Orders of the House, not through social media statements. The group also debunked the allegation that Mr Oladiji diverted N50 million, calling it a fabrication. They further accused some of the lawmakers pushing for his removal of being perpetual absentees who rarely attend parliamentary meetings, plenary sessions, or legislative activities because they reside more outside the country. According to them, the accusations of misappropriation of the Houses monthly operational grants were malicious and unfounded. We hereby pass a vote of confidence on Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji Adesanmi and the leadership of the House, the resolution read. Below is the text of the resolution: RESOLUTION OF VOTE OF CONFIDENCE BY FOURTEEN (14) MEMBERS ONDO STATE HOUSE OF ASSEMBLY WHEREAS, the Members noted that there is nothing like Section 92 (4) (c) in the 1999 Constitution (as amended), as claimed in the Resolution that passed the vote of no confidence on the Speaker, Ondo State House of Assembly. WHEREAS, removal of the Speaker or Deputy Speaker is not done on social media but through the procedure clearly stated in Order II, Rule 9 of the Rules and Standing Orders of the Ondo State House of Assembly. WHEREAS, the Speaker did not divert the sum of Fifty Million Naira (N50,000,000.00) as alleged. WHEREAS, majority of the Hon. Members that passed the vote of no confidence are perpetual absentees at Parliamentary meetings, Plenary Sittings and other activities of the House because they reside more outside the country. WHEREAS, the alleged claim of misappropriation of monthly operational grants of the House was borne out of malice, bereft of facts. NOW, THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED by Fourteen (14) Honourable Members of the House in the lawful exercise of authority conferred by Section 92 (2) (c) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended): A vote of confidence is hereby passed on Rt. Hon (Chief) Olamide Oladiji Adesanmi, Speaker, 10th Assembly, Ondo State House of Assembly and the Leadership of the House. That the present leadership of the House has been transparent with other Members and working harmoniously with Mr. Governor, His Excellency, Dr. Lucky Orimisan Aiyedatiwa, in the interest of Ondo State. That the leadership assures all Members of the Ondo State House of Assembly and the good people of Ondo State of continued transparency to bring more dividends of democracy to our people in accordance with our EASE government. .PASSED AND ADOPTED this 14th day of November, 2025 SIGNED by the underlisted Honourable Members: E-Sign 1. Rt. Hon. (Chief) Olamide Oladiji Adesanmi Ondo East 2. Rt. Hon. Gbegudu Ololade James Okitipupa II 3. Hon. (Chief) Oshati Olatunji Emmanuel Ose 4. Hon. Suleiman Murtala Akoko South-East 5. Hon. Ogunwumiju MoyinOlorun Taiwo Ondo West I 6. Hon. Oluwole Emmanuel Ogunmolasuyi Owo I 7. Hon. (Princess) Fayemi-Obayelu Olawumi Ilaje II 8. Hon. (Primate) Allen Messiah Oluwatoyin Ese-Odo 9. Hon. Oladapo John Biola Ondo West II 10. Hon. (Prophetess) Witherspoon Atinuke M. Owo II 11. Hon.. (Dr.) Ogunlana Christopher Irele 12. Hon. Ayebusiwa Odunayo Chris Okitipupa I 13. Hon. Ologede Kolawole Micheal Akure North 14. Hon. Agbulu Tope Akeem Akoko South-West II. Impeachment of House leadership is not new to the Ondo State House of Assembly. In March 2016, Speaker Jumoke Akindele and her deputy, Fatai Olotu, were impeached by 18 members. Although the impeachment was reversed, they were subsequently impeached in January 2017. Speaker, Bamidele Oloyeloogun and Deputy Speaker Iroju Ogundeji were in November 2018 by a majority of the lawmakers, even though he continued to preside over the assembly, claiming that the impeachment was not legitimate. Two Senior Advocates of Nigeria (SANs), Femi Falana and Sebastine Hon, have weighed in on the recent public clash between Nyesom Wike, the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), and a naval officer in Abuja. The dispute centred on a plot in the Gaduwa District, where armed naval personnel led by a commissioned junior officer, A.M. Yerima, were stationed. PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that the officers were said to be acting on the instructions of a former Chief of Naval Staff, Zubairu Gambo, a retired vice admiral. Viral videos from Tuesday showed Mr Wike being prevented by the military personnel from accessing the site, leading to a heated exchange. A video published by this newspaper also captured the visibly angry FCT minister confronting Mr Yerima, who is a Navy Lieutenant, and accusing the retired naval chief of illegally seizing the land. During the standoff, Mr Wike demanded to see the land documents, while Mr Yerima insisted that the owner possessed valid approvals and denied claims of intimidation. The minister was also seen separating his security aides from the soldiers as tempers flared. Falanas mixed reaction Speaking at an event at the University of Abuja on Thursday, Mr Falana criticised both the ministers public outburst and the conduct of the military officers. He said no public official has the right to insult any Nigerian, urging President Bola Tinubu to direct Mr Wike to apologise. The president must direct the minister to apologise. That is what is done in civilised societies, he said, recalling a similar incident in Ghana where a deputy minister was compelled to withdraw offensive remarks. Mr Falana, however, faulted the obstruction of the minister, saying the officers acted beyond their powers. He cited Section 11 of the Land Use Act, which authorises governors and the FCT minister to enter, inspect, and manage land within their jurisdiction. The minister was performing his statutory duty. Any occupier of land must allow the minister or governor to enter and inspect the property, he said. He stressed that the proper remedy, if Mr Wike felt obstructed, would have been to seek redress through legal channels, not through confrontation. Mr Falana also dismissed suggestions that insulting a uniformed officer constituted a national security threat. Hon faults deployment of officers to guard construction cite In a separate statement on Facebook on Wednesday, Mr Hon, said the naval officers action was unconstitutional, arguing that no military regulation permits the deployment of soldiers to guard a private construction site on behalf of a retired officer. He said the Supreme Court, in Onunze vs State (2023) and Nigeria Air Force vs James (2002), had reaffirmed that military personnel must not obey illegal orders. The duty of a junior officer to obey the orders of his superiors has its limitations recognised by the Supreme Court, he stated, quoting the judgements. Mr Hon added that the FCT minister, by virtue of Sections 297(2) and 302 of the Constitution, exercises delegated presidential authority over land in Abuja, and therefore could not lawfully be barred from entering the property. He argued that the officer could be liable under Section 114 of the Armed Forces Act for obstructing a public officer from performing his duties. Mr Hon cautioned against celebrating the confrontation simply because of personal dislike for Mr Wike, saying such conduct by uniformed personnel, if unchecked, could embolden abuses against civilians. Defence Ministry: Wike should have used official channels The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, criticised both parties, describing the confrontation as unnecessary and avoidable. In an interview with DCL Hausa released on Wednesday, Mr Matawalle said Mr Wike ought to have allowed military authorities to investigate the matter, noting that the FCT minister had earlier contacted both the Chief of Defence Staff and the Chief of Naval Staff. What happened is unfortunate. The officer explained that he was simply obeying orders given to him. Wike should not have exchanged words with the officer; he ought to have addressed his concerns through the officers superiors, he said. Mr Matawalle maintained that Mr Yerima acted professionally and did not violate military rules, saying the naval rating spoke respectfully and conducted himself properly. He warned public officials against disrespecting uniformed personnel, arguing that doing so undermines the authority of the Commander-in-Chief. The minister said that while the Defence Ministry had not received a formal complaint from Mr Wike, he had personally reached out to the FCT minister after the video went viral. Mr Matawalle added that the Chief of Naval Staff had since visited the site and commenced an investigation into the land ownership dispute. He said any revocation or administrative action regarding the land should follow laid-down procedures. Nigerias immediate past Senate President, Ahmed Lawan, says the delayed release of capital funds in the 2025 budget is hindering many lawmakers from delivering constituency projects across the country. Mr Lawan, who led the Senate between 2019 and 2023 and currently represents Yobe North Senatorial District, said members of the National Assembly are pushing to ensure that the capital component of the budget is fully implemented so projects can spread equitably across the country. He spoke with journalists on Thursday at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly after meeting with President Bola Tinubu. Mr Lawan appeared cautious, offering guarded comments that avoided directly criticising the presidency while responding to questions about the federal governments failure to release capital project funds, a situation that has left many local contractors stranded, Still, he acknowledged the lingering challenge. Well, I am sure you visit the National Assembly from time to time, and you will notice that the members of the National Assembly are still working hard to ensure that the necessary steps are taken, the procedures and processes are done for the constituency projects to be implemented. But we also care about the implementation of the total budget of the country, not only constituency projects, and therefore we are still on it. Some of our colleagues have had constituency projects implemented to a certain level of some percentage. But make no mistake, we are not one eyed, we are not narrow minded. We are purely nationalistic and patriotic. We want the project to be implemented fully for all parts of the country, regardless of whether they are constituency projects or the normal budgets provisions, he said. Constituency projects, also known as Zonal Intervention Projects are federal budgetary provisions nominated by lawmakers to address local infrastructure and social needs within their constituencies. Although the projects are initiated by lawmakers, the execution of these projects is the responsibility of federal ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs). Over the years, the scheme has faced criticism for poor implementation, inadequate funding releases, duplication of projects, and allegations of corruption. A recurring challenge has been the delayed or non-release of capital budget funds by the executive, which often leaves thousands of approved projects either abandoned or partially completed. There are also instances where lawmakers neglect to monitor the projects they initiated, a lapse that frequently contributes to projects being stalled or left unfinished. The Office of the Auditor-General and civil society organisations in the accountability sector have repeatedly flagged gaps in tracking these projects. In September, lawmakers accused the executive of selectively releasing funds, undermining both constituency projects and national capital projects. This has also affected local contractors who rely on timely payments to execute government jobs. Capital budget implementation has dropped significantly as the country grapples with heavy debt burden. Lawans visit When asked about the purpose of his visit to the Villa, Mr Lawan said he came to congratulate President Tinubu for his administrations bold and courageous reforms, since assuming office. Ive come to see Mr President to congratulate him for doing a very good job for our country. Mr President, in the last two years or so has been taking very, bold, courageous, profound steps, through various reforms, to position the economy of our country and also ramp up so much investments in the security sector to make our country safer, he said. He also commended ongoing security efforts, expressing confidence that increased funding for security agencies would yield greater results. And I think we have, so far, succeeded. Our economy has stabilised. We are facing the right direction, and there is growth. What we need to do further is to ensure that its growth is all inclusive. The security situation is improving, even though we have challenges, but I believe that the huge investments this administration is making is going to pay off. And I believe that our armed forces and other security agencies are also so committed, but as we give them more resources, we should expect them to do more and better, he said. Speaking further, the former senate president reaffirmed his loyalty to President Tinubu and the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC). Mr. President is our leader. I support this administration and Mr. President fully believing that as a loyal APC member, I should do my best to make this administration succeed. And as a legislator, as a senator, I have the responsibility to ensure that my senatorial district and indeed the country, benefit from this administration. Where we feel the administration needs to refocus will work or reconsider certain issues. Well always do so because that will make our performance more efficient and effective. And this is a listening president. You have seen so many cases, the president will come up or the administration will come on the reform issue, and when the public feels otherwise, the administration will reconsider and sometimes even withdraw or maybe amend the reform item. So I believe that its very important that we come here to see Mr. President, tell him what we feel about certain political or governmental issues, advice, and also seek advice from Mr President as our leader. We are behind him fully and completely to ensure that this administration and subsequent APC administrations deliver to Nigerians what Nigerians expect and actually need, Mr Lawan said. Cambridge Enterprise and the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) Nigeria have partnered to enhance Africas capacity to strike a balance between innovation and regulation within the continents rapidly evolving fintech landscape. The collaboration is part of a broader initiative to equip African regulators, policymakers, and industry players with the skills and frameworks necessary to manage emerging technologies, including blockchain, cryptocurrencies, and central bank digital currencies (CBDCs). The partnership, including contributions from Busha, a licensed digital-asset exchange, and A&D Forensics, a blockchain compliance firm, underscores a growing regional push for structured engagement between innovators and regulators in the digital finance ecosystem. Collaboration for a Digital Future At a press briefing in Lagos on Thursday, the organisers told PREMIUM TIMES that the partnership is a milestone in bridging the long-standing gap between regulation and innovation across Africas fintech sector. The collaboration brings together Cambridge Universitys academic excellence, SEC Nigerias regulatory insight, and the practical expertise of key industry stakeholders, including Busha, A&D Forensics, Tether, and Chainalysis. Programme Director Dee Allen said the initiative was designed to integrate academic research with real-world policy applications, ensuring that regulators and market leaders can effectively navigate the complexities of digital assets. We are especially proud to be working with the SEC, Busha, and A&D Forensics to contextualise this learning for Africas financial ecosystem, Allen said. Our goal is to support capable, informed leadership in the evolving digital economy. Enter DAIIRC The partnership has produced the Executive Certificate in Digital Assets Innovation, Industry, Regulation and Compliance (DAIIRC), a six-week online programme tailored for regulators, central bank officials, compliance professionals, fintech founders, and senior financial executives across Africa. They said: Tuition for the course is $1,500, and participants will gain a deep understanding of blockchain fundamentals, stablecoins, cryptocurrencies, and the global regulatory landscape. Key modules include Stablecoins and central bank digital currencies, as well as Regulation, Supervision, and Compliance for Virtual Assets. Organisers say the programme aims to strengthen Africas capacity for responsible innovation and build a safer, more inclusive digital economy through collaboration between academia, regulators, and the private sector. Shaping Africas Digital Economy Emomotimi Agama, director-general of the SEC, stated that Africa stands on the brink of a significant digital transformation, noting that strategic partnerships like this underscore the growing importance of proactive and adaptive regulation. This partnership with Cambridge University, Busha, and A&D Forensics reflects our commitment to equipping regulators, policymakers, and market leaders with the tools to engage digital assets confidently, Mr Agama said. We are not just responding to change, we are shaping it for the growth and inclusion of our capital markets. Mr Agama noted that Nigeria recorded over $50 billion in cryptocurrency transactions between July 2023 and June 2024, underscoring the influence of digital assets in payments and remittances. However, he acknowledged that limited technical expertise remains a barrier to institutional adoption, a gap this programme intends to close. READ ALSO: FG pledges to revitalise PHCs to drive universal health coverage Industry Insight and Practical Impact Olaoluwa Samuel-Biyi, co-founder and director of compliance at Busha, stated that the partnership represents a growing harmony between innovation and regulation in Nigerias fintech sector. Similarly, Deji Owonibi, senior partner at A&D Forensics, noted that the programme goes beyond theory by showing participants how to implement blockchain innovation securely. As a delivery partner, A&D Forensics brings hands-on expertise in blockchain forensics, anti-money-laundering compliance, and fraud prevention, Owonibi said. Participants will leave with a first-hand understanding of how to build transparent, secure digital-asset systems. Through the DAIIRC programme, Cambridge Enterprise, SEC Nigeria, and their partners aim to cultivate a generation of African digital leaders who can strike a balance between innovation and effective regulation. The abductors of six directors of the Federal Ministry of Defence have demanded N150 million to secure their release, deepening anxiety among relatives and colleagues. A family member of one of the victims, quoted in Vanguard, said the demand had worsened the distress already caused by the abduction. We are still in shock over the whole incident. To worsen our pain, the kidnappers are demanding N150 million to free all six of them. Where and how can we raise such an outrageous amount? We are appealing to the kidnappers to release our breadwinners unharmed. This is all we can say, the relative said. The officials were kidnapped on Monday along the Kabba-Lokoja highway in Kogi State while travelling from Lagos to Abuja for a directorate-level promotion examination. The incident followed growing concerns over rising insecurity on major roads despite military claims of steady progress in operations. In a statement on Tuesday, the Association of Senior Staff of the Federal Ministry of Defence condemned the abduction and assured members that steps were being taken to resolve the situation. According to the statement signed by the associations president, Shehu Mohammed, and secretary general, Joshua Apebo, The ministry has mobilised security operatives and urgent efforts are underway to secure the safe release of our members. The association identified the abducted directors as Ngozi Ibeziakor, Emeribe, Helen Ezeakor, Ladoye, J Onwuzurike and Catherine Essien. All six are staff of Command Day Secondary School in Ojo, Lagos. The ransom demand adds a new layer to the case and strengthens public scrutiny of the governments handling of insecurity, which continues to disrupt travel and threaten public safety. The Minister of State for Defence, Bello Matawalle, has defended Ahmad Yarima, the naval officer who had an altercation with the Minister Federal Capital Territory, Nyesom Wike, over a disputed land in Abuja. Mr Matawalle, who spoke on Thursday in a telephone interview with DCL Hausa, also criticised Mr Wike, saying that he defied the advice of the naval officers supervisors. What the minister did was not okay, he said, adding that he ought not have engaged in an argument with the officer. The officers have superiors, and he (Wike) is our colleague. If theres anything at all, he should have contacted us. And what the officer did was based on order. The officer followed the order, and he was respectful, he added. There is no law in the military that recommends punishment for the officer, Mr Matawalle said when asked if Mr Yarima should be subjected to disciplinary action, as being debated in the public. The defence minister reiterated that Mr Yarima acted on order, and he did so with humility and respect. Mr Matawalle said Mr Wike should have respected the officers uniform and the military. Disrespecting the officer, he said, was the same as disrespecting President Bola Tinubu, who is the Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces of Nigeria. PREMIUM TIMES reported that Mr Matawalles colleague in the defence ministry, Mohammed Badaru, also said Mr Yarima would be protected if he acted on a lawful order. A former Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Burtai, also faulted Mr Wike, advising him to apologise to the military. Although the Defence Headquarters has not issued any statement regarding the incident, it posted a cryptic message on its X handle a few hours after the incident, suggesting that it was in support of Mr Yarimas action. When asked if the support given to Mr Yarima could embolden other officers to imitate him, Mr Matawalle said the military has been lawful. Wike defied military advice The [FCT] Minister knew that the officer was acting on order, Mr Matawalle said, adding his findings show that Mr Wike defied the advice given to him by the military. I made findings and I learned that the Minister called the Chief of Defence Staff, who told him to hold on so he could investigate the matter, Mr Matawalle said. He said the Chief of Naval Staff was also contacted, and he also requested to investigate the matter. But he (Mr Wike) did not wait as advised. He went to the place, he said. Mr Matawalle said he called Mr Wike after seeing the video of the incident. I called him and told him he should have contacted me before going to engage with the officer, Mr Matawalle said. But he said they (officials) only came to tell him, and he went. Mr Matawalle said he told the FCT minister that the matter would be investigated. The incident The faceoff between Messrs Wike and Yarima occurred on Tuesday when soldiers led by the latter denied Mr Wike and his entourage access to the contested land, which belongs to a former Chief of Naval Staff, Zubairu Gambo. While Mr Wike argued that the land was illegally acquired, Mr Yarima insisted that it had been legally acquired by his principals. Videos of the incident show how Mr Yarima, a lieutenant, prevented Mr Wike from accessing the land, explaining that he was acting on orders. Mr Wike demanded that the documents of the land be provided to justify the soldiers presence on the contested land. I am the ministeryou cant say that to me, Mr Wike snapped at the officer. This kind of impunity cannot continue. The minister said no one, regardless of rank, is above the law. He accused the naval personnel of using their uniforms to protect illegal buildings and obstructing legitimate government work, stressing that soldiers must not intimidate officials carrying out lawful duties. Mr Wike also accused the officers of taking actions that could have put lives at risk. If not for the Chief of Defence Staff, who just called me, there might have been casualties, he said, implying that his team was ready to confront the soldiers, which could have led to violence. The situation got tense when Mr Wike started using offensive words, calling the naval officer a fool. I am not a fool, sir, the officer countered him. I am acting on instructions, and I am a commissioned officer. Wike defends himself Speaking to reporters ahead of the FCT Executive Council meeting on Thursday, Mr Wike defended himself, faulting the use of soldiers by the former Naval chief to guard the land. He defended his presence on the disputed land, saying senior officials, including directors, were being attacked and beaten up. According to him, assaults on officials could deter them from carrying out their duties when they know that their principal cannot protect them. The minister said that influential individuals, including ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo and ex-army chief Theophilus Danjuma, both retired generals, who had similar issues, had called him to resolve the issues instead of resorting to the use of soldiers. The incident has led to intense public discussion, with some Nigerians criticising the minister for his actions and use of words, others criticising Mr Yarima for allegedly disrespecting Mr Wike, who represents President Bola Tinubu in Abuja, and still others criticising the military hierarchy for deploying soldiers over a land dispute. The Minister of State for Health and Social Welfare, Iziaq Salako, has acknowledged that Nigerias health financing remains critically low despite recent reforms aimed at building a resilient and inclusive health system. Mr Salako, who spoke on Thursday in Abuja at the Day 2 of the 2025 Joint Annual Review of the Health Sector, said that while progress has been made in several areas, the health sector still faces several challenges ranging from low funding to high out-of-pocket expenditure, workforce shortages, and weak infrastructure. He noted that the progress is not happening at the pace required to meet the health needs of over 230 million Nigerians. Too many mothers still die in childbirth, too many children dont reach their fifth birthday, and too many families are impoverished by healthcare costs, he said. Health financing far below target Mr Salako noted that government spending on health stood at 5.2 per cent of the national budget, far below the 15 per cent target set by African leaders in the Abuja Declaration of 2001. He said Nigerias per capita health expenditure was approximately $43 (about N67,000) as of 2024, a figure he described as insufficient for a country of Nigerias size and health burden. The minister added that although the National Health Insurance Authority (NHIA) has expanded coverage to an estimated 10-12 per cent of the population, out-of-pocket spending still accounts for 71 per cent of total health expenditure, pushing millions of Nigerians into poverty every year. These figures underscore the twin challenges of insufficient investment and catastrophic health expenditure that push millions of Nigerians into poverty annually, he said. History of low health budgeting For decades, Nigeria has struggled with underfunding of its health sector, it only allocates less than six per cent of its national budget to health which is far below the 15 per cent target set under the 2001 Abuja Declaration. With out-of-pocket payments accounting for over 70 per cent of total health expenditure, Nigeria also has one of the worlds highest rates of household spending on healthcare. Per capita health spending remains low, averaging about $40 to $50 in the past decade, while health insurance coverage is estimated at just 10 to 12 per cent despite recent reforms. Nigeria still off track on global health targets Mr Salako said that while maternal and child health indicators have improved, Nigeria remains off track to meet the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) target of reducing under-five mortality to less than 25 deaths per 1,000 live births by 2030. According to the 2023 Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey (NDHS), maternal mortality ratio is 512 deaths per 100,000 live births, down from 576 in 2018, and under-five mortality rate of 110 deaths per 1,000 live births, compared to 132 in 2018. Also, Nigeria still accounts for approximately 14 per cent of global maternal deaths and nine per cent of global under-five deaths, despite representing only 2.6 per cent of the worlds population. While these figures show some improvement, they remain not complimentary enough for a nation of our stature, resources and ambition, he said. We have made progress, but challenges persist The minister outlined several achievements under the Nigerian Health Sector Renewal and Investment Initiative (NHSRII), a coordinated framework aligned with President Bola Tinubus Renewed Hope Agenda, aimed at ensuring effective, collaborative, synergistic and non-siloed implementation to deliver a health system that is prepared for, responds to and recover from shocks. He cited the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) and the NHIA Act 2024 as examples of key reforms that have improved access to primary care and health insurance coverage. According to him, more than 20 million Nigerians have now been enrolled into care through various health insurance mechanisms (formal sector enrollment, the vulnerable group programme and the BHCPF) at both national and subnational levels, while PHC quality scores have improved from 42 to 67 per cent between baseline and endline assessments. However, he admitted that systemic issues persist, particularly around funding gaps, brain drain, supply chain weaknesses, and infrastructure deficits. Despite commendable progress made so far, significant challenges impede our march toward health system resilience. The challenges are multifaceted ranging from funding gaps, existing fragmentation and coordination challenges, he said. We have refused to be defined by our challenges; rather, we have taken a determined stance to change the narrative once and for all. Commitment to stronger accountability and collaboration Mr Salako said the federal government is prioritising health financing reforms and will continue to push for increased budgetary allocations at both national and state levels. He pledged that the ministry would ensure guaranteed releases of the BHCPF, improved capital expenditure release, and the honouring obligations attached to Health Infrastructure Bond. Accountability will be both at the federal and state levels. We will continue to ensure transparent and judicious use of allocated health resources. He also said the administration will continue to encourage the states to meet their health budget benchmarks and ensure that counterpart funding is released to match donor fund obligations. Accelerating forward requires strong political commitment to prioritise health in our national budget, financial discipline, technical excellence, collaboration across sectors, and innovation to leapfrog traditional development pathways and accountability, he added. He said the government would continue to invest in human resources, digital health systems, and climate-resilient infrastructure, while improving access to essential medicines and primary healthcare. The resilient health system we seek is one where every Nigerian, regardless of location or income, can access quality healthcare without financial hardship, he said. The comedy created by and starring Quinta Brunson returns for a new season, balancing realism as shown by its meticulously crafted set with laughter: I wanted writers who had an appreciation for teachers, who didnt laugh at them When Quinta Brunson, 35, launched Abbott Elementary nearly five years ago (Disney+), she had one clear request. The set didnt just have to look like a school it had to be a school. That was something the creator and star was obsessed with. So much so that the very first episode the 2021 pilot was filmed in a real school in Los Angeles (even though its set in Philadelphia, Brunsons hometown, on the opposite coast). But that proved too complicated. So to bring to life the stories of half a dozen teachers and hundreds of students, the decision was made to recreate the closest thing to a real school at Warner Bros. Studios in Burbank, California. There, in Stage 16, which in its 90-year history has seen productions such as Giant, My Fair Lady, Ghostbusters, Jurassic Park, Batman Returns, The Perfect Storm, and Wild Wild West, an entire school was installed to capture what matters most: authentic stories that make people laugh out loud. Just a few meters beyond Stage 16, in front of the trailers for the filming of The Pitts second season, Brunson and her co-stars gather to explain how humor and relatability remain their strengths five seasons and nearly 80 episodes later. In fact, its possible that combining both elements amplifies the impact of each. Thats how they describe it in a relaxed press event: Brunson and her fellow cast members Lisa Ann Walter (who plays Melissa Schemmenti), Tyler James Williams (Gregory Eddie), Sheryl Lee Ralph (Barbara Howard), William Stanford Davis (Mr. Johnson), and Chris Perfetti (Jacob Hill). Because, as they all agree, they may not have been teachers themselves, but theyve all been students and have spent time in classrooms at some point in their lives. Its something Lisa [Ann Walter] used to say when this series first started, Brunson recalled. When she first came on, she said: Everybody, truly, you either were taught by a teacher or you are a teacher. And thats literally true it might be one of the only things in the world where every single person has a direct connection to a teacher." So we lead with that, she told EL PAIS, sitting at a desk on the Warner Bros. studio. From the beginning of the series, I really wanted to hire writers who had an appreciation for teachers, didnt laugh at them or think it was something to punch down to. And it wound up being that most of the writers had a teacher in their immediate or nuclear family. Lisa Ann Walters and Sheryl Lee Ralph in one of the classrooms in the fifth season of ABC's series Abbott Elementary. Gilles Mingasson (Disney) Every year, they speak with teachers that Brunson herself seeks out friends, acquaintances In fact, she reveals they have a sort of chat with the real Gregory, in Philadelphia. At the start of the school year, they hold a video call with many of these educators to hear how people are feeling, what really are the issues theyre facing, Brunson explains. Tyler James Williams, who plays Gregory in the ABC series, confirms this: You were very specific about finding heart-first writers, he reminds Brunson. I think thats the key to any version of relatability or good storytelling. If youre walking into it heart-first, youre going to be able to connect with anybody else who has access to their heart on the other side. As long as thats what the focus is, I think you can flow a lot of different types of stories through that lens, he continues. But I think thats also where you get into this place of were not just telling the story of teachers, were loving them as were telling it, and were not punching down at them, were trying to make fun of their plight. Quinta Brunson and Tyler James Williams in a scene from season five of ABC's series Abbott Elementary. Gilles Mingasson (Disney) That authentic vision, free of mockery or humiliation, is fundamental to the plots, the writers, and the actors even though the show is a comedy, and they admit laughing at themselves on screen months after filming the scenes and jokes. None of that conflicts with giving true voice to the teachers stories. I think we get a new perspective of whats going on, the real perspective of what really is impacting them day to day, and we try to pull from that experience. And then we also try to be mindful that were not making a drama, says Williams. We are making a comedy, so while some of the realities are going to be harsh, and theyre real, we want to make sure were taking the material that we actually can have fun with. We dont want you to come home and watch what you just went through in the day and feel sadness, so we add a bit of fictional fun to it just to make sure it stays a comedy. Lisa Ann Walter known to 1990s kids for her role in The Parent Trap alongside Lindsay Lohan recalls that her mother was a public school teacher in Washington, D.C., and even taught her. She remembers soaking in her mothers stories. She loved her kids and she would fight and kill for them, the actress fondly recalls. She also didnt take any guff from anybody. So anybody that thought they were going to get one over her, she shut that down real quick... and those were my friends. So it was wild. But she went to bed early, so everybody still partied at my house. Sheryl Lee Ralph and Chris Perfetti in a scene from season five of ABC's series 'Abbott Elementary.' Gilles Mingasson (Disney) The diversity of the faculty is well reflected in the show. There are men and women of all colors, ages, and backgrounds. For me, the point is that you dont have to look like us to love us, or to appreciate us in our entirety as a class, as a cast, explains Sheryl Lee Ralph, four-time Emmy nominee and 2022 winner for her role as the schools veteran teacher the first Black woman in over 35 years to win the award. People connect with the show, she explains. They connect with the people. Its not connecting with the color of the people, it is the people that they are connecting with, and for us, thats made all of the difference. For Brunson, that diversity is inevitable. I think the better the stories are, the more youre naturally going to get the diversity, says the creator of the show, which streams on Disney+. Were always going to need our industry to appreciate the storytelling of people of color, to not write it off because its people of color. But a good story is a good story. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition But the scale of the killing is not the only horror. What is more disturbing is the apparent intent behind it. Eyewitness accounts suggest that security forces were not trying to disperse protests they were trying to teach a lesson. A lesson in fear. A warning against ever again challenging the 63-year rule of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), one of the longest unbroken political monopolies in the world. Counting the bodies in the aftermath of Tanzanias bloodiest election is no easy task. The protests were not confined to one city or one region; they broke out across the country from the port streets of Dar es Salaam to the lake shores of Mwanza; from Mbeya in the highlands to Arusha at the foot of Mount Meru. The violence was swift, coordinated, and, according to witnesses, unmistakably deliberate. Hardly any foreign journalists were present. International election observers had either been restricted or never invited in the first place. Doctors and nurses say the security forces removed corpses from public streets before dawn, loaded them onto military trucks, and drove them to unknown sites. Lawyers and clergy report entire neighbourhoods now speak only in whispers of mass graves. Ordinary citizens know the truth, but fear is a muzzle more total than any gag order. Yet, even under these conditions, an outline of the toll is emerging. Though these numbers are tentative, medical associations and legal human rights groups say they have been able to confirm at least 3,500 dead through direct access to morgues, burial registers, and hospital records. In Dar es Salaam alone, doctors counted 800 bodies. Families and community networks report another 6,500 missing sons, daughters, husbands, students, vendors, teachers last seen being taken by police or intelligence units during the demonstrations These are not small numbers. These are not disturbances. These figures, if true, describe a mass political killing. Yet, where is the outcry? Where is the seriousness proportional to the scale of the crime? Instead, we are witnessing one of the most chilling silences in African public life in recent memory. President Samia Suluhu Hassan declared the winner with an implausibly inflated 97 per cent of the vote insists that the casualty figures are fabrications. She blames foreign agitators, paid activists, and the opposition for staging their own deaths. This is not a credible defence. When the state finds itself unable to justify violence, it denies the bodies themselves. If the opposition is exaggerating, or if these numbers are wrong, there is one straightforward solution: an independent international investigation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has already called for one. So have Tanzanian human rights lawyers, religious leaders, and the families of the missing. But the scale of the killing is not the only horror. What is more disturbing is the apparent intent behind it. Eyewitness accounts suggest that security forces were not trying to disperse protests they were trying to teach a lesson. A lesson in fear. A warning against ever again challenging the 63-year rule of the Chama Cha Mapinduzi (CCM), one of the longest unbroken political monopolies in the world. If the opposition is exaggerating, or if these numbers are wrong, there is one straightforward solution: an independent international investigation. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk has already called for one. So have Tanzanian human rights lawyers, religious leaders, and the families of the missing. Yet, this call has not been supported with any real pressure from the major diplomatic players. China has invested heavily in Tanzania for decades. Tanzania is one of the CCPs most important ideological export sites. The party-to-party training schools in Bagamoyo and Dar es Salaam teach the virtues of centralised control and political discipline. The United States has a different stake. It is eyeing Tanzanias nickel, cobalt, graphite, and rare earths minerals central to the energy transition and no longer concerns itself with democracy, governance or human rights in Africa. The US will not jeopardise its strategic resource interests unless forced to. The United Arab Emirates is now deeply embedded in Tanzanian logistics, aviation, and energy concessions. It is not known for intervening against state repression where commercial advantage is at stake. And South Africa, which rightly took Israel to the International Court of Justice over the slaughter of civilians in Gaza, has so far been quiet. Tanzania was the ANCs refuge and staging ground during the liberation struggle. That history has turned into an emotional paralysis. The result is a political blackout. If thousands of Tanzanians are dead, then we are not dealing with a contested election. We are dealing with a crime against humanity, as described in the African Charter, the UN Human Rights Covenant, and the Rome Statute. There is only one route out of this political cul de sac and that is to engage in a genuine dialogue with the representatives of all Tanzanians including Tundu Lissu, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, who has been jailed for seven months and charged with treason for agitating for electoral reform. This is not about foreign interference. This is about African accountability. The African Union Peace and Security Council has the authority to call for a Commission of Inquiry. SADC has the responsibility to prevent regional destabilisation. The East African Community cannot ignore the collapse of civic trust in its second-largest member. African civil society, including churches and professional associations, must not allow this violence to be normalised. Tanzania has not always been like this. This is not the legacy of the countrys founding father, Julius Nyerere. Nyerere believed political power required moral discipline. He believed governance was a trust, not an entitlement. He believed unity was built through persuasion, not fear. He believed leadership meant service, not domination. One cannot imagine Nyerere celebrating a victory won with blood on the pavement. Tanzania is one of Africas most beautiful countries a land of plains and mountains, coral islands and small farms, wildlife and music, and cultures interwoven for centuries. It has been a place where political disagreement could exist without descending into violence. That is what is now at risk. If this violence goes unchallenged, it will not end. Tanzanians have shown an unwillingness to be silenced, and now they can only be subdued. There is only one route out of this political cul de sac and that is to engage in a genuine dialogue with the representatives of all Tanzanians including Tundu Lissu, the leader of the opposition Chadema party, who has been jailed for seven months and charged with treason for agitating for electoral reform. Had he, and other voices in political opposition, civil society and the faith community been listened to, this tragedy could have been averted. So, to be clear: If there are mass graves, they must be opened. Silence is not an option. Phillip van Niekerk is the managing partner of Calabar Consulting, a risk consulting company specialising in Africa. In The Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful Praise is due to Allah, Lord of the worlds, may the blessings and peace be upon our beloved master Prophet Muhammad, the last of Prophets, on his family, and all his companions. Dear brothers and sisters! Basically, courage, bravery, and self-respect are considered fundamental virtues and are widely regarded as essential characteristics for soldiers in the armed forces of any respectful nation. These qualities are deeply ingrained through their military training and ethical codes, forming the basis for a soldiers ability to perform their duties effectively, honourably and respectfully. Courage, bravery and self-respect are necessary for soldiers to face the inherent dangers, physical hardships, and high-stress situations of combat and duty. This enables them to carry out their missions, protect others, and maintain discipline even under extreme duress. Self-respect (closely linked to honour and integrity) ensures that soldiers conduct themselves ethically, adhere to the rules of engagement and laws of armed conflict, and maintain their personal dignity and the reputation of their service. It contributes to esprit de corps and mutual trust within the ranks. Respected brothers and sisters! Know that, in Islam, self-respect is rooted in recognising ones inherent dignity as a creation of Allah and using that understanding to act with humility, integrity, and purpose. It is a powerful form of self-worth derived from faith, not from the validation of others or material possessions. Self-respect is the throne of dignity; without it, even the wildest applause turns into empty noise. It teaches us to walk away from places where our soul is bruised, and from hearts that forget our value. When we honour our boundaries, we silently educate the world on how to treat us. Self-respect is not arrogance, it is the gentle strength that whispers, I am enough. Without it, love becomes hollow, and success loses its taste. And when the world forgets your worth, let your heart bend only toward Allah For a broken heart that turns to Him becomes His beloved home. Respected brothers and sisters! Surprisingly, in our beloved country Nigeria, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Mr Nyesom Wike took a fundamental misstep by verbally abusing a Nigerian military officer on lawful duty. Mr Nyesom Wike and his security details were on Tuesday in Gaduwa District, Abuja involved in an altercation with some officers of the Nigeria Navy, led by Lt AM Yarima over a disputed parcel of land. It later degenerated into a scuffle between security aides of the minister and the soldiers. The contentious Plot 1946, said to belong to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Awwal Zubairu Gambo (rtd.), was designated as a buffer by Development and Control of FCT Administration, and was not approved for development. Mr Nyesom Wike was attracted to the site, after the military officers guiding the site were said to have threatened to shoot the advance FCTA officers led by Mukhtar Galadima, that went to stop further development of the site. But tempers were immediately frayed when the armed officers, numbering 12, blocked Nyesom Wike and his entourage, including the Federal Capital Territory Commissioner of Police, Miller Dantawaye, from gaining access to the site when they arrived. The development immediately led to hot exchange of words between the minister and the military officer. A scuffle also ensued between Mr Nyesom Wikes security details and the soldiers. Mr Nyesom Wike insisted that the ongoing development at the site was illegal and asked the soldiers to produce the documents supporting their claim to the land. After the initial fierce exchange, Lt AM Yarima said the land belonged to a former Chief of Naval Staff and with valid documents. But Mr Nyesom Wike replied in anger saying, You cannot tell me that. You cannot continue to act with impunity in this way and you can not continue to work illegally. You are not the one to say we have documents. It does not matter. At this point, he was interjected and pushed back from further moving into the site by Lt AM Yarima, who said, It matters. I am an officer. I take to order from a three-star General. Mr Nyesom Wike retorted at this point saying: There is no order than me, you are taking an illegal order. You will never develop this plot. I will never allow it. Lt AM Yarima said: No problem, sir. I am only acting on my order. Mr Nyesom Wike replied: If you want to kill everybody, kill everybody. Lt AM Yarima said: We will not kill anybody, sir. Mr Nyesom Wike said: You will put yourself in trouble. At this stage the DSS and police officials accompanying Mr Nyesom Wike fiercely challenged Lt AM Yarima for having the effrontery to challenge the minister and asked him to stop talking. But Lt AM Yarima, who apparently was angered, stood his ground, warning the ministerial security details that You cannot shut me up, you are my juniors. You cannot even talk when I am talking. I am talking and policemen are talking. Mr Nyesom Wike accused the soldiers of intimidating the FCTA field workers and fiercely told Lt AM Yarima: This land does not belong to him (Gambo). If you have a problem, come and see me in office to resolve this. And as officer, you should know that carrying guns about and intimidating Nigerians is not the best way. It is the reason why I came. But nobody will die, anyway. Then the back and forth exchanges with Lt AM Yarima continued: Mr Nyesom Wike said: You are going about to encroach somebodys land, because you are an officer. Nobody does that. Lt AM Yarima replied: We did not carry any bodys land. Mr Nyesom Wike said: The man took land and I will not allow that because he was Chief of Naval Staff. Lt AM Yarima replied: Everything was acquired legally Mr Nyesom Wike said: Will you stop that! Lt AM Yarima said: I am an officer, I have integrity. Mr Nyesom Wike said: Shut up your mouth, who does that Lt AM Yarima replied: I wont shut up. You cant shut me up. Mr Nyesom Wike said: Will you keep quiet. Are you a big fool? Lt AM Yarima replied: I am not a fool sir. I am acting on orders. Mr Nyesom Wike said: Which orders? Lt AM Yarima said: You cant call me a fool. I am a commissioned officer. Mr Nyesom Wike said: Go and develop the land let me see you. Dear brothers and sisters! Please, who is this young promising military officer who stood up to FCT minister, Mr Nyesom Wike today, whos being celebrated in the nation for what he did? Lt AM Yarima was a son of a well disciplined father, Brigadier General Mohammed Yarima. And he is a serious minded son. May Allah guide and bless all our children to represent well, ameen. He was born on 20 July, 1992, in Kaduna State, Nigeria, and hes a product of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he initially studied Mass Communication before joining the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna. This 33-year-old Lieutenant serves in the Nigerian Navy, attached to elite units, and operates with the Special Boat Service. Hes a member of the 64 Regular Course. Hes had stints on NNS Kada and participated in international exercises like Exercise Flintlock (2018) in Agadez, Niger. Lt AM Yarima is known for his professionalism, discipline, and commitment to following lawful orders. His career path showcases his focus on service and tactical skill, making him a standout officer. His father, General Mohammed M Yarima is one of the most respected officers in the Nigerian Armys modern history. He hails from Bade Local Government Area in Yobe State and was commissioned into the infantry after graduating from the Nigerian Defence Academy. From the beginning of his career, Yarima became known for discipline, loyalty to the constitution and an uncommon ability to balance military duty with public accountability. He fears nobody when doing his assignment, irrespective of your status and this came to be like his son, Lt AM Yarima, who is his photocopy. Fellow brothers and sisters! Courage and bravery in Islam, known as Shajaah, is not merely physical strength but steadfastness of the heart in times of danger, a sign of strong faith and reliance on Allah Almighty. True bravery encompasses moral and spiritual strength, including standing firm for truth and justice, and controlling ones anger. Islam is a religion of great virtues, etiquette and manners. One such quality that is enshrined in the history of Islam amongst the pious predecessors of the distant past and the times near us is the quality of courage, bravery and self-respect. Courage, bravery and self-respect are qualities required of every Muslim, male or female. The Islamic meaning of these terms as summarised from what we read from Imam An-Nawawi and Imam Ibn Hazm would be that: Courage and bravery means to stand up to defend the truth even in the face of possible oppositions, and to call people to goodness and forbid evil and racing to do good deeds, it also means to be steadfast upon following the truth and being steadfast in fighting the enemies of truth with the pen and the tongue, and doing all of this whilst expecting a reward from Allah. Fellow servants of Allah! One of the greatest acts of courage I would like to pen down for all of us now, is to face a powerful tyrant who thinks that he is an undefeatable god and tell him on his face that he is just another human being who is positioned as a leader, a king or emperor by Allah. It was narrated from Tariq Bin Shihab that: A man asked the Prophet, when he had put his leg in the stirrup: Which kind of Jihad is best? He said: a word of truth spoken before an unjust leaders. [Sunan An-Nasai] Allah has recorded such acts of courage in His Speech, The Quran, as a reminder for the believers, that no matter who the adversary is we will not stop preaching the truth and commanding goodness, and the greatest of the truths is to proclaim that Allah, The One Almighty Allah, is the only one to be worshipped and sought assistance from. We will always proclaim that acts of polytheism and atheism are acts of evil and rebellion against the Almighty Creator, Allah. When the friend of Allah (Khalilulllah), Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was standing infront of the king of Babylon (in Iraq), whose Biblical name was Nimrod, and Nimrod was one of those who claimed godhood for himself, Prophet Ibrahim (AS) shut his mouth and defeated the Nimrod. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) said to the oppressor Nimrod: My Lord is the one who gives life and causes death. The king said: I give life and cause death. And the foolish king killed an innocent man and claimed that he gave death and he pardoned someone who was to be executed for a crime and claimed that he also gave life. Prophet Ibrahim (AS) continued his argument with the oppressor Nimrod saying: Indeed, (my) Allah brings up the sun from the east, so bring it up from the west. Thus the oppressor was defeated, as he knew that he couldnt bring out the sun from the west and his weakness was exposed. [See the Tafsir of Surah Al-Baqarah, verse 258] And then we know that Prophet Ibrahim (AS) was thrown into the fire and Allah saved him from that. Throughout the Quran we have the mighty Messenger of Allah Prophet Musa (AS) conveying and preaching the Oneness of Allah to the king of Egypt, Firaun (Pharoah Ramseis). Well, Prophet Musa (AS) and his brother Harun were courageous like all the Messengers of Allah, but what astonishes me is the bravery and sacrifice of the magicians of Pharaoh (Firaun). When called for a contest of miracles versus magic, Prophet Musa (AS) defeated the magicians of Pharaoh (Firaun). His staff, which turned into a huge snake miraculously, by the will of Allah, swallowed the small but numerous serpents of the magicians. The magicians realised that this wasnt magic at all, but the manifestation of a miracle at the hands of Prophet Musa (AS). They immediately believed in The Lord of Prophet Musa and Harun (AS) and testified that they were believers submitting to Allah in front of Pharaoh (Firaun). And Pharaoh (Firaun) threatened to mutilate and chop off their opposite limbs and crucify them alive, yet the new believers, magicians who were disbelievers some minutes and seconds ago did not surrender to the claimant of godhood. They were no longer worried about their bodies and their lives as Allahs Oneness and the disgust of polytheism filled their hearts. Pharaoh (Firaun) said: I will surely cut off your hands and your feet on opposite sides; then I will surely crucify you all. The magicians (believers now) said: Indeed, to our Lord we will return. And you do not resent us except because we believed in the signs of our Lord when they came to us. Our Lord, pour upon us patience and let us die as believers [in submission to You]. [Read the Tafsir of Surah Al-Araf, from verse 104 to 126] The Ashabul-Kahf (people of the cave) mentioned in the beginning of Suratul-Kahf (Chapter 18), rejected the worship of their king Decianus (Biblical name), and proclaimed the oneness of Allah in his court. Allah Almighty says in the Quran: And We made firm their hearts when they stood up and said, Our Lord is the Lord of the heavens and the earth. Never will we invoke besides Him any deity. We would have certainly spoken, then, an excessive transgression. [Surah Al-Kahf, verse 14] The seven Ashabul-Kahaf, Muwahhidun (worshippers of One Allah) were tortured and they had to escape and hide in a cave to save themselves, where they slept for 309 years. Allah loved these seven young men and their act so much that He recorded this brave endeavour of theirs in the Quran and made it a reminder for us till the Day of Judgement. In the Tafsir of Surah Al-Buruj (Chapter 85), we read the story of the boy and the king recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith no. 3005] This story has hundreds of people, who accepted Islam, worshipped Allah Alone, and who bravely and courageously chose death over prostrating and worshipping a king from the kings of this transient world. The young boy, the protagonist in this narrative, secretively learns Belief in The Oneness of Allah from a pious monk who asks the boy to keep this knowledge hidden and undisclosed. The boy then, by Allahs permission cures one of the blind ministers in the god-kings court, and the minister accepts Islam. And the secret soon comes out in the open, which leads to the torture of the minister, who tells about who cured him by Allahs Permission and Name, and then the boy is persecuted till he discloses that it was this monk who taught him this great knowledge. Both the monk and the minister are given options to chose between being sawed into halves or leave Islam and turn to disbelief by worshipping the king. They courageously chose the saw, knowing that the saw is their way to the great paradise of Allah. The boy who wouldnt be harmed by the disbelieving army in anyway they tried to kill him, thus finally gets killed in a specific way, only after he asks the disbelieving king to assemble a large audience and shoot the arrow on the boy by saying in The Name of Allah. The arrow killed the boy instantly and almost everyone realised the power of Allahs Name and the apparent weakness of the god-king. The great audience accepted Islam. The Hadith then mentions that: He (the king) commanded ditches to be dug at important points in the path. When these ditches were dug, and the fire was lit in them it was said to the people: He who would not turn back from his (boys) religion would be thrown in the fire or it would be said to them to jump in that. (The people courted death but did not renounce Islam) till a woman came with her child and she felt hesitant in jumping into the fire and the child said to her: Oh mother, endure (this ordeal) for it is the Truth. Allahu Akbar, the people, the mother, and even her child, hugged death courageously and patienly, defying the false god only to please Allah Almighty. The examples from The Quran above were just a drop in the ocean of the glorious history of our pious predecessors, and these were just one aspect of the meaning of being courageous and brave. Respected servants of Allah! In life, we often encounter situations where the majority of people follow a path that may seem easy, tempting, or popular but is ultimately wrong. Choosing the right path, even when it feels lonely or challenging, is a mark of bravery, courage, strength, integrity, faith and self-respect. This concept is deeply rooted in Islamic teachings, where Muslim believers are urged to stay steadfast on the path of righteousness, no matter the pressure to conform to what is wrong. Life frequently tests our resolve to do what is right. Peer pressure, societal trends, fear of criticism or fear of loosing worldly benefits can make it difficult to choose the right course of action. However, true success lies in adhering to principles that align with truth and morality. In Islam, this is known as Shajaah (courage) or following the Siratal-Mustaqim (the straight path). The Quran repeatedly reminds Muslim believers to seek guidance on this path: Guide us to the straight path. [Surah Al-Fatihah: 6] One of the most profound examples of choosing the right path, even when faced with opposition, is the story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) mentioned above. In a society where idol worship was rampant, he stood alone against the prevailing norm, breaking idols and inviting his people to worship Allah Almighty alone. His courage and unwavering faith became a shining example for all of humanity. The Quran praises his steadfastness: Indeed, Ibrahim was a nation [unto himself], devoutly obedient to Allah, inclining toward truth [Surah An-Nahl: 120] The life of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) also illustrates the importance of staying on the right path despite immense challenges. When he began preaching Islam, he faced ridicule, persecution, and opposition from his own people and tribe, the Quraish. Yet, he remained steadfast in his mission to spread the truth, guided by Allahs words: So remain on a right course as you have been commanded [Surah Hud: 112] His commitment eventually transformed the lives of countless people and reshaped history. Choosing the right path often means resisting temptation, standing up for truth and justice, and rejecting dishonesty or immorality. While the wrong path may seem easier or more rewarding in the short term, it ultimately leads to failure and regret. The Quran warns against following the majority blindly. Allah Almighty says: And if you obey most of those upon the earth, they will mislead you from the way of Allah. [Surah Al-Anam: 116] This highlights that truth is not determined by popularity but by alignment with divine guidance and morality. In todays world, the temptation to follow the crowd is stronger than ever. Whether its unethical practices in business, compromising values for social acceptance, or chasing materialistic goals at the expense of faith, Muslim believers must stay vigilant. Success, as defined in Islam, is not about wealth or status but about earning the pleasure of Allah Almighty through righteous deeds. Choosing the right path when everyone else is going in the wrong direction is a sign of true leadership, faith, and integrity. The examples of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) and Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) teach us that standing firm on our principles leads to both worldly and eternal success. Remember, the right path may be challenging, but its rewards are immeasurable, for Allah promises: And those who strive for Us We will surely guide them to Our ways. [Surah Al-Ankabut: 69] In a world filled with distractions and false ideals, may we always have the courage to walk the straight path, even if it means walking alone. Respected servants of Allah! Be brave enough to stand for truth and justice. Do not let fear of people prevent you from enjoining good and forbidding evil, for your only fear should be of Allah Almighty. Finally, we call on the Federal Capital Territory minister, Nyesom Wike to apologise for calling a Nigerian military officer a fool! May Allah guide all of us to study The Quran and The Sunnah and help us and assist us in being courageous and brave, ameen. All praise is due to Allah, the Lord of the worlds. Prayers, peace and mercy are upon our beloved master, Prophet Muhammad, the son of Abdullah (Peace be upon him), his family and Companions. Murtadha Muhammad Gusau is the Chief Imam of Nagazi-Uvete Jumuah and the late Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Okenes Mosques, Okene, Kogi State, Nigeria. He can be reached via: [email protected] or +2348038289761 or +2348024192217. This Jumuah Khutbah (Friday sermon) was prepared for delivery today, Friday, Jumadal Ula 23, 1447 AH (November 14, 2025). Ogun State Governor Dapo Abiodun yesterday spoke of plans to award 11 roads projects as part of efforts to deepen economic development across the state. He dropped the hint at the inauguration of the reconstructed AkuteAjuwonAlagbole Road in Ifo Local Government Area. Governor Abiodun said the new roads when redeveloped, will stimulate socio-economic activities in the benefitting communities. The governor described the completion of the Akute-Ajuwon-Alagbole Road as a transformative milestone for both Ifo Local Government and the state at large. He noted that the project was in response to the long-standing yearnings of residents, adding that his administration had earlier rehabilitated and reconstructed several adjoining roads in the axis, including Alhaji Kosoko Road (which links DenroIshasiAkute), Segun Osoba Road, Toyin Street, and YakoyoAlagbole Road. We also focused on the HerculesOke AroGiwa Road. That road was in terrible condition, but by the grace of God, it is now 100 percent completed. I will be back soon to commission it, the governor said. He explained that the reconstruction of the AkuteAjuwonAlagbole Road formed part of a broader network linking several communities. We reconstructed the AkuteAjuwonAlagbole axis and the AlagboleAkute stretch, which connects to DenroIshashi. Next, we will take on the AkuteLanbeOke AroAgbadoIjokoSango roads. The AkuteSango corridor is a 17-kilometre dual carriageway started by my predecessor but abandoned, rendering it impassable. We have divided it into two phases. The first phase, covering 9.7 kilometres up to the Agbado Train Station and about 700 metres beyond, is currently under reconstruction. The second phase, which will extend to Sango, will be awarded soon, Abiodun said. The governor disclosed that the two roads commissioned at the event were the 1.5-kilometre AlagboleAjuwon Road and the 4.5-kilometre AkuteAjuwon Road. The AlagboleAkute Road should be ready in about two to three weeks. I will return to commission that alongside the Hercules Road, hopefully before the new year, he added. Governor Abiodun further stated that the road projects in Ifo II were part of a wider infrastructure drive covering Ifo I and II in the Ogun Central Senatorial District. Other completed or ongoing roads in the district, he said, include the SangoIjokoAgbado Road, Adesan Road in Obafemi Owode, MagboroMakogi Road, ElegaIsajeMilikiBodeOlude Extension, OkeLantoroYidi Lane, and the SangoAbeokuta Road. The governor berated previous administrations for neglecting the area despite its economic significance, stressing that his governments intervention was aimed at compensating residents for years of abandonment. He emphasized that the project forms part of his administrations Urban Renewal Programme, which cuts across the ISEYA mantra, encompassing roads, hospitals, education, security, and human capital development. Mr Abiodun expressed gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for supporting state governors in transforming Nigeria into a construction site, and also thanked the people of Ifo for their patience and cooperation throughout the project. In his remarks, the member representing Ifo II State Constituency in the Ogun State House of Assembly, Fola Salami, lamented that past administrations had neglected the area, adding that the project represents the true dividends of democracy. Also speaking, the Chairman of Ifo Local Government Area, Mr Lekan Kusimo, said residents and business owners suffered for over two decades due to the deplorable state of the roads, expressing joy that the situation had finally been reversed. Speaking on behalf of the community, Bashiru Akande thanked the governor for fulfilling his promise, while the Odofin of Isheri, Oba Sulaimon Bamgbade, lauded the government for delivering the road project at a most critical time. Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Ade Akinsanya, said the completion of the road would bring huge relief to commuters and revive business activities in the corridor. He assured that the government is making steady progress on other ongoing road projects and urged residents to take ownership of the new road by keeping it clean and avoiding the dumping of refuse into the drainage channels. Fidelity Bank Plc has announced its audited financial results for the half-year ended 30 June 2025, demonstrating resilience and sustained growth across key performance indicators. Highlights of the financial results which was uploaded on the Nigerian Exchange (NGX) portal on Thursday, 13 November 2025 shows that the bank delivered robust results across key financial metrics including Gross Earnings, which stood at 748.7 billion, up from 512.9 billion in H1 2024; Net Interest Income, which rose to 420.4 billion, compared to 326.4 billion in H1 2024; and Customer Deposits, which grew to 7.2 trillion, from 5.9 trillion in FY 2024. Similarly, the banks Net Revenue increased to 444.4 billion, compared to 396.8 billion in H1 2024. Fidelity Bank continued to expand its digital banking footprint, enhance customer experience, and support key sectors of the economy. The banks loan book grew, with Net Loans and Advances expanding to 4.9 trillion, up from 4.4 trillion in FY 2024, reflecting increased support for businesses and individuals. Asset quality remained stable, with non-performing loans well within acceptable limits. The banks capital raising initiatives have further strengthened its financial position, ensuring readiness to meet new regulatory requirements and pursue growth opportunities. Fidelity Banks strong liquidity profile and robust governance framework provide a solid foundation for continued success. Ranked among the best banks in Nigeria, Fidelity Bank Plc is a full-fledged Commercial Deposit Money Bank serving over 9.1 million customers through digital banking channels, its 255 business offices in Nigeria and United Kingdom subsidiary, FidBank UK Limited. The Bank is a recipient of multiple local and international Awards, including the 2024 Excellence in Digital Transformation & MSME Banking Award by BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards; the 2024 Most Innovative Mobile Banking Application award for its Fidelity Mobile App by Global Business Outlook, and the 2024 Most Innovative Investment Banking Service Provider award by Global Brands Magazine. Additionally, the Bank was rrecognisedas the Best Bank for SMEs in Nigeria by the Euromoney Awards for Excellence and as the Export Financing Bank of the Year by the BusinessDay Banks and Financial Institutions (BAFI) Awards. As part of his administrations efforts to advance agriculture, Governor Umar Namadi has successfully led a delegation from Jigawa State to establish a collaborative partnership with the Africa Rice Centre (AfricaRice). The governors spokesperson, Hamisu Gumel, in a statement, said the collaboration, which culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), aims to transform rice production in Jigawa State and enhance Nigerias food security. The MoU, which was completed during an important meeting in Bouake, Cote dIvoire, on Thursday, was signed by Saifullahi Umar, the Director General of the Jigawa State Agricultural Transformation Agency (JATA), and Baboucarr Manneh, the Director General of AfricaRice, and lays the foundation for working together on important parts of rice production. In his remarks during the sealing of the agreement, Governor Namadi articulated the vision for a modern and commercially viable rice sector in Jigawa. This collaboration with AfricaRice is a testament to our commitment to agricultural renewal and economic prosperity. We are determined to empower our farmers with the resources and knowledge required to unlock Jigawas potential as a leading rice hub. Key points of the MoU are: 1. Varietal Improvement and Seed Systems: Joint efforts to develop and scale high-yield, climate-resilient rice varieties tailored for the diverse ecologies of Jigawa. 2. Sustainable Production Technologies: Implementation of climate-smart agricultural practices to enhance productivity while conserving vital resources. 3. Post-Harvest and Value Addition: Strategies to minimise post-harvest losses and improve the quality and competitiveness of rice products in local and international markets. 4. Capacity Development and Digital Agriculture: Training initiatives for local farmers and JATA staff, exploring the use of digital tools for improving agricultural practices. Dr Saifullahi Umar emphasised the transformative potential of this partnership, which he said will immensely benefit Jigawa State in its transition to a modern, mechanised agriculture. This is a pivotal moment in our journey toward achieving rice self-sufficiency. The collaboration with AfricaRice will provide our farmers with access to cutting-edge technology and training, ensuring a sustainable and prosperous future. In his remarks, Dr Baboucarr Manneh reiterated AfricaRices dedication to supporting African agricultural initiatives. We are excited to partner with Jigawa State and leverage our expertise to drive innovations that enhance local rice production, he said. The collaboration is set to commence with immediate planning sessions aimed at defining specific projects and initiating adaptive trials across various ecological zones within the state. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Abidjan, Cote dIvoire, AfricaRice is a nonprofit research organisation committed to reducing poverty and enhancing food security across Africa through innovative rice research and strong partnerships. Governor of Ogun State, Dapo Abiodun, has lauded President Bola Tinubu for renewing the appointment of Brigadier-General Mohammed Buba Marwa (retd) as the chairman of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) for a five-year term. In a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Strategy, Kayode Akinmade, in Abeokuta on Friday, Mr Abiodun, who doubles as the chairman of the Southern Governors Forum, described the reappointment of the Adamawa State-born ex-military administrator as a vote for competence, integrity, patriotism and excellence in public service. He said that by the exciting development, President Tinubu has shown that public officials who demonstrate excellence on their jobs will be amply rewarded. He described Mr Marwa, who was first appointed by President Muhammadu Buhari in January 2021, after serving as the Chairman of the Presidential Advisory Committee for the Elimination of Drug Abuse from 2018 to December 2020, as an NDLEA boss par excellence. Governor Abiodun said that going by his track record as a public officer, it can be no surprise that his time as chairman of the narcotics agency has witnessed landmark achievements, including the arrest of over 73,000 drug mules and barons and seizure of more than 15 million kilogrammes of various hard drugs; the convictions of over 12,000 drug barons, and the counselling and rehabilitation of over 8,200 drug users through demand-reduction programmes. The governor lauded the NDLEA chairperson for launching nationwide campaigns to combat drug abuse, strengthening cross-border cooperation, and transforming the NDLEA into a model of accountability and public service. He added: By all means, General Marwas reappointment as NDLEA boss is great news for the safety and security of Nigeria and Nigerias future from the deleterious activities of traders in narcotics. President Tinubu has done Nigeria great service with this reappointment. Time and again, Marwa has distinguished himself as an uncommon public officer whose goal is to deliver maximally on the mandate that the NDLEA is saddled with. I extend felicitations to him on his reappointment and urge him to keep up the good work. Over the past two weeks, supporters of the opposition party in Zamfara State, the All Progressives Congress (APC), have been preparing for and hyping the visit of the immediate past governor of the state, Bello Muhammad Matawalle, who is also currently serving as the Minister of State for Defense. Ironically, this is his first visit to the state capital since he lost (re)election as a sitting governor in 2023. However, one cant help but ask: why all the frenzy about the visit especially from the APC camp? What exactly is special about a man visiting the land of terrible human beings as the former governor once described the state after leaving office? Just asking, innocently. I think theres nothing wrong with a home visit or welcoming someone back home. What I cant fathom are the deliberate efforts and resources invested to make an ordinary homecoming newsworthy through media stunts. This exposes the APCs and Matawalle camps desperation to fake political relevanceat least on the internet, where polling units dont exist. True heroes dont need orchestrated hype or publicity stunts to create a buzz around their homecoming. Naturally, townsfolk and followers voluntarily become excited when reconnecting with leaders who left real impacts in their lives. That is, leaders whose absence is effortlessly felt through the vacuum of impact it created. Not those whom ordinary people became better off after they left the mantle of their stewardship, and certainly not those who failed to deliver good governance when they were in power, only to disparage their people after losing elections. Lest we forget, in an interview granted to Channels Television in September 2024, Matawalle uncourteously described the people of our dear Zamfara (including you, if youre from the state) as terrible human beings with devilish ideas! Belittling the state you once governed and disparaging its peoplewho once entrusted their mandate to youas terrible and devilish, just because you lost an election, is not only a reckless and ungrateful statement but also a shooting from the hip. One problem with words is, once spoken, they cant be taken back. Although Mr Matawalle cant unsay what he said on national television (the footage is still all over the internet), I expect him to use this period of his visit for retrospection and redressespecially now that he is trying to reconnect with, and maybe seek a second chance from those terrible human beings. One would expect him to offer an unequivocal apology for that uncouth statement he uttered, which is unbecoming of any responsible citizen, let alone a former governor and a serving minister. More importantly, I hope Mr Matawalle will also use this opportunity to showcase the contributions he offered to the Zamfara State Government toward addressing the security challenges facing the state, given his current ministerial portfolio that oversees some critical national security organisations. As former Governor Matawalle takes his tour around the state capital, I am confident that deep inside him, he will be awed by how the city has become better than he left it two years ago. The littered streets once filled with political billboards and campaign posters are now clean with developmental landscaping befitting of a modern city. The once deplorable roads, marred by wheel-breaking potholes, have now been transformed into smooth, standard roads. Welcome to the new Zamfara State, the Honorable Minister. Please enjoy the product of the rescue efforts of Governor Dauda Lawal. He will continue to erase all the bad legacies of stagnation that your party, the APC left in the state. Insha Allah. * Tudu is a Senior Special Assistant on Media, Office of the Secretary to the Zamfara State Government. [email protected] Maduka University, Enugu, has officially welcomed 15 students awarded scholarships by the Enugu East Local Government Council, under the leadership of Beloved-Dan Obi Anike. The gesture is part of the councils commitment to human capital development. The scholarship programme, which also includes one student admitted to Baze University, Abuja, targets high-demand courses in medicine and engineering, ensuring the beneficiaries gain access to quality tertiary education and the skills needed for the future of work. Speaking during the reception of the students, Mr Anike, who is an engineer and pastor, reiterated the councils strategic focus on education as a tool for empowering youths. We are committed to increasing the Human Capital Index of Enugu East LGA by investing in high-demand skills and academic courses that will position our youths for global competitiveness, he said. Maduka University, known for its rigorous academic programmes and modern learning facilities, has embraced the new students, assuring them of quality education and mentorship. The Vice-Chancellor Professor Charles Uzodimma Ogbulogo, who welcomed the students, encouraged them to take full advantage of the universitys resources and strive for excellence in their chosen fields. On their part, parents of the scholarship beneficiaries expressed their gratitude to the council for the life-changing opportunity. A big thank you to the Mayor and his team for this initiative, one parent said. Uche Mbaeke, LGA Secretary, who also addressed the students, urged them to excel academically and represent Enugu East LGA with pride throughout their university journey. The Chairman of Igbo-Etiti Local Government Area in Enugu State, Eric Odo, has flagged off a boundary demarcation to resolve an age-long land dispute between the Aku and Ikolo communities in the council area. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the land dispute between the two communities began in 1914. Speaking while flagging off the exercise at Ogbede on Friday, Mr Odo stated that the land dispute started in 1914. He said that the problem had claimed several lives and properties over the decades, saying that the feud could have been avoided. The council chairman noted that with the demarcation exercise, his administration had successfully resolved the dispute amicably. He maintained that the resolution was in fulfilment of his campaign promise to restore peace and unity in the communities. The peace we have brokered would permanently end the crisis that had caused psychological and economic hardship to the people, the chairman said. Mr Odo commended Governor Peter Mbah of Enugu State and the Deputy Governor, Ifeanyi Ossai, for creating an enabling environment that has facilitated the return of peace to the two communities. NAN reports that traditional rulers, president-generals of town unions and councillors from both communities pledged their commitment to lasting peace and mutual co-existence. Community leaders and residents of both Aku and Ikolo hailed Mr Odos intervention as a historic step that would guarantee the safety of lives and property in the areas. A former Commissioner for Information in Anambra State, Don Adinuba, has refuted the rumoured death of the immediate past governor of the state, Willie Obiano. Mr Adinuba, in a statement forwarded to PREMIUM TIMES on Friday evening, said the rumour has no basis. Sahara Reporters earlier reported that Mr Obiano died of urinary cancer in a London hospital. But Mr Adunibu, who served as the information commissioner under Mr Obiano, said the former governor does not live in London. This rumour has no basis. Chief Obiano lives in Texas, United States, and not London. He is not just alive, but healthy, strong and too agile for someone who has just turned 70 years, he said. A top government official in Anambra State earlier told PREMIUM TIMES that the rumoured death of Mr Obiano was completely false. READ ALSO: Maduka University welcomes students on scholarship from Enugu East LG chairperson A close family relative has said it is false. It is completely false. Theres no truth in it, said the official who asked not to be named because he was permitted to speak on it. Obiano at a glance Mr Obiano served as the fourth governor of the South-eastern state from 17 March 2014 to 17 March 2022 under the platform of the All Progressives Grand Alliance. The former governor is currently facing fraud charges by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission at the Federal High Court in Abuja. He recently clocked 70. The US president signs trade agreements with Argentina, El Salvador, Guatemala and Ecuador that will bring prices down very quickly according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent The United States will reduce tariffs on some food and textile products from Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador and Guatemala, according to administration sources. President Donald Trump has announced the signing of several trade agreements with these countries that will lower the price of bananas, coffee, beef and citrus fruits, among other products. The Republican president is seeking to regain the initiative in the fight against the rising cost of living, one of the main issues of the recent campaign for mayor of New York, which the Republicans lost decisively to the Zohran Mamdani, a socialist from the Democratic Party. The new trade agreements that the United States will formalize in a framework agreement with these four countries aim to highlight the U.S. administrations shift in strategy regarding the cost of living. To this end, it will ease some of its so-called reciprocal tariffs that affect basic consumer goods. These deals secure commitments on economic and national security issues to strengthen supply chains and trade partnerships in the region, deepening bilateral trade and investment cooperation to provide American exporters with unprecedented access to markets in Central and South America, the White House explained in a joint statement with the four Latin American countries. The note specifies that the United States will also give Most Favored Nation (MFN)-tariff treatment for certain originating goods from these countries that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the measure a few days ago in an interview on Fox News. Youre going to see some substantial announcement over the next couple of days in terms of things we dont grow here in the United States, coffee being one of them, Bessent said. Bananas, other fruits, things like that. So that will bring the prices down very quickly. Last September, the White House issued an executive order anticipating a possible reduction in import tariffs on some items not produced in the United States when trade agreements were reached with other countries. The joint statement specifies that tariffs will also be reduced on other products detailed in a list of the executive order published in September, as reported by The New York Times, which notes that the White House is preparing tariff exemptions for hundreds of products in order to relieve the strain caused on households by the rising cost of living. Following the recent electoral setbacks, when Republicans also lost the governorships of Virginia and New Jersey and other local elections, Trump ordered his trade team to identify products in the shopping basket that were not produced in the United States so that tariffs could be lowered. The partial withdrawal of Trumps tariffs in these countries represents a step back in his trade policy at a time when the Supreme Court is reviewing the legality of the methods used by the president to impose the import duties. In the first hearing on the case, the Supreme Court justices expressed doubts about the legality of the tariffs, although they have not yet reached a decision. Argentina will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods exports, including certain medicines, chemicals, machinery, information technology products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a wide range of agricultural products. El Salvador will reform non-tariff barriers to allow the acceptance of vehicles and auto parts manufactured according to U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards, as well as certifications for medical devices and pharmaceutical products. Guatemala has committed to facilitating digital trade, for example, by refraining from imposing digital services taxes or taking other measures that discriminate against U.S. digital services or U.S. products distributed digitally. Ecuador will remove or decrease a range of tariff barriers across key goods sectors, including tree nuts, fresh fruit, pulses, wheat, wine, and distilled spirits, and fully eliminate a variable tariff on many agricultural products it had imposed. These actions will create commercially meaningful market access opportunities for U.S. exports, supporting high-quality American jobs, argued the statement. The framework agreements will be finalized in about two weeks and are expected to exempt specific products rather than reduce existing reciprocal tariffs, according to a senior Trump administration official, as reported by Bloomberg. The White House expects retailers and wholesalers to pass any benefits on to U.S. consumers, the official added. U.S. tariffs on other products from those countries will remain unchanged: 15% for Ecuador and 10% for Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador. In addition, those countries will reduce regulations and licensing requirements for U.S. companies and coordinate trade with non-market economies like China with Washington. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Eye Care Professionals Across the U.K. Can Now Address Lower Lid Laxity and Impaired Blinking, Closing Gap in Patient Care YOKNE'AM ILLIT, Israel, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumenis Be. Ltd., a leading energy-based medical device company for eye care and aesthetic solutions, announced today the U.K. launch of OptiLIFT, its new, proprietary Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology (DMSt) for toning facial muscles to address lower lid laxity and impaired blinking without the need for surgery. OptiLIFT is part of a growing portfolio of innovative technologies by Lumenis, the inventor of OptiLIGHT, the first and only intense pulsed light (IPL) device granted authorization by the FDA for dry eye management. OptiLIFT, a new Dynamic Muscle Stimulation device from Lumenis, is now available in the U.K. OptiLIFT enables eye care professionals to address lower lid laxity and impaired blinking, closing a gap in patient care. Lower lid laxity is highly prevalent and is associated with the natural aging process, caused in part by the weakening of the orbicularis oculi muscle (OOM).1 Skeletal muscles lose 3-8% mass each decade after age 30.1 Muscle weakening in the periorbital area reduces structural support, which can result in lower lid laxity and incomplete blinking, leading to ocular symptoms and aesthetic concerns.2,3,4 One study revealed that more than 60% of dry eye patients suffer from impaired lid closure. Until now, options to address lower lid laxity and impaired blinking have been limited to conservative approachessuch as nighttime ointments, taping, and blinking exercisesor in more severe cases, surgery.5,6 OptiLIFT utilizes DMSt to close that gap, providing a proactive, non-surgical approach to strengthen the periorbital muscle and address this root cause of lower lid laxity. A clinical study published in Clinical Ophthalmology highlights the effectiveness of Lumenis's proprietary DMSt technology. Led by James Chelnis, MD, FACS, an ophthalmic plastic and reconstructive surgeon at Manhattan Face & Eye, the study demonstrated a reduction in lower lid laxity by at least 75%, an improvement in blinking quality by at least 70%, and a significant 286% increase in tear break-up time (TBUT).7 Patients also experienced a 53% decrease in Ocular Surface Disease Index over the course of treatment, and saw at least 60% improvement in their eyelid appearance.7 "The improvement we're seeing in eyelid function and blinking with OptiLIFT has been remarkable," said Samer Hamada, MD, founder and medical director of Eye Clinic London. "For patients struggling with lower lid laxity, the discomfort and disruption to daily life can be significant. Having a non-surgical solution that delivers such meaningful functional improvement to patients marks an important advancement in eye care. OptiLIFT has quickly become an integral part of our practice, and I'm looking forward to more patients having access to this technology in the U.K." Specifically designed for treatment of the periorbital area, OptiLIFT's Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating the facial muscles with electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital muscle. OptiLIFT is also available with an optional RF microneedling upgrade, which utilizes ultrathin needles and a double RF mechanism to increase skin smoothness by 80% and triple hyaluronic acid productionoffering notable results without downtime or numbing.8 "The launch of OptiLIFT in the U.K. is an exciting milestone for Lumenis and eye care professionals across the country," said Itay Mayer, Chief Commercial Officer, Lumenis. "Many practices have been quick to adopt this innovative technology as a non-surgical solution for lower lid laxity and impaired blinking, achieving results that help improve patients' lives. We are dedicated to continuing our support of U.K. practitioners with advanced energy-based solutions that elevate the standard of care." OptiLIFT delivers visible outcomes in just four short sessions. It is easily integrated into practice workflow, with three presets designed specifically for treatments around the eye, and can be used on a wide range of skin types. Lumenis will introduce OptiLIFT to U.K. eye care professionals during an exclusive launch event in London on Friday, 21 November at L'oscar London. Registration is open at information.lumenis.com/optilift-exclusive-launch-event. For more information about OptiLIFT, please visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilift. Lumenis Be. Ltd sponsored the clinical study. The study investigator, Dr. James Chelnis, also serves as a consultant for Lumenis Be. Ltd. Volpi E, Nazemi R, Fujita, S. Muscle tissue changes with aging. Current Opinion in Clinical Nutrition and Metabolic Care. 7(4):p 405-410, July 2004. Chhadva, P, AL McClellan, CR Alabiad, WJ Feuer, H Batawi, and A Galor. 2016. Impact of eyelid laxity on symptoms and signs of dry eye disease. Cornea 531-535. Liu, DTS, MA Di Pascuale, J Sawai, YY Gao, and SC Tseng. 2005. Tear film dynamics in floppy eyelid syndrome. Investigative ophthalmology & visual science 46 (4): 1188-1194. Mastrota, KM. 2008. Impact of floppy eyelid syndrome in ocular surface and dry eye disease. Optom Vis Sci 85: 814-816. Korb D, Blackie C, Nau A. Prevalence of compromised lid seal in symptomatic refractory dry eye patients and asymptomatic patients. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2017;58:2696. Korb DR, Blackie CA. Treating inadequate lid seal in patients with dry eye using an overnight ointment reduces discomfort upon awakening and overall dry eye symptoms. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci. 2016;57(12):6189. Chelnis, James G., and Alexandra Chelnis. "Dynamic Muscle Stimulation of the Periorbital Area for Improvement of Blinking in Dry Eye Patients." Clinical Ophthalmology, vol. 2025, no. 19, Mar. 26, 2025, pp. 10571071. https://doi.org/10.2147/OPTH.S513989 Potekaev N, Zhukova O. Evaluation of Safety and efficacy of the Maximus System for facial wrinkles. Journal of Cosmetics, Dermatological Sciences and Applications, 2013; Vol. 3: 151-156 About OptiLIFT OptiLIFT's Dynamic Muscle Stimulation technology works by activating the facial muscles with electrical impulses, tightening and toning the periorbital muscle. For more information, visit https://information.lumenis.com/optilift. The OptiLIFT System and its accessories are intended for dermatological procedures requiring ablation and resurfacing of the skin when using VoluDerm Energy (Microneedling Applicator). It is also intended for use in dermatologic and general surgical procedures for non-invasive treatment when using RF Energy and for muscle conditioning to stimulate healthy muscles (OptiLIFT Applicator). OptiLIFT System is intended to be operated by a licensed healthcare practitioner who is present to monitor treatment. About Lumenis Lumenis develops life-changing, minimally invasive solutions for the Aesthetic and Vision markets. We create and commercialize innovative energy-based technologies that enable a variety of skin, body, and eye care treatments. Lumenis has successfully introduced solutions for previously untreatable conditions and designed advanced technologies that have revolutionized existing treatment methods. We are BeautyTech pioneers, empowering people by broadening the horizons of health and celebrating beauty that matters. Media Contact Carson Daniels McDougall Communications for Lumenis carson@mcdougallpr.com or +1.315.427.6394 Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822899/lumenis_OptiLIFT_15.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2822898/OptiLIFT_by_Lumenis_Logo.jpg COLLEGE STATION, Texas, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) and Hamm Institute for American Energy concluded the 2025 leg of the Energy Freedom Tour at Texas A&M University today, advancing their shared mission to champion American energy abundance and connect students with careers in energy. Energy leaders spoke to Texas A&M students about career opportunities in their fields. Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, a Texas A&M alum and the first female student body president, joined the stop and spoke to hundreds of students interested in energy careers. In addition to Secretary Rollins's remarks connecting American agriculture and energy dominance, students heard from the CEO of the George and Barbara Bush Foundation, Alice Gonzalez Yates. Later on a panel with the Secretary, Devon Energy CEO Clay Gaspar, Entra1 Chief Projects Officer Skip Alvarado, and Howard Energy CEO Mike Howard spoke about energy innovation and an all-of-the-above approach. ACC President Chris Barnard said, "Young people will fuel our energy future, so bringing a common-sense message to our nation's college campuses is vital. So far, the Energy Freedom Tour has facilitated important conversations and engaged students on the most important question of our time: how we will meet exploding energy demand." Hamm Institute for American Energy Executive Director Ann Bluntzer Pullin said, "As a Texas A&M alum, coming back to my home state with Secretary Rollins to challenge the next generation to build their careers in energy is a real privilege. We need students to answer the call as the innovators and builders who will power a secure, affordable energy future for America." This fall, the Energy Freedom Tour hosted events in Boston and Stanford with Secretaries Wright and Burgum. Through the creation of an energy jobs board , the tour connects energy leaders of today with students interested in joining the industry. The Energy Freedom Tour will continue throughout 2026 with seven more stops before the November midterm elections. In the spring, the tour will visit UNC Chapel Hill, CU Boulder, and the Ohio State University. To learn more about the tour, visit this landing page . The American Conservation Coalition (ACC) is a nonprofit organization committed to building the conservative environmental movement. The Hamm Institute for American Energy at Oklahoma State University merges education, research, and policy to redefine the energy landscape with the mission to advance dispatchable energy that powers economies and secures our future. SOURCE American Conservation Coalition, Inc. AI Now Performs More Than Half of Communications Work in Nearly One-In-Three Organizations CEOs Would Choose a Custom-Trained AI Tool Over a Professional Human Speechwriter WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The 5th Annual HarrisXRagan Survey of Communications Leaders reveals insights from 400 CEOs and communications leaders on how the field is evolving and responding to new challenges and opportunities driven by AI adoption, shifting corporate voices, and changing dynamics of trust and control between CEOs and their communications teams. "The communications industry is at an inflection point. Our annual HarrisX-Ragan survey of CEOs and communications leaders reveals that AI is reshaping the profession, with many senior leaders trusting custom-trained agents for some tasks more than their top experts. CEOs are also tightening control over messaging amid growing polarization and online backlash," said HarrisX CEO Dritan Nesho. "Together, these trends mark a fundamental shift in executives' confidence and their approach to communicationsfar deeper than efficiency gains and shifting priorities alone." "We're at the precipice of something big," said Diane Schwartz, CEO of Ragan Communications. "Leaders have deep trust in their communications teams, but they're also intrigued by the promise of AI. This is the moment for communicators to differentiate themselves from AI and emphasize the skills that technology can't replace: strategy, creativity and empathy. By balancing these skills with an embrace of the efficiency AI can offer, comms leaders can increase their value." Key highlights of the study include: AI Is Reshaping How Comms Work Is Done and Many CEOs Want Even More 95% of organizations now use AI in communications work, 96% of whom report it has had a positive impact. 30% of organizations say more than half of communications work is already done by AI, and 55% expect that to be true by 2030. 57% of CEOs say they would choose a custom-trained AI tool to write an important speech over a top communications professional with no AI support. While 31% of CEOs believe AI-powered communications platforms will soon add more value than internal comms teams or external agencies, 42% expect AI to add more communications jobs. CEOs Expect AI Skills to Define the Future of Communications, but Don't See It As Essential Yet 49% of CEOs say traditional communications skills will soon take a back seat to AI prompt engineering and data fluency. However, CEOs do not yet view AI and tech fluency as a top skill for communications leaders today only 18% name it among the most valuable skills. Instead, CEOs rank strategic thinking (42%), creative problem-solving (40%), and staying calm under pressure (37%) as the most valuable communications leadership traits right now. Comms Leaders See AI as a Trusted Partner, Not a Competitor 70% of comms leaders say AI enhances their ability to do their jobs more effectively and efficiently. Only 13% worry that AI will replace their role and just 30% expect AI to have a negative impact on the number of communications jobs at large. 68% of comms leaders say AI will increase the value of internal teams by enabling more scalable, strategic services; 64% think AI will also increase the value of external agencies. 63% of comms leaders believe AI will level the playing field and democratize great communications across all types of organizations and brands. Corporate Voice: CEOs Are Pulling Back While Communicators Push to Speak Up More 58% of CEOs say their organizations speak up too often on social or political issues. 59% of communications leaders believe their companies should speak up more. 83% say their organization usually gets it right when deciding whether to comment publicly. Hiring announcements, community investments, and environmental initiatives rank among the safest topics for external communications. Trust Between CEOs and Comms Leaders Is Strong but Control Remains with the CEO 83% of CEOs say they highly value their communications teams. 98% of CEOs say their communications leaders have sufficient access to them, and 92% of comms leaders agree. However, only 56% of CEOs say they always consult their communications leaders before making major external announcements, and 65% do so for important internal announcements. consult their communications leaders before making major external announcements, and 65% do so for important internal announcements. 74% of CEOs say they personally lead communications, yet only 20% of comms leaders say the function is directly overseen by the CEO. 74% of CEOs believe the communications department should report directly to them, but just 31% of comms leaders agree. About the Study The 5th Annual HarrisXRagan Survey of Communications Leaders was conducted online among 400 U.S. executives, including 125 CEOs and 275 communications leaders, between August and October 2025. The study explores how AI is transforming communications, how corporate voice is evolving, and how leadership dynamics between CEOs and communicators are shifting in the age of AI. The margin of error is 4.9 percentage points for the overall sample. About HarrisX HarrisX, a Stagwell company, is a strategic research advisory firm that delivers clear, data-driven answers to our clients' most pressing questions. Powered by proprietary technology and a campaign-style approach, we move fast, cut through the noise, and surface insights that drive real-world impact. With offices in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and Australia, we advise Fortune 100 companies, public institutions, global leaders, NGOs, and philanthropic organizations. Named the most accurate pollster of the 2020 U.S. presidential election by The Washington Post and the American Research Group, HarrisX doesn't just deliver data we deliver confident decisions. About Ragan Communications Ragan Communications has been delivering trusted news, training and intelligence for more than 60 years to internal and external communicators, HR professionals and business leaders. Its daily news sites, PRDaily.com and Ragan.com , are read by more than 600,000 internal and external communicators monthly. Ragan's Communications Leadership Council is one of the fastest-growing membership groups for communications executives, and its conferences, webinars and workshops are attended by more than 5,000 communicators a year. Ragan Training is the leading learning portal among communicators, offering more than 800 hours of training and development for communicators. Ragan is also the producer of Communications Week, which is held each November. Headquartered in Chicago, with team members spanning the country and loyal customers worldwide. SOURCE HarrisX Q2-2026 Highlights Revenues increased 11.5% to $124.3 million, compared to $111.5 million for the same quarter last year. 79.8% of revenues were generated from clients which we had in the same quarter last year. Gross margin increased 25.5% to $42.8 million, compared to $34.1 million for the same quarter last year. Gross Margin as a Percentage of Revenues (1 ) increased to 34.4%, compared to 30.6% for the same quarter last year. increased to 34.4%, compared to 30.6% for the same quarter last year. Net loss increased to $31.0 million, due to an impairment charge of $38.0 million, or $0.32 per share, compared to $0.3 million, or $0.00 per share, for the same quarter last year. Adjusted Net Earnings (2) increased by $4.2 million, or 80.0%, to $9.5 million, from $5.3 million for the same quarter last year. This translated into Adjusted Net Earnings per Share of $0.10, compared to $0.05 for the same quarter last year. increased by $4.2 million, or 80.0%, to $9.5 million, from $5.3 million for the same quarter last year. This translated into Adjusted Net Earnings per Share of $0.10, compared to $0.05 for the same quarter last year. Adjusted EBITDA (2) increased by $3.5 million, or 37.5%, to $12.8 million, for an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 10.3% of revenues, compared to $9.3 million, for an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 8.3% of revenues, for the same quarter last year. increased by $3.5 million, or 37.5%, to $12.8 million, for an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 10.3% of revenues, compared to $9.3 million, for an Adjusted EBITDA Margin of 8.3% of revenues, for the same quarter last year. Net cash from operating activities was $1.1 million, representing a decrease of $1.9 million, compared to $3.0 million for the same quarter last year. Q2 Bookings(1) reached $90.9 million, which translated into a Book-to-Bill Ratio(1) of 0.73 for the quarter. The Book-to-Bill Ratio would have been 0.80 if revenues from the two long-term contracts signed as part of an acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 were excluded. Backlog(1) represented approximately 15 months of trailing twelve-month revenues as at September 30, 2025. MONTREAL, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Alithya Group inc. (TSX: ALYA) ("Alithya" or the "Company") reported today its results for the second quarter of fiscal 2026 ended September 30, 2025. All amounts are in Canadian dollars unless otherwise stated. Summary of the financial results for the second quarter: Financial Highlights (in thousands of $, except for margin percentages) F2026-Q2 F2025-Q2 Revenues 124,292 111,514 Gross Margin 42,780 34,128 Gross Margin as a percentage of revenues (%)(1) 34.4 % 30.6 % Selling, general and administrative expenses 31,296 25,869 Selling, general and administrative expenses (%)(1) 25.2 % 23.2 % Net Loss (30,961) (270) Basic and Diluted Loss per Share (0.32) 0.00 Adjusted Net Earnings(2) 9,467 5,260 Adjusted Net Earnings per Share(2) 0.10 0.05 Adjusted EBITDA(2) 12,788 9,298 Adjusted EBITDA Margin (%)(2) 10.3 % 8.3 % (1) These are other financial measures without a standardized definition under IFRS, which may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. See "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" below. (2) These are non-IFRS financial measures without a standardized definition under IFRS, which may not be comparable to similar measures used by other issuers. More information and quantitative reconciliations of Adjusted Net Earnings and Adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable IFRS measures are presented below under the caption "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures". "Adjusted EBITDA Margin" refers to the percentage of total revenue that Adjusted EBITDA represents for a given period. Quote by Paul Raymond, President and CEO, Alithya: "The Alithya team has once again demonstrated the power of our model. Our focus on value creation for our clients and our execution against this plan is showing in our results. We are showing ourselves as a force in the industry, growing steadily and moving up the value chain. For our investors, this is reflected in a double digit, year-over-year, growth in our margins and our revenues. While our industry is challenged by current market conditions, our expanded capabilities, achieved through recent acquisitions and the integration of our partners' latest technologies, are enabling us to work on larger, higher-value, mission critical projects that are an essential backbone to the AI transformation." Second Quarter Results Revenues Revenues amounted to $124.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $12.8 million, or 11.5%, from $111.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Revenues in Canada decreased by $4.4 million, or 7.4%, to $55.2 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $59.6 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The decrease in revenues was due primarily to reduced revenues from government contracts and certain client projects reaching maturity, partially offset by revenues from the acquisition of XRM Vision Inc. and its subsidiaries on December 1, 2024 ("XRM Vision"), higher billing rates, and a continued recovery in the banking sector. U.S. revenues increased by $16.3 million, or 34.8%, to $63.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $46.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, due primarily to organic growth in enterprise transformation services, higher billing rates in certain areas of the business, revenues from the acquisition of eVerge Interests, Inc. and its subsidiaries on May 31, 2025 ("eVerge"), and a favorable US$ exchange rate impact of $0.6 million between the two periods. International revenues increased by $0.8 million, or 15.7%, to $5.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $5.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase in revenues was primarily due to organic growth in enterprise transformation services. During the quarter, 22 new clients were signed. Gross Margin Gross margin increased by $8.7 million, or 25.5%, to $42.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from $34.1 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues increased to 34.4% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, from 30.6% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. In Canada, gross margin as a percentage of revenues increased compared to the same quarter last year, mainly due to a positive margin contribution from XRM Vision, higher hourly billing rates, as a result of providing a greater proportion of higher-value services, a proportionally larger decrease in the use of subcontractors compared to permanent employees, and a slight increase in utilization rates. In the U.S., gross margin as a percentage of revenues increased compared to the same quarter last year, primarily due to increased utilization rates, the increased use of our smart shoring capabilities, and higher billing rates. International gross margin as a percentage of revenues decreased compared to the same quarter last year, mainly due to one client project coming to maturity, which historically had a higher gross margin. Selling, General and Administrative Expenses Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $31.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $5.4 million, or 20.8%, from $25.9 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024, including $2.7 million of expenses related to XRM Vision and eVerge. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues amounted to 25.2% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 23.2% for the same period last year. The increase in selling, general and administrative expenses was mainly due to expenses from XRM Vision and eVerge, increased employee compensation costs, mainly stemming from variable compensation, and increased professional fees and share-based compensation, partially offset by decreased information technology and communications costs and business development costs. Net Loss Net loss for the three months ended September 30, 2025 was $31.0 million, representing an increase of $30.7 million, from $0.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The increase was due primarily to the $38.0 million impairment of goodwill and intangibles, increased selling, general and administrative expenses, including $2.7 million of expenses related to XRM Vision and eVerge, increased amortization of intangibles, and increased net financial expenses, partially offset by increased gross margin, driven by higher revenues and positive contributions from the acquisitions of XRM Vision and eVerge, decreased business acquisition, integration and reorganization costs, due primarily to the $4.4 million gain from a change in fair value of contingent consideration related to the XRM Acquisition, decreased depreciation, increased foreign exchange gain, and decreased income tax expense for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to the three months ended September 30, 2024. On a per share basis, this translated into a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.32 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $0.00 per share for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Adjusted Net Earnings Adjusted Net Earnings amounted to $9.5 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $4.2 million, or 80.0%, from $5.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. As explained above, the increase was primarily due to increased gross margin, driven by higher revenues and positive contributions from the acquisitions of XRM Vision and eVerge, decreased depreciation of property and equipment, increased foreign exchange gain, and decreased income tax expense, partially offset by, increased selling, general and administrative expenses, including $2.7 million of expenses related to XRM Vision and eVerge, and increased net financial expenses. This translated into Adjusted Net Earnings per Share of $0.10 for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $0.05 for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $12.8 million for the three months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $3.5 million, or 37.5%, from $9.3 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. As explained above, the increase was due primarily to increased gross margin, driven by higher revenues and positive contributions from the acquisitions of XRM Vision and eVerge, partially offset by increased selling, general and administrative expenses. Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 10.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 8.3% for the three months ended September 30, 2024. Bookings Bookings amounted to $90.9 million, which translated into a Book-to-Bill Ratio of 0.73 for the quarter, compared to $84.0 million, which translated into a Book-to-Bill Ratio of 0.75, for the same quarter last year. Bookings for the trailing twelve months amounted to $447.5 million as at September 30, 2025, which translated into a Book-to-Bill ratio of 0.91. If revenues from the two long-term contracts signed as part of an acquisition in the first quarter of fiscal year 2022 were excluded, the Book-to-Bill ratio would be 0.80, compared to 0.85 for the same quarter last year. For the trailing twelve months as at September 30, 2025, the Book-to-Bill ratio, excluding revenues from the two long-term contracts, would be 1.01. Liquidity and Capital Resources For the three months ended September 30, 2025, net cash from operating activities was $1.1 million, representing a decrease of $1.9 million, from $3.0 million for the three months ended September 30, 2024. The net cash from operating activities for the three months ended September 30, 2025, after adding back the impairment of goodwill and intangible of $38.0 million to the net loss of $31.0 million, resulted primarily from other non-cash adjustments and of net financial expenses, offset by $10.6 million in unfavorable changes in non-cash working capital items. Unfavorable changes in non-cash working capital items of $10.6 million during the three months ended September 30, 2025 were due mainly to the timing of payments, collections, and invoicing and consisted primarily of a $4.2 million increase in accounts receivable and other receivables, a $4.8 million decrease in accounts payable and accrued liabilities, a $2.5 million increase in unbilled revenues, and a $1.6 million increase in tax credits receivable, partially offset by a $2.1 million increase in deferred revenues, a $0.3 million decrease in prepaids and a $0.1 million decrease in other assets. As at September 30, 2025, drawings on the Credit Facility amounted to $102.3 million, and the availability of additional capital resources of Alithya amounted to $108.3 million, consisting of cash and availability under its credit facilities, including the accordion provision. Management believes that the Company is well positioned to sustain its operations while maintaining adequate levels of liquidity. Six-Months Results Revenues amounted to $248.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $16.1 million, or 6.9%, from $232.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Gross margin increased by $9.9 million, or 13.6%, to $82.6 million for the six months ended September 30, 2025, from $72.7 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Gross margin as a percentage of revenues increased to 33.2% for the six months ended September 30, 2025, from 31.3% for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Selling, general and administrative expenses totaled $61.9 million for the six months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $4.4 million, or 7.7%, from $57.5 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024, including $4.4 million of expenses from XRM Vision and eVerge, since its acquisition on May 31, 2025. Selling, general and administrative expenses as a percentage of revenues amounted to 24.9% for the six months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 24.8% for the same period last year. Adjusted EBITDA amounted to $24.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $5.0 million, or 26.1%, from $19.4 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Adjusted EBITDA Margin was 9.8% for the six months ended September 30, 2025, compared to 8.3% for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Net loss for the six months ended September 30, 2025 was $30.8 million, due to an impairment charge of $38.0 million, representing an increase of $27.8 million, from $3.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024. On a per share basis, this translated into a basic and diluted loss per share of $0.31 for the six months ended September 30, 2025, compared to $0.03 per share for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Adjusted Net Earnings amounted to $16.0 million for the six months ended September 30, 2025, representing an increase of $5.8 million, or 56.6%, from $10.2 million for the six months ended September 30, 2024. Normal Course Issuer Bid Program ("NCIB") On September 9, 2025, the Company's Board of Directors authorized and subsequently the TSX approved the implementation of a NCIB. Under the NCIB, the Company is allowed to purchase for cancellation up to 5,939,183 Subordinate Voting Shares, representing 10% of the Company's public float as of the close of markets on September 2, 2025. The NCIB plan commenced on September 12, 2025 and will end on the earlier of September 11, 2026 and the date on which the Company will have acquired the maximum number of Subordinate Voting Shares allowable under the NCIB or will otherwise have decided not to make any further purchases. All purchases of Subordinate Voting Shares are made by means of open market transactions at their market price at the time of acquisition. Concurrently, the Company entered into an automatic share purchase plan ("ASPP") with a designated broker in connection with its NCIB. The ASPP allows for the designated broker to purchase for cancellation Subordinate Voting Shares, on behalf of the Company, subject to certain trading parameters established, from time to time, by the Company. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains statements that may constitute "forward-looking information" or "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws and the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other applicable U.S. safe harbours (collectively "forward-looking statements"). Statements that do not exclusively relate to historical facts, as well as statements relating to management's expectations regarding the future growth, results of operations, performance and business prospects of Alithya, and other information related to Alithya's business strategy and future plans or which refer to the characterizations of future events or circumstances represent forward-looking statements. Such statements often contain the words "anticipates," "expects," "intends," "plans," "predicts," "believes," "seeks," "estimates," "could," "would," "will," "may," "can," "continue," "potential," "should," "project," "target," and similar expressions and variations thereof, although not all forward-looking statements contain these identifying words. Forward-looking statements in this press release include, among other things, information or statements about: (i) our ability to generate sufficient earnings to support our operations; (ii) our ability to take advantage of business opportunities and meet our goals set in our three-year strategic plan; (iii) our ability to maintain and develop our business, including by broadening the scope of our service offerings, by leveraging artificial intelligence ("AI"), our geographic presence and our smart shore capabilities, our expertise, and our integrated offerings, and by entering into new contracts and penetrating new markets; (iv) our strategy, future operations, and prospects, including our expectations regarding future revenue resulting from bookings and backlog and providing stakeholders with long-term growing return on investment; (v) our ability to service our debt and raise additional capital; (vi) our estimates regarding our financial performance, including our revenues, profitability, costs and expenses, gross margins, liquidity, capital resources, and capital expenditures; (vii) our ability to identify suitable acquisition targets and realize the expected synergies or cost savings relating to the integration of acquired entities, and (viii) our ability to balance, meet and exceed the needs of our stakeholders. Forward-looking statements are presented for the sole purpose of assisting investors and others in understanding Alithya's objectives, strategies and business outlook as well as its anticipated operating environment and may not be appropriate for other purposes. Although management believes the expectations reflected in Alithya's forward-looking statements were reasonable as at the date they were made, forward-looking statements are based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management and, as such, are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors, many of which are beyond Alithya's control, and which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such statements. Such risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those discussed in the section titled "Risks and Uncertainties" of Alithya's Management Discussion and Analysis ("MD&A") for the year ended March 31, 2025, as well as in Alithya's other materials made public, including documents filed with Canadian and U.S. securities regulatory authorities from time to time and which are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Additional risks and uncertainties not currently known to Alithya or that Alithya currently deems to be immaterial could also have a material adverse effect on its financial position, financial performance, cash flows, business or reputation. Forward-looking statements contained in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements and are made only as of the date of this press release. Alithya expressly disclaims any obligation to update or alter any forward-looking statements, or the factors or assumptions underlying them, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law. Investors are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements since actual results may vary materially from them. Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures This press release includes certain measures which have not been prepared in accordance with IFRS and other financial measures. Adjusted Net Earnings, Adjusted Net Earnings per Share, EBITDA, EBITDA Margin, Adjusted EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA Margin are non-IFRS measures and Bookings, Book-to-Bill Ratio, Backlog, Gross Margin as a Percentage of Revenues and Selling, General and Administrative Expenses as a Percentage of Revenues are other financial measures used in this press release. These measures are provided as additional information to complement IFRS measures by providing further understanding of Alithya's results of operations from management's perspective. They do not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and are therefore unlikely to be comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. They should be considered as supplemental in nature and not as a substitute for the related financial information prepared in accordance with IFRS. They are used to provide investors with additional insight into Alithya's operating performance and thus highlight trends in Alithya's business that may not otherwise be apparent when relying solely on IFRS measures. Additional details for these non-IFRS and other financial measures can be found in section 5, "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures", of Alithya's MD&A for the quarter ended September 30, 2025, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov, which includes explanations of the composition and usefulness of these non-IFRS financial measures and non-IFRS ratios and is incorporated by reference in this press release. The following table reconciles net loss to Adjusted Net Earnings: For the three months ended September 30, For the six months ended September 30, (in $ thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 $ $ $ $ Net loss (30,961) (270) (30,776) (3,032) Business acquisition, integration and reorganization costs (recovery) (3,885) 549 (1,838) 1,332 Amortization of intangibles 5,317 4,635 10,272 9,279 Share-based compensation 1,304 1,039 3,676 2,724 Impairment of goodwill and intangibles 38,028 38,028 Loss on disposal of property and equipment and right-of-use assets and loss on lease termination 37 Severance 1,502 Income tax related to deferred tax asset recognized on purchase price allocation (1,948) Effect of income tax related to above items (336) (693) (1,465) (1,599) Adjusted Net Earnings(1) 9,467 5,260 15,986 10,206 Basic and diluted loss per share (0.32) (0.00) (0.31) (0.03) Adjusted Net Earnings per Share(1) 0.10 0.05 0.16 0.11 (1) Non-IFRS measure. See section 5 titled "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" of Alithya's MD&A for the three months ended September 30, 2025, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. The following table reconciles net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: For the three months ended September 30, For the six months ended September 30, (in $ thousands) 2025 2024 2025 2024 $ $ $ $ Revenues 124,292 111,514 248,450 232,389 Net loss (30,961) (270) (30,776) (3,032) Net financial expenses 2,126 1,502 4,966 3,874 Income tax expense (recovery) 350 482 (2,688) 1,238 Depreciation 978 1,102 2,043 2,197 Amortization of intangibles 5,317 4,635 10,272 9,279 EBITDA(1) (22,190) 7,451 (16,183) 13,556 EBITDA Margin(1) (17.9) % 6.7 % (6.5) % 5.8 % Adjusted for: Foreign exchange (gain) loss (469) 259 697 242 Share-based compensation 1,304 1,039 3,676 2,724 Business acquisition, integration and reorganization costs (recovery) (3,885) 549 (1,838) 1,332 Impairment of goodwill and intangibles 38,028 38,028 Loss on disposal of property and equipment and intangible 37 Severance 1,502 Adjusted EBITDA(1) 12,788 9,298 24,417 19,356 Adjusted EBITDA Margin(1) 10.3 % 8.3 % 9.8 % 8.3 % (1) Non-IFRS measure. See section 5 titled "Non-IFRS and Other Financial Measures" of Alithya's MD&A for the three months ended September 30, 2025, filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on EDGAR at www.sec.gov. Second Quarter Conference Call Alithya will hold a conference call to discuss these results on November 14, 2025, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern Time. Interested parties can join the call by dialing 1-800-990-4777, or via webcast at https://app.webinar.net/7kR4Y12zQOZ. A replay will be made available until November 21, 2025 (conference replay information: 1-888-660-6345, 54485#). About Alithya We are trusted advisors who leverage AI and the latest technologies in our strategic consulting and digital transformation services. We help solve business challenges that enable our clients to unlock new opportunities, modernize processes and gain efficiencies. We leverage a world-class team of passionate industry experts, AI-based IP solutions, the latest digital technologies, a solid understanding of mission critical business applications and a partner ecosystem to accelerate results. We've built a foundation of success that includes a specialized global delivery network to provide end-to-end solutions. We strive to make a difference. We are Alithya. Note to readers: Management's Discussion and Analysis and the interim condensed consolidated financial statements and notes for the three and six months ended September 30, 2025 are available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca, on EDGAR at www.sec.gov and on the Company's website at www.alithya.com. Shareholders may, upon request, receive a hard copy of these documents free of charge. Alithya Investor Relations: [email protected]; Alithya Media Relations: [email protected] SOURCE Alithya Group inc. Filed Pursuant to Rule 433 Registration Statement No. 333-285508 November 14, 2025 NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Bank of Montreal ("BMO") today announced that pursuant to the terms of BMO's MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged Exchange Traded Notes due June 29, 2040 (the "ETNs"), BMO Capital Markets Corp., the Calculation Agent of the ETNs, is electing to exercise its right to increase the Financing Spread for the ETNs. Capitalized terms used but not defined herein shall have the meanings ascribed to such terms in the ETN Prospectus (as defined below) for the ETNs. It is expected that effective as of November 21, 2025 (the "Fee Effective Date"), the Financing Spread will be increased as follows: ETN Title Ticker Symbol CUSIP Current Financing Spread Adjusted Financing Spread MicroSectors Gold Miners 3X Leveraged ETNs due June 29, 2040 GDXU 063679542 2.25 % 3.25 % The closing Indicative Note Value of the ETNs reflect the daily deduction of a Daily Financing Charge and the other fees and charges described in the ETN Prospectus. The Daily Financing Charge is based on the Federal Reserve Bank Prime Loan Rate plus the Financing Spread. Therefore, given the Financing Spread is increasing, the Daily Financing Charge will also increase, and your return on the ETNs will be adversely affected. Holders of the ETNs may choose to continue to hold their ETNs, or may choose to elect to require BMO to redeem their ETNs, in accordance with the terms of the ETNs, or sell their ETNs in the secondary market. As disclosed in the ETN Prospectus for the ETNs, the Minimum Redemption Amount will not be applicable for any redemption validly elected on or after the date of this announcement to and including the Fee Effective Date. Outside of this period, holders of the ETNs are required to redeem at least 25,000 ETNs at one time in order to exercise their right to require us to redeem them. Disclosures The issuance of this notice of the election to increase the Financing Spread may adversely impact your ability to sell the ETNs and/or will likely adversely impact the price at which you may be able to sell your ETNs. The ETNs are not intended to be "buy and hold" investments, and are not intended to be held to maturity. Instead, the ETNs are intended to be daily trading tools for sophisticated investors to manage daily trading risks as part of an overall diversified portfolio. The ETNs are designed to reflect a 3x leveraged long exposure to the performance of the S-Network MicroSectors Gold Miners Index (the "Index") on a daily basis, before taking into account the negative effect of the fees and charges. However, due to the daily resetting leverage, the returns on the ETNs over different periods of time can, and most likely will, differ significantly from three times the return on a direct long investment in the Index. The ETNs are designed to achieve their stated investment objectives on a daily basis. The performance of the ETNs over different periods of time can differ significantly from their stated daily objectives. The ETNs are considerably riskier than securities that have intermediate- or long-term investment objectives, and are not suitable for investors who plan to hold them for a period of more than one day or who have a "buy and hold" strategy. Investors should actively and continuously monitor their investments in the ETNs on an intra-day basis, and any decision to hold the ETNs for more than one day should be made with great care and only as the result of a series of daily (or more frequent) investment decisions to remain invested in the ETNs for the next one-day period. The ETNs are very sensitive to changes in the level of the Index, and returns on the ETNs may be negatively impacted in complex ways by the volatility of the Index on a daily or intra-day basis. It is possible that you will suffer significant losses in the ETNs even if the long-term performance of the Index is positive. Accordingly, the ETNs should be purchased only by sophisticated investors who understand and can bear the potential risks and consequences of the ETNs that are designed to provide exposure to the leveraged performance of the Index on a daily basis and that will be highly volatile and may experience significant losses, up to the entire amount invested, in a short period of time. For additional information, including a discussion of the risks relating to an investment in the ETNs, please carefully read the pricing supplement and related documents that we have filed with respect to the ETNs (collectively, the "ETN Prospectus"). Investors should review the ETN Prospectus carefully prior to making an investment decision. The ETN Prospectus can be found on EDGAR, the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC") website at: www.sec.gov, as well as on the product websites at the following links: www.bmoetns.com and www.microsectors.com Bank of Montreal, the issuer of the ETNs, has filed a registration statement (including a pricing supplement, product supplement, prospectus supplement and prospectus) with the SEC regarding the ETNs. Please read those documents and the other documents relating to this offering that Bank of Montreal has filed with the SEC for more complete information about Bank of Montreal and this offering. These documents may be obtained without cost by visiting EDGAR on the SEC website at www.sec.gov. Alternatively, Bank of Montreal, and any agent or dealer that participated in the offering of the ETNs, will arrange to send the pricing supplement, the product supplement, the prospectus supplement and the prospectus if so requested by calling toll-free at 1-877-369-5412. The ETNs are senior, unsecured obligations of BMO, and are subject to BMO's credit risk. Investment suitability must be determined individually for each investor, and the ETNs are not suitable for all investors. This information is not intended to provide and should not be relied upon as providing accounting, legal, regulatory or tax advice. Investors should consult with their own financial advisors as to these matters. About REX Shares REX Shares ("REX") is a leading provider of innovative exchange-traded products ("ETPs"). With over $8 billion in assets under management, REX is known for pioneering the MicroSectors and T-REX product lines, offering leveraged and inverse exposure to a variety of stocks and market sectors. REX continues to drive innovation through its growing suite of ETPs, serving investors seeking sophisticated trading tools, options-based income strategies, and unique crypto exposures. For more information, please visit www.rexshares.com or www.microsectors.com Follow REX ( @REXShares ) and MicroSectors ( @msectors ) on X. REX Media Contacts: [email protected] About BMO Financial Group BMO Financial Group is the seventh largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.4 trillion as of July 31, 2025. Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to 13 million customers across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and inclusive society. Bank of Montreal ETNs: [email protected] , +1 (877) 369-5412 Internet: www.bmo.com MicroSectors and REX are trademarks of REX. The trademarks have been licensed for use for certain purposes by REX. The Index have been licensed for use by REX. The ETNs are not sponsored, endorsed, sold or promoted by REX or any of its affiliates or third-party licensors (collectively, "REX Index Parties"). REX Index Parties make no representation or warranty, express or implied, to the owners of the ETNs or any member of the public regarding the advisability of investing in securities generally or in the ETNs particularly or the ability of the Index to track general stock market performance. SOURCE BMO Financial Group BOCA RATON, Fla., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- BodyLogicMD, a leading provider of bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), integrative medicine and weight loss treatment, announced it completely supports the recommendation to remove black box warnings on certain forms of estrogen used to treat menopause symptoms. Data from an old government study on women's health, known as the Women's Health initiative (WHI), led to conclusions that hormone therapy was linked to an increased risk of several conditions, including breast cancer, heart disease and potentially dementia. The average age of women in the study was 63 years old, a decade beyond the age of most women wanting to start hormone therapy. Additionally, the hormone therapy used in the study was artificial and proven to be a substandard form of hormone therapy. The black box warning was added to labels in 2003 by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to warn of potential health risks associated with estrogen hormone therapy. "BodyLogicMD has over 20 years of science-based experience treating thousands of women suffering from menopause and perimenopause," Jennifer Landa, M.D., BodyLogicMD Chief Medical Officer, said. "After extensive research and review of clinical data, experts have found that these risks are overstated and do not apply to all forms of estrogen. In fact, estrogen has been shown to reduce fractures, dementia, heart disease and death for any reason in women who start therapy in the first decade after menopause. The FDA black box warning has caused confusion among menopausal women and healthcare providers about the safety and efficacy of these menopause treatments. It has prevented many women from seeking treatment for their menopause symptoms such as hot flashes, mood swings and sleep disturbances. This decision is potentially life changing for women." For more information about BodyLogicMD and personalized menopause and perimenopause treatments, visit https://www.bodylogicmd.com. About BodyLogicMD Founded in 2003 and headquartered in Boca Raton, FL, BodyLogicMD physician-owned practices make up a network of highly trained practitioners specializing in bioidentical hormone replacement therapy (BHRT), integrative medicine and weight loss. BodyLogicMD's medically supervised treatment plans are for women and men suffering from hormonal imbalance and conditions of aging, such as menopause and andropause. BodyLogicMD serves patients in 30 states. These states include Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Louisiana, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Nevada, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia and Wisconsin. BodyLogicMD is a member of the American Academy of Anti-Aging Medicine (A4M) and requires all practitioners in the network to be trained and certified through the A4M Fellowship in Anti-Aging and Regenerative Medicine. BodyLogicMD partners with leading laboratories, compounding pharmacies, and nutraceutical producers to deliver the highest quality products and services to network practitioners and their patients. CONTACT: Elijah Johnson, Marketing Director, [email protected], (877) 846-9009 SOURCE BodyLogicMD AUSTIN, Texas and TOKYO, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- According to DataM Intelligence, the Cardiovascular Biologics Market Size was valued at approximately USD 2.20 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to USD 4.23 billion by 2033, representing a CAGR of 7.5% over the forecast period 2025-2033. This growth is driven by the increasing development of biologic and gene-based therapies targeting cardiovascular disease (CVD) pathways, including monoclonal antibodies (mAbs), siRNA-based therapeutics, recombinant proteins and other biologic platforms. Growth Drivers: Innovation Meets Unmet Clinical Need Rising global burden: Cardiovascular diseases account for 18 million deaths annually , representing nearly 32% of all global fatalities (WHO, 2024). Cardiovascular diseases account for , representing nearly (WHO, 2024). Therapy adoption rate: Biologic penetration in cardiovascular therapeutics increased from 3% in 2019 to 9% in 2024 , projected to exceed 20% by 2030 . Biologic penetration in cardiovascular therapeutics increased from to , projected to exceed . R&D investment: Annual cardiovascular biologics R&D spending surpassed USD 2.5 billion in 2024 , a 40% increase since 2020, led by mRNA and siRNA-based platforms. Annual cardiovascular biologics R&D spending surpassed , a 40% increase since 2020, led by mRNA and siRNA-based platforms. Regulatory momentum: Over 45 late-stage cardiovascular biologics are currently in clinical development worldwide, including monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and IL-6 pathways. Over are currently in clinical development worldwide, including monoclonal antibodies targeting PCSK9, ANGPTL3, and IL-6 pathways. Cost-effectiveness: Biologics can reduce LDL-C levels by up to 60%, translating to 27% lower cardiac event rates in high-risk populations. Download PDF Brochure: https://www.datamintelligence.com/download-sample/cardiovascular-biologics-market Browse in-depth TOC on "Cardiovascular Biologics Market" 70 Tables 66 Figures 195 Pages Market Segmentation Analysis By Biologic Type The market is categorized into Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs), siRNA-Based Therapeutics, Recombinant Proteins, and Others. Monoclonal Antibodies (mAbs) dominate the market with 52% share (USD 1.14 billion in 2024) , driven by successful launches such as Repatha (Amgen) and Praluent (Regeneron/Sanofi) . The segment is expected to reach USD 2.2 billion by 2033 , growing at 7.7% CAGR . dominate the market with , driven by successful launches such as and . The segment is expected to reach , growing at . siRNA-Based Therapeutics represent 25% share (USD 550 million) and are the fastest-growing category, with 10% CAGR , led by Alnylam Pharmaceuticals' inclisiran , showing sustained LDL-C reduction for up to six months. represent and are the fastest-growing category, with , led by , showing sustained LDL-C reduction for up to six months. Recombinant Proteins hold 15% share (USD 330 million), used in ischemic and heart failure indications, while Others (gene therapies and peptide biologics) account for 8% (USD 180 million), with significant pipeline potential beyond 2030. By Indication Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is the largest indication, capturing 38% share (USD 836 million in 2024) and expected to grow at 7.8% CAGR , owing to the widespread use of PCSK9 inhibitors and siRNA-based lipid therapies. is the largest indication, capturing and expected to grow at , owing to the widespread use of PCSK9 inhibitors and siRNA-based lipid therapies. Heart Failure (HF) accounts for 25% (USD 550 million) , bolstered by biologics targeting myocardial regeneration and neurohormonal pathways. accounts for , bolstered by biologics targeting myocardial regeneration and neurohormonal pathways. Arrhythmias and Valvular Heart Diseases collectively contribute 20% (USD 440 million) , with novel biologics improving structural and electrical cardiac function. and collectively contribute , with novel biologics improving structural and electrical cardiac function. Hypertension represents 10% (USD 220 million) , primarily driven by siRNA-based approaches targeting angiotensinogen. represents , primarily driven by siRNA-based approaches targeting angiotensinogen. Other conditions (e.g., pulmonary hypertension, vascular inflammation) account for 7% (USD 154 million) with early-stage biologic trials progressing steadily. By Distribution Channel Hospital Pharmacies dominate with 60% market share (USD 1.32 billion in 2024) , given the requirement for specialist prescription and in-patient administration. dominate with , given the requirement for specialist prescription and in-patient administration. Retail Pharmacies represent 40% (USD 880 million), projected to exceed USD 1.7 billion by 2033, supported by wider access to self-administered biologics. Request for Customized Sample Report as per Your Business Requirement: https://www.datamintelligence.com/customize/cardiovascular-biologics-market Regional Insights United States The U.S. market held 45% global share (USD 990 million in 2024) and is projected to reach USD 1.95 billion by 2033, expanding at 7.8% CAGR. The country accounts for over 35% of global cardiovascular biologics prescriptions . . FDA-approved biologics like Leqvio (inclisiran) and Repatha dominate lipid-lowering therapy, supported by Medicare's recent inclusion of siRNA drugs in reimbursement programs. and dominate lipid-lowering therapy, supported by Medicare's recent inclusion of siRNA drugs in reimbursement programs. U.S. federal R&D grants for biologic drug development exceeded USD 1.1 billion in 2024, emphasizing RNA-based innovation and atherosclerosis immunotherapy. Japan Japan's market reached USD 210 million in 2024 and is expected to grow to USD 420 million by 2033, registering a 7.9% CAGR. The Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare (MHLW) approved its first siRNA-based cardiovascular drug in 2024. Japan's cardiovascular biologics R&D funding rose 25% YoY , targeting localized production under the Pharma Innovation Japan 2030 initiative. , targeting localized production under the initiative. Rising geriatric population (29% aged 65+) continues to drive biologic demand for chronic heart diseases. Competitive Landscape Key players in this market include Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Amgen Inc.; Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation; Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc.; Genentech USA, Inc.; Reliance Life Sciences; Biocon Biologics Limited; and Shanghai Junshi Biosciences Co. Highlights (FY2024): Amgen Inc. generated USD 28.2 billion in total revenue, with Repatha contributing USD 1.9 billion (+12% YoY). generated in total revenue, with contributing (+12% YoY). Regeneron Pharmaceuticals reported USD 13.3 billion revenue, with Praluent achieving USD 730 million sales globally. reported revenue, with achieving sales globally. Novartis recorded USD 52 billion in total revenue; its siRNA therapy Leqvio reached USD 500 million sales within 18 months of launch. recorded in total revenue; its siRNA therapy reached sales within 18 months of launch. Alnylam Pharmaceuticals earned USD 1.7 billion , with inclisiran licensing revenue driving 60% YoY growth. earned , with driving 60% YoY growth. Biocon Biologics expanded its cardiovascular biosimilars segment by 35% YoY, targeting emerging markets across Asia and LATAM. Market Outlook and Strategic Implications The forecast to USD 4.23 billion by 2033 at a 7.5% CAGR suggests a steady but relatively moderate growth path compared to some other biologics segments. Key strategic implications include: The dominance of mAbs (45% share) means newer modalities (siRNA, recombinant proteins) must broaden their pipeline and approval success to capture incremental share. Indications beyond CAD - such as heart failure, valvular disease and hypertension - represent potential for expansion as biologic therapies prove their efficacy. such as heart failure, valvular disease and hypertension - represent potential for expansion as biologic therapies prove their efficacy. Emerging markets (AsiaPacific) with higher CVD incidence and improving biologic access are key growth frontiers. Distribution strategy will remain important: hospital pharmacy channels are critical because of infusion/injection workflows, but as subcutaneous and outpatient biologics expand, retail pharmacy access may rise. Recent Industry Developments Regeneron and Sanofi initiated Phase III trials for an anti-ANGPTL3 monoclonal antibody to reduce triglycerides (April 2025). initiated Phase III trials for an anti-ANGPTL3 monoclonal antibody to reduce triglycerides (April 2025). Amgen launched an oral biologic delivery partnership with Rani Therapeutics for peptide-based cardiac therapeutics (February 2025). launched an oral biologic delivery partnership with for peptide-based cardiac therapeutics (February 2025). Novartis received EMA approval for Leqvio (inclisiran) expansion across multiple cardiovascular risk categories (March 2025). received EMA approval for expansion across multiple cardiovascular risk categories (March 2025). Alnylam began a next-generation siRNA program targeting multiple lipid biomarkers (January 2025). began a next-generation siRNA program targeting multiple lipid biomarkers (January 2025). Reliance Life Sciences announced entry into the Indian cardiovascular biologics market with recombinant protein-based therapies (December 2024). Buy This Report with Year-End Offer (Buy 1 report: Get 30% OFF | Buy 2 reports: Get 50% OFF each! Limited time offer): https://www.datamintelligence.com/buy-now-page?report=cardiovascular-biologics-market Conclusion The cardiovascular biologics market is entering a phase of sustained growth, anchored by biologic innovations targeting cardiovascular disease pathways. With the market expected to increase from USD 2.20 billion in 2024 to USD 4.23 billion by 2033, the 7.5% CAGR underlines the long-term potential of biologics in cardiovascular care. According to DataM Intelligence, companies that invest in nextgeneration biologic platforms (such as siRNA, gene therapies, recombinant proteins) and expand indications beyond traditional lipid-lowering will be best positioned to capture growth. Related Report: About DataM Intelligence DataM Intelligence is a renowned provider of market research, delivering deep insights through pricing analysis, market share breakdowns, and competitive intelligence. The company specializes in strategic reports that guide businesses in high-growth sectors such as nutraceuticals and AI-driven health innovations. To find out more, visit https://www.datamintelligence.com/ or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Contact: Sai Kiran DataM Intelligence 4market Research LLP Ground floor, DSL Abacus IT Park, Industrial Development Area Uppal, Hyderabad, Telangana 500039 USA: +1 877-441-4866 Email: [email protected] Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1858619/3573087/DataM_Intelligence_Logo.jpg SOURCE DataM Intelligence 4 Market Research LLP NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- FAEMA, the legendary Italian espresso brand from the Cimbali Group, proudly announces the U.S. debut of FAEMINA, its first high-end espresso machine designed specifically for the home, office, and small business market. FAEMINA unites timeless Italian craftsmanship, advanced technology, and contemporary design to make barista-quality coffee accessible anywhere. A Machine Born from Italian Excellence Faemina espresso machine, it combines professional performance with Italian design Designed by ItalDesign, FAEMINA embodies Italian design values: elegance, functionality, and precision craftsmanship. Its minimalist aesthetic complements modern interiors while housing the same performance DNA that defines FAEMA's professional machines. Every detail is engineered for ease of use and consistency, ensuring perfect extractions cup after cup. Professional Performance, Simplified for Everyday Use Hand-built in Italy, FAEMINA brings professional-grade technology to a compact, plug-and-play format. Key features include: Dual Boiler System for simultaneous brewing and steaming. for simultaneous brewing and steaming. Smart Temperature Control for pre-infusion and stable extraction. for pre-infusion and stable extraction. Wide drink Range: from espresso to filter coffee and tea infusions. from espresso to filter coffee and tea infusions. Optional AutoSteam function for perfect milk at the touch of a button. for perfect milk at the touch of a button. Internal Water Tank delivers stability and convenience. This combination allows anyone, from coffee lovers to first-time users, to enjoy cafe-quality espresso and milk-based beverages without technical expertise. Beyond Home: The New Standard for Small Businesses FAEMINA is ideal not only for the home but also for boutiques, concept stores, hotel lounges, and small offices seeking a premium coffee experience. Compact yet powerful, it turns coffee preparation into a visual and sensory ritual, transforming any space into a corner of Italian hospitality. Accessible Luxury: How to Buy FAEMINA is now available in the United States through: FAEMA's Official Website At Home section. Amazon.com, offering a fast and trusted purchasing experience. A range of accessories and finishes allows customers to personalize their setup, ensuring FAEMINA fits seamlessly into every environment. Why Choose FAEMINA: Authentic Italian Heritage: From the makers of the iconic FAEMA E61, a milestone in espresso technology. From the makers of the iconic FAEMA E61, a milestone in espresso technology. Designed for Modern Living: Compact, quiet, and built to perform. Compact, quiet, and built to perform. Sustainable Craftsmanship: High-quality materials designed to last. High-quality materials designed to last. Versatility: Ideal for espresso, cappuccino, latte art, and specialty brews. With dedicated filter coffee and infusion tea functions, it lets you set the perfect temperature for every drink. FAEMINA represents the evolution of espresso, combining form, function, and emotion to bring the authentic Italian cafe experience into everyday life. Availability and Contact Discover FAEMINA today at www.faema.com or on Amazon.com. Press Contact: FAEMA Marketing Team [email protected] +39 02900491 About FAEMA Founded in Milan in 1945, FAEMA is part of Cimbali Group, one of the world's leading manufacturers of professional coffee machines. The brand defined the history of espresso through innovation, design, and Italian craftsmanship. FAEMA introduced the legendary E61, the first machine to use a volumetric pump to deliver consistent nine-bar pressure, revolutionizing espresso preparation. Today, FAEMA continues to merge technology and tradition to create machines that embody the art of Italian coffee culture, from professional cafes to homes worldwide. Website: www.faema.com Instagram: @faema_official | @faemina_official Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823415/Faemina_Espresso_Machine.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823414/Faema_Logo.jpg SOURCE Faema The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) will resume operations in Bolivia after being expelled in 2008, along with the U.S. embassy, by the government of Evo Morales. This is one of the first decisions of Bolivias new president, Rodrigo Paz, which was announced by Interior Minister Marco Antonio Oviedo. We will have the collaboration of several international agencies, including, of course, the DEA. Because drug trafficking and terrorism are not the problem of a single nation, Oviedo said Wednesday at an official event. Oviedo focused primarily on the coca-producing region known as the tropics of Cochabamba, or Chapare, a political stronghold of Morales and an area with minimal regulation over coca leaf production. Local coca growers have warned that they will not allow the international agency to set up operations there. The return of DEA cooperation comes amid a surge in violence in the country due to organized crime and the reopening of diplomatic relations between Bolivia and the United States following Pazs rise to power. The vice minister of controlled substances, Ernesto Justiniano, said that the DEAs presence will be established as soon as possible: Without the DEA, we fell behind in the fight, battling blindfolded. The problem with drug trafficking in Bolivia is that large quantities of cocaine are produced, but we dont know how much and which organizations control it. He added that U.S. support will be technological, logistical, and training-related. Although the DEA has cooperated with the Andean country since the 1970s, its presence intensified during the 1980s and 1990s with the rise of drug trafficking and Washingtons war on drugs. During that period, coca leaf production surged dramatically in the Chapare region. Minister Oviedo maintains that everything harvested in that region is destined for illegal use, contrasting it with legal coca cultivated in the pre-Hispanic province of Los Yungas in the La Paz department. The people of Chapare, particularly peasant farmers, do not have fond memories of the DEA era: forced coca field burnings, carried out under armed guard, led to violent clashes that left around 20 people dead. The tensions and arrests of that era were recalled on Wednesday at a press conference by coca growers leader Aquilardo Caricari. We are emphatic: we will not allow the establishment of any military base in the Cochabamba Tropics. If they want to bring the DEA back, let them place it at the border, where international trafficking supposedly occurs, he stated. The position was supported by Morales on his X account: The Chapare region already has 13 military units [] As our Constitution dictates, the military must not take orders from foreigners nor allow them to operate in our territory, he wrote. The friction between Morales and the new government has been evident since Pazs first day in office. The former president criticized Paz for failing to fulfill his campaign promise to solve, from day one, the countrys fuel shortages. He also attacked the apparent rift between the president and Vice President Edman Lara, who during the campaign had assured that Chapares coca would be respected and that DEA intervention was unnecessary. Oviedo responded to the former president: Evo cannot imagine life without being president [] He is psychologically affected, which is why he has tried to destabilize from day one. Even harsher was the presidents father and former president, Jaime Paz, who claimed that Morales is seeking to be assassinated. Morales used this threat on Thursday to relaunch, under a narrative of resistance, the participation of his nascent party, Evo Pueblo, in next years municipal elections. Morales urged his followers to repeat the support he claims to have secured in the first round of the presidential election on August 17, when he promoted a null vote a choice that reached around 20%, compared to the historic average of 5%. Minister Oviedo announced that coca cultivation in Chapare will be replaced by other economic activities. We need to promote more attractive programs for our fellow citizens. Why not develop skills in hospitality? Its a touristically attractive area, he suggested. The initiative echoes the era when coca fields were eradicated with financial compensation, before the DEAs iron fist. This plan failed because no other crop or activity proved as profitable as coca, which can be harvested up to four times a year. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition Plans Underway to Transform Iconic Building into a State-of-the-Art Community Veterinary Hospital DAYTONA BEACH, Fla., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Halifax Humane Society announces the purchase of the landmark Latitude Margaritaville Sales Office located at 2400 LPGA Boulevard, Daytona Beach, Fla. 32124, marking a major milestone in the organization's long-term strategy to expand access to affordable, compassionate veterinary care for pets and the people who love them. Following an extensive redesign and remodel of the 8,152-square-foot facility, the nonprofit will open its first-ever public-facing Community Veterinary Hospital, providing comprehensive medical care for dogs and cats while helping to keep beloved pets healthy, happy, and at homewhere they belong. "This year, the number of owner-surrendered dogs and cats entering the animal shelter has more than tripled," said Sean Hawkins, CAWA, CFRE, chief executive officer of Halifax Humane Society. "The biggest reason people are giving up their beloved pets is because they can no longer afford to care for them. The national veterinary shortage, rising costs, and economic pressures are making even basic veterinary care out of reach for many pet owners." Hawkins added that access to care programslike Halifax Humane Society's Community Veterinary Hospitalare essential to addressing the root causes of why some people relinquish their pets to shelters, or worse, abandon them on the streets. "Nonprofit organizations like Halifax Humane Society are investing their resources into programs that meet people where they are and help them care better for their pets," he said. "People shouldn't be forced into situations where a beloved family member has to be given up because they cannot afford a vet bill. Our motto is 'No judgment, just help.'" The $2.9 million purchase of the building and 3-acre parcel was made possible through a generous restricted gift from the estate of an anonymous donor, who designated her legacy gift exclusively for capital projects that directly benefit animals at Halifax Humane Society. "Many caring people and corporations were behind making this purchase a reality," Hawkins said. "We're deeply grateful for the generosity and partnership that made this dream achievable." Attorney Jeff Sweet of Korey Sweet McKinnon & Simpson donated his legal services to complete the real estate transaction on behalf of Halifax Humane Society. CTO Realty Growth, Inc.'s original donation of land established Halifax Humane Society's 2364 LPGA Boulevard headquarters location and the Lohman Pet Adoption Center, laying the foundation for this new expansion. "We anticipate the remodeling and equipping of the building to cost upwards of $2 million," said Hawkins. Even with capital costs in hand, there will be a need to raise operating funds to support the bold new mission. "We intend to provide veterinary care at affordable prices for pet owners who cannot take their animals to a private practice veterinarian," said Hawkins. "An emergency fund supported entirely by donations will cover costs for pet owners without any financial resources at all." Naming rights for specific program areas and the establishment of operating funds are philanthropic opportunities available for those who want to get involved. Construction and remodeling of the facility into a modern, state-of-the-art veterinary hospital is expected to take approximately ten months, with an anticipated opening in late 2026. "The completion of this project continues the development and deployment of high-impact, lifesaving programs that serve Volusia County residents and the pets they love," Hawkins said. For more information or to support this project, visit www.HalifaxHumaneSociety.org. ABOUT HALIFAX HUMANE SOCIETY Since 1937, Halifax Humane Society has been dedicated to the prevention of cruelty to animals. Today, the organization operates the Lohman Pet Adoption Center at 2364 LPGA Blvd., the Redinger Spay & Neuter Clinic at 600 Mason Ave., and the HHS Thrift Store in Ormond Beachserving more than 15,000 animals each year through sheltering, adoption, veterinary, and community support programs. MEDIA CONTACT: Sean Hawkins, CAWA, CFRE Chief Executive Officer Halifax Humane Society c: (713) 269-3574 e: [email protected] SOURCE Halifax Humane Society MUMBAI, India and ISELIN, N.J. and LONDON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Hexaware Technologies (NSE: HEXT), a global provider of IT solutions and services, announced the appointment of Aditya Jayaraman) as Country Head, India. He will lead Hexaware's India strategy and growth agenda for enterprises and global capability centers (GCCs), under Hexaware's GCC 2.0 framework, working closely with customers and partner ecosystems. Aditya Jayaraman as Country Head, India Aditya has 25+ years of experience building and scaling businesses across cloud, consulting, IT, data, and AI/ML. His career spans Bay Area SaaS startups to global tech giants. Most recently, he was the technology leader for AWS's Hi-Tech vertical in North America. Over the course of his career, Aditya has helped 150+ North American Fortune 1000 organizations accelerate their digital transformation journeys. He has also co-founded a GenAI startup incubator and now mentors early-stage ventures on ideation, product-market fit, and GTM. Known for his outcome-driven approach, Aditya enables teams to sharpen problem statements and deliver precise business results. Aditya holds a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering from NIT Trichy, an MBA from IIM Calcutta, and is a CFA charter holder. "Aditya brings proven global commercial leadership and experience of being a technology transformation partner for dozens of G2000 organizations. Through him, we aim to bring our global capabilities and offerings, partner networks, and renewed energy and focus into what we see as one of the most important markets in the years ahead," said Amrinder Singh, President & Head EMEA & APAC, Hexaware. "His appointment reinforces our growth focus across Indian enterprises and GCCs." "The technology landscape and its impact on business are undergoing a tectonic shift. Customers are looking for trusted partners who can not only guide them through this journey but also take ownership of their outcomes. In this milieu, what better company to be part of than one whose goal is to help perfect human intelligence and whose NPS score is 30 points above the industry average?" said Aditya Jayaraman, commenting on his appointment. As India continues to emerge as one of the most important frontiers of technology transformation globally, Aditya Jayaraman's appointment reinforces Hexaware's commitment to supporting enterprises and GCCs in modernizing legacy data platforms, migrating critical workloads, and scaling AI responsibly with tangible business outcomes. About Hexaware Hexaware is a global technology and business process services company. Every day, Hexawarians wake up with a singular purpose: to create smiles through great people and technology. With offices across the world, we empower enterprises worldwide to realize digital transformation at scale and speed by partnering with them to build, transform, run, and optimize their technology and business processes. Learn more about Hexaware at https://hexaware.com. Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823333/Aditya_Jayaraman_Hexaware_Technologies.jpg Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2237417/5622688/Hexaware_NEW_Logo.jpg SOURCE Hexaware Technologies Ltd. Record result underscores four decades of advocacy for safety and accountability across NYC job sites. NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Gorayeb & Associates announced today that the firm has secured more than $2 billion in compensation for injured New Yorkersa historic milestone centered on justice for the city's construction workforce. For over four decades, the firm has focused on protecting construction workers harmed on unsafe job sites across New York Citywork that reflects long-standing expertise, community trust, and consistent results. Gorayeb & Associates' community role extends beyond litigation. Through education and outreachincluding the Gorayeb Community Centerthe firm supports New York's Latino community with practical resources that defend workers' rights and wellbeing. Focus on Construction Safety and Accountability The firm's work spans key construction hazards where safety failures often lead to serious injury, including scaffolds, ladders, roofing, falling materials, machinery, demolition, cranes, hoists/elevators, excavation, and work-vehicle incidents. Workers' Rights New York Labor Law protects construction workers' rights to safe workplaces, required protective equipment, and necessary training. Injured workers may seek compensation regardless of immigration status. As part of its service to the community, the firm provides legal services in Spanish and maintains its identity as "Los Abogados del Pueblo." About Gorayeb & Associates Gorayeb & Associates is a New York law firm known as Los Abogados del Pueblo, with a primary focus on representing injured construction workers and a 40-plus-year record of results for New Yorkers. Press Release Service provided by 24-7PressRelease.com. SOURCE Gorayeb & Associates PITTSBURGH, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- "I thought there should be a way to recapture a portion of the thermal energy in a furnace's combustion gases and redirect this thermal energy back into the furnace's cold air return/inlet duct," said an inventor, from Westfield, N.J., "so I invented the FURNACE HEAT RECOVERY. My design would help reduce fuel consumption and any moisture accumulation." The patent-pending invention provides a new design for forced air furnaces. In doing so, it would recapture heat from the furnace exhaust gases that would otherwise be lost up the chimney. As a result, it increases efficiency and comfort while reducing the consumption of fuel. It also would remedy any moisture accumulation. The invention features an effective design that is easy to employ so it is ideal for owners of commercial buildings and households. Additionally, a prototype model and technical drawings are available upon request. The original design was submitted to the New Jersey sales office of InventHelp. It is currently available for licensing or sale to manufacturers or marketers. For more information, write Dept. 24-NJR-342, InventHelp, 100 Beecham Drive, Suite 110, Pittsburgh, PA 15205-9801, or call (412) 288-1300 ext. 1368. Learn more about InventHelp's Invention Submission Services at http://www.InventHelp.com. SOURCE InventHelp NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Leica Camera, the legendary camera manufacturer, and the International Center of Photography (ICP), the world's leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture, are proud to announce the second annual Leica Scholarship at ICP, supporting a new generation of image-makers whose work reflects diverse perspectives and drives cultural conversation. Leica Camera and International Center of Photography Deepen Commitment to Emerging Photographers with 2026-27 Leica Scholarship Designed to elevate underrepresented voices in photography, the Leica Scholarship is a platform for an emerging photographer to build their profile through financial support, including tuition funding, access to Leica equipment, and a public exhibition. The award includes full tuition and fees for ICP's One-Year Certificate Programsin either Creative Practices or Documentary Practice and Visual Journalisma Leica camera system on loan for the academic year, and the opportunity to present their work at the Leica Store in New York City's Meatpacking District. Leica has long been committed to fostering the next generation of photographic talent, using its international network of Leica Galleries, Academies, and awardsthe Leica Hall of Fame Award and the Leica Oskar Barnack Award (LOBA)to platform and celebrate breakthrough creative talent. Most recently, Leica announced the launch of its LOBA Women Granta new global project fund that will support women photographers in creating a new body of work with technical, financial, and mentoring support. "As we celebrate the centenary of the Leica I, we honor the photographers who have used Leica to document the past centuryand we look ahead to those who will shape the next," said Mike Giannattasio, President of Leica Camera North America. "Through this scholarship, Leica reaffirms its commitment to nurturing the next generation of storytellers, photojournalists, and artistsempowering them to see, capture, and share the world with authenticity, creativity, and purpose. It's a promise to empower the next generation of storytellers, photojournalists, and artists to capture truth, emotion, and imagination in every frame." "Many of the greatest photographers in the world use Leica cameras to create images that fundamentally change how people look at the world," said Per Gylfe, ICP's Director of Education. "This scholarship embodies ICP's belief in photography as a force for social change and affirms our shared mission with Leica to broaden access to photographic education and opportunity." Applications will be reviewed by a joint ICPLeica committee, with finalists invited to interview via Zoom. One selected student will be announced in summer 2026. Applications are now open for the 202627 academic year. The deadline to apply is March 1, 2026. Learn more about the One-Year Certificate Programs. About Leica Camera Leica represents a union of craftsmanship, design, and experience. It is a beautiful collision of art and engineering, and the future of form and functionality. Leica Camera, headquartered in Wetzlar, Germany, with a second production site in Vila Nova de Famalicao, Portugal, is an internationally operating, premium-segment manufacturer of cameras and sport optics products. The legendary status of the Leica brand is founded on a long tradition of excellence in the supreme quality and performance of cameras and lenses, and the iconic images that artists and photojournalists everywhere captured with them. About International Center of Photography The International Center of Photography is the world's leading institution dedicated to photography and visual culture. Cornell Capa founded ICP in 1974 to champion "concerned photography" socially and politically minded images that can educate and change the world. Through our exhibitions, education programs, community outreach, and public programs, ICP offers an open forum for dialogue about the power of the image. Visit icp.org to learn more about the school, museum, and programs. Please find further information at: Brunswick Group (201) 995-0051 E-mail: [email protected] Internet: www.leica-camera.com ICP Press Office Alma Communications Email: [email protected] Internet: www.icp.org SOURCE Leica Camera USA Investment will deepen product offerings and deliver next-generation solutions to an underserved museum market MIAMI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Muse Software, the unified operations management platform powering the future of museums and cultural attractions, today announced it has raised $4.5 million in seed funding to accelerate product innovation and expand its suite of operational tools. The round was led by Roo Capital, with participation from Banter Capital and FJ Labs. Muse Software provides museums with a single, integrated platform for ticketing, fundraising, CRM, retail / cafe, and event management. The company's mission is to replace fragmented, outdated systems with a modern solution that simplifies operations, drives revenue, and strengthens engagement with visitors and donors. "Muse was founded to bring modern technology and intelligence to museums, a sector that has long been underserved by technology," said Travis Fuller, Founder and CEO of Muse Software. "This funding enables us to expand our product capabilities and deliver solutions that genuinely impact our customers. We build intuitive, easy-to-use products that automate manual tasks, supported by a hands-on Client Delivery team that ensures our solutions work seamlessly for every museum." Muse is focused on tackling manual processes that slow museum operations. The platform automates time-consuming tasks such as generating donor acknowledgement letters, identifying potential donors, managing waitlists, and reconciling financial data with integrated accounting systems - saving museum teams hours of manual work every week. By removing these operational bottlenecks, Muse allows staff to focus on mission-critical activities and meaningful engagement with their audiences. "We believe technology should do more than streamline operations, it should help bring as much life as possible to the museum. With Muse, we create a data layer than hasn't existed before, so we are able to build technology to act on those insights," said Fuller. "Travis and his team are building what museums have long needed, a unified, modern platform that transforms how cultural institutions operate and engage their communities." said Nate DaPore, Founder & Managing Partner at Roo Capital. "By creating a powerful data layer that connects every system, Muse is helping museums unlock new insights and revenue opportunities. We look forward to bringing Roo Capital's resources to help them scale rapidly and lead this category." Muse plans to use the new capital to accelerate product development, enhance core functionality, and continue listening closely to its customers to deliver the features museums need. The company is also focused on providing unmatched customer support, helping institutions maximize revenue from admissions, memberships, donations, and events. About Muse Software Muse is a modern operations management platform purpose-built for museums, zoos, aquariums, and other nonprofit attractions. Our unified platform includes GA and timed-entry ticketing, CRM, fundraising, merchandise & cafe point-of-sale, front desk operations, integrated payments, event / camp / workshop management, and more. Located in Encinitas, CA and Miami, FL powering cultural institutions worldwide. https://www.musesoftware.ai/ About Roo Capital Roo Capital is a Miami-based venture capital firm investing in category-defining companies across cybersecurity, healthcare, and vertical SaaS / AI. The firm's differentiated model combines Capital, Talent, and Growth through its integrated platform: Roo Search, an executive search arm that helps founders attract top leadership talent, and Roo Growth, an operating group focused on accelerating go-to-market execution and scaling efficiency. Roo Capital partners with exceptional founders building enduring software platforms that deliver real-world impact. Its portfolio includes breakout companies leading their categories such as Steer, GoTu, and Scamnetic. For more information, visit www.roocapital.com. SOURCE Muse Software Grundy County State's Attorney Provides Perspective MORRIS, Ill., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Following the Illinois Legislature's recent Energy Omnibus Bill passage, leaders from Grundy County and ECA Solar say the new statutory language confirms county authority over solar project siting in unincorporated Morris. Grundy County State's Attorney Russ Baker noted that the county followed its established procedures in reviewing the proposed project. A birdseye view of the ECA Solar farm along Ashton Road in Morris, Illinois. "While we respect the city of Morris' position, we were surprised Morris decided to pursue litigation," said Russ Baker, State's Attorney for Grundy County. "The proposed solar development is located outside city limits and within Grundy County's jurisdiction, and the County's approval process was conducted lawfully and in accordance with all applicable zoning and procedural requirements." The Energy Omnibus Bill, which Governor JB Pritzker has indicated he will sign, amends the Illinois Counties Code to specify that counties may regulate the siting of commercial solar energy facilities in unincorporated areas outside municipal zoning jurisdiction. The bill states: "A county may also regulate the siting of commercial solar energy facilities with standards that are not more restrictive than the requirements specified in this Section in unincorporated areas of the county that are outside of the zoning jurisdiction of a municipality." (page 466) ECA Solar stated that the legislation provides additional statutory guidance as ongoing legal proceedings continue. "In our view, this new statute helps clarify the framework for solar siting in Illinois," said Todd Fryatt, Founder and CEO of ECA Solar. "We believe it supports our long-standing position on the jurisdictional boundaries related to this project, and we look forward to continuing to work collaboratively with state and local partners." The City of Morris is set to respond to ECA Solar's motion to dismiss on November 20, with ECA Solar's reply due December 5. "Our focus remains on advancing clean-energy investment, supporting landowners, and partnering with local governments," Fryatt added. About ECA Solar Independently owned and operated for over eleven years, ECA Solar develops community-scale solar projects that deliver measurable benefits to local economies, landowners, and the environment. With over 1.3 GW of clean-energy assets in development, ECA Solar partners with investors and local governments to expand renewable-energy access responsibly and efficiently. Learn more at www.ecasolar.com. SOURCE ECA Solar Two-Time Best Bar in North America Brings Award-Winning Mixology Onboard Princess Ships FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Princess Cruises has partnered with Handshake Speakeasy, named The Best Bar in North America 2025 by World's 50 Best Bars for two consecutive years and celebrated for its inventive cocktail craftsmanship in the heart of Mexico City. This groundbreaking collaboration introduces five exclusive, bespoke cocktails, meticulously composed by Handshake's award-winning mixologists and are set to debut aboard Princess Cruises. Green Tea cocktail available at Crooners Fleet Wide Bringing the spirit and sophistication of Mexico City's cocktail scene to sea, the partnership marks Handshake Speakeasy's first-ever venture with a cruise line. The five signature cocktails will be available with three featured in the guest-favorite Crooners bar and two reserved exclusively for guests of The Sanctuary Collection beginning November 14, 2025, on Star Princess, with availability expanding fleetwide across all 17 Princess ships in the weeks that follow. "At Princess, we're always searching for ways to elevate our guests' experiences, and this partnership with Handshake Speakeasy represents the best of the best in cocktail culture," said Sami Kohen, Princess Cruises Vice President of Food and Beverage. "These are cocktails you simply can't get anywhere else in the world. We're thrilled to bring these world-class creations to the Princess fleet and offer our guests an unforgettable experience at sea." The partnership comes to life through a digital storytelling journey led by Rob Floyd, world-renowned mixologist and global ambassador of Princess Cruises. Recently filmed in Mexico City, the journey captures Floyd exploring vibrant markets as Eric Van Beek, Handshake's co-owner and lead mixologist, designs cocktails that embody what he calls "the soul of the cocktail." Where to Sip at Sea The exclusive creations include: Crooners Pan Am Punch Bacardi Superior, Aperol, Lemon, Orgeat Bacardi Superior, Aperol, Lemon, Orgeat Green Tea Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lemon, Vanilla, Coconut, Matcha Tea Bombay Sapphire Gin, Lemon, Vanilla, Coconut, Matcha Tea Banana Bread O.F. Rittenhouse Rye Whiskey, Banana, Walnut Brown Butter, Maple The Sanctuary Club (part of The Sanctuary Collection) Hibiscus & Spice Pantalones Tequila Blanco, Hibiscus, Lime, Cinnamon, Cointreau, Vanilla Pantalones Tequila Blanco, Hibiscus, Lime, Cinnamon, Cointreau, Vanilla Red Fruit & Roses Elyx Vodka, Strawberry, Rose Water, Jasmine Tea, Lime Handshake's magic of cocktail-making is celebrated for its innovative drinks, sophisticated ambiance, and unique Mexican hospitality, which includes a hidden on-site flavor lab for crafting its cocktails. Recognized globally, Handshake has earned the titles of World's Best Bar 2024 and North America's Best Bar 2024 and 2025 by World's 50 Best Bars. "Working with Handshake Speakeasy is about more than mixing spirits - it's about telling a story in every sip," said Rob Floyd, Princess Cruises Global Mixologist Ambassador. "These five cocktails are unique, playful, and carry with them the soul of Mexico City's vibrant bar culture." "We are really excited with this collaboration, because we can bring a piece of Handshake to more guests and show a little bit of our work with a great partner," said Rodrigo Urraca, co-owner Handshake Speakeasy. In addition to this new collaboration, Princess continues to elevate its bar scene with the popular Love Line Premium Liquors collection. The collection includes a selection of thoughtfully curated wines and spirits, offering both spirited selections and non-alcoholic* creations by renowned celebrities, including: Pantalones Organic Tequila by Camila and Matthew McConaughey Meili Vodka by Jason Momoa and Blaine Halvorson Slainte Irish Whiskey by Liev Schreiber Archer Roose co-owned by Elizabeth Banks Seven Daughters Moscato by Taraji P. Henson Melorosa Sauvignon Blanc and Red Blend co-founded by Jason Aldean, Kasi Wicks and Chuck Wicks Love Prosecco by Romero Britto Zero Alcohol Sparkling Rose by Kylie Minogue Betty Booze by Blake Lively Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel advisor, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS (1-800-774-6237), or by visiting the company's website at www.princess.com. *Some beverages labeled as "non-alcohol" may contain trace amounts of alcohol up to 0.5% alcohol by volume due to natural fermentation or flavoring extracts. In accordance with FDA and TTB guidelines, the term "non-alcoholic" does not mean "alcohol-free." These drinks are intended for adults aged 21 and over. Please consume responsibly. About Princess Cruises Princess Cruises is The Love Boat, the world's most iconic cruise brand that delivers dream vacations to millions of guests every year in the most sought-after destinations on the largest ships that offer elite service personalization and simplicity customary of small, yacht-class ships. Well-appointed staterooms, world class dining, grand performances, award-winning casinos and entertainment, luxurious spas, imaginative experiences and boundless activities blend with exclusive Princess MedallionClass service to create meaningful connections and unforgettable moments in the most incredible settings in the world - the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica, and World Cruises. Sun Princess, the brand's new, next-level Love Boat named Conde Nast Traveler's Mega Ship of the Year, introduces the groundbreaking Sphere Class platform and will be joined by sister ship, Star Princess, in Fall 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE: CUK). SOURCE Princess Cruises With Patricia Nikole returning to the brand, Redken reinforces its position as the #1 professional haircare brand championing education, innovation, and empowerment for stylists worldwide. NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Redken is thrilled to announce the return of world-renowned colorist, educator, and digital creator Patricia Nikole known to millions as @paintedhair as the brand's new Global Artistic Ambassador. Patricia Nikole Patricia Nikole's journey has always been intertwined with Redken's it's where she first found a platform to serve her professional community through education and artistry, and where she stepped into the role of a mainstage artist and an expecting mother. Now, in a full-circle moment, Patricia Nikole returns to the brand that shaped her foundation in color, education, and community. As Redken's Global Artistic Ambassador, Patricia Nikole will join the brand's powerhouse ambassador network of 20 pros, serving as a creative and educational force for the brand by helping to lead color techniques, trend forecasting, and professional co-creation initiatives. She will bring her artist's eye and behind-the-chair experience to the development of formulas, services, and education that empower stylists around the world. Patricia Nikole will also appear across Redken's campaigns, social content, and events, helping to mutually define what the future of hair looks like. "At Redken, we believe that artistry, education and innovation go hand in hand and Patricia Nikole embodies that balance perfectly," said Mounia Tahiri, General Manager at Redken. "Her artistry and innovative approach to hair coloring has inspired millions, but what sets her apart is her passion for education and commitment to uplifting the professional community. We could not be more thrilled to welcome back Patricia as we accelerate on our shared mission to give every stylist the tools, techniques, and confidence to grow their craft and their careers." "This is an absolute honor, but more importantly, it's a responsibility," noted Patricia Nikole. "I have the pleasure of representing the professional community on a global stage, but it's not about me alone; it's about elevating our entire industry. Being part of Redken's incredible network a community of passionate, forward-thinking pros is a privilege. Alongside Redken, our goal is simple: we're here to help careers grow and make clients glow." From her signature PaintedHair techniques to her passion for mentorship, Patricia Nikole's return to Redken celebrates not only her evolution as an artist, but the enduring power of community, creativity, and education that has always defined the brand. "I'm back at Redken because this is where my journey as an artist truly started," said Patricia Nikole. "Redken shaped how I think about color, education, and what it means to be part of a professional community. To return to a network of my respected peers and a brand that continues to lead the way in professional haircare truly feels like coming home." "Patricia's return is a reminder of what makes Redken so special," added Sarah Barr Battle, SVP of Marketing + Digital for Redken. "When talented, passionate pros come together with a shared purpose, creativity thrives, education expands, and the entire industry moves forward. We couldn't be more excited for what's ahead." There's more to come from Patricia Nikole and Redken. Follow @paintedhair and @redkenpro for the latest updates on this exciting new chapter of artistry, education, and innovation. ABOUT PATRICIA NIKOLE With a career defined by innovation and education, Patricia Nikole has helped pioneer modern color techniques, co-created award-winning products, and inspired millions across social platforms with her artistry and approachability. As she steps back into the Redken family, she's focused on co-creation and connectionpairing Redken's science-backed innovation with real artistry and everyday salon experience. ABOUT REDKEN 5th AVENUE NYC For over 60 years, Redken has been a leader in the professional salon industry, empowering professionals and consumers to achieve healthy hair transformations with confidence. Founded by Paula Kent, a woman who believed in the power of science, Redken was the first company to take a scientific approach to hair, defined as the right balance of protein, moisture and supported by an acidic pH, which remains the alpha and omega of haircare to this very day. All Redken products are made with the highest quality ingredients, and tested by salon professionals to ensure maximum efficacy, for every hair type and texture and every hair need. Based in New York City, Redken supports the expertise of salon professionals with principle-based education, cutting edge technologies rooted in protein-science, and a portfolio of products including Shades EQ the #1 demi-permanent hair color on the market for maximum versatility and flexibility for clients of all hair types and hair textures. Professionals can learn more by visiting RedkenPro.com or Instagram.com/RedkenPro. Consumers can learn more by visiting Redken.com or Instagram.com/Redken. For media inquiries, interviews, or partnership opportunities, please contact: Tatiana Donald, Redken Brand Engagement [email protected] SOURCE Redken Partnership focuses on medium- and low-voltage power system equipment to advance China's dual-carbon goals SHANGHAI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Electric (SEHK: 2727, SSE: 601727) and Siemens AG signed a framework agreement for the "Intelligent Grid Medium-Low Voltage New-Type Power System Equipment Procurement Project," during the 8th China International Import Expo (CIIE). The collaboration aims to deepen innovation in medium- and low-voltage power system equipment, driving progress in digitalization and decarbonization to support China's dual-carbon targets. Under the agreement, both companies will leverage complementary strengths to accelerate market expansion, green transformation, and intelligent upgrades, delivering mutual benefits and creating benchmark projects for a sustainable power grid. The signing highlights Shanghai Electric's proactive role in the global energy transition and reflects the shared strategic vision of both companies in advancing low-carbon and digital development. "Shanghai Electric and Siemens share a long-standing partnership built on decades of trust and joint ventures," said Zhu Zhaokai, President of Shanghai Electric Group. "This agreement marks a new milestone in our cooperation and an important step toward building intelligent, green energy systems. We look forward to deepening collaboration with Siemens to create benchmark projects for a greener power grid." Siemens Energy underscored China's pivotal role in the global energy transition. The company reaffirmed its commitment to the partnership with Shanghai Electric, noting their joint focus is on developing high-end equipment and integrated solutions. This collaboration aims to deliver more "lighthouse projects" that showcase Chinese innovation in building a sustainable energy future. For over three decades, Shanghai Electric and Siemens have maintained close technological collaboration and market cooperation, setting benchmarks in China's power transmission and distribution sector. Recent milestones include: April 2025: Signing of a strategic cooperation agreement to advance power transmission and distribution, digitalization, and low-carbon initiatives. July 2025: Visit by Karim Amin, Siemens Energy Executive Board member, to discuss energy technology synergy, system integration, and global market development. This new agreement will further accelerate the green transformation of the power system industry and strengthen Shanghai Electric's leadership in transmission and distribution equipment, while opening new opportunities for international cooperation. Looking ahead, both parties will take this signing as a starting point to deepen strategic collaboration, explore integrated applications across diverse industrial scenarios, and leverage high-end equipment partnerships to build benchmark projects for sustainable, low-carbon development. Together, Shanghai Electric and Siemens will deliver reliable, forward-looking "Shanghai Electric Solutions" to support China's and the world's energy transition. SOURCE Shanghai Electric The Chavista leadership remains silent following the message from U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who announced on the social media platform X the start of a U.S. military operation to remove narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere. Details of what the operation, dubbed Southern Spear, will mean for Latin America and specifically for Venezuela have not yet been released, but it represents another step in the escalating U.S. presence in the Caribbean Sea, where the worlds largest warship has just arrived. Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro did speak on Thursday, but it was before the announcement. In his statement, the Chavista leader denounced the United States for persecuting young Venezuelan migrants while threatening Venezuela with an invasion. He appealed for reconciliation and argued that Americans and Venezuelans should unite for the peace of the continent. Maduro, who has declared the highest alert level in the Armed Forces, asked the president of the United States, Donald Trump, no more endless wars, no more unjust wars, no more Libya, no more Afghanistan. And he repeated several times in rudimentary English: Yes, peace. A day before Hegseths announcement, Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado declared that decisive hours were approaching in the country, and prophesied a crucial change. Speaking at a virtual forum of Ibero-American former presidents from the IDEA Group, Machado announced, before advocating for the reconstruction of a devastated country: The days ahead are very difficult. But we are no longer afraid of what others believe is impossible. Machado, the so-called Iron Lady of the most intransigent anti-Chavista currents and 2025 Nobel Peace Prize laureate, assured that the country is on the threshold of its freedom and guaranteed that the transition to democracy that Venezuela has planned will be peaceful. While the Venezuelan opposition leader predicted (as she has done on other occasions) crucial moments for her country, the U.S. carrier Gerald Ford lined up alongside dozens of aircraft and military vessels already in the Caribbean region in Trumps declared war against drug trafficking a campaign that carries the underlying aim of removing Maduro from power. Some political observers inside and outside Venezuela, particularly on social media, are issuing periodic warnings about the importance of not underestimating the capacity of Chavismo a political movement that defines itself as a force and that continues to have a clear influence among the military to generate a general or partial conflict in Venezuela in the event of foreign aggression. U.S. military might is incomparably greater than that of Venezuela, but Chavismo can retreat and organize guerrilla fronts, or take over entire areas of the country and foment chaos with variants of terrorism inspired by guerrilla warfare. According to this view, it would be a mistake to assume that a U.S. intervention would produce the domino effect that some imagine. On the contrary, many Venezuelans abroad tend to think, as suggested by Machados speech, that no one will come out in force to defend Nicolas Maduro a leader with little popular appeal, but based on strong military support if a foreign force intervenes to interrupt his term, especially after the accusations of fraud in last years presidential elections. Among the majority of the opposition, who have enormous faith in Machados word, the possibility of uncontrolled violence should Maduro fall is dismissed. There are doubts about his ability to mobilize support, and even about the loyalty of his military leadership should he face a decisive moment that opens the door to democracy. In general, within the democratic camp, there is a widespread feeling that no U.S. operation in the country would last too long. Donald Trumps intentions, in any case, remain unclear. Despite the military escalation, the U.S. president has shown caution regarding intervention in Venezuela: the chances of a military incursion resulting in bloodshed on both sides, and of failing to achieve the unstated objective of overthrowing Maduro, are high. According to U.S. media, Trumps team has presented him with several options for action that go beyond attacks on alleged drug-running boats in the Pacific. These range from airstrikes to the direct removal of the Chavista leader. According to CNN, Trump continues to weigh the risks and benefits of launching a broader military campaign. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sight Machine Inc. today announced it has been named a finalist for the 2025 Microsoft Manufacturing Partner of the Year Award. The company was honored among a global field of top Microsoft partners for demonstrating excellence in innovation and implementation of customer solutions based on Microsoft technology. "Microsoft's leadership in AI and decade-long commitment to industry is now taking off, and with their top-flight ecosystem, Microsoft is rapidly pulling AI into manufacturing," said Sight Machine CEO and Co-Founder Jon Sobel. "Industry presents compelling opportunities for AI to rapidly improve productivity and support the day-to-day work of millions of people globally. Together we are achieving deep transformation for our clients, and it is a privilege to be recognized." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered outstanding Microsoft Cloud applications, services, devices, and AI innovation during the past year. Awards were classified in various categories, with honorees chosen from more than 4,600 nominations across more than 100 countries. Sight Machine was recognized for providing outstanding solutions and services in Manufacturing. Sight Machine brings the complete industrial AI stack to the factory in weeks, turning unstructured plant data into decisions that streamline production and unlock rapid returns. With one unified data foundation for all processes, and AI agents that connect, structure, and analyze plant data, Sight Machine transforms complex physical-world data into clear, reliable insights. These insights enable stakeholders across plants and enterprises to boost profitability, productivity, and sustainability. "Congratulations to all the winners and finalists of the 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards," said Nicole Dezen, Chief Partner Officer and Corporate Vice President at Microsoft. "This year, our partners harnessed the transformative power of Microsoft's Cloud and AI platforms to deliver transformative solutions that redefine the boundaries of innovation. The energy and ingenuity across our ecosystem continue to inspire us. The 2025 honorees exemplify what's possible when technology and vision unite to empower customers around the world." The 2025 Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards are announced ahead of Microsoft Ignite, which will be held in San Francisco from November 18-21. Additional details on the 2025 awards are available on the Microsoft Partner blog: https://aka.ms/2025POTYA_Announcement. The complete list of categories, winners and finalists can be found at https://aka.ms/2025POTYAWinnersFinalists. Sight Machine Press Contact: [email protected] SOURCE Sight Machine Inc. Supports initiative that advances corporate social responsibility toward a regional circular and ecological sphere TOKYO, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- transcosmos is pleased to announce its participation in the Baton no Yokoku Conference 2025, taking place on Friday, October 31, 2025, at The CampusKokuyo's office in Shinagawa, Tokyo. Centered around the theme Turning local challenges into values of the future, the conference provides a platform for a wide array of stakeholdersincluding local governments, companies, and creatorsto exchange ideas and best practices for building a sustainable future. Baton no Yokoku Conference As a social business committed to addressing social challenges, transcosmos strongly aligns with the philosophy of the conference. By supporting this initiative, transcosmos aims to deepen collaboration with local communities and help create new value. The event will feature Ms. Tomoko Uetake, Head of the Office for Circular and Ecological Economy at the Ministry of Environment, as a speaker. Additionally, there will be workshops that guide participants in narrowing down essential local challenges that require attention. Through this conference, transcosmos will contribute to society by leveraging its expertise and technology as a Digital Transformation (DX) company. With the aim of creating a sustainable society that advances in partnership with local communities, transcosmos will continue to drive various initiatives as a Global Digital Transformation Partner. About the Baton no Yokoku Conference 2025 The Baton no Yokoku Conference 2025 offers a learning opportunity for members of local governments, private companies, students, and experts to gather, collect information, share activities, and exchange opinions. Building on last year's themeInspect the Community Challenges: identify local challenges and form ideas for solutionsthis year's conference continues to focus on identifying challenges and exploring creative approaches to solve them. Through talk sessions and exhibitions, the conference will introduce innovative initiatives from local governments, companies, and organizations across Japan. A new workshop allows participants to engage in a Pass the Baton-style problem identification experience through simulation. Visit exhibition booths, attend talk sessions, reflect on challenges in workshops, and connect with others during the networking session. Enjoy a day filled with ideas for identifying and addressing local challenges. Visit the official Pass the Baton website here (no translation available): https://yokoku.pass-the-baton.com/magazine/conference/magazine-158/ transcosmos Sustainability Initiatives In 2021, transcosmos established the transcosmos SDGs Committee chaired by the Representative Director & Chairman, and put in place a framework specifically designed to execute its initiatives towards meeting social challenges and expectations with a focus on environmental, social and governance (ESG) criteria. In addition, with the purpose of creating a sustainable society and boosting the well-being of society as a whole, transcosmos has set out its fundamental sustainability policy. Committed to our purpose of expanding our social impact as a business and ultimately maximize the well-being of society as a whole through solving social challenges, we, transcosmos, are engaging in meaningful business activities to become a Sustainable Transformation (SX) Partner for all. transcosmos SDGs Committee Note, an open media platform (no translation available): https://note.com/tci_sdgs/ *transcosmos is a trademark or registered trademark of transcosmos inc. in Japan and other countries. *Other company names and product or service names used here are trademarks or registered trademarks of respective companies. About transcosmos inc. transcosmos launched its operations in 1966. Since then, we have united superior "people" with up-to-date "technology" to enhance the competitive strength of our clients by providing them with superior and valuable services. transcosmos currently offers services that support clients' business processes focusing on both sales expansion and cost optimization through our 184 bases across 36 countries/regions with a focus on Asia, while continuously pursuing Operational Excellence. Furthermore, following the expansion of e-commerce market on the global scale, transcosmos provides a comprehensive One-Stop Global E-Commerce Services to deliver our clients' excellent products and services to consumers in 46 countries/regions around the globe. transcosmos aims to be the "Global Digital Transformation Partner" of our clients, supporting the clients' transformation by leveraging digital technology, responding to the ever-changing business environment. Visit us here https://www.trans-cosmos.co.jp/english/ SOURCE transcosmos inc. Urban Outfitters stores now offer faster Nuuly returns, instant account updates, and surprise-and-delight perks PHILADELPHIA, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Urban Outfitters and Nuuly announced a new in-store service built for the next-generation shopper. Beginning today, Nuuly subscribers to URBN's leading clothing rental subscription platform can now return their monthly Nuuly totes to all U.S. Urban Outfitters stores. With this program, shoppers can now unlock perks like faster processing, instant updates, and surprise offers. By bringing Nuuly rental returns into the UO ecosystem, the brands are creating a more seamless shopping journey that blends digital ease with in-store discovery, uniquely developed for Gen Z in mind. Urban Outfitters x Nuuly Customer Return Process: Easy Drop-Off : Customers can return Nuuly totes at all UO stores; associates scan the 18-digit UPS tracking number at checkout. : Customers can return Nuuly totes at all UO stores; associates scan the 18-digit UPS tracking number at checkout. Instant Confirmation : No "Check for Drop Off" needed. Subscribers will get a return confirmation email within minutes with tracking info and a link to their account. : No "Check for Drop Off" needed. Subscribers will get a return confirmation email within minutes with tracking info and a link to their account. Automated Updates : Upon Drop Off, customers will receive standard emails such as "Return Confirmed," "Your Nuuly is Unlocked," "Unlock Early," "Your Pause is Confirmed," and "Your Subscription is Cancelled." : Upon Drop Off, customers will receive standard emails such as "Return Confirmed," "Your Nuuly is Unlocked," "Unlock Early," "Your Pause is Confirmed," and "Your Subscription is Cancelled." UO Surprise Offers: To celebrate, shoppers who utilize the UO drop off will receive 15% discount codes for Urban Outfitters in-store and online purchases each time they return their Nuuly through December 24, 2025. The codes are redeemable until December 31, 2025. Additionally, five select UO doors will offer an exclusive Nuuly "Gift with Return" while supplies last. "Our stores have always been more than just places to shop, they're spaces for discovery, connection, and convenience," said Urban Outfitters President Shea Jensen. "By bringing Nuuly returns into select UO locations, we're making it easier than ever for customers to manage their wardrobes and discover what's next. It's another step in blending our digital and in-store experiences to meet our community where they are." Nuuly launched in 2019 as a new way to engage with fashion, marrying a robust offering of URBN's own brands, third-party labels, and one-of-a-kind vintage pieces into a custom-built, digital platform for rentals. Since then, the platform has performed exceedingly well, growing its subscribers by 53% this year. Now, with the Urban Outfitters in-store drop off as a key part of Nuuly's returns experience, the stage is set for even more meaningful consumer connections and continued growth. "We've been excited to see the enthusiasm behind Nuuly and are so pleased to bring this in-store program to life with Urban Outfitters to give our community more return options," said David Hayne, President of Nuuly. "We're always looking for fresh ways to engage our Gen Z consumers and streamline the shopping experience. This partnership is a strong example of what's possible when we come together. " The in-store return program is available in all U.S. Urban Outfitters locations. To learn more, visit UrbanOutfitters.com or @urbanoutfitters on Instagram. About Urban Outfitters Urban Outfitters is a global lifestyle brand dedicated to fueling the next generation's individuality through a unique blend of product, creativity, music, and youth culture. Founded in 1970 in a small space across from the University of Pennsylvania, Urban Outfitters now operates over 200 stores across the United States, Canada, and Europe, alongside a dynamic digital presence. Empowering bold self-expression, Urban Outfitters leads with its distinctive designs and curated selection of women's, men's, accessories, and home products, and best-in-class brand partnerships. For more information, visit Urban Outfitters at www.urbanoutfitters.com. About Nuuly Nuuly is the leading women's clothing rental subscription service with over 380,000 active subscribers and growing. For $98 per month, customers can rent any six items from 500+ brands, including Anthropologie, Free People and Urban Outfitters, as well as 22,000+ curated styles from well-known contemporary brands to up-and-coming designers, premium denim labels, and exclusive vintage pieces. Nuuly is committed to all everyday wear categories with options in sizes 00-40/5X, including a substantial selection of petites and maternity. For more information, visit www.nuuly.com/rent and follow @nuuly on Instagram. Press inquiries should be directed to [email protected]. SOURCE Urban Outfitters A roundup of the most newsworthy consumer and retail announcements from PR Newswire this week, including Wendy's first-ever "Frosty Day," BRACH's candy cane opener, and Target's price reduction on food and essentials. NEW YORK, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help consumer/retail journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed. The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download. PR Newswire Weekly Consumer Press Release Roundup, Nov. 10-14, 2025. For more news like this, check out all of the latest retail-related releases from PR Newswire. Do you have a retail press release to distribute? Sign up with PR Newswire to share your story with the audiences who matter most. Helping Journalists Stay Up to Date on Industry News These are just a few of the recent press releases that consumers and the media should know about. To be notified of releases relevant to their coverage area, journalists can set up a custom newsfeed with PR Newswire for Journalists. Once they're signed up, reporters, bloggers, and freelancers have access to the following free features: Customization: Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Users can create customized newsfeeds that will deliver relevant news right to their inbox. Newsfeed results can be targeted by keywords, industry, subject, geography, and more. Photos and Videos: Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Thousands of multimedia assets are available to download and include in a journalist or blogger's next story. Subject Matter Experts: Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Journalists will have access to ProfNet, a database of industry experts to connect with as sources or for quotes in their articles. Related Resources: Our journalist- and blogger-focused blog, Beyond Bylines, features regular media news roundups, writing tips, upcoming events, and more. About PR Newswire PR Newswire is the industry's leading press release distribution partner with an unparalleled global reach of more than 440,000 newsrooms, websites, direct feeds, journalists and influencers and is available in more than 170 countries and 40 languages. From our award-winning Content Services offerings, integrated media newsroom and microsite products, Investor Relations suite of services, paid placement and social sharing tools, PR Newswire has a comprehensive catalog of solutions to solve the modern-day challenges PR and communications teams face. For 70 years, PR Newswire has been the preferred destination for brands to share their most important news stories across the world. For questions, contact the team at [email protected]. SOURCE PR Newswire NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, reminds purchasers of American Depositary Shares ("ADS" or "ADSs") of WPP plc (NYSE: WPP) between February 27, 2025 and July 8, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"), of the important December 8, 2025 lead plaintiff deadline. So what: If you purchased WPP plc ADSs during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the WPP plc class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46121 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than December 8, 2025. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Many of these firms do not actually litigate securities class actions, but are merely middlemen that refer clients or partner with law firms that actually litigate the cases. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the complaint, defendants provided overwhelmingly positive statements to investors while, at the same time, disseminating materially false and misleading statements and/or concealing material adverse facts concerning the true state of WPP's media arm; notably, that it was not truly equipped to handle the ongoing macroeconomic challenges while competing effectively and had instead begun to lose significant market share to its competitors. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the WPP plc class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=46121 call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm, on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm/. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. Every year, when the thaw arrives in Siberia, groups of explorers set out in search of the mammoth. Tusks and other bones from these extinct pachyderms surface so frequently that locals use them to prop up their tents or sell them on the black market. In the best-case scenario, those who find some of these carcasses are scientists, leading to extraordinary discoveries about the vanished fauna of the Ice Age. nounced a seemingly impossible discovery: the oldest RNA ever recovered. It was isolated from the body of Yuka, a mammoth calf that died after being attacked by cave lions some 40,000 years ago. Videos recorded by the scientists themselves show the reddish-brown fur of the animal, remarkably well-preserved, as if it had died just yesterday. Until now, it was thought that RNA a biological molecule essential for life was too fragile to withstand the passage of time after death. Its discovery in a mammoth increases our understanding of how these animals bodies functioned to a new level, and may possibly help to de-extinct some of their traits, the s Isolating RNA allows us to understand much better what their biology was like when they were alive, summarizes Emilio Marmol, lead author of the study. New molecular analysis tools allow for the recovery of much more biological information. Previously, DNA had been extracted from mammoths over a million years old. Sometimes the remains are so well-preserved in the frozen ground that they retain their original three-dimensional structure. And just a month ago, members of this same team managed to recover DNA not only from a mammoth, but also from the bacteria that lived in its intestinal tract. Every cell in the body has a complete copy of the genome, made of DNA, but with that information alone its impossible to know if its a skin cell, a heart cell, or a brain cell. To do that, you need to know which genes are active, to what extent, and where, and thats the information provided by RNA. The molecule was isolated from the animals muscle. This allows researchers to determine which genes were active at the time of its death. We see that its normal muscle tissue, but theres also RNA associated with stress, explains Marmol, a 35-year-old paleogeneticist from Malaga who works at the University of Copenhagen in Denmark. The finding aligns with what scientists who discovered Yukas remains in Siberias Yukaghir region proposed years ago: the animal was being stalked by predators, likely cave lions. The research was published Friday in the scientific journal Cell. The discovery opens a new field. Until now, it had proven extremely difficult to extract RNA from ancient remains. In 2019, it was isolated from a canid extracted from permafrost that lived 14,000 years ago. The work was led by Tom Gilbert, Marmols current supervisor. The molecule appeared in remains of the liver, muscle, and skin, but it was very deteriorated. It was the proof of concept we needed to start working on this, recalls Marmol. This time, they analyzed tissue from 10 mammoths and obtained RNA from three of them. The RNA is also not completely preserved, but in the case of Yuka, these are the most complete and revealing sequences obtained to date. This study has made it possible, for example, to determine that this mammoth was a young male, and not a female, as was thought based on the study of its DNA. A piece of mammoth skin and ear found in Siberia in 2018. Love Dalen Swedish geneticist Love Dalen is another of the studys leading authors. In recent years, his team has successfully extracted DNA from mammoth remains dating back more than a million years. The results demonstrate that RNA molecules can survive much longer than previously thought, the scientist emphasizes in a press release issued by Stockholm University. This means that we will not only be able to study which genes were active in different extinct animals, but it would also be possible to sequence RNA viruses, such as influenza or coronaviruses, preserved in Ice Age remains, he explains. Dalen is also an advisor to Colossal, the American company that aims to de-extinct the mammoth using the Asian elephant as a template. Marmol acknowledges that the company has shown interest in the tools they used to extract RNA from the remains. This advance could allow them to better understand mammoth biology, especially a more complete view of molecular processes beyond DNA, he notes. But the Spanish researcher is skeptical about Colossals objectives. I dont think its possible to reintroduce populations of these animals and make them sustainable over time. The environment in which these Ice Age animals lived, the mammoth steppes, no longer exists, as they are now much more temperate. Furthermore, I dont think its possible to de-extinct any species, only to bring back certain internal and external characteristics, he adds. Marmol points out that recovering the Tasmanian tiger, a canid that went extinct in the 1930s, is more feasible given that its habitat remains intact. In 2023, his team managed to extract and analyze RNA from 130-year-old Tasmanian tigers that were taxidermied and on display in a museum. Nicolas Rascovan, an expert in ancient DNA at the Pasteur Institute in France, emphasizes: Recovering this type of information is a significant achievement, because RNA is extremely unstable and doesnt usually last very long. The scientist, who was not involved in the study, also points out that RNA, especially messenger RNA, opens the door not only to understanding an organisms genetic information, but also to knowing how it reads it, how it expresses it, and what it can do. One of the things that would already be possible is comparing these processes in mammoths and modern elephants, he explains. The study is limited by the fact that only muscle tissue was examined, and RNA is a highly organ-specific molecule, so the findings cannot be extrapolated, he concludes. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here The CEO of the leading US satirical website explains what to do when reality is crazy, and how he is trying to buy the website of a famous conspiracy theorist Ben Collins is the CEO of The Onion, the leading satirical media outlet in the U.S. Say were like Charlie Hebdo, but better, he advises, so a European audience understands what The Onion does. Collins spent more than a decade as a tech journalist focused on disinformation and conspiracies at The Daily Beast and NBC. In 2024, he switched careers. He wanted to take a step back and relaunch The Onions print edition, which had been discontinued in 2013. The monthly paper now has over 50,000 subscribers and is its main source of revenue. But the U.S. elections disrupted his hope for calm. I had to re-engage and do all the stuff that I knew how to do: make a story big in the old-fashioned way, he says, partly referring to The Onions attempt to buy Infowars, the conspiracy website run by Alex Jones, who was ordered to pay $1.5 billion to the families of children killed in the Sandy Hook school shooting after repeatedly denying the incident occurred. He now describes his work as taking a headline or a story perfectly written by someone else and making sure everyone sees it. He spoke to EL PAIS in Barcelona, where he participated in the Mozilla Festival with a talk titled Why Satire Is Important for Good Technology Question. Why is satire important in technology? Answer. If you cant make fun of the over valuations of AI companies and the people who are running them, youre not painting the whole picture of whats going on. Were clearly in a bubble, and we have to make fun of them. One of my favorite headlines from The Onion is Guy who sucks at being a person sees huge potential in AI, and I think thats how everybody feels about this stuff right now. Weve got to hold power to account; thats the rule of jesters and journalists. Where is true power right now if not in these companies? Q. They dont like jokes. A. Elon tried to ban The Onion on X and failed. His inability to be cool affects everyones lives. We get take down requests from everybody, from Democratic governors to Donald Trump. Q. But they know its all a joke. A. But they get very offended by it. The Donald Trump case was before he was running for president in 2012. The headline was: When youre feeling low, just remember Ill be dead in about 10 or 20 years. We got an insane letter from Michael Cohen, his lawyer, and we framed it. Q. He didnt like the headline. A. The origin stories of all these people are mockery. Donald Trump ran for president because he was made fun of at the White House correspondents dinner by Barack Obama. Elon Musk bought Twitter because he thought that there was some sort of magical button on Twitter that would make him cool. Its all just a revenge fantasy against the world that didnt accept them. We should do a better job of trying to accept people who are weird or have social issues. But they have more power than anybody, and at the end of the day, what they do is seek revenge. Q. The revenge of the nerds? A. Thats unfair to nerds. Theyre more like dorks. I wrote a story about Palmer Luckey [creator of Oculus and former Meta executive], where I explained he had been funding The Donald, a pro-Trump forum that wound up being the planning place for the January 6 attack on the Capitol. Now he runs a drone and weapons company. Everybody has an origin story, and all these people in power have been rejected by polite society. There are two ways to handle that: you can reform and be a better person and look inward, or you can go and become a full fascist authoritarian. Most of them chose the second. Q. Donald Trump jokes about everything. Reality seems like satire. Doesnt that make The Onions job more difficult? A. People say Trump is funny. But have you ever heard Trump laugh for real? Like a genuine laugh, the kind you cant hold back? Its never happened. His jokes are like, That persons fat or That persons stupid. Its a bully behavior. Were something else. Q. What are you? A. People always say like the world has turned into what The Onion has been doing for the last 37 years. I think its worse, frankly. I dont like that The Onion has to come up with things that feel truer than whats in the New York Times. But who else is going to do this? Its not that weve changed, its that the media around us has changed. If what we write sounds more real than the news, thats an indictment on the news, not us. Q. What is the state of the media? A. Things have changed dramatically. Almost all my friends are reporters, and they have two options: keep their heads down at the outlet where they work and keep their big paycheck, or go independent and report whats actually going on. I know for a fact that all the media outlets that had a resurgence in the early Trump years either fired all the great reporters or told them to shut up. Ben Collins at Poble Espanyol in Barcelona. GIANLUCA BATTISTA Q. Does that favor The Onion? A. People literally tell us things like, I canceled my subscription to the Washington Post because The Onion is healthier. I think thats true. Being bombarded with non-stop pictures of babies being dragged out of daycare centers all day long is not good for you. Obviously, you should know thats happening, but in terms of processing the news at a wider scale, youre probably better served getting The Onion in the mail once a month than watching CNN all day long. Q. Its an actual trend. People are tuning out of the news. A. Yes, but at the same time, theyre getting involved in civic life again, at least in Chicago. Im not just saying that because my girlfriend [Kat Abughazaleh in Illinois] is running for Congress. People know enough to realize that whats going on is terribly bad, and seeing another person kidnapped on the street is not going to change their opinion either way. They are already at 100% on the outrage. Now theyre in action mode. You see it, for example, with Zohran Mamdani [newly elected mayor of New York] and all the people who are volunteering. The same thing is happening in Chicago, but against ICE [Immigration and Customs Enforcement]: everyone has a 3D-printed whistle for when theyre in the neighborhood. People have changed their news consumption from what is going on? to how can I change things? We dont provide how to change things, but we do provide catharsis. We give off that feeling of, Youre right, everythings awful, but here are a few jokes and something you can write on a protest sign. We offer a way to vent, because people already know the world is a mess and that eight people are in charge of the world, and theyre all evil. Q. As a reporter, you covered disinformation. Some people might see the humorous headlines in The Onion as disinformation. A. Disinformation is meant to deceive, and the kind I covered targeted people with the least amount of rights: trans people, immigrants, and was used for political gain. The Onion doesnt do that. Everyone says we punch up, but its not just that. Were trying to get to the heart of an issue by making fun of it, which is different from making up lies about a random guy. The quality of the person matches the quality of the joke. We would never make an AI video of us dumping shit all over American cities. Q. What impact will AI have on The Onion? A. It helps us in the sense that AI humor is so unfunny that anything that we do looks like the smartest thing thats ever happened. AI is not just a plagiarism machine; its a machine that sucks the personality out of any piece of writing or art. When we do things ourselves, it clearly has heart and soul that makes us really stand out. Q. AI is bad at jokes. A. Go to ChatGPT right now and ask for a joke about whats going on right now: your eyes will roll out of your head and out the window. The war with Infowars Q. The situation with Infowars a few months ago was extraordinary. A. It was huge. We had no idea if we were going to get it. Q. It was days after Trumps election. A. We put in our bid, they made theirs too, but it was lower. That day was insane, because we also kind of as a joke bid on all their supplements, and suddenly we had a warehouse full of boner pills and no idea what to do with it all. It was mayhem. Meanwhile, we watched Alex Jones lose his mind. Then we went to court, but we didnt have a traditional bankruptcy lawyer, because, well, we just didnt. Q. Was it improvised? A. Wed been preparing the bid for some time; we wanted to make sure the families were on board [Alex Jones was sued by the families of the Sandy Hook shooting for saying it didnt happen]. We asked them if they were okay with us bidding, and they were very excited. Then the judge said it wasnt enough money. We thought, This isnt really worth anything, but alright. At this point, its become kind of a point of pride. If this guy gets away with it, if he ends up rigging the legal system to get out of paying these people, when he owes $1.5 billion and hasnt paid anything, then the right thing to do is to keep going. We dont know what happens next. Q. Is the legal fight still ongoing? A. Yes, were still trying. Q. And whats the plan if you succeed? A. To create a website focused on showing how everything in American life is a scam, and how these people help several different kinds. Not just Alex Jones. Almost every kind of grifter on the internet is selling you something behind the scenes, using their cult of personality to do it. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The measure significantly expands the medical examinations performed on foreigners, and gives officials broad discretion to reject applicants based on their age and medical history The Trump administration ordered the State Department to deny visas to foreigners for reasons such as age and pre-existing conditions like diabetes and obesity. According to Washington, these applicants have a high probability of becoming a public charge due to their health problems. In recent months, plans to discourage more foreigners from coming to the country have included bonds of up to $15,000 for travelers from certain countries, a $100,000 fee for H-1B visa workers, and the denial of applications based on the discovery of anti-American views, among other measures. The new guidance, which will be implemented starting in January 2026, was published in a cable sent by the State Department to embassy and consulate officials around the world in early November. The new rules require that the immigrants health and certain medical conditions including cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, cancer, diabetes, metabolic and neurological diseases, and mental disorders be taken into account, as these may require medical care worth hundreds of thousands of dollars. Immigrants applying for a visa to live permanently in the United States must undergo a medical examination conducted by a government-approved healthcare professional. All applicants are tested for infectious diseases, such as tuberculosis, and are required to complete a form declaring any history of drug or alcohol use, mental health problems, or violence. They must also indicate whether they have received vaccinations to protect against infectious diseases such as measles, polio, and hepatitis B. The new directive not only significantly expands the list of medical conditions to be considered, but also grants immigration officials greater power to accept or deny visas based solely on the applicants health status and their ability to afford medical treatment without government assistance. Does the applicant have adequate financial resources to cover the costs of such care over his entire expected lifespan without seeking public cash assistance or long-term institutionalization at government expense? the cable asks. Officials will draw their own conclusions about what could potentially lead to medical emergencies or healthcare expenses in the future. In this regard, a report by KFF Health News states that Washingtons directive contradicts the State Departments Foreign Affairs Manual, which states that personnel cannot reject an application based on hypothetical scenarios. Charles Wheeler, senior attorney at the Catholic Legal Immigration Network (CLINIC), warns in the same report that this change is troubling because theyre not medically trained, they have no experience in this area, and they shouldnt be making projections based on their own personal knowledge or bias. The directive also calls on officials to take into consideration the health of the applicants family, including children or elderly parents. Do any of the dependents have disabilities, chronic medical conditions, or other special needs and require care such that the applicant cannot maintain employment? is another question included in the cable. Another controversial point is that both visa officers and doctors examining prospective immigrants may speculate on the cost of treating the applicants medical conditions and their ability to obtain employment in the U.S. that would allow them to purchase health insurance covering potential medical treatment. Approximately 10% of the worlds population suffers from diabetes, and cardiovascular diseases are the leading cause of death globally. In this context, Washingtons measure will block the arrival of more immigrants to the United States. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition It was further proof, visible to the world, of the U.S. presidents disdain for the democratic ideal of the separation of powers. And it was, once again, delivered on his social media platform, Truth, with a message posted Friday, in which Donald Trump said he would ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate the relationship between Jeffrey Epstein and [former President] Bill Clinton, Larry Summers [former president of Harvard and a member of Clintons administration], [LinkedIn co-founder] Reid Hoffman, JP Morgan, Chase, and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him. Trump justified the order which breaks the rules of American institutional decorum, given that the figure of the attorney general is supposed to be independent of the White House by claiming that the Democrats have resurrected the Epstein case, or the Epstein Hoax, according to the president, to deflect from their disastrous shutdown, and all of their other failures. The maneuver seems to be aimed at another goal: to try to divert attention from the scandal caused by his refusal to release the files held by Bondi on the case of the pedophile, who died in 2019 in a maximum-security cell in Manhattan (he took his own life, according to the coroner, even though conspiracy theorists believe he was killed so that he would not expose his secrets). Its unclear whether Bondi will accept Trumps assignment, or how the investigation might materialize if she does. Its also unclear whether as so often happens with Trump his grandiose announcement will ultimately amount to nothing. Much less clear is whether it will achieve its diversionary objective: the release this week of more than 20,000 documents obtained by Congress from the family of the pedophile financier has resurrected a ghost that has haunted the president for years: that of his long friendship with Epstein and the suspicion that Trumps determination not to release these materials despite his own promises to do so is hiding something. The Republican denies any knowledge about the crimes of his former friend, with whom he maintained relations for 15 years until their falling out in 2004. Trump claims that they parted ways when he kicked Epstein out of his Mar-a-Lago club because of his really weird behavior toward some employees. In messages released this week, the convicted sex offender denied that this was the case. There is also an email in which Epstein appears to place Trump at a Thanksgiving party the two attended in 2017, during the Republicans first presidential term, although there is no certainty that this actually happened. There is also no evidence that Trump was aware of Epsteins misdeeds, let alone that he participated in them, although in the batch of emails released in recent days, one states that he spent hours at my house with one of the victims and that of course he knew about the girls, referring to the minors whom the financier abused with impunity for years, with the complicity and participation of his procurer, Ghislaine Maxwell, who is serving 20 years in a low-security prison. In his message Friday, Trump points to Clinton, one of the influential figures most frequently linked to Epstein (again, without evidence that he committed any crimes) and to the list of rich and famous people that the millionaire supposedly kept, which has also been the source of numerous conspiracy theories. It has been proven that the former Democratic president met Epstein through his daughter, Chelsea, and Maxwell, and that he flew on his private planes at least 26 times between 2002 and 2003, according to flight logs and as part of his work for the Clinton Foundation. This was also before the first trial against the convicted sex offender. Trump also cited JP Morgan, which was Epsteins main bank for 15 years, a period during which the financier made money transfers that triggered alarms among the institutions anti-money laundering watchdogs, who never took action against one of their preferred clients. The relationship extended beyond the first trial. An investigation by The New York Times concluded in September that the largest bank in the United States facilitated the crimes of the sex offender, who moved vast sums of money to maintain his child trafficking network. In his book The Spider: Journey Inside the Criminal Web of Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell, investigative journalist Barry Levine writes that in 2002, two witnesses twice placed Clinton on the private island where the financier committed many of his abuses, although there is no documentary evidence of this and no victim has accused Clinton of any crime. The former president has categorically denied traveling to the island or having a close relationship with Epstein, and has maintained that he knew nothing about his crimes. Larry Summers has been one of the most prominent figures in this weeks latest declassification of documents (in two batches: the first, of three emails, was released by the Democrats; the second, of more than 20,000, was released by the Republicans). It was already known that Summers had had a relationship with the financier (a relationship he later publicly regretted), but not that he had continued to maintain such frequent contact with him between 2017 and 2019, years after Epsteins first conviction for a prostitution-related crime, and even after the Miami Herald revived the case against him with a series of investigative reports. In those exchanges, they talk extensively about Summers relationship with a woman in London about whom Epstein gives him advice. They also discuss Trump. From those dozens of emails exchanged between the two, its also impossible to conclude that Summers knew anything about Epsteins crimes. As for Hoffman, the LinkedIn co-founder was in talks with the financier when he asked him for money for the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT). In that context, he traveled to the island once for a fundraising event. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition The statement from the head of the Pentagon, Pete Hegseth, comes just hours after the 20th attack on a drug-smuggling boat, which left four people dead U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced on Thursday the start of a U.S. military operation to remove narco-terrorists from the Western Hemisphere. In a message on X (formerly Twitter), the head of the Pentagon explained: President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering. Today, Im announcing Operation Southern Spear." Hegseth did not specify exactly what he was referring to, although it can be inferred that he is naming and formalizing the campaign of extrajudicial U.S. military strikes against alleged drug-running boats in the Caribbean and the Pacific, as part of the pressure measures against the Venezuelan regime. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and the U.S. Southern Command, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood and we will protect it, he added in the message, without providing further details. In January, the Pentagon had announced the creation of the Joint Task Force Southern Spear force for the deployment of surface vessels and drones to, among other duties, conduct anti-narcotics operations. Hegseths announcement comes just three days after the arrival of the aircraft carrier Gerald Ford the largest in the world and the most modern in the U.S. fleet to the area of responsibility of U.S. Southern Command in Latin America and the Caribbean. The ship and its escort group joined the flotilla already deployed in international waters at the edge of Venezuelas territorial waters. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth at Purdue University Fort Wayne, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. Darron Cummings (AP) Its arrival had sparked speculation that Trump might order the start of a new phase in the military campaign, which could include direct attacks on targets inside Venezuelan territory. On Thursday, Pentagon officials reported a new strike in the Caribbean against an alleged drug-running boat, which left four people dead. It is the 20th since the start of the extrajudicial operations campaign in September. In these operations, the U.S. military has killed 80 civilians. On Wednesday, Hegseth and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Dan Caine, led the weekly intelligence briefing that the U.S. president receives every Wednesday. In it, they had presented Trump with the different options in the military campaign. The U.S. government insists that the objective of the campaign is the fight against drug trafficking, which kills tens of thousands of people every year in its territory. But numerous experts, and the president of Venezuela himself, Nicolas Maduro, believe that the real goal of the operation is to force a regime change in the Caribbean country. In remarks to CNN during a street appearance, the Venezuelan president sent a message to the U.S. people, asking them in Spanish: To unite for the peace of [the Americas]. No more endless wars. No more unjust wars. No more Libya. No more Afghanistan. Asked by the journalist if he had any direct message for Trump, Maduro replied: yes, peace. Early Thursday morning, U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, for his part, ruled out that the government would send military forces to Mexico or undertake unilateral actions in the context of the war on drug trafficking. Sign up for our weekly newsletter to get more English-language news coverage from EL PAIS USA Edition People mourn next to the coffins of soldiers killed in a Turkish military cargo plane crash, in Ankara, Turkiye, on Nov. 14, 2025. Turkiye on Friday held a funeral service for 20 soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash. A solemn military ceremony was held at Ankara's Murted Air Base, attended by the soldiers' families, senior political figures, and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ceremony, the bodies will be sent to their hometowns for burial. A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board, including a 10-member maintenance team supporting F-16 fighter jets. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) ANKARA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye on Friday held a funeral service for 20 soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash. A solemn military ceremony was held at Ankara's Murted Air Base, attended by the soldiers' families, senior political figures, and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ceremony, the bodies will be sent to their hometowns for burial. The bodies were repatriated to Turkiye late Thursday. After landing in Ankara, the coffins were placed into funeral vehicles and transported in a convoy to the Ankara Forensic Medicine Institute. Television footage showed hundreds of people waving Turkish flags as they gathered in front of the institute to receive the convoy. A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board, including a 10-member maintenance team supporting F-16 fighter jets. Search-and-rescue teams had recovered the remains of all 20 soldiers following the incident, and the bodies were transferred to Tbilisi before being flown to Turkiye aboard an A400M military transport aircraft belonging to the Turkish Armed Forces. On Thursday, the Turkish Defense Ministry said that all C-130 flights were suspended as a precaution, noting that the aircraft would return to service after detailed technical inspections are completed. The ministry also confirmed that the aircraft's black box had been brought to Ankara for examination. People mourn during a funeral service for soldiers killed in a Turkish military cargo plane crash, in Ankara, Turkiye, on Nov. 14, 2025. Turkiye on Friday held a funeral service for 20 soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash. A solemn military ceremony was held at Ankara's Murted Air Base, attended by the soldiers' families, senior political figures, and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ceremony, the bodies will be sent to their hometowns for burial. A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board, including a 10-member maintenance team supporting F-16 fighter jets. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) A funeral service for soldiers killed in a Turkish military cargo plane crash, is held at Murted Air Base in Ankara, Turkiye, on Nov. 14, 2025. Turkiye on Friday held a funeral service for 20 soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash. A solemn military ceremony was held at Ankara's Murted Air Base, attended by the soldiers' families, senior political figures, and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ceremony, the bodies will be sent to their hometowns for burial. A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board, including a 10-member maintenance team supporting F-16 fighter jets. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) People mourn during a funeral service for soldiers killed in a Turkish military cargo plane crash, in Ankara, Turkiye, on Nov. 14, 2025. Turkiye on Friday held a funeral service for 20 soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash. A solemn military ceremony was held at Ankara's Murted Air Base, attended by the soldiers' families, senior political figures, and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ceremony, the bodies will be sent to their hometowns for burial. A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board, including a 10-member maintenance team supporting F-16 fighter jets. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) People mourn next to the coffins of soldiers killed in a Turkish military cargo plane crash, in Ankara, Turkiye, on Nov. 14, 2025. Turkiye on Friday held a funeral service for 20 soldiers who died in a military cargo plane crash. A solemn military ceremony was held at Ankara's Murted Air Base, attended by the soldiers' families, senior political figures, and top commanders of the Turkish Armed Forces. Following the ceremony, the bodies will be sent to their hometowns for burial. A Turkish Air Force C-130 cargo aircraft crashed in Georgia near the border with Azerbaijan on Tuesday, killing all 20 military personnel on board, including a 10-member maintenance team supporting F-16 fighter jets. (Mustafa Kaya/Handout via Xinhua) BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- As agreed between China and Germany, the fourth China-Germany High-Level Financial Dialogue will be held in Beijing on November 17, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson announced on Friday. The spokesperson said that Member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Vice Premier of the State Council and the Chinese lead person of the Dialogue He Lifeng will co-chair the Dialogue with Vice Chancellor, Federal Minister of Finance and the German lead person of the Dialogue Lars Klingbeil. ISTANBUL, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police confiscated 1.5 tons of skunk, a highly potent form of cannabis, in a major drug raid on Friday at a port in the country's northwest, authorities said. Five suspects were detained in the operation at the Derince Port in the province of Kocaeli, which was carried out under the coordination of anti-narcotics departments and multiple police units, said Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya in a statement. Yerlikaya noted that the operation prevented the distribution of the narcotics and safeguarded the public, particularly the young people. Turkiye's strategic position as a bridge between Europe and Asia has made its ports and borders key transit points for drug trafficking routes, while authorities frequently conduct operations to disrupt illegal networks and prevent illicit substances from reaching communities. An attempt by a law firm to convince authors to opt out of the $1.5 billion class action settlement reached with Anthropic met with fierce resistance by presiding judge William Alsup in a November 13 hearing. ClaimsHero, which bills itself as a consumer justice platform and law firm, launched a publicity campaign to persuade authors not to agree to the terms reached in the Bartz et al. v. Anthropic class action lawsuit in which authors are due to receive $3,000 for each work of theirs that was included in the class action. ClaimsHero is claiming that if authors opt out, they may be able win a bigger payout in the case. In a report on the hearing filed by Bloomberg, Alsup called ClaimsHeros actions a fraud of immense proportions and told the company to alter its misleading communications. The hearing came after authors who are part of the lawsuit filed a motion seeking an order to stop ClaimsHero from trying to lure authors to opt out. As part of its campaign, ClaimsHero launched a website dedicated to the Anthropic case in which it acknowledges it is not affiliated with either Class Counsel or the Settlement AdministratorClaimsHero is Only Representing Authors and Rightsholders seeking to Opt Out of the Anthropic Settlement. Judge Alsup ordered ClaimsHero to make some changes to the site within 48 hours, including an acknowledgment that ClaimsHero has no experience litigating in federal or state court, according to the Bloomberg report. Attorneys for ClaimsHero denied that the company is trying to mislead anyone and is acting in good faith to try to earn a larger payout for authors. Judge Alsup was firm in his belief that since ClaimsHero has no substantive track record in litigation it was misleading to claim it could take on Anthropic. The Bloomberg story also quoted Alsup as calling ClaimsHero marketing efforts propaganda. An evidentiary hearing is scheduled for November 25 for the court to question authors who have signed up for ClaimsHeros services. Maddie Caldwell at Random House preempted world rights to an untitled book on Zohran Mamdani by New York magazine journalist Ross Barkan (pictured l.) from Julie Flanagan at CAA. The book, per the publisher, offers a deeply reported window into Mamdanis campaign and early days as mayor of New York, as well as an analysis of what it means for a young democratic socialist and Muslim to run Americas largest cityand the implications for both the Democratic Party and the nation. A pub date hasnt been announced. Angela Kim at Berkley picked up world English rights to Sunflower Season by Danica Nava from Laura Bradford at Bradford Literary Agency. In the novel, per the publisher, a burnt-out Native American tech executive quits her lucrative job and returns to her small hometown to restore the old sunflower farm she loved visiting as a child, and reunites with the local fire captain who broke her heart years ago. Publication is scheduled for fall 2026. Daniel Slager at Milkweed landed world rights to Forrest Ganders The Weight of a Frozen Moment and Desert Music from Michael Taeckens at Massie McQuilkin & Altman. The former, per the publisher, is a coming-of-age novel about the friendship between two sisters in a utopian community in the Sierra Nevadas, and is scheduled to publish in early 2027. The latter is an essay collection that explores place, friendship, writing, and human and geological memory and is slated for a fall 2027 pub date. Adam Levy at Transit acquired North American rights to We Were Forbidden by Jacqueline Harpman, translated from the French by Ros Schwartz, from Thomas Guillaume at Editions Stock. The book, a collection of three novellas by the late Belgian author and the first new translation of Harpmans work to appear in English since the 1990s, follows a woman who has survived an apocalyptic war, a teenage girl at a rigid French school in 1940s Casablanca, and a young woman trapped in a loveless marriage in the Belgian bourgeoisie, the publisher said. A July 2026 release date is planned. Callie Garnett at Bloomsbury bought North American rights to Joanna Pearsons More Happy Love and Justine, from Marya Spence at Janklow & Nesbit. The former, per the publisher, is a short story collection about intimacy, grief, longing, the many faces of infidelity, and the weight of expectation, set to publish in 2027. The latter is a novel in which a psychiatrist haunted by the disappearance of her childhood best friend jeopardizes her marriage and career when a mysterious new patient shows up, and is scheduled for a 2028 release. In Brief Rachel Rokicki at Modern Library took North American rights to Torborg Nedreaas s Nothing Grows by Moonlight, a Norwegian feminist classic about one womans soul-shattering love affair, told over one heady, smoke-filled night, from Amelia Evans at Penguin Random House UK, for a spring 2026 publication. Bibbi Lee will translate and Miriam Khanukaev and Talia Cieslinski will edit. Adam Freudenheim at Pushkin Press bought world English rights to The Successor: Boris Nemtsov, Vladimir Putin and the Decline of Modern Russia, by former Moscow Times editor-in-chief Mikhail Fishman , translated by Michele A. Berdy , from Patrick Walsh at PEW Literary, for a May 2026 release. Cara Armstrong at DK netted world rights to Matt Adlard s The Science of Baking: Everything You Need to Know to Create Perfect Sweet and Savory Bakes, Every Time from Rachel Mills at RML, for an April 2026 publication. Aranya Jain at DAW took world rights to Hero Adjacent by Alexis Veenendaal, a cozy fantasy about an elderly wizard who must reluctantly guide a gaggle of misfits to save the world, from Madison Potter at Olswanger Literary Agency for a spring 2027 publication. Lectorum Publications, the largest independent distributor of Spanish-language books in the U.S., will close after more than 60 years in business, with its inventory of approximately 700,000 books scheduled for auction on December 4. The Lyndhurst, N.J.-based company, which serves as a primary pipeline for Spanish-language titles to schools and libraries nationwide, cited a confluence of factors leading to its closing. "The most critical factor for us was the shift in federal funding policies for schools, in particular regarding Title I funds, intended in part for purchases of books in Spanish," Lectorum president and CEO Alex Correa told PW. "Our sales were impacted by 30% during the year, which is hard on an industry that already works with thin margins." In previous years, Correa reported that schools overall represented 60% of Lectorum's business, with children's books for K-8 accounting for 70%-75% of total sales. Post-pandemic revenues for the company were estimated to be $12 million annually. In addition to its distribution business, Lectorum also served as a publisher and has a backlist of some 200 titles, including Kat DiCamillos Gracias a Winn-Dixie, the Spanish-language translation of the bestseller Because of Winn-Dixie. Correa said he has spoken to other publishers who will take on the publication and ensure continuity for key titles. Lectorum also served as the sales agent for MakeMake, the Colombia-based e-book distributor that works with libraries and schools. "Their service is expected to continue without interruption and [parent company] Makina Editorial will be contacting all customers now and during FIL," Correa said, referring to the Guadalajara International Book Fair. Despite ongoing financial pressures, Lectorum maintained its distribution contracts with major school systems into this year. Correa confirmed that all contracts, including those with New York City public schools, were renewed for 2025a key relationship that went back to 2014 when Lectorum won a bid to become one of three companies providing trade books to New York City schools. This milestone shifted the company's focus from being almost exclusively Spanish-language to fully bilingual. The company later won contracts to supply books to schools in Chicago and Omaha, Correa told PW on the occasion of the company's 60th anniversary. The closure marks an abrupt reversal for a company that as recently as 2023 reported sales growth of 7% for print titles and 15% for e-books. Correa attributed the company's downturn to multiple challenges beyond just the federal funding shift, including flat or decreasing library and school budgets over the past two years; a weakened U.S. dollar that increased costs for imported books; expanded competition from domestic publishers offering Spanish-language titles at low prices; and reduced distributor margins as large publishing conglomerates acquired more imprints and offered shorter discounts. Lectorum's difficulties were compounded by the recent collapse of Baker & Taylor, which began shutting down its business earlier this year, leaving significant debt behind. "We are like all publisherswe are not sure if we will get paid," Correa said. After seeking other solutions to shore up the business, Correa listed the company for sale with a broker in August, but admitted the decision came too late. "The possibility [of selling] was thought of recently, but those processes take months to materialize and it was late for the moment we were already in," Correa said of the unsuccessful sale effort. A.J. Willner Auctions will conduct the December 4 liquidation sale of Lectorum's inventory. While Correa declined to discuss specific debts, he said the auction proceeds would be aimed at paying off obligations. The company's workforce had already been reduced from 30 employees in the summer to 15 currently, with eight expected to remain through the end of December when operations close. Accounts receivable will stay open until March 2026. The closure ends a story that began when the company first opened as a bookstore on 14th St. in Manhattan before expanding into distribution and publishing operations. Lectorum was acquired by Scholastic in 1996 and later purchased by Correa and his brother Luis Fernando in late 2009. The company built its market position by working with publishers including Anaya, Juventud, and Planeta from Spain; Ekare from Venezuela; Progreso from Mexico; Panamericana from Colombia; and V&R from Argentina. Correa said he has no plans to restart the business. "I was thinking about getting someone to run the company in a few years, but now this is not the case," he said. "I will probably stay a couple of years consulting in some capacity, but not creating another company. I want to remain with the great memories of almost 16 years with Lectorum and forget about the last one." In a statement to customers, Correa reflected on the company's impactful legacy, which is what he hopes will persist. "It has been over 60 years of hard and rewarding work that brought us infinite great memories helping students, teachers, librarians, and business partners," Correa said. "That's what we will always remember. American and European policies toward the Islamic Republic have followed divergent paths in recent years. But that trend has begun to reverse since last summer, when the United Kingdom, France, and Germany triggered the snapback provision of the 2015 nuclear deal, reimposing all UN sanctions that had been suspended under the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA). With international pressure mounting, the UK and the European Union are now aligning more closely with the U.S. strategy of maximum pressure. To make that policy effective, Americas allies must take several long-overdue steps. The divergence began in earnest in 2018, when the Trump administration rightly withdrew from the JCPOA and designated the regimes hardline paramilitary, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), as a foreign terrorist organization. Majorities in both the British and European parliaments have since adopted resolutions urging their governments to do the same. Yet political leadership continues to hesitate, fearful of potential diplomatic fallout. That concern should have evaporated after the snapback decision, which confirmed Tehrans unwillingness to compromise on issues vital to global security. In recent months, senior regime officials have vowed to reconstitute their nuclear program, which had produced enough highly enriched uranium for ten nuclear weapons before U.S. strikes on key sites in June. Tehrans defiance extends far beyond the nuclear file. The regime continues to manipulate Iraqs parliamentary process to preserve influence and shield its militias, the so-called Popular Mobilization Units, from absorption into Iraqs regular army. It is also working to re-arm and sustain its most prominent proxy, Hezbollah, in Lebanon while expanding its influence through newer allies such as the Houthi militants in Yemen. The good news is that the West can confront these threats without military intervention. The U.S. and its allies have ample economic and diplomatic tools to increase pressure on the mullah regime and undermine not only its regional aggression but also its internal grip on power. For too long, Western policymakers have ignored that Irans theocracy faces a growing rebellion at home. Since 2018, Iran has witnessed three nationwide uprisings and countless demonstrations demanding death to the dictator and an end to the clerical regime. The mullahs barely avoided being overthrown during the most recent uprising in 2022. Since then, senior officials, including Ali Khamenei, have publicly warned about the regimes precarious situation and the inevitability of new unrest. To truly achieve maximum pressure, Western governments must recognize that Irans crisis is not external but domestic. They must take a clear stand in the emerging struggle between the Iranian people and their oppressors. Many legislators and diplomatsincluding myselfhave already done so by endorsing resolutions affirming the Iranian peoples right to resist tyranny and by recognizing the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) as a viable, democratic alternative to the current oppressive system. On November 15, Iranian-American communities will send more than 1,000 representatives to Washington, D.C., for the first Free Iran Convention, a landmark gathering of activists, scholars, and community leaders. This event will offer U.S. policymakers an invaluable opportunity to understand the Iranian Resistance, its strategy for a regime change by the people of Iran, and the Ten-Point Plan articulated by Maryam Rajavi, the NCRIs President-elect, for a future democratic republic. Recent developments in Iran and across the Middle East make it essential that U.S. and European leaders pay close attention to that convention and its message. Those leaders should act quickly to develop a unified strategy. Beneath Tehrans escalating defiance lies deep insecuritya realization that the tide has turned inside Iran. More than 3,000 executions have taken place since the 2022 uprising, and at least 16 members of the NCRIs main constituent group, the Peoples Mojahedin Organization of Iran (PMOI/MEK), are currently on death row. These brutal executions recall the regimes darkest chapterthe 1988 massacre, when an estimated 30,000 political prisoners, most of them MEK supporters, were killed in just a few months. That atrocity remains unpunished, and today the same machinery of repression threatens to repeat it. At the same time, the regimes fear is palpable. A growing network of Resistance Units affiliated with the MEK continues to organize protests and acts of defiance across the country. Their persistence is a clear sign that the Iranian people, not foreign powers, will ultimately bring about change. This months Free Iran Convention will highlight that determination and the organized resistance driving it. As Iranians take their future into their own hands, it is both morally right and strategically necessary for the United States and its allies to stand with them. Western democracies must back the Iranian peoples right to overthrow tyranny and replace it with a secular, non-nuclear republic grounded in human rights and equality. History will not forgive another generation of Western appeasement or engagement toward a murderous regime. It is time for clarity and courage. The Iranian people have already chosen freedom. The free world must now choose to stand beside them. Ambassador Carla Sands is the former U.S. Ambassador to Denmark (2017-2021) and a former member of President Trumps Economic Advisory Council. BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday slammed the United States for its latest arms sale to China's Taiwan region, saying that China strongly deplores and opposes this action and will take all necessary measures to resolutely defend national sovereignty, security and territorial integrity. According to media reports, the Pentagon said on Thursday that the U.S. side has approved the arms sale to Taiwan, the first such transaction in President Donald Trump's second term. When asked for comments, spokesperson Lin Jian told a daily news briefing that U.S. arms sales to China's Taiwan region seriously violate one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, especially the August 17 Communique of 1982, undermine China's sovereignty and security interests, violate international law and send a gravely wrong signal to "Taiwan independence" separatist forces. "The Taiwan question is at the core of China's core interests and the first red line that must not be crossed in China-U.S. relations," said Lin. The Chinese side urges the United States to abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, deliver on the commitments made by U.S. leaders on issues related to Taiwan, stop condoning and aiding separatists' attempt to seek "Taiwan independence" through military buildup, and uphold China-U.S. relations and cross-Strait peace and stability with concrete actions, Lin added. Washingtons foreign policy establishment clings to outdated binary categoriesallies versus adversarieswhile our supposed partners exploit this intellectual laziness to extract maximum benefit at minimum cost. The Trump administration now confronts a strategic reality that demands new frameworks: the rise of two-lane allies who simultaneously pocket American security guarantees while empowering our rivals. A two-lane ally operates in parallel tracks: Lane A involves formal treaties, base access, joint exercises, and trade agreements. Lane B runs counter to American interests through weapons purchases from rivals, proxy support for adversaries, and diplomatic maneuvers that undercut U.S. objectives. This is a systematic exploitation of American strategic incoherence. Turkey: NATOs Trojan Horse Turkey exemplifies this parasitic relationship. In Lane A, Ankara maintains NATO membership, hosts American nuclear weapons at Incirlik, and periodically dangles F-16 modernization requests. In Lane B, Turkey purchased Russias S-400 air defense systemdirectly threatening NATOs integrated defense architecturewhile transforming into the regions primary sanctions-evasion hub for Moscow and Tehran. The numbers tell the story: Turkish-Russian trade surged 200% since 2022, while Turkey simultaneously requested $20 billion in F-16 upgrades from Washington. President Recep Tayyip Erdogans government facilitates Hamas operations, platforms Muslim Brotherhood networks, and threatens Israeli gas infrastructure in the Eastern Mediterranean, all while demanding American diplomatic protection from consequences. The solution requires immediate recalibration. Remove Turkey from the F-35 program permanently. Relocate critical assets from Incirlik to Greece and Jordan. Impose secondary sanctions on Turkish banks facilitating Russian transactions. Make every defense cooperation agreement contingent on verifiable cessation of support for Hamas and Muslim Brotherhood networks. Qatar: The Arsonist Firefighter Qatar perfected the two-lane model through calculated ambiguity. Lane A features Al Udeid Air Base hosting 10,000 American troops, major non-NATO ally designation, and billions in U.S. defense contracts. Lane B reveals Qatar funneling $1.5 billion to Hamas since 2012, broadcasting jihadist propaganda through Al Jazeera, and hosting Taliban leadership while American soldiers fought in Afghanistan. Dohas recent mediation theatrics expose this game. Qatar positions itself as an indispensable mediator precisely because it sustains the very terrorist networks requiring mediation. Its protection racketeering disguised as diplomacy. The Qatari sovereign wealth fund pours millions into American universities, creating intellectual capture that prevents honest assessment of this dysfunction. The Trump administration should demand Qatar choose a lane. Either Qatar expels Hamas leadership and ceases all financial flows to Gaza, or America relocates Al Udeid to Saudi Arabia or the UAE. Designate Qatari financial institutions supporting Hamas as terror-financing entities. Investigate every Qatari-funded program in American universities under foreign agent registration requirements. Oman: The Enablers Enabler Oman operates a subtler two-lane strategy. Lane A maintains studied neutrality, facilitates occasional U.S.-Iran communications, and provides overflight rights. Lane B systematically enables Iranian sanctions evasion, serves as Tehrans diplomatic lifeline, and undermines maximum pressure campaigns against the Islamic Republic. Muscats neutrality consistently tilts toward Tehran when stakes increase. Omani ports facilitate Iranian oil transfers. Omani banks process transactions for sanctioned Iranian entities. Omani territory hosts Iranian intelligence operations targeting Gulf states. This is active facilitation of American adversaries. Structural Solutions for a Structural Problem These two-lane allies thrive because Washington lacks frameworks for managing sovereign actors who arent quite enemies but certainly arent friends. The Trump administration must institutionalize new mechanisms: Create a Strategic Reliability Index scoring allies on concrete metrics: sanctions compliance, intelligence sharing, counterterrorism cooperation, and voting alignment in international forums. Link security guarantees directly to scores. Countries falling below thresholds lose access to advanced systems, intelligence sharing, and diplomatic protection. Implement graduated decoupling; a systematic reduction of dependence on unreliable partners. Every two-lane ally hosting American assets must compete with alternatives. Make them fear irrelevance more than they value hedging. Deploy information operations exposing two-lane behavior. American taxpayers deserve transparency about which allies simultaneously take their money and undermine their security. Reputational costs remain underutilized tools against governments that depend on Western legitimacy. The binary ally-adversary framework served Cold War purposes but fails todays complexity. Two-lane allies extract maximum advantage from American strategic confusion, banking security guarantees while building leverage with rivals. The Trump administration possesses the clarity and courage to demand these partners choose lanes, and impose consequences on those who refuse. Americas position remains strong enough to enforce strategic discipline. The question is whether Washington possesses the intellectual honesty to acknowledge that many allies are gaming the system, and the political will to stop them. Gregg Roman is executive director of the Middle East Forum. Disney/James Clark By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 11/13/2025 ADVERTISEMENT FOLLOW REALITY TV WORLD ON THE ALL-NEW GOOGLE NEWS! Reality TV World is now available on the all-new Google News app and website. Click here to visit our Google News page, and then click FOLLOW to add us as a news source! ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. Bachelor in Paradise couple Ashley Iaconetti and Jared Haibon have addressed rumors they're going to star on a future of Rhode Island spinoff.Ashley giggled quite a bit when answering questions about her rumored casting on franchise during a Tuesday, November 11 interview with Access Hollywood.When asked to give a tease about of Rhode Island amid rumors of her participation, Ashley said, "There is nothing I can tease about that -- I don't know."Ashley smiled and let out a big laugh, before reiterating, "No, I don't know."As Jared stood next to his wife, also smiling, Ashley continued in a playful tone, "I don't know what happens in The [Real] Housewives of Rhode Island, or if there even was one."Ashley giggled again, making it seem like she was hiding something or knows information that fans aren't privy to yet.Access Hollywood then asked Ashley if she'd like to join the cast.Jared chimed in, echoing, "Yeah, would you want to join the cast?"Ashley looked at Jared before answering and -- flashing another big smile on her face -- said, "Yeah, would I want to join the cast? It would be something we'd have to think about."Bachelor Nation has been speculating for months that Ashley might be a future Real Housewife in the state where she and Jared currently live and are raising two kids: Dawson, who was born in 2022, and Hayden, who was born in 2024.The rumors sparked when footage of Ashley and Jared with a filming crew circulated online.In a July video clip, a filming crew was taping Ashley and Jared as they dined outside at a restaurant in Rhode Island.Bravo had announced it was expanding franchise with a new of Rhode Island spinoff in May.of Rhode Island will feature a tight-knit circle of Rhode Islanders who have deep community roots and families that go back generations, according to the network."With aspirational lives, thriving businesses and tangled family dynamics, these decade-long friendships prove that in a state this small, there's no escaping your past -- or each other," Bravo teased in a press release at the time.An official premiere date and the cast of of Rhode Island will be revealed at a later date.Rumors spread in December 2024 that Bravo was going to film a new spirenoff in Rhode Island and that they had already begun casting.of Rhode Island is being produced by Evolution Media with Andy Cohen , Lucilla D'Agostino, Joseph Ferraro and Jen McClure-Metz serving as executive producers.Interested in more The Bachelor news? Follow our Bachelor Nation News Page on Facebook or join our The Bachelor Facebook Group Canadian firm Manulife and Mahindra & Mahindra (M&M), an Indian automaker with interests in financial services, have signed an agreement to form a 50:50 life insurance joint venture (JV) with a total capital commitment of up to Rs 3,600 crore each totalling Rs 7,200 crore. Photograph: Fred Thornhill/Reuters Each partner will invest Rs 1,250 crore ($140 million) in the first five years. The new business is expected to apply for a licence with the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India in two to three months and aims to commence operations in 15 to 18 months. It will mark Manulifes entry in Indian insurance. M&M will invest its share of capital through dividends earned from Mahindra Finance, a non-banking financial company (NBFC) of the group. Only one-third of the dividend M&M earns from Mahindra Finance will be required for funding the JV. With Manulifes global reinsurance expertise, it is possible that the total capital requirement might come down as well. The idea is to create a business that in 10 years will have a valuation of Rs 18,000 to Rs 30,000 crore, M&Ms management said, adding that the numbers are conservative and there could be significant upside. M&M already has a JV with Manulife called Mahindra Manulife Mutual Fund in asset management. Our vision is to be the number one life insurer in rural and semi-urban India because of the footprint that Mahindra Finance enjoys. "We will be a significant player in urban India as well, said Anish Shah, managing director and chief executive officer (CEO), Mahindra Group. There we would want to take a leadership position in protection solutions, one that India is under-penetrated in today. "There are specific reasons why we feel that we are well-placed to be able to do that despite the competition that we have in the space today in urban India, he said. The control over distribution is important, which we have with Mahindra Finance. "A very strong capability around underwriting, products, around reinsurance, and this is something that our partner brings, Manulife is one of the largest and among the most respected life insurers in the world, and they are going to be our equal partner, Shah told reporters. Shah said the life insurance JV should break even in perhaps 10 years time. I think once we start operations and once we start seeing how things are moving, we will have a better sense of the exact time. "But at this point, I would just say that we will break-even much faster than what most others have done, he said. For us, it's not just about 10 years. "It's about creating a business that's a very strong and meaningful value add for the group over a longer timeframe as well. "That's where this business will be very well positioned. The JV will sit under M&M but it will have a strong Mahindra Finance tie with which it has signed a distribution agreement. The reason for it to sit in Mahindra is that it is much easier to access the synergies across. "From a regulatory standpoint, the NBFC regulatory landscape is evolving significantly. "And as you see with insurance companies that have multiple NBFCs, all of them are held by the parent and not by the NBFC for that reason, Shah said. The JV may consider entering the non-life business once regulations allow for a composite licence. India has 24 general insurance companies and seven standalone health insurance companies. Commenting on competition, especially from state-owned Life Insurance Corporation of India, Shah said, We believe that this is a huge space. And there is room for many to play, as we have seen in the banking sector as well as NBFC sector. "And the customer base we have, the connections we have, the understanding we have of markets is something that is going to help us play in a very meaningful way here. There are 27 life insurance companies in India. Several of these are JVs with foreign firms, such as ICICI Prudential Life Insurance (ICICI Bank and Prudential Plc), Tata AIA Life Insurance (Tata Sons and AIA Group), Aviva Life Insurance (Aviva International Holdings and Dabur Invest Corp), Ageas Federal Life Insurance (Ageas Insurance and Federal Bank), Generali Central Life Insurance (Generali Group and Central Bank of India), and PNB MetLife Insurance (Punjab National Bank and MetLife Group). Another notable JV is Star Union Dai-ichi Life Insurance, formed by Bank of India, Union Bank, and Dai-ichi Life. Angel One has announced plans to enter a joint venture with LivWell to establish a digital-first life insurance company. Indias life insurance market is worth more than $20 billion in new business premiums, growing at a 12 per cent compound annual growth rate over the past five years. However, a high protection gap and low insurance penetration continue to provide significant long-term growth potential. These tailwinds position India to become the worlds fastest-growing life insurance market over the next decade, on track to become the fourth largest globally. Today marks an important milestone as we seek to enter one of the worlds fastest growing insurance markets India. This will further strengthen our diverse portfolio and position us for tremendous growth in a mega economy of the future, said Phil Witherington, president and CEO, Manulife. We have a trusted partner in Mahindra Group, with whom we already have a successful asset management collaboration, and we see tremendous opportunity to build on our efforts by leveraging their deep distribution network alongside our industry-leading agency distribution and insurance expertise, he said. Kotak Investment Banking acted as financial adviser and AZB & Partners acted as legal counsel to Mahindra Group for the new JV. Debevoise & Plimpton LLP acted as legal counsel to Manulife. After Operation Sindoor, the Army and Navy now view the IAF as not a supporting arm, but the spearhead of India's warfighting capability, capable of decisive outcomes across domains, explains Air Commodore Nitin Sathe (retd). IMAGE: Glimpses from Trishul 2025, here and below. Photographs: Amit Dave/Reuters, Indian Army/ANI Photo Going back a few decades -- when I was there and doing that -- I am reminded of the so-called joint exercises we participated in as young pilots. Back then, the Indian Air Force was often seen as a 'support service', expected to pitch in to assist the Army and the Navy in their respective warfighting concepts. Naturally, we too began to think of ourselves in that limited way -- as a helping hand rather than a decisive arm of combat power. I remember, as a young attack helicopter pilot, being tasked to attend what was called a joint exercise planning conference. The room was full of senior officers, all earnestly answering the army commander's questions while we juniors sat at the back, quietly observing the proceedings. It was evident that the general was not entirely satisfied with how the planning was shaping up. Then, quite suddenly, he turned around and asked in a commanding voice, 'Who is the attack helicopter representative here?' I stood up. The general, a perceptive man, seemed to sense how 'joint' the planning really was. 'Tell me', he said, 'what would be your role and tasks in this operation?' That moment gave the young me an unexpected opportunity to point out -- politely but clearly -- that what we were calling a joint plan was, in fact, little more than a collection of separate service plans loosely stitched together. I explained how the Air Force, if involved meaningfully at the planning stage, could make the overall operation far more effective. The general listened intently, and to his credit, he agreed. He asked all of us to sit together and rework the plan -- jointly, this time. That incident stayed with me. For many years afterward -- well into the first decade of this century -- we continued to speak of 'jointmanship' without truly achieving integration in spirit. Even at our tri-service training institutions, efforts at integrated planning remained half-hearted. The intent was there, but the system wasn't yet ready for genuine jointness; Often, in jest, we would talk about this integration as 'jointed' operations than joint operations! The change seems to have happened now. A little late than never. Especially after Operation Sindoor, and with a shift in our national strategic outlook from reactive to proactive and multi-domain operations, the role and mindset within the IAF have evolved dramatically. And most welcomingly, the Army and the Navy now view the IAF as not a supporting arm, but the spearhead of India's warfighting capability, capable of decisive outcomes across domains. Exercises like the just concluded Trishul 2025 now reflect this transformation -- where the Air Force doesn't just support operations; but leads and integrates them in concert with the other two services. If one analyses the joint exercises carried out in the past few years, we see how this much needed integration has become better. Trishul or TSE-2025 as it is called, was conducted in the creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and this includes the maritime zones in the north Arabian Sea. This part of the exercise was led by the Navy's Western Command based at Mumbai, in coordination with the Army's Southern Command at Pune and the IAF's South-Western Air Command based at Gandhinagar. The fact that the exercise is being held in varied operational theatres involving the sea, western borders as well as creek areas underlines that the Indian armed forces needs to operate in varied theatres. The key objectives obviously would be to enhance interoperability across the three mediums of land, sea and air; validate the unified command structures, control and communication apparatus across the three services as well as the capability to carry out joint Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (JISR) as well as Electronic Warfare (EW) and Cyber Operations. It will also test and validate integrated air defence operations -- a weak link till recently in conduct of our joint operations. This is not just a drill -- it is also a signal to our adversaries (and to domestic defence watchers) that the Indian armed forces are moving towards a more unified fighting structure and operating across geography, domains and services in a coordinated way. This is not to be misunderstood as a precursor to getting our theatre command concept into place -- that is still a long way to go. The exercise also lays emphasis on a self-reliant India (Atmanirbharta) by showcasing indigenous systems in a joint environment. The exercise saw the IAF with its fighters and support aircraft along with air defence systems working alongside the Army and Naval assets. The exercise will undoubtedly yield valuable lessons for each of the three services on how best to employ their assets in future joint operations. As the debriefs unfold in the Joint Operations Rooms (JORs), every service will analyse what worked, what didn't, and how integration can be made more seamless the next time. Having seen many such cycles of learning during my years in uniform, I know that each exercise -- no matter how complex or exhausting -- leaves us stronger, wiser, and better prepared, provided we are truthful and forget our turf's while we face each other in debriefs. Honest reflections and shared experiences help build the trust, understanding, and synergy that form the backbone of a truly integrated and resilient national defence. The IAF, besides its usual role, was seen operating in close coordination with its sister services. They will, of course, help in maintaining control of the air (air superiority) over the area to ensure that the operations carried out by the Army and Navy progress unhindered and their objectives achieved. Logistical mobility over varied terrain is a complex exercise which will be practiced by the transport and helicopter fleets available with all the services. A need has always been felt to have integrated logistics for all the three services, and this exercise would give us valuable lessons for the same. An important aspect of the exercise, no doubt, was coordinated intelligence gathering to enhance battlefield visibility. Platforms like the P-8i, AWACS and the recently commissioned indigenous battlefield surveillance system (BSS) for the army called Sanjay will work hand in hand providing much-needed data to each other for enhanced transparency of the battlefield. UAVs, which have recently come of age, will be used in large numbers for intelligence gathering as well as offensive tasks and fresh SOPs for joint operations will be drawn up. Operation Sindoor saw extensive use of the anti-UAV shield which ensured that more than 400 enemy drones were destroyed before they could pose a threat to us. This is a new area of operations for our armed forces and fresh lessons will be surely drawn from this exercise. New generation aircraft like the IAF's Rafale, Tejas and the Prachand helicopters, the Army's T-90s and Arjun tanks, and the Navy's INS Jalashwa -- the indigenous landing platform dock -- were tested in this environment and SOPs recalibrated so as to sharpen our operational readiness, endurance and cooperation between the services. Artificial Intelligence, without doubt, will be used at all levels of command -- this is an area where all the three services need to upgrade their skills. We saw the use of long-range vectors (Brahmos and other missiles) during Sindoor for the first time -- the armed forces sharpened their abilities in war-like conditions and emerged victorious. There would still be grey areas to be ironed out during this exercise. In large-scale exercises like Trishul, our adversaries are usually informed well in advance. The recent curtailment of Pakistani air traffic over the central and southern regions -- reportedly to avoid any risk during the drills -- is telling. Such reactions demonstrate that exercises serve as powerful instruments of strategic signaling -- they compel the adversary to heighten alert levels and redeploy assets, thereby revealing aspects of their dispositions and readiness. In short, well-publicised drills do more than test our own systems -- they also prompt responses that can yield valuable intelligence about an opponent's plans and priorities. From my own experience, such large-scale exercises do far more than test machinery or systems -- they connect people and ideas. Within the IAF, aircrew move across bases, interact with new units, and work closely with colleagues they may have only known by reputation. These interactions, both professional and personal, build understanding and camaraderie that no manual or briefing can achieve. The same holds true across the three services, where familiarity with each other's operating styles and concepts of warfighting is invaluable in building true jointness. Such exercises also have a wider ripple effect. The civil administration, border security organisations, and even the public gain a clearer picture of how coordination unfolds when the nation's defence machinery is mobilised. At the unit level, formations get to practice their war plans in realistic settings while understanding how this dovetail into the larger strategies conceived at higher headquarters. Such exposure brings home an important lesson -- that preparedness is not just about readiness to fight, but also about learning to think, plan, and operate together. As I watch the scale and sophistication of these exercises grow, I can't help but reflect on how far we've come since the days when 'jointness' was just a concept we spoke about in seminars. Operation Sindoor changed that. It has shown us that integration is not merely desirable -- it is paramount and indispensable. Yet, real integration goes beyond intent; it demands overcoming formidable challenges. The logistical complexity of moving men, machines, and materials across varied terrain still tests our systems. The effort to seamlessly integrate indigenous technology with older, imported platforms often exposes gaps in compatibility. The growing reliance on digital networks introduces an entirely new dimension -- that of cybersecurity, where even a minor breach can have strategic consequences. Add to that the ever-present constraints of budgets, infrastructure, and the environmental sensitivities of regions like Sir Creek, and it becomes clear that the journey toward full-spectrum readiness is ongoing. Still, what gives me confidence is the mindset shift I now see. These challenges are no longer viewed as limitations but as problems to be solved -- collectively, creatively, and confidently. Operation Sindoor was our wake-up call; exercises like Trishul 2025 are our rehearsal for the wars of tomorrow -- multi-domain, technology-driven, and unforgiving to the unprepared. The way ahead lies in integration -- not just of systems and strategies, but of minds, missions, and the spirit that binds the Indian Armed Forces together. A helicopter pilot who served the Indian Air Force for 35 years, IAF Veteran Air Commodore Nitin Sathe is a frequent contributor to Rediff. You can read his earlier articles here. Photographs curated by Manisha Kotian/Rediff Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff 'This outcome is thoroughly unexpected.' 'I travelled extensively across villages, engaged in detailed discussions with residents, and consulted with party workers who had been canvassing from village to village, from one location to another, seeking grassroots feedback.' 'Not a single interlocutor suggested that there would be an NDA wave of this magnitude.' IMAGE: Nitish Kumar and Narendra Modi during a rally in Samastipur for the Bihar assembly elections. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo The National Democratic Alliance seems to be headed for a stunning landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections, crossing the 200 seat mark and reducing the Mahagathbandhan to a mere 30 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the largest single party with substantial leads in 94 seats -- the BJP had won 74 in the 2020 assembly election -- surpassing its ally the Janata Dal-United which almost doubled its 2020 tally of just 43 seats won in 2020 to about solid leads in 84 seats as of 4.30 pm in the 2025 election. The Rashtriya Janata Dal, which had emerged as the single largest party in 2020 with 75 seats, seems to be heading for a whitewash with leads in only 25 seats. The interim results represent an unprecedented decimation of the Opposition in a state renowned for its politically astute electorate and historically fractured verdicts. The Rashtriya Janata Dal and Congress, the principal constituents of the Mahagathbandhan, have been virtually wiped out, raising questions about the dramatic divergence between ground sentiment and electoral outcomes. This electoral tsunami has left political analysts like Professor D M Diwakar bewildered, particularly given reports of anti-incumbency sentiment and poorly attended rallies during the campaign period. In a two-part interview with Prasanna D Zore/Rediff, Professor Diwakar, Director, Development Research Institute in Madhubani, expresses profound scepticism about the NDA's landslide victory, describing the results as "unbelievable", "unprecedented" and "beyond explanation" given his extensive field observations during the campaign. How credible do you find these results that are currently being displayed? The NDA has crossed 200 seats while the Mahagathbandhan has been reduced to less than 30 seats. This outcome is thoroughly unexpected. I did not observe any indication of such a wave during my extensive fieldwork. I travelled extensively across villages, engaged in detailed discussions with residents, and consulted with party workers who had been canvassing from village to village, from one location to another, seeking grassroots feedback. Not a single interlocutor suggested that there would be an NDA wave of this magnitude. While people were not particularly vocal against the Janata Dal-United, they were remarkably critical of the Bharatiya Janata Party. What we now observe is that the JD-U has performed substantially better than anticipated. But the BJP has emerged as the largest single party with leads in 94 seats compared to the JD-U's 84 seats... The manner in which they (the BJP) have orchestrated the entire electoral campaign and navigated the electoral process has been extraordinary. I must say, it would have been more comprehensible had they contested all 243 seats independently. This result is simply unbelievable, particularly in Bihar where the electorate is extraordinarily politically conscious and has never been known to deliver such a one-sided mandate. This election cycle was especially perplexing because there was no discernible atmosphere suggesting such an outcome. Consider this: Even the deputy chief minister was assaulted in his own village. He was physically confronted, insulted, and manhandled. Who precisely was subjected to this treatment? Vijay Kumar Sinha, the deputy chief minister, was insulted and physically confronted in his own village by the village council. He was prevented from conducting election campaigning in his own constituency. This was the prevailing atmosphere. There were numerous incidents where BJP candidates were forcibly ejected from public meetings. So much so that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's rallies were sparsely attended, with vacant chairs visible in the meeting grounds. Journalists documented the empty seating arrangements while the prime minister delivered his address. This was the scenario on the ground. Conversely, if you examine the attendance at rallies addressed by Rahul Gandhi and Tejashwi Yadav, they were consistently well-attended, and audiences responded enthusiastically, expressing confidence that the Mahagathbandhan would form the government. Yet the Mahagathbandhan has failed catastrophically. What explains this dramatic reversal? I am withholding definitive judgement because we have completed only 11 or 12 rounds of counting out of a total of 28 rounds. The margins in several constituencies remain extremely narrow -- sometimes merely 200, 400, or 500 votes. I do not anticipate that the final tally will precisely mirror these preliminary figures. Let us await the conclusion of the counting process; the situation may not ultimately prove quite so dire for the Opposition. Nevertheless, I remain unable to comprehend how such a dramatic turnaround could have occurred in favour of the BJP. It is genuinely unbelievable, unprecedented and defies rational explanation. You correctly observe that we are midway through counting. However, if these results hold, what would constitute a plausible explanation for a landslide NDA victory? Can you identify two or three determining factors? I can identify two crucial factors. Firstly, when Nitish Kumar was not designated as the chief ministerial candidate initially, he began operating independently and consolidating his own political strength. He achieved this through various welfare schemes, including the provision of Rs 10,000 to women -- a scheme supported by the central government. Various women welfare programmes were substantially funded and enhanced. Old-age pensions were dramatically increased from Rs 400 to Rs 1,100 monthly. Additionally, there were numerous other initiatives: Salaries for school cooks were increased, and remuneration for Anganwadi workers was enhanced. All these measures were implemented merely two months prior to the election, and they could have significantly altered public perception towards Nitish Kumar. Since Nitish Kumar and the BJP are electoral allies, perhaps the goodwill generated for Nitish Kumar was transferred to the BJP as well. Otherwise, public sentiment towards the BJP was decidedly unfavourable. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference concluded here on Friday, with participants reaching consensus on enhancing cooperation and elevating the Global South's voice in international governance. Participants engaged in in-depth discussions on how the West has long dominated the global governance system, overlooking the Global South's interests and concerns in agenda-setting, rule-making and resource allocation -- a pattern that urgently needs to change amid the collective rise of the Global South. South Africa's Independent Media Executive Chairman Iqbal Surve told Xinhua that the call by Global South countries to claim their rightful place in international narratives should not be ignored, noting that this forum, which brings together senior government, media and academic representatives from across Africa and China, demonstrates the Global South's growing cohesion and voice. Didier Kebongo, publisher of the Democratic Republic of the Congo's Forum des As newspaper, said the forum has provided a platform for Global South countries to "build trust and discuss cooperation," sending a strong signal on the eve of the G20 Leaders' Summit that the Global South is calling for a fairer and more equitable global governance system. He noted that Western media have long dominated agenda-setting, causing a structural imbalance in the current global governance system. "The forum sets to encourage the Global South to tell its own stories, jointly set agendas, share content and build common standards," said Kebongo. The two-day event gathered more than 200 representatives from over 160 media outlets, think tanks, government organizations and other institutions from China and 41 African countries, as well as the African Union (AU). In addition to launching the "United in Heart, Path and Action -- 2026 China-Africa Partnership Empowerment Action Plan," the forum also published a think tank report titled "Jointly Building a New Model of Global Leadership -- Work Together in Pursuit of a More Just and Rational Global Governance System." Participants voiced strong support for the report's call to build a "new model of global leadership" and urged media and think tanks to strengthen bilateral cooperation and coordination under multilateral mechanisms to help lead the Global South's narrative. "The Global South must not speak in fragments. Our strength lies in unity," said Leslie Richer, director of information and communication at the AU, stressing that the priority is to align efforts into a unified strategic voice that shapes global decision-making rather than merely reacting to it. Erastus Mwencha, member of the Advisory Council of the Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation and former deputy chairperson of the AU Commission, said the success of mechanisms such as the Global South Media and Think Tank Forum, the World Media Summit, and the BRICS Media Think Tank Forum reflects a broader shift toward the Global South in global development priorities. Global South countries have the capacity to bring about change and development that is sustainable, he added. Over the past two days, participants also held discussions on such topics as China-Africa commitments to global governance reform, China-Africa action for Global South revitalization, and China-Africa exchanges in global civilizational coexistence. They also attend a series of side activities, including a cultural exchange event between China's Hunan Province and its African partners. Liu Hongwu, director of the Institute of African Studies at China's Zhejiang Normal University, said that the rise of the Global South signals the emergence of a more balanced, diverse and inclusive governance model, and that China-Africa cooperation offers a good example for global governance. China-Africa cooperation is not one-way aid but a partnership built on equality, mutual support and win-win outcomes, demonstrating that global affairs "should be governed collectively by all countries, rather than led by a few," said Liu. Najeh Missaoui, chairman and chief executive officer of the Tunis Africa News Agency, said he hoped that practical cooperation in news reporting and information exchange under both bilateral and multilateral mechanisms would be strengthened. "The holding of this forum is a clear affirmation of China's commitment to strengthening South-South cooperation and supporting the causes of development and lasting peace on the basis of mutual respect and shared interests," he said. Participants also expressed their hope that the consensus reached during the event could be translated into tangible cooperation outcomes, calling for stronger collaboration in areas such as clean energy transition, industrial connectivity, talent development and co-creation and joint dissemination of content, which would help promote a more just and equitable global governance. "Increasingly, African and Chinese entrepreneurs are co-creating solutions in renewable energy, e-commerce and digital technology, showing how shared progress can emerge from shared learning," said Fikresus Amahazion, research analyst at Eritrean Center for Strategic Studies. "Across our continents, these exchanges are thriving," the analyst said. Confidence Musariri, chief commercial officer of the Namibia Press Agency, believed that as the Global South's contribution to the world economy continues to grow, media and think tanks should step up collaboration to strengthen their collective voice, deepening cooperation in news sharing, training and new-media applications. "Media cooperation must advance rapidly to avoid becoming an 'endangered species' in the era of artificial intelligence (AI)," he said, urging media colleagues to "leverage technologies like AI and big data to enhance digitalization and distribution efficiency." Drummond Mafuta, president of the Board of Directors of Angola's Edicoes Novembro, said that this forum provides an important platform for media organizations to engage and for countries to more proactively tell their own stories. "This forum is a meeting place, a space for consultation among all of us, where new ideas may emerge and cooperation agreements between our institutions may also be formed," Mafuta said. 'This calls for a very serious investigation, investigation and introspection both.' 'Wherever we went wrong needs proper introspection; but the results also need investigation.' IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party supporters celebrate the National Democratic Alliance's leads in the Bihar assembly election at the BJP office in Patna, November 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The CPI(ML) Liberation is one of the key constituents of the Mahagatbandhan in Bihar. Its members were most visible on the ground helping voters fight deletion of their names in the SIR. Despite winning 12 of the 19 seats it had contested in the 2020 assembly elections, it agreed to contesting just 20 seats this time. However, like other parties of the Mahagatbandhan, it saw its winning tally decline drastically -- it was leading in only two seats at the time of posting this interview. Busy with the results, CPI(ML) General Secretary Dipankar Bhattacharya spoke briefly to Jyoti Punwani about the shock results. Your immediate comments on the Bihar result. This is absolutely an abnormal, unnatural, result. This doesn't correspond to the political ground reality we saw. Neither does it correspond to the result we got in the Lok Sabha a year ago, nationally, or in Bihar; and it certainly doesn't correspond to the results 5 years ago in the Bihar assembly. This calls for a very serious investigation, investigation and introspection both. Wherever we went wrong needs proper introspection; but the results also need investigation. This result in Bihar is not just a crisis of the Opposition, but of parliamentary democracy. What is the political ground reality you saw? The mood we saw was certainly not like this, of BJP winning more than 90 seats. We'd have seen signs of that. There was so much anger; everyday there were demonstrations. There were so many demonstrations outside the BJP office in Patna that they had to have a permanent police picket there. IMAGE: Janata Dal-United supporters burst crackers to celebrate the NDA's leads in the Bihar assembly elections. Photograph: ANI Photo Did the SIR impact the elections? This was an election without precedents. First, the SIR, there no precedence for that. The SIR produced mass anxiety, a sense of fear of losing the right to vote. One doesn't know if that kind of fear psychosis gives rise to certain voting behaviour. We have no prior experience of this. It's not only that 65 lakh (6.5 million) names were struck off. It's also that 3 lakh (300,000) were added if you see the final number of people who voted, a figure posted by the ECI. Even after the final deletions, there were 3 lakh additions. These numbers could explain the difference between winning and losing in many constituencies. This exclusion and addition together created a net SIR impact which would be the difference between victory and loss in constituencies which saw close contests. IMAGE: BJP supporters celebrate the NDA's leads in the Bihar assembly elections. Photograph: Sonu Kishan/Reuters What about the Rs 10,000 cash transfer to women? Did it play a major role in the NDA's victory? This kind of money transfer that took place, not just to women: Rs 30,000 crores (Rs 300 billion) were distributed among 3 crore (30 million) beneficiaries -- there was no precedence for that. All sections of women were fighting for their rights: Aanganwadi workers, even Jeevika Didis. The Jeevika Didis had been on strike for months a year ago because the government stopped the assistance they were getting. Now, before the elections, they suddenly changed the policy. It's like when they suddenly repealed the farm laws. What does the immediate scenario look like to you? The economic crisis in Bihar will only get worse. This is not a natural outcome. When political normalcy is restored, I can see a lot of agitations taking place. Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff 'Jan Suraaj Party was the BJP's 'B' team.' 'You have seen their performance and it proves that they only worked to dent Opposition votes by working for the BJP.' IMAGE: Bharatiya Janata Party supporters in Patna, November 14, 2025, celebrate as early trends show the National Democratic Alliance leading in the Bihar assembly election results. Photograph: Sonu Kishan/Reuters In the wake of the sweeping victory for the National Democratic Alliance in the Bihar assembly elections, the results have triggered intense political introspection among the Opposition parties. At the centre is the Congress, a key constituent of the Mahagathbandhan, which suffered a huge setback, leading in just two seats of the 61 it contested from. "We've got to look if the Rs 10,000 (scheme for women) was a game-changer in Bihar. Or whether it was really Nitish Kumar's image that led to the NDA victory. Or the Election Commission's role in their victory," Devendra Yadav, the All India Congress Committee secretary in charge of Bihar, tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff. What is the reason for such a rout for the Congress and Mahagathbandhan in Bihar? We've got to sit with our alliance partners and take stock of the situation. Only then will we give a joint statement about the Bihar assembly election results. What is your personal opinion at this point of time as the NDA is set to win 200+ seats out of 243? We've got to see the role of SIR (special intensive revision) in the NDA's victory in Bihar. It is well known in the public domain how the voters of INDIA bloc were being targeted due to SIR. Now, we've got to find out two points from this -- what kind of technique was used to influence voters and the voice of genuine people that led to the NDA victory. And let me tell you that we in the Congress party have not lost hope. We are standing with strength, will take this defeat in our stride and voice our concern for the downtrodden people of Bihar in the future. Twenty years is a long time for Nitish Kumar to be leading Bihar. Even the anti-incumbency factor did not damage the NDA in this election; on the contrary it is a landslide victory. In a democracy, the ruling party and Opposition have to participate in elections and fight. Our fight will continue and we will continue to fight for the Constitution of India and save India's democracy. At the end of the day Nitish Kumar's charisma did work, didn't it? It is too early to say this. So what worked for him, according to you? We've got to look if the Rs 10,000 (scheme for women) was a game-changer in Bihar. Or whether it was really Nitish Kumar's image that led to the NDA victory. Or the Election Commission of India's role in their victory. Did the Congress give tickets to the wrong people? This issue is always raised post the results. Everyone points out to the ticket distribution factor. But at this moment, I will not be able to tell you whether wrong people were given tickets to contest the elections. What about the Jan Suraaj Party? Did it in any way dent Mahagathbandan votes? Jan Suraaj Party was the BJP's 'B' team. It is proven now. You have seen their performance and it proves that they only worked to dent Opposition votes by working for the BJP. Ruling parties Friday lost four of the eight seats where assembly bypolls were held on November 11, with the Congress bagging one seat in Bharatiya Janata Party-ruled Rajasthan and the Peoples Democratic Party handing the National Conference its first ever defeat in its stronghold of Budgam in Jammu and Kashmir. IMAGE: BJP's Devyani Rana wins the Nagrota assembly bypoll in Jammu, November 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI/X The BJP won the Nagrota seat in Jammu and Kashmir and Mizoram's main opposition party, Mizo National Front (MNF), retained the Dampa assembly seat with its candidate R Lalthangliana defeating Vanlalsailova of the ruling Zoram People's Movement by a margin of 562 votes. The Dampa seat fell vacant following the death of incumbent Mizo National Front (MNF) legislator Lalrintluanga Sailo on July 21. Bypolls were also held in Anta (Rajasthan), Ghatshila (Jharkhand), Jubilee Hills (Telangana), Tarn Taran (Punjab) and Nuapada (Odisha). The Congress and the BJP won one more seat each while the AAP and the JMM also bagged one seat each. In Odisha's Nuapada, the BJP's Jay Dholakia beat Ghasi Ram Majhi of the Congress by a huge margin of 83,748 votes. Jay is the son of late BJD MLA Rajendra Dholakia, whose death necessitated the bypoll. In Nagrota, the BJP's Devyani Rana defeated Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (JKNPP) candidate Harsh Dev Singh by 24647 votes. NC candidate Shamim Begum, who got 10872 votes, lost her deposit. Rana is the daughter of former MLA Devender Singh Rana, whose death necessitated the bypoll. Opposition PDP's Aga Syed Muntazir won the Budgam bypoll in Jammu and Kashmir, defeating ruling NC candidate Aga Syed Mehmood by a margin of 4,478 votes. The bypoll in Budgam was necessitated after Chief Minister Omar Abdullah vacated the seat and chose his family bastion of Ganderbal after winning from both constituencies in the assembly elections last year. This is the first time that the NC has lost in its bastion of Budgam, in central Kashmir, since the first elections for the legislative assembly were held in 1957. The Congress's wins came in Anta assembly constituency in Rajasthan and Jubilee Hills in Telangana. In Anta, Pramod Jain Bhaya defeating his nearest rival and BJP nominee Morpal Suman by a margin of 15,612 votes. The bypoll was necessitated after BJP MLA Kanwar Lal Meena was disqualified following his conviction in a criminal case. V Naveen Yadav of the Congress won the Jubilee Hills seat defeating his nearest BRS rival Maganti Sunitha by a margin of 24,729 votes. The bypoll was necessitated by the death of BRS MLA Maganti Gopinath in June. The ruling AAP retained the Tarn Taran assembly seat in Punjab with its candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu defeating his nearest rival and SAD nominee Sukhwinder Kaur Randhawa by a margin of 12,091 votes. The Tarn Taran seat fell vacant after the death of AAP MLA Kashmir Singh Sohal in June. JMM candidate Somesh Chandra Soren beat his nearest rival Babulal Soren of the BJP in the by-election to the Ghatshila assembly seat in Jharkhand by over 38,500 votes. Somesh is the son of JMM MLA Ramdas Soren, whose death on August 15 necessitated the bypoll. The Congress on Friday posted its second worst performance in Bihar's electoral history, managing to win only six of the over 50 seats it contested and losing deposits in most seats as its 'vote chori' pitch failed to make any impact on the ground. IMAGE: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi interacts with people at the Shri Krishna Rai Yadav Maidan, Sakra, Muzaffarpur, October 29, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo The scale of the Congress' debacle was such that the party just finished ahead of Asaduddin Owaisi's AIMIM and Jitan Ram Manjhi's Hindustani Awam Morcha, which bagged five seats each. The Congress tally was only better than the four seats it won in 2010, getting a vote share of only 8.75 per cent compared to the 8.17 per cent 15 years ago. The party now has multiple challenges -- keeping its flock together, curbing voices of dissent within besides reclaiming lost ground. The results mirrored a lingering pattern of lacklustre performances by the Congress which dominated Bihar for decades, winning 100 plus seats till 1985. In 1977, the Congress won 57 seats in the wake of the Emergency. Starting with 239 seats with a 41.38 per cent voteshare in 1952, the grand old party's graph in Bihar has been on the decline ever since. The dominant player in Bihar's politics went down from 196 seats in 1985 to 71 in 1990 and further down to 29 and 23 in 1995 and 2000, only to touch the single digit mark in 2005. Friday's show, however, compares to no other in terms of the grand old party's decimation with Rahul Gandhi's 'vote chori' campaign failing to make any impact on the electorate of the state that gave the ruling NDA a four-fifth majority in a repeat of 2010 charts. The rout of the Congress was so complete that its state president Rajesh Kumar lost to HAM candidate Lalan Ram in Kutumba. Gandhi's 'Voter Adhikar Yatra', a consistent anti-Election Commission and SIR narrative, his appeals to Gen Z to 'restore democracy' had no takers. In Bihar, 40 per cent of the population is below the age of 18 and 23 per cent is between 18 and 29 years. Among other caste, community and social bases too, the Congress failed to emerge as a party of choice. The caste census cry that the Opposition had been giving out for sometime now was a non-issue in this poll after the NDA government announced inclusion of caste in the next census. Intra Opposition coalition contradictions marked by the RJD, Congress and Left fighting each other in at least eight seats, lack of projection of unity, absence of a credible narrative that could appeal to the voters contributed to the Congress' decline in the state. What worked for the NDA was the pro-incumbency with women voters, the youth and extremely backward classes favouring it strongly, in order to counter the opposition's Muslim-Yadav combine factor. Reminding people of 'jungle raj' under the RJD, Rs 10,000 to women under the Mahila Rozgar Yojana, jobs to youth, pension to the old and speedy development of Bihar seem to have found resonance with Bihar voters in the NDA's favour. Fragmentation of votes within the RJD due to Tej Pratap Yadav contesting separately and Prashant Kishore's Jan Suraaj Party eating into non-NDA votes also favoured the NDA. Lack of political understanding of Congress leaders like Krishna Allavaru, who was in charge in Bihar, also led to the party's rout this time. Friday's outcome reveals that the Congress has continued to falter, failing to win states one state after the other and unable to uplift alliances in which it is a partner. Insiders said the party would have to return to the drawing board and revise its election strategy or risk losing existence. The Bihar results will also act as a dampener for party cadres, whose morale is already down psychologically ahead of the 2026 poll cycle. For a few years now, the Congress has been losing to the BJP in direct fights (Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Haryana) and has remained at best a peripheral or smallest player in coalitions elsewhere such as in Jharkhand, Maharashtra and now Bihar. With the Election Commission having rolled out the special intensive revision of electoral rolls in other states that go to polls next year, the Congress would either have to find ways to make its 'vote theft' campaign work or revise its political strategy and rework its narratives. In 2026, it faces an emboldened BJP in a direct fight in Assam and a formidable rival in the CPI-M in Kerala. In West Bengal and Tamil Nadu, however, the Congress remains a fringe player. In a veiled swipe at Rashtriya Janata Dal's Tejashwi Yadav, senior Janata Dal-United leader Ashok Choudhary warned that politics in Bihar was sliding into a "dangerous combination of immaturity and raw desperation", a mix he said is now becoming "lethal". IMAGE: Bihar assembly LoP Tejashwi Yadav addresses a press conference at his official residence, in Patna. Photograph: ANI Photo Choudhary's remarks came as counting of votes was underway for the Bihar assembly elections, with early trends showing that the NDA was leading. Speaking to PTI in Patna, he expressed concern that certain political leaders appeared inclined to keep resetting again and again, and bringing policies without adequate foresight, ideological grounding". The NDA is winning with a two-thirds majority. We believe in being humble even in victory. But some leaders speak this without maturity, without consistency. This is what worries us, Choudhary said, apparently referring to Yadav. Once the initial phase of popularity or electoral sweetness fades, he cautioned, these candidates will do whatever they want. It shows political immaturity. The JD-U leader claimed that the desperation to grab power at any cost was beginning to overshadow institutional norms and democratic conduct. This combination of immaturity and desperation somehow becomes lethal; it is unhealthy for democracy, he said. Amid claims circulating on social media that district officials could influence the poll results in certain tight battles, Choudhary dismissed the apprehensions. No officer can make someone win or lose. The Election Commission has a robust system in place. No one puts their neck on the line, he said. Collectors or returning officers may be accused of having certain powers, but no one will risk their career or cut their throat for anyone," Choudhary said. The JD-U leader said attempts were being made to use such perceptions to sway public opinion during the counting process. Ultimately, democracy does not bend to desperation. Institutions still stand. The ground reality remains firmly in the hands of the people, he added. As the Congress and the Mahagathbandhan suffered a humiliating defeat in the Bihar elections on Friday, calls for introspection and course correction started emerging from the Opposition bloc, with some criticising the concentration of power in a few hands. IMAGE: A deserted view of the Bihar Congress office during the vote counting of the Bihar assembly election, in Patna, November 14, 2025 . Photograph: ANI Photo Congress stalwart late Ahmed Patel's daughter Mumtaz Patel alleged that the party's failures are a result of giving power in the hands of leaders who are totally disconnected from the ground reality. In a post on X, she said it is time to look within and accept the reality. She asked how long the loyal party workers have to wait to witness success. The National Democratic Alliance is set to sweep the Bihar assembly polls, surging ahead in close to 200 of 243 seats. The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the single largest party with nearly 95 percent strike rate, reaffirming the popularity and campaign clout of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who was the face of the ruling alliance through the poll battle in the highly sensitive political state. Shiv Sena-Uddhav Balasaheb Thackeray leader Priyanka Chaturvedi, who was formerly with the Congress, urged Opposition leaders to speak to the women of the country. "Dear Opposition Leaders. Unsolicited advise. Speak to the women of the country. An alternative cannot be without them. Thank you," she said in a post on X. The Mahagathbandhan, which includes Rashtriya Janata Dal, Congress and three Left parties, seemed to be poised for a crushing defeat, struggling to cross the 35-seat mark. "No excuses, no blame game, no introspection, it's time to look within and accept reality," Mumtaz Patel said. "Till when will countless loyal ground workers who have stayed with the party through thick and thin ... wait to see success ... instead it's failure after failure due to power concentrated in the hands of a few who are totally disconnected with ground reality and are responsible for the misery and rout of the grand old party time and again. "And mark my words, these same people will be rewarded again and again because they have made themselves indispensable with their control and power!!" she said in her post. Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said the party would examine the results, do some serious introspection, and look into the organisational mistakes that led to such a verdict. He also said he was not invited to campaign in the Bihar election, while noting that the Congress would examine the reasons for its defeat. "Remember, we were not the senior partner in the alliance, and the RJD also has to look carefully at its own performance," he told reporters. According to him, in a mandate like Bihar's, it is important to examine the totality of the party's performance. He noted that elections are about a number of factors. "There is, of course, the popular mood. There are questions about the organisation's strengths and weaknesses. There is a question of messaging. These are issues that will have to be looked at, he said. Another Congress leader and former state chief Akhilesh Prasad Singh said, "We will introspect where Congress lagged. However, I congratulate Nitish Kumar and the NDA. There shouldn't have been friendly fights -- RJD's Sanjay Yadav and our party's Krishna Alavarru will better explain why we performed poorly in the elections. In a first, the Bihar assembly polls this time saw no voting day deaths and no re-polling being ordered in any constituency. IMAGE: District Magistrate Thiyagarajan S M at AN College counting centre during the vote counting of Bihar assembly election, in Patna on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo In the past assembly polls, the state witnessed violence, deaths and re-election, official data shows. Addressing party workers and supporters at the Bharatiya Janata Party headquarters in New Delhi after National Democratic Alliance's landslide win in Bihar, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said gone are the days when elections in the state witnessed violence, booth capturing and repolls due to malpractices. He noted that this time there were no incidents of violence in the state during polls, and the Election Commission did not have to order any repoll in any of the polling stations. "Booth capturing, violence used to be a regular affair during 'jungle raj' in Bihar elections, but now no such case takes place," he said. He also noted that on earlier occasions, polling in certain constituencies of the state used to end at 3 pm due to fear of Maoists. But now polling continues for 11 hours, like in other areas. Polling usually commences at 7 am and concludes at 6 pm. Modi congratulated people for reposing faith in democracy and the Election Commission by voting in record numbers in the assembly elections. Bihar has an electorate of over 7.45 crore. With 66.91 per cent voter turnout, it was the highest since the first Bihar elections in 1951. As many as 3.51 crore electors turned up at polling stations to cast their vote. Bihar recorded the highest female voter turnout in its history. In the 1985 elections, 63 deaths were reported, and re-polling was ordered in 156 booths, the data showed. During the 1990 elections, 87 people died in poll-related violence. In 1995, then chief election commissioner T N Seshan ordered the postponement of the Bihar elections four times due to unprecedented violence and electoral malpractices. In 2005, re-polling was held in 660 booths due to violence and malpractices, according to the data. The counting of votes for this year's two-phase assembly polls is underway in Bihar. Riding on the clear trends of Bihar Assembly polls which pointed towards a landslide victory of the National Democratic Alliance over the Mahagathbandhan, Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas chief Chirag Paswan said on Friday that he firmly believed that Nitish Kumar would continue to remain the state's chief minister. IMAGE: Union minister and LJP-RV chief Chirag Paswan celebrates NDA's win in the Bihar Assembly election 2025, in Patna on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo Paswan attributed the 'arrogance' of the Tejaswai Yadav-Rahul Gandhi-led opposition alliance for its thumping defeat and stated that the people's 'faith in the unity of NDA partners' was the reason behind their convincing win. "I firmly believe that Nitish Kumar will remain the Bihar chief minister. Arrogance is the cause for the opposition's humiliating loss and it is the sole factor that led to its downfall," Paswan told reporters in Patna. "Our overwhelming victory is on account of the strength of the double-engine government which is led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi at the Centre and our chief minister Nitish Kumar in the state. The people of Bihar have reposed complete faith in the unity of the NDA partners which has led to this win," he added. The opposition parties on Friday alleged that there was "vote chori" (vote theft) in Bihar too as the Bharatiya Janata Party-led National democratic Alliance appeared to be heading for an impressive victory in the Bihar assembly election. IMAGE: BJP supporters celebrate as trends show the ruling NDA leading in the Bihar state assembly election results, in Patna. Photograph: Sonu Kishan/Reuters The Bharatiya Janata Party-led National Democratic Alliance appeared to register a landslide victory in Bihar, opening up impressive leads in more than 180 of the state's 243 assembly seats, with early trends also indicating that the saffron party was on track to post its biggest tally. Bihar polls were held over two phases on November 6 and 11. Senior Congress leader Bhupesh Baghel took a swipe at Chief Election Commissioner Gyanesh Kumar, saying he played a "crucial" role in the Bihar assembly elections and was "responsible" for the poll outcome. The former Chhattisgarh chief minister also said things were "clear" the way the Election Commission functioned. Baghel, who is Congress' senior observer for Bihar elections, said, "The trends indicate that the NDA is heading towards a three-fourth majority. (Union Home Minister) Amit Shah had already spoken about this (outcome). If there is one person responsible for this entire election (result), it is Gyanesh Kumar. Congratulations and best wishes to him in advance for this." Asked why he was blaming Gyanesh Kumar, Baghel said, "The way the Election Commission functioned, it made everything clear. Therefore, whoever is responsible will be congratulated. Gyanesh Kumar ji's role was crucial in this entire election, so many congratulations and best wishes to him". On being asked why the Congress keeps forging an alliance with the Rashtriya Janata Dal if the latter's image is that of 'jungle raj', he said, "Those born 20 years ago don't know about the jungle raj. They know about the current jungle raj. Everyone across the country knows about the jungle raj of Modi and Shah." This is a matter of setting the narrative. Congratulations to Gyanesh Kumar for this, he added. On questions being raised about the role of the electronic voting machines (EVMs), he said, "There are many more things that will come out." Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav alleged that the "game" carried out through the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar will no longer be possible in other states. In a post on X in Hindi, Yadav said that the "game" carried out through SIR in Bihar has now been exposed, and that such "election conspiracies" will not be possible in West Bengal, Tamil Nadu, Uttar Pradesh or anywhere else. "We will not allow them to play this game any further," he said. "Like CCTV, our 'PPTV,' or 'PDA (Backwards, Dalit, Minority) Prahari (watchdog)' will remain vigilant and thwart the BJP's plans," he said. The months-long SIR in Bihar concluded with the Election Commission publishing the final voters' list on September 30. The exercise drew sharp protests from the opposition, which accused the poll panel of working at the behest of the ruling BJP, a charge it flatly rejected. Yadav further said the BJP is "not a party, but a fraud". Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah claimed that there was "vote chori" (vote theft) in Bihar too, where the ruling NDA is leading, surpassing the majority mark, as the counting of votes is underway for Assembly polls held in that state. He, however, said that he is yet to get information on the reasons for the Congress-RJD led alliance set back and NDA's march towards victory with a majority. "We have to accept the mandate of the people. I don't know what caused the set back. I had not gone there (to Bihar). I don't know who did not vote (for us), why the NDA has won with a big majority. I will try to know," Siddaramaiah told reporters in response to a question on set back for Mahagatbandhan in Bihar. To a question that despite OBC votes being decisive in Bihar, voters not supporting the Congress party, he said, "I don't know. Who is Nitish Kumar? Isn't he OBC?" Asked about the Congress and its leader Rahul Gandhi's 'vote chori' allegations ahead of Bihar polls, the CM said, "They have done chori here too." He, however, did not give any details. Members of the terror module under scanner for the deadly blast near the Red Fort, relied on an unusual yet effective method of communication to avoid detection -- through unsent emails kept as drafts. IMAGE: Rapid Action Force stand guard at the Red Fort car blast site, in New Delhi, November 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Photo According to investigators, the suspects, including Dr Umar Un Nabi, who is believed to have driven the car that exploded, and his associates, Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Shahid, communicated using a single email account accessible to all in the module. Instead of sending, they saved emails as drafts, a police source said. The intended recipient would log into the same account, read the draft, and delete it immediately, leaving no digital trail of communication, the source said. This method was chosen to evade surveillance and prevent interception of their conversations, as nothing was transmitted across networks, police said. Officials said the technique reflects a high level of caution and planning within the module, allowing them to coordinate activities related to the conspiracy without relying on traceable channels. Members of the terror module were also in constant contact, mainly through a Swiss communication application called Threema and other such apps. They allegedly used the encrypted messaging app to plan and coordinate the terror conspiracy while also staying in touch with their foreign handlers, police said. "Unlike conventional messaging platforms, Threema does not require a phone number or email ID for registration, making it extremely difficult to trace the users," a source said. The app assigns each user a unique ID not linked to any mobile number or SIM card and offers end-to-end encryption with an option to be run on private servers. Investigators suspect the accused doctors set up a private Threema server to communicate securely and evade detection. This server was allegedly used to share sensitive documents, maps, and layouts related to the Delhi blast conspiracy. "Detailed planning, including location sharing and task allocation, is believed to have been conducted through this private network," a police source added. Threema also allows messages to be deleted from both ends and does not store metadata, further complicating forensic retrieval, the source added. Preliminary findings suggest the app was used to transfer restricted material and coded messages among the members of the terror module, officials said. HEFEI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- In a sprawling park in Hefei, capital of east China's Anhui Province, which was transformed from a retired civil airport, the future of transportation is being quietly tested. Self-driving cars share the road with pedestrians, while delivery drones and electric vertical take-off and landing aircraft (eVTOLs) buzz overhead. The Hefei Luogang Park is one of many application scenarios that authorities in Hefei, one of China's rising innovation hubs, opened for the testing of new technologies, products and business models. Since 2021, Hefei has been at the forefront of cultivating and opening application scenarios in various fields, such as industrial development and urban governance. The local government is playing a key role by organizing roadshows and meetings to connect technologies with real-world applications, facilitating deeper integration of scientific and industrial innovation, said Gao Zhengrong, an official with Hefei's Development and Reform Commission. China is seeking to drive high-quality economic development by exploring further application scenarios for new technologies and products, with the aim of promoting their large-scale industrial application and development, and accelerating the development of emerging industries. Earlier this month, China unveiled a guideline aimed at "accelerating the cultivation and openness of scenarios and promoting the large-scale application of new scenarios." Scenarios have become key innovation resources, defined as a bridge that connects technology and industry, and links research and development with the market, Li Chunlin, deputy head of the National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), told a policy briefing in Beijing on Monday. The guideline prioritizes five key areas, including emerging industries, industrial transformation and public services, and has identified 22 specific fields for scenario cultivation and openness. In south China's Guangdong Province, authorities are leveraging the region's vast market and diverse application scenarios to drive scenario innovation in 20 fields, including advanced manufacturing, maritime economy and low-altitude economy. Ai Xuefeng, head of the Guangdong Development and Reform Commission, said the province has released 20 rounds of scenario supply-and-demand lists to connect innovators with potential users. These real-world trials offer more than technical validation. They also provide a form of verification by testing the feasibility of business models and institutional reforms. Central government departments are actively supporting the initiative. The State-owned Assets Supervision and Administration Commission has opened 190 pilot test and verification platforms of centrally administered state-owned enterprises. The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology is focusing on nurturing application scenarios in sectors such as "5G+," "AI+," "robotics plus" and "industrial internet plus." Regions across China are transforming into innovation testing hubs. Beijing is promoting the application of smart city technologies, while Anhui plans to deploy 1,000 quantum information technology application scenarios by 2027. To eliminate administrative barriers, 20 cities, including Hefei, Shanghai, Hangzhou and Foshan, formed a scenario innovation city alliance earlier this year, aiming to promote the wide application of new technologies and products across the country. Experts say this nationwide push to create real-world testing environments is crucial for accelerating innovation and driving high-quality economic growth. "Placing enterprises' research and development in real environments will allow new technologies, products, and business models to rapidly verify and evolve," said Liu Quanhong, director of the Institute of Industrial and Technological Economics under the NDRC. "This will become a new engine driving high-quality economic growth." The ruling National Democratic Alliance on Friday secured a thumping majority in the Bihar Assembly, winning 202 seats in the 243-member House, as results for all the constituencies were declared by the Election Commission. IMAGE: Workers and supporters celebrate JD-U candidate from Mokama, Anant Singh's win in Bihar assembly elections, at his residence, in Patna on Friday. Photograph: ANI Photo The Bharatiya Janata Party emerged as the largest party, winning 89 seats. Its ally, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar-led Janata Dal-United, won 85 seats, while Union minister Chirag Paswan-led Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas bagged 19 seats. Hindustani Awam Morcha-Secular, headed by former chief minister Jitan Ram Manjhi, won five seats, while Upendra Kushwaha-led Rashtriya Lok Morcha bagged four seats. Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, and state ministers Prem Kumar, Maheshwar Hazari and Sanjay Saraogi, and BJP's Maithili Thakur were among prominent winners from the NDA camp. Rashtriya Janata Dal leader and Mahagathbandhan's CM face Tejashwi Yadav, the late Mohammad Shahabuddin's son Osama Shahab and Communist Party of India-Marxist Leninist-Liberation's Sandeep Saurav were among prominent winners from the opposition camp. Tejashwi Yadav won from Raghopur seat by a margin of 14,532 votes, defeating BJP's Satish Kumar. The Mahagathbandhan managed to win only 34 seats. The RJD bagged 25 seats, while the Congress won six seats, the CPI-ML-Liberation two seats and the Communist Party of India-Marxist one. Hyderabad MP Asaduddin Owaisi-led All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen won five seats, while Bahujan Samaj Party and Indian Inclusive Party bagged one seat each. Deputy Chief Minister Samrat Choudhary of the BJP won Tarapur assembly seat by a margin of 45,843 votes. Another Deputy CM, Vijay Kumar Sinha, won the Lakhisarai seat by 24,940 votes, defeating Congress' Amaresh Kumar. Maithili Thakur, a first-time contestant, won Alinagar seat by a margin of 11,730 votes, defeating RJD's Binod Mishra. Shreyashi Singh won from Jamui seat by a margin of 54,498 votes, defeating RJD's Mohammand Shamshad Alam. State minister Nitin Nabin won Bankipur seat by a margin of 51,936 votes, defeating RJD's Rekha Kumar. Prem Kumar, a senior BJP leader who was the agriculture minister in the outgoing Nitish Kumar government, continued his unbroken run in Gaya Town, a seat he has been winning since 1990. He defeated his Congress rival Akhouri Onkar Nath by a staggering margin of over 26,000 votes. Hazari, a JD-U leader who held the Information and Public Relations Department portfolio in the Nitish Kumar government, retained his reserved seat of Kalyanpur where he trounced his nearest CPI-ML-Liberation rival Ranjeet Kumar Ram by a margin of more than 38,000 votes. He has won the seat for a fourth consecutive time. Saraogi, a Marwari who has made a mark for himself in Bihar's caste dominated politics, retained Darbhanga for a fifth consecutive time. The BJP leader, who was the minister for revenue and land reforms, defeated Umesh Sahni of Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) by a margin of over 24,500 votes. Other notable winners include Tourism Minister Raju Kumar Singh, who had won the seat in 2020 on a VIP ticket but later joined the BJP. He has retained the seat for the saffron party by defeating Prithwi Nath Ray of RJD by over 13,000 votes. Other prominent winners include former minister Rana Randhir Singh of BJP (Madhuban) and don-turned-politician Anant Singh who has won Mokama, a seat he won several times and was held by his wife after conviction in a UAPA case led to his disqualification. Anant Singh, who is in jail in connection with the killing of Dular Chandra Yadav, a Jan Suraaj Party supporter, during election campaign, defeated Veena Devi of RJD, wife of Suraj Bhan Singh, his old rival in local politics as well as the underworld. Another notable winner was Raju Tiwari, the state president of Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas headed by Union minister Chirag Paswan. Tiwari had won the Govindganj seat in 2015 but lost it five years later when his party fought against the NDA. He has wrested the seat back by defeating nearest Congress rival Shashi Bhushan Rai by an astounding margin of more than 32,000 votes. The BJP and the JD-U contested 101 seats each, while their ally LJP-RV put up candidates in 28 constituencies. In the INDIA bloc, the RJD fought in 141 seats, while the Congress contested 61 constituencies and the CPI-ML-Liberation 20. A recurring theme of the prime minister's election rallies was the reminder of the 'jungle raj' during the RJD rule under chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and there were special efforts to ensure that the youth in the state does not get swayed by the promises made by Tejashwi Yadav. IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi speaks during a public rally for the final phase of the Bihar assembly elections, in Bettiah. Photograph: Narendra Modi Photo Gallery/ANI Photo It was a mix of state and central welfare schemes, including the monetary aid to women, and a constant reminder of the "jungle raj" during the RJD rule by NDA campaigners led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi that appears to have contributed in a big way to their landslide victory in the Bihar assembly elections. The prime minister addressed 13 rallies across Bihar and held a massive roadshow in Patna, evoking Bihari pride, celebrating traditions such as the Chhath Puja and lashing out at the RJD-Congress alliance for having a "soft corner for infiltrators" and profiteering from public money while being in power. PM Modi also gave a message of unity to the NDA constituents by interacting with them regularly as the campaign kicked off and ironing out differences amongst them in the aftermath of the announcement of candidates of the ruling alliance. A recurring theme of the prime minister's election rallies was the reminder of the 'jungle raj' during the RJD rule under chief ministers Lalu Prasad and Rabri Devi, and there were special efforts to ensure that the youth in the state does not get swayed by the promises made by Tejashwi Yadav. He urged the family elders to recount the "horrors of jungle raj' to the younger generations, who may have only seen Nitish Kumar as Chief Minister who has been in office since 2005. While the BJP celebrated the traditions of Bihar, including the Chhath festival, which was observed across the state just ahead of the first phase of the elections on November 6, PM Modi lashed out at Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for terming his references to the Chhath rituals as "drama". "The naamdaar of the Congress called the devotion to Chhathi Maiya a 'drama'. They never visit Ayodhya to have a darshan of Lord Shri Ram. I understand their dislike for Lord Ram. But they can at least pay obeisance at the shrines dedicated to Nishad Raj, Shabri Mata, and Maharshi Valmiki. Their reluctance to do so only indicates their hatred for Dalits and backward classes," PM Modi said at a rally in Araria. The prime minister hit the campaign trail on October 24 with a rally at Samastipur, the birth place of socialist leader Karpoori Thakur, who was honoured with the Bharat Ratna by the NDA government. On October 30, PM Modi addressed rallies in Muzaffarpur and Chhapra and followed it up with public meetings at Nawada and Arrah. He also addressed rallies at Katihar and Saharsa on November 3, at Bhagalpur and Araria on November 6, at Bhabhua and Aurangabad on November 7 and Bettaiah and Sitamarhi on November 8. He also interacted with party workers through the programme 'Mera Booth Sabse Majboot' and urged them to ensure that the people of the state are aware of the welfare schemes of the state and the Centre. Bihar has supported Modi in the previous elections -- the Lok Sabha elections in 2014, 2019 and 2024 -- and the assembly elections in 2020 and 2025. Joyous scenes were witnessed outside the Janata Dal-United headquarters in Patna, with party workers bursting firecrackers, smearing 'gulaal' on one another and playing drums, as National Democratic Alliance marches towards a landslide victory in the 243-member Bihar assembly. IMAGE: BJP supporters celebrate as early trends show the ruling NDA leading in the Bihar state assembly election results, in Patna. Photograph: Sonu Kishan/Reuters What began as a cautious cluster of workers glued to their mobile phones quickly morphed into a swelling carnival as the Election Commission's updates kept nudging the NDA deeper into a commanding lead. The JD-U's own 80-seat lead electrified the crowd, prompting a volley of cheers and rounds of fireworks that left the air thick with acrid smoke. A giant poster of Nitish Kumar was lifted above the crowd, its edges snapping in the November breeze. "Nitish ji ki paanchvi jeet likhi ja chuki hai'... bas formalities baaki hain! (Nitish ji's fifth victory is already written... only the formalities remain!" a jubilant worker told a Hindi news channel. IMAGE: NDA supporters distribute jalebis and laddos as the leads show NDA marches toward the landslide victory. Photograph: ANI video grab A row of elderly loyalists sat under a makeshift tarpaulin, softly beating a 'dholak'. "2005 se lekar aaj tak... logon ne dekha hai kaun sarkar chalata hai aur kaun sirf hawa banata hai, (From 2005 till today, people know who actually governs and who just makes noise)," said Ramesh Yadav, a booth worker from Nalanda who claimed he had attended every JD-U celebration since Nitish's debut win. The celebration had all the theatrics of a milestone moment. Photograph: ANI Photo A youth group marched with a giant green thermocol arrow, the poll symbol of JD-U, chanting, "Teer chalega, Bihar badega!" (the arrow will strike, Bihar will progress!)." Buckets of steaming 'jalebis' appeared and disappeared within minutes as workers abandoned any attempt at forming a queue. Green 'gulaal' drifted onto shawls, motorcycles and even the boots of policemen manning the gate, one of whom smiled wryly and said, "Paanchvi jeet ka josh alag hi hota hai (the excitement of a fifth win has its own energy)." With the BJP adding 85 leads and allies LJP-RV and HAM-S strengthening the NDA's surge, the celebrations intensified further. By noon, the street outside the office was carpeted with firecracker debris, streaks of green 'gulaal' and squashed sweet wrappers, an unplanned mural of a party certain it was witnessing history repeat itself. Bihar Congress chief Rajesh Ram on Friday raised doubts over the "integrity" of the counting process even as Election Commission trends placed the NDA comfortably ahead of the Mahagathbandhan. IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo The Election Commission's numbers delivered a sweeping early advantage to the ruling alliance. By late morning, the NDA had crossed the 166-seat mark, while the Mahagathbandhan lagged at 56, signalling a sharp tilt in favour of the BJP-led coalition. Within the NDA, the JD-U led in 82 seats, the BJP in 78, with allies LJP-RV (22) and HAMS (four) adding heft to the front. The Mahagathbandhan's early tally rested largely on the RJD's leads in 34 seats, followed by Congress at six, Left partners CPI(ML)-Liberation (6) and CPI(M) in one. The tally is likely to change with several rounds of counting left. Amid this shifting electoral map, Ram alleged "serious anomalies" in the counting process, claiming that the procedure had slowed abruptly in several centres after the initial rounds. Accusing the administration of attempting to "steal votes", he claimed there were reports of "server vans" hovering around counting centres and "irregularities at booths." "When vote theft happens in Maharashtra and Haryana, why will people not suspect the same here? Especially the Opposition," he told PTI Video. Ram argued that Bihar's electorate was showing "visible resentment" rooted in unemployment, paper leaks, lack of healthcare, and persistent distress migration. "Women don't want their husbands to go outside the state to earn. Youths are frustrated. The 20-year rule backed by the BJP has failed them," he added. The Congress leader also echoed the RJD's warnings that any perceived wrongdoing could trigger unrest. "Voters know whom they pressed the button for. If the outcome doesn't match their expectation, anger is natural," he said. Attacking Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, Ram alleged that the BJP had "completely captured" him. "JD-U leaders and workers are themselves unhappy. Even they know this government is on its way out. The public wants a government that delivers jobs, medicines, and dignity," he said. Bihar Congress in-charge Krishna Allavaru, speaking to PTI Video, said the party would wait until the end of the day before commenting on the numbers. "These are only early trends. At the end of the day, the final numbers will speak," he said. Asked about allegations of irregularities in the counting process, he said, "The Election Commission, the prime minister, and the home minister must assure the people that the process has been neutral and transparent. There are many questions, many pieces of evidence. They must clarify." An accidental explosion ripped through the Nowgam police station in Srinagar, killing nine people and injuring 32, Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police Nalin Prabhat said on Saturday, and ruled out any terror attack. IMAGE: Rescue operation underway at the Nowgam police station after an accidental explosion on the outskirts of Srinagar, November 14, 2025. Photograph: Kind courtesy Umar Ganie He said the blast occurred on Friday night when a specialised team was extracting samples from a large and "unstable" cache of explosives confiscated from Faridabad, Haryana in connection with the ongoing investigation into a 'white-collar' terror module. "Any other speculation into the cause of this incident is unnecessary," Prabhat said, putting to rest theories circulating on social media and TV channels about a potential terror attack targeting the police station. Prabhat said three personnel from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team, two crime photographers, two revenue officials (part of the magistrate's team), one official of the State Investigation Agency (SIA) and a tailor associated with the team were killed in the blast. A total of 32 people -- 27 police personnel, two revenue officials, and three civilians from adjacent areas -- were injured. They were immediately evacuated to local hospitals for treatment, he said. According to the DGP, the sampling process had been going on for the past two days. "Due to the unstable and sensitive nature of the recovery, the sampling process, the handling was being done with extreme caution, with utmost caution by the FSL team. "However, unfortunately, during this course, last night around 11.20 pm, an accidental explosion took place," he said. The samples were being extracted for forensic and chemical examination as part of the procedure in FIR No. 162/2025, the case which exposed the entire 'white-collar' terror module and led to the arrest of eight people, including three doctors. The police station building was severely damaged and adjacent structures were also affected by the massive blast. Small successive explosions initially hampered the rescue operation, the police chief said. The materials being sampled were part of a huge recovery, approximately 360 kg of explosive substances, chemicals and reagents, including ammonium nitrate, potassium nitrate, and sulphur. This cache was recovered by Jammu and Kashmir Police from the rented residence of arrested accused Dr Muzzamil Ganaie in Faridabad on November 9 and 10. The bulk of the 360 kg of explosives was stored securely in an open area at the Nowgam police station, where the primary case for the terror module was registered. The entire investigation began after posters threatening police and security forces appeared on walls in Bunpora, Nowgam, in mid-October. CCTV footage analysis led to the arrest of the first three suspects -- Arif Nisar Dar alias Sahil, Yasir-ul-Ashraf, and Maqsood Ahmad Dar alias Shahid. These three had cases of stone pelting registered against them, and they were seen pasting the posters. Their interrogation led to the arrest of Maulvi Irfan Ahmad, a former paramedic turned Imam, who allegedly supplied the posters and radicalised the doctors. The trail led investigators to Al Falah University in Faridabad, where Dr Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Sayeed were arrested, and the huge chemical cache was seized. Investigators believe a core trio of doctors -- Dr Ganaie, Umar Nabi (the driver of an explosives-laden car that exploded near the Red Fort on November 10, killing 13 people), and Muzzaffar Rather (absconding) -- were running the module. The role of the eighth arrested person, Dr Adeel Rather -- the brother of the absconding Dr Muzzaffar Rather -- from whom an AK-56 rifle was seized, is still under investigation. Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai --the title of a Bollywood blockbuster --neatly captures the gist of Janata Dal-United leader and chief minister Nitish Kumar's "neither tired nor in a mood to retire" stance as his party looked set to nearly double its 2020 Bihar assembly tally. IMAGE: Women in Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's village, Kalyan Bigha, celebrate NDA's lead in the vote counting of the Bihar assembly election 2025, in Nalanda, November 14, 2025. Photograph: ANI Video Grab The Bihar chief minister had a point to prove in the latest assembly elections, which were held amid speculations of a fatigue factor, if not downright anti-incumbency, made worse by rumours of his indifferent health. In the run-up to the high-stakes polls, the 75-year-old aggressively doled out benefits like a hike in social security pensions and stipends for Jeevika and Aasha and Aanganwadi workers, besides the much touted Mukhyamantri Mahila Rojgar Yojana, as part of which over one crore women have got Rs 10,000 each in their bank accounts. His rivals may have sensed the potential of these "freebies", with his former deputy Tejashwi Yadav of Rashtriya Janata Dal alleging that the government has become a "copycat" and ex-confidant Pavan Varma, who is now with another old associate of the JD-U supremo Prashant Kishor, the Jan Suraaj Party founder, urging the Election Commission to take note of the "bribing of voters". The longest serving chief minister of the state, nonetheless, remained unfazed by criticisms and also allegations of detractors that the Bharatiya Janata Party was out to do a "Shinde" to him, an allusion to his former Maharashtra counterpart who was elbowed out after the saffron party outshined the Shiv Sena in assembly polls to the western state. Apparently mindful of the fact that the BJP, which did not have a majority in Lok Sabha, was dependent on his JD-U for survival in power at the Centre, Kumar undertook a dogged campaign that lacked the flair of the saffron party, which had pulled out its famed heavy artillery, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi leading the charge. Modi, who addressed as many as 14 rallies, besides holding a roadshow, during the poll campaign, shared the stage with Kumar only once, at his inaugural election meeting in Samastipur. However, acknowledgement of the good work done by "Nitish babu" came at all public speeches of the NDA's biggest crowd puller, as he sought to caution the people against a return of "jungle raj". It remains to be seen whether Kumar, an engineering graduate who spurned a job offer in the state electricity department to take up politics, would be backed for another term in office or the clamour will grow stronger in the BJP, for having its "own chief minister" in the only Hindi heartland state where the exclusive seat of power has eluded it. Born in 1951 in Bihar's Bakhtiyarpur, Kumar entered politics during the JP Movement. He joined the Janata Party and unsuccessfully contested his first assembly elections in 1977. His first electoral victory was in 1985. His frequent switching sides in his nearly five decades of political career earned him the nickname 'Paltu Ram'. Although BJP leaders have always been wary of Kumar's ability to seamlessly side with the RJD-helmed opposition camp whenever he finds the occasion, the INDIA bloc this time is unlikely to have enough numbers to facilitate another flip flop. In a recent TV interview, Union Home Minister Amit Shah had said that legislators of the NDA will decide who was going to be the next chief minister of Bihar, a remark that has lent itself to many interpretations. For quite some time, whenever elections were held for a top ornamental post like President and Vice President, there had been speculations that the JD-U supremo might be chosen as the NDA's candidate, to provide him with an honourable exit from active politics. Be that as it may, the people of Bihar, especially the women for whom he has launched schemes after schemes, besides even imperilling the state's finances with the imposition of prohibition, have given their leader a parting gift. A striking poster featuring Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar standing beside a tiger, captioned boldly 'tiger abhi zinda hai' (tiger is alive), appeared outside his residence on Friday, as the NDA marching towards up a clear victory in the assembly elections. IMAGE: A poster featuring Bihar CM Nitish Kumar standing beside a tiger, captioned 'tiger abhi zinda hai' appears outside his residence on Friday. Photograph: ANI on X The poster, cinematic in its framing and unmistakably designed to project authority, quickly became a magnetic point for cameras and cadre alike. It went up at around the same time the Election Commission began flashing the day's first substantive trends. The ruling NDA looks like to sweep assembly seats, according to trends available on the Election Commission's website. JD-U workers gathered around the poster as if unveiling a victory totem ahead of time. "'Sirf trend aaya hai, par message clear hai, Nitish ji politics ka asli tiger hain', (the trends are only out, Nitish ji is the real tiger of Bihar politics)," one worker told a news channel, posing proudly beside the larger-than-life artwork. The image of Kumar standing calmly, while a tiger crouches beside him reinforced a long-running political metaphor JD-U supporters invoke whenever questions over his political longevity emerge. Vehicles slowed to take photographs; some residents stepped out just to see "the tiger poster" making the rounds on social media. As Bihar geared up for the long day ahead, one visual set the tone early: Nitish Kumar, shoulder-to-shoulder with a tiger, casting an unmistakable message that the "tiger", at least for his supporters, was very much alive. A police team detained two doctors from the Nuh district in Haryana for questioning in connection with the terror module case, police sources said on Friday. IMAGE: Policemen search a car in Faridabad, Haryana, November 14, 2025. Photograph: Faridabad police/X One of the doctors completed his apprenticeship from Al Falah University on November 2 after finishing his MBBS degree. According to police sources, the other doctor, who was also detained, is a former student of the university and currently works at a private hospital in the Nuh district. Recent police operations led to the seizure of approximately 2,900 kg of explosives after the terror module was dismantled. This operation spanned across Jammu and Kashmir, Haryana and Uttar Pradesh. Earlier, eight individuals, including three doctors affiliated with the Al Falah University in Faridabad, were arrested, and many others have been detained for questioning as part of the ongoing investigation. Investigators have found that the three suspects -- Dr Umar Nabi, Dr Muzammil Ganaie and Dr Shaheen Shahid -- allegedly used a Switzerland-based encrypted messaging app to plan and coordinate their activities related to the terror conspiracy. The DNA test of the samples collected from the Red Fort blast site has confirmed that Dr Nabi was driving the car involved in the explosion that occurred on Monday, resulting in the deaths of 13 people and injuries to many others. In a related development, a team of revenue officials from Faridabad visited Al Falah University to conduct a comprehensive land survey of the 70 acre campus. The exercise will also find out if the land is being utilised in accordance with the necessary approvals and regulations, sources said. Additionally, the Faridabad police continued their search operations following the seizure of large quantities of explosives. On Friday, police teams from NIT Ballabgarh and Central Zone conducted searches in markets and crowded areas. "In view of the high alert in Haryana, the Faridabad police also launched a special campaign to strengthen security across the district. As part of this campaign, teams are being formed at the police station level and intensive checking is being conducted at various locations," said the Faridabad police spokesperson. In another development, two fertiliser and seed store owners in Sohna were detained over suspicion that the suspects in the module may have procured chemicals from there. Meanwhile, in Gurugram, strict measures are being implemented regarding the distribution of fertilisers, now limited to registered farmers only. "According to the order of the Haryana government, now fertilisers (urea, DAP, NPK, etc) will be available only to those farmers who have registered their crops on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal," said Gurugram Deputy Commissioner Ajay Kumar. "The portal is open from October 9, and farmers who have not registered on the Meri Fasal Mera Byora portal can register their crops on the portal." This photo taken on Nov.16, 2025 shows a section of the wall that Israel is building on the Yaroun border in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Nov. 14 confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) BEIRUT, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Friday confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. According to a UNIFIL statement, peacekeepers conducted a geospatial survey in October of a concrete T-wall installed by the IDF southwest of the southern Lebanese village of Yaroun. The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents. UNIFIL said it had informed the IDF of the findings and requested the removal of the wall. In November, peacekeepers observed further T-wall construction in the same area. A subsequent survey confirmed that a section of the new structure also crossed the Blue Line. UNIFIL said it will formally notify the IDF of the latest violation. "Israeli presence and construction in Lebanese territory are violations of Security Council Resolution 1701 and of Lebanon's sovereignty and territorial integrity," UNIFIL said, reiterating its call on the IDF to fully respect the Blue Line and withdraw from all areas north of it. This photo taken on Nov.16, 2025 shows a section of the wall that Israel is building on the Yaroun border in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Nov. 14 confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov.16, 2025 shows a section of the wall that Israel is building on the Yaroun border in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Nov. 14 confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov.16, 2025 shows Israeli workers building wall with heavy machines on the Yaroun border in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Nov. 14 confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) This photo taken on Nov.16, 2025 shows Israeli workers building wall with heavy machines on the Yaroun border in Southern Lebanon. The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) on Nov. 14 confirmed that sections of concrete barriers recently erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into Lebanese territory, violating UN Security Council Resolution 1701 and Lebanon's sovereignty. The survey found that the barrier extended beyond the Blue Line, cutting off more than 4,000 square meters of Lebanese land from local residents. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua) Brattleboro, VT (05301) Today Sunshine and clouds mixed. A few flurries or snow showers possible. High 26F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. A few flurries or snow showers possible. Low near 15F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph. BLAZUJ, Bosnia-Herzegovina -- After first flying from China to Serbia and then traveling by bus to neighboring Bosnia-Herzegovina, two young Chinese men are weighing entering the European Union through Croatia. Yong and Chen have traveled along the so-called Balkan route for migrants , joining thousands of asylum seekers from the Middle East, South Asia, and Africa who are fleeing war, poverty, and repression in the hope of starting a new life inside the EU. They're also among a growing cohort of fellow Chinese nationals who have increasingly looked to take advantage of visa-free entry in Serbia and Bosnia to then enter the EU and claim asylum in Western Europe. RFE/RL is using pseudonyms for Yong and Chen and withholding certain details about the men, both of whom are in their early 20s. The two spoke to RFE/RL at the Blazuj migrant camp outside the Bosnian capital, Sarajevo, where they met after traveling separately from China. Yong is a native of China's Henan Province, where he worked as a food delivery driver. Chen was a cook at a restaurant in Jiangsu Province. Yong told RFE/RL he is currently running out of money and isn't sure how he would make the perilous crossing into Croatia, an EU member since 2013. "I might stay here and find a job, earn some money," he said. "Maybe I'll look for work in a shop. I could work as a vendor." Escaping Surveillance, High Youth Unemployment According to data from Frontex, the European Border and Coast Guard Agency, 482 Chinese nationals were caught making illegal crossings along the Balkan route in the first nine months of 2025. That number is likely to rise before the end of the year, with four groups totaling more than 50 Chinese nationals stopped in recent months. Some of those crossings have been deadly. One attempt resulted in the drowning of a Chinese citizen when a boat full of migrants capsized after trying to cross the Danube River between Serbia and Croatia in October. At least 10 other Chinese migrants who were on the boat survived. More than 1 million Chinese nationals sought asylum abroad between 2012 and 2024, according to data from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR), driven in part by growing surveillance and censorship since Chinese leader Xi Jinping came to power in 2012 and high youth unemployment rates and stagnant wages in recent years. This period has seen growing Chinese diaspora communities in places like Amsterdam, Bangkok, Dubai, and Tokyo. But many from lower middle-class backgrounds who do not have the funds or the qualifications to emigrate officially have looked for other ways to leave the country. Some of the new wave of Chinese migrants have looked to enter the United States through the migrant corridor that connects South and Central America with the US southern border. A small but growing number have looked to Europe via the Balkans. Laura Harth from the international human rights organization Safeguard Defenders told RFE/RL that the Balkan route for Chinese nationals is "a tentative pathway for those seeking to make it to Europe through irregular migration paths, especially with the dangerous involvement of human trafficking networks." How Do Chinese Migrants Reach the Balkans? Yong and Chen are reluctant to detail their lives back in China. Other Chinese migrants have expressed fear that they or their families could be identified by Chinese authorities and face repercussions. Both men claim to have lost their passports but said they do not want help from Chinese embassies and instead expect assistance from the International Organization for Migration (IOM). The Chinese embassies in Belgrade and Sarajevo did not respond to RFE/RL's inquiries about Chinese citizens using the Balkan route. While some crossings are attempted from Serbia, where Chinese citizens can remain for 30 days visa-free, it is more common for them to try and enter the EU from Bosnia, which allows for 90-day stays without a visa and has a far longer border with Croatia. In Croatia, 454 Chinese nationals applied for international asylum in 2024 and 377 in the first nine months of 2025. "All of them arrived from Bosnia-Herzegovina and Serbia, abusing the visa-free regime in those countries," a spokesperson from Croatia's Interior Ministry told RFE/RL. The exact number of Chinese nationals passing along the Balkan route is unknown. Only the number of those caught crossing illegally is known. And many Chinese migrants have turned to trafficking networks that can bring them into the EU. Bosnia-Herzegovina's Security Ministry told RFE/RL that the number of Chinese nationals detected in illegal border crossings has increased dramatically over the past two years, going from only two people in 2023 to 151 in 2024. Few Chinese migrants elect to apply for asylum in Bosnia-Herzegovina, with official statistics showing only three Chinese applicants out of a total of 21,489 migrants who arrived in the country in 2024. Serbia's Interior Ministry did not respond to RFE/RL's inquiry about how many Chinese nationals were recorded crossing the border illegally in 2025 but said it had received asylum requests from eight Chinese nationals in 2023, three in 2024, and five by September this year. Nikola Kovacevic from the Center for Research and Social Development (IDEAS), a Belgrade-based NGO, said it's no longer uncommon to see Chinese people in the country, whether they're tourists, laborers, or migrants looking to move further west. "It's just a few people, but previously there were none," Kovacevic told RFE/RL. Serbian official statistics show 27 Chinese nationals were issued removal orders from the country in 2024, with illegal border crossings cited as the most common reason, accounting for 72.8 percent of all cases. Rados Djurovic from the Belgrade-based Center for Protection and Assistance to Asylum Seekers told RFE/RL that his organization works with more than 2,500 people a year, but only a few of those cases involve Chinese citizens. "That doesn't mean these people aren't present. If smuggling is successful, they don't need to contact us," he said. A Shifting Migrant Route Through The Balkans The Balkan route was used by a record number of migrants at the peak of Europe's refugee crisis in 2015 and has remained one of the main migratory paths into the Continent. And while precise pathways to illegally cross borders change, the route has also solidified multiple smuggling groups bringing migrants into the EU. "We've noticed that criminal groups are arriving along with migrants," Samir Avdibegovic from Vasa Prava, an NGO that recently signed a contract with Bosnia's Security Ministry to provide legal assistance to migrants, told RFE/RL. One prominent case was Zhang Yong, a 42-year-old Chinese man who on October 15 was convicted of organizing the trafficking of women and forcing them into prostitution. According to Bosnian prosecutors, Zhang had pushed Chinese women into prostitution in the cities of Mostar, Sarajevo, Doboj, and Banja Luka and had transported them himself from Serbia, where they arrived from China. The Balkan migrant route was also mentioned in a Europol statement from January that announced the dismantling of a sophisticated Chinese criminal network that trafficked women across the region into the EU for "sexual exploitation." During raids in Barcelona, Madrid, and Toledo in Spain, as well as in Zagreb, Croatia, 30 people were arrested, including the alleged leaders of the criminal network. Criminality along the route has been part of the reason why the United Kingdom imposed sanctions on a collection of Balkan criminal groups in October, targeting known passport forgers and a financial network supplying small boat equipment to transport migrants. London has also deployed British border security officers to the Balkans for the first time to dismantle networks smuggling migrants to the United Kingdom. Frontex also deployed more than 100 officers along Bosnia-Herzegovina's borders this year. Enhanced border security measures in the Balkans have led to a drop in the total number of migrants. Frontex told RFE/RL that 2025 has so far seen a 47 percent decline in "irregular border crossings" compared to last year. European Commissioner for Home Affairs and Migration Magnus Brunner said total illegal border crossings have fallen by 90 percent in the past three years. Despite the overall decrease in migrants traveling along the Balkan route, the number of Chinese nationals appears to be going up. "The decline of China's domestic economy, decreasing social mobility, and the near impossibility of seeking legal protection for common issues such as illegal land seizures, unpaid wages, and corrupt officials" are driving people abroad, Safeguard Defenders' Harth said. Written by Reid Standish based on reporting from Ljudmila Cvetkovic in Serbia and Meliha Kesmer in Bosnia-Herzegovina. Predrag Zvijerac contributed to this report. Welcome back to The Farda Briefing, an RFE/RL newsletter that tracks the key issues in Iran and explains why they matter. I'm RFE/RL correspondent Kian Sharifi. In this edition, Im looking at how a promotional video by a private contractor in Iran may have inadvertently revealed the construction of a subterranean military base. What You Need To Know Op-Sec Failure: An Iranian civilian contractor that specializes in manufacturing blast-resistant doors posted promotional videos on social media that inadvertently revealed multiple fortified tunnel construction projects apparently linked to Iran's army. Water Crisis Becoming Critical: Iran is facing a severe water crisis caused by years of mismanagement and drought, forcing authorities to ration water in Tehran. Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian has warned that parts of the city may need to be evacuated or the capital relocated. Kaveh Madani, director of the Canadian-based United Nations University Institute for Water, Environment, and Health, has told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that the warnings by the authorities didn't go far enough. Have a look at satellite images of key lakes and reservoirs across Iran to see the extent of the country's crippling drought crisis. Iran Ramps Up Construction At Underground Nuclear Facility: Satellite images reveal that while Irans previously targeted nuclear sites remain inactive, construction has ramped up at a new underground facility near Natanz. Experts say the site, buried beneath Pickaxe Mountain, was initially intended for centrifuge assembly but may now be part of a broader nuclear project. Radio Farda spoke with Joseph Rodgers of the Washington-based Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), who analyzed the images. The Big Issue Instagram Op-Sec Fail The contractor's videos on Instagram showcased the installation of reinforced tunnel doors, blast-proof chambers, and underground storage facilities designed to withstand aerial or missile strikes. The footage appeared to depict entrances to tunnels that open-source analysts believe are large enough to house drones or serve as munitions storage facilities. The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), which has for years boasted about its underground missile cities, was quick to deny any links to the facilities. A close inspection of the videos, however, reveals the insignia of the army -- not the IRGC -- on a banner installed in the tunnels. Why It Matters: These types of hardened underground facilities are commonly associated with Iran's ballistic missile and drone programs, as well as protection systems for key military assets. The inadvertent disclosure offers a rare public glimpse into Iran's expanding network of fortified military infrastructure -- information that would normally be closely guarded. The timing is particularly sensitive given the heightened regional tensions and recent strikes on Iranian facilities. Iran has been investing heavily in underground facilities to protect strategic assets from potential Israeli or US airstrikes, including sites for drone and missile production. The contractor's social-media promotion essentially handed intelligence analysts detailed views of construction techniques, door specifications, and facility layouts that would normally require extensive covert intelligence gathering. What's Being Said: The videos sparked immediate debate within Iran about security vulnerabilities and operational security failures. But aside from the IRGC statement distancing itself from the breach, there has been no official comment -- not even from the army. On X, questions were raised about the apparent lapse in security, with some attributing it to rampant corruption. Others, including military commentators, wondered if the new blast-resistant doors are really strong enough to do what theyre supposed to. That's all from me for now. Until next time, Kian Sharifi If you enjoyed this briefing and don't want to miss the next edition, subscribe here. It will be sent to your inbox every Friday. Russian air strikes pounded Kyiv and other cities across Ukraine overnight, killing several people and wounding dozens of others -- including a pregnant woman -- as Moscow continues to hit civilian infrastructure. President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said Russian forces used 430 drones and 18 missiles in the attack on November 14, making it one of its biggest attacks in recent months. Targets in Sumy, Odesa, and Kharkiv were also hit, he added. According to Kyiv military administration head Tymur Tkachenko, six people were killed and at least 35 injured, two of whom were children, in a massive wave of missiles and drones that hit the Ukrainian capital and several other regions. The air strikes targeted residential districts across the capital. Around 30 apartment buildings were damaged, alongside medical facilities, public transportation, offices, shops, and vehicles, Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko said. "Once again, Russia has launched a heinous attack against Ukraine, our people, and ordinary residential buildings," Zelenskyy said in a post on X. According to Zelenskyy, Ukraine's air-defense units intercepted 405 drones and 14 missiles, including two Kinzhal air-launched ballistic missiles. Debris and direct hits were reported at 13 locations in the capital, and falling fragments caused additional damage at 44 more locations, Zelenskyy said on Telegram. "I'm going to die right here.... I don't have the strength anymore," one woman cried out as her daughter and son-in-law were trapped under rubble in their building. Among the severely affected were dozens of high-rise buildings, hospitals, and the Azerbaijani Embassy, which was struck by an Iskander missile fragment, Zelenskyy added, calling the attacks "cowardly shelling." The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry said the attack destroyed part of the embassy's perimeter wall and caused significant damage to the diplomatic compound. Renewed Calls For Western Air Defense Russia has consistently denied that it targets civilian infrastructure despite overwhelming evidence to the contrary. Zelenskyy renewed urgent calls for enhanced Western air defense and interceptors, stressing that existing systems are insufficient to fully protect the city and its residents. Ukraine has been seeking to upgrade its air-defense capabilities as Russia has intensified its aerial assaults in recent months. Earlier this month, Zelenskyy said Germany had provided additional Patriot air-defense systems, though more are needed. Kyiv also has urged the United States to supply longrange Tomahawk missiles to strike targets deep inside Russia, but President Donald Trump has repeatedly rebuffed the requests. Moscow warned Washington against sending Tomahawks, with Putin calling the move a "completely new stage of escalation" in US-Russia relations. Meanwhile, Ukrainian missiles and drones struck the Russian port city of Novorossiisk on the Black Sea, damaging a major oil terminal, six residential buildings, a civilian vessel, and port facilities. Ukraines military said it has used domestically made Neptune cruise missiles, which became famous for sinking the Moskva guided-missile cruiser, the flagship of Russia's Black Sea fleet, in 2022. The strike on Novorossiisk during the night of November 14 caused significant disruption to Russian energy infrastructure and sparked emergency measures across the strategic Black Sea port. Local media and citizen footage shared by the Exilenova+ Telegram channel described the attack as "very intense," with explosions visible near military and oil logistics facilities. According to Reuters, citing industry sources, Russia's Transneft halted oil flows to the port immediately after the strike, contributing to an increase of more than 1 percent in global oil prices. The city administration declared a state of emergency, as debris from intercepted drones damaged at least six residential buildings, several private structures, a civilian vessel at the port, injuring three crew members, and major oil terminals including the Sheskharis complex and the NUTEP container facility. Fires broke out but were contained, and temporary shelters were organized for affected residents, officials said. ASTRA, an independent media outlet, analyzed photographs and video posted online and concluded that part of the strike impacted military assets, including a site believed to house S-400 air-defense systems and the 1537th Red Banner Kuban Cossack regiment, which is part of the 51st Air Defense Division. Satellite imagery reportedly shows multiple launchers, including S-300/S-400 and Pantsir-S1, stationed there, although official sources have not commented on military damage or casualties. In parallel, another Ukrainian drone strike hit a refinery in Saratov, sparking additional fires and minor damage to civilian infrastructure. The Russian Defense Ministry stated that it downed over 216 drones overnight, predominantly over Krasnodar Krai, the Black Sea, and the Saratov region, but did not clarify how many breached defenses. Novorossiisk, one of Russias largest oil export ports, and its Sheskharis terminal, which is operated by Chernomortransneft, a subsidiary of Transneft, play a key role in exporting Russian and Kazakh crude oil. The complex includes massive storage capacity for oil, fuel oil, and diesel. Also on November 14, Aleksei Likhachyov, CEO of Russia's Rosatom State Atomic Agency, claimed Ukrainian drones "attempted to attack" the Novovoronezh Nuclear Power Plant in the southwestern region of Voronezh bordering Ukraine, on the night of November 13. All drones were shot down, Likhachyov said. Ukrainian officials have not confirmed carrying out the attack. Voronezh regional Governor Aleksandr Gusev said air defense and electronic warfare forces destroyed eight drones that night. Gusev added that when debris from one drone fell, it damaged auxiliary electrical equipment at the NPP, forcing the plant to reduce its output. The Russian Defense Ministry reported the destruction of 216 drones overnight, including 66 over the Krasnodar Krai, 59 over the Black Sea, and 45 over the Saratov Region. The statement did not specify how many drones were shot down. Ukrainian military officials have not yet commented on the strikes. With reporting by RIA Novosti, Reuters, Exilenova+, ASTRA, and RBK The URL has been copied to your clipboard The code has been copied to your clipboard. Ukraine's military said it hit a Russian oil terminal in the Black Sea port city of Novorossiisk on November 14. Port infrastructure was also damaged and oil exports were temporarily suspended, according to industry sources. HANOI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's capital Hanoi welcomed more than 28.22 million visitors in the first 10 months of this year, up nearly 22 percent year on year, local daily VnBusiness reported Friday. According to Nguyen Tran Quang, deputy director of Hanoi's Department of Tourism, the city received 6.17 million international arrivals during the period, up 23.6 percent, while domestic tourists numbered 22.05 million, up 21.4 percent. Tourism revenue was estimated at 108.22 trillion Vietnamese dong (about 4.1 billion U.S. dollars), nearly 20 percent higher than the same period last year, the report said. Hanoi aims to attract more than 33.7 million visitors this year, accounting for around 22.2 percent of the country's total tourist volume, according to the department. PARIS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Police opened fire on a man who brandished a knife at Paris's Montparnasse train station on Friday, according to French media. BFMTV reported that two people were injured: the knife-wielding man and a bystander. Emergency services treated both at the scene. The Paris prosecutor's office said the suspect is known to authorities for previous domestic-violence cases. Police established a security perimeter around part of the station following the incident. By Cillian Sherlock, PA The oldest ever recruit to graduate from the Garda College has encouraged other people his age to go for it. Jeremiah Burke, 51, said he wanted to join the gardai when he was younger but missed the opportunity. He said he recognises it is going to be a tough job, but said: Youre never too old. If youre able, why not? Give it a go. Id say to anybody out there, if you want to go for it go for it. He added: Ive done it, anyone can do it. Garda Commissioner Justin Kelly (centre) with graduating gardai (left to right) Jeremiah Burke, Amy Ni Riada, Kristina Courtney and Adam ORourke at Templemore Garda College, Co Tipperary (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Mr Burke said he had always had hope that he could become a garda, so re-applied when the recruiting age limit increased from 35 to 50 at the start of last year. He was within that age range when he applied. I was in the retail business and wanted to give that a chance, but unfortunately as time goes fast the closing date for the competition passed me by. He added: I didnt miss the bus time and here I am attesting today at a later stage. He said it was not easy and a bit daunting to go through the training alongside younger recruit, but said he was supported by his wife and two children as well as all those at the College. Garda Amy Ni Riada (Cillian Sherlock/PA) He was one of 194 gardai attesting from the Templemore Garda College in Co Tipperary on Friday. Among them, Garda Amy Ni Riada was eager to get stuck in after trading in a career in the media to join An Garda Siochana. The former RTE journalist, from Castleisland in Co Kerry, said she developed a taste for working in high-pressure environments and a role with variety. She was inspired to join the gardai seeing the response to the November 2023 riots in Dublin. It was an eye opener for me that I wanted to be stuck in and got involved in that way. Ms Ni Riada, who will be stationed in Midleton, Co Cork, also said being in An Garda Siochana was perfect for her desire to work with the most vulnerable people in society, having previously reported on climate change, social issues and violence against women in east Africa. They were among 164 new gardai and 17 garda reserves attesting from the Garda College in Templemore on Friday. It is the largest single attestation of new gardai since 2019 and the college will also see its largest class of recruits in a decade enter next week. Amy Ni Riada and Kristina Courtney (Cillian Sherlock/PA) Garda Kristina Courtney also left a career in communications and media production to join the gardai. She said she was inspired to join after getting an insight into the operations of An Garda Siochana by working on RTEs Crimecall programme. Part of her role involved making actors look like the bad guys. Asked how she felt about dealing with real bad guys, she replied: Im up for the challenge. Dubliner Adam ORourke said he joined An Garda Siochana because he wanted a career where he could help people and challenge himself. Garda ORourke, from Walkinston, previously served with the Defence Forces in Lebanon. Now being stationed in Blackrock, Dublin, he said he was happy to start making a difference in the community: It is a fantastic day, I couldnt be happier. Speaking at the Garda College, Taoiseach Micheal Martin said: It is a great honour to be here in Templemore today to witness the continued growth of An Garda Siochana and to welcome its newest members. Over a hundred years after it was first established, An Garda Siochana continues to thrive because it grows and adapts with the times. Of the 194 attesting on Friday, 137 are men and 57 are women and the new probationers will be assigned to divisions across the country by the Garda Commissioner. Of the new gardai, 87 will be deployed across the Dublin Metropolitan Region, with 47 going to the Southern Region, 39 to the Eastern Region and 21 to North Western Region. Commissioner Justin Kelly met some of those graduating and, speaking at the ceremony, said: Today is a proud day. A day to celebrate with your family and loved ones. A day to take stock of all it has taken to get you to this point. Today marks the start of your new career in An Garda Siochana. Gordon Deegan Revenues at the firm that operates Ireland West Airport Knock are course for reach a record 24 million this year, with the airport on target to top 900,000 passengers for the first time. That is according to new accounts for Connacht Airport Development Company Ltd, which show that last year pre-tax profits increased by 31 per cent to 2.46 million after the airport enjoyed its busiest ever year. Pre-tax profits increased as revenues rose by 11 per cent from 19 million to 21.08 million. In their report, the directors state that 2024 has proven to be the busiest year on record at the airport, with passenger numbers reaching 834,000 for the first time in the airports history, surpassing the previous record of 818,000 passengers achieved in 2023". The report shows that the airport is heavily dependent on Ryanair services, with Ryanair carrying 738,000 passengers in 2024 - which represents 88pc of the airports overall passenger numbers. Last year, Ryanair operated 17 routes from the airport, with record numbers using their services to and from Liverpool and London Luton in 2024. The directors state that the airport is confident that 2025 will be another record year of passenger growth, with passenger numbers of more than 900,000 for the first time. The directors state that "forecast revenues for 2025 based on forecast passenger numbers are expected to be in the region of 24 million, however, the airport is forecasting a pre-tax loss before receipt of Government funding, due to cost pressures. The directors state that this year, the 2025 summer schedule represents an increase of circa 18pc in capacity compared to summer 2024. The report states that Aer Lingus also recorded its busiest ever year in 2024 for passenger traffic at the airport, with a record 91,000 passengers using the London Heathrow service. The report states that the number of passengers travelling on services to Mainland and Continental Europe hit a new high for the airport, with 165,000 passengers travelling to and from Alicante, Barcelona, Faro, Majorca, Malaga, Milan, Cologne, Lanzarote, and Tenerife, representing a 9 per cent increase on 2023. On the uncertainties facing the airport firm, the directors note the reliance on a limited number of airlines for the passenger traffic in the current economic climate. They state that the airport is continuing its endeavours to both expand its current business with its incumbent airline partners and attract new airlines and services to the Airport. They also note that the continued reliance on exchequer support through the Regional Airports Programme for critical safety, security, fire and air traffic control costs. The companys pre-tax profit also takes account of non-cash depreciation and impairment costs of 3.38 million. The profit also includes other operating income of 4.47 million concerning Government grant funding. The airport firm recorded a post-tax profit of 2.13 million after incurring a corporation tax charge of 326,493. Numbers employed by the airport firm last year increased from 148 to 153 as staff costs rose from 6.97m to 7.4m The pay for one executive director totalled 244,690, made up of remuneration of 198,067 and pension contributions of 46,623. A breakdown of the firms revenues shows that it recorded aeronautical revenues of 8.76 million, commercial revenues of 12.2 million and other sales of 47,500. At the end of last year, the airport firm had shareholder funds of 13.8 million that included accumulated profits of 9.95 million. The companys cash funds rose from 10.19 million to 12.2 million. Work on clearing drains adjacent to Mountdillon Bog and at other bogs in County Roscommon got underway earlier this week following local flooding concerns where rewetting was taking place. Midlands North West MEP Ciaran Mullooly welcomed the move by Bord na Mona to begin work last weekend on the clearing of drains. It follows a number of public meetings and recent discussions with Roscommon County Council and OPW minister Kevin Boxer Moran. Last weekend, Mr Mullooly joined local farmers and community activists to see the first machines go in to clear blockages on sections of drains near Curraghroe in County Roscommon. The move has been welcomed by local landowners, Nuala Malone and Noel Moran from Ballyleague, who said it was an important first step in the process of clearing all drains that have been blocked and were causing serious concerns for local farmers in the area. A consultative study will now be carried out by Roscommon County Council to determine what additional works need to be carried out in the coming months on private land and tributaries, and rivers near homes that have been threatened by flooding in the area. Mr Mullooly has welcomed Saturdays development: This is very much the first step in a long series of steps that have to be taken to ensure that private land is not flooded. I advise any landowner who hasnt already been in contact with Bord na Mona to get in touch with them and we will continue to ensure that the blockages that are in place are taken out slowly but surely. New public art commissions are being launched in the heart of Roscommon Town. These new artworks follow previous commissions where artists responded creatively to the towns laneways, such as The Poetry Laneway on Chapel Street and The Bee Lane on Allee De Chartrettes. Each of these features have attracted favourable reaction among residents and visitors alike. The Mosaic Laneway by Chris Judge and Triskill Design is a nod to the town's heritage. The new works, Sculpture on the Square by Simon Carmen and Dr. Helen Sharp, officially titled Held Together, and The Mosaic Laneway by Chris Judge and Triskill Design, are part of the final elements of the ambitious Roscommon Town Main Street and Market Square Public Realm Project. These new features highlight Roscommons considerable tradition in craftwork and celebrate the rural agricultural community and local history. Students from St Comans Wood Primary School and members of County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society engaged with artist Chris Judge to decide on the elements, places, local figures, and native fauna to be highlighted in the designs of the mosaics. These newest works are part of the Living Laneways initiative. Anyone interested in hearing more from the artists is welcome to come along to the formal unveiling of the works on Saturday, November 15th from 10.30 a.m.. The meeting point for viewing will be outside the Bank of Ireland on The Square in Roscommon Town. At 11 a.m. in the function room of Gleesons Restaurant there will be opening words from the Cathaoirleach of Roscommon County Council, Cllr Liam Callaghan, followed by talks from the artists on each commission. The launch will close with a film screening of Roscommons Mosaic Tradition. These newest works are part of the Living Laneways initiative, a public art trail that provides visual enhancement to the laneway links approaching Main Street and Market Square. Students from St Comans Wood Primary School and members of County Roscommon Historical & Archaeological Society engaged with artist Chris Judge to decide on the elements, places, local figures, and native fauna to be highlighted in the mosaics' designs. These commissions were funded through the Per Cent for Art Scheme under the Urban Regeneration and Development Fund and delivered through Roscommon Arts Office. As part of the launch enjoy the screening of Roscommons Mosaic Tradition, a documentary funded by the Heritage Council as part of Heritage Week 2024. Roscommon County Council Heritage and Arts Office commissioned the film in collaboration with local Roscommon businessman, Liam Stephens. Filmed by PureDesigns, it features insights on Roscommons unique mosaic heritage that has been synonymous with Roscommon Town for generations and has contributions from locals who worked in the industry including Tom Kilroe, Sergio Benedetti, Patsy Flanagan, Benny Mulhern, and many more who contributed photos. Good governance won: PM Modi Expresses Gratitude for NDA's Historic Victory in Bihar Elections Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has won 5 seats and is leading on 21, while Indian National Congress (INC) has won 1 seat and is leading on 5. As the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) secures a landslide victory in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi expressed gratitude to the people of Bihar, crediting the win to good governance, development, pro-people policies, and social justice. In a post on X, PM Modi wrote, Good governance has won. Development has won. Pro-people spirit has won. Social justice has won. Gratitude to each and every person of Bihar for blessing the NDA with a historical and unparalleled victory in the 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. This mandate gives us renewed strength to serve the people and work for Bihar. Advertisement He added in another post, In the coming times, we will do even more for Bihars progress, Bihars infrastructure and Bihars culture. We will ensure that the States Yuva Shakti and Nari Shakti get many opportunities to lead a life of prosperity. Congratulating former Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and other NDA allies, PM Modi wrote, The NDA has provided all-round development to the state. People voted for us on the basis of our track record and our vision to take the state to newer heights. I would like to congratulate CM Nitish Kumar Ji and our allies from the NDA family, Chirag Paswan Ji, Jitan Ram Manjhi Ji and Upendra Kushwaha Ji, on this unparalleled victory. Good governance has won. Development has won. Pro-people spirit has won. Social justice has won. Gratitude to each and every person of Bihar for blessing the NDA with a historical and unparalleled victory in the 2025 Vidhan Sabha elections. This mandate gives us renewed Advertisement November 14, 2025 So far, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has won 34 seats and is currently leading on 56 seats, while its ally Janata Dal (United) JD(U) has won 23 seats and is leading on 63. The opposition Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) has won 5 seats and is leading on 21, while the Indian National Congress (INC) has won 1 seat and is leading on 5. Advertisement Similarly, the All India Majlis-E-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) has won 4 seats, Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) HAMS has won 1 seat, and the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) Liberation CPI(ML)(L) has also won 1 seat. (For more news apart from Good governance won: PM Modi Expresses Gratitude for NDAs Historic Victory in Bihar Elections" stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Children's Day: President Murmu interacts with children at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre She said that children are the future of our nation, and it is essential to nurture them into confident and responsible citizens Children's Day News: President Droupadi Murmu interacted with children from various schools and organisations at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre on November 14 on Children's Day. She said that children are the future of our nation, and it is essential to nurture them into confident and responsible citizens. She also shared some joyful moments with the children, as a few of them sang Vande Mataram and recited poems. Advertisement President Droupadi Murmu, earlier today, arrived in Delhi after completing her State visit to Angola and Botswana. Advertisement Also Read | Botswana Gifts 8 cheetahs to India at Mokolodi Nature Reserve (For more news apart from Children's Day: President Murmu interacts with children at Rashtrapati Bhavan Cultural Centre" stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) It aims to prepare a strategic development roadmap for the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) aligned with the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. File Photo. Across 21 sessions, experts will focus on six major themes. Himalayan Conclave 2025: Focus on Climate Action, Sustainable Livelihoods and Indias 2047 Vision The G.B. Pant National Institute of Himalayan Environment (GBNIHE), an autonomous body under the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC), is going to host a three-day Himalayan Conclave from November 13 to 15, 2025, at its headquarters in Kosi-Katarmal, Almora. The theme of this event is Indian Himalayan Region2047: Environmental Conservation with Sustainable Socio-Economic Growth. It aims to prepare a strategic development roadmap for the Indian Himalayan Region (IHR) aligned with the national Viksit Bharat 2047 vision. The conclave brings together scientists, policymakers, administrators, academics, NGOs and community representatives from across Himalayan states and union territories. Their collective focus is on addressing climate change, environmental degradation and the socio-economic vulnerabilities of mountain communities. The IHRspread across 11 states and two Union Territoriesis globally known for its biodiversity and cultural heritage but faces rising risks from glacial retreat, demographic pressure, flash floods, water scarcity, and unsustainable land-use patterns. Across 21 sessions, experts will focus on six major themes: Himalayan biodiversity under a changing climate; land, water and atmosphere interactions; environmental sustainability and resilience; socio-economic development and livelihood security; policy and governance for regional cooperation; and gender equality and social inclusion in development planning. These discussions aim to generate updated policy recommendations, promote community-led conservation and strengthen climate-resilient development pathways. The conclave also focuses on implementation through practical actions, including ecosystem-based climate strategies, responsible tourism frameworks, and green entrepreneurship to boost value-added local products. Strengthening regional cooperationboth within Himalayan states and with neighbouring countriesis another key objective, as shared ecosystems require coordinated management. The event is co-hosted by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) along with major partners such as the Department of Science and Technology (DST), ICIMOD, IUCN, IIT Roorkee, NIDM, UCOST, NCSCM, SBI, and several universities and NGOs. Organisers say the outcomes of the conclave will contribute to an updated Himalayan Action Plan, outlining measures for groundwater protection, land restoration, climate adaptation, sustainable livelihoods and inclusive development. The aim is to ensure that the Himalayan region moves toward a secure, resilient and sustainable future as India approaches 2047. COLOMBO, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lanka will allow students with disabilities who pass the Advanced Level examination, Sri Lanka's university entrance examination, to enroll in any faculty across all universities in the country, a deputy minister said on Friday. Deputy Minister of Education and Higher Education Madhura Senevirathna said the Parliamentary Advisory Subcommittee on Higher Education approved the decision, marking a major shift in higher-education accessibility. He said students with disabilities sitting for this year's university entrance exam will now be eligible to enter all academic disciplines. They were previously restricted to just four faculties. Senevirathna added that the government will also introduce several policies aimed at eliminating all forms of discrimination against people with disabilities in Sri Lanka. Core provisionssuch as basic transparency norms and the establishment of a Data Protection Boardcome into effect immediately. File Photo The rules operationalise the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, more than two years after it was passed in Parliament. India Notifies DPDP Rules 2025, Begins Rollout of New Data Protection Regime India has officially notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (DPDP) Rules, 2025, marking a major milestone in the countrys transition towards a modern data-protection framework. The rules operationalise the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023, more than two years after it was passed in Parliament. Advertisement The Ministry of Electronics and IT (MeitY) has laid out a phased implementation timeline, giving companies between 12 to 18 months for full compliance with the new obligations. Core provisionssuch as basic transparency norms and the establishment of a Data Protection Boardcome into effect immediately. Clearer Consent and User Rights Under the new rules, any organisation that collects personal data must provide a clear, itemised privacy notice. Users must be informed about: Advertisement What data is being collected, Why it is being used, and How they can withdraw their consent. The rules require platforms to make consent withdrawal simple and accessible. If a user feels their data rights have been violated, they can file a complaint with the newly operational Data Protection Board (DPB). 72-Hour Breach Reporting & Stronger Security Norms Advertisement Companies that experience a personal-data breach must notify both the user and the DPB within 72 hours of becoming aware of the incident. They must also provide details about the nature of the breach, its impact, mitigation efforts, and steps users should take for safety. The rules strengthen security obligations for organisations handling personal data, including the adoption of reasonable technical and organisational safeguards such as encryption, masking, and access controls. Special Protection for Children Advertisement For users under 18, companies must obtain verifiable parental consent before processing personal data. Certain exemptions existparticularly in scenarios related to real-time safety of childrenbut profiling or targeted advertising to minors remains restricted. Consent Managers & Data Fiduciaries The rules formalise the structure for Consent Managers, who will act as intermediaries authorised to manage user permissions. These entities must register with the DPB within 12 months. Significant Data Fiduciaries Large platforms or services handling sensitive or vast amounts of user datawill face more stringent compliance obligations, including periodic assessments and audits. Cross-Border Transfers & Classification The DPDP Act adopts a blacklist approach for cross-border data transfers. Personal data can be stored or processed in other countries except those specifically restricted by the government. Digital intermediaries will also be classified based on the nature of their services, and must delete personal data once it is no longer neededunless retention is mandated under another law. Why This Matters The notification of the DPDP Rules lays the foundation for a safer digital environment in India. For businesses, the next 18 months will be crucial for transitioning into a compliance-ready model. For users, the rules strengthen privacy rights, transparency, and control over personal information. Indias data-protection regime now moves closer to global standards, without disrupting the operational realities of digital-first companies. Mann Government Orders Permanent Shutdown of Zira Distillery, Declares No Place for Polluters in Punjab' The government has demanded the strict application of the 'Polluter Pays' principle in this case. The government of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has taken a historic step by moving to permanently shut down the controversial Malbros International Private Limited (Distillery and Ethanol Plant) located in Zira, Ferozepur. The government has clearly stated before the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that "there is no place for polluters in Punjab," according to an official press release. This Zira distillery had been damaging the environment for many years, the release said, adding, the Punjab government, in an affidavit filed before the NGT on November 2, 2025, by Manish Kumar, Special Secretary, Department of Science, Technology and Environment, admitted that the factory has long violated environmental norms, leading to the contamination of air, water, and soil. This affidavit was presented in compliance with the NGT's order of September 9, 2025. The government clarified that the profit of any industry cannot be greater than the fundamental right of citizens to live in a clean environment. Advertisement The factory owner had requested in the last hearing to only operate the ethanol plant, which the government strictly rejected. The government states that allowing any work to be done at the same location by a factory with such a poor record is against public welfare and the law. The affidavit concludes that this is a fit case for the permanent closure of the project proponent because the final products of the distillery and the ethanol plant are chemically similar (ethyl alcohol), and such industrial activities violate the fundamental right to life of the citizens. The Punjab government stands with the citizens of Zira and will adopt a 'Zero Tolerance' policy towards pollution. The government has demanded the strict application of the 'Polluter Pays' principle in this case. This directly means that the party that caused the pollution must bear the entire cost, including the remedial and environmental restoration costs. The government will ensure that the environment in Zira is thoroughly cleaned up and that the expenses are recovered from the factory owner. The affidavit concludes that the project violations cannot be condoned, and allowing operations to continue by the same promoter would be contrary to law and public policy. This government decision is a major victory for the long struggle of local groups in Zira, such as the Zira Sanjha Morcha and the Public Action Committee (PAC). The PAC has stated that this is the first time a government has openly admitted that an industry is causing pollution and should be permanently closed. This shows that if the public stands firm for the truth, the government must also accept reality. Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's government has proven that for them, the health of the people of Punjab and the dream of 'Rangla Punjab' (Vibrant Punjab) are paramount. The next and final hearing in this case is scheduled at the NGT on November 24, it said. Advertisement (For more news apart from Mann Government Orders Permanent Shutdown of Zira Distillery, Declares No Place for Polluters in Punjab." stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Punjab Declared 'Top Achiever' in the Country in Business Reform Plan Punjab has excelled in five key reform areas in India Recognizing the pro-industry policies of the Punjab Government led by Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Government of India today honored Punjab with the "Top Achiever" award under the Business Reform Action Plan (BRAP) 2024, according to an official release. Union Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal presented the prestigious award to the Punjab Government during a ceremony held in the national capital, New Delhi. Advertisement It is noteworthy that Punjab has excelled in five key reform areas in Indiabusiness start-up, construction permits, investment attraction, sector-specific healthcare services, and service management. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT), Government of India, has declared Punjab a "Top Achiever" and commended its transparent, efficient, and investor-friendly business policies. This recognition reaffirms Punjab's leading role in the field of ease of doing business in the state. It is noteworthy that, under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, Punjab is continuously scaling new heights of industrial development. Transparent governance, industry-friendly policies, and a favorable investment climate are consistently attracting investment into the state. Punjab's peaceful and harmonious environment have significantly boosted industrial investment. Advertisement Since the Mann government came to power in March 2022, the state has received investment proposals worth a1.23 lakh crore, which will create employment opportunities for approximately 4.7 lakh youth. With unprecedented progress in sectors such as food processing, textiles, auto components, hand tools, bicycles, IT, and tourism, Punjab has become a role model for other states. As a result of the state government's pro-industry policies, Punjab is now attracting investment from developed countries such as Japan, the United States, Germany, the United Kingdom, the United Arab Emirates, the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, France, and Spain. With the government's concerted efforts, Punjab is rapidly emerging as a preferred investment destination not only in India but globally. Punjab also ranks among the leading states in ease of doing business. Advertisement In addition, the 'Fast Track Punjab Portal' launched by the state government has become India's most advanced single-window system, providing over 150 business services online and completely eliminating the need for offline applications. This achievement by Punjab is a testament to the state's industry-friendly approach, administrative efficiency, and investor confidence. (For more news apart from Punjab Declared 'Top Achiever' in the Country in Business Reform Plan." stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman.) Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has described this record-breaking response in terms of participation as a dream coming true for the testament of the revival of the Punjabi language. File Photo. The minister emphasised the Olympiad's broader purpose. 3rd International Punjabi Language Olympiad 2025: Over 2.25 Lakh Students Worldwide Celebrate Punjabi Heritage The Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) is going to organise the 3rd International Punjabi Language Olympiad. There has been a big leap in participation. 225,916 students have registered for participation from India and the world. Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has described this record-breaking response in terms of participation as a dream coming true for the testament of the revival of the Punjabi language. Advertisement Bains emphasised that "In the previous editions, there were 24,698 and 6,689, respectively, with this year's 225,916 registrations. This is a near ninefold massive leap. It highlights a 'revival of interest in the Punjabi language among youth'." Students from countries including "Norway, Kenya, and the UAE", as well as Indian states such as "Maharashtra, Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Jharkhand", have signed up, reflecting the "Olympiad's global reach". The minister emphasised the Olympiads broader purpose: This competition is more than testing language skills; it is a celebration of our identity, mother tongue, and cultural heritage. It is an initiative to keep the Punjabi language and culture alive. To encourage excellence, top performers in each categoryPrimary, Middle, and Secondarywill receive Rs 11,000 for first place, Rs 7,100 for second, and Rs 5,100 for third. Special awards and recognition will also be conferred upon schools producing top achievers, fostering healthy institutional competition. Advertisement Dr. Amarpal Singh, PSEB Chairman, shared that registration closed on 31 October. PSEB provided e-books and conducted a mock test window from 1012 November to familiarize students with the online testing pattern,, 1,35,784 students took part in it. One more round of practice tests for elementary-level students will be held on 1516 November. The Olympiad itself will be held via online mode in three rounds,with 5 December (Primary), 6 December (Middle), and 8 December (Secondary), followed by Round 2 on 1516 December and the final on 23 December 2025.To ensure the integrity of the competition,Advanced monitoring technology will be used. With record participation, global engagement, and incentives, this years Olympiad is shaping up to be a landmark celebration of Punjabi language and culture, connecting students worldwide to their roots and reinforcing the vibrancy of the Punjabi diaspora. Moldovas new Prime Minister in Bucharest Bucharest reconfirmed its support for the new prime minister of the neighboring Republic of Moldova in its efforts to join the European family. Alexandru Munteanu (left) and Ilie Bolojan (right) (Photo: gov.ro) Stefan Stoica, 14.11.2025, 14:00 Recently sworn in at the helm of Moldovas government, Alexandru Munteanu made his first foreign trip on Thursday, to Bucharest. It is, in fact, a tradition for Romanian leaders as well to make their first visit abroad after being elected and sworn in to the neighbouring Republic of Moldova. Regardless of the political leaning of the cabinets in Bucharest, firm support for the mostly Romanian-speaking neighbour has been a constant element of foreign policy. Romania remains the most sincere and determined supporter of the Republic of Moldova, at all levels, especially regarding the modernisation of the state, reforms and European integration, Romanias president Nicusor Dan promised the new PM of Moldova. He encouraged the new government to act decisively and responsibly, focusing on economic growth, the well-being of Moldovan citizens and European Union integration. A meeting of the two prime ministers followed, during which they committed to maintaining a dynamic dialogue in order to successfully complete the joint projects already started, and also to initiate new ones, benefitting citizens on both banks of the Prut river. Prime Minister Ilie Bolojan mentioned that there are many areas in which bilateral cooperation is very close, from energy and transport interconnection projects to facilitating border transit, economic or educational projects. Ilie Bolojan: Romania was, is and will remain the strategic partner and the closest supporter of the Republic of Moldova. At European level, we will continue to be a strong voice and supporter of Moldovas progress. We will work closely with your government, because EU accession is the only option able to meet the aspirations for the future and leading to an increase in the living standards of the citizens of the Republic of Moldova. We also support Chisinaus reform commitments, which are needed not only in the accession process, but especially for Moldovas development. The Moldovan PM Alexandru Munteanu spoke about the commitment of public institutions and civil society to a European path, and recognised Romanias merit in having strongly supported Moldova in all its efforts aimed at democracy and prosperity. Alexandru Munteanu: Romania continued without hesitation to promote us, to believe in us and to be open towards us. In the past, iron fences were erected between us. Today, we are building bonds, different and long-lasting bonds, energy interconnection, roads and bridges that are part of a common European infrastructure, freedom of movement, increased trade and mutual investments, direct partnerships between educational institutions. Munteanu praised his fellow citizens because their votes validated their European aspirations, despite disinformation, attempts to buy votes and to destabilise, hybrid threats and cyber-attacks, all carrying Moscows well-known watermark. (AMP) Indian scholar Amita Bhose Amita Bhose is known in Romania as the Indian scholar who produced the first translations of national poet Mihai Eminescu into Bengali, but her contribution to closer cultural and literary ties between her country and Romania extends far beyond. Voices from the Archives. Credit: RRI Cristina Mateescu, 14.11.2025, 14:00 Amita Bhose first came to Romania in 1959, and thats when her love affair began with the country that she would make her own in the early 1970s. Fascinated with Romanias national poet Mihai Eminescu, Amita Bhose produced the first translations of his poems into Bengali and penned dozens of articles and essays about his poems, his connection to India and the influence of Rabindranah Tagore and of Indian philosophy on his work. Apart from her work on Mihai Eminescu and her translations from other Romanian writers, like playwrights Ion Luca Caragiale and Mihail Sebastian and novelist Mihail Sadoveanu, she also helped popularise the work of Rabindranah Tagore in this country, translating many of his works into Romanian for the first time. Tagore himself visited this country in 1926, as part of a tour of a number of European countries. She also taught a course in Indian civilisation, Sanskrit and Bengali at the University of Bucharest for two decades and wrote the first Bengali-Romanian dictionary. In an archive interview, Amita Bhose spoke at length about her first contacts with Romania. and how she came to settle in this country. Cheba Hut's patio looks out towards the Rio Grande River and the Sandia Mountains. Michaela HeleanObserver staff writer BERNALILLO Where does one go when they get hit with that insatiable hunger? Cheba Hut, thats where. Thats right, the marijuana-themed sandwich shop has established more roots in Bernalillo along US-550. Vice President of Marketing Maria Esquivel said the goal of the local franchise was to expand across New Mexico. Bernalillo is just one of the communities Cheba Hut wanted to wrap its arms around, she said. This is our fourth store outside of the Albuquerque Metro area. We have another one planned in Rio Rancho in 2026, and we have sites that we are looking at in Santa Fe and Las Cruces, so we want to continue to hit all of the communities in New Mexico over the next several years, and this was our first step, she said. The Rio Rancho location will be near Intel on the NM 528 corridor. Part of the reason New Mexico was the ideal location for the franchise to locate to was the legalization of marijuana in 2022, Esquivel confirmed. The Cheba Hut theme was started back in 1998 and before cannabis use was mainstream, and the theme was a hot topic at that time, and we were excited to be able to bring it here to a community that is open minded about and embracing of the culture, she added. That said, the food does not contain marijuana but is themed with many plays on words. For example, the largest sandwich is called a blunt. But Cheba Hut serves kids and families, too, not just the local stoners. We absolutely create a community and a vibe thats inclusive, Esquivel said. The restaurant includes lots of seating both inside and outdoors, where people can see the Rio Grande River and the Sandia Mountains in one place. There is also a full bar inside. The walls depict marijuana-themed art and there is a 1990s vibe with neon signs hanging around the building. Ad Its a place thats welcoming, where you can take a deep breath. It is something out of the norm. You typically dont see a sub shop that also has a full bar, so its a community, its a home that we want to to build and be part of everyday life here in the Bernalillo community, Esquivel said. General Manager Vince Peralta, Esquivel and other management celebrated the opening with a ribbon cutting overseen by the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce. For more information, visit chebahut.com. WASHINGTON, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The Trump administration has reached frameworks of bilateral trade agreements with Argentina, Guatemala, El Salvador and Ecuador, the White House said on Thursday. Under the agreements, the United States will remove reciprocal tariffs on certain items that cannot be grown, mined or naturally produced in the United States; and the four countries agreed to cooperate with the United States or open up their markets in multiple areas. Washington will also remove reciprocal tariffs on textiles and apparel products from Guatemala and El Salvador, according to the agreements. However, the United States will keep the tariff rate on most goods from Argentina, Guatemala and El Salvador at 10 percent, and on most goods from Ecuador at 15 percent, local media reported, citing senior U.S. officials on a briefing call. The White House expects to finalize the agreements in the coming weeks. JEMEZ PUEBLO Jemez Pueblo is the first to receive a new statewide award for a broadband project connecting 670 households, tribal departments, programs and businesses to the internet. The pueblo was honored with the Project Excellence Award at the New Mexico Infrastructure Finance Conference at the Albuquerque Convention Center, according to a news release from the Office of Broadband Access and Expansion. This is a tremendous achievement for Jemez and demonstrates the incredible importance of broadband in building infrastructure in New Mexico, Jeff Lopez, director of the OBAE, stated in the release. This award exemplifies the huge strides the state has made helping tribal communities and delivering reliable and sustainable broadband to rural communities. The $15 million project was made possible in part through an $8.6 million American Rescue Plan Act grant issued in November 2023 by the OBAE, the release said. The pueblos governor, George Shendo Jr., said Jemez is honored to be recognized with the Project Excellence Award. We are excited to fully realize all the opportunities our broadband project will bring to current and future generations in Jemez and the surrounding communities, Shendo Jr. said in the release. Since January 2024, JNET, the pueblos internet provider, has connected more than 40 homes to the internet and is in the process of building more than 45 miles of fiber optic cable to complete the project, according to the release. JNET, the internet provider established and operated by Jemez Pueblo, has been constructing the current fiber-to-the-home project since January 2024. JNET is currently building more than 45 miles of fiber to complete the broadband project, which should be complete sometime next year. RIO RANCHO Home is where your robot family is. That home, for R4 Creating, is now officially next to Defined Pickleball in Rio Ranchos Hilltop Plaza. How amazing is this? CanT you just feel it? owner and founder Dr. Shelly Gruenig asked a crowd of public officials, business owners and most importantly kids on Nov. 12. She was standing in a space that at one point was a fixer-upper in need of new everything, was full of boxes and full of potential. Now, the completely renewed space has areas for robotics shenanigans, storage, construction and more. Sharing the space is Creative Crossroads, who will host plays and performances there. Having the permanent space was a long-time dream for Gruenig. Its truly a celebration of a place where every child belongs. There is a space for every child here at R4 creating, she said. But that dream really started when Gruenig herself was a child and won a science fair by raising chickens. Those days when I went to pursue more science and tech and to look for mentors and support in that, I was told that, Girls dont do science. You can maybe be a science teacher. But forget it if you want to be a computer programmer or raise chickens and study science, she said. She said it started her dream of finding a place where people are allowed to dream. The dream started to become a reality I was scrolling trying to find something that would capture the interest of my 12-year-old son, and I stumbled across this robotics competition, and I thought, I know how to use a power tool. I could we could do this. This could be fun. So, we went into it with one year in mind, and 20 years later, we are still here, she said. Ad There are a lot of benefits R4 brings to the community, including boosting the economy when competitions happen and partnering with several schools in the area, according to Gruenig. But the largest benefit is the impact it has on students, as she explained with a story. We were up in Cuba, New Mexico just two summers ago, and on the end day of camp, all the girls in the girls-only camp were gonna run a STEM festival, she said. At 9 a.m., this elderly woman was sitting outside the gymnasium. So, I said, How can I help you? We dont start till noon. She said, Oh, I know, but I needed to come meet the people who changed the life of my great-great-granddaughter. She said, Her mother, her grandmother had both fallen victim to drug use, and I have raised her, and shes hated every day of school. But for some reason, in the past week, every night shes come home so excited to tell me about what shes learning, and I had to come here. The impact was also seen at the opening on all the smiling faces of kids that participated in R4s program. Autumn Solecki, a teen who was part of R4s winning state robotics team, had her own impact to share at the opening. She got her start at an engineering camp in 2018. Then in 2019 she joined a team at R4. Ive gone from being one of the youngest members on the team to one of the team presidents, she said. She added that there is something for all ages at R4. Our teams give presentations and we participate in interviews with judges. In 2020, I did not want to do it at all, and everyone was, like, Autumn, you would be really good at it. No, I dont want to do it. Im never doing it, ever. Its too scary. Ill be terrible, and Ill ruin this whole team and well lose. So, my mentor, shes like, Autumn, if you do it, Ill buy you Sour Patch Kids. Once I did it, I absolutely loved it, she said. She added that the support she gets from mentors and friends was important, too. I realized that I want to learn new things, not because Im being bribed with Sour Patch Kids, but because I know that its gonna turn me into a better person, she said. Alumni and Gruenigs daughter, McKenzie Walzer, also talked about the benefits of R4. She said she landed a job before graduating college because of those benefits. I truly believe it was my shortcut, and I know a lot of my hard-core friends arent here today, but I promise you, its because theyre out doing really, really cool stuff, she said. Gruenig thanked many people for helping her reach the goal of having her own space, including former District 44 Rep. Jane Powdrell-Culbert, who put capital outlay money toward R4 in its early days. Several people showed up to support the opening, including the Rio Rancho Regional Chamber of Commerce, Comcast, Sandoval County Commissioners Jordan Juarez and Jon Herr, and Rio Rancho Mayor Gregg Hull. Comcast, which is a partner to R4, also awarded the nonprofit with a $30,000 check. The group also heard from volunteer Jake Deuel and board member Doug Campbell. The event ended with a ribbon cutting in front of the new space. Mateo Romero shown working on his art surrounded by stamps of his art. Michaela HeleanObserver staff writer Jason Valencia, artist from San Felipe Pueblo, stands with Pueblo governor Anthony Ortiz next to his Balloon Fiesta art work. Michaela HeleanObserver staff writer BERNALILLO Two artists in Sandoval County were recognized for their renowned works Nov. 12, as part of Native American Heritage Month. Mateo Romero, of Cochiti Pueblo, and Jason Valencia, of San Felipe Pueblo, have works that are internationally recognized. Romero, who was in Paris at the time of the artist reception, has art that has been turned into mail stamps. His process involves first photographing native models in powwow attire then painting over those photos. Valencia is a self-taught artist and was excited to be recognized at the county event. Its the first time Ive ever been to a reception like this, he said. An acrylic paint artist, Valencia got his start in 1998. However, painting wasnt always the plan. I wanted to go to culinary school but that didnt happen, he said. He still cooks but decided to go full time as a painter about 10 years ago. One of his works, brimming with color and culture, was a piece featured in the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta. The piece depicts hot air balloons with native symbols as well as New Mexican ones like the Zia, chiles and traditional drum art. Valencia explained, though, that meaning behind his paintings cant be put into English words but is deeply felt in Keresan, the native language of San Felipe. Ad He was able to say that the meanings behind his works come to him in all of a sudden moments. From there he said he starts sketching and moves to painting. Valencia also expressed pride in coming from San Felipe. He said the Pueblo produces a lot of artists and encouraged them to put their works out. The governor of San Felipe Pueblo, Anthony Ortiz, paid a visit for the artist reception and spoke about the importance of recognizing some of his tribal members. There are quite a few artists in our village, not only in painting but pottery, weavers, mugs, and makers, he said. But Ortiz took the opportunity to speak about the Pueblos history and the current climate in the United States. The government divided our ancestors, created boundaries, fences, he said. When I traveled back East to Washington to meet my delegation from New Mexico and other representatives, they were welcoming. (But I said) I welcome myself to my home. Washington, this is my home also. Our ancestors were so generous by giving about 100 million acres of land to the government. And thats what government is profiting, is benefitting from right now. He did show appreciation for the good partnership with the Sandoval County Commissioners and the chance to have a positive look on the Pueblo. He asked for that relationship continue. Something we need to continue to work on is to take care of our people. We have a lot domestic violence. Its something I want to reach out to Sandoval County for to get us distance, he said. Commissioners recognized the month by presenting a certificate to Valencia and Romero. According to the county, the U.S. Postal Service issued 18 million stamps for the powwow series in July 2025, and it is estimated that more than 800,000 people attended the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta 2025, where Valencias work was displayed. Editors note: This is the first part in a series on the separation of dispatch resources between the city of Rio Rancho and Sandoval County. Its been a war of words between local governments over an important community issue: dispatch. Sandoval County administration announced in October that the new Public Safety Emergency Communications Center of Sandoval County was taking all 911 calls. Prior to that, the city of Rio Rancho was taking those calls despite the county stating it was ready July 1. The delay prompted an argument between the two government agencies and also begged an investigation into the separation of dispatch operations. The background of the county opening a separate public safety access point is telling of how the city of Rio Rancho and the county got to this contentious point. The county drafted a letter exploring potential options to the New Mexico Department of Finance and Administration in January 2023 inquiring about the possibility of opening a second primary public safety answering point or dispatch center. The letter, written by County Manager Wayne Johnson, claimed that the second PSAP would improve emergency services for the community by enhancing call processing times, improving response times, improving public safety responders safety, and providing improved contingencies for 911 services in the county. At the time, Sandoval County was a participant in the Sandoval County Regional Emergency Communications Center joint powers agreement (established in 2005 and updated in 2015) with the city of Rio Rancho as fiscal agent with Corrales, Bernalillo, Santa Ana Pueblo and several smaller municipalities and tribal entities also participating. For the county, differences in PSAP and dispatch methods between the city and county were too different for the model at the time. The letter stated the other communities needed the second PSAP, adding that a dispatcher would receive calls from as many as 31 different communities within the county, including Rio Rancho. Johnson invited the other agencies from the old PSAP JPA to be included in the new agreement. The city disputed the letter, and the county attempted mediation and resolution with the city Aug. 18, 2023, with another letter, but not before pointing out some alleged JPA violations by the city: Center manager requirement to provide quarterly reports to the JPA member governing bodies. Manager requirement to prepare an annual budget for the governing bodies to approve. Failure to convene an annual budget meeting attended by the top official (i.e. city manager/county manager) or designee from each entity represented on the SCRECC Board of Directors. Failure to present timely budgets to members governing bodies prior to Dec. 1 of each year. Failure to add additional members to the board after one year of representation by Sandoval County. The letter further states that the city violated the Open Meetings Act until May 2021 and continues to be in material violation of the Inspection of Public Records Act. Additionally, SCRECC is identified as a separate legal entity, according to the countys letter. It alleged that the city didnt recognize the SCRECC JPAs legal status, which is at the heart of the countys disagreement with the (city). Ad Despite the countys issues, they requested mediation with the city. The letter added that the county worked informally in public and in private with the city to resolve the issues in good faith, noting that those efforts were unsuccessful. A letter signed by city staff, including City Manager Matt Geisel, was sent to the county Aug. 21, 2023, alleging that the county was the one who violated the JPA. Your claims and actions are once again very disappointing and your demand for mediation is premature; however, it is not surprising and very indicative of your maneuvers and those of your direct report, Sandoval County Fire Chief Eric Masterson, acting as JPA Board Chairman for the past three years, the letter reads. It accused the county of trying to usurp control of the existing dispatch center and/or trying to establish a new center. It also alleged that the county left the city out of the invitation for a new center on purpose. The letter goes on to accuse the county of the following: Self-appointing itself manager of funds and handling of a capital outlay project for upgrades and radio acquisition, adding that city never received full allotment radios. Board approving legal services despite the city voting against it. It also alleged that there were rolling quorum concerns and violations of the Open Meetings Act. Stating the standard operating procedures for the inspection of public records act were illegal. Alleged Masterson didnt hold an election for the chair and vice chair positions on the JPA board. Raised quorum concerns because Masterson allegedly encouraged respective chiefs to share concerns with Johnson, not their own elected officials. Alleged Masterson held a secret ballot vote for the chair of the board, causing concern for a rolling quorum. It alleges Masterson stated, For the record, there was no rolling quorum. Additionally, the city alleged the county is responsible for a March 2021 IPRA violation lawsuit. The city states a Sandoval County employee inappropriately denied an IPRA request and forwarded it to the SCRECC. The city added that the county was the custodian in that scenario and bared no cost burden from the settlement, as the city had. The city also denied county allegations and stated that the JPA was flawed. At the time, the potential new center the county was proposing did not outline specific benefits to the city, the letter states. The city made its own invitation for other entities to join its proposed JPA but after lack of input or alternatives to the proposals, the city stated it would separate from the JPA, proposing mediation under specific terms like restatement of the 2015 JPA. Those intentions were restated in a few letters in October and November 2023. Then, ultimately, the city sent notice of termination of its participation in the SCRECC JPA Nov. 17, 2023. RIO RANCHO It was a long evening for the Rio Rancho Governing Nov. 13. The six-member body held public hearings to consider a liquor license for Defined Pickleball, a zoning amendment for single-family housing and amendments to a plan encompassing 285 acres of land, including Northern and Rainbow boulevards. The governing body also approved an ordinance providing matching changes to a chapter in the development policy manual. Zoning amendment request denied The council unanimously denied a zone map amendment requested by an Albuquerque-based development company that wanted to create a new residential subdivision. Cielo Bonito Development, LLC which in August had another development plan denied by the governing body wanted the zoning amendments approved to build more than 350 homes on 66 acres just north of Cielo Azul Elementary School and City Center. But council members expressed concerns about the Cielo Bonitos master plan a planning document that is typical of most development proposals and not having 100% ownership of parcels. The ownership issue had been debated and changed last month, when the council made updates to the citys development process manual. District 2 Councilor Jeremy Lenentine noted during the meeting that he doesnt hate this plan which would be built in his district but without a master plan, its just not what were looking for at this time. Nicosha Schedlbauer, a representative of Cielo Bonito, responded that her team had worked hard for two years to assemble the land parcels associated with the proposed project. In addition, the land owners are struggling with how long the process has taken to move through the approval process, she said. With that in mind, Schedlbauer requested the governing body approve the zone map amendment with the condition that the company apply for a master plan or that the condition is done with preliminary platting. Ad Were honestly not trying to get out of it, but we do need this project to move forward with our zone map request, Schedlbauer said. Amy Rincon, the citys development director, confirmed the developer brought this proposal forward as an option, but she said she was concerned because the expectation among developers proposed residential development has always been there be a master plan. In a statement following the meeting, Cielo Bonito Development called the governing bodys decision deeply troubling. We have followed specific direction from city staff and the governing body, invested significant funds in this process, and prepared a city staff-requested master plan, only to have that master plan go unsupported, the company stated. The governing body cited standards from a new DPM that does not take effect until Jan. 1, effectively applying unwritten and uncodified rules to this application. Developers are now left unsure which standards truly apply and what guidance to follow. This kind of unpredictability makes it extremely difficult to plan development and investment in Rio Rancho. Northern/Rainbow specific area plan Following a public hearing, the council unanimously approved a resolution allowing for amendments to a specific area plan in the area of Northern and Rainbow boulevards. Westway Homes and AMREP Southwest plan to build more medium- and high-density housing in the area, updating a plan first approved in 2009. District 1 Councilor Deb Dapson noted people already live in the area and asked the developers agent, Albuquerque-based Consensus Planning, what will happen to them? Michael Wright, a representative with Consensus Planning, responded, nothing negative will happen to them and the plan will actually increase their livelihoods with new homes and new residencies. In a written public comment to the governing body, the plan had come under criticism for increasing traffic and making roads in the area more dangerous. Councilors did not mention this during the meeting and focused on access along Rainbow. Defined PickleballThe council unanimously approved the transfer of Defined Pickleballs liquor license at 1644 Rio Rancho Blvd. The 18-court facility could be the largest in the state, business owners have said. Rio Rancho City Clerk Noel Davis explained that the liquor license had to receive local approval before it goes to the Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Division. If approved, Defined Pickleball would only serve liquor on site, Davis said. Council members and business representatives did not provide comment on this agenda item. China will on Friday release a batch of data on Friday, headlining a busy day for Asia-Pacific economic activity. On tap are October figures for fixed asset investment, industrial production, retail sales, house prices and unemployment. FAI is expected to fall 0.9 percent on year after slipping 0.5 percent September. Production is tipped to climb an annual 5.5 percent, easing from 6.5 percent in the previous month. Sales are seen higher by 2.7 percent, down from 3.0 percent a month earlier. House prices fell 2.2 percent on year in September and the jobless rate was 5.2 percent. Japan will see September figures for its tertiary industry activity index; in August, the index fell 4.3 percent. Malaysia will provide Q3 numbers for GDP and current account. GDP is expected to jump 5.2 percent on year, up from 4.4 percent in the three months prior. The current account surplus in Q2 was 0.30 billion ringgit. Hong Kong will see Q3 figures for gross domestic product; in the previous quarter, GDP was up 0.7 percent on quarter and 3.8 percent on year. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. Following pushback from developers and power users, Google is reconsidering a portion of its new Android app policy. Anyone installing apps from sources other than the Google Play Store would have to register with Google under the company's recently announced "developer verification" system. Google claims that the objective is to lessen malware and scams that deceive users into downloading dangerous apps. However, the plan was heavily criticized, particularly by sideloading experts. Many contended that Google's approach would limit Android's openness and erect needless obstacles for reliable developers. Google hasn't explained how this new sideloading option will work. It may involve more warning screens, extra confirmation steps, or using ADB on a computer. The company says the system will be designed so scammers can't easily manipulate users into ignoring the risks. This shift comes at a time when Google is preparing for changes related to its antitrust settlement with Epic Games, which will require Google to make it easier for third-party app stores to operate on Android. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Exports in the Netherlands increased for the fourth successive month in September, according to figures published by the statistical office CBS on Friday. Exports rose 2.6 percent year-over-year in September, faster than the 0.6 percent increase in August. Dutch companies mainly exported more machinery, transport equipment, and minerals, the agency said. Imports were 1.7 percent higher compared to last year amid more inflows of minerals, machinery, and transport equipment. In the CBS Export Radar of November, conditions for exports were slightly less favorable than in the September radar. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Wolters Kluwer N.V. (WOLTF, WTKWY,WKL.AS), on Friday it has signed an agreement to acquire Libra Technology GmbH, a Berlin-based provider of AI tools for legal professionals, for up to 90 million euros. The deal is expected to be completed in November 2025. The acquisition is expected to meet or exceed an ROIC of 8% within three to five years and have an immaterial near-term impact on adjusted earnings. The deal includes an upfront payment of 30 million euros, with the remaining amount payable as deferred consideration based on the achievement of performance targets. The company plans to integrate Libra's AI assistant with the company's AI-enhanced legal content to offer an all-in-one solution for legal research, drafting, review and document analysis. Libra was founded in 2023 and offers a subscription-based AI assistant launched in late 2024 and is expected to reach about 5 million euros in annual recurring revenue by year-end. On Thursday, Wolters Kluwer is 0.32% higher at EUR 93.86 on the Amsterdam. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Indian shares ended higher on Friday as the NDA looked poised to make a roaring return in Bihar again. As per the official Election Commission of India trend, the NDA was seen crossing the historic 200-set mark, while BJP is set to emerge as the single-largest party within the NDA. Trading, however, remained choppy due to weak cues from global as investors fretted about lofty tech valuations and the U.S. economic outlook. The benchmark BSE Sensex hit a low of 84,029.32 before recovering to close up 84.11 points at 84,562.78. The broader NSE Nifty index ended up 30.90 points, or 0.12 percent, at 25,910.05, after having hit a low of 25,740.80 during intraday trading. The BSE mid-cap and small-cap indexes ended narrowly mixed, showing little change. The market breadth was weak on the BSE, with 2,170 shares falling while 1,995 shares rose and 14 shares closed unchanged. Bajaj Finance, Sun Pharma, SBI, Axis Bank, Trent, BEL and Eternal rose 1-2 percent while Infosys lost 2.6 percent, TMPV shed 1.6 percent, Tata Steel gave up 1.4 percent and ICICI Bank declined 1 percent. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Market Analysis The Global South Media and Think Tank Forum China-Africa Partnership Conference opened Thursday in Johannesburg to explore ways to strengthen cooperation, amplify the Global South's collective voice and promote a shared global governance. Thursday, President Donald Trump announced breakthrough trade deals with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala, allowing greater and more streamlined market access in some of America's most critical strategic partners in the Western Hemisphere. These deals secure commitments on economic and national security issues to strengthen supply chains and trade partnerships in the region, deepening bilateral trade and investment cooperation to provide American exporters with unprecedented access to in Central and South America. The deals will help U.S. farmers, ranchers, fishermen, small businesses, and manufacturers to increase U.S. exports to and expand opportunities with these trading partners, the White House said. El Salvador has committed to addressing a range of non-tariff barriers, including by streamlining regulatory requirements and approvals for U.S. exports, such as accepting vehicles and automotive parts built to U.S. motor vehicle safety and emissions standards and accepting FDA certificates and prior marketing authorizations for medical devices and pharmaceuticals. El Salvador will also break down non-tariff barriers for U.S. agricultural products in its market, including ensuring that U.S. agricultural exporters will not be restricted due to the mere use of certain cheese and meat terms. Argentina will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods exports, including certain medicines, chemicals, machinery, information products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a wide range of agricultural products. It has also committed to addressing structural challenges cited in the U.S. Trade Representative's 2025 Special 301 report. Guatemala has committed to facilitating digital trade, including by refraining from imposing digital services taxes that discriminate against U.S. digital services or U.S. products distributed digitally, ensuring the free transfer of data across trusted borders, and supporting a permanent multilateral moratorium on customs duties on electronic transmissions at the WTO. Ecuador has committed to maintain high levels of environmental protection, take measures to improve forest sector governance and combat illegal logging, and fully implement the obligations of the WTO Agreement on Fisheries Subsidies. The White House said Ecuador government has agreed remove or decrease a range of tariff barriers across key goods sectors, including tree nuts, fresh fruit, pulses, wheat, wine, and distilled spirits, and eliminate a variable tariff on many agricultural products it had imposed through the Andean Price Band System. In the coming weeks, the United States will work expeditiously with El Salvador, Argentina, Ecuador, and Guatemala to finalize the Trade Agreements for signature. The United States will also give Most Favored Nation (MFN)-tariff treatment for certain goods originating from these countries that cannot be grown, mined, or naturally produced in the United States in sufficient quantities. For El Salvador and Guatemala, the United States will also remove the reciprocal tariffs from certain products, such as textiles and apparel products, originating under the Dominican Republic-Central America Free Trade Agreement. This will be a boon for U.S. textile production and El Salvador's and Guatemala's economic growth, and will strengthen the resilience of textile and apparel supply chains, according to the White House. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Political News Omeros Corp. (OMER), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on complement-mediated diseases, oncology, and addictive disorders, today announced its financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2025, and provided a comprehensive update on its advancing pipeline. Omeros' pipeline is anchored by two late-stage monoclonal antibody programs targeting the lectin pathway of complement. The company's lead candidate, narsoplimab, is under regulatory review by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of hematopoietic stem cell transplant-associated thrombotic microangiopathy (TA-TMA), with a decision expected on December 26, 2025. A parallel marketing authorization application is under review by the European Medicines Agency, with an opinion expected in mid-2026. Narsoplimab is a human monoclonal antibody that inhibits MASP-2, a key enzyme in the lectin pathway of complement activation. It has completed a pivotal Phase 3 trial in TA-TMA, where treatment was associated with a significant survival benefit compared to external controls. TA-TMA is a rare and life-threatening complication of stem cell transplantation, driven by endothelial injury and uncontrolled complement activation, leading to multi-organ dysfunction and high mortality. Narsoplimab is also being evaluated in Phase 2 trials for COVID-19 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) indications where complement activation contributes to severe lung injury and systemic inflammation. In preparation for a potential U.S. launch, Omeros has assembled a commercial organization with a hematology-focused sales force and established reimbursement infrastructure, including a national ICD-10 diagnostic code for TA-TMA and a CPT procedural code for narsoplimab. The therapy will be marketed under the brand name YARTEMLEA once approved. The company's second late-stage program, zaltenibart (OMS906), is a MASP-3 inhibitor in Phase 2 being developed for paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) and C3 glomerulopathy. PNH is a rare, life-threatening blood disorder characterized by complement-mediated destruction of red blood cells, while C3 glomerulopathy is a chronic kidney disease driven by dysregulation of the complement system. In October 2025, Omeros entered into an asset purchase and license agreement with Novo Nordisk, granting exclusive global rights to zaltenibart and related assets. The deal includes an upfront payment of $240 million, up to $2.1 billion in milestone payments, and tiered royalties on global net sales. Omeros is also advancing OMS1029, a long-acting second-generation MASP-2 inhibitor currently in Phase 1. This antibody is designed to provide sustained inhibition of the lectin pathway for chronic complement-mediated disorders. In addition, Omeros is developing MASP-1, MASP-3, and MASP-2/-3 inhibitors in preclinical studies for disorders of the lectin and alternative pathways of complement. Beyond its complement programs, Omeros is advancing OMS527, a phosphodiesterase 7 (PDE7) inhibitor in Phase 1 for cocaine use disorder. Supported by a $6.24 million grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, preclinical toxicology studies have been completed with no safety findings, and an in-patient clinical study is targeted for the second half of 2026. The company is also progressing OMS405, a PPAR? agonist in Phase 2 for opioid and nicotine addiction, where modulation of the PPAR? pathway has shown promise in reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms. In oncology, the company's OncotoX-AML program has demonstrated superior efficacy to standard of care in preclinical models of acute myeloid leukemia, including TP53 and FLT3 mutations. The OncotoX-AML program utilizes proprietary engineered biologics designed to deliver a toxic payload directly into leukemia cells, thereby selectively killing malignant cells while sparing healthy tissue. With encouraging safety data in non-human primates, Omeros expects to advance the program into the clinic within 18-24 months. The program is currently in preclinical stage. Omeros' Biologic Therapeutics platform, including immunomodulators, oncotoxins and cancer vaccines, is in preclinical development for cancer indications, aiming to expand the company's oncology footprint. Omeros is also progressing its Targeted Complement Activating Therapy (T-CAT) platform, designed to directly kill multidrug- resistant pathogens. The program is currently in the preclinical stage, with animal data across multiple pathogen classes continue to support broad potential in infectious disease. At the discovery stage Omeros' GPCR platform is being applied to immunologic, CNS, metabolic, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal and other disorders, leveraging the proprietary technologies to identify novel druggable targets. On the financial front, Omeros reported a GAAP net loss of $30.9 million, or $0.47 per share, for the third quarter of 2025, compared to a net loss of $32.2 million, or $0.56 per share, in the same period last year. Non-GAAP adjusted net loss was $22.1 million, or $0.34 per share in Q3, 2025. This improvement was primarily driven by reduced R&D and operating expenses as the company conserved capital ahead of the anticipated U.S. launch of narsoplimab. On September 30, 2025, Omeros has $36.1 million in cash and short-term investments. In July 2025, the company issued and sold 5,365,853 shares of common stock in a registered direct offering to Polar Asset Management Partners at $4.10 per share, representing a 14% premium to the closing price on the date of purchase agreement. Management expects the upcoming $240 million upfront payment from Novo Nordisk to provide sufficient capital to fund operations for more than 12 months, including the anticipated U.S. launch of narsoplimab. OMER has traded in the range of $2.95 to $13.06 over the past year. The stock closed yesterday's trading at $6.28, down 8.85%. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Shares of Venture Corporation Ltd. (V03.SI,VEMLF) declined over 3% on Friday. On Thursday, the company had registered a sequential decline in the third quarter. The company recorded a quarterly profit of S$55.6 million. Earnings per share stood at 19.2 cents, down 3% from the prior quarter. Revenue was S$627.2 million, down 2.8% from the prior quarter, reflecting an expected softness in the Lifestyle Consumer domain. VEMLF was down 3.32% at S$14.56 on the Singapore Stock Exchange at the close. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News MoTIV Research Visit [L-R] Amanda Gowa, Community and Programme Development Lead; Anthony Tibaingana, Makerere University; Jen Snowball, Rhodes University; Rita Ngenzi, Founding Director, Africa Creatives Alliance and MoTIV; Ivan Sewajje, Head of Brand Innovation, MoTIV Artificial Intelligence (AI) is reshaping how the world creates, connects, and does business and Africas creative industries are no exception. At the recent African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Conference, hosted by Makerere University in Uganda, artists, academics, and innovators gathered to explore how AI can unlock new possibilities for creative economies across the continent. Held under the theme Research, Innovation and Artificial Intelligence for Africas Transformation, the three-day event marked ARUAs tenth anniversary and brought together some of Africas leading thinkers on technology and development. One of the most dynamic sessions came from the ARUA/The Guild Cluster of Research Excellence (CoRE) in Creative Economies co-led by Rhodes University, Kings College London, and the University of Lagos. The session, AI and the Creative Economy, examined how universities can help shape an inclusive, AI-driven future for Africas cultural and creative sectors. From classrooms to creators studios Chaired by Dr Anthony Tibaingana of Makerere Universitys College of Business and Management Sciences, the session showcased how higher education institutions are moving beyond theory to drive real-world creative innovation. Makereres own UniPod, for example, is a vibrant innovation hub that gives young creatives access to makerspaces, design labs, and even a professional music and podcast studio; proof that African universities can be engines of creative production. Rhodes Universitys Professor of Economics and Chief Research Strategist at the South African Cultural Observatory (SACO), Jen Snowball, presented a paper titled Creative Economies in Africa, AI and Higher Education, highlighting how universities can equip young people with the skills needed in the fast-evolving digital creative economy. Drawing on South Africas pioneering Visual Special Effects training programme, she showed how targeted education can open new career pathways in the creative tech space. Professor Mohammed Aminu Sanda from the University of Ghana added another layer to the conversation with his presentation on reimagining creative curricula for an AI-oriented future, ensuring that graduates are not only employable but entrepreneurial. Building bridges between ideas and industry The academic discussions culminated in a lively industry panel featuring Rita Ngenzi, Ivan Sewajje, and Amanda Gowa from the Africa Creatives Alliance (ACA), a pan-African network working to connect and strengthen the continents fragmented creative industries. Their work with MoTIV, East Africas largest makerspace and creative hub, exemplifies how collaboration and shared infrastructure can help ideas grow into thriving enterprises. MoTIVs Design to Industry initiative, for instance, enables young designers to turn creative concepts into market-ready products a model that blends artistry with manufacturing, training, and entrepreneurship. The bigger picture The AI and Creative Economies session revealed a shared vision: a future where African creativity and artificial intelligence grow hand in hand. By connecting universities, innovators, and industry leaders, initiatives like this are laying the groundwork for an AI-savvy generation of African creators, capable not only of adapting to global shifts but of shaping them. As Rhodes University and its partners continue to drive this collaboration, one thing is clear: Africas creative economy isnt waiting for the future. Its building it. Hyundai was the 4th best-selling car maker in India in October 2025. The company commanded an 11.5% market share which dipped 2.4% YoY from 12.1% held in the same month last year. Sales also declined to 53,792 units, a 3% YoY de-growth from 55,568 units sold in Oct 2024. However, it did make up on a MoM basis with a 4% rise over 51,547 unit sales of Sept 2025. Hyundai Sales Breakup Oct 2025 Hyundai had the Creta at No. 1 on its sales list in Oct 2025, while it was the fifth-best-selling car and second best-selling SUV in India during that month. Sales improved 5% YoY to 18,381 units from 17,497 units in Oct 2024. It did however, suffer a 3% MoM decline from 18,861 units sold in Sept 2025, its best monthly performance since launch. New Hyundai Venue amassed sales of 11,738 units last month marking an 8% YoY and 2% MoM growth. The 2026 Hyundai Venue is seen as the most technologically advanced SUVs along with its sportier Venue N Line, as it take on a host of competitors in the sub 4m SUV space. It was followed by the Exter, sales of which declined by 12% to 6,294 units from 7,127 unit sales of Oct 2024 while MoM sales grew strongly by 12% over 5,643 units of Sept 2025. Hyundai Aura too saw strong demand last month with 5,815 unit sales. It was a 21% improvement from 4,805 units in Oct 2024 and an 8% growth over 5,387 units in Sept 2025. In 5th and 6th position were the Hyundai Grand i10 and i20. Sales dipped to 5,426 units and 4,023 units respectively on a YoY basis while MoM sales ended on a more positive note. YoY sales also fell for the Alcazar at 1,259 units and Verna to 824 units. However, both cars made up stronger numbers on a MoM basis. Hyundai Tucson, IONIQ 5 Sales Decline in Oct 2025 Hyundai Tucson suffered a steep 82% YoY decline to 26 units over 141 unit sales of Oct 2024. MoM sales also fell sharply by 69% when compared to 85 units sold in Sept 2025. IONIQ5 sales also dipped to just 6 units in the past month. This was an 81% de-growth from 32 unit sales of Oct 2024 while MoM sales remained flat. Hyundai Kona sales were down to 0 units. Hyundai has demonstrated an optimistic outlook for the future particularly in view of the ongoing benefits of the GST 2.0 reforms while the company looks forward to launch of the Verna facelift in 2026. In addition, Hyundai Motor India has outlined an ambitious roadmap for the country, announcing a massive investment plan of Rs 45,000 crore by 2030. This aggressive push will fuel a wave of new products across segments including electric vehicles, hybrid models, ICE cars, SUVs and MPVs, strengthening Hyundais position as a full-spectrum mobility provider. As part of this expansion, Hyundai is also gearing up to introduce its global luxury brand Genesis in India next year, marking a significant step into the premium space. With new manufacturing capabilities, advanced powertrains and a broader product lineup, Hyundais long-term strategy aims to cater to evolving customer needs while accelerating Indias transition toward cleaner and more diverse mobility solutions. A worker shows newly-picked chrysanthemum blossoms at the ecological park of Three Gorges Yang Ju in Yunyang County, southwest China's Chongqing, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) CHONGQING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- From the misty mountains of Yunyang County, a truck loaded with freshly processed chrysanthemums set off along the New International Land-Sea Trade Corridor. The cargo was bound for Southeast Asian countries, where the blooms would soon be turned into fragrant herbal teas. Once relatively unknown, even among locals, the Three Gorges Yang Ju chrysanthemum brand developed by Yunyang Yunshan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd. has transformed from a local specialty into a sought-after export product that now reaches markets in Southeast Asia, North America, and Europe. Back in the flower's hometown, the ecological park of Three Gorges Yang Ju is blanketed with fragrant blossoms in late autumn. Local villagers, equipped with bamboo baskets, harvest the chrysanthemums, while visitors enjoy tea tastings and engage in delightful flower-picking experiences among over a thousand potted varieties. Though modest in size, the chrysanthemums have become the first agricultural product from southwest China's Chongqing Municipality to be exported under the China-Singapore (Chongqing) Demonstration Initiative on Strategic Connectivity. "For agricultural exports, quality and standards come first," said Yang Xuemei, general manager of Yunyang Yunshan and the founder of Three Gorges Yang Ju. The company has developed four product series, processing over 2,000 tonnes of dried flowers annually. Its products have earned organic certifications from China, the European Union, the United States and Japan, as well as protected eco-origin product by China and U.S. FDA certifications. Yet the journey began in humble fashion. When Yang, then a traditional Chinese medicine practitioner, returned to her hometown in 2007 to promote chrysanthemum cultivation, few villagers shared her vision. "They thought planting grains was more reliable, and there was neither technology nor funding," she recalled. Lacking local varieties and advanced techniques, the fledgling industry faced many hurdles. Yang's team immersed themselves in research, visiting institutes such as the Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica and Nanjing Agricultural University, and inviting experts from the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences to guide them. Through more than 1,000 days and nights of field trials, they eventually developed the high-mountain organic chrysanthemum known as Three Gorges Yang Ju. The flower's reputation quickly spread abroad. "It's disease-resistant, high-yielding and loved by overseas consumers," said Yang. As profits grew, more villagers became involved in the business. However, uneven planting methods resulted in inconsistent quality. "We needed standardized cultivation," said Zhang Chao, the company's technical director. "We organized more than 10 experts to regularly train large growers and skilled farmers in various townships." The farms now strictly follow organic practices, banning chemical fertilizers and pesticides. Over 10,000 mu (about 670 hectares) of land are under standardized cultivation. With its reputation secured, the flower began its voyage overseas in 2014. "This year we launched our own export operations, with direct exports revenue reaching 500,000 yuan (about 70,596.5 U.S. dollars), while indirect exports through trade partners hit 6 million yuan," Yang said. The company is also expanding its product portfolio, developing chrysanthemum wine, pastries, cosmetics and pillows to bring more local products to global consumers. Today, Yunyang County boasts a chrysanthemum planting area of 45,000 mu, benefiting more than 18,000 farming households. In 2024, local farmers produced 13,000 tonnes of fresh chrysanthemums, with total output value reaching 150 million yuan. Meanwhile, Yunyang is advancing trade facilitation measures, integrating domestic and foreign trade systems. Local authorities have set up a "green channel" for exporters, offering priority customs clearance, inspection and certification services. Workers pick chrysanthemum blossoms at the ecological park of Three Gorges Yang Ju in Yunyang County, southwest China's Chongqing, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) This photo shows chrysanthemum blossoms at the ecological park of Three Gorges Yang Ju in Yunyang County, southwest China's Chongqing, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) This photo shows products of the Three Gorges Yang Ju chrysanthemum brand at its ecological park in Yunyang County, southwest China's Chongqing, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) Yang Xuemei, general manager of Yunyang Yunshan Agricultural Development Co., Ltd., introduces the high-mountain organic chrysanthemum known as Three Gorges Yang Ju, in Yunyang County, southwest China's Chongqing, Nov. 5, 2025. (Xinhua/Xiao Xiao) BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- China will never compromise or concede on its core interests such as national sovereignty and territorial integrity, and any force that dares to obstruct China's reunification is doomed to fail, said Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lin Jian on Friday. Lin made the remarks after Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Sun Weidong summoned the Japanese ambassador to China, Kenji Kanasugi, on Thursday, making serious demarches over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's provocative remarks on Taiwan, which imply the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Lin told a regular news briefing that the root cause of the problem lies in Takaichi's "extremely wrongful, dangerous and provocative remarks on Taiwan and her refusal to change course and retract what she had said." "That grossly interferes in China's internal affairs, violates international law and the basic norms of international relations, and damages the post-WWII international order," Lin said. It also contravenes the one-China principle and the guiding principles set forth in the four China-Japan political documents, disrupts the political foundations of China-Japan relations, and hurts the Chinese people's sentiment, he added. Noting that many politicians and people with vision in Japan have raised caution and criticism, Lin said China cherishes peace and values good faith. "That said, when it comes to China's sovereignty, territorial integrity and any other issues concerning China's core interests, no one shall ever expect any compromise or concession from China," Lin said. He continued to stress that no one shall have the illusion that China will swallow the bitter fruit that undermines its interests. "No one shall seek to challenge the bottom line of the Chinese people, for whoever try to do so will be dealt a head-on blow and find themselves on a collision course with a great wall of steel forged by over 1.4 billion Chinese people," Lin said. "For anyone who dare to hold back China's reunification: Failure will be their fate," added the spokesperson. Related: Chinese ambassador to Japan strongly protests Takaichi's erroneous remarks regarding China Japan in no position to make irresponsible remarks on China's reunification: spokesperson China is deeply concerned over Japan's recent military, security moves: FM spokesperson China warns Japan of "crushing defeat" should it take risk on Taiwan question People visit the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) GENEVA, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." The award went to the brand's creation, "the Mobius." Dai Xinyan, the 25-year-old founder of Fam al Hut, said he felt "very excited" after winning the prize. "China's watch industry has moved beyond the stage of simply having well-known brands -- we are now in the era of proving how good we can be. With more original innovation and stronger brand awareness, the industry holds enormous potential," said Dai. GPHG President Raymond Loretan told Xinhua that China's innovation is reshaping global competition and that Chinese brands are rapidly becoming strong rivals to watchmakers worldwide, including those in Switzerland, and their growing international presence is creating more opportunities for recognition. China has made steady advances in high-end intelligent manufacturing, said Zhu Shunhua, president of the Shenzhen Watch & Clock Association. "By showcasing their work alongside leading Swiss, German and Japanese watchmakers, Chinese brands are strengthening their global visibility and will continue to bring more 'good Chinese design' and 'good Chinese manufacturing' to consumers worldwide," said Zhu. This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." A man views a watch at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) People visit the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A woman views a watch at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Dai Xinyan (C, rear), founder of Fam al Hut, attends the awarding ceremony of the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Dai Xinyan (C, L), founder of Fam al Hut, speaks at the awarding ceremony of the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) A creative clock is pictured at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG) exhibition in Geneva, Switzerland, Nov. 13, 2025. Chinese independent watch brand Fam al Hut on Thursday won the Audacity Prize at the 25th Grand Prix d'Horlogerie de Geneve (GPHG), widely regarded as the "Oscars of the watch industry." This is the second time a Chinese brand has claimed a GPHG award. In 2021, China's CIGA Design won the Challenge Watch Prize for its original model, "the Blue Planet." (Xinhua/Lian Yi) Named Bakiribu waridza, the newly-identified species is the first filter-feeding pterosaur from the tropics. Bakiribu waridza lived in the tropical latitudes of the supercontinent Gondwana during the Early Cretaceous, approximately 113 million years ago. The ancient flying reptile belongs to Pterodaustrini, a group of pterosaurs within the clade Ctenochasmatidae. Ctenochasmatidae is a clade of pterodactyloid pterosaurs, which thrived during the Late Jurassic and Early Cretaceous, said Dr. Aline Ghilardi from the Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Norte and colleagues. Recent discoveries have shed light on the diversity and ecological adaptations of this group, particularly through the examination of new fossil specimens from various geographic regions and geological periods. These pterosaurs exhibit a remarkable evolutionary trajectory, characterized by diverse morphological adaptations and a broad geographical distribution. Recent discoveries from China, South America, and Europe have significantly enhanced our understanding of their ecology and highlighted the dynamic evolutionary history of this lineage. Ctenochasmatids thrived mostly from the Late Jurassic to the Barremian but declined progressively towards the Late Early Cretaceous, they added. Little is known about the later species and how the lineages moved and diversified between Laurasia and Gondwana. According to the researchers, Bakiribu waridza had extremely elongated jaws and dense, brush-like tooth rows, similar to the ctenochasmatine pterosaur Pterodaustro but distinct in tooth cross-section and spacing. Within Ctenochasmatidae, the subclade Ctenochasmatinae is distinguished by elongated snouts and numerous fine teeth, adaptations associated with their unique feeding strategies, they said. The evolutionary trajectory of this group has been illuminated by discoveries such as Liaodactylus primus, from the Upper Jurassic of western Liaoning, China, which demonstrates a notable ecological transition from fish-catching to filter-feeding within the clade. An extreme morphology can be found in Pterodaustro guinazui, which exhibits a thousand hyper-elongated baleen-like teeth on the lower jaw. The extreme morphology of Pterodaustro indicates a hyper-specialization towards filter-feeding. The fossilized remains of two Bakiribu waridza individuals were found one part and its counterpart of a calcareous concretion from the Romualdo Formation in Brazils Araripe Basin. The concretion also contained four fossil fish, likely the Early Cretaceous bony fish Tharrhias. The pterosaurs and fish were preserved within a wackestone concretion rich in non-oriented ostracodes and foraminifera, similar to other Romualdo Formation concretions, the scientists said. The co-occurrence of densely packed, semi-articulated, and fragmented pterosaur bones (predominantly aligned in subparallel orientation) together with a cluster of similarly aligned fish supports the interpretation of the assemblage as a regurgitalite, a mass of indigestible material expelled orally by a predator. Bakiribu waridza had a mosaic of traits shared with both South American and European relatives. Its unique combination of anatomical traits particularly its very elongated jaws, dense dentition with long and slender teeth, subquadrangular crowns in cross-section, and acrodont-like tooth implantation in both jaws sheds new light on the evolutionary trajectory of filter-feeding pterosaurs, the authors said. The exceptional preservation of the specimen within a regurgitalite, alongside head-aligned fish remains, provides rare direct evidence of trophic interactions in the Early Cretaceous Araripe paleoecosystem. This discovery not only fills a paleobiogeographic gap in the distribution of Ctenochasmatinae but also underscores the significance of understudied, long-held museum specimens for revealing key evolutionary and paleoecological insights. Bakiribu adds to the growing evidence that the Araripe Basin serves as a critical window into Early Cretaceous biodiversity, ecological complexity, and continental-scale faunal exchanges. The teams paper was published on November 10, 2025 in the journal Scientific Reports. _____ R.V. Pegas et al. 2025. A regurgitalite reveals a new filter-feeding pterosaur from the Santana Group. Sci Rep 15, 37336; doi: 10.1038/s41598-025-22983-3 For decades, researchers have tried to create semiconductor materials that can also act as superconductors -- materials capable of carrying electric current without resistance. Semiconductors, which form the foundation of modern computer chips and solar cells, could operate far faster and more efficiently if they also possessed superconducting abilities. Yet turning materials like silicon and germanium into superconductors has remained a major challenge, largely because it requires maintaining a delicate atomic arrangement that allows electrons to move freely. A global team of scientists has now achieved what once seemed out of reach. In a new study published in Nature Nanotechnology, they report creating a form of germanium that exhibits superconductivity. This means it can conduct electricity with zero resistance, allowing electric currents to circulate endlessly without losing energy. Such behavior could dramatically boost the performance of electronic and quantum devices while reducing power consumption. "Establishing superconductivity in germanium, which is already widely used in computer chips and fiber optics, can potentially revolutionize scores of consumer products and industrial technologies," explains Javad Shabani, a physicist at New York University and director of its Center of Quantum Information Physics and Quantum Institute. Peter Jacobson, a physicist at the University of Queensland, adds that the findings could accelerate progress in building practical quantum systems. "These materials could underpin future quantum circuits, sensors, and low-power cryogenic electronics, all of which need clean interfaces between superconducting and semiconducting regions," he says. "Germanium is already a workhorse material for advanced semiconductor technologies, so by showing it can also become superconducting under controlled growth conditions there's now potential for scalable, foundry-ready quantum devices." How Semiconductors Become Superconductors Germanium and silicon, both group IV elements with diamond-like crystal structures, occupy a unique position between metals and insulators. Their versatility and durability make them central to modern manufacturing. To induce superconductivity in such elements, scientists must carefully alter their atomic structure to increase the number of electrons available for conduction. These electrons then pair up and move through the material without resistance -- a process that is notoriously difficult to fine-tune on the atomic scale. In the new study, researchers developed germanium films heavily infused with gallium, a softer element commonly used in electronics. This technique, known as "doping," has long been used to modify a semiconductor's electrical behavior. Normally, high levels of gallium destabilize the crystal, preventing superconductivity. The team overcame this limitation using advanced X-ray methods to guide a refined process that encourages gallium atoms to take the place of germanium atoms in the crystal lattice. Although this substitution slightly distorts the crystal, it preserves its overall stability and allows it to carry current with zero resistance at 3.5 Kelvin (about -453 degrees Fahrenheit), confirming that it had become superconducting. Precision Tools Unlock Atomic Control "Rather than ion implantation, molecular beam epitaxy was used to precisely incorporate gallium atoms into the germanium's crystal lattice," says Julian Steele, a physicist at the University of Queensland and a co-author of the study. "Using epitaxy -- growing thin crystal layers -- means we can finally achieve the structural precision needed to understand and control how superconductivity emerges in these materials." As Shabani notes, "This works because group IV elements don't naturally superconduct under normal conditions, but modifying their crystal structure enables the formation of electron pairings that allow superconductivity." The study also involved researchers from ETH Zurich and the Ohio State University and received partial support from the US Air Force's Office of Scientific Research (FA9550-21-1-0338). This international effort marks a key step toward integrating superconducting behavior into the very materials that drive today's electronics, potentially reshaping the landscape of computing and quantum technology. Iceberg calving happens when large pieces of ice split from the front of a glacier and fall into the ocean. This natural event is a major contributor to the rapid reduction of ice on the Greenland ice sheet. For the first time, an international team led by the University of Zurich (UZH) and the University of Washington (UW) has used fiber-optic technology to track how the impact of falling ice, along with the movement of the released ice, causes glacial meltwater to mix with warmer seawater below the surface. "The warmer water increases seawater-induced melt erosion and eats away at the base of the vertical wall of ice at the glacier's edge. This, in turn, amplifies glacier calving and the associated mass loss from ice sheets," explains Andreas Vieli, a professor in UZH's Department of Geography and co-author of the research. Vieli leads the Cryosphere cluster, one of six groups in the international GreenFjord project in southern Greenland, supported by the Swiss Polar Institute. The team's discovery about how ice and seawater interact was highlighted on the cover of Nature. Wave measurements using fiber-optic cable on seafloor During the GreenFjord project, researchers from UZH, UW and several Swiss partners carried out an extensive field campaign to study calving behavior. They placed a ten-kilometer-long fiber-optic cable on the seafloor across the fjord in front of the Eqalorutsit Kangilliit Sermiat glacier. This fast-moving glacier in southern Greenland releases about 3.6 km3 of ice into the ocean each year, which is almost three times the annual volume of the Rhone glacier near the Furka mountain pass in Switzerland. The research team relied on Distributed Acoustic Sensing (DAS), a method that detects tiny vibrations along the cable caused by events such as newly formed crevasses, falling ice blocks, ocean waves or temperature changes. "This enables us to measure the many different types of waves that are generated after icebergs break off," says lead author Dominik Graff, a UW postdoctoral researcher affiliated with ETH Zurich. Underwater waves amplify glacier melt and erosion After an iceberg crashes into the water, surface waves called calving-induced tsunamis sweep across the fjord and mix the upper water layers. Because seawater in Greenland's fjords is warmer and denser than meltwater, it sinks toward the deeper layers. The team also detected another type of wave that continues to move between density layers long after the surface becomes calm. These internal underwater waves, which can reach heights comparable to skyscrapers, cannot be seen from above but keep mixing the water for extended periods. This ongoing movement brings warm water upward, increasing melting and erosion at the glacier's edge and promoting further calving. "The fiber-optic cable allowed us to measure this incredible calving multiplier effect, which wasn't possible before," says Graff. The data gathered will support future efforts to document calving events and better understand the rapid decline of ice sheets. A fragile and threatened system Scientists have long known that interactions between seawater and calving play an important role in glacier retreat, but collecting detailed measurements in the field has been extremely difficult. Fjords filled with icebergs present constant hazards from falling ice, and satellite observations cannot capture what happens below the surface where these interactions occur. "Our previous measurements have often merely scratched the surface, so a new approach was needed," says Andreas Vieli. The Greenland ice sheet covers an area around 40 times larger than Switzerland. If it were to melt completely, global sea levels would rise by about seven meters. The large volumes of meltwater flowing from shrinking glaciers can also disrupt major ocean currents such as the Gulf Stream, with significant consequences for Europe's climate. The retreat of calving glaciers further affects the ecosystems within Greenland's fjords. "Our entire Earth system depends, at least in part, on these ice sheets. It's a fragile system that could collapse if temperatures rise too high," warns Dominik Graff. Astronomers working with the European Space Agency's XMM-Newton observatory and the LOFAR radio telescope have obtained clear evidence of a violent burst of material hurled into space by a distant star. The outflow was strong enough that any nearby planet in its path would likely have its atmosphere stripped away. This burst was identified as a coronal mass ejection (CME), a type of eruption frequently produced by the Sun. During a CME, enormous quantities of charged particles and plasma are pushed outward from the star, filling the surrounding space. These dramatic outbursts drive what we call space weather, influence events such as auroras on Earth, and can gradually erode the atmospheres of neighboring planets. Scientists had long suspected that other stars generate their own CMEs, yet convincing proof had remained elusive. That gap has now been filled. "Astronomers have wanted to spot a CME on another star for decades," says Joe Callingham of the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON), author of the new research published in Nature. "Previous findings have inferred that they exist, or hinted at their presence, but haven't actually confirmed that material has definitively escaped out into space. We've now managed to do this for the first time." A Rare Radio Signal Marks Material Escaping the Star As a CME pushes outward through the outer layers of a star and into the surrounding region, it generates a shock wave along with a sudden burst of radio waves (a form of light). Joe and his colleagues detected this brief, intense radio signal and traced it to a star located around 130 light-years away. "This kind of radio signal just wouldn't exist unless material had completely left the star's bubble of powerful magnetism," adds Joe. "In other words: it's caused by a CME." A Hyperactive Red Dwarf With Planet-Scorching Power The star producing the eruption is a red dwarf, which is a much cooler, dimmer, and smaller type of star than the Sun. It differs from our Sun in several key ways: it has about half the Sun's mass, it rotates 20 times faster, and its magnetic field is an estimated 300 times stronger. Most planets discovered in the Milky Way orbit stars of this type. The radio signal was detected with the Low Frequency Array (LOFAR) thanks to new data-processing techniques developed by co-authors Cyril Tasse and Philippe Zarka at the Observatoire de Paris-PSL. The team then relied on ESA's XMM-Newton to measure the star's temperature, rotation, and X-ray brightness. These details were necessary to interpret the radio burst and determine the nature of the eruption. "We needed the sensitivity and frequency of LOFAR to detect the radio waves," says co-author David Konijn, a PhD student working with Joe at ASTRON. "And without XMM-Newton, we wouldn't have been able to determine the CME's motion or put it in a solar context, both crucial for proving what we'd found. Neither telescope alone would have been enough -- we needed both." Their measurements revealed that the CME was traveling at roughly 2400 km per second. CMEs that fast occur in only about 1 out of every 2000 events on the Sun. The burst was also dense and energetic enough that any planet orbiting close to this star could have its atmosphere entirely stripped away. Implications for Life Around Red Dwarfs The ability of such a CME to remove atmospheres is an important factor in the search for life beyond the Solar System. A planet's habitability is often tied to whether it falls within its star's 'habitable zone', where liquid water can persist on the surface of a planet with the right atmospheric conditions. The concept is similar to the Goldilocks idea: too close is too hot, too far is too cold, and the middle region is potentially just right. However, a star that frequently unleashes strong eruptions and extreme space weather may rob even a well-positioned planet of its atmosphere. A world exposed to repeated high-energy CMEs could be reduced to bare rock, even if it orbits at a distance normally considered favorable for life. "This work opens up a new observational frontier for studying and understanding eruptions and space weather around other stars," adds Henrik Eklund, an ESA research fellow based at the European Space Research and Technology Centre (ESTEC) in Noordwijk, The Netherlands. "We're no longer limited to extrapolating our understanding of the Sun's CMEs to other stars. It seems that intense space weather may be even more extreme around smaller stars -- the primary hosts of potentially habitable exoplanets. This has important implications for how these planets keep hold of their atmospheres and possibly remain habitable over time." Expanding the Study of Extreme Space Weather This discovery also deepens our knowledge of space weather more broadly, an area long studied by ESA through missions including SOHO, the Proba series, Swarm, and Solar Orbiter. XMM-Newton remains a key observatory for examining high-energy environments throughout the Universe. Since its launch in 1999, it has explored galactic cores, studied stellar evolution, investigated regions around black holes, and observed bursts of intense radiation from distant stars and galaxies. "XMM-Newton is now helping us discover how CMEs vary by star, something that's not only interesting in our study of stars and our Sun, but also our hunt for habitable worlds around other stars," says ESA XMM-Newton Project Scientist Erik Kuulkers. "It also demonstrates the immense power of collaboration, which underpins all successful science. The discovery was a true team effort, and resolves the decades-long search for CMEs beyond the Sun." SEOUL, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the United States on Friday finalized their tariff and security agreement by announcing a joint fact sheet on summit talks between South Korean President Lee Jae-myung and U.S. President Donald Trump on Oct. 29. The agreement included 150 billion U.S. dollars of South Korean investment in the shipbuilding sector approved by the United States and 200 billion dollars of additional South Korean investment, according to a memorandum of understanding about strategic investments, in exchange for lower U.S. tariffs. The U.S. will apply a reciprocal tariff rate of 15 percent on originating goods of South Korea, reduce sectoral tariffs on automobiles, auto parts, timber, lumber and wood derivatives of South Korea to 15 percent, and apply no greater than 15 percent to pharmaceuticals of South Korea. The United States also intended to remove supplemental tariffs imposed on products on the list of the Potential Tariff Adjustments for Aligned Partners, including generic pharmaceuticals, generic pharmaceutical ingredients and natural resources unavailable in the United States, as well as certain aircraft and parts of South Korea. South Korea's Yonhap News Agency noted that the fact sheet did not specify when the United States will lower the current 25 percent tariff on automobiles and auto parts to 15 percent. Industry experts in South Korea believe that even with the tariff agreement, the burden on the country's companies in the affected sectors will not ease immediately. Citing a source in the Korean auto industry, the EToday news website reported that it will take at least one to two months for the effects of the tariff reduction to be felt, meaning that companies will continue to face significant short-term liquidity pressure. Yonhap's analysis pointed out that Korean automobile exports to the United States had previously enjoyed zero tariffs, and determining how to cope with the impact of U.S. tariffs on South Korea's automotive industry will be a new challenge. Kim Pill-soo, a professor at Daelim University College, stressed that fundamentally, the U.S. tariff issue has not disappeared. Regarding the so-called modernized alliance, the U.S. reaffirmed its pledge to provide extended deterrence, while South Korea shared its plan to increase its defense spending to 3.5 percent of its gross domestic product as soon as possible. South Korea also shared its plan to provide comprehensive support for the U.S. Forces Korea amounting to 33 billion dollars in accordance with Seoul's legal requirements while committing to spending 25 billion dollars on U.S. military equipment purchases by 2030. The United States gave approval for South Korea to build nuclear-powered attack submarines. BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A mainland spokesperson on Friday responded to "Taiwan independence" separatists' provocations, saying that the crazier they become, the sooner they will perish. Chen Binhua, spokesperson for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, made the remarks in response to a media query about the notorious Shen Pao-yang, a Taiwan separatist who recently travelled to Germany and published a video footage saying that "we will never back down." Chen said separatists had "reached a dead end," adding that the farce involving Shen and Taiwan's Democratic Progressive Party authorities only revealed their anxiety as "the sword of punishment for separatism hangs over their heads." He said that "the crazier 'Taiwan independence' separatists become, the sooner they will perish," warning that they face the judgment of justice and a disgraceful end. Shen, a Taipei native in his 40s, was put on the list of obstinate "Taiwan independence" separatists by the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council last year. In late October this year, police in Chongqing Municipality announced that a criminal investigation had been launched against Shen on suspicion of secession. The case was opened to resolutely combat Shen's criminal acts of secession, including initiating and establishing the separatist organization, the Kuma Academy. BARCELONA, Spain, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- For decades, discount "bazaar" stores were the most visible sign of the Chinese community in Spain. Today, that picture is rapidly changing. As online shopping expands and Spain's Chinese population grows to more than 226,000 people, with over half of working-age residents self-employed according to the Union of Professionals and Self-Employed Workers (UPTA), Chinese entrepreneurs are branching into new sectors. Across Spanish cities, the number of traditional bazaar-style variety shops is falling, while new Chinese-run businesses are multiplying in areas such as beauty services, consulting, travel agencies, cafes, clothing boutiques, and supermarkets. "In this area there are many more Chinese shops and businesses," said Guan Jie, president of the United Friendship Association of Chinese Women in Spain and owner of Barcelona-based travel agency, Viajes China Espana. "There are legal consultants for the Chinese community and many new Chinese food shops." She added that Chinese owners now operate more than a third of restaurants and bars in central Barcelona, including those serving traditional Spanish cuisine. One example of the shift is Mormor Asian Market, a supermarket opened this year in Barcelona by three young Chinese entrepreneurs who grew up in Spain. "We try to cover both sides of our culture," manager Chen Juyi told Xinhua. "Locals lack information about Asian culture, so we opened an Asian market." She said the store attracts not only Asian and Spanish shoppers, but also tourists and new arrivals who often communicate in English. Guan Jie noted that demand has also changed in her own sector: while her travel agency once focused mainly on bringing Chinese tour groups to Spain, there is now growing interest in trips from Spain to China, especially among Chinese residents. Chinese brands are also expanding into Spain. Bubble tea chain TeaPanda, which operates around 8,000 stores worldwide, opened its first European outlet this year in Barcelona, with plans to expand to Madrid. "Things are changing, and getting better," said sales assistant Zheng Dingxin. "More Chinese brands are coming, and that improves the food and everything else here." Despite shifting business models, China's entrepreneurial footprint in Spain remains strong. With a self-employment rate of 14 percent, the Chinese community is the largest foreign group of self-employed workers in the country, according to UPTA. Commercial property group Land Securities lifted its earnings forecasts on Friday, despite weaker-than-expected interim profits, after rental income jumped. Net rental income at the blue chip landlord - which owns a mix of offices and retail, including in the City and West End - rose 5.6% in the six months to September end to 284m, or by 5.2% on a like-for-like basis. Occupancy was 40 basis points higher at 97.7%, while overhead costs fell 6%. As a result, earnings per share rose 3.2% to 25.8p. Pre-tax profits fell sharply, however, to 98m from 243m, following a 67m loss on the sale of 644m of assets which generated little or no return. As a result, net tangible assets per share eased 1.3%. Both pre-tax profits and NTA missed consensus, sending the shares lower. As at 0915 GMT, the stock was off 3% at 637p However, Mark Allan, chief executive, said: "We continue to see clear, positive momentum across every part of our business, notwithstanding the wider economic environment. "Owning the right real estate has never been more important, so we continue to benefit from our proactive portfolio repositioning over the last few years. "Our entire business is also benefiting from a sharper focus on sustainable EPS growth as our primary performance objective." Looking to the full year, Landsec now expects like-for-like net rental income to grow by between 4% and 5%, up from previous guidance for around 3% and 4%. It also expects EPS growth at the top end of guidance for between 2% to 4%. The firm - which owns a number of shopping centres, including Bluewater in Kent and Trinity Leeds - is looking to expand into residential developments. It noted that returns were currently insufficient to justify the capital allocation required, but said: "While returns are currently insufficient, positive shifts in public sector policy are helpful and could add around 50 to 75 basis points to current net yields on cost of around 5%." Max Harper, analyst at Third Bridge, said: Weaker-than-expected profits should be partly balanced by solid rental growth and some guidance upgrades. Landsecs push toward a higher-quality mix of retail, residential and top-tier offices will be expensive, but should leave the business better placed for the long run versus similar landlords such as British Land. Berenberg, which has a buy rating on the stock, said: We think forward metrics at Landsec now look more than attractive than most points over the last ten years. We expect Landsec to be one of the few companies able to deliver more than 10% total accounting returns in the majority of our five forecast years going forward. The companys and our conviction in the performance of major retail is part of that. A member of the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone introduces medical devices to Sierra Leonean representatives at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Nov. 12, 2025. The China-aided Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, has officially launched at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Freetown, the capital.(The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) FREETOWN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The China-aided Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, has officially launched at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Freetown, the capital. The care unit, inaugurated on Wednesday, is equipped with cardiac monitors, defibrillators, ventilators, and other specialized devices, enabling centralized monitoring and timely treatment for patients with acute and critical cardiovascular conditions. According to the 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone, the country has long faced a growing burden of cardiovascular diseases and a shortage of critical care resources. The establishment of the care unit aims to help bridge this gap and marks a key milestone under the Sierra Leone-China Paired Hospital Cooperation Mechanism Project. At the ceremony, Deputy Minister of Health Charles Senessie thanked the Chinese expert team for supporting Sierra Leone's efforts to expand its cardiovascular care capacity. He pledged to make full use of the new platform to strengthen diagnosis and treatment services nationwide. Tao Xueyong, deputy director of the Health Commission of Hunan Province in central China, said he expects Chinese team members to work closely with their Sierra Leonean counterparts to ensure the safe and efficient operation of the unit. Tao stressed the importance of technology transfer and talent development to help build a localized professional team and create "a medical team that never leaves." The Chinese medical team said it will continue deepening cooperation through technical training, case discussions, and other exchanges to support long-term improvements in Sierra Leone's healthcare system. A launching ceremony is held for the Cardiac Intensive Care Unit at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Nov. 12, 2025. The China-aided Cardiac Intensive Care Unit, the first of its kind in Sierra Leone, has officially launched at the Sierra Leone-China Friendship Hospital in Freetown, the capital.(The 26th batch of the Chinese medical team to Sierra Leone/Handout via Xinhua) Rachel Reeves is set to abandon a plan to raise income tax in her budget with the chancellor reportedly ripping up the main measures in the wake of turmoil in the party. A source told the Guardian that plans to break the manifesto pledge on income tax had been ditched by the prime minister, Keir Starmer, and the chancellor. Guardian The carmaker owned by the billionaire industrialist Jim Ratcliffe will make hundreds of job cuts across the companys global workforce as his heavily indebted empire comes under increasing pressure. Ineos Automotive did not specify an exact number of losses from its 1,700-strong workforce, saying only that it would shed several hundred head office staff across multiple locations, including the UK and parts of Europe. Guardian It made pith helmets for young Englishmen heading off to the jungle. It supplies the Royal family and almost every child at a pony club wears its protective headgear. But after 114 years, family-owned riding helmet manufacturer Charles Owen has called time on production in the UK. Dave Derby, the chief executive of the Wrexham-based company, said in a note sent to customers this week that the company would have to cease production in mid-December following a row over its lease. Telegraph Households have slashed their energy usage to near record lows as bills soar. Domestic energy use has dropped by an average of 15pc in just a year, according to new figures released by Ed Milibands officials. It suggests families and pensioners have cut back on things like heating, bathing and cooking. About a third of the decline was attributed to warm weather between April and June this year, meaning there was less need for things like heating. However, the Department for Energy Security and Net Zero said energy usage was still near historic lows when adjusted for changes in temperature and seasonality. Telegraph Virgin Atlantic has struck a deal with the US investment firm Apollo Global Management to borrow $745 million against the value of its landing slots at Heathrow Airport, using the extra cash to revamp its fleet of aircraft. The airline, which counts Britains busiest airport as its primary hub, intends to use the additional funds to pay down debt, upgrade aircraft cabins and finance free on-board wifi, powered by Elon Musks satellite venture Starlink. The Times To begin by describing the plot in Caren Beilin's striking novel Sea, Poison would be a disservice both to readers and author, as it would suggest that the novel is concerned or even interested in convention when it wholly, thrillingly, is not. The incomparable Beilin (Revenge of the Scapegoat) instead creates a reading experience that rewards those who delight in surprising diction, syntax, and the unconventional, including characters, storytelling, and artificial constraints in the Oulipian tradition. She writes, "Now, sure, now it's all coming together. Nothing ever more you hear here shall be deemed coincidental. What am I doing? I'm writing this novel. Here it is." The narrator is writer Cumin Baleen (who may have been called Matt in childhood), a Philadelphia-based woman in her 30s who has an unnamed autoimmune disease, for which she tries various medications. She receives laser eye surgery, which she believes damages something in her brain, causing writer's block. Cumin's boyfriend leaves her for their landlord, so she moves into the closet of a polyamorous woman, Maron, and lusts after one of Maron's partners, Alix. Beilan uses fractured and repetitive storytelling to swirl around some of Cumin's obsessions, including Shusaku Endo's novel The Sea and Poison, being perceived as having a Jewish appearance, rape inflicted by OB-GYNs, and Jewishness. Those who enjoy erudite references, mixed with (among many themes) incest, medical trauma, and unusual storytelling, will be thrilled by Sea, Poison. --Nina Semczuk, writer, editor, and illustrator Brigitte Dale's compelling debut novel, The Good Daughters, immerses readers in the activism, challenges, and intertwined relationships of several young suffragettes in early 20th-century London. As the women face jeers, ostracism, imprisonment, and other hardships, they must band together to continue the struggle for suffrage--and consider whether the vote is worth their sacrifices. Charlotte, a middle-class bookworm from Manchester, is thrilled to be attending Girton College in Cambridge. But she finds herself out of place among the other students, who are mostly posh young women biding their time before marriage. One of them, Beatrice, introduces Charlotte to the suffrage movement but has her own reasons for hesitating to commit fully. Both women eventually leave Cambridge for London, where they meet Emily, daughter of the warden of Holloway Prison. Emily, grieving her mother's death and wrestling with her plans for the future, becomes an insider ally to the suffragettes--and her help becomes increasingly vital as more suffragettes are imprisoned. Sadie, an American, injects fresh energy into the movement, but her presence also brings further complications. Dale explores the external pressures and internal tensions facing the suffragettes, including the movement's bias toward women of privilege (the novel contains a mother-daughter pair inspired by Emmeline and Christabel Pankhurst). The women's dedication to their cause is tested when prison officials begin force-feeding participants in a hunger strike, and Emily worries about the repercussions if her father discovers her involvement. With excerpts from historical suffragette speeches and songs, Dale's narrative shows the brilliance and grit of women whose dedication changed the world. --Katie Noah Gibson, blogger at Cakes, Tea and Dreams Aditya Jayaraman to lead Hexawares India strategy under GCC 2.0 Brings 25+ years of global tech, cloud, AI/ML, and consulting experience Strengthens Hexawares focus on Indian enterprises and GCC expansion Hexaware Technologies has appointed Aditya Jayaraman as its new Country Head for India, strengthening its focus on enterprise and GCC expansion in one of its most strategic markets. Aditya will lead India-level strategy, market growth, and customer partnerships under Hexawares GCC 2.0 framework. With over 25 years of experience, Aditya has built and scaled businesses across cloud, IT services, consulting, data, and AI/ML. His career spans global tech leaders and Bay Area SaaS startups. Most recently, he led AWSs Hi-Tech vertical in North America, helping Fortune 1000 companies accelerate cloud and digital transformation. He has worked with more than 150 enterprises on modernization, data strategy, and AI adoption. Aditya also co-founded a GenAI startup incubator and continues to mentor early-stage ventures on innovation and go-to-market strategies. Known for his outcome-driven approach, he prioritizes clarity in problem-solving and delivering measurable results. Amrinder Singh, President & Head - EMEA & APAC at Hexaware, said, Aditya brings strong global leadership and deep transformation expertise. He added, His appointment reinforces our commitment to Indian enterprises and GCCs. Also Read: Ericsson Expands R&D Presence in India with New 5G Software Unit in Bengaluru Aditya said todays rapidly evolving tech landscape demands partners who take ownership of outcomes, adding that Hexawares mission and strong customer trust make it the right platform to drive impact. With India rising as a global technology and GCC hub, Hexaware aims to help organizations modernize legacy systems, migrate critical workloads, and scale AI responsibly. The Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force reveals its legislative agenda during a news conference Wednesday hosted by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon at his office in St. George on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. McMahon speaks at the podium. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. The Staten Island Fentanyl and Overdose Task Force is publicly demanding more state funding for addiction treatment and prevention, highlighting significant unspent funds and a lack of local representation in allocation decisions. These are five key takeaways from the original article by the Advance/SILive.com. 1. Significant progress in reducing deaths, but the fight continues The task forces efforts have been credited with a crucial 49% reduction in fatal overdoses on Staten Island in 2024, a decline that leads all other boroughs. Despite this progress, officials stress the crisis is far from resolved. District Attorney Michael E. McMahon stated, were not celebrating; the battle is far from over, pointing to the 81 lives lost last year and the 78 suspected overdose deaths recorded as of Nov. 9 this year. The ultimate goal remains zero overdoses, and the task force insists that while progress has been made, more work is essential to prevent further loss of life. 2. Hundreds of millions in opioid settlement funds remain unspent A central point of frustration for the task force is the vast amount of unallocated state money intended to combat the opioid crisis. The report highlights that $500 million from the states Opioid Settlement Fund remains unallocated. Furthermore, since 2022, the fund has accrued $35 million in interest, a substantial portion of which also remains unspent. Dr. Joseph Conte, executive director of the Staten Island Performing Provider System, called for the immediate release of these funds, stating, They are sitting useless in the bank while communities like Staten Island face a deadly, ongoing epidemic. 3. Current funding is insufficient for Staten Islands needs While Staten Island has received some financial support, the task force deems it inadequate. In 2024, $12 million in settlement funds were allocated to eight borough organizations, with each set to receive $375,000 for four years. However, the task forces report explicitly states that while this funding is deeply appreciated, it remains insufficient to meet the boroughs widespread and escalating needs. This highlights a significant gap between the resources provided and the on-the-ground reality of the overdose crisis in the borough. 4. A call for local representation in fund distribution The task force identified a critical flaw in the states funding allocation process: a complete lack of local input. The report notes there are no Staten Islanders on the advisory board that determines how the states Opioid Settlement Funds are distributed. Task force members, including McMahon, believe this absence is a primary reason the distribution system fails to prioritize high-risk counties like Staten Island. They argue this structural issue leads to providers being underfunded and residents being underserved, and they are demanding the situation be rectified. 5. Fentanyl continues to drive a deadly epidemic The urgency of the task forces demands is rooted in the lethality of the current drug supply. The report underscores that overdose deaths are now predominantly linked to illicit fentanyl, a synthetic opioid up to 50 times stronger than heroin. The scale of the national crisis was put into perspective by Conte, who noted that drug overdoses have claimed over a half a million lives since 2019 in the United States. This statistic frames the local fight on Staten Island as part of a catastrophic nationwide public health emergency fueled by powerful synthetic drugs. A draft of this story was generated using AI. It was reviewed, edited and approved by Advance/SILive.com staff. Pre-K students at the Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy march into the gymnasium with a sign thanking veterans. for their service to country. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. Students at the Father Vincent Capodanno Catholic Academy hosted a poignant patriotic program where they honored veterans for their service and sacrifice and thanked them in person. We invited veterans from local posts and veteran organizations, as well as active duty from the U.S. Coast Guard Base, said Debbie Cretella, principal of the South Beach school. From the left, Rev. Michael Martine, fifth grade student, Aubrey with her veteran grandfather, her great aunt, principal Debbie Cretella, and Regional Superintendent Jann Amato. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance Our Home School Association organizes parent volunteers to serve the breakfast. This tradition started at St. Adalbert School by the late Diane Hesterhagen, and when the two schools merged we continued the tradition at Fr. Capodanno. The program began with the posting of the colors from the schools color guard. A military recruiting officer with kindergarten student, Kashmir. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance An active Coast Guard officer with her pre-K son. To the right is retired NYS Supreme Court Justice Michael Brennan, who served in Vietnam. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance Students in grades 3K and Pre-K marched into the gymnasium to interact and share photos with veterans and those currently service in the military. Students take their positions on stage. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance The choir, composed of grades three through eight, led the school in song. In total, grades Kindergarten through eight participate in the event. Members of the school choir. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance Approximately 50 veterans attended our annual Veterans Day Breakfast, Cretella continued. The student choir directed by Robert Butler performed six numbers. Faith Quilles sung Hero as members of our dance team performed to the song. Olivia Quimbly closed the show with a dance she choreographed herself. And our student color guard, under the direction of Dan Venezia, posted the colors and retired them as well. Rev. Michael Martine, pastor of Holy Rosary R.C. Church, led the crowd in prayer. One of the veterans presented Debbie Cretella, principal, with a donation check. (Courtesy/Susan Macwan and Stephanie Mormando) Staten Island Advance As the daughter of a Vietnam veteran, who is now deceased, this event holds a special place in my heart, Cretella continued. The fact that the event was on my dads birthday made it even more special. We believe it is our duty to teach our students honor and respect. Interacting with our local veterans helps our students make real world connections to the material they learn in class. JIUQUAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Friday. At 11:14 a.m.(Beijing Time), the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceship undocked from the space station combination. At 2:49 p.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship separated from the return capsule. The brake engine then ignited, and the Shenzhou-21 return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule. The return capsule touched down at 4:40 p.m. at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the China Manned Space Agency said. The exterior of the Reformed Church of Huguenot Park is shown Friday, July 17, 2020. (Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta) STATEN ISLAND, NY -- Reformed Church of Huguenot Park will host a free Friendsgiving dinner on Saturday for individuals suffering from profound memory loss along with their caregivers and family members. The free meal, titled The Forget Me Not Friendsgiving Luncheon, begins at 12:30 p.m at the local church, which was founded in 1849 and includes about 100 members. Following the luncheon, local musicians Gary and Joan Moore will perform a community concert, featuring Americana folk music, in the churchs sanctuary at 1:30 p.m. The event is free and open to anyone who wishes to attend. Those interested can RSVP to 718-356-3737. There is parking available on the church property, which is located at 5475 Amboy Rd. in Huguenot. ALEXANDRIA, Va. (AP) Lawyers for former FBI Director James Comey and New York Attorney General Letitia James asked a judge Thursday to dismiss the cases against them, saying the prosecutor who secured the indictments was illegally installed in the role. U.S. District Judge Cameron McGowan Currie said she expects to decide by Thanksgiving on challenges to Lindsey Halligans appointment as interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia. That decision could help determine the fate of the politically charged cases, which were both shepherded by the hastily installed Halligan and together have amplified concerns that the Justice Department is being used as a weapon to target President Donald Trumps perceived adversaries. Halligan was installed in the job at Trumps urging by Attorney General Pam Bondi in September, just days before Comey was indicted, in what defense lawyers say was an end-run around the constitutional and statutory rules governing the appointment of U.S. attorneys. They say the maneuver was designed to ensure indictments against the presidents political opponents after the prosecutor who had been overseeing the two investigations, but had not brought charges, was effectively forced out. Ms. Halligan was the sole prosecutor in the grand jury room, and when the sole prosecutor lacks the authority, said Ephraim McDowell, one of Comeys defense lawyers, thats not going to be a harmless error. U.S. attorneys, top federal prosecutors who oversee regional Justice Department outposts across the country, are typically nominated by the president and then confirmed by the Senate. Attorneys general do have the authority to name an interim U.S. attorney who can serve for 120 days, but lawyers for Comey and James argued that once that period expires, the law gives federal judges the exclusive say of who gets to fill the vacancy. The interim US attorney resigned under pressure After then-interim U.S. attorney Erik Siebert resigned in September while facing Trump administration pressure to bring charges against Comey and James, Bondi installed Halligan, a White House aide with no prior prosecutorial experience. The appointment followed a Trump post on Truth Social in which he complained to Bondi about the lack of prosecutorial action against his political enemies and said, JUSTICE MUST BE SERVED, NOW!!! Siebert had been appointed by Bondi in January to serve as interim U.S. attorney. Trump in May announced his intention to nominate him, and judges in the Eastern District unanimously agreed after his 120-day period expired that he should be retained in the role. But after the Trump administration effectively pushed him out in September, the Justice Department again opted to make an interim appointment in place of the courts, something defense lawyers say it was not empowered under the law to do. If the government were to prevail here, McDowell said, then it would never need to go through Senate confirmation again for U.S. attorneys. He said any dismissal of the indictment must be permanent, with no opportunity to bring the case again, to avoid rewarding the government for a violation. The Justice Department defends Halligans appointment The Justice Department maintains that the law does not explicitly prohibit successive appointments of interim U.S. attorneys by the attorney general. Henry Whitaker, a lawyer for the department, argued that the indictment was properly returned by a grand jury and should not be dismissed over what he described as at most a paperwork or clerical error. The grand jury made a decision based on the facts and the law, and they followed their oath, Whitaker said. He also said that even if there were questions about Halligans appointment, they were resolved by the fact that Bondi had personally ratified the indictment and reviewed the grand jury proceedings. But Currie, the judge, questioned whether that was possible given that a section of the grand jury proceedings that were produced to her was, for unexplained reasons, missing a section. A Justice Department spokesperson later said that there was no missing time and that the time period in question concerns when the grand jury was deliberating, which would not be included in a transcription. Comey has pleaded not guilty to charges of making a false statement and obstructing Congress, and James, a Democrat, has pleaded not guilty to mortgage fraud allegations. The challenges to Halligans appointment are part of a multiprong effort to get the prosecutions tossed before trial. Their lawyers have separately argued that the prosecutions are improperly vindictive and motivated by the presidents personal animus toward their clients and should therefore be dismissed. Trumps history with Comey and James Comey, as FBI director in the early months of Trumps first term, infuriated the president through his oversight of an investigationinto potential ties between Russia and Trumps 2016 campaign. Trump fired Comey in May 2017. The two have been open adversaries since, with Comey labeling Trump unethical and comparing him to a Mafia boss and Trump branding Comey an untruthful slime ball and calling for him to be punished because of the Russia investigation. James has been a frequent target of Trumps ire, especially since she won a staggering judgment against him and the Trump Organization in a lawsuit alleging he defrauded banks by overstating the value of his real estate holdings on financial statements. An appeals court overturned the fine, which had ballooned to more than $500 million with interest, but upheld a lower courts finding that Trump had committed fraud. The Old Farmer''s Almanac forecasts that the Northeast will see snow around Chirstmas this year. This photo from Jan. 7, 2022, shows snow at Clove Lakes Park. (Advance/SILive.com | Jan Somma-Hammel) New York residents dreaming of a white Christmas may be in luck. The Old Farmers Almanac recently issued a Christmas weather travel outlook detailing the forecast for the nation around the beloved holiday. In that outlook, it was revealed that snow is expected to impact the Northeast during the week of Christmas. Other areas slated to receive snow around that time include the Upper Midwest, Lower Lakes, the eastern Ohio Valley and Alaska, according to the Old Farmers Almanac. While parts of New York may see some snow, those areas downstate, including New York City, may not. As explained in the outlook, the Atlantic Corridor can expect sunny skies and minimal precipitation around the holiday. Parts of the Atlantic Corridor could see rain and snow showers eventually give way to sunshine. Generally, travel conditions in the Atlantic Corridor should be rather pleasant, as revealed in the outlook. The Southeast, Florida, Heartland, TexasOklahoma and Hawaii are also expected to have pleasant travel conditions just around Christmastime. Meanwhile, the Appalachians will initially see sunny skies in the north and showers in the south ahead of the holiday before snow arrives closer to Christmas. The Old Farmers Almanac did not provide exact snowfall forecast amounts, however, the outlook did note that snow in the Northeast would most likely come in the form of showers. These snow showers could be capable of making roads slippery, potentially proving to be a problem for those traveling to see family around Christmas. Although snow is expected to hit the Northeast and sunshine will prevail in the Atlantic Corridor, both regions can expect very cold temperatures, as noted by the Old Farmers Almanac. Typically, the average temperature around Christmas in the Central Park area is about 36 to 37 degrees, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration data from 1991 to 2020. The News in Brief Friday, November 14, 2025 Georgian authorities are clarifying charges against 64 individuals connected to the events of October 4, 2025, during local self-government elections, the Prosecutor's Office of Georgia said.The incidents involved the attempted group seizure of a strategic facility, leadership and participation in organized group violence, and public calls to overthrow the constitutional order or state authority through violence.According to the Prosecutor's Office, the charge clarification process affects 63 defendants in terms of the wording and factual description of the alleged acts, without changing the legal classification of the crimes. One defendant, Nana Sanders, is facing a change in legal qualification.Sanders was initially charged under Article 225, Part 1 of Georgia's Criminal Code for organizing group violence. The updated charge now also includes Article 317, which criminalizes public calls for the violent overthrow of the constitutional order or state authority.The Prosecutor's Office said the investigation is ongoing and is being conducted by the Central Criminal Police Department of the Ministry of Internal Affairs.The Georgian government has proposed a new law that would allow citizens to join the Special State Protection Service (SSPS) without completing compulsory military service.Currently, the law limits recruitment for contracted professional and career positions to those who have fulfilled mandatory or conscription-based military service, excluding those exempted from conscription.Officials say the requirement restricts labor rights and prevents the SSPS from attracting the most qualified candidates. The proposed change aims to broaden the pool of applicants, improve competitiveness, and strengthen the agency's ability to serve the public.If approved, the amendment would allow all citizens, regardless of military service status, to apply for professional or career roles within the SSPS. Zhao Yingmin, president of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) International Green Development Coalition, speaks at a high-level side event during the COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Nov. 12, 2025. A high-level side event on innovation and green development was held here on Wednesday during the COP30 to share expertise and experience in green transition. Representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, governments, and financial and research institutions attended the event. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong) BELEM, Brazil, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A high-level side event on innovation and green development was held here on Wednesday during the COP30 to share expertise and experience in green transition. Zhao Yingmin, president of the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) International Green Development Coalition, said China has promoted a comprehensive green transition with systematic measures, achieved notable results in ecological civilization and renewable energy development, and set a national target for 2035 that demonstrates its determination to address climate change. He said China is willing to help other countries share opportunities and pursue common development through green cooperation. Simon Stiell, executive secretary of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change, said green growth is a new driving force for development and investment cooperation under the green Silk Road framework, and will provide important opportunities for job creation, capacity building and sustainable growth. He said practical cooperation between the coalition and partners has already produced fruitful results, expressing hope for more project outcomes. Li Gao, head of the Chinese delegation and vice minister of ecology and environment, said the Chinese government attaches great importance to ecological civilization, has promoted the conclusion, signing, entry into force and implementation of the Paris Agreement, and is coordinating efforts to reduce carbon emissions and pollution, expand green space and support growth. Li said China has integrated the green concept into the Belt and Road practice, built the world's largest clean power system and a carbon trading market, while its green industries continue to grow. Looking ahead, he said, China is ready to strengthen green innovation cooperation, promote the utilization of scientific and technological achievements, and build shared, mutually beneficial green development demonstration projects. Jorge Moreira da Silva, executive director of the United Nations Office for Project Services, said green transition depends not only on policy and finance but also on the ability to deliver projects, and the BRI International Green Development Coalition plays an active role in green transformation. Representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, governments, and financial and research institutions attended the event. Li Gao, head of the Chinese delegation and vice minister of ecology and environment, speaks at a high-level side event during the COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Nov. 12, 2025. A high-level side event on innovation and green development was held here on Wednesday during the COP30 to share expertise and experience in green transition. Representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, governments, and financial and research institutions attended the event. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong) Mark Watts, Executive director of C40 Cities Climate Leadership Group, speaks at a high-level side event during the COP30 in Belem, Brazil, Nov. 12, 2025. A high-level side event on innovation and green development was held here on Wednesday during the COP30 to share expertise and experience in green transition. Representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, governments, and financial and research institutions attended the event. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong) A high-level side event on innovation and green development is held during the COP30 to share expertise and experience in green transition in Belem, Brazil, Nov. 12, 2025. Representatives from UN agencies, international organizations, governments, and financial and research institutions attended the event. (Xinhua/Wang Tiancong) Pacgold Limited managing director Matthew Boyes said: With these results, we are building a strong foundation for continued discovery at both the Alice River Gold and St George gold-antimony projects in Queensland, while concurrently advancing our phase one production restart at the White Dam project in South Australia. However, it was the Jerry Dodds prospect, southwest of the Southern target, which produced the headline-grabbing proof of scale that appears to come with the territory. The hotspot sits on a major regional structure running parallel to the Alice River Fault Zone, about 400m southwest of Pacgolds Southern Target. Early mapping showed only slivers of quartz veining and breccia sticking out of the ground, although even those scattered outcrops hinted at a structure stretching more than 2 kilometres. Old-timers clearly saw the potential too always a very promising sign - leaving behind small, sporadic workings dating back to the early 1900s. Cyprus took a swing at the area in the 1980s, sampling the old diggings and pulling rock chips up to 17g/t gold. Shallow RAB drilling over a 400m slice had also produced an impressive 4m at 12g/t from just 12m depth. Pacgold revisited Jerry Dodds in 2023 with systematic rock chip sampling and immediately lit up a two kilometre-long trend, including a standout 47.4g/t gold sample. Four RC holes drilled into the northwestern end of the lode confirmed shallow mineralisation, delivering hits such as 16m at 0.6g/t from 16m, including 1m at 2.6g/t, and 4m at 1.3g/t from 26m. The latest campaign has now pushed things much further. Eight RC holes were fired into a 1.2-kilometre stretch on the southeastern side of the prospect, with five of them hitting the mark confirming shallow gold across a 1.5-kilometre corridor - still open in both directions and at depth. Standout hits included 4m grading 0.6g/t gold from 5m, 8m running at 0.2g/t gold from 29m and a solid 24m at 0.3g/t from 45m including a 1m slice at 2.4g/t gold. Pacgold says the latest drilling at Jeremy Dodds, which was about continuity, now appears to have been proved up in spades. For a company that has only scratched the top of a 1.5 kilometre system with 12 holes across wide sections, the upside potential is clearly still very much in play. Meanwhile, Pacgold has stepped well beyond its Queensland hunt, recently picking up the keys to the historic White Dam heap-leach gold operation in South Australia in a move that positions the company for near-term production and cashflow. The deal, worth up to $3.3 million in cash and 15 million shares, delivered Pacgold a fully-fledged operation just 80 kilometres southwest of Broken Hill that has already churned out about 180,000 ounces of gold. The acquisition came complete with a processing plant, camp, leach pads and all supporting infrastructure plus a 4.6-million-tonne JORC resource running at 0.7g/t for 102,000 ounces. The real prize, however, sits in the existing leach pads. By simply re-crushing and retreating that stockpiled material, Pacgold aims to fire up gold production and early cashflow as soon as February. With rigs set to roar back to life in March next year, Pacgold looks ready to hit the ground running. The company has now outlined a remarkable 15-kilometre run of gold-arsenic-antimony anomalism along the Alice River Fault Zone a geochemical highway brimming with targets and potential for serious resource growth. And when drilling resumes, White Lion and Jerry Dodds will likely be first in line as two fresh gold corridors now squarely in Pacgolds sights. Is your ASX-listed company doing something interesting? Contact: mattbirney@bullsnbears.com.au Monash University has ended a $43 million partnership with Woodside Energy, seeking to remove any ambiguity about its relationship with the fossil fuel giant. The universitys philanthropic partnership which included naming rights over a building at its Clayton campus had been the source of sustained criticism by staff and students. The Woodside Building for Technology and Design at Monash University. Credit: The multi-award winning Woodside Building for Technology and Design will now again be known as Building 94, until a new name is selected. The announcement draws a spotlight on the growing tendency for fossil fuel companies to seek partnerships with organisations including universities. Heading to Europe When preparing for a big trip, however, the rules around light dont always apply. Travelling somewhere with a difference of several timezones or more requires a change in our light habits to help us adjust. Loading If you were preparing to travel to Europe, which is behind Australian time, you might start to slow your body clock by using bright light in the evening for about three days before you fly. Any longer is unnecessary, says Cain. In this instance, turn the lights on, use your phone on max brightness: All the things you wouldnt normally do, says Cain. It will gradually push your body with evening light, towards London time. This is because bright light in the morning pushes our body clock forward, while light in the evening pushes it back. Before a recent trip to London, Cain stayed up slightly later each night with bright lights on. Then, on the flight, he used light therapy glasses to keep himself awake until about 5am Australian time. I was most of the way adjusted by the time I got there, he says. When to avoid light Returning to Australia from Europe is trickier for our bodies. The human clock tends to delay better than it advances, which is why people find it easier to travel west than east. This is compounded by the fact that we also often land in the morning when our bodies still think it is nighttime. Typical online advice is to get lots of bright light in our destination, especially if its morning there. Following this advice can make the jet lag worse. In the middle of the night, there is a crossover point on the effect of light. You quickly go from maximum delaying effect of light (like a slowing of the clock) to maximum advancing (like a speeding up), explains Cain. If we are exposed to light during this time, it can slow our clocks even further, or it can send the whole system into a state where it doesnt know what time it is, says Cain: We refer to it as light hitting the singularity. The crossover point coincides with our core body temperature dropping to its lowest point, about 90 to 180 minutes before we normally wake up. So, for someone who typically rises at 6am, that will be somewhere between 3.30am and 4.30am. This is the time when light is least likely to occur. When were travelling, it can be a different story. For instance, if someone travels from Paris to Perth and lands at around 10am Perth time, that corresponds to 3am Paris time, when their core body temperature is at its lowest. Loading If a blanket recommendation is followed, and you seek sunlight immediately after arrival, this light exposure will push the clock in the wrong direction, causing it to shift later instead of earlier, says Dr Dean Miller, a sleep and performance scientist at CQ University. In effect, youve turned a manageable seven-hour advance into a much harder 17-hour delay prolonging jet lag and making recovery slower. The quickest route back to local time, says Miller, would require staying in relative darkness for the first couple of hours after landing until the body is out of the crossover period. Bring on the sleep Like light, depending on how we time it, melatonin can help push our body towards the new time, or away from it, thereby prolonging our jet lag. Its essentially timing information, says Cain. Specific, inflexible timing information is what many apps and people offering advice get wrong, adds Cain. If we cant follow that advice perfectly (if we have no control over the light we are exposed to, for instance), then the advice needs to adjust. The advice is different depending on where youre coming from and where youre going, but even the time of day of your flight, says Cain. There are so many moving parts, and you need to understand the underlying mechanisms to get it right. Without this understanding, its dumb at its core, says Cain, who is developing a jet lag app, which will use light sensors and adjust its advice based on the individual. With melatonin, taking it during the day when our body isnt naturally releasing it will shift the timing of our clock, just like light. If youre travelling from west to east across six time zones, taking melatonin in the afternoon (in your bodys time) is good because itll advance your clock and thats what you need, he explains. But if you took it in the late night or early morning, it delays your clock and can worsen jet lag. Eat your way to a new destination Food and exercise may not shift our central clock, but they also work to 24-hour rhythms and can help align our peripheral clocks, such as in the liver. Like light, food acts as a signal to our body to help set our circadian rhythms, explains Dr Charlotte Gupta, a researcher and chrono-nutritionist at the Appleton Institute. If we eat at a time when our body isnt primed to be digesting food, like at night, this can contribute to misaligning our internal rhythms. Good jet lag advice considers what time your body thinks it is, as well as what time it is in your destination. Credit: Getty Images And because our body is less able to digest what we eat, if our clocks are in sleep mode, it can make us feel more sluggish and prone to gastric upsets, common symptoms of jet lag. Gupta suggests eating (and exercising) in line with our light timing and sticking to light, unprocessed foods while our system adjusts. Meal timing on flights is not necessarily designed around the optimal eating timing. An accused Adass Israel synagogue arsonist has been released on bail with a magistrate saying his decision was line-ball, especially when members of the Jewish congregation were still traumatised by the fire. Giovanni Laulu, 21, watched via video link from prison as magistrate Leon Fluxman handed down his decision on Friday, issuing him with an imposing list of 22 bail conditions including a ban on attending places of Jewish worship. A fire ripped through Adass Israel Synagogue in December 2024. Credit: Arsineh Houspian Melbourne Magistrates Court heard Laulu and two others allegedly used 100 litres of fuel to set fire to the synagogue in Ripponlea, in Melbournes south-east, about 4.15am on December 6, 2024. The trio allegedly drove to the site in a stolen Volkswagen then smashed their way in using an axe before setting the place of worship alight. This story is part of the November 15 edition of Good Weekend. Next Friday, inside the world-acclaimed National Institute of Dramatic Arts Parade Theatre in Sydneys Kensington, the 22-strong Class of 2025 whittled down from 1000 applicants will stage their showcase. After three gruelling years, the mostly 20-somethings will sing, dance and act in a series of vignettes before an invitation-only audience of potential agents, talent scouts and industry heavyweights. Theyre a diverse cohort. Quinn Chambers from suburban Brisbane gave up a carpentry apprenticeship to be there. Nyasha Ogden, a Larrakia woman and yoga enthusiast from Darwin, wants to represent First Nations people through her art. Charlie Chandler, a fifth-generation outback stockman, quit the dust to act. NIDA 2023 graduate Jack Patten is starring in a TV remake of Robin Hood. Credit: Aleksandar Letic/MGM+ Were not looking for great actors, says NIDAs head of acting, John Bashford. Were looking for people with an innate sense of storytelling who can elicit an emotional response [from their audience]. Along with technique, we teach them stamina, resourcefulness, resilience and how to create opportunities in an industry thats notoriously tough. In June, The Hollywood Reporter ranked NIDA the worlds 14th-best drama school the only Australian entry in a list of 25. Its famous former alumni include Cate Blanchett, Mel Gibson, Judy Davis, Geoffrey Rush, Sarah Snook, Baz Luhrmann, Toni Collette, Hugo Weaving and Richard Roxburgh. She concedes that it sounds absurd, but for teenagers born around the time Snapchat was founded in 2011 the first generation raised in a world where social media is ubiquitous snap streaks are just another part of their elaborate online lives. They keep up with pop-culture trends on TikTok and with each others adventures on Instagram. Its where they discover new hairstyles, music and recipes a creative outlet and a place for community. When we meet on the Monday at the beginning of their digital detox, the stress of lost streaks is on Maisies mind. So much so that shes ended a bunch of them early to stop the bombardment of notifications when she returns to the apps. Its made her reflect on her social media habits. I realised when I was losing my streaks that I had a bunch of 50-day streaks with people I dont know, who were just sending me photos of the ground. Losing a snap streak can be a big deal. Teens who know they wont be able to use the app for a few days will often ask their friends to log in and do their streaks for them. They might pay Snapchat a few dollars to recover lost ones. Maisie recalls asking her parents to break the night-time lock on her phone when shes been too stressed to sleep because she hadnt snapped someone back. Flora describes it as a feverish panic. Genevieve likens it to waking up and remembering an assignment is due. Its that kind of stress, she says. Youd have to quickly log on and check it all and be like: OK, I can go about my day now. Maisie, Flora and their friends Anik Louw and Genevieve Rutledge Canberra teenagers aged 14 and 15 are all about to lose their snap streaks. Theyve agreed to forfeit social media access for five days during the October school holidays in an experiment for Good Weekend . Streaks are like a stupidly big thing for our generation, Maisies friend, Flora Peatling, explains. If you dont snap someone back, the app pings your phone, warning youre about to lose your streak. The other person will keep snapping you too, to try to keep it alive. Its been 300 days since Maisie Mooney started exchanging photos with another teenager on Snapchat. They havent missed a day. Sometimes they send pictures of their faces, or their friends. More often, though, its something mundane. Like a picture of concrete, or the floor. Theyve never met in person, but theres a niggling anxiety that keeps Maisie engaging in the daily back-and-forth with this stranger. Its the pressure of the snap streak. Maisie Mooney at home with her dog Milo. Her parents got her to delete TikTok after her daily screen usage soared from 30 minutes to three hours. Credit: Rohan Thomson I got to work early and didnt know what to do because i normally do my snaps. i am now on my break and didnt know what to do so i am writing. i am really bored because idk what to do. i feel a little bit of FOMO coz i dont know if people are messaging me, also a little bit of anxiety coz idk if the snaps r important or if i am really missing out on something. When I got home...i went to do my snaps and scroll, when I couldnt i grabbed my ipad and started watching tv. while watching tv i wanted to do my snaps. when i couldnt i felt a little weird, like when you know you had homework to do but cant remember what it is. i continued to watch tv till i needed to get ready for work. If youre not posting stories then you start thinking, Oh people must think Im not doing anything, and Im just sitting at home bed-rotting for the whole holidays, says Maisie, while Flora is worried about losing contact with people. But when I think about it, the people who care about you can still call and message, Flora says. So Im excited to not put my energy into: Lets see what this person Ive never talked to is doing for their school holidays. Their biggest fear is boredom. Or as Anik, who spent 27 hours on social media the previous week, puts it: Not knowing what to do with your brain. These four girls have agreed to a trial ban so they can share what it might feel like for the close to a million Australians between 13 and 15 (as of the 2021 census) who are the focus of the new rules. And they have their reservations. That world will be switched off when Australia becomes the first country to ban young teenagers from social media next month. On December 10, eight major platforms Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, X, Reddit and Kick will be required to boot under-16s off their apps and show how theyre trying to stop them from joining up again or risk fines of up to $49.5 million. Other popular apps such as Roblox and Discord are exempt for now, but the list will be dynamic. Yet for todays 13- to 16-year-olds, who are still in the thick of things, its a tough sell. Some of Inman Grants biggest critics are closest to home. Our video call is interrupted when the commissioners 13-year-old twin daughters come to the door. She invites them into the frame to share their thoughts. Inman Grant has been persuaded by the testimonies older teenagers gave during the eSafety Commissions consultations stories of bullying, leaked intimate photos, intense online entanglement and incessant pressure to have the perfect body, the perfect holiday, the perfect family, the perfect life. I think about that a lot, says Inman Grant. I was able to screw up a lot when I was a teenager, and it wasnt filmed with my humiliation amplified online. Australias eSafety Commissioner, Julie Inman Grant, is the person tasked with making it work. Shes keen to frame the policy as a social media delay rather than an outright ban. The idea is to defer the point at which kids take up social media, so that todays 10- to 12-year-olds dont have grounds to hassle their parents for at least another few years. Were trying to put friction into a system where none has existed, Inman Grant says. One of the huge policy intents of this is to create a normative change. Parents want to get their kids off their devices and onto the playing fields. They want children to be able to enjoy their childhood, and that is what this is about, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said, a few months before spruiking the policy at the United Nations. Alongside him in New York in September was Australian mother Emma Mason, whose teenage daughter died by suicide after being bullied online. Jurisdictions including the European Union say theyll be closely following what happens next. An eSafety survey reports that 96 per cent of 10- to 15-year-olds use social media, and seven in 10 have seen harmful content online, such as misogynistic material or posts that encourage unhealthy eating habits. Half have been cyberbullied and about a quarter have been sexually harassed. Australias social media ban is being promoted as a new weapon for parents whove been losing the battle to keep kids off screens. The case for action is best summed up in Jonathan Haidts 2024 book The Anxious Generation , which argues that smartphones and social media have rewired childhood away from play and led to a rise in mental illness. Six months after Haidts book shot up bestseller lists, the Albanese government became the first in the world to announce a social media ban. Some parents make that case as well. Monique Taylor and her 12-year-old daughter, Bronte, live in a small town half an hour from the NSW border town of Albury. Bronte uses TikTok to make fan videos of Taylor Swift and deepen her passion for Greek mythology. Nobody else at her school shares those interests. Shes a country kid. There are other kids that do it because theyre skateboarders and no one else in the town they live in skateboards, so they film videos and send it to other people, Taylor says. Thats where they feel free and brave to be who they want to be. Inman Grant politely ends her daughters interrogation, but many Australian teens would raise the same grievances if given the chance to debate the eSafety Commissioner one-on-one. Our young peoples side of the story isnt being seen, or its just being ignored, says 14-year-old Ananya Sharma, one of several teenagers Good Weekend spoke to about the ban. Social media doesnt have as much of a negative impact as its perceived to have. They cant imagine how these needs will be met without social media. The questions keep coming, too. How are you going to stop real-life bullying, then? Taking away school? We already do that, her daughter says. Everyone already does that. But it helps us connect to people overseas, because how are we supposed to do that now? How are we supposed to meet people? Where am I supposed to watch my celebrity crush at? How can you get inspiration? Social media is not this benign thing that is full of joy and wonder, he says. It actually has some fairly negative sides to it and in some cases can be quite devastating. Andrew Neal, the principal of Bacchus Marsh Grammar School in Victoria, has watched social media infiltrate the lives of school children throughout his 28-year career, including at its worst, when 50 teenage girls at his school had their likeness used in AI-generated nude photos uploaded online also known as deepfakes. The girls moved on from that harrowing experience with remarkable grace, he says, but it was a wake-up call about how vulnerable they are online. Flora describes a similar experience, of opening the app to look for a recipe and finding shes still there hours later, the algorithm leading her down disturbing rabbit holes: get toned with me; this is how you get thin; this is how you lose weight. She started going to the gym, then after a while thought, I wont eat. She says, It really impacted my mental health and body image badly. When I took a step back, I realised, This is clearly not healthy, whats the main cause? And then I pieced together that it was my Instagram feed. By hiding video after video, Flora cleansed that content, but there was no easy way to opt out. Thats familiar to Maisie, whose parents got her to delete TikTok after her daily screen time soared from 30 minutes to three hours. You just get stuck scrolling and you dont really want to do anything else, she says. I feel like the phone sometimes controls me. But for all the caveats, her concerns about the persuasive and pernicious design embedded in social media apps persist. She describes gamified features such as snap streaks and addictive elements like the endless scroll as powerful forces that kids cant see, let alone fight against. Inman Grant is conscious there are kids who feel more themselves online than they do in the real world, particularly from diverse, disabled or LGBTQI+ communities. Its a way to find their tribe and really be themselves, she acknowledges. I want to make sure this is not something that cuts off their digital lifelines. Neal doesnt think stripping access to apps will completely transform the teenage experience. The problem of adolescence which is dealing with how you fit in, how you work with other people and what your personality is is still central to teenagers developing and becoming adults, he says. Social medias role is to magnify all the worst aspects of that time the insecurities and doubts. The genie is out of the bottle, he says. But the ban adds another armament, or arrow, to reducing the impact on kids. Tuesday: Floras diary 6.30am: Woke up and went to check Insta. Got pretty frustrated because I couldnt look. Got extra sleep cuz I didnt get woken up from phone. 8.30am: Got anxious so checked Reddit msgs and logged out right after. Frustrated Im not doing better. Hard to stay away when the apps are right there. Nobody knows exactly what to expect come December 10. Thats because the government has told the tech platforms to decide how they detect underage users and delete their accounts. The eSafety Commission has requested data on how many under-16s are on their platforms Snapchat, for example, has given an early indication that 440,000 under-16s use its app. On day one, eSafety will be looking for evidence those accounts have been removed. Well check after a week, well check after a month, and then well have periodic check-ins, Inman Grant says. Well be looking at systemic failures rather than a few individual accounts being missed here and there. Insights into how the tools will work can be gleaned from a government-sponsored trial that, earlier this year, tested 60 age assurance tools from 48 companies. Some tools guess a persons age using face scans, others by assessing hand movements. When St Marks Anglican Community School in northern Perth was invited to be part of the trial, principal Steven Davies took the opportunity to see what it was all about and was surprised to find 400 families volunteered. Years 7 and 8 students were given short tasks to perform to test different age-assurance technologies. Some were closer than others, says Davies. Sometimes they predicted they were 18, so they could have easily got on, and some were closer to their actual age, which would have prevented them. The kids were quite amused. Loading Teenagers online are already bragging about how they will get around the ban by supplying their parents information, wearing masks or logging into virtual private networks (VPNs) to obscure their location. Inman Grant intends to stay a step ahead of them: she notes that its pretty easy for tech firms to detect when someones using the address of a well-known VPN, for example, and that the new rules will require these companies to be on the lookout for workarounds. Some privacy experts and academics also think the ban is unworkable, citing concerns about the extent of biometric data that will be held by tech platforms, and the fact that age assurance technologies have been proven to be less reliable for people with darker skin tones. Inman Grant concedes shes not expecting perfection. Still, theres a chance the ban will be more robust than many teenagers think: these are companies whose billion-dollar business models rely on pinpointing their users personal interests to serve content and sell ads. And they have the resources: Meta chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has reportedly given a $US250 million ($380 million) four-year contract to a single AI researcher, while the office of the eSafety Commissioners entire budget is $254 million for the same period. Inman Grant says shes been told by TikToks chief executive that the app can detect a childs age in three seconds using a combination of AI profiling, inference models and third-party verification tools. If thats the case, hundreds of thousands of under-16s will find their accounts gone next month. Anik Louw, who spent 27 hours on social media the week prior, says the biggest fear of what to do without it is not knowing what to do with your brain. Credit: Rohan Thomson Tuesday: Aniks diary Im bored and rlly just feel like scrolling. I dont feel like FOMO or left out Im just rlly BORED. I might go and watch TV bc im kinda bored of games now. I was definitely bored a lot today but I also think that games definitely dont get you hooked in as much as social medias personalised feeds and videos that are specifically generated for short attention spans like teenagers nowadays. We should acknowledge that this is going to be difficult for those families with teenagers between 13 and 16 that already have social media, says clinical psychologist Dr Brad Marshall, director of Sydneys Screens & Gaming Disorder Clinic and an adjunct fellow at Macquarie University. He says 1 to 2 per cent of teenagers experience extreme screen addiction, while about one in 10 demonstrate heavy smartphone use. Those at the pointy end might experience withdrawals: irritable moods and emotional dysregulation. There could be some behavioural lashing-out, anger outbursts, some verbal conflict. You might see them socially withdraw, or take a bit of a stand, he says. But I dont believe the average parent is going to see significant withdrawals in their kids. He has two expectations. First: that teens will try and find a way around the ban, especially heavy users. Second: that theyll move to other platforms. If teens migrate to messaging apps or email, Marshall thinks that will be a win theyre less addictive platforms. Were not asking them to go back to sending letters via Australia Post, he says, comparing todays public anxiety to the hyped debate two years ago around school phone bans, which are now commonplace. There were a lot of opinions, worried that it would isolate kids. If you look at the research, none of that happened, he says. Most studies indicate there were improvements in behaviour, or in social interaction at school. Did some of them get around it by putting a fake phone in the pouch, and staff were too burnt out to pull them up? Sure. But youll find many of them not all of them, but many enjoy that because it means theyre all forced to communicate face-to-face or play a game or sport. Social pressure drives thousands of children to social media. According to eSafety research, in 80 per cent of cases, eight- to 12-year-olds who had social media accounts had help setting them up. Usually, that help came from parents or carers. Why? asks Inman Grant. Because they dont want their kids to be excluded. The children Marshall does workshops with say theyre aware the apps want to suck them in. They understand the impacts on their schoolwork, on their emotions, on their sleep. And its not enough for them to actually make the decision [to stop using it], because the social isolation part is what they fear, he says. I think there are going to be many kids that are relieved they dont have to be on there anymore. The hope is that a social compact, where all teenagers are in the same situation, will make it easier. Its also what compelled Maisie, Flora, Genevieve and Anik to agree to this experiment. They say they wouldnt have done it alone the FOMO would have been too great. Loading Instead, at the start of the week, we delete the apps together before the girls go about their lives. Quickly they encounter a difficult and annoying adjustment period. They keep picking up their phones by instinct, only to realise they cant open the apps. The absence of messages and notifications feels eerie, and their inner voices say no one really wants to talk to me. They go to other screen-based activities to fill the void games, music, FaceTime and online shopping but frustration mounts. By Wednesday and Thursday, however, they notice changes. Genevieve spends her first lunch break on her shift at McDonalds voluntarily cleaning the restaurant, because she doesnt know what else to do. At the end of the week, she takes herself for walks. That definitely made me feel better, because I was going outside and in the sun, she says, and nor is she checking her phone as constantly. I was really happy about that because I felt much more independent. Anik, having spent almost three hours playing phone games on Tuesday, arranges a bunch of extra catch-ups with friends. I replaced interacting with people online with hanging out with people in real life, she says. It was definitely more fulfilling. Floras screen time goes up she spends longer on FaceTime calls but she also plays the piano for the first time in four years and does some writing and walking that she wouldnt have otherwise. I feel very cleansed and a lot calmer, honestly, because theres not so much content and opinions and news and updates from random things being thrown in my face. Maisie, meanwhile, gamifies her struggle with compulsion. She starts a tally for every time she picks up her phone only to find nothing there, which is when the FOMO arises. In the afternoon when I had to take the dog for a walk, I counted. If there were five tallies, Id take him for half an hour, but if it was over five, Id take him for an hour. By Friday, her knees are sore because her walks have tended towards the longer side. Still, she chooses to walk even further, accompanying her mum to work in the morning instead of staying home because she feels less attached to her devices. After a few days without social media, Genevieve Rutledge spent a work lunch break voluntarily cleaning for the lack of anything else to do. She also went for walks Credit: Rohan Thomson Wednesday: Genevieves diary In the morning, my mum and I completed errands, which I would normally not participate in doing. It was really nice to spend time with my mum and I found that my sense of time kinda got messed up because we had done so much in so little time. I didnt think of going on socials all morning. Schools will play their part in preparing students. Davies, the St Marks Perth principal, is conscious that kids will need strategies to stay socially connected without the apps. Every school provides great opportunities for kids to get involved in the life of the school and get involved in groups with others. Perhaps schools might re-emphasise those opportunities. But Neal, the Bacchus Marsh Grammar School principal, isnt anticipating the school environment will suffer a huge shock, given so many have put phone bans in place. Schools have effectively got out of this space, he says. The key to this is going to be parents, because in reality, its them who will have to impose the ban. Parents will fall into the same divides that exist with issues like alcohol, Neal predicts. There will be some for whom this is a thank god this happened. There will be a small group who think its an outrage, and my child should be able to do what they like. In a sense, thats an age-old fight. Some parents will help their kids evade the new rules or give them access via their own accounts. Under a Facebook post sharing a list of five ways families can prepare their kids for the ban, one parent comments: Id prefer a list of five ways to bypass it. A parent who speaks to Good Weekend anonymously says thats what they intend to do so that their child stays connected to family and friends overseas. There must be hundreds of families like ours that will set up new accounts for them so they can keep using some platforms, they say. The blanket ban does not consider any individuals situation or needs. Those kids who are using it responsibly will be isolated from perfectly normal daily dialogue. Inman Grant says a monumental change is coming for young people. December 10 is right before school holidays, so people will be leaving and they might not feel that sense of connection, she says. Her advice to parents for the next month starts with weaning kids off early. If a child is spending six hours a day online, she suggests trying to get it down to five hours the next week, then four, then three. Download their memories and photos. Get contact details for their friends and set up a group chat, and bookmark websites of their favourite influencers. You can say, Hey, we dont actually have to wait for Snapchat to delete your app well wean you down and then we can do it together, she says. So start the chat, delete the apps. Im definitely not excited for the ban, but I dont feel Ill be like, Oh my god, this is the worst thing in the world. Anik Louw Thursday: Genevieves diary I kinda forgot to journal this day, which I will take as a good sign. I was pretty busy with friends and work both of which organised to take my mind off socials or being bored. The only time that I thought of going on my phone was when I was in a long queue and felt VERY Bored. Other than that, I think I had improved a lot since day 1 and 2. The girls say theyre feeling refreshed when we meet on Friday to debrief. The last few days, while frustrating, havent been as tormenting as they feared, and Anik is now much less nervous about the looming date in December. I mean, Im definitely not excited for the ban, she says, but I dont feel Ill be like, Oh my god, this is the worst thing in the world. None of them have come to the revelation that they should ditch the apps of their own accord. Quite the opposite a big part of whats got them through the week is counting down the days, knowing that its only temporary. Genevieve is still baffled theyll be kicked off the apps, only to get social media back when they turn 16. But I get why theyre doing it. And I think we can skip the starting patch of boredom and get straight into improving the habits we started this week. Loading Those habits, which they want to keep, include scrolling less, putting their phone away after replying to messages and not using their screens as a backup every time theyre bored. When I check in over WhatsApp two weeks later to ask how thats going, the girls tell me their screen time shot up as soon as they got the apps back. But Genevieve has since set her own access limits to bring it back down, Maisie has removed a bunch of contacts she doesnt know on Snapchat and Anik says shes making more of an effort to hang out with friends more and be in the moment, if that makes sense? Flora is feeling less of a pull from the incessant pings, banners and red badges that come up on her phone. I think Im definitely less obsessive and focused on social media, I have noticed Im checking it less and not noticing notifications as much, she says. I would be a lot more bitter and unmotivated if it was permanent, but I think honestly it wouldnt be a terrible thing. Its really made me realise: Oh yeah, you are addicted to your phone and the rush you get from notifications Youre wasting so much time giving your energy to people that youve never even seen, why? So its been a really good eye-opening experience, and I honestly think it would be beneficial to the majority of people. To read more from Good Weekend magazine, visit our page at The Sydney Morning Herald,The Age and Brisbane Times. Whitlam would probably repeat the observation he made of Bob Hawkes government on the 10th anniversary of the dismissal in 1985: There are many people in the Labor Party who are so frightened of putting a foot wrong that they wont put a foot forward. Anthony Albanese heard a version of this critique in his first term from Labors old economic reform guard in Paul Keating and Bill Kelty. Albanese has a landslide to show them that his cautious approach worked to set up a second-term landslide. Loading Fraser would have the more interesting perspective once you got past the predictable condemnation of his former party, which he quit in protest after Tony Abbott became leader in 2009. Fraser was the last Victorian to lead the Liberals to a federal election victory, in 1980, and the last to win a majority of seats in both Melbourne and Sydney, in 1977. He was also the only Liberal prime minister to represent a rural electorate, Wannon in Victorias western districts. The other eight, Robert Menzies, Harold Holt, John Gorton, Billy McMahon, John Howard, Abbott, Malcolm Turnbull and Scott Morrison, all served middle and upper-middle-class electorates in Melbourne or Sydney. Only Morrisons old seat of Cook, in Sydneys Sutherland Shire, remains in Liberal hands today. Sussan Ley is the third Liberal opposition leader from a regional electorate after Fraser and Alexander Downer. History is not on her side as Downer did not survive to contest a federal election, and his old seat of Mayo in South Australia now belongs to the crossbench. There is an understandable reflex within the parties themselves as well as in journalism and academia to view Labor as the agent of change in our system, and the Coalition as defenders of a conservative status quo. Labor as the idealists doomed to short-term government, and the Coalition as the ruthless masters of power with a disinterest in social or economic reform. The way we remember the dismissal in the media reaffirms this bias. Every anniversary contains a checklist of Whitlams achievements and the scandals that brought down his government. Frasers role is secondary, even though he was the clear winner at the time. Fraser understood the electorate and the governor-general better than Gough in 1975, but he wasted the landslides that the people gave him in 1975 and 77. Loading The modern cultural warriors of the Liberal Party have Fraser in their basket of deplorables alongside Turnbull. Yet Fraser was an agrarian socialist in his day. His mindset of intervention echoes the Coalitions approach to climate change. But this is not the reason why Fraser offers a window into the Liberal contemporary problems. Its the relationship with the Nationals. Fraser governed as his mentor Menzies had before him, and his rival Howard after him, with a broadly based city-country mandate and a junior Coalition partner that could be relied on when the big policy calls had to be made. It was Fraser, with the active support of Country Party leader and deputy prime minister Doug Anthony, who gave practical expression to Whitlams abolition of the White Australia Policy when they welcomed the Vietnamese refugees. Menzies before him had John McEwens support in running an expansive postwar migration program, while McEwen as trade minister was himself the catalyst for the relationship with Japan. Howard had Tim Fisher in his corner for both gun control and the goods and services tax. The continuity from Menzies to Fraser and on to Howard after the 13 years of the Hawke-Keating Labor government is easily forgotten because of a collective bias in the way the political class views the major parties. We tend to measure the success of Labor governments by their reform legacies, and Coalition governments by their election wins. Yet this game provides a counterintuitive storyline if you divide the past 50 years into two blocks, with another, less colourful anniversary at the dividing line, the 25 years since the introduction of the GST on July 1, 2000. Loading You can track the demise of the two-party system and the end of the reform era across these two timelines. The 1975 election, the most bitterly fought since the conscription plebiscites of 1916 and 1917, was the last time the major parties had more than 95 per cent of the primary vote between them. Don Chipp took a shot at the duopoly at the next election in 1977 with the launch of his Australian Democrats and hit the bullseye. He claimed a primary vote of 9.4 per cent, at the expense of both sides a feat Pauline Hansons One Nation party matched at its federal debut two decades later in 1998. The GST saved Howards government in 1998 by giving it a positive second-term agenda based around generous income tax cuts and family payments. Liberal pollster and strategist Mark Textor later said tax reform allowed Howard to repolarise the electorate into a left versus right contest on the economy. We had to refocus the agenda on an economic agenda, not Hansons fragmented social agenda, Textor told me. But the implementation of the GST almost killed the government in 2001 before the Tampa affair and the September 11 terrorist attacks on the US recast the prime minister as a wartime leader. The GST was the last contested economic reform to survive a change of government. Howards WorkChoices died with the fall of his government in 2007, while the removal of Julia Gillards carbon price and mining tax was the rallying cry for the return of the Coalition to office in 2013. That election, which Abbott won in a landslide, was the first of the postwar era in which the third-party and independent vote was above 20 per cent. This vote rose to 30 per cent in the 2022 election, which brought the Albanese government to power. Labors second-term landslide this year was achieved with a primary vote of just 34.6 per cent, well below the levels that prevailed during the partys three heaviest postwar defeats under Arthur Calwell in 1966 (40 per cent), Whitlam in 1975 (42.8 per cent) and Paul Keating in 1996 (38.8 per cent). There is no mystery to Labors emergence as the default party of government in our post-duopoly politics. It is the party most willing to see Australia as it is, in which the economy is centred on the labour of women, two-thirds of the electorate living in the capital cities, and the majority of the population being a first or second-generation migrant. The Coalition is not a viable alternative while it emits regional-based grievances on issues such as climate change, and city voters perceive that the Nationals, not the Liberals, are the ones calling the policy shots. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Following the conclusion of the China International Import Expo (CIIE), the South African business delegation has lauded the event as a resounding success, noting that the transactions discussed are expected to open up new trade and investment opportunities in China and the region. According to South Africa's Department of Trade, Industry and Competition (DTIC), more than 30 South African companies from various sectors participated in the expo under the department's Export Marketing and Investment Assistance scheme. South African businesses that participated in the event said the experience was encouraging, as they identified numerous new opportunities for growth and collaboration. In a statement on Wednesday, the DTIC said a number of the participating businesses reported positive outcomes from their engagement at the CIIE, with many viewing their participation as instrumental in strengthening commercial ties with Asian markets. "There are a lot of business opportunities in China that we still have to explore. It is just a matter of meeting the right agents and partners," said Wendy Mpendulo, managing director of Miante Manufacturing, noting that they have an opportunity to export peanut butter to China in the near future. Avinash Bisnath, managing director of Luhlaza Advisory and Consulting, said they had encountered potential clients and suppliers keen to collaborate on their "geological and environmental resource management services." The CIIE was also commended by Muzi Manzi, chief executive officer of the Aluminium Federation of South Africa. "The expo provided a perfect platform and opportunity for us to interact with various industry stakeholders. In the process, several businesses from China showed keen interest in the South African aluminum industry. Together, we identified numerous opportunities for possible collaboration between companies from the two countries to pursue concrete deals," said Manzi. The Russians are exceedingly unhappy. Australia has stolen back what the Russians planned was to be a distant corner of their motherland, carved out of prized territory near Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra. A small group of about pro-Putin demonstrators gathered outside the prime ministers house at Kirribilli in June 2023 to demand he allow Russia to retain its proposed embassy site. Credit: Rhett Wyman Furthermore, the Australian government retrieved the parcel of land legally, however much the Kremlin might call it a hostile action inflamed by Russophobic hysteria, a term used by Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov at the height of the long and peculiar stand-off. Could it be that the Russians, whose president and military are trying with maximum prejudice to illegally steal a whole country known as Ukraine, have also misplaced the word irony from their language? The Nationals and conservative Liberals, fresh from pushing Opposition Leader Sussan Ley to scrap climate targets, have opened up a fresh debate on migration settings that they argue have outpaced infrastructure and driven up house prices. Ley moved to head off an internal spat on immigration on Thursday evening, nominating the issue as the next item on the oppositions agenda and saying the intake needs to be lower even as she battles to win back migrant voters. Bridget McKenzie speaking at an Australian Financial Review forum this week. Credit: Max Mason-Hubers Nationals Senate leader Bridget McKenzie told this masthead the nation needed an urgent debate on migrant numbers, particularly of international students, as she prepares to launch a Senate inquiry to shape a new Coalition policy. Its long past time for an honest, respectful conversation with the Australian people about our future population and settlement arrangements, McKenzie said. She added that Australia was built on waves of migration and should be proud of that, but had not had a population plan for decades. NSW MPs are likely to return to parliament for an extra week as the Minns government scrambles to push through new laws to outlaw neo-Nazi slogans and symbols while Jewish groups say police already have enough powers to arrest racist protesters. Premier Chris Minns has flagged a legislative response after 60 black-clad neo-Nazis, wielding a sign saying Abolish the Jewish lobby, demonstrated in front of parliament last Saturday. Premier Chris Minns wants to strengthen laws banning Nazi symbols. Credit: Sitthixay Ditthavong Minns and Police Minister Yasmin Catley held high-level discussions on Thursday trying to chart a legislative solution, one Labor MP said on the condition of anonymity. Ahead of the final sitting week in the parliamentary calendar, MPs have been told to ensure their schedules are clear for the last week of November, a reserve period, largely to provide sufficient time to deal with legislation targeting neo-Nazis. Race 5: 2:55PM LEES RACING LEGEND MILE (1600M) 4. Meridiana was enormous in defeat in the Four Pillars, she had no right to finish as close as she did given the ground she gave away around the turn. A promising mare, youd expect her to take up more of a position around up to the mile and gets a good chance to atone. 10. Eclair Encore won a good form race at Newcastle first-up then seemed to struggle in the heavy ground at Rosehill. Down 5kg and back onto the home track she can run a cheeky race. 8. Rotagilla ran right up to his luckless first-up effort when cruising home at Randwick two weeks ago. Hes won up to 1800m so the mile will suit. Hard to leave out. 5. Fear No Evil led all the way for a comfortable first-up win at Bendigo and from the wide gate hed be more than likely to look for the front again. Well worth including. How to play it: Meridiana WIN Race 6: 3:30PM ALF KNEEBONE TRANS-TASMAN TROPHY BENCHMARK 88 HANDICAP (1850M) Happy to stay with 1. Hollywood Hero who was game in running second in the Little Dance at his second run back. Down sharply in class and while he is very effective in the wet hes pretty consistent. With his racing style of settling back a little the extra trip should hold no fears. 4. Pocketing is showing signs of getting back to form finishing close up in his past two. Did battle a bit in the heavy ground at Rosehill last time, but draws well and back onto a good track he has the chance to fire. 10. Belle Detelle settled last and found the line okay running into third behind Rotagilla when resuming at Randwick. Shell appreciate the step up in distance. 11. Kind Words is fitter for two runs back for two placings and if she can offset the wide gate this looks a race shes been targeted at. How to play it: Hollywood Hero EACH-WAY Race 7: 4:05PM NZB 3YO SPRING STAKES (1600M) 3. Green Spaces only beat three rivals in winning at Wyong but it was his first go at the mile and he was strong at the finish. No doubt this is a hike in class but hes on the up and from that inside gate he can park right behind the speed again. Bit of a leap of faith but a number of rivals are in a similar boat. 1. Grand Prairie is the benchmark being a Group 3 winner and hes performed against some of the better three-year-olds this spring. Can forgive his Flemington failure and hes also drawn to get all the favours. 6. Ratify is an interesting runner. Hes settled well back in both starts at 1400m and ran on when the race was all over so hes going to relish the mile. He might be a next prep type of horse but expect him to be running on. 8. Probability Theory is on the back up after winning at Hawkesbury last week where she posted her second win at the Hawkesbury 1300m. She could be up to the task. 7. Long Legs comes off an easy all the way win at Rosehill and is next best. Shes yet to see a dry track. How to play it: Green Spaces WIN Loading Race 8: 4:45PM THE NEWCASTLE HERALD HUNTER (1300M) 14. Yorkshire is the most promising horse here, and hes arriving first-up since a dominant win over the Randwick mile in February. Hes won six of eight and showed hes ready to return with a stylish trial win last week. This promises to be a strongly run race which can suit him with the light weight, hell just need to land in a good spot. 16. Clear Thinking has won five from seven and is unbeaten against country opposition. Her two defeats have been in group 3 mares company where shes run on well from the back. First go beyond 1200m but the way she won The Kosciuszko youd be certain another 100m will be no problem. Must be respected. 3. Coal Crusher won this race two years ago and was third last year. Coming off an enormous run in the Russell Balding where he sat three wide on speed all the way and still boxed on to run fourth. Thats the best form leading into this and you know what youre going to get from him. 2. Robusto has been freshened up since taking on weight-for-age company in two starts since winning the Winter Challenge. The draw really suits and can put himself somewhere in the finish. 11. Accredited gets the chance to measure up while 8. Brudenell could be a good roughie who can sneak into a placing. How to play it: Yorkshire WIN Race 9: 5:20PM THE NZB THE BEAUFORD (2300M) 6. Grand Pierro brings some handy form from Victoria to this race and finds his preferred dry surface. Placed behind Half Yours in the Naturalism and he was a bit stiff in the Moonee Valley Cup as he was tightened up late. Didnt cost him a win but 2.4 lengths is a bit misleading. Strong stayer and chance to break through. Dangers: 2. Maison Louis can be forgiven for his failure when well-supported in the Rosehill Gold Cup, go on his closing third behind Lindermann second-up. Derby winner in Queensland and a chance to bounce back onto a dry track. 7. Firm Agreement has run on quite fairly in two runs back and has the blinkers on first time which is interesting. Not sure where he goes from the wide gate but he was placed in the ATC Derby and is a chance to improve. 3. Future History should get some on pace favours and he brings some sound group form from Victoria out of his last couple. Open race and has to be a chance. How to play it: Grand Pierro WIN. Race 10: 5:55PM HALL & WILCOX BENCHMARK 94 HANDICAP (1300M) 18. Bojangles doesnt always have the best of luck but he was excellent chasing home Midnight Dynamite at Randwick two weeks ago. There was about four lengths to third and he didnt give up the chase. Right down in the weights to 52.5kg and drawn to get another perfect run. He has to be a good each-way hope. Googles parent company Alphabet is getting ready to bring its Waymo self-driving taxis to Australian roads. The tech giant is engaging Transport for NSW about testing its robotaxis in Sydney. Transport for NSW has confirmed that Waymo is in contact with the department, which is planning an initial meeting with Waymo before the end of the year to discuss the companys potential interest in Australia. Waymo driverless cabs have become conspicuous on the streets of San Francisco. Credit: YouTube The development, first reported by Crikey, marks a significant escalation in the race to bring fully autonomous vehicles to Australia, with Waymos technology representing level four autonomy fully driverless operation requiring no human supervision. Think an Uber, but with no driver, and a steering wheel that turns itself. It contrasts with Teslas full self-driving system, which launched in Australia last month and still requires constant human oversight. There is no human in the vehicle that is ready to take control of the steering wheel. Theres no one in the vehicle who needs a drivers licence, said Nick Pelly, Waymos director of engineering, in a forthcoming podcast interview. Advertisement InspirationBotswana A safari sighting so rare, not even David Attenborough has seen it Justin Meneguzzi November 15, 2025 7:43am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The victims intestines are the only thing left by the time we arrive at the crime scene. Its just after sunrise and our LandCruiser has pulled up at a circle of scrubby shepherd trees in the Botswanan bush. A black bearded woodpecker anxiously hammers away, hoping we wont ask too many questions. Fragrant wild sage mingles with the lingering stench of death. My guide Tapologo (Taps) Gaothobogwe gets out of the car and squats in the grey sand, searching for spoor, blood droplets and disturbed bushes. A surprise witness emerges from the ground a tight-lipped dung beetle furiously rolling a ball of partially digested grass away from the remains. I scoff. Some will do anything to profit from a tragedy. Making a run for it. My eyes meet Taps and I sense were thinking the same thing. Where did the body go? Who stole it? And is the scaly assassin still at large or was he digested alongside his victim? Advertisement Barely 12 hours earlier the same scene had looked drastically different. Id just arrived at Wilderness DumaTau, a luxurious safari camp on Botswanas Linyanti River, a 30-minute flight north from the famous Okavango Delta, and Id bundled into a LandCruiser with Taps for a sunset game drive. Even though dawn and dusk are the best times to see wildlife, it was a relatively quiet drive until Taps radio urgently crackled to life. Spinning the car around, we plunged into the bush towards the now familiar clearing. There on the ground, writhing beside the carcass of a freshly killed impala, was a central African rock python. At six metres long, the serpent is Africas largest snake and an ambush killer. Its gold and brown diamond-patterned hide helps it camouflage in the savannah grasslands, where it strikes unsuspecting prey before using its long body to constrict and squeeze the carcass. The culprit, or one of them a central African rock python. iStock Its an event so rare, Taps tells me David Attenborough has never seen it. Taps estimates the young ram is barely older than a year and weighs about 25 kilograms, making it an impressive meal for the python, but his brow furrows. Advertisement The kill has come at a cost. See how the impala has wounded the snake with his hoofs, says Taps, pointing to a gash spilling bright red blood. Undeterred, the snake has extended its great length alongside the carcass, then, locking its jaws onto the rump, dragged it towards a nearby tree. It is trying to move to safety so it can digest in peace, a process that could take hours. This could be the pythons last meal before it hibernates for the winter but his injury has taken its toll. He is moving far too slowly. The gathering gloom means other predators, drawn by the smell of blood, will soon make their move on the damaged python and its prey. In the distance huffing lions are getting ready for the hunt. Quieter still are the hyenas, who wont laugh until theyve had their dinner. Its too dark for us to stay. Well have to come back tomorrow to see what has happened, says Taps. Night raiders a spotted hyena in Botswana. iStock We return at first light to find the scene completely cleared except for the impalas intestines. After weighing the evidence, Taps calls me over like a detective assembling suspects in the library. Hyenas. Their tracks and drag marks show they came through and ate almost everything, he says, explaining how scavengers will consume part of the carcass to make it lighter before dragging it back to their den for the rest of the pack to enjoy. Like wolves, hyenas will leave behind the stomach or intestines, almost like a calling card. Advertisement Wilderness DumaTau safari camp. But what of the diamond-patterned assassin? There are no python parts on the ground, and no sign of the serpent in the quivering tree canopy overhead. The murderer has escaped and is ready to kill again. Related Article Hotel reviews The knock-out stay that will ruin all future safaris The details Tour Bench Africa specialises in tailored safari experiences from $250 a day to $1000-plus a day, including stays at Wilderness DumaTau. Packages can include return light-aircraft transfer, game walks and drives, park fees, laundry, meals, drinks and a selection of activities. See benchafrica.com; wildernessdestinations.com Advertisement Fly Qantas (qantas.com) flies direct from Sydney to Johannesburg. Emirates (emirates.com) flies from Melbourne, Sydney and Perth to Johannesburg via Dubai. South Africa Airlines (flysaa.com) flies direct from Perth to Johannesburg. Connect from Johannesburg to Maun with one of three regional carriers. The writer travelled as a guest of Bench Africa. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Botswana Africa Luxury holidays Adventure holidays Tours Justin Meneguzzi traded his corporate suit for a rucksack and hasnt looked back. With an emphasis on travelling sustainably, he now travels the globe as a journalist and photographer documenting the people, cultures, food, history, and wildlife that make up our big, beautiful world. Justin was recognised with the Australian Society of Travel Writers 'Rising Star' award in 2018. Connect via Twitter Traveller Guides Advertisement Reviews & adviceSavvy traveller Is China still cheap to visit? Yes, if you dont make these mistakes Brian Johnston November 15, 2025 5:00am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Prices have risen in China over the last few years and if youre checking into big-name hotels, eating fancy Chinese meals or any Western ones, and haunting hip nightclubs, then youre in for a shock. But China doesnt have to cost a lot. The biggest mistake is to stay at familiar international hotels, because youll usually get a better deal with Chinese brands. Most are reliable and many new; the only caveat might be that beds are harder than you may be used to, and youll get Chinese breakfasts. As soon as Western food and fluent English-speaking staff appear, prices rise. Photo: Greg Straight At the budget end, look for 7 Days Inn, Home Inn and Jinjiang Inn; for mid-range GreenTree Inn and Days China Inn; and at the upmarket end Jinjiang and Wanda hotels. Beyond the chains, many individual Chinese-owned hotels are perfectly fine. Advertisement I did a search on trip.com for two nights in Chengdu in mid-October and found a Chinese hotel priced at $101 compared to a western-branded hotel at $230. Both had the same customer rating. Incidentally, international hotels in China are good value compared to those in other countries, so you can enjoy luxury on a relative budget. Shangri-La Chengdu costs $393 and Ritz-Carlton Chengdu $536 for the same period. Hotels in secondary cities like Chengdu are cheaper than Shanghai or Beijing. iStock Between cities, take a high-speed train rather than flying its cheaper and most likely faster, when you factor in airport connections. AP Hotels cost more in Beijing and Shanghai and dip significantly in second-tier cities such as Chengdu and Xian, so plan your holiday accordingly. Advertisement Timing is everything. Hotels cost less in the off-season (November to March), and the most in July and August (anyway, a frightful time weatherwise), as do full tours booked from Australia. At all costs avoid Chinese New Year and other Golden Week holiday times. Metros are the way to get around cities. Theyre efficient, fast and easy to work out. A single-journey ticket costs less than CNY10 ($2) and the value on a day or week pass is even better. Local buses are cheaper still, but can be difficult to navigate. Between cities, take the train rather than fly. Trains are usually cheaper and often faster if you factor in airport locations and check-in times. A second-class ticket on a high-speed train can be as little as CNY520 ($110) from Beijing to Nanjing, for example, which is a 1040-kilometre journey. Related Article Asia We thought travelling in China would be a breeze. We were wrong Consider sleeper trains if you really want to save on hotels, with prices such as CNY607 between Shanghai and Guilin (1520 kilometres). Advertisement Dine like a local and youll never spend much. You can dine on street food for small change, in modest local eateries for under $20, and in mid-range restaurants for $50. Avoid Western meals, those in posh corporate-oriented restaurants and any seafood. Dont assume upmarket restaurants offer better meals; many provide over-elaborate, overpriced fare. Price isnt that reliable an indicator of meal quality in China. Youre likely to eat better in modest restaurants or even noodle shops, especially ones well-known for a few special dishes. If everyone is eating the same thing, tuck in too. Sign up for the Traveller newsletter The latest travel news, tips and inspiration delivered to your inbox. Sign up now. London: A city bus has slammed into pedestrians in central Stockholm in a horror scene that left at least three people dead and three others badly injured, police said. The driver has been arrested and police said they were treating the deaths as manslaughter after the double-decker vehicle rammed people waiting at a bus stop, with some accounts claiming it swerved toward the victims. Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said the victims included people who might have been on their way home to family and friends. We do not yet know the cause of this, but right now my thoughts are primarily with those who have been affected and their loved ones, he wrote on X. Washington: The Make America Great Again base has had little trouble looking the other way when it comes to Donald Trumps trampling of norms and ethical standards: the coarseness; the indictments; the retribution against his enemies; the self-enrichment while in office; the unprecedented claims of executive power. His administrations handling of information regarding the horrific crimes of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is different. Bringing to light what lies within the Justice Departments so-called Epstein files is the most persistent issue to have driven a deep wedge into the US presidents base to the point where some who embrace the MAGA label have even been willing to make common cause with Democrats. Epstein who once travelled among the worlds elite and counted Trump as a friend hanged himself in a prison cell in 2019 after being arrested and charged with sexually abusing and exploiting dozens of girls, some as young as 14 years old. Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein at Trump's Mar-a-Lago resort in 1992. Credit: Screengrab The specifics of what Epstein is alleged to have done also reinforced a larger narrative that fuelled Trumps rise and the construction of his political movement, Democratic congressman Ro Khanna said in a recent interview. Three of the four people charged over the deaths of Australian brothers Callum and Jake Robinson and their American friend Jack Carter Rhoad have rejected a plea deal put forward by the prosecution, forcing the matter to go to trial. The Robinson brothers, from Perths northern suburbs, were killed while camping on the Baja California peninsula while they were on a surfing trip in Mexico in April last year. Perth brothers Jake and Callum Robinson (inset) are missing on a surf trip in Mexico. The brothers and Rhoad were allegedly targeted by criminals in an opportunistic robbery, and were killed when they resisted. Ari Giselle, Angel Jesus, Irineo Francisco and Jesus Gerardo also known as El Kekas were all charged in relation to the mens deaths, facing a number of different charges ranging in seriousness. ISLAMABAD, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Pakistan has arrested four members of the Tehreek-i-Taliban Pakistan network involved in the recent suicide bombing at the Judicial Complex in Islamabad, the government said on Thursday. According to details shared by the government on the social media platform X, the arrests were made during a joint operation conducted by the Intelligence Bureau Division and the Counter Terrorism Department. The detained individuals include the handler of the suicide bomber as well as other members of the cell. Investigations are ongoing, and further arrests and disclosures are expected, the government added. PHILIPSBURG:--- For over 40 years, St. Maarten has grappled with a pattern of corruption, greed, and self-enrichment that has left ordinary citizens struggling while politicians and insiders have amassed wealth and power from government resources. The latest revelations in the public transport sector highlight only a fraction of a systemic issue deeply rooted in the islands governance. Public Transport: A System Rigged for the Powerful Data from the Ministry of TEATT reveals a sector riddled with irregularities: hundreds of bus and taxi licenses issued without oversight, duplicate permits, and vehicles operating illegally. Of 300 bus licenses recorded, only 29 are actively registered, leaving over 100 buses potentially illegal 600 registered taxis, but only 454 verified as compliant Multiple cases of license duplication, expired permits, and plate holders using vehicles not registered to them These figures reveal a sector where ordinary operators are often blocked from accessing licenses, while politicians and their allies hold multiple permits, T licenses, and fleet rights. For decades, this same system has been used as a tool for vote-buying, political favoritism, and personal enrichment. Economic Licenses: Tools for Political Exploitation St. Maartens economic licenses and permits, whether for taxis, buses, or commercial ventures, have long been treated as political currency. Politicians routinely leveraged these licenses to secure political support, leaving ordinary citizens with no opportunity to participate in their own economy. Many sitting members of parliament today hold numerous taxis, buses, and T licenses, while common citizens remain unable to acquire even a single permit. Licenses were routinely sold, rented, or transferred for profit, while the general public waited years for approval. The transport licensing scandal is just the tip of the iceberg. The practice of using economic rights for personal gain has permeated all areas of governance. Lease Land: A Legacy of Inequity The abuse of government-leased land mirrors the corruption seen in the transport sector. Former politicians distributed hundreds of plots of leased land to friends, family, and political supporters, often timed to coincide with elections. Many of these plots were sold immediately, often the same day they were granted, generating quick profit for the politically connected. Ordinary citizens have been forced to wait decades for access to leased land, despite the government's promise.s Political elites used land rights to reward loyalty, entrenching inequity and consolidating power. This trend has contributed to a cycle in which the wealthiest and most politically connected continue to benefit, while ordinary residents are systematically excluded from opportunities to build businesses, own land, or operate in regulated sectors such as transport. A Pattern of Greed and Accountability Over the decades, St. Maarten has seen politicians jailed, prosecuted, and investigated for misappropriation of government funds and resources. Yet, despite high-profile cases, the underlying culture of greed has persisted, with insiders continuing to exploit economic licenses, land rights, and public resources. Public transport licenses and leased land have been traded for votes, political favor, or personal enrichment. The common man is left waiting while political elites expand their holdings and influence. Corruption has become systemic, embedding inequity into governance structures. The Human Cost For decades, ordinary St. Maarteners have watched wealth and opportunity flow to politicians and insiders while their own aspirations were blocked: Citizens unable to get taxi or bus licenses are forced to pay exorbitant fees or bribes to intermediaries Families wait decades forthe government to lease land, while politicians profit from immediate resale The economy is distorted, opportunity is concentrated in the hands of the few, and public trust is eroded A Call for Reform The recent transport licensing scandal exposes a microcosm of a much larger problem: entrenched corruption, political favoritism, and exploitation of public resources. St. Maarten now faces a choice: Continue the decades-long pattern of enriching the few at the expense of the many Or implement real reforms that ensure licenses, land, and economic opportunities are fairly allocated, transparent, and free from political manipulation The islands history shows that greed can put politicians behind bars, but without structural reform, it will continue to harm the common man. St. Maarten deserves a system where opportunity is earned, not bought, and where public resources serve the peoplenot the politicians. PHILIPSBURG: --- St. Maartens long-festering corruption crisis erupted publicly again today. Member of Parliament Lyndon Lewis delivered a blistering intervention during a TEATT Committee meeting, accusing his colleagues of hypocrisy, political shielding, and selective outrage. At the same time, the country confronts yet another scandal rooted in decades of political self-enrichment. The meetingalready tense following Minister of TEATT Grisha Heyliger-Martens explosive presentation on widespread mismanagement in the transport licensing sectortook a sharper turn when MP Lewis addressed the room with an unfiltered warning: We all know where this thing was going. Lewis: We are very, very hypocritical here today. During his remarks, MP Lewis referenced his background as a federal detective, stressing that investigations are normally handled discreetlynot projected on a parliamentary screen while political tensions flare. He criticized Parliament for allowing a presentation containing sensitive materials, saying: From the time that presentation came with those types of pictures up there, we should have stopped it. This meeting could have been a closed-door meeting. Lewis suggested that the optics of the meeting were politically charged from the moment MP Lacroes confronted the minister, and since the minister put out her stuff to the public. Tensions Rise Over Reference to Heyliger-Martens Husband In the sharpest moment of his intervention, MP Lewis referred bluntly to the controversy surrounding the ministers family, saying: The Harbour is part of the Ministry of TEATT as well. Who is she apologizing to? Is she apologizing to the alleged 92-something million that her husband is also alleged to have? This statementdirectly quoting his wordsdropped a political bomb in the chamber, highlighting the deep fractures and personal tensions underlying the ongoing TEATT investigations. 40 YEARS OF A BROKEN SYSTEM Lewiss outrage did not occur in a vacuum. St. Maarten is now confronting the legacy of four decades of political manipulation, where: Licenses were traded for votes Taxi plates, bus permits, and economic licenses became political currencydispensed during election cycles or exchanged for loyalty. Politicians amassed fleets of taxis, buses, and T-plates While regular citizens were denied, sidelined, or forced into the black market. Lease land was distributed to friends, family, and vote banks Hundreds of plots were gifted during election seasons, only for many recipients to sell the economic rights instantly, sometimes within a single day. Meanwhile, ordinary islanders have waited 20, 30, or even 40 years for a piece of government land they were promised. ~Cites decades of alleged License Misuse.~ PHILIPSBURG:--- During a recent parliamentary session, Member of Parliament Darryl York delivered a compelling address to the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport and Telecommunication (TEATT), Grisha Heyliger-Marten, raising significant concerns about the long-standing issue of "minister's discretion" and its role in alleged license infractions spanning over two decades. The MP began by acknowledging the ongoing discussion of current licensing issues but quickly broadened the scope, arguing that the problem is systemic, larger than any single minister or administration. The core of the MP's argument centered on the concept of ministerial discretion, a recurring theme in government that allows ministers to make decisions not strictly defined by law. "Two words come to mind: minister's discretion," the MP stated, recounting previous debates on the topic. While acknowledging that not every government action can be legislated in black and white, the MP argued that an over-reliance on this discretion has led to questionable outcomes in various sectors, including taxi and bus transportation, condo development, lotteries, and casinos. To support this claim, the MP revealed that they had reviewed a printout of issued licenses dating back to 2000. This review uncovered several startling examples of alleged favoritism and abuse of power. The MP detailed specific instances, which included: A former minister allegedly issued a dozen licenses to a close family member during a moratorium. A member of the past Council of Ministers is procuring a license for their 12-year-old child. A politician's company (BV or NV) holds eight licenses. Another politician possesses over 20 licenses. The MP contrasted these examples of enrichment by the powerful with the current debate, which focuses on licenses granted to individuals who may not have previously had economic opportunities. "We are here discussing... those who didn't have and now have the means to make a dollar," the MP noted, "but we are glossing over the facts of those who already had and used their influence or power to enrich themselves or close family members further." The address served as a powerful call for accountability, urging fellow politicians to look inward and address past transgressions instead of focusing with "tunnel vision" on present-day issues involving ordinary citizens. The MP emphasized that an infraction is an infraction, regardless of who commits it, and questioned why politicians are often excluded from the same level of scrutiny. In closing, the MP thanked Minister Heyliger-Marten for her presentation, calling it an "eye-opener." The member expressed a desire for concrete action to close loopholes that could lead to the misuse of ministerial discretion. The goal, the MP asserted, is to prevent future administrations from facing the same cycle of debate over alleged misuse of power, ensuring a fairer and more transparent system for all. PHILIPSBURG:--- In a heated parliamentary session, Member of Parliament Francisco Lacroes delivered a detailed rebuttal to a presentation by the Minister of Tourism, Economic Affairs, Transport, and Telecommunication (TEATT) concerning transportation licenses issued in 2023. MP Lacroes expressed personal feelings and targeted the scope and findings of recent investigations, calling for a more comprehensive review of licensing practices. Feeling that he and his family have been unfairly subjected to threats based on "little shots being fired and little comments being made," Lacroes stated, "Enough is enough." He argued that the official inquiries conducted by the SOAB and the Integrity Chamber were flawed from the start. "The investigation, or the SOAB report, and the Integrity Chamber report focus on the year '23 going forward," he noted. "Which is unfortunate, because if you're going to try to figure out what went wrong, you need to know where it started." Lacroes questioned the issuance of 201 licenses between 2014 and 2023, a period during which he stated he could find no record of the moratorium being officially lifted. He challenged the ministry to explain how these licenses were granted without a public announcement. The MP, who previously served as the ministry's Chief of Staff, directly challenged the narrative that the cabinet operated without the knowledge of key department heads. To support his claim, he shared a message exchange with fellow parliamentarians showing the former minister instructing the department head to expedite a new policy. "The information was given in a way to make sure that it looks as if something went wrong," Lacroes asserted, highlighting what he sees as contradictions between the SOAB and Integrity Chamber reports. Lacroes also took issue with the reports' vague references to a "member of the cabinet," while explicitly naming other officials, such as the Secretary General and department heads. He recounted being approached about taxi licenses while on vacation, long before he had any knowledge of the policy changes, pointing to the head of SOAB's sister as one of the individuals who approached him. A significant part of Lacroes's address focused on the procedural details of the 2023 policy. He pointed to a specific clause stating that licenses unused for one year would be automatically revoked as of January 1, 2024. Based on this, he questioned the current count of active licenses. "How is it that we have 600 active licenses while only 451 confirmation letters?" he asked, suggesting that, according to the policy, only 451 licenses should be considered valid He concluded by challenging the current minister on her actions since taking office, asking if any new licenses or help driver permits have been issued, and whether the established procedures were followed. He also highlighted that G-plates (for tour buses) were issued between 2014 and 2023, despite a 2014 policy explicitly stating that they should not be issued. Lacroes called for greater accountability and a full, unbiased review of all licensing activities to ensure transparency and fairness. WILLEMSTAD/PHILIPSBURG:--- On Thursday, November 13, the Centrale Bank van Curacao en Sint Maarten (CBCS) hosted the Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture, a highlight of the Annual Monetary Studies Conference (AMSC). This years keynote speaker was Jeanette Semeleer, President of the Centrale Bank van Aruba. In her address, titled Aruba, From Isla Inutil to Isla Innovativo, Mrs. Semeleer drew on Arubas experience with external shocks to emphasize that true economic resilience is not merely bouncing back, but also bouncing forward. Since 1985, the Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture has honored Dr. Adlith Brown, who served as Coordinator of the Regional Program of Monetary Studies from 1980 to 1984, recognizing her regional vision, intellectual leadership, and policy insight. Speaking on the AMSC conference theme Resilience through Transformation, Mrs. Semeleer outlined how Aruba is moving from bouncing back to bouncing forward. She highlighted diversification beyond tourism, investment in human capital, institutional capacity and independence, environmental stewardship, and the adoption of responsible tourism, green energy, the blue economy, and digital transformation. In addition, she underscored the value of prudent courage in crisis management, clear communication, and contingency planning to maintain confidence and stability. Mrs. Semeleer noted that global headwinds, notably geopolitics and climate change, make adaptation urgent, and argued that collaboration across public institutions and communities is essential to sustain innovation, build resilience, and secure long-term, inclusive growth. Following a Q&A session with the audience, Richard Doornbosch, President of the CBCS, expressed his profound appreciation for Mrs. Semeleers collegiality and commitment, her years of dedicated service, and her balanced and forward-looking perspective. A video recording of the 2025 Adlith Brown Memorial Lecture is available on the CBCS YouTube and social media channels. Willemstad, November 14, 2025 CENTRALE BANK VAN CURACAO EN SINT MAARTEN Press Release from Business Wire: Boomi (AFP) Nov 13, 2025 SYDNEY, Nov 13, 2025 (BSW) - Boomi , the leader in AI-driven automation, announced today the winners of its 2025 Asia Pacific (APAC) Customer Innovation Awards , recognised at its 2025 Boomi World Tour stop in Sydney This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113020595/en/ This year's winners were chosen for pioneering innovative solutions using the Boomi Enterprise Platform and their outstanding performance in the following criteria: demonstrating business impact through exceptional, quantifiable results; business transformation; innovative projects; social impact; modernisation; integration excellence; and automation excellence. Boomi 2025 APAC Customer Innovation Award winners include: -- Australian Motoring Services Pty Ltd - APAC Customer of the Year Award (ANZ) - Australian Motoring Services used Boomi Integration and Boomi API Management to transform enterprise-scale roadside assistance by seamlessly connecting more than 11 systems. In just three months, the integration project eliminated manual processes and reduced call handling and dispatch times by up to 50 percent. Most operations were migrated into the client's CRM, creating clean, synchronised data for auditing and reporting. This transformation also established an AI-ready foundation for predictive analytics and generative AI-powered customer support. -- Mizuho Bank, Ltd - APAC Customer of the Year Award (ASIA) - Mizuho Bank transformed client payments across Asia with a future-ready, ISO 20022-compliant payment platform built on Boomi Integration, Flow, and Managed Cloud Services. Following a swift implementation, the bank launched an intuitive online portal that automates payment file validation and conversion, shielding clients from complex format changes while streamlining operations. The solution replaced legacy file converters, significantly accelerated client onboarding, and strengthened Mizuho's position as a leader in digital banking innovation across the region. -- Greencross Pet Wellness Company - Innovation Award - Greencross Pet Wellness Company (GPWC), Australia's largest pet care company, introduced a digital pet profile powered by Boomi. The solution centralised pet data across the Petbarn app, unlocking hyperpersonalised customer experiences and targeted wellness recommendations. By integrating with GPWC's AI-powered platform, the initiative drove stronger engagement, early-stage loyalty via the Puppy & Kitten Club, and new revenue streams across retail and veterinary services. -- Teachers Mutual Bank Limited - Future AI-Readiness Award - Teachers Mutual Bank Limited modernised a critical member service with Boomi Integration, and Boomi API Management. The bank transformed manual know-your-customer (KYC) processes into a seamless, omnichannel experience where updates that once took days are now completed in under 60 seconds. The initiative improved data accuracy, cut manual interventions, helped improve customer satisfaction and delivered annual savings in operational costs. "The 2025 APAC awards showcase organisations dedicated to advancing a range of business outcomes, from sharper insights and decision-making, deeper stakeholder engagement and connections, and greater measurable productivity," said David Irecki, Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific and Japan, at Boomi. "Their achievements inspire us, and we are privileged to play a role in their success and to celebrate the innovative projects recognised this year." "Through the Boomi Enterprise Platform, our customers are connecting their digital investments and gaining sharper insights into their data. The result? Meaningful industry impact, with measurable gains in efficiency, stronger stakeholder experiences, and benefits for themselves and their communities," said Irecki. Additional Resources -- Hear from Boomi's global customers -- Follow Boomi on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and YouTube About Boomi Boomi, the leader in AI-driven automation, enables organizations worldwide to connect everything, automate processes, and accelerate outcomes. The Boomi Enterprise Platform - including Boomi Agentstudio - unifies integration and automation along with data, API, and AI agent management, in a single, comprehensive solution. Trusted by over 25,000 customers and supported by a network of 800+ partners, Boomi is driving agentic transformation - helping enterprises of all sizes achieve agility, efficiency, and innovation at scale. Discover more at boomi.com. 2025 Boomi, LP. Boomi, the 'Boomi' logo, the 'B' logo, and Boomiverse are registered trademarks of Boomi, LP or its subsidiaries or affiliates in the US and other countries. All rights reserved. Other names or marks may be the trademarks of their respective owners. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113020595/en/ Contact Media Contact:Jasmine EeHead of Influencer Relations, APJ[email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. Blue Origin launches NASA Mars mission and sticks booster landing Cape Canaveral, Nov 13 (AFP) Nov 13, 2025 Jeff Bezos's Blue Origin successfully launched its New Glenn rocket on Thursday with NASA twin spacecraft destined for Mars aboard, and in a breakthrough stuck the landing of its booster. The launch was stalled for days over weather both on Earth and in space, but it was worth the wait: in the rocket's second-ever flight, Blue Origin managed to recover the booster for reuse. Ecstatic cheers rang out at the launch site in Florida's Cape Canaveral as the booster gracefully nailed its landing on a floating platform. Prior to Thursday, only Elon Musk's SpaceX had managed to accomplish such a maneuver with an orbital-class rocket. Blue Origin's accomplishment comes amid intensified rivalry between the two billionaire-owned private space companies, as the US space agency NASA recently opened up bids for its planned Moon mission. "Damn that was exciting!" said Jared Isaacman -- a Musk ally who President Donald Trump recently nominated again to head NASA -- on X, congratulating Blue Origin. A handful of figures at SpaceX also had praise for their rivals, with their VP of Launch, Kiko Dontchev, saying the feat "moves the country and industry forward." The launch was repeatedly delayed: on Sunday over weather on Earth, and on Wednesday over weather in space. The second postponement was over "highly elevated solar activity" that NASA was worried could impact or damage its spacecraft. And multiple glitches meant delays yet again on Thursday -- hold-ups Blue Origin did not explain. But at 3:55 pm (2055 GMT), New Glenn finally blasted off. The 322-foot (98-meter) rocket now has the task of sending NASA's ESCAPADE twin spacecraft to Mars, in a bid to study the Red Planet's climate history with the eventual hope of human exploration. Applause resounded once more as the spacecraft successfully deployed. Joseph Westlake, a NASA heliophysicist, explained during Thursday's webcast how the twin spacecraft named "Blue" and "Gold" will first finding a "benign, safe parking orbit" to make "measurements about the space weather here on Earth." Then, once the planets have reached the ideal alignment in the fall of 2026, the spacecraft will get a boost from Earth's gravity and begin the journey to Mars, where they will arrive in 2027. This type of launch could allow for more frequent missions in the future, because they could proceed outside the window of direct alignment of Earth and Mars that happens approximately once every two years. - 'Launch, land, repeat' - New Glenn's inaugural flight in January also was marked a success, as its payload achieved orbit and successfully performed tests. But its first-stage booster, which was meant to be reusable, was lost during descent. Thursday's achievement signals that Blue Origin is on its way to reducing costs by reusing boosters rather than allowing them to plummet into the ocean. "Launch, land, repeat -- it starts today," said Eddie Seyffert, among Blue Origin's webcast commentators. And it comes as US President Donald Trump's second term in the White House has seen the administration pile pressure on NASA to accelerate its progress to send a crewed mission to the Moon amid a race with China. George Nield -- a senior aerospace executive whose work promotes the commercial space industry, and who has flown with Blue Origin in the past -- told AFP this launch would be an "indicator" of the company's progress. It could show "whether they can play increased roles in near-term lunar exploration," he said. Press Release from Business Wire: Ant International (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 SINGAPORE, Nov 14, 2025 (BSW) - Ant International, a leading global digital payment, digitisation, and financial technology provider, has announced that it is collaborating with e-wallet operators TNG Digital, the operating company of TNG eWallet, and easypaisa, Pakistan's first digital bank, to deliver better customer experiences with AI, supported by Ant International's AI-as-a-Service platform for fintechs and superapps. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113098837/en/ Ant International's AI-as-a-Service platform equips fintech partners with tools to build a wide range of agentic solutions, from customer-service assistants to sales copilots. Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit is an AI innovation platform designed to help financial services businesses build generative AI-driven agentic applications, backed by Ant International's deep domain excellence in financial services, and proven know-how in helping merchants and e-wallets digitalise operations. With Ant International's support, both e-wallet operators are leveraging the platform to raise the efficiency of customer service operations, and streamline the user journey for customer service requests. "Our strategic collaboration with Ant International is democratising access to easy and convenient digital financial services for millions nationwide. The launch of our generative AI-powered customer service agent is a key step that enables easypaisa customers to enjoy truly hyper-personalised financial experiences, from tailored product recommendations and actionable insights, to timely reminders that help them manage their finances more efficiently. Beyond personalisation, the AI assistant enhances security through advanced fraud detection and improves risk management, making every in-app financial interaction safer, faster, and more intuitive. This innovation represents a significant leap in making digital financial services more accessible, trustworthy, and empowering for all Pakistanis," said Farhan Hassan, Chief Digital Officer, easypaisa Digital Bank. Helping companies deliver secure, AI-native services for the financial sector Generative AI-powered agents, developed with the support of Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit, are able to autonomously respond to and perform rectification tasks for requests common to financial services, such as in customer service, merchant copilots, financial assistants and AI safety solutions. Besides improving response speeds, this can also reduce time needed for training, and increase working efficiencies. The AI-as-a-Service platform, which first rolled out in June 2025, has been honed on Ant International's four key business units: wallet gateway service (Alipay+), merchant payment service (Antom), cross-border business account service (WorldFirst), and inclusive finance service (global treasury management, digital lending and credit tech solutions). Ant International's AI strategy also focuses on its deep financial domain expertise, as well as ensuring trust and safety by maintaining security at the core of its AI development. "We're excited to welcome our first customers to Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit. This platform opens the door for fintechs to agentic AI - empowering them to automate decisions, accelerate innovation, and deliver smarter financial solutions to their partners, all with financial-grade compliance, reliability and security. We look forward to supporting our customers as they expand the use of the Cockpit platform in their operations," says Jiang-Ming Yang, Chief Innovation Officer at Ant International. As a comprehensive generative AI platform for fintechs and superapps, Alipay+ GenAI Cockpit leverages over 20 leading LLMs, including Ant International's own Falcon TST (Time-Series Transformer) AI Model. It has focused on integrating fintech knowledge bases, such as bank transfer rules and dispute resolution policies, to help businesses build specialised fintech agents. Built on the Cockpit, Antom Copilot is the world's first AI agent designed to help merchants boost conversion by streamlining the process of payment method integration. To ensure its customers and partners are actively protected from threats and vulnerabilities, Ant International's AI services are underpinned by AI SHIELD, a proactive security toolkit to help AI-powered financial services stay secure and compliant. AI SHIELD is anchored on its AI Security Docker, which can reduce AI service risks by 90% through rigorous security evaluation and risk discovery processes, continuous real-time monitoring and intervention on agent interactions, and ongoing inspection and adversarial testing. ### About Ant International With headquarters in Singapore and main operations across Asia, Europe, the Middle East and Latin America, Ant International is a leading global digital payment, digitisation and financial technology provider. Through collaboration across the private and public sectors, our unified techfin platform supports financial institutions and merchants of all sizes to achieve inclusive growth through a comprehensive range of cutting-edge digital payment and financial services solutions. To learn more, please visit https://www.ant-intl.com/ View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20251113098837/en/ Contact For media enquiries, please contactAnt International Global Communications[email protected] 2025 Business Wire, Inc.Disclaimer:This press release is not a document produced by AFP. AFP shall not bear responsibility for its content. In case you have any questions about this press release, please refer to the contact person/entity mentioned in the text of the press release. MANILA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines on Friday called on law ministers in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to deepen cooperation in combating cybercrimes and addressing issues on the use of Artificial Intelligence. In a keynote speech at the opening of the two-day 13th ASEAN Law Ministers Meeting (ALAWMM) here, Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos welcomed the signing of the ASEAN Extradition Treaty (AET), which he said reflects the group's collective resolve to ensure individuals with criminal charges cannot escape justice by crossing borders. While the AET will enhance regional action against conventional cross-border crimes, the president urged ASEAN law ministers to strengthen collaboration on emerging transnational challenges. "I speak of the threat of cybercrimes and the ethical and legal implications of Artificial Intelligence. We must ensure that our laws can govern the digital space fairly and securely," Marcos said. Established in 1986, the ALAWMM serves as a vital platform for the secretaries of justice, justice ministers, and attorneys-general of the ASEAN member states to foster legal collaboration, promote the rule of law, and launch new initiatives among legal institutions in the region. Google proposes adtech changes to avoid breakup after EU fine Brussels, Belgium, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Google on Friday announced changes to its advertising services to avert the risk of a breakup, two months after Brussels hit the US giant with a massive fine. The European Commission slapped a 2.95-billion-euro ($3.43 billion) antitrust fine on Google for favouring its own services in September, giving the company 60 days to resolve the issues raised. The penalty drew an angry rebuke from US President Donald Trump, who threatened fresh tariffs on the EU if it was confirmed. Google has said it will appeal the fine. "Our proposal fully addresses the decision without a disruptive break-up that would harm the thousands of European publishers and advertisers who use Google tools to grow their business," a Google spokesperson said. Despite agreeing to the adtech changes, Google said it still disagreed with the EU decision. Brussels will now assess the commitments -- which come as the bloc treads a line between its determination to enforce its tech rules and its wariness of further provoking Trump. The EU has set its sights on Google. Only a day before Google's announcement, the commission launched a new probe into the US company under its digital competition rules over suspicions it is unfairly pushing down certain news outlets in search rankings. Google also faces scrutiny over its advertising services in the United States. A US federal judge earlier this year decided against Google over its adtech practices. Google is also seeking to avoid a forced sale in that case in Virginia, and closing arguments are expected to take place on Monday. The judge is set to make a decision in the following weeks or months. - Immediate changes - When it announced the September fine, the commission said Google had unfairly used its dominant position in online advertising to favour its own services. The online giant not only sells advertising on its own websites and apps, but also acts as an intermediary for firms wanting to place ads elsewhere to appear on mobile and computer screens -- which Brussels says made it harder for rivals to compete. Google on Friday said its plan included immediate product changes such as giving publishers the option to set varying minimum prices for different bidders when using Google Ad Manager. And to address the EU's accusations of conflict of interest, Google said it would increase the interoperability of its tools for publishers and advisers. The European Commission confirmed Google had sent its plan. "We will now analyse Google's proposed measures to assess whether they effectively bring the self-preferencing practices to an end and address the situation of inherent conflicts of interest," a commission spokesperson said. Brussels has slapped multiple fines on Google in recent years. It fined the giant 4.1 billion euros in 2018 for abusing the market dominance of its Android operating system, and in 2017 slapped a 2.4-billion-euro fine for anti-competitive practices in the price comparison market. The EU also accused Google in March of treating its own services more favourably compared to rivals as part of a digital competition probe launched last year. BANGKOK, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Thailand's consumer confidence increased for a second straight month in October, driven by government measures to revive the economy, a survey showed on Friday. According to a survey of 2,244 respondents conducted by the University of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, the consumer confidence index climbed to 51.9 last month from 50.7 in September, as all components of the index improved for the first time in nine months. The government's co-payment program, which aimed to boost consumer spending, and the tax incentive program, designed to stimulate domestic tourism, primarily contributed to the upturn, said the university's president Thanavath Phonvichai. The improvement in consumer sentiment is a notable driving factor for a recovery of the Thai economy, particularly on the back of the government's ongoing stimulus measures, Thanavath told a news conference. Central Nigerian town rebuilds religious trust in shadow of Trump's threat Mangu, Nigeria, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 On a cool November morning, members of a local council in central Nigeria met religious leaders at the traditional ruler's palace to discuss religious harmony as US President Donald Trump revs up accusations of Christian persecution in Africa's most populous country. Nigeria, a west African country of 230 million people, is roughly evenly split between a mostly Christian south and a Muslim-majority north. It is home to myriad conflicts, including jihadist insurgency, that experts say kill both Christians and Muslims, often without distinction. But Trump has threatened a military intervention in Nigeria to halt what he says are killings of Christians "in very large numbers" by radical Islamists. Mangu, a small rustic town in Nigeria's central Plateau state located 250 kilometres from the capital Abuja, was the scene of deadly clashes that targeted both Christians and Muslims last year. Since then community leaders hold regular dialogues to forestall a recurrence. For decades, Mangu mostly escaped the intercommunal violence that often erupts elsewhere in Nigeria's central "Middle Belt" farming region. Many of the conflicts in the region have their roots in tensions over land between Muslim herders and mostly Christian farmers, as the impact of climate change threatens agricultural livelihoods. Mangu's Muslims and Christians mostly belong to the Mwaghavul tribe, and have lived side by side for decades before the 2024 violence. The town's central mosque was located in the Christian-dominated district, and the town's biggest church once stood in a Muslim-majority quarter. Both yellow buildings were torched and destroyed when the farming town of around 300,000 people was ravaged as assailants raided rival districts with guns and machetes after a dispute over land, water and cattle grazing, in January last year. Twenty-two months later, the charred walls of Umar bin Khatab Juma'at mosque and a roofless and windowless Cocin Kwhagas Lahir church -- still stand as a reminder of the day the town temporarily lost its peace. "We thank God for the relative peace that has reigned in Mangu," said resident Muhammad Kamilu Aliu, 37, at a hardware market. "There is no more crisis here again". District head Moses Dawop, underlines the "peace we have been crying for is gaining ground". - Rebuilding trust - Across Mangu, Muslims and Christians are back to doing business together, with religious and community leaders intent on rebuilding trust in the community. Mangu's main market is abuzz with sellers and buyers mingling while elsewhere on the town's dusty streets, children play, rolling disused motorcycle tyres. But the local chairman of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Timothy Samson Dalang, and the town's main imam, Ibrahim Hudu Manomi, say that there is still much to be done. "We've been working day and night to see how we can get ourselves back to the former self that we used to be, as peaceful as we used to be," Manomi said. For Dalang, cooperation among the religious leaders has been instrumental in thwarting attempts by "hoodlums who are bent to sabotage the peace process" for "selfish reasons". Rebuilding homes, places of worship and schools torched during the unrest is also taking time. Leaders want to restore trust first among the followers of the two religions to pre-conflict levels before reconstruction can take place. - 'Back to square one' - Nigerians are wary of Trump's threat to strike radical Islamists. For many in this central state -- a hotbed of inter-communal violence -- religious persecution is an alien concept and they fear that the White House narrative could roll back years of peacebuilding. Trump's allegations of Christian persecution will "take us back to square one," said Ghazali Isma'ila Adam, the chief imam of the Plateau state capital Jos. Jihadists "attack everybody, be it Muslims, Christians, pagans", said Idris Suleiman Gimba, 54, a Muslim restaurateur in northeastern Borno State's capital city, Maiduguri, the epicentre of the 16-year-long jihadist insurgency. Gimba lost 10 family members in a mosque bombing in neighbouring Yobe State in 2014, during the height of the conflict. Saidu Sufi, a political science teacher in northwestern Kano state, said terrorists and bandits often hide under religion to carry out their criminal activities. "We have seen in parts of the northwest where bandits use religious cover by starting their campaign of violence by quoting scripture," Sufi said. "But it is not religious." For Adams Mamza, 28, a Christian Maiduguri resident working for a car rental firm, Trump's intervention is only welcome if "they can target it on these bandits, Boko Haram, the insurgents". As cabinet met on November 6 for the first time since Trump's threats, President Bola Tinubu told his ministers that "we want our friends to help us as we step up our fight against terrorism, and we will eliminate it". South Korea says to 'move forward' on nuclear subs with US Seoul, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 South Korea will "move forward" with the United States in building nuclear-powered submarines, President Lee Jae Myung said Friday, after a long-awaited security and trade agreement was finalised. Analysts say developing the atomic-powered vessels would mark a significant leap in Seoul's naval and defence industrial base, allowing it to join a select group of countries with such vessels. "One of the greatest variables for our economy and security -- the bilateral negotiations on trade, tariffs and security -- has been finalised," Lee told a news conference, adding the two countries had agreed to "move forward with building nuclear-powered submarines". Seoul had secured "support for expanding our authority over uranium enrichment and spent-fuel reprocessing", he said. A joint fact sheet outlining the deal said both sides would "collaborate further through a shipbuilding working group" to "increase the number of US commercial ships and combat-ready US military vessels". Beijing, on Thursday, voiced caution over a Washington-Seoul deal on nuclear submarine technology. The partnership "goes beyond a purely commercial partnership, directly touching on the global non-proliferation regime and the stability of the Korean Peninsula and the wider region," Dai Bing, China's ambassador to Seoul told reporters. Details remain murky on where the nuclear submarines will be built. US President Donald Trump said on social media last month that "South Korea will be building its Nuclear Powered Submarine in the Philadelphia Shipyards, right here in the good ol' U.S.A". - Billions in investments - US nuclear technology is among its most sensitive and tightly guarded military secrets. However, Seoul's national security advisor Wi Sung-lac said on Friday that "from start to finish, the leaders' discussion proceeded on the premise that construction would take place in South Korea". "So the question of where construction will take place can now be considered settled," he added. As part of the deal, South Korea has pledged to buy $25 billion-worth of US military equipment and plans to "provide comprehensive support for US Forces Korea amounting to $33 billion". Details of a tariffs agreement were also announced. Trump unexpectedly declared at last month's APEC summit that the two sides had reached a deal on an investment package and auto tariffs, before clarifying it was "pretty much" finalised. Seoul later said the $350-billion agreement included $200 billion in cash investment and $150 billion in shipbuilding cooperation, adding that both sides agreed to keep reciprocal tariffs and lower auto tariffs at 15 percent. Semiconductor tariffs, however, were not included in the deal at the time. The fact sheet stated that South Korea's semiconductor tariffs will be "no less favorable than terms that may be offered in a future agreement covering a volume of semiconductor trade at least as large as Korea's", but did not give further details. South Korea is home to Samsung Electronics and SK hynix and produces a significant chunk of high-end chips that have become the lifeblood of the global economy, powering everything from smartphones to missiles. The country's semiconductor exports reached a record high of $142 billion in 2024, accounting for more than a fifth of the country's total exports. Demarches and decapitation: Japan and China's Taiwan spat Tokyo, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Japan and China's long-testy relations have worsened in recent days following comments by new premier Sanae Takaichi about a possible attack by Beijing on Taiwan. With both sides lodging complaints, yet Japan insisting its long-held stance has not changed, AFP examines Takaichi's remarks, their significance and the resulting furore. What did Takaichi say? Before taking power last month, Takaichi, an acolyte of ex-premier Shinzo Abe, was a vocal critic of China and its military build-up in the Asia-Pacific. She has been a regular at a shrine that honours Japan's war dead -- including those of guilty of crimes in World War II -- that is seen by Asian nations as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. Japan's first woman prime minister has visited Taiwan in the past and met Taipei's representative at a recent APEC summit. She also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the same event. Her comments on November 7 were widely interpreted as implying that an attack on Taiwan, which is just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the nearest Japanese island, could warrant Tokyo's military support. If a Taiwan emergency entails "battleships and the use of force, then that could constitute a situation threatening the survival (of Japan), any way you slice it," Takaichi told parliament. "The so-called Taiwan contingency has become so serious that we have to anticipate the worst-case scenario," said Takaichi. Japan's self-imposed rules say that it can only act militarily under certain conditions, including an existential threat. Wang Hung-jen, a political analyst at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, said the comments "sent a very strong message to China: Japan is no longer just standing by and watching". "The probability of Japan intervening to deter China and prevent any military action by China around the Taiwan Strait has increased significantly," he told AFP. How did China react? Beijing insists Taiwan -- which was occupied for decades by Japan until 1945 -- is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to seize control. In a now-removed post on X, the Chinese consul general in Osaka Xue Jian threatened to "cut off that dirty neck", apparently referring to Takaichi. Tokyo lodged a protest and Takaichi's ruling party passed a resolution calling for the envoy to be declared persona non grata. On Wednesday Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese outlet linked to state broadcaster CCTV, said Takaichi "will likely have to pay the price" for her comments. Beijing's foreign ministry on Thursday called on Japan to "retract the unjustified remarks", warning otherwise that the "consequences... must be borne by the Japanese side". A day later, China said it had summoned the Japanese ambassador to make "serious demarches" about the "erroneous remarks". "If anyone dares to interfere with China's unification cause in any form, China will surely strike back hard," the foreign ministry said. In response, Japan said that its position on Taiwan was "unchanged" and that it continues to urge "peace and stability" in the Taiwan Strait. Why does it matter? Tokyo normalised diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1972 but relations have long been dogged by historical issues. Japan also has a warm relationship with Taipei. Previous sitting Japanese prime ministers have avoided commenting directly on Taiwan's defence, choosing instead to maintain "strategic ambiguity". Similarly, the United States has long been deliberately ambiguous on whether it would deploy its military to defend Taiwan, although former president Joe Biden repeatedly suggested he would order the US military to intervene if China moved on the island. Yee Kuang Heng, a professor at the University of Tokyo, told AFP that Takaichi's comments may have been her "own personal inclination" to signal a stronger stance. But although "clearer communication can enhance deterrence" he said, he also warned that "a delicate balance has to be struck with the flip side of the coin, which is keeping the other side guessing." bur-aph/stu/rsc US approves first military sale to Taiwan since Trump's return Taipei, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 The United States has approved $330 million-worth of parts and components in its first military sale to Taiwan since US President Donald Trump's return to office, the island's foreign ministry said Friday. Washington is Taipei's biggest arms supplier and a key deterrent to a potential Chinese attack, but Trump's remarks on Taiwan have raised doubts about his willingness to defend the democratic island. Beijing claims Taiwan is part of its territory and has threatened to use force to bring it under its control. "This marks the first time the new Trump administration has announced an arms sale to Taiwan," the foreign ministry said, after the US State Department approved the package. Taiwan requested "non-standard components, spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support for F-16, C-130, and Indigenous Defense Fighter (IDF) aircraft," a statement posted by the US Defense Security Cooperation Agency said. China's foreign ministry said it "firmly opposed" Washington's approval of the sale, which comes about two weeks after Trump met with Chinese President Xi Jinping in South Korea. Taiwan has its own defence industry, but the island's military would be massively outgunned in a conflict with China and remains heavily reliant on US weapons for self-defence. Taiwan's defence ministry said the sale will help maintain "combat readiness" and "enhance defensive resilience" against China. China deploys military aircraft and warships around Taiwan on a near-daily basis, which analysts describe as "grey-zone" operations -- coercive tactics that fall short of an act of war. - 'Strategic ambiguity' - While the United States is legally bound to provide arms to Taiwan, Washington has long maintained "strategic ambiguity" when it comes to whether it would deploy its military to defend the island from a Chinese attack. Taiwanese President Lai Ching-te has been at pains to find favour with Trump, vowing to raise defence spending to more than three percent of GDP next year and five percent by 2030. Lai has also pledged to boost investment in the United States as his government tries to reduce Trump's 20-percent tariff on Taiwanese exports. But his government's plans for a special defence budget of up to NT$1 trillion (US$32 billion), which will include US arms, could be derailed by the main opposition Kuomintang party (KMT), which controls parliament with the help of the Taiwan People's Party. Opposition lawmakers have expressed frustration over the backlog of US deliveries to Taiwan, worth billions of dollars, caused by Covid-19 supply chain disruptions and US weapons shipments to Ukraine and Israel. The Beijing-friendly KMT's new chairperson Cheng Li-wun told AFP recently that Taiwan cannot afford to increase defence spending above three percent of GDP, saying "Taiwan isn't an ATM". The US arms sale is the first since December 2024 under former president Joe Biden. It comes as Beijing and Tokyo row over remarks by Japan's new hawkish premier about Taiwan. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi told parliament last week that armed attacks on Taiwan could warrant sending troops to support the island under "collective self-defence". Beijing has slammed Takaichi's remarks, with its foreign ministry on Thursday saying it "will by no means tolerate" it. Four killed in 'heinous' Russian attack on Ukraine: Zelensky Kyiv, Ukraine, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Russia struck apartment blocks across the Ukrainian capital of Kyiv overnight, killing at least four people in what President Volodymyr Zelensky slammed as a "heinous attack" that deliberately targeted civilians. Moscow has fired record missile and drone barrages in recent months, hitting energy and rail infrastructure, as well as residential areas, knocking out power for tens of thousands across the country as temperatures plunge. It was one of the largest attacks on Kyiv since Russia launched its full-scale invasion in 2022, with buildings hit in most of the capital's districts. AFP journalists in the capital saw multi-storey residential buildings with dozens of windows and balconies blown out, their facades charred and hanging off as rescuers sifted through the damage. "The key targets for Russia last night were residential areas in Kyiv and energy facilities," President Volodymyr Zelensky said, accusing Russia of a "heinous" attack. "This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure," he also said. The strikes killed four people from the same building, Interior Minister Igor Klymenko said. A hospital, shops and offices were also damaged, and around 30 people were wounded, officials said. Debris from an Iskander missile hit the Azerbaijani embassy, Zelensky added. - Market strike - Overnight, AFP journalists saw Ukraine using tracer bullets and missile defence systems, and incandescent debris falling large areas above the capital. The explosions lit up the night sky in flashes of bright orange. Ukraine's air force said it downed 405 out of 430 drones, and 14 out of 19 missiles launched by Russia. A senior Ukrainian official told AFP the city's air defences worked particularly well to stop the attack from wreaking even more damage. There were previously "certain issues with air defence" but this time "the air defence systems worked well" they told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official also said the attack showed how "the Russians have started using significantly more ballistic missiles." Ballistic missiles are particularly difficult to intercept given their speed and trajectory. "They combine ballistic and aeroballistic missiles with waves of drones. It is not easy to shoot down," they added. Russia's defence ministry said in a statement its forces had carried out a "massive strike" of drones and hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian military and energy sites. Hours after the attack on Kyiv, a Russian drone struck a market in the southern city of Chornomorsk, killing two and wounding seven, Odesa region governor Oleg Kiper said. He published images showing a blown-out vehicle still on fire, with debris, tires and mangled streets signs strewn in every direction. - Western pressure - The attack comes with Moscow's troops grinding forward on the eastern front and continuing to reject calls to halt the invasion. G7 foreign ministers meeting in Canada this week urged an immediate ceasefire in Ukraine and voiced "unwavering" support for the country's territorial integrity. Russian President Vladimir Putin has demanded Ukraine give up swathes more territory in the east if it wants an end to the war -- calls rejected by Kyiv as unacceptable ultimatums tantamount to capitulation. Russian forces have been grinding across eastern Ukraine for months, trying to take control of the Donetsk and Lugansk regions. Hundreds of Russian troops have entered the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine has conceded, and could be on the brink of capturing it, in what would be Moscow's most significant territorial gain in almost two years. Experts say Russia's latest strikes on energy infrastructure are putting Ukraine at risk of heating outages ahead of the winter months. Ukraine has in turn stepped up its own retaliatory attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities deep behind the front, seeking to cut off Moscow's energy export revenues. Zelensky said Ukraine had overnight used long-range Neptune missiles against targets on Russian territory. Russian forces downed more than 200 Ukrainian drones overnight into Friday, Moscow's defence ministry said, including 66 over the region of Krasnodar and 45 over Saratov, both in the south. Russian officials reported a fire at a large Black Sea oil refinery and a hit on a civilian vessel that wounded three. Demarches and decapitation: Japan and China's Taiwan spat Tokyo, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Japan and China's long-testy relations have worsened in recent days following comments by new premier Sanae Takaichi about a possible attack by Beijing on Taiwan. With both sides lodging complaints, yet Japan insisting its long-held stance has not changed, AFP examines Takaichi's remarks, their significance and the resulting furore. What did Takaichi say? Before taking power last month, Takaichi, an acolyte of ex-premier Shinzo Abe, was a vocal critic of China and its military build-up in the Asia-Pacific. She has been a regular at a shrine that honours Japan's war dead -- including those of guilty of crimes in World War II -- that is seen by Asian nations as a symbol of Japan's militaristic past. Japan's first woman prime minister has visited Taiwan in the past and met Taipei's representative at a recent APEC summit. She also held talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping at the same event. Her comments on November 7 were widely interpreted as implying that an attack on Taiwan, which is just 100 kilometres (62 miles) from the nearest Japanese island, could warrant Tokyo's military support. If a Taiwan emergency entails "battleships and the use of force, then that could constitute a situation threatening the survival (of Japan), any way you slice it," Takaichi told parliament. "The so-called Taiwan contingency has become so serious that we have to anticipate the worst-case scenario," said Takaichi. Japan's self-imposed rules say that it can only act militarily under certain conditions, including an existential threat. Wang Hung-jen, a political analyst at National Cheng Kung University in Taiwan, said the comments "sent a very strong message to China: Japan is no longer just standing by and watching". "The probability of Japan intervening to deter China and prevent any military action by China around the Taiwan Strait has increased significantly," he told AFP. How did China react? Beijing insists Taiwan -- which was occupied for decades by Japan until 1945 -- is part of its territory and has not ruled out the use of force to seize control. In a now-removed post on X, the Chinese consul general in Osaka Xue Jian threatened to "cut off that dirty neck", apparently referring to Takaichi. Tokyo lodged a protest and Takaichi's ruling party passed a resolution calling for the envoy to be declared persona non grata. On Wednesday Yuyuan Tantian, a Chinese outlet linked to state broadcaster CCTV, said Takaichi "will likely have to pay the price" for her comments. Beijing's foreign ministry on Thursday called on Japan to "retract the unjustified remarks", warning otherwise that the "consequences... must be borne by the Japanese side". A day later, China said it had summoned the Japanese ambassador to make "serious demarches" about the "erroneous remarks". "If anyone dares to interfere with China's unification cause in any form, China will surely strike back hard," the foreign ministry said. In response, Japan said that its position on Taiwan was "unchanged" and that it continues to urge "peace and stability" in the Taiwan Strait. Tokyo on Friday also summoned the Chinese ambassador to protest Xue's "extremely inappropriate" threat. Why does it matter? Tokyo normalised diplomatic ties with Beijing in 1972 but relations have long been dogged by historical issues. Japan also has a warm relationship with Taipei. Previous sitting Japanese prime ministers have avoided commenting directly on Taiwan's defence, choosing instead to maintain "strategic ambiguity". Similarly, the United States has long been deliberately ambiguous on whether it would deploy its military to defend Taiwan, although former president Joe Biden repeatedly suggested he would order the US military to intervene if China moved on the island. Yee Kuang Heng, a professor at the University of Tokyo, told AFP that Takaichi's comments may have been her "own personal inclination" to signal a stronger stance. But although "clearer communication can enhance deterrence" he said, he also warned that "a delicate balance has to be struck with the flip side of the coin, which is keeping the other side guessing." bur-aph-kh/stu/rsc/ami Five European NATO powers vow to tackle 'hybrid threats' Berlin, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Defence ministers from five major European NATO countries promised greater cooperation to counter drone incursions and other "hybrid threats" such as cyberattacks after a meeting in Berlin on Friday. Germany, France, Italy, Poland and the United Kingdom also underscored their "unwavering support" for Ukraine in its war with Russia, and their commitment to rebuilding their own militaries. "We will intensify our cooperation in countering hybrid threats against allies, including addressing the challenges posed by drones, cyberattacks, and disinformation," the allies said in a joint statement. This will include exploring defence measures "such as drone defence systems" as well as "enhancing information sharing among European allies", they said. European countries have repeatedly accused Russia of conducting "hybrid" warfare -- a largely unconventional warfare that can involve sabotage, disinformation campaigns and other disruptive attacks. Several drone sightings have been reported at airports and sensitive military sites across Europe in recent months, with leaders pointing the finger at Moscow. Airports in Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Norway and Poland have been among those affected. Speaking after the meeting, German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius said such actions were designed to "divert attention from (Russia's) own problems... while at the same time attempting to unsettle and frighten our societies". The five defence ministers, who were also joined by European Union foreign policy chief Kaja Kallas, also vowed to keep up their support for Ukraine as it fends off Russia's invasion. "Our unwavering support for Ukraine will continue to be a central pillar of our work," they said, pledging "to maximise support to Ukraine through military aid". They also pledged to ramp up industrial cooperation with Ukraine as well as "integrating the Ukrainian defence industry into European initiatives and value chains". The ministers also promised to focus on meeting their NATO military capability targets and ramping up their defence industries. "Russian aggression is growing. The war in Ukraine continues to rage. The US has rightly challenged European nations to do more and to spend more on defence," said Britain's Defence Minister John Healey. "Make no mistake -- we are in a new era of threat and this demands a new era for defence," he said. Pakistan's Asim Munir: top soldier with lifetime immunity Islamabad, Pakistan, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Field Marshal Asim Munir has emerged as Pakistan's most powerful military leader, analysts say, after a constitutional amendment expanded his powers and gave him lifelong rank and immunity. The amendment enacted Thursday consolidates military power under a new role, chief of defence forces, who commands Pakistan's army, navy and air force. It also gives Munir lifelong immunity from criminal proceedings, potentially awarding him unchecked powers. Munir became army chief in November 2022 after serving in senior positions including as quartermaster general and Corps Commander Gujranwala. He was also head of the Military Intelligence and later of Pakistan's powerful spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence. In 2019, he was removed as intelligence chief just eight months into his stint, under then-prime minister Imran Khan and for reasons that have never been made public. Munir's fortunes changed after lawmakers ousted Khan. The ensuing Shehbaz Sharif government gave him charge of the military. In May this year, following a four-day clash with India, Munir was promoted to field marshal. "We achieved a historic victory," Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar told parliament this week, saying "everyone appreciated General Asim Munir" for it. "India challenged our territorial sovereignty. The whole nation supported the armed forces and the government at that time," he said. But Aqil Shah, author and professor at Georgetown University, said the conflict "was dominated by air combat, not land-based operations" which are typically associated with field marshal honours. - 'Most powerful man' - "This is a case of 'autocratic legalism'," Shah told AFP. "In no other democracy is the army chief of staff the designated joint service chief." Shah said that the change granting Munir immunity from prosecution "makes redundant Article 6 of the constitution, which criminalises military coups". AFP has contacted a spokesman for the Pakistani military for comment. "Field Marshal Asim Munir has become the most powerful man in Pakistan," said defence analyst Naeem Khalid Lodhi, a retired lieutenant general. "The politicians are responsible for making him even more powerful. For their short-term interests, they have put Pakistan's long-term interests at stake," he told AFP. A coalition of parties considered pliable to the powerful military formed a government after Pakistan's February 2024 elections, in which Khan -- the nation's most popular politician -- was jailed and barred from running. Shuja Nawaz, an author and expert on South Asia, sees the amendment vote as a survival strategy. Politicians "renewed their insurance policy," he said. "Munir's five-year term will outlast theirs, and they expect his support when elections come." To Lodhi, "the constitution governs the affairs of the state, and only a genuinely representative government can amend it." - Need for stability - Nawaz said Munir now "probably has as much power" as the late military ruler Pervez Musharraf, who seized power in 1999. "Like Musharraf, he has a subservient prime minister and the authority to reshape the army's structure," he said. Nawaz noted that Munir, in his new role as chief of defence forces, can also overhaul military command and "modernise the force". The lifetime rank was not unusual and follows British tradition, Nawaz added. "Field marshals don't retire. They may leave a post, but they remain field marshal for life," he said. Munir has already scored some diplomatic wins, including a private lunch with US President Trump. But, Shah warned, "Trump is unpredictable, and India remains a bigger draw for Washington. "Pakistan's future lies in a strong economy and stable political system -- neither of which it has right now." Cai Run, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, speaks at the 13th Europe-China Forum in Brussels, capital of Belgium, Nov. 13, 2025. (Xinhua/Peng Ziyang) BRUSSELS, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Around 500 politicians, business representatives and scholars attended a forum in Brussels on Thursday, both online and in person, to discuss China-European Union (EU) relations and called for greater mutual understanding and deeper practical cooperation to tackle global challenges. Titled "Strengthening Cooperation: EU-China Relations as a Source of Stability and Certainty," the 13th Europe-China Forum featured keynote speeches, thematic seminars, and interactive Q&A sessions. Cai Run, head of the Chinese Mission to the EU, said in his remarks that 2025 marks the 50th anniversary of China-EU diplomatic relations, which coincides with the 80th year of the victory of the World Anti-Fascist War and the founding of the United Nations, giving the relationship greater strategic and global significance. "At present, the main task for both sides is to work faster to deliver on the important consensus reached between the leaders and outcomes of their meetings, seize opportunities, properly handle differences and frictions, and promote the sound and steady development of China-EU relations," Cai said. Belgian Ambassador to China Bruno Angelet, speaking via video link, urged both sides to reduce misunderstandings and build mutual trust. He said China and the EU were complementary in sustainable development, noting their cooperation under the Paris Agreement and the Convention on Biological Diversity. Participants from the European side called for deepening cooperation in green transition and artificial intelligence, saying the two partners share many common interests in addressing global challenges. Former director-general of the World Trade Organization Pascal Lamy said in a video address that maintaining global stability should be a key focus for both sides, given the current economic and geopolitical context. Jos Delbeke, EIB Chair on Climate Policy and International Carbon Markets at the European University Institute, said future technologies would be green technologies, and that the prospects for EU-China cooperation in this field are highly promising. The forum was jointly organized by the European think tank "Friends of Europe," the Chinese Mission to the EU, and the China Public Diplomacy Association. Representatives from political, business, and academic circles in both Europe and China participated in the event. Immunity and overhaul: What's new in Pakistan constitutional amendment? Islamabad, Pakistan, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Pakistani lawmakers have approved a constitutional amendment granting lifetime immunity to the president and army chief, while overhauling the judiciary and military command. AFP looks at what the 59-clause text changes, and why it matters. - What did the amendment do? - The 27th constitutional amendment, passed by both houses of parliament on Thursday and signed into law a few hours later by President Asif Ali Zardari, grants him lifetime immunity. Zardari, who already enjoyed immunity while in office, will retain legal protection even after leaving the presidency so long as he attains no other public office. "Such immunities are usually granted in absolute monarchies to sovereigns and not to elected leaders who should be accountable," lawyer Osama Malik told AFP. Army chief Asim Munir was also granted lifetime immunity. Munir, elevated to the rare rank of field marshal after clashes with India in May, will keep his rank and privileges for life and assume the new role of chief of defence forces, giving him command over the army, navy and air force. "The entire hierarchy of the armed forces has been changed, which is going to cause serious internal rifts," said Malik. - How does it change the judicial system? - The amendment creates a Federal Constitutional Court with exclusive jurisdiction over constitutional cases, stripping the Supreme Court of its original powers. Pending petitions will be transferred to the new court, whose judges were sworn in on Friday. The amendment also grants the president the power to transfer Supreme Court judges, which experts warn may have an impact on judicial independence. Critics say the provision could be used to punish non-compliant judges. - How did officials and politicians react? - Two Supreme Court judges resigned in protest. "The 27th Constitutional Amendment stands as a grave assault on the Constitution of Pakistan," one of them, Mansoor Ali Shah, wrote in his resignation letter. "By fracturing the unity of the nation's apex court, it has crippled judicial independence and integrity, pushing the country back by decades." Government ministers hailed the changes as "historic", while opposition lawmakers protested during the vote. Members of the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party of jailed former prime minister Imran Khan called the reform "deeply undemocratic" and "the final nail in the coffin of an independent judiciary and a functioning democracy". Experts say the changes could affect nearly 200 pending cases against Khan, who was ousted after a falling out with the powerful military and remains in jail over corruption and other charges. - What could happen next? - Munir was set to retire in 2027, but now as chief of defence forces he will stay on until 2030, which defence analyst Ayesha Siddiqa told AFP "gives him an opportunity to oversee the next elections". Shuja Nawaz, an author and expert on South Asia, said that politicians in the current coalition "expect his support when elections come". US and several Arab states urge 'swift adoption' of UN Gaza resolution United Nations, United States, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 The United States and several Arab and Muslim-majority nations including Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Turkey called Friday for the UN Security Council to quickly adopt a US resolution endorsing Donald Trump's peace plan for Gaza. "The United States, Qatar, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, Pakistan, Jordan, and Turkiye express our joint support for the Security Council Resolution currently under consideration," the countries said in a joint statement, adding they were seeking the measure's "swift adoption." Last week the Americans officially launched negotiations within the 15-member Security Council on a text that would follow up on a ceasefire in the two-year war between Israel and Hamas and endorse Trump's plan. "We emphasize that this is a sincere effort, and the Plan provides viable path towards peace and stability, not only between the Israelis and the Palestinians, but for the entire region. A draft of the resolution seen Thursday by AFP "welcomes the establishment of the Board of Peace," a transitional governing body for Gaza -- that Trump would theoretically chair -- with a mandate running until the end of 2027. It would authorize member states to form a "temporary International Stabilization Force (ISF)" that would work with Israel and Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police to help secure border areas and demilitarize the Gaza Strip. Unlike previous drafts, the latest mentions a possible future Palestinian state. Friday's joint statement comes as Russia circulated a competing draft resolution to Council members that does not authorize the creation of a board of peace or the immediate deployment of an international force in Gaza, according to the text seen Friday by AFP. The Russian version welcomes "the initiative that led to the ceasefire" but does not name Trump. It calls on the UN secretary general to "identify options for implementing the provisions" of the peace plan and to promptly submit a report that also addresses the possibilities of deploying an international stabilization force in war-ravaged Gaza. The United States has called the ceasefire "fragile," and warned Thursday of the risks of not adopting its draft. "Attempts to sow discord now -- when agreement on this resolution is under active negotiation -- has grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences for Palestinians in Gaza," a spokesperson for the US mission at the United Nations said in a statement. While it seemed until now that Council members supported principles of the peace plan, diplomatic sources noted there were multiple questions about the US text, particularly regarding the absence of a monitoring mechanism by the Council, the role of the Palestinian Authority, and details of the ISF's mandate. Iran president hails Iraqi PM election win Tehran, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian called Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani on Friday to congratulate him on his "glorious success" in this week's parliamentary election. Sudani is the leader of an alliance of Shiite factions, some with close ties to Iran, and is currently negotiating the formation of a new coalition to remain in office. "I hope that during the new term, our relations and cooperation in all areas will develop and deepen further," Pezeshkian said, according to a statement from his office. Iran and Iraq fought a brutal war between 1960 and 1988 but, after the 2003 US-led invasion overthrew Baghdad's dictator Saddam Hussein, Tehran threw its support behind several Shiite factions. Iran and Iraq now enjoy close ties and Tehran is keen to preserve its influence after its allies in Lebanon, Syria, Gaza and Yemen suffered severe military and political setbacks in recent years. But Baghdad is also under pressure from the United States, which still has 2,500 troops in Iraq, to distance itself from Tehran. Pezeshkian's office said he had hailed the election as a "glorious success, conducted peacefully, and a factor strengthening the credibility and greatness of Iraq, a friendly and brotherly nation". Mali media authorities suspend to French broadcasters Dakar, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Mali's media regulator the HAC has suspended French broadcasters LCI and TF1 over allegedly using "unverified statements and falsehoods" regarding jihadists in this Sahelian country, according to a decision seen by AFP Friday. The ruling military junta, which came to power in back-to-back coups in 2020 and 2021, has suspended several media outlets -- particularly foreign ones -- and silenced or imprisoned journalists and other critical voices. "The services of the television channels LCI and TF1 are removed from the packages of all sound or television broadcasting service distributors in Mali, until further notice, starting from the date of signature of this decision," said the HAC statement issued Thursday. The LC1 report in question was a 12.24-minute segment aired last Sunday, according to the HAC, which were about "jihadists at the gates of Bamako" and the country becoming "Al-Qaeda's new stronghold". The segment was reposted by TF1's website the same day, said the authority. The broadcast contained "unverified statements and falsehoods" particularly concerning allegations that "the junta has banned fuel sales" and "terrorists are now close to taking over the capital Bamako", said the media regulator. The regulator condemned the report as "a blatant violation of the journalist's code of ethics in Mali, which requires adherence to the truth". It presented "an alarmist tone that predicts an 'imminent collapse of the Malian state', all of which causes panic or distrust towards institutions and harms social cohesion," the HAC said. The two channels, LCI and TF1, have not been accessible in Mali since Thursday evening, an AFP journalist observed. bdi-mk-mrb/giv/jj Trinidad and Tobago to hold new military exercise with US Port of Spain, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Trinidad and Tobago on Friday announced a new round of military exercises with the United States, which has ramped up what it calls anti-drug operations in the Caribbean -- angering nearby Venezuela. The archipelago's foreign ministry said in a statement that joint training drills will run from Sunday to November 21. Last month, a US guided-missile destroyer docked at Trinidad for four days for another round of exercises -- within firing range of Venezuela, which called it a "provocation". On Friday, the Trinidadian foreign ministry said the new round of exercises "forms part of our longstanding history of collaboration" with the US military. Venezuela claims US military activity in Latin America is really part of a plot to overthrow its leftist President Nicolas Maduro, who Washington considers an illegitimate leader and a drug lord. As part of a deployment of warships, fighter jets and thousands of soldiers, US forces have launched strikes against 21 alleged drug-smuggling boats since September, killing at least 80 people. Washington has provided no evidence the targets were traffickers, and rights groups say the strikes are illegal regardless. US to hold new military exercises with Trinidad and Tobago Port of Spain, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Trinidad and Tobago on Friday announced a new round of military exercises with the United States, which has ramped up what it calls anti-drug operations in the Caribbean -- angering nearby Venezuela. Last month, a US guided missile destroyer docked at Trinidad for four days for another round of practice drills -- within firing range of Venezuela, which called it a "provocation." Caracas claims recent US military activity in Latin America is really a ploy to overthrow its leftist President Nicolas Maduro, who Washington considers an illegitimate leader and a drug lord. Last month, it accused Trinidad and Tobago, a laid-back twin-island nation of 1.4 million people whose prime minister is a fierce Maduro critic and Washington ally, of serving as "a US aircraft carrier." On Friday, the archipelago's foreign ministry said joint training drills with the US Marine Corps 22nd Marine Expeditionary Unit will run from Sunday to November 21. It formed part "of our longstanding history of collaboration," a ministry statement said. "Trinidad and Tobago continues to be burdened by the scourge of gun-related crimes and gang violence," it added. "These intensified exercises form part of our coordinated strategy to ensure that our personnel are optimally trained and equipped to address these issues in our domestic environment which have taken a tremendous toll on our society." - 'Narco-terrorists' - The United States has deployed warships, fighter jets and thousands of soldiers to Latin America in recent weeks and launched strikes on 21 alleged drug-smuggling boats, killing at least 80 people. Washington has provided no evidence those targeted were traffickers, and rights observer groups say the strikes are illegal regardless. On Tuesday, a US aircraft carrier strike group also arrived in the region, prompting Caracas to announce a "massive" retaliatory deployment. US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced a military operation aimed at "narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere," but it was unclear how it might differ from the existing US military deployment. The arrival of the USS Gravely in Trinidad and Tobago last month prompted Caracas to suspend an energy agreement with the nation and declare its Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar "persona non grata." Venezuela also claimed to have dismantled a CIA-financed cell plotting a false-flag attack against the US vessel. Washington recently cleared Trinidad and Tobago to exploit the Dragon gas field in Venezuelan waters despite a US oil and gas embargo, deepening friction between the neighbors. Caracas fears the US military buildup is really a regime change plot in disguise. US President Donald Trump has confirmed authorizing CIA operations in Venezuela. Lat week, Trump sought to play down the prospect of going to war with Venezuela, but said Maduro's days were numbered. Maduro has been in Washington's crosshairs since Trump's first term, when he imposed an oil embargo and a series of sanctions against the leftist leader following a 2018 reelection widely considered to have been fraudulent. Another election victory last year was similarly dismissed as stolen by the United States and dozens of other nations. This time around, Trump has accused Maduro of heading a drug cartel and offered a $50 million reward for his capture. Caracas on Tuesday announced a major, nationwide military deployment involving some 200,000 troops. Experts have told AFP that Venezuela, with an ill-disciplined fighting force and outdated arsenal, would be at a serious disadvantage in a military standoff with the United States. SYDNEY, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Sydney man has been arrested over an alleged attempt to import 22 kg of cocaine from South Africa hidden inside suitcases. The Australian Federal Police (AFP) and Australian Border Force (ABF) said in a statement on Friday that the 25-year-old man from southwest Sydney was stopped for a baggage examination after he disembarked a flight that arrived at Sydney Airport from Johannesburg via Doha. During the examination, ABF officers located 22 packages wrapped in plastic hidden inside the suitcases. The packages contained a white powder that subsequent testing identified as cocaine with a total volume of 22 kg. The matter was handed to the AFP, who seized the cocaine and arrested the 25-year-old. He was charged with one count of importing a commercial quantity of a border-controlled drug, which carries a maximum penalty of life imprisonment. This photo taken with a mobile phone shows staff members checking a vehicle damaged in a single-vehicle traffic accident in Buleleng Regency in Bali, Indonesia, Nov. 14, 2025. Five Chinese nationals were killed and eight others injured early Friday in the accident, the Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar said, adding that it has activated an emergency response mechanism. (Photo by Surya/Xinhua) JAKARTA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Five Chinese nationals were killed and eight others injured early Friday in a single-vehicle traffic accident in Buleleng Regency in northern Bali, Indonesia, the Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar said, adding that it has activated an emergency response mechanism. According to local police, the accident involved a minibus that crashed into a tree and tumbled down a slope at around 4:30 a.m. local time on the Denpasar-Singaraja road near Gitgit village. Officers from the Indonesian Red Cross, police and local residents rescued the injured passengers and transported them to nearby hospitals. Police said the vehicle was carrying 14 people. The driver was an Indonesian national, while all 13 passengers were Chinese citizens. The Chinese Consulate General in Denpasar said it received the police notification early Friday morning and immediately launched its emergency mechanism. It has been in close contact with Indonesian authorities to verify the casualties, establish direct communication with those involved, and coordinate local volunteer teams to provide translation and other assistance. The consulate said it will continue to work with relevant departments to handle follow-up matters and make every effort to provide consular protection and assistance. Allow Google Search To use the search feature, we need your consent to load Google Custom Search, which may use cookies or similar technologies. Please click 'Allow and Continue' below to enable search. See our privacy policy for more information. Allow and Continue Recruitment firm boss Chao Xu jailed for deviant sexual offences against women Xu is the second Chinese national in recent months to be caught drugging and raping women, in attacks that he filmed Xu, dubbed one of Londons worst ever sex offenders, also targeted women on the public transport network Crews Hill in Enfield has been identified as a prime site for a 21,000-home new town on 884 hectares of Green Belt land Groups such as Enfield RoadWatch and CPRE London condemn the plan as smoke and mirrors, arguing the land is rich in wildlife, poorly connected, and vital Green Belt space Opponents highlight that 300,000 approved homes remain unbuilt across London and say building on the Green Belt would barely affect house prices Sadiq Khan faced criticism from a Conservative assembly member accusing him of downplaying the presence of grooming gangs in London and failing victims The Mayor defended his record, saying he has strengthened child protection measures and invested heavily in support for victims The Met Police is reviewing 9,000 child exploitation cases, with thousands expected to be re-examined under Operation Beaconport as part of Britains national grooming gangs inquiry It is extremely unnecessary and the other listeners to this show who have not had a 28.9% pay rise, whose taxes are paying for our National Health Service and who are receiving a substandard service, not least because of the damage that these rounds of industrial action are doing, I think they will be quite shocked, actually, that against the backdrop of a Health Secretary that wants to work with you, who acknowledges these are challenges and wants to address them, and has given you the biggest pay rise in the public sector two years in a row, I think people will be shocked by the BMAs reprehensible behaviour. The numbers of prisoners set free by mistake has risen alarmingly in the last three years. Between 2013 and 2022, the numbers of incidents ranged from 44 up to 72. But in the year up to March 2023, it was 81, the following year was 115, and then the latest full year was 262. BELEM, Brazil, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- Brazil on Thursday presented the first global climate adaptation plan centered exclusively on health during the COP30 conference being held in the Amazonian city of Belem. The Belem Health Action Plan devised by Brazil's Health Ministry proposes concrete measures to strengthen healthcare systems against the impact of climate change, with special attention to the most vulnerable segments of the population. The plan is to be implemented along three main axis: monitoring climate and health data, building more disaster-resistant health infrastructure and ensuring continued care for vulnerable communities. Brazil led the creation of the plan in conjunction with countries including Britain, Egypt, Azerbaijan and the United Arab Emirates, said Brazilian Health Minister Alexandre Padilha. "Adaptation must be treated with the same seriousness and political commitment as mitigation. For many countries, adaptation is a matter of immediate survival," the minister said during the conference. New Yorkers will soon receive up to $400 from the state government. Texas officials prefer tax cuts. (Photo by Costfoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images) NurPhoto/NurPhoto via Getty Images A 21-year-old citizen of India who came to the United States on a student visa has been sentenced in Austin to more than eight years in federal prison for his role in a multimillion-dollar elder fraud and money laundering scheme, federal prosecutors said. U.S. District Judge Robert Pitman on Thursday sentenced Dhruv Rajeshbhai Mangukiya to 97 months in prison and ordered him to pay $2,515,780 in restitution after he pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Western District of Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Prosecutors say Mangukiya joined a ring that used online phishing and phone calls to target vulnerable people, often older adults, across the country. Callers pretended to be federal officials or fraud investigators and told victims their bank accounts or Social Security numbers were tied to criminal activity. The victims were instructed to withdraw large sums of cash or turn over gold and other valuables to supposedly clear their names or protect their savings. Couriers then met victims at their homes or in parking lots to collect the money, according to court records and the governments account of the scheme. In one case, a victim in Granite Shoals was told his identity had been stolen and linked to drug cartels. Believing he was avoiding prosecution, he made three withdrawals totaling $180,000 and handed the cash to couriers. In another example, an elderly woman in Fort Worth received a call from someone posing as an Amazon fraud department employee who claimed her Social Security number had been stolen and bank accounts in her name were involved in money laundering. She withdrew $30,000 and gave it to a courier. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source While living in the U.S. on a student visa, Mangukiya received some of that cash and gold from victims and split the proceeds with his co-conspirators, prosecutors said. When authorities arrested him at his New Jersey residence on Dec. 5, 2024, investigators found about $73,422 in cash and a printer agents say was used to make fake identification documents. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Mangukiya admitted he was paid about 2% of the fraud proceeds that passed through his hands, according to the government. He also acknowledged recruiting a co-conspirator and courier, Kishan Rajeshkumar Patel, and said they were working with two other people referred to in messages as Hunter and Master. A federal grand jury returned a two-count superseding indictment on Dec. 3, 2024, charging Mangukiya and Patel. Federal court records show both men later pleaded guilty to single counts in a superseding charging document. Both men admitted guilt months before they were sentenced, according to federal court records obtained by the American-Statesman. Patel entered his guilty plea in March, and Judge Pitman signed an order in June making it official. Mangukiya pleaded guilty in June, and Pitman formally accepted his plea in an August order. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Braden Stewart, craftsman with Eischen General Contracting, installs name plates on a steel arch at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin on Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. on Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Braden Stewart, craftsman with Eischen General Contracting, installs name plates on a steel arch at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The butterfly education pavilion is seen at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Violet Crown Trail at Zilker Park in Austin, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman General contractor Tim Eischen and Kathy Miller, CEO of the of the Hill Country Conservancy, stand under the Butterfly Pavilion at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The butterfly education pavilion is seen at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Violet Crown Trail at Zilker Park in Austin, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A gravel path winds toward a scenic overlook at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Kathy Miller, CEO of the of the Hill Country Conservancy, walks on the new, ADA-compliant, scenic overlook at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman A map of the Violet Crown Trail is seen at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin, Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The Violet Crown Trail and the Barton Creek Greenbelt just earned a portal worthy of their key roles in Austin outdoor life. From 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday, visitors may embark on the partially twinned trails through the new Mile Zero Trailhead at the far end of the Barton Springs Pool parking lot. They will enter through a circular steel arch, stroll along the reconstructed gravel path now ADA compliant and linger at a steel-and-limestone Butterfly Pavilion and, beyond that, a raised scenic overlook above Barton Creek. For more information about the grand opening visit hillcountryconservancy.org Advertisement Article continues below this ad A project of the Hill Country Conservancy, a nonprofit that grew out of conservation efforts around the creek and the springs that burbled up as early as the 1960s and '70s, the completed Violet Crown Trail will lead 30 miles into Hays County. Thirteen of those miles are already open from Barton Springs to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. "This is the capstone of Phase 1 that connects two iconic Hill Country places," said Kathy Miller, CEO of the conservancy. "Every element highlights something about the Hill Country the hills, the biodiversity, the hydrology and the geology." Eventually, it will form the northern stretch of the Great Springs Project, a planned 100-mile trail from the Alamo to the Texas Capitol that will pass along springs in New Braunfels and San Marcos. Mile Zero also connects to hundreds of miles of trails already blazed in the Austin area. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source "We tried to capture the water, wildlife and wonder," Miller said. "It's the most beautiful place to start a hike in Austin." Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park welcomes visitors into the Violet Crown Trail. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman What will you see at Mile Zero? Viewed from a distance, the first monumental view of the new trailhead is a formal entryway in the shape of a traditional Japanese moongate. Trimmed in violet, its graphic cut-out hills will, at dusk, frame the atmospheric phenomenon known as Austin's violet crown. A new serpentine path, designed with landscape architects TBG Partners, cuts through a meadow dotted with 40 recently planted native trees, along with revived cedar elms, live oaks, hackberries, burr oaks, huisaches, red oaks and pecans. Here, crews dug up the overly compacted old trail, filtering and cleaning decades of debris. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "What used to be here was a construction staging yard," said contractor Tim Eischen. "Before we amended the soil, we found old asphalt and construction materials." Miller: "Now, it's almost as if the old trailhead did not exist." Visitors can stop to examine a detailed steel map showing the older Barton Creek Greenbelt as well as the newer Violet Crown Trail and the remaining 17 miles of its 30-mile route. Just beyond the meadow is the steel-and-limestone, wing-shaped Butterfly Pavilion surrounded by pollinating plants that will provide shade and seating for nature classes. Nearby, a steel scenic overlook on the lip of Barton Creek sits on 30-foot piers designed to survive a 100-year-flood. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Because this area lies in the creek's wide flood plain, all the elements are designed to filter the predictably violent rush of flood waters. Braden Stewart, craftsman with Eischen General Contracting, installs name plates on a steel arch at the new Mile Zero Trailhead at Zilker Park in Austin, Saturday, June 21, 2025. The Hill Country Conservancy is hosting a grand opening for the new trailhead from 9 to 11 a.m. Saturday. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman The end of Phase 1 The $1.2 million, city-funded Mile Zero Trailhead marks the end of Phase 1 of the Violet Crown Trail project, which began more than 10 years ago with $13 million in privately raised dollars. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Phase 2 will concentrate on land owned by Austin Water set aside for water-quality protection beyond the wildflower center. "It will be a very different kind of trail," Miller said. "Single track, hike and bike, no horses or dogs. A light footprint where people can be truly immersed in nature." More work is left to be done around Mile Zero. The conservancy folks hope the new amenities attract volunteers to help eradicate invasive species and control erosion. Advertisement Article continues below this ad U.S. President Donald Trump signs funding legislation to reopen the federal government as he is joined by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), Republican lawmakers and business leaders, during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. The legislation, passed by the House of Representatives, funds the federal government until the end of January 2026 and ends the 43-day government shutdown, the longest in the nation's history. Win McNamee/Getty Images The longest government shutdown in U.S. history has finally ended, but some operations will take some time to return to normal. It will take more than a Texas Democrat crossing party lines to restore order, especially for federal workers. Here's what to know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When did the government open back up? The federal government reopened Wednesday, Nov. 12, after President Trump signed a funding bill to end the shutdown. Henry Cuellar breaks with Democrats to help end federal shutdown When did the government shutdown start? The current shutdown began just after midnight on Oct. 1, after Congress failed to pass appropriations bills for the new fiscal year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad When do federal workers go back to work? Many federal employees returned to work on Thursday, after President Trump signed legislation to end the government shutdown Wednesday night. This included those working for NASA, the IRS and several other agencies. When are federal workers getting paid? See government employee backpay schedule After working without pay for 43 days, federal employees are entitled to backpay for the period under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act of 2019 (GEFTA). Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Semafor reports some workers can expect their backpay as soon as Saturday while others will wait until Wednesday, Nov. 19, as stated in a memo from the White House Office of Management and Budget. According to the outlet, "the Trump administration has developed an agency-by-agency projection to get paychecks out to hundreds of thousands of federal employees who have gone without them," and some pay dates include stipulations. The following agencies will receive backpay from Oct. 1 to Nov. 1. Semafor reports, "the agencies whose missed November pay won't be covered in the next check will be paid back for those days of the shutdown on a future check due to different payment processor schedules," according to a senior official who spoke to the outlet. Saturday, Nov. 15: The General Services Administration (GSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM) payments "will only include base pay" and corrections will be "made in the next pay cycle." The General Services Administration (GSA); Office of Personnel Management (OPM) payments "will only include base pay" and corrections will be "made in the next pay cycle." Sunday, Nov. 16: The Departments of Energy (DOE), Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Veterans Affairs (VA); and Army and non-Army civilian employees at the Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) will get paychecks that "will include standard pay as well as payments" for overtime, hazard pay, etc. The Departments of Energy (DOE), Health and Human Services (DHHS), and Veterans Affairs (VA); and Army and non-Army civilian employees at the Department of War (formerly Department of Defense) will get paychecks that "will include standard pay as well as payments" for overtime, hazard pay, etc. Monday, Nov. 17: The Departments of Education (ED), State, Interior and Transportion (DOT); Environmental Protection Agency (EPA); National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA); National Science Foundation (NSF); Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC); and the Social Security Administration (SSA) will receive base pay with corrections made in the next pay cycle. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Another group of agencies will receive backpay for the entire period of the shutdown, per the OMB memo. These employees are scheduled to be paid Wednesday: Wednesday, Nov. 19: Departments of Agriculture (USDA), Commerce, Homeland Security (DHS), Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Justice (DOJ), Labor and Treasury; and the Small Business Administration (SBA) Will SNAP benefits be available in November? Texas HHSC confirms full distribution People wait in line at a Central Texas Food Bank distribution at Nelson Field on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. The government shutdown has interrupted SNAP funding, increasing demand at food distribution sites across the city. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman An update to Texas HHSC's FAQ page has announced Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will be distributed as soon as Friday, Nov. 14. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "For SNAP clients who receive benefits on or after the 14th of the month, full benefits will be issued on their normal issuance date," the page says. "SNAP clients who already received partial benefits will receive the rest of their monthly amount on or after Nov. 14." The announcement follows an order from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) for state agencies to "take immediate steps" to grant November benefits for existing and new recipients. "The reduction in maximum allotments for November is no longer in effect," a statement from the USDA's Food and Nutrition Service (FNS) says. "State agencies should immediately resume issuing combined allotments for November and December for newly certified applicants who apply after the 15th of the month." Prior to the end of the government shutdown, the USDA had promised partial SNAP benefits in November beholden to an unclear timeline of "a few weeks up to several months." Feeding Texas, the state association of food banks, had said recipients would need to wait at least three days after the USDA posted guidance to access the money on their Lone Star Cards. Texans saw partial benefits two days after the state received the guidance. Advertisement Article continues below this ad On Thursday, a Texas HHSC spokesperson told The Texas Tribune the agency was "actively preparing to deliver benefits to SNAP recipients as it awaits guidance from the USDA Food and Nutrition Service." Just prior to the government's reopening, USDA spokesperson Alec Varsamis said most states would receive funding to distribute benefits "within 24 hours." An estimated 3.4 million Texans are eligible for SNAP benefits, including 1.7 million children. Around 42 million Americans in total receive the food aid. Austin restaurants offer free food to SNAP recipients While food retailers are barred from offering SNAP recipients free or discounted food, a handful of Austin restaurants are stepping in to help after local food banks struggled to keep up with demand before the partial restoration. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Central Texas Food Bank volunteers Madison Hartley, left, and Mikki Gibson load groceries into cars at a distribution at Nelson Field on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025. The government shutdown has interrupted SNAP funding, increasing demand at food distribution sites across the city. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Local, national companies offer food deals for federal workers and SNAP recipients during government shutdown Fitzhugh Brewing - Dripping Springs On Nov. 6, Fitzhugh Brewing in Dripping Springs announced it would "be offering a free SNAP Meal to anybody who needs it in our area." From Thursday through Sunday, the restaurant gave away two sandwich meals with sides per person with no verification required. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "We all need to be helping our neighbors in need during this difficult time," Fitgzhugh Brewing's social media post reads in part. Korea House Restaurant - Austin Korea House Restaurant in Austin continues its tradition of serving free meals on the first Wednesday of the month. From 12 to 4 p.m. and 5 to 8 p.m., all customers are welcome to order from a limited menu and dine in. Although religious support is also offered, it is not required of participating customers. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "All are welcome to dine in and share a free meal with us, no strings attached," Korea House's social media post reads in part. "Our hope is to provide a safe and peaceful space and for everyone to leave with a full heart, warmed soul, and a full belly." Swift's Attic and Wu Chow - Austin Austin restaurateur C.K. Chin, partner and co-founder of Swift's Attic and Wu Chow, has launched a community "family meal" program through which anyone can ask a server for a family meal free of charge. No verification is required. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The 2025 red cup design was drawn by Starbucks designer Yvonne Chan. Courtesy/Starbucks More than 1,000 Starbucks baristas at 65 unionized stores across the country went on strike Thursday, turning the companys high-traffic Red Cup Day on Thursday, Nov. 13, into what organizers are calling a Red Cup Rebellion. Organizers say the strike is open-ended with no end date in sight. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In Texas, unionized workers at Starbucks stores in Denton, Dallas and Farmers Branch joined the strike over what they describe as chronic understaffing, low pay and unresolved unfair labor practice complaints. No Austin locations were on Thursdays strike list. But labor organizers note there are already two unionized Starbucks in the city at 45th Street and North Lamar Boulevard and at 24th and Nueces Street making Austin a likely candidate if the strike grows. Those stores became the first and second Starbucks in Texas to unionize in June 2022. Striking baristas are making three very clear demands: more take-home pay, better hours and staffing and fair treatment under the law, Starbucks Workers United spokesperson and 15-year veteran barista Michelle Eisen said. Where around the country Starbucks are striking Starbucks Workers United, the union representing baristas at more than 550 company-owned stores, says the Red Cup Rebellion is an open-ended unfair labor practice strike that kicked off Thursday in more than 40 U.S. cities. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Among some of the locations participating are: Seattle (Starbucks headquarters location) New York San Diego Philadelphia Union leaders say more stores are prepared to continue escalating and join the walkout if Starbucks does not offer new contract proposals. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Starbucks failure to meet these demands are exactly why we are turning Red Cup Day into Red Cup Rebellion, Eisen said. Could Austin Starbucks be next? Austin has been a symbolic hub for Starbucks union movement in Texas since workers at the 45th and Lamar cafe voted 10-1 to unionize in June 2022, becoming the first Starbucks in the state to do so. A week later, the West Campus store at 24th and Nueces followed with a 10-2 union vote, making it the second unionized Starbucks in Austin and Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Workers at those stores have previously joined national actions, including an earlier 2024 strike a few days before Christmas. While those Austin stores had not joined Thursdays open-ended strike yet, Starbucks Workers United says union locations nationwide are ready to expand the action if talks remain frozen. We are prepared to make this the largest strike in company history during [the] critical holiday season, Eisen added. What are Starbucks workers demanding? Union baristas say they want three core changes: Advertisement Article continues below this ad More take-home pay. Many baristas start around $15 an hour and say they are not scheduled enough hours to cover basic living expenses. More hours and staffing. Workers say understaffing has led to long lines and wait times for customers, while many employees still do not hit the hours needed to qualify for benefits. Resolution of unfair labor practice cases. Administrative law judges with the National Labor Relations Board have found Starbucks committed hundreds of labor law violations, and more than 700 unfair labor practice charges remain unresolved, according to Workers United. Union bargaining delegates and Starbucks met for months after national contract talks began in April 2024, notching dozens of tentative agreements. But the union says negotiations collapsed when Starbucks rejected its economic proposals last December and presented a counteroffer that did not raise wages in the first year or address staffing concerns. What is Red Cup Day? Red Cup Day is one of Starbucks busiest annual promotions. Since 2018, the company has handed out free, reusable red holiday cups to customers who order a seasonal or holiday beverage. Advertisement Article continues below this ad This years Red Cup Day falls on Thursday, Nov. 13, and Starbucks has heavily promoted it as a kickoff to the holiday season, saying it added extra staff to bring Red Cup Day to life and get folks excited for the holidays. Richard Bruce 'Dick' Cheney, 46th Vice-President of the United States (2001-2009) under George W Bush, died on Monday, Nov. 3, 2025. Photo 12/Universal Images Group via Getty Images Flags throughout Texas and the United States will remain lowered through Thursday in honor of former Vice President Dick Cheney, who died at age 84 on Nov. 3 due to complications of pneumonia, cardiac and vascular disease. Here's what to know. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Who was Dick Cheney vice president for? Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney served as the 46th U.S. vice president under President George W. Bush from 2001 to 2009. Before that, he was Secretary of Defense for President George H.W. Bush. George W. Bush mourns Dick Cheney: 'a decent, honorable man' Dick Cheney controversy: Trump silent on former VP's death While a statement from the current president typically accompanies an order to lower flags, President Donald Trump and his administration have remained notably silent on Cheney's death. As of Friday morning, there had been no official statements from Trump or the White House regarding the former vice president. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source The only acknowledgement came from White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt, whose comment on Nov. 4 followed a reporter's inquiry. "I know the president is aware of the former vice president's passing," Leavitt said. "And as you saw, flags have been lowered to half-staff in accordance with statutory law." (1st Row L-R) President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump, former President Barack Obama, Michelle Obama, former President Bill Clinton, Hillary Clinton, (2nd Row L-R) former Vice President Dan Quayle, Marilyn Quayle, former Vice President Dick Cheney, and Lynne Cheney attend the state funeral for former President George H.W. Bush at the National Cathedral Dec. 5, 2018 in Washington, DC. Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images Despite being a conservative Republican, Cheney had become a vocal critic of Trump in recent years. He and his daughter, former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney, had declared their opposition to Trump after his denial of the 2020 election results and his involvement in the Jan. 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Liz Cheney said Trump had "summoned a violent mob" and "caused a constitutional crisis." Advertisement Article continues below this ad Dick Cheney backed his daughter in a 2022 campaign ad, saying," There has never been an individual who was a greater threat to our republic than Donald Trump." After endorsing Trump in the 2016 election, Cheney supported then-Vice President Kamala Harris in 2024. In response, Trump bashed both Cheneys in his 2024 presidential campaign. He said Dick Cheney was "the king of endless, nonsensical wars, wasting lives and trillions of dollars." The president also insulted Liz Cheney for her loss in the 2022 Wisconsin Republican primary. "She's a radical war hawk. Let's put her with a rifle standing there with nine barrels shooting at her, okay?" Trump said during a 2024 campaign event with Tucker Carlson. "Let's see how she feels about it, you know, when the guns are trained at her face." JTNDZGl2JTNFJTBBJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5nb29nbGUuY29tJTJGcHJlZmVyZW5jZXMlMkZzb3VyY2UlM0ZxJTNEc3RhdGVzbWFuLmNvbSUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQ2ltZyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcy5oZG51eC5jb20lMkZwaG90b3MlMkYwMSUyRjU0JTJGMzUlMkYzNiUyRjI4NDMyMzA3JTJGMyUyRnJhd0ltYWdlLmpwZyUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U= Advertisement Article continues below this ad JTNDZGl2JTNFJTBBJTNDYSUyMGhyZWYlM0QlMjJodHRwcyUzQSUyRiUyRnd3dy5nb29nbGUuY29tJTJGcHJlZmVyZW5jZXMlMkZzb3VyY2UlM0ZxJTNEc3RhdGVzbWFuLmNvbSUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQ2ltZyUyMHNyYyUzRCUyMmh0dHBzJTNBJTJGJTJGcy5oZG51eC5jb20lMkZwaG90b3MlMkYwMSUyRjU0JTJGMzUlMkYzNiUyRjI4NDMyMzA3JTJGMyUyRnJhd0ltYWdlLmpwZyUyMiUzRSUwQSUzQyUyRmElM0UlMEElM0MlMkZkaXYlM0U= What are the funeral plans for Dick Cheney? The funeral for the late vice president will be held at 10 a.m. CT on Thursday, Nov. 20, at the Washington National Cathedral in D.C. As of Monday morning, the location of Cheney's burial had not been released to the public. When are flags raised again? Flags will continue to be lowered until sunset on Thursday, Nov. 20, according to HalfFlag.org. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some initial reports said flags would be lowered through Nov. 14 due to a misunderstanding. According to the national Flag Code, flags are lowered for a period of 10 days after the death of a current vice president. Because Cheney was a former vice president, flags will remain lowered until sunset of the day of his interment. When are flags flown at half-staff? There are specific holidays and events when flags are flown at half-staff in the United States, according to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs website. That includes: Memorial Day, when the flag should be displayed at half-staff until noon only, then raised to the top of the staff Peace Officers Memorial Day, unless that day is also Armed Forces Day Patriot Day National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day National Firefighters Memorial Day Advertisement Article continues below this ad President Dwight Eisenhower also issued a proclamation on the proper times for flying the flag at half-staff when government officials die. That includes: 30 days at all federal buildings, grounds, and naval vessels throughout the United States and its territories and possessions after the death of the president or a former president. 10 days at half-staff after the death of the vice president, the chief justice or a retired chief justice of the United States Supreme Court, or the speaker of the House of Representatives. From the date of death until interment for an associate justice of the Supreme Court, a member of the Cabinet, a former vice president, the president pro tempore of the Senate, the majority leader of the Senate, the minority leader of the Senate, the majority leader of the House of Representatives, or the minority leader of the House of Representatives. The date of death and the following day of a United States senator, representative, territorial delegate, or the resident commissioner from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It should also be flown at half-staff on all federal facilities in the state, congressional district, territory, or commonwealth of these officials. From the date of death until interment for the governor of a state, territory or possession. The president may also order that the flag be flown at half-staff to commemorate the death of other officials, former officials or foreign dignitaries, such as the death of Pope Francis. Teacher Michelle Scruggs leads an eighth grade math class at Martin Middle School this month. Martin has struggled to achieve high state standards, getting a C in 2022, the last year the Texas Education Agency was able to release A-F letter grades. Jay Janner/American-Statesman The Austin school district released on Friday its final recommendation for school closures that include shuttering 10 campuses, moving its four wall-to-wall dual language schools and relocating its Montessori campus. The highly anticipated release is the culmination of months of public feedback that stoked grief and frustration over an effort that district officials say will necessarily cut costs and increase resources for students. Trustees will vote on the plan at a board meeting Nov. 20. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Becker Elementary School parents and students protest the possible closure of the school on Tuesday, Oct. 7, 2025. The group rallied at Twin Oaks Library before marching to the school. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman If the board approves the changes, the Austin district will close the 10 schools during the 2026-27 school year. The move comes as the school district grapples with a $19.7 million budget deficit, declining enrollment and more than a dozen campuses that havent met state academic standards for multiple years. The proposal released Friday afternoon calls for closing 10 campuses: Becker, Barrington, Dawson, Oak Springs, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley and Widen elementaries; Winn Montessori; and Bedichek and Martin middle schools. The dual-language programming at Becker, Ridgetop, Sunset Valley and Reilly elementaries would move to Pickle, Wooten, Odom and Sanchez elementaries. While Odom will become a non-zoned school, Pickle, Wooten and Sanchez will educate students in two-way dual language programming, where students learn in both English and Spanish, but temporarily retain their attendance zones. The district intends for the three schools to transition into wall-to-wall programming. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Winns Montessori programming would move to Reilly Elementary as a program within the school, which is remaining open. International High School, which shares a campus with Northeast Early College High School and serves students who are newcomers, will also close. On Friday, Superintendent Matias Segura said the changes were necessary to help all students in the district be academically successful. Advertisement Article continues below this ad We need to do something bold, Segura said. We needed to do something big to evolve, to ensure that as a system, we grow and we are in a healthy, vibrant school system for years to come. A student stands in the hallway at Ridgetop Elementary School in Austin, Wednesday, Oct. 1, 2025. The school is one of four in the district that offers Spanish dual language across the entire campus. Mikala Compton/Austin American-Statesman Notably missing from the final draft plan is the closure of three campuses Bryker Woods, Maplewood and Palm and the comprehensive rezoning of attendance boundaries. Superintendent Matias Segura announced Nov. 4 he would postpone a decision on this piece of the plan over concerns about the integrity of analyzing public feedback. The district also launched an investigation into this matter. Two top-level administrators were placed on leave, though the district didnt confirm if those individuals were put on leave in connection with the closure plan. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Segura has emphasized that despite the three schools' and attendance boundary changes' omission from the current plan, he is committed to moving forward with closures based on enrollment and with comprehensive boundary changes. Segura on Friday didnt provide a defined timeline for when the board may see a recommendation on closing these three schools or redrawing boundaries, though he did say itd be brought back in a fairly expedited manner. This is not going to linger, Segura said. This is too much. Campuses with turnaround plans Seven of the ten schools on the closure list require a state-mandated turnaround plan, which is meant to improve outcomes for students in schools that received failing grade from the state for more than one year. The Texas Education Agency uses data from the State of Texas Assessments of Academic Readiness test, among other measures, to grade schools on an A-F scale annually. Advertisement Article continues below this ad If trustees vote to close the academically struggling schools, the turnaround plans would move to the new campuses where most of the students would be rezoned. Barrington Elementary school principal Gilma Sanchez, left, sits in on the first grade classroom of teacher Elizabeth Froelich, right, as they do a math lesson. Austin ISD is attempting to place eight schools in northeast Austin under TEAs Transformation Zone Program, which allows districts to cluster low performing schools to be run by charters or another approved partner in hopes of improving the schools. Barrington Elementary is among the schools Austin wants to place in its Transformation Zone. Austin American-Statesman The district already has three schools undergoing turnaround plans: Dobie, Burnet and Webb middle schools. If any one campus reaches five Fs in a row, the state could takeover the district, eliminating local control. This is a possibility that Segura has repeatedly emphasized during public meetings, saying he wants to avoid it at all costs. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The districts decision to temporarily keep the attendance zones for Pickle, Wooten and Sanchez, which also had to submit turnaround plans, means those students will get the extra state-required resources at their home campus. District officials predicted this latest draft of the closure plan will impact 3,796 students and cut 6,319 empty seats from the district. The original plan released Oct. 3, which would have also closed the additional three schools and significantly shifted attendance boundaries, would have slashed almost 7,000 of the districts 22,269 empty seats. About 24% of the districts totalseats, or space that the district has for students, are empty. Students at special programming campuses, like dual-language or Montessori, that are closing will have priority over others to transfer into the new program. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In addition to the boundary changes and additional school closures, the district proposed some possible future changes that had been discussed in previous drafts. The district could move the locations of the Alternative Learning Center and Garza Independence High School, which provides self-paced paths to graduation for students. The district could also make Joslin Elementary a non-zoned language immersion program. Segura said community feedback drove changes in the plan, such as moving the new location of a Montessori program from Govalle to Reilly. What were always listening for and trying to understand is are the ideas being brought forward, being responsive to our overall objective as a school district, Segura said. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Families across the district have protested, petitioned and written hundreds of public comments since the first plans first draft six weeks ago. New findings from education nonprofit Children at Risk found charters make up outsized portion of top-ranked schools in Central Texas. Mikala Compton/American-Statesman Overall, campuses in Central Texas generally performed better this year than last, according to newly released rankings from education advocacy group Children at Risk. The regions charter campuses outperformed traditional school districts, with a higher proportion of A scores, fewer F ratings and a sweep of top-performing campuses that also serve a majority of low-income students. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Loading... Charter campuses also made up an outsized share of the top ranked elementary and middle schools in Central Texas. Only 9% of elementary schools in Central Texas are charters, but these campuses made up 18% of the top 50 on the nonprofits list. Schools that made the top 10 lists for the respective grade level included Meridian World School, IDEA Rundberg College Preparatory, Harmony School of Endeavor Austin Schools and Harmony Science Academy in Cedar Park. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Charter schools comprise 10% of middle schools in Central Texas but made up 18% of the top 50 chart. In the Austin school district alone, about 15,000 students who are zoned for the traditional district attend charter schools, according to Texas Education Agency data. High performing elementaries The Round Rock and Leander districts and Harmony Public Schools charter dominated the charts for top elementary schools in the area. Advertisement Article continues below this ad About 59% of area elementary schools received a passing grade of A, B or C, representing an increase from 2024. The overall improvements in Texas schools are a tribute to the use of evidence-based practices to improve scores among many districts and the adoption of full-day prekindergarten programs, said Bob Sanborn, president and CEO of Children at Risk. About 45% of area elementary schools experienced improvements year-over-year, including schools in Round Rock, Liberty Hill and Austin, where Langford and Harris elementaries made significant strides in the nonprofits scores. Loading... However, four Austin elementary schools Rodriguez, Pleasant Hill, Oak Hill and Wooten saw the steepest declines year-over-year on the nonprofits scoring index. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Middle and high school results A far higher percent of area middle schools received A this year 13% as opposed to 8% last year, though the overall portion of passing schools remained relatively stable. Four area middle schools Florence W. Stiles and Canyon Vista in Leander and West Ridge and Hill Country in Eanes ranked in the top 50 statewide. Three Leander schools Knox Wiley, Running Brushy, and Leander Middle were among those that experienced the most significant gains. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Three Austin high schools Liberal Arts and Science Academy, or LASA, McCallum and Bowie and two Round Rock high schools Westwood and Round Rock made the top 10 list for the area. While the percent of passing high schools, 61%, remained relatively stable, only 5% received an F, compared to 11% last year. Loading... Four Austin high schools Eastside, LBJ, LASA and Navarro were among those that experienced the most growth year-over-year. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Charter performance Central Texas also had the highest proportion of charter campuses that received As 14% of any region of the state. However, in terms of overall passing rate, Central Texas charter campuses were relatively middle-of-the-pack. About 61% of local charter campuses received an A, B or C rating a smaller percentage than Houston, the Rio Grande Valley and West Texas, but a larger proportion than North Texas and San Antonio. Loading... Overall, charters received significantly more As and fewer F ratings than traditional school district campuses in Central Texas. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Children at Risk designated one high school, six middle schools and three elementary schools in Central Texas as Gold Ribbon campuses, which are schools that receive an A or B and serve more than 75% of low-income students. Austin Public Health registered nurse Welton Arantes gives immunization vaccines to Roque Torres, age 5, of Austin during the Fiesta de Salud Health Fair at Walnut Creek Elementary in 2022. Austin Public Health is asking parents to make sure their children are up to date on their vaccines. Dustin Safranek For American-Statesman Ten Austin schools now have received notices of pertussis cases this school year, according to Austin Public Health, as cases of the bacterial illness also known as whooping cough have continued to grow locally. Pertussis' most common symptom is a barking cough. Advertisement Article continues below this ad These schools have received notices of at least one case: Austin Achieve Middle School Bridge Point Elementary School Austin Achieve Elementary School Northeast Linder Elementary School Akins Early College High School Barton Creek Elementary School Marshall Middle School Lamar Middle School Langford Elementary School McCallum High School This year, Austin Public Health has recorded 134 cases. Last month, Austin Public Health reported a 35% increase this year compared to last year. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source Around the state, this is the second year Texas has experienced a rise in cases from the year before. The 3,500 reported cases in Texas this year is four times the amount reported through the same period last year, the Department of State Health Services said at the beginning of November when it issued a health alert. In 2023, there were 340 cases, but 1,907 cases last year, most of them occurring in November and December. Advertisement Article continues below this ad "Pertussis is something everyone should be aware of in Austin and Travis County," said Austin Public Health spokesperson William Malm. Pertussis is a preventable illness for which people are vaccinated against. It is especially dangerous for infants before their first birthday, people with compromised immune systems and pregnant women. Austin Public Health is asking parents to make sure their children are up to date in their vaccinations. Adults should talk to their providers about a booster if they are around children younger than age 1 or are themselves or are around people who are pregnant or have compromised immune systems. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The state has said 85% of cases have been in children, according to its preliminary data this year. Roughly half of the cases in Austin have been in school-age children, Austin Public Health officials said. Vaccination rates have dropped among school-age children. Last school year, only 74.31% of kindergartners and 85.26% of seventh graders in the Austin school district were up to date on their TDAP vaccine, according to the Texas Education Agency. To achieve herd immunity, a community needs to hit 95% vaccination rates. An Austin Public Health truck is decorated with an advertisement encouraging vaccinations while parked outside the Austin Public Health office at the Bergstrom Technology Center. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman When should you get vaccinated for pertussis? The vaccine for diphtheria, tetanus and pertussis, known as the TDAP vaccine, is given in five doses early on: 2 months, 4 months, 6 months and then 15-18 months and 4-6 years. At age 11-12, a sixth dose should be given. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Pregnant women should be given a TDAP vaccine in their third trimester. Any adult who has not been vaccinated just needs one shot. What are the symptoms of pertussis? Early symptoms of the disease look like a common cold: low-grade fever, mild cough and runny or stuffy nose. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Later symptoms include coughing fits with or without a "whoop" noise when someone gasps for air after coughing, as well as vomiting after coughing, feeling tired, difficulty sleeping and broken ribs from coughing. Babies and young children can have difficulty breathing even if they don't have a cough. How long can pertussis last? The early symptoms last one to two weeks. Then, usually by the second week, people develop the cough with the "whoop" sound. That stage can last an additional one to 10 weeks. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In the final stage, people might feel better, but their lungs are susceptible to infections for many months. When should a parent take a child to the doctor? Seek care if your child has been exposed to someone with pertussis. Your doctor might prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection before symptoms emerge. If child has a persistent cough longer than 10 days, which is often worse at night, they should see a doctor even if you are not sure if they have been exposed to the disease. Alexis Ortiz, a sales representative with THC Supply Co., shows cannabis flower to a customer at CHAMPS Trade Show at the Palmer Events Center Thursday, Sept. 11, 2025. The three-day business-to-business trade show focuses on the counterculture, smoke shop, and cannabis-related industries. Jay Janner/Austin American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks about a range of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick displays a range of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick displays a range of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks about his concerns that seemingly harmless, intoxicating THC snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks about his concerns that seemingly harmless, intoxicating THC snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick clasps his hands as local law enforcement officers from around the state speak about the dangers posed to public health among children and adults by legal THC products. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks about the accessibility and marketing of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman THC products available in Texas are displayed to illustrate Lt. Governor Dan Patricks concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick displays a range of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick speaks about his concerns that seemingly harmless, intoxicating THC snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Tomball Chief of Police Jeffrey Bert speaks about the prevalence of seemingly harmless but intoxicating THC products in local communities Jeffrey Bert at a press conference where Lt. Governor Dan Patrik urged reporters to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Texas Sen. Joan Huffman, R-Houston, listens as Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick displays a range of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick answers reporters questions after a press conference held to emphasize his concerns that seemingly harmless THC snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman After advocates in Texas beat back a statewide ban on THC, the hemp industry now faces a national blanket ban. The spending deal passed by the U.S. House of Representatives last week includes language that would severely restrict the hemp-derived THC products that can be legally sold in Texas and dozens of other states. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The new law could have a particularly striking effect in Texas. The industry says the ban could result in thousands of lost jobs, farm closures and customers cut off from products they use for medicinal or therapeutic purposes. The THC issue has split the states GOP officials, with Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and his allies championing a ban, and other top Republicans like Gov. Greg Abbott supporting stricter regulations instead. Statesman Logo Want more Statesman? Make us a Preferred Source on Google to see more of us when you search. Add Preferred Source A similar debate could now play out on the federal level, as the industry vows to spend the next year lobbying Congress and President Donald Trump to reverse any ban that passes. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Heres what we know so far about how a national THC ban could impact the hemp landscape in Texas. What would be banned under the new federal language? The federal definition of hemp would be revised from the current 0.3% concentration threshold for delta-9 THC to a 0.4 milligram-per-package limit on total THC, including delta-9 as well as converted cannabinoids like delta-8. The change would criminalize nearly every consumable hemp product currently on the market, including those in edible, drinkable, and smokable forms. Advocates also warn that the language could limit access to full-spectrum hemp products, like some CBD topical creams, that contain only trace amounts of THC. Advertisement Article continues below this ad The ban would primarily affect three dozen states that havent legalized marijuana but have allowed regulated or limited hemp markets, such as Texas and Florida. States like California and Colorado, which have banned hemp-derived THC in favor of a recreational marijuana program, would see little change. Why is this happening now? The new language is included in the federal appropriations bill that funds the U.S. Department of Agriculture and the Food & Drug Administration. That proposal is part of the larger spending deal that the U.S. Senate passed last week to end the ongoing federal shutdown. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Who is pushing to ban THC, and why? Proponents of a THC ban say that intoxicating, hemp-derived products were never meant to be legal, and that the hemp industry is taking advantage of a federal loophole in the 2018 farm bill that allowed products with converted cannabinoids like delta-8 to proliferate nationwide. The arguments are similar to those made by Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick, who said Texans shouldnt have access to THC products he called dangerous. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick displays a range of intoxicating THC products available in Texas to illustrate his concerns that seemingly harmless snacks and drinks pose a danger to public health among children and adults. He urged reporters during a news conference to take this story seriously, as Senate Bill 3, which bans all THC products and has been sent to Gov. Greg Abbott's office, May 28, 2025. Sara Diggins/American-Statesman The hemp ban was reportedly inserted into the appropriations bill by Kentucky Sen. Mitch McConnell, the former GOP leader in the Senate. McConnell has argued that limits on THC will keep these dangerous products out of the hands of children, while preserving the hemp farming industry and industrial applications like hemp fibers, grain, and seeds. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Some industry groups representing alcohol companies and distributors have lobbied in favor of a ban, seeing the rising popularity of THC beverages as direct competitors for sales of wine, beer and spirits. When would the ban go into effect? The new limits on hemp THC would take effect 365 days after the passage of the shutdown-ending deal, meaning the industry would have a year to reorganize. What is the current status of THC in Texas? Converted cannabinoids like delta-8 are currently legal in any quantity in Texas after Patricks hemp ban was vetoed by Gov. Greg Abbott earlier this year. Abbott later issued an executive order instructing state agencies, including the Department of State Health Services and the Alcoholic Beverage Commission, to allow hemp THC sales only to adults who are 21 and older. Those agencies have met over the last three months to carry out Abbotts executive order. Advertisement Article continues below this ad Its unclear how a new federal ban could impact that ongoing process, as the state agencies have been instructed to issue their new rules in line with federal law. What are hemp advocates saying? Advocates say the federal ban comes at a particularly stinging time for the Texas hemp industry, which spent much of the last year lobbying against a state ban. We were successful in defeating the proposals that would have recriminalized THC in Texas, said Heather Fazio, director of the Texas Cannabis Policy Center. To now see that happening at the federal level, sending us back onto a path toward prohibition, is very disappointing. Advertisement Article continues below this ad READ MORE: How the hemp industry influenced Greg Abbott and defeated a THC ban in Texas With a year to go before the ban could go into effect, industry advocates are also vowing to fight for a reversal. History has shown that these kinds of restrictions can be stopped, the Texas Hemp Business Council wrote in a statement. We saw firsthand that bans do not work and the architects of those bans are now facing the political fallout of their actions. What are Texas elected officials saying? The hemp ban split the two Texas Republicans in the U.S. Senate, with John Cornyn voting to preserve the ban language and Ted Cruz voting to scrap it. Advertisement Article continues below this ad In a statement on X, Cruz advocated for a state-by-state approach, saying reasonable minds can disagree, and a blanket federal prohibition disempowers the voters in each of the fifty States. U.S. Rep. Dan Crenshaw, a Republican from Houston, has also been vocally opposing the ban, writing on X, should we really be regulating this from the federal level? In September, Crenshaw was the only Texas Republican to sign onto a bipartisan letter from House members advocating against the hemp ban language. The letter was also signed by two Texas Democrats: U.S. Reps. Sylvia Garcia of Houston and Marc Veasey of Fort Worth. Some state officials, including Patrick, celebrated the proposed national ban. Advertisement Article continues below this ad I appreciate Congress addressing this important issue at the national level, Patrick said in a social media post after the Senates Monday vote. I believe this ban will save a generation from getting hooked on dangerous drugs. Who would be in charge of enforcing a national hemp ban? Its not entirely clear how the ban would be rolled out nationwide. Typically, federal agencies enforce federal laws. If hemp-derived THC returned to being a controlled substance, like marijuana, the Drug Enforcement Agency could crack down on the manufacturing and sales of products. Any enforcement would likely require significant resources, as hemp products have become nearly ubiquitous across Texas and are sold in many major grocery stores, pharmacies and restaurants. Texas could also enact a state law that aligns with the federal ban, giving state or local law enforcement the authority to make arrests on hemp-related charges. But state and local jurisdictions could also decline to enforce a ban, as many currently do with recreational or medical marijuana programs that operate in defiance of federal law. Advertisement Article continues below this ad That means access to hemp-derived THC would be highly dependent on federal and state-level enforcement. There is some latitude here in the way that Texas will choose to move forward with the changes made by Congress, but we're not sure exactly what that is going to look like, said Fazio, the hemp policy director. How big is the hemp industry in Texas? Texas is the largest state without a recreational marijuana program, making it the biggest, and most lucrative market, for hemp, a lower-THC version of marijuana. Though many hemp products are sourced outside of the state, the Texas Farm Bureau estimates that nearly 5,000 acres of hemp were planted in Texas in 2024, a sharp uptick from recent years. Advertisement Article continues below this ad A pharmacist weighs herbs at a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic of of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Exhibits are seen at the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) A staff member demonstrates the making of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) pills at the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Customers select souvenirs at the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner (R) diagnoses a patient at a TCM clinic of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Tourists buy herb tea drinks at the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) People are seen at a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) clinic of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Customers and tourists are seen at the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Pedestrians walk past the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) A traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner provides acupuncture treatment to a patient at a TCM clinic of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) Exhibits are seen at the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 13, 2025. Established in 1669, Tongrentang is a leading Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) producer and retailer in China. In recent years, the Dashilan branch of Tongrentang has established a TCM intangible cultural heritage exhibition space with a number of TCM cultural and creative products, becoming a "window" for TCM culture. (Xinhua/Li Xin) During the 2025 "A Date with China" international media tour in Shanxi province, German influencer Tobias Dominiczak recounted a charming love story centered around vinegar. Years ago, while interning at Tsinghua University, a simple suggestion from a Shanxi woman to add vinegar to his noodles sparked a connection that eventually blossomed into lasting love. MELBOURNE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- An international research team involving Australian scientists has been able to calculate the orbit of companions around a giant red star, offering new insight into how aging stars evolve toward the end of their lives. Using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array in Chile, scientists observed the red giant star called 1 Gruis, located about 530 light-years from Earth, and identified a companion moving around it in an "almost perfectly round orbit," according to a Friday news release of Australia's Monash University, which conducted the study with KU Leuven in Belgium and other international partners. Close companions influence stellar evolution in many ways. While some companions are detected around young stars, direct evidence of companions around asymptotic giant branch (AGB) stars or ageing stars has remained elusive, it said, adding the AGB star 1 Gruis, once like the Sun, is now an ageing star at the end of its life and has cooled and expanded to over 400 times its size, becoming a red giant. Monash PhD Candidate in Astrophysics Yoshiya Mori said the team used stellar models to better estimate the mass and pulsation of 1 Gruis, which shines a few thousand times more brightly than the Sun, making detecting any close companion objects to these stars exceptionally difficult, since "they can outshine them and also vary in brightness." Despite earlier predictions of an elliptical orbit for the companion star, the research has observed an almost perfectly round orbit, suggesting that the orbit evolves faster than previously thought, according to the study published in Nature Astronomy. The result calls for adjustments to existing models of the final life stage of giant stars with companions, it said. Our Sun will one day go through such a stage as well, said project lead, Mats Esseldeurs, from KU Leuven, adding, "Understanding how close companions behave under these conditions helps us better predict what will happen to the planets around the Sun, and how the companion influences the evolution of the giant star itself." The analysis suggests that model-predicted circularization rates may have been underestimated, the release said, adding that researchers believe this will open avenues for understanding tidal interaction physics and binary evolution. Diverseegos Shamroc Peterson Talks Engaging Niche Audiences and Monetizing Creator Content Shamroc Peterson developed Diverseego TV as a travel streaming channel designed to encourage Blacks and Latinos through curated and original programming to travel the US and discover exciting, inclusive destinations. Diverseego also aims to bring more Black and Latino clientele to destinations interested in building new connections. In this interview with Future Frames Doug Daulton at Streaming Media 2025, Peterson also discusses Diverseegos other mission: to identify talented creators, bring them into the streaming ecosystem, and help them expand their reach and turn their content into businesses. Peterson and Daulton also explore more broadly the rise of the creator economy, and how AI helps niche streamers like Diverseego understand their audience and deliver and monetize great content. Turning Content Creators into Business Owners Daulton kicks off the conversation by asking Peterson to walk him through what a day in the life of Diverseego looks like. "A day in the life of Diverseego, as the founder of a company that's unique in itself, is a challenge," Peterson says. "It's creating content that is meaningful, that is authentic, that is focused on what Blacks and Latinos need. My goal is to really inspire people to travel, so we're constantly looking at destinations that are inclusive and that want people like us or haven't had people like us and that are excited to create new connections. The second part of that is finding content creators that are out there producing great content but don't have the platform or the exposure to do that. So that is the part about Diverseego in which we try to make a unique value to the business of streaming." So, youre out there tracking down talent, people that are doing stuff that maybe havent caught fire yet, Daulton suggests. Yeah," Peterson agrees. "Or you've got a little fire, got the sticks already burning some wood. They're already doing things. But then we also see that they may be strong on social media, but how can they be brought into the streaming world? We have apps on Roku, Amazon, and so on, and with those apps we can deliver their content to a new audience and broaden their reach and strengthen their monetization." When Diverseego recognizes unrealized potential, Peterson explains, We always say, 'You may be a content creator, but we want to make you an owner, and develop a company that monetizes you even more.' Diverseego deals with a lot of brands, he continues, and a brand doesnt always want to work with an influencer or a content creatorthey want to work with companies. And so if we can create that opportunity for them by [letting a brand] see they are a company and [operating] within the infrastructure of our company, it makes their reach even stronger. Helping content creators evolve into business owners has a cascading effect for a lot of producers, he says, in creating something sustainable, improving production values, and building a team. A lot of people, when they're content creators, they're just thinking about themselves. But then they realize that they want to build a bigger business and provide and have employees, and you've got to play people to shoot for you and do all these different things. So, how do you do that on a bigger level than just thinking of yourself as a person that may have started with just selfie-shooting with one camera, and now you want to have two cameras, now you want to have a production team? How does that look now? You want to do multiple shows? We want to see people grow to that level. The best example so far is Mr. Beast, right? asks Daulton. Starting out small and now hes got an Amazon deal that he probably doesnt even need anymore because hes so big. One of the big themes of the show that honestly was a little bit surprising to me is how much talk there was about the creator ecosystem and finding new voices, and maybe not just being a farm team for the big [platforms], but being their own thing and understanding how to do that in the context of streaming. I think the big boys are realizing the value of us as smaller companies that are creating niche content," Peterson says. "And with our niche content, we can pivot a lot faster and be more innovative. Instead of going to a boardroom and having a focus group making the decisions, we can swiftly make those changes. Then we can partner with some of these big boys and say, 'Hey, you can deliver us in another ecosystem.' We're doing that on a smaller level with the content creator. We want to help them, just the way on the front face of it, we want to help the Black and Latino traveler find great experiences, inclusive destinations, places where they want to go. AI and the Niche Streaming Platform Daulton shifts the conversation to a topic thats ubiquitous in streaming circles (and everywhere else) these days: AI. One thing I find very interesting about this moment in time, and particularly here at the show, he says, even as generative AI gets all the love, is how many people are talking about tactical AI. Using it to understand your metrics, to engage with your engagements, identify new opportunities and act on them. How, Daulton asks, does AI benefit niche streaming services and the smaller creator? AI is really beneficial for us because it helps us in a lot of different ways, Peterson says. One is helping us with time. AI also helps us understand where the best places to do experiences. I can't go into every line item of what AI does, but I tell you this, I use about six of them every day because it's very important to me to be able to save time, get resources, get information that's going to help me deliver great content, deliver great access of points to what I need to do, how I need to do it, what's the best way to do it. We're constantly using the AI for so many different areas and understanding from a business standpoint what to do." Meetups, Mentorship, and Other Takeaways from Streaming Media 2025 Daulton rounds toward the end of the conversation by asking Petertson what hes taken away from the show. Peterson steers the conversation away from content to contacts and connection Being at this show for many years, I met one of my great mentors here and that mentor was a person that I thought I never could connect with," Peterson says. "I was just like, 'Man, I wish Diverseego could be like that.' I saw their pattern, their success, and I loved it. And then they were coming off the panel, their hair's down a little bit more. Now they're relaxed, they're chill versus like at NAB or CES, where they're always running around. Those moments happen here. They don't happen at other conferences here. And that's the great thing about being here." Peterson then circles back to AI (a point where conversations often seem to return in 2025). AI is hitting a lot of different places and just innovation as a whole. This thing is moving really fast. AI is going to be very important on the backend from an analytics component, understanding how to look at your content, what you're doing, metrics, et cetera, et cetera. And then on the front end, you're seeing it. I'm not big on the front end part of it, but I like the back end part. Innovation of all sorts is going to keep moving. Youve got to keep being involved, meeting great people, because then you'll learn. And that will help in the area of where this streaming technology is going." Join us December 9-11 and tune in for more great conversations at Streaming Media Connect! Registration is free and open now! Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles SVTAs Bhavesh Upadhyaya Talks Tactical and Ethical Use of AI in Streaming Streaming Video Technology Association (SVTA) Live Operations Expert Bhavesh Upadhyaya argues that its time to move on from vague discussions of AI as streamings next big thing to emphasizing practical applications, addressing real-world streaming workflow and delivery problems AI can solve, as well as preparing for the inevitable ways AI will impact the streaming business in this interview with Future Frames Podcasts Doug Daulton on the show floor at Streaming Media 2025. Daulton begins by asking Upadhyaya to walk through his background in the streaming industry. I've been in the streaming business since 2007, worked on the Beijing Olympics and worked on the video workflows, and I've also spent time in video operations with iStreamPlanet and Verizon Digital Media, and then most recently running product for video QoE for WarnerBros. Discovery, Uphadyaya says. Now I'm providing consulting advice for a lot of folks on how to integrate AI and how to look at optimizing operations." Tactical Use of AI Daulton asks Upadhyaya if he could share some key takeaways from the panels hes moderated at the event, including a session on AI and live streaming (with Daulton as a panelist) that focused in particular in leveraging AI for automation and analytics. "Part of what we talked about in one of the panels is the tactical use of AI, and one of the topics was, how do you eat the elephant? It's just way too big," Upadhyaya says of trying to assess AI's emerging role in the industry when it's become so massive. "So when you're talking to other friends and colleagues over here about problems that they're facing and you're looking and saying, 'How does AI tackle that problem? How do you use machine learning to tackle that problem or generative AI to help you with answering a question or creating a question for this problem and then apply that?' I think that's been a more advanced and a more practical use case of AI instead of just listening to industry pundits saying, 'AI is the next big thing.' It's like, no, here's the actual use of AI." Recalling a relatively recent industry tech bubble that burst as it remained a solution in search of a problem, Daulton says, "I compare this to the big 3D boom that happened around 2015 where everything was going to be 3D, and that didn't ring true for me at the time. The market wasn't there yet. The digital interfaces weren't there yet." But even amidst all the hype, Daulton insists, AI's onslaught feels different. The AU buzz at NAB, he says, "didn't feel like [3D]. It felt like the rubber hitting the road. How can we use it? But at the same time, to your point, there's a lot of hype, particularly on the consumer side, and I think there's this perception in the marketplace of this kind of monolithic AI that's suddenly going to control your life, but in a good way. One of the things I think is really intriguing here is Gen AI is getting all the buzz, but in our panel and in others I sat in on, it was about tactical AI. How are you using it in very specific ways to accomplish very specific things that either become a force multiplier for your team or create new opportunities for new work because you're taking things off of their plate that may be repetitive and able to let them open up their creativity and solve new problems and open new markets." Drawing another analogy to consumer technology that (in some respects) quickly surpassed the capabilities of what businesses and institutions had had available just a short time before, Upadhyaya says, "Just like what we saw when mobile devices started permeating business environments, everyone's bringing their own device, and suddenly you had a device that was more powerful being used on a consumer grade by employees of a company. AI is like that with ChatGPT and Gemini and Claude. But when you actually need to use it for work, you have to understand that you can't ask a system that's very non-deterministic to do something that you need validity or certainty on. And so what we're seeing in terms of the tactical use of AI is being able to understand it like a product with product cycle and versioning and understanding that the hallucinations at least mean that the answer that you're getting has a confidence score. And how are you training the models, and how are you training yourself to understand that you're looking for a higher confidence in the response coming back from the AI?" That's where human intervention remains critical, Upadhyaya contends. At this point, a human needs to say, "'How do I take it the rest of the way to give myself a real answer?' I think that's when we're talking about tactical uses of AI and understanding [that it can] take away 80% of my work because I know that it's confident at that level and once it's not confident, I need to have a smarter human being that understands what my real purpose is to help solve and answer the last bit." The Value of Versioning AI Models Returning to Upadhyayas point about versioning AI models, which he admits he hadnt heard about before, Daulton says, I think thats the kind of workflows that people have to think about. Absolutely, Upadhyaya agrees. AI is such a huge beast and there are the generative ways of using it. And then there's the 'backend API calls' ways of using it and setting it to a backend model and versioning that as well too, so that when you're doing something in a batch or in a continuous 24x7 process where you're just having it look at data and process it for you. That's where that versioning and the confidence becomes very important as well, which is a very different example than the generative AI of a chatbot or answering customer information. "If it's mission-critical enough and you have enough compute, you can be setting the agent to do things that a human being could do but not as fast, and it could save you reputationally and financially," Daulton comments. "There are lots of ways it can be beneficial, but you have to be intentional and thoughtful about it as you stand up these systems." Ethical AI Another topic that Upadhyaya mentions that he concedes they could probably touch on forever are the implications of standing up these systems and letting them do their work independently or largely so. "When does AI or one of those guardrail systems block something that should have been let go or let go of something that should have been blocked? Instilling that trust, especially when there's a consumer or a customer on the other side looking at the response," is also a critical issue, he argues. You're preaching to the choir on that one," Daulton agrees. "I think that's one of the real challenges. And it's not just [intellectual property] chain management, which is clearly a critical concern, as we see through the lawsuits that have been filed by Disney and others. And that's a legitimate concern. I have friends in the industry during the writers' strike when this first started to surface, they were like, 'AI's the devil.' I'd say, 'It's not, but the guilds are absolutely right to be taking this to the strike and making sure that they at least start the conversation about legal protections.' So there are all of those IP issues, but there are also issues of job loss and helping define how you do it in a way that supports creators and supports not just creatives but technical people, and doesn't eliminate their jobs." "Those are things that we as human beings, just by ourselves, as individuals, we can't stop that. That's an evolutionary change that's going to happen," Upadhyaya says. |The businesses are going to change, but how do we prepare for that? How do we change our mindset as well too to keep up with that? And I think that's what's going to help most of us succeed: continually educating ourselves." "Are you familiar with Mo Gadwdat, former CBO of Google X, and one of the people responsible for bringing DeepMind over?" Daulton asks. "Since he left Google he speaks a lot and he speaks a lot about AI. And one of the things he says is, we're going to be in this kind of rough period where we figure things out. And ultimately, he says, it's not that AI is dangerous, it's that we're dangerous and there will be bad actors who will use it to do terrible things. And we have to be proactive in thinking about it both from a business level and how it can serve us and how we can put guardrails wherever we need to." The thing is, we've been through this before," Upadhyaya says. "Generative AI being hosted in these massive data centers is just like in the olden days when we had mainframes until finally, bit by bit, PCs came around and then, bit by bit, mobile devices came around. We're going through the same cycle. Soon we're going to get MacBooks and iPhones and Windows machines that have enough memory to run small models, but we need to take the lessons that we took from that cycle to apply them to this cycle. Join us December 9-11 and tune in for more great conversations at Streaming Media Connect! Registration is free and open now! Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles High Mobility Artillery Rocket System (HIMARS) launchers assigned to the 25th Infantry Division are positioned at the 2-11 Field Artillery Regiment motor pool on Schofield Barracks, Hawaii, July 16, 2025. (Duke Edwards/U.S. Army) HONOLULU (Tribune News Service) The 25th Infantry Division at Schofield Barracks is in the closing stages of its annual Hawaii rotation of its Joint Pacific Multinational Readiness Center training as it puts one of the Armys first mobile brigades to the test. This exercise specifically, JPMRC 26-01, is a final validation for our 3rd Mobile Brigade, as the division has gone through transformation and contact, said division Sgt. Maj. Shaun Curry in a roundtable with journalists Thursday. When we complete this, the division will turn into the continual transformation underneath the Armys next step. So the entire division will have restructured itself. Some units have gotten smaller, some units have gotten bigger, and then weve given ourselves some tech to move forward. The 3rd Mobile Brigade is set to be a blueprint for reorganizing the division, and Army forces more broadly, for high-tech warfare in a potential conflict with China. The unit trained in the Philippines earlier this year with new equipment, including drones and 3D printers, and recently received the M142 High Mobility Artillery Rocket System, or HIMARS, for its artillery, giving it the range and ability to strike targets across island chains. The unit is meant to move faster, strike harder and use newer technology as the Army seeks to gain an edge. Army leaders have sought to showcase how the service is adapting its arsenal, tools and tactics based on what analysts have watched unfold in real-world battlefields around the globe notably in Ukraine and from the experiences U.S. troops have gained training across the Pacific. JPMRC includes training in ranges in Hawaii and Alaska, as well as an exportable version of the exercise that goes to other countries in the region, which so far has included Australia and the Philippines. Tensions have ramped up in the Western Pacific as the South China Seaa busy waterway that nearly one-third of all global trade travels throughhas become increasingly militarized over the past decade. Beijing claims nearly the entire sea as its exclusive territory over the objections of neighboring countries, and tensions have been mounting over territorial and navigation rights. Chinese forces also have ramped up operations around Taiwan, a self-ruled island democracy that Beijing regards as a rogue province. (JPMRC ) is our combat training center that we use to train our brigades that deploy into the Pacific region through Operation Pathways, said the 25ths commander, Maj. Gen. James Bartholomees. This is (U.S. Indo-Pacific Command) and U.S. Army Pacifics campaigning effort to place combat-credible forces into key terrain so that we can rehearse our plans, so that we can train alongside our partners, and then so that we can be ready to respond if needed. This iteration of the exercise officially kicked off Nov. 3 and includes troops from the U.S. and seven other countries. On Oahu, training and maneuvers took place around Bellows Beach, Dillingham Army Airfield, the Kahuku Training Area, the Kawailoa Mountain ranges, Helemano Plantation, Ford Island and the Schofield Barracks East and South ranges. Training also has taken take place at the Pohakuloa Training Area on Hawaii island and on Maui at the Puunene Hawaii National Guard Readiness Center and Kahului Airport. The exercise originally was also going to include some training in the Philippines, but Army officials said the recent super-typhoon that hit the country changed plans significantly. But Thursday morning, the 25th sent some of its HIMARS on aircraft bound for Wake Island to practice getting them into position. Its basically a HIMARS raid in which C-17 (aircraft) will rapidly land, the HIMARS will offload, conduct a simulated fire mission that they receive en route, theyll get back on the aircraft and fly back, Bartholomees said. This is a technique that is new to our division as the HIMARS platform has only been fielded within the last six months. Its a part of our transformation initiative, but is one of the most complex joint training events that we can conduct that display the combat-credible capability of ground army land fires across the archipelago. Col. Daniel Von Benken, commander of the 25ths Division Artillery, or DIVARTY, said he and his soldiers are testing mixing old and new tech, using cannons and missiles mixed with new drones they have been testing in the field that can do jobs from reconnaissance to acting as loitering munitions, basically remote-controlled flying bombs that can be piloted directly to a target. Many of the weapons are new to the soldiers, who taught themselves to use them within weeks. One sergeant said that as members of the Xbox generation, the young soldiers have been quick to adapt. The 25th has been conducting the exercise as the Army and the state of Hawaii continue negotiations over the future of training lands in the islands. The Army signed 65-year leases to train on several parcels of state land for a mere $1, which are set to expire in 2029. Both the Army and the state have faced lawsuits over the years on how several of the parcels have been used, with issues around unexploded ordnance, toxic exposures, endangered species, ancient Hawaiian cultural sites and other concerns. On Thursday, Gov. Josh Green announced the formation of a state commission to work on the issue. There are other combat training centers across the United States Army, Curry said. We have one at Fort Polk (in Louisiana), we have one at Fort Irwin (in California), which is primarily desert, and then one more in Germany . The reason why we do it here is because none of those three allow us the ability to island hop, which is very important for us if we were called (to the Western Pacific). The exercise is slated to wrap up Sunday. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. MANILA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Philippine President Ferdinand Romualdez Marcos on Friday appointed Foreign Affairs Secretary Ma. Theresa Lazaro as special envoy to facilitate a peaceful solution to the Myanmar crisis, as the Philippines assumes the chairship of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) next year. During the national launching of the country's ASEAN chairship in 2026, Marcos said the Philippines will continue to champion peace, stability through dialogue, adherence to international law, and enhanced cooperation on traditional and non-traditional security issues. "We believe that through cooperation and understanding, ASEAN can further strengthen its role as a force for peace and progress in the global community," Marcos said. Marcos expressed confidence that Lazaro will bring a "constructive, principled, and inclusive approach" to supporting the people of Myanmar, guided by the mandate she was given and the ASEAN Five-Point Consensus (5PC). The 5PC is a roadmap for peace in Myanmar that was agreed upon by ASEAN leaders in 2021. A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules airplane crew from Air Station Barbers Point monitors a Russian military vessel approximately 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29, 2025. Coast Guard personnel are monitoring the vessels activities near U.S. territorial waters, which extend to 12 miles offshore. (U.S. Coast Guard) (Tribune News Service) A Russian naval spy ship seen two weeks ago in international waters off Oahu was spotted Thursday lurking 17 miles off Hawaii island. The Coast Guard announced Thursday that it detected the Kareliyas presence Oct. 29 off Oahu but made no mention that it remains near the island chain, just outside U.S. territorial waters within about 14 miles from shore. Beyond that is considered international waters. In response, the Coast Guard dispatched an HC-130 Hercules plane from Air Station Barbers Point, which conducted a professional overflight, and sent the Cutter William Hart, which transited near the foreign vessel. The Vladivostok-based ship is one of seven Vishnya-class intelligence-gathering ships built in the 1980s for the Soviet navy, which the Russian Federation navy continues to operate. The ships are equipped with an extensive array of sensors and are able to transmit data to shore by satellite. They also are armed with two AK-630 close-in weapon systems and surface-to-air missile launchers, according to a U.S. government website. Coast Guard Capt. Matthew Chong would not specify the vessels location or whether it remains near Hawaii waters, saying, The Coast Guard continues to monitor vessel activity in the area to protect our maritime domain. We are unable to provide real-time updates on operations or intentions of foreign assets. When asked why the information was not released sooner and whether it required clearance from other branches of the military, Chong replied that the Coast Guard works with U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and interagency partners to constantly monitor the activity of foreign vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters. The Honolulu Star-Advertiser asked both the U.S. Indo-Pacific Command and the Coast Guard whether they are concerned about the ships presence and whether Hawaii residents should be concerned. Chong reiterated that the Coast Guard works with the Indo-Pacific Command and continues to monitor the maritime borders and approaches to the United States to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters and the protection of our citizens. Lt. Cmdr. Chloe Morgan, spokesperson for the Indo-Pacific Command, said it is monitoring a Russian military vessel and continuously tracks all vessels and aircraft in the region using joint capabilities to protect the U.S. homeland, support allies and partners, and ensure adherence to international law in support of a free and open Indo-Pacific. The commands area of responsibility stretches from the waters off the U.S. West Coast to the western border of India, and from Antarctica to the North Pole. Chong said the agencies constantly monitor the activity of foreign military vessels operating near U.S. territorial waters, regardless of the vessels capabilities or intentions. The Coast Guard has observed similar vessels operating in our area of responsibility, including in 2023, he said. In January 2023, the Coast Guard for weeks monitored a Russian vessel believed to be an intelligence-gathering ship loitering off the Hawaiian Islands. In May 2021, the Navy tracked the Kareliya, which was operating around 15 miles off Kauai near the Pacific Missile Range Facility Barking Sands. The presence of the Russian surveillance ship briefly delayed a U.S. missile defense test at the Barking Sands facility. In June 2021, another Russian auxiliary general intelligence ship was reported north of Oahu, but it was unclear whether it was the Kareliya. 2025 The Honolulu Star-Advertiser. Visit www.staradvertiser.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Navy Reserve Center Chattanooga provides training, administrative support, and readiness resources for Navy Reserve personnel. (Edward Spears/U.S. Marine Corps) WASHINGTON (Tribune News Service) More than a dozen top U.S. House members are calling for the preservation of Navy Reserve Centers around the country after the Senate proposed eliminating the system that serves tens of thousands of sailors. Cutting the centers would decrease overall readiness for a military institution thats been in place for decades, U.S. Rep. Chris Deluzio and a bipartisan group of Congress members wrote in a strongly worded letter on Wednesday to leaders of the Senate and House armed services committees. The letter comes two weeks after the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first reported on the proposed cuts part of the sweeping legislation known as the National Defense Authorization Act, which funds the U.S. military every year. Last month, the Senate moved to slash more than 100 centers across the nation, including the facility in Moon and others in Erie, Harrisburg, and Avoca (near Scranton). Prior to the vote, the Senate Armed Services Committee said in a report the reserve centers were wasteful, ineffective and even threatened the countrys warfighting abilities. The committee is concerned that the Navy Reserve Center system has resulted in inefficiency, increased costs, and an overall decrease in mobilization readiness, said the report accompanying the bill. Supporters of the facilities, however, disputed the characterization and said closing them outright wasnt the solution, leading to what could be a fight in the Congress through the end of this year. The centers have long served as administrative posts for reservists as well as facilities where training and preparations are carried out before some members are sent to major naval installations elsewhere. The House members said in their letter that if problems exist within the reserve, the Navy should identify those issues to the Congress along with their plans to fix them. The nationwide footprint of our Navy will be diminished, and the Navy will lose important connections with the American people in places where the active duty Navy is not present, said the letter, which was signed by 19 House members. Retired U.S. Navy Capt. Byron King, Pittsburgh council president of the Navy League of the United States, said the closures would be unprecedented in the decades-long history of the Navy Reserve. After learning of the issue, Mr. King tried to rally lawmakers including Mr. Deluzio, but said the effort was initially slowed because of the shutdown. Now that the government is reopening, defense spending and other legislation will likely be discussed in the coming weeks. Itll take a while to clear out the cobwebs, Mr. King said, adding: Well see where it goes. Mr. King said he was grateful for Mr. Deluzio, D- Fox Chapel, a former Navy officer and member of the House Armed Services Committee, but said he was disappointed that other congressional leaders from Western Pennsylvania did not speak up, or sign on to the letter. The institutions that ought to care about the Navy Reserve made very little noise about it, he said. At least, not enough for me to hear up in Pittsburgh. If the facilities are shut down, reservists in Pittsburgh will be forced to travel longer distances to Navy installations, and the changes may prompt some who reside locally to choose not to reenlist, said Mr. King. The House Armed Services Committee declined to comment on the letter and the Senate committee did not respond to a request for comment. The Navy Reserve force now staffs about 48,000 members including 280 who drill at the Pittsburgh area center and another 10,000 involved in training and other duties. The Senate moved to eliminate the centers just two months after Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fired the chief of the Navy Reserve, Vice Adm. Nancy Lacore, multiple news organizations reported. A source close to the matter told the Post-Gazette it came after Ms. Lacore opposed closing the facilities. Tim Flecker, a longtime Navy pilot who once served as commanding officer of the Pittsburgh-area center, said he was gratified that House members were supporting the centers, but disappointed that it will now take a fight to keep them open. The unintended effect of what theyre trying to do is going to be to put a lot more stress on the drilling reservists, Mr. Flecker said. Its gonna hurt retention in the end. Theyre gonna lose a lot of sailors. 2025 the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette. Visit www.post-gazette.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. (John Olson/Stars and Stripes) Khe Sanh Base, South Vietnam, March 10, 1968: Ammunition, food and medical supplies float on parachute from C-130 cargo plane into the Marine fortress of Khe Sanh. At the foreground a pensive Marine sits at the entrance of his bunker, wearing a flak vest but carelessly no helmet, despite the recent onslaught of attacks on the base by North Vietnamese troops. Looking for Stars and Stripes coverage of the Vietnam War? Subscribe to Stars and Stripes historic newspaper archive! We have digitized our 1948-1999 European and Pacific editions, as well as several of our WWII editions and made them available online through https://starsandstripes.newspaperarchive.com/ European dishes arent always what Americans are used to. (iStock) Living overseas as a military family provided us with unique opportunities to learn about various cultures firsthand. Sampling local cuisine was a necessary part of the experience, of course. But many Americans wont take risks with food, and miss out on this particular aspect of their overseas adventure. The pervasiveness of McDonalds provides a safe haven for those whose taste buds are timid, and some only leave their flavor comfort zone for safe regional dishes like pizza margherita, crepes with Nutella and schnitzel with pommes frites. While our family certainly ducked into European McDonalds restaurants to hit the bathroom on occasion, my husband and I encouraged (well, forced) our family to taste the foods of Europe. This philosophy was not without its drawbacks, however, and before long, we accumulated a host of interesting (well, nauseating) tales. At a modern cafe just outside of Stuttgart, Germany, my meat-loving husband ordered the wurst salat envisioning a chef salad with savory sausages over fresh mixed greens. What he received was devoid of plant-based food, unless you count the thick rings of sliced raw onions, which were tossed with cold julienned meat similar to bologna. During a spring break trip in Spains Costa Brava, I ordered fish at a restaurant overlooking the azure Mediterranean Sea. As the waiter set the dish before me, I could almost hear Big Mouth Billy Bass singing Take Me to the River as it stared at me from the plate. On a fall excursion to Berchtesgaden, our friend visiting from the States ordered the Leberknodelsuppe simply because it was fun to say. We all giggled and repeated the tongue-twisting word until a bowl of the stuff was presented to the table. A lumpy gray dumpling sat in a hot broth bath, and although the color looked a bit sickly like the hide of a dead shark, we kept an open mind. Cutting into the doughy ball, its pungent metallic aroma clued us in on what should have been obvious from the start leber is liver, and this little dumpling was full of that particularly unpopular organ meat. No matter how touristy, one cannot escape getting caught up in the festive atmosphere at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich. Part of the experience is ordering the giant liter of beer and a heaping helping of hearty Bavarian food. Swinging my stein to and fro, I thought nothing of ordering Schweinshaxe, a Bavarian specialty. With no idea that Id be served a huge roasted pigs knuckle, I soon learned that it would take significant effort to extract the morsels of pork that were tangled among cartilage, skin and bone. On a day trip to Strasbourg, France, our family stopped at an outdoor restaurant on a lovely cobblestone square. Interested in the mix of German and French cultures, I ordered Surkrut Royale, an Alsatian sauerkraut dish. Twenty minutes later, I was presented with a steaming heap of sauerkraut, with at least seven different varieties of pork cuts, as well as potatoes, onions and dumplings, nested among its pickled strands. Wursts and slices of loin were among the few meats I could recognize, but the rest of the pieces were unidentifiable chunks intertwined with plentiful amounts of fat and sinew. Despite my initial squeamishness over the gelatinous fat, the scent of bacon and white wine gave me the courage to give it a try, and I found it to be quite a delectable treat as long as I kept my eyes closed. The list of our family stories goes on, and includes tales of local foods we discovered while stationed in Florida (boiled peanuts, sweet tea, alligator) and Rhode Island (stuffies, coffee cabinets, johnnycakes). Despite the queasiness that springs forth when we recall these tales, we will always try indigenous cuisines. Why? Because we discovered Belgian-style mussels in creamy beer broth, spicy Croatian cevapi, hearty Portuguese sopas and many more culinary treats. Every delicious regional dish we stumbled upon made it worth every fish head, slab of fat and organ meat that made its way to our table. So, Buen Provecho, Smacznego and Bon Appetit! But dont forget to pack the Alka Seltzer, just in case. Read more at themeatandpotatoesoflife.com and in Lisas book, The Meat and Potatoes of Life: My True Lit Com. Email: meatandpotatoesoflife@gmail.com USS Gerald R. Ford transits the Strait of Gibraltar on Nov. 4, 2025, as it leaves the Mediterranean Sea on its way to the Caribbean. (Triniti Lersch/U.S. Navy) WASHINGTON The U.S. conducted another strike on an alleged drug boat on Monday in the Caribbean Sea, killing four people, a Pentagon official confirmed Thursday. There were no survivors from the strike, said the official, who was not authorized to comment publicly on the matter and spoke on the condition of anonymity. U.S. Southern Command confirmed the strike in a post on X on Friday. On Nov. 10, at the direction of Secretary of War Pete Hegseth, Joint Task Force Southern Spear conducted a lethal kinetic strike on a vessel operated by a Designated Terrorist Organization. Intelligence confirmed that the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, pic.twitter.com/eptSZvVF6x U.S. Southern Command (@Southcom) November 14, 2025 Mondays operation is at least the 20th conducted in the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility since September. The death toll from the strikes is up to 80 people; the Mexican navy suspended its search for a survivor of a strike in late October. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday formally named the mission Operation Southern Spear, emphasizing the growing significance and permanence of the militarys presence in the region. President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering. Today, I'm announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR. Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Secretary of War Pete Hegseth (@SecWar) November 13, 2025 Shortly after taking office, President Donald Trump designated several drug cartels as terrorist organizations, including Venezuelas Tren de Aragua. His administration has asserted that the U.S. is in an armed conflict with cartels and will treat their members as unlawful combatants. The Pentagon has not revealed more information about the latest strike. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has posted on X about previous operations that narco-terrorists were targeted on known drug trafficking routes and included short video clips of strikes. Most strikes have taken place in the Caribbean, near Venezuela, though an increasing number are happening in the eastern Pacific. The latest strike comes amid a continuing buildup of military forces in the region. The Ford Carrier Strike Group arrived in the area Tuesday, which concentrates nearly 20% of the Navys deployed warships in the region. Hegseth announced the carrier groups deployment last month. Actions taken by the U.S. are raising concerns among other nations. The United Kingdom is no longer sharing intelligence with the U.S. about suspected drug trafficking vessels in the Caribbean because it does not want to be complicit in U.S. military strikes and believes the attacks are illegal, CNN reported. Colombia President Gustavo Petro said in a post on X Tuesday directing all public security forces to suspend the sending of communications and other dealings with U.S. security agencies in response to the strikes. Frances foreign minister, Jean-Noel Barrot, expressed concern Tuesday about the legal foundation for the U.S. military strikes. We have followed with concern the strikes carried out by the United States in international waters, in disregard of international law and the law of the sea, Barrot told the French newspaper Le Journal du Dimanche. Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki, left, delivers a letter about PFAS to State Minister of Defense Masahisa Miyazaki at the ministry in Tokyo, Nov. 12, 2025. (Masahisa Miyazaki/X) Japans Ministry of Defense has rejected as ineligible a request from Okinawa Gov. Denny Tamaki to fund new filters designed to remove forever chemicals from a major water purification plant in central Okinawa. Tamaki delivered the request Wednesday in Tokyo to State Minister Masahisa Miyazaki, the ministrys No. 2 official, a prefectural spokesman said by phone Friday. The letter, addressed to Defense Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, sought maximum support for the replacement and disposal costs of granular activated carbon filters at the Chatan Water Purification Plant and urged the ministry to investigate the source of PFOS and PFOA contamination. The filters now in use, which have a lifespan of about four years, were installed sometime between 2021 and 2023 and cost about $10 million, the spokesman said. The ministry footed most of the bill, he said, adding that the prefecture is still considering when to replace those filters and has yet to ask the ministry for a specific amount of money. Miyazaki said the ministry cannot pay for plant maintenance, including filter replacement, under the current legal framework, according to a post he made Thursday on X. Japanese law allows the government to subsidize portions of facilities built to address quality-of-life issues in municipalities that host U.S. or Japanese military bases. However, Miyazaki wrote that it is difficult to use the subsidy program in this case because the source of PFAS contamination remains unclear. PFOS and PFOA two types of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, or PFAS have been detected in levels above Japans national standard of 50 parts per trillion around Kadena Air Base in annual prefectural studies conducted since 2017. PFAS are known was forever chemicals because they persist in the environment and the human body, according to the Environmental Protection Agency. Animal studies suggest they may increase the risk of tumors in the liver, breasts, testicles and pancreas, according to the American Cancer Society. Chatan town and the cities that are supplied are my beloved hometown, Miyazaki wrote on X. However, forcing through subsidies that are not based on the system just because its my hometown is equivalent to fraud and absolutely unacceptable. Tamakis letter argues that evidence points clearly to the nearby U.S. air base. According to the results of investigations conducted by the Okinawa Prefectural Enterprise Bureau, it is highly likely that the main source of contamination is within Kadena Air Base, he wrote. The Chatan plant supplies water to seven municipalities south of the base, including the cities of Naha, Okinawa, Ginowan and Urasoe, along with Chatan town and the villages of Kitanakagusuku and Nakagusuku. Some Japanese government officials speak to the press only on condition of anonymity. An Australian air force E-7A Wedgetail takes off on a mission from Nellis Air Force Base, Nev., in 2024. A number of countries, including the Netherlands, have scrapped plans to buy six Wedgetails as successors to the Boeing E-3A AWACS aircraft. (William Lewis/U.S. Air Force) NATO ally the Netherlands and an unspecified number of partner countries are pulling out of plans to purchase six U.S.-made Boeing E-7 Wedgetail surveillance aircraft, the Dutch defense ministry said this week. The strategic and financial basis has disappeared. Therefore, the remaining countries ceased the acquisition of the E-7, the ministry said in a statement Thursday. The countries, which were not listed, are now exploring alternatives to fulfill the AWACS function, the statement said. The move follows the United States withdrawal in July from a multinational effort to replace NATOs aging Boeing E-3A planes with newer Wedgetails. In the American decision to quit the replacement program, the Pentagon cited rising costs, production delays and survivability concerns. The U.S. withdrawal also underscores the importance of investing in European industry, Dutch State Secretary Gijs Tuinman said in the statement. NATOs primary fleet of 14 E-3As is based in Geilenkirchen, Germany. The E-3As are expected to reach the end of their service life by 2035 and are criticized for noise pollution, according to the statement. Equipped with radar and communications systems, these aircraft support surveillance and reconnaissance along the alliances eastern flank and contribute to air policing and combat search and rescue, among other missions. Guests attend the trade and investment sub-forum of the 9th China-South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum in the Maldives, Nov. 14, 2025. The 9th China-South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum was held in the Maldives from Thursday to Friday, which was jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Organization for South Asian Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China (OSARFCC). Under the theme of "Mutual learning, peace, prosperity for a shared future," the forum featured an opening ceremony, a closing ceremony and two sub-forums on cultural exchanges and trade and investment. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu) MALE, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The 9th China-South Asia Friendship Organizations Forum was held in the Maldives from Thursday to Friday, which was jointly organized by the Chinese People's Association for Friendship with Foreign Countries (CPAFFC) and the Organization for South Asian Regional Friendship and Cooperation with China (OSARFCC). Mohammed Waheed Hassan, special envoy of the president of the Maldives and former Maldivian president, attended the event and delivered remarks. Yang Wanming, president of the CPAFFC, led the Chinese delegation. Representatives from governments as well as economic, trade and cultural sectors of eight Chinese localities, including Beijing, Shanxi, Liaoning and the city of Jinan, engaged in extensive exchanges with participants from the Maldives, Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. Discussions covered enhancing cooperation in the economy, culture and tourism, as well as youth exchanges between China and South Asian countries. Under the theme of "Mutual learning, peace, prosperity for a shared future," the forum featured an opening ceremony, a closing ceremony and two sub-forums on cultural exchanges and trade and investment. A joint declaration was issued after the event, in which participants pledged to work together to implement the four major global initiatives, strengthen solidarity and cooperation within the Global South, and contribute to building a community with a shared future for humanity. The next edition of the forum will be held in China in 2027. The United States is launching a major new military and surveillance campaign in the Western Hemisphere, deploying an unprecedented mix of robotic air and sea vessels to counter Latin American drug-trafficking cartels. Called Operation Southern Spear, the initiative was formally announced Thursday night, Nov. 13, 2025, by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth. (Kevin Dietsch/Getty Images/TNS) (Tribune News Service) The United States is launching a major new military and surveillance campaign in the Western Hemisphere, deploying an unprecedented mix of robotic air and sea vessels to counter Latin American drug-trafficking cartels. Called Operation Southern Spear, the initiative was formally announced Thursday night by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, who said through his X account that the mission follows a direct order from President Donald Trump. President Trump ordered action and the Department of War is delivering, Hegseth said. Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is Americas neighborhood and we will protect it. The campaign will be led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear in coordination with U.S. Southern Command and U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command/U.S. 4th Fleet, headquartered at Naval Station Mayport in Florida. Operations are expected to begin later this month. In a statement, 4th Fleet officials described Southern Spear as a significant step in the Navys evolving Hybrid Fleet Campaign, which integrates robotic and autonomous systems with traditional naval forces. Southern Spear will operationalize a heterogeneous mix of Robotic and Autonomous Systems to support the detection and monitoring of illicit trafficking while learning lessons for other theaters, said Cmdr. Foster Edwards, 4th Fleets Hybrid Fleet Director. This will help develop critical techniques and procedures for integrating RAS into the maritime environment. According to the Navy, the mission will deploy: Long-dwell robotic surface vessels designed for persistent ocean patrols. Small robotic interceptor boats capable of high-speed maneuvering. Vertical take-off and landing robotic aircraft for aerial surveillance. The systems will operate alongside U.S. Coast Guard cutters at sea and feed intelligence into operations centers at 4th Fleet and the Joint Interagency Task Force South, which coordinates regional counter-narcotics missions. Officials say the deployment will help determine the most effective combinations of unmanned vehicles and manned forces for coordinated operations data that will shape Navy doctrine under Project 33, the services initiative to accelerate robotic integration into fleet missions. Using robotic assets is expected to increase U.S. presence in maritime chokepoints and high-traffic zones used by drug-smuggling networks. Navy leaders say the systems will also strengthen regional security cooperation by giving partner nations access to shared intelligence and detection tools. Operation Southern Spear is the next step in our Hybrid Fleet Campaign, said Rear Adm. Carlos Sardiello, Commander of U.S. Naval Forces Southern Command and U.S. 4th Fleet. Hybrid Fleet operations increase our collaboration with partners in the region while advancing the Navys tactics, techniques, procedures, and processes. The announcement comes amid a growing military buildup in the Southern Caribbean of a size not seen in the region for decades. On Tuesday, the worlds largest and most technologically advanced aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R. Ford, entered the U.S. Southern Command area of responsibility, further expanding a deployment that has alarmed foreign governments and is described by analysts as a potential prelude to strikes on Venezuelan territory, whose leadership is accused by U.S. officials of running the Los Soles drug cartel. The Center for Strategic and International Studies estimates that the U.S. military now has more than a dozen vessels in the region, including eight warships, three amphibious ships and a nuclear-powered submarine. While the operation is officially described as a counter-narcotics mission, the deployment coincides with what officials call intensifying deliberations inside the White House over potential direct action against the regime of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro. Both The Miami Herald and Wall Street Journal have reported that the administration has identified Venezuelan military installations allegedly linked to drug-trafficking networks as potential bombing targets. The New York Times has reported that Trump is weighing broader intervention options, including seizing oil fields, targeting Maduros elite guard units and even forcibly removing the Venezuelan leader from power. The administration has not sought a formal declaration of war from Congress. Instead, advisers are exploring alternative legal justifications for regime-change operations under existing anti-drug authorities, arguing that Maduro and his inner circle operate as key nodes in transnational narcotics networks. McClatchy reporter Emily Goodin contributed to this story. 2025 Miami Herald Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth finishes installing a Department of War plaque at the Pentagon's main entrance Nov. 13, 2025. (Madelyn Keech/U.S. Air Force) Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth fastened the final screw into a new Department of War plaque at the Pentagons main entrance for visiting VIPs Thursday, marking the latest effort to cement a name change that still requires congressional backing. The new signage replaced previous Defense Department plaques that had been on the building for around 70 years, Hegseth said. The White House seeks to have the agency use a name that was used by what is now the Department of the Army from 1789 to 1947. We want everybody who comes through this door to know that we are deadly serious about the name change of this organization, Hegseth said. Each of the two new bronze plaques installed Thursday weighs about 60 pounds and is roughly 30 by 20 inches, the Pentagon said. One was placed at the grand entrance facing the Potomac River, the other at the buildings National Mall entrance. A Department of War plaque hangs at the main entrance to the Pentagon in Arlington, Va., after installation Nov. 13, 2025. (Madelyn Keech/U.S. Air Force) But because official redesignation requires an act of Congress, Republicans on Capitol Hill are taking steps to make Department of War the formal name of the U.S. governments largest organization. In September, Sen. Mike Lee of Utah introduced legislation to begin the process. Rep. Greg Steube of Florida has brought similar legislation in the House. Its unclear when action will be taken on the bills, which numerous Democrats have said they oppose. Even so, since President Donald Trumps executive order in September that authorized the use of Department of War in official correspondence, the Pentagon has been moving to rebrand the department. The new name is now used in official department releases, and war.gov also replaced defense.gov as the departments web address. We love everything that the Department of Defense represented, but this is a new era of the Department of War that is focused on winning wars ... and making sure that we know exactly what the mission is and that the troops are sent there to succeed and win, Hegseth said Thursday. It remains unclear how much a name change would cost. An NBC news report Wednesday citing unidentified congressional sources said the cost could be as high as $2 billion. But Pentagon spokesman Sean Parnell told the network in a statement that a final cost hasnt been calculated. The final figure would likely hinge on the extent of replacement for signage, letterhead, name plates and digital coding related to the departments many websites. Air Force Master Sgt. Logan Ireland says options for transgender troops like himself are narrowing. (Logan Ireland) WASHINGTON Seventeen veterans who left the Air Force and Space Force early because of President Donald Trumps ban on transgender troops filed a federal lawsuit over loss of their retirement pay and health care coverage. In Ireland v. United States, the transgender veterans who each had 15 years to 18 years of military service estimated they will lose from $1 million to $2 million in retirement income and medical coverage over their lifetime if their benefits are not restored. The case was filed Monday in U.S. Court of Federal Claims in Washington, D.C., which rules over monetary claims filed against the federal government. The Pentagon has declined to comment about ongoing litigation. Ripping away the retirements we have earned is a betrayal of the sacrifices made by service members and our families, said Logan Ireland, a former Air Force master sergeant with more than 15 years of service. Ireland is a lead plaintiff in the case. The National Center for LGBTQ Rights and GLAD Law, a nonprofit that represents LGBTQ individuals, are among the attorneys arguing for the plaintiffs in the case. Service members with a diagnosis or history of gender dysphoria are subject to disqualification from military service, according to the ban. Gender dysphoria is a psychiatric condition describing the distress individuals may experience when their gender identity is different than their sex assigned at birth. Logan Ireland, a former Air Force master sergeant who served in Afghanistan, is a lead plaintiff in a federal lawsuit filed against President Donald Trumps administration. Ireland is among 17 veterans arguing they lost retirement pay after leaving the military early under Trumps ban on transgender troops. (U.S. Space Force) The veterans suing the Trump administration claim they were issued early retirement orders in June after Trump signed an executive order on Jan. 20 barring openly transgender people from serving in the military. Gwen R. DeFilippi, then acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs, had sent out a memo in May stating service members with 15 to 18 years of service may be eligible for early retirement, according to court documents. The 17 transgender veterans stated they were authorized for early retirement by the Air Force secretary, according to court documents. The Air Force and Space Force both fall under the leadership of the Air Force secretary. Each of these retirement orders states on its face that it is BY ORDER OF THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE, according to the lawsuit that includes copies of the retirement orders as evidence. The early retirement orders granted them a portion of their pensions and lifetime access to TRICARE, the health insurance program for service members, retirees and their families, according to court documents. Military service members are not eligible for full retirement benefits until they complete 20 years of service. But in August, the Trump administration abruptly rescinded the early retirement orders, according to court documents. After careful consideration of the individual applications, I am disapproving all Temporary Early Retirement Authority (TERA) exception for members with 15 to 18 years of service, according to a memo from Brian Scarlett, the acting assistant secretary of the Air Force for Manpower and Reserve Affairs. The plaintiffs said they were given the choice to leave the military on their own or face involuntary separation because of their transgender status. Voluntary separation would grant them separation pay that is substantially less than the partial pensions they would receive by taking early retirement, according to the lawsuit. We should not be thrown into economic hardship or made to feel our years of service are regarded by our country as meaningless, said Ireland, whose overseas duty included tours in Afghanistan, South Korea and the Middle East. Attorneys for the veterans argued that Air Force regulation states that retirement orders can only be overturned or withdrawn under very limited circumstances, none of which were present here. Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Stirm, a former Vietnam War POW, greets well-wishers at Travis Air Force Base, Calif, on March 17, 1973. (Department of Defense) Lt. Col. Robert Stirm, the Air Force officer whose return from captivity during the Vietnam War was captured in an iconic photograph in 1973, has died at 92, according to CBS News. Stirm, an F-105 Thunderchief pilot shot down over North Vietnam in October 1967, spent the next 5 years as a POW. His return to his waiting family at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., was captured by Associated Press photographer Slava Veder. Burst of Joy, which depicts Stirms then 15-year-old daughter Lorrie Stirm running toward him, arms wide, won the Pulitzer Prize for Feature Photography in 1974. Associated Press photographer Sal Veders Pulitzer Prize-winning picture of former POW Lt. Col. Robert Stirm greeting his family at Travis Air Force Base, Calif., on March 17, 1973, after being released from captivity in Vietnam. (Sal Veder/AP) The photograph came to epitomize the end of the Vietnam era with the return of Americas POWs. Stirm died Tuesday morning, Veterans Day, the network reported Thursday. Stirm survived gunshot wounds, illness, starvation, torture, bad treatment and mock executions during his time in North Vietnamese prison camps, including the Hoa Lo Prison, dubbed the Hanoi Hilton, by its inmates, according to a January 2005 article in Smithsonian magazine. Stirm was shot down a day after Lt. Cmdr. John McCain, a Navy pilot, was also captured. McCain later served as a U.S. senator from Arizona and was the 2008 Republican candidate for president. He told me a great story that the first time he ever laughed in jail was a joke that John McCain had tapped through the wall. They were sharing a wall while they were both in solitary confinement, while they were in, uh, Son Tay, Stirms daughter, now Lorrie Kitching, said during a May 2024 broadcast of Antiques Roadshow on PBS. Well-wishers wait to greet Air Force Lt. Col. Robert Stirm, a former Vietnam War POW, at Travis Air Force Base, Calif, in March 1973. (Department of Defense) Stirm, a native of San Mateo, Calif., retired from the Air Force in 1977 after 25 years of service and joined Ferry Steel Products, the business his grandfather started in San Francisco, according to an AP report in July 1993. He left that business to work as a corporate pilot but returned to the steel company later. Stirm and his wife, Loretta, divorced a year after his return, according to the AP report. Their son, Dr. Robert Stirm Jr., a dentist, who also appeared in the photograph, died in January 2023, according to his obituary in the San Francisco Chronicle. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) JIUQUAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touched down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region on Friday. At 11:14 a.m.(Beijing Time), the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceship undocked from the space station combination. At 2:49 p.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship separated from the return capsule. The brake engine then ignited, and the Shenzhou-21 return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule. The return capsule touched down at 4:40 p.m. at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) said. The astronauts are all in good health. They had spent 204 days in orbit, setting a new record for the longest in-orbit stay among Chinese astronaut crews, the CMSA said. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson on Friday said it is hoped that the EU will provide a fair and predictable environment for Chinese businesses to invest and operate in Europe. Spokesperson Lin Jian made the remarks in response to the Report on the Development of Chinese Enterprises in the EU 2025/2026 released by the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU, which shows that the overall rating of the EU business environment among Chinese companies declined for the sixth consecutive year, with "uncertainty" cited as the biggest obstruction against Chinese businesses' operations in the EU. "We take note of the report, and also note that Chinese businesses are concerned about the continued pressure on their operations in Europe," Lin told a regular press conference. In recent years, the EU has been advocating economic competition with China and promoting "de-risking" from China, and has rolled out a number of protectionist measures under the pretext of upholding "economic security" and "fair competition," Lin said. He stressed that the EU set restrictions on semiconductor, 5G and electric vehicles -- areas where China and the EU could have engaged in mutually beneficial cooperation -- and has taken discriminatory and restrictive measures against Chinese businesses, which disrupted the sound and steady operation of the global industrial and supply chains. These moves did no good to improving the EU's industrial competitiveness, sent a negative message of retrogression in its market openness, and affected Chinese businesses' confidence in investing in the EU, which will harm the EU's own interests in the end, the spokesperson said. Over the years, Chinese businesses have continued to explore the EU market and actively taken up corporate responsibilities, making positive contribution to the EU's economic growth, green transition, employment and people's well-being. Lin said that the recommendations of China's top leadership for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan have drawn a blueprint for China's economic development in the next five years. China's continued modernization drive and greater high-standard opening up will bring more opportunities for China-EU cooperation, he added. Amid the complex and volatile international situation, sluggish world economic growth and rising trade protectionism, it is all the more important that China and the EU engage in dialogue and cooperation, uphold free trade and fair competition, and resolve differences and frictions properly through dialogue and consultation. "We hope the EU will honor its commitment on market openness and uphold the principle of fair competition, listen to and earnestly address the reasonable suggestions and legitimate appeals of Chinese businesses, and provide a fair and predictable environment for Chinese businesses to invest and operate in the EU," Lin said. The spokesperson also welcomed the EU to grasp the important opportunities arising from China's implementation of the 15th Five-Year Plan to increase trade and investment and achieve common development. BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese military spokesperson on Friday said that PLA Navy vessels will sail wherever necessary to protect China's national interests when responding to an inquiry about the home port selection for aircraft carrier PLANS Fujian. The Fujian, China's first aircraft carrier equipped with electromagnetic catapults, was commissioned into active service earlier this month at a naval port in the city of Sanya in southern island province of Hainan. The Sanya port has been selected as the carrier's home port. Jiang Bin, a spokesperson for China's Ministry of National Defense, said the home port for the Fujian was selected based on factors such as the hydrological conditions of the military port, the location and construction of supporting facilities, and the convenience for the aircraft carrier to carry out maritime combat readiness and training missions. He reiterated that China adheres to the path of peaceful development, follows a defensive national defense policy, and that the Chinese military remains a staunch force for world peace. Ideal Almunecar-La Herradura Friday, 14 November 2025, 12:22 Share AlmunecarLa Herradura on Spain's Costa Tropical in Granada provice has launched its first major promotional campaign in France and chose the city of Lyon to do so. The tourist board is carrying out a high-impact mobile campaign in what is considered the gastronomic capital of Europe. The campaign, which took place on 11 and 12 November, is the first direct promotional event carried out by the tourist board in France, as part of its strategic plan to internationalise the destination and diversify markets. The French market is one of the main sources of international tourism to AlmunecarLa Herradura, accounting for more than 30 per cent of foreign visitors in recent years. The tourist board said that French tourists are "characterised by their high purchasing power and their interest in nature, culture, gastronomy and sustainable tourism". Almunecar-La Herradura's councillor for tourism, Beatriz Gonzalez Orce, highlighted the strategic importance of the initiative, stating: "With Lyon, we are embarking on a new phase in the international promotion of the destination. We want French travellers to associate our name with Mediterranean authenticity, nature and tropical flavours." Gonzalez Orce went on to say that "the Lyon campaign is part of the tourism board's global overseas promotion strategy, which in 2025 has strengthened its presence in the British and Scandinavian markets and is now expanding its reach to France". The promotional initiative involved a mobile advertising vehicle equipped with large LED screens that continuously showed promotional clips of the destination through the most emblematic areas of Lyon, including Place Bellecour, Vieux Lyon, Place des Terreaux, Rue du President Carnot, La Croix Rousse and the area around the Auditorium-Orchestre National. In addition, two brand ambassadors distributed information material and promotional items in French (flyers, postcards, key rings and pens), encouraging direct contact with the public and experiential interaction with the destination. The campaign's message is based on the values that define the destination: Mediterranean authenticity, sustainability, tropical cuisine, heritage, culture and year-round experiences. Jose Antonio Sau Malaga Friday, 14 November 2025, 11:51 Share The Malaga maternity hospital, part of the regional university hospital, was recently designated as one of three national reference centres for transporting critically ill children requiring extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) life support. This sophisticated technology temporarily replaces heart and lung function in reversible multi-organ failure cases when all other intensive treatments have failed. The hospital is now the only facility capable of transferring ECMO patients across Andalucia, Murcia, Alicante, Badajoz, Ceuta and Melilla. The other two specialised centres are Madrid's 12 de Octubre and Barcelona's Vall d'Hebron hospitals. Antonio Sanz, regional minister of health, announced the activation of the Paediatric ECMO protocol during a visit to the hospital's paediatric ICU. "This protocol places the Andalusian public health system at the forefront of healthcare in Spain and makes the regional hospital a benchmark for transport and treatment," he stated, adding that it represents "hope and life for critical paediatric patients". This Materno Infantil hospital earned CSUR recognition for "its medical excellence, organisational commitment and the solidarity shown by its professionals". While 14 Spanish hospitals offer paediatric ECMO therapy - including three in Andalucia (Reina Sofia, Virgen del Rocio and Regional in Malaga) - only the Materno coordinates transfers in its geographical area. Since 2017, the regional hospital has conducted 21 ECMO transports from other centres, 19 of which were primary transfers where teams travel to the originating hospital, initiate ECMO and transport the child. These missions have reached hospitals across Andalucia and as far as Castilla y Leon and Extremadura, achieving an impressive 82% survival rate. Saving lives Sanz emphasised that these interventions "save lives in practically irreversible situations - children who would die directly from multi-organ failure". The complex transports involve multidisciplinary teams of intensivists, perfusionists, cardiovascular surgeons and specialised nurses, supported by the 061 emergency service. Jose Maria Camacho, head of the paediatrics service, noted that success depends on "close collaboration" between the Paediatric Intensive Care Unit staff, cardiovascular surgeons, perfusionists and 061, along with institutional support enabling procedures at hospitals outside their standard service portfolio. This designation firmly establishes Andalucia's healthcare system as a national leader in advanced paediatric intensive care. Tony Bryant Malga Friday, 14 November 2025, 12:36 | Updated 16:09h. Share The name of General Francisco Franco and the regime that ruled Spain between 1939 and 1975 has continued to divide the country over the last five decades - a debate that has again surfaced as Thursday 20 November marks the 50th anniversary of the dictator's death. There are many who believe that the vindication of Francoism makes "no sense" and that events should instead focus on the 1978 Constitution. However, some experts agree on the need to commemorate Spain's transition from dictatorship to democracy and see the 50th anniversary of Franco's death as an appropriate date for doing so. Many historians believe that anything that involves dealing with the past, analysing and revisiting it, is necessary and essential. However, they differ over where the focus of this initiative should lie. Political controversy The controversy over the planned activities to mark next Thursday's anniversary - which also includes conferences and seminars organised by universities on topics they consider relevant - has not only divided the population, but also caused disagreement among political parties. Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez and his government have organised a series of events, commemorations and museum exhibitions, all with a major focus on remembering the victims, addressing the legacy of the regime and promoting democratic values. Some of these events have already taken place, and Sanchez said that the commemorations are a way to warn of the dangers of forgetting the dictatorship. This attracted opposition from the PP and the far-right Vox party, both stating that they will not participate, arguing that the events are an attempt to divide the country by reopening historical wounds. Related story Fifty years on Earlier this year, Pedro Sanchez did not mention the name of Francisco Franco once during the presentation of the government's plan to commemorate 50 years of freedom in Spain. However, the conservative party said it was convinced that the multitude of events scheduled for this month are merely an attempt to bring back the "Franco card" to cover up the government's corruption. Aside from the events organised by the government, the Spanish broadcaster RTVE is commemorating the anniversary of the end of the dictatorship with 50 Years of the Great Change, four documentaries that are being broadcast on channel one throughout the month of November. The documentaries present a unique perspective on what happened in the final years of the Franco regime, not only in the streets, but also behind the scenes in the political and social corridors of power, a historical reality that the public broadcaster claims will "help explain some features of present-day Spain". Obligation to educate The education system has also been caught up in the controversy again, as some schools in Spain have been accused of overlooking the Civil War and Franco's dictatorship. There are many who believe it should have a stronger presence in the educational curriculum in Spain in order to develop a critical citizenship able to approach the conflict from a diversity of perspectives. Many young people reach adolescence without ever having studied either the Spanish Civil War or the years of the dictatorship. Some parents argue that the Spanish Civil War and the aftermath should be included in the national educational curriculum. They believe that Spanish democracy not only has the right but the obligation to explain to young people what Francoism was, instead of side-stepping the era and relegating to a simple footnote in Spanish history. A continuing debate This debate is far from over and will no doubt continue for some time to come. Both the people affected by Franco's rise to power and the harsh treatment meted out by his regime, and those who were not, including foreign residents in Spain, are truly divided. Axarquia resident Joan Fallon, the author of Daughters of Spain (a series of frank interviews giving a dramatic picture of what it was like to be a woman living in Spain under Franco's regime), said she believes children of today should learn about what life was like in the dictatorship. "History is about people and their lives: I believe that young Spaniards deserve to know why such a war would break out in the first place and what kind of lives their great-grandparents lived before, during and afterwards. The civil war and the dictatorship are vital parts of Spanish history and should not be withheld from youngsters because those years will subsequently have had an affect on their lives. How can the youth of today understand their country if this period of their history is withheld from them?" she told SUR in English. Malaga resident Juan Jimenez, whose father was a staunch Franco supporter, said that he believed that, "as bad as it was", it should never be forgotten. "This was a terrible era of Spain's history, but it is our history and it cannot be ignored," he said. Daniel Gonzalez, whose grandfather died during the conflict, disagreed, saying "it is time to forget". "Why do we have to keep dragging the Franco atrocities up. He is dead and should be left that way. Educating youngsters is one thing, but holding events to mark the death of this dictator is absurd," he said. The story of Malaga's 'espetero' Manolin, competing for a Goya Award The short documentary El Amoragaor, by Adrian Ordonez, has been shortlisted for several Spanish film awards for its human portrayal of the tradition of roasting sardines over an open fire on the beach Regina Sotorrio Friday, 14 November 2025, 18:37 Share Behind every 'espeto de sardinas', the skewered sardines roasted on an open fire so typical of the beach bars on the Costa del Sol, there is a story that speaks of tradition and identity, of memory and craft. And this is the story of Manolin, the 'espetero' of Marina Playa, in Rincon de la Victoria, a story that could be worth a Goya award. The short documentary El Amoragaor, directed by Adrian Ordonez, has entered the shortlist of short films vying for a nomination in the Goyas, Spain's equivalent of the Oscars, after touring festivals around the world and receiving eleven international awards. A local story becomes universal through the portrayal of one of those people capable of threading sardines to "feed 300 people" per service. But it is not a foodie or a tourist documentary; not at all, the tone is human and deeply emotional. It all stems from an idea had by the writer, director and playwright Sergio Rubio, who was interested in putting the spotlight on something as quintessentially local as the espeto in Malaga. "It is the contrast between a symbol of the Costa del Sol and the humble person who makes it with all the hype of the hospitality industry that is generated around him," he explains. Zoom The short documentary, scripted by Paco Bernal, takes the viewer back to the beginnings of the craft, as evidenced by the title, the 'amoragaor': this was the person who tended the embers when grilling sardines by the beach. Over the years, the skewered sardines would jump from the sand to the boats that today dot Malaga's coastline, something Manolin knows well. When Adrian Ordonez met him, after months of searching from coast to coast, he knew instantly that he would be the protagonist of the short film. Manolin has always worked in the hospitality industry, but a few years ago he took over management of the espetos at Marina Playa, carrying on his brother's legacy. "He is a very reserved and polite man who, when he speaks, does so with a lot of emotion and affection," says Ordonez. "He is a very modest person and an incredible human being," adds Rubio. Humanity and authenticity Manolin is "just the opposite" of what you would expect to find when you think of an espetero from Malaga. You don't hear him shouting, nor does he stand out for his Andalusian wit. He is a man of few words and his stoic nature makes sense as the documentary progresses and we discover that behind his work there is a loss that he is trying to recover from. It is this humanity, and the sincerity he conveys, that viewers in Croatia, France and Colombia empathise with him, where El Amoragaor has won awards. "In the end we are human beings, and everyone has lost someone, everyone has had that feeling at some point." Filmed in natural light and at a leisurely pace, cinematographic language serves the documentary. Adrian Ordonez spent five months talking to and observing Manolin so that everything would flow when the clapperboard sounded. The skewer becomes the vehicle for expressing a universal pain, while at the same time showcasing the uniqueness of the craft The espeto becomes the vehicle for expressing a universal pain, but along the way the documentary shows the harshness and uniqueness of a profession that surprises and attracts locals and foreigners alike. First, it accompanies the fisherman Carmelo as he spends more than ten hours at sea fishing for Malaga sardines. And then in the beach bar, filming while people eat in the dining room and food orders pile up. "It was a tough shoot, but we've learned a lot. For people from Malaga, the beach is something we see every day and we have it right next to us, but we don't know what it means to work on the beach and everything we don't see," reflects Adrian Ordonez. The documentary, by the newly established production company Muy al Sur Films, is in the running for the top prize, competing with major names from Madrid and Barcelona. "We started out from a grant from Festival Malaga and another from Sabor a Malaga. But that's it. We do everything ourselves," Rubio confirms. And the collaboration works. Soon Adrian Ordonez and Sergio Rubio will premiere Inquilinos, a new short film about the housing crisis, starring Salva Reina, Joaquin Nunez, Carmen Sanchez and Melani Olivares. Perhaps by then they will already have a Goya. Europa Press Malaga Friday, 14 November 2025, 13:21 Share The Guardia Civil in Rincon de la Victoria on the eastern Costa del Sol have arrested a man suspected of stealing expensive jewellery from his partner. The investigation, part of 'Operation Jolisisis, began after the victim filed a complaint. The woman reported the disappearance of several pieces of jewellery of high sentimental value, worth around 15,000 euros. The investigation declared her partner main suspect. He had reportedly taken advantage of her trust to steal the items. As a result, he was arrested in Carboneras (Almeria province), where he lives. According to the police investigation, he sold several pieces at a shop authorised for the sale and purchase of gold and he got 7,000 euros in exchange for them. For over a decade, the butterfly park has been educating visitors over the importance of appreciating nature's beauty as well as its brevity SUR Friday, 14 November 2025, 16:29 Share Earlier this month, the Mariposario de Benalmadena changed its name to Monowa, inspired by the Japanese phrase Mono no aware. The concept calls for us to live in the moment and appreciate lifes fleeting beauty, a philosophy that the remodelled butterfly park aims to teach. Some of the attendees at Monowa's inauguration were Jose Antonio Lara, Mayor of Benalmadena; Salome Hidalgo, provincial councillor; Presi Agulilera, tourism councillor; and Pascal Mensels, the general director of Monowa, who hosted the event. For over a decade, the park has been a live entomological centre where beauty and science fuse to educate visitors about the natural world and its ephemeral qualities. In addition to raising environmental awareness, Monowa has collaborated with local families from Thailand, Costa Rica and regions in Africa, to support the preservation of natural habitats as well as the ethical breeding of protected species. In Monowa, the visitor can learn something new by reading the information cards provided about the butterflies, they can also discover breeding zones and attend temporary exhibits, all of which are easily accessible. Monowa's inauguration, attended by Benalmadena council members and presented by general director of the park, Pascal Mensels. Maria Gonzales Additionally, Monowa is more than just a conservation centre that butterflies inhabit. It also supports conservation projects around the world, such as collaborating with: Benalmadena town hall to protect the monarch butterfly and the Sociedad Entomologica de Andalucia to protect the Agrodiaetus violetae. Other projects include the preservation of the Papilio homerus species in Jamaica, and working with la Quinta de los Molinos to rehabilitate a butterfly park in La Habana. Financially supporting these initiatives is only possible due to the revenue the long-standing butterfly park in Benalmadena makes. Above all, the new and improved Monowa teaches us that life is short, beautiful and worthy of being protected. Matias Stuber Friday, 14 November 2025, 16:43 Share The massive traffic jams that quickly form in the event of a lorry breakdown on Malaga province's motorways could be avoided if the national road traffic authorities (DGT) had their own resources to remove the vehicle. However, as the congestion caused by lorry breakdowns on the Costa del Sol this past week have shown, the process of finding a breakdown truck with the means to remove the vehicle can take hours. The 40-tonne lorry that broke down on the A-7 motorway around 7pm on Wednesday was not removed until 10am on Thursday morning - after rush hour, which led to a long traffic jam that tested the patience of thousands of drivers. The protocol for such incidents requires that the Guardia Civil go to the scene and ensure traffic safety. Given the size of lorries, it is often necessary to close off a lane. On busy roads such as the A-7 along the Costa del Sol, congestion is almost guaranteed. Inmaculada Rodriguez spoke to SUR to explain the steps involved in removing a lorry. "The Guardia Civil play a coordinating role. We facilitate the companies that have large breakdown recovery vehicles. We can't do anything else," she said. It is a process that can take several hours. Moreover, according to several towing companies consulted by SUR, most long-haul companies do not have traffic assistance included in their insurance policies. This means that each removal has to be contracted individually. "They ask for a quote, we give it to them and it takes hours before they give us the green light," an experienced breakdown technician told the newspaper. Doubts and delays increase when it comes to foreign lorries. From past experience, breakdown companies know that the traceability of a foreign registration number is complicated and increases the risk of non-payment. "There are many times when we perform the service and are either not paid or get paid three years later. It is unfeasible. I don't provide the service if payment is not guaranteed," another driver said. Solutions Breakdown workers believe that one solution would be for the DGT to establish some kind of agreement with towing companies. "In the end, no matter how much you want to, the economic damage of keeping a motorway blocked is greater than the cost of removing the vehicle," they stated. Official government sources told SUR that the responsibility for removing lorries rests with the haulier, just as no public means are provided for a member of the public to tow their car in the event of a breakdown. Irene Quirante Malaga Friday, 14 November 2025, 17:31 Share A young man accused of killing of his adoptive mother and hiding her body down a drain in Teatinos, Malaga, will have to serve 27 years in prison for the crimes of murder, violent robbery in a dwelling and desecration of the corpse, with the aggravating factor of kinship. He was unanimously found guilty by a jury and, barely a week after the verdict, the provincial court of Malaga has passed sentence. According to the ruling, to which SUR has had access, the events happened on 25 May 2022, when the defendant, in the company of a minor who was also convicted of these crimes, went to the home of his 60-year-old mother and gained access to it "by breaking the lock". The jury, in its deliberation, considered it proven that what they were after was "to obtain a financial benefit". The victim, Angela, was surprised by the two young men, who forced her to give them her credit card pin number, using physical violence. They tied her hands and feet and gagged her, ending the woman's life, according to the ruling. She was killed by "forcefully" pulling on the rope around her neck. As stated in the ruling, the defendant was aware that his actions could cause her death, as well as of the circumstances in which Angela found herself. "The defencelessness suffered by the victim was absolute", the court concluded. After the crime, the two kept 900 euros that they found in her purse and put the body in a freezer in the house, where it remained for at least two days. Subsequently, "with absolute disrespect for the mortal remains of the victim, they proceeded to move her body to the storage room" of the house in a black bag, leaving it hidden in a trunk. A day or two later, they disposed of the body by dumping it in a manhole in Teatinos, a mere five minutes from Angela's home. The yongster was found by the National Police on 12 July, weeks after his family reported him missing. The jury unanimously considered it proven that the defendant's intellectual capacity was "valid" at the time of the incident, when he already had a slight mental retardation, according to the ruling. They also did not find any mitigating circumstance for being under the influence of alcohol or drugs, as the defendant explained occurred at the time of the murder. Heartbreaking for the family In addition to the 27-year prison sentence, the young man will have to compensate Angela's mother with 50,000 euros, her four siblings with 15,000 euros and the same amount to the victim's other son. Her violent death has caused a profound emotional, and human trauma for her family," the court stated. On the other hand, the Malaga provincial court has acquitted the two women who were accused of the crime of concealment, who are the minor's mother and her partner. In this sense, the ruling points out that this type of crime requires material collaboration and causal contribution, and therefore, "mere knowledge of the murder and the mere advice to dispose of the body do not satisfy the elements of the crime". Marina Martinez Friday, 14 November 2025, 11:29 Share Christmas is just around the corner and shops in Spain already have big displays of sweet festive treats such as turrones, mantecados... and even roscones de Reyes, normally eaten to celebrate the Three Kings in January. Seville recently hosted one of the first competitions of the year to find the best roscon in Andalucia as part of the annual Guadalcao congress, an event dedicated to chocolate that is now in its second year. And a bakery from Malaga has made it onto the podium as one of the best in the region. Sueno Pasteleria Francesa won bronze in the competition, with first place going to Sixto Serrano Granados (Pasteleria Sixto Serrano, Pinos Puentes-Granada) and second place to Antonio Aguilar Ruiz de Viana (Pasteleria El Brillante, Cordoba). The aim of the competition was to "promote cocoa and chocolate, through products made with this ingredient by professionals in the sector, who carry out their work in an artisanal way." The criteria that they judged the desserts on were aesthetics and presentation, the preparation and techniques used, originality, the prominence of chocolate/cocoa in the recipe, flavour, texture, innovation and creativity. Zoom Chocolate cake with which Sueno Pasteleria won third prize in the competition. One of the distinguishing features of Sueno Pasteleria Francesa's roscon is its shape and how it is made. It is made of a brioche type dough and its appearance isn't a typical roscon with the hole in the centre - but instead the shape can be described as dough balls joined together, "it is easier to eat, you don't have to cut it, although it is harder to prepare", explained Theo Sfez, the creator of everything that comes out of the oven in this bakery which has been slowly gaining popularity since it opened its doors three years ago in Nueva Malaga. Now with another production facility, they not only sell and serve in the shop, but they also distribute to other catering establishments. Limited edition Together with his personal and professional life partner, the young Swiss Leila Gonzalez, and a loyal team led by Carmelen Luque, this meticulous French pastry chef continues to focus on "quality over quantity". His menu represents this, as well as the roscon that got him the bronze medal, where he incorporated pieces of candied orange and chocolate chips, crunchy piping, milk chocolate ganache and orange zest to the brioche-like base. During the Christmas season, this roscon with chocolate will be a limited edition. "We don't want to stop following tradition or neglect the classics, the custard and cream ones," said Leila Gonzalez, emphasising the ingredients: "It's real cream, vanilla pod custard, and the dough has orange blossom water, lemon and orange zest." The countdown is on. And they assure us that people are already requesting it, although reservations will not be open until mid-December. ABU DHABI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- As autonomous driving technology is gradually entering the international market, Abu Dhabi has recently begun a trial run of autonomous taxi services on its Saadiyat Island. During the trial, a Xinhua correspondent boarded the autonomous vehicle to experience firsthand a pilot program jointly developed by the UAE-based AutoGo and China's autonomous ride-hailing company Apollo Go, which recently received Abu Dhabi's first commercial license for fully driverless operations. Once the doors closed, the car accelerated smoothly. Interior screens displayed a real-time navigation map, while the artificial intelligence (AI) system continuously analyzed road conditions, identifying speed limits, reading traffic signals and calculating distances with precision. The ride offered a notable sense of safety and calm. Throughout the journey, the vehicle demonstrated solid technical stability and reliability. It stopped gently at traffic lights, remained firmly within its designated lanes, and reached each pre-set waypoint with impressive punctuality -- all without any human intervention. The only audible sound was the soft hum of its electric motors. Fatmah AlHantoubi, head of transport service planning at Abu Dhabi's Integrated Transport Center, told Xinhua the trial marks an important step in assessing the readiness of autonomous vehicles in real-world conditions. "We are testing these vehicles in real environments with a focus on the highest safety standards," she said. "The technology can perceive its surroundings with an accuracy that in some cases exceeds human capability." According to AlHantoubi, these trials are part of a broader global trend. Apollo Go recently announced that its autonomous fleet has logged over 240 million km, operates in 22 cities, receives more than 250,000 weekly orders, and has completed over 17 million rides to date. This momentum, she said, underscores Abu Dhabi's strategic approach to future mobility that goes beyond technology deployment. Apollo Go earlier stated that its partnership with AutoGo aims to build the largest autonomous driving fleet in the emirate, supporting Abu Dhabi's goals of reducing emissions, improving mobility quality and advancing smart-city development. Abu Dhabi has become a key destination for many Chinese tech firms. Earlier this week, Didi Autonomous Driving, the self-driving unit of Chinese ride-hailing giant Didi, signed a strategic cooperation agreement with the Abu Dhabi Investment Office. Under the agreement, Didi Autonomous Driving will join Abu Dhabi's Smart and Autonomous Vehicle Industries cluster. The two sides will collaborate on autonomous driving technology innovation, AI talent development, and ecosystem building. SUR Malaga Friday, 14 November 2025, 12:56 Share The ONCE lottery ticket for this Saturday 15 November, will be dedicated to the 120th anniversary of the creation of the press association of Malaga (APM). The ONCE delegate in Andalucia, Ceuta and Melilla, Cristobal Martinez, the vice-president of the ONCE regional council, Leonor Basallote, and the director of the organisation in Malaga, Marcelo Rosado, presented the image of this coupon on Thursday to the president of the APM, Elena Blanco and members of her board of directors, at a breakfast held at the Hotel Ilunion Malaga. Five and a half million coupons bear the image of the Malaga skyline, with the logo of the APM and that of its 120th anniversary (1905-2005). "We would like to join in your celebration with a message of gratitude for your commitment and professionalism, for your constant search for the truth and for the rigour and respect with which you approach the reality of people with disabilities," said Cristobal Martinez. The ONCE delegate asked Malaga journalists and the media to be "more ambitious" and to become more involved in conveying to society an image "as real, normal and natural as possible of the group of people with disabilities". A greater commitment that, in his opinion, involves combating the stereotypes that hinder their full inclusion in society, avoiding discriminatory and stigmatising terminology, "which abounds in differences and marks distances". He called on them to make a greater effort of collective social responsibility in order to discover the true talents and talents that lie behind each one of them. "Put aside victimising approaches and focus on overcoming the real problems that affect people with disabilities as full citizens, because you are going to find real treasures, human stories that are of interest to your readers, listeners and viewers. Because they are situations of overcoming that are an example for everyone," he said. Social commitment The APM, through its president, Elena Blanco Castilla, thanked ONCE for this recognition: "We are aware that ONCE does not choose at random. Dedicating a coupon to the 120th anniversary of the APM helps to vindicate the role of journalism as an instrument of inclusion and social awareness and symbolises the work of generations of journalists who, from Malaga, have told the story of reality with honesty, sensitivity and social commitment". Blanco recalled that promoting more egalitarian and supportive societies is one of the main functions of journalism: "And we contribute to this when we give a voice to those who are not normally heard, allowing them to be the authors of their own story". In order to continue making progress, he considers it necessary to resume a news agenda in which social issues regain greater presence. The town hall has signed an agreement with the WTCF together with agencies and other Chinese tourism companies. Jose Carlos Garcia Marbella Friday, 14 November 2025, 13:10 Share Marbella town hall has boosted its international promotion with the signing of a strategic agreement with the World Tourism Cities Federation (WTCF), together with leading travel agencies, media and tourism companies in China. Mayor of Marbella Angeles Munoz explained that the aim of the protocol, signed on the last day of the WTCF continental conference, is to "strengthen cooperation, dissemination and our positioning in the main international markets, consolidating our image as a benchmark of excellence". Munoz pointed out that the initiative contemplates the creation of a coordinating body between the town hall and the federation, "with the aim of developing joint projects in strategic segments such as conferences and sports". "This line of collaboration will attract visitors with high purchasing power and promote tourism activity throughout the year, reducing seasonality and generating stable employment" "This line of collaboration will attract visitors with high purchasing power and promote tourism activity throughout the year, reducing seasonality and generating stable employment," said Munoz, who stressed that with this agreement "our town is consolidated as an active member of the WTCF". The mayor highlighted the "organisational and results success" of the WTCF continental conference, "an event that has projected the image of Marbella at a European level". Munoz also announced that the federation has already shown its interest in holding another international meeting in Marbella, "which confirms the positive impact of this collaboration". Booming tourism For the past two days Marbella has been the epicentre of the international dialogue between China and Europe with the WTCF continental conference. The opening of the event was attended by the Minister for Culture of the Chinese Embassy in Spain, He Yong, who pointed out that in 2024 the number of Chinese tourists visiting Spain soared by 60 per cent compared to the previous year, reaching 650,000 and noted that this dynamism "reflects the mutual desire to deepen the friendship and understanding between the two peoples". Yong praised Marbella "for its natural environment, high-end infrastructure and welcoming spirit". Leader of PP, Patricia Navarro in Manilva while collecting signatures. Cristina Vallejo Malaga Friday, 14 November 2025, 11:54 Share After launching the campaign in Mijas last week, Malaga's PP party have been collecting signatures in Manilva, demanding central government subsidise the AP-7 toll road to relieve traffic congestion on the coastal A-7 motorway. Party leader locally, Patricia Navarro, criticised unfair treatment, noting other provinces receive toll subsidies while Malaga has the country's most expensive toll road without government support. Europa Press Malaga Friday, 14 November 2025, 17:41 Share The Guardia Civil have arrested two men driving along the A-7 coastal road in the province of Malaga, in two operations that have led to the seizure of a significant quantity of drugs hidden inside the vehicles they were driving - a total of 54 kilos of marijuana and hashish. According to a statement issued by the Guardia Civil, the first arrest took place in Mijas, where officers intercepted a vehicle that raised suspicions. After identifying the driver, a 44-year-old man, the officers found a hidden bag in the car containing 20 tablets of hashish, weighing 2,031 grams. The individual was arrested on suspicion of a crime against public health. The second arrest took place in Manilva, where members of the force's rapid action group (GAR) stopped a car on the AP-7 motorway in the direction of Malaga. The driver, a 38-year-old man, was carrying 52 plastic wrappers, each containing approximately one kilo of marijuana buds, making a total of more than 50 kilograms. According to the Guardia Civil, both detainees, together with the seized drugs, have been handed over to the judicial authorities. Share November this year marks the 50th anniversary of the death of Franco, the caudillo who ruled Spain with a rod of iron from 1939, the end of the Civil War, until his death in 1975. There is another, much less epoch-making anniversary this year, as I calculate that I have now lived in Spain for a total of 50 years, having arrived for the first time in 1972. The first question a foreign resident here gets asked is usually: How long have you lived here?. Any answer of 10 years or more brings the response: You must have seen a lot of changes in that time! Indeed. When I arrived in Malaga to start my year abroad studying Spanish, the city was, rather bizarrely for the capital of a province, a somewhat run-down dormitory town for the burgeoning Costa del Sol resorts. It had an airport, but travellers bypassed the city on their way east to Nerja, or west to Torremolinos and Marbella. Now, the city of Malaga features in lists as one of the most desirable places on earth to visit or live, attracts high-tech investment, and is a major tourist destination in its own right. Millions of visitors come every year in search of sun, culture, gastronomy, a relaxed lifestyle and general joie de vivre, the famous Andalusian alegria. On that first occasion, I stayed one night in the city, in a cheap pension next to the bus terminal in Calle Cordoba (and made the mistake of having churros and hot chocolate for breakfast the next day, before taking the bus along the very windy mountain road to my final destination). I was heading to join the large student population in Granada, where anti-Franco left-wing students were sometimes rounded up and put in vans by los grises, the grey-uniformed police. Most of the female students lived in residences with curfews, but those of us who were foreign and studying Spanish enjoyed our freedom to the full. We had our first encounter with free tapas and dined on them every night, and frequented the discotheques in the caves of Sacromonte. We regularly drank too many toros in Natalios bar opposite the Arts Faculty, which we frequented rather less. It wasnt total freedom, though. One student incurred the wrath of her neighbours by clomping up the stairs to her apartment late at night, in her platform heels and, scandalously, not on her own! The grises were called in and escorted her to the airport, blacklisting her passport in case she tried to return. Two years later, in 1975, I was living in Cordoba, waiting for my Spanish boyfriend to finish his military service in the Cerro Muriano camp nearby. Spain under Franco was living in isolation from the rest of Europe - It would be more than 10 years before democratic Spain joined the EU, and the regimes tight control over the population meant that visitors were only allowed to stay for three months. The alternative was either a complicated bureaucratic procedure to obtain a permanencia permit for another three months, or leave the country for a brief spell and come back. Shops in the border towns in Portugal did quite well out of this stratagem. The media in Spain were state-run, and we were starved for reliable news. In Holy Week the only music on the radio and television was religious. The most progressive magazine, Triunfo, frequently had pages removed by the censors before it got to the kiosks. Sometimes it failed to turn up at all, in which case the vendor would report that it had been secuestrado (kidnapped). In November Franco was ill and hadnt been seen for weeks. Officialdom, and particularly the military, was very much on edge. I had an old British-registered Ford Anglia, the likes of which had never been seen in Cordoba. This caused a major alert one day when my boyfriend left it parked outside the barracks. It was all very dicey. On the morning of 20 November 1975 I turned on my transistor radio to hear the momentous and most solemnly pronounced words: Franco ha muerto. Franco has died. The family next door, who went into mourning, invited me round to watch the designated new Head of State, King Juan Carlos, address the nation, expressing his desire for harmony, unity, and progress. It quite soon became clear that this included steering the country towards democracy. Meanwhile Francos government was still in power and many, like my kindly neighbours, expected a continuation of the Generalisimos politics under the new monarchy. Others, including those in the nearby military camp, prepared for a possible return to civil war. But the week that Franco died, the shops in Cordoba sold out of cava. There are those who contend that no death should be a cause for celebration, and plenty still who laud what Franco did for Spain. If social media had existed at the time he died, the memes might well have been jokes about Franco inaugurating yet another reservoir, and his praises were sung in some quarters retrospectively, during the recent drought. The anti-Francoists though, including those I knew in Granada who were chased through the streets by the grises, and the Cordobeses who drank the shops dry of cava, are keen to mark the 50th anniversary of Francos death, and events have been organised under the slogan Espana en libertad (Spain in freedom). It may prudently be called a celebration of the anniversary of the start of the Transition, but it is 50 years since the death of a dictator. So yes, I have seen changes! Social, moral and legal attitudes have almost completely flipped since 1975, along with the politics. The Transition brought democracy to Spain, and the country can now proudly claim to be one of the most open and progressive societies anywhere, as well as one of the most prosperous. The more recent arrivals in Spain who speculate that it must have changed a lot in 50 years may have only vaguely heard about its recent history, or about Franco. Describing all the spectacular - unparalleled - differences between then and now would take longer than space permits. But yes, it has changed, and I am in awe of how far it has come. Share Two years after agreeing on a New Pact on Migration and Asylum, the EU has once again assured Spain that it is not on its own in dealing with migratory pressures. This week, the EU Commission said that Spain, Cyprus, Greece and Italy - four of the nations hardest-hit by illegal immigration - will be able to relocate a quota of new arrivals to other nations, or receive financial support from them, via a "solidarity pool" that is expected to be operational by the middle of next year. In principle, the idea seems fair and rational. Say you live in a tiny flat and earn just enough to get by. The rest of your street is made up of households of varying wealth and size - two bedrooms, three, four, all the way up to a ten-bed mansion. One day, fifty refugees arrive. It would be unfair and impractical for them all to crowd into your shoebox apartment, so a central committee divides them up according to house size and income level. Or forces wealthier households to give poorer homeowners money so they can buy bigger flats and take in more of the new arrivals. Problem solved. The reality, of course, is not so simple. Ironically, the main problem with the "solidarity pool" is that it assumes a level of solidarity within the bloc that simply doesn't exist, at least with regard to migration. Poland, Hungary, Slovakia and the Czech Republic have already stated that they will not comply with the scheme, either by welcoming asylum seekers or paying a 20,000-euro fine each time they deny someone entry. This is not just due to staunch anti-immigration stances (although in Poland and Hungary that is certainly a factor). According to the EU, Bulgaria, the Czech Republic, Poland, Estonia, Croatia and Austria have "significant" migratory problems and can therefore opt out of supporting other nations. Belgium, Germany, Ireland, France, Latvia, Lithuania, the Netherlands and Finland have been identified as at risk of migratory pressure, and may qualify for exemptions further down the line. In addition to the four nations that the EU says have "acute" migratory pressures (Spain, Cyprus, Italy and Greece), eighteen of the bloc's 27 members are or might soon be eligible to opt-out of offering support to the remaining countries. But they will be eligible for assistance from those nations. So it looks as if a third of the EU's members will end up shouldering the burden of a load that was supposed to be distributed evenly. To return to our imaginary street: say that several of the smallest and average-sized households have been granted exemptions on the basis of stretched domestic circumstances. Forty of the refugees have ended up in the mansion, while the remaining ten are split across just two houses. That doesn't seem fair either. Share As the years glide inexorably by, many of us find ourselves searching for ways to keep mind and body in tip-top condition or, at least, vaguely presentable. For some it's daily wordles and the gym, while for others cryptic crosswords (impossible) and kale smoothies (undrinkable) are the order of the day. My own efforts are rather more prosaic: hardly ever taking a lift or escalator and not writing down any lists. The first involves climbing stairs that often haven't seen any footfall since the late nineteen seventies, the second picturing daily chores/purchases by way of images my head. For Sherlock Holmes, this was known as his mind palace. For me it's more like a run-down one-bedroom bungalow just south of Doncaster but, you know, from small acorns, etc. The basic idea goes something like this: if you need to buy some chicken, beer and crisps (that's a purely random example you understand), instead of scrawling 'chicken, beer, crisps' on a tatty bit of paper, you picture Foghorn Leghorn knocking back a few cans of Cruzcampo and munching on a packet of Walker's cheese and onion. I must say for day-to-day tasks it works rather well, notwithstanding a rather disturbing image of my accountant sprawled in a dentist's chair chomping on a pork chop which I'd conjured up the other day to remind me of a couple of appointments I had and to get something in for dinner. Anyway, last week's trip to the UK was to be the first big test of my new-found talent. So, I closed my eyes and pictured my travel bag dangling from a fuse box (turn the electric off). On top were my passport, keys, wallet and a few euros. Inside, a small mannequin wearing all the clothes I'd need with a toothbrush sticking out of its mouth. This was a doddle. All those years, all those lists - what a waste of pen and paper. Halfway to the airport, pondering the many possibilities for future stage names - Mind Palace Micky, The Memorizer, etc. - a sudden, terrible thought occurred to me: hadn't I made a lovely cheese and ham sandwich for the trip and hadn't I left it in the fridge with the bottle of milk I'd just opened? Oh, for heaven's sake. For the next couple of hours, the only images inhabiting my mind palace concerned a random selection of creepy-crawlies enjoying a feast. Then I reasoned that fridges are air-tight by nature and any damage would surely be minimal. Surely? A week later upon my return, I scampered through to the kitchen, opened the fridge door very gingerly indeed and..... well, nothing. Not even a faint whiff of decay, let alone a crack team of cockroaches enjoying a spot of line-dancing. I'd got away with it - this time. I started to unpack and came across a pen and paper I'd taken with me on my trip for some reason. Maybe it's a sign. www.peteredgerton.com Europa Press Madrid Friday, 14 November 2025, 16:01 Share Spain's national securities market commission (CNMV) will fine Twitter (now known as X) five million euros for violation classified as very serious - failing to comply with its duties to cooperate in investigations regarding advertisements of 'chiringuitos financieros' (unauthorised financial operators). This was reported in the BOE official state gazette on Thursday. According to the CNMV, Twitter failed to properly respond to a request concerning adverts for the company Quantum AI. The disciplinary proceedings state that Twitter did not verify Quantum AI's authorisation by the CNMV to offer financial services. It also did not check whether it was on the list of entities warned for operating without a licence. This lack of verification occurred despite a formal request sent by the regulator on 8 November 2023, as part of its efforts to protect investors from potential fraud or financial scams spread on digital platforms. X has waived the right to bring an administrative appeal and the aforementioned sanctioning decision has become final. This is the seventh highest sanction imposed by the CNMV since there have been public records of its sanctioning resolutions. Opening of disciplinary proceedings The CNMV agreed to open a sanctioning file against Twitter at the end of 2024. The body stated that the executive committee had taken this decision on 13 December due to a very serious continuous violation linked to Quantum AI's paid advertisements published on the social platform in December 2023. The CNMV highlighted that, in the context of a "growing impact" of financial fraud, the media attention surrounding the suspected scam by unauthorised entities, coinciding with Quantum AI adverts on X, was significant. These 'chiringuitos financieros' reportedly used images of famous Spanish personalities to publish tweets simulating news claiming that one of these celebrities had earned high returns using an app created by one of these entities. Chronologically, at the end of November 2023, the CNMV warned about several Quantum AI websites using images of Antonio Resines and El Pais. Then-president of the CNMV Rodrigo Buenaventura said that they were investigating Twitter for allowing such advertising. The CNMV then issued a statement in mid-December 2023 in which it indicated that it would exercise "all the supervisory and sanctioning powers granted to it by current legislation, including liability for websites, media and social media that publish such adverts without verifying that the advertiser is licensed to offer investment services and is not listed as a financial scam or unauthorised entity". Quantum AI was explicitly mentioned as one of the companies that were committing this fraud. CNMV warnings about 'chiringuitos financieros' can be consulted on its website and investors can direct inquiries to the investor helpline at 900 535 015 or via the consultation form. In addition, the CNMV website offers a search engine for entities that have been warned and a guide with tips for investors on how to avoid 'chiringuitos financieros'. J. M. L. Toledo Friday, 14 November 2025, 16:40 | Updated 16:47h. Share The nature protection service of the Guardia Civil (Seprona) have arrested the security guard of a farm in Toledo for a crime against protected and endangered species. The man is accused of shooting a Spanish imperial eagle (Aquila adalberti) - one of the most endangered species in Spain. The investigations began in February, following the discovery of the body of an eagle on a farm in the La Mancha area of Toledo, which forms part of the network of protected areas of Castilla-La Mancha as an area of special ecological relevance for the dispersal of fauna. This network is part of Natura 200, which requires special measures for the conservation and recovery of endangered species. After several months of investigation, Seprona officials managed to identify the perpetrator as the security guard of a farm, who was carrying out surveillance work in a hunting reserve. The detainee now faces a prison sentence of up to two years, as well as disqualification from exercising his profession, hunting or fishing and deprivation of the right to possess and carry weapons for a period of up to four years. The Spanish imperial eagle is included both in the Spanish and the regional catalogues of threatened species of Castilla-La Mancha. This species has been declared "in danger of extinction" due to its scarce population and the high risk of its disappearance in the short or medium term. Edurne Martinez Madrid Friday, 14 November 2025, 11:44 Share Spanish public railway operator Renfe will once again be obliged to compensate passengers for 15-minute delays on high-speed trains (AVE), despite having modified its punctuality criteria in July 2024. This is one of the six amendments in the government's sustainable transport law that were approved in Congreso, the lower house of parliament, on Thursday. The ministry of transport is opposed to this reversion, which was proposed by the PP opposition group. On 1 July 2024, Renfe modified its punctuality agreements. From that moment onwards, the railway operator was to refund 100% of AVE, Avlo and Alvia tickets for delays of more than 90 minutes, instead of the 30 minutes established until that moment. In addition, passengers were to be refunded 50% of their ticket in the event of delays of more than 60 minutes, instead of the previous 15 minutes. However, the new amendment obliges the operator to refund 50% of the ticket for AVE journeys that start 15 minutes later than scheduled and the full amount for 30-minute delays. Ministry of Transport is looking for a legal loophole The PP obtained the backing of Vox, ERC, Junts and Podemos. The approved text indicates that these compensations will come into force "from 1 January 2026". However, the Ministry of Transport (headed by the PSOE party) has opposed the amendment, as it implies that the public company will have to compete with private rivals Iryo and Ouigo that are not affected by the amendment. According to Renfe sources, the ministry is looking for a legal loophole to defend its stance and "continue applying the current refund" policy. Minister Oscar Puente's department believes that Renfe will be at a disadvantage if the amendment comes into force, which would only punish public workers. MOSCOW/KIEV, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian air defense forces shot down 216 Ukrainian drones overnight, the Russian Defense Ministry said Friday. According to the ministry, 66 drones were intercepted over southern Russia's Krasnodar region and 59 over the Black Sea. Krasnodar's regional operational headquarters said three people were injured in the port city of Novorossiysk by the attack, which also sparked a fire at an oil depot. Novorossiysk has declared a state of emergency following the attack, said Mayor Andrey Kravchenko. Meanwhile, at least four people were killed and 27 others were injured in Russian drone and missile attack on Kiev overnight on Friday, Tymur Tkachenko, head of the Kiev City Military Administration, reported. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said on X that Russia used about 430 drones and 18 missiles in the strike on Ukraine. Syracuse, N.Y. An Upstate University Hospital worker who was detained by ICE on Tuesday is being held at a federal detention center, according to the workers union. The man detained has now been identified by his union as Mohammed Fofana, of Syracuse. Fofana, who is 22 or 23 years old, is being held at a federal immigration detention center in Batavia, Ali Cottrell, the president of CSEA Local 615, said Thursday. Fofanas originally from Guinea, a coastal nation in West Africa wracked by ethnic conflicts, corruption, abuses by the military and police and poverty. He came to the United States seeking asylum, Cottrell said. Fofanas family, who live in the Syracuse area, said Fofana was able to contact them to let them know where he was being held and that hes doing okay, Cottrell said. Fofana was taken into custody Tuesday while walking in Syracuses Hawley-Green neighborhood, where he lives, Cottrell said. The union is providing support and resources to his family while advocating on his behalf, he said. Fofana had completed two weeks of training in Upstates Environmental Services Department as a cleaner and was scheduled to officially start his job this week, according to Cottrell. Cottrell said the union is still confirming additional details about Fofana, such as how long he has lived in the United States and his status here. The union is also in contact with local and federal lawmakers. In late October, two other Upstate hospital employees were detained by ICE after attending immigration hearings, raising concerns among hospital staff and the union. Gov. Kathy Hochuls office said it was aware of Fofanas case but did not answer questions about what the governor is doing about Fofanas detention. Syracuse, NY Crouse Hospital is planning to start construction in the next year on an updated neonatal intensive care unit, one of several improvements paid for by a $113.6 million state grant announced Friday. Crouse is known as the regions busiest hospital for baby deliveries. Its neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) has 57 bassinets for premature and critically ill infants from a 14-county region spanning Central New York and the North Country. The money will help expand the NICUs capacity, but it was unclear Friday by how much. Other improvements paid for by the state grant will be an expansion of outpatient services and an enhanced cardiac catheterization lab. State health commissioner Dr. James McDonald toured Crouse as part of Fridays announcement. As a pediatrician, I know what a modern NICU means for families in their most vulnerable moments, he said in a news release. The states investment is part of $2.6 billion set aside by the state legislature to help so-called safety net hospitals those with at least 30% of patients who qualify for financial assistance. The grant program requires hospitals like Crouse to partner with larger health organizations. In this case, Northwell Health Downstates largest health care system agreed to collaborate with Crouse on its projects. Northwell and Crouse previously had a clinical affiliation. While that doesnt exist anymore, the two have continued to work together, a hospital spokeswoman said. Construction at Crouse is expected to start in the next 12 months, hospital CEO Dr. Seth Kronenberg told syracuse.com. Syracuse, N.Y. The leader of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse this week joined other bishops to issue a rare special message that condemns the Trump administrations deportation campaign. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, meeting in Baltimore, said in the message that they oppose the indiscriminate mass deportation of people. We are disturbed when we see among our people a climate of fear and anxiety around questions of profiling and immigration enforcement, the message said. We are saddened by the state of contemporary debate and the vilification of immigrants. We are concerned about the conditions in detention centers and the lack of access to pastoral care. Its the first time in 12 years the bishops issued a special pastoral message. Syracuse Catholic Bishop Douglas Lucia was one of 216 bishops to vote for the message. Five bishops voted against the message and 3 bishops abstained, according to the bishops conference. The message said the bishops lament that some immigrants in the United States have arbitrarily lost their legal status. We are troubled by threats against the sanctity of houses of worship and the special nature of hospitals and schools, the bishops said. We are grieved when we meet parents who fear being detained when taking their children to school and when we try to console family members who have already been separated from their loved ones. Lucia, in his own statement Thursday to the Syracuse dioceses nearly 200,000 members, urged the faithful to help immigrants and not to forget that both the documented and undocumented members of our communities are made in the image and likeness of God. Let us assist them with our prayers and works, just like other immigrants and aliens who came to a new world seeking a better life, and especially one where they could live out their faith in God, he said. The statement from Lucia, as well as similar messages issued by state and national church leaders, add up to an attempt to push back on President Donald Trumps promised mass deportation campaign that has proven unpopular. The statements also arrive as Pope Leo XIV has pushed church leaders to strongly support immigrants. Dozens of people in Central New York have been swept up in the presidents deportation efforts, including Chinese restaurant owners, workers at a Cayuga County factory and janitors at Upstate University Hospital. This week, federal immigration agents tried to grab a man in the citys Hawley-Green neighborhood. They were thwarted by friends, family and strangers who rallied to the area. Lucia acknowledged in his message that some might see church leaders as playing politics. This could not be further from the truth! he said. The present world situation is calling all men and women of goodwill but especially those who claim to be believers to remember the gospel message of Jesus Christ and to use it as ones guiding light in dealing with the situations confronting our society." Lucia also signed a statement issued by the Catholic bishops in New York State titled For You Too Were Once Aliens. Those immigrants or refugees who commit crimes should face the appropriate criminal and civil penalties, including deportation, the statement said, in part. At the same time, general enforcement of the immigration laws must be carried out in a humane manner that does not target the hard-working and law-abiding; that does not permit the wanton and unnecessary separation of families; and that does not rely on campaigns of fear that cripple whole communities. The New York bishops encouraged Catholics to sign the Cabrini Pledge, named for Mother Cabrini, the patron saint of immigrants. The pledge asks, in part, to affirm, in word and deed, the inherent dignity of every person, regardless of immigration status or country of origin, seeing each as a child of God before all else. Syracuse, N.Y. Democratic members of the Onondaga County Legislature on Thursday decided to back newcomer Nicole Watts as the next chair of the legislature. Watts, 43, will become a new member of the legislature in January after winning a three-way race in the 9th District representing Syracuses North Side. Democrats, who will take control of the legislature in January with a 10-7 majority, picked Watts late Thursday night during a contentious caucus in which several members sought the position of chair. Watts selection wont be final until the full legislature votes at its first 2026 session on Jan. 2, after the new members are sworn in. But as long as Democrats remain unified in supporting her, Watts will be a shoo-in. The Democrats also chose their current minority leader, Legislator Nodesia Hernandez, 50, of Syracuse, to be the majority leader. Watts would be the first Democrat to chair the county legislature since Mike Bragman in the late 1970s. She would also be the first female chair. Hernandez will be the first woman of color in the role of majority leader. Its unusual for an incoming freshman to be elected chair, but it has happened before. In 2012, new Legislator Ryan McMahon now the county executive took over as chair in a legislature that was 13-4 Republican. Watts, an enrolled Democrat, won an unusual three-way race in November, running as the Working Families Party candidate in an election that had no candidate on the Democratic ballot line. Incumbent Legislator Palmer Harvey, a Democrat, withdrew from the race and a court ruled that Democrats could not field another candidate. Watts won the seat with 56% of the vote. She is the founder and CEO of Hopeprint, a grassroots organization based on the North Side that aims to address disinvestment and poverty by coaching and assisting local residents with sustainable developments. Recent examples include a community garden and a pop-up food market. She has served on the steering committee of Northside Urban Partnership and previously chaired the Refugee Alliance of Greater Syracuse and the Community Integration Coalition Committee. Born in Northern Virginia, Watts came to Central New York in 2004 for an internship with Eastern Hills Bible Church. Hopeprint was founded in 2010. Democrats pulled off a stunning victory on Election Day, winning five new seats on the county legislature and boosting their position from a 5-12 minority to a 10-7 majority. Typically, when the majority party nominates a chairperson, theres no doubt that pick will survive a vote by the full legislature. In 2022, however, six Democrats joined three Republicans to elect a Republican chair who was not the choice of the GOP majority. Democratic lawmakers today pledged to unite behind Watts, according their news release. Watts told her fellow legislators that her priorities as chairwoman would be to pursue responsible economic development' that reduces poverty and benefits communities that have long been neglected. We live in a space that has some pretty horrific statistics around poverty. I believe we can do something about that, and that the county is staged to really meaningfully address those things,' she said in an interview Friday. At the Democrats caucus Thursday night, several more seasoned legislators sought to be nominated as chair, including Maurice Mo Brown, Charles Garland and Dan Romeo. Watts won a majority of votes. I congratulate Nicole Watts on being chosen chair and Legislator Hernandez majority leader,' Garland said Friday morning. I appreciate the opportunity I was given to put my hat in the race for chair." I have great faith that Nicole is the leader we need at the legislature,' Romeo said. Besides presiding over legislature sessions, the chair appoints members of the county industrial development agency. Thats a key body during a time of economic growth as Micron Technology prepares to develop chip fabs in Clay. The current legislature chair, Tim Burtis, R-Brewerton, will remain in the post through the end of this year. The chairs job pays $72,486 per year. Floor leaders are paid $49,149. Legislators earn $39,794. Correction: An early version of this story incorrectly said Nodesia Hernandez would be the first female majority leader. Kathy Rapp was majority leader in 2008-2009. Staff writer Tim Knauss can be reached at:email|Twitter| 315-470-3023. Seventeen Air Force members who are transgender are suing after the federal government revoked their pensions and benefits. The members, who served 15 to 18 years in the Air Force, were forced to retire early under the ban on transgender troops implemented by President Donald Trumps administration, according to Fox News. Their lawsuit is seeking retirement benefits they had previously been promised. The suit, filed Monday, comes after the Air Force said in August it would not allow transgender service members with 15 to 18 years of service to retire early and apply for benefits, Fox News said. That was a reversal of an earlier decision The members affected by the new policy face a loss of $2 million in benefits in addition to losing health insurance, according to The Associated Press. Michael Haley, a staff attorney with GLAD Law, an advocacy group helping to bring the suit, said the revocation of the early retirement benefits was part of the general cruelty in attacking transgender people, according to AP. He also noted that many of the plaintiffs had received orders allowing their retirements and that some had even begun the process of getting out of the military. Logan Ireland, a master sergeant in the Air Force with 15 years of service that includes a deployment to Afghanistan, joined the lawsuit after having his early retirement denied. He told AP that the military taught me to lead and fight, not retreat. It felt like a betrayal. Ive given my life to the Air Force, Ireland said, according to CBS News. The Air Force has shaped me and made me who I am. It allowed me to be my authentic self. The Pentagon did not immediately respond to a request for comment, AP said. Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth have targeted transgender service members as part of their efforts to eliminate diversity, equity and inclusion policies in the military, according to Fox News. The Supreme Court is currently hearing a challenge to the administrations ban on transgender people in the military, according to CBS. But Ireland told CBS he doesnt expect a decision in that case until October or November of next year. Editors note: This article updated with a response from Flock Safety on Friday evening. Syracuse, N.Y. Two Syracuse common councilors are looking to shut down the citys more than two dozen license plate readers. Common Councilor Jimmy Monto told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard that he does not trust the data-sharing track record of Flock Safety, the company contracted for the cameras. The city signed the $250,000 contract for the 26 license plate reading cameras in October 2023, despite pushback from critics. The critics were concerned police or others could use the data to track people improperly and the network would focus on neighborhoods where people of color live. Monto said Friday that the city needs to be very cautious about using technology to track people when that data can be abused. Monto and Common Councilor Corey Williams sent a letter to the city clerk Friday calling for legislation to be prepared to revoke the city ordinance approving the use of Flock cameras. They requested the proposal be considered at a Common Council meeting on Nov. 24. This proposal comes as municipalities across the country are reconsidering contracts with Flock over concerns of data-sharing. Were living in a time right now where vans full of agents are pulling up to snatch business owners, Monto said. Were also living in a time where a woman can be seen as a criminal for seeking healthcare. Monto said in the letter it is necessary to stop using the cameras because Flock has been collecting personal data that possibly violates the privacy of members of the public. The company may also be inappropriately sharing the information, the letter said. Flock denied it is doing anything inappropriate with the data collected. Each customer that uses Flock technology fully owns and controls 100% of the data collected from their cameras, said Paris Lewbel, a spokesperson for the Atlanta-based company. Customers not Flock decide if, when, and with whom to share information and they can modify or revoke sharing access at any time, he said. All data is automatically deleted by default after 30 days unless local laws or policies dictate otherwise, Lewbel said. Lewbel added Flock does not presently have any contractual relationship with ICE or any Department of Homeland Security agency. Originally, Syracuses data from the license plate readers had been available for at least a year in a national database accessible to immigration officials, Syracuse police spokesperson Kieran Coffey told Syracuse.com. An agency could input a specific license plate number and the system would show all cities the license plate was captured in, including Syracuse, Coffey said. Over the summer, the department opted out of being included in the database, Coffey said. Now, if other agencies want access to the citys data, they have to submit a written request, he said. To the best of his knowledge, the department has not received any written requests, Coffey said. He said that between June 2024 and June 2025, Syracuse showed up in just under 4.4 million searches in the database. He said fewer than 500 of the searches were specifically targeting Syracuses data. The other searches included data from over 3,000 other municipalities. Syracuses data was included in 2,097 immigration related searches, he said. That could mean license plates subject to these searches passed through Syracuse. Monto said that even though the city has since opted out of the database, he is concerned by Flocks practices and cites a specific line in the citys contract with the company. According to the contract, Flock can give the footage to third parties, including law enforcement and government agencies, if required by law or if there is a good faith belief disclosing the data would be necessary to comply with a legal process. Monto said he would be willing to approve a contract with another company that can provide license plate readers if it does not include that language in the agreement. Syracuse Police Chief Joseph Cecile said in a statement that the police department will review the legislation and be prepared to share information and consult with members of the Council regarding the proposal. Monto said he wants Syracuse police to have every tool possible to do their job, but he does not want to sacrifice the public good. He said he is not open to any conversation that includes maintaining a contract with Flock. Councilor Chol Majok, who chairs the Public Safety Committee overseeing the police department, said he needs to do more research before deciding if hell support his colleagues proposal. He noted that the city has a legal contract thats paying Flock for the services. That deal needs to be analyzed, he said. Majok also cautioned that examples of misuse in other cities does not mean theres a danger of it happening in Syracuse. City officials in Redmond, Washington, this month turned off their Flock camera system after learning the U.S. Border Patrol improperly accessed a nearby citys system in October, according to My Northwest. Cities in Oregon, Michigan and Wisconsin have also rejected or ended contracts with Flock. In August, the ACLU published an article warning that Flock data is being used to aid ICE agents and to track women who had an illegal abortion. Monto said that as we see immigration agencies increasing their efforts and working as bad actors, the city has to ensure they are not aiding them. He said if there is even a minute chance that Flock could distribute the citys data to these bad actors, they need to go. Staff writer Jeremy Boyer contributed to this report. ONONDAGA HILL, NY One day, while standing in his driveway, Chris Dembs watched a car pull up in front of his four-bedroom home at 4477 Cole Road on Onondaga Hill. You did a great job restoring that old house, the driver said. But I do not remember a house being there before. Laughing, Dembs joked that the stranger had paid me the best compliment. His house looks like a New England Greek Revival farmhouse from the 1850s but, in reality, has just entered its teenage years following its construction in 2012. Dembs says he has always been attracted to this style of house. He and his wife, Marcy, lived in an 1825 Greek Revival in Watertown, NY before moving to the Syracuse area. The story of their Onondaga Hill house began in a dentists office. He spotted an advertisement in Life magazine for Connor Historic and Consulting LLC in Vermont. The company specializes in creating replicas of vintage styles of houses. They have been featured on This Old House and have done work for musician Daryl Hall and actor Donald Sutherland. Dembs was intrigued by their ad. We always kept them in the back of our minds, he said. 39 1 / 39 Onondaga Hill home replicates 19th century New England farmhouse In 2011, the couple purchased 6.7 acres of property on Onondaga Hill, about 15-20 minutes from downtown Syracuse. It had some incredible views and sunsets, he said. He visited the company headquarters with his contractor and was blown away by Connors quality. Chris and Marcy chose the style of home they wanted and asked for a few modifications, including a wider and grander foyer and a half bathroom off a study. Connor liked their version of the foyer so much it became their standard for this homes style. The house was delivered in pieces to Onondaga Hill. Like a big LEGO kit. It looks like it was there was 100 years, Dembs said. There is not a room we would want to change. That is a compliment to the house. The beauty of the construction is that it is an architecturally correct vintage-style home without any of the expensive and time-consuming maintenance of a historic house. It has modern plumbing, wiring, and insulation which are joined with classic touches like wide pine plank hardwood floors, a woodburning fireplace, transoms over doors, and beautiful trim work. Guests arrive at the welcoming foyer which features two closets and built-in seating. The main living room gets abundant sunlight. The couple use the fireplace often during the chilly weather. It can be converted to gas. The room has custom bookshelves and access to the covered front porch. The formal dining room opens directly to a pergola in a fenced-in area of the backyard for convenient outdoor dining. The china cabinet found in the dining room was the first antique they found to decorate their new house. It is quite easy to decorate, Dembs said. Keeping things period correct was always in the back of our minds. The eat-in kitchen has stainless appliances, abundant cabinetry, and a gorgeous maple and black granite center island. The checkerboard floor was done by Chris and Marcy themselves. They hand-painted the black squares individually. The main floor has a study or TV room behind a pocket door, a half bathroom, and a convenient mudroom off the attached two-car garage. The mudroom has tiled floors, a Dutch door, and a laundry hookup. The Dembs, though, use the laundry setup in the basement. There are four spacious bedrooms and two full bathrooms on the second floor. The primary suite has a new walk-in glass shower. All the bedrooms have their own closet. Outside, the property is described as a nature lovers paradise. Dembs loved to take his dog for hikes through the wooded walking trails. There are raspberry bushes, a creek, and panoramic views of the surrounding hills. Adirondack chairs surround a fire pit by the front porch looking west. There is storage space above the deep garage. A handy shed holds snow and lawn equipment. After 13 years, the couple is selling their replica historic farmhouse. They were so impressed by the work of the Connor company that they purchased another just across the Canadian border near the Thousand Islands. That one, which replicates a 1770s New England Cape, will be their new home. For more information about this property, please contact Realtor Suzanne DeMartino of Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty. Her contact info is below. THE DETAILS Address: 4477 Cole Road, Syracuse, NY 13215 Price: $559,000 Size: 2,342 square feet Acreage: 6.70 acres Monthly Mortgage: $2,745 (based on the national average rate of 6.22%, according to Freddie Mac on November 6, for a 30-year fixed-rate mortgage with a 20% down payment. Fees and points not included.) Taxes: $15,705 (Based on assessed value of $362,300) Built: 2012 School District: Onondaga Kitchen: Chris and Marcy Dembs eat-in kitchen features stainless appliances, abundant cabinetry, and a beautiful maple and black granite center island. They enjoy meals on the island or at a long table set by the windows. There is a pantry. The kitchen is great for everyday meals and for entertaining guests. The checkerboard pattern on the wide plank pine floors was hand-painted by the sellers. Living areas: This replica of a New England Greek Revival farmhouse was built in 2012 by a company in Vermont who specialized in recreating vintage style homes. It has 2,342 square feet of living space. It has modern touches like updated insulation, wiring and plumbing without the headaches found in older homes. It features beautiful trim work, door transoms, and hardwood flooring. Guests arrive at either the convenient mudroom through the attached two-car garage or at the front foyer. The mudroom is tiled and has a laundry hookup. The foyer has built-in seating and two closets. The living room gets a lot of sunlight. The couple loves using the wood-burning fireplace during the wintry weather. There are custom bookshelves and access to the covered front porch from this room. The formal dining room goes out to the pergola in the fenced-in part of the backyard. There is a study/TV room through a pocket door. The sellers use the laundry in the basement. Air conditioning has recently been installed. Bedrooms: There are four spacious bedrooms on the second floor. Each has a closet. The primary has a private bathroom which has a new walk-in glass shower. Bathrooms: There are two full bathrooms on the second floor and a half bath off the first-floor study. Outdoors: Described as a nature lovers paradise, this property has 6.7 acres of land to explore. Located on Onondaga Hill, it offers beautiful panoramic views, gorgeous sunsets, raspberries to pick, wooded hiking trails, a creek, and birds to watch. Dembs used to love taking his dog for hikes. They set up Adirondack chairs around a fire pit looking west towards Skaneateles. The pergola and patio are fenced-in for dogs and children to use. The attached garage can hold two cars, possibly three. There is storage space above it. A handy shed holds snow and lawn equipment. The property is about 15-20 minutes from downtown Syracuse. Agent: Suzanne DeMartino, Licensed Associate Real Estate Broker Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices CNY Realty Address: 5099 West Genesee Street, Camillus, NY 13031 Phone: (315) 427-4580 Email: suzannedemartino@gmail.com Website: Suzanne DeMartino If you know of a beautiful or interesting house currently up for sale, please consider sending a nomination for it to be featured as a future House of the Week. Send an email with the listing to home@syracuse.com. A dog shot a man in an accident at a Pennsylvania home, according to multiple reports. The incident occurred Tuesday at the unnamed mans home in Shillington, Berks County, ABC reports. The Shillington Police Department responded to a residence around 11:13 p.m. after receiving reports of a shooting. Police said they found a 53-year-old man with a gunshot wound to his back. NBC said he was on the floor but conscious. The man reportedly told police he was cleaning a shotgun when he put the weapon down on his bed. When he sat down on the bed, the dog jumped onto it, causing the gun to discharge, striking the man in the lower back. He was rushed to the hospital and underwent surgery for his injuries, according to ABC. Police said the victim and his son were the only people at the residence at the time of the shooting. The mans son and two other dogs were not in the same room when the firearm accident occurred, officials said. Additional details, including the mans identity and the type of dog involved, were not disclosed. JERUSALEM, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel said Friday it recovered the body of a deceased hostage identified as Meny Godard held by militants in the Gaza Strip. After completing the identification process, officials notified the family of Godard that his remains had been returned for burial, the Israel Defense Forces said in a statement. According to the Prime Minister's Office, Godard's body was handed over to the Red Cross in Gaza on Thursday night and later transferred to Israel, where forensic experts confirmed his identity. Godard, 73, and his wife were killed outside their home in Kibbutz Be'eri during the Hamas-led attack on southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. His body was taken to Gaza. OpenAI has begun the official piloting of its new ChatGPT Group Chats in Asia-Pacific, a big step into collaborative AI experiences. These group chats allow users to invite ChatGPT into real-time conversations with friends, family, classmates, or colleagues, unlike other messaging apps. The result is a shared space in which human discussion meets AI-powered planning, brainstorming, and problem-solving. Smarter Way to Collaborate With Friends and Colleagues With this new feature, ChatGPT becomes an active participant in a group conversation. Regardless of whether you're planning a holiday itinerary, choosing where to eat, or mapping out a renovation project, the AI offers suggestions, ideas, and clarifications in real time. It also supports school and workplace collaboration. Students can upload notes and articles, and ChatGPT will outline reports or summarize complex topics. Colleagues can use it to organize meetings, draft proposals, or refine creative concepts as a team. The feature gives users a common virtual workplace and makes everyday decision-making easier, more organized, and more entertaining. How to Create an OpenAI Group Chat Creating a ChatGPT group chat is straightforward: just tap the people icon in the upper right of any new or existing conversation. If you launch the feature from an existing chat, ChatGPT automatically starts a new conversation without the previous history. You can either manually add participants or share an invite link with up to 20 users, according to Engadget. It's important to note that this feature is only limited to users from Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, and New Zealand at the moment. Each user has to make a simple profile with their name and username. A photo is also required. Anyone can distribute the invitations if they have the link, and yet the creator of the group remains unique and can never be removed. At any moment, a member can mute or remove another one, making it very flexible and controlled by the users. The system automatically restricts sensitive content for everyone if just one participant is under 18 years old. Powered by GPT-5.1 Auto for Dynamic Conversations Under the hood, group chat responses are controlled by GPT-5.1 Auto, which intelligently selects the most appropriate model depending on the prompt. OpenAI trained ChatGPT to understand the natural flow of multi-person conversations-knowing when to speak, when to stay quiet, and how to stay relevant. Users can also tag the AI directly by mentioning "ChatGPT" whenever they want targeted input. OpenAI confirmed that it's actively refining the feature based on early user feedback, saying that it'll expand globally once testing is complete. In other news, Toei and Square Enix accused OpenAI of copyright infringement over their training data in the newest Sora 2. Verizon announced plans to cut at least 15,000 jobs and convert 180 company-owned stores into franchises, marking the largest downsizing in the telecom giant's history. The move comes as the company faces mounting competition from rivals like AT&T, T-Mobile, and cable providers such as Comcast and Charter. According to sources cited by Reuters, the Wall Street Journal, and Bloomberg, the layoffs could begin as soon as next week, affecting roughly 15% of Verizon's U.S. workforce. Converting stores into franchises will remove additional employees from the company's payroll, potentially raising total job cuts to 20,000. Non-union management positions are expected to decline by over 20%. Verizon CEO Dan Schulman, who joined the company in October after leading PayPal, said last month, "We will be a simpler, leaner and scrappier business." He emphasized the need for "cost transformation" and restructuring the company's expense base to remain competitive in a crowded market. The wireless carrier has struggled to attract new subscribers, adding just 44,000 monthly bill-paying wireless customers in the third quarter. By contrast, T-Mobile gained more than 1 million new subscribers. Cable operators bundling mobile plans with internet service have intensified the pressure, forcing Verizon to rethink its strategy. Verizon cuts 15,000 jobs! Its all about reducing cost because they lost a chunky amount of customers. Might this be the first of many? After all who will buy products when they are laid off the debt levels are already unhealthy. The vicious cycle begins. I dont do pic.twitter.com/ysnNQKsNBx Amanda Goodall (@thejobchick) November 13, 2025 Verizon Workforce Falls to 100K After Layoffs Analysts noted that Verizon's high prices have slowed growth. "Our financial growth has relied too heavily on price increases. A strategy that depends on price without subscriber growth is not sustainable," Schulman said. Verizon has already undergone several rounds of layoffs over the past few years. At the end of 2024, the company employed about 100,000 people in the US, down nearly 20,000 from previous years, USA Today reported. Past reductions included voluntary exit programs and a $2 billion charge related to workforce cuts. Industry experts say the company's efforts aim to free up funds to retain customers, including subsidizing expensive handsets. Craig Moffett, senior analyst at MoffettNathanson, remarked, "The obvious question was how Verizon planned to pay for that. Now we know. What we don't know is whether these cost reductions will offset the higher costs of retaining customers." Verizon's stock rose about 1.5% following the announcement, despite shares lagging the broader market over the past three years. The company has invested heavily in its network, including $52 billion for midband 5G spectrum in 2021 and $20 billion to acquire Frontier Communications. Originally published on vcpost.com Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, meets with Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Nov. 13, 2025. Liu was on a visit to Sierra Leone from Wednesday to Friday at the West African nation's invitation. (Xinhua/Gao Jianfei) FREETOWN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- China is ready to work with Sierra Leone to implement the important consensus reached by their heads of state, consolidate friendship and mutual trust, and enhance mutual support, Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong has said. Liu, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks during a visit to Sierra Leone from Wednesday to Friday at the West African nation's invitation. During his visit, Liu met with Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh, and the two sides held in-depth discussions on China-Sierra Leone relations and practical cooperation. Conveying cordial greetings from Chinese President Xi Jinping to Sierra Leonean President Julius Maada Bio, Liu noted that Xi and Bio held two meetings last year, providing clear guidance for the development of bilateral relations. He emphasized that China is ready to work with Sierra Leone to implement the important consensus reached by the two heads of state, consolidate friendship and mutual trust, and enhance mutual support. Liu called on both sides to leverage China's zero-tariff policy, announced by Xi, to improve the quality and efficiency of cooperation across various fields, particularly in agriculture and fisheries. Marking this year as the 10th anniversary of China's support in successfully combating the Ebola epidemic in Africa, Liu said the two countries should continue to deepen collaboration in the health sector for the benefit of their people. He added that, as developing countries, China and Sierra Leone should coordinate closely on international affairs, actively implement the Global Governance Initiative, and jointly uphold international fairness and justice. Jalloh conveyed Bio's sincere regards to Xi and warmly welcomed the visiting delegation. He said that since the establishment of the Sierra Leone-China diplomatic relations, political mutual trust between the two countries has continued to deepen and bilateral cooperation has achieved remarkable results. Expressing gratitude for China's selfless assistance during the Ebola epidemic, Jalloh said Sierra Leone will steadfastly uphold the one-China principle, deepen cooperation with China in jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative, and advance the implementation of the 10 partnership actions, announced at the 2024 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation, to yield new and fruitful outcomes. During the visit, Liu and Jalloh also jointly attended the 10th-anniversary commemorations of the China-Sierra Leone collaboration in successfully combating Ebola, the inauguration of a Chinese-aided fishing port, and a photo exhibition on China-Sierra Leone agricultural cooperation. Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, attends the 10th-anniversary commemorations of the China-Sierra Leone collaboration in successfully combating Ebola in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Nov. 13, 2025. Liu was on a visit to Sierra Leone from Wednesday to Friday at the West African nation's invitation. (Xinhua/Gao Jianfei) Chinese Vice Premier Liu Guozhong, also a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, and Sierra Leonean Vice President Mohamed Juldeh Jalloh jointly attend the inauguration of a Chinese-aided fishing port in Freetown, Sierra Leone, Nov. 13, 2025. Liu was on a visit to Sierra Leone from Wednesday to Friday at the West African nation's invitation. (Xinhua/Gao Jianfei) BHP faces UK ruling on 2015 Brazil mine disaster London, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 A British court will decide on Friday whether Australian mining giant BHP is liable for one of Brazil's worst environmental disasters, potentially paving the way for billions of pounds in compensation. A dam collapse in 2015 at an iron-ore mine run by a firm co-owned by BHP killed 19 people and unleashed a deluge of thick toxic mud into villages, fields, rainforest, rivers and the ocean. The victims first filed the UK legal action in 2018 to demand compensation from BHP -- at the time of the disaster, one of its global headquarters was in Britain. The eventual trial at the High Court in London ran from October 2024 to March this year, and the court has already begun preparing the second phase of the case to determine potential damages and compensation if BHP is found liable. According to the victims' lawyers, BHP was aware that toxic sludge was accumulating at at the facility in Minas Gerais state north of Rio de Janeiro at rates that far exceeded the annual limit. The lawyers said the build-up contributed to the disaster at the mine, which was managed by Samarco, co-owned by BHP and Brazilian miner Vale. BHP argued during the trial that it had prioritised safety and acted responsibly. Acknowledging the "terrible tragedy", BHP maintained that a compensation agreement it reached last year in Brazil -- worth around $31 billion -- provided a resolution. However, a majority of the 620,000 claimants, including 31 municipalities, argue that they are not sufficiently covered by the deal. Instead, claimants are seeking around pound36 billion ($47 billion) in compensation, according to a previous estimate from law firm Pogust Goodhead. The city of Mariana, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster, is seeking tens of billions of Brazilian reais in compensation. Vale and BHP were acquitted in November 2024 of criminal charges by a Brazilian court, which ruled there was insufficient evidence linking them to the dam's failure. "I'm here for justice," Pamela Fernandes, who lost her five-year old daughter Manu in the tragedy, told AFP at the trial in March. "I will feel relief when I hear that the company will pay for what it did," she said. Meanwhile, another similar civil lawsuit has been ongoing since 2024 in the Netherlands. Pillaged I.Coast nature reserve on the mend after crisis decade Comoe National Park, Ivory Coast, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Forest ranger Daouda Bamba is in no doubt about who the apex predator is in Ivory Coast's Comoe National Park, ravaged by war and unrest between 2002 and 2011. "The most dangerous animal here is man," the lieutenant told AFP, while at the head of a 10-strong patrol on the lookout for hostile intruders. Founded as a big game reserve in 1926, Comoe long ranked among Africa's most beautiful natural parks. Tourists flocked by the thousands to catch a glimpse of its elephants, lions, leopards and herds of antelope and hippopotamuses. But that status came under threat during Comoe's lost decade, when the government abandoned the park during the west African country's two civil wars, leaving its rich fauna and flora at the mercy of looters and poachers. Yet while Bamba's militia still has to guard against the threat of unscrupulous humans, Comoe has made strides towards recovering from its close brush with destruction in the years since. On a rare reporting mission to the reserve in Ivory Coast's far northeast, near the border with jihadist-riven Burkina Faso, an AFP team saw antelopes frolicking, clans of barking baboons and families of warthogs with snouts to the ground across its vast and nigh-on-pristine expanse. - 'Vultures circling' - "We're seeing lots of animals. The park's getting better," said Bamba, one of 160 rangers working for the Ivorian Parks and Reserves Office (OIPR) in Comoe. "Since we upped our game in 2016, the animals have been at peace. They don't run away all the time, which means they're not being hunted anymore." However, the Kalashnikov slung over Bamba's shoulder, as well as the truncheons and tear gas grenades hanging from the rangers' belts, are hints that not all is well in paradise. "When we catch intruders, it often leads to a brawl," the lieutenant said. "Three major threats hang over the park," Bamba said, namely "poaching, illegal gold mining and unlawful livestock herding". Nearby, one of his deputies tinkered with a drone, a useful tool when tasked with detecting human activity across the park's 11,500 square kilometres (4,440 square miles). Often, however, the rangers have to resort to old-school means. "Our day-to-day is spent on foot. We're on the lookout for smoke from a fire, tracks from bicycles or motorcycles, or vultures circling overhead," said Bamba. In 2024, 125 people were arrested in the park, including 105 gold diggers and 18 poachers, according to the OIPR. - 'Nearly died' - Raynald Gilon's voice trembled as the old bushman remembered Comoe's glory days. "We had a fabulous era here. The wildlife was magnificent," said the grizzled Belgian, who has spent half a century guarding the park. Hyenas and red hartebeest roamed its sun-baked savannahs, while Nile crocodiles and fishing eagles alike plunged into the waters of the Comoe River, which gave the park its name. Comoe welcomed "up to 6,000 to 7,000 tourists each season, most of them Europeans who arrived here by plane", he remembered. At the park's northwest point, the dusty Kafolo Safari Lodge's crumbling stone entrance and abandoned blue-bottomed swimming pool serve as a reminder of that bygone age, long left to rot. When the crisis began in 2002, the park found itself deep within territory controlled by the rebels who were fighting to overthrow then-president Laurent Gbagbo. With the rangers forced to flee, the park was left exposed to the whims of the poachers, gold diggers and farmers. "It was a massacre, a real ransacking," lamented Raynald Gilon. "Everyone was taking part in the looting, including the rebels who claimed to be protecting it!" Within a year of the war's outbreak, UNESCO added the park to its list of endangered World Heritage sites. "The Comoe park nearly died," he said. - 'Target of greed' - When Ivory Coast's crisis ended in 2011, the new government worked to fix the damage done, pouring funds into equipping and training up guards tasked with flushing out the poachers. "All of this allows us to really monitor the park and restore peace and quiet for the wildlife," said Commander Henri Tra Bi Zah, one of the park's managers. Those efforts bore fruit. In 2017, UNESCO removed Comoe from its endangered heritage site list, in a first for an African park. Three herds of elephants have been spotted, with a total of 200 individuals, while the chimpanzee has made a comeback. Although the lion and the African wild dog are both believed to be locally extinct, leopards, spotted hyenas and even the caracal cat are a common sight in Comoe. Antelopes and buffalo number by the thousands. That said, those hoping to catch a glimpse of the park's rarer beasts have to venture deep into the savannah, often while braving thick swarms of biting tsetse flies, the AFP team observed. While insisting that the "biggest problem" of illegal gold mining has been "contained", Commander Tra Bi Zah warned that the park "is still the target of greed because it is brimming with resources". - Return of the tourist? - Nearby villagers seem to be respecting the park's boundaries. "Hand on heart we can't enter. If they catch you in there, you'll go straight to jail," said a farmer from Bambela, whose hut lies just a few metres from the edge of the savannah. The OIPR even has hopes to revive tourism to make the park "a driving force for socioeconomic development" in the Ivorian northeast. Those hopes, however, are complicated by the park's proximity to Burkina Faso, which is locked in conflict with fighters linked to Al-Qaeda or the Islamic State group. Western governments have advised against all travel to the region as a result. That said, no jihadist has been arrested or even spotted recently in the park, according to security sources questioned by AFP. A new hotel has sprung up in Kafolo to welcome humanitarian workers, civil engineers or even the odd foreigner passing through, its walls adorned with hunting trophies from the big game era of yore. "The park is struggling to recover from the disaster... The revival is fragile," said local deputy Abdoulaye Karim Diomande. "But the OIPR is making great strides. The future looks bright." hba/pid/sbk/giv Fossil fuel lobbyists out in force at Amazon climate talks: NGOs Belem, Brazil, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Lobbyists tied to the fossil fuel industry have turned up in strength at the UN climate talks in the Brazilian Amazon, an NGO coalition said Friday, warning that their presence undermines the process. A total of 1,602 delegates with links to the oil, gas and coal sectors have headed to Belem, equivalent to around one in 25 participants, according to Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO), which analyzed the list of attendees. By comparison, hosts Brazil have sent 3,805 delegates. The list compiled by KBPO includes representatives of energy giants ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell and TotalEnergies, as well as state-owned oil firms from Africa, Brazil, China and the Gulf. But it also includes personnel from a broad range of companies such as German automaker Volkswagen or Danish shipping giant Maersk, or representatives of trade associations and other groups. The Venice Sustainability Foundation is on the list because its members include Italian oil firm Eni. KBPO also counted Danish wind energy giant Orsted, as it still has a gas trading business, and French energy firm EDF -- most of its power comes from nuclear plants but it still uses some fossil fuels. The list includes state-owned Emirati renewable firm Masdar. One of the analysts, Patrick Galey, head of fossil fuel investigations at Global Witness, told AFP that some of the names might appear "surprising" at first sight, but KBPO analyzes data and open source material to identify those linked to fossil fuels. Any renewable company that is a subsidiary of a fossil fuel firm made the list, for instance, because they are "at the beck and call" of their parent group, Galey said. KBPO said it considers a fossil fuel lobbyist any delegate who "represents an organization or is a member of a delegation that can be reasonably assumed to have the objective of influencing" policy or legislation in the interests of the oil, gas and coal industry. KBPO started analyzing official lists of COP participants in 2021. COP28 in oil-rich Dubai in 2023 had a record number of participants -- over 80,000 -- but also the most fossil fuel lobbyists ever counted by KBPO at 2,456, or three percent of the total. In Belem, 3.8 percent of attendees are tied to fossil fuel interests, the largest share ever documented by KBPO. The UN began publishing a more comprehensive list of participants at COP28, making historical comparisons tricky. "It's common sense that you cannot solve a problem by giving power to those who caused it," said Kick Big Polluters Out member Jax Bonbon from IBON International in the Philippines, which was recently struck by a devastating typhoon. "Yet three decades and 30 COPs later, more than 1,500 fossil fuel lobbyists are roaming the climate talks as if they belong here," Bonbon said in a statement. The numbers could be higher. According to Transparency International, 54 percent of participants in national delegations either withheld their affiliation or selected a vague category such as "guest" or "other." French minister faults TotalEnergies over fossil fuel project Paris, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 A French government minister castigated energy giant TotalEnergies on Friday for launching an oil exploration project in South America, saying companies needed to help the world exit from fossil fuels. TotalEnergies, among the world's biggest energy companies, announced last year that it would invest some $10.5 billion in Suriname -- South America's smallest country -- which is seeking to exploit its oil and gas reserves. "This is not a good thing," said Environment Minister Mathieu Lefevre. "My views are in line with the French position, which favours exiting fossil fuels," he told the franceinfo broadcaster. "We will never manage the climate transition without companies," the minister said. The cost of the energy transition in France was estimated at 115 billion euros ($134 billion), with state funding covering only 15 billion. "The rest is private-sector financing," he said. Asked about the inclusion of TotalEnergies chairman Patrick Pouyanne in the French delegation at the COP30 international climate conference in Brazil, Lefevre said he did "not wish to put blame on French company leaders who employ many people in our country". Suriname is planning to bring a new oil field onstream in 2028, targeting a production of 220,000 barrels per day, compared to under 6,000 currently. TotalEnergies has said that Suriname's GranMorgu deep offshore oil project had been designed to minimise its greenhouse gas emissions. TotalEnergies, which employs more than 100,000 people in around 120 countries, produces and markets oil, biofuels, natural gas, renewables and electricity. hh/jh/gil BHP liable for 2015 Brazil mine disaster: UK court London, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 A British court ruled Friday that Australian mining giant BHP is liable for one of Brazil's worst environmental disasters, potentially paving the way for billions of pounds in compensation. A dam collapse in 2015 at an iron-ore mine run by a firm co-owned by BHP killed 19 people and unleashed a deluge of thick toxic mud into villages, fields, rainforest, rivers and the ocean. "BHP are strictly liable as 'polluters' in respect of damage caused by the collapse," the High Court in London said in its ruling following a mammoth trial. BHP on Friday said it intends to appeal the ruling. "BHP has supported extensive remediation and compensation efforts in Brazil since 2015," the company said in a statement. The victims first filed the UK legal action in 2018 to demand compensation from BHP. At the time of the disaster, one of its global headquarters was in Britain. The eventual trial at the High Court in London ran from October 2024 to March this year, and the court has already begun preparing the second phase of the case to determine potential damages and compensation. During the trial, the claimants' lawyers argued that BHP was aware that toxic sludge was accumulating at the facility in Minas Gerais state, north of Rio de Janeiro, at rates that far exceeded the annual limit. The lawyers said the build-up contributed to the disaster at the mine, which was managed by Samarco, co-owned by BHP and Brazilian miner Vale. Judge Finola O'Farrell ruled on Friday that "BHP were negligent, imprudent and/or lacking in skill," in monitoring the dam's condition, despite studies and recommendations for remediation. "The risk of collapse of the dam was foreseeable," she noted in the judgment. - 'Long-overdue justice' - BHP maintained on Friday that a compensation agreement it reached last year in Brazil -- worth around $31 billion -- provided a resolution. However, a majority of the 620,000 claimants, including 31 municipalities, argue that they are not sufficiently covered by the deal. Instead, claimants are seeking around pound36 billion ($47 billion) in compensation, according to a previous estimate from law firm Pogust Goodhead. The amount of compensation to be awarded to claimants will be decided at a later trial, scheduled for October 2026. The city of Mariana, one of the areas hardest hit by the disaster, is seeking tens of billions of Brazilian reais in damages. "Today's ruling delivers long-overdue justice to the thousands whose lives were torn apart," said Pogust Goodhead chief executive Alicia Alinia. She added that the judgment "sends an unmistakable message to multinational companies around the world: You cannot disregard your duty of care and walk away from the devastation you caused." Vale and BHP were acquitted in November 2024 of criminal charges by a Brazilian court, which ruled there was insufficient evidence linking them to the dam's failure. "Finally, justice has begun to be served, and those responsible have been held accountable for destroying our lives," Gelvana Rodrigues, who lost her 7-year-old son in the tragedy, said in a statement shared by Pogust Goodhead. "I promised myself that I would not rest until those responsible were punished for the death of my son Thiago," she said. Another similar civil lawsuit has been ongoing since 2024 in the Netherlands. Indigenous protest blocks entrance to UN COP30 climate summit Belem, Brazil, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Dozens of Indigenous protesters blocked the main entrance to the UN COP30 climate summit Friday in the Brazilian city of Belem, in a peaceful demonstration. Around 60 protesters, most in traditional clothing and headpieces, blocked the main summit entrance and an adjacent street, according to AFP journalists at the scene. Attendees to the United Nations climate negotiations, which number in the tens of thousands, were requested to go in through a side entrance after passing a checkpoint manned by soldiers. There was "no danger" posed by this "peaceful demonstration," the UN climate body overseeing the demonstrations said in a message to attendees. "Fighting for our territories is fighting for our lives," read a banner held by one demonstrator from the Munduruku tribe in protest against major infrastructure projects in the Amazon region. The group is demanding a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who is presiding over the crucial climate negotiations in Belem at the Amazon frontier. Brazil on Thursday defended security at COP30 after concerns were raised earlier this week over a separate demonstration involving members of Indigenous tribes. On Tuesday evening, Indigenous protesters and their supporters stormed the negotiation venue and clashed with security in scenes rarely witnessed at a UN climate conference. When asked by AFP on Thursday about the possible need for additional security measures in Belem, COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago replied: "No need, it was really a minor incident." Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, attends the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference and delivers a speech in Beijing, capital of China, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Vice Premier Ding Xuexiang on Friday said China will, as always, support and serve all other countries in carrying out Chinese language education, and work together to advance language and cultural exchanges and cooperation. Ding, also a member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, made the remarks when addressing the opening ceremony of the 2025 World Chinese Language Conference in Beijing. Noting the rising popularity of the Chinese language in the international community in recent years, Ding said China's firm adherence to high-quality development and opening up will provide more opportunities for other countries, and the international community's demand for learning Chinese and understanding China will also continue to grow. To promote Chinese language education, he called for efforts to advance innovation in line with the educational trends in the digital and intelligent era to make Chinese learning more convenient and efficient, and stressed the integrated development of international Chinese education with vocational and specialized education to expand the language's application scenarios. Ding called on primary and secondary schools from home and abroad to form partnerships in language education to soundly organize Chinese language competitions and facilitate Chinese learners' studies in China. He also urged efforts to jointly implement the Global Civilization Initiative and strengthen the two-way exchanges between Chinese and the languages of countries around the world. About 2,000 guests, including government officials from China and abroad, experts and scholars, university leaders, and representatives of international organizations, attended the opening ceremony. The 2025 World Chinese Language Conference will run until Sunday under the theme of "Innovation Leads, AI Empowers: Learning Chinese without Borders." Indigenous protest blocks entrance to UN climate summit Belem, Brazil, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Dozens of Indigenous protesters, some holding babies, peacefully blocked the entrance to the UN climate summit in Brazil on Friday to demand a meeting with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and discuss their plight in the Amazon. The human barrier of around 60 men and women, most in traditional garb and headdresses, lasted about two hours and prompted the head of COP30, Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago, to come out to see them. It was the second time this week that Indigenous protesters disrupted the United Nations climate negotiations, which is being attended by tens of thousands of delegates from around the world. This time, attendees were requested to go in through a side entrance after passing a checkpoint manned by soldiers. "Fighting for our territories is fighting for our lives," read a banner held by one demonstrator from the Munduruku tribe in protest against major infrastructure projects in the Amazon region. "We demand to see President Lula, but unfortunately we aren't succeeding, as usual," said one woman, who also called for meetings with Environment Minister Marina Silva and Sonia Guajajara, the minister for Indigenous Peoples. "We have never been heard," she said. Correa do Lago and COP30 CEO Ana Toni later left with the protesters to talk to them in a court near the COP30 site. Correa do Lago told AFP that Silva and Guajajara would be there, too. "We must absolutely listen to them," Correa do Lago told reporters. - 'No danger' - There was "no danger" posed by this "peaceful demonstration," the UN said in a message to attendees. Once it was over, the thousands of attendees waiting outside in the baking sun were able to get into the venue through the main gate. Brazil on Thursday defended security at COP30 after concerns were raised earlier this week over the previous demonstration. On Tuesday evening, Indigenous protesters and their supporters stormed the negotiation venue and clashed with guards in scenes rarely witnessed at a UN climate conference. When asked by AFP on Thursday about the possible need for additional security measures in Belem, Correa do Lago replied: "No need, it was really a minor incident." Algerian firefighters battle wildfire near Algiers after families evacuated Algiers, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Algerian firefighters on Friday were battling wildfire hotspots near Tipaza, west of the capital Algiers, for a second day after fast-moving flames forced the evacuation of around 50 families, authorities said. Unseasonably high temperatures and wind gusts topping 60 kilometres per hour pushed the fires to spread quickly overnight Thursday, local reports said. "Some hotspots have been brought under control, while extinguishing other embers continues," the civil protection said in a statement at 14:39 local time (1339 GMT). The health ministry said on Friday there had been no deaths in the fires. Some residents in villages near Tipaza fled their homes to seek shelter in schools and youth centres, reports said. The Algerian civil defence said it deployed some 300 firefighters and two water-bombing aircraft to contain the blaze. Scientists have long warned that climate change caused by mankind's burning of fossil fuels will make periods of drought more intense and longer-lasting, creating the ideal conditions for wildfires. Norway appeals court rules three oil permits illegal, in win for climate activists Oslo, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 A Norwegian appeals court on Friday upheld a lower court's ruling invalidating three oil permits for insufficient environmental-impact studies, marking a new victory for climate campaigners. "The climate and emissions impact of burning (the oil and gas from the fields) has not been sufficiently studied or evaluated," the court said, ruling in favour of the Scandinavian branch of Greenpeace and the Nature and Youth environmental group. The two groups filed the case in 2023 against the permits for the Tyrving, Breidablikk and Yggdrasil offshore fields, saying work there had been approved before environmental impact studies had been carried out. A lower court had already ruled in their favour in January 2024, prompting an appeal by the Norwegian energy ministry, which argued there were no grounds to halt the projects. Sigrid Hoddevik Losnegard, president of Nature and Youth, called the ruling "a victory for us and for our future". "The fight for the climate is really taken seriously," she said in a statement. "Now we expect political leaders to follow this decision and put an end to these oilfields once and for all." Many climate activists say Norway, the main producer of oil and gas in Western Europe, is profiting from their sales even though fossil fuel use is contributing to global warming. Norway appeals court backs climate activists in oil permits dispute Oslo, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 A Norwegian appeals court on Friday upheld a lower court's ruling invalidating three oil permits because of insufficient environmental-impact studies, marking a new victory for climate campaigners. "The climate and emissions impact of burning (the oil and gas from the fields) has not been sufficiently studied or evaluated," the court said, ruling in favour of the Scandinavian branch of Greenpeace and the environmental group Nature and Youth. The two groups filed the case in 2023 against the permits for the Tyrving, Breidablikk and Yggdrasil offshore fields, saying they had been approved before environmental impact studies had been carried out. A lower court had already ruled in their favour in January 2024, prompting an appeal by the Norwegian energy ministry, which argued there were no grounds to halt the projects. Sigrid Hoddevik Losnegard, president of Nature and Youth, called the ruling "a victory for us and for our future". "The fight for the climate is really taken seriously," she said in a statement. "Now we expect political leaders to follow this decision and put an end to these oil fields once and for all." Frode Pleym, the head of Greenpeace Norway, also welcomed the ruling. "Looking at recent court decisions on climate, they are not just about the global nature of the crisis but also about what states need to do," he said in a statement. "The need for governments to protect their citizens from climate harm has now become far too obvious to ignore, and thankfully, judges around the world are realising this," he said. - Court battles - The issue of climate change is increasingly being litigated in the courts. In late October, the European Court of Human Rights said Norway had not breached its climate obligations when it awarded the Arctic oil and gas exploration licenses in 2016. But in 2024, the EHCR issued a ruling condemning Switzerland for a lack of action on climate change, the first such ruling against a state. In July 2025, the International Court of Justice ruled that climate change was an "urgent and existential threat" and that countries had a legal duty under international law to prevent harm from their planet-warming pollution. In what was an advisory opinion -- not legally binding but carrying political and legal weight -- the Hague-based ICJ said countries breaching their climate obligations were committing a "wrongful act". Many climate activists criticise Norway, the main producer of oil and gas in Western Europe, saying it is profiting from their sales even though fossil fuel use is contributing to global warming. BHP liable for 2015 Brazil mine disaster: UK court London, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 A British court ruled Friday that Australian mining giant BHP is liable for one of Brazil's worst environmental disasters, potentially paving the way for billions of dollars in compensation. A dam collapse in 2015 at an iron-ore mine run by a firm co-owned by BHP killed 19 people and unleashed a deluge of toxic mud into villages, fields, rainforest, rivers and the ocean. "BHP are strictly liable as 'polluters' in respect of damage caused by the collapse," the High Court in London said in its ruling following a mammoth trial. BHP on Friday said it would appeal the ruling. "BHP has supported extensive remediation and compensation efforts in Brazil since 2015," the company said in a statement. The victims first filed a UK legal action in 2018 demanding compensation from BHP. At the time of the disaster, one of its global headquarters was in Britain. The eventual trial at the High Court ran from October 2024 to March this year, and the court has already begun preparing the second phase of the case to determine potential damages and compensation. During the trial, the claimants' lawyers argued that BHP was aware that toxic sludge was accumulating at the facility in Minas Gerais state, north of Rio de Janeiro, at rates that far exceeded the annual limit. The lawyers said the build-up contributed to the disaster at the mine, which was managed by Samarco, co-owned by BHP and Brazilian miner Vale. Judge Finola O'Farrell said BHP had been negligent in monitoring the dam's condition, despite studies and warnings recommending remediation. "The risk of collapse of the dam was foreseeable," she said. - 'Now I can be okay' - Pamela Sena, 31, a housewife and manicurist in Bento Rodrigues -- one of the hardest-hit villages -- said she "started crying with happiness" when she learned of the ruling. She told AFP of her last morning spent with her family before the torrent of toxic mud killed her five-year-old daughter Manuela in the village of Bento Rodrigues. The daughter was at school that day when Sena got a warning to flee to higher ground as the mud approached. She was told her family was already safely at the highest point of the village. "But when I got there, they weren't there. And when I looked down, everything was already destroyed," she told AFP. Her husband and son were later found alive. "Besides losing Manu, our memories, her story, her photos, everything we had went away with the mud. There's nothing left." She said while no money could bring her daughter back, she was delighted to see justice done after "10 years of struggle, of humiliation after humiliation." "I needed to hear that justice would be done so I could be okay, and now I can be okay." - Companies cannot just 'walk away' - BHP maintained that a compensation agreement it reached last year in Brazil -- worth around $31 billion -- provided a resolution. However, a majority of the 620,000 claimants, including 31 municipalities, argue that they are not sufficiently covered by the deal. Instead, claimants are seeking around pound36 billion ($47 billion) in compensation, according to a previous estimate from law firm Pogust Goodhead. The amount of compensation will be decided at a trial scheduled for October 2026. Pogust Goodhead chief executive Alicia Alinia said the judgement "sends an unmistakable message to multinational companies around the world: You cannot disregard your duty of care and walk away from the devastation you caused." Vale and BHP were acquitted in November 2024 of criminal charges by a Brazilian court, which ruled there was insufficient evidence linking them to the dam's failure. Another similar civil lawsuit has been ongoing since 2024 in the Netherlands. At COP30, senator warns US 'deliberately losing' clean tech race with China Belem, Brazil, Nov 14 (AFP) Nov 14, 2025 Senator Sheldon Whitehouse, one of only a handful of senior US political leaders attending this year's UN climate summit, told AFP Friday that President Donald Trump's America is "deliberately losing" the clean tech race to China. The 70-year-old lawmaker said he had come to Belem, Brazil, to underline that Trump's aggressively pro-fossil-fuel policies do "not represent the American people" -- and that the United States is forfeiting a vast economic opportunity. "Right now, we are deliberately losing our competition on solar, on wind, on battery storage, on electric vehicles and all the support technologies that go into that," he said in an interview. "It is a huge self-administered blow that Trump is doing, entirely to pay back his fossil fuel donors." Whitehouse said that as he arrived in the Amazonian city in the early hours of the morning, he passed numerous Chinese electric vehicle dealerships -- a sight that hammered home his message about America falling behind. The Trump administration declined to send an official delegation to the COP30 summit, leaving only a few prominent Democrats to attend in an unofficial capacity, including California Governor and presumed 2028 presidential-candidate Gavin Newsom. "The Trump administration does not represent the American people on climate," said the Rhode Island senator, known for his long-running "Time to Wake Up" speeches on global warming in Congress. "They are doing political work for the fossil fuel industry and the public very much supports climate action," he continued, citing a slew of polls to back his point. For Whitehouse, one of the few remaining pathways to climate safety lies in carbon pricing, which he argued is essential to spark the innovation needed to slash emissions. "If it's free to pollute, there's really no pathway to safety," he said, reiterating his support for Europe's carbon border tax -- a key point of contention with developing countries at COP30. Trump, who received hundreds of millions of dollars from oil and gas giants during his presidential campaign, pulled the US out of the Paris climate agreement for a second time on the day he returned to office. Trump and Republican lawmakers have rolled back clean-energy tax credits and scrapped incentives for electric vehicles, prompting General Motors to scale back production. Whitehouse's team said he will meet with "heads of state, lawmakers, private sector leaders, environmental champions, and civil society leaders" during his visit. But he cannot take part in negotiations on the COP's outcome. Attending the conference itself was made more complicated by resistance from the State Department, he said, which forced him to get his badge through a nonprofit organization. "I've never seen the State Department be completely unwilling to support members of Congress traveling on an official Congressional Delegation, even to the point of refusing to help us get badges." Israeli settlers attack a journalist in the village of Beita, south of Nablus in the West Bank, on Nov. 8, 2025. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) RAMALLAH, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The cry came suddenly: "Israeli settlers are coming!" Panic spread instantly. In the olive groves near Nablus, in the northern West Bank, farmers and volunteers who had been harvesting fruit scrambled down the hillside, fleeing for safety. Between the narrow trunks, I saw masked figures armed with sticks. They picked up stones and hurled them at the backs of those running. The air was filled with screams. I ran, fearing my protective gear with the inscription "Press" would not protect me. Stones continued to fly. I tried to film the scene, but a rock struck my forearm and my cellphone fell into the grass. For a terrifying moment, I hesitated -- should I go back for it or keep running? They were only meters away. But I decided I had to document what was happening. The slope was steep and unstable. Loose sand slid under my shoes. Sharp rocks threatened to cut my skin. Jumping down a ledge, I nearly fell, then did. "Give me your hand! Give me your hand!" A volunteer who had been picking olives reached out to grab my wrist and pulled me up. When I reached the bottom and looked back, I saw settlers beating a journalist on the hillside. Her cries echoed across the valley. Palestinians below shouted in fury. Some threw stones back; others ran uphill with long branches, ready to fight back. We thought we were safe, until a shout came: "They're right up here. They're running!" Fear returned, and we ran again, this time into a smaller grove. Some collapsed on the ground. One journalist vomited, another showed me his bleeding hand. I asked a Palestinian photojournalist how many times he had experienced this. "Many years," he replied. Sirens soon pierced the air. An ambulance navigated the narrow road, its back doors open. Inside, a journalist lay screaming. At the nearest medical center, the injured sat everywhere. Some were covered in blood, their heads being bandaged. One person asked whose car remained on the hill; another, injured himself, asked if I was alright. What began as an olive harvest ended up in violence. This happened on the morning of Nov. 8, but it was just one of the many -- and still increasing -- incidents of this kind. In the West Bank, the line between daily life and violence has grown dangerously thin. A United Nations (UN) report in early November said that settler violence during this year's olive harvest season in the West Bank had reached the highest level in recent years, with about 150 attacks documented already. I remembered arriving earlier that morning, our car bumping along a narrow dirt track. Farmers and volunteers looked at us warily as they picked the olives, unsure whether we were friends or foes. In the groves, journalists wore helmets and flak jackets. Medics stood ready by an ambulance. A farmer carrying a sack of olives approached me, gave a thumbs-up to the camera, and said, "Thanks for everyone." "Today, we came here with international activists to help farmers to reach their farms, to harvest their olives, and try as much as we can to protect them," Munther Amira, a Palestinian from Bethlehem, in the southern West Bank, told me. "We are coming here and we know very well that attacks may happen here," Amira said. "But we are insisting on reaching our olives. This is our land. These are our trees. These are our olives." "The olive tree is a symbolic thing for Palestinians. We consider ourselves as the olive trees here that no one can uproot from this land," he added. Before leaving, I noticed a makeshift swing hanging from a tree in the groves. Perhaps, back in quieter and safer times, children once played there, swinging gently and gazing out over the valley below. It must have been beautiful. Palestinian paramedics provide first aid to the injured in the village of Beita, south of Nablus in the West Bank, on Nov. 8, 2025. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Palestinian paramedics provide first aid to the injured in the village of Beita, south of Nablus in the West Bank, on Nov. 8, 2025. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Palestinian paramedics transfer the injured in the village of Beita, south of Nablus in the West Bank, on Nov. 8, 2025. (Photo by Nidal Eshtayeh/Xinhua) Astronaut Chen Dong, commander of the three-member Shenzhou-20 crew, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) JIUQUAN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The three astronauts of China's Shenzhou-20 mission landed safely on Earth aboard the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft on Friday, marking the first successful implementation of an alternative return procedure in the country's space station program history. The alternative plan was adopted after the original return vessel, the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, experienced a suspected impact from space debris. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA) confirmed the return mission was a complete success. By 5:21 p.m. (Beijing Time), the Shenzhou-20 crew, Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, had all left the Shenzhou-21 return capsule. They had spent 204 days in orbit and are all in good health, the CMSA said. The Shenzhou-20 crew set a new record for the longest in-orbit stay among Chinese astronaut crews, and Commander Chen Dong has become the first Chinese astronaut to accumulate over 400 days in orbit. Chen Dong has completed six extravehicular tasks, making him the Chinese astronaut with the most extravehicular tasks to date. "This mission was a true test and we are proud to have completed it successfully. China's space program has withstood the test, with all teams delivering outstanding performances... This experience has left us a profound impression that astronauts' safety is really prioritized," said the mission commander, sitting in a chair in front of the capsule. Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, on their first flight mission, have completed all assigned tasks. "With our crew working as one and seamlessly aligned with ground teams, we have successfully completed every task and fulfilled the mission," said Chen Zhongrui. "I feel profoundly happy." "After six months in space, it's good to be back on Earth and feel gravity again. This mission was not only a success, but also a challenging and arduous journey of personal growth," said Wang. "I will continue to dedicate myself to space exploration." The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft, originally scheduled to return the three astronauts to Earth on Nov. 5, does not meet the requirements for their safe return and will remain in orbit to continue relevant experiments, the CMSA said. Tiny cracks have been found in the Shenzhou-20 return capsule's viewport window, which are most probably caused by external impact from space debris, the CMSA added. At 11:14 a.m., the Shenzhou-21 crewed spaceship undocked from the space station combination. At 2:49 p.m., the Beijing Aerospace Control Center issued a return command through the ground station, and the orbital capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship separated from the return capsule. Then the braking engine ignited, and the Shenzhou-21 return capsule separated from the propulsion capsule. The return capsule touched down at 4:40 p.m. at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, the CMSA said. Astronaut Chen Dong, commander of the three-member Shenzhou-20 crew, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) Chen Zhongrui, a Shenzhou-20 astronaut, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) Chen Zhongrui, a Shenzhou-20 astronaut, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) Wang Jie, a Shenzhou-20 astronaut, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Wang Jiangbo/Xinhua) Wang Jie, a Shenzhou-20 astronaut, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Minggang) The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region, Nov. 14, 2025. (Xinhua/Li Zhipeng) Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The White House Historical Association is engaged in a high-stakes bid to reclaim a series of iconic Norman Rockwell sketches, once a familiar sight in the West Wing, as they head to auction following a family ownership dispute. With an opening bid of $2.5 million, the association faces stiff competition from private collectors eager to acquire these unique pieces of American history. The four 1940s-era sketches, collectively titled So You Want to See the President!, vividly depict a diverse array of individuals from journalists and military officers to a Miss America Pageant winner patiently waiting in the plush West Wing lobby, hoping for an audience with President Franklin D Roosevelt. Created in 1943 and published in the Saturday Evening Post during the Second World War, the series is Rockwells only known collection of four interrelated paintings designed to tell a cohesive story. Anita McBride, a member of the association's board of directors, recalled seeing the drawings in 1981 during her time in Ronald Reagans administration, noting they were a "focal point" for tours. She added that "People just loved seeing the wide array and depiction of Americans who have access to their president." According to the Heritage Auctions website, the series "offers an intimate and deeply human portrayal of American democracy in action." Matthew Costello, the associations chief education officer, further explained their significance: "In a way, it sort of illustrates how FDR always talked about the arsenal of democracy and what made the United States unique," calling them "an incredible series of renderings." open image in gallery Norman Rockwell, right and his wife Molly, left, in his last public appearance at a 'Norman Rockwell Day' parade in Stockbridge, Mass., Nov. 9, 1978 ( AP ) The sketches were originally a gift from Rockwell to Stephen Early, Roosevelt's long-serving press secretary. They were subsequently displayed in the West Wing for over four decades until a family ownership dispute emerged in 2017. This began when Thomas Early, one of the press secretary's sons, reportedly spotted them on a wall during a television interview with President Donald Trump. William Elam III, Stephen Early's grandson, asserted his ownership, stating his mother received them as a gift from her father. A federal appeals court settled the dispute in May, upholding a lower-court ruling in favour of Elam, leading to the White House returning the drawings in 2022. The Dallas-based Heritage Auctions is set to sell the sketches on Friday, with estimates suggesting they could fetch between $4m and $6m. This presents a considerable financial hurdle for the White House Historical Association, a non-profit, non-partisan organisation established by Jacqueline Kennedy in 1961. The association, which receives no government funding and relies on private donations and merchandise sales, has a previous record high of $1.5m paid for a painting, Jacob Lawrences The Builders in 2007. Christina Rees, Heritage Auctions director of communications, confirmed that clients are "ready and waiting to compete for this American icon. Despite the expected "stiff competition" for Rockwell's work, driven by broad interest in Americana, the association remains determined. Its mission is to help the White House collect and display artefacts representing American history and culture. McBride affirmed their commitment to acquiring such pieces for the vast White House collection of art and furniture: "We try hard to bring them back." Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Netflixs smash hit animated film KPop Demon Hunters has been blocked from receiving a Bafta nomination. The movie, which is the streaming services most-watched film of all time, does not fit the criteria required by Bafta as its initial release was not in cinemas. Netflix hoped to bypass the rules by releasing the film in UK cinemas after its 20 June streaming premiere, but was not successful in its bid to be recognised by the prestigious awards show. Deadline reports that despite Netflixs formal appeal to the awards body, the Bafta film committee rejected the streamers bid. Nominated films need to have at least 10 commercial screenings in the UK for at least seven days. The outlet alleges that Bafta would have permitted a nomination for the film if it had been released theatrically the same day it premiered on Netflix. KPop Demon Hunters will be eligible for the Oscars, however, as the film had a theatrical release ahead of its streaming debut in the US. The Independent has contacted Bafta for comment. open image in gallery KPop Demon Hunters wont be a presence at the 2026 Baftas ( Netflix ) Co-directed by Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans, the film follows popular K-pop girl group HUNTR/X, who lead a double life as demon hunters. Their fight against evil sees them come up against a rival boy band called the Saja Boys, who turn out to be demons themselves. Viewed more than 325 million times, the action-musical surpassed crime comedy Red Notice, which had previously been the platforms most-watched film with just under 231 million views. KPop Demon Hunters has been setting records since its release. Back in June, it received the highest combined critic and audience score ever for an original production on Rotten Tomatoes. Earlier this year, HUNTR/Xs songs from the film made Billboard history, with the singing trio comprised of EJAE, Audrey Nuna and REI AMI in their roles of Rumi, Mira and Zoey becoming the first all-female trio to top the charts since Destinys Child. open image in gallery KPop Demon Hunters is Netflixs most successful film ( Netflix ) They are also the first all-female group associated with K-pop to top the Hot 100 with the films lead ballad Golden. Netflix released a sing-along version of KPop Demon Hunters following the resounding success of similar cinema screenings. The 2026 Baftas are set to take place in February 2026. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Sony Pictures have reportedly signed a deal to develop a Labubu feature film. The Chinese-made furry monster toy dolls have recently become wildly popular as collectible accessories. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Sony Pictures have bought the screen rights to develop a movie based on the characters. No release date has yet been announced, and no directors or actors are attached at this stage. It has also not yet been confirmed whether the film will be live-action or animation. The characters were originally created by Hong Kong-born illustrator Kasing Lung. Inspired by Nordic myths, he created the creatures for his story series The Monsters, which were then turned into plush dolls marketed by the toy company Pop Mart. Characterized by their rabbit-like ears, large eyes, and menacing-looking teeth, Labubus are commonly sold in blind boxes meaning the exact design is chosen at random and remains a mystery until its unwrapped. A Labubu plush toy in Shanghai in July 2025 ( Hector Retamal/AFP via Getty Images ) As well as regular designs, there are also so-called secret edition Labubus, which are especially rare and sought-after by collectors. These include the Big Into Energy series, which was released earlier this spring. The blind box model has created a booming secondary market. Earlier this summer, Labubus were reportedly reselling for more than $1,000 each, with a child-sized Labubu selling for more than $150,000. Counterfeit versions (jokingly referred to as Lafufus) are common on third-party sites, and can be found at corner shops and local supermarkets. In the United States, the Consumer Product Safety Commission warned that they pose a choking hazard for small children, as theyre small enough for a child to fit the doll in their mouth and block their airway, and that they can break apart easily, releasing small pieces that can become choking hazards. Shoppers have been advised not to buy or use these knock-off versions of the doll. Instead, shop with trusted retailers, and be wary of toys being sold at prices that are too good to be true prices, said Helen Barnham, deputy director at the Intellectual Property Office. The real Labubu dolls have proved popular with celebrities, and enjoyed a surge in popularity after being shown off by K-pop stars such as Blackpink member Lisa, who in 2024 used them as accessories. Rihanna has been seen adorning her Louis Vuitton bag with a lychee berry Labubu, and Dua Lipa has also jumped on the trend. Emma Roberts also took to Instagram to open a whole blind box. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Justin Baldoni has shared an alleged showdown with Ryan Reynolds, in which he claims he was ambushed by the Deadpool star over his Blake Lively feud. Newly released texts allege that Baldoni was left emotionally paralysed after the encounter with Reynolds, who was supporting his wife Lively over issues regarding the film It Ends with Us, which Baldoni directed and starred in. The alleged meeting was detailed via texts from Baldoni to actor Rainn Wilson in court documents obtained by People Magazine. The texts sent on 5 January 2024 claim that, while talking at Reynolds and Livelys New York home, the former scolded Baldoni and spoke to him like he was a five-year-old. He also alleged that Reynolds essentially said that Baldoni was not who he claimed to be, and read out a list of allegations against Baldoni that had been taken completely out of context. The texts read: It's hard to feel so much of what they believe about me is false because they are so convinced that its real. I was emotionally paralysed, which is something I havent experienced in years." Baldoni continued in the texts: My brain was struggling because what I wanted to say and do was run and blow this whole movie up because I feel this was so unjust. And yet, the only path forward was to acknowledge her and Ryans feelings and apologise and take the wrath of an angry husband. open image in gallery Justin Baldoni texts reveal alleged details of Ryan Reynolds encounter ( Getty Images ) He said he struggled to apologise in the moment, writing: I prayed and prayed and prayed for the words and they didnt come, so I felt abandoned by God in that moment even though I know thats not what happened. The Independent has contacted representatives for Baldoni and Reynolds for comment. After It Ends with Us was released in August 2024, Lively, who also starred in the romantic drama, filed a lawsuit alleging Baldoni sexually harassed her and exhibited behaviour that caused her severe emotional distress. She also alleged that Baldoni was behind an alleged smear campaign designed to bury her, which included fan backlash as part of a carefully orchestrated effort by Baldonis PR team. Baldoni filed a $400m defamation countersuit days later in early 2025, but it formally ended earlier this month after he failed to file an amended complaint as ordered by a judge. open image in gallery Ryan Reynolds allegedly confronted Justin Baldoni over Blake Lively allegations ( Getty Images ) Back in June, Judge Lewis Liman dismissed the suit after finding that Livelys accusations of sexual harassment were legally protected. He gave Baldoni until the end of October to file an amended complaint, but the writer-director did not respond. Livelys lawsuit is still active, but Baldoni has denied the claims and, on Thursday (13 November), filed to have the allegations thrown out. Get the inside track from Roisin O'Connor with our free weekly music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Get our free music newsletter Now Hear This Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Paris Jackson has vowed to renew her legal battle over her late father Michael Jacksons estate after a judge dismissed several of her claims on procedural grounds. The King of Pops only daughter, 27, first raised concerns over irregular payments signed off by the estates executors, attorney John Branca and A&R executive John McClain, back in July. In August, she further alleged that a closely-knit, highly-compensated group of lawyers is exploiting a lack of oversight to skim money from the estate. As People reports, on Monday, November 10, a judge granted the estates special motion to strike much of Paris petition to the court. Los Angeles Judge Mitchell L. Beckloff threw out claims based on the estates own court filings, ruling that these documents are protected under the First Amendment and Californias anti-SLAPP laws. However, representatives for Paris Jackson told The Independent that she has not conceded defeat. In a statement, a spokesperson said: This order is limited to minor procedural issues and does not change the facts: the pattern of behavior displayed by the executors and their attorneys raises significant red flags, and Paris will continue working to ensure her family is treated fairly. We will be submitting an updated filing shortly. Michael Jackson and his daughter Paris, who has been involved in a legal battle over irregular payments made by his estate ( Getty ) Despite his immense musical legacy, Michael Jacksons financial situation was widely reported to have been in disarray at the time of his death in late June 2009. In the aftermath, his estates beneficiaries were named as his three children: sons Prince and Bigi and daughter Paris. However, in the past year, a public rift has grown between Paris and the estates executors. In a July 2025 legal filing, she expressed concern about the practice of executors granting so-called premium payments for unrecorded attorney time. Jacksons legal team argued that the payments reflect poorly on the executors of the estate, writing: These irregular payments raise serious and substantial questions about Executors ability to effectively supervise counsel and refraining from wasteful, six-figure gift-giving to themselves and their colleagues. In response to those claims, Branca and McClain hit back at allegations of mismanagement and claimed that Paris has received substantial benefits. The executors argued that they had been able to turn around the estates fortunes, writing: The Executors business judgment has taken an estate that started out as nothing but debt and substantial ongoing obligations and turned [it] into a $2 billion estate an estate that is now a powerhouse and a force in the music business today. The estate is involved in the production of the upcoming biopic Michael, which recently unveiled an early glimpse of Jaafar Jackson performing as his uncle. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The women of MomTok, the glossy-haired group of twenty-something influencers who make up the cast of Hulus The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives, have built an empire. The group all current or former members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints have secured book deals, brand sponsorships and spots on Dancing with the Stars. Its no surprise, really, since Secret Lives became Hulus most-watched unscripted premiere of 2024, proving to be just as messy as a Real Housewives installment, with a side order of contentious theology. Think catfights, icy brunches and plastic surgery recovery scenes in between aerial shots of temples and churches. Reality TV fans have lapped it up but for some Latter-day Saints (their preferred term over Mormons), the series doesnt sit well. This is not the first time that the film and TV industry has misrepresented us, or sensationalized things in some way, says Dallin Shumway, a 27-year-old social worker in Texas. He can see why the show has been successful: the title alludes to an assumed secrecy associated with the religion. The angle always seems to be these are the crazy Americans who live out West. It doesnt really represent the life of a Latter-day Saint very clearly at all at least if were talking about self-identified, practising members of the faith. Ken Brueck, a 43-year-old Latter-day Saint who lives in Utah and works in software, jokingly tells me that he would prefer the show to be named: The Open Lives of People that Left the Church. He says that Hulus title panders to the stereotype that Latter-day Saints are these wholesome people, but secretly were oppressed and dying to break free, and were living this double life. The reality is quite different, he says. Thats where Secret Lives makes me uncomfortable, because theres gonna be some percentage of people who will form their opinions of people like me based on the people in that show, and the things they do. Secret Lives returned for a third season on Thursday, following the cast as they grapple with an affair that sent shockwaves through MomTok and the spousal group DadTok. MomTok created in 2022 by cast members Taylor Frankie Paul, Whitney Leavitt, Mayci Neeley and Mikayla Matthews began as a space for dance videos and relatable parenting content. The series itself was born in the wake of a soft swinging scandal that nearly tore the clique apart, after Paul revealed in a TikTok livestream that she and her husband were divorcing following intimate encounters with other couples in Salt Lake City. The fallout from the controversy almost broke MomTok as other members saw themselves sucked into the swinging accusations. Still, there are plenty more issues for them to reconcile across the newest 10 episodes. Throughout the series, the cast are engaged in an ongoing discussion about the social conservatism of their faith where sex before marriage and homosexuality are prohibited and whether they can change it. In the first episode of the series, Paul admits that she was forced into marrying her first husband by her mother and the Church because they were sexually active. Other stars have discussed wanting to break stigmas and modernize the faith. A handful of them drink alcohol; some abstain in line with the Churchs doctrine, but have looser interpretations of its teachings when it comes to ketamine therapy. open image in gallery Taylor Frankie Paul is among the major stars to be born out of Hulus beloved reality series ( Disney/Natalie Cass ) open image in gallery A clash between #Momtok and #Dadtok erupts in the third season of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives ( Disney/Fred Hayes ) Last year, the Church issued a statement saying that recent media portrayals sometimes rely on sensationalism and inaccuracies that do not fairly and fully reflect the lives of our Church members or the sacred beliefs that they hold dear. Though it did not name Hulu or Secret Wives, the memo said that some recent productions resort to stereotypes or gross misrepresentations that are in poor taste and have real-life consequences for people of faith. When it comes to the portrayal of women in the series, Dr Jennifer Finlayson-Fife, a Chicago-based sex therapist and marriage counselor who works with people in the faith, says that the show feeds into the narrative that women in the Church are hapless and want to break away. Its salacious and immature, she says. It makes women look like repressed idiots, and then [the women in the series] are busting out, but in this very idiotic way. Theyre breaking the bounds, but they're doing it in this very indulgent, reckless way. Much of Dr Finlayson-Fifes work is helping people establish their identity in a religious culture that she calls high demand. She says that there is some truth in how people feel restrained by these demands. What is true to a lot of Latter-day Saints experience is a sense that there's a narrow way in which you should live to be considered a good Mormon, and women have a particular version of it you have to be a virgin at marriage, have children, to support your husband. In many ways, the women of MomTok are responding to this. Its as if theyre freeing themselves, right? And I would just argue that they arent free at all. Women from across the Latter-day Saint community have spoken out about the series since its release. Sarah Jane Weaver, editor of the Deseret News in Salt Lake City, called the shows cast members outliers of the Church who are profiting by flaunting their bad behavior, adding that the show mischaracterizes what it means to be a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives is not a representation of me or my friends or my daughters or their friends or of the women I have met across the globe, she wrote in an article published last year. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Finlayson-Fife says that people not familiar with the faith would be surprised that Mormons are exactly like them. These are normal people trying to have happy marriages and families, trying to live lives that have meaning. When it comes to other criticisms of the series, some Latter-day Saints have taken issue with the shows lack of dialogue about the faith, even as it leans heavily on religious imagery from sweeping temple shots to Church steeples dotting the Utah skyline. David Snell, host of the Keystone podcast, says that the show uses his religion as clickbait. It felt forced to me, he says. They put Mormon in the title and their inclusion of Latter-day Saint buildings felt sort of like a desperate attempt to tie the Church into the series. Snell adds that it is sad that his faith has become somewhat of a spectacle to people It makes you feel a little bit like a zoo animal sometimes. For his podcast, Snell watched all 10 episodes of the latest series of the show and recorded his live reaction. He found that there was a deliberate vagueness in the show over which members of MomTok and DadTok are still active in the religion. I wish they were more transparent about where they're actually at with their faith, because then I think that would set proper expectations for viewers who might be less familiar with what an actual orthodox Latter-day Saint actually looks like, he tells me. open image in gallery Latter-day Saints admit there is some value in portraying them as people that come in all shapes and sizes ( Disney/Natalie Cass ) All of the interviewees I speak with acknowledge that reality TV carries a certain trashiness and isnt meant to be taken too seriously. It might not all be bad press for the faith, either. Snell can see how the show might actually help destigmatize long-standing stereotypes about the Church, and even reveal how nuanced the culture is. Some people have viewed members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as if they are dressed like pioneers, and theyre out milking cows all the time, he says. There is some value in portraying Latter-day Saints as people that come in all shapes and sizes, and that they're not just a monolith. Because on an individual level, you'll find people all over that spectrum. But generally, orthodoxy is somewhere in the middle. Life within the Church, Shumway points out, exists on a spectrum. He has friends who have left the Church and others who lead very orthodox lives. For those who have left, I believe that their experience is valid, you know? I hope that we can all just do a better job of seeing each other and trying to make it work. He points out that Secret Lives does highlight criticisms of the Church, which he does not deny. I would be remiss if I tried to paint this picture where, in terms of all the criticism that the Church gets, its all invalid and it's always misunderstood, because that's simply not the case, he says. You cant have an institution as large as the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints without some criticism that is actually warranted. We are real people and weve got our own stories, adds Snell. And I think Secret Lives is an extreme end of that spectrum, but I do see value in the show as something that might help people move away from traditional stereotypes, he pauses. But, you know, thats me looking for the silver lining. All three seasons of Secret Lives of Mormon Wives are now available on Hulu in the U.S. and Disney+ in the U.K. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Netflix has released a brand new psychological thriller series thats already rising up the charts but is it worth watching? The Beast in Me is a new eight-part series from Gabe Rotter, a protege of X-Files creator Chris Carter who wrote the show five years ago. It was dusted off by 24 and Homeland producer Howard Gordon, who brought the show to Netflix and enlisted Claire Danes, star of the latter, to play the lead role. Danes stars as Aggie Wiggs, a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer whose world is dangerously rocked by her new neighbour Nile Jarvis (Matthew Rhys), a famous business magnate who was suspected of killing his wife. Also starring in the series, directed by Lila Neugebaue (Causeway) and Antonio Campos (The Devil All the Time) are Brittany Snow, Natalie Morales and Breaking Bad favourite Jonathan Banks. The Independents Chief Film & TV correspondent Jacob Stolworthy has watched the show and you can find his verdict below. Rhys recently opened up about playing the sociopathic Nile in The Beast in Me, sharing his partner Keri Russells reaction to some of the more shocking scenes. When she saw it, she was like, 'This is tailor-made for you. This is the person you truly are. It's about time the world knew who you are, Rhys joked with The Independent at the series New York City red carpet premiere earlier this month. The 50-year-old Welshman added: She saw the beast in me a long time ago and wasnt that impressed then. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Watch Apple TV+ free for 7 day New subscribers only. 9.99/mo. after free trial. Plan auto-renews until cancelled. Try for free ADVERTISEMENT. If you sign up to this service we will earn commission. This revenue helps to fund journalism across The Independent. Rhys and Russell began dating in 2014 while co-starring on FXs spy drama The Americans. The pair share three children and refer to each other as husband and wife, although Rhys admitted earlier this year that they literally havent got round to marriage yet. Russell heads up her own Netflix show, The Diplomat, which is on its third season. The Beast in Me is available to stream now. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The Secret Lives of Mormon Wives new season is here, but the launch looks pretty different than the first two seasons: not only is Taylor Frankie Paul missing while she shoots the upcoming season of The Bachelorette, but her ex also appears to be putting the moves on another reality star. Dakota Mortensen, 32, and Brooks Nader, 28, have sparked rumors about the nature of their relationship after they were seen looking cozy at Hulus SLOMW launch party in New York City in a video posted by Naders own sister, captioned: Im sensing a MESSY crossover. Mortensen has appeared on the show while navigating his on-and-off relationship with Paul. The two share a son, Ever True, who is a year old. Nader was likely at the launch party because of her connections with Hulu as her family has their own reality show on the streaming platform. Multiple videos posted on TikTok appeared to show the two flirting in a corner of the event Tuesday at the Plaza Hotel. Mortensen touches a sunglasses-clad Naders waist while the two talk in hushed tones, and Nader is seen putting her hands on Mortensens chest. One of the posts is captioned, Being an influencer is crazy because what do you mean it's a Tuesday night and I'm in a private room at the Plaza Hotel watching Brooks Nader and Dakota Mortensen flirt with each other? open image in gallery Brooks Nader and Dakota Mortensen have sparked dating rumors after they were spotted together in a recent TikTok ( Getty ) Nader and Mortensen both commented on the TikToks as if they did not know they had been filmed during their chat. Had no clue there were other povs, Mortensen wrote with a laughing emoji. Wish me luck guys lol. Nader had a similar response by comparing it to her sisters post, commenting, These other povs are crazy. Some fans speculated that the videos were solely meant to spread rumors, and that there isnt an actual romance or connection between the two. He wants to be on tv so bad, one person commented on TikTok, while another agreed, The way he knows he is being filmed right now too and is trying so hard. Shes just doing it for the plot at this point..oh Brooks!! someone else wrote. open image in gallery Dakota Mortensen and Taylor Frankie Paul broke up in December 2024 ( Disney ) open image in gallery Brooks Nader competed on Dancing with the Stars with her ex, Gleb Savchenko ( Disney/Eric McCandless ) Mortensen and Paul began dating in 2022, shortly after Paul announced her divorce and sent the internet ablaze by revealing a swinging scandal involving other couples in MomTok, a community of Mormon wives who became TikTok influencers. They broke up in December 2024 after the birth of their son, but have said publicly that they are on fine terms as they co-parent Ever. Paul shares two other children with her first husband. Meanwhile, Nader is known as a model who competed on season 33 of ABCs Dancing with the Stars last year. Her showmance with her professional partner Gleb Savchenko took off before the dancers were eliminated in ninth place. The pair dated on-and-off until April 2025. In August, a reality docuseries about Naders family called Love Thy Nader premiered. The Hulu show features Nader and her four sisters navigating life in New York City. Get the latest entertainment news, reviews and star-studded interviews with our Independent Culture email Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Get the latest entertainment news with our free Culture newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice An Australian man named Johnson Wen has been charged with being a public nuisance after he was filmed jumping the barricade at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore and grabbing Ariana Grande. Viral video of the Thursday incident showed Cynthia Erivo rushing to defend her Wicked co-star before security intervened and pushed Wen away. Grande whose 2017 concert in Manchester was famously the site of a fatal terrorist attack appeared visibly shaken by the incident. Wen, 26, posted on Instagram later that he was free after being arrested. However, on Friday, Wen was charged in Singapore, where he reportedly told the court he intends to plead guilty. In the Asian city-state, the charge could result in a prison sentence of up to three months, a fine of up to S$2000 ($1540; 1170) or both. Wen is notorious for behaving badly at star-studded events. He was even arrested in Australia in June after rushing on stage during a Katy Perry concert. Ariana Grande has yet to comment publicly on the incident at the Wicked: For Good premiere in Singapore ( Getty ) Wen, who describes himself as Troll Most Hated on his Instagram, has a history of invading concerts and events. He was even arrested in Australia in June after rushing on stage during a Katy Perry concert. The troll faced widespread criticism on social media, particularly in light of the Manchester bombing at Grandes concert, which killed 22 and left hundreds injured. Ariana has been through so many scary things... and at her Manchester concert and you thought it would be fun to jump the barricade? wrote one person. Meanwhile, Erivo was praised by fans for her quick intervention. Actress. Dancer. Writer. Model. BODYGUARD. As if I couldnt possibly love her more, one wrote. The way that Cynthia immediately went to protect her says a lot about her, someone else added, while another said: Cynthia truly multi talented. Broadway, silver screen, AND security guard? Jon M. Chus highly anticipated sequel, out later this month, arrives a year after the release of Wicked: Part One, which welcomed Grande and Erivo in their respective Oscar-nominated roles as Glinda and Elphaba. Wicked: For Good finds Elphaba banished into exile and demonized as the Wicked Witch of the West, while Glinda enjoys a life of fame and popularity in the Emerald City. As an angry mob unites to take down Elphaba, she must team up with Glinda to transform herself for good. The sequel will also see the return of Jonathan Bailey as Fiyero, Jeff Goldblum as The Wizard, Michelle Yeoh as Madame Morrible, and Marissa Bode as Nessarose. Wicked: For Good will be available to watch in theaters on November 21. JERUSALEM, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli forces killed a Palestinian in the Gaza Strip on Friday, the military said, describing the Palestinian as a militant who crossed a demarcation line separating areas under Israeli control. In a statement, the army said that the Palestinian was identified crossing the "yellow line" and approaching Israeli troops in the southern Gaza Strip, posing "an immediate threat." The statement added that Israeli forces remain deployed "in accordance with the ceasefire agreement" but would "continue to operate to remove any immediate threat." Although the ceasefire between Israel and Hamas has been in place since Oct. 10, skirmishes between the two sides continued. According to Palestine's official news agency WAFA, 260 Palestinians have been killed in Israeli attacks in Gaza since Oct. 11. Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Alec and Hilaria Baldwin have reacted to popular content creator Dan Mahboubian Rosens harsh criticism of their Hamptons, New York, property. Last month, Rosen, known for critiquing celebrity homes, took aim at The Baldwins sprawling vacation getaway in a humorous social media video. In an exaggerated accent, used to mock Hilarias controversial Spanish accent, Rosen reviewed photos of the couples home published in The New York Times last August. He poked fun at the interiors, color schemes, and decor in his Instagram video, which has attracted over 320,000 views. While Hilaria, 41, commented a simple laughing emoji beneath the critical post, her husband appeared more offended, writing, Why dont you go away? Beginning with a beige-toned corner room, designated as the familys puzzle room, Rosen asked, How does someone with so much money like Alec Baldwin live in a place like this? Alec and Hilaria Baldwin own a vacation home in the Hamptons ( Getty Images ) Pointing to a sleeping cat lounging on a couch, he quipped, Look, even the cat is falling asleep, it is so bored with the home. It looks like they ran out of money doing set decoration for a Hallmark holiday film. Theres nothing here. Of the living room which featured a large pop-art painting of Hilaria above the mantel and plush beige-colored couches and chairs surrounding a wooden coffee table Rosen said, Did they get a Groupon to Pottery Barn? Everything is boring. This is where Barbara Bush would come to play bridge, he noted. Why are the lights in jail? Free the lights. Rosen argued that the artwork of Hilaria was the only thing remotely with personality in this whole home. Leveling up his criticism, Rosen moved on to their all-white bathroom. This is a mayonnaise bathroom, he said. Like, what was on the mood board? A set of veneers? Concluding with the backyards intricate wooden jungle gym, Rosen opined that it had more personality than the whole home. I would live in this jungle gym rather than the house, he added. The kids know it, thats why theyre all here. Because this is the place to be. Alec first purchased the 11,000-square-foot Hamptons farmhouse in 1995 for $1.6 million, according to the Times. It has since undergone significant renovations. In 1996, he installed a giant pool in the backyard, and then, after marrying Hilaria in 2012, he added 1,400 square feet of space to the homes interior. Currently, the home, which was featured in their reality series, The Baldwins, earlier this year, includes five bedrooms, seven bathrooms, a library, a basement movie theater-turned-playroom and a spacious open-concept living room area. The couple, who share seven young children, initially listed the property in November 2022, with the plan being to divide their time between their West Village apartment and their 55-acre lot in Vermont. They even accepted an offer to sell the home in 2024, but eventually changed their minds. But we keep coming back here because the kids are very happy. They love it here. When I go up to the kids and go, Want to sell the house?, they go crazy, Alec shared with the Times. Its a kids home that I never want to leave. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Doctors have urged patients to never combine two common over-the-counter medications, over fears that taking both at once could be harmful to a persons health. The news comes just weeks after Donald Trump and Robert F Kennedy Jr held a controversial press conference, in which they both claimed that Tylenol had a link to autism, a notion that medical professionals widely reject. However, doctors are now warning against taking both Tylenol and NyQuil at the same time. Although they serve different purposes, Tylenol is formulated for pain relief, and NyQuil is designed to relieve nighttime cold and flu symptoms; both contain acetaminophen. People are, without realizing it, double-dosing, Dr Brynna Connor told Parade. A maximum of 4,000 milligrams for a healthy adult, and frankly, I tell most people to stay well under 3,000 milligrams. Exceeding that, even for a day or two, can cause severe, irreversible liver damage. Its a remarkably fast track to liver failure, and people do it all the time. open image in gallery Doctors are warning against taking Tylenol with NyQuil, just months after Donald Trump made some bizarre claims about the drug ( AFP/Getty ) That means, although the body can handle acetaminophen, it must be within the safe limit. Dr Parth Bhavsar also told the magazine that mixing NyQuil and Benadryl, an allergy relief medication, can cause drowsiness, confusion, slowed breathing, and can increase the risk of falling. Both Benadryl and Tylenol contain diphenhydramine, which means taking both at the same time can cause memory loss, urinary retention, and dizziness. open image in gallery Trump and RFK Jr suggested that taking Tylenol while pregnant could lead to higher rates of newborns having autism ( Reuters ) In September, Trump and RFK Jr. claimed that any amount of Tylenol is unhealthy for pregnant women during a controversial press performance. Trump, who stumbled over the word acetaminophen while addressing reporters, claimed that the chemical was linked to a very increased risk of autism in newborns. Effective immediately, the FDA will be notifying physicians that the use of aceta well, let's see how we say that, Trump said before pausing. The president took a moment to sound out each syllable before trying once again. Acetam enophin. Acetaminophen. Is that OK? Which is basically commonly known as Tylenol." However, a new study has disputed the presidents controversial claims. Researchers from institutions in the United Kingdom, Spain, and Australia analyzed nine major reviews of the drug. The nine reviews contained a total of forty studies, including one of the studies referenced by Trump. According to the researchers, the existing evidence does not show a clear link between in utero exposure to paracetamol and autism and ADHD in offspring. Confidence in the findings of published systematic reviews on maternal paracetamol use during pregnancy and risk of autism and ADHD in offspring, with a very high overlap of primary studies, is low to critically low, they added. open image in gallery A new study has disputed the president and his health secretarys claims ( Getty/iStock ) Seven of the reviews included in the investigation were identified as having a potential for bias and unmeasured components. Only one review appropriately accounted for genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors related to the alleged link between Tylenol and autism. With those accommodations included in their assessment, the observed link between autism and Tylenol disappeared or reduced. The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists also weighed in, telling The Independent that the organization was not surprised by the results. A spokesperson for the organization added that there is no causal relationship between the prudent use of acetaminophen in pregnancy and autism or other neurodevelopmental disorders in offspring. Essentially, that means that they do not believe there is a strong enough link between autism and using Tylenol while pregnant to make any definitive claims. Sign up to our free Living Well email for advice on living a happier, healthier and longer life Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Live your life healthier and happier with our free weekly Living Well newsletter Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Theatre actor Jarryd Nurden has made a return to the West End stage just six months after undergoing surgery to remove half of his lung due to a rare cancer. Originally from KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa, Mr Nurden harboured a lifelong ambition to perform in the West End, having sung in choirs since childhood. But two years after selling his possessions to secure a visa and relocating, he was diagnosed with primary malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm of the lung (atypical carcinoid), a rare lung cancer that left him hospitalised for months. The diagnosis necessitated the removal of the entire lower lobe of his left lung, plunging him into a lengthy recovery period fraught with uncertainty over his performing future. Despite the physical and emotional toll, Mr Nurden fought his way back to the stage, proving his dream of a world-class career was far from shattered. When I had that phone call, thats when my world crashed, the 34-year-old said. Up until that point, I had made plans on how to survive, but because this was now taking me out of the picture for God knows how long, I was like: Im properly screwed. open image in gallery Nurden had always dreamed of a career on the stage ( Supplied ) Mr Nurden began his theatre career back in 2013, in a South African production of West Side Story, and he took his career international with a tour of Cats in 2014. He secured a UK visa in August 2021 and moved to London in October, spending about 11,000 on fees, flights and moving costs. In spring 2022, he was to begin his first West End role, in Andrew Lloyd Webbers Cinderella, but it closed early. That winter, he came down with a very bad flu, which turned out to be a rare form of lung cancer. I knew about some small scarring on my lung from a medical Id done five years prior, he explained. Back then, we just ruled it up to scar tissue from a drowning accident when I was really young. open image in gallery Nurden moved to London in 2021 to pursue his West End dream ( Supplied ) He believed he was fine, and continued performing in a Christmas pantomime while doctors investigated further, battling through his symptoms to put on the show. In January 2023, he took a phone call from his agent in which he found out he had a role in We Will Rock You his first major West End role. The same day, he had an appointment at Guys hospital, which sent his world crashing down doctors had discovered a tumour. They confirmed it had doubled in size from two centimetres to four centimetres since it was last examined. They needed to perform keyhole surgery to remove the tumour and determine whether it was benign or cancerous. open image in gallery Keep on rocking: Nurdens first major West End role was in We Will Rock You ( Supplied ) Obviously, being a performer, our bodies are everything. Time is money. We know how hard it is to stay at a level of excellence as a sportsman, dancer, performer, it just requires a lot, Mr Nurden said. So I said to (the doctor): Please, can I do this show? Ive literally just signed the contract this morning. Ive worked my whole life towards this moment, it got cancelled last year, and I just cant get it to be cancelled again. After months of investigation, including the keyhole surgery in August 2023, it was confirmed that the tumour was cancerous. Mr Nurden was diagnosed with primary malignant neuroendocrine neoplasm of the lung (atypical carcinoid). That phone call Ive always described as being underwater, he said. Everything just slows down, and youre like: Oh, I have cancer. I dont drink, I dont smoke, I work really hard. Hows this happening? open image in gallery Nurden and his friends did their best to keep his spirits up during his treatment ( Supplied ) Mr Nurden was told that some cancerous cells remained, even though the main tumour had been removed, and was offered either chemotherapy and radiotherapy or a major operation a lobectomy to remove the lower lobe of his lung. He opted for the surgery, and in October 2023 he had a completion lobectomy the removal of the entire lower lobe of his lung to get rid of remaining cancer cells. Recovery was really hard, because the first open surgery, the major one, went really wrong, with lots of complications, he said. I think it was touch and go at one point. And then I just wasnt getting better. It was going on for four months in the hospital. I had to have a second open surgery to clear infections. It was hell. No words will be able to describe all the low emotions I felt in those four months. Immense fear that I was never going to dance again or sing again. Lots of negatives, lots of pain. Ive never experienced so much pain in all my life. open image in gallery The West End actor had to spend months in the hospital, having to undergo multiple operations ( Supplied ) Thanks to the support of Actors Trust, Mr Nurden was able to access financial support to keep afloat while he was out of work. Months of rest followed, with Mr Nurden still needing a chest drain due to a fistula in his chest, and he was forced to turn down an offer to perform in the international tour of the musical Chicago. July 2024 brought another operation, this time to put stents into the fistula. However, when Chicago reached out again to offer him a role in their September international run in China, he assured them he would be ready despite not having a clue if he would be fit enough to work. Im going to just try my best. Thats all I can do, he said. open image in gallery Nurden has battled his way back to the stage ( Supplied ) Just three months after his last surgery, he made it back on stage, covering the role of Mary Sunshine in the musical. I was really proud of myself for having so much courage, but there was no choice as well, he said. It was do or die. These are the cards that youve been dealt, and you play them and youre going to play them to the best of your ability. I mean, the challenge was intense. It was a one-day rehearsal in London. It was flying to the other side of the world, landing, two-hour rehearsal, back on stage. In the tightest clothing as well! I wasnt fully feeling like I was sexy, even though its the sexiest show on earth. Taking a bow after his first performance was incredibly emotional, Mr Nurden added. open image in gallery Nurden played Mary Sunshine in Chicago ( Supplied ) That bow I took, it was an immense gratitude. It was just so much gratitude for being back on stage, being in a show that I love so much, being with such a supportive company. I was really proud, he continued. I think when you go through something very life-changing, you stop sweating the small stuff. You often hear people talk about how their lives have changed when theyve had major traumas happen to them, and you dont often relate, but I can very much relate now. I think its just that you value life a little bit more than before, and you value your talent a little bit more, you value the fact that youve survived something so crazy that you let go a lot more in your performance, or judge yourself a little less You do have that second chance at life, essentially. Lauren and Eric Eberspacher met during college. Eric was a year younger than Lauren, but she didnt mind and Eric just knew she was the one: Lauren was bubbly, a cute blonde with an infectious smile. At college, she was studying nursing. And I was there to find a wife, says Eric. One of the first things Eric asked Lauren when they started dating was whether she had a relationship with the Lord. She did; she was the daughter of a pastor. Their values aligned, and our personalities matched up well, too, he adds. Despite doing her nurse training, Lauren would happily become a traditional wife, she told Eric, who is now 37. And so when they got married at 22 and 23, her life changed. Rather than go out to work as an oncology nurse, Lauren would raise their children, bake from scratch which takes a lot of sacrifice, she says and manage the home. In her words, she would become her husbands helpmate. Eric, meanwhile, would make the decisions, provide financially, and protect the home they keep. The Eberspachers live an idyllic traditional marriage style, they tell me from their home in Nebraska, one that has been attracting a lot of attention of late. Thanks to TikTok tradwife influencers like 22-year-old mum of three Nara Aziza Smith described by GQ as an avatar for a corner of social media that glorifies old-fashioned family structures and the wholesome, quasi-religious aesthetics of housewifery who has more than 9 million followers, and Estee Williams a high-pitched housewife whos rarely seen out of a pink cardigan tradwives have never been so popular, or intriguing, or divisive. But behind every good tradwife is a trad-husband or, as some are calling them, the trad-dads. In these highly gendered marriages, its the men who supposedly rule the roost. So who are they? And, if making cola from scratch because your husband fancies a glass constitutes a good tradwife, what does it mean to be a poster-boy trad-husband? Lucky Blue Smith, Naras husband and the centre of her social media empire, plays the role well. Lucky, 26, was famously plucked from obscurity or a large Mormon family in Utah aged 10 to be signed by an international modelling agency. He became intensely popular among teen girls who called themselves the Lucky Charms, and followed his every move on Tumblr and, later, Instagram. Now, he has four children under four the first with his model ex-girlfriend Stormi Bree, born when he was just 19 years old, and three with Nara (Whimsy Lou, Rumble Honey and Slim Easy) and born in quick succession since they married in 2020. In Naras videos, Lucky is often visible in his wifebeater vest, high-cut Levis and wide-lapel shirts, chewing on a toothpick with his trad-boy Fifties style cow lick hairstyle, placing a suggestive hand around her waist as she cooks. While she spends her time realising they have run out of toothpaste or ketchup and whips up a homemade batch of whatever her husband needs, he stands looking adoringly at his wonderful tradwife. The wannabe James Deans own TikTok account has a paltry 457k followers to Naras millions in public view at least, its his tradwife in the driving seat. In fact, in one recent video, Nara makes clear that, while Lucky offers to help her film her content, she prefers to do it alone. Shes very specific about what she wants, she explains. Nara might be a tradwife in one sense, but shes in control in every other way. And that probably includes being the higher earner too. open image in gallery Lauren Eberspacher is quick to disagree with any criticisms of her traditional marriage ( lauren.fromblacktoptodirtroad/Instagram ) Like the majority of trad couples, Luckys life centres around his religious roots in Mormonism in one uncharacteristic post, cracks in the trad couples glossy exterior appeared as he opened up about suffering from depression after smoking every day and struggling to give it up. But all I can tell you is God is with you, he says. Despite this, and the performative purity of their trad brand, theres a consistent, jarring sexual undertone to their content. Under Luckys latest video, in which he appears as his wife cooks in a black beaded gown, the first comment from Nara reads, Daddy. But while Lucky and Nara hard sell the aesthetics of domesticity, a darker shadow has been cast on other trad couples. Recently, Megan Agnews profile of Queen of trad wives Hannah Neeleman, or @BallerinaFarm, raised a few pertinent questions about trad-husbands in particular. Neeleman, a Juilliard-trained ballerina who gave up her career to live in Utah with her husband Daniel and raise their eight children, was ostensibly the focus of The Times interview. But the subtext was obvious all along: why was the husband hovering at the end of every sentence she uttered? Was this really the utopia theyre selling to her 10 million followers or is there something at play behind the scenes? After the world leapt to conclusions and concern about Neeleman, she later leapt to her husbands defence. In the week following the release of the article, she posted that the couple had thought the interview went really well, but that they were taken aback upon reading the final account. It shocked us and shocked the world, Neelman said, by being an attack on our family and my marriage, portraying me as oppressed with my husband being the culprit. The Eberspachers live a pretty similar lifestyle to the Neelemans. Their four children Nora, 11, Andi, 9, Decon, 7, and Sybil, 4 are growing up on the farm that Eric took over from four previous generations of men in his family, the youngest two home-schooled while the older kids now attend classes. open image in gallery Estee Williams has been deemed a modern-day Stepford wife ( esteecwilliams/Instagram ) On a typical day, Eric is out working the fields all morning while Lauren, 38, is cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, wiping up spills, calming down tantrums, she says. He brings the bacon home, and I fry it up and cook it. Is she oppressed? No, I think [our lifestyle] has been painted in a way that feels oppressive, like the husband is very oppressive of the woman, Lauren says. As though hes making her do all these things, forcing her to, and shes miserable. Rather, they find contentment in their roles, Lauren says. Eric brings up the whole tradwife, Red Pill movement. The Red Pill forum was set up in 2013, and encouraged women to behave as tradwives, idealising modest dressing, and spousal servitude (domestically and sexually). Thinking about that whole movement I just think in the last generation it seems like we lost something. In the sense of masculinity and femininity. Its not really been on the radar for a lot of people. Maybe the tradwife Red Pill movement is kind of an overreaction. But you cant deny that actually, theres a problem in that realm. His thoughts echo those of Conner Williams, husband of Estee Williams, who was studying meteorology at university before she became a wife. She now delivers TikTok explainers on Biblically submissive wives and how to make potpourri from scratch. Conner appeared alongside Estee to speak on the American talk show Dr Phil, where he also took issue with feminism. I think it hurts our masculinity, Conner told the host. I think it hurts masculinity because the woman is more the leader than the man. Men are born to be leaders, he continues. But herein lies a problem. While many of these men are purportedly head of the household the decision-makers, as Conner believes, and the breadwinners its the tradwives on social media who are likely bringing home a lot more bacon. Avid sleuth TikTokkers have made modest estimations that Nara Smith earns more than 200,000 per month for her softly spoken, cult-like cooking videos. Estee Williams, deemed a modern-day Stepford wife, will likely be earning thousands, too. The sleuths note that the figure doesnt include brand deals as well as earning from TikTok views, Nara and Lucky have partnered with Calvin Klein and K18 in the past. open image in gallery Lucky Blue Smith and Nara Aziza have taken social media by storm ( Getty/REVOLVE ) Lauren posts about her life with Eric and her children on Instagram, where she has 13k followers, and on her blog From Blacktop to Dirt Road and has written a book, Midnight Lullabies, for new mothers. Her Facebook page has more than 250,000 followers and at one point, she was travelling around doing about 20 events per year giving talks. But she says monetising being a tradwife is not the aim. She and Eric decided that her work wasnt fitting the mission for their family. Things were kind of starting to fall off the wheels a little bit, and I wasn't able to keep up and do all the things that I felt like God was calling me to do as a wife and a mom at home, she explains. And so I stepped away. Would it disrupt the power dynamic in the house if she were to start earning more than Eric? Yes, Lauren says. For us, I think it would. Eric explains that this is because they go by the scriptures, and what God says about men and women. Theyre of the same value, but theyre different. Theyre just different, he says. I know some people will gasp when I say men and women are different. God made man a certain way and made woman a certain way and gave them a blueprint of how to act within their nature. This really came into play when Lauren experienced a difficult time early on in their marriage, she says. I was a rage monster. I was not fun to be around, I wasnt a good friend, I wasnt a great wife [Anger] was just really consuming me, and Eric stood up and he said, Lauren, this is not right. This is ruining your life. Youre living in sin, youre not honouring God, and youre not enjoying the life that youre supposed to enjoy. Lauren is grateful to Eric now for stepping in and leading me out of this really dark season in my life. They are happy Eric, who sits at the kitchen table with her as we chat over Zoom, feels their marriage is strong, and fun. They are clear that this is the life theyve chosen for themselves theyre not preaching to others to do the same. Still, they are keen to talk about it, as is everyone else in recent months. There seems to be little sign of the tradwife era coming to an end anytime soon at this point, especially with populist politics on both sides of the Atlantic having sought to validate conservatism on the Christian right for some time. Will trad-husbands, particularly those benefiting from the (baking-from-scratch) breadwinners at their sides, be now subjected to the same scrutiny? Probably not. That would be something called gender equality. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice The accused killer of an American idol executive and her husband has been ruled not presently competent to stand trial on murder charges. Raymond Boodarian, 22, allegedly broke into the Los Angeles home of music supervisor Robin Kaye and her husband, Thomas Deluca, in July, shooting them both dead. On Thursday, Boodarian was ruled as incompetent by L.A. Superior Court Judge Maria Cavalluzzi, announcing he had been moved to a state facility to treat a psychiatric condition with psychotropic medication. open image in gallery Kaye and Deluca died from multiple gunshot wounds, their death certificates reveal ( Facebook ) The defendant lacks the capacity to make decisions, Judge Cavalluzzi said. Restoration is in the interest of justice because this is a homicide case. On July 10, Kaye and Deluca, both 70, were shot dead in their $4.5 million Encino home in a crime that shocked the affluent Los Angeles-area community. Death certificates obtained by People reveal the couple both died from multiple gunshot wounds after they returned home from grocery shopping. Deluca was killed within seconds, Kaye died minutes later, the certificate says. It took four days until the couples bodies were found on July 14, when police performed a welfare check, where they found the front door unlocked and the security system disabled, according to a police affidavit seen by People. Investigators believe the couple was shot with a gun that belonged to them, Los Angeles County District Attorney Nathan Hochman said last month. Los Angeles received two reports of a possible burglary, as one saw a man jump a fence. Police responded but left when they did not find evidence of forced entry. The other call came from Boodarian, who used his cellphone and provided his name, which helped police track him down later. The 22-year-old was arrested on July 15 and charged on July 17 with two counts of murder and one count of first-degree residential burglary. On August 20, Boodarian appeared in court wearing a suicide gown and failed to get the attention of Judge Martin Herscovitz. open image in gallery Raymond Boodarian, charged with the fatal shooting of American Idol executive Robin Kaye and her husband Thomas Deluca ( AP ) Judge Hercovitz repeatedly tried to get Boodarians attention, but he failed to respond when addressed. Public defender Nancy Kolokotrones said her client had severe mental health issues. Hes appearing today in a suicide gown, she said, referring to a protective garment often worn by individuals in custody who are considered at risk of harming themselves. Herscovitz suspended the arraignment and scheduled Boodarian to appear in mental health court for a competency review on September 3. The record will reflect hes staring into space and not responding to the courts questions, Herscovitz told the court. Due to this behaviour, the court entertains a doubt as to the defendants mental competency. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man accused of killing a concertgoer with a single fatal punch in Seattle has been arrested by police after a massive cross-country search. Devin McCurdy, 31, is accused of fatally punching a man after a concert by hip-hop duo $uicideboy$ on August 28 at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, 27 miles from Seattle, and then fleeing to Alabama, where he was arrested Thursday morning. The suspect is now facing second-degree murder charges. Brandon Godsey, 31, was found on the ground outside the event venue by local law enforcement around 11 pm on the night of the show. When authorities reached Godsey, they initially believed that he had overdosed, prompting the unnamed sergeant to administer naloxone and to perform CPR, according to charge papers seen by The Seattle Times. open image in gallery Brandon Godsey (right) was killed at a $uicideboy$ concert in Washington after Devin McCurdy punched him a single time ( GoFundMe ) A GoFundMe campaign launched by Charro Vatne, Godseys mother, claims that the 31-year-old was later air lifted to Harborview Trauma Center where he passed away from his severe injuries. According to documents, Godsey died at 1.30 am, having suffered skull fractures and widespread brain bleeding. Now, Vatne says the money will be used for funeral arrangements, medical expenses, and to support her sons long-term girlfriend and son. This was the worst day of our lives, she added. Brandon was loved by many who knew him. Brandon leaves behind his life partner, Brandy, and her son. A witness recorded the aftermath of the assault on Godsey, who was reportedly intoxicated and had exchanged words with a particularly aggressive security guard, according to various reports. Moments before his death, he had been waiting for two women, with whom he had attended the concert, to return from the restroom. According to the documents, an unknown woman made a comment which angered Godsey, prompting him to shout something which an unnamed man claimed was disrespectful. Shortly after, a second man allegedly punched Godsey in the face, causing him to hit his head on the concrete walkway, police say. open image in gallery The killer punch was thrown at the White River Amphitheatre in Auburn, Washington ( Google Streetview ) A witness said the assailant shouted, You dont talk to my friends like that. The bystanders clip depicts the attacker leaning over Godsey and saying, Sleep tight. Video surveillance footage was used to track the suspect. McCurdy continued to elude law enforcement until a police detective in Auburn notified the sheriffs office that the suspects vehicle had been spotted in Alabama. However, it was uncovered that McCurdy had sold the car to a bookkeeper on August 28, just a day after the alleged attack. Police called the number that was used to scan McCurdys concert tickets, allowing them to locate his phone, which was in Town Creek, where the mother of McCurdys girlfriend lives. Authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to Godseys death. McCurdy has been booked into the Lawrence County Jail in Alabama and is scheduled to be arraigned on Monday. The Independent has contacted the King County Sheriffs Office and the $uicideboy$ for comment. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice A man was killed in a shootout with police in New York City after pulling a gun on multiple people and threatening to shoot up a hospital, cops say. The man was in an elevator in a residential building in Manhattans Upper East Side around 7 p.m. Thursday when he spoke to another man and then pulled out a gun and pointed it at him, according to NYPD. The man then went to a nearby deli, pointed a gun at a worker behind the counter and told him to call 911, saying he was going to a hospital to shoot it up. Shortly after, the man briefly entered Mount Sinai Medical Center before leaving and placing a firearm on the ground, police said. He then went back inside, where he told a police officer working a paid security job that he had a gun. When the officer tried to escort him out, they struggled, the man retrieved his gun and the officer called for backup, police said. open image in gallery Mount Sinai Hospital in the Upper East Side neighborhood of New York City ( Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images ) The man then walked down the street and encountered police officers in vehicles. Chief of Patrol Philip Rivera said the man immediately fired his gun at the officers when they got out of their vehicles. The officers returned fire and hit him, he said. Officers took the man to a hospital where he was pronounced dead. Police officers were taken to a hospital for evaluation. Every day, our officers put on their uniforms and they encounter dangerous situations across this city. But its another kind of danger when someone goes into a deli and hospital with a gun and opens fire directly at the NYPD, Rivera said. Rivera didn't provide details about the man. A separate shooting Thursday night at a hospital 50 miles (80 kilometers) north of the city in Newburgh left a 45-year-old man dead. The man brandished a knife and attacked a security guard after pulling a fire alarm in the emergency room lobby of Montefiore St. Lukes Cornwall Hospital. A hospital security guard fired one round at the attacker, who was later pronounced dead, according to Newburgh police. A woman who was nearby suffered an apparently non-life threatening injury, police said. The latest headlines from our reporters across the US sent straight to your inbox each weekday Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Your briefing on the latest headlines from across the US Email * SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our Privacy notice Stephen Bryant, a 44-year-old convicted killer, is scheduled to face a firing squad in South Carolina on Friday, marking the state's third such execution this year. Bryant was condemned for killing three people over five days in a rural area in 2004. His execution, set for 6 p.m. at the Broad River Correctional Institution in Columbia, will be carried out by three volunteer prison employees, each armed with live ammunition. With no appeals pending, Bryant's final hope rests on a clemency decision from the governor, to be announced just minutes before. No South Carolina governor has granted clemency since the U.S. reinstated the death penalty in 1976. The firing squad, with its violent global history in military discipline and political repression, has recently been revived in the U.S. Some lawmakers contend it offers the quickest and most humane method of execution. That is because a number of executions have been botched by other methods, including lethal injection drugs. South Carolina and other states have struggled to maintain adequate supplies of lethal injection drugs. In part because of this, South Carolina paused executions for 13 years. The state then restarted in September 2024, after which four men have been executed by lethal injection and two by firing squad. The state is among several where the electric chair is still legal. Execution by firing squad is also still legal in Idaho and a backup method if others are not available in Oklahoma and Mississippi. open image in gallery Stephen Bryant killed three men in the span of five days The 2004 murders Bryant admitted to killing Willard TJ Tietjen in October 2004 after stopping by his secluded home in rural Sumter County and saying he had car trouble. Tietjen was shot several times. Bryant then answered Tietjens phone after it rang several times telling both his wife and daughter that he was the prowler and had killed them, prosecutors said. Bryant burned Tietjens eyes with cigarettes after shooting him and painted catch me if u can and other taunting messages on the wall with the victims blood, investigators said. Bryant also killed two other men one before and one after Tietjen. He gave the men rides and when they got out to urinate on the side of the road, he shot them in the back, authorities said. During the search, officers stopped nearly everyone driving on dirt roads in the area just east of Columbia, and told people to be leery of anyone they did not know asking for help. Bryant's lawyers said he was troubled in the months before the killing, begging a probation agent and his aunt to get him help because he couldnt stop thinking about being sexually abused as a child by a group of relatives. They said he tried to cope by using meth and smoking joints he sprayed with bug killer. Bryant will be the 43rd man killed by court-ordered execution so far this year in the U.S. At least 14 others are scheduled to be put to death during the remainder of 2025 and next year. Bryant will also be the 50th person executed in South Carolina since the state restarted the death penalty 40 years ago. What happens during a firing squad execution At 6 p.m. Friday, the curtain will open in the death chamber at a Columbia prison with fewer than a dozen witnesses sitting behind bulletproof glass. Bryant will be strapped into a chair. A white square with a red bulls-eye target will be placed over his heart by a doctor. Bryant's lawyer can read his final statement if he has one. A prison employee will then place a hood over Bryant's head, walk across the small room and pull open a black shade where the firing squad waits. Without an audible or visual warning to witnesses, the shooters will fire high-powered rifles from 15 feet (4.6 meters) away. A doctor will then come out within a minute or two, examine him and declare him dead. Lawyers for the last man executed by a firing squad said the shooters nearly missed the heart of Mikal Mahdi. They suggested by barely hitting the bottom of the heart that Mahdi was in agonizing pain for three or four times longer than experts say he would have been if his heart had been hit directly. STOCKHOLM, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Three people were reported dead after a bus crashed into a bus shelter in central Stockholm on Friday, according to local media. Following the incident, several bus routes in the area were suspended. Australias largest miner, BHP, has been found liable to compensate victims devastated by the collapse of a tailings dam in Brazil in 2015 that killed 19 people, spewed millions of tonnes of waste into a major river system and left hundreds homeless. Melbourne-based BHP has been locked in disputes for nearly a decade over its role in the catastrophic bursting of the Fundao tailings dam in 2015, considered to be Brazils worst ever environmental disaster. Homes lay in ruins in Bento Rodrigues, Minas Gerais, Brazil, after the Samarco dam burst on November 5, 2015. Credit: AP The miner, which jointly owned the site through its 50:50 Samarco joint venture, has spent billions of dollars funding remediation and compensation, but has also been fighting large-scale court cases brought by people who lost their houses and livelihoods. On Friday, Londons High Court ruled that BHP was liable to compensate hundreds of thousands of affected Brazilians. Advertisement Eating outRestaurant news Why Colombian food is finally on the rise in Melbourne (and where to find it) Compared to Mexican, Argentinian and Peruvian cuisine, Colombian food is relatively unknown in Australia, but thats starting to change. Annie Hariharan November 13, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share When I started at Truffles three years ago, the menu had Polish food and desserts, says chef Marcela Perea Infante, speaking about the St Kilda cafe where she works. But the menu has gradually shifted to reflect her Colombian heritage, with empanadas and the corn cakes known as arepa appearing alongside scrambled eggs and cakes. Rent was high and we were getting fewer customers, she says. When the owner said we may have to close down, I was worried it would affect my work visa and asked if I could cook Colombian food on the weekend. Carellys Vergara (left) and Linda Molano at Del Alma in Prahran. Wayne Taylor This was in December 2024. Eight months later, the positive reception led to the Colombian menu becoming permanent. Advertisement Census data shows that the number of Colombian-born residents in Australia increased by 80 per cent between 2021 and 2016. The number is relatively small at approximately 35,000 people, but its still larger than the number of Mexican-born residents, which hovers at 7000 people. Colombian cuisine is influenced by African and Caribbean cultures, especially near the coast, and European culture as you move inland. John Gomez, La Tienda owner Despite this, Mexican has long dominated the Latin American food category in Australia, followed by Argentinian barbecue and Peruvian ceviche. Colombian food is still relatively unknown. But thats changing, most noticeably in Melbournes inner south-east suburbs. Costenisimo, a Colombian street food eatery, opened in a car wash in St Kilda East in October 2024, six months after it started as a food truck in Footscray; several cafes in Windsor and Prahran now serve empanadas; and a specialty grocer in Balaclava sells frozen plantains. Costenisimo Colombian cafe in St Kilda East. Joe Armao Advertisement According to Carellys Vergara and Linda Molano, co-owners of Del Alma cafe in Prahran, Mexican food tends to be spicy with more seasoning and liberal use of tortillas. In comparison, Colombian food uses more rice and plantains. Colombian cuisine is influenced by African and Caribbean cultures, especially near the coast, and European culture as you move inland, says John Gomez, owner of La Tienda in Windsor. The cuisine is also a byproduct of the tropical climate, evident in the range of fruits used, from soursops to the citrus-like lulo. Corn, rice, cassava and potatoes add heft, and plantains are ubiquitous and varied. They grow everywhere! says Gomez. We eat them with tacos, we deep-fry the green plantains, and eat the sweet [yellow] ones with guava paste. Chefs and cooks alike take pride in educating their customers about Colombian food and culture, even if it can be challenging at times due to lingering stereotypes about Colombia and the stronger presence of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine in Australia. John Gomez from La Tienda restaurant in Windsor. Wayne Taylor Advertisement Molano believes the global popularity of Mexican food is closely linked to its proximity to the United States: Mexico borders the US, and countless pop culture references have highlighted Mexican cuisine, helping it become much more widely recognised. Gomezs explanation is that Mexican food is more convenient to eat on the go. Other than empanadas, the rest of Colombian food requires sitting down and eating, he theorises. Still, Infante credits the growing interest in Colombian food among non-Latin customers to the fact that it is largely gluten-free and mild tasting rather than spicy. The primary source of spice in Colombian food is aji, a condiment made with coriander, parsley, chili and lime juice. It accompanies most dishes and perfectly zests up Colombias hearty food. Bandeja paisa is one of the countrys most emblematic dishes, bringing together rice and a wide range of traditional ingredients from chorizo and crisped-up pork belly to frijoles, a bean stew. The dish originated in Colombias north-west and was designed to sustain farmers during long days in the fields. Assorted empanadas from Del Alma. Wayne Taylor Advertisement Cumin and coriander are common spices in Colombian cooking, but it also requires ingredients that were once difficult to source in Australia, such as achiote, which imparts a reddish-orange hue to many dishes, and guascas, a herb with a slightly minty flavour. A few years ago it was difficult to find them, but now more people are importing, says Vergara. Three places for Colombian food in Melbourne Truffles Patisserie Latin America meets Europe at this cosy cafe. Mute is a hearty soup with beef, pork, chicken, tripe and black beans, and cazuela de mariscos is a lighter seafood stew with coconut milk and vegetables. Upbeat salsa music plays in the background and theres impromptu dancing on Sundays. Advertisement 192 Carlisle Street, St Kilda, trufflespatisserie.com.au Del Alma Vibrant yellow, red and blue-toned murals differentiate this cafe from others in the neighbourhood. The cheese arepa is a mix of sweet and savoury flavours, as is the Colombian hot chocolate, which comes with cubed mozzarella to dunk in the drink until its gooey. 107 Greville Street, Prahran, instagram.com/del_alma.au La Tienda Advertisement Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Restaurant news Latin American Advertisement Eating outSydney Fish Market First look: Everything you need to know about the soon-to-open $836 million Sydney fish market The $836 million market is just two months from opening, with a bucket list of new experiences on sale today. Plus: the markets must-try new restaurants. Bianca Hrovat November 17, 2025 Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Leading chefs from Good Food Guide hatted restaurants including aMare, Pilu at Freshwater and King Clarence will teach cooking classes at Sydneys $836 million fish market after it opens in Pyrmont in late January. Sydney Seafood School manager Sally Webb at the new Sydney Fish Market, set to open in January. Steven Siewert The guest chef program is part of a bucket list line-up of new experiences announced today for the new Sydney Seafood School, which is due for a significant upgrade when it moves to the mezzanine floor of the Sydney Fish Market, says manager Sally Webb. We want people to feel like theyve come to more than just a cooking class, like theyve come to a must-do Sydney experience, in an iconic Sydney building, she says. 1 / 5 Render of the restaurant at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 2 / 5 Render of the bar at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 3 / 5 Render of the hands-on kitchen at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 4 / 5 Render of the ampitheatre at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied 5 / 5 Render of the restaurant at the new Sydney Seafood School. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Advertisement The 36-year-old institution will feature a 60-person amphitheatre, hands-on induction-powered kitchen and oyster shucking bar, as well as its own 130-person wine bar (serving exclusively NSW-made wines) and restaurant with panoramic views across Blackwattle Bay. Webb says the schools program is locked in through to June with chefs including Danielle Alvarez (culinary director at Sydney Opera House), Khanh Nguyen (executive chef at two-hatted King Clarence), and Joel Bickford (culinary director at Shell House and The International). We want people to feel like theyve come to more than just a cooking class, like theyve come to a must-do Sydney experience, in an iconic Sydney building. Sydney Seafood School manager Sally Webb Weve also got Giovanni Pilu (Pilu at Freshwater) and Alessandro Pavoni (aMare, Ormeggio at the Spit) doing a class together, she says. Thats going to be a pretty hot ticket. New classes will be added to the schools regular programming, including Land and Sea, focused on integrating native ingredients into everyday kitchens; Seafood Discovery, a shorter educational class targeted towards visitors to Sydney; and an oyster shucking class. Advertisement Tickets for classes in the new Sydney Fish Market go on sale on Monday. Render of the new Sydney Fish Market. What can I eat at the new Sydney Fish Market? After seven years of development and significant delays, construction of the new site has reached practical completion and keys were handed over for retail and restaurant fit-outs this week. The hospitality offering will include Sushi Oe, an exclusive two-hatted Japanese fine-dining restaurant moving over from Cammeray; Lua, the newest venture from TV presenter and restaurateur Luke Nguyen; Touch Wood, a restaurant from the team behind Glebe cafe Dirty Red; and Hamsi, a 200-seater helmed by chef Somer Sivrioglu (Efendy, Maydanoz) and inspired by coastal taverns in Istanbul. Advertisement Somer Sivrioglu, chef for Hamsi, a Turkish taverna at the new Sydney Fish Market. Sivrioglu, who signed up to the development last year, believes the new market will become one of the worlds great seafood destinations. Infrastructure NSW chief executive Tom Gellibrand forecasts the seafood hub will attract 6 million visitors a year. It will be the centrepiece of Australian seafood culture, and the chance to showcase incredible local produce with a Turkish lens is something I couldnt resist, Sivrioglu says. Hamsi will focus on charcoal-cooked seafood, using Aegean cooking techniques to create dishes including a whole John Dory with spiced tarhana (a fermented blend of yoghurt, grains, and spices) crust. 1 / 2 Render of Hamsi. Supplied 2 / 2 Render of Hamsi. Supplied Previous Slide Next Slide Advertisement Seafood will always be at its heart, but the new market opens up a broader, more dynamic food scene a place to explore new flavours and ideas beyond the sea, says Bloom Phung, content coordinator for specialty coffee roaster Stitch Coffee, which plans to open its second cafe in the new food precinct. There will be takeaway coffee, specialty drinks such as Mont Blancs, and a selection of grab-and-go pastries from Tenacious Bakehouse in Darlinghurst. Its one of the more casual offerings, along with Roman-style pizzeria and restaurant La Dea, which opened its first location in Redfern earlier this year. Delays have been financially challenging for the fledgling business, says owner Enthony Spaziani, but he believes the payoff will be worth it. Render of La Dea. We see it as a long-term partnership that will elevate our brand and connect us with people who are looking for something memorable, artisanal and genuinely Italian, Spaziani says. Advertisement Former Good Food Guide Chef of the Year finalistJunda Khoo initially planned to open his surf-and-turf restaurant Tam Jiak by Ho Jiak in October. When the 80 to 120-seater finally launches in January, it will feature a Malaysian-inspired menu, where each dish contains an element of both earth and sea, from a tandoori tartare with beef and tuna to grilled octopus with chicken skin. I wanted to be part of a project that has the potential to change the landscape of Pyrmont [and] become the second-largest seafood market in the world after Japan, Khoo says. Chef Junda Khoo opened new Melbourne restaurant Ho Liao while waiting for the keys to his tenancy at Sydney Fish Market. Alex Coppel What can I buy at the new Sydney Fish Market? The retail space will be double that of the current fish market, with 40 retailers over 6000 square metres of accessible public domain. Visitors will be able to view all the early-morning auction action from behind glass walls. Advertisement Despite a last-minute withdrawal by long-term tenant Vics Meats in April, the majority of the traders will be moving over from the former site. Among them will be Get Fish, Musumeci Seafoods, Nicholas Seafood Traders and Claudios Seafood. There will also be Blackwattle Deli for smallgoods and pantry items, Fishermans fine wines, and a second outlet from Enmore ice cream shop Cow and the Moon, for a take-home treat. Related Article Revealed: The top Japanese fine-diner to join new $800m Sydney Fish Market Restaurant reviews, news and the hottest openings served to your inbox. Sign up My Oma and Opa, my paternal grandparents, fled the Holocaust as German Jewish teenagers only two generations ago. I live to tell their stories because they were able to escape white supremacy and persecution to build a life together in a country that felt safe. Other members of our family were not so lucky. My Opas mother, brother, sister-in-law and their child died at Auschwitz. My Omas father died at Theresienstadt concentration camp and her mother at Auschwitz. The Neo-Nazi demonstration last Saturday at the front of the NSW Parliament was horrific. The National Socialist Network rally outside parliament last Saturday. Credit: Flavio Brancaleone For me, both as a descendent of Holocaust survivors and as a queer woman, the most frightening aspect of that demonstration was not that it was outside my workplace and an important symbol of democracy, where I am a member of the upper house, but that we are at a moment in Australian history where neo-Nazis have the confidence to bare their faces in public in broad daylight. The first time I reported threats from neo-Nazis in my community was to Albury police in 2018, in my capacity as a local councillor. They threatened me after I condemned their activities, including recruiting new members. Last year, I was at the Albury pride film night that was threatened and crashed by 30 masked neo-Nazis. They have since demonstrated, as they did at parliament on Saturday, at the war memorials in Corowa and Albury. They mock veterans of the world wars in which Australian soldiers fought against fascism. TOKYO, Nov. 15 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao met Japan's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Takehiro Funakoshi on Friday to lodge solemn representations and a formal protest over Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's erroneous remarks regarding China. Wu said that Takaichi's blatant and provocative remarks on China's Taiwan during a parliamentary debate violated basic common sense, crossed China's red line, threatened with force, and called for war. Moreover, she refused to admit her mistakes, refused to retract her statements or mitigate the adverse impact. It is a complete misjudgment of the situation and an overestimation of one's own strength. The remarks constituted a gross interference in China's internal affairs and violated international law, the basic norms governing international relations, the one-China principle and the spirit of the four political documents between China and Japan, and severely undermined the post-war international order and the political foundation of China-Japan relations, Wu said. China is strongly indignant and will not tolerate this, and has lodged solemn representations and a strong protest, the ambassador added. Wu pointed out that Taiwan is China's Taiwan and the Taiwan question is at the very heart of China's core interests. How to resolve the Taiwan question and realize national reunification is a matter for the Chinese people to decide and brooks no interference by any external force. China's national reunification must be and will definitely be fulfilled. Takaichi administration's clamor for military intervention in the Taiwan Strait is a blatant challenge to China's core interests. It is actively tying Japan to the chariot to divide China, and will ultimately lead Japan to a dead end, said the ambassador. Wu emphasized that this year marks the 80th anniversary of the victory of the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War, as well as the 80th anniversary of the restoration of Taiwan. Japan committed innumerable crimes during its colonial rule in Taiwan. Japanese militarists have waged aggression more than once under the pretext of "survival-threatening situation," but ultimately suffered shameful defeats. Wu said that China solemnly warns the Japanese side that today's China is no longer the China of the past. Should the Japanese side dare to use force to interfere in the Taiwan question, it will constitute an act of aggression, and only suffer a crushing defeat. China strongly urges Japan to deeply reflect on its history, retract its egregious statements, and stop its provocations and overstepping behaviors. Otherwise, it must bear all the consequences that follow. An accused child rapist who led police to childcare worker Joshua Brown will fight dozens of sex offence related charges in court. Michael Simon Wilson, 36, appeared in Melbourne Magistrates Court on Friday via video link from custody, where he chose to fast-track his 72 charges to a higher court. Michael Simon Wilson. Those charges including rape and bestiality alongside the possession and transmission of child abuse material that police say occurred between April 2022 and May 2025. Defence lawyer Heather Anderson told the court her client wanted the matter to proceed straight to the County Court, with pleas of not guilty entered to each charge. Both sides want to introduce less judicial wriggle room, tougher bail and parole conditions, and more jail time. These words were written by our crime columnist John Silvester in the weeks leading up to the 2018 state election, which pitted the Coalitions Matthew Guy against incumbent Labor premier Daniel Andrews in what Silvester called a law-and-order auction with both sides trying to appear tougher than the other. We are just over a year out from the 2026 election, and this time the bidding is already at fever pitch. Incumbent Labor premier Jacinta Allans Thursday press conference announcing that young offenders will face adult time for violent crime saw her asked by one reporter whether she would resign if crime numbers did not come down. That was a clear reference to a commitment made (and subsequently adjusted) by Queensland premier David Crisafulli before his victory in last years state elections. Allan didnt bite, but in true auction spirit, Opposition Leader Brad Battin then raised his hand to say he would tie his political fortunes to the crime statistics, if he is elected in 2026, and they havent come down by the end of his term in 2030. Protective services officers will return to suburban shopping centres for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic to provide a visible deterrent against anti-social and violent behaviour in public places in the lead-up to Christmas and over the summer months. In a trial to be announced in coming days by the Allan government and Victoria Police, PSOs and police not rostered onto regular shifts will be deployed at 10 shopping centres across Melbourne, where rising rates of violence are fuelling community concerns about public safety. Protective Service Officers on patrol at Southern Cross Station. Credit: Paul Rovere The details of the trial were confirmed in a statement by Victoria Police. It said the trial would begin in December, run for 90 days and might become permanent, depending on its success. Highpoint Shopping Centre in Melbournes west and Northland will be included in the trial, with police to decide the other locations. Northland was the scene of graphic violence this year after rival youth gang members armed with machetes hacked at each other in a wild brawl in May, and again in June, when a man drove a stolen car through the shopping centre. Free power during the middle of the day could soon be available for Victorian households after the states watchdog was tasked with investigating the application of a similar, newly announced federal initiative. Energy Minister Lily DAmbrosio this week requested the Essential Services Commission investigate the suitability of a free power period offer for Victorian residential electricity consumers. Solar and home battery installations are booming in parts of Australia. Credit: AP The idea mimics an Albanese government proposal from two weeks ago that aims to offer three hours of free power in the middle of the day for households in NSW, South Australia and south-east Queensland, where the national energy regular sets benchmark power plans. The Commonwealth wants other states to follow suit, but they are regulated separately. This is why the Essential Services Commission (ESC) must investigate how to implement the policy in Victoria. A new polyphagous shot-hole borer quarantine zone reveals the proliferation of the destructive beetle in Perths hills as the state abandons its hopes of eradication in favour of a management approach. The government has binned its old A and B quarantine zones, in place for the past two years, which had suggested the beetle could be contained to the Perth metro area. Pictures of the tree stumps left after tree removal due to the Polyphagous shot hole borer, on the edge of Kings Park, fronting Mounts Bay Road in Perth. Credit: Ross Swanborough A management zone is now in place covering a region including horticultural areas of the Perth Hills. Meanwhile, a containment zone has similar boundaries to the old B zone, which spans north to Two Rocks, to Mandurah in the south, and out to Mundaring in the east. Advertisement InspirationRoad trips I did a UK family road trip on a shoestring. Heres what I learnt David Whitley November 15, 2025 7:43am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share The miner shows off his daughters favourite doll. On closer inspection, its an old shoe, dressed in tattered rags. It is, my kids decide, not a patch on the Nintendo Switch. This encounter at the Black Country Living Museum in Dudley, 17 kilometres west of Birmingham, is a useful reminder of the need to make do on a limited budget. Were attempting a family holiday in the UK as it would traditionally be done in Australia packing everything into the car and hopping between wallet-friendly holiday parks. One of the canals at the Black Country Living Museum. Getty Images Self-catering, cabins and caravans, the theory goes, leave more money to do the fun stuff. If listening to a costumed volunteer explain how a miner would have to sleep in a room with his wife and six children can be classified as fun, that is. The Black Country Living Museum is impressive in scale dozens of buildings including schools and shops have been rebuilt, vintage buses and horse-drawn carts rumble through the streets, while activities include Charleston dance classes and trips down the mine. Advertisement This time-warp sprawl, predictably, doesnt generate quite as much young enthusiasm as the next itinerary-padder, Cadbury World. Birminghams family favourite has 4D rides as well as exhibitions on the history of chocolate, a factory tour and prodigious levels of chocolate-tasting. The social history the southern suburb of Bourneville where the attraction stands was built by the Cadbury company to house the factory workers is fascinating. But its more of interest to parents who have long since conceded that tonights dinner is just going to be the remainder of the chocolate haul. The first overnight stop on our journey through parts of England in which Ive spent disgracefully little time before is one of the wooden lodges at Warwick Castle. It comes with bunk beds, easy access to the castle the next day and more importantly an evening sword skills training lesson. The SS Great Britain. Alas, that means that everything in the back of the car is a sword to be fought with on the 2-hour drive to our second stop, Brean on the Somerset coast. Advertisement One of the advantages of a road trip, though, is that you can stop in big cities on the way without having to pay big-city accommodation prices. Most of our driving day, therefore, is spent in Bristol. Here, the SS Great Britain is ripe for exploration, with our girls nosying around the faithfully restored staff quarters of what was once the biggest passenger ship in the world. The grand museum ship sparks imagination, but not as emphatically as We The Curious. This fantastic, highly interactive science museum is themed around questions such as who was the first person to see sand? and why do rainbows make people happy? An interactive exhibit at We The Curious. The girls are reluctant to stop firing foam balls in the air, creating animations and completing morality tests in a driving simulator, but we have to get to our home for the next few days. The Unity Beach holiday park is, in many ways, a slice of traditional British coastal life. Rows and rows of static caravans sprawl over what is essentially a village in its own right. Inside the surprisingly fresh-looking caravan, everythings a bit of a squash, but the girls get tiny separate rooms and the kitchen is solidly passable for cooking in. Advertisement Whats not traditional is the water park, which provides temporary parental respite while the girls merrily whizz down slides. When the girls can be dragged away from the Turbo Drop and Disco Slide, Somersets charms lie inland. Theres a serenity to walking in the Mendip Hills that gives way to shamelessly touristy but highly picturesque Cheddar Gorge. Here, the girls are taught how to make fire at the Museum of Prehistory, entranced by the cathedral-like formations of Goughs Cave, and happily fill up with cheese at the Cheddar Gorge Cheese Company. Cheddar Gorge and Caves. A fair few blocks of that cheese come with us as we make our way south into Cornwall, stopping to see some otters on the way. Advertisement Many live wild in the rivers of Dartmoor National Park, but the families at Dartmoor Otters and Buckfast Butterflies in Buckfastleigh, Devon, have been rescued. We arrive just in time for feeding, and my daughters hearts melt instantly. No, we cant take an otter home with us. Sorry. One of the Buckfastleigh otters a sure-fire hit. Alamy In Cornwall, we stay at Killigarth Manor, a somewhat hilly holiday park between the outrageously pretty villages of Polperro and Looe. It comes with a kids entertainer that our children arent remotely interested in, plus a pool and a ping-pong table that they want to monopolise. On the first night, we park at the top of Polperro, then walk along the snaking main path past pubs and craft shops down to the harbour. Despite many Cornish villages being sacrificed entirely to tourism, theres a residual higgledy-piggledyness here, with cottages occupied either by artists or fishermen. At the harbour, the fishing fleet is moored, ready to head out again in the morning. Advertisement Cornwall has a few big headline attractions, notably the architecturally dazzling indoor rainforest at the Eden Project and castle-topped island, St Michaels Mount. But we find the charm comes in gentle exploration, getting stuck behind tractors on terrifyingly narrow country lanes and demolishing picnics on beachside benches. Many of Cornwalls beaches are dainty coves, reached by paths zig-zagging down from the neighbouring clifftops. But Perranporth is a mightier beast, starting with a stream threading into the Atlantic Ocean and widening to a generous landscape of gold-brown sand. Theres a memorial bench dedicated to Winston Graham, author of the Poldark novels, which were set around Perranporth. Perranporth Beach on the north coast of Cornwall. Getty Images Grahams ruggedly rural world has long gone, though. Perranporth is a buzzy place of bars, coffee shops and surf schools. Alas, any thoughts of donning wetsuits and learning to ride a board are thwarted. The Atlantic Ocean is not so much sending surf towards the beach as launching towering walls of foaming white water. Its mesmerising to look at, but marmalising to swim into. Advertisement Amid all the meandering, sandcastle-making and superhuman levels of ice-cream consumption, I have a mission to complete in Cornwall. My gnawing need to visit Britains southernmost point kicks in, and I throw out the offer of a chocolate factory and seal sanctuary on the way back to win the rest of the team round. Related Article Opinion Family holidays After seven years of travel with kids, here are 25 things Ive learnt Ben Groundwater Travel writer As it turns out, Lizard Point is worth visiting even without the tick-box factor. The cliffs are steep and chiselled, and the ocean washes over rocky outcrops, creating what looks like a series of wedding cakes. Whip the binoculars out, and theres a good chance of spotting dolphins in the water and seals scuffling on the rocks. Theres a suitable edge-of-the-Earth vibe and, in keeping with the frugal nature of the trip, it doesnt cost a penny to enjoy. The girls arent fussed about the budget, though theyre too busy running down the hill, past the lifeboat station, to the beach. The details Advertisement Fly Emirates offers one-stop flights from Sydney and Melbourne to Birmingham, via Dubai. See emirates.com Stay There are scores of holiday parks around the UK, with Hoseasons the best starting place for picking the right ones. Rates drop dramatically outside of British school holidays which, handily, are usually at different times to Australian school holidays. See hoseasons.co.uk Warwick Castle Woodland Lodges from 119 ($242.50) a night, including breakfast. See warwick-castle.com Unity Beach, Somerset, caravans from 199 ($406) for four nights, self-catering. See hru.co.uk Killigarth Manor, Cornwall, caravans from 110 ($224) for four nights, self-catering. See johnfowlerholidays.com Advertisement More visitbirmingham.com; visitbristol.co.uk; visitcornwall.com; visitbritain.com The writer was a guest of Visit Britain, the West Midlands Growth Company, Visit West and Visit Cornwall. Sign up for the Traveller Deals newsletter Get exclusive travel deals delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up now. Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Share License this article More: Road trips England Travel tips Family holidays UK Europe David Whitley is a writer based in Sheffield, England, who has made it his mission to cover as much of Australia as possible. He has a taste for unusual experiences and oddities with a great story behind them. As far as Davids concerned, happiness is nosily ambling around a history-packed city or driving punishing distances through the middle of nowhere on a big road trip. He is also probably the only person to have been to Liechtenstein and the Cook Islands in the same week. Traveller Guides BERLIN, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- German Defense Minister Boris Pistorius on Friday announced that Germany will contribute an additional 150 million euros (174.3 million U.S. dollars) to the Prioritized Ukraine Requirements List (PURL), a NATO framework that enables allied countries to finance U.S. weapons for Ukraine. Pistorius made the announcement at a joint press conference with several other European defense ministers. The new pledge follows Germany's earlier contribution of 500 million U.S. dollars to the PURL mechanism in August. Reaffirming Berlin's long-term support for Kyiv, Pistorius said Germany plans to provide more than 11.5 billion euros in aid for Ukraine in 2026. According to the German Federal Foreign Office, Germany has made available or earmarked roughly 40 billion euros in military assistance as of September 2025. On Thursday, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz held a phone call with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. In addition to discussions on continued support for Ukraine, Merz emphasized Germany's expectation that Ukraine advance its anti-corruption efforts and rule-of-law reforms. The two leaders also addressed concerns over the rising number of young Ukrainian men leaving the country for the European Union, according to a statement from the German government. (1 euro = 1.16 U.S. dollar) 34 lakh Aadhaar card holders identified as deceased in WB, UIDAI informs EC KOLKATA : ABOUT 34 lakh Aadhaar card holders in West Bengal have been found to be deceased since the identity card was introduced in January 2009, UIDAI authorities informed the Election Commission. The UIDAI authorities also communicated to the EC that about 13 lakh people in the State never possessed Aadhaar cards, but have since died. The information was shared during a meeting between officials of UIDAI (Unique Identification Authority of India) and the States Chief Electoral Officer (CEO) Manoj Kumar Agarwal, amid the ongoing enumeration exercise of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls. The meeting followed an EC directive asking all State CEOs to coordinate with Aadhaar authorities to verify voter data and identify discrepancies. The EC has received numerous complaints regarding ghost voters, deceased voters, absentee voters, and duplicate names in the rolls. The UIDAI data on deceased citizens is expected to help us in detecting and removing such entries from the electoral rolls, a senior official from the CEOs office said on Wednesday. Following the enumeration phase and publication of the draft rolls on December 9, if applicants are found to have submitted forms with names that have been removed from the Aadhaar database, they could be summoned by the Electoral Registration Officer (ERO) concerned for verification, he said. Poll officials said they were also gathering information from banks since Aadhaar is linked to most accounts. Banks have provided data on accounts where KYC updates have not been completed for years, aiding the identification of deceased individuals whose names still appear on voter rolls, the official said. The SIR process is currently in progress across West Bengal to root out dead and fake voters. Booth Level Officers (BLOs) are conducting door-to-door verification by distributing enumeration forms based on the 2025 electoral rolls and by subsequently mapping the data provided by applicants in those forms with the 2002 electoral rolls when the exercise was last held. According to information from the CEOs office, more than 6.98 crore (91.19 per cent) Enumeration Forms have been distributed in the State till 8 pm on Wednesday. The presence of ghost, deceased, or duplicate voters in the draft roll may lead to disciplinary action against the responsible BLOs, officials said. The Electoral Registration Officers (EROs) have been instructed to ensure accuracy and vigilance in the verification process, they said. Balaghat Panchayat Secy held for accepting bribe Staff Reporter : In a major action, Lokayukta team laid a trap in front of Balaghat Gram Panchayat Ukwa on Thursday and caught Panchayat Secretary accepting a bribe of Rs 50,000. The team recovered the bribe amount from the accused. Lokayukta SP Anjulata Patle stated that Ankush Chaukse of Ukwa village in Balaghat had complained that he wanted to construct a building on leased land, but was not receiving permission from the Panchayat. Panchayat Secretary Yogesh Hirwane was demanding a bribe of Rs 1,00,000 for granting a NOC for this work. The Lokayukta team investigated the complaint and declared a dismissal. SP, Patle stated that applicant Ankush Chaukse had applied to the Ukwa Gram Panchayat for construction on leased land. The accused, Yogesh Hirwane, the Ukwa Gram Panchayat Secretary, demanded a bribe for granting a NOC for the construction. The applicant had filed a complaint with the Office of the Superintendent of Police, Lokayukta, Jabalpur. During the conversation at the time of complaint verification, accused Yogesh Hirwane demanded Rs 1,00,000. After verification, on November 13, accused was caught red-handed accepting first installment of a bribe of Rs. 50,000 in exchange for granting an NOC for construction. The Lokayukt team which laid down the trap comprised of Inspector Jitendra Yadav, Inspector Rekha Prajapati and Inspector Brijmohan Singh Narwariya. Two MPPKVVCL employees Jabalpur Lokayukta team successfully executed a trap operation on Thursday, resulting in arrest of two employees of Madhya Pradesh Poorv Kshetra Vidyut Vitaran Company Limited (MPPKVVCL) for accepting a bribe of Rs 7,000. The arrested individuals are identified as Junior Engineer Barun Kumar Darbe and Computer Operator Vinod Kori, both posted at the MPPKVVCL office at Ukhri Road. The operation was initiated following a complaint from local resident Gauri Shankar Yadav, 45-year old son of Rambali Yadav, a resident of Gohalpur Narmada Nagar, who required a new electricity meter installed at his new residence. Yadav had already completed the requisite online application and paid all associated fees. According to the complaint, the accused employees allegedly demanded an initial bribe of Rs. 8,000 to process the installation of the new connection, which was subsequently negotiated to a final amount of Rs 7,000. After the Lokayukta office verified the bribe demand, a trap was planned and executed on Thursday at the MPPKVVCL office premises. Computer Operator Vinod Kori was apprehended immediately after accepting the bribe amount from the complainant. His accomplice, Junior Engineer Darbe, was also apprehended red-handed at the scene. The team was led by Inspector Uma Kushwah with the assistance of Inspector, Rahul Gajbhiye, Inspector, Shashikala Maskule and others. Both Darbe and Kori now face charges under provisions of the Prevention of Corruption Act, reinforcing the directives from the Director General of Police (Lokayukta), Yogesh Deshmukh, for stringent measures against corrupt practices. Counting of votes for Bihar today NEW DELHI : AS BIHAR prepares for the decisive counting of votes on Friday, election authorities, political parties and thousands of officials have put final arrangements in place for a tightly scheduled, highly secured and closely watched process that will determine control of the 243-seat Assembly. Counting will commence at 8 AM, beginning with postal ballots, followed by the mandates on Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) after half an hour. Leaders across the political spectrum of Bihar on Thursday held hectic parleys and reviewed last-minute preparations as the state was readying for the counting of votes polled in the recently held high-stakes Assembly polls that will decide whether Nitish Kumar, the longest-serving Chief Minister, will get a record fifth term. This is the first Assembly poll in Bihar after the COVID pandemic, and since the initiation of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral roll this year, after a gap of more than two decades. Officials have emphasised that EVMs remain sealed in strongrooms under a double-lock system and that strict protocols govern their movement and handling throughout the night and into the counting day. After the counting, a random selection of five polling stations per constituency is made for Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail (VVPAT) verification. The slips are matched with EVM results in the presence of candidates and their counting agents. Broad trends may be expected by midday, and final results by evening. Since the exercise involves EVMs with VVPATs, the counting process includes a mix of machine-read tallies and VVPAT verifications. Once an EVM is placed on the counting table and the mandatory test is done, machines are operated to extract candidate-wise vote totals. In select booths and constituencies, officials will also undertake VVPAT slips counting as mandated by rules. These slips are cross- checked with EVM totals to confirm the integrity of the recorded votes. Counting will proceed in batches determined by the number of polling stations and EVMs assigned to each constituency. Each counting table will handle a defined set of machines and repeatedly record subtotals on official forms. Returning Officers will collate subtotals, reconcile VVPAT checks where conducted, and publish the official constituency-wise totals, which will then determine winners and margins of victory. Any discrepancy or challenge during counting triggers immediate procedural checks and logs to ensure issues are resolved on the spot rather than later through contested claims. Incidentally, Bihar electors this time created a milestone with a record 67.13 per cent voter turnout. Bihar earlier registered 62.57 per cent voter turnout in the 2020 Assembly polls and 64.6 per cent in the 1998 Lok Sabha election. Meanwhile, no repoll was sought by any of the 2,616 candidates, nor by the 12 recognised political parties. The Election Commission of India has made arrangements for counting in all Assembly Constituencies, where 243 Returning Officers (ROs) will be conducting the exercise in the presence of 243 Counting Observers and party candidates or their agents. Altogether, 4,372 counting tables, each with one counting supervisor, assistant, and micro-observer, have been set up, and over 18,000 counting agents representing the candidates will oversee the process. The presence of Central observers, State Election Officials and candidate agents is intended to add layered oversight; counting halls will be open to authorised candidate agents whose presence is recorded and permitted under strict rules. Security around counting venues has been significantly tightened. Central paramilitary forces have been deployed to provide an inner security cordon, while state police maintain the outer perimeter. Additionally, arrangements for CCTV surveillance and video recording of the entire counting process are in place to ensure transparency and provide an audit trail in case of any disputes. To reduce scope for allegations or misunderstandings, the Commission and respective district administrations have reinforced the practice of video-recording counts and allowing candidate agents to be present during every step from strongroom opening to vote tabulation. District Magistrates have also imposed prohibitory orders on political processions, rallies or mass gatherings near counting sites for the duration of the counting and through the immediate post-declaration window to prevent any disorders. SHANGHAI, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Song Tao, Chinese mainland's top Taiwan affairs official, met with Chang Jung-kung, vice chairman of the Chinese Kuomintang (KMT) party, and his delegation in Shanghai on Friday. Song, head of both the Taiwan Work Office of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council, said at the meeting that based on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," the mainland is ready to work with the KMT to oppose secessionist activities and crush any attempts by Japan or other external forces to interfere in affairs related to Taiwan. He called for efforts to strengthen cross-Strait exchanges and cooperation, advance peaceful development across the Taiwan Strait, and strive for national reunification and rejuvenation. Chang said people on both sides of the Strait are all Chinese, sharing the same bloodline, culture and history, and cross-Strait affairs should be decided by people on both sides. He expressed hope that the CPC and KMT would continue to build on the common political foundation of upholding the 1992 Consensus and opposing "Taiwan independence," deepen exchanges and cooperation, and safeguard peace and stability across the Strait. Dawood-linked drug network: Bollywood celebrities, politicians named in probe MUMBAI : IN A stunning development that has rocked the glittering world of Bollywood, several prominent actors and celebrities, including Shraddha Kapoor, her brother Siddhanth Kapoor, dancer-actress Nora Fatehi, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of veteran Congress leader Baba Siddique, Alishah Parkar, son of the late Haseena Parkar, producer Abbas Mustan, and rapper Loka, have been named in connection with lavish drug parties allegedly organised and supplied by a key suspect in a massive Rs 252 crore mephedrone trafficking racket, according to revelations documented in the police remand copy. The Mumbai Police Crime Branch has claimed a significant breakthrough in the sprawling drug case, with the recent deportation and arrest of key suspect Mohammed Salim Mohammed Suhail Shaikh from Dubai, marking the 15th arrest in the probe that traces back to a small bust in February 2024. According to sources familiar with the interrogation and the police remand copy, Shaikh, a 31-year-old Dongri native and alleged close associate of underworld drug lord Salim Dola, who is linked to the Dawood Ibrahim syndicate, has reportedly dropped explosive revelations during interrogation, pointing to high-profile drug-fuelled parties organised in India and abroad, attended by several Bollywood celebrities and influential figures. He, according to the police remand copy, has named Bollywood actors Shraddha Kapoor and her brother Siddhanth Kapoor, dancer-actress Nora Fatehi, politician Zeeshan Siddiqui, son of veteran Congress leader Baba Siddique, Alishah Parkar, son of the late Haseena Parkar, producer Abbas Mustan, and rapper Loka, among others, as attendees and participants. According to the remand copy, he claimed these events, often held at upscale venues or private farmhouses, were funded through drug proceeds and served as networking hubs for distribution, with Shaikh handling logistics from recruitment of peddlers to direct supplies. The case is now being jointly examined by the Mumbai Crime Branch and the Enforcement Directorate, which suspects that profits from the narcotics trade were laundered into legitimate channels via hawala networks and real estate investments. Crime Branch officials have indicated that in the days ahead, all high-profile individuals linked to the matter will be summoned for detailed interrogation. The probe has further uncovered that Tahirs drug parties extended far beyond Mumbai and Goa, with numerous events hosted in Dubai and Thailand, where supplies were channelled through Indian-origin businessmen. Delhi Car Blast DNA test confirms Umar Nabi was driving car NEW DELHI : THE DNA test of samples collected from the Red Fort blast site has confirmed that Umar Nabi was driving the car that exploded there early this week, police sources said on Thursday. The DNA samples of Umars mother were collected on Tuesday and sent here for examination, the sources said, adding that they were analysed along with the remains gathered from the blast site. The DNA results confirm that it was indeed Umar who was driving the fateful vehicle, said a source. Investigators said more attacks were planned in four cities across the country by an interstate white-collar terror module. Umar was a key member of a white collar terror module busted earlier this week. He hails from Koil village in Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama. Hours after police busted the terror module with links to proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed and Ansar Ghazwat-ul-Hind, and arrested eight people including three doctors, the high-intensity blast ripped through a slow-moving car near Delhis Red Fort area on Monday evening. Police have cordoned off areas within a 200-metre radius of the Red Ford EcoSport car allegedly linked to suspects behind the deadly blast in Delhi, a day after it was seized from Haryanas Faridabad district, police sources said on Thursday. A bomb disposal squad has arrived for inspection after the vehicle was seized from Khandawali village in Faridabad. Faridabad Police have also rounded up a person who allegedly parked the car in the village and handed him over to Delhi Police, officials said. Earlier, Delhi Police had sounded an alert across all police stations, police outposts, and border checkpoints to trace the Red Ford EcoSport. The alert was issued after investigation revealed that the suspects had procured three cars -- a white Hyundai i20, a red EcoSport and a Maruti Suzuki Brezza -- to carry vehicle-borne IEDs. AIU suspends Al Falah Universitys membership NEW DELHI, Nov 13 (PTI) THE Association of Indian Universities (AIU) on Thursday suspended membership of Al Falah University, which is under scanner in connection with the Red Fort blast case, officials said. The Association of Indian Universities (AIU) is a registered society under the Societies Registration Act, 1860, with membership of Indian Universities. It provides a forum for administrators and academicians of member universities to exchange views and discuss matters of common concern. It is intimated that, as per the Bye-laws of the Association of Indian Universities(AIU), all universities shall be treated as members as long as they remain in good standing, said AIU Secretary General, Pankaj Mittal. However, it has come to notice that Al Falah University, Faridabad, Haryana, does not appear to be in good standing. Accordingly, the membership of AIU was accorded to Al Falah University, Faridabad, Haryana, stands suspended with immediate effect, she added. The top official informed that Al Falah University is not authorised to use the name or logo of AIU in any of its activities, and the AIU logo must be removed from the universitys official website. The Al Falah University in Dhauj village in Faridabad came under the scanner of investigating agencies after an intestate white collar terror module was busted. It is a private institute that also houses a hospital on its campus. On Monday, a high-intensity blast ripped through a car near Red Fort in Delhi, killing 13 people and injuring several others, hours after the busting of a white collar terror module and the arrest of eight people, including three doctors. The arrested doctors were linked to Al Falah University. heated debate over 2025 Reservation in Promotion Rules in HC Legal Correspondent : A heated debate erupted in the High Court over the 2025 Reservation in Promotion Rules, with petitioners calling them unconstitutional. Next hearing is scheduled for November 20 and 21. The Government will present its side later. Petitions challenging 2025 Reservation in Promotion Rules in Madhya Pradesh were heard on Thursday before a divisional bench of Chief Justice Sanjeev Sachdeva and Justice Vinay Saraf in Jabalpur High Court. During the hearing, the petitioners told the court that rules enacted by the state government violate Articles 14 and 16(1) of the Constitution. The petitioners argued that the government enacted these rules without gathering concrete data and assessing the actual representation of backward classes. This move also contradicts the Supreme Courts directions in the M. Nagaraj (1), M. Nagaraj (2), and Jarnail Singh cases. The court was told that before implementing reservations, NHDC organises State-level painting competition on energy conservation Staff Reporter : The National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHDC), in collaboration with the Bureau of Energy Efficiency (BEE), Ministry of Power, organized a state-level painting competition on Energy Conservation at Subhash Yadav Bhavan, New Market, Bhopal. The event was graced by the Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Mangubhai Patel, and NHDC Managing Director Rajeev Jain, who awarded winners in two categories. The competition had two groups: Category A for students of classes 5-7 and Category B for classes 8-10, with themes One Planet, One Opportunity Save Energy and Energy Conservation: My Responsibility, Our Future. Winners received cash prizes ranging from Rs 50,000 for first place to Rs 7,500 as consolation, and all participants got Rs 2,000. In Category A, first prize went to Aarohi Chaurasia, while in Category B, Evaz Alam took the top honor. Winners will represent Madhya Pradesh in the national competition in Delhi on 11 December 2025. Governor Mangubhai Patel highlighted the importance of teaching energy conservation from a young age, while MD Rajeev Jain praised students creativity and reiterated NHDCs focus on green energy and energy efficiency. NHDC, a joint venture of NHPC and the Madhya Pradesh government, operates major hydro and solar projects, ensuring 100% electricity supply in the State. Nithari killings: Surendra Koli walks out of jail after SC acquittal NOIDA : SURENDRA Koli, accused in the infamous Nithari serial killings, has been released from the Luksar district jail in Greater Noida, a day after the Supreme Court acquitted him in the last pending case linked to the 2006 serial murders that had shocked the nation, officials said on Thursday. Jail superintendent Brijesh Kumar confirmed that Koli walked out of the facility around 7.20 pm on Wednesday. Surendra Koli was released after the order of the Supreme Court, Kumar told PTI. Clad in a blue shirt, black trousers, and a navy-blue jacket, Koli left the prison accompanied by his lawyers. His family members were not present at the jail gate, and he declined to speak to the media gathered outside. It was not immediately known where he was taken after his release. The Nithari case came to light in 2006 when skeletal remains, skulls and bones were discovered from the backyard and drains near a bungalow (D-5) belonging to businessman Moninder Singh Pandher in Sector 31, Noida. The gruesome findings, unearthing the disappearance and killings of several children and women, had triggered nationwide outrage and terrorised the local community. Pandher, a co-accused in the case, was also in jail for years but was released on October 20, 2023 following his acquittal in the case. On Tuesday, a Supreme Court bench comprising Chief Justice B R Gavai and Justices Surya Kant and Vikram Nath acquitted Koli in the last pending case related to the alleged rape and murder of a 15-year-old girl. The court said criminal law does not permit conviction on conjecture or on a hunch and directed his immediate release if he was not wanted in any other matter. While acknowledging the heinous nature of the offences and the immeasurable suffering of the victims families, the bench said the prosecution had failed to establish guilt beyond reasonable doubt. Suspicion, however grave, cannot replace proof, the court observed, noting that negligence and delay corroded the fact-finding process. The court pointed out several lapses in the investigation, including the failure to secure the crime scene, delayed recording of disclosures, neglect of material witnesses, mishandling of forensic material, and the disregard of possible leads, including an alleged organ trade angle flagged by a government-appointed panel. Koli, who was 30 years old when arrested in 2006, had been awarded multiple death sentences in various cases over the years. In January 2015, the Allahabad High Court commuted his death sentence to life imprisonment, citing delays in deciding his mercy plea. In October 2023, the high court acquitted both Koli and Pandher in other Nithari cases, overturning the death penalties awarded by the trial court. The Supreme Court later dismissed all appeals against those acquittals on July 30 this year. Expressing dismay over the protracted investigation, the apex court said, It is a matter of deep regret that despite prolonged investigation, the identity of the actual perpetrator has not been established in a manner that meets the legal standards. Rs 42 cr Stamp Duty notice in Pune land deal in accordance with law MUMBAI : MAHARASHTRA Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Thursday said the notice seeking payment of a double stamp duty of Rs 42 crore issued to a firm linked to Deputy CM Ajit Pawars son Parth, was in accordance with law, and termed the action as appropriate. The Joint Inspector General of Registration issued a notice to Amadea Enterprises LLP, in which Parth is a co-partner, on Friday for payment of the double stamp duty before proceeding with the cancellation deed for the 40-acre Government land located in the Mundhwa area of Pune. Amid a political firestorm, wherein the Opposition accused the firm of trying to purchase the prime land worth Rs 1,800 crore for Rs 300 crore, Ajit Pawar had announced that the deal was cancelled. Bawankule on Wednesday said he would seek an explanation on a notice seeking payment of a double Stamp Duty. In a statement, the Revenue Minister on Thursday said, I had said yesterday that I would examine the matter. After scrutiny, it was found that the Registration and Stamps Department has taken appropriate action. The original value of the transaction was shown as Rs 300 crore, on which stamp duty of Rs 21 crore was levied. Now, for reconveyance, while cancelling the transaction, an additional Rs 21 crore will have to be paid, making the total stamp duty Rs 42 crore, Bawankule said. The transaction was technically incorrect as it involved Government land being sold privately, making the deal invalid, he said. The land has to be taken back by the Government. However, as per the Stamp Act, duty must be levied on the value declared in the transaction. Under the central stamp law, the fee is charged based on the value of the transaction, not on the title. What matters is the amount shown before the stamp officer, he said, citing a clarification from the Inspector General of Registration and Stamps. Bawankule said the notice issued by the department was entirely in line with legal provisions, and added that a committee was preparing a detailed report on the entire deal, and a final decision would be taken after receiving it. The Opposition has alleged that the market value of the land was Rs 1,800 crore. First Information Reports (FIRs) were registered against signatories and vendors regarding the land deal involving Amadea Enterprises. The name of Parth Pawar has not been included in the police case, but his relative, who is a partner in the firm, has been booked. The accused named in the FIR lodged by the Inspector General of Registrars office include Digvijay Patil, Shital Tejwani (who represented the 272 owners of the land through the power of attorney), and sub-registrar R B Taru for alleged misappropriation and cheating. Ajit Pawar had claimed that Parth was unaware that the land purchased by the entity belonged to the Government. Schools celebrate Tribal Pride Fortnight across State Staff Reporter : As a part of the Tribal Pride Fortnight, schools across Madhya Pradesh are organising a series of events to honour the contributions of tribal leaders and communities. The Government of India has declared November 15, the birth anniversary of revered freedom fighter and tribal leader Bhagwan Birsa Munda, as Tribal Pride Day to recognise the role of tribal freedom fighters in Indias independence struggle and cultural heritage. Following directives from the State School Education Department, the Tribal Pride Fortnight is being observed in schools from November 1 to 15. Students are participating in a variety of activities designed to showcase tribal traditions, lifestyles, and their contributions to Indian society and culture. Activities include symposiums, tribal art displays on school walls or designated areas, performances of tribal music and storytelling, skits and plays, model-making competitions, quizzes, essay writing, and enactments based on the lives of notable tribal achievers. Students are also visiting tribal museums and local tribal households or settlements, performing tribal dances and songs, and engaging in other educational activities to gain a deeper understanding of tribal heritage. On the occasion of Bhagwan Birsa Mundas 150th birth anniversary, students are enthusiastically participating in these events, fostering awareness and appreciation of tribal culture while celebrating their rich legacy. Suspects used encrypted Swiss app to share maps, plans for blast NEW DELHI : Threema does not require a phone number or email ID for registration, making it extremely difficult to trace the users THE three doctors linked to Faridabads Al Falah University, who are under scanner for the deadly car blast near the Red Fort on Monday evening, were in constant contact through a Swiss communication app called Threema, police said on Thursday. The three suspects Dr Umar Un Nabi, Dr Muzammil Ganaie, and Dr Shaheen Shahid allegedly used the encrypted messaging app to plan and coordinate their activities related to the terror conspiracy, they said. Investigators also suspect that Umar, the man behind the wheel of the car that exploded on Monday, and his team used a red EcoSport car, which has been seized from Faridabad, to transport and stockpile ammonium nitrate over time. Describing Umar as the most radicalised member of the module and the bridge between all the doctors, sources said he allegedly switched off his phones and snapped digital contacts after the arrest of Muzammil and others connected to the terror conspiracy. The death toll in the blast near the Red Fort rose to 13 on Thursday after another injured person succumbed to his injuries at the LNJP Hospital, while several others remain under treatment, an official said. The group was planning multiple serial blasts and was awaiting final orders from its handlers at the time it was busted. Unlike conventional messaging platforms, Threema does not require a phone number or email ID for registration, making it extremely difficult to trace the users, a source said. The app assigns each user a unique ID not linked to any mobile number or SIM card and offers end-to-end encryption with an option to be run on private servers. Investigators suspect the accused doctors set up a private Threema server to communicate securely and evade detection. This server was allegedly used to share sensitive documents, maps, and layouts related to the Delhi blast conspiracy. Detailed planning, including location sharing and task allocation, is believed to have been conducted through this private network, a police source added. The trio reportedly used the app for encrypted text chats, sharing of documents and designs, and voice communication instead of relying on standard mobile networks. For additional secrecy, Threema allows messages to be deleted from both ends and does not store metadata, further complicating forensic retrieval, the source added. Agencies believe this closed Threema network played a crucial role in the planning and coordination of the blast. Investigators are now working to determine whether the private server used by the group was hosted inside India or abroad, and whether other members of the module had access to it. Preliminary findings suggest the app was used to transfer restricted material and coded messages among the members of the terror module, officials said. Police have also found that around 32 cars were being prepared to carry out blasts near historic locations and vital installations in the national capital. While one car went off in the blast near the Red Fort, three others have been seized by police so far. BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- China's Ministry of Commerce on Friday urged the Netherlands to demonstrate willingness to cooperate with China and present a substantive, constructive solution to the Nexperia issue. A spokesperson for the ministry made the remarks when asked to comment on a recent statement concerning the issue of the semiconductor manufacturer Nexperia, an overseas subsidiary of the Chinese company Wingtech, by Vincent Karremans, Dutch minister of economic affairs. China is extremely disappointed and strongly dissatisfied with such a statement, which distorts the facts, confounds black and white, and persists in willful actions, the spokesperson said. According to the spokesperson, China has agreed to the Netherlands dispatching personnel to China for consultations. China stands ready to work with the Dutch side to resolve the current issue as soon as possible, in the interest of maintaining the security and stability of global semiconductor industrial and supply chains, the spokesperson said. The spokesperson further noted that China hopes the Dutch side will bring forward constructive solutions, and aim to solve problems, instead of creating new problems and conflicts. ISTANBUL, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkish authorities detained 138 suspects, including three alleged ringleaders, in a major crackdown on international organized crimes across 22 provinces on Friday, Interior Minister Ali Yerlikaya said. The operation, dubbed "Orkinos Bulut-2," targeted five international organized criminal groups accused of forming criminal networks, trafficking narcotics, and laundering assets obtained through illegal activities, with security teams conducting simultaneous raids at locations reportedly used by the networks, Yerlikaya wrote on social media platform X. He added all those detained were high-ranking members of the groups. According to the minister, the suspects were linked to the trafficking of 18.1 tons of narcotics and stimulants, as well as 1.3 million stimulant tablets seized in Turkiye and abroad. D Orazio & Associates Inc. purchased a new stake in Centerra Gold Inc. (NYSE:CGAU Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund purchased 15,620 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $113,000. A number of other large investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Farther Finance Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Centerra Gold in the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Pinnacle Holdings LLC purchased a new stake in Centerra Gold in the first quarter worth $39,000. Carrera Capital Advisors bought a new stake in Centerra Gold during the 2nd quarter valued at about $81,000. Dynamic Technology Lab Private Ltd bought a new stake in Centerra Gold during the 1st quarter valued at $97,000. Finally, CWM LLC lifted its stake in Centerra Gold by 15.6% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 14,480 shares of the companys stock worth $104,000 after acquiring an additional 1,955 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 55.40% of the companys stock. Get Centerra Gold alerts: Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets reaffirmed a market perform rating on shares of Centerra Gold in a research report on Monday, September 15th. Cormark raised Centerra Gold from a hold rating to a moderate buy rating in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Centerra Gold from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings upgraded Centerra Gold from a hold (c) rating to a buy (b) rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lowered shares of Centerra Gold from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and increased their target price for the stock from $13.00 to $14.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 10th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have issued a Buy rating and four have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Centerra Gold has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $14.17. Centerra Gold Price Performance Centerra Gold stock opened at $12.15 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.41, a P/E/G ratio of 0.62 and a beta of 0.89. The companys fifty day moving average price is $10.82 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.46. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.02, a quick ratio of 2.59 and a current ratio of 2.89. Centerra Gold Inc. has a 1 year low of $5.41 and a 1 year high of $12.80. Centerra Gold (NYSE:CGAU Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The company reported $0.33 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.22 by $0.11. Centerra Gold had a net margin of 26.35% and a return on equity of 10.47%. The business had revenue of $395.20 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $314.74 million. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Centerra Gold Inc. will post 0.59 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Centerra Gold Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 26th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 13th will be issued a $0.07 dividend. This represents a $0.28 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, November 13th. Centerra Golds payout ratio is presently 11.59%. About Centerra Gold (Free Report) Centerra Gold Inc, a gold mining company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and operation of gold and copper properties in North America, Turkey, and internationally. The company explores for gold, copper, and molybdenum deposits. Its flagship projects are the 100% owned Mount Milligan gold-copper mine located in British Columbia, Canada; and the Oksut gold mine located in Turkey. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CGAU? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Centerra Gold Inc. (NYSE:CGAU Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Centerra Gold Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centerra Gold and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oak Harvest Investment Services purchased a new stake in Alerian MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMLP Free Report) in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor purchased 76,651 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $3,745,000. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in AMLP. Nova Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new position in shares of Alerian MLP ETF in the 2nd quarter valued at $28,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in Alerian MLP ETF in the second quarter valued at $29,000. Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in shares of Alerian MLP ETF in the first quarter worth about $31,000. Crews Bank & Trust acquired a new position in shares of Alerian MLP ETF in the second quarter worth about $39,000. Finally, Independence Bank of Kentucky boosted its stake in shares of Alerian MLP ETF by 517.5% during the 2nd quarter. Independence Bank of Kentucky now owns 988 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $48,000 after acquiring an additional 828 shares in the last quarter. Get Alerian MLP ETF alerts: Alerian MLP ETF Stock Up 0.1% Shares of Alerian MLP ETF stock opened at $46.25 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $10.15 billion, a PE ratio of 14.17 and a beta of 0.70. Alerian MLP ETF has a twelve month low of $43.75 and a twelve month high of $53.24. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $46.78 and a 200 day moving average price of $48.00. Alerian MLP ETF Company Profile ALERIAN MLP ETF seeks investment results that correspond (before fees and expenses) to the price and yield performance of its underlying index, the Alerian MLP Infrastructure Index (the Index). The Index is a rules based, modified capitalization weighted, float adjusted index intended to give investors a means of tracking the overall performance of the United States energy infrastructure Master Limited Partnership (MLP) asset class. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding AMLP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Alerian MLP ETF (NYSEARCA:AMLP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Alerian MLP ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Alerian MLP ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Ability (OTCMKTS:ABILF Get Free Report) and Accenture (NYSE:ACN Get Free Report) are both computer and technology companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, dividends and valuation. Volatility & Risk Ability has a beta of -479.64, meaning that its stock price is 48,064% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Accenture has a beta of 1.28, meaning that its stock price is 28% more volatile than the S&P 500. Get Ability alerts: Valuation & Earnings This table compares Ability and Accentures revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Ability N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A Accenture $69.67 billion 2.34 $7.68 billion $12.15 20.38 Accenture has higher revenue and earnings than Ability. Insider & Institutional Ownership 75.1% of Accenture shares are owned by institutional investors. 40.0% of Ability shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 0.0% of Accenture shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Analyst Ratings This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Ability and Accenture, as reported by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Ability 0 0 0 0 0.00 Accenture 1 11 15 1 2.57 Accenture has a consensus target price of $294.25, suggesting a potential upside of 18.84%. Given Accentures stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Accenture is more favorable than Ability. Profitability This table compares Ability and Accentures net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Ability N/A N/A N/A Accenture 11.02% 26.45% 13.21% Summary Accenture beats Ability on 10 of the 11 factors compared between the two stocks. About Ability (Get Free Report) Ability Inc. provides systems for off-air cellular and satellite interception, and geolocation worldwide. The company engages in the interception of cellular and satellite communication networks for surveillance, border security, anti-terror, anti-crime, intelligence gathering, reconnaissance, target tracking, airport security, and tracking suspicious people for use by the ministries of defense, national agencies, secret services and security officers, federal police forces and presidential police, homeland security organizations, border control forces, integrators, anti-drug organizations and law enforcement units, and ministries of interior and justice, as well as armies, navies, and air forces. It also provides tactical and strategic interception systems for Thuraya, Iridium, and IsatPhone Pro that intercepts voice calls, SMS, data traffic, call related information, and detecting location of satellite phones; and systems to intercept VSAT, DCME, and other satellite links. In addition, the company offers cellular interception systems, which include Unlimited Interceptor, a geolocation system that detects the location of phones participating in intercepted conversations; GoDown, a system in cellular phones to change operational mode and operates as a selective jammer for prison-related projects; and In-Between Interception System that supports GSM, UMTS, and LTE networks. Further, it provides various IMSI catcher configurations and CDMA interception systems. The company was founded in 1994 and is based in Tel Aviv-Yafo, Israel. About Accenture (Get Free Report) Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services. It also provides change management, HR transformation and delivery, organization strategy and design, talent strategy and development, and leadership and culture services; digital commerce; infrastructure services, including cloud infrastructure managed, cloud and data center, network, digital workplace, database platforms, service management, and cloud and infrastructure security services; data-enabled operating models; technology consulting and AI services; and technology consulting services. In addition, the company offers engineering and R&D digitization, smart connected products, product as-a-service enablement, capital projects, intelligent asset management, digital industrial workforce, and autonomous robotic systems; business process outsourcing; and services related to technology innovation. Further, it provides cloud, ecosystem, marketing, security, supply chain management, zero-based transformation, customer experience, finance consulting, mergers and acquisitions, and sustainability services. The company has a collaboration with Salesforce, Inc. to develop Salesforce Life Sciences Cloud. The company was founded in 1951 and is based in Dublin, Ireland. Receive News & Ratings for Ability Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Ability and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. ADENTRA (TSE:ADEN Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Raymond James Financial from C$43.00 to C$46.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. ADEN has been the subject of a number of other research reports. Stifel Nicolaus decreased their target price on ADENTRA from C$51.00 to C$45.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. National Bankshares raised their price target on shares of ADENTRA from C$42.50 to C$54.50 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. Scotiabank boosted their price objective on shares of ADENTRA from C$39.00 to C$40.00 in a report on Friday, October 17th. Finally, Desjardins increased their price objective on shares of ADENTRA from C$41.00 to C$47.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 29th. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have given a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has an average rating of Buy. Get ADENTRA alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on ADENTRA ADENTRA Price Performance ADENTRA Dividend Announcement ADEN stock opened at $33.46 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $816.73 million, a P/E ratio of 19.01 and a beta of 1.35. ADENTRA has a 1-year low of $24.60 and a 1-year high of $41.49. The business has a fifty day moving average price of $34.54 and a 200-day moving average price of $31.10. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Investors of record on Friday, October 31st were given a dividend of $0.15 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, October 20th. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.8%. ADENTRAs payout ratio is 23.50%. ADENTRA Company Profile (Get Free Report) Adentra Inc is a distributor of architectural products to fabricators, home centers and professional dealers servicing the new residential, repair and remodel, and commercial construction end markets. The company operates a network in North America of 86 facilities in the United States and Canada. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for ADENTRA Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ADENTRA and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Global Payments (NYSE: GPN): 11/13/2025 Global Payments had its price target lowered by analysts at Truist Financial Corporation from $90.00 to $84.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock. 11/11/2025 Global Payments had its price target lowered by analysts at Evercore ISI from $90.00 to $85.00. 11/5/2025 Global Payments had its hold rating reaffirmed by analysts at Cowen Inc. 11/5/2025 Global Payments had its price target raised by analysts at TD Cowen from $92.00 to $95.00. They now have a hold rating on the stock. 11/5/2025 Global Payments had its price target raised by analysts at Royal Bank Of Canada from $93.00 to $95.00. They now have a sector perform rating on the stock. 11/4/2025 Global Payments had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc.. They now have a $105.00 price target on the stock. 10/23/2025 Global Payments was upgraded by analysts at Citigroup Inc. to a strong-buy rating. 10/22/2025 Global Payments was downgraded by analysts at KeyCorp from an overweight rating to a sector weight rating. 10/22/2025 Global Payments was upgraded by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company to a strong-buy rating. 10/22/2025 Global Payments is now covered by analysts at Citigroup Inc.. They set a buy rating and a $110.00 price target on the stock. 10/21/2025 Global Payments is now covered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company. They set an overweight rating and a $103.00 price target on the stock. 10/8/2025 Global Payments had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 9/27/2025 Global Payments had its hold (c-) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Global Payments Announces Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 26th. Investors of record on Friday, December 12th will be given a dividend of $0.25 per share. This represents a $1.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.3%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 12th. Global Paymentss payout ratio is currently 14.04%. Insider Activity In other news, Director Patricia A. Watson acquired 1,331 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, November 7th. The shares were acquired at an average cost of $75.06 per share, for a total transaction of $99,904.86. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 2,651 shares in the company, valued at approximately $198,984.06. This trade represents a 100.83% increase in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Connie D. Mcdaniel sold 4,464 shares of Global Payments stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $77.81, for a total transaction of $347,343.84. Following the sale, the director owned 30,014 shares in the company, valued at $2,335,389.34. This represents a 12.95% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. 1.01% of the stock is currently owned by insiders. Global Payments Inc provides payment technology and software solutions for card, check, and digital-based payments in the Americas, Europe, and the Asia-Pacific. It operates through two segments, Merchant Solutions and Issuer Solutions. The Merchant Solutions segment offers authorization, settlement and funding, customer support, chargeback resolution, terminal rental, sales and deployment, payment security, and consolidated billing and reporting services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Global Payments Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Global Payments Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. MOSCOW, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Seven people were killed and 15 others injured when a passenger minibus collided with a truck in Russia's Perm region, TASS news agency reported Friday, citing regional emergency services. The accident occurred at the 55th km of the R-243 Kostroma-Sharya-Kirov-Perm road, and the injured were taken to a local hospital. Preliminary findings indicate the minibus veered into the oncoming lane and crashed into the heavy truck, according to the regional investigative committee. A minor was among the dead, the committee said, adding that a criminal case has been opened. Shares of ASOS Plc (LON:ASC Get Free Report) rose 14.3% during trading on Friday . The stock traded as high as GBX 276 and last traded at GBX 263. Approximately 867,461 shares changed hands during trading, an increase of 147% from the average daily volume of 350,990 shares. The stock had previously closed at GBX 230. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Berenberg Bank restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 600 target price on shares of ASOS in a research note on Thursday. Peel Hunt reissued an add rating and set a GBX 335 price objective on shares of ASOS in a report on Thursday. Finally, Shore Capital restated a buy rating and issued a GBX 400 price objective on shares of ASOS in a research report on Wednesday, October 1st. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, According to MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Buy and an average price target of GBX 445. Get ASOS alerts: Check Out Our Latest Analysis on ASC ASOS Stock Down 3.5% About ASOS The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 187.55, a current ratio of 1.61 and a quick ratio of 0.39. The firm has a market cap of 302.52 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -1.03, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of -1.26 and a beta of 2.86. The firm has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 261.07 and a 200-day moving average price of GBX 293.19. (Get Free Report) ASOS Plc operates as an online fashion retailer in the United Kingdom, the United States, Australia, France, Germany, Spain, Italy, Sweden, the Netherlands, Denmark, Poland, and internationally. It offers womenswear and menswear products. The company sells its products under the ASOS Design, ASOS Edition, ASOS Luxe, ASOS 4505, Collusion, Reclaimed Vintage, Topshop, Topman, Miss Selfridge, HIIT, AsYou, Dark Future, UNRVLLD/SPPLY, Crooked Tongues, Daysocial, Actual, and Weekend Collective brands, as well as through third-party brands. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for ASOS Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ASOS and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bain Capital Specialty Finance (NYSE:BCSF Free Report) had its price target cut by Keefe, Bruyette & Woods from $17.00 to $16.00 in a research report report published on Thursday,Benzinga reports. They currently have a market perform rating on the stock. Several other research analysts also recently issued reports on BCSF. Wells Fargo & Company cut their price objective on Bain Capital Specialty Finance from $16.00 to $15.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday. Zacks Research lowered Bain Capital Specialty Finance from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $15.50. Get Bain Capital Specialty Finance alerts: Get Our Latest Analysis on BCSF Bain Capital Specialty Finance Price Performance Shares of BCSF stock traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Thursday, reaching $13.92. The stock had a trading volume of 302,112 shares, compared to its average volume of 312,073. Bain Capital Specialty Finance has a 12-month low of $13.20 and a 12-month high of $19.21. The company has a current ratio of 1.78, a quick ratio of 3.63 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.33. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $14.30 and a 200 day simple moving average of $14.96. The company has a market cap of $902.67 million, a P/E ratio of 9.66 and a beta of 0.78. Bain Capital Specialty Finance (NYSE:BCSF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 10th. The company reported $0.45 EPS for the quarter, meeting analysts consensus estimates of $0.45. The firm had revenue of $67.20 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $69.53 million. Bain Capital Specialty Finance had a net margin of 33.45% and a return on equity of 11.03%. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Bain Capital Specialty Finance will post 2.06 earnings per share for the current year. Bain Capital Specialty Finance Cuts Dividend The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 16th will be given a $0.03 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, December 16th. This represents a $0.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.9%. Bain Capital Specialty Finances payout ratio is currently 116.67%. Institutional Trading of Bain Capital Specialty Finance Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Two Sigma Investments LP increased its stake in shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 310.0% during the 3rd quarter. Two Sigma Investments LP now owns 489,550 shares of the companys stock valued at $6,976,000 after acquiring an additional 370,156 shares during the last quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC raised its stake in Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 20.9% during the third quarter. Cresset Asset Management LLC now owns 1,452,327 shares of the companys stock worth $20,696,000 after purchasing an additional 250,844 shares during the period. Muzinich & Co. Inc. raised its stake in Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 53.0% during the second quarter. Muzinich & Co. Inc. now owns 553,802 shares of the companys stock worth $8,329,000 after purchasing an additional 191,776 shares during the period. Van ECK Associates Corp boosted its holdings in shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance by 16.1% in the 3rd quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 1,306,231 shares of the companys stock valued at $18,614,000 after purchasing an additional 181,591 shares during the last quarter. Finally, North Ground Capital purchased a new stake in shares of Bain Capital Specialty Finance during the 3rd quarter valued at $2,494,000. About Bain Capital Specialty Finance (Get Free Report) Bain Capital Specialty Finance, Inc is business development company specializing in direct loans to middle-market companies. The fund seeks to invest in senior investments with a first or second lien on collateral, senior first lien, stretch senior, senior second lien, unitranche, mezzanine debt, junior securities, other junior investments, and secondary purchases of assets or portfolios that primarily consist of middle-market corporate debt. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Bain Capital Specialty Finance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bain Capital Specialty Finance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Candriam S.C.A. lifted its stake in shares of BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Free Report) by 68.2% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 20,567 shares of the asset managers stock after acquiring an additional 8,337 shares during the quarter. Candriam S.C.A.s holdings in BlackRock were worth $21,581,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. A number of other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey raised its position in BlackRock by 7.9% during the 2nd quarter. Police & Firemen s Retirement System of New Jersey now owns 23,167 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $24,308,000 after purchasing an additional 1,693 shares in the last quarter. Bailard Inc. increased its stake in shares of BlackRock by 2.7% during the second quarter. Bailard Inc. now owns 28,360 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $29,757,000 after buying an additional 754 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of BlackRock by 1.1% in the second quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,143,429 shares of the asset managers stock valued at $3,281,641,000 after acquiring an additional 34,049 shares in the last quarter. Everett Harris & Co. CA lifted its stake in BlackRock by 10.7% in the second quarter. Everett Harris & Co. CA now owns 4,388 shares of the asset managers stock worth $4,604,000 after acquiring an additional 423 shares during the period. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its holdings in BlackRock by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 331,546 shares of the asset managers stock worth $347,874,000 after acquiring an additional 7,115 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 80.69% of the companys stock. Get BlackRock alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently commented on BLK. Bank of America boosted their price target on shares of BlackRock from $1,394.00 to $1,456.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 15th. Barclays boosted their price objective on shares of BlackRock from $1,310.00 to $1,360.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Evercore ISI increased their target price on BlackRock from $1,200.00 to $1,300.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Loop Capital set a $1,255.00 price target on BlackRock in a report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, TD Cowen upped their price objective on BlackRock from $1,301.00 to $1,407.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 15th. Seventeen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $1,303.41. BlackRock Price Performance NYSE BLK opened at $1,068.57 on Friday. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $1,128.20 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $1,073.03. The firm has a market capitalization of $165.47 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.48, a P/E/G ratio of 1.90 and a beta of 1.48. The company has a current ratio of 4.04, a quick ratio of 4.04 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.39. BlackRock has a 12-month low of $773.74 and a 12-month high of $1,219.94. BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 14th. The asset manager reported $11.55 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $11.78 by ($0.23). BlackRock had a return on equity of 15.36% and a net margin of 26.64%.The business had revenue of $6.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.22 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $11.46 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 25.2% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts forecast that BlackRock will post 47.41 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director Rachel Lord sold 12,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, October 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,165.04, for a total transaction of $13,980,480.00. Following the sale, the director owned 7,205 shares in the company, valued at approximately $8,394,113.20. The trade was a 62.48% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.98% of the companys stock. BlackRock Company Profile (Free Report) BlackRock, Inc is a publicly owned investment manager. The firm primarily provides its services to institutional, intermediary, and individual investors including corporate, public, union, and industry pension plans, insurance companies, third-party mutual funds, endowments, public institutions, governments, foundations, charities, sovereign wealth funds, corporations, official institutions, and banks. Featured Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BLK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for BlackRock (NYSE:BLK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for BlackRock Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BlackRock and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cherokee Insurance Co acquired a new position in shares of Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund acquired 28,000 shares of the technology companys stock, valued at approximately $145,000. A number of other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its position in Nokia by 17.3% in the 1st quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 267,219 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,408,000 after buying an additional 39,441 shares during the last quarter. Allworth Financial LP grew its stake in shares of Nokia by 16.0% during the 1st quarter. Allworth Financial LP now owns 16,308 shares of the technology companys stock worth $79,000 after acquiring an additional 2,248 shares in the last quarter. Cerity Partners LLC raised its holdings in shares of Nokia by 128.9% in the first quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 284,784 shares of the technology companys stock valued at $1,501,000 after purchasing an additional 160,386 shares during the last quarter. Xponance Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Nokia in the first quarter worth $53,000. Finally, New York State Common Retirement Fund bought a new stake in shares of Nokia in the first quarter worth $2,721,000. 5.28% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Nokia alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In NOK has been the topic of several recent research reports. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Nokia from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, November 8th. Santander cut Nokia to a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Nokia in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. Danske cut Nokia from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on Nokia from $6.00 to $7.10 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, four have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Nokia presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $5.87. Nokia Trading Down 3.5% Shares of NYSE:NOK opened at $6.78 on Friday. Nokia Corporation has a 52-week low of $3.91 and a 52-week high of $8.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 1.21 and a current ratio of 1.46. The company has a market capitalization of $36.46 billion, a P/E ratio of 37.64 and a beta of 0.84. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $5.58 and a 200 day simple moving average of $5.09. Nokia (NYSE:NOK Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The technology company reported $0.07 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.06 by $0.01. Nokia had a return on equity of 8.31% and a net margin of 4.65%.The firm had revenue of $5.61 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.67 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.06 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 11.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts forecast that Nokia Corporation will post 0.34 earnings per share for the current year. About Nokia (Free Report) Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding NOK? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Nokia Corporation (NYSE:NOK Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Superior Plus (TSE:SPB Get Free Report) had its price target cut by research analysts at CIBC from C$9.00 to C$8.50 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs price objective suggests a potential upside of 39.34% from the companys current price. Other analysts also recently issued research reports about the stock. Desjardins decreased their target price on shares of Superior Plus from C$10.50 to C$9.75 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. TD Securities raised their price target on shares of Superior Plus from C$8.00 to C$9.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Raymond James Financial cut their price target on Superior Plus from C$10.50 to C$10.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 14th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upped their target price on Superior Plus from C$8.00 to C$10.00 in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of C$9.41. Get Superior Plus alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SPB Superior Plus Trading Down 23.5% TSE SPB traded down C$1.87 during trading hours on Friday, reaching C$6.10. The companys stock had a trading volume of 4,733,823 shares, compared to its average volume of 780,790. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of C$7.85 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$7.63. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 193.35, a current ratio of 0.67 and a quick ratio of 0.46. Superior Plus has a 52 week low of C$5.77 and a 52 week high of C$8.34. The stock has a market cap of C$1.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 29.05 and a beta of 0.18. Superior Plus (TSE:SPB Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported C($0.47) EPS for the quarter. The business had revenue of C$470.64 million for the quarter. Superior Plus had a return on equity of 4.21% and a net margin of 1.80%. About Superior Plus (Get Free Report) Superior is a leading North American distributor of propane, compressed natural gas, renewable energy and related products and services, servicing approximately 770,000 customer locations in the U.S. and Canada. Through its primary businesses, propane distribution and CNG, RNG and hydrogen distribution, Superior safely delivers clean burning fuels to residential, commercial, utility, agricultural and industrial customers not connected to a pipeline. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Superior Plus Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Superior Plus and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wabtec (NYSE:WAB Get Free Report) had its target price raised by equities research analysts at Citigroup from $225.00 to $245.00 in a research note issued on Friday,Benzinga reports. The firm currently has a buy rating on the transportation companys stock. Citigroups price objective would suggest a potential upside of 20.73% from the companys previous close. Several other analysts have also recently commented on the company. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on Wabtec from $220.00 to $226.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Wells Fargo & Company began coverage on shares of Wabtec in a report on Thursday. They set an equal weight rating and a $221.00 price target for the company. Susquehanna upped their price objective on shares of Wabtec from $235.00 to $240.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their price objective on shares of Wabtec from $200.00 to $215.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 14th. Finally, Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Wabtec from $228.00 to $233.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $226.78. Get Wabtec alerts: Read Our Latest Analysis on Wabtec Wabtec Trading Down 0.7% Shares of WAB traded down $1.35 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $202.93. The company had a trading volume of 276,475 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,057,152. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $197.24 and a 200-day simple moving average of $198.90. The stock has a market cap of $34.69 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.52, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.55 and a beta of 1.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.42, a quick ratio of 0.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Wabtec has a fifty-two week low of $151.81 and a fifty-two week high of $216.10. Wabtec (NYSE:WAB Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The transportation company reported $2.32 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.28 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $2.89 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.88 billion. Wabtec had a net margin of 10.94% and a return on equity of 13.84%. The firms revenue was up 8.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $2.00 EPS. Wabtec has set its FY 2025 guidance at 8.850-9.050 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Wabtec will post 8.54 EPS for the current fiscal year. Insider Transactions at Wabtec In other Wabtec news, VP David L. Deninno sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $209.94, for a total value of $1,049,700.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president owned 55,450 shares of the companys stock, valued at $11,641,173. The trade was a 8.27% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, EVP Gregory Sbrocco sold 2,424 shares of Wabtec stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $203.77, for a total value of $493,938.48. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 15,405 shares in the company, valued at $3,139,076.85. This trade represents a 13.60% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 26,322 shares of company stock worth $5,315,871. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Wabtec Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. PFS Partners LLC lifted its position in Wabtec by 70.4% during the second quarter. PFS Partners LLC now owns 121 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $25,000 after purchasing an additional 50 shares in the last quarter. Colonial Trust Advisors lifted its position in Wabtec by 454.5% during the second quarter. Colonial Trust Advisors now owns 122 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the last quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank lifted its position in Wabtec by 12,800.0% during the 3rd quarter. Piscataqua Savings Bank now owns 129 shares of the transportation companys stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 128 shares during the period. Motco lifted its position in Wabtec by 6,600.0% during the third quarter. Motco now owns 134 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 132 shares during the period. Finally, Salomon & Ludwin LLC increased its holdings in Wabtec by 370.6% in the third quarter. Salomon & Ludwin LLC now owns 160 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 126 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 91.69% of the companys stock. About Wabtec (Get Free Report) Westinghouse Air Brake Technologies Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides technology-based locomotives, equipment, systems, and services for the freight rail and passenger transit industries worldwide. It offers diesel-electric, battery, and liquid natural gas-powered locomotives; engines, electric motors, and propulsion systems; and marine and mining products. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Wabtec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Wabtec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:ELPC Get Free Report) shares saw unusually-high trading volume on Friday . Approximately 6,384 shares changed hands during mid-day trading, an increase of 149% from the previous sessions volume of 2,559 shares.The stock last traded at $10.29 and had previously closed at $10.30. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Hold. Get Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Trading Up 0.2% The stock has a market cap of $11.00 billion and a PE ratio of 14.48. The companys 50 day moving average is $9.10 and its 200-day moving average is $8.43. Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel (NYSE:ELPC Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported $0.11 EPS for the quarter. Institutional Trading of Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel A hedge fund recently bought a new stake in Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel stock. Allworth Financial LP purchased a new stake in shares of Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Unsponsored ADR (NYSE:ELPC Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 3,250 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $28,000. Companhia Paranaense de Energia Copel Company Profile (Get Free Report) Companhia Paranaense de Energia COPEL engages in the generation, transformation, distribution, and sale of electricity to industrial, residential, commercial, rural, and other customers in Brazil. The company operates through Power Generation and Transmission, Power Distribution, GAS, Power Sale, and Holding and Services segments. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Companhia Paranaense de Energia - Copel and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Davies Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TLH Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund purchased 12,410 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,261,000. iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF accounts for approximately 1.0% of Davies Financial Advisors Inc.s portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. A number of other large investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Ameritas Advisory Services LLC acquired a new position in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at about $27,000. Mowery & Schoenfeld Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF during the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. NorthRock Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 618.8% during the first quarter. NorthRock Partners LLC now owns 345 shares of the companys stock worth $36,000 after buying an additional 297 shares during the period. Golden State Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 216.0% in the 2nd quarter. Golden State Wealth Management LLC now owns 534 shares of the companys stock worth $54,000 after buying an additional 365 shares in the last quarter. Finally, SouthState Corp grew its holdings in iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF by 229.3% in the 1st quarter. SouthState Corp now owns 550 shares of the companys stock worth $57,000 after buying an additional 383 shares in the last quarter. Get iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF alerts: iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF Stock Down 0.6% Shares of iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF stock opened at $103.13 on Friday. iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $96.74 and a 1-year high of $106.83. The businesss fifty day moving average price is $103.60 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $101.32. About iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF The iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (TLH) is an exchange-traded fund that is based on the ICE U.S. Treasury 10-20 Year TR index. The fund tracks a market-weighted index of debt issued by the U.S. Treasury TLH was launched on Jan 5, 2007 and is managed by BlackRock. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TLH? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:TLH Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for iShares 10-20 Year Treasury Bond ETF and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp increased its position in Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A) by 15.7% in the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 151,805 shares of the financial services providers stock after acquiring an additional 20,631 shares during the period. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in Brookfield Asset Management were worth $8,397,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other large investors also recently added to or reduced their stakes in BAM. Cerity Partners LLC boosted its stake in shares of Brookfield Asset Management by 36.6% in the 1st quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 29,482 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,428,000 after purchasing an additional 7,901 shares during the last quarter. Signaturefd LLC lifted its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 83.3% in the first quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 4,209 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $204,000 after buying an additional 1,913 shares during the period. Apollon Wealth Management LLC boosted its stake in Brookfield Asset Management by 5.9% in the first quarter. Apollon Wealth Management LLC now owns 18,238 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $884,000 after acquiring an additional 1,016 shares during the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. grew its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 4.5% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 37,791 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,831,000 after acquiring an additional 1,638 shares during the period. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. grew its holdings in Brookfield Asset Management by 42.1% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 9,423 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $457,000 after acquiring an additional 2,794 shares during the period. 68.41% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Brookfield Asset Management alerts: Brookfield Asset Management Trading Down 5.2% BAM opened at $51.83 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $84.89 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.79, a P/E/G ratio of 2.04 and a beta of 1.38. The company has a current ratio of 1.25, a quick ratio of 1.25 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14. Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. has a 12 month low of $41.78 and a 12 month high of $64.10. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $56.21 and its 200 day simple moving average is $57.37. Brookfield Asset Management Dividend Announcement Brookfield Asset Management ( NYSE:BAM Get Free Report ) (TSE:BAM.A) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, November 7th. The financial services provider reported $0.41 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.39 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $1.27 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.34 billion. Brookfield Asset Management had a return on equity of 41.12% and a net margin of 55.92%. As a group, research analysts anticipate that Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. will post 1.7 EPS for the current fiscal year. The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Shareholders of record on Friday, November 28th will be given a dividend of $0.4375 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 28th. This represents a $1.75 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.4%. Brookfield Asset Managements dividend payout ratio is 109.38%. Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have recently issued reports on BAM. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on Brookfield Asset Management from $55.00 to $62.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 13th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating and set a $58.00 target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a report on Thursday, August 7th. Royal Bank Of Canada upped their target price on shares of Brookfield Asset Management from $74.00 to $76.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their target price on Brookfield Asset Management from $62.00 to $59.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Brookfield Asset Management in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating, seven have assigned a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $64.23. View Our Latest Stock Report on Brookfield Asset Management About Brookfield Asset Management (Free Report) Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. is a real estate investment firm specializing in alternative asset management services. Its renewable power and transition business includes the operates in the hydroelectric, wind, solar, distributed generation, and sustainable solution sector. The company's infrastructure business engages in the utilities, transport, midstream, and data infrastructure sectors. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding BAM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Brookfield Asset Management Ltd. (NYSE:BAM Free Report) (TSE:BAM.A). Receive News & Ratings for Brookfield Asset Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brookfield Asset Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Figma, Inc. (NYSE:FIG Get Free Report) CFO Praveer Melwani sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The stock was sold at an average price of $45.00, for a total transaction of $450,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer directly owned 1,612,918 shares of the companys stock, valued at $72,581,310. This represents a 0.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Praveer Melwani also recently made the following trade(s): Get Figma alerts: On Monday, November 10th, Praveer Melwani sold 13,000 shares of Figma stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.46, for a total value of $564,980.00. On Monday, November 10th, Praveer Melwani sold 14,532 shares of Figma stock. The stock was sold at an average price of $43.47, for a total transaction of $631,706.04. On Monday, November 3rd, Praveer Melwani sold 16,092 shares of Figma stock. The shares were sold at an average price of $48.17, for a total transaction of $775,151.64. Figma Trading Down 1.2% Shares of FIG traded down $0.48 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $40.08. 2,072,317 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 11,407,026. Figma, Inc. has a 12 month low of $39.14 and a 12 month high of $142.92. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $53.76. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Figma ( NYSE:FIG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported $0.10 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($1.56) by $1.66. The firm had revenue of $274.17 million for the quarter. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.04 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 38.0% on a year-over-year basis. Figma has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. FIG has been the subject of several recent research reports. Zacks Research raised Figma to a hold rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Wolfe Research initiated coverage on Figma in a research note on Monday, August 25th. They issued a peer perform rating on the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price objective on Figma from $49.00 to $54.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on Figma from $70.00 to $52.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, November 5th. Finally, William Blair reaffirmed an outperform rating on shares of Figma in a research report on Thursday, September 4th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Figma currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $62.86. Read Our Latest Analysis on FIG Institutional Investors Weigh In On Figma Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in FIG. IQ EQ FUND MANAGEMENT IRELAND Ltd purchased a new position in shares of Figma in the 3rd quarter worth $3,594,000. SBI Securities Co. Ltd. purchased a new position in Figma in the third quarter worth about $823,000. Allen Operations LLC bought a new stake in shares of Figma during the 3rd quarter valued at about $974,000. Federated Hermes Inc. bought a new position in shares of Figma in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $3,631,000. Finally, Rit Capital Partners PLC purchased a new position in shares of Figma in the third quarter worth approximately $2,592,000. About Figma (Get Free Report) Figma is where teams come together to turn ideas into the worlds best digital products and experiences. Every day, billions of people around the world use apps, websites, and other digital experiences that are made in Figma. Theyre looking up directions on Google Maps; requesting rides with Uber; checking in for flights on JetBlue; streaming shows on Netflix; learning languages with Duolingo; asking questions of Claude; connecting on LinkedIn; buying goods on Mercado Libre; or booking stays and experiences with Airbnb. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Figma Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Figma and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BEIJING, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Chen Binhua, a spokesperson for China's State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, stressed on Friday that Japan and its current leader are in no position to make irresponsible remarks on the Taiwan question, let alone issue threats and attempt to obstruct China's cause of reunification. Reiterating that Taiwan is sacred territory of China, the Taiwan question is China's internal affair, and resolving the Taiwan question and achieving China's complete reunification are a shared aspiration of the more than 1.4 billion Chinese people, Chen emphasized that how to resolve the Taiwan question is entirely a matter at the Chinese people's own discretion and brooks no interference by any external force. Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi recently said that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan. Her remarks imply the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait. Despite China's serious demarches and protests, Takaichi still refused to change course and take back what she had said. Japan had committed crimes against the Chinese people regarding the Taiwan question, Chen said, referring to Japan's brutal colonial rule on the island for half a century. The spokesperson said Takaichi's unjustified remarks reflect attempts to interfere in cross-Strait affairs, deny China's victory in the Chinese People's War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression, and challenge the post-WWII international order. "The Chinese government and Chinese people will never accept, tolerate, or condone this," Chen said, warning that Japan must immediately correct its wrongdoing and retract the remarks or face all resulting consequences. The spokesperson also warned Japan of a "crushing defeat" should it dare to use force to interfere in the Taiwan question. First Acceptance (OTCMKTS:FACO Get Free Report) and First American Financial (NYSE:FAF Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the better investment? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, risk, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership. Analyst Recommendations This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for First Acceptance and First American Financial, as reported by MarketBeat.com. Get First Acceptance alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score First Acceptance 0 0 0 0 0.00 First American Financial 1 1 3 0 2.40 First American Financial has a consensus target price of $76.00, suggesting a potential upside of 19.47%. Given First American Financials stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe First American Financial is more favorable than First Acceptance. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets First Acceptance 4.66% 14.50% 3.51% First American Financial 6.80% 11.01% 3.50% Institutional & Insider Ownership This table compares First Acceptance and First American Financials net margins, return on equity and return on assets. 0.1% of First Acceptance shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 89.1% of First American Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 9.5% of First Acceptance shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 3.7% of First American Financial shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term. Volatility and Risk First Acceptance has a beta of 0.08, suggesting that its share price is 92% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, First American Financial has a beta of 1.24, suggesting that its share price is 24% more volatile than the S&P 500. Earnings and Valuation This table compares First Acceptance and First American Financials revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio First Acceptance $559.43 million 0.26 $26.29 million $0.77 5.20 First American Financial $7.08 billion 0.92 $131.10 million $4.65 13.68 First American Financial has higher revenue and earnings than First Acceptance. First Acceptance is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than First American Financial, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary First American Financial beats First Acceptance on 11 of the 14 factors compared between the two stocks. About First Acceptance (Get Free Report) First Acceptance Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a retailer, servicer, and underwriter of non-standard personal automobile insurance and related products in the United States. It issues non-standard automobile insurance policies to individuals based on their inability or unwillingness to obtain insurance coverage from standard carriers due to various factors, including their payment preference, failure to maintain continuous insurance coverage, or driving record. The company also underwrites auto and motorcycle insurance products; and renters, homeowners, commercial, pet, life, travel, outdoor vehicle, and hospital indemnity insurance products. In addition, it provides TeleMed, a subscription service that offers access to doctor for consulting, diagnosing, and prescribing medication for non-emergency illness. The company primarily distributes its products through its retail locations, as well as through call center and internet. As of December 31, 2021, it leased and operated 338 retail locations, and a call center. First Acceptance Corporation was founded in 1969 and is headquartered in Nashville, Tennessee. About First American Financial (Get Free Report) First American Financial Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides financial services. It operates through Title Insurance and Services, and Home Warranty segments. The Title Insurance and Services segment issues title insurance policies on residential and commercial property, as well as offers related products and services internationally. This segment also provides closing and/or escrow services; products, services, and solutions to mitigate risk or otherwise facilitate real estate transactions; and appraisals and other valuation-related products and services, lien release and document custodial services, warehouse lending services, default-related products and services, document generation services, mortgage loans subservicing, and related products and services, as well as banking, trust, and wealth management services. In addition, it accommodates tax-deferred exchanges of real estate; and maintains, manages, and provides access to title plant data and records. This segment offers its products through a network of direct operations and agents in various states and in the District of Columbia, as well as in Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea, and internationally. The Home Warranty segment provides home warranty products, including residential service contracts that cover residential systems, such as heating and air conditioning systems, and various appliances against failures that occur as the result of normal usage during the coverage period. This segment operates in various states and the District of Columbia. The company was founded in 1889 and is headquartered in Santa Ana, California. Receive News & Ratings for First Acceptance Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for First Acceptance and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Free Report) (TSE:CM) Stock analysts at Desjardins raised their FY2026 EPS estimates for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research report issued on Tuesday, November 11th. Desjardins analyst D. Young now forecasts that the bank will post earnings per share of $6.43 for the year, up from their previous estimate of $6.30. The consensus estimate for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces current full-year earnings is $5.50 per share. Get Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce alerts: Other equities analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Royal Bank Of Canada increased their target price on shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from $112.00 to $113.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Friday, August 29th. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, November 3rd. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and two have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $107.50. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Stock Performance Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce stock traded up $0.61 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $86.76. 265,349 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 1,125,061. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a quick ratio of 1.04 and a current ratio of 1.04. The firm has a market cap of $80.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 14.64, a P/E/G ratio of 1.76 and a beta of 1.03. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce has a 52 week low of $53.62 and a 52 week high of $87.29. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is $81.45 and its 200 day simple moving average is $74.17. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce (NYSE:CM Get Free Report) (TSE:CM) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 28th. The bank reported $1.57 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.43 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $5.24 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.12 billion. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce had a net margin of 12.94% and a return on equity of 14.67%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.93 earnings per share. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Increases Dividend The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, October 28th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 29th were paid a $0.97 dividend. This represents a $3.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.5%. This is a boost from Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces previous quarterly dividend of $0.70. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 29th. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerces dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.64%. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the third quarter worth about $30,000. Truvestments Capital LLC bought a new stake in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce during the 1st quarter valued at about $32,000. Toth Financial Advisory Corp bought a new position in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the third quarter worth approximately $32,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc grew its stake in Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce by 300.0% in the 3rd quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 400 shares of the banks stock worth $32,000 after buying an additional 300 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ameritas Advisory Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce in the 2nd quarter worth $34,000. 49.88% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Company Profile (Get Free Report) Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce, a diversified financial institution, provides various financial products and services to personal, business, public sector, and institutional clients in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates through Canadian Personal and Business Banking; Canadian Commercial Banking and Wealth Management; U.S. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian Imperial Bank of Commerce and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. George Weston Ltd. (OTCMKTS:WNGRF Get Free Report)s share price gapped up before the market opened on Friday . The stock had previously closed at $62.22, but opened at $63.89. George Weston shares last traded at $63.89, with a volume of 400 shares traded. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several research analysts have weighed in on the company. Scotiabank reissued a sector perform rating on shares of George Weston in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. BMO Capital Markets reissued a market perform rating on shares of George Weston in a report on Wednesday, July 30th. Finally, TD Securities restated a buy rating on shares of George Weston in a report on Monday, July 28th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, one has issued a Buy rating and two have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy. Get George Weston alerts: Get Our Latest Report on George Weston George Weston Stock Performance The company has a current ratio of 1.37, a quick ratio of 0.77 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16. The company has a market capitalization of $24.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 34.72 and a beta of 0.55. The companys fifty day moving average is $61.68 and its 200 day moving average is $137.34. George Weston (OTCMKTS:WNGRF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, November 14th. The company reported $0.99 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. George Weston had a net margin of 1.67% and a return on equity of 12.84%. George Weston Company Profile (Get Free Report) George Weston Limited provides food and drug retailing, and financial services in Canada. The company operates through two segments, Loblaw Companies Limited (Loblaw) and Choice Properties Real Estate Investment Trust (Choice Properties). The Loblaw segment provides grocery, pharmacy and healthcare services, health and beauty products, apparel, general merchandise, and financial services. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for George Weston Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for George Weston and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Grupo Simec, S.A. de C.V. (NYSEAMERICAN:SIM Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Friday . The company traded as high as $34.00 and last traded at $33.10, with a volume of 4658 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $28.10. Grupo Simec Stock Performance The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $27.59 and its 200-day simple moving average is $27.53. The stock has a market cap of $4.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 27.78 and a beta of 0.25. Grupo Simec Company Profile (Get Free Report) Grupo Simec, SAB. de C.V. manufactures, processes, and distributes special bar quality (SBQ) steel and steel alloys products in Mexico, the United States, Brazil, Canada, Latin America, and internationally. The company produces I-beams, channels, structural and commercial angles, hot rolled bars, flat bars, rebars, cold-finished bars, electro-welded wire mesh and mesh panels, and wire rods, as well as semi-finished tube rounds and other semi-finished trade products. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Grupo Simec Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Grupo Simec and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Origin Bancorp (NYSE:OBK Get Free Report) and Renasant (NYSE:RNST Get Free Report) are both financial services companies, but which is the better investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, valuation, profitability, institutional ownership, risk, analyst recommendations and earnings. Profitability This table compares Origin Bancorp and Renasants net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Origin Bancorp alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Origin Bancorp 10.23% 5.05% 0.62% Renasant 11.26% 6.99% 1.01% Insider & Institutional Ownership 54.7% of Origin Bancorp shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 77.3% of Renasant shares are held by institutional investors. 6.4% of Origin Bancorp shares are held by insiders. Comparatively, 2.8% of Renasant shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, large money managers and endowments believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Valuation & Earnings Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Origin Bancorp $619.96 million 1.71 $76.49 million $1.91 17.97 Renasant $874.43 million 3.75 $195.46 million $1.99 17.34 This table compares Origin Bancorp and Renasants gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Renasant has higher revenue and earnings than Origin Bancorp. Renasant is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Origin Bancorp, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Risk and Volatility Origin Bancorp has a beta of 0.81, meaning that its stock price is 19% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Renasant has a beta of 0.98, meaning that its stock price is 2% less volatile than the S&P 500. Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of current ratings for Origin Bancorp and Renasant, as provided by MarketBeat. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Origin Bancorp 0 1 4 1 3.00 Renasant 0 1 0 1 3.00 Origin Bancorp presently has a consensus target price of $43.40, indicating a potential upside of 26.44%. Given Origin Bancorps higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Origin Bancorp is more favorable than Renasant. Dividends Origin Bancorp pays an annual dividend of $0.60 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Renasant pays an annual dividend of $0.92 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.7%. Origin Bancorp pays out 31.4% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Renasant pays out 46.2% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Summary Renasant beats Origin Bancorp on 10 of the 15 factors compared between the two stocks. About Origin Bancorp (Get Free Report) Origin Bancorp, Inc. operates as a bank holding company for Origin Bank that provides banking and financial services to small and medium-sized businesses, municipalities, high net worth individuals, and retail clients in Texas, Louisiana, and Mississippi. It offers noninterest and interest-bearing checking accounts, savings deposits, money market accounts, and time deposits; and offers commercial real estate, construction and land development, consumer, residential real estate, commercial and industrial, mortgage warehouse, residential mortgage, and paycheck protection program loans. The company also offers personal and commercial property, and casualty insurance products; and Internet banking and voice response information, mobile applications, cash management, overdraft protection, direct deposit, safe deposit box, U.S. savings bonds, and automatic account transfer services; and treasury management, mortgage origination and servicing facilities, peer-to-peer electronic pay solutions, and personal financial management solutions. As of December 31, 2021, it operated 44 banking centers. The company was founded in 1912 and is headquartered in Ruston, Louisiana. About Renasant (Get Free Report) Renasant Corporation operates as a bank holding company for Renasant Bank that provides a range of financial, wealth management, fiduciary, and insurance services to retail and commercial customers. It operates through three segments: Community Banks, Insurance, and Wealth Management. The Community Banks segment offers checking and savings accounts, business and personal loans, asset-based lending, and equipment leasing services, as well as safe deposit and night depository facilities. It also provides commercial, financial, and agricultural loans; equipment financing and leasing; real estate1-4 family mortgage; real estatecommercial mortgage; real estateconstruction loans for the construction of single family residential properties, multi-family properties, and commercial projects; installment loans to individuals; and interim construction loans, as well as automated teller machine (ATM), online and mobile banking, call center, and treasury management services. The Insurance segment provides insurance agency services, such as commercial and personal insurance products through insurance carriers. The Wealth Management segment offers a range of wealth management and fiduciary services, including administration and management of trust accounts, such as personal and corporate benefit accounts, and custodial accounts, as well as accounting and money management for trust accounts; annuities, mutual funds, and other investment services through a third party broker-dealer; and qualified retirement plans, IRAs, employee benefit plans, personal trusts, and estates. As of December 31, 2021, the company operated a network of 189 banking, lending, and mortgage offices located in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee; 150 full-service branches and 11 limited-service branches; 173 ATMs; and 38 interactive teller machines. Renasant Corporation was founded in 1904 and is headquartered in Tupelo, Mississippi. Receive News & Ratings for Origin Bancorp Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Origin Bancorp and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Hydro One (TSE:H Get Free Report) released its earnings results on Thursday. The company reported C$0.70 earnings per share for the quarter, FiscalAI reports. Hydro One had a return on equity of 9.58% and a net margin of 13.59%.The firm had revenue of C$2.30 billion during the quarter. Hydro One Price Performance Hydro One stock traded up C$0.28 during midday trading on Friday, reaching C$53.65. The companys stock had a trading volume of 240,785 shares, compared to its average volume of 992,965. Hydro One has a 52 week low of C$42.52 and a 52 week high of C$53.98. The company has a current ratio of 0.58, a quick ratio of 0.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 140.53. The business has a 50-day moving average price of C$50.61 and a 200-day moving average price of C$50.16. The stock has a market cap of C$32.18 billion, a PE ratio of 25.67, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.31. Get Hydro One alerts: Hydro One Dividend Announcement The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a $0.3331 dividend. This represents a $1.33 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Wednesday, September 10th. Hydro Ones dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 61.04%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts have recently weighed in on H shares. Desjardins set a C$58.00 price objective on shares of Hydro One and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 12th. National Bankshares lifted their target price on shares of Hydro One from C$47.00 to C$48.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. TD Securities lifted their price target on Hydro One from C$52.00 to C$54.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Thursday, August 14th. CIBC increased their target price on shares of Hydro One from C$52.00 to C$54.00 in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. Finally, Raymond James Financial raised their price objective on Hydro One from C$49.00 to C$53.50 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research note on Friday, October 24th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Hydro One currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus target price of C$51.75. Get Our Latest Stock Report on Hydro One About Hydro One (Get Free Report) Hydro One operates regulated transmission and distribution assets in Ontario. The areas largest electricity provider serves nearly 1.5 million customers. Transmission accounts for roughly 60% of the companys rate base, with distribution accounting for the remainder. Hydro One operates a small telecom business, Acronym Solutions, with annual revenue contributing less than 1% to consolidated results. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Hydro One Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Hydro One and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Local Bounti (NYSE:LOCL Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday. The company reported ($1.18) earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of ($1.42) by $0.24, RTT News reports. The firm had revenue of $12.20 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.60 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned ($4.01) earnings per share. Local Bounti Price Performance Shares of LOCL stock traded down $0.04 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $2.42. 9,734 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 25,521. Local Bounti has a 52-week low of $1.18 and a 52-week high of $5.75. The stock has a market cap of $53.53 million, a P/E ratio of -0.21 and a beta of 2.09. The stocks fifty day moving average is $2.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $2.58. Get Local Bounti alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d-) rating on shares of Local Bounti in a report on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, According to MarketBeat.com, Local Bounti currently has a consensus rating of Sell. Local Bounti Company Profile (Get Free Report) Local Bounti Corporation grows and packs fresh greens in the United States. It produces lettuce, herbs, and loose-leaf lettuce. The company sells its products to food retailers and food service distributors. Local Bounti Corporation was founded in 2018 and is headquartered in Hamilton, Montana. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Local Bounti Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Local Bounti and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C (NYSE:BWMX Get Free Report) and LuxExperience B.V. (NYSE:LUXE Get Free Report) are both small-cap retail/wholesale companies, but which is the superior business? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their institutional ownership, analyst recommendations, earnings, valuation, profitability, risk and dividends. Valuation & Earnings This table compares Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C and LuxExperience B.V.s gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Get Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C alerts: Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C $773.60 million 0.69 $39.07 million $1.40 10.18 LuxExperience B.V. $1.37 billion 0.58 $620.57 million $4.89 1.91 Analyst Ratings LuxExperience B.V. has higher revenue and earnings than Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C. LuxExperience B.V. is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. This is a breakdown of current ratings and price targets for Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C and LuxExperience B.V., as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C 1 1 0 0 1.50 LuxExperience B.V. 1 0 0 0 1.00 Insider and Institutional Ownership 12.7% of Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 10.1% of LuxExperience B.V. shares are held by institutional investors. 1.9% of LuxExperience B.V. shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock is poised for long-term growth. Profitability This table compares Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C and LuxExperience B.V.s net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C 7.23% 102.61% 11.58% LuxExperience B.V. 45.47% 90.47% 54.10% Volatility and Risk Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C has a beta of 1.24, indicating that its share price is 24% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, LuxExperience B.V. has a beta of 1.1, indicating that its share price is 10% more volatile than the S&P 500. About Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C (Get Free Report) Betterware de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. operates as a direct-to-consumer company in Mexico. The company focuses on the home organization segment with a product portfolio, including home solutions, kitchen and food preservation, technology and mobility, and other categories. It serves approximately 3 million households through distributors and associates in approximately 800 communities throughout Mexico. The company was formerly known as Betterware de Mexico, S.A.P.I. de C.V. Betterware de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. was founded in 1995 and is based in Zapopan, Mexico. Betterware de Mexico, S.A.B. de C.V. is a subsidiary of Campalier, S.A. de C.V. About LuxExperience B.V. (Get Free Report) MYT Netherlands Parent B.V., through its subsidiary, Mytheresa Group GmbH, operates a luxury e-commerce platform for fashion consumers in Germany, the United States, the rest of Europe, and internationally. The company sells clothes, bags, shoes, accessories, and fine jewelry through online and retail stores. It serves high-income luxury consumers. The company was founded in 1987 and is based in Munich, Germany. Receive News & Ratings for Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Betterware de Mexico SAPI de C and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Phoenix Wealth Advisors lowered its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report) by 6.1% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The institutional investor owned 6,408 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after selling 417 shares during the period. Motorola Solutions accounts for about 1.1% of Phoenix Wealth Advisors holdings, making the stock its 24th biggest position. Phoenix Wealth Advisors holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $2,694,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Nuveen LLC bought a new stake in shares of Motorola Solutions in the first quarter valued at approximately $650,426,000. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 1.5% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 21,501,114 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $9,413,403,000 after buying an additional 321,280 shares during the period. Hsbc Holdings PLC grew its position in Motorola Solutions by 49.1% during the first quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 746,011 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $325,558,000 after buying an additional 245,739 shares in the last quarter. Congress Asset Management Co. acquired a new position in Motorola Solutions in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $87,162,000. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions by 14.1% in the first quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 1,520,116 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $665,522,000 after purchasing an additional 187,400 shares in the last quarter. 84.17% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Motorola Solutions alerts: Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several equities analysts recently commented on MSI shares. UBS Group raised their target price on Motorola Solutions from $490.00 to $510.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 8th. Piper Sandler reiterated a neutral rating and set a $465.00 target price (down from $495.00) on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Evercore ISI increased their price target on shares of Motorola Solutions from $500.00 to $525.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 29th. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (b) rating on shares of Motorola Solutions in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Barclays decreased their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $509.00 to $495.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $506.43. Insider Transactions at Motorola Solutions In other Motorola Solutions news, SVP Rajan Naik sold 8,014 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $474.45, for a total value of $3,802,242.30. Following the sale, the senior vice president owned 10,244 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,860,265.80. The trade was a 43.89% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO John P. Molloy sold 37,514 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 21st. The stock was sold at an average price of $462.38, for a total transaction of $17,345,723.32. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 59,328 shares of the companys stock, valued at $27,432,080.64. This represents a 38.74% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. In the last ninety days, insiders have sold 148,128 shares of company stock valued at $70,431,641. 1.44% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Motorola Solutions Trading Down 2.3% NYSE:MSI opened at $382.77 on Friday. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $445.79 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $435.51. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 1-year low of $382.09 and a 1-year high of $503.62. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.75 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.82, a PEG ratio of 3.46 and a beta of 0.97. The company has a current ratio of 1.73, a quick ratio of 1.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.86. Motorola Solutions (NYSE:MSI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The communications equipment provider reported $4.06 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.85 by $0.21. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 134.30% and a net margin of 19.08%.The business had revenue of $3.01 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.99 billion. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $3.74 EPS. The firms revenue was up 7.8% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts expect that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 13.55 earnings per share for the current year. Motorola Solutions Cuts Dividend The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 15th were paid a $0.0109 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 15th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.0%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 34.99%. Motorola Solutions Company Profile (Free Report) Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MSI? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Motorola Solutions Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Motorola Solutions and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Old West Investment Management LLC lessened its position in shares of Globus Medical, Inc. (NYSE:GMED Free Report) by 20.7% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 96,252 shares of the medical device companys stock after selling 25,107 shares during the period. Globus Medical comprises 1.9% of Old West Investment Management LLCs holdings, making the stock its 19th largest position. Old West Investment Management LLCs holdings in Globus Medical were worth $5,681,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of GMED. Xponance Inc. raised its position in Globus Medical by 2.0% in the 1st quarter. Xponance Inc. now owns 13,151 shares of the medical device companys stock valued at $963,000 after buying an additional 259 shares during the last quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund grew its stake in shares of Globus Medical by 94.5% during the 1st quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 152,388 shares of the medical device companys stock worth $11,155,000 after acquiring an additional 74,051 shares in the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR raised its holdings in shares of Globus Medical by 53.1% in the first quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 5,406 shares of the medical device companys stock valued at $396,000 after purchasing an additional 1,875 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA lifted its position in shares of Globus Medical by 25.3% in the first quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 605,770 shares of the medical device companys stock worth $44,342,000 after purchasing an additional 122,417 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. boosted its holdings in Globus Medical by 46.5% during the first quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 580 shares of the medical device companys stock worth $42,000 after purchasing an additional 184 shares during the last quarter. 95.16% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Globus Medical alerts: Insider Transactions at Globus Medical In other Globus Medical news, Director Ann D. Rhoads sold 2,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $85.00, for a total transaction of $170,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 15,384 shares in the company, valued at $1,307,640. This represents a 11.50% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director David D. Davidar sold 25,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $86.00, for a total value of $2,150,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director directly owned 516,275 shares in the company, valued at $44,399,650. This trade represents a 4.62% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 70,000 shares of company stock valued at $5,659,850. Company insiders own 18.54% of the companys stock. Globus Medical Trading Down 1.0% Shares of NYSE GMED opened at $83.89 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $11.33 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.27, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 1.15. Globus Medical, Inc. has a 1-year low of $51.79 and a 1-year high of $94.93. The businesss 50 day moving average is $61.83 and its 200-day moving average is $60.37. Globus Medical (NYSE:GMED Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, November 6th. The medical device company reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by $0.39. Globus Medical had a net margin of 13.58% and a return on equity of 10.65%. The business had revenue of $769.05 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $734.58 million. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.83 earnings per share. Globus Medicals revenue for the quarter was up 22.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Globus Medical has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.750-3.85 EPS. Analysts forecast that Globus Medical, Inc. will post 3.44 EPS for the current year. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades GMED has been the topic of several analyst reports. Barclays boosted their price target on shares of Globus Medical from $106.00 to $114.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus assumed coverage on Globus Medical in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. They set a hold rating and a $64.00 target price on the stock. Bank of America raised Globus Medical from a neutral rating to a buy rating and increased their price target for the company from $65.00 to $91.00 in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Needham & Company LLC restated a hold rating on shares of Globus Medical in a research note on Monday, July 21st. Finally, Truist Financial raised Globus Medical from a hold rating to a buy rating and boosted their price target for the stock from $65.00 to $93.00 in a research report on Friday, November 7th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $88.82. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on GMED About Globus Medical (Free Report) Globus Medical, Inc, a medical device company, develops and commercializes healthcare solutions for patients with musculoskeletal disorders in the United States and internationally. The company offers spine products, such as traditional fusion implants comprising pedicle screw and rod systems, plating systems, intervertebral spacers, and corpectomy devices for treating degenerative and congenital conditions, deformity, tumors, and trauma injuries; treatment options for motion preservation technologies that consist of dynamic stabilization, total disc replacement, and interspinous distraction devices; interventional solutions to treat vertebral compression fractures; and regenerative biologic products comprising of allografts and synthetic alternatives. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GMED? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Globus Medical, Inc. (NYSE:GMED Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Globus Medical Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Globus Medical and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Palestinians sit around a brazier to stay warm during a rainy day at a temporary shelter near the beach in Gaza City, on Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) GAZA, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Displaced Palestinians awoke to flooded tents Friday morning as the first autumn rain hit the Gaza Strip overnight, heightening fears of worsening living conditions as winter approaches. Amal Abu Hassan, a displaced woman in Gaza City, and her four children endured a harrowing night as their tent was flooded, its floor and scant belongings submerged. "Throughout the night, I tried to drain the water pouring into the tent, constantly moving my children to protect them from the rain and sudden flash floods," Hassan, 32, told Xinhua, her clothes soaked. "But all my attempts were in vain. Water was seeping in everywhere, the bedding was soaked, and the children were crying from cold and fear." Hassan described herself as "truly helpless against the power of nature." She added, "This is the first autumn rain in Gaza, and we are already struggling to survive. The tents offer no real protection, just thin tarpaulins." "We just want to keep our children safe from the rain and cold ... Imagine what will happen when winter fully arrives, especially with no reconstruction and no further progress in the ceasefire," she continued. The rain comes at a time when Gaza is still trying to recover from the large-scale war between Israel and Hamas, which erupted on Oct. 7, 2023. The conflict killed over 69,000 Palestinians and destroyed more than 85 percent of buildings in the Gaza Strip, including vital facilities and infrastructure, leaving the population highly vulnerable to both natural and humanitarian challenges. Ahmed al-Khatib, 45, a shop owner in Khan Younis in the south of the Gaza Strip, described his family's similar ordeal with Hassan. "The rain destroyed everything we own. Our furniture is soaked and unusable. My five children and I couldn't find a dry place to sleep," he told Xinhua. "Every passing minute increases our sense of helplessness. This first rain has exposed the fragility of our lives. What will we do when winter comes in full force? How can we cope without reconstruction or the rehabilitation of roads and buildings?" he said. He added that accumulated water and mud on the streets made movement nearly impossible and hampered relief efforts, leaving residents to face the floods alone. "We are living in tragic conditions, with no support and no safe shelter from daily dangers," said Fatima al-Masri, 28, from Deir al-Balah, central Gaza. "I thought our suffering would end after the war, but we are now facing another form of hardship, dealing with the catastrophic aftermath without real hope of survival." Most major and minor roads were flooded due to the rain, and debris and collapsed small bridges hindered emergency and relief teams, making access to affected areas extremely difficult. "We have received thousands of urgent calls for help, but our resources are extremely limited," Mahmoud Bassal, spokesman for Gaza's Civil Defense, told Xinhua. "Every second in these conditions puts residents' lives at risk, especially since cracked and dilapidated houses are at risk of collapse, and thousands of tents belonging to displaced people have been damaged," he said. According to Bassal, as the weather worsens and humanitarian aid remains inadequate, Gaza faces a "catastrophic" situation. "Continued rain will exacerbate the crisis, and current living conditions increase the risk of respiratory and infectious diseases due to humidity and flooding in the camps and affected areas," he added. Palestinians sit around a brazier to stay warm during a rainy day at a temporary shelter near the beach in Gaza City, on Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) A Palestinian boy sits near a brazier to stay warm during a rainy day at a temporary shelter near the beach in Gaza City, on Nov. 14, 2025. (Photo by Rizek Abdeljawad/Xinhua) Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) was upgraded by equities researchers at Scotiabank to a strong-buy rating in a note issued to investors on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. A number of other research analysts also recently issued reports on the company. Bank of America upped their price objective on Pfizer from $28.00 to $30.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a neutral rating and issued a $26.00 price target on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, November 5th. Morgan Stanley reduced their price target on shares of Pfizer from $33.00 to $32.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c-) rating on shares of Pfizer in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Pfizer from $25.00 to $26.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 6th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, four have issued a Buy rating, twelve have issued a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $28.28. Get Pfizer alerts: View Our Latest Stock Report on Pfizer Pfizer Stock Down 0.3% Pfizer stock opened at $25.80 on Wednesday. Pfizer has a fifty-two week low of $20.92 and a fifty-two week high of $27.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.65, a quick ratio of 0.85 and a current ratio of 1.16. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $24.79 and its 200 day simple moving average is $24.43. The stock has a market cap of $146.66 billion, a PE ratio of 13.72, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.81 and a beta of 0.54. Pfizer (NYSE:PFE Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, November 4th. The biopharmaceutical company reported $0.87 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.79 by $0.08. The firm had revenue of $16.65 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.94 billion. Pfizer had a net margin of 16.84% and a return on equity of 21.42%. Pfizer has set its FY 2025 guidance at 3.000-3.150 EPS. Research analysts predict that Pfizer will post 2.95 EPS for the current fiscal year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Capital Advisory Group Advisory Services LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 2.9% in the 2nd quarter. Capital Advisory Group Advisory Services LLC now owns 13,542 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $328,000 after buying an additional 388 shares during the period. Citizens National Bank Trust Department raised its stake in Pfizer by 0.9% during the second quarter. Citizens National Bank Trust Department now owns 46,103 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $1,118,000 after acquiring an additional 395 shares during the period. Peak Asset Management LLC lifted its holdings in Pfizer by 1.4% in the second quarter. Peak Asset Management LLC now owns 28,768 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock worth $697,000 after acquiring an additional 402 shares during the last quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas boosted its stake in Pfizer by 0.6% in the third quarter. Community Bank & Trust Waco Texas now owns 66,841 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $1,703,000 after acquiring an additional 412 shares during the period. Finally, Able Wealth Management LLC grew its holdings in shares of Pfizer by 2.0% during the second quarter. Able Wealth Management LLC now owns 21,128 shares of the biopharmaceutical companys stock valued at $512,000 after purchasing an additional 413 shares during the last quarter. 68.36% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. About Pfizer (Get Free Report) Pfizer Inc discovers, develops, manufactures, markets, distributes, and sells biopharmaceutical products in the United States, Europe, and internationally. The company offers medicines and vaccines in various therapeutic areas, including cardiovascular metabolic, migraine, and women's health under the Eliquis, Nurtec ODT/Vydura, Zavzpret, and the Premarin family brands; infectious diseases with unmet medical needs under the Prevnar family, Abrysvo, Nimenrix, FSME/IMMUN-TicoVac, and Trumenba brands; and COVID-19 prevention and treatment, and potential future mRNA and antiviral products under the Comirnaty and Paxlovid brands. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Pfizer Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Pfizer and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Profund Advisors LLC trimmed its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. (The) (NYSE:IPG Free Report) by 36.9% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 16,236 shares of the business services providers stock after selling 9,510 shares during the period. Profund Advisors LLCs holdings in Interpublic Group of Companies were worth $397,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. CWM LLC grew its position in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 0.7% in the 1st quarter. CWM LLC now owns 91,130 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,475,000 after buying an additional 619 shares during the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA bought a new position in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in the 1st quarter worth about $30,688,000. Larson Financial Group LLC lifted its stake in Interpublic Group of Companies by 12.4% in the first quarter. Larson Financial Group LLC now owns 17,237 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $468,000 after buying an additional 1,902 shares during the period. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC lifted its position in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies by 37.1% during the 1st quarter. Kingsview Wealth Management LLC now owns 442,466 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $12,017,000 after acquiring an additional 119,802 shares during the period. Finally, Tabor Asset Management LP bought a new position in shares of Interpublic Group of Companies during the 1st quarter worth about $896,000. 98.43% of the stock is owned by institutional investors. Get Interpublic Group of Companies alerts: Interpublic Group of Companies Stock Performance Interpublic Group of Companies stock opened at $25.07 on Friday. The companys 50-day moving average is $26.30 and its 200 day moving average is $25.41. Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. has a 1-year low of $22.51 and a 1-year high of $33.05. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78, a current ratio of 1.07 and a quick ratio of 1.07. The firm has a market capitalization of $9.18 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.24 and a beta of 1.12. Analysts Set New Price Targets Interpublic Group of Companies ( NYSE:IPG Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Monday, November 10th. The business services provider reported $0.73 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.71 by $0.02. The firm had revenue of $2.14 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.19 billion. Interpublic Group of Companies had a net margin of 4.27% and a return on equity of 28.72%. The companys revenue was down 4.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.70 earnings per share. Research analysts forecast that Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc. will post 2.66 EPS for the current year. IPG has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Interpublic Group of Companies in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays cut their price objective on Interpublic Group of Companies from $28.00 to $27.50 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday. Wall Street Zen raised shares of Interpublic Group of Companies to a hold rating in a research note on Saturday, August 16th. Zacks Research cut Interpublic Group of Companies from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, UBS Group dropped their price target on Interpublic Group of Companies from $27.00 to $25.60 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $32.18. Read Our Latest Research Report on Interpublic Group of Companies Interpublic Group of Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The Interpublic Group of Companies, Inc provides advertising and marketing services worldwide. It operates in three segments: Media, Data & Engagement Solutions, Integrated Advertising & Creativity Led Solutions, and Specialized Communications & Experiential Solutions. The Media, Data & Engagement Solutions segment provides media and communications services, digital services and products, advertising and marketing technology, e-commerce services, data management and analytics, strategic consulting, and digital brand experience under the IPG Mediabrands, UM, Initiative, Kinesso, Acxiom, Huge, MRM, and R/GA brand names. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Interpublic Group of Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Prospect Financial Services LLC bought a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 1,203 shares of the semiconductor companys stock, valued at approximately $272,000. Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC boosted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 16,500.0% during the first quarter. New Vernon Capital Holdings II LLC now owns 6,707,064 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,113,373,000 after purchasing an additional 6,666,660 shares during the last quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. increased its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 55.6% in the 1st quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 17,306,108 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $2,872,814,000 after purchasing an additional 6,180,445 shares during the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 1st quarter worth about $482,676,000. Jennison Associates LLC raised its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 36.8% during the 1st quarter. Jennison Associates LLC now owns 9,509,032 shares of the semiconductor companys stock worth $1,578,499,000 after purchasing an additional 2,559,512 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Alliancebernstein L.P. lifted its holdings in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 31.5% during the 1st quarter. Alliancebernstein L.P. now owns 8,864,014 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $1,471,426,000 after buying an additional 2,121,758 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 16.51% of the companys stock. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Down 3.0% NYSE:TSM opened at $281.82 on Friday. The companys 50 day moving average is $284.61 and its 200-day moving average is $240.69. The company has a quick ratio of 2.15, a current ratio of 2.37 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a 12 month low of $134.25 and a 12 month high of $311.37. The firm has a market cap of $1.46 trillion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.90, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing ( NYSE:TSM Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.59 by $0.33. The business had revenue of $32.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a net margin of 43.72% and a return on equity of 36.06%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings revenue was up 40.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business posted $1.94 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be given a $0.9678 dividend. This is an increase from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. This represents a $3.87 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.4%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, March 17th. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 26.97%. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of research firms recently commented on TSM. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Friday, October 17th. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $360.00 price target on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 27th. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Susquehanna increased their target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the stock a positive rating in a research report on Friday, October 10th. Five investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $371.67. Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on TSM About Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. RAM Investment Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report) during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The fund purchased 1,326 shares of the business services providers stock, valued at approximately $303,000. Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in WM. Wealthfront Advisers LLC increased its position in Waste Management by 3.1% during the 2nd quarter. Wealthfront Advisers LLC now owns 57,093 shares of the business services providers stock worth $13,064,000 after purchasing an additional 1,698 shares in the last quarter. GPM Growth Investors Inc. grew its stake in Waste Management by 50.6% during the second quarter. GPM Growth Investors Inc. now owns 16,640 shares of the business services providers stock worth $3,808,000 after buying an additional 5,588 shares during the period. Machina Capital S.A.S. acquired a new stake in shares of Waste Management in the second quarter worth $4,361,000. Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC raised its stake in shares of Waste Management by 30.4% in the 2nd quarter. Zevenbergen Capital Investments LLC now owns 9,430 shares of the business services providers stock valued at $2,158,000 after acquiring an additional 2,200 shares during the period. Finally, VIRGINIA RETIREMENT SYSTEMS ET Al acquired a new position in shares of Waste Management during the 2nd quarter valued at $6,865,000. 80.40% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Waste Management alerts: Waste Management Price Performance WM stock opened at $204.55 on Friday. The stocks 50 day moving average is $213.09 and its two-hundred day moving average is $224.56. Waste Management, Inc. has a 52-week low of $194.11 and a 52-week high of $242.58. The company has a market capitalization of $82.41 billion, a PE ratio of 32.21, a P/E/G ratio of 2.51 and a beta of 0.62. The company has a quick ratio of 0.82, a current ratio of 0.84 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.36. Waste Management Dividend Announcement Waste Management ( NYSE:WM Get Free Report ) last released its earnings results on Monday, October 27th. The business services provider reported $1.98 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $2.01 by ($0.03). The business had revenue of $6.44 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $6.51 billion. Waste Management had a net margin of 10.35% and a return on equity of 33.00%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 14.9% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.96 earnings per share. Waste Management has set its FY 2025 guidance at EPS. Analysts predict that Waste Management, Inc. will post 7.7 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, December 5th will be issued a dividend of $0.825 per share. This represents a $3.30 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, December 5th. Waste Managements dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 51.97%. Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth Several research analysts have commented on WM shares. Barclays cut their price objective on Waste Management from $271.00 to $266.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Cowen reiterated a buy rating on shares of Waste Management in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. CIBC decreased their price target on Waste Management from $235.00 to $231.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 29th. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their price objective on shares of Waste Management from $252.00 to $236.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, October 29th. Finally, Baird R W raised shares of Waste Management from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, fourteen have given a Buy rating and ten have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $248.79. View Our Latest Research Report on Waste Management Waste Management Profile (Free Report) Waste Management, Inc, through its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of environmental solutions to residential, commercial, industrial, and municipal customers in the United States and Canada. It offers collection services, including picking up and transporting waste and recyclable materials from where it was generated to a transfer station, material recovery facility (MRF), or disposal site; and owns and operates transfer stations, as well as owns, develops, and operates landfill facilities that produce landfill gas used as renewable natural gas for generating electricity. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding WM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Waste Management, Inc. (NYSE:WM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Waste Management Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Waste Management and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Sittner & Nelson LLC grew its holdings in ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 27.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 3,692 shares of the energy producers stock after acquiring an additional 789 shares during the period. Sittner & Nelson LLCs holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $331,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Edgestream Partners L.P. raised its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 418.6% in the 1st quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. now owns 31,452 shares of the energy producers stock worth $3,303,000 after purchasing an additional 25,387 shares during the period. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in ConocoPhillips in the first quarter worth about $365,000. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 91.2% in the first quarter. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,217 shares of the energy producers stock worth $443,000 after buying an additional 2,011 shares during the period. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 12.4% during the first quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC now owns 15,922 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $1,672,000 after purchasing an additional 1,758 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Woodward Diversified Capital LLC increased its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips by 18.9% in the first quarter. Woodward Diversified Capital LLC now owns 7,138 shares of the energy producers stock worth $750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,135 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: ConocoPhillips Trading Up 0.3% NYSE COP opened at $89.38 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $110.45 billion, a PE ratio of 12.00, a PEG ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.58. ConocoPhillips has a 12 month low of $79.88 and a 12 month high of $115.38. The companys 50-day moving average price is $90.96 and its 200-day moving average price is $91.94. The company has a current ratio of 1.27, a quick ratio of 1.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $14.51 billion. ConocoPhillips had a net margin of 15.26% and a return on equity of 14.60%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.78 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current year. The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.84 per share. This represents a $3.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.8%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. This is an increase from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 47.52%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several analysts have recently commented on the stock. Piper Sandler decreased their price objective on shares of ConocoPhillips from $124.00 to $115.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Barclays decreased their price target on ConocoPhillips from $122.00 to $118.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, October 7th. Evercore ISI dropped their price objective on ConocoPhillips from $115.00 to $111.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, October 6th. Melius started coverage on ConocoPhillips in a research note on Wednesday, August 20th. They set a hold rating and a $117.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Raymond James Financial dropped their price target on ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $115.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Eighteen research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $115.33. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on COP Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, Director William H. Mcraven bought 5,768 shares of the stock in a transaction on Monday, November 10th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $86.68 per share, for a total transaction of $499,970.24. Following the acquisition, the director owned 5,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at $499,970.24. This represents a increase in their ownership of the stock. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. ConocoPhillips Company Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) was downgraded by stock analysts at Zacks Research from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday,Zacks.com reports. SDHC has been the subject of several other reports. Weiss Ratings restated a sell (d+) rating on shares of Smith Douglas Homes in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Wall Street Zen lowered shares of Smith Douglas Homes from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research report on Sunday, November 9th. Royal Bank Of Canada dropped their price target on shares of Smith Douglas Homes from $16.00 to $15.00 and set a sector perform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of Smith Douglas Homes from $17.00 to $15.00 and set an underperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Smith Douglas Homes from $20.00 to $18.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Four investment analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating and three have given a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Reduce and a consensus price target of $16.90. Get Smith Douglas Homes alerts: Read Our Latest Research Report on Smith Douglas Homes Smith Douglas Homes Trading Down 0.5% Shares of SDHC traded down $0.09 on Wednesday, reaching $17.31. 1,740 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 81,114. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $17.65 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $18.79. Smith Douglas Homes has a 12 month low of $15.00 and a 12 month high of $34.48. The stock has a market capitalization of $890.65 million, a P/E ratio of 13.81, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 11.88 and a beta of 0.96. Smith Douglas Homes (NYSE:SDHC Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, November 5th. The company reported ($0.12) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.26 by ($0.38). Smith Douglas Homes had a net margin of 1.13% and a return on equity of 0.12%. The business had revenue of $262.04 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $251.41 million. Equities research analysts predict that Smith Douglas Homes will post 1.73 EPS for the current year. Institutional Inflows and Outflows Large investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. M&T Bank Corp boosted its position in Smith Douglas Homes by 8.4% during the 1st quarter. M&T Bank Corp now owns 11,001 shares of the companys stock valued at $215,000 after buying an additional 848 shares during the period. Covey Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Smith Douglas Homes during the second quarter valued at $705,000. New York State Common Retirement Fund boosted its stake in Smith Douglas Homes by 1.0% during the first quarter. New York State Common Retirement Fund now owns 185,119 shares of the companys stock worth $3,614,000 after acquiring an additional 1,744 shares in the last quarter. Beck Mack & Oliver LLC grew its stake in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 20.2% in the 1st quarter. Beck Mack & Oliver LLC now owns 840,975 shares of the companys stock worth $16,416,000 after buying an additional 141,545 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA increased its holdings in shares of Smith Douglas Homes by 11.6% during the first quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 486,509 shares of the companys stock valued at $9,497,000 after acquiring an additional 50,713 shares in the last quarter. Smith Douglas Homes Company Profile (Get Free Report) Smith Douglas Homes Corp., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the design, construction, and sale of single-family homes in the southeastern United States. It also provides closing, escrow, and title insurance services. The company sells its products to entry-level and empty-nest homebuyers. Smith Douglas Homes Corp. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Smith Douglas Homes Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Smith Douglas Homes and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WP Advisors LLC lowered its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM Free Report) by 4.5% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 22,087 shares of the basic materials companys stock after selling 1,034 shares during the period. WP Advisors LLCs holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera were worth $779,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the stock. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the second quarter worth approximately $67,759,000. Kopernik Global Investors LLC lifted its stake in Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 4.2% in the first quarter. Kopernik Global Investors LLC now owns 1,523,668 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $60,535,000 after acquiring an additional 61,100 shares during the last quarter. Earnest Partners LLC grew its holdings in Sociedad Quimica y Minera by 2.3% during the 1st quarter. Earnest Partners LLC now owns 1,096,049 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $43,546,000 after acquiring an additional 24,710 shares in the last quarter. Nuveen LLC acquired a new position in Sociedad Quimica y Minera during the 1st quarter worth approximately $39,154,000. Finally, RWC Asset Advisors US LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $37,170,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 12.41% of the companys stock. Get Sociedad Quimica y Minera alerts: Sociedad Quimica y Minera Stock Up 0.8% Sociedad Quimica y Minera stock opened at $53.22 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $15.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.87 and a beta of 1.14. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.70, a quick ratio of 1.93 and a current ratio of 2.92. Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. has a fifty-two week low of $29.36 and a fifty-two week high of $54.70. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $44.98 and a 200-day simple moving average of $40.00. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Sociedad Quimica y Minera ( NYSE:SQM Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 20th. The basic materials company reported $0.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.52 by ($0.21). Sociedad Quimica y Minera had a return on equity of 9.09% and a net margin of 11.29%.The business had revenue of $1.04 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.08 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $0.75 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 19.4% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts expect that Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. will post -1.31 earnings per share for the current year. Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. BMO Capital Markets lifted their price objective on shares of Sociedad Quimica y Minera from $45.00 to $55.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. Weiss Ratings cut Sociedad Quimica y Minera from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a research note on Friday, November 7th. Bank of America upped their price objective on Sociedad Quimica y Minera from $36.50 to $43.50 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 26th. Rothschild & Co Redburn started coverage on Sociedad Quimica y Minera in a report on Friday, October 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $54.00 price objective on the stock. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on Sociedad Quimica y Minera from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 28th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, six have given a Hold rating and two have given a Sell rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $46.81. Read Our Latest Report on SQM About Sociedad Quimica y Minera (Free Report) Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile SA operates as a mining company worldwide. The company offers specialty plant nutrients, including sodium potassium nitrate, specialty blends, and other specialty fertilizers under Ultrasol, Qrop, Speedfol, Allganic, Ultrasoline, ProP, and Prohydric brands. It also provides iodine and its derivatives for use in medical, agricultural, industrial, and human and animal nutrition products comprising x-ray contrast media, biocides, antiseptics and disinfectants, pharmaceutical intermediates, polarizing films for LCD and LED screens, chemicals, organic compounds, and pigments, as well as added to edible salt to prevent iodine deficiency disorders. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SQM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Sociedad Quimica y Minera S.A. (NYSE:SQM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Sociedad Quimica y Minera and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co grew its holdings in Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report) by 112.4% in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 7,560 shares of the utilities providers stock after buying an additional 4,000 shares during the quarter. WASHINGTON TRUST Cos holdings in Southern were worth $694,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Avidian Wealth Enterprises LLC boosted its position in shares of Southern by 2.3% during the 2nd quarter. Avidian Wealth Enterprises LLC now owns 4,697 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $431,000 after purchasing an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Delta Investment Management LLC lifted its stake in shares of Southern by 4.6% in the second quarter. Delta Investment Management LLC now owns 2,579 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $237,000 after purchasing an additional 113 shares during the period. Marco Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in Southern by 1.1% during the second quarter. Marco Investment Management LLC now owns 10,234 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $940,000 after buying an additional 113 shares in the last quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC grew its position in Southern by 1.0% during the second quarter. KPP Advisory Services LLC now owns 11,392 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,046,000 after buying an additional 117 shares during the period. Finally, May Hill Capital LLC increased its holdings in Southern by 3.8% in the second quarter. May Hill Capital LLC now owns 3,255 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $299,000 after buying an additional 118 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 64.10% of the companys stock. Get Southern alerts: Southern Trading Down 0.8% Southern stock opened at $91.11 on Friday. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $94.13 and a 200 day moving average price of $92.50. Southern Company has a 52 week low of $80.46 and a 52 week high of $100.83. The stock has a market cap of $100.32 billion, a PE ratio of 23.42, a P/E/G ratio of 3.31 and a beta of 0.45. The company has a current ratio of 0.74, a quick ratio of 0.54 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.69. Southern Dividend Announcement Southern ( NYSE:SO Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The utilities provider reported $1.60 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.51 by $0.09. The company had revenue of $7.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $8.04 billion. Southern had a return on equity of 12.09% and a net margin of 15.10%.The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.5% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $1.39 EPS. Equities research analysts predict that Southern Company will post 4.29 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 8th. Investors of record on Monday, November 17th will be issued a $0.74 dividend. This represents a $2.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.2%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. Southerns payout ratio is presently 73.27%. Analysts Set New Price Targets SO has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Mizuho boosted their price target on Southern from $93.00 to $95.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, August 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on Southern from $97.00 to $98.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, August 21st. BMO Capital Markets raised their price target on Southern from $98.00 to $102.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 22nd. Cowen assumed coverage on shares of Southern in a research report on Wednesday, October 15th. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Finally, Wall Street Zen cut shares of Southern from a hold rating to a sell rating in a research note on Saturday, August 2nd. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, twelve have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Southern has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $99.56. Read Our Latest Research Report on Southern About Southern (Free Report) The Southern Company, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation, transmission, and distribution of electricity. The company also develops, constructs, acquires, owns, and manages power generation assets, including renewable energy projects and sells electricity in the wholesale market; and distributes natural gas in Illinois, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee, as well as provides gas marketing services, gas distribution operations, and gas pipeline investments operations. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding SO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Southern Company (The) (NYSE:SO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Southern Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Southern and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WP Advisors LLC cut its position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:MDY Free Report) by 21.1% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The firm owned 550 shares of the exchange traded funds stock after selling 147 shares during the period. WP Advisors LLCs holdings in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust were worth $311,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. Several other institutional investors have also recently modified their holdings of the company. Hancock Prospecting Pty Ltd purchased a new stake in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust in the first quarter valued at approximately $1,533,856,000. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC purchased a new position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $1,584,523,000. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. raised its position in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 3.7% during the 1st quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 576,635 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $307,624,000 after buying an additional 20,483 shares during the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can lifted its stake in SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 0.4% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 500,851 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $283,722,000 after acquiring an additional 1,910 shares during the period. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted its holdings in shares of SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust by 7.0% in the 1st quarter. JPMorgan Chase & Co. now owns 429,365 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $229,058,000 after acquiring an additional 28,167 shares during the last quarter. Get SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust alerts: SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Price Performance NYSEARCA:MDY opened at $587.38 on Friday. The companys fifty day moving average price is $596.05 and its 200-day moving average price is $576.89. SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust has a 1-year low of $458.82 and a 1-year high of $624.13. The firm has a market capitalization of $23.15 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.98 and a beta of 1.06. SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Company Profile SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF is an exchange traded fund. SPDR MidCap 400 Trust focuses to correspond to the price and yield performance of the S&P MidCap 400 Index. The S&P MidCap 400 covers over 7% of the United States equities market, and is part of a series of S&P the United States indices. The index also includes companies, which should have four consecutive quarters of positive as-reported earnings, excluding discontinued operations and extraordinary items. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MDY? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust (NYSEARCA:MDY Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SPDR S&P MidCap 400 ETF Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WASHINGTON TRUST Co boosted its stake in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report) by 19.6% during the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 1,847 shares of the semiconductor companys stock after acquiring an additional 303 shares during the period. WASHINGTON TRUST Cos holdings in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing were worth $418,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in the stock. 1248 Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the 1st quarter worth about $28,000. Vision Financial Markets LLC purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Mid American Wealth Advisory Group Inc. purchased a new position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in the second quarter valued at approximately $33,000. First Command Advisory Services Inc. lifted its position in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing by 174.1% during the second quarter. First Command Advisory Services Inc. now owns 159 shares of the semiconductor companys stock valued at $36,000 after buying an additional 101 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Keener Financial Planning LLC purchased a new stake in Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing during the first quarter worth approximately $39,000. 16.51% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Needham & Company LLC restated a buy rating and set a $360.00 target price on shares of Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing in a report on Monday, October 27th. Wall Street Zen lowered Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, November 1st. Weiss Ratings downgraded Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from a buy (b-) rating to a hold (c+) rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Susquehanna increased their target price on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $300.00 to $400.00 and gave the company a positive rating in a research note on Friday, October 10th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing from $330.00 to $355.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $371.67. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Trading Down 3.0% Shares of TSM opened at $281.82 on Friday. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. has a one year low of $134.25 and a one year high of $311.37. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $284.61 and a 200 day moving average price of $240.69. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20, a quick ratio of 2.15 and a current ratio of 2.37. The company has a market capitalization of $1.46 trillion, a P/E ratio of 28.90, a P/E/G ratio of 1.02 and a beta of 1.31. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (NYSE:TSM Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, October 16th. The semiconductor company reported $2.92 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.59 by $0.33. The company had revenue of $32.36 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $951.89 billion. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing had a return on equity of 36.06% and a net margin of 43.72%.Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings revenue for the quarter was up 40.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.94 EPS. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing has set its Q4 2025 guidance at EPS. Sell-side analysts forecast that Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. will post 9.2 EPS for the current fiscal year. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Increases Dividend The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, April 9th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, March 17th will be paid a $0.9678 dividend. This is a boost from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings previous quarterly dividend of $0.83. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, March 17th. This represents a $3.87 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.4%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturings dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 26.97%. Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Profile (Free Report) Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Limited, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, packages, tests, and sells integrated circuits and other semiconductor devices in Taiwan, China, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Japan, the United States, and internationally. It provides a range of wafer fabrication processes, including processes to manufacture complementary metal- oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) logic, mixed-signal, radio frequency, embedded memory, bipolar CMOS mixed-signal, and others. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding TSM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company Ltd. (NYSE:TSM Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. JOHANNESBURG, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Group of 20 (G20) presidency will remain impactful and successful despite the United States' decision not to attend the upcoming G20 Leaders' Meeting, South African Minister in the Presidency Khumbudzo Ntshavheni has said. Speaking at a media briefing in Pretoria, South Africa's administrative capital, on Thursday, Ntshavheni emphasized that the absence of the U.S. president will not "diminish" the importance or influence of the gathering, which brings together the world's major economies. "Their absence is not unique to South Africa. It does not change anything. It does not diminish our work," she said, noting that other world leaders had confirmed their readiness to attend the summit. Her remarks came after U.S. President Donald Trump announced that his country would not participate in the summit and that South Africa should not be in the G20 at all. Ntshavheni also highlighted the work her country has done since assuming the G20 presidency from Brazil in December last year. "South Africa has hosted 130 preparatory meetings, which were incident-free, and used the opportunity to showcase the diversity of our provinces and tourism destinations," she said. As the G20 Leaders' Summit is set to take place on Nov. 22 and 23 in Johannesburg, South Africa's largest city and economic hub, the minister said the cabinet is confident in the preparations and security arrangements. "Comprehensive safety and security plans for the Leaders' Summit and the Social Summit are being managed and coordinated by the relevant security structures," she said. D Orazio & Associates Inc. lessened its stake in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report) by 14.3% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 432 shares of the investment management companys stock after selling 72 shares during the period. D Orazio & Associates Inc.s holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group were worth $306,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. A number of other hedge funds have also recently modified their holdings of GS. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC boosted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 617,504.5% in the 2nd quarter. Kingstone Capital Partners Texas LLC now owns 29,058,291 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $20,566,005,000 after purchasing an additional 29,053,586 shares during the last quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp raised its position in shares of The Goldman Sachs Group by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 3,379,900 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $2,392,124,000 after buying an additional 157,473 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp lifted its holdings in The Goldman Sachs Group by 1.2% in the first quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 3,332,804 shares of the investment management companys stock valued at $1,820,677,000 after acquiring an additional 40,125 shares during the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in The Goldman Sachs Group by 6.1% in the first quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 2,084,108 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $1,138,527,000 after acquiring an additional 120,272 shares during the period. Finally, Amundi increased its stake in The Goldman Sachs Group by 13.6% during the first quarter. Amundi now owns 1,891,260 shares of the investment management companys stock worth $967,193,000 after acquiring an additional 225,993 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 71.21% of the companys stock. Get The Goldman Sachs Group alerts: The Goldman Sachs Group Trading Down 3.9% NYSE GS opened at $806.56 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.23, a quick ratio of 0.67 and a current ratio of 1.11. The firm has a market cap of $241.91 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.38, a PEG ratio of 1.43 and a beta of 1.41. The firm has a 50 day simple moving average of $784.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $707.77. The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. has a one year low of $439.38 and a one year high of $841.28. The Goldman Sachs Group Announces Dividend The Goldman Sachs Group ( NYSE:GS Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, October 14th. The investment management company reported $12.25 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $10.27 by $1.98. The Goldman Sachs Group had a net margin of 13.18% and a return on equity of 14.79%. The firm had revenue of $15.18 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $13.68 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $8.40 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 19.5% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts anticipate that The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. will post 47.12 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 30th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, December 2nd will be paid a $4.00 dividend. This represents a $16.00 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.0%. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, December 2nd. The Goldman Sachs Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 32.50%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities analysts have recently commented on GS shares. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a hold (c+) rating on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. BMO Capital Markets assumed coverage on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group in a research report on Friday, October 3rd. They issued a market perform rating and a $785.00 target price on the stock. Daiwa Capital Markets increased their target price on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $756.00 to $810.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Citigroup boosted their price target on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $700.00 to $765.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, October 16th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods increased their price objective on shares of The Goldman Sachs Group from $850.00 to $870.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, October 17th. Three analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, sixteen have assigned a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $779.50. Get Our Latest Research Report on GS Insider Transactions at The Goldman Sachs Group In related news, COO John E. Waldron sold 9,244 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $750.11, for a total transaction of $6,934,016.84. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief operating officer directly owned 115,268 shares of the companys stock, valued at $86,463,679.48. The trade was a 7.42% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 0.55% of the companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Group Profile (Free Report) The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc, a financial institution, provides a range of financial services for corporations, financial institutions, governments, and individuals worldwide. It operates through Global Banking & Markets, Asset & Wealth Management, and Platform Solutions segments. The Global Banking & Markets segment provides financial advisory services, including strategic advisory assignments related to mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, corporate defense activities, restructurings, and spin-offs; and relationship lending, and acquisition financing, as well as secured lending, through structured credit and asset-backed lending and involved in financing under securities to resale agreements. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding GS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for The Goldman Sachs Group, Inc. (NYSE:GS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for The Goldman Sachs Group and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. McGraw Hill, Inc. (NYSE:MH Free Report) Stock analysts at William Blair upped their FY2027 earnings estimates for McGraw Hill in a report issued on Wednesday, November 12th. William Blair analyst S. Sheldon now anticipates that the company will post earnings per share of $1.72 for the year, up from their prior forecast of $1.60. William Blair currently has a Outperform rating on the stock. Get McGraw Hill alerts: McGraw Hill (NYSE:MH Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported $1.40 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.35 by $1.05. The business had revenue of $669.19 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $638.76 million. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 2.8% on a year-over-year basis. McGraw Hill has set its FY 2026 guidance at EPS. Several other brokerages also recently issued reports on MH. Rothschild & Co Redburn started coverage on McGraw Hill in a report on Monday, August 18th. They set a buy rating and a $28.60 price target for the company. BMO Capital Markets cut their price objective on shares of McGraw Hill from $25.00 to $21.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday. Needham & Company LLC initiated coverage on shares of McGraw Hill in a report on Monday, August 18th. They issued a buy rating and a $19.00 target price for the company. The Goldman Sachs Group initiated coverage on shares of McGraw Hill in a research report on Monday, August 18th. They set a buy rating and a $27.00 price target on the stock. Finally, Weiss Ratings initiated coverage on shares of McGraw Hill in a research report on Friday, October 17th. They issued a sell (e+) rating for the company. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twelve have given a Buy rating, two have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, McGraw Hill has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $20.72. Check Out Our Latest Research Report on MH McGraw Hill Stock Performance MH traded up $1.12 during midday trading on Friday, reaching $16.09. 697,924 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 813,935. McGraw Hill has a one year low of $10.69 and a one year high of $17.25. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $12.84. Institutional Trading of McGraw Hill Several hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Ameritas Investment Partners Inc. bought a new position in shares of McGraw Hill during the 3rd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Legal & General Group Plc purchased a new position in McGraw Hill in the third quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Strs Ohio bought a new position in McGraw Hill during the third quarter valued at $54,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets purchased a new stake in McGraw Hill in the third quarter worth $83,000. Finally, Greenland Capital Management LP bought a new stake in shares of McGraw Hill in the third quarter valued at $131,000. McGraw Hill Company Profile (Get Free Report) At McGraw Hill, our purpose is to unlock the potential of each learner at every stage of life. Our mission is to support educators, learners and professionals around the world with trusted, high-quality content and digital solutions that use data and learning science to adapt to each student as they progress towards their goals. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for McGraw Hill Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for McGraw Hill and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WP Advisors LLC boosted its position in shares of Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report) by 0.9% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The fund owned 36,248 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after acquiring an additional 325 shares during the quarter. Valero Energy accounts for 1.3% of WP Advisors LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 21st largest holding. WP Advisors LLCs holdings in Valero Energy were worth $4,872,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also modified their holdings of the company. Broadway Wealth Solutions Inc. raised its position in shares of Valero Energy by 3.8% during the 2nd quarter. Broadway Wealth Solutions Inc. now owns 1,864 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $251,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares during the period. Park Place Capital Corp increased its stake in Valero Energy by 21.8% in the 2nd quarter. Park Place Capital Corp now owns 419 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $58,000 after buying an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. raised its holdings in Valero Energy by 1.4% during the first quarter. Pinnacle Wealth Planning Services Inc. now owns 5,541 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $732,000 after acquiring an additional 78 shares during the period. Summit Financial LLC lifted its position in shares of Valero Energy by 4.6% in the first quarter. Summit Financial LLC now owns 1,812 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $239,000 after acquiring an additional 79 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Keeley Teton Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Valero Energy by 1.1% in the first quarter. Keeley Teton Advisors LLC now owns 7,764 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $1,025,000 after acquiring an additional 81 shares during the period. 78.69% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Get Valero Energy alerts: Valero Energy Trading Down 1.0% VLO stock opened at $175.68 on Friday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $166.25 and a 200 day moving average price of $146.91. Valero Energy Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $99.00 and a fifty-two week high of $182.99. The firm has a market cap of $53.58 billion, a PE ratio of 36.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.77 and a beta of 1.01. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.36, a quick ratio of 1.09 and a current ratio of 1.60. Valero Energy Announces Dividend Valero Energy ( NYSE:VLO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 23rd. The oil and gas company reported $3.66 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.15 by $0.51. Valero Energy had a net margin of 1.21% and a return on equity of 8.69%. The company had revenue of $32.17 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $28.80 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $1.14 earnings per share. Valero Energys revenue was down 2.2% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Valero Energy Corporation will post 7.92 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 18th. Investors of record on Thursday, November 20th will be issued a $1.13 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 20th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. Valero Energys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 94.36%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several analysts recently issued reports on VLO shares. Barclays lifted their target price on Valero Energy from $151.00 to $169.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price objective on shares of Valero Energy from $177.00 to $197.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Erste Group Bank assumed coverage on shares of Valero Energy in a report on Monday. They issued a buy rating on the stock. Morgan Stanley cut shares of Valero Energy from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and raised their target price for the company from $160.00 to $175.00 in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Finally, Evercore ISI boosted their price target on shares of Valero Energy from $135.00 to $185.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Friday, September 19th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, eleven have given a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, Valero Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $179.53. Get Our Latest Report on VLO Valero Energy Profile (Free Report) Valero Energy Corporation manufactures, markets, and sells petroleum-based and low-carbon liquid transportation fuels and petrochemical products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Ireland, Latin America, Mexico, Peru, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Refining, Renewable Diesel, and Ethanol. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding VLO? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Valero Energy Corporation (NYSE:VLO Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Valero Energy Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Valero Energy and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KHARTOUM, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Sudan's army chief Abdel Fattah Al-Burhan said on Friday there will be "no truce or peace" with the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF), stressing that military operations will continue until the "complete elimination of the rebel militia." Al-Burhan, who is also chairman of Sudan's Transitional Sovereign Council, made the remarks while addressing a public gathering in the Al-Sreiha area of Gezira State in central Sudan, according to the sovereign council's media office. He emphasized that the conflict will not be resolved through agreements or a ceasefire, vowing that "the march continues to defeat the rebel terrorist militia." He also urged all Sudanese to participate in what he called the "battle of dignity and honor," calling on "anyone who can bear arms" to join the fight against the RSF. Al-Burhan further stressed that the Sudanese people will not accept the RSF or its supporters, calling on the international community to "collect the weapons from these groups to establish peace in the country." On Nov. 6, the RSF had announced its acceptance of a proposal presented by the International Quad Group (United States, the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, and Egypt) to implement a ceasefire as part of a humanitarian truce in Sudan. According to leaked details, the proposal envisions a three-month humanitarian truce to allow aid access, followed by a nine-month political process aimed at achieving a comprehensive settlement and a permanent ceasefire. Sudan continues to be gripped by a brutal conflict between the Sudanese army and the RSF, which broke out in April 2023. The fighting has claimed tens of thousands of lives and forced millions from their homes, deepening the country's humanitarian crisis. PYONGYANG, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- The Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday denounced a joint statement issued recently by G7 foreign ministers in Canada about the DPRK's "complete denuclearization," the official Korean Central News Agency reported Friday. "The present position of the DPRK does not change according to the rhetorical assertion of the outsiders, and in the present grim geopolitical environment, the possession of nukes is the most correct option to deter the most dangerous and hostile states," Foreign Minister Choe Son Hui was quoted as saying. A substantial nuclear threat to global peace and security is coming from the G7, said the foreign minister, adding that the group has no right to tell independent sovereign states how to defend their security. "Steadfast is the will of the DPRK to guarantee the present and future of the state and the people and realize international justice by remaining faithful to the Constitution which perpetuates the possession of nukes as long as outside nuclear threat is not terminated and there exist forces seeking absolute hegemony, regarding nuclear weapons as a means of tyranny," Choe said. KABUL, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Afghan police have arrested a suspected drug smuggler and confiscated illicit narcotics during an operation in northern Afghanistan's Takhar province, provincial police spokesman Nizamudin Omir said Friday. According to the official, the suspect was detained while attempting to transport crystal methamphetamine and other chemicals used in heroin production to Taluqan, the provincial capital, where he allegedly planned to sell the materials. The suspect has been placed in custody for further investigation, the spokesman added. Afghanistan has intensified counter-narcotics measures in recent years, launching targeted operations against trafficking networks, clandestine laboratories, and illegal markets. Reeling under Dengue, now ASF Blocking free flow of information | The all important question is, what steps has the PR administration taken up to deal with the outbreak of African Swine Fever, a non-zoonotic, viral disease that has reportedly infected a large number of pigs at Churachandpur and Kakching. Equally important too is the question of what steps has the Government taken up to deal with the increasing cases of Dengue ? Answers to these questions would be appreciated, but it is important for all those in positions of power in the PR administration to ensure that there is free flow of information to the public. Cutting off information to the public by gagging the mouth of officials who directly deal with Dengue or are associated with taking steps to deal with the onset of ASF cannot be taken as ensuring efficiency. Manipur got sensitised to the possible outbreak of ASF on November 3 this year only after the Manipur Progressive Pig Farmers Association went to press detailing how a number of pigs have fallen prey to the outbreak of an unknown disease. As mentioned, this was on November 3 and it is only on November 13 that the Director of Veterinary and Animal Husbandry officially announced the outbreak of the disease at Kakching and Churachandpur. In between voices of apprehension had already been raised, but in all these days nothing official on the disease came from the side of the Government. Manipur is lucky, lucky in the sense that ASF is non-zoonotic, meaning it does not affect humans, but if 10 days is the time taken to officially announce the onset of a disease as contagious as the ASF, then one can only gasp at the efficiency of the PR administration. Any high school student will say that this is not how a State should be run and those holding positions of power and authority in the PR administration need to come down from their high horses and talk the language that the common men understand. This is about a disease that affects only animals, pigs in this case, but take a look at the rising cases of Dengue. As thing stand right now, the number of positive Dengue cases has already reached 4912, which is double the total of 2443 logged in 2024. More than apparent that Dengue is today no longer a seasonal disease but perennial and this is where one is left wondering what steps the PR administration has taken up to deal with the outbreak or whether it is more concerned with blocking free flow of information to the public. And surely giving out information on the Dengue outbreak is not classified information ! In a way it is disturbing to note that the present regime has been foisted on the people amid the humanitarian crisis that Manipur has been under for over two years now. The PR regime and the officials who come higher up in the pecking order of this arrangement may be under the impression that they are not answerable to the people for they are not elected representatives, but it stands that they are responsible for running a welfare State. PR is not dictatorship and it is surely answerable to the people. It is time for Raj Bhavan to wake up to the need to keep the people informed on the steps taken up to deal with immediate issues and the outbreak of ASF and Dengue certainly fall under the category of immediate issues. Let there be free flow of information, keep the people updated. This is the first step that should be taken up and leave the job of tackling the disease to the health experts. Administration is all about informing the people on important developments and letting them know what they ought to do after consulting the experts in the field. Why is there no regular briefing of the media on the outbreak of Dengue ? Why has the Union Health Ministry deemed it fit to issue the advisory to all that there should be intensive information and social media outreach to promote or enable community participation to take the fight to Dengue ? Why have these points not registered in the consciousness of the suited, booted officials in the PR administration ? Or is the indifference an indication of telling the people of Manipur that they can go, take a hike, as long as the Dengue carrying mosquitoes do not disturb them ? MOSCOW, Nov. 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia and the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) on Friday discussed issues related to nuclear and physical security at the Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP), said Russia's state nuclear corporation Rosatom. During consultations in Kaliningrad, delegations from the two sides focused on efforts to restore the plant's external power supply following repairs to two high-voltage transmission lines completed in late October and early November, respectively, Rosatom said. Rosatom Director General Alexei Likhachev briefed IAEA chief Rafael Grossi on the plant's current condition and measures taken to ensure its safe operation, while both sides agreed to continue contacts, according to the statement. The ZNPP lost its connection to the grid on Sept. 23 for the 10th time since the Russia-Ukraine conflict began, after its last remaining 750 kilovolt power line was cut. Since then, the plant has been powered by backup diesel generators. CARACAS, Nov. 13 (Xinhua) -- The attacks carried out by U.S. military forces against vessels in the Caribbean Sea violate fundamental principles of international law, Venezuelan Foreign Minister Yvan Gil said on Thursday. "Every one of the principles of international law as we know them has been violated," Gil stated in reference to the U.S. actions. He described the U.S. operations as "vile murders," asserting that those killed in the attacks had not been proven to have committed any crimes. Gil added that the U.S. actions in the Caribbean constitute a threat not only against Venezuela but also "against all humanity" and the UN system. Key Points Brown-Forman has slumped alongside the broader alcohol industry, which faces serious headwinds. The maker of Jack Daniel's has the ingredients to return to long-term growth. For now, investors can enjoy an outsized dividend yield and a drastic discount to Brown-Forman's valuation. 10 stocks we like better than Brown-Forman The alcohol industry is going through what might be its most challenging time in recent history. Shares of just about every notable alcohol stock are down, including Brown-Forman Corp. (NYSE: BF.B)(NYSE: BF.A). The company, most famous for its Jack Daniel's brand of American whiskey, has tumbled a whopping 66% from its high. Despite the stock's poor performance, Brown-Forman still shows significant promise moving forward. The company is facing numerous headwinds, but most will likely ease over time, allowing it to shine again as it has for generations. Here is why it could be worth leaning into the pain, buying the stock at a massive discount, and holding this magnificent S&P 500 dividend stock forever. Image source: Getty Images. Numerous headwinds have weighed on the business and stock Brown-Forman is primarily known for its Jack Daniel's whiskey brand. It's one of the most popular whiskey brands in the world, with an iconic name that oozes Americana. Brown-Forman's offerings span over 40 Jack Daniel's products, other spirits, and ready-to-drink beverages. But the company has struggled with revenue declining over the past couple of years. Brown-Forman is facing several industrywide headwinds, including: Consumer sentiment has plunged, impacting people's willingness to go out to bars and restaurants. Young consumers are drinking less than previous generations due to increased health awareness about the adverse effects of alcohol consumption. Tariffs and politics have disrupted cross-border sales. Again, these concerns aren't unique to Brown-Forman. Americans are drinking at their lowest rate in 90 years, and that's clearly weighing on the entire industry. Brown-Forman is guiding to a low-single-digit sales decline for fiscal year 2026. There's some helpful context here. America's spirits industry, specifically whiskey and bourbon, enjoyed a growth spurt immediately following COVID-19. Distillers cranked up production to keep up, and that has turned into a supply glut now that the market has moderated. This is applying additional pressure on top of the issues listed above. How Brown-Forman can get back on track Despite the clear slump Brown-Forman finds itself in, there are reasons for optimism. BlackRocks $2.5 billion USD Institutional Digital Liquidity Fund (BUIDL) is expanding to Binance and BNB Chain, Securitize said in a press release published on Thursday. The Miami-based Securitize, which is planning a public offering, said that BUIDL will be accepted as collateral for trades at the worlds leading cryptocurrency exchange, describing the asset backed by U.S. Treasuries as a tool for institutional traders. BlackRocks BUIDL fund debuted last March, and the tokenized money market fund has expanded to eight blockchains since, now including the Binance-backed network that dates back to 2019. Were continuing to bring regulated real-world assets on-chain while unlocking new forms of utility that were previously out of reach, co-founder and CEO Carlos Domingo said in a statement. BlackRocks BUIDL fund, which has around 93 holders, offers a yield. Over the past week, that has averaged 3.7% on an annualized basis, according to crypto data provider RWA.XYZ. Binances institutional clients have been asking the exchange for more interest-bearing assets that maintain a stable price, Catherine Chen, head of VIP and institutional at Binance, said in a statement. Chen added that BUIDL was integrated into Ceffu, a Binance-owned custody service, which drew U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission scrutiny in 2023 over its ability to potentially control assets that belonged to Binances U.S. affiliate. BlackRock-Backed Securitize Eyes Nasdaq Listing at $1.25 Billion Valuation Via SPAC Deal Binance co-founder Changpeng Zhao, who pleaded guilty to violating U.S. laws against money laundering in 202, was pardoned by President Trump in October. The move has drawn pushback among crypto U.S. Democratic lawmakers. Still, BlackRocks BUIDL fund represents the latest sign of how Wall Street firms are embracing the exchanges services and products. This year, retail brokerage Robinhood, as well as crypto exchanges Coinbase and Kraken, have listed BNB, the fifth-largest cryptocurrency by market cap, according to crypto data provider CoinGecko. The coin changed hands around $924 on Friday, representing a 3.4% fall over the past day. The asset hit an all-time high of $1,370 last month, while rising 48% over the past year, but has fallen in recent weeks alongside Bitcoin and most of the market. remaining of Thank you for reading! On your next view you will be asked to log in to your subscriber account or create an account and subscribepurchase a subscription to continue reading. MADRID (Reuters) -Spain's ACS and BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners have created a joint venture to develop an initial 2 billion euro ($2.33 billion), 1.7 gigawatt portfolio of data centres, the Spanish company said on Friday. Both companies will have a 50% stake in the joint venture, ACS said. The transaction will provide ACS a 100 million capital gain, it added. The new development platform will include the existing portfolio of data centre assets ACS is developing across Europe, the U.S. and Australia after its recent focus on building infrastructure to meet soaring demand for AI and cloud computing. ACS said it is also reviewing a pipeline of potential projects exceeding 11 GW across North America, Europe, and Asia-Pacific that will be part of the joint venture. Under the terms of the deal, the partners will invest approximately 1 billion euros, plus an initial variable payment of up to 1 billion euros depending on a series of milestones linked to the commercialisation of the projects. An additional contingent payment of up to 200 million euros could also be obtained from projects currently under analysis, ACS said. ACS said it has constructed more than 5.5 GW of data centre capacity. The news comes after newspaper Expansion reported on Thursday that the companies were close to reaching an agreement on the matter. Expansion said the partnership deal could be worth 23 billion euros, consisting of 5 billion euros in equity capital to be contributed progressively, and 18 billion euros in debt. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by Emma Pinedo and Corina Pons; Editing by Jesus Aguado and Jan Harvey) Some observers believe India finds itself stuck. On one side we have an idiosyncratic, autocratic leader bent on upsetting the global order with delusions of making his country great again. On the other, we have Trump. Jokes aside, we do have crucial strategic choices to make. We have to secure market access to the United States without compromising our interests on any frontin particular, our energy security that has, since 2022, leaned heavily on Russian crude. As our analysis shows, this is not as difficult a dilemma as it may appear. A durable, low-tariff deal with the United States would lock in predictable access to the worlds largest and most dynamic economy. It would secure a channel for employment-intensive Indian goods to the United States, where we already exported nearly $100 billion last year. It would safeguard our enormous services exports to the United States, the destination for over 60 per cent of our IT-ITES exports. It would also stabilise investor expectations in the largest source of investment and tech modernisation for Indian supply chains. The goal for India should be to secure tariff relief (after August 27, 2025, tariff is up 50 per cent on some lines), clear rules of origin, and credible dispute-avoidance mechanisms. That is a deal that benefits both India and the United States, not just India giving ground. What about oil? Russian barrels have been a low-cost source of crude, helping manage our merchandise trade deficits (but little else) since 2022. However, two important realities argue that there is little reason to maintain reliance on that source. First, discounts that once made Russian grades exceptionally attractive have fadedit is now only about $2-$4 a barrel below Brent, versus roughly $20-$25 in 2022. Second, reliability risksfrom conflict-related strikes on refineries and infrastructure to insurance and logistics frictionsare structurally higher than they were two years ago. With Ukraine taking the war to Russia, and the United States clearly signalling that it is done trying to mediate, our energy needs are less secure with Russia than with the rest of the world. There are also considerations around our defence procurement from Russia, but we must ask ourselveshow tied do we want to remain to a defence system that lost the Cold War and is bogged down in a war it started against a country less than a tenth of its size? All this points to thinking beyond Russianot because of external pressure, but for our own energy and national security. What should we do then? First, lets all be clear that a deal with the United States is economically and strategically very important for India. If the current tariff situation holds, we will lose lakhs of jobs and billions of dollars. If we get a deal that is better than China and Vietnam, the reverse will happen. It is therefore crucial to keep the deal out of political point-scoring controls. We should use the opportunity to also push through reforms that we would want anyway: more flexible direct benefits for farmers to replace distortionary subsidies and price controls, simpler customs processes, and targeted reductions in duties that raise costs for our own manufacturers. On the oil side, we need to reduce sanctions risk without moral grandstanding. Keep procurement decisions technical and low-profile. Indias growth hinges on competitive firms selling into the worlds biggest markets. Reliable, strategically diversified, and reasonably priced energy is one part of this growth, but we must not mistake the means for the ends. Our national interest is paramount, and when we look at it with clear eyes, the false binary between Moscow and Washington collapses. The author is an ex-NITI Aayog economist, as well as the founder and CEO of the Foundation for Economic Development, a policy think tank in Delhi. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not purport to reflect the opinions or views of THE WEEK. Ukhrul, the hotbed of Naga insurgency in Manipur, may have witnessed many a skirmish between the security forces and the Naga insurgents. But in March 1944, it saw a ferocious battle between the invading Japanese 15th Army and the 50th Indian Parachute Brigadea heroic battle that did not get its rightful place in the annals of Indias military history. The battle found focus in a special session called 'The War that India Forgot' during the first day of the third edition of Indian Military Heritage Festival (IMHF) being held on Friday and Saturday in New Delhi. The IMHE is hosted by the United Service Institution of India, a leading think tank. The battle was fought in Sangshak, a small village in south Ukhrul. What was intriguing was that the adversaries did not know that they lay in each others path and were hence not quite prepared for combat. The battle has come to be known for the very brave six-day (March 20 to 26, 1944) stand-off by Indian soldiers in the British Army. Facing a much larger and well-equipped Japanese force, the Indians, plagued by the lack of supplies, managed to delay the Japanese advance. Commanded by Brigadier Hope Thomson, the 50th Indian Parachute Brigade comprised three infantry battalions entirely of Indian natives, besides two companies of Nepalese. In a battle that demanded top fighting ability, the Indians fought off a far superior force of the Japanese in terms of sheer numbers and weapons, winning a lot of praise from even the adversary. The consequences of the battle were later felt in the battles of Imphal and Kohima, considered to be among the most fearsome and critical gunfights of the Second World War. Doctors at the Madras Medical Mission (MMM) hospital in Chennai recently implanted a true dual-chamber leadless pacemaker in two patients aged 75 and 92. A first-of-its-kind in elderly patients, implanting the small, self-contained device directly into the heart is considered to be the next big revolution in cardiac surgery. While pacemaker implant is not new in cardiac treatments, these leadless pacemakers involve less physical trouble and a minimal surgical procedure compared to the conventional pacemakers. A leadless pacemaker was safer and more convenient not only to the patient but also for physicians owing to the ease of implantation, says Dr Ajit Mullasari. In October, a 75-year-old patient came to the hospital complaining of tiredness and dizziness, with his daily activities becoming very minimal. He came with a complete heart block. After all the initial tests, the doctors decided that he needed a pacemaker to bounce back to normal life. But, given his age, the risk involved and the high rate of infection with conventional pacemakers, the doctors opted for the leadless pacemaker. It was implanted directly inside the heart, unlike conventional pacemakers, which involve a battery under the collarbone and two wires connecting it to the heart. The leadless pacemakers do not have the pulse generator which is placed under the skin near the collarbone. It is rather a small device involving a minimal surgical procedure. With the success of the first implant, the doctors were soon ready to go for the second. This time involving a 92-year-old patient. This patient was operated within a couple of weeks, and both have walked back home like normal individuals, without any risk of infection or post-surgery care. By avoiding wires and surgical pockets like in the conventional pacemakers, we significantly reduce infections, lead dislodgement and other complications. These leadless pacemakers ensure that the patient is comfortable and it accelerates recovery, says Dr Ajit. What is a leadless dual-chamber pacemaker? A heart patient may need a pacemaker if his or her heartbeat is very slow and the heart cannot pump blood to the body parts. A pacemaker keeps the heart beating regularly and pumps blood efficiently. Modern pacemakers, called the leadless pacemakers, do not need wires. It is like a small, capsule-like metal box containing a high-energy battery. A human heart has nodes and fibres that conduct electrical signals called impulses through the hearts chambers. The electrical impulses regulate and coordinate the pumping action and contraction of the heart muscles. Each contraction of the ventricles is felt as a heartbeat. When there are problems with the hearts electrical signals, a pacemaker may be required to regulate the electrical activity. If the heart beats slowly, the pacemaker sends signals, restoring the heartbeat to a regular rate. This new system, called as the leadless dual-chamber pacemaker, involves two small self-contained devices implanted directly into the heart - the right atrium and the right ventricle. The conventional procedure used to be messy, and the two wires from the generator or the box-type battery may turn infectious, or will be difficult to remove. These wires will have to be replaced. Now, with the leadless pacemakers, the microbes are placed into the heart itself. It is a small cell-like battery which is implanted into the surface of the heart, and so it doesnt involve any charging battery kept in the upper chamber, i.e, near the collarbone. Right now, it is a bit big. But over a period of time, this will become smaller, says Dr Ajit. A regular pacemaker involves an open surgery, while the leadless pacemakers can be implanted via a catheter inserted through a vein. These pacemakers are leadless, kept directly in the hearts chamber without cutting through the chest wall, and have years of battery life. And, there are no chest scars. The procedure takes less than an hour, and the patients can resume their normal activities within a day. On the other side, the patients, says Dr Ulhas Pandurangi, will have to be carefully chosen for leadless pacemakers. It is because these devices are not suited for individuals requiring dual ventricular or arterial pacing, those undergoing cardiac resynchronisation therapy or those with difficult vascular access. This might change in the future as the makers are working on devices that can be placed in the middle of the heart to take control and perform all the activities of a traditional pacemaker, says Dr Ulhas. These are roughly one-tenth of the size of the conventional pacemakers used all these days, says Dr Ajit. While these leadless pacemakers are a bit expensive compared to the traditional ones, Dr Ajit is of the opinion that the cost may eventually reduce. However, if the battery lasts longer and the replacements are delayed and easier, it will apparently benefit the patients. Back in 1889, two German researchers, Oskar Minkowski and Joseph von Mering, discovered something striking while performing a vivisectionthe practice of operating on live animals for scientific studyon dogs. They observed that when the pancreas was removed, the animals developed severe symptoms of diabetes and died soon afterward. At the time, diabetes was not survivable, and it remained so until almost three decades later, when a young surgeon, Frederick Banting, and his assistant, Charles Best, succeeded in extracting insulin in physiologist John Macleods laboratory in 1921. Two years later, Banting and Macleod were awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for the discovery of insulin. Banting shared the award with Best, and Macleod shared his prize money with James Collip, who played a crucial role in purifying the extract. But the inadvertent contributors who made the ultimate sacrifice for the discovery of insulin were a group of street dogs in Toronto. Dreamy idea Frederick G. Banting was trained as a physician and surgeon at the University of Toronto. During World War 1, he served in the army. After the war, he opened a medical practice in London in July 1920, but he struggled to attract patients. By early October 1920, he found part-time work as a demonstrator in surgery and anatomy at the University of Western Ontario, working under Dr F. R. Miller, a professor of physiology. Miller asked Banting to prepare a lecture for physiology students on carbohydrate metabolisma topic in which Banting had little interest. Until then, he had also given very little thought to the disease most closely linked to carbohydrate metabolism: diabetes. Still, Banting spent several hours preparing his lecture. As part of his research, he read the November 1920 issue of Surgery, Gynecology and Obstetrics, which had just arrived from the press. The lead article in that issue was The Relation of the Islet of Langerhans to Diabetes with Special Reference to Cases of Pancreatic Lithiasis, by American pathologist Moses Barron. Banting took the journal to bed and read the paper carefully. It described a rare case in which a pancreatic stone had completely blocked the main pancreatic ducta case Barron had encountered during routine autopsies. Because of the blockage, almost all the acinar cells, which produce digestive enzymes, had wasted away, while most of the insulin-producing islet cells remained intact. This matched what earlier laboratory experiments had shown when scientists deliberately blocked pancreatic ducts in animals. The case suggested that diabetes might not be caused by damage to the whole pancreas but rather by the destruction or failure of the insulin-producing islet cells. Barrons observations supported the idea that the condition of the islet cells was central to the development of diabetes. That night, Banting went to sleep with these ideas on his mind. In the middle of the night, he woke suddenly with a flash of insight, and he jotted it down in his notebook: DiabetusLigate pancreatic ducts of dogKeep dogs alive till acini degenerate, leaving IsletsTry to isolate the internal secretion of these to relieve glycosuria. In other words, he believed he had found a way to remove insulin from the pancreas without destroying it. During the workday, people living with #diabetes may need time for blood sugar checks, insulin and breaks. Remember: Ask how you can support the people at your work with diabetes. Listen to what they need, or do not need, from you. Blaming and shaming is never helpful. pic.twitter.com/v6P5hWhXyB World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) November 14, 2025 His plan involved two dogs. In the first dog, Banting would tie off the pancreatic duct so that most of the pancreas would gradually shrink and die, except for the islet cells. In the second dog, he would induce diabetes by removing the pancreas entirely. After several weeks, he would remove the shrunken pancreas from the first dog, make an extract from it, and inject that extract into the diabetic second dog. If the sugar levels in the dogs blood and urine fell, the extract would be proven effective. The next morning, Banting presented the idea to Miller. However, the University of Western Ontario lacked appropriate proper research facilities to test the hypothesis. Incidentally, Miller suggested Banting consult with Macleod, the University of Torontos head of physiology and a leading authority on diabetes. Soon, the duo met, and by March 1921, McLeod wrote to Banting that he could come to Toronto and use the facilities to test his vision. However, by then Banting had been indecisive as his practice picked up in London and his fiancee pressed him to stay. Banting soon called off the engagement, and he wished to leave London. Though McLeod had given the offer, there was another offer in front of him: to serve as a medical officer on an Arctic oil expedition. The young surgeon then tossed a coin to decide whether to go to Toronto or on an Arctic expedition. The coin toss gave the verdict in favour of the Arctic expedition, but Banting decided to head to Toronto itself, finally. Street to lab Soon, Banting got Best to assist him, and they started work at the University of Torontos Medical Building. Their first task was to operate on dogs supplied by Macleods team and remove their pancreases to trigger diabetes. Although Banting was a surgeon, he had little experience performing a pancreatectomy on dogs. The first operation took about 80 minutes, but the dog recovered. It was done in two stages, leaving a small part of the pancreas behind. A week later, they removed the remaining piece and saw clear signs of diabetes. They operated on two more dogs, but both diedone from an overdose of anesthetic and the other from bleeding. A third dog survived the surgery but died soon afterward. The first dog had died by then as well. Their luck changed with a dog labelled #387. This time, the surgery worked. Banting began regular tests, and he removed the last portion of the dogs pancreas. As expected, the dog soon showed classic diabetic symptoms: high blood sugar and sugar in its urine. The next phase of the research was even more delicate. Following Bantings idea, they needed to tie off the pancreatic duct in a dog and let the pancreas slowly shrink over several weeks. The first dog to undergo this procedure died three days after surgery. The second survived, but Banting wasnt sure he had actually tied the duct correctly. A third dog lived only two days before dying from an infection. After two weeks, seven of the ten dogs they had operated on were dead. Running short of dogs to experiment on and frustrated with the rate at which they were going through the universitys supply of experimental dogs, Banting then decided to do something, to the horror of McLeod. He went to the streets of Toronto and bought dogs for $1$3 each to replenish supplies. Notably, the future Nobel laureate led them back to the lab with his tie. Toronto had a vocal anti-vivisectionist community that opposed the use of animals in medical research. And Macleod was worried that Banting and Best might be accused of dog-napping, so he urged them to avoid anything that could give that impression. By mid-June, after four weeks of work, things finally looked hopeful. By then, several dogs they had procured from the streets had undergone life-threatening surgeries. By the end of July, Banting surgically removed the shrunken pancreas from Dog #391a key helper dog in the breakthrough experiments of the summer of 1921. Its pancreas had fully degenerated after the duct-ligation procedure done around mid-July. And Best and Banting proceeded to prepare their first pancreatic extract based on the detailed instructions left to them by Macleod, who had gone for a summer vacation. Once prepared, the extract was injected into Dog #410, a diabetic dog, but the results were disappointing: the animal slipped into a coma and died. A second dog showed brief improvement after an 8 cc dose, then also died. Three days later, they tried again with Dog #408. This time, the dogs blood sugar dropped sharplyand the animal stayed in good condition. Encouraged, Banting and Best began adjusting the dosage. By August 9, Banting wrote to Macleod that the extract invariably lowered blood sugar. In one remarkable case, they kept a severely diabetic dog alive for 70 daysit died only when their supply of extract ran out. Within months of this breakthrough, the first human patient received an injection. Leonard Thompson, a 14-year-old boy dying of diabetes in a Toronto hospital, became the first person to receive insulin. Within 24 hours, his dangerously high blood sugar fell to near-normal levels, and news of the success spread around the world. By 1923, Eli Lilly started mass-producing insulinand for the first time, it was clear that people could live with diabetes! Bhojpuri super star Khesari Lal Yadav got a huge jolt on Friday when his bid to make a political entry failed miserably in the Bihar Assembly Elections. Initial trends showed that he is behind the NDA candidate, Chhoti Kumari, who is leading in the constituency by over 3,000 votes after three rounds of vote counting. The Chhapra Assembly seat, a RJD stronghold, was considered one of the high-profile seats in the district, considering the presence of the Bhojpuri star. The BJP, which won the seat last time, pulled a trick by fielding Chhoti Kumari, a newcomer, against Khesari Lal. Chhoti Kumar, from the Vaishya community, has served as the District Council President, and her husband, Dharmendra Sah, is the BJP's District General Secretary. From 1965 to 2014, only Rajput or Yadav candidates have won this seat. However, in the 2014 assembly election by-election, RJD's Randhir Kumar Singh won for the first time. Subsequently, a non-Yadav, non-Rajput candidate, Dr. CN Gupta, won for the first time in the 2015 Bihar Assembly elections on a BJP ticket. Ever since his candidature, Khesari Lal had had frequent verbal altercations with BJP star campaigners and industry mates Pawan Singh and Ravi Kishan, which consistently kept him in the headlines. Khesari also courted controversy after his remarks on the Ram Mandir irked a certain section of society. Will I become a teacher, professor, or officer after studying at the Ram Temple? No. The Ram Temple is a matter of faith; that's a different matter. But work must be done for education. The country runs on education," Khesari said during the campaign. However, his remarks irked the saint community, which called him mentally ill. The saints had said that if Khesari Lal is not able to respect the dignity of Lord Ram, then he should retire from politics. Not only this, another Bhojpuri star, Nirahua, also targeted him and accused him of promoting appeasement politics. Hours into the counting of votes to determine a winning coalition in the Bihar Assembly elections, Mukesh Sahani-led Vikassheel Insaan Party (VIP) appears to have fared poorly, as it managed to lead in just one seat, as per the Election Commission. This is a major blow for the Mahagathbandhan, which had fielded Sahani's party in 15 seats. The grand alliance's chief ministerial face and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav had even promised him the position of Deputy CM in his cabinet if the grand alliance won in the elections. #WATCH | Patna, Bihar | Vikassheel Insan Party (VIP) Chief and Mahagathbandhan's Dy CM candidate, Mukesh Sahani says, "The youth wants change. People across castes, religions, and sections are supporting Mahagathbandhan. We will win more than 80 seats in the first phase. There is pic.twitter.com/VwK3lE7eua ANI (@ANI) November 9, 2025 Yadav had also dismissed earlier exit polls, which had predicted that the VIP, in addition to the Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj Party (JSP), would not even open their accounts in Bihar. The VIP's support base primarily comprises the Nishad, Noniya, Bind, and Beldar communities, which include 20 sub-castes of fishermen and boatmen. An analyst claims that Yadav's promise to nominate Sahani as Bihar's Deputy CM also caused resentment amongst Muslimsone half of the Muslim-Yadav (M-Y) constituencies that the RJD relies on, as per a Live Hindustan report. As a result, in some seats, Muslims shifted their votes from the RJD to either NDA constituents, or to parties like AIMIM and the JSP, hurting RJD's vote base. The VIP's dismal performance so far has also brought up an interesting contest within the grand alliance for the Gaura Bauram seat. Originally allocated to the VIP and contested by Mukesh's brother Santosh Sahani, the nomination was withdrawn at the last moment because an RJD leader had filed his nomination there too, a Jagran report said. Though Mukesh Sahani had campaigned for BJP in the 2015 Bihar Legislative Assembly elections, the VIP has been associated with the grand alliance since the party's formation in 2018. However, following his poor performance in contesting the Madhubani, Muzaffarpur, and Khagaria seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections, he defected to the NDA side in October 2020. However, he fared poorly at the 2020 Assembly elections, despite his party winning four of the 11 seats it contested. Still, he was admitted into the Nitish Kumar cabinet as the Minister for Animal Husbandry and Fisheries till March 2022, but he switched back to his current place in the grand alliance in 2024, after a few of his party's MLAs defected to the BJP, declaring that he was "backstabbed". Janata Dal (United) candidate and former MLA Anant Singh was arrested on November 2 in connection with the murder of Jan Suraaj supporter Dular Chand Yadav. A criminal-turned-politician, Yadav was killed while campaigning in Mokama for the candidate of Prashant Kishor's party. Anant Singh is himself a 'Bahubali' (colloquial term for strongman) who is not new to being involved in crimes of the highest degree and controversies. He is also a seasoned politician, who has not let his family's grip on Mokama slip since the turn of the century, is notoriously called 'Chhote Sarkar' among followers and rivals alike. This time, he was up against Mahagatbandhan candidate Veena Devi, the wife of Surajbhan Singh aka Dada -- his nemesis. While Singh polled 91,16 votes, Devi could secure only 63,210 further establishing his influence over Mokama. BIHAR ASSEMBLY ELECTIONS 2025: CLICK HERE FOR LIVE UPDATES Anant Singh's story, often bloody, is no less than the script of any crime thriller ever written. As the strongman extends his grip on Mokama by defeating the wife of his long time foe by a comfortable margin of 28,206 votes, here is the story of his illustrous career in politics and crime. Mokamas history of intense rivalries Located in the eastern periphery of Patna district, Mokama rests at the confluence of the ancient kingdoms of Magadh, Mithila, and Ang. The region on the southern banks of the Ganga has a significant Bhumihar population who have dominated local politics. As 'Bahubalis' began to emerge across the length and breadth of Bihar, the people of Mokama had little idea that they would soon witness and fall prey to a fight for domination, initially between leaders, and eventually, their families. ALSO READ | Bihar assembly poll 2025 results: Check out seat-wise results of all Congress candidates On one side was Bhumihar strongman Dilip Singh, native to Ladma village of Barh block, whose family will see many rivals come and go as the years passed by. The rise of Dilip Singh and Surajbhan Singh Dilip Singh, in the hope of making a career out of crime, started working for a smuggler called Kamdev Singh in the 1970s. When Kamdev Singh was murdered, Dilip Singh was his trusted lieutenant and got to inherit his throne. But his destiny changed when he met young Congress neta Shyam Sundar Singh 'Dheeraj'. Back in those days, Shyam Sundar Singh 'Dheeraj' was reportedly one of a few Congress leaders in Bihar with direct access to Sanjay Gandhi. It is said that Shyam Sundar Singh's association with Dilip Singh began when he hired him to capture booths for him in the 1980 elections. This was not a rare practice in Bihar back then, and Dilip's muscle power was among the factors that helped the Congress leader to become a Cabinet Minister. (When asked about their association in January 2025, Dheeraj Singh will go on to claim that Dilip Singh's family were ardent communists during the elections of 1985.) VIDEO | Bihar Election Counting Day: Visuals from JD(U)s Mokama candidate Anant Singhs residence in Patna. Result of Bihar Assembly Elections 2025 will be declared today.#BiharElectionsWithPTI #BiharResultsWithPTI (Full video available on PTI Videos - pic.twitter.com/0Fh6jJ8OWL Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) November 14, 2025 In 1990, the Congress leader was shocked when Dilip Singh stood for polls on a Janata Dal ticket from Mokama in 1990 and won by over 20,000 votes refusing him a third term. The feat did not go unnoticed by Lalu Prasad Yadav, who elevated him with a ministerial berth. When the duo faced off again in 1995, further humiliation awaited Dheeraj Singh as his former muscleman emerged the winner again. However, just when Dilip thought he had established his name as the unchallenged leader of the region, the nemesis arrived at the scene. 33-year-old Surajbhan Singh, also a Mokama native, made a name for himself when he was named an accused of the murder of Brij Behari Prasad, a sitting minister in the Bihar government. ALSO READ | What will happen to RJD and Congress post-elections if exit poll numbers hold true? Surajbhan Singh, too, like Dilip, entered the crime world young by joining the infamous extortion rackets of Bihar. However, he became a dreaded figure for the murder of Rami Singh, a resident of Madhurapur village in Begusarai district in 1992. His father died by suicide when he understood his son had no intention to come back from the world of crime. A few days later, his brother, a CRPF jawan, too, ended his life of heartbreak. However, none of this generated any remorse in him, who was hellbent on reaching greater heights through any means possible, Mrityunjay Sharma said in his book 'Broken Promises: Caste, Crime and Politics in Bihar'. Dilip Singh was mentored by Shyam Sundar Singh to help secure votes through intimidation, and similarly, Surajbhan became Dilip's apprentice. Following the same path, Surajbhan eventually turned on his master, becoming a rebel just as Dilip had done! By then, Surajbhan Singh had become a dreaded figure in the Barh-Begusarai region with 26 criminal cases against his name across UP and Bihar. The two men clashed in 2000, and in an ironic repeat of history, the debutant, who ran as an Independent, thumped him by a big margin. Anant Singh's era of political domination Reading the writing on the wall, Dilip Singh decided to back off gradually and passed away in 2006 due to a heart attack. This led to the arrival of Anant Singh, Dilip's younger brother, to the scene who wasted no time to challenge Surajbhan in a manner no stranger to Mokama. "Anant Singh, the youngest of four brothers, would be the sole one to survive by 2008. While Dilip Singh succumbed to a heart attack in 2006, his other two brothers fell victim to the intense rivalry in the region. Legend has it that Anant Singh swam across a river and gunned down his brother's killers. He was greatly feared as his reputation spread far and wide. The youngest of his brothers, he soon began to be referred to as 'Chhote Sarkar'," Mrityunjay Sharma writes in his book. Locals often say that while Bihar has Nitish sarkar, but Mokama has Chhote Sarkar. He got the name since his elder brother, Dilip was known as Bade Sarkar. Singh would wrest back the Mokama seat for his family in 2005, contesting on a JD(U) ticket and winning it consecutively six times till the last Assembly by-election in 2022 (Surajbhan Singh will soon join the Lok Janshakti Party (LJP) and become a Lok Sabha MP before being debarred from contesting due to conviction in the Rami Singh farmer murder case.) The Sarkar brothers' clashes with other gangsters and political rivals over the decades will lead to scores of deaths over the years. The list includes not just trained hitmen on either side but also innocent individuals who happened to be on the wrong side of them. A blood-soaked legacy By 2005, Janata Dal had split, and Nitish Kumar's JD(U) had started calling the shots in Patna. Ever since he reclaimed the seat, Anant Singh managed six consecutive wins there till the last Assembly by-election in 2022. Nitish Kumar, the anti-Jungle Raj crusader, will go on to be criticised for his alleged association with Anant Singh. As of 2024, he has 52 cases against his name, ranging from abduction and murder to violations of the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act (UAPA). In 2019, Patna Police recovered an AK-47 and hand grenades from his residence following a raid. Mokama News - JDU candidate Anant Singh's residence decorated with lights, sweets being prepared ahead of Assembly poll results. Sweets are being prepared at RJD candidate Veena Devi's residence also ahead of Assembly results. pic.twitter.com/MwEDnQPPAy News Arena India (@NewsArenaIndia) November 13, 2025 "Anant Singh became Nitish's man Friday and continued to be so till 2015, before a fallout happened between the two over the BJP-JD(U) breaking their alliance and RJD, an arch-rival of Anant Singh, coming into the picture. Nitish, amidst his campaign for a terror-free Bihar, would often be criticised for this association. In a testament to his popularity, Anant Singh contested the 2015 Assembly election as an Independent and won it. He would go on to win the 2020 Assembly elections too on his arch-rival RJD's ticket. The party symbol did not matter to him," 'Broken Promises: Caste, Crime and Politics in Bihar' said. When he was disqualified in 2022, following his conviction in an arms recovery case, Singh pulled a trick straight from Lalu Yadav's shelves fielding his wife Neelam Devi in the by-election from Mokama. When he submitted his affidavit, it declared that he owns movable and immovable assets worth Rs 37.88 crore. His wife owns movable and immovable assets worth Rs 62.72 crore. Even as the exit polls were pouring in soon after the second phase of the Bihar polls were completed on Tuesday, predicting that the victory of the NDA was certain, the Congress had remained optimistic. The party argued that the exit polls have been proven wrong before. The most recent case being Haryana, where exit polls predicted that there would be a Congress wave, but it was the BJP that ultimately triumphed. The Congress and many in the Mahagathbandhan alliance remained confident despite most of the exit polls forecasting that they didn't really stand a chance. Senior Congress leader Digvijaya Singh claimed that the Bihar assembly elections were a close contest and added that he does not trust exit polls. Many other senior leaders, including Congress national president Mallikarjun Kharge, rubbished the exit polls, saying these have been proven wrong in the past. "All the exit polls are showing a lead for the NDA. They indicate that there isnt much support for the Mahagathbandhan. Similarly, in Haryana, exit polls had shown that Congress would win, but the results turned out the opposite, and the BJP came to power, Kharge had said. What did the exit polls say? Exit poll projections are made by election survey agencies based on interviews of voters as they come out after casting their votes. These may vary widely from the actual results. Multiple exit polls, including Axis My India, Todays Chanakya, Matrize, Dainik Bhaskar, Peoples Insight, Peoples Pulse, JVC, Polstrat, Chanakya Strategies and P-Marq, projected a clear lead for the NDA over the Mahagathbandhan. Axis My India predicted 121141 seats for the NDA and 98118 for the Mahagathbandhan, with the RJD emerging as the single-largest party (6776 seats). Today's Chanakya forecast 160 seats (plus-minus margin of error of 12 seats) for the BJP-led alliance and 77 (plus-minus margin of error of 12 seats) for the Mahagathbandhan. Matrize predicted 147167 seats for the NDA and 7090 for the Mahagathbandhan, while Dainik Bhaskar estimated 145160 for the NDA and 7391 for its rival. Peoples Insight projected 133148 for the NDA and 87102 for the Mahagathbandhan; Peoples Pulse gave them 133159 and 75101 respectively. JVC suggested 135150 for the NDA and 88103 for the Mahagathbandhan. Polstrat also predicted 133148 for the NDA and 87102 for the opposition. Chanakya Strategies pegged the NDA at 130138 and the Mahagathbandhan at 100108, while P-Marq projected 142162 and 8098 respectively. Exit polls proven wrong? However, nobody really could predict what was coming. When the results stared coming in, what the Congress had been claiming came truethat exit polls are never really accurate, and they have been proven wrong. One may argue that the Congress has been vindicated, as if the leads hold, the NDA alliance is heading for a landslide victory with over 200 seats, a figure that no exit polls predicted. With a stellar performance in the Bihar elections, both the Bharatiya Janata Party and the National Democratic Alliance overall have performed better since the 2020 assembly elections. This has provided a boost to the BJP, with Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav and the Mahagathbandhans dreams of winning Bihar relegated to the backseat. The NDA is now eyeing West Bengal next, in the 2026 assembly elections. The results have inspired the (BJP) workers in Bengal. All three states are linked. We have conquered Odisha and Bihar; now it is Bengal. If you analyse the result of the Bihar elections, my view is that people are voting for the BJP. People are trying to stop the comeback of the 'jungle raj'. So this time, people will eradicate the jungle raj from Bengal," said BJP MP Sukanta Majumdar. The choice is very clear. We saw how the state was ruled during Lalu Prasad Yadavs regime, women were abducted and raped. There was complete lawlessness. There was murder. That was a dark age of Bihar," said BJP Asansol MLA Agnimitra Paul. Echoing Majumdar's views, Paul confidently said that the BJP will capture battleground Bengal in 2026, speaking in the context of the lawlessness which, she believes, has gripped Chief Minister Mamata Banerjees state. The same thing that was happening there (Bihar), is happening in Mamata Banerjees Bengal," added Paul. So it is very clear that the people of Bihar do not want to go back to Lalu Prasads regime. Tejaswi ji, you, the son of Lalu Yadav, you have the same ideology, so people will never vote for you. People have seen two terms how NDA has worked, Narendra Modi is taking India forward. The choice is very clear, not only for Bihar, but for Bengal," Agnimitra Paul spoke while drawing comparisons between the law and order situation in the two neighbouring states. However, political analysts who are closely tracking West Bengal elections are not very confident of the BJP sweeping West Bengal, given that in both states, the electorate has voted for pro-incumbency. We should keep in mind that NDA was in power in Bihar and Nitish Kumar was the chief minister, and people have voted for the pro-incumbent, if we look at past results. The same is true for West Bengal. The support goes for the incumbent," said Udayan Bandyopadhyay. The results of Bihar have given them (BJP) confidence. However, organizationally in West Bengal, the BJP is not at par with Bihar, as the NDA was in power and has got administrative support. Here in Bengal, Trinamool Congress (TMC) is in power and has got support because it is the incumbent. In order to change the scenario, it is a long process of struggle, and the election results in other states do not affect them (TMC)," explained Bandhopadhyay, suggesting that to play the anti-incumbency card and win voter confidence to oust the TMC is next to impossible. The Left front was in power in West Bengal for 34 years until 2011, when TMC supremo Mamata Banerjees anti-land acquisition movement in Singur against the setting up of Tata Nano car factory in 997 acres of multicrop farmland and the SEZ in Nandigram propelled her party to power. Three terms later, the TMC is confident of making a comeback again in their turf with their pro-people policies and diversity factor, which is Mamatas trump card. BJPs hindutva factor and pro-industry chant might have won the mind space of many Bengal voters, including the urban populace, however, with a rural population of nearly 70 per cent in West Bengal, the TMC has consolidated their space at the grassroots level. It is a herculean task for the BJP to shake up and sweep the carpet from under the feet of the ruling TMC to turn it into a saffron bastion. The TMC has gained a 48 per cent vote share, while the BJP gained 38 per cent vote share in the 2021 assembly elections. Will Bihars results make the BJP adopt a different strategy to win West Bengal and to gain a majority vote share is the big question. Dr Umar Un Nabi, the suicide bomber who blew up a White Hyundai i20 car on Monday near the Red Fort, killing 13, was trained as a 'fidayeen' (suicide bomber), sources said. Umars body language, which was analysed, made it evident that he was calm and undisturbed throughout the day, which is characteristic of a trained suicide bomber. CCTV footage shows Red Fort bomber Dr Umar un Nabi entering a mosque near Turkman Gate before he went to a parking lot. Umar and others had a Turkey-based handler in the operation codenamed Usaka. How do their minds work, I wonder. Are they a different species walking among us? pic.twitter.com/Jn6fh3My45 Abhijit Majumder (@abhijitmajumder) November 13, 2025 The sources who remained anonymous told The New Indian Express that "Umar was trained to be a fidayeen was also evident in his body language as he drove from Badarpur to Red Fort. He looked calm and undisturbed a typical characteristic of a suicide bomber. Umar parking the car near the Red Fort for three hours could have been him waiting for instructions from the higher-ups. He may have waited for final instructions (to blow up). For a terror attack in Delhi/NCR, the final green light has to come from the highest echelons of the Jaish, the sources said. They also said that he was probably recruited and later trained as a fidayeen (suicide bomber) by the Masood Azhar-led Jaish-e-Mohammed much before the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam. Before moving to Delhi, Umar Un Nabi completed his MD in Medicine at the Government Medical College in Srinagar and later served as a senior resident at the GMC Anantnag. The sources say that Umar went through a psychological assesment in Anantnag. He was psychologically assessed during his tenure at GMC, Anantnag. It was found that he had very strong and inflexible ideological beliefs and had the potential to take extreme steps to execute his radical designs, they said. The sources say that his beliefs and radicalism reportedly came from his deeply disturbed background of abuse and violence at home. Umar hails from a deeply disturbed background; of violence and abuse at home. In January this year, he had reportedly justified the concept of suicide bombing in closed circles." They said that recruitment to JeM is not easy and only those with a pathological hate towards Indians who manage to clear the tough assignments are elevated. DNA sample collected from the site of the explosion nd the car matched with his mother, according to investigators. Agencies are now investigating the exact manner in which the explosives were set off. MADRID (Reuters) -Spain's ACS is close to striking a 23 billion euro ($26.8 billion) partnership with BlackRock's Global Infrastructure Partners to develop data centres, newspaper Expansion reported on Thursday, citing unnamed market sources. Under this agreement, the U.S. asset manager GIP is set to take a 50% stake in the ACS Digital & Energy unit, Expansion said, consisting of 5 billion euros in equity capital - to be contributed progressively - and 18 billion euros in debt. ACS and BlackRock declined to comment, while GIP did not immediately respond to Reuters' requests for comment. The report comes as surging demand for AI computing and limited power capacity is driving valuations for digital infrastructure to record levels. ACS had targeted its data centre business to reach a valuation of between 3 billion and 5 billion euros by 2030. The reported partnership with GIP would price it at the high end of that range. The Spanish construction company is set to update its data centre strategy at an investor day on Friday. GIP, which manages more than $180 billion in assets globally, last month participated in the $40 billion acquisition of U.S. data centre firm Aligned along with Microsoft and Nvidia. Major tech companies are on track to spend $400 billion on AI infrastructure this year, according to Morgan Stanley estimates. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by David Latona; Additional reporting by Corina Pons; Editing by Jesus Aguado and Louise Heavens) Lauding people of Bihar for voting the National Democratic Alliance back to power in the state with a record number of seats, Prime Minister Narendra Modi, targeting the Opposition Mahagathbandhan, said, "Katta sarkar" will return to power in the state. Addressing party cadres at Bharatiya Janata Party's headquarters in Delhi, Modi said that while the Tejashwi Yadav-led RJD remained silent when he launched "jungle raj" charge, it made the Congress uneasy. "When I used to speak about Jungle Raj and 'Katta Sarkar' during the Bihar elections, the RJD party raised no objections. But, it hurt the people of Congress. Today, I want to reiterate that Katta Sarkar will never return to Bihar; the people of Bihar have voted for Viksit Bihar," Modi said. During the event, BJP national president and Union Minister J.P. Nadda called the Bihar election results a "tsunami". Nadda said the Bihar election was a fight between 'jungle raj' and development. "This tsunami has made it clear that whether it is the people of Bihar or the people of the country, everyone has unwavering faith in the prime minister, and they have put a seal of approval on the politics of development to take the state forward." Earlier, in a post on X, Bihar Chief Minister and Janata Dal (United) leader Nitish Kumar thanked the public for the resounding victory. "People of the state have expressed their confidence in our government by giving us a landslide mandate in the polls. For this, I bow to all the esteemed voters of the state, and express my heartfelt gratitude and thanks," Kumar said. However, the unprecedented victory of the ruling NDA has given BJP leaders fresh firepower to target Congress leader Rahul Gandhi and the Opposition alliance. Assam Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said Bihar's voters decided to vote for Modi after Rahul Gandhi launched 'Vote chori' yatra. "Rahul Gandhi is a lucky mascot for the BJP. When he started his 'vote-chori' campaign in Bihar, then only the people of Bihar decided that they would only vote for Narendra Modi and no one else. This is a clear victory of Narendra Modi and Nitish Kumar's pro-people policy," he said. Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) party leader and Union Minister Chirag Paswan said NDA's victory has put an end to the false campaigns of Opposition. "Rahul Gandhi frequently made personal comments about my prime minister. The Congress never understood that every time they used indecent language, they were moving towards self-harm," he said. However, BJP MP Nishikant Dubey linked the BJP's win to Operation Sindoor. "This was the first election after the Operation Sindoor and SIR. The way Prime Minister Modi gave a befitting reply to Pakistan and the way we have worked for villages, the poor, women, and farmersthis is the stamp of approval on that." Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis took a cryptic jibe at Gandhi and said, "Only a fool doesn't learn from his mistakes. You cannot make a fake narrative basis for your politics; their narrative has been busted." Former Congress leader and spiritual leader Acharya Pramod Krishnam said, "As long as you (Rahul Gandhi) continue to conspire to tarnish Narendra Modi's reputation, the people of the country will continue to show you the mirror. The people of India can tolerate anything, but they can no longer tolerate the conspiracy to tarnish Narendra Modi's reputation," ANI reported. NDA ally Rashtriya Lok Morcha chief Upendra Kushwaha said, " I want to tell Tejashwi Yadav that if he wants to come to power in the next 10 or 20 years, he will have to change his pattern. He and his people's behaviour will have to change." AIMIM leader Asaduddin Owaisi, whose party won in five seats in the election, said his party would work for the welfare of people of Seemanchal and the "RJD cannot stop BJP." Jammu and Kashmir CM Omar Abdullah congratulated JD(U) Nitish Kumar on his consecutive win. "After the 'vote chori' yatra, Congress felt that they would get success on far more seats. But looking at the results, instead of falling prey to anti-incumbency, Nitish Kumar turned it into incumbency and took advantage of being in power," he said. The dark horse that has emerged out of the Bihar assembly elections is AIMIM, which has been able to win at least five assembly seats even though four of its MLAs, along with their cadres, had shifted to the RJD a few years back after winning the 2020 assembly elections. Interestingly, the party contested independently and chose Muslim-dominated constituencies, mostly in Seemanchal, to contest its electoral battle. The party has performed better than the Congress in terms of winning margins, which clearly shows that the Mahagathbandhan has suffered a drastic fall among Muslim voters. According to political observers, the Mahagathbandhan had taken Muslim voters for granted, and therefore their public speeches and body language were less soothing to Muslims, which is evident from the results. A political analyst said, Wherever there is a majority of Muslim voters, they cease to be strategic voters and therefore vote according to their will rather than uniting against the BJP. The sway of Muslim voters away from the Mahagathbandhan also shows declining trust of Muslims in both the Congress as well as the RJD, who have always banked on Muslim voters. Strikingly, the Mahagathbandhan had rejected offers of alliance from AIMIM months before the Bihar assembly elections, thinking that Muslims would consolidate behind an anti-BJP alliance and reject a third-front party. However, Muslims in the Seemanchal region, which has around 24 assembly seats spread across the four districts of Katihar, Kishanganj, Araria and Purnia, have voted otherwise. The Congress party has also not been able to retain the seat of its most recognised Muslim face, Shakeel Ahmad Khan, who was the Congress Legislature Party leader in Bihar, heading around 15 Congress legislators. A senior Congress leader said, The Congress had given 10 seats to Muslims out of the 60 seats it contested, and there was conflict on 8 seats as many people contested the choice of candidates. Shakeel Ahmad Khans seat was accepted by all, and yet he wasnt able to retain the seat. We will assess why we havent been able to win seats when there was visible anti-incumbency and youth were visibly wanting change of government. Party leaders think both parties did not make enough efforts to make Muslims feel that they were standing with them, which created confusion and drove Muslim voters towards the party that speaks only about them, that is, AIMIM. A political analyst says, This is the failure of the Mahagathbandhan, which has not been able to build trust among Muslim voters. AIMIMs win is a big signal that if Muslims find a substitute, they will vote for it because they are no longer entirely with the Mahagathbandhan. However, the opposition alliance partners had also limited their outreach to Muslim voters as they feared reverse polarisation, which they thought the BJP could benefit from. There seems to be a total wipeout of the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar, and rebuilding its cadre and re-entering the imagination of the people will require greater hard work throughout the years to come. The Pune police on Friday filed a case against the owner (as well as the deceased driver and cleaner) of a truck involved in a horrific crash at Pune's Navale Bridge that has killed at least eight people and injured 14 others. According to the police, the truck, headed for Mumbai, was speeding along the Navale Bridge area of the Pune-Bangalore Highway on Thursday evening, when it lost controlallegedly due to brake failureand crashed into 10-15 vehicles. A probe is already underway to determine the nature of the crash in detail. #WATCH | Maharashtra | At least six people were killed after a container truck lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles near Navale Bridge on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway. Following the collision, 23 heavy vehicles caught fire. Rescue operations are underway: DCP Sambhaji pic.twitter.com/l7W6qFuQLK ANI (@ANI) November 13, 2025 After receiving information about the accident, the Pune city police and Pune Fire Brigade rushed to the spot, by which time a number of people had already burned down. Eyewitnesses say the worst affected in the collision was a car that had got sandwiched between the speeding truck and another container truck on the same route. I saw the accident and rushed to the spot. I heard the victims in the truck and the car crying for help. But the vehicles caught fire and I was helpless," said Sanjay Solanki, who runs a shop near Navale Bridge, as per an Indian Express report. Most of the casualties in the accident were also in this car, thought to be a CNG-fuelled car that exploded after it was crushed. 'Black spot' status This is not the first major accident taking place at the Navale Bridge, which, along with an adjacent location called Selfie Point, are called 'black spots' on the transport ministry's Integrated Road Accident Database (iRAD). According to the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways of India, a 'black spot' is a short stretch of road (about 500m in length) identified as a high-risk area due to at least five major accidents taking place there over a three-year period. Exactly three years ago, at least 48 cars were damaged after a truck crashed into themsimilar circumstances to the Thursday crash. #WATCH | Maharashtra: 6 people were injured in an accident at Navale bridge on the Pune-Bengaluru highway in Pune last night where a truck lost control & rammed into several vehicles stuck in traffic on the bridge, no casualties were reported so far Latest visuals from the spot pic.twitter.com/fp3umtCVwN ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2022 The November 2022 crash also sparked a discussion about the steep slope in the area, on which the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has now been instructed to conduct a scientific study, so that its steepness can be reduced. In January this year, two youths going home after a party were killed after their car lost control on this slope and hit a bus from behind. Just months later (in May), a young man on a two-wheeler was killed in an accident here after a car crashed into his bike. Counting for the Assembly elections began in Bihar on Friday under tight security, in a high-stakes three-pronged poll that saw the ruling NDA, led by JD(U) and BJP, take on the RJD-led Mahagathbandhan. The Bihar Assembly Election voting took place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11. While the anticipation is sky high in both camps, the odds are stacked against the Mahagathbandhan, with exit polls predicting the return of Nitish Kumar as the Chief Minister of the state for a record fifth term. The excitement is palpable in the JD(U) camp, as evident from the post on X: Just a few hours to wait, the government of good governance is returning once again. The RJD has rubbished all exit poll predictions, and has expressed confidence of repeating the 1995 elections, which saw Lalu Prasad Yadav, heading an undivided Janata Dal, storm to power. "We are with the hopes and expectations of Bihar. The State is heading towards a change. Everything will be clear after noon. Change, under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav and Mahagathbandhan," RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha told reporters on Thursday, adding that Exit Polls are a game of capital, a game of market, a game of 'Shehen-Shah'. #WATCH | Bihar: Police and Administration on alert in Muzaffarpur, preparations in place for the counting of #BiharElection2025 pic.twitter.com/nnq2z8AHXh ANI (@ANI) November 14, 2025 This time, the state is witnessing a three-pronged fight with Prashant Kishors Jan Suraaj Party making its electoral debut. While the leader hopes to emerge as a political force in the country, exit polls arent giving him a favourable verdict. Multiple ones predict that Kishor would draw a blank RJD threat Meanwhile, the RJD has alleged that there could be rigging in the election results and has warned that there could be a situation similar to Nepal, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka if authorities were found to be committing fraud. The INDIA bloc has also voiced apprehension of a "conspiracy" during the counting of votes . "We know that people have decided to oust the NDA government. We know that officials are getting directions from those who are sitting in Delhi. We suspect that counting may be delayed. But our people are alert. And we are winning with a comfortable margin. We expect that the ECI will ensure impartial counting," RJD chief Tejashwi told reporters on Thursday. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP)'s record victory in Odisha's Nuapada assembly seat byelection, held on November 11, is a stark contrast to its third-place finish in the 2024 general election. This surprise win for the ruling party has significantly strengthened Chief Minister Mohan Chandra Majhis position. After the BJP secured its first independent victory in Odisha last year, ending Biju Janata Dal (BJD) leader Naveen Patnaiks record 24-year tenure, the party leadership appointed Majhi, a tribal leader, as Chief Minister. This move is likely aimed at resonating with the tribal community, which comprises 23 per cent of Odisha's population. Nuapada was the first electoral test for the Chief Minister, who had recently assumed charge. In Nuapada, BJP candidate Jay Dholkia secured a record margin victory, a rare feat in assembly byelections. The byelection was held due to the death of his father, Rajendra Dholkia, on September 8. Rajendra Dholkia, the sitting BJD MLA, had been elected to the assembly four times and served as a cabinet minister under Naveen Patnaik. Initially, Jay Dholkia was expected to be the BJD candidate in the byelection, but the BJP successfully recruited him and fielded him as their own candidate. Consequently, BJD president and former chief minister Naveen Patnaik accused the BJP of 'candidate theft' during the byelection campaign, adding to existing 'vote theft' accusations against the party. The byelection witnessed a higher voter turnout of 83.45 per cent compared to the previous election's 75.44 per cent; while a ruling party winning a byelection is not unusual, the Nuapada result carries significant political weight for state politics. The states BJP government had faced several problems, including law and order issues and governance deficiencies during the last 16 months. In 2024, despite Naveen Patnaik's popularity, the BJD lost all Lok Sabha seats and was ousted from power. This defeat was attributed to the BJP and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, emphasizing 'Odia asmita' (Odia pride). Several factors contributed to this outcome, including Naveen Patnaiks health issues and the influence of V.K. Pandian, his former private secretary (Tamil Nadu-born IAS officer of Odisha cadre), on the government and party. Pandian's resignation from his government position and subsequent entry into the BJD fueled speculation that he aimed to usurp power. Following BJDs defeat, public sympathy grew for Naveen Patnaik, who underwent further health issues, including major surgery in Mumbai. He campaigned for party candidate Snehangini Chhuria, who was from a neighbouring district, and drew large crowds that overshadowed chief minister Majhis meetings. However, the widespread circulation of images depicting Patnaiks frail health and the reliance of his attendants raised concerns about his physical capacity for political activities. Since the BJD supported the BJP at the national level in Parliament (Rajya Sabha) even after its electoral defeat, some believed that the BJD favoured the BJP's victory in Nuapada. Further fueling suspicion, the BJD selected a non-local candidate. During the campaign, Congress leaders echoed those allegations. In the byelection, however, the BJD came in third, with the Congress securing second place. BJP candidate Dholkia won by a margin of 83,748 votes against Ghasiram Majhi, his nearest rival from Congress, securing 1,23,869 votes. Congress candidate Majhi received 40,121 votes, while BJD's Chhuria garnered 38,408 votes. The BJP polled more votes than the combined total of the Congress and BJD. Since its major loss in both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections last year, the BJD has faced significant internal strife. Adding to the challenges, Patnaik turned 79 last month, and is facing several health issues, and many within the party feel that Pandian still exerts considerable influence over his personal and party decisions. The BJD's fall to third place in Nuapada, a stark contrast to its victory last year, raises concerns about the party's future. In contrast, under its new president Bhakta Charan Das, a Dalit leader from Kalahandi, the Congress party (Nuapada was part of it before being made a district in 1990s) has become more active and assertive in recent months. Despite being the primary opposition in the assembly with Naveen as the Leader of Opposition, the BJD's passivity has led to speculations that the Congress might surpass it. Regional parties are often characterized by family succession. Given that Naveen is unmarried, and his Delhi-based elder brother's descendants, especially his son Arun Patnaik, have shown no interest in politics, it creates uncertainty among party members. Therefore, the Nuapada byelection was a major loss for both Naveen and the BJD; Ghasiram Majhi, the Congress candidate who finished second, held the same position in last year's election as an independent candidate. In essence, the Nuapada result has provided a significant boost to Congress's morale. The party has been out of power in Odisha since 2000, and it previously lost its position as the main opposition to the BJP. The Nuapada byelection has offered a glimpse of hope to party members, indicating the possibility of regaining their standing. Eventually, Nuapada, at the far end of the western Odisha, bordering Chhatisgarh, may be a harbinger of a new scenario in Odisha politics. Osama Shahab is reserved, soft-spoken, and sometimes, even laid-back. The RJD candidate from Raghunathpur in Siwan spoke a rare few words during a campaign rally upon Tejashwi Yadav's insistence. Otherwise, it is the incumbent MLA Hari Shankar Yadav who does the most talking for the 31-year-old. Because in Siwan, it is not Osama's overseas education nor youth that takes centre stage. It is the fact that he is the son of late 'Saheb's' that makes him stand apart. Osama is the son of the late Mohammad Shahabuddin a two-time MLA And four-time MP from the district. The infamous 'bahubali' was a saviour a Robin Hood torn from the pages of legend for some; to others, a tyrant who ruled in terror for decades. Lalu Prasad Yadav and Rabri Devi's association with Shahabuddin is inseparable, with their time in power getting the unwanted 'Jungle Raj' branding. , . @yadavtejashwi pic.twitter.com/uaPQctVAx0 Osama Shahab (@OsamaShahabRJD) November 9, 2024 This is the first Assembly election in Bihar following Shahabuddin's passing. He died a convict, sentenced in a double murder case, amongst others, while being hospitalised in the National Capital due to Covid-19-related complications. ALSO READ | Who is Anant Singh? As Chhote Sarkar set to hit Mokama for a six in Bihar Assembly polls, a quick revisit to Bhumihar bahubali's chilling past RJD made earnest attempts to distance itself from the complicated "career" of Shahabuddin but has been forced to take his son under its wings. Reports from Bihar claimed that this was a mutual arrangement that works well for both sides. Osama's mother Hena Shahab contested the Lok Sabha election as an Independent after RJD distanced itself from the family of Lalu's trusted strongman. She could not win just as she had failed to do earlier when she contested as the official RJD candidate. However, Hena polled 2,93,651 votes to finish second yet again behind JD(U) (which got 3,86,508 votes), while the RJD candidate was pushed third with under 2.00,000 votes. The moral of the story together, both sides stood a realistic winning chance. And old hatchets were buried for good. The fielding of Shahabuddins son is being highlighted as RJD's attempt to take Siwan back to the days of Jungle Raj, claims NDA. His election affidavit later showed that he has been charged with multiple criminal cases, including attempted murder, but there have been no convictions yet. Tejashwi's camp is highlighting Osama's academic credentials and quiet behaviour to counter it. A law graduate, Shahab went to London to finish his studies. Not many are aware that his father, often referred to as a dreaded criminal, had a PhD degree in political science. The reign of 'Saheb': A Jungle Raj chapter like no other Born in Pratappur village in Siwan, Shahabuddin was a youth wing leader of the Janata Dal during Lalu Prasad Yadav's rise. With the Yadav-Muslim matrix forming the foundation for Lalu's political prosperity, it was only a matter of time before Shahabuddin conquered greater heights. The first case was registered against him at the age of 19. Over time, the Hussainganj police declared him an 'A'-category criminal. That did not stop him from entering the Vidhan Sabha four years later in 1990 and being re-elected in 1995. A year later, Lalu fielded him in the Lok Sabha from Siwan, which sealed his hold over the district for decades to come. "Regarded as the most prominent criminal-politician to have appeared on the national scene since the 1990s, few could compare to his levels of notoriety and terror. He won the [Lok Sabha] elections comfortably. However, it was marred by heavy pre- and post-poll violence. Shahabuddin's men killed a BJP leader after the polls, including five people on the day of polling. They were not even deterred from making an attempt on the life of the SP of Siwan, from which he managed to escape," writes Mrityunjay Sharma in his famous book 'Broken Promises: Caste, Crime and Politics in Bihar.' An attack on the police superintendent was a little too much even for the Chief Minister to turn a blind eye to, and Shahabuddin eventually surrendered. Minister Awadh Bihari Choudhary's convoy accompanied him to the Court, making a statement that Lalu was not abandoning his trusted soldier. The minister's car was later used to take the man with 24 criminal cases pending against him to the jail! ALSO READ | Bihar assembly poll 2025 results: Check out seat-wise results of all Congress candidates Shahabuddin's notoriety skyrocketed following the birth of Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD). CPI(ML) Liberation, a modern Mahagathbandhan ally, often paid the price for his misadventures. The communist party that put down arms to become mainstream was gradually spreading its roots across Siwan, and the bahubali responded by attacking their cadre and party offices. Jawaharlal Nehru University Students' Union president Chandra Shekhar Prasad, a Siwan native, was among the victims of Shahabuddin's hatred for CPI(ML) Liberation. The AISA leader, often referred to as Chandu, was gunned down alongside two others on 31 March 1997 in broad daylight during campaigning. The well-educated AISA leader was starting to breathe fresh air into Siwan's barren political landscape when he was killed for the crime of challenging 'Saheb's' monopoly. Chandu's mother was offered a compensation of one lakh rupees by the then Prime Minister, I.K. Gujral, which she refused to accept. "The only compensation for a mother whose adult son has been murdered and who knows the murderer is punishment for her son's killers [...] Let Shahabuddin out of the political fortress and either hang him or let the masses shoot him," she reportedly said. Shahabuddin was not even charge-sheeted for the murder and resumed running Siwan with an iron fist. In February 1999, CPI(ML) activist Chhote Lal Gupta was reportedly kidnapped and killed on his orders. While the victim's body was never recovered, he was convicted of his abduction in 2007 and handed life imprisonment. This ultimately brought the curtain to his political career, as he would never fight a poll again till his death. A reign of terror and unimaginable impunity Shahabuddin in his prime often declared that his word is the law of the land. It was the bahubali who ultimately decided how much money doctors were charging in his strongholds and what movie tickets should cost! "By the year 2000, Shahabuddin had established himself as the undisputed mafia king of Siwan. Local shops would often have a picture of him, mostly to show their allegiance. He was considered a law unto himself and ran a parallel government. He held Khap panchayats to hear people's grievances and redress them. He would adjudicate even on matters as complex as land disputes and marital issues. His judgement would be final and could not be appealed against. He considered himself no less than a court, admitting public interest litigations (PILs)," Mrityunjay Sharma wrote. In March 2001, he harboured RJD leader Manoj Kumar Pappu, who was wanted by the police. When the cops reached his doorstep, the MP slapped the officer in charge and assaulted his subordinates. Instead of scrambling before Lalu's trusted man, the then SP Bachchu Meena called for reinforcements including units from neighbouring UP and raided Shahabuddin's house. This led to a gunfight in which two policemen and eight gangsters were killed. By the time AK-47s were recovered from his house, Shahabuddin and Pappu were long gone. The same year, another dreadful crime brought the attention of the nation to Bihar, credit to the MP. The three sons of a businessman named Chanda Babu were kidnapped by Shahabuddin's men over a scuffle. The two elder sons Girish and Satish were tied to a tree and doused in acid to death. Shahabuddin reportedly ordered the painful verdict since Girish tried to scare the miscreants by showing the acid bottle when he saw them attacking his brother. The youngest sibling, Rajeev, lived to tell the horrific tale, and the matter reached Court. In 2015, 21 days after his marriage and a few days before his deposition at the Court, Rajeev was shot dead. Nine JD(U) workers were killed in Siwan within days of the 2004 Lok Sabha election results coming out, because its candidate Om Prakash Yadav gave RJD a tough fight. The village head where Yadav cast his vote was killed inside a government office to send a message. Yadav's house, too, got riddled by rifle fire in a crude show of brute force that everybody knew was coming. Om Prakash Yadav will later go on to secure repeated wins over Hena Shahab in 2009 and 2014. Justice comes knocking Following the fall of Lalu's regime, Shahabuddin's invincibility was shattered. A police raid in 2005 recovered laser-guided guns, night-vision goggles, and other modern weapons that only the Army was supposed to possess in the country from him. Apart from the Chhote Lal Gupta case, he was also sentenced to ten years for the attempted murder of Siwan SP S.K. Singhal in 1996. He was also found guilty of murdering Girish and Satish but passed away aged 53. ALSO READ | Bihar Assembly Election results 2025: Are Bhojpuri stars Maithili Thakur, Khesari Lal Yadav leading? It is unfair to link Osama to his fathers problematic history, RJD supporters have claimed while countering the NDA campaign narrative. In his affidavit, Osama has disclosed immovable and movable assets worth over Rs 2.31 crore. His spouse holds immovable and movable assets worth more than Rs 5.70 crore. Osama has always maintained a low profile in Siwan, and it needs to be seen if the Yadav-Muslim poll forging will once again make the hurricane lantern shine bright in Siwan. After posting that Nitish Kumar will remain Bihar chief minister, his party, Janata Dal (United) has deleted the X post, sparking speculations about who will helm the upcoming NDA government. This comes as BJP has become the single largest party with lead or victories in 92 seats while JDU was ahead in 83 constituencies. Bihar CM Nitish Kumar released a direct video message today, five days before the first phase of the elections. He thanked voters for their support since 2005 and urged them to vote in large numbers for the NDA. #biharelections2025 #nitishkumar #nda pic.twitter.com/xERdHPFAdW THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) November 1, 2025 The JDU post began with the Sanskrit verse "Na bhuto na bhavishyati", which translates to "neither in the past nor in the future." Then it continued in Hindi, reading, "Nitish Kumar Bihar ke mukhymantri te, hain or rahenge. (Nitish Kumar was, is and will remain the Chief Minister of Bihar)." The BJP, ahead of the elections, announced that the NDA was fighting the polls under Nitish Kumar's leadership. However, it has not officially declared him as their CM face. "Nitish will lead our election campaign. The elected MLAs of the coalition partners will first elect their respective party leaders, who will then sit together and decide as to who will head the next government," Union Home Minister Amit Shah said ahead of the campaign. Amid Nitish's health concerns and decline in his appeal has already triggered rumours that this would be the JDU supremo's final election. However, JDU cadre are still hopeful that Nitish, 75, will return as CM. Party workers on Friday gathered in front of his residence, holding posters with the caption "Tiger Abhi Zinda Hai". Nitish has remained Bihar CM for most of the last 20 years, not just during NDA rule but also when Mahagathbandhan alliance was in power. As counting progresses in Bihar, the NDA is heading for a decisive victory, leading in nearly 200 of the 243 assembly seats. The numbers mark a dramatic return for Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, whose political obituary had been written many times over the past year. Instead, the results suggest an emphatic endorsement of his social welfare model and long-cultivated support base of women and extremely backward classes. This will pave the way for Nitish swearing in for the 10th time. This decisive mandate is also a good news for the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government. The emphatic endorsement of the Modi-Nitish combination has ensured that the SIR controversy failed to click with the voters and that the Centre could push for bigger reforms. The Modi governments engagement with the Bihari migrantsrunning trains for them during the festival season, promising them bigger cash transfers, jobs, and hailing the cultural symbolshas delivered on the ground. The NDA made unexpected gains in several Muslim-dominated seats in Bihar. The JD(U) led the surge within the alliance, picking up about 16 such seats compared to 2020. The Mahagathbandhan was unable to hold many of the seats it won in 2020 in Muslim-majority constituencies. pic.twitter.com/tL6zW6LjUL THE WEEK (@TheWeekLive) November 14, 2025 On the political front, the Bihar election campaign was defined by two competing promises: Tejashwi Yadavs pledge of one government job for every family, and Nitish Kumars Rs 10,000 cash transfer to over one crore women. With the NDA sweeping large parts of the state, it is clear which message has prevailed. The big endorsement for Nitish has come as JD(U) appeared to add over 35 more seats to its previous tally of 43 seats. This proves that the socialist leader's appeal continued unabated, particularly among women, EBCs and other marginalised communities. When Nitish takes charge for another term, it would also mean that the BJP, despite emerging as the single largest party, may have to wait to install its CM. But there is another catch: if the trends hold, the BJP, Chirag Paswan's LJP (R) along with HAM and RLM form the majority, and hence chances of Nitish making a switch goes dramatically down, as the Opposition does not have the numbers. Through the campaign, student anger over exam leaks and job scams created an opening for the Opposition. Tejashwi Yadav drew crowds and attempted to expand the RJDs social coalition by shifting from social justice to economic justice. But as counting trends show, the NDA has held on to its core constituencies. The JD(U)'s targeted outreach to women, coupled with the BJPs upper-caste consolidation and Chirag Paswans strong performance among Dalit voters, has created an alliance-wide wave that the Grand Alliance could not counter. Nitishs own position had seemed uncertain through the campaign, as murmurs within the BJP about installing its own chief minister created friction. The JD(U) chief had responded by reasserting his importance in the alliance. However, given Nitish Kumars appeal and some ambiguous signals, the BJP leadership had publicly endorsed him as the NDAs chief ministerial face. Todays trends appear to validate that decision. For the Grand Alliance, the results reflect a deeper setback. Despite RJDs attempts to widen its base and push of the Congress for organisational revival, the alliance has not been able to convert its messaging into seats. In several constituencies, women voters appear to have shifted decisively towards Nitish, reinforcing a trend seen in the last two election cycles. Early data also suggests that the split in the Muslim votes as Assaddudin Owaisi-led AIMIM was leading on more seats than Congress. This dent in MY (Muslim-Yadav) support base for the RJD is likely to send shockwaves even in the neighbouring Uttar Pradesh, where Akhilesh Yadav also relies on this combination. The JD(U)s social engineering a balanced distribution of seats among backward, extremely backward, Dalit, and upper-caste communities has shown results. So has Nitishs long-term investment in schemes that enhanced womens agency, from bicycles to livelihood missions. Analysts who had questioned whether this would be his final election now say he has reasserted his relevance in Bihars political landscape. The BJP, which has long sought a Hindi heartland state where it can install its own chief minister, will now have to recalibrate. With the NDA comfortably ahead, and Nitish positioned to return as chief minister, the party will weigh its gains in terms of seat share and long-term leverage. At 74, Nitish has once again outmanoeuvred predictions and rivals. The 2025 election was billed as a generational contest between a post-Mandal leader and an older socialist patriarch. Counting day has delivered its verdict: the veteran has regained command. As per reports, the helos, all painted in the distinctive Indian Army colour scheme, were transported on an An-124 cargo aircraft from the US. However, it remained at the East Midlands Airport in England for eight years before flying back into Mesa Gateway Airport in Arizona, the origin. The Apaches onward journey to India was obstructed after Turkey refused to grant airspace clearance for the aircraft, according to sources. However, there was no official confirmation in this regard, either from the Indian or Turkish authorities. The reports angered Turkish media Yeni Akit, which said Boeings explanation that the diversion was due to logistical issues did not satisfy the Indian press. Are there no other routes than Turkey? They claim the diplomatic situation between India and Turkey is the reason for Turkey's refusal. While the Indian press claimed that Turkey had closed its airspace, they failed to provide any concrete evidence that Ankara had intentionally imposed any obstacles during this process, Yeni Akit alleged. Yeni Akit claims the helos could have reached their destination without passing through Turkey's FIR (flight information region) airspace. Indeed, a flight between the UK and India could have gone from the UK to Germany/Austria > Greece > the Mediterranean > Lebanon/Israel, or directly to India via Iraq and Oman, it alleged. The report cited more realistic reasons for the Apache delivery delays, such as disruptions in the global supply chain, production, and logistics issues. It, however, acknowledged that India-Turkey relations have been strained by Turkeys diplomatic and military support to Pakistan and pointed fingers at Indian media reports were one-sided and with incomplete information. However, Yeni Akit still couldnt confirm or provide other evidence as to what caused the Apaches to be diverted back to the US. Eid Al Etihad, which is celebrated on December 2, marking the union of the seven emirates in the UAE, will see extensive events in the coming weeks. The official opening will be held at Al Siyouh Family Park on November 19. The festivities will continue till December 2. There will be daily activities in Sharjah National Park from November 19 to December 2. Kshisha Park, a recreational park in Al Rahmaniyah suburb, will also have similar activities. These will include children shows, youth panels and traditional performances. The heritage village in the coastal settlement of Al Hamriyah will host classic car exhibitions and traditional performances between November 20 and 22. Another heritage village in Mleiha will witness folk dances and military bands on November 20 and 21. On November 21, the operetta, Pulse of the Nation, will be conducted in Khor Fakkan. Bicycle parade and other cultural performances are scheduled at Al Rifa'a Park in Mughaider Suburb on November 21 and 22. In the city of Kalba, annual operetta and fireworks will kick off on November 22. On the same day, a national parade and fireworks will be held at Dibba Al Hisn, Sharjah's pene-exclave bordering Oman. Al Madam town will have cultural discussions and screenings on November 22 and 23. Wadi Al Helo, a seasonal watercourse and village in the Hajar Mountains, will be live with poetry recitations and student acts on November 23. Al Dhaid, the capital of the Central Region of Sharjah, will see a heritage market and a grand parade from November 26 to 30. Al Bataeh, located on the Sharjah outskirts, will witness folk performances and parades from November 27 to 29. Al Khrous suburb will have several events, including parades, on November 28. Al Layyah Canal will be one of the celebrations venues this year. It will witness festivities, performances and family business displays from November 28 to December 2. Emirati superstars Hussain Al Jassmi and Fouad Abdelwahad will treat visitors to a musical night at the open-air Khor Fakkan Amphitheatre on November 29. Adani Group has announced an investment totalling Rs630bn ($7.17bn) in two major energy projects in the north-eastern Indian state of Assam. The investment comprises the regions largest privately built coal-fired power plant and pumped storage projects, reported Reuters. According to Adani, the coal power plant operating unit plans to invest about $5.46bn to construct the coal-fired facility. This project is expected to commence commissioning in phases, starting from December 2030. Last month, Reuters reported that Adani Power emerged as the lowest bidder for a 3.2GW coal power supply tender issued by the Assam state government. The company plans to scale its generation capacity from 18GW to 42GW by fiscal year 2032 through a planned investment of Rs2tn. In August, Adani Power had also announced investments of about $5bn in two other coal-powered plants. India is the worlds second largest coal producer and consumer, with approximately three quarters of its electricity generated from coal each year, according to the publication. This stands in contrast to China, which, as the globe's top coal user, has been steadily reducing its reliance on coal as a fuel source. Adani Green Energy, the groups renewable energy arm, will invest about Rs150bn in two pumped storage projects in Assam. These projects will have a combined capacity of 2,700MW, including 500MW of energy storage capacity awarded in a recent tender. Adani Green currently has a renewable energy portfolio of 16.7GW and is targeting 50GW by 2030. Earlier this year, Adani Group chair Gautam Adani pledged to invest Rs500bn in the north-eastern region of India. The group also announced plans to invest Rs1tn in the state of Andhra Pradesh, a southern state in the country, over the next decade across various sectors. In September, Adani Power secured a letter of award to set up a 2,400MW greenfield plant in Pirpainti, in the Bhagalpur district of Bihar, India. "Adani to invest $7.17bn in two energy projects in Assam, India " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Professor Ramsi Woodcock, a tenured law professor at the University of Kentucky in the United States, has become the centre of controversy after launching a legal challenge against the university for taking punitive measures over his anti-Israel views. Woodcock teaches antitrust, contract law, and corporate law, and is well known for his scholarship in law and economics, as well as for expressing strong political opinions. Earlier this yearshortly after getting promoted to full professorhe became the subject of an internal investigation because of statements he had made about Israel. On his personal website, in private academic discussion groups, and at professional conferences, he described Israel as a colonial project, arguing that it should be brought to an end, and endorsing a petition calling on states to wage war against Israel until it agreed to full Palestinian rule. A number of individuals, including some outside the university, complained that his remarks were threatening and antisemitic. Critics contended that he was calling for violence against Israelis and even advocating genocide. The university responded by removing him from his normal duties during the investigation. Although it insisted that he had not been suspended, he was forbidden from teaching, meeting students, attending staff meetings, or entering the law school building: in fact, he was left with almost no work responsibilities. TAKE ACTION: Its been over three months since Professor Ramsi Woodcock was removed from teaching at @UniversityofKY for criticizing Israel. FIREs Faculty Legal Defense Fund continues defending him, and we thank UKs AAUP chapter and the national AAUP for standing with him. https://t.co/jruMLtrSaM pic.twitter.com/ZubYT5Uzol FIRE (@TheFIREorg) November 5, 2025 Woodcock, however, dismisses the allegations entirely. As reported exclusively by The Guardian, he denies that he is antisemitic. He says his views are directed at Israel as a state, rather than at Jewish people. He frames his views through the lens of decolonisation, comparing Israel to former European colonies such as French Algeria. He argues that Palestinians should determine the future governance of the region, although he says he believes they would probably grant equal rights to the existing population. He has now filed a lawsuit in federal court, asserting that the university violated his First Amendment rights, which safeguard free speech in the United States. He also contends that the university failed to follow its own procedures. A central element of his legal claim is that the university relied on the International Holocaust Remembrance Alliance's (IHRA) definition of antisemitism. Woodcock argues that this definition improperly categorises robust criticism of Israel as antisemitic, and that using it to punish political speech is unconstitutional. His suit is the first brought by a professor against a university that directly challenges both the constitutionality of the IHRA definition, and the application of federal Title VI anti-discrimination law to criticism of Israel. According to the lawsuit, Title VI cannot be interpreted to prohibit criticism of Israel. It further argues that, insofar as the IHRA definition is used to ban calls for dismantling colonial state structures, to restrict legal scholars from debating the nature of self-determination, or to forbid allegations of racial discrimination or genocide, it is incompatible with the United States Constitution. The university has defended its actions by stating that it has a duty to protect students and staff from discrimination and threats. The university says that under federal law, it has to step in when free speech might create a hostile environment on campus. Interestingly, Woodcocks right to free expression has found support from some unexpected quarters, including individuals who strongly disagree with his views. A retired professor who identifies as a Zionist says that although Woodcocks statements are extreme, they remain protected speech, and should not trigger disciplinary action at a public university. The case now forms part of a broader national debate in the United States about how universities should approach criticism of Israel, how antisemitism ought to be defined, and how the principles of free expression should be balanced against anti-discrimination obligations. The eventual ruling may shape the way similar disputes are handled across the country. Attorneys from the Council on American Islamic Relations, which is representing Woodcock, argue that the petition he supported is constitutionally protected speech. Gadeir Abbas, the organisations deputy litigation director, told The Guardian that Woodcock would have faced no consequences had he made comparable remarks about any other country. In Abbas view, the university reacted as it did only because the subject was Israel, yielding to what he described as a climate of hysteria. When Chandrayaan-3 lifted off from Sriharikota on July 14, 2023, at 2:35 PM, millions of Indians watched with pride as the LVM-3 rocket carried Indias dreams towards the Moon. The mission's goal was straightforwardland safely on the lunar surface, deploy a small rover, and conduct experiments on the Moon's soil. On August 23, 2023, India made history by becoming only the fourth country to achieve a soft landing on the Moon, and the very first to touch down near the South Pole. Here's where things get really interesting. While the lander and rover completed their work on the surface, the propulsion module that had carried them to the Moon kept orbiting quietly at about 150km above the lunar surface. Chandrayaan-3 Mission: Updates: The communication link is established between the Ch-3 Lander and MOX-ISTRAC, Bengaluru. Here are the images from the Lander Horizontal Velocity Camera taken during the descent. #Chandrayaan_3#Ch3 pic.twitter.com/ctjpxZmbom ISRO (@isro) August 23, 2023 Nobody expected what would happen next. In October 2023, ISRO engineers performed a bold experimentthey fired the module's engines in what's called a Trans-Earth Injection manoeuver, essentially giving it a push that sent it on a path back toward Earth. This wasn't part of the original plan, but our scientists saw an opportunity to learn something new. Many thought that pushing a spacecraft away from the Moon would simply bring it straight back to Earth. But instead of returning directly, the Propulsion Module entered a huge, stretched-out orbit around Earth. Picture this orbit as a long oval path, not a circular one. When the spacecraft completes one loop around this path, it comes very close to the Earth at one end, then travels all the way out to enormous distances at the other end before coming back again. When the spacecraft is near the Earth, our planet's gravity pulls it strongly and makes it swing around quickly. But as it travels along the oval path moving away from the Earth, it goes farther and farther out, reaching distances of several lakh kilometres. At these extreme distances, the Earth's gravity becomes much weaker because gravity weakens with distance. Meanwhile, as the spacecraft travels outward on this long oval path, it naturally moves into the region of space where the Moon orbits Earth. So even though it started by leaving the Moon's vicinity, the shape of its orbit eventually carried it back toward the Moon's neighbourhood again, explained space analyst Girish Linganna. Analysing this further, the expert says that at such far distances from Earth, the Moon's gravity eventually became stronger than Earth's weakening pull, and the spacecraft naturally drifted back into what scientists call the Moon's 'sphere of influence'. Think of it like being caught between two friends playing catch, except these friends are massive celestial bodies playing with gravity. On November 4, 2025, the spacecraft crossed this invisible boundary where the Moon's pull became dominant again. Just two days later, on November 6, it completed its first flyby, passing within 3,740km of the Moon, Linganna added. The Indian Deep Space Network had tracked every moment of this move. On Tuesday, at exactly 11:18 PM IST, the spacecraft performed its second flyby, this time at a distance of 4,537km from the Moon. It is expected to leave the Moon's sphere of influence on Friday, continuing its journey through space. Experts point out that these flybys changed the spacecraft's path dramatically. Its orbit expanded from one lakh by three lakh kilometers to a whopping 4.09 lakh by 7.27 lakh kilometers. Even its tilt changed from 34 degrees to 22 degrees, all because of the Moon's gravitational nudges during these close passes. Why it matters Experts say that what makes this interesting is that the ISRO didn't waste a single opportunity. Instead of letting the propulsion module simply run out of fuel and become space debris, they turned it into a training ground for future missions. They learned how to track objects in deep space more accurately, how to predict paths when both Earth and Moon are pulling on a spacecraft, and most importantly, how to understand those tiny, annoying forces (called disturbance torques)from solar radiation, uneven heating, and from variations in gravitywhich could slowly knock a spacecraft off course. Many other space agencies have performed gravity assist manoeuvres and flybys, but what's remarkable here is that India has achieved this with leftover fuel from a mission that had already succeeded beyond expectations. Indian scientists turned what could have been waste into a valuable learning experience, proving that Indian ingenuity and resourcefulness can transform ordinary success into extraordinary achievement. New Delhi, Nov 14 (PTI) The Delhi High Court on Friday sought the Centre's response on a plea by academician Ashok Swain challenging a purported blacklisting order that barred him from entering India. Justice Sachin Datta issued a notice on Swain's petition and asked the Union Ministries of Home Affairs and External Affairs, the Embassy of India to Sweden and Latvia and the Bureau of Immigration to file their replies within three weeks. The high court listed the matter for further hearing on December 18. Swain, in his plea, said the authorities are acting pursuant to an undisclosed blacklisting order, the content and legal basis of which have neither been communicated to him nor tested on the touchstone of procedural safeguards mandated under the Citizenship Act, principles of natural justice and constitutional protections. The petition said Swain, professor and head of department at the Department of Peace and Conflict Research, Uppsala University in Sweden, has been prevented from entering India on the basis of a purported blacklisting order under the Foreigners Act as is evident from the counter affidavit filed by the Centre in his previous petition. It cited the Centre's affidavit which stated that "the petitioner, Mr. Ashok Swain, is a Swedish national and an OCI cardholder is a professor in Uppsala University, he had been blacklisted and barred from entering into territory of India in view of his anti-India writing and inflammatory speeches that reflected negatively on India and tarnished the image of the country in the international fora". The high court had earlier twice set aside the Centre's order cancelling the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card of Swain and granted liberty to the authorities to issue a fresh show cause notice to him. The plea said despite judicial recognition that the powers to regulate entry under the Foreigners Act and powers to cancel the OCI status under the Citizenship Act must be harmoniously construed, requiring procedural fairness to be read into the provisions of the Foreigners Act, the petitioner continues to be barred from entering the country of his origin. "The respondents have failed to provide any specific reasons or offer an opportunity for a hearing, in direct violation of the due process guaranteed by the Citizenship Act, Article 14 of the Indian Constitution, read along with Article 21 and the principles of natural justice," it said. Swain sought the court's direction to the authorities to allow him entry in India on his OCI card, call for records pertaining to the purported blacklisting order and quash the blacklisting order or any other order restraining him from entry here. " despite two rounds of judicial review, respondents persisted in passing orders and imposing blacklisting based solely on sweeping and bald allegations, the contents of which were never disclosed even to this court. "Such opacity by the respondents epitomises arbitrariness and the denial of case particulars and refusal to supply evidence vitiates all administrative action under Article 14," the plea said. Swain has submitted that his aged mother, who lives in India, was unwell and he was the only son and has not been able to visit India in the past several years. The Embassy of India to Sweden and Latvia on February 8, 2024, had cancelled Swain's OCI Card under the Citizenship Act. Shares of BellRing Brands Inc. (NYSE:BRBR Get Free Report) hit a new 52-week low on Wednesday after TD Cowen lowered their price target on the stock from $45.00 to $37.00. TD Cowen currently has a buy rating on the stock. BellRing Brands traded as low as $27.52 and last traded at $27.6390, with a volume of 4735866 shares. The stock had previously closed at $28.27. Several other analysts also recently weighed in on BRBR. Truist Financial dropped their target price on shares of BellRing Brands from $60.00 to $40.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 6th. Zacks Research lowered shares of BellRing Brands from a hold rating to a strong sell rating in a report on Wednesday, October 1st. JPMorgan Chase & Co. reduced their target price on BellRing Brands from $52.00 to $45.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, October 9th. Mizuho dropped their price target on BellRing Brands from $75.00 to $45.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 18th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price objective on BellRing Brands from $58.00 to $43.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, three have assigned a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, BellRing Brands has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $57.56. Get BellRing Brands alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on BRBR Hedge Funds Weigh In On BellRing Brands BellRing Brands Stock Performance Hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Argonautica Private Wealth Management Inc. grew its position in shares of BellRing Brands by 2.5% in the first quarter. Argonautica Private Wealth Management Inc. now owns 6,416 shares of the companys stock valued at $478,000 after purchasing an additional 157 shares in the last quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC lifted its position in BellRing Brands by 13.6% during the first quarter. McIlrath & Eck LLC now owns 1,413 shares of the companys stock worth $105,000 after buying an additional 169 shares in the last quarter. Stephens Inc. AR boosted its stake in BellRing Brands by 5.0% during the first quarter. Stephens Inc. AR now owns 3,705 shares of the companys stock worth $276,000 after buying an additional 175 shares during the last quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC grew its holdings in BellRing Brands by 87.6% in the 1st quarter. TCTC Holdings LLC now owns 407 shares of the companys stock valued at $30,000 after buying an additional 190 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. grew its holdings in BellRing Brands by 2.3% in the 2nd quarter. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group Inc. now owns 9,083 shares of the companys stock valued at $526,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 94.97% of the companys stock. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $33.86 and a 200-day simple moving average of $48.25. The firm has a market capitalization of $3.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.40, a P/E/G ratio of 1.61 and a beta of 0.70. BellRing Brands (NYSE:BRBR Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, February 28th. The company reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The business had revenue of $282.40 million during the quarter. BellRing Brands had a net margin of 10.26% and a negative return on equity of 123.43%. Equities analysts predict that BellRing Brands Inc. will post 2.23 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. BellRing Brands announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a share buyback plan on Tuesday, September 2nd that permits the company to repurchase $400.00 million in shares. This repurchase authorization permits the company to purchase up to 7.7% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares repurchase plans are usually a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued. BellRing Brands Company Profile (Get Free Report) BellRing Brands, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various nutrition products in the United States. The company offers ready-to-drink (RTD) protein shakes, other RTD beverages, powders, nutrition bars, and other products primarily under the Premier Protein and Dymatize brands. It distributes its products through club, food, drug, mass, eCommerce, specialty, and convenience channels. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for BellRing Brands Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for BellRing Brands and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) had its price target hoisted by Berenberg Bank from C$148.00 to C$152.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday morning,BayStreet.CA reports. A number of other research firms have also weighed in on CNR. ATB Capital raised their price target on shares of Canadian National Railway from C$150.00 to C$151.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Monday, November 3rd. Evercore ISI cut shares of Canadian National Railway from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 23rd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on Canadian National Railway from C$154.00 to C$153.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. National Bank Financial downgraded Canadian National Railway from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 22nd. Finally, Desjardins dropped their price target on Canadian National Railway from C$155.00 to C$151.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 6th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, seven have given a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has issued a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Canadian National Railway presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of C$152.53. Get Canadian National Railway alerts: Get Our Latest Report on CNR Canadian National Railway Trading Down 1.2% Shares of Canadian National Railway stock opened at C$135.48 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of C$83.39 billion, a P/E ratio of 18.41, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.38 and a beta of 0.86. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of C$132.29 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$136.21. Canadian National Railway has a 12-month low of C$126.11 and a 12-month high of C$157.95. The company has a current ratio of 0.64, a quick ratio of 0.58 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 107.59. Canadian National Railway (TSE:CNR Get Free Report) (NYSE:CNI) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, October 31st. The company reported C$1.83 earnings per share for the quarter. Canadian National Railway had a return on equity of 27.10% and a net margin of 31.20%.The business had revenue of C$4.17 billion for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Canadian National Railway will post 8.2610275 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Canadian National Railway Dividend Announcement The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 29th. Investors of record on Monday, September 29th were issued a $0.8875 dividend. This represents a $3.55 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.6%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, September 8th. Canadian National Railways payout ratio is 47.66%. About Canadian National Railway (Get Free Report) Canadian Nationals railway spans Canada from coast to coast and extends through Chicago to the Gulf of Mexico. In 2019, CN delivered almost 6 million carloads over its 19,600 miles of track. CN generated roughly CAD 14 billion in total revenue by hauling intermodal containers (25% of consolidated revenue), petroleum and chemicals (21%), grain and fertilizers (16%), forest products (12%), metals and mining (11%), automotive shipments (6%), and coal (4%). Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Canadian National Railway Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Canadian National Railway and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Mettler-Toledo International, Inc. (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Hold from the twelve research firms that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have assigned a buy rating to the company. The average 12 month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $1,406.50. Several equities research analysts have issued reports on MTD shares. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,450.00 to $1,600.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Monday. Wells Fargo & Company raised their target price on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,200.00 to $1,400.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday. Citigroup upped their price target on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,600.00 to $1,700.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Mettler-Toledo International from $1,260.00 to $1,390.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their target price on Mettler-Toledo International from $1,200.00 to $1,285.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, October 9th. Get Mettler-Toledo International alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on Mettler-Toledo International Insider Transactions at Mettler-Toledo International Institutional Investors Weigh In On Mettler-Toledo International In other news, CEO Patrick Kaltenbach sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,462.50, for a total value of $2,925,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer owned 3,670 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,367,375. The trade was a 35.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link . Also, Director Elisha W. Finney sold 474 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 10th. The shares were sold at an average price of $1,433.57, for a total transaction of $679,512.18. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 311 shares in the company, valued at $445,840.27. This trade represents a 60.38% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure . Insiders sold a total of 11,549 shares of company stock worth $16,736,223 over the last ninety days. Corporate insiders own 1.94% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the business. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 2.4% in the 3rd quarter. EverSource Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 294 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $361,000 after purchasing an additional 7 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC grew its position in Mettler-Toledo International by 1.6% during the 3rd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 510 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $626,000 after acquiring an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc boosted its stake in shares of Mettler-Toledo International by 42.1% during the third quarter. Versant Capital Management Inc now owns 27 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $33,000 after purchasing an additional 8 shares in the last quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Mettler-Toledo International by 4.0% in the 3rd quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 207 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock valued at $254,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Meridian Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in Mettler-Toledo International by 1.7% during the 3rd quarter. Meridian Wealth Management LLC now owns 480 shares of the medical instruments suppliers stock worth $589,000 after buying an additional 8 shares during the period. 95.07% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Mettler-Toledo International Stock Performance Mettler-Toledo International stock opened at $1,411.00 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $1,332.61 and a 200 day simple moving average of $1,245.99. The stock has a market capitalization of $29.07 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.73, a PEG ratio of 4.19 and a beta of 1.41. Mettler-Toledo International has a 52 week low of $946.69 and a 52 week high of $1,471.06. Mettler-Toledo International (NYSE:MTD Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The medical instruments supplier reported $11.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $10.62 by $0.53. Mettler-Toledo International had a negative return on equity of 476.07% and a net margin of 21.46%.The firm had revenue of $1.03 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $997.36 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $10.21 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 7.9% compared to the same quarter last year. Mettler-Toledo International has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 12.680-12.880 EPS. FY 2025 guidance at 42.050-42.250 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Mettler-Toledo International will post 42.71 earnings per share for the current year. About Mettler-Toledo International (Get Free Report) Mettler-Toledo International Inc manufactures and supplies precision instruments and services in the Americas, Europe, Asia, and internationally. It operates through five segments: U.S. Operations, Swiss Operations, Western European Operations, Chinese Operations, and Other. The companys laboratory instruments include laboratory balances, liquid pipetting solutions, automated laboratory reactors, real-time analytics, titrators, pH meters, process analytics sensors and analyzer technologies, physical value analyzers, density and refractometry, thermal analysis systems, and other analytical instruments; and LabX, a laboratory software platform to manage and analyze data generated from its instruments. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Mettler-Toledo International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mettler-Toledo International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Abercrombie & Fitch Company (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the eleven research firms that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat.com reports. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have given a hold recommendation and five have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1-year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $106.4444. ANF has been the topic of a number of recent analyst reports. Morgan Stanley set a $93.00 price target on Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report on Thursday, August 28th. UBS Group dropped their target price on Abercrombie & Fitch from $130.00 to $125.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Thursday. Telsey Advisory Group reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $125.00 target price on shares of Abercrombie & Fitch in a research report on Friday, September 12th. BTIG Research started coverage on Abercrombie & Fitch in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. They issued a buy rating and a $120.00 price target for the company. Finally, Raymond James Financial set a $105.00 price target on Abercrombie & Fitch and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 28th. Get Abercrombie & Fitch alerts: Check Out Our Latest Research Report on ANF Insider Buying and Selling Hedge Funds Weigh In On Abercrombie & Fitch In other Abercrombie & Fitch news, Director James A. Goldman sold 5,072 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 29th. The shares were sold at an average price of $96.18, for a total value of $487,824.96. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 7,565 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $727,601.70. This trade represents a 40.14% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website . Also, EVP Jay Rust sold 1,500 shares of Abercrombie & Fitch stock in a transaction on Friday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.15, for a total transaction of $139,725.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president owned 6,648 shares of the companys stock, valued at $619,261.20. The trade was a 18.41% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing . Insiders sold 7,964 shares of company stock worth $759,233 in the last three months. Corporate insiders own 2.29% of the companys stock. A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ANF. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 198.2% during the 1st quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 1,955,927 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $144,582,000 after acquiring an additional 1,300,070 shares during the period. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC raised its stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch by 10,469.4% in the second quarter. Valeo Financial Advisors LLC now owns 993,101 shares of the apparel retailers stock worth $82,278,000 after purchasing an additional 983,705 shares during the last quarter. Brandywine Global Investment Management LLC acquired a new stake in shares of Abercrombie & Fitch during the second quarter worth about $61,643,000. Norges Bank purchased a new stake in Abercrombie & Fitch in the second quarter valued at approximately $61,584,000. Finally, Boston Partners boosted its position in Abercrombie & Fitch by 102.5% in the third quarter. Boston Partners now owns 1,094,023 shares of the apparel retailers stock valued at $92,940,000 after buying an additional 553,889 shares during the last quarter. Abercrombie & Fitch Stock Performance NYSE:ANF opened at $71.61 on Tuesday. Abercrombie & Fitch has a fifty-two week low of $65.40 and a fifty-two week high of $164.80. The stock has a market capitalization of $3.37 billion, a P/E ratio of 6.77 and a beta of 1.44. The companys 50-day simple moving average is $78.97 and its 200-day simple moving average is $83.51. Abercrombie & Fitch (NYSE:ANF Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 27th. The apparel retailer reported $2.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.27 by $0.05. Abercrombie & Fitch had a net margin of 10.61% and a return on equity of 40.02%. The firm had revenue of $1.21 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.50 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 6.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Abercrombie & Fitch has set its FY 2025 guidance at 10.000-10.500 EPS. Q3 2025 guidance at 2.050-2.250 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that Abercrombie & Fitch will post 10.62 EPS for the current year. Abercrombie & Fitch Company Profile (Get Free Report) Abercrombie & Fitch Co engages in the retail of apparel, personal care products, and accessories. The firm operates through following geographical segments: Americas, EMEA and APAC. The Americas segment includes operations in North America and South America. The EMEA segment includes operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Abercrombie & Fitch and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal Can cut its stake in MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG Free Report) by 5.4% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 53,816 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 3,083 shares during the quarter. Bank of Montreal Cans holdings in MGIC Investment were worth $1,498,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of MTG. Cerity Partners LLC boosted its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 59.2% during the first quarter. Cerity Partners LLC now owns 78,307 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $1,940,000 after purchasing an additional 29,104 shares in the last quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. increased its position in shares of MGIC Investment by 4.2% in the 1st quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 10,894 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $270,000 after buying an additional 437 shares in the last quarter. Sequoia Financial Advisors LLC acquired a new stake in MGIC Investment during the 2nd quarter worth $568,000. GSA Capital Partners LLP bought a new position in MGIC Investment during the first quarter worth about $1,353,000. Finally, Private Advisor Group LLC bought a new position in MGIC Investment during the first quarter worth about $238,000. Institutional investors own 95.58% of the companys stock. Get MGIC Investment alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several equities research analysts have issued reports on the company. Weiss Ratings restated a buy (a-) rating on shares of MGIC Investment in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Barclays boosted their price objective on MGIC Investment from $27.00 to $28.00 and gave the company a cautious rating in a research report on Monday, October 6th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, three have given a Hold rating and two have issued a Sell rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, MGIC Investment presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $26.80. MGIC Investment Stock Performance Shares of MTG opened at $28.17 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of $6.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.06, a PEG ratio of 1.91 and a beta of 0.92. The firm has a fifty day simple moving average of $27.76 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.05. The company has a current ratio of 1.46, a quick ratio of 1.46 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.13. MGIC Investment Corporation has a 12 month low of $21.94 and a 12 month high of $29.01. MGIC Investment (NYSE:MTG Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The insurance provider reported $0.83 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.72 by $0.11. MGIC Investment had a return on equity of 14.63% and a net margin of 61.96%.The firm had revenue of $304.51 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $308.16 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $0.77 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that MGIC Investment Corporation will post 2.71 EPS for the current fiscal year. MGIC Investment Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, November 20th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, November 6th will be given a dividend of $0.15 per share. This represents a $0.60 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.1%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 6th. MGIC Investments dividend payout ratio is 19.29%. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CEO Timothy J. Mattke sold 139,203 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, October 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.09, for a total value of $3,771,009.27. Following the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 961,791 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $26,054,918.19. This represents a 12.64% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. Also, EVP Paula C. Maggio sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, October 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $27.44, for a total transaction of $548,800.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president owned 117,395 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,221,318.80. This trade represents a 14.56% decrease in their ownership of the stock. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 219,203 shares of company stock valued at $5,989,909. 1.05% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. MGIC Investment Company Profile (Free Report) MGIC Investment Corporation, through its subsidiaries, provides private mortgage insurance, other mortgage credit risk management solutions, and ancillary services to lenders and government sponsored entities in the United States, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and Guam. The company offers primary mortgage insurance that provides mortgage default protection on individual loans, as well as covers unpaid loan principal, delinquent interest, and various expenses associated with the default and subsequent foreclosure. Featured Articles Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MTG? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for MGIC Investment Corporation (NYSE:MTG Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for MGIC Investment Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for MGIC Investment and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank of Montreal Can boosted its holdings in Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Free Report) by 414.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 26,906 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 21,677 shares during the quarter. Bank of Montreal Cans holdings in Centerspace were worth $1,619,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the company. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. boosted its position in shares of Centerspace by 2.0% during the 1st quarter. MIRAE ASSET GLOBAL ETFS HOLDINGS Ltd. now owns 14,790 shares of the companys stock valued at $958,000 after purchasing an additional 287 shares in the last quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC lifted its stake in Centerspace by 2.2% during the first quarter. Hsbc Holdings PLC now owns 13,863 shares of the companys stock valued at $898,000 after purchasing an additional 294 shares during the last quarter. Arizona State Retirement System boosted its holdings in Centerspace by 7.0% during the first quarter. Arizona State Retirement System now owns 4,753 shares of the companys stock worth $308,000 after buying an additional 313 shares in the last quarter. Vert Asset Management LLC grew its position in Centerspace by 6.2% in the second quarter. Vert Asset Management LLC now owns 6,376 shares of the companys stock worth $384,000 after buying an additional 372 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Aberdeen Group plc grew its position in Centerspace by 9.4% in the second quarter. Aberdeen Group plc now owns 4,625 shares of the companys stock worth $278,000 after buying an additional 398 shares during the last quarter. 79.00% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Centerspace alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on CSR shares. Piper Sandler cut their price objective on Centerspace from $68.00 to $66.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed a neutral rating on shares of Centerspace in a report on Wednesday. Raymond James Financial reissued a market perform rating on shares of Centerspace in a research note on Wednesday. UBS Group boosted their price objective on Centerspace from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Monday. Finally, Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Centerspace from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and seven have given a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $68.11. Centerspace Stock Down 2.0% Shares of Centerspace stock opened at $65.36 on Friday. Centerspace has a 1 year low of $52.76 and a 1 year high of $74.72. The company has a market cap of $1.09 billion, a P/E ratio of -36.31 and a beta of 0.75. The company has a current ratio of 0.05, a quick ratio of 0.05 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.97. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $59.51 and a 200 day moving average price of $59.75. Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.19 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.22 by ($0.03). Centerspace had a negative net margin of 9.13% and a negative return on equity of 2.81%. Centerspace has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.880-4.960 EPS. As a group, analysts expect that Centerspace will post 4.94 EPS for the current fiscal year. Centerspace Dividend Announcement The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 29th were paid a $0.77 dividend. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.7%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 29th. Centerspaces dividend payout ratio is currently 172.07%. Centerspace Company Profile (Free Report) Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of September 30, 2023, Centerspace owned interests in 71 apartment communities consisting of 12,785 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding CSR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Centerspace (NYSE:CSR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Centerspace Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Centerspace and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:BABA) is among the most fantastic stocks every investor should pay attention to. On November 2, news portal South China Morning Post (SCMP) reported that Alibaba had announced a $281 million investment for a program to transition local convenience stores across China to Taobao-branded stores. According to Hu Qiugen, the general manager of Alibabas instant commerce division, this program will utilize Alibabas digital infrastructure and technological expertise to upgrade these stores, enabling them to provide a one-stop, 24-hour and 30-minute delivery shopping service to consumers. These upgraded stores will then support the companys businesses across instant commerce and on-demand delivery. Can Alibaba (BABA) Sustain Its Rally as E-Commerce Competition Intensifies? The competition in Chinas instant commerce market has intensified recently. The SCMP report emphasizes that Chinas instant commerce market is expected to reach 2 trillion yuan (~$280 billion). This data was based on estimates by the Chinese Academy of International Trade and Economic Cooperation, an institute under Chinas Ministry of Commerce. Another report from Bloomberg on November 7 highlighted that the competition between Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:BABA) and its competitor, Meituan, is being closely watched. The report states that some market participants, such as Julia Pan, an analyst with UOB Kay Hian Holdings Ltd. in Shanghai, have been benefiting from a pair trade strategy by being long on Alibaba and shorting Meituan. Pan states that Alibabas advantage lies in its deep cash reserves, which allow it to sustain subsidies and flexibly adjust strategies. Alibaba stock has rallied 90% while Meituans shares have declined 32% so far in 2025. On the other hand, Xin-Yao Ng, a fund manager at Aberdeen Investments, holds a cautious stance on Alibaba, according to the same report. He believes that the company will need to continue investing aggressively to protect its market share. He argues: Alibaba has been losing e-commerce market share for a long time. The e-commerce profit drag will outweigh cloud growth for some time. Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. (NYSE:BABA) is a Chinese multinational technology company specializing in e-commerce, retail, Internet, and technology. Its platforms support merchants, brands, and consumers across China and international markets. While we acknowledge the potential of BABA as an investment, we believe certain AI stocks offer greater upside potential and carry less downside risk. If youre looking for an extremely undervalued AI stock that also stands to benefit significantly from Trump-era tariffs and the onshoring trend, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. Capital Power Co. (OTCMKTS:CPXWF Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the eight research firms that are covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on the stock. Scotiabank restated an outperform rating on shares of Capital Power in a research report on Monday, October 6th. CIBC reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Capital Power in a research note on Monday, October 20th. Evercore ISI began coverage on shares of Capital Power in a research note on Monday, October 6th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. TD Securities reaffirmed a buy rating on shares of Capital Power in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Finally, National Bankshares reissued an outperform rating on shares of Capital Power in a report on Thursday, October 30th. Get Capital Power alerts: Read Our Latest Report on Capital Power Capital Power Stock Performance About Capital Power OTCMKTS:CPXWF opened at $44.69 on Friday. Capital Power has a 52-week low of $30.30 and a 52-week high of $52.82. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $48.10 and its 200 day moving average price is $43.61. (Get Free Report) Capital Power Corporation develops, acquires, owns, and operates renewable and thermal power generation facilities in Canada and the United States. It generates electricity from various energy sources, including wind, solar, waste heat, natural gas, and coal. The company owns an approximately 7,500 megawatts (MW) of power generation capacity at 29 facilities. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Capital Power Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Capital Power and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (OTCMKTS:BLMIF Get Free Report) shares traded up 10.8% during mid-day trading on Thursday . The company traded as high as $22.00 and last traded at $22.00. 339 shares were traded during trading, a decline of 56% from the average session volume of 770 shares. The stock had previously closed at $19.85. Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. Trading Up 10.8% The company has a 50-day moving average price of $19.66 and a 200-day moving average price of $18.18. About Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. (Get Free Report) Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the provision of banking and financial services for personal and private customers in households, small and medium enterprises, and corporations in Israel, the United States, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company provides demand, fixed, and savings deposits, as well as housing loans, collateral loans, property finance, hotel finance, asset-based lending, and trade finance services. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank Leumi le-Israel B.M. and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A. lessened its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report) by 39.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 171,344 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 112,713 shares during the quarter. Banco Bilbao Vizcaya Argentaria S.A.s holdings in Morgan Stanley were worth $24,109,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC grew its position in Morgan Stanley by 2.5% during the second quarter. Meadow Creek Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 2,799 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $394,000 after purchasing an additional 69 shares in the last quarter. Gallagher Capital Advisors LLC boosted its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Gallagher Capital Advisors LLC now owns 9,969 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $1,420,000 after buying an additional 70 shares during the period. McLean Asset Management Corp grew its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley by 2.5% during the 2nd quarter. McLean Asset Management Corp now owns 3,007 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $430,000 after acquiring an additional 73 shares in the last quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. increased its stake in shares of Morgan Stanley by 1.5% in the second quarter. Pinnacle Bancorp Inc. now owns 5,022 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $707,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Congress Park Capital LLC raised its holdings in shares of Morgan Stanley by 2.4% during the second quarter. Congress Park Capital LLC now owns 3,250 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $458,000 after acquiring an additional 75 shares in the last quarter. 84.19% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. Get Morgan Stanley alerts: Insider Buying and Selling In other news, CEO Edward Pick sold 100,000 shares of Morgan Stanley stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, October 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $164.34, for a total transaction of $16,434,000.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 574,986 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $94,493,199.24. This trade represents a 14.82% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.19% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Morgan Stanley Stock Down 2.6% Morgan Stanley stock opened at $165.52 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.30, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.78. Morgan Stanley has a fifty-two week low of $94.33 and a fifty-two week high of $171.77. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $159.48 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $144.45. The firm has a market cap of $263.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 16.98, a P/E/G ratio of 1.70 and a beta of 1.33. Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, October 15th. The financial services provider reported $2.80 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $2.07 by $0.73. Morgan Stanley had a return on equity of 16.55% and a net margin of 13.85%.The business had revenue of $17.98 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.42 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.88 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 18.5% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Morgan Stanley will post 8.56 earnings per share for the current year. Morgan Stanley Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Friday, October 31st will be paid a dividend of $1.00 per share. This represents a $4.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.4%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 31st. Morgan Stanleys payout ratio is currently 41.03%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of research analysts have commented on MS shares. Royal Bank Of Canada boosted their target price on Morgan Stanley from $145.00 to $171.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, October 1st. The Goldman Sachs Group boosted their price target on Morgan Stanley from $145.00 to $164.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Friday, October 3rd. Zacks Research raised shares of Morgan Stanley from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 21st. UBS Group boosted their target price on shares of Morgan Stanley from $156.00 to $165.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 7th. Finally, Keefe, Bruyette & Woods raised their price target on shares of Morgan Stanley from $176.00 to $184.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have given a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $168.23. Get Our Latest Report on Morgan Stanley Morgan Stanley Company Profile (Free Report) Morgan Stanley, a financial holding company, provides various financial products and services to corporations, governments, financial institutions, and individuals in the Americas, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, and Asia. It operates through Institutional Securities, Wealth Management, and Investment Management segments. Further Reading Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MS? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Morgan Stanley (NYSE:MS Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Morgan Stanley Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Morgan Stanley and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Metis Global Partners LLC acquired a new position in Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor acquired 4,625 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $255,000. A number of other institutional investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in shares of Innovative Industrial Properties in the 1st quarter valued at about $27,000. AdvisorNet Financial Inc grew its position in Innovative Industrial Properties by 50.3% during the second quarter. AdvisorNet Financial Inc now owns 559 shares of the companys stock valued at $31,000 after purchasing an additional 187 shares in the last quarter. SSA Swiss Advisors AG purchased a new position in Innovative Industrial Properties during the first quarter valued at approximately $33,000. Signaturefd LLC increased its stake in Innovative Industrial Properties by 49.7% in the 1st quarter. Signaturefd LLC now owns 756 shares of the companys stock valued at $41,000 after buying an additional 251 shares during the period. Finally, Legend Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in Innovative Industrial Properties in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $44,000. 70.58% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Get Innovative Industrial Properties alerts: Innovative Industrial Properties Stock Performance Shares of IIPR opened at $50.06 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $1.40 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.86 and a beta of 1.64. The companys fifty day moving average is $54.01 and its 200-day moving average is $54.53. The company has a quick ratio of 2.75, a current ratio of 2.75 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.19. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. has a 12 month low of $45.44 and a 12 month high of $112.82. Innovative Industrial Properties Dividend Announcement Innovative Industrial Properties ( NYSE:IIPR Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Monday, November 3rd. The company reported $1.71 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.73 by ($0.02). The business had revenue of $64.69 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $63.72 million. Innovative Industrial Properties had a return on equity of 6.77% and a net margin of 45.80%.The companys revenue for the quarter was down 15.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.25 earnings per share. Equities analysts expect that Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. will post 8.28 EPS for the current fiscal year. The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 30th were issued a dividend of $1.90 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 30th. This represents a $7.60 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 15.2%. Innovative Industrial Propertiess dividend payout ratio is currently 180.09%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Several equities analysts have recently commented on IIPR shares. Weiss Ratings cut shares of Innovative Industrial Properties from a hold (c-) rating to a sell (d+) rating in a report on Monday. Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on Innovative Industrial Properties from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, November 5th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Buy rating, five have issued a Hold rating and three have assigned a Sell rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has an average rating of Reduce and an average target price of $78.50. Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on IIPR About Innovative Industrial Properties (Free Report) Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc is a self-advised Maryland corporation focused on the acquisition, ownership and management of specialized properties leased to experienced, state-licensed operators for their regulated cannabis facilities. Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc has elected to be taxed as a real estate investment trust, commencing with the year ended December 31, 2017. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding IIPR? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Innovative Industrial Properties, Inc. (NYSE:IIPR Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Innovative Industrial Properties Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Innovative Industrial Properties and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Summit Investment Advisors Inc. cut its stake in shares of The Travelers Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TRV Free Report) by 20.4% during the 1st quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 2,160 shares of the insurance providers stock after selling 552 shares during the period. Summit Investment Advisors Inc.s holdings in Travelers Companies were worth $571,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Several other hedge funds have also bought and sold shares of the stock. KCM Investment Advisors LLC lifted its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. KCM Investment Advisors LLC now owns 18,280 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $4,891,000 after buying an additional 314 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Investment Partners LLC raised its position in shares of Travelers Companies by 0.6% during the 2nd quarter. Cornerstone Investment Partners LLC now owns 205,907 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $55,088,000 after purchasing an additional 1,139 shares during the period. Savant Capital LLC boosted its holdings in Travelers Companies by 46.3% in the 2nd quarter. Savant Capital LLC now owns 31,365 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $8,391,000 after buying an additional 9,923 shares during the period. Modera Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Travelers Companies by 4.9% in the 2nd quarter. Modera Wealth Management LLC now owns 2,316 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $620,000 after buying an additional 109 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Soltis Investment Advisors LLC raised its holdings in Travelers Companies by 9.4% during the second quarter. Soltis Investment Advisors LLC now owns 3,524 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $943,000 after acquiring an additional 303 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock. Get Travelers Companies alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lifted their target price on Travelers Companies from $269.00 to $285.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday, October 7th. Barclays set a $313.00 price objective on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a buy (b) rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a research report on Tuesday, October 14th. Zacks Research raised Travelers Companies from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Finally, Citigroup started coverage on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. They issued a neutral rating and a $291.00 target price for the company. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eleven have issued a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $291.31. Insiders Place Their Bets In other news, CFO Daniel S. Frey sold 25,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $278.25, for a total value of $6,956,250.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief financial officer owned 26,932 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $7,493,829. This represents a 48.14% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 8,572 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, October 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $270.73, for a total transaction of $2,320,697.56. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president directly owned 33,638 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,106,815.74. This trade represents a 20.31% decrease in their position. Additional details regarding this sale are available in the official SEC disclosure. Insiders have sold 50,392 shares of company stock worth $13,945,170 in the last ninety days. 1.46% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Travelers Companies Trading Up 0.4% TRV opened at $287.23 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.35 and a current ratio of 0.35. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $275.06 and its 200-day moving average price is $269.44. The Travelers Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $230.23 and a one year high of $290.62. The stock has a market cap of $64.07 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.30, a P/E/G ratio of 2.38 and a beta of 0.55. Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, October 16th. The insurance provider reported $8.14 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $6.01 by $2.13. The business had revenue of $12.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.15 billion. Travelers Companies had a return on equity of 20.28% and a net margin of 12.14%.The businesss revenue was up 4.8% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $5.24 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts forecast that The Travelers Companies, Inc. will post 17.02 EPS for the current year. Travelers Companies Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, December 31st. Investors of record on Wednesday, December 10th will be issued a $1.10 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, December 10th. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.5%. Travelers Companiess payout ratio is presently 17.30%. Travelers Companies Company Profile (Free Report) The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Travelers Companies Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Travelers Companies and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. trimmed its holdings in shares of Brinker International, Inc. (NYSE:EAT Free Report) by 47.9% in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm owned 1,342 shares of the restaurant operators stock after selling 1,236 shares during the quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Brinker International were worth $242,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other institutional investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Axiom Investors LLC DE acquired a new stake in Brinker International during the first quarter worth about $8,079,000. Voya Investment Management LLC increased its position in shares of Brinker International by 13.4% during the 1st quarter. Voya Investment Management LLC now owns 16,513 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $2,461,000 after purchasing an additional 1,956 shares during the last quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC raised its holdings in Brinker International by 117.0% in the 2nd quarter. DAVENPORT & Co LLC now owns 4,272 shares of the restaurant operators stock valued at $770,000 after buying an additional 2,303 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. lifted its stake in Brinker International by 28.0% during the first quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 25,581 shares of the restaurant operators stock worth $3,813,000 after purchasing an additional 5,598 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Transcendent Capital Group LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Brinker International in the 2nd quarter valued at $1,822,000. Get Brinker International alerts: Insider Buying and Selling at Brinker International In related news, CEO Kevin Hochman sold 44,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 27th. The stock was sold at an average price of $157.82, for a total value of $6,944,080.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer directly owned 212,867 shares in the company, valued at approximately $33,594,669.94. The trade was a 17.13% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, COO Douglas N. Comings sold 16,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $156.48, for a total value of $2,503,680.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 12,951 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,026,572.48. This represents a 55.27% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The SEC filing for this sale provides additional information. Corporate insiders own 1.43% of the companys stock. Brinker International Price Performance EAT opened at $117.17 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.25, a current ratio of 0.35 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.53. The companys 50-day moving average price is $128.69 and its 200 day moving average price is $149.75. The firm has a market cap of $5.21 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.15, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.77 and a beta of 1.38. Brinker International, Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $100.30 and a fifty-two week high of $192.21. Brinker International (NYSE:EAT Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, October 29th. The restaurant operator reported $1.93 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.76 by $0.17. Brinker International had a net margin of 7.94% and a return on equity of 164.66%. The firm had revenue of $1.35 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.32 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm earned $0.95 EPS. Brinker Internationals quarterly revenue was up 18.5% on a year-over-year basis. Brinker International has set its FY 2026 guidance at 9.900-10.50 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts expect that Brinker International, Inc. will post 8.3 earnings per share for the current year. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of analysts have weighed in on the company. Piper Sandler raised their price target on Brinker International from $155.00 to $168.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Wells Fargo & Company lowered their price objective on shares of Brinker International from $175.00 to $160.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, October 30th. Mizuho started coverage on Brinker International in a report on Tuesday, October 28th. They issued an outperform rating and a $155.00 price target for the company. Jefferies Financial Group lowered their price target on Brinker International from $175.00 to $144.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Monday, October 13th. Finally, Morgan Stanley cut their price target on Brinker International from $161.00 to $160.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Ten research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and nine have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $165.67. View Our Latest Stock Report on EAT Brinker International Profile (Free Report) Brinker International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the ownership, development, operation, and franchising of casual dining restaurants in the United States and internationally. It operates and franchises Chili's Grill & Bar and Maggiano's Little Italy restaurant brands. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Brinker International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Brinker International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wedbush Securities Inc. reduced its stake in Federal Signal Corporation (NYSE:FSS Free Report) by 22.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 2,119 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 622 shares during the quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc.s holdings in Federal Signal were worth $226,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in the company. Bank of New York Mellon Corp grew its holdings in shares of Federal Signal by 2.9% in the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 481,669 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $51,259,000 after purchasing an additional 13,767 shares in the last quarter. Bank of Montreal Can grew its holdings in Federal Signal by 3.7% during the 2nd quarter. Bank of Montreal Can now owns 45,498 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $4,842,000 after acquiring an additional 1,635 shares in the last quarter. Montanaro Asset Management Ltd lifted its position in shares of Federal Signal by 138.6% during the 2nd quarter. Montanaro Asset Management Ltd now owns 43,900 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $4,672,000 after purchasing an additional 25,500 shares during the last quarter. Versor Investments LP acquired a new position in shares of Federal Signal during the second quarter worth $1,075,000. Finally, Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV increased its holdings in Federal Signal by 41.2% in the second quarter. Creative Financial Designs Inc. ADV now owns 1,580 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $168,000 after buying an additional 461 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.73% of the companys stock. Get Federal Signal alerts: Analyst Ratings Changes Several research firms have commented on FSS. Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a buy (b) rating on shares of Federal Signal in a research report on Wednesday, October 8th. DA Davidson raised their price objective on shares of Federal Signal from $100.00 to $112.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, July 31st. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Federal Signal from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Saturday, August 2nd. Raymond James Financial boosted their target price on Federal Signal from $120.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 31st. Finally, Zacks Research cut Federal Signal from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Monday, September 29th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and four have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, Federal Signal currently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $123.00. Insiders Place Their Bets In other Federal Signal news, COO Mark Weber sold 51,187 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, November 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $111.56, for a total transaction of $5,710,421.72. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer directly owned 73,874 shares in the company, valued at $8,241,383.44. The trade was a 40.93% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. 3.30% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders. Federal Signal Stock Performance NYSE FSS opened at $110.36 on Friday. Federal Signal Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $66.47 and a fifty-two week high of $132.89. The stock has a market cap of $6.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.74, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.31 and a beta of 1.28. The business has a fifty day moving average of $120.36 and a 200-day moving average of $111.68. The company has a quick ratio of 1.25, a current ratio of 2.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.20. Federal Signal (NYSE:FSS Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The conglomerate reported $1.14 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.07 by $0.07. Federal Signal had a net margin of 11.22% and a return on equity of 18.91%. The firm had revenue of $555.00 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $545.19 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.87 earnings per share. Federal Signals revenue was up 17.0% compared to the same quarter last year. Federal Signal has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.090-4.170 EPS. As a group, analysts predict that Federal Signal Corporation will post 3.34 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Federal Signal Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, December 2nd. Investors of record on Friday, November 14th will be issued a $0.14 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 14th. This represents a $0.56 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.5%. Federal Signals dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 14.62%. Federal Signal Profile (Free Report) Federal Signal Corp. engages in the design and manufacture of products and integrated solutions for municipal, governmental, industrial, and commercial customers. It operates through the Environmental Solutions Group and Safety and Security Systems Group segments. The Environment Solutions Group segment is involved in the manufacture and supply of street sweeper vehicles, sewer cleaners, vacuum loader trucks, hydro-excavation trucks, and water blasting equipment. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for Federal Signal Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Federal Signal and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Oncolytics Biotech (TSE:ONC Get Free Report) released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday. The company reported C($0.14) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, FiscalAI reports. Oncolytics Biotech Price Performance Shares of TSE ONC opened at C$14.90 on Friday. The stock has a market capitalization of C$1.50 billion, a PE ratio of -40.27 and a beta of 0.80. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 11.75, a current ratio of 2.99 and a quick ratio of 8.86. Oncolytics Biotech has a fifty-two week low of C$0.44 and a fifty-two week high of C$2.08. The business has a fifty day moving average price of C$14.90 and a two-hundred day moving average price of C$6.67. Get Oncolytics Biotech alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Separately, Lake Street Capital raised shares of Oncolytics Biotech to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating and one has given a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock presently has a consensus rating of Buy. About Oncolytics Biotech (Get Free Report) Oncolytics Biotech Inc, a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, focuses on the discovery and development of pharmaceutical products for the treatment of cancer. The company is developing pelareorep, an intravenously delivered immunotherapeutic agent, which is in phase 3 clinical trial for the treatment of hormone receptor-positive / human epidermal growth factor 2-negative metastatic breast cancer and advanced/metastatic pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Oncolytics Biotech Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Oncolytics Biotech and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WP Advisors LLC trimmed its position in shares of ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE Free Report) by 3.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 38,927 shares of the utilities providers stock after selling 1,458 shares during the period. ONEOK makes up approximately 0.9% of WP Advisors LLCs holdings, making the stock its 25th largest holding. WP Advisors LLCs holdings in ONEOK were worth $3,178,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period. Other large investors have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its position in shares of ONEOK by 7.2% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 75,196,969 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $7,461,043,000 after purchasing an additional 5,076,705 shares during the period. Nuveen LLC acquired a new stake in ONEOK during the first quarter worth $440,535,000. Boston Partners bought a new stake in ONEOK in the 1st quarter valued at $353,596,000. First Eagle Investment Management LLC raised its stake in shares of ONEOK by 130.8% in the 2nd quarter. First Eagle Investment Management LLC now owns 6,256,173 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $510,691,000 after buying an additional 3,545,256 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. raised its stake in shares of ONEOK by 13.8% in the 1st quarter. Charles Schwab Investment Management Inc. now owns 20,957,230 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $2,079,376,000 after buying an additional 2,542,449 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 69.13% of the companys stock. Get ONEOK alerts: Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades Several brokerages have recently weighed in on OKE. Citigroup decreased their target price on shares of ONEOK from $102.00 to $95.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, October 31st. Barclays decreased their price objective on ONEOK from $83.00 to $78.00 and set an equal weight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, October 9th. Mizuho dropped their target price on ONEOK from $87.00 to $82.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Friday, August 29th. Royal Bank Of Canada decreased their price target on ONEOK from $94.00 to $88.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research note on Wednesday, August 13th. Finally, Scotiabank lowered their price target on ONEOK from $88.00 to $87.00 and set a sector outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, November 4th. One analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, nine have given a Buy rating and eight have given a Hold rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, ONEOK currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $91.94. Insider Transactions at ONEOK In other news, Director Brian L. Derksen purchased 2,500 shares of ONEOK stock in a transaction dated Monday, November 3rd. The shares were bought at an average cost of $66.00 per share, with a total value of $165,000.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director directly owned 21,200 shares in the company, valued at $1,399,200. This trade represents a 13.37% increase in their position. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 0.21% of the companys stock. ONEOK Price Performance ONEOK stock opened at $69.38 on Friday. The businesss fifty day moving average is $70.44 and its two-hundred day moving average is $76.79. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.44, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 0.90. The firm has a market cap of $43.66 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.75, a P/E/G ratio of 2.62 and a beta of 1.05. ONEOK, Inc. has a 52 week low of $64.02 and a 52 week high of $118.07. ONEOK (NYSE:OKE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $1.49 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.48 by $0.01. ONEOK had a net margin of 10.58% and a return on equity of 15.12%. The firm had revenue of $8.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.23 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.18 EPS. ONEOK has set its FY 2025 guidance at 4.970-5.770 EPS. Equities research analysts forecast that ONEOK, Inc. will post 5.07 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. ONEOK Dividend Announcement The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 14th. Investors of record on Monday, November 3rd will be paid a dividend of $1.03 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, November 3rd. This represents a $4.12 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.9%. ONEOKs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 75.74%. About ONEOK (Free Report) ONEOK, Inc engages in gathering, processing, fractionation, storage, transportation, and marketing of natural gas and natural gas liquids (NGL) in the United States. It operates through four segments: Natural Gas Gathering and Processing, Natural Gas Liquids, Natural Gas Pipelines, and Refined Products and Crude. Recommended Stories Want to see what other hedge funds are holding OKE? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ONEOK, Inc. (NYSE:OKE Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ONEOK Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ONEOK and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. WP Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor bought 368 shares of the credit services providers stock, valued at approximately $207,000. Several other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. LGT Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Family Legacy Financial Solutions LLC acquired a new position in Mastercard during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $26,000. Flaharty Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in Mastercard during the 1st quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Keystone Global Partners LLC purchased a new position in shares of Mastercard in the first quarter worth $31,000. Finally, IMG Wealth Management Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Mastercard during the second quarter worth $31,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.28% of the companys stock. Get Mastercard alerts: Insider Activity In related news, CFO J. Mehra Sachin sold 17,816 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $586.89, for a total value of $10,456,032.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief financial officer directly owned 31,234 shares in the company, valued at $18,330,922.26. The trade was a 36.32% decrease in their position. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. 0.09% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders. Mastercard Stock Performance Shares of MA stock opened at $555.11 on Friday. Mastercard Incorporated has a 52-week low of $465.59 and a 52-week high of $601.77. The company has a quick ratio of 1.16, a current ratio of 1.16 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.41. The stock has a market cap of $498.49 billion, a PE ratio of 37.43, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.27 and a beta of 0.92. The business has a 50-day simple moving average of $569.27 and a 200-day simple moving average of $569.64. Mastercard (NYSE:MA Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, October 30th. The credit services provider reported $4.38 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.31 by $0.07. Mastercard had a return on equity of 200.01% and a net margin of 44.93%.The company had revenue of $8.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.53 billion. During the same period last year, the business earned $3.89 earnings per share. Mastercards quarterly revenue was up 16.7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts expect that Mastercard Incorporated will post 15.91 EPS for the current year. Mastercard Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 9th were issued a dividend of $0.76 per share. This represents a $3.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.5%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, October 9th. Mastercards payout ratio is 19.44%. Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades A number of equities research analysts have recently weighed in on MA shares. The Goldman Sachs Group reissued a buy rating and set a $713.00 price objective on shares of Mastercard in a report on Thursday, October 30th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Mastercard from $690.00 to $700.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, October 31st. TD Cowen reiterated a buy rating and set a $645.00 price target on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Monday, August 11th. Cowen restated a buy rating on shares of Mastercard in a research note on Friday, October 31st. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada lifted their target price on Mastercard from $645.00 to $654.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, October 31st. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, twenty-two have issued a Buy rating and three have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus target price of $652.50. Check Out Our Latest Report on MA Mastercard Profile (Free Report) Mastercard Incorporated, a technology company, provides transaction processing and other payment-related products and services in the United States and internationally. The company offers integrated products and value-added services for account holders, merchants, financial institutions, digital partners, businesses, governments, and other organizations, such as programs that enable issuers to provide consumers with credits to defer payments; payment products and solutions that allow its customers to access funds in deposit and other accounts; prepaid programs services; and commercial credit, debit, and prepaid payment products and solutions. Read More Want to see what other hedge funds are holding MA? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Mastercard Incorporated (NYSE:MA Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for Mastercard Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Mastercard and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Orders: EUR10.5 billion, with a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2. Sales: EUR9.1 billion, reflecting 7.9% organic growth. Adjusted EBIT: EUR580 million, up 13% year-on-year, with a 6.4% margin. Free Cash Flow: Negative EUR740 million. Backlog: EUR96.1 billion, up from EUR95 billion at the end of March. Gross Margin: 13.6% of sales. Net Profit: Adjusted net profit increased by 51% to EUR338 million. Net Financial Debt: Increased to EUR1.4 billion at the end of September. Cash Balances: EUR1.7 billion at the end of September. Release Date: November 13, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points Alstom SA (ALSMY) reported strong commercial momentum with orders reaching EUR10.5 billion, driven by Rolling Stock and North America. The company achieved a book-to-bill ratio of 1.2, aligning with full-year guidance. Sales increased by 7.9% organically to EUR9.1 billion, with contributions from all product lines and regions. Adjusted EBIT rose by 13% year-on-year to EUR580 million, improving the margin from 5.9% to 6.4%. The integration of Bombardier Transportation is complete, allowing Alstom SA (ALSMY) to focus on industrial and development performance improvements. Negative Points Free cash flow was negative EUR740 million, reflecting higher seasonality and typical cash flow patterns. The gross margin slightly decreased to 13.6% due to regional mix headwinds, despite improvements in project execution. The company faces headwinds from foreign exchange impacts, affecting both sales and adjusted EBIT margins. Contract working capital was a EUR1.2 billion headwind, driven by the ramp-up phase of Rolling Stock projects. Net financial debt increased to EUR1.4 billion, up from EUR434 million at the end of March, due to free cash flow changes and other financial activities. Q & A Highlights Q: The European pipeline has reduced by EUR12 billion in the past six months. Is this due to recent awards, or is there another factor? Similarly, what is driving the increase in the AMECA region pipeline by EUR9 billion? A: The reduction in the European pipeline reflects recent awards, including those allocated to Alstom. In the AMECA region, particularly the Middle East, there is an increase in turnkey projects, such as Riyadh's Line 7, contributing to the pipeline growth. - Henri Poupart-Lafarge, CEO Q: Given the better-than-expected H1 cash flow, do you feel the upper half of the EUR200 million to EUR400 million free cash flow guidance range is more likely? A: We are maintaining the guidance of EUR200 million to EUR400 million. The H1 performance was due to phasing rather than a fundamental change. We will reassess after Q3, but for now, the guidance remains unchanged. - Bernard Delpit, CFO Phoenix Wealth Advisors decreased its holdings in shares of Cummins Inc. (NYSE:CMI Free Report) by 2.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 6,480 shares of the companys stock after selling 170 shares during the quarter. Phoenix Wealth Advisors holdings in Cummins were worth $2,122,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in CMI. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Cummins by 1.9% in the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 17,283,469 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,417,331,000 after purchasing an additional 321,823 shares during the period. Geode Capital Management LLC increased its position in shares of Cummins by 1.3% during the 2nd quarter. Geode Capital Management LLC now owns 3,499,240 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,141,138,000 after purchasing an additional 43,720 shares during the period. Northern Trust Corp lifted its position in shares of Cummins by 1.2% in the 1st quarter. Northern Trust Corp now owns 1,905,214 shares of the companys stock valued at $597,170,000 after acquiring an additional 22,202 shares in the last quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC grew its position in Cummins by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. UBS AM A Distinct Business Unit of UBS Asset Management Americas LLC now owns 1,634,580 shares of the companys stock worth $512,343,000 after purchasing an additional 8,487 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Raymond James Financial Inc. boosted its position in shares of Cummins by 152.3% in the first quarter. Raymond James Financial Inc. now owns 1,354,052 shares of the companys stock worth $424,414,000 after buying an additional 817,384 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 83.46% of the companys stock. Get Cummins alerts: Insider Activity In related news, Director Karen H. Quintos sold 1,307 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $405.33, for a total transaction of $529,766.31. Following the completion of the transaction, the director owned 5,227 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,118,659.91. This represents a 20.00% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Also, VP Robert Enright sold 1,860 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $402.26, for a total value of $748,203.60. Following the transaction, the vice president directly owned 955 shares of the companys stock, valued at $384,158.30. This trade represents a 66.07% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last three months, insiders sold 38,127 shares of company stock valued at $16,993,030. 0.41% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Wall Street Analyst Weigh In A number of equities research analysts have issued reports on CMI shares. Truist Financial upped their target price on Cummins from $434.00 to $522.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Wells Fargo & Company started coverage on shares of Cummins in a report on Thursday. They set an overweight rating and a $599.00 price objective for the company. Barclays raised their target price on shares of Cummins from $430.00 to $515.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Tuesday. Citigroup boosted their target price on shares of Cummins from $500.00 to $530.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Finally, Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating on shares of Cummins in a research report on Tuesday, August 19th. Ten investment analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating, seven have given a Hold rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $445.93. Get Our Latest Research Report on CMI Cummins Stock Down 2.4% Shares of NYSE CMI opened at $467.79 on Friday. The stock has a market cap of $64.45 billion, a PE ratio of 21.99, a PEG ratio of 2.05 and a beta of 1.07. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.53, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a current ratio of 1.64. The business has a fifty day moving average of $427.20 and a two-hundred day moving average of $373.79. Cummins Inc. has a 52-week low of $260.02 and a 52-week high of $484.84. Cummins (NYSE:CMI Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The company reported $5.59 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $4.83 by $0.76. Cummins had a return on equity of 26.96% and a net margin of 8.72%.The firm had revenue of $8.32 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $7.97 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $5.86 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was down 1.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Cummins Inc. will post 22.54 earnings per share for the current fiscal year. Cummins Dividend Announcement The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 4th. Investors of record on Friday, November 21st will be given a $2.00 dividend. This represents a $8.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.7%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 21st. Cumminss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 41.52%. Cummins Profile (Free Report) Cummins Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services diesel and natural gas engines, electric and hybrid powertrains, and related components worldwide. It operates through five segments: Engine, Distribution, Components, Power Systems, and Accelera. The company offers diesel and natural gas-powered engines under the Cummins and other customer brands for the heavy and medium-duty truck, bus, recreational vehicle, light-duty automotive, construction, mining, marine, rail, oil and gas, defense, and agricultural markets; and offers parts and services, as well as remanufactured parts and engines. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Cummins Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cummins and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Fiera Capital Corp raised its holdings in shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation (NYSE:BK Free Report) by 13.1% during the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 117,546 shares of the banks stock after acquiring an additional 13,616 shares during the quarter. Fiera Capital Corps holdings in Bank of New York Mellon were worth $10,710,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. A number of other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Westside Investment Management Inc. boosted its stake in Bank of New York Mellon by 78.9% in the 2nd quarter. Westside Investment Management Inc. now owns 288 shares of the banks stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 127 shares during the period. Orion Capital Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the first quarter worth $32,000. Hoey Investments Inc. bought a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth $32,000. McClarren Financial Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in Bank of New York Mellon during the first quarter valued at $34,000. Finally, GFG Capital LLC bought a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 2nd quarter valued at $36,000. Institutional investors own 85.31% of the companys stock. Get Bank of New York Mellon alerts: Wall Street Analyst Weigh In Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on BK shares. Weiss Ratings cut Bank of New York Mellon from a buy (a-) rating to a buy (b) rating in a report on Friday, November 7th. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $118.00 to $119.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Morgan Stanley raised their target price on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $101.00 to $116.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Monday, September 29th. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods upped their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $120.00 to $124.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, October 17th. Finally, TD Cowen increased their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $130.00 to $133.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Monday, October 20th. Ten analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have given a Hold rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Bank of New York Mellon has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $111.29. Bank of New York Mellon Stock Performance Bank of New York Mellon stock opened at $110.99 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.70. The company has a market capitalization of $77.40 billion, a PE ratio of 16.02, a P/E/G ratio of 0.98 and a beta of 1.13. The company has a 50 day moving average price of $107.57 and a 200-day moving average price of $98.77. The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation has a fifty-two week low of $70.46 and a fifty-two week high of $113.74. Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, March 26th. The bank reported $1.30 earnings per share for the quarter. The business had revenue of $4.38 billion during the quarter. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 14.03% and a net margin of 12.86%. As a group, equities analysts forecast that The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation will post 6.96 earnings per share for the current year. Bank of New York Mellon Announces Dividend The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, November 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 27th were given a dividend of $0.53 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, October 27th. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.9%. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 30.59%. Bank of New York Mellon Profile (Free Report) The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Bank of New York Mellon Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Bank of New York Mellon and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Wrapmanager Inc. cut its stake in shares of ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report) by 10.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The firm owned 6,393 shares of the energy producers stock after selling 742 shares during the period. Wrapmanager Inc.s holdings in ConocoPhillips were worth $574,000 at the end of the most recent quarter. Other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the company. Edgestream Partners L.P. raised its holdings in shares of ConocoPhillips by 418.6% during the first quarter. Edgestream Partners L.P. now owns 31,452 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $3,303,000 after acquiring an additional 25,387 shares during the last quarter. Bridgewater Advisors Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of ConocoPhillips during the first quarter worth approximately $365,000. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC raised its stake in ConocoPhillips by 91.2% in the 1st quarter. Legacy Capital Wealth Partners LLC now owns 4,217 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $443,000 after purchasing an additional 2,011 shares during the last quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC lifted its holdings in ConocoPhillips by 12.4% in the 1st quarter. Dynasty Wealth Management LLC now owns 15,922 shares of the energy producers stock valued at $1,672,000 after purchasing an additional 1,758 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Woodward Diversified Capital LLC boosted its stake in ConocoPhillips by 18.9% during the 1st quarter. Woodward Diversified Capital LLC now owns 7,138 shares of the energy producers stock worth $750,000 after purchasing an additional 1,135 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 82.36% of the companys stock. Get ConocoPhillips alerts: ConocoPhillips Stock Up 0.3% Shares of NYSE COP opened at $89.38 on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $110.45 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.00, a P/E/G ratio of 2.36 and a beta of 0.58. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.35, a current ratio of 1.27 and a quick ratio of 1.10. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $90.96 and a 200-day simple moving average of $91.94. ConocoPhillips has a 1 year low of $79.88 and a 1 year high of $115.38. ConocoPhillips Increases Dividend ConocoPhillips ( NYSE:COP Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The energy producer reported $1.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.41 by $0.20. The company had revenue of $15.03 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $14.51 billion. ConocoPhillips had a return on equity of 14.60% and a net margin of 15.26%.The firms revenue for the quarter was up 14.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $1.78 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts predict that ConocoPhillips will post 8.16 earnings per share for the current year. The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 17th will be issued a dividend of $0.84 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 17th. This represents a $3.36 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.8%. This is a boost from ConocoPhillipss previous quarterly dividend of $0.78. ConocoPhillipss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 47.52%. Analysts Set New Price Targets A number of equities research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Jefferies Financial Group reduced their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $129.00 to $120.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research report on Monday, October 13th. Wells Fargo & Company initiated coverage on shares of ConocoPhillips in a research note on Friday, October 17th. They set an equal weight rating and a $100.00 price objective for the company. Raymond James Financial decreased their target price on shares of ConocoPhillips from $117.00 to $115.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Wolfe Research restated an outperform rating and set a $131.00 target price on shares of ConocoPhillips in a report on Thursday, November 6th. Finally, Wall Street Zen raised ConocoPhillips from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, November 8th. Eighteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and six have issued a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, ConocoPhillips currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $115.33. Read Our Latest Research Report on COP Insider Activity In other ConocoPhillips news, Director William H. Mcraven acquired 5,768 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, November 10th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $86.68 per share, with a total value of $499,970.24. Following the transaction, the director owned 5,768 shares of the companys stock, valued at $499,970.24. This trade represents a ? increase in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink. Insiders own 0.24% of the companys stock. ConocoPhillips Company Profile (Free Report) ConocoPhillips explores for, produces, transports, and markets crude oil, bitumen, natural gas, liquefied natural gas (LNG), and natural gas liquids in the United States, Canada, China, Libya, Malaysia, Norway, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company's portfolio includes unconventional plays in North America; conventional assets in North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia; global LNG developments; oil sands assets in Canada; and an inventory of global exploration prospects. See Also Want to see what other hedge funds are holding COP? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for ConocoPhillips (NYSE:COP Free Report). Receive News & Ratings for ConocoPhillips Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for ConocoPhillips and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Several analysts have recently updated their ratings and price targets for Dynatrace (NYSE: DT): 11/6/2025 Dynatrace had its price target lowered by analysts at Scotiabank from $67.00 to $60.00. They now have an outperform rating on the stock. 11/6/2025 Dynatrace was given a new $51.00 price target on by analysts at UBS Group AG. 11/6/2025 Dynatrace had its price target lowered by analysts at UBS Group AG from $55.00 to $50.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 11/6/2025 Dynatrace had its price target lowered by analysts at Cantor Fitzgerald from $57.00 to $51.00. They now have a neutral rating on the stock. 11/6/2025 Dynatrace had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Rosenblatt Securities. They now have a $67.00 price target on the stock. 10/31/2025 Dynatrace had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Rosenblatt Securities. They now have a $67.00 price target on the stock. 10/8/2025 Dynatrace had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 10/3/2025 Dynatrace was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating. 9/30/2025 Dynatrace is now covered by analysts at Wells Fargo & Company. They set an overweight rating and a $65.00 price target on the stock. 9/27/2025 Dynatrace had its hold (c+) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Insider Transactions at Dynatrace In other news, Director Lisa M. Campbell sold 1,013 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.77, for a total value of $50,417.01. Following the transaction, the director owned 1,012 shares of the companys stock, valued at $50,367.24. This trade represents a 50.02% decrease in their ownership of the stock. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, CEO Rick M. Mcconnell sold 30,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The stock was sold at an average price of $46.61, for a total transaction of $1,398,300.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer owned 108,125 shares in the company, valued at approximately $5,039,706.25. The trade was a 21.72% decrease in their position. The disclosure for this sale is available in the SEC filing. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 40,602 shares of company stock valued at $1,927,879. 0.57% of the stock is owned by company insiders. Dynatrace, Inc provides a security platform for multicloud environments in North America, Europe, the Middle East, Africa, the Asia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates Dynatrace, a security platform, which provides application and microservices monitoring, runtime application security, infrastructure monitoring, log management and analytics, digital experience monitoring, digital business analytics, and cloud automation. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Dynatrace Inc Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Dynatrace Inc and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. SSE (LON:SSE Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by Royal Bank Of Canada from GBX 2,200 to GBX 2,475 in a research note issued on Friday, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage currently has an outperform rating on the stock. Royal Bank Of Canadas price objective suggests a potential upside of 11.79% from the companys previous close. Other equities research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. UBS Group reaffirmed a buy rating and set a GBX 2,200 price objective on shares of SSE in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Barclays reaffirmed an overweight rating and set a GBX 2,500 price target on shares of SSE in a report on Thursday, October 16th. Jefferies Financial Group reissued a buy rating and issued a GBX 2,230 price objective on shares of SSE in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. restated an overweight rating and set a GBX 2,425 target price on shares of SSE in a research note on Tuesday, November 4th. Five equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and one has given a Sell rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, SSE presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of GBX 2,304.50. Get SSE alerts: Read Our Latest Stock Report on SSE SSE Price Performance Shares of LON SSE traded down GBX 49 during midday trading on Friday, reaching GBX 2,214. The companys stock had a trading volume of 235,112,484 shares, compared to its average volume of 14,283,893. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 82.62, a quick ratio of 0.50 and a current ratio of 1.10. The company has a market cap of 24.38 billion, a P/E ratio of 20.48, a P/E/G ratio of 3.06 and a beta of 0.56. The businesss 50 day moving average price is GBX 1,809.10 and its two-hundred day moving average price is GBX 1,794.29. SSE has a fifty-two week low of GBX 222.70 and a fifty-two week high of GBX 2,307. SSE (LON:SSE Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, November 12th. The company reported GBX 36.10 EPS for the quarter. SSE had a return on equity of 17.83% and a net margin of 16.36%. On average, analysts forecast that SSE will post 163.8865004 EPS for the current fiscal year. SSE Company Profile (Get Free Report) SSE is an integrated energy group focused on regulated electricity networks and renewable energy with flexible generation. Our strategy is to create value for shareholders and society in a sustainable way by developing, building, operating and investing in the electricity infrastructure and businesses needed in the transition to net zero. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for SSE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for SSE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suruga Bank (OTCMKTS:SUGBY Get Free Report) posted its quarterly earnings results on Thursday. The company reported $4.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $3.03 by $1.01, Zacks reports. The firm had revenue of $170.55 million during the quarter. Suruga Bank had a net margin of 19.87% and a return on equity of 6.98%. Suruga Bank Stock Performance Suruga Bank stock remained flat at $80.02 during mid-day trading on Friday. The company has a market capitalization of $1.58 billion, a P/E ratio of 11.78 and a beta of -0.09. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $80.02 and its 200 day simple moving average is $80.02. Suruga Bank has a 1-year low of $45.82 and a 1-year high of $80.02. Get Suruga Bank alerts: About Suruga Bank (Get Free Report) Featured Stories Suruga Bank Ltd. provides various banking and financial products and services to individuals and corporate customers in Japan. The company offers deposit products, such as time, ordinary, savings, foreign currency, and other deposits, as well as current and general accounts; card, housing, second house, startup, and business up term loans, as well as loans by purpose; credit and debit cards; overdrafts; and other financing products. Receive News & Ratings for Suruga Bank Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suruga Bank and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Suzano (NYSE:SUZ Get Free Report) and Stora Enso Oyj (OTCMKTS:SEOAY Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the superior investment? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their risk, institutional ownership, valuation, earnings, analyst recommendations, dividends and profitability. Analyst Ratings This is a breakdown of recent ratings and target prices for Suzano and Stora Enso Oyj, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Get Suzano alerts: Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Suzano 0 1 1 2 3.25 Stora Enso Oyj 1 3 0 0 1.75 Stora Enso Oyj has a consensus target price of $10.80, suggesting a potential downside of 8.71%. Given Stora Enso Oyjs higher probable upside, analysts plainly believe Stora Enso Oyj is more favorable than Suzano. Profitability Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Suzano 13.03% 16.39% 4.05% Stora Enso Oyj 0.14% -2.62% -1.33% Volatility & Risk This table compares Suzano and Stora Enso Oyjs net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Suzano has a beta of 0.84, suggesting that its stock price is 16% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Stora Enso Oyj has a beta of 0.8, suggesting that its stock price is 20% less volatile than the S&P 500. Dividends Suzano pays an annual dividend of $0.26 per share and has a dividend yield of 2.9%. Stora Enso Oyj pays an annual dividend of $0.12 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.0%. Suzano pays out 27.1% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Stora Enso Oyj pays out 1,200.0% of its earnings in the form of a dividend, suggesting it may not have sufficient earnings to cover its dividend payment in the future. Suzano is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and lower payout ratio. Insider and Institutional Ownership 2.6% of Suzano shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 0.0% of Stora Enso Oyj shares are held by institutional investors. 8.1% of Stora Enso Oyj shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, large money managers and hedge funds believe a company is poised for long-term growth. Earnings and Valuation This table compares Suzano and Stora Enso Oyjs gross revenue, earnings per share and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Suzano $8.79 billion 1.35 -$1.31 billion $0.96 9.36 Stora Enso Oyj $9.79 billion 0.95 -$146.08 million $0.01 1,183.00 Stora Enso Oyj has higher revenue and earnings than Suzano. Suzano is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Stora Enso Oyj, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Summary Suzano beats Stora Enso Oyj on 12 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Suzano (Get Free Report) Suzano S.A. produces and sells eucalyptus pulp and paper products in Brazil and internationally. It operates through Pulp and Paper segments. The company offers coated and uncoated printing and writing papers, paperboards, tissue papers, and market and fluff pulps; and lignin. It also engages in the research, development, and production of biofuel; operation of port terminals; power generation and distribution business; commercialization of equipment and parts; industrialization, commercialization, and exporting of pulp and standing wood; road freight transport; biotechnology research and development; and commercialization of paper and computer materials. In addition, the company is involved in the business office, production packaging, and financial fundraising activities; research, development, production, commercialization, and distribution of wood-based textile fibers, yarns, and filaments produced from cellulose and microfibrillated cellulose; and research and development of wood raw materials for the textile industry. Suzano S.A. was formerly known as Suzano Papel e Celulose S.A. and changed its name to Suzano S.A. in April 2019. The company was founded in 1924 and is headquartered in Salvador, Brazil. About Stora Enso Oyj (Get Free Report) Stora Enso Oyj provides renewable solutions for the packaging, biomaterials, wooden constructions, and paper industries in Finland and internationally. It operates through Packaging Materials, Packaging Solutions, Biomaterials, Wood Products, Forest, Paper, and Other segments. The company's Packaging Materials segment offers virgin and recycled fiber replace fossil-based materials with low-carbon, renewable and recyclable packaging materials for food and beverage, pharmaceutical, and transport packaging. Its Packaging Solutions segment develops and sells fiber-based packaging products and services, including converting corrugated boards and carton boards; and new materials, such as formed fiber and wood foams into standard and bespoke packaging solutions for retail, e-commerce, and industrials. The company's Biomaterials segment provides various pulp for packaging, paper, tissue, specialties, and hygiene product producers; and tall oil and turpentine from biomass. Its Wood Products segment offers wood-based solutions, including digital tools for design and construction of building projects with wood; applications for windows and doors; and pellets for sustainable heating solutions. The company's Forest segment engages in sustainable forest management, as well as supplies wood. Its Paper segments offers portfolio of products for print and office use. The company's Other segment produces electricity and heat. It serves packaging manufacturers, brand owners, paper merchants, publishers, retailers, printing houses, converters, and construction companies. The company was incorporated in 1996 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Receive News & Ratings for Suzano Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Suzano and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Edison International (NYSE:EIX Free Report) Zacks Research raised their FY2026 EPS estimates for shares of Edison International in a note issued to investors on Thursday, November 13th. Zacks Research analyst Team now forecasts that the utilities provider will post earnings per share of $6.24 for the year, up from their previous forecast of $6.12. Zacks Research has a Strong-Buy rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Edison Internationals current full-year earnings is $4.95 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Edison Internationals Q1 2027 earnings at $1.52 EPS and FY2027 earnings at $6.38 EPS. Get Edison International alerts: Edison International (NYSE:EIX Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, October 28th. The utilities provider reported $2.34 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.18. The company had revenue of $5.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.31 billion. Edison International had a net margin of 17.24% and a return on equity of 13.62%. Edison Internationals revenue for the quarter was up 10.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.51 earnings per share. Edison International has set its FY 2025 guidance at 5.950-6.200 EPS. Several other analysts have also recently commented on the company. UBS Group reduced their target price on Edison International from $68.00 to $66.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 11th. Morgan Stanley lifted their price objective on shares of Edison International from $60.00 to $66.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Wednesday, October 22nd. Wells Fargo & Company raised shares of Edison International to a hold rating in a research report on Tuesday, October 28th. Weiss Ratings reissued a hold (c) rating on shares of Edison International in a research note on Tuesday. Finally, TD Cowen began coverage on Edison International in a report on Thursday, October 16th. They set a buy rating and a $71.00 price target for the company. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, six have assigned a Buy rating, eight have given a Hold rating and one has given a Sell rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $64.30. View Our Latest Analysis on EIX Edison International Trading Down 0.5% Shares of NYSE EIX traded down $0.30 during trading on Friday, reaching $58.79. The company had a trading volume of 460,831 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,052,703. The stock has a market cap of $22.62 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.69, a PEG ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 0.85. The companys fifty day moving average price is $55.76 and its 200-day moving average price is $54.45. The company has a quick ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 0.82 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.95. Edison International has a 12 month low of $47.73 and a 12 month high of $88.64. Institutional Trading of Edison International Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EIX. FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH boosted its holdings in Edison International by 2.7% in the 2nd quarter. FARMERS & MERCHANTS TRUST Co OF LONG BEACH now owns 7,422 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $383,000 after buying an additional 196 shares during the period. Kentucky Trust Co boosted its holdings in shares of Edison International by 66.7% in the second quarter. Kentucky Trust Co now owns 500 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $26,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the period. Diligent Investors LLC grew its position in shares of Edison International by 1.5% in the third quarter. Diligent Investors LLC now owns 13,895 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $768,000 after purchasing an additional 201 shares in the last quarter. MAI Capital Management raised its stake in shares of Edison International by 20.8% during the 2nd quarter. MAI Capital Management now owns 1,172 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $60,000 after purchasing an additional 202 shares during the period. Finally, Empowered Funds LLC lifted its holdings in Edison International by 2.4% during the 1st quarter. Empowered Funds LLC now owns 8,875 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $523,000 after purchasing an additional 211 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 88.95% of the companys stock. Insider Activity at Edison International In other news, Director Peter J. Taylor sold 1,800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Thursday, October 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.27, for a total transaction of $99,486.00. Following the transaction, the director owned 35,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,946,167.24. This represents a 4.86% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 1.20% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders. Edison International Dividend Announcement The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, October 31st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, October 7th were paid a $0.8275 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, October 7th. This represents a $3.31 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 5.6%. Edison Internationals payout ratio is presently 43.27%. Edison International Company Profile (Get Free Report) Edison International, through its subsidiaries, engages in the generation and distribution of electric power. The company supplies and delivers electricity to approximately 50,000 square mile area of southern California to residential, commercial, industrial, public authorities, agricultural, and other sectors. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for Edison International Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Edison International and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. CAE Inc (NYSE:CAE Free Report) (TSE:CAE) Research analysts at Desjardins reduced their FY2026 earnings per share estimates for CAE in a report issued on Wednesday, November 12th. Desjardins analyst B. Poirier now expects that the aerospace company will earn $0.86 per share for the year, down from their prior forecast of $0.91. The consensus estimate for CAEs current full-year earnings is $0.83 per share. Get CAE alerts: CAE has been the subject of several other research reports. Wall Street Zen cut CAE from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, August 16th. TD Securities upgraded CAE from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Wednesday, August 13th. Scotiabank reissued an outperform rating on shares of CAE in a research report on Thursday, August 14th. Weiss Ratings reiterated a hold (c) rating on shares of CAE in a report on Wednesday, October 8th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reduced their price target on shares of CAE from $41.00 to $40.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, five have assigned a Buy rating and five have given a Hold rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $34.33. CAE Trading Up 0.7% Shares of CAE stock traded up $0.18 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $26.50. 138,146 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 570,323. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $27.77 and a 200 day simple moving average of $27.42. The company has a current ratio of 0.87, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.63. The stock has a market capitalization of $8.52 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.82, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.49 and a beta of 1.42. CAE has a twelve month low of $20.36 and a twelve month high of $30.13. CAE (NYSE:CAE Get Free Report) (TSE:CAE) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, November 11th. The aerospace company reported $0.17 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.14 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $897.99 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.13 billion. CAE had a net margin of 8.70% and a return on equity of 7.92%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 8.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $0.24 EPS. Institutional Investors Weigh In On CAE Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of CAE. Employees Retirement System of Texas acquired a new stake in CAE during the second quarter valued at $80,000. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of CAE by 360.9% in the 2nd quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 4,402 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $129,000 after buying an additional 3,447 shares in the last quarter. Vestmark Advisory Solutions Inc. acquired a new position in shares of CAE in the second quarter valued at $236,000. State of Wyoming boosted its holdings in CAE by 39.4% during the first quarter. State of Wyoming now owns 8,431 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $207,000 after purchasing an additional 2,385 shares in the last quarter. Finally, PNC Financial Services Group Inc. grew its stake in shares of CAE by 11.1% in the 2nd quarter. PNC Financial Services Group Inc. now owns 8,510 shares of the aerospace companys stock valued at $249,000 after purchasing an additional 851 shares during the period. 67.36% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. About CAE (Get Free Report) CAE Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides simulation training and critical operations support solutions in Canada, the United States, the United Kingdom, Europe, Asia, the Oceania, Africa, and Rest of the Americas. It operates through two segments, Civil Aviation; and Defense and Security. The Civil Aviation segment offers training solutions for flight, cabin, maintenance, and ground personnel in commercial, business, and helicopter aviation; a range of flight simulation training devices; and ab initio pilot training and crew sourcing services, as well as aircraft flight operations solutions. Recommended Stories Receive News & Ratings for CAE Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for CAE and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Core Laboratories Inc. (NYSE:CLB Free Report) Zacks Research raised their Q4 2026 earnings per share (EPS) estimates for Core Laboratories in a research report issued to clients and investors on Wednesday, November 12th. Zacks Research analyst Team now expects that the oil and gas company will post earnings per share of $0.26 for the quarter, up from their previous estimate of $0.24. Zacks Research currently has a Hold rating on the stock. The consensus estimate for Core Laboratories current full-year earnings is $0.96 per share. Zacks Research also issued estimates for Core Laboratories Q1 2027 earnings at $0.17 EPS. Get Core Laboratories alerts: Core Laboratories (NYSE:CLB Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Wednesday, October 22nd. The oil and gas company reported $0.22 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $134.52 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $130.92 million. Core Laboratories had a return on equity of 12.85% and a net margin of 6.21%.The businesss revenue was up .1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.25 EPS. Core Laboratories has set its Q4 2025 guidance at 0.180-0.22 EPS. Several other analysts also recently commented on CLB. Weiss Ratings raised shares of Core Laboratories from a sell (d+) rating to a hold (c-) rating in a research report on Friday, October 24th. Wall Street Zen upgraded shares of Core Laboratories from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report on Saturday, July 26th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, According to MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $12.50. Read Our Latest Research Report on Core Laboratories Core Laboratories Stock Up 2.0% NYSE:CLB traded up $0.30 during mid-day trading on Friday, reaching $15.36. The stock had a trading volume of 78,186 shares, compared to its average volume of 494,838. The stock has a market cap of $715.35 million, a P/E ratio of 22.92, a PEG ratio of 8.30 and a beta of 1.40. The businesss 50 day moving average is $13.36 and its 200 day moving average is $12.18. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.41, a current ratio of 2.37 and a quick ratio of 1.76. Core Laboratories has a fifty-two week low of $9.72 and a fifty-two week high of $21.76. Institutional Investors Weigh In On Core Laboratories Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of CLB. Ridgewood Investments LLC increased its position in Core Laboratories by 2.7% during the first quarter. Ridgewood Investments LLC now owns 33,486 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $502,000 after acquiring an additional 874 shares during the period. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. grew its position in Core Laboratories by 3.9% in the 3rd quarter. Platinum Investment Management Ltd. now owns 23,758 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $294,000 after purchasing an additional 889 shares during the last quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund increased its holdings in shares of Core Laboratories by 4.0% during the 3rd quarter. Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund now owns 23,366 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $289,000 after purchasing an additional 898 shares during the period. Advisors Capital Management LLC increased its holdings in shares of Core Laboratories by 0.3% during the 3rd quarter. Advisors Capital Management LLC now owns 275,975 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $3,411,000 after purchasing an additional 912 shares during the period. Finally, Fox Run Management L.L.C. lifted its stake in shares of Core Laboratories by 5.9% in the third quarter. Fox Run Management L.L.C. now owns 18,531 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $229,000 after buying an additional 1,038 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.81% of the companys stock. Core Laboratories Dividend Announcement The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 24th. Stockholders of record on Monday, November 3rd will be issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date is Monday, November 3rd. This represents a $0.04 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.3%. Core Laboratoriess payout ratio is 5.97%. About Core Laboratories (Get Free Report) Core Laboratories Inc provides reservoir description and production enhancement services and products to the oil and gas industry in the United States, and internationally. It operates through Reservoir Description and Production Enhancement segments. The Reservoir Description segment includes the characterization of petroleum reservoir rock and reservoir fluid samples to enhance production and improve recovery of crude oil and gas from its clients' reservoirs. Featured Articles Receive News & Ratings for Core Laboratories Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Core Laboratories and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. It has been more than a month since the crypto market crashed following President Donald Trump's threat to impose a 100% tariff on China. A lot has happened since then. Trump met his Chinese counterpart, President Xi Jinping, and the two countries seemed to have reached a temporary truce. Later, Trump announced that he will distribute a $2,000 tariff dividend to all Americans, except high-income individuals. Recently, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent revealed a plan to tackle the soaring national debt by taking advantage of stablecoins and money-market funds. However, none of these developments had any positive impact on the crypto market. Bitcoin (BTC), which hit an all-time high (ATH) of $126,198.07 in early October, plunged below $94,000 on Nov. 16. Spot Bitcoin ETFs witness second-largest outflow Worse, the U.S. spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds (ETFs) witnessed their second-largest outflows on Nov. 13 as approximately $867 million got wiped out. Grayscale's BTC: $318.2 million BlackRock's IBIT: $256.6 million Fidelity's FBTC: $119.9 million The worst net outflows occurred on Feb. 25 when $1.14 billion got wiped out from these funds. Leading ETF analyst Eric Balchunas remarked that though Bitcoin's narrative is still intact, coiners are "afraid of their own shadow" right now. 10x Research said that now that Bitcoin ETFs are in place and there is no longer any regulatory obstacle, outflows and profit-taking overwhelm new demand. It confirmed that BTC has entered a "bear market regime." More News: Analyst reveals Bitcoin's next 'breakdown' level Bitunix analyst said the recent pullback comes with rapid leverage flush-out, institutional withdrawal, and fading narratives a structural repricing rather than a simple technical correction. Bearish sentiment is strengthening across both fundamentals and derivatives, with capital prioritizing liquidity-safe zones, he highlighted. Greif, Inc. (NYSE:GEF Get Free Report) VP Leonard Dennis Hoffman, Jr. purchased 200 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, November 11th. The shares were bought at an average price of $62.74 per share, with a total value of $12,548.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the vice president owned 200 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,548. This trade represents a ? increase in their position. The purchase was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Greif Stock Down 0.4% Shares of NYSE:GEF traded down $0.25 on Friday, reaching $61.18. The company had a trading volume of 114,514 shares, compared to its average volume of 189,289. The company has a quick ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.41 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $2.91 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.46, a P/E/G ratio of 2.24 and a beta of 1.04. The stock has a 50-day moving average price of $59.45 and a 200 day moving average price of $61.52. Greif, Inc. has a twelve month low of $48.23 and a twelve month high of $73.16. Get Greif alerts: Greif (NYSE:GEF Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 27th. The industrial products company reported $1.03 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.22. The company had revenue of $1.13 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $740.23 million. Greif had a net margin of 3.52% and a return on equity of 10.09%. The companys quarterly revenue was down 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.03 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that Greif, Inc. will post 4.11 EPS for the current year. Greif Increases Dividend Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, October 1st. Shareholders of record on Tuesday, September 16th were given a $0.56 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 16th. This represents a $2.24 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.7%. This is an increase from Greifs previous quarterly dividend of $0.54. Greifs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 71.11%. Several equities research analysts have recently issued reports on GEF shares. Truist Financial lowered their price objective on shares of Greif from $72.00 to $71.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, September 8th. Wells Fargo & Company raised their price target on shares of Greif from $67.00 to $68.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Bank of America dropped their price objective on shares of Greif from $77.00 to $71.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Tuesday, September 2nd. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Greif from a strong sell rating to a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, October 23rd. Finally, Weiss Ratings restated a hold (c) rating on shares of Greif in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have assigned a Hold rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Greif currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $74.20. Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on GEF Institutional Inflows and Outflows Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of GEF. Summit Securities Group LLC acquired a new position in Greif during the 1st quarter worth about $37,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Greif by 36.2% in the third quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 662 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares in the last quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System acquired a new stake in shares of Greif in the second quarter valued at approximately $214,000. Neuberger Berman Group LLC bought a new position in Greif in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $216,000. Finally, Captrust Financial Advisors acquired a new position in Greif during the 2nd quarter worth $227,000. 45.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds. Greif Company Profile (Get Free Report) Greif, Inc engages in the production and sale of industrial packaging products and services worldwide. The company operates through Global Industrial Packaging; Paper Packaging & Services; and Land Management segments. The Global Industrial Packaging segment produces and sells industrial packaging products, including steel, fiber, and plastic drums; rigid and flexible intermediate bulk containers; closure systems for industrial packaging products; transit protection products; water bottles, and remanufactured and reconditioned industrial containers; and various services, such as container life cycle management, filling, logistics, warehousing, and other packaging services to chemicals, paints and pigments, food and beverage, petroleum, industrial coatings, agriculture, pharmaceuticals, mineral product, and other industries. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Greif Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Greif and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. KP Tissue (TSE:KPT Get Free Report) had its target price increased by equities research analysts at CIBC from C$10.50 to C$11.00 in a research report issued to clients and investors on Friday,BayStreet.CA reports. CIBCs target price would suggest a potential upside of 16.03% from the stocks previous close. A number of other brokerages have also recently commented on KPT. Desjardins lifted their price objective on shares of KP Tissue from C$9.50 to C$10.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. National Bankshares upped their price objective on KP Tissue from C$9.50 to C$10.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 14th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a Hold rating, Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of C$10.00. Get KP Tissue alerts: View Our Latest Research Report on KP Tissue KP Tissue Stock Down 0.2% Shares of TSE:KPT traded down C$0.02 during trading on Friday, hitting C$9.48. The stock had a trading volume of 15,455 shares, compared to its average volume of 16,542. The firms fifty day moving average is C$9.43 and its 200 day moving average is C$9.17. KP Tissue has a 12 month low of C$7.54 and a 12 month high of C$9.69. The company has a market capitalization of C$94.81 million, a PE ratio of 21.55, a PEG ratio of -0.88 and a beta of 0.19. KP Tissue (TSE:KPT Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 13th. The company reported C$0.15 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. Equities research analysts expect that KP Tissue will post 0.4398964 EPS for the current fiscal year. About KP Tissue (Get Free Report) KP Tissue Inc operates as a holding company. The firm produces, distributes, markets, and sells a range of disposable tissue products in North America. It offers bathroom and facial tissues, paper towels, paper towels, and napkins, as well as disposable wiping products and washroom dispensing systems. Featured Stories Receive News & Ratings for KP Tissue Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for KP Tissue and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Get Free Report) announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday. The oil and gas company reported $0.08 EPS for the quarter, Zacks reports. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust had a return on equity of 231.09% and a net margin of 84.24%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Stock Performance Shares of NYSE CRT traded up $0.12 during trading hours on Friday, reaching $8.91. 32,802 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 28,454. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.46 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 9.65 and a beta of 0.20. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $7.69 and its 200 day simple moving average is $8.93. Cross Timbers Royalty Trust has a 52 week low of $7.07 and a 52 week high of $13.31. Get Cross Timbers Royalty Trust alerts: Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Increases Dividend The company also recently announced a monthly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, November 17th. Stockholders of record on Friday, October 31st will be given a $0.0752 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, October 31st. This is a positive change from Cross Timbers Royalty Trusts previous monthly dividend of $0.03. This represents a c) annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 10.1%. Cross Timbers Royalty Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 120.00%. Analysts Set New Price Targets Separately, Weiss Ratings reaffirmed a sell (d) rating on shares of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust in a research note on Wednesday, October 8th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a Sell rating, Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Sell. Check Out Our Latest Analysis on CRT Institutional Investors Weigh In On Cross Timbers Royalty Trust An institutional investor recently raised its position in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust stock. Bank of America Corp DE increased its stake in Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (NYSE:CRT Free Report) by 81.3% during the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 3,596 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 1,612 shares during the period. Bank of America Corp DE owned approximately 0.06% of Cross Timbers Royalty Trust worth $36,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC. 9.74% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors. About Cross Timbers Royalty Trust (Get Free Report) Cross Timbers Royalty Trust operates as an express trust in the United States. It holds 90% net profits interests in certain producing and nonproducing royalty and overriding royalty interest properties in Texas, Oklahoma, and New Mexico; and 75% net profits working interest in four properties in Texas and three properties in Oklahoma. Read More Receive News & Ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Cross Timbers Royalty Trust and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. BigBear.ai, Hut 8, Tempus AI, SoundHound AI, and Upstart are the five Artificial Intelligence stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Artificial intelligence stocks are shares of publicly traded companies that develop, supply, or heavily use AI technologies including chipmakers, AI software firms, cloud providers, and companies embedding AI into their products or services. For investors, the term denotes equities chosen to gain exposure to AI-driven growth and disruption, often carrying higher growth potential, elevated valuation multiples, and increased volatility and execution risk. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Artificial Intelligence stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: BigBear.ai (BBAI) BigBear.ai Holdings, Inc. provides artificial intelligence-powered decision intelligence solutions. It offers national security, supply chain management, and digital identity and biometrics solutions. The company also provides data ingestion, data enrichment, data processing, artificial intelligence, machine learning, predictive analytics, and predictive visualization solutions and services. Hut 8 (HUT) Hut 8 Corp., together with its subsidiaries, acquires, builds, manages, and operates data centers for digital assets mining, computing, and artificial intelligence in the United States. It operates in four segments: Digital Assets Mining, Managed Services, High Performance Computing Colocation and Cloud, and Other. Read Our Latest Research Report on HUT Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM SoundHound AI (SOUN) SoundHound AI, Inc. develops independent voice artificial intelligence (AI) solutions that enables businesses across automotive, TV, and IoT, and to customer service industries to deliver high-quality conversational experiences to their customers. Its products include Houndify platform that offers a suite of Houndify tools to help brands build conversational voice assistants, such as Application Programming Interfaces (API) for text and voice queries, support for custom commands, extensive library of content domains, inclusive software development kit platforms, collaboration capabilities, diagnostic tools, and built-in analytics; SoundHound Chat AI that integrates with knowledge domains, pulling real-time data like weather, sports, stocks, flight status, and restaurants; and SoundHound Smart Answering is built to offer customer establishments custom AI-powered voice assistant. Read Our Latest Research Report on SOUN Upstart (UPST) Upstart Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, operates a cloud-based artificial intelligence (AI) lending platform in the United States. Its platform includes personal loans, automotive retail and refinance loans, home equity lines of credit, and small dollar loans that connects consumer demand for loans to its to bank and credit unions. Read Our Latest Research Report on UPST Recommended Stories UnitedHealth Group, Hims & Hers Health, Johnson & Johnson, Intuitive Surgical, Becton, Dickinson and Company, Medtronic, and Tempus AI are the seven Healthcare stocks to watch today, according to MarketBeats stock screener tool. Healthcare stocks are shares of companies involved in medical care and related products and services including pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, medical devices, hospitals and clinics, health insurers, and healthcare IT and services. Investors view them for a mix of defensive qualities and long?term growth potential driven by demographics and innovation, while weighing sector?specific risks like regulatory approval, patent expirations, and reimbursement pressures. These companies had the highest dollar trading volume of any Healthcare stocks within the last several days. Get alerts: UnitedHealth Group (UNH) UnitedHealth Group Incorporated operates as a diversified health care company in the United States. The company operates through four segments: UnitedHealthcare, Optum Health, Optum Insight, and Optum Rx. The UnitedHealthcare segment offers consumer-oriented health benefit plans and services for national employers, public sector employers, mid-sized employers, small businesses, and individuals; health care coverage, and health and well-being services to individuals age 50 and older addressing their needs; Medicaid plans, children's health insurance and health care programs; and health and dental benefits, and hospital and clinical services, as well as health care benefits products and services to state programs caring for the economically disadvantaged, medically underserved, and those without the benefit of employer-funded health care coverage. Hims & Hers Health (HIMS) Hims & Hers Health, Inc. operates a telehealth consultation platform. It connects consumers to healthcare professionals, enabling them to access medical care for mental health, sexual health, dermatology and primary care. The company was founded in 2017 and is headquartered in San Francisco, CA. Read Our Latest Research Report on HIMS Johnson & Johnson (JNJ) Johnson & Johnson is a holding company, which engages in the research, development, manufacture, and sale of products in the healthcare field. It operates through the Innovative Medicine and MedTech segments. The Innovative Medicine segment focuses on immunology, infectious diseases, neuroscience, oncology, cardiovascular and metabolism, and pulmonary hypertension. Read Our Latest Research Report on JNJ Intuitive Surgical (ISRG) Intuitive Surgical, Inc. develops, manufactures, and markets products that enable physicians and healthcare providers to enhance the quality of and access to minimally invasive care in the United States and internationally. The company offers the da Vinci Surgical System that enables complex surgery using a minimally invasive approach; and Ion endoluminal system, which extends its commercial offerings beyond surgery into diagnostic procedures enabling minimally invasive biopsies in the lung. Read Our Latest Research Report on ISRG Becton, Dickinson and Company (BDX) Becton, Dickinson and Company develops, manufactures, and sells medical supplies, devices, laboratory equipment, and diagnostic products for healthcare institutions, physicians, life science researchers, clinical laboratories, pharmaceutical industry, and the general public worldwide. The company operates in three segments: BD Medical, BD Life Sciences, and BD Interventional. Read Our Latest Research Report on BDX Medtronic (MDT) Medtronic plc develops, manufactures, and sells device-based medical therapies to healthcare systems, physicians, clinicians, and patients worldwide. Its Cardiovascular Portfolio segment offers implantable cardiac pacemakers, cardioverter defibrillators, and cardiac resynchronization therapy devices; cardiac ablation products; insertable cardiac monitor systems; TYRX products; and remote monitoring and patient-centered software. Read Our Latest Research Report on MDT Tempus AI (TEM) Tempus AI Inc. is a technology company advancing precision medicine through the practical application of artificial intelligence principally in healthcare. The company provides AI-enabled precision medicine solutions to physicians to deliver personalized patient care and in parallel facilitates discovery, development and delivery of optimal therapeutics. Read Our Latest Research Report on TEM Featured Stories Prosperity Bancshares (NYSE:PB Get Free Report) and American Business Bank (OTCMKTS:AMBZ Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their profitability, earnings, analyst recommendations, risk, valuation, dividends and institutional ownership. Profitability This table compares Prosperity Bancshares and American Business Banks net margins, return on equity and return on assets. Get Prosperity Bancshares alerts: Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Prosperity Bancshares 30.28% 7.06% 1.37% American Business Bank 26.10% N/A N/A Analyst Recommendations This is a breakdown of recent recommendations for Prosperity Bancshares and American Business Bank, as provided by MarketBeat.com. Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Prosperity Bancshares 0 6 11 0 2.65 American Business Bank 0 0 0 0 0.00 Valuation & Earnings Prosperity Bancshares currently has a consensus target price of $80.21, indicating a potential upside of 20.12%. Given Prosperity Bancshares stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Prosperity Bancshares is more favorable than American Business Bank. This table compares Prosperity Bancshares and American Business Banks gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation. Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Prosperity Bancshares $1.19 billion 5.32 $479.39 million $5.61 11.90 American Business Bank $183.26 million 2.87 $43.28 million $5.58 10.56 Prosperity Bancshares has higher revenue and earnings than American Business Bank. American Business Bank is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Prosperity Bancshares, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks. Volatility & Risk Prosperity Bancshares has a beta of 0.75, suggesting that its share price is 25% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Business Bank has a beta of 0.51, suggesting that its share price is 49% less volatile than the S&P 500. Institutional and Insider Ownership 80.7% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 9.9% of American Business Bank shares are held by institutional investors. 4.2% of Prosperity Bancshares shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a company will outperform the market over the long term. Dividends Prosperity Bancshares pays an annual dividend of $2.40 per share and has a dividend yield of 3.6%. American Business Bank pays an annual dividend of $1.00 per share and has a dividend yield of 1.7%. Prosperity Bancshares pays out 42.8% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. American Business Bank pays out 17.9% of its earnings in the form of a dividend. Both companies have healthy payout ratios and should be able to cover their dividend payments with earnings for the next several years. Prosperity Bancshares has raised its dividend for 27 consecutive years. Prosperity Bancshares is clearly the better dividend stock, given its higher yield and longer track record of dividend growth. Summary Prosperity Bancshares beats American Business Bank on 16 of the 17 factors compared between the two stocks. About Prosperity Bancshares (Get Free Report) Prosperity Bancshares, Inc. operates as bank holding company for the Prosperity Bank that provides financial products and services to businesses and consumers. It accepts various deposit products, such as demand, savings, money market, and time accounts, as well as and certificates of deposit. The company also offers 1-4 family residential mortgage, commercial real estate and multifamily residential, commercial and industrial, agricultural, and non-real estate agricultural loans, as well as construction, land development, and other land loans; consumer loans, including automobile, recreational vehicle, boat, home improvement, personal, and deposit account collateralized loans; term loans and lines of credit; and consumer durables and home equity loans, as well as loans for working capital, business expansion, and purchase of equipment and machinery. In addition, it provides internet banking, mobile banking, trust and wealth management, retail brokerage, mortgage services, and treasury management, as well as debit and credit cards. The company was incorporated in 1983 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. About American Business Bank (Get Free Report) American Business Bank, a California-chartered bank, provides banking products and services to small and medium-sized firms, non-profits, business executives, and professionals in Southern California. The company offers credit and depository; treasury management; asset-based lending; SBA lending; international banking comprising money transfers, import and export commercial letters of credit, standby letters of credit, documentary and clean collections, and foreign currency exchange services; and consulting and referral services. It operates regional loan production offices located in North Orange County, Orange County, South Bay, San Fernando Valley, Riverside County, Inland Empire, and Long Beach. American Business Bank was incorporated in 1998 and is headquartered in Los Angeles, California. Receive News & Ratings for Prosperity Bancshares Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Prosperity Bancshares and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Parker-Hannifin Corporation (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) VP Rachid Bendali sold 1,437 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, November 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $852.99, for a total transaction of $1,225,746.63. Following the completion of the sale, the vice president directly owned 2,714 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,315,014.86. This trade represents a 34.62% decrease in their position. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. Parker-Hannifin Trading Down 1.4% Parker-Hannifin stock traded down $11.52 during mid-day trading on Friday, hitting $830.42. The companys stock had a trading volume of 1,119,607 shares, compared to its average volume of 713,186. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $766.10 and a 200-day moving average price of $719.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a current ratio of 1.19 and a quick ratio of 0.71. Parker-Hannifin Corporation has a 12 month low of $488.45 and a 12 month high of $869.36. The stock has a market cap of $105.08 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.62, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.21 and a beta of 1.37. Get Parker-Hannifin alerts: Parker-Hannifin (NYSE:PH Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, November 6th. The industrial products company reported $7.22 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $6.62 by $0.60. The firm had revenue of $5.08 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.94 billion. Parker-Hannifin had a return on equity of 26.80% and a net margin of 17.79%.The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $6.20 earnings per share. Parker-Hannifin has set its FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. FY 2026 guidance at 29.600-30.400 EPS. As a group, analysts forecast that Parker-Hannifin Corporation will post 26.71 EPS for the current year. Parker-Hannifin Dividend Announcement Analyst Ratings Changes The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, December 5th. Investors of record on Friday, November 7th will be paid a $1.80 dividend. This represents a $7.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.9%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, November 7th. Parker-Hannifins payout ratio is presently 25.65%. Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Barclays increased their price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $785.00 to $906.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, November 7th. Mizuho increased their target price on shares of Parker-Hannifin from $800.00 to $825.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Friday, October 17th. Evercore ISI reissued an outperform rating on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a research note on Tuesday, August 19th. Susquehanna restated a positive rating and set a $1,000.00 price target on shares of Parker-Hannifin in a report on Wednesday. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft cut Parker-Hannifin from a buy rating to a hold rating and set a $809.00 price objective for the company. in a report on Thursday, September 4th. Fourteen analysts have rated the stock with a Buy rating and five have issued a Hold rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Parker-Hannifin presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $860.71. Get Our Latest Stock Report on PH Institutional Investors Weigh In On Parker-Hannifin Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Texas Capital Bancshares Inc TX bought a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 3rd quarter worth about $25,000. Wealth Preservation Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of Parker-Hannifin during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Chilton Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 3rd quarter worth approximately $29,000. Saudi Central Bank purchased a new stake in shares of Parker-Hannifin in the 1st quarter worth approximately $31,000. Finally, Interchange Capital Partners LLC bought a new position in Parker-Hannifin during the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $31,000. 82.44% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors. Parker-Hannifin Company Profile (Get Free Report) Parker-Hannifin Corporation manufactures and sells motion and control technologies and systems for various mobile, industrial, and aerospace markets worldwide. The company operates through two segments: Diversified Industrial and Aerospace Systems. The Diversified Industrial segment offers sealing, shielding, thermal products and systems, adhesives, coatings, and noise vibration and harshness solutions; filters, systems, and diagnostics solutions to ensure purity and remove contaminants from fuel, air, oil, water, and other liquids and gases; connectors used in fluid and gas handling; and hydraulic, pneumatic, and electromechanical components and systems for builders and users of mobile and industrial machinery and equipment. See Also Receive News & Ratings for Parker-Hannifin Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Parker-Hannifin and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Zacks Research upgraded shares of Barratt Redrow (OTCMKTS:BTDPY Free Report) to a strong sell rating in a research note issued to investors on Wednesday morning,Zacks.com reports. Several other analysts have also weighed in on BTDPY. Citigroup restated a buy rating on shares of Barratt Redrow in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Kepler Capital Markets raised shares of Barratt Redrow to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 23rd. Peel Hunt raised shares of Barratt Redrow to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Thursday, September 18th. Finally, Royal Bank Of Canada reiterated an outperform rating on shares of Barratt Redrow in a report on Thursday, September 18th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a Strong Buy rating, two have assigned a Buy rating and one has assigned a Sell rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Barratt Redrow presently has an average rating of Buy. Get Barratt Redrow alerts: Get Our Latest Stock Report on Barratt Redrow Barratt Redrow Stock Down 0.7% Barratt Redrow Announces Dividend BTDPY traded down $0.07 on Wednesday, hitting $10.13. The company had a trading volume of 17,830 shares, compared to its average volume of 31,761. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $10.32 and its 200 day simple moving average is $11.08. The company has a current ratio of 0.78, a quick ratio of 0.78 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.03. Barratt Redrow has a 12-month low of $9.39 and a 12-month high of $13.18. The business also recently announced a dividend, which will be paid on Monday, December 1st. Shareholders of record on Monday, October 13th will be paid a $0.2636 dividend. This represents a yield of 357.0%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, October 10th. About Barratt Redrow (Get Free Report) Barratt Redrow plc engages in the housebuilding business in the United Kingdom. The company acquires and develops land; plans, designs, and constructs homes, apartments, penthouses, and communities, as well as undertakes mixed-use regeneration schemes; and develops retail, leisure, office, industrial, and mixed-use properties. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Barratt Redrow Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Barratt Redrow and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nokia (NYSE: NOK) has recently received a number of price target changes and ratings updates: 11/8/2025 Nokia was downgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a buy rating to a hold rating. 11/4/2025 Nokia was downgraded by analysts at Danske from a buy rating to a hold rating. 10/29/2025 Nokia was downgraded by analysts at Santander to a neutral rating. 10/28/2025 Nokia had its neutral rating reaffirmed by analysts at UBS Group AG. 10/28/2025 Nokia was upgraded by analysts at Jefferies Financial Group Inc. from a hold rating to a buy rating. 10/25/2025 Nokia was upgraded by analysts at Wall Street Zen from a hold rating to a buy rating. 10/24/2025 Nokia was given a new $7.50 price target on by analysts at Northland Securities. 10/24/2025 Nokia had its price target raised by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $6.00 to $7.10. They now have an overweight rating on the stock. 10/23/2025 Nokia had its outperform rating reaffirmed by analysts at Raymond James Financial, Inc.. 10/15/2025 Nokia had its buy rating reaffirmed by analysts at Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft. 10/8/2025 Nokia had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. 9/27/2025 Nokia had its hold (c) rating reaffirmed by analysts at Weiss Ratings. Nokia Oyj provides mobile, fixed, and cloud network solutions worldwide. The company operates through four segments: Network Infrastructure, Mobile Networks, Cloud and Network Services, and Nokia Technologies. The company provides fixed networking solutions, such as fiber and copper-based access infrastructure, in-home Wi-Fi solutions, and cloud and virtualization services; IP networking solutions, including IP access, aggregation, and edge and core routing for residential, mobile, enterprise and cloud applications; optical networks solutions that provides optical transport networks for metro, regional, and long-haul applications, and subsea applications; and submarine networks for undersea cable transmission. Further Reading Receive News & Ratings for Nokia Corporation Daily - Enter your email address below to receive a concise daily summary of the latest news and analysts' ratings for Nokia Corporation and related companies with MarketBeat.com's FREE daily email newsletter. Nvidias (NVDA) China problem isnt a one-way issue. While the U.S. wants to restrict export of Nvidia chips to China to stop the Asian giant from acquiring advanced technology, China also places restrictions on using Nvidia and U.S.-made chips. On Nov. 4, the Chinese government asked all data centers that were less than 30% complete to not buy chips from U.S. companies anymore and cancel any pending contracts. But amidst increasing AI spending, analysts believe China revenues may not even be relevant anymore. More News from Barchart Wolfe Research recently said that Nvidia could bring in as much as $300 billion next year with Blackwell and Rubin chip sales. Despite China setbacks, this is 20% higher than the firms previous forecast. The research firm believes $8 in earnings per share in 2026 is doable, giving the company a forward earnings multiple of under 25x. Vivek Arya of Bank of America also had a similar view based on healthy AI spending. China news is dominating headlines, but investors need to look at the $500 billion in data center orders, which could help the company achieve 70% year-over-year (YOY) earnings growth. Citi analyst Atif Malik echoed similar sentiments and pointed out that the firms forecasts assume zero China sales, something increasingly common among analysts looking at U.S.-based chipmakers. About Nvidia Stock Headquartered in Santa Clara, California, Nvidia is well-known for making graphics processing units (GPUs) for the gaming, crypto, and AI industries. The company is a global leader when it comes to AI infrastructure, computing, and networking infrastructure and has a great foundation to play leading roles in electric vehicles and robotics in the future. The stock is known for outperforming the broader market, so it doesnt come as a surprise to see its 29.58% one-year performance compared to the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 14.4%. As the leader in AI infrastructure, this dominance is likely to continue in the near future. barchart.com It doesnt make any sense to compare Nvidias valuation to the sector average or even its closest peers. The company is in a league of its own. However, it may be worth comparing the stock to its own 5-year average. For example, on a forward price-earnings basis, the stock is trading at 58.47x, 22% below the 5-year average. The forward price-sales ratio of 20.28x is 15% higher than the 5-year average, which is understandable considering many investors expect sales to set new records in the coming years. The stock is by no means undervalued, but it wouldnt be fair to term such a unique company as overvalued either. Lots of news to catch up with today regarding local court fights, police action, ALLEGED misdeeds, ongoing investigations and, of course, community outreach. Check TKC news gathering . . . WATCH | KSHB 41 special report on domestic violence in Kansas City KSHB 41 News reporter Megan Abundis has spent the last several weeks learning more about the efforts to reduce domestic violence across Kansas City. 'Overly emotional': Former Independence officer sues department over response to colleague's death A former Independence officer is suing the department for sexual discrimination after her response to a colleague's death. Kansas City-area seniors detail battle against daily scam calls People across the Kansas City area are fed up with relentless scam calls, which often target seniors, with some receiving dozens of fraudulent calls daily. Man sentenced after 2022 Independence deadly apartment shooting A man has been sentenced in connection with a deadly shooting that happened at Sterling Creek Apartments in Independence in 2022. Wyandotte County DA fails in bid to disqualify all county judges in jail inmate death case The Wyandotte County district attorney's office offered no facts, only speculation, in its claim all the county's judges are biased and cannot preside in a case involving the death of a jail inmat... Teen charged with murder in April shooting that killed man in Blue Hills neighborhood A 19-year-old from Kansas City has been charged with murder in connection to a shooting from April. Former Kansas school district employee receives probation for unlawful sexual relations with student A former De Soto School District employee will spend close to three years behind bars for unlawful sexual relations with a student. Carjacking at Independence park leads to arrest of 3 A victim told detectives he was preparing for a jog before his wallet and car keys were stolen. Man charged with first-degree murder in fatal Ray County shooting The man allegedly told dispatchers that he shot the victim, and that the firearm he used was sitting on a table outside his home. KC man shot by police pleads guilty to gun, vehicle theft charges, gets 5 years A Kansas City man shot after leading police on a multi-state chase now faces prison time. What did he plead guilty to? Police ask for information after woman killed in hit-and-run found on Excelsior Springs road Law enforcement found a 35-year-old Kansas City woman dead on a road on Wednesday evening. Independence man gets probation for making threat, shutting down KC-area Ford plant The threat forced the shutdown of production at the Ford Assembly Plant in Claycomo, and the evacuation of thousands of workers. Here are the details of the sentence handed down in court. Fake fundraisers were made after KU student's death. How can you identify legitimate fundraisers? KSHB 41 News received a message through our tip email on Monday from someone claiming to be the mother of the KU student who was killed last week. They sent a link to a fake fundraiser. Valor ceremony honors officers killed this summer in KCK The ceremony honored two officers who were killed in the line of duty this summer in Wyandotte County, Kansas. Judges say Lee's Summit population has grown bigger than its courts can serve The Lee's Summit Municipal Court has two part-time judges, who told city leaders this month that the court is overwhelmed, and underfunded. Kansas City mothers who lost children to violence get community support for Thanksgiving Kansas City Mothers in Charge is making sure mothers who lost loved ones to violence know they have community support during the grief the holiday's can bring. 'He lived in the Bible': Missouri veteran killed while helping domestic violence victim remembered as hero Friends remember Iraq War veteran Tony Barron, who was killed while helping an assault victim. A sober graduate of recovery court, he's remembered as a hero. Marine Veteran, Turned SWAT Officer, Called To Serve KCPDs SWAT team members carry out many duties. Young, for instance, is a sniper, a medic, an explosives breacher, and a roper. Thats just a glimpse of the work. Developing . . . This biased bit of journalism isn't reporting . . . In fact, it's closer to an advertorial. At the very least, the article seems geared toward helping "the undocumented" find a path to residency that might or might not include legal citizenship. That could be a noble goal for activists but it's not something that should concern REAL reporters who are required to at least acknowledge both sides AND the fact that mass deportation has been the most popular component of the MAGA movement that also garners support from Democratic Party voters. Again, local newsies don't have to like the news but have to AT LEAST acknowledge it in order to preserve a bit of self-respect. In fairness, so many right-wing outlets do the EXACT SAME THING and we've watched them tap dance around this Epstein disaster in typical fashion. But I digress . . . Because there are so many obvious partisan hack trolls & bots in comment sections across the Internets. We merely share the report so that the last remaining humans online might garner a better view of the discourse . . . Check-it: "The Kansas City area has seen a number of highly publicized arrests by ICE since January, when President Donald Trump took office, pushing anti-immigration tactics . . . "In recent months, ICE agents began staking out at immigration courts in the Kansas City area. "The National Immigrant Law Center says people should carry copies of their documents and tell loved ones the locations of the originals. The organization published know-your-rights guides in English, Spanish, Arabic, Chinese, Haitian Creole, Korean, Tagalog and Vietnamese. "People should schedule a consultation with a lawyer, who can give them advice on how to proceed . . ." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . ICE brings 'volatile' activity to KC area. What to know & how to stay safe Plus, here's how you can support immigrants in Kansas and Missouri. Skip the paywall and read by way of Internet archive or public library card. Lots to consider for the late night & early morning as we share our journey through pop culture, community reporting and top headlines. Check TKC news gathering . . . Kansas City Landmark Concludes Saint Luke's begins process to demolish former Embassy Suites Kansas City Plaza The Embassy Suites on the Country Club Plaza in Kansas City is set to be demolished after its permanent closure in mid-September. Fade Out From Glory Daze HAPPY HOLIDAYS FROM 1984: Kansas City's Plaza Lighting was a massive undertaking in the '80s It's one of the most spectacular holiday lighting displays in the nation - 15 blocks of lights. Guv Comeback & Hard Feelings Kansas City's federal workers relieved shutdown is over, but concerns remain The Internal Revenue Service employs about 6,000 people at its Kansas City, Missouri, processing center. Suburbs Suffer Price Hike 'I feel like I'm just a number': Olathe retiree says city health insurance premium increase was preventable At the most recent Olathe City Council meeting, several retirees said the city's health insurance premium increases could raise their health care costs by 500% to 900% in 2026. Baller Reassurance Begins 'No need to panic:' Chris Jones, staff on Chiefs' division standing The Kansas City Chiefs are heading to Denver in Week 11 to try to make up some ground in the race for the AFC West Division title. Diva Adorned By Cinema History Sequins, feathers and fishnets: Elizabeth Berkley slips back into showgirl mode for new Betsey Johnson campaign Actress Elizabeth Berkley became a showgirl again for a new Betsey Johnson campaign. End Game Arrives?!? New evidence of 3I/ATLAS's alien origin as comet emerges intact from trip behind sun: Harvard scientist Recent photos reveal that 3I/ATLAS did not disintegrate during its recent fly-by of the sun, leading Harvard scientist Loeb to double down on suggesting that it could be artificial -- although other space experts have their doubts. MAGA Confronts Turnabout Epstein files become a fiasco of Trump's own making Trump's reaction to the Epstein scandal is window into how he handles major controversies that invite criticism about his leadership. Crackdown On High Times THC gummies and drinks face ban under provision in government spending bill A little-noticed provision tucked into the federal spending bill signed by President Trump could upend the THC industry. Progressive Push Back Against Alleged Leaders Scoop: More House Democrats call for Chuck Schumer to resign over shutdown deal "People are frustrated," said one House Democrat. "A constant theme is: 'We need something different.'" Third World War Awaits?!? US aircraft carrier nears Venezuela in flex of American military power The United States' most advanced aircraft carrier is expected to reach the waters off Venezuela in days. Mob Moves Endure "Several" college athletes are implicated in a mafia-backed betting ring Another day, another gambling indictment with clear connections to sports. Terror Impact Lingers A decade after the Bataclan attacks, France is still grappling with how to remember In the 2015 attacks, 130 people were killed, including at the Bataclan concert hall. France is still wrestling with how to remember the deadliest attack on its soil in modern history and how to live with it. AI FAIL Amid Tech Bubble Watch this Russian humanoid robot fall flat on its face seconds into its debut to the 'Rocky' theme AIDOL, a 14-person Russian startup, told Business Insider it was surprised by the viral reaction to its robot's collapse this week. Earth Fears Burnout Fossil fuel emissions to hit new record in 2025: study - DW - 11/13/2025 The Global Carbon Budget report looks at CO2 emissions and relates the figures to the thresholds set out in the 2015 Paris Agreement. The study has been published amid the backdrop of the COP30 summit. Celeb Guards Diva Friend Ariana Grande rushed by man at 'Wicked: For Good' premiere, is shielded by Cynthia Erivo Ariana Grande was rushed by a man ahead of the premiere of "Wicked: For Good" in Singapore on Thursday, appearing frightened as co-star Cynthia Erivo and security rushed to intervene. Celebrate Half Century Boogie Feeling liberated and carefree at 50 means I'm having better sex than ever A new study by dating app DateMyAge reports that 52% of people surveyed say they're having better sex than ever, dispelling the age old myth that sex dwindles in midlife. We spoke to women flying the flag for a fulfilling sex life at 50 and beyond Rare Home Team Triumph Royals shortstop Bobby Witt Jr. earns second straight All-MLB First Team nod The Kansas City Royals' shortstop has another accolade to add to his continuously growing resume after a second-straight All-MLB First Team selection on Thursday. Local Biz Class Bash 'This is the dream': Starty Party turns up the volume on Kansas City tech, collaboration (Photos) It isn't a party without the people, said organizers of the Starty Party, gathering a crowd of startup veterans, early stage founders, investors and community leaders Wednesday for a one-night celebration of innovation - set against the backdrop of homegrown music and vibes. Peak Autumn Arrives . . . Feeling like spring: Warm and dry through the weekend in Kansas City KMBC 9's First Alert Weather Team is tracking warm and dry conditions through the weekend, with rain chances and cooler temperatures expected next week. And this is the OPEN THREAD for right now. BEIJING (Reuters) Sales of Apple's (AAPL) iPhones in China rose 22% from year-earlier levels in the first month after the iPhone 17 series launched, even as the broader market softened, a private survey showed on Friday. The new lineup drove most of Apple's smartphone sales in China in the period from the September 19 launch, with the 17 series accounting for nearly four-fifths of units sold to consumers, according to the data from research firm Counterpoint. Customers try out iPhone 17 Pro smartphones in Beijing. (Cheng Xin/Getty Images) Cheng Xin via Getty Images Sales of iPhones in China were down 5% during the first month after the iPhone 16 line launched in September 2024. The iPhone 17 launch drew hundreds of people to Apple's Beijing flagship on release day - a sign of continued enthusiasm for the brand, despite intensifying competition from Xiaomi (1810.HK, XIACF) and Huawei. China's smartphone market remained weak amid subdued consumer demand, with thirdquarter sales down 2.7% year on year, Counterpoint said. (Reporting by Che Pan and Brenda Goh; Editing by William Mallard) The latest on a legal showdown that mostly fight to keep the decision far away from voters. Even worse . . . Missouri Republicans didn't count on rural constituents wanting to avoid connection to KC proper and ALSO opposing this effort. Check the update . .. "A new political action committee funded by the national Republican Party won a delay Thursday in a trial over the effort to force a statewide vote on Missouris gerrymandered congressional district map." Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . . On November 13, 2025, in Beijing, the capital of the People's Republic of China, a contract was signed between Azerbaijan Metal Company LLC a subsidiary of Dashkasan Iron Ore LLC and Chinas Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co., Ltd for the preparation of a bank-designated feasibility study (FS) for the construction of a hot briquetted iron (HBI) plant with an annual production capacity of 2 million tons. The agreement was signed by Jeyhun Aliyev, CEO of AzMC LLC, and Hua Guanglin, CEO of Sinosteel. The total value of the contract is USD 1,510,000. The feasibility study to be prepared within the framework of the project is considered a key phase for the construction and future operation of the planned HBI plant in the Shamkir district. The document, expected to be completed within four months, will serve as a primary reference for international institutions and banks involved in financing the construction project. The feasibility study will ensure the identification of optimal technological solutions for the plants construction, planning of engineering and construction works, as well as the implementation of subsequent stages required for the full-scale development of the project. It should be noted that Sinosteel Equipment & Engineering Co., Ltd is one of the key subsidiaries of the Chinese state-owned industrial corporation Sinosteel Group Corporation Limited, specializing in the processing and supply of metallurgical raw materials and metallurgical technologies. The company has extensive experience in developing iron ore deposits and ore processing, having implemented various industrial projects in China and other countries. The company also provides services related to the establishment and management of iron ore processing facilities, including equipment integration, application of advanced technologies, and scientific approaches. Through the use of technologically advanced and environmentally safe extraction and processing methods, the company has ensured efficient resource utilization in countries such as Turkey, Australia, the Republic of South Africa, Algeria, India, and others. It should be noted that the joint venture Azerbaijan Metal Company LLC was established on September 23 of this year by Dashkasan Iron Ore LLC a subsidiary of AzerGold CJSC together with Kazakhstans Fonte GreenMet Investments Fund OEIC Limited. The enterprise will engage in financing, designing, constructing, and future operating of the HBI plant with a capacity of 2 million tons per year. The plant planned to be built in the Shamkir district is expected to be commissioned in mid-2029. The total investment cost of the project, which will be implemented using modern and environmentally safe technologies, is approximately USD 700 million. Within the framework of the project, an annual contribution of USD 694 million to the countrys GDP is expected, along with the creation of approximately 1,600 direct and indirect jobs. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the international conference on "The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes," Trend reports. ''Dear conference participants, I warmly welcome you to Khankendi for the opening of the international conference on The role of secret services in the security of international transport routes. The participation of representatives of secret services from fraternal countries in this event is clear evidence of our common vision for the strengthening of security and cooperation. It is no coincidence that today's event is dedicated to ensuring the security of international transport routes, which are of strategic importance for our countries and the region as a whole. The conflicts observed in various parts of the world lately have led to an increase in various challenges that pose a serious threat to international and regional security. From this perspective, enhancing cooperation between secret services and security agencies is of tremendous importance in terms of protecting the vast transport network connecting Europe and Asia that passes through our countries. Today, our countries play a leading role in the development of the East-West and North-South corridors. Azerbaijan has invested heavily in the infrastructure of modern railways and highways, as well as airports and seaports. We view these transport and communication lines not only as a source of economic prosperity, but also as an important foundation for closer integration of Turkic states in political, cultural, security and defense spheres. The opening of the Zangezur corridor will play an important part in establishing direct and unhindered links between our countries. The increase in cargo transportation resulting from the implementation of this project will significantly enhance the competitiveness of the region. However, the growing role of our transport hubs also makes them targets for destructive forces. Our transport and communication lines are faced with the threats of international terrorism, transnational organized crime, drug trafficking, smuggling, as well as cyber threats aimed at paralyzing the management of critical transport infrastructure. It is also worth pointing at the attempts at external interference and destabilization aiming to hamper the implementation of large-scale regional projects. This is why the strengthening of cooperation between secret services has become a vital necessity. It is extremely important to conduct continuous and operational exchange of information about planned acts of sabotage against major transport facilities, routes and our states in general, and take joint preventive measures. In this context, the development and implementation of coordinated operational measures to prevent the destructive activities of terrorist organizations and criminal groups attempting to use our transit routes should also be among the priority areas of activity. This cooperation should also include the exchange of experience in the field of protection against cyber threats, as well as the application of cutting-edge technologies for control and monitoring of transport flows. The effectiveness of cooperation in the field of security of transport and communication lines is a guarantee for the economic development and long-term stability of fraternal states. I am confident that today's event and, most importantly, the continuous joint work of the secret services will help resolve key issues related to the security, stability and well-being of our countries, and also contribute to the peaceful and prosperous development of our peoples. I once again warmly welcome all the participants of the event to Garabagh and hope that the conference concludes with significant and tangible results!,'' the address reads. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The composition of the Coordination Commission overseeing the safe operation of high-risk facilities in Azerbaijan has been expanded, Trend reports. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, has signed the relevant decree. Under the decree, the head of the State Agency for Antimonopoly and Consumer Market Control has been added to the list of commission members, strengthening oversight and interagency coordination in the management of potentially hazardous facilities. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Russia to Azerbaijan, Mikhail Yevdokimov, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs today, a statement from the ministry said, Trend reports. During the meeting, a strong protest was expressed in connection with the fall of one of the Iskander-type missiles onto the territory of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a result of missile and drone attacks to the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, around 01:00 a.m. on 14 November, and a corresponding note verbal was presented to him. It was brought to the attention of the Russian side that the recent explosion resulted in the complete destruction of a part of the Embassys perimeter wall, damage to structures, service vehicles, the administrative building, and the Consular Section of the Embassy, as well as serious damage to the diplomatic missions compound. Fortunately, this strike did not result in any human casualties. It was recalled that such missile attacks, which contradict the norms and principles of international law, had also taken place before. In particular, it was noted that on 10 March 2022, as a result of an airstrike on the building of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Kharkiv, the administrative building was seriously damaged and the service car was rendered unusable. In addition, it was stated that as a result of an airstrike carried out with a Kinzhal missile by Russia on 2 January 2024, a crater with a diameter of approximately 3 meters was formed about 35 steps away from the Embassys administrative building, and an unexploded ordnance due to detonation failure was discovered at a depth of 8 meters from the ground. It was also brought to attention that on 28 August 2025, as a result of an airstrike carried out approximately 50 meters from the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ukraine, the Embassys administrative building and the consular section, the Ambassadors residence were damaged, and the diplomatic missions compound suffered serious damage as well. At the same time, it was recalled that on 8 and 18 August 2025, drone attacks were carried out on the oil depot of the SOCAR company in the Odessa region, resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the infrastructure. Furthermore, it was emphasized that all these facts raise questions about the deliberate nature of the missile attacks. At the same time, it was recalled that the Russian side had been previously informed about all these facts through official note verbals, and that the coordinates of the buildings housing our diplomatic missions in Ukraine had been submitted to the Russian side as early as April 2022, when the Russian side has assured that the coordinates will be taken into account by the Ministry of Defense of Russia. During the meeting, it was stressed that such attacks on our diplomatic missions are unacceptable, and it was requested that the Russian side conduct an appropriate investigation into the issue and provide a detailed explanation. The 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia will take place in Tashkent on 15-16 November 2025. Among the invited leaders is President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev - a fact that in itself reflects the profound transformation of the regions political geography. Azerbaijan has emerged as a key link in the trans-Eurasian architecture of security, economic cooperation and transport. Azerbaijan as a transit corridor has become central for all Central Asian countries seeking reliable routes to European markets. The Middle Corridor - built on Azerbaijan's infrastructure, including the Port of Alat, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway, and an expanding network of international airports - has become the only stable transport artery between Asia and Europe. Amid shifting geopolitical realities, Baku now provides Central Asian states with a secure, predictable and dependable route for trade and energy flows. With this in mind, President Ilham Aliyevs participation in the Tashkent meeting is not a diplomatic gesture but a practical necessity for all countries in the region. Ahead of his visit, President Ilham Aliyev was interviewed by Uzbekistan National News Agency, reaffirming that Azerbaijan views cooperation with Central Asia as strategic and long-term. The pace of contacts speaks for itself: over the past three years, Central Asian leaders have made around 30 visits to Baku, while the President of Azerbaijan has visited the region 13 times. This is one of the most intensive diplomatic tracks in Eurasia, helping shape a stable political platform across the Turkic world. Uzbekistan holds a special place in this dynamic - a relationship President Ilham Aliyev describes as reaching the level of an alliance. The personal trust between Ilham Aliyev and Shavkat Mirziyoyev has long moved beyond formal protocol. Two reciprocal state visits, dozens of signed agreements, the creation of a High Intergovernmental Council, and the adoption of a Roadmap on Allied Relations through 2029 have produced a unique model of cooperation, where political trust is backed by real economic and infrastructure projects. A striking symbol of this partnership is the Mirzo Ulugbek School, built by Uzbekistan in liberated Fuzuli in 2023 - a gesture that cemented a new level of brotherhood based on solidarity and mutual respect. Economic cooperation is expanding at record pace. In 2024, bilateral trade reached $252 million, and in the first ten months of 2025 it climbed to $319 million - an 87% increase. The joint investment company with capital of $500 million has become a catalyst for projects not only in the two countries but also in third markets. One of the most important joint projects is the BusinessTex JV textile factory in Khankendi - a symbol not only of Karabakh's post-war development but also of the trust underpinning bilateral ties. The plant already produces 2,500 items a day, with plans to raise output to 10,000 and export up to 80% of production. It has become a model of how Uzbek investment can support the reconstruction of liberated territories. Transport remains a key area of cooperation. Azerbaijan provides Central Asian states with unique transit opportunities, while Uzbekistan is rapidly increasing exports via the Middle Corridor. Transit volumes exceeded 1.3 million tons in 2024 and reached 1 million tons in the first nine months of 2025, showing steady growth. President Aliyev also underlined that, once opened, the Zangezur Corridor will become a new driver of trade, creating a direct connection between Central Asia, Turkiye and the Mediterranean. Energy cooperation is gaining particular significance. Uzbekistan imports Azerbaijani oil and petrochemicals, and both countries are implementing joint projects in digitalising the oil and gas sector and developing green energy. The trilateral agreement signed in Baku at COP29 between Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan to develop green energy corridors opens a new chapter in energy cooperation. In effect, it represents the creation of a unified energy space among Turkic states, geared toward exporting renewable electricity to Europe. Humanitarian ties are growing just as fast. Shared Turkic roots, cultural and historical closeness, and religious affinity make cooperation in culture, science, education and youth policy natural and organic. Active engagement within the Organization of Turkic States is shaping a shared space of identity, with Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan acting as key drivers of integration. Looking ahead, the Azerbaijan-Central Asia partnership is set to strengthen further. Baku offers its partners infrastructure, investment, energy, logistics, technological solutions and political stability. Central Asia, in turn, has become an essential part of Azerbaijans foreign policy, widening its circle of allied relationships across the Caspian. Azerbaijan today is one of the main centres of influence in the Turkic world and a crucial partner for Central Asia. As President Aliyev stressed in his interview, he is confident that the upcoming meeting will be a significant stage in fostering the centuries-old friendship between our fraternal peoples and expanding multi-level cooperation in the political, economic, transport, investment, energy, cultural and humanitarian spheres, and in the field of digital transformation. At a time when Eurasias regional architecture is rapidly evolving, Ilham Aliyev's role in deepening cooperation between Azerbaijan and Central Asia has become especially prominent. His focus on expanding transport and logistics connectivity, advancing energy partnerships, and shaping a shared economic space has made Baku a key centre linking the Caspian, Central Asia and Europe. Thanks to Ilham Aliyev's strategic vision, Azerbaijan has become a reliable partner for the regions states, offering them stable routes, new opportunities for trade and a platform for political dialogue. It is this approach that has elevated Azerbaijan's relations with Central Asian countries to a level of long-term trust and mutual benefit, reinforcing Baku's role in shaping a new era of Eurasian connectivity. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. On November 14, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy made a phone call to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. Volodymyr Zelenskyy condemned the repeated missile strike by Russia that once again targeted the administrative building of Azerbaijans Embassy in Ukraine and expressed his deep concern over the incident. For his part, the President of Azerbaijan also denounced the renewed missile strike on the Embassy building in Ukraine, voiced serious concern in this regard, and emphasized that such attacks against diplomatic missions are unacceptable under the norms and principles of international law. During the phone conversation, Volodymyr Zelenskyy expressed his gratitude for Azerbaijans humanitarian support to Ukraine. The heads of state also exchanged views on bilateral relations. Photo: Press Service of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14th. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev denounced the renewed missile strike on the Azerbaijani Embassy building in Ukraine, Trend reports. In a phone talk with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, President Ilham Aliyev denounced the renewed missile strike on the Embassy building in Ukraine, voiced serious concern in this regard, and emphasized that such attacks against diplomatic missions are unacceptable under the norms and principles of international law. Volodymyr Zelenskyy also condemned the repeated missile strike by Russia that once again targeted the administrative building of Azerbaijans Embassy in Ukraine and expressed his deep concern over the incident. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijan's Prime Minister Ali Asadov discussed cooperation prospects during a meeting with President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) Masato Kanda today, the Cabinet of Ministers said in a statement, Trend reports. The meeting highlighted the long-term fruitful partnership between Azerbaijan and ADB. The meeting noted that the bank has been supporting the development of various sectors of the Azerbaijani economy over the past period. At the same time, the successful implementation of joint projects covering transport, water supply, energy, finance, education, healthcare, and other areas was welcomed. The meeting pointed out that Azerbaijan is a participant of ADB's initiative to aid less developed countries and that Azerbaijan has allocated donations to the bank's Asian Development Fund. Moreover, the favorable investment and business environment created in Azerbaijan was discussed, and information was provided on the programs implemented for the restoration and economic revival of the liberated territories, as well as the investment potential of these territories. The meeting discussed cooperation opportunities in priority areas within the framework of the Country Partnership Strategy for 2025-2029 between Azerbaijan and ADB, approved in July of this year, including the expansion of the metro network, improvement of railway infrastructure, improvement of the water supply system, and a number of other promising projects on the bilateral agenda. Azerbaijan became a member of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in 1999. The ADB's representative office in Baku was inaugurated in November 2004 to enhance synergies on initiatives pertaining to infrastructure, energy, and transportation sectors. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has strongly condemned the recent missile attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kyiv, Trend reports. According to the statement, large-scale missile and drone strikes by the Russian Federation targeted multiple regions in Ukraine, reportedly killing at least six people in Kyiv and two in the city of Chornomorsk. The attacks also caused numerous civilian injuries, significant damage to residential and energy infrastructure, and damage to the Azerbaijani Embassy in Kyiv. The UN emphasized that attacks against civilians and civilian infrastructure violate international humanitarian law. Such acts are unacceptable wherever they occur and must cease immediately. The Secretary-General also underscored the principle of the inviolability of diplomatic premises. Guterres reiterated his call for a full, immediate, and unconditional ceasefire as a crucial first step toward a just, comprehensive, and sustainable peace in Ukraineone that fully respects Ukraines sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity in accordance with international law, the UN Charter, and relevant UN resolutions. By Siddarth S and Kanchana Chakravarty (Reuters) -Applied Materials shares slipped more than 3% in early trading on Friday as the chip equipment maker forecast reduced spending in China next year due to stringent U.S. export curbs. The U.S. government has cracked down on foreign companies, especially from China, that use subsidiaries and affiliates to circumvent export curbs on chipmaking tools and related products, hurting sales of Applied Materials and its rivals. China is the world's largest buyer of chipmaking tools since 2020. Applied's results, seen as an indicator for future semiconductor demand, followed similar warnings about China from rivals ASML and KLA Corp. However, analysts expect the hit to Applied's overall sales to be tempered as its share of China sales has fallen to the mid-20% range from nearly 40% of revenue in recent years. The company expects overall revenue to be stronger in the second half of 2026. The affiliate rule was suspended after talks between U.S. President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping. Applied's executives confirmed the suspension of the rule will re-enable about $600 million in sales for the full fiscal year. The company's CEO Gary Dickerson said foreign rivals were still selling to Chinese companies that his firm cannot serve. "The big debate remains if the departure from peers is a sign of share loss in China, but AMAT remains adamant that it is not," Jefferies analysts noted. Last month, Applied Materials forecast a $600 million hit to fiscal 2026 revenue and a couple of weeks later, the firm cut about 4% of its workforce to streamline operations as U.S. export restrictions weighed on its business. The stock has risen 37.3% so far this year through last close, and at least eight brokerages raised their price targets following results, while two trimmed. (Reporting by Siddarth S and Kanchana Chakravarty in Bengaluru; Editing by Leroy Leo) BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The next group of former internally displaced persons is returning to the village of Aghali in the Zangilan district, Trend reports. At this stage, 41 families (110 people) are returning to Aghali village. The former IDPs returning to the native village thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The next groups of former internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been sent to Shushakand and Khanyurdu villages in Azerbaijan's Khojaly district within the ongoing Great Return to the liberated territories following instructions of President Ilham Aliyev, Trend reports. The returning residents represent families temporarily settled in various parts of the country, mainly in dormitories, sanatoriums, and administrative buildings. At this stage, 19 families (55 people) are returning to Shushakend, and 12 families (34 people) - to Khanyurdu. The former IDPs returning to the native villages thanked President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva for their comprehensive care and expressed gratitude to the valiant Azerbaijani Army, which liberated the lands from occupation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. On November 14th, 2025, the XXVII plenary meeting of the Conference of the Special Service Agencies of the Turkic States was held in Khankendi city on the topic The Role of Special Service Agencies in Ensuring the Security of International Transport Lines, Trend reports. The event was attended by the Chief of the State Security Service (SSS) of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Colonel-General Ali Naghiyev, the Chief of the Foreign Intelligence Service, Colonel-General Orkhan Sultanov, the heads of the relevant services of Turkiye, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Kyrgyzstan; and a representative from Hungary as an honorary guest. Declaring the event open, the Chief of the SSS, Colonel-General Ali Naghiyev, delivered an extensive speech on the topic of the plenary meeting after reading the address addressed to the participants by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev. Noting that numerous threats to international stability in the modern era have not left the security of the world's transport and communication lines untouched and that the Turkic states are located on important transport networks, the Chief of the Service stated that to ensure the security of these transport routes, it is important to continuously strengthen cooperation relations in the relevant field between the mentioned countries, constantly mobilize joint efforts, and conduct more intensive information exchange. Additionally, Colonel-General Naghiyev detailed the role played by special services in ensuring the safe operation of international transport and communication lines, protecting them from international terrorism, transnational organized crime, smuggling, and other negative manifestations. It was emphasized that some destructive circles in every possible way are trying to obstruct the implementation of the Zangezur corridor, which is an important component of the Middle Corridor stretching from the Far East to Europe, and this factor sets the provision of reliable security in the indicated direction as one of the important tasks. The event progressed with a series of oratory presentations by additional stakeholders, followed by collaborative dialogues and interactive exchanges among the participants. Ultimately, the conclusive artifact of the plenary assembly was duly executed. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijan's Ministry of Digital Development and Transport hosted an event to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the adoption of the country's constitution as part of the "Year of the Constitution and Sovereignty" initiative, Trend reports. The ceremony kicked off with a video presentation that took a stroll down memory lane, charting the course from the Constitutions adoption to the rebirth of national sovereignty. Speakers, including Deputy Minister Javid Gurbanov, Deputy Head of the Apparatus Bakhtiyar Mammadov, and Head of the Project Management Department Esmira Samadova, highlighted the Constitution as a landmark achievement in Azerbaijans statehood. They emphasized that the document, prepared under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev, established a robust legal foundation for the countrys development as a secular, democratic, and law-based state, ensuring the rule of law, human rights, social justice, and citizen responsibility. The Constitution, as it was noted, enshrines the protection of national independence, sovereignty, and territorial integrity as core objectives. While parts of the Azerbaijani territory were under occupation for tens of years, the state and its people never accepted this situation. In 2020, the country achieved a historic victory during the 44-day Patriotic War under the leadership of Supreme Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, and the September 2023 anti-terror measures fully restored national sovereignty and territorial integrity. The declaration of 2025 as the "Year of Constitution and Sovereignty" underscores the importance placed on the legal and moral foundations of Azerbaijans independence. Today, the principles of the Constitution guide state policy across all sectors, including digital transformation, with Azerbaijan positioning itself as a regional leader in digital development and innovation. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. An event titled "Azerbaijan Meets Switzerland in Harmony of MovementsFrom the Caspian to the Alps, Bridge of Cultures" was held in Basel, Switzerland, with the participation of the Chairman of the Azerbaijani State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov, the committee said, Trend reports. In his speech, he drew attention to the multifaceted diaspora policy implemented by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and the invaluable services of First Vice-President Mehriban Aliyeva in protecting the national cultural heritage of the Azerbaijani people, passing it on to future generations, and promoting it throughout the world. He emphasized that Azerbaijan, sitting pretty at the crossroads of the West and the East, weaves together these two rich tapestries of culture and has turned into a shining beacon of multiculturalism and tolerance. The event noted that the cultural programs implemented at the initiative of Azerbaijanis living in Switzerland and Europe in general have made a significant contribution to the formation of objective perceptions of Azerbaijan and the further strengthening of Azerbaijan's cultural diplomacy. In this regard, the event pointed out that it is no coincidence that its name covers a wide geography from the Caspian Sea to the Alps. Moreover, the event mentioned November 8Victory Dayemphasizing that Azerbaijan's glorious victory is written in golden letters in the country's history and that this victory is an example for generations as the brightest embodiment of the unity, will, and heroism of the Azerbaijani people. Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to the Swiss Confederation and the Principality of Liechtenstein Fuad Isgandarov said that this cultural bridge established between Azerbaijan and Switzerland demonstrates, in addition to art, the power of mutual respect, understanding, and friendship between the countries' peoples. The head of the "Buta" Dance Association, Arzu Aliyeva Bodmer, spoke about the projects implemented in Switzerland to promote Azerbaijani culture and strengthen mutual understanding and friendship between peoples. She said that the cultural bridge stretching from the Caspian Sea to the Alps is based on common values that unite peoples. The event also featured an exhibition by photographer Andre Jabali, reflecting the history, cultural heritage, and natural beauties of Azerbaijan. The participants admired the exhibition, as well as the colorful beauties of our country. The event went on with the creative flair taking center stage. The "Rhythm" dance group hailing from Azerbaijan, along with vocalist Orkhan Jalilov, whos making waves in Austria, and the talented composer and pianist Vasif Huseyn, put on a show that was nothing short of a feast for the senses, showcasing the rich tapestry of Azerbaijani national dances and music. The event, which took place with the support of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Azerbaijani Diaspora Support Fund under the committee, was organized by the "Azerbaijan Friends" Union and the "Buta" Dance Association, which has been operating under the union for five years. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Istanbul has hosted an event dedicated to the 5th anniversary of the Karabakh Victory, organized jointly by the Istanbul Turkiye-Azerbaijan Solidarity and Culture Association (ISTAD) and the Federation of Turkiye-Azerbaijan Friendship Associations Federation (TADEF), Trend reports via the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The ceremony began with a moment of silence in honor of the martyrs, followed by the national anthems of both countries. In his opening remarks, ISTAD Chair and TADEF Press Secretary Sefer Karakoyunlu spoke about the historic significance of the victory achieved in the 44-day Patriotic War, stressing its importance for the Turkic world. Valeh Hajiyev, First Deputy Chair of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, highlighted that under the leadership of the victorious Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev, the Azerbaijani Army liberated the occupied territories. He also emphasized Turkiyes support before, during, and after the war, noting the unbreakable unity between the two nations. This brotherhood, rooted in centuries, will continue at the highest level today and in the future, he said. Member of the Grand National Assembly of Turkiye and head of the TurkiyeAzerbaijan Interparliamentary Friendship Group, Samil Ayrm, spoke about the strategic importance of the Zangezur Corridor for the region. Other speakers reflected on the historic significance of the Karabakh Victory, Azerbaijans strengthened regional position, and the enduring TurkiyeAzerbaijan partnership. The event concluded with a cultural program. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Ukrainian city of Kryvyi Rih hosted a celebration dedicated to Azerbaijan's Victory Day on the initiative of the Azerbaijani Diaspora organization, Trend reports, citing the State Committee on Work with Diaspora. The event brought together Deputy Head of the citys military administration Viktoria Samoylenko, Azerbaijani-origin writer Grigoriy Huseynov, public representatives, and members of the diaspora. Samoylenko congratulated the Azerbaijani people on Victory Day, emphasizing that AzerbaijanUkraine relations continue to develop based on friendship and mutual respect. She expressed gratitude to the Azerbaijani state for its political support and humanitarian assistance. Chair of the Azerbaijani Diaspora organization, Kamaladdin Aghayev, stated that Victory Day is a source of national pride, noting that Azerbaijan restored its territorial integrity through this triumph. He also informed participants about the large-scale reconstruction efforts underway in Karabakh and the progress of the Great Return process. The event concluded with the screening of a film dedicated to Victory Day. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Photo: State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. A delegation led by Anar Guliyev, Chairman of the State Committee for Urban Planning and Architecture of Azerbaijan, visited the Brazilian city of Belem to take part in the 30th Session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP), Trend reports. Speaking at the Ministers Meeting on Urban Planning and Climate Change and during a roundtable on informal settlements, territorial transformation, and housing, Guliyev emphasized the need for multi-level cooperation to address housing and climate challenges. He presented Azerbaijans reconstruction efforts in the liberated territories under the Great Return Program, noting that these projects are based on smart and green urban planning principles. Guliyev also highlighted Azerbaijans co-chair role in the Baku Sustainability Coalition and in the UN Housing for All Intergovernmental Working Group as an important contribution to integrating urban planning with the global climate agenda. In remarks delivered at the Ministers Meeting held on the occasion of Urban Planning Day at COP, Guliyev stated that Azerbaijans hosting of COP has given new momentum to multi-level climate cooperation, underlining the significance of the Multisectoral Actions Pathways (MAP) initiative and the work of the Baku Sustainability Coalition. During the visit, Guliyev met with Brazils Minister of Cities, Jader Filho, to discuss opportunities for cooperation in sustainable and inclusive urban development and briefed him on preparations for the 13th World Urban Forum (WUF13), which will be held in Baku on May 17-22, 2026. As the national coordinator for WUF, Guliyev invited participants of COP to attend the forum in Baku, stressing that this global platform will offer a unique opportunity for discussions on the future of cities, climate resilience, and innovative urban planning. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Before the appointment of an ambassador, Montenegro will designate a charge daffaires at its Embassy in Riyadh at the beginning of 2026, Trend reports citing the country's government website. This was stated by Prime Minister of Montenegro Milojko Spajic in a letter sent to His Royal Highness Mohammed bin Salman, Crown Prince and Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Prime Minister Spajic recently paid an official visit to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where he held highly successful talks with His Royal Highness, the Crown Prince and Prime Minister, Prince Mohammed bin Salman. During the visit, the two leaders exchanged views on opportunities for further strengthening cooperation between Montenegro and Saudi Arabia, founded on long-standing friendship and mutual respect. On that occasion, the opening of Montenegros Embassy in Riyadh was announced. The visit also provided an opportunity to present Montenegros potential to the Saudi business community and investors, and to discuss cooperation with leading companies in the Kingdoms dynamic and rapidly growing market. In his letter marking the decision to open the Embassy, Prime Minister Spajic expressed gratitude for the exceptional hospitality and conveyed his admiration for the comprehensive development and transformation of Saudi Arabia, emphasizing that the Kingdoms vision of growth, innovation, and sustainability serves as an inspiration to many countries. "Encouraged by the positive outcome of my visit and the shared vision of enhancing relations with the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, I wish to inform Your Royal Highness of the Government of Montenegros intention to adopt a Decision on the opening of a resident Embassy of Montenegro in Riyadh as soon as possible, and to appoint a charge daffaires to commence its work at the beginning of 2026," Prime Minister Spajic wrote in his letter. The opening of the Embassy in Riyadh will further strengthen institutional cooperation and ensure a stronger presence of Montenegro in the market and across the Middle East region. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. On November 14, Latvian Minister of Transport Atis Svinka will meet in Riga with Estonian Minister of Infrastructure Kuldar Leis and Lithuanian Minister of Transport and Communications Juras Taminskas, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport of Latvia. The annual meeting will focus on the implementation of the cross-border Rail Baltica connection, the countries positions regarding the next European Union (EU) Multiannual Financial Framework, and the development of a railway migration plan in line with the TEN-T Regulation requirements. Ministers will also review the potential of military mobility in transport infrastructure development, the progress of the Via Baltica corridor, and other sectoral issues. The upcoming discussions on the EU's Multiannual Financial Framework will see Minister Svinka advocate for securing sufficient financial resources to complete the TEN-T network and support key initiatives aimed at enhancing sustainability, digitalization, and mobility in the transport sector. Strengthening military mobility will also be emphasized as a crucial priority, especially in light of current security concerns. The ministers are set to address critical requirements for the completion of the first stage of the Rail Baltica cross-border project by December 31, 2030, in accordance with the European Commissions July 9, 2025, implementation decision for the TEN-T core network. The ministers will highlight the importance of securing continued funding from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) to meet this ambitious deadline, with Latvia stressing the need for close coordination between the three Baltic States to achieve the 85% co-financing rate under the CEF. Another key agenda item will be Latvias proposed solutions for ensuring a seamless cross-border railway connection with Estonia and Lithuania. To optimize project costs, Latvia is advancing both technical and financial strategies, supplementing the existing contributions from the Connecting Europe Facility (CEF) and the state budget. Specifically, the development of the Rail Baltica section from Skulte to the Estonian border is being explored under a public-private partnership (PPP) model, with a target completion date of 2030. The ministers will also deliberate on the future role of the joint venture RB Rail AS, with Latvia proposing that the companys primary focus should be on strategic project management and coordination at the European level. This would include securing EU funding and overseeing interactions with EU institutions. Military mobility will continue to be a prominent subject of discussion, as all three countries place high importance on developing dual-use infrastructure that satisfies both NATO and EU requirements. Latvia will advocate for sufficient CEF funding to support Rail Baltica and other dual-use transport initiatives, such as the Riga bypass. In addition, the ministers will discuss the further development of Via Baltica (European Route E67), a crucial transport corridor connecting the Baltic States with other parts of Northern and Eastern Europe. Minister Svinka will outline progress already made and planned upgrades to key sections, including RigaEstonian border (A1) and RigaLithuanian border (A7). Later in the day, the ministers are scheduled to participate in the thematic debates of the 44th Session of the Baltic Assembly, focusing on transport connectivity in the Baltic region. The session will be chaired by Andris Kulbergs, Chair of the Committee on Economics, Energy and Innovation, together with Vice-Chair Jaak Aab and Committee Member Raimondas Sukys. Motor finance providers are intensifying efforts to curtail the Financial Conduct Authoritys proposed 11 billion compensation scheme, warning that its current scope could significantly undermine sector profitability and reduce consumer credit availability. The scheme, which spans agreements from 2007 to 2025, targets discretionary commission arrangements where consumers were unaware that dealers received payments for arranging finance. Approximately 14 million customers may be eligible for redress, with average payouts estimated at 700, under the existing FCA arrangements. Lenders are urging the government to exclude pre-2014 agreements from the scheme, arguing that the FCA lacks the legislative authority to enforce redress for the period prior to assuming oversight of consumer credit. Sources cited by The Sunday Times suggest that secondary legislation would be required, and that Chancellor Rachel Reeves could intervene by withholding support. The FCA disputes this interpretation, stating: We are satisfied we have the powers to implement the scheme we are consulting on. It added that complaints dating back to 2007 have been paused under our powers, for nearly two years and must now be resolved fairly, one way or another. The financial impact is already being felt. Lloyds Banking Group Chief Executive Charlie Nunn told a House of Lords committee that the scheme would take away 20 years of profitability off the car finance industry, according to The Sunday Times. South Africas FirstRand, owner of Aldermore Bank, said on Thursday it may increase its provision for UK motor finance compensation, citing the FCAs proposed methodology and the potential inclusion of more pre-2021 agreements. In September, the group made a ZAR2.7 billion pre-tax provision, following ZAR3.0 billion the previous year. Industry concerns also include the schemes structure, which would award compensation to any customer whose finance provider used discretionary commission, regardless of demonstrable harm. FirstRand warned the scheme would be negative for the broader UK economy given the high likelihood of a contraction in the supply of credit to consumers. In response to lobbying, the FCA has extended its consultation deadline from 18 November to 12 December. The Treasury stated: The independent Financial Conduct Authority has set out its consultation and its vital that all stakeholders take part. We want to see this issue resolved in an efficient and orderly way that provides certainty for consumers and firms. "Auto lenders warn FCA scheme threatens sector profitability" was originally created and published by Motor Finance Online, a GlobalData owned brand. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Estonian Deputy Undersecretary for Political Affairs Martin Roger visited Washington from November 12 through 14 to participate in foreign and security policy consultations between the United States and the Nordic-Baltic region, Trend reports via the Estonian MFA The meetings focused on shared strategic priorities within NATO, security developments in the Baltic Sea region, and evolving dynamics in the Indo-Pacific. Deputy Undersecretary Roger underscored the critical importance of coordinated action between the United States and its Nordic-Baltic allies, emphasizing that such close cooperation is pivotal in enhancing the region's capacity to effectively address shared challenges. According to Roger, sustained allied collaboration is essential for strengthening deterrence, ensuring regional stability, and maintaining preparedness amid the rapidly evolving security landscape. In his capacity as co-chair of discussions on European security, Roger highlighted the strong alignment of Nordic and Baltic nations on key defense issues. He commended the leadership shown by these countries in advancing regional security initiatives, while also contributing to broader transatlantic cooperation. Roger also referenced the historic commitment made at the NATO Summit earlier this year, where defense spending was set to increase by 5 percent, with Estonia planning to meet this target by 2026. He reaffirmed the continued commitment of allied nations to NATO's Article 5, emphasizing the need for Europe to enhance its security contributions. At the same time, Roger reiterated the essential role of the United States in ensuring the collective defense of NATO members. The consultations were held under the E-PINE (Enhanced Partnership in Northern Europe) framework, which has brought together the United States, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, Iceland, and Norway since 2003. The format serves as a platform for discussing key transatlantic and regional issues among countries with closely connected security interests and a strong shared commitment to cooperation. The U.S. delegation was led by Assistant Secretary of State for Political Affairs Allison Hooker. Estonia will host the next E-PINE meeting in spring as chair of Nordic-Baltic cooperation. In addition to the meetings in Washington, Nordic and Baltic political directors are visiting NATOs Allied Command Transformation (ACT) in Norfolk, as well as the Joint Force Command (JFC). The program includes meetings with senior leadership and a visit to the U.S. Navy aircraft carrier USS Harry S. Truman. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. On November 14, Foreign Minister Kestutis Budrys participated in the 31st meeting of the Baltic Council, held in Riga, Trend reports via the Lithuanian MFA. The Baltic Council is a tri-lateral cooperation format between Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, bringing together the Baltic Assembly and the Baltic Council of Ministers In his remarks, Minister Budrys addressed key security and defense issues affecting the Baltic region, emphasizing the need for closer regional integration in response to hybrid pressures from neighboring authoritarian regimes. He highlighted recent attempts to disrupt civil aviation through the use of illicit balloons launched from across the border and their resulting risks to flight safety. He also underscored the importance of the transatlantic partnership for regional security and the continued strengthening of NATOs engagement along the Alliances Eastern flank. The meeting also covered the implementation of regional defense initiatives, including the drone defense concept and the Baltic Defense Line. Baltic unity has always been our strongest asset in difficult times. Today, as neighboring authoritarian regimes shape the geopolitical environment, unity is more important than ever. We stand at the forefront of Europes defense and its transformation. We need a coherent joint strategy to ensure the resilience of the Baltic states, counter hybrid threats, and strengthen deterrence. Only coordinated action, based on shared values and strong political will, can guarantee the security, prosperity, and long-term stability of our region, Minister Budrys said. He also stressed the significance of strategic regional transport and energy infrastructure projects. According to Budrys, the successful synchronization of Lithuanias, Latvias, and Estonias power grids with the Continental European system this year marked a major geopolitical milestoneending decades of dependence on legacy systems and opening a new stage in the Baltic regions strategic autonomy. However, he noted that ongoing regional projects must continue to advance. The minister underscored the strategic significance of transport and logistics networks, not only for mobility but also for enhancing economic resilience. He stressed the necessity of ensuring the seamless execution of pivotal regional infrastructure projects, such as Rail Baltica, Via Baltica, and others, which are vital for fostering connectivity, and called for adequate EU funding to support these initiatives in the upcoming financial framework. At the Riga meeting, the Baltic Council adopted its annual declaration, assessing the progress of Baltic cooperation in 2025 and setting forth priorities for the year ahead. Latvia holds the chairmanship of the Baltic Council of Ministers for 2025, with Estonia scheduled to take over in 2026. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) has introduced its new Environmental and Social Policy (ESP 2024). The policy reinforces the banks commitment to ensuring all its investments meet the highest environmental and social standards. In an exclusive interview with Trend, Maya Hennerkes, Managing Director of the Environment and Sustainability Department at the EBRD, described this period as a crucial moment for advancing environmental and social goals. "Its an extremely important and exciting time to work on environmental and social matters. I think its probably never been more important," she said. "Every single euro, every single dollar that goes out of our doors is checked against the requirements of our environmental and social policy. We really want to make sure that we have good international practices, project by project, consistently," Hennerkes noted. Hennerkes emphasized that the new policy applies across EBRDs expanding geographical scope, covering countries from Azerbaijan to sub-Saharan Africa and Iraq. "That often really means also beyond the project-by-project work that were trying to elevate and build capacity. We support policy of governments that have sustainable goals, and we engage very closely locally with stakeholders, with communities," she explained. She underlined that EBRDs environmental and social specialists play an active role on the ground. "They spend a lot of time really on site with their rubber boots on their feet and with a PPE protection kit on the body, walking around, engaging with people, learning from people, having dialogue with local village communities, with local authorities, and so on," Hennerkes said. The ESP 2024 seeks to balance the banks strong safeguards with its broader mission to foster green finance and inclusive growth. "When you work on green finance, you see the full circle of how this green transformation needs to go about," the bank's rep said. "We want to make sure that on the impact side, we have ideally no negative impact, or if there are impacts that arise from a project, that we can mitigate those to a satisfactory manner". She added that financing the transition to greener and more inclusive economies remains central to the EBRDs work. "We need to make sure that we channel the funding to the right use of proceeds, to the right projects, so that we have a lot of green projects, for example. But these safeguards are always a precondition that we will not negotiate". Hennerkes noted that the ESP 2024 embodies the EBRDs continued effort to combine environmental protection, social inclusion, and responsible financing. "Working in this area brings all the pieces together - the impacts, the goal setting, the business opportunities, and the really careful approach to risk mitigation," she added. Photo: The Ministry of Communications of Turkmenistan ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, November 14. Turkmenistan and Estonias e-Governance Academy signed a memorandum of understanding on cooperation in digital governance, Trend reports via the Turkmen Ministry of Communications. The document aims to develop partnerships in the digital transformation of public administration, including the organization of specialized training and consulting programs. The document was signed by Turkmen Minister of Communications Hajimyrat Khudaygulyev and Chairman of the Board of the e-Governance Academy Hannes Astok. In parallel with the event, several additional agreements were finalized. The Ministry of Communications signed a memorandum of understanding on cybersecurity with THALES DIS France SAS, a French company, and also concluded a cooperation memorandum with the U.S.-headquartered Palo Alto Networks INC. Separately, Turkmentelecom and Kyrgyztelecom signed a memorandum of intent to cooperate on the transit of communications flows. Subscription to paid content Gain access to all that Trend has to offer, as well as to premium, licensed content via subscription or direct purchase through a credit card. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. A package of multilateral documents will be signed at the VII Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, Trend reports via the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. The meeting will take place on November 15-16 in the capital of Uzbekistan, under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the president's administration, the summit will be attended by President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Zhaparov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon, and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdymukhamedov. Kaha Imnadze, Head of the UN Regional Center for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, is also scheduled to attend the event. The agenda for the meeting will address key issues related to further enhancing regional cooperation, the implementation of joint projects and initiatives in priority sectors, as well as the exchange of perspectives on current regional and international political matters. The proposal to hold regular consultative meetings among the region's leaders was first introduced by President Mirziyoyev during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in September 2017. Under Uzbekistan's chairmanship, this initiative has facilitated more than 20 significant events, focusing on various areas of cooperation. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The "Khojaly" Handysize dry cargo vessel of the Azerbaijan Caspian Shipping Company CJSC (ASCO) under the Azerbaijan Transport and Communication Holding (AZCON) has set sail from the port of Kembla, Australia, to the port of Los Angeles, U.S., Trend reports via ASCO. The vessel carries a cargo of 24,251 tons of steel, and it is expected to arrive at its destination port by the end of next week. The "Khojaly" vessel is currently navigating securely in the Pacific Ocean under stringent security protocols. The voyage is being conducted in strict adherence to all relevant international operational standards. Meanwhile, it is important to note that the "Khojaly," commissioned in China on May 27 of the previous year, is equipped with unrestricted navigational capabilities. The vessel boasts a deadweight tonnage of 38,593 tons, with an overall length of 180 meters, a beam of 30 meters, a draft of 10.47 meters, and a maximum service speed of 15.7 knots. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel Azerbaijan sheds light on electricity sales to Iran for 9M2025 Azerbaijan exported 23.9 million kWh of electricity to Iran in 2025, generating $680,000 in revenue. This represents a 13% drop in volume and a 12.9% decline in value compared to the previous year. Meanwhile, electricity imports from Iran decreased by 17.3% in both volume and revenue. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. AzerGold JSC is conducting a large-scale geological exploration work at the Zod gold deposit, a source in the company told Trend. ''In parallel with the exploration of promising areas, AzerGold is also undertaking the re-evaluation of reserves in existing deposits. Since August 2025, large-scale geological research activities have been initiated at the Zod gold deposit, located within the administrative boundaries of Kalbajar district, part of the Eastern Zangazur economic region. Although progress has been hindered by the ongoing removal of mines and unexploded ordnance in the area, geological assessment work is advancing rapidly in the portion of the deposit situated within Azerbaijans territory," the source explained. The source further stated that modern topographic mapping of the deposit has already been completed. "Additionally, surface geochemical testing of the ore has been conducted. Drilling projects for reserve evaluation have also been designed, and drilling operations are currently underway. In the subsequent phases, engineering-geological, metallurgical-technological, and hydrogeological studies will be carried out, alongside reserve calculations and technical-economic justifications. Public updates will be issued as the results are obtained," the source added. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. Uzbekistan and China discussed the implementation of a project to produce high-value-added products using coal-to-olefins (CTO) technology, Uzbekistan's Uzkimyosanoat company said, Trend reports. The talks were held between Odil Temirov, Chairman of Uzkimyosanoat, and Liu Guoshen, Chairman of China Coal Resources Development Group. The meeting focused on expanding bilateral cooperation in coal chemistry and advancing the use of modern CTO technologies. According to Uzkimyosanoat, the introduction of such technologies can create new industrial value chains and significantly improve the efficiency of coal processing. CTO is a technology that allows for deep coal processing to produce olefins and other chemical products, Uzkimyosanoat said. Uzkimyosanoat JSC is a major state-owned enterprise overseeing the development of Uzbekistans chemical industry. China Coal Resources Development Group is one of Chinas largest state-owned energy firms, engaged in coal mining, processing and the development of integrated industrial clusters across the coal and energy sectors. Several automakers and suppliers are exploring a short-term workaround with Nexperias European arm to ease shortages caused by a supply stand-off, Reuters reported, citing sources. The dispute involves the companys European operations and its Dongguan packaging plant in China. Nexperia produces silicon wafers in Europe that are typically shipped to its Chinese plant for cutting and packaging. Shipments from the European unit to Dongguan were halted on 26 October, citing nonpayment, and the Chinese arm is presently drawing down stockpiles of finished products. The interruption has affected availability of chips widely used across the global automotive sector. Under the workaround being discussed, some customers would buy wafers directly from Nexperias Hamburg factory and handle separate transport to China. In China, the Dongguan facility would perform final packaging on a contract basis. One source, a Nexperia product distributor, said: "A lot of companies are currently negotiating and some already are buying wafers from Nexperia EU and providing them to Nexperia China to get exclusive production for themselves. The arrangement treats the two parts of Nexperias operations almost as distinct production and packaging businesses, allowing each to be paid for its work. It addresses certain quality and supply concerns tied to packaging in Dongguan. Although, the patch may not be workable for smaller clients. It could, however, relieve some pressure on carmakers and suppliers facing component shortfalls. Automakers and parts suppliers reported to use Nexperia chips include Volkswagen, Hella, Bosch, Aumovio, and Honda. Sources described the wafer-routing plan as a shortterm patch, and said larger customers are considering it alongside alternatives such as sourcing comparable parts from rivals including Onsemi and STMicroelectronics. China relaxed export controls recently on chips produced at the Dongguan plant, providing some temporary relief to carmakers. For further discussions, a Dutch delegation is due to travel to China next week. Nexperia said it was supporting customers as best it could but declined to discuss specific measures. A spokesperson for its Chinese parent, Wingtech, declined to comment. Longer-term responses under consideration include expansion of packaging capacity outside China by Nexperias European arm, notably in Malaysia and the Philippines. The Chinese unit is also weighing a shift toward using wafers manufactured in China. "Automakers weigh wafer workaround amid Nexperia dispute" was originally created and published by Just Auto, a GlobalData owned brand. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. Uzbekistan and Saudi Arabia have identified new avenues for collaboration in the agricultural sector, Trend reports via the Ministry of Agriculture of Uzbekistan. The issue was reviewed at a meeting between Deputy Minister of Agriculture Alisher Shukurov and a Saudi delegation led by Abdullah Al Muhaidib, Investment Director at Al Muhaidib Group. During the talks, both sides explored opportunities for increased Saudi involvement in Uzbekistans agricultural industries, the introduction of modern irrigation technologies, and the development of feed and edible oil production. Preliminary agreements were reached on launching new investment projects and moving toward their practical implementation. Officials said the meeting marked a step toward strengthening cooperation and developing concrete projects, signaling a new chapter in economic engagement between the two countries. Azerbaijan lists top RON-92 gasoline trade partners for 9M2025 Azerbaijan exported over 6,400 tons of AI-92 motor gasoline to Afghanistan, Georgia, and Turkiye in the first nine months of 2025, generating more than $4 million in revenue. Access to paid information is limited If You already have a account, please log in Login Register BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Chinas flagship carrier Air China will begin regular flights connecting Georgias capital Tbilisi with Beijing via Urumqi starting Dec. 2, the Georgian Ministry of Economy said, Trend reports. The twice-weekly flights, scheduled for Tuesdays and Saturdays, follow a visit by Georgias Prime Minister to China, during which officials discussed deepening civil aviation ties. During the visit, Georgian Economy Minister Mariam Kvriashvili signed a memorandum of understanding to develop the "Air Silk Road", aimed at establishing liberalized air transport corridors and strengthening cooperation between the two countries aviation sectors. Air China entered the Georgian market in December 2024 and currently operates twice-weekly flights between Tbilisi and Urumqi, transporting 25,035 passengers in the first ten months of this year. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. As the 7th consultative meeting of Central Asian heads of state draws near in Tashkent on November 16, attention is increasingly focused on Tajikistan's progressive green energy initiatives. Central to this vision is President Emomali Rahmon's goal of positioning the country as a global frontrunner in renewable energy, with a particular emphasis on harnessing hydropower resources. Tajikistan has long been recognized for its vast hydropower potential, but under the leadership of President Rahmon, the nation has made significant strides in advancing green energy. Tajikistan ranks sixth globally in terms of the share of green energy production, with over 90 percent of our electricity generated by hydroelectric power plants. However, only 5 percent of our hydropower potential is currently utilized, Rahmon highlighted at the UN Water Conference in March 2023. This ambition to harness more of Tajikistans untapped potential underscores the importance of green energy in the nations long-term development plans. Tajikistan's commitment to energy issues has consistently been underscored in previous Central Asian summits. During the 5th consultative meeting in September 2023, President Emomali Rahmon highlighted, Tajikistan, with the support of regional partners, has initiated a series of actions leading up to this summit, further solidifying our dedication to regional energy cooperation, particularly in the field of green energy, which is vital for the advancement of a sustainable green economy in the region. Tajikistans efforts to promote green energy have also been institutionalized through regional agreements. At the 4th consultative meeting in Cholpon-Ata in July 2022, Central Asian leaders endorsed the Green Agenda, establishing a political framework to support large-scale hydropower initiatives. This accord aligns with Tajikistans overarching objectives for sustainable development, with a particular focus on expanding hydropower, which remains a cornerstone of the nations energy strategy. Tajikistans hydropower resources represent a vital component of its green energy strategy. The country positions itself as one of the world's leading producers of green energy with an ambitious goal to become a fully "green country" by 2037. Tajikistan holds 61.1 percent of Central Asias total technical hydropower capacity, which is estimated at 510.1 TWh/year. Despite these enormous reserves, only about 5 percent of this potential is currently utilized, leaving vast untapped opportunities. More than 90 percent of Tajikistans electricity is already generated from hydropower, a clear testament to the countrys commitment to renewable energy. At the regional level, Tajikistan's push to develop its energy infrastructure offers significant economic benefits for Central Asia. According to estimates by the Eurasian Development Bank, joint development of the water-energy sector in the region could increase GDP growth by 1.5 percent annually, improve water security by 40 percent, and attract investments totaling $22 billion. This makes Tajikistans green energy initiatives not just a national priority but a regional asset that could reshape the energy landscape of Central Asia. Tajikistan's leadership in the realm of green energy has played a pivotal role in fostering regional cooperation. The country's emphasis on energy efficiency, resource conservation, and the adoption of low-emission technologies is consistently highlighted in the joint communiques issued after past consultative meetings. During the 6th consultative summit in August 2024, President Rahmon underscored the importance of collaborative efforts in sectors such as energy, innovation, and digital technologies. He stated, "Strengthening cooperation in fields like e-commerce, digital technologies, and green energy is essential for the development of a green economy in the region." Looking to the future, Tajikistan has set an ambitious goal to double its hydropower capacity by 2050, marking a significant milestone in its pursuit of a sustainable green economy. This target is aligned with broader regional efforts to address climate change through sustainable development. The expansion of Tajikistans hydropower infrastructure is poised to meet the countrys domestic energy demands while also contributing to the regional power grid, enhancing energy security and stability throughout Central Asia. As part of its strategy, Tajikistan is working to enhance its energy production capabilities, particularly through the development of solar and other renewable sources. Although the countrys solar energy production currently stands at a modest level - producing just 0.7 million kWh in 2025, a 20 percent decrease from the previous year - this is expected to grow in the coming years as the government invests in clean energy technologies. Tajikistans commitment to green energy is also reflected in its growing role as a regional leader in environmental diplomacy. At the 5th consultative meeting, Rahmon reiterated the importance of integrating green energy into broader regional strategies. Tajikistan remains committed to advancing green energy and environmental cooperation, as we see the ongoing climate changes as a threat that requires our collective action, he stated. As President Rahmon prepares to present Tajikistans green energy initiatives at the 7th consultative meeting in Tashkent, the country's leadership in sustainable energy development is increasingly evident. Through a strategic blend of targeted investments, regional collaboration, and environmental diplomacy, Tajikistan is establishing itself as a forerunner in Central Asias energy transformation. The nation's ambition to double its hydropower capacity by 2050 underscores its unwavering commitment to a green economy, which will not only support its own sustainable development but also provide valuable lessons for neighboring countries in the region. The forthcoming summit in Tashkent represents a pivotal opportunity for Tajikistan to share its experience and further solidify its role as a central player in the regions green energy transition. By harnessing its extensive hydropower resources, Tajikistan seeks to not only foster its own economic growth but also contribute to the broader sustainable development goals of Central Asia. TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan have agreed to increase the volume of freight train reception and dispatch, as well as to introduce additional services for customers, Trend reports, citing Uzbekistan Railways. These agreements were reflected in the documents signed during a meeting between Uzbekistan Railways JSC, led by Chairman Zufar Narzullaev, and a delegation headed by Baurzhan Urinbasarov, Production Director of Kazakhstan Temir Zholy. The sides noted the successful bilateral cooperation and discussed ways to further strengthen it, including increasing the number of freight and passenger trains. Special attention was given to the Ok Koprik station, where three new railway tracks have been built, significantly boosting the stations throughput capacity. Meanwhile, trade turnover between Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan reached $3.5 billion, marking a 16 percent year-on-year increase from January through September 2025. Uzbek exports amounted to $1.1 billion, up by 7 percent. Currently, 1,157 enterprises with Kazakhstani capital operate successfully in Uzbekistan, reflecting the growing confidence of Kazakh investors in the Uzbek market. On the flip side, by September 2025, a total of 7,190 Uzbek firms were registered in Kazakhstan. This figure indicates a substantial rise, as the quantity of companies invested in by Uzbekistan has surged by more than 56 percent in just over a year. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Bulgaria urges EU to provide a clear action plan on simplified tariff measures, Trend reports citing the country's Finance Ministry. This was stated by Deputy Finance Minister of Bulgaria Metodi Metodiev during the regular meeting of the Economic and Financial Affairs Council (ECOFIN) in Brussels. European finance ministers discussed a range of key topics, including energy taxation, the removal of the customs exemption threshold for goods entering the EU, the 2025 annual report of the European Fiscal Board, simplification of EU legislation, Russias aggression against Ukraine, Europes economic recovery, and conclusions on European statistics. Deputy Minister Metodiev highlighted the progress made in the field of energy taxation and noted that some of the concerns raised have been taken into account. He also expressed Bulgarias serious concerns regarding the proposal for automatic indexation, which would have the greatest impact on member states, including Bulgaria, that apply minimum tax levels on energy products. On the topic of introducing simplified tariff treatment for distance sales of goods and removing the customs exemption threshold, political agreement was reached, and a declaration submitted by France was adopted to find a legal and technical solution for the swift removal of the threshold. Bulgaria urged the European Commission to present a concrete action plan with clearly defined deadlines. The ECOFIN Council approved amendments to the national recovery and resilience plans of Belgium, Luxembourg, Croatia, Estonia, Romania, and Slovakia. The ministers also adopted conclusions on the progress achieved in EU statistical priorities and provided guidance for future work in this area. Photo: State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of the Republic of Azerbaijan BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijans State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy held discussions with the Tax Administration under Croatias Ministry of Finance on implementing new initiatives and enhancing bilateral cooperation, Trend reports via the state agency's press service. According to the service, a delegation traveled to Zagreb, Croatia, to exchange expertise and best practices with Croatian counterparts. Officials explored organizing digital transformation processes, applying modern technologies in tax administration, and developing risk-based compliance strategies using artificial intelligence (AI) and automation tools, particularly in areas such as import-export operations. The Azerbaijani delegation presented its platforms, including AVIS, e-portal, e-cash registers, tax risk analysis, and a goods movement tracking system, which drew significant interest from the other side. The meetings also addressed internal audits, improving the efficiency and transparency of services provided to taxpayers, enhancing user satisfaction, and boosting the quality of electronic services. Additionally, the parties exchanged experiences on resolving tax disputes, reviewing court decisions to annul tax inspections, and other related matters. The sides emphasized expanding cooperation in tax administration, implementing new initiatives, and promoting further mutual experience exchange. Azerbaijan and Croatia maintain a robust and expanding economic partnership, primarily focused on energy, with Azerbaijan providing gas to Croatia and both nations cooperating on energy and transit initiatives. The relationship is intensifying, characterized by a strategic collaboration, robust political interaction, and formal agreements such as the Joint Economic Commission created in 2015. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 14. President Emomali Rahmon has appointed Abdurahmon Abdurahmonzoda as the new Minister of Economic Development and Trade of Tajikistan, Trend reports via the Tajik president's office. The new minister has held several positions within the Ministry of Economic Development and Trade, including his most recent role as deputy minister. In his career, Abdurahmonzoda has worked on trade policy and cooperation with the World Trade Organization (WTO). He has also served as Tajikistan's Permanent Representative to the UN and other international organizations in Geneva. The new minister holds degrees in Global Economics from New York University and a Masters in Economic Development from the State University of Tajikistan. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, November 14. President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Kazakhstans President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev discussed ways to further strengthen the strategic partnership and alliance between the two countries, Trend reports via the press service of the Uzbek president. The discussions occurred after President Tokayev's arrival in Tashkent for a state visit, following an invitation from President Mirziyoyev. According to the visit program, high-level talks and the second meeting of the Supreme Intergovernmental Council will be held tomorrow, November 15. During the summit, the launch of major joint projects is expected, along with the signing of a substantial package of bilateral agreements. Furthermore, on November 16, the Kazakh leader is scheduled to participate in the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, which will also take place in Tashkent. Meanwhile, President Tokayev's last official state visit to Uzbekistan occurred on December 21, 2022. Subsequently, an informal meeting between Tokayev and President Mirziyoyev took place in Almaty on March 29, 2025. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Azerbaijani Ministry of Finance and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) have discussed the new Country Partnership Strategy for Azerbaijan covering 2025-2029, Trend reports via the ministry. The meeting took place between Azerbaijans Minister of Finance, Sahil Babayev, and Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), during Kandas inaugural official visit to the country. Minister Babayev underscored the significance of Azerbaijan's enduring and productive partnership with the ADB, highlighting that under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, the country is steadily advancing toward its objectives of economic diversification, sustainable development, and regional leadership. He further emphasized that collaboration with international financial institutions plays a crucial role in this process. The Minister expressed high regard for the long-standing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the ADB, noting that initiatives undertaken through loans, grants, and technical assistance have made substantial contributions to Azerbaijan's development agenda. Briefing on the current economic situation and macroeconomic indicators of Azerbaijan, Babayev said that positive development dynamics are observed in the country's economy, especially in the non-oil sector, strategic foreign exchange reserves are at a high level, and public debt is at a fairly low level. The new strategy covers priorities such as the development of the non-oil sector of the economy, increasing climate resilience, digital and green transformation, as well as strengthening the private sector. The parties held extensive discussions on the main priority areas of cooperation, including the expansion of the Baku Metro, projects to be implemented in the areas of transport infrastructure, drinking water supply, water loss reduction, and stormwater management in Baku and surrounding areas, as well as modernization of railway infrastructure, public-private partnership projects, and regional connectivity initiatives. In this context, the focus was also on ADB's integration into strategic regional projects such as the Middle Corridor and the Green Energy Corridor. The meeting highly appreciated Azerbaijan's contributions to the Asian Development Fund (ADF), which supports ADB mainly in low-income countries to reduce poverty and improve the quality of life since 2021. The meeting stressed that this support is an indicator of the importance Azerbaijan attaches to the policy of solidarity with the least developed countries and the promotion of inclusive regional development. Kanda stated that ADB highly values Azerbaijan as an important and reliable partner and is ready to support the country's development priorities, including further expanding cooperation in the areas of regional connectivity, digital transformation, water management, and sustainable infrastructure. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel MILAN BasicNet has inked a deal to acquire Woolrich from L-Gam, the Luxembourg-based fund established in 2013 with the support of the royal family of Liechtenstein and families from Europe, Asia and the United States. The publicly traded, Turin-based BasicNet Group is the owner of the brands Kappa, Robe di Kappa, K-Way, Superga, Sebago and Briko. More from WWD In a statement issued at the end of trading in Italy, co-chief executive officers of BasicNet Lorenzo Boglione and Alessandro Boglione said, Woolrich is an extraordinary brand, with a history and identity that make it unique in the international outerwear landscape. It represents exactly the kind of cultural and authentic heritage we aim to preserve, enhance and relaunch. This is a perfectly coherent operation with our long-term vision, based on dynamic and responsible brand management. The acquisition comes in a complex economic context, but we are convinced that the strength of our model and the experience of our team will allow us to return the brand to growth. The historic American brand Woolrich was founded in 1830 by John Rich in Pennsylvania, and is one of the oldest American producers of wool fabrics and outdoor clothing. The company was created to provide durable and functional garments for hunters, lumberjacks and railway workers. In 1850, Woolrich introduced its signature Buffalo red and black check pattern. In 1940, responding to the needs of workers building oil pipelines in Alaska, the Arctic Parka was born designed to withstand extreme temperatures and another signature garment for the brand. Felipe Merry del Val, founder and partner of L-Gam Advisers, said with BasicNets support, Woolrich will continue to grow internationally and strengthen its leadership in the outdoor lifestyle segment. L-Gam acquired Woolrich in 2018 from its former owner, WP Lavori in Corso. Lorenzo Flamini, CEO of Woolrich, added that this operation marks a new phase in the history of Woolrich, aimed at strengthening the brands identity and expanding its international presence, while enhancing nearly 200 years of history and reinterpreting the brands iconic and distinctive elements in a contemporary way. The transaction involves the acquisition, through a wholly owned BasicNet subsidiary, of the rights to the Woolrich brand for Europe and 100 percent of Woolrich Europe SpA, the company managing its distribution and retail activities. Its revenues for fiscal-year 2025 are expected to be around 90 million euros, for a total enterprise value of 90 million euros. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. A delegation from Kazakhstan, led by Doszhan Mussaliyev, Vice-Minister of Artificial Intelligence and Digital Development, is visiting Azerbaijan, Trend reports. The visitors first toured the Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center, where they were briefed on the centers activities and training programs. The delegation also dropped by the Electronic Security Service during the visit, diving into discussions on potential areas of cooperation. Later, the guests met with Deputy Minister Samir Mammadov at the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport. The meeting provided insight into the organization and operational principles of Azerbaijans cyber centers. The Kazakh side expressed interest in learning from Azerbaijans experience in the field of cybersecurity. The Azerbaijan Cybersecurity Center is an institution dedicated to strengthening the country's cybersecurity capabilities by training a new generation of experts. The Innovation and Digital Development Agency, with funding from PASHA Holding and Israel's Technion Institute, established the facility, which provides advanced training, while the Electronic Security Service is a government body under the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport that acts as a state coordinating body for cybersecurity. Its main functions are to coordinate information infrastructure, analyze cyber threats, protect against cyberattacks, and educate the public and institutions on cybersecurity through information campaigns and methodological assistance. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. On November 14, 2025, Rovshan Najaf, President of the State Oil Company of Azerbaijan (SOCAR), met with John Wallis, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of DeGolyer and MacNaughton, Trend reports. The meeting highlighted successful collaboration between the companies in calculating and evaluating hydrocarbon reserves and optimizing oil and gas field development plans. The parties reviewed the status of ongoing joint projects and discussed new cooperation opportunities in line with SOCARs strategic goals, including reserve evaluation, innovative technologies, and digitalization initiatives. DeGolyer and MacNaughton (D&M) is a global petroleum consulting firm offering an extensive array of services to the oil and gas sector, encompassing geological and engineering analyses, reservoir simulation, and economic evaluations. Established in 1936, the Dallas-based firm collaborates with clients in more than 100 countries to assist them in making decisions on the exploration, extraction, and management of oil and gas resources. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The price of Azerbaijans Azeri Light crude at Italys Augusta port, on a CIF basis, went up by $0.85, or 1.3 percent, on November 13 from the previous level, coming in at $66.28 per barrel, a source in the oil market told Trend. At Turkiyes Ceyhan port, the FOB price of Azeri Light crude increased by $0.84, or 1.33 percent, reaching $64.06 per barrel. The price of URALS crude rose by $0.39, or 0.77 percent, to $50.95 per barrel, and Brent Dated crude from the North Sea grew by $0.2, or 0.32 percent, to $62.2 per barrel. Azerbaijans 2025 state budget is based on an average oil price of $70 per barrel. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Trans Adriatic Pipeline (TAP) has played a pivotal role in strengthening Europe's energy security over the past five years, European Commission spokesperson said in an exclusive interview with Trend, as TAP marks its 5th anniversary of commercial operation on November 15. It has provided a new and strategic route for Azerbaijani gas to reach European markets, significantly diversifying the EUs energy supply and reducing dependency on traditional routes vulnerable to political and economic disruptions. TAP's reliable delivery of natural gas has enhanced the stability and competitiveness of the energy market in Europe, crucially supporting the European gas market during periods of energy challenges, especially those stemming from reliance on Russian supplies, said the spokesperson. The Commission representative pointed out that the EU remains committed to diversifying energy supplies and phasing out Russian fossil fuels by 2027. The REPowerEU Roadmap Regulation, currently under discussion with the co-legislators, opens up additional market opportunities for non-Russian suppliers. In this context TAP, as integral part of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC), is a strategic route aimed at diversifying Europes natural gas supply routes and sources. By drawing on Azerbaijans gas production and export capacity, TAP has helped decrease EUs dependence on Russian pipeline gas. This diversification mitigates supply risks, enhances competition within the energy sector, and results in more competitive pricing. As part of the Southern Gas Corridor, TAP contributes to a more diversified, reliable and secure gas supply to the EU, noted the spokesperson. The Commission representative said that the development of TAP has positively influenced the energy landscape and economic development of countries along its route, including Greece and Italy: It has created numerous jobs during its construction and operational phases, contributed to regional economic activity, and enabled these countries to secure more stable gas supplies. By integrating into the broader European energy network, these countries have reinforced their energy security and fostered regional cooperation, leading to increased stability and economic interconnectivity. Talking about TAPs role in ensuring energy resilience during the period of energy transformation, the spokesperson noted that gas is a crucial transitional fuel in Europes energy transition and efforts to reduce carbon emissions. TAP's role is vital by providing a stable source of gas, ensuring energy resilience, and acting as a bridge toward a more sustainable energy future. As we advance our decarbonisation goals, infrastructure like TAP can offer flexibility and security during this transition period and hence complement the integration of renewable energy sources, said the Commission representative. TAPs expansion The spokesperson went on to add that the EU continues to closely collaborate with relevant stakeholders to explore the potential for expanding TAPs capacity in response to a changing energy landscape: Since 2022, overall EU gas demand has declined due to energy savings and growth in renewable energy sources, but non-Russian gas remains essential to meet demand and ensure energy security. As EU regulations do not allow to invest in international fossil fuel projects from the EU budget anymore, any expansion of TAPs transport infrastructure should be commercially viable based on market demand and pricing conditions. In this regard, TAPs regular market tests play a central role in assessing interest and determining the need for additional capacity in a transparent and non-discriminatory manner. As part of our efforts to diversify our gas supplies away from Russia, we aim to increase gas supplies to the EU through the Southern Gas Corridor and we are working with the Government of Azerbaijan and other SGC partners on this. Our strategic energy cooperation with Azerbaijan will hence remain vital to contribute to the EUs long-term energy security and decarbonisation goals. Moreover, the Commission representative noted that Azerbaijans commitment to reducing methane emissions and enhancing regional electricity sector connectivity underscores its role in our shared commitment to the energy transition: Azerbaijan's abundant renewable energy resources, particularly in the Caspian Sea, present excellent opportunities for European clean energy industry collaboration. We believe that this partnership can amplify efforts on both sides to transition toward more competitive and greener energy solutions, securing a sustainable energy future. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Azerbaijan held discussions on strengthening partnership ties with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), Trend reports via the Ministry of Energy. A meeting took place at the ministry between Deputy Minister of Energy Elnur Soltanov and IAEA representative Jonathan Herbax. The meeting was also attended by representatives from the State Agency for Regulation of Nuclear and Radiological Activity, a body under the Ministry of Emergency Situations. During the discussions, it was emphasized that the country has prioritized "clean environment and green growth" as one of its five key national goals for socio-economic development over the next decade. In line with this priority, substantial focus is being placed on the adoption of environmentally sustainable technologies and the promotion of renewable energy sources. The meeting also underscored the significant steps Azerbaijan is taking to enhance its renewable energy capacity and diversify its energy mix. The importance of the Memorandum of Understanding on energy planning cooperation, signed between the Ministry of Energy and the IAEA in Baku during COP29, was emphasized, and the current state of collaboration with the IAEA, future directions, and the development of the legal framework were discussed. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. The Budapest meeting of the ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary on the establishment of the Green Energy Corridor concluded with significant outcomes, the Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov said in a post on his official X page, Trend reports. "The Budapest meeting of the ministers of Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary on the establishment of the Green Energy Corridor concluded with significant outcomes. It was agreed to complete the feasibility study by the end of March and, at the next stage, to implement the measures to be carried out by the Green Energy Corridor Energy Company (GECO) for the development of the project. Also, in accordance with the concept of the Intergovernmental Agreement, an understanding was reached between the Green Energy Corridor and Black Sea Submarine Cable projects on the exploration and development of technical and strategic synergies to increase cross-border transmission capacity and regional energy connectivity. For this purpose, a working group consisting of deputy ministers and GECO representatives was tasked with preparing relevant proposals and presenting them at the next meeting," the post reads. The Azerbaijan, Georgia, Romania, and Hungary Green Energy Corridor project aims to create an underwater high-voltage direct current (HVDC) cable across the Black Sea to transport renewable energy from Azerbaijan and Georgia to Europe. The initiative's goal is to diversify Europe's energy supply, improve energy security, and establish a direct physical link for green electricity from the South Caucasus to the EU. The corridor will also feature a fiber-optic cable for digital communication, beginning with a transmission capacity of 4 GW. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. Bosnia and Herzegovina has reported an increase in tourism from Saudi Arabia following the introduction of visa liberalization in the summer of 2025, Trend reports citing the Bosnian Foreign Ministry. This growth was highlighted during a farewell meeting between the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Elmedin Konakovic, and the outgoing Saudi Ambassador to Bosnia and Herzegovina, Osamah Dakhel R. Al Ahmadi. During the meeting, it was noted that Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia maintain traditionally good and friendly relations, based on mutual understanding, respect, and appreciation. Minister Konakovic thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for its continuous support and assistance provided to Bosnia and Herzegovina over the years. He particularly expressed gratitude for the support of development projects financed by the Saudi Fund for Development (SFD), highlighting the construction of the University Library at the University of Sarajevo as an example of successful cooperation. The Minister emphasized the importance of further strengthening economic relations and increasing the volume of trade cooperation between the two countries. In this context, he recalled the significance of visa liberalization introduced in the summer of 2025, which contributed to an increased number of tourists from Saudi Arabia to Bosnia and Herzegovina. He also highlighted the importance of high-level visits and the development of contractual agreements, which will further strengthen the friendly ties between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. Ambassador Al Ahmadi thanked Bosnia and Herzegovina and its institutions for their good cooperation and support during his mandate. He stressed the importance of continuous contacts and visits by Saudi officials and business delegations to Bosnia and Herzegovina, especially to further improve economic relations and investments. At the end of the conversation, Minister Konakovic thanked Ambassador Al Ahmadi for his active engagement and personal contribution to the enhancement of bilateral relations between Bosnia and Herzegovina and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and wished him much success in his future diplomatic career. Photo: Ministry of Agriculture of the Republic of Kazakhstan ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. Kazakhstan Temir Zholy (Kazakhstan Railways, or KTZ), the national railway operator, transported 1.54 million tons of grain in October 2025, which is a 26 percent increase compared to the same month last year, Trend reports via KTZ. Domestic shipments rose by 38 percent to reach 356,000 tons, while exports grew by 23 percent to 1.2 million tons. The most notable increase was recorded in shipments to Central Asia, which exceeded 760,000 tons, up by 25 percent year-on-year. Deliveries to Russian ports and the Baltic states doubled, while exports to Afghanistan surged by 63 percent. Over the two-month period of September and October, KTZ transported 2.8 million tons of grain, 27 percent more than a year earlier. Domestic shipments jumped by 52 percent, while exports surpassed 2.2 million tons, a 21 percent rise. In the first ten months of 2025, total grain transportation reached 11.2 million tons, which is 38 percent higher than in the previous year. Of this, 8.45 million tons were exported (up 39 percent), and domestic shipments increased by 34 percent. KTZ stated that it has sufficient wagons and locomotives to ensure uninterrupted transportation of socially important cargo. A dedicated coordination headquarters works with exporters, wagon owners, government agencies, and industry associations to streamline logistics, while mobile teams in grain-producing regions facilitate prompt issue resolution and coordination. Kazakhstan exhibits substantial agronomic capacity, particularly as a leading entity in the global wheat production and exportation landscape. The capacity is evidenced by a standard yearly output that has the potential to surpass 25 million tons, alongside an export capability projected to be approximately 12 million tons for the 2024 harvest cycle. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. Kazakhstans agricultural production has increased more than 2.5 times over the last decade, rising from 3.3 trillion tenge ($6.3 billion at the current exchange rate) to 8.3 trillion tenge ($15.8 billion), President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the 2nd Forum of Agricultural Workers in the country, Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president. "We are committed to doubling this figure by 2030, and I am confident that this goal is within our reach. A comprehensive National Development Plan has been adopted, clearly outlining the specific objectives and strategies to achieve these targets," President Tokayev remarked. He also highlighted that Kazakhstan's agricultural sector is projected to yield 27 million tons of grain in 2025, with contributions from all regions across the country. Notably, the Akmola region led the harvest, recording an impressive 7.5 million tons. President Tokayev also pointed out that 37 percent of the country's population, or 7.5 million people, currently live in rural areas. Tokayev highlighted that significant reforms have been underway in the agricultural sector in recent years. Since the beginning of the year, investments in the sector's fixed capital have increased by over 20 percent, reaching 790 billion tenge (approximately $1.51 billion). "However, we still haven't fully utilized the vast potential of our agriculture. Kazakhstan ranks 6th in the world in terms of pasture land area and 8th in terms of cultivated land area. In other words, we have all the necessary resources; we just need to use them more effectively," Tokayev emphasized. According to the official exchange rate of the National Bank of Kazakhstan as of November 14, 2025, 1 USD equals 524.32 KZT. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. Since 2022, more than 14 million hectares of agricultural land have been returned to the state, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said at the 2nd Forum of Agricultural Workers. Trend reports via the press service of the Kazakh president. Several years ago, I instructed the government to return illegally acquired and unused land plots to the state. Today, the minister reported on the results of this work, Tokayev said. He emphasized that all the returned lands must be put into permanent circulation by the middle of next year. Tokayev also noted that the government is currently developing a plan to support the livestock sector. Pastures should be made available to rural residents and investors who have concrete plans for their development. In the document, which will be adopted by the middle of next year, we need to clearly define ways to address this issue, he stated. According to Tokayev, one of the main challenges remains the low collateral value of land plots. The current system of cadastral evaluation does not reflect the true market value. The president called on the government to focus on this issue and reconsider the methodology for determining cadastral value. He pointed out that existing barriers in land relations hinder the creation of modern farming enterprises. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev also instructed the government to develop a unified digital map of land resources by the end of next year. To identify the regions generating the most cash for majors, we forecast the groups top five projects by cumulative free cash flow for the period 2025 to 2030. Two standout regions are the Permian shale play, which dominates the US majors' portfolios, and the Caspian region, where all majors have maintained their presence despite portfolio streamlining Chevrons projected $28 billion in free cash flow from Kazakhstans Tengiz field underscores the region's value to its portfolio. ExxonMobil's $14 billion in revenue from Tengiz further emphasizes the field's prominence, making it the second highest in the company's global portfolio. BP's operations in the Caspian are equally critical, with the Shah Deniz gas project in Azerbaijan forecast to deliver $6 billion in free cash flow. Finally, the Kashagan field is forecast as the highest cash flow generator for TotalEnergies and Eni, and the third highest for Shell, at $5 billion for each company. Rystad Energy The Caspian region remains a cornerstone of global energy supply and a key area of strategic interest for international investors. With substantial reserves, established infrastructure and a proven record of successful partnerships, countries such as Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan continue to attract major foreign capital through favorable contractual frameworks and reliable production growth. Meanwhile, Turkmenistan and Uzbekistan are gradually enhancing their investment environments, signaling an openness to deeper international collaboration. Despite evolving global market conditions, the Caspians vast resource base and advantageous location between Europe and Asia ensure its continued relevance in the global energy landscape. To sustain growth and strengthen competitiveness, Caspian nations will need to maintain transparent investment regimes, modernize regulatory frameworks and foster technological innovation. By doing so, they can maximize the long-term value of their hydrocarbon wealth and solidify their position as reliable energy partners on the world stage. By Rystad Energy More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Oilprice Intelligence brings you the signals before they become front-page news. This is the same expert analysis read by veteran traders and political advisors. Get it free, twice a week, and you'll always know why the market is moving before everyone else. You get the geopolitical intelligence, the hidden inventory data, and the market whispers that move billions - and we'll send you $389 in premium energy intelligence, on us, just for subscribing. Join 400,000+ readers today. Get access immediately by clicking here. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. Israel and Kazakhstan have agreed on a schedule for upcoming high-level events, Trend reports via Kazakhstan's MFA. The agreement was reached during a phone conversation between the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Kazakhstan, Yermek Kosherbayev, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Israel, Gideon Saar. The ministers discussed the prospects for mutually beneficial bilateral cooperation, as well as current regional and international issues. On November 7, 2025, during President Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs official visit to Washington, a significant joint telephone conversation took place between the presidents of Kazakhstan and the United States, alongside Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. During this dialogue, Kazakhstan reiterated its commitment to joining the Abraham Accords. Former President Donald Trump lauded Kazakhstans decision to pursue membership in the Accords, emphasizing that this move would catalyze for other nations to embrace the initiative. ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev has urged for an accelerated focus on attracting foreign investors to Kazakhstan's agricultural sector, Trend reports via the press service of the president. In his remarks, Tokayev emphasized the priority of deep processing production within the agricultural industry. He noted that Kazakhstan's domestic agribusiness sector remains largely focused on raw material production, limiting its potential. He said that in 2023, processed agricultural products accounted for only 35 percent of the total agricultural output, while this year the figure has already risen to 50 percent. The president set a goal for next year, aiming for processed products to comprise 70 percent of total production. Now we need to speed up efforts to attract foreign investors to this sector. There are many necessary projects for this area, some of which I became familiar with before the forum began. However, we must not be satisfied with what we already have, Tokayev noted. He also highlighted the need to roll out the red carpet for foreign investors bringing cutting-edge technologies to the table. The government has compiled a list of over 200 investment projects in the agricultural sector, totaling approximately four trillion tenge ($7.63 billion) to be allocated over the next three years. These projects will be implemented across 12 sectors. Tokayev pointed out that these projects need to be backed up at all levels. According to the official exchange rate of the National Bank of Kazakhstan as of November 14, 2025, 1 USD equals 524.32 KZT. BAKU, Azerbaijan, November 14. President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayevs visit to Uzbekistan from November 14 through 16 coincides with the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Central Asian heads of state. This convergence makes Tashkent a key platform for discussing the future development of regional cooperation. For Kazakhstan, the trip presents an opportunity to outline its approaches to key regional development areas and strengthen mechanisms for cooperation with Uzbekistan. The agenda for the visit encompasses high-level discussions and participation in the Supreme Intergovernmental Council meeting. The talks are expected to center on areas of industrial collaboration, trade, water and energy resources, and transport logistics. Key anticipated outcomes include the establishment of an International Center for Industrial Cooperation and the signing of multiple agreements aimed at deepening the strategic partnership between the two nations. The growing interconnectedness of the region makes this visit particularly relevant. Kazakhstan, the largest economy in Central Asia, serves as a key transport and transit hub. Kazakhstans territory provides crucial routes that enable Uzbekistan to access markets in Russia, Europe, and the Caspian Sea. Energy cooperation between Astana and Tashkent holds a special place in bilateral relations. According to Kazakhstans Ministry of Energy, in the first seven months of 2025, the transit of Kazakh gas through Uzbekistan amounted to 921.7 million cubic meters, and it is expected to rise to 11 billion cubic meters per year starting in 2026. At the same time, both countries are working within the framework of the Unified Energy System of Central Asia and are advancing the Green Energy Corridor project with Azerbaijans involvement. During COP29 in Baku in November 2024, Tokayev noted that the unification of energy systems opens new opportunities for the export of clean electricity and enhances Kazakhstans potential as a transit hub. Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan are also jointly implementing the construction of the 1,860 MW Kambarata-1 hydroelectric power station on the Naryn River in Kyrgyzstan. In January 2023, the energy ministers of the three countries signed a roadmap for the construction of the hydroelectric plant. The electricity produced at the station, exceeding Kyrgyzstan's domestic needs, will be purchased by Uzbekistan and Kazakhstan. The intensity of bilateral contacts underscores the resilience of their cooperation. Along with official negotiations, regular working meetings play a crucial role. On March 29, 2025, discussions in Almaty allowed both sides to address strategic partnership directions, from transport and energy to water resources and investment. At that time, Tokayev emphasized that the allied nature of Kazakhstan-Uzbekistan relations directly impacts regional stability. Economic ties between the two countries continue to grow stronger. According to the National Statistical Committee of Uzbekistan, in the period from January to August 2025, trade turnover reached $3 billion, reflecting a 3.5 percent increase compared to the previous year. Kazakhstan, with its developed logistics infrastructure and the largest railway network in the region, offers Uzbekistan not only access to the sea but also opportunities for industrial cooperation. Joint production of household appliances, machine engineering products, and agribusiness goods is creating new value chains. Significant progress is being made in the transport sector, with ongoing developments in key infrastructure projects. The construction of the Darbaza-Maktaaral railway line in the Turkestan region, launched under the directive of President Tokayev, continues to advance. This new rail link is set to enhance Kazakhstans export capacity and bolster transportation connectivity with Uzbekistan. Additionally, efforts to expand air connectivity between the two nations are underway. Following agreements made in August 2025, the frequency of flights on the Almaty-Tashkent and Astana-Tashkent routes has increased, with the two routes now operating up to 42 times per week, bringing the total air travel capacity between the two countries to 238 flights per week. Central Asia is striving to strengthen its independence. Following the adoption of the Central Asia-2040 concept, the countries of the region aim to create long-term cooperation mechanisms, including the development of the Middle Corridor and joint energy projects. In todays changing international environment, such initiatives are especially important. As Kazakhstan prepares for the upcoming Consultative Meeting of Central Asian heads of state in Tashkent, it positions itself as a proactive participant, eager to foster open dialogue and champion initiatives that promote the region's sustainable development. For Kazakhstan, enhancing energy and transport connectivity remains a top priority. President Tokayev's visit underscores the nation's dedication to advancing mutually beneficial cooperation, a cornerstone for securing the long-term stability and prosperity of Central Asia ASTANA, Kazakhstan, November 14. A 42-kilometer stretch of the Almaty-Shymkent highway in Kazakhstan has officially opened after completing an extensive renovation, Trend reports via the Ministry of Transport. The freshly revamped stretch, tying together the towns of Uzynagash and Otar, is a vital cog in the wheel of the transport corridor that bridges Kazakhstan to the southern territories, along with Uzbekistan and Kyrgyzstan. This highway forms a key part of the larger Western EuropeWestern China route. During the opening ceremony, Deputy Minister of Transport Maksat Kaliakparov highlighted that the completion of the Uzynagash-Otar section is part of a broader initiative that has seen the renovation of 13,000 kilometers of roads across Kazakhstan this year. A total of 163 pieces of machinery, 290 specialists, 2 asphalt plants, and 4 road construction units were utilized in the two-year restoration project. According to the Ministry of Transport's plans for the country's transport network, by 2030, Kazakhstan will construct 4,700 kilometers of new roads, with 3,700 kilometers of them being first-category roads. These improvements are expected to significantly boost connectivity and trade throughout the region. The Western EuropeWestern China Highway (WE-WC Highway) is a network of highways that has been linking up St. Petersburg in Russia, Almaty in Kazakhstan, and Lianyungang in China since 2018, enabling seamless highway road travel and transport between Europe and China. Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 14. Tajikistan and Russia plan to deepen cooperation across economic, humanitarian, and legislative areas, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik President. The initiatives were deliberated during a meeting between Emomali Rahmon, President of Tajikistan, and Valentina Matvienko, Chairperson of the Federation Council of Russia. The discussion centered on advancing cooperation within the framework of the strategic partnership and bilateral relations between the two nations, with particular emphasis on strengthening interparliamentary ties. President Rahmon underscored the significance of parliamentary diplomacy in bolstering political dialogue and fostering progress in trade, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. President Rahmon also emphasized the need to enhance the functioning of joint parliamentary committees, especially in the areas of economics, investment, energy, healthcare, and environmental protection. Additionally, the discussion highlighted plans to expand exchanges in legislation, digitalization, entrepreneurial support, and social policy. The talks also touched on Tajikistans chairmanship of the CIS. The sides discussed the outcomes of Russian President Vladimir Putins state visit to Tajikistan and the CIS and Central AsiaRussia summits held in Dushanbe earlier. They also engaged in discussions regarding the prospects for further cooperation within other regional and international organizations. DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, November 14. President Emomali Rahmon received heads of parliamentary delegations from Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) member countries on the sidelines of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly meeting in Dushanbe, Trend reports via the press service of the Tajik President. In the course of the meeting, Rahmon emphasized the role of the Assembly as a platform for dialogue and cooperation. The activities of the Inter-Parliamentary Assembly, along with the development and harmonization of the legislation of our states, cover many key areas of cooperation, including politics and security, the economy, and social and humanitarian interaction, he said. The Tajik president recalled that over 100 multi-level events were held during Tajikistans CIS chairmanship this year, including the CIS Heads of State Summit and the Central Asia-Russia summit in Dushanbe. He also highlighted the need for joint efforts to tackle modern challenges such as terrorism, extremism, cyber threats, and cross-border crime. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. A Bitcoin (CRYPTO: BTC) user paid a staggering $105,197 to transfer a mere $10 worth of the cryptocurrency, raising questions within the digital asset community. Costly Error Baffles Experts Late Monday, blockchain data revealed that a Bitcoin user mistakenly paid over $105,197 to transfer a meager 0.00010036 BTC. The funds were sent to a deposit wallet on Kraken, one of the most popular cryptocurrency exchanges, and the hefty fee was collected by MARA Pool, the mining pool that processed the transaction. The transaction, which was brought to light by Crypto enthusiasts on X, has left industry experts scratching their heads. Dont Miss: If there was a new fund backed by Jeff Bezos offering a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends would you invest in it? Nick Hansen, CEO and co-founder of the Luxor mining pool, told Decrypt that it was a non-standard way of conducting a transaction. Notably, at the time of this transaction, the average cost of a BTC transfer was $0.91, according to BitInfoCharts, making this particular transfer an anomaly. Experts say such mistakes often happen when users manually adjust their wallet settings instead of relying on automatic fee estimators. If the "change" or recipient fields are entered incorrectly, the excess amount can end up being sent to the miner, as per Cryptorank. Major Transfers Stir Speculation This transaction comes in the wake of several significant events in the Bitcoin market. In July, a $1 billion Bitcoin transfer from Coinbase sparked speculation about institutional accumulation or long-term cold storage. This event was part of a larger trend of increased whale activity in the Bitcoin market. In another shocking anomaly, in late January, a Bitcoin transaction worth nearly $200 million was completed with just a minimal fee, underscoring the efficiency and low-cost nature of blockchain technology. The transfer involved 2,000.05830161 BTC valued at approximately $197.63 million while incurring only $1.89 in miner fees. See Also: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.81/Share Before Nov. 20 Bitcoin Holds Firm Amid Market Volatility This event comes at a time when Bitcoin is trading around $105,000, following the U.S. Senates release of the draft of the crypto market structure bill. The proposal allows ETFs to stake digital assets and distribute rewards to investors. A prominent market analyst suggested that Bitcoin had likely established its bottom at $98,000, marking a key low reinforced by multiple technical indicators. Despite this, Bitcoin and Ethereum (CRYPTO: ETH) were down 2% on Tuesday, with institutional confidence in digital assets remaining strong, according to a new research report. School of Pharmacy, Johns Hopkins Supporting Long COVID Patients in New Collaboration As the health care community continues to respond to the long-term effects of COVID-19, the University of Maryland School of Pharmacy (UMSOP) and the Johns Hopkins Hospital Department of Pharmacy are helping to lead the charge through a groundbreaking collaboration with the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Mojdeh Heavner and Erin VanMeter. Mojdeh Heavner, PharmD, BCCCP, FCCM, FCCP, professor of practice, sciences, and health outcomes research (P-SHOR) and assistant dean for experiential learning at UMSOP, and Erin VanMeter, PharmD, BCACP, an adjunct faculty member at UMSOP and ambulatory care clinical pharmacy specialist at the Johns Hopkins Health System, serve as the two pharmacists currently working with the Johns Hopkins Post-Acute COVID-19 Team (JH PACT). The JH PACT is an interdisciplinary clinic focused on supporting COVID-19 survivors in their recovery journeys. Since July 2024, the JH PACT program has served 574 patients, including 317 new patients, and conducted more than 4,400 patient encounters. These numbers reflect the clinics continued growth and underscore the ongoing need for coordinated, multidisciplinary care for individuals living with the lingering effects of COVID-19. The collaboration between UMSOP and the JH PACT clinic began in March 2025. The clinic itself, which first opened in April 2020, was established through a joint initiative between the Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine and the Department of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation at Johns Hopkins Medicine to provide integrated, standardized care for patients experiencing long COVID symptoms. These include fatigue, brain fog, respiratory issues, and complications related to critical illness. The clinic is supported in part by a grant from the Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ). The grant, titled Supporting Patients Recovering from COVID (SPaRC), aims to expand essential clinical services for individuals living with long COVID and to build a collaborative coalition that enhances support for primary care providers. Pharmacists like Heavner, who specializes in critical care and has previously practiced in the Medical Intensive Care Unit at the University of Maryland Medical Center, play a vital role in optimizing medication regimens for patients whose complex health needs often evolve over time. Our goal as pharmacists is to support patients through individualized medication management. Many of them are receiving numerous therapies, and they need careful oversight to avoid dangerous interactions and improve outcomes, Heavner said. We also help educate patients on how to manage their symptoms and what to expect during recovery. In addition to her clinical role seeing patients through population health initiatives aimed at underserved communities at Johns Hopkins, VanMeter contributes to pharmacy education at UMSOP through teaching in chronic disease management courses and serving as a preceptor for APPE students and the schools ambulatory care residency program. Her academic and clinical experience uniquely position her to support patients navigating the complex, evolving challenges of long COVID. Being part of this team allows us to make a real impact on patients recovery, VanMeter said. As pharmacists, were able to offer a unique perspective on medication management that complements the work of our colleagues in medicine, nursing, and rehabilitation. Its a true team effort focused on meeting patients where they are in their healing journey. Leading the program as medical director is Ann M. Parker, MD, PhD, a pulmonary and critical care medicine specialist, and assistant professor of medicine at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. Parker, a 2008 graduate of the University of Maryland School of Medicine, brings a strong clinical focus on rehabilitation and recovery in post-ICU patients, including those battling the long-term effects of COVID-19. Parker also completed her residency at the University of Maryland Medical Center. The JH PACT clinic was created to fill a gap in care for patients experiencing persistent, life-disrupting symptoms after COVID-19, Parker said. Our team brings together diverse expertise, from pulmonary care and rehabilitation medicine to pharmacy, to ensure each patient receives a holistic and coordinated treatment plan. Kimberly Nelson, CRNP, a pulmonary nurse practitioner and one of the clinics primary clinicians, works alongside Parker, Heavner, and VanMeter. She takes a leading role in patient assessment, management, and care coordination. Every patients story is different. Some are just coming out of the ICU, while others are months to years along in their journey with the Post-Acute Sequelae of SARS-CoV-2 infection (PASC) and/or Post-Intensive Care Syndrome (PICS) but still struggling day to day, Nelson explained. Thats why our team works closely together in our multidisciplinary approach working holistically with our patients on their mental, cognitive, and physical health. In addition to clinical services, which include telemedicine and in-person visits, as well as physical, occupational, speech-language therapy, and neuropsychology, the clinic offers a free virtual support group for patients suffering from long COVID. The group provides a safe and informal space for patients to connect, share coping strategies, and combat the sense of isolation that often accompanies chronic illness. Were not just treating symptoms were supporting the whole person, added Heavner. Being part of this effort is incredibly rewarding, and Im proud that UMSOP is contributing to such a meaningful initiative. Were proud of Dr. Heavners and Dr. VanMeters leadership and the integral role pharmacists are playing in post-COVID care, said Jill Morgan, PharmD, BCPS, BCPPS, FNAP, professor and chair of P-SHOR. Their work with Johns Hopkins exemplifies the power of interdisciplinary teamwork in improving patient outcomes. Publicly traded Bitcoin miner Bitfarms will wind down its BTC operations and pivot to AI infrastructure, the firm announced on Thursday. The announcement comes alongside the firms third-quarter earnings, in which it posted a net loss of $46 million, compared to a net loss of $24 million in Q3 2024 from its Bitcoin business. "We continue executing on our HPC/AI infrastructure development strategy with a fully funded supply chain and plan to convert our Washington site to support Nvidia GB300s with state-of-the-art liquid cooling," said Bitfarms CEO Ben Gagnon, in a statement. Despite being less than 1% of our total developable portfolio, we believe that the conversion of just our Washington site to GPU-as-a-service could potentially produce more net operating income than we have ever generated with Bitcoin mining, he added. Gagnon added that the firm would look to wind down its Bitcoin mining business throughout 2026 and 2027. Bitfarms, which operates 12 data centers across North America with an energy capacity of 341 megawatts (MW), is confident in its ability to make the transition successfully. Bitcoin Miners Lead Crypto Stock Losses Amid Wider Market DipWith BTC Falling With consistent inbound demand for our sites, we have high conviction in the value of our unique energy portfolio, the demand for our power, and our ability to develop next-generation HPC and AI infrastructure, said Gagnon on the firms Q3 earnings call. The firm recently converted a $300 million debt facility in October for the financing of a site in Panther Creek, Pennsylvania, which it expects will allow it to capitalize on demand for AI infrastructure. Shares of BITF finished the trading day down about 18% on Thursday amid the news, changing hands at $2.60. The slip is part of an extended loss over the last month in which shares have fallen more than 51%. Epstein Emails Reference Bitcoin Meeting With Brock Pierce at Manhattan Mansion The soon-to-be former Bitcoin miner is not the only one looking to AI for its next play. Last week, Bitcoin miner MARA announced that alongside record high revenues it would be expanding its services to include a focus on AI compute. Many Bitcoin mining firms have embraced the growing AI opportunity in recent months, but Bitfirms is the first major player to say it plans to abandon its original business focus. A representative for Bitfarms did not immediately respond to Decrypts request for comment. Bitcoin has fallen nearly 3% in the last 24 hours and is now trading at $99,441 after falling to its lowest price in six months earlier Thursday. Imagine opening your mailbox and finding a letter that says: "Congratulations, you're accepted to college." You didn't apply. You didn't write essays about overcoming adversity or describing your greatest achievement. You didn't pay application fees. You didn't stress over whether your SAT scores were high enough or your extracurriculars impressive enough. You just... got in. This isn't a fantasy. It's exactly what happened to 17,400 high school seniors in California's Riverside County last year. The California State University system sent them acceptance lettersplural, to 16 different campusesbefore they lifted a finger. The radical experiment worked. CSU saw a 9 percent jump in enrollment from Riverside County compared to the previous freshman class. Applications from the county surged 15 percent. And now, thanks to legislation signed last month, the program is going statewide starting in the 2026-27 admission cycle. California is betting that the future of college admissions isn't about students proving themselves worthy of colleges. It's about colleges proving themselves worthy of students. How It Actually Works The concept is deceptively simple, which is part of what makes it revolutionary. If you're a California high school senior who took the required courses and maintained at least a 2.5 GPAthe basic CSU eligibility requirementsyou get a letter in the mail. No application required. The letter tells you that you're already accepted to 16 CSU campuses across the state. Not "you're eligible to apply." Not "we'd love to see your application." You're in. Done. Accepted. To actually enroll, students complete a simplified version of the standard applicationbasically just claiming their spot and indicating which campus they prefer. No essays. No letters of recommendation. No application fees. The six most selective CSU campusesincluding San Diego State and Cal Poly San Luis Obispoaren't participating. They'll still use traditional admissions. But the other 16 campuses, which serve the vast majority of CSU students, are all in. "Being able to proactively inform students that they are eligible for the CSU has provided a lot of positive results," said April Grommo, CSU's assistant vice chancellor of strategic enrollment management. "We had a lot of students and families that did not realize they were eligible to go to a four-year university." Read that last sentence again. Students who qualified for college didn't know they qualified. Until someone told them. That's not a failure of the students. It's a failure of the system. And direct admissions is the fix. Why This Is Actually Revolutionary College admissions in America has operated on the same basic model for decades: Students apply to colleges, colleges evaluate applications, colleges make decisions, and students choose from among their acceptances. The power dynamic is clear. Students are supplicants. Colleges are gatekeepers. Students prove themselves worthy. Colleges bestow admission as a reward for worthiness. This model made sense when college was for the elite few. It makes less sense when higher education is supposed to be broadly accessible and when public universities exist specifically to serve state residents. Direct admissions flips the script entirely. Instead of students applying to colleges, colleges reach out to students. Instead of students wondering if they're good enough, colleges tell students they're already accepted. Instead of students jumping through hoops, colleges remove the hoops entirely. The psychological impact is profound. A direct admissions letter doesn't say "you might be good enough if you apply and we approve." It says "you ARE good enough, and we want you." For students who've been told their whole lives that college is out of reachthat it's for other people, not themthat message is transformative. The Students Who Didn't Know The Riverside County pilot revealed something troubling: Thousands of students who qualified for CSU had no idea they could go. Many were first-generation college students whose parents hadn't navigated the American higher education system. Others came from low-income families where the assumption was that four-year universities were too expensive or too selective. Still others simply didn't have the guidance counseling support to understand their options. Traditional college admissions put the burden on students to figure this out. You have to know colleges exist, understand admissions requirements, navigate application systems, and advocate for yourself throughout the process. If you don't have parents, counselors, or mentors helping you, it's easy to fall through the cracks. Direct admissions removes that burden. CSU used existing datacourse transcripts and GPAs that schools already trackto identify qualifying students. Then the system reached out directly with acceptance letters. "A lot of Riverside County students are first-generation and low-income, so we talked to them about why the CSU is a good option for them," Grommo said. The results speak to how many students were missing out before. That 9 percent enrollment increase represents hundreds of students who are now attending collegestudents who would have qualified all along but never realized it. These aren't marginal students who barely scraped in. They're students who met CSU's standard requirements but didn't know those requirements or didn't believe college was a realistic option for them. The Numbers That Convinced Everyone When CSU launched the Riverside County pilot, administrators hoped it would work. The results exceeded expectations. Of the 17,400 students who received direct admission offers: 15% more completed applications compared to the previous year (even the simplified version requires some paperwork) 9% more actually enrolled at CSU campuses The majority chose Cal State San Bernardino, the closest campus to Riverside County But others traveled farther, often to access specialized programs not available locally That 9 percent increase is huge in higher education terms. Most enrollment initiatives are measured in single-digit percentage points. A strategy that moves the needle by nearly 10 percent in a single year is remarkably successful. And it's not just CSU seeing these results. Professor Taylor Odle of the University of Wisconsin has studied direct admissions programs nationwide and found consistent benefits. "My work, in partnership with states and national nonprofit organizations, shows that direct admissions programs can not only increase students' early-college going behaviors but also subsequently raise their college enrollment outcomes," Odle wrote. "These benefits are particularly large for students of color, those who will be the first in their family to attend college, and those from lower-income communities." Translation: Direct admissions works. It works especially well for the students who face the biggest barriers. And states that implement it consistently see enrollment increases. About 15 states now offer some form of direct, guaranteed, or simplified admissions. California is joining a movement that's already proven successful across diverse contexts. Beyond the Letter: Making It Real Sending acceptance letters is only part of CSU's strategy. The system also launched "Discover CSU Days"events designed to make the opportunity tangible for students who'd never visited a college campus. The events featured panels of current CSU students from Riverside Countypeople who looked like the prospective students, came from similar backgrounds, and could speak authentically about the college experience. Students could ask questions about financial aid, housing, academic programs, and campus life. They could tour facilities. They could meet faculty and current students in their intended majors. And crucially, they could enroll on the spot. Some campuses waived housing and tuition deposits for students who committed during these events, removing yet another barrier. "We wanted to expose Riverside County students to CSU's different campuses and programs," Grommo said. Making college feel accessible isn't just about admissionsit's about helping students envision themselves there. For first-generation and low-income students especially, college can feel like an alien world. They don't know the unwritten rules, the cultural expectations, or the practical logistics. Events like Discover CSU Days demystify the process and provide concrete information about how to actually get from acceptance letter to enrolled student. What "Direct Admissions" Actually Means States and systems use the term "direct admissions" in slightly different ways, which can create confusion. Odle provided a clear definition of what a true direct admissions program includes: Guaranteed: Students are actually admitted, not just invited to apply. Universal: All students who meet the criteria can participate. Proactive: Students don't need to do anything to receive the offerthe institution reaches out. Simplified: Students don't complete a traditional applicationthey just claim their spot through a streamlined process. Free: No application fees or other costs. CSU's program checks all these boxes. If you meet the requirements, you get the offer automatically. You don't pay to apply. And claiming your spot is significantly easier than completing a traditional application. Some states call programs "direct admissions" when they're really just encouraging students to apply or offering application fee waivers. Those can be helpful, but they're not the same thing. True direct admissions removes the application step entirelyor at least reduces it to basic registration. The distinction matters because the barrier isn't always the application itself. It's the psychological burden of applying, the fear of rejection, the time and energy required to complete applications, and the uncertainty about whether you'll be accepted. Direct admissions eliminates all of that. You're accepted before you ever think about whether to apply. The Geographic Reality One interesting finding from the pilot: Most students stayed relatively close to home. The majority of Riverside County students who enrolled chose Cal State San Bernardino, the closest CSU campus. This aligns with broader patterns. CSU notes that across the entire system, most students attend an institution within 50 miles of home. Community ties, family obligations, work commitments, and financial constraints all factor into these decisions. But direct admissions did enable some students to go farther. Having acceptance letters to 16 campuses meant students could compare options, explore specialized programs not available locally, and make informed choices about where to enroll. A student interested in marine biology could consider campuses near the coast. Someone passionate about a specific engineering program could choose the campus with the strongest faculty in that area. Students gained options they might not have considered or pursued without the direct admission offers. This matters because it challenges the assumption that students need to be pushed toward college. For many students, the barrier isn't lack of interest or ambitionit's lack of information about options and access pathways. Give them clear information and streamlined access, and they'll make good decisions. Going Statewide: What Happens Next Legislation signed last month authorizes CSU to expand direct admissions statewide starting with the 2026-27 admission cycle. That means tens of thousands of California high school seniors will receive acceptance letters next year. The scale-up brings new challenges. Riverside County was one pilot region. Expanding to every school district in California means reaching students in vastly different contextsurban and rural, wealthy and poor, large districts and small. CSU will need to adapt messaging and outreach for these different audiences while maintaining the core simplicity of the program. The system will also need to coordinate with high schools across the state to access student data and ensure letters reach the right students. And crucially, CSU will need to deliver on the promise. Direct admissions only works if students who accept the offers actually enroll, persist, and succeed. That means ensuring adequate financial aid, academic support services, and campus resources to serve a potentially larger and more diverse incoming class. But if the Riverside County pilot is any indication, CSU is ready. The 9 percent enrollment increase came with infrastructure already in place to support those students. Scaling that success statewide is ambitious, but it's built on a proven foundation. The National Movement California isn't pioneering this approachit's joining a movement that's been building for years. Idaho launched a direct admissions program in 2015. Minnesota followed. South Dakota implemented a version. Now about 15 states offer some form of direct or guaranteed admissions. Each state adapts the concept to its own higher education landscape. Some include all public institutions. Others focus on specific systems. Some have more stringent eligibility criteria. Others are more inclusive. But the core insight is the same everywhere: Traditional college admissions creates unnecessary barriers that prevent qualified students from enrolling. Remove those barriers, and enrollment increasesespecially among students who face the biggest obstacles. Odle predicts direct admissions may become "the new norm" as more states and systems see the results. "More states and systems of higher education should be in the business of identifying challenges, designing and implementing pilot programs to address them, rigorously studying them, and then making expansion decisions (like this) based on evidence," he wrote. "Given CSU's access and service mission to the state, it makes sense that it joins a variety of other systems nationally at implementing this evidence-based practice to raise enrollments and reduce gaps in access." This is how systemic change happens: One state tries something innovative. It works. Others adopt it. Eventually, it becomes standard practice and we wonder why we ever did it the old way. What This Means for College Admissions CSU's success raises uncomfortable questions about traditional college admissions. If thousands of students who qualify for college don't apply because they don't know they qualify, what does that say about the accessibility of our current system? If enrollment jumps 9 percent simply by proactively telling students they're accepted, how many qualified students are we currently losing to unnecessary friction in the application process? If simplified admissions works just as well as traditional applicationsif students who enroll through direct admissions succeed at similar rates to traditionally admitted studentswhat purpose do essays, application fees, and complex requirements actually serve? Maybe, for at least some institutions and some students, they serve no purpose except to create barriers. This doesn't mean every college should adopt direct admissions. Elite private universities and flagship public institutions with more applicants than spots will continue using selective admissions. That makes sense when demand exceeds capacity. But for regional public universities whose mission is broad accessinstitutions like CSU that exist specifically to serve state residentsdirect admissions aligns mission with practice. If your goal is to educate as many qualified state residents as possible, why make them jump through hoops to prove they deserve admission? The Power of "You're In" Perhaps the most important aspect of direct admissions isn't logistical. It's psychological. The message of a direct admissions letter is fundamentally different from a traditional acceptance letter. A traditional acceptance says "You applied, we evaluated you, and we've decided you're worthy." It reinforces the power dynamic of students proving themselves to institutions. A direct admissions letter says "We've been looking for you. You qualify. You belong here. We want you." It reverses the power dynamic. It treats students as valued community members who deserve access, not as supplicants hoping for approval. For students who've internalized messages about college being out of reachstudents whose families, communities, or schools haven't provided college-going supportthis reframing is powerful. "You're in" is an invitation. It's an affirmation. It's a door opening instead of a test to pass. And apparently, thousands of California students were waiting for someone to open that door. What Comes Next CSU's statewide expansion will be watched closely by higher education institutions nationwide. If it succeeds at scaleif enrollment continues to increase, if student outcomes remain strong, if the program proves sustainableexpect more states and systems to adopt similar approaches. The barriers to implementation aren't primarily technical. States already have data on student transcripts and grades. Systems can identify qualifying students. The challenge is institutional willingness to change and political support for investing in access. Direct admissions doesn't solve every problem in higher education. Students still need financial aid, academic support, and clear pathways to degrees and careers. But it removes one significant barrierthe application process itselfand makes college access simpler and more equitable. For 17,400 Riverside County students last year, the message was simple and revolutionary: You're in. Soon, it'll be tens of thousands of California students. And if Odle is right that this becomes the new norm, eventually it might be millions of students nationwide. The future of college admissions might not be about who can write the best essay or afford the most application fees. It might be about institutions proactively reaching out to say: We see you. You qualify. You belong here. That's a revolution worth embracing. The statewide expansion of CSU's direct admissions program will begin with the 2026-27 admission cycle, offering acceptance letters to all qualifying California high school seniors. Sixteen of the system's 22 campuses will participate, with the six most selective institutions continuing to use traditional admissions. Boston Scientific has entered an agreement with Siemens Healthineers to push forward commercialisation activities for the latters next-generation ACUNAV 4D intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) catheter. Under the agreement, Boston will become the exclusive ACUNAV distributor in the US and Japan. According to Boston, 4D ICEs usage has been growing in both standalone and concomitant procedures with its Watchman implant, which aims to reduce stroke risk in patients with atrial fibrillation (AFib) by closing off the hearts left atrial appendage (LAA). Boston highlighted that most cases using its Watchman device are performed with the assistance of transoesophageal echo (TEE), a process where an ultrasound probe is placed inside the oesophagus to provide detailed images of the heart. It is generally using in confluence with Watchman to help physicians check for blood clots in the LAA which can problematise implantation of Bostons device. 4D ICE is a newer approach that provides real-time 3D and 4D imaging directly from within the heart while TEE is the more traditional oesophagus-mediated method. For this reason, Boston anticipates that its strategic partnership with Siemens Healthineers will support the growth of its Watchman business. Boston stated that this will be accomplished by helping realise an improved workflow that expands procedural adoption across more sites and reduces barriers for patients while driving operational efficiency for providers. Once the technology is approved and commercialised, Boston said that Siemens Healthineers catheter will offer physicians an imaging option for standalone Watchman left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) procedures, or dual Farawatch procedures wherein Bostons Watchman and the Farapulse pulsed field ablation (PFA) system are used concurrently. The global LAAC devices market is growing at a CAGR of 8.9% and forecast to reach a valuation of around $8.5bn by 2034, up from $3.7bn in 2024, according to GlobalData analysis. Boston recently lifted its FY2025 outlook off the back of ongoing strong performance in its cardiovascular portfolio, which includes devices such as Watchman and Farapulse. News of Bostons collaboration with Siemens Healthineers follows Siemens announcement earlier this week that it plans to deconsolidate the subsidiary to allow for greater capital allocation flexibility. The action means that Siemens will divest its remaining 67% stake in Siemens Healthineers, transferring 30% of the subsidiarys stock to shareholders by way of a direct spin-off as a preferable option. Vietnam Briefing has developed into a premium source for insight on doing business in Vietnam. It publishes business news concerning foreign direct investment into Vietnam, including the most important tax, legal and accounting issues. The Vietnam Briefing Magazine was first published in 2009, and is contributed to by investment professionals based in Vietnam. Operation Midas by Ukraines Anti-Corruption Bureau (NABU) focused on the state-owned nuclear energy company Energoatom, which has an annual turnover of about $4 billion. On 11 November, five suspects were arrested, while two others (Tymur Mindich and Oleksandr Tsukerman) have fled the country. 70 houses were searched, including that of Herman Halushchenko, Minister of Justice and member of the National Defense and Security Council. He was suspended from his duties by Prime Minister Yulia Svyrydenko. Current secretary of the Defense and National Security Council Rustem Umerov (who accumulates undeclared properties in Florida [1]), has also reportedly been implicated. He is currently on a trip to Istanbul, Turkiye. The same goes for former deputy prime minister Oleksiy Chernihiv (aka "Che Guevara"), whose whereabouts do not seem to be known at the time [2] . The amount of money stolen is believed to exceed $100 million. Each contracting company with Energoatom was required to pay bribes of 10 to 15%. The money was allegedly laundered by the office of the former director of Energoatom (2006-2007), Andriy Derkach (who attempted, in 2019, to reveal Hunter Bidens crimes in Ukraine to Rudy Giuliani). A complete set of black bookkeeping was discovered on site. The investigation, which began at the beginning of the year, accelerated in June when the US State Department sent eighty investigators to conduct an audit of Ukraine (see VIN 3630 [3]). US Secretary of State Marco Rubio warned at the time that "any irregularity will have consequences". He made sure then that Ruslan Kravchenko was appointed Prosecutor General of Ukraine. He is now the one in charge of "Operation Midas". The investigators have several hundred hours of phone tapping that leave them in no doubt about who is responsible. The FBI was dispatched to the scene. Tymur Mindich (aka "Karlson") was arrested in June, then released before he left for Israel. He returned to Ukraine in October, before fleeing again on November 11. He is the owner of the Kvartal 95 TV channel, which he founded with his friend Volodymyr Zelensky. At this stage of the investigation, the latter has not been implicated. In January 2021, despite the Covid lockdown instructions, the two partners and their many friends celebrated the presidents birthday in Mindich s house [4]. Investigators are currently investigating Tymur Mindichs role in the supply of drones. In a speech on the evening of 10 November, Ukraines un-reelected president Volodymyr Zelensky said: "There is an urgent need to take effective measures against corruption. Sanctions are essential. Integrity within the company [Energoatom] is a priority. In the energy sector, every industry and every person involved in corruption schemes must face clear legal consequences and convictions. Government officials should collaborate with NABU and work together as necessary to achieve results." [5] Regardless of the outcome of the investigation, the remaining Ukrainian authorities will be under constant threat from revelations by the Trump administration in the US and will have to align themselves with its policy demands. Our director of publication and editor-in-chief directed French magazines several years ago, and has won journalism awards abroad. He has regularly contributed to some fifteen major dailies and magazines around the world. Voltaire, International Newsletter is available by subscription for 500 a year, is published 42 times a year (not in July-August, nor during the Christmas holydays). Its an indispensable tool for any professional in international relations or defense. Contents of issue N151 EDITORIAL 4260 Operation Midas exposes the corruption of the Ukrainian ruling class AMERICAS 4261 Investigation into the investigation that portrayed Donald Trump as a Russian agent 4262 Donald Trump amnesties his lawyers 4263 Controversy over Jeffrey Epsteins relationship with Donald Trump 4264 Donald Trump announces a $2,000 check for every U.S. taxpayer 4265 Kazakhstan joins the Abraham Accords 4266 The military-industrial complex must adapt or disappear 4267 U.S. Prepares to Pacify Gaza 4268 Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor summoned to US Congress 4269 Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez warns Democratic Party leaders 4270 Petition for religious minorities in Syria 4271 Murderer elected city councilor 4272 Nicolas Maduro mobilizes his army in face of "imperialist threat" EUROPE 4273 Decline in enlistments in the British army 4274 Resignation of the Director General of the BBC 4275 The Belgian police did not call on its anti-drone unit when drones flew over its airports. 4276 Corriere della Sera refuses to publish the answers it asked Sergey Lavrov to provide 4277 Hungary will continue to import Russian hydrocarbons 4278 EU Member States Prepare to Betray Their Farmers 4279 The European Commission presents its "democracy shield" 4280 Andrius Kubilius wants the EU to think about Russia after Putin 4281 EU launches EU4Reconstruction in Ukraine 4282 European Parliament still confused about the situation of homosexuals 4283 Tightening of visa rules for Russians 4284 UK and its JEF allies elevate Ukraine to the status of "privileged partner" 4285 Ukraine bans Russian publishers from participating in EU book fairs 4286 European Parliament opens an office in Moldova AFRICA 4287 The RSF accepts a ceasefire that Abdel Fattah al-Burhan rejects ASIA 4288 Donald Trump pleads for a pardon for Benjamin Netanyahu 4289 A new $500 million military base 4290 Attack by settlers of the Palestinian village of Beit Lid 4291 Mahmoud Abbas at the Elysee Palace 4292 Ahmed el-Sharaa at the White House 4293 Iraqis go to the polls 4294 Iran considers the United States equally responsible for the Israeli attack against it. 4295 U.S. Temporarily Authorizes Construction of North-South Transport Corridor 4296 Mohibul Hasan Chowdhury confirms that the United States organized the overthrow of Sheikh Hasina 4297 Pakistan wants to resume negotiations with Afghanistan 4298 U.S. and China reach agreement on port fees 4299 Gay dating apps disappear from the Chinese web 4300 Hsiao Bi-khim pleads in Europe for the defense of Taiwan 4301 Why Taiwan Supports the "Two-State Solution" in Palestine 4302 Sanae Takaichi denounces the Chinese peril INTERGOVERNMENTAL ORGANIZATIONS 4303 UN Security Council Considers Situation in South Sudan 4304 The EU-CELAC summit largely shunned 4305 According to NATO experts, Russia is not preparing an invasion of Western Europe We recently published 12 Fresh Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed Along With His Latest Thoughts On Quantum Computing. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) is one of the largest healthcare benefits management companies in America. After co-host Carl Quintanilla remarked that firms such as Molina and HCA were leading the market lower at the open, Cramer also brought Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) into the equation. The shares closed 8.8% lower yesterday, and Cramer pointed out that the firm needed the healthcare subsidies. Here is what Cramer said about Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC) and the group as a whole at market open: People are talking, people are saying that, they needed these subsidies. And Im not going to disagree. . the Democrats would go for it before the ridiculous aircraft thing this weekend. But Centene is the one that relies on it the most, Centene needed that. . . So that group is not, Im not saying theyre un-investable, because those things always tend to bounce back. Yet, in July, after Centene Corporation (NYSE:CNC)s decision to withdraw its full-year guidance in July, Cramer did call the sector uninvestable: Today, some of the biggest losers in the market were a handful of managed care companies led by a company called Centene That stock plunged over 40%. This is the worst single-day performance on record because last night after the close, the company withdrew its full-year forecast Centene (CNC) Relies The Most On Subsidies, Says Jim Cramer 20 Countries with the Most Expensive Healthcare in the World This story was originally published on Multifamily Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Multifamily Dive newsletter. Centerspace confirmed that earlier this fall, its Board of Trustees initiated a review of the REIT's strategic alternatives, in a press release posted Tuesday. The board, with the support of its independent financial and legal advisors, will consider a range of options, including a sale, merger and other business combinations. Centerspace, which owns more than 12,000 units, said there is no assurance the review will result in a transaction or other strategic change. The Minneapolis-based REIT has not set a timetable for the review process and has not made any decisions related to any potential strategic alternatives, per the release. It does not intend to comment on developments related to the review until it determines that further disclosure is appropriate or required by law. Recent sales Over the past year, Centerspace has taken steps to pare down its portfolio in Minnesota. In June, the REIT announced it was marketing its entire five-community portfolio in the Saint Cloud, Minnesota, region for sale, and several properties from its Minneapolis portfolio are on the sales block, according to a press release. In September, Centerspace announced that it had sold the five communities comprising 832 units in the St. Cloud market for a sale price of $124 million, marking its exit from that area, according to a press release. Earlier this month, it sold seven properties totaling 679 units in the Minneapolis area for $88.1 million, according to its recent earnings presentation. Even with the sale, the REITs growth profile in Minneapolis is outsized, Alexander Goldfarb, managing director and senior research analyst for investment bank and financial services company Piper Sandler, wrote in a recent research report. As it has made sales in its home state, Centerspace has also been buying in new areas. In late May, it officially entered Salt Lake City with the purchase of Sugarmont, a 341-unit property, for $149 million. It also announced the acquisition of a 420-unit community in Fort Collins, Colorado, for $132 million. We credit CEO Anne Olson and team for trying to balance broadening CSR's portfolio, pruning over-exposed markets [think greater MSP metro] and tiny markets like Minot, North Dakota, Goldfarb wrote. The challenge is that most of where they want to buy trades inside of the markets they are selling. Couple this negative investment spread with the slower fundamentals, courtesy of the tepid jobs market, and thus the impetus to sell makes sense. FILE - In this Friday, Jan. 8, 2021 file photo, Rev. Jesse Jackson speaks before receiving the Pfizer's BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine at the Roseland Community Hospital in Chicago. Jackson has been released to a Chicago physical therapy center following gallbladder surgery and medical observation, a spokesman said Sunday, Feb. 7. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast, File) A Washington man was convicted in a federal jury trial this week for taking tens of millions of dollars from the company he worked forand losing nearly all of it in a botched crypto play. Nevin Shetty, 41, was found guilty Thursday on four counts of wire fraud for taking and misusing some $35 million worth of funds from a private software company where he worked as CFO. Though Shetty himself drafted a conservative investment policy for the startupwhich called for its money to be invested only in FDIC-insured treasury and bank accountsthe executive soon secretly moved tens of millions of dollars of company funds to a crypto platform he himself had developed. Shetty opted to transfer the funds to his crypto business weeks after receiving news that he would soon be let go due to performance concerns, according to federal prosecutors. Through his crypto platform, HighTower Treasury, Shetty invested the companys funds in a variety of high-yield decentralized finance (DeFi) lending protocols. The plan workedat least initially. During the first weeks of the scheme, in April 2022, Shetty generated over $133,000 of profit for himself and his business partner. But then crypto winter came. In early May 2022, the algorithmic stablecoin Terra collapsed, instantly wiping out $60 billion in value and dragging the rest of the crypto market down with it. Detroit Man Jailed for 9 Years Over Bitcoin Donations Intended for ISIS In the days that followed, Shettys $35 million worth of crypto investments plunged towards worthlessness. By May 13, 2022, they had fallen to near-zero value. Shortly after the funds were wiped out, Shetty told two of his colleagues at the software company what had happened. He was promptly fired. A Seattle jury convicted Shetty on four counts of wire fraud after 10 hours of deliberation. The executive will be sentenced in February, and faces up to 20 years in prison. Lega deputy leader compares Diop to Venezi. Roberto Vannacci, the deputy leader of Italy's right-wing Lega party, sparked a racism row on Thursday over a social media post slamming the appointment of the Tuscany region's new vice president, 23-year-old Mia Diop. A political science student born in Italy to a Senegalese father and an Italian-German mother, Diop was appointed this week by Tuscany governor Eugenio Giani following his re-election last month. Claiming that Diop has "no experience whatsoever", Vannacci wrote on X that her only qualifications for the role were being a member of the centre-left Partito Democratico (PD) and having "black skin". Vannacci, an MEP and former army general, then drew parallels between Diop and the case of Beatrice Venezi - a 35-year-old conductor with ties to Italy's right-wing premier Giorgia Meloni - who has faced a storm of controversy since being appointed last month as music director of the Venice opera house La Fenice. A sinistra zero polemiche per la nomina a vicepresidente della Toscana di Mia Diop, 23enne studentessa senegalese, senza alcuna esperienza. Basta la tessera PD e la pelle nera. Venezi? Di destra, bianca, bionda, cristiana... e pure competente. La verita fa male. pic.twitter.com/JonSFqILJM Roberto Vannacci (@RoVannacci) November 13, 2025 Venezi's appointment has triggered protests and strikes at the prestigious opera house whose staff claim that she lacks the experience required for such a high-profile role, stressing that she has never conducted an opera at La Fenice or any other major international opera house. There is a strong political dimension to the case too, with staff citing Venezi's "extreme right-wing" views and her friendship with Meloni, who has praised her publicly several times. In his post on Thursday, Vannacci published a picture of the opera conductor beside Diop, writing: "Venezi? Right-wing, white, blonde, Christian....and also competent. The truth hurts." Reaction "These are expressions that are beyond comment, provocative, and absolutely offensive", Tuscany president Giani told reporters, advising Diop to ignore Vannacci and move on. Emiliano Fossi, the regional secretary for the PD, blasted Vannacci's post as "a shameful and racist attack", adding: "Diop was chosen for her abilities." Former prime minister Matteo Renzi also slammed the remarks by Vannacci, reminding him of his "resounding flop" in Tuscany where the former general had been entrusted with managing the Lega's election campaign. "He caused the Lega to lose 20 points" - Renzi said - "and he dares to criticise the decisions of Eugenio Giani, who swept the board. He should get used to democracy." There was much reminiscing in the Tower Hotel in Waterford City recently and all for a very worthwhile cause. A fundraising night in aid of Waterford Hospice was a resounding success and what made the night extra special was the fact the night featured the legendary pub and function band, Magnum, along with some great special guests. Waterford News & Star photographer, Joe Evans was there to capture images of those in attendance. Photos will also appear in the forthcoming print edition of the newspaper. Photos of other events are also available to view here on the website under the 'Archive' section and a collection of nostalgic photos from our archive, titled 'Colourful Memories of Waterford', is currently available as a fantastic photobook on sale at The Book Centre, in-store or through or office on Gladstone Street. Volume two of the collection will be officially launched in Waterford Book Centre this month. Hard copy prints of photos are also available to buy through our office. Paul Dower, Hits Radio Ireland, at the Tower Hotel for the Magnum benefit night in aid of Waterford Hospice. Catherine Hanrahan, Anastasia Blake and Peggy Devereux, at the Tower Hotel for the Magnum benefit night in aid of Waterford Hospice. Michelle, Pat and Jennifer Halley, at the Tower Hotel for the Magnum benefit night in aid of Waterford Hospice. Deirdre Wallace and Mary Murphy, at the Tower Hotel for the Magnum benefit night in aid of Waterford Hospice. Betty Dunphy and Theresa O'Rourke, at the Tower Hotel for the Magnum benefit night. Mary Ryan, Breda McCarthy, Theresa Maguire and Mary McEvoy, at the Magnum benefit night. Minister for Mental Health and Government Chief Whip Mary Butler has announced that eight new gardai have been assigned to Waterford. Six will be assigned to Waterford City while two will go to Dungarvan. The new Waterford gardai are part of the 194 recruits who passed out of the training college in Templemore on Friday. Minister Butler said she is pleased to see the new recruits who are in addition to the five assigned to Waterford in August. As a Minister representing Waterford, I want to welcome our new recruits from Templemore to the Deise and wish them well as they start out in their Garda journey. "They should be very proud of their chosen career path. Im sure theyll enjoy working with the local people they encounter here in Waterford, wholl embrace them into their communities. A safe and secure atmosphere in Waterfords villages, towns and city is a huge priority of mine. "By strengthening the numbers of An Garda Siochana in Waterford in recent months, we are striving for safer communities and increased visibility across the county, said Minister Butler. Minister Butler went on to thank the Minister for Justice, Jim OCallaghan, who she said has always been open to engagement on local policing matters. The Ministers priority is to get more Gardai out onto our streets, preventing the commission of crime through high visibility patrols. Since his appointment as Justice Minister, we have seen a very strong emphasis placed on Garda recruitment and reflecting his mantra of increased visibility in communities nationwide. Under his stewardship, two successful Garda recruitment campaigns have been completed, attracting over 11,100 applications in total, said Minister Butler. Sinn Fein leader Mary Lou McDonald has written to the Minister for Social Protection to arrange an "urgent meeting" with a delegation of Waterford Crystal pensioners. The plight of the former Crystal workers was also raised on the floor of the Dail yesterday by Deputy David Cullinane. The developments follow the Crystal workers meetings last week with opposition parties and party leaders at Leinster House, in a bid to end their pension dispute that has stretched on for decades. Mary Lou McDonald, who was one of the TDs who met with the workers, has subsequently sent correspondence to the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, seeking a meeting. Meanwhile, during Dail debates yesterday, Deputy David Cullinane addressed the Minister directly. He said: My party leader has written to the Minister on behalf of this group of workers. A group of them want to meet him. They have very clear demands that the State accepts failure in this regard. Yes, the company failed, but so too did the State. They want compensation and they want an apology. I believe that is the very least that group of workers deserve. More on this story is available HERE South East Radiotherapy (SERT) received 6,000 worth of support from the AIB Community 1 million fund. SERT is a charity that provides free transport services to those battling cancer across the South East. SERT was established over 20 years ago at a time when cancer patients were forced to either travel to Dublin and Cork for radiotherapy, with the charitys volunteer drivers helping patients get their required treatment. In 2006, a radiation centre opened at UPMC Whitfield on the Cork Road. Fleet Currently, a fleet of five nine-seater vehicles and 150 voluntary drivers operate across Waterford City, Clonmel, Dungarvan, Kilkenny, Wexford and South Tipperary, transporting patients to UPMC Whitfield. Gordon Watson, a retired consultant surgeon, is the chairperson of SERT, along with eight other trustees. The AIB Community Fund supports over 70 charitable organisations annually. Registered charities are nominated by customers, employees, and the public, with the charities submitting a pitch for funding that is reviewed by AIB's independent panel. Chevron (NYSE: CVX) used its investor day in New York to signal a confident long-term outlook, unveiling a five-year plan built on sustained free cash flow growth, tighter capital spending, expanding production, and a push into power solutions for AI-driven data center demand. Management said the strategy positions the company to deliver more than 10% annual growth in both adjusted free cash flow and earnings per share at $70 Brentan outlook CEO Mike Wirth called the strongest of his career. The company reduced its annual capex guidance to a lower range of $18$21 billion while forecasting steady production increases of 23% per year through 2030. Chevron also boosted its expected Hess-related synergies to $1.5 billion and raised structural cost reduction targets to $3$4 billion by the end of 2026. The plan centers on keeping a breakeven below $50 Brent and expanding cash generation across a diversified portfolio. Chevron is building on years of high-profile acquisitionsincluding Hessand what it describes as a low-risk, high-confidence project slate across U.S. shale, the Gulf of Mexico, and international assets. With AI-driven electricity use emerging as one of the fastest-growing segments of U.S. energy demand, Chevron is positioning itself early with a power business aimed at supplying data centers, starting with its first dedicated project in West Texas expected online in 2027. Its Downstream and Chemicals arm is also set for growth, with two major chemicals units scheduled to start up in 2027part of a broader repositioning that aims to harden cash flows across commodity cycles. The company reaffirmed its emphasis on shareholder distributions, highlighting 25 years of leading dividend growth and a buyback program targeting $10$20 billion annually through 2030 at $60$80 Brent. Stronger free cash flow, a fortified balance sheet, and portfolio upgrades underpin the plan, CFO Eimear Bonner said. Chevron emphasized a pragmatic strategy in new energiesone centered on returns and integration with its existing strengths. Priority areas include renewable fuels, hydrogen, CCUS, lithium, and the new power business aimed at supporting U.S. AI infrastructure. Chevron argues that this approach avoids the execution risk associated with large-scale renewables while keeping it aligned with evolving policy and demand. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Advertisement CultureMoviesStreaming Opinion Streaming films was supposed to save us time. Id rather take the long way Brodie Lancaster Culture writer, author November 14, 2025 7:01am November 14, 2025 7:01am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Lately, Ive been thinking about how much time we spend trying to save time. Streaming made it possible to watch anything instantly, but mostly I find I spend longer deciding what to press play on. So Ive started going backwards: back to the slower, more deliberate way of watching movies. The kind that requires you to leave the house, make a choice, and live with it for a week. Its inconvenient and time-consuming, but thats kind of the point. Earlier this year I was tasked with hosting a Q&A event with the indie director Alex Ross Perry, whose two new documentaries were screening as part of Melbourne International Film Festival. One was a meta-textual story of the ambivalent and anti-corporate band Pavement, and the other was a filmic essay on the brief, significant existence of the video store. After watching the latter, Videoheaven, I felt a deep nostalgia for the hours Id spent wandering the racks of my hometown Blockbuster, searching for something that could cause the fewest arguments between my sisters and me while still supporting whatever fleeting teenage identity I was grasping onto at the time, like when I rented The Craft and began tight-lining my eyes with black kohl pencil. I moved to Melbourne to study cinema at uni. My first share house, where I furnished my bedroom with IKEAs cheapest mattress and milk crate shelving, was in Richmond. For $110 a week I lived five minutes from the video store that would completely expand my horizons. Picture Search was a cramped maze with towering, rickety wooden shelves teeming with every movie I could imagine. Like the Platonic ideal of the independent video store, it remains Melbournes last bastion of movie rentals, a relic from the pre-streaming era. Advertisement This was 2009, a full six years before Stan and Netflix launched in Australia. As they began to jostle for market share with all the other players in the streaming space, my DVD player got less and less airtime, until eventually it got unplugged for good. Streaming really fools us into thinking we have infinite choice. Surely, if were all paying $15 for each of the half a dozen services that splinter off and divvy up the market, we should be able to find anything we could possibly want to watch? We all know how laughable that idea is. Photo: Robin Cowcher A few months ago I decided to opt out. I couldnt stomach the thought of paying hundreds of dollars a year for the possibility that I might enjoy one or two movies. Not when the running list Ive been keeping of movies Ive always wanted to see and never got around to was growing year-on-year. Inspired by Videoheaven, I made a return to Picture Search. On top of the $12 I paid for the four Alex Ross Perry movies most of which arent available on streaming that I rented to prepare for my Q&A with him, I had an outstanding late fee from the last time Id been there. I was impressed that, in 12 years, it hadnt accrued any interest. Advertisement Related Article Pop culture Take my advice, Taylor Swift: sometimes its best to stay quiet Choosing this option is less convenient than scrolling through endless thumbnails on my TV, but Im not the only one eager to return to the days of the video store. My friend Alexei Toliopoulos hosts the movie podcast The Last Video Store, where he offers suggestions to his guests on what videos to rent. At the Immigration Museums Joy exhibition, artist Callum Preston built the installation Videoland, a life-size recreation of a 90s video store. Both tap into a similar sentiment in Perrys documentary: the video store was less a delivery mechanism than a place where joy was delivered in little plastic sleeves, in finite quantities, for a night or a week at a time. Recently, after another visit to Picture Search, I spent a weekend ticking off other movies Id always said Id eventually get around to seeing Francis Ford Coppolas The Conversation, Terrence Malicks Badlands and Panic in Needle Park. I also revisited Magnolia, Paul Thomas Andersons ambitious three-hour film that I watched three times in one weekend when I was 20. Renting that DVD likely the same copy Id rented 15 years earlier was when I truly felt like I was in a time machine. And it made me realise that what we had before were fewer options, but more time to seek out the cultural relics that affirm or challenge our taste. Im not the first person to realise that the technology that promises to do everything faster and simpler hasnt really given us any more time or opportunity or access. So Im committing to the inconvenient route. To wandering and reading the back cover of a title, of carrying a stack of physical things to and from my apartment, and relishing the time I spend with that little disc in my hard-working new DVD player. Advertisement Joy is at the Immigration Museum until December 7. Must-see movies, interviews and all the latest from the world of film delivered to your inbox. Sign up for our Screening Room newsletter. Advertisement Updated NationalDomestic violence Molly Ticehursts heartbreaking text revealed after killer finally confesses Sally Rawsthorne, Stephanie Gardiner Perry Duffin and Updated November 14, 2025 12:17pm ,first published November 14, 2025 6:44am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share An alarming number of Australian women have been killed in recent years. Find out more about their lives. Some of the cases are still before the courts. See all stories . If I end up dead, he 100 per cent did it, Molly Ticehurst texted her friend six weeks before her ex-boyfriend, Daniel Billings, broke into her home and murdered her exactly as he had vowed to do. After a year of delays tormented Ticehursts grieving family, Billings finally confessed to the senseless killing, which galvanised the nation against domestic violence and changed the states bail laws. Molly Ticehurst (left) and her killer, Daniel Billings. Sharni Tolhurst Photography, Facebook Ticehurst, a 28-year-old childcare worker in the Central West NSW town of Forbes, was killed in April last year by Billings after he was released from custody despite previous alleged attacks. Billings on Friday fronted Forbes Local Court with short dreadlocked hair, speaking only when the magistrate asked him to confirm his name. Advertisement Yes, your honour, Billings replied. The court then heard that pleas were officially being entered for the most serious charges against him, including murder. That is to the charge of murder, Mr Billings enters a plea of guilty, his lawyer, Diane Elston, told the court. Further guilty pleas were entered to contravene an AVO and a charge of animal cruelty. A raft of other charges against Billings were withdrawn and dismissed. Advertisement A fact sheet, released by the court to media, said Ticehurst had gone to police in April 2024 saying Billings had raped her, smashed her car window and killed her dachshund puppy. She told officers he had also repeatedly laid out his plans to kill her, saying he would climb through her bedroom window as she slept. Molly Ticehurst was killed in April 2024. I will come in the middle of the night ... I will get to you if that is the last thing I do, Ticehurst told police of Billings threat. The police wont stop me. I will get to you quicker than they will. Advertisement Billings was arrested and faced the Dubbo Local Court on April 6, 2024, and requested bail. But it was a Saturday, which means, due to a long-standing practice in country courts, no magistrate was available to hear the case. The police wont stop me. I will get to you quicker than they will. Daniel Billings Instead, it fell to a court registrar who freed Billings on bail with a $5000 surety despite the serious charges. A fortnight later, just before midnight, Billings followed through on his threats to Ticehurst. Advertisement It took exactly 59 seconds for him to break into Ticehursts home, stab her 15 times with a hunting knife and then return to his car, the fact sheet says. Billings always denied raping Ticehurst, the court document said, and left several handwritten notes to friends and family on the day of the murder, including one saying, Innocent!!! He also recorded videos in the lead-up to the murder and in the aftermath, the court document said. Ive just murdered my ex-girlfriend, he said in one video. [I] cannot believe I just did that. Advertisement He later told police he killed Ticehursts puppy with a hammer soon after she broke up with him in June 2023. Billings will be arraigned in the NSW Supreme Court in December ahead of his sentencing. Mourners at Ticehursts funeral in Forbes in May 2024. Geraghty Ticehursts mother sat in court watching the plea with her hand over her mouth. About 50 Forbes locals gathered in the park outside the courthouse to support the Ticehurst family, some wearing T-shirts saying, She matters. Advertisement The crowd burst into applause when the Ticehurst family emerged from the court. Billings had dragged out his case for more than a year, putting the Ticehurst family through agonising delays and adjournments. Outside court last week, after yet another adjournment from Billings end, Mollys father, Tony Ticehurst, said the justice system continued to fail his daughter. It seems to me that in life the system let Molly down and in death it continues the same route, he told media. Instead of getting closure, all we get is anxiety, sadness and heartache. Advertisement On Friday, an emotional Tony Ticehurst thanked the people of Forbes, saying he would break down trying to describe how he remembers his daughter. Related Article Crime The cruel twist of fate that let an accused killer walk free Every week Im thankful for the support from the people of Forbes, he said. But today is a special day and I really appreciate the support from the people of Forbes and surrounds, and all my friends. Premier Chris Minns conceded Ticehurst was failed by the states justice system, admitting his government had serious questions to answer in the weeks after her murder. Advertisement This was a terrible, terrible death. Can I just say in relation to the system, it has clearly let down Molly ... the status quo isnt working. We need to be looking at change to keep people safe, particularly as theyre awaiting justice, he said. Ticehursts funeral, at Forbes Rugby Club in May 2024, seemed to stop the nation as homes across the country town switched on their porch lights in her honour. NSW Premier Chris Minns joins mourners at Ticehursts funeral in May 2024. Kate Geraghty Dear Mum, I love you, a four-year-old boys message was read to the gathered crowd. I miss our holidays together and our tickle fights. I miss you a lot, and I will love you every day and night. You are the best mum in the world. Advertisement Minns was seated in the 1000-strong audience, head bowed, along with then-NSW police commissioner Karen Webb and Police Minister Yasmin Catley. Related Article Graphic content Crime Mollys death was meant to change everything. Sue was desperate to escape the same fate Every parent would like to see their child change the world, but not at this cost, Tony Ticehurst said through tears. In June last year, the NSW government passed Mollys law to tighten bail on people accused of the most serious forms of domestic violence. Mollys law requires people accused of serious domestic violence to show why they should not be detained effectively reversing the presumption of bail. Advertisement Those who are bailed must wear electronic monitoring devices, allowing NSW Corrective Services to track their movements in real-time. The laws also stripped registrars of the power to grant bail. Courts must also consider red flag behaviour when considering bail, such as sexual abuse, coercive control, stalking and injury to an animal. With AAP If you or anyone you know needs support, the National Sexual Assault, Domestic and Family Violence Counselling Service on 1800RESPECT (1800 737 732). An upper house probe into the governments planned Burswood racetrack has resulted in tense exchanges between Town of Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon and the two Labor members on the committee over Vernons advocacy against the project. Labor MLC Lauren Cayoun questioned Vernon on why the town was seeking a lobbyist to help it fight the $217 million Burswood racetrack, and whether it had hired someone. Vernon responded saying she wasnt going to respond to that because it wasnt relevant to the committees terms of reference. January artist impression of the Perth street circuit and amphitheatre on the Burswood peninsula. Later, Labor MLC Dan Caddy asked Vernon about flyers circulated during the election campaign opposing the racetrack. Obviously, distributing unauthorised material during election is clearly problematic. Did you, mayor, pay either in whole or in part, for the printing and or distribution of this flyer? Vernon said that also didnt fall within the terms of the reference of the committee to which Caddy interrupted, arguing it was. Excuse me, mayor, the Perth Entertainment and Sporting Precinct is exactly within our terms of reference, and this goes to the project and to the community opposition to the project. Its a simple yes, no answer, he said. [The terms of reference] do not include the matters that you have raised in your question, Vernon said. Its a simple yes or no ... Ive got the answer I need. Thank you, Caddy replied. The opposition controlled select committee into Land Development and Planning in Western Australia is probing all of Labors controversial land transactions and planning laws. Advertisement WorldEuropeDonald Trump BBC writes to White House over Trump edit as new version emerges David Crowe November 14, 2025 6:29am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share Key points The BBC has formally apologised over an edited video of a speech from January 6, 2021, that unintentionally gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action. The controversy led to the sudden resignations of the BBCs director-general, Tim Davie, and head of news, Deborah Turness. The BBCs apology came just before a deadline set by Trumps lawyers for a $1.5 billion defamation claim. London: The BBC has apologised to US President Donald Trump over an edited video that sparked a furore over the public broadcasters editorial standards and led to the sudden resignations of its director-general and head of news. The apology was part of a formal admission by the BBC about the mistakes in a documentary that combined two parts of a speech to convey the impression that Trump urged his supporters to fight like hell against the US Congress at the January 6 protests four years ago. The fallout has cost the jobs of the BBCs director-general Tim Davie and news CEO Deborah Turness. AFR The BBCs move came 24 hours before the deadline Trump and his personal lawyers have set for a $1.5 billion defamation claim against the British institution over the documentary, suggesting it is willing to give some ground in the dispute. But the broadcaster rejected Trumps claim for damages and appeared willing to contest the defamation action if necessary. Advertisement The BBC said its chair, Samir Shah, had written a personal letter to the White House to apologise for the editing of the video, and that its lawyers had also written to the Trump legal team. Related Article BBC Trump slaps BBC with $1.5 billion lawsuit threat over edited video While the BBC sincerely regrets the manner in which the video clip was edited, we strongly disagree that there is a basis for a defamation claim, the broadcaster said. As well as sending the letters, the BBC acknowledged the mistakes in the documentary, shown on the Panorama program last October, in the corrections and clarifications notices on its website. During that sequence, we showed excerpts taken from different parts of the speech, the BBC said. Advertisement However, we accept that our edit unintentionally created the impression that we were showing a single continuous section of the speech, rather than excerpts from different points in the speech, and that this gave the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action. The BBC would like to apologise to President Trump for that error of judgement. This programme was not scheduled to be re-broadcast and will not be broadcast again in this form on any BBC platforms. However, the apology came soon after a second video emerged with a similar edit of Trumps address to supporters who refused to accept the outcome of the November 2020 election and marched on Congress on January 6, 2021, before Joe Biden was sworn in as the next president. The Telegraph of London, which revealed a dossier of concerns about BBC editorial standards over the past fortnight, reported on Thursday night in Britain (Friday morning, AEDT) that a BBC Newsnight program in 2022 also edited the same address. Advertisement Donald Trump speaks at a January 6, 2021 rally protesting against the certification of Joe Bidens election win. AP The Newsnight editing differed from the Panorama documentary, but also emphasised the fight like hell phrase in relation to Trump urging supporters to walk to the Capitol. BBC chairman Samir Shah wrote to British MPs on Monday to apologise for the edited video, but Trump and his lawyers responded hours later by demanding more action and putting the financial estimate on their defamation claim. That came after BBC director-general Tim Davie and news chief executive Deborah Turness announced their resignations last Sunday, although they remain in their positions while the broadcaster searches for their replacements. Trump attorney Alejandro Brito wrote to the BBC on Monday to demand it retract the false, defamatory, disparaging, and inflammatory statements it had aired, apologise for what it had done and appropriately compensate his client for the harm it had caused. Advertisement In a claim filed in Florida, Brito set a deadline of this Friday at 5pm UK time (9am Saturday AEDT) for the BBC to comply. Brito said the president would file legal action for no less than $US1 billion in damages $1.5 billion if the requests were not met. The apology issued on the BBC website also makes it clear the broadcaster has retracted the documentary and the edited video, meeting some of the conditions set out by Trumps lawyer. There has been no mention of compensation for the president. Spliced footage Advertisement The edited video on the Panorama edition titled Trump: A Second Chance? showed the president speaking to supporters on January 6, 2021 and urging them to go to the Capitol with him to show they believed the election the previous November had been stolen and that Joe Biden had not won. Were going to walk down to the Capitol, and Ill be there with you. And we fight. We fight like hell, Trump said in the video aired on the BBC. These two statements that Trump uttered were actually made almost 50 minutes apart, at different stages of a lengthy address. Loading In the Newsnight program, the edit of the video also combined remarks made 50 minutes apart in the January 6 address, although it included some words left out of the Panorama documentary. The presidents remarks on Newsnight program: Were going to walk down to the Capitol. And were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women. And we fight. We fight like hell. And if you dont fight like hell, youre not gonna have a country anymore. Advertisement Trump urged supporters to fight like hell in his address on January 6, but he did so at the end of the speech, and it appeared to be a general remark rather than one that called for a fight at the Capitol. Both BBC programs cut a moment from Trumps address in which he asked the crowd to go peacefully to the Capitol. Were going to walk down to the Capitol, and were going to cheer on our brave senators and congressmen and women, he said in the full address. And were probably not going to be cheering so much for some of them. Because youll never take back our country with weakness. You have to show strength, and you have to be strong. We have come to demand that Congress do the right thing and only count the electors who have been lawfully slated, lawfully slated. I know that everyone here will soon be marching over to the Capitol building to peacefully and patriotically make your voices heard. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. Advertisement WorldNorth AmericaEpstein fallout Trump orders criminal probe into Epsteins links with Clinton, Democrats Michael Koziol Updated November 15, 2025 10:32am ,first published November 15, 2025 1:24am Save You have reached your maximum number of saved items. Remove items from your saved list to add more. Save this article for later Add articles to your saved list and come back to them anytime. Got it Share 272 View all comments Washington: The Trump administration has ordered the Justice Department and FBI to investigate convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins links to prominent Democrats, including former president Bill Clinton, dramatically raising the stakes in the political fallout over Epsteins crimes. President Donald Trump said on Friday (Saturday AEDT) that he would ask Attorney-General Pam Bondi to open the probe. Within hours, Bondi confirmed she had directed the US attorney for the Southern District of New York - Trump appointee Jay Clayton - to take the lead and act with urgency and integrity. US President Donald Trump said he would order a criminal probe into Jeffrey Epsteins links with prominent Democrats. Bloomberg The Epstein saga returned to centre stage this week after Democrats released three emails from the disgraced financiers estate that mentioned Trump, and Republicans responded by releasing 20,000 pages of Epstein-related documents that have shed light on his wide network of powerful contacts. A looming vote in the House of Representatives will likely see dozens of Republicans vote with Democrats to support a bill to compel the release of the so-called Epstein files. While the bill has no practical effect unless passed by the Senate and signed by Trump, the president and his allies have urged Republicans not to join the push. Advertisement In a series of social media posts on Saturday (AEDT), Trump doubled down on his warnings to weak soft and foolish Republicans and said he would direct Bondi to probe Epsteins links to high-profile Democrats and institutions. I will be asking A.G. Pam Bondi, and the Department of Justice, together with our great patriots at the FBI, to investigate Jeffrey Epsteins involvement and relationship with Bill Clinton, Larry Summers, Reid Hoffman, JP Morgan, Chase [sic] and many other people and institutions, to determine what was going on with them, and him, Trump posted. Ghislaine Maxwell and Jeffrey Epstein with then president Bill Clinton at a 1993 event at the White House. The William J. Clinton President / MEGA This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats. Records show that these men, and many others, spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his Island. Stay tuned!!! Like Trump, Clinton was friends with Epstein but later cut ties, and says he knew nothing about the financiers crimes. Epstein pleaded guilty to soliciting a minor for prostitution in 2008, and died in jail in 2019 awaiting trial on sex-trafficking charges. Advertisement Summers was Clintons treasury secretary and later ran the National Economic Council during Barack Obamas presidency. His email exchanges with Epstein appeared in several of the documents released this week. He has previously expressed regret over his association with Epstein. Hoffman, a billionaire entrepreneur, is a major Democratic donor who has apologised for helping rehabilitate Epsteins image in 2015. Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were friends in the 1990s but later fell out. Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrats [sic] problem, not the Republicans [sic] problem! Trump wrote on social media. Ask Bill Clinton, Reid Hoffman, and Larry Summers about Epstein, they know all about him, dont waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run! Trumps public order to open the investigation and Bondis rapid response breaks with the well-established norm that the president does not directly involve himself in the actions of the Justice Department. Advertisement Trump has overtly departed from those norms. In September, he publicly directed Bondi to expedite prosecution of several of his political foes; Democratic senator Adam Schiff, former FBI director James Comey and New York Attorney-General Letitia James. We cant delay any longer, Trump wrote at the time. CNN reported the Truth Social post was supposed to be a private message to Bondi. Since then, Comey and James have been indicted. Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump arrive at an executive order signing ceremony at the White House. Bloomberg Unusually, Trump has not taken questions at press events in the past 48 hours, including at a bill signing event to reopen the federal government following a record 43-day shutdown. Democrats timed the release of select Epstein emails to coincide with the day the shutdown ended, which enraged the president. The shutdown ended when a handful of Democrats broke ranks and voted with Republicans to open the government. Advertisement The Democrats are doing everything in their withering power to push the Epstein Hoax again in order to deflect from all of their bad policies and losses, especially the SHUTDOWN EMBARRASSMENT, where their party is in total disarray, and has no idea what to do, Trump wrote on Saturday (AEDT). Related Article Analysis Epstein fallout The Democrats timed this bombshell perfectly now there are signs the White House is panicking The president is also battling accusations that he is indifferent to the affordability crisis, following Democratic success in state and local elections dominated by cost-of-living concerns. Trump has falsely claimed that the price of everything is down, including groceries. In fact, supermarket prices have increased, and inflation ticked up to 3 per cent. However, inflation remains far lower than the post-COVID spike under predecessor Joe Biden, as does the price of petrol. Cost, and INFLATION, were far higher under the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, than they are now, Trump posted. In fact, costs under the TRUMP ADMINISTRATION are tumbling down, helped greatly by gasoline and ENERGY. Affordability is a lie when used by the Dems. It is a complete CON JOB. Advertisement Trump has recently been criticised by some members of his own party, such as MAGA ally Marjorie Taylor Greene, who said the president was spending too much time on foreign affairs and neglecting domestic, hip pocket issues. Late Friday night, local time, Trump hit back at the firebrand Republican congresswoman, saying he was withdrawing his support for her and would endorse a candidate running against her in a preselection. All I see Wacky Marjorie do is COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN, COMPLAIN! he posted to social media. She has gone Far Left, even doing [ABC talk show] The View, with their Low IQ Republican hating Anchors. Trump said Greene was upset that he was no longer returning her calls. But with dozens of cabinet ministers, hundreds of members of Congress, other world leaders to speak with, and an otherwise normal life to lead, I cant take a ranting Lunatics call every day, Trump said. Get a note directly from our foreign correspondents on whats making headlines around the world. Sign up for our weekly What in the World newsletter. China's top securities watchdog appeared in public just hours after he was reported to have offered his resignation, in what analysts said could be an effort by authorities to prevent market destabilisation. The China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) said in a statement on Thursday that its chairman Wu Qing was travelling to France and Brazil from November 10 to 13. It also displayed photos on its website of Wu taking part in meetings in the two countries. The prompt and rare publicity of his activities could be seen as an effort to dispel rumours and prevent any turmoil in the capital markets after a Reuters report earlier in the day said the 60-year-old had sought approval to step down, citing health reasons. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. The report said it was unclear whether Wu's resignation had been accepted or when he would leave office. On his trip, Wu held bilateral talks with Marie-Anne Barbat-Layani, chair of France's Autorite des Marches Financiers, and Otto Lobo, acting chairman of the Brazilian Securities and Exchange Commission (CVM), along with CVM board member Marina Copola, according to the CSRC statement. The meetings focused on regulatory developments in the French, European and Brazilian capital markets, as well as deepening bilateral cooperation between the securities watchdogs, the CSRC said. A view of the China Securities Regulatory Commission building in Beijing. Photo: Simon Song alt=A view of the China Securities Regulatory Commission building in Beijing. Photo: Simon Song> During his time in Paris and Rio, Wu also met with international institutional investors, as well as Chinese enterprises and financial institutions operating in France and Brazil. He promoted China's capital market reforms and conveyed the outcomes of the country's recent political leadership meeting, the CSRC said. "The swift response [to the Reuters report] has never been seen before," said Ivan Li, a fund manager at Loyal Wealth Management in Shanghai. "Whether the report is true or not, it is a message that no major reshuffle at the CSRC will happen any time soon." China's benchmark Shanghai Composite Index has advanced 20.2 per cent this year, closing at 4,029.50 on Thursday, up 0.7 per cent from a day earlier. As the main gauge hovers above the significant 4,000-point level, worries are mounting among small investors that heavy profit-taking could set in soon as powerful institutions look to lock up their gains. By the time the final gavel fell, collectors and investors from around the world had spent more than $3.17 million at Heritage Auctions' Television Treasures sale, spotlighting how nostalgia-fueled buying of collectibles from the past is now serious business. Fans of classic 50s, 60s and 70s television snapped up memories of their childhood from the renowned collection of Stewart Berkowitz, including the original costumes of Adam West and Burt Ward from the 1966-1968 "Batman" series for a combined $575,000, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Don't Miss: "This auction was a love letter to the golden age of television," Heritage Auctions Executive Vice President Joe Maddalena told The Hollywood Reporter after the Oct. 24 auction. "Stewart Berkowitz built this collection out of pure passion for the shows and characters that defined an era." Berkowitz's sentiments are reflected in today's collectors and investors, who are driven by emotional rewards as much as financial returns. Holy Hammer! Eye-Popping Prices Paid for Pop Culture Props from the Batman series drew the most interest as more than 1,500 online and telephone bidders driven by rarity, cultural importance and nostalgia peered inside the vault of television memorabilia amassed by Berkowitz, an early adopter of emotional investing of collectibles who died in 2024, according to The Hollywood Reporter. Beyond the $575,000 paid for the Batman and Robin outfits worn on the ABC series, bidders paid: $212,000 for Cesar Romero's fuchsia Joker costume $87,500 for the sparkly purple bodysuit and gold cape of Yvonne Craig's Batgirl $68,750 for Julie Newmar's black and silver lame Catwoman bodysuit $46,250 for the black tails tuxedo of Burgess Meredith's Penguin $150,000 for the Batscanner from the Batcave $50,000 for Batman's Batarang and holster Trending: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform The red, white and blue corset, golden cuff bracelets and gold Lasso of Truth of Lynda Carter's "Wonder Woman" from the 1975-1979 ABC-CBS series pulled in $225,000. Fonzie, played by Henry Winkler on ABC's "Happy Days," was one never to be outdone. Two of the Fonz's leather jackets snagged a cool $87,500 and $75,000. Captain Kirk's Starfleet uniform from "Star Trek," worn by William Shatner, sold for $62,500, and an outfit from his "Mirror, Mirror" alternate-universe episode fetched $52,500. Barbara Eden's pink harem costume from NBC's "I Dream of Jeannie" captured $42,500. Cognizant has reached an agreement to acquire US-headquartered 3Cloud, a company specialising in Microsoft Azure services and AI enablement. The companies did not disclose the deals financial terms. The acquisition, scheduled to close in the first quarter of 2026 pending regulatory approval, will see Cognizant increase its Azure engineering capacity and expand its presence in cloud-based enterprise transformation projects. 3Cloud, which was founded by former Microsoft executives, is Gryphon Investors portfolio company. It delivers services to enterprise clients across sectors such as financial services, healthcare, technology, and consumer industries. The company is also an Elite Databricks partner with established capabilities in data management, cloud-native AI application development, advanced analytics, and managed services. 3Cloud CEO Mike Rocco said: Being a part of Cognizant will unlock new opportunities for our clients and employees. Our shared vision for driving enterprise AI readiness and our combined strengths in cloud, app innovation, and data will help our clients realize the full potential of Azure, now at a global scale. We look forward to shaping the future of intelligent business together. The deal adds more than 1,000 Azure specialists from 3Cloud to Cognizants workforce and integrates more than 1,500 additional Microsoft certifications. Approximately 1,200 3Cloud employees, including about 700 based in the US, will join Cognizants global pool of nearly 20,000 Azure-certified professionals. 3Cloud has posted a compound annual growth rate of 20% since 2020 and expects similar growth into 2025, citing demand for Azure-based solutions. According to Microsofts recent financials, Azure and related cloud service revenues rose 40% year-on-year in Q3 2025. Cognizant CEO Ravi Kumar S said: This acquisition marks a pivotal step in Cognizant's strategy to empower our clients for the future of enterprise AI. 3Cloud's deep Azure expertise, industry-aligned approach and longstanding Microsoft partnership will enable us to deliver even greater value to our clients as they accelerate their AI journeys. In March 2025, Cognizant announced a strategic partnership with AI chipmaker Nvidia to accelerate the adoption of AI technologies across multiple industries. The collaboration will harness Nvidias advanced AI capabilities to drive innovation in five key areas. "Cognizant to acquire 3Cloud" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit Tom Tuite A 45-year-old man charged with the murder of Bosnian national Adnan Asic in Blanchardstown, Dublin, just over three years ago, has been remanded in custody. Muris Coco, also from Bosnia, but with an address at Castlecurragh Heath, Mulhuddart, Dublin 15, appeared before Judge Aine Clancy at Blanchardstown District Court on Friday morning. He is accused of murdering Mr Asic, 60, at Old Navan Road, on October 22nd 2022, contrary to common law. The deceased, who had lived in Ireland for over 30 years, was severely injured in the early hours of the morning. Mr Asic had attended an event in the Blanchardstown Shopping Centre area and left shortly after 2:15 am to make his way home. He was found with serious injuries and was later pronounced dead at Connolly Memorial Hospital. Gardai launched a murder investigation; on January 7, 2025, a man was questioned but released without charge for a file to be prepared for the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Gardai continued the investigation and made a public appeal for information. Dressed in a blue jacket, black trousers, and shoes, Mr Coco did not address the court during his brief hearing. Judge Clancy noted that an interpreter had not yet arrived, but Detective Garda Mark Murphy informed her that the accused had sufficient English to proceed. The detective then gave evidence of arrest, charge, and caution, informing Judge Clancy that the accused was arrested at his home address at 7.25 am on Friday and was brought to Blanchardstown Garda Station. Detective Garda Murphy added that the accused made no reply when the charge was put to him at 8.34 am. The District Court does not have jurisdiction to consider bail in murder cases, which require applications to be made before the High Court. As a result, the accused was remanded in custody. Mr Coco sat silently with his hands in his pockets and gave no indication how he would plead. He will face his next hearing on November 19 at Cloverhill District Court. Legal aid was granted following an application by defence counsel Ciaran MacLoughlin, and the judge acceded to his request for a Bosnian interpreter to attend Mr Cocos next hearing. The DPP must complete a book of evidence before the accused can be sent forward for trial to the Central Criminal Court. Olivia Kelleher A man who cut a hole in the attic of his home to record videos of his 16-year-old stepdaughter in the shower has been jailed for two years. The man, who cannot be named to protect the identity of his victim, appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing on Friday. He previously pleaded guilty to one count of attempting to produce child pornography. Det Garda Kevin Hastings said in evidence at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that the recordings came to light in September of 2021. A number of devices were seized and thumbnails of videos were found. The videos involved the teenager being filmed whilst she was naked in the shower. Gardai also found a 23 minute accidental recording the man made which showed him setting up a camera in the attic. The camera looked down in to the shower in a bathroom in the family home. The young woman made a victim impact statement. She told Judge Helen Boyle that what her step father had done to her had completely destroyed her sense of safety and comfort at home. After the incident, he repeatedly tried to shift the blame onto me, saying that I had somehow provoked him, even though I rarely ever spoke to him. "This was extremely hurtful and confusing, as I had done absolutely nothing to encourage or justify his actions. For several months after this happened, I was terrified to use the shower in my own home. I felt constantly watched and unsafe. This crime has so deeply affected my life that I don't even feel like a person anymore. I am still scared to use the bathroom in my own house. This makes me feel terrified and constantly on edge. I cannot enjoy something as simple as taking a shower because this fear is always in my mind. I just want to finally feel at peace in my own home and not have to live in fear anymore. The injured party was in fifth year of secondary school when the offences occurred on a date unknown between January 1st, 2021, and September 22nd, 2021. She stated that her mental health declined rapidly after she found out what had been going on in her home. I became withdrawn, anxious, and depressed, and my schoolwork suffered badly as I had missed three weeks of school after the situation happened. When I sat my Leaving Cert, I was still deeply affected. "I didn't achieve the results I had worked so hard for because I was struggling just to get through each day. I suffered constant nightmares and couldn't sleep properly for months. The injured party emphasised that she still lives with the consequences of his actions four years on from the incident. She indicated that she suffers from severe anxiety, frequent panic attacks, and ongoing depression. I am now in trauma therapy and on a high dose of antidepressants. I'm trying to move forward and continue my studies in college, but I still live in fear. "This crime has affected me physically, psychologically, mentally, and financially. I know I can never go back to how I was before this happened "What he did has permanently changed who I am, how I see myself, and how safe I feel in the world. She stated that what the accused did was not just a violation of her privacy but a complete betrayal of her trust. She added that the man claims to see her as his own daughter yet still chose to film her in the shower. The middle aged defendant is without previous convictions. He pleaded guilty to the offence before the court. Judge Boyle said that the then teenager should have been able to trust her stepfather. You filmed a sixteen year old girl by putting a hole in the attic. It was pre planned and pre meditated. Judge Boyle spoke of the serious impact of the incident on the young woman. She said that the filming of the injured party in the shower represented a gross violation of her privacy and a grievous betrayal of her trust. She noted the guilty plea in the case, the steady work history and lack of previous convictions of the accused. Judge Boyle said that the man had denied a sexual motive instead claiming that he filmed the young girl in order to blackmail her mother about another matter. The judge told the accused that whatever his motive was the impact is still the same. The accused is now homeless and lives in his car. The probation service has deemed him as being of low risk of re offending. Judge Boyle jailed the man for three years suspending the final year of the sentence. He has also been placed on the Sex Offenders Register. Coinbase has announced plans to leave Delaware and reincorporate in Texas, a move Chief Legal Officer Paul Grewal described as a strategic decision to align with the companys long-term vision for new product development and regulatory efficiency. Today Coinbase is announcing our decision to leave Delaware and reincorporate in Texas, Grewal said on X. This decision was not made lightly, but well always do whats best for our customers, our employees, and our shareholders. The decision marks a rare departure from Delaware, long considered the premier corporate domicile in the U.S. for its business-friendly laws and established judicial framework. Coinbases shift shows a growing trend of companies exploring alternative states offering more agile or tech-forward regulatory environments. Texas Gains Momentum as a Corporate Hub Grewal praised Delawares legacy but emphasized that it no longer holds a monopoly on corporate law. The state is now facing stiff competition from others that are innovating to offer the right environment for businesses and innovators to thrive, he said. He notes that competition among states is healthy and drives progress. Texas corporate legal framework offers the right mix of efficiency, predictability, and fairness to be our home for incorporation. The move was also welcomed by Texas Governor Greg Abbott, whom Grewal thanked publicly for fostering a business climate that embraces innovation. This is the bedrock of innovation in America, Grewal wrote, showing Texas growing appeal to technology and financial companies. Delawares Grip on Corporate Law Weakens For decades, Delaware has been the go-to home for major U.S. corporations thanks to its specialized Court of Chancery and consistent case law. However, Coinbases exit suggests companies are reassessing traditional norms amid shifting regulatory and judicial conditions Coinbase is not the first company to make this decisionand we surely wont be the last, Grewal said. What we are seeing is a return to a free market economy in all things, including regulation and judicial review. The companys shift may inspire others in the tech and crypto sectors to explore alternative jurisdictions offering greater flexibility in governance and innovation policies. A Broader Push Toward Corporate Decentralization Coinbases move to Texas reflects a broader decentralization trend sweeping both the corporate and crypto worlds. As blockchain and digital assets redefine financial infrastructure, companies are increasingly seeking states that balance oversight with innovation. There's a particular species of politician who discovers a problem only when it threatens to jeopardise their career. They wake up one morning, check the polls, and suddenly the blindfold falls away. Simon Harris appears to have had such an epiphany last week, declaring with all the conviction of a recent convert that Ireland's migration numbers are "too high". One almost expects him to add: "And I've only been in Cabinet since 2016, so how was I to know?" The Tanaiste's sudden road-to-Damascus moment on immigration would be funnier if it weren't so transparently cynical. A gobsmacked electorate are now witnessing the leader of Fine Gael, who has been warming various ministerial seats for the better part of a decade, suddenly speaking as if he's just returned from an extended sabbatical to discover Ireland has become unrecognisable. The chutzpah is almost admirable. Almost. What Harris actually said, in fairness, wasn't entirely unreasonable on its face. He admits with sanguine poise that migration numbers are too high, deportation orders are not being enforced, and the system is creaking under pressure. These aren't exactly fringe observations. Matt Carthy from Sinn Fein has been banging this particular drum for years. The Irish Refugee Council has highlighted systemic failures. The difference is they weren't sitting at the Cabinet table while it all unravelled. But timing, as they say in comedy and arson, is everything. Harris chose to harden his rhetoric in the immediate aftermath of riots at Citywest and just days before someone decided to set fire to an IPAS centre in Drogheda filled with sleeping families. Nick Henderson, head of the Irish Refugee Council, labelled Harris' comments as careless, an understatement you might use to describe someone juggling petrol cans at a bonfire. Henderson's choice of the phrase "crossing of the Rubicon" for the Drogheda attack wasn't accidental. Until that terrifying night, the previous attacks had targeted empty buildings, future accommodations, and threats made against the abstract. This was different. These were people made homeless, five rescued from flames, and a baby carried from the top floor. Someone watched that building burn with people inside and thought, 'Yes, this will do'. Into this incendiary moment, Harris decided to discuss migration levels with all the delicacy of a man testing a smoke alarm with a blowtorch. When opposition politicians like Gary Gannon suggested he was channelling Nigel Farage and Labour's Aodhan O Riordain called his comments "disgraceful", Harris did what politicians do when they've stepped in it: he doubled down. The left, he declared, tries to "shut down" the debate on immigration. This is the oldest trick in the populist playbook - position yourself as the brave truth-teller being silenced by politically correct forces. Never mind that as Tanaiste, you're literally the second most powerful person in government. Never mind that you command media attention with a click of your fingers. You're being "shut down" while speaking to the equivalent of a sold-out arena. The newly cherished statistics Harris wielded - that 80% rejection rate for asylum applications - is meant to be a gotcha moment. Look, he's saying, most of these people don't even qualify. But flip that around: it means the system is working, doesn't it? Applications are being processed, and rejected cases are being identified. Bravo! But the problem isn't the statistics. It's what happens next. And what happens next has been the government's responsibility for nearly a decade. What's particularly galling is the sheer abdication of responsibility. Harris has been in Cabinet since 2016. Illustration: Conor McGuire Taoiseach Micheal Martin excelled at the role of supportive understudy, chiming in to call these rejected applicants "false claimants" and "economic migrants", using language that would have been unthinkable two years ago. He even mused about offshore deportation hubs outside the EU. It seems the Irish political establishment has been taking notes from Britain's Rwanda scheme because nothing says "we've learned from others' mistakes" quite like copying their most grotesque policy failures. The thing about political volte-faces is that they're rarely actually sudden. They're the culmination of focus groups, polling data, and constituency clinics where people have started asking uncomfortable questions. Harris didn't wake up last Tuesday week and suddenly notice migration patterns. He noticed his party's poll numbers. He noticed independents eating Fine Gael's lunch in suburban constituencies. What's particularly galling is the sheer abdication of responsibility. Harris has been in Cabinet since 2016. That's nine years. Nine years during which the international protection system became what it is. Eight years during which deportation orders weren't tracked or enforced. Eight years during which, as Carthy pointed out, the government "admitted they simply do not know if those with deportation orders have left or not." This isn't something that happened to the government; this is something the government did, through action and inaction in roughly equal measure. Harris can't be allowed have it both ways - to be both architect and critic, insider and outsider. He wants credit for acknowledging problems without accepting blame for creating them. It's like an arsonist turning up to critique the fire brigade's response time. There's also something politically expedient about demanding rent from asylum seekers in the IPAS system who are fortunate enough to find work, which Harris deemed "common sense". It is reasonable to expect people working to contribute, but this is fiddling with small change while the annual expenses soar into eye-watering millions. It's performative toughness designed to signal to voters that you're doing something, anything, even if it's largely irrelevant to the actual systemic failures you've engineered with indifference. The EU Migration and Asylum Pact makes a cameo appearance in this drama, with Carthy arguing that it'll make things worse for Ireland, given our unique position in the Common Travel Area with Britain. Whether he's right is almost beside the point, the government is signing up to it anyway, because being seen to do something European and official-looking is more important than whether it'll actually work. What we are witnessing isn't a timely debate about immigration policy but a sneak preview of the issues that will likely dominate the next election landscape. Harris and Martin have doubtless realised, post the volume of spoiled votes in the Presidential election, that migration will be their electoral nemesis. So instead of defending their joint record, they're going to outflank critics. It's pre-emptive capitulation dressed up as brave, suit-and-tie truth-telling. The tragedy for Ireland is that there is a legitimate and urgent conversation to be had about migration, integration, service capacity, enforcement and financial mismanagement on an epic scale. But you can't have that conversation in good faith while standing in front of the smouldering ruins of your own policy failures and pretending you're an outside observer. You can't demand "accurate figures and statistics", as Henderson puts it, while you're the one who's been compiling them for the best part of a decade. And you certainly can't have it quickly enough in the shadow of an IPAS centre ablaze with people inside. Words have consequences. Rhetoric has weight. When political leaders suddenly talk about numbers being "too high" and systems being "overwhelmed", when they spout phrases like "false claimants" and suggest people don't "qualify", they're not having an academic debate. They're creating an atmosphere, setting a tone, giving permission. None of this implies Harris personally lit that match in Drogheda but language is kindling, and politics provides the spark. When you spend years mismanaging a system and then suddenly declare it a crisis, while positioning yourself as the solution rather than the problem, you shouldn't be surprised when someone else decides to take more direct action. The real volte-face here isn't about policy but concerns political honesty, if we can still believe such a concept still exists. After years of failing to grasp this issue, Harris has decided the answer is to posture like someone who has just noticed the issue, while blithely demanding everyone else shut up and listen. It's shameless opportunism masquerading as political courage, and it's the kind of verbal posturing that emboldens spineless fire-starters. Ireland deserves better than politicians who discover principles they have previously scorned when the subject becomes electorally convenient, feigning faux courage when it's politically expedient. But that would require taking actual responsibility, and Simon Harris has made it abundantly clear he's not in the habit of doing that. It is interesting how things change. Twenty-five years ago, the priority on the island of Ireland was to stabilise relations across three dimensions: between the people in Northern Ireland, between the north and south of the island, and east-west, between Britain and Ireland. That was the aspiration we talked about all the time. The Good Friday Agreement was designed to secure it. Now the priority seems to be to secure a United Ireland. Thats a laudable goal and was explicitly described as such in the Good Friday Agreement. It is a noble cause; it was and remains a legitimate aspiration for anyone to want to unite Ireland. Very recent times have seen a rejuvenation and deepening of that spirit. It comes about some would say as a reflection of the anti-colonial spirit of the times, while others might see it as reflecting the general rise of nationalism across the world these days. Whichever it is, it is interesting that a United Ireland is talked about these days less as an aspiration and more as an inevitability. That is a significant development and worth trying to understand a bit better. In the Good Friday Agreement, we all agreed to the principle of consent, and by that we meant that a majority in both parts of Ireland had to agree to a United Ireland for it to happen. The Agreement stated clearly that if such consent was given, a United Ireland would happen. That created space for the democratic pursuit of the objective while at the same time ending any justification for physical force to achieve it. It was John Humes great achievement. Thats the political and democratic aspiration, but how likely is it over the short to medium term? Maybe I dont read enough news from Northern Ireland, but where is the indication that such a majority there is anywhere near to being on the horizon? There is a lot of talk about people being open to the conversation, but it seems difficult to conclude, based on what we know today, that a border poll anytime in the next decade would produce a majority in favour of a United Ireland. Over the longer term, what is the thinking that explains how that will change? Catholics now outnumber Protestants in the north that is true, but not all Catholics will vote for a United Ireland. If that is news to you, you have never been in Northern Ireland. And a lot of people in the middle the Northern Irish as they call themselves, many of whom flat refuse to be described as green or orange are clear about one thing in particular: they see a border poll as the route to sectarian division and instability. Maybe the coming times will bring some significant change in opinion or circumstances in the north. The irony is - as the leader of the Ulster Unionists, Mike Nesbitt, pointed out - that the bigger threat to the United Kingdom comes from English rather than Irish nationalism. Given that, it does make sense to make some plans in the event that a referendum on a United Ireland did happen and especially so if it was carried. The debate we are currently having about it suggests that many assume we would need a few changes but nothing major. They might point to Germany for evidence. When Germany unified back in 1990, West Germany simply absorbed East Germany. So people might say, well, unification worked there without needing to make big changes. Is that a lesson for Ireland? One big difference: everyone in West and East Germany were Germans. On this island, there are about one million people living in Northern Ireland who are British. Some of them also think they are Irish, but they all think they are British. You may not like that, you may disagree with them in their assessment, and thats totally fine: but British they are. And if we have a United Ireland, we will have two options: we can stick our metaphorical boot on their head and tell them to shut up, or we can make major changes to our state to accommodate their identity and traditions. With that number of people, a United Ireland worthy of the name would have to be very different. What would our new flag be? What would our new anthem be? We would surely remain a republic but it would have to be a republic within the British Commonwealth. De Valera for one would be pleased. Poppies are being worn all over the north at official ceremonies this week - would that form part of the official life of this new United Ireland? Are we up for all that? Really? Would Protestants who live in the South, having heard what was said by some about Heather Humphreys and her husband, agree that we are? I wonder what Protestants - those who paid attention - in the north took from what they heard over the last few weeks. The desire to achieve the unity of this island must proceed not out of a desire to get a 50% + 1 win in a referendum sometime. It must come from the acceptance that there are different traditions to being Irish on this island. That you dont need to speak Irish to be Irish. That you can be a member of the Orange Order and be Irish. That you can be British and Irish. If that cannot be, and if our new state could not reflect that, what kind of unity are we talking about? And if we really want to win a referendum on Irish unity, how do we think we can secure votes from at least some people from the non-nationalist tradition if we dont take that approach? And, if we ever did win a unity referendum, how could we secure the consent of Unionists who voted against it to the new arrangement? Wouldnt that matter? Wouldnt we want to be inclusive of the culture of our fellow Irish people and secure their consent to their membership of this new state? And we wouldnt do that by telling them not to worry because orange is already in our flag you dont need to know many unionists to know that wouldnt cut it. Partition was a terrible thing. But if it hadnt happened, there would have been a civil war and bloodbath on this island, as the one million Unionists in the north would have fought with the nationalists to avoid being taken out of the United Kingdom against their will. Two nationalisms one green, one orange tearing each other apart. That would have made what we experienced from 1916-'23 seem minor by comparison. The people who paid the price for that partition were northern nationalists, who were left in what became an orange statelet, with very little respect for their rights or their identity. The triumphalism and the discriminations were wholesale. The Good Friday Agreement was designed to end that orange dominance through ensuring there was what was called parity of esteem for all traditions: it has gone a long way to achieving that. But if we now think that unity means winning a border poll and then just sticking a Tricolour on top of Stormont, we have forgotten what the Good Friday Agreement was all about. If we are to unify the people of this island in any meaningful way, parity of esteem must cut both ways. Olivia Kelleher An inmate at Cork Prison who suffered a psychotic episode and bit off his cellmates ear has been jailed for four years. Roman Becvar (29) appeared before Cork Circuit Criminal Court for sentencing, having pleaded guilty to a charge of assault causing serious harm. Judge Helen Boyle previously heard evidence in the case from Det Sgt Kieran OSullivan. He that the 45-year-old injured party had been sharing a cell with Mr Becvar for a week without incident when the unprovoked attack occurred. Det Sgt OSullivan stated that shortly before 10pm on April 9th, 2023, Mr Becvar asked his cellmate if he had any tobacco. He (the injured party) was about to go asleep. He remembered Mr Becvar asking him for tobacco. He did not have any. The next thing he remembers is Mr Becvar banging on the inside door of the cell. "Prison staff entered. They discovered the injured party lying on the cell floor in a pool of blood. Roman Becvar was standing against the back wall of the cell with his hands up, blood on his hands and clothing. "There was a nurse who was on the scene almost immediately. As he attended to the injured party he located the ear in the blood on the floor. Det Sgt OSullivan said that the injured party was taken to Cork University Hospital for treatment. It was not possible to re attach his ear and he has chosen not to have a prosthesis. He also suffered cheekbone and jaw bone fractures in the incident. Mr Becvar had blood on his hands and clothing. He had injuries on his knuckles consistent with having assaulted a person. The accused, who is a Czech national, has four previous convictions which arose from an incident of aggravated burglary in 2023. He required a translator in court as he lacks proficiency in English. Defence counsel Elizabeth OConnell, SC, said that when Mr Becvar entered custody his psychiatric history was not elicited by prison staff. Nor did he provide it. The accused should have been on anti psychotic medication for his schizophrenia. She said that her client does not understand why it happened. She added that but for the psychotic episode the assault would not have occurred. The court heard that Mr Becvar worked in a farm in Kerry having been brought to this country in a trafficked manner. Judge Boyle was told that once the accused was put on anti psychotic medication, there were no further problems. However, he remains in solitary confinement in prison. Judge Boyle noted that the injured party suffered the total loss of an ear as well as fractures to his face. He also required a skin graft in the area where the ear was ripped off. She described the disfigurement suffered by the injured party as substantial in nature. According to his plastic surgeon he (the injured party) will never have a normal ear again. The shape of his face has also been altered. It has permanently altered his ability, his appearance and his confidence. Judge Boyle stated that she recognised the emotional as well as physical toll the permanent disfigurement has had on the victim. However, Judge Boyle said that culpability in the case was somewhat reduced by the fact that Mr Becvar was not being given medication for his serious psychiatric illness at the time of the offence. I am satisfied that that psychotic episode was a result of your schizophrenia. Taking the early plea into consideration, Judge Boyle jailed Mr Becvar for four years and six months suspending the last six months of the sentence. Copper Quest Exploration has announced an arms-length option to purchase agreement to acquire the Alpine Gold mine in British Columbia, Canada, from 0847114 BC (Privco). Privco will provide Copper Quest with a 100% ownership, title and interest in the Alpine Gold property under the agreement. The Alpine Gold property, located in the West Kootenay region, is supported by a 2018 NI43-101 inferred resource estimate of 268,000 tonnes (t), calculated using a cut-off grade of five grams per tonne (g/t) of gold and an average grade of 16.52g/t of gold. This represents an inferred resource of 142,000oz of gold. There is significant opportunity to expand the maiden Alpine resource, both along the east-west strike and at depth, as only around 300m of the approximately 2km-long vein system has been explored to date through underground workings and drilling. The property also contains an estimated 24,000t run of mine mineralised stockpile on the surface, which may offer a near-term cash flow opportunity. The site features 1,650m of clean and dry underground workings that provide access to sampled and mineable zones. The Alpine Gold property covers more than 4,611 hectares, is accessible by road, and consists of 15 Crown Grants (one with surface rights) and 19 staked mineral claims. Designed for year-round operations, the property offers logistical advantages for exploration and mining activities. Located approximately 20km north-east of the city of Nelson, the property encompasses a former operating underground mine. Historical records indicate production of approximately 16,810t of mineralised vein material, which yielded 356,360g of gold, 222,054g of silver, 49,329kg of lead and 17,167kg of zinc. Further exploration is planned for the other four significant vein systems on the property. These include the Black Prince and Cold Blow quartz veins, located around 3km north-east of the Alpine mine, the Gold Crown vein system 600m south-east and the past-producing King Solomon vein workings 1.8km to the south. Upon closing of the transaction, Copper Quest will appoint the principal owner of the Alpine Gold property, Allan Matovich, to its Board of Directors, and Ted Muraro and John Mirko as technical advisors. Copper Quest president and CEO Brian Thurston said: With gold prices at all-time highs, the Alpine Gold property creates a tremendous opportunity to create near-term value. I look forward to closing the transaction and welcoming Mr Matovich, Mr Muraro and Mr Mirko to the team. Last month, Copper Quest Exploration signed a definitive agreement to acquire a 100% interest in the Kitimat copper-gold project in British Columbia. Allentown, PA (18103) Today Partly sunny, windy, and cold with wind chills in the teens and 20s all day. West winds will gust 25-35mph. A few lake-effect snow showers are possible north of I-78 in the afternoon and evening, especially in the Poconos. . Tonight Partly cloudy, cold, and brisk. Wind chills in the teens overnight. MIAMI BEACH, Fla. Dan Tapiero, founder of crypto-focused growth equity fund 50T Holdings, is betting that artificial intelligence and blockchain technology will converge in ways the market hasnt yet priced in. Blockchain is the money of AI, Tapiero said in an interview with CoinDesk. If you just imagine having thousands of these AI agents acting independently, theyre not going to be sending wires from JPMorgan. Its all going to be smart contracts embedded on blockchains. Tapiero said he expects around 20% of 50Ts next fund currently raising capital through early 2026 to be invested in companies operating at the intersection of AI and blockchain. While he acknowledged those companies dont even exist yet at growth scale, he said he is confident that over the next five years, that becomes a real category. Tapiero also shared a bullish but measured view on the crypto markets trajectory. He said hes held the same target for bitcoin (BTC) since early 2023: $180,000. First, he expects the asset to consolidate around $100,000 a level he says has long served as a psychological anchor for bitcoin investors and whales. Markets move toward round numbers. Its silly, but its real, he said. And in crypto, $100K has been the target for a long time. Once we hold that for a bit, I think were heading to $180K maybe by summer next year. Bitcoin has been trading in the $101,000 to $124,000 range for the last six months and is currently stuck around $103,000. While some traders have grown impatient with bitcoins stagnant price action, Tapiero warned against short-term thinking. This is the hardest market Ive ever tried to trade, he said, referring to his 25 years in traditional markets. Trying to have a short-term view here is almost impossible. Undervalued Growth-Stage Firms Tapiero said his firm, which has $2 billion in assets under management and has invested in 24 companies, is seeing some of the best opportunities in its history. With many traditional investors still wary after high-profile collapses like FTX and Celsius, theres minimal competition for growth-stage crypto companies generating $50100 million in revenue. Were the only growth equity fund in the world solely focused on crypto. We dont do seed or venture. And right now, were dictating pricing, he said. 50T has had six exits this year, including IPOs for Circle (CRCL), Gemini (GEMI) and eToro (ETOR) and Coinbases (COIN) acquisition of derivatives exchange Deribit. While valuations in public markets are climbing with some firms trading at 1020 times revenue private market pricing remains subdued. This story was originally published on Trucking Dive. To receive daily news and insights, subscribe to our free daily Trucking Dive newsletter. Dive Brief: Daimler Truck North Americas Q3 unit sales dropped 39% and incoming orders fell 29% with CFO Eva Scherer calling out a sharp contraction in the U.S. market, during the companys Nov. 7 earnings call. She attributed part of the sales decline to front-loaded Q2 deliveries, as the truck maker sought to fulfill customers orders before potential heftier tariffs took effect. Despite near-term weakness, Daimlers existing order backlog covers its 2025 unit sales guidance, which is between 135,000 to 155,000 units in North America, compared with 308,000 units in the region last year. By the numbers 4 billion euros Reflects 33% Q3 revenue drop from 6 billion euros a year ago 30,225 Unit sales down 39% in Q3 from 49,346 in 2024 135,000 to 155,000 units Reflects full-year sales guidance down from 308,000 in 2024 Dive Insight: Daimler continues to grapple with a lingering freight recession thats eroding ordering activity and squeezing margins in one of its key markets: North America. The company sold 200,000 Class 8 trucks in the first nine months of the year in the market, a 12% year-over-year decline. That slump deepened in Q3 Class 8 sales fell 20% YoY, Scherer said. Even so, when asked about the mood of customers in North America, Scherer was optimistic: Maybe slightly better. Its still a wait-and-see mood, and we really need to see freight rates getting to a better level there in order to, I think, really see a changed mood and momentum, she said. Nobody is excited about the market, I can tell you that much. And a lot of players in the market are struggling because of that. Meanwhile, tariffs are chipping away at profitability. Scherer said the net impact of existing duties amounts to a low triple-digit million euro hit this year. Daimler is passing some of those costs on to its customers through a tariff surcharge introduced in Q1 that remains in place today. As for Section 232 tariffs, Scherer said it is too early to assess the financial impact. We are obviously in close discussions with the U.S. administration in order to understand that better and also to, of course, discuss mitigation measures, she said. And as part of mitigation measures, we will always look at how we utilize our flexible production network. In North America, Daimler manufactures Freightliner and Western Star trucks in Portland, Oregon; Cleveland, North Carolina; and Santiago Tianguistenco and Saltillo, Mexico. Dana Gas has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Syrian Petroleum Company (SPC) to assess the redevelopment and expansion of Syrian gas fields. Under the MoU, Dana Gas will conduct a comprehensive technical assessment of the identified gas fields in central Syria. If the evaluation is successful and both parties sign a final agreement, Dana will propose a development plan aimed at significantly increasing total gas production. The United Arab Emirates-based natural gas company said that it is the first developer to sign such an agreement. Dana Gas CEO Richard Hall said: This agreement marks an important first step in evaluating opportunities to redevelop Syrias gas infrastructure and unlock the potential that exists within its gas sector. The fields identified under this MoU could make a real difference to domestic gas production, strengthening Syrias energy security and supporting local communities. The MoU supports the governments ambition to boost national gas production to meet power generation needs and aid energy recovery. It includes the Abu Rabah gas field, said to be one of Syrias largest gas discoveries. Hall added: Our confidence in taking on this challenge is twofold: first, the professionalism and technical strength of the Syrian Petroleum team and second, our own proven development and operational expertise, most recently demonstrated through the early completion of the KM250 expansion project in Iraq alongside our joint operating partner. The lessons and capabilities we developed there are directly transferable to projects such as this, where hands-on execution, technical and financial discipline, and regional understanding are key to delivery. We are grateful to our Syrian counterparts for their trust and partnership as we embark on this effort. Last month, Dana Gas and Crescent Petroleum started commercial gas sales from the KM250 expansion project at the Khor Mor facility in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. The project, completed eight months ahead of schedule, adds 250 million cubic feet per day (mcf/d) of processing capacity, increasing Khor Mors output to 750mcf/d. "Dana Gas signs MoU to evaluate redevelopment of Syrian gas fields" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. Zillows latest research report adds a whole new plot twist to a market where buyers and homeowners alike have been reeling. Turns out the monthly mortgage isnt the only figure thats been quietly creeping. The hidden costs of owning a home, which include insurance, taxes, and ongoing maintenance, now total a worrying $16,000 per year, Zillow notes. Those figures have risen more quickly than incomes, hitting first-time buyers the hardest. It also paints a picture of a market that appears to be cooling on the surface but is actually becoming more expensive underneath. Thats essentially the combination that explains why revenues are sluggish and affordability remains stuck in neutral. Throw in the growing share of underwater mortgages, and its clear the pressure is building on the housing market. Zillows new analysis shows the hidden cost of owning a home has surged to nearly $16,000 a year nationwide.Shuttershock The $16,000 problem: Rising hidden costs hit homeowners hard Those numbers change the math for anyone looking to purchase or stay in a home right now. Zillows economists argue that insurance costs alone are increasing almost twice as fast as homeowner incomes. Put simply, these extra expenses are no longer just background noise. Theyre front and center, compelling buyers to effectively rethink how much they can stretch their budgets while pushing current owners uncomfortably close to the edge. More Experts Additionally, the pain is even sharper in coastal markets, where hidden costs continue to top $20,000 a year. Its a reminder that affordability isnt improving but is actually getting squeezed from virtually every angle. Heres exactly where the hidden-cost shock is showing up: Maintenance: About $10,946 a year, which covers virtually everything from routine repairs to aging HVAC systems that usually don't break at convenient times. Insurance: Up 48% since 2020, with places such as Miami averaging over $4,600 annually as the risks of testing weather conditions climb. Property taxes: Roughly $3,030 a year nationally, but far greater in big coastal metros where values have risen considerably. High-burden markets: NYC, San Francisco, Miami, and Boston are now seeing annual hidden expenses well over $20,000, creating a widening affordability gap. A cooling housing market reveals new cracks All of this effectively sets the stage for a housing market that may appear calmer on the surface than it actually feels behind the scenes. Prices have stabilized at a national level, and sales remain sluggish, despite mortgage rates easing off their highs later in the year. French Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu, left, and the minister in charge of Relations with the Parliament Laurent Panifous listen during the questions and answers to the government session, October 15, 2025 at the National Assembly in Paris. [AP Photo/Michel Euler] Macrons installation of a second government under Sebastien Lecornu in October, together with the frenzied budget negotiations now unfolding in the National Assembly, has laid bare the anti-democratic role of Jean-Luc Melenchons New Popular Front (NFP - Nouveau Front Populaire). By blocking the development of the class struggle, the NFP has enabled Macron to continue ruling against the people. While negotiations are still ongoing, the basic outlines of the 2026 budget are already clear. So far, the Assembly has: Rejected the Zucman tax, which would have imposed a mere 2 percent levy on the wealth of the super-rich; Approved a 64 billion military budgetdouble what it was when Macron first came to powerwhile French chief of staff General Fabien Mandon openly predicts a shock military confrontation with Russia within four years, demanding even more military spending; Proposed to extract tens of billions from workers through a pension freeze and draconian austerity targeting Social Security, including doubling medical co-pays and taxing doctors in ways that could trigger an upward spiral of doctors fees. At the start of the autumn, one million people demonstrated, and a broad majority of the French population wanted Macrons resignation and a profound political transformation. The Lecornu-Macron agendarefusal to tax the financial aristocracy, calls to send troops to Ukraine, and austerity continuing the 2023 pension reformis massively rejected. How, then, does France find itself again saddled with a government bent on imposing precisely these policies? The parliamentary mechanism was the Socialist Party (PS), a key component of the NFP, voting to sustain Lecornus minority government. But the PS could only do so thanks to Melenchon. When the PS collapsed to less than 2 percent in the 2022 presidential elections, Melenchon rescued it and its alliesthe Stalinist PCF and the Greensby offering them an alliance, first called NUPES and later NFP, which also incorporated the union bureaucracies. Instead of politically destroying the PS, a discredited party of French imperialism, Melenchon shielded it. He issued no call to mobilize the 8 million people who voted for him in 2022, leaving the union bureaucracies free to slow and then halt strikes against Macron. Melenchon and the leadership of his party, France Unbowed (La France insoumise), thus worked to strangle the class struggle in France, even as mass strikes and protests against austerity, militarism, and the genocide in Gaza erupted in Italy, Spain, Belgium, and the United States. Events have exposed the political lies that Melenchon defends the peoples interests or that he is trying to lead a citizen revolution. Ninety-one percent of the French people reject pension cuts, and 89 percent of Western Europeans reject Macrons call to prepare to send European troops to Ukraine to fight Russia. Yet the French bourgeoisie continues these policies in defiance of public opinion thanks to the PS and union leaderships, who themselves depend on Melenchons support. The Assembly, which Melenchon proclaims as the center of his national citizens revolution, is functioning as a parliamentary dictatorship exercised by the capitalist aristocracy against the workers. As debt in many European countries soars beyond 100 percent of GDP, ruling circles are intensifying discussions on how to impose a dictatorship and dismantle what remains of the French social model born of workers struggles against the Nazi occupation. The International Monetary Fund bluntly summarized this perspective, asserting that a discussion of the scale and sustainability of the European model seems inevitable. It added, If reforms and medium-term consolidation prove insufficient, more radical fiscal measures are conceivable: re-evaluating the scope of public services and other government functions. This could erode the social contract. If the capitalist aristocracy is preparing to repudiate the social contract, it is also working to prepare a dictatorship in order to crush the working-class opposition this will provoke. This underlies the legitimization of neo-fascism across Europe, but also of the illegal deployment of troops into US cities by Americas fascist president, Donald Trump. Formations like the NFP pose no serious obstacle to this march toward dictatorship. Speaking to Mediapart, Melenchon expressed satisfaction as to this situation, however, pointing to his parliamentary results. Citing the Assemblys adoption of a tax on transnational corporations during budget talks, he said: This is the second time we have had central elements of LFIs counter-budget adopted in the Assembly, even though it is a hung parliament. We are proving that our vision of parliamentarism is a constructive reality: last year, we already secured 26 billion with the tax on multinationals, as today. But will Lecornu respect the vote to tax transnational corporations? Melenchons complacency is glaring. His last question underscores the very limited value of his parliamentary successes, while ignoring the budgets impact on workers. The budget threatens not only military escalationincluding open conflict with Russiabut also the immiseration of workers. Melenchon went on to speculate about an alliance of LFI with the right to impose a Sixth Republic and oust Macron: We are advancing the solution to chaos by demanding his departure and with our offer of a Sixth Republic. Even on the right, there are reasonable people who talk about it. Macron must quickly be put out of harms way, because he will destroy everything and make a mess. Everyone sees he acts only for the ultra-rich. Better that the change of Republic take place in civil peace and through a democratic process. Melenchon does not defend the people. He is working to ensure civil peace, that is, to block the class struggle, keep Macron in power against the will of the people, and to adopt decisive elements of Macrons policy with which the NFP agrees. Indeed, the NFPs electoral program last year proposed to strengthen the police and intelligence services, and also to send French troopsdisguised as peacekeepersto Ukraine. This pact was drafted not only by the PS and union leaderships, but also the petty-bourgeois populists of LFI. As strikes spread across Europe and No Kings protests shake Trump, it is time to draw the lessons of the recent political experience in France. Appeals to defend democracy through the parliamentary and union machinery of the capitalist state have failed. Defending democracy requires, as Marxists have always explained, the mobilization of the working class in a struggle for workers power and socialism. For this, workers must build rank-and-file organizations of struggle, independent of the union apparatus tied to the NFP. The social gains now targeted by Macron were won through the resistance struggles of factory committees and workers militias such as the FTP against Vichy and Nazism. France is not, of course, miltiarily occupied as it was in the 1940s; however, only the construction of a new network of workers organizations, independent of the union bureaucracies, can overcome the political obstacle posed by the NFP to the working class. To launch the fight to build such organizations, the working class needs a revolutionary Trotskyist vanguard, irreconcilably hostile to the opportunism and cowardice of the NFP. That vanguard is the Socialist Equality Party, French section of the International Committee of the Fourth International. Calling on workers in France to join the building of the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, it appeals to all who support this perspective to join its ranks. German Interior Minister Boris Pistorius (second left) and President Frank-Walter Steinmeier view recruits taking part in the ceremonial pledge, as a central event to mark the 70th anniversary of the Bundeswehr (German army) in front of the Federal Chancellery in Berlin, Germany on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. [AP Photo/Ebrahim Noroozi] The solemn oath-taking ceremony in front of the Reichstag (parliament) and the speeches by Defence Minister Boris Pistorius and Federal President Frank-Walter Steinmeier (both Social Democrats, SPD) on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Bundeswehr (Armed Forces) recalled the darkest days of German militarism. They underscored the disastrous traditions and war aims to which German imperialism is once again returning. Significantly, on the very same day, the governing parties agreed on a new military service law providing for the compulsory registration of all young menaimed at drafting the necessary cannon fodder for new imperialist wars. Eighty years after the downfall of the Third Reich and the greatest crimes in human history, the military once again dominates the German capital. In a martial displayshielded from the public280 recruits marched between the Reichstag and the Chancellery and were solemnly sworn in. The spectacle was shown live on state broadcaster ZDF and celebrated in the news programmes, with the obvious goal of spreading the poison of militarism throughout the population. Public oath-taking ceremonies like this have their origins in Prussian militarism, which were expanded under the Kaisers Empire and then elevated to a quasi-religious cult under the Nazis. In their ceremonial addresses, Pistorius and Steinmeier sought to obscure the historical roots of the Bundeswehr. From the shadows of our history has emerged an army, a special army that is fundamentally different from all its predecessors, claimed Pistorius, describing the force as firmly anchored in democracy, committed to law and freedom. This portrayal is as false today as it was at the Bundeswehrs official founding on November 12, 1955only 10 years after the capitulation of Hitlers Army, the Wehrmacht, the greatest killing machine in history. Tellingly, at that time the army was still called the new Wehrmacht. It was not until 1956 that it was officially renamed the Bundeswehrand the name reflected its purpose. Of the 44 generals and admirals appointed by 1957, all came from Hitlers Wehrmacht, most from the General Staff of the Army. By 1959, of 14,900 career officers, 12,360 were from the Wehrmacht and 300 even from the SS leadership corps. Military historian Wolfram Wette wrote in 2011 that this personnel continuity had heavily burdened the internal life of the army and that for a long time there existed not an unbroken, but nevertheless dominant tendency to orient itself toward the traditions before 1945. This development intensified after German reunification 35 years ago. As early as 1991, a general declared: Everything must be oriented toward the Bundeswehrs warfighting capability. What followed were worldwide military interventionsin Kosovo, Afghanistan, the Middle East and Africawhich, in alliance with the leading NATO powers, reduced entire regions to rubble. Today, the orientation to the traditions of the Wehrmacht is no longer a tendency but official policy. German imperialism is systematically preparing for a major war against Russia and has launched the largest rearmament programme since Hitler. Pistorius made the direction unmistakably clear during the anniversary ceremony: Germany must now act decisively and without hesitation, radically expanding finances, equipment, and infrastructure and aligning the Bundeswehr with national and alliance defencea euphemism for the creation of an army for total war. At the Bundeswehr Conference a week earlier, Chancellor Friedrich Merz (Christian Democrat, CDU), Pistorius and General Inspector Carsten Breuer, the most senior military brass, left no doubt about their megalomaniacal plans, which workers and youth will be made to pay forwith their social and democratic rights, and ultimately with their lives. Merz once again demanded that the Bundeswehr become the strongest conventional army in the European Union, as befits a country of our size and responsibility. Breuer spelled out the dimensions this would entail: 460,000 soldiersthat is the framework we ultimately have to reach. This would not only make Germanys army the largest in Europe but would openly break the Two Plus Four Treaty, in which Germany pledged to limit its military to a maximum of 340,000 soldiers and to renounce nuclear weaponssomething now openly questioned in government and media circles. Breuer made unmistakably clear where this path leads: toward war, destruction and death. It is about soldiers fighting at the front line. Thats what its about. Its about the sharp end. At the end of his war speech, he declared: For a Bundeswehr that fights successfully for Fight Tonight, for 2029 and 2039, for a combat-ready Bundeswehr. The new/old bogeyman is Russiathe same power against which the German military waged two world wars in the 20th century. Under the Nazis, it carried out a barbaric war of annihilation that killed at least 27 million Soviet citizens and culminated in the Holocaust. It is the declared aim of Breuer and the government to once again be ready by 2029 to wage war against this strategically central, resource-rich nuclear power. Pistorius reaffirmed plans to raise the defence budget to around 153 billion by 2029. Added to this are hundreds of billions in war-ready infrastructure from the 1 trillion in war credits already approved. Infrastructure is essential for our defence capability, emphasised the defence minister, calling for reinforced transport routes, efficient depots, barracks, training grounds and logistical hubs. The central task is the deployment of NATO and Bundeswehr troops to the eastern flank. Pistorius proudly announced the permanent stationing of Panzer Brigade 45 in Lithuania: The message must be: Germany leads the wayas a pace-setter among European nations. For the 5,000 soldiers stationed there, he said, we need modern equipment and capabilities in all dimensionsnot for storage, but for our men and women on the ground. This has nothing to do with freedom or democracy but with the old imperialist great-power interests: German dominance over Europe and the violent enforcement of its economic and geopolitical goals in Eastern Europe and against Russia. The reactionary Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022 was deliberately provoked by the leading NATO powers to push through an agenda of total militarisation and war preparation. Pistorius stated openly that militarisation must encompass society as a whole: We wanted and still want to make the Bundeswehr more visible throughout the country. For the 70th anniversary, he said, this visibility was being brought back to the capital as an expression and recognition of 70 years of readiness, performance, and loyalty. That German militarism can once again raise its head so aggressively is due to the fact that all the establishment parties support the war course. Alongside the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD), whose militarist agenda the government is in practice implementing, the Greens and the Left Party have also demonstratively backed the Bundeswehr. Left Party spokesperson Ulrich Thoden thanked the troops for their contribution to the stability and defence of democracy. Green Party politician Sara Nanni enthused about a new warmth between the army and the population and wished the troops courageous politicians who want to hear plain speakingwho stand by the troops and this country. The Left Party and the Greens had already joined the governing parties, the Christian Democrats and Social Democrats, in approving the war credits in both chambers of parliament. The only party that opposes German militarism and the pro-war policy, and which gives expression to the widespread opposition among workers and youth, is the Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party, SGP). It advances the only realistic perspective to prevent a third world war: the building of an independent socialist movement of the international working class, which will overthrow the capitalist profit systemthe root of war and fascism. This is the second part of the lecture on the degeneration of the US Socialist Workers Party in the years following the publication of the initial findings of the investigation into Security and the Fourth International, delivered at the 2025 Summer School of the Socialist Equality Party (US). The first part, titled The Carleton Twelve, given by Tom Mackaman, was published here. The second part, Hansen builds a world network of agents, was delivered by Andrea Lobo. The third part, The Barnes group and the decline and fall of the SWP, was delivered by Patrick Martin. To accompany the second part, the WSWS is publishing as a supplementary text Hansens World Network Exposed, first published in 1979 This document is a milestone in the development of the Security investigation and is essential reading for the education of Trotskyist cadre today. Our discussion today delves into an intersection of a critical period in the history of the Fourth International marked by the Cuban Revolution and the subsequent drive for reunification led by the Socialist Workers Party (SWP). Its worth stressing at this point in the school that the state operation within the SWP was connected to a political line tied to definite class forces in response to tumultuous events, many of them in Latin America. This is the significance of the statement made by opponents of Security and the Fourth International that agents do good work, in the sense that they represent one of the forms through which class pressures and their related ideological content are exerted in the workers movement and its revolutionary party. In June 1963, a congress of reunification took place between the SWP, with its supporters in Latin America and Asia, and the Pabloite International Secretariat, forming the United Secretariat. This new body was an international alliance of the petty bourgeoisie fundamentally dedicated to overthrowing the program of the Fourth International, which was based on the exclusive and non-transferable role of the international working class in the abolition of capitalism, as was analyzed and carefully reviewed by Comrade Tomas Castanheira in his lecture to our summer school two years ago, already mentioned by Comrade Tom, The Cuban Revolution and the SLLs opposition to the unprincipled Pabloite reunification of 1963. A pivotal element in this shift was the SWPs response to the Cuban Revolution, but not because the Pabloites and state agents like Hansen really cared about the fate of the Cuban people. Instead, the Pabloites, who had oriented as loyal advisors to the Soviet bureaucracy and its satellite Communist parties internationally, were advancing the line of applying pressure to the United States in defense of the interests of Moscow. Meanwhile Hansen, who had a record as an agent for first Moscow and then Washington, sought to use the events in Cuba to effectuate the split with the IC, begin the slander that the IC opposed the Cuban Revolution, and liquidate the SWP as a revolutionary party. Initially, after the Cuban revolution, Hansen had advanced a more orthodox line opposing the characterization of Cuba as a workers state. Another key figure backing the 1963 reunification with the Pabloites, the Argentine revisionist Nahuel Moreno, had defended the US-backed dictator Fulgencio Batista and opposed strikes against him. Moreno initially denounced the overthrow of Batista in 1959 and characterized Fidel Castro as a right-wing Gorilla.[ 1 ] But only weeks after the dubious creation of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee by politically connected businesspeople and journalists, as explained by Comrade Tom Mackaman, Hansen implemented a sharp shift in the political line, claiming that Cuba was a workers state and that most Trotskyists, grouping the Pabloites and ICFI already into the same category, supported this description of Cuba. By 1962, Hansen wrote that Cuba had become the acid test, proving that the political differences had been narrowing for some time between the Pabloite IS and supposedly the majority of the International Committee, and made unification the logical consequence. Hansen would insist that the SLL was acting in a sectarian fashion and ignoring the so-called facts, namely that the nationalization of key industries and plantations and other radical measures, under the pressure of US imperialism, turned the Castroite leadership into natural Marxists and Cuba into a workers state. Hansen even insisted that empiricismthat is, starting from the immediate surface of apparent factswas consistent with Marxism.[ 2 ] Cliff Slaughter led the Socialist Labour Leagues charge against this falsification of Marxism as part of the struggle against unprincipled reunification. The significance of Slaughters essays, including Opportunism and Empiricism, written in March 1963, was compared by David North to that of Trotskys defense of Marxism against the Shachtmanite tendency in 1939-40. This material became a central component in the education of cadre in the Workers League and internationally. In a devastating exposure of Hansens method, Slaughter wrote: It is a false and non-Marxist view of the facts which leads to these revisionist ideas. What our objectivists are saying, with their message history is on our side, is this: look at the big struggles taking place, add them together without analysing them, go on your impressions of their significance, and add all these togetherand you have the facts. Colonial revolutions are successful here, and successful there, and in another place; then the success of the colonial revolution is a fact. Nationalist leaders like Nkrumah and Mboya and Nasser make anti-imperialist speeches and even carry out nationalizations; this suggests that history is tending irreversibly and inexorably to force non-proletarian politicians in a socialist direction. But objectivism of this kind is a collection of impressions and not a rich dialectical analysis of the whole picture, with the parts related to one another. A truly objective analysis begins from the economic relations between classes on a world scale and within nations. It proceeds through an analysis of the relations between the needs of these classes and their consciousness and organization. On these it bases its programme for the working class internationally and in each national sector The essence of the history of the proletarian revolutionary movement is the conscious effort to develop scientific theory and a strategy conforming to that science. All talk about natural developments toward Marxism are an attack on the necessity to carry on this process. The empiricist believes that he can study the various parts of the social process as they present themselves from day to day. Adding these together will then give a realistic or objective total picture and international perspective.[ 3 ] The liquidationism promoted by Hansen had catastrophic consequences, especially in Latin America. Nahuel Moreno and others followed Hansen in using the Cuban Revolution to break fully with the Trotskyist program and support reunification with the Pabloites, which in turn facilitated their integration into the same bog of petty-bourgeois radicalism and nationalism as the Pabloites. Moreno would fuse his movement with the Guevarist Mario Roberto Santucho to establish the Partido Revolutionario de los Trabajadores (PRT) in 1965. Moreno responded to the Stalinist Cuban Communist Partys launch in August 1967 of the Latin American Solidarity Organization (OLAS) by proposing that his partys number one militant task was to build guerrillas as part of a technical apparatus rigidly disciplined under OLAS.[ 4 ] The Pabloites glorification of guerrilla warfare and renunciation to the revolutionary role of the working class helped lead thousands of radicalized workers and youth into suicidal adventures and caused the complete political disorientation of workers and the left, setting the stage for a brutal turn by imperialism and its local clients toward fascist counterrevolution. Bill Van Aukens 1998 lecture, Castroism and the Politics of Petty-Bourgeois Nationalism, is fundamental reading to review the consequences and lessons of this political betrayal. The Pabloite turn to petty-bourgeois nationalism was so firmly established by 1982 that SWP national secretary and Carleton alum Jack Barnes declared that the New Jewel Movement in Grenada, the Sandinistas in Nicaragua, and the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front in El Salvador represented a new international, with Barnes openly denouncing Trotskys theory of Permanent Revolution. Comrade Patrick Martin will deal with this in his lecture. The founding of Intercontinental Press The shutting down of the Fair Play for Cuba Committee after the assassination of JFK was not really a setback in the development of Hansens spy network at the service of US imperialism. Following the 1963 split with the International Committee and reunification with the Pabloites into the United Secretariat, Hansen founded the magazine Intercontinental Press, published in the SWP national headquarters in New York City, with a special bureau in Paris. During the following years, the magazine became the nerve center of an operation to organize the international interventions of the Pabloite movement, recruit agents worldwide, liquidate cadres, and enforce a line consistent with the interests of the CIA. The group of agents left behind by Hansen after his death on January 18, 1979, function not only as domestic stool pigeons within the American labor movement but as the organizers and instigators of provocations against revolutionary movements all over the world, as explained in the ICFI statement FBI spies in the SWP from 1979.[ 5 ] Holden Roberto and Angola Among the SWP operations most blatantly following this pattern was that related to Holden Roberto. Through Intercontinental Press, the SWP explicitly defended the right of the puppet armies of imperialism of Holden Roberto and Jonas Savimbi to accept CIA money.[ 6 ] Holden Roberto founded and led the National Liberation Front of Angola (FNLA), and Jonas Savimbi created its split-off, UNITA. It was then widely recognized and it is now documented that the US government began giving thousands of dollars to Roberto in the 1950s for intelligence gathering. Roberto met personally with John F. Kennedy in April 1961. Intercontinental Press justified Robertos receipt of CIA cash and promoted the US State Department line on Angola in the mid-1970s, opposing the struggle led by the Peoples Movement for the Liberation of Angola (MPLA) backed by the Soviet Union and Cuban government.[ 7 ] Ahead of the 1974 Carnation Revolution in Portugal which overthrew the fascist dictatorship founded by Antonio Salazar and led to the granting of formal independence to Angola, the SWP began publishing reports of tribal carnage, and the National Committee of the SWP declared that its position is of opposition to the fratricidal war.[ 8 ] The case of Fausto Amador Historical context in Nicaragua and Latin America However, the case of Fausto Amador, who became the main representative of the international Pabloite movement in Latin America during the late 1970s, became the starkest illustration of the methods used by Joseph Hansen to build this international network of agents through Intercontinental Press and deserves to be treated in detail. While the late 1960s and early 1970s were a period of a mass upswing in revolutionary class battles and anti-colonial struggles, the betrayals at the hands of Social Democracy, Stalinism and Pabloism had allowed the capitalist ruling elites and imperialist powers to take the offensive. In Latin America, this took the form of US-backed military dictatorships that ruled most of the region by the mid-1970s, most famously that of General Augusto Pinochet in Chile installed during the bloody September 1973 coup. Nonetheless, a period of intense revolutionary struggle continued in Central America and culminated in the July 19, 1979 Nicaraguan Revolution led by the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) that overthrew the bloody Somoza dictatorship, a family dynasty that epitomized US domination since the early 20th century. The FSLN installed a radical nationalist government allied with Castro in Cuba and the Soviet Union. In El Salvador, a series of failed offensives by the guerrillas organized in the Farabundo Marti National Liberation Front amid an upsurge of mass strikes and class battles into 1981 ultimately failed to overthrow the military junta. In this context, the position of the ICFI was summed up in the 1978 statement by the Workers League, The World Economic Political Crisis and the Death Agony of U.S. Imperialism: The impending collapse of the Somoza regimeeven if it is able to stagger on a bit longerreflects not only the bankruptcy of this dictatorship but the crisis of U.S. imperialism throughout Latin America. In neighboring El Salvador, a popular revolt against the Romero dictatorship grows despite a state of siege imposed by the government. These developments mean that revolutionary conflict throughout Latin America is well underway. This makes the fight for revolutionary leadership, the construction of sections of the International Committee throughout Latin America, of vital importance. This can only be carried out through assimilating the entire history of struggle by the International Committee against Stalinism and revisionism, which have been the props for the counter-revolution in Latin America.[ 9 ] Amadors political biography: An official of the Somoza dictatorship On the very eve of the defeat by Somoza, whose desperate last attempts to crush the mass movement against him included the bombing of working-class neighborhoods, Fausto Amador intervened after being elevated by Joseph Hansen to the title of leading Latin American Trotskyist in Intercontinental Press.[ 10 ] The fact is that Amador was a well-known anti-Communist and former Somoza official who had been disowned by his own brother Carlos Fonseca, a Sandinista leader. On March 24, 1977, the United Secretariat moved a resolution declaring that the actions of Amador in 1969-1973 objectively aided the Nicaraguan dictatorship in its struggle against the Nicaraguan people. Such actions are incompatible with the defense of the interests of the working class and therefore incompatible with membership of the Fourth International. It insisted that he needed to make a clear public rejection for the Central American public.[ 11 ] Far from responding to this demand, Joseph Hansen organized the publication on June 27, 1977, of a six-page interview with Amador titled, How I Came to be a Trotskyist, as a failed attempt to whitewash his political background.[ 12 ] Amador himself recounted how he briefly followed his older brother Carlos Fonseca into the Sandinista National Liberation Front before leaving Nicaragua ostensibly to escape the repression. He would then spend two years in Cuba before returning to Nicaragua. He managed to get in touch with my father, and discussed the question with him. He is a personal friend of the dictator and has managed his property for twenty-five years. Amador stated: He told me that he could easily get permission for me to return to a legal existence and secure a guarantee of my complete physical safety. It was under these conditions that I returned to Nicaragua. Back in Nicaragua in 1969, Amador started spying and informing on the Sandinistas and called a press conference to denounce Cuba, attack the Sandinistas and call them to surrender. He described having spent two traumatic years in Cuba feeling revulsion at the bureaucratic methods. A La Prensa report on his return to Nicaragua stated: After investigating Amador, security officials determined that there were no grounds for pressing any legal charges against him, as his participation in the Sandinista National Liberation Front consisted of leaving the country and remaining on standby, reflecting on issues related to politics, religion, and society. La Prensa then summarizes that Amador said that it is dishonest for a young person to follow international slogans, adding that socialism is not the solution for the Nicaraguan people and that he has never been a socialist. Moreover: He clarified that he never belonged to the Sandinista National Liberation Front and that he only helped his brother Carlos when he was in Managua in mortal danger, finding him houses to hide in and personally moving him from one place to another. Instead of joining the Sandinista National Liberation Front, he preferred to ask his brother for an opportunity to visit socialist countries. He has just returned from that long journey, which lasted two years of study, and as a result, he can say that the solution for Nicaragua does not lie in a socialist regime.[ 13 ] Amador, as he later sought to explain away to Intercontinental Press, said his brother Carlos, the FSLN leader jailed in Costa Rica, no longer considered him his brother but also called on me to return to the organization, which shows, obviously, that he did not consider me a traitor. Amador also admitted going to a Christmas Party given by the Nicaraguan Embassy in London and accepting the post of cultural attache at the Nicaraguan Embassy in Belgium, arguing absurdly that it was all to avoid taxes on a new car while living in Brussels. Livio Maitan, a co-editor of Intercontinental Press, was prompted to write an open letter on July 1, clarifying: Amadors claim that he is working in the Fourth International is absolutely false. He is not a member of any section or sympathizing organization. Nobody of the International has ever agreed to admit him. This must be absolutely clear. At the same time, Maitan cautioned: None of us wanted a public polemic over this whole distressing story. This could only discredit us and be exploited by our opponents.[ 14 ] Subsequently a Dear Joe protest to Hansen was voted by the United Secretariat on July 21-22, 1977, for publishing the interview with Amador without prior consultation. [ 15 ] Within a few weeks there was a sharp shift in the European USec leaderships attitude. During a meeting of the United Secretariat on October 31, Amador presented a statement acknowledging two very grave political errors before becoming a Trotskyist: 1. GRANTING a press conference in Managua on August 21, 1969 which the Somoza regime exploited; 2. ACCEPTING the formal post of cultural attache at the Nicaraguan embassy in Brussels in 1972. A majority of the United Secretariat (14 to 4) voted for a resolution claiming this statement meets the conditions of the United Secretariat motion of March 24, 1977. [ 16 ] A countermotion was introduced by the Colombian PST led by Nahuel Moreno, who had sought asylum in Colombia from the Argentine dictatorship, declaring Amadors self-criticism insufficient. But it was overwhelmingly rejected. Finally, it must be stressed that the SWP and its closest collaborators internationally ruthlessly bulldozed opposition to Amador. Another motion was passed to instruct the Bureau to send a letter immediately to the PRT of Costa Ricaand any other Fourth International organization that wrote public polemics against Amador or the OSTtelling them to cease and desist all such attacks and to co-operate in the defense of Amador, the OST, and the Fourth International against the Stalinists slander campaign. Hansen subsequently led a delegation to the PST in Colombia in December 1977, which Moreno denounced as an attempt to threaten, intimidate, and blackmail us. Moreno accused Hansen of organizing a destabilization campaign against the PST equal to anything attempted against the Latin American working class by the CIA. At a United Secretariat meeting in January 1978, the Colombian PST Central Committee presented a resolution denouncing Amador as a collaborator of the Somoza dictatorship and stressed that any support given by the Fourth International to Fausto Amador places in danger the very existence of the Fourth International in Central America.[ 17 ] They rejected his de facto admission as a full member of our International and his promotion by Intercontinental Press and called for a public debate. Morenos letter further denounced a factional policy aimed at liquidating our party. The United Secretariat, however, voted 17-1 to reject the PSTs resolution, deeming a public discussion potentially harmful to our movement. Significantly, Ernest Mandel, leader of the Pabloite United Secretariat using the pseudonym Walter, acknowledged voting with the majority to avoid an explosive public conflict which could be very damaging to the Fourth International. This about-face in the attitude toward Amador took place in the summer of 1977, when Security and the Fourth International had concluded that Hansen had begun working with the FBI in September 1940, having previously worked with the GPU. In May of 1977, the International Committee of the Fourth International succeeded in locating and interviewing Sylvia Franklin, the Stalinist GPU agent who infiltrated the SWP and served as the personal secretary for party leader James P. Cannon from 1938 to 1947. On July 29, 1977, the ICFI published indisputable evidence that Hansen had passed over from service to the GPU in the assassination of Leon Trotsky to his recruitment by the FBI as their most important agent inside the Trotskyist movement. The evidence included a letter from Hansen on October 23, 1940, to George P. Shaw, the American Consul in Mexico City, respectfully thanking him for setting up a confidential contact with the agent-in-charge of the FBIs New York City office, B.E. Sackett. It is worth noting that as early as September 1976, Fausto Amador had signed the fraudulent Verdict drafted by the United Secretariat denouncing Security and the Fourth International and the initial findings on Hansen. In the final analysis, the International Committee concluded that the United Secretariat was determined to prevent the eruption of a scandal and that it was the rotten opportunism of the Pabloite leaders, which played into Hansens hands. With the SWP clearly pulling the strings and no one in the Pabloite movement saying Amador was clearly an agent, the ICFI concluded: They would rather live with Hansens network of agents than subordinate themselves to the historic principles of Trotskyism.[ 18 ] Amador enforces the State Department line on the Nicaraguan Revolution Having been installed as the main correspondent for Latin America, Amadors political line during the Nicaraguan Revolution was consistently critical of the FSLNs armed struggle. In Intercontinental Press on November 21, 1977, Amador wrote: The actions of the FSLN were doomed to failure. In that sense, the senseless deaths of these brave and valuable rebels were inevitable and tragic... So much so that, by carrying out these actions, the FSLN gave the government a pretext to restart a general repression.[ 19 ] On June 11, 1979, just before the final offensive that would overthrow Somoza, Amador denounced the military campaign, suggesting the Sandinistas should instead surrender: No insurrection prepared and executed outside the daily struggle of the masses can succeed... This time, they [the Nicaraguan people] watched with horror as they were forced to be present against their will in a confrontation from which they would surely suffer the consequences. Such a course is fatal for the mass movement in Nicaragua. It would be totally irresponsible to join those who simplistically applaud the actions of the FSLN.[ 20 ] Amadors statements were outright false and sought to discourage support for the offensive in the face of terror from the Somocista National Guard, which was bombing entire neighborhoods. At the beginning of June, the FSLN had made a renewed call for a final offensive, sparking popular uprisings in Chinandega and Chichigalpa on June 2 and 3. Then, on June 4, the FSLN called for a general strike and a general insurrection, which received massive support. After the Sandinista victory, Fausto Amador disappeared from the pages of Intercontinental Press, and the political line shifted dramatically. As explained by the Workers League in an open letter warning the FSLN, Amador was replaced first by Fred Murphy as chief correspondent for Nicaragua to make glowing accounts of the Nicaraguan revolution, never once referring to the despicable record of the SWP and its notorious spokesman Fausto Amador.[ 21 ] In October 1979, the United Secretariat ordered Amador to contact the FSLN leadership and indicate that he is willing to take whatever measures the FSLN leadership proposes to smooth over all the political problems caused by its past mistakes. Amador, who was present, strongly opposed this, saying that the Sandinistas were going to kill him.[ 22 ] What happened to Amador? Amador would later join his political rivals within the United Secretariat, supporting Nahuel Morenos Simon Bolivar Brigade. This brigade, organized from Bogota by the PST and announced on June 13, 1979, had taken approximately 100 volunteers to Nicaragua to fight in the final offensive. Although the extent of the Brigades participation is unclear, its activities in the battles focused on the capture of the remote port of Bluefields in the southern Caribbean. During this time, the Colombian PST insisted that Sandinismo was the objective, real leadership of the workers and popular movement in Nicaragua, which was fighting against dictatorship and imperialism, but it later took a more critical stance, promoting the creation of unions in Managua that would operate outside the state apparatus, as well as denouncing the FSLNs negotiations with imperialism. This was the moment when Amador backed the Brigade. The FSLN then decided to arrest the leaders of the Simon Bolivar Brigade and hand them over to the Panamanian police under the Omar Torrijos regime, which allegedly tortured them. The SWP remained silent about their ousting and treatment, and organized a split with Moreno. Years later, Fausto Amador would reappear as an official in the Nicaraguan government under right-wing President Enrique Bolanos, who openly described himself as an anti-Communist. Amador served as technical secretary for his Decentralization Commission,[ 23 ] holding private meetings with Bolanos, and was described in a TV interview as a liaison between the Executive and Legislative Powers.[ 24 ] He also served as Nicaraguas alternate representative in a cabinet-level meeting before the Organization of American States. Currently, he speaks on a weekly right-wing political radio show in Costa Rica Alto Voltaje where he argues from the perspective of protecting the hegemony of US imperialism combined with claims to oppose neo-liberalism from a right-wing standpoint and advocating for Trump to distance himself from the Jewish Lobby in Washingtona clearly antisemitic conception.[ 25 ] Both Amador and his replacements dovetailed with CIA operations Amadors case laid bare the method of work of the Intercontinental Press network of imperialist agents created by Hansen on behalf of the FBI-CIA, as explained by the International Committee.[ 26 ] Hansen would introduce potential agents in Intercontinental Press as new Trotskyist leaders, an action which in US secret service parlance is called opening doors. The Workers Leagues open letter to the FSLN in November 1979 explicitly warned them: That organization has sent and continues to send delegates who disguise themselves as Sandinista supporters. In reality, they are CIA agents and provocateurs engaged in preparing assassinations and counterrevolution. It even appears that they have been provided with unlimited funds for this major CIA effort to destabilize the new revolutionary government. Here was a man who could meet the requirements of the US State Department by providing up-to-date information on the FSLN and its leaders.[ 27 ] In later years, the SWP sent Carleton alumni Cindy Mason Jaquith as the organizer of the Militant reporting team stationed in Nicaragua from late 1985 to 1987, when she assumed the effective role of chief Pabloite strategist in Latin America.[ 28 ] Just like her previous role as SWP representative in Tehran after the Iranian Revolution, this was hardly a position to be expected from someone who boasted on her college application to Carleton about being in church youth group and working as a Girl Scout leaders aide and candy striper.[ 29 ] Speaking on the July 19, 1979, Nicaraguan Revolution that overthrew the bloody dictatorship of Anastasio Somoza, Seth Galinsky, who worked with Jaquith in Nicaragua, said to The Militant: Within weeks of the 1979 overthrow of Somoza the party set up what became the Managua bureau to learn from the revolution and to tell the truth about what workers and farmers were accomplishing. Jaquith returned in 1990 before the bureau was closed later that year. [ 30 ] Jaquith portrayed the Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Grenadian leaderships as the reincarnation of Lenins Bolshevik Party. For instance, she wrote in The Militant, on November 16, 1984: The development of the Cuban Communist Party, the Nicaraguan Sandinista National Liberation Front, and the Grenadian New Jewel Movement under the leadership of Maurice Bishop marked the first revolutionary internationalist leaderships in power since the 1917-1923 period in Russia. For the first time since the Stalinist degeneration of the Comintern more than 50 years ago, leaderships committed to advancing the world socialist revolution and building the parties needed to do sothe goal of the Comintern at its foundinghad taken power. Finding our own road. The Cuban, Nicaraguan, and Grenadian revolutionists returned to the lessons of the early Cominternhow it was established and what it didas part of thinking out how to advance the revolution in their own countries. As Cuban Communist Party leader Carlos Rafael Rodriguez explained in his 1970 article on Lenin and the Colonial Question, the Cuban revolutionists found that what we need to do is start from Lenin, as well as from Marx, in order to find our own road. By 1988, the ICFI reported: Internationally, the Militant maintains a stable of foreign correspondents on a scale befitting Time magazine, consuming vast and unexplained resources. They operate as socialist journalists in countries such as Nicaragua, Angola, Burkina Faso and (before the US invasion) Grenada, countries where a capitalist reporter from America would be viewed with suspicion or barred entry altogether. In Managua, the Militants three-man bureau surpasses any of the capitalist dailies. It is second only to the US Embassy itself as an imperialist outpost in the Nicaraguan capital. [ 31 ] Conclusion Through a series of intermeshing gears that included the Fair Play for Cuba Committee, the conclusion that Cuba was a workers state, the plugging in of the Carleton Twelve, the drive for reunification with the Pabloites, where each gear was activated in an orchestrated manner and with careful timing, Hansen oversaw not merely a political manipulation, but rather a massive state intervention in the SWP and left-wing political movements globally during the key revolutionary struggles between the late 1960s and 1970s. This operation was possible because of and further promoted the definite politics of Pabloism: the liquidation of the revolutionary leadership of the working class and capitulation to Social Democratic, Stalinist, bourgeois nationalist and Castroite movements and the trade union bureaucracies. Pabloite leaders like Ernest Mandel and Nahuel Moreno signed the fraudulent Verdict denouncing Security and the Fourth International in 1976 and actively chose to avoid an explosive public conflict during the internal debate in the United Secretariat over Fausto Amador. This demonstrates how Pabloite opportunism provided the political and ideological cover that allowed an agent network to operate and directly undermine revolutionary movements internationally. This adaptation to petty-bourgeois nationalism deprived the working class of a revolutionary leadership, which had profound and tragic consequences involving enormous defeats and thousands of deaths, particularly in Latin America. At the same time, the alignment of the politics and objectives of Pabloism with Hansens network of state agents vindicates the fight for orthodox Trotskyism waged by the International Committee. As capitalism in Latin America and the world enters an objective political crisis that eclipses that of the 1960s and 1970s, the working class must firmly base its response in the lessons of this struggle by the IC, where Security and the Fourth International played a key role. The main lesson from this period is that genuine socialism can only be the product of the conscious struggle of the working class to establish a revolutionary and internationalist party to overthrow capitalism and establish itself in power everywhere, including especially in the centers of world imperialism. New Zealands National Party-led government has suspended two years of aid paymentsaround $NZ30 millionto the Cook Islands, amid a deteriorating diplomatic and political relationship with the countrys impoverished neo-colony. New Zealand Foreign Minister Winston Peters [AP Photo/Rick Rycroft] One News reported on November 9 that it had obtained a letter under the Official Information Act, dated October 13, from NZ Foreign Minister Winston Peters to Cook Islands Prime Minister Mark Brown, confirming that an $18.2 million grant withheld since June will continue to be paused, along with a second payment now due, taking the total to $29.8 million. Peters, leader of the right-wing nationalist NZ First Party in the ruling coalition, blocked the initial payment after the Cook Islands signed strategic deals with China without consulting Wellington. Peters claimed prior approval was required under the terms of the Cook Islands constitutional position as one of New Zealands semi-dependent Realm countries. The Core Sector Support aid is a grant given to the Cook Islands government to boost its budget. It critically supports sectors such as education, tourism and health. Following the withdrawal of the initial tranche, Brown said that the punitive decision would harm the countrys most vulnerable citizens. Peters told Brown that the gravity of the Cook Islands breach of trust raised concerns about its approach to the constitutional realities which impose clear limits on your freedom to act on foreign affairs, defence and security matters without reference to New Zealands interest or those of the Realm. An NZ foreign affairs spokesperson told One News: Our concerns about the Cook Islands actions need to be addressed and trust restored before we can release this funding. In 2001, the two countries signed a Joint Centenary Declaration, which broadly states that the governments must consult regularly on defence and security issues. However, the declaration explicitly affirms the Cook Islands right to enter independently into treaties and other international agreements with any government or international organisations. Since 1992, the UN has recognised the Cook Islands as a state with full treaty-making capacity, and it now has diplomatic relations with 65 countries. At an anti-China summit with Pacific leaders in Washington in 2022, US President Joe Biden declared, without reference to Wellington, that the US would recognise the Cook Islands and Niue as sovereign states. China established formal ties with the Cook Islands in 1997 and is now a major donor. Peters withdrawal of essential aid funding is a case of diplomatic bullying. New Zealand maintains neo-colonial domination over the Cook Islands along with its other so-called Realm countries, Niue and Tokelau. While the Cooks, with a population of just 15,000, has limited self-government, Wellington provides oversight in foreign affairs and defence. In February, New Zealands political establishment erupted in outrage over the Cook Islands formal agreement with China. Brown agreed to collaborate with Beijing on economic development, including fisheries, infrastructure and potentially undersea minerals. The two countries also agreed to increase diplomatic relations and to support each others membership of multilateral bodies. The agreements notably contain no military clauses. Brown insists that Wellington was advised the deal would not include matters on security and that there was no need for New Zealand to sit in the room while it was drawn up. Brown defended the partnership, citing the need for diverse international partners to fund a $NZ650 million infrastructure plan that New Zealand alone could not support. If we cant get help from NZ, we will go somewhere else, he stated. Amid escalating hostilities, NZ government representatives deliberately boycotted celebrations in the Cook Islands in August marking 60 years of self-government in free association with New Zealand. The annual Constitution Day, or Te Maeva Nui, recognises the nations adoption of its constitution, establishing formal self-government. It was the first time in recent history that senior NZ government politicians failed to attend such an event. The breakdown in relations points to the extremely sharp geopolitical tensions in the Pacific, created by the advanced US-led preparations for war against China. New Zealand and Australiaboth imperialist allies of the USare seeking to block Chinas growing economic and diplomatic influence and are presenting Beijing in increasingly hysterical terms as a military threat. They are militarising the region while pressuring Pacific countries to cut economic and diplomatic ties with Beijing. Last week, lurid claims of China throwing its weight around in the Pacific were raised by NZ Pacific reporter Michael Field and other media commentators when the Chinese research ship Da Yang Hao began carrying out seabed surveys in collaboration with the Cook Islands Seabed Minerals Authority. The Cook Islands News asserted that the vessel has been previously linked to potential naval interests and military data collection, citing hysterical claims made by the New York Times in July that its findings could serve Chinas naval interests, including how it might deploy its submarines in the Pacific. Like all the regions impoverished countries, the Cook Islands depends on international aid and loans. Aid is an essential component of imperialist pressure on the fragile states. Washingtons suspension of its USAID program and withdrawal from the World Health Organisation earlier this year has created a deep funding gap across the Pacific. While overall aid funding to the Pacific fell by 16 percent in 2023 to $US3.6 billion, Australia and New Zealand remain the regions two major aid sources, a position they use to leverage their own geostrategic interests. According to the Lowy Institute, in 2023 China provided $A230 million in development finance to the Pacific, placing it below Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the US. New Zealand is an imperialist power which regards the southwest Pacific as its backyard. Peters is playing a particularly belligerent role in demonising China as an outside power, advocating for a stronger US military presence and agitating to pull the Pacific nations into line. The NZ government is meanwhile almost doubling its military spending to 2 percent of GDP at a cost of $12 billion over four years. A section of the ruling establishment is, however, increasingly alarmed that Peters confrontation with the Cooks is counter-productive. Writing in the New Zealand Herald on October 29, Richard Prebble, a former Labour Party minister and ex-ACT Party leader, declared that New Zealand was waging a pointless war against the territory without a clear objective or a way to end it. Prebble warned that by waging war on the islands children and the sick, Minister Peters risked alienating 100,000 Cook Islands descendants living in New Zealand, who could influence next years election. Opposition Labour Party leader Chris Hipkins told Radio NZ on Tuesday that the government was absolutely right to be concerned about the Cook Islands breaching its agreements, but said the governments approach was driving it into the arms of other countries. Labour is no less opposed to Chinas presence in the Pacific, or to NZs escalating involvement in the US-led preparations for war, than the far-right ruling coalition. Prime Minister Christopher Luxon continues to fully back Peters, telling a press conference this week that the Cook Islands government had to provide some reassurance to restore that trust. New Zealands funding would remain paused until the impasse is repaired, Luxon declaredthat is, until the Cook Islands government accepts its subservient colonial status. Brothers and Sisters, On Wednesday, October 8, a massive explosion ripped through a munitions factory in Bucksnort, Tennessee (outside of Nashville), killing 16 workers. After expressing our sympathy for those involved in the tragedy, we must unfortunately admit that the conditions leading to the disaster have a lot in common with what has happened here at National Steel Car in Hamilton, Ontario. Accurate Energetic Systems is a privately held company that operated the munitions plant. It produces explosives like RDX (cyclonite), TNT, and PBXN-series explosives for the US Department of Defense, the Department of Homeland Security, and commercial demolition clients. The company employs roughly 75 people in an economically depressed rural region, typical of much of the southeastern US. Accurate Energy Systems in Tennessee, National Steel Car in Ontario: two workplaces with a deadly record There was a history of explosions at the site prior to last months horrific tragedy. A previous company using it, Rio Ammunition, had a deadly explosion 10 years ago killing one worker and critically injuring 3 others. Rio was another US defense contractor. There were at least 5 serious health and safety violations at the plant in 2019 alone after multiple employees suffered seizures while working with RDX powder. RDX is a neurotoxin that can cause convulsions and unconsciousness along with headaches, dizziness, and vomiting. Long term exposure can cause damage to the liver and kidneys. The Tennessee Occupational Safety and Health Administration (TOSHA) found that workers were not given adequate protective equipment while dying and sifting the compound and carried the residue on their skin and into break rooms, which allowed for the ingestion that caused the seizures. In 2023, a deal was cut by AES with TOSHA that downgraded the violations to anything but serious. This allowed the company to get away with improvements like providing a hand washing facility and long sleeve uniformsOh, and a $7,200 fine. Apparently, this is the value of a single batch of military grade explosives. In fact, it is similar to the pittance NSC paid for the industrial murder of Fraser Cowan ($140,000 fine + $35,000 Victim Surcharge Fine = $175,000). This would be approximately the cost of one Through Sill Hopper car currently being built in P1 at our plant. Five a day are being produced on that line. As we all remember only too well, Cowan was one of three workers who lost their lives here at NSC between late 2020 and the middle of 2022. The other two were Colin Grayley and Quoc Le. All three deaths were bound up with cost-cutting and the refusal by management to implement adequate safety precautions. Not a single company executive was charged, let alone convicted, for these industrial murders. Workers protesting outside National Steel Car in Hamilton, Ontario, on Thursday, June 9, 2022, three days after 51-year-old worker Quoc Le was killed in a horrific workplace accident. [Photo: Hamilton and District Labour Council ] We can testify based on first-hand experience what its like to be strung along with official promises of investigations and stronger workplace protections, by government officials and United Steelworker (USW) bureaucrats alike. The very building in which we labour is structurally unsound, as weve previously noted, but management is doing next to nothing about it. This committee therefore wholeheartedly agrees with the demand for an independent workers inquiry into what happened at the AES plant in Tennessee. No faith can be put in any organization within the structure of the US government that might look into the cause of this explosion to hold anyone accountable. Since the mainstream media has hardly mentioned any of this, here is a World Socialist Web Site report. It provides information on just who the 16 workers killed in a split second in a factory whose owners had proven they could not care less about themother than as producers of profitwere. Unfortunately, this is not an isolated incident, and even worse, not really an accident. If you stub your toe, thats an accident. If youre playing catch with a friend and you overthrow him and the ball goes through a window, thats an accident. This is because in both cases there was no intention for anything bad to happen. On the contrary, workers lives are being deliberately subordinated to the accumulation of corporate profits across the board. This is underscored by the cases of Fraser Cowan, Colin Grayley, and Quoc Le; Ronald Adams Sr, the Stellantis autoworker crushed to death while repairing equipment in April 2025; the two fatalities of last Augusts explosion at US Steels Clairton, Pennsylvania, Coke Plant; the two contractors burned to death at Stelcos Lake Erie Works in 2023, and the Accurate Energetic Systems mass industrial murder incident. All this is terrible enough on its own, but, theres something even more insidious that is not openly spoken about that workers in both the US and Canada will have to face. The US and Canada are currently in what amounts to a rearmament drive to build up their military might for ongoing wars and upcoming global conflagrations, especially with China. The ruling class wants to discipline the workforce, unionized and non-unionized, to produce for wartime production. Workers lives will be sacrificed for the greater good of the nation, particularly in industries directly related to things necessary to the military, including steel production. The United Steelworkers and the other union bureaucracies are well suited to chloroform workers into sacrifices for saving jobs, while waving the flag. Theyve done this for years, while slobbering all over the respective national ruling classes they assist in propping up. Dangers for workers in Canada grow as ruling class attacks our rights For those reading this in Canada thinking this explosion happened in the US and thankfully it cannot happen here, they should look soberly at what our former central banker and current prime minister is doing without any real pushback. The Liberal government has already eviscerated the right to strike within the whole of the public sector and sections of the private sector (see: Air Canada workers, the post office, the rail industry and dockworkers in BC and Montreal). The current federal government has committed to a massive war build-up, hiking defence spending by $9 billion in 2025/26 so as to ensure it will reach NATOs 2 percent of the GDP benchmark on war spending this fiscal year. And it has vowed to hike military spending to 5 percent of GDP by 2035. To placate the erratic whims of the would-be Fuhrer in the White House, the Carney Liberals are pushing forward with two pieces of legislation that contain sweeping attacks on democratic rights and immigrants (the favoured diversion of all right-wing governments). Bill C-2 is an omnibus bill that is a massive power grab by police, spy agencies, and Cabinet combined with a full frontal attack on immigrants and refugees. On October 8, after the usual opportunistic posturing by both the Conservatives and the NDP, a new bill, C-12, was tabled which carved out the police state provisions but kept the attacks on immigrants and refugees. On October 11, the current federal public safety minister said that the police spying measures would not be abandoned. They would be introduced separately after being refined to eliminate overreach. More austerity for the working class is contained in the budget that was delivered on November 4. All of this military spending and spying on us costs money and it is the working class in Canada that will pay for this. By the way, the two go hand in hand as the misery that is about to be unleashed on all of us will cause massive social outrage against the conditions imposed on us. To maintain order, the ruling class intends to spy on the populace and condition it to accept the austerity. This will include, undoubtedly the reduction of transfer payments to the provinces, the weakening of provincial safety rules and laws and/or enforcement of the existing rules and laws. The unfortunate result of that will be what weve seen at NSC and in the cases cited above in the US and Canada. What is the way out? First and foremost, we must take stock of objective reality. There is no solution to the socio-economic problems we face within the current political structure. No faith can be put in voting our problems away through ANY of the political parties on offer. The Liberal and Conservative parties are basically the legislative voices of factions of the ruling class and the NDP, the mouthpiece of the union bureaucracy thats responsible for destroying working conditions and imposing sellout contracts on us for decades, is indistinguishable from them. No faith can be put in any trade union bureaucracy as they are firmly tied to the state and the socio-economic system (i.e.: capitalism) that has brought us to this point. No faith can be put in the legal system that seems to exist, not to punish employers who treat workers like disposable and replaceable slaves, but to protect the bosses from the justice they deserve and prevent the workers from resisting ruling class attacks. What is required is a class conscious movement of the working class, which is the class that produces all goods and services and all wealth. The recent No Kings/ No Tyrants protests and the wave of strikes that have swept across Canada over the past three years show that mass social opposition is beginning to emerge. What is lacking is the necessary leadership, alongside a political party, coupled with a proper class-based perspective to galvanize the working population in an independent and international fashion. A complete break is needed from the political parties and organizations that keep us tied to the dying hulk that is capitalism and the degraded class that principally has benefited from it. To assist in that, the working class requires new organizations of struggle, independent of the current trade union apparatus, that can bring working people together across different trades and countries. These would be democratically run rank-and-file committees, affiliated with the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees ( IWA-RFC). The issues cited above are happening all over the world because capitalism is global in scope. Therefore, the fight for democratic rights, safe workplaces, wages and benefits, a general quality standard of living, and staying alive when you go to work must by necessity be international! That is the perspective of this committee and the current situation proves it to be correct. The pace of the degradation of the capitalist profit system and of those who own it is accelerating and their only way of dealing with this is through increased worker exploitation, the dismantling of public services and social supports, repression, dictatorship, and war. We are faced with the choice between a way out where wealth and technology are employed and distributed for the benefit of us all or the barbarism of a decaying ruling class that is desperate to maintain its wealth and power on a global scale through violence and death. One only needs to see what is going on in Gaza or internally in the US to understand what the ruling class has in store for us if we stay on the current path. If you agree with any or all of this perspective, join us by filling out the form below. The time for a counteroffensive by the working class in defence of worker rights and our very lives is now, and were leading the charge to organize that fight. Attend the IWA-RFCs meeting on Sunday, where we will discuss how to build a mass movement against mass layoffs and hunger. New York City Democratic mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani speaks at a campaign rally in New York on Monday, October 13, 2025. [AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey] The election of Zohran Mamdani, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA), as mayor of New York is an event of international significance. Over a million workers and youth backed his candidacy, despite decades of anti-socialist and anti-communist propaganda in the United States. This reflects a developing radicalization of the working class, marked by growing hostility to capitalism and increasing support for socialism, even as the Trump administration is attempting to impose dictatorship. Jean-Luc Melenchon and France Unbowed (La France insoumise -LFI) hailed Mamdanis victory, presenting it as a validation of their so-called left-wing rupture strategy. In reality, the event is far more a refutation of their perspective. It underscores the appeal of socialismwhich Melenchon dismisses as outdated, instead promoting populismwhile the politics pursued by both Mamdani and Melenchon serve to block a genuine struggle of workers for socialism and for the overthrow of Trump in the US and Macron in France. Mamdanis victory unfolded amid acute political crisis in the United States. Trump is consolidating an authoritarian regime, escalating imperialist wars, and mounting an assault on democratic rights. Just ten days before the vote, the No Kings mobilization brought together some 7 million people protesting Trumps bid to establish dictatorship. Mamdani capitalized on mass hostility to the establishment. He presented himself as a democratic socialist advocating tax justice, affordable housing and opposition to the genocide in Gaza. He successfully channeled this wave of indignation, particularly among youth70 percent of voters under 45 supported him. Yet his strategy is firmly embedded in the Democratic Party, the direct instrument of the American financial oligarchy. After his victory, Mamdani quickly shifted to the right. He sought to reassure the financial elite and the repressive apparatus, even apologizing to the New York police and praising bankers such as Jamie Dimon. He went so far as to declare his willingness to collaborate with Trump in the interests of the city. He is working not to emancipate the working class but to neutralize as much as possible its radicalization. LFI applauds Mamdani as a political model. Melenchon and his associatesMathilde Panot, Clemence Guette and Manon Aubryhailed him as an American counterpart, claiming to share with him a concrete and popular program of rupture with the existing system. In fact, the lesson of the class struggle in France is precisely the opposite. To fight the dictatorship Trump seeks to erect, the working class must break free from parties that speak of socialism or the people while blocking independent mobilization of workers. Only the construction of rank-and-file organizations of struggle, and the fight for workers power and socialism, can defeat the capitalist oligarchy as it turns toward dictatorship. What is Melenchons record? Since his electoral breakthrough, he has systematically steered opposition movementsstrikes, the yellow vest protests and the mobilization against pension citsinto parliamentary alliances with the bourgeois Socialist Party, the Stalinist PCF, and the Greens. His Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP) does not aim to mobilize the working class for socialism, but to provide an institutional outlet stabilizing French capitalism. Thus, the NFP, through a Socialist Party vote in parliament, recently helped Macron install the massively unpopular Lecornu government. In budget negotiations at the National Assembly, this government refuses to tax the rich, massively increases military spending and prepares sweeping austerity measures against workers. The leaders of LFI reject any perspective of breaking with the capitalist state, glorifying the bourgeois Republic while refusing to call for a general strike or the construction of independent organs of workers power. Melenchon long ago turned his back on Trotskyism and Marxism, replacing class struggle with rhetoric of a citizens revolution confined to the national framework, without a fight by the working class for power. Melenchon comes out of the Organisation communiste internationaliste (OCI), which broke with the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) in 1971 to ally with the Socialist Party. This meant the integration of the OCI into the framework of French capitalism. He participated in Mitterrands austerity turn of the 1980s, opening the way to decades of social cuts. Today, his left populism serves the same function: channeling social anger and blocking a turn of the working class towards revolutionary politics. His alignment with Mamdani and the DSA confirms this continuity. These formations, rooted in the petty bourgeoisie, seek to preserve capitalism by making themselves the arbiters of social protest and opposition. Their aim is to pacify working-class anger, claiming that progressive reform of the capitalist system is possible. But experience proves the opposite: every time they come to power, such movements submit to the demands of the financial oligarchy. The most glaring case is SYRIZA in Greece. Elected in 2015 on an anti-austerity program and hailed by Melenchon, SYRIZA immediately capitulated to the banks and the European Union, imposing drastic social cuts and building detention camps for refugees. This betrayal demoralized the working class and paved the way for the return of the right to power. Such political treachery by the pseudo-left plays a decisive role in the rise of the far right, with figures like Trump in the US or Marine Le Pen in France. By avoiding class confrontation, they disarm workers and allow the far right to strengthen itself by exploiting the social anger provoked by their own policies. The political record of SYRIZA and Melenchon is a warning: it is impossible to fight the dictatorial policies of Trump or Macron under the control of forces like Mamdani or the NFP. Confronting this impasse, the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) and the Socialist Equality Parties (SEP) advance a diametrically opposed orientation. The present situation is producing an objectively revolutionary crisis. The solution lies neither in attempts to reform the Democratic Party nor in constructing electoral fronts with bourgeois parties, like the NFP. It requires the international mobilization of the working class on the basis of a socialist program independent of the pseudo-left and the union bureaucracy. This program rests on clear principles, such as: Expropriation of the fortunes of the financial oligarchy and planned redistribution of wealth to meet social needs, not to increase profits. Irreconcilable opposition to imperialist war and the rise of police-state rule. Building independent rank-and-file committees in factories, schools, and neighborhoods to coordinate struggles beyond the control of union bureaucracies and unify them nationally and internationally. Fighting to establish workers power and build united socialist states of Europe and across the world. On this internationalist basis, the class struggletoday channeled by impostors like Mamdani or Melenchoncan be transformed into a conscious and victorious movement for world socialism. The historic task is not a left rupture within capitalism, but a revolutionary break with forces like LFI. Building the ICFI as the new revolutionary leadership is the only viable response to the bankruptcy of world capitalism and the pseudo-left. Laman Ismayilova As part of the 7th Consultative Meeting of the Heads of State of Central Asia, an International Congress on "Spiritual Heritage and Enlightenment in Central Asia and Azerbaijan" is being held in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Azernews reports. The Congress, a key platform underscoring the Central Asian countries' commitment to spiritual values, plays a significant role in advancing intercultural dialogue and strengthening humanitarian cooperation. The event is organized by the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, the Uzbekistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the World Society for the Study, Protection, and Promotion of Uzbekistan's Cultural Heritage (WOSCU), the Uzbekistan Academy of Sciences, and the Central Asia International Institute. The Congress opened on November 13 at the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center, followed by a tour of the museum exhibitions, the International Platform, and the Calligraphy School. The event began with a message from the President of Uzbekistan, Shavkat Mirziyoyev, and proceeded with plenary sessions involving culture ministers, muftis, presidents of national academies of sciences, museum directors, youth affairs departments, "Culture" TV channels, art academies, national libraries, and leaders of writers' and composers' unions from Central Asia. During the plenary session, the Director of the Azerbaijan National Library, Professor Karim Tahirov, addressed the participants on behalf of Azerbaijani libraries, wishing the Uzbekistan Islamic Civilization Center continued success in its efforts. The Congress will run through November 16. Yet patients appeal those denials only once in every 500 cases. Their study revealed that insurers in the Affordable Care Act marketplace denied an average of 17% of claims in 2021 some rejecting upwards of 50% of submitted claims. (2) Unfortunately, health insurance denial is fairly common, according to a 2023 study by the Kaiser Family Foundation, a health policy research organization. 22 US states are now in a recession or close to it protect your retirement savings with these 10 essential money moves Dave Ramsey says this 7-step plan works every single time to kill debt, get rich and anyone can do it Im almost 50 and have nothing saved for retirement what now? Dont panic. These 6 easy steps can help you catch up (and fast) Hughes couldnt believe it. After all, her car was totaled and she was taking opioid painkillers for the first time. Hughes insurer, Anthem, covered the $2,400 ambulance costs and her care in the emergency department, but denied coverage for her surgery and overnight stay explaining in a followup that her surgery and overnight stay were deemed not medically necessary. Hughes is sharing her story and tips with Moneywise to help others avoid a similar fate. Heres what happened. This federal law expressly bans surprise hospital bills for most emergency services even those provided by out-of-network hospitals. Even more shocking, she apparently didnt qualify for protection under the No Surprises Act . It turned out her insurance didnt cover inpatient treatment at Platte Valley. The hospital was out of network. Sixty-three thousand dollars for a broken ankle and a cut to the knee, with no head injury or internal damage, she told The Washington Post. Its crazy. (1) What wasnt routine was what came next: a $63,976.35 hospital bill. Hughes agreed to surgery for a broken ankle and deep cut to her knee. She would have advised the same for any of her patients; it would be routine. Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how Another driver T-boned her Subaru. She was raced to the nearest emergency department at Platte Valley Medical Center. This past February, when physician Dr. Lauren Hughes headed to her Denver clinic, she was shocked to end up dealing with her own emergency and the hospital bill that came with it. Story Continues Hughes who happens to be director of the Farley Health Policy Center at the University of Colorado is among the rare few who chose to challenge the decision. She reached out to Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) News to investigate. (3) (4) Her case is instructive in how such denials may boil down to bureaucratic technicalities. When contacted by KFF News, Anthem spokesperson Emily Snooks said that claims tied to a hospital admission must be approved or denied together as a bundle. She suggested that if something that is medically necessary is bundled with something that is not considered necessary, the cost of that entire bundle of care will be denied. Anthem has consistently agreed that Ms. Hughes ankle surgery was medically necessary, she wrote, but not the hospital stay that followed her surgery. Because the ankle surgery was bundled with the inpatient admission, the entire claim was denied, Snooks told KFF News. Adding to the confusion, an Anthem representative told Hughes the outcome might have been different if the hospital had billed her stay as an observation visit, a classification used when patients are kept temporarily so staff can decide whether they need to be formally admitted. What about the No Surprise Act Hughes was surprised that not all aspects of her hospital stay were completely covered under the No Surprises Act designed to protect patients from unexpected out-of-network bills after emergency care. Passed by Congress in December 2020 and enacted in 2022, the law and related dispute resolution system designed to keep insurer and provider costs in check is already showing strain. In an email to Moneywise, Dr. Hughes explained that in the immediate aftermath of trauma, patients simply arent in a position to think strategically about their care let alone call their insurance company to confirm authorization at an out-of-network facility. Even as a physician who works in health policy, asking about my level of care and/or calling my insurance company weren't on my mind at all at that moment, she said. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), there is a backlog of hundreds of thousands of disputes between healthcare providers and insurers over the price of out-of-network services. In fact there are 100 times as many disputes as the federal government initially projected when it passed the No Surprises Act. (5) Concerningly, providers (including out-of-network hospitals) are winning many of these disputes, raising the overall cost of out-of-network services for everyone including insurers, as the Niskanen Center policy think tank reports. (6) Unfortunately, insurers are passing those higher out-of-network costs on to patients when they deem care is not medically necessary, Matthew Fiedler, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institutions Center on Health Policy, told the Washington Post. No wonder 41% of Americans carry health-care debt. Many are driven to cut back on groceries, skip bill payments or empty their savings to stay afloat. (7) How it ended After months of back-and-forth calls, help from her employers HR department and media inquiries from KFF Health News, the hospital downgraded Hughes' level of care and resubmitted the bill. Anthem then covered nearly $21,000 of the rebilled amount, leaving Hughes with only a $250 co-pay. But as Hughes knows firsthand, patients are often left to navigate these disputes when theyre least equipped to do so. In her case, she was juggling calls to her family with arranging pet care, updating colleagues and her clinic while addressing her own physical and emotional needs, like getting labs and imaging done coming to grips with what just happened. If you ever find yourself caught in a similar billing battle, Hughes experience offers a reminder not to accept the first denial at face value. She received her initial denial just four days after the accident, with her insurer claiming the care wasnt medically necessary. Looking back, she says she wishes she had asked more pointed questions immediately: What criteria were used? Who evaluated the case? Was there a peer-to-peer discussion between physicians? Understanding that early, she said, would have helped her tailor her first appeal more effectively. She also encountered something many patients dont anticipate conflicting or inconsistent answers from the hospital billing office. If she could do it again, she said she would have escalated her case to department leadership much sooner. UPMC, a health-care provider and insurer, recommends asking your insurer for a detailed explanation in writing and to confirm whether your care is being billed as inpatient or observation that small distinction can make a huge difference in whats covered. (8) Just as crucial, Hughes stresses the importance of meticulous documentation. Document, document, document every conversation you have with everyone, either the insurer or provider, make sure to document date, time, and details, she said. She also urges patients to loop in their employers HR or benefits team early. They often have direct contacts at insurance companies and can help connect you with resources or even media that can shed light on your options. Beyond that, you can file a formal appeal with your insurer or request an external review through your states insurance department if you believe your care was wrongly denied. And if the balance is sent to collections while your claim is still under review, reach out to the hospitals patient advocate office to request a temporary payment hold. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. Washington Post (1); Kaiser Family Foundation (2, 3, 7); NPR (4); CMS (5); Niskanen Center (6); UPMC (8) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. On Sunday, November 16, at 3:00 p.m. US Eastern Time, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) and the Socialist Equality Party (US) are holding an online public meeting to organize the fight against layoffs and hunger. Register here to attend. Striking nurses on the picket line at the University Medical Center in New Orleans, November 13, 2025 The following letter is addressed to 600 nurses at the University Medical Center, who completed a three-day strike on Thursday. As a fellow nurse from California, I reach out from nearly 2,000 miles away to express my deep solidarity and admiration for your courage during this pivotal strike. Your unwavering commitment to your patients, your colleagues and your community inspires workers everywhere, including those of us facing similar challenges on the West Coast. At this critical moment, as you stand on the picket lines of University Medical Center, your actions resonate far beyond the walls of your hospital. You have mobilized not merely as nurses demanding fair wages and humane conditions, but as frontline workers in a movement that challenges the very foundations of exploitation and indifference that plague our society. Nurses must draw the necessary conclusions from our shared experiences. The strategy of the union officials, limited local strikes at individual hospital systems and even individual facilities, has led nowhere. This is by design, because they function as little more than agents of management. You voted two years ago to form a union not so a small number of officials could work out a living arrangement between themselves and LCMC Health [Louisiana Children's Medical Center], like they have in other parts of the country. You joined to defend your patients and the health of the city of New Orleans. The path forward lies in organizing independentlythrough the creation of rank-and-file committees democratically controlled by nurses themselvesto wage a genuine fight for your demands. I urge every nurse to reject the politics of compromise and subordination. Only through independent, collective action can we secure safe staffing, fair wages and the dignity we all deserve. Here in California, nurses face similar challenges. In California, more than 65,000 University of California workersincluding custodians, patient care assistants, nurses and technical staffare preparing to strike. Their cause is just: the fight for wages that keep pace with the cost of living, the right to housing and the right to dignity. For years, the university has lavished riches upon its highest officials, while those who sanitize wards and care for the sick are driven to the brinkpriced out of their homes, forced into long commutes, and denied fair compensation. Over 13,000 have left in the past three years. In Grand Blanc, Michigan, at Henry Ford Genesys Hospital, nearly 750 nurses and case workers have been on strike since September 1, demanding safe staffing and fair pay. The situation everywhere is the same. Why? The healthcare system is in a state of deep decay. This is the result of deliberate policy. The shutdown used by the Trump administration was a calculated attack on the working class, slashing food stamps and vital programs while funneling billions to war and corporate interests. During the shutdown, policies targeted 42 million Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) recipients as part of an ongoing assault aimed at shifting the burden of capitalisms crisis onto workers and their families. Food pantries across the country saw record demand and workers forced to choose between food or medicine. We are engaged in a political, not merely a contract fight, against capitalism itself. Despite unparalleled scientific progress, the American working class faces declining life expectancy and rising mortality. The power of the oligarchy over society has to be shattered. Only by removing the profit motive from healthcare and other social needs, through the nationalization of the healthcare giants and other corporations and placing them under workers control, can genuine social rights be secured for all. This movement has to be independent from all of the existing institutions, including the Democrats who have refused to fight Trump. This was proven this week by the end of the government shutdown. Eight Senate Democrats voted with Republicans, bailing out this fascist administration at the point where it is most vulnerable. Throughout the shutdown, neither the Democratic Party nor the trade union bureaucracies proposed any collective action to end attacks on the working class. We must organize ourselves from below, in rank-and-file committees, to retain our full initiative, unite across the country and the world and prepare mass actions in support of our common interests. Only through a network of rank-and-file committees, which is being built around the world by the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees, can our enormous power as the working class be brought to bear. The union bureaucrats will never organize the mass movement that is needed because it will jeopardize their relations with the Democrats and management. The recent appearance of Julie Su on the nurses strike line must be taken as a serious warning to every nurse. During the West Coast dockworkers struggle, she intervened not to support the workers, but to suppress their fight in the interests of management and the state. Her presence on the picket line demonstrates the close collaboration between government officials and the union bureaucracy. This is why, rather than mobilizing the full strength of the working class, they have limited your fight to narrow negotiations and isolated actions. They have discouraged broader solidarity and failed to challenge the system that perpetuates your exploitation. You have now finished your fifth strike in two years. But nothing has resulted from this strategy of pressuring management to see reason, except that 200 nurses have left the emergency room in two years in search of better jobs elsewhere. The union apparatus has refused to mobilize its entire 225,000 membership, leaving the vast majority of nurses on the sidelines while the crisis in our hospitals deepens. The time has come to escalate the struggle in New Orleans into part of a broad movement uniting nurses across the country in defense of public health. The unions refusals to organize mass action and their willingness to accept endless delays in contract talks only serve to strengthen the hand of management. But California healthcare workers want to join you in building this movement. Its important to recognize that many UC workers represented by AFSCME Local 3299 are immigrants, facing not only low wages, difficult working conditions and capitalist exploitation, but also the constant threat of discriminatory policies targeting immigrant communities. Their struggle is inseparable from the broader fight to defend public health and democratic rights. The California Nurses Association (CNA), the affiliate of the National Nurses United (NNU) which represents over 225,000 nurses nationwide, has joined the University of California strike in a gesture of solidarity. But the enormous social power demonstrated by this strike will amount to little if it is limited to a series of short, toothless strikes. I call upon every nurse, worker and young person to unite in a common struggle. The defense of public health is inseparable from the defense of all social rights won by the working class. Only through collective action, independent of the union bureaucracy and the political establishment, can we transform these struggles into an unstoppable movement for genuine change. In this spirit, the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) and the Socialist Equality Party are holding an online public meeting on Sunday, November 16 at 3 p.m. US Eastern time. We urge every nurse and supporter to attend, participate, and help build the leadership necessary for a new, independent movement of the working class. This meeting will provide a forum to discuss the way forward, share experiences and organize the fight for safe staffing, fair wages and the defense of public health. Let every nurse answer this call. Organize rank-and-file committees, reach out to your colleagues, and join hands with workers across industries and internationally. The fight against the capitalist system is the fight for the future of healthcare and the dignity of all working people. Join us this Sunday at the IWA-RFC meeting. Your voice and participation are essential. In solidarity, Liz Cabrera, RN Early morning lineup for food assistance on Thursday at the Westminster Family & Adult Services food pantry on the near east side of Indianapolis, Indiana The cutoff and reduction of Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits in Indiana, particularly in Indianapolis, is part of the escalation of the social crisis across America triggered by the federal government shutdown and the refusal of the Trump administration to take emergency action to keep tens of millions of the most vulnerable people on the program. More than 42 million people, including over 570,000 residents of Indiana, lost access to their November SNAP payments as the shutdown continued. The Indiana Family and Social Services Administration (FSSA) announced that monthly benefit allotments for November would be slashed by 35 percent, rather than the initially projected 50 percent, and disbursements would be delayed by at least a week, intensifying food insecurity throughout the state. Indianas SNAP crisis is especially acute in Indianapolis, where a significant portion of the populationabout 150,000 in central Indianadepend on food assistance programs for basic nutrition. Statewide, current figures indicate 274,000 households receive SNAP, with more than half being families with children. Some families have now received 65 percent of their expected monthly benefit, a fact confirmed by the governors office and by local organizations wrestling with an unprecedented surge in demand. Long before the SNAP program was disrupted by the shutdown, food insecurity in Indiana was at record highs. A recent survey from the Indy Hunger Network found that over half of central Indiana households experienced food insecurity during the year preceding the benefits cut, with 37 percent missing meals due to lack of food. In Marion County, where Indianapolis is located, food need had already soared to about 30 percent, exceeding the numbers during the height of the pandemic, with an estimated 94 million meals missed annually across the state. Hunger and poor nutrition are prevalent, with rural counties reporting food insecurity at rates comparable to urban areas. Rural residents, especially families with children, consistently face higher hunger and nutritional risks, compounded by barriers such as distance from food sources and limited access to charitable aid. In response to the food emergency, nonprofit food banks and charities have raced to fill the gap. The city of Gary launched a $275,000 relief plan, combining municipal, corporate and philanthropic funds to support emergency food distribution, particularly through the Food Bank of Northwest Indiana. Indianapolis city officials, partnering with Gleaners Food Bank, have pledged $200,000 in emergency funding and organized free food distribution events, including direct outreach across schools and parks. Clearly, these efforts fall far short of the need since SNAP provides roughly half of the meals for those seeking food assistance in Marion County, and local pantries and banks cannot fully compensate for the loss of these federal benefits. The crisis in Indianapolis can be vividly seen at the Westminster Neighborhood Services Food Pantry on the citys Near Eastside. The pantry, open three days a week, offers both food assistance and a soup kitchen to families in desperate need. For the past two weeks, lines of people seeking aid have stretched around the block even as temperatures have been well below freezing, especially in the early morning hours. Staff and volunteers report surging lines and panicked families, many of whom have not received their expected SNAP benefits. Westminsters mission of providing access to basic needs and community support is under acute stress, with volunteers mobilized daily to respond to emergency requests and management urging community donations and involvement. Westminster management has emphasized the importance of solidarity, noting, Through these acts of generosity and solidarity, we can make a meaningful impact on our community, while also warning that no services will be denied based on faith tradition in an effort to reach everyone in need. Westminsters team and longtime volunteers have spoken of the importance of financial donations and volunteering, noting that these contributions are crucial for keeping pantry shelves stocked and sustaining essential programs during surges in demand. The SNAP cutoffs have had profound effects on families and children. As documented in the Mirror Indy, Richelle Williams, an Indianapolis resident and mother of three, described her familys struggle as they went a week without their SNAP benefits. It should not be so hard to live, Williams said, detailing sleepless nights spent calculating bills, stretching meals, canceling gymnastics lessons and forgoing outingsall in an effort to feed her children. The anxiety and uncertainty, exacerbated by constantly changing government guidance, left Richelle feeling overwhelmed: Im over it. Too many families are suffering. Williams case is one example of the crisis facing thousands of Indianapolis families now forced to rely on charitable food distributions to supplement the SNAP support. The shutdown of SNAP is the latest of the US governments assault on the most vulnerable. The Trump administration has refused to take emergency steps to continue the funding, even defying federal court orders mandating the release of emergency aid to families in crisis. A judge warned this policy would instantly put 16 million children at risk of hunger, but the White House used mass deprivation as a bargaining chip to press its political agenda and erect measures of repression. As in Indiana, emergency funding from contingency sources across the country covered only a fraction of the programs need. Meanwhile, new federal eligibility restrictionsset to begin next monthwill further shrink the rolls and devastate working class households. The Trump administration, with support from the Democratic Party, has allocated massive sums for military expenditures and preparations for the deployment of a naval, air and Marine forces in the Caribbean, which exposes the priorities of the ruling financial oligarchy. While Republican officials in Indiana blocked proposals to allocate state surplus funds to backfill the federal SNAP cuts, the Democratic Party has refused to do anything to mobilize the mass opposition that exists to the attacks by the fascists in the White House and the Indiana State House against the working class and poor. The Democratic Party has appealed for bipartisan collaboration with Trump, and this has served to legitimize the withholding support for the basic needs of millions. The Democrats feigned opposition to Trump is aimed at diverting the necessary mass confrontation with Wall Streets billionaires and their drive for austerity and enrichment of themselves at the expense of the majority. As the World Socialist Web Site has documented, the SNAP cutoff is part of a deliberate strategy of using hunger as a weapon of class rule. The social deprivation imposed through the cutoff of benefits exposes the criminality of the capitalist system and both parties efforts to sacrifice workers and children to the wealth accumulation of a handful of parasites at the top of capitalist pyramid. Like the undemocratic assault on the rights of immigrant workers, the goal of the attack on the most vulnerable in society is part of a two-pronged strategy to, first, roll back the gains of the entire working class over the past century and, second, use the armed police state apparatus to intimidate and repress any opposition that emerges to the social counterrevolution. In the days and weeks ahead, as new cutbacks are implemented, thousands of households in Indiana and across the US will face the necessity of taking up a political struggle against the capitalist power structure that is responsible for this social catastrophe. Only a mass movement of the working class as a whole, unified across racial and national lines, politically independent of both capitalist parties and based on socialist program can fight for the right to food, housing, jobs, good working conditions and living standards, healthcare, education and all the fundamental necessities of life. We urge readers to attend the public meeting in Indianapolis to hear about the program of the Socialist Equality Party and to take up this fight. Attend the meeting Monday, November 17 at the Indianapolis public library. After the No Kings protests and the November 4 election: A Socialist Strategy to Stop Trumps Dictatorship Monday, November 17 6:30pm Indianapolis Public Library Spades Park Branch Community Meeting Room - 2nd Floor 1801 Nowland Avenue Indianapolis, IN 46201 The Green Party under Zack Polanski has rapidly become Britains largest left-wing opposition to the Labour Party, outstripping Jeremy Corbyns Your Party at this stage. Polanski won this years party leadership election by a landslide (84 percent of the vote). Since then, membership of the Greens has more than doubled from roughly 65,000 to over 150,000making it the third largest party in the UK after Labour and Reform. In contrast Your Party recently announced 50,000 members. New enthusiasm for the Greens has been driven by Polanskis self-described eco-populism tied to effective media campaigning. He has called for a wealth tax and abolishing landlords, acknowledged the Israeli campaign in Gaza as a genocide, questioned British membership of NATO, called out the creep of fascism represented by Reform and opposed Labours anti-migrant rhetoric. Zack Polanski speaking at the Festival of Resistence in London, March 29, 2025 There are strong echoes of Zohran Mamdani in New York City. Like Mamdanis election as mayor, Polanskis rise to Green Party leader, and in the polls, reflects a surge of left-wing sentiment looking for a home under conditions in which Keir Starmers Labour Party is an utterly discredited right-wing monstrosity. That the Green Party has been able to play this role is down to the failings of Corbynism more than the virtues of Polanski and the Greens. With every passing horror of the Starmer government, the lack of a left opposition party was becoming more and more untenable. The political milieu around Corbyn, many ejected from the Labour Party, was crying out for a new home, and popular sentiment was way to the left of the Corbynites and looking for somewhere to place its sympathies. But Corbyn himself refused to move, still longing for a return to Labours backbenches, or for a quiet retirement heading his Peace and Justice initiative. There has for decades been a tendency among the Stalinists and sections of the pseudo-left groups,especially during Labours rightward lurch under Tony Blair, Gordon Brown and then Ed Milibandadvocating deep entry into the Green Party, with its more liberal milieu, to transform it into an eco-socialist party. This began to re-emerge after going dormant during Corbyns Labour leadership. Media lefts like Owen Jones and individuals associated with Novara Media raised the banner of a left-wing Green Party as the means of challenging Starmer. By the time Corbyn was finally bounced by his would-be co-leader Zarah Sultana into launching Your Party this July, Polanski had already stolen a march, using his leadership campaign to pitch the Greens as a ready-made solution for homeless left sentiment. The continual crisis of Your Party since has allowed him to keep on marching. The New Statesman commented this week, Zack Polanski will be the most powerful man on the left and Your Party only have themselves to blame. Like Corbyn and Mamdani, however, Polanski and the Green Party offers no solution to the political challenges facing the working class and young people. Zack Polanskis record Polanskis recent resort to radical rhetoric does not write off either his partys or his own history, including their very recent history. Polanski joined the Liberal Democrats in 2015, standing as a candidate for local government and remaining a member until 2017. Not only was this during the first two years of Corbyns leadership of the Labour Party, it was after the Liberal Democrats had imposed a crushing austerity programme for five yearsfrom 2010in coalition with the Conservatives. He then joined the Greens in 2017, explaining in 2018 that being a pro-Europe Jew were two reasons I couldnt vote for Labour under Jeremy Corbyn. He fully embraced the antisemitism slander campaign waged against Corbynand above all his supporters in Labours membershipby the Blairites, Tories, the Zionist establishment, the Israeli and US governments. He has been unapologetic about this, telling Novara Media recently, What did I have at the time to go on as evidence as a Jewish person? I had the leader themselves saying I have antisemitism in my party, using Corbyns capitulation to justify his own. His being pro-Europe references Polanskis support for the European Uniona tool of European capitalism, imperialism and anti-migrant violence. He has held firm to this view, explaining this October, Over [the] longer term, absolutely we should be rejoining the European Union, arguing that while theres some really worrying trends across Europe, particularly around the far-right the Greens role was working with left-wing or progressive movements across Europe in ways that look to reform Europe. Polanskis embrace of the EU also underpins his attitude to NATO. His opposition to the alliance during the leadership campaign was based entirely on concerns over Donald Trumps America First agenda. He told Byline Times that the Greens NATO policy was out of date and that NATO has got a lot more complex since Donald Trump has become President, and I dont think anyone should consider him a reliable ally I think the age of NATO is now fully over. Prime Minister of Estonia Kaja Kallas, center, speaks during a joint press conference with Britain's Prime Minister Boris Johnson, left, and Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO, after their talks regarding the invasion in Ukraine, at an airbase in Tallinn, March 1, 2022. [AP Photo/Leon Neal/Pool Photo via AP] Aside from the free pass given to NATOs previous 75 bloodstained years, Polanskis definition of fully over is a flexible one. Since becoming Green Party leader, he has told Sky News that what hes calling for is not a withdrawal straight away, but actually to begin conversations and dialogues with our European partners about what does an alternative look like. In other words, he seeks a new military alliance allowing European imperialism greater independence from American imperialism. Amid a fierce global trade war and rapid militarisation, arising out of a systemic economic crisis and necessitating a wholesale attack on social spending and workers living standards, these positions belie anything Polanski says about ending the social crisis. The Green Partys record The Green Party abandoned its previous opposition to NATOof the same kind as Polanski now advocatesin 2023, arguing, The Green Party recognises that NATO has an important role in ensuring the ability of its member states to respond to threats to their security, while absurdly pledging to work within NATO to achieve a greater focus on global peacebuilding. This is still party policy, with no new motion on NATO passed at this years conference. At home, the Greens have disgraced themselves in the local councils they have led, implementing millions of pounds of austerity cuts in Brighton and Hove and twice going to war with the citys bin workers over pay and conditionsthreatening legal action, authorising strikebreaking and encouraging scabs. The party is shaping up to do the same in Bristol City Council, continuing the role it played supporting the previous Labour-controlled administration. It worked with Labour and the Liberal Democrats to run a cuts council in Sheffield from 2020-2023. Bin workers on the picket line during a strike against Brighton and Hove council in 2021 [Photo: GMB] This is routinely justified, as it was by the Corbynites, with reference to the right-wing agenda of national governmentsincluding by Polanski in comments to The Canary, where he praised Brighton councils strong record. But the Green Party, again like the Corbynites, does nothing to organise popular opposition to that agenda. Its now four MPsformer co-leaders Adrian Ramsay and Carla Denyer, plus Ellie Chowns and Sian Berrypursue an insipid localism coupled with vague calls for a fairer society. Polanskis politics, for all the bluster, are not much of a departure. Although Ramsay and Chowns ran a joint leadership campaign on a platform of credibility, chafing even at Polanskis rhetoric, they and the rest of the Green Party establishment would be entirely comfortable agreeing with his statement at conference that social issues are rooted in an economic model built on austerity and privatisationas if some other form of capitalism is available. His signature call for a wealth taxof 1 percent on assets over 10 million and 2 percent on assets over 1 billionwas official Green Party policy going into the last election under Denyer and Ramsay, safe ground given its limited character and the fact that the party had no opportunity to implement it. Polanski has simply turned up the volume on the rhetoric. The Green Party left A relatively small internal group, Greens Organise, reportedly with roughly 1,200 members, has gained some prominence with Polanskis victory and is once more claiming the party can go further. Launched in September 2024, its founding statement claimed, We believe in the power of a clear, bold message that speaks directly to the publics demand for real change, mobilises a diverse working class, and secures a broad mandate for an internationalist, anti-capitalist, and ecologically transformative agenda. Its constitution adopted in June 2025 declared as its goals: To pursue an internationalist and eco-socialist transformation of society so that resources are held in common and society is run in the interests of people, not profit; To pursue racial liberation, sex and gender liberation, trans liberation, the liberation of LGBTIQA+ people, class liberation, religious liberation, disabled liberation in sum, total liberation from systems and ideologies that oppress people on the basis of their identity and experience; To mobilise a diverse working class in pursuit of the aforementioned aims This is a radical-sounding gloss. The struggle for socialism means mobilising the working class not as one of a host of identities, but on the basis of its independent class interests as the decisive revolutionary force in capitalist society. Doing so requires a political fight against the capitalist class, its state and its agencies in the working classtrade union bureaucrats and pseudo-reformist opponents of the class struggledissolved here into systems and ideologies. Substituting a shopping list of liberations and an eco-socialist transformation for the necessary global revolutionary struggle by the working class against the world capitalist system, Greens Organise orients to labour, social and environmental movements: that is, to the trade union bureaucracy and various middle-class pressure groups. It dissolves class issues into the socially progressive politics of sections of the affluent urban middle class, centred on somehow moderating capitalisms worst impulses. This approach has been championed in the UK for decades by the publication Red Pepper, of which Greens Organise Steering Committee member James ONions was the editor for five years. It amounts practically to the organisation serving as a loyal ginger group on the wider party, with co-chair Steve Jackson telling Tribune, maybe the role of Greens Organise will be to keep Zack honest, stressing that The Green Party isnt hostile to their work. Green Corbynism Greens Organise has become a home for disaffected Corbynites and their broad church politics. Multiple members of the Steering Committee are former Labour members, including Jackson and fellow co-chair Hau-Yu Tam. Tam was elected a Labour councillor as late as 2022, under Starmer, and only resigned in 2024, essentially after being forced out. She explains in an interview with the Young Democratic Socialists of America: It reached the point where they tried to expel me with allegations of organizing a Palestine protest against the very council that Im a member of. This was all cooked up because I was talking to activists in Lewisham. Green Party councillor Hau-Yu Tam (centre) with Zack Polanski (left) [Photo: Hau-Yu Tam/X] I gave my evidence and made my plea to stay. I was mostly exonerated in the end. At that point, I continued as a Labour councillor for a while, but Id stopped believing in it. Nothing has been learned from these experiences, recounted in the style of I didnt leave the Labour Party; the Labour Party left me. The translation being: I was satisfied with Corbyns politics of lukewarm reformism, capitulation and collaboration with right-wing allies; now it has been thoroughly routed in the Labour Party, I must have to pursue it elsewhere. Tam describes herself as a semi-pluralist: third parties (Plaid Cymru, Greens, Left-independents) uniting (even with the socialists in Labour) on the basis of shared common values: anti-racism, anti-fascism, anti-capitalism, pro-LGBT rights, pro-community. Another Steering Committee member, Robert Magowan, has written, The priority for now should be engagement and building the mandate for a minimum programme country-wide. He adds, A trickier consideration is the walking dead that is the [Socialist Campaign Group] and the soft left of the [Parliamentary Labour Party] an unintended consequence of Greens success in the coming years would be to strengthen this rump and perhaps return it to a position where it could challenge for the post-Starmer leadership. He adds the caveat that A dividing line may be needed to decisively discount Labours right! The Greens role in next Mays local elections would be to help steer the national narrative of protest away from Reform and towards the challenge from Labours left, appealing to others to keep one eye on the local relationships with Greens that might be helpful down the line, even if those involve constructive political pressure. In an interview by Red Pepper with Greens Organise members Magowan, Zoe Garbett and Ani Chowdhury, they are asked, Are you thinking that a Green government is possible or are you thinking a radical and successful Green Party might move Labour to the left? Chowdhury replied, Its both. Green Parties internationally Red Pepper raises the example of the New Popular Front (NFP) in France, of which the French Greens are members, with Chowdhury replying enthusiastically, The left often falls into an insular focus on dividing up the minority of votes rather than working collectively towards the seismic shift in public opinion and mobilisation we need. The role of the NPF, and the Greens within it, has been to squash popular sentiment in France and prevent a mobilisation against the hated government of Emmanuel Macron, allowing him multiple tries at installing a government of sweeping cuts and savage militarism. A similar role has been played by Green Parties across the continent. The Green Party in Germany has helped lead Germanys campaign of remilitarisation, supported imperialist interventions abroad and backed cuts and attacks on migrants. But even where the Greens are less explicitly right-wing, they have played a critical role for European capitalism in propping up coalition governments implementing attacks on the working class, including in Belgium, Austria and Ireland. Social Democratic Party, SPD, chancellor candidate Olaf Scholz, second right, stands with the Green party leaders Annalena Baerbock, left, and Robert Habeck, second left, and the Free Democratic Party chairman Christian Lindner, right, as they arrive for a joint news conference in Berlin, Germany, November 24, 2021 [AP Photo/Markus Schreiber] In Ireland, the Greens participated in the two most significant austerity governments of recent decades: the 2007-11 government amid the fallout of the financial crash and the 2020-24 government amid the COVID pandemic crisisboth times with the right-wing conservative Fine Gael and Fianna Fail. The Scottish Greens did the same with the Scottish National Party in 2021-24. Polanski is lining up to play a similar role. Asked about an electoral alliance with the Labour Party, his only stumbling block was Keir Starmer, deemed too toxic to touch and whose days are already numbered. Will I work with a future Labour leader? Depends who the Labour leader is. Revolutionary politics versus green reformism The role played by Green Parties internationally confirms the bankruptcy of reformism, both social and environmental, under conditions in which capitalism is tearing up the reforms of the past, waging trade war, remilitarising and strengthening the state and the far-right to prepare even more reactionary policies. The Revolutionary Communist Party has nevertheless been as eager to embrace Zack Polanskis Green Party as they are Corbyns Your Party. It advises him to follow-through his bold talk with bold action to continue winning support, politely advising that the problems he is highlighting require revolutionary, working-class solutions on an international level and promising to continue to provide analysis and comradely critique of the Greens programme. The Socialist Workers Party are trying to pull off a more complicated manoeuvre, criticizing the Greens for truths which they ignore or excuse in relation to Your Party, including: their being unreliable allies in struggle, not anchored to any particular strategy of social transformation, and absorbing elements from a range of social movements, tending towards an under-theorised pragmatism. Their main problem is the Greens lack of a base in or orientation on the working class, by which they mean the Labour left and the trade union bureaucracy. Because of this, A radical vision of Your Party has the potential to go beyond what the Greens have to offer. Jeremy Corbyn and Zarah Sultana at The World Transformed event, October 2025 Covering all bases in case YP falls to pieces, a hand is left extended just in case: Clearly, local pacts between the Greens and whatever left candidates stand in next years council elections will need to be made in specific areas, but a Red-Green popular front should not be the starting point. The Socialist Equality Party urges workers and young people to reject all variants of this perspective. A revolutionary movement is not built by championing the reformist initiatives of both the Green and Your Party. The popular striving for a left-wing solution to Starmers police-state government of austerity and war can only go down to defeat if kept within the confines of either the Greens or YP, as has been the case with every similar formationfrom Syriza in Greece to Podemos in Spain and the Left Party in Germany. What is required is a genuinely socialist party of the working class, relentlessly opposed to the false hopes offered by Corbyn and Polanski, refusing to blur the class lines with them, and with the freedom to intervene in all aspects of the class struggle on an avowedly revolutionary line. Only in this way can a Marxist leadership be built and workers mobilised against a capitalist system plunging into the abyss. Steve Lipscomb [Photo: Facebook] The body of Steve Lipscomb, a 38-year-old father and veteran coal miner, who had been trapped underground in the Rolling Thunder Mine in West Virginia for five days, was recovered Thursday morning, ending any hope he may have survived despite overwhelming odds. The rescue effort began Saturday night, as rescuers and family members held out the possibility that Lipscomb had reached an air pocket and was awaiting rescue. Instead, after battling about 20 feet of murky, frigid floodwater and shifting debris, search teams, equipped with breathing apparatus and underwater cameras, located his body near the flooded section of the southeast quadrant of the mine, in an area known as the Longwall room. Medical personnel pronounced him dead on the scene, confirming the outcome that had been feared for days. Lipscomb, a lifelong resident of Man, West Virginia, was known among his friends as a dedicated, reliable worker and a loving father of three. He had worked at the Rolling Thunder Mine for over a decade, most recently as a maintenance lead responsible for safety checks and equipment repairs across several shafts. A post by a friend on Facebook read: For those who dont know, Foreman Steve Lipscomb fearlessly returned into a flooded coal mine after an accident, to ensure that no man was left behind. Steve was last seen by his crew members as he treaded into the mine, toward the floodwaters, to ensure the safety of his brothers. Steve was also an underground EMT-M and during his career in the coal mines, always prioritized protecting and helping others. Steve was a Husband and a Father, and he was a friend to many. He gave everything he had to protect his brothers both above ground and below. Friends and family recalled his tireless commitment to his coworkers and his reputation for assisting new hires in the labyrinthine and dangerous corridors underground. Rolling Thunder, which initially opened in the late 1990s, is one of several mines operated by Alpha Metallurgical Resources, Inc. (AMR). The Tennessee-based coal giant owns some of the largest and most profitable metallurgical coal mines in Appalachia. Metallurgical coal mines extract a specific grade of coal, known as coking coal, which is used primarily in steel production. Metallurgical coal differs from thermal coal, which is primarily used for generating electricity. Metallurgical coal has unique physical and chemical propertiessuch as higher carbon content and lower ash, sulfur and moisturethat make it ideal for transforming iron ore into steel in blast furnaces. This coal is heated in low-oxygen environments to produce coke, a hard, porous material that serves as both a fuel and a reactant necessary for making steel. About 70 percent of global steel is made using coke derived from metallurgical coal, making this type of coal critical for industrial steel production and construction projects worldwide. In a brief statement released after the discovery of Lipscombs body, AMR addressed itself for the first time to the tragedy in order to state it was sending the companys heartfelt condolences to Mr. Lipscombs family, friends, and coworkers. The statement continued, We are committed to supporting his loved ones and the Rolling Thunder team in the days and weeks ahead. The accident that led to the drowning of Lipscomb remains under investigation by both federal and state authorities. According to initial reports, the disaster struck late Saturday afternoon when a routine maintenance shift was disrupted by a sudden inrush of water from an abandoned adjacent mine. The speed and volume of the flooding overwhelmed recently installed drainage systems and cut off several workers from the main egress. While most of the crew managed to escape, Lipscomb, working to secure electrical panels, was trapped by the rapidly rising water. Emergency responders battled hazardous conditions in pitch-dark tunnels over the next five days in hopes of reaching a survivable air pocketa scenario that, while desperately rare, has occurred in previous mining disasters. At a press conference on Thursday afternoon, AMR CEO Andrew Eidson repeated the company line and read from a prepared statement: Todays news weighs heavily on all of us at Alpha, and especially on those in the Rolling Thunder family. We remain steadfast in our commitment to safety and transparency, and we will cooperate fully with all inquiries to ensure that we learn everything possible from this tragedy. Eidson, who became CEO of AMR in 2022 after a lengthy stint in international energy finance, was paid $8.6 million in total compensation last year, a figure that includes substantial stock awards and performance-based bonuses. There is no doubt that the death of Lipscomb is a direct product of the drive for increased coal extraction. This is the basis for the financial performance of the company, whose stock is traded publicly on the stock market. According to officially published numbers, AMR had been losing money in recent quarters, but this was reversed in 2025 with net income of $41.7 million in Q3 and $46.1 million in Q2. This means that while Alpha remains one of the largest metallurgical coal producers in the US, it faced negative earnings through most of 2025. This is reflected in the drop in the stock value of AMR, which fell by three quarters from a peak of $402 per share in early 2024 to a low of $105 in June. CEO Eidsons compensation is vastly out of proportion to the average wage earned by workers like Lipscomb. US government data puts the average annual income of a coal miner in West Virginia at approximately $70,000, though many, particularly those in riskier underground operations, take home far less after deductions, with unpredictable overtime and mandatory layoffs affecting take-home pay. It is these men and women, who daily risk death and serious injury, who create the vast fortunes enjoyed by executives and shareholders. Republican West Virginia Governor Patrick Morrisey released a statement shortly after the news broke Thursday morning, stating his heart breaks for the family and friends of Steve Lipscomb, and then giving empty promises to redouble our commitment to mine safety until no one faces such tragedy again. Such statements have been made for generations by politicians from both capitalist parties while the deaths have continued. Despite these vacuous assurances, the tragedy at Rolling Thunder Mine is part of a trend in mining fatalities at AMR and throughout the industry. Since January, three other miners have died at AMR-operated sites, triple the number of fatalities in 2024. Nationally, there has also been a rise in coal mining deaths for the first time in a decade, with 25 killed in 2025 so far, up from 18 deaths in 2024 and 15 in 2023. These numbers also do not capture the additional toll of chronic illness and non-fatal accidents that afflict miners in silence each year. The danger posed by mine flooding is hardly new. The history of American mining is strewn with similar tragediesmost notably the 2006 Sago Mine disaster, where 12 miners perished after being trapped for days by a methane explosion followed by catastrophic water ingress. Earlier, in 1993, seven men drowned at the Round Top mine in Kentucky, after a retaining wall collapsed, sending thousands of gallons of water into active tunnels. Each incident prompted a flurry of promises, regulatory hearings and so-called reforms, but the underlying realities of cost-cutting, unsafe conditions and corners cut in the name of profit have not been addressed. Instead, such incidents are becoming more common, not less. In addition to refusing to place blame at the feet of the company and its executives, the role of the corrupt United Mine Workers of America (UMWA) bureaucracy has been central to the collapse of safety in the mines. While UMWA President Cecil Roberts was quick to issue a statement that attempted to divert attention from the company and its drive for increased production and profitability as the source of Lipscombs death, the union has since remained silent after the company started issuing its condolences to the friends and family of the deceased miner. Steve Lipscombs death is by no means an isolated accident. It is part of the broader and accelerating rise in workplace fatalities. The US has witnessed a year-over-year jump in preventable industrial deaths across several sectors, from railways and petrochemical plants to warehouses and meatpacking facilities. The common denominator in all of the cases is the relentless pursuit of profit for corporate executives and shareholders, which is prioritized above workers lives and safety. While corporate stock prices are being bid to astronomical levels, figures like Elon Muskwhose board has approved a $1 trillion compensation package for himrepresent the grotesque chasm between the wealth hoarded by a tiny parasitic elite and the price paid in lives lost by those whose labor creates it. Earlier this year, Ronald Adams Sr., a worker for Stellantis in Dundee, Michigan, was killed on the job in circumstances that were entirely preventable. In the aftermath of Adams death, the United Auto Workers (UAW) bureaucracy closed ranks with corporate management and state and federal safety agencies to cover up the death. Seven months later officials from the Michigan Occupational Safety and Health Administration (MIOSHA) say their investigation is still ongoing. The International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC) mounted a campaign for a full, transparent public investigation, denouncing both the secrecy surrounding Adams death and the treatment of his grieving family by Stellantis, MIOSHA and the UAW of indifference and contempt. It is only through the independent fight by rank-and-file workers to gain control of the workplace that safety protocols will be established and followed so future injuries and deaths are prevented. A campaign by rank-and-file workers to establish their own committees that are democratically controlled can only be conducted through a struggle against the capitalist system itself and for socialism, where the working class reorganizes the resources of society under public ownership based upon social need and not profit. President Donald Trump talks after signing the funding bill to reopen the government, in the Oval Office of the White House, Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington. [AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin] On Wednesday night, President Donald Trump signed the government funding bill that ends the longest shutdown in United States history. The deal moved forward only because eight members of the Senate Democratic caucus voted with Republicans on Sunday night. In the House on Wednesday, six Democrats also crossed the aisle and joined 216 Republicans to pass the bill by a margin of 222 to 209. One of the six House Democrats who voted for the bill on Wednesday was Jared Golden of Maine, a former Marine who has announced he will not seek reelection. Golden is one of more than a dozen Democratic House members moved directly into Congress in 2018 from careers in the national security apparatus. The most recent spending package appears to be nearly the same deal Republicans offered at the beginning of the shutdown. The legislation will fund the entire government through January 30, 2026 as well as the Department of Veterans Affairs, the Department of Agriculture, the Food and Drug Administration and Congress, through September 2026. The bill also restores full funding for food assistance through the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP. While the funding has been formally restored, food benefits have yet to arrive for millions of people. While the shutdown has officially ended, its effects will still be felt by millions of workers and their families. In addition to the 42 million people who rely on SNAP in the US, some 670,000 federal employees were furloughed last month while another 730,000 workers, deemed essential by the government, were forced to labor without pay. This includes more than 13,000 air traffic controllers and about 50,000 workers in the Transportation Security Administration (TSA). While essential workers went unpaid, the repressive apparatus of the state continued to operate normally. Federal immigration agents, who continued kidnapping and detaining workers throughout the shutdown, were fully funded and paid on time. The shutdown is ending on Republican terms. The Democrats provided the votes needed to pass the bill in the Senate without getting any guarantees that Affordable Care Act subsidies, the central plank of Democrats demands during the shutdown, would be restored. Instead of restoring subsidies, Republicans in the Senate only promised a vote by mid-December on extending them. There is no guarantee the measure will pass, with many Republicans already coming out in opposition. House Speaker Mike Johnson has not committed to holding a similar vote in the House. And any bill that passed Congress would face a Trump veto. If a deal to restore the subsidies is not reached by the end of the year, health insurance premiums will spike on January 1, 2026 for an estimated 24 million people who receive their insurance through the marketplace. New Hampshire Senator Jeanne Shaheen, one of the Democrats who voted to end the shutdown, said she hoped by mid-December there would be a bipartisan effort to vote on a bill to restore the subsidies. Throughout the shutdown, as workers went without paychecks and food stamps were withheld, Democrats and their adjuncts in the trade union bureaucracy never raised the prospect of mass collective action to stop Trumps attacks on the working class and his dictatorial ambitions. Instead, the major airport workers and government unions released statements calling on the two big business parties to come together and reopen the government. Playing their assigned role as loyal opposition, the Democrats intervened to end the shutdown at precisely the time the Trump administration was at its weakest. Last week, Democrats swept gubernatorial races in Virginia and New Jersey, while a self-declared democratic socialist, Zohran Mamdani, garnered over a million votes in the New York City mayoral election. A CNN/SSRS survey conducted at the end of October, shortly after some 7 million people participated in the No Kings protests, found Trumps approval rating was only 37 percent, while 63 percent of respondents disapproved. Nearly 7 in 10 surveyed, 68 percent, agreed that things in America were pretty/very bad. Outrage over Trumps attacks on immigrants is growing every day in the US, as more workers and community members are organizing independently against the kidnapping operations. The Trump administration is not only widely hated but in an advanced state of political crisis. In the days leading up to the vote, Trump repeatedly called on Senate Republicans to abolish the filibuster and pass the budget through a simple majority. Republicans refused, and on Wednesday Trump fumed that the shutdown should never have happened and would not happen again if Republicans abolished the filibuster. The spending bill is not just a straight funding proposal. It includes a ban on hemp-derived consumer products that were widely distributed in states where marijuana itself remains illegal. Lobbyists for the hemp industry estimate the ban will result in 300,000 job losses across retail and farming, a measure supported by both parties because it protects major cannabis firms and law enforcement interests. In a special carve-out for Republican senators implicated in Trumps failed coup, the legislation includes a payout for eight senators whose phone records were legally subpoenaed as part of Special Counsel Jack Smiths aborted investigation into January 6. In addition to making it virtually illegal to subpoena a senators phone data without public disclosure, the bill would retroactively impose a $500,000 fine for each record subpoenaed. The eight Republican senators eligible for the taxpayer-funded payday are Marsha Blackburn and Bill Hagerty of Tennessee, Lindsey Graham of South Carolina, Dan Sullivan of Alaska, Tommy Tuberville of Alabama, Ron Johnson of Wisconsin, Cynthia Lummis of Wyoming and Josh Hawley of Missouri. Tuberville, Lummis and Hawley all voted against certifying the 2020 election after the attack on the Capitol on January 6, 2021. Following the Democrats latest collaboration with Trump, a handful of Democrats in the House and running for office in 2026 are promoting the fiction that if Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer were replaced, the Democrats would become an opposition party that fights for the working class. This ignores two centuries of history and the class character of the Democratic Party, which no less than the Republicans is controlled by, and operates on behalf of, the financial oligarchy. Notably, as of this writing, not a single Democratic senator, including independent Bernie Sanders (Vermont) has called for Schumers removal following the vote. This is because the Democratic Party as a whole, not just Schumer, supported reopening Trumps fascistic government so the administration could continue its attacks on the working class. Following the vote in the Senate, Maine Democratic Senate candidate Graham Platner, the preferred candidate of the pseudo-left, despite revelations of his fascist tattoo and social media messages, released a video blaming Schumer and calling for his ouster as leader. Schumers failure, according to Platner, was because they do not understand when we fight we win. Platner added, we need to elect leaders that want to fight, and urged viewers to call their representatives and demand Schumers removal. Platners appeal to fight is nothing more than a cynical effort to channel mass anger at the latest betrayal back within the Democratic Party, which has once again demonstrated that it is not an opposition to Trump but his partner in crime and an instrument of the corporate and financial elite. The end of the shutdown on Republican terms, the ongoing assault on social programs, the collaboration of both parties in attacks on immigrants and the preparations for dictatorship all show that workers cannot defend their interests through either of the big business parties. By John Revill ZURICH (Reuters) -The United States and Switzerland announced a framework trade agreement on Friday that includes Washington slashing its tariffs on imported Swiss products to 15% from 39% and a pledge by Swiss companies to invest $200 billion in the U.S. by the end of 2028. The United States and Switzerland, joined by Liechtenstein, aim to conclude negotiations to finalize their trade deal by the first quarter of 2026, the White House said in a statement. U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer said the agreement tears down longstanding trade barriers and opens new markets for American goods. He welcomed "massive Swiss investment to help reduce our deficit in pharmaceuticals and other key sectors" that will generate thousands of jobs across the U.S. At least $67 billion of the $200 billion in pledged Swiss investments in the United States will come in 2026, the White House said in a statement. The total includes prior U.S. investment commitments including $50 billion from drugmaker Roche and $23 billion from Novartis along with pledges from engineering group ABB railway equipment maker Stadler. In addition to pharmaceuticals - Switzerland's largest export to the U.S. - the investments in U.S. production will target medical devices, aerospace and gold manufacturing, the White House said. "This agreement puts Switzerland on an equal footing with the European Union and brings the tariff level down from 39% to 15%," Swiss Economy Minister Guy Parmelin said in announcing the deal, which affects about 40% of Switzerland's exports. "Of course, we would prefer (the $200 billion) to be invested in Switzerland," Parmelin added. "And thats why the Federal Council in parallel is doing everything to see how we can reduce costs for our businesses." The lower tariff rate is likely to be activated within "days, weeks," as soon as the U.S. customs processing systems can be adjusted, said Helene Budliger Artieda, director of Switzerland's State Secretariat for Economic Affairs. PHARMA TARIFFS CAPPED AT 15% The deal guarantees a 15% tariff ceiling for Swiss pharmaceutical producers, limiting the impact of U.S. President Donald Trump's forthcoming Section 232 national security duties for the sector, which could reach 100% on certain patented drugs. Parmelin said the 15% cap would also apply to other future Section 232 duties, including semiconductors, putting key sectors on the same footing as the EU. "The risk of much higher sector-specific tariffs is therefore ruled out," Parmelin added. Oops! All equities and no, thats not the latest Capn Crunch flavor. We all know the classic 60/40 portfolio. While long a staple, some advisors argue its outdated, suggesting a 50/30/20 split with a slice for alternatives. But, for those who like to live on the edge, theres a bolder option: a 100% equity portfolio. Portfolios holding a mix of domestic and foreign stocks could be a more optimal way of diversifying than allocating to bonds, regardless of age, according to research from economists at the universities of Emory, Arizona and Missouri at Columbia. All-equities sounds risky, but the researchers argue that stock markets trend upward over time, and balanced portfolios or target-date funds, with their large bond allocations, can drag returns. While bonds seem to be safe, good diversifiers at short horizons, their long-term properties are really unfavorable for investors, said Scott Cederburg, professor of finance at the University of Arizona and one of the authors of the report. They become riskier and more correlated with stocks as the horizon grows. Combined with their low average returns, bonds are ultimately unattractive. SUBSCRIBE: Receive more of our free Advisor Upside newsletter. READ ALSO: What Will M&A Look Like in 2026? and Whats Going On In Clients Heads? Dont Ask AI Bonds, Schmonds Analyzing stock and bond returns from 39 countries from 1890 to 2023, the researchers found that an all-equity portfolio roughly one-third domestic stocks (likely higher for US investors) and two-thirds foreign stocks outperformed balanced portfolios in retirement wealth, income, capital preservation and bequest at death: The all-equity strategy delivered 50% more retirement wealth on average. Under the 4% withdrawal rule where retirees withdraw 4% of total savings in the first year a balanced portfolio has a 17% chance of running out of wealth before death, versus 7% for the all-equity strategy. Still, the researchers noted that holding a small share of Treasury bills early in retirement can act as a cushion as clients start withdrawals.Even if financial planners and advisors are unwilling to recommend the optimal 100% equity portfolio, increasing their clients equity allocations from their current levels will likely benefit the savers over the long run and support better retirement outcomes, Cederburg told Advisor Upside. Risk On, Risk Off. As investors age, focus typically shifts from growth to preservation. A younger worker can ride out volatility, but a 75-year-old facing mounting medical costs may not. In Vanguard defined contribution plans, only 5% of participants are entirely in equities. The key risk for all-equity investors remains volatility. The S&P 500 took six years to recover from the Great Recession, and some Wall Street names forecast a market correction in the next two years. Moments like that could spell disaster for investors holding only stocks. Markets have historically rewarded long-term patient investors, said Bryan Gum, founder of Lighthouse Planning. At the end of the day, it comes down to the investors risk tolerance and the time horizon of their needs for money. This post first appeared on The Daily Upside. To receive financial advisor news, market insights, and practice management essentials, subscribe to our free Advisor Upside newsletter. AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -A Dutch government delegation will travel to China "early next week" to seek a solution in the spat over chipmaker Nexperia, Dutch Economy Minister Vincent Karremans said on Thursday. "A senior official delegation from my ministry will travel to Beijing to continue our efforts to find a mutually agreeable solution," Karremans said in a statement. Karremans said he welcomed moves by China to loosen rules around the export of Nexperia's chips but he is still monitoring the situation to "ascertain if and when trade from Nexperia's facilities in China is fully resumed." A geopolitical and corporate fight broke out in late September over Chinese-owned, Netherlands-based Nexperia, which makes billions of chips for cars and other electronics. After the Netherlands seized control of the Dutch company due to concerns about technology transfers to its Chinese parent Wingtech, China imposed export controls on the company's China-made products, threatening automotive industry supply lines. As of now, the Netherlands' government is wielding a veto over strategic decisions at the company. Beijing has urged Dutch allies to put pressure on The Hague to make concessions. Separately, a Dutch court suspended the company's former CEO and Wingtech founder over alleged mismanagement. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Toby Sterling; Editing by Jan Harvey and Aidan Lewis) Ariana Grande was invoking major Audrey Hepburn vibes on the red carpet in Singapore. On November 13, the 32-year-old attended the Asia-Pacific premiere of Wicked: For Good and looked stunning equal parts sparkly and elegant with plenty of Hepburn inspiration to boot. Grande wore a whimsical Thome Browne off-the-shoulder gown that turned heads, and her side-swept bangs were straight out of a Hepburn film. The Wicked: For Good star looked confident and gorgeous ahead of the film's U.S. nationwide theatrical release on November 21. It was yet another instantly iconic look from Grande that fans will never forget! RELATED: Ariana Grande's Wicked Audition Prep Caused a Sweaty Snafu on The Voice Set Ariana Grande smilesin an embellished silver dress. It looks like the star, who has introduced Glinda to a new generation, is ready for Wicked: For Good are you? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For fans looking to get into the proper Wicked mood, the best way to prepare for Wicked: For Good is to watch the special television event Wicked: One Wonderful Night on Peacock and catch an airing of the first Wicked film on November 19 at 8/7c on NBC. Ariana Grande speaks about the "best moment of her life" on the Wicked set As it turns out, one of the best moments of Grande's life took place in the middle of filming the Wicked films alongside co-star Cynthia Erivo. During a TODAY interview with Sheinelle Jones that aired on November 12, Grande shared a story about how her friend tends to show her appreciation in a unique manner, verbally. RELATED: How a Fan Saved Cynthia Erivo's Wicked Premiere Hat: 'I Thought I Had Lost it Forever!' "I'll never forget when you yelled 'WHAT!' in the middle of a take when we were filming the second movie," Grande told Erivo, who immediately burst out laughing. "'Cause she likes something that I did vocally, and I was like, 'This is the best day of my life.' It was really funny; that was a good one." Ariana Grande smiles and waves in an embellished silver dress. Erivo didn't deny reacting in that way she can't help but let out an excited yelp whenever her friend blows her away during filming. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I don't know how to contain it," Erivo explained. "If she does something I really like, I verbally have to express myself." "It was the best moment of my life," Grande admitted. The exchange was another example of the incredible bond that exists between the two talented women. Ben Dreyfuss is coming forward with his own truth about his famous family. The journalist and son of Oscar-winning actor Richard Dreyfuss got candid on his fractured relationship with his father in a series of social media posts on Thursday, Nov. 13. "Everyone assumes my siblings and I are wealthy from our dad and we're all a bit too uncomfortable to make it clear, but we have no money from my dad," Dreyfuss, the eldest son of Richard Dreyfuss, wrote on X. "My dad has no money. If he did, we wouldn't get it since we've been estranged ever since some complicated family drama to do with MeToo." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dreyfuss said the breakdown of his relationship with Richard Dreyfuss stems from an incident several years ago. Ben Dreyfuss, who allegedly was managing Richard's Twitter account at the time, wrote a post in support of his younger brother, Harry Dreyfuss, who had come forward with allegations of sexual assault against actor Kevin Spacey. Kevin Spacey attends the Filming Italy Venice Award during the 82nd Venice International Film Festival in Venice, Italy, on Aug. 31, 2025. "That tweet prompted someone to MeToo my dad. He blames us for that," Ben Dreyfuss continued. "This led to years of acrimony." What did Richard Dreyfuss' son say about Kevin Spacey incident? In 2017, actor Harry Dreyfuss alleged that Spacey groped him at age 18 while dad Richard Dreyfuss was in the room. Harry Dreyfuss recounted his allegations of the 2008 incident in a self-written account published on Buzzfeed.com. Spacey directed Richard Dreyfuss in a 2009 production of the play "Complicit" at the Old Vic Theatre in London. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It happened one night when the three of us were alone in Kevin's apartment rehearsing my father's lines," Harry Dreyfuss wrote in his Buzzfeed essay. "My father didn't see, and I didn't tell him about the incident for many years. Instead, I spent the next nine years telling people the story at parties for laughs." Harry Dreyfuss speaks out: Son of Richard Dreyfuss says Kevin Spacey groped him At the time, Buzzfeed quoted Bryan Freedman, a lawyer representing Spacey, denying Dreyfuss' account with the statement: "Let me be clear, Mr. Spacey absolutely denies the allegations." USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Spacey and Richard Dreyfuss for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Spacey's Hollywood career was derailed in 2017 following sexual assault allegations by fellow actor Anthony Rapp. In July 2023, after a series of additional assault allegations from other accusers, the "House of Cards" star was acquitted of nine charges at the end of a four-week long trial in London. A year and a half later, Spacey was sued by an unnamed individual at London's High Court for alleged sexual abuse. Richard Dreyfuss' son details impact of Kevin Spacey claims, MeToo allegation Aside from Harry Dreyfuss' claims of sexual assault, Ben Dreyfuss wrote on X that an unnamed woman's sexual misconduct allegations against Richard Dreyfuss added to the growing strain on their relationship. Richard Dreyfuss previously denied writer Jessica Teich's allegations that he harassed her and exposed himself to her in the mid-1980s. "The woman who MeToo'd my dad I think had a very stupid idiot story, but it didn't matter because it was right around that time when all of this was going on crazy," Dreyfuss explained. "Anyways, it all led to fights for years and then in 2022, it blew up to the point of [not] speaking anymore." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Dreyfuss denies exposing himself to LA writer Ben Dreyfuss, left, claims he has an estranged relationship with his father, Richard Dreyfuss, after supporting his brother Harry Dreyfuss' claims of sexual abuse against actor Kevin Spacey. Dreyfuss said that while he's "spent years trying to repair" the relationship, the "Jaws" star is "not going to ever meet me halfway, and I'm tired of being quiet about it." He added: "I encourage you if you meet my father to ask him for his version. I'm curious to know what it is." "I appreciate people saying nice things to me, but I really don't need that and didn't post this for that," Dreyfuss concluded. "I mostly posted it because I was tired of not talking about it and wanted to rip the Band-aid off. But on a deeper level, I probably just posted it to get my father's attention." If you are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 800.656.HOPE (4673) or visit hotline.rainn.org/online and receive confidential support. Contributing: Bryan Alexander, USA TODAY This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Richard Dreyfuss' son talks Kevin Spacey claims, MeToo allegations NEED TO KNOW Buster Murdaugh has been married to his wife, Brooklynn White Murdaugh, since May 2025 The elder son of Alex Murdaugh and his then-girlfriend supported Alex at his trial after he killed Maggie and Paul Murdaugh Brooklynn is an attorney who attended the same law school as Buster Buster Murdaugh, who is the sole surviving son of Alex Murdaugh, has been keeping a low profile with his wife, Brooklynn White Murdaugh, since his dad was convicted of killing his mom, Margaret Maggie Murdaugh, and brother, Paul Murdaugh. Buster's life was thrust into the national spotlight after Maggie and Paul were fatally shot on their family's property in South Carolina on June 7, 2021. At the time, Alex reported finding their bodies to 911 and claimed that he had nothing to do with the murders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, as the case unfolded, investigators discovered that the long-time prominent legal family had been dealing with their own financial and legal issues. In October 2021, Alex was arrested for 22 financial crimes. He was then arrested for Maggie and Paul's murders in July 2022 and was subsequently convicted in March 2023. Alex is currently behind bars and serving two life sentences for the murders and an additional 40 years for his financial crimes. After Buster supported Alex at his trial, he has stayed out of the spotlight with his wife. Buster and Brooklynn, who have been dating since at least 2021, married in May 2025. So, who is Buster Murdaugh's wife? Here's everything to know about Brooklynn White Murdaugh. Brooklynn is a lawyer who attended the same law school as Buster Joshua Boucher/Pool/The State/Tribune News Service/Getty Buster Murdaugh and his then-girlfriend Brooklynn White at Alex Murdaugh's trial on March 2, 2023. Buster Murdaugh and his then-girlfriend Brooklynn White at Alex Murdaugh's trial on March 2, 2023. Brooklynn has been practicing or studying law for over a decade. She first studied at the University of Alabama from 2014 to 2018, where she received a bachelor of arts degree in political science, per her LinkedIn. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After getting her undergraduate degree, Brooklynn attended the University of South Carolina Law School from 2018 to 2021. During her time there, she served as an intern and associate at various law firms. She passed the South Carolina Bar Examination in 2022 and has been practicing law ever since. Buster attended the same law school starting in 2018, but he was kicked out for low grades and allegedly plagiarizing in the summer of 2019, per The State. Brooklynn currently works as an attorney at Lyles & Associates, LLC, in Sullivan's Island, S.C., per the firm's website. She specializes in estate planning, construction, insurance and insurance cover litigation. Prior to her most recent job, she spent three years at Olivetti, McCray & Withrow LLC as an associate attorney. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I went to law school because I always had a desire to help people work through complex issues. I find it rewarding to help others," she wrote in her since-deleted bio, per Oxygen. Buster was with Brooklynn at the time of his mother and brothers murders Maggie Murdaugh/Facebook Buster, Maggie, Paul and Alex Murdaugh pictured in 2019. Buster's life turned upside down on June 7, 2021, when his dad, Alex, called him and told him that Maggie and Paul had been shot and killed near the dog kennels on their family's property in Islandton, S.C.. Buster later testified at his dad's trial that he was about 200 miles away at the time of the murders at Brooklynn's home in Rock Hill, S.C., WYFF Greenville reported at the time. Shortly after his dad told him the news, Buster and Brooklynn got into their car and drove to his family's estate. During his testimony, Buster recalled the moment he took his dad's call, claiming that Alex was crying and had "broken down." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "His demeanor was I mean he was destroyed. He was heartbroken," Buster said. She supported Buster at Alexs murder trial AP Photo/Chris Carlson Buster Murdaugh and then-girlfriend Brooklynn White arrive at the Colleton County Courthouse on March 3, 2023. Buster Murdaugh and then-girlfriend Brooklynn White arrive at the Colleton County Courthouse on March 3, 2023. During Alex's six-week trial for the murders of his wife and son, Buster and his then-girlfriend stood by the disgraced lawyer's side. Buster and Brooklynn were photographed attending several of the days at the Colleton County Courthouse in Walterboro, S.C., from January through March 2023. In February 2023, Buster testified on behalf of his dad and spoke about their "tight-knit" family and how involved he was as a father. Brooklynn was pictured supporting Buster by sitting in the courthouse and listening to the testimony. Brooklynn and Buster were also photographed attending Alex's sentencing hearing on March 3, 2023. They married in May 2025 Andrew J. Whitaker/The Post And Courier/AP Brooklynn White and Buster Murdaugh at Alex Murdaugh's trial in February 2023. Brooklynn White and Buster Murdaugh at Alex Murdaugh's trial in February 2023. Buster and Brooklynn tied the knot on May 3, 2025. PEOPLE obtained court records with a marriage license application that they filed in South Carolina in April, after TMZ first reported the news. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The couple reportedly got married in a small ceremony with family and close friends at a former hunting estate in Beaufort, S.C., per the outlet. Brooklynn, who keeps much of her social media private, later posted a wedding photo on Facebook that showed her wearing an off-the-shoulder white structured gown. Meanwhile, Buster wore a white tuxedo with black pants, a black bowtie and a black cummerbund with his initials, RAM, monogrammed on it (his full name is Richard Alexander Murdaugh Jr.). Read the original article on People Sean Diddy Combs is reportedly facing a second prison violation for participating in a three-way call after he was involved in an alleged alcohol scandal at FCI Fort Dix in New Jersey. Combs, 56, has been accused of participating in an unauthorized three-person call shortly after he was transferred to the New Jersey prison, which is against the Bureau of Prisons (BOP) strict rules. While citing prison documents, CBS News reported on Monday, November 10 that Combs is now potentially facing a loss of phone privileges for his alleged involvement. After news broke about Combs alleged involvement in the phone call, his rep, Juda Engelmayer, insisted in a statement to People that his client did not break prison rules. Engelmayer said the call was initiated by an attorney, while he also revealed Combs has been working amid his prison sentence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He is in the drug treatment program and he is working in the chapel library," Engelmayer told the outlet. "The phone call he was on was initiated by an attorney and it was attorney client privilege and appropriate. Passenger Who Died on Carnival Horizon Cruise Ship Identified as 18-Year-Old High School Student Combs alleged involvement in the three-way phone call came shortly after TMZ reported on November 7 that he was allegedly caught drinking homemade alcohol in prison. There have been several false and reckless reports circulating about Mr. Combs," a spokesperson for Combs previously told People. "He has not violated any prison rules. His sobriety and self-discipline are priorities, and he is taking them seriously. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The disgraced music mogul was transferred from MDC Brooklyn to FCI Fort Dix on October 30. He is currently serving a 50-month sentence after he was found guilty on two counts of transportation to engage in prostitution. Combs was first arrested in September 2024 and has been serving time in prison ever since, which means he already served more than one year by the time he was sentenced on October 3. In addition to prison time, Combs was also ordered to pay a $500,000 fine. This Moms Viral Winter Coat Hack Is Saving Parents Hundreds This Season His attorneys previously requested that he be transferred to Fort Dix, which is a lowsecurity prison located on a military base and is known for its access to drug rehabilitation programs. "In order to address drug abuse issues and to maximize family visitation and rehabilitative efforts, we request that the court strongly recommend to the Bureau of Prisons that Mr. Combs be placed at FCI Fort Dix," Combs' attorney, Teny Geragos, wrote in their request for his transfer, per multiple reports. NEED TO KNOW Fox News host Laura Ingraham told President Donald Trump about the internet murmurs that his youngest son, Barron, could be president one day The president initially responded to the idea by saying, "I don't know," before shifting the focus away from Barron Donald has five children between the ages of 19 and 47: Don Jr., Ivanka, Eric, Tiffany and Barron President Donald Trump isn't ruling out a presidential run for any of his five children, but choosing a successor doesn't appear to be top of mind. Trump, 79, recently took Fox News host Laura Ingraham on a tour of the White House, where she asked about the possibility of his youngest son, Barron Trump, one day serving as president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conversation emerged from a discussion about Donald's many renovations to the White House, including his plans for a multi-million-dollar ballroom. As Ingraham, 62, admired the new chandeliers, marble floors and other changes to the White House Palm Room, she asked, "Do any of your kids have that same delicate attention to detail that you have? Because you can't really teach that." The president shares three children with his ex-wife Ivana Trump: Donald Trump Jr., 47; Ivanka Trump, 44; and Eric Trump, 41. He also shares daughter Tiffany Trump, 32, with his ex-wife Marla Maples, and shares Barron with his third wife, first lady Melania Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Replying to Ingraham, Donald said, "I think they do. I think Eric is very good, and Don in a very different way is good, Ivanka is, you know." The president then added, "Tiffany is very smart. She was a great student, always a great student. They're all great students, actually they're all great students. And I think Barron's gonna be, uh, tremendous at that. He's very meticulous." When Ingraham asked, "Is he here?" the president replied, "He is, he's here. He's right upstairs." "Wanna see him?" he asked with a laugh, and Ingraham said, "Yeah, I'd love to see him. I'd love to say hi." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "He's doing a good job," Donald added of his youngest son. "He's tall. He's a tall one." Ingraham then said, "A lot of people think [Barron] could be the next Trump president." Donald replied, "I don't know. I think" as Ingraham interjected, "Or Eric, or a lot of people are wondering which child would be the best." "In a certain way, they all could," the president said before abruptly changing the topic to show off his "Presidential Walk of Fame" in the West Colonnade. Christopher Furlong/Getty Donald Trump with first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump on Jan. 20, 2025 Donald Trump with first lady Melania Trump and their son Barron Trump on Jan. 20, 2025 Aside from addressing whether there could be a second Trump president down the line, Donald's comments seemed to confirm that Barron moved back to Washington, D.C., after spending a year at New York University's campus in Manhattan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A source told PEOPLE in September that Barron had transferred to NYU's Washington, D.C., campus, located just a few blocks from the White House. While taking classes at NYU's Greenwich Village campus during his first year of college, Barron commuted from his childhood home in Trump Tower, one of his father's most notable properties. Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. While Barron has not yet publicly expressed any political aspirations, he did have a hand in Donald's second presidential victory, according to Melania. The first lady told Fox News shortly after Donald won the 2024 election that her son "was very vocal with advice for his father. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He knew exactly who his father needs to contact and to talk to, she added, telling Fox that Barron brought in so many young people he knows his generation." Read the original article on People Big Tech is building data centers everywhere it can. Companies are replacing employees with AIand all this is just the start; or it would be, if there was enough electricity to power all those data centers that handle the AI that everyone is using more and more. That might be a problem. Earlier this month, Nvidias chief executive warned that the West risks losing the AI race because electricity was too expensive. Yet the price of electricity is only one part of the problem that Big Tech faces with regard to its AI plans. The other is the availability of that electricity. Bloomberg reported this week that at least two data center projects are sitting uncompleted, waiting for electricity supply to be secured before they get finalized. Both are relatively small projects, the publication noted, and highlight a major challenge to the continued proliferation of AI: power. Bloomberg blamed aging power infrastructure, a slow build-out of new transmission lines and a variety of regulatory and permitting hurdles. Regulation and permitting regimes are invariably cited by the corporate world as a problem, so the inclusion of this factor in the list of culprits is essentially standard practice. As for aging infrastructure, this is a real problem that requires hefty investments by power utilities and takes time to solveand pushes electricity bills higher, aggravating the financial part of the data center problem. Transmission lines are also in short supplyespecially for data center operators who want to boost their climate-friendly credentials by contracting electricity supply from wind and solar installations. Yet even those climate-friendly data center operators need stable supply, and there is simply not enough of that. Related: Oil Prices Sink 4% as OPEC Moves to Balanced 2026 Outlook Goldman Sachs recently joined the ranks of AI forecasters putting a number on the industrys energy demand. Per the bank, this number could reach 9% of the total energy demand in the United States. That total last year hit an all-time high, topping 4,000 billion kWh and is expected to keep breaking records this year, the Energy Information Administration predicted, especially noting data centers as one big reason for that. The demand has never been higher, and it's really a power-supply problem that we have, a real estate brokerage executive told Bloomberg. There are portions of data-center demand that need to be as close as possible to population centers, Bill Dougherty also said. That is the demand that needs to be in California. They can't bring it online because theres constraints on power. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Alamy In recent years, Prince Edward's wife, Duchess Sophie, has increasingly stepped into the spotlight as a key member of the Royal Family. Long regarded as one of Queen Elizabeth's favorites, the Duchess of Edinburgh is now drawing comparisons to Prince William and Princess Kate as she carries out a lengthy tour of South and Central America this week and next. Duchess Sophie arrived in Peru on Monday, November 10 following a busy weekend of Remembrance events in London with the rest of the Royal Family. She'll continue on to Panama, Guatemala and Belize to highlight causes close to her heart such as preventable blindness and sexual violence in conflict. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Speaking on behalf of Betfair Casino, body language expert Darren Stanton has analyzed Sophie's visit to South America so far, revealing how her "warm" demeanor is similar to that of the Prince and Princess of Wales. Duchess Sophie watches local children dance during a cultural welcome to the 20 de Enero Community in Peru. | Credit: Alamy "Its actually fascinating to see how Sophies role has evolved in recent years," Stanton says. "For much of her time in the royal family, shes never really been front and centeryes, shes always been a senior royal by virtue of her marriage to Prince Edward, but its only in the last few years that her schedule of engagements has noticeably increased." While meeting Indigenous Women's Rights Defenders and women leaders of the Awajun, Shipibo-Konibo and Kukama Kukamiria people, the duchess laughed and embraced the women around hergestures Stanton calls "warm, open and deeply engaged." "Whats striking now is how Sophie approaches these public appearances," he says. "Her body language mirrors much of what we see from William and Kate." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stanton continues, "Her smile is a genuine one: you can see it in the crows feet at the corners of her eyes, the soft laugh lines that show her whole face is involved. That authenticity is something the public responds to, and its clearly something the palace values as the Royal Family looks to the future." The Duchess of Edinburgh is seen in her favorite Penelope Chilvers espadrilles while visiting Peru. | Credit: Alamy Sophie meets Indigenous Women's Rights Defenders and women leaders of the Awajun, Shipibo-Konibo people and Kukama Kukamiria people | Credit: Alamy Stanton says that while observing her in Peru, it's clear she "connects naturally and sincerely with the people she meets." He adds, "Theres no hint of disinterest, no power gestures, no effort to assert rank. Instead, like William and Kate, Sophie comes across as grounded, empathetic, and confident." Next up on her trip, the duchess will visit Panama to meet senior members of the government, recognizing its collaboration with the U.K. on global challenges, including conflict-related sexual violence. In Guatemala, Sophie will carry out engagements related to the same theme, learning about support for survivors of human trafficking and sexual violence and visiting a charity supporting vulnerable young people. The Duchess of Edinburgh will also observe conservation efforts led by Indigenous groups in the remote and biodiverse regions of the Maya Biosphere Reserve. And in Belize, she'll take part in the country's national holiday of Garifuna Settlement Day, learn about efforts to protect natural environments and visit the British Army Training Support Unit Belize. "Its no coincidence that shes being seen at more high-profile engagements lately," Stanton concludes. "As the royal landscape shifts and William and Kate prepare to take on greater responsibility, Sophie seems to embody the same modern, approachable style they represent." Nina Dobrevs latest TikTok video has fans wondering whether shes throwing shade at her broken engagement to Shaun White. If you want it, take it, I should have said it before, Dobrev, 36, lip-synched to Ariana Grandes Break Free in a Thursday, November 13, video, while holding up her middle finger. As the actress mouthed, Tried to hide it, fake it, I cant pretend anymore, she put down her middle finger and flashed her now-bare ring finger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dobrev and White, 39, had gotten engaged in October 2024 after four years together. Us confirmed in September that the pair had called off their engagement. Nina Dobrev and Shaun Whites Split After 5 Years Together: What We Know While neither the Vampire Diaries alum nor White have spoken publicly about what went wrong, fans have theorized that Dobrevs Thursday upload was a dig at the Olympian. You were always too hot for him, one social media user commented, while another added, Shes been glowing since that relationship ended. A third TikToker wrote, Switching from the middle finger to the ring finger is iconic lol. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another fan added, You are too much of a baddie to have dealt with someone who did not value you. So glad you see your worth. Others, meanwhile, jokingly compared Dobrevs video to her The Vampire Diaries character, Elena Gilbert, turning off her humanity. (In the TVD universe, bloodthirsty vampires can switch off their humanity to kill victims without remorse.) Courtesy of Nina Dobrev/TikTok Her humanity is completely off, a TikTok user replied, with another adding, Miss maam Ima [sic] need you to tap into your Katherine Pierce [Elenas doppelganger] era again. Give em all hell. Dobrev, for her part, has not clarified the meaning of her TikTok video, though a source previously told Us Weekly how she had been affected by the breakup. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nina is devastated, a source told Us in September. They had finally started planning the wedding and things were in motion. According to the insider, Dobrev was being supported by her closest girlfriends in the split aftermath. A second source, meanwhile, told Us that infidelity did not play a part in the breakup. There was no cheating at all during the course of their five-and-a-half-year relationship, the second insider told Us at the time. They were very loyal to each other. Any online speculation that suggests otherwise is ridiculous. Nina Dobrev and Shaun White Teased Wedding Plans and House Renovations Before Split Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both Dobrev and White have also appeared to be finding solace in their respective careers following the breakup. Ill be running around, definitely supporting my friends competing and just taking it in, White said on the September 16 episode of Today, discussing the 2026 Olympics in Milan. This will be my first Winter Olympics where Im not competing, so a lot of feelings there, but honestly, Im excited to support and check it out. He added, My first Olympics was in Italy that I competed at, so this is bringing a lot of memories going back to Italy. Should be fun. Before calling off their engagement, Dobrev had been candid about her marriage plans with White. I really want to enjoy it and not rush that process, Dobrev told E! News in March. Were just enjoying being engaged at this point and being in that sort of phase because a lot of your life is you have a boyfriend for half of your life and then you have a husband for half of your life, but the fiance period is very short. Its so fun to say fiance. Originally appeared on E! Online Queen Elizabeth II knew how much Prince Philip wanted their children to carry his name. But it wasn't until Prince Andrew was born in 1960 that Mountbatten Windsorcombining his and her familieswas established as a surname for their non-titled, direct male-line descendants. And yet neither the late queen nor her husband could have foreseen that Andrew would be relegated to going by Mountbatten Windsor 65 years later at the insistence of his older brother, King Charles III. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The decision has come now because it had to," royal correspondent Sharon Carpenter told E! News after Andrew relinquished his titles in October. "Andrews presence has been a thorn in the side of the royal family and a continued drag on the reputation of the institution." And figuring out what to do about him was another conundrum that Charles, who's turning 77 on Nov. 14, inherited when their mother died in September 2022. The king's scandal-plagued sibling stepped away from royal duties in November 2019 amid scrutiny of his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his responses during an interview with the BBC's Newsnight baffling royal watchers who couldn't figure out why the queen or Charles sanctioned the sit-down. Yet Andrew, who has denied all accusations of wrongdoing, remained in the public eye, if no longer a senior working royal who carried out at least 400 engagements the year before he was forced into retirement. More from E! Online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The king's scandal-plagued sibling stepped away from royal duties in November 2019 amid scrutiny of his past association with convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, his responses during an interview with the BBC's Newsnight baffling royal watchers who couldn't figure out why the queen or Charles sanctioned the sit-down. Yet Andrew, who has denied all accusations of wrongdoing, remained in the public eye, if no longer a senior working royal who carried out at least 400 engagements the year before he was forced into retirement. Chris Jackson/Getty Images When Charles first became king, however, he had other pressing matters to attend to, not least being the job of reassuring the United Kingdom that the monarchy would sail along just as smoothly with him at the helm as it did for most of his mother's 70-year reign. Meanwhile, Andrew kept attending high-profile events, most recently standing near Charles, Princess Anne, Prince William and Kate Middleton at the Sept. 16 funeral for the Duchess of Kent. Max Mumby/Indigo/Getty Images But considering the "disturbing narrative" around him, Andrew had already been "a liability for quite some time," Carpenter said, when on Oct. 17 he announced that he would no longer use his title or other remaining honors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew's most prominent title had been Duke of York, bestowed on him by his mother when he married Sarah Fergusonnow the former Duchess of Yorkin 1986. "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family," Andrew stated. "I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first." The palace then announced Oct. 30 that Charles had "initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew," rendering him Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. (He remains eighth in line to the throne and daughters Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie's titles are not affected.) Andrew also had to surrender his lease on Royal Lodgethe 30-room Great Windsor Park mansion where he'd been living effectively rent-free since paying for renovations in 2004and move into a private home. Sarah, who'd been living with her ex-husband since 2008, was expected to figure out her own accommodations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Andrew's new residence will be on the king's Sandringham estate in Norfolk. But Charles, who was seen driving around the property on Oct. 31, had known it would likely fall to him to take more drastic action than their mother did when she stripped Andrew of his military affiliations and remaining royal patronages in January 2022. Mark Cuthbert/UK Press via Getty Images Despite the action she took toward the end of her life, Andrew had a stalwart supporter in the queen. Though she signed off on his resignation, it was considered no accident that the pair were spotted riding together two days after he announced his step back from royal duties in 2019. But a similar sign of solidarity from Charles should not be expected. Blood has proved pretty thick so far, but the king is now signaling, Carpenter said, that "he will not tolerate persistent scandals that put the future of the monarchy in jeopardy. His focus is on prioritizing the stability of the institution over family obligations or expectations." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And when it came to Andrew, the only remaining option was to get him literally out of the picture. JUSTIN TALLIS/AFP via Getty Images "It is highly doubtful we will see him publicly with any senior member of the royal family for the foreseeable future," Carpenter told E!. "Expect his absence this Christmas during the walk to St. Mary's Magdalene Church and for many Christmases to come." Noting the "mounting pressure" Charles was under to distance himself from Andrew, Carpenter called the king's move the "nail in the coffin." While Andrew's personal relationships with family members are "likely more strained than ever," she explained, "without a dramatic change in public sentiment, there can be no return to public duties. From this day forth, he is technically a private individual who happens to have royal lineage." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See all the news that has roiled the royal world in 2025: Prince Andrew Removed From Home by King Charles III After Giving Up Title Two weeks after Prince Andrew announced that he would no longer be using his Duke of York title, King Charles III confirmed that his youngest brother would also be removed from his home at Royal Lodge and stripped of his title as Prince. His Majesty has today initiated a formal process to remove the Style, Titles and Honours of Prince Andrew, Buckingham Palace wrote in a statement. Prince Andrew will now be known as Andrew Mountbatten Windsor. Prince Andrew to Stop Using Duke of York Title King Charles III's youngest brother Prince Andrew confirmed October 17 that he will no longer be using his title Duke of York, due the the continued controversy over his friendship with late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "In discussion with The King, and my immediate and wider family, we have concluded the continued accusations about me distract from the work of His Majesty and the Royal Family, Andrew said in the statement released by Buckingham Palace. I have decided, as I always have, to put my duty to my family and country first. I stand by my decision five years ago to stand back from public life. Andrew continued, "With His Majestys agreement, we feel I must now go a step further. I will therefore no longer use my title or the honours which have been conferred upon me. As I have said previously, I vigorously deny the accusations against me." King Charles III and Prince William Make Rare Appearance Together The monarch and his eldest son stepped out in October 2025 for the Countdown to COP30 event at London's Natural History Museum. The pair posed outside of the museum, before heading inside to meet with government leaders and advocates working to combat climate change. The event preceded the COP30 World Leaders Summit in Belem, Brazil, in November, which Prince William is set to attend on his father's behalf. Sarah Ferguson Dropped From Charity for Epstein Email In September 2025, the Duchess of York was dropped as a patron to Julia's House for a resurfaced 2011 email to Jeffrey Epstein in which she called him a friend. Following the information shared this weekend on the Duchess of Yorks correspondence with Jeffrey Epstein, Julias House has taken the decision that it would be inappropriate for her to continue as a patron of the charity, the charity wrote in a statement per The Guardian. We have advised the Duchess of York of this decision and thank her for her past support. A spokesperson for Ferguson said the virtual correspondence was written after a threat made to her by Epstein. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry and King Charles III Reunite For the first time in 19 months, the Duke of Sussex was seen arriving by car to Clarence Housethe Kings London residenceto seemingly meet with his father before heading to another engagement in the city. While Harry pulled into the residence around 5:20 p.m. local time on Sept. 10, Charles returned to the home just hours before. Peter Phillips Announces Engagement The son of Princess Anne and her ex-husband Mark Phillips shared that he was engaged to his girlfriend Harriet Sperling on Aug. 1 after more than a year of dating. "Both families were informed jointly of the announcement," the couple's spokesperson said in a statement to Hello! at the time, "and were delighted with the wonderful news of their engagement." Queen Camilla Makes History with New Royal Title One day before her 78th birthday, the royal received the title of Vice Admiral of the United Kingdom from the Royal Navy. Camilla is the first woman to hold the honorary title, which can only be appointed by the sovereignin this case, her husband King Charles IIIon the nomination of the First Sea Lord, who is currently Sir Gwyn Jenkins. Kate Middleton Pulls Out of Royal Ascot The Princess of Wales pulled out of a planned appearance at the Royal Ascot hours before she was set to return to the annual horse race alongside, Kensington Palace confirmed to NBC News. According to the palace, Kate was disappointed to have to miss the event but is still figuring out the right balance for herself when it comes to completing public engagements following her cancer battle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince Harry Loses Appeal to Dismiss Decision in His Security Protection Case Over one year after the High Court denied additional security protection through the Royal and VIP Executive Committee, Prince Harrys legal fight ended when the courts dismissed the case May 2. His and Meghan Markles security was lessened after they stepped back as working members of the royal family in 2021 and moved to the United States. However, in the years that followed, Harry had requested security while visiting the U.K. The Duke of Sussex told the BBC May 2 that he was devastated about losing his legal battle. He emphasized, I cant see a world in which I would bring my wife and children back to the UK at this point. Prince Harry and King Charles III Are Not Speaking Harry told the BBC May 2 that his father King Charles III wont speak to him because of this security stuff, but added that it would be nice to reconcile. The Duke of Sussex, who shares kids Prince Archie and Princess Lilibet with Meghan, said that he would love to reconnect with his family. But the ball is in his dads court. I cant see a world in which I would be bringing my wife and children back to the U.K. at this point, he said. Its really quite sad that I wont be able to show my children my homeland. There is a lot of control and ability in my fathers hands, ultimately this whole thing could be resolved through him, Harry added. Not necessarily by intervening but by stepping aside and allowing the experts to do what is necessary and to carry on. Despite the years of conflict, hes waving the white flag in hopes of reconciliation. He added, Life is precious, I dont know how much longer my father has. King Charles III Shares Insight Into His Cancer Diagnosis Over one year after King Charles shared his cancer diagnosis, he wrote April 29 that his health journey and cancer treatment are experiences that bring into sharp focus the very best of humanity." "Each diagnosis, each new case, will be a daunting and at times frightening experience for those individuals and their loved ones," Charles wrote in the booklet for the reception to provide resources for those with cancer. But as one among those statistics myself, I can vouch for the fact that it can also be an experience that brings into sharp focus the very best of humanity." He also thanked healthcare workers who helped him amid his journey, adding, It has certainly given me an even deeper appreciation of the extraordinary work undertaken by the remarkable organisations and individuals gathered here this evening, many of whom I have known, visited and supported over the years. Prince William and Kate Middletons Family Skips Royal Familys Easter Service Prince William, Kate Middleton, Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis did not attend the royal familys annual Easter service at St George's Chapel in Windsor April 20. While King Charles III and Queen Camilla celebrated with the rest of the royal family, William and Kate decided to spend the weekend at their Norfolk country home with their kids, multiple outlets reported. Their absence marked the second Easter they skipped, with the 2024 holiday taking place a week after the Princess of Wales announced her cancer diagnosis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Royal Aide Who Accused Meghan Markle Of Bullying Receives a Promotion Jason Knauf was announced as the new CEO of Prince Williams organization, The Earthshot Prize, April 15. He shared a statement on the website that he was looking forward to working with our exceptional team and incredible Earthshot community to advance our mission of urgent optimism for our planet. His promotion came nearly seven years after he made a complaint against Meghan Markle, accusing her of bullying two personal assistants and seeking to undermine a third staff member. A spokesperson for the Sussexes denied the allegations and told The Times that the rumors were part of a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. Buckingham Palace investigated the allegations and the case was wrapped up in 2022 without any findings made public. Prince George Makes His First Public Appearance of 2025 William and Kates eldest son George attended a soccer match in Paris alongside his dad April 7. The father-son duo were all smiles at the UEFA Champions League Quarter Final game as the Paris Saint-Germain and Aston Villa FC faced off at the Parc des Princes stadium. Former Bodyguard to Prince Harry and Prince William Dies Graham Crakerwho acted as a bodyguard for the royal family, including Prince Harry and Prince Williamdied at the age of 77 in April. Craker was notably with the boys when they learned their mother, Princess Diana, had died and he participated in her funeral services. On the latter, Craker told The New York Post in 2017, "I was standing at the rear of the hearse and William looked up and acknowledged me. I looked toward him and nodded. William was comforted that I was with his mum on her final journey. The Duke and Duchess of Westminster Expecting Their First Baby Hugh Grosvenor, who is King Charles IIIs godson, and his wife Olivia Grosvenor announced March 12 that she is pregnant with their first baby. The duchess is expecting a baby in the summer, a spokesperson told The Telegraph. The couple are delighted with the news and are very much looking forward to starting a family together. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Luxembourg's Prince Fredrik Dies at 22 Prince Frederikthe son of Prince Robert and his wife Princess Juliedied March 1 at 22 years old after a battle with PolG mitochondrial disease, a rare genetic disorder. "Frederik knows that he is my Superhero, as he is to all of our family, and to so very many good friends and now in great part thanks to his PolG Foundation, to so very many people the world over," Robert said in a statement. "Part of his superpower was his ability to inspire and to lead by example." Prince Harry Reaches Settlement in U.K. Tabloids Lawsuit The Duke of Sussex reached a settlement with News Group Newspaperswhich is responsible for The Sun as well as the now defunct News of the Worldon Jan. 22 after suing the organization in 2019 over alleged unlawful actions on the part of journalists and private investigators working for the newspapers to obtain information on the royal family. The deal included the company paying "substantial damages," as well as issuing a "full and unequivocal apology" to Harry and public acknowledgement of "the extensive coverage and serious intrusion into his private life as well as the private life of Diana, Princess of Wales, per NBC News. Kate Middleton Is in Remission After Finishing Chemotherapy for Cancer The Princess of Wales announced on Jan. 14 that she's in remission after complete cancer treatments. "It is a relief to now be in remission and I remain focused on recovery," she wrote in a message on X, formerly Twitter, Jan. 14. "As anyone who has experienced a cancer diagnosis will know, it takes time to adjust to a new normal." "I am however looking forward to a fulfilling year ahead," she continued. "There is much to look forward to." Meghan Markle's Longtime Dog Guy Dies The Duchess of Sussex mourned the death of her beloved rescue beagle, who she adopted in 2015 before meeting husband Prince Harry. She wrote on Instagram Jan. 7, "I have cried too many tears to count - the type of tears that make you get in the shower with the absurd hope that the running water on your face will somehow make you not feel them, or pretend theyre not there. But they are. And thats okay too." "Thank you for so many years of unconditional love, my sweet Guy," Meghan added. "You filled my life in ways youll never know." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prince William Mourns Death of Former Nanny's Stepson Edward "Ed" Pettiferstepson of Prince William and Prince Harry's former nanny Alexandra Pettifer, also known as Tiggy Legge-Bourkewas one of the victims of the New Year's Day terrorist attack in New Orleans. "Catherine and I have been shocked and saddened by the tragic death of Ed Pettifer," William said in a message posted on Kate Middleton's Instagram Stories Jan. 4. "Our thoughts and prayers remain with the Pettifer family and all those innocent people who have been tragically impacted by this horrific attack." Meghan Markle Rejoins Instagram to Reveal New Netflix Show The Suits alumwho shut down her personal social media accounts shortly before her 2018 wedding to Prince Harrydebuted a solo Instagram page on Jan. 1. A day later, she announced a new Netflix series titled With Love, Meghan, which "reimagines the genre of lifestyle programming, blending practical how-tos and candid conversation with friends, new and old," according to a press release. Kate Middleton, Prince William and Kids Attend Wimbledon Kate and William stepped out for a rare outing with kids Prince George and Princess Charlotte in honor of Wimbledon in June 2025. "A pleasure to be back in SW19 for the finals of this years @wimbledon Championships this weekend," the family wrote in an Instagram post at the time. "Congratulations again to @iga.swiatek and @janniksin on your wins! And a huge thank you to everybody involved in making the tournament so special." For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App NEED TO KNOW Kris Jenner explained why her familys annual Christmas Eve party might look different this year following her 70th birthday bash The famous momager had a lavish Bond-themed blowout attended by her children and A-list pals to celebrate her milestone birthday Her extravagant holiday party is an annual tradition her family has hosted since the 70s and usually takes place at one of their Southern California mansions The Kardashian-Jenner familys Christmas festivities might look a little different this year! Kris Jenner, 70, shared what she and her kids have in store this holiday season instead of their usual Christmas Eve bash during an interview with E! News published on Thursday, Nov. 13. The exclusive event has been hosted by the family since the 70s and attracts a star-studded guest list each year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It usually takes place at one of their sprawling Southern California mansions and features a lavish display of holiday decorations, however this year might be a more intimate gathering, Kris says. "We always have a Christmas party," The Kardashians star told E! News. "This year might be a little smaller than previous years because we just had a big party the other night for my 70th birthday, which was a blowout bash." Kim Kardashian/Instagram The Kardashian-Jenner family at their 2023 Christmas Eve party The Kardashian-Jenner family at their 2023 Christmas Eve party Related: https://people-app.onelink.me/HNIa/kz7l4cuf However, just because the festivities will likely be smaller, it doesnt mean their celebrations wont be in full swing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But we always celebrate at one of our homes Christmas Eve," she said, adding, "and we have the most beautiful Christmas Eve dinner, and we have lots of fun things for the kids to do." A family-only part for the Kardashian-Jenners is still a sizable affair, as Kris has 13 grandchildren in addition to her own famous children: daughters Kourtney Kardashian, Kim Kardashian, Khloe Kardashian, Kendall Jenner and Kylie Jenner, as well as son Rob Kardashian. Ahead of their familys party last year, Kim told Vogue they were eyeing a "really lowkey" party at the time. She also reflected on the "legendary Christmas Eve parties" her family has had over the years from an estimated $1.3 million winter wonderland in 2018 to their 2022 get-together that featured a performance from Sia. Kim Kardashian/Instagram Kim Kardashian's daughter North singing with Sia at one of their Christmas Eve parties Kris 70th birthday blowout certainly reflected a similar level of extravagance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To mark the milestone, the Kardashian-Jenner matriarch was joined by a star-studded guest list at the Bond-themed party. Along with her family and longtime partner Corey Gamble, friends like Mariah Carey, Paris Hilton, Oprah Winfrey, Vin Diesel and Adele. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle also attended the bash, though photos of them were later deleted from the family's social media posts. On Sunday, Nov. 9, Kris took to Instagram to share a look inside the "magical night," which was hosted at Jeff Bezos and Lauren Sanchez's Beverly Hills mansion and planned by the familys go-to event planner Mindy Weiss. Kris Jenner/Instagram The Kardashian-Jenner family at Kris' 70th birthday bash The Kardashian-Jenner family at Kris' 70th birthday bash Never miss a story sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. "Kris looked stunning. It was a total Old Hollywood glam," a source told PEOPLE of the celebration. "Everyone was talking about how amazing she looked." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The insider noted the extravaganza was not filmed for the family's Hulu reality series, The Kardashians, and that it "was just all about celebrating Kris." "It was everything you'd expect from Kris: over-the-top, glamorous and full of love from her family. It was obvious that she had the best night," the source continued. Read the original article on People Oscar-winner and Texan Matthew McConaughey has partnered with ElevenLabs to use artificial intelligence technology to bring his weekly newsletter to a wider audience. ElevenLabs launched in 2022 in New York to transform films, video games and audio books into other languages, the Associated Press reported. Actor Matthew McConaughey attends an NCAA college football game between Texas and Vanderbilt in Austin, Texas, Nov. 1, 2025. McConaughey has partnered with ElevenLabs to use artificial intelligence technology to bring his weekly newsletter to a wider audience. (Eric Gay/Associated Press) GOVERNOR MCCONAUGHEY: Matthew McConaughey for Texas governor? What we know about the rumors swirling online Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McConaughey has been collaborating with the company for years as an investor, early supporter, and now, as a customer, according to a news release from the company. ElevenLabs held its debut summit this week, which included a video from the actor in which he explained how ElevenLabs technology will help bring his weekly "Lyrics of Livin'" newsletter to Spanish speakers for the first time on Friday. A new edition drops each Friday at 4 p.m. "Now, Matthew's stories and content will be made available in Spanish audio, using his unmistakable voice and reaching an even wider audience," according to the release. Align Public Relations, which represents the actor, said McConaughey will still voice the English version. The AI Spanish version is used with McConaughey's consent and responsibly, a representative said, as he experiments with ways to bring the newsletter to other languages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People can subscribe here to his "Lyrics of Livin'" newsletter in Spanish. "I'm proud to share that I've been an investor in ElevenLabs for several years now," said McConaughey in a statement. "It's been amazing to see the growth from those early days to where the company, and the technology, is now. What's remained constant is the extraordinary storytelling capabilities and creative potential that ElevenLabs unlocks something that stood out to me from the start and that speaks to me as a professional storyteller." Actors Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson leave the field after leading Austin FC fans in the heartbeat of Austin chant ahead of the Austin FC MLS playoff match against LAFC at Q2 Stadium on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025 in Austin. McConaughey has partnered with ElevenLabs to use artificial intelligence technology to bring his weekly newsletter to a wider audience. (Aaron E. Martinez/Austin American-Statesman) NEW POETRY: Matthew McConaughey turns his words into poetry with new book Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the summit, it was also announced that British actor, Sir Michael Caine, would lend his voice on the ElevenReader app, and on the newly launched Iconic Marketplace. McConaughey's representative said how Caine's voice will be used is different from McConaughey's plans to use the technology. On Iconic Marketplace, companies can seek out iconic voices for projects and content, according to a release from the company. More than 25 other recognizable voices are featured, including Maya Angelou, Alan Turing, Liza Minelli and Art Garfunkel, according to the release. "For years, I've lent my voice to stories that moved people - tales of courage, of wit, of the human spirit. Now, I'm helping others find theirs. With ElevenLabs, we can preserve and share voices - not just mine, but anyone's," said Sir Michael Caine in a statement. "ElevenLabs is at the very forefront of technology, using innovation not to replace humanity, but to celebrate it." British actor Michael Caine poses for a photograph in London, Oct. 11, 2018. British actor, Sir Michael Caine, will lend his voice on the ElevenReader app, and on the newly launched Iconic Marketplace. (Vianney Le Caer/Associated Press) This article originally published at Matthew McConaughey's using AI to convert his real voice from English to Spanish for weekly newsletter. King Charles, reportedly, might be in favour of Meghan Markles post on Prince Harry. The Duchess of Sussex recently shared a video of her husband on her social media. The post dedicated to Remembrance Day witnessed the prince in military uniform. Now, according to a source, the post wont be an issue for the monarch and the royal family. Meghan Markles tribute post to Prince Harry approved by King Charles, says source As per a former royal butler, Grant Harrold, Meghan Markles post for Prince Harry wont be an issue for King Charles. For the unversed, Harrold worked for the king between 2007 and 2011. He told Reach Plc that the monarch would be happy to see his daughter-in-law acknowledging veterans. The old employee shared, Its a very powerful video, and a very emotive post. He further added, Its definitely showing Meghans move to a more celebrity approach to social media, sharing the video she wants and feels are important on key days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a really nice post, Harrold continued. He explained, I dont think the Royal Family will feel badly about it at all, I think they will approve it.. Shes marking Veterans Day which is Americas version of Remembrance Day and showing her pride in the active service her husband undertook, he said. Harrold concluded, The King was extremely proud of his son serving in Afghanistan. As such, he will be glad at Meghan acknowledging and respecting this. Talking more about the former Suits alums post, the 44-year-old posted a clip of her husbands second deployment in Afghanistan. In the video, he is seen giving an interview but is forced to leave midway following a military alert. Further, she has added a picture of the princes time at the Sunnybrook Hospitals Veterans Centre in Toronto. Markle captioned the post, As my husband says, Once served. Always serving. Thank you to all who served, sacrificed, and continue to serve. Honoring you on Veterans Day. And every day.. Prince Harry was in the military between 2005 and 2015, during which he made two tours to Afghanistan. The post Meghan Markles Post on Prince Harry Had an Impact on King Charles Report appeared first on Reality Tea. Republican pundit Megyn Kelly has expressed outrage that a conservative satirical comedy site would make fun of her. The Babylon Bee, a right-wing version of the much funnier The Onion, mocked Kelly as the political commentator appears to become increasingly critical of Israel. Megyn Kelly shared her outrage to her 3.7 million X followers. / Alex Wroblewski / AFP via Getty Images The Babylon Bee published an article titled Megyn Kelly Gets Rid Of Old Pager Just To Be Safe, which it also shared with its 5 million X followers. The headline references a September 2024 large-scale explosive pager attack that Israel was accused of carrying out in Lebanon and Syria against Hezbollah, which killed dozens of people and injured thousands more. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response, Kelly, 54, wrote WTF while replying to the Babylon Bee and tagging the sites founder, Seth Dillon. The Babylon Bee has since deleted the post and the corresponding article. I assume they deleted it because its more offensive to Israel than to Megyn Kelly, MAGA podcaster Tim Pool posted. The joke implies Israel assassinates Americans for criticizing them. An archived version shows the satirical article claiming Kelly quietly tossed her pager in the trash as a safety measure after being drawn into controversy online as part of the ongoing debate within the political right over the U.S.s relationship with the nation of Israel. The article also featured a fake quote from Kelly saying, You can never be too safe these days. From what Ive seen, being opposed to Israel and carrying a pager can be a dangerous combination. Plus, its 2025, so pagers dont really serve any purpose. Ryan Girdusky was taken off air after a pager joke on CNN. / CNN As noted by Mediaite, Kelly was not as outraged last October when Republican commentator Ryan Girdusky made a similar offensive joke about liberal Muslim broadcaster Mehdi Hasan after the pager attack. During a CNN discussion on antisemitism, Girdusky appeared to imply Hasan was a terrorist, saying, I hope your beeper doesnt go off. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Girdusky was banned from appearing on CNN over the remarks, which Kelly described in October 2024 as absurd theater and a holier-than-thou act. Israel was accused of remotely detonating pagers being used by Hezbollah. / Houssam Shbaro / Anadolu via Getty Images Kelly has joined other MAGA political commentators, including Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens, in becoming more vocally critical of Israel, while attacking conservatives who offer unbridled support of Israel. The Babylon Bee article was published after Kelly described on her show how Charlie Kirkwho was shot and killed in Septemberhad insisted that Carlson go max in his criticism of Israel during a Turning Point USA event in July 2024. During the event, Carlson pushed the conspiracy theory that Jeffrey Epstein was working as a spy for the Israeli intelligence service Mossad. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Charlie understood what was happening to the conservative movement over Israel. He probably understood it better than any of us, because he absolutely loved Israel, and yet he represented and was of young people, Kelly said Wednesday. He knew that even on the right side of the aisle, they had turned and were turning on Israel. The Daily Beast has contacted Kelly and The Babylon Bee for comment. Sean Diddy Combs closest kin are gearing up for a vicious slugfest over his $400 million fortune, sources tell the National Enquirer. Family insiders say the felons seven kids are lawyering up in a bid to seize control of his finances from his 85-year-old, but still feisty, mom, Janice. This could turn into an all-out war, warns one insider. Youve got massive egos and hundreds of millions on the line. Its not just going to get ugly, its going to get explosive. Diddy, 56, has good reason to fear his prodigal brood Quincy, 34; Justin, 31; Christian, 27; Chance, 19; twins Jessie and DLila, 18; and toddler Love is looking to get their mitts on his fortune, insiders say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In March, reports surfaced of the kids blowing their dads bucks all while the rapper was held without bail in Brooklyns dreaded Metropolitan Detention Center, per New York Post. Social media photos showed Quincy enjoying a tropical getaway, while Christian shopped for diamond-encrusted watches and designer jackets and rode camels in Mexico with his girlfriend. Sister Chance uploaded images of herself horseback-riding on a beach, while the twins sported matching designer bikinis on a yacht in St. Barts. Sources say his kids have jetted off to California, Hawaii, Texas, Florida and other states, as well as Mexico, Italy, India, Ireland, Canada and St. Martin all on his private plane! Private jet trips aint cheap, notes an insider. Puff be paying through the nose every time that thing flies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Diddy was sentenced on Oct. 3 to 50 months in prison with credit for approximately 14 months served. While hes doing time, Diddy should give an institution, like a bank, power of attorney over his assets or better yet transfer them into a living trust, says an attorney specializing in trusts and estates. That way, its less likely youll have emotional conflicts and conflicts of interests, Massachusetts-based lawyer Matthew Erskine tells the Enquirer. Regardless, sources say tough-as-nails mother Janice an ex-model and teachers aide who raised Diddy and his sister after his dads 1972 murder wont be denied her slice of the pie. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Janice has been by Diddys side since the days he was hustling mixtapes out of a trunk, a source says. Shes old-school tough. Anyone thinking they can push her out of her sons empire better be ready, because this showdowns gonna get downright nasty. Read More From National Enquirer This story Sean Diddy Combs Children Lawyering Up to Seize Control Over His Finances From His Mother first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Bryan Kohberger has a potential new source of income. The former criminology grad student, who pleaded guilty to the 2022 murders of University of Idaho students Kaylee Goncalves, 21, Madison Mogen, 21, Xana Kernodle, 20, and Ethan Chapin, 20, owes more than $350,000 in restitution to his victims families, along with fees and fines. And in a ruling filed on Thursday, November 13 the third anniversary of the brutal slayings judge Steven Hippler declared that he has no excuse not to pay because he receives donations and could work in prison. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, Hippler suggested that Kohberger, 30, could also sell the story of his brutal stabbing spree for cash. An Idaho law that prevents criminals from profiting off of their crimes, leaves open the potential for Defendant to receive money from media contracts in the future which would not be source of earning potential for restitution purposes. Latah County, Idaho, prosecutor had argued that the victims families should get any money that Kohberger makes on movies or books about the case at a hearing on Wednesday, November 5. The prisoners attorney ruled out the possibility that he would do so, calling it speculation, per the Daily Mail, but now he has the judges go-ahead to do just that. Kohberger is serving four consecutive life sentences at the Idaho Maximum Security Institution. Read More From National Enquirer This story University of Idaho Murderer Bryan Kohberger Can Sell the Story of His Stabbing Spree, Judge Rules first appeared on National Enquirer. Add National Enquirer as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Benzinga and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue on some items through the links below. Filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola's island retreat in Belize has sold for $1.8 million, Mansion Global reports. The 2.5-acre self-sufficient island, known as Coral Caye, is an 8-mile boat ride from the mainland and is equipped with its own water tanks and solar panels. Coppola, director of classic movies like "The Godfather" trilogy and "Apocalypse Now," had leased the island for the past nine years, with his tenancy ending last month, according to Mansion Global. Don't Miss: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Mr. Coppola was very sad to see his lease come to an end," listing broker Peter McLean of Corcoran told Mansion Global. "He treasured his time on this island paradise and it was a special place for him." McClean said Coppola, 86, visited the island every three to six months. The property was last listed in 2022 for $2.2 million, Mansion Global reported. The buyer is a Guatemalan businessman who plans a significant conversion of the property into a Maldives-style resort. The new development will have guest rooms both on dry land and extending over the surrounding coral reef via private walkways. Trending: From Moxy Hotels to $12B in Real Estate The Firm Behind NYC's Trendiest Properties Is Letting Individual Investors In. The resort is expected to be finished in 12 to 18 months, but the island will continue to operate using the existing structures in the interim. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sheltered behind the Belize Barrier Reef, the island was once a commercial fishing camp. It currently has three residences the Great House, Coral Cottage and Seahorse Cottage that can collectively accommodate up to 10 guests. Adding a quirky footnote to the transaction, a furry resident of the island was included in the sale. "The dog that he kept on the island will remain a resident," McClean told Mansion Global. "Rosie, the dog, became a vital part of the island's welcoming personality and really enjoys her time roaming the island and swimming on the beach." See Also: This Jeff Bezos-backed startup will allow you to become a landlord in just 10 minutes, with minimum investments as low as $100. The island's seller was Los Angeles-based lawyer Terry Tao, who owned the island for about 10 years and built the main house. Tao did not respond to Mansion Global's requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Earlier this year, the New York Post reported that Coppola's former Los Angeles home was listed for $2.25 million. Coppola, who purchased the home in 1994, sold it to his daughter-in-law, costume designer Jacqui Getty and her director daughter Gia Coppola in 2013. Read Next: From Chipotle to Red Bull, Top Brands Are Already Building With Modern Mill's Tree-Free Wood Alternative Here's How You Can Invest Too Image: Shutterstock This article That's A Wrap On Paradise Francis Ford Coppola Sells His Self-Sufficient Private Island Escape For $1.8 Million originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Alphabet's Waymo started providing paid passenger trips on major freeways this week. This contradicts Tesla CEO Elon Musk's August statement that the company's multi-sensor approach prevents highway operation, reported Business Insider. What happened? On Wednesday, Waymo opened freeway access to paying riders in Phoenix, San Francisco, and Los Angeles. The service now includes routes on highways like California's 101. A Business Insider demonstration showed the freeway option saved 17 minutes on one Bay Area trip. No problems occurred during the ride. Musk posted on X in August that Waymo's combination of sensors creates problems. The company's vehicles carry five lidar units, six radar components, and 29 cameras. According to Musk, lidar and radar readings "disagree" with camera information. "This sensor ambiguity causes increased, not decreased, risk," Musk wrote. "That's why Waymos can't drive on highways." Tesla's CEO has long criticized lidar, describing it as an expensive "crutch." He declared in 2019 that "anyone relying on lidar is doomed." Tesla's own self-driving system only uses cameras. On Wednesday, Musk responded to a post from Google's chief scientist, Jeff Dean, about Waymo's freeway access by writing, "Congrats," on X. Why does Waymo's freeway expansion matter? The debate over autonomous vehicle sensors shapes how quickly self-driving electric cars might replace gas-powered vehicles on roads. Faster adoption of autonomous EVs may lower transportation pollution. In a 2022 research paper, Waymo engineers discussed addressing "ambiguity" between camera and radar inputs. Their method uses radar and lidar to verify camera readings for distance (though this doesn't eliminate all conflicts). Wider availability of robotaxi services might speed the transition away from personal car ownership. Fewer individually owned vehicles mean less manufacturing demand and lower overall pollution from transportation. What can I do about transportation pollution? Make your next vehicle purchase an electric one. EVs produce zero tailpipe pollution and cost less to operate than gas cars. When you can, take public transportation or join a carpool. Sharing rides means fewer total vehicles traveling the same routes. Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit performs onstage during Leeds Festival at Bramham Park on August 24, 2025 in Leeds, England. (Matthew Baker/Getty Images) Limp Bizkit's scheduled concert in Estonia has been canceled, the country's news organization ERR reports. The show's organizer, Baltic Live Agency, says, "We inform you that due to circumstances beyond the organizer's control, the Limp Bizkit concert planned for May 31, 2026, is canceled. Our apologies!" The news comes after comments previously made by frontman Fred Durst regarding Russia's 2014 annexation of Crimea from Ukraine resurfaced. Durst had been photographed holding a sign reading "Crimea=Russia" and was reportedly banned from Ukraine in 2015. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Estonia supports Ukraine's territorial integrity and the principle that every last centimeter of Ukrainian territory belongs to Ukraine," Ministry of Foreign Affairs media advisor Brita Kikkas told ERR. Regarding Durst's past comments, Baltic Live Agency media manager Gunnar Viese says, "The only way we can explain it is that at the time (until 2019), Fred Durst was married to a Russian Crimean woman and evidently living in a distorted information bubble." In other, presumably unrelated, international Limp Bizkit news, Yungblud is no longer listed on the bill for the "Break Stuff" outfit's upcoming Latin American tour. Instead, the lineup now features Bullet for My Valentine. ABC Audio has reached out to reps for Yungblud for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Limp Bizkit's Latin American tour, which launches Nov. 29, marks the band's first live outing since the death of bassist Sam Rivers in October. Copyright 2025, ABC Audio. All rights reserved. Rapper Yella Beezy, whose legal name is Markies Conway, has recently been granted permission by a Dallas County judge to leave house arrest one day per week for up to five hours to record music in a studio. The change to the infamous rappers house arrest limitations was announced earlier this week, after Complex Magazine obtained a collection of new court documents on November 9. The adjustment to his bond conditions comes as Conway prepares for his trial on capital murder charges scheduled for February 2026. These charges stem from the brazen murder of rapper Mo3, which occurred in broad daylight on Highway I-35 in November 2020. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dallas County Judge Chika Anyiam approved the modification, allowing Conway to leave his house and visit recording studios; however, the judge imposed some limitations: no drugs, no weapons, and no contact with any protected individuals. Conway, 33, has remained under house arrest since posting a reduced $750,000 bond following his March 18, 2025, indictment by a grand jury, as previously reported by The Dallas Express. The murder case is currently scheduled for a February 2, 2026, trial date. Prosecutors allege that Conway organized a murder-for-hire plot, hiring a man named Kewon Dontrell White to kill Mo3, whose real name was Melvin Noble, after the rappers very public, longstanding feud. The indictment followed investigators claims of financial connections, including Conways withdrawal of $40,000 in cash shortly before the shooting. Mo3 was killed on November 11, 2020, in a midday ambush on Interstate 35 in Dallas. According to the police, White, wearing a ski mask, approached Mo3s vehicle in the middle of the highway, prompting the rapper to get out of his car on the highway before being shot multiple times in the back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A bystander was also injured in the shooting but survived. White was arrested in December 2020 and is currently serving a nine-year sentence on federal gun charges. He faces separate state charges related to the murder. A second individual, Devin Maurice Brown, was indicted on federal gun and drug charges but has since denied involvement in the killing. Conway has pleaded not guilty to the capital murder charge, which carries the possibility of the death penalty under Texas law. Prior to the murder-for-hire allegations, Conway faced unrelated charges in 2021, including sexual assault, on top of his other past charges for weapons and drug offenses. BEAVER On a snowy December night in Budapest, Hungary, circa 1930s, customers take refuge from the cold in a warm and softly lit shop, an apothecary dealing in soaps, fragrances, sundries and general good cheer. This is the setting for "Parfumerie," a unique Christmas comedy/drama written originally by Miklos Laszlo and adapted by his nephew, E. P. Dowdall. It is the final show in the Bobcat Players 2025 season, and it arrives just in time to greet the holidays with a timely message of hope and humor even in the bleakest of winters. "Parfumerie" is a little-known, rarely performed theatrical gem, but, ironically, it has inspired several very popular movies and musicals, including "She Loves Me" and "Youve Got Mail." And although the play introduces the lovers/rivals that eventually were turned cinematic by Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan, "Parfumerie" contains a veritable parade of other memorable characters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here, when the audience enters the little shop on Vaci Street, it will meet a conflicted store owner; a philandering sales clerk and his equally impetuous paramour; a sage old philosopher; a saucy but sincere delivery boy; and, of course, the pair of clerks who spark animosity in the shop while kindling true love via letters. "Parfumerie" boasts a large ensemble cast, combining Bobcat Player veterans with relative newcomers to the Beaver stage. Heading the cast are long-time audience favorites Keith Zagorski and Michael Prest. Zagorski appears as the irascible Milos Hammerschmidt, the shop owner who is struggling with a devastating financial depression, an oppressive government, and, most personally, his wifes infidelity. His character is a challenge, ranging from emotions of rage to remorse to regret. The Bobcat Players' cast for 'Parfumerie' is, front row, Olivia Mason of New Sewickley Township, row 2, (l. to r.) Manuel Garcia of Vanport Township; Mike Prest of Brighton Township; Katy Grant-Blair of Mount Lebanon; and Ernesto Sanchez of Bridgeville, row 3, (l. to r.) Amy Sikora Baschnagel of North Park; Jennifer Kopach of Bridgeville; Keith Zagorski of Beaver; Jason Fernandez of Chippewa Township; Kathi Finch of Sewickley; and Cathy Ciesielski of Economy, back row, (l. to r.) Eric Vollmer of Cranberry Township; Zachary Beckett of Poland, Ohio; and Amy Baschnagel of North Park. I think Hammerschmidt is a great example of how stress/pressure/disappointment can really affect our attitudes and interactions with others," Zagorski said. "We get to see this character in very human ways, from the worst: jealous, hurt, lashing out to embarrassment, regret, thankfulness, and joy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prest plays the chief clerk George Horvath, who faces his own conflicts. He is constantly at odds with fellow clerk Amalia Balash (Katy Grant-Blair), the unknown object of his affections. At the same time, he is bewildered by Hammerschmidts irritability, which is always aimed at him. Audiences should relate to Horvath, Prest said, because hes very passionate, and hes loyal. Even in the face of false accusations, he finds understanding in the supposed reasons for his firing ... Hes also a hopeless romantic at heart. I mean, youd have to be to fall for someone youve never met in letters alone. I think most people like a good love story! Grant-Blair makes her third appearance on the Bobcat stage as the spirited Amalia, equal parts spunk and sensitivity. She describes the shop fondly. The shop really is the heart of the show and the catalyst for some really lovely dynamics between the characters ... Most people will be familiar with 'Youve Got Mail' and 'She Loves Me,' but 'Parfumerie' is the reason they exist. Of her character, the much maligned Amalia, Grant-Blair said, There is something so pure and relatable to watching someone fall in love and see how it changed them as a person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Co-directors Toyauna Slappy and Patti Ross have been busy bringing their vision of the little shop on Vaci Street to life for their audiences. The show has been a challenge because it is prop-heavy, and the directors have been doing their best to maintain the authenticity of the time period. Their goal is to recreate the Christmas season of 1930s Hungary, an era when goodwill toward men fought to prevail in the midst of poverty and oppression. In addition to Zagorski, Prest and Grant-Blair, the cast includes Ernesto Sanchez, Kathi Finch, Eric Vollmer and Jennifer Kopach as the shop clerks; Many Garcia and Olivia Mason as the couriers; Zachary Beckett as the police officer; Jason Fernandez as the private detective; and Amy Sikora Baschnagel, Kathy Ciesielski and Kate Record as the customers. Parfumerie runs at the Ed Schaughency Theater in Beaver Area High School Nov. 14, 15 20, 21 and 22. Curtain is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets may be purchased for $15 online at bobcatplayers.yapsody.com; at the Hostess Shoppe, Third Street, Beaver; by phone at 878-207-0309; or at the door on the evenings of performances This article originally appeared on Beaver County Times: Bobcat Players end 2025 season with 'Parfumerie' Jodi Arias crime has been documented in many projects. Now her story will again be the subject of the upcoming Gray Media and Arizonas Family documentary Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias. Life & Style breaks down everything to know about Arias, her murder case and the upcoming documentary. Who Is Jodi Arias? Arias previously made headlines when she was accused of killing her ex-boyfriend Travis Alexander while he was in the shower at his home in Mesa, Arizona in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation into Alexanders murder, Arias told police that her ex was killed by intruders who threatened to kill her after. "He was kneeling down in the shower, I don't remember, I was taking pictures, and I don't really know what happened after that exactly, except I think he was shot," Arias told police, per ABC News. "I was on my knees here and I heard this loud ring, I don't really remember except Travis was screaming. Ariana Grande Attacked by Fan on Wicked Red Carpet Premiere In Singapore Cynthia Erivo Steps In Fast Arias was found guilty of killing Alexander in May 2013, and she was sentenced to life in prison for the crime, according to ABC News. What Sentence Did Jodi Arias Receive? Two juries were unable to decide if Arias should receive the death penalty, so it was up to Judge Sherry Stephens to decide if she would serve her natural life in prison or have the possibility of parole after 25 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's my firm belief that death would bring me untold peace and freedom. If I die today, I would be free and I would be at peace," Arias said in her final plea to be considered for parole, per ABC News. "For years, that's exactly what I wanted. But I have to fight for my life just like I did on June 4, 2008 because I realize how selfish it would be for me to escape accountability for this mess that I created." She went on to claim that Alexander was trying to attack her before she stabbed him and shot him. "To this day I cannot believe I was capable of doing something that terrible," Arias said in court. "I'm truly disgusted and I'm repulsed with myself. I wish there was some way I could take it back." Mother of 4 Fatally Stabbed in Her New York City Apartment Building Hallway Arias was ultimately sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole in April 2015. What Is Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias About? Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias is an hour-long program that dives deep into Alexanders high-profile murder case, according to Arizona Family. The documentary will focus on Arias psychological state from her teenage years to the present day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The documentary will feature interviews with those directly involved in the case, as well Alexander and Arias friends and colleagues. When Does Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias Premiere? Obsessed: Unraveling Jodi Arias will premiere on Monday, November 17 on Arizonas Family mobile app and TV apps. Viewers can also catch the project on YouTube beginning on Thursday, November 20. In addition to the documentary, an accompanying podcast will debut on Monday, November 24, on the True Crime Arizona podcast. With a long history dating back thousands of years, Greece's impact on the entire world cannot be overstated. From mathematics to mythology, philosophy and law, arts and music, and more, so many of the things and concepts we take for granted today had their roots in Ancient Greece. Even today, modern Greece still shines as a hub for culture, archaeology, and tourism. In fact, the world we know would not exist without Greece as part of its history. So, if you are thinking of getting a dog or if you have Greek roots yourself, why not give your furry family member a Greek name? To help you out, we rounded up 140+ Greek dog names with meaning for your mythical pup. After all, Greek culture is endlessly fascinating, and if you're a pet parent who's particularly fascinated with this marvelous Mediterranean country, this list could be great to inspire what you're going to call your dog. The best part is, these Greek dog names fit pooches of every size, shade and temperament! From Golden Retrievers to Terriers to guard dogs to pretty dogs and everything in-between. So what are you waiting on? Check them out below! We have Greek God puppy names, Greek goddess dog names, Greek dog names for males and females, Greek mythology names for dogs, and more. Trust us, you're bound to find a divine moniker you love. Greek Dog Names For Boys and Girls A white dog sleeping on a balcony overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Many of the Greek names that we see used every day have their origins far back in the culture of Ancient Greecetake Alexander, Christopher, or Katherine, just to name a few examples. We've got some of our favorite authentic Greek dog names for males and females below! Male Greek Dog Names A dog looking out over the Aegean Sea who has a male Greek dog name. Paris: In Greek mythology, he was the Prince of Troy whose actions started the legendary Trojan War. Nico: Short for Nikolas, meaning victory of the people. Manolis: The Greek form of the name Emmanuel, meaning God is with us. Vasileios: A variation of the Greek name Basileios, meaning king. Thanos: Not just the name of a Marvel supervillain, Thanos is the short form of Athanasios, meaning immortal. Stavros: Cross, specifically Christs cross. Damon: To tame. Achilles: In Greek mythology, Achilles was a mighty and nigh-invulnerable warrior, save for a fatal weak point on his heel. Cosmas: The world, the universe. Theo: Short for Theodore, meaning gift of God. Odysseus: In Greek mythology, Odysseus is a character in The Iliad and the main protagonist of The Odyssey. Petros: Rock, stone. Dimitris: devoted to Demeter (the Greek goddess of the harvest. Atlas: A figure from Greek mythology, cursed to forever hoist the heavens on his shoulders. Giannis: A Greek version of the name John, meaning Yahweh is gracious in Hebrew. Nestor: Returner, homecomer. Stelios: Short for Stylianos, meaning pillar. Tasos: Short form of Anastasios, meaning resurrection. Dion: Of Zeus Stefanos: Crown, wreath. Ioannis: Another variation of the name John. Kostas: Short for Konstantinos, the Greek version of Constantine, aka the first Christian emperor of Rome. Spiro: Derived from the Greek name Spyridon, meaning basket. Female Greek Dog Names A black dog near the village of Oia in Santorini who has a female Greek dog name. Thalia: To blossom. Xanthe: Blonde or fair-haired. Stavroula: Feminine form of Stavros. Phoebe: Bright or pure. Melia: Ash tree. Despina: Mistress, lady. Selene: Moon. Eleni: The modern Greek form of Helen, a character from Greek mythology. Katerina: The meaning is uncertain, but the name could be derived from the Greek goddess Hecate. Its also been associated with the Greek word katharos, meaning pure. Daphne: Laurel. Antigone: The daughter of Jocasta and Oedipus in Greek legend. Themis: Law of nature. Chrysa: Golden. Penelope: In The Odyssey, Penelope was the faithful wife of the hero Odysseus. Fotini: Light. Aura: Breeze. Anna: Derived from Hannah, meaning favor or grace in Hebrew. Asteria: The feminine form of Asterios, meaning starry. Chloe: Green shoot (as in new plant growth in the springtime). Smaroula: A diminutive, feminine form of Smaragdos, meaning emerald. Mia: Diminutive form of the name Maria, which has an origin of uncertain meaning. Greek Mythology Names for Dogs A white dog hiking in the mountains of Greece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So many of us grew up reading stories of Greek mythology or watching movies like Hercules or Clash of the Titans, and for good reason! Greek mythology is full of big, over-the-top, dramatic gods, demigods, and mortals, from the heavens down to Hades. There's a true treasure trove of larger-than-life characters to pull from if you want a dog name inspired by Greek mythology, but these Greek dogs names represent a few of the heavy-hitters, so to speak. Hippolyta: Queen of the female warrior race, the Amazons, and daughter of Ares, god of war. Jason: A mythological hero who led the Argonauts and went on a legendary quest for the Golden Fleece. Medea: A mythological sorceress-queen, granddaughter of the god Helios. Castor and Pollux: Two twin half-brothers. Pollux, who was fathered by Zeus, was immortal, but his brother was not. Pollux asked Zeus if he would make his brother immortal too, and Zeus did so by transforming them both into the constellation Gemini. They are the patron gods of sailors. Orpheus: A legendary musician and poet who traveled with the Argonauts. Chaos: The first being to exist in Greek cosmologybut a fun name for a rambunctious puppy, too. Hephaestus: God of fire, blacksmiths, and volcanoes. Calliope: The muse of epic poetry. Clio: The Muse of history and lyre-playing. Medusa: A Gorgon with live snakes for hair whose gaze turned men to stone. Pegasus: A winged white stallion in Greek mythology. Heracles: A super-strong demigod and son of Zeus, better known in the US by his Roman name, Hercules. Scylla and Charybdis: Two sister sea monsters who fought against Odysseus crew in the Odyssey. Cerberus: The three-headed canine guardian of the underworld. Thetis: A sea nymph and water goddess. Pandora: The hapless early human who unwittingly unleashed misfortune onto mankind. Icarus: A mortal man who flew high on wax-feathered wings until he flew too close to the sun, that is. Arachne: A skilled mortal weaver who challenged Athena to a weaving contest and won. Her prize? Being turned into a spider for her hubris. Greek gods are sore losers. Greek God Puppy Names A young hound dog playing on a Grecian beach. Even if you're not a big history or mythology buff, I'm willing to bet that you'd be able to list off at least a few Greek gods if I asked you tothat's how deeply Greek mythology is woven into our culture. If you want your puppy to grow up with a powerful name, look up to the heights of Mt. Olympus to steal a few lofty names from the Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Greece. All the big "A-listers" from the pantheon are on here, but we also made sure to include a few of the lesser-known deities for variety on our Greek God puppy name roundup. Eris: The goddess of discord and strifea real rabble-rouser in Greek mythology. Nike: The goddess of victory. Artemis: The goddess of the hunt. Hermes: The herald of the gods. Aphrodite: Goddess of love. Zephyrus: Personified god of the west wind. Tyche: Goddess of fortune. Hades: The god of the underworld.. Hestia: Goddess of the hearth. Poseidon: God of the seas. Dionysus: God of wine, fertility, partying, and madness. Pan: The satyr god of the wild. Harmonia: The goddess of harmonyessentially the opposite of Eris. Zeus: King of the heavens, ruler of all gods. Persephone: Wife of Hades and the goddess of springtime. Apollo: The god of the Sun, music, poetry, and archery. Demeter: Goddess of the harvest and mother of Persephone. Leto: One of the Titans, mother of Apollo and Artemis. Athena: The goddess of wisdom and strategy. Hera: The wife of Zeus, queen of the gods. Pallas: One of the Titans and a god of warcraft. Gaea: Mother Earth, the personification of the earth. Helios: The personification of the sun. Hecate: Goddess of magic and witchcraft. Nyx: Goddess of night. Ares: God of war. Iris: The personified goddess of the rainbow and messenger to the gods. Dog Names Inspired By Iconic Greek Locations A dog with a Greek name sleeping on a wall near a village in Santorini, Greece. From its idyllic islands to its rolling inland countryside dotted throughout with ancient historical sites, Greece is abundant with iconic locales. Whether Greece is your vacation spot or you dream of visiting it one day, take inspiration from the countryside itself with some of these Greek names for dogs inspired by some of the country's most famous islands, cities, and historical sites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naxos: The largest of the Cyclades islands and a popular tourist destination. Macedonia: The largest region of Greece, located in the mountainous north. Heraklion: The capital of Crete. Corfu: One of the Ionian islands in northwestern Greece. Acropolis: An Ancient Greek citadel, Athens most recognizable landmark. Hydra: One of the Saronic islands, its name comes from the Greek word for water and refers to its many springs, not the multi-headed monster from Greek mythology. Santorini: A beautiful, scenic Greek island and a popular tourist locale. Athens: The capital of Greece. Kefalonia: A Greek island whose historical sites and quaint fishing villages have become tourist attractions. Olympus: The highest mountain in Greece and the home of the gods in Greek mythology. Attica: A peninsular region of Greece that encompasses Athens and its surrounding metropolitan area. Vergina: A town in Northern Greece and the site of Aigai, another UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site. Delphi: A precinct in Greece where Pythia, the legendary Oracle of Delphi, once presided in ancient times. Syros: One of the islands in the Cyclades. Thessaloniki (Tessa for short!): The second most populous city in Greece and capital of the Macedonia region. Crete: The largest of the Greek islands. Mycenae: An ancient Greek archaeological site included on the UNESCO World Heritage list. Rhodes: A Greek island that once held the Colossus of Rhodes, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World. Milos: An island and popular tourist destination; its also where the famous Venus de Milo was discovered. Mykonos: A Greek island beloved by tourists for its beauty and great nightlife. Knossos: A Cretan archaeological site dating back to the Bronze Age. Dog Names Inspired By Greek Cuisine A ginger pup with a Greek dog name lying on a terrace in Levkas, Greece. Food-themed dog names will never not be popular, but let's be honest: some of them, as cute as they are, are a bit overdone. There's already plenty of Biscuits and Cocos and Mochis and Porkchops at the dog park (no offense to the dogs that have those names); why not do something more creative by pulling some inspiration from the mouthwatering world of authentic Greek cuisine instead? Choriatiki: The classic Greek salad, made with cucumbers, tomatoes, peppers, red onions, olives, and feta cheese. Baklava: A layered pastry made from phyllo dough stuffed with chopped nuts and honey. Feta: A soft, tart cheese made from sheeps milk. Stifado: A hearty Greek stew with a sauce made from tomatoes, red wine, vinegar, and cinnamon. Pasteli: A traditional Greek candy bar made from sesame seeds and honey. Gyro: Sliced rotisserie stuffed into pita bread with vegetables and tzatziki sauce. Moussaka: A delicious layered dish of ground meat sauce and roasted eggplant baked with a creamy bechamel sauce. Dolmades: Grape leaves stuffed with rice, herbs, and sometimes meat. Gigantes: A dish of buttery, slow-cooked lima beans. Tzatziki: A creamy yogurt sauce flavored with cucumbers, lemon, garlic, and dill. Tsoureki: A sweet, soft, and fluffy holiday bread served on Easter. Saganaki: A gooey, pan-fried cheese dish. Ouzo: A strong aperitif flavored with anise seed. Pastitso: a baked pasta dish with bechamel and cinnamon-flavored meat sauce, often referred to as Greek lasagna. Fasolada: A hearty white bean and tomato soup. Gemitsa: Oven-roasted tomatoes and peppers stuffed with rice. Phyllo: A thin and flaky pastry dough used in lots of dessert recipes in Greek, Turkish, and Balkan cuisines. Spanakopita: A flaky spinach and cheese pie made from phyllo dough. Tiropita: A cheese pie made with phyllo dough. Souvlaki: Meat and vegetables grilled on a skewer. Dog Names Inspired By Greek Cultural Icons A fluffy yellow dog reclining near a church on a Greek island. Since ancient times, countless Greek men and women have made their mark on the history and culture of the world, becoming immortal legends whose legacies are still revered to this day. Any pup should be proud to carry a Greek dog name inspired by one of these incredible Greek icons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cleopatra: Though born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, Ancient Egypts last pharaoh was of Greek heritage. El Greco: The nickname of 16th-century artist Domenikos Theotokopoulos, considered one of the greatest painters of all time. Yanni: A renowned composer of new age and world music with more than 40 platinum and gold albums in his catalogue of music. Irene: For Irene Pappas, one of Greeces most famous actresses with an astonishing career spanning five decades: Homer: The blind poet who authored The Iliad and The Odyssey. Sophocles: A Greek playwright who penned the infamous Oedipus Rex. Helen: One of the legendary central figures of the Trojan War in Homers Iliad. Agnodice: A legendary Greek figure who bucked Athenian law preventing women from working to become Athens first midwife. Pericles: An Ancient Greek general and one of Athens most influential leaders. Santas/Glezos: Apostolos Santas and Manolis Glezos were two best friends who fought together for Greek liberation in WWII. They became national heroes after tearing down the occupying Nazi flag from the Athens Acropolis in a daring act of resistance. Elia: For Elia Kazan, a Greek-American screenwriter and one of the most renowned directors in Hollywood history. Aesop: An ancient Greek storyteller whose works still survive to this dayyouve definitely heard some of Aesops fables before. Plato: An influential Greek philosopher and theorist. Alexander: A Greek military leader who created one of the largest empires in history by age 30. Maria: For Maria Callas, one of the greatest opera sopranos in history. Archimedes: A Greek mathematician and scholar whose work influenced mathematics as well still practice it today. Vangelis: A renowned composer and a pioneer of ambient synth music. Diamanda: For Diamanda Galas, the influential Greek-American avant-garde musician and activist. Sappho: The ancient Greek poet best known for her romantic and, well, sapphic verses. Socrates: Credited as the founder of Western Philosophy. Leonidas: An ancient king of Sparta who battled against the Persian army, his story was memorialized in the Frank Miller comic book (and subsequent movie adaptation) 300. This story was originally reported by PetHelpful on Nov 14, 2025, where it first appeared in the Dogs section. Add PetHelpful as a Preferred Source by clicking here. The pursuit of happiness is a fundamental human desire. Although happiness is subjective, several countries consistently stand out in global well-being assessments. These countries often share characteristics like strong social safety nets, high levels of trust, and an emphasis on personal freedom. It's crucial to acknowledge that happiness is a complex and nuanced emotion. While these rankings offer valuable data, they only provide a glimpse into the bigger picture. Factors such as cultural nuances, personal experiences, and individual beliefs also play a significant role in shaping one's overall sense of well-being. This article explores the top 15 happiest countries in the world based on the World Happiness Report. We will examine the elements that contribute to their happiness and discover valuable insights that can enhance our own lives in our own home countries, states, and cities. 1. Finland Image Credit: Helsinki port, Finland / Deposit Photos. For an impressive sixth year in a row, Finland takes first place as the happiest country in the world. This Nordic nation consistently excels across all key happiness indicators, with a robust social safety net, a world-class education system, and a deep appreciation for nature. The Finnish concept of "sisu"embodying resilience and determinationlikely plays a role in their collective well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finland's success showcases the importance of prioritizing social welfare, environmental sustainability, and individual freedoms. By creating a society where people feel secure, connected, and empowered, Finland has cultivated fertile ground for happiness. 2. Denmark Image Credit: Alexander2323 at Deposit Photos. Denmark, another Nordic gem, consistently ranks high among the happiest countries. The Danish concept of "hygge," which relates to coziness, contentment, and simple pleasures, is often cited as a contributing factor. Danes also value a strong sense of community, a healthy work-life balance, and trust in their government. Denmark's focus on creating a harmonious and supportive society demonstrates that happiness extends beyond individual accomplishments. It flourishes in an environment that fosters belonging and collective well-being. 3. Iceland Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Iceland, a land of stunning natural beauty and geothermal wonders, is home to a remarkably happy population. Despite its challenging climate and remote location, Icelanders enjoy a high quality of life, strong social connections, and a deep cultural identity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Iceland's resilience in the face of challenges and its commitment to preserving its unique heritage provide valuable lessons. By embracing their strengths and fostering community, Icelanders have created a thriving society in a seemingly inhospitable environment. 4. Sweden Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Sweden, known for its progressive social policies and dedication to gender equality, consistently scores high in happiness surveys. Swedes enjoy a balanced work-life dynamic, access to quality healthcare and education, and a deep respect for nature. Sweden's achievements show the importance of a society that values both individual well-being and collective responsibility. By investing in social welfare and promoting equality, Sweden has fostered a sense of security and opportunity for all. 5. Israel Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Israel, a country with a complex history and ongoing challenges, has a surprisingly happy population. Israelis share a strong sense of community, resilience in the face of adversity, and a vibrant cultural scene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's ability to flourish despite significant challenges highlights the power of social cohesion and shared purpose. By supporting each other and celebrating their heritage, Israelis have cultivated a resilient and joyful society. 6. Netherlands Image Credit: Deposit Photos. The Netherlands, famous for its tulips, windmills, and canals, consistently ranks among the happiest countries. The population vehemently values "niksen" or the concept of "doing nothing." This speaks to the rest, relaxation, and balance people must strike to truly enjoy life. The Dutch enjoy a high level of personal freedom, a tolerant society that embraces diversity, and a strong sense of community. The Netherlands' emphasis on individual liberties and social acceptance creates an environment where people feel free to be themselves and pursue their passions. This sense of autonomy and belonging significantly contributes to their overall happiness. 7. Norway Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Norway, a land of breathtaking fjords and majestic mountains, also has a remarkably content population. Norwegians enjoy a high standard of living, access to pristine nature, and a strong sense of social equality. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Norway's commitment to environmental sustainability and social welfare demonstrates that happiness isn't just about material wealth. It's also about preserving the natural world and ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to thrive. 8. Luxembourg Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Luxembourg, a small but prosperous nation nestled in Western Europe, consistently ranks high in happiness surveys. This population enjoys a high standard of living, excellent healthcare and education systems, and a strong sense of community. Luxembourg's success proves that size doesn't matter when it comes to happiness. By prioritizing the well-being of its citizens and fostering a sense of belonging, Luxembourg has created a thriving and contented society. 9. Switzerland Image Credit: Dudlajzov at Deposit Photos. Switzerland, known for its neutrality, stunning alpine scenery, and delicious chocolate, also has a very happy population. The Swiss also enjoy a high quality of life, strong social cohesion, and a deep appreciation for their natural surroundings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Switzerland's commitment to peace, environmental protection, and social harmony creates an environment where people feel safe, connected, and fulfilled. 10. Australia Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Australia, a vast and diverse continent-nation, consistently ranks among the happiest countries globally. Australians enjoy a high standard of living, abundant sunshine, and a laid-back lifestyle. Australia's emphasis on work-life balance, outdoor activities, and social connections contributes to its overall well-being. By embracing a relaxed and optimistic outlook, Australians have created a society that values both personal fulfillment and collective enjoyment. 11. New Zealand Image Credit: Deposit Photos. New Zealand, renowned for its breathtaking landscapes and welcoming spirit, secures the 11th spot on the happiness ranking. Kiwis enjoy a high quality of life, a strong sense of community, and a deep connection to their natural surroundings. The country's emphasis on work-life balance, outdoor activities, and environmental conservation contributes to a sense of overall well-being. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New Zealand's commitment to social equality and inclusivity fosters a society where everyone feels valued and supported. This, coupled with the country's stunning natural beauty, creates an environment that promotes happiness and contentment. 12. Costa Rica Image Credit: Costa Rica, Central America at Deposit Photos. Costa Rica, known for its "pura vida" (pure life) philosophy and dedication to environmental sustainability, claims the 12th position. Like Australians, Costa Ricans enjoy a laid-back lifestyle, strong social connections, and a deep appreciation for their natural surroundings. The country's focus on eco-tourism and renewable energy further enhances its commitment to a balanced and fulfilling way of life. Costa Rica's prioritization of well-being over material wealth serves as an inspiration. Costa Ricans have cultivated a unique and enviable sense of happiness by fostering a society that values community, sustainability, and the simple joys of life. 13. Austria Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Austria, a country steeped in musical heritage and stunning alpine scenery, consistently ranks high in happiness surveys. Austrians enjoy a high standard of living, access to quality healthcare and education, and a strong sense of social cohesion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Austria's rich cultural traditions and commitment to social welfare contribute to its citizens' overall well-being. Austria has created a harmonious and happy society by fostering an environment where people feel secure, connected, and culturally enriched. 14. Canada Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Canada, a vast and multicultural nation, consistently ranks among the happiest countries. Canadians enjoy a high quality of life, a strong sense of social responsibility, and a welcoming attitude toward diversity. The country's commitment to universal healthcare and social programs further contributes to its citizens' well-being. Canada embraces multiculturalism and is dedicated to creating an inclusive society that fosters a sense of belonging and acceptance. This, coupled with the country's stunning natural beauty and strong social safety net, makes Canada a haven for happiness. 15. Belgium Image Credit: Deposit Photos. Belgium, renowned for its delectable waffles, chocolates, and vibrant cultural scene, also boasts a happy population. Belgians enjoy a high standard of living, a strong work-life balance, and a rich tapestry of cultural traditions. Its emphasis on quality of life, cultural appreciation, and social connections contributes to its citizens' overall happiness. By fostering an environment where people feel fulfilled in both their personal and professional lives, Belgium has created a recipe for contentment. The price tag of a college education can often turn prospective students away. The yearly cost of attending some private colleges and universities is nearly six-figures. The University of Southern California's tuition and fees are the most expensive, at $75,162. College can be a life-changing choice and a lifelong investment. When deciding where to apply for college, students often face a bigger factor than just the prospect of education: money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Today, over 42.5 million Americans owe a balance on their student loans, and the outstanding federal student loan balance totals over $1.6 trillion, per the Education Data Initiative. While some Americans are pushing back on the rising costs of higher education, others are coughing up more money than ever to attend some of the nation's most prestigious colleges. Last year, the College Board reported that the average price of tuition and fees for undergraduate students at private nonprofit four-year institutions was $43,350 for the 2024-2025 school year, while the average price at a public four-year in-state school was $11,610. That's just the start, however. When including the costs of housing and food, full-time students who live on-campus at private four-year universities and colleges pay $58,600 a year. Adding the costs of books, transportation, and additional expenses increases that number to an average of $62,990, the College Board reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We've listed the most expensive colleges in the US, from small liberal arts schools to Ivy League universities. We ranked them based on the annual cost of tuition and fees. We also included the estimated cost of housing and food listed by each school, although this total is not factored in to the ranking because it can look different for students who live at home with family or in off-campus housing. In creating this list, we used rankings from US News & World Report, The College Investor, and Best Colleges, which we confirmed using each school's official tuition listings for the school year 2025-2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement See how much it costs to attend the 25 most expensive schools in the US in 2025. 25. Reed College CK Foto/Shutterstock Location: Portland, Oregon Tuition and fees: $71,770 Room and board: $18,228 24. Tulane University Fotoluminate LLC/Shutterstock Location: New Orleans, Louisiana Tuition and fees: $71,998 Room and board: $19,630 23. Carleton College tmphoto98/Shutterstock Location: Northfield, Minnesota Tuition and fees: $72,069 Room and board: $18,393 22. Claremont McKenna College Katherine Carey/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: Claremont, California Tuition and fees: $72,120 Room and board: $22,190 21. Kenyon College Foreign students in U.S. left in limbo after Trump administration announces new restrictions Reuters Location: Gambier, Ohio Tuition and fees: $72,220 Room and board: $17,380 20. Cornell University Amy Lutz/Shutterstock Location: Ithaca, New York Tuition and fees: $72,270 Room and board: $20,574 19. Pepperdine University CSNafzger/Shutterstock Location: Malibu, California Tuition and fees: $72,672 Room and board: $22,480 18. Colby College Feng Cheng/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: Waterville, Maine Tuition and fees: $72,910 Room and board: $18,740 17. Barnard College Here Now/Shutterstock Location: New York City Tuition and fees: $73,033 Room and board: $22,691 16. Wesleyan College Vineyard Perspective/Shutterstock Location: Middletown, Connecticut Tuition and fees: $73,128 Room and board: $20,668 15. Duke University Jay Yuan/Shutterstock Location: Durham, North Carolina Tuition and fees: $73,172 Room and board: $20,985 14. Franklin and Marshall College George Sheldon/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: Lancaster, Pennsylvania Tuition and fees: $73,210 Room and board: $16,936 13. Harvey Mudd College Jim_Brown_Photography/Shutterstock Location: Claremont, California Tuition and fees: $73,350 Room and board: $23,434 12. Columbia University Vivendo e Turistando/Shutterstock Location: New York City Tuition and fees: $73,450 Room and board: $18,680 11. Colorado College Faina Gurevich/Shutterstock Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado Tuition and fees: $73,566 Room and board: $16,664 10. Haverford College John Greim/LightRocket via Getty Images Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: Haverford, Pennsylvania Tuition and fees: $73,568 Room and board: $20,032 9. Trinity College dashikin/Shutterstock Location: Hartford, Connecticut Tuition and fees: $73,590 Room and board: $19,650 8. Tufts University Ashwin Swar/Shutterstock Location: Medford, Massachusetts Tuition and fees: $73,616 Room and board: $19,566 7. Colgate University Stephen B. Goodwin/Shutterstock Location: Hamilton, New York Tuition and fees: $73,646 Room and board: $18,446 6. Amherst College Mark Yarchoan/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: Amherst, Massachusetts Tuition and fees: $73,830 Room and board: $19,260 5. University of Chicago Liz Albro Photography/Shutterstock Location: Chicago Tuition and fees: $73,962 Room and board: $20,835 4. Boston College Feng Cheng/Shutterstock Location: Newton, Massachusetts Tuition and fees: $74,224 Room and board: $18,284 3. Vassar College Brian Logan Photography/Shutterstock Location: Poughkeepsie, New York Tuition and fees: $74,265 Room and board: $19,055 2. Brown University iroqin/Shutterstock Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Location: Providence, Rhode Island Tuition and fees: $74,650 Room and board: $18,514 1. University of Southern California Wangkun Jia/Shutterstock Location: Los Angeles Tuition and fees: $75,162 Room and board: $20,907 Read the original article on Business Insider Bountiful mother of four Jennifer Long says raising kids in the age of smartphones, social media and AI presents a daily challenge of balancing safety, responsibility and independence. The great thing about phones and tech is you know where they are you can GPS them but the hard thing is it takes a lot more parenting effort, Long said. Her familys cellphone policy has evolved as her children have grown. My oldest was in ninth grade when she got her phone my younger one got one in early eighth, Long said. My youngest just has a watch. Becca Long, 17, checks her phone at her home in Bountiful on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Long and her husband enforce strict boundaries: Phone use ends at 10 p.m. every night, no social media until high school and all of their childrens phones have parental controls enabled. Theyve also established the open understanding that they reserve the right to monitor the kids phone activities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont want to be Big Brother, but there is no expectation of privacy, Long said. She calls social media both great and difficult. Her oldest was allowed Instagram as a high school junior, but under guidance. Im just trying to teach her to be social media-responsible, Long said. There are so many influencers and advertisers. I dont want them scared, but educated. When it comes to the plethora of fast-developing artificial intelligence tools, Long sees both promise and potential peril. AI has a potential risk inherent to it as well, Long said. What is real and what is fake? Its super tricky. AI looks real but its fake it blurs that line. A national perspective on technologys impacts Jennifer Long, left, watches daughter Emily Long, 10, use the skylight calendar at their home in Bountiful on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News The complexity and nuance facing Long and her husband in working to establish the best family policies and guidance when it comes to technology is well represented in data gathered in the 2025 American Family Survey, a joint project of Brigham Young Universitys Wheatley Institute, the BYU Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy, and Deseret News. The national survey was conducted Aug. 16-18 and includes responses from 3,000 U.S. adults. The survey results come with a margin of error of plus or minus 2.1 percentage points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wide-ranging survey included a section of inquiries seeking input on the impacts of technological marvels like smartphones, artificial intelligence and social media platforms in the midst of ongoing national debates about the ways technology is affecting families and relationships. Survey authors note the most striking finding may be that many Americans do not lean in either a positive or negative direction. Half or more say social media and AI are neither positive nor negative, and just over one-third say the same for smartphones. BYU researchers say this could indicate ambivalence or uncertainty, but because a large percentage of Americans choose this middle ground, none of the three forms of technology is seen as mostly positive or mostly negative by a majority of Americans. DN-AFStechfamily2 BYU political science professor Jeremy Pope, a principal investigator for the American Family Survey, said that even as this years findings failed to reveal strong consensus opinions on most areas of technology, it did show broader public anxiety. Technology is an area where people have a lot of worry, said Pope, who is also a senior scholar at the center and a Wheatley Institute fellow. They worry about artificial intelligence, which we should probably label large language models, because thats what they actually are. I think they worry about social media and about phones. According to the survey report, among those survey participants who took a position, opinions of AI were balanced 22% evaluate it as positive and 21% evaluate it as negative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For social media, however, negative views outweigh positive by more than 2 to 1, 34% vs. 15%, the report reads. The only form of technology judged as a net plus for family life is the smartphone, where 37% considered its influence to be positive compared with 28% seeing it as a negative for families. Where families come together Caroline Long, 13, left, and sister Becca Long, 17, do work for school at their home in Bountiful on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News Americans have relatively straightforward views of how two types of technology affect children, per survey results. They are extremely concerned about online pornography and are at least somewhat concerned about social media. The number of respondents who said pornography has a very negative effect is at a supermajority level. Combining the very and somewhat negative responses, 81% see pornographys impact in negative terms, the survey report reads. A majority also view social media this way, with 73% saying its impact is either very or somewhat negative. But the dispersion of responses varies somewhat, according to researchers. Only a third of respondents were very negative on social media, while 4 in 10 fell into the somewhat negative category. BYU analysts note people may see some redeeming qualities in social media that prevent the most negative responses. Caroline Long, 13, left, and sister Becca Long, 17, right, do work for school at their home in Bountiful on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News When it comes to supporting age-verification for access to adult content, the survey found 77% of Americans are strongly in favor of the policy. While there were some variations in levels of support, the overwhelming preference among respondents is to age-gate pornography. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BYU analysts note that while it is common to look for areas of political discord in American public life, the impact of technology on young people is an area where agreement is fairly clear. Americans speak with a loud and consistent voice about the harm online pornography can do to minors, and they strongly favor government regulation to enforce age limits, the survey report reads. Houston-based tech entrepreneur Krystal Tristan is the founder and CEO of OneHaven, a digital protection platform currently under development with the goal of keeping users safe from the constant attack from every direction. Ive always been the mom in the room, even when I was young, Tristan said. Im the worrier the one that will walk you home at night. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A longtime tech project manager and mother of three, Tristan said OneHaven was born from necessity. I couldnt find the tools to keep my kids safe online, Tristan said. So I just built it myself. Tristan said OneHaven, which will be available to the public later this year, will help keep vulnerable users safe from harmful content but is also calling for greater accountability from both industry and government to stand up for appropriate technology protections. Every group needs to be doing better corporate responsibility, government regulation, Tristan said. Other countries are way ahead of us. We cant wait for Washington to do it either. No one can do it alone. What should regulation look like and whos responsible? Henry Long, 16, reaches for his phone while doing homework at his home in Bountiful on Thursday, Nov. 6, 2025. | Tess Crowley, Deseret News The survey found that, when it comes to minors, significant majorities of Americans support government regulation of technology. Eight in 10 say social media companies should be required to disclose how they rank or promote content to minors, and a similar proportion say parental consent should be required to download a social media app. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, it turns out that the levels of parental content restrictions are somewhat lower than support of government restrictions. Nearly 60% of parents with children at home say they set restrictions on content, leaving more than 40% who dont, according to survey results. Figures are similar for screen time restrictions, and significantly lower for contact and messaging restrictions. Surveyors note that the numbers are based on parents with children of any age living at home. Those with younger kids may have more restrictions, while those with older kids may have fewer. DN-AFStechfamily1 The survey also explored sentiment about rules for smartphone use in schools, an issue addressed by Utah lawmakers in the 2025 session that led to new statewide restrictions on student cellphone use during instructional time. Overall, survey results reflect that Americans seem to prefer school policies that allow smartphones at least some of the time either after the school day or outside of classroom instruction but that eliminate the distraction that phones might create in class. Adding together all of the options that exclude smartphones from classrooms at some level, survey data shows that 90% of Americans do not want smartphones in class. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While Long said she hasnt followed proposed government regulations closely, she believes much of the responsibility falls on parents. Teenagers are going to be teenagers, Long said. If you want them to be socially responsible, you have to be, too. They mirror what they see. Her takeaway for other parents? You cant just be passive, Long said. You have to be active know why youre using (technology) and not just letting things happen. Technology is a super great thing that can also be a really dangerous thing. Former White House communications director and SkyBridge Capital founder Anthony Scaramucci is urging people to embrace optimism as a competitive advantage, arguing that positivity, not cynicism, is the true driver of success. Scaramucci Launches The Resilience Lab To Teach The Power Of Optimism On Tuesday, in a post on X promoting his course "The Resilience Lab," Scaramucci said optimism is often misunderstood but remains one of the most powerful traits for personal and professional growth. Trending: These five entrepreneurs are worth $223 billion they all believe in one platform that offers a 7-9% target yield with monthly dividends "Optimism is about inspiration," Scaramucci said. "Pessimists sometimes sound smarter than optimists. They sound more cynical than optimists." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "But optimists live longer. Optimists are brighter and have less tendencies towards depression." Daily Habits That Build A Resilient, Optimistic Mindset He added that optimism can be trained through daily practice. "In the morning, when I wake up, in addition to my gratitude list, I say. Okay, what things are going to go right for me in my business, and I write them down," he said. See Also: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.81/Share Before Nov. 20 He added, "If they dont go right, then you go into the adaptation phase." Scaramucci, known for his straightforward Wall Street style, dismissed the idea that optimism is naive and emphasized maintaining a proactive, can-do approach to challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said. "Optimists don't play the victim." In my new course, "The Resilience Lab", I explain how being an optimist is undervalued in the world today. Being optimistic will help you stand out. pic.twitter.com/x7nq39pevz Anthony Scaramucci (@Scaramucci) November 11, 2025 Photo Courtesy: Al Teich On Shutterstock.com Read Next: Wall Street's $12B Real Estate Manager Is Opening Its Doors to Individual Investors Without the Crowdfunding Middlemen Earn While You Scroll: The Deloitte-Ranked #1 Software Company Growing 32,481% Is Opening Its $0.50/Share Round to Accredited Investors. Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article Anthony Scaramucci Reveals Power Of Positivity In Life And Business: 'Pessimists Sometimes Sound Smarter Than Optimists But Optimists Live Longer' originally appeared on Benzinga.com There's a game of Shake-A-Day around here somewhere. Dive bars in the Midwest are like coming home and bellying up to your regular spot or with your lucky pool cue. Your Jack and Coke is already poured, your buddy arrived at the time he always does and now the lore is flowing. It's going to be another great night. This time of year especially harkens a bar regular home for the holidays and wanting to unwind once again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Whether youre chasing nostalgia or just a cold one, these dives prove that the heart of the Midwest beats loudest in its bars. Heres a look at a few great dive bars in South Dakota. The Ice House Bar in Yankton, South Dakota, was originally built in 1954 as Pure Ice Co. The Ice House: Shattered glass and record-breaking can smashing The Ice House Bar in Yankton, South Dakota, isnt known for producing artificial ice. How boring. Its known for its century-old tradition of smashing empty beer bottles against a brick wall. The family-owned, Missouri River establishment began in 1928 as the Pure Ice Co. until it started selling beer after the prohibition in the 1930s. Since, folks come for the $2 beers, $10 buckets served curbside or to hang their legs off the dock to toss a bottle or two underneath their feet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tradition is famous. Broadcast journalist and South Dakota native Tom Brokaw frequented the bar for a Budweiser, and owner Jim Anderson was on The Late Show with David Letterman to show off his record-breaking can-smashing skills: He can crush 76 cans in 25 seconds with one foot! Details: 101 Capital St., Yankton, S.D., 605-665-2631. Top Hat: One of the oldest haunts in Sioux Falls The Top Hat in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, is timeless. Your father probably sat underneath the same glow of the same PBR neon sign in the 1970s and grabbed a bag of Fritos from the same clip on the wall. (Hopefully the chips are newer.) Owner Andy Lenz prefers to freeze this dive bar in time. Why change it? she says. There are no frills, no craft beers on tap and no menu. Hungry? Shell toast a thin-crust Roskens Dakota Pizza if you want to pair it with your Grain Belt while playing a game of pool underneath dim lighting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres also dart boards, video lottery, a juke box thats always humming and the smell of old cigarettes and stale booze which is to say, it feels familiar, safe and like home. Details: 508 S. First Ave., Sioux Falls, SD, 605-332-8171. Meridian Corner: Deep-fried chislic and broasted chicken If you know South Dakota, you know chislic. If you know chislic, you know Meridian Corner. Located on the corner of highways 18 and 81 west of Freeman, this proudly proclaimed hole-in-the-wall is nationally known for its family recipe of deep-fried lamb or mutton: Lamb chislic is more tender, while mutton chislic is chewier but with more flavor. Each is humbly served in skewers of three, six, nine or 12, with a side of saltines and garlic salt. Theres savory broasted chicken and pork chops on the menu as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The family-owned tradition of Meridian Corner was hard to kick. It opened in the 1980s, closed shop for years then opened again in 2011, back by popular demand and with little change. Its an old red farmhouse on the corner of nowhere, and there are usually tractors in the parking lot. Details: 43915 U.S. Highway 18, Freeman, S.D., 605-387-5000. More: Best dive bars in the Midwest? 14 spots loved by locals that are worth the road trip This article originally appeared on Sioux Falls Argus Leader: Best dive bars in South Dakota Where to go Emory University tiptoed further into bitcoin (BTC) during the third quarter. The private research university based in Georgia reported holding over 1 million shares of the Grayscale Bitcoin Mini Trust as Sept. 30, according to a 13F filing Thursday. That stake was worth roughly nearly $52 billion at that time, though sizably less now at current prices. The school held just under 500,000 shares of the fund at the end of the second quarter. The university first disclosed a position in Grayscales trust in October 2024, then valued at just over $15 million. Emory's far smaller position in BlackRock's spot bitcoin ETF was unchanged during the third quarter and valued at just about $290,000. The endowment managers' interest in hard assets was also reflected in a new move into BlackRock's iShares Gold Trust (IAU), with nearly a $79 million stake in that fund as of the end of the third quarter. The universitys endowment also modestly increased its equity stake in crypto exchange Coinbase (COIN). It now holds nearly 4,500 shares worth close to $1.2 million, up slightly from the 4,312 shares its held since last year. Endowments are long-term investment funds typically set up to support non-profits like universities, hospitals or religious institutions. Like pension funds, they tend to favor relatively conservative strategies, which makes their increasing interest in bitcoin through regulated ETFs a noteworthy shift. Emorys broader embrace of bitcoin ETFs could be seen as part of a slow but steady thaw among institutional investors. While still a small piece of its overall portfolio, the size and pace of Emorys bitcoin allocations signal a rising comfort level with the asset especially when held in familiar wrappers like ETFs. Jennifer from Fort Wayne, Indiana, recently called into Dave Ramseys EntreLeadership show to talk about a serious issue at her veterinary practice. Despite generating over $5 million in annual revenue and employing more than 40 people, her biggest challenge wasn't business-related. It was her husband, whos also her business partner. That's Just the Way I Am Jennifer described Anthony, her husband of 16 years, as the emotional and disruptive force in the company. During the call, she came right out and said, What do you do when your spouse and business partner is the donkey on the team? Don't Miss: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When something upsets him or doesn't go his way, he can get very loud and he tends to say whatever comes to his mind to whoever is aroundand its typically not very pleasant, she said. She and the practice manager tried speaking to him about his tone and behavior, but Anthony brushed it off, saying, Well, thats just the way I am. I shouldnt have to watch what I say. If they dont like it, they should just quit. I am the boss. In one outburst, he even threatened to sell the business to a corporate buyer and start fresh. Ramsey, known for his no-nonsense advice, asked her, How old is this little boy? When Jennifer said Anthony was 49, Ramsey replied, God, hes emotionally 14. Trending: From Chipotle to Red Bull, Top Brands Are Already Building With Modern Mill's Tree-Free Wood Alternative Here's How You Can Invest Too Jennifer admitted this wasnt isolated to the workplace, as Anthonys behavior was consistent at home too. Thats when Ramsey cut deeper. You dont really have a business problem or a leadership problem or a donkey problem, he said. Youve got a guy who desperately needs to sit down with a counselor and with his pastor and start some personal growth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ramsey urged Jennifer to consider marriage counseling, even if she had to go alone. I mean, you truly dont like this guy, thats pretty crazy, he said. At a minimum, you dont respect him. He warned that if things continued this way, the marriage likely wouldnt survive another five years. You just called him a donkey on a major national podcast. Its pretty sad, he said. This has been deteriorating for a while. Probably five years ago, it wasnt quite this bad. Ramsey acknowledged how impressive their practice was, but pointed out that all of it was at risk. Anytime someone says, Its just the way I am, then my answer is always: OK, change. Because the way you are kind of sucks. Read Next: Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga: This article A Caller Told Dave Ramsey Their Spouse Was The 'Donkey' In Their Successful Business. His Response Cut Deep 'You Truly Don't Like This Guy' originally appeared on Benzinga.com 2025 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Nothing says "luxury" like a private island. Exclusivity, privacy, and top-tier vacation vibes are sought after by elites, romantics, and villains alike. Some of the most public-facing celebrities known to own private islands include Beyonce and Jay-Z, Steven Spielberg, Nicolas Cage, and Leonardo DiCaprio. DiCaprio has spent a decade trying to build a luxury eco-resort on his island, Blackadore Caye in Belize, and Cage sold his Bahamian island in the Exumas after it turned out to be home to a rare iguana species (it sold in 2023 to Gunther, the world's richest dog). Out of the estimated thousands (or millions, depending on how you define "island") across the globe, there are more privately-owned islands than you might expect and they're not all in the hands of billionaires. Yes, even a (very wealthy) canine can own an island. Cruise lines own private islands, too. But before you go feeling sorry for yourself, take heart: Owning a private island might not be as out of reach as you might think. Ordinary people are redefining what "island life" can be. Take, for example, Canadian couple Virginie Levesque and Eric Theriault. In 2019, a lighthearted question, "If you had to live on a deserted island, what's the one thing you must absolutely have?" sparked a real-life dream. In 2021, after island shopping and COVID-19 delays, they found their dream space, purchasing a 2-acre island in Bocas del Toro, a Panamanian archipelago in the Caribbean, for an undisclosed amount. They imported treated wood, tools, and supplies even a Tritoon pontoon-- and camped while they built a solar-powered, open-concept house facing the clear-blue Caribbean. Health issues prompted the couple to list their island for sale in 2025, now acquirable for roughly $12,000 in concessions plus additional expenses and the pontoon's included. Read more: 25 Gorgeous Islands For Vacationing That Won't Break The Bank Everything has to be shipped in The tip of Petit St. Vincent in the Grenadines - Scott Phares/Getty Images On Reddit, a thread sparked interest about the realities of private island ownership after one user wrote: "My family owned a private island AMA [ask me anything]." The poster explained that their aunt and uncle had owned a private island and resort in the Grenadines, an island chain in the Caribbean south of the Bahamas, which they grew up visiting. Although the family sold the 22-cottage property after 45 years, Petit St. Vincent remains an exclusive resort popular for honeymoons and is still privately owned today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Throughout the thread, the poster answered questions and shared stories about private islands. Though unsure of what the uncle originally paid for the island in the 1960s, it likely wasn't much and was probably paid directly to the government. The area was remote and underdeveloped at the time many nearby islands didn't even have electricity or running water. "All of the cottages on the island were built with stones that were quarried and mined on the island by local labor," they wrote. "The wood was brought in on barges from the island of St. Vincent. When building on a small island it is absolutely crucial to use as much local resources because everything that you need (I mean EVERYTHING from toothbrushes to toilet paper) has to be shipped in via large containers that only arrive once per month and are very expensive to ship." The thread also discussed commuting by boat, desalinating water to make it potable, smuggling fuel from South America to run the resort's generator and avoid high St. Vincent taxes, and the island's notable guests over the years many by yacht including Tony Blair, Daniel Craig, Kelly Ripa, and "Sports Illustrated" models who used the island for a photoshoot. How a crowdfunded island became its own micronation A tiny private island with some buildings on it - Denis Shevchuk/Getty Images As the Independent explained, in 2018, Gareth Johnson, founder of adventure travel company Young Pioneers, decided to turn a half-joking idea into reality. His plan was to find people to crowdfund the purchase of an island, then build infrastructure to create their own micronation, and maybe turn a profit. He found some like-minded friends, and they scouted from the Philippines to Ireland before settling on Coffee Caye, a 1.2-acre, bean-shaped island off the coast of Belize City. Through a website called LetsBuyAnIsland, they recruited additional investors and purchased Coffee Caye in 2019 for $180,000. Thus, The Principality of Islandia was born, complete with a flag, national anthems, passports, and self-proclaimed diplomatic titles. This isn't the first attempt to create a micro-autonomous nation, but it is an imaginative social and financial experiment. "Stepping onto an island that you've invested in, and own, that's an amazing feeling," said Marshall Mayer, co-founder of The Principality of Islandia, in a CNN interview. By 2022, the group began running tours to the island, and while it remains uninhabited, the island is now part of Young Pioneers tours and available for camping. Of course, the prime minister of Belize dismissed the micronation, calling it "stupid," and the minister of foreign affairs emphasized that Belize would continue to retain jurisdiction over Coffee Caye (via The Independent). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For Stephen Rice, one of the original investors, that's fine. Rice admits island ownership won't make him rich, but the price of his share and the travel it takes to get there is worth the fun of telling his friends he owns an island. "You might think I'm trying to sell you a timeshare," he explains, "but I'm the one paying to be here on my own island." The Principality of Islandia's spirit thrives on. Tropical islands make sense, but what about northern ones? A private island in Ontario, Canada - Khairil Azhar Junos/Shutterstock Islands exist at every latitude, and northern ones are said to be cheaper and more convenient. A friend group in Nova Scotia, Canada, pooled resources to buy an undeveloped island for under $10,000, close enough to the mainland for cell service and quick weekend trips. "It's perfect for 3 months of summer, it's quite nice for 3 surrounding months," said one owner. "So, we get 3-6 months of great, longggg-day summers." On the public forum Quora, user Mary Gordon shared what it's like to own a 1.5-acre island on a lake in Ontario, complete with a modest summer cottage. According to Gordon, the biggest drawback is not being able to use the cottage year-round. The plumbing relies on the lake, which freezes during the cold Canadian winters, so every November, they drain their pipes and pack everything away to prevent bursts. Fortunately, the island has electricity and a landline, installed back in the 1970s, when it was free. Today, she says, that would cost a fortune. Gordon's island sits close to the mainland, where she owns an access road, a parking area, and a dock, making supply runs much easier than in the Grenadines or Panama, though transporting things can still require effort. With only an aluminum rowboat, she's hauled appliances, lumber, a new steel roof, mattresses, and garbage. "You need anything fixed beyond DIY, you have to go get the tradesperson and all their stuff," she said. Despite the challenges, for Gordon, a private island isn't about luxury, isolation, or beaches it's about tranquility, connection, and tradition. "I love it," she said. "Love the privacy and the critters. Now that I'm retired, I'm here 5 or 6 months of the year. My children grew up here. We do Canadian Thanksgiving here." Building from scratch is slow work when you can only access your island for part of the year Island in Finland - nblx/Shutterstock Students and romantic partners Oliver and Helena bought a fully undeveloped, 2.5-acre forested island in Finland in 2024, with plans to transform it into a summer retreat complete with a log cabin, sauna, and floating dock. The couple is entirely self-sufficient and self-taught neither has any hard-skill experience typically needed for such a project, like carpentry or construction. The island cost them 28,000 euros, which Oliver says is a fair investment (via YouTube). In their first two seasons, they managed to make surprising progress despite the limited access; they could only work on the island during the warmer months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With no electricity, plumbing, or prior development, they began by clearing trees and building a wooden platform and a base camp in July 2024. By the end of summer 2025, they had completed a tiny log cabin and imported 13,000 pounds of concrete, along with a mixer, to begin constructing their full-sized log cabin, designed to Finnish code with the help of local architects. Despite its remoteness, the island is still subject to zoning regulations. The Finnish government has designated only the western half for residential development, adding yet another layer of complexity, and a reminder that even the most isolated properties and lonely islands come with rules. If this piqued your curiosity, check out Finland's largest lake, brimming with islands and pristine nature. What to know when buying a private island View from a private island looking out toward a cruise ship at anchor - CheckOutSam/Shutterstock One of the biggest challenges of island life is accessibility. Islands are, well, just that: surrounded by water, often remote, rarely close to any airspace or urban center where goods and services are readily available (remember "Cast Away"?). Those who buy small, undeveloped islands often face the daunting task of importing every material needed for even the smallest projects. "Most people who want an island are avid boaters," says Chris Krolow, CEO of Toronto-based brokerage Private Islands, per NPR. But even if you love boats, where will you be boating in from? Is that launch point accessible year-round? For instance, Petit St. Vincent's closest airport is on tiny Union Island, a 15-minute boat ride away, and flights to Union Island are limited. How developed the island already is will also influence its price, and its long-term viability depends on local and environmental restrictions within the country it belongs to. In the case of the Canadian couple who moved to Bocas del Toro, the price was right, but much more investment was needed to ship supplies, build a home, and work with government and environmental mandates (you can't just declare your micronation and call it a day!). Accessibility also affects costs: usually, the more remote the land, the cheaper it is, but the higher the expense of building and maintenance. Infrastructure, transport, and security can add up. Squatters are another consideration, and a private island can be more challenging to secure, especially if you're not working with Larry Ellison-level resources. Financing is said to get complicated while navigating foreign tax laws, too, so thorough research and hiring local experts is essential. Owning a private island can be the ultimate escape, once you face the logistical realities. It's all part of the adventure do it for the plot! Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. You don't need to break your budget to enjoy delicious eats while galavanting through Europe. Writer Rick Steves shares some of the smartest budget food tips for hungry travelers looking to plan meals without excessive spending. In addition to recommending visitors to skip the tourist traps and find traditional local food, Steves encourages sightseers to add stops for kebabs to their Europe itineraries. "Of all the international options in Europe, the ubiquitous kebab stand is my favorite," he wrote on Europe's Cheap Eats. "Kiosks selling Turkish-style doner kebab (rotisserie meat wrapped in pita bread), falafel (fried chickpea patties), and other Middle Eastern dishes are popular in many places, including Germany, Florence, and Paris." You'll also find stands selling kebabs in countries like Italy, Austria, the Netherlands, and across the U.K., where Middle Eastern and North African (MENA) diaspora populations prosper. Evolved from the Persian term for fried meat, most regional kebab variations involve marinating (often with yogurt, spices, and herbs), skewering, and grilling chicken, lamb, or beef. From the classic doner kebab to the more recently trendy Gemuse kebab which is made with lots of veggies and sometimes falafel -- Steves encourages travelers to try a variety. Serving two people for $5, doing so shouldn't take up too much of your travel budget either. But, he does point out that you'll find more options of higher quality while visiting northern European countries than you will in the south of Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 10 Foods Gordon Ramsay Doesn't Touch The variation of kebab options across Europe close up of chicken kebab skewers - SvetlanaSF/Shutterstock For example, in an Instagram post about eating and traveling throughout Germany, Steves said that, in addition to doner kebabs and Gemuse kebabs, you can also find variations like "doner teller (on a plate instead of in bread) and doner durum (in a thin flatbread wrap, also called durum kebab or yufka)." Germany is Europe's kebab capital, and is home to more than 16,000 kebab shops selling virtually every variation possible. "Just as Americans drop by a taco truck for a quick bite, Germans find a kebab stand," wrote Steves in the post's caption. It's followed by the U.K. (where kebabs are often enjoyed as a late-night street food), France, and the Netherlands, where you'll find a lot of healthier variations. Your kebab shop experience will differ depending both on the country you're visiting and the shop itself. Those who have followed Steves' advice tend to agree, noting that countries like Spain and Italy have many other fast food options that take precedence among locals. But, one traveler on Steves' community board recalled finding a kebab shop in Vienna, Austria that exceeded their expectations: "As they brought me my doner and fries, I could taste that it was quality ingredients prepared with care." If you're unsure whether a kebab business is reliable, look at the patrons supporting the eatery. Steves indicates that if there's a long line wrapping around a kebab stand, it is a solid sign that the food served there is of consistent quality. "The best stands have a busy energy," he wrote for Travel Agent Central. In addition to scoring a filling meal without having to stretch your wallet wide, Steves also recommends trying ayran, a yogurt-based beverage that complements a variety of global kebab styles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Want more food knowledge? Sign up to our free newsletter where we're helping thousands of foodies, like you, become culinary masters, one email at a time. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Tasting Table. Okinawa, Japan, the birthplace of karate, is the top trending travel destination outside the U.S., based on search data from the popular booking site Expedia. A subtropical island prefecture, home to white sands and crystal-clear blue waters, Okinawa is second only to Big Sky, Montana, on Expedia's 2026 Destinations of the Year list. While black belts compete in tournaments at its Karate Kaikan hall, tourists flock to its beach resorts, its World War II historical sites, and the record-setting sea tank in Churaumi Aquarium. Between 2024 and 2025, Okinawa saw a 71% spike in flight and accommodation searches, with the restoration of Shuri Castle a UNESCO World Heritage site on the horizon as well. If Okinawa still seems slightly off the beaten path compared to a major metropolis like Tokyo (which ranked among Expedia's top culture capitals for 2023), that may be part of the point. The Destinations of the Year list also incorporates the new Smart Travel Health Check, spotlighting places "that offer rich cultural and natural experiences without the overcrowding seen in many of the world's most popular cities." Going by that metric, Okinawa is the perfect island getaway for travelers looking to escape the crowded hub of Tokyo, the world's most populated city. According to Nikkei Asia, Okinawa was Japan's 12th most-visited prefecture among international visitors in 2024. Yet the country has logged record tourism numbers in 2025, and it's already home to two of the most-visited theme parks globally, Universal Studios Japan and Tokyo Disneyland. This makes the dinosaur safaris of Okinawa's new theme park, Junglia, a natural fit, as it looks to tap into the tourism boom even more. You'll find the real "Jurassic Park" on the lush Hawaiian island of Kauai, but Okinawa may have more dino photo ops. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: 50 Weird Travel Facts You Should Know Explore Okinawa through the gateway of Naha Kokusai-dori shopping street palm trees cars - Joshua Meyer/Static Media Okinawa's biggest airport is in the city of Naha, where you can connect by bus or monorail to tourist attractions on its main island (Okinawa Honto). This includes Kokusai-dori, a palm-tree-lined shopping street that starts at the Naha Bus Terminal. Walking down Kokusai-dori (in Japanese, "International Street"), you could be forgiven for thinking you're in Hawaii, as signs advertise root beer and "all American food" from the likes of A&W. The fusion food taco rice also hints at the postwar influence of U.S. military bases, which have a continued, controversial presence in Okinawa. However, the prefecture, which consists of 160 islands (40 inhabited), only became part of Japan in 1879. Before that, it had 450 years of history behind it as the Ryukyu Kingdom, where the earliest form of karate is thought to have originated. Today, Ryukyuan history gives Okinawa its own unique culture apart from mainland Japan. Some of that is visible in Shuri Castle's red-lacquered architecture, which was influenced by Chinese palaces like the Forbidden City in Beijing. Exterior reconstruction of the castle's main hall, which burned down in a fire in 2019, has already been completed. The main hall should be fully restored by autumn 2026, just as it was after previous fires and the Battle of Okinawa destroyed it. For a window into more of Okinawa's World War II history, you can visit sites like Peace Memorial Park and the Former Underground Navy Headquarters. The park is anchored by the Cornerstone of Peace, a monument inscribed with the names of people who lost their lives in the Battle of Okinawa in 1945. In the underground headquarters, you can see the tunnels and rooms where the Navy soldiers made their last stand, leaving behind walls with visible hand grenade damage. Head north to Churaumi Aquarium or off the main island to other beaches Whale shark rays silhouettes Churaumi Aquarium - Joshua Meyer/Static Media Traditionally, Churaumi Aquarium has been the main draw on the northern part of Okinawa Honto. Even before Junglia's opening, the island already had one theme park, Okinawa World, accessible by bus from Naha. At Okinawa World, you can explore Japan's second-longest cave, Gyokusendo, and see deadly indigenous snakes in the Habu Museum Park. Junglia, located just over 50 miles north, showcases a different kind of (animatronic) reptile. Attractions include Dinosaur Safari, where your jeep drives between a brachiosaur's legs and evades two man-eating Tyrannosaurus rexes. Junglia also has a tethered hot-air balloon ride, a panoramic dining terrace with bird-nest tables, and a spa with the world's "largest infinity pool bath," per Guinness World Records. Advertisement Advertisement The park is about a 30-minute drive both ways from Churaumi Aquarium and the luxurious Treeful Treehouse resort. When Churaumi opened in 2002, its Kuroshio Sea tank set the Guinness World Record for "largest aquarium window." Though others have since eclipsed it, it's still one of the world's biggest sea tanks, and it certainly looks the part as you step back from it and see whale sharks and giant manta rays swimming high above human silhouettes. Okinawa's best beaches, such as Yonehara Beach and Yonaha Maehama Beach, can be found on islands like Ishigaki and Miyakojima, both of which have their own regional airports with direct flights from Tokyo. One thing to keep in mind when planning a trip is seasonal weather patterns, especially if you're hoping to see the wall calendar image of beaches with blue skies overhead. Okinawa's rainy season starts in May, while typhoon season lasts from June to November. In April before Japan's Golden Week holiday the water's usually warm enough for swimming, and you can avoid the crowds and cloud cover of summer. Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. You can also add us as a preferred search source on Google. Read the original article on Explore. Vermont is flush with picturesque towns and charming destinations bursting with astonishing Mother Nature. From the romantic outdoor paradise of the Grand Isle region to Vermont's scenic foliage-filled road trips, the Green Mountain State is an open-air treasure. Even while dining indoors at the elegant eatery Simon Pearce, considered to be Vermont's most beautiful restaurant by sources like Love Food, patrons feast on a marvelous view of lush trees soaring above the Ottauquechee River. Named one of Open Table's "Top 100 Romantic Restaurants," Simon Pearce is ensconced inside a 19th-century mill that's dramatically perched at the edge of a gushing waterfall. And the food happens to be incredible, too! The farm-to-table menu at Simon Pearce is an award-winning showcase of refined-yet-hearty American cuisine. Think braised short rib and whipped Yukon potatoes, roasted salmon in a bourbon mustard cream, velvety butternut squash bisque, and creamy Vermont cheddar soup. Local beers, a bevy of signature cocktails, and small plates for the peckish tempt patrons at the lively bar. Vast windows bring the bucolic outdoors inside, where diners enjoy a relaxed and inviting atmosphere comprising exposed brick walls, wooden floors, and amber-hued dining tables. Atop each table, diners are greeted by a unique touch: Simon Pearce glassware and tableware. The restaurant shares the eponymous name of its founder, Simon Pearce, an Irish-born artisan who specialized in Georgian glassmaking and fashioning pottery. You can shop for beautiful handmade glass and ceramics at the flagship retail store onsite, and certainly don't miss a visit to the glassblowing studio. "The glass blowing in the lower level was amazing. Watching them create a wine glass right in front of our eyes was so cool, I could have stayed for an hour just for that alone," raves one Tripadvisor review. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: The Most Common Scams Tourists Should Know About Before Visiting Paris Charm is guaranteed, not views, at the beautiful Simon Pearce Simon Pearce Restaurant in Quechee, Vermont - Melissa W. / Yelp Online reviews recount tales of diners who booked Simon Pearce in the hopes of snagging a table with sweeping views. Unfortunately, several reviews indicate that the restaurant doesn't accommodate seating requests. Writes one disheartened patron on Yelp: "We wanted to come for the falling water view but when we made the reservations, it stated that we could not request where to sit. So we took our chance that a late afternoon lunch would afford such a chance." Although the restaurant wasn't busy when the party arrived at 2:30 p.m., they were seated at a table with an uneventful view of a stream. The reviewer praised the excellent food and service, but was ultimately baffled by their unlucky seating. "Would definitely love to come back and be more assertive about asking for a view since they didn't seem that busy after the lunch rush." It seems even special occasions won't land you a coveted riverside table. A diner writing on Open Table requested seating for two at 11:45 a.m. early, as he knew they'd fill up to celebrate his wife's birthday. The couple were promptly seated by an interior window with a view of another table. Fumed the reviewer: "Was that a joke on us? There were other tables with river views open. A table for four with a view was given to a couple shortly after we were seated." Luckily, the food and service saved the meal. Simon Pearce is located in Quechee, Vermont, which is roughy an hour's drive from Montpelier, the state capital of Vermont, and just 15 minutes from Woodstock, considered America's most beautiful town. Reservations are highly encouraged. Just temper your expectations for getting a table with a view. Advertisement Advertisement Ready to discover more hidden gems and expert travel tips? Subscribe to our free newsletter and add us as a preferred search source for access to the world's best-kept travel secrets. Read the original article on Islands. A new survey found that almost 13% of U.S. adults are currently taking a new class of weight loss drug, a six percentage point increase from 18 months ago, while one in five U.S. adults, or 18%, report having ever taken one. Another one in five adults who arent using the GLP-1 drugs said they are interested in taking one for weight loss. The GLP-1 category of drugs, led by Eli Lillys Zepbound and Mounjaro and Novo Nordisks Ozempic and Wegovy, were only approved in the United States four years ago for the treatment of obesity, but are rapidly becoming the most prescribed drugs. They work by suppressing a gut hormone that controls appetite. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tracking survey, by the non-profit health policy researcher KFF, also found that 45% of U.S. adults who have been diagnosed with diabetes report currently using a GLP-1 medication, as are 29% who have been diagnosed with heart disease and 23% who report being diagnosed as overweight or obese in the past five years. The drugs can cost around $1,000 per month before rebates and discounts, and although most GLP-1 users said their insurance covered at least some of the cost, over half reported they were difficult to afford, including one in four who say they were very difficult to afford. About a quarter of GLP-1 users report paying the whole cost of the medication themselves. Across age groups, current GLP-1 use is highest among those ages 50-64 at 22%. Only 9% of adults 65 and older are currently using these drugs, a reflection of Medicares lack of coverage for drugs used for weight loss. The Trump administration recently announced deals with Lilly and Novo Nordisk to lower the prices of some of their weight loss drugs in exchange for partial Medicare coverage, starting in 2026. The White House has also reached deals with other drug companies to lower the prices of some prescription medicines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The KFF proll found about one in four adults say they or someone living with them had problems paying for prescription drugs in the past 12 months, rising to 41% among uninsured adults, 33% of Hispanic adults, and 32% of Black adults (32%). The survey was conducted from Oct. 27 to Nov. 2, and has a margin of error of plus or minus 3 percentage points. Back in September, a bunch of Texans apparently wrote in a survey that they really wanted the upstate New York grocery store Wegmans here in the Lone Star State. Sounds great! Who wouldn't want Wegmans? But can the same be said about another upstate New York business? What about Abbott's Frozen Custard, the soft-serve ice cream joint that's temporarily closing up shop entirely in the Houston area after Nov. 14? Yup, the Abbott's in Atascocita, which opened a little more than a year ago, posted a goodbye note to its fans on Nov. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After a sweet time of serving this community, we're closing up shop," read the note. "But don't worry. We're already exploring new opportunities to bring Abbott's Frozen Custard back to the Houston area someday." One of those opportunities is pending already. Just last month, according to Houston Business Journal, Abbott's signed a lease to enter a 155,000-square-foot shopping center near Baybrook Mall. That location is scheduled to open in 2026. But for a few months, at least, there will be one heck of a custard-sized hole in Southeast Texas. Custard explosion Nevertheless, one franchisee has some big plans to make Texas an Abbott's state. The Rochester Business Journal reported in 2024 that Southern Scoops LLC aims to bring more than 100 Abbott's stores to the Lone Star State within 10 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The quality of the product and the legacy of the Abbott's brand is what were most compelling to us," Southern Scoops LLC President and CEO Barry Barron told the RBJ. Abbott's started way back in 1902 when Arthur Abbott started serving frozen custard to folks across the east coast. In the 1920s Abbott would settle in Rochester, N.Y., on the shores of Lake Ontario near the Finger Lakes and known for both Wegmans and a regional food experience called the "garbage plate." Abbott's expanded to Texas in 2024. When the lights dim in Atascocita, there will be four active Abbott's locations in Texas: Kyle, Lubbock, McKinney and Prosper. But that Baybrook store is on its way, as is a location in Hutto. A Spring location is also possible, according to the HBJ report. Beyond that ... we'll just see what Mr. Barron has in store. More Food & Drink Debate | Houston's beef with coffee in a paper cup spills over Popular | Texas chicken restaurant chain snags top U.S. ranking Nightlife | Houston drinking trend is redefining the local hangout Business | 'Closed' signs seen at controversial Houston restaurant Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more food news and features from Chron, sign up for The Feed newsletter here. This article originally published at 100-year-old ice cream franchise leaving Houston area-but there's a twist. Eleven schools across New Jersey have been recognized with the 2025 New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools Award, the state Education Department announced. The honor given to nine public schools and two nonpublic schools recognizes campuses that either demonstrate high academic performance or show significant progress in closing achievement gaps among student groups. New Jerseys 2025 Blue Ribbon Schools demonstrate what is possible when educators, students and communities work together to support academic growth and opportunity for all learners, Education Commissioner Kevin Dehmer said in a statement. This distinction honors schools that stand out whether through consistently high achievement or by making remarkable strides in closing opportunity gaps. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Board of Education President Kathy Goldenberg praised the honorees, calling the recognition a major accomplishment for these schools, their administrators and teachers, and, most importantly, our students. The announcement follows the U.S. Education Departments decision in August to end its longtime National Blue Ribbon Schools Program, shifting responsibility to individual states. New Jersey opted to continue the program at the state level and is honoring schools that were selected before the federal programs discontinuation. Under the states process, the state Education Department reviews performance data for all public schools annually and nominates those that meet federal criteria. Nonpublic school nominations are submitted by the Council of American Private Education. The 2025 New Jersey Blue Ribbon public school honorees are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ventnor Elementary School, Ventnor City School District, Atlantic County. Roosevelt School, Lodi School District, Bergen County. Bergen County Technical High School-Teterboro, Bergen County Vocational Technical School District. Mansion Avenue School, Audubon Public School District, Camden County. Ridgewood Avenue School, Glen Ridge Public School District, Essex County. Liberty High School, Jersey City Public Schools, Hudson County. Littlebrook School, Princeton Public School District, Mercer County. Hatikvah International Academy Charter School, Middlesex County. Indian Hill School, Holmdel Township School District, Monmouth County. The two nonpublic school honorees are: The Elisabeth Morrow School, Englewood, Bergen County. Our Lady of Czestochowa School, Jersey City, Hudson County. More information about the schools and the Blue Ribbon program is available on the state's New Jersey Blue Ribbon Schools web page. This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: NJ Blue Ribbon schools named by state for 2025 YORK COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM) A 12 vehicle crash sent six people to the hospital and shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County on Thursday. A PennDOT spokesperson said two tractor-trailers were involved in the crash that happened around 6:30 p.m. at Exit 39 in the northbound lanes. Multiple vehicles blocked all lanes of traffic, the Fairview Township Fire Department said. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. At least 12 vehicles were involved in a crash Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025, that shut down a stretch of I-83 in York County. There were no fatal injuries, but six people were taken to area hospitals, the department said. Their conditions were not made available. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traffic was being diverted off at Exit 36, but a secondary crash happened in the backlog, forcing the closure to Exit 35. Later, a third crash happened on the southbound on ramp. The roadway has fully reopened as of Friday morning. This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27. Two people were found dead last night after a SWAT response in Adams County. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Deputies responded to a home on Wintersteen Run Road for a well-being check on an elderly woman Thursday night and found a person dead with an apparent head trauma, according to a release from the Adams County Sheriffs Office. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While deputies tried to make contact with a second person in a nearby home, a gunshot was heard. The Ohio State Highway Patrols Special Response Team was called to the scene to assist with entry. When crews were able to get inside the home, they found a person dead from an apparent gunshot wound, according to the sheriffs office. Deputies said this appeared to be an isolated incident and theres no threat to the public at this time. The incident remains under investigation by the sheriffs office with the assistance of the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] The European Union is putting its energy security at risk by attempting to regulate every single molecule of energy products it will import in 2027, the year in which the EU will ban Russian natural gas. In its net-zero push and targets to slash emissions, the EU in recent years has adopted a series of legislative measures to address the energy sustainability issue. But in doing so, it is undermining whats become the most important energy issue, that of security, in the aftermath of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and the realization that Europe cannot rely on Russia for its gas supply. The EU Regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector, in effect from August 2024, and the proposed Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive (CSDDD) are placing additional barriers to LNG flows to Europe, according to gas producers and traders and the worlds biggest LNG exporters, the United States and Qatar. Importers of LNG may have to divert cargoes away from the EU as of 2027 due to non-compliance with the legislation, which would reduce gas supply just as Europe will have phased out Russian gas flows. The U.S., Qatar, and the gas industry call for immediate, drastic changes to the regulationsor the scrapping of theseif the EU wants to protect its energy security and continue importing LNG from its top suppliers. Methane Regulation The first-ever EU Regulation on reducing methane emissions in the energy sector came into effect on August 4, 2024. For imports, the next milestone in the regulation is the monitoring, reporting, and verification requirement. Under this requirement, importers must demonstrate as of January 2027 that the crude oil, natural gas, or coal imported into the EU was produced in a jurisdiction with monitoring, reporting, and verification requirements equivalent to those applied domestically in the EU. Related: Namibia Plans to Tighten Presidential Grip Over Its Oil Sector The industry argues that there cannot be verification of emissions from the various sources of gas in an LNG cargoin the case of the U.S., it is gas produced from thousands of wells across the country, which flows to liquefaction and export facilities. Importers say they cannot verify every single molecule. Its also unclear how the EU will verify the verification provided by importers. We have been complaining about many of these things basically since day one, Andreas Guth, secretary-general of industry association Eurogas, told the Financial Times. Chicago police released photos of two men wanted in connection with a double murder on the city's Southwest Side. Police say one of them robbed a jewelry store in Little Village on Saturday. Surveillance video shows the man in the Blackhawks hoodie walking into the store. A short time later, he runs out as two men chase after him. That's when he pulled out a gun, shooting and killing 63-year-old Faustino Alamo Dominguez and his son, 25-year-old Luis Alamo. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There's a $20,000 reward for information leading to an arrest. Police asked anyone with information to contact them at 312-746-8252 or submit an anonymous tip to CPDTIP.com. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood Two arrests have been made, and several massage parlors have been raided, according to state police who were working with Greenburg police throughout a two-month-long investigation. Both police departments served warrants simultaneously, so we didnt disrupt or interject into each others investigation where we could possibly could have compromised it, Trooper Steve Limani said. Only Channel 11 was there as Peiyun Zhang was arraigned in a magistrates office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zhang was arrested by state police and is charged with prostitution and soliciting sexual acts while working at Mus Asian Massage Parlor off of New Alexandria Road in Greensburg. Greensburg police arrested Hailan Zhou. She is also being charged with prostitution and soliciting sexual acts. She was working at Lis Massage on Main, less than a block away from the police station. It appears that when a patron would go in there, during the course of the massage, the person giving you the massage would offer some type of different type of service that would be sexual in nature, Limani said. They would solicit you to try and pay for these services. According to the state police, four locations were raided. Mus massage parlor in Greensburg and Latrobe, Lis massage off of South Main Street in Greensburg and Ruiquan Foot Spa off of South Urania Avenue in Greensburg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All 4 locations remain open, as police cannot force them to close at this time. They are trying to determine if these women acted alone or were told to do so. No patrons, right now, have been arrested. We are obviously going through the search warrant part of that, which is a lot of data, Limani said. Police ask anyone with information about these locations to call them. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW When President Donald J. Trump signed a package of spending bills Wednesday to end the longest partial shutdown of the federal government in history, he authorized $22 million for construction of a two-story mission data operations center at Beale Air Force Base in Yuba County. The money was contained in one of three spending bills approved by the House of Representatives Wednesday evening, and approved by the U.S. Senate Monday evening. California First District Congressman Doug LaMalfa and California Senator Adam Schiff announced the funding in joint statements Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This funding is a needed step to ensure Beale Air Force Base can continue its vital missions well into the future, said Rep. LaMalfa, R-Richvale. The (Mission Data Operations Center) will modernize the bases facilities, improve efficiency, and allow Beale to incorporate next generation technology like the new Collaborative Combat Aircraft program while expanding and strengthening its role in high-altitude intelligence and reconnaissance. Working together with Senator Schiff, we made sure this project, which had been identified as an unfunded priority, finally got the support it needs. It keeps Beale at the forefront of our national defense, supporting our airmen, and investing in the capabilities our country needs for national security. As the West Coast remains on the front line of deterring adversaries in the Pacific and the home of the nations technological innovation, supporting Beale Air Force Base in Congress remains a bipartisan priority for our California delegation, said Senator Schiff. And with the Air Forces selection in May of Beale for testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft, the funding we secured in this years budget will reinforce the bases new mission and support thousands of jobs in Yuba County. I was proud to work with Congressman LaMalfa to support this important funding, and the efforts of the dedicated servicemembers that I had a chance to meet at Beale earlier this year. Schiff, a Democrat, and LaMalfa toured Beale Air Force Base together in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When we visited Beale Air Force BaseI met committed California servicemembers working to protect our nation and apply new technologies to the adapting threats we face, said Schiff. The Air Forces selection of Beale for testing of the Collaborative Combat Aircraft puts those same servicemembers at the center of the Air Forces modernization efforts for our nations 21st century defense. Im proud to see Yuba County at the tip of the spear for promoting Americas national security, Schiff said. The data center will consolidate aircraft maintenance, training, and operational planning for Beales high-altitude intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance mission, as well as support new missions planned for the base, the lawmakers said in a joint statement. The funding complements Beales new role as the preferred location for the Air Forces Collaborative Combat Aircraft program, a next-generation defense initiative that will integrate advanced autonomous aircraft with existing missions. Together, these efforts solidify Beales position as a cornerstone of the Air Forces modernization strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a major win for Beale AFB and a vote of confidence in the capabilities of our region, said LaMalfa. These aircraft represent the future of the Air Forceautonomous, highly capable, and ready to deploy at a moments notice. I worked closely with my colleagues in Congress, state and local leaders, and the Department of Defense to make the case for Beale. We thank President Trump, DOD leadership, and the Air Force for recognizing Beales strategic importance and moving quickly to make it happen. This new mission not only solidifies Beales role in our national defense, but also brings new technology and investment to our region. The Air Force is currently conducting ground tests of the CCA aircraft at Beale, with flight testing expected later this year. The project was included in the Air Forces Fiscal Year 2025 Unfunded Priority List and is authorized in Title XXII, Section 2301(a) of Public Law 118-159, according to a media release. Current and future operators of A-29 Super Tucano light attack aircraft could use them to shoot down incoming drones, according to manufacturer Embraer. There is already something of an emerging trend when it comes to the idea of employing light attack planes in the drone hunting role. This has been enabled, in large part, by the combat-proven effectiveness of specially-configured laser-guided 70mm Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System II (APKWS II) rockets in the air-to-air role against drones, developments that TWZ has been first to report on in many cases. Embraer outlined the potential of the A-29 as a flying drone-killer in a press release today. The Super Tucano is a two-seat single-engine turboprop aircraft in widespread service globally, both as a trainer and a light attack platform. The aircrafts standard configuration includes two .50 caliber machine guns, one in each wing. The plane also has the ability to carry various guided and unguided munitions, and other stores, on up to four underwing hardpoints and another one under the center of the fuselage. A-29s can be equipped with one of several sensor turrets containing a mix of electro-optical and infrared cameras, as well as laser spot trackers and/or designators, under the forward end of the fuselage, as well. A stock picture of an A-29 Super Tucano. USAF Relying on A-29 features in operation and new sensors, including specific datalinks for receiving initial target coordinates and queueing, the Electro-Optical/ Infra-Red (EO/IR) sensor for laser tracking and designation, as well as the laser guided rockets and the wing-mounted .50 machine guns for neutralizing targeted Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS), the Operational Concept (CONOPS) defined by Embraer will allow current and future A-29 operators to add counter drone missions to their operational profiles whenever needed, according to Embraers release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The continued challenges in modern warfare and the recent conflicts worldwide have shown the urgent need for solutions to fight drones, Joao Bosco Costa Junior, President and CEO of Embraer Defense & Security, also said in a statement. The A-29 is the ideal tool to counter UAS effectively and at low cost, adding to the aircrafts already extensive mission set that includes close air support, armed reconnaissance, advanced training, and many others. As Embraers press release makes clear, laser-guided rockets are central to the concept of employing the A-29 in the counter-drone role. The APKWS II from BAE Systems, specifically, has already emerged as the present leader in this domain. All APKWS II rockets consist of three main components: a 70mm rocket motor, one of several standard warhead options, and a laser guidance section in between. U.S. Air Force F-16s first began employing air-to-air-optimized versions of those rockets, also known as Fixed Wing, Air Launched, Counter-Unmanned Aircraft Systems Ordnance (FALCO), against drones in the Middle East last year, which TWZ was first to report. The service had previously announced successful testing of APKWS II rockets in the air-to-air role, also including against subsonic cruise missiles, back in 2019, something we also reported on first. U.S. Fighter aircraft shoot down Iran-backed Houthi one-way-attack drones with AGR-20 FALCO Advanced Precision Kill Weapon System (APKWS) Laser Guided 2.75" Rockets.#HouthisAreTerrorists pic.twitter.com/bDoVnKwotc U.S. Central Command (@CENTCOM) March 19, 2025 FALCO rockets have now become the U.S. Air Forces go-to aerial counter-drone weapon for a growing a number of aircraft types beyond the F-16, including the F-15E Strike Eagle and A-10 Warthog ground attack plane. The rockets offer significant cost and magazine benefits over traditional air-to-air missiles against these threats, as you can read more about here. As a basic point of comparison, the unit cost of a complete APKWS II rocket is in the low tens of thousands of dollars, while AIM-9X Sidewinder and AIM-120 Advanced Medium Range Air-to-Air Missiles (AMRAAM) have individual price points around $500,000 and $1 million, respectively. One or more seven-shot 70mm rocket pods can also be loaded on the same pylons that could otherwise accommodate just one AIM-9X or AIM-120. This picture of an F-15E Strike Eagle with a load of 42 rockets in six seven-shot pods underscores the magazine-depth benefits the weapon offers. CENTCOM BAE Systems is also now developing a version of APKWS II that incorporates an additional imaging infrared seeker to improve its capabilities against air and ground targets. The rockets also have a demonstrated surface-to-air capability against drones, along with their ability to be used in air-to-surface and surface-to-surface modes. There are other types of laser-guided 70mm rockets on the market, as well. The companies that manufacture them are increasingly offering them specifically as counter-drone interceptors, whether fired from the air or down below. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pairing air-to-air-optimized laser-guided rockets with the A-29 offers additional potential benefits, especially given the low operating cost and logistical footprint of the Super Tucano. Those aircraft could be deployed to a larger array of operating locations compared to fast-flying tactical jets, including ones closer to intended operating areas, which could help further reduce demands for supporting resources, especially aerial refueling tankers. From those sites, A-29s could also still perform light attack, armed overwatch, and other missions, in addition to hunting for drones. Laser-guided rockets could be carried as part of mixed ordnance loads, offering flexibility even on a single sortie. A rocket-armed Philippine Air Force A-29 Super Tucano. Philippine Air Force As Embraers release notes, the Super Tucano also has the guns in its wings, something that is not found on many other light attack planes on the market today. At the same time, scoring gun kills against small aerial targets, even ones moving relatively slowly, can be challenging, and for fast jets, even downright dangerous. There are limitations to utilizing the A-29 in the counter-drone role. Compared to fast jets, Super Tucanos would be relatively slow just in terms of getting on station, let alone responding to threats across a potentially broad area of the battlespace. A lack of a built-in radar would create challenges for independently spotting and tracking targets at longer ranges. A-29 crews would therefore be heavily dependent on third-party information for cueing and general guidance, which can be facilitated via datalink or voice communications. Embraers press release speaks to this directly in mentioning the importance of specific datalinks for receiving initial target coordinates and queueing. The limitations would be more pronounced in barrages of multiple drones, but also multiple Tucanos could be deployed for the same cost as a single fighter. Super Tucanos could also leverage their ability to loiter to provide more focused coverage, especially against smaller groups of incoming threats, in a particular zone. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless, as mentioned, Embraer explicitly highlighting the potential utility of the A-29 in the drone-hunter role points to an emerging trend when it comes to light attack aircraft. There were reports last month that Textron has been presenting a similar concept of operations involving its AT-6 Wolverine, the light attack version of its T-6 trainer line, flying counter-drone patrols. The AT-6 was also notably the first fixed-wing aircraft to fire an APKWS II rocket, through an industry-funded demonstration more than a decade ago. The video below shows past U.S. Air Force testing of the A-29 and AT-6 in the light attack role. TWZ has previously raised the idea of the Air Force employing its new OA-1K Skyraider II light attack aircraft, which are heavily modified AT-802 crop dusters, to hunt uncrewed aerial threats. Earlier this year, images also emerged of a Zlin Z-137 Agro Turbo crop duster in Ukraine armed with R-73 heat-seeking air-to-air missiles, likely intended to help with intercepting incoming one-way-attack drones. Both Ukrainian and Russian forces have also been using other light aircraft types with ad-hoc weapons, including individuals simply wielding small arms, in this role. Engaging drones with door-mounted machine guns on helicopters is another tactic being employed in that conflict. Moravan Z-137 Agro Turbo turboprop aircraft, modified for R-73 air to air missile launches, was spotted in Ukraine. Most likely used to intercept Shahed kamikaze drones or reconnaissance drones. pic.twitter.com/mLjhkiZvIw Special Kherson Cat (@bayraktar_1love) August 8, 2025 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The crew-member of a Ukrainian helicopter shots down a Russian Shahed-136/Geran-2 long-range OWA-UAV with a side-mounted M134 Minigun rotary machine gun. pic.twitter.com/H4yTSnTbPT Status-6 (Military & Conflict News) (@Archer83Able) November 12, 2025 The scale and scope of drone threats in the conflict in Ukraine, as well as globally, only continue to expand. This is especially true when it comes to the introduction of faster-flying jet-powered long-range one-way-attack drones, as well as the general integration of more and more artificial intelligence and machine-learning (AI/ML) driven capabilities. U.S. operations in and around the Middle East over the past two years or so have also underscored the particular challenges and dangers posed by high-volume attacks that can easily overwhelm defensive capacity. This reality was a key factor in the U.S. Air Forces crash efforts to expand the number of platforms capable of employing APKWS II rockets in the air-to-air role. Other countries are now looking at adding similar laser-guided rocket capability to their tactical jet fleets. With all this in mind, proposals like the new one from Embraer to add light attack aircraft, particularly ones armed with laser-guided rockets, as another cost-effective layer of anti-drone defense only look set to grow. Contact the author: joe@twz.com Three Chinese astronauts have returned to Earth after they were briefly stranded at the nation's space station when space debris struck the vehicle they were meant to travel aboard. The delay may remind some of the unexpected lengthy stay two NASA astronauts recently experienced when they reached the International Space Station in June 2024 aboard the Boeing Starliner capsule. But while NASA's Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams remained at the space station for 286 days, China's spacefarers remained stuck in orbit for just nine days beyond their mission's scheduled end. The crew departed China's Tiangong space station on another spacecraft, landing Friday in northern China, the nation's human spaceflight agency announced. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The situation also highlights the growing threat that space debris, also called space junk, poses to spacefarers and key orbital infrastructure. NASA astronaut Mike Fincke inserts a cryogenic storage unit containing research samples into a science freezer for preservation and later analysis on the International Space Station. This view of Earth was captured from a window on a SpaceX Dragon spacecraft as it approached the International Space Station. NASA astronauts Zena Cardman and Jonny Kim practice using a robotic arm on the Destiny laboratory modules robotics workstation on the International Space Station. Kim used the device in September to capture Northrop Grummans Cygnus XL cargo craft as it arrived at the outpost. Northrop Grummans Cygnus XL cargo craft, carrying over 11,000 pounds of new science and supplies for the Expedition 73 crew, is pictured in the grips of the International Space Stations Canadarm2 robotic arm following its capture. Roscosmos cosmonaut Sergey Ryzhikov conducts a spacewalk Oct. 16 outside the International Space Station. The International Space Station is seen from the Crew 8 SpaceX Dragon during undocking in October 2024. The International Space Station as seen in Nov. 2021 from astronauts aboard a SpaceX Dragon. This still from a video captured by NASA astronaut Zena Cardman, a member of Crew-11, from the International Space Station shows auroras above the South Pacific Ocean. Cardman took the footage from a SpaceX Dragon capsule that was docked at the time. NASA astronaut and Expedition 72 Commander Suni Williams is pictured Thursday, Jan. 30 during her second spacewalk of the month. In this photo, Williams is attached to the tip of the Canadarm2 robotic arm as the International Space Station orbits 260 miles above Earth. NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 members pose together for a portrait inside the vestibule between the International Space Station and the SpaceX Dragon crew spacecraft. Clockwise from left, are NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore, Nick Hague, and Suni Williams, and Roscosmos cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov. International Space Station marks 25 years with humans on board. See photos 1 of 10 NASA astronaut Mike Fincke inserts a cryogenic storage unit containing research samples into a science freezer for preservation and later analysis on the International Space Station. Here's everything to know about the Chinese astronauts who returned to Earth after being stranded in space. Astronauts stranded at Tiangong space station after space debris strike Astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie attend a see-off ceremony on April 24 for the Shenzhou-20 spaceflight mission at Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center near Jiuquan, Gansu province, China. The astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie were due to return Nov. 5 to Earth after completing a six-month mission on China's Tiangong space station. But tiny chunks of space debris reportedly struck the crew's return vehicle before they were able to depart. The China Manned Space Agency (CMSA), which investigated the incident, said Friday, Nov. 14, that "tiny cracks" were found in a small window of the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft's return capsule, Reuters reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The capsule does not meet the safety requirements for a crewed return, Shenzhou-20 will remain in orbit and conduct relevant experiments," the agency said in a statement quoted by Reuters. 3 Chinese astronauts return to Earth Three Chinese astronauts returned to Earth Nov. 14, state TV footage showed, after a delay caused by their spacecraft being struck by debris in orbit. In this photo, crewmember Wang Jie is seen after landing in the Gobi Desert. In line with existing protocols, the astronauts returned to China aboard the vessel their replacements crewed to the Tiangong space station. The crew departed Tiangong on the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft, according to CMSA, touching down at the Dongfeng landing site in north China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region at 4:40 p.m. local time, or 3:40 a.m. ET. Shenzhou-20 mission launched in April A Long March-2F rocket carrying the Shenzhou-20 spacecraft takes off April 24 from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center for a crewed mission to China's Tiangong space station. The spacecraft hit by the space junk was the Shenzhou-20 capsule, which in April transported the crew of three astronauts to the space station. The mission is part of China's Shenzhou program, which takes trios of Chinese astronauts to and from Tiangong for six-month stays, where they perform a variety of tasks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mission's replacements, part of the Shenzhou-21 mission, docked with the station Saturday, Nov. 1. The crews of both vessels were in the midst of a handover period as the new arrivals spent a few days familiarizing themselves with the outpost before the Shenzhou-20 was to depart Wednesday, Nov. 5. Now that the Shenzhou-20 astronauts have departed on the Shenzhou-21 vehicle, the Shenzhou-21 crew now find themselves in need of a replacement spacecraft for their own voyage home. A backup Shenzhou spacecraft will be sent from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Centre in northwest China at "an appropriate time in the future," Reuters reported. What is Tiangong? What to know about China's space station Because China is not among the partners on the International Space Station, the nation operates its own outpost in orbit. Named Tiangong, the three-module space station became fully operational in 2022 in low-Earth orbit, according to the nonprofit Planetary Society. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China plans to expand Tiangong in the coming years by adding more modules, along with plans to launch a space telescope similar to NASA's Hubble that will orbit nearby and be able to dock for repairs. Contributing: Reuters Eric Lagatta is the Space Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 3 Chinese astronauts stranded by space debris return to Earth A 7 On Your Side consumer investigation involving a Fairfield, New Jersey moving company has led to more customers from all over the country contacting Eyewitness News, claiming they too were upcharged thousands of dollars on move day and pressured to pay more than their estimate. After not answering ABC 7's calls, texts, and emails, Nina Pineda finally caught up with Farah Al-Ibrahim, who clearly wanted to avoid 7 On Your Side's camera and questions. "I need to know what to tell people that are calling us from all over the country," asked Pineda, as Al-Ibrahim stayed in her SUV and did not roll down the window. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2019, Al-Ibrahim pleaded guilty to "conspiracy to commit wire fraud". The Department of Justice complaint says that at the time, she worked for other moving companies which would, "...low ball customers and then raise prices on the day of the move." Since ABC 7's initial report, a new source familiar with the inner workings of her moving business contacted ABC 7. "We had somebody call us that's very close to your company, Farah, and tell us that you are guilty of doing the same thing that you were charged with in 2019," Pineda asked Al-Ibrahim, who remained in her vehicle. The new source claims Al-Ibrahim is at it again with a different company, Noble Moving and Storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She's kind of the ringleader. She manages everything," said the source, who asked 7 On Your Side not to show their face. ABC 7 has also altered their voice. In August, Eyewitness News met with a customer of Noble Moving and Storage in Brooklyn and also talked to six others from across the country. All of them claimed their quotes ballooned on move day. "When they showed up, it went to 21 thousand. I think it was straight up extortion," said Melissa Cranon, who moved from southern California to Atlanta, Georgia. Multiple customers we spoke to say their local searches for moving companies wound up being handled by Noble Moving and Storage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She's the mastermind behind it all because she does it very, very well," said the source. "Are you saying that they're told to sell it this way, with a lowball price and then switch it up on the day of the move?" asked Pineda. The source answered, "Correct." "That's a big allegation," inquired Pineda. With a tone of certainty, the source said, "That's exactly what's happening. That's a fact." In August, when 7 On Your Side spoke to Fairfield Police, the department was investigating Noble Moving after getting complaints from multiple customers about moving day price hikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The pattern is what makes it become criminal and that allows us to get involved on the police side," said Officer Stacy Chiarolanza. At that time Noble's owner, Joe Hannouch, who also happens to be Al-Ibrahim's husband, denied any wrongdoing and defended the price hikes, telling us the customers underestimated the amount they had to move, which the customers deny. ABC 7 reached out to the Department of Transportation for comment. In an official response to the inquiry, the agency said, "The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is aware of the allegations involving Noble Moving and Storage and can confirm the company is under investigation. The department's website says the agency investigates types of fraud that include "...deliberately providing a "low-ball" estimate to lure customers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional customers that spoke with 7 On Your Side say they, too, chose Noble Moving and Storage because they were quoted at a cheap price, only to get caught off guard on moving day by a huge upcharge. Nate Wheatley said, "They got me for about $8,000 a little over, maybe." And when asked how much Andrea Elliot was upcharged, "Oh, we paid 18,000," she said. Elliot says her estimate was $7,100 for a move from Wisconsin to Louisiana. After not responding to 7 On Your Side's request for an interview, Pineda met up with Al-Ibrahim in Clifton, NJ. "I have to ask you why these people are accusing you of charging them so much more," said Pineda. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In her only response, Al-Ibrahim said, "I'm not even in moving anymore" But ABC 7 did receive a text from her husband, Joe Hannouch that said, "I've told you before, and I'll make it crystal clear again: my wife, Farah, has absolutely nothing to do with my moving business." 7 On Your Side obtained a May 2025 corporate filing with the State Of New Jersey, showing that "Moving System Holdings Inc." has an alternate name, "Noble Moving and Storage." The electronic signature reads, "Farah Al-Ibrahim, President." ---------- SHARE YOUR STORY Do you have an issue with a company that you haven't been able to resolve? If so, 7 On Your Side wants to help you! Fill out the form below or email your questions, issues, or story ideas by filling out the form below or by emailing 7OnYourSideNina@abc.com. All emails MUST INCLUDE YOUR NAME AND CELLPHONE NUMBER. Without a phone number, 7 On Your Side will not be able to respond. PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now) Eighty-two residents were evacuated from their homes on Thursday night after a gas leak in Prince William County, officials said. Around 9:40 p.m., emergency response crews headed to the intersection of Oakwood Drive and Catania Place for reports of a natural gas pipe leaking after being damaged. The investigation revealed that while Prince William Water was repairing a water main in the area, they accidentally struck the gas line with an excavator. The 3-inch line caused hazardous conditions requiring 65 townhomes to be evacuated. The residents were transported to Woodbridge High School for temporary shelter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wires down after crash in Prince William County Washington Gas assisted crews to help secure the leak shortly after midnight and responded within 20 minutes after receiving the report. Out of the 82 people transported, 30 adults and two children received additional assistance for overnight accommodations by Fire and Rescue staff and the Red Cross after the heat was cut from their homes. The remaining residents were able to return home or had alternative housing arrangements. One person was medically evaluated, but didnt require additional assistance. No injuries were reported. As of 11:12 a.m., gas has not been restored, according to David Loewenberg, a spokesperson for Washington Gas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | DC, Virginia, Maryland News, Weather, Traffic, Sports Live. When Camerina Zorrozua learned in April that Washington had slashed its state funding of her Spokane-based legal aid organization, she frantically called state Rep. Tarra Simmons. I was so alarmed, and I asked her straight up, What happened? said Zorrozua, the legal director and co-founder of The Way to Justice. Simmons, the first formerly incarcerated lawmaker in Washington, has vowed to fight for other formerly incarcerated people and was the state representative who Zorrozua thought would have fought hardest against the cuts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2021, Simmons, D-Bremerton, helped secure state funding to help hundreds of thousands of people vacate drug-related convictions from their criminal records, after the Washington Supreme Court deemed the states felony drug possession law to be unconstitutional in a ruling known as State v. Blake. In 2023, Simmons was able to vacate her own felony convictions. In media reports, she said it felt like she had been liberated from an invisible prison. But the state Legislatures decision in April to slash funding was a blow to organizations like The Way to Justice that have been key in providing legal support to those eligible to vacate their cases. And Simmons didnt offer Zorrozua much of an explanation. She made it seem like she didnt know, Zorrozua said. In fact, emails obtained by InvestigateWest show that, behind the scenes, Simmons supported the cuts, telling her colleagues that the state was nearly done with its work despite state data showing that only 38% of all the unconstitutional convictions had been vacated as of July 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My position about Blake legal funding is that it is wasteful regardless of which organization gets it, Simmons wrote in an email to other lawmakers, including the chair and vice chairs of the House appropriations committee, where budget recommendations are made. In a time where we are in a budget shortfall and making decisions about cutting services to our most vulnerable people in WA, I do not believe community outreach to try and find class members four years after the case is a priority, she wrote. Rep. Tarra Simmons, a Democrat from Bremerton, was elected to represent the state's 23rd Legislative District in 2020 and re-elected in 2022 and 2024. The emails, which state lawmakers have historically fought to be exempt from public disclosure, give a peek into the decision-making that left the impacted legal aid organizations and the state agency that doles out the funds confused and scrambling. The Office of Civil Legal Aid was originally allocated around $5 million in both the draft House and Senate biannual budgets to support its Blake-related civil legal aid efforts, but in the waning days of the legislative session, the funding disappeared from the final budget. In State v. Blake, the Washington Supreme Court ruled that the states simple drug possession law was unconstitutional because it lacked language related to criminal intent, effectively criminalizing even innocent and passive possession of drugs in violation of a persons due process rights. The historic decision not only made Washingtons law void but also made an estimated 330,000 past misdemeanor and felony convictions dating as far back as 1971 eligible to be wiped from a persons criminal record. The state also must refund any financial costs stemming from the convictions. The number of eligible cases is considered a significant undercount because Washington's court system makes it difficult to gather historical conviction data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons told InvestigateWest that it wasnt her intention to harm legal aid organizations, but given the extremely tight state budget, difficult decisions had to be made. Ive always fought for my community, she said. But my community also needs things like housing and food. But others have argued that the cuts were less about cost savings and more about her ongoing personal conflict with one of the state-supported legal aid organizations, Civil Survival. She served as its executive director from 2015 until she was fired from the organization in July 2024 following two separate third-party investigations that found repeated violations of the organization's policies, according to an open letter from its Board of Directors. When the budget cuts were made, Simmons was simultaneously suing the organization, which had received around $800,000 in 2023 and 2024 to support its Blake-related work, according to state contracts. The 2023 contract was signed by Simmons. Those funds werent wasteful when she was at the organization, said Virla Spencer, the co-founder and CEO of The Way to Justice, referring to Simmons time at Civil Survival. So make it make sense. Still a long way to go On April 14, Washington state Sen. Drew Hansen sent an email to two budget analysts asking if cutting the Blake funding to the civil legal aid organizations would do great damage. It was two weeks before the budget was set to be finalized, during a time when every program was facing scrutiny as lawmakers scrambled to address a projected $16 billion budget shortfall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hansen, D-Bainbridge Island, wrote in the email that Simmons had shared with him that most of the states Blake-related work was done and that they were reaching the point of diminishing returns. Hansen, a lawyer, helped Simmons vacate her criminal record in 2023. A screenshot of an email from Rep. Tarra Simmons to fellow lawmakers during the 2025 legislative session regarding funding to civil legal aid organizations helping the state vacate hundreds of thousands of unconstitutional drug convictions. I actually think my colleague may be on to something here (like, do we really need to do outreach at the magnitudes that were currently doing), Hansen wrote in an email to a budget analyst in April. But I dont have any expertise in this area and its hard for me to evaluate. While Simmons claimed to her fellow lawmakers that the Blake work was nearly complete, state data tells a different story. Only 29% of eligible cases in superior courts; 10% of cases in district courts; and 36% of cases in municipal courts have been successfully vacated as of July 2025, according to a data analysis compiled by the Washington Office of Public Defense using Washington State Patrol data. The team estimates it will take another six years to vacate the remaining cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Kitsap County, which Hansen and Simmons represent, 57% of cases in Superior Court, 18% of cases in the municipal court, and 2% in the District Court have been vacated. There are approximately 6,117 cases left in the county eligible to be vacated. Simmons told InvestigateWest that she thinks a lot of the cases that are left are for people who have either moved out of state or died, which is why she felt like the funds should be allocated elsewhere. When directed to the state data showing that only 38% of eligible cases have been vacated as of July 2025, Simmons said she still stood by her assessment. Seniors need food, kids need food, Medicaid is being cut, and undocumented citizens need civil legal aid, she said. It just does not seem like that is the top priority. While some courts have been proactive in identifying and vacating eligible Blake cases, others have left it up to the individuals to navigate the convoluted system and initiate the process independently. The state has been working to streamline the process and provide more support to local courts tasked with identifying and vacating their eligible cases, but theres still a long way to go. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The process, which has to be initiated at the court where the conviction was given, involves three distinct steps: resentencing cases that involve more than just a possession charge; vacating eligible cases off a persons criminal record; and filing a refund request with the states Blake Refund Bureau once a vacate is issued, which can be anywhere from a few dollars to thousands. Civil legal aid and reentry organizations have been critical in helping to get the word out about the historic ruling and guiding people through the legal process. According to previous state contracts, the state funding historically doled out by the states Office of Civil Legal Aid was specifically to fund legal services, public education campaigns and targeted services for people impacted by President Richard Nixons war on drugs, which helped fuel mass incarceration and disproportionately targeted communities of color. While the funding to the Office of Civil Legal Aid was cut this year, two other state agencies are still receiving funding related to Blake: the Office of Public Defense, to support counties proactively working through their Blake cases; and the Administrative Office of the Courts, which provides refunds for any legal financial obligations paid as a result of the unconstitutional conviction. Zorrozua, from The Way to Justice, said shes grateful for the work Rep. Simmons has done around criminal justice reforms, like helping to pass the New Hope Act, which makes it easier for a person to vacate their criminal record to improve access to housing and employment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But Simmons is way off base here about Blake funding, she said. Outreach is a critical component of Blake work, Zorrozua said. Theyve planned pop-up events, vaccination clinics and tabling at community events where they can meet people outside of a court setting to build trust. Shes forgetting about all of her brothers and sisters who have been through the carceral process, who dont have the privilege to have private counsel come in and clear their records, Zorrozua said. In late October, Zorrozua said she assisted a man with immigration status issues who had a Blake-eligible conviction on his record. Removing the unconstitutional conviction from his record would make a huge difference in whether or not he wins his immigration case, she added. Since the budget cuts, the Way to Justice has had to start charging clients for its services. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont want to wait for our clients to die to close the Blake file, she stressed. They are entitled to relief. They were entitled to relief years ago. Zorrozua said it feels as if Simmons has a short-term memory. Because I remember when I went into one of her campaign events, this used to be what Tarra ran on, justice for impacted communities, she said. Shes saying shes focusing on immigration, housing and employment. And its like, how the hell dont you see the connections between those things? Personal conflict In the email to her fellow lawmakers at the end of the 2025 legislative session, Simmons acknowledged she had a personal conflict with Civil Survival but stressed to her peers that she wasnt advocating for the funding to be cut specifically from her former organization, but to all of the organizations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Simmons was fired in 2024 from Civil Survival for repeatedly mistreating staff and violating policies, according to a statement published by the organizations staff, and for threatening to cut off critical funding. She later sued the organization for discrimination and wrongful termination, alleging that she didnt receive the disability accommodations shed requested for post-traumatic stress disorder. They reached a settlement in September 2025 for an undisclosed amount. I got a large amount of money because they harmed me, she said. Its been a very painful thing. Corey Guilmette, the co-executive director at Civil Survival, told InvestigateWest that they chose to settle the case with Simmons to protect the formerly incarcerated members of their staff from having to testify in court. We are dedicated to helping our community heal and continuing litigation that would force not only directly impacted staff members, but community members, including people in prison, to confront their trauma in a courtroom, did not advance that mission, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Guilmette said the state funding cuts caused them to lay off staff attorneys. We pretty much have to turn away two-thirds of clients, because if we say yes to any more than that, we know that we wont be able to serve people adequately, he said. Editor's note: An update to this story clarified a comment Rep. Tarra Simmons made regarding Blake cases not vacated because individuals died or left the state. Moe K. Clark is a collaborative investigative reporter covering Washington state for InvestigateWest. Her position is supported by the Murrow News Fellowship, an initiative of Washington State University which aims to bolster coverage of civic issues in underserved communities around the state. This article originally appeared on Kitsap Sun: Advocates question Rep. Tarra Simmons on funding to clear convictions Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti Jr. speaks to members of a House and Senate oversight panel probing years of the state's handling of maintenance and repair work on the Washington Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Rhode Island Department of Transportation (RIDOT) Director Peter Alviti Jr. admitted to lawmakers Thursday that he has not personally reviewed engineering plans of the westbound Washington Bridge shut down in December 2023. Thats because he said its ultimately up to the companies contracted by the state to look them over and identify any issues that arise even the ones that failed to catch the broken anchor rods that put the westbound Interstate 195 highway at risk of collapse. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We expect them to deliver a report that is complete and accurate, and we dont second-guess them, Alviti told members of the House and Senate oversight committees. We rely on their expertise and their reporting so that we can serve the public and they betrayed that. Its the third time since the state abruptly closed the western span over the Seekonk River that lawmakers have put Alviti in the hot seat. Unlike his previous two appearances in the State House basement, Rhode Islands transportation chief was required to testify under oath and had to answer before the states most recent top federal prosecutor. This committee has an obligation to understand the circumstances that led to this event and what we can do to avoid this happening again, Rep. Patricia Serpa, the West Warwick Democrat who chairs the House Committee on Oversight, said in her opening remarks of the five-hour meeting. Lawmakers requested the third oversight hearing after the Rhode Island Office of Attorney General quietly released a long-sequestered forensic audit that showed the state was partially to blame for its deteriorated condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 64-page report by Illinois-based engineering firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc. dated April 5, 2024, was posted on the AGs website this September after pieces were leaked by an anonymous social media account. Gov. Dan McKee had promised to make the audit public when he announced at a March 2024 press conference that the bridge would need to be rebuilt, but ultimately chose to keep it out of the public eye amid the states lawsuit against the 13 firms that performed work on the bridge. The lawsuit also inhibited the committees ability to ask questions surrounding accountability when lawmakers last met on Feb. 13. We were told we cant ask questions about anything pertaining to causation, Sen. Mark McKenney, the Warwick Democrat who chairs the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics and Oversight, said in an interview before Thursdays hearing. That was extremely frustrating. Rep. Patricia A. Serpa, chair of the House Oversight Committee, is shown during a joint hearing with the Senate Committee on Rules, Government Ethics & Oversight on the forensic evaluation and audit on years of Washington Bridge repair work on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) With the chance now to get answers under oath, the joint panel tapped a veteran prosecutor to grill Alviti: former U.S. Attorney Zachary Cunha, who served three years under the Biden administration before being ousted last February by the Trump administration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A repeated line of questioning from Cunha focused on who at RIDOT is responsible for assessing inspection reports from its network of contractors. Alviti explained that one individual, the state program manager, oversees the outsourcing and contracting with multiple bridge inspection companies. But Alviti said he could not recall that persons name, and that they havent regularly met either before or after the bridges closure. I feel bad that I dont, he said. I should. Sounds like a fairly important position, Cunha replied. Alviti said the position has its place, but that all employees at RIDOT play a role. He also disagreed with Cunhas suggestion that the project manager is the ultimate authority on reviewing the accuracy of inspection reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program manager basically oversees and manages the outsourcing and contracting, he said. Cunha said RIDOTs approach is contractors all the way down. Is RIDOT helpless to do anything other than sign contracts and pay out money? he asked. About 90 minutes into the hearing, Alviti asked for a short recess, saying his voice was getting raspy. When the committee reconvened around 10 minutes later, he wasnt in his seat prompting Serpa to ask Capitol Police to look for him. Alviti returned shortly after. We were afraid you left us, Serpa said. Former U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha, left, grilled Rhode Island Department of Transportation Director Peter Alviti, right, seen from behind, during a joint House and Senate oversight committee hearing on the Washington Bridge on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo by Michael Salerno/Rhode Island Current) Where does the buck stop? Following a second recess, committee members were given the chance to ask questions of Alviti, starting with lawmakers from the East Bay whose constituents are bearing the most impact of the bridges closure. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Jennifer Boylan, a Barrington Democrat, told Alviti it was very frustrating to hear of RIDOTs overreliance on contractors and asked how she can maintain confidence that future bridge maintenance is done properly. Where does the buck stop? she said. It cant always stop with consultants. Alviti insisted RIDOT is the most accountable department in the state and that using outside contractors has helped reconstruct hundreds of structurally deficient bridges. When he took up the job in 2015 following his appointment by then-Gov. Gina Raimondo, he told lawmakers the department did much of the bridge work in-house, leading to many projects running over time and over budget. We turned that all around, Alviti said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, Alvitis assurances did little to comfort lawmakers. Much of what we have heard today does not instill confidence in the inspection regime, said Rep. June Speakman, a Bristol Democrat. Is RIDOT helpless to do anything other than sign contracts and pay out money? Zachary Cunha, the former U.S. attorney hired by lawmakers to question the states transportation director Alviti continues to receive support from McKee, who has refuted calls to replace his transportation chief. But who is the best person for the DOT directors job has already emerged as a hot button campaign issue. And McKees Democratic primary opponent was quick to weigh in after the oversight hearing ended and remind the public what she would do if elected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Helena Bounanno Foulkes, who is challenging McKee in the 2026 Democratic gubernatorial primary, called for Alviti to be fired. This oversight hearing was a disaster for the McKee Administration, Foulkes said in a statement Thursday night. It confirmed what Rhode Islanders already knew: the State refuses to take responsibility for years of neglect and mismanagement. The main question on lawmakers minds was how RIDOT will make sure infrastructure problems are caught sooner rather than later and that the state never has another Washington Bridge debacle again. In his closing statement, Alviti sought to reassure them. He said the new westbound Washington Bridge will be built to be strong, safe, and easy to be maintained and inspected. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicago-headquartered Walsh Construction Company was awarded the states $427 million contract to rebuild the Washington Bridge on June 6. Construction is expected to be completed by November 2028. Weve got the best contractor in the country doing it for us, Alviti said. What happened with the Washington Bridge will not happen again. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Four Antifa-linked groups in Europe are to be designated foreign terrorist organizations and specifically designated global terrorists, the State Department announced on Thursday. The International Revolutionary Front aka the Informal Anarchist Federation in Italy, the Armed Proletarian Justice and the Revolutionary Class Self-Defense groups in Greece, and the Antifa Ost organization in Germany are to be designated as foreign terrorist organizations, The Hill reported. "The designation of Antifa Ost and other violent Antifa groups supports President [Donald] Trump's ... initiative to disrupt self-described 'anti-fascism' networks, entities and organizations that use political violence and terroristic acts to undermine democratic institutions, constitutional rights and fundamental liberties," Secretary of State Marco Rubio said in a prepared statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Groups affiliated with this movement ascribe to revolutionary anarchist or Marxist ideologies, including anti-Americanism, 'anti-capitalism' and anti-Christianity, using these to incite and justify violent assaults domestically and overseas," Rubio added. He said the foreign terrorist organization designations will take effect on Nov. 20. The four groups are blamed for allegedly organizing and carrying out shootings, bombings and other politically motivated violence, according to Fox News. Antifa Ost has been connected to ideologically motivated attacks in Germany from 2018 to 2023, which led to German prosecutors charging seven individuals linked to that group with related crimes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hungarian government in September also designated Antifa Ost as a terrorist organization after some of its members used hammers, batons and pepper spray to assault others in Budapest in 2023. The IRF/IAC in Italy is a collection of smaller groups that promote armed revolutionary violence against the government and has been linked to dozens of violent acts, including sending letter bombs to government officials and industrialists, planting explosive devices and targeting others in shootings, including a nuclear engineering official in 2012. The two Greek organizations are accused of attacking government buildings throughout Greece and carrying out a bombing attack on the Hellenic. Railway headquarters in April, which the RCSD dedicated to the "Palestinian people and their heroic resistance," Fox News reported. The president in September designated Antifa a domestic terrorist organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The foreign terrorist organization designations for the four Antifa groups make it illegal for U.S. citizens and entities to engage in transactions with the groups and their respective members. The designation also freezes any assets owned by the organizations or their members in the United States. Traditional owner-EPC relationships relied on sequenced approvals and risk allocation tied to project maturity. Todays interdependent infrastructure, including for the grid, generation, storage, and transmission, requires simultaneous optimization of design, procurement, and construction decisions. That is fundamentally changing how contracts are structured and teams are organized. As the U.S. power infrastructure landscape evolves, the relationship between utilities and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms is also beginning a transformation. Compared to past decades, where project owners finalized design, secured permits, and then solicited fixed-price bids, new models are prioritizing integrated, risk-transparent partnerships driven by real-time data, collaborative planning, and portfolio-level coordination. The transformation appears to be underpinned by a simple but profound insight: Power projects of the 2020s demand simultaneous optimizationof design, procurement, construction, and operationsacross multiple assets and stakeholders. At the core of the shift are fundamental supply chain disruptions, such as transformer and turbine lead times stretching several years, compounded by workforce scarcity, permitting challenges, and utility infrastructure constraints. At the same time, the demand imperative remains acute: U.S. data center electricity demand could double to 409 TWh by 2030, with artificial intelligence (AI) as a prime driver, according to an October 2025 Bain & Company analysis . Bain notes that hyperscalers are under extraordinary time pressure. Meta, for example, is building gigawatt-scale AI campuses like Richland Parish in 24 to 36 months, and phased commissioning could bring some mission-critical zones online in well under three years. Industry-wide, standard timelines for new data centers now range from 18 to 30 months for most greenfield builds, though permitting, power connection, and equipment procurement could extend those durations by a year or more when hurdles arise. These converging pressures appear to be redefining risk, including who bears it and when. Under traditional lump-sum contracts, EPCs assumed nearly all financial risk, and while owners locked scope, schedule, and price, contractors either delivered or absorbed losses. But in a market where equipment lead times exceed project timelines by years, and where labor scarcity and supply volatility are structural realities, that model is looking less attractive. At the 2025 EPC Show in Houston , EPC leadership publicly acknowledged a growing shift away from fixed-price delivery toward collaborative, transparent cost-sharing models. Essentially, they explained, when contractors can no longer price risks that have become uninsurablesupply volatility, multi-year equipment lead times, or constrained laborthe burden inevitably shifts upstream. Some are looking at more amenable contracting models, including progressive design-build, reimbursable with pain/gain share, and open-book transparency, which distribute risk. So, for example, instead of locking in a lump-sum price that conceals exposure until change orders pile up, owners are accepting greater scope definition and cost-escalation risk earlier in exchange for realistic cost visibility and speed. What appears to be emerging is a pragmatic partnership model, where owners carry the financial exposure tied to procurement and schedule compression, while EPCs retain performance and execution risk within a clearly defined scope. Story Continues Why Early Engagement Works for Utilities: The Demand Certainty Advantage At least for now, utilities are embracing early EPC engagement because binding customer agreements now shape project economics. American Electric Power (AEP), for example, reports 28 GW of incremental load growth under executed letters of agreement (LOAs) and electric-service agreements (EASs), about 80% of which is from hyperscalers such as Google, AWS, and Meta. We have evolved our contracting strategy to sign full take-or-pay agreements earlier in the development cycle, helping us to filter out speculative load, noted AEP Vice President and CFO Trevor Mihalik. Commission-approved tariff reforms have strengthened these contracts, especially in our vertically integrated businesses, but generation investments must be tightly aligned with the real demand to protect customer rates. The agreements, often signed earlier in the development cycle, may give the utilitys EPC partners the real data needed to model commodity, labor, and equipment risk, he suggested. Entergy has taken a similar approach. The companys Superpower Mississippi initiative (Figure 1), which includes a $300 million investment to harden the grid and improve reliability, funded through new revenues from Amazon and other large industrial customers investments in Mississippi, has enabled customer rates to be 16% lower than they otherwise would have been, according to Entergy Mississippi CEO Haley Fisackerly. Separately, Google is covering the full cost of powering its West Memphis data center and is committed to a $25 million fund for local energy efficiency and workforce development. Entergy told investors it has EPC agreements for generation projects through mid-2029 and has secured 90% of the materials required for planned transmission projects through 2030, as its data center pipeline expanded from 7 GW to 12 GW. That contractual visibility strengthens confidence in cost recovery and reduces speculative exposure, it noted. 1. Entergy Mississippis $1.2 billion Vicksburg Advanced Power Station marks the next phase of the utilitys Superpower Mississippi initiative to replace 50-year-old gas units with modern combined cycle generation. The 754-MW plant, to be built by TSL Power Partnersa joint venture of TIC (The Industrial Company) and Sargent & Lundyalong with Mitsubishi Power Americas, will use advanced 1x1 combined cycle technology capable of future hydrogen blending. Courtesy: Entergy Entergys staged approach to large customer contracting underscores how utilities are using binding milestones to manage risk and stage investment. As of October 2025, Dominion reported about 47 GW of data center demand in various stages of contracting, divided into 28 GW under substation-engineering letters of authorization, 9 GW under construction letters of authorization, and nearly 10 GW in electric-service agreements. CEO Bob Blue explained that as customers move from one stage to the next, their financial commitment increases and that should a customer in this stage elect to discontinue a project, theyre obligated to reimburse the company for its investment to date. The framework ensures cost recovery and gives Dominion and its EPC partners predictable triggers for mobilizing resources. That same alignment was echoed at Southern Co., where executives highlighted minimum-bill provisions that cover all of our costs, whether or not the meter spins, allowing utilities and contractors to commit labor and materials earlier, supported by stable revenue streams. The shift, meanwhile, appears to be recasting the EPCs role (see sidebar). Instead of minimizing costs within rigid budgets, contractors are helping owners understand and manage uncertainty through data. We start by defining clear procurement and hedging objectives, said Brian Despard, senior project manager with 1898 & Co., the business and technology consulting arm of Burns & McDonnell. From there, we use probabilistic modeling to quantify both price and volume risks. That kind of analysis helps you see the full range of possible outcomes and gives you a strong, data-driven basis for conversations with regulators about prudent risk management. Despard added that once that framework is in place, teams can test hedge strategies and adapt to changing market conditions. That combination of structure, diversity, and flexibility really resonates with regulatory commissions, he said, because it shows that decisions arent reactive or speculative. Instead, theyre disciplined, transparent, and grounded in a clear understanding of risk and market dynamics. Speed Over Scale: Fresh Prospects for Smaller, Specialist EPCs The pressure for speed and flexibility is reshaping the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) competitive landscape across multiple fronts. While mega-contractors remain dominant for utility-scale projects, a cohort of specialized, mid-sized, and smaller EPCsand notably, a new class of fast-deployment integrators and orchestratorsis capturing market share that requires rapid mobilization. Fagen Inc., a Minnesota-based non-union EPC, reports that it maintains a database of over 10,000 craftworkers and publicly lists recent thermal work that includes simple-cycle gas and reciprocating-engine projects. USP&E Global explicitly markets gas turbine power plants deliverable in 90180 daysbypassing grid constraints and enabling immediate data center deployment. Meanwhile, more companies, like New APR Energy, are promoting mobile aeroderivative turbine packages with stated 30- to 90-day deployment windows for large commercial loads, including data center applications. ProEnergy is also targeting this niche by repurposing aviation-derived engines into modular fast-start blocks intended to help developers bridge equipment shortages. Touted advantages often include direct labor, self-performance, reducing subcontracting overhead, regional presence, and agility in compressed timelines. A similar shift is unfolding behind the meter (BTM). VoltaGrid has reported deploying large fleets of modular natural gas units (Figure 2) to support data center growth in Texas through partnerships with INNIO Jenbacher, Vantage Data Centers, and with hyperscalers like Oracle. Calibrant Energy and Aligned Data Centers recently completed an on-site battery system at a Pacific Northwest campus intended to accelerate interconnection. DEPCOM Power continues to build turnkey solar-plus-storage solutions for industrial customers, including BTM installations. Wartsila has likewise highlighted U.S. data center projects using its flexible engine platforms. Dozens of other companies are competing for fast-track natural gas turbine deployments. 2. VoltaGrid has established partnerships with INNIO Jenbacher for engine supply, Vantage Data Centers for project execution, and hyperscalers including Oracle to deploy modular, onsite gas generation fleets for data centers. Courtesy: VoltaGrid How Digital Tools and Real-Time Analytics Are Reshaping Execution From a different plane, the integration of digital platforms and AI into project delivery is also allowing EPCs and owners to translate procurement and scheduling visibility into actionable performance metrics. Rather than reacting to overruns after they occur, forward-looking teams are embedding analytics and automation into project workflows from the start. The tools are also allowing EPCs to communicate risk and progress in real time, creating a pivotal shared-data environment where owners, engineers, and constructors can make decisions based on the same live information, experts told POWER. The range of digital strategies now being deployed across the EPC industry reflects different competitive approaches, but most seek to eliminate friction between design, procurement, and construction. Some firms have invested heavily in proprietary AI platforms that automate design and estimating at an enterprise scale. Kiewit has developed two transformative AI tools: KADE (Kiewit Algorithmic Design and Engineering) and ADAPT (Advanced Data Analytics Platform Tool). KADE was tailored from an off-the-shelf solution, while ADAPT was developed entirely in-house. Both use deterministic AI to meet real project needs, Kiewit noted in a July announcement. KADE seeks to speed up 3D model creation for complex industrial facilities by automatically generating full models from basic inputsprocess diagrams, equipment lists, and site layouts. KADE was built to follow the same processes an engineer or designer would, using the same software and data, said Matt Lawrence, director of Engineering Technology Solutions for Kiewit Technology Group. The difference is automation. It streamlines the work and delivers the same quality output youd expect from a person, but in a fraction of the time. The business impact has been substantial, given that it allows teams to explore more design options and engage clients earlier, while changes are less costly. KADEs speed allows estimators to put more hooks in the water (more bids), Lawrence noted. However, the transition introduces organizational challenges. As Lawrence explained: The perspective can be, I only have one job thats supposed to last me eight weeks, but you just completed it in eight minutes. Now what do I do? The goal, he emphasized, is not replacement but elevation: Its to remove the tedious steps so they can focus on critical thinking and, ultimately, win more work. ADAPT is Kiewits ground-up custom platform addressing gaps that off-the-shelf software cannot solve. Ryan Jisa, leading ADAPTs development, described it as a platform that guides you through the process and taps into powerful algorithms along the way. He is scaling it for enterprise deployment: My focus has been on transitioning ADAPT from a prototype to an enterprise-scale platform. One application is for solar layout optimizationdetermining where panels and metal racks go across thousands of acres. Before ADAPT, generating even one layout could take days or weeks, making it tough to stay competitive in a four-week bid cycle. Now, we get multiple layouts within the first few days of an estimate kickoff, with our standards, constructability, and quantities built in, said Todd Eiter, Kiewits director of solar engineering. Earthwork planning has been similarly transformed. Burns & McDonnell exemplifies an end-to-end integration strategy combining augmented reality visualization, automated design workflows, and collaborative robotics. We are using augmented reality technology to optimize our construction projects and prevent costly rework in the field, Joey Mashek, vice president in the Power Group at Burns & McDonnell, told POWER. By overlaying our digital 3D models onto the physical job site, we can perform real-time verification of everything from underground utilities to the precise placement of anchor bolts and pipe stubs before concrete is poured. This allows us to instantly detect any potential discrepancies between the design model and field conditions, effectively optimizing the construction sequence and eliminating the schedule delays and budget overruns. Mashek also described Burns & McDonnells approach to automating design-intensive processes. On the solar side of things, we developed an automated grading design tool that transformed what used to be a two-week manual process into a four-hour digital workflow, he said. That shift doesnt just save timeit redefines how our teams think about design. For the industry, that means better cost control, faster execution, and fewer surprises in the field. The firm has extended this philosophy to fabrication: Our fabrication teams are integrating collaborative robots (cobots) to sharpen precision and redefine productivity in our production shops. Using the tech to automate repetitive tasks empowers our skilled professionals as they collaborate to create prefabricated metal components that meet exacting standards. And were also exploring various forms of robotic technology in the field. The Convergence: Data-Driven Collaboration The data-driven sophistication now embedded in project delivery is inseparable from a broader shift toward transparent, collaborative contracting, experts told POWER. When EPCs have real-time visibility into design-construction trade-offs, cost drivers, and schedule dependencies, they can move from adversarial fixed-price models to partnership-based risk sharing, suggested Brendan OBrien, senior business development manager in the Power Group at Burns & McDonnell. For example, A clients load was projected to double, making it imperative to add significant generation capacity to the grid by 2026 to continue providing grid stability and reliability, he said. The accelerated timeline precluded a conventional, multi-stage project development process. To meet this challenge, we formed a close partnership with the client and executed the project using a progressive EPC model. That project began with full transparency, he noted. We began with an open-book contract, allowing for transparent collaboration on design and procurement, he explained. This phase was crucial for building trust and aligning on key decisions regarding equipment and construction strategy. After achieving client confidence in the projects direction and cost structure, we closed the book and converted the contract to a firm-lump-sum agreement. Sonal Patel is a POWER senior editor (@sonalcpatel, @POWERmagazine). Heres what youll learn when you read this story: A sealed crypt under a Polish monastery required archaeologists to tunnel underneath the building to investigate. Inside they found three layers of coffins, some stacked on metal rods. An unusual layer of tar mixed with fabric could be the first instance of the use on a coffin ever found. The only way into the sealed crypt beneath the Church of St. John the Baptist and the Five Martyrs required archaeologists to tunnel beneath the monastery complex in Kazimierz Biskupi, Poland. Once they got inside the subterranean room under the churchs altarit took a month using modern mining techniquesthe team was surprised with what they discovered. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to a translated statement from the Kazimierz Biskupi government, the crypt featured three layers of coffins stacked on top of each other, totaling six burials, with one layer was separated by metal rods. There was also an unusual layer of a fabric and tar mixture likely used to seal a burial. Such a layered sandwich of fabric and tar has never been encountered in any research, at least not in my own studies, said Malgorzata Grupa of the Nicolaus Copernicus University in Torun, according to the Polish Press Agency. Im not aware of such a case in any publication. The tar and fabric mixture were likely present because of a delayed burial. Tar was commonly used to seal coffins, so using some sort of fabric may have allowed for additional layers of tar on the coffin, possibly since the deceased was traveling from a significant distance to reach the monasterys crypt. The employment of metal rods used to separate the first layer of coffins stuck out to the archaeologists. It must have been a significant figure, since they didnt want to place the subsequent coffins directly on top of this persons coffin, Grupa said. This happens occasionally, but this is the first time weve encountered such a clear situation in Poland. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Getting to the site wasnt easy. The crypt was walled with brick, and the team needed to mine for over a month to tunnel 23 feet into the site under the church. Investigating the crypt has only just started. We have to carefully remove them, Grupa said of the layers of coffins. The two underneath arent attached to the walls. Once we remove the largest one, well see the state of preservation of the lower ones. Its only after the coffins get to the lab can the team start to learn more about the history of the burial, including the date and who may have been buried there. Entering the crypt has been a few years coming, as researchers first started work in 2022 to investigate the remains of at least 100 people from dozens of coffins in the churchs vaults. Built as a church and monastery complex between 1513 and 1520, the Polish Press Agency reported the site likely held the remains of the Bernardines, owners of the monastery, and local notables. Burials there likely started in the 17th century. With the remains removed from much of the crypt, teams have cleaned the site and plan to open them to the public, displaying artifacts found inside, such as two womens dresses, liturgical garments likely used in the church, and other pieces of clothing. The human remains will be repositioned in a side crypt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement [galleryCarousel id='9e9354e9-d0c6-426e-ba21-7d41e95744de' mediaId='3bfd5e0c-d65a-4972-b8d0-71beb6d53d6a' display='carousel' align='center' size='medium' share='true' expand='' captions='true' suppress-title='false' hasProducts='false'][/galleryCarousel] You Might Also Like Herald-Banner Staff Report Holiday Tree Spectacular SCRPTs fourth annual Holiday Tree Spectacular, Mistletoe and Meals That Matter, is scheduled for Friday, Nov. 21 with dinner, raffle and live auction from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. at 4912 Lee St. in Greenville. Tickets are $25. The Blandelles Rock n Roll Fundraiser The Caddo Mills Historical Society is hosting a fundraising event on Saturday, Nov. 15 featuring The Blandelles rock n roll show at the Caddo Mills Opry at 1910 Opera House (2308 Main St. in Caddo Mills). Tickets are $5 and doors open at 6 p.m. with concessions available. All proceeds benefit Caddo Mills High School scholarships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Commerce Christmas Parade The Commerce Chamber of Commerce presents its annual Christmas parade themed Candyland on Saturday, Dec. 6 starting with the parade lineup at City Park with floats and entries arriving downtown at 5:30 p.m. Greenville Parade of Lights Greenvilles Parade of Lights is scheduled for Friday, Dec. 5 at 6 p.m. in downtown with floats, festive vehicles, marching bands, cheer groups and more. If youre interested in participating in the parade, fill out the form at https://tinyurl.com/4z5sp53s. Altrusa Tour of Homes Kick off the holiday season with a cherished community tradition. The Altrusa Tour of Homes invites you to explore beautifully-decorated homes, gather festive inspiration and celebrate the spirit of giving. This years event supports CASAs Happy Place, helping create brighter futures for children and families in our community. Get your tickets at https://square.link/u/OPbSEiP3 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santa Meet & Greet Bring the family to the event center at Dallas NE Campground, 4268 FM 36 South in Caddo Mills for a Santa Meet & Greet on Thursday, Dec. 11 starting at 6:30 p.m. where kids can share their Christmas wishes, take pics with Santa and enjoy hot cocoa and cookies. Caddo Mills Christmas Caddo Mills annual Christmas Parade and Santas Workshop is Friday, Dec. 6. Float setup 4:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m., judging at 5:30 p.m. and parade begins at 6 p.m. Float entry is $5 and registration is available at https://tinyurl.com/9d7rxnkv. Breakfast with Santa Adriana Estates fourth annual Breakfast with Santa is Saturday, Nov. 29 at 373 FM 1903 in Greenville from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. for families in need and from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m. for the general public. RSVP required. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Greenville Community Connect Greenville Fire-Rescue invites households to participate in the Greenville Community Connect home registry where they can create profiles containing information on how many people live in their home, any cognitive or physical disabilities occupants may have, emergency contacts and more. The link to join the registry is at https://tinyurl.com/yzww2mra, and the department assures that the entered information will be used only by first responders in emergency situations. Tunes for Tots The seventh annual Hunt County Tunes for Tots benefiting Toys for Tots is scheduled for Saturday, Dec. 6 at Longhorn Arena and Event Center. More information available at www.tunesfortots.org or email hctunesfortots@gmail.com. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Warmth Drive for Senior Citizens Hunt County Senior Service Alliance is taking donations for its annual Warmth Drive benefiting senior citizens. They are creating 750 blessing boxes each of which will include a hooded sweatshirt, fall-resistant socks, scarf, hat, gloves, blanket, flashlight, nightlight and personal hygiene bag. The estimated cost of each box is $50. Monetary donations can be made at https://tinyurl.com/4ncdrh8d or gift cards to let them purchase what they need (and get the best prices). For more information, contact Trina Coldiron at trina@scrpt.org. FISH Holiday Food Drive Hunt County Shared Ministries appreciates donations of gift cards from Brookshires, Walmart, Aldi and Super One Foods. Drop off any weekday from 9 a.m. to noon at the FISH office at 2805 King St. FISH will use these cards to purchase food for its upcoming Thanksgiving and Christmas food distributions. You can also make a donation at https://tinyurl.com/5n8enjej. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Importance of Being Earnest Greenville Theatre Works version of this British classic, The Importance of Being Earnest, by Oscar Wilde is set for Friday to Sunday, Nov. 14-16 and 21-23 at Greenville Municipal Auditorium. The production is inspired by the hit 1980s soap opera, Dallas. Set in that grand city, the characters are mired in the same issues as the British originals but with a Texas twist. The show is pure comic silliness with a deep fried Texan drawl. Caddo Mills Community Thanksgiving The Caddo Mills Fire Department will be hosting a Thanksgiving dinner for the community on Sunday, Nov. 23 starting at 3 p.m. RSVP to (903) 271-1101. Southern California is bracing for an atmospheric river that could bring flash floods to the region, triggering evacuation warnings in steep terrain and areas ravaged by wildfires earlier this year. A large storm that lashed Northern California this week, triggering a ground stop at San Francisco's major airport and flooding parts of Santa Cruz, is expected to slow down as it moves over Southern California into the weekend. The storm is forecast to unleash torrential rain over Southern California and heavy snow across the Sierra Nevada mountains. The National Weather Service said 2 to 5 inches of rain are expected through Sunday, Nov. 16, with some areas seeing as much as 6 inches of rainfall. Federal forecasters issued flood watches across much of Southern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Incoming atmospheric river storm will cause more flight problems. See forecast. "Excessive rainfall is the primary, life-threatening concern, with widespread flash flooding and debris flows likely across the vulnerable burn scar areas of Santa Barbara, Ventura, and Los Angeles Counties," the weather service said on Friday, Nov. 14. A forecast map from the Weather Prediction Center shows heavy rain expected in Southern California through the weekend. City officials in Los Angeles issued evacuation orders and warnings for nearly a dozen locations impacted by recent wildfires, including the Palisades and Eaton blazes that torched vast swaths of Los Angeles County. Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass told residents that the storm's peak is expected on the evening of Friday, Nov. 14, and will continue the next day. She asked that people sign up for real-time safety updates and prepare to evacuate if they're near burn scars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, winter storm warnings have been issued for the Sierra Nevada, where more than a foot of snow is expected along with powerful winds. The heavy snow could lead to low visibility, making for dangerous travel conditions, the weather service said. Weather warnings active across central and southern California How wildfires can worsen flooding It has been a historic year for wildfires in Southern California, making the risk of flooding all the more dangerous. Under normal conditions, soil is a reliable absorbent, meaning it would take more rain to cause flooding. But burned soil can be as water-repellant as pavement, leading to more flash floods and debris flows, according to the weather service. In the first months of the year, Southern California saw some of its worst wildfires in modern history. The Eaton and Palisades wildfires, which burned across Los Angeles County, claimed at least 31 lives and torched thousands of homes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those living near the 58 square miles of land eviscerated in the two wildfires were under evacuation warnings on Nov. 14 as the first rains of the atmospheric river arrived. Contributing: Doyle Rice (This story was updated to add a video.) This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Flood watches, evac warnings issued across SoCal as storm approaches When a new car is manufactured, by law in most developed countries, it must meet certain emissions standards. In the U.K., minimum standards for exhaust pollution were introduced in 1992, according to the RAC. Those original minimums have evolved, but car manufacturers for years have been tied to regulations. Some car manufacturers allegedly installed "prohibited defeat devices" to cheat emissions tests beginning in 2009, according to The Guardian. What's happening? The "prohibited defeat devices" can tell when the cars are under test conditions. During testing, the software keeps nitrogen dioxide pollution within the legal limit. When in operation, The Guardian reported, lawyers have alleged that the vehicles are emitting higher levels of pollution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A three-month trial began October 13, 2025. While the case will focus on Mercedes, Ford, Nissan, and Peugeot/Citroen, other manufacturers will be bound in the hearing. Those include Jaguar Land Rover, Vauxhall/Opel, Volkswagen/Porsche, BMW, FCA/Suzuki, Volvo, Hyundai-Kia, Toyota, and Mazda. In all, around 500,000 diesel cars with this technology installed drive the streets of the U.K., according to the International Council on Clean Transportation, per The Independent. Martyn Day, senior partner at law firm Leigh Day, said that "if proven, [the claims] would demonstrate one of the most egregious breaches of corporate trust in modern times," per The Guardian. Why are emissions standards important? Emissions standards are put in place to limit and avoid nitrogen dioxide-related deaths in the U.K. and Europe. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to The Guardian, nitrogen dioxide led to more than 124,000 premature deaths in the U.K. and Europe between 2009 and 2024. According to Client Earth, the U.K. was one of the top five European countries in deaths caused by nitrogen dioxide and fine particle matter pollution. These pollutants cause serious damage both environmentally and to human health. The American Lung Association has stated that nitrogen dioxide increases inflammation in the airways, worsens cough and wheezing, reduces lung function, and increases asthma attacks. Exposure to the gas has also been linked to heart problems, pregnancy and birth problems, potential risks of kidney damage, neurological damage, autoimmune disorders, and cancer. What's being done about illegal emissions? The case was brought to the high courts, The Guardian reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the car manufacturers are claiming the case is uncalled for, lawyers and the U.K. media are making the court information public. The trial is set to conclude before Christmas, and a judgment is expected by the summer of 2026. Holding corporations accountable for their contributions to pollution is of utmost importance. This trial will be one for the people inside and outside of Europe to follow. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Despite the end to the government shutdown, flight delays will still cause disruptions as overworked air traffic controllers recover from six-day schedules and controllers that left because of stress and lack of pay come back. Last week, the Federal Aviation Administration ordered a reduction in flights at 40 major airports across the nation, including airports in Orlando, Miami, Fort Lauderdale and West Palm Beach, causing thousands of cancellations and delays. Travelers left stranded scrambled to find alternative transportation. It's not stopping some airlines from adding more flights and expanding a Florida presence, however. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avelo Airlines announced Nov. 12 new flights between Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) and Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) with twice-weekly service starting Wednesdays and Saturdays Feb. 11, 2026. Starting Feb. 13, 20216, the ultra-low-cost airline will also restore nonstop flights from Lakeland to Atlanta via Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) with five flights per week on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays and Sundays. One-way fares start at $34, with fees charged for carry-on or checked bags, assigned seats and other services. They're not the only ones. JetBlue announced last week new nonstop service at DestinFort Walton Beach Airport (VPS) for five weekly seasonal flights from both Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and New Yorks John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), starting in March. Avelo adding second aircraft in Lakeland Avelo will operate these routes using Boeing Next-Generation 737 aircraft, with a new one coming to Lakeland next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2027, Avelo will become the first U.S. airline to fly Embraer 195-E2s, with an order of up to 100 new aircraft, the release said. Avelo drops, adds some Florida routes In October, Avelo announced it was dropping three routes, including two in Florida, due to lack of demand. AirlineGeeks.com reported that Avelo's flights between RaleighDurham International Airport (RDU) and Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW) in Fort Myers will be ending Jan. 7, a day after Avelo halts a Raleigh-Durham flight to Montego Bay, Jamaica. The budget airline is also dropping a route between Lakeland Linder International Airport (LAL) and Long Island MacArthur Airport (ISP) as of Nov. 30, the site reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Avelo announced Oct. 22 that it will add a third weekly flight between Grand Rapids, Michigan's Gerald R. Ford International Airport (GRR) and Rochester, New York's Frederick Douglas Greater Rochester International Airport (ROC) to Lakeland. The next day it announced a new flight four times weekly between Concord-Padgett Regional Airport (USA) and Palm Beach International Airport (PBI). New Avelo flights coming soon to Florida Key West International Airport (EYW ) to Tweed-New Haven Airport (HVN) in Connecticut Twice weekly service on Wednesdays and Saturdays Starting Nov. 19 Palm Beach International Airport (PBI) to Wilmington International Airport (ILM) in Wilmington, North Carolina Twice weekly on Thursdays and Sundays Starting Nov. 20 Avelo sees backlash after partnering with ICE for immigrant deportation flights In May, protests erupted at airports in 26 cities including Daytona Beach, Sarasota, Fort Lauderdale and Lakeland, Avelo's Central Florida base over the airline's agreement with the Department of Homeland Security's Immigration and Customs Enforcement agency (ICE) to carry out immigrant deportation flights out of Arizona. Critics said the flights were inhumane and carried out without due process. Millions nationwide have protested ICE and Homeland Security for increased raids by masked officials and a perceived lack of public accountability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We realize this is a sensitive and complicated topic. After significant deliberations, we determined this charter flying will provide us with the stability to continue expanding our core scheduled passenger service and keep our more than 1,100 Crewmembers employed for years to come," Avelo's founder and CEO, Andrew Levy, said in a statement. Where does Avelo fly in Florida? According to the company's destinations page, Avelo currently has routes to and from 11 Florida airports: Daytona Beach (DAB) Destin/Fort Walton Beach (VPS) Fort Lauderdale/Miami (FLL) Fort Myers (RSW) Jacksonville (JAX) Orlando/Lakeland (LAL) Orlando (MCO) Sarasota/Bradenton (SRQ) Tampa (TPA) West Palm Beach (PBI) Key West International Airport (EYW) The Lakeland Ledger contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Sarasota Herald-Tribune: Avelo adding new Florida flights, airplane to Atlanta, Detroit Some people across Dayton have been nearly struck by bullets while sitting in their homes. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 at 6:00, shooting into a habitation is the official term. It really just means someone shot into a house. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It can be intentional or accidental, such as when shooters miss their target or are in a shootout. Dayton police said they want help finding the people who almost killed a 15-year-old girl and a newborn baby. So that is obviously terrifying for the parents, they hear a gunshot and they see that their child was nearly struck, Dayton Police Lieutenant Eric Sheldon said. About three weeks ago, someone opened fire near Home Avenue and Paul Lawrence Dunbar. A stray bullet flew into a home and inches over a baby in a crib. Police are also looking into an apparent shootout this past weekend with more than a dozen shots fired near a large apartment complex. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One bullet just missed a 15-year-old girl upstairs in her home. Theyre left with the trauma of a loved one almost being struck by gunfire, Sheldon said. Police said fast-moving arguments, a desire for revenge, or intimidation can trigger these types of shootings. The only good news is that the numbers are dropping. Year to date, theres almost a 17% drop from one year ago. Comparing 2024 to years prior, those numbers are down. A man accused of wild, deadly gunfire appeared in court on Thursday. Antawan Benson is one of two men accused of shooting at a Dayton home last August. The gunfire missed its target and instead killed 12-year-old Isabella Amor-Carlos in her upstairs bedroom next door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone should have the ability to be safe in their home, to feel secure, Sheldon said. Police said these types of crimes really call for the communitys help in solving them. They often happen at night, but people who see or hear something and pass it along can help solve crimes and keep communities safe. News Center 7 will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Hamtramck Clerk Rana Faraj testifies before the Wayne County Board of Canvassers on Nov. 13, 2025, in Detroit. (Hayley Harding / Votebeat) This article was originally published by Votebeat, a nonprofit news organization covering local election administration and voting access. Sign up for Votebeat Michigans free newsletter here. Sometime in the hours after last weeks election in Hamtramck, officials who werent involved in elections walked into the city clerks office, a space thats supposed to be a secure place to keep ballots. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That revelation has thrown the outcome of the Michigan citys entire election into doubt, including an exceedingly close mayoral race. A total of 37 absentee ballots were initially unaccounted for on election night but were later discovered in the clerks office, opened but not yet tabulated. But since those ballots were not secured and could have been accessed by others, its currently up in the air whether they will be included in the elections final totals. The fate of the 37 ballots now rests with the Wayne County Board of Canvassers, which deadlocked on the decision Thursday and put off a resolution until Friday. City officials breach of the ballots chain of custody a core safeguard in election law has cast new doubt on the citys election system, which is already under scrutiny amid ongoing criminal investigations and unusually high numbers of corrected absentee ballots. How the canvassers rule on the 37 ballots could affect who wins the open-seat mayoral election in Hamtramck, a city of about 28,000 that borders Detroit. According to unofficial results, engineer Adam Alharbi currently leads City Council member Muhith Mahmood by only 11 votes. Ballots discovered after the election City Clerk Rana Faraj told the board of canvassers on Thursday that her records showed a 37-ballot discrepancy on election night but that no one knew where the ballots were. They were found the next day in the clerks office, opened but still in their envelopes. When the discovery was made, the clerk immediately sealed the ballots in a secure envelope and brought them to the county, Faraj said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The city clerks office is normally a secure space, so the discovery did not immediately raise questions about the ballots validity. However, Faraj said, her staff later realized several city officials, including interim City Manager Alex Lagrou, had entered the office while the ballots were there. Its unusual for non-election officials to go into a clerks office around an election, and it is not clear why they did so. Lagrou could not immediately be reached for comment Thursday. This is an issue of election law, said Lisa A. Capatina, the chair of the canvassers board. Capatina and Toni Sellars, the Republicans on the board, voted against tabulating the ballots, while Democrats Richard Preuss and Edward Keelean voted in favor. The canvassers ultimately tabled the decision on the advice of Becki Carmargo, corporation counsel for Wayne County. They will reconvene on Friday afternoon. The state deadline for canvassing is Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Preuss said he would love to hear from residents before making a decision. There seems to be a robust amount of people here at this meeting today that would like to have a chance to speak, he said. Those who spoke during public comment at Thursdays board meeting were split. A number of self-identified Hamtramck residents said it would be wrong to disenfranchise those 37 voters, while others felt those ballots should no longer be considered after the chain of custody was broken. Investigations into Hamtramck elections The revelation is yet another blow to election confidence in a city that has been racked by scandal. Several members of the City Council are being investigated for alleged election crimes, and one person who was also under investigation won election to the council last week. There have been accusations of ballot stuffing, intimidation, fraud, and more, including felony charges against council members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, Faraj confirmed she has been on paid leave since Monday, which she told Votebeat on Thursday during the meeting was for her safety. She did not expand on what that meant. Even if the 37 ballots are eventually counted, the election isnt over. The city also has 120 cured ballots left to include in the final totals, Greg Mahar, the director of Wayne County elections, told the canvassers. Thats a significant number for a city of around 28,000 residents; Detroit, in comparison, had only 72 for a city of nearly 650,000. Cured ballots are absentee ballots that werent counted originally because either the signature on the envelope was missing or it did not match the signature on file. In these cases, the clerks office reaches out to the voter and gives them until the Friday after the election to correct it, so their ballot can be counted. Its unclear why there were so many cured ballots in Hamtramck. Mahar attributed it largely to the open-seat race for mayor, but Detroit which also had an open mayoral race did not see the same spike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is a bit unusual, he told the canvassers. Hayley Harding is a reporter for Votebeat based in Michigan. Contact Hayley at hharding@votebeat.org. Votebeat is a nonprofit news organization covering local election integrity and voting access. Sign up for their newsletters here. The Oregon state Capitol through cherry blossoms. (Photo by Julia Shumway/Oregon Capital Chronicle) It looks like were about to enter another cycle of ballot measure warfare in Oregon. From the mid-1990s through the early 2000s, Oregon voters confronted dozens of initiatives on every general election ballot, most of them devised to advance a limited-government, low-tax and anti-union agenda championed by Republican Bill Sizemore and a handful of big donors. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now another Sizemore-like effort is being launched by a new crop of big donors, combining tax-cutting targets with proposals to loosen government regulations, promote government accountability and, in a populist twist, ban both union and business contributions to candidates. Their agenda is now on full display in 11 different ballot initiatives filed last week for the November 2026 election. You can find these initiatives on the Secretary of States website, listed as Initiative Petition 57 through 67. All are sponsored by John von Schlegell, managing director of Endeavour Capital, a Portland-based investment firm. See all 11 of John von Schlegells petitions If there is one throughline in the array of these initiatives, its that they all challenge the record of Salems governing coalition taxing business and the wealthy to raise more funding for education while failing to boost student achievement or make progress on worsening problems like homelessness and drug addiction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Like Sizemore, von Schlegell and his team want to limit taxes. But their approach to government looks more like a course correction than a frontal assault accelerating timelines for issuing permits, posting school accountability reports, requiring judges to appoint public defenders rather than dismissing charges and adding land within urban growth boundaries. These are proposals to clear the cluttered political pathways that have stymied problem solving on many fronts As with Sizemore decades ago, this appears to be part of a plan to set agendas and challenge a governing consensus on a range of cherry-picked issues over multiple election cycles. Progressives should recognize that this will not likely be a one-and-done threat to their political standing. The question now is how Democrats and their labor allies in Salem will respond. Will they tack to the center on any of the policies on von Schlegells target list and perhaps refer compromise alternatives to the ballot? Or will they double down in defense of their policies? In what is expected to be a blue wave election in 2026, the Democratic leadership and their union allies may relish another fight back campaign. After all, when Sizemores operation collapsed and he ended up in jail, public sector unions in Oregon inherited a fundraising operation that, on a per capita basis, generated more member donations for politics than their counterparts in any other state in the nation. And that financial advantage gave them the seat at the head of a broadening coalition table that shaped Oregons progressive agenda for almost two decades. Why retreat now? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Well, that was then. Its hard to see how progressives can tap any new sources of political capital now, beyond what theyve already brought to the table. And, there are lessons to be remembered from the decade of ballot measures gone wild that Sizemore inaugurated. For one, Sizemore pioneered the technique of working the system to gain winsome ballot titles for his proposals, giving him the pole position in the campaigns that followed and forcing his opponents to spend heavily to overcome that advantage. Also, Sizemore had some wins, most notably when he won voter approval in 1996 for a limit on property taxes that remains in effect today. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Finally, even when he lost, Sizemore would brag about putting his opponents on the defensive, and it took years for public sector unions and their allies to turn the tables on him. For their part, Von Schlegell and his team may feel confident that now is the time to force a reckoning with what they see as the failures of the tax-and-spending policies of the Democratic coalition. They may think that whatever they take to the ballot will tap into voters frustration with a high-cost governing strategy that has delivered poor results. But timing is another matter when it comes to the economy. Sizemores anti-tax crusade took place during an economic growth spurt in Oregon, when it was easier to backfill revenue losses to minimize cuts in services. Not so today, when the state and local governments are facing budget shortfalls that will magnify the impact of any tax cuts on services that voters care about from schools to health care. Sizemores modus operandi was to file multiple measures and proceed to the ballot with the few that polled the best. Von Schlegell and his team are likely to follow suit. But Id bet that when they do their polling, theyll find that their tax-cutting initiatives wont easily pass muster with the voters, while their results-oriented reforms of government will be better received. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, perhaps theyll ditch their attempt to roll back taxes and promote the policies that will force state government to do a better job with the resources it has. Even I, who was part of the effort to defeat Sizemore those many years ago, would be fine to see that effort go forward in the years ahead. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) -Bank of America and Bank of New York Mellon asked a federal judge on Thursday to dismiss lawsuits accusing them of knowingly aiding Jeffrey Epstein's sex trafficking by providing banking services to the disgraced late financier. The proposed class actions filed on October 15 by one of Epstein's victims, a Florida woman known as Jane Doe, said the banks knowingly ignored a "plethora" of information about Epstein's crimes because they valued profit over protecting victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both lawsuits said the banks should have filed suspicious activity reports with the U.S. Treasury Department, which could have helped law enforcement stop Epstein sooner. But in a filing in Manhattan federal court, Bank of America said Doe alleged merely that it provided routine services to people who at the time had no known links to Epstein, and any suggestion it was more deeply involved was "threadbare and meritless." BNY, in a separate filing, called Doe's allegations "razor-thin," and included no claims that Epstein was ever a customer or dealt with anyone in particular. The banks also said it was not reasonably foreseeable their activities would cause harm to Doe, dooming her negligence claims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Doe's lawyers, including David Boies, did not immediately respond to requests for comment after market hours. The lawyers have also sued other alleged enablers of Epstein's sex trafficking, and in 2023 reached settlements of $290 million with JPMorgan Chase and $75 million with Deutsche Bank on behalf of his accusers. Neither bank admitted wrongdoing in agreeing to settle. Both settlements were approved by U.S. District Judge Jed Rakoff, who oversees the Bank of America and BNY cases. Epstein's death in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019, while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges, was ruled a suicide by New York City's medical examiner. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His case remains headline material, including this week when House Democrats released emails they said raised new questions about how much U.S. President Donald Trump knew about Epstein's sex trafficking of girls and young women. Trump has vehemently and consistently denied knowing about Epstein's sex trafficking. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Chris Reese) A bankruptcy judge on Friday approved a $7.4 billion settlement to end thousands of legal claims filed against OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family. File Photo by Justin Lane/EPA Nov. 14 (UPI) -- OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharma can settle claims against it by paying up to $7.4 billion to end cases filed amid the nation's opioid epidemic, a federal bankruptcy judge ruled Friday. The proposed settlement is $1 billion more than one recently rejected last year by the Supreme Court and includes payments to individuals to end some 2,600 claims against Purdue Pharma and its principal owners, the Sackler family, the BBC reported. "Today cements the end of a long chapter and brings us very near to the end of the book for Purdue," Purdue Pharma Chairman Steve Miller said Friday in a prepared statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The court-approved settlement would "unlock billions in recoveries and significant non-monetary benefits," he added. The settlement requires the Sackler family to end its ownership of the pharmaceutical firm and turn it over to the non-profit Knoa Pharma, Miller said. Local, state and tribal governments and other plaintiffs filed thousands of lawsuits against Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family after more than 900,000 deaths in the United States were linked to the opioid crisis since 1999, according to The Guardian. The number of deaths includes those who died from fentanyl and heroin overdoses, which many former recipients of OxyContin prescriptions used after losing access to the drug. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lawsuits totaling $50 billion were filed against Purdue Pharma and other makers and distributors of opioids, which often were presented a non-addictive and relatively harmless. Purdue Pharma sought bankruptcy protection in 2019 as lawsuits were filed by those who became addicted to opioids and who had family members die from overdoses during the opioid epidemic. The lawsuits accuse Purdue Pharma and its owners and operators of aggressive marketing OxyContin and making false claims about its potential for abuse, addiction and causing death. Plaintiffs have not indicated whether they will challenge the bankruptcy court's settlement ruling. (Reuters) -China's securities watchdog chief, Wu Qing, has sought approval to step down, sources with knowledge of the matter said, in what would be an abrupt and unexpected exit for a regulatory head brought in last year to stabilise the countrys stock markets. Wu, who was appointed the chairman of China Securities Regulatory Commission (CSRC) in February 2024, has informed relevant authorities about his intent to exit the role citing his health, the sources said. It was not immediately known if his resignation had been accepted, and when he would leave the office, one of the top regulatory jobs in the worlds second-largest economy. The sources declined to be named due to the sensitivity of the matter. Wu, the CSRC and the State Council Information Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment from Reuters. The Chinese securities watchdog is a government agency directly under the purview of the State Council, the Chinese cabinet. 'MARKET REFORM ARCHITECT' The possible exit of Wu is expected to usher in a period of uncertainty for the Chinese market at a time when some investors are questioning the sustainability of the bull run in the near to medium term amid growing caution on tech valuations. The Shanghai Composite Index is up about 45% since his appointment in February last year, versus a 35% rise for the MSCI world index. Zhang Jianan, a Shanghai-based fund manager for Wen Ding Capital, said if Wu steps down, China's stock market will come under pressure. "That could have a big impact on market confidence," said Zhang, who holds shares in Chinese banks and insurers. "Wu is the architect of the recent capital market reform. He is very professional and reform-minded. "So if he steps down, market expectations would be hurt badly." Wu, nicknamed the "broker butcher" after a crackdown on securities firms during an earlier regulatory stint, took over as the CSRC chairman at a time when China's stock markets were near their weakest levels in five years. BULL MARKET Wu's appointment came after the abrupt removal of his predecessor Yi Huiman amid the market turmoil in early 2024. China's anti-corruption watchdog said this September that Yi was being investigated and "suspected of serious violations of discipline and law". Even before taking the top job, 60-year-old Wu, often seen sporting a distinctive cropped haircut, was a familiar face at CSRC, having previously worked at the country's main securities regulator. He spent four years tackling risks in the securities industry before becoming head of the regulator's fund department in 2009, where he pursued a series of high-profile insider trading cases. BBCs complaints unit rejected all CAMERA appeals over BBC Arabics Israel Hamas war reporting, sparking criticism from UK political figures over bias concerns. The BBC's internal complaints unit rejected all appeals submitted by the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (CAMERA) against the BBC Arabic service since the outbreak of the Israel-Hamas war, the London-based Jewish Chronicle reported. CAMERA is a US-based pro-Israel media watchdog. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAMERA submitted over 100 complaints against BBC Arabic's coverage over the past two years, the report noted. Out of those submitted, 101 of CAMERA's complaints were upheld, and the broadcaster made 213 corrections to "stories deemed biased, inaccurate, or misleading." However, many others were rejected, the JC clarified. Abdullah Al-Yazouri, the son of a senior Hamas official, who narrated the BBC documentary. (credit: screenshot) Under the BBC's appeals system, rejected complaints can be escalated to the Editorial Complaints Unit (ECU), which serves as the broadcaster's internal regulatory body. For BBC Arabic, ECU rulings are final, and the domestic watchdog, Ofcom, does not intervene. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Of the decisions rejected, CAMERA appealed on 31 occasions, with 22 rejected and nine awaiting an outcome. The report noted two examples of rejected appeals, including one where the activists asked the broadcaster to reconsider a story that referred to dead Hamas terrorists, but did not mention their affiliation with the terror organization. Another instance concerned a profile of slain Hamas arch-terrorist Mohammed Deif, which included "accusations" that he had killed civilians, rather than insinuating any evidence. "While claiming to assess complaints independently, the BBCs Executive Complaints Unit has failed to uphold even a single one about BBC Arabics output over more than two years of war revealing that, in practice, it serves not as an impartial watchdog but rather as a rubber stamp for the services misinformation and bias," a CAMERA spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Both BBC Arabic editors and the ECU have repeatedly dismissed our concerns, sometimes gaslighting us and other times throwing up arbitrary and even Kafkaesque bureaucratic hurdles when complaints were underway," the activist group added. "BBC News Arabic strives for the highest standards of journalism. Whenever mistakes are made or clarifications are needed, we take action to ensure clarity and accuracy for our audiences," the broadcaster responded. Political figures across parties denounce BBC's 'blind eye, blanket dismissals' "If the BBC is to regain trust after this crisis, its commitment to impartiality cannot stop at Britains borders," opposition leader Kemi Badenoch (Conservatives) said. "The blind eye turned to the antisemitism on BBC Arabic is heinous," Badenoch added, affirming that the British public broadcaster needs to be reformed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MP Damien Egan (Labour), the vice-chair of Labour Friends of Israel, denounced the broadcaster's "blanket dismissals" as "evidence of deep, institutional failings and a culture of denial." "The BBC must ensure that its Arabic coverage reflects the high standards and isnt a channel more interested in confirming prejudices than reporting the facts," Egan added. MP Richard Tice (Reform) said that BBC Arabic "has serious questions to answer [and] must prove it is not just a pro-Hamas mouthpiece." "Every complainant, not just Jewish viewers, has been incensed by the delays, the total defensiveness of the editors, and failing to uphold procedural natural justice," Baroness Ruth Deech (Crossbench) said. Deech insisted on an "outside expert ombudsman" to handle the Arabic-language service, affirming her view that it is a "swamp of antisemitism and Israel hatred." The Athens-Clarke County Municipal Court on East Washington Street is closed until Monday due to a bug problem. According to officials, pest control crews are out in force at the court due to bed bugs exposure. The treatment is precautionary due to a Municipal Court visitor who exhibited signs of possible bed bugs, officials said in a statement. The closure and treatment are only for the Municipal Court area. All other courts and courthouse operations are not affected by the closure and will remain open as normal. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Monday, operations are expected to be back to normal at all courts. If you need to enter the courthouse for non-Municipal Court services, the East Washington Street entrance is open on the second floor. First floor operations are expected to be normal on Monday when the court is back open. Despite the court being closed for municipal needs in-person, officials said online services were still open for payments and other information. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] After being closed for the last two-plus months and about half of the past 14 months, State 57 on the Lake Michigan side of Door County is once again open with the completion of a new bridge just north of Jacksonport. The highway's new at-grade slab span bridge over Hibbard Creek is the concluding part of the last phase of a Wisconsin Department of Transportation project that closed State 57 nearly three months in the fall of 2024 and more than two months in spring/summer of 2025. The Hibbard Creek phase started Sept. 2, the day after Labor Day, and wrapped up Nov. 13. A detour is no longer needed for motorists on State 57 in Door County as the DOT has completed work replacing the culvert under the highway where it crosses over Hibbard Creek. This phase of the project replaced existing culvert pipes where 57 crosses Hibbard Creek. It's one of four drainage culverts under a 17.6-mile stretch of the highway between Sturgeon Bay and Baileys Harbor that were replaced by the DOT since early September 2024 in three phases of work, each requiring the highway to completely close at the work sites for the duration of the jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first phase took place from Sept. 3 to Nov. 27, 2024. It saw the DOT replace a box culvert at Lily Bay Creek (about 2 miles east of the highway's intersection with State 42 on the north side of Sturgeon Bay) with a new concrete box culvert and a box culvert at Geisel Creek (just west of Valmy) with a box girder bridge. The subsequent stage saw replacement of existing culvert pipes under the highway at Logan Creek, south of Jacksonport, with a new at-grade slab span bridge, similar to the job at Hibbard Creek. This part ran from May 5 to July 11. A press release from the DOT said the work was needed because the culverts that previously were in place were deteriorated. The new drainage structures are intended to reduce the regular maintenance and intermittent traffic disruptions that have taken place at these locations, improve drainage under the highway, reduce saturation and improve longevity of the road core. The work also included safety improvements by flattening roadside slopes at Lily Bay Creek and upgrading or replacing guardrails with ones that meet current standards. The total cost of the project for all four culverts on State 57 in $3.3 million, according to the DOT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weekly updates on DOT construction projects in Door County and Northeast Wisconsin are posted at projects.511wi.gov/weeklyupdates-ne. Contact Christopher Clough at 920-562-8900 or cclough@gannett.com. MORE: Door Community Auditorium announces its 2026 winter season MORE: Here's your guide to 2025's holiday celebrations in Door County FOR MORE DOOR COUNTY NEWS: Check out our website This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: After being closed two-plus months, State 57 reopens near Jacksonport The suspect was taken in for questioning at the Lev HaBira police station, and will be brought today before the court for an extension of his detention. A 52-year-old Beit Shemesh resident was arrested on suspicion of setting fire to a synagogue and another building in Jerusalem early Friday morning, Israel Police said. Shortly before 1 a.m., first responders were called to the Clal Building in downtown Jerusalem after reports of a fire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the initial investigation, the suspect set fire to multiple cabinets in the building, causing smoke to fill the area, before fleeing the scene. Half an hour later, a second call came in reporting damage and arson to a synagogue in the city. Israel Police arrived at the scene and apprehended the suspect based on eyewitness testimony. A lighter was found among the individual's belongings. The suspect was taken in for questioning at the Lev HaBira police station and will be brought today before the court for an extension of his detention. Image showing the damage caused by a fire at a Jerusalem synagogue in the Sanhedria neighbourhood on Sunday, June 8, 2025. (credit: MARC ISRAEL SELLEM/THE JERUSALEM POST) Arson at synagogue of former Sephardi chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef Israel Fire and Rescue Authority ruled in June that the fire reported at the Or Habib synagogue in Jerusalems Sanhedria neighborhood, where former Sephardi chief rabbi Yitzhak Yosef prays, was indeed arson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Footage showed an individual setting the synagogue alight before running out of the building. Torah scrolls were damaged but remained whole. Just a few minutes before reports came in about the fire, police were notified of crosses graffitied on the doors of a building located close to the synagogue. Nov. 14 marks the end of Rebecca Schleicher and Ben Hill's careers on NewsChannel 5. The two morning show personalities announced their departure from the station earlier this month in a segment hosted by longtime NewsChannel 5 personality Nick Beres. The anchors both aim to pursue opportunities outside news media, they said. Schleicher, a 10-year traffic anchor, said on the air that her decision to leave was "an extremely tough decision." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After nearly 20 years in the news business, I feel called to make a change," said Hill, morning show co-anchor for five years. "Our kids are growing fast and I don't want to miss a moment with them." The departures of Schleicher and Hill mark the latest in a series of on-air exits among Nashville news personalities. Over the years, local stations have said goodbye to a mix of legendary, longtime anchors and broadcasters with less than ten years on Music City screens. Who else has left Nashvilles broadcast news scene in recent years? Heres what to know. More: Bob Mueller, Lelan Statom, Holly Thompson and other news vets on stories that most moved them Vicki Yates Channel 5 anchor Vicki Yates during a newscast Monday, May 22, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn. Yates is retiring after 20 plus years as a broadcast journalist. Vicki Yates concluded her 33-year tenure at NewsChannel 5 in June 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of her departure, she had the second-longest tenure as a news anchor in Nashville, exceeded only by News 2s Bob Mueller. She also shared the third-longest uninterrupted on-air presence in the citys television news history, tied with former WSMV anchor Demetria Kalodimos. Yates began her Nashville career in 1990. Over the years, her reporting earned her seven regional Emmy awards, and she served as a mentor to aspiring women journalists across all of Nashvilles TV newsrooms. In 2024 Yates joined WNPT, Nashville PBSs main broadcast channel, as a correspondent. More: Tennessean staff, alums salute 50-year colleague. 'Beverly is like a family member' Amy Watson A 2024 headshot of NewsChannel 5 morning anchor Amy Watson, who posted on Facebook in late August 2024 that she will retire in October to take care of her ailing mother Veteran NewsChannel 5 morning anchor Amy Watson announced her retirement in August 2024 after a nearly two-decade run. According to a social media post from Watson, she retired to care for her mother, who had dementia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Her mother died shortly after, Watson announced in a Facebook post. She continues to be active on social media, where she posts regular updates about her family and personal life. "Im happier, more relaxed, and honestly a different person," Watson wrote in an October post. "I don't know where you are in life but I hope Im an example that simpler living is okay and franklymuch, much better." Neil Orne Channel 2 morning show co-host Neil Orne on the set Nov. 15, 2024 Neil Orne stepped away from WRKN Channel 2 last November after nearly 30 years as a morning show co-host. He joined the station in 1995 from Maine, where he had worked in country radio, and began as a weekend weather forecaster and reporter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the years, Orne shared the anchor desk with more than eight co-hosts, including a two-year stretch in the mid-2000s alongside his then-wife, Heather Nashvilles only husband-wife news team. At the time of his departure, Orne ranked as the sixth-most veteran TV news personality still on air in Nashville, following Mueller (44 years at WRKN), Davis Nolan (42 years at WKRN), Lelan Statom (30 years at NewsChannel 5), Jennifer Kraus (30 years at NewsChannel 5) and Nick Beres (29 years at NewsChannel 5). "When youre 58 and waking up every morning at 1:30 a.m., you have a constant pros and cons list going," Orne told The Tennessean. "And the cons started to outweigh the pros." Orne expressed concern about the evolving nature of local TV news and its ability to stay relevant, but clarified that he wasnt retiring, just seeking new challenges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Orne said in a social media post: "Ill likely be starting a brand-new page soon for some exciting things in the near future. Im so grateful for all the follows and support over the yearsits truly been a blast." Bree Smith Bree Smith, a NewsChannel 5 meteorologist, pictured in her home in Hendersonville, Tenn., Tuesday, July 20, 2021. Smith opened up to her fans about her dad's addiction on Father's Day 2021 through Facebook Live. Smith lost her dad when she was 10. Meteorologist Bree Smith parted ways with NewsChannel 5 in January 2025 after nine years on air. Smith was known for her funny social media videos about the weather, holidays, behind-the-scenes moments at the station, and scare pranks targeting anchor Rhori Johnston, The Tennessean previously reported. Neither Smith nor WTVF provided advance notice or details about her departure, which took place on Jan. 10. Smith later stated that her contract had simply ended and declined to discuss negotiations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an email that month, station manager Richard Eller confirmed executives wanted Smith to stay. In March, Bree Smith testified before a state House subcommittee in support of HB1299 the Preventing Deep Fake Images Act and revealed she had been targeted by sexually explicit AI-generated deepfake videos. When she sought assistance from her employer, she was told that "nothing could be done," she shared. NewsChannel 5 station manager Richard Eller later told The Tennessean that WTVF wholeheartedly shared Smiths frustrations and had made significant efforts to stop the impersonators, though without success. Smith remains popular with her audience and is active on social media, posting frequent updates about the weather, her family and her birdfeeder. Smith also continues to advocate for mental health wellbeing, online and in the community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In October, she hosted a fundraiser for STARS Nashville, a nonprofit that provides education and services to students in Middle Tennessee schools around substance use disorder, trauma, bullying, depression, grief and loss and other issues. Nikki Burdine Nikki Burdine on the set of News 2 in Nashville in December 2024. Burdine and the station parted ways in February 2025 after she worked at the station for seven and a half years Nikki Burdine mysteriously departed from WKRN News 2 after seven and a half years as the morning show co-anchor. Her February departure came only three months after Orne's exit. Speculation surrounding her departure swirled after Burdine's name and photo were removed from the "anchors" section on News 2's staff page and she stopped appearing on air. At the time of her departure, neither Burdine nor News 2 executives commented on her employment status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In August, Burdine stated she was fired for promoting perfume on her social media accounts. In a brief interview with The Tennessean, she acknowledged she had "probably" promoted other products, which she received for free, while employed at News 2. Burdine remains in Nashville and hosts the "Not the News" podcast, alongside Orne. According to the program's description online, the two former anchors discuss "everything they couldn't talk about when they were on TV." Burdine also stays active on social media, frequently sharing lifestyle and beauty content. Davis Nolan WKRN News 2 meteorologist Davis Nolan at Centennial Park in Nashville, Tenn., Thursday, Feb. 8, 2024 Nolan, Nashville television's longest running weather forecaster, announced his retirement in July, after a 44-year career as meteorologist for WKRN News 2. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nolan is only one of two Nashville news personalities with more than 40 years on the air at the same station, the other being Mueller. Nolan, who runs a meteorology consulting business, said he'll continue doing a fishing segment, Fishing Funtacular, from time to time on News 2. He also will continue to post about weather on WKRN's social media channels, The Tennessean reported. Courtney Allen Courtney Allen, a news anchor and investigative reporter, announced her departure from WSMV Channel 4 in October after joining the station in October 2021. "Thank you to everyone who trusted me to share your story, gave me opportunities to connect with the community, and helped me grow personally and professionally," she wrote online. "WSMV 4, Nashville is Nashville's station, and being part of its legacy is an honor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time of the announcement, Allen did not reveal the reason for her departure or share any future plans. She did not respond to The Tennessean's request for comment and her social media remains inactive. Diana Leyva covers trending news and service journalism for the Tennessean. Contact her at Dleyva@gannett.com or follow her on X at @_leyvadiana This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Why these Nashville TV news personalities left the airwaves recently A rendering of Related Digitals planned data center in Saline Township, Mich. Credit: Related Digital Ryan Friedrichs, a vice president for the company pushing the controversial AI data center project in Saline Township, and the husband of Secretary of State Jocelyn Benson, would recuse himself from any projects before the state if Benson is elected governor in 2026. That said, the company stopped short of saying that Friedrichs would leave his post at the company, which is owned by one of Bensons larger donors. Whether Friedrichs stepping down or stepping away from the company would resolve the conflict remains an open question for the states voters in the August 2026 primary, or the general election should Benson move on to the fall contest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Questions about a potential conflict of interest between Friedrichs, Benson and Related Companies, the parent corporation of Related Digital, which is developing the data center, came to the fore after Michigan Advance and others reported that the secretary of states husband held a high-ranking position in the company and was involved in its past lobbying work. Benson is one of the leading contenders in the gubernatorial race, and not just on the Democratic primary side. Friedrichs recently terminated his lobbying license as Benson geared up to run for governor. Still, the connection raised concerns about whether Benson could be impartial and free from influence given that Related Digital has such a large business interest before the state. The matter not only concerned her husband, but also one of her billionaire donors and professional connections: Stephen Ross, the owner of Related Companies. The Advance asked Related Companies on Wednesday whether Friedrichs would step down from his position in the company if Benson were to win the August 2026 primary, secure the Democratic Party nomination and eventually go on to win the general election in the fall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A company spokesperson said that they would respond to the inquiry but did not do so on Wednesday evening. Bensons campaign indicated to the Advance on Thursday morning that Friedrichs would indeed step aside from any state business the company might have if the secretary of state ascended to the highest seat in Michigan government next year. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE On Thursday afternoon, Kathleen Anne Corless, vice president of Corporate Communications for Related Companies, confirmed that Friedrichs would do so if Benson was elected governor. This is the largest economic investment in Michigans history Ryan has been a valued member of our team working on community and stakeholder engagement, Corless said via email. Our plan is to begin full construction at the end of this year, and regardless of who wins the governors race and is sworn in come January 2027, we are not aware of any aspects of the project that would then be before the new administration for consideration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Corless went on to say that Related Companies has strict conflict of interest policies, and of course Ryan would then recuse himself from any projects before the state. The project is also prohibited from future expansion, making a conflict of interest less likely. But even with Friedrichs out of the picture, any future state business involving Ross Related Companies during a potential Benson governorship could still raise conflict of interest questions. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX MSNBCs Nicolle Wallace called out President Donald Trump and his administration for fighting to block the release of more files related to late convicted sex offender and former Trump friend Jeffrey Epstein. In exactly 12 months, Donald Trump has gone from completely dominating the political moment to being buried by it, she said. Donald Trump today finding himself on the defensive when it comes to his administrations betrayal of a campaign pledge to release the Epstein files. Politics: Trump Could Face His 'McCarthy Moment' In The Epstein Files, Ex-Prosecutor Says The Epstein files were a persistent issue on the 2024 campaign trail, with Trump and his allies especially Vice President JD Vance vowing to release them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once in office, however, they made a show of releasing files that had already been released to a group of right-wing influencers. Attorney General Pam Bondi at one point said the infamous Epstein client list was on her desk, awaiting her review before being released. By summer, she said there was no such list and no more files to reveal, angering many on both sides of the aisle. But Wallace said the Trump administration may not be able to block it much longer, saying there is now unstoppable momentum in Congress that could force the release starting with a vote in the House set for next week. Politics: Jon Stewart Makes Blunt Prediction About MAGA If Trump Is Found In Epstein Files Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) urged his colleagues to buck the White House and support the release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would remind my colleagues that this vote is gonna be on your record for longer than Trump is going to be president, he said in a clip Wallace played. And what are you going to do in 2028 and 2030 when youre in a debate, either with a Republican or a Democrat, and they say, How can we trust you? You covered up for a pedophile back in 2025. Wallace said all this is leading toward a major political reckoning for the president. See more, including a panel discussion, below: Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost President Donald Trump reentered the Oval Office in January, and on his second day back in office, he signed an executive order that sought to reinterpret the constitutional language that gives citizenship to nearly every child born in the United States, regardless of their parents legal status. The order sparked a constitutional and immigration frenzy earlier this year, with questions and concerns over what it could mean for expecting parents and those who had already been granted citizenship under the long-standing right. While many Americans support Trump implementing campaign promises to crack down on immigration, taking away birthright citizenship may not be very popular among the American public. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The just-released, nationally representative American Family Survey finds more than two-thirds of respondents (70%) say they recognize birthright citizenship as a constitutional right. Just 15% say they do not believe the Constitution guarantees birthright citizenship and 16% are unsure. DN-AFSbirthright1 The American Family Survey, now in its 11th year, is a collaboration of Brigham Young Universitys Wheatley Institute, BYUs Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy and Deseret News. YouGov polled 3,000 U.S. adults between Aug. 16-18, 2025, and the margin of error is plus or minus 2.1% A birthright guarantee under the Constitution is an issue most Americans believe, regardless of political party affiliation. Democrats resoundingly (86%) believe its a constitutional right, but the issue is also largely supported by Republicans (53%) and independents (65%). What is birthright citizenship? Birthright citizenship is the guarantee of citizenship to nearly all babies born in the United States. It stems from the Fourteenth Amendment, and is largely interpreted to say that children born in the U.S. are citizens, even if their parents are not. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps order said children born to parents who are not in the U.S. lawfully or are here on a temporary visa should not be considered citizens. Birthright in the courts Several lawsuits challenged the constitutionality of Trumps order and the administration, through the emergency docket process, brought the case to the Supreme Court earlier this year. The multiple lawsuits were consolidated for Supreme Court review, but expectant mothers, immigrant rights groups, many states and others challenged Trumps order. Lower courts issued nationwide injunctions, which prevented the administration from enforcing the order or ending birthright. The judges noted that Trump would have a difficult time defending the constitutionality of the order. The administration then turned to the high court for help, asking the justices to limit the scope of injunctions enacted by the lower-court judges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their ruling in June, the justices largely focused on the universal injunctions matter and did not explicitly touch on the birthright citizenship issue. The decision was split 6-3 along conservative-liberal lines and limited judges power to issue universal injunctions on policies implemented by any administration. Liberal Justice Sonia Sotomayor dissented, arguing that the administration asked the court to focus on the injunctions instead of a lower courts birthright ruling because it would have to prove that Trumps order is constitutional before the judges. Trump and other administration officials celebrated the Supreme Courts decision. The president said in late June that he would promptly file to advance matters blocked by judges through nationwide injunctions, including birthright citizenship. Trumps order, however, remains on hold after the Supreme Courts decision. Lower court rulings have played out since June, largely under the radar as the administration has not sought emergency relief from an appeals court or the Supreme Court likely because the administration believes it is going to lose, experts say. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even though Trump officials are letting their foot off the gas pedal when it comes to birthright citizenship, it never was a very popular executive action among the American people. What Americans think of birthright citizenship While showing that Americans largely understand the Constitution to guarantee birthright citizenship to children born in the U.S. regardless of their parents status, the 2025 American Family Survey finds views on the issue more polarized than ever. DN-AFSbirthright2 Americans also largely support birthright citizenship as a concept, the survey found. The idea earns strong support of 43% of respondents and that 16% somewhat support it, for a total of 59%. According to the polling, 18% of respondents neither support nor oppose birthright citizenship, while 9% somewhat oppose and 13% strongly oppose it, for a total of 22% opposed. Support varies by political identification, with Republicans offering up the least support (31%) for birthright citizenship. Its a likely response from GOP-identified respondents, as immigration-related issues have become a large issue for the party within the last decade. Democrats showed the most support for birthright citizenship (86%) and independents also supported it (56%). Republicans and independents responded at a near-equal level to say they neither favor birthright citizenship nor oppose it, the survey found. The view on immigration policy Attitudes about what should be considered high priority for U.S. immigration policy varied by partisanship. Democrats supported uniting families and helping asylum-seekers, but those are policies rejected by most Republican respondents. Republicans overwhelmingly supported limiting the overall number of immigrants coming to the United States (70%). Close to half of Republicans chose it as their only immigration priority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Americans positive views about birthright are striking, particularly as most report not knowing someone who has experienced impacts of U.S. immigration policy. Just 23% of respondents report knowing a direct family member, close friend, or an acquaintance or coworker who has been impacted by visa delays, deportation or family separation, and the majority say they do not have a personal relationship with anyone impacted. Those who know someone impacted by immigration policy were more likely to say uniting families, helping asylum-seekers and admitting workers based on skill were top priorities. DN-AFSbrithright3 Asked if they favor deporting undocumented immigrants, even when it separates parents from children who are natural-born citizens through birthright citizenship, 48% were opposed. One-quarter favor deportations, even if it causes families to separate, and many are neutral (28%) on the matter. The views on family separation are varied by political party identification. About 8 in 10 Democrats oppose an undocumented parent being deported and separated from America-born children, while about half of all Republican respondents support the idea. Christopher F. Karpowitz, professor of political science at BYU, a co-investigator of the survey study and a senior scholar the Center for the Study of Elections and Democracy at BYU, said, I think its a big deal that basically Republicans have decided that the most important thing to them is limiting immigration of all kinds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theyre not interested in reuniting families even when the child is a U.S. citizen, Karpowitz said. He noted that 7 in 10 adults recognize birthright citizenship is in the Constitution, but Republicans just dont support it at all, which is very shocking to me and I dont think that would have been the case in earlier years. Although weve been asking this (question) for a while, opinions are more polarized than they ever have been before, Karpowitz said, noting that neither side will budge or work with the other. The latest tranche of emails from the estate of late convicted pedophile Jeffrey Epstein includes one that contains what appear to be references to President Donald Trump allegedly performing oral sex, raising questions the committee cannot answer until the Department of Justice turns over records it has withheld, says U.S. Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee. Garcia insists the Trump White House is helping block them. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocate's email newsletter. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Friday afternoon interview with The Advocate, the out California lawmaker responded to a 2018 exchange, which was included in the emails released, between Jeffrey Epstein and his brother, Mark Epstein. In that message, Mark wrote that because Jeffrey Epstein had said he was with former Trump adviser Steve Bannon, he should ask him if Putin has the photos of Trump blowing Bubba. Related: Trump attacks lunatic Marjorie Taylor Greene in unhinged rant as Epstein scandal tightens around him Bubba is a nickname former President Bill Clinton has been known by; however, the email does not clarify who Mark Epstein meant, and the context remains unclear. (@) Thats a very, very interesting email, Garcia said. I read it as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that the committee lacks sufficient information to accurately interpret the message. Related: Jefrey Epsteins brother says the Bubba mentioned in Trump oral sex email is not Bill Clinton Were not sure, actually, what thats in reference to, obviously. So is it a joke? Is it not? Whos he talking about? We dont know, he said. And which is why its important for people to know that these emails that we got, theyre from the Epstein estate, right? We got these emails through a subpoena through the estate, and it pales in comparison to what the Department of Justice has to get us as a committee. Related: House Oversight chair calls Robert Garcia 'drama queen' for releasing Epstein birthday book Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garcia said the missing DOJ records are essential to understanding the emails and testimony the committee has already collected. Theres a massive cover-up at the White House and the DOJ right now over the files, he said. Those are the documents that we need for us to fill in the blanks and actually put this together. The interview came the same day Trump said he would direct the DOJ to investigate Clinton, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers, and others named in Epstein-related communications. Related: Trump (not drag queens) appears in Epstein files & DOJ told him months ago, The Wall Street Journal reports Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump is clearly panicked, Garcia said. Hes obviously obsessed with hiding the files, and he has the power to release them today. If he wants real justice for the survivors, he should release the files today. In a written statement released to the public, Garcia added: Our Oversight investigation has Donald Trump panicked and desperate. He is trying to deflect from serious new questions we have about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. The President has not explained why he wont release the files to the American people. Or why sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell was moved to a cushy low-security prison after her interview with Trumps former personal lawyer. Related: Donald Trump's niece says 'thats definitely his signature' on Jeffrey Epstein's card Garcia told The Advocate that Trump and his allies spent years using Epstein as political ammunition, only to resist the very transparency they once demanded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Donald Trump spent his entire campaign JD Vance, the MAGAverse just talking about the Epstein files and promising their release, he said. He pointed to Attorney General Pam Bondis February event billed as a release of documents, when far-right influencers paraded around binders with no new information, which did not include the records in question. And then we find out that Donald Trump doesnt want them released, he said. You cant go all in on something and then do a complete flip and not have the question asked why, Garcia continued. Why did this happen? Why are they now refusing to release the files? I think it begs real questions. What are they hiding? And I think thats the moment that were in right now. Newsweek reported Friday that Mark Epstein told the outlet the Bubba he mentioned in the 2018 email was not Clinton, though he did not clarify who he meant. On Saturday evening, Mark Epstein, through a spokesperson, sent The Advocate a statement denying that Bubba is Clinton. Related: Democrat Ro Khanna on the future of the Epstein files, redistricting, and recent comments about free speech Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abigail Jackson, a White House spokesperson, told The Advocate that, These emails prove literally nothing. She added, Democrats and the mainstream media are desperately trying to use this hoax as a distraction to talk about anything other than Democrats getting utterly defeated by President Trump in the shutdown fight. According to an AP/NORC poll released Wednesday, 62 percent of Americans disapprove of Trumps job performance, with only 36 percent approval. "We wont be distracted, and the entire Administration will continue fulfilling the promises the President was elected on, including cutting the Biden-era price hikes, Jackson concluded. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Editor's note: This story has been updated to include that Mark Epstein denied that Bubba was Clinton in an email to The Advocate. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Bizarre Epstein files reference to Trump, Putin, and oral sex with Bubba draws scrutiny in Congress RELATED A U.S. Border Patrol agent accused of assaulting a Long Beach police officer died of an overdose weeks later at his parents' Riverside County home, the Long Beach Post reported. According to the newspaper, Isaiah Hodgson's attorney told a Long Beach Superior Court judge that Hodgson died in August. The body of Hodgson, 29, was found around 12:45 p.m. Aug. 22 when deputies responded to a home in the 25000 block of Avocet Circle in an unincorporated area near Hemet, according to the Riverside County Sheriff's Department. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "When deputies arrived, they located the male and pronounced him deceased," sheriff's officials said in a statement. "Deputies did not locate any evidence of foul play." Additional details about the cause of death were not available. Hodgson was reportedly one of the agents involved in an immigration raid in June in Pico Rivera in which Adrian Martinez -- a 20-year-old U.S. citizen - was detained, according to Martinez's lawyer. Hodgson was also charged with assaulting a Long Beach police officer and resisting arrest for a July 7 incident at the Shoreline Village parking lot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Los Angeles County district attorney's office claimed Hodgson was "off-duty, intoxicated, and armed with a handgun" while at a restaurant. He allegedly entered the women's restroom and approached a woman who saw his handgun, according to a statement from the DA's office. A U.S. Border Patrol agent accused of drunkenly fighting a Long Beach police officer was found dead in a Riverside County home, authorities say. He left the restaurant soon after the woman alerted the manager that Hodgson was armed, the statement said. The DA's office said Hodgson was allegedly approached by a security guard who saw Hodgson holding a firearm magazine and a firearm on his waistband. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Long Beach police officers responded to the scene and tried to detain Hodgson, but he refused to cooperate, according to authorities. "As Hodgson resisted arrest, he allegedly became agitated and physical with the officers, injuring one of them," prosecutors said. At the time of his death, Hodgson was facing several charges, including three felony counts of resisting arrest and one felony count of battery with injury on a peace officer. An autopsy report is pending. According to statistics, in the first ten months of 2025, Azerbaijan Railways increased the reception of block trains by 32 percent. 317 block trains were accepted, including 119 transit trains. 112,608 TEU (a conventional unit of measurement equal to the volume of one 20-foot container) were transported, which is about 18 percent higher than last year's figure. This is good news, indicating that the Middle Corridor is operating flawlessly, and its railway segment, the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars corridor, which was predicted to go bankrupt, is increasing its demand. The North-South corridor is also expected to become more active. The Russian side is making every effort to do this. According to Russian media, the board of Russian Railways (RZD) has extended for the next year the previously introduced discounts for the transportation of a wide range of goods along the North-South route, including its western branch running through Azerbaijan. Of course, we are most interested in discounts for Azerbaijani transit. Discounts of up to 50 percent will be provided for the transportation of a number of export cargoes through the Samur border crossing with further passage through the Azerbaijani-Iranian Astara border crossing. Discounts of 20.4 percent will remain for export-import shipments in refrigerated containers to Astara station (Azerbaijan) through the Samur border crossing (and in the opposite direction). Ferrous metal carriers passing through the Samur border crossing on the border with Azerbaijan and then through the Boyuk-Kasik-Gardabani border crossing on the Azerbaijani-Georgian border will pay 50 percent less. In the latter case, as we can see, North-South smoothly turns into West-East. Discounts are a stimulating measure for the growth of interest in this route. Similar measures have been introduced by the Russian side for the MTK North-South eastern route from Russia to Iran via Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The Russian side introduced additional discounts for transportation along the western route of the corridor in June of this year. Transportation of coal, mineral and chemical fertilizers, and ferrous metals fell under additional discounts. Russian media recalled that in 2024, Russia and Azerbaijan agreed to attract additional cargo to the Azerbaijani railway network so that a sufficient cargo base would be formed at the time of Iran's completion of the Rasht-Astara road. Azerbaijan is interested in the development of the international North-South transport corridor, just as it is interested in the development of the Trans-Caspian International Transport Route (TMTM, Middle Corridor) and communications through Zangezur. The more transport and logistics routes there are, the more opportunities there are. Official Baku has repeatedly stressed that the corridors are not competitors, but complement each other. In a recent interview with the Al Arabiya channel, President Ilham Aliyev stated that the Zangezur corridor will be not only an East-West transport corridor, but also a North-South transport corridor. "Instead of one North-South route from Russia to Iran through Azerbaijan, we will have another one - from Russia to Azerbaijan, Armenia, Nakhchivan and further to Iran. So, I think this will be a winning situation for the entire region, and there will be no losers here," the head of state said. Speaking at the SCO+ meeting in Tianjin, China, on September 1, the President noted that the East-West and North-South corridors had opened up new economic and transport prospects. "I am confident that the Zangezur Corridor will soon become another important segment of the Middle Corridor, as well as the North-South corridor, which will strengthen peace, multilateral partnership and benefit all close and distant neighbors of Azerbaijan to the east, west, north and south of our borders." When the Baku-Tbilisi-Kars railway opened, Baku issued an official statement that the BTK and the North-South did not compete with each other, but were complementary projects. In Russia, they also don't want to talk about competition between corridors. The Secretary of the Security Council of the Russian Federation, Sergei Shoigu, recently, answering questions from journalists, said: The Zangezur corridor and the North-South will not compete with each other. Both routes, he believes, are of strategic importance and complement each other. "I believe that both roads not only have the right to exist, they are needed in order for Azerbaijan to connect with its regions, to create transport corridors for trade between the countries," Shoigu said, adding that any road is always a good thing. Azerbaijan has never positioned its projects as competing with anyone else. Neither the BTK, nor the Southern Gas Corridor, nor other projects initiated by Baku are being implemented to compete with their neighbors and pull the logistical blanket over themselves. On the contrary, Azerbaijan itself always welcomes the expansion of logistics opportunities in the Eurasian space. Recently, traffic was opened along the eastern branch of the North-South corridor, which involves Azerbaijan's fraternal Kazakhstan and Turkmenistan. The train with 62 containers left Moscow and passed through these countries to Iran. From the Iranian dry port of Aprin, cargo will be sent to China or Bandar Abbas, and from there to India. Some Russian media presented this news in a somewhat strange way, presenting it as a demonstration of the "farewell" to the western North-South route. They say the MTK will bypass Azerbaijan because it has behaved badly and Russia no longer needs it for transportation to Iran. The authors of these opuses are clearly not aware of the real state of affairs and have no idea what is really happening in this area. To be honest, I was surprised by such an unprofessional approach from seemingly serious publications. The process is underway, and so far no one has announced that it will be stopped. Work is currently underway to complete the western route, namely, the construction of the missing railway section in Iran, which will provide seamless rail transit from Russia to the Persian Gulf and India. The Russian side is involved in the project, which the journalists of the above-mentioned publications should have known about. Iran has transferred a plot of land to a Russian company where construction will be carried out. By March next year, the Iranian side plans to complete the purchase of land along the corridor route from the population, after which work will begin. After a meeting of representatives of the authorities of Azerbaijan, Russia and Iran held in Baku in mid-October, Russian media reported that the Iranian side had changed the route of the projected Rasht-Astara line. The changes occurred during land acquisition activities, and this is standard practice for such projects, Nikolai Shestakov, a representative of the Ministry of Transport, told reporters. According to him, the changes will not affect the cost of the project. Some technical solutions related to the transfer of artificial structures - bridges, overpasses, overpasses and other objects - can only change. It should be noted that Iran has exempted the project from taxes and fees. The total cost of the project is 1.3 billion rubles. euros, and almost 82 percent of this amount, according to the agreement between Moscow and Tehran, will be provided by the Russian side in the form of a state loan. The western route of the MTK North-South has one very important advantage - the geography and railway infrastructure of Azerbaijan make it possible to combine transportation with their access to the West-East route. It is this route that the Russian side is already using to transport goods by rail to Turkiye and Armenia. The eastern route has no such advantage. There are never too many roads. Logistics and politics are talking about this. Cargo transportation in Eurasia is so large that it is enough for everyone. By David Jeans NEW YORK (Reuters) -Counter-drone radar manufacturer Chaos Industries raised $510 million in a funding round that closed last month, the company's CEO said, the latest sign of booming investor interest in emerging military technology firms. The Los Angeles-based company, which makes radars that can detect drones - a key vulnerability highlighted in Russia's war in Ukraine - is now valued at $4.5 billion, Chaos CEO John Tenet told Reuters. The series D funding round, which has not been previously reported, was led by Valor Equity Partners. Tenet said the fresh capital will be used to ramp up manufacturing and scale its workforce. The company's previous funding round was six months ago. The new round boosts the total amount raised by the firm to $1 billion. Chaos was founded in 2022. This year alone, investors have poured almost $30 billion into defense tech companies, according to a report released by Pitchbook in August. This investment wave has given rise to a new crop of multibillion-dollar valued companies, including U.S. drone maker Anduril, valued at $30 billion in April, drone boat manufacturer Saronic, valued at $4 billion in February, and drone manufacturer Shield AI, valued at $5 billion in March. Valor CEO Antonio Gracias, a longtime business partner of Elon Musk and most recently a top adviser to the Department of Government Efficiency, is joining Chaos' board, a Chaos spokesperson said. Valor has previously led funding rounds for Anduril, SpaceX and software company Defense Unicorns. "We look forward to supporting them," Gracias told Reuters, declining to comment further. HOT DEFENSE TECH MARKET While most defense tech companies have no clear path to profitability, investors are betting they will play a crucial role in modernizing the U.S. military amid tensions with China, and as the war in Ukraine has transformed the use of drones on the battlefield. It's no secret defense tech has become one of the hottest categories in venture capital, Tenet said. Chaos has previously announced a $2 million contract with the U.S. Air Force. Tenet said the company expects to announce a dozen contracts in coming months, but declined to share more details. Governments have prioritized defending against drone attacks since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine and the rising menace of drone incursions at airports. At the center of Chaos pitch is that its sensors and radars can detect drones and small unmanned aerial vehicles from hundreds of kilometers away, Tenet said, as opposed to legacy systems that focus on identifying larger aircraft. To bolster this effort, the company recently acquired a company called Ziva Corporation, whose technology can detect and respond to threats up to ten minutes faster than traditional radars, the company said. It declined to disclose the value of the deal. A U.S. Border Patrol agent who was identified in a notorious viral video arresting an American citizen this summer and who was awaiting trial after allegedly drunkenly assaulting police officers in California in a separate incident died of a drug overdose, his attorney has said. Isaiah Hodgson, 29, passed away at his parents house in Riverside County in August, but his cause of death has only now come to light after it was revealed to a Long Beach Superior Court judge by the lawyer hired to defend him, The Long Beach Post reports. The L.A. County Medical Examiner has yet to release an autopsy report, but it is believed that it could further illuminate the circumstances of Hodgsons death. Isaiah Hodgson seen in the notorious viral video of the arrest of Adrian Martinez in Pico Rivera, California, on June 17 2025 (LA Times/TikTok) The agents troubles began on June 17 when he was one of a team that took part in an immigration raid outside of a large outdoor retail park in Pico Rivera, which turned ugly when Adrian Martinez, a Walmart worker on his lunch break, intervened to try to prevent the detention of a janitor, resulting in a brawl in which Martinez, 20, was overpowered by multiple officers, thrown in the back of a truck and taken away. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hes a f***ing legal citizen you f***ing pieces of s***! someone can be heard screaming in the viral footage, filmed at the scene by a bystander, in which Hodgson was the only agent involved whose face was visible because he wore no mask. The video was subsequently posted by U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, who said Martinez was arrested for an allegation of punching a Border Patrol agent in the face after he attempted to impede their immigration enforcement operation, urging people not to follow his example. Border Patrol Chief Patrol Agent Greg Bovino also posted the video, saying a false narrative is and was being pushed out about the incident, echoing Essaylis stance on it and attempting to quell outrage over Martinezs treatment. The Walmart employee was ultimately held for three days in a downtown Los Angeles detention facility, despite his mother arriving and presenting his birth certificate to prove his nationality, before being released on a $5,000 bond and a single charge of conspiracy to impede or injure a federal agent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Martinez has since lost his job but has said he has no regrets about trying to speak up for a man that couldnt speak up for himself. He and his attorneys are fighting the federal criminal charge. Then, on July 7, Hodgson was arrested himself after allegedly wandering drunkenly into the womens restroom of the Yard House restaurant on Long Beachs Shoreline Village waterfront wearing a gun and an ammunition clip, despite being off-duty, and asking a female customer out on a date. Border Patrol agent Isaiah Hodgson is arrested himself in Long Beach, California, on July 7 2025, a moment caught on police body cam (Long Beach Post/YouTube) After a security guard called 911 in response to her complaint about his behaviour, Hodgson left the restaurant and was seen pacing the restaurant's parking lot while armed, hiding his weapon behind a palm tree when police officers arrived to investigate. When Hodgson failed to respond to their commands to put his hands up, a 90-second struggle ensued in which he was ultimately Tasered, brought down, and handcuffed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The L.A. County District Attorneys Office said in a subsequent statement: When [the officers] arrived, they reportedly observed Hodgson intoxicated and unwilling to cooperate with their commands as they tried to detain him. As Hodgson resisted arrest, he allegedly became agitated and physical with the officers, injuring one of them. In body camera footage subsequently obtained by The Long Beach Post, Hodgson can be seen complaining in custody shortly afterwards that he has already dealt with so much f*****g stress and all this b*****t, man. He goes on to imply that he believes his family has been doxed because of his job and says, Ive made more than one f*****g mistake. Everyone just f*****g hates me here People are after me here in Los Angeles. After his release on July 9, the DAs Office charged him with three felony counts of resisting arrest, one felony count of battery on an officer, and three misdemeanor gun charges to which he pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He faced up to seven years in prison had he been convicted of those offences, but a month later, he passed away, and they are now expected to be dismissed. A GoFundMe account set up to help Hodgsons family meet his funeral expenses described him as a great man, brother, uncle, and son and was 96 percent of the way towards its $18,000 fundraising goal at the time of writing. A Border Patrol spokesperson told The Independent they could not comment on personal matters still under review. The Trump administration is planning to dispatch scores of Border Patrol agents to Charlotte and New Orleans to oversee immigration enforcement operations that could involve armored vehicles and special operations teams, according to internal government documents and U.S. officials. Internal DHS preparations reviewed by CBS News listed Charlotte and New Orleans as the next targets of President Trump's mass deportation campaign. Like in Chicago and Los Angeles which have seen highly visible and often controversial federal immigration arrests in recent months green-uniformed Border Patrol agents are expected to play a lead role in the operations in Charlotte and New Orleans. The planned Border Patrol operation in Charlotte, where an operations center is being stood up, is expected to start soon, as early as next week, two sources familiar with the plans told CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Garry McFadden, the sheriff of Mecklenburg County, North Carolina, said Thursday he had been "contacted by two separate federal ocials confirming US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) personnel will be arriving in the Charlotte area as early as this Saturday or the beginning of next week." Border Patrol's focus is then expected to shift to New Orleans, where as many as 200 CBP agents could be deployed, according to the sources and internal DHS documents. Armored vehicles, including so-called "BearCats," have been requested for both Charlotte and New Orleans, alongside special operations agents, the internal documents show. Internally, officials have dubbed the plans "Charlotte Web" and "Catahoula Crunch," references to the children's novel and the official state dog of Louisiana, respectively. U.S. Border Patrol Commander Gregory Bovino, center, leads federal agents toward protesters near the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement holding facility in Broadview, Illinois, on Oct. 3, 2025. / Credit: Antonio Perez/Chicago Tribune/Tribune News Service via Getty Images Many of the Border Patrol agents deployed to the Chicago region earlier this fall, including outspoken commander Gregory Bovino, are expected to participate in the upcoming operations in Charlotte and New Orleans, two U.S. officials said. CBS News was first to report last week that Bovino and most Border Patrol agents would be leaving Chicago, and that they could be redirected to locations like Charlotte. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a statement to CBS News Saturday, the Department of Homeland Security confirmed it is "surging" agents to Charlotte. "We are surging DHS law enforcement to Charlotte to ensure Americans are safe and public safety threats are removed," DHS spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin said. "There have been too many victims of criminal illegal aliens, and President Trump and Secretary Noem will step up to protect Americans when sanctuary politicians won't." In a statement Friday, North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein, a Democrat, said, "Public safety is the top priority for all of us in government that means fighting crime, not stoking fear or causing division." "We should all focus on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, that's not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country," Stein said, noting that many of those detained there had no criminal convictions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He urged North Carolinians "to remember our values," follow the law and remain peaceful. And he added, "If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement." Charlotte Mayor Vi Lyles said Saturday in a joint statement with other local officials, the expected Border Patrol operations are "causing unnecessary fear and uncertainty" in the community, as previous operations in other cities like Chicago "have resulted in people without criminal records being detained and violent protests being the result of unwarranted actions." The latest plans illustrate the Trump administration's continued reliance on Border Patrol agents to carry out its sweeping, nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration. While Immigration and Customs Enforcement is the federal agency charged with enforcing U.S. immigration laws in the interior of the country, the Trump administration has deployed teams of Border Patrol agents to Chicago, Los Angeles and other places far away from the U.S.-Mexico border, where illegal crossings plunged to a 55-year low in fiscal year 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In both Chicago and Los Angeles, the operations by Border Patrol agents, in many cases personally led by Bovino, have come under scrutiny, sparking protests and tense confrontations with local residents who have denounced the agency's actions as overly aggressive. ICE officers and Border Patrol agents are all federal immigration officials with the same legal authority to arrest people suspected of being in the country illegally. But their operations typically differ in style and nature. While ICE has also aggressively expanded immigration enforcement across the country under Mr. Trump, its arrests continue to be, to a large extent, targeted operations driven by intelligence gathering and prior surveillance that typically target people in the U.S. illegally who also have committed crimes. In Chicago and Los Angeles, on the other hand, Border Patrol agents have conducted "roving" operations that are more indiscriminate in nature, targeting places like Home Depot parking lots and worksites that they believe are frequented by people who don't have legal permission to be in the U.S. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The use of force that Border Patrol has employed against protesters has also come under withering criticism, including from a federal judge in Chicago who imposed drastic limits on the ability for agents to deploy tear gas and crowd control tactics. Trump administration officials maintain agents have used the necessary force, citing instances of civilians interfering with operations or turning to violence. "The use of force that I've seen has been exemplary the least amount of force necessary to accomplish the mission," Bovino told CBS News last month. Real concerns among Republicans on White House's response to Epstein files call, sources say California wildfire explodes as storm threatens mudslides in southern part of state Louisiana dad says "it's disturbing" after deepfake images of his daughter allegedly shared Brian Walshe, the Cohasset man accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, in January 2023, is competent to stand trial in her death, a judge ruled Friday morning. #BREAKING: Brian Walshe found competent and ready to stand trial at Norfolk Superior Court. Judge Freniere says jury selection will start next week with an anticipated trial start date of 12/1. Alyssa Azzara (@alyssaazzaraTV) November 14, 2025 Norfolk Superior Court Judge Diane Freniere determined that Walshe is mentally fit to stand trial during a competency hearing that was previously delayed after doctors requested more time for a mental health evaluation. Frenieres ruling paves the way for jury selection in the high-profile case to begin on Tuesday, Nov. 18. Freniere also scheduled the start of Walshes trial for Monday, Dec. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Had Walshe been found not competent, his charges may have been suspended indefinitely or even dismissed if his competency could not have been restored. Brian Walshe, left, is facing murder and other charges following the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, left, on Jan. 1, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe status hearing on his wifes murder case set for March 1 DA: Brian Walshe indicted on murder charges of wife Ana Walshe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 25 Investigates: Brian Walshes damaging digital footprint Brian Walshe appears at Quincy District Court on a charge of murdering his wife (inset),Ana Walshe, in Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S. on January 18, 2023. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Craig F. Walker/Pool via Reuters, Facebook) Brian Walshe escorted into court for murder arraignment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe appears in court for allegedly misleading police The dumpsters taken away from Brian Walshe's mothers apartment. Taken to Peabody for investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe spotted at juice bar day after wife disappears Authorities search North Shore dumpster station for evidence in disappearance of Ana Walshe Brian Walshe kisses his new bride, Ana Walshe, on their wedding day. (Facebook photo) Ana Walshe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana Walshe Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating Ana Walshe's home Police investigating outside of Ana Walshe's Cohasset home Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe Police investigating Ana Walshe's home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe Ana Walshe Ana Walshe The pool that was drained outside the Walshe home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe, the husband of Ana Walshe Walshe was held at Bridgewater State Hospital during the evaluation process. Hell be transferred back to prison as he awaits the start of his trial. Last month, lawyers for Walshe asked Freniere to change the venue of his trial due to concerns over finding a fair and impartial jury. Freniere denied that motion on Friday, ordering the trial to go on as planned in Dedham. This all comes after Walshe was stabbed inside the Norfolk County Sheriffs Correctional Center in September. Walshe is accused of killing and dismembering Ana with a hacksaw and disposing of her remains after using his sons iPad to Google the best ways to get rid of a body. In March 2023, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted Walshe on a charge of murder, misleading a police investigation/obstruction of justice, and improper conveyance of a human body in connection with his wifes death. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana, a mother of three young children and a real estate professional who worked in Washington, D.C., vanished on New Years Day 2023 and was reported missing a few days later, authorities said. Prosecutors have alleged that Walshe killed his wife in their Cohasset home on New Years Day. The couples three young boys were reportedly home at the time. Days after Anas disappearance, a hacksaw and a blood-soaked rug believed to contain biological evidence were recovered from their home by investigators. Police later searched trash bins, dumpsters, trash trucks, and trash facilities in the areas where Brian Walshe traveled following her disappearance. Prosecutors have also previously said that a broken knife with blood on it was found in the basement of the Walshe family home. Anas body has never been found. Walshe is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings. He has been held without bail since his arrest. A final pre-trial conference in Walshes case has been scheduled for Monday, Nov. 17. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Brian Walshe, the Cohasset man accused of murdering and dismembering his wife, Ana Walshe, in January 2023, is due to appear in Dedhams Norfolk Superior Court for a competency hearing on Friday morning. The judge will determine whether Walshe is mentally fit to stand trial. The hearing was previously delayed after doctors requested more time for evaluation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If Walshe is found competent, court documents indicate his trial could begin as early as next week. If he is ruled not competent, charges may be suspended indefinitely and could eventually be dismissed if competency cannot be restored. Brian Walshe, left, is facing murder and other charges following the disappearance of his wife, Ana Walshe, left, on Jan. 1, 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe status hearing on his wifes murder case set for March 1 DA: Brian Walshe indicted on murder charges of wife Ana Walshe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 25 Investigates: Brian Walshes damaging digital footprint Brian Walshe appears at Quincy District Court on a charge of murdering his wife (inset),Ana Walshe, in Quincy, Massachusetts, U.S. on January 18, 2023. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Craig F. Walker/Pool via Reuters, Facebook) Brian Walshe escorted into court for murder arraignment Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe appears in court for allegedly misleading police The dumpsters taken away from Brian Walshe's mothers apartment. Taken to Peabody for investigation Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe spotted at juice bar day after wife disappears Authorities search North Shore dumpster station for evidence in disappearance of Ana Walshe Brian Walshe kisses his new bride, Ana Walshe, on their wedding day. (Facebook photo) Ana Walshe Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana Walshe Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home Police investigating the area near Ana Walshe's home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police investigating Ana Walshe's home Police investigating outside of Ana Walshe's Cohasset home Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe Police investigating Ana Walshe's home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana Walshe and her husband Brian Walshe Ana Walshe Ana Walshe The pool that was drained outside the Walshe home Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brian Walshe, the husband of Ana Walshe Walshe has been held at Bridgewater State Hospital during the evaluation process. Last month, lawyers for Walshe asked a judge to change the venue of his trial due to concerns over finding a fair and impartial jury. Walshe is accused of killing and dismembering Ana with a hacksaw and disposing of her remains after using his sons iPad to Google the best ways to get rid of a body. In March 2023, a Norfolk County grand jury indicted Walshe on a charge of murder, misleading a police investigation/obstruction of justice, and improper conveyance of a human body in connection with his wifes death. He has pleaded not guilty to those charges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ana, a mother of three young children and a real estate professional who worked in Washington, D.C., vanished on New Years Day 2023 and was reported missing a few days later, authorities said. Prosecutors have alleged that Walshe killed his wife in their Cohasset home on New Years Day. The couples three young boys were reportedly home at the time. Days after Anas disappearance, a hacksaw and a blood-soaked rug believed to contain biological evidence were recovered from their home by investigators. Police later searched trash bins, dumpsters, trash trucks, and trash facilities in the areas where Brian Walshe traveled following her disappearance. Prosecutors have also previously said that a broken knife with blood on it was found in the basement of the Walshe family home. Anas body has never been found. Walshe is currently serving a three-year prison sentence for selling fake Andy Warhol paintings. He has been held without bail since his arrest. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. Chamber of Commerce asked the Supreme Court on Friday to pause new California laws expected to require thousands of companies to report emissions and climate-risk information. The laws are the most sweeping of their kind in the nation, and a collection of business groups argued in an emergency appeal that they violate free-speech rights. The measures were signed by Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom in 2023, and reporting requirements are expected to start early next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lower courts have so far refused to block the laws, which the state says will increase transparency and encourage companies to assess how they can cut their emissions. The Chamber of Commerce asked the justices to put the laws on hold while lawsuits continue to play out. One requires businesses that make more than $1 billion a year and operate in California to annually report their direct and indirect carbon emissions, beginning in 2026 and 2027, respectively. That includes planet-warming pollution from burning fossil fuels directly, as well as releases from activities such as delivering products from warehouses to stores and employee business travel. The Chamber of Commerce estimates it will affect about 5,000 companies, though state air regulators say it will apply to roughly 2,600. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The other law requires companies that make more than $500 million a year to biennially disclose how climate change could hurt them financially. The state Air Resources Board estimates more than 4,100 companies will have to comply. Without this Courts immediate intervention, Californias unconstitutional efforts to slant public debate through compelled speech will take effect and inflict irreparable harm on thousands of companies across the country, the companies argued. Companies that fail to publish could be subject to civil penalties. ExxonMobil also challenged the laws in a lawsuit filed last month. The state has argued that the laws dont violate the First Amendment because commercial speech isnt protected the same way under the Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2023, Newsom called the emissions-disclosure law an important policy and of the state's bold responses to the climate crisis, turning information transparency into climate action. The environmental group Ceres has said the information will help people decide whether to support the businesses. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission approved a rule last year requiring some public companies to report their greenhouse gas emissions and climate risks, but the agency paused the regulation amid litigation. The conservative-majority Supreme Court has cast a skeptical eye on some environmental regulations in recent years, including a landmark decision that limited the Environmental Protection Agency's authority to regulate carbon dioxide emissions from power plants in 2022, and another that halted the agencys air-pollution-fighting good neighbor rule. ___ Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated to correct that one of the laws requires disclosures from companies that make more than $500 million a year, not more than $500,000 a year. ___ Austin reported from Sacramento. Canadas spy agency says it has thwarted deadly Iranian plots targeting regime critics. Canada's domestic spy agency this year foiled potentially lethal threats by Iran directed against people whom Tehran sees as enemies, the agency's head said in a rare speech on Thursday. Dan Rogers, director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service, also said his agents had blocked attempts by Russia to illegally acquire Canadian goods and technologies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rogers, appointed in February, spoke as he presented an annual update on security challenges facing Canada. CSIS directors seldom appear in public. His comments were the first confirmation that the agency has intervened to protect Canada-based critics of Iran. In August, CSIS had merely said it was probing Iranian threats. "In particularly alarming cases over the last year, we've had to reprioritize our operations to counter the actions of Iranian intelligence services and their proxies who have targeted individuals they perceive as threats to their regime," Rogers said. Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei attends a meeting with students in Tehran, Iran, November 3, 2025 (credit: Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader/WANA (West Asia News Agency)/Handout via REUTERS) "In more than one case, this involved detecting, investigating, and disrupting potentially lethal threats against individuals in Canada," he continued, without giving details. Canada and Iran have poor relations Canada has particularly poor relations with Iran and cut off diplomatic ties in 2012. Last year, Canada listed Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization, prompting condemnation from Tehran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Canada is also a critic of Russia and its 2022 invasion of Ukraine. Rogers said illicit Russian procurement networks were trying to illegally acquire Canadian goods and technologies. "This year, CSIS took action to prevent this by informing several Canadian companies that Europe-based front companies seeking to acquire their goods were in fact connected to Russian agents," he said, adding that the companies took immediate measures to deny the Russians. George Escobar will become the new executive director of CASA on Jan. 1, 2026, taing over from longtime directoir Gustavo Torres, who stepped down after nearly 40 years running the migrant advocacy group. (Photo courtesy of CASA) A familiar face has been chosen to lead the regions most influential immigrant rights and advocacy organization. George Escobar, the current chief of programs and services for CASA, will become the organizations executive director on Jan. 1, taking the reins from longtime executive director Gustavo Torres, who spent more than 30 years with the organization. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To be entrusted with leading CASA at this critical juncture is the greatest honor of my life, Escobar said in a statement Thursday. Our movement faces unprecedented challenges and unmatched opportunities to grow, protect, and transform. Guided by the wisdom and resilience of our members, I believe we can emerge stronger, more united, and more impactful than ever before. He follows Torres, who was honored last week during a 40th anniversary celebration attended by more than 100 people, including Gov. Wes Moore (D) and Del. Deni Taveras (D-Prince Georges), whose legislative district includes the D.C. areas largest concentration of Latinos, and is home to CASA headquarters. Torres served as executive director for 31 of his 34 years with the organization that began in a church basement in Montgomery County. Escobar has worked 14 years for the organization, leading initiatives on legal assistance, workforce development and more. He takes over an organization that Torres helped launch into national prominence with more than 189,000 members in 46 states and Puerto Rico. Besides Maryland, CASA also has offices in Virginia and Pennsylvania, and a welcome center in Georgia that opened in 2022. George Escobar is exactly the leader CASA needs at this moment, Torres said in a statement. His deep understanding of our organization, their unwavering commitment to immigrant justice, and their visionary leadership will ensure that CASA continues to be a beacon of hope and power for generations to come. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Escobar, who grew up in Southern California after his family immigrated from Mexico, moved to the D.C. region in 2001. Before joining CASA, he worked as deputy director in the D.C. Mayors Office on Latino Affairs, the National Alliance for Hispanic Health and the Latino Economic Development Corp. While with CASA, Escobar became a 2023-24 community resident affiliate at the University of Marylands Latin American and Caribbean Studies Center. He will lead CASA and its fight for immigrant rights at a time of aggressive Trump administration policies to deport immigrants in the U.S. without authorization, including deployment of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents into various cities led by Democrats. Our success will not be measured by our survival alone, but by lasting progressive change in our members lives, Escobar said. The future of CASA and of our movement depends on our ability to lead with courage, clarity, and the collective wisdom of our people. Mayor-elect Littmann, a Democratic sweep Jared Littmanns early lead in the Nov. 4 election for mayor of Annapolis not only held over Republican businessman Bobby OShea, it grew. Official results released Wednesday said Littmann, a Democrat, received 6,792 votes to OSheas 2,441, or 73% to 26%. Jared Littmann, left, poses for a picture with Rep. Sarah Elfreth (D-3rd) at an election night watch party at Level on Nov. 4 in Annapolis. (Photo by William J. Ford/Maryland Matters) Littman thanked supporters in a social media post in a journey he acknowledged was long, it started when he announced his candidacy in January 2024. Littmann will be sworn in as mayor on Dec. 1, taking over from Mayor Gavin Buckley (D), who is term-limited after serving two terms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats swept the City Council races, according to the official results. The closest race was Ward 1 where Alderman Harry Huntley trailed by 10 votes on election night. But after mail-in and provisional ballots were counted, Huntley got 987 votes, compared to 889 votes for unaffiliated candidate Tom Kriek Ward 2 Alderwoman Karma ONeill finished with 946 votes to 507 for GOP candidate Ken Vincent, while Keanuu Smith-Brown easily beat unaffiliated candidate Mike Dye by a 620-170 margin to win the race for the open Ward 3 seat. Current Ward 3 Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles ran for mayor, but lost to Littmann in the Democratic primary. Ward 5 Alderman Brooks Schandelmeier received 648 votes against Republican challenger Jack Papaleonti, who received 347 votes. With Ward 6 Alderman DaJuan Gray not seeking reelection, the seat was open for Diesha Contee Ward, who won 465 votes to beat Republican candidate George M. Gallagher, who got 172 votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another open seat was in Ward 8, where Alderman Ross H. Arnett III did not seek reelection. Frank Thorp won with 1,128 votes to 648 for unaffiliated candidate William Cunha. After beating Coren Makell by just four votes in thDemocratic primary, Janice Elaine Allsup-Johnson (D) was unopposed in the general election for Ward 4, which is being vacated by current Alderwoman Sheila M. Finlayson (D), who did not seek reelection. Ward 7 Alderman Robert Savidge (D) had no challengers in either the primary or general elections. Funk & Bolton staffs up The law firm, with offices in Baltimore and Annapolis, announced last week that it has added five new hires to its government relations and publica affairs teams ahead of the 2026 legislative session. The newcomers are: Joshua Feldmark, a former senior vice president at CI Renewables where Senate President Bill Ferguson is general counsel he was founding director of Howard Countys Office of Sustainability, where he worked for 12 years. He previously worked for a number of nonprofits and was a member of the Governors Commission on Environmental Justice and Sustainable Communities, among other roles. Need to get in touch? Have a news tip? CONTACT US Sarah Case-Herron was director of governmental affairs for the Maryland Department of Health. Before that, she was a legislative analyst at the federal Health Resources and Services Administration, focused on health workforce issues. She led the Office of Legislative Affairs at the D.C. Department of Employment Services, and was policy and legislative affairs bureau chief at the Districts Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency. Darcy Costello comes to the public affairs team with more than a decade of experience as a journalist, most recently at the Baltimore Sun. Before that, she was part of an award-winning team at the Louisville Courier Journal. Her reporting experience include criminial justice, breaking news, and local and state politics. Ash-Lynn Randolph served as an aide to Maryland Senate Finance Committee Chair Pam Beidle (D-Anne Arundel), where she handled a range of office tasks. Colby Derr worked as a digital content producer at THV11 in Little Rock, Arkansas, who worked previously in public service and community engagement with Engage Arkansas. They join a team at Funk & Bolton that includes Matt Celentano, Luke Pinton, Philemon Kendzierski, Ben Smith, Ben Groff, and Ashiah Parker. Ren Tundermann, the firms managing shareholder, called the new hires a testament to our firms continued growth We are thrilled to continue building the firm from a position of strength. NEED TO KNOW Regina Santos-Aviles' cause and manner of death have been revealed Santos-Aviles caught on fire in her Uvalde, Texas, backyard on Sept. 13, and was pronounced dead the following morning The 35-year-old mother of one worked as the regional director for Texas Rep. Tony Gonzalez The official cause of death for 35-year-old congressional staffer Regina Santos-Aviles has been determined. Santos-Aviles, who served as the regional district director for Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), caught on fire on Saturday, Sept. 13, in Uvalde, Texas, and was pronounced dead the following morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Bexar County Medical Examiners Office confirmed to PEOPLE that she died of self-immolation, meaning that she intentionally set herself on fire. Gonzales's office did not immediately respond to PEOPLE's requests for comment. Police, emergency services and the fire department were called to Santos-Aviles' home around 9:30 p.m., the police department confirmed to PEOPLE in statements and an incident report. Santos-Aviles was on fire when authorities were called to her property, they told the San Antonio Express-News. Preliminary findings determined there was a fire behind Santos-Aviles' residence, and shortly after arrival, EMS personnel began tending to a woman who had sustained burns. Santos-Aviles was later transferred to a San Antonio hospital. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Santos-Aviles was pronounced dead on the morning of Sept. 14, per local outlet KSAT and Texas Public Radio. At the time, Uvalde Police Chief Homer Delgado said there was no indication of foul play. The congressional staffer's family insisted that her death was accidental, per the San Antonio Express-News and KSAT. Nora Ann Gonzalez, Santos-Aviles' mother, said she found her daughter outside, still conscious, when EMS arrived on the scene. The last thing she said is, I dont want to die, her mother told the outlet. And they told her, We will do our best to make sure we get you taken care of. Regina Santos-Aviles/Facebook Regina Santos-Aviles. Regina Santos-Aviles. In late October, attorneys representing the City of Uvalde wrote a letter to Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton requesting that evidence and materials from the investigation, including 911 calls, body-camera footage and police reports, not be shared publicly, Texas Public Radio reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Texas, records from non-criminal cases do not need to be shared, according to the outlet. The city argued that the records contained highly sensitive information and would impact the privacy of Santos-Aviles' family if made public. Rep. Gonzales shared a statement with Texas Public Radio that honored Santos-Aviles' public service. "We are all heart-stricken by the recent news. Regina devoted her profession toward making a difference in her community," Gonzales said. "She will always be remembered for her passion towards Uvalde and helping the community become a better place." Santos-Aviles leaves behind an 8-year-old son, whom her obituary called her "greatest pride and joy." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7. Read the original article on People The worlds first drone carrier has taken to the sea as China began trials for the ship on Friday. The massive ship, known as the Type 076 or the Sichuan, is the first ambitious assault ship in the world equipped with an electromagnetic catapult. As well as drones, the vessel can carry helicopters, fighter aircraft and amphibious combat equipment. The electromagnetic launch technology makes the Sichuan different from other amphibious assault ships in use in countries like the UK and the US, which use vertical takeoff and landing that require more fuel and can only carry a limited payload. Credit: X / @PLA_MilitaryUpd Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While the main use of the Sichuan will be amphibious landing operations because of its ability to carry and launch a wide range of aircraft, it will have many strategic roles to play, according to Chinese state media. One of these roles could be in a potential invasion of Taiwan, which would require a multi-use amphibious assault ship like the Sichuan to transport troops, aircraft and other equipment. b' 1511 Sichuan ' China has been building up its navy at breakneck speed in recent years, including modifying commercial barges to offload personnel and tanks in the event of a landing operation, which experts have said is also reportedly being done with a potential Taiwan conflict in mind. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beijing has overtaken the US as the worlds largest navy, but the US fleet remains more powerful with greater tonnage and more large aircraft carriers. b' ' Xi Jinping, the Chinese premier, has also overseen a recent mass purge of his military commanders, fuelling speculation that China is far from ready for war. But they have not stopped building. Just last week, the Fujian, their latest supercarrier, was officially commissioned under the watchful eye of Mr Xi. The Fujian is Chinas much-anticipated third supercarrier and will allow the Peoples Liberation Army Navy to launch heavier and more specialised aircraft. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China hasnt stopped there. The Fujians successor, so far only known as the Type 004, is already well under construction and satellite images from last week suggest that it will be the first nuclear-powered carrier. Beijing has long sought to develop nuclear-powered ships, which are able to stay out at sea for longer stretches of time, unlike diesel-powered ones, which have to return to port every few weeks for refuelling. Song Zhongping, a Chinese military expert, told state media that the Sichuan has borrowed the electromagnetic catapult technology from the Fujian, in addition to radars from previous frigates and destroyers, to make it a brand-new type of ship. The supercarrier was first put in the water in December 2024 and several preliminary trials of its electromagnetic catapult system were conducted before the sea trials. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to state media, the ongoing sea trials will focus on testing and verifying the reliability and stability of the ships power, electrical and other systems. Experts predict that Beijing could use the Sichuan as a light aircraft carrier to carry and launch large numbers of drones, including the advanced GJ-11 stealth combat drone and the W27 reconnaissance drone. China has been ramping up its defence by increasing its budget and boosting production of weapons like ships and aircraft - Liu Xu/Xinhua Its also expected that the new amphibious assault ship will carry the new J-36 tailless stealth fighter, which was recently spotted at Chinas top-secret Lop Nur military base, after images of the fighter were posted online the same day as the Sichuan was first launched in December last year. Chinese state media also said the Sichuan could carry the J-35, an advanced stealth fighter that is often considered a copy of the USs leading F-35. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In fact, China could soon make its powerful fighter even more similar to the US version, according to Pentagon officials. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: VCG/VCG via Getty Images The three astronauts of China's Shenzhou 20 mission safely touched down on the Dongfeng Landing Site in China's Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region shortly before 3.45 a.m. EST (0845 GMT) on Nov. 14, after spending over 6 months in low-Earth orbit aboard the Tiangong space station. Commander Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie have since exited the return spacecraft and appear to be in good health, having made a final parachute-aided descent to Earth's surface. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shenzhou 20 trio were supposed to leave China's Tiangong space station on Nov. 5. But the departure was postponed after their Shenzhou 20 spacecraft absorbed an impact, apparently from a small piece of space debris . The taikonauts finally left Tiangong on Thursday (Nov. 13) at 10:14 p.m. EDT (0314 GMT and 11:14 a.m. Beijing time on Nov. 14). But they left the Shenzhou 20 vehicle behind, traveling instead in the newly arrived Shenzhou 21 spacecraft. The return capsule of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship, carrying the Shenzhou-20 astronauts Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie, touches down at the Dongfeng landing site on Nov. 14, 2025 in Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China. | Credit: VCG/VCG via Getty Images "The Shenzhou-20 spacecraft does not meet the requirements for the astronauts' safe return and will remain in orbit to continue relevant experiments," the state-run Xinhua news outlet reported on Thursday , citing information from the China Manned Space Agency (CMSA). "Tiny cracks have been found in the return capsule's viewport window, which are most probably caused by external impact from space debris, according to the CMSA," Xinhua added. Astronaut Chen Dong, commander of the three-member Shenzhou-20 crew, is out of the Shenzhou-21 spaceship's return capsule after it touched down on Earth at the Dongfeng landing site on Nov. 14, 2025. | Credit: VCG/VCG via Getty Images The Shenzhou 20 astronauts launched to Tiangong on April 24 . Their mission is the third spaceflight for Dong and the first for both Zhongrui and Jie. The trio conducted a variety of scientific experiments and outreach activities during their time on the station. They also completed four spacewalks , installing (appropriately enough) debris shields and other equipment on Tiangong's exterior. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three-astronaut Shenzhou 21 mission launched to Tiangong on Oct. 31 to relieve their predecessors and begin their own six-month stint aboard the orbiting outpost. But the newcomers' vehicle ended up having an unexpectedly brief space stay, thanks to the debris strike on Shenzhou 20. When the time comes, the Shenzhou 21 astronauts will apparently ride home on the Shenzhou 22 vehicle, which will launch (presumably uncrewed) "at an appropriate time in the future," according to another Xinhua report . By Timour Azhari and Christoph Steitz RIYADH/FRANKFURT (Reuters) -U.S. firm GE Vernova and Germany's Siemens Energy are in talks to supply gas turbines to a $7 billion project aiming to rebuild Syria's war-damaged power sector, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters. Syria signed a deal with a subsidiary of Qatar's Power International Holding in May to build four combined-cycle gas turbine power plants with a total capacity of 4,000 megawatts. The agreement also includes a 1,000-MW solar component. Siemens Energy and GE Vernova could both be awarded contracts for the project, one of the people said, adding, however, that it was too early to say when agreements might be concluded. Details of the amount budgeted for the turbines under the project were not available. And none of the three sources would estimate how much the turbine contracts might be worth. The talks could also lead to agreements beyond turbines, including the supply of critical power grid infrastructure, another of the sources said. WESTERN COMPANIES LOOK TO BENEFIT FROM RECONSTRUCTION The successful conclusion of deals would make Siemens Energy and GE Vernova among the first Western companies to benefit from the reconstruction of Syria's power sector, since U.S. President Donald Trump lifted most sanctions on Damascus earlier this year. Siemens Energy told Reuters that "a local delegation met with Syrian decision-makers to explore how the country's power supply could be improved in the short term." "While no specific agreements or contracts have been made, we are ready to contribute our technical expertise if it can help establish and stabilise a reliable energy supply and support the population," a spokesperson for the company said. GE Vernova and PIH did not respond to requests for comment. Syria's information ministry also did not immediately respond to a request for comment. REVIVING AN ENERGY SECTOR CRIPPLED BY WAR Following the rebel-led ouster of longtime President Bashar al-Assad late last year, Syria has pursued a strategic realignment away from Iran under its new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, who met with Trump in Washington this week. U.S. firms Baker Hughes, Hunt Energy and Argent LNG said in July they planned to back post-war reconstruction with a masterplan to explore and extract oil and gas and produce power. Due to the destruction of energy infrastructure during its 14-year civil war, Syria today produces just a fraction of the electricity it needs, though the supply of power has improved notably in recent months thanks to gas from Azerbaijan and Qatar. This is an adapted excerpt from the Nov. 13 episode of All In with Chris Hayes. The White House is in full-blown panic mode over files related to child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The Trump administration has spent almost half a year pushing a whole-government effort to suppress and perhaps even cover up whatever is in those documents. On Wednesday, we got one of our first glimpses into what kind of content could possibly be in those files when Congress released a trove of Epsteins emails, subpoenaed from his estate. In those emails, the disgraced financier talked about his old buddy Donald Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want you to realize that that dog that hasnt barked is trump.. [Victim] spent hours at my house with him ,, he has never once been mentioned, Epstein wrote. In other emails, Epstein said that Trump knew about the girls as he asked ghislaine to stop and offered to send a reporter from The New York Times a picture of Trump with girls in bikinis in my kitchen. MSNBC has not verified any claims made in those emails, but they are quite damning and have put the Epstein story at the center of the news. It has gotten so bad that Trump declined to do his favorite thing: talk to the press. It seems that the more this White House tries to make the story go away, the worse it looks. Remember, it was just 10 months ago that the Trump administration came in, guns blazing, promising to release everything related to Epstein. It had hundreds of FBI agents and employees working around the clock to review the available files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Attorney General Pam Bondi went on TV over and over to say that she had the Epstein report on her desk, ready to be reviewed. But instead of simply releasing the report, the administration held a widely publicized, Trump-friendly influencer event at the White House, where it handed out binders labeled The Epstein Files. However, when folks actually dug into the material, they were pretty disappointed. It turns out the binders were mostly made up of information that was already public. In hindsight, that should have been a warning sign that Trump was never serious about releasing the Epstein files. His lengthy friendship with Epstein has been a matter of public record for years. Despite Bondi repeatedly saying the disclosures were a directive from Trump himself, he never seemed particularly enthusiastic about the idea. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an interview with Fox News in 2024, Trump pledged to declassify files on 9/11 and John F. Kennedys death. But when he was asked about the Epstein files, the president replied: I guess I would less so because you dont know, you dont want to affect peoples lives if its phony stuff in there, because its a lot of phony stuff with that whole world. That attitude Epstein, less so became the official policy of the White House. After ringing the Epstein bell for months, the administration abruptly turned around and shut the whole thing down. But the public revelations just kept coming. The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had written Epstein a crude letter, featuring an illustration of a nude woman and a cryptic message alluding to relationships with young women. Trump vehemently denied the report and even personally sued Rupert Murdoch, owner of The Wall Street Journal, for $1 billion. That lawsuit is still pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But, of course, that reported letter eventually came out and it was somehow worse than folks had imagined. Trump still denies that it is his signature on that letter. We also learned that the FBI agents who were working around the clock on those Epstein files actually did find Trump mentioned in them, and Bondi told the president as much. And now we can see for ourselves that Trump has been mentioned repeatedly in these emails. The reaction from the White House has just been so conspicuous. After months of working behind the scenes to suppress a discharge petition in the House, which would mandate a full floor vote on releasing the Epstein files, the administration appeared desperate to suppress the story. There are four Republicans who signed that discharge petition: Reps. Thomas Massie of Kentucky, who co-sponsored the petition; Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia; Nancy Mace of South Carolina; and Lauren Boebert of Colorado. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement MSNBC reported that on Tuesday morning, Trump personally called Boebert to plead with her to take her name off the petition. Then, on Wednesday, the administration hauled her into the Situation Room, where she met with the heads of the FBI and the Justice Department, who tried again to browbeat her into taking her name off the petition. Of course, they were unsuccessful and the discharge petition reached its needed signatures, setting up a vote on the House floor next week. So it seems the more Trump and his administration try to stop the public from seeing these files, the more attention they draw to the problem. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) The troubled strip club, formerly known as Jaguars and recently operating as Chicas Locas, is officially closed, Cassey Wallace, the attorney for the strip clubs owner, RCI Holdings, confirmed to KTSM. And although Wallace said the property, which is located at 11377 Gateway Blvd W, is up for sale, the City of El Paso is moving forward with legal action against the strip club alleging ongoing violations of the citys sexually oriented business ordinance, according to City Attorney Karla Nieman. The petition states that the City has not settled with Chicas Locas, which is guilty of sexually oriented business (SOB) violations, Nieman added in a statement provided to KTSM. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chicas Locas reportedly applied for a sexually oriented business license, which the City denied. The strip club allegedly failed to respond to the Citys discovery request in the case. The City is seeking to obtain Chicas Locass compliance with both mandatory discovery obligations and the Citys sexually oriented business ordinance, Niemans statement read in part. As KTSM previously reported in 2024, the City filed a lawsuit against the strip club seeking civil fines and a temporary restraining order (TRO) to stop violations of the sexually oriented business ordinance, which the City alleged is a law that the strip club unsuccessfully challenged several years ago. At the same time, El Paso County brought a nuisance abatement suit against the strip club, and the court issued a series of orders that closed Jaguars for several months. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the same company that ran Jaguars rebranded as Chicas Locas, reopened briefly in September 2024. The strip club was once again closed by a court order in the Countys case. The County and Chicas Locas later settled, permitting it to reopen earlier this year. In September, the owners of the adult nightclub were indicted by the State of New York on bribery, fraud, and other charges, in an alleged scheme to avoid paying millions of dollars in sales tax. Owners of Chicas Locas facing bribery, fraud charges in New York New York Attorney General Letitia James announced the indictments of top executives with RCI Hospitality Holdings, the company that owns and operates Chicas Locas in El Paso. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Clarksville Republican state Rep. Jeff Burkhart has died, the House Republican Caucus confirmed on Nov. 14. The cause of Burkhart's death is not known. Burkhart, 63, had served in the state House of Representatives since 2022. Because there is less than one year until the next election, the Montgomery County Commission will appoint an interim representative to succeed him until elections next year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Tennessee House Republican Caucus is deeply saddened by the passing of our dear colleague, State Rep. Jeff Burkhart of District 75. He served with dedication, humility, and a genuine love for the people of Montgomery County and the great state of Tennessee," a statement from the House Republican Caucus reads. Burkhart attended Northwest High School, and earned a degree in fire science from Volunteer State Community College, according to his legislative profile. His career began at the Clarksville Fire Department in 1985, where he rose through the ranks to become assistant fire chief. Burkhart was elected to the Clarksville City Council in 2008 and served three terms. A long-time home builder, Burkhart joined the Clarksville Home Builders Association, became president of the Tennessee Home Builders Association and was inducted into the Tennessee Home Builders Hall of Fame in 2021, according to his campaign website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkhart was elected to the state legislature to serve in a newly drawn district in west Montgomery County in 2022. In the legislature, Burkhart supported funding for school resource officers and law enforcement, and support for veterans and military personnel. He was an advisory board member of the Sexual Assault Center. Jeff Burkhart elected to the Tennessee House of Representatives district 75. Burkhart was engaged with one child, according to his profile on the state's legislative website. "Rep. Burkharts life of public service from his years with the Clarksville Fire Department and his time on the Clarksville City Council to his work in the General Assembly reflected his unwavering commitment to community, faith, and the values that bring Tennesseans together," the House Republican Caucus said. "His leadership on infrastructure improvements, education, public safety, and support for working families will leave a lasting impact on our state." Clarksville delegation colleague Rep. Ronnie Glynn said Burkhart's service to the Clarksville community "ran deep." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This morning I was devastated to learn that my friend and colleague Representative Jeff Burkhart passed away," Glynn said. "I was proud to serve alongside Rep. Burkhart and share a passion for serving the Clarksville community. He will be deeply missed by myself and our colleagues in the Tennessee State House." Councilwoman Valerie Guzman fist bumps Jeff Burkhart while entering the chamber for a special session about declaring a state of emergency in Clarksville at City Council Chambers in Clarksville, Tenn., on Wednesday, March 18, 2020. House Republicans and Democrats offered heartfelt condolences to Burkhart's family. Weve lost a beloved member of our legislative family," said House Democratic Caucus Chairman John Ray Clemmons. "Rep. Burkhart was an exemplary public servant and champion for the families of Montgomery County. He touched many lives with his service and will be dearly missed by all in our State Capitol. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Clarksville Republican Rep. Jeff Burkhart has died KANSAS CITY, Mo. A Clay County youth pastor is behind bars Friday following multiple child sex crime-related charges. 55-year-old man charged with first-degree murder in Ray County shooting Donald Aaron Axtell, a former Associate Youth Pastor, has been charged with felony second-degree statutory rape, possession of child pornography, and furnishing pornographic material to a minor. Axtell is currently in custody at the Clay County Jail on a $100,000 bond, according to Clay County Prosecuting Attorney Zach Thompson. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alleged offense not only constitutes a serious violation of the law, but a grievous betrayal of the trust placed with an associate youth pastor to shepherd our communitys children, said Prosecutor Thompson. This case remains an active and ongoing investigation, and all defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. AGs lawsuit against Kansas City over Sunshine Law dropped; city implements training The Excelsior Springs Police Department encourages anyone with any information in the investigation to contact police at (816) 630-2000. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports. COURTESY U.S. COAST GUARD The U.S. Coast Guard detected a Russian military vessel, the intelligence ship Kareliya, operating just outside U.S. territorial waters about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. COURTESY U.S. COAST GUARD The U.S. Coast Guard detected a Russian military vessel, the intelligence ship Kareliya, operating just outside U.S. territorial waters about 15 nautical miles south of Oahu on Oct. 29. U.S. Coast Guard officials said they are monitoring a Russian naval intelligence ship that has been lingering just outside U.S. territorial waters close to the Hawaiian islands for at least two weeks and is currently about 15 miles off the coast of Hawaii island. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Russian Federation Navy Auxiliary General Intelligence vessel Kareliya, a Vishnya-class ship, was first detected Oct. 29 by the Coast Guard about 15 nautical miles off Oahus southern coast. According to a Coast Guard news release today, Under customary international law, foreign military vessels are permitted to transit and operate outside other nations territorial seas, which extend up to 12 nautical miles from shore. The Kareliya has been spotted three nautical miles beyond that point. The news release did not give the ships current location but a public affairs officer told the Honolulu Star-Advertiser that it was in international waters off Hawaii island. A Coast Guard HC-130 Hercules from Air Station Barbers Point and the Cutter William Hart responded to the Russian vessels presence by conducting a safe, professional overflight and transiting near the ship, officials said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Coast Guard routinely monitors maritime activity around the Hawaiian islands and throughout the Pacific to ensure the safety and security of U.S. waters, Capt. Mathew Chong, chief of response, Coast Guard Oceania District, said. Working in concert with partners and allies, our crews monitor and respond to foreign military vessel activity near our territorial waters to protect our maritime borders and defend our sovereign interests. The the international waters off Hawaii, including in 2023, 2022 and 2021. See more : 29 Comments By participating in online discussions you acknowledge that you have agreed to the. An insightful discussion of ideas and viewpoints is encouraged, but comments must be civil and in good taste, with no personal attacks. If your comments are inappropriate, you may be banned from posting. Report comments if you believe they do not follow our. Having trouble with comments ? . The big story: The State Board of Education made plenty of news on Thursday. Heres a recap. The board and commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas continued to pressure school officials and board members in districts where they disagree with governing decisions made locally. Kamoutsas blasted Leon County leaders for failing to reach a contract agreement with teachers or to consider closing underused schools. Superintendent Rocky Hanna has been an outspoken critic of some of Gov. Ron DeSantis education priorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioner also criticized Alachua County district officials for creating what he called a toxic culture. The board spent more than an hour grilling School Board Vice Chairperson Tina Certain over her social media posts, with some suggesting shes not fit for public office. Heres more from the Gainesville Sun After that often tense discussion, the board moved on to philosophical positions. It adopted a statement of education principles promoted by the Heritage Foundation and new standards detailing how students should be taught about the history and evils of communism. The standards also included renewal of some Black history lessons that faced harsh pushback when initially introduced two years ago, Associated Press reports. Several school districts saw their improvement plans for struggling schools get approved. Pasco Countys Gulf Middle School received an OK on its proposal, but not on its request for an additional year on its district-managed turnaround. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board removed a consent agenda item to consider approval of Somerset Academy as a Schools of Hope charter school provider. A day earlier, Somerset had sent letters to districts across the state asking to co-locate in schools with unused space, anticipating its approval. Missed it? Stream the replay on the Florida Channel. Cant wait for more? The board meets again on Jan. 21 at Tallahassee State College. Hot topics Accreditation: College accreditation is becoming more political. Florida plays a key part in the shift, Stateline reports. Charter schools: The Cape Coral municipal charter school system is debating whether to give enrollment preference to children of employees and board members, the Cape Coral Breeze reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Choice time: The Miami-Dade County school district is preparing a marketing offensive to publicize its choice and magnet programs ahead of student application season, WTVJ reports. Schools of Hope: Three charter school operators sent notifications seeking access to underused space in Brevard County schools, Florida Politics reports. One of them sought to co-locate in more than one-third of the districts campuses. The Manatee County school district received letters from two operators seeking the same space, the Bradenton Herald reports. Security: Three Florida school districts are testing the use of drones to respond to active shooter incidents, WJXT reports. Top teachers: Some of Marion Countys past teachers of the year explain what keeps them in the profession, WUFT reports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the police blotter ... A school resource officer pepper sprayed students during a fight at an Alachua County middle school, WCJB reports. From the court docket ... The Volusia County sheriff criticized a judges sentence of 45 days to a man found guilty of attacking a school resource officer, WFTX reports. A Palm Beach County electrician pleaded guilty to stealing thousands of dollars worth of copper from the school district, WPBF reports. An appellate court rejected the states motion to expedite a hearing on a case challenging Miami Dade Colleges gift of land for a future Donald Trump presidential library, the Miami Herald reports. Dont miss a story. Heres a link to yesterdays roundup. Before you go ... Its never too late to thank a veteran. Jeffrey S. Solochek is a reporter covering education as a member of the Tampa Bay Times Education Hub. You can contribute to the hub through our journalism fund by clicking here. State Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee) questions a witness at Thursday's hearing of the Assembly labor committee about the unemployment insurance bill produced by the Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) A business lobbyist Thursday sought to salvage a new unemployment insurance bill that has sparked opposition from some Democrats and advocates for people with disabilities. The bill came from the joint labor-management Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council. The council is historically a source of consensus legislation to update Wisconsins laws on jobless pay, but its 2025 proposal includes provisions Democrats have strongly opposed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The senior Democrat on the Assemblys labor committee has disavowed the bill because it includes a financial penalty for people who receive federal disability pay if they apply for unemployment insurance when theyre laid off from a job. The council bill also contains several other changes that Democratic lawmakers have unanimously opposed and Gov. Tony Evers has vetoed in the past. Scott Manley of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce testifies in favor of the unemployment insurance bill produced by the Wisconsin Unemployment Insurance Advisory Council. Manley heads the management caucus for the joint labor-management council. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) At a public hearing Thursday on the legislation, AB 652, Scott Manley of Wisconsin Manufacturers & Commerce emphasized that the measure had the unanimous support of both the management and labor members of the advisory council. Manley chairs the councils management caucus. Representatives from the councils labor caucus did not take part in the hearing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres a reason we have a council, Manley told the Assembly Committee on Workforce Development, Labor and Integrated Employment. Its a process we believe in. We think its a process that works. And we would ask everybody in the community to respect that process. WMC and other business groups have repeatedly backed Republican legislators bills to change the states unemployment laws when they bypassed the joint advisory council. Evers has regularly vetoed such bills. Manley said that it would be unprecedented for an advisory council bill to split the Legislature on party lines, however. My fear is that if the Legislature decides to turn this into a partisan issue, despite the fact that it was unanimously supported by labor and management, that Gov. Evers would consider vetoing the bill, Manley said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If that happens, he said, the bills $25 bump in the states maximum weekly jobless pay the first increase in more than a decade would likely be put off until 2027. Victor Forberger, a lawyer who specializes in unemployment law, said even that increase, bringing the maximum benefit to $395 a week, was inadequate compared with surrounding states. Minnesota tops out at $914 a week, Forberger testified. Iowas maximum is $602 and Michigans is $446, with an increase to $530 in 2026. Were not keeping pace with the states around us, Forberger told the committee. Were not even coming close to that The disability-jobless pay conflict The advisory council bills highest-profile point of contention applies to people who receive Social Security Disability Income. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2013, Wisconsin law has automatically disqualified SSDI recipients from collecting jobless pay, even if they get laid off from a job and otherwise meet the requirements for unemployment compensation. A federal judge ruled in 2024 that the SSDI jobless pay ban violated federal law. After an additional court order this summer, the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development is now reviewing the cases of people denied unemployment compensation in the last 10 years due to the SSDI ban, and is issuing payments to those who qualify. The joint advisory council unemployment bill repeals the ban on unemployment insurance for SSDI recipients. But it would also cut their jobless pay by 50% of their SSDI pay. That provision led Rep. Christine Sinicki (D-Milwaukee), the ranking Democrat on the labor committee, to keep her name off the list of sponsors for the advisory council bill. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I simply cannot support taking benefits from those who are disabled, Sinicki said when she, along with the committees other two Democrats, voted against the bills formal introduction Thursday. They receive very little money to begin with. And now to reduce their benefits to me is unconscionable. Manley defended the 2013 law that excluded SSDI recipients from the unemployment insurance program. SSDI is intended to compensate somebody for their loss of earning capacity based on a disability, he said. And unemployment is supposed to compensate somebody through the loss of their earnings because they were laid off or their job was eliminated or some other reason thats no fault of their own. So, thats why the policy decision was made in the first place that we wouldnt allow people to have both benefits. While the court ruled against a blanket exclusion from unemployment compensation for people getting SSDI, Manley argued that offsetting their jobless pay by a portion of their disability income is comparable to existing provisions that offset unemployment benefits based on other wage income. Unemployment insurance lawyer Victor Forberger testifies against the bill from the joint labor-management unemployment insurance council. (Photo by Erik Gunn/Wisconsin Examiner) But SSDI is not like a wage, said Forberger, whose lawsuit overturned Wisconsins SSDI jobless pay ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SSDI is essentially getting your Social Security benefits early, Forberger testified. While Social Security payments are based on lifetime earnings at retirement age, he said, unemployment is based on a recent job loss, and unemployment benefits are based on earnings in the last year and a half. The average SSDI benefit in Wisconsin as of December 2023 was about $1,400 per month, he said. SSDI recipients take part-time jobs because their disability income is not enough to support themselves, Forberger said. They need additional money to make ends meet. The federal Social Security Administration, which administers the disability program, encourages recipients to work so they might make a transition back to the workforce and no longer need benefits. Essentially, what Wisconsin is saying to disabled folks here is . . . We dont want you working anymore, Forberger said. Other provisions Several other items in the advisory council bill previously were part of Republican bills that Evers vetoed in the past when they reached his desk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One would require DWD to establish a website where employers could report unemployment compensation recipients who ghosted job interviews or didnt show up for the first day on the job after an offer. Another would require audits of 50% of all work searches by people collecting jobless pay. In 41% of work search audits that DWD conducted, claimants failed to fulfill weekly work search requirements, said Brian Dake of Wisconsin Independent Businesses. We believe this data justifies the need for more audits. A third provision stipulates specific checks that DWD should make to ensure that a person who makes an unemployment claim isnt stealing another persons identity or engaged in some other fraudulent activity. The bill also would mandate electronic filing of payroll information for business owners with fewer than 25 employees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Forberger, in his testimony, rejected all those provisions as ineffectual or unnecessary. Ghosting interviews is already illegal in this state, he said, with stiffer penalties than outlined in the bill. Employers, he added, are unlikely to go to the trouble of filing a report and take the time for the hearings that would follow. Forberger observed that the department already consults a wide range of databases in checking out claims. And he said small employers have sought his help after making mistakes and getting in trouble with the department in filing required payroll documentation. To mandate online-only filing is just going to make it that much harder for these employers, Forberger said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement (According to DWD communications director Haley McCoy, in 2024 about 97% of taxable employers with fewer than 25 employees submitted their wage reports electronically. Fewer and fewer employers file on paper every quarter with current figures showing less than 3% filing by paper, McCoy told the Wisconsin Examiner.) Forberger said the bills work search audit requirement was redundant, because DWD already conducts work search audits of every person who is approved for benefits. He said hes heard from many people who dont understand what constitutes a work search and how to report it. When theyre getting audited, theyre getting disqualified, Forberger said. If you really want to improve the system, DWD needs to start doing some training and helping people how to navigate the system. This report has been updated to clarify that work search audits are conducted for people who are approved for unemployment benefits. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Convicted murderer Tremane Wood said he was fine after passing out in his cell on Thursday, Nov. 13, hours after he was granted clemency as he awaited execution. Wood, 46, was taken to the hospital in McAlester after being found unresponsive in his cell at the Oklahoma State Penitentiary, the Oklahoma Department of Corrections confirmed. "I feel fine now. But, I really can't explain what happened," he said in a phone conversation with the Department of Corrections public relations chief Thursday night. "We're just now leaving the hospital." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recording of the conversation provided to The Oklahoman, he said he had laid down in his cell to go to sleep and must have rolled off his bunk. Oklahoma death row inmate Tremane Wood testifies during his clemency hearing before the Oklahoma Pardon and Parole Board on Wednesday, Nov. 5, 2025. "I woke up in the infirmary with my head busted and my lip busted," he told Kay Thompson, the public relations chief. "That's pretty much it right there." He said he had not had anything to eat or drink since Wednesday. He confirmed he was alone in the cell. Asked if he did anything intentionally to cause the incident, he responded, "No." Wood was facing execution for a fatal stabbing during a robbery at an Oklahoma City motel on New Year's Day 2002. Gov. Kevin Stitt commuted his sentence to life in prison without the possibility of parole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Tell Gov. Stitt I said thank you," Wood said. A correctional officer found Wood unresponsive in his cell around 3:41 p.m. Thursday during a routine check, Thompson said. Wood's execution had been set to begin at 10 a.m. Thursday. Stitt announced his decision on clemency in a news release at 10:01 a.m. "It was determined that Woods medical event occurred due to dehydration and stress," the Department of Corrections said in a news release Thursday night. Wood had visited with his attorneys for hours after the execution was called off, according to the news release. He had last eaten at 5:22 p.m. Wednesday when he had his so-called last meal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He spoke with his family after returning from the hospital, according to the news release. Im especially proud of the Oklahoma State Penitentiary staff for responding to this critical incident in a timely manner and ensuring Mr. Wood received the best medical care possible," the Department of Corrections executive director, Justin Farris, said. "Our boots-on-the-ground staff are the backbone of this agency and I am truly grateful for their dedication to the agency, to each other, to those in our care and to the state of Oklahoma. This story has been updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Tremane Wood taken to hospital hours after Stitt commuted sentence Costco recalled more prosecco bottles due to potential spontaneous combustion. A similar recall was announced in September. This time, the manufacturer has received reports of a related laceration injury. The phrase popping bottles just earned a whole new meaning thanks to a Costco recall that pulled a particular type of prosecco from retail shelves because it could, well, explode and cause a laceration injuryone of which was reported to the manufacturer. This marks what appears to be an expansion of a recall of the Kirkland Signature Prosecco Valdobbiadene that was announced in September for the same reasonpotential spontaneous combustion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over 900,000 bottles of Kirkland Signature Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG were recalled by Costco and F&F Fine Wines, Inc., the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission announced. The notice comes after the wine company received 10 reports of the bottles shattering or breaking, resulting in one laceration injury. The UPC is 196633883742, and the Costco item number is 1879870. The product was sold in a green bottle with purple foil on the top and a purple label. The bottles were imported from Italy and sold at Costco retail warehouses in Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Montana, North Dakota, Nebraska, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin between April 2025 and August 2025. The purple-labeled Valdobbiadene Prosecco DOCG is the only Kirkland Signature bubbly affected. What to do with recalled product Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bottles and, most importantly, not attempt to open them or return them. Instead, if you have a recalled product, discard it in your (preferably outdoor) household trash and contact Ethica Wines for instructions on how to obtain a full refund. You can reach the manufacturer at 786-810-7132 Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. EST, or send an email to customercare@ethicawines.com. If you experience injury related to a shattering product while attempting to dispose of it, seek medical care immediately. You Might Also Like Costco is being sued for allegedly falsely advertising its Kirkland tequilas as being made with 100% Blue Weber agave. According to the proposed class action lawsuit filed in the Southern District of Florida on Oct. 31, Nuclear Magnetic Resonance testing confirmed that the tequilas contained so much sugar that they wouldnt qualify as tequila. Specifically, the federal lawsuit states that the tequilas contain material amounts of ethanol not derived from agave plants, and, as such, they were adulterated with ethanol other than that obtained from Blue Weber agave." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAY has contacted Costco for comment on Nov. 14, but has not received a response. What does the lawsuit mean for consumers? Typically, shoppers would pay premium prices for the spirit with the 100% Blue Weber agave designation. Without it, shoppers may have opted for another product or paid less. If plaintiff and others similarly situated had known the truth of the ingredients in the products, they would not have purchased the products or would have paid less for them, the lawsuit states. Bottles of Kirkland Signature Tequila Blanco are displayed at a Costco Wholesale store on July 19, 2025, in San Diego, California. What does the law say? Mexican law requires tequila to be made from at least 51% blue agave, but tequilas made with 100% blue agave are considered higher quality. The lawsuit claims Costco is violating laws in both Mexico and the United States because the tequila allegedly contains ethanol from other sources. Ethanol is a form of alcohol created by fermenting plant sugars, the core chemical process used to make most alcoholic drinks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tequila can only legally be made in Mexico, per the Denomination of Origin, which ensures the spirit is made from the blue agave plant and produced in designated areas in regions across the country, according to Patron. "This legal protection prevents other countries or regions from producing and marketing their versions of tequila, safeguarding the authenticity and quality of the Mexican spirit," the premium tequila brand said. Costco sells three types of tequilas: Blanco, Reposado, and Anejo. A USA TODAY search on Nov. 14 showed the tequilas remained available for purchase on Costcos website. What is the lawsuit against Costco seeking? The proposed class action lawsuit accuses the company of negligence, negligent misrepresentation, unjust enrichment and violating Floridas Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act, which prohibits practices that seek to deceive or take advantage of consumers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit also states that bottles of agave spirits, which include tequila and mezcal, that fail to provide accurate information in interstate commerce violate the Federal Alcohol Administration (FAA) Act. According to the Alcohol and Tobacco Tax and Trade Bureau, the FAA Act "provides for regulation of those engaged in the alcohol beverage industry, and for protection of consumers," including ensuring the integrity of the industry. Attorneys for the plaintiff, Ariel Glazerare of Florida, are seeking a jury trial and certification for the proposed class. Michelle Del Rey is a trending news reporter at USA TODAY. Reach her at mdelrey@usatoday.com This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Costco sued for allegedly falsely advertising its Kirkland tequila By Hyunjoo Jin and Fanny Potkin SEOUL/SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Samsung Electronics this month raised prices of certain memory chips - now in short supply due to the global race to build AI data centres - by as much as 60% compared to September, two people with knowledge of the hikes said. Shares of Samsung, SK Hynix and U.S. chipmakers rallied sharply on the news which underlines how the boom in artificial intelligence has stoked intense demand for chip units specifically designed for AI tasks as well as the memory chips used in those units. The price hike follows a decision by Samsung, the world's biggest memory chipmaker, to delay a formal announcement of pricing for supply contracts in October, the people said, adding that pricing details are typically announced each month. Soaring prices for these memory chips, which are mainly used in servers, are likely to add to stress for big companies building out data infrastructure. They also threaten to increase the costs of other products like smartphones and computers in which they are also used. EXTREME PRICES BEING PAID Many of the largest server makers and data center builders are "now accepting that they won't get nearly enough product. The price premiums being paid are extreme," Tobey Gonnerman, president of semiconductor distributor Fusion Worldwide, told Reuters. The South Korean firm's contract prices for 32 gigabyte(GB) DDR5 memory chip modules jumped to $239 in November, up from $149 in September, he said. After Reuters' initial report on Friday, shares in U.S. chipmakers jumped with Micron Technology climbing 4%. In Monday morning trade, Samsung's shares advanced 3% and SK Hynix surged 6%. All three stocks were regaining ground after earlier falls on concerns about stretched AI valuations. DDR memory chips are used in servers, computers and other devices, assisting with computing performance by temporarily storing data and managing rapid data transfer and retrievals. Samsung also lifted prices of 16GB DDR5 and 128GB DDR5 chips by about 50% to $135 and $1,194 respectively. Prices of 64GB DDR5 and 96GB DDR5 have gone up by more than 30%, Gonnerman said. The price hikes were confirmed by another source who was briefed by Samsung. The source declined to be identified as the information is not public. NEW FACTORY PLAN Samsung declined to comment. It separately announced on Sunday that it will build a new chip production line at its plant in South Korea, as it expects AI will drive demand for the mid- and long-term. The chip crunch has been so severe that it has spurred panic buying by some customers, according to industry executives and analysts. Costco is being sued in a proposed nationwide class action that accuses the Issaquah-based retailer of misleading customers by selling its Kirkland Signature tequila as 100% de Agave even though it allegedly contains other types of alcohol, according to a federal lawsuit filed Friday in Seattle. The 54-page complaint, filed in U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, names Costco Wholesale Corp. and its tequila supplier, Santa Lucia Corporate Distillery of Mexico, as defendants. The lawsuit claims both companies knowingly participated in a fraudulent scheme to profit from tequila that was falsely certified and marketed as pure agave. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Plaintiffs say Costco violated federal racketeering laws and multiple state consumer protection acts by misleading customers about the contents and quality of the Kirkland Signature tequila. According to the complaint, Costco and its partners created what plaintiffs call an Adulterated Tequila Enterprise, a network of manufacturers, bottlers, and marketers that worked together to falsely label and sell tequila as 100% de Agave. The lawsuit alleges Costco possessed exclusive knowledge that the tequila was adulterated, concealed that information from consumers, and continued to sell it at a premium price. The plaintiffs say Costcos alleged conduct amounts to a pattern of racketeering activity under federal law (RICO) and that it extracted hundreds of millions if not billions of dollars from consumers who believed they were buying an authentic agave product. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case includes separate claims under Washingtons Consumer Protection Act and Californias Consumers Legal Remedies Act. In Washington, plaintiffs allege Costco engaged in unfair or deceptive acts that violated state law by misleading consumers about the purity and certification of the tequila. The complaint says Costcos actions were immoral, unethical, oppressive, or unscrupulous and caused substantial injury to consumers. In California, plaintiffs accuse Costco of violating state consumer and advertising laws by misrepresenting the tequilas ingredients, quality, and origin. The California complaint cites multiple sections of the states Civil Code and Business and Professions Code, which prohibit false or misleading advertising. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costco knew that the Kirkland Tequila Products were adulterated with non-agave alcohol and should not have been certified, labeled, and/or marketed as 100% de Agave, the complaint states. It also alleges the retailers marketing materials were likely to deceive a significant portion of the general consuming public. The lawsuit seeks to represent a nationwide class of consumers who purchased the Kirkland Signature tequila. It asks for compensatory and punitive damages, restitution, and court orders requiring Costco to stop selling mislabeled products and correct its marketing. The plaintiffs argue that individual lawsuits would be too costly given the price of the tequila and the complexity of the claims. Instead, they say a class action is the most efficient way to hold Costco accountable and ensure consumers are reimbursed. Costco has not yet responded publicly to the lawsuit. A couple in Indiana has been hit with felony neglect charges after they allegedly locked up their 8-month-old daughter when they slept. Benjamin Joseph Tackett and Kayla Therese Thompson were taken into custody on felony neglect charges, which includes neglect of a dependent resulting in serious bodily injury. Detectives with the Jennings County Sheriff Office discovered amid the investigation that the couples infant daughter was suffering from severe malnourishment, hygiene related neglect, severe dermatitis and developmental delays, according to a sheriffs press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additionally, the press release said the young child weighed approximately 9 lbs." Detectives spoke to several doctors and the Department of Child Services caseworkers, as well as conducted multiple interviews with the other children who lived in the home. Authorities then eventually questioned Tackett, 25, and Thompson, 25, about their alleged neglect. Is Christiano Ronaldo Retiring Soon? The Legendary Soccer Player Says the 2026 World Cup Will Definitely Be His Last The sheriffs office also claimed that both Tackett and Thompson admitted to knowingly neglecting their daughter. Benjamin and Kayla advised detectives during interviews that they were tired after work, and at times locked the child in a separate bedroom for approximately 10 hours at a time so they could sleep, the release stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The investigation into Tackett and Thpmpson was first launched when the Indiana Department of Child Service reached out to the sheriffs office about concerns with the couple. Middle School Teacher in Illinois Charged With Sexual Assault of Former Student The pair were taken into custody on November 5, while other children that resided in the North Vernon home were removed by the Department of Child Services and were placed with "appropriate caregivers. However, its not currently clear how many other children were living in the home and if they also experienced neglect from the couple. A hearing into the case is scheduled to take place on November 13. Neither Tackett nor Thompson have previously been charged with a crime in Indiana before the recent arrest, according to court records viewed by LawandCrime.com. Federal court documents reveal new information about a shooting at a Halloween party on the University of Daytons campus. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] Court records filed in the Southern District of Ohio indicate that federal investigators said this incident was a shootout. >>RELATED: Police announce 4 additional arrests stemming from shooting in UD student neighborhood Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As reported on News Center 7 at 11:00, Dylan Hiner, 19, is facing federal weapons charges in connection with the shooting, according to court records. TRENDING STORIES: A 19-year-old student was shot along Evanston Avenue during a party in the UD student neighborhood on November 1. She sustained non-life-threatening injuries. UD students Emma Tams and Keira Fortunato were at home relaxing when they heard the gunfire. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I was not counting, but I think beyond 10 or so, Tams said. She said it made her go into a panic. I immediately was, like, trying to find out, like, where my friends were, who I knew, who were out, Tams said. News Center 7 obtained federal court documents about this case that identified Hiner as one of four people charged. A 17-year-old boy, a 16-year-old girl, and a 15-year-old boy were also arrested in connection with this shooting. Their identities havent been released at this time. None of the people facing charges is affiliated with the University of Dayton. A spokesperson with Dayton police said three of the four arrested are believed to have a direct involvement in the shooting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, questions remain about whether any of the people arrested are believed to be the person who shot the student. Federal records indicate that investigators reviewed security camera footage on Evanston Avenue to identify the suspects. According to the documents, Surveillance cameras then captured the individual wearing light colored pants and a dark jacket holding a black object in his right hand and then what appeared to be a flash come from the front of it. This same individual was then observed running between the houses eastbound and the northbound on Evanston Avenue continuing to fire approximately 7-10 shots. The cameras also captured footage of a group of people inside a sedan in the parking lot behind 15 Evanston Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Specifically, detectives observed the back seat driver side passenger, and the front seat passenger draw dark objects from their persons and/or vehicle. These individuals then point these dark objects in the direction of the initial shots fired and multiple flashes were observed coming from the passenger compartments of the gray/silver sedan, court records said. University of Dayton students said its hard to know that a shootout happened in their neighborhood. I think thats definitely a problem, like having people who are like, so young and people who are not like going to the school, Tams said. Fortunato said it makes her question everything moving forward. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do we really even want to be out during that, just in case something like this happens again, I dont even want to risk that, she said. Tams added that she is hoping to hear what the university will do after hearing this new information. I would honestly just want to hear, like, how they plan to deal with it, Tams said. The University of Dayton will hold a town hall meeting on Sunday. News Center 7s Malik Patterson learned that students will likely express their concerns about the situation at this meeting. We will continue to follow this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Action News Jax and Feeding Northeast Florida are teaming up to help families in need keep food on their tables ahead of Thanksgiving. Were calling it Action News Jaxgiving. The demand for food at the food bank surged during the government shutdown. Even with the shutdown over, FNEFL doesnt expect to see that demand decrease. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< The need has doubled if not tripled, said Katie Criscitello, Vice President of Operations at Feeding Northeast Florida. Our neighbors are in need more than ever. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Feeding Northeast Florida serves more than 310,000 people in need of food assistance across 12 counties. Workers say 1 in 7 adults and 1 in 5 children are hungry. Criscitello says the government shutdown only added to the number of people in need. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Weve ordered close to $500,000 worth of food to try to help our neighbors, said Criscitello. In the last two weeks, weve distributed more than 1.1 million pounds of food, said Sarah Hall, Vice President of Strategic Initiatives for FNEFL. In order to meet the demand, Hall said Feeding Northeast Florida had to get creative. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve had to pivot our operations, said Hall. Weve had to purchase more food, and weve had to change all of our volunteers activities too to try to meet the demand that were seeing in the community. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The government shutdown is over, but the crisis has really just begun, said Criscitello. If you would like to provide a monetary donation to Feeding Northeast Florida, click here. This campaign will run through Thanksgiving. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Flight cancellations at CVG airport Friday are the lowest there have been since cuts were implemented at 40 U.S. airports Nov. 7. The cuts were made due to air traffic controller staffing issues during the government shutdown, which ended Wednesday night. At the peak of the cuts, Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky Airport had 33 canceled flights on Sunday, Nov. 9. As of 6 a.m., the CVG flight status dashboard showed seven cancellations for Friday, Nov. 14. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the shutdown ending after 43 days, experts and airlines have cautioned that travelers should prepare for further flight disruptions throughout the week. Air traffic control staffing shortages and severe weather in parts of the United States have led to tens of thousands of flight cancellations and delays since Oct. 1, when the shutdown began. Flight cancelations at CVG on Friday, Nov. 14 Departures: 12:15 p.m. to Newark (EWR) on Pinnacle Airlines. 06:04 p.m. to Melbourne (MLB) on Allegiant Air. 07:42 p.m. to Chicago (ORD) on American Airlines. Arrivals: 05:29 p.m. from Newark (EWR) on Pinnacle Airlines 06:52 p.m. from Chicago (ORD) on American Airlines. 07:55 p.m. from Denver (DEN) on Southwest Airlines. 11:36 p.m. from Melbourne (MLB) on Allegiant Air. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: CVG flight cancellations at lowest since cuts started a week ago By Simon Jessop and Anna Portella BELEM, Brazil (Reuters) -With more than a half-million people worldwide dying from heat-related causes every year, a group of philanthropies is putting $300 million into developing life-saving solutions as global temperatures continue to rise. The money, announced this week at the COP30 climate negotiations in Brazil, is aimed at developing data and figuring out the best investments for tackling rising risks from extreme heat, air pollution and infectious disease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are a philanthropy. We can't just keep plugging holes and resuscitating a dying model of development, said Estelle Willie, the director of health policy and communications at The Rockefeller Foundation, one of the funders. So what we are trying to do is through our philanthropy capital, we can start testing and validating new solutions through this work and coming together, she said. Separately, COP30 host Brazil launched an initiative called the Belem Health Action Plan to encourage countries to monitor and coordinate climate-related health policy across their various ministries and departments. That effort is part of Brazil's broader focus at the U.N. climate talks on bolstering countries' ability to prepare for and adapt to worsening climate impacts including floods, fires, drought, storms and hurricanes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The newly pledged $300 million adds to the $1 billion-$2 billion being spent in public money toward researching climate-related health impacts, according to a 2023 study in PLOS journal. Experts said far more is still needed. Progress on health is declining, Willie said in an interview with Reuters. We've had hard-fought wins in health through technology, through the global health system. But climate change is literally making every single problem and global health worse right now. An October report in The Lancet scientific journal estimates the yearly number of deaths from heat-related causes worsened by climate change at nearly 550,000. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Another 150,000 annual deaths can be linked to air pollution, often from the burning of fossil fuels but also from worsening wildfires, the report said, while some infectious diseases are also rising. Reported cases of dengue fever are also up 49% since the 1950s, it said. U.N. agencies in August estimated about half the worlds population, or more than 3.3 billion people, are already struggling with the rising heat. "The warnings from scientists on climate change have become reality. And it is clear that not all people are affected equally," said John-Arne Rttingen, chief executive of the Wellcome Trust, another funder. The most vulnerable are children, pregnant women, older people and outdoor workers, along with "those communities with the least resources to respond," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other funders in the newly announced Climate and Health Funders Coalition include the Gates Foundation, Bloomberg Philanthropies and IKEA Foundation. Another 27 philanthropies have signed on but have yet to commit funds. (Reporting by Simon Jessop, Lais Morais and Anna Portella in Belem, Brazil; Writing by Katy Daigle; Editing by David Gregorio) By Jessica DiNapoli NEW YORK (Reuters) -The agreement to end the longest-ever U.S. government shutdown includes a provision to stop the spread of intoxicating cannabis-infused beverages sold in some U.S. states, which pose a threat to alcohol sales. The provision, introduced by Senator Mitch McConnell, and signed into law by U.S. President Donald Trump on Thursday, aims to close a loophole that has allowed some intoxicants to be sold as "hemp," a legal product under federal law. The new rule excludes products with more than 0.4 milligrams of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC, the mood-altering substance in hemp and marijuana that is derived from the cannabis plant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The change, effective in a year, delivers a death blow to the "low-dose" THC-infused beverages industry, which has rapidly expanded in U.S. states such as Minnesota and Tennessee that permitted the drinks. Most have at least 1 milligram of THC, giving drinkers a buzz. Liquor stores like Total Wine, supermarkets and convenience stores sell the beverages, prompting market research firm Euromonitor to project sales of more than $4 billion in 2028. Alcohol makers such as Corona brewer Constellation Brands had been internally researching the drinks to weigh their next steps in the market segment. Pernod Ricard, which distills Absolut vodka, met with executives of one of the brands to discuss a possible investment over the summer, though it ultimately did not, Reuters reported. McConnell first legalized hemp in 2018 to support farmers in his home state of Kentucky but then became concerned about intoxicating products such as gummies getting into the hands of children. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some founders of THC-infused drinks such as Cann are hoping to find a way in the next year to have the beverages permanently legalized, co-founder Jake Bullock said in a statement. (Reporting by Jessica DiNapoli in New York; Editing by Richard Chang) A condemned restaurant that partially collapsed in the City of Washington years ago is finally being torn down. The building has sat more or less in the same condition, but crews have begun clearing away the former restaurant. Channel 11 covered that collapse in 2022. The restaurant was condemned and fenced off ever since. Today, for the first time in years, theres real progress happening. Demolition crews have spent the day tearing it down, clearing the way for new development in Washington. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Richard Gauds father-in-law owns the barbershop next door and says theyve been listening to the building continue to crumble. This used to be a bar, I used to come here a lot on my Harley, 25-30 years ago, said Gaudi. The Corner Restaurant and Bar has gone through decades of memories, owners and names. It was undergoing a major renovation in 2022 when the outside shockingly crumbled! Channel 11 was there when the brick facade spilled onto the sidewalk; thankfully, no one was walking past at the time. Well, it needed torn down because stuff has been falling off the building, Gaudi said. City leaders tell Channel 11 this has been a public safety hazard and a priority, but they had to get through a lot of red tape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Redevelopment Authority and the county helped provide the funding to demolish it and make room for economic growth. It clears the way for some type of development. It would be nice to have another restaurant there, said City Administrator Rich Cleveland. City Administrator Rich Cleveland told us that while the future of the corner is unknown, many people familiar with the once beloved bar know a fun fact about its history. My understanding is Roger Goodell, the commissioner of the NFL, worked there when he was going to W&J for college, Cleveland said. Right now, crews are installing a new waterline Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW MAUSTON, Wis. (WFRV) Authorities in central Wisconsin are asking hunters to be on the lookout for signs of a woman missing since 2023. According to a release from the Juneau County Sheriffs Office, Leya Stewart was last seen at 1:15 p.m. on July 4, 2023, on 19th Avenue, between 43rd and 41st Streets, near Mauston. She was reportedly wearing a black shirt, dark-colored shorts, and did not have shoes on. High school student hospitalized after being hit by tow truck in Oshkosh Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With the nine-day gun hunting season arriving soon in Wisconsin, hunters, residents, and visitors in the area to carefully inspect their belongings and properties for any signs of disturbances or anything unusual that could help in finding Leya. Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Juneau County Sheriffs Office at (608) 847-5649. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. The state Capitol building in downtown Harrisburg on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) This story was updated at 12:23 p.m. on Nov. 14, 2025 to include a statement from a cyber charter school administrator. A number of changes to K-12 school policy and funding are included in Pennsylvanias 2025-2026 budget. Primarily, theyre based around increasing oversight of cyber charter schools, increasing the amount of money doled out through the states adequacy formula and recruiting and retaining teachers as the commonwealth faces a shortage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While most policy shifts are relatively small, public education advocates have called the budget a positive step in the right direction. While the delayed budget makes planning and operations difficult for public schools, this agreement demonstrates whats possible when our leaders prioritize students and work together to meet Pennsylvanias constitutional duty to provide a thorough and efficient public education system, said a statement from PA Schools Work, a coalition of organizations that have advocated for Pennsylvania public schools. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Cyber Charter funding and oversight Some of the biggest education policy changes in the budget revolve around cyber charters, which are privately operated and paid for with tax dollars that students can attend remotely via webcam. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cyber charters have come under intense scrutiny in Pennsylvania by officials from both parties. A February report by GOP state Auditor General Tim DeFoor looking at five cyber charters found they were raising large amounts of money and spending it in ways that didnt seem tied to educational outcomes or opportunities. Generally, tuition for cyber charter schools comes from the public school districts where the students resides. This remains the case, but public schools will now be able to deduct a greater amount from the total they would have had to pay per student. The legislature estimates savings for public school districts will be around $178 million statewide. The move was a compromise with mostly Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro, who had called to cap cyber charter tuition at $8,000 per student. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a step in the right direction, and it is a very welcome step, said Susan Spicka, the executive director of Education Voters PA, who has been a longtime advocate for cyber charter reform. Cyber charter school administrators have criticized the changes to their funding, warning that it could lead to closures or have negative impacts on their students. Public school choice, in the form of public cyber charter schools, has been a lifeline for hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvania families for 25 years, Beth Jones, CEO of Insight PA Cyber Charter School, said in a statement. The lawmakers who voted in favor of the 2025-2026 State Budget sent a message to cyber charter school students and cyber charter school employees that they are worth less than their peers who attend or work at a traditional school district. A number of policies will also be instituted with the intent of adding accountability for cyber charters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One is an attempt to reign in truancy at the largely remote schools. A new policy will bar public school students with high truancy rates from transferring to cyber charters, unless a judge decides its in their best interest. Students will also be required to be visible on webcam during synchronous instruction real-time lessons in order to be marked in attendance. A hallway in the Pennsylvania Capitol building in Harrisburg on October 14, 2025. (Photo by Jessica Kourkounis for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star) Cyber charters will also be required to conduct mandatory weekly wellness checks on students. Teachers will also be required to undergo training in recognizing signs of child abuse. The moves follow the death of one cyber charter student following severe abuse at home, signs of which were not reported by teachers. That led the students family to file a wrongful death lawsuit against her school. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget also institutes a policy thats intended to make it easier for public school districts to dispute paying cyber charter tuition for students who are no longer residents. House Education Chair Peter Schweyer (D-Lehigh) says the move came in response to reports that public school districts faced an onerous process for disputing tuition payments for students that moved during the school year. The goal isnt to beat up on the cyber schools, Schweyer said of the reforms. Its to make sure the students are learning and the tax payers are getting what theyre paying for in all this. Tweaking the adequacy formula Last year, lawmakers created a new adequacy formula for doling money to the states least funded school districts. That was in response to a Commonwealth Court ruling that found the states public school funding scheme had been unconstitutionally inequitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By and large, the adequacy formula, which takes into account factors like district poverty levels and the number of students learning English as a second language, remains the same this year. However, more than $500 million in additional dollars will be distributed through it. Most of the funding was part of a planned step up from last year. When lawmakers created the formula, they had planned to increase spending through it annually until the total reaches around $4.5 billion after nine years. Yet despite early pushback from some Republicans, who said they felt too much money was being distributed to a school system with dwindling enrollment numbers, the budget that passed will dole out even more money through the adequacy formula than what Gov. Josh Shapiro had asked for in his February budget address. Thats because lawmakers instituted a $50,000 minimum distribution for all school districts, meaning even districts that would have otherwise received no money through the adequacy formula will now receive the $50,000 each. Gov. Josh Shapiro at the 2025-2026 budget signing ceremony on Nov. 12, 2025 (Ian Karbal/Capital-Star) More than 130 of the 500 public school districts will receive the minimum amount this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We recognize that all school districts have some sort of additional needs, so we put a minimum funding balance of $50,000 for all school districts, Schweyer said. None of that hurts any school districts, in fact it makes sure that all school districts are in a good space. The move to increase funding through the adequacy formula, which faced an uncertain future during the months-long negotiation over the budget, was hailed by public school advocates. With this budget, lawmakers affirmed that the Commonwealth remains on the path toward a fully and fairly funded public education system, read a joint statement from the Education Law Center and Public Interest Law Center, two nonprofits that were involved in the lawsuit that led to the creation of the adequacy formula. This is another step forward one that must be followed by continued commitment and sustained investment until every student, in every community, has the resources they need to learn and thrive. Teacher recruitment and retention The budget also institutes policies aimed at helping Pennsylvania schools recruit and retain teachers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, the state faces a teacher shortage, with a high number leaving the industry and a dwindling number of people entering it. Policies implemented by the new budget are intended to make it easier for new teachers to enter the profession, including those coming from nontraditional backgrounds. One of those, long sought by the Pennsylvania State Education Association, increases funding for student teacher stipends, which allows the state to pay student teachers for the time they spend in classrooms working towards their certifications. Another new policy allows districts to hire teachers with lapsed certifications while working with them to help them re-certify. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Schweyer, this policy is aimed at making it easier for former teachers who left the field to care for families or pursue other careers get back into the classroom. The budget also creates whats called an experience-based teaching certificate, which is intended to fast track the certification process for professionals who want to transition into teaching in fields related to their work. Buses are lined up at the Kansas City Public Schools bus barn in Kansas City, Mo., between morning and afternoon routes. (Photo by Kevin Hardy/Stateline) For example, a school district could hire a professional chemist as a high school science teacher. They would then get an experience-based teaching certificate and have five years to complete their practicum while working as a teacher. Other changes include a mandatory shift towards whats called evidence-based literacy education for teachers working with young children on reading skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in kindergarten through third grade will also be screened for reading ability three times a year. If a students reading skills are found to be deficient, their parents will be notified. All schools will also be required to report to the Department of Education annually on their students progress. The budget also includes a policy that expands the number of grades that a teacher can be certified to teach at any given time. $125 million will also be set aside for school facility repairs, including at least $25 million for the Solar for Schools program, as well as $100 million for school safety and mental health grants. It will also become a requirement for graduating students to enroll in FAFSA, which is intended to encourage more students to apply for colleges, unless they choose to opt out. Ultimately its a really good product, Schweyer said. Theres more to do, there always is, but overall were pleased with where we landed. (Reuters) -Microsoft and Nvidia are planning to invest up to $15 billion in total in Anthropic, in the latest AI-driven tie-up that also includes a $30 billion commitment by the Claude maker to use Microsoft's cloud services. The announcement highlights the AI sector's relentless demand for computing power as firms race to build systems rivaling or surpassing human intelligence. Here is a list of multi-billion-dollar AI, cloud and chip deals signed recently: MICROSOFT, NVIDIA, AND ANTHROPIC Microsoft will invest up to $5 billion and Nvidia up to $10 billion in Anthropic, while the Claude maker will pledge $30 billion to run its workloads on Microsoft's cloud. Under the agreement, Anthropic will commit up to 1 gigawatt of compute, powered by Nvidia's advanced Grace Blackwell and Vera Rubin hardware. The company will also team up with Nvidia to improve chips and AI models for better performance. NVIDIA-BACKED GROUP AND ALIGNED DATA CENTERS An investor group including BlackRock , Microsoft and Nvidia is buying U.S.-based Aligned Data Centers, one of the world's biggest data center operators with nearly 80 facilities, in a deal worth $40 billion. GOOGLE AND TEXAS Google will invest $40 billion in three new data centers in Texas through 2027. One of the data centers will be in Armstrong County, in the Texas Panhandle, and the other two in Haskell County, a stretch of West Texas near Abilene. The company is also continuing to invest in its existing Midlothian campus and Dallas cloud region, part of the company's global network of 42 cloud regions. BROADCOM AND OPENAI OpenAI has partnered with Broadcom to produce its first in-house artificial intelligence processors, the latest tie-up for the world's most valuable startup for computing power amid surging demand for its services. AMD AND OPENAI AMD agreed to supply artificial intelligence chips to OpenAI in a multi-year deal that would also give the ChatGPT creator the option to buy up to roughly 10% of the chipmaker. NVIDIA AND OPENAI Nvidia is set to invest up to $100 billion in OpenAI and supply it with data center chips, in a deal giving the chipmaker a financial stake in OpenAI. OpenAI is already an important customer for Nvidia. META AND COREWEAVE CoreWeave has signed a $14 billion agreement with Meta to supply computing power to the Facebook parent. NVIDIA AND INTEL Nvidia will invest $5 billion in Intel, giving it roughly 4% of the company after new shares are issued. ORACLE AND META Oracle is in talks with Meta for a multi-year cloud computing deal worth about $20 billion, underscoring the social media giant's drive to secure faster access to computing power. The U.S. Department of Justice is asking that former Louisville Metro Police detective Brett Hankison be released from federal prison while he appeals the 33-month sentence he received for firing shots during the 2020 raid that killed Breonna Taylor. The request comes after DOJ attorneys in a remarkable reversal from the position they took under President Joe Biden argued earlier this year that Hankison should serve only a single day in prison. But on July 21, U.S. District Judge Rebecca Grady Jennings rejected that recommendation and sentenced Hankison to 33 months, saying she was troubled by prosecutors push for a one-day punishment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a Nov. 13 court filing, DOJ senior counsel Robert J. Keenan the same attorney who urged the court to impose a one-day sentence wrote that Hankison is not a flight risk or a danger to the community if released. Keenan argued that Hankisons pending appeal could lead to a reversal and that continued detention was not appropriate given what he described as exceptional reasons. None of the shots Hankison fired struck Taylor. But a federal jury convicted him last year of violating her civil rights during the March 2020 raid that killed her. Hankison fired 10 shots through a covered sliding glass door and window, with some rounds entering a neighboring apartment. Former LMPD detective Brett Hankison heads toward the federal courthouse on Oct. 15, 2024, in Louisville, Ky. Hankison is accused of violating the civil rights of Breonna Taylor, her boyfriend and Taylor's neighbors when he fired into her apartment from the outside in March 2020. He was later fired from LMPD for his actions during the raid. The request for Hankison to be freed from prison comes five weeks after Hankison began serving his 33-month sentence. The 49-year-old is currently incarcerated at FCI Fort Dix, a low-security federal prison in New Jersey, according to prison records. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last year, a jury of five white men, one Black man and six white women returned a partial verdict against Hankison, who, along with six other LMPD plainclothes officers, raided Taylors South Louisville home as part of a drug investigation. The officers, who say they knocked and announced themselves before forcing the door open, were serving a no-knock search warrant a practice Louisville officials voted to ban shortly after the incident. Neither Taylor nor her boyfriend, Kenneth Walker, who was in the apartment at the time, was a target of the investigation, and no drugs were found in the home. Walker and several neighbors have said they did not hear officers identify themselves as law enforcement. As officers entered the apartment, Walker fired a single shot that struck then-Sgt. John Mattingly in the leg. Walker later said he believed the officers were intruders. Three officers, including Mattingly and Hankison, returned fire, though none of Hankisons bullets struck Taylor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After more than 20 hours of deliberations over three days and multiple notes to Judge Jennings the jury convicted Hankison of one count of civil rights abuse for depriving Taylor of her constitutional rights when he fired five shots through a bedroom window covered with blinds and a blackout curtain. The jury acquitted him on a second count alleging he deprived three of Taylors neighbors of their rights by firing five additional shots through a sliding glass door that was also covered with blinds and a curtain. The conviction came about a year after Jennings declared a mistrial in Hankisons first federal trial, when jurors were unable to reach a verdict on two civil rights counts and an excessive-force charge. In filings with the Sixth Circuit Court of Appeals, Hankisons attorneys argue prosecutors in the second trial presented insufficient evidence to show Taylor was alive or otherwise capable of having her civil rights violated when Hankison fired his weapon. They contend that without such evidence, the government could not prove Taylor was subjected to an unreasonable seizure, as alleged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The attorneys also argue that prosecutors failed to show Hankisons use of force was unreasonable or that he acted willfully to deprive Taylor of her constitutional rights. Prosecutorial misconduct during the course of this case was sufficiently egregious to warrant reversal, the brief states. Throughout trial, (Biden's DOJ) improperly vouched for its law enforcement witnesses and misstated the law and the evidence. The misconduct was deliberate and extensive, misleading the jury and unfairly prejudicing Mr. Hankison in a case where there was insufficient proof to convict. It is unclear if or when the Sixth Circuit will schedule oral arguments in the appeal. Josh Wood is an investigative reporter who focuses on public safety and government. He can be reached at jwood@courier-journal.com or on X at @JWoodJourno. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Monroe Trombly covers public safety. He can be reached at mtrombly@gannett.com. His X handle is @MonroeTrombly. This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Breonna Taylor case: DOJ calls for Brett Hankison to be released The Department of Justice intervened Thursday in a lawsuit against Democratic Gov. Gavin Newsom that is challenging California's efforts to redraw the state's congressional map in time for the next election. DOJ Civil Rights Division lawyers argued in a complaint that race was "used as a proxy" in California to justify creating districts favorable to Democrats, a move that served to offset the redistricting showdown in Texas that resulted in more Republican-leaning districts. "In the press, Californias legislators and governor sold a plan to promote the interests of Democrats in the upcoming midterm elections," the DOJ lawyers wrote. "But amongst themselves and on the debate floor, the focus was not partisanship, but race." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California Republicans Sue To Stop Newsom, Democrats From Pushing Redistricting Plan Attorney General Pam Bondi They added the Constitution "does not tolerate this racial gerrymander" and cited several remarks from lawmakers and others involved in the process about how they prioritized creating a Latino-majority district to counter Texas' perceived attempt to "silence the voices of Latino voters." The federal government has authority to enforce the Voting Rights Act, which has a provision designed to make sure voters are not disenfranchised based on their race. But the law's language has long been a point of controversy and is now under review by the Supreme Court in a separate redistricting case about Louisiana's map. Read On The Fox News App Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement California's ballot measure, called Proposition 50, passed on Election Day, and clears the way for the state legislature to redraw districts that could flip five Republican seats. Newsom said in celebratory remarks after the measure's passage that it was California's answer to Trump "trying to rig the midterm elections before one single vote is even cast." Deranged Obsession: Newsom Hit With Lawsuit Over Retaliatory California Redistricting Push California Gov. Gavin Newsom during a bill signing event related to redrawing the states congressional maps Aug. 21, 2025, in Sacramento, Calif. Opponents of California Proposition 50, also known as the Election Rigging Response Act, a California ballot measure that would redraw congressional maps to benefit Democrats, rally in Westminster, Calif., Sept. 10, 2025. "One thing he never counted on, though, was the state of California," Newsom said. "Instead of agonizing over the state of our nation, we organized in an unprecedented way, in a 90-day sprint." California Assembly Member David Tangipa, a Republican, responded by suing, and the DOJ joined in that lawsuit Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Newsom told Fox News Digital, "These losers lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court." The legal battle comes as redistricting fights have intensified in the lead-up to the 2026 midterm elections. In addition to Texas and California, Louisiana's fight before the Supreme Court could affect its map by the next election, depending on when the high court rules. In Utah, Republicans were just dealt a blow by a state judge who approved a new map that will tip one of the state's four districts in favor of Democrats. Original article source: DOJ joins lawsuit against Newsom over 'racial gerrymander' of California map The battle over state redistricting efforts is heating up with the Department of Justice joining a lawsuit against California Gov. Gavin Newsom. Democrats won big in state and local elections on Nov. 4, in what many see as a firm rebuke of President Donald Trump's policies. It spells more trouble for Republicans in the 2026 midterms, where Democrats are hoping to regain control of at least one chamber of Congress. Among the wins was California's Proposition 50, which temporarily allows the state to redraw its Congressional maps without the nonpartisan commission to try to offset the Republican seats gained by Texas' new map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As Trump's approval ratings nationally have continued to fall in recent weeks, according to aggregators, what are his approval ratings among the states? More: Justice Department joins lawsuit over new California congressional districts President Donald Trump shakes hands with the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after signing the bill package to re-open the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 12, 2025. Congress on Wednesday ended the longest government shutdown in US history, 43 days that paralyzed Washington and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid while Republicans and Democrats played a high-stakes blame game. The Republican-led House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to approve a Senate-passed package that will reopen federal departments and agencies, as many Democrats fume over what they see as a capitulation by party leaders. President Donald Trump signs the funding bill to end the U.S. government shutdown, at the White House in Washington, DC on Nov. 12, 2025. President Donald Trump signs funding legislation to reopen the federal government as he is joined by House Minority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), Republican lawmakers and business leaders, during a ceremony in the Oval Office of the White House on Nov. 12, 2025, in Washington, DC. The legislation, passed by the House tonight, funds the federal government until the end of January 2026 and ends the 43-day government shutdown, the longest in the nationOs history. House Speaker Mike Johnson speaks to the media in Statuary Hall after the House voted 222-209 to pass the Senate's funding deal, with 216 Republicans and six Democrats supporting the bill, and two Republicans and 207 Democrats opposed, after 43 days of shuttered government and unpaid federal workers, on Wednesday, Nov.12, 2025. U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) holds a news conference after the House passed funding legislation to reopen the federal government, at the Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House voted 222-209 to approve Senate-passed legislation that funds the government through the end of January 2026, reopening the government and ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. House Speaker Mike Johnson arriving to speak to the media in Statuary Hall after the House voted 222-209 to pass the Senate's funding deal, with 216 Republicans and six Democrats supporting the bill, and two Republicans and 207 Democrats opposed, after 43 days of shuttered government and unpaid federal workers, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. House Speaker Mike Johnson, right, walks from the House floor with House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA), left, to speak with the media in Statuary Hall immediately after the House voted 222-209 to pass the Senate's funding deal, with 216 Republicans and six Democrats supporting the bill, and two Republicans and 207 Democrats opposed, after 43 days of shuttered government and unpaid federal workers, on Wednesday, Nov. 12, 2025. U.S. Representative Victoria Spartz arrives during a series of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov.12, 2025. U.S. Representative and New Jersey Governor-elect Mikie Sherrill gives a television interview during a series of votes in the U.S. House of Representatives that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov.12, 2025. House Majority Leader Steve Scalise (R-LA) (2nd-L) walks to the House Chamber on Nov. 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on Senate-passed legislation that funds the government through the end of January 2026, reopening the government and ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy (R-TX) (L) speaks to the media as he exits the House Chamber at the U.S. Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025 in Washington, DC. The House of Representatives is expected to vote on Senate-passed legislation that funds the government through the end of January 2026, reopening the government and ending the 43-day shutdown, the longest in American history. House Speaker Mike Johnson, right, speaking with Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-AZ) after a ceremonial swearing of at the United States Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025, following the official swearing in on the House floor on Wednesday, Nov. 11. 2025. U.S. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) walks surrounded by the media, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington after a 53-day break, for a vote that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov. 12, 2025. House Republican Conference Chairwoman Lisa McClain (R-MI) talks on the phone, as members of the U.S. House of Representatives returned to Washington after a 53-day break, for a vote that could bring the longest U.S. government shutdown in history to a close, on Capitol Hill in Washington, DC on Nov. 12, 2025. Nancy Pelosi, Speaker Emerita of the U.S. House of Representatives, right, stands with members as Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries leads a press conference on the House Steps at the United States Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025, as members return after a 54-day break, before House lawmakers take up legislation that would end the longest government shutdown in American history and vote on the Senate-passed spending deal. Democratic House Leader Hakeem Jeffries leads a press conference on the House Steps at the United States Capitol on Nov. 12, 2025, as members return after a 54-day break, before House lawmakers take up legislation that would end the longest government shutdown in American history and vote on the Senate-passed spending deal Congress passes deal to end longest government shutdown in US history 1 of 16 President Donald Trump shakes hands with the Speaker of the House Mike Johnson after signing the bill package to re-open the federal government in the Oval Office of the White House in Washington, DC, on Nov. 12, 2025. Congress on Wednesday ended the longest government shutdown in US history, 43 days that paralyzed Washington and left hundreds of thousands of workers unpaid while Republicans and Democrats played a high-stakes blame game. The Republican-led House of Representatives voted largely along party lines to approve a Senate-passed package that will reopen federal departments and agencies, as many Democrats fume over what they see as a capitulation by party leaders. What states give Trump the highest approval rating? Trump has a net positive approval rating in 24 states, according to Morning Consult, which gathers polls over the course of three months to get a look at state-level data among registered voters. The Nov. 12 update has the same number of above-water states as the previous month's update. Trump's approval rating is net negative in every 2024 swing state, Morning Consult found. As previously, Trump received his best approval rating in Wyoming and worst in Vermont, though it should be noted that small states have the widest margin of error in these polls. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The percentage of voters who approve of Trump's job performance in New Jersey and Virginia over recent months was commensurate with the votes received by Republican gubernatorial candidates who lost, according to Morning Consult, which found 42% of voters approved of Trump's job performance in those states over the months leading up to the election. Republican candidate Winsome Earle-Sears of Virginia lost to Democrat Abigail Spanberger with 42.3% of the vote, according to unofficial results. Republican candidate Jack Ciattarelli of New Jersey lost to Democratic U.S. Rep. Mikie Sherrill with 42.8% of the vote, according to the New York Times. What is Trump's approval rating on average? Averages based on RealClearPolitics and New York Times aggregators show Trump's approval rating is net negative, and after months of being relatively stable, has dropped quickly in recent weeks. As of Jan. 27, 50.5% approved, giving Trump a net positive rating until March 13, when it flipped to net negative with 47.8% approval, compared to 48.5% disapproval, RealClearPolitics graphics show. The approval rating reached a low on April 29 at 45.1% approval, which fell around Trump's 100-day mark. It reached a new low of 42.4% on Nov. 12, as the longest shutdown in American history came to an end. The New York Times aggregator showed Trump's approval fell from 52% approval in January to 44% approval in April, and then mostly held steady for months. According to the Times, Trump's term low is 41% approval, which he first reached on Nov. 12. Trump's approval rating is low compared to other presidents In a Gallup poll conducted from Oct 1-16, 41% approved of Trump's job performance, up slightly from the previous month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A historical analysis by Gallup shows Trump's approval ratings in October of his first years in office both as the 45th and 47th presidents are lower than any other modern president at the same time in their administrations. Here is how his October approval compares to other presidents in October of their first year of their term, according to Gallup: Joe Biden (October 2021) - 42% approve Trump (October 2017) - 37% approve Barack Obama (October 2009) - 53% approve George W. Bush (October 2001) - 88% approve Bill Clinton (October 1993) - 48% approve George H.W. Bush (October 1989) - 68% approve Ronald Reagan (October 1981) - 55% approve Contributing: Sarah D. Wire, USA TODAY Kinsey Crowley is the Trump Connect reporter for the USA TODAY Network. Reach her at KCrowley@usatodayco.com. Follow her on X (Twitter), Bluesky and TikTok. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump approval ratings in New Jersey and Virginia A chemical spill injured dozens of people, some seriously, and forced hundreds to evacuate from a western Oklahoma city on Wednesday night, according to local officials. Evacuation orders were lifted Thursday morning. The incident occurred around 10 p.m. local time in Weatherford, Oklahoma, where an 8,500-gallon tanker truck began leaking toxic ammonia, Weatherford Police Chief Angelo Orefice told CBS News on Thursday morning. Responding crews stopped the leak, he said, and the airborne chemical had dissipated to a level deemed safe for people to return. The leaking truck was parked in the lot outside of a Holiday Inn Express hotel, said Weatherford Emergency Manager Mike Karlin at a news conference streamed by CBS affiliate KWTV. When first responders arrived at the scene, they found people in respiratory distress and exiting the hotel, according to the emergency manager. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "As the event unfolded, we had a large plume of anhydrous ammonia gas spread over a pretty large area," Karlin said, estimating that between 500 or 600 people were displaced and staying in makeshift shelters, after being evacuated from the hotel as well as their personal residences. Orefice said the number of evacuees was slightly lower, between 300 and 500, although he acknowledged that the situation at that time remained in flux. A tanker truck that leaked a chemical is seen in front of the Holiday Inn Express in Weatherford, Okla. on Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. / Credit: Alonzo Adams / AP Sandra Payne, a spokesperson for SSM Health, which oversees Weatherford Regional Hospital, told CBS News in an email Thursday night that three dozen patients were initially admitted to Weatherford Regional late Wednesday night to receive treatment for chemical exposure. Most were treated and released, Payne said, but 10 of those were sent to Oklahoma City for further care. As of Thursday night, seven of those 10 patients were being treated at SSM Health St. Anthony Hospital in Oklahoma City. There was no word on their conditions. An additional 30 patients were also treated at Weatherford Regional on Thursday, Payne said, and all 30 have been released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officials had earlier stated that approximately 14 officers were exposed to anhydrous ammonia, with five sustaining chemical burns to their airways. Many first responders were treated and released at the scene. As of Thursday evening, no fatalities had been reported. The National Transportation Safety Board stated Thursday night in a social media post that it is investigating the incident. Southwest Oklahoma State University, where some evacuees were staying, announced that in-person classes would be canceled Thursday because of the ammonia leak. "First responders on scene have recommended that all students in SWOSU on-campus housing shelter in place due to the fumes. Students in residence halls should remain indoors, keep windows and doors closed," the university said in a statement. Weatherford Public Schools announced closures throughout the district as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A public safety notice issued by the Weatherford Police Department on Thursday morning asked businesses to remain closed and residents of certain neighborhoods to shelter in place until further notice. Ammonia is a clear, foul-smelling gas or liquid that occurs naturally but is also commonly used in fertilizers and pharmaceutical products, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Exposure to normal amounts of ammonia do not harm humans, although higher levels can hurt the eyes, skin, throat and lungs, potentially causing coughing and burns, the health agency says. Comey and James ask judge to drop charges filed by Lindsey Halligan Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, announces bid for Congress Judge weighing Lindsey Halligan's DOJ appointment as she prosecutes Comey and James Travelers and critical cargo in Egypt could soon be moving faster thanks to high-speed trains recently unveiled by Siemens Mobility. The companys new version of its Velaro train, capable of speeds of 250 kilometers per hour (155 miles per hour), made its public debut in Egypt at the TransMEA 2025 show in New Cairo on November 9. Forty-one of the 489-capacity trains will be used on the nations planned 2,000-kilometer (1,200-mile), high-speed network, which will connect Egypts major cities across three lines, be accessible to nearly 90% of the population, and slash travel times by up to 50%, according to Siemens. The project was first announced in 2018 and is being developed in partnership with Arab Contractors and Orascom Construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The fleet of trains, which was designed and is being constructed in Germany, has been optimized to withstand Egypts harsh desert climate, and features advanced filtrations systems and cooling to counter sand, heat and dust. A Desiro High-Capacity regional train, which made its debut this month. - Siemens Mobility Also on November 9, Siemens Desiro High-Capacity regional train, with a top speed of 160 kmph (99 mph), completed its first journey near the 6th of October Depot, a new dry port west of Cairo. The dry port, with storage capacity for 260,000 containers, features five rail lines and is an integral feature of the Green Line, an in-construction 660-kilometer (410 mile) network dubbed the Suez Canal on Rails, connecting the Red Sea and the Mediterranean Sea. It will connect Ain Sokhna, south of Suez, with Cairo, Alexandria and Marsa Matrouh along Egypts north coast. According to Siemens, the new high-speed rail network will increase Egypts freight capacity by 46%. In a press release, Egypts deputy prime minister for industrial development and minister of transport and industry, Lieutenant General Engineer Kamel El-Wazir, described the Desiros first journey as a defining moment in Egypts transport modernization strategy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This high-speed train project will help redefine passenger experience, reduce travel times, and boost connectivity between cities, he added. The interior of a Siemens Velaro train. - Siemens Mobility Egypts high-speed rail network wont be the continents first. In 2018, Morocco opened Africas first high-speed line, which connects Tangier and Casablanca at speeds up to 320 kmph (200 mph). Other high-speed rail projects could shake up Africas transport infrastructure. Nigeria is pursuing a $60-billion, 4,000-kilometer (2,485-mile) high-speed network connecting Lagos and Port Harcourt, with construction led by De-Sadel Nigeria Limited and financing led by China Liancai Petroleum Investment Holdings Limited. The companies presented proof of funds in August, per a government statement. In the same release, Samuel Uko, CEO of De-Sadel, said the first 1,700-kilometer (1,056-mile) section could be completed in as little as three years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The African Union also has long-term high-speed rail ambitions. The African Integrated High Speed Railway Network, a flagship project under the African Unions Agenda 2063, completed its first implementation phase in 2023. The 10-year phase involved master planning and studies around how to best connect major cities through rail corridors, as well as identifying 17 pilot projects. If successfully implemented, the African Union believes high-speed rail could reduce transport costs by 40% and increase intra-African trade from around 15% to over 50% in the decades ahead. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Elderly Couple Removed from Flight After Losing Passports, Then Delta Crew and Passengers Came to the Rescue NEED TO KNOW Instagram user Brent Silkey posted a series of videos on the platform sharing how a couple on his flight to South Africa lost their passports, and the surprising events that followed Due to the mishap, the couple and their belongings had to be removed from the plane The patient passengers and diligent flight crew came to the rescue, and the couple was allowed to reboard An elderly couple's five-week planned vacation almost ended before it took off. A video is going viral documenting the sweet story of a couple who were en route from Atlanta to Cape Town, South Africa, until one of their passports went missing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A fellow passenger, Brent Silkey, explained in an Instagram video that "somewhere between checking in at the gate and getting on the plane, they lost their passports. Like couldn't find it anywhere, looked everywhere, in their bags, in their stuff, asked everyone to look." Rather than be annoyed by the disturbance and delay, he says the crew and passengers were "all emotionally invested in this couple." Silkey explained that the plane waited to take off in order for them to try to find the passports in the cabin. But after a failed search, they were told they would have to deplane. "They were so gracious, and so kind and so sweet," the passenger said. In addition to deboarding, their luggage had to be removed from the plane's cargo area. "Everyone around this area that was hearing them was like heartbroken because like they had all of these amazing things planned for the next five weeks, and to see them have to leave the plane was really sad," Silkey said. Brent Silkey via Storyful Delta flight attendant and passenger Delta flight attendant and passenger But then, "something happened that changed everything," he shares. One of the Delta flight attendants located the passports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The flight attendant, whom Silkey said was a "hero," jumped up from the floor with the passports in her hand and shouted, "Open the door! Oh my god I found them! Yay!" The only issue was that the plane crew then also had to locate the couple and bring them back. "The plane is going to go absolutely nuts, because we're all rooting for them," Silkey said. Brent Silkey via Storyful Delta passenger Delta passenger The plane then returned to the boarding gate to get the couple. Once back on the aircraft, he says, the passengers all cheered, but he failed to capture the moment on camera amid the excitement. The wife graciously said, "Thank you" to everyone involved, as her husband spoke to the flight attendant who located the passports. Silkey documented the entire experience on Instagram and shared that he sent the woman a note wishing the pair a safe trip. He also revealed that the pilot said the flight was the final one of his career. Read the original article on People EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) Endeavors, a national non-profit for veterans, first responders and active military, has opened a health and wellness center in East El Paso. The grand opening celebration happened on Thursday, Nov. 13, at The Endeavors Health and Wellness Center, located at 12135 Pebble Hills Blvd. Local leaders, including state Senator Cesar Blanco, D-El Paso, and City Rep. for District 5 Ivan Nino, were in attendance for the ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The new center is a first-of-its-kind in El Paso and was modeled after its flagship in San Antonio, according to the news release by Endeavors. Endeavors Health and Wellness Center includes the following services for its members: On-site wellness services supporting physical, emotional, and mental health A fully equipped fitness center with adaptive equipment for injuries and disabilities The Steven A. Cohen Military Family Clinic, providing confidential mental health care for Veterans, active-duty service members, and their families Peaceful outdoor spaces for movement, mindfulness, and reflection Community gathering areas to connect, collaborate, and celebrate A proud part of the El Paso community since 2017, Endeavors continues its mission to improve the lives of Veterans, active-duty service members, first responders, their families and their support networks. From the fitness floor to the therapy rooms, every space was designed to inspire hope, healing, and movement. The Center stands as a testament to the power of collaboration in improving access to vital resources and creating a welcoming environment where every person can thrive, read the news release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Endeavors CEO Chip Fulghum says this is an exciting expansion for the organization as they continue to serve not only veterans, but also first responders, active-duty members and their immediate family. Endeavors is just going to continue to grow and expand this wellness concept, which brings those five basic keys to wellness together. Were excited about where were gonna go next, but were most excited to serve the community of El Paso, where youve got not only 75,000 veterans, not only about 6,000 first responders, not only about 28,000 active duty, but youve got their families here as well. So, when you multiply all that out, youve got about the opportunity to serve over 200,000 people in this community and thats what excites us today, Fulghum said. Fulghum added that El Paso is one of the fastest-growing areas for veterans, first responders and their families to live in, and felt it was natural to open the facility in the Sun City. Participants at the event experienced the El Paso County Sheriffs Department Color Guard, who performed the Presentation of Colors and were given a guided tour of the new center. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Those who are interested in signing up for a membership at the Endeavors Health and Wellness Center can visit in person to begin services. For more information, you can visit Endeavors website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News. Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier who committed suicide while facing sex trafficking charges, lays out in detail the sex acts he paid for, according to recently released emails. In a 5 a.m. typo-laden email in 2019 to a journalist, Epstrein wrote, "the girls retunred the house multiplie times. for 200 dollars for a rub and tug. . no sex . . . some worked in the locak massage parlors, most in thier mid twenties." The exact date of the email, Feb. 1, 2019, was when the registered sex offender was aware federal authorities were after him but months ahead of his arrest. The email is among a trove of documents related to the case Congress has released in recent days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epsteins emails and what they might reveal about who was involved in potential sex crimes have been at the heart of a major fight in Washington, D.C. Democrats are calling for the files, which name President Donald Trump, to be released. Notable Republicans, including U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Green, have also called for their release. The White House has called the release of emails a "smear" and on social media, Trump refers to the fracas as the "Epstein hoax." Epstein mentioned Trump repeatedly, saying he "spent hours at my house" and "knew about the girls." Trump had attended Epstein's parties and flown on his plane during the 1990s but later ousted Epstein from his Mar-a-Lago club for recruiting his female workers. Asked by reporters Nov. 14 aboard Air Force One what Epstein meant by the comment, Trump said I know nothing about that. The "Best Friends Forever" statue featuring President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein is on display in front of Busboys and Poets cafe 14th & V in Washington, D.C.. It was previously put up, then taken down, then put up again on the National Mall. Damage to statue of Donald Trump of Jeffrey Epsten holding hands after being removed from the National Park Service ahead of the end of its permit. The statue was a tongue-in-cheek reference to Trump's once close friendship with the late sex offender. Damage to statue of Donald Trump of Jeffrey Epsten holding hands after being removed from the National Park Service ahead of the end of its permit. The statue was a tongue-in-cheek reference to Trump's once close friendship with the late sex offender. Damage to statue of Donald Trump of Jeffrey Epsten holding hands after being removed from the National Park Service ahead of the end of its permit. The statue was a tongue-in-cheek reference to Trump's once close friendship with the late sex offender. A statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue of President Donald Trump and the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was unveiled Sept. 23, 2025 on the National Mall in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." It's the Secret Handshake Project's third such anti-Trump installation since June 2025. A statue of President Donald Trump and the late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein was unveiled Sept. 23, 2025, on the National Mall in Washington, DC. It's the Secret Handshake's third such anti-Trump installation since June. A statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue depicting U.S. President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on September 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." A statue depicting President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein holding hands is seen near the U.S. Capitol on Sept. 23, 2025, in Washington, D.C. A plaque below the figures states "In Honor of Friendship Month." Trump, Epstein hold hands in sculpture on National Mall 'In Honor of Friendship Month' 1 of 14 The "Best Friends Forever" statue featuring President Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein is on display in front of Busboys and Poets cafe 14th & V in Washington, D.C.. It was previously put up, then taken down, then put up again on the National Mall. Epstein had served 13 months in jail after pleading guilty in 2008 to soliciting a minor for prostitution. He was indicted on federal sex trafficking charges in July 2019, which carried a maximum penalty of 45 years in prison. He died by suicide a month later in jail, awaiting trial. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The early 2019 email contains specific references to Trump. "Trump knew of it," Epstein says, "and came to my house many times during that period." As more details from the emails are uncovered, Trump has called for the Department of Justice to investigate whether or not prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton, were involved with Epstein. "This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats," the president wrote on his platform Truth Social. "Records show that these men, and many others spent large portions of their life with Epstein, and on his 'Island.' Stay tuned!!!" This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Epstein email describes lurid sex encounters. Was Trump aware? By the time Jeffrey Epstein pleaded guilty in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, he had established an enormous network of wealthy and influential friends. Emails made public this week show the crime did little to diminish the desire of that network to stay connected to the financier. Thousands of documents released by the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday offer a new glimpse into what Epstein's relationships with business executives, reporters, academics and political players looked like over a decade. They start with messages he sent and received around the time he finished serving his Florida sentence in 2009 and continue until the months before his arrest on federal sex trafficking charges in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that time, Epstein's network was eclectic, spanning the globe and political affiliations: from the liberal academic Noam Chomsky to Steve Bannon, the longtime ally of President Donald Trump. Some reached out to support Epstein amid lawsuits and prosecutions, others sought introductions or advice on everything from dating to oil prices. One consulted him on how to respond to accusations of sexual harassment. Epstein was charged with sex trafficking in 2019, and killed himself in jail a month later. Epsteins crimes, high-profile connections and jailhouse suicide have made the case a magnet for conspiracy theorists and online sleuths seeking proof of a cover-up. The emails do not implicate his contacts in those alleged crimes. They instead paint a picture of Epstein's influence and connections over the years he was a registered sex offender. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Epstein kept a diverse political network Epstein emailed current and former political figures on all sides, sending news clips and discussing strategy or gossip often in short, choppy emails laden with spelling and grammatical errors. In several emails in 2018, Epstein advised Bannon on his political tour of Europe that year. Bannon first forwarded Epstein a news clip that described the German media as underestimating Bannon and that he was As Dangerous as Ever." luv it, Epstein responded. Epstein wrote that he'd just spoken to one of the country leaders that we discussed and that we should lay out a strategy plan. . how much fun. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several months later, Epstein sent some advice: If you are going to play here , youll have to spend time, europe by remote doesnt work. its doable but time consuming," Epstein continued in a follow-up email, there are many leaders of countries we can organize for you to have one on ones. Just a few months earlier, Epstein was insulting Trump whose movement Bannon was a representative of in emails to Kathryn Ruemmler, the former White House counsel under President Barack Obama. Ruemmler sent a message to Epstein calling Trump so gross. A portion of that message was redacted, but Epstein replied, worse in real life and upclose. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other emails with Ruemmler, Epstein detailed a whirlwind of well-known people he appears to have been meeting, hosting or speaking with that week, including an ambassador, a tech giant, foreign business people, academics and a film director. "you are a welcome guest at any, he wrote. Jennifer Zuccarelli, a spokesperson for Goldman Sachs, where Ruemmler now works, declined to comment. Epsteins wealthy social circles The financier emailed often with people in the upper echelons of wealth around the world, brokering introductions and chatting about politics and foreign affairs. That included Silicon Valley investor Peter Thiel, who Epstein sent an email to in 2014 saying that was fun , see you in 3 weeks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Four years later, Epstein asked if Thiel was enjoying Los Angeles, and, after Thiel said he couldnt complain, replied Dec visit me Caribbean. Its unclear if Thiel ever responded. In emails with Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem, an Emirati businessman, Epstein complimented Bannon, saying in 2018 that We have become friends you will like him. Trump doesn't like him, responded Sulayem. A year earlier, Sulayem asked Epstein about an event where it appeared Trump would be in attendance, asking, Do you think it will be possible to shake hand with trump. Call to discuss, Epstein wrote back. In January 2010, biotech venture capitalist Boris Nikolic was attending the annual World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, and Epstein emailed to ask, any fun? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nikolic replied that he had met your friend Bill Clinton, as well as then-French President Nicolas Sarkozy and your other friend, Prince Andrew, as he has some questions re microsoft. But then Nikolic said he was getting sick of meetings. Later, he wrote Epstein that it would be blast that you are here. He mentioned flirting with a 22-year-old woman. It turns out she is with her husand. Did not have chance to check him out. But as we concluded, anything good is rented ;) Nikolic wrote. Epstein kept in touch with academics The theoretical physicist and cosmologist Laurence Krauss was among them. In 2017, Krauss reached out to Epstein via email for advice on responding to a reporter writing a story about allegations of sexual harassment against him. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Is this a reasonable response? Should i even respond? Could use advice, Krauss asked Epstein. In an explicit exchange, Epstein asked Krauss if he'd had sex with the person in question and then suggested he should not reply to the journalist. No. We didnt have sex. Decided it wasnt a good idea, replied Krauss. Krauss said in an email to The Associated Press that he never hid the fact that he knew Epstein, and interacted with him several times. I sought out advice from essentially everyone I knew when false allegations about me were circulated in the press in 2018, said Krauss. I was as shocked as the rest of the world when he was arrested" in 2019. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an August 2015 email exchange, Epstein told Chomsky, the famed linguist and social scientist, to only fly to Greece if he feels well, joking he previously had to send a plane for another lefty friend to see a doctor in New York. In the same exchange, which dipped into academic arguments about warning signs on currency collapses, behavioral science models, and Big Data, Epstein offered his residences for Chomskys use. you are of course welcome to use apt in new york with your new leisure time, or visit new Mexico again, Epstein wrote. The emails also show that Epstein kept up a friendly relationship with Larry Summers, who was the treasury secretary under President Bill Clinton and former Harvard University president, and bantered about the 2016 presidential race and Trump. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other emails showed a closer relationship. In 2019, Summers was discussing interactions he had with a woman, writing to Epstein that I said what are you up to. She said Im busy'. I said awfully coy u are. Epstein replied, you reacted well.. annoyed shows caring. , no whining showed strentgh. Summers issued a statement saying he has great regrets in my life. "As I have said before, my association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major error of judgement, the statement said. Chomsky, Thiel, Bannon, and Sultan Ahmed bin Sulayem did not immediately respond to requests for comment, which were sent through email addresses available on their own or their organizations' websites. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ___ Associated Press reporters John Hanna in Topeka, Kansas, and Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia contributed to this report. ___ This story has been corrected to fix spelling of former French president Sarkozys first name, It also corrects that Epstein was not a billionaire. A group of Jeffrey Epstein survivors is urging lawmakers in Congress to vote on releasing case files related to the convicted sex offenders crimes, in an emotional letter stating the American people have awaited for far too long. There is no middle ground here, the letter signed with victim Virginia Giuffres family and shared by Axios on Friday read. There is no hiding behind party affiliation. The testimonies you heard are just a fraction of the unimaginable suffering endured by more than a thousand victims alike. Their plea comes after Democrats on the House Oversight Committee Wednesday released thousands of documents from Epsteins estate, some of which suggest President Donald Trump was aware of Epsteins criminal activities. Jeffrey Epstein and real estate developer Donald Trump as they pose together at the Mar-a-Lago estate, Palm Beach, Florida, on Feb. 22, 1997. Davidoff Studios Photography via Getty Images The files that Trump campaigned on releasing have been long awaited. Seven weeks after her election, Rep. Adelita Grijalva (D-Ariz.) was finally sworn into Congress and became the final signature needed on a discharge petition to force the House of Representatives to act on a bill requiring the DOJ to release them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the bill would still need Senate approval and can be vetoed by Trump who dismissed the public uproar as a Democratic-orchestrated hoax. He called on the FBI and DOJ on Friday to investigate Epsteins ties with powerful Democrats. News: 11-Year-Old Fatally Shot While On His Way To School In Road Rage Incident The group told lawmakers to remember that your primary duty is to your constituents as they gather with family for the holidays. Look into the eyes of your children, your sisters, your mothers, and your aunts. Imagine if they had been preyed upon, the letter read. Imagine if you yourself were a survivor. What would you want for them? What would you want for yourself? When you vote, we will remember your decision at the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victims honored the late Giuffre, who was a prominent voice in Epsteins case but passed away in April, describing her as a beacon of strength to survivors everywhere as she faced threats to her life, financial ruin, and public shaming in pursuit of justice. Virginia was failed over and over by the systems that consistently believed and supported her abusers over her, they wrote in the letter. Today, we urge you not to fail another survivor and deny them justice any longer. Related... Read the original on HuffPost SEOUL (Reuters) -Here are some of the details released on Friday by the U.S. and South Korea on a trade deal. The two countries released a joint fact sheet on the summit meeting last month between U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korean President Lee Jae Myung. TRADE Washington and Seoul agreed to set tariffs on U.S. imports of Korean autos and auto parts at 15%, down from 25%, putting them on par with their Japanese competitors. The effective date on auto tariffs will be retroactive to November 1 after the agreement is finalised and once a bill on the $350 billion investment package is submitted to Parliament, Seoul has said. U.S. imports of wood products and pharmaceuticals from South Korea will face tariffs no greater than 15%, while aircraft parts and generic drugs will be tariff-free. On semiconductors, the U.S. will provide terms for South Korea that are "no less favourable than terms that may be offered in a future agreement covering a volume of semiconductor trade at least as large as South Korea's." This means semiconductor tariffs would be no less favourable than those for key competitor Taiwan, South Korea's top presidential policy adviser said on Friday. The two countries agreed to work together on addressing non-tariff barriers in South Korea's agricultural and digital services sectors, including market access for U.S. meat, online platform regulations and cross-border transfers of location data. Government-controlled Korea Gas also signed an agreement to buy about 3.3 million metric tons of U.S. liquefied natural gas a year in long-term agreements, the White House said earlier. INVESTMENT The two countries said that as part of the $350 billion investment fund, South Korea would pay $200 billion in cash in phased installments that would be capped at $20 billion a year in an effort to maintain won stability. South Korea said it would work to source the U.S. dollars via means other than market purchases to minimise potential impacts on the domestic currency market. South Korea could seek an "adjustment in the amount and timing of the funding, and the United States will, in good faith, give due consideration to such request," the fact sheet said. The remaining $150 billion would be earmarked for shipbuilding cooperation, which would include loans and guarantees from policy institutions for ship financing as well as private-sector investments by South Korean companies, Seoul has said. RAISING FUNDS South Korea has said the two sides agreed to split profits evenly before the initial investments are recouped, adding that they would only pursue commercially viable projects. New data reveals that West Virginia teenagers are leading the nation not in academics, but in vaping. What's happening? As cigarette smoking becomes more taboo, many young people have turned to e-cigarettes, unaware that they may be trading one danger for another. According to The Jackson Star & Harold, nearly 17% of middle schoolers and 35.7% of high schoolers in West Virginia vape the highest rates in the country. "The student doesn't know what was in the vape," said Jody Sperry, Harrison County Schools coordinator of health services. "They're kind of playing Russian roulette with their health." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And the risks aren't limited to the short term. "It hasn't been around long enough to know where we really know what those long-term effects are," explained V.J. Davis, administrator of the Preston County Health Department. Why is this trend concerning? Once marketed as a "safer" alternative to cigarettes, vaping has proved to be anything but harmless. E-cigarettes can contain nicotine, heavy metals, and volatile organic compounds a toxic mix that damages developing lungs and increases the risk of addiction in young people. Not only that, but manufacturers pack disposable vapes with single-use plastics, toxic metals, and lithium batteries that often wind up in landfills or scattered on the ground. Those discarded devices can leach heavy metals and other chemicals into soil and water, harming wildlife and contributing to the growing global waste problem. What's being done about it? Public health officials across the state are calling for stronger regulations, school-based education campaigns, and limits on flavored vaping products that appeal to kids. Some schools are using air sensors to detect vaping on campus, while others are pairing education with peer-led prevention programs that address addiction early. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At home, parents and communities can help by talking openly about the risks, properly disposing of old devices at e-waste drop-offs, and supporting brands and policies that prioritize public health over profit. Because, whether it's our lungs or our landfills, the message is the same: Both deserve a clean breath of air. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Heres even more reason to get a flu shot: This years flu season is expected to be a bad one, potentially even worse than last years record-breaking season. Last year was the worst flu season in 15 years for the United States, with high hospitalizations and infection levels. Health: The Time It Takes To Fall Asleep Can Reveal A Lot About Your Health We also saw the highest number of pediatric flu deaths that weve seen since 2009-2010, said Dr. Robert Hopkins, the medical director of the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No one wants a repeat of last flu season, but we may be on track for that. Heres what to know: Flu season is off to a bad start in the U.K., and experts think that could happen here, too. According to BBC reporting, experts in the U.K. predict the country will have a severe flu season, too, based on an early start to the flu season there, along with a mutation in the flu virus. This isnt good news for respiratory virus season anywhere, including in the U.S. We do generally see similar patterns in North America, as we see in Western Europe, said Dr. Daniel Kuritzkes, the chief of the division of infectious diseases at Brigham and Womens Hospital in Boston. So, it is likely that well see a similar flu season here to whats being experienced currently in the U.K. Health: Should We All Be Able To Balance On One Leg? Derek Smith, the director of the Centre for Pathogen Evolution at the University of Cambridge, told the BBC that mutations in the H3N2 flu strain are causing a fast increase in cases. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on the latest data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the H3N2 strain is in the U.S., too, and is currently the most frequently reported influenza virus in the country. It has undergone some changes and some mutations, a fairly significant number of mutations, so ... it is likely to cause a problem, said Dr. Jill Foster, a professor at the University of Minnesota Medical School. The flu virus that is circulating does appear to be more pathogenic. It is more easily transmitted, and when transmitted, causes more severe disease, Foster said. Health: 'Flu A' Is Surging Right Now. Here's What Alarms Doctors The Most. And if COVID has taught us anything, its that viruses dont stay within country borders, Foster noted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To predict the severity (or not) of flu season in the U.S., experts glean influenza data from countries in the Southern Hemisphere, where the flu season occurs during our summer months (Australia, for example, had a record high number of flu cases this year), along with European countries, where flu season starts a little earlier. Flu season has also started early in Japan and Canada, Hopkins added. You put that together with the reports of these mutations in the H3N2 influenza that were detected back this summer, all are concerning for potentially a second severe flu season in the U.S. in a row, Hopkins explained. Foster agreed. All of that leads you to a place of saying that it is likely that we are going to have a worse flu season. Based on data from other countries, experts expect flu season to be particularly bad in the United States this year. KATERYNA KON/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY via Getty Images The good news, for now, is that flu rates in the U.S. are currently low. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The CDC updates flu activity weekly, but that wasnt happening for much of the fall because of the government shutdown. Now, though, that data is back online. Health: People Say COVID Infections Are Worse This Year. Here's What Doctors Think. Individual states also track illnesses, but the level of tracking varies. When looking at state-by-state data, including in his own state of Massachusetts, flu rates are also not yet elevated, Kuritzkes said. Hopkins agreed. Based on the city and state level surveillance ... cases appear to be fairly low and similar to the same time the last couple of seasons. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This doesnt mean theres no flu in the U.S., though. Southern states and states including Arizona and New York are starting to see a small uptick in flu cases, according to epidemiologist Caitlin Rivers Substack. Were not seeing any surge in cases so far, which would suggest that if we are going to look like what England is looking like, therell be a lag, Kuritzkes said. In the U.S., cases dont increase too much until December and then tend to peak in January or February, with a second peak in March. Health: Is Ozempic Penis A Real Thing? We Asked Experts. Flu shots protect people from severe outcomes like hospitalization and death. Each year, the flu vaccine is updated to offer the best possible protection against the flu strains that are expected to be dominant that season, but this new flu virus strain emerged after experts selected the strains for the current years flu vaccine, Hopkins said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meaning, this years flu vaccine doesnt match this new, mutated virus strain. It is certainly concerning that a new strain has emerged that seems to be somewhat divergent from the strain against which the vaccines were selected, Kuritzkes said. But that doesnt mean the vaccine is not important. It remains the best way to protect yourself. Even if the vaccine is not a perfect match, there are many reasons that people should get the flu vaccine if they havent done so already, Kuritzkes noted. Boosting your flu immunity may not mean you wont get infected with the flu this winter, but if you do, its likely that the flu you get will be less severe than if youre unvaccinated, according to Kuritzkes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 89% of children who died of flu in 2024-2025 were not fully vaccinated, which shows the importance of the protection that vaccination offers. Last flu season, only about 47% of adults received a flu shot in the U.S. Data for this year is not yet available (again, because of the shutdown), but Foster is nervous about what vaccine hesitancy could mean for shot uptake. Theres been so much confusion and so much disarray in pushing out vaccine recommendations this year that I would not at all be surprised to see that flu vaccine uptake in this country is less this year than usual, and if it is, then were really in trouble, Foster said. Unvaccinated people are more likely to die or end up in the hospital from flu and are more likely to have severe disease that spreads to others for longer, Foster added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Second, even if [H3N2] is the most concerning one, there are typically several strains that circulate, Kuritzkes said. Just because the vaccine isnt a perfect match for the new strain doesnt mean it wont be for future flu strains, added Kuritzkes. While its easy to panic over headlines about an upcoming severe flu season, Hopkins said to prepare instead of panic. Make sure that you have fever-reducers around the house, make sure that you keep plenty of fluids around the house, get some over-the-counter COVID and flu tests, so that if you are sick, you can test and let your health care professional know what you got, Hopkins explained. There are antiviral medications your doctor can prescribe for flu (and COVID) that can help reduce the severity of your illness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To protect yourself and others, wash your hands frequently, cough or sneeze into your sleeve and, if you have kids, encourage them to do the same. Wearing a mask in crowded indoor spaces can also protect you from the flu, along with other viruses. Lets do the things we can to reduce our risk for either giving or getting any of these viruses, Hopkins said. Babies and older adults are most at risk for severe outcomes from the flu, so take extra care if you are around folks in these age groups, Foster said. I think its important that we recognize were all in this together. When I think about protection against any of these viruses, I think about not only protecting myself and my family, but I also think about the people around me, Hopkins said. If we prevent illness in our community, we reduce the likelihood that were going to get ill, and we reduce the impact on our community and on our health care workers around us. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This story has been updated to reflect the most recent CDC flu data, which was originally unavailable at the time of publishing. Related... Read the original on HuffPost By Eduardo Baptista BEIJING (Reuters) -A trio of Chinese astronauts returned to Earth on Friday after getting stuck on China's space station for more than a week due to their spacecraft sustaining debris damage, leaving China without an immediate way of bringing home the new crew in an emergency. Here is what has happened and why it is important. WHAT HAPPENED TO THE SHENZHOU-20 SPACECRAFT? The Shenzhou-20 vessel was left at the space station after China Manned Space Agency decided that a window crack was enough to make it unfit to fly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Shenzhou-20 crew - Chen Dong, Chen Zhongrui and Wang Jie - came home in the Shenzhou-21, which had been due to return to Earth in six months' time. Two weeks ago, the Shenzhou-21 transported the three astronauts taking over from the Shenzhou-20 crew at the permanently inhabited space station known as Tiangong, or "Heavenly Palace". WHAT RISKS DO THE SHENZHOU-21 CREW FACE? Tiangong is facing the unprecedented situation of having no working spacecraft to bring the Shenzhou-21 crew back to Earth in the event of an emergency. Among the trio currently stuck in Tiangong is 32-year-old Wu Fei, China's youngest astronaut to be sent to space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement China's space authorities and state media have so far remained silent on the vulnerability of Tiangong and its inhabitants. State broadcaster CCTV on Friday focused instead on minute-by-minute descriptions of the Shenzhou-21 spacecraft's journey to Earth. State news agency Xinhua said the return of the Shenzhou-20 crew "marked the first successful implementation of an alternative return procedure in the country's space station program history", and that the trio had set a new record for the longest in-orbit stay among Chinese astronaut crews. HOW CAN CHINA HELP THE SHENZHOU-21 CREW? CMSA said on Friday that the Shenzhou-22 spacecraft would be sent at an appropriate time in the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The premature deployment of Shenzhou-22, originally scheduled for launch next April, could be based on the experience of Russia's Soyuz programme. The design of Shenzhou vessels is based on the Soyuz spacecraft. In December 2022, a micrometeoroid particle struck the radiator of the thermal control system on Soyuz MS-22 while aboard the International Space Station, the 25-year-old science lab led by the U.S. and Russia. Due to the risk of overheating, Russia's space agency decided to send Soyuz MS-23 to the ISS to bring back the crew of the slightly damaged vessel. Igor Marinin, a member of the Russian Academy of Cosmonautics, said it was likely Chinese specialists would have studied the "non-standard situations" experienced by Russian crews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement CAN CHINA REMOVE THE DAMAGED SPACECRAFT FROM TIANGONG? China's Shenzhou missions have been sending trios of astronauts to Tiangong for six-month stays since 2021. This marks the first time a Shenzhou vessel has been left behind in space while its crew returns to Earth. The debris-hit Shenzhou-20 spacecraft needs to be fixed in orbit before being sent back or removed outright. Failure to do so would make future missions impossible as Tiangong needs to have a vacant port free at all times for newly arrived Shenzhou vessels to dock. Russian space expert Marinin said that if damage to the Shenzhou-20 was significant, a possible scenario is that the vessel would be undocked from the Tiangong station and deorbited over the Pacific Ocean. (Reporting by Eduardo Baptista and Maxim Shemetov in Beijing; Editing by Alison Williams) Hezbollah's Unit 121 abducted the politician, poisoned him, and staged his body to look like he died in a car accident, the IDF claimed. Christian Lebanese politician, Elias Hasrouni, was assassinated by the Hezbollah terror group he opposed, the IDF confirmed on Friday. Known for his staunch criticism of the terror group, Hasrouni worked as the Secretary-General of the Lebanese Forces central council in Bint Jbeil when he was killed in an ambush last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 72-year-old was assassinated by Hezbollahs Unit 121 in August 2023, according to the IDF, despite the terror group's rumoring that he had perished in a car accident. Hezbollah's Unit 121 The terror group was said to have ambushed Hasrouni on a road near his home in Ain Ebel in southern Lebanon, where they abducted him. After kidnapping the elderly politician, the IDF claimed the terrorists broke his ribs and poisoned him. Another member of the Christian Lebanese Forces party was abducted and murdered last year. Pascal Sleiman was kidnapped and killed in the Byblos District of northern Lebanon in April last year. The Lebanese Army announced that they had arrested most of the members of a Syrian gang that they had found were behind Sleiman's kidnapping and murder. After his death, the IDF claimed the terror group staged his body to look like he had passed from a car accident, ramming his car into a tree and leaving him alone in a ditch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The same Hezbollah unit has been responsible for the assassinations of prominent journalists, officers, politicians, and other influential figures who have used their platform to condemn the group. Among the groups more notable victims is former Lebanese prime minister Rafik Hariri. The units commander, Salim Ayyash, was convicted in 2020 by the UN Special Tribunal for Lebanon for leading the team that assassinated Hariri. Tzvi Joffre contributed to this report. CHICAGO At least 13 people who were detained during Operation Midway Blitz are set to be released from detention facilities on Friday. The federal judge ruled those 13 people were arrested without probable cause which violated the 2022 concent decree. Mark Fleming is with the National Immigrant Justice Center. He spoke after the federal judge handed down his ruling on Wednesday. This whole operation, the last two months, the terrorizing of our neighborhoods, the brutalizing of people here has all been unlawful, Fleming said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds to be released after judge rules ICE arrests in Chicago area violated consent decree The 2022 consent decree restricts arrests that occur without a warrant or probable cause. At least 13 of the 615 ICE arrests reviewed for the case have been identified and ordered released. Twelve of the 615 have been identified as high risk. Folks who do not have criminal history or risk of danger to the community, who are unlawfully arrested without probable cause, should be released, said Michelle Garcia, deputy legal director at the ACLU of Illinois. Those released will have restrictions, a $1500 bond and an alternative form of detention, such as ankle monitoring, pending their immigration proceedings. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But it wasnt just ICE making arrests. Border Patrol Chief Greg Bovino and boarder agents have boasted more than 3,000 arrests between mid June and October 7. The judge has ordered an updated arrests number, complete with risk assessment, and wants to know what happened between that period of time by next Wednesday. All of this. All of the tactics of Mr. Bovino, all of the tactics of ICE, have been unlawful in the vast vast majority of arrests, Fleming said. It is unclear where the detainees will be released from or what time Friday. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV. With the end of the government shutdown in effect, federal employees across the country have been ordered to return to work as they await over a month of back pay. During the 43-day federal shutdown, employees were either furloughed or continued to work as essential employees, but neither group received pay throughout this period. Some, including military members and homeland security officers, received paychecks after President Donald Trump's administration pulled strings. The federal government fully reopened in the late evening on Nov. 12 after Trump signed a bill to fund agencies through Jan. 30, 2026. Federal employees were required to resume work the next day. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Agencies should take all necessary steps to ensure that offices open in a prompt and orderly manner on November 13, 2025. Employees who were on furlough due to the absence of appropriations should be directed to return to work on November 13," a memo from Office of Management and Budget Director Russell Vought said. Here is when federal employees can expect to be paid, according to the Trump Administration. When will federal workers, including military, receive back pay? A senior Trump administration official confirmed to USA TODAY that departments are aiming to send out checks covering back pay between Nov. 15 and 19, depending on the agency. Semafor first reported the timeline. Because agencies have different payroll providers and payment processes, timing could vary. It's also why there is a discrepancy in the period covered by the initial check, the official said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most agencies are currently in the middle of their pay period, so the check only covers through Nov. 1. Pay for the rest of November, so far, will be in workers' next paycheck. Here is the projected timing by agency: Nov. 15 (check covering Oct. 1-Nov. 1) General Services Administration Office of Personnel Management Nov. 16 (check covering Oct. 1-Nov. 1) Department of Energy Department of Health and Human Services Department of Veterans Affairs Department of War (formerly known as Department of Defense) civilians Nov. 17 (check covering Oct. 1-Nov. 1) Department of Education Department of State Department of the Interior Department of Transportation Environmental Protection Agency National Aeronautics and Space Administration National Science Foundation Nuclear Regulatory Commission Social Security Administration Nov. 19 (check covering Oct. 1-Nov. 15) Department of Agriculture Department of Commerce Department of Homeland Security Department of Housing and Urban Development Department of Justice Department of Labor Department of the Treasury Small Business Administration How many federal employees are there in Tennessee? There were 32,574 civilian federal employees stationed in Tennessee in 2024, according to a congressional report and data from the Office of Personnel Management. The Economic Policy Institute found that 62,954 civilian federal employees worked in Tennessee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Note that these numbers vary from those of all federal employees who live in Tennessee, as the latter is significantly higher. The American Community Survey estimates that more than 97,000 federal employees live across Tennessee's nine congressional districts. Are federal workers guaranteed back pay? Back pay for federal workers while guaranteed under the Government Employee Fair Treatment Act remained uncertain during the shutdown. However, the deal to reopen the government ensured that federal employees would be paid for the deficit accumulated during the shutdown. What are the longest government shutdowns in U.S. history? This federal funding lapse is the longest in the country's history. Take a look at the top five longest closures in history, as reported by USA TODAY. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025: Under Trump. Started on Oct. 1. Ongoing. 2019: Under Trump. Lasted 35 days and cost the economy about $3 billion, equal to 0.02% of GDP, according to the Congressional Budget Office. 1996: Under President Bill Clinton. Lasted 21 days. 1978: Under President Jimmy Carter. Lasted 17 days. 2013: Under President Barack Obama. Lasted 16 days. USA TODAY contributed to this report. Jordan Green covers trending news for The Commercial Appeal. She can be reached at jordan.green@commercialappeal.com. This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Here's when Tennessee federal workers, military will receive back pay A Jersey shore firefighter is getting recognition for his heroic actions during an in-flight emergency while returning from Florida. The City of Wildwood is honoring Nick Palmer, who assisted with a medical emergency on a recent flight. Witnesses say that, without hesitation, he professionally and calmly helped a passenger in distress when flight attendants requested assistance. "Nick's actions are a perfect example of what it means to be a Wildwood firefighter," said Commissioner of Public Safety Steve Mikulski. "Even off duty, his instinct was to act. His training, confidence, and professionalism helped stabilize a life-threatening situation thousands of feet in the air. We could not be prouder." Because of Palmer's actions, the flight did not have to make an emergency landing. Nov. 14Increased public scrutiny and a flurry of new laws in recent years have made running a smooth election a daunting task, says Flathead County Clerk and Recorder Debbie Pierson. That's why she proposed establishing an independent Elections Department, led by an appointed and nonpartisan elections administrator, to county commissioners on Nov. 6. Elections administrator is one of five hats Pierson wears as the county clerk and recorder, an elected position she's held for more than a decade. But the Elections Department has rapidly grown in its complexity in recent years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We seem to constantly be doing some election or another, even outside of the regular federal, municipal, school elections," Pierson told commissioners. "And just the law surrounding elections, the passion and interest in elections, has continued to get more and more structured and scrutinized." Public distrust of election processes grew following the 2020 presidential election, when then-presidential candidate Donald Trump lobbied Congress to reject certified election results. In the years since, Montana legislators have approved changes to the state's election processes. Pierson said the elections administrator must stay diligent to keep up with the adjustments to election and voter registration rules. "It's best to have somebody who can be on top of all those laws," Pierson said. "And the law is constantly changing." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierson noted there is no experience necessary to run for clerk and recorder, a position elected by voters every four years. "There's always that potential of bringing in somebody overseeing elections that doesn't have any experience, as far as being the elections administrator," Pierson said. When discussing salary for a new elections administrator role, County Administrator Pete Melnick said this is a position worth the county's investment. He pointed to the 2023 Kalispell City Council election, when incorrect ballots were sent to voters after the Election Department used outdated ward boundaries. The issue landed in Flathead County District Court. Judge Robert Allison ruled that the clerical error could have changed the outcome in two of four city council races, according to a decision released Feb. 16, 2024, and ordered elections run again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Elections is one of those departments where the public expects zero mistakes, right? They want a flawless, uncontested result," Melnick said. "Paying more for that quality, to me, is very much worth it." Creating an independent elections administrator provides several key benefits, Pierson said. County commissioners would be able to select a candidate based on their level of education, background experience and technological proficiency. The independent elections administrator would also be non-partisan, cutting the position's affiliation with a political party. Pierson noted this is crucial to building public trust in election oversight. "There is no room for any partisan politics or processes involved in the decision-making that has to go on for elections," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several other counties have already separated the role of elections administrator from the clerk and recorder position, Pierson added. The downside to separating the elections administrator from the county clerk and recorder is a $2,000 cut from the clerk's salary, making it the lowest-paid elected position, Pierson said. All three Flathead County commissioners supported the proposition, nodding to the heightened public pressure for a fair and transparent election. "It just makes sense ... the laws changed so much in the last few years," said Commissioner Pam Holmquist. "If you have just one department concentrated on keeping up with what those statutory criteria are, it's just a whole different ball game and something you can really defend for everybody." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pierson urged commissioners to adopt a new resolution before the end of the year since candidate filings, including for clerk and recorder, open on Jan. 8. Reporter Hannah Shields can be reached at 758-4439 or [email protected]. A man found guilty in the 1979 rape and murder of a six-year-old girl was executed in Florida on Thursday. Bryan Frederick Jennings was pronounced dead at 6.20pm local time after being administered a three-drug lethal injection. Jennings was sentenced to death for the killing of Rebecca Kunash, whom he drowned in a canal, according to reports. Jennings said no after being asked whether he had a final statement. Kunashs relatives did not comment publicly following Jennings execution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The execution took place without incident. There were no complications, Jordan Kirkland, Florida department of corrections spokesperson, said, per the Associated Press. The Florida governor Ron DeSantis has authorized more executions in a single year than any other other governor there after the US reinstated the death penalty in 1976. Two more executions are scheduled in Florida this year. If they go forward, Florida will have seen 18 death penalty executions this year. Theres a saying: justice delayed is justice denied, DeSantis said earlier this month in Jacksonville. He added: Were doing it to be able to bring justice to the victims families and I think its important. Ive had people, you know, sometimes theyll come to the office after and you can just see after decades the weight thats kind of been lifted They never fully had closure on, and these are really horrific crimes that are happening, so thats really why were doing it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jennings execution was among three scheduled in the US just this week. Earlier on Thursday, Oklahomas governor commuted Tremane Woods death sentence to life imprisonment for the 2002 murder of Ronnie Wipf. Wood was found guilty of felony murder for fatally stabbing Wipf, a 19-year-old migrant farm worker, during a failed robbery, according to reports. Although Woods lawyers do not deny that he was present for the robbery, they insist that his brother, Zjaiton Jake Wood, committed the stabbing. Zjaiton Wood reportedly killed himself in prison six years ago following his admission in court that he killed Wipf. The third death penalty scheduled this week is set for Friday. Stephen Bryant faces execution by firing squad in South Carolina for killing three people. FOREST, Miss. (WJTV) Forest police announced a school volunteer was arrested for sending nude pictures to a male student. According to investigators, Nichole Lara, 22, was a volunteer color guard instructor within the Forest Municipal School District. They said a male student reported receiving inappropriate Snapchat messages and nude pictures from Lara, which began at band camp in July 2025. Forest assistant coach faces multiple charges for inappropriate conduct with student Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lara was arrested on November 6, 2025, and charged with sexual battery, grooming and child exploitation. The Forest Police Department is committed to protecting students and holding all parties accountable, said Forest Police Chief Steven Bell. Nichole Lara (Courtesy: Forest Police Dept.) The department is coordinating with the Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) along with other agencies in the case. Parents with information can contact the Forest Police Department at 601-469-4141. Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Daily News Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV. U.S. Capitol building in Washington, D.C. - Olga Kaya/Getty Images The Trump administration has declared that the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB), the federal agency tasked with protecting Americans from unfair and deceitful actions by banks, lenders, and other financial entities, will run out of money by early 2026. The move comes at a time when aggregate household debt reached $18.6 trillion as of the third quarter of 2025 (per a Federal Reserve Bank of New York report) and America's average FICO credit score is falling. According to a November 2025 filing with the District of Columbia's U.S. Court of Appeals by the Department of Justice (DOJ) Office of Legal Counsel, the CFPB should have enough funds to operate until at least December 31, 2025. But after that, the agency will no longer be entitled to getting new money, since the entity that funds it the Federal Reserve is operating at a loss. Under the Dodd-Frank Act of 2010, the Federal Reserve provides funding as requested by the CFPB director from its "combined earnings." However, the DOJ determined that further funding would be unlawful, since the Federal Reserve's expenses have exceeded its revenue every year since 2022. It's an argument that has been tried before by companies facing CFPB's civil actions, Politico reported, and it's so far been rejected by federal judges. An attempt to abolish the CFPB on constitutional grounds was also rejected by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2024, per the National Conference of State Legislatures (NCSL). Read more: Here's The Average Credit Score For People By Age The CFPB has saved taxpayers billions. The Trump administration wants to end it. President Donald Trump sitting in a chair and speaking - Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images Created in 2011, a year after the passage of the Dodd-Frank Act, the CFPB has collected more than $5 billion in civil penalties from companies that violated the law. Due in part to the agency's increased oversight of banks' NSF and overdraft fees, which has forced the institutions to change policies on these costly banking fees, Americans save about $6.1 billion a year, per CFPB. But since Donald Trump was elected to his second presidential term, more cases against banks and other lenders have been dismissed, while regulations on bank fees have been rolled back. This rollback includes an end to the $1.95 trillion asset cap on Wells Fargo by the Federal Reserve, which has paved the way for the major bank's new $15 fee on checking accounts. In addition, $360 million in CFPB settlements are being reversed or altered by the agency's new leadership, USA Today reported. Since his appointment by Trump in February 2025, the CFPB's acting director, Russell Vought, has declined funding from the Federal Reserve, sought to close the bureau's headquarters, and tried to fire 90% of its staff. An architect of Project 2025, a 900-page policy document that seeks to shrink the size of the federal government and increase the authority of the presidency, Vought is also the director of the Office of Management and Budget. A former couple from Monroe County will be sentenced in January after the ex-boyfriend was found guilty of, and the ex-girlfriend pleaded guilty to, charges related to straw firearm purchases. On Nov. 3, a jury found Ramon Roldan, 41, of Saylorsburg, guilty of 29 second-degree felony counts of prohibited possession, but acquitted him on more than a dozen counts of providing false statements to purchase firearms. Roldans ex-girlfriend Melissa Saldana, 41, of East Stroudsburg, pleaded guilty in October to two felony counts of providing materially false written statements for the purchase, delivery or transfer of a firearm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Saldana will be sentenced on Jan. 8, and Roldan will be sentenced on Jan. 28. Monroe County Court of Common Pleas Judge Jennifer Sibum will sentence both. 2023 gun show visit According to the criminal complaint against Roldan, he and Saldana were spotted arriving at the Great Pocono Arms & Military Show in a Chevrolet Trailblazer registered to Roldan on June 3, 2023, by undercover agents with the Pennsylvania Attorney General Offices Bureau of Narcotics Investigation and Drug Controls Gun Violence Section. The investigation was part of a coordinated interdiction with the gun show. During their investigation, agents saw Roldan handling firearms, browsing a Polymer 80 table and purchasing a speed loader for an AR magazine. The complaint said Roldan was convicted of several felonies in Florida, including a 2010 armed robbery conviction, and was prohibited from possessing firearms. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A sales inquiry into Saldana showed that she had purchased at least 21 firearms from several firearm retailers in Monroe, Pike, Northampton, Lackawanna, and Columbia counties within two years prior to the gun show. During an interview with attorney general's office agents at her workplace in Stroudsburg on July 12, 2023, Saldana said she purchased 20-plus firearms in the last year or so. When asked where her firearms were, she said they were at the residence of a person she knew. When asked if she ever took someone else to gun shows or gun shops when she purchased firearms, she said she took Roldan a few times, but the two of them had broken up about a year ago, the complaint said. Saldana was asked if she knew Roldan had a criminal history. According to the complaint, she did, but didnt realize he could not be at the gun store with her. When Daniel Block, a narcotics agent and the complaints affiant, said that she and Roldan were spotted together at the gun show, Saldana said they still go to gun shows together as friends. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Block noted in the complaint that Saldana operated the Trailblazer that was registered to Roldan and spotted at the gun show. Where were the guns? While agents were visiting her East Stroudsburg apartment to investigate her firearms later in the day, Block asked Saldana to call the person she knew. When this person answered and agreed to speak to Block, she told him that she never saw Saldanas firearms, and Saldana never asked her to store firearms at her residence. The person on the phone asked if this had something to do with Saldanas boyfriend and that Saldana and Roldan were purchasing firearms from gun stores and shows, and Roldan is always getting Saldana in trouble and is not good for her. In an interview the same day at the Pennsylvania State Police Stroudsburg Barracks, the complaint said, Saldana said she likes guns but does not hunt or have a conceal carry permit and did shoot at a gun range. She also said she kept the firearms at a storage unit that she would not give agents the address or location to. She could not produce the firearms and became very argumentative before requesting a lawyer and leaving the interview room, according to the complaint. Saldana was arrested at her place of employment on Aug. 9, 2023, and her cell phones were forensically reviewed the following day after agents obtained a search warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While investigating, Block discovered Roldan possibly had a storage unit in East Stroudsburg. A representative for the storage facility confirmed Roldan had been renting a unit in the facility since 2013. On Aug. 10, a search warrant was issued for Roldans storage unit. The complaint lists 27 firearms that were recovered during the search along with other gun related items. It adds that 19 of the 21 firearms Saldana purchased within two years prior to the gun show were recovered, as well as four ghost guns. Court records indicate that Roldan was arrested on Aug. 11, 2023. Max Augugliaro is the public safety and government watchdog reporter at the Pocono Record. Reach him at MAugugliaro@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Pocono Record: Poconos ex-couple to be sentenced in January for straw gun purchases Three former leaders of a Western Pennsylvania-based medical organization have pleaded guilty to defrauding the nonprofit of millions of dollars, the Department of Justice says. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 5 men, including 3 PA residents, accused of defrauding $2 million from nonprofit The defendants are Drew Pierce, 58, of West Middlesex; Jack Laeng, 72, of Lake Milton, Ohio, and Mark Marriott, 58, of Sharpsville. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The three pleaded guilty in federal court to charges of conspiracy to commit wire fraud and money laundering. Marriott also pleaded guilty to filing a false tax return. The court was informed that the Primary Health Network, based in Sharon, provides medical services to underserved communities regardless of their ability to pay. From July 2015 through January 2019, Pierce served as CEO, Laeng as former CEO and Marriott as facilities manager. The defendants used a company they owned, TopCoat, to overcharge PHN by inserting it between PHN and third-party vendors, prosecutors say. TopCoat paid the vendors and then billed PHN at inflated prices, with the defendants pocketing the difference. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In one instance in 2017, TopCoat received over $200,000 more from PHN than it paid to the actual vendor, prosecutors say. Additionally, Pierce, Laeng and others orchestrated a separate scheme involving kickbacks from third-party contracts, receiving over $1.7 million between 2013 and 2020. Pierce, Laeng and Marriott are scheduled to be sentenced in March. They face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud conspiracy and up to 10 years for money laundering conspiracy, with additional penalties for Marriotts tax offense. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Russia deployed about 430 drones as well as 19 missile and cruise missile strikes in a new series of deadly overnight attacks on Ukraine, including on the capital Kiev, Ukrainian officials said on Friday. At least six people were killed and 35 others injured in the capital, according to military administrator Tymur Tkachenko. Fifteen of the injured are being treated in hospital. The Azerbaijani embassy in the capital was also hit by debris from a missile. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing on Telegram, Kiev's mayor Vitali Klitschko reported damage to numerous residential buildings and several fires. As the district heating network was damaged, the heat supply was partially interrupted, he said. In the Odessa region, two people were killed and seven injured, according to Governor Oleh Kiper. He said a market was targeted in Chornomorsk. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky described it on social media as a "sneak attack" aimed at civilian infrastructure and published photos and videos showing heavily damaged houses. Zelensky called for more sanctions against Russia. Ukraine also needs to strengthen its air defence with additional systems and interceptor missiles, he said, repeating a long-standing request to the country's Western military backers. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three and a half years. France has officially lifted all travel restrictions on Telegram founder Pavel Durov as of November 13, 2025, bringing to an end a year of mandatory police check-ins and movement restrictions. The dual French-Russian citizen, detained in Paris in August 2024, can now cross borders freely without judicial oversight. This development is pivotal in an ongoing criminal investigation that could lead to Durov facing up to 10 years in prison and fines of over $550,000. From Detention to Freedom: Timeline of Durov's Legal Restrictions Durov's legal troubles began when authorities arrested him at Paris's Le Bourget Airport in August 2024. The charges involved allegations that Telegram enabled organized crime due to insufficient content moderation. French prosecutors accused the platform of refusing to cooperate in tackling illegal content, with a particular focus on child sex abuse material. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Initially, Durov was barred from leaving France and had to report regularly to the police in Nice. Over several months, the restrictions eased, permitting short, controlled trips to the United Arab Emirates for no more than two weeks. However, he remained under French jurisdiction until now. According to France 24, Durov complied with all requirements for one year before authorities lifted both travel and judicial restrictions. As a result, mandatory police check-ins and all geographic limitations on his movement were eliminated. Durov faced three interrogations by French authorities. His lawyers consistently challenged the investigations legitimacy and methods, arguing that they violated both domestic and European law. Criminal Investigation Remains Active as Restrictions End Although Durov is free to travel, the criminal investigation is ongoing. French authorities are examining Telegrams alleged role in facilitating illicit transactions, the distribution of child sex abuse imagery, and enabling illegal content. The charges focus on complicity in organized crime rather than direct involvement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The case portrays Telegram as a platform vulnerable to criminal misuse because of its limited content moderation. During questioning in December 2024, Durov acknowledged growing criminal abuse on Telegram and promised stronger oversight. The platform has since introduced additional moderation tools. Telegram implemented advanced AI-powered moderation systems in early 2024, according to company documentation. In 2025, the platform reported blocking more than 34 million groups and channels, demonstrating increased enforcement. These steps address frequent criticism that Telegram enables criminal networks. Despite compliance efforts, Durov still faces the risk of 10 years imprisonment and fines up to $550,000 if convicted. The investigation could set key precedents for platform accountability in Europe, especially for encrypted messaging services popular within cryptocurrency communities. Durov Criticizes French Authorities, Voices Free Speech Concerns During the investigation, Durov has publicly criticized French authorities and expressed concerns regarding government overreach. He accused prosecutors of procedural errors and argued that his arrest harmed Frances reputation as a supporter of freedom. Durov has characterized the proceedings as an attack on free speech and encryption. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His defense argues that Telegram acts as a neutral platform, not a vehicle for crime. Durov has positioned himself as a defender of privacy and free expression, standing against what he considers European censorship. This view has resonated with cryptocurrency and privacy advocates who regard encrypted communications as vital to digital freedom. Social media reactions to the removal of the travel ban have been positive among Durov's supporters. Nevertheless, the broader legal implications are unresolved. Both Paris prosecutors and Durovs legal team declined public comment on the current status, so questions about trial timing and outcomes remain. The case underscores ongoing tensions between privacy-focused tech platforms and regulatory enforcement. As Frances investigation continues, its outcome could influence the regulation of messaging services and platform accountability for user content across Europe. For now, Durovs restored freedom of movement represents a partial win, yet the legal dispute is far from settled. Read original story France Lifts Travel Ban on Telegram Founder Pavel Durov by Oihyun Kim at beincrypto.com British-Egyptian pro-democracy activist Alaa Abdel Fattah was stopped from flying to the UK by Egyptian passport control earlier this week, his family says. Mr Abdel Fattah, 43, was Egypt's best known political prisoner until seven weeks ago, when he was released from jail after being granted a pardon by President Abdul Fattah al-Sisi. He attempted to fly to London on Tuesday with his sister Sanaa, but was told by officials at Cairo International Airport that he was not allowed to travel. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "They blocked him from boarding the flight and I had to go alone," Sanaa told the BBC's Today programme on Friday. There was no immediate comment from the Egyptian government. "They didn't explain much. Our lawyers in Egypt are trying to understand the legal grounds," Sanaa said. She added that her brother had his British passport as well as a recently renewed Egyptian passport. "I assumed after the renewal of the Egyptian passport that he would be allowed." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alaa Abdel Fattah's 13-year-old son, Khaled, lives with his mother in Brighton, where he attends a special needs school because he is on the autism spectrum. Khaled spent a month visiting his father in Cairo following his release from prison, but he has now returned to the UK. "We're really glad to have [Alaa] back in our lives partially free, but he needs to have freedom of movement to live with his son, reunited with him properly," Ms Seif said. She added: "Khaled needs his father. My nephew is very, very comfortable in his school and his set-up in Brighton. We can't change. We can't keep creating instability." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ms Seif said the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office had been communicating with her family over the issue, but she called on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer's office to also give it their attention. The FCDO said in a statement: "President Sisi's decision to pardon and release Alaa Abdel Fattah was extremely welcome news and a significant step forward." "We continue to press for his urgent return to the UK at the highest levels with the Egyptian government so he can be reunited with his family. The case remains a priority issue for the UK government." On Thursday night, Alaa Abdel Fattah and his mother were given the 2025 Magnitsky Award for "Courage Under Fire". Sanaa had to collect the award on their behalf. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Abdel Fattah rose to prominence during the 2011 uprising in Egypt that forced long-time President Hosni Mubarak to resign. He spent most of his time in prison after 2014, the year after Sisi led the military's overthrow of Egypt's first democratically elected president, Muslim Brotherhood leader Mohammed Morsi, following anti-government protests. While in power, Sisi has overseen what human rights groups say is an unprecedented crackdown on dissent that has led to the detention of thousands of people. In 2015, a court sentenced Mr Abdel Fattah to five years in prison for participating in an unauthorised protest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September 2019, only six months after he had been released on probation, he was arrested again and held in pre-trial detention for more than two years. He was convicted in December 2021 of "spreading false news" for sharing a post about a prisoner dying of torture and handed another five-year sentence following a trial that human rights groups said was grossly unfair. His 68-year-old mother, Leila, launched a 287-day hunger strike last September 2024 to protest against his imprisonment. She lost more than 40% of her original body weight and was twice admitted to hospital in London. While one major burger chain celebrated a grand opening on Wednesday (its the really popular one with infamous drive-thru), several Fresno-area restaurants have announced closures (or already closed) in recent weeks. At least one will be heading to the Central Coast. Heres a look: Noodle Q Home Style Fresh Noodles has closed its pan-Asian and sushi restaurant in an Ashlan Avenue shopping center just east of Fresno Street. The closure is temporary, per a handwritten sign posted on the front door. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a message on social media last week, the restaurant apologized for the closure, which it called sudden and a surprise. We share in your disappointment, it wrote. Were unsure what the future holds for Noodle Q. Your kindness, memories and loyalty have meant the world to us. Noodle Q has been in the Ashlan Avenue location for a decade and was one of the most photographed restaurants in Fresno, according to Yelps calculations back in 2022. Quesadilla Gorilla is losing two of its south-Valley restaurants. Its Hanford restaurant is closing after five years in downtown (just off 7th Street and Douty). Its final day will be Dec. 20, according to a social media post earlier this month. This follows the closure of its spot in Tulare last weekend. Though we originally planned to keep Tulare open through the end of the year, due to circumstances outside of our control, well be closing a bit earlier than expected, it wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The closures appear to be at franchise locations. Its hard not to see it as a failure at first, but its not. The truth is, we accomplished exactly what we set out to do: to build relationships through dillas and margs, to create spaces of connection, laughter, and community, it wrote on social media. These kinds of changes arent new for the restaurant. Its downtown Fresno location (on P street) was open for a year and a half before it closed in 2018. For a time, it also operated in Three Rivers. It will continue to operate in Fresno (at Weldon and Echo avenues), Visalia (on Main Street) and on the Central Coast (in San Luis Obispo). It also announced a new location on Willow and Shepherd avenues in Clovis, that is expected to open in early 2026. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To quote its social media post: This isnt the end of our story. North Fork BBQ is heading to the Central Coast. The veteran-owned barbecue restaurant and catering company took over a building on Highway 41 and Road 222 in North Fork, after creating a name among the communities in the southern Yosemite foothills. We started on the side of the road with a dream, a smoker, and pure hustle, owner Trevor Seward wrote in a post on Facebook. It operated out of a food truck before opening brick-and-mortar restaurants in Oakhust, and ultimately North Fork. The family is relocating to Pismo Beach/Nipomo, where it is working to open a live-fire catering company, according to the restaurants social media. Eventually they hope to reopen a brick-and-mortar restaurant there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Overwhelmed doesnt even begin to say it, owner Trevor Seward posted on Facebook. The amount of love, comments, and messages pouring in from our last North Fork BBQ post has hit me straight in the gut in the best way. I love my mountain people. Youve stood by us through the smoke, the long mornings, the frozen winters, and the packed-out summers. Well always owe everything to these mountains. They made us who we are. But now its time to take that same grit, that same fire, and carry it to the coast. A new chapters calling and were answering. North Fork BBQ will host a final fair well, Nov. 23. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Therell be music, BBQ favorites, drinks, and plenty of stories shared around the pit one last time. We would love to crack a beer with you all and tell you about our plans. The KFC location at Herndon and Spruce in northwest Fresno has closed. The fast food restaurant still has open locations on west Shaw and in River Park near Costco. KFC (the national chicken chain once known as Kentucky Fried Chicken) has closed at least three Fresno-area restaurants since July. That includes a location at Herndon and Spruce Avenues, which closed some time last month. The restaurant was open only three years, meant to test a new concept of smaller, digital-forward KFC locations. It followed the closure of the franchised locations at First Street and Bullard Avenue and Dakota and West avenues. All three locations were owned by JEM Management, which holds KFC franchises in Fresno. It is unclear what prompted the closures. There are still more than 15 restaurants in the Fresno and Central San Joaquin Valley, according to KFCs website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Two other fast-food chains have closed, presumably to make way for a road improvement project at the intersection of Blackstone and McKinley Avenues. A Taco Bell and Carls Jr. have been cleared out in recent weeks; the windows and doors covered with plywood boards matching other buildings in the vicinity. The branding has been fully removed from the Taco Bell, which sits on the intersections northeast corner, though the name is still visible, but sun-faded, on the buildings paint. The Carls Jr. restaurant was among several properties the city had been looking to obtain through eminent domain to make way for the grade separation project, which would funnel traffic below the nearby railroad tracks. It is unclear whether the restaurants will reopen following construction. For context, when Taco Bell lost its building at Herndon and Highway 99 to High Speed Rail development in 2022, it rebuilt a new restaurant to the north of that location. The Fridays for Future protest movement plans to demonstrate for more action on climate change on Friday in more than 70 locations in Germany. "Even in 2025, emissions have risen again, and the habitability of the planet is in a poor state," activist Luisa Neubauer told dpa in Berlin. She said that "Germany has taken on the role of the aimless blocker in the global fight against the existential climate crisis." Neubauer accused German Chancellor Friedrich Merz of deliberately making technologies that are better for the climate like heat pumps and electric cars more expensive. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "At the same time, the jobs and locations of the future are emerging in other places with bolder governments," she said. Neubauer added that with rapid and efficient climate action, good jobs, a stable economy, and a secure climate are possible. Carla Reemtsma, who is on-site for Fridays for Future at the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP30) in the Brazilian city of Belem demanded: "Instead of continuing to invest in dirty gas, the federal government must advocate for the phase-out of fossil fuels at the COP and finally strengthen climate financing." The Fullerton Police Department Thursday responded to bomb threats at four schools and a hospital in the city. No explosive devices were found at any of the properties, police said. It's unclear if the series of bomb threats are connected, and the incidents are under investigation. The first threat was reported around 1:25 p.m. at Troy High School. In the span of about an hour, there were three more reports at Fullerton Union High School, Sunny Hills High School and Fern Drive Elementary School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Fullerton Police Department deployed multiple resources to all four schools, including assistance from outside agencies and the use of explosives-detection canines to search the campuses," police said. "Officers worked closely with school administrators to ensure the safety of students, staff, and surrounding communities." Just after 5 p.m., officers responded to St. Jude Medical Center after a caller claimed there was a bomb inside the emergency room. Police assisted in a partial evacuation as a precaution, and the patients were later allowed back inside the emergency room after no threat was found. Police said detectives are working to identify who made the threats. Funky Fresh Spring Rolls and its partnership with Palermo's Pizza have been put on ice after poor performance with customers. In a joint statement on Nov. 14, both companies announced a "a pause in production of its spring roll product line." "This decision follows extensive retail trials and customer feedback, which indicated that the product did not meet performance expectations or consumer demand in todays competitive market environment," the joint statement reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jasper Fallucca, vice president of corporate development for Palermos, said in the statement that it was time for the company to "pivot on Funky Fresh." "We conducted extensive consumer testing and reformulated the product multiple times. Unfortunately, the major retail opportunity we anticipated did not materialize, and sales at existing accounts did not support the continuation of the line," the statement reads. "That said, we remain committed to innovation with TrueMan at the helm as we regroup and look forward to future product developments for the brand. In an interview with the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, Funky Fresh founder TrueMan McGree said consumer sentiment and a lack of brand recognition outside of the state were difficult hurdles to overcome. When you commercialize a product from a restaurant to manufacturing, it has challenges but I felt like we had a pretty good product to offer to the world, McGee said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Wisconsin, the product sold well, however McGee said the story of the company didnt travel as far once the rolls left the state. I think the frozen appetizer section is probably one of the worst performing sectors, McGee said. So bringing in a new product thats fairly unknown outside of Wisconsin in a industry where (people are) looking for the cheaper options, the mozzarella sticks, the taquitos and things like that, a product like ours can get overlooked. He still believes in Funky Fresh. I feel my partners at Palermos believe the same thing, McGee said. I think were just going to go back to the drawing board and maybe take a different approach strategically and hopefully in the future come up out with another product that aligns with our values and we can bring value to our customers as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Palermo's believes in McGee so much that it has given him a job to work with them and improve Funky Fresh. They appreciated my culinary creativity, so I look forward to working with them on some projects, McGee said adding Palermos could have cut ties with him completely. Theyre continuing to want to work with me and thats one of the reasons why Ive chosen to partner with them instead of going on Shark Tank or anything like that... they said, he, we see the value of you as a person. TrueMan McGees Funky Fresh Spring Rolls are seen frozen and packaged for sale at his Sherman Phoenix location on West Fond Du Lac Avenue, in Milwaukee on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. McGee just partnered with Palermo's Pizza to create Funky Villa, which will get wider distribution of his frozen spring rolls. Funky Fresh went from Sherman Phoenix to dozens of grocery stores to 'What if it doesn't work?' Funky Fresh was founded in 2013 by McGree and quickly grew a Milwaukee area following. It opened its first storefront in the former Grand Avenue Mall in Milwaukee in early 2018 before moving to the Sherman Phoenix. In 2023, Funky Fresh moved out of Sherman Phoenix with the plan to bring the product to a wider audience. It had brought the product to 40 local groceries stores in 2024. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We were this close to going national and it all changed," McGee said in a video on Funky Fresh's Facebook page. "By March of 2025 we expanded our spring rolls into nearly 400 grocery stores from the southeast region with Harris Teeter to the Kansas City metro area with Price Chopper." Harris Teeter Supermarkets, based in North Carolina, operates more than 250 stores in seven states, according to its website. Price Chopper has 32 stores in six states according to its website. TrueMan McGee of Funky Fresh Spring Rolls shows off his assortment of fresh made and frozen packaged spring rolls at his Sherman Phoenix location on West Fond Du Lac Avenue, in Milwaukee on Friday, Jan. 21, 2022. McGee just partnered with Palermo's Pizza to create Funky Villa, which will get wider distribution of his frozen spring rolls. McGee said in May the company received a "national test launch" with a national retailer. "This was the moment. Everything we every dreamed of, our launch was scheduled for October of 2025. But it didn't happen," McGee said. "That retailer pulled back two weeks before our biggest production run and our biggest opportunity for national expansion." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video shows a long conveyor belt filled with rolls ready to be packaged, and McGee said the product was pulled by Harris Teeter and he was "shook to my core." "I believed in this Funky Fresh dream so hard that I never stopped to think 'what if it doesn't work?'" McGee said. "Sometimes your greatest ideas don't come at the greatest times. We aren't stopping, we're just pausing to reflect, to improve, to and not giving up on our dream of being a national brand." McGee said the company plans to continue to be at popup and other live events. https://www.facebook.com/reel/1404377664352063 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Nov. 9 Funky Fresh announced it was it was planning to "regroup." "The truth is, were in a season of big reflection and important decisions about the future of Funky Fresh. Like many small brands weve faced challenges that have forced us to take a step back and analyze what's next!" the company posted on its Facebook page. It also announced a "virtual kitchen," which allows for customers to order online, which started on Nov. 12 for pickup and delivery on Nov. 16. "You can order from our new menu of spring rolls, pizzas, and family meal kits, then pick up or get delivery every Sunday. Its one small way to support local while still eating Funky Fresh!" the post reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement https://www.facebook.com/funkyfreshspringrolls/posts/pfbid0LpzZXeETGGFF6pR2ifPqYjcF5A7Z5kahvbFK6Fszms9w6uEDMvinUHWFuBrfLFHzl This story was updated with additional information. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Funky Fresh Spring Roll national rollout paused by Palermo's A disturbing video circulating online shows a student physically assaulting another student at Gardner High School last Friday. We were talking and as we were going up the stairs, we were laughing and then she assumed it was about her and turned around and then doused me in liquid, said Pheonia, the victim who was attacked. Pheonia, whos 14, says the other girl, whos a senior at the school, threw water on her before striking her with a Stanley water bottle. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its basically a metal pipe with a handle, said Ayesha Coaxum, Pheonias mother. Coaxum cant help but get emotional when she sees the video another student took of the incident. She says her daughter suffered a concussion and bloody nose after the attack. Even when you show emotion, it shows weakness and if you show anger, it shows fear, said Coaxum. Gardner Public Schools Superintendent Mark Pellegrino says theyre aware of this video on social media. While we are not able to specifically comment on the incident due to student confidentiality, we ask that people refrain from passing public judgment on those involved while we investigate this incident thoroughly, said Pellegrino in a statement Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You ask yourself how many times and how many different ways does this happen and continue to happen? said Coaxum. According to state data from the Department of Education, the number of students committing assault and battery at Gardner Public Schools rose in recent years. Fifteen students were disciplined for battery during the 2021-2022 school year. That number nearly quadrupled the following year, to 58 students disciplined and remained high at 41 disciplined in the latest stats for the 2023-2024 school year. Its humiliating, of course, like I dont think, I would not wish that on anybody, I wouldnt even wish that on her, its just something that should have never happened, said Pheonia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now this family is hoping this attack is a wake-up call for parents and school staff to prevent this from happening again. Going forward, Im just concerned for her safety, said Coaxum. The superintendent also says their focus is on providing support to all the students, staff and families involved and to make sure all students have access to their education. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW The Canton Network said that Franklin Templetons Benji Technology Platform is now live on its blockchain, expanding the asset managers presence in regulated digital markets and giving institutional investors wider access to tokenized investment products. The move links Franklin Templetons blockchain infrastructure to Cantons Global Collateral Network, a distributed system designed to connect traditional finance with on-chain markets. The integration gives market makers and institutions a new source of liquidity and collateral while maintaining compliance and privacy standards, according to an emailed announcement on Wednesday. Tokenization is the process by which real-world assets (RWA) are converted into blockchain-based tokens. In a report last month, investment bank Standard Chartered (STAN) predicted that tokenized RWA will hit $2 trillion by 2028. Franklin Templetons Benji platform underpins its tokenization strategy, powering the first U.S.-registered mutual fund to use blockchain for transactions and recordkeeping in 2021. Since then, the firm has rolled out several tokenized products spanning retail, wealth, and institutional clients. Our bottom line is to meet institutions where they are, and just as importantly, where theyre headed, Roger Bayston, head of digital assets at Franklin Templeton, said in the release. Integrating with the Canton Network gives clients interoperability and privacy without compromising transparency or security. The partnership also strengthens Cantons role in institutional decentralized finance (DeFi), particularly through its Global Collateral Network. Singapore-based trading firm QCP plans to tap into the platform for liquidity, the release said. Canton Network, developed by Digital Asset and backed by firms including Goldman Sachs (GS), BNP Paribas (BNP), and Broadridge (BR), aims to create a permissioned blockchain infrastructure connecting traditional and digital markets. The addition of Franklin Templetons technology brings a new layer of tokenized financial products to its expanding institutional ecosystem. Read more: Canton Network Activity Surges as Exchanges Join Validators: Copper Research ATLANTA (AP) The head of the Georgia Ethics Commission said Thursday that his agency is still trying to prove whether or not a voter advocacy group founded by Democrat Stacey Abrams illegally coordinated election work with Abrams' unsuccessful 2018 campaign for governor. David Emadi, the commission's executive director, told a state Senate committee that the question of coordination is still under investigation. It has been more than seven years since the 2018 election and 10 months since the New Georgia Project admitted illegal activity relating to raising and spending money to influence the 2018 election and a 2019 transit referendum in suburban Gwinnett County. Under state law, the group was supposed to register as an independent campaign committee and disclose donors and spending. The New Georgia Project, which has since dissolved, paid a $300,000 fine, the largest ethics fine in state history. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can say that is something that has been and is being investigated, Emadi said. I think I can say that at previous hearings we presented evidence, and some of that evidence certainly gave credence to that question of whether or not coordination occurred. The New Georgia Project and Abrams have always denied coordinating spending and activity, which is illegal under state law. Evidence of contacts disclosed by the Ethics Commission between the group and Abrams' first campaign for governor has been thin. Republican state senators voted in March for an investigatory committee to further examine the New Georgia Project's actions and to probe claims that $2 billion was improperly given to a coalition of groups trying to reduce emissions of greenhouse gases. Abrams worked with one of the groups until the end of last year. The move comes as Republican Lt. Gov. Burt Jones runs for governor, committee Chairman Bill Cowsert of Athens runs for state attorney general and four other Republicans on the committee run for lieutenant governor. Abrams has said that Republicans are targeting her because she has been politically effective. The former state House minority leader, Abrams founded the New Georgia Project in 2013. She resigned from the group in 2017, vaulting to national Democratic stardom when she came close to defeating Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in 2018. She parlayed voting rights after that election into a national platform and even consideration as Bidens running mate in 2020, but lost a 2022 governors race rematch to Kemp by a broader margin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Emadi told the committee Thursday that the Ethics Commission struggles to investigate illegal coordination because it can't question people under oath until after it has proved probable cause that they violated the law. When Cowsert asked him how the commission might be more effective, Emadi suggested giving it the power to put people under oath earlier in investigations. Emadi also suggested that lawmakers could enact some commission rules into law, to prevent rules from being challenged in court. Some board members of the Ethics Commission have suggested individuals should face criminal penalties or personal fines for knowingly breaking campaign finance laws. Today, campaigns can be fined and individuals can be ordered to repay money they improperly took from campaign accounts. Cowsert said he wants to see personal accountability for people intentionally breaking the law, whether that consists of a fine or even prison time. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is calling on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to impose stricter travel regulations on young men leaving the country to avoid enlisting in the military. "I have asked him to ensure that these young men remain in the country because they are needed there and not in Germany," Merz said on Friday after a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Berlin. "We need everyone who can lend a hand, who can help - right up to military service - in Ukraine," said Merz in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Merz, a "considerable proportion" of young Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 24 are fleeing to Germany because military service does not begin until the age of 25. Zelensky relaxed travel restrictions for young men in August, with a noticeable uptick in arrivals in Germany seen since then. The chancellor said he discussed the issue "very openly" with Zelensky in a phone call on Thursday, as well as the need to investigate the corruption scandal in Kiev. Merz said he "urgently asked Zelensky to put a stop to this as quickly as possible and to review structures with regard to the fight against corruption in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the German government, Zelensky informed Merz about the investigations in the call, promising "complete transparency and long-term support for the independent anti-corruption authorities." Merz also reiterated the need to support Ukraine "financially and, if necessary, militarily in the coming years." Supporting Kiev lies in the interests of Germany and the European Union, he argued. German Chancellor Friedrich Merz is calling on Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to impose stricter travel regulations on young men leaving the country to avoid enlisting in the military. "I have asked him to ensure that these young men remain in the country because they are needed there and not in Germany," Merz said on Friday after a meeting with Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides in Berlin. "We need everyone who can lend a hand, who can help - right up to military service - in Ukraine," said Merz in Berlin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Merz, a "considerable proportion" of young Ukrainian men between the ages of 18 and 24 are fleeing to Germany because military service does not begin until the age of 25. Zelensky relaxed travel restrictions for young men in August, with a noticeable uptick in arrivals in Germany seen since then. The chancellor said he discussed the issue "very openly" with Zelensky in a phone call on Thursday, as well as the need to investigate the corruption scandal in Kiev. Merz said he "urgently asked Zelensky to put a stop to this as quickly as possible and to review structures with regard to the fight against corruption in Ukraine." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the German government, Zelensky informed Merz about the investigations in the call, promising "complete transparency and long-term support for the independent anti-corruption authorities." Merz also reiterated the need to support Ukraine "financially and, if necessary, militarily in the coming years." Supporting Kiev lies in the interests of Germany and the European Union, he argued. Germany ready to assume guarantees for frozen Russian assets With regard to frozen Russian state assets in Belgium, Germany is prepared to "assume corresponding guarantees on a pro rata basis," he said. Russia has warned the EU against "stealing" its state assets and the consequences for Europe as a financial centre. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Christodoulides emphasized that Cyprus is not generally opposed to the use of the frozen funds, but that a legally viable solution is needed. Zelensky is demanding the release of up to 160 billion ($186 billion) frozen in Belgium to finance a loan for Ukraine. Kiev needs the support, which would be a "great loss" for Russian President Vladimir Putin and his entourage, Zelensky said. ATLANTA (AP) As an education reporter, Ive heard teachers worry that the most pernicious challenges their students face, like poverty or housing insecurity, are beyond the realm of what schools can fix. I wanted to understand better how the rising cost of housing and the prevalence of eviction could undermine a young persons ability to thrive in school and in life. Research shows schoolchildren threatened with eviction are more likely to transfer to another school, often one with less funding, more poverty and lower test scores. Theyre more likely to miss school, and those who end up transferring are suspended more often. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I've seen this firsthand through my own reporting. A few years ago, when I was writing about students who missed school for months or longer, many of them said a housing disruption had first kept them out of class. They lost their home, ended up staying with a relative, and didn't get back in school for weeks or longer. So I called up a parent organizer in Atlanta who had introduced me to other families struggling with that citys rapid gentrification. She told me about Sechita McNair, a talkative mother of three trying to move back to Atlanta after an eviction so her kids could stay in their schools. McNair was one of the easiest people Ive ever written about because she was a film-industry veteran. She understood my desire to document or understand every step in the process of getting evicted or advocating for her children. I never had to explain why I was asking a question, why I wanted so much detail about where she was when she received a certain phone call, or why I wanted her to send me emails or documents. Shes an open book and sincerely thought others might benefit from reading about her perseverance and resourcefulness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She also was challenging to write about because her life was extremely complicated. McNair has immense family responsibilities, without support from other relatives, yet she holds a deep belief that things will work out if she just keeps moving. Her situation and plans would change rapidly. Sometimes I struggled to keep up. I traveled to Atlanta three times over several months to visit McNair, and in between we were in constant touch. I often spoke to her while she drove the kids to and from school or while she picked up orders for Uber Eats. The result is a close-up portrait of life as a single mother trying to swim upstream while carrying three boys on her back. This is the hardest part: Everything McNair was working toward getting her kids back into Atlanta is exactly what researchers would say she should do. She should keep her kids in the same school so they can be in a stable environment. But so far, it hasn't been enough. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ____ Bianca Vazquez Toness covers the intersection of education and childrens well-being. She led the nation in showing how many students were missing school after the pandemic, and her work was honored as a finalist for the Pulitzer Prize. ____ The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The European Union wants Google to dismantle its European-based advertising-technology business, which it has deemed a monopoly, but the tech firm said Friday it has another plan. Google officials announced they submitted a compliance plan following the European Commission's ad-tech decision, which Google will appeal. "Our proposal fully addresses the EC's decision without a disruptive breakup that would harm thousands of European publishers and advertisers who use Google tools to grow their business," Google said in a blog post. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Google's proposal "includes immediate product changes to end the specific practices the Commission challenges," it said. "For example, we are giving publishers the option to set different minimum prices for different bidders when using Google Ad Manager," Google officials said. They also propose addressing accusations of conflicts of interest by giving publishers and advertisers more choices and greater flexibility by "increasing the interoperability of our tools." Google officials said they intend to cooperate with the EC while it considers the proposal and "are committed to finding an effective solution that provides certainty and consistency for our customers across Europe, the United States and globally." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The EC in September fined Google $3.5 billion in a search engine antitrust case and wants Google to break up its European business. Google's proposal seeks to avoid a breakup, but it does not provide any mechanisms for measuring the impact of proposed changes, according to Politico. The EC has received Google's proposal, which drew criticism from online publishers in Europe. "Behavioral adjustments have been tested repeatedly over many years and have failed to rebalance this market," Angela Mills Wade, European Publishers Council executive director, told Politico. She said Google's proposal, ultimately, won't eliminate its ad-tech monopoly, which accounts for most of parent company Alphabet's annual revenues, which topped $350 billion in 2024. "Without structural change, Google will continue to own and control the tools and data flows that determine the terms of trade for the entire digital advertising ecosystem," Wade added. Participating in a groundbreaking ceremony for BioMADE from left, are BioMADE Chief Manufacturing Officer Jack Starr, BioMADE CEO Douglas Friedman, Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen. BioMADE is expanding facilities at the ISU BioCentury Research Farm in Boone. (Photo by Robin Opsahl/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Gov. Kim Reynolds and Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen celebrated the expansion of bioindustrial manufacturing in Iowa as they joined executives of BioMADE at the ISU BioCentury Research Farm Friday for a groundbreaking ceremony. The event celebrated the kickoff of the $40 million project to bring BioMADE, a Manufacturing Innovation Institute backed by the U.S. Department of Defense, to the ISU facility. The Iowa facility was funded using $10 million from the Iowa Economic Development Authority, $10 million from ISU and $20 million from BioMADE, in addition to receiving support from the U.S. Department of Defense. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The site, which measures 15,000 square feet, will be a pilot-scale biomanufacturing plant in Boone, designed to support the development and research of bioindustrial products to bring them to commercial and defense markets. The project includes plans to expand the ISUs fermentation facilities, with 5,000 and 10,000-liter industrial fermenters, as well as lab space and downstream processing capabilities, for businesses to use to test products before deciding whether to move ahead with investing in their own manufacturing facilities for a product. Reynolds said that nearly a year prior to the event ISU and BioMADE leaders visited her office to showcase their vision for the project. It was a bold, practical plan to bring together Iowas strengths in agriculture, research and manufacturing to build something truly transformative and what an incredible moment it is to see all of that take shape today, Reynolds said. Todays milestone is a reflection of the power of partnerships and the potential that it creates when government, industry and academia work side by side. Reynolds said Iowa and ISU in particular are a great fit for the project, as the university is already a leader on biomanufacturing, production and research, saying the type of expertise and infrastructure thats needed already exists for BioMADEs goals at the ISU BioCentury Research Farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This new pilot (and) scaled-up facility helps complete Iowas biomanufacturing ecosystem, Reynolds said. It will take the discoveries from the lab and scale them into real world applications, accelerating American research and development, creating great new jobs and ensuring that breakthroughs developed in this country are made in this country. BioMADE CEO Douglas Friedman said that alongside the Iowa facility, the organization has also launched similar pilot projects in California and Minnesota with different production capacities and equipment, filling a critical gap in pilot and demonstration infrastructure, allowing for businesses to experiment with different products and materials throughout the country. Wintersteen said much of the work already being done by researchers and faculty at the ISU facility is already focused on identifying and fulfilling the critical gaps in bringing products to market in bioindustrial fields, and that there will be opportunities for collaboration between the university and BioMADE. It will also serve as a hub for hands-on training and workforce development, preparing the next generation of bio-processing engineers and scientists, Wintersteen said. So were excited about whats going to happen here, and the faculty that will be working here, and their efforts and efforts of many others that will produce key breakthroughs in bio-manufacturing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friedman also said these pilot projects are crucial for leading the way to more bio-based products being manufactured right here in America. In Iowa, there will be a specific focus on food-grade capabilities ingredients like prebiotics, probiotics, sweeteners, flavors, he said. Well be able to tie into the robust biomanufacturing ecosystem that is already present here in Iowa, Friedman said. Friedman also praised state government and ISU leaders for allowing the project to move forward quickly, at a speed that makes sense in this era of global competition. The facility is scheduled to open in 2027. COLUMBUS Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced on Wednesday, Nov. 12 that $88 million in grant funding is now available to help communities clean up contaminated properties and prepare them for new development opportunities. The funding will be awarded as part of the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, launched by the DeWine administration in 2021. The program helps communities across the state clean up industrial, commercial and institutional brownfield sites that are abandoned, idled or underutilized due to a known or potential release of hazardous substances or petroleum. No community should be held back by a property thats unsafe or unusable, DeWine said. Through the Ohio Brownfield Remediation Program, were giving every county in Ohio the opportunity to tackle these brownfields head-on, restore pride in their neighborhoods, and lay the groundwork for long-term prosperity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The program, administered by the Department of Development. has provided nearly $717 million to support 681 projects in 86 counties through its first 10 rounds. For nearly five years, the Brownfield Remediation Program has turned liabilities into assets; transforming countless communities and paving the way for new opportunities all across Ohio, Mihalik said. No one knows the needs of our neighborhoods better than our local partners, and no one has worked harder to bring these lost properties back to life." According to a press release by the Department of Development, this new round of funding was made possible with support from the Ohio General Assembly in the most recent biennium budget bill, House Bill 96, which allocated an additional $200 million toward the program. As required by the bill, $1 million is reserved for applicants in each of Ohios 88 counties and will be awarded via a merit-based process. Projects that assess or remediate brownfield properties are eligible for funding. Entities that contributed to the contamination of properties are not eligible to apply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The remediation program is part of DeWine's Ohio BUILDS initiative, which focuses on supporting targeted solutions that impact quality of life, such as water infrastructure improvements, broadband expansion, brownfield redevelopment and the demolition of blighted buildings. Applications are open now through 5 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 5. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said Thursday he will sue the Department of Justice (DOJ) for $500,000 over investigators obtaining his phone records during special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into President Trumps alleged efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. The Senate, in its proposal to reopen the government, included a provision allowing senators to sue for $500,000 if their data was sought or obtained without them being notified. The measure, retroactive to 2022, became law once President Trump signed the funding bill on Wednesday night to end the 43-day shutdown. It bothers the hell out of me and Im going to sue, and Im going to create opportunities for others to sue that werent in the Senate, Graham told reporters in South Carolina, according to The Post and Courier. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Hill has reached out to the DOJ for comment. While in the House, Graham voted for the 2001 Patriot Act, which expanded the federal governments civilian surveillance capabilities. He also defended the National Security Agency collecting the phone records of millions of Americans in 2013. An unclassified document, dated Sept. 27, 2023, released by the Senate Judiciary Committee last month says that an FBI special agent whose name is redacted conducted preliminary toll analysis on the phone records of Graham and Republican Sens. Bill Hagerty (Tenn.), Josh Hawley (Mo.), Dan Sullivan (Alaska), Tommy Tuberville (Ala.), Ron Johnson (Wis.), Cynthia Lummis (Wyo.) and Marsha Blackburn (Tenn.). Sen. Rick Scott (R-Fla.) said on the social platform X last month he was also targeted by the investigation. The agency also analyzed the records of Rep. Mike Kelly (R-Pa.), who cannot sue because the provision only applies to senators. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The records were from Jan. 4 to Jan. 7, 2021, before, during and after the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol, the committee said in a news release. The data obtained included whom the lawmakers spoke to, the length of the calls and their general locations, but not the content of the conversations. Every Republican in the upper chamber, with the exception of Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.), joined eight Democrats in passing the funding measure. However, House Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle have criticized the provisions inclusion. Rep. Jamie Raskin (Md.), the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, called the provision one of the most blatantly corrupt provisions for political self-dealing and the plunder of public resources ever proposed in Congress on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rep. Greg Steube (R-Fla.), the lone House Republican to vote against the funding bill, said on X on Wednesday he could not in good conscience support a resolution that creates a self-indulgent legal provision for certain senators to enrich themselves by suing the Justice Department using taxpayer dollars. House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) said Wednesday on X that the lower chamber will vote on a standalone bill that would repeal the litigation measure next week. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Washington For 50 days, Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona had no budget and couldn't hire staff or open up her offices. That changed this week when she was officially sworn in as the newest member of Congress. "It's been 50 days of waiting," Grijalva said in an interview with CBS News after her swearing-in Wednesday. "And so the emotions run the gamut of frustration, anger, happiness, sadness, I mean, every emotion you can think of. It's really an injustice for 813,000 people in southern Arizona to have not had a voice in Congress because of an obstruction from one person." Grijalva faults House Speaker Mike Johnson for holding up her swearing-in for seven weeks while the House was in recess. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grijalva was elected to Congress in a Sept. 23 special election. But Johnson kept the House out of session from Sept. 19 until Wednesday of this week, when the body returned to vote on a Senate-passed bill to end a 43-day-long government shutdown. The speaker maintained that Grijalva couldn't be sworn in until the House returns, drawing criticism from Democrats and a lawsuit from the Arizona attorney general. "I think it was strategic," Grijalva said of the delay. "I think that he was trying to prevent the release of the Epstein files. And I know that if I were a Republican, I would not have been waiting." Within minutes of her swearing-in, Grijalva became the final signatory needed for a discharge petition to force a vote to compel the Department of Justice to release all of its files pertaining to the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. "I committed to it, and I believe very strongly that it is about getting justice for the survivors," she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson has indicated he may hold a vote on the matter as soon as next week. It's not clear if the Senate will take it up if it clears the House. The House speaker tried to smooth things over with Grijalva during a mock swearing-in ceremony Wednesday when asked about the delay in seating her. "Look, I really like this lady," the Louisiana Republican told reporters. "She may not agree with me, but we followed the custom of the House on the timetable, and we've had a little, as we say, in the Deep South, some intense fellowship about that, but she's here now." Grijalva told CBS News she doesn't buy the speaker's explanation and pointed to other members who were sworn in quickly when the House was out of session. In April, Republican Reps. Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine were sworn in a day after special elections in Florida, during brief "pro forma" sessions of the House. Democratic Rep. James Walkinshaw of Virginia was also sworn in a day after winning a special election in September. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think that we've seen that under this Speaker, he swore people in a pro forma in under 24 hours," she argued. "I was elected before the shutdown. The shutdown has nothing to do with Congress opening." Johnson argues Fine and Patronis were special cases because the House "unexpectedly went out of session" on the day of their swearing-in, so Johnson went forward with the ceremony "as a courtesy to them" since their families had flown into town. Grijalva enters her role as the federal government emerges from the longest shutdown in modern history. Congress passed a bill this week that will keep the government funded until late January. "When I had the opportunity to speak one-on-one with Speaker Johnson, I said, 'Can we work towards an annual budget?" she recalled. "I mean, is that something unheard of for this administration because we can't continue to do this again." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Grijalva is the first Latina to represent Arizona's seventh congressional district, a seat previously held by her late father, Rep. Raul Grijalva, who served in Congress for more than two decades. The veteran progressive congressman, who once chaired the House Natural Resources Committee, died in March of complications from cancer treatments. Grijalva has been working out of his old office and believes he'd have a message for her as she follows in his footsteps in Congress. "I think he'd be very proud," she reflected. "Good for you, mi hija, keep fighting. Don't let them push you around." Comey and James ask judge to drop charges filed by Lindsey Halligan Jack Schlossberg, John F. Kennedy's grandson, announces bid for Congress Judge weighing Lindsey Halligan's DOJ appointment as she prosecutes Comey and James The Palestinian militant organization Hamas has handed over another body to staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) in the Gaza Strip. The remains are said to be of a hostage abducted from Israel, Hamas said on Thursday. A forensic institute in Tel Aviv later confirmed that the body belongs to Meny Godard, a resident of Kibbutz Be'eri, according to statements from the office of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the Israeli military, Godard was killed at the age of 73 during the Hamas massacre of October 7, 2023, and his body was reportedly taken to the Gaza Strip. Following the handover, three dead hostages remain in the sealed-off coastal area, including a foreigner abducted from Israel. Hamas announced on Thursday that it had found the body in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip on the same day. Under the ceasefire agreement that Israel and Hamas reached in October, the Islamist group had to hand over all the remains of 28 murdered hostages to Israel. For each returned body, Israel in turn committed to transfer the remains of 15 people killed in the Gaza Strip to the authorities there. Gold-backed stablecoins presnt an alternative to Treasury reserves. Credit: Pixabay. Key Takeaways Two new gold-backed stablecoins have launched recently. USDKG and GLDY present an alternative to Treasury-backed coins. Could the U.S. stablecoin push backfire if issuers shift to alternative reserve assets? Political motivations behind the GENIUS Act include fostering American innovation and securing the dominance of the U.S. dollar. But perhaps most importantly from Washingtons perspective, the stablecoin regulation is expected to increase demand for U.S. government debt. However, in recent days, two gold-backed stablecoins have been announced that dont require Treasury reserves at all. Kyrgyzstan Launches Stablecoin Backed by Gold Reserves With over 40 metric tons of the precious metal in its national reserves, Kyrgyzstan is gold-rich for what is ultimately a tiny economy. But rather than simply selling its reserves, the government is looking to raise cash by issuing a new stablecoin backed by the central banks gold. Issued by a company owned by Kyrgyzstans Ministry of Finance, USDKG initially launched on Ethereum and TRON, with plans to add support for other networks at a later stage. The projects website cites all the usual stablecoin advantages of real-time settlement, seamless cross-border payments, and decentralized finance (DeFi) integration. For institutions, it also offers low-risk yield backed by physical gold reserves, but the website doesnt disclose further details. According to local media, over $50 million worth of USDKG was minted toward the end of October. The launch of USDKG reflects the Central Asian nations broader push into crypto, which includes the launch of a new digital asset bank earlier this month. Kyrgyz leaders are already embroiled in stablecoin politics. President Sadyr Japarov has protested Western sanctions against A7A5, a ruble-pegged coin with ties to banks in his country. GLDY Offers Stablecoin Yield Backed by Gold Officially launched on Nov. 14, GLDY is a kind of hybrid token that shares the features of a yield-bearing stablecoin and tokenized gold. The token is designed to maintain a USD peg. However, it offers up to 4% annualized yield, generated by deploying the underlying assets in gold-leasing programs. In comments to CCN, Henry McPhie, CEO of GLDY issuer Streamex Corp, called the model one of the most significant innovations in gold investment in decades, which is reengineering one of humanitys oldest assets for the digital and institutional era. Not What Washington Had in Mind While Streamex is headquartered in Florida, neither USDKG nor GLDY is the kind of stablecoin U.S. lawmakers had in mind when they passed the GENIUS Act. Aspirus St. Luke's in Duluth is pausing changes to compensation amid an investigation from Attorney General Keith Ellison's office but continuing to ask physicians to sign a heavily amended contract. (Photo by Nicole Neri/Minnesota Reformer) A multistate health system is pausing changes to compensation but continuing to ask Duluth physicians to sign a heavily amended contract that includes a noncompete clause barring them from seeking work elsewhere. Aspirus St. Lukes push for physicians to sign the amended contract comes even as Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison is investigating the noncompete clause, which were banned in Minnesota for contracts after 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An email from Aspirus St. Lukes, forwarded by two physicians who were granted anonymity due to fear of retaliation, acknowledged the attorney generals investigation into proposed amendments to physician contracts and how the amendment might, or might not, impact an underlying non-compete commitment in our employment agreement. Aspirus is now pausing changes to compensation and its performance incentive program. Even amid the investigation, however, the company is still asking physicians to sign the amended contract in December a month after an initial deadline according to an email sent to physicians from Kim Terhaar, the vice president of ambulatory care. Physicians previously told the Reformer that they were told that refusal to sign the amendments which include significant changes to sections on compensation, duties and terminations would be taken as a resignation. An author of Minnesotas 2023 ban on noncompete agreements said the amended contract likely violates the law; although the noncompete ban does not apply to contracts signed before 2023, renewed and amended contracts are considered new contracts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Still, labor law experts said that its unclear how a court might rule. Ellisons office provided no updates on the investigation. The amendments are not the first time Aspirus physicians have raised issues with their noncompetes. In October, a family physician sued Aspirus St. Lukes to be released from the noncompete clause in her contract, arguing that the enforcement of the noncompete would inhibit patient access to primary care in Duluth. That physician, according to the lawsuit, told Aspirus that she intended to open a direct primary care practice in which patients pay a flat fee for primary care instead of paying through insurance. In response, Aspirus threatened to use her contracts noncompete to sue her if she proceeded, according to the lawsuit. Aspirus denied all allegations from the lawsuit and filed a memorandum defending the noncompete. The lawsuit is ongoing. Aspirus St. Lukes is also currently being sued by a Duluth physician in a class-action suit alleging wage theft. Thanksgiving is just two weeks away, but for thousands of Central Florida families, the holiday season is bringing more stress than celebration. With many residents still without their SNAP benefits following the government shutdown, food insecurity is surging, and the Heart of Florida United Way is asking the community to step in. The organization says the need is higher than anything theyve seen in recent years. They are seeing a 114% increase in calls for food stability in addition to the calls that theyre getting on a regular basis, said Lynnea Crawford, Vice President of Development and Volunteers at Heart of Florida United Way. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the biggest drivers of that spike: the temporary removal of key federal assistance programs. When you add in the removal of SNAP and other programs that are there to support those working families, now theyre in even bigger trouble, Crawford said. Although the government has reopened, many families are still waiting for their SNAP funds to return, and Thanksgiving is now rapidly approaching. In Central Florida alone, more than 500,000 households rely on food assistance. Crawford says the timing makes the situation even more urgent. We will see an increase of calls during this season, regardless of whats going on in our community and with the government shutdown, but you add that on too, and were going to continue to see that increase. Helping 24,000 people this Thanksgiving To meet the need, Heart of Florida United Way is working nonstop to deliver Thanksgiving meals to families across Orange, Osceola, and Seminole counties through its annual Thanksgiving Project. The goal: feed 24,000 people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everyone receives a box filled with holiday staples. Every family walks away with a box of shelf-stable food items, including rice, beans, mashed potatoes, stuffing, and of course, the jar of cranberry sauce to fill and help to supplement their Thanksgiving table, Crawford said. For families in transitional housing or those without kitchens, the organization is also providing grocery cards so they can still celebrate the holiday in a way that works for them. And the message is simple: everyone deserves joy this season. Just because your family is having a hard time does not mean that you dont deserve to have a joyous holiday season celebrating with your friends and family and carrying on your traditions, Crawford said. How you can help Heart of Florida United Way is asking the community to donate food, money, or time to help support families facing hunger this Thanksgiving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To learn how you can join the effort or find details on the organizations food distributions happening this week and next visit 9Family.com. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. Virginia Board of Education Members listening to Superintendent Emily Anne Gullickson at the board's business meeting on Nov. 13, 2025. (Nathaniel Cline/Virginia Mercury) Virginia will delay raising its academic benchmarks in reading and math until the following school year a pause that gives teachers and school divisions a brief breather before higher proficiency standards take effect. On Thursday, the Virginia Board of Education endorsed a four-year phased plan to raise expectations set by Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration. The goal is to better align the states benchmarks, or cut scores, with the rigor of the National Assessment of Educational Progress and help students improve their thinking problem-solving skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Critics have said for months that while they understand the need for higher expectations, they worry shifting cut scores could lower graduation rates, increase teacher burnout and worsen inequitable access to education. Others, however, spoke in support at Thursdays meeting. When standards stay low, the least advantaged children lose the most as they depend the most on the public school system for their education, said parent Todd Truitt. He added that many of these least advantaged kids in Virginia graduate believing they are prepared, only to find out later that the world expected more of them. This school year will serve as a preparation year, with the proficient cut score staying at 400 before rising to 446 by the 2028-2029 school year. Virginia will begin gradually increasing cut scores starting in 2026-2027. Under the boards plan, students retaking a Standards of Learning (SOL) assessment must meet the passing score that was required when they first took the test. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students who have already demonstrated proficiency on high school end-of-course assessments whether in middle or high school will not be required to retake the test or the course. The board also directed the Virginia Department of Education to release updated student assessment reports next spring for parents and school divisions, intended to help meet the boards goals for higher expectations. Groups including the Virginia Association of School Superintendent had asked the board to extend the existing proficiency and graduation requirements for all high school students, not just seniors. But the board took no action, with staff saying they are following the precedent of modifying cut scores without altering graduation requirements. Board Member Ida Outlaw McPherson emphasized the need to support disadvantaged students as they prepare for college, sharing that she herself had not been ready in certain subjects something she said might have derailed her plans to pursue a political science degree. Fortunately, I was able to overcome it, but thats why its very important to me that we raise the level as quickly as possible so the students never have to face that, McPherson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since September, VDOE has met with school leaders to discuss concerns over how the proposed cut scores would affect their divisions, providing modeling and impact analyses. Scott Brabrand, VASS executive director, said members strongly appreciated and support your total four-year phase-in approach to intentional transition planning, which will allow for additional modeling by VDOE and school divisions. The vote caps a years-long process that drew heightened attention in the spring, when a standards-setting committee of teachers and instructional personnel began developing recommendations. On Oct. 24, 2022, Youngkin asked the board to raise achievement expectations and cut scores particularly for grades 3-8 reading and math SOLs following the release of 2022 NAEP results that showed declines in Virginia across both subjects between 2019 and 2022, and continuous drops in fourth-grader proficiency dating back to 2017. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The administration asked the board to reverse cut scores lowered by a previous board, which inflated the perception of proficiency and ultimately led to some of the worst learning losses in the country, according to the agencys presentation. Mim Luangraj, a resident in Arlington, said parents including those from working families and those who speak English as a second language likely do not know where standards should be set for college and career readiness. As a product of that community and on behalf of those that cant advocate for their own children, Im here today to say its crucial that their children receive an education at schools with high academic expectations and real opportunity because for many of them, thats the only place theyll get it, Luangraj said. Board Vice Chair Bill Hansen was absent from the 8-0 vote by the Youngkin-appointed board. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Across the country, homeowners are watching their utility bills climb. In doing so, they're beginning to notice a connection between those costs and all the construction happening on their streets. What's happening? In Wyncote, Pennsylvania, resident Michelle Lordi told NPR she's seen her gas and electric bills hit "thousand-dollar" levels. Making the connection between her bills and nearby construction, she added, "It looks like they are tearing every single bit of infrastructure up here. So, first of all, I know that's very expensive. There's crews and crews of people." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Local utility PECO is currently spending $1.8 billion over five years to replace its gas pipelines. Regulators currently allow utilities to pass that cost on directly to ratepayers. Even though the price of gas itself is relatively low right now, residential gas rates are reaching record highs. Customers are paying less for fuel and more for the infrastructure around it: construction, utility fees, and taxes. Why is this spike concerning? These massive infrastructure upgrades may improve safety in the short term, but they come with long-term consequences. Gas utilities earn profits from building new pipelines, not from the gas itself. This incentivizes gas utilities to spend more on construction. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Methane gas, the main component of "natural" gas, is a powerful pollutant. It traps heat in the atmosphere much more efficiently than carbon dioxide. According to the Environmental Defense Fund, burning and leaking methane are leading contributors to the planet's overheating. Methane is linked to both outdoor and indoor air pollution that can harm public health. Despite those risks, dirty energy still dominates U.S. energy use. In 2021, roughly 79% of all energy consumed in the country came from dirty sources like gas, oil, and coal, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. What's being done about it? A few states are beginning to push back against costly gas pipeline expansion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For instance, California signed AB 825 into law in September. The bill set up a framework to stabilize gas markets and lower pollution. It will also save residents up to $10 billion on energy costs over the next decade while transitioning toward cleaner electricity. On the home front, families can take matters into their own hands by switching to electric appliances like heat pumps. Heat pumps both warm and cool homes efficiently without burning fuel. Heat pumps have outsold gas furnaces every year since 2021. Even as federal incentives start to phase out, experts have said that adoption will keep rising thanks to lower costs and better technology. If you're looking for a heat pump yourself, Mitsubishi can help you find the right one for your home. Heating and cooling typically make up nearly half of household energy costs. Switching to efficient electric systems can save families money while cutting pollution at the same time. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Hundreds of climate demonstrators took to the streets on Friday in several German cities to criticize the German government for failing to take decisive action on climate change and for continuing to support fossil fuels. The Fridays for Future protest movement organized the action in about 75 locations in Germany to coincide with the annual UN Climate Change Conference in the Brazilian city of Belem. The activist group and police stated that about 1,000 people participating in the northern city of Hamburg. It said about 3,000 joined in Cologne and some 700 took part in Dresden and Munich. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police said at least 650 gathered peacefully in front of the Brandenburg Gate in the German capital Berlin, while organizers spoke of 2,000 demonstrators. In Berlin, participants displayed an LED sign reading "Keep your Promises." Others had signs with slogans promoting more action on climate change. Several speakers were expected, including Luisa Neubauer, a prominent German climate activist. In an interview with the RBB broadcaster, Neubauer has earlier criticized the recently announced plans of Chancellor Friedrich Merz's governing coalition to reverse the increase in the air travel ticket tax, describing it as a "gift to airlines." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Hamburg, several speakers and artists also addressed the crowd. In many cities, the demonstrations were to be combined with lantern parades. Ahead of the planned action, Neubauer told dpa in Berlin that "Germany has taken on the role of the aimless blocker in the global fight against the existential climate crisis." Carla Reemtsma, who is on-site for Fridays for Future at the UN climate talks in the Brazilian city of Belem has demanded: "Instead of continuing to invest in dirty gas, the federal government must advocate for the phase-out of fossil fuels at the COP and finally strengthen climate financing." The IDF has confirmed that its forces are deployed throughout the area in line with operational agreements and will continue to take all necessary measures to eliminate threats to Israel. Israeli soldiers in the Nahal Brigade killed a terrorist who crossed into IDF-controlled territory in the southern Gaza Strip and approached them, the IDF said on Friday. The terrorist was killed after being identified by the IDF in order to ensure the safety of the forces operating in the area, the military said. IDF troops operate in southern Gaza, November 4, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON UNIT) IDF shoots at four terrorists as it dismantles Rafah terror tunnels This marks an additional instance of terrorists crossing over into IDF-controlled territory in Gaza. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, theIDF shot at four terrorists across the Yellow Line, as Israeli troops worked to dismantle terror tunnels in Rafah, in the southern Gaza Strip. The IDF later stated that soldiers killed three out of the four terrorists. The military assessed that the four Gazans were part of the approximately 200 terrorists who remain in the tunnels in Rafah. Additionally, in a separate incident on Wednesday, IDF troops killed a terrorist in Khan Yunis who was seen crossing the Yellow Line and approaching the soldiers. A notorious criminal on El Salvadors list of most-wanted gang members has been taken into custody on United States soil, according to federal officials. Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla was arrested in Maryland earlier this month after police caught him allegedly driving without a license, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a news release. While the arrest marks Lazo-Quintanillas first known run-in with the law in the United States, authorities learned he is wanted in his home country for numerous crimes, including aggravated homicide, extortion and possession of drugs, according to DHS. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dhs Arrests Five Illegal Immigrants Convicted Of Serious Crimes, Including Murder And Child Abuse Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla was arrested by ICE officials for allegedly driving without a license in Maryland in November 2025, according to DHS. Lazo-Quintanilla is wanted in his home country of El Salvador for numerous crimes, including aggravated homicide, extortion and possession of drugs, according to DHS. "Seventy percent of ICE arrests are of criminal illegal aliens charged or convicted of a crime in the United States," DHS Assistant Secretary Tricia McLaughlin said in a statement. "This gang member on El Salvadors most wanted list is a perfect example of ICE targeting the worst of the worst. "He may lack a violent rap sheet in the U.S., but this criminal illegal alien is clearly a public safety threat. Read On The Fox News App California Illegal Immigrant With 49 Prior Arrests Tops Ices Latest Worst-of-the-worst List Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla is "a confirmed member of the 18th Street Gang" in El Salvador, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization by the Trump administration, according to DHS. "The medias false claims that ICE is not arresting the worst of the worst simply has no grounding," McLaughlin added. "In reality, ICE is arresting criminal illegal aliens before they can victimize Americans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lazo-Quintanilla, whose mugshot shows a large "666" tattoo across his forehead, is also "a confirmed member of the 18th Street Gang" in El Salvador, which has been designated a foreign terrorist organization (FTO) by the Trump administration, according to DHS. Ice Ramps Up Arrests Of Convicted Criminals As Riots Rage In Blue City: 'You Will Not Stop Us' Federal officials arrested illegal alien Antonio Israel Lazo-Quintanilla during a traffic stop in Maryland, and authorities later learned he is a member of El Salvadors list of most-wanted gang members, according to DHS. Details about when Lazo-Quintanilla entered the country were not immediately available. The 18th Street Gang is "one of the largest gangs in our hemisphere and has conducted attacks against security personnel, public officials, and civilians in El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras," according to a statement from Secretary of State Marco Rubio. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Click Here To Download The Fox News App DHS did not immediately respond to Fox News Digitals request for comment. Original article source: Illegal gangster with demonic face tattoo wanted for homicide arrested on US soil: feds CHICAGO The three major candidates seeking the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate in March each used a union forum Thursday night to pledge their fealty to organized labor and vowed to hold President Donald Trump accountable if elected. Speaking at an event hosted by the Illinois AFL-CIO and the Chicago Federation of Labor, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton and U.S. Reps. Raja Krishnamoorthi and Robin Kelly each blamed Trump for voter concerns over affordability, a winning strategy among Democrats in off-year elections nationally earlier this month. But they also attacked Trumps immigration enforcement policies and the aggressive tactics of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Border Patrol agents in Operation Midway Blitz, saying they would pursue comprehensive reform while pushing the administration to answer for its actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stratton, the two-term lieutenant governor under Democratic Gov. JB Pritzker, sought to portray herself as the outsider against the Washington status quo of her two rivals, who now serve in Congress. I can tell you that this is a time where we need real fighters, Stratton told the audience of union members at the headquarters of the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local 134 in Bronzeville. The people are showing us the energy that they want us to bring in this particular moment. Theyre showing us when they head to the streets and say, No Kings. Theyre showing us when they hold up their signs saying, Hands off my Social Security. And theyre showing us when they blow their red whistles, saying, Come help. ICE is in my community, and we need to stand up for our neighbors. That is the kind of energy that we need to meet this moment. The people are showing it, Stratton said. But Kelly, a 12-year congresswoman from Lynwood, sought to counter Strattons call. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its one thing to be a fighter, but youve got to be a winner too. You cant just fight. You have to have things to show for it, she said, touting her ability to work across the political aisle. Im not a big talker. I will tell you that Im a workhorse. Im not a show horse. My best compliment is when someone said, I simply just tell people Robin Kelly gets s done, and thats what I do. Krishnamoorthi of Schaumburg pointed to his five congressional victories in a mostly northwest suburban district that gave Trump 47% of the 2024 vote as proof that he will always fight for our constituents. The reason why voters have consistently reelected me is because I stand up for them, and they know that my office and I have been indispensable partners to them as they pursue their American dream, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Krishnamoorthi, who as an infant came from India as his family settled in Peoria, said the aggressiveness of Trumps immigration actions was personal to him. We obviously want to control our borders, but we have to conduct our immigration policy in a humane way, he said, calling for a pathway to citizenship for longtime immigrants who have contributed to their communities. We need to make sure that our government treats people with respect and due process, and thats why I believe ICE is out of control, completely out of control. Saying, we cannot be the country we aspire to be without immigrants, Krishnamoorthi said Trump and his allies need to be held accountable for the fear and chaos federal agents caused. We must shine a light on the harm theyre doing to people and workers, and we have to hold people accountable who would be supportive of those policies that would include our colleagues on the other side, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stratton, labeling the actions of federal agents atrocities, acknowledged a need for comprehensive immigration reform, which has been stalled in Congress for decades. But she said the Trump administrations actions required urgency. Weve been dragged into a five-alarm fire, and we need fighters who are going to stand up to Donald Trump, she said, saying ICEs recently increased federal funding needs to be pulled back and the money used for social programs. This is not just about immigration at all. This is about the rise of authoritarianism. This is about a wannabe dictator. And weve made it real clear here in Illinois and in the city of Chicago, there are no kings in Illinois. There are no kings in America. And we will stand up and well fight this role, this fascism that we are seeing from this government, and hes using our immigrant neighbors as scapegoats, she said. All three candidates, vying to become the successor to retiring U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin. credited organized labor for standing up against the administrations immigration enforcement tactics. But they also warned that Trump is using his second term to try to weaken workers ability to unionize and collectively bargain. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each called for an increase in the federal minimum wage and derided Republicans for pursuing an agenda to reward the wealthy with tax breaks at the expense of the working class, moves the three argued pushed up consumer prices. Stratton criticized her two chief rivals for accepting corporate contributions from political action committees, saying that placating business interests has led voters to say that they dont feel like their voices are being heard. Stratton has vowed not to accept corporate PAC contributions. Kelly acknowledged she did accept some corporate contributions, but check my record. I know who put me in office. I know who can take me out of office. And I know I vote like my constituents want me to vote. I know I can look at myself in the mirror. Im not a cheap date. Just because someone gives me $2,500 or $1,000, that does not mean Im going to vote a certain way. I do my homework. I know my district, and I represent them. Krishnamoorthi a prolific fundraiser who is the only candidate to air TV ads so far bristled at the PAC criticism, saying he has tens of thousands of individual donors and has gone after conglomerates while hes been in Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I know struggle. Nothing has ever been handed to me. Ive had to work for every single thing Ive gotten. No one made me in Illinois politics. Every dollar Ive received, every endorsement Ive gotten, has been through our hard work on my campaign, he said. The forum, moderated by Jennifer Rodriguez, the political and field mobilization director of the national AFL-CIO, marked the first time the three top-tier candidates for the Senate seat have directly squared off. The full field for the seat includes 14 total candidates, but many have not been elected to previous posts or have not raised significant cash for their campaigns. Each candidate touted their support for organized labor, a powerful Democratic constituency. Krishnamoorthi entered the event having won the backing of Chicago-based Teamsters Local 705, the states largest Teamsters local, and United Food and Commercial Workers Local 881, as well as some branches of the Illinois Federation of Teachers, the Illinois Letter Carriers Association and Elevator Constructors Local 2. I have been a partner to you every step of the way in the last 10 years of this national nightmare we call the Trump era. Ive been there with you on the picket lines. Ive been there with you in the hearings going after (U.S. Postmaster General) Louis DeJoy, who seeks to decimate the United States Postal Service. Ive been with you to pass legislation that would go after the Chinese Communist Party that is actively trying to undermine your constituents and our workers and our entire economy, Krishnamoorthi said. I will continue to fight. You know that because youve been with me in that fight every step of the way, and Im not going anywhere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stratton picked up her first labor endorsement earlier this week from the Illinois Nurses Association. Backed by Pritzker, who is the de facto leader of the state Democratic Party, Stratton has also been endorsed by several local and state Democratic officials. Im proud to have been a part of taking Illinois from the place where we had a governor who wanted to make this a right-to-work state, and now Illinois is one of the most pro-union states in the nation. We did that together, and I want to take that fight to Washington, D.C., Stratton said, referencing Pritzkers one-term Republican predecessor, Bruce Rauner, who sought to curb the power of public employee unions. Kelly, an ardent gun control advocate, has the backing of the anti-gun violence Brady PAC as well as the Congressional Black Caucus PAC. I know how much you mean to the nation. I know how much you mean to this state. I know how much you mean to this city, she said of organized labor. So I have always been there. Ive always had your back, and Id like to say youve had my back too, which I really, really appreciate. Member unions of the state AFL-CIO, which represent more than 850,000 workers, are scheduled to convene on Dec. 9 in Countryside to consider their primary endorsements. ____ Fernando Gomez Ruiz had been eating at a lunch truck outside Home Depot when agents arrested him and about 10 others in early October. The diabetic father of two, who has lived in the Los Angeles area for 22 years, was detained and then quickly transferred to California's biggest detention facility, where he's been unable to get insulin regularly and now nurses a worsening hole in his foot. He fears now not only being deported, but losing a foot. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ruiz is one of seven immigrants detained who filed a federal class-action lawsuit in the Northern District of California against the Department of Homeland Security and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on Wednesday for "inhumane" and "punitive" conditions at California City Detention Facility in the Mojave Desert. "Conditions in California City are horrific," said Tess Borden, a lawyer with the Prison Law Office. "The conditions are punishing and they are meant to punish." "Defendants are failing to provide constitutionally adequate care for the people in the facility," Borden said. "Mr. Gomez Ruiz is just tragically one such example." The complaint details alleged "decrepit" conditions inside California's newest detention facility, where sewage bubbles up shower drains, insects crawl up and down the walls of cold concrete group cells the size of parking spaces, calls for medical help go unanswered for weeks and people are excessively punished. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ryan Gustin, a spokesman for CoreCivic, which operates the facility, referred questions to Homeland Security and ICE but said in a statement "the safety, health and well-being of the individuals entrusted to our care is our top priority. "We take seriously our responsibility to adhere to all applicable federal detention standards in our ICE-contracted facilities, including the [California City facility.] Our immigration facilities are monitored very closely by our government partners at ICE, and they are required to undergo regular review and audit processes to ensure an appropriate standard of living and care for all detainees." Homeland Security spokeswoman Tricia McLaughlin called allegations of subprime conditions "false" and said this "garbage" contributes to death threats against agents. She said detained immigrants are provided with "3 meals a day, clean water, clothing, bedding, showers, and toiletries, and access to phones to communicate with their family members and lawyers." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement ICE has higher detention standards than most U.S. prisons that hold actual U.S. citizens, McLaughlin said in an email. "No one is denied access to proper medical care." From the moment someone enters custody, she stated, they are provided with "comprehensive medical care that includes medical, dental, and mental health services as available, and access to medical appointments and 24-hour emergency care." "This is the best healthcare than many aliens have received in their entire lives," she stated. The lawsuit alleges just the opposite: inadequate food and water, frigid conditions, forced isolation and lack of access to lawyers. It also details instances where life-threatening conditions allegedly weren't attended to. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the plaintiffs, Yuri Alexander Roque Campos, didn't get his needed heart medications. Since arriving there he has had two emergency hospitalizations for severe chest pain. The last time he was there, the doctor told him "he could die if this were to happen again," according to the lawsuit. "It is exemplary of the trauma and the heartbreak that people are experiencing inside," Borden said. Another plaintiff, Fernando Viera Reyes, had a pending appointment to diagnose and begin treatment for prostate cancer. Reyes is urinating blood and his blood work is abnormal, suggesting his cancer may have metastasized, the complaint alleges. But despite his requests to see a doctor about his condition, he has yet to get testing needed for diagnoses or seen a urologist. Immigrants at the facility are treated worse than prisoners, even though many detained haven't committed crimes, the lawsuit alleges. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They are kept for hours on end in "parking space"-size cells. It's frigid and when immigrants complain about the cold, instead of providing sweatshirts, they are directed to the commissary where sweatshirts and sweatpants cost around $20 each. Those pieces of clothing were free when the facility was a state prison. According to the lawsuit, at least three people have attempted suicide inside the California City center. On one of those occasions, detainees screamed for help. One immigrant stepped out of his cell to see what was going on. He and his cellmate were met by a staff member who had been doing maintenance and had a drill in his hand. Get your "a inside the cell" or "I can make a whole in your chest," the staff member ordered, according to the complaint. The individual who stepped out of the cell was given a disciplinary write-up, the complaint states. The lawsuit was brought by the Prison Law Office, the American Civil Liberties Union, the California Collaborative for Immigrant Justice and Keker, Van Nest & Peters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The former prison opened in August as the Trump administration pushed to expand detention capacity nationwide, despite failing to pass a July fire inspection. At the time, the city manager warned CoreCivic that the building is unsafe and violates the fire code because its construction prevents radio signals from transmitting from key areas," the lawsuit points out. By the next month, immigrants inside the 2,500-capacity facility launched a hunger strike protesting conditions. There are about 800 detainees at the facility now, according to lawyers. Borden said that when the facility was a state prison, individuals with significant medical needs were not allowed to be housed there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit points to a report from earlier this month from Disability Rights California. The group is authorized under federal and state law to monitor the facility and received "numerous distressing" reports that people with disabilities were experiencing poor medical care. The group found that the facility didn't provide critical medical and mental healthcare or meet people's basic needs, including adequate water and food. It determined staff used solitary confinement "unnecessarily" and employed staffers who harassed detainees. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. Republicans in the Indiana state legislature canceled a special session called at the behest of President Donald Trump to consider drawing new maps to eliminate two Democratic Party-held House seats on Friday. The canceled session in Indiana marks a major loss for Trump and Republicans as they push GOP-run states to engage in mid-decade redistricting in a bid to insulate their thin majority in the House from Trumps growing unpopularity ahead of the 2026 elections. Politics: Republicans Are Already Trying To Block California's Prop 50 Redistricting Over the last several months, Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the concept of redrawing our states congressional maps, Indiana state Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said in a statement. Today, Im announcing there are not enough votes to move that idea forward, and the Senate will not reconvene in December. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Republicans thought they could flip the only two Democratic seats in the states nine-member House delegation into the GOP column through redistricting. The White House ran an all-out pressure campaign on state leaders, with Vice President JD Vance visiting the state twice. And it looks like Trump world is mad. BREAKING: Sen Rodric Bray announces retirement, Chris LaCivita, Trumps 2024 co-campaign manager, posted on X following the announcement. The GOPs reversal in Indiana follows a brutal week for the partys redistricting campaign. California voters overwhelmingly approved a ballot initiative allowing the Democratic-dominated legislature to set aside the states nonpartisan redistricting commission and draw partisan maps eliminating up to five GOP-held seats. That would offset the potential gain of five seats Texas Republicans created when they launched this redistricting war in August. President Donald Trump's push to redraw congressional maps is not going as planned. Al Drago/Bloomberg via Getty Images Democrat Abigail Spanbergers gubernatorial victory and her partys romp in state legislative elections in Virginia came after the party announced it too would redraw maps to favor Democrats in response to Trumps redistricting push. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in Utah, a judge required the state to adopt a new House map that creates a safe Democratic seat centered in Salt Lake City following litigation in state court. Politics: Obama Puts GOP On Blast Over Redistricting Ploy: 'A Systematic Assault On Democracy' At the same time, state Republican leaders rejected Trumps redistricting overtures in Kansas and New Hampshire. With Indiana now off the map, Republicans have redrawn House maps in four states Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio for a potential gain of seven seats. Democrats would likely exceed Republicans haul when combining gains from new maps in California, Utah and, potentially, Virginia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are still other GOP redistricting efforts that could gain steam in Florida and Nebraska, but it appears that Californias successful counter to Texas redistricting, along with Democratic victories in the 2025 elections, has decreased the appetite among state-level Republicans for tinkering with their maps. Political Updates Read the original on HuffPost Gold bars arranged at the Korea Gold Exchange store in Seoul, South Korea, on Wednesday, March 2, 2022. Gold extended gains as investors weighed mounting risks to global growth from sanctions on Russia in the wake of its invasion of Ukraine. Gold dropped as optimism that the Federal Reserve will cut interest rates next month was shook by ongoing uncertainty over economic data, following the longest government shutdown in US history. Expectations for Fed cuts were scaled back as the week progressed, with Fed officials showing little conviction for reducing borrowing costs. Higher interest rates typically make non-yielding bullion relatively less appealing to investors. Most Read from Bloomberg Traders are now split on the likelihood of a rate cut in December, after all but pricing in a quarter-point reduction less than a month ago. Some Fed officials had already signaled that they would feel uncomfortable about further interest rate cuts without reliable data on the labor market and inflation, Thu Lan Nguyen, head of currency and commodities research at Commerzbank AG, wrote in a note Friday. There is therefore a risk that a majority will decide against an interest rate move in December for the time being, until the picture becomes clearer again. Golds elevated correlation to risk assets recently suggests an unwind of the debasement trade is commencing into year-end, according to TD Securities. Treasuries are outperforming gold as a safe-haven during this bout of risk-off, Dan Ghali, senior commodity strategist, said in a note. The precious metal experienced increased volatility this week, which may have been amplified by a so-called gamma squeeze, a technical pattern whereby dealers who sold cheap options are forced to buy bullion futures as a hedge. In a thin market, any sudden rise in price can increase the urgency to buy and snowball into a surge even without fresh demand from physical buyers. Golds rebound this week fits this dynamic, according to Ghali. He noted that a recent drop in over-the-counter trading volumes made the market easier to push around. This liquidity vacuum may actually have been key for setting up a gamma squeeze, resulting in a second shock wave higher this week, he said. Bullion is still up about 55% this year and remains on target for its best annual performance since 1979. Central banks have stepped up purchases, seeking a store of value and asset diversification, while investors have piled into the metal as a hedge against growing fiscal unease in some of the worlds biggest economies. An Indiana man was arrested on drug charges on Thursday. An officer with the Greenville Police Department stopped a car for a moving violation on Nov. 13, according to a spokesperson. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police K9 Atz positively alerted on the car for the presence of drugs. Upon searching the car, a substantial amount of methamphetamine and other illegal drugs were found. Jeremiah Rains of Union City, Indiana, was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance, a second-degree felony. Rains has been booked into the Darke County Jail. An investigation is still ongoing. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] (This article will update.) A member of the Indiana National Guard has died and three other members were injured in a vehicle crash on Interstate 65 near Whitestown, Indiana. The three vehicle crash occurred at about 12:15 p.m. Nov. 14 on the southbound lane of I-65 near the 129-mile marker, according to the Boone County Sheriff's Office social media post. The Indiana National Guard confirmed that four guardsmen were involved in the Humvee crash and that one had died. The other guardsmen were transported to the hospital with serious injuries. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Images of the crash show the Humvee facing the opposite direction of traffic and slightly off the highway. At the time of publication, it's unclear what caused the crash but a news release from the Boone County Sheriff's Office indicates that the other people involved were treated at the scene. IndyStar has reached out to the National Guard for additional information. Indianapolis and Indiana road conditions Check road conditions, including road closures, crashes and live webcams using Indiana's online Trafficwise map at 511in.org, or visit our gridlock guide page for live traffic cams and more. INDOT's CARS Program provides information about road conditions, closures and width and weight restrictions. The website has a color-coded map of Indiana's highways and highlights hazardous road conditions and travel delays. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interactive map also shows road work warnings, closures, roadway restrictions and other information helpful to drivers. Noe Padilla is a public safety reporter for IndyStar. Contact him at npadilla@indystar.com, follow him on X @1NoePadilla or on Bluesky @noepadilla.bsky.social. This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Indiana National Guardsman dies in crash on I-65 Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray on the House floor before the 2025 State of the State Address. (Photo by Nate Pappas for the Indiana Capital Chronicle) Indiana Senate Republicans announced Friday that they were rejecting President Donald Trumps push for congressional redistricting a move immediately blasted by Gov. Mike Braun and Trump allies. Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said in a statement Friday afternoon that the Senate wont take up the issue, as was expected in an unusual December session. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Over the last several months, Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the concept of redrawing our states congressional maps, Bray said in a statement released by his office. Today, Im announcing there are not enough votes to move that idea forward, and the Senate will not reconvene in December. Indiana lawmakers were scheduled to meet starting Dec. 1 to consider drawing more Republican-leaning U.S. House districts ahead of next years midterm elections following a months-long pressure campaign by Trumps administration and his supporters. If the decision by Senate Republicans stands, Indiana would become the first GOP-led state to outright turn down Trumps wish to squeeze out more Republican-friendly congressional seats ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Gov. Mike Braun addresses reporters on Monday, Aug. 18, 2025, at the Indiana Statehouse. (Niki Kelly/Indiana Capital Chronicle) Braun endorsed Trumps push and called for legislators to convene Nov. 3 in a special session to redraw the congressional maps. Legislative leaders delayed that to Dec. 1. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I called for our legislators to convene to ensure Hoosiers voices in Washington, D.C., are not diluted by the Democrats gerrymandering, Braun said in a statement released by the governors office Friday. Our state senators need to do the right thing and show up to vote for fair maps. Hoosiers deserve to know where their elected officials stand on important issues. This could be the first time in decades that legislators have not abided by a governors call for a special session. The state Constitution and code dont explicitly require it. In response to a request for comment from Republican House Speaker Todd Huston, his spokeswoman replied: As weve said previously, the House does have the votes to support redistricting. The White House did not immediately comment Friday or respond to messages seeking reaction to Brays announcement, though Politico reported that Trump was summoning Indiana Republicans to D.C. for Oval Office visits. Debate focused on Senate Republicans Redistricting supporters wanted Indiana lawmakers to craft a map with all nine Indiana congressional districts favoring Republicans based on 2020 census data. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current congressional maps drawn by Republicans in 2021 maintained a 7-2 GOP majority with Democrat Frank Mrvan holding the 1st District in northwest Indiana and Democrat Andre Carson holding the 7th District, which covers much of Indianapolis. Prayer, people, and partnerships power change. Were about collaboration, not division. Were about independent thinking not taking orders from Washington, Carson said in a Friday statement. Hoosiers do things differently. I want to thank Senator Bray and all the Republican and Democratic members of the Indiana Statehouse who held firm on Hoosier values. This is a win for all of us. Indianas entire GOP U.S. House delegation had lined up in support of the maneuver. And some were reacting Friday afternoon to the announcement. This is simply unacceptable, posted U.S. Rep. Marlin Stutzman, R-3rd. Democrats are gaining ground in their states before our eyes and Indiana state senators are rolling over and letting the left overtake us. What will it take for Republicans to WANT to WIN? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Without a December reconvening, lawmakers will also delay any updates to Indianas tax code past the Jan. 1 start of the 2025 filing season. Gov. Mike Brauns special session order asked legislators to also bring the states tax code in line with recent, major federal changes warning of discrepancies between Indiana and federal law that could complicate 2025 tax filings. Indiana still conforms to federal tax law as of Jan. 1, 2023, and the Department of Revenue has warned that dozens of federal changes enacted via the One Big Beautiful Bill Act have direct implications for returns filed in 2026. Now, any updates would have to be addressed once the General Assembly convenes in January. Undecided state senators had become the target of advertising campaigns, including digital, cellphone, television and mail ads from pro-redistricting groups. Eight Republican senators among the 40-member caucus had come out publicly against redistricting, with 13 having announced their support, before Brays statement Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump ally Marty Obst leader of the pro-redistricting group Fair Maps Indiana said he expected political repercussions for Bray and others. Its a shame Senator Bray blocked the Special Session, Obst told the Indiana Capital Chronicle. Its clear he does not support President Trumps agenda. Senators should show up and do their jobs and vote on redistricting. Like elections, decisions have consequences. I anticipate those consequences to be severe, said Obst, who held top roles in Trumps 2016 and 2020 presidential campaigns and was a senior political adviser to former Vice President Mike Pence. Of the 25 state Senate seats up for election in 2026, 22 are now held by Republicans, who now command a 40-10 Senate majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bray has been the top Senate Republican as selected by his GOP colleagues since late 2018. He was reelected last year by voters to a Senate term that runs until November 2028. I dont think this is necessarily as damaging as it might feel for Bray, said Laura Merrifield Wilson, a political science professor at the University of Indianapolis. A lot of the polls indicated a 2-to-1 majority of Hoosiers opposing this, Wilson said, though she acknowledged vocal Hoosiers in support, too. He may have been making a decision for what he sees as the greater good of the institution and his colleagues, even though it might be a short term setback, challenge and risk for his own immediate future, Wilson told the Capital Chronicle. Bray is accountable to more than constituents, though. There typically arent changes to the caucus leadership team between general elections, but the pro tems break with the governor and Trump administration could present an opportunity for his members. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If there are ambitious state senators who are looking to maneuver around the (leader), maybe this is a time they want to do it, Wilson said. She also noted tension among the different branches of government is not unprecedented, citing the Legislatures rocky relationship with former Gov. Eric Holcomb. He was able to still very effectively pursue his agenda while in office, Wilson said. Having a little bit of tension isnt necessarily a stop-gap for progress either. Redistricting foes hail decision Senate Minority Leader Shelli Yoder, D-Bloomington, celebrated the decision, saying in a statement that Washington insiders pressured the Governor to rig Indianas congressional maps in the middle of a decade for one reason. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They were afraid of voters. They were afraid of losing power the honest way, Yoder said. Now that this reckless idea has collapsed, our focus can return to where it should have been all along. Hoosiers. Their budgets. Their safety. Their health. Their future. Sen. Liz Brown tweeted this meme on Friday after the announcement the Senate wont convene in December. (Screenshot from X) The pro-redistricting campaigns came as a recent statewide poll of 800 registered voters found 51% did not support redistricting now with 45% strongly opposed. About 39% supported the prospect, but just 23% strongly backed it. The poll was sponsored by the group Indiana Conservation Voters, which started an anti-redistricting campaign soon after the possibility emerged in August with Vances first trip to Indianapolis pushing the issue. Megan Robertson, the groups executive director, called the pro-redistricting campaigns the product of Washington consultants trying to stir up voter anger. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We are grateful that Senate leaders listened to Hoosiers and closed the door on mid-decade redistricting, Robertson said in a statement Friday. Families across our state have been clear: they want leaders focused on the real challenges theyre facing every day, not partisan power plays. Freshman Rep. Andrew Ireland, of Indianapolis, is among several Republicans in the House who have been outspoken in support of potential redistricting. Ireland continued his calls on Friday, saying in a post to X that Indiana cannot sit on the sidelines on redistricting while Democrats in California, Virginia, and Illinois are working to gerrymander away more Republican seats in Congress. State Sen. Liz Brown, R-Fort Wayne, was also one of the loudest supporters of redistricting and she took to social media to call Indiana a state of cowards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is bad news for our conservative values. If Democrats take control of Congress, we will see impeachment hearings, woke ideology and higher taxes thrust upon Indiana and the rest of the country. Indiana will be blamed. And how cowardly that we couldnt even take a vote. This is the time to stand up to Democrats who wish ill upon us, not cower to their demands, Brown said. I will be face to face with my colleagues on Tuesday for Organization Day. I believe we can and we must consider all options for getting redistricting back on the table. Nows a good time for folks to get off the sidelines. Trump started the national redistricting fight by pushing Texas Republicans to redraw its congressional map this summer, followed by Republican redistricting moves in Missouri, Ohio and North Carolina. An attempt by Kansas Republicans for a special session on redistricting has stalled. Democrats responded with their own redistricting in California and possible moves in Illinois and Virginia. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE Dozens of Indigenous protesters blocked the entrance to the UN climate summit in Brazil on Friday to spotlight their struggle in the Amazon, prompting high-level interventions to defuse the situation. The protest lasted around two hours but intensified concerns over security at COP30 after a demonstration on Tuesday in which Indigenous activists stormed the conference venue. On Friday, around 60 men and women in tribal garb and headdresses, some carrying babies, formed a human barricade at the main summit entrance as tens of thousands of delegates were arriving. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dozens of armed soldiers and military police were guarding the venue entrance, but the United Nations said in a message to attendees that there was "no danger." Beneath a blazing sun, the group demanded a meeting with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and stood their ground as diplomats were ushered through side doors into the venue. "Come on, Lula, show yourself!" shouted Alessandra Korap, an Indigenous leader. "We want to be heard, we also want to participate in the negotiations," she added. "We have too many problems." COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago skipped a morning event to meet with the group, accepting the hand of one protester and at another point, holding a baby in a feathered headpiece. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The demonstrators had "strong and very legitimate concerns," said Correa do Lago after the consultations in a nearby hall where Indigenous people of all ages sang, danced and chanted. "We had a very positive, very constructive dialogue," he said. - 'Never heard' - After a second intervention that lasted many hours, Correa do Lago said: "You can be sure that this government will defend you at COP30" and he denied there was any "threat" to their rights. The protesters, from the Munduruku community, are seeking to advance the process of demarcating their traditional homelands. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also contest the so-called Ferrograo project, a nearly 1,000 kilometer (620 mile) railway intended to cross Brazil from west to east to transport grain. "Fighting for our territories is fighting for our lives," read a banner held by one Munduruku demonstrator. Lula is a self-proclaimed ally of the Indigenous cause. He has advanced recognition of tribal groups, cut deforestation in the Amazon and appointed a widely respected figure to head the first-ever Ministry of Indigenous Peoples. But many deplore the slow pace of demarcating Indigenous lands and oil exploration launched in October near the mouth of the Amazon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Wednesday, the iconic Indigenous chief Raoni said he would "make an appointment" with Lula over the oil project and Ferrograo and "if necessary, I'll give him a good talking-to." After about two hours, the thousands of attendees waiting outside in the sun were able to get into the venue through the main gate. Brazil on Thursday defended security at COP30 after concerns were raised earlier this week over the previous demonstration. On Tuesday evening, Indigenous protesters and their supporters stormed the negotiation venue and clashed with guards in scenes rarely witnessed at a UN climate conference. When asked by AFP on Thursday about the possible need for additional security measures in Belem, Correa do Lago replied: "No need, it was really a minor incident." bur-jmi-ico/np/ia/dw The Iowa Board of Regents will hear from universities in the future about their thoughts on a workforce alignment report presented Thursday. (Photo by Brooklyn Draisey/Iowa Capital Dispatch) Members of the Iowa Board of Regents called Thursday for further study of academic programs and their value when it comes to workforce alignment, enrollment and social good after receiving a report diving into such topics. Board staff, with the help of internal and external partners and resources, developed a report on workforce alignment of academic programs after a February directive from Board President Sherry Bates. While the huge amount of data and information compiled in the report didnt answer all of her questions, Board Chief Academic Officer Rachel Boon said it is helping her ask better ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boon and Associate Chief Academic Officer Jason Pontius presented the report to the regents Thursday. Conversations are happening across the U.S. about the value of a college degree, its cost and the relationship between college and community, Boon said, but its important to measure those concerns against data applicable to Iowa. Much of what we see and hear in the discourse is based on national data, Boon said. So this is an opportunity for us to really not dismiss those claims, but really interrogate them locally and look at our own data and see what we can learn about our own context. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX However, efforts by institutions to consider the return on investment of their own academic programs are being made across the U.S. as well, a fact Boon said was helpful in the creation of this report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Using data from universities, U.S. Department of Education, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Iowa Workforce Development and the American Community Survey, the team connected academic programs to industries and their outcomes and calculated how long it would take students to get a return on their investment, Pontius said. Other organizations and universities have developed methods of calculating the return on investment for students earning a certain degree, Pontius said, which the board team adapted to their own needs. Were not making up our own formula process, Pontias said. Were just adopting what other folks have used, and then were working really hard to make direct connections between our university graduates and the workforce data sources that we have available. The group calculated break-even thresholds, described in the report as a way of determining how long it would take for a degree holder to earn more than a non-degree holder in the same job, for programs, factoring in the time and cost of education as well as debt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pontius said 75% of majors at Iowas public universities would break even within three years compared to someone who started working right out of high school, and more popular programs shrink that time. Taking on enrollment was a smaller lift for the team than looking at return on investment, Boon said, but there are factors like demand, student interest and aptitude, accreditation caps and general education requirements to consider when scrutinizing enrollment in certain programs. Some degrees may be more popular as secondary majors rather than main areas of study, and certain areas might have a low workforce demand but still need experts in the field. The report stated universities determined that low enrollment thresholds for academic programs would be 25 or fewer students in undergraduate programs and 10 or fewer students in graduate programs. The University of Northern Iowa had the most undergraduate classes come in underneath the enrollment threshold at 17, Boon said, two of which are new programs. The University of Iowa had 13 programs under the threshold, two with enrollment caps from accreditors, and Iowa State University had 12, four of which were identified as second-major only. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for graduate programs, ISU had 35 under the threshold, two of which are new. Two of the 16 UI programs identified in the report as not meeting the threshold are also new, and UNI is phasing out two of the 12 programs the report listed. Recommendations call for expanded use of data Recommendations from the study team were split into categories based on their relation to workforce alignment, enrollment and data. As the dashboard created for the report is pretty dense, Boon said, the report recommends taking aspects of it, like the break-even calculation, and adding them to existing dashboards available to the public. The report also recommends that universities find data-informed strategies to support students in connecting degree tracks and various opportunities for experiential learning to their career objectives. When looking at enrollment, the report stated the review process the board uses to scrutinize academic programs should include information on low enrollment thresholds in addition to other facts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universities should create a framework or index for program vitality that factors in enrollment as well as issues such as, but not limited to, licensure or accreditation requirements, service to other areas of study and faculty resources, the report stated. The institutions should also find opportunities to change or close programs that would generate administrative efficiencies, improve academic program alignments, or create enhanced opportunities for workforce preparation. ISU associate professor Annemarie Butler, the only person to speak during public comment Wednesday, encouraged the regents to accept and implement the reports recommendations but warned that the data could be misleading as to how important and necessary certain programs are. Please honor the recommendation to empower each university to conduct holistic reviews of their low enrollment majors in light of the wide variety of considerations identified in the report, Butler said. Our public universities curricula are interdependent and not neatly parceled into independent departmental silos. Pontius and Boon acknowledged Thursday that there are gaps in the data, due to their rule of only using publicly available data and the limitations of some of the data they did use. Boon said shed like to have more time to fill these gaps with supplemental data and work with others trying to evaluate their own programs to find solutions, and it is recommended in the report. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Other recommendations include continued review of the assignment of codes meant to track academic programs to reduce variance in how codes are assigned a task Boon said universities are already working on and encouraging improved data collection by Iowa Workforce Development to include the actual jobs graduates are taking rather than just the industries theyre going into. Further study, discussion planned After receiving the report, board members questioned what next steps were to be, including eliminating degree programs. Regents Robert Cramer and Christine Hensley said higher education stakeholders, including legislators, are waiting to see what comes after the information is gathered. In some of the conversations Ive had with legislators, I think theres a feeling that there should be specific recommendations as to which programs and/or majors should be eliminated, Hensley said. Regent Kurt Tjaden suggested hearing directly from university officials about the report and the threshold calculations in it at the boards February meeting, adding that knowing the university perspective will help when answering lawmakers questions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boon said the team could do even more with the report ahead of the February meeting, like cross hatch workforce alignment data with program enrollment data to see which low-enrollment programs have a high return on investment a complex task that they didnt have time to complete. Another area the study group, as well as colleges in Florida and Arizona, is trying to figure out is how to measure social and community impacts of degree programs. This would be a factor in determining return on investment for areas like teaching, social work, community and behavioral health, Boon said, and other fields where wage outcomes might not reflect the necessity of their work. It was also the final recommendation of the report. We havent cracked that nut yet, but we want to, Boon said. So Id love, a year from now, if we could come and tell you about the really exciting new index we have on social and community impact of our majors, that would be a really powerful outcome to me. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The police discovered a handgun hidden in a chicken coop at one of the suspects homes during the arrest. Israel Police and the Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) arrested four individuals in the Beit Safafa neighborhood in east Jerusalem on suspicion of purchasing weapons and planning a large-scale terror attack on behalf of ISIS, the agencies said on Friday morning. The four claimed the attack to be part of "the great war at the end of times." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the investigation, it was revealed that the four had consumed a large amount of ISIS content, including graphic footage of killings committed by the group. The police discovered a handgun hidden in a chicken coop at one of the suspects homes during the arrest. What was seized from me is for the great war," the suspect said during the investigation. "The handgun I will use against the Jews or anyone who is not a Muslim." A shirt bearing ISIS insignia, found on a terrorist who attempted to carry out a terror attack in Qalandiya, the West Bank, December 7, 2024. (credit: Police Spokesperson ) Shin Bet foils ISIS-inspired terror plot by 18-year-old Israeli Israeli authorities arresting a young Israeli citizen in the Sharon area who studied how to produce explosives, the Shin Bet announced on Wednesday. The suspect, 18 years old, was arrested about a month ago on suspicion of planning to carry out a terror attack inspired by ISIS. Sarah Ben-Nun contributed to this report. The race to succeed Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis next year received a jolt this week. Republican James Fishback told Politico that he intends to run for governor and will officially jump in Monday. An investment firm CEO who came up with the idea of giving Americans DOGE dividends, Fishback would face Rep. Byron Donalds, who has been endorsed by President Donald Trump, among other candidates. Whats making Fishbacks potential long-shot bid so contentious is that he has signaled his allegiance to DeSantis, thereby pitting himself against Trumps allies who back Donalds. He has also found himself in public spats with those in Trumps circle, and there are questions about how much, if any, help he is getting from DeSantis team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Gov. Ron DeSantis has a historic record I would be honored to preserve and build upon," he told Florida Politics. DeSantis has not yet endorsed anyone as his successor. He and Donalds have not been close since the congressman backed Trumps presidential campaign over DeSantis in 2024, and there has long been an expectation in Florida political circles that the governor would find a GOP primary challenger to back against Donalds. Potential candidates include Jay Collins, his lieutenant governor, and his wife, Casey DeSantis, who has also long been rumored as a contender. Fishback, a 30-year-old Florida native, received recognition in February as the brainchild behind the idea of sending $5,000 checks directly to people from savings achieved through the Elon Musk-led Department of Government Efficiency. Though such checks were never sent, the idea had the public support of both Trump and the tech billionaire. He also received some national attention after he confronted Lisa Cook, a Federal Reserve governor, about the Trump administrations mortgage fraud allegations against her. (Cook has denied the claims, and bank documents viewed by NBC News appear to contradict the allegations.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fishback, who has little experience in campaign politics, told NBC News on Tuesday that he was inspired by New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani, the 34-year-old democratic socialist who bucked party leadership with his underdog bid. I am inspired by Zohrans message of affordability, Fishback said. I couldnt disagree more with him on solutions, but I think he won this race in large part because he focused on affordability. In recent days, Fishback has been sparring directly with Trump administration staffers after saying publicly that they lobbied him not to run for Florida governor. The staffers have denied his claims. This guy is invoking my name to say hes a tough guy standing up to D.C. or something. Its a lie, James Blair, a White House deputy chief of staff, posted on social media in response to Fishback on Tuesday. Ive spoken to him twice for a total of 2 minutes. Never urged him not to run. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement DeSantis has not yet publicly acknowledged Fishbacks potential run. Taryn Fenske, the governors top political aide, denied that there was any connection between DeSantis and his operation and Fishback when reached by NBC News on Tuesday. Two minutes later, Fishback also called NBC News, unprompted, to similarly refute any connection. But he did not deny he was calling after hearing from DeSantis team. At that time, NBC News had not reached out to Fishback or anyone other than Fenske. Fishback said he had no political relationships with DeSantis staffers but did not directly answer when asked if he had worked with Fenske. Fenske later acknowledged she flagged NBC News inquiry to his team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The interaction represents DeSantis team reaching out directly to a likely Republican gubernatorial campaign with whom it claims to have no relationship. Fishback has faced pushback for some of his past comments on social media, some of which have been critical of Israel. A group of Jewish Republican donors is preparing to raise money to push back against Fishback if he formally enters the race, a person directly familiar with the conversations told NBC News. Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has not yet endorsed a successor in the 2026 race. (SOPA Images / LightRocket via Getty Images) That group includes billionaire GOP megadonor Miriam Adelson, who is among the most influential donors in the party. Adelson has supported DeSantis, who ran for governor and president in 2024 touting himself the most pro-Israel governor in America. Political advisers of Dr. Miriam Adelson have been notified about Fishbacks candidacy and are monitoring the situation, said the person familiar with the conversations, who was granted anonymity to speak candidly. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This dynamic, along with the fact that Fishback has a tough shot at winning the nomination, makes it unlikely that DeSantis publicly backs him. Still, it will be notable to see how, and whether, DeSantis decides to weigh in when Fishback formally joins the race. When former Republican Florida House Speaker Paul Renner, a staunch DeSantis ally, announced he was running for governor last month, DeSantis immediately said it was an ill-advised decision, making clear he was still looking for someone else to support. Fenske did not answer repeated questions about how DeSantis felt about Fishback jumping in. Fishback has also had a change of heart on Donalds. Before starting to attack him on social media in recent weeks, he had heaped praise on the Republican congressman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Congressman, thank you for your leadership, thank you for your fight, Fishback said during a Republican gathering in August in Madison County, Florida, where he is originally from. Thank you for fighting for President Trump. Rep. Byron Donalds has Trump's backing in the race for Florida governor. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Since then, however, Fishback has started calling Donalds DEI Donalds, referring to diversity, equity and inclusion policies that conservatives have fought. He has also said that Donalds, who is Black, has been auctioned off to his donors. And he has repeatedly hit him on the issue of H1-B visas, a program that allows employers to legally hire temporary foreign workers in specialty occupations. WE WILL NOT BE REPLACED, H-1BYRON, Fishback posted on X on Monday afternoon, accompanied by an illustration of a Black man resembling Donalds and the caption, I want you to be replaced by an H-1B. Donalds this week told conservative podcaster Benny Johnson that the H-1B visa program is a scam, and that there needs to be broader immigration reforms and changes to the nations many visa programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They all need a complete overhaul, he said. Donalds on Thursday did pick up the endorsement of Musk, who has said he supported the H-1B visa program in the past. Conservatives, including DeSantis, have called for reforms to the H-1B visa program. Last month, DeSantis asked the Florida Board of Governors, a body he appoints that oversees the Florida state university system, to end the practice of hiring through the program. Fishback has also deleted past social media posts he wrote about Hope Florida, a charity spearheaded by Casey DeSantis that is the subject of a grand jury investigation over its spending practices. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I deleted those tweets because I didnt know the full context of the Hope Florida situation, he said Monday night. Ive since learned that the First Lady and AG were slandered by a politically motivated actor. They did nothing wrong, Fishback added. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com A series of exchanges between child sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and Larry Summers, the former US treasury secretary, showing a relationship as confidants emerged among the emails released by Republican legislators this week in the continuing political turmoil over Epsteins connections to Donald Trump. The exchanges, from 2013 to early 2019, showed the two men sharing personal and sometimes unseemly views about politics and relationships. Im trying to figure why [the] American elite think if u murder your baby by beating and abandonment it must be irrelevant to your admission to Harvard, Summers wrote to Epstein in a 2017 email. But hit on a few women 10 years ago and cant work at a network or think tank. DO NOT REPEAT THIS INSIGHT. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the time, Harvard University was wrestling with an admissions debate after a formerly incarcerated womans admission to a PhD program. Summers, a former president of the university who lost his position in a scandal after making sexist comments about female academics, went on to say in the email to Epstein: I observed that half of the IQ In [the] world was possessed by women without mentioning they are more than 51 percent of population. Summers was once a leading light in Democratic circles a former treasury secretary in the Clinton administration, one of the primary engineers of Barack Obamas response to the financial crisis and a stalwart in the liberal commentariat. But questions have lingered about his association with Epstein, a longtime associate of Trump. Epstein was accused of running a wide-ranging child sex trafficking operation before his death in jail in 2019 in New York City. After the Wall Street Journal revealed a previous tranche of emails between Epstein and Summers in a 2023 piece, a spokesperson for Summers told the paper that he deeply regrets being in contact with Epstein after his conviction. Summerss spokesperson has not yet responded to a request for comment from the Guardian. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democratic lawmakers released emails from the Epstein estate this week that suggest Epstein believed Trump was aware of conduct by the now-convicted sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell. In response, Republican lawmakers released a much bigger tranche of 20,000 emails from the Epstein estate. The documents show that Summers maintained congenial contact with the convicted child sex trafficker well into 2019, with the last email exchange occurring only months before Epsteins arrest. Trump wrote on Truth Social on Friday that he would be asking the Department of Justice and the FBI to investigate Epsteins involvement and relationship with Summers, among other prominent Democrats and business leaders. In the emails, Summers and Epstein discuss politics particularly Summerss contempt for Trump as well as the details of philanthropic social networking and women. Summers, 70, confided in Epstein in a 2019 exchange about his romantic gestures toward an unnamed woman, and being rebuffed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement shes smart. making you pay for past errors, Epstein wrote in an exchange on 16 March. ignore the daddy im going to go out with the motorcycle guy, you reacted well.. annoyed shows caring., no whining showed strentgh. Summers reiterated his regret to the Harvard Crimson on Wednesday. I have great regrets in my life, he wrote. As I have said before, my association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major error of judgement. Summers was president of Harvard University from 2001 to 2006. Epstein donated more than $9m to Harvard and its affiliated programs between 1998 and 2008, and was appointed a visiting fellow to conduct research. The university later concluded Epstein lacked the academic qualifications visiting fellows typically possess and his application proposed a course of study Epstein was unqualified to pursue. Harvard only stopped accepting Epsteins donations after he pleaded guilty to child sex offenses in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By then Obamas star was rising. Summers would eventually win appointment as director of the White House national economic council (NEC) from January 2009 until November 2010. After Summers left the White House, he began asking Epstein for philanthropic advice for his wife, Elisa New, a Harvard professor pursuing a poetry project, according to reporting by the Wall Street Journal. Epstein and his foundations made philanthropic donations to projects connected to Summerss wife, and the two men met a dozen times between 2013 and 2016, often for dinner. After reporting about Epsteins donations emerged, News charity made a donation in excess of that received to anti-sex-trafficking organizations, a spokesperson told journalists in 2023. The best public interest journalism relies on first-hand accounts from people in the know. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you have something to share on this subject, you can contact us confidentially using the following methods. Secure Messaging in the Guardian app The Guardian app has a tool to send tips about stories. Messages are end to end encrypted and concealed within the routine activity that every Guardian mobile app performs. This prevents an observer from knowing that you are communicating with us at all, let alone what is being said. If you don't already have the Guardian app, download it (iOS/Android) and go to the menu. Select Secure Messaging. SecureDrop, instant messengers, email, telephone and post If you can safely use the Tor network without being observed or monitored, you can send messages and documents to the Guardian via our SecureDrop platform. Finally, our guide at theguardian.com/tips lists several ways to contact us securely, and discusses the pros and cons of each. New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill used the U.S. House of Representatives' first session since the government shutdown on Oct. 1 to announce her resignation as the representative for New Jersey's 11th Congressional District. "This will be my last speech in this chamber," she said Wednesday evening as the House debated in advance of a vote on a Senate-passed funding deal that would end the longest-running government closure in U.S. history. "I intend to submit my resignation next week and turn to protecting all of New Jersey," Sherrill said during the 90 seconds allotted to her during the Nov. 12 debate. New Jersey Gov.-elect Mikie Sherrill smiles as she pauses during her victory speech, Tuesday, November 4, 2025, in East Brunswick. Sherrill was first elected to the suburban North Jersey district in 2018, riding a wave of dissatisfaction with then-President Donald Trump to win a seat that the Republican Party had held for decades. The 11th, which was redrawn after the 2020 Census, now covers parts of Morris, Passaic and Essex counties. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She did not give a specific date for her resignation. Her swearing-in as governor is scheduled for Jan. 20. Sherrill joined most Democrats in opposing the bill to reopen the government, citing the Republicans' move to cut health insurance subsidies. "I rise in opposition to a rule for a bill that does nothing to protect over 450,000 New Jerseyans who will see their health care premiums skyrocket," she said. "I took my first oath to the Constitution when I was 18 and went to the Naval Academy. It's an oath to serve, to run toward the fight. And so I ran for Congress after I saw Washington Republicans attacking the Affordable Care Act. "I promised I would take on the status quo. I would fight the big fights, because that's what people expect of their leaders," Sherrill said. "That's what people deserve from their leaders. And I'm proud of the wins that I've delivered." Mikie Sherrill's parting words She took time to review some of her accomplishments in office, which she said included "capping the cost of insulin in prescription drugs for seniors, funding the Gateway Tunnel, the PACT Act for veterans, flood mitigation projects, delivering for Picatinny Arsenal." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You have trusted me, New Jersey, and last week, you placed your trust in me again, electing me your 57th governor," she continued. "So I ran on a similar promise to take on anyone and stop at nothing to lower costs and build opportunity for everyone." Her parting message included thanks to her constituents and staff, and a challenge to her colleagues. "Do not let this body become a ceremonial red stamp from an administration that rips health care away from people and takes food away from children," she said. "To the country, I say, stand strong. As we say in the Navy, don't give up the ship." She was embraced by several colleagues on the House floor as the debate continued. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Passaic County was key to Mikie Sherrill's NJ landslide. How Dems won it back from Trump Who will replace her in Congress? Sherrill was reelected to the House three times before mounting her campaign to succeed two-term Gov. Phil Murphy this year. Despite most polls showing a tight race, she won a decisive victory on Nov. 4, beating Republican nominee Jack Cittarelli with 57% of the vote. A long list of Democrats has already declared interest in succeeding her in Congress, including former District 7 Rep. Tom Malinowski, who lost his seat to Tom Kean Jr. in 2022. Essex County Commissioner Brendan Gill and Passaic County Commissioner John Bartlett have also declared on the Democratic side. So far only one Republican, Randolph Mayor Joe Hathaway, has announced his candidacy. A special election will be called to fill the 11th District seat. This article originally appeared on Morristown Daily Record: NJ-Gov. elect Mikie Sherrill tells Congress she will resign next week Israel Police arrested Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab in 2019 after riots at the Al-Aqsa Mosque. Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab, chairman of the Wakf Council, died on Thursday night, according to Palestinian media reports and statements from Palestinian terror groups. The Jerusalem Waqf Islamic religious trust was instituted by Jordan after Israels War of Independence and is best known for controlling and managing the current Islamic edifices on and around the Temple Mount. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Salhab was previously arrested by Israeli forces in 2019 after riots saw thousands of Palestinians storm the Golden Gates, which were closed by court order since 2023. He was later released, though banned from entering the Al-Aqsa Mosque for 40 days. Salhab personally reopened the gate leading into the Bab al-Rahmeh mosque, according to Reuters, which led to hundreds entering the zone. Palestinian Authority-run media WAFA reported that police raided the home of Salhab and a fellow Wakf official in the middle of the night. In response to the arrest and subsequent ban, members of Jerusalems Muslim community took over and converted a 1,500-year-old structure near the Golden Gate (known as Shaar Harachamim in Hebrew) into a mosque. Mourning Jerusalem Sheikh Abdel Azim Salhab Mourning one of the pillars of Jerusalem, the Hamas terror group put in a statement that Salhab died after a life dedicated to serving and defending the blessed Al-Aqsa Mosque and the city of Jerusalem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He consistently stood against the Judaization policies and repeated violations against Al-Aqsa Mosque, and he faithfully and courageously shouldered the responsibility of protecting the Islamic Waqf, the terror group stated. Khaled Abu Toameh and Maayan Jaffe-Hoffman contributed to this report. (Bloomberg) Alphabet Inc (GOOG, GOOGL).s Google plans to invest $40 billion in three new Texas data centers, ramping up its footprint as competitors such as OpenAI (OPAI.PVT) and Anthropic PBC (ANTH.PVT) map out their own multibillion-dollar bets in the state. Most Read from Bloomberg The investment will be made through 2027, Google said in a statement Friday. One data center will be in Armstrong County, in the Texas panhandle, and two in Haskell County, a stretch of West Texas near Abilene. One of the Haskell facilities will be co-located with a new solar and battery energy storage plant designed to ease the impact on the power grid. This investment will create thousands of jobs, provide skills training to college students and electrical apprentices, and accelerate energy affordability initiatives throughout Texas, Alphabet Chief Executive Officer Sundar Pichai said at an event near Dallas, where the company already has two data center locations. Texas has become a magnet for data centers as companies chase relatively cheap energy, vast tracts of land, and a state eager to host the infrastructure thats powering the artificial intelligence boom. In outlining its latest plans, Google emphasized its commitment to bringing new energy resources onto the grid, paying for costs associated with its operations, and supporting community energy efficiency initiatives. The company also said an electrical-training program will boost the number of apprentices in Texas with funding from Google.orgs AI Opportunity Fund. Texas will be the centerpiece for AI data centers for Google, Governor Greg Abbott said at the event with Pichai. They can come here and operate here knowing that Texas moves at the speed of business. Investment Plans The state has been gaining commitments from other companies as well. Earlier this week, Anthropic announced that it will invest $50 billion in data centers across the US, including in New York and Texas, which has an abundance of land and relatively cheap energy. The first data center being built by the Stargate venture backed by ChatGPT creator OpenAI, Oracle Corp (ORCL). and Softbank Group Corp. (SFTBY) is in Abilene, Texas, and executives have telegraphed theyll locate more in the state. Meta Platforms Inc. (META) is also building a new gigawatt-sized data center in Texas. For reference, a gigawatt of electricity can power 750,000 homes at any given moment. Microsoft Corp. inked a nearly $10 billion deal earlier this month for five years worth of computing capacity in Texas. Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. As he weighed a bid for the U.S. Senate earlier this year, U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro found himself at an impasse with three other big-name Democrats who also wanted to run for the upper chamber. At the time, Castro met over Zoom with the other then-prospective candidates former U.S. Reps. Colin Allred and Beto ORourke and state Rep. James Talarico to try to hash out their plans for 2026. Castro eventually offered to run for Texas attorney general if the others could divide up the remaining statewide offices, including governor and lieutenant governor, instead of running against each other for Senate. In the end, Castro said Friday, we just couldnt get there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of us initially were interested in the U.S. Senate race, Castro, a seventh-term congressman from San Antonio, said on a panel at the Texas Tribune Festival in Austin. But, you know, it doesnt really make sense to have four people running for the U.S. Senate, and then nobodys running for anything else. So at one point, I told a few of those guys hey, Ill slot down to the AG race if you guys can figure out the rest. About a month after the May 31 Zoom meeting, which was first reported by The Dallas Morning News, Allred announced he was running for the Senate seat held by GOP Sen. John Cornyn. Talarico soon after joined the race, pitting the two Democrats against each other as the party remained without a high-profile candidate to take on Gov. Greg Abbott. Castro said Friday hes not blaming them for seizing what could be a great opportunity in 2026, whether the Democratic nominee ends up facing Cornyn or one of his GOP challengers, Attorney General Ken Paxton or U.S. Rep. Wesley Hunt. Still, Castro added, he saw the 2018 midterm as a cautionary tale, when ORourke ran for Senate and was carrying the ticket of other statewide Democrats, none of whom gained the same traction and fundraising support. ORourke lost to Sen. Ted Cruz by less than 3 percentage points, the closest a Texas Democrat has come to winning statewide in decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ideally, if you were gonna design the strongest possible chances of winning, you would design it so that you have strong candidates that are well-funded in each of those races, Castro said. That was my hope, that we would have a full slate, and we didnt quite get there. Castro added that he would do what I can to support the Democrats who have announced statewide bids, including Austin state Reps. Gina Hinojosa and Vikki Goodwin, who are running for governor and lieutenant governor, respectively. Asked if he had ruled out a statewide run, Castro said he hadnt made a final decision and would announce his plans at some point before the Dec. 8 candidate filing deadline. The San Antonio Democrat has toyed with statewide runs a number of times since he began representing Texas 20th Congressional District in 2013. He previously passed up Senate bids in 2018 and 2020. Pro-Trump protesters at TCF Center in Detroit. November 2020 | Ken Coleman photo Lets be blunt: Michigan Republicans, like their counterparts nationally, are no longer merely questioning elections. They are actively seeking to undermine them. Their latest maneuvers, calling for federal intervention by baselessly smearing Secretary of State Jocelyn Bensons ability to fairly oversee elections to cheering President Donald Trumps pardons of the states alleged false electors, reveal a party more invested in manufacturing distrust than in protecting democracy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Put together, these moves are not isolated issues. They form a strategy: cast doubt, sow suspicion, and demand federal oversight, all the while shifting focus from governance to grievance. The conflict of interest gambit On Thursday, GOP leaders in the Michigan Legislature demanded that the U.S. Department of Justice step in and monitor the states 2026 elections because Benson might have a personal political stake shes running for governor and therefore cannot be trusted to run elections impartially. But those who know how our elections work also know Michigan has a deeply decentralized system administered across 1,600+ local jurisdictions and that electoral oversight is routinely conducted with bipartisan monitors and observers. Whats happening here is not about transparency, its about casting suspicion. Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt (R-Porter Twp.) at a May 1, 2024 rally in support of Donald Trumps reelection. Nesbitt led Michigan GOP lawmakers in sending a letter asking the U.S. Department of Justice to deploy official election monitors in Michigan. | Kyle Davidson Rather than offering credible evidence of wrongdoing, these Republicans are demanding a federal takeover of state elections under the guise of protecting fairness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That is opposite the principle of local control and further erodes public confidence. The optics of a state handing over election control to Washington, D.C., are antithetical to stated conservative principles valuing states rights over those not explicitly delineated to the federal government. The pardons of false electors Furthering this attempt to undermine elections were the October pardons by Trump of 16 Michigan Republicans who allegedly signed on as a false slate of electors in 2020 in an effort to overturn the certified election results in the state. The pardons, which were wholly unnecessary after the charges were dismissed, undercuts faith in the very system Republicans insist they are defending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is breathtakingly hypocritical. Keep in mind that the Republicans charged in the false elector case were not exonerated. After having sat through hours of testimony in the case, it was clear to me that the evidence showed an attempt to try and overturn Joe Bidens Electoral College win. But a poorly handled investigation and an overreaching prosecution ultimately left the judge little choice but to reject the charges. When you pardon those who seemingly tried to subvert the system and were already cleared of any consequences, how do you then credibly say youre working to protect the system? Meshawn Maddock (left), Kathy Berden (middle) and Amy Facchinello (right) sit at their preliminary exam in Lansing for the Attorney Generals case against individuals it says submitted false election results for the 2020 presidential election. The court appearance took place on Dec. 13, 2023. The charges were later dropped. (Photo: Anna Liz Nichols) Why this matters The integrity of elections is built by process, by transparency, and by predictable rules. In that regard, Michigan is among the best, having been ranked second in the nation for election administration in 2024 by the Elections Performance Index. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Released by the MIT Election Data and Science Lab, the report scored Michigan at 88% on the index, second only to New Mexico, which also scored 88%. The report noted Michigan had shorter wait times for voters, far fewer registration and absentee ballot issues than the national average and a much lower rate of unreturned mail ballots. Michigan was also higher than the national average in both voter turnout (59.3% compared to 47.5% nationally) and voter registration (91% compared to 84% nationally). Yet now, Republicans lawmakers seem fixated not on improving how we vote but on how they can discredit how we vote. When political actors sow doubt in elections without credible evidence, they are not engaging in oversight they are delegitimizing democracy. When they then demand federal intervention in a state process because they dont like the referee, they are undermining the system of state-run elections that the U.S. Constitution guarantees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State Republicans relentless refusal to accept the basic legitimacy of our voting system arent signs of vigilance; theyre warnings. If we continue down a path where power matters more than truth and sabotage masquerades as oversight, then the greatest threat to Michigans elections wont come from foreign actors or technical glitches it will come from those who claim to defend democracy while dismantling it from within. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX JAKARTA, Indonesia (AP) Jordans king and Indonesia's leader on Friday held talks as the two longtime friends agreed to strengthen military cooperation and economic ties between the two Muslim-majority nations. King Abdullah II and President Prabowo Subianto share a long-standing personal relationship as alumni of the U.S. Fort Benning military academy that dates to 1995 when both were still serving as military officers in their respective countries. Three years later, Subianto sought self-exile in Jordan amid allegations of his involvement in the 1998 abductions of political activists during the dark days of Indonesias military dictatorship. Despite his stateless status at the time, he was welcomed by then monarch King Hussein, Abdullahs father. Subianto lived in Amman for several years before returning home in 2008. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Abdullahs state visit to Indonesia, the worlds most populous Muslim-majority country and Southeast Asias largest economy, was the fourth stop on his tour to Asian nations that includes Japan, Vietnam, Singapore and Pakistan. Abdullah received a warm welcome in Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, with his royal plane escorted by two fighter jets. He was welcomed on the tarmac by Subianto at Halim Perdanakusuma Air Force Base. The king rode with Subianto in a motorcade to the Merdeka palace, where the two leaders held talks. I have an emotional bond with Jordan, His Royal, His Majesty and (then) His Majesty King Hussein who kindly received me 27 years ago that was how close we are," Subianto said before the meeting, Please consider Indonesia your second home and Indonesia respects you highly." We want to work closely with you, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a rare gesture, Subianto invited Abdullah to dinner at his private residence in South Jakarta, not a formal state banquet in the presidential palace as visiting heads of state are usually granted. It was a reflection of the personal connection between the two leaders. I am proud and honored to be here, proud and honored to call you my old friend, Abdullah said. I know that in the discussions that were having tonight and tomorrow, there are many new opportunities to strengthen the bond between Indonesia and Jordan. When Subianto visited Jordan in April, months after his inauguration as Indonesian president, the king drove a vehicle with Subianto seated beside him in the front passenger seat and took him to his hotel. During his two-day visit to Indonesia, Abdullah also will meet with representatives of the countrys sovereign wealth fund Danantara Indonesia to discuss opportunities for long-term sustainable investment that contribute to both Indonesias economic development and global partnerships, thus possibly expanding the funds list of foreign partners. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Danantara Indonesia, established in 2021 to manage and invest the countrys national assets, plays a crucial role in driving strategic investments across various sectors to support national development and economic growth. Indonesian government data showed Jordanian investments in Indonesia remained modest at just $5.41 million in the first quarter this year, putting Jordan at 43rd place on the list of Indonesia's biggest foreign investors, while trade between the two countries weakened, falling to $559.7 million between January to September from $709.4 million in the same period the previous year. Defense Minister Sjafrie Sjamsoeddin told reporters after separate talks with Jordan's armed forces Joint Chiefs of Staff Maj. Gen. Pilot Yousef Ahmed Al-Hunaity that Subianto and Abdullah also oversaw the signing of several agreements, including intelligence sharing on Gaza. Sjamsoeddin said that Jordan is significantly important in assisting with Indonesia's humanitarian operation for Gaza because Indonesia, which has long been a staunch supporter of Palestinians, doesn't have formal diplomatic relations with Israel. Abdullah will travel to Pakistan on Saturday to meet with President Asif Ali Zardari and Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif. A federal bankruptcy court judge on Friday said he would approve OxyContin-maker Purdue Pharmas latest deal to settle thousands of lawsuits over the toll of opioids that includes some money for thousands of victims of the epidemic. The deal overseen by US bankruptcy judge Sean Lane would require some of the multibillionaire members of the semi-reclusive Sackler family who own the company to contribute up to $7bn and give up ownership of the Connecticut-based firm. The new agreement replaces one the US supreme court rejected last year, finding it would have improperly protected members of the family against future lawsuits. The judge said he would explain his decision in a hearing on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deal is among the largest in a series of opioid settlements brought by state and local governments against drugmakers, wholesalers and pharmacies that totaled about $50bn. It could close a long chapter and maybe the entire book on a legal odyssey over efforts to hold the company to account for its role in an opioid crisis connected to 900,000 deaths in the US since 1999, including deaths from heroin and illicit fentanyl, to which people who had become dependent on the powerful prescription painkiller OxyContin turned when their pill supply was restricted or cut off. Lawyers and judges involved have described it as one of the most complicated bankruptcies in US history. Ultimately, attorneys representing Purdue, cities, states, counties, Native American tribes, people with addiction and others were nearly unanimous in urging the judge to approve the bankruptcy plan for Purdue that was tentatively agreed to this January. Purdue filed for protection six years ago as it faced lawsuits with claims that grew to trillions of dollars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mike Quinn, a lawyer working with the plaintiffs, said on Friday: This case never should have been in bankruptcy it should have been in criminal court. The judge has pledged to release details of the deal on Tuesday. There is expected to be more scope in this deal than in the one rejected by the supreme court for people to sue members of the Sackler family personally over their role in Purdue and the crisis. I think people will try to sue, Quinn said. He was closely involved in opposing the Purdue-Sackler bankruptcy deal, working with Pain, an activist group fronted by the American art photographer and activist Nan Goldin, who led direct action protests at international art museums that had accepted donations and sponsorship in the form of Sackler billions. Some of the Sackler family owning the privately held Purdue, which now-deceased members of the family grew into a specialist in pain treatment in the early 1990s, became famous philanthropists using the huge profits that their star drug OxyContin generated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But their reputation took a dive when investigative journalism and activism exposed the companys expansionist drive to increase prescriptions of the opioid despite growing addiction and deaths across the US. Mike Moore, the former Mississippi attorney general, who helped secure the USs big tobacco settlement and the $20bn settlement against BP for the 2010 Deepwater Horizon oil spill, has been a key figure for plaintiffs in the sprawling opioids litigation against Purdue in the US. He said about Fridays news: Im happy that they have finally come to a conclusion after years and years of wrangling. We should have gotten this done a long time ago, but it is what it is, its not what we wanted when we started this. Moore began legal action against Purdue 20 years ago. In a telephone interview with the Guardian on Friday, he criticized the Sackler family for spending so much time and money fighting the litigation and then Purdue taking the bankruptcy route. Others in the industry came to settlements more quickly. When I first sat down with the Sacklers and the lawyers for Purdue we thought we could get a resolution and the money would have been paid out five years ago, but they decided to go into bankruptcy Purdue were the worst of the worst of all the culprits, Moore said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im glad its over, he added. Lane, during a hearing in White Plains, New York, on Friday indicated he plans to sign off on Purdues chapter 11 plan. The plan is the product of intense work with our creditors through a singular, shared focus on delivering as much value as possible to meaningfully address the opioid crisis, Steve Miller, Purdues board chairman, said in a statement. Purdue filed for bankruptcy in 2019 while facing more than 2,600 lawsuits by states, local governments and others accusing it of contributing to the deadly opioid abuse epidemic through its marketing and sale of OxyContin and other pain medications. Purdues creditors include state and local governments, individuals who became addicted to OxyContin, hospitals and others who were harmed by the opioid crisis. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members of the Sackler family have expressed regret for their companys role in the opioid addiction epidemic, but deny wrongdoing. Purdue will be converted into a non-profit called Knoa Pharma, focusing on developing and distributing opioid overdose reversal and addiction treatment medications. The Associated Press and Reuters contributed reporting A federal judge denied Apple and OpenAI's motions to dismiss Elon Musk's antitrust lawsuit Thursday, allowing X Corp. and xAI's claims of market monopolization to proceed toward trial. On Thursday, U.S. District Court Judge Mark Pittman rejected both companies' attempts to dismiss the case, ruling that the allegations warrant further examination through summary judgment. This Order should not be construed as a judgment (or pre-judgment) on the merits of this litigation, the ruling says. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lawsuit, filed in August, targets Apple's June 2024 decision to make ChatGPT the exclusive AI assistant integrated into iOS. "This is a procedural step. The real impact now is where the facts will actually be tested," Even Alex Chandra, a partner at IGNOS Law Alliance, told Decrypt. The case highlights "an unresolved question globally" about how "default AI integrations on dominant platforms" should be treated under antitrust law, with regulators still defining what the "AI market" even is, Chandra added. Elon Musk's xAI Seeks 'Video Games Tutor' to Train Grok Ahead of Gaming Push Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement X Corp. and xAI's complaint seeks billions in damages, alleging the exclusive arrangement gives ChatGPT access to "hundreds of millions of iPhones" while blocking competitors like xAI's Grok chatbot. The lawsuit claims ChatGPT controls "at least 80 percent" of the generative AI chatbot market while Grok holds only "a few percent" despite superior capabilities. Musks firms also accuse Apple of manipulating App Store rankings to favor ChatGPT while suppressing competitors. Despite Grok ranking second in Apple's "Productivity" category and X ranking first in "News," neither appears in the prominent "Must-Have Apps" section, where ChatGPT is featured. Elon Musk Sues Apple, OpenAI Over iPhone AI 'Monopoly' Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ishita Sharma, managing partner at Fathom Legal, told Decrypt the case hinges on "evidence of exclusion vs. efficiency, whether rivals are "truly blocked" from Apple's iOS or if it's simply a "competitive partnership in a nascent but fast-moving market." The defense will likely argue that "competition remains alive" across platforms and browsers, that the arrangement may not be "strictly exclusive" contractually, and that the integration delivers competitive efficiencies, Sharma added. Decrypt has reached out to Apple and X for comment. A spokesperson for OpenAI told Decrypt that This case is consistent with Mr Musk's ongoing pattern of harassment and we look forward to proving this in court. Musk co-founded OpenAI in 2015 with Sam Altman, Greg Brockman, and Ilya Sutskever, but stepped down from its board in 2018, according to an announcement that said his departure would eliminate a potential future conflict as Tesla expanded its own AI work. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since then, Musk has accused OpenAI of ditching openness for a closed, profit-driven arm of Microsoft and has sued repeatedly, most notably a lawsuit over abandoning its founding mission and a suit filed two months back alleging trade secret theft. This article has been updated to add comment from OpenAI. A jury awarded a $16.8-million judgment to a California prison doctor who alleged her employer did not respond appropriately to a threat she received from an incarcerated person, fired her when she raised concerns about her safety and then defamed her by allowing rumors to spread among staff. The verdict, reached last week, caps Dr. Beth Fischgrunds six-year effort to contest her dismissal from Salinas Valley State Prison, where she worked as a contract psychologist beginning in September 2017. The jurys decision was one of the most surreal experiences of my life, Fischgrund told CalMatters. I felt like I finally did get validation. Its been six and a half years. I felt a lot of the time, Was I going crazy? Was this my fault? And to hear each person go up and confirm everything I felt, it was one of the most rewarding experiences of my life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation declined to comment on the case and would not say whether the state plans to appeal. The case centered on a high-security yard at the prison in Monterey County. The unit housed incarcerated people who were considered unsafe to live with the general population because of the nature of their offenses, as well as some who had diagnoses for severe mental illnesses. Fischgrund said she wanted to work in a prison because she has a passion for underserved populations, populations that no one wants to work with. She joined through a hiring agency, which the state uses because it has a longstanding shortage of prison psychologists and it is under a court order to improve mental health care. Fischgrunds complaint, filed in Sacramento County Superior Court, alleged one inmate became overly familiar with her, commenting on her appearance and referring to her with an unprofessional nickname. The complaint said another doctor seemed to encourage that overfamiliarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The inmate in July 2019 reportedly told another prison psychologist he wanted to cut off Fischgrunds head, leading clinical staff to alert Fischgrund. The doctors talked with Fischgrund about the threat before communicating with correctional staff, who could have removed the inmate or taken steps to protect Fischgrund, according to the complaint. That day, Fischgrund sent messages to the prisons chief of mental health expressing concerns about her safety and asking about procedures to protect staff. She pressed senior doctors for help and answers for several days, the complaint said. According to the complaint, the inmate spent a little more than a week in solitary confinement before returning to the yard where Fischgrund worked. He reportedly called her name from his cell, which shocked Fischgrund because she believed he was going to be separated from her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Three days later, Fischgrund sent a message to the corrections departments headquarters concerning her safety and policies to protect staff. The inmate was able to approach her in the prisons yard that day as well, the complaint said. The complaint said she was told the corrections department determined the inmates threat was not credible, and that he would not be removed from the yard where Fischgrund worked. She was told she could leave that site. She was fired two days after sending the message to headquarters, the complaint said. Afterward, Fischgrund said she learned no state prison would hire her as a contract psychologist. She also found that Salinas Valley State Prison had placed pictures of her around the institution with her height, weight and date of birth; the fliers were meant to keep her off the premises. She said the fliers stoked rumors about her personal life. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a catastrophic loss for the state of California because they just completely failed to do anything to manage this risk, said her attorney, Lawrance Bohm of Bohm Law Group. All Dr. Fischgrund did was try to help the state government do better by these inmates and instead of applauding a whistleblower, they fired her and crushed her reputation to dust, causing extreme emotional damage that was recognized by the jury. Ashton writes for CalMatters. Sign up for Essential California for news, features and recommendations from the L.A. Times and beyond in your inbox six days a week. This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times. The Justice Department on Thursday joined a Republican-led lawsuit that seeks to block a new Democratic-drawn congressional map in California that voters approved last week. The redrawn district lines could allow Democrats to pick up an additional five House seats in next years midterm elections. The Trump administrations involvement in the case escalates the battle and adds another political layer to the ongoing redistricting efforts that are playing out across the country. In a complaint filed in federal court Thursday, the Justice Department effectively joined a suit filed last week by the California Republican Party that challenges Californias new map. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In their complaints, the DOJ and the California GOP allege that the new maps approved by voters amount to a racial gerrymander that they say violates the U.S. Constitution. The suit claims that California Democrats considered race when proposing the redrawn map in ways that advantage Hispanic voters. The end result is a map that manipulates district lines in the name of bolstering the voting power of Hispanic Californians because of their race, lawyers for the Justice Department wrote in their complaint. Our Constitution does not tolerate this racial gerrymander. Californias redistricting scheme is a brazen power grab that tramples on civil rights and mocks the democratic process, Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a statement Thursday. Governor [Gavin] Newsoms attempt to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians will not stand. Voters approval of a ballot measure known as the Election Rigging Response Act, or Proposition 50 earlier this month allows California Democrats to circumvent an independent commission that controls the redistricting process in the state and implement a more partisan map. Gov. Gavin Newsom has championed Democrats' push to redraw California's congressional district lines. (Mauro Pimentel / AFP via Getty Images) California Democrats made the push in response to Republicans aggressive mid-decade redistricting efforts in other states, most notably Texas, where the party hopes its new map will net it up to five House seats in 2026. President Donald Trump has also pressured Republicans in Missouri, North Carolina and elsewhere to enact new maps that will help the party shore up its narrow House majority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, emerged as a figurehead in the campaign for the Californias new map, accusing Trump and Republicans of rigging the midterm elections with their redistricting pushes. The redistricting process typically occurs at the start of each decade, when new census data is available. This article was originally published on NBCNews.com FIRST ON FOX: Former Vice President Kamala Harris pick for Massachusetts 6th Congressional District, Dan Koh, is facing scrutiny for owning a million-dollar home hundreds of miles from the district in Washington, D.C. Koh, who held several senior roles in former President Joe Bidens White House, is running in a crowded race to replace Democratic Rep. Seth Moulton, who is running for the Senate. He has received the endorsement of Harris, who called him a "fighter" who "knows how to get things done." Though running in a suburban Massachusetts district, Koh and his wife own a $1.3 million home in a swanky neighborhood by Capitol Hill, which they purchased in 2022, according to the website for the D.C. Office of Tax and Revenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two also own a home in Andover, Massachusetts, which sits within the 6th Congressional District, according to the North Essex Registry of Deeds. The Massachusetts home was purchased in 2019 for $810,000. Kamala Harris Says Democrats Took Black Women For Granted In 2024 Former Vice President Kamala Harris endorsed former senior White House official Dan Koh for Massachusetts' 6th Congressional District. Amy Carnevale, chair of the Massachusetts Republican Party, knocked Koh over the home, telling Fox News Digital that "living full-time in D.C. with a no-show house in Massachusetts seems to be a family tradition amongst MassDems." Read On The Fox News App She also criticized another Massachusetts Democrat, Sen. Ed Markey, who she said is "known in the Bay State as the Senator from Chevy Chase," because he "is rarely seen in his alleged hometown in Massachusetts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Dan Koh is now looking to follow in that tradition. What a shame for actual residents of Massachusetts who deserve better," added Carnevale. In response, a spokesperson for Kohs campaign told Fox News Digital that "Dan lives full-time at his home in Andover, which he and his wife have owned for over 6 years." Dem Senator, 79, Draws Primary Challenge From Rep. Seth Moulton US Capitol Building at sunset on Jan. 30, 2025. The spokesperson said that Koh "lived in D.C. during his time as a senior official in the White House during the Biden-Harris administration with his family." Tax documents available on the districts Office of Tax and Revenues website show that Koh and his wife still own the D.C. home as of August. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Harris endorsed Koh on Oct. 28, saying: "During our time in the White House, I saw Dans steadfast drive to make life better and more affordable for working people." "He knows how to get things done, will be the fighter you deserve, and is ready on day one," said Harris, adding, "Im proud to endorse him and encourage everyone in Massachusetts 6th District to support his campaign." Former Vp Kamala Harris Advocates For Lowering The Voting Age Former Vice President Kamala Harris speaks at the Wiltern Theatre on Sept. 29, 2025, in Los Angeles, California. Harris is in the midst of a 15-city book tour following the release of her new book "107 Days," recounting her presidential campaign against President Donald Trump. A statement by Kohs campaign said that he is among the first candidates Harris has endorsed in the 2025-26 campaign cycle, which the campaign said demonstrates "the critical importance of electing a strong, effective Democratic leader to represent the 6th District." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Koh said he is "honored that Vice President Harris has endorsed our campaign for Massachusetts' 6th District," adding, "I personally witnessed the Vice Presidents tireless dedication to the American people every day in the administration." Click Here To Download The Fox News App He added, "I'll be ready on day one to bring the same brand of leadership to Capitol Hill, getting to work to deliver results for families of our commonwealth and our country." Fox News Digital reached out to Harris for contact but did not immediately receive a response. Original article source: Kamala Harris-endorsed candidate in hot seat for million-dollar DC home hundreds of miles outside district Sen. Mary Ware, seen during an April 6, 2023, hearing in Topeka, Kansas, announced her retirement Thursday from the state Senate, effective immediately. The Wichita Democrat departs in the middle of her term. (Photo by Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector) TOPEKA Kansas Sen. Mary Ware announced her retirement from the state Senate on Thursday, leaving open a Wichita-area seat ahead of the 2026 legislative session. Ware, a Democrat, did not cite a reason, and her retirement was effective immediately. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Serving our state and representing the 25th District has been an incredible privilege. I am deeply grateful for the trust placed in me by my constituents and for the opportunity to work on meaningful legislation, Ware said in a news release through Senate Minority Leader Dinah Sykes office. Ware, a retail store owner, replaced Lt. Gov. Lynn Rogers in 2018 in a precinct committee election. She won reelection in 2020 and 2024 and is departing halfway through her term. Mary has been focused on creating a full and safe future for our children since joining the Senate, Sykes said. Her commitment to collaboration and progress have made our team stronger. We will miss her dynamic and compassionate leadership. Our caucus wishes her the very best in retirement. Ware was the ranking Democrat on Senate committees on commerce and agriculture and natural resources. She also sat on the Assessment and Taxation Committee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2025, she sponsored legislation to require the state library to provide services to people who are blind, visually impaired, deafblind or print disabled. It was introduced but never heard by a committee. While my time in the Senate is at an end, I will remain an involved private citizen and an advocate for the people of Wichita in this next era of my life, Ware said. Following the release of emails sent by Jeffrey Epstein, Congress has set the stage for a vote to prompt the Trump administration to fully release files on the accused sex trafficker. In the House of Representatives, a discharge petition to force a vote on the Justice Department releasing all files related to Epstein reached 218 signatures after Republican Speaker Mike Johnson swore in Arizona Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva on Nov. 12. Grijalva, who won a special election to replace her late father, Raul Grijalva, promptly became the 218th signatory. Johnson said he'll schedule a vote on the measure in the House next week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, the minority in the lower chamber, brought 214 signatures to the petition, with four Republicans joining the opposition party. Here's what to know about the four GOP lawmakers. Rep. Thomas Massie Rep. Thomas Massie (R-KY) speaks as House members hold a press conference along with alleged victims of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein in Washington, DC, on Sept. 3, 2025. Massie, R-Kentucky, has led the charge for the release of the files, along with House Democrats. Earlier this year, Massie and Rep. Ro Khanna, D-California, introduced legislation that would force the Justice Department to release a full version of the government's files on Epstein. In July, Massie introduced what's known as a discharge petition for the legislation, which eventually reached the necessary 218 votes this week. The procedural step can force a vote on a bill, clearing other hurdles in the House. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Massie has continually said he thinks it's time for the people involved in Epstein's case to be "brought to justice," according to the Louisville Courier-Journal, part of the USA TODAY Network. Rep. Lauren Boebert U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert (R-CO) walks, on the day of the House Rules Committee's hearing on U.S. President Donald Trump's plan for extensive tax cuts, on Capitol Hill, in Washington, D.C., U.S., May 21, 2025. Boebert, R-Colorado, faced pressure from the Trump administration to withdraw from the discharge petition. A staunch Trump ally, Boebert received a call from Trump on Nov. 11, according to the New York Times. And on Nov. 12, she met with White House officials about the petition. Boebert in a social media post thanked officials for the gathering, but she didn't say if she was going to withdraw from the effort. The Colorado lawmaker ultimately didn't remove her name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I want to thank White House officials for meeting with me today. Together, we remain committed to ensuring transparency for the American people, she said. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene asks questions during Secret Service Director Kimberly Cheatle's congressional hearing on July 22, 2024. The Georgia Republican has historically been a diehard defender of Trump. But in recent weeks. Greene has started to voice louder opposition to the Trump administration. In July, when Massie first announced the discharge petition, Greene said in a social media post that she would sign it and that she will never protect pedophiles or the elites and their circles. Similar to Boebert, Greene was contacted by a White House official who tried to pressure the Republican to withdraw from the petition, according to a September interview with the New York Times. But Greene stood firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I told them, You didnt get me elected. I do not work for you; I work for my district, she told the outlet. Greene said in a social media post that she expects more Republicans to vote for the release of the files next week. Next week, when everyone is forced to go on record to vote to release the Epstein files, I expect the number of Republicans to be a lot higher that actually vote yes, Greene said. But remember the original 4. Rep. Nancy Mace U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) participates in a House Oversight Committee's Task Force on the Declassification of Federal Secrets hearing at the U.S. Capitol on September 09, 2025 in Washington, DC. Mace, who is also running for the governor's office in South Carolina, said she signed the petition in solidarity with sexual abuse and assault survivors. The Epstein petition is deeply personal, Mace said in a social media post on Wednesday, Nov. 12. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In September, Mace left the Houses Oversight and Government Reform Committee closed-door meeting with Epstein victims after having "a very difficult time listening to their stories." "Full-blown panic attack. Sweating. Hyperventilating. Shaking. I cant breathe," Mace wrote on social media in describing her reaction to the testimony. Mace was seen in tears as she left. In July, Mace said she hoped to see arrests in connection to the Epstein case. Ive always been an advocate for women and children. The Jeffrey Epstein case is no different. I want to see arrests, Mace said. I want to see anyone who raped underage girls in handcuffs and behind bars. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement USA TODAYs Zac Anderson, Bart Jansen, Joey Garrison and Josh Meyer contributed to this report. Fernando Cervantes Jr. is a trending news reporter for USA TODAY. Reach him at fernando.cervantes@gannett.com and follow him on X @fern_cerv_. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Which 4 Republicans joined Dems to force a vote on Epstein files? On 14 November 2025, Mikhail Yevdokimov, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Russian Federation to the Republic of Azerbaijan, was summoned to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Azernews reports, citing the Ministry. According to information, during the meeting, a strong protest was expressed in connection with the fall of one of the Iskander-type missiles onto the territory of the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan as a result of missile and drone attacks to the capital of Ukraine, Kyiv, around 01:00 a.m. on 14 November, and a corresponding note verbal was presented to him. It was brought to the attention of the Russian side that the recent explosion resulted in the complete destruction of a part of the Embassys perimeter wall, damage to structures, service vehicles, the administrative building, and the Consular Section of the Embassy, as well as serious damage to the diplomatic missions compound. Fortunately, this strike did not result in any human casualties. It was recalled that such missile attacks, which contradict the norms and principles of international law, had also taken place before. In particular, it was noted that on 10 March 2022, as a result of an airstrike on the building of the Honorary Consulate of the Republic of Azerbaijan in the city of Kharkiv, the administrative building was seriously damaged and the service car was rendered unusable. In addition, it was stated that as a result of an airstrike carried out with a Kinzhal missile by Russia on 2 January 2024, a crater with a diameter of approximately 3 meters was formed about 35 steps away from the Embassys administrative building, and an unexploded ordnance due to detonation failure was discovered at a depth of 8 meters from the ground. It was also brought to attention that on 28 August 2025, as a result of an airstrike carried out approximately 50 meters from the Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan in Ukraine, the Embassys administrative building and the consular section, the Ambassadors residence were damaged, the diplomatic missions compound suffered a serious damage as well. At the same time, it was recalled that on 8 and 18 August 2025, drone attacks were carried out on the oil depot of the SOCAR company in the Odessa region, resulting in injuries to employees and significant damage to the infrastructure. It was emphasized that all these facts raise questions about the deliberate nature of the missile attacks. At the same time, it was recalled that the Russian side had been previously informed about all these facts through official note verbals, and that the coordinates of the buildings housing our diplomatic missions in Ukraine had been submitted to the Russian side as early as April 2022, when the Russian side has assured that the coordinates will be taken into account by the Ministry of Defense of Russia. During the meeting, it was stressed that such attacks on our diplomatic missions are unacceptable, and it was requested that the Russian side conduct an appropriate investigation into the issue and provide a detailed explanation. LONDON (AP) Google has offered to make major changes to its business practices to resolve a European Union antitrust case targeting its ad-tech business, but they don't include breaking up the company. The compliance plan Google submitted to the European Commission the 27-nation bloc's top antitrust enforcer includes immediate product changes" to end specific practices, the company said in a blog post. Our proposal fully addresses the ECs decision without a disruptive break-up that would harm the thousands of European publishers and advertisers who use Google tools to grow their business, the company said Friday. Google also said it's appealing the commission's decision to slap the company with a 2.95 billion euro ($3.4 billion) fine in September for breaching the blocs competition rules by favoring its own digital advertising services. It accused Google of abusing its dominance by favoring its own online display advertising technology services to the detriment of competitors, online advertisers and publishers. As part of the punishment, Google was also required to come up with proposals to end what the Commission called self-preferencing practices and stop conflicts of interest. The Commission said it would force Google to sell off parts of its business if it wasn't satisfied with the company's proposed remedies. Google's changes include giving publishers more pricing options on its ad management platform. To address conflicts of interest, the company is modifying its ad tools to give publishers and advertisers more choice and flexibility. We will now analyse Googles proposed measures to assess whether they effectively bring the self-preferencing practices to an end and address the situation of inherent conflicts of interest, the Commission said in a statement. Google is also fighting efforts on the other side of the Atlantic to dismantle it. The Justice Department has taken the company to federal court to force a divestment after a judge ruled that its ad network was an illegal monopoly. Florida is looking at a La Nina winter, according to federal forecasters from the Climate Prediction Center. "La Nina continued over the past month, as indicated by the strengthening of below-average sea surface temperatures across the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean," the prediction center said in a Nov. 13 statement. La Nina conditions are expected to continue through February. La Nina is a part of a natural climate cycle officially known as El Nino-Southern Oscillation, what scientists call ENSO. The cycle swings between warmer and cooler seawater in a region along the equator in the tropical Pacific Ocean. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement La Nina is marked by cooler-than-average ocean water in the region. El Nino conditions warm up the water, but paradoxically La Nina is the one that brings warmer winters. This shift could have a powerful ripple effect on winter weather in the U.S. but what happens can vary drastically by region. Fortunately, La Nina is expected to remain weak and less likely to result in conventional winter impacts, the CPC said. In Florida, that could mean a shirtsleeve Christmas and generally warmer weather over the next few months. More:Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Will Florida get cold this winter? NOAA's seasonal temperature outlook for December 2025 through February 2026. The recent two-day record-breaking cold snap in the Sunshine State could end up being some of the coldest days we see for a while, according to the Climate Prediction Center's seasonal outlook. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All of the contiguous United States except for the upper north can expect to see normal or above-normal seasonal temperatures, forecasters said. Florida is solidly in the above-normal range. As of Nov. 14, the latest forecasts from AccuWeather show North Florida through the rest of November in the 70s and 80s with overnight lows in the 40s and 50s. December forecasts for North Florida predict highs mostly in the 60s and 70s with overnight lows never dropping below 40 degrees. Will La Nina affect the hurricane season? La Nina tends to boost hurricane activity in the Atlantic Basin. Fortunately, the official Atlantic hurricane season ends in a few weeks, so La Nina should have no impact in that respect this year. But warmer winters have their own problems. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The Gulf Coast and parts of the Southeast should run above historical averages on temperatures, and below on precipitation," AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Meteorologist Paul Pastelok said in the service's winter forecast in October. Pastelok said that warm water in the Gulf could fuel severe thunderstorms, meaning rain that does fall could be accompanied by potentially dangerous storms. This includes the risk of damaging winds, lightning and tornadoes. Will La Nina increase fire dangers? NOAA's seasonal precipitation outlook map for winter 2025. We could see more problems from wildfires than from hurricanes in a La Nina winter. A drier-than-average winter is expected in the South, especially in North Florida and South Georgia where drought conditions have triggered elevated fire concerns and Red Flag warnings over the last few weeks due to low humidity, an abundance of dry fuel and warming conditions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In January, conditions similar to La Nina prevented rain and storms from reaching Southern California where Santa Ana winds fueled five different wildfires. They included the raging infernos that engulfed whole neighborhoods in Los Angeles County. Thirty years ago in Florida, an abrupt switch from a soggy El Nino winter (which encouraged widespread growth of underbrush and vegetation) to a dry La Nina spring (which dried out all that new growth) led to the Florida Firestorm, when a large part of the state was in daily flames for weeks. More than 10,000 firefighters helped battle 2,200 wildfires across Florida, which raged for a month and a half, damaged or destroyed 337 homes and 33 businesses and burned well over half a million acres. Some major highways were intermittently blocked off and thousands were evacuated, including the entirety of Flagler County, about 40,000 people although, amazingly, no one died. La Nina tends to yield temperatures 1 to 3 degrees above normal and rainfall 10% to 30% below normal. What is La Nina? La Nina is a cooler-than-usual pulse of surface water in the Pacific Ocean, near the equator. It creates prevailing winds across the country that usually result in drier, warmer weather. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's part of a natural climate cycle officially known as El Nino-Southern Oscillation, called ENSO by scientists. La Nina, which is marked by cooler-than-average ocean water in the region, is the opposite of the more well-known El Nino, which occurs when Pacific Ocean water is at least 0.9 degrees warmer than average for three months. The intermediate stage is known as ENSO-Neutral, when neither La Nina nor El Nino are present. The current La Nina is expected to transition into ENSO-neutral sometime between January and March 2026, forecasters said. When does winter begin? Which one? Meteorological winter, part of a system that breaks seasons into 3-month periods for easier year-over-year comparisons, starts on Monday, Dec. 1 this year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Astronomical winter is based on the actual movement of the earth and sun. There, winter begins on the solstice, which occurs at 10:03 a.m. ET on Sunday, Dec. 21. Stay informed. Get weather alerts via text What's next? We will provide weather coverage as conditions warrant to keep you informed. Download your local site's app to ensure you're always connected to the news. And look for our special subscription offers here. Jim Waymer, Florida Today, contributed to this story. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: La Nina could affect Florida's winter. How cold will it get? The second-largest school district in Washington state has reached a tentative agreement with its union employees on a new contract, averting a strike that would have happened Monday. The Lake Washington Education Support Professionals (LWESP) and Lake Washington School District have been working on contract agreements since March. According to LWESP, members have been working without a contract since Aug. 31. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Members have made clear that their top priorities must include more than 2.5% cost-of-living adjustment to wages to combat rising costs, restoration of health room office staffing, and sick leave parity with teachers, LWESP wrote in a press release. Union members will gather at 4:30 p.m. on Nov. 20 to take a ratification vote on the new agreement. No details of the tentative agreement will be released until LWESP members have had a chance to review and discuss the details, the union said. LWESP represents office professionals, nurses, health room office professionals and account technicians in the Lake Washington School District. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were proud to share that LWESP has reached a tentative agreement with the school district an important step forward for the dedicated professionals who keep our schools running every day. From health rooms to front offices to central offices, our members are the backbone of our school communities, says LWESP President Lydia Wheeler. This agreement reflects their essential contributions and the respect they deserve. We are deeply grateful for the solidarity and support of our members, our labor partners and the broader community. Your voices and advocacy made this possible, and together were building stronger schools for everyone. KIRO 7 has reached out to the district for a statement. The Lake Washington School District covers east King County and has over 30,000 students in its 56 schools. Its the second-largest district in the state, after Seattle Public Schools. Gov. Jeff Landry addresses the Louisiana Legislature at the start of a November 2024 special session. (Hilary Scheinuk/The Advocate, Pool) A task force Gov. Jeff Landry assembled is recommending that Louisianas colleges and universities join six other university systems from Southern states in a new conservative accrediting body. The governors Task Force on Public Higher Education Reform voted Thursday to request the Board of Regents, which oversees higher education in the state, ask for state money to pursue membership and a board seat on the Commission for Public Higher Education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alternative accreditor is being formed by state university systems in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas. Accreditors are necessary to ensure schools meet minimum educational standards. The task force did not provide public notice of its meeting, which is a violation of the states Open Meetings Law. The statute requires all public bodies to take basic steps to ensure the publics right to observe government proceedings. The Illuminator, which had requested notice to be sent, only learned of the meeting after it occurred when an attendee shared a copy of its recommendations. Louisianas move to change accreditors comes as conservatives have sparred with the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, which evaluates colleges and universities in Louisiana, Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas and Virginia. Conservative politicians have taken issue with traditional accreditors at times because of their standards related to diversity, equity and inclusion. They also require safeguards that are intended to limit the influence of external forces, including politicians, in public higher education. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Southern Association does not require any DEI measures on its members campuses. The Commission for Public Higher Education is seeking expedited recognition from the U.S. Department of Education, which is required for any school it approves to receive federal financial aid. The task force also recommended state legislation that would allow colleges and universities in Louisiana to be accredited by any group with the U.S. Department of Educations recognition. The governors panel also recommended the removal of all references to the Southern Association from state law and higher education policy. Landrys task force is also seeking legislation to prohibit any accreditor from having required standards that would violate state law. Legislators have previously filed legislation that conflicts with accrediting standards, but typically scale back or pull the bills once they are made aware they could risk universities accreditation status. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 2024, a bill that would have given the governor the power to directly hire university system presidents was significantly rolled back after good governance groups voiced concerns it would risk violating standards that prohibit undue external influence on universities. Task force members also recommended legislation to require schools post on their websites any documentation they submit to their accreditors to gain or maintain approval. Every member of the task force has been directly appointed to their job by Landry or his conservative allies except two: Commissioner of Higher Education Kim Hunter Reed and Superintendent of Education Cade Brumley, who served as chairman. Besides Reed and Brumley, the other members are: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Misti Cordell, Board of Regents chairwoman Mark Romero, University of Louisiana System board chairman Scott Ballard, LSU System board chairman Tony Clayton, Southern University System board chairman Tim Hardy, Louisiana Community and Technical College System chairman Sen. Rick Edmonds, R-Central, Senate Education Committee chairman Rep. Laurie Schlegel, R-Metairie, House Education Committee chairwoman Wade Rousse, incoming LSU System president Angelique Freel, Landrys executive counsel Taylor Barras, Commissioner of Administration SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE California was soaked by two Pacific storms in just a few days time, the first of which was accompanied by an atmospheric river which triggered flash flooding, rockslides and some debris flows in the Los Angeles Basin and elsewhere. Atmospheric rivers can be beneficial, with much-needed lower elevation rainfall to suppress wildfire risk and mountain snow to build up snowpack to recharge reservoirs in the spring and summer. But they can also be hazardous, with heavy rain triggering flooding, rockslides and debris flows off areas recently burned by wildfires. (MORE: What Is An Atmospheric River?) The first round of rainfall from the atmospheric river-enhanced storm began on the night of Nov. 12 into early Nov. 13 across Northern California. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Power outages began to climb into the thousands as widespread gusts of 40-60 mph were reported with higher elevations seeing gusts over 80 mph. Trees and power lines were downed in some areas, including in far northwest California, where multiple downed trees required a closure of the Pacific Coast Highway north of Point Arena. From Nov. 13-17, the Santa Barbara Airport picked up 8.42 inches of rain, making it by far their wettest November on record dating to 1941 and over six times their average November rainfall (1.27 inches). It was also their wettest five-day stretch in any month in over 63 years, since early February 1962. In Ventura County on Nov. 15, 3.18 inches fell in Oxnard, their third wettest November day in 102 years of records, there. In all, there were over 170 reports of flash flooding, 60 reports of landslides or debris flows and 41 reports of wind damage to trees or power lines in California from both storms, combined, according to the National Weather Service. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Some of the most notable reports included: - Vehicles were stuck in floodwaters or mud near El Capitan State Beach, near Twentynine Palms, Daggett, in Sacramento, Tehachapi and Red Rock Canyon. - Another vehicle was stuck in mud, dirt and rocks on the Angeles Crest highway near Altadena in one of multiple landslides. Snowplows were unable to clear the slides, according to the storm report. - Up to 3 feet of water was reported on an offramp of Interstate 710 in Compton. - Flooding closed several roads in Death Valley National Park, including Badwater Road. (MORE: Atmospheric River Storm Turned Deadly) AP Photo/Noah Berger While snow amounts in the Sierra and Southern California mountains were modest, snow blanketed a wildfire southeast of Mammoth Mountain in Mono County, leading to the odd sight of snow covering an area that just burned days earlier. Jonathan Erdman is a senior meteorologist at weather.com and has been covering national and international weather since 1996. Extreme and bizarre weather are his favorite topics. Reach out to him on Bluesky, X (formerly Twitter) and Facebook. MAGA Rep. Lauren Boebert is sending mixed messages about whether President Donald Trump pressured her to withdraw her support from an effort to force a vote on the Jeffrey Epstein files. Boebert, 38, is one of four House Republicans who joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition to override party leadership and bring a vote on a bill that would release the Department of Justices investigative file. The president called her on Tuesday to discuss her support for the petition, and on Wednesday she attended a White House meeting about the late sex offenders case, according to reporting from multiple outlets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House meeting was also attended by Attorney General Pam Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel, but Boebert nevertheless declined to remove her name from the petition. House Speaker Mike Johnson and President Trump tried to block on vote on whether to release the Epstein files. / Joe Raedle/Getty Images After the meeting, she told the conservative Daily Caller that there was no pressure on her and that everybody was great and worked well with me. Later that night, though, she shared a social media post that hinted the president might have pressured her after all. The post features a video of reporter Kyle Clark from NBC affiliate 9News in Denver, Colorado, calling Boebert brave for apparently refusing to help Trump bury the Epstein files. By all appearances, Boebert did defy the president, despite the pressure and the reported threats, he said. Stood firm against the wishes of her party and her president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Regardless of how viewers feel about Boeberts politics, anyone who cares about children, accountability, and transparency owes her their thanks, he added. The congresswoman shared the video along with an emoji of two wide-open eyes typically used to draw attention to something. Boebert, who is a grandmother, was forced to confront child abuse allegations within her own family in July 2025 after her 20-year-old son, Tyler, received a citation for criminal negligence involving his toddler son. Tyler has been doing a great job getting his life on track as a father and citizen over the past year, Boebert said. Unfortunately, this event stems from a miscommunication on monitoring my young grandson that recently led to him getting out of our house. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump was good friends for more than a decade with Epstein, who died in 2019 in a jail cell while awaiting trial on charges of sex trafficking. For months, the president has tried to block proposed legislation to release hundreds of thousands of new documents in the case. During her daily press briefing, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt tried to frame the meeting as a positive, saying it was evidence of the Trump administrations transparency. That same day, newly sworn-in Democratic Rep. Adelita Grijalva of Arizona provided the decisive 218th signature on the discharge petition. Trump had also tried to convince other MAGA defectors to withdraw their support for the petition, including Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The effort was co-sponsored by Democratic Rep. Ro Khanna of California and Kentucky Republican Rep. Thomas Massie, who has been a thorn in Trumps side all year. Donald Trump was friends for more than a decade with the disgraced financier Jeffrey Epstein. / Davidoff Studios/Getty Images House Speaker Mike Johnson said a vote would be held next week as five more members of his caucus said they backed the files disclosure. The Daily Beast has reached out to the White House for comment. CARTHAGE, Mo. Community leaders, real estate agents and developers met Wednesday in Carthage to listen to two Springfield officials discuss ways that city tackled housing availability and homeownership. Brendan Griesemer, with Restore SGF, and state Rep. Bill Owen, R-Springfield, said programs they used could be adjusted to fit other communities. Owen said legislation passed two years ago creates land banks allowing communities to set up an entity that can buy property and sell it to people who can develop it or rebuild on it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of the great things about land bank is it takes the elected officials out of the equation, Owen said, and allows professionals to say, Heres what we need to do with this property. ... Are we going to repurpose it ourselves, sell it as is, have we got the right buyer or not? That same bill would allow a judge to foreclose on a property and clean up liens and other encumbrances on titles that make these properties difficult to redevelop. Owen said that bill was signed by Gov. Mike Parson and became law, but a Cole County District Judge recently ruled it unconstitutional because of amendments that were attached to it that were not part of the same topic. He said the Missouri attorney general is negotiating with the judge to restore the underlying bill, but if that doesnt happen, hell reintroduce it and push it through the Legislature again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Owen said he tried to create another tool for municipalities to take care of unmaintained properties, creating a nuisance foreclosure process by which a neighbor who lives within 1,200 feet of an unmaintained property or a neighborhood organization could send the owner of nuisance properties a 60-day letter asking them to clean it up. If that doesnt work, the neighbor or association could take the owner to court and a judge could make a deal with the owner to get the property cleaned up, or, in the worst case, take the property from that owner. He said that bill passed and was signed by the governor but that the Missouri Senate changed it so it was only available in Missouris larger cities. Griesemer spoke about programs created in Springfield to help young people buy new homes or help neighborhoods revitalize themselves. Restore SGFs down payment assistance program started in 2024 and provides eligible new homebuyers with up to $9,000 in grant assistance toward down payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The buyer must buy a home in an eligible neighborhood and would have to repay part of the grant if the property is sold in less than five years. Griesemer said the city of Springfield provided Restore SGF with about $466,000 in America Rescue Plan Act money in 2024 to start the program, which helped put about 50 buyers in new homes in its first four months. Another program, called the Restore My Block Challenge Grant, encourages homeowners to improve the exteriors of their homes in historic neighbors and helped foster community collaboration by offering up to $2,500 in reimbursement grants to homeowners who can create teams of neighbors to help fix up the exterior of their homes. The Healthy Homes for Seniors program helps older homeowners fix their homes to make them more livable by creating accessibility upgrades such as improved stairs or ramps. It also helps with energy efficiency repairs to help manage utility costs. The matching grants can be up to $4,000 and are available now only in eligible neighborhoods in Springfield. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Griesemer said these models can help in almost any city. It just would need to be adapted to the size of the community and the amount of housing stock that youre trying to impact, Griesemer said. The key is it really can help revitalize these older parts of cities. You dont want cities to decline. You want to help them revitalize and get that momentum going, and then hopefully, at some point, the private market takes over, and then you can go to the next neighborhood that needs assistance. People who want more information on Restore SGF and its programs can go to https://www.restoresgf.com. A Main Line contractor is the focus of an Action News investigation. He is accused of taking money, not finishing jobs, and using alleged stolen funds. But his victims say he is still able to drive around in pricey cars. The contractor's name is Mike Monaghan. He's catered to those with money on the Main Line. His alleged victims say he played the part, but when it came time to build and finish projects, he didn't deliver. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Allen told the Investigative Team he began building his dream home in Gladwyne in the summer of 2023, and two years later, it remained unfinished. "To me, it seems like he took about 70% of the budget and he delivered about 15-20% of the actual project," Allen said. Allen said his contract price was for $1.2 million, and he estimates he's paid and lost about $500K in unfinished work. "All the plumbing, all the electrical and all the HVAC had to be ripped out because it wasn't code compliant and he just did it all wrong," he said. Allen said simply, the builder, Mike Monaghan, always complained of being short on money, so he continued to pay, trusting Monaghan would deliver. But red flag after red flag emerged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A subcontractor came up to me and said, 'Mike's not paying me,'" Allen recalled. Allen said what's troubling is that Monaghan would drive around in a $150K Hummer and make social media posts referring to a Ferrari that read "My new baby finally arrived." In court papers, Monaghan denied Allen's allegations. David McIntyre, of Havertown, also shared his building troubles with the Investigative Team. "I said it's going to be easy for me to win when I show him you standing over a Ferrari telling everybody your baby has just come it. So yeah, it was pretty maddening," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement McIntryre said he hired Monaghan for a renovation of his Havertown home in 2024 after finding him through a contracting sourcing website. "This project has been probably the most stressful thing," he said. Allen and McIntyre are among a dozen homeowners and businesses now suing Monaghan. Court records allege he used the seal and signature of a dead architect for a Malvern renovation, allegedly leading to a homeowner losing $120,000. Another client accused him of concocting bogus change orders or upgrades and creating fraudulent invoices. And at one point, he changed his business name, dropping the "G" in his last name. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I suspect that he has tried to change his name because if somebody googles him, they're going to see all these complaints and things like that," said Allen. Investigative reporter Chad Pradelli went to Monaghan's Paoli home to get answers and hear his side of the story. In the driveway, there was a Range Rover with a license plate that reads "YOLO1," which stands for you only live once. He didn't comment and shut the door. Monaghan's legal troubles go beyond civil cases. In 2015, he pleaded guilty to forgery and theft related to obtaining prescription drugs. Earlier this year, he also pleaded guilty to providing false information on a gun purchase application. He was also charged with DUI and writing bad checks. Those charges are pending. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allen said he cut off contact with Monaghan, but he's repeatedly shown up in front of his home, which he captured on security video. He also shared a text that Monaghan sent him that read in part: "Karma will have us meet again." "He's saying that to intimidate me. He's saying that to threaten me. And the fact that he's literally showing up at my house," said Allen. Both Allen and McIntyre filed complaints with the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office. A spokesperson could not comment on whether it has an open investigation. SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4) The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is donating 250 semitruck loads of food to food banks throughout the country. The donations, part of the churchs participation in the America250 America Gives initiative that runs through 2026, begin today, Nov. 13, with the first five semitrucks. The initiative will involve service, music, and family history, according to the church. Church members across the country are invited to participate in service projects in their communities, listed here. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The LDS Church is also launching this years Light the World giving machines, revealing new locations for 126 machines in 21 different countries. We hope people will learn about the realities that others face and see how their contribution, whatever it is, makes a difference in someones life, Matthew S. Holland, a General Authority, said. Custom shoes. Mobile medical clinic. This is really helpful, and this is helping with medical teams for people with leprosy. We had feminine hygiene kits, which we just talked about. Cataracts, surgery. Diapers are always in need, Second Counselor in the Relief Society General Presidency Kristin M. Yee said. In 2024, the giving machines provided 2 million meals, vaccinated 500,000 children, and delivered 125,000 emergency food boxes to refugees. There are at least five giving machines throughout Utah, from Logan to St. George, and most will be opening on Nov. 25. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you would like to find other ways to give back near you, visit the America 250 website here. Latest headlines: Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah. After a high-level visit by US officials, including senior director for counterterrorism Sebastian Gorka, this week, the Lebanese leadership continues to appear to be dragging its feet on disarmament. Lebanon is focused on Israel. While Hezbollah continues to refuse to disarm, the Lebanese leadership wants Israel to stop airstrikes in its country. After a high-level visit by US officials, including Sebastian Gorka, deputy assistant to the president and senior director for counterterrorism, this week, the Lebanese leadership is continuing to drag its feet on disarmament. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lebanese President Joseph Aoun said Lebanon is now waiting for Israels response, Beirut-based, pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al Akhbar reported. Lebanon is waiting for Israels response through the United States to the option of negotiating to liberate the land The logic of force is no longer useful, and we must go to the power of logic, he said. What Aoun means by liberate the land appears to refer to Lebanon getting back a few areas that the IDF occupies along the border. It could also refer to Mount Dov, or Shaba Farms, in Lebanon. Hezbollah is not involved in the area south of the Litani River, and the Lebanese army is doing a tremendous job in the south and all other Lebanese regions, Aoun told a delegation from the Editors Syndicate at Beiruts Baabda Palace, Al Akhbar reported. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The American president has his project in the region, which is based on stability and security, he said. We have our project, which is based on stopping the attacks, liberating the land, and recovering the prisoners, and we are doing what our countrys interest requires. There is a government that is solely responsible, and no one else. Can the language of war lead us to a result? Aoun asked. Generally speaking, when war does not lead to any result, it ends with diplomacy, and we have previous experiences, such as the maritime border. Lebanon's relationship with Syria This refers to an agreement with Israel regarding the maritime border line off the coast, which is supposed to enable both countries to exploit the seabed for drilling to find natural gas. This agreement was rushed into in 2022 on the eve of elections in Israel. It was backed by the Biden administration and was sold at the time as facilitating peace. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, it fueled Hezbollahs ambitions instead. Now, with Hezbollah weakened, perhaps it could be a model. Regarding the meeting that took place at the White House between the American and Syrian presidents, Aoun discussed Syrias role in Lebanon. Syria occupied Lebanon from 1976-2005. The stability of Syria is necessary for the stability of Lebanon, because the two countries are linked in this regard The meeting between the American and Syrian presidents is a positive thing, as lifting the American sanctions on Syria also benefits Lebanon, he said. Aoun dismissed rumors that Lebanon would be rewarded to Syria. It was not clear what he meant. Lina Khan has quickly thrown water on any hopes that she might be a benign force on New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani's transition team. The former Federal Trade Commission (FTC) chair suggested in a recent interview that she's looking to make sure Mamdani can "unilaterally deploy" ample power as mayor. Khan is "exploring ways to maximizeMamdani's executive authority through little-used laws already in place," as Bloomberg put it. "Exploring ways to maximize executive authority" is a scary enough phrase no matter who the executive in question is. But it's got a particularly chilling ring when applied to Mandami, a Democratic Socialist who has said there's no problem too minor for the government to get involved in, and Khan, who spearheaded some of the Biden administration's worst efforts to disrupt free markets with heavy-handed government intervention, repeatedly tested the limits of FTC power, and attempted to do through an executive agency things that should have been left to Congress. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a recent interview with Pod Save America host Tommy Vietor, Khan made it clear that she envisions Mamdani's New York City as a place where the mayor can wield ample unchecked power. "I'm gonna be especially focused on things like 'how do we make sure that we have a full accounting of all of the laws and authorities that the mayor can unilaterally deploy?'" Khan said in the interview, which was taped last week but won't air in full until November 23. She went on to talk about how her time at the FTC taught her there were "unused and underused" powers that she could wield, and she wanted to find out the full extent of authority that would be possible for Mandami as mayor. With Khan's influence, we can expect the future Mamdani mayoral administration to get creativeand, perhaps, unconstitutionalin its application of existing laws and authorities to enact Mamdani's agenda, which includes things like city-run grocery stores, free child care and bus rides, nearly doubling the minimum wage, and a freeze on raising rents. Much of Mamdani's agenda would require acquiescence from state government authorities, which may make enacting it a stretch. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Khan apparently isn't phased. "A lot of what he is going to be looking to deliver is going to be requiring working closely with other institutional actors, be it the governor, be it the legislature, but he should also have a lot of ability to do things unilaterally," she told Vietor. She also seems intent on taking elements of the Biden administration's failed agenda to the Big Apple. "Khan is planning to look at recently-enacted and proposed legislation and regulations affecting algorithmic price discrimination, surveillance pricing and junk fees," Bloomberg reports. And, of course, no Khan operation would be complete without a little bit of absolutely overreaching antitrust policy. At the FTC, Khan went after tech platforms and other companies "under novel theories of harm," notes Liz Hoffman at Semafor. "In her new role, Khan has identified an early avenue in a 56-year-old NYC prohibition on business practices deemed 'unconscionable'a designation expansive enough to delight any regulator." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This could include targeting stadiums for selling high-price concessions, Hoffman reports. (No problem too small for government action, indeed.) If Khan's influence takes hold, we can expect from the future Mamdani administration not just big meddling in significant aspects of city life but also the sort of low-grade authoritarianism we saw attempted under Biden, who rallied against the way cable bills were formatted and airline ticket fees were displayed. Using the might power of the state to make stadium hot dogs cheaper is a perfect distillation of the sort of petty populism that Khan has come to be known forand Mamdani may, alas, be angling to adopt as NYC mayor. The post How Lina Khan Is Busy Striving To Maximize Mamdani's Power appeared first on Reason.com. By Foo Yun Chee BRUSSELS (Reuters) -Alphabet's Google has offered to make it easier for publishers and advertisers to use its online advertising technology, defying EU antitrust regulators' call for it to sell part of the business to address conflicts of interest. Regulators on both sides of the Atlantic are targeting Google's ownership of tools used by advertisers and publishers along with its ad exchange AdX, which sits in the middle. The European Commission, which acts as the EU competition watchdog, fined Google 2.95 billion euros ($3.4 billion) in September for favouring its own online display technology services to reinforce AdX's central role. It said this behaviour harmed competitors, advertisers and publishers and gave the company until November to come up with measures to end conflicts of interest along the adtech supply chain, suggesting a sale of part of the business. Google said on Friday that it had submitted its proposal to the EU enforcer, which is broadly similar to the one offered in the U.S. Department of Justice investigation on the same issue. "Our proposal fully addresses the EC's decision without a disruptive break-up that would harm the thousands of European publishers and advertisers who use Google tools to grow their business," the company said in a blogpost. "Our plan includes immediate product changes to end the specific practices the Commission challenges. For example, we are giving publishers the option to set different minimum prices for different bidders when using Google Ad Manager," it said. The company also offered to increase the interoperability of its tools to give publishers and advertisers more choice and flexibility. Sources have previously told Reuters that the EU enforcer could issue a breakup order at a later stage if Google continued anti-competitive practices, based on a precedent-setting case involving Microsoft two decades ago. The EU case is similar to that of the U.S. Department of Justice, which wants Google to sell AdX. The company has said that would be technically unworkable and would lead to prolonged uncertainty for advertisers and publishers. The case is now before a U.S. court. If the judge rules in favour of the Justice Department, it would resolve the issue for the Commission, the sources said. ($1 = 0.8575 euros) (Reporting by Foo Yun CheeEditing by Mark Potter) After a record-long 43 days, the federal government is back open. President Donald Trump signed a bill Nov. 12 to fund the government through Jan. 30. The shutdown was resolved after a group of Democrats went against their colleagues who demanded any new spending bill include an extension of subsidies that help people buy health insurance under the Affordable Care Act. In Wisconsin, the end of the shutdown means more certainty for households that rely on SNAP to buy food, federal workers who have gone without paychecks and travelers facing possible flight delays and cancellations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here's a recap of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's coverage and a timeline of how the shutdown played out in D.C. and Wisconsin: Oct. 1: The federal government shuts down at midnight after Congress fails to pass a spending bill. Even before that, Republican legislative leaders in Wisconsin urged the U.S. Senate to avert a shutdown without extending the health care subsidies Democrats wanted. Oct. 9: U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, a former Wisconsin congressman, cites an increase in air traffic controllers calling in sick and claims those who don't show up won't get paid and could be fired. Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport reports no delays. Oct. 13: Federal officials warn state leaders that federally funded food assistance programs like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program and WIC could expire in November if the shutdown continues. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oct. 22: Democratic Gov. Tony Evers warns the funding for SNAP, known as FoodShare in Wisconsin, will run out in nine days. U.S. Rep. Mark Pocan, a Democrat, meets with a group of furloughed federal employees in Madison. Oct. 23: Senate Democrats reject a measure led by U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson to pay active-duty military and federal workers deemed essential, arguing the bill would give Trump, who threatened to lay off some federal workers, the ability to pick and choose which workers receive compensation. Oct. 26: Senate President Mary Felzkowski, a Republican leader in the state Capitol, says it's unlikely lawmakers will step in with state funds to backfill the FoodShare loss. Oct. 27: Evers' office releases estimates that show premiums will skyrocket for Wisconsinites buying health insurance through the Affordable Care Act if subsidies aren't extended Democrats' key demand in the shutdown debate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the same day, Evers holds a roundtable discussion with advocates and hints at the state joining a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Agriculture to force the release of emergency funding for SNAP. Oct. 29: U.S. Rep. Derrick Van Orden, a Republican, says state lawmakers should step in and fund the loss of FoodShare benefits. Later, three Democratic candidates for Wisconsin governor in 2026 share the same stance. Oct. 31: Two federal judges reject the Trump administration's argument that it can't use emergency funding to keep SNAP going. Evers also declares a state of emergency over the shutdown, directing state officials to prevent price gouging. Wisconsin Democrats host food drives and argue that the stalemate is Republicans' fault. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov 1: Monthly food assistance payments for SNAP recipients don't go out, leaving farmers markets and free meal programs in limbo. Recipients also report confusion after conflicting guidance about carrying over balances into November. Nov. 3: The Trump administration says it will provide partial funding for food assistance. State officials say benefits could be delayed for weeks as the state waits for guidance. Nov 4: Trump posts on Truth Social that food programs will be funded again "only when the Radical Left Democrats open up government," leading to confusion at the state level. Van Orden visits a Salvation Army center in La Crosse and argues Republicans have done their part by passing a continuing resolution to keep the government funded. Lt. Gov. Sara Rodriguez, a Democrat running for governor, holds a dueling event at a Sun Prairie food pantry. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil, a Republican, introduces legislation that would block members of Congress from being paid during government shutdowns. He and several other members of Congress from Wisconsin requested to withhold their pay. Nov. 5: Sen. Ron Johnson, a Republican, changes his views on ending the filibuster after Trump calls on Republicans to eliminate the tactic as a way to end the shutdown. Nov. 6: A federal judge orders the Trump administration to fully fund SNAP benefits. Hours later, Evers says FoodShare payments will become available overnight. The state releases $104 million at midnight, before the Trump administration moves to block the court order. The Milwaukee County Board of Supervisors approves $150,000 in emergency food assistance to help full the SNAP gap. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 8: The Trump administration directs Wisconsin to reverse the FoodShare payments. Evers rejects that directive and says Wisconsin "legally loaded benefits to cards." Nov. 10: A federal judge blocks the Trump administration's directive, based on a request from Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and 24 other state attorneys general. On the same day, Evers visits a food pantry in La Crosse and criticizes Trump's effort to block states like Wisconsin from providing SNAP benefits during the shutdown. The Wisconsin Grocers Association also releases a statement saying FoodShare recipients can continue shopping with confidence and that benefits remain "active and usable." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nov. 10: In the Senate, Johnson votes for the spending plan to reopen the government. Baldwin votes against the plan, which ultimately gained the support of eight Democratic senators. Nov. 12: In a visit to Milwaukee, Baldwin defends her vote and said it was done in response to constituents who are worried about their health care coverage. Baldwin introduced an amendment to force a vote to extend the subsidies for one year. That night, the U.S. House passes the spending bill. Wisconsin's two Democrats in that chamber Mark Pocan and Gwen Moore vote no. Republican U.S. Reps. Bryan Steil, Derrick Van Orden, Scott Fitzgerald, Glenn Grothman, Tom Tiffany and Tony Wied vote yes. What happens next after the government shutdown? As of Nov. 13, the federal government is back open. At the Milwaukee Mitchell International Airport, air travel is largely operating normally. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State health officials don't expect any more disruptions to FoodShare, which is fully funded through Sept. 30, 2026. Federal office buildings in Wisconsin, like the Veterans Affairs' benefits office in Milwaukee, will reopen. And around 18,000 federal workers who live in Wisconsin, most of whom haven't been paid since mid-October, are awaiting backpay that should arrive between Nov. 15 and 19. Hope Karnopp can be reached at HKarnopp@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: How longest federal government shutdown affected Wisconsin; a timeline Nov. 14 (UPI) -- A deer smashed through a window at a junior high school cafeteria in Amherst, Ohio, as staff were preparing breakfast for the school's students. Students and staff were stunned when the deer made its surprise entrance through a large windowpane at full speed, according to reports. "As shocking as the event was to witness, we are happy to report that no significant injuries took place, although a couple of students and staff members were present in the cafeteria when the deer came through the window," Amherst Junior High principal Andrew Hoffman said in a press release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The deer crashed through the window around 7:20 a.m. as cafeteria employees were starting to serve breakfast to students, according to Hoffman. Video of the incident the school shared with media outlets shows two deer running across sidewalks in front of the school when one of the deer is seen charging directly at the windows near the schools bus loop and bicycle racks. The video then switches to cameras inside the cafeteria showing the deer slamming into a cafeteria table and struggling to keep its footing on the tile floor as it attempts to get back up to speed. A few people in the cafeteria are also seen running out of the path of the animal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hoffman said that staff, with the help of the Amherst Police Department, were able to "barricade and contain the deer," guiding it onto the stage before leading it out of the cafeteria's back door. "We are grateful to all the adults who came to aide the situation," Hoffman said, adding that the school day would continue "as normally as possible" -- including offering all students a chance to receive breakfast during 1st period after the deer was escorted off campus. AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson New York City mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani called for a boycott of the coffee giant Starbucks on Thursday, urging solidarity with employees of the company who are on striking to demand concessions in contract negotiations. The members of Starbucks Workers United, the union that represents about 550 unionized Starbucks locations, walked out on Thursday in order to advocate for improved wages and benefits. The strike began on the companys Red Cup Day, a promotion wherein shoppers receive a free reusable cup when they purchase a holiday themed drink. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The strike came after Workers United, which represents over 12,000 baristas across 600 locations, voted with an overwhelming majority to authorize the strike last week. Over 1,000 participants in more than 40 U.S. cities joined the Red Cup Rebellion Thursday, forcing almost all of the 65 unionized Starbucks locations to close, according to the union. New York City has nearly 200 locations within the five boroughs. Baristas are protesting six months of Starbucks refusing to offer new proposals to address workers demands for better staffing, higher pay, and resolution for hundreds of unfair labor practice charges, said the SWU in a statement. Mamdani threw his support behind the strikers, telling his followers he wont be shopping at the chain until a fair contract is negotiated. Starbucks workers across the country are on an Unfair Labor Practices strike, fighting for a fair contract, he wrote on X. While workers are on strike, I wont be buying any Starbucks, and Im asking you to join us. Together, we can send a powerful message: No contract, no coffee. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The mayor-elect was not the only political figure to publicly back the workers in their efforts. I stand in solidarity with @SBWorkersUnited and say #NoContractNoCoffee, wrote Rep. Rashida Tlaib (D-MI) on X. When we strike, we win! Sen. Ed Markey (D-MA) also voiced his solidarity, agreeing with the strikers that Starbucks must put an end to their union busting and negotiate in good faith. In a statement made after the strike authorization, Starbucks said the companys commitment to bargaining hasnt changed. Workers United walked away from the table but if they are ready to come back, were ready to talk, the statement read. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union, for its part, has signaled it has no intention of ending the strike anytime soon. Were prepared to escalate with more stores striking if we dont see substantial progress toward finalizing contracts that address pay, hours/staffing, and the resolution of 100s of ULPs, the union said in a statement on Thursday. The post Mamdani Calls to Boycott Hundreds of NYC Starbucks Branches While Workers Are On Strike first appeared on Mediaite. NEW YORK Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani and New York Gov. Kathy Hochul met Thursday to prepare for the possibility President Donald Trump could take punitive actions against New York City after Mamdani is sworn in seven weeks from now. For months, Trump threatened to cut federal funding for New York and boost ICEs presence or deploy the National Guard in the city in the event that Mamdani, a democratic socialist, was elected mayor. Trump routinely called Mamdani a communist whose left-wing agenda would put New York at risk. Im not going to send a lot of money to New York, Trump said in mid-October at the White House. Were not going to ruin one of our great cities, because well make that great. We will clean up the crime in about 30 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It took 12 days to do Washington, DC, so New York is bigger, and Chicago, weve already made a lot of progress despite fighting from the government. All of these cities, we want to clean them up, he added. Since Mamdanis Nov. 4 election victory, the Queens-born president has been a bit more circumspect, though, even saying last week he hopes it works out for New York and that hell help him a little bit, maybe. Still, Hochul invited Mamdani to her Midtown Manhattan office on Thursday afternoon to talk about a range of topics including what Trump might do after Mamdani is inaugurated Jan. 1 as the youngest mayor in city history in more than a century. The Governor and the Mayor-elect discussed the possibility that the federal government would surge ICE and/or National Guard to New York City, said a readout of the meeting provided by Mamdanis transition team. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both agreed that New York is safe and that a federal surge would not improve public safety, especially given continued declines in crime and the governors investments in subway safety. State officials provided an update on ongoing preparedness efforts should the federal government target New York, and the mayor-elects team will formally join these coordinated efforts. While ICE has been detaining men and women across New York for months as part of the Trump administrations mass deportation agenda, the city has not seen the same level of confrontation and conflict as other parts of the country, notably Chicago. The readout of the Mamdani-Hochul meeting said it lasted about an hour. There was no detail on the exact nature of the preparedness efforts they discussed. But Politico reported earlier this month that Hochul has for weeks been convening New York business leaders and law enforcement officials to game out how New York would respond in the event of various Trump-induced scenarios. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One purpose of those meetings has been to nudge business leaders to signal to Trump that itd be a waste of federal resources to deploy U.S. troops to New York. According to the meeting readout, Mamdani and Hochul also discussed other key New York City issues, like child care and budgeting. Mamdani said earlier this week that he plans to speak to Trump before he takes office Jan. 1. Unlike outgoing Mayor Eric Adams, Mamdani has vowed to fight Trump, especially over his mass deportation efforts targeting undocumented New Yorkers. Nov. 13A man convicted of charging at Dayton police with a knife has been sentenced to prison. The sentence Otto Coleman, 79, of Dayton, was sentenced by Montgomery County Common Pleas Judge Kimberly A. Melnick to 10-15 years in prison for one count of felonious assault with a repeat violent offender specification. The shooting The charges stem from Aug. 11, when Montgomery County dispatchers received a call around 7 p.m., where it was unclear what the caller was trying to report. Dispatchers tried to call back five times, but were unable to get more information. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dayton Police Chief Kamran Afzal previously said that the call appeared to be from Summit Behavioral Healthcare in Cincinnati, but after multiple attempts to call back failed dispatchers put in a call for officers to respond to a mosque and residence in the 700 block of North Broadway Street for a trespassing complaint. According to court documents, on arrival police initially saw Coleman pushing a lawn mower across a gravel parking lot, then run into the backyard of his property when he saw the officers. Officers followed while calling out and asking if anyone had called police, police said. One of the officers found Coleman behind his shed with a knife in his hand standing near the fence. Body camera footage showed the officer order Coleman several times to drop the knife and start to back up as Coleman approached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Coleman then started running toward the officer, who shot him, police said. He was hit in the chest, arm and leg, Afzal said. The officer radioed dispatch about the shooting and requested medics, leading dispatch to issue a Signal 99, or call for officer assistance. Coleman continued to hold onto the knife and ignored commands to drop it, Afzal said, and soon after the shooting officers requested crews with less lethal weapons. Soon after, police notified crews they were going in with a shield and took the knife from Coleman, the chief said. Coleman was taken into custody and medics took him to Miami Valley Hospital in life-threatening condition, but he was stable by the next afternoon, Afzal said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A violent past The Montgomery County Prosecutor's Office said that Coleman has a long history of violent crime, reaching back to an attempted murder conviction in 1973 in Maryland. In Montgomery County, he was also convicted of assaulting a police officer in 1998, then in 2010 he was indicted for assaulting an officer but found not guilty by reason of insanity. Finally in 2011 he was convicted of aggravated robbery, assault on a police officer and vandalism and sentenced to 11 and a half years in prison. Coleman was on parole at the time of the shooting, the prosecutor's office said. The parole was revoked and he was returned to prison. A man was found shot to death on Chicago's South Side early Friday morning, police said. Police a 61-year-old man was found unresponsive in a gangway near West 76th and South Sangamon streets in the Auburn Gresham neighborhood just before 1:30 a.m. A woman who lives nearby says she heard shots in the area. The victim, shot in the chest, was pronounced dead on the scene, police said. There is no one in custody, and Area Two detectives are investigating. Police did not immediately provide further information about the shooting. INTERACTIVE SAFETY TRACKER Track crime and safety in your neighborhood On Nov. 12, a man was found unresponsive inside a car on US Highway 97 in Orondo, Douglas County. The area is about 17 miles north of Wenatchee. First responders tried to save his life, but he was pronounced dead at the scene. The man was found with what appeared to be gunshot wounds, and the Douglas County Sheriffs Office began investigating his death as a homicide. A day later, a 16-year-old was arrested in Bridgeport in connection with the mans death. The teen was booked for second-degree murder. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Columbia River Drug Task Force, the Grant County Interagency Narcotics Enforcement Team, East Cascades SWAT, East Wenatchee Police Department, and the Washington State Patrol all assisted the Douglas County Sheriffs Office in executing the search warrant on the Bridgeport home. The victim has not been identified, and its unclear how he knew the teen. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact RiverCom Dispatch at (509) 663-9911. A man was killed and three other people were seriously injured in a vehicle collision in Brockton early Friday morning, according to the Plymouth County District Attorney's Office. The crash between a motor vehicle and a box truck occurred at around 1:30 a.m. Friday near Centre and Quincy streets, the DA's office said. The motor vehicle had four occupants, the DA's office said. "One male adult occupant is deceased, and three others have serious injuries," The Plymouth County District Attorney's Office said in a prepared statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Brockton firefighters extricated a man from his vehicle using a hydraulic rescue tool following the crash. The investigation by Massachusetts State Police and Brockton Police is ongoing. This is a developing story. This article originally appeared on The Enterprise: Brockton accident with box truck leaves one dead, 3 seriously injured Michael Dennis Shumaker, a 32-year-old man from Gainesville, has been sentenced to life in prison, with the first 25 years without parole, for meeting a Cherokee County child for the purpose of sexual exploitation. Shumaker pleaded guilty to charges including aggravated child molestation, enticing a child for indecent purposes, statutory rape and two counts of sexual exploitation of children. He was sentenced by Chief Superior Court Judge David L. Cannon Jr., Cherokee County District Attorney Susan K. Treadaway said on Friday. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] This defendant knew this childs age and specifically targeted her because she was vulnerable, said Assistant District Attorney Leyna Pope of the Special Victims Unit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The charges against Shumaker stem from an investigation by the Cherokee Sheriffs Office. In August 2023, Shumaker met a 14-year-old girl on the social media platform Tumblr. After communicating online, he traveled to Cherokee County, took the child to the Woodstock Microtel Inn and sexually assaulted her. The victim provided detailed accounts of the assault during a forensic interview at the Anna Crawford Childrens Center. The Cherokee Sheriffs Office gathered additional evidence, including hotel records, photos and videos that corroborated what the girl said. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the plea hearing, Assistant District Attorney Pope read an impact statement from the childs parents, describing the profound effect the assault had on their daughters happiness and well-being. She still struggles to deal with this trauma, and while we are hopeful that she will improve, it may impact the rest of her life, the statement read. Treadaway expressed gratitude to the Cherokee Sheriffs Office, the FBI and the Anna Crawford Childrens Center for their work in uncovering the truth and supporting the victim. With this sentence, our community is safer, and a young victim can begin to heal knowing that justice has been served, she said. He will remain on probation for life under sex offender restrictions and is prohibited from any contact with the victim. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A minor dispute between two neighbors in Philadelphia's Logan section escalated into violence early Friday, leaving a 47-year-old man critically injured after being stabbed 11 times, police said. The stabbing happened just after 12:30 a.m. on the 4500 block of North 16th Street. Blood-curdling screams, along with a woman yelling, 'call the police,' were captured on a neighbor's surveillance camera. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Officers found the victim outside his home with stab wounds to his upper body and neck. "Upon arrival, they located a complainant, an adult male, 47 years old, suffering from 11 stab wounds to his upper body and neck," Capt. John Craig said. Officers quickly detained the victim's neighbor, identified as 43-year-old James Graham. "Mr. Graham has currently been arraigned and charged with attempted murder, aggravated assault and related offenses," Craig said. Police recovered a weapon at the scene. The victim was taken by medics to Albert Einstein Medical Center, where he's currently in critical condition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neighbors said they woke to screams. "The lady I heard screaming and hollering..." resident Steven Goodwin said, later adding, "It's unfortunate and I pray that this fellow pulls through." Craig said investigators believe the situation began as a brief disagreement. "From what I understand, this is not an ongoing dispute. This is something that flared up last night," he said. Detectives are still trying to determine what sparked the incident. "We're not 100% sure what the exact cause of the dispute was. We believe that the dispute was relatively minor, it just turned violent very quickly, leading to the stabbing," Craig said. He also noted investigators are looking into "something with the son of the victim," though the connection is unclear. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Craig urged residents to de-escalate conflicts before they turn dangerous. "It's just very sad. Obviously, we plead with the public, when you're involved in some sort of verbal dispute, take a step back, take a deep breath... it is not worth this," he said. "Both sides of the families now are deeply impacted by this event." As global markets navigate a complex landscape marked by fluctuating consumer sentiment and evolving economic indicators, Asian tech stocks have emerged as a focal point for investors seeking growth opportunities. In this dynamic environment, identifying promising high-growth tech stocks involves evaluating factors such as innovation potential, market adaptability, and resilience to broader market fluctuations. Top 10 High Growth Tech Companies In Asia Name Revenue Growth Earnings Growth Growth Rating Accton Technology 21.66% 24.66% Giant Network Group 33.47% 39.54% Suzhou TFC Optical Communication 34.08% 35.52% Shengyi TechnologyLtd 21.50% 32.87% Zhongji Innolight 30.75% 31.56% PharmaEssentia 34.39% 51.51% Fositek 37.70% 51.13% Gold Circuit Electronics 27.50% 35.18% eWeLLLtd 25.02% 24.93% CARsgen Therapeutics Holdings 100.40% 118.16% Click here to see the full list of 190 stocks from our Asian High Growth Tech and AI Stocks screener. Here's a peek at a few of the choices from the screener. Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Hancom Inc., with a market cap of 609.96 billion, develops and sells office software products and solutions both in South Korea and internationally. Operations: The company's primary revenue stream is the Non-Financial - SW Division, generating 185.71 billion, followed by the Non-Financial - Manufacturing Sector at 90.53 billion. The Finance - Financial Sector contributes a smaller portion with 6.26 billion in revenue. Despite a challenging year with a 24.2% dip in earnings, Hancom's commitment to innovation is evident from its R&D spending, which aligns closely with its strategy to rebound and capture market share. The company has announced a significant share repurchase program valued at KRW 10 billion, underlining confidence in its future prospects and dedication to enhancing shareholder value. With expected annual revenue growth at 14.6%, surpassing the Korean market's average of 10.2%, and projected earnings growth of 46.4% per year, Hancom is positioning itself as an agile player in Asias tech landscape, ready to leverage upcoming opportunities despite current volatility. KOSDAQ:A030520 Earnings and Revenue Growth as at Nov 2025 Simply Wall St Growth Rating: Overview: Scantech (HANGZHOU) Co., Ltd. specializes in offering 3D vision digital products and automated 3D vision inspection systems within China, with a market capitalization of CN7.87 billion. NEW YORK A Trump loyalist will defend the administration in a lawsuit brought by Maurene Comey over her abrupt firing after her former office recused itself from the case, according to a Thursday court filing. The U.S. Attorneys office for the Northern District of New York, headed by staunch Donald Trump ally John Sarcone III, will represent the government in place of the Manhattan U.S. Attorneys office, where Comey worked as a prosecutor for nearly a decade until July. Thursdays filing from Sarcone came roughly two months after Comey sued, and in the interim the Justice Department hadnt said who would represent it, an indication that the department may have struggled to find an office to take the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing also indicated that Sarcones office plans to try to have the lawsuit moved out of the Southern District court. A lawyer for Comey declined to comment. Comey, who was given no explanation for her firing, alleged in her lawsuit that her termination was unlawful and unconstitutional. The daughter of former FBI Director James Comey, she prosecuted numerous high-profile cases during her tenure as a federal prosecutor, including the cases against the late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein and co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, who was convicted of sex trafficking. Comeys lawsuit now pits her against lawyers from an office run by a U.S. attorney with no former prosecutorial experience who has appeared eager to help carry out Trumps political retribution campaign. Earlier this year, Sarcones office issued a pair of subpoenas to Trump foe New York Attorney General Letitia James stemming from a pair of politically charged civil cases against Trump and the National Rifle Association. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After Sarcones temporary appointment to the job expired in July and the judges of the district declined to keep him in the role, the Trump administration used a workaround to keep Sarcone in office. The legitimacy of that appointment is being challenged by James as part of her pushback on the subpoenas. A Raleigh man embarks on a 150-mile run to honor firefighters and raise funds for the North Carolina Firefighters Fund. On Friday morning, Jalen Snipes started the longest journey of his life -- a run from Raleigh to Charlotte. His focus is to show appreciation for firefighters, as well as raise awareness and money for a fund that helps firefighters and their families through scholarships, health initiatives and public education. The run has already raised $10,000, with $5,000 in private donations matched by his employer, The Coley Group. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The outward support has been absolutely insane," Jalen told ABC11 before he left on Friday. "All the people that showed up, all the people to support it online, it just means the world to me. And like I said, man, the support is going to be energy and we use it as fuel to get me through." Jalen's personal connection to firefighters runs deep. In 2011, his family's home in Greensboro was struck by lightning during a storm. Firefighters were able to get the blaze under control before it destroyed everything. He also has close relatives in the profession. Raleigh FD Captain Paul Wyatt expressed gratitude, saying, "It is such a thing to be able to reflect on and see the impact that we have had on the community, come back to us." As he began a grueling journey, Jalen told us it was time to take his mission to the pavement. Jalen Snipes starting run from Raleigh to Charlotte on Friday, Nov. 14, 2025 (Photo: ABC11) "I'm super, super excited to be able to be out here, put our feet on the ground for the North Carolina Firefighters Fund and all the North Carolina firefighters across the state," Snipes said. "Just show them love, and show them love on this pavement." Sign up for The Brief, The Texas Tribunes daily newsletter that keeps readers up to speed on the most essential Texas news. Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. For the first time in a decade, Texas voters will have the chance to select a new attorney general without an incumbent in the race. At The Texas Tribune Festival on Friday, candidates from both sides of the aisle pitched themselves as the best person to take the place of Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, who is stepping down to challenge Sen. John Cornyn in the Republican primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Since 2014, Paxton, a Republican, has reimagined the office as a conservative battering ram against Democratic presidents and priorities, a tradition Aaron Reitz, Paxtons former deputy and one of the candidates vying for the office, said he would continue if elected. Im the only one in this race with actual recent and relevant experience litigating, investigating, suing, defending and appealing on all of the major issues on behalf of the State of Texas and Texans constitutional rights, Reitz said on stage. Reitz was Paxtons offensive coordinator for three years before going to work as GOP Sen. Ted Cruzs chief of staff. Earlier this year, he was confirmed by the Senate to run the Office of Legal Policy at the Department of Justice under President Donald Trump. He left the office to run for Texas attorney general. Reitz proudly quoted Trump, who called him a true MAGA attorney. And he boasted how U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, a Democrat from Illinois, called him a danger to democracy and a menace to the rule of law during Reitzs confirmation hearing. Reitz called the characterization insane, hyperbolic left-wing talking points. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite his conservative credentials, Reitz is a relative political newcomer whose only experience as a candidate is placing fourth in a state House primary in 2020. Reitz is battling low name recognition, which he dismissed as concerns from the haters and losers, noting that he raised $2 million in the early weeks of his campaign. State Sen. Joan Huffman, a Houston Republican, is also running for attorney general. On Friday, she touted her experience working as a Harris County district judge and prosecutor, as well as overseeing redistricting and the budget process on behalf of the Texas Senate. She noted that she would be the first woman and mother to serve as attorney general if elected. You want someone who is going to defend your freedom, whos going to defend your rights, but will also aggressively prosecute and go after those who want to harm you, your families or your communities, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Texas Office of the Attorney General is primarily a civil agency, while counties handle criminal prosecutions. Huffman said the attorney generals office used to work more closely with local law enforcement and county and district attorneys, and she would like to see that trust rebuilt. As a senator, Huffman authored a bill that widened the circumstances under which a prosecutor can be removed from office a policy aimed at the elected county and district attorneys in Texas largest, left-leaning counties. Reitz echoed this concern, saying he would try to remove Travis County District Attorney Jose Garza and Harris County District Attorney Sean Teare, both Democrats, from office almost immediately, if he were to be elected attorney general. U.S. Rep. Chip Roy and state Sen. Mayes Middleton of Galveston, the two other Republican candidates running for attorney general, were invited to the festival but did not attend. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the Democratic side, candidates are pitching a realignment of priorities for the state agency. State Sen. Nathan Johnson of Dallas and former Galveston Mayor Joe Jaworski both said they would aim for transparency, especially when settling disputes about what government records are public. They vowed to empower the offices lawyers in charge of collecting child support payments and to set aside political battles, which they said Paxton focuses too much on. Following the 2020 election, Paxton unsuccessfully tried to overturn the results in four battleground states to keep Donald Trump in power. During the Biden administration, Paxton challenged many of the White Houses immigration policies. He has targeted groups in Texas that help immigrants. And he defended the state in federal court as Texas undertook its own border clampdown along the way creating a constitutional conflict because courts have long held that immigration law is the sole responsibility of the federal government to enforce. Jaworski suggested he would enforce a part of the states election code that requires high schools to offer opportunities for seniors to register to vote. Most 18-year-olds in the state are not registered to vote and the state does not track compliance with the law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement How are they not all registered? Jaworski asked. Meanwhile, Johnson said he would try to limit the use of external lawyers an expensive practice that Paxton has increasingly relied on and instead seek to hire the best attorneys in the state to his staff. Were gonna do most of this stuff in the house, Johnson said. Tony Box, a Dallas attorney, is also running for the Democratic nomination. Democratic Michigan state Sen. Jeremy Moss isnt waiting for the U.S. Supreme Court to make the next move. Last week, he introduced a resolution to put the repeal of Michigans constitutional same-sex marriage ban on the 2026 ballot. Keep up with the latest in LGBTQ+ news and politics. Sign up for The Advocates email newsletter. Moss told The Advocate that he is also running for Congress, seeking to represent Michigans 11th District and become the first out LGBTQ+ member of the states congressional delegation. That dual track, he suggested, reflects both the urgency of the moment and the stakes for queer Michiganders whose rights hinge on fragile federal precedent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Jim Obergefell celebrates U.S. Supreme Courts rejection of Kim Daviss marriage equality challenge Marriage equality in Michigan only exists because of Obergefell, Moss said. If a future case should overturn Obergefell, it goes right back into that language that has existed in our Constitution since a public vote in 2004. Michigans 2004 amendment remains among the most restrictive in the country, banning not only same-sex marriage but also civil unions. The urgency sharpened on Monday when the Supreme Court declined to take the appeal of former Kentucky clerk Kim Davis. LGBTQ+ legal observers welcomed the decision but saw no assurance that the court considers marriage equality settled. As The Advocate reported, the courts move sidestepped the issue rather than signaling consensus, especially after some conservative justices in recent years have suggested openness to revisiting Obergefell. Related: U.S. Supreme Court denies hearing in Kim Daviss marriage equality challenge Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We know how the Supreme Court operates, Moss said. Are the conservatives looking for a stronger case? Will a future court decide differently? We cannot let the whims of the current or future court dictate our destiny. Moss, Michigans first out gay state senator and one of seven LGBTQ+ legislators in Lansing, introduced the resolution knowing it would require a two-thirds supermajority in both chambers to reach voters. Democrats have a narrow 1918 edge in the Senate with one vacancy, and Moss said he has all Democrats on board. Now, hes working to persuade Republicans that the states 20-year-old ban is no longer defensible. This is out of step with where Michiganders are, he said. This is out of step with where Republicans are here in our state. A recent Detroit Free Press analysis reported that Michigan residents support for legal, recognized same-sex marriage continues to be strong, with national-level polling data showing 68 percent in favor, 30 percent opposed, and 2 percent unsure in Michigan. Earlier polls have similarly found that approximately two-thirds of Michigan adults support same-sex marriage, a clear majority in a state whose constitution still defines marriage as the union of one man and one woman. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related: Gov. Gretchen Whitmer Signs Michigan's LGBTQ+ Protections Into Law Moss said he has spoken with Trump voters who support LGBTQ+ marriage rights and with GOP colleagues who view the issue differently than they did two decades ago. Still, he warned that queer people who have aligned themselves with the far right may be underestimating the risks. If Obergefell is overturned, I dont see Donald Trump stepping out to call for a national marriage law, Moss said. Those unions will be dissolved. For Moss, this isnt theoretical. Im not [married], but those literally are my rights on the line, he said. My destiny of a future marriage would be dictated by whether or not this language in our Constitution remains unconstitutional. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He emphasized that the lived reality of LGBTQ+ families has reshaped public opinion. People have neighbors who are gay and married, co-workers who are gay and married, family members who are gay and married, he said. They mow the lawn, they send their kids to school, they build a home just like anybody else. The old claims that same-sex marriages were strange or immoral, he added, collapse in the face of familiarity and decades of visibility. Related: Some Michigan GOPers want to outlaw online porn plus depictions of trans people or drag If Republicans block the resolution, Moss said he expects Michigan LGBTQ+ groups and allies to pursue a citizen-led ballot initiative, much like the 2022 effort that restored abortion rights after the Supreme Court ended federal protections in the Dobbs ruling that overturned Roe v. Wade. Even by elevating this and introducing it in the legislature, I hope there is urgency for folks to step up, form a committee, and see this thing through, he said. Moss has become a central figure in the states LGBTQ+ political landscape, including earlier this year when he confronted a Republican lawmaker who introduced a symbolic resolution urging the Supreme Court to overturn Obergefell. When the lawmaker refused questions at his own press conference and fled the room, Moss took the podium and rebutted the claims himself. The moment went viral, triggering messages from Seattle to Pittsburgh, he said. Folks were like, this is the way to fight back. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Constituents have been pressing him for months to act, he said, pressure that only intensified after that confrontation. Ive had a lot of folks persistently and consistently over the last year come up to me and ask what the path forward is, he said. The response to his resolution, he added, has been overwhelming. This article originally appeared on Advocate: Meet the Michigan state senator pushing to enshrine marriage equality protections in the state constitution RELATED MERIDEN - A North Carolina man accused of inappropriately touching an 8-year-old girl was found in the basement of a home with the victim not wearing any pants or underwear, according to the arrest warrant. Meriden police charged Kenny Holley, 61, with two counts of fourth-degree sexual assault and two counts of illegal sexual contact, according to court records. He has been held on a $250,000 bond since his Oct. 28 arrest following extradition to Connecticut. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In court Wednesday, Holley waived his right to an attorney and chose to represent himself, according to court documents. He filed a number of motions, including a motion to reduce his bond, a motion for discovery and a motion to change venue. Holley was taken into custody in his home state on Oct. 16, according to the Meriden Police Department. On June 30, 2024, the victim was discovered in the basement by her older brother, the warrant said. The victim initially said Holley, who was staying in the basement, "took off her clothes while they were wrestling on the couch," according to the warrant. The brother told his mother what he saw and the victim later told her mother that Holley had touched her thigh and genital area. Holley denied the allegations when confronted by the victim's mother and her husband, the warrant stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The victim was taken to Connecticut Children's Medical Center to undergo a sexual assault evidence collection kit procedure, police said. During a forensic interview at Yale New Haven Hospital's Child Sexual Abuse Clinic on July 8, the victim said the "inappropriate stuff" happened on more than one occasion. The victim declined to go into further detail and the interview ended. Meriden police obtained a search-and-seizure warrant for Holley's DNA to compare it to the male DNA collected in the sexual assault collection kit. The warrant was transferred to the Bertie County Sheriff's Office, as Holley had moved following the alleged assaults to Merry Hill, N.C. The DNA lab report from the state forensic lab found that Holley, or another man from his father's side of the family, could have contributed to the DNA found in the victim's genital area. One profile is found in fewer than 1 out of every 410 men and the other in fewer than 1 out of every 180 men in the general population, according to the warrant. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The warrant didn't mention Holley's relationship to the victim's family except that he was staying in the basement of the residence. In a second forensic interview, the victim detailed one incident in which Holley stuck his hand underneath her pants and touched her buttocks while they watched a movie. A second time, which allegedly was interrupted by her older brother, she gave a different version, saying Holley touched "her butt cheek" on top of her clothes, according to the warrant. Meriden police had attempted to call Holley but he did not return voicemail messages, police said. This article originally published at Meriden child sex assault was interrupted by victim's brother, warrant says. The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Heres a look at Nov. 13, 2025, results for each game: Winning Daily 3 numbers from Nov. 13 drawing Midday: 4-0-3 Evening: 6-2-3 Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily 4 numbers from Nov. 13 drawing Midday: 5-4-0-0 Evening: 4-5-6-2 Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Nov. 13 drawing 03-09-16-20-42, Lucky Ball: 11 Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Nov. 13 drawing KD-AH-6C-7C-10H Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Nov. 13 drawing 01-03-07-14-20 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 02-09-19-21-38 Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here. Winning Daily Keno numbers from Nov. 13 drawing 04-05-06-07-10-13-14-19-20-22-23-24-33-41-44-60-62-64-65-68-76-80 Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here. Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results Are you a winner? Heres how to claim your lottery prize All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lotterys Regional Offices. To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Michigan Lottery Attn: Claim Center 101 E. Hillsdale P.O. Box 30023 Lansing, MI 48909 For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a drivers license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2. If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325 Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325 Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325 Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325 Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325 Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325 For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery's prize claim page. When are Michigan Lottery drawings held? Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m. Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form. This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Nov. 13, 2025 GREENFIELD, Wis. - UPDATE: The Greenfield Police Department said Mark Ziegler, reported missing and endangered on Wednesday, was found dead in his vehicle near 72nd and Greenfield. Police say it appears Ziegler died in his vehicle of natural causes and the initial investigation indicates nothing suspicious. The original missing person notice is available below. The Brief Greenfield police are searching for 74-year-old Mark Ziegler, missing since Nov. 5. Family members say he left home without critical medications and has not returned. Police say his blue 2007 Chrysler Town & Country van is also missing. Missing person The backstory Greenfield police are searching for 74-year-old Mark Ziegler, a missing and endangered man. What we know The Greenfield Police Department said Ziegler was last seen in the evening of Nov. 5 at his home near 45th and Maplewood. Family members say he left without critical medications and has not been heard from in days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ziegler, who is a double-leg amputee and uses an electric scooter, was believed to be at home during a phone call with his son on Nov. 10 around 2:30 p.m. But he did not show up for his weekly Tuesday dinner with friends on Nov. 11 at The Cellar Pub and Grill in Oak Creek something his family says is extremely out of character. FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX LOCAL Mobile app for iOS or Android Zieglers daughter-in-law went to his residence that evening to prepare his medications, feed his cat and straighten rooms for his return. She texted him while she was there but received no reply and assumed he was at dinner. On the morning of Wednesday, Nov. 12, relatives began realizing Zieglers phone was turned off and he was not responding. His son and daughter-in-law returned to the house at 6 p.m. and discovered the home was exactly as it had been left the night before, and that Ziegler had never returned. Dig deeper His vehicle, a blue 2007 Chrysler Town & Country with Wisconsin plate AUN9275, was also missing. The van has a handicap ramp, an electronic scooter inside and a "VIP" sticker above the model emblem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Family members say Ziegler left without his necessary medications for kidney failure, heart disease and diabetes, and note he has no history of cognitive issues, depression or mental health concerns. SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News Police describe Ziegler as white, 56", 160 pounds, with blue eyes and gray hair. What he was last wearing is unknown. What you can do Anyone with information is urged to contact the Greenfield Police Department at 414-761-5300. The Source The Greenfield Police Department A missing San Antonio nurse practitioner and decorated Army veteran has been found alive after suffering a medical episode, the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said Thursday. In a post to Facebook on Thursday, BCSO said deputies located 56-year-old Dr. Anita Elizabeth Gould inside her vehicle on the 14600 block of Potranco Road after searching the area around her neighborhood. Deputies said she preliminarily appears to have experienced a medical episode and was taken to a local hospital. Her condition was not immediately released. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We would like to thank everyone that shared her picture/information," BCSO said. Gould had been reported missing Monday evening after she failed to board a scheduled flight to Georgia. She had been last seen wearing a black shirt, pink jacket, and two-toned pants, and driving a black 2019 Buick Enclave. Gould is a primary care nurse practitioner and the owner of Haute Wellness & MediSpa in San Antonio. According to the spa's website, she is a board-certified family nurse practitioner, holds a doctorate in nursing practice and a master's in healthcare administration, and is licensed to provide primary medical care. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She is also a retired U.S. Army lieutenant colonel who served 30 years - 10 as an enlisted soldier and 20 as an officer - earning multiple honors, including the Legion of Merit and induction into the Office of Military Medical Merit. This is a developing story. Check back for updates. . This article originally published at Missing San Antonio nurse and decorated Army veteran found alive after apparent medical episode. (WFRV) A Missouri man was sentenced to 18 months in prison during a federal court hearing in Wisconsin for his role in selling unprocessed poppy seeds online, intending for customers to soak them to extract potentially lethal drugs. Wisconsin woman sentenced to five years for meth possession on Menominee Reservation According to a release from Richard G. Frohling, the Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Antony Graziano was sentenced on October 2 by Chief United States District Judge Pamela Pepper after he pleaded guilty to the following charges: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Conspiracy to distribute a material/chemical used to manufacture a controlled substance Distributing such material/chemical Court records reportedly state that beginning in September 2020, Graziano marketed and sold unprocessed poppy seeds online for about two years, intending for customers to soak the product in liquids. Oshkosh man gets 28 years in prison for child porn possession while on supervision for prior sexual assault convictions The liquids in question are intended to extract opium alkaloids such as morphine, codeine and thebaine. Graziano reportedly compared the poppyseed tea strength with opiates like Oxycodone, admitting that consumption brings a serious risk of overdose/death. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Graziano will serve his 18-month sentence consecutive to a 50-month sentence handed down by the Eastern District of Missouri on a separate case. He was also forced to forfeit his home in Cape Girardeau, Missouri, and about $20,000 in cash from his back. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Missouri Public Service Commission chairwoman Kayla Hahn on Thursday led the vote in favor of a new tariff for large power users in Missouri. (Screen capture by Kansas Reflector from MPSC meeting) TOPEKA Missouri utility regulators on Thursday approved a tariff to ensure large power users on its system are responsible for paying their fair share of the effect their usage has on the power grid and other customers. The Missouri Public Service Commission approved a large-load tariff submitted by Evergy, which operates in Kansas and Missouri, and that was supported by most parties in the case. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unlike in Kansas, where a large-user tariff was unanimously agreed to by all intervenors, including business, environmental groups and a data service coalition, two groups did not support the Missouri order. Missouri Public Service Commission staff and the Missouri Office of Public Counsel, an organization that advocates for small business and residential customers, did not support the order. In fact, the staff and OPC submitted a separate proposal that commission chairwoman Kayla Hahn said was too confusing and could cause large users to avoid locating in Missouri. Staffs proposal requires upwards of 25 different charges that a large user could be subject to paying, she said. The evidence showed us the vast amount of charges and uncertainty make it unclear if a large user would be paying too much, too little or more likely if a large user would forgo locating in Missouri altogether as even a sophisticated user would be unable to predict what its ultimate bill responsibility would be. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The tariff reflects broad stakeholder consensus and contains strong safeguards to ensure that large new loads pay their fair share while enabling growth that benefits Missouri, the commissioners said in the order. Large-load users were defined in the order as those requiring 75 megawatts per month at peak times, a parallel to the Kansas order approved Nov. 6 by the Kansas Corporation Commission. Im satisfied that this will result in the large-load customers bearing the financial responsibility for the costs that are incurred for infrastructure improvement, be they transmission or generation, said commissioner John Mitchell. Im also satisfied that the agreement does establish reasonable protections both for the existing customers and for the large-load customers, and ensure that the large-load customers will pay their fair share. Evergy spokeswoman Gina Penzig said Missouri rates include similar protections to those put in place in Kansas for existing customers by ensuring that companies pay their fair share for access to the grid. The rate for these new large customers is higher than that paid by existing commercial and industrial customers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This premium rate helps pay for modernization and maintenance of the power grid that is shared by all our customers, she said. In both Kansas and Missouri the commissions have recognized the value of attracting large energy users and the importance of making sure existing customers dont foot the bill. Hong Kong's de facto central bank has begun facilitating real-value transactions using tokenised deposits and digital assets under a controlled pilot programme from Thursday, reinforcing the city's status as a fintech hub. The new phase of the Project Ensemble sandbox would enable seven commercial banks and 13 industry participants to settle tokenised transactions "faster, more transparently and efficiently", the Hong Kong Monetary Authority (HKMA) said in a press release on Thursday. The programme would run through 2026, with an initial focus on allowing market participants to use tokenised deposits in tokenised money-market funds and to manage liquidity and treasury needs in real time, according to the HKMA. Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. HSBC, Hong Kong's largest banking group by assets, completed a cross-bank transfer of HK$3.8 million (US$489,000) in tokenised deposits for its client Ant International, according to a separate announcement on Thursday. "The launch of [the new pilot] and the interoperability layer marks an essential step for Hong Kong to become a global hub for innovation in digital money and assets," said Vincent Lau, global head of digital money at HSBC's global payments solutions. Lau said it aligned with rising demand from corporate treasuries for tokenisation, with a survey pointing to a sixfold surge over the next two years. The project aligns with rising demand from corporate treasuries for tokenisation, according to the HKMA. Photo: Shutterstock alt=The project aligns with rising demand from corporate treasuries for tokenisation, according to the HKMA. Photo: Shutterstock> Tokenised deposits provided round-the-clock access, lower costs and improved cash management, while their programmability enabled businesses to automate payments and apply rules based on predefined conditions, according to HSBC, which introduced tokenised deposit services for corporate clients in Hong Kong in May. HSBC - along with Bank of China (Hong Kong), China Construction Bank (Asia), Fubon Bank (Hong Kong), Fusion Bank, Standard Chartered (Hong Kong) and the Bank of East Asia - was among the pilot participants offering tokenised deposits to customers and settling interbank tokenised-deposit transactions via the new interoperability layer in a real-value setting, according to the HKMA. NEED TO KNOW Anita Elizabeth Gould was last seen on Monday, Nov. 10, but subsequently found after an apparent "medical episode," Texas authorities said Gould missed a scheduled flight to Georgia on Monday and was reported missing the next day Her daughter advised people to share their locations on electronic devices with loved ones A San Antonio family nurse practitioner and retired Army lieutenant colonel has been found after going missing this week when she failed to board a scheduled flight this week, authorities said. Anita Elizabeth Gould, a 56-year-old mother of four, was located "alive in her vehicle and preliminarily appears that she suffered a medical episode," according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office in Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gould had been taken to a local hospital, sheriff's officials said. "We would like to thank everyone that shared her picture/information," they said. Gould had been last seen sometime between 5 a.m. and 6 a.m. local time on Monday, Nov. 10 the same day she was scheduled to fly to Georgia. The following day, around 6:30 a.m., Gould was reported missing, the sheriff's office said in a previous statement. Her daughter Kayla Miller said in a statement on Facebook that she was last heard from on Sunday, Nov. 9, around 9:57 p.m. "We are extremely worried," Miller wrote in the post. In a subsequent Facebook post, her daughter advised people to share their locations on electronic devices with loved ones. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "You never know when something like this will hit close to home or your home!" she wrote. Miller could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday, Nov. 13. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office did not return requests for further comment. Gould retired as a lieutenant colonel from the U.S. Army after 30 years of service. She received multiple awards and medals, the highest of which was a Legion of Merit. Read the original article on People Former Russian president Dmitry Medvedev has accused the German government of suppressing opposition voices amid controversy over a planned visit to Russia by several politicians from the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party. "I think that the Alternative for Germany as a political force - and by the way, a very significant one - is now under colossal pressure in Germany," the state news agency TASS cited Medvedev as saying on Friday. He claimed that the current German coalition had "wet their pants" over the AfD's trip to Russia. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Party comrade [Friedrich] Merz has decided that if they [the AfD members] go to Russia now, it would be very bad for his coalition," said Medvedev, who remains influential as the deputy chairman of the National Security Council in Russia. Therefore, he said, the AfD was told it would be better not to go - and given their pressured situation, the party "had no other choice." However, he added that this was bad for German-Russian relations. The trigger for his anger is the commotion over the planned trip by AfD Bundestag members Steffen Kotre and Rainer Rothfuss to the Russian Black Sea resort of Sochi for an international BRICS-Europe symposium. After discontent was voiced within the party, Rothfuss cancelled his trip. Kotre, however, is believed to have landed in Russia along with AfD politicians Jorg Urban and Hans Neuhoff, according to media reports. Medvedev threatened a nuclear strike against Berlin Medvedev, who is appearing as a speaker in Sochi, is considered a hardliner in the inner circle around Russian President Vladimir Putin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In Russia's war against Ukraine, he has called for the capture of the Black Sea port city of Odessa or the capital Kiev, and he has repeatedly threatened the West with nuclear strikes - including the German capital Berlin. NEED TO KNOW The mother of a 5-year-old boy who was struck and killed while waiting on the school bus has spoken out for the first time Carson Lawson was standing in his familys driveway when his grandmother allegedly ran him over after she didnt realize he was standing in front of her SUV Kristen Anders, 55, was allegedly impaired and under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants The mother of a young boy who was allegedly hit and killed by his grandmother is speaking out following the tragedy. gofundme In a joint post to Facebook with Ryan Lawson on Wednesday, Nov. 12, Abi Combs shared her first statement since their son, 5-year-old Carson Lawson, died in their familys driveway on the morning of Tuesday, Nov. 11, while waiting for the school bus in Louisiana. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is absolutely nothing in this world that I could say to truly express the sorrow I will now and forever have in my heart, she began. gofundme Carson Lawson Carson Lawson Yesterday morning, my baby boy, Carson passed away. My baby boy. Is gone, Combs confirmed. She called his unexpected death "and the way he went, the most traumatic and devastating scenario I have ever had to endure. Combs thanked those who have reached out to their family thus far, adding, Carson knew how much we loved him. I am devastated and completely broken. I will never be the same and Im asking for privacy at this time to grieve my baby who was gone way too soon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The grieving parent said funeral arrangements are underway, and details would be announced at a later time, with plans to have services in Slidell, the city where the incident happened, and in Jonesboro, Ga. But for now, please respect our privacy as we begin our journey with mourning this devastating loss, she said. When everyone asks me if I need anything during this time, I truly do not know what to say but I appreciate the thoughts. I dont know what to do or really what comes next, Combs said, sharing Meal Train and GoFundMe links created by loved ones. Her post also included over a dozen photos of Carson from him as a newborn wrapped in a blanket, gazing curiously at the camera, to him slightly older and showing his teeth beginning to grow. Another image showed him and his mother at her graduation ceremony. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During a news conference on Tuesday, the Slidell Police Department said Carsons grandmother, Kristen Anders, 55, was arrested and charged with vehicular homicide. Slidell Police Chief Daniel Seuzeneau said officers arrived at the home at approximately 7 a.m. on Tuesday. After speaking with witnesses, they determined that Carson was waiting in the driveway for the school bus when Anders left the house and got in her large SUV to drive to work. Slidell Police Department Kristen Anders Kristen Anders Anders allegedly did not know he was outside, and due to the size of her vehicle, she did not notice the child was standing in front of it when she drove forward. Carson died instantly, according to police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After being tested, authorities alleged Anders was impaired and under the influence of alcohol and central nervous system depressants. Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases. This is any parents worst nightmare, Seuzeneau said. I was at the scene this morning, as well as several of our officers. This affects everyone. This hits home hard for all of us and all of the first responders who were at that scene. Read the original article on People A 69-year-old Fort White woman is dead after crashing the motorcycle she was riding Thursday afternoon. The crash occurred at about 1 p.m. on County Road 778 and SW Fortune Way. The woman was riding a 2018 Harley Davidson Freewheeler and collided with a Saturn Vue driven by a 17-year-old male from Fort White, a Florida Highway Patrol news release states. The motorcyclist was traveling west on County Road 778 and was attempting to pass the teen on the left side, within the passing zone, the news release states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, the driver of the Saturn Vue was slowing and attempted to make a left turn onto SW Fortune Way, resulting in a collision between the two vehicles, the news release states. The motorcyclist, who was not wearing a helmet, was taken to the hospital where she was pronounced dead, the news release states. The teen and the 20-year-old passenger in his car were not injured, the news release states. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Editors note: This article has been updated to include a comment from the New Jersey Department of Health. A Jersey City hospital will close its doors after 152 years of service after failing to get millions in support from the government, its parent company announced Friday. Heights University Hospital will operate only as a standalone emergency department and support services starting on Saturday, said Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, president and chief executive officer of Hudson Regional Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The news, announced at a press conference, was not entirely a surprise. Hudson Regional, which owns the hospital, announced in October that it would begin to lay off staff and wind down services. As of Friday, just five patients remained in the hospital, said Kifaieh. Hudson Regional has been strapped for cash. Just seven months after Hudson Regional took over Heights University Hospital from CarePoint Health System, which had its own share of problems, the company made a public appeal for financial support. On Friday, Kifaieh said that critical funding failed to materialize and the hospital will close. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, we couldnt get commitment from the governors office regarding funding for such an endeavor and we are where we are here today, said Kifaieh. Gov. Phil Murphys office directed questions to the state health department. A spokeswoman for the New Jersey Department of Health said Friday that good faith efforts were made to support Heights Hospital, including $2 million in October to assist with payroll and prevent closure. Despite all of these efforts, Hudson Regional Hospital has failed to fund their payroll this week and failed to fully perform as it represented in its Plan of Restructuring, which was approved by the Bankruptcy Court as a condition of exiting bankruptcy. And it has not followed through on its commitments to the community it serves and to the State to turn things around after taking over the hospital, said Dalya Ewais, a spokeswoman with state Department of Health, in a statement. Kifaieh said Hudson Regional has been trying hard to keep the hospital open and has pumped $300 million into operations, with a major portion dedicated to Heights University Hospital. Despite that investment, the hospital is losing $1.5 million per week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We believe that we put a lot of effort during this past year to make something out of what we have here, the unfortunate situation that were in financially. But again, we got to a point where we just could not, said Kifaieh. The hospital will continue to operate a standalone emergency department and provide other health care services out of its auxiliary building. The areas where there are no services will be shut down. Employees at Heights Hospital also learned Thursday night about a delay in processing payroll and were notified that paychecks scheduled for Friday will be delayed. In an email, employees were told the delay is due to insufficient financial support from the State of New Jersey, along with severely constrained cash flow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The employees union, a local of Health Professionals and Allied Employees, said Hudson Regional has surpassed CarePoint as the worst employer in Hudson County. Hudson Regional has made this decision illegally with no regard for Department of Health regulations or the WARN Act. What will happen to the patients in this community? Their employees have been left without a paycheck for two weeks of work and without future employment, union president Debbie White said in a statement Friday. The company said all employees will be paid in full as soon as feasible. Heights Hospital has about 699 employees, said Kifaieh. The larger Hudson Regional health network has already absorbed 100 full time employees affected by the hospitals downsizing and plans to absorb about 100 more, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ward E Councilman James Solomon called on Murphy and the state health department to file an emergency injunction to prevent the hospital from closing. Enough of playing with peoples lives and playing with peoples health care, Solomon said in an Instagram reel posted Nov. 13. Gov. Murphy, Commissioner Brown take action. Do not wash your hands of this situation. File the restraining order now, said Solomon, whos currently in a runoff election against former New Jersey Gov. Jim McGreevey to become the citys next mayor. Grim as the situation may be, a restraining order isnt the answer, said Ewais, a spokeswoman with state Department of Health. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Given the low patient volume (soon to be zero today), staffing reductions, and the refusal of HRH to appropriately fund facility operations, a TRO would not be effective nor appropriate at this time. The State will continue its review of the newly filed closure CN and its oversight to ensure the emergency room remains functioning, Ewais said in a statement Friday afternoon. The hospital, located on Palisades Avenue, has been a fixture in the city through many seasons of change. It was originally founded in 1872 as Christ Hospital. A Jersey City News article from 1897 describes the hospital as one of the most admirable institutions in the city. But even a century ago, the hospital struggled to provide care with limited resources. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 1897 news report said: We have always understood that the hospital was cramped in its resources. It has no public aid whatever. It relies almost entirely upon the contributions of citizens, and these have hardly kept pace with the needs of a house which never closes its doors to the victims of sickness or disaster. Its unclear whats going to happen to the hospital site. Hudson Regional expressed interest last month in using part of the site for a residential housing development and using the profits to replace Heights Hospital, which has aging infrastructure. Opponents to that plan, including Solomon, allege that replacing the hospital with development was the companys plan all along. Hospital officials denied that was their plan. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement None of us wanted to get to this point. This is not driven by any of the allegations out there that this is related to real estate development, said Kifaieh. Either way, that plan now faces an uphill battle. On Wednesday, Jersey City officials voted to introduce an ordinance that would prevent senior housing and assisted living residences from being built in the citys medical zone. If approved, the ordinance could impede Hudson Regionals plans for future use of the property. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A day before Arizona native Leticia Jacobo was scheduled to be released from an Iowa jail, her mom visited to verify pickup details with the staff. Ericka Burns was excited to drive her daughter home after spending a month apart and wanted to make sure Jacobo wasnt forced to wait a minute longer than necessary. But jail staff told Burns that Jacobo wouldnt be let go because she would be turned over to immigration agents even though Jacobo is Native American. [Editor's Note: This article was originally published by the Arizona Mirror. Used with permission. All rights reserved.] Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 24-year-old was born in Phoenix and is a member of Arizonas Salt River Pima-Maricopa Indian Community. She was booked into the Polk County Jail in Des Moines, Iowa, where she currently lives, in September for allegedly driving with a suspended license. Jacobo was scheduled to be released on Nov. 11, but what should have been a routine process was complicated and delayed by an erroneously issued ICE detainer. She was ultimately allowed to leave just before 4:30 a.m. on Nov. 12. Never miss Indian Countrys biggest stories and breaking news. Click here to sign up to get our reporting sent straight to your inbox every weekday morning. Maria Nunez, Burns sister, said that it was terrifying to be told that Jacobo would be taken by federal agents, especially because no one appeared willing to correct the mistake at first. My sister said, How is she going to get deported if shes a Native American? and We have proof, Nunez recounted. They said, Well, we dont know because were not immigration and we cant answer those questions. Were just holding her for them. So, when they pick her up tonight theyre going to go ahead and deport her to wherever theyre going to take her, but we have no information on that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jacobos family quickly mobilized, with just hours left on the clock before jail staff said she would be transferred into federal custody. The Veterans Day holiday resulted in several communication dead ends. Desperate for some kind of help, Jacobos aunts, both in Arizona and Nebraska, put out calls for help via Facebook and connected with local tribal leaders. Ericka took a copy of Jacobos birth certificate to the jail and stayed on site to make sure ICE didnt take her daughter. Lt. Mark Chance, a spokesman for the Polk County Sheriffs Office, which oversees the jail, said that the ICE detainer against Jacobo was the result of a clerical mix-up and was intended for a different person who was booked in the jail at the same time. ICE agents requested a detainer be placed on that person, but a mistake resulted in it being put on Jacobos file, instead. Chance said that internal discussions would likely be had about how to prevent similar problems in the future. It was human error, but Im sure as soon as the command staff find out about it, theyre going to have some meetings with their supervisors internally and be like, Hey, guys, we gotta keep our thumb on this, this is silly, Chance said. Whats an ICE detainer? Polk County Jail has a 287(g) agreement with U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. That partnership authorizes local law enforcement officials to perform some immigration enforcement functions, including preparing removal paperwork, interrogating people who have been arrested about their citizenship status and comparing their biographic information against U.S. Department of Homeland Security databases to identify people who may be eligible for deportation. The purpose of the program is to cut down on the investigative legwork for ICE and increase deportations. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Police officers trained under the 287(g) program can issue ICE detainers based on the information theyve gathered or at the written request of federal officials. Detainers allow a person in custody to be held for an extra 48 hours after their scheduled release time, even if they have not yet been convicted of a crime, to give ICE agents time to take them into custody. Because detainer requests dont require probable cause and arent mandatory in the same way that judicial orders are, some law enforcement agencies choose to ignore them, wary of the legal consequences. The courts have ruled that detainers are potentially unconstitutional because they result in prolonged imprisonment, and multiple lawsuits have been filed after detainers were issued against U.S. citizens. The use of detainers has come under new scrutiny amid President Donald Trumps mass deportation campaign, which has seen a massive spike in their issuance. Within the first two months of Trump taking office, the rate of detainers issued on a daily basis jumped by 72% compared with the first two months of Bidens presidency. Mistake or discrimination? Jacobos ordeal highlights the fallout of aggressive immigration enforcement for Native Americans. In January, Navajo Nation officials reported more than a dozen Indigenous people in Arizona and New Mexico had been questioned or detained by federal immigration authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nunez told the Arizona Mirror she was skeptical that the mix-up was nothing more than a misunderstanding, and that discrimination wasnt involved at least to some degree. She noted that Jacobo had her tribal identification with her, had been fingerprinted, had her Social Security number on file and has been booked into the same jail more than once. I do want to say that its racial profiling because shes been there before, they have a rap sheet on her why would they make a mistake with someone thats constantly coming in? Nunez asked. She added that her sister is considering further legal action and said that shes concerned about the potential for future harm. Not everyone has a family as involved in their welfare as Jacobo does, she pointed out. Jacobo herself wasnt informed about the detainer against her, despite it being placed on her file a week earlier, on Nov. 4. The ICE field office for the midwest region did not answer questions about whether they verify existing detainers for accuracy or what their processes are for ensuring Native Americans arent being detained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im just so happy that we caught it and we know whats going on and shes not alone in this, Nunez said, before Jacobo was released. I just hope it doesnt ever happen to someone else, with them not knowing theyre going to get deported. About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net." Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net For the first time, members of the St. Croix Chippewa Tribe have released young lake sturgeon into Clam Lake as part of a restoration project. According to Wisconsin Public Radio, the St. Croix Chippewa began surveying sturgeon in the state's lake about five years ago. Since then, the Tribe has invested over $1 million into a hatchery expansion for the fish. The St. Croix Chippewa and the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources gathered sturgeon eggs from the Yellow River earlier this year, per WPR. Raised in the hatchery for six months, about 400 fingerlings were released into the lake in mid-October. The public event reportedly included a prayer in Ojibwe from Tribal Elder Bruce Sonnenberg. Advertisement Advertisement "We do actively harvest sturgeon in the spring, Tribal Chairman Conrad St. John told WPR, explaining the species' significance. "To keep those harvesting efforts available we'd like to restore the resources [to] keep them plentiful for many generations to come." The St. Croix Chippewa hope that at least 80 percent of the fish released into Clam Lake survive, per the radio outlet. They plan to continue repopulation efforts for at least the next 20 years that's about how long it takes for a female sturgeon to mature and reproduce. "To repopulate, to put back in what [the harvesters] take out," Tribal council member Leslie Billy told WPR. "I think that's amazing that we can do that." Lake sturgeon have existed for centuries, with some estimates dating back 150 million years. They can grow up to seven feet long and live up to 150 years. Sonnenberg shared, according to the Burnett County Sentinel, "My grandfather always said, 'you know there's fish longer than the boat here in Clam Lake.'" Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, their numbers have been dwindling. Indigenous communities and environmental advocates have worked to restore the threatened species. That's great news for the whole habitat just one reason is that, according to Sea Life Michigan, the animals help keep the water clean by eating decaying organisms and invasive species. More broadly, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has asserted, the fish can help us understand ecosystem health and water quality because they require clean water to live and reproduce. Many people in the region are grateful for the Clam Lake effort. "It's loving people, caring people, who want to keep all this alive," Sonnenberg told WPR. According to the Sentinel, the St. Croix Chippewa have also raised thousands of Walleyes in recent years. Do you think we still have a lot to learn from ancient peoples? Definitely Not really Not sure Only on certain topics Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. North Carolina Gov. Josh Stein speaks to reporters in Raleigh on Oct. 20, 2025. (Photo: Galen Bacharier/NC Newsline) Governor Josh Stein is urging the public to not be provoked as U.S. Border Patrol agents arrive in Charlotte this weekend. Stein said in a statement Friday that the agents arriving in Mecklenburg County should be focused on arresting violent criminals and drug traffickers. Unfortunately, thats not always what we have seen with ICE and Border Patrol Agents in Chicago and elsewhere around the country, said Stein. The vast majority of people they have detained have no criminal convictions, and some are American citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Stein encouraged North Carolinians to remain peaceful and follow the law as they stand with their neighbors, and to document and report any problems with federal agents. When we see injustice, we bear witness. If you see any inappropriate behavior, use your phones to record and notify local law enforcement, who will continue to keep our communities safe long after these federal agents leave. Thats the North Carolina way. They need to stay home Congresswoman Alma Adams (NC-12) didnt mince words Friday when asked about the Border Patrol arriving in her district in an ongoing aggressive immigration enforcement by the Trump administration. North Carolina Congresswoman Alma Adams said she has heard from constituents worried about how immigration enforcement by the Border Patrol will unfold in the Queen City. (Screengrab: Virtual press conference) First of all, I think they need to stay home. We dont need that kind of disruption, said Adams. We dont need them coming in here antagonizing our citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The veteran Democratic congresswoman said she has heard from numerous constituents worried about how immigration enforcement will unfold in the Queen City. When I look at what has happened in other cities, how people have been treated, abused, even in physical ways, we dont want that in Charlotte. We dont need that in Charlotte, Adams told reporters. On Thursday, U.S. Rep. Tim Moore (NC-14), who also represents parts of Charlotte, said he supports bringing the Border Patrol into the city. Im glad that theyre looking at doing that, and Im glad at the way theyre approaching it, said Moore in Raleigh. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. Customs and Border Patrol does not comment on its plans, but Moore predicted the CBP would likely stay for a while and focus on organized crime. Federal agents detain an individual as he exits immigration court in New York City in July. Some immigrants are being targeted for arrest when they show up for court hearings. (Photo by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images) Charlotte has been in the national spotlight since the killing of Ukrainian immigrant Iryna Zarutska on the citys light rail system. The event prompted state lawmakers to pass an expansive crime bill this fall, which Gov. Stein signed. Adams has said she prays for Zarutskas family, but it is shameful for lawmakers to try to score cheap political points from the tragedy. On Friday, Adams said the nation has watched immigration enforcement officials come into other cities only to have the situation quickly spiral out of control for the undocumented, the documented, and even local citizens. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I just think thats just unconscionable, Adams lamented. Like Stein, Adams is encouraging people who are planning to protest Border Patrol enforcement to do so peacefully. We certainly hope that these folks coming in here will just pass through and continue on their way, said Adams. By Eric Cox and Diana Novak Jones CHICAGO (Reuters) -Nearly two dozen people were arrested as faith leaders protested on Friday outside a federal immigration facility near Chicago, authorities said, the latest sign of tensions over the Trump administration's aggressive enforcement push. The Cook County Sheriff's Office said in a press release that 21 people had been detained outside a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement processing center in Broadview, Illinois, but did not provide identities and charges. Michael Woolf, minister at Lake Street Church of Evanston, was among those arrested, a Reuters photo showed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ICE center in Broadview has become a flashpoint for Chicago activists opposed to President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown in the city, a Democratic stronghold that limits its cooperation with federal immigration enforcement. Since Trump intensified ICE operations in Chicago in September, demonstrators have regularly clashed with authorities, who have fired tear gas, less-lethal rounds, flash-bang grenades and pepper balls. A federal judge in October reined in some aggressive crowd-control tactics used by ICE and Border Patrol in the city, including the deployment of tear gas without adequate warning. The latest standoff came as a separate federal judge ordered a group of 13 alleged immigration offenders detained by ICE in the Chicago area to be released by noon local time (1800 GMT), with the possibility of more releases to follow. U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey Cummings ordered the releases after he found that ICE violated a 2022 legal agreement that limits warrantless arrests and the use of traffic stops as a pretext to arrest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The U.S. Department of Homeland Security, ICE's parent agency, did not immediately respond to a request for comment regarding Friday's protests. (Reporting by Eric Cox and Diana Novak Jones; Writing by Ted Hesson; Editing by Alistair Bell) Democrats are trying to blunt the Republican advantage on the widely popular no-tax-on-tips policy as both parties look to strengthen their appeal to the working class ahead of the midterms. The most intense of these battles is unfolding in Nevada, where five percent of workers earn tips, about double the national rate. Republicans are looking to flip three of the states four congressional districts which include some regions where the tourism and gambling economy dominates. They have already spent millions on ads targeting Nevada Democrats for voting against the GOP megabill that included the tax deduction for tipped workers, which was pushed by President Donald Trump. "Everyone knows that that was a massively influential message by the president," said Robert Uithoven, a GOP strategist who is running the campaign of Lydia Dominguez, one of the Republicans vying for the party's nomination to take on Rep. Susie Lee (D-Nev.). Uithoven noted that Trump won Lee's district which he said includes a large number of workers employed on the Vegas Strip and carried the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Democrats, meanwhile, have blitzed through Las Vegas, Reno and the states other tourist hotspots, proclaiming that Republicans generated no such boon for tipped workers there. Theyre going to see it, theyre going to feel it. Theyre already feeling it, Lee said in an interview with POLITICO. It's a raw deal for tipped earners, because it's not permanent, and it's so much smaller than what the wealthiest Americans got out of that bill. The skirmishing comes as both parties look to control the narrative on the affordability of groceries, housing and other staples, along with the state of household incomes issues expected to have outsized influence on next years midterms. Moreover, Republicans are trying to better market the omnibus legislation they passed this summer, which hasnt proven as popular as they hoped. They are zeroing in on individual portions of the megabill that are broadly appealing to working-class voters, and deductions for tipped workers could score the party much-needed political gains after a crushing off-year election defeat last week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevadans know who put more money back in their pockets, and it wasnt the Democrat frauds who are trying to claim credit, said Christian Martinez, a spokesperson for the National Republican Congressional Committee, the House GOPs campaign arm. Out of touch Democrats Steven Horsford, Dina Titus and Susie Lee cant lie their way out of this one. Nevada Democrats bristle at Republicans characterization of them as followers not leaders on tax breaks for tipped workers. They note that the idea was a seminal part of their 2024 campaigns, and chastised their opponents for failing to back an alternative measure, which they said would have offered tipped workers more meaningful breaks, and the elimination of subminimum wages. The bill fizzled out in Congress, which according to Horsford, who drew up the measure indicates the GOPs efforts are disingenuous. My bill, the TIPS Act, does all the things that the tipped workers asked for because I asked them what they wanted included in the bill as I worked on it. Thats where the Republicans got their bill wrong from the beginning. They listened to one person, Donald Trump, and not the workers, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Titus, who has introduced legislation on the issue that would also raise the regular minimum wage, said: Exempting tips from income taxes is only part of the solution to increasing the wages of tipped workers." The Democrats' counteroffensive is part of a larger portrait Democrats have spent months drawing up in hopes of demonstrating that the GOPs promise of beefier refund checks next filing season will be moot for the working class. Theyve pointed to several statistics: Over a third of tipped workersdo not make enough money to pay federal income taxes. Two in five tipped workersrely on Medicaid and other public assistance that the GOP has slashed or could let expire. And they note that the tax break will lapse in three years unless Congress extends it, while the cuts to public benefits would be permanent. D.C. Republicans are giving temporary crumbs to working families, said Lindsay Reilly, a spokesperson for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, the partys House campaign arm. Meanwhile, millions of families are at risk of losing their health care, hundreds of hospitals could close, and countless Americans could lose their jobs all to pay for permanent tax cuts for billionaires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Nevada Democrats also say Trumps coarse diplomatic relations with Canada have eroded the states tourism economy, which is heavily dependent on Canadian visitation, and squandered any windfalls the GOP tax deduction on tips could generate. When you have less tourism there, theres less cars to park, theres less rooms to clean, theres less tables to serve, said Lee, who represents Nevadas third district, which includes southern Las Vegas. Thats less tipped income. Theres perhaps no group more important for the parties to win over on the issue in Nevada than Culinary Workers Union Local 226, which represents the states hospitality workers. But in the unions eyes, both sides are flailing. In late October, the union sent a letter to Treasury and the IRS rebuking the limitations of the tax cut in the GOP megabill and asking for the same things Democrats have pushed for: a permanent extension of the tip tax deduction that would also cover automatic gratuities and eliminate the subminimum wage. Neither the agencies nor congressional Republicans have indicated theyre willing to offer concessions since then, to the unions frustration, said Ted Pappageorge, its secretary-treasurer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But that shouldnt serve as a reprieve for House Democrats, even if they earned the unions endorsement last year, he continued. There has to be a real fight with the Democratic Party about a message that is very clear that we are going to tackle the cost of living and support working class, kitchen table voters, Pappageorge said. Weve been very clear, were going to talk to Republicans, Democrats and independents, and were going to run our own members because we dont see Democrats focusing on working class issues in a way that is going to win in the midterms. Samuel Benson contributed to this report. Hyperliquid traders using Arbitrum-based infrastructure were temporarily unable to make deposits or withdrawals on Wednesday, as the decentralized exchange for perpetual futures appeared to respond to a series of potentially malicious Popcat trades. Blockchain researcher Conor Grogan was among onlookers on X who said withdrawals were processing normally again, less than a couple of hours after Hyperliquids users began peppering the projects Discord server with questions about a potential attack. The blockchain is not under maintenance, an admin for Hyperliquids discord server who goes by iliensinc said. The Arbitrum bridge is temporarily paused. Other deposits and withdrawals should be unaffected. Previously, members of Hyperliquids Discord server had shared screengrabs of a notice from Hyperliquids website, saying USDC deposits and withdrawals from the Arbitrum bridge are paused for maintenance. A community-owned vault on Hyperliquid, where users can deposit funds, lost $4.9 million on Wednesday, according to the exchanges website. The loss was linked to positions being liquidated on the exchange by an individual who goes by MLM on X. Using $3 million in stablecoins, an individual entered into $20 million worth of long positions across 19 wallets, MLM said. The individual, who was betting on the price of meme coin Popcat to increase, was later liquidated, forcing the community-owned vault to step in, MLM said. MLM said that Hyperliquid manually closed the position, but not before the meme coins falling price caused notable losses for the community-owned vault. In recent months, users liquidations have caused temporary setbacks for the vault. The dynamic also led Hyperliquid to delist Solana-based meme coin JELLYJELLY, provoking criticism that the exchange is not as decentralized as people may think. MLM claimed that the Popcat-linked activity was clearly a deliberate attempt to mess with Hyperliquid and the community-owned vault, but the situation hadnt been acknowledged by the decentralized exchange yet, as of this writing. DOJ, FBI, Secret Service Unveil 'Strike Force' to Combat Crypto Scams Rooted in China Hyperliquids status page details no recent incidents, but a transaction on Ethereum layer-2 scaling solution Arbitrum shows an EmergencyLock function was triggered. Decrypt has reached out to Hyperliquid. Popcat has a market capitalization of $136 million, according to crypto data provider CoinGecko. Although the meme coins price had risen 5.6% to $0.13 over the past day, the Solana-based tokens price was still down 91% over the past year. Democratic strategist James Carville unloaded on President Donald Trump, branding him a loser and arguing that his winning streak is over. Hes not getting away with it, Carville, 81, said about Trump, 79, on a Wednesday episode of the Politics War Room with James Carville and Al Hunt podcast. Hes done. We just got to butter this toast and slice it and eat it, Carville continued, adding, Youre a loser, dude! Youre losing everywhere, and youre going to lose more because you, my friend, The Pacific Northwest is being taken for a ride, and a major earthquake off the coast of Oregon this week was the latest jolt reminding residents just how fragile the regions future really is. The 4.2 magnitude quake struck nearly 200 miles from the coastal town of Barview. It was the third such seismic event in the area in the last two weeks, part of a swarm that scientists say could signal an upcoming eruption of Axial Seamount, an underwater shield volcano that last erupted in 2015. "There's still a chance it could erupt by the end of the year. We don't really know exactly when it will happen, but nothing seems imminent since the number of earthquakes per day is relatively low," Bill Chadwick a researcher at Oregon State University, told the Daily Mail. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the quake swarm is only the surface-level warning. The real threat comes from the much larger system grinding beneath the region: The Cascadia Subduction Zonea 700-mile fault that runs all the way from California to British Columbiawhere two giant tectonic plates are locked in a high-stakes standoff. The North American plate is slowly crushing the Juan de Fuca plate beneath it, according to experts, lifting the region millimeter by millimeter over centuries. But that pressure wont build forever. When the plates finally slip, theyll unleash what scientists call a megathrust earthquake, or the great quake in layman's terms. This magnitude 8 or 9 earthquake will be capable of violently shaking the region for minutes and triggering a massive tsunami. But theres another, less visible threat that could have longer-lasting consequences: subsidence, or the sinking of land. In a matter of minutes, entire coastal communities could drop by up to 6 feet, permanently redrawing the floodplain and placing thousands of homes and lives at risk. New research shows subsidence following the great quake could double, or even triple, the number of people and properties exposed to catastrophic floodingan impact that most flood maps and insurance models still fail to capture. What is subsidence (and why it matters more than you think)? Make your hands into fists and press them hard against each other. Now, tilt one fist upward, like its riding over the other. When the pressure becomes too much, one fist suddenly slips past the other and, in an instant, drops. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, imagine your fists are the Earths crust. That drop is called subsidence. During one of these over magnitude 8, probably up to magnitude 9 earthquakes, the land actually deforms and drops down up to 6 feet or 2 meters, explains Tina Dura, a coastal geologist and lead researcher on a new study examining flood exposure in the Pacific Northwest recently published in Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Basically causing sea level rise of 6 feet within minutes. This instant ground-level drop doesnt just mean higher tides. It redefines the baseline for future flooding. Areas that were once safely above water could suddenly become permanent flood zones, or even become permanently under waterchanging the regions coastline, increasing insurance costs, and putting thousands of homes at risk. What happens to coastal communities when the ground drops The last time a megathrust earthquake rocked the Pacific Northwest was centuries ago, long before cities, suburbs, and infrastructure blanketed the regions coast. But scientists like Dura are looking to the geologic record to understand what the quake left behind, and what could happen when the next one strikes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cascadia has repeatedly dropped down up to 6 feet in these earthquakes, she explains. We find these marsh soils that are overlain by really clean gray tidal mud, showing that these wetlands dropped down and were converted to tidal flats repeatedly. In other words, when the ground sank, the ocean rushed in, flooding areas that were once comfortably above water. On the coastal records, we can look back about 7,000 years or so, and [were] seeing these catastrophic changes in these estuaries, she adds. I'm constantly thinking about the land level change that's going to occur. That land level change is what makes subsidence so dangerous. What was once safe, dry ground could become a flood-prone tidal flat in a matter of minutes. And while the region once held quiet wetlands, its now home to entire communities. The risks go far beyond flooded basements. Entire systems critical to public safety and daily life could be thrown into crisis. Wastewater treatment plants, electric substations, and roads built at elevations sensitive to sea level rise could be compromised. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When the coastline drops, so does everything built on it, putting lives, homes, and infrastructure directly in harms way. A doubling, and eventually tripling, of exposure Until recently, most models focused on immediate impacts: shaking, waves, and storm surges. But Duras new research reveals what happens when you factor in subsidenceand the results are startling. If a megathrust earthquake were to happen today, the 100-year floodplainthe key metric used to determine which homes are at risk of flood, and what homes need to purchase flood insurance policiesexpands by 115 square miles. That doubles the exposure of resident structures and roads, Dura explains. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words, half of the residents who would need flood insurance to cover damage caused by flooding following a megathrust earthquake are unlikely to know that they are at risk right now. And thats just the start. By 2100, due to the combined effects of sea-level rise from global warming, the floodplain expands by 145 square miles, tripling the exposure. That one-two punch is a combo that few current models account for. The studies that have been conducted so far ... havent really taken into account the long-term impacts of the subsidence, Dura notes. The result: a massive blind spot in our understanding of flood risk in the Pacific Northwest. And without that knowledge, thousands of homeowners might be dramatically underestimating their need for flood insurance. What homeowners can do now to understand and reduce risk Just one inch of floodwater can cause up to $25,000 in damage, according to FEMA. Yet, as Janet Ruiz of the Insurance Information Institute warns, flood damage and damage from a tsunami is not covered under most standard homeowners, renters, or business insurance. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For homeowners in the Pacific Northwest, Duras study offers a critical opportunity to get ahead of that risk. Residents can use our maps to locate themselves ... to see whether their house might lie within one of the projected post-earthquake floodplains, she says. Even homes outside FEMA-designated flood zones could be pulled into future floodplains in an instant, making flood insurance a smart move now, before disaster strikes. The major insurer of flood is the National Flood Insurance Program ... [which] provides coverage up to $250,000 for a structure and $100,000 for personal possessions, Ruiz notes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That might not be enough. Flooding following a tsunami triggered by the megathrust earthquake could destroy entire homes, not just damage the first floor, so owners of higher-value homes might need additional protection. And the risk isnt only long-term. Areas newly vulnerable to subsidence might also start experiencing nuisance flooding, king tides, and coastal erosion well before the next major quake hits. Twenty-five percent of flooding happens outside the designated flood zones, Ruiz adds, which makes proactive planning even more essential. Homeowners should start by taking the following steps: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Locating their property on Duras projected floodplain maps. Comparing National Flood Insurance Program policies with options from private insurers. Reassessing their propertys flood risk based on elevation, proximity to water, and changing coastal conditions. How likely is this next great quake? Scientists refer to recurrence intervals to estimate how often major earthquakes occur on a given fault. For the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the geological record shows a pattern of megathrust quakes occurring roughly every 250 to 800 years. Were over 300 years out from the last earthquake, says Dura. Geologically speaking, were well within the window of possibility. In human terms, that can seem abstract, but the odds are very real. Unlike storms or seasonal weather events, earthquakes strike without warning, and the longer the buildup, the greater the risk. Fifty years in geologic time is well within our plus or minus uncertainty, Dura adds. It really could happen any day. The US-imposed ceasefire of October 10 has not stopped Israels regular attacks on the Gaza Strip. Nor has it threatened to hold a parliament and society that largely cheered on the war, which has been deemed genocidal by multiple international bodies, accountable for their actions. Instead, fuelled by what analysts from within Israel have described as an absolute sense of impunity, anti-Palestinian violence has intensified across the country and the occupied West Bank while much of the world continues to look away, convinced that the work of the ceasefire is done. In the parliament, or Knesset, a senior lawmaker and member of the governing party openly defended convicted ultranationalist Meir Kahane, long considered beyond the pale even by members of Israels right wing and whose Kach movement has been banned as a terrorist organisation. At the same time, the parliament is debating reintroducing the death penalty, as well as expanding the terms of the offences for which it might apply both unambiguously targeting Palestinians. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the legislation, proposed by ultranationalist National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir who himself has past terrorism-related convictions for his outspoken support of Kahane anyone found guilty of killing Israelis because of racist motives and with the aim of harming the State of Israel and the revival of the Jewish people in its land would face execution. That bill passed its first reading this week. The absence of any attempt to assert accountability from the outside, from Israels allies, echoes into Israels own Knesset, analyst and former Israeli peace negotiator Daniel Levy said. Theres no sense that Israel has done anything wrong or that anyone should be held to account. Even Israels media, traditionally cheerleaders of the countrys war on Gaza, has not proven exempt from the hardening of attitudes. Legislation is already under way to close Army Radio because it had been broadcasting what Defence Minister Israel Katz described as political content that could undermine the army, as well as extend what lawmakers have referred to as the so-called Al Jazeera law, allowing them to shutter any foreign media perceived as a threat to Israels national security. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has built up this energy through two years of genocide, Orly Noy, editor of the Hebrew-language Local Call, told Al Jazeera. That hasnt gone anywhere. Just because theres a ceasefire and the hostages are back, the racism, the supremacy and the unmasked violence didnt just disappear. Were seeing daily pogroms by soldiers and settlers in the West Bank. There are daily attacks on Palestinian bus drivers. Its become dangerous to speak Arabic, not just within the 48, but anywhere, she said, referring to Israels initial borders of 1948. May your village burn In the West Bank, Israeli violence against Palestinians has reached unprecedented proportions. According to the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), there were 264 attacks against Palestinians in the month the ceasefire was announced: the equivalent of eight attacks per day, the highest number since the agency first started tracking attacks in 2006. An Israeli settler gestures as he argues with a Palestinian farmer (not pictured), during olive harvesting in Silwad, near Ramallah, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, October 29, 2025 [Mohammed Torokman/Reuters] Israels interior appears no less secure from the mob. On Tuesday, a meeting at a private house in Pardes Hanna near Haifa, hosted by Ayman Odeh, a Palestinian member of the Knesset, was surrounded and attacked by a mob of right-wing protesters. As police reportedly stood nearby, Israeli protesters surrounded the house, chanting Terrorist! Terrorist! and singing May your village burn in an attempt to interrupt the meeting, which was billed as a chance to build partnership and peace after two years characterised mainly by pain and hostility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And in the Israeli Supreme Court on Monday, two of the soldiers accused of the brutal gang rape of a Palestinian prisoner at Sde Teiman prison last year were met, not by condemnation, but applause and chants of We are all Unit 100, referring to the military unit accused of raping the Palestinian man. Theyre not cheering rapists, theyre cheering this idea that nothing matters any more, Ori Goldberg, a political scientist based near Tel Aviv, said. Genocide devalues everything. Once youve carried out a genocide, nothing matters any more. Not the lives of those youve killed and, by extension, not your own. Nothing carries any consequence. Not your actions, nothing. Weve become hollow. Seeming to prove Goldbergs point in the Knesset on Wednesday was Nissim Vaturi, the bodys deputy speaker and a member of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus governing Likud party. Vaturi crossed one of Israels few political rubicons and directly referenced Kahane, whose name has become a rallying cry for settlers and ultranationalist groups across Israel. Meir Kahanes violent anti-Arab ideology was considered so repugnant that Israel banned him from parliament and the US listed his party, Kach, as a terrorist group, October 27, 1988 [Susan Ragan/AP] Asked if he was in favour of Jewish terror, Vaturi replied I support it. Believe me, Kahane was right in many ways where we were wrong, where the people of Israel were wrong, he said, referencing the former lawmaker convicted of terrorism offences in both Israel and the US and whose party, Kach, remains a proscribed terrorist group across much of the world. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Once youve manufactured consent for genocide, you need to be proactive in dialling the cruelty levels down, which is something were not seeing, Levy said. If anything, were just seeing it continue. They have dialled the cruelty levels up to 11 and theyre leaving them there. The Northlands Rescue Mission in Grand Forks, North Dakota, prepared for an increase in demand due to the disruption in food assistance benefits in November. Food pantries in North Dakota expect to continue seeing high demand even as benefits are restored. (Photo courtesy of Northlands Rescue Mission) Most North Dakotans enrolled in the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program could see their full November benefits restored as early as Monday, according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services. The U.S. Department of Agriculture announced Wednesday it would release the funding for most SNAP recipients within 24 hours of the federal government reopening. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The North Dakota Department of Health and Human Services in a Thursday evening announcement said it was working to get benefits out to residents as soon as possible, but that system updates were pending and it did not have a firm timeline. Households that received partial SNAP benefits last week will get the remaining amount, while households that have yet to receive any funding this month will get full benefits, the department said. Were grateful for the full SNAP benefits that support nearly 56,000 North Dakotans, Pat Traynor, the agencys interim commissioner, said in the announcement. The pause revealed the strength of our communities neighbors, businesses, and organizations stepped up with compassion and resilience. The program started the month without funding due to the federal government shutdown, which ended Wednesday night after 43 days. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Partial benefits became available in North Dakota last week after the federal government released 65% of the funding under the order of a federal judge. While that judge ultimately ordered the executive branch to administer full benefits, President Donald Trumps administration was appealing the ruling at the time the federal government reopened. North Dakota Gov. Kelly Armstrongs office earlier this month granted $915,000 in state funds to the Great Plains Food Bank to address food insecurity during the shutdown while funding for SNAP remained uncertain. Great Plains Food Bank spokesperson Darby Njos said the nonprofit expects to distribute 3.5 million pounds of food in November and December about a 60% increase in the amount of food it usually distributes to food pantries around the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement She said even though SNAP will soon be restored, the food bank expects to see high demand for food assistance to continue. Were seeing consistently strong turnouts at our mobile food pantries, at our pop-up pantries, and our partner food pantries have been reporting heavy, consistent usage, Njos said. North Dakota Monitor reporter Mary Steurer can be reached at msteurer@northdakotamonitor.com. A massive outbreak of a mosquito-borne virus in Bangladesh has health officials on edge as hospitals are nearing their limits. What's happening? According to Reuters, cases of dengue fever are surging across Bangladesh. As of Oct. 6, there have been over 58,000 cases and 215 fatalities. This isn't quite as severe as the 2023 outbreak that killed over 1,700 residents. But experts are warning that, without action, the crisis could get out of hand. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Professor Kabirul Bashar, an entomologist at Jahangirnagar University, said to Reuters, "If we fail to act now, the situation could spiral." In addition to dengue, there has been a spike in cases of chikungunya. It's rarely fatal but can cause severe joint pain. Its name comes from the Makonde language and means "bent over in pain." Why is a dengue outbreak concerning? Millions of people are infected with the dengue virus worldwide every year. It is usually asymptomatic, but it can be fatal, particularly in the elderly, the very young, and pregnant women. Additionally, those who have been infected carry a greater risk of a worse re-infection. Around half of the world's population is already at risk. As the planet warms, more areas will become exposed to outbreaks. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Dirty energy's planet-heating emissions are causing the range of mosquitoes to expand and lengthening their breeding season. Even in more temperate regions like Europe, mosquito-borne diseases are becoming more common. What's being done to contain the outbreak? Containing the virus will require a blend of local action and international engagement. Bangladesh has limited resources to act unilaterally. Fortunately, there may soon be some preventive care available to complement other control methods. There are a couple of vaccines for dengue: Dengvaxia and Qdenga. The former is for children who are between the ages of 9 and 16 and have already had the virus. The latter is more effective and available to most people ages 4 and up. Qdenga isn't effective against all strains of the virus and has not yet been approved for use in Bangladesh. Other vaccines are in development and show some promise. Do you feel like the air quality is safe where you live? Always Usually Not in the summer Never Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Kentucky officials have banned the use of a popular technology for use in hunting in hopes it will help protect native fish and wildlife. Kentucky Today reported that last month, a ban went into effect that prohibits the use of drones or other aircraft to "take" or harass fish and wildlife. The statewide ban applies to both public and private land. "Under Kentucky law, 'take' includes any attempt to hunt, pursue, trap, or even lure wildlife for harvest," the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources wrote in a Facebook post. "This new rule ensures fair, safe, and responsible outdoor recreation for everyone." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Drones can still be used to scout for wildlife prior to any hunting action, but not to guide a hunter to a live animal. They can also be used to notify people of the location of a deceased animal. But the ban explicitly prohibits using drones to hunt, shoot, wound, trap, or herd wildlife. The lone exceptions to this are when KDFWR employees need to do so for safety reasons or for commercial fishers to help find and capture invasive carp species. "This regulation has been needed for some time, and we are happy to finally have it in place," David Marquees of the KDFWR Law Enforcement Division said in a release. This ban is one of the latest worldwide as governments crack down on various hunting methods in efforts to better protect wildlife. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement One of Argentina's largest cities is weighing a ban on air rifles and slingshots, citing the damage those weapons have done to local bird populations. In Ghana, a five-month hunting ban has yielded impressive results, with wildlife populations increasing. And in England, a hunting group has decided to stop trail hunting, over cruelty concerns stemming from the practice of having dogs chase and kill wild mammals. Do you think the government should ban gas-powered lawn tools? No way Definitely Only certain tools I don't know Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A viral outbreak in Cuba has caused the American embassy to issue a travel warning, according to the Miami Herald. What's happening? Chikungunya has been detected in Cuba for the first time since 2015. This virus is spread by mosquitoes and causes intense joint pain, rash, and fever. More serious effects can happen in extreme cases. "Women infected at the time of delivery can pass the virus to their baby before or during birth. Newborns infected in this way or by mosquito bites are at risk of severe illness, including long-term complications," said the Centers for Disease Control, per the Miami Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The World Health Organization has confirmed that between Jan. 1 and Sept. 20, Cuba has hosted 34 cases of chikungunya in Guantanamo, La Habana, Matanzas, Pinar del Rio, and Santiago de Cuba regions. Why is chikungunya important? Increasingly wet and warm weather patterns, exacerbated by atmospheric pollution, have led to prime breeding conditions for disease-carrying mosquitoes. Chikungunya is one virus increasing in incidence, but so are Zika, malaria, West Nile, yellow fever, Oropouche, and dengue fever. The spread of these kinds of vector-based diseases has doubled in the last 20 years. What's being done about chikungunya? Cuban authorities have enacted new precautions to deal with the growing transmission of chikungunya. This has included supporting public health facilities for treatment and a house-to-house inspection campaign. As for preventative measures, the Centers for Disease Control recommends vaccination, using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and staying in cool places that have screens on doors and windows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Around the home, it's possible to repel mosquitoes with all-natural solutions. Some great options are lemongrass, lavender, and lemon balm. Managing stillwater areas around a property is also important to prevent breeding. Attacking the root cause of infectious mosquito spread involves reducing pollution by any means possible. This can include switching to an EV, upgrading to a heat pump, and relying on renewable energy. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Baltimore County, Maryland, just pulled off an impressive glow-up turning a former landfill into a massive clean energy powerhouse. The Parkton Landfill, once home to piles of waste, is now filled with something far more valuable: sunlight. According to Electrek, the new 213-acre solar farm is generating about 8.2 million kilowatt-hours of power in its first year. That's enough to provide around 11% of the county government's annual electricity use roughly equivalent to powering more than 1,000 homes. County Executive Kathy Klausmeier called the project a smart investment for the future. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We are cutting costs for taxpayers and making investments that benefit our communities for decades," Klausmeier said, per Electrek. TotalEnergies Managing Director Eric Potts agreed, describing the site as a "powerful example of transforming underutilized assets into productive resources." In other words, one county's trash site just became everyone's treasure. Projects such as this are becoming more common across the U.S., as communities reimagine closed landfills and empty lots as solar farms. This results in cleaner energy, lower costs, and a second life for forgotten spaces. That means less pressure on energy grids and more savings for local governments wins all around. Solar power projects have been popping up in other creative ways as well, such as floating solar farms and solar sculptures that track the sun as it moves across the sky, proving there's no shortage of bright ideas when it comes to generating clean power. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Installing solar panels is the ultimate home energy hack it can even bring your electricity costs down to $0. EnergySage makes it simple to compare quotes from vetted local installers and can help you save up to $10,000 on installation. Plus, going solar makes it cheaper to run other efficient electric appliances, such as heat pumps and Mitsubishi can help you find the right one for your home. From landfill to light source, Baltimore County's project shows how innovation and sustainability can literally shine in the same place. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Ohioans will receive their full Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, also known as SNAP, benefits for November, now that the longest government shutdown in American history has ended. The Ohio Department of Job and Family Services announced in a release on Thursday, Nov. 13, that the U.S. Department of Agriculture Food and Nutrition Service instructed the agency to ensure Ohioans receive their full food assistance benefits for the month. More: Where to find food assistance in Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky if SNAP benefits run out Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Approximately 1.4 million Ohioans received benefits from SNAP monthly before the federal government shutdown, according to the Ohio Department of Job and Family Services, also known as ODJFS. The anti-hunger program serves low-income, food-insecure households. Due to the shutdown, SNAP benefits were paused on Nov. 1. Then, earlier this week and under federal guidance, Ohio processed partial payments for eligible households. For nearly all recipients, these partial payments were 65% of their normal benefits. Under the latest guidance, people who have already received some funds will get the rest of their original benefits for November. Households that didn't get partial payments will get their full monthly benefit. Recipients will receive these amounts through their Ohio Direction cards. When will SNAP benefits be released? The federal government instructed ODJFS to act immediately to ensure Ohioans receive their full November benefits promptly, according to the state agency. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement State officials did not provide an estimated date for payments but urged people to monitor their accounts using the ConnectEBT app or through the Ohio Benefits Self Service Portal. The agency will post the latest information at jfs.ohio.gov. This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: When will SNAP benefits be released? Ohio to restore food assistance Earlier on Friday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) agency said it had received a report of an 'incident' 20 nautical miles east of UAE's Khor Fakkan. Iran seized a Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker sailing from the United Arab Emirates to Singapore, a US official told the Associated Press on Friday afternoon. The tanker had made a sudden course and began heading toward Iranian territorial waters, British maritime security firm Ambrey noted earlier Friday morning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ambrey said the tanker, reported 22 nautical miles east of the UAE port of Khor Fakkan, had earlier been approached by three small boats while transiting southbound through the Strait of Hormuz before later deviating course in the Gulf of Oman. The agency said the incident was "likely highly targeted." The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center, which first reported the incident as a "suspicious event," said it had received an alert of an incident 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan. Authorities are investigating the incident UKMTO marked the incident as a suspicious activity and added that the authorities are investigating it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Ambrey, the vessel had previously been approached by three small boats while transiting southbound through the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE authorities did not immediately respond to a request for comment. This is a developing story. Jerusalem Post Staff contributed to this report. Building up enough funds to cover your costs in case of losing your job or another crisis is crucial for financial health, but its also critical that you dont just let that money sit in an account where it's losing value by not earning interest. One thing Jordan probably doesnt want to do is fall further into debt. Thats where an emergency fund comes in. He could start with as little as $1,000 and grow it over time. Experts typically recommend saving between three and six months worth of expenses, if possible. Trending: Warren Buffett used 8 simple money rules to turn $9,800 into a stunning $150B start using them today to get rich (and then stay rich) So, whats his best course of action? Here are some options to consider. But remember, Jordan doesnt have any savings. His employer offers a sponsored 401(k) plan with a 5% match, but he can only start contributing next year. Hes run the numbers: If he is aggressive, he should be able to pay off nearly all of his credit card debt by around mid-2027 if he puts $2,000 per month or more toward it. By extending that runway, he could be entirely debt-free the following year. Student loans from his unfinished degree make up about $20,000 of Jordans overall debt. The rest, about $40,000, is high-interest credit card debt. To put this in perspective, the average credit card debt per borrower for Americans was $6,473 in Q3 of 2025, according to TransUnion (1). The big question he has is what should come first: becoming debt-free or building long-term wealth? For most of Jordans adult life, money management wasnt a priority. He was financially irresponsible throughout his 20s. But he finally decided to get his act together and take his finances seriously. Hes even started budgeting. Robert Kiyosaki says this 1 asset will surge 400% in a year and he begs investors not to miss its explosion Dave Ramsey warns nearly 50% of Americans are making 1 big Social Security mistake heres what it is and 3 simple steps to fix it ASAP Thanks to Jeff Bezos, you can now become a landlord for as little as $100 and no, you don't have to deal with tenants or fix freezers. Here's how But he also carries a heavy weight. Hes $59,000 in debt, with no savings and no assets. He finally has some momentum with his salary and is burdened by poor financial decisions from his past. Jordan is 39 years old, and despite not having finished college, he recently started a job earning $75,000 per year. Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. Story Continues Your emergency fund should be accessible at all times, but it should also be making money for you. Consider stashing your fund in a high-yield checking and savings account with SoFi. You could earn almost nine times the national checking rate with no minimum balance. SoFi can offer up to a 4.30% APY on your balance, and doesnt charge account fees while providing some overdraft coverage. You can also get your paycheck two days early, which could also be useful for staying on top of debt payments, provided youve set up auto-deposit. SoFi also lets you bank with confidence, since they provide up to $3 million in additional FDIC insurance through their partner banks. And the best part? Depending on how much you load up your account with, you could get a $300 sign-up bonus to get your stash of emergency cash off on the right foot. Note that, ideally, an emergency fund is used to absorb a sudden financial cost that could put you into debt. In Jordans case, building out a fund could conflict with paying down his debt immediately, but it depends on when and how he plans to make payments not to mention how much he can afford to save. Either way, generating interest through a high-yield account can help mitigate some of the interest accrued on debt. Getting that 401(k) match Whether Jordan decides to focus on paying down his debt or start building his nest egg, one thing he should absolutely consider doing is participating in his employers 401(k) match program once hes eligible. Not only would contributing to a 401(k) put money toward his retirement, but any matching funds he receives from his employer is essentially free money. Matching programs can be a great way to build a nest egg. While Jordan has started budgeting, finding extra room in his monthly spending for both saving and tackling his debt might seem like a challenge. The best way to tackle this is to track expenses, so you can see where every dollar is going and evaluate how you use your money. If managing a budget feels overwhelming to you, apps like Rocket Money can simplify the process. Rocket Money tracks and categorizes your expenses, providing a clear view of your cash, credit, and investments in one place. It can even uncover forgotten subscriptions, helping you cut unnecessary costs and save potentially hundreds annually. For a small fee, the app can also negotiate lower rates on your monthly bills, making it a valuable tool for keeping your finances on track and finding room for contributing to savings each month. While Jordan is running the numbers on his budget, this could be a good opportunity to look at other monthly expenses. One of the big ones, especially for someone possibly driving to a new job, is car insurance. Thats where services like OfficialCarInsurance.com can come into play. All you have to do is enter some basic information, such as the make and model of your car, location and driving history, and youll be matched with top providers in your area within minutes. This includes well-known names such as Progressive, GEICO, State Farm, Allstate and more. Based on these factors, you could find rates as low as $29 per month. Any money saved from shopping around for insurance could then be used to pay down existing debts, invest in an emergency fund or be set aside for 401(k) contributions. Focus on debt or savings? Should Jordan prioritize paying off his debt or saving for retirement? Part of the problem with saving while paying down debt is that any interest accumulated on the debt would eat into any savings. This is why some experts recommend focusing on paying down high-interest debt. Jordan may want to put his efforts toward paying his credit card debt as aggressively as possible, at least until hes eligible for his employers 401(k) match program. After this, he can start thinking about emergency funds and 401(k) contributions. Once he starts putting 5% of his salary towards a 401(k), the remainder he has available can continue to be put toward his credit cards until theyre paid off. Depending on the interest rate of his student loan debt, he may want to consider pulling back on how much he puts toward his debt. If the rate is low, he may want to contribute more to his 401(k) or establish an IRA. But as previously stated, as long as Jordan has debt, any interest will reduce his savings. Theres also the mental aspect of carrying debt, which will continue to weigh on his peace of mind. With a high student loan balance, many borrowers struggle to imagine climbing out from under the weight of the debt. However, its possible to refinance your student loans to make the monthly payments easier and even pay off your debt in less time than expected. Before doing so, he may want to consult a financial advisor, who can help him develop a tailored blueprint to get out of debt and set himself up for the future. One option is to speak with the financial professionals at Advisor.com. All of Advisor.coms experts are pre-vetted fiduciaries, meaning that theyre obligated to act in your best interests. How it works is simple: Just answer a few quick questions about yourself, like your ZIP code, and your finances. Next, the platform will match you with one to three experienced financial professionals to help you develop a plan to achieve your homeownership or retirement goals all in just a few minutes. You can view the advisors profiles, read past client reviews and schedule an initial consultation for free with no obligation to hire. From there, you can discuss your advisors fees and billing schedule to determine whats right for you and your budget. You May Also Like Join 200,000+ readers and get Moneywises best stories and exclusive interviews first clear insights curated and delivered weekly. Subscribe now. Article sources We rely only on vetted sources and credible third-party reporting. For details, see our editorial ethics and guidelines. TransUnion (1) This article provides information only and should not be construed as advice. It is provided without warranty of any kind. State Textbook Committee chairperson Sharon Morgan, center, speaks during a committee meeting Friday at the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) OKLAHOMA CITY Oklahoma public schools wont be able to adopt new social studies textbooks next year with academic standards for the subject still in flux. The State Textbook Committee voted Friday to suspend indefinitely the social studies textbook adoption cycle while the state Supreme Court and the Oklahoma State Department of Education consider what to do with the academic standards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A September Court order paused implementation of the new social studies standards, which became highly controversial for including Bible teachings and dubious claims about the 2020 presidential election and COVID-19. Public records show 12 textbook publishers chose not to return to Oklahoma after the new standards were approved. Those 12 companies, including major publisher Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, are currently on the states approved list but didnt submit a bid this year for reapproval. Companies have withdrawn from Oklahoma before during a math adoption cycle in 2023. Some of those companies informed the Education Department they had concerns about new content included in the social studies standards, said Sharon Morgan, program director for the agencys Office of Standards and Learning. There were a few publishers that were familiar with that did reach out, Morgan said. They were concerned about a few of the objectives in the 2025 social studies standards, and they let us know that they would not be bidding. State Textbook Committee chairperson Sharon Morgan speaks during a meeting Friday at the Oklahoma State Department of Education in Oklahoma City. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice) Morgan said she doesnt recall which publishers this entailed. She said the companies didnt specify what new content was the source of their concerns, only that they did not feel they could bid. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The state received 12 bidders this year, including four not currently on the approved list. In a typical cycle, the State Textbook Committee would have voted in November on final textbook adoption after considering review committees evaluations of each publisher. That vote would establish an approved list that schools could choose from when spending their textbook funds. That vote couldnt happen Friday with the social studies standards on hold, said Morgan, who was recently appointed as the committees chairperson. Were hoping this is resolved by February and we know what our standards are, she told the committee during Fridays meeting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the meantime, public schools will continue using social studies standards and textbooks adopted in 2019. New state Superintendent Lindel Fields said his administration intends to reexamine the 2025 standards. He told news reporters last month he expects there will be some changes to them, which would need agreement from the Oklahoma State Board of Education and the state Legislature. Fields replaced former state Superintendent Ryan Walters in October. Walters, who resigned Sept. 30, led the development of the 2025 social studies standards. Publishers would have another opportunity to bid once the standards are finalized, Morgan said. Having a final version of the standards by February would give companies time to decide whether to submit an intent to bid by April. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Delays in the current adoption cycle could force the textbook committee and its review teams to consider both social studies and science materials in 2026, Morgan said. It also could push three other subjects on the 2026 schedule health, physical education and vocational education to later years, she said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE The key thing about Donald Trumps presidency, when you examine it alongside the history of every other Oval Office occupant, is that to understand what drives him day-to-day, you have to have a handle on his psychologyall those twisted urges and impulses that twitch through his brain. This is because so much of what he does is by pure instinctid unchecked by superego; animal urge unmitigated by conscience. That, plus the fact that all he really cares about is how he looks on TV (more specifically, Fox News and Newsmax). Who can doubt that part of what he loves about bombing those boats in the Caribbean is that he loves seeing them go boom on a big screen? So, when we analyze this administration, we have to look for the psychological tells in a way we simply didnt with any other president, because the other presidents, no matter their politics, werent emotional 5-year-olds who lived in an impenetrable image bubble created and maintained by their staffs and their propagandists with press passes. And the psychological tell of the week? Hauling Representative Lauren Boebert into the White House Situation Room to try to break her down and make her change her vote on the Jeffrey Epstein discharge petition. Think about this purely as a presidential decision. We dont know whether this was his idea or if an aide hatched this plan and he liked it, but it amounts to the same thing. Yeah, we can picture Trump thinking: the Situation Room; secret, private, all those fancy screens and mapsthatll intimidate her. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When LBJ had a recalcitrant member of Congress to win over, he invited him up to the Truman Balcony for a bourbon. Trump locked Boebert in the room thats supposed to be used to monitor military operations. Its where Barack Obama watched Seal Team Six take out bin Laden. Its unclear whether Trump was there. One assumes he was. But willing hacks Pam Bondi and Kash Patel showed up. Wait, what? What was their presence meant to imply? Why did the attorney general and the FBI director need to be present on a legislative matter? Was the idea to hint to Boebert that she could face some sort of legal consequences if she didnt capitulate? On a congressional vote? Boebert laughed it all off, but she didnt cave. In fact, the strong-arming apparently left her all the more convinced Trump may be hiding something. Hard to imagine Id ever be saying this, but: good for her. And for her colleague Nancy Mace, whom Trump simply called, in the old-fashioned way. But both stood their ground, and next week, the House will vote to compel Bondis Justice Department to release the files, with possibly up to 100 Republicans voting to do so. Trump is clearly in a dead panic about this. We saw this week the reason why. Many of the Epstein emails released this week wereat least in the court of public opinionincriminating to one degree or another; none more so than the one Epstein wrote to an unnamed acquaintance in December 2018, in which he announced: i am the one able to take him down. Also: I know how dirty donald is. (He was too lazy to hit the shift key, apparently.) Trump, as always, says its all a lie and he did nothing wrong. And a few of the released emails can be read to support this claim. But just stop and think: We are sitting here, in November 2025, in the middle (or the beginning-middle) of a credible investigation into whether the president of the United States engaged in sex acts with underage girls. (And when media allies such as Megyn Kelly publicly try to finesse the differences between having sex with a 5-year-old versus having sex with a 15-year-old, thats not a good sign.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Theres still plenty of reason to think well never get a satisfactory answer about Trumps place in Epsteins grotesque constellation of decadent elites. Trump still has a number of roadblocks to put in the way of getting to the point of the files being released. First and foremost, theres the Senate. Because once the House votes to release the files, then the Senate has to. I havent seen much handicapping on this yet. But it would have to clear the 60-vote cloture hurdle, meaning that 13 Republicans would have to vote with the Democrats to bring the matter to final passage. Then, of course, even if it does pass the Senate, Trump can veto it. At that point, two-thirds of each House would be required to override the veto. And even then, if all that happens, theres still Bondi. She could just say, No, Im not going to do it. Yes, that would be defying an act of Congress. Do you really have trouble picturing her doing that? Of course, if this gets to that point, well have a major national scandal on our hands, for one simple reason that will be crystal clear to a comfortable majority of the American people: If Trump and his goons are going to those lengths to keep these files from being made public, then he must obviously have something bad to hide. Thats what makes this different from every other Trumpian contest of wills. In his battles with Democrats, with woke universities, with liberal law firms, with people he doesnt like being in America, hes always had a position that some percentage of Americans found compelling, for whatever reason. Thats why they cheer his bullying and dont care about his lies. This, however, is different. Hes not defending anything that could remotely be called a principle, and hes not slaying any America-hating dragons. Hes just covering up his own potential monstrous crimes. Given the way weve already seen this issue divide MAGA land, even some percentage of Trumps hard-shell base will surely see the difference. The government shutdown is over, and Democrats have failed to obtain an extension of subsidies for plans under the Affordable Care Act. That means premiums will skyrocket for the tens of millions of Americans who get their insurance through the ACA marketplaces. While Democrats look for other ways to save the subsidies, though, the party also needs to lay the groundwork for a bigger fix to Americas broken health care system. Its been a decade and a half since President Barack Obama signed the ACA into law, which in turn came a decade and a half after Bill Clintons failed attempt at health care reform early in his presidency. For the last 15 years, Democrats have said the same thing about the Affordable Care Act: The law has done a tremendous amount of good, but its far from perfect. Despite the ACAs successes, our health care system is still a failure in multiple ways, and only one party wants to fix it. The time is now to start planning for the next phase. In 1945, President Harry Truman proposed that the federal government provide health insurance to all. Millions of our citizens do not now have a full measure of opportunity to achieve and enjoy good health, he said. Millions do not now have protection or security against the economic effects of sickness. The time has arrived for action to help them attain that opportunity and that protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That time, in fact, kept arriving; every Democratic president in the 80 years since Truman made at least some attempt to move toward universal coverage and containing costs. There were successes along the way, including Medicare, Medicaid and the ACA itself. But most Americans are unhappy with the U.S. health care system as a whole, even if many are happy with their own insurance. Although health care is typically one of the partys strongest issues, Democrats have largely been on the defensive since the ACA was passed in 2010. Theyve worked hard, mostly with success, to beat back Republican attempts to repeal or undermine it. This has been a necessary and noble effort: Since the ACAs passage, the share of Americans without health insurance has been cut in half, from 16% to 8%. But 27 million Americans are still without coverage. That number is expected to increase dramatically, both because of the expiration of enhanced subsidies and because Trumps big, beautiful bill includes massive Medicaid cuts and restricts access to ACA marketplaces. That means Democrats have no choice but to come up with a new plan they can present to the public for health reform and it has to be more than just reinforcing the ACA. This will require both policy work and political advocacy, which was exactly what the party did after Clintons reform failed. Health policy experts spent years researching and developing ideas, and by the time the 2008 election arrived, the party had coalesced around an outline of what would become the ACA a combination of subsidies for people in the middle to buy insurance, an expansion of Medicaid and a mandate for everyone to get covered. While Obama, Hillary Clinton and John Edwards argued about the details in that years presidential primary, their differences were minor because they were working from a policy consensus that had already taken shape. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Twelve years later, there was another intense debate over health care in a Democratic presidential primary. And though it seemed in 2020 that there was a gulf between the ideas from progressives, such as Sen. Bernie Sanders proposal for a single-payer system, and those from the more moderate candidates, including Joe Biden, in truth the whole party had moved left. Even Bidens plan, which centered on a public option, was far more progressive than the ACA. But once he took office, Biden essentially put that plan in a drawer and never spoke of it again. You can argue that he wouldnt have been able to pass it through a closely divided Congress, but he never tried to build the support that would have made it possible. So what should Democrats do now? The answer is that they should spend the next couple of years debating it among themselves. Task the policy experts with devising a menu of options, talk to voters, begin advocacy for real reform and see where support builds. Then, when 2028 comes, have the debate during the presidential campaign when the largest number of Americans are paying attention. My own preference would be to model our next reform on the combination of public and private insurance thats used successfully in various forms in countries such as Australia, Canada, France and Denmark. In this system, the government provides basic insurance that covers everyone, and people are free to buy supplementary private insurance if they want more benefits. Liberals like it because of the universal coverage, and conservatives like it because rich people can still buy all the benefits they want. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We could get there by expanding Medicaid which already covers more than 77 million Americans to everyone under 65, while allowing seniors to keep Medicare. Yes, there would be many details to work out. And powerful forces will array themselves against meaningful reform not just the GOP, but the many people, organizations and companies that benefit handsomely from the current system. Opponents of health care reforms count on Americans believing that we cant have anything better, or at the very least that it can only be a little bit better. But we know that isnt true, because every other industrialized country on Earth has a national system that is far less expensive than ours, yet still insures all or virtually all residents. Last weekend, President Donald Trump proposed sending money to Americans instead of to insurance companies. He later said that people will feel like entrepreneurs when theyre able to go out and negotiate their own health insurance. Its an incoherent and nonsensical idea that will only make health care expensive. But Republican lawmakers quickly signaled support, with Sen. Rick Scott of Florida saying he was writing the bill right now. Unlike their opponents, Democrats need to be serious about health care. And that means finding the next big proposal to get closer to a system that all Americans can actually count on and afford. It wont be an easy process, and it wont be quick. But that makes it all the more important to start now. This article was originally published on MSNBC.com Stock photo of fracking pumpjacks. (Getty Images.) An Ohio Senate measure updating the states orphan well program is getting pushback from environmentalists, counties, and farmers. The proposal, Ohio Senate Bill 219, aims to balance money for plugging up old wells with provisions making it easier to drill new ones. Critics argue that the balance is off giving drillers new perks without doing enough to promote the orphan well program. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While S.B. 219 appears to elevate and improve laws governing oil and gas operations in Ohio, Southeast Ohio resident Roxanne Groff testified Wednesday, the bill does just the opposite. But those critiques dont appear to be landing with the bills sponsor, state Sen. Al Landis, R-Dover, or committee chairman, state Sen. Brian Chavez, R-Marietta. This whole thing has been misconstrued, Chavez said after the hearing. People are looking for the bad in it, and theres no nefarious piece of this. The environmental critiques The bill aims to secure funding for plugging orphan wells by creating new fund with strict limits on how and when money can be transferred out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In particular, the bill prohibits state officials from moving dollars from the orphan well fund to the general revenue fund. Although Groff agreed that funding should not be raided to make up budget deficits, she worried the bill could tie the hands of the person heading up the oil and gas division. Interest funds can only be dispersed by the director, with the advice of the Technical Advisory Committee for Oil and Gas, Groff noted. Six members of that eight-member panel come from oil and gas companies. Groff noted the governor vetoed a similar provision in last summers budget. I can only hope that he vetoes this bill also, she said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Groff called another provision excessive which allows drillers to demand expedited review of their applications 10 times in a calendar year. As recently as 2022, she said, agency officials wrote new rules to increase public participation for injection wells used to dispose of drilling waste. This bill would seem to eliminate that if a company requested an expedited permit, Gross said. In an earlier hearing, Cathy Cowan Becker from Save Ohio Parks noted the bill shortens the timeline for reviewing nominations and bids to frack beneath state land. Instead of 180 days to review a nomination the commission has 90. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than putting the parcel out for bid the following quarter, the commission would have to post it immediately and choose a winner in 60 days. After that, state officials would have just 30 days to complete lease. Becker said that turnaround is unreasonably short. The people have 45 days to submit comments about fracking nominations, she said, However, we are often not informed of such nominations until days, even weeks, after they have been received. County and farmer pushback Meanwhile, the County Commissioners Association of Ohio and the Ohio Farm Bureau had pushed lawmakers to remove a provision making road-use agreements voluntary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The commissioners association explained that local governments maintain 83% of Ohios road miles. These local roads are not designed for the constant movement of heavy industrial traffic associated with horizontal drilling operations vehicles hauling water, sand, equipment, and production waste, the group testified. Even limited activity of this nature can cause substantial degradation of rural roads. Evan Callicoat from the Ohio Farm Bureau on Wednesday thanked lawmakers for restoring road use agreements in the latest version of the bill. But he raised two other quibbles as well. The measure reduces the statute of limitations for terminating an oil and gas lease. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The current 21-year statute of limitations gives homeowners a significant stretch of time to claim a lease has expired due to lack of production. The bill would reduce that term to three years which the Farm Bureau opposes. Another provision tweaks a drillers responsibilities when dealing with several landowners unitized into one drilling lease. Callicoat said it looks like lawmakers want to ensure agreements with individual landowners cant violate an order from state regulators, which we totally understand and support. But as written, he worries it would allow drillers to disregard agreements so long as they comply with regulatory orders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If a well owner agrees to certain terms with specific landowners in a given pool, they should be required to follow those provisions, Callicoat said. Misnomers and misinformation Speaking after the hearing, Chavez and Landis defended the legislation and noted some of the changes were recommendations from the chief of the states division of oil and gas. Chavez explained that previously companies could ask for an unlimited number of expedited permits, and there were some companies that were abusing that system. (That) clogs it up, Landis chimed in. To avoid the logjam, Chavez went on, the division stopped offering any expedited permits. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement To him, 10 expedited permits a year feels like a reasonable compromise. But it doesnt circumvent and that was a misnomer in the testimony there it doesnt circumvent anything in the process. It just says it goes to the front of the line, he said. It still has to comply with everything in that permitting process and approval process. Theres a lot of misnomers and misinformation on the testimonies, Chavez claimed. And our job is not to correct them up here were to listen. What theyre hearing is making some difference, at least at the margins. An amendment adopted Wednesday gives priority to plugging orphan wells near injection wells. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are those wells more dangerous or less stable? In my opinion, no, Chavez said, but some stakeholders had expressed that concern. Orphan wells are often old and relatively shallow, he said, while injection wells are relatively deep. Theres multiple layers of separation, he said. But you know, if there are concerns, were just saying, hey, add that to your priority list. Instead of plugging wells out in the middle of the woods, lets make sure we plug around here to allay any fears that there may be. Follow Ohio Capital Journal Reporter Nick Evans on X or on Bluesky SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE A class action lawsuit is a type of civil lawsuit brought on by plaintiffs representing a group of people alleging they are experiencing a similar type of harm because of the defendants in the case. (Getty Images) The two Oregon nonprofits that sued federal immigration agencies last month have added another plaintiff to their suit and are asking the court to stop federal agencies from blocking all people detained in Oregon from access to their lawyers. The Clear Clinic, a Portland-based legal nonprofit, and Pineros y Campesinos Unidos del Noroeste, Oregons largest Latino labor union, sued the Department of Homeland Security, Immigration and Customs Enforcement and the ICE field office in Seattle, as well as the leaders of each agency, in October alleging they are purposefully denying people in detention centers access to their lawyers before transferring them from Oregon to facilities in Washington, New Mexico, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The groups argue that under the U.S. Constitution, all detained people regardless of their immigration status have the right to speak with a lawyer before getting transferred. The groups amended their complaint on Wednesday, adding plaintiff Leon X, a 32-year-old resident of Oregon who came to the United States from Mexico when he was 6 years old. He grew up in Oregons farmworker community, and he is using a pseudonym in court documents to protect the details of his own immigration case, according to the filing. The plaintiffs lawyers argue Leon X represents a class of people who have been detained by ICE or are at risk of arrest for alleged civil immigration violations in the District of Oregon. He and the other plaintiffs are asking the court to stop federal immigration authorities from blocking him, and others who might be detained by ICE, from meeting with an attorney. Innovation Law Lab Director of Legal Advocacy Tess Hellgren said plaintiffs are asking the court to require that federal immigration authorities give detainees access to their lawyers before they are transferred out of the District of Oregon. Innovation Law Lab is a nonprofit law firm representing the plaintiffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meaningful access to counsel requires notice, time and space to actually consult with attorneys, Hellgren said. Immigration authorities detained more than 300 people in Oregon in October, and there have been at least 150 detentions in November so far, according to Innovation Law Lab. Attorneys at Innovation Law Lab have filed 13 habeas corpus petitions since June. These are court orders forcing law enforcement authorities to justify a persons continued detention. Many of those detained have been freed from ICE detention under these petitions, including people who were detained outside their immigration hearings, a wildland firefighter who was detained while working at a remote and active fire and a wreath maker detained on her way to work, according to Innovation Law Lab. Hundreds of lawsuits have been filed since President Donald Trump took office a second time, including 45 suits that the state of Oregon is a part of challenging his executive orders that cut federal funding historically meant for states, attempt to remove birthright citizenship and impose tariffs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This lawsuit is one of at least 72 suits that has been filed against the Trump administration for its immigration enforcement policies, according to the Associated Press lawsuit tracker. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Clear-Dkt-30-First-Amended-Complaint An Orlando police officer who pinned a homeless man under his car at the end of a high-speed chase will not face a trial, prosecutors say. Christopher Moulton became wrapped in controversy in February when he initiated a traffic stop on 30-year-old Dornell Bargnare, who he said had an unreadable license plate on his car. He said Bargnare took off, and the chase reached 90-miles-per-hour through city streets. According to investigators, the chase ended when Bargnare rounded a corner and hit a pole and Neal, who was walking on the sidewalk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Neal fell, detectives said, and Moultons car rolled on top of him as he tried to pin Bargnare in. Neal remained under Moultons tire for 15 minutes as a foot chase ensued. In a memo dated October 17, prosecutors said the question of whether Moulton should have initiated a pursuit was a moral and policy one. Policy allowed Moulton to chase Bargnare, they explained, and Moulton followed policy as the chase played out. Even assuming Moulton at some point pursued Bargnare in a culpably negligent manner, it is impossible to prove when that began and if it was so closely related to Bargnares causing Mr. Neals death that it should be attributed to Moulton, Traffic Homicide Unit Chief Attorney Brian Hagner wrote in his 14 pages. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hagners decision under State Attorney Monique Worrell, who does not shy away from prosecuting law enforcement officers, was littered with references to cases to explain why he would not be able to achieve reasonable doubt in court. An internal investigation into Moultons actions, which included prematurely ending his body camera recording when he realized Neal was under his truck, is ongoing. WFTV has reached out to Attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Neals family as they weigh a civil lawsuit against the department. Bargnares trial is currently scheduled for December. He faces 30 years in prison for leaving the scene if hes convicted. Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live. The UN's human rights agency on Friday condemned what it said were increasing attacks by radical Israeli settlers on Palestinian facilities and homes in the occupied West Bank. A spokesman in Geneva for the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) spoke of a pattern of increasing violence against Palestinians. Several people had been injured in the attacks, including at a milk factory. More than 260 attacks were registered in October, more than in any single month since 2006. Israeli authorities had intensified their activities, destroying houses, confiscating property and increasingly restricting the movement of Palestinians, while settlements were being expanded and thousands of Palestinians were being displaced by settlers and the military. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to international jurisdiction, the West Bank, like the Gaza Strip, is part of the territories occupied by Israel. Israel regularly rejects accusations by the UN Human Rights Office and accuses it of being biased against Israel. "Permanently displacing the Palestinian population within occupied territory amounts to unlawful transfer, which is a war crime. The transfer by Israel of parts of its own civilian population into the territory it occupies also amounts to a war crime," OHCHR said in a statement issued on Friday. Since the devastating terrorist attacks from the Gaza Strip on Israel on October 7, 2023, 1,017 Palestinians have been killed in the West Bank, including East Jerusalem, in operations by Israeli security forces and attacks by settlers. A total of 59 Israelis were killed there in raids or fighting during the same period. A number of changes to K-12 school policy and funding are included in Pennsylvanias 2025-26 budget. Theyre primarily based around increasing oversight of cyber charter schools, increasing the amount of money handed out through the states adequacy formula and recruiting and retaining teachers as the commonwealth faces a shortage. More: Who are the winners, losers after Pennsylvania's split legislature passes $50.1B budget? Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While most policy shifts are relatively minor, public education advocates have called the budget a positive step. While the delayed budget makes planning and operations difficult for public schools, this agreement demonstrates whats possible when our leaders prioritize students and work together to meet Pennsylvanias constitutional duty to provide a thorough and efficient public education system, PA Schools Work said in a statement. The group is a coalition of organizations that advocate for Pennsylvania public schools. February: Pa. has a $4.5 billion education funding shortfall. What is Shapiro's plan to tackle it? Cyber charter funding and oversight Some of the most significant education policy changes in the budget revolve around cyber charters, which are privately operated and paid for with tax dollars that students can attend remotely. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cyber charters have come under intense scrutiny in Pennsylvania by officials from both parties. A February report by GOP state Auditor General Tim DeFoor looking at five cyber charters found they were raising large sums of money and spending it in ways that didnt seem tied to educational outcomes or opportunities. Generally, tuition for cyber charter schools comes from the public school districts where the students reside. This remains the case, but public schools will now be able to deduct more from the total they would have had to pay per student. The legislature estimates savings for public school districts will be around $178 million statewide. More: A state lawmaker wants to stop new cyber charters from entering Pennsylvania. Here's why. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The move was a compromise with mostly Democratic lawmakers and Gov. Josh Shapiro, who had called to cap cyber charter tuition at $8,000 per student. Its a step in the right direction, and it is a very welcome step, said Susan Spicka, the executive director of Education Voters PA, who has been a longtime advocate for cyber charter reform. A number of policies will also be instituted with the intent of adding accountability for cyber charters. Pennsylvania Lt. Gov. Austin Davis and Gov. Josh Shapiro show a budget document moments after it was signed Nov. 12 while surrounded by legislators at the state Capitol. A deal struck Nov. 12 ended a budget delay that lasted more than four months. One is an attempt to reign in truancy at the largely remote schools. A new policy will bar public school students with high truancy rates from transferring to cyber charters, unless a judge decides its in their best interest. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students will also be required to be visible on webcam during synchronous instruction real-time lessons in order to be marked in attendance. Cyber charters will also be required to conduct mandatory weekly wellness checks on students. Teachers will also be required to undergo training in recognizing signs of child abuse. The moves follow the death of one cyber charter student following severe abuse at home, signs of which were not reported by teachers. That led the students family to file a wrongful death lawsuit against her school. The budget also institutes a policy thats intended to make it easier for public school districts to dispute paying cyber charter tuition for students who are no longer residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Erie County schools could net extra $7 million a year if Pa.'s education advocates prevail House Education Chair Peter Schweyer, D-Lehigh, says the move came in response to reports that public school districts faced an onerous process for disputing tuition payments for students who moved during the school year. The goal isnt to beat up on the cyber schools, Schweyer said of the reforms. Its to make sure the students are learning and the tax payers are getting what theyre paying for in all this. Tweaking the adequacy formula Lawmakers in 2024 created a new adequacy formula for providing money to the states least funded school districts. That was in response to a Commonwealth Court ruling that found the states public school funding scheme had been unconstitutionally inequitable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement By and large, the adequacy formula, which takes into account factors like district poverty levels and the number of students learning English as a second language, remains the same this year. However, more than $500 million in additional dollars will be distributed through it. Most of the funding was part of a planned step up. When lawmakers created the formula, they had planned to increase spending through it annually until the total reaches around $4.5 billion after nine years. More: Are 500 school districts too many? Pennsylvania lawmaker eyes consolidation to 100 Yet despite early pushback from some Republicans, who said they felt too much money was being distributed to a school system with dwindling enrollment numbers, the budget that passed will send even more money through the adequacy formula than what Shapiro had asked for in his February budget address. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thats because lawmakers instituted a $50,000 minimum distribution for all school districts, meaning even districts that otherwise would have received no money through the adequacy formula will now receive $50,000 each. More than 130 of the 500 public school districts will receive the minimum amount this year. We recognize that all school districts have some sort of additional needs, so we put a minimum funding balance of $50,000 for all school districts, Schweyer said. None of that hurts any school districts, in fact it makes sure that all school districts are in a good space. The move to increase funding through the adequacy formula, which faced an uncertain future during the months-long negotiation over the budget, was hailed by public school advocates. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement With this budget, lawmakers affirmed that the Commonwealth remains on the path toward a fully and fairly funded public education system, read a joint statement from the Education Law Center and Public Interest Law Center, nonprofits that were involved in the lawsuit that led to the creation of the adequacy formula. This is another step forward one that must be followed by continued commitment and sustained investment until every student, in every community, has the resources they need to learn and thrive. Teacher recruitment and retention The budget also institutes policies aimed at helping Pennsylvania schools recruit and retain teachers. The state faces a teacher shortage, with a high number leaving the industry and a dwindling number of people entering it. Policies implemented by the new budget are intended to make it easier for new teachers to enter the profession, including those coming from nontraditional backgrounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Snacks, pens, alien headbands: Pennsylvania teachers spend big on supplies for students One of those, long sought by the Pennsylvania State Education Association, increases funding for student teacher stipends, which allows the state to pay student teachers for the time they spend in classrooms working toward certifications. Another new policy allows districts to hire teachers with lapsed certifications while working to help them re-certify. According to Schweyer, this policy is aimed at making it easier for former teachers who left the field to care for families or pursue other careers to get back into the classroom. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The budget also creates whats called an experience-based teaching certificate, which is intended to fast-track the certification process for professionals who want to transition into teaching in fields related to their work. For example, a school district could hire a professional chemist as a high school science teacher. They would then get an experience-based teaching certificate and have five years to complete their practicum while working as a teacher. More: Erie School District hopes new salary-boosting contract will ease teacher shortage Other changes include a mandatory shift towards whats called evidence-based literacy education for teachers working with young children on reading skills. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Students in kindergarten through third grade will also be screened for reading ability three times a year. If a students reading skills are found to be deficient, their parents will be notified. All schools will also be required to report to the Department of Education annually on their students progress. The budget also includes a policy that expands the number of grades that a teacher can be certified to teach at any given time. $125 million will also be set aside for school facility repairs, including at least $25 million for the Solar for Schools program, and $100 million for school safety and mental health grants. It will also become a requirement for graduating students to enroll in FAFSA, which is intended to encourage more students to apply for colleges, unless they choose to opt out. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ultimately its a really good product, Schweyer said. Theres more to do, there always is, but overall were pleased with where we landed. Ian Karbal covers state government for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, part of States Newsroom, the nations largest state-focused nonprofit news organization. This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Will PA budget help fix state's teacher shortage crisis? Pakistan has arrested four members of an Afghan cell over their alleged involvement in a deadly suicide bombing in its capital Islamabad earlier this week, as tensions heighten further between the neighbouring foes. Tuesdays attack outside a district court was claimed by a faction of the Pakistani Taliban, known as the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Those arrested in connection with the bombing, which killed 12 people and wounded dozens, were linked to the Pakistan Taliban, according to Islamabad. The network was handled and guided at every step by the high command based in Afghanistan, a Pakistani government statement said on Friday, adding that the cells alleged commander and three other members were in custody. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Investigations are continuing, and more revelations and arrests are expected, it said, identifying the bomber as Usman alias Qari, a resident of Nangarhar province in eastern Afghanistan. Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi told the Senate on Thursday that the bomber was Afghan. Another one of the suspects, Sajid Ullah, told investigators that Saeed-ur-Rehman, a Pakistan Taliban commander, ordered the attack in Islamabad through the Telegram messaging app. The commander, also known as Daadullah, sent Ullah photographs of the suicide bomber, an Afghanistan citizen, with orders to receive him after he crossed the border into Pakistan from Afghanistan, where he was a resident of Nangarhar province, the government said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Daadullah, originally from Pakistans Bajaur region, is part of the Pakistan Talibans intelligence wing and currently hiding in Afghanistan, the government said. The men were detained in a joint operation by the nations Intelligence Bureau and Counter-Terrorism Department, said the government, which did not detail where the arrests were made. Islamabad has largely been spared from violence by armed groups in recent years, with the last suicide attack occurring in December 2022. But the country is facing a resurgence of violence, which officials attribute mainly to armed groups allegedly sheltered on Afghan soil. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Naqvi on Monday claimed that Afghan nationals also took part in an assault this week on Cadet College Wana, a military-linked school in northwest Pakistan. Gunmen stormed the college and began a gun battle that lasted nearly 20 hours. Three soldiers and all the attackers were killed. The Taliban government has not commented on Pakistans allegations, but has expressed deep sorrow & condemnation over both attacks. Pakistan Taliban representatives did not comment on the arrests. The accusations come amid a sharp deterioration in ties between Islamabad and Kabul, with recent attacks prompting the worst cross-border clashes in years last month. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More than 70 people were killed, including dozens of Afghan civilians, according to the United Nations. The two countries agreed to a fragile ceasefire, but failed to finalise its details during several rounds of negotiations. Each side blamed the other for the impasse. This weeks attacks now risk triggering renewed hostilities. Addressing parliament on Wednesday, Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif described the Islamabad bombing as a horrific act of terrorism. We want peace. We want Afghanistan to agree and be a partner in peace. We believe whats good for Pakistan is good for them but we cannot believe lies and not rein in terrorists, he added. The president of Panama denied Thursday that US military exercises on its soil were in any way a "hostile act against Venezuela." US forces have carried out survival and combat exercises in Panama's Darien jungle bordering Colombia this year, and at a police base on the Caribbean coast. They have coincided with a US military deployment against drug trafficking in the Caribbean and Pacific, which Venezuela claims is really a maneuver to overthrow President Nicolas Maduro. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Panama's President Jose Raul Mulino insisted Thursday the Central American country was not "lending out its territory for any type of hostile act against Venezuela or any other country in the world." US strikes on alleged drug-smuggling boats in Latin America have claimed at least 76 lives since September. Washington has provided no evidence the boat occupants were traffickers, and rights groups say the strikes are illegal even if they were. The US military exercises in Panama were made possible by a security agreement signed by the allies in April. It sparked protests by Panamanians who oppose any perceived infringement of their country's sovereignty after a 1989 US invasion to depose then-leader General Manuel Noriega. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agreement allows Washington, with Panamanian authorization, to use air and naval bases for "training" purposes for a renewable period of three years. The agreement was signed amid pressure from US President Donald Trump, who has threatened to "take back" control of the Panama Canal that the United States built and controlled until 1999. "There is no unauthorized military presence in Panama," said Mulino. jjr/hma/dga/mlr/acb B. Riley Financial offices in Westwood in 2024. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times) The hedge fund investor at the heart of a scandal that damaged B. Riley Financial has been charged with criminal fraud as the West L.A. company continues efforts to dig out from under the debacle. Brian Kahn, 52, who led a disastrous management buyout of a retail holding company partly financed with $600 million in B. Riley debt, has been charged with conspiracy to commit securities fraud in a related case, according to a recent court filing. Read more: How one bad deal derailed this prominent L.A. financial services firm Kahn was an investor advisor for hedge fund Prophecy Asset Management, which collapsed in 2020. He was accused by the Securities and Exchange Commission in September in a civil action of participating in a fraud that lost investors more than $350 million while earning millions in management fees. The criminal indictment handed down in August but was not disclosed until a filing last week in federal court in New Jersey. Details about the indictment were not available in the court file, except that prosecutors said it was linked to the collapse of Prophecy Asset Management, which has offices in New York and elsewhere. Kahn and two co-owners of the fund have been accused of hiding the losses, while an investor suit accused Kahn of funneling some of the fund's money to Franchise Group, the retail holding company financed by B. Riley. One of the fund's owners has pleaded guilty to criminal charges but the other has denied them. Kahn has previously denied any wrongdoing in the matter, but could not be reached for comment. His attorney also could not be reached for comment. The U.S. attorney's office in New Jersey said it was unable to comment on matters unrelated to the federal shutdown. Kahn, who has a home in suburban Orlando, Fla., had done deals with B. Riley founder Bryant Riley before convincing the L.A. businessman to help finance a $2.8-billion management buyout of Franchise Group, a Delaware holding company Kahn had assembled. Read more: In deal to lower huge debt, B. Riley sells stake in its liquidation business B. Riley provided the $600 million through debt raised from a bank and other lenders. It also took its own 31% stake and lent Kahn's investment fund $201 million, largely secured with shares of Franchise Group, whose holdings included Vitamin Shoppe and Pet Supplies Plus. However, the 2023 deal didn't work out amid fallout from the hedge fund scandal and slowing sales as pandemic stimulus checks ran out. Franchise Group filed for bankruptcy in November 2024. B. Riley has disclosed in regulatory filings that the firm and Riley have received SEC subpoenas regarding its dealings with Kahn, Franchise group and other matters. Paul Ingrassia, who backed out of a nomination from President Donald Trump to lead the Office of Special Counsel after reports he sent a series of racist and antisemitic texts, has taken a new role in the administration, according to news reports. The remarks reportedly sent by Ingrassia, which included saying he had a "Nazi streak," led some Senate Republicans to publicly announce they would not support his appointment. Less than a month later, the former podcaster, who has been serving as a White House liaison for Homeland Security, has told colleagues in an email that he is leaving that job to become a deputy general counsel at the General Services Administration, which oversees the federal governments buildings, purchases and technology, Politico first reported on Nov. 13. "Its been the greatest honor to serve Secretary [Kristi] Noem and President Trump, alongside all of you, Ingrassia, 30, reportedly said. "I genuinely feel this is the strongest group of political appointees anywhere in the federal government, which is a credit to not just this groups work ethic, but above all, its character and integrity." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ingrassia said Trump called him into his office on Nov. 12 to offer him the job, Politico reported. A White House official told the news outlet that Ingrassia is "a very helpful addition to GSA and will successfully execute President Trumps America First policies." Ingrassia is already serving in the new job, CNN reported. Unlike the Office of Special Counsel job, this position does not require Senate confirmation. The GSA did not immediately respond to USA TODAY's request for comment. Ingrassia's new job comes on the heels of several other GOP officials being associated with Nazi symbology or ideology, including reports of young Republican group members joking about gas chambers, a swastika within a U.S. flag being spotted in a Republican congressman's office, and the disclosure that an online neo-Nazi influencer is married to a local Republican elected official in Michigan. An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on Oct. 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a multimillion-dollar ballroom on the eastern side of the White House. An aerial view shows the Demolition of the East Wing of the White House, where U.S. President Donald Trump's proposed ballroom will be built, in Washington, D.C., Oct. 23, 2025, in this picture obtained from social media. The East Wing of the White House is seen on a clear, fall day on Nov. 8, 2023 in Washington DC. White House East Wing demolished to clear the way for Trump's ballroom: Photos 1 of 3 An excavator works to clear rubble after the East Wing of the White House was demolished on Oct. 23, 2025 in Washington, DC. The demolition is part of U.S. President Donald Trump's plan to build a multimillion-dollar ballroom on the eastern side of the White House. 'Hes not going to pass': Racist text report jeopardizes Trump nominee to whistleblower office Ingrassia's new job arrives after not having enough GOP support for whistleblower office post Ingrassia's new role comes less than a month after saying on social media he had withdrawn his nomination to lead the Special Counsel and would not attend a Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs Committee confirmation hearing on Oct. 23 "because unfortunately I do not have enough Republican votes at this time." Paul Ingrassia, White House liaison to the Justice Department, center in red scarf, speaks to members of the press at the D.C. Central Detention Facility in Washington, D.C. on Jan. 20, 2025, following President Donald Trump's pardons and commutations for defendants in the Jan. 6, 2021 U.S. Capitol riots. Ingrassia announced that brothers Matthew and Andrew Valentin had been released earlier in the evening following President Trump's orders. In May, Trump nominated conservative lawyer and commentator Ingrassia to head the Office of Special Counsel, an independent agency that protects federal whistleblowers and enforces civil service laws. But several Republican senators said they wouldn't support Ingrassia to lead the office. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on their public statements, the apparent no votes included Sens. Rick Scott of Florida, James Lankford of Oklahoma, and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. Meanwhile, Senate Majority Leader John Thune of South Dakota encouraged the White House last month not to move forward with Ingrassia's confirmation. Prior to Ingrassia's hearing, Thune even told reporters, "Hes not going to pass." Not uncommon: Trump has pulled dozens of nominees, several due to controversy. Ingrassia is the latest. The GOP lawmakers' decision came after Politico reported a text chat showed Ingrassia saying he had a "Nazi streak" and believed that the Martin Luther King Jr. holiday should be "tossed into the seventh circle of hell." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The report also said Ingrassia called for ending other holidays recognizing Black culture in the United States, including Juneteenth and Black History Month. USA TODAY's Zachary Schermele, Zac Anderson and Phillip M. Bailey contributed This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul Ingrassia has new Trump administration job after racist texts For more than two centuries, the penny has jingled in pockets and rolled across counters. That era ended on Nov. 12, when the U.S. minted its final penny, marking the end of 232 years of small-change history for shoppers in Alabama and across the country. Even though the last penny was minted on Nov. 12, the shortage has been hitting cash registers nationwide. To cope with the shortage, many stores are rounding cash transactions to the nearest nickel. That means a $1.02 purchase might be rounded down to $1.00, while a $1.03 purchase might be rounded up to $1.05. It has been reported that some state and local jurisdictions have laws that prohibit rounding transactions to the nearest nickel, but there is no publicly available list of specific states. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Are there any state or local laws that prevent Alabama from rounding up? Here's what to know. Why were pennies retired? In February, President Donald Trump ordered the Treasury Department to stop minting pennies, citing the coins cost more to make than they're worth. A January 2025 report from the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) pointed out that producing 4.5 billion pennies in Fiscal Year 2023 had cost taxpayers more than $179 million. The U.S. Mint's annual report confirmed that each penny costs 3.69 cents to produce. Is it illegal to round to the nearest nickel in Alabama? Alabama has not banned rounding to the nearest nickel. With pennies out of circulation and in short supply, rounding cash transactions is likely in the future in Alabama and nationwide. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 2025 Common Cents Act proposes eliminating the penny and requiring cash transactions to be rounded. However, there are two scenarios in which rounding is not permitted: when a purchase is paid for with a credit or debit card, and for purchases made with SNAP benefits. It is a federal law that requires retailers to charge SNAP participants the same price as non-SNAP customers. Jennifer Lindahl is a Breaking and Trending Reporter for the Deep South Connect Team for Gannett/USA Today. Connect with her on X @jenn_lindahl and email at jlindahl@gannett.com. This article originally appeared on Montgomery Advertiser: With penny gone in Alabama, can cash be rounded to the nearest nickel? The Office of the State Attorney has released an unredacted police report that sheds new light on the motivation behind the murder of two children in a Myrtle Grove mobile home last week. Details of how John Walston allegedly sexually assaulted one of the children, killed both children and then set his home on fire were previously redacted, but the second report outlines his confession to Escambia County Sheriff's investigators. Walston is charged with two counts of first-degree premeditated murder for killing a 7-and-9-year-old, one count of sexual assault of a victim under 12, one count of first-degree arson and one misdemeanor count of animal cruelty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Walston told investigators that he had molested the female child "on top of her clothes" two weeks before the children's death because the child "considered him her 'boyfriend,' " the police report said. Walston told investigators the statement made him 'feel weird, but good.'" Walston told investigators he molested the child again on the night on Nov. 7 before she went to bed in his room. "After the kids went to bed, Walston stated he started to drink and began to become depressed," the report said. "Walston stated that he hated his life and made the decision to kill the kids." He told investigators he went to the living room and stabbed the boy in the neck. He then went back to his bedroom where he "slit (the girl's) throat while she slept on the floor." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "After cutting (her) throat, Walston stated that she made noises and then spoke out to him that 'I'm getting cold,'" the report said. "To this, Walston stated he then covered her with a blanket." According to the report, Walston then set the house on fire and originally planned to die with them in the fire, but said he "couldn't go through with it." There was a third child in the house who survived, and Walston told investigators he "spared (the boy) because 'he's my best friend.'" Both of Walston's murder charges are capital felonies, which are eligible for the death penalty if the Office of the State Attorney chooses to pursue it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His sexual assault charge is also a capital felony and is eligible for the death penalty after the Florida legislature passed a bill in 2023 allowing defendants convicted of raping a child under 12 to be sentenced to death. Supervising Assistant State Attorney Greg Marcille told the News Journal that a committee inside the State Attorney's Office is reviewing the case to determine if prosecutors could prove the necessary aggravating facts to pursue the death penalty, which he says is standard practice in any case in which the death penalty is a possibility. According to Florida Statute, prosecutors have 45 days after arraignment to file their intention to seek the death penalty. Walston is scheduled to be arraigned on his charges Nov. 26. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Pensacola John Walston says he killed Myrtle Grove kids after rape A 33-year-old Pensacola man pleaded guilty to federal drug and firearms charges, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Florida John Heekin announced Nov. 14. Jujuan George pleaded guilty to two counts of distribution of controlled substances, one count of possession of controlled substances with intent to distribute, one count of possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking offense and one count of possession of a firearm and ammunition by a convicted felon. Thanks to the excellent investigative work by our federal law enforcement partners, this offenders drug trafficking enterprise has been dismantled and he has been stopped from continuing to flood our streets with deadly drugs," Heekin said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unbeknownst to George, he sold cocaine and fentanyl to law enforcement officers during an undercover operation in May 2025, which led to a search warrant execution the following month at a Pensacola strip mall. During the search, law enforcement discovered 285 grams of fentanyl along with methamphetamine, cocaine, marijuana, six firearms, ammunition and other "items indicative of drug distribution." George faces up to life in a federal prison, according to Heekin. He's scheduled to be sentenced Jan. 13, 2026. This article originally appeared on Pensacola News Journal: Jujuan George guilty of drug and firearms charges US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth on Thursday announced a new operation aiming to target "narco-terrorists." "Today, I'm announcing Operation SOUTHERN SPEAR," Hegseth said in a post on social media platform X. "Led by Joint Task Force Southern Spear and @SOUTHCOM, this mission defends our Homeland, removes narco-terrorists from our Hemisphere, and secures our Homeland from the drugs that are killing our people. The Western Hemisphere is America's neighborhood and we will protect it." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The announcement comes after the world's largest aircraft carrier, the USS Gerald R Ford, arrived in the Caribbean earlier in the week. Washington says its military presence in the area aims to combat transnational criminal organizations and protect the US from illicit drugs. Since September, US President Donald Trump's administration has authorized strikes in the Caribbean and Pacific on boats allegedly carrying narcotics to the US. The strikes are said to have killed dozens of people so far. The actions have been widely criticized, partly because the Trump administration did not initially cite any legal basis for its actions. UN human rights experts consider the attacks a violation of international law. Shoppers in Philadelphia will soon be charged 10 cents for each paper bag they use at stores, following the passage of a new city law that takes effect in January. The legislation, introduced by City Councilman Mark Squilla, became law Thursday without Mayor Cherelle Parker's signature after City Council passed the bill on October 30. A ban on plastic bags enacted in 2021 has already prompted many to grow into the habit of bringing reusable bags when shopping. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "A year from now or two years from now, it will not be a second thought because they'll be so used to doing it. It becomes part of your lifestyle," Squilla said. While the fee may seem small, some shoppers say it could add up quickly. "If you need more than one bag, like five bags, that's 50 cents," said Billy Milhouse of Fern Rock. "It adds up, especially for someone who's on a fixed income, no income, students," said Joyce Isley of North Philadelphia. Mayor Parker expressed concern about the impact on low-income residents and communities of color during the legislative process. Squilla said he plans to work with the administration to address any unintended consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The goal is to provide reusable bags, all different types, for folks who need them, and educate businesses and consumers," Squilla said. He emphasized the goal is to encourage behavioral change and clean up the city, which the mayor supports. "This will not only help us as a city, clean up our city, but we also believe it'll reduce the waste that we have," Squilla said. Squilla also noted the policy could benefit businesses by reducing demand for paper bags, saving business owners money, which could in turn potentially drive down prices. The Pennsylvania Food Merchants Association urged the city to ensure consistent enforcement of the new rule, citing uneven application of the plastic bag ban. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "So there's currently a plastic bag ban in effect and, just anecdotally, we have seen enforcement be different kind of depending on the location in the city," said Alex Baloga, president and CEO of the association. "Some businesses might have the ban in effect and others might not, so we want to make sure that everyone's operating under the same rules." The 10-cent fee will be retained by businesses, and the city will not collect any revenue. Although Mayor Parker had the option to veto the bill, she chose not to. The police have shot a man at the Montparnasse train station in Paris who was wielding a knife. Officers had been waiting for the 44-year-old, who was arriving on a train from the north-western city of Rennes, as part of an investigation into domestic violence, the public prosecutor's office said on Friday. When the man drew a knife upon his arrival, a railway police officer shot him in the leg. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Subsequently, the man stabbed himself in the neck with the knife. He was quickly attended to by emergency services. An uninvolved 53-year-old was injured in the foot by a shot. He was also treated by emergency services. The public prosecutor's office stated that an investigation has been launched into the 44-year-old for the attempted murder of police officers. Additionally, the national police oversight authority has initiated an investigation into the use of the firearm by the police officer. Panic and delays at station According to the national railway company SNCF, the station, which is heavily frequented with weekend and commuter traffic, was partially evacuated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There are delays of over an hour, but traffic is expected to return to normal later on Friday evening. The broadcaster BFMTV reported that panic broke out in the station following the police operation. People ran away frantically, an eyewitness reported. Knife attacks in Parisian train stations are not uncommon. Such incidents occur repeatedly, but they mostly do not have a terrorist background. However, as the concern about terrorism in France remains high, the police respond quickly and decisively to threats in stations, resorting to firearms when necessary. Employees of a minimum-security prison camp in Bryan, Texas, where convicted child-sex trafficker Ghislaine Maxwell is serving time have been terminated, one of Maxwells lawyers said Friday, after a whistleblower this week released to Rep. Jamie Raskin alleged correspondence between Maxwell and her lawyer. Leah Saffian, a California-based attorney who has long-represented Maxwell, said in a statement: The release to the media by Congressman Raskin (Dem., Maryland), of Ms. Maxwells privileged client-attorney email correspondence with me is as improper as it is a denial of justice. Saffian added that employees at the prison have been met with appropriate consequences. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They have been terminated for improper, unauthorized access to the email system used by the Federal Bureau of Prisons to allow inmates to communicate with the outside world, she said. CNN has reached out to the Bryan prison, Bureau of Prisons and the Justice Department for comment. Earlier this week, Raskin, the top Democrat on the House Judiciary Committee, released what he said was information about Maxwells life inside the Bryan prison including special privileges being afforded to the late-Jeffrey Epsteins right-hand woman that was shared with Raskin by a whistleblower. The whistleblower also told Raskin that Maxwell, who was sentenced to 20 years in prison, is in the process of preparing to file an application for commutation. According to an email that the whistleblower shared with the committee, Maxwell wrote to Saffian in early October that she planned to send materials through the warden. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement House Judiciary Committee Democrats on Friday defended how they received and released the information and disputed that the correspondence was privileged. The House Judiciary Committee Minoritys letter was based on a range of documents and information shared with Committee staff by a whistleblower. None of the documents shared with the Committee from the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP) TRULINCS system was subject to the attorney client privilege, a House Judiciary Democratic spokeswoman told CNN. The spokeswoman pointed out that individuals have to accept a disclaimer that their activity will be monitored once logging into the prisons systems. She said the disclaimer makes clear that DOJ may monitor the system and that users must consent to such monitoring and have no expectation that communications will stay private. Pertaining to attorney client privilege specifically, the Judiciary spokeswoman said the disclaimer includes this or similar language: I understand and consent that this provision applies to electronic messages both to and from my attorney or other legal representative, and that such electronic messages will not be treated as privileged communications, and that I have alternative methods of conducting privileged legal communication. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Raskin offered no description of the whistleblower a typical practice meant to protect the persons identity. The Democratic spokeswoman added the committee wont comment on any information that could identify whistleblowers, including whistleblowers employment status and decried any effort by BOP to intimidate, silence, or retaliate against anyone who shared information. In her Friday statement, Saffian also wrote: Contrary to Rep. Raskins assertion, Ms. Maxwell has not requested a commutation or made a Pardon application to the second Trump Administration. Prior to any such application a Prisoner needs to demonstrate that all possible avenues of appeal have been exhausted. (Raskin did not say Maxwell had requested a commutation or pardon application; he said Maxwell was in the process of working on a commutation application.) For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com WASHINGTON A new state prosecutor has been chosen in the Georgia election racketeering case against President Donald Trump and others for alleged interference in 2020. State courts removed Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis from the case because of a conflict over her romantic relationship with another prosecutor. The state Supreme Court upheld her removal. Superior Court Judge Scott McAfee ordered the Prosecuting Attorneys' Council of Georgia to find a replacement for Willis by Nov. 14 or he would dismiss the case. Peter Skandalakis, the councils executive director, named himself after other potential prosecutors declined the landmark case against a sitting president. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The filing of this appointment reflects my inability to secure another conflict prosecutor to assume responsibility for this case, Skandalakis said in a statement. Several prosecutors were contacted and, while all were respectful and professional, each declined the appointment. Trumps private lawyer in Georgia, Steve Sadow, predicted the case would be dismissed. This politically charged prosecution has to come to an end, Sadow said in a statement. We remain confident that a fair and impartial review will lead to a dismissal of the case against President Trump. Trump and 18 co-defendants were indicted on charges they tried to steal the 2020 election. A few defendants have pleaded guilty, but Trump and most of the other remaining defendants have pleaded not guilty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump is charged with the overall racketeering conspiracy and several charges dealing with an alleged conspiracy to replace presidential electors for President Joe Biden, who won Georgia in 2020, with Trump supporters. State courts removed Willis after Trump and the other defendants alleged she benefited from luxury vacations with Nathan Wade after she hired him to help with the case. McAfee found a tremendous lapse in judgment. Willis and Wade traveled together four times that were documented, a state appeals court noted, including to Aruba and Belize; on a cruise from Miami; and to California's Napa Valley. The total value of their travel together was up to $15,000, the appeals court wrote. Willis and Wade each testified at a contentious hearing that she had reimbursed him for her share of the travel, although she said she'd paid in cash and couldnt document the payments. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump pardoned his former campaign lawyer, Rudy Giuliani, and scores of others investigated for election interference. But those pardons apply to federal crimes, not state-level cases. Longstanding Justice Department policy bars the prosecution of sitting presidents, which is why two federal cases against Trump dealing with alleged election interference and mishandling classified documents were dropped after he won the 2024 election. Judge Scott McAfee presides over a hearing for Harrison Floyd at the Fulton County Courthouse, on Nov. 3, 2023, in Atlanta, Georgia. Skandalakis said he has been familiarizing himself with the Georgia case. The Atlanta Judicial Circuits District Attorneys Office delivered 101 boxes of documents to him Oct. 29 and a computer hard drive with 8 terabytes of information on Nov. 6. Since receiving these materials, I have diligently worked to familiarize myself with the record and the status of the proceedings, Skandalakis said. Additionally, I have attempted to review the evidence gathered and the hours of interviews and proffers of witnesses and former codefendants. This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Trump's Georgia election racketeering case gets new prosecutor An Auburn man has been charged with second-degree murder after prosecutors say he punched another concertgoer outside the White River Amphitheatre in August, causing fatal head injuries, according to newly filed King County charging documents. Prosecutors allege 31-year-old Devin Brice McCurdy struck Brandon Godsey, 34, once in the face after a brief argument as crowds were leaving the venue following a concert. Witnesses told investigators that Godsey fell backward, hit his head on the pavement, and never regained consciousness. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He later died from his injuries at Harborview Medical Center. According to the medical examiners report cited in the documents, Godsey suffered multiple skull fractures and bleeding around the brain, and his death was ruled a homicide caused by blunt-force head trauma. Investigators interviewed several witnesses who described a chaotic scene in the parking lot as concertgoers exited. One witness said a man wearing a gray hoodie approached Godsey during an argument and punched him knocked out in the air and fell with full force onto the ground. Another described McCurdy as a white male in his early twenties with light brown hair and facial hair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Godseys fiancee, Brandy Rutherford, told detectives they had been arguing with security guards moments before the assault and that the attack appeared unprovoked. She said the man who punched Godsey taunted her afterward, saying, You dont talk to my friends like that. Detectives later obtained a warrant to trace McCurdys phone, which showed he had traveled to Alabama shortly after the incident. Prosecutors wrote that his movements suggested he fled the state following the assault. McCurdy is currently in the Lawrence County Jail in Alabama, awaiting extradition back to Washington State. A GoFundMe has been organized to support Godseys family: Brandon Godsey Memorial Fund. This article first appeared on GuruFocus. Release Date: November 14, 2025 For the complete transcript of the earnings call, please refer to the full earnings call transcript. Positive Points IRB Brasil Resseguros SA (BSP:IRBR3) reported a significant improvement in its geographical diversification, with international markets now accounting for 30% of its business. The company has successfully implemented technological advancements, including a data lake, to enhance operational efficiency and data analysis capabilities. There has been a notable increase in the company's tangible equity, which is a positive indicator of financial health. IRB Brasil Resseguros SA (BSP:IRBR3) has shown a disciplined approach to pricing and underwriting, which has contributed to improved profitability. The company has expanded its life insurance segment, which is expected to drive future growth and diversification. Negative Points The company faced challenges due to catastrophic events in Brazil, which impacted its financial performance. There is a noted pressure on the company's combined ratio, indicating potential inefficiencies or increased claims. IRB Brasil Resseguros SA (BSP:IRBR3) is experiencing competitive pressures in the domestic market, affecting its market share. The company has a high dependency on the Brazilian market, which poses a risk due to economic volatility in the region. There are concerns about the company's ability to maintain its growth trajectory amidst global economic uncertainties. Q & A Highlights Q: Can you provide an overview of IRB Brasil Resseguros' financial performance for Q3 2025? A: The company reported a significant improvement in its financial performance, with a notable increase in net income compared to the previous quarter. The growth was driven by strategic initiatives and a focus on core business areas, resulting in enhanced profitability. (Respondent: CFO) Q: What are the key strategic initiatives that IRB Brasil Resseguros is focusing on? A: The company is concentrating on diversifying its portfolio geographically and expanding its presence in international markets. Additionally, there is a strong emphasis on technological advancements to improve operational efficiency and customer service. (Respondent: CEO) Q: How is the company addressing the challenges in the Brazilian market? A: IRB Brasil Resseguros is implementing a disciplined approach to underwriting and risk management to mitigate market volatility. The company is also leveraging its strong relationships with local partners to maintain a competitive edge. (Respondent: COO) Nov. 13SANTA FE Two weeks after New Mexico launched a universal child care initiative, some preschools and other child care providers are still hesitant about opting in to the program. As of this week, 33 providers around the state had decided not to opt into the higher reimbursement rates provided under new rules established by the state Early Childhood Education and Care Department, according to figures provided by the agency. A total of 259 providers have opted in to the higher reimbursement rates, which require child care centers to be open for at least 10 hours a day and pay their employees above a set minimum wage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the number of providers who have not opted in could actually be higher than 33, state officials said, as preschools and child care centers are not required to provide notice if they do not plan to opt in. Meanwhile, ECECD said more than 3,000 child care applications were received by the agency during the first week of November, and about 72% of those applications were determined to be eligible. The agency also said it has received 113 applications from individuals around the state seeking to become home-based providers. While many of those applications are still being vetted, the department has so far certified 26 to begin providing care. Those figures are on top of licensed home daycares and child care centers already in operation around the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Universal child care initiative rollout Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham announced in September that New Mexico would become the first state to provide no-cost child care to all families statewide, regardless of their income level, starting Nov. 1. Previously, the state offered state-subsidized child care assistance to working families making less than 400% of the federal poverty level, or $128,600 per year for a family of four. The announcement has drawn largely positive national attention including a recent reference on "Saturday Night Live" but mixed reactions in New Mexico. Some providers expressed concerns about the initial proposed rules governing the program, which were modified before being adopted last month. Those changes included reducing minimum salary levels that early childhood centers would have to pay their entry-level staffers from $18 per hour to $16 per hour in order to qualify for a higher reimbursement rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In addition, some legislators have criticized the governor for launching the initiative while the Early Childhood Education and Care Department is seeking a $156 million funding bump a more than 50% increase to help pay for it. Providers weighing costs and benefits Barbara Tedrow, the owner of a preschool and child care center in Farmington, said she has decided to hold off on opting in for now, due in part to uncertainty about long-term funding from the Legislature. "I have to make sure my business is viable all the way around," Tedrow told the Journal. She also said child care centers that have relied on private payments from families might still be crunching the numbers about switching over to a state reimbursement system. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's really hard when these are private businesses and everyone has different expenses," said Tedrow, who is also the policy chairwoman of the New Mexico Early Childhood Association. After officially launching the universal child care initiative, top ECECD officials have been traveling around the state this week to meet with providers and encourage participation, an agency spokeswoman said. The department said it's received "strong interest" in the initiative, but also acknowledged some child care center owners may take their time in deciding whether to opt in, as the agency did not impose a deadline on providers for making up their minds. "The enhanced rate is designed to reward providers who step up for families and their workforce by offering care that meets the needs of working parents and by paying early childhood professionals in line with the value of their work," said department spokeswoman Julia Sclafani. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Many programs are actively working toward the enhanced rate requirements, and that transition will look different for each child care business," she added. Preschools and day cares already participating in the state's child care assistance program automatically began receiving larger state-paid reimbursements on Nov. 1, regardless of whether or not they decide to opt in to the even higher enhanced rates. The head of France's TotalEnergies, one of the few oil executives to attend UN climate talks in Brazil, jousted Friday with activists, defended his presence and sidestepped questions about his sector's role in global warming. After speaking in a panel at COP30 in Belem, TotalEnergies chief executive Patrick Pouyanne was confronted by a Greenpeace activist over demands that the fossil fuel industry compensate victims of extreme weather events. "There have been cyclones in the Caribbean for decades," Pouyanne retorted. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When told they were "accelerating," he replied: "I am not a scientist." "I am not a meteorologist," Pouyanne said when asked by AFP about science showing hurricanes are becoming more intense. "I simply observe that, unfortunately, there were (cyclones), there are still (cyclones) and there will be more." The IPCC, the UN-mandated body that assesses climate science, has concluded that climate change is not expected to increase the total number of tropical cyclones, but that the frequency of more intense storms will rise. Emissions from burning fossil fuels -- oil, gas and coal -- are the main drivers of climate change. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Pouyanne attended an event on decarbonizing the oil and gas industry. An executive from Brazilian state-owned energy firm Petrobras and a government official also spoke. The head of COP30, Brazilian diplomat Andre Correa do Lago, cancelled his appearance to speak with Indigenous protesters who had blocked the main access to the conference center. The Greenpeace activist pointed to a report from NGOs denouncing the presence of many lobbyists tied to the fossil fuel industry at COP30. A total of 1,602 delegates with links to the oil, gas and coal sectors have headed to Belem, equivalent to around one in 25 participants, according to Kick Big Polluters Out (KBPO), which analyzed the list of attendees. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I am not a lobbyist at all. ... You are very wrong," Pouyanne said. "I was invited. I came and I believe in dialogue. I don't think we will make progress on climate through exclusion because otherwise what will happen? We will stay in our corner, we'll make our oil and that's it?" He also was skeptical about the prospect of a roadmap for phasing out fossil fuels, an idea that some countries, including France, would like to officially launch at COP30. "It's a European vision, organized by governments. Perhaps we should also trust the stakeholders who are investing," Pouyanne said. "Thinking that we'll succeed through regulation alone -- we're starting to realize that won't work." jmi/lth/ia/sms A last-minute provision added to the newly passed government funding bill could have a profound impact on the hemp industry. The legislation to end the record 43-day shutdown included language banning the sale of certain hemp-derived products, including consumables like gummies and beverages. The ban applies to any products with more than 0.4 milligrams of THC, the psychoactive ingredient in marijuana. The provision would close the THC loophole in the 2018 Farm Bill and re-criminalize products that exceed approved THC levels. Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.), who authored the Farm Bill, led the charge to implement the hemp ban to address the unintended consequence of the loophole. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The provision was met with a fierce outcry from Congress members and the hemp industry, which could lose up to 95% of its $28 billion retail market, according to CNBC. Sen. Rand Paul (R-Ky.) and Rep. Thomas Massie (R-Ky.) both submitted amendments to remove the hemp ban from the funding bill, with the latter saying it would devastate the industry. The Senate and House rejected the amendments and kept the ban in the legislations final version. I submitted 2 amendments to the CR/minibus to fix onerous provisions in it. The rules committee allowed neither to get a vote. One amdt mirrored @SenRandPauls effort to remove the hemp ban that will devastate the industry. The other would reinstate Congressional budget rules. pic.twitter.com/9DNNp7T4yo Thomas Massie (@RepThomasMassie) November 12, 2025 Our farmers have turned to hemp as a lifeline when fertilizer, fuel, and equipment costs skyrocketed and crop prices fell, Paul said Wednesday. Instead of working with us to crack down on bad actors and synthetic cannabinoids, some in Congress chose prohibition. The Hemp Industry & Farmers of America (HIFA), a non-profit coalition, issued a statement calling the hemp ban misguided and a reckless betrayal that would kill over 325,500 American jobs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The industry calls upon Congress and the Trump administration to reverse this reckless betrayal and implement common sense, HIFA Executive Director Brian Swenson said in a statement. The 0.4 mg THC limit imposed in the provision will lead to the vast majority of hemp-derived products being shelved. Edibles, beverages, vapes, oils, tinctures, and any products containing derivatives of Delta-9 THC in excess of that level will now be classified as controlled substances under federal law. Boris Jordan, CEO of cannabis company Curaleaf, told CNBC that this was McConnells signature law, and he wanted to correct it. Usually the Senate will back a retiring senator, particularly someone as senior as him, as their last action, Jordan said. This was a request by him at the last minute. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Jonathan Miller, general counsel for the U.S. Hemp Roundtable, said McConnells successful push to attach a hemp ban to the spending bill signaled that we have lost the battle this time. In effect, this is a total, all out, complete ban on hemp products in the United States, Miller told CNBC. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. Russia launched another attack on Kiev overnight, Ukrainian media reported on Friday. The Kyiv Independent, citing official sources, said one person was killed and at least 24 were injured after the capital was hit with hundreds of drones and missiles. Five of the injured have been hospitalized, including a pregnant woman. According to reports, several explosions were heard in the capital in the early hours of Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News agency RBC-Ukraine said that damage was reported in almost all of the city's districts. There were also reports of several fires in residential buildings. Mayor Vitali Klitschko said that a medical facility and an administrative building were also damaged, as reported by The Kyiv Independent. Power outages were also reported. Ukraine has been defending itself against a full-scale Russian invasion for more than three and a half years. New Hampshire lawmakers on the Health and Human Services Committee meet on Nov. 12 at Granite Place in Concord, where they discussed a proposal to eliminate the states Office of Health Access. (Photo by William Skipworth/New Hampshire Bulletin) New Hampshire Republicans are again trying to eliminate a series of programs across state government they consider to be part of diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. During the last legislative session, lawmakers debated eliminating the states Office of Health Equity and the Department of Environmental Services civil rights and environmental justice programs, as well as forbidding the governor from ever re-creating the now-disbanded Governors Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion. That bill failed, but as a compromise lawmakers renamed the Office of Health Equity to the Office of Health Access in the budget legislation. Additionally, lawmakers enacted a ban on state agencies engaging in diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement 2025s bill was spearheaded by Republicans like Rep. Mike Belcher, who called diversity programs evil and said at the time they ought to be considered unlawful and unconstitutional. However, officials at the Department of Health and Human Services, where the Office of Health Access (then the Office of Health Equity) is housed, said the offices are merely meant to allow people with disabilities, people learning to speak English, or others to access state services theyre legally entitled to. Many Republicans argued this isnt actually DEI, while Democrats said the work was important regardless of whether it was DEI. In addition to helping blind, deaf, or English language learners obtain state services, the Office of Health Access operates the federally funded refugee resettlement program which helps new Americans find employment, health care, and social services and community engagement efforts to understand what health barriers exist in the state. The Department of Environmental Services civil rights and environmental justice programs work to ensure the department is in compliance with federal laws like the 1965 Civil Rights Act and the 1990 Americans with Disabilities Act. The Governors Advisory Council on Diversity and Inclusion was disbanded during the transition from former Gov. Chris Sununu to current Gov. Kelly Ayotte after her November 2024 election victory. Ayotte told the Bulletin in February she had no plans to resurrect it. Rep. Yury Polozov, a Hooksett Republican, is pushing the same bill ahead of the 2026 session. Polozov said during Wednesdays House Health and Human Services Committee meeting that the states ban on diversity, equity, and inclusion programs might make parts of the bill unnecessary, but the underlying message and underlying intention of this bill is crucial for our state. He said he believes theres a group of legislators willing to work on floor amendments to adjust the bill. Health and Human Services Associate Commissioner Ann Landry said if the bill went into effect as written, the department would simply move the functions of the eliminated offices to other offices because theyre required by federal law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All the functions have to remain for us to be successful at DHHS, Landry said, Either because were federally required or required by state law, or its a really important part of our engagement with the rural communities and actually all communities across the state. John Williams, director of legislative affairs for the department, told lawmakers that 2025s bill was one in a very small percent of bills that the department actually actively opposed. He said it was similarly opposed to the bill passing in 2026. Rep. Mark McLean, a Manchester Republican, called the bill problematic but said he was going to vote for it out of respect for Polozov. He said if it isnt amended before a floor vote, he will vote against it there. Rep. Lucy Weber, a Walpole Democrat, said, It makes no sense to me to vote yes on a bill that we all agree is fundamentally flawed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I would prefer an ITL (inexpedient to legislate) motion, she said ahead of her no vote. If somebody thinks they can fix the bill between now and the time we meet, the remedy would be to vote ITL on the bill as it stands, but bring an amendment that could be considered on the floor. The committee voted 9-8 to recommend the entire House pass the bill. Researchers have analyzed a sample of DNA believed to belong to Adolf Hitler, which they say reveals the dictator of Nazi Germany had a genetic marker for a rare disorder that can delay puberty, according to a new documentary. The research, which took more than four years to complete, was led by geneticist Turi King, a professor at the UKs University of Bath who is known for identifying the remains of King Richard III. King said she verified that a piece of material taken from a couch in the bunker where Hitler shot himself in 1945 was soaked in the dictators blood by comparing a DNA sample recovered from the blood with a confirmed relative of Hitlers. In addition to suggesting the possibility that Hitler had a hormone-disrupting congenital condition called Kallmann syndrome, the documentary examined rumors that the dictator had Jewish ancestry and looked at whether he had a genetic predisposition to certain mental health conditions. Called Hitlers DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator, the documentary premieres Saturday on Channel 4 in the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the findings shared in the documentary havent been reviewed by other scientists in the field or published in a scientific journal, making it hard for experts not involved in the project to evaluate the validity of its assertions. King said that the analysis had been submitted to a high-profile journal and said she hopes the work will be published soon. The small patch of frayed fabric started its journey in 1945 in the hands of US Army Col. Roswell P. Rosengren, who was communications officer for Gen. Dwight D Eisenhower. When Rosengren was allowed into Hitlers bunker by Soviet forces, he cut a swatch of material from a bloodstained couch, according to the documentary. The swatch stayed in Rosengrens family before being put up for sale at auction in 2014 and purchased by the Gettysburg Museum of History in Pennsylvania. We didnt know what we were going to find, King said. It could have been the most boring genome on the planet, but it has been incredible. The most striking finding from the teams analysis was that Hitler had a mutation on a gene called PROK2. Variants in this gene are a cause of Kallmann syndrome and congenital hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, King said. In boys, these conditions can delay puberty and cause undescended testicles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Basically, they are characterized by low testosterone levels. You either dont go through puberty or you go through a partial puberty 5% of cases get associated with a micropenis, King said, referring to a small but normally structured penis. Clues in the historical record Nazi leader Adolf Hitler sits on the edge of a desk at his Berghof residence in Berchtesgaden, Germany, during World War II, circa 1940. - Paul Popper/Popperfoto/Getty Images At the time of his death, Hitler was observed at the end of the sofa with a gun and blood splattered on the couch and the wall behind him, said Nicholas F. Bellantoni, emeritus state archaeologist with the Connecticut State Museum of Natural History. He examined parts of the sofa, which is now in Russia, in 2009. If the provenance of the sofa material used is confirmed to have come from the Bunker and from the settee that Hitler and Eva Braun died on, then the likelihood of the blood having come from Hitler is very good, Bellantoni said by email. The new details that King put forth appear to align with the historical record, according to Alex Kay, an expert on Nazi Germany and senior lecturer at the Chair of War Studies at Germanys University of Potsdam. Kay also appeared in the documentary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He noted that a medical document from Hitlers stay in prison after a failed coup known as the Munich beer hall putsch in 1923 suggested the dictator had right-side cryptorchidism a condition in which a testicle fails to descend into the scrotum. The discovery of Kallmann syndrome is, for me, personally, as a historian and as somebody who has spent more than 20 years researching the Nazis, a major finding, Kay said. He added the information potentially explained Hitlers lack of personal relationships. Kay and King said the findings also put to rest lingering rumors that Hitler had Jewish ancestry speculation that stemmed from Hitlers grandmother becoming pregnant while working in a Jewish household, according to the documentary. Because the Y chromosome data analyzed in the research matched the DNA of Hitlers male line relative, King said its not possible Hitler had Jewish ancestry. If that was the case, we wouldnt have got the DNA match with him, King said. That DNA match not only confirmed that this is Hitlers DNA but also confirms that that story of human Jewish ancestry through his father is just simply not true. The value of historical DNA King said she had some initial reservations about taking part in the documentary but decided to participate because she felt her expertise would ensure that the analysis was scientifically rigorous. This is also not just a documentary but an academic paper, she said, adding she had no publication date to offer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Scientists have previously used DNA to study well-known historical figures. Beethovens DNA, recovered from a lock of hair, revealed that the composer had health issues. Archaeologists also widely use ancient DNA from human remains. However, without information on the quality of the genome, the raw data or how the analyses were done, it is not possible to assess the assertions made in the documentary, according to Pontus Skoglund, senior group leader of the Ancient Genomics Laboratory at the Francis Crick Institute in London. Stepping back, the scientific value of a media campaign such as this balanced against the possible stigmatization of individuals with these real diseases today can also be questioned, Skoglund said. He added that the researchers could have shared the findings with the scientific community on whats known as a preprint server before a formal peer review and publication in an established journal. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its plausible that historical DNA could be extracted from the piece of cloth, but there has to be good justification for studying the DNA from historical figures and a defined set of questions, said Tom Booth, Skoglunds colleague and a bioarchaeologist at the Francis Crick Institute. There are extensive historical records documenting the behaviour of Hitler in public and private, Booth said via email. (H)e is probably one of the most intensively studied figures in history, so I think its difficult to argue the DNA evidence adds much in this regard. Even the Kallmann syndrome diagnosis might not be as straightforward as the headlines suggest. There can be a lot of variation in how it manifests physically, and while it is a plausible explanation for his undescended testicle, it doesnt justify the amount of micropenis in my newsfeed. A small, small puzzle piece Geneticist Turi King (left) and historian Alex Kay both appear in the new documentary on Hitler. - Blink Films The researchers also said they calculated a polygenic risk score, which involves sifting through a persons DNA to quantify disease risk. Their findings suggested that Hitler had an increased genetic predisposition to schizophrenia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder and autism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, polygenic risk score is a tool used today for research purposes its not diagnostic and doesnt mean that Hitler necessarily had these conditions, said Ditte Demontis, a professor in psychiatric genetics at Denmarks Aarhus University, who was involved in the research and appears in the documentary. Currently, we are at a state where polygenic risk scores for psychiatric conditions are only used in the context of research, Demontis emphasized. We can say something at a group level but not an individual level. Demontis compared Hitlers polygenic risk score with those of 30,000 Danish people and found that if Hitler lived today his score for schizophrenia, autism and bipolar disorder was actually higher than 99% of the individuals in the Danish population. It is also rare to have a high polygenic risk score for all three conditions, she added. Its not diagnostic, and I also want to stress that the score absolutely by no means leads to any certain kinds of behavior or actions, Demontis said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement King agreed. We are at great, great pain not to stigmatize people with these conditions, because, you know its incredibly rare that people with these conditions go on to commit violent acts, she said. And the other thing is that Hitler did not act alone, he had hundreds and thousands of people who helped him, King noted. Theyre not all going to have the same genetic makeup as him. His genetics is just a small, small puzzle piece. Sign up for CNNs Wonder Theory science newsletter. Explore the universe with news on fascinating discoveries, scientific advancements and more. For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com Peace, love, and pastries are heading to Dartmouth. What once began as a culinary love story at the New England Culinary Institute has now blossomed into a local bakery, dedicated to creating irresistible croissants. Allie Trojano and Jake Medearis have been cooking together for over a decade, having first met at culinary school. Trojano specializes in baking, while Medearis is a skilled chef. They both shared a common goal of putting down roots and owning something before turning 30. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, their dream has come true as they have combined their passion for food, community, and croissants to open Lovers Bakery. Located at 246 State Road in Dartmouth, the bakery has taken over the former Donut Factory. Jake Medearis and Allie Trojano owners of the soon to open Lovers Bakery at the intersection of Route 6 and Hathaway Road in Dartmouth. What brought Lovers Bakery to Dartmouth? For the last 11 years, Trojano and Medearis have been life partners who have been on a culinary journey together. Both working in the industry in Virginia Beach, they decided to take their skills and passion back to where Medearis got his culinary start. As a graduate of Old Colony's culinary arts program, Medearis grew up in Acushnet, and the decision to return to the area was driven by a desire to have family support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just four months ago, they purchased a house in Dartmouth and began the process of opening their own bakery. Take the stress out of Thanksgiving: Order your meal or sides to go in Greater New Bedford When they came across the vacant former donut shop while driving around their new hometown, they knew it would be the perfect location for their bakery. With its close proximity to their house and family, it was an ideal spot to set up shop. We want to bring a simple concept of spreading love through food, bringing you back to your grandmothers kitchen and getting that warm bite of a delicious pastry fresh out of the oven, said Medearis. Jake Medearis and Allie Trojano owners of the soon to open Lovers Bakery at the intersection of Route 6 and Hathaway Road in Dartmouth. A labor of love With Trojano at the helm of their new endeavor as lead baker, the two will be crafting her signature croissants. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As her official taste tester, Medearis says, I will be putting my chefs knife down and picking up a whisk and rolling pin to help bring her creations to life. Professionally baking since 2014, Trojano is taking what she learned as an intern at A&J King Artisan Bakers in Salem. She plans to bring back the passion for making everything from scratch."Many people in the industry are burnt out and have lost their drive to do things from scratch. It takes a lot of time and money to make everything from scratch," she said. "I want to do things right with love and dedication given to all our pastries." "Crafting the perfect croissants is a true labor of love," she added. A lot of time goes into it, and you can taste the difference. The process for her signature croissants takes three days. The first day involves processing the dough, while the second day involves lamination and shaping. Finally, on the third day, the dough is baked. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "She creates a core memory with her croissants that makes you want to keep going in for another bite," said Medearis. "It's a balanced treat that is baked perfectly and is not too sweet." For now, the main croissants that will be available daily are the original golden flaky croissant, a ham and cheese version, a traditional chocolate, and a gooey Danish. Christmas craft fair season is here. Where and when to do your local holiday shopping Along with serving locally sourced coffee, the bakery will also offer a variety of specialty croissants, cookies, brownies, and a unique twist on Pop-Tarts, called "Poppin Tarts." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They plan to bake pies for Thanksgiving and have holiday-themed items available throughout the year, decorated to fit each season. "We love what we do, and we want to sprinkle magic into people's lives," said Medearis. "We aim to change their lives with our delicious croissants and bring a touch of sweetness to everyone in Dartmouth and beyond." When can you visit the bakery? Creating a welcoming space that is full of color, art, and classical music is the goal for the bakery. The duo plans to have the bakery up and running by the end of November. Starting, Lovers Bakery will be open from 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Thursday through Monday and closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays at 246 State Road, Dartmouth. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Growing with the community and finding their rhythm with their patrons is important to the flow of the bakery. "We are starting with humble beginnings," said Medearis. "We plan to be inspired by the people and their desires as we evolve over time." Trojano is looking forward to bringing love and smiles to the area with her craft. "We are thrilled to be a part of the community and be a part of people's special moments, whether it's a birthday, wedding, or simply brightening someone's day when they need it most," she said. "When you notice someone is having a bad day and you give them a free cookie, you can turn their whole day around. We are living in a time when the world really needs that. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For more information on the bakery and when it will be open, visit their Facebook page at Lovers Bakery MA. This article originally appeared on Standard-Times: Lovers Bakery opening soon. Here's a taste of what's coming to Dartmouth Many Afghans who were promised admission to Germany have been successful in court cases, according to figures from administrative courts in Berlin and the Bavarian town of Ansbach seen by dpa. The cases concern people included in Germany's federal resettlement programme for Afghans deemed particularly vulnerable after the Taliban returned to power in 2021. An estimated 1,900 Afghans are waiting in Pakistan for their chance to enter Germany, many of whom have been stranded in the country for years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Chancellor Friedrich Merz's government suspended a resettlement programme for particularly vulnerable Afghans shortly after taking office in May and has recently offered some Afghans financial compensation if they withdraw - an offer that has been criticized by recipients. Since mid-May, at least 117 urgent applications have been filed with the Berlin Administrative Court. Of these, 49 have so far been decided in favour of the applicants, usually obliging the German government to issue a visa or, in some cases, at least to take a decision. Eighteen urgent applications were rejected, while 41 cases were still pending as of October 31. The figures may not be exhaustive, a court spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In 14 cases, the court has threatened the government with coercive fines typically around 10,000 ($11,600) for failing to act on its rulings. No fine has yet been imposed. The cases have led some Afghans to successfully enter Germany despite the government's efforts to limit migration, with five groups of Afghans arriving in the country since May under various admission programmes. However, the Foreign Office has not always issued a visa even when ordered to do so by the court. In some cases, the Federal Office for Migration and Refugees (BAMF) withdrew or revoked the applicants' prior admission approvals. "This effectively removes the basis for the applicants' visa claim," a court spokesman said. Some applicants challenged BAMF decisions at the Ansbach court, which has jurisdiction due to the agency's location in nearby Nuremberg. Around 30 cases are known there, a court spokesman said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In about two-thirds of them, BAMF revoked admission approvals citing security concerns. In these cases, the court ruled in favour of the applicants in 90% of decisions. In the remaining third, BAMF withdrew approvals on the grounds that persecution in Afghanistan was not, or no longer, likely. All urgent cases in this category were decided against the agency. Most of the roughly 30 cases have since been closed after both sides accepted the emergency rulings. Nov. 14A Rock Falls public school was ranked in the top 10% of all Illinois schools by the Illinois State Board of Education's 2025 Report Card data. East Coloma-Nelson Elementary School, grades pre-kindergarten to eight, received Exemplary designation in 2025. It's an improvement from its performance in 2024 that's primarily driven by students' performance in English/language arts and math, according to the report. Almost all other public schools in Rock Falls, Sterling and Dixon received Commendable designations in 2025. A Commendable rating means the school is performing about the same as other Illinois schools, the report shows. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The annual reports' 2025 data was released Oct. 30, showing how schools are performing across several areas and labeling a school's overall performance with a summative designation. The designation is based on a number calculated using scores in math, English/language arts and science proficiency rates; the percent of ninth graders on track to graduate in four years; graduation rate and chronic absenteeism; and an online survey completed by teachers, students and various school stakeholders. Most schools are designated as Commendable. Those with one or more student groups performing in the bottom 5% are labeled Targeted, and those in the bottom 5% are Comprehensive. For East Coloma-Nelson, its Exemplary designation is a result of the work of its staff, Superintendent Chris Lensing told Shaw Local. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "I think it was a concerted effort by all of our staff. It's so nice to finally see all of your hard work pay off," Lensing said. Specifically, when it comes to improvements in math and ELA, Lensing said, that could be a result of the school's focus on essential standards. "There's all of these standards that are out there, and you don't have forever, basically, to teach every single one of them. You have to zero in. What are the essential standards that are going to make students successful in the next grade level? We focus on those, and we hit those really hard," Lensing said. For students who are struggling, the school puts together focus groups separated by subject area, where teachers and other staff members work closely with students on the area they need help with, Lensing said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the 2024-25 school year, Lensing led some reading groups, and Principal Andrew Blackert led some math groups. The school also had a retired math teacher and Rock Falls High School students lead some groups of students in grades six to eight, Blackert told Shaw Local. Lensing said the administration also focused on its climate survey results from the 2024 Report Card data and met with staff members to discuss what they could do to improve. For the 2024-25 school year, administration implemented various ways of reinforcing students' positive behaviors, such as holding popcorn parties as a reward for regular attendance, Blackert said. Another one awards students for reading outside the classroom. Those winning the top prize get to throw a pie in the face of either Lensing or Blackert, Blackert said, adding that he tends to be the popular choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lensing said he thinks "having continuity in our staff" also contributes to the school's high climate rating. Lensing and Blackert have worked in the district for nine years, along with most of the other staff. "I firmly think ... it's our best staff we've ever had. The secretary, the nurse, the bookkeeper, paraprofessionals, teachers everybody," Lensing said. "We have a school board that backs us, too. Everybody's pulling the same direction." "We're like a very close-knit family here, and we collaborate well together," Blackert said. "We obviously, ultimately want to achieve what's best for our students." Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Russia has sentenced two 74-year-old men to three years in prison this week for practicing their Jehovah's Witness religion, the church confirmed Thursday, making them the oldest Jehovah's Witnesses currently behind bars amid the Kremlin's crackdown on the Christian denomination. In an emailed statement to UPI, Jehovah's Witness Regional Director of Communications Jarrod Lopes said Valeriy Knyaze and Indus Talipov were sentenced Wednesday. "It's patently absurd that Russian judges would imprison peace-loving elderly Christians like Valeriy and Indus," Lopes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia has jailed and sentenced hundreds of Jehovah's Witnesses since April 2017, when its Supreme Court criminalized all activity by the religion as extremist -- a ruling that has not only been widely condemned but declared unlawful by the European Court of Human Rights in 2022. According to the church, Russian authorities began investigating Jehovah's Witness activities in Izhevsk, in western Russia, where Knyaze and Talipov lived, in June 2024. Homes of at least three families were searched on June 4, after which Knyaze, Talipov and Alexander Stefanidin, were charged with organizing extremist-activity for holding meetings for worship and reading scripture online. Valeriy Knyazev, 74, was sentenced Wednesday to three years in a Russian prison for practicing his Jehovah's Witness religion. Photo courtesy of Jehovahs Witnesses Lopes said the basis for the convictions was remote testimony from an individual known by the pseudonym Lozhkin, whom he called a spy of Russia's Federal Security Service. "Lozhkin is part of a growing FSB network of undercover agents used to identify and prosecute Jehovah's Witnesses," Lopes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Often these spies feign interest in studying the Bible, attend worship discussions for months or even years, secretly record conversations and then provide deceptive testimony to secure convictions." Talipov, who converted to Christianity in 2009, said in court that he has tried to live his life not only in accordance with Russia's laws, but also those of his church. "I have lived my whole life -- and still live -- as a law-abiding person," he said. "Therefore, accusing me of organizing extremist activity contradicts both my personal beliefs and the laws set forth in the Bible, which are sacred to me." There are currently 175 Jehovah's Witnesses jailed in Russia and Crimea, of whom 19 are over the age of 65, according to the church. By Elvira Pollina MILAN (Reuters) -Italian tech company Bending Spoons could list as early as next year, when it expects to double adjusted earnings after buying video streaming platform Vimeo and web portal AOL, its chief executive told Reuters. In a wide-ranging interview, one of Europe's leading tech investors and operators joined other business leaders in warning about the risk of an artificial intelligence bubble, and urged Europe to focus on deregulation to retain innovative companies. "I don't know if we'll list next year, but we're ready. Every year could be the right one," CEO Luca Ferrari said. Should it decide to go public, Bending Spoons will probably list in the United States, where tech companies tend to achieve higher valuations, he added. After closing the AOL and the Vimeo deals, Bending Spoons expects its adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation to reach $1.4 billion next year, from $700 million in 2025, Ferrari said. AI BUBBLE RISK The company has grown by buying and revamping storied digital firms such as file-sharing service WeTransfer and note-taking tool Evernote. It was valued at $11 billion in a funding round in October. Ferrari drew parallels between the AI sector today and conditions that preceded the dot.com crash of the early 2000s. "Alongside a few solid projects and companies with real value and potentially reasonable - if a bit high - valuations, there are a lot of worthless ventures being valued at absurdly high levels," he said, without naming any firms. He added that Bending Spoons preferred to invest in companies that had been slow to adopt AI, and then use the technology to improve their products. At Vimeo, the plan is for AI to automate time-consuming processes such as converting video formats, generating subtitles, and automatic translation. For AOL, the immediate focus will be on improving content recommendations to boost advertising performance, before modernising its email service to match leading competitors. Ferrari, who co-founded Bending Spoons in 2013, said the European Union's efforts to create a single set of rules for startups to operate across the 27-country bloc were "well-intentioned, but flawed". "First, there should be a move to aggressively deregulate the framework across all EU countries, and only then would it become value-adding to harmonize whatever rules are left," he said. Bending Spoons employs over 1,000 people, with around 1,250 more joining from Vimeo and AOL, mostly based in the United States. Newly appointed San Francisco Supervisor Beya Alcaraz resigned Thursday night at the request of Mayor Daniel Lurie following days of questions about her thin political qualifications and her rocky management of a pet store she owned until recently in the Sunset. Lurie said he spoke with Alcaraz Thursday night and that she agreed the Sunset needed a supervisor who "is fully focused on serving the community." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In Supervisor Alcaraz, I saw someone with deep roots in the Sunset who cares deeply about healing a divided community," Lurie said in a statement. "I admire her commitment and willingness to raise her hand to serve, just as much as I respect her decision to step aside in the best interest of her neighborhood. I regret that I didn't do more to make sure she could succeed." Lurie will now need to find someone else to replace Alcaraz as the Sunset's supervisor. He said his hopes for the neighborhood are unchanged and that it deserves a supervisor "who can be fully dedicated to representing them, advocating for their families, and bringing people together." Alcaraz came under fire almost immediately after her appointment when the new owner of her pet store, the Animal Connection, said the business had a rodent infestation that was worse than expected when she took over. The new owner, Julia Baran, said the store "smelled like death." Financial records revealed that Alcaraz was often late on paying rent for her store and operated at a loss from 2020 to 2023. On Thursday, Baran released text messages in which Alcaraz said she had paid employees of her pet store under the table and wrote off personal expenses such as "dinner and drinks" with her friends as business expenses to lower her taxes. The Chronicle obtained Alcaraz's text messages after the news site Mission Local first published them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcaraz's resignation came as the Chronicle and other news organizations began reporting into her background. Alcaraz defended how she ran the business Thursday, saying in a statement to the Chronicle about the newly unearthed text messages, "I don't owe a dollar in taxes." She released the statement prior to the news of her resignation. Julia Baran, who in May took over ownership of a Sunset pet store, The Animal Connection, from Beya Alcaraz, feeds a guinea pig named Mumu in her store in San Francisco on Wednesday. (Gabrielle Lurie/S.F. Chronicle) Lurie said in his statement Thursday that "we also agreed that the new information about her conduct while running her small business, which I learned today, would be a significant distraction from that work." The appointment of Alcaraz just one week ago rapidly became the biggest misstep of Lurie's first year in office. Choosing the untested political newcomer to replace former Supervisor Joel Engardio, who lost his job in a recall election this fall, stunned City Hall. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Alcaraz, who was sworn into office last Thursday on her 29th birthday, does not have a college degree and had never attended a local government meeting, and she quickly came under scrutiny over whether she could adequately represent her constituents in the Sunset. Lurie initially argued that her roots in the neighborhood made her the right choice for the role, but the revelations about her management of the small business that crowned her resume became too much. Alcaraz said in a statement late Thursday that when she told Lurie she wanted to be supervisor, she said "it was time for someone who is from the Sunset to represent the Sunset." "I believe that my community deserves someone who will work 24/7 to advocate for us," Alcaraz said. "And I understand that today's news stories would distract me from doing that. As a result, I told Mayor Lurie this evening that I will resign from my position as District 4 supervisor." Alcaraz thanked Lurie for appointing her and other supervisors "for welcoming me, and to all of my neighbors who stood up to support me." She said, "I have spent my life serving the Sunset, and I will keep doing exactly that." Supervisor Myrna Melgar said she was heartbroken by Alcaraz's resignation. "It makes me feel sad - sad for her, sad for us," she said. "I think it was maybe just a lack of experience by the new mayor. I don't know." Melgar praised Lurie for expressing regret at having not set Alcaraz up for success, calling that line of his Thursday statement "the right thing to do." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The ordeal appeared to expose gaps in the mayor's office's vetting of Alcaraz, even though the mayor said he knew about the financial hardships at her business before he appointed her to the high-profile seat. In the March 28 text message exchange, Alcaraz wrote, "I live off a big portion of the non cash revenue. I spend expense (sic) a bit of money on my personal life so I can use it as a tax deduction. E.g. I pay for my dinner and drinks with my friends or clients' as a business expense and they may or may not pay me back in cash." Alcaraz ended the message with a grinning-face-with-sweat emoji. Baran then asked Alcaraz about the "$35k for taxes and licenses," she saw in the books. "Yeah so that's usually all the taxes we pay," Alcaraz responded. "It will be less, since I pay people under the table now, but that's payroll taxes and sales tax mostly." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Paying employees under the table to avoid tax liabilities is illegal under both California and federal law and can lead to criminal charges. Employers sometimes do so to avoid payroll taxes, which include federal social security and Medicare taxes, and California unemployment insurance and employment training tax. Cristian Borcan, a San Francisco certified public accountant, told the Chronicle that the behavior described in the messages was "pretty serious" and that Alcaraz could potentially face "big penalties" from the IRS. But it would depend on the details of her tax return and whether she gets audited by the agency, he said. Borcan said using personal expenses as business tax deductions is "not OK." "If they're related to the business, that's fine, but if they're not related to the business, they shouldn't be deducted," he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Chronicle verified that the texts were sent from Alcaraz's cell phone number. "I paid the young people who came to work in my store because I believe in my core that young people in my community and every community deserve to be paid for their work," Alcaraz told the Chronicle in the statement before her resignation. "I worked seven days a week to keep my business open through the pandemic and always ensure that my employees were paid, and I'm going to use that experience every day as I work to make life easier for small businesses and families in the Sunset." Alcaraz did not immediately respond to more specific questions about the content of the texts. Lurie told reporters Wednesday that he was "absolutely" aware the Animal Connection had struggled financially before he appointed Alcaraz. The mayor said that "every small business in this city struggled during COVID" and Alcaraz "gets it more than just about anybody else gets it." He said he thought Alcaraz would "do a great job" as supervisor. But his office has otherwise declined to comment on how it vetted Alcaraz. Before asking Alcaraz to resign, Lurie's spokesperson Charles Lutvak did not answer questions about whether Lurie knew about the tax issue or had concerns about it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to her resignation, city supervisors were critical of what the text messages showed. Board of Supervisors President Rafael Mandelman told the Chronicle, "All that I would say, without having looked at it, is that it sounds not great." Melgar said she sympathized with Alcaraz but questioned "how much care went into" Lurie's vetting process. To have a series of critical news stories about Alcaraz's background so soon after her appointment was "embarrassing for the Board of Supervisors," Melgar said. "I really feel for her, because she is young, and when people look at your stuff so negatively, it's not pleasant. It's not nice," Melgar said. "I am empathetic, and I think this situation could have been avoided." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the text messages, Supervisor Shamann Walton said he thought his aide, Natalie Gee, who Alcaraz was expected to run against in June, was better suited for the job. "I think Natalie Gee is the best person to represent the people of District 4," Walton said. Sunset business owner Albert Chow and civic education nonprofit director David Lee are also expected to run for the position. Jamie Hughes, the lead organizer of the Engardio recall, said Lurie "owes San Franciscans an honest explanation what happened" that led to the supervisor being appointed without proper vetting. "I think Lurie needs to reevaluate the community leaders that were willing to step up and work in favor of the district and not his interest," Hughes said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Lurie faced challenges in filling the seat. Mandelman told the Chronicle on Thursday that he heard from "at least one" person who was considered for the appointment but declined to move forward with the process. He did not provide further details. "There were a lot of conversations about who would be a good appointment," Mandelman said. "I think it was hard for them to find a good choice they were looking for a unicorn, and I think it was a hard position to fill." In deciding who should replace Alcaraz, Lurie will face the same set of fraught political considerations he weighed when he chose her, believing she could win election. The mayor knows that many Sunset residents remain outraged over last year's ballot measure, supported by Engardio, that permanently banned cars on the oceanfront Great Highway. But Lurie is also trying to secure supervisors' approval of his "Family Zoning" plan to allow taller and denser housing on the west side of the city, including the Sunset. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the same people who opposed the road closure are also concerned about the mayor's housing plan. Both issues are likely to feature prominently in the June election to fill the remainder of Engardio's term. This article originally published at San Francisco's newest supervisor resigns amid pet store controversies. The devastating impact of Storm Amy is still being felt as scientists have warned of yet another consequence this massive cyclone caused. Phys.org reported that farmed salmon escaped into open water during the storm, which has severe implications for the surrounding ecosystem. What's happening? As the storm surge from Storm Amy ravaged the Scottish Highlands, it also broke through farm pens holding thousands of salmon. Due to the storm, nearly 75,000 farmed salmon escaped into the wild in Loch Linnhe. Since farmed salmon are highly bred, they exhibit distinct genetic differences from wild salmon. Farmed salmon are also not equipped to survive in the wild, as they feed on pellets rather than catching live prey. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, scientists are more concerned about the farmed salmon that do survive in the wild. These farmed fish can breed with wild salmon, disrupting the genetic pool in the wild population. "When they breed with wild salmon, their offspring inherit a mix of traitsneither truly wild nor farmedleaving them less suited to their natural environment," wrote Phys.org. "This process, known as 'genetic introgression,' gradually damages the genetic integrity of wild populations." Why is the release of farmed salmon important? The release of farmed salmon is especially concerning because wild salmon are listed as endangered in Great Britain. Mixing farmed salmon with wild salmon not only threatens the wild salmon population but also disrupts the species' genetic pool. What's worse, this time of year is when wild salmon are making their way back to Scottish rivers to spawn, a time when female salmon lay eggs that are eventually fertilized by male salmon. Integrating farmed salmon during this crucial point in the salmon population's life cycle increases the risk of interbreeding and "long-term genetic damage," according to Phys.org. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Prior to Storm Amy, a 2021 Marine Scotland report had already found that rivers located near fish farms were in "very poor condition" and showed "evidence of major genetic changes." What's being done about the escape of farmed salmon? The escape of farmed salmon doesn't just serve as a direct threat to the wild salmon population. It also underscores the reality of extreme weather events, as storms are becoming more powerful due to rising global temperatures. Phys.org emphasized the need for "tighter regulation, better containment measures, and effective genetic monitoring of wild populations" to better protect wild salmon and prevent future escapes caused by storms. Do you think America does a good job of protecting its natural beauty? Definitely Only in some areas No way I'm not sure Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for good news and useful tips, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. A wildlife photographer out on a whale watching trip in waters off Seattle captured dramatic video and photos of a pod of killer whales hunting a seal that survived only by clambering onto the stern of her boat. Charvet Drucker was on a rented 20-foot boat near her home on an island in the Salish Sea about 40 miles northwest of Seattle when she spotted a pod of at least eight killer whales, also known as orcas. The orcas' coordinated movements and tail slaps suggested they were hunting. Drucker used the zoom lens on her camera to spot a harbor seal that was trying to flee from the pod. One of her shots showed the seal flying through the air above the scrum of orcas frothing the water, and she assumed she was witnessing the seal's last moments alive. In this photo provided by Charvet Drucker, a seal leaps in the air to evade Orca whales Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, in the Saratoga passage between Camano and Whidbey Island, north of Seattle, Wash. / Credit: Charvet Drucker / AP But as the orcas got closer to the boat, Drucker and her group realized the pod was still chasing the seal. In line with wildlife boating regulations, they had cut the engine to prevent any injury to the whales. The seal clambered out of the water and onto a swimming platform at the stern of the boat near the motor claiming it as a life raft of sorts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wildlife regulations also prohibit touching or interfering with the seal, but Drucker began filming video. "You poor thing," Drucker can be heard saying, as the seal looks up at her. "You're good, just stay, buddy." The orcas did not give up immediately, but instead appeared to team up to rock the boat and make the seal fall off. Drucker's cellphone video shows the orcas lining up and moving in on the boat with staggered dives to create waves. The "wave-washing" technique has been documented since by scientists since at least the 1980s, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. The seal on Drucker's boat slid off at least once, but managed to climb back on, and the orcas swam away after about 15 minutes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Once the orcas left, we turned on the boat and slowly made our way closer to shore, with the seal aboard, to get it to a safer location. Once we got closer to shore, the seal decided it felt safe enough to leave the boat and jumped off on its own accord," Drucker told KOMO-TV. In this photo provided by Charvet Drucker, a seal rests on her boat in the Saratoga passage between Camano and Whidbey Island, Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025, north of Seattle, Wash. / Credit: Charvet Drucker / AP Drucker has photographed dead seals in the mouths of orcas before, and she says she's generally happy when the whales get to eat. "I'm definitely Team Orca, all day, every day. But once that seal was on the boat, I kind of turned (into) Team Seal," she said in an interview with The Associated Press on Thursday. The killer whales that hunt seals and a diverse set of marine animals in the area are known as Bigg's or "transient" orcas. They are better fed then other more specialized species like the salmon-focused "resident" orcas who are on the endangered species list, according to NOAA. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Seals are frequently hunted by killer whales, but the apex predators have a variety of prey. Orcas in the Gulf of California off the coast of Mexico were recently captured on video hunting young great white sharks by flipping them over to incapacitate them before eating their livers. In March, video captured a pod of orcas swimming close to shore in Seattle and hunting a bird. In 2016, a video posted to YouTube showed a small seal scrambling up onto the rear deck of a boat as orcas swam nearby off the coast of British Columbia. Comey and James ask judge to drop charges filed by Lindsey Halligan Judge weighing Lindsey Halligan's DOJ appointment as she prosecutes Comey and James What Epstein said in emails about Trump, according to new files released by Oversight Democrats Senate Majority Leader John Thune thought he was giving Republicans a gift when he secured a provision in the shutdown-ending government funding package that could award hundreds of thousands of dollars to senators subpoenaed as part of former special counsel Jack Smiths investigation into President Donald Trump. It turns out, several of them dont want it. Of the eight known Senate Republicans whose phone records were subpoenaed as part of Smiths probe into Trumps 2020 election interference, only one so far Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina has announced definitive plans to take advantage of the new legislative language that would allow senators to sue the federal government for $500,000 or more if they discover their electronic records were seized without notification. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Oh definitely, Graham said at a news conference after the passage of the government funding bill. And if you think I'm going to settle this thing for a million dollars no. I want to make it so painful, no one ever does this again Im going to pursue through the court system remedies. The others, however, were less enthusiastic or more opaque about their intentions. In public comments, social media posts or statements to POLITICO over the past few days, the seven remaining Senate Republicans declined to publicly commit to seeking compensation for being singled out by Smith as the Democrats pummel the GOP for endorsing a taxpayer-funded windfall and fellow Republicans in both chambers decry the provision as poorly conceived. I think the Senate provision is a bad idea, said Sen. Josh Hawley (R-Mo.) in a statement. There needs to be accountability for the Biden DOJs outrageous abuse of the separation of powers, but the right way to do that is through public hearings, tough oversight, including of the complicit telecomm companies, and prosecution where warranted. It could all soon be moot. Republicans in the House were enraged over the provision's inclusion, and Speaker Mike Johnson responded by promising to hold a vote for a bill that would repeal the legislative language. The effort is expected to pass overwhelmingly with bipartisan support. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Johnson told reporters Wednesday that he had spoken with Thune about the issue earlier in the day, and that he communicated his disapproval of his Senate counterparts maneuvering. Its not clear what Thune plans to do with the bill, assuming it passes the House. A person familiar with the provisions introduction into the funding bill, who was granted anonymity to discuss private conversations, said that Senate Republicans requested that Thune include the language in the legislation. The person cited a strong appetite among the GOP to pursue accountability for the so-called Arctic Frost investigation, a Biden-era probe that Republicans say constituted a weaponization of the Justice Department. But as it turns out, the provision in the funding bill related to Smiths probe is already creating political liability for Senate Republicans. Rep. John Rose (R-Tenn.), who is running for governor of his state next year, quickly introduced legislation in the House that would reverse the provision. His challenger for the Republican nomination, Sen. Marsha Blackburn, later said she would vote for a bill to undo the language but expressed a desire to take some legal recourse as a Smith target. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senator Blackburns plan has always been to seek a declaratory judgment not monetary damages to prevent leftists from violating the constitutional rights of conservatives, a spokesperson for Blackburn said in a statement. Even Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), who is co-leading the investigation into Smiths probe with Senate Judiciary Chair Chuck Grassley (R-Iowa), said that while he stood by the provision he wouldn't act on the cash opportunity. I have no plans at this time, he said in a statement. If I did sue, it would only be for the purpose of using the courts to expose the corrupt weaponization of federal law enforcement by the Biden and Obama administrations. With the full cooperation in our congressional investigations from the Trump DOJ and FBI, that shouldnt be necessary. Sen. Bill Hagerty (R-Tenn.) said he would not seek damages nor did he want taxpayer money. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sen. Dan Sullivan (R-Alaska) tried to distance himself from the provision's origin story, with a spokesperson saying he only learned about the payout language while reading the bill. He would support a House measure to repeal it, the spokesperson said. A spokesperson for Sen. Cynthia Lummis also emphasized that the Wyoming Republican did not play a role in the provisions formulation but added that the lawmaker supported the language. We must not allow the politicization of federal agencies to become routine, the spokesperson said. Liquidated damages provisions are commonly used and this provision is the only way to hold Jack Smith and wrongdoers accountable. A spokesperson for Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-Ala.), another gubernatorial aspirant, pointed to the lawmakers statement on social media, noting that he would sue the living hell out of every Biden official involved if Smith was not jailed and Judge James Boasberg who approved the effort to prevent senators from being notified of the subpoena was not impeached. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The spokesperson wasn't clear on whether Tuberville intends to sue the federal government under the provision in the funding bill. Graham, during his press conference this week, said he believed the language would benefit everyone. This wasnt about investigating me or other Senators for a crime it was a fishing expedition, Graham said. Im going to push back really hard that will protect the Senate in the future. Meredith Lee Hill contributed to this report. By Joseph Ax NEW YORK (Reuters) -Indiana Republicans on Friday abandoned a legislative session that had been called to enact a new congressional map, a setback for President Donald Trump's push for Republican lawmakers across the country to redraw district lines to protect the party's U.S. House majority next year. In a statement, Senate President Pro Tempore Rodric Bray, the chamber's highest-ranking Republican, said there were not enough votes to support redrawing the state's map and that the Senate would not convene in December for a special session called by Republican Governor Mike Braun, according to local media. Braun responded on X by urging state senators to "show up to vote for fair maps." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump had exerted significant pressure on Indiana Republicans, inviting legislative leaders to the White House and dispatching Vice President JD Vance to the state. Redistricting typically occurs once a decade to incorporate new population data from the U.S. Census. But Trump launched a nationwide battle over redistricting earlier this year, when Texas Republicans heeded his demand and approved a new congressional map aimed at flipping five Democratic seats in the 2026 midterm elections. In response, California voters approved a new Democratic-backed map last week that targets five Republican incumbents in direct response to Texas. Other Republican states, including North Carolina and Missouri, have passed new partisan maps, while Democrats in Virginia and Maryland are weighing whether to pursue their own redistricting efforts. But some Republican lawmakers have balked at joining Trump's effort. In addition to Indiana, Kansas Republicans failed to gather enough votes to call a special session, and Republicans in Nebraska and New Hampshire have shown little appetite for mid-decade redistricting. Democrats need to flip only three Republican-held seats next year to win control of the U.S. House. (Reporting by Joseph Ax; Editing by Paul Thomasch and Alistair Bell) The departure from Chicago of Border Patrol Chief Gregory Bovino has done little to ease tensions in the area, and that was evident at demonstrations in the city and suburbs on Friday. Twenty one people were arrested and four police officers were injured Friday as protesters clashed with police outside a Broadview U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement facility. There was a large protest Friday morning outside the building, and another protest was also held later in the day in Chicago's East Side neighborhood one month after a clash occurred there. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile, the ABC7 I-Team obtained new details Friday night on the list submitted by the DHS of the more than 600 detained migrants that a judge has ordered to be released by next Friday. Just after 10 a.m., protesters moved from their designated zone, resulting in a clash with police. Protesters were pushed back, and several were detained. It was the largest crowd seen in Broadview in recent weeks. Members from the faith community were leading hundreds of people in the anti-ICE protest. They had hoped for it be non-violent. It was expected to be a prayer vigil with faith leaders requesting access inside the building. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Counter-protesters were also present. Cook County sheriff's deputies, Illinois State Police and Broadview police were trying to hold the line. Some were in tactical gear, wearing face masks and holding batons and zip ties. Those arrested range in age from 25 to 69. They were charged with obstruction/disorderly conduct, officials said. SEE ALSO: Chicago federal intervention: Tracking surge in immigration enforcement operations | Live updates A federal judge has ordered the release of hundreds of migrants arrested in the Chicago area, including some arrested under the Department of Homeland Security's "Operation Midway Blitz," by Nov. 21 after finding their arrests could have violated a 2022 consent decree. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement U.S. District Judge Jeffrey Cummings sided with attorneys for the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) and the National Immigrant Justice Center (NIJC) representing detainees who said DHS violated a consent decree that limits the ability of federal agents to conduct warrantless arrests. Cummings ordered 13 people to be released by Friday at noon, and another 615 people will be released into "alternatives-to-detention" which could include electronic monitoring by next Friday, Nov. 21. The National Immigrant Justice Center said some were released. It's not clear where the rest are being held. It's possible some are in Broadview. The ABC7 I-Team obtained new details Friday night on the list submitted by the DHS of the more than 600 detained migrants that a judge has ordered to be released by next Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge had ruled that those 614 people should not be in custody while it's determined whether they were arrested in violation of a previous consent decree - unless they posed a "high public safety risk." According to the list from DHS, that ABC7 obtained from a court filing, 42 people were categorized as posing a "high" risk, and 101 people on the list are no longer in custody. That leaves at least 471 people who could be eligible for release by next Friday, pending an appeal by the government. DHS asked the judge to pause the release of hundreds of immigrants as the Trump administration considered an appeal. The federal judge is now requiring attorneys for the detainees to respond by Monday. DHS says the judge who ordered this release is putting American lives at risk. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement SEE ALSO: Judge, attorneys inspect Broadview ICE facility amid 'inhumane conditions' allegations Protests Friday afternoon in Broadview were calmer. Broadview Mayor Katrina Thompson said in a statement that two Broadview police officers, one state trooper and a Cook County sheriff's deputy were injured. "I have repeatedly pleaded to protesters to raise their voices, not their fists. They have chosen their fists. These out-of-towners have chosen to brutalize police officers who have been protecting their free speech and protecting them against assaults by ICE agents. We will see them in court," the statement said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "It's unfortunate we came out here to pray for our neighbors who have been taken by ICE. And we came out here in a non-violent way and within seconds batons were out. Tasers were pulled out, and people were pushed down" said Brandon, a protester. "This is an opportunity for us to testify to the evil that is in our country where it is unnecessary to be spending money to treat people in such a manner," protester Sandra Castillo said. Border Czar Tom Homan also weighed in on the clashes. "Look, they got the right to protest. Have at it. But don't cross the line. I was watching the videos before I came out here. When they, when they put hands on a law enforcement officer, they're getting arrested, going to jail," Homan said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Meanwhile in Chicago, residents were shoulder-to-shoulder in the East Side neighborhood, marching in the streets in a call for solidarity. "It's not a Democratic or Republican issue. It's a non-partisan," said Frank Corona with the Steelworkers Organization of Active Retirees. "This is about us, the people. We the people." Neighbors lit candles on the same corner at 105th Street and Avenue N, where exactly one month ago, Oct. 14, neighbors confronted federal immigration agents after a 30-minute pursuit around the neighborhood of alleged undocumented suspects led to a crash in the community of working families. "It made people realize that, you know, we've seen a lot of things going on in the news, and right then it was right at their front door," said Samuel Corona with Bridges // Puentes: Justice Collective of the Southeast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Eggs and rocks were thrown at agents, who then deployed tear-gas that was exposed to residents and more than a dozen CPD officers Agents detained two teens, who were later released, officials said. Both said they were U.S. citizens. "I saw a community come together," 10th Ward Ald. Peter Chico said. "I am extremely proud of what I saw that day and what has happened since then. BELEM, Brazil Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-R.I.) will arrive Friday at the COP30 climate summit making him the sole U.S. federal representative at United Nations talks that the Trump administration is skipping. Whitehouses office said he will meet in the Amazonian port city of Belem, Brazil, with elected officials along with business and global climate leaders. It said his goal is to show that the U.S. public still broadly supports addressing climate change despite Trump abstaining from the negotiations. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom delivered a similar message earlier this week during his own swing through Belem. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The White House has defended the U.S. absence from the talks, maintaining that the annual global climate gatherings work in the interests of rival countries like China. President Trump will not allow the best interest of the American people to be jeopardized by the Green Energy Scam, spokesperson Taylor Rogers said in an email last week. One GOP lawmaker, Sen. John Curtis of Utah, had planned to attend the summit but canceled because of the federal government shutdown. The United States' biggest economic rival, China, registered an estimated 789 delegates for the talks the second most for any country, behind Brazil's 3,805. Whitehouse said he plans to harp on Trump and GOP policies that he cast as unpopular and responsible for boosting energy costs. Amidst sinking approvals and a shellacking in the most recent elections, its no surprise the Trump administration is unwilling to defend the fossil fuel industrys unpopular and corrupt climate denial lies on the global stage. Whitehouse will participate in events Friday on offshore wind, shipping and non-carbon-dioxide greenhouse gas emissions before delivering a keynote speech at a roundtable with elected officials from other nations hosted by the Sustainable Energy and Environment Coalition. On Saturday, he will weigh in on methane rules, net-zero policies and the effect climate change has on oceans. BEAUFORT COUNTY, S.C. (WSAV) Beaufort County Sheriff P.J. Tanner addresses the public about the shooting at Willies Bar and Grill on St. Helena Island in October. According to Sheriff Tanner, a suspect named Anferny Freeman has been charged with four counts of murder, among other charges. The shooting took place on Sunday, Oct. 12, at approximately 1 a.m. outside the St. Helena bar. 15 people were injured during the shooting and individuals died as a result of injuries sustained: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kashawn Glaze, 22, from Beaufort, S.C. Chiraad Smalls, 33, from Beaufort, S.C. Ashantek Milledge, 22, Burton, S.C. Amos Gary, 54, from St. Helena, SC Read more about the Willies shooting here According to reports, Glaze and Freeman had years of ongoing differences. They had a brief encounter before the shooting that escalated to drawing weapons and shooting. Sheriff Tanner stated that they have evidence to support that there were three shooters in the incident. One shooter involved, Kashawn Glaze, is confirmed to be deceased. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV. A spokesperson for Israir confirmed that the company submitted a request to the Shin Bet several weeks ago to renew the Tel AvivMorocco route. The Shin Bet (Israel Security Agency) has not yet granted the required national security clearance for flights from Israel to Morocco, despite the Transportation Ministry approving the resumption of the route, PassportNews reported on Thursday. The resumption of the flight route was backed by a recent teleconference between Israeli and Moroccan civil aviation authorities. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A spokesperson for Israir confirmed that the company submitted a request to the Shin Bet several weeks ago to renew the Tel AvivMorocco route. However, the carrier has not yet received formal approval, meaning the route cannot legally resume operations despite the transport ministrys public optimism. The transport ministry noted that its meeting between the Israeli civil-aviation authority and its Moroccan counterpart established a framework for reopening the route, but officials emphasized that before the flights can return to schedule, security issues must be resolved. First-ever El Al flight to Morocco about to take off from TLV (credit: SIVAN FARAJ) Israel-Morocco tourism pre-October 7 Prior to the war, Israeli airlines flew to both Marrakesh and Casablanca, and the Moroccan flag carrier Royal Air Maroc operated flights to Israel. The tourism business also reported large sales of holiday packages to Morocco. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The two countries normalized aviation ties following Morocco's joining the Abraham Accords, including direct-flight arrangements outlined in December 2020. For the tourism and aviation sectors, the missing clearance from Israels security apparatus means that announcements of resumed flights may be premature. Until the Shin Bet provides the green light, carriers remain grounded on this route. Flights cannot resume until the security conditions are cleared, said an industry source, We may celebrate the meeting, but the clearance process is still ongoing. A man who has spent nearly two decades in prison for a Lakewood murder is entitled to a new sentencing hearing where he could receive a term of incarceration below the standard range, the Washington Supreme Court ruled Thursday. James LaRon Ellis was 18 years old in March 2008 when he and two other teenagers entered 20-year-old Javon Holdens apartment demanding drugs and money. Ellis fatally shot Holden in the head and later received 25 years in prison. Ellis, now 36, saw 11 months shaved off that punishment in 2021 when he was resentenced following the state Supreme Courts Blake decision, which found that the states simple drug-possession law was unconstitutional and made hundreds of thousands of past misdemeanor and felony convictions eligible to be wiped from a persons criminal record. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In that sentencing hearing before Pierce County Superior Court Judge Philip Sorensen, Ellis explicitly asked the judge to use his discretion and consider Ellis youthfulness at the time of the crime. Ellis said he was apologetic and remorseful for what hed done, but that he could better repay his dept to society if he were not in prison. I got to prison at 19 years old, Ellis told Sorensen, according to the state Supreme Court. Ive definitely accomplished a lot of education, training, and things of that nature, and Ive definitely grown into something better than I would have been still in that toxic environment that I come from. I have two boys that Im definitely involved with. I call them all the time. Although Sorensen gave Ellis the new sentence his defense attorney requested, he declined to consider Ellis youth. The other issue is something that you have the ability to address in a different format than what we are doing today, Mr. Ellis, Sorensen said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Writing for the majority of the state Supreme Court justices in a 5-4 decision, Justice Steven C. Gonzalez said that denial amounted to an abuse of the courts discretion. While a judge is not always required to impose a lesser sentence due to the mitigating qualities of youthfulness, a judge who declines to consider youthfulness when requested cannot be said to have meaningfully exercised their discretion, Gonzalez wrote in the unpublished opinion. Kate Huber, Ellis attorney from the Washington Appellate Project, told The News Tribune the state Supreme Court had correctly recognized that the Blake decision entitles people with unconstitutional drug convictions to a full resentencing and consideration of all relevant circumstances. Mr. Ellis is now in his mid-30s, and, through both the passage of time and his own hard work, is a different person than he was half his lifetime ago, Huber said in a written statement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Ellis is incarcerated at the Olympic Corrections Center, 27 miles southeast of Forks. There, Huber said, hes been working to support crews with the Department of Natural resources, including firefighting efforts, woods clearing and tree planting. He is working hard to prepare for his eventual reentry and return to his family, Huber said. Huber was disappointed that the state Supreme Court held that the amount of restitution Ellis had been ordered to pay, $7,097.32 not including interest, was not constitutionally excessive. That amount was to be paid to the Crime Victims Compensation fund, jointly and severally with his two co-defendants, and it included a portion of the funeral expenses for Holden. While we are disappointed the Supreme Court did not go further to address the barriers to reentry posed by large financial burdens, we are thankful Mr. Ellis will receive the sentencing he deserves, Huber said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adam Faber, a spokesperson for the Pierce County Prosecuting Attorneys Office said prosecutors would be seeking a sentence within the standard range. According to court records, the standard sentencing range Eillis will face is 17 years, 10 months to 26 years, two months A date for the resentencing hearing has not yet been set. Why do courts have to consider youthfulness? Referencing case law, Gonzalez explained in his opinion that when a trial courts discretion to resentence isnt limited by an appellate courts mandate, the judge has authority to consider issues and evidence that were not the subject of earlier proceedings. The Sentencing Reform Act of 1981 directs courts to consider all relevant evidence and argument during sentencing and resentencing. A 2015 state Supreme Court case, State v. ODell, found that when a defendant is 18 years old at the time of a crime, a sentencing judge abuses their discretion when they fail to consider youthfulness when requested. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That case and more recent state Supreme Court rulings have led to a number of new sentencing hearings where courts are required to consider how each defendants culpability might be lessened by aspects of youth, which would support an exceptional sentence below the standard range. Some factors include immaturity and impulsiveness, the nature of the defendants surrounding environment and family circumstances, as well as peer pressure and the potential for rehabilitation. 4 justices offer dissenting opinions The justices who broke from the majority in Ellis case offered two dissenting opinions, with two signing on to the one authored by Justice Charles W. Johnson. Justice Mary I. Yu wrote her own. Johnson explained that youthfulness on its own is not a sufficient mitigating factor to support a lower sentence. Ellis has the burden to present evidence about what aspects of his youthfulness made him less culpable, and he did not present an argument about that at his resentencing hearing. Because of that, Johnson said he believed the trial court did not abuse its discretion. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Also important to Johnson was the fact that Ellis received the sentence his defense attorney had argued for. Yu concurred with that aspect of Johnsons opinion. She added that it is not known what evidence or issues might have come up had Sorensen voluntarily inquired about Ellis youthfulness. It wasnt an error for the judge not to do this, Yu explained, because that kind of inquiry risks improperly undermining defense counsel, who she said is presumed competent. In the majority opinion, Gonzalez disagreed with the idea that Sorensen didnt abuse his discretion because Ellis got the sentence his attorney asked for. Gonzalez said defense counsels failure to appreciate that the scope of the resentencing hearing went beyond Blake relief doesnt render the judges error harmless. In a footnote, Gonzalez said counsel should always consult with their clients in preparing for resentencing, but nonetheless defense counsel might have strategic reasons to not disclose certain information about a defendants life in open court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Yu said she agreed with Gonzalez that defense counsel should always consult with their clients, but she said there is no indication in the record that Ellis attorney failed to do so, and Ellis had not asserted that his counsel was ineffective. Appellate courts should not assume facts not in evidence to justify a desired result, Yu wrote. Because the resentencing court imposed precisely the sentence Ellis requested through counsel, there is no procedural error that requires reversal. For these reasons, I respectfully dissent. We recently published 12 Fresh Stocks Jim Cramer Discussed Along With His Latest Thoughts On Quantum Computing. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is one of the stocks Jim Cramer recently discussed. HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) is one of the largest healthcare chains in America. Cramer doesnt frequently discuss the firm, and in this appearance, he made the following remarks after co-host Carl Quintanilla discussed healthcare stocks dragging down the market at open. The stocks were lower as investors worried about the Senate passing legislation without extending healthcare subsidies, which have been a key point of contention for weeks. In 2025, Cramer previously discussed HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) in May when he expressed worries about the firm suffering from Medicaid cutbacks. This time, he discussed why the shares were down: People are talking, people are saying that, they needed these subsidies. And Im not going to disagree. . the Democrats would go for it before the ridiculous aircraft thing this weekend. . .So that group is not, Im not saying theyre un-investable, because those things always tend to bounce back. Jim Cramer Discusses HCA Healthcare's (HCA) Share Price Movement Cramer also discussed HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE:HCA) in September 2024. Here is what he said: In the interest of keeping things fresh, let me give you a new idea, one we talked about not that long ago: HCA Healthcare. Thats the big hospital chain. HCA has been making a mint from the major uptick in patients coming in for non-urgent procedures. Incredibly, theres still a huge backlog of people who postponed going to the hospital during the pandemic. But both LaPorta and HCA still somehow feel undervalued. Despite HCA being up 47% year-to-date, the stock still sells for less than 18 times earnings, offering a huge discount to the S&P 500. Meanwhile, LaPorta still isnt a household name, despite his huge first season. Two good options with high floors and lots of upside. While we acknowledge the potential of HCA as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and have limited downside risk. If you are looking for an extremely cheap AI stock that is also a major beneficiary of Trump tariffs and onshoring, see our free report on the best short-term AI stock. A new documentary produced by a Bucks County businessman is giving us a never-before-seen look at the war in Ukraine. The film exposes Russia's attempts to erase Ukrainian culture through the eyes of ballerinas, who made a tough choice to pick up arms and fight for their freedom. "The Sky was on Fire" gives a new perspective into the pain and heartbreak of Russia's war against Ukraine. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The film follows ballet dancers as they trade their pointe shoes for firearms to defend their nation. "The thing that most surprised me and stands out to me to this day was their resilience in the face of what seemed like unconquerable odds," said the film's executive producer Alfred Hagen. Bucks County businessman Alfred Hagen funded the project. "I understood from my visits that part of the Russian strategy was to eradicate Ukrainian culture," said Hagen. Hagen has seen the carnage in Ukraine firsthand, having delivered medical supplies and volunteered on the front lines. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That's where he met people like Oleh Tokar. "Ballet is my inner armor against the destruction of our country," said Tokar in his native language. Tokar is living a double life. He's a stage director in Kyiv by day and a defense forces unit commander by night. "The war in Ukraine isn't just a war over land, it's a war for our right to exist," said Tokar. Speaking to Action News from Ukraine, he calls the war a cultural genocide against his nation. "For me, ballet isn't just a profession, it's the language of my identity," said Tokar. Russia has targeted historic cultural sights all across Ukraine: from schools, to churches and museums. So artists went from theaters to the frontlines to defend their freedom. The film's producers hope to make the documentary available on streaming in the near future. After weeks of legal wrangling and piecemeal payouts, the federal food assistance program will be funded in full now that the nations record 43-day shutdown has ended. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which administers the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, released guidance Thursday to states to proceed with full benefits for November and December. Child and nutrition advocates are glad to see it resume, but have concerns about the multiple steps needed to relaunch SNAP particularly around states ability to quickly arrange payments through third-party vendors. Get stories like this delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for The 74 Newsletter Some 42 million Americans including 16 million children, the elderly, veterans and those with disabilities rely on SNAP for food. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This is a unique situation, said Claire Borzner, director for Share Our Strength and its No Kid Hungry campaign. There has never before been a pause in SNAP payments or a recommendation for partial benefits. Borzner said states that issued incomplete payouts will need to ensure participants receive the remaining allotment. The Trump administration first threatened to withhold SNAP benefits entirely for the month of November and then twice went to the U.S. Supreme Court in its legal quest to pay out only some benefits. It also moved to claw back money from states that went ahead and distributed 100% of benefits to their needy residents last week during a window of time when the USDA was authorizing it. SNAP benefits have historically not been cut off during prior shutdowns and President Donald Trump faced criticism that he tried to leverage Americans hunger 1 in 8 receive SNAP benefits to break Democrats opposition to ending the shutdown. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related Ongoing Legal Fight Leaves Millions of Americans in Limbo Over Food Assistance Crystal FitzSimons, president at the Food Research & Action Center, said states are moving quickly to resume aid, though she understands some families might not feel relief until it arrives. It is very fluid and moving in real time, she said, speaking of getting the program up and running again. The delays have created so much stress for the people who really need food on the table. I totally understand why they would be worried, but the shutdown has ended and as soon as people see the money in their [Electronic Benefits Transfer] card, they should be able to take a deep breath and move forward. But Melissa Boteach, chief policy officer at ZERO TO THREE, an early childhood advocacy group, said there has been a lot of undermining of the basic government infrastructure necessary to get SNAP operational again. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Boteach noted families have been suffering needlessly since the start of the month, making tough choices about whether to eat or pay rent and utility bills. These are the conversations American families have been having around the kitchen table, she said, calling SNAP a miracle and crediting it for preventing starvation-levels of hunger in this country since the 1970s. Part of the confusion about when the aid might arrive centers around the uneven distribution of benefits. Stewart Fried, a principal attorney at OFW Law in Washington, D.C., and an expert on SNAP, said 19 states have already issued full November payments the ones the administration told to undo those actions after the fact while another 18 delivered partial allotments. Fried, who has represented many SNAP-eligible retailers on a wide variety of issues before the USDAs Food and Nutrition Service, Congress and in the federal courts, said states that issued partial payouts might need at least a week to disperse the remaining monies. The 13 states that sent out no money in November may face the easiest turnaround time. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For states that have not issued any November benefits, that process should be quicker and benefits will hopefully be issued in the next few days, he said. Related Judges Rule Trump Cant Completely Stop SNAP Aid Meanwhile, low-income families have been flooding food pantries across the country all month while also relying on schools to help fill the nutrition gap for their kids, child advocates say. Ian Coon, spokesman for the Alliance for Education, an independent, local education fund that supports Seattle Public Schools, said his group set aside $150,000 for grocery store gift cards in October. The school community raised an additional $70,000 in recent weeks to bridge any further gaps as kids head home for the holidays, some to empty cupboards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The alliance has already distributed $154,000 in funding for kids and families in need. There have been increased donations to food pantries, he said. Nearly every local business has a food collection bin in the door and restaurants are still providing community meals or fundraising. This isnt the time to standby. Its the time to act and were so grateful to have the support of our community. Erika Roberson, senior policy associate at The Institute for College Access & Success, a research and advocacy group that addresses issues like food insecurity in secondary education, said shes glad for the 1.1 million college undergraduates who rely on SNAP. When students receive their benefits, they will worry less about where their next meal will come from and will be able to focus on their studies, she said, adding those who wrestle with food insecurity are more likely to struggle academically, taking on extra hours of work and leaving them less time to attend class. Its a huge disadvantage. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Related New Food Security Threats 5 Years After COVID-Era Effort to Feed All Kids SNAP benefits have been ensured for a full year and therefore wont be subject to disruption when the current continuing resolution to fund the government that was approved this week runs out in January. Recipients also still face the effects of the $186 billion eliminated from SNAP as part of the administrations landmark One Big Beautiful Bill Act signed into law this summer. Borzner called the most recent chaos around SNAP a manufactured crisis. Families should not have had to go through this pain, she said, adding that the government had the resources to pay benefits in full. This program could have continued to operate for November as it normally does. None of this needed to happen. Republican congresswomen are a rare breed, making up only 14% of their caucus. But they are overrepresented when it comes to the Epstein files. GOP congresswomen comprise a whopping 75% of the House Republicans who have signed a discharge petition for the release of extensive document collected by the FBI during its investigation into the deceased sexual predator Jeffrey Epstein. Granted, that large percentage is deceptive; only four GOP representatives have signed on to the measure. But that fact makes it all the more remarkable that they are willing to defy Donald Trump, as he rants on Truth Social that only very bad, or stupid Republicans would want to expose even more details of a child sex trafficking investigation with which he has been associated. GOP Reps. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia, Lauren Boebert of Colorado and Nancy Mace of South Carolina all seem to have different motives for joining the entire Democratic caucus along with Kentucky Republican Thomas Massie in demanding the release of the Epstein files. Greenes years of loud support for Trump have curdled into seeming animosity in recent months, after Trump reportedly blocked her from running for the Senate. Boebert has been relatively quiet about her calculus, but many have pointed out that her recent acrimonious divorce from a man who started dating her when she was 16 and he was 22 might be a factor. Maces motivations are frankly baffling, and seem to owe more to a long public history of troubling behavior and questionable mental health than anything else. But Maces relationship to the Epstein files is a microcosm of a larger dilemma facing Republican women both politicians and voters as a whole. For years, Trump has pitched himself to GOP women as their protector who is eager to chivalrously shield womankind from a whole host of imaginary threats ranging from predatory immigrants to trans women in bathrooms. That billing has always been hard to square with the objective reality of Trumps admitted and accused behavior, which includes bragging about grabbing womens genitals without permission and being found liable for sexual assault by a civil jury in 2023. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Now, as more evidence from the Epstein investigation trickles into public view, its become all but impossible. In emails released Tuesday, the accused sex trafficker told a confidante that Trump knew about the girls and referred to the president as dirty Donald. Trumps ham-fisted efforts to prevent the FBI documents from being released suggests that, as bad as the public evidence is of his association with Epstein, there could be even more damning stuff waiting in the wings. Mace is no doubt reflecting the approach taken by most female voters and politicians who are trying to remain loyal to Trump: Self-delusion and/or outright lying. On she told reporters, My heart and my pain is with the Epstein victims. But then she insisted Trump has been so good to sexual assault victims and that hes protected women. Its hard to believe that Mace, despite her well-documented erratic behavior, really believes this. Just this week, Trump tried to personally pressure Mace to remove her name from the discharge petition; surely shes aware he has a self-interested reason for that. (During a recent hearing, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, D-R.I., suggested, for instance, that the FBI had collected incriminating photos of Trump with topless young women from Epsteins home.) Mace also had a famous meltdown on ABC News in 2024 when she was asked about the civil verdict finding that Trump had sexually assaulted journalist E. Jean Carroll in the 1990s. Unable to deny that reality, Mace artlessly tried to deflect by claiming she herself is a victim, which only makes it worse that shes supporting a man accused of abusing women. Thats the paradox facing most women who support Trump. As vile as it is, for many Republican men, sexual abuse is an extension of their larger project of enforcing a strict gender hierarchy and a good number are increasingly unapologetic about that. But GOP women still need to at least publicly object to rape, if only to preserve a basic sense of dignity. Instead, the Republican sales pitch to women is an age-old deal: In exchange for submission, they will get protection. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump hasnt even bothered with subtext on this front. Hes been embarrassingly blatant in his pandering. I am your protector, he told women at a Pennsylvania rally in September 2024. You will no longer be abandoned, lonely, or scared. You will no longer be in danger. But the deep vein of misogyny hidden under this benevolently sexist rhetoric was not hard to spot for women willing to see it. At a Wisconsin rally the next month, Trump framed his protection as a threat. I want to protect the women of our country, he insisted, dressed in a reflective jacket that made him look like a crossing guard. Im gonna do it whether the women like it or not. The dangers Trump has promised to safeguard women from are mostly or often entirely imaginary. From the moment he declared his candidacy for president in 2015, Trump has repeatedly cast undocumented immigrants as an unwashed mass of rapists, ignoring the fact that over 95% of sex offenders are American citizens. He has characterized trans women as a great danger, even though they are exponentially more likely to be victims than offenders. His list of fake threats is seemingly endless: war zones in cities, non-existent foreign invaders, supposedly greedy doctors who offer vaccines or abortions and bafflingly Tylenol. Trump has boosted QAnon, a conspiracy theory that inverts reality, insisting that it is feminist women and their allies who perpetuate sexual violence, and its Trump who is trying to stop them. Want more Amanda Marcotte on politics? Sign up for her free newsletter, Standing Room Only, now also on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts. Unfortunately, his pitch has worked. For Republican women, its easier to ignore the very real threats women face in favor of these fantasies. Trump distracts them from the fact that the assailant is far more likely to look like their friend or neighbor or husband or the president than he is some stranger lurking in the bushes. They ignore that Trump has explicitly framed sexual violence as a benefit of privilege, affirming in his deposition for the Carroll trial that, for men of status, sexual assault was basically a right for the last million years. He isnt two-faced about sexual violence. He sees it as just fine for men who are white or rich or otherwise deserve it, but criminal if men he perceives as having lower status perpetrate it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For MAGA women, the cognitive dissonance is resolved by agreeing to believe that the real threats are fake and the fake threats are real. This also allows them to avoid friction with the men in their lives, who tend to lash out at women who speak out about sexual violence, seeing it correctly as an attack on a larger slate of unfair privileges men enjoy because of their sex. Its not surprising that the three Republican women who signed the discharge petition are divorced. That gives them a level of psychological independence that married Republican women almost never enjoy. But while not married to literal husbands, all three womens ambitions are still figuratively wed to Trump, at least for now. They understand that openly rejecting Trump, much less calling out his complicity with Epstein, is career suicide. The goal appears to wait him out. Hes not doing well at 79, so they are probably betting they wont have to wait too long. (Then again, they should ask the first lady how well that logic worked out for her!) Greene has insisted that Trump is innocent of all wrongdoing and any statements or insinuations otherwise are smears. Mace, of course, bends over backwards to paint an image of Trump as a gentleman, one that doesnt comport with reality. The question is, as more information emerges suggesting that Trump was aware and perhaps approving of his friend Epsteins behavior, how long this act can last. In 2011, Epstein emailed Ghislaine Maxwell, his convicted accomplice, that Trump spent hours at my house with a victim and expressed surprise that investigators still hadnt approached him. Previously, House Democrats released a birthday card Epstein allegedly received from Trump that contained a crude drawing and a message that read We have certain things in common, Jeffrey, and may every day be another wonderful secret. Thats a year after Trump told New York magazine, that Epstein likes beautiful women as much as I do, and many of them are on the younger side. Unfortunately, most Republican women have a lot of practice at self-denial, so it may not be until Trump is no longer with us, if ever, that Mace and Greene let go of their delusions about his behavior. But and I cant believe I am writing this it does seem that we must credit Boebert for having a little more self-worth than that. Even after she was drawn into a meeting on Wednesday attended by FBI director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi, which itself seems like a threat, she refused to remove her name from the petition. Instead, Boebert tweeted, I want to thank White House officials for meeting with me today. Together, we remain committed to ensuring transparency for the American people. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I am sorry to report this is top-notch shade. Between that and Boeberts eyebrows, she could look into doing drag as an alternative career path if being congresswoman doesnt work out if she werent a toxic homophobe. But hey, she figured out this much, so maybe theres room for her to grow, unlike most Republican women. The post Sorry, Nancy Mace. Donald Trump hasnt protected women appeared first on Salon.com. South Africa has allowed more than 150 Palestinian airline passengers to disembark, after they were kept on a plane for almost 12 hours by the countrys border police. South Africas Department of Home Affairs authorised the passengers to get off the plane on Thursday night after a local humanitarian organisation guaranteed to provide the passengers with accommodation during their stay in South Africa if needed. The chartered plane carrying 153 Palestinians landed shortly after 8am (06:00 GMT) on Thursday morning at OR Tambo International Airport, which serves the cities of Johannesburg and Pretoria. The passengers were kept on the aircraft by border police as they did not have departure stamps from Israel on their passports. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The passengers were finally allowed to disembark 12 hours later. Given that Palestinians are eligible for 90-day visa-exempt travel to South Africa, they have been processed as per normal and will be required to adhere to all conditions of entry, South Africas Border Management Authority (BMA) said in a statement late on Thursday. The AFP news agency said the plane was a charter flight operated by South African airline Global Airways and had transited in Nairobi, Kenya. These are people from Gaza who somehow mysteriously were put on a plane that passed by Nairobi and came here, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa told journalists on Friday, adding that his government would investigate the details. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We obviously need to look at their origins, where it started, the reason why they have been brought here because they didnt have any documentation, he added. He said the group had been admitted into the country out of compassion. But he added that it does seem like they were being flushed out of the Gaza Strip. News that the Palestinians were forced to wait on the tarmac at the airport for hours reportedly caused outrage among the public in South Africa, which is a strong supporter of the Palestinian cause and has led the charge at the International Criminal Court to prosecute Israel for perpetrating genocide in Gaza. Nobody knew According to the BMA, the Palestinian passengers did not have the customary departure stamps in their passports. The passengers also did not indicate how long they intended to stay in South Africa or the address of their accommodation, the BMA said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Following their failure to pass the immigration test and given that none of the travellers expressed an intention to apply for asylum, they were initially denied entry, it added. The order to finally allow the passengers to leave the plane came after the countrys Home Affairs ministry received a commitment from a humanitarian aid organisation Gift of the Givers to accommodate the visitors during their stay. A total of 130 Palestinians subsequently entered the country, while 23 transferred from South Africa to other destinations, from the airport, according to the BMA. Al Jazeeras Fahmida Miller, reporting from Johannesburg, said the Palestinians on board did not know where they were being taken once they had left Israel, but most are expected to apply for asylum. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A few others have also continued their journey from South Africa to other countries through the course of today, she said. However, others have been accommodated here. Founder of Gift of the Givers, Imtiaz Sooliman, told public broadcaster SABC that he did not know who had chartered the aircraft and that a first plane carrying 176 Palestinians had landed in Johannesburg on October 28, with some of the passengers departing for other countries. The families of this first group told us yesterday their family members are coming on a second plane, and nobody knew about that plane, Sooliman said. Those people are really distraught coming from two years of genocide, Sooliman said of the passengers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Based on feedback from those who have arrived already in South Africa, Sooliman said Israel appears to be removing people from Gaza and sending them on chartered planes without stamping their passports. Israel deliberately did not stamp the passports of these poor people to exacerbate their suffering in a foreign country, he added in a post on social media. Other humanitarian groups are also now offering to provide support for the Palestinian visitors, he added. Claims of Israeli coordination Al Jazeeras Hind Khoudary, reporting from Gaza City on Friday, said there was no clear explanation of how the Palestinians boarded the flight, but there were some clues on how the process started. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There is a link advertised on different social media platforms, called Al-Majd Europe. In a survey, Palestinians fill in their names, where theyre working, and where they want to go, she explained. They get a call from one of the people who works with Al-Majd Europe. They are asked to go to a bus station stop in Gaza City, and this bus travels to Karem Abu Salem crossing [called Kerem Shalom in Israel]. Al Jazeera has been unable to independently confirm how the Palestinians boarded the plane. The Palestinian embassy in South Africa said on Thursday that the travel was arranged by an unregistered and misleading organisation that exploited the tragic humanitarian conditions of our people in Gaza, deceived families, collected money from them, and facilitated their travel in an irregular and irresponsible manner. Nigel Branken, a South African social worker who assisted those held on the plane, said the passengers from Gaza had told him of being ordered by Israeli authorities to leave all their belongings behind before boarding an unmarked plane at an Israeli air force base. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Very clearly, all the marks of Israel involved in this operation to take people to displace them, Branken told Al Jazeera. Al Jazeeras Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, said Israel was yet to comment on the issue, but it was unlikely the Palestinians who left did so without Israeli coordination. Nobody can approach that imaginary yellow line without being shot at. These people had to be bused through the yellow line, through the 53 percent of Gaza that the Israeli army still controls and is operating in out of Gaza, through Israel to the Ramon airport, she reported. The only thing that weve seen, as far as reporting is concerned, is that COGAT, the Israeli military command centre that is in charge of the daily lives of Palestinians of the occupied West Bank and Gaza, has said that Israel is facilitating those who wish to leave. SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korean President Lee Jae Myung said on Friday South Korea and U.S. had finalised a joint fact sheet on agreements on trade and security issues after his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump last month. South Korea will be building nuclear-powered submarines and will be forming a new partnership with the U.S. on shipbuilding, artificial intelligence and the nuclear industry, Lee told a televised briefing. Lee met Trump in South Korea's Gyeongju last month and agreed to a deal that will cut U.S. import duties on South Korean products to 15% from the earlier 25%. (Reporting by Jack KimEditing by Ed Davies) New Mexico senators rise to applaud the end of the first special legislative session Oct. 2, 2025 at the Roundhouse in Santa Fe. Three Southeastern New Mexico county commissions have named different potential replacements for Sen. Nicholas Paul, who resigned in October due to health reasons. (Patrick Lohmann/Source NM) Three county commissions in Southeastern New Mexico have selected nominees to replace Nicholas Paul in the state Senate. Paul, an Alamogordo Republican, in mid-October announced his resignation due to health reasons after less than a year in the seat. Because Senate District 33 covers parts of three counties, commissions in Otero, Chaves and Lincoln Counties met to nominate potential replacements. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All three selected different names, one of the nominees and officials from the counties told Source New Mexico this week. Gov. Michelle Lujan Grisham will choose someone from that list to serve the rest of Pauls term, which ends in 2028. The three nominees are current state Rep. John Block (R-Carlsbad), along with Lincoln County Commission Chair Mark Fischer and Rex Wilson, who was the Southern region director of Presbyterian Medical Services until 2024. Rep. John Block (R-Alamogordo) (Courtesy NM Legislature) The governor is expected to choose Pauls replacement before the 30-day legislative session begins Jan. 20, according to Brandon Harris, a Senate GOP spokesperson. The county commissions considered eight potential replacements, according to commission meeting minutes. Other candidates included Ruidoso Mayor Lynn Crawford, Otero County Attorney RB Nichols, former state Rep. Zachary Cook, business owner Benjamin Luna Jr., and Matthew Wade, a former 12th Judicial District deputy district attorney. Otero Countys pick: Rep. John Block In a cover letter, Block, who has represented House District 51 since 2023, said he should replace Paul in the Senate due to his record in the House, where he noted his impeccable attendance at interim legislative meetings and regular rankings as the most conservative state House member, where Republicans are in the minority. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Block wrote on Facebook on Nov. 8 that the County Commission selected him. Otero County officials did not respond to Sources request for comment Friday. Former U.S. Rep. Yvette Herrell, a Republican, wrote a letter endorsing Block. So did Jerrett Perry, the executive director of the Alamogordo Chamber of Commerce, and Michelle Perry, a small business owner in the area who also runs a charter. Lincoln County Commission Chair Mark Fischer, left, presents an award to long-time county employee Renee Montes in October. (Courtesy Lincoln County) Lincoln Countys pick: Commission Chair Mark Fischer Fischer touted his role leading the commission through recent wildfires and floods and advocating for the countys interests at the Roundhouse. If chosen, he said hed work to advance the countys tourism and horse-racing industries while seeking to expand logging and agriculture. Lincoln County as well as the whole state needs oil and gas, and I have always supported that, he wrote. Chaves Countys pick: Rex Wilson Wilson, who also served two terms as a Lincoln County commissioner, wrote in a cover letter that his 18 years as a healthcare administrator and history as a multigenerational rancher in Lincoln County make him a good fit for the Senate seat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He also said he started Camp Sierra Blanca at Fort Stanton in Lincoln County, a nationally recognized alternative education model that gives troubled young people a second chance through non-traditional pathways. Rex Wilson speaks to the Chaves County Commission on Nov. 5. (Courtesy Chaves County Commission) He touted his work with young people there and at Presbyterian directing early childhood services as necessary experience for the Senate. District 33s young people deserve a Senator who understands that education isnt one-size-fits-all and who will fight for alternative pathways and support systems that meet students where they are, he said. A Southern California pastor was arrested on allegations of sexual assault involving a juvenile. The suspect was identified as Quintilo Sagrero, 68, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Sagrero was the Pastor of the Templo Pentecostal El Camino Church located on the 1500 block of East Alondra Boulevard in Compton. The alleged sexual assaults occurred on Oct. 7, authorities said. Following an investigation, Sagrero was arrested on Nov. 6. The next day, he was charged with two counts of lewd acts upon a child by the L.A. County District Attorneys Office. Quintilo Sagrero, 68, is seen in a booking photo from the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department. Based on the nature of the offenses, detectives believe there may be additional unidentified victims and are seeking the publics help in identifying any additional victims, the sheriffs department said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No further details, including the number of victims or how the suspect was known to the victim, were released. Anyone with information on the case or who believes they may have been a victim is urged to call Sergeant Oscar Lopez of the LASDs Special Victims Bureau at 562-946-7013. The public can also call LASD at 877-710-5273. Anonymous tips can be provided to L.A. Regional Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 or online at lacrimestoppers.org. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA. Hezbollah weapons, in an image shared by the IDF, November 13, 2025. (photo credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON The IDF confirmed an explosion in southern Lebanon was caused by a Hezbollah smuggling operation, not an Israeli airstrike, as Lebanese reports suggested earlier on Thursday. An explosion in southern Lebanon was not caused by an IDF strike, but rather by a car which exploded when Hezbollah terrorists attempted to smuggle weapons, IDF Arabic spokesperson Col. Avichay Adraee confirmed on Thursday. Adraee was responding to "false Lebanese reports" that the Israel Air Force conducted an airstrike near Toula in southern Lebanon. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel has conducted airstrikes on Hezbollah terrorists across the area over recent weeks. The IDF early on Thursday morning carried out intelligence-based airstrikes on Hezbollah infrastructure, including a weapons storage facility and an underground site, in southern Lebanon, the military announced. According to the IDF, the sites were positioned near civilian areas. IDF graphic showing a site in Lebanon where the military struck a Hezbollah storage facility and other underground terror infrastructure. November 13, 2025. (credit: IDF SPOKESPERSON'S UNIT) "These terror infrastructure sites were located near the civilian population, serving as yet another example of Hezbollahs cynical use of Lebanese civilians as human shields for its operations conducted from within civilian areas," the military stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The military also killed three Hezbollah terrorists in several airstrike operations in southern Lebanon earlier this week. Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem: 'Israeli attacks cannot continue, everything has a limit' Hezbollah Secretary-General Naim Qassem threatened Israel in a Tuesday speech. "Israeli attacks cannot continue; everything has a limit. We will not give up our weapons," he said. Qassem expressed that the recent arrangement, which includes the deployment of the Lebanese army south of the Litani River, is seen as a victory by Hezbollah, framing it as a positive step in the protection and strengthening of Lebanon's national interests. Qassem's comments came amid the first anniversary of the ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah terrorists on November 10. IDF unveils Hezbollahs reconstruction map, targets key terror hubs in Lebanon The IDF's Intelligence Directorate mapped Hezbollah's operations in southern Lebanon, finding that Nabatiya, in particular, has become a strategic focal point for rearming and reconstructing, the military announced on Tuesday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The six confirmed IDF strikes on Hezbollah terrorists in Nabatiya in the past month indicate that the military is dismantling Hezbollahs upper command and central logistics in the region, understanding that these are the hubs from which the reconstruction effort is managed. IDF strikes near Tyre also indicate damage to the nerve center of Hezbollah's capabilities to reconstruct their terror infrastructure, the military found. This would show that the IDF is stripping the terror group's infrastructure capabilities rather than just killing terror commanders and operatives. The IDF noted that Hezbollah terrorists in Tyre are attempting to rebuild underground systems, bunkers, and positions for terrorists to embed themselves. IDF strikes in smaller villages in southern Lebanon would indicate that the military is conveying a message of tight intelligence monitoring and precise targeting across the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, the presence of terrorists across southern Lebanon indicates a concern for the security echelons that the Shia population, who are a significant majority in the area, is not opposing the terror group's attempts to re-establish their infrastructure and resume their terror activities, despite the destruction caused by IDF strikes. Amir Bohbot contributed to this report. Two Milwaukee charter school operators are making moves to leave the oversight umbrella of Milwaukee Public Schools, instead operating under the authority of the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. Milwaukee College Prep and Carmen Schools of Science & Technology have applied to UWM for authorization of some of their schools beginning in the next school year, after their current contracts with MPS are set to expire, public records show. Charter schools, in order to exist under state law, must secure a contract from their local school board or certain other bodies, such as UWM. That body is expected to oversee the performance of the schools, only renewing contracts if the schools live up to their promises. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rather than seek renewals from MPS, Carmen and Milwaukee College Prep are looking to primarily answer to UWM going forward. The financial impact to MPS is difficult to measure. As an authorizer, MPS collects fees from charter schools but also spends funds on services for those schools. A 2018 Wisconsin Policy Forum analysis found MPS collected about $2,261 per Carmen student and used the funds to pay for district-wide services. It was difficult to tell if the funding matched the value of services that Carmen might have benefited from, the Forum found. The move is not unexpected from Carmen, where leaders had warned they would likely cut ties with MPS at Carmen's two southside schools if the district booted them from MPS-owned buildings, where Carmen schools were sharing crowded space with MPS-run schools. Those Carmen schools next fall will move into a new building Carmen is constructing itself a $55 million project at 2005 W. Oklahoma Ave. Carmen leaders received an initial approval from UWM Sept. 30, pending contract negotiations, UWM records show. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The transition means MPS will lose lease revenue from those schools: about $776,000 for the two campuses. But it also means MPS can recruit additional students for its own schools that will gain space in the buildings. Separately, Carmen also operates a campus on the city's northwest side. Carmen leaders are seeking to renew their contract with MPS for the Carmen Northwest campus, which is expected to continue leasing a MPS building. At a school board committee meeting Nov. 13, school board members expressed hesitation about renewing that contract, citing concerns about academic performance and ideological differences. The full school board is scheduled to vote on that contract Nov. 20. Milwaukee College Prep to leave MPS, five years after it initially sought a separation Meanwhile, Milwaukee College Prep appears to be entirely withdrawing from MPS, seeking authorization from UWM for all four of its campuses, records show. School leaders received an initial approval from UWM Sept. 30, allowing them to enter contract negotiations that are yet to be completed, according to UWM records. Milwaukee College Prep Chief Executive Officer Alfred Keith also notified MPS in September that the school was withdrawing its intent to renew a contract with the district as it sought a transfer to another authorizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This wasn't an easy decision," Keith wrote to Bridget Schock, who oversees contracted schools for MPS. "I have tremendous respect for you and the team, and I've truly valued the partnership we've had over the years." In their application to UWM, College Prep leaders noted they believed the transfer would strengthen long-term stability and "deepen alignment with a mission-aligned authorizer." Keith declined to answer questions from the Journal Sentinel. The school, which has been authorized by MPS since 1999, previously had conflict with MPS in 2021, when the district denied MCP a bonus payment tied to standardized test results after testing had been canceled because of the pandemic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Former College Prep CEO Robert Rauh argued the district should have awarded the payment based on testing earlier in the year. The school took the district to court. At the time, Rauh said the school was going to switch authorizers, from MPS to UWM, because of souring relations. The school ultimately stayed with MPS after it became clear it could lose out on federal stimulus funds already allocated to the district. College Prep agreed to drop its lawsuit if the board approved a contract renewal, allowing the school to secure the federal funds. That renewed contract expires at the end of the current school year. School board members favor renewals for La Causa, Whittier and IDEAL Also up for renewal with MPS this year are three other charter schools: Whittier Elementary School, IDEAL Charter School and La Causa Charter School. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Milwaukee School Board members Nov. 13 approved five-year renewals for all three schools. The agreements will also need to be approved by the full school board Nov. 20. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two Carmen schools and College Prep to leave Milwaukee Public Schools According to a new study, the proposed termination of federal clean energy tax credits will impact the payback period for people who own solar panels. When the One Big Beautiful Bill Act eliminates currently available tax credits at the end of 2025, solar panels will become less economically viable for many people. As Stanford University shared, researchers recently assessed the affordability of solar and backup battery systems in the U.S. They found that most U.S. households can reduce their energy costs with these clean energy solutions in the current market. However, costs are set to increase due to recent federal policy changes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the study, the lost tax credits would bring the percentage of U.S. households for which solar/battery systems make financial sense down from 60% to 32%. After analyzing more than 500,000 representative households, the Stanford University researchers published their findings in the journal Nature Energy. They also suggested that "people may need to buy the equipment by Dec. 31" to ensure their new rooftop solar panels and battery packs will reduce electricity bills. Taking advantage of the tax credits could also help provide cost-effective energy resilience during power outages. As the researchers noted, another factor to consider is how much homeowners will get paid for excess solar, which can affect how long it will take for them to recoup their investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In some states, homeowners will see less money when selling their excess electricity to local utility companies, which can lengthen the time it will take to earn the money back for the initial installment of the panels. As Stanford shared, "More than one-third of homes today are in states that pay residential solar owners based on how much their electricity saves the local utility, which is almost always lessen paying homeowners their full electricity rate. The number of states adopting this policy is rising." The researchers noted that in some states, such as Iowa, Idaho, and Washington, utility companies are still required to pay homeowners the higher price for their excess solar power. This research is insightful because it highlights the impressive cost-saving potential of solar energy while preparing homeowners for the realities of selling excess electricity. It also emphasizes the urgent need for pro-climate policies that support a sustainable planet for the future. Meanwhile, other research teams have been sharing what they've discovered about the decreasing costs of solar power. Recent technological breakthroughs could make solar panels even more efficient as well. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If you act now, you could still qualify for valuable solar tax incentives and start saving money on your monthly bills. With or without those tax credits, EnergySage is helping homeowners save up to $10,000 on their solar installations. EnergySage's free services include a local installer quote comparison tool and a mapping tool that shows incentives in each state. If buying solar panels isn't within your budget, consider leasing them for no money down through Palmetto's LightReach program. Pairing solar panels with a heat pump can save you even more on your energy bills. Mitsubishi can help you find the heat pump and installer that's right for you. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Stanford researchers recommended improved, broader public messaging about the benefits of solar panels and backup battery systems. They also noted that low adoption in rural and disadvantaged communities only worsens historical inequities. "Rooftop solar and battery storage, deployed together or separately, offer promising adaptation solutions as they may help to reduce electricity bills, provide backup power during outages, and lower carbon emissions," they wrote. "Policymakers can directly shape this landscape through tariff design, incentive programs, rate approvals, and industry regulations." Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet. Nazrin Abdul A package of multilateral documents is expected to be signed following the 7th Consultative Meeting of Central Asian Heads of State, Azernews reports, citing the press service of the President of Uzbekistan. The 7th Consultative Meeting will be held on November 1516 in Tashkent under the chairmanship of President Shavkat Mirziyoyev. According to the Presidential Administration of Uzbekistan, the summit will be attended by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev, President of Kyrgyzstan Sadyr Japarov, President of Tajikistan Emomali Rahmon and President of Turkmenistan Serdar Berdimuhamedov. The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General and Head of the UN Regional Centre for Preventive Diplomacy for Central Asia, Kaha Imnadze, will also take part in the event. The agenda includes strengthening regional cooperation, advancing joint projects and initiatives in priority areas, as well as exchanging views on pressing issues of regional and international politics. Regular consultative meetings among Central Asian leaders were initiated by President Mirziyoyev during the 72nd session of the UN General Assembly in September 2017. During Uzbekistans chairmanship in this format, more than 20 major events covering various areas of cooperation have been held. When you buy through links on our articles, Future and its syndication partners may earn a commission. Credit: Nvidia The launch of Nvidia's Vera Rubin platform for AI and HPC next year could mark significant changes in the AI hardware supply chain as Nvidia plans to ship its partners fully assembled Level-10 (L10) VR200 compute trays with all compute hardware, cooling systems, and interfaces pre-installed, according to J.P. Morgan (via @Jukanlosreve). The move would leave major ODMs with very little design or integration work, making their lives easier, but would also trim their margins in favor of Nvidia's. The information remains unofficial at this stage. Starting with the VR200 platform, Nvidia is reportedly preparing to take over production of fully built L10 compute trays with a pre-installed Vera CPU, Rubin GPUs, and a cooling system instead of allowing hyperscalers and ODM partners to build their own motherboards and cooling solutions. This would not be the first time the company has supplied its partners with a partially integrated server sub-assembly: it did so with its GB200 platform when it supplied the whole Bianca board with key components pre-installed. However, at the time, this could be considered as L7 L8 integration, whereas now the company is reportedly considering going all the way to L10, selling the whole tray assembly including accelerators, CPU, memory, NICs, power-delivery hardware, midplane interfaces, and liquid-cooling cold plates as a pre-built, tested module. If the information is correct, and Nvidia will indeed ship its partners L10 compute trays (which probably account for 90% of the cost of a server), then Nvidia will only leave its partners with rack-level integration rather than server design. They would still build the outer chassis, integrate power supplies depending on requirements, install sidecars or CDUs for rack-level cooling, add their own BMC and management stack, and perform final assembly and testing. These tasks matter operationally, but they do not differentiate hardware in a meaningful way. Image 1 of 2 Nvidia Image 2 of 2 Nvidia This move promises to shorten the ramp for VR200 as Nvidia's partners will not have to design everything in-house and could lower production costs due to the volume of scale ensured by a direct contract between Nvidia and an EMS (most likely Foxconn as the primary supplier and then Quanta and Wistron, but that is speculation). For example, a Vera Rubin Superchip board recently demonstrated by Jensen Huang uses a very complex design, a very thick PCB, and only solid-state components. Designing such a board takes time and costs a lot of money, so using select EMS provider(s) to build it makes a lot of sense. Unionised Starbucks employees in more than 40 US cities have begun an openended strike as part of efforts to secure a collective bargaining agreement covering pay and benefits. Starbucks Workers United (SBWU) states that the walkout involves more than 1,000 baristas at 550 stores it represents. SBWU spokesperson Michelle Eisen said: If Starbucks keeps stonewalling a fair contract and refusing to end union-busting, theyll see their business grind to a halt. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement No contract, no coffee is more than a tagline its a pledge to interrupt Starbucks operations and profits until a fair union contract and an end to unfair labour practices are won. At 65 outlets, the action is timed to coincide with Starbucks Red Cup Day - a promotional event taking place on 13 November 2025 on which customers selecting a seasonal beverage receive it in a red cup. The union cautioned that the walkout could become the largest and longest in Starbucks history. Cities scheduled to participate include New York, Philadelphia, Seattle, Dallas and Austin. Eisen stated: Starbucks knows where we stand. Weve been clear and consistent on what baristas need to succeed: more take-home pay, better hours, resolving legal issues. Bring us new proposals that address these issues so we can finalise a contract. Until then, youll see us and our allies on the picket line. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The union has previously filed more than 1,000 unfair labour practice (ULP) charges against the company. In January 2025, Workers United lodged 34 complaints alleging federal labour law violations at stores across 16 states. In September, Starbucks announced plans to close some stores and eliminate 900 nonretail positions under CEO Brian Niccols turnaround plan. The company has stated that affected employees would receive severance and support packages, including benefits extensions, and that unfilled roles would be removed. "Starbucks union workers launch open-ended strike in more than 40 US cities" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand. The State of New Mexico launched the Rural Education Workforce Collaborative Nov. 12, 2025 in Corona. Left to right: Loving Municipal Schools Superintendent Lee White; New Mexico Workforce Solutions Deputy Secretary Scott Groginsky; Eastern Area Workforce Development Board Executive Director Beth Elias; Workforce Solutions Secretary Sarita Nair; Kelly Springfield, Collegiate Edu Nation; Corona Municipal Schools Acting Superintendent Randa Encinias; New Mexico Higher Education Department Administration Specialist Dene Shelton The New Mexico Department of Workforce Solutions this week launched the Rural Education-Workforce Collaborative, an initiative connecting early education through 12th grade in rural school districts with career development opportunities in high-demand fields. The $400,000 initiative is funded through the Community Benefit Fund, which falls under the Department of Workforce Solutions. The fund was created during the 2025 Legislative Session to support programs that reduce climate change impacts and create worker training programs for industries that address such programs. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We created the Community Benefit Plan to spark exactly this type of creative partnership, President Pro Tempore Sen. Mimi Stewart (D-Albuquerque) said in a statement. This investment will give young people real skills and paths to stay in the rural communities they love while building our states capacity to face the challenges of a changing climate and economy. According to the Department of Workforce Solutions, the new model is a collaboration between the department, rural PreK-12 school districts, institutions of higher education and Collegiate Edu-Nation, a nonprofit organization that consults with rural school districts across the country to end education and income inequality. The program will expand access for rural students by integrating education and workforce resources such as dual credit programs, free college tuition and work-based learning opportunities. The goal is to prepare rural, low-income, first-generation students and those with disabilities or from tribal communities to meet the states growing workforce needs. The Collegiate Edu-Nation initiative started in Texas and now includes New Mexico public school districts such as Corona Public Schools, Mosquero Municipal Schools and Loving Municipal Schools. This workforce-school partnership tackles several challenges at once by connecting education to real world opportunities from the earliest stage, creating opportunities for rural youth and building our workforce in climate-ready and infrastructure careers, Department of Workforce Solutions Secretary Sarita Nair said in a statement. The collaborative will demonstrate how much we can accomplish when we join forces with innovative rural school districts and the local workforce development board to give students true options for their futures and strengthen New Mexicos economy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to Lee White, superintendent of Loving Municipal Schools, it is difficult to connect students in rural communities to real world opportunities that align with regional industry trends. I believe that we are on the cusp of effectively changing student outcomes through this model and partnership, White said in a statement. The Department of Workforce Solutions noted that a dashboard will be used to measure academic and workforce outcomes going forward. This story was originally posted to MyNorthwest.com We now know which days youll be able to visit Washington State parks for free next year, as the state released its free park dates. There are 12 days when you wont be required to purchase a day-use Discover Pass for $10 to visit Deception Pass, Bridle Trails, Cape Disappointment, and more than 140 other parks managed by Washington State. Free park dates in Washington Those dates include: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Thursday, Jan. 1 New Years Day. Monday, Jan. 19 Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Monday, March 9 Billy Frank Jr.s birthday. Thursday, March 19 State Parks 113th birthday. Wednesday, April 22 Earth Day. Saturday and Sunday, June 6-7 Free Fishing Weekend. Friday, June 19 Juneteenth. Sunday, Aug. 9 Smokey Bears birthday. Saturday, Sept. 26 National Public Lands Day. Saturday, Oct. 10 World Mental Health Day. Wednesday, Nov. 11 Veterans Day. In a news release, Washington State Parks noted that the first free opportunity is on New Years Day. As part of a national movement to start the year outside, dozens of state parks will hold family-friendly walks on that day. The state suggested a free day in a park might encourage more people to purchase an annual Discover Pass. The price increased from $30 to $45 on October 1. The parks department said the money supports recreation and conservation opportunities, keeping bathrooms cleaned and trails maintained, caring for the health of forests and protecting seashores for generations to come. Read more of Heather Boschs stories here. Rep. Jeff Burkhart, R-Clarksville. (Photo: John Partipilo) Tennessee Rep. Jeff Burkhart, a second-term Republican state representative and former member of the Clarksville City Council, has died at age 63. Rep. Burkharts life of public service from his years with the Clarksville Fire Department and his time on the Clarksville City Council to his work in the General Assembly reflected his unwavering commitment to community, faith, and the values that bring Tennesseans together. His leadership on infrastructure improvements, education, public safety, and support for working families will leave a lasting impact on our state, the Republican House Caucus said in a release. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Burkhart was a lifelong resident of Clarksville who served three terms on the Clarksville City Council, the Montgomery County Education Foundation, the advisory board of the Sexual Assault Center. He worked as assistant fire chief for the Clarksville Fire Department. Weve lost a beloved member of our legislative family, said Rep. John Ray Clemmons, chair of the Democratic House Caucus. Rep. Burkhart was an exemplary public servant and champion for the families of Montgomery County. He touched many lives with his service and will be dearly missed by all in our State Capitol. The cause of death was not immediately available. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX Were getting our first look at how eight proposals looking to lower property taxes filed in the Florida House could save you money and cost local governments. All eight House property tax proposals prohibit public safety budgets from being reduced and dont impact school property tax collections. State Representative Sam Garrison (R-Fleming Island) told Action News Jax that for House lawmakers, those two protections are critical. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Protecting those core services of government and then simultaneously looking at what can we do to reduce property tax burden off Floridians, said Garrison. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< New data from the Florida Association of Counties breaks down the impacts of each proposal. The most sweeping one, which fully eliminates all non-school property tax, would save the average Florida homeowner $378 a year on their tax bill, but also cost Floridas local governments a combined $9 billion in the first year alone. Locally, the impact varies. With an annual savings of more than $1,100, St. Johns County homeowners stand to save the most. Most other local counties track around the state average. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the cost is huge. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] Duval County alone stands to lose more than $400 million in the first year, which is nearly a quarter of its entire annual budget. For most counties, law enforcement takes up 60 percent. 50 to 60 percent of the budget. Okay, so take away now youve lost 25 percent, said Cragin Mosteller with the Florida Association of Counties. It gives you 15 percent of your money to pay for clean water, emergency management response, fire service, first responders. Mosteller noted the association is opposing all eight proposals, as that lost revenue would have to be made up somehow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Any big changes are going to result in a tax shift, said Mosteller. Sales tax increases have been commonly floated as an option, but its an option State Representative Angie Nixon (D-Jacksonville) argued would put the burden on those with the least. The people who have to buy things just to survive. And those are working families as well as low-income people, many of which dont even have a home to live in, like as far as they dont own a home right now, said Nixon. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] The least wide-reaching proposal, which allows married couples to combine their homestead exemptions, would save homeowners an average of just $3 a year and cost local governments a combined $63 million. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Despite the lower hit to county budgets, Mosteller argued even the scaled-back proposals fail in that they take a one-size-fits-all approach, which will have varying impacts across the state. I think its more just about, is this good policy? Are you just creating bigger winners and losers within a system that already has so many imbalances? What we would like to see is a real thoughtful conversation about expenditures, about revenues, about how many governments we have and does everybody need to do everything? said Mosteller. We really need to have a really in-depth conversation and thats not glamorous. That doesnt make headlines and so, thats just not happening. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live. Steuben County is collaborating with Hollywood star Dennis Quaid on a nationally acclaimed educational television series that produces inspiring and informative documentaries for public television. "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid" will showcase the joy, life and prosperity of Steuben County, and highlight why more people are choosing to live, work and build their futures in the county, said spokesperson Eddie VanStine. Produced by an award-winning team, the segment on "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid" will bring national attention to Steuben Countys strong communities, natural beauty and growing opportunities, the county stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Were thrilled for the opportunity to share Steuben Countys story on a national stage, said Jack Wheeler, Steuben County Manager. Our collaboration with 'Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid' allows us to highlight what makes Steuben County special our people, our progress, and our pride. Dennis Quaid attends the "Twin Towers: Legacy" screening at Village East Cinema in New York City on Sept. 3, 2025. The mission of "Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid" is to deliver diverse, educational documentaries that inspire audiences and shine a light on communities making a difference. Oswego County and Chautauqua County in New York state have also been featured by the program. Quaid has been acting in films since the 1970s and is known for movies like "The Rookie," "The Day After Tomorrow" and "The Right Stuff." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement More: Steuben County venue named Best Family Friendly Campground, Best Glamping in New York awards Residents and supporters are encouraged to help spread the excitement as Steuben County takes the national stage, county officials said. A one-minute commercial segment is available on the Steuben County website at steubencountyny.gov This article originally appeared on The Leader: Steuben County, NY to be featured on 'Viewpoint with Dennis Quaid' With deer archery hunting season well underway and just a week left before gun-toting hunters spread out in the wilds of eastern Oklahoma, the state's governor and attorney general have locked antlers in a fight over state authority, indigenous sovereignty and the rights of hunters on tribal reservations. After Attorney General Gentner Drummond intervened to drop charges against a Choctaw citizen charged with hunting without a state-issued license, Gov. Kevin Stitt announced the appointment of a special prosecutor willing "to pursue charges against those who break the law in Oklahoma." The issue is whether Oklahoma has the authority to prosecute tribal citizens for hunting or fishing within a tribal reservation if they don't have a state-issued license. Stitt, a frequent critic of tribal sovereignty, claims that the state has every right to charge a person who commits this kind of crime within state borders. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Tribal governments argue their right to regulate hunting and fishing on their reservations is bound by treaty with the United States, treaties that were signed before Oklahoma became a state. Drummond, a man who's running for governor and who's take on tribal sovereignty is often opposite of Stitt's, is now warning Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation leadership that following Stitt's advice could put the state, agency officials and game wardens at "significant legal and financial risk." More: Oklahoma deer season 2025: What to know about new rules, limits, youth hunting, archery "These enforcement actions are not merely ill-advised they are unlawful. They expose individual ODWC officers to personal liability under (federal law)," Drummond wrote in a letter to ODWC on Nov. 14. "They waste limited law enforcement and prosecutorial resources on cases that cannot succeed. And they inflict significant harm on the state's government-to-government relationships with the Five Tribes relationships that took years to rebuild and that benefit all Oklahomans." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Nov. 12 letter appointing special prosecutor Russ Cochran authorizes him to commence civil or criminal actions, specifically to enforce state game and fish laws. "State and federal courts have been clear. The state of Oklahoma can prosecute Indians who commit non-major crimes in our state," Stitt said in a public announcement the next day. "I will not stand by and allow lawless Drummond to undermine district attorneys who are prosecuting crimes and keeping Oklahomans safe." Cochran is former assistant district attorney for Lincoln and Pottawattamie Counties and former general counsel for the Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics. Drummond has given ODWC until Monday, Nov. 17, to confirm that the agency has rescinded any directives and enforcement policies regarding tribal members hunting or fishing in Indian Country, a term used for tribal reservations that were established by U.S. treaty and re-recognized in recent caselaw beginning with the U.S. Supreme Court's McGirt ruling. Most of eastern Oklahoma lies within reservations of five Indian nations: Cherokee, Chickasaw, Choctaw, Seminole and Muscogee (Creek). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The agency was also instructed by Drummond to withdraw any pending citations and work cooperatively with Oklahoma tribes to address any "legitimate wildlife conservation concerns." The attorney general also wants a detailed explanation of who ordered the agency to commit to a policy of ticketing tribal members. "I take no pleasure in the prospect of litigation between state agencies," Drummond wrote. "But my paramount obligation is to the rule of law and to the protection of Oklahoma's legal and fiscal interests. ODWC's current policy threatens both." This story has been updated to add new information. This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Stitt, Drummond at odds over tribal hunting licenses, citations The change would apply to certain reciprocal tariffs the president announced in April, including on products coming from countries that have not struck trade deals with the administration, the people said, discussing a pending announcement on the condition of anonymity. The exemptions are expected to include beef and citrus products, although the people cautioned that President Trump had not made a final decision. The issue of increasing beef imports has been a source of contention among U.S. ranchers, who say it runs counter to Mr. Trumps philosophy of boosting domestic production. If the proposal goes forward, it would be the latest rollback of one of the presidents key economic policies over growing concerns about affordability, even as Mr. Trump has insisted wrongly that prices are down. Last week, Democrats won elections around the country in large part by harnessing worries about the cost of living. The plan likely to take effect goes beyond the exemptions that Mr. Trump proposed in September in an executive order, which would have been confined to products that are not primarily made or grown in the United States, and which are purchased from countries with which the Trump administration has struck trade deals. DODOMA, Tanzania (AP) Tanzanias president announced on Friday that her administration has formed an inquiry commission to probe killings that occurred during election protests last month, and said she had ordered the release of some of the arrested youths. During her first parliamentary address since the election, President Samia Suluhu Hassan said Friday that the commission would look into issues that led to the unrest and help inform the reconciliation and peace efforts the government was planning to undertake. The U.N. human rights chief, Volker Turk, had called for a probe into the killings and the alleged concealing of evidence. Young people in Tanzania began demonstrating on election day on Oct. 29 to protest the exclusion of presidential candidates from the two main opposition parties. President Hassan was declared the winner with more than 97% of the total votes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hundreds of people were arrested during three days of protests, and some face treason charges. President Hassan said that as a mother, she had forgiven those who may have joined the protests out of peer pressure. For those who were just following the wave, let them be counselled and released, she said. President Hassan acknowledged the opposition party Chademas demands that, for any meaningful dialogue and reconciliation to happen, constitutional reforms were key, and she said that her administration would embark on a constitutional reform process within its first 100 days. The Chadema party had been calling for constitutional reforms and was barred from taking part in the recent election after demanding basic electoral reforms before the polls. The Chadema party leader, Tundu Lissu, remains in prison and is facing treason charges, and his trial is yet to resume following the election protests. His deputy, John Heche, was arrested on election day and released three weeks later. Tanzania's President Samia Suluhu Hassan has announced an official investigation the unrest that broke out during election week, following accusations that her government was responsible for violently crushing historic protests. She was declared the winner of last month's presidential poll with 98% of the vote - a result the opposition has denounced as a "mockery of democracy." At least 240 people were charged with treason after the protests. As well as the commission of inquiry, President Samia has also asked prosecutors to "show leniency" towards those arrested in connection with the violence. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Quoting the Bible, she said: "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." Her remarks come just days after the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Turk, urged Tanzanian authorities to conduct a full and transparent investigation into reports of killings and other serious human rights violations during and after the 29 October elections. Hundreds may have died in post-election unrest, according to the opposition. The authorities are yet to release an official death toll. The violence was shocking for a nation that had cultivated an image of calm, consensus and order for nearly six decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During an address to parliament on Friday, President Samia urged prosecutors to consider reducing or dropping charges for individuals who may have been swept up in the unrest without fully understanding their actions. "I am aware that many young people have been arrested and charged with treason. They did not fully understand what they were getting involved in," she said. "As a mother and guardian of this nation, I am directing law-enforcement agencies, especially the DPP's office, to show leniency." Samia also called on political parties to meet and discuss how to conduct politics without causing harm to the country. She reaffirmed her commitment to initiating a new constitution-making process. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The protests, organised by young people, drew clear parallels with global Gen Z-led mobilisations against entrenched leadership and unresponsive governments. Analysts say while the unrest was unprecedented for Tanzania, it was preceded by a tense political climate - marked by stalled reforms, years of simmering youth anger, power tussles within the ruling party and the sustained persecution of opposition leaders. In the months preceding election day, the CCM government worked to systematically eliminate any credible competition, according to analysts. The two main opposition leaders were blocked from standing in last month's poll - Tundu Lissu is in detention on treason charges, which he denies, while Luhaga Mpina's candidacy was rejected on technical grounds. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During her first term in office, Samia's approach to leadership had been initially admired both at home and abroad as she allowed opposition parties to organise rallies and criticise the government without the fear of grave repercussions. She had pledged to re-open Tanzania to the world through her "4R" doctrine - reconciliation, resilience, rebuilding and reform. But months to the election, a wave of abductions, arrests and the brutal killings of opposition members gripped the country, shattering hopes for reforms and reconciliation. Additional reporting by Natasha Booty More BBC stories on Tanzania: [Getty Images/BBC] Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent. Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica BBC Africa podcasts (Reuters) -JPMorgan Chase has secured deals that will ensure it receives payments from fintech companies for access to its customer bank account data by third-party apps, CNBC reported on Friday, citing sources familiar with the matter. The agreements were struck with data aggregators including Plaid, Yodlee, Morningstar and Akoya, Drew Pusateri, a JPMorgan Chase spokesperson, told Reuters. Data aggregators are intermediaries who link banks with fintech firms. They previously accessed customer account data from banks such as JPMorgan without paying for it, enabling fintech apps to offer services like budgeting and payments - an arrangement that drew criticism from lenders concerned about data security and fair compensation. "The free market worked. After productive conversations with our aggregator and fintech partners, we've come to agreements that will make the open banking ecosystem safer and more sustainable - and allow customers to continue reliably and securely accessing their favorite financial products," Pusateri added. The deals follow weeks of talks between the largest U.S. bank and the aggregators, with JPMorgan agreeing to a lower fee than initially proposed and fintech intermediaries securing concessions on how data requests are handled, the CNBC report added. The Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) "open banking" rule, introduced last year under the Biden administration, set standards for data sharing between fintechs and banks, enabling consumers to move personal financial data between providers at no cost. Banks, facing potential losses, swiftly criticized the rule, arguing it risked consumer data security and overstepped the agency's authority, while fintech firms welcomed it, saying it would enable secure sharing of consumer data. The CFPB kicked off a do-over of its "open banking" regulations in August, amid public pressure from fintech firms and crypto entrepreneurs. The Trump administration had initially sided with a banking industry call to scrap the regulations entirely, claiming they exceeded the agency's legal powers, before changing tack earlier in the year, citing "recent events in the marketplace." (Reporting by Pritam Biswas in Bengaluru; Editing by Maju Samuel) A teenager is facing criminal charges after two workers were injured in an incident at a Boston tow yard on Thursday night, officials said. Diogo Silva, 19, of Medford, is slated to be arraigned Friday in Somerville District Court on charges including assault and battery with a deadly weapon causing serious injury, according to Massachusetts State Police. Emergency crews responding to Cityside Towing in Bostons Charlestown neighborhood learned Silva, who troopers arrested earlier in the day for allegedly operating with a suspended license, had attempted to retrieve his vehicle from the tow yard. When the tow company refused to release his car, Silva tried to drive off the lot, striking two workers in their 50s before fleeing the scene, according to state police. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Silvas car was found abandoned by Medford police a short time later. Troopers then tracked him down and took him into custody. As of Friday morning, there was no word on the severity of the workers injuries. An investigation is ongoing. This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available. Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW Beyza and Diyar are two members of the Turkish Team Ceres, runners-up in The Earth Prize who created a new crop-boosting technology called Plantzma. Euronews reported that the idea came from Beyza's reading on exoplanets, faraway planets orbiting stars other than the sun. "I was reading NASA's articles so much, and NASA has so much work about plasma and its wide range of uses," she told the publication. Plasma is a state of matter like solid, liquid, and gas. It's what happens when a gas is so charged with energy that molecules can't hold onto their electrons. As Euronews pointed out, plasma is "rare on Earth but abundant in space." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Beyza, Diyar, and their team developed an ingenious way to use plasma in farming. Their Plantzma device does two things to help. First, it treats seeds, creating microscopic cracks in their outer coatings. This makes it easier for the seeds to sprout, so more individual plants develop, increasing yields. "In the direct treatment, we treat the seeds in a container with plasma before cultivation and this increases the resistance to diseases, drought, and other environmental stressors," Diyar told Euronews. Second, Plantzma can be used with water to turn it into an eco-friendly, nitrogen-rich fertilizer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "In the indirect treatment, we treat irrigation water with plasma, enriching its properties to benefit plant growth," said Diyar. "That process turns the water into plasma fertilizer which supplies essential nutrients for the plant and stimulates fruit and vegetables." That kind of help is sorely needed since Turkey is being severely affected by the Earth's rising temperature and the extreme weather that follows. "Our idea for Plantzma originated from the agricultural challenges we observed in our community and family," said Beyza. "Many people we know work in agriculture. They face significant issues due to drought and crop failure there has been a 40% decline in precipitation rates, leading to an 80% crop loss." But a single Plantzma device, which costs roughly $190, can reduce fertilizer use by 40% while still preventing 60% of crop loss, Euronews said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The team intentionally designed its product for use in even the poorest areas of the world. "The solution can be implemented anywhere in the world where agriculture is [prevalent], including many places that don't have access to modern technologies," said Beyza. The team is trying to raise funding to achieve that. Meanwhile, Diyar is starting a major in electrical engineering at NYU Abu Dhabi, while Beyza intends to major in environmental engineering and political science. Renters and activists urged the St. Paul City Council not to exempt affordable housing from the city's rent control policy during a public hearing on Aug. 24, 2022. Without resources for enforcement, the author argues, tenant protections like rent conrol are too often moot. (Photo by Max Nesterak/Minnesota Reformer) A 4-3 St. Paul City Council vote in September offers a cautionary tale for cities nationwide: Rights without enforcement create systems where even well-intentioned officials struggle to make protections work. When tenants on Ashland Avenue faced 28.5% rent increases despite living with water leaks, mold, deteriorating foundations and wobbly staircases, they spent months fighting for protections the city should have provided automatically. The narrow majority (Councilmembers Cheniqua Johnson, Hwa Jeong Kim, Rebecca Noecker and Nelsie Yang) sided with tenants, limiting increases to 3%. Thats the good news. But dissenting council members Molly Coleman, Anika Bowie, and Saura Jost revealed how enforcement gaps force impossible choices for tenants and city government alike. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Cities nationwide have embraced tenant protection policies rent control, just-cause eviction, habitability standards but then they dont fund enforcement. The result is paper rights tenants cannot access these protections unless they have enormous resources to take on landlords, public officials and bureaucratic inertia. This case illustrates St. Pauls approach to tenant issues: create elaborate protections on paper, provide minimal enforcement, then blame tenants for the resulting dysfunction. The citys rent stabilization ordinance caps annual increases at 3% but allows exceptions, including for landlords who can demonstrate need for reasonable return on investment. As it stands, tenants can appeal these increases. Since 2022, just 29 tenant appeals have made it to the City Council with roughly 7 in 10 cases denied prior to this Septembers case. What happened on Ashland Avenue shows how this entire process actually works: City staff approved a 28.5% increase after reviewing financial documents, apparently without adequately assessing whether the units met basic maintenance standards, with the hearing officer suggesting the council do the same through denial of tenant appeals against such an increase. Only when tenants organized and appealed did problems come to light. Instead of ensuring standards were met before approving rent increases, the city required tenants to prove their units were substandard. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In other words: Heres your rights good luck enforcing them on your own. When enforcement fails, officials often choose landlords When council members voted against limiting the rent increase, their reasoning revealed how enforcement gaps force impossible choices and whose interests get prioritized. Coleman and Jost deferred to systems that had already failed. Coleman argued habitability questions should be determined through city inspections or in housing court even though the Department of Safety and Inspections had failed to assess conditions before approving increases. Both said: Trust the process, even when the process just failed. Bowie opposed the tenants appeal to protect naturally occurring affordable housing. Despite acknowledging unsafe stairways and deterioration, she proposed allowing a 20% increase because landlords would be operating at a net zero while complying with city code. For other Ashland units: These rents are below market rate This isnt a situation of a landlord trying to jack up the rent. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This asks tenants to absorb substandard conditions and major rent increases to preserve landlord viability. Tenants living with mold and unsafe conditions are already subsidizing the landlords operation with their health. The dissenting votes werent from incomplete information the council had extensive documentation from a HUD-certified inspector and tenant testimony. These were value choices about whose interests matter most when enforcement fails. The 4-3 vote shows why enforcement gaps are corrosive: They burden tenants while forcing officials into impossible choices. Without adequate enforcement, city leaders default to preserving the status quo. The result: tenants lose. The broader lesson Tenant protections fail without three components: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Proactive enforcement: Cities must verify compliance before approving harmful actions. Complaint-driven enforcement burdens vulnerable tenants and forces officials to decide with incomplete information. Landlords with significant property violations should no longer hide on a city council consent agenda when their license comes up for renewal or when they self-certify their rent increases, but be subject to investigation and discussion before the public who sanctions their business in the first place. Adequate resources: St. Paul budgeted less than $500,000 for rent stabilization in 2025 to oversee thousands of units. It was insufficient this year, and as half of our city rents, it will continue to be without significantly more money. This budget gap forces officials to make judgment calls without verification infrastructure, and leaves city staff forced to cut corners when they would rather do the right thing by their neighbors. Clear authority: The dissenting members uncertainty about considering habitability reflects unclear authority allowing failures to continue. Cities must define enforcement standards clearly, and do so in a way that provides clarity to decision-makers and to those seeking remediation. Without these, tenant protections exhaust tenants while leaving officials navigating claims without support. The 4-3 vote went right, but three dissenting votes revealed how enforcement failures create impossible situations. In cities implementing tenant protections, the lesson is that rights without enforcement dont just fail tenants they create systems where even well-intentioned officials lack tools to make protections work. Audio recording is automated for accessibility. Humans wrote and edited the story. See our AI policy, and give us feedback. Democratic candidates for Texas governor on Thursday cast themselves as the best pick to unseat Gov. Greg Abbott, who is seeking a fourth term. Speaking at a Texas Tribune Festival event, state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, D-Austin, said Abbott was to blame for the states biggest problem corruption. He was the object of her derision for the half-hour interview, even when she was pressed to respond to her primary challenger, Andrew White. She said shes focused on defeating Abbott in next years general election to ensure everyday Texans have a state leader who works for them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The first order of business when Im elected governor will be to stop the corruption, Hinojosa said, referencing a program created by the Legislature this year to offer parents vouchers to send their kids to private school a top priority of Abbott that had repeatedly failed in previous legislative sessions. Meanwhile, White, a Houston businessman and son of former Gov. Mark White, branded himself as an independent Democrat who could win statewide office a feat no Democrat has accomplished since 1994. White said that he is pro-life but people should have access to safe and legal abortions. He believes that women should not be criminalized for having an abortion and doctors should not be criminalized over providing abortions. He also said he believes there should be a pathway to citizenship for undocumented people as well as a secure U.S-Mexico border. Both he and Hinojosa vowed to eliminate the states school vouchers program, already being implemented across the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Im into strategy and Im into winning, White said. Whoever emerges victorious in the Democratic primary will face an uphill battle against the governor. Abbott is a prolific fundraiser and currently has nearly $90 million in his campaign war chest. The Texas State Board of Education is reshaping how public schools will teach social studies for years to come, but its recent selection of the panelists who will advise members during the process is causing concern among educators, historians and both Democrats and Republicans, who say the panels composition is further indication that the state wants to prioritize hard-right conservative viewpoints. The Republican-dominated education board earlier this year officially launched the process of redesigning Texas social studies standards, which outline in detail what students should know by the time of graduation. The group, which will meet again in mid-November, is aiming to finalize the standards by next summer, with classroom implementation expected in 2030. A majority of the 15 members in September agreed on the instructional framework schools will use in each grade to teach social studies, already marking a drastic shift away from Texas current approach. The board settled on a plan with a heavy focus on Texas and U.S. history and less emphasis on world history, geography and cultures. Conservative groups like Texas Public Policy Foundation and the Heritage Foundation championed the framework, while educators largely opposed it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In the weeks that followed, the board selected a panel of nine advisers who will offer feedback and recommendations during the process. The panel appears to include only one person currently working in a Texas public school district and has at least three people associated with far-right conservative activism. That includes individuals who have criticized diversity efforts, questioned school lessons highlighting the historical contributions of people of color, and promoted beliefs debunked by historians that America was founded as a Christian nation. That group includes David Barton, a far-right conservative Christian activist who gained national prominence arguing against common interpretations of the First Amendments establishment clause, which prevents the government from endorsing or promoting a religion. Barton believes that America was founded as a Christian nation, which many historians have disproven. Critics of Bartons work have pointed to his lack of formal historical training and a book he authored over a decade ago, The Jefferson Lies, that was pulled from the shelves due to historical details that were not adequately supported. Brandon Hall, an Aledo Republican who co-appointed Barton, has defended the decision, saying it reflected the perspectives and priorities of his district. Another panelist is Jordan Adams, a self-described independent education consultant who holds degrees from Hillsdale College, a Michigan-based campus known nationally for its hard-right political advocacy and efforts to shape classroom instruction in a conservative Christian vision. Adams desire to flip school boards and overhaul social studies instruction in other states has drawn community backlash over recommendations on books and curriculum that many felt reflected his political bias. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Adams has proclaimed that there is no such thing as expertise, describing it as a label to shut down any type of dialogue and pretend that you cant use your own brain to figure things out. He has called on school boards to craft policies to eliminate student surveys, diversity efforts and what he considers critical race theory, a college-level academic and legal framework examining how racism is embedded in laws, policies and institutions. Critical race theory is not taught in K-12 public schools but has become a shorthand for conservative criticism of how schools teach children about race. In an emailed response to questions from The Texas Tribune, Adams pointed to his earlier career experience as a teacher and said he understands what constitutes quality teaching. Adams also said he wants to ensure Texan students are taught using the best history and civics standards in America and that he views the purpose of social studies as forming wise and virtuous citizens who know and love their country. Every teacher in America falls somewhere along the political spectrum, and all are expected to set their personal views aside when teaching. The same goes for myself and my fellow content advisors, Adams said. Of course, given that this is public education, any efforts must support the U.S. Constitution and Texas Constitution, principles of the American founding, and the perpetuation of the American experiment in free self-government. Republicans Aaron Kinsey and LJ Francis, who co-appointed Adams, could not be reached for interviews. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement David Randall, executive director of the Civics Alliance and research director of the National Association of Scholars, was also appointed a content adviser. He has criticized standards he felt were animated by a radical identity-politics ideology and hostile to America and groups such as whites, men, and Christians. Randall has written that vocabulary emphasizing systemic racism, power, bias, and diversity cannot coexist with inquiry into truth much less affection for America. He has called the exclusion of the Bible and Christianity in social studies instruction bizarre, adding that no one should find anything controversial about teaching the role of Judeo-Christian values in colonial North America. Randall told the Tribune in an email that his goal is to advise Texas as best I can. He did not respond to questions about his expertise and how he would work to ensure his personal beliefs do not bleed into the social studies revisions. Randall was appointed by Republican board members Evelyn Brooks and Audrey Young, both of whom told the Tribune that they chose him not because of his political views but because of his national expertise in history and civics, which they think can help Texas improve social studies instruction. I really cant sit here and say that I agree with everything he has said. I dont even know everything that he has said. Brooks said. What I can say is that I can refer to his work. I can say that he emphasizes integrating civics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The advisory panel also consists of a social studies curriculum coordinator in the Prosper school district and university professors with expertise ranging from philosophy to military studies. The group notably includes Kate Rogers, former president of the Alamo Trust, who recently resigned from her San Antonio post after Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick criticized her over views she expressed in a doctoral dissertation suggesting she disagreed with state laws restricting classroom instruction on race and slavery. Seven of the content advisers were selected by two State Board of Education members each, while Texas Commissioner of Higher Education Wynn Rosser chose the two other panelists. Board member Tiffany Clark, a Democrat, did not appoint an adviser, and she told the Tribune that she plans to hold a press conference during the boards November meeting to address what happened. Staci Childs, a Democrat from Houston serving on the State Board of Education, said she had anticipated that the content advisory group would include extremely conservative people. But her colleagues choices, she said, make her feel like kids are not at the forefront right now. Pam Little, who is the boards vice chair, is one of two members who appear to have chosen the only content adviser with active experience working in a Texas K-12 public school district. The Fairview Republican called the makeup of the advisory panel disappointing. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think it signals that were going in a direction where we teach students what we want them to know, rather than what really happened, Little said. The boards recent decisions show that some members are more focused on promoting political agendas rather than teaching the truth, said Rocio Fierro-Perez, political director of the Texas Freedom Network, a progressive advocacy organization that monitors the State Board of Educations decisions. Whether your political beliefs are conservative, liberal, or middle of the road really shouldnt disqualify you from participating in the process to overhaul these social studies standards, Fierro-Perez said. But its wildly inappropriate to appoint unqualified political activists and professional advocates with their own agendas, in leading roles and guiding what millions of Texas kids are going to be learning in classrooms. Other board members and content advisers insist that it is too early in the process to make such judgments. They say those discussions should wait until the actual writing of the standards takes place, which is when the board can directly address concerns about the new framework. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also note that while content advisers play an integral role in offering guidance, the process will include groups of educators who help write the standards. State Board of Education members will then make final decisions. Recent years have shown that even those within the boards 10-member Republican majority often disagree with one another, making the final result of the social studies revisions difficult to predict. Donald Frazier, a Texas historian at Schreiner University in Kerrville and chair of Texas 1836 Project advisory committee, who was also appointed a content adviser, said that based on the panelists conversations so far, I think that theres a lot more there than may meet the eye. Theres people that have thought about things like pedagogy and how children learn and educational theory, all the way through this panel, Frazier said. Theres always going to be hand-wringing and pearl-clutching and double-guessing and second-guessing. Weve got to keep our eye on the students of Texas and what we want these kids to be able to do when they graduate to become functioning members of our society. The makeup of the advisory panel and the Texas-heavy instructional framework approved in September is the latest sign of frustration among conservative Republicans who often criticize how public schools approach topics like race and gender. They have passed laws in recent years placing restrictions on how educators can discuss those topics and pushed for instruction to more heavily emphasize American patriotism and exceptionalism. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the new framework, kindergarteners through second graders will learn about the key people, places and events throughout Texas and U.S. history. The plan will weave together in chronological order lessons on the development of Western civilization, the U.S., and Texas during grades 3-8, with significant attention on Texas and the U.S. after fifth grade. Eighth-grade instruction will prioritize Texas, as opposed to the broader focus on national history that currently exists. The framework also eliminates the sixth-grade world cultures course. When lessons across all grades are combined, Texas will by far receive the most attention, while world history will receive the least though world history would receive more time under the new framework than the one currently used. During a public comment period in September, educators criticized the new plans lack of attention to geography and cultures outside of America. They opposed how it divides instruction on Texas, U.S. and world history into percentages every school year, as opposed to providing students an entire grade to fully grasp one or two social studies concepts at a time. They said the plans strict chronological structure could disrupt how kids identify historical trends and cause-and-effect relationships, which can happen more effectively through a thematic instructional approach. But that criticism did not travel far with some Republicans, who argue that drastic changes in education will almost always prompt negative responses from educators accustomed to teaching a certain way. They point to standardized test results showing less than half of Texas students performing at grade level in social studies as evidence that the current instructional approach is not working. They also believe the politicization of education began long before the social studies overhaul, but in a way that prioritizes left-leaning perspectives. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Unfortunately, I think it boils down to this: Whats the alternative? said Matthew McCormick, education director of the conservative Texas Public Policy Foundation. It always seems to come down to, if its not maximally left-wing, then its conservative indoctrination. Thats my perspective. What is the alternative to the political and policymaking process? Is it to let teachers do whatever they want? Is it to let the side that lost the elections do what they want? Im not sure. Theres going to be judgments about these sorts of things. This is not the first time the board has garnered attention for its efforts to reshape social studies instruction. The group in 2022 delayed revisions to the standards after pressure from Republican lawmakers who complained that they downplayed Texan and American exceptionalism and amounted to far-left indoctrination. Texas was also in the national spotlight roughly a dozen years prior for the boards approval of standards that reflected conservative viewpoints on topics like religion and economics. Social studies teachers share the sentiment that Texas can do a better job equipping students with knowledge about history, geography, economics and civics, but many push back on the notion that theyre training children to adhere to a particular belief system. With challenges like budget shortfalls and increased class sizes, they say it is shortsighted to blame Texas academic shortcomings on educators or the current learning standards not to mention that social studies instruction often takes a backseat to subjects like reading and math. I think were giving a lot more credit to this idea that were using some sort of political motivation to teach. We teach the standards. The standards are there. Thats what we teach, said Courtney Williamson, an eighth-grade social studies teacher at a school district northwest of Austin. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When students graduate, some will compete for global jobs. Others may go to colleges across the U.S. or even internationally. That highlights the importance, educators say, of providing students with a broad understanding of the world around them and teaching them how to think critically. But with the recent moves requiring a significant overhaul of current instruction a process that will likely prove labor-intensive and costly some educators suspect that Texas leaders end goal is to establish a public education system heavily reliant on state-developed curricula and training. Thats the only way some can make sense of the new teaching framework or the makeup of the content advisory panel. Im really starting to notice an atmosphere of fear from a lot of people in education, both teachers and, I think, people higher up in districts, said Amy Ceritelli-Plouff, a sixth-grade world cultures teacher in North Texas. When you study history, you look at prior conflicts and times in our history when there has been extremism and maybe too much government control or involvement in things; it starts with censoring and controlling education. Disclosure: Schreiner University, Texas Freedom Network and Texas Public Policy Foundation have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. LUBBOCK, Texas In the board room of the Texas Tech University System Office, applause rang out from university presidents, staff and leadership as they praised the accomplishments of the chancellor, who is set to leave after more than a decade with the system. As those around him gave him a standing ovation, Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell looked stoic yet teary-eyed, as this was his last Board of Regents meeting as chancellor before the newly named Chancellor Brandon Creighton is set to take the helm of the system on Nov. 19. Others are reading: Who is Brandon Creighton? What to know about the next Texas Tech University System chancellor Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This has been an absolute honor of a lifetime," Mitchell said. "Thank you for everything y'all have done for me and my family, and we will always, in our hearts, be the biggest advocates for every university we have in the Texas Tech University System." Mitchell is set to take a step back and become the chancellor emeritus for the system and president emeritus for the TTU Health Sciences Center in Lubbock. Outgoing Chancellor Dr. Tedd Mitchell sits as people clap for him and his accomplishments during his tenure at the Texas Tech University System on Nov. 14, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. However, Board of Regents Chairman Cody Campbell said, Mitchell will still be involved in some projects within the system. "There are some very important initiatives that you and only you can get done especially on the healthcare side," Campbell said. "We need your help and your continued involvement." Welcoming the new chancellor But as the Mitchell steps back, the system is looking to a new face one some might be familiar with from the Texas Senate to lead the system and all five component universities into its next chapter of growth Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During that same meeting, the regents welcomed Chancellor-elect Creighton to his first meeting, where he also provided a glimpse of his vision for the Tech system's future. "My attitude is never being second," Creighton said. "We are going to never have ceilings, and we are going to achieve so many victories together." Chancellor-elect Brandon Creighton smiles during the Texas Tech University System Board of Regents meeting on Nov. 14, 2025 in Lubbock, Texas. Creighton's first day is set for Nov. 19, 2025. He said he wants to make sure the system is highly visible on a national level and that others envy it for what it is accomplishing and being the tip of the spear for higher education in Texas and the U.S. "The future of the Texas Tech University System is wide open," Creighton said. "We got the momentum, the talent and certainly the mission and the purpose." New degrees Bidding farewell and welcoming weren't the only things on the agenda for the regents to hear and take action on. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board heard and approved the following new degrees that are set to come to Texas Tech, pending approval from the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board. B.A. in Religious Studies. According to the Texas Tech catalog, the university already offers Religion Studies as a minor, with students able to pick 18 hours from classes covering various Abrahamic and non-Abrahamic religions. The reason the university gave to the regents for implementing this degree was that the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2032, there will be an additional 29,900 jobs in the U.S. in religious studies, with 360,000 jobs currently. "This program would be the first fully online program of its kind at a public institution in Texas," reads the agenda book. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement If approved by the THECB, the university hopes to have over 250 students enrolled in the program by year five and would be housed under the Department of Philosophy in the College of Arts and Sciences. B.S. in Aerospace Engineering Aerospace Engineering is another minor that is being changed to a full degree if approved. This new degree would seek to bridge the gap in the Texas workforce in data analytics, aeronautics and advanced manufacturing. The program would also utilize the Texas University Fund TUF Fund to hire a tenured track professor as the program launches. If approved by the THECB, the university hopes to have over 350 students enrolled in the program by year five and would be housed under the Edward E. Whitacre Jr. College of Engineering. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The board approved all items on the agenda without debate and is set to meet again in late February 2026 in Dallas. Mateo Rosiles is a reporter for the Lubbock Avalanche-Journal and USA TODAY Network in Texas. Got a news tip for him? Email him: mrosiles@lubbockonline.com. This article originally appeared on Lubbock Avalanche-Journal: Texas Tech System bids farewell to Chancellor Mitchell, welcomes Creighton A Russian drone has slammed into a block of flats in eastern Kyiv, killing six people and wounding dozens of others, during a wave of strikes throughout the Ukrainian capital. As emergency workers sifted through the wreckage in the Lisovyi area, one Kyiv resident called Vita described how the drone had pierced the building, exploding on the other side. Meanwhile, Ukraine stepped up its attacks on Russia's oil infrastructure, with drone strikes on one of its biggest export terminals in Novorossiysk, on the Black Sea coast. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Fire broke out at the Sheskharis oil refinery, and a ship and a block of flats were hit, officials said. Krasnodar governor Veniamin Kondratyev said three crew members and another man were hurt in the attack which damaged the main oil depot and a container terminal. Mayor Andrei Kravchenko declared a state of emergency and Reuters reported that oil exports were suspended. President Volodymyr Zelensky said Ukraine had fired long-range "Long Neptune" cruise missiles during its attacks on Russia overnight, without specifying what they targeted. Kyiv fire service said the drone destroyed several floors of the entire block of flats [Reuters] Condemning Russia's overnight attacks as vile and calculated, Zelensky said about 430 drones and 18 missiles had been launched and dozens of high-rise buildings damaged. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure," he said. A drone attack on a market at Chornomorsk in the south of the country killed two people. In Kyiv, residential buildings came under attack "in practically every district", the head of the city's military administration Tymur Tkachenko said on Telegram. He issued a warning to take shelter a minute after midnight local time on Thursday night, writing "it's loud in Kyiv". The fire service in the Lisovyi neighbourhood said later the drone had hit the seventh floor of the residential building. When it exploded all the floors - from the eighth down to the fourth - collapsed, a spokesman told the BBC. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Vita said she saw four bodies being pulled out of the apartment a few doors down from hers: "I saw it with my own eyes." Two cranes hoisted emergency workers outside the block, as crews combed through the destroyed building, throwing broken sections of wall and shattered glass to the ground. Falling debris and fires damaged several high-rise apartment buildings, a hospital, school and administrative buildings, according to emergency services. More than 40 people were rescued, they added, including 14 from a fire in a residential building. Another person was rescued after being pulled from beneath the rubble, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyiv's energy infrastructure was badly hit, leaving some buildings in the capital without heat, officials said. "The attack was massive, with drones, with ballistic [missiles], with lots of air defence working," Ukrainian MP Lisa Yasko told the BBC. "Very often there was the feeling that your bed was just shaking together with the windows." Medical teams were deployed to all fires, officials said, while Mayor Vitali Klitschko said nine people were being treated in hospital with one man in an "extremely serious condition". Witnesses described how a Russian drone pierced the entire block of flats in Kyiv before exploding [Reuters] Ukraine's air force warned drones and guided bombs had been targeting several other regions, including Sumy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The overnight strikes follow the deaths of six people in another Russian offensive less than a week ago that also damaged residential buildings and energy infrastructure. Russia says its attacks on energy targets - now a familiar part of the war - are aimed at the Ukrainian military, although Kyiv has long rejected that claim. Longmont Public Safety made three warrant arrests across the city on Thursday. Police also made arrests for domestic incidents and a restraining order violation on Thursday. On Wednesday, police made an arrest for a disturbance in the 2400 block of Lincoln Street. Among Thursdays other calls: At 12:44 a.m., police made an arrest in a domestic incident in the 400 block of Timm Way. At 12:11 a.m., police made an arrest in a domestic incident in the 1000 block of Fourth Avenue. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At 10:43 a.m., officers made an arrest in a domestic incident in the 1600 block of Lashley Street. At 1:42 p.m., police made a warrant arrest in the 2500 block of East Ken Pratt Boulevard. At 1 p.m., officers executed a warrant arrest in the 300 block of Lashley Street. At 12:34 p.m., police made a restraining order violation arrest in the 200 block of Kimbark Street. At 4:46 p.m., police executed a warrant arrest in the 1100 block of Boston Avenue. At 7:32 p.m., officers made an arrest in a domestic incident in the 1600 block of Cowles Avenue. Most mornings, Longmont police report the previous days calls, reports, warnings and arrests. For details from police logs from this past week and beyond, visit the Times-Call police notes page at timescall.com/tag/police-blotter. TikTok influencer HSTikkyTokky has been sentenced for crashing a McLaren supercar and then spending nearly a year on the run from police. The 24-year-old, whose name is Harrison Sullivan, pleaded guilty to dangerous driving and driving without insurance. Sullivan had been wanted by Surrey Police in connection with the crash in Virginia Water in March last year. He failed to attend court in November and later posted social media videos from Qatar, Dubai, Thailand and Spain, but was arrested in October. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At Staines Magistrates' Court, Sullivan was given a 12-month prison sentence, suspended for two years, disqualified from driving for two years and ordered to undertake 300 hours of unpaid work. He was also sentenced to a three-month curfew and ordered to be electronically monitored, complete an extended driving test after two years and undertake 30 days of rehabilitation. The judge described Sullivan's actions as a "deliberate decision to ignore the rules of the road". However, she added that she would not hand out a harsher sentence in order to set an example to his large social media following. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In a letter to the court, Sullivan said he was "ashamed" of his actions. "I understand that if I am acting in a dangerous way, this could influence others to do the same," he said. "Spreading a positive message and helping people less fortunate than myself, that's what makes me the happiest." Sullivan was driving a purple McLaren on the A30 when it crashed, the court heard [Surrey Police] Sullivan was driving a purple McLaren at more than 71mph on the single-carriageway A30, which has a 40mph speed limit, when it crashed with another vehicle, the court heard. He has amassed more than a million followers across all social media platforms. His content often shows his lavish lifestyle, with him on nights out with young revellers. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Witnesses to the crash said Sullivan was "in a supercar going extremely fast", with one stating that he was travelling "at least 100mph or more" before the collision. Sullivan, of Hutton, near Brentwood, in Essex, was extradited from Spain to the UK after being arrested on unrelated matters, the court was told. A fresh hearing will take place in January next year to decide how much Sullivan must pay to Surrey Police and the Crown Prosecution Service for the additional costs involved in pursuing him abroad. The prosecution has applied for 18,049.47 to be paid to Surrey Police for a chartered flight to bring Sullivan back to the UK. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Sullivan was set to appear in a Louis Theroux documentary for Netflix exploring the impact of online misogyny on young boys. Follow BBC Surrey on Facebook or X. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250. More on this story Related internet links Next week's global conference on tobacco control will consider what to do about the sheer volume of cigarette butts trashing the planet, with some recommending banning them completely. "The best thing that we could see for the environment is getting rid of filters altogether," Andrew Black, acting head of the secretariat of the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control (FCTC), said Thursday. Plastic cigarette filters are the world's most littered item, leaching toxic chemicals into the environment and breaking down into microplastics -- while doing very little for the smoker, the secretariat said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 11th conference of the parties to the FCTC is being held in Geneva from November 17-22. The WHO warned Wednesday that the tobacco industry was trying to infiltrate and undermine the conference. - Litter and pollution - Black said that, among other topics, the gathering would look at the environmental damage wrought by the tobacco industry and its products. "An estimated 4.5 trillion cigarette butts are littered each year worldwide, making them the most common form of litter on the planet," he told reporters. "These discarded butts are toxic and a significant source of plastic pollution, due to their filters, which do not biodegrade." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Furthermore, plastic filters "don't provide any meaningful increase in the safety of cigarettes", he said. Rudiger Krech, the WHO's environment and climate change chief, said it was "high time to ban those plastics... because they are the highest pollutants in waters" and are "contaminated also with toxicants", he told a press conference. Ultimately, it will be down to countries what measures they want to take. To date, around 180 states have ratified the FCTC, which came into effect in 2005. The landmark treaty brought in a package of tobacco control measures, including picture warnings on cigarette packets, smoke-free laws and increased taxes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - Death toll - The conference will take decisions that will set the trajectory of the global tobacco epidemic for future generations, said Black. He said more than seven million deaths a year were down to tobacco -- an "entirely preventable" body count. Other major agenda items include the "aggressive marketing" of tobacco products, as well as widespread concerns about the numbers of children being lured in to a life of addiction via new means of getting kids hooked. More than 100 million people are vaping, including at least 15 million teens aged 13 to 15, according to the WHO's first global estimate of e-cigarette use. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghrebreyesus said: "Although e-cigarettes are often promoted as safer alternatives to conventional tobacco products, there is no evidence of their net benefit for public health -- but mounting evidence of their harm." - Infiltration attempts - Tedros claimed Wednesday that the tobacco industry was motivated by "one thing only: generating profit". "We are aware of attempts by the tobacco industry to infiltrate and undermine" next week's conference, he told journalists. Benn McGrady, head of the WHO's public health law and policies unit, said the tobacco industry was "lobbying like crazy" and "trying to sow division". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said their new products were being marketed as consumer products of harm reduction, but in fact bore characteristics that are "specifically attractive to children", such as bright colours and sweet flavours. Highlighting the "alarming rise in use among children" of e-cigarettes, he said the industry was launching new products on social media -- "spaces in which children and young people shape their identities". WHO wants comprehensive bans on tobacco advertising, promotion and sponsorship, including for e-cigarettes and nicotine pouches. rjm/sbk SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Thailand's second largest lender Kasikornbank is leaning on artificial intelligence and prudent lending to navigate economic headwinds and fraud risks, its chief executive Kattiya Indaravijaya told Reuters on Thursday. The lender expects AI to have a "meaningful impact" on productivity improvement within two years, she said, adding that the bank is still at the early stages of getting every unit to adopt it. For instance, she expects AI to help with the more obvious credit approval decisions, freeing up underwriters to work on applications that are less certain. Kattiya said the bank has had to be more prudent when it comes to lending, with economic conditions in Thailand still sluggish. She noted that the nation's GDP is expected to grow by less than 2% per year over the next two to three years, and that medium to long-term structural change is needed from the government. Thailand's economy is struggling with the impact of U.S. tariffs on its exports as well as lower levels of consumption, with households mired in debt. A strong Thai baht is also threatening both exports and tourism, with the nation already grappling with a 7% year-on-year fall in foreign arrivals. "Since 2022, we saw some signs that we need to be very careful, so that's why we adjusted our credit policy," she said. The bank's ratio of non-performing loans has improved as the bank is extending loans mainly to customers with whom it has a credit or payment track record. While the bank has received offers on mergers or acquisitions of fintech companies, Kattiya said that the bank is not actively studying any deals. Any deals struck will need to align with the lender's existing strategy and add value to both its customers and the bank's shareholders, she added. "We have to think very carefully before we make any decision, but there's always choices," she said. (Reporting by Jun Yuan Yong; Editing by David Stanway) NEW MEXICO (KRQE) A toxic chromium plume from Los Alamos National Laboratory has spread onto Pueblo de San Ildefonso land, with contamination levels exceeding state groundwater standards. The New Mexico Environment Department says there is no imminent threat to drinking water on pueblo land or Los Alamos County because the plume is not near any known drinking well yet. Authorities search for suspects accused of causing $150,000 in property damage NMED says that the US Department of Energys chromium mitigation efforts failed, and because of that they are planning to file a lawsuit. Health officials say that long-term chromium ingestion can lead to cancer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos. A resident of the Gaza Strip, who is one of 153 Palestinians that landed in South Africa without the correct paperwork this week, says the group did not know where they would end up when they left Israel. Loay Abu Saif, who fled Gaza with his wife and children, told Al Jazeera on Friday that the journey out of the battered and besieged enclave was a trip of suffering. We were not too convinced that any group would be able to make this kind of evacuation, Abu Saif said from Johannesburg, a day after the chartered plane his group was on landed at the citys OR Tambo International Airport. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I can say I feel safe which means a lot for Palestinians, especially for those in Gaza, he added. Details are slowly emerging of a controversial transit scheme run by a non-profit, through which activists say Israel is encouraging the displacement of Palestinians out of Gaza by helping them settle in other countries. Based on Abu Saifs testimony to Al Jazeera, the Israeli military appears to have facilitated his groups transfer through an Israeli airport. The flight carrying Abu Saif left Israels Ramon Airport and transited through Nairobi, Kenya, before landing in Johannesburg on Thursday morning, where authorities did not initially allow the passengers to disembark as the Palestinians did not have departure stamps from Israel on their documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement All in all, the journey lasted more than 24 hours and involved a change of planes. Abu Saif said his family left Gaza without knowing their final destination. They only learned they were bound for Johannesburg when boarding their connecting flight in Nairobi. Al Jazeeras Nour Odeh, reporting from Amman, Jordan, on Friday, said Israel was yet to comment on the issue, but it was unlikely the Palestinians who left did so without Israeli coordination. Nobody can approach that imaginary yellow line [in Gaza] without being shot at. These people had to be bused through the yellow line, through the 53 percent of Gaza that the Israeli army still controls and is operating in out of Gaza, through Israel to the Ramon airport, she reported. Uncertainty loomed According to Abu Saif, his wife registered the family with a nonprofit called Al-Majd Europe, with headquarters in Germany with an office in Jerusalem, according to their website. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The group advertised the registration form on social media, he revealed. On how he was selected, Abu Saif said the process appeared to focus on families with children and required a valid Palestinian travel document, along with security clearance from Israel. This is all what I know about the criteria, he said. When asked whether he knew in advance when they would leave Gaza, he said no timelines were given. They told us we will inform you one day before thats what happened, he said, adding that the organisation told them not to carry any personal bags or luggage except relevant documents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In terms of cost, people were charged about $1,400-$2,000 per person for the trip, Abu Saif said. Parents also paid the same fee per child or baby they carried with them. After they were selected to leave, Abu Saif and his family were taken by bus from the southern Gaza city of Rafah to the Karem Abu Salem crossing (called Kerem Shalom in Israel), along the border with Israel, where they underwent checks before being transferred onward towards Israels Ramon Airport. He said their travel documents were not stamped by Israeli authorities, but he thought it was just a routine procedure since there were no Palestinian border officials in Gaza. We realised the problem when we reached South Africa and they were asking us Where are you coming from?' Abu Saif said. Future plans The group that organised the trip, Al-Majd Europe, said they would be able to help his family for a week or two, after which they would be on their own, Abu Saif said. Al-Majd did not respond to Al Jazeeras requests for comment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement However, Abu Saif added that the evacuees had made their own plans going forward. They have their papers for Australia, Indonesia, or Malaysia. We can say that 30 percent of the total number of passengers left South Africa on the same day or within the first two days, he said, while others may choose to stay for several reasons, including receiving treatment. South African authorities reported that of the 153 Palestinians who landed on Thursday, 130 entered the country, while 23 transferred to other destinations. People have calculated that the cost of life in any country will be cheaper compared to the cost of living in Gaza, said Abu Saif. (Reuters) -U.S. President Donald Trump's administration is preparing broad exemptions to certain tariffs in an effort to ease elevated food prices, the New York Times reported on Thursday, citing three people briefed on the actions. The change would apply to certain reciprocal tariffs Trump announced in April, including on products coming from countries that have not struck trade deals with the administration, according to the Times. (Reporting by Ismail Shakil) President Donald Trump instructed federal agencies to revamp the nations child welfare services on Thursday by improving data collection in all 50 states, increasing career opportunities for foster children and enhancing partnerships with faith groups. The executive order tasked Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. with strengthening federal ties to religious organizations that serve foster families, and with confronting policies that discourage qualified families from participating in programs because of sincerely held beliefs. Just this year, Christian couples in Vermont, Oregon and Massachusetts have sued state agencies for requiring foster and adoptive parents to sign a form promising to affirm the gender identity and sexual orientation of a child, or else risk having their foster license revoked for refusing to comply. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My Administration is dedicated to empowering mothers and fathers to raise their children in safe and loving homes, Trumps order said. Our Nations children and youth and the families who care for them deserve better." The order gives Kennedy 180 days to overhaul state child-welfare data collection to provide better care for children, quicker matches with parents and detailed tracking of outcomes. An annual scorecard will be published to rank states on the number and safety of children in foster care. Trump also announced a new Fostering the Future initiative with first lady Melania Trump that aims to create educational and employment opportunities for foster children through new partnerships between federal agencies and private sector organizations, including schools and nonprofits. Trumps announcement comes as the U.S. continues to face a serious deficit of licensed foster homes. In 2024, there were roughly 329,000 children in foster care, part of steady decline from previous years, but the number of licensed foster homes has also been falling, totaling less than 200,000 in 2023. What did Abby Cox say about Trumps proposal? I applaud every effort that strengthens the well-being of these youth and families, Utah first lady Abby Cox told the Deseret News. Utah is a state grounded in strong family values, and we remain committed to helping every child in care find lasting permanency and a place to call home. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The shortage of foster families reached historic highs in Utah last year, with 1,756 children in the foster care system but only 822 licensed foster families the lowest number in over 25 years. This has prompted Utah Gov. Spencer Cox and Abby Cox to make the issue one of their priorities. The governor, in his budget recommendations for 2023, drew national attention for proposing a 50% increase in overall dollars for foster care and kinship placements. This came not long after the first lady established her Show Up initiative, encouraging community support for foster children. Last year, Cox sent a formal invitation to faith congregations, asking members to consider caring for foster children. A similar push occurred under former Gov. Mike Leavitt when area presidencies of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints encouraged members to enter the program. In September, the first lady announced the statewide launch of Care Communities for foster families. The initiative, which started as a pilot program in 2023, builds volunteer groups of eight to 10 people to support a single foster family with things like meals, laundry and babysitting. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Care Communities received the backing of Utahs interfaith community, including the Church of Jesus Christ, which has worked in close collaboration with the program to create nurturing environments for the children served by foster families, Abby Cox said. Utah regularly ranks No. 1 in the country on metrics of charitable giving, economic outlook and religiosity. The state also ranks No. 1 in the country for how quickly it moves children out of the foster care system, according to a 2023 American Enterprise Institute report. Utah ranked so well largely because more than 61% of Utah infants in foster care who could not be reunified were adopted within 18 months, compared with fewer than 15% nationally. And the state had almost no young children in foster care longer than three years. Former U.S. Attorney Joyce Vance on Wednesday argued that President Donald Trump may not outlast his administrations saga with late convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. Vance in a post titled But His Emails... on her SubStack weighed in on the bombshell Epstein emails mentioning Trump, including one message Epstein sent to his accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell where he described Trump spending hours at my house with someone whose name is redacted as VICTIM. Politics: Epstein Email About Giving Girlfriend To Trump Enrages Model Groped By Him Given everything we know about Donald Trump, everything he himself has said about girls and women, its hard to envision what innocent behavior he would have been engaged in for hours spent with a victim of abuse at the scene of the crime Epsteins home, where sexual abuse was rampant, she wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As the House prepares to vote next week on releasing files tied to Epstein, Vance stressed that the White House is doing everything it can to prevent it despite the presidents promise to release the files on the campaign trail. Transparency means releasing the files. Not conducting interviews with someone who wants a pardon or selectively releasing only the documents that do you the least damage, wrote Vance in a reference to Maxwells interview with the Justice Department and the documents Republicans have dropped thus far. FILE Donald Trump, Melania Trump, Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell pose together at the Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida on Feb. 12, 2000. Davidoff Studios Photography via Getty Images She went on to question whether Trumps McCarthy moment is finally coming, referring to Sen. Joseph McCarthy, whose red scare tactics held the country hostage and came close to destroying the First Amendment. McCarthy in hearings with the U.S. Army in the mid-1950s was famously confronted by U.S. Army chief counsel Joseph N. Welch, who asked him, Have you no decency? in remarks that dealt a notable blow to the senator. Politics: Lawrence ODonnell Explains Exactly Why And How Trump May Lose His Biggest Fight Yet That moment burst McCarthys bubble. We could, finally, be close, Vance wrote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump has survived other moments like this, where he turned his glaring racism and misogyny into bonus points with his base. But he may not outlast the Epstein Files controversy. Related... Read the original on HuffPost The US justice department has confirmed it will investigate paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein's alleged links to major banks and several prominent Democrats, including former President Bill Clinton. US President Donald Trump said he would ask Attorney General Pam Bondi and the FBI to look into Epstein's "involvement and relationship" with Clinton and others. Bondi said the department "will pursue this with urgency and integrity". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump's request came days after thousands of Epstein's emails were released by the US Congress - which include mentions of the US president. Democrats have accused Trump of trying to deflect from questions about his relationship with Epstein. The emails, released by the US House Oversight Committee, include many high-profile figures. A review by the Wall Street Journal found that Trump was mentioned in more than 1,600 of the 2,324 email threads. Robert Garcia, the leading Democrat on the committee, said Trump was attempting to "deflect from serious new questions we have about his relationship with Jeffrey Epstein". In addition to Clinton, Trump said he asked the Department of Justice (DoJ) to investigate banks JP Morgan and Chase, former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and LinkedIn founder Reid Hoffman, who is also a prominent Democratic donor. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Epstein was a Democrat, and he is the Democrat's problem, not the Republican's problem!" he wrote on social media. "They all know about him, don't waste your time with Trump. I have a Country to run!" Clinton has strongly denied he had any knowledge of Epstein's crimes. A spokesperson for JPMorgan Chase said the firm regrets "any association" they had with Epstein, and added that the firm "did not help him commit his heinous acts". It is unclear whether Trump made a formal request or issued a directive to the justice department, or if Bondi was responding to his post on his Truth Social platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bondi said she appointed US Attorney Jay Clayton to lead an investigation into the ties with Epstein. Trump's request comes ahead of the House of Representatives' vote next week on whether the justice department should release all its files related to the investigation into Epstein, who died in prison in 2019. Democrat Adelita Grijalva's swearing in to the chamber on Wednesday triggered the move, after she immediately signed a discharge petition from calling for the release of the files. Her signature was the 218th - the final signing needed to trigger a floor vote. Four Republicans joined with Democrats to call for the vote. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Interest in Epstein's relationships was renewed this week after US lawmakers released more than 20,000 pages of documents from his estate, including many mentioning Trump. Documents released by the House Oversight Committee on Wednesday appeared to show correspondence between Epstein and the former US Treasury Secretary, Larry Summers from October 2017. In one email, Summers gives Epstein his opinion of Trump early in his presidency, writing: "DJT is world s luckiest guy in terms of opposition, economy etc. still think his world will collapse". Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A representative for Summers told the Wall Street Journal in 2023 that the former treasury official and past president of Harvard University "deeply regrets being in contact with Epstein after his conviction". The documents also included email exchanges between Epstein and his long-time associate Ghislaine Maxwell, who is currently serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking. In one email, sent in 2011, Epstein writes to Maxwell: "I want you to realize that that dog that hasn't barked is Trump.. [VICTIM] spent hours at my house with him." Trump was a friend of Epstein's for years, but the president has said they fell out in the early 2000s, two years before Epstein was first arrested. Trump has consistently denied any wrongdoing in relation to Epstein. While he was discussed in some of the messages released this week, he did not send or receive them. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Traditionally, presidents do not direct the justice department to investigate individuals and companies and have often brought in special counsels - independent attorneys from outside the administration - to carry out investigations. It is also rare for an administration to seek an investigation of a predecessor. However, the Biden administration started investigations tied to allegations that Trump tried to interfere with the 2020 election, which were then referred to a special counsel. The cases were dropped when Trump returned to the White House. In a letter addressed to Congress, Epstein survivors and the family of Virginia Giuffre - a prominent accuser of his - called for US lawmakers to vote in favour of releasing the files. "As you gather with your family this season, remember that your primary duty is to your constituents. Look into the eyes of your children, your sisters, your mothers, and your aunts," the letter reads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Imagine if they had been preyed upon. Imagine if you yourself were a survivor. What would you want for them? What would you want for yourself? When you vote, we will remember your decision at the ballot box." On Friday, Republican congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene said it would be "huge miscalculation" for Trump to oppose the release of material related to Epstein. Greene was among the four other House Republicans - Nancy Mace, Lauren Boebert, Thomas Massie - who joined Democrats in signing a discharge petition calling for the release of the files. "I truly just stand with the women, and I think they deserve to be the ones that we're fighting for," she told the BBC's US partner, CBS News. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Friday night, Trump announced that he had withdrawn his support for Greene, calling his formerly close ally "wacky" and "a ranting lunatic", and offering to back her Republican challenger in next year's midterm elections. "That's too bad she's lost a wonderful conservative reputation," he told reporters. Pam Bondi announced on Friday afternoon that she had assigned Jay Clayton, the interim US attorney for the southern district of New York, to lead the investigation into Donald Trumps political adversaries and their ties to Jeffrey Epstein, hours after the president directed her to do so. Jay Clayton is one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country, and Ive asked him to take the lead, the US attorney general said of the lawyer, who also served as chair of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) during Trumps first administration. As with all matters, the department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people. The move represents an apparent departure from a July memo issued by the justice department and the FBI that stated officials had found nothing in the Epstein files that warranted the opening of further inquiries. Investigators did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties, the memo said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It comes as Trump has cranked up his intense pressure campaign on congressional Republicans to oppose the full release of the justice departments files related to Epstein, before a crucial and long-awaited House vote on the matter next week that many Republicans are expected to support. The bombshell release of scores of Epsteins emails has shone a spotlight on the presidents long history of involvement with the notorious sex trafficker, including revelations that he knew more about Epsteins conduct than he has previously let on. On Friday morning, Trump declared that he would ask the Department of Justice to investigate Epsteins ties with Democrats, not Republicans, singling out Bill Clinton, Larry Summers and Reid Hoffman. Trump also paradoxically referred to the Epstein hoax and called it a scam. Related: Epstein sought to restore his reputation after guilty plea, documents reveal Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is expected that dozens of Republicans will vote next week for Republican Thomas Massie and Democrat Ro Khannas discharge petition, which demands the Department of Justice release all of its investigative files on Epstein within 30 days. The legislation had stalled because the House speaker, Mike Johnson, a Republican, had refused for almost two months during the government shutdown to swear in the new Democratic representative, Adelita Grijalva, who would become the deciding 218th vote. Once Johnson could delay no longer, Grijalva was sworn in on Wednesday. The vote is now likely to happen early next week. Many House Republicans have constituents who say they want greater transparency about the Epstein affair. Representatives Don Bacon of Nebraska, Tim Burchett of Tennessee and Rob Bresnahan of Pennsylvania have indicated they would vote to release the files. The Trump administration has put heavy pressure on key Republicans to oppose the legislation. The New York Times reported that top officials summoned Lauren Boebert one of four Republicans in the House who have signed the petition to a meeting in the White House Situation Room with Bondi and FBI director Kash Patel to discuss her demand to release the files. Trump had also telephoned her early on Tuesday morning, a day before Grijalva was due to be sworn in and provide the crucial final signature. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump also contacted Nancy Mace, another member of the Republican caucus in the House who has signed the petition, but the two did not connect. Mace instead reportedly wrote the president a long explanation of her own personal experience as a survivor of sexual abuse and rape, and why it was impossible for her to change her position on the matter. She wrote on X that the Epstein petition is deeply personal. Those failed lobbying attempts from the White House came as Democrats on the House oversight committee released three damning new emails that suggest Trump knew about Epsteins conduct, including one in which the convicted paedophile said of course [Trump] knew about the girls. Another email described Trump as a dog that hasnt barked and said he had spent hours with one victim at Epsteins house. Related: Emails reveal Jeffrey Epstein and associate discussed girls and travel The presidents team struck back, saying those documents had been cherrypicked, and Republican representatives followed up by releasing a much bigger trove of more than 20,000 files. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Among them were documents that revealed that Epsteins staff kept him apprised of Trumps air travel as it related to his own transportation and that the late sex trafficker kept up with news about his former friend years after their relationship soured. Even if the bill passes the House, it still needs to get through the Senate and be signed by Trump. Senate leaders have shown no indication they will bring it up for a vote, and Trump who had long promised the release of the files on the campaign trail has decried the effort as a Democrat hoax. The justice department earlier this year announced it would release no further details about the case, prompting public demand for files related to the investigation into Epsteins activities to be made public. WASHINGTON (AP) Its not an official state visit, but the White House is preparing to host Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman next week with the pomp and circumstance that is typical of one. The crown princes day at the White House next Tuesday will begin with an arrival ceremony on the sweeping South Lawn and a subsequent greeting on the South Portico, according to a senior White House official. Then Trump will host him in the Oval Office for a bilateral meeting, followed by a signing and lunch in the Cabinet Room where the U.S. and Saudi Arabia will formalize multiple economic and defense agreements, said the official, granted anonymity to discuss the administrations planning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Later in the evening, the White House will hold an East Room dinner hosted and planned by first lady Melania Trump. His visit is billed as an official working visit because Prince Mohammed is not technically a head of state, the official said. On Wednesday, dozens of CEOs are expected to attend a meeting of the U.S.-Saudi Business Council at the Kennedy Center, the fine arts facility that is now led and managed by Trump loyalists. Though the U.S. presidents attendance is not yet confirmed for the business meeting, he is likely to attend, the senior White House official said. Trumps relationship with the Gulf nations has been a top foreign policy priority for the president in his second term. His first major trip abroad was a tour of the United Arab Emirates, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, where Trump was welcomed with an exceptionally rare Air Force One escort by royal Saudi Air Force F-15s and a state dinner at a UNESCO heritage site. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really believe we like each other a lot, Trump said as he met with Prince Mohammed in the royal palace in Riyadh. Later, Trump described Prince Mohammed as an incredible man and my friend. It also marks the first trip to the United States by the crown prince since the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul in 2018 during Trump's first term. U.S. intelligence agencies have said Prince Mohammed likely directed the killing, resulting in sanctions against several Saudi officials. He denies his involvement, and both the Trump and Biden administrations have worked to mend ties with Saudi Arabia since. A chef and television personality has died after being involved in a scary aircraft accident. Mynie Steffens, host of popular South African cooking show Speel met Vuur (Playing with Fire), died Monday after a helicopter she was piloting crashed at a citrus farm near the town of Patensie in the Eastern Cape, according to the IOL. Steffens, 43, was spraying crops with pesticides at the farm early Monday morning when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed, per the George Herald. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Information that is at our disposal indicates that the pilot was conducting a pest control operation flight when the helicopter struck power lines and crashed, the Accidents and Incidents Investigations Division said in a statement obtained by the George Herald. The helicopter itself was substantially damaged due to impact force. The chef, cookbook author and pilot often documented her aircraft adventures via social media. Steffens co-hosted Speel met Vuur with her longtime friend Aldi van der Walt. She also wrote the cookbook Mynie Plays with Fire (2021), which consisted heavily of recipes for South African barbecue called braii. Mynie lived life to the full, Van Der Walt told IOL. She was always full of ideas that had transformed into successful endeavours, and then executing that with success, winning over people as she went along. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement VIA TV, the South African lifestyle channel on which Steffens show aired, shared a tribute to the late chef Monday. Rest in peace, Mynie Steffens. You were adventurous until the end. With #PlayWithFire, you showed us all how to approach life with curiosity and bravery. Sleep softly, the translated statement read. Read the original article on NJ.com. Add NJ.com as a Preferred Source by clicking here. A woman has been killed in an Israeli drone strike in the north of the Gaza Strip, according to Palestinian reports on Friday, despite the current ceasefire. Medical sources at Shifa Hospital said that the Palestinian woman's body was taken to the hospital in Gaza City. Residents and local media said she was killed in an Israeli drone strike. An Israeli army spokeswoman said that she was not aware of any drone strikes in the area. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Israel's army reported on a separate incident in the south of the Gaza Strip. A Palestinian man approached soldiers in an area controlled by the army and posed a threat to them, the army said. The man was then killed. The army statement said the Palestinian man had crossed the so-called yellow line, behind which the Israeli military had withdrawn as part of the ceasefire which began on October 10. There were no immediate Palestinian reports on the shooting. There have been several similar incidents in recent weeks. According to the Hamas-controlled health authority, more than 260 people have been killed in Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip since the start of the ceasefire, which brought an uneasy end to two years of war between Israel and the Islamist group Hamas. The information provided by both sides cannot be independently verified. Kim Kardashian has 354 million followers on Instagram and a $5 billion company to boot. Skims said Wednesday that it completed a $225 million capital raise that valued the company at a cool $5 billion. More from WWD For a brand that launched in 2018, thats a rapid move up the growth curve. The new money came from Goldman Sachs Alternatives and BDT & MSD Partners. Skims got its start in shapewear, but has been branching out in apparel and looking more into beauty, recently hiring Diarrha NDiaye to be executive vice president of beauty and fragrance. Now, as the company expects to top $1 billion in net sales this year, it has a little something extra to project its brand out into the world. Of course, Kardashian already knows how to get attention. Already this year she kept the brand in the headlines with its provocative offerings, including the bush thong, as well as through the introduction of the NikeSkims collaboration, the second drop of which occurred this week. In a statement to WWD, Jens Grede, cofounder and chief executive officer, said: This financing marks a pivotal next step for Skims and is a testament to all we have accomplished over the last six years. Were thankful to our partners for their support and look forward to using the additional capital to accelerate our physical retail strategy, international expansion and innovation in new categories. Skims currently has 18 owned stores in the U.S. and two franchise doors in Mexico. While Kardashian made her splash online and on the small screen, the company is looking to become a predominantly physical business over the next few years. Kardashian said: Todays announcement validates the hard work of our incredible team and partners who have helped us reach this exciting new chapter, becoming a global omnichannel retail brand. We cant wait to take Skims to the next level as we continue to innovate and set the standard for our industry. Now Goldman Sachs and BDT & MSD are along for the ride. Skims stands as a solutions-driven apparel innovator, pioneering new categories and redefining everyday wear, said Beat Cabiallavetta, global head of hybrid capital at Goldman Sachs Alternatives. Greg Olafson, president and co-chief investment officer at BDT & MSD, said: We are pleased to support Skims in its continued growth and success, and to partner with founders who combine creativity with strong business leadership. It's been 10 months since the Palisades Fire, and anger and blame has resulted in numerous investigations, including one led by two Republican senators, Rick Scott of Florida and Ron Johnson of Wisconsin. "I believe the Palisades Fire was more than a horrific tragedy. It was an unacceptable failure of government to protect the lives and property of our citizens, and we know this fire hurt our citizens more than anyone else," said Scott. During a hearing Thursday in Pacific Palisades that was meant to examine the fire's impact on the elderly, the focus quickly shifted to blaming city and state officials - all Democrats. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "We have poured billions of dollars into California for fire prevention. What did they do with it? That's got to be a key element," said Johnson. "Any federal support has got to come with major strings attached to it to make sure this stuff can be prevented in the future." At this point, the senators' investigation doesn't include the Eaton Fire. When asked about that, Scott said they're open to expanding their investigation, but right now, the focus is Pacific Palisades. "Trauma didn't stop when the fire went out. It stayed with us emotionally, financially, and generationally," said Palisades Fire victim Tom Doran. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "What happened on January 7 was a disaster. What has happened since proves that local government cannot handle our recovery," said Jessica Rogers, another victim. "We've been told the city has no funding to support us. We're still fighting for permit fee waivers 10 months after the fire." At one point during Thursday's hearing, Johnson threatened to use his subpoena power to get answers, encouraging whistleblowers to come forward. How those efforts would help residents rebuild remains unclear. As part of their investigation, the senators have asked the city of Los Angeles to produce records on DEI hiring policies at the fire department and LADWP's work related to the Santa Ynez reservoir. It also calls for details on the firing of former LAFD Chief Kristin Crowley. When asked, Scott said they've received some of what they asked for but not enough. An 18-year-old was killed and a 17-year-old was injured in a shooting near Assata High School on Nov. 14. The shooting occurred at about 11:51 a.m. on the 4600 block of North Hopkins Street after multiple suspects approached the 18-year-old in what appeared to be an attempted robbery, police said. After the shooting, police said, the 18-year-old attempted to get assistance at the school, which is about two blocks from the scene of the shooting. The 18-year-old, who had serious injuries, was taken to the hospital, where they died. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The 17-year-old who was injured was one of the robbery suspects, Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman said at a news conference. The 17-year-old was taken to a hospital with nonfatal injuries and was arrested. Milwaukee Public Schools said in a statement to parents that a student from Assata High School was shot after leaving the school for early dismissal and returned to the school to get help. At the news conference, Norman said he could not confirm whether one or both of the teens who were shot were students. Staff called 911, and the school went into lockdown. The school later lifted the lockdown and invited families to pick up students, who were also allowed to remain at the building for the rest of the day. Milwaukee police respond to a shooting near Assata High School that prompted a lockdown Nov. 14. Assata High School, at 3517 W. Courtland Ave., was founded in 1992 as an alternative school in partnership with MPS. It serves students who are at risk of not graduating, offering credit recovery courses and career exploration. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At the news conference, Norman said he was at a youth summit attended by various county officials and community partners discussing gun violence among teens and adolescents when the call about the shooting came in. This is unacceptable, Milwaukee. This is absolutely unacceptable in regards that this is absolutely preventable, totally avoidable, and here we are, having to say the refrain about youth and gun violence. There are no place for firearms in our youths hands. Norman said he wanted to hold the news conference to elevate and amplify the discussion that the entire Milwaukee community has a responsibility to prevent gun violence in the city. As of Nov. 13, 128 homicides have been reported in Milwaukee so far in 2025. During the same period in 2024, 117 deaths had been reported in the city, en route to 132 homicides for the entire year, according to Milwaukee police statistics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Just six months ago, another Assata student was shot. Zakiy Robertson, a 19-year-old who had plans to attend Milwaukee Area Technical College and become a barber, was killed May 21. MPS Superintendent Brenda Cassellius, who joined the district in March, has taken up the issue of gun violence since learning how many students have been impacted. Journal Sentinel reporting found 23 MPS students died from gun violence between June 2024 and 2025. At what point do you think that this is actually a public health crisis thats going on, and an epidemic, and how do we fix it? Cassellius previously told the Journal Sentinel. Members of the violence prevention group 414Life arrived at the scene to support students after the shooting.We are out here to restore the community after this traumatic event and to support the school and the young people who witnessed what happened, said outreach supervisor David Sinclair. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He said residents of the neighborhood view violence in the area as the norm. The community, at this point is is crying out to say, We want to help, Sinclair said. The community is starting to wake up and trying to figure out ways to help prevent these type of incidents that are happening. The Milwaukee Police Department is seeking additional unknown suspects. Police ask anyone with information to call the department 414-935-7360. Those who want to remain anonymous should contact Crime Stoppers at 414-224-TIPS or through the P3 Tips app. This story is developing and will update. This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Two teens shot, one fatally, near Milwaukee's Assata High School The Whatcom Sheriffs Office says that the Whatcom Regional Drug Task Force (WRDTF) arrested two suspects who are accused of being part of a fentanyl distribution operation. The two suspects were arrested following a months-long investigation that resulted in a search warrant being issued for a home in Everson, WA. The investigation spanned three months with the help of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) and Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During the search warrant, they found 30 grams of what is believed to be fentanyl, baggies, a scale and a possible drug ledger. One of the suspects is accused of distributing drugs in Whatcom County and laundering the money made from the sales back to Mexico. The first suspect had been under surveillance since Aug. 2025 and continued until Oct. 2025. According to the sheriffs office, an undercover officer purchased fentanyl from the suspect three times. On Oct. 6, the suspect was accused of trespassing in a barn, where he admitted to smoking meth and carrying $13,000. He stated that some of the money was intended for an unknown person. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement He was also arrested right before the search warrant for money laundering and drug delivery charges. The second suspect owns the property for which the search warrant was issued. He is accused of knowing and allowing drug trafficking to happen on the property, according to the sheriffs office. The property had also been linked to Jesus Penuelas-Agramon, who was arrested in July 2025 for shooting a Lummi Nation Police Officer. Both suspects were booked into Whatcom County Jail. A federal appeals court upheld the hate crime convictions of three men who chased and killed Ahmaud Arbery in Georgia. The 11th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Greg and Travis McMichael, along with William Roddie Bryan, were guilty of targeting Arbery because of his race, affirming the jurys decision from 2022. The three men are serving life sentences for murder after being convicted in a Georgia state court. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They pursued 25-year-old Arbery with pickup trucks on February 23, 2020, in their neighborhood near Brunswick, Georgia. RELATED STORIES: Travis McMichael shot Arbery at close range, and Bryan recorded the incident on his cellphone. The graphic video later leaked online, leading to public outrage and charges against the men. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal prosecutors argued that the mens racist text messages and social media posts demonstrated pent-up racial anger that motivated the killing. Greg McMichaels attorney, A.J. Balbo, declined to comment on the appellate ruling, while attorneys for Bryan and Travis McMichael did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Information from the Associated Press contributed to this article. The Texas Democratic primary for U.S. Senate heated up on Friday with former U.S. Rep. Colin Allred directly criticizing his rival, state Rep. James Talarico, for the first time, calling him out for accepting donations from casino magnate and megadonor Miriam Adelson while railing against billionaires influence in politics. I like James, but when I see him say that hes running against billionaires, but then when nobody was looking, his top donor was Miriam Adelson That contributes to the cynicism that folks might experience, Allred said during an event at The Texas Tribune Festival. Campaign finance records show Allred has accepted several donations from billionaires. Neither candidate has pledged against taking billionaire contributions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During his 2024 reelection campaign for the Texas House, Talarico accepted $59,000 from Texas Sands PAC, a pro-gambling group funded by Adelson. Talarico has also accepted donations from billionaire Charles Butt, the H-E-B chairman who supported candidates from both parties opposed to private school vouchers. Texas Sands PAC has spent about $7.5 million in Texas since its inception. The PAC, in addition to the Texas Defense PAC, another Adelson-backed group, spent around $7.2 million supporting 90 pro-gambling legislative candidates in the state. Talarico has said that he accepted those donations as a state lawmaker because he supported the causes of the groups that contributed to him, including legalizing gambling, opposing private school vouchers and fully funding public schools. Talarico, who, like Allred, has pledged not to accept donations from corporate PACs, also said that he refuses to unilaterally disarm while Republicans play by their own rules. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It certainly would be easier just to accept everything, he told the Tribune in August, adding that he introduced state legislation to cap campaign contributions. I am in this broken system like everybody else is. I, at least, am trying to put forward ideas for how it could be different. The Austin Democrat has centered his Senate campaign around opposing the influence of big money in politics, arguing that billionaires who control politicians, social media platforms and the media want us focused on how were different instead of on how were the same. As I travel this state, I really get the sense that people are tired of being pitted against their neighbor, he said at an event earlier Friday at TribFest. Thats what Im trying to build in this campaign: a politics of love that can heal whats broken in our country. Allreds comments marked the first time either candidate publicly disparaged the other. Talarico on Friday declined to criticize Allred, saying that he was running a positive campaign in the primary. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Allred backed his criticism up by saying that the eventual Democratic nominee has to have the ability to withstand what the Republicans are going to do in the general election, arguing that he is most qualified because he previously underwent a multimillion dollar statewide race against a high-profile Republican. In 2024, Allred fell short of toppling U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz by 8.5 percentage points. Thats the armor that I have, he said. Ive been through that ringer. Allred and Talarico also both condemned the small band of Democrats in the U.S. Senate who defected from their party to approve a stopgap funding measure ending the longest government shutdown in American history without securing Democrats central demand of extending broader Affordable Care Act subsidies, earning intense backlash from others in the party. We need national Democrats to fight with everything they have for working people in the state and across the country, Talarico said. Thats our job as Democrats. Were the party of working people, and so if were not able to do that, and if Senate Democrats are going to cave so easily, we shouldnt wonder why voters dont trust us in the ballot box. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Both candidates argued that the compromise revealed the partys main fault line. The biggest divide I see in the party is not between progressives and moderates, or even by age. Its by whether you recognize the moment that were in and the fight that it requires, or whether you dont, Allred said. Thats the test that was failed in this instance. Allred and Talarico also aligned on several policy issues, including restoring the speaking filibuster and legalizing marijuana, and opposing a mandatory assault rifle buyback program and decriminalizing illegal border crossings. National Republicans have tried to tie Talarico and other Democrats to Zohran Mamdani, the democratic socialist mayor-elect of New York City. On Friday, Talarico said he was not a democratic socialist and that he planned to run a Texas campaign to serve Texas. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The beauty of the last election night was that you saw Democrats of all kinds winning in very different parts of the country, and thats whats going to be necessary if were going to revitalize the Democratic Party, he said. If were going to win in places like Texas, we have to have candidates who actually represent their communities. Talarico and Allred also both defended their decision to run for the same office, even after they met with former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke and U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro in May to hash out their plans for 2026. Talarico, who was earlier floated for governor, said he believed the skills hed honed in the Legislature including passing legislation, questioning witnesses and debating bills were the most transferable to the Senate. Allred said that we have a lot of talent in this state that doesnt have a whole lot of places to go sometimes, and people will feel like they should run for what they can run for. And thats okay. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At a separate panel on Friday, Castro said that all four Democrats in the meeting were initially interested in the Senate race. Castro offered to run for Texas attorney general if the others could split up the remaining statewide offices instead of running against each other for Senate. In the end, he said, we just couldnt get there. Disclosure: H-E-B has been a financial supporter of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribunes journalism. Find a complete list of them here. A judge in the United Kingdom has ruled that global mining giant BHP Group is liable in Brazils worst environmental disaster, in a lawsuit the claimants lawyers previously valued at up to 36 billion pounds ($48bn). High Court Justice Finola OFarrell said on Friday that Australia-based BHP was responsible despite not owning the dam at the time. A dam collapse 10 years ago unleashed tonnes of toxic waste into a major river, killing 19 people and devastating villages downstream. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Anglo-Australian BHP owns 50 percent of Samarco, the Brazilian company that operates the iron ore mine where the tailings dam ruptured on November 5, 2015. Enough mine waste to fill 13,000 Olympic-size swimming pools poured into the Doce River in southeastern Brazil. Sludge from the burst dam destroyed the once-bustling village of Bento Rodrigues in Minas Gerais state, badly damaged other towns, left thousands homeless and flooded forests. The disaster also killed 14 tonnes of freshwater fish and polluted 600km (370 miles) of the Doce River, according to a study by the University of Ulster in the UK. The river, which the Krenak Indigenous people revere as a deity, has yet to recover. OFarrell said in her ruling that continuing to raise the height of the dam when it was not safe to do so was the direct and immediate cause of the dams collapse, meaning BHP was liable under Brazilian law. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement BHP said it would appeal against the ruling and continue to fight the lawsuit. BHPs President Minerals Americas Brandon Craig said in a statement that 240,000 claimants in the London lawsuit have already been paid compensation in Brazil. The case was filed in the UK because one of BHPs two main legal entities was based in London at the time. They say this sets a precedent for how multinational corporations operate from now on, that they can be held liable even if their operations are in other countries, Al Jazeeras Monica Yanakiew said, reporting from Rio De Janeiro, Brazil. The trial began in October 2024, just days before Brazils federal government reached a multibillion-dollar settlement with the mining companies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under the agreement, Samarco which is also half-owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale agreed to pay 132 billion reais ($23bn) over 20 years. The payments were meant to compensate for human, environmental and infrastructure damage. BHP had said the UK legal action was unnecessary because it duplicated matters covered by legal proceedings in Brazil. LONDON (Reuters) -Britain's biggest mobile network providers including Vodafone and BT's EE are facing a multi-billion-pound lawsuit for allegedly overcharging customers, after a London tribunal ruled on Friday that part of it could continue. The case which is also brought against Telefonica's O2 and Hutchison's Three UK, whose $19 billion merger with Vodafone was approved last year was valued at over 3.2 billion pounds ($4.29 billion). The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) in a ruling on Friday threw out those parts of the case claiming losses from before October 2015 as having been brought too late. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But the CAT certified claims for losses from after October 2015 could proceed to trial. Lawyers representing British consumer champion Justin Gutmann alleged the networks charged millions of British consumers who remained with the network after their minimum contract expired a "loyal penalty", by continuing to charge for mobile devices which had already been paid off. The networks' lawyers argued, however, that the lawsuit is fundamentally flawed as it alleges anti-competitive behaviour "in an industry renowned for its competitiveness". ($1 = 0.7451 pounds) (Reporting by Sam Tobin; editing by Sarah Young) A barrage of Russian missiles hit Kyiv on Friday, killing six people in one apartment block, attacks that Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky denounced as a "heinous" bid to spread terror. A Russian drone attack on a market in southern Ukraine hours later killed two more people, authorities said. Ukraine also fired missiles into Russian territory and Russian officials reported a fire at a Black Sea oil refinery. With a bitter winter looming amid widespread raids on Ukraine's power stations, this was one of the largest attacks on Kyiv since Russia launched its full invasion of Ukraine in 2022, hitting buildings in most of the capital's districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several districts were plunged into darkness Friday night because of power cuts. A hospital, shops and offices were all hit, according to authorities. Officials said 36 people had been wounded. The attack damaged Azerbaijan's embassy and the Baku government summoned Moscow's envoy to protest. In eastern Kyiv, AFP reporters saw charred multi-storey buildings with dozens of windows and balconies blown out. "My hair caught fire and I started putting it out," said resident Maria Kalchenko, outside one of the buildings where rescued workers cleared debris. She tried to look for her dog before a nearby wall collapsed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The doors were blown out, flames everywhere, the fire spreading, the neighbours screaming," she told AFP. Zelensky, who will go to Paris and Madrid next week in a new round of diplomatic visits, said the attack specifically aimed to cause "terror". "This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure," he added. - 'Contempt for humanity' - Moscow has fired record missile and drone barrages at Ukraine in recent months, hitting energy and rail infrastructure. It has also targeted residential areas, knocking out power for tens of thousands across the country as temperatures plunge. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Friday's attack showed Moscow's "contempt for humanity", said Germany. "It is very evident and clear that (Russian President Vladimir) Putin aims to make winter as unbearable as possible for Ukraine, to destroy morale and break the resistance of the Ukrainian people," said German Defence Minister Boris Pistorius. AFP journalists saw Ukraine using tracer bullets and missile-defence systems during the night. Incandescent debris fell over large areas of the city. Flashes of bright orange from the explosions lit up the night sky. Ukraine's air force said it downed 405 out of 430 drones launched by Russia and 14 out of 19 missiles. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement - 'More ballistic missiles' - A senior Ukrainian official told AFP the city's air defences worked particularly well to stop the attack from wreaking even more damage. There were previously "certain issues with air defence" but this time "the air-defence systems worked well" the official told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official also said the attack showed how "the Russians have started using significantly more ballistic missiles". Ballistic missiles are particularly difficult to intercept given their speed and trajectory. "They combine ballistic and aeroballistic missiles with waves of drones. It is not easy to shoot down," the official explained. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Russia's defence ministry said its forces carried out a "massive strike" of drones and hypersonic missiles against Ukrainian military and energy sites. Moscow's troops are grinding forward on the eastern front and continue to reject calls to halt the invasion. Hundreds of Russian troops have entered the eastern city of Pokrovsk, Ukraine has conceded. - Western pressure - Despite international calls for a ceasefire, Putin has demanded that Ukraine give up more territory in the east if it wants an end to the war. Ukraine has in turn stepped up its own retaliatory attacks on Russian oil and gas facilities deep behind the front. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Zelensky said Ukraine had used long-range Neptune missiles overnight against targets on Russian territory. Russia said Ukrainian drone debris hit its Novovoronezh nuclear power plant near the city of Voronezh on Thursday, briefly disconnecting it from power. A civilian was killed in a Ukrainian drone attack on a car in the border region of Begorod, its governor said. Russian forces downed more than 200 Ukrainian drones overnight into Friday, Moscow's defence ministry said, including 66 over the region of Krasnodar and 45 over Saratov, both in the south. Russian officials reported a fire at a large refinery at Novorossiysk on the Black Sea and a hit on a civilian vessel that wounded three people. bur-oc/tw/jj The Israeli military has installed T-shaped concrete barriers in southern Lebanon that encroach on Lebanese territory, according to the United Nations. A United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) survey in October found that a concrete wall built by Israeli forces had crossed the Blue Line the UN-demarcated frontier between Lebanon and Israel south-west of the Lebanese town of Yaroun, the UN peacekeeping mission reported on Friday. The incursion has made more than 4,000 square metres of Lebanese land inaccessible to local residents. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement UNIFIL said the Israeli army has been instructed to relocate the wall. In November, UN peacekeepers detected additional construction activity involving T-shaped barriers in the same area. A follow-up survey again confirmed that part of the new structure crossed the Blue Line, and UNIFIL has notified the Israeli military of the violation. T-shaped barriers are heavy, free-standing concrete blocks commonly used by military forces as visual screens or to restrict the movement of vehicles and people. A fragile ceasefire between Israel and the Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon has held for nearly a year, but both sides continue to trade accusations of breaches. Israel claims Hezbollah is reorganizing in the country's south, while the Israeli Air Force carries out near-daily strikes inside Lebanon. The United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) says the Israeli military has constructed walls in Lebanese territory that cross a UN-backed, unofficial border between the two countries. The statement on Friday comes as Israel has carried out near-daily attacks across Lebanon including in the south of the country, in particular despite a ceasefire signed a year ago with Lebanese group Hezbollah. In UNIFILs statement, the force said Israel had built a concrete T-wall southwest of Yaroun, a town in Lebanons southern Nabatieh district. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wall extends across the so-called Blue Line and has made more than 4,000 square metres [43,055sq feet] of Lebanese territory inaccessible to the Lebanese people, it added. Established in 2000, the Blue Line is a 120km (75-mile) unofficial border drawn up by the UN between Lebanon and Israel. The demarcation lines main purpose is to confirm the withdrawal of the Israeli army from Lebanese territory as mandated by UN Security Council resolutions. In October, UNIFIL peacekeepers conducted a geospatial survey of a concrete T-wall erected by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) southwest of Yaroun. UNIFIL (@UNIFIL_) November 14, 2025 UNIFIL said another section of the wall, southeast of Yaroun, also extends beyond the Blue Line. UNIFIL informed the [Israeli army] of our findings and requested that they move the walls, it said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In response to UNIFILs statement on Friday, the Israeli military told the AFP news agency that the wall is part of a broader plan whose construction began in 2022. Since the start of the war, and as part of lessons learnt from it, the [Israeli military] has been advancing a series of measures, including reinforcing the physical barrier along the northern border, it said. It should be emphasised that the wall does not cross the Blue Line, the military added. Violations of territorial integrity The Israeli army has killed more than 4,000 people and injured nearly 17,000 in its attacks on Lebanon, which began in October 2023 amid the Gaza war and turned into a full-scale offensive in September 2024. The deadly attacks have not ceased despite last Novembers ceasefire agreement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As tensions increase, Lebanese Prime Minister Nawaf Salam on Thursday called for an end to Israels military escalation in southern Lebanon, warning that it poses a threat to regional stability. UNIFIL said Israeli presence and construction in Lebanese territory are violations of Security Council resolution 1701 and of Lebanons sovereignty and territorial integrity. We again call on the [Israeli military] to respect the Blue Line in its full length and withdraw from all areas north of it, it added. Resolution 1701, adopted in 2006, calls for a cessation of hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel and the establishment of a weapons-free zone between the Blue Line and Lebanons Litani River. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Under last years ceasefire, the Israeli army was supposed to withdraw from southern Lebanon in January. But it only partially withdrew, continuing to maintain a military presence at five border outposts. Kyushu Financial Group (TSE:7180) just raised its consolidated earnings guidance for the fiscal year ending March 2026, citing stronger-than-expected interest income, commissions, and gains on stock sales at its banking subsidiaries. See our latest analysis for Kyushu Financial Group. Kyushu Financial Groups optimistic earnings outlook comes after a major share repurchase effort, signaling growing confidence in its fundamentals and future profitability. Investors have taken notice, with a 1-month share price return of 11.6% and a stellar 1-year total shareholder return of 21%, building further on robust multi-year gains. If youre looking to broaden your watchlist beyond this momentum, now is the perfect time to discover fast growing stocks with high insider ownership But with such strong returns and upgraded earnings guidance, is Kyushu Financial Group still undervalued? Or has the current stock price already factored in all the good news, leaving little room for future upside? Price-to-Earnings of 11.5x: Is it justified? Kyushu Financial Group is currently trading at a price-to-earnings (P/E) ratio of 11.5x, which positions the stock as slightly more expensive than the Japanese banking industry average of 11.2x but below the broader market average. The P/E ratio measures how much investors are willing to pay for a companys earnings. In banking, this metric can signal whether the market expects above-average profit growth or is wary of underlying risks. For Kyushu Financial Group, a P/E of 11.5x suggests investors are pricing in consistent, though not spectacular, profit growth and stability rather than immediate upside. Interestingly, the companys P/E ratio is actually lower than the typical level seen in the wider Japanese stock market. This highlights some degree of valuation restraint from investors. Compared to the estimated Fair Price-to-Earnings Ratio of 13x, Kyushu Financial Group could see its multiple re-rate higher if it delivers on forecasted revenue and margin expansion. The market might reassess this valuation if the companys current growth momentum continues. Explore the SWS fair ratio for Kyushu Financial Group Result: Price-to-Earnings of 11.5x (ABOUT RIGHT) However, slowing revenue growth or a pullback toward the recent analyst price target could quickly temper optimism around Kyushu Financial Groups valuation momentum. Find out about the key risks to this Kyushu Financial Group narrative. Another View: DCF Model Questions the Upside While the price-to-earnings ratio hints at potential value, our SWS DCF model takes a more cautious approach. It currently indicates Kyushu Financial Group is trading above its estimated fair value, which raises the possibility that the market may have already priced in much of the optimism. Could this signal a limit to near-term upside? The US justice department is filing a lawsuit against California over new congressional maps that voters approved in an election last week. The new maps favour Democrats and aim to cancel out gains made by Republicans through recently redrawn voting districts in Texas. Attorney General Pam Bondi accused California Governor Gavin Newsom of a "brazen" power grab using racially gerrymandered maps. California voters overwhelmingly approved the redistricting bill known as Proposition 50, giving Democrats an advantage in five new congressional districts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These losers lost at the ballot box and soon they will also lose in court," a spokesperson for Newsom said in a statement to BBC News. Bondi accused Newsom of attempting "to entrench one-party rule and silence millions of Californians" by pushing the new congressional district boundaries. "Newsom should be concerned about keeping Californians safe and shutting down Antifa violence, not rigging his state for political gain," she said. The justice department filed the complaint in a California federal court on Thursday, aiming to block the new maps. Federal prosecutors accuse the Democratic governor and Secretary of State Shirley Weber of mandating "racially gerrymandered congressional districts" - a violation of the Equal Protection Clause of the 14th Amendment to the US Constitution. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Gerrymandering - the redrawing of congressional districts to give a party an electoral advantage - is legal in the US but unconstitutional if it is based on race. The justice department cited "substantial evidence" that California legislature created a new map in which Latino demographics and racial considerations were predominant. "Race cannot be used as a proxy to advance political interests, but that is precisely what the California General Assembly did with Prop 50," said Jesus A Osete, Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in a statement. "Californians were sold an illegal, racially gerrymandered map, but the U.S. Constitution prohibits its use in 2026 and beyond." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The maps are part of nationwide redistricting efforts initiated by President Donald Trump in order to tip the scales of the 2026 midterm elections in favour of his Republican Party to ensure their majority control of the US House of Representatives. Newsom launched a campaign in August to suspend California's independently drawn maps in order to "fight fire with fire" as Republicans in Texas worked to change their maps at Trump's urging. California's top lawyer, Attorney General Rob Bonta, defended Newsom and the ballot initiative, noting that several legal challenges had already been brought against Proposition 50 and none had prevailed. "Californians spoke loud and clear" in the election, Bonta said in a statement. "They are sick and tired of Trump's lawlessness, of his lies, and of his inability to make life more affordable for all Americans. Their voices must be honored." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The California Republican Party and others filed a lawsuit last week challenging Proposition 50 and Bonta accused the federal justice department of "seeking to intervene" in that litigation. By Sarah N. Lynch and Brad Heath WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. Justice Department has ordered federal prosecutors to provide examples of "unusual judicial system obstacles" they have faced during criminal or civil proceedings tied to immigration, assaults on law enforcement or "antifa," according to a government email reviewed by Reuters. The highly unusual request to collect examples of what the department sees as judicial pushback was sent on Thursday evening by a senior official in Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's office to U.S. Attorneys. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It suggests an escalation in a series of confrontations between federal district courts and the Trump administration. Trump and his allies have repeatedly called judges who have ruled against his administration "crooked," "conflicted" and "rogue." Many of the judges have been subjected to threats or harassment after issuing rulings against the Trump administration. A Justice Department spokesperson, when asked on Friday to comment on the email, reiterated criticism of certain judges' actions. "Across the country, judicial activists - liberals in robes - continue to obstruct lawful efforts to protect the American people, even in cases where the Supreme Court has already made the law unmistakably clear," the spokesperson said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "The department is committed to strengthening our litigation posture at every level so we can better defend public safety initiatives and prevent activist judges from undermining the rule of law." In the email, Blanche's office instructed each U.S. attorney's office to provide two to three examples of judges posing challenges to Justice Department efforts to obtain search warrants or signatures on criminal complaints, get approval on jury instructions, or obtain pre-trial detention. It asked prosecutors to focus on cases related to assaults against federal agents, particularly if they involved immigration enforcement or investigations into anti-fascist movement groups known as "antifa," which the Trump administration has designated as a terrorist organization. The email did not indicate what the Justice Department intends to do with the information, which prosecutors were asked to submit by midday on Friday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The email comes shortly after Blanche appeared at an event hosted by the conservative Federalist Society, where he made fiery remarks about federal district court judges. "They have a robe on but they are more political or certainly as political as the most liberal governor or D.A.," Blanche said. "There's a group of judges that are repeat players, and that's obviously not by happenstance, that's intentional, and it's a war, man." A group of 50 retired judges criticized his comments, saying his rhetoric "poses a grave threat to the rule of law and the judiciary." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Federal judges across the country have increasingly raised concerns over the legality of Trump administration policies on matters ranging from immigration to the targeting of medical practitioners who provide gender-affirming care to transgender youth. Chief U.S. District Court Judge James Boasberg earlier this year concluded the Trump administration appeared to have acted in bad faith when it hurriedly assembled three deportation flights on March 15 at the same time that he was conducting emergency court proceedings to assess the legality of the action. Boasberg found probable cause to hold the government in criminal contempt and launched an investigation to determine who was responsible, but a federal appeals court later tossed out his ruling in a 2-1 decision. (Reporting by Brad Heath and Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Scott Malone and Edmund Klamann) In response to a June 6 mass shooting outside a Richmond high school graduation that left two dead and several injured, a group of demonstrators held an anti-gun violence rally at the steps of the state capitol, Wednesday, June 7, 2023. (Photo by Samantha Willis/The Virginia Mercury) New qualitative research from University of Virginia professors and law students explores contributing factors to youth gun violence in Virginia as well as solutions at the state and local levels. We shouldnt be scared to walk around our own city without a gun, said a 25-year-old Charlottesville resident interviewed as part of the research, which was released Thursday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement That person was one of nearly 60 minors and adults from around the state researchers interviewed to glean insights about what inspires people to carry guns and what might make their communities feel safer instead. The study builds on other research, like a 2024 study that revealed how teens exposed to neighborhood gun violence were more likely to begin carrying their own guns. For the UVA research, authors explored different hotspots around the state where homicide rates were higher. Lynchburg-area resident James Watkins, a longtime violence reduction and youth outreach strategist, conducted interviews with youth for part of the qualitative research and is one of the authors. At times in his own childhood, Watkins lived in high-violence areas before he found a sense of community and earned a scholarship to Virginia Military Institute where he eventually earned a psychology degree. His mentorship background and own lived experience, he believes, helped make the interviewees, whose identities the report kept anonymous, more comfortable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After the young people opened up and shared their experiences with him, Watkins said his takeaway is that adults should listen to minors perspectives when it comes to gun violence from causes to engagement to reasons someone might have a gun in the first place. If you dont feel comfortable going to law enforcement or an adult (to resolve an issue), a kid is going to pick up a gun, because theyre accessible, Watkins said. Theyre going to pick up a gun to protect themselves. Study shows what works, suggests further steps The research points to several recommendations for actions that state and local governments can take to help drive down violence. As interviewees shared their insights living in areas where violence has been prevalent, they also shared how they think police could more meaningfully listen and engage with communities. A Hampton-area resident suggested officers seek local residents feedback for solutions in hotspot areas to help inform certain actions. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Aside from law enforcement, the report also noted instances where civilians are stepping in to prevent conflicts from escalating to a need to call cops in the first place. The studys authors also suggest local governments set memorandums of understanding with organizations that employ people with lived experience. One such organization is the Central Virginia Violence Interrupters, a nonprofit based in Charlottesville. The group, established by people with past criminal histories, seeks to help reduce violence and prevent crime through conflict mitigation and deescalation tactics. The idea is that people with the lived experience of doing time for crimes are well-suited to intervene to assist people on the verge of it. The once-volunteer cohort has been supported in recent years to treat their work as a part time job as they devote hours of time putting themselves in risky situations to benefit the overall community. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement City Council has appropriated funding to the organization in recent years and it had obtained federal grants, but the numbers have dropped this year as President Donald Trumps administration cancelled grants or awarded them in other areas of the country. Additionally, Charlottesville has budgeted less for the group. The researchers suggest localities should continue to support groups like the Violence Interrupters. When we traditionally talk about safety, were thinking about potential victims. But we want potential offenders to feel safe too. That will make it less likely that they act in ways we all regret and they will regret, said Andrew Block, one of the reports authors and director of UVas State and Local Government Law Clinic. The research also points to successful state and local actions that can be continued. For instance, Hampton, Newport News and Norfolk have established interagency steering committees that share data on which areas of their towns are gun violence hot spots where intervention and public safety resources can be prioritized. As assistance to the research, an organization called Virginia First Cities Coalition hosted a virtual and in-person conference this past September with law enforcement leaders and violence interruption groups to share insights. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Everybody has to play a role, said Kelly Harris-Braxton, director of Virginia First Cities. Were all in this together. Law enforcement leaders discussed how theyd started devoting the same level of investigatory resources to non-fatal shootings as they did homicides. The approach led to quicker arrests and prevented retaliatory violence, the report stated, and was another recommendation for law enforcement around Virginia to implement. Harris-Braxton called it refreshing to see how energized the police chiefs in attendance at the conference were about reducing violence. Likewise, outgoing Attorney General Jason Miyares Ceasefire Virginia program was noted as a success. The program, which invests in gang prevention and targets repeat offenders, has also distributed grant funding to violence intervention and youth mentoring groups around the state. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When celebrating the programs work last year with Virginia Speaker Don Scott, D-Portsmouth, Miyares said you cant just prosecute your way out of violent crime. Continued funding for violence intervention programs and groups is a paramount recommendation from the UVA study for state government. The authors also suggest expanding the funding where possible and ensuring the funding is flexible as localities tap into grants. Authors also noted that Newport News-based Democratic Del. Cia Prices effort to create the Virginia Center for Firearm Intervention and Prevention has previously passed the legislature but was blocked by Gov. Glenn Youngkins veto pen. With Democratic Governor-elect Abigail Spanberger set to take the helm of the state next year, she could potentially sign it into law. The states gun storage safety laws could be bolstered, researchers said, some of which have been successful over the years, and others which have been vetoed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement At local levels, the authors noted some holistic approaches that may help reduce gun violence in hotspot areas, such as investing in community centers and enabling school districts to address absenteeism. Both Harris-Braxton and Watkins emphasized that school or afterschool programs are places minors can find mentorship and friendship. Some kids dont have a stable family, Watkins said. Theres a void so they go searching for gangs for belonging but then they get sucked into the lifestyle. When speaking about the idea of community centers in an interview for the study, a Richmond-based young adult said that youth are looking at their environment and if violence and crime is what they see, theyre more likely to engage in it. A third space to connect with others and supportive environments can be nurturing, they said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement You dont have to keep getting into this cycle of getting into these crimes, ending up in the jail cells, then not being able to find a job and then again, back to crime and falling into jail, they said. By exploring ways to prevent gun violence in the first place and how to address it when it arises, Block explained that state and local actions can achieve synergy and progress. If we think about this mass problem of youth gun violence on a more local level and almost micro level, it becomes a much more solvable problem, Block said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX JD Vance will sit down with Donald Trump to discuss his presidential ambitions after next years midterm elections. Mr Vance, who is widely viewed as Mr Trumps heir apparent by the Maga faction of the Republican Party, unveiled his plans on Fox News while insisting his current focus was on retaining control of both houses of Congress. Were going to win the midterms. Were going to do everything that we can to win the midterms. And then after that, Im going to sit down with the president of the United States and talk to him about it, he told Sean Hannity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I really want us to win the midterms because if the Democrats get in power, theyre going to try to screw up a lot of the great things the president of the United States has done over the past 10 months, he said. Even at this early stage speculation is rife over who the presidential candidates will be in 2028, with Mr Vance and Gavin Newsom, the California governor, currently seen as the Republican and Democrat favourites respectively. Gavin Newsom has said he is considering running for president in 2028 - Adriano Machado/REUTERS Mr Trump has not ruled out seeking a third term despite the US Constitutions 22nd Amendment ruling it out. Although Mr Vance is currently seen as being in pole position for the nomination, other high-profile candidates are discreetly putting themselves in the frame. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Glenn Youngkin, the Virginia governor, has already drawn up plans to visit key early voting states in the primary calendar with trips to Iowa and South Carolina. Kristi Noem, Mr Trumps homeland security secretary, has also sought to raise her profile as the face of the administrations tough immigration policy, with a series of photo-ops. Kristi Noem has been leading Donald Trumps crackdown on immigration - 2025 Getty Images Marco Rubio, the secretary of state, who ran against Mr Trump in 2016, is also part of the 2028 conversation. Mr Vance described Mr Rubio as his best friend in the administration. If Marco eventually runs for president, then ... we can cross that bridge when we come to it, he added. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr Vances candidacy was described as inevitable by Christopher Galdieri, professor of politics at Saint Anselm College in New Hampshire. I think what Vance has going for him is that he is Trumps number two, he told The Telegraph. That said, we dont know what 2028 is going to look like. Being the guy who works directly for Trump and meets with him on a regular basis might wind up cutting against you in 2028. Its going to depend on the state of the economy, the state of Trump and that sort of thing. I think hes also got the advantage of being vice-president which lets him talk about this and do campaign-like stuff in a way that other people cant. Supporters of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are celebrating as his party-led alliance secured a record-breaking win in the northern state of Bihar. The BJP achieved a landslide in the state, with Modi's alliance winning 202 of the 243 seats. Modi said the result was not just a victory for his alliance "but for democracy itself". The polls were held after a controversial revision of lists that the opposition alleged would exclude genuine voters and give BJP an edge - a charge both the party and Election Commission denied. Bihar is India's youngest state, with a median age of 22 [Getty Images] Polls were held on 6 and 11 November and the state registered a record turnout of 66.91% - the highest since Bihar's first elections in 1951, the commission said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Several exit polls had predicted a victory for the BJP's alliance, which includes Janata Dal (United) or JD(U) as the prominent partner. The two parties currently rule the state together, with JD(U) leader Nitish Kumar as the outgoing chief minister. Their main rival was a coalition of India's main opposition Congress party, the regional Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) and several smaller parties. The BJP and several of its top leaders hailed the result and thanked voters in Bihar. The opposition has not commented. The Bihar polls serve as a precursor to several other key state state elections next year in West Bengal, Kerala and Tamil Nadu, where the BJP is not in power and has struggled to make inroads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Bihar, with more than 74 million voters, is India's poorest state, with millions migrating to other parts of India for jobs. It is also among the few states in India where Modi's party has not managed to form a government yet on its own. The polls in November saw a 66.91% turnout - the state's highest since its first election in 1951 [Getty Images] One of the main reasons for the BJP-JD(U) sweep is being linked to the large female voter turnout. Nearly half of the state's voters are women and Bihar - which has seen a steady increase in their numbers over the years - recorded its highest female voter turnout in history at 71.6% this year. Both alliances had offered financial assistance schemes to woo women. Analysts say Kumar's welfare schemes appeared to have appealed to female voters. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The election was conducted after a controversial voter list revision carried out by India's Election Commission a few months ago. The commission released a list of 74.2 million voters in September, weeding out 4.7 million names. The exercise - which is now taking place in 12 states and federally-administered territories across India - was sharply criticised by the opposition. They accused the commission of dropping many voters, especially Muslims, to aid Modi's party. Both the BJP and the Election Commission have denied such allegations. Analysts say female voters have played a key role in the BJP-JD(U) win [Getty Images] This election was also closely watched because it could be the last one to see active participation from two regional stalwarts - Chief Minister Nitish Kumar of JD(U) and RJD's Lalu Prasad Yadav - who have shaped Bihar's politics for almost four decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The political rivals, both in their 70s, are said to be in poor health. They have on occasion joined hands to stay in power. Kumar is one of the state's most influential leaders and has led the state government for most of the past two decades. Yadav, who was the state's chief minister in the past, is currently out on bail after being convicted in corruption cases. His son Tejashwi was projected as the chief ministerial candidate for the opposition alliance. Additional reporting by Abhishek Dey Follow BBC News India on Instagram, YouTube, Twitter and Facebook. A bronze Marcus Whitman statue in the Washington state Capitol building weighs over 9,000 pounds with its stone base. (Jacquelyn Jimenez Romero/Washington State Standard) The task of relocating Marcus Whitmans statue in the Washington state Capitol is becoming a chore. Whitman was a doctor and missionary in the 1800s. His role in the displacement of Native Americans in the Pacific Northwest has been scrutinized in recent decades. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its been challenging to find a place inside the Capitol where the 11-foot, 9,144-pound bronze statue wont damage the historic structure. Moving it outside risks exposure to the elements, vandals or both. Either approach would be an expensive undertaking. Leaving the towering Whitman where it stands in the north portico appears increasingly off the table, too. Some state officials envision the foyer as the future home for a statue of Billy Frank Jr., the Nisqually Indian Tribe leader who was an indomitable force in the fight for the protection of salmon and Native American rights. Pairing Frank and Whitman in the same space is a concern in Indian Country. Willie Frank III, Franks son, has expressed very strong feelings about not having the two statues in the same room, said Lt. Gov. Denny Heck at Thursdays meeting of the State Capitol Committee thats wrestled with the relocation decision for nearly a year. The 9-foot-tall clay model of Billy Frank Jr., designed and sculpted by artist Haiying Wu, will be cast into two bronze statues by Classic Foundry of Seattle. (Photo courtesy of ArtsWA) So strong, the son offered to display Marcus Whitman at Wa He Lut Indian School at Franks Landing on the Nisqually Reservation, Heck said. But theres opposition to taking it off campus from those who think both Whitman and Frank should occupy prominent positions at the Capitol, he said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Weve got a lot of different points of view that are being brought here, and I am convinced that if we deal with one another respectfully, we can get to a point where everybody is going to be comfortable with what we do, Heck said in the meeting. He offered a new possibility: Move the Whitman statue down the hall to a space outside the entrance to the Senate cafeteria room, midway between the offices of the governor and the lieutenant governor. A structural analysis costing as much as $35,000 must be done to determine if the location could support its massive girth. Beau Perschbacher, a senior policy adviser to Gov. Bob Ferguson, said he was working with the state Department of Enterprise Services to see if the agency can proceed with existing funds. Otherwise, the Legislature would have to pony up in the 2026 supplemental budget. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked if Ferguson has a preferred location for the Whitman statue, Perschbacher replied, I dont know if weve made a decision on that. Decision time Whitman, who settled near what is today Walla Walla in the 1830s, is one of two Washington figures to have a statue in the U.S. Capitols National Statuary Hall. The other is Mother Joseph for whom there is also a statue in the north portico of the state Capitol, across from Whitman. State lawmakers in 2021 decided to replace the Whitman statue in the U.S. Capitol and another in the state Capitol building with statues of Frank. The Legislature earmarked $100,000 in the current capital budget to relocate the Whitman statue. Until Thursday, the Capitol Committee had been considering six possible options: moving Whitman outside the south entrance, two variations of putting Whitman and Frank side-by-side, and three different ways with Mother Joseph and Frank side-by-side. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Costs ranged from $10,000 to more than $200,000 based on the work involved in the moving of statues. The committee was on course to choose an approach in January but wont now as the latest alternative is studied. A decision is needed soon because the making of the two bronze statues of Frank is getting underway. The Washington State Arts Commission has awarded Classic Foundry of Seattle a contract to complete the statues by May 2026. The current timeline calls for delivery of a statue to the U.S. Capitol in September 2026. That is also seen as the earliest date for installation at the state Capitol, though it could be put in place in early 2027. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On Thursday, representatives from the foundry and the Billy Frank Jr. Statue Committee, including Willie Frank III and artist Haiying Wu, held a press conference to mark the selection of the foundry. It was held at Wa He Lut Indian School, the site of many of the fish-ins for treaty rights organized by Frank, who died in 2014 at the age of 83. We have an opportunity to tell the story of Washington the good, the bad and the ugly with the story of my father that is wrapped in this project, said Willie Frank III, in a statement. It is not the beginning or the end of the story or the work as there is much to do in education, health care, housing and continuing to protect and enhance our treaty rights of fishing, hunting and gathering. Family, friends and the members of the FDNY came to mourn Firefighter Patrick Brady during a wake on Friday. He died last Saturday after he went into cardiac arrest while fighting a fire in Brownsville, Brooklyn. Brady's wake was held at Marine Park Funeral Home in Brooklyn on Friday. It was a moment for New York's Finest to remember their fallen brother. "It's absolutely important to display brotherhood and support the family," said Daniel Coleman of Battalion 3. "It's going to take a long time, but every day he'll be missed and I just hope they gain some kind of peace at some point." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The funeral will be held at the Church of St. Francis de Sales in Belle Harbor, New York on Saturday, November 15, at 11 a.m. His funeral will also be streamed on the FDNY website. Brady, 42, was an 11-year-veteran of the FDNY. His ties to New York's Bravest run deep. Brady's two brothers, Jimmy and Brian, are FDNY Firefighters. His cousins and uncles are also FDNY Firefighters. "They've been dedicated. They all cherish Patrick's memory," Mayor Eric Adams said. Brady lived in Far Rockaway, Queens. He is survived by his wife, Cara. * Get Eyewitness News Delivered * Follow us on YouTube * More local news * Send us a news tip * Download the abc7NY app for breaking news alerts Submit a tip or story idea to Eyewitness News Have a breaking news tip or an idea for a story we should cover? Send it to Eyewitness News using the form below. If attaching a video or photo, terms of use apply. As the Northeast endures blustery, chilly weather and rain floods parts of California, an estimated 1.5 million square miles of the central United States will remain dry and sunny, with temperatures rising well above historical mid-November averages through the weekend. A northward bulge in the jet stream positioned over the nation's midsection will block colder air and storms from the Front Range of the Rockies through the Plains, much of the Mississippi Valley and the Southeast through the coming days. AccuWeather.com As the pattern continues, temperatures on Saturday afternoon had either closely approached, tied or broken daily record highs across parts of the Plains and Mississippi Valley. Widespread highs in the 80s were commonplace across the southern Plains, temperatures more typical of early September. GET THE FREE ACCUWEATHER APP Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement From the Dakotas to Minnesota and much of Wisconsin, the warmth peaked Friday with widespread highs in the 60s. Cooler air will advance southeast over the weekend, with highs in Chicago, for example, expected to barely eclipse the 50-degree-Fahrenheit mark on Sunday. AccuWeather.com On Monday, highs only reached the mid-40s in Atlanta and Charlotte, and dropped into the 30s across central and northern Florida in the early-morning hours. As warmer air moves in from the Central states, highs will climb into the 70s in Atlanta and near 80 in Orlando. The average highs for mid-November are in the mid-60s in Atlanta and upper 70s in Orlando. Along with the warm and dry pattern will come an elevated risk of wildfires. Breezes will add to this danger in areas where vegetation has already dried out from the summer. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The wildfire threat is expected to shift from the southern Plains to the Southeast this week as moisture from the Gulf begins to spread from the lower Mississippi Valley toward the southern Rockies. AccuWeather.com Depending on the strength and path of an approaching storm system, the current dry pattern could end, raising the potential for flash flooding in small streams and urban areas. Want next-level safety, ad-free? Unlock advanced, hyperlocal severe weather alerts when you subscribe to Premium+ on the AccuWeather app. AccuWeather Alerts are prompted by our expert meteorologists who monitor and analyze dangerous weather risks 24/7 to keep you and your family safer. The Pierce County Sheriffs Office shared body camera video of a man throwing a dog at a deputy, trying to avoid arrest. They say he also gave them several fake names, hoping they wouldnt find out he had several warrants out for his arrest. It happened on November 4 around 8 a.m. while Community Liaison Deputies were checking on a property where theyd recently cleared a homeless encampment. After clearing a large encampment, its not uncommon for deputies to return several times to ensure that no new encampments emerge, the department shared. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Deputies spotted a tent set up at the Portland Avenue East property and told the man he was trespassing. After 20 minutes of negotiating, deputies informed the man he was being detained until they could figure out his real name. Thats when they say the man threw his dog and tried to run but slipped and fell to the ground. There was a long struggle, and a taser deployment finally led to getting him in custody. The 55-year-old was booked into the Pierce County Jail as John Doe since he could not be identified on scene. He was booked for aggravated assault on a police officer, harassment, resisting arrest, trespassing, and animal cruelty. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement After a fingerprint scanner was used at the jail to learn his real name, it was confirmed that he had felony warrants out of Arizona and Ohio, and warrants out of Olympia. The dog is okay and deputies say he is now being cared for at the Humane Society. Credit: Instagram / @aero.tim A Ukrainian soldier captured the moments an American minigun mounted to a Soviet-era helicopter was used to take out a Russian Geran drone. Kyivs armed forces have increasingly turned to utilising helicopters in air defence roles over the past 12 months. With Russia flying drones high to avoid surface-to-air machine gunners, helicopters flying alongside the drones can intercept them before they dive towards their targets. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement b' ' It makes sense that the versatile American-made M134 minigun is being used in this role, given that its rounds are extremely cheap compared to conventional air defence missiles. The gun can fire up to 6,000 rounds per minute without overheating. Russia uses mass barrages of Iranian-designed Shahed drones knowing Ukraine lacks the missiles to intercept them. Therefore Kyiv has had to become creative with how it defends against these attacks in order to save ammunition for more deadly missiles. Try full access to The Telegraph free today. Unlock their award-winning website and essential news app, plus useful tools and expert guides for your money, health and holidays. PARIS LOreal has priced a 3-billion-euro triple-tranche bond to help finance part of its acquisition of Kering Beaute. The offering is composed of three parts: an 850-million-euro two-year floating-rate bond, a 1-billion-euro five-year fixed-rate bond and a 1.15-billion-euro long 10-year fixed-rate bond. More from WWD The worlds largest beauty company said that net proceeds from the notes issuance will be used for general corporate purposes, including to finance a part of the Kering Beaute acquisition. The notes will be admitted to trading on Euronext Paris starting from the deals settlement date, which is set for Nov. 19. As previously announced, LOreal and Kering on Oct. 19 unveiled a multibillion-euro strategic partnership. The deal includes LOreal acquiring The House of Creed and entering into 50-year exclusive licenses to develop and sell fragrances and beauty products for Kerings brands Bottega Veneta and Balenciaga once the transition closes, likely in the first half of 2026, and for Gucci after its current contract with Coty Inc. ends. That is expected in 2028. Balenciaga fragrances The 50/50 joint venture agreement is valued at 4 billion euros, which is payable in cash at the closing. LOreal will also pay royalties to Kering for use of its licensed brands. Beyond beauty, the companies said they are joining forces to explore business opportunities at the intersection of luxury, wellness and longevity. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. The Energy Department and Air Force in August successfully carried out the first tests dropping unarmed B61-12 nuclear gravity bombs from an F-35A fighter, the laboratory in charge of overseeing nuclear weapons said this week. Sandia National Laboratories said in a Thursday release that it, along with the National Nuclear Security Administration, staged multiple flight tests at Tonopah Test Range in Nevada from Aug. 19 to Aug. 21, with the assistance of personnel and aircraft from Hill Air Force Base in Utah. These were so far the only tests of the B61-12 from an F-35, Sandia said, and marked a major milestone in ensuring the aircraft, crews and weapons would work reliably on a mission. The B61-12s dropped were joint test assemblies, identical to bombs that would be used in war except that they did not have nuclear warheads. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement These B61-12 F-35A stockpile flight tests and captive carry flight test were the capstone accomplishment of a tremendous amount of planning and effort by those who were involved across not only Sandia, but many other agencies, Jeffrey Boyd, Sandia surveillance lead for the B61-12 and -13 bombs, said. In addition, these B61-12 stockpile flight tests represent the completion of the most B61-12 flight testing surveillance scope in a year to date and the most in a given year for the foreseeable future, he said. The testers also conducted the first thermal preconditioning of the joint test assembly prior to being carried on an F-35 before being released, Sandia said, which verified the bomb would work in real world environments. A video and photos posted by the laboratory show Sandia and Air Force personnel carefully moving a B61-12 across a flightline at Hill in the early morning hours of Aug. 19, then loading a pair of the bombs into an F-35s twin weapons bays before the fighter takes off for Tonopah. A B61-12 joint test assembly, or a nuclear gravity bomb without the explosive nuclear device, moments before impact at the Tonopah Test Range in Nevada after being dropped from an F-35A from Hill Air Force Base in Utah. (Tonopah Test Range) The B61 family of nuclear gravity bombs are deployed from U.S. Air Force and NATO bases and have been in the U.S. arsenal in one form or another for more than 50 years. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Last December, the NNSA finished a life extension-program to the B61-12 which will extend its service life by at least 20 years. That project involved refurbishing, reusing or replacing nuclear and nonnuclear bomb components. The B61-12 replaced three previous models that were in the nations stockpile, the B61-3, -4, and -7, the Air Force said in a 2021 release. It marked the first major program to modernize an Air Force nuclear warhead in more than three decades. As part of that upgrade, the Air Force Nuclear Weapons Center led the development of a new Boeing-made guided tail kit for the B61-12, and integration with the B-2 Spirit bomber as well as the F-15E, F-16 and F-35 fighters. Brian Adkins, the Tonopah Test Range manager who oversaw these B61-12 tests, said the effort included two successful days of testing to evaluate three test assets. These F-35 tests took place well before President Donald Trump posted a social media message in late October saying he had ordered the Defense Department to start testing our Nuclear Weapons on an equal basis with other nations, which he claimed were secretly carrying out nuclear tests. Trumps comments created concern that the United States might abandon its more than three-decade moratorium on test explosions of nuclear weapons. Energy Secretary Chris Wright said in an early November interview that tests focusing on subsystems of new nuclear weapons were in the works, but would not result in a full nuclear detonation. Iowa Board of Regents President Sherry Bates left, reads a proclamation thanking Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen for her service on Nov. 13, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Iowa State University) Iowa higher education leaders gave Iowa State University President Wendy Wintersteen their thanks during her last Iowa Board of Regents meeting this week as she prepares to vacate her role and others step up. Wintersteen spoke in front of the board about ISUs accomplishments and efficiencies for the last time Thursday before her coming retirement in January. Members of the board, as well as University of Northern Iowa President Mark Nook and University of Iowa President Barbara Wilson, said Wintersteen will be missed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Iowa Board of Regents expresses its deep gratitude to President Wintersteen for her expertise, dedication and extraordinary service to the board of regents, Iowa State University, its students and families and all Iowans, Bates said. SUBSCRIBE: GET THE MORNING HEADLINES DELIVERED TO YOUR INBOX The ISU president expressed her gratitude for the board as well, saying she sees the countless hours, energy and effort that every regent provides for this voluntary service, and every Iowan owes them a big thanks for their commitment. While Wintersteen has been serving as ISU president the first woman in the role, Bates said for nine years, her tenure at the university spans nearly five decades. She was also one of the first women to work as an ISU Extension associate in integrated pest management, according to her online biography, and earned her doctorate in entomology before becoming a professor of the topic. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Wintersteen also held different administrative roles at ISU throughout her career, including dean of the college of agriculture and life sciences and director of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, her biography stated. She officially became ISUs president on Nov. 20, 2017. Under her leadership, Iowa State raised a record breaking $1.5242 billion for the Forever True for Iowa State campaign with $500 million dedicated for student support, including more than 50,000 donor funded scholarships, Bates said. The board selected North Dakota State University President David Cook to succeed Wintersteen as president, but with his contract beginning March 1 and Wintersteens ending at the beginning of January, an interim president was needed to fill the gap. Bates announced at the boards Thursday meeting that David Spalding, ISU vice president for economic development and industry relations, will serve as interim president starting Jan. 3. His annual salary was set at $600,000. Spalding did not attend the board meeting announcing his selection, but Bates said were certainly grateful that he accepted this interim position. SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE For months, 7 On Your Side Investigates has looked into the copper wire thefts plaguing neighborhoods in Southern California. Throughout that time, we've been trying to get to the bottom of where the stolen metal is going. We finally got some answers. Copper wire thefts have left streets in the dark and many people without their landlines. Thieves even hit an AT&T vault where a lot of phone connections are made in South L.A. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement When copper is stolen, it can end up in places such as an alleged illegal scrapyard operation in a residential neighborhood. At an early morning raid at a home in Lynwood, sheriff's investigators brought Eyewitness News along to show us the copper and other metals. They said someone was dealing with scrap metal in his backyard. "So we've got a few bags of communication wire. This communication wire happens to be burn as in they lit a fire to burn the insulation off. We've got some other structural wire.. this looks to be stripped down wire," said LASD investigator Ben Garcia as he pointed at mounds of metal wire in a truck bed. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement They also found a truck outside with a driver allegedly buying some of that metal. Detectives would like to know where it came from but they say in those conditions, it's almost impossible. "Once the insulation is off, once the color is gone - we can't find it. Then it's just a copper wire," said Garcia. But sometimes, a clue is left behind. In the truck, detectives also found the insulator for the copper wire. "This little telephone symbol means it belongs to AT&T," said Garcia. "So we have an identified victim with this piece." 7 On Your Side Investigates has previously reported on how AT&T customers have lost landline service throughout Los Angeles due to stolen copper wires. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It's also a problem for other telecommunications companies and municipalities. Meantime, people are also stealing wires from street lights. The Sixth Street Bridge recently went dark when people stole copper wires connected to the bridge's lighting system. Sheriff's Capt. Bobby Dean says, in the Lynwood raid, they found much more than just stolen metal. "We've recovered a significant amount of narcotics, what appears to be stolen metal and some firearms at this residence. It's happened before. We've been at this house multiple times, and what we're trying to do is put the dent that we can in this problem," said Dean. Copper theft has exploded in recent years, driven by soaring scrap prices. Investigators say legitimate recyclers are required to verify sellers and document every transaction - but rogue operators are fueling the black market and the thefts keep coming. Looking to spread kindness this holiday season? York County food banks, churches and local businesses are ready for your donations of canned goods, toiletries and gently used winter wear. CGA Law Firm CGA Law Firm in downtown York organized a winter coat and food drive benefiting STRIVE Initiatives and Chrystals Place Resource Center Northeast Neighborhood Association.Now through Dec. 12, donations of new or gently used coats, hats, gloves, scarves and blankets and nonperishable foods can be dropped off at 135 N. George St., York. Bellomo & Associates, LLC Bellomo & Associates is hosting a community food drive to support its local neighbors now through Dec. 15. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Accepted items include nonperishable, shelf-stable items including peanut butter, canned soup, canned fruits and vegetables, cookie mixes, mashed potatoes, stuffing, canned beans, rice, pasta and more. They are also accepting toiletries, razors, toothpaste, socks and bus passes or gift cards. Items can be dropped off at Bellomo & Associates at 3198 E. Market St., York Monday through Friday during operating business hours. York City fire department All York city fire stations are collecting canned foods, toiletries and household items now through Monday, Nov. 24. Items include: Instant mashed potatoes Stuffing Boxed macaroni and cheese Canned vegetables/fruits/beans Gravy packets Cookie/cake/ie mixes Peanut butter Canned meats (tuna, chicken, salmon) Pasta/rice/cereal Can openers Laundry and dish detergent Toothpaste Toilet paper Diapers Soap & shampoo Grocery store gift cards York Jewish Community Center (JCC) The York JCCs Project Manna and Matan BSeter Food Sharing Cabinet accepts donations of shelf-stable, non-perishable food and paper products to donate to recipients of Project Manna. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The following items are accepted and can be dropped off directly at the food pantry outside located on the side of the York JCC building at 2000 Hollywood Drive, York: Canned tuna/chicken Tomato sauce Pasta and rice Canned fruit (in natural juice; no sugar added) Canned vegetables Granola bars, crackers, and snacks Cereal Canned soup and ready-made-meals (ex. ravioli) Non-scented laundry detergent Toilet paper (individual packs) Dish soap Tissue boxes Napkins Peanut butter and jelly Coffee and tea Hygiene products (ex. shampoo, conditioner, soap bars) This food pantry is open to anyone in the York community. The Grotto Our York Media is hosting a food drive collecting non-perishable food items to benefit York County Food Bank and partnering with The Grotto as a drop-off location, through Friday, Nov. 21 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Items including pasta, rice, canned vegetables, canned meat (tuna, chicken, salmon), beans, peanut butter, cereal, instant mashed potatoes, boxed stuffing, canned fruits, cookie mixes, gravy packets, and anything else nonperishable, and not in glass containers can be donated at The Grotto, located at 17 E. Philadelphia St., York. The Grotto is open Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Fadely's Auto Masters Fadely's Auto Masters is collecting nonperishable food donations to benefit New Hope Ministries in Pennsylvania through Dec. 1. Donations can be dropped off at 3177 W. Market St., York, Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. York County Food Bank The York County Food Bank accepts donations of nonperishable items including canned meats, pasta, peanut butter, rice and cereal, canned vegetables and fruit. Nonperishable items include can openers, laundry and dish detergent, toothpaste, toilet paper, diapers, soap and shampoo and grocery store gift cards. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Items can be dropped off at 15 Marianne Drive, York Monday through Thursday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. and on Fridays from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. More: The York County Food Bank, already low on supplies, worries about SNAP benefit cuts Red Lion community pantry/fridge A new initiative organized by local resident Jennie Donahue, is fighting everyday food insecurity at 137 West High Street. There, multiple cabinets and a cooler are stocked for the community to take what they need and leave what they can, whether it's canned foods, fresh fruit, baby formula, bread and more. Everything is free, and available for anyone in need, or for those who wish to give. Clothes are not a preferred donation at the moment due to limited space. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Currently, items accepted include kitchenware, toys, games, office supplies, toiletries and first aid supplies or over-the-counter medications. Items for the food pantry cabinets include any sealed, non-perishable food times, canned or boxed foods, pet food, baby formula and more. Perishable items including produce, dairy, meat, restaurant surplus and even homemade meals are accepted in the cooler. "We encourage others use their own discretion if they choose to consume homemade or open items. Often local organizations will bring multiple containers of leftovers that would be otherwise wasted. We also know that there are many homeless that benefit from these meals," community pantry organizer Jennie Donahue said. Coats of Friendship Coats of Friendship, a youth-led nonprofit organization that collects and distributes winter coats to those in need, has drop-off locations across York County. Gently used coats, hats, gloves and scarves of all sizes can be dropped off at the following locations year-round: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Off of Interstate 83 Exit 8 - Glen Rock: Freedom Armory Hanover Guthrie Memorial Library - 2 Library Place, Hanover First Church of Hanover - 200 Frederick St., Hanover Shrewsbury Elementary - 331 S Main St., Shrewsbury Welding Supplies, Gas and Supplies Paul Smith Library of Southern York County Realty One Group Generations - 19 W. Railroad Ave, Shrewsbury Shrewsbury Municipal Building Friendship Elementary Southern Middle School Susquehannock High School South Central York County Senior Center - 150 E. Main St., New Freedom National Tire and Battery on East Market St., York National Tire and Battery on Route 30 Mavis tire at 2700 E. Market St. York Mavis Tire at 3108 Cape Horn Road, Red Lion Mavis Tire at 3970 Carlisle Road, Dover Glatfelter Memorial Library - 101 Glenview Road, Spring Grove Mason Dixon Public Library - 250 Bailey Drive, Stewartstown This article originally appeared on York Daily Record: Where to donate food, toiletries, coats & more in York County PA Nov. 14 (UPI) -- The White House announced new "trade framework agreements" with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala, all governed by administrations aligned with president Donald Trump, with the goal of reducing certain tariffs, eliminating non-tariff barriers and expanding access for U.S. products in those markets. According to a statement issued by Washington on Thursday, the agreements establish reciprocal commitments. The Latin American countries will eliminate or ease requirements and licenses that restrict the entry of U.S. goods -- including agricultural products, medical devices, machinery and automobiles -- while the U.S. government will reduce or waive tariffs on some key exports from those countries, as long as the products are not produced in sufficient quantities domestically. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "These agreements will help American farmers, ranchers, fishermen, small businesses and manufacturers increase U.S. exports and expand trade opportunities with these partners," the White House said. The commitments agreed to range from the acceptance of U.S. standards for vehicles, auto parts, medical devices and pharmaceuticals in El Salvador's case to preferential access in Argentina for machinery, technology products, chemicals and agricultural goods, along with reforms to its intellectual property regime. Guatemala agreed to ensure a favorable framework for digital trade, including free data transfers and a pledge not to impose taxes on U.S. digital services, while also strengthening its labor rules to prohibit goods linked to forced labor. Ecuador assumed stricter environmental obligations, such as improving forest governance and combating illegal logging, as well as fully complying with international rules on fisheries subsidies. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement On the trade front, it will eliminate or reduce tariffs on key products -- fruits, nuts, legumes, wheat, wine and spirits -- and dismantle its variable agricultural tariff system, opening significant access for U.S. exports. The governments of all four countries welcomed the initiative as an opportunity to boost their exports, attract foreign investment and strengthen their competitiveness. Argentine Foreign Minister Pablo Quirno said on X that the agreement "creates the conditions to increase U.S. investment in Argentina" and includes tariff reductions for key industries. In a statement, the government of Javier Milei said that as part of this understanding, the two countries agreed to significantly expand access for Argentine beef in the U.S. market and to work together to eliminate non-tariff barriers to bilateral agrifood trade. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It added that the United States will eliminate tariffs on products it does not produce, while Argentina will grant tariff preferences to facilitate the entry of capital goods and intermediate inputs. Guatemalan President Bernardo Arevalo and Economy Minister Gabriela Garcia said on social media that more than 70% of the products the country exports to the United States will now enter tariff-free. They added that most remaining products will face a 10% tariff, Prensa Libre reported. In Ecuador's case, as Agriculture, Fisheries and Livestock Minister Danilo Palacios had previously indicated, among the products that will no longer pay the 15% tariff imposed by the United States in August are bananas and cacao, two of the main goods in Ecuador's export basket, the newspaper Primicias reported. While Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele reposted the White House's official statement on X with the caption "Friends" alongside both countries' flags, the Salvadoran Association of Industrialists said the agreement is a "unique opportunity" for exports and for attracting investment. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Trump administration's announcement remains at the framework stage, and the agreements are expected to be formalized in the coming weeks. However, they do not amount to full free trade agreements, but are designed as specific market-access and regulatory commitments, including a guarantee not to impose digital taxes on U.S. companies. The United States and Argentina have agreed to a trade framework which includes tariff reductions for key industries, the White House said on Thursday. The White House said Washington would "remove the reciprocal tariffs on certain unavailable natural resources and non-patented articles for use in pharmaceutical applications." Buenos Aires, meanwhile, "will provide preferential market access for U.S. goods exports, including certain medicines, chemicals, machinery, information technologies products, medical devices, motor vehicles, and a wide range of agricultural products." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The framework also included "key elements", covering agreements on intellectual property, environment and agricultural market access. In recent months, the government in Buenos Aires had lobbied intensively for a trade deal with Washington. The White House said the US had concluded similar agreements with Ecuador, Guatemala and El Salvador. "Argentina has opened its market to U.S. live cattle, committed to allow market access for U.S. poultry within one year, and agreed not to restrict market access for products that use certain cheese and meat terms," the statement read. The administration of US President Donald Trump recently provided Argentina with a $20 billion currency swap to boost liquidity and the Treasury made large-scale peso purchases to support the exchange rate. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trump recently made his aid for Argentina dependent on ultra-liberal President Javier Milei's victory in the midterm elections in late October. Milei, seen as a close ally of Trump, achieved a surprise victory in the midterms despite a series of corruption scandals and a continuing weak economy, which he has been trying to get back on track with drastic cuts and reforms. Speaking in Corrientes, near the border with Paraguay, Milei celebrated the deal, promising: "We are going to make Argentina great again." BELEM, Brazil The State Department helped stymie U.S. officials ability to attend this years United Nations climate talks here, Democratic Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse said Friday. The lawmaker from Rhode Island is the sole U.S. government presence at the COP30 summit, which has drawn an estimated 56,000 diplomats, activists, businesspeople, journalists and others to the Amazonian port city of Belem. Hes meeting with officials and other delegates to share a message that President Donald Trump and his aggressive championing of fossil fuels dont represent the entire United States. The U.S. government shutdown that ended this week was the main complication to the journey, but Whitehouse said it wasnt the only barrier. He told reporters that the State Department refused to sponsor his efforts to receive United Nations credentials to attend the summit a departure from the departments past practice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There was a very deliberate pattern of behavior to try to discourage official attendance here, including making it just logistically really challenging, said Whitehouse, the top Democrat on the Environment and Public Works Committee. The State Department confirmed Saturday that it had declined to assist lawmakers interested in attending the summit. The Trump Administration refused to use taxpayer dollars to send or facilitate any official travel for this conference, which is dedicated to hamstringing the American economy and bankrupting the American people," a department spokesperson told POLITICO in an email. "Any Members of Congress in attendance have made alternative plans for credentials." Without accreditation, it would have been pointless to fly to Belem, said Whitehouse, who was finally able to obtain a badge providing access to the summit. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement We couldnt get these, he said, raising the badge. You can't blame the shutdown on the State Department being unwilling to get us badged in. This years COP30 talks come as Trump doubles down on fossil fuel drilling and just months before the U.S. officially exits the 2015 Paris climate agreement for the second time. Talks here are tied up over how to ensure countries not only commit to stronger action to halt rising temperatures but also act on those pledges. While the Trump administration declined to send anyone to the climate summit and no members of Congress have attended aside from Whitehouse, the United States main economic rival China had registered 789 delegates, according to an independent analysis of U.N. data. Thats the second biggest delegation aside from that of the host nation, Brazil, which registered 3,805. Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential contender, also made a much-publicized swing through Belem this week. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The lack of an official U.S. delegation has brought a mixed reaction. Some delegates have lamented the loss of U.S. experience and ability to unlock action when talks reach a standstill. But others have expressed relief that the current administration has stayed away. Because of the Trump administration, I think the view is that's actually better, Whitehouse said. I mean, as long as we're gonna just be here and be up to no good and running around telling lies and bullying people, great, stay away, we'll make better progress without you. Former Vice President Al Gore, who is also attending the summit, echoed that sentiment in an interview Thursday with POLITICO. There are two schools of thought about the U.S. absence, Gore said. The first says its damaging that no one from the U.S. government is here. But the other school of thought is, since [Trump is] so psychopathically focused on destroying any potential solutions to the climate crisis, its just as well that he has stayed away and that his minions are not here either. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps snub of the summit also snagged Whitehouses efforts to attend as a member of the coequal legislative branch, the senators team said. Congressional representatives typically receive official badges for attendance at the annual climate conferences as part of a country delegation. The State Department said it would not provide those badges because the Trump administration was not sending an official delegation, according to Whitehouses team. Sens. John Curtis (R-Utah) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) had been slated to lead a bipartisan delegation to COP30 but canceled at the last minute due to the shutdown. Coons office said people there were under the impression that the State Department would not sponsor congressional delegations during the government shutdown. In the long run, Whitehouse said, he hopes that the U.S. can return to the global stage as a cooperative partner and undo any damage that has been done in its absence. He said the U.S. could suffer lasting repercussions to its reputation if it walks away from negotiations and champions fossil fuels despite having the best science and resources to counter climate change especially as the harms from worsening climate-induced wildfires, heat waves, storms and hurricanes grow. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The quicker we can get back to being the good guys again, the better, Whitehouse said. But, in the short term at least, that would involve Democrats winning more elections, Whitehouse noted at a separate event at the TED Countdown House outside the COP30 venue. He said Democrats had been too timid on climate issues when in control of Congress and the White House, often settling for half-measures. It helps if you want to win elections in order to achieve political power to have shown that when you do have political power, you use it energetically and smartly and are willing to be bold, he said. Unfortunately, on climate, that has not been us. Amelia Davidson contributed to this report from Washington. Back in July, Laura Loomer who is some combination of Trump confidante, MAGA enforcer and right-wing media personality went public with her urging to President Trump to appoint a special counsel to handle the Epstein files investigation. Loomer is good at using her clout with President Trump, and has stacks of pink slips from fired administration officials to prove it. The special counsel, she argued, was necessary because there were real issues of concern. Obviously, this is not a complete hoax given the fact that Ghislaine Maxwell is currently serving 20 years in prison, Loomer said at the time. This came after Februarys notorious The Epstein Files: Phase 1 incident in which MAGA influencers were invited to a briefing on the case and walked away with big binders that included no new information. Attorney General Pam Bondi went scrambling to soothe concerns among right wingers who had been promised swift justice and lots of sunlight in the case of the notorious pedophile Jeffrey Epstein, but she only created more questions with new claims and promises. Just days after that, Bondi did a full about-face when the Justice Department declared that the client list she had promised to provide actually didnt exist at all. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It was getting so bad that Loomer warned Trump that it might consume his presidency, and so he should appoint someone to head up the probe, presumably to get it away from Bondi and FBI Director Kash Patel. Just one day after Loomers warning, The Wall Street Journal reported that Trump had submitted some verses and a stylized drawing of a nude woman to a 2005 birthday book Maxwell compiled for Epstein. Trump absolutely denied he had ever done such a thing and sued the paper for $10 billion. In September, House Democrats obtained the submission and shared it with the public. Also in the wake of the Bondi backtrack, the administration sent her deputy and former personal attorney to the president, Todd Blanche, to meet with Maxwell, who he said absolved Trump of any wrongdoing with any of her and Epsteins victims and then, poof, she got transferred to a nicer prison while she pursued her appeals. This was all the backdrop for this weeks Epstein double whammy in which 1) Trump undertook intense lobbying to stop the passage of a mostly symbolic House petition calling for the release of the Epstein files and 2) a new trove of Epstein emails was released, including one from 2011 in which Epstein claimed that Trump, then a reality television star, had some knowledge of Epsteins sex crimes, having spent hours at a house with one of the victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement An important Washington precept is to never try to explain by conspiracy what can be more simply explained by incompetence. And incompetence could explain a lot of nine months of bungling in this case by the president and his administration. Like going to the mat to block a vote that can now die in the Senate, and if it doesnt, could be vetoed by the president, and, failing that, could still be slow-walked and wriggled out of by a pliant Justice Department thats already resisting pressure from Congress for a full disclosure anyway. Like the birthday note denial and lawsuit, it could be just a bluff that didnt pay off. Or the Maxwell meeting and transfer that was supposed to provide absolution but only heightened suspicions. But good gracious, thats a lot of mistakes in a row. Loomer checked back in after Wednesdays double debacle, saying she had been right to warn that the Epstein case might consume Trumps second presidency. Not because its an actual scandal, she told Politico. What I said, when I said that it was going to consume his presidency, is that the Democrats were not going to allow for President Trump to have a successful term. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I dont think that its consuming his presidency because hes guilty, but I think that the Epstein files is the next Russia collusion hoax. Thats pretty good spin, but it doesnt answer the question of why Trump didnt take her advice four months ago and get his administration out of this case and let someone else take over. And in that way, the Epstein files really are like the investigation into Russian interference in 2016: By acting so guilty, Trump is perpetuating the case against himself. Maybe its just Trumps nature to try to conceal things from his enemies, even when he would be better to get it out and over quickly. Maybe he couldnt bring himself to be honest about the depth of his relationship with such an odious person as Epstein with Loomer, Bondi or the other women who were going after the creep back when he was thought to be a problem for Democrats more than Republicans. But whatever is going on, this must now rank among the most colossal failures of administration and communication by any modern American president. If Trump really committed no crime worse than being a letch with those of legal age and having bad taste in friends, this has been an astonishing series of self-owns. Or, maybe its even worse than we know. Certainly, the president isnt making it easy to know which one is right. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Either way, one gets the feeling that Loomer is right about this being a defining part of Trump 2.0. [Programming alert: Watch The Hill Sunday with Chris Stirewalt The shutdown is over, but now for the hard part: striking a deal before the next deadline in January. Guests including House Intelligence Committee Chair Rick Crawford (R-Ark.); Rep. Joe Morelle -N.Y.), the ranking Democrat on the House Administration Committee; and historian Allen Guelzo, the preeminent scholar of Abraham Lincoln, on the anniversary of the Gettysburg Address and its relation to Americas founding creed as part of our continuing exploration of American history ahead of our nations 250th birthday.] Holy croakano! We welcome your feedback, so please email us with your tips, corrections, reactions, amplifications, etc. at WHOLEHOGPOLITICS@THEHILL.COM. If youd like to be considered for publication, please include your real name and hometown. If you dont want your comments to be made public, please specify. NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION Trump Job Performance Average Approval: 39.6% Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Average Disapproval: 57.2% Net Score: 17.6 points Change from last week: .4 points Change from one month ago: 3 points [Average includes: AP-NORC 36% approve 62% disapprove; Emerson College 41% approve 49% disapprove; CNN 37% approve 63% disapprove; NewsNation 41% approve 57% disapprove; NBC News 43% approve 55% disapprove] Some Republicans sour on Trumps management style Percent who approve of the way Donald Trump is handling management of the federal government Now / March Republicans 68% / 81% Democrats 5% / 9% Independents 25% / 38% [Associated Press/National Opinion Research Center survey of 1,143 adults, Nov. 6-10] ON THE SIDE: FEATHERS OF RESISTANCE Writer Daniel Engber with the truly wild story of a Canadian ostrich farm and a bird flu outbreak for The Atlantic: An ostrich is of course a grand and silly thing: more than six feet tall with giant eyes, a 350-pound sedan on muscled stilts. It chirps and booms and honks and grunts. It wags its tail and pulls the threads from your sweater. Karen used to keep an ostrich as a peta Somali blue, the smaller kindand she called it Newman because it liked to hop up on her couch and watch Seinfeld on TV. Her son remembers riding Newman like a pony. Now Dave and Karens flock of charismatic megapoultry was a threat to public health. And then Karen started spinning out a stranger story. Universal Ostrich Farms wasnt just a farm, she told the CFIA; it was the site of cutting-edge research. She and Dave were working on a novel class of ostrich-based pharmaceuticalsmedicines that could one day help rid the world of many different ills, including cholera, obesity, and COVID. The drugs might even put an end to bird flu itself. PRIME CUTS Steve Kornacki: New Jerseys giant win for Dems has lessons for 2026: NBC News: The two main ingredients in the [Democratic] landslide have potential ramifications that extend well beyond the borders of New Jersey. Four years ago, [the Republican] clawed back many of the suburban voters his party had been shedding in the Trump era. This time around, with Trump back in the White House, they were cross-pressured, but their verdict was decisive: They wanted to vote against the party of Trump. The other ingredient involves nonwhite voters. It was with these voters Hispanic and Asian American voters in particular that Trump made his biggest gains in 2024. The answer is a resounding no. In New Jersey municipalities that are at least 60% Hispanic, all of Trumps 2024 gains were washed away. Similar results can be seen in heavily Asian American areas in Middlesex County, where Trump also made notable gains last year. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But its all about the middle of the middle class: Wall Street Journal: To win next years competitive House races, the analysis shows, running up big margins in wealthy parts of America will only help Democrats so much. The Journal assessment excluded just-redrawn districts in Texas, California and Ohio. The virtually tied result in Caroline County [in Virginia] suggests that such communities are up for grabs next year. The result, however, was a marked shift from the GOPs 9-point margin in the county in last years presidential race, boosting Democrats confidence. Democrats will need similar shifts in other middle-income districts, though maybe not as substantial as in Caroline County, to take a majority in the House, where Republicans now hold a narrow, six-seat margin, with three seats vacant. GOPs Hispanic slide casts doubt on gerrymander plan: Bloomberg: Republicans are hardly going to admit it, but they should evaluate whether Trumps push to ignite a redistricting arms race may have made it easier for a blue wave to wipe out more Republicans than if they had left their maps alone. There is no guarantee that the electorate that showed up in 2024 is going to be the one that goes to the polls in 2026. Instead of securing additional seats in Congress, Trumps redistricting gamble looks like it might just boomerang back on him. Court nixes GOPs Utah gerrymander, adding a sure Dem gain: The Hill: Democrats have racked up a number of key victories in the redistricting battle in recent days, giving the party hope it can cancel out GOP gains in next years midterms. The partys latest win came late Monday, when a judge rejected a Republican-drawn congressional map in Utah, giving Democrats a clear pickup opportunity in a reliably red state. That followed the passage of Proposition 50 in California, where voters overwhelmingly approved a new map designed to net the party additional seats. SHORT ORDER Filibuster opposition emerges as new MAGA litmus test in Texas Senate primary Texas Tribune Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Poll shows tossup in Maine Senate race for both Dem primary and general Maine Peoples Resource Center Rogers gets a grassroots MAGA rival in Michigan GOP Senate primary WLNS Its official: Stefanik announces N.Y. governor bid The Hill Early voting underway in Tennessee special House election that will test the limits of Dems red state reach Politico Trash-talking Kennedy heir seeking N.Y.C. House seat New York Times George Conway, inveterate Trump basher, may seek the same slot CNN London Breed, who lost reelection bid as San Francisco mayor, may seek Pelosi seat KTVU Redraw prompts vocal Rep. Al Green to switch districts, triggering competitive primary Texas Tribune Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement West Coast Mamdani? Democratic socialist ousts incumbent in Seattle mayor she defeated in primary The Hill TABLE TALK: WALK THE PLANK I definitely didnt steal the board. Former Louisiana House Speaker Clay Schexnayder denying the felony theft charge against him for allegedly taking an ancient cypress wood artifact from the state capitol when he left office last year. MAILBAG Would you consider an additional deeper dive into the 5%-10% of swing voters who usually make up their minds just before the presidential election. If it comes down to MAGA v. progressive, what drives their decision? Likewise, MAGA v. left-of-center moderate. I ask this from my perspective as a longtime Republican voter who holds the thinking that Reagan and Clinton were two of our better presidents (I care less about any White House sex scandal, as that has been going on for decades.) I will vote for any moderate Democrat before ever voting for a MAGA party member. But I will vote against any [Gavin Newsom/Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez/Bernie Sanders] wing candidate of the Democrats and vote MAGA. Ron Petterson, Pfafftown, N.C. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mr. Petterson, First, Im interested in your grouping of Californias governor with the democratic socialists. I know neither he nor they would consider themselves part of the same wing of the party. That may speak to an insufficiency of his effort to rebrand himself to independent voters. That would be dangerous if he prevails and wins the Democratic nomination, but helpful in winning it in the first place. So far, Newsoms main campaign platform seems to be that he is the most audacious foe of Donald Trump of any top-tier contender, which is definitely the unifying issue for Democrats. Will that still be true in January of 2028? Well see what happens. On the crux of your question and the late deciders, the swingiest swing voters of them all: First, it depends on the year. In 2020, there were lots of late deciders, but in 2024, very few. We could explain that in a lot of ways, but it was certainly an exception to a generally good rule of thumb that holds that its bad news for the incumbent or the party in power when the size of the undecided vote remains high late into the contest. In 2024, we had a very weird incumbent vs. incumbent kind of match-up, which took a lot of the swing out of the race. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As for how they make up their minds, the important thing to always remember about late deciders is that they wouldnt be undecided if they were people whose worldviews were dominated by deeply held ideological beliefs. The millions of people who voted for Barack Obama in 2012 and then Trump in 2016 didnt go through a radical ideological realignment. And in a way, many of them were voting for the same thing in both cases: change. Part of their choice may be about which direction they want to nudge the country. Do they think the pendulum needs to swing back? And a lot of it is just the sense that voters get about the candidates character and personality. Our greatest presidents, Lincoln and George Washington, had a remarkable combination of good policies and superb leadership gifts. But when low-partisanship voters have to choose between policies and leadership qualities as embodied by imperfect choices, my hunch is that that personality is doing a lot of the heavy lifting. All best, c You should email us! Write to WHOLEHOGPOLITICS@THEHILL.COM with your tips, kudos, criticisms, insights, rediscovered words, wonderful names, recipes, and, always, good jokes. Please include your real nameat least first and lastand hometown. Make sure to let us know in the email if you want to keep your submission private. My colleague, Meera Sehgal, and I will look for your emails and then share the most interesting ones and my responses here. Clickety clack! FOR DESSERT: CANADIAN CRIME WAVE CBC: A man took a Hamilton [Ontario] city bus on a joy ride Tuesday with passengers still on board, say police. At about 9 p.m., a bus driver parked and left for a short break. A 36-year-old man of no fixed address boarded the bus, sat down in the drivers seat and drove away. The bus was an extra long articulated model meaning it had an accordion-like attachment joining the first vehicle to the second vehicle. The man made several stops along the way, allowing passengers to get on and off at bus stops. At roughly any time, 10 passengers were on the bus. There was not a ding on the bus. He did a great job, [a police spokesperson] said. At first, passengers didnt realize the man wasnt a bus driver. But when he started making some wrong turns, they started asking him questions and one gave him directions to return to the scheduled route. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill. Everyone has looked up at the clouds and seen faces, animals, objects. Human brains are hardwired for this kind of whimsy. But some people perhaps a surprising number look to the sky and see government plots and wicked deeds written there. Conspiracy theorists say that contrails long streaks of condensation left by aircraft are actually chemtrails, clouds of chemical or biological agents dumped on the unsuspecting public for nefarious purposes. Different motives are ascribed, from weather control to mass poisoning. The chemtrails theory has circulated since 1996, when conspiracy theorists misinterpreted a U.S. Air Force research paper about weather modification, a valid topic of research. Social media and conservative news outlets have since magnified the conspiracy theory. One recent study notes that X, formerly Twitter, is a particularly active node of this broad online community of conspiracy. Im a communications researcher who studies conspiracy theories. The thoroughly debunked chemtrails theory provides a textbook example of how conspiracy theories work. Boosted into the stratosphere Conservative pundit Tucker Carlson, whose podcast averages over a million viewers per episode, recently interviewed Dane Wigington, a longtime opponent of what he calls geoengineering. While the interview has been extensively discredited and mocked in other media coverage, it is only one example of the spike in chemtrail belief. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Although chemtrail belief spans the political spectrum, it is particularly evident in Republican circles. U.S. Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has professed his support for the theory. U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene of Georgia has written legislation to ban chemical weather control, and many state legislatures have done the same. Online influencers with millions of followers have promoted what was once a fringe theory to a large audience. It finds a ready audience among climate change deniers and anti-deep state agitators who fear government mind control. Heads I win, tails you lose Although research on weather modification is real, the overwhelming majority of qualified experts deny that the chemtrail theory has any solid basis in fact. For example, geoengineering researcher David Keiths lab posted a blunt statement on its website. A wealth of other resources exist online, and many of their conclusions are posted at contrailscience.com. But even without a deep dive into the science, the chemtrail theory has glaring logical problems. Two of them are falsifiability and parsimony. According to psychologist Rob Brotherton, conspiracy theories have a classic heads I win, tails you lose structure. Conspiracy theorists say that chemtrails are part of a nefarious government plot, but its existence has been covered up by the same villains. If there was any evidence that weather modification was actually happening, that would support the theory, but any evidence denying chemtrails also supports the theory specifically, the part that alleges a cover-up. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement People who subscribe to the conspiracy theory consider anyone who confirms it to be a brave whistleblower and anyone who denies it to be foolish, evil or paid off. Therefore, no amount of information could even hypothetically disprove it for true believers. This denial makes the theory nonfalsifiable, meaning its impossible to disprove. By contrast, good theories are not false, but they must also be constructed in such a way that if they were false, evidence could show that. Nonfalsifiable theories are inherently suspect because they exist in a closed loop of self-confirmation. In practice, theories are not usually declared false based on a single test but are taken more or less seriously based on the preponderance of good evidence and scientific consensus. This approach is important because conspiracy theories and disinformation often claim to falsify mainstream theories, or at least exploit a poor understanding of what certainty means in scientific methods. Like most conspiracy theories, the chemtrail story tends not to meet the criteria of parsimony, also known as Occams razor, which suggests that the more suppositions a theory requires to be true, the less likely it actually is. While not perfect, this concept can be an important way to think about probability when it comes to conspiracy theories. Is it more likely that the government is covering up a massive weather program, mind-control program or both that involve thousands or millions of silent, complicit agents, from the local weather reporter to the Joint Chiefs of Staff, or that were seeing ice crystals from plane engines? Of course, calling something a conspiracy theory does not automatically invalidate it. After all, real conspiracies do exist. But its important to remember scientist and science communicator Carl Sagans adage that extraordinary claims require extraordinary evidence. In the case of chemtrails, the evidence just isnt there. Psychology of conspiracy theory belief If the evidence against it is so powerful and the logic is so weak, why do people believe the chemtrail conspiracy theory? As I have argued in my new book, Post-Weird: Fragmentation, Community, and the Decline of the Mainstream, conspiracy theorists create bonds with each other through shared practices of interpreting the world, seeing every detail and scrap of evidence as unshakable signs of a larger, hidden meaning. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Uncertainty, ambiguity and chaos can be overwhelming. Conspiracy theories are symptoms, ad hoc attempts to deal with the anxiety caused by feelings of powerlessness in a chaotic and complicated world where awful things like tornadoes, hurricanes and wildfires can happen seemingly at random for reasons that even well-informed people struggle to understand. When people feel overwhelmed and helpless, they create fantasies that give an illusion of mastery and control. Although there are liberal chemtrail believers, aversion to uncertainty might explain why the theory has become so popular with Carlsons audience: Researchers have long argued that authoritarian, right-wing beliefs have a similar underlying structure. On some level, chemtrail theorists would rather be targets of an evil conspiracy than face the limits of their knowledge and power, even though conspiracy beliefs are not completely satisfying. Sigmund Freud described a fort-da (gone-here) game played by his grandson where he threw away a toy and dragged it back on a string, something Freud interpreted as a simulation of control when the child had none. Conspiracy theories may serve a similar purpose, allowing their believers to feel that the world isnt really random and that they, the ones who see through the charade, really have some control over it. The grander the conspiracy, the more brilliant and heroic the conspiracy theorists must be. Conspiracies are dramatic and exciting, with clear lines of good and evil, whereas real life is boring and sometimes scary. The chemtrail theory is ultimately prideful. Its a way for theorists to feel powerful and smart when they face things beyond their comprehension and control. Conspiracy theories come and go, but responding to them in the long term means finding better ways to embrace uncertainty, ambiguity and our own limits alongside a new embrace of the tools we do have: logic, evidence and even humility. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Calum Lister Matheson, University of Pittsburgh Read more: Calum Lister Matheson does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. A Franklin teacher suspended over her comments posted privately to her Instagram account after the shooting death of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk resigned shortly after being initially reinstated. Emily Orbison, a Franklin High School teacher, sued Williamson County Schools and its director, Jason Golden, over the suspension. In the suit, filed in federal court Oct. 10, Orbison argued the district's actions violated her First Amendment rights by retaliating against her for a post she made "in a purely personal capacity." A Nov. 13 filing by the district, first reported on by Chalkbeat, includes a motion to the dismiss the suit and a copy of Orbison's reinstatement letter. The letter shows she was allowed back at work as of Nov. 11 with full backpay from her nearly two-month suspension. However, Orbison has now resigned from her position, according to an email sent the night of Nov. 14 by Williamson County Schools spokesperson Carol Birdsong. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kyle Mothershead, Orbison's attorney, declined to comment on Nov. 14. Previously: Franklin teacher suspended over Charlie Kirk post sues Williamson County Schools In the new filing, the district argues Orbison's suspension did not violate her rights. "The decision to return Plaintiff to her job does not mean that the suspension pending investigation unlawfully infringed upon Plaintiffs protected speech it was necessary to balance the competing interests before returning Plaintiff to a potentially volatile environment," the district's lawyer, Lisa Carson, stated in the filing. "Indeed, in the immediate aftermath of Kirks death and Plaintiffs comments, where community reaction was volatile and the risk of disruption was highest, the balance weighed in favor of the employers interest in protecting students and staff and avoiding disruption." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The judge also previously granted an injunction to allow Orbison to access district property and communicate with parents and teachers to remain involved in her 5-year-old daughter's education there. Court records show the motion to dismiss the suit was still pending as of Nov. 14, meaning the case is still active. The suit states Orbison is seeking compensation, damages and other costs but does not specify for how much. Orbison's case is one of many across Tennessee and nationwide that involved suspensions or firings over social media posts in the wake of Kirk's death. Franklin teacher's Charlie Kirk post sparks controversy, calls for firing Orbison's lawsuit details what led up to a Sept. 10 post she made using the "stories" feature on her Instagram account, with a privacy setting that limited viewers to approved followers. The suit said Orbison "felt compelled to satirize Kirk's political position on social media." A screenshot of her post included in the suit appears to reference a 2023 interview that resurfaced after Kirk's death, in which he said gun deaths were "worth it" to have a Second Amendment that protects "God-given rights," calling it a "prudent deal" and "rational." Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Don't worry, y'all. It's worth it. It's rational," a screenshot of Orbison's post in the lawsuit reads. "It's prudent that I have to go through regular drills of practicing how I will save the lives of students. Practice packing gunshot wounds. Reassure kids that when we get shot at, I will be there to protect them." Turning Point USA founder and CEO Charlie Kirk throws out white "47" hats to students during his American Comeback Tour event held at the Humanities Amphitheatre on the University of Tennessee's campus in Knoxville on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Her post went on to talk about several other issues she faces because of gun violence and its affects on kids, including her daughter, along with Kirk's past comments on women. "Don't mourn his death," she wrote. "It's just the price of doing business. Completely rational." Over the course of five days, her post was shared with others, became the subject of an article by conservative publication The Federalist and drew condemnation from school board members and U.S. Sen. Marsha Blackburn, R-Tennessee, on social media. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement "Absolutely vile. This person advocating for unthinkable violence should have no role in educating young people," a Sept. 13 X post by Blackburn read. "Fire her immediately." Orbison was suspended two days later as the district announced an investigation into her conduct to see if it violated district policy. The suit also lambasted school board members for publicly naming and calling out Orbison for her post, saying that violates the district's code of conduct. This story was updated to include additional information from Williamson County Schools about Emily Orbison's employment status. Rachel Wegner covers education and children's issues for The Tennessean. Got a story you think she should hear? Reach her via email at RAwegner@tennessean.com. You can also find her on X or Bluesky under the handle RachelAnnWegner. This article originally appeared on Nashville Tennessean: Tennessee teacher resigns amid fallout from Charlie Kirk post With a market cap of $8.1 billion, Lamb Weston Holdings, Inc. (LW) is a leading producer, distributor, and marketer of frozen potato products and appetizers across the United States and internationally. The company offers its products under brands such as Lamb Weston, Grown in Idaho, and Alexia, serving restaurants, retailers, and foodservice distributors worldwide. Shares of the frozen foods supplier have underperformed the broader market over the past 52 weeks. LW stock has declined 27.3% over this time frame, while the broader S&P 500 Index ($SPX) has gained 14.5%. Moreover, shares of LW are down 12.5% on a YTD basis, compared to SPXs 16.5% increase. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, shares of the Eagle, Idaho-based company have also lagged behind the Consumer Staples Select Sector SPDR Funds (XLP) 4.1% drop over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Shares of Lamb Weston soared 4.3% on Sept. 30 after the company reported Q1 2026 adjusted EPS of $0.74 and net sales reached $1.66 billion, surpassing estimates. Investor optimism was further fueled by 6% volume growth, improved cost savings and lower SG&A expenses, and managements solid full-year outlook projecting net sales of $6.35 billion - $6.55 billion and adjusted EBITDA of $1 billion - $1.20 billion. For the fiscal year ending in May 2026, analysts expect LWs adjusted EPS to decline 6.3% year-over-year to $3.14. The companys earnings surprise history is mixed. It beat the consensus estimates in three of the last four quarters while missing on another occasion. Among the 12 analysts covering the stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on five Strong Buy ratings and seven Holds. www.barchart.com This configuration is slightly more bullish than three months ago, with four Strong Buy ratings on the stock. On Oct. 1, Stifel raised its price target on Lamb Weston to $63 and maintained a Hold rating. The mean price target of $65 represents a 11.2% premium to LWs current price levels. The Street-high price target of $69 suggests a 18% potential upside. On the date of publication, Sohini Mondal did not have (either directly or indirectly) positions in any of the securities mentioned in this article. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com MENOMINEE, Wis. (WFRV) A Wisconsin man was sentenced to 30 years in prison for an assault with the intent to commit murder and burglary in 2024 on the Menominee Indian Reservation. Significant explosion in Sheboygan County injures at least one after crew ruptures natural gas line Richard G. Frohling, Acting United States Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, announced that the sentencing occurred on Monday, November 10, three months after 34-year-old Neegee Cloud was found guilty by a federal jury. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement According to the release, Cloud broke into a home on the Menominee Indian Reservation on September 20, 2024, when he violently punched and kicked his girlfriend, while stomping on her head and neck area. Clouds violent assault led to her sufferingn multipole facial fractures, a serious brain injury and severe swelling that forced a nearly two-week stay in the ICU and a month in the hospital. Officials say that the woman was able to sruvive due to a quick response by law enforcement and medical personnel after Clouds actions were recorded remotely on a surveillance camera in the house. Shawano County homicide suspect identified, charges recommended Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Senior United States District Judge William C. Griesbach ccalled Clouds actions horrible and a deliberate infliction of brutality during sentencing, adding that Cloud has seven prior violent convictions. Cloud will spend 30 years in prison and then three years on supervised release. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton. Two women charged in the death of their foster daughter in Fayette County appeared in court for their preliminary hearings on Friday. Kourtney Eutsey, 31, and Sarah Shipley, 35, are accused of murdering 9-year-old Renesmay Eutsey. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> 9-year-old girl reported missing in Fayette County found dead, foster mother charged with homicide Renesmay was reported missing from her home on Third Street in Dunbar Township at around 12:41 p.m. on Sept. 3. Police said she was found after Kourtney Eutsey led police to her body in a river in Westmoreland County. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Kourtney Eutsey and Shipley are also accused of abusing their other foster children, including a 6-year-old boy, who was admitted to UPMCs Childrens Hospital for significant malnutrition. PREVIOUS COVERAGE >>> Caregivers of Renesmay Eutsey facing more charges for abuse of other children in home, police say Kourtney Eutsey was moved to the Washington County Jail to be separated from Shipley in September. Download the FREE WPXI News app for breaking news alerts. Follow Channel 11 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch WPXI NOW Thousands of furloughed workers at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base (W.P.A.F.B.) could return to work as early as today. [DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] As reported on News Center 7 Daybreak, W.P.A.F.B. is the largest single employer in Ohio and the engine that drives the Miami Valley economy. TRENDING STORIES: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement News Center 7 asked Governor Mike DeWine about Wright-Patts impact on our economy. Well, in the Miami Valley, its vitally important to our economy. Having people back at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, what do we have? 38,000 people go through the door every single day at the gates. So thats huge, he answered. News Center 7s Xavier Hershovitz says the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force will also reopen today. Glad to see our men and women here, both military and civilian, being able to go back to work and also getting paid. To me, thats the number one priority, said Jeff Hoagland, President and CEO of the Dayton Development Coalition. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its unclear what the return to work plan is at W.P.A.F.B. News Center 7 contacted base leaders, but they have not responded. We will continue to update this story. [SIGN UP: WHIO-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] Drivers heading over Snoqualmie Pass for the Thanksgiving holiday should prepare for heavy traffic and possible backups, according to the Washington State Department of Transportation. WSDOT has released its annual Thanksgiving weekend travel charts, showing when each route is expected to be busiest. The data is based on past Thanksgiving travel patterns and aims to help travelers decide the best times to hit the road. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Here are the routes: The charts track the number of vehicles on the highway by hour. Green periods indicate light traffic, yellow signals moderate congestion, and red means the road is at or near capacity. Once that happens, even small incidents can cause long delays, WSDOT said. A black line on each chart represents typical weekend traffic, giving drivers a way to compare holiday travel conditions with a normal weekend. WSDOT analysts used historical data from previous Thanksgiving weekends to make 2025 projections, estimating how many vehicles are expected each hour between Wednesday and Sunday. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Each of the four charts covers the states most heavily traveled routes during the holiday. The department encouraged drivers to check the charts before leaving and allow extra time for trips, especially during peak travel hours. China stood ready to align development strategies with Thailand for "greater progress" in ties, President Xi Jinping told the visiting Thai monarch King Maha Vajiralongkorn in Beijing on Friday. The Chinese leader described the two nations as "genuine good relatives, friends and partners" as he met the king at the Great Hall of the People, according to state broadcaster CCTV. "China is willing to strengthen strategic alignment with Thailand," Xi said, while pitching Beijing's 15th five-year plan as offering potential synergies with development of the Southeast Asian nation, the report said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Do you have questions about the biggest topics and trends from around the world? Get the answers with SCMP Knowledge, our new platform of curated content with explainers, FAQs, analyses and infographics brought to you by our award-winning team. Xi added that Beijing was ready to import more Thai agricultural products and work with the kingdom to "steadily" advance major infrastructure projects such as the China-Thailand railway, while broadening joint efforts on artificial intelligence, the digital economy and aerospace. He also pledged that China would actively support the Thai royal family's charitable initiatives and boost exchanges to share its poverty reduction experience. King Maha Vajiralongkorn described the cooperation between the two countries as one "between brothers". He said that Thailand was ready to learn from China's development experience, expand cooperation across various fields and increase people-to-people exchanges, according to the Chinese account of the talks. President Xi Jinping and King Maha Vajiralongkorn review an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony for the Thai royals in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Reuters alt=President Xi Jinping and King Maha Vajiralongkorn review an honour guard during a welcoming ceremony for the Thai royals in Beijing on Friday. Photo: Reuters> Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement His state visit, which started on Thursday and will run through Monday, marks the first trip to China by a Thai monarch since diplomatic ties were established half a century ago. It has been hailed by both Beijing and Bangkok as a "historic" event. His visit, which coincides with the 50th anniversary of China-Thailand diplomatic relations, is expected to carry considerable significance for bilateral ties. "Standing at a new historical starting point, I look forward to working with King Maha Vajiralongkorn to advance the China-Thailand community with a shared future and achieve greater progress in the next 50 years," Xi said. Before the meeting, Xi and his wife Peng Liyuan held a ceremony to welcome the king and Queen Suthida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement During their five-day trip, the Thai royals will focus on institutions that highlight China's development in science, technology, innovation and education, in addition to visiting cultural and religious sites in Beijing, according to Bangkok. China has been Thailand's largest trading partner for 12 years in a row. While Thailand is one of two US treaty allies in Southeast Asia, it has also deepened cooperation with China in the security field, marked by a joint air force exercise in September. King Maha Vajiralongkorn visited China four times as crown prince - in 1987, 1988, 1992 and 1998. His most recent meeting with Xi was in Bangkok in 2022. His predecessor and father, the late King Bhumibol Adulyadej - who spent seven decades on the throne - did not visit China. The Thai monarchy has played a significant role in sustaining Thai-Chinese relations through the work of the king's younger sister. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who has studied Chinese art and language for the past 45 years, has been a frequent visitor to China and is officially regarded by Beijing as an "old friend of the Chinese people". Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with President Xi Jinping in September 2019, during one of her many visits to China. Photo: Getty Images alt=Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn with President Xi Jinping in September 2019, during one of her many visits to China. Photo: Getty Images> Separately on Friday, China, Thailand and four other Southeast Asian countries pledged to boost joint efforts to crack down on telecoms and online fraud, according to state media. Law enforcement agencies from China, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Vietnam met on Friday in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan province, and agreed to set up coordination mechanisms and improve information sharing to safeguard regional peace and stability. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement In an interview with the official People's Daily Online published on Thursday, China's top envoy to Thailand, Zhang Jianwei, characterised the bilateral relationship as "at its best in history". Zhang added that China-Thailand relations went beyond the bilateral scope with "broad common interests and similar positions" in international and regional affairs, noting that Beijing supported a peaceful resolution of the Thai-Cambodian border dispute via the "Asean way", referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. Tensions between Thailand and Cambodia, simmering since a flare-up in July, reignited sharply this week, with Bangkok on Monday halting a US-brokered ceasefire deal signed with Phnom Penh two weeks earlier. Bangkok's move came after a landmine blast that injured four Thai soldiers, followed two days later by reports from both sides of gunfire across the disputed boundary, with officials trading accusations of fresh clashes. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Asked about the recent situation, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Thursday that Beijing "sincerely hopes that both sides can exercise restraint". The king's visit also comes as Bangkok works to ease Beijing's concerns about tourist safety in Thailand following a spate of cases involving fraud syndicates and human trafficking, notably the kidnapping of Chinese actor Wang Xing earlier this year. China is one of Thailand's top sources of foreign visitors. However, the number of inbound Chinese tourists in the first 10 months of this year fell by almost 34 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to Thai government data. Thailand also saw a 7.2 per cent year-on-year decline in the total number of foreign tourist arrivals in the January-October period. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Additional reporting by Maria Siow This article originally appeared in the South China Morning Post (SCMP), the most authoritative voice reporting on China and Asia for more than a century. For more SCMP stories, please explore the SCMP app or visit the SCMP's Facebook and Twitter pages. Copyright 2025 South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. Copyright (c) 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved. After Sudan's paramilitary Rapid Support Forces captured the army's stronghold in the western city of El-Fasher in late October 2025, social media posts shared an old video falsely claiming it shows Islamic extremists burying a Christian man alive. The video first appeared in 2016 news reports about white farmers who forced a black man into a coffin in South Africa. Graphic Content "Innocent Christians are being buried alive by Islamic terrorists in Sudan," reads part of a Facebook post shared on November 3, 2025. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Clip included with the post shows a man crouching inside a coffin, wailing as another man forces the lid down down his head. Screenshot of the false post captured on November 6, 2025, with a red X added by AFP The video surfaced online as Sudan's army and a paramilitary group engage in a power struggle that has been going on for more than two years now. Fighting has raged since April 2023, pitting the forces of army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan against those of his former deputy, RSF commander Mohammed Hamdan Daglo (archived link). The RSF captured El-Fasher, the army's last major stronghold in western Darfur on October 26. The takeover was accompanied by reports of mass killings, sexual violence and looting, triggering international condemnation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The conflict has killed tens of thousands of people and forced millions to flee their homes, as recent clashes spread to new regions, raising concerns of an escalating humanitarian disaster (archived link). Islamophobic comments on the clip, shared in similar Facebook and X posts, suggest users believed the claim was genuine. "They must be dealt with very soon; Islam is a threat to the world," one user wrote. Another commented: "Cruel foreign invading religions should be reviewed and banned." But the video is old and predates the ongoing crisis in Sudan. Unrelated incident Reverse image search on Google using keyframes from the clip found the same video uploaded on the YouTube channel of China Global Television Network on November 18, 2016 (archived link). Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The video is titled, "White South African men force a black man into a coffin." The clip was shared on the media outlet's verified Facebook page with the same caption (archived link). Screenshot comparison of the clip shared in false posts (L) and the video uploaded on CGTN's YouTube channel The footage was also embedded in a report published by media organisation Al Jazeera that said two white men in South Africa were charged with assault after footage emerged showing them forcing a black man into a coffin and threatening to set him on fire (archived link). Willem Oosthuizen and Theo Martins Jackson pleaded not guilty over the incident that took place in the eastern province of Mpumalanga, saying they only intended to scare Victor Mlotshwa after he allegedly stole copper cables from their farm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But a South African judge found the two white farmers guilty of attempted murder, AFP reported on August 25, 2017 (archived link). The pair had been sentenced to 16 and 19 years in October of the same year but the Supreme Court of Appeal cut their jail term in 2019 (archived link). South Africa is beset by deep-rooted racial inequality even after the end of white-minority rule in 1994 and racist incidents regularly erupt on social media. AFP has debunked misinformation spreading in India stemming from political crisis elsewhere in the world here and here. By Jasper Ward (Reuters) -New York Governor Kathy Hochul is considering increasing corporate taxes to close a potential budget shortfall amid federal cuts, but that no decision has been made, a source familiar with the matter said on Friday. "The state is on strong financial footing today but much of the budget outcome at the start of next year is going to be largely dependent on what the federal government does and we're watching that closely and trying to plan accordingly," the source said. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The source did not say what new tax rate was under consideration by Hochul. New York City Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani has advocated to increase the top corporate rate from 7.25% to 11.5%. The issue of affordability was at the center of Mamdani's campaign with him promising to freeze rent and raise taxes on the rich. A spokesperson for Mamdani's campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment. New York is facing a $34.3 billion budget shortfall through its 2029 fiscal year that begins April 1 and ends on March 31. Republican President Donald Trump, who endorsed former Democratic New York Governor Andrew Cuomo for mayor, has said he will likely not contribute federal funds to the city "other than the very minimum as required" as a result of Mamdani's election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement New York's State Comptroller has said the deficit, when coupled with recent federal actions, reached levels not seen since the 2009 economic crisis. Despite this, the state's budget director Blake Washington told reporters last week that New York was in "a good spot financially," adding that a tax increase was "the last thing on my mind." New York's fiscal situation was among the issues discussed during a 90-minute meeting Hochul held with Mamdani on Thursday, according to a readout. It was their first meeting since Mamdani's electoral victory last week. They also discussed ongoing attacks from Republicans in Washington, D.C., and how to protect New Yorkers amid escalating federal threats, the readout said. "The Governor and the Mayor-elect discussed the possibility that the federal government would surge ICE and/or National Guard to New York City," the readout stated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Hochul and the mayor-elect agreed that a federal surge would not improve public safety, according to the readout, which added that state officials provided an update on ongoing preparedness efforts should the federal government target New York. (Reporting by Jasper Ward; Editing by Caitlin Webber and Diane Craft) Heriberto Rodriguez Acosta appears in Yakima County Superior Court Sept. 12, 2024. He was found guilty of second-degree murder in the death of Robert Hamre Jr. in a 2022 fight near the Yakima Transit Center. For Annaleise Flowers, getting SNAP benefits has been a waiting game. Until recently, Flowers had been receiving $59 a month in Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits, or food stamps, in Oklahoma. After canceling those benefits and moving back to Yakima in October, shed intended to reapply in Washington. Because of the federal government shutdown, that process has been on pause for a month and a half. In the meantime, shes been relying on Supplemental Security Income checks to pay for food and other expenses. I didn't know where any of my snacks were gonna come from, said Flowers, who is currently homeless. How was I gonna eat? How was I gonna support myself? Flowers isnt the only one whos experienced the stress and uncertainty of paused SNAP benefits. In Yakima County, roughly 21% of the population uses SNAP to put food on the table the highest percentage of any county in Washington. Thats around 55,000 people, about half of whom are children. Status of program SNAP benefits were thrust into the spotlight during the federal government shutdown, which ended late Wednesday night. The Trump administration planned to freeze SNAP funding starting Nov. 1. The status of that decision changed multiple times over the past two weeks, with promises to partially then fully fund the program. Last week, a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to fully fund November SNAP benefits for 42 million low-income Americans, including nearly 1 million people in Washington. But not all states had distributed funding as of Wednesday, according to an Associated Press tally. The U.S. Department of Agriculture, which runs the program, issued new guidance Thursday, instructing: State agencies must take immediate steps to ensure households receive their full November allotments promptly. SNAP benefits have been flowing in Washington state. As of Nov. 7, Gov. Bob Ferguson's office said households slated to receive monthly benefits between Nov. 1-7 received 100% of their funding. As of Wednesday, DSHS Interim Senior Communications Director Norah West said more than 383,000 households in the state had received their November benefits. Other families are expected to see their benefits rolling out between now and Nov. 20. The Washington Department of Human Services administers SNAP benefits in Washington. If people receive SNAP benefits, West said they should check the status of their cards by calling the number on the back. If funds are there, people can use them as usual. If people have questions about the amount of food benefits received or if benefits arent loading onto EBT cards by their usual issuance dates, she said they should contact their local DSHS office or the DSHS Customer Service Contact Center at 877-501-2233. After weeks of waiting on cancellation paperwork from Oklahoma, Flowers went to the Yakima DSHS office early Wednesday morning. She said she was approved for benefits. Now, the question is when theyll kick in. It could happen today, it could happen tomorrow, it could happen next week, Flowers said. So it's still just a waiting game. Increased demand Ferguson said he would direct $2.2 million weekly to food banks across Washington state if SNAP benefits froze in November. The first round of funding went out last week to 25 lead agencies and 16 tribal groups with the states Emergency Food Assistance Program. According to a report from the governors office, Yakima County food pantries received $89,471 in the first week of November, and the Yakama Nation received $17,402. Community Services of Moses Lake is the lead agency for 46 Emergency Food Assistance Program sub-agencies in six different counties, including 17 food pantries in Yakima County. The agency acts as a food distribution center and has been working to get the extra state funding to those partners. Lane Storwick, Community Services of Moses Lakes administrative operations manager, said the Moses Lake food bank typically receives a visit from 1,000 to 1,200 people each week. Last week, they counted around 1,500 people. We see a lot of new faces, a lot of people who haven't been to the food bank before, Storwick said. So we have been absolutely swamped, and we're getting the same report from all of our pantries. Food banks Food banks in Yakima County have seen similar demand. A few dozen people lined up outside of Sunrise Outreach at 10 N. Sixth Ave. in Yakima in the rain on Thursday morning. Nearly 200 people were expected to come through that day, said Dave Hanson, a pastor and the nonprofits executive director. Jump start your day. Headlines, puzzles and death notices from the Valley delivered to your inbox 7 a.m. daily. While food banks do not receive SNAP funding, their clients do, and the delay and uncertainty regarding benefits led to an increase in visits across the state, including Sunrise Outreachs six pantries across Yakima County, in Yakima, Sunnyside, Wapato, Mabton, Wiley City and White Swan. About 15 volunteers directed traffic, checked people in, stocked food and loaded groceries into cars. I feel like everyone has stepped up to the challenge, Hanson said. Total weekly visits have been around 360 at the Yakima pantry, nearly doubling, Hanson said. That includes the Wednesday pickup for service providers who take food to people who cant leave their home. The Lower Valley has seen moderate increases, and Sunnysides food bank was already near capacity. Volunteers have been staying an extra half hour to make sure everyone in line can get food, he said. Luckily, food distributions were up as well. Pallets of onions, apples, grapefruits, peppers, canned salmon and boxes of other food filled the large room. Much of the food it receives is from distributors including Northwest Harvest, Second Harvest and Community Services of Moses Lake. Having different distributors helps to reduce gaps in the food banks offerings, Hanson said. Money from the Emergency Food Assistance Program will allow Sunrise Outreach to buy additional food as well, to fill particular needs. Protein, like canned tuna fish, is always in high demand, Hanson said. So is cat and dog food, a pallet of which was quickly distributed last week. I think in this crisis there is a fairly substantial awareness in the community and there have been people donating both food and money to the bank that have never done it before, and in talking to other food banks, theyre seeing the same thing, Hanson said. I really want to applaud our community in being engaged. Community response Northwest Harvest, which distributes food in region, took a million out of its endowment to purchase more food for food banks before the SNAP situation started because of federal funding cuts and increased demand, said Natasha Dworkin, a spokesperson for the nonprofit. The organization bumped up its food purchases for its network of 375 pantries from $300,000 this month to $1 million. It also partnered with the Yakama Nation Village of Hope and Housing Authority harvest pantries for the first time. It is working to ensure that pantries can expect guaranteed minimums and better forecasting of what they might receive in the future, Dworkin said. It delivered seven truckloads of produce across the state and began distributing nearly $400,000 in grocery gift cards to 7,000 households, through its food bank and school partners. It absolutely is a crisis, she said, likening the increase in demand to the early COVID-19 pandemic. But with the increase in demand, came an increase in new donors and volunteers across the state. As bad as things are, it really is kind of amazing, she said. Offering help Other community partners are also stepping up. Last week, the Yakima Association of Faith Communities met on Zoom to discuss the SNAP situation. Co-chair Christie Love, the pastor of Englewood Christian Church, said the meeting was a starting point to talk about how faith communities could help people who are struggling to put food on the table. She said Englewood Christian Church, at 511 N. 44th Ave., has taken the books out of its Little Free Library and turned it into a miniature food pantry open to anyone who needs extra food. Meanwhile, St. Michaels Episcopal Church, at 5 S. Naches Ave., is also running a food pantry, and Grace of Christ Church, at 9 S. 8th Ave., is partnering with Love, Inc. to help stock a small food pantry that the organization will use to support those having issues with SNAP benefits. Stone Church, at 3303 Englewood Ave., will be giving out 800 Thanksgiving meal boxes on a first-come, first-serve basis on Nov. 22. Cars can begin lining up at 8 a.m., and distribution will begin at 9 a.m. Union Gospel Mission hosts a free, nightly meal for anyone over 18 at its adult shelter. Check-in for dinner is from 4 to 5:30 p.m. at 1220 N. First St., with dinner served at 6 p.m. Love said churches interested in hosting additional community meals should reach out. I think this is going to require a lot of creativity for all of us in our community, and so finding different organizations to get involved in, hosting food drives in your neighborhood, or your civic organizations, I think that's going to require all of us to come together and love out loud, she said. Mars is looking to shut a Bens Original factory in Belgium, placing approximately 80 positions in jeopardy. In a statement yesterday (12 November), the US company announced plans to carry out a collective redundancy" at the plant in the town of Olen by the end of next year. Mars, present in Belgium since 1962, attributed the decision to economic reasons, citing a sharp decline in production volumes and a sharp rise in costs. The reasons, it said, led to underutilisation of the plant and has a significant impact on efficiency. The facility produces Bens Original rice. If the closure proceeds, the company plans to use an external manufacturer to supply the products in Europe. We are not taking this announcement of the intention to close and lay off employees lightly. Our priority now is to conduct a constructive and transparent information and consultation process, the privately-owned group added. Mars employs more than 700 people in Belgium. The company has two offices in Belgium, including the global headquarters of Mars Petcare, a diagnostic laboratory, several veterinary clinics and one factory the Olen site. The planned closure comes as the group prepares to invest 1bn ($1.16bn) in production and R&D across 2025 and 2026, including projects in France, Poland and Spain. In September, Mars said it aims to build a stronger, more resilient business in Europe. Mars is also in the process of acquiring Kellanova, a global snacking company, for approximately $36bn, and is awaiting the EUs decision on the deal. "Mars to close factory in Belgium" was originally created and published by Just Food, a GlobalData owned brand. Strategys co-founder and Executive Chairman Michael Saylor denied rumors that Strategy is selling its Bitcoin on X, after describing the firms hunger for BTC as insatiableno matter how far its price faultsin a Friday interview on CNBC. The Bitcoin-buying firm will continue adding to its $62.3 billion stockpile, and remains undeterred by the assets recent plunge below the $100,000 mark, he added. We are buying Bitcoin, [and] well report our next buys on Monday morning, he said. I think people will be pleasantly surprised. In fact, weve been accelerating our purchases. Meanwhile, onlookers speculated that Strategy could be selling its Bitcoin, citing on-chain movements identified by crypto intelligence platform Arkham Analytics. The movements could signal that Strategy is now using Coinbase as a custodian, Arkham added. On prediction market Myriad, traders penciled in an 8% chance that Strategy would sell Bitcoin in 2025 on Friday, but those odds had jumped as high as 14% earlier in the day. (Disclaimer: Myriad Markets is a product of Decrypts parent company, Dastan.) Strategy has always maintained that it would never willingly sell Bitcoin, TD Cowen Analyst Lance Vitanza told Decrypt. There are conditions under which Strategy has acknowledged that it would essentially be forced to do so, but they are highly unlikely, he added. Theoretically, Strategy could need to sell Bitcoin to satisfy the maturity of its debt, but the company doesn't have convertible bonds maturing until 2028, Vitanza noted. The only selling that Saylor referenced on CNBC was on behalf of OG holders, who were taking profits at the $100,000 mark after sitting on their holdings for an extended period. Last week, Strategy signaled that the debut of Euro-denominated preferred shares in Luxembourg would generate $715 million in proceeds. Strategy Buys Bitcoin With Proceeds From Preferred Shares as Key Premium Evaporates Strategys stock price has dropped 32% over the past month as Bitcoin has shed a majority of this years gains, with MSTR shares trading around $204, according to Yahoo Finance. Bitcoin recently changed hands at $96,365, according to crypto data provider CoinGecko, after falling to a six-month low under $95,000 earlier Friday. Saylor said hes fairly comfortable with Bitcoin at its current price level, describing the assets recent dip as something that formed a base for it to rally from. However, its currently difficult to predict where the assets price could be at the end of the year, he added. In response to a question from CNBCs Joe Kernen, Saylor said the company is always buying, but there have been several periods where Strategy didnt announce a purchase, aligning with the end of each fiscal quarter. A Russian policymaker is calling on the Federal Assembly to regulate cryptocurrencies as a third of web traffic going into international crypto exchanges is seen to originate from Russia. Yevgeny Masharov, a member of the Civic Chamber of the Commission for Public Review of Bills and Other Regulatory Acts, told RIA Novosti that the state must do more to police digital assets. We must launch legislation to regulate cryptocurrency circulation as soon as possible, Masharov said. All transactions outside [licensed platforms] need to be outlawed. We must introduce criminal liability for illegal cryptocurrency transactions. His call for stronger regulation comes as a combination of factors has driven Russians to adopt crypto. The combination of a weakening ruble, capital controls, and international sanctions has accelerated adoption, Ari Redbord, the vice president and global head of policy and government affairs at the blockchain intelligence provider TRM Labs, told DL News. This is both for legitimate financial access and, in some cases, for sanctions evasion. Redbord added that TRMs data shows that the vast majority of Russian crypto activity remains lawful, and that the increase reflects a broader global trend where more people are turning to digital assets due to necessity, innovation, and financial pressure. Telegram concerns Crypto is a thorny political issue in Russia. As things stand, crypto exchanges are completely unregulated in Russia. The Central Bank has previously called for a complete, China-style ban on crypto trading. But the Ministry of Finance would prefer to regulate the industry and force traders to pay tax on their profits. This has led to a lengthy stand-off. Masharov said that crypto trading in Russia must now be restricted to regulated financial bodies, such as the Moscow Exchange and the countrys largest banks. Policymakers are concerned that the Telegram chat app, which is widely used in Russia, offers its users access to crypto wallet services. This, Masharov said, allows all Russian citizens to buy, sell, and invest digital currency directly from the app. And that removes these citizens financial activities from the scrutiny of the countrys regulators and anti-money laundering bodies, he warned. Political risk Russian IP addresses accounted for up to 28% of traffic to the crypto exchange Bybit in October, according to data from the AI-powered digital intelligence provider Similarweb. Bybit saw 17.5 million visits last month, 4.9 million of which originated from Russia, according to the data. The PDSZ teacher union has slammed what it called "ideological interference" in kindergarten education "under the pretext of Christian culture" as "unacceptable", emphasising that kindergarten education "cannot be a venue for political propaganda or religious conversion". In a statement, PDSZ said it was "shocked" to learn that the government has amended the national kindergarten education curriculum in a decree on health insurance. In the decree, under the section on the tasks of kindergarten education, the term "cultural values" has been replaced by "values based on Christian culture", they said. PDSZ said the amendment was "another serious step towards public education being influenced by ideology and religion" and the government breaking with the ideological neutrality of education in state and local council-run institutions. They said an amendment passed this past spring that incorporated "empty political platitudes" like "national identity, patriotism" and "attachment to the homeland" in the curriculum had already "introduced an ideologically charged and outdated approach" to kindergarten education. PDSZ said the education of young children was about ensuring children's free development, emotional security and social sensitivity rather than inspiring political loyalty or religious affiliation. "This current amendment only aggravates this mistake," PDSZ said. "It elevates a single specific ideology - the Christian worldview -- to a value that must be followed, thereby violating the fundamental principles of religious freedom and ideologically neutral education. In doing so, the government is returning to the logic of the party-state period, when education was a tool of state ideology. This step is not only professionally untenable, but also morally unacceptable." "PDSZ firmly condemns the ideological amendment of the kindergarten curriculum, and calls on the government to withdraw it and begin meaningful consultations with teacher and education organisations," the statement said. Official: Christian values to be strengthened in kindergartens Values based on Christian culture will be strengthened in kindergarten education, Katalin Balatoni, a prime ministerial commissioner, said on Facebook. Balatoni, the commissioner for promoting educational innovation and strengthening a pro-family educational environment, said the government has issued two amendments to the national curriculum for kindergarten education this year, aiming to promote "the values of Hungarian kindergarten education: fairy tales, games, songs ... closer contact with nature and Hungarian culture, and education in morals." To complement and strengthen those points, the curriculum now contains a definition of values based on Christian culture, she said. "Today, more than ever, we need to provide our children a guiding, supportive education with durable values in public education as well as in families," she said. Christian values consist of "true love, respect, shared responsibility, humility, service, honesty, forgiveness, respect for the created world and the sanctity of family," she said. She said the practical implementation would not entail religious education but the reinforcement of human norms that have formed the basis of kindergarten education so far. "The amendment will give an opportunity to further strengthen respect, love, acceptance and appreciation for each other in children, and to give them access to the basics of our Hungarian and European Christian culture." "For example, they should know that we celebrate the birth of Jesus at Christmas and they should be familiar with our Hungarian saints who set a moral example to the nation," she said. MTI Stock Photo - for illustrative purposes only Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Americas Procter and Gamble is investing HUF 72bn at its bases in Hungary, expanding production capacity, Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto announced. The company is carrying out four projects, which the Hungarian government is supporting with around HUF 18bn of funding, the minister said. The firm is expanding capacity at its electric toothbrush plant in Gyongos (NE Hungary) and its feminine hygiene products plant in Csomor. A research and development project and a training project will also be implemented. The investments will create 200 jobs to complement the existing 2,000, he added. Szijjarto noted that Procter and Gamble is present in 180 countries around the globe and the products made in Hungary are exported to more than 50 countries. "Never before has so much American investment come to Hungary in a single year as this year. We will reach a total of HUF 190bn by the end of the year," the minister said and called cooperation with the US a key issue. Szijjarto said that the situation in this area was not good until last year, but everything changed with the inauguration of Donald Trump. He noted that there are almost 1,500 American-owned companies operating in Hungary that employ more than 100,000 workers. "In the past 11 years, the government has provided investment support to 145 American companies, bringing a total of HUF 860bn of investments to Hungary and creating 20,000 jobs," Szijjarto said. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. In Ukraine "they have uncovered a war mafia linked to President Zelensky in a thousand ways," Prime Minister Viktor Orban said on Facebook. Ukraine's energy minister has resigned, and the primary defendant has fled the country, Orban said. "Those in Brussels seek to pour European taxpayers' money into that chaos. The money not burnt on the front will be stolen by the war mafia. Madness," the prime minister said. "We don't want that. Hungarians' money will not be sent to Ukraine. It will be better used at home: just this week we have doubled the allowance for foster parents and passed a decision on the introduction of a 14th month pension - after all that we will have none of the demands and blackmail by the Ukrainian president. It is high time those in Brussels understood what they spend their money on," Orban said. Szijjarto: European taxpayers' money must not be used to finance 'corrupt Ukrainian war mafia' Not a single euro of European taxpayers' money should be sent to Ukraine in the future, as "there is a good chance that it will go to finance a war mafia, a corrupt network," Foreign Minister Peter Szijjarto said. "A terrible war psychosis in Brussels permeates Europe," Szijjarto said in a ministry statement after meeting Bulgarian President Rumen Radev in Sofia, adding that many Western political leaders were clearly working to "push Europe into war and siphon European people's money to Ukraine". "We see that European people's money has been flowing unchecked into Ukraine. And we see that this money may have been spent to finance a war mafia. No wonder no one in Europe has seen a single credible account of how the money sent by the people to Ukraine has been spent," he said. "The dominoes of corruption have fallen in Ukraine around the Ukrainian president," he said, adding that more and more European politicians were speaking out with "common sense and representing an anti-war position". "We agreed with the President of Bulgaria that peace efforts must be supported and a negotiated solution must be supported, because this war will never end on the battlefield," he said. "The solution can only come through diplomatic efforts; it can only be achieved at the negotiating table. So Hungary remains ready to host the peace summit and continues to support [US President] Donald Trump's efforts," he concluded. Source: MTI Hungarys national news agency since 1881. While MTI articles are usually factual, some may contain political bias, and readers should be aware that such content does not reflect the position of XpatLoop, which is neutral and independent. Since the goal of XpatLoop is to keep readers well briefed, right across the spectrum of opinions, MTI items are shared to ensure readers are aware of all narratives within the local media. XpatLoop believes in empowering readers to form their own views through complete and comprehensive coverage. To facilitate this XpatLoop has a balanced range of news partners, as you can see when you surf around XpatLoop.com ********************************************************************************************* You're very welcome to comment, discuss and enjoy more stories via our Facebook page: Facebook.com/XpatLoopNews + via XpatLoops groups: Budapest Expats / Expats Hungary You can subscribe to our newsletter here: XpatLoop.com/Newsletters Showcase Your Business to Expats in the Loop: As an independent portal were grateful to all commercial supporters who help keep you in the loop with fresh insights and inspiration. Do you want your business to reach tens of thousands of potential high-value expat customers? If so please contact us here. Nazrin Abdul An event titled Path of Liberty was held in Bern, Switzerland, dedicated to Azerbaijans Victory Day on 8 November and the 140th anniversary of renowned composer Uzeyir Hajibeyli. Chairman of the State Committee on Work with Diaspora Fuad Muradov attended the ceremony, Azernews reports. In his remarks, Muradov noted that under President Ilham Aliyevs leadership, Azerbaijans diaspora policy has entered a new stage of development. He also highlighted the significant contributions of First Vice President Mehriban Aliyeva to promoting Azerbaijans cultural heritage internationally. Muradov emphasized that Azerbaijani communities worldwide are celebrating the fifth anniversary of the Victory with great enthusiasm and continue implementing successful initiatives aimed at showcasing Azerbaijans rich cultural heritage abroad. He stressed that cultural diplomacy plays an essential role in strengthening trust between nations, deepening mutual understanding, and building lasting friendships a priority for Azerbaijani diaspora organizations. Azerbaijans Ambassador to Switzerland and Liechtenstein, Fuad Isgandarov, underlined the important role of the diaspora in strengthening the countrys international image and promoting humanitarian values, noting that cultural events significantly contribute to Azerbaijans global outreach. Maryam Gulamova, head of the Caspian-Alpine Society, stated that the organizations projects help build cultural bridges between the two countries and emphasized the importance of promoting Azerbaijani culture in Europe not only through artistic programs and festivals but also at an academic level. The event also featured the presentation of the monograph Modernity and Archaics: 20th Century Azerbaijani Musical Culture in the Context of Three Empires by Germany-based composer and musicologist Elmir Mirzayev. The author provided detailed insights into the work, which covers 200 years of Azerbaijans historical and cultural development. The book has been translated into German and published by Transcript-Verlag (Bielefeld), and distributed to major libraries in Azerbaijan and Germany. Moderated by Sara Abbasova, First Secretary of Azerbaijans Embassy in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, the event continued with a cultural program. The artistic segment featured performances of Uzeyir Hajibeylis Ashigsayagi, Arazbari, Sansiz, and Sevgili Canan, as well as Mirzayevs composition Dedication, honoring the victims of the Khojaly genocide. Soprano Mara Huseynova, members of the Berner Klaviertrio violinist Roman Filipov, cellist Pierre Deppe, pianist Igor Andreev along with works by Turker Gasimzade, composer and dean at Garabagh University, captivated the audience, earning prolonged applause. The event was organized by the State Committee on Work with Diaspora, the Azerbaijan Diaspora Support Fund, and the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Switzerland and Liechtenstein, with support from the Caspian-Alpine Society. By Libby George LONDON (Reuters) -Most big emerging economies, including China, Brazil and India, can weather U.S. tariffs without excessive pain, a study by risk consultancy Verisk Maplecroft showed, raising doubt about the clout of President Donald Trump's trade tools. The firm analysed the resilience of 20 of the biggest emerging markets using measures from debt levels to export-revenue reliance to gauge their ability to handle trade volatility and rapidly shifting geopolitical alliances. "Most manufacturing hubs globally are in a better position in their current baseline than you would think or give them credit for to weather this tariff storm specifically coming out of the U.S., even if it comes to full capacity," said Reema Bhattacharya, head of Asia research who co-authored the report. Mexico and Vietnam are among the most exposed to U.S. trade dependence, the paper showed, but progressive economic policies, improving infrastructure and political stability meant they were among the more resilient economies. Brazil and South Africa, it said, are effectively building links with other trade partners that could shield them in coming years. "Almost every emerging market or global market understands that we need to do business with the U.S. and China, but we can't over-rely on either. So we need a third market," Bhattacharya said, adding that trade between members of the BRICS group of developing nations was rising. The Maplecroft paper did not examine BRICS member Russia. China, though particularly exposed to geopolitical tensions with the United States, "is so entrenched it's actually almost impossible to replicate it elsewhere", she added, citing Beijing's diversified export base and its human capital. A manufacturing juggernaut, China is in the crosshairs of Trump's efforts to reshape global trade policy. Data out earlier this week showed that in October, China exports suffered their worst downturn since February, shortly after Trump returned to the White House. Bhattacharya also pointed to China's years-long effort to expand use of the renminbi in trade settlements as "a pragmatic push for economic resilience and geopolitical risk diversification". Brazil, Argentina and Chile have signed local-currency settlement arrangements with China's central bank, while Chinese state-owned enterprises and investors are financing lithium and copper projects in Chile, Bolivia and Peru. (Reporting by Libby George; editing by Karin Strohecker and Mark Heinrich) After more than two years of upgrades and renovation, the historic Guangzhou Restaurant Wenchang Branch has reopened for trial operation, drawing long queues of residents early in the morning. The refreshed store preserves its iconic banyan tree and introduces new pavilion-style landscaping, with architectural and interior design that reflects the charm of Lingnan garden aesthetics. 90 Dharmendra Health LIVE Updates: Veteran actor Dharmendra (89) was admitted to Mumbais Breach Candy Hospital on Monday after his health reportedly worsened, sparking concern among fans and the film fraternity. Many Bollywood stars, including his sons Sunny Deol and Bobby Deol, wife Hema Malini, Salman Khan, Shah Rukh Khan, and Ameesha Patel, visited the hospital to check on him. Meanwhile, later the visuals show family members arriving at Dharmendra jis residence, gathering to offer support and stay close during this worrying time. MSD has agreed to acquire Cidara Therapeutics in a $9.2bn deal, adding a new long-lasting infectious disease drug technology to its pipeline. The big pharma company will pay $221.50 per share in cash to buy Cidara, a US biotech that has developed a platform of drug-Fc conjugates (DFCs). The technology has allowed Cidara to build molecules with prolonged half-life whose efficacy does not require an immune response. This means that unlike traditional vaccines, Cidaras products do not rely on the immune system. The biotechs lead asset is CD388, a small molecule neuraminidase inhibitor linked to an Fc fragment of a human antibody designed to prevent influenza A and B. In an interview with Pharmaceutical Technology in October, Cidaras CEO Jeff Stein said: We turned a very potent enzyme inhibitor with poor drug properties into a great enzyme inhibitor with great drug properties. With those properties, it can be administered once per flu season. CD388 is currently being evaluated in the Phase III ANCHOR study (NCT07159763) in adult and adolescent participants who are at higher risk of developing complications from influenza. The antiviral demonstrated success in the Phase IIb NAVIGATE study (NCT06609460), which helped it gain breakthrough therapy designation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MSD Research Laboratories president Dr Dean Li said: This acquisition expands and complements our respiratory portfolio and pipeline." For MSD, the acquisition of Cidara and CD388 looks set to add a strong growth avenue in the infectious disease sector. The buyout of a biotech developing antiviral drugs is even more significant given the modalitys distinction from vaccines, which have experienced volatility in the US under the Trump administration. MSD CEO Robert Davis said: We intend to build on the Cidara teams remarkable progress and are confident that CD388 has the potential to be another important driver of growth through the next decade, creating real value for shareholders. The US Government has already seen the promise of Cidaras technology, having awarded the biotech a hefty $339m funding award via the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA). The federal funding will be used to support domestic manufacturing of CD388 in the US and help establish an initial supply chain for commercialisation. The long-lasting nature of CD388 confers several advantages over vaccines in national efforts to fight seasonal viruses such as influenza. Stein added: The most meaningful advantage is that we don't have to change the manufacturing process from year to year, right in response to a changing influenza virus. AMSTERDAM (Reuters) -Dutch computer chip maker Nexperia on Friday confirmed it continued to offer alternative supply chain solutions to mitigate the disruption caused by the dispute between the Europe-based unit and its packaging plant in China. "We want to state clearly that Nexperia has not stopped the shipping of wafers altogether," the Dutch unit said in a statement. "We are committed to delivering wafers into the supply chain and continue to offer alternative supply chain solutions to mitigate disruption and maintain continuity of delivery as much as possible." Sources told Reuters this week the company was working with customers on a patch that could relieve some pressure on the auto market, where a scarcity of Nexperia chips has dented some production of cars and parts. Nexperia on Friday also said that according to its calculations, the Chinese arm should be in the possession of a "sufficient amount of wafers and finished products" to continue operations for several months. "Therefore, any failure to make shipments is fully the responsibility of Nexperia's entities in China," it added. A standoff between the European side of the business and its Chinese plant, sparked by the seizure of Nexperia by the Dutch government over fears of technology transfer, has snarled supply of its chips that are key for the global automotive market. Nexperia makes wafers, the base material for making multiple chips, in Europe, which are then sent to its plant in Dongguan in China where they are cut and packaged. However, due to the standoff the European side has halted shipments to China. The Chinese government gave some temporary relief to carmakers this week by relaxing export controls on chips made by the Dongguan plant. A Dutch delegation is expected to travel to China next week for further talks. (Reporting by Bart Meijer and Toby Sterling, Editing by Louise Heavens) Lars Rebien Sorensen Lars Rebien Sorensen is back as chairman of Novo Nordisk A/S following a shareholder meeting that exposed the depth of rivalry between the Danish drugmaker and US arch nemesis Pfizer Inc. The executive, who brought Novos first weight-loss shot to market, had to spend part of the meeting explaining why proposed board member, Mikael Dolsten, 67, withdrew just a day ago because of an issue with a former employer. Most Read from Bloomberg Sorensen didnt name the company, but Dolsten is the former chief scientific officer at Pfizer Inc., which beat Novo less than a week ago in a $10 billion bidding war over obesity biotech Metsera Inc. We had very much looked forward to working together with Mikael Dolsten, Sorensen said. We hope that he might return at a later point in time. Hes welcome any time in the Novo family. Pfizers acquisition of Metsera closed on Thursday making Novo and its US rival clear competitors in the hottest and fastest-growing pharmaceutical market. Pfizer didnt immediately return a request for comment. The meeting on Friday capped a tumultuous few weeks for Novo after a dispute over the pace of change at the struggling maker of the blockbuster drugs Ozempic and Wegovy led to more than half the supervisory board resigning last month. The outcome was a foregone conclusion as Sorensen, who ran Novo for 16 years, also heads the Novo Nordisk Foundation, the controlling shareholder that holds 77% of the companys voting rights. Sorensen was approved to lead the supervisory board based on winning more than 93% of the proxy and postal votes. Dolstens withdrawal leaves the board needing to nominate two additional candidates at the next shareholder meeting in March. Minority Investors Some of Novos prominent minority investors said they were would reject the revamp, including Norways sovereign wealth fund and CalSTRS, the pension fund for California educators. Influential proxy adviser Institutional Shareholder Services Inc. recommended that holders abstain, saying the overhaul shows limited transparency and accountability to minority shareholders. Sorensen said he would seek a new chairman for the foundation and would also like to make myself redundant as quickly as possible on the Novo board. Yum! Brands Inc. (NYSE:YUM) said last week that it is exploring a potential sale of Pizza Hut, one of Americas most iconic pizza chains. CEO Addresses Brand Woes The Pizza Hut team has been working hard to address business and category challenges; however, Pizza Huts performance indicates the need to take additional action to help the brand realize its full value, which may be better executed outside of Yum! Brands, Yum! Brands Chief Executive Chris Turner said in a Nov. 4 statement. Don't Miss: The AI Marketing Platform Backed by Insiders from Google, Meta, and Amazon Invest at $0.81/Share Before Nov. 20 Buffett's Secret to Wealth? Private Real EstateGet Institutional Access Yourself This comes alongside the companys Q3 earnings report on Nov. 4, which said that the fast-food chain's same-store sales dropped 1% during the period. Pizza Hut's overall system sales were flat to slightly down during Q3 2025, with system sales of $3.2 billion declining 1% excluding foreign exchange effects, according to the report. He said in the statement that management is reviewing strategic options for the struggling pizza chain, including a complete sale of the unit. Yum! Brands has retained Goldman Sachs (NYSE:GS) and Barclays (NYSE:BCS) as financial advisors to evaluate potential deals and guide the strategic review process. For Yum! Brands overall, system sales grew 5% year-over-year during Q3, driven primarily by 9% growth at Taco Bell and 6% at KFC. The company reported total revenue of $1.98 billion for the quarter, up 8% year-over-year, and net income of $397 million, up 4%. Despite Pizza Huts slight decline in same-store sales and system sales, Yum! Brands overall sales performance was positive due to strong results from its other major brand divisions, according to the report. Trending: From Moxy Hotels to $12B in Real Estate The Firm Behind NYC's Trendiest Properties Is Letting Individual Investors In. Gen Z Strategy Takes Center Stage Yum! Brands is pushing to capture the Gen Z market, then-CEO David Gibbs said during the companys Q2 earnings call on Aug. 5. He discussed Pizza Hut and KFC, but his remarks primarily focused on restaurant openings overseas. Gibbs, who handed over the reins to Turner last month, expressed confidence in the companys overall innovation strategy at the time. Several initiatives targeting younger demographics including Taco Bells Live Mas Cafe model, which centers on customizable drinks, Gibbs highlighted on the call. Such specialty concepts increased sales, Gibbs said, as the company's chains double down on Gen Z-focused spinoffs as part of their broader growth strategy. A DCF is all about the idea that a dollar in the future is less valuable than a dollar today, and so the sum of these future cash flows is then discounted to today's value: We're using the 2-stage growth model, which simply means we take in account two stages of company's growth. In the initial period the company may have a higher growth rate and the second stage is usually assumed to have a stable growth rate. In the first stage we need to estimate the cash flows to the business over the next ten years. Where possible we use analyst estimates, but when these aren't available we extrapolate the previous free cash flow (FCF) from the last estimate or reported value. We assume companies with shrinking free cash flow will slow their rate of shrinkage, and that companies with growing free cash flow will see their growth rate slow, over this period. We do this to reflect that growth tends to slow more in the early years than it does in later years. We would caution that there are many ways of valuing a company and, like the DCF, each technique has advantages and disadvantages in certain scenarios. Anyone interested in learning a bit more about intrinsic value should have a read of the Simply Wall St analysis model . Today we'll do a simple run through of a valuation method used to estimate the attractiveness of 2G Energy AG ( ETR:2GB ) as an investment opportunity by estimating the company's future cash flows and discounting them to their present value. This will be done using the Discounted Cash Flow (DCF) model. There's really not all that much to it, even though it might appear quite complex. The 36.00 analyst price target for 2GB is 26% less than our estimate of fair value Story Continues The second stage is also known as Terminal Value, this is the business's cash flow after the first stage. The Gordon Growth formula is used to calculate Terminal Value at a future annual growth rate equal to the 5-year average of the 10-year government bond yield of 1.6%. We discount the terminal cash flows to today's value at a cost of equity of 6.9%. Terminal Value (TV)= FCF 2035 (1 + g) (r g) = 59m (1 + 1.6%) (6.9% 1.6%) = 1.1b Present Value of Terminal Value (PVTV)= TV / (1 + r)10= 1.1b ( 1 + 6.9%)10= 575m The total value is the sum of cash flows for the next ten years plus the discounted terminal value, which results in the Total Equity Value, which in this case is 869m. The last step is to then divide the equity value by the number of shares outstanding. Relative to the current share price of 27.8, the company appears quite good value at a 43% discount to where the stock price trades currently. The assumptions in any calculation have a big impact on the valuation, so it is better to view this as a rough estimate, not precise down to the last cent. XTRA:2GB Discounted Cash Flow November 14th 2025 Important Assumptions The calculation above is very dependent on two assumptions. The first is the discount rate and the other is the cash flows. You don't have to agree with these inputs, I recommend redoing the calculations yourself and playing with them. The DCF also does not consider the possible cyclicality of an industry, or a company's future capital requirements, so it does not give a full picture of a company's potential performance. Given that we are looking at 2G Energy as potential shareholders, the cost of equity is used as the discount rate, rather than the cost of capital (or weighted average cost of capital, WACC) which accounts for debt. In this calculation we've used 6.9%, which is based on a levered beta of 1.269. Beta is a measure of a stock's volatility, compared to the market as a whole. We get our beta from the industry average beta of globally comparable companies, with an imposed limit between 0.8 and 2.0, which is a reasonable range for a stable business. Check out our latest analysis for 2G Energy SWOT Analysis for 2G Energy Strength Earnings growth over the past year exceeded the industry. Debt is not viewed as a risk. Dividends are covered by earnings and cash flows. Weakness Dividend is low compared to the top 25% of dividend payers in the Electrical market. Opportunity Annual earnings are forecast to grow faster than the German market. Trading below our estimate of fair value by more than 20%. Threat Revenue is forecast to grow slower than 20% per year. Moving On: Whilst important, the DCF calculation ideally won't be the sole piece of analysis you scrutinize for a company. It's not possible to obtain a foolproof valuation with a DCF model. Preferably you'd apply different cases and assumptions and see how they would impact the company's valuation. For instance, if the terminal value growth rate is adjusted slightly, it can dramatically alter the overall result. What is the reason for the share price sitting below the intrinsic value? For 2G Energy, there are three fundamental aspects you should consider: Financial Health: Does 2GB have a healthy balance sheet? Take a look at our free balance sheet analysis with six simple checks on key factors like leverage and risk. Future Earnings: How does 2GB's growth rate compare to its peers and the wider market? Dig deeper into the analyst consensus number for the upcoming years by interacting with our free analyst growth expectation chart. Other Solid Businesses: Low debt, high returns on equity and good past performance are fundamental to a strong business. Why not explore our interactive list of stocks with solid business fundamentals to see if there are other companies you may not have considered! PS. The Simply Wall St app conducts a discounted cash flow valuation for every stock on the XTRA every day. If you want to find the calculation for other stocks just search here. Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com. This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned. You can find original article here WealthManagement. Subscribe to our free daily WealthManagement newsletters. &Partners, a St. Louis-based hybrid broker/dealer launched by David Kowach, the former president and CEO of Wells Fargo Advisors, has added four advisor practices in the opening weeks of November. The additions include two from Wells Fargo, a common breakaway firm for &Partners, and two from LPL Financials Commonwealth Financial Network, which continues to see defectors ahead of a complete technology integration with the broker/dealer planned for late 2026. The four teams managed a combined $1.6 billion in client assets, contributing to a torrid recruiting pace for &Partners, which included nine new practices in October. The firm is reporting it has more than 100 advisor practices in its broker/dealer network and about $50 billion in prehire assets, or expected assets from clients once the advisors are fully integrated into the b/d. Kowach and his co-founders, Kristi Mitchem and John Alexander, have stated that they plan for &Partners to reach 150 teams and $120 billion in assets over the next three years. The largest team to join in November is the former Wells Fargo team, Florham Park Wealth Advisors, which had been overseeing $730 million in client assets. That team is located in Florham Park, N.J., and is led by partners and managing directors Jack Wiener, Michael Donohue Sr., Dennis Hall and Michael Waldron. The other former Wells Fargo wirehouse team is CirclePoint Financial, based in Mishawaka, Ind. Partners and managing directors Karen Bauman Dodd and David Deahl lead the practice, which oversaw $427 million in clients. The two Commonwealth teams managed assets of $250 million and $212 million, respectively. Zinn Wealth Management was the largest of the two. It is based in Portland, Maine, and led by Partner and Managing Director Jack Zinn, and his son, Partner and Wealth Advisor Jack Zinn III. Finally, Parsons Financial will join &Partners based in Cottage Grove and Eugene, Ore.. The team is led by partners and financial advisors Matt Parsons, Brandon Parsons and Julia Lindberg. &Partners uses Fidelity Investments National Financial Services as its primary custodian. The experts agreed that defining the objectives of securing energy is a first step. That could be deciding whether the group wants a fixed rate or a variable rate, and, of course, the length of a contract. It could include a decision about the use of thermal energy (coal, natural gas, or nuclear) or renewable energy (solar, wind, hydro, and energy storage). Does the business want to own the generation assets, or simply purchase the power? My view has always been that the most important factor when structuring a contract is to create good alignment between the parties involved, said Jim Summers, CEO of GPC Infrastructure LLC, a group that provides data centers with a long-term alternative to a utility grid interconnection. Focusing on win-win solutions changes the approach and tone of the negotiations and positions both organizations to act collaboratively when challenges inevitably arise in the yearsand in some cases decadesthat lie ahead. The contract is your key tool for mitigating risk and minimizing the potential for disputes during the construction of a power project, and therefore the most important thing to keep in mind when negotiating contracts is the importance of clarity and specificity of language, said Laura Fraher, partner at law firm Barclay Damon. Thus, it is generally preferable to address and resolve any potential ambiguities during the contract negotiation, including by discussing how the contract language would apply to concrete hypothetical scenarios that are likely to occur, rather than to accept potentially ambiguous language and rely on your ability to persuade a fact finder that your interpretation of that language is correct if a dispute arises later. Rohit Ogra, co-founder and Chief Revenue Officer of Texas-headquartered Treaty Oak Clean Energy, said, From our perspective as a generator, utilities prioritize reliability, cost-effectiveness, and confidence in execution. Delivering commercially sound terms and leveraging your financial strength to provide stability is key. Legally, the most important consideration is how risk is allocated. That includes risks related to permitting, procurement, and pricing. The ability to translate regulatory uncertainty into contract structures that fairly distribute risk is a key differentiator. Securing a reliable supply of electricity requires plenty of research to balance the risks and rewards of striking a deal. Securing a reliable supply of power is paramount for many businesses, particularly as more groups look to source their own energy rather than relying on the local electric utility. Negotiating favorable rates and terms for that power can involve many steps, with the process dependent on the buyers energy needs, whether the electricity comes from thermal or renewable resources (or both), and market conditions, among other things. Energy industry experts who spoke with POWER detailed several tasks businesses must execute in todays increasingly complex legal and regulatory landscape (Figure 1). An enterprise may need to negotiate a power purchase agreement (PPA), buying power from one or more sites for a contracted period. A group could be looking to build their own generation station, or buy existing assets or an operating (or even dormant) power plant. A contract also could involve the purchase of fuel, such as natural gas or hydrogen, or fuel cells, or battery energy storage. Story continues Developing Deals Building and executing a contract, particularly a PPA, requires plenty of research. Those who spoke with POWER agreed that a business must assess its energy needs, which could involve a review of historical energy usagea load profileto help an energy supplier determine the best way to move forward at a specific site or sites. Market research also is important, and an end-user should understand pricing, current trends, and any possible regulatory and/or supply chain issues that could impact energy reliability (Figure 2). 2. Supply chain disruptions can cause unexpected project delays. Contract negotiations should establish clear responsibility for managing these risks. Source: Envato Elements Businesses must be ready to issue a request for proposals, or RFP, to enable a comparison of different costs based on supplier and fuel type. The power suppliers also should be evaluated to ensure their viability. Negotiating the terms of a contract, and finalizing the agreement, is not the end of the process. Energy users should continually monitor their electricity consumption, and keep abreast of market trends, to determine whether the contract is effective, and whether adjustments are needed prior to any renewal. Said Summers, Key to this is being flexible and developing a deep understanding of what is most important to both sides. A good example of this is appreciating the need for a higher level of reliability when selling power directly to a data center versus a public utility. Generators need to understand the customers expected load profile, backup systems, and response time requirements in order to create the right solution through a combination of technical, commercial, and contractual mechanisms. This might involve designing with redundancy, such as extra equipment, a redundant fuel supply, or using batteries. It could also be handled commercially, such as by procuring power from the grid to cover any shortfalls in generation. Another crucial factor in effectively managing project timelines and price uncertainty is the development of conditions precedent that must be met before work can begin. These can include securing the necessary permits, obtaining regulatory approvals, or expanding a gas pipeline for fuel supply, said Summers. Hans Dyke, partner in the Washington, D.C., office of Bracewell and former in-house counsel for Sol Systems, told POWER: PPAs generally take two forms, each enabling the financing and construction of the project. A traditional PPA is a contract used to structure the commercial agreement between buyer and seller for the physical delivery of electricity to a delivery point. A virtual PPA [or a contract for difference, known as a CfD, on the price of electricity] is effectively a financial instrument providing a hedge against electricity price volatility by locking in a long-term fixed price while delivering the environmental attributes of a renewable energy project to the buyermost often a large corporation with publicly stated sustainability goals. Traditional physical power PPAs are pretty straightforward agreements [at least within the industry], providing for the delivery of physical power to a delivery point from seller to buyer, said Dyke. The buyer may be a wholesaler, securing long-term, stable power for their retail customers. Alternatively, the buyer may be larger corporate/industrial users requiring power for their operations [such as steel plants, data centers, and other heavy load operations]. With physical PPAs, the buyer must be able to receive physical electricity delivered to a delivery point. Dyke also noted virtual PPAs or CfDs do not require a buyer to receive electrons. The virtual PPA is essentially a financial hedge that was created to enable the growth and financing of renewable energy projects. It has been critical to the renewable power industry. While the underlying power plant [such as a solar or wind project] is producing physical electricity and the electricity is delivered and sold into the grid, the transaction between buyer and seller is primarily structured to deliver the projects attendant environmental attributes [such as renewable energy credits, or RECs] to the buyer. Buyer and seller settle the difference between the agreed PPA price and the wholesale market price where the project sells its electricity. The virtual PPA serves as a hedge against electricity price volatility and as an environmental attribute procurement tool. A Co-Op Perspective Christian Nagel, director of Power Supply at Texas-based Rayburn Electric Cooperative, said his work includes overseeing Rayburns power supply strategy, generation planning, and load forecasting efforts. That includes negotiating contracts that support those functions, such as PPAs, asset acquisitions, and EPC [engineering, procurement, and construction] agreements that reflect our long-term risk posture and operational goals. I also work closely with our executive leadership and board of directors to ensure alignment with internal risk and planning policies. Nagel said his group has broad experience negotiating PPAs with varying structures. Weve also executed large asset purchase agreements, equity purchase agreements, full-requirements contracts [where a single supplier provides all of a utilitys power], and partial-requirements contracts [where a single supplier provides a significant portion of the overall load]. There are several legal, regulatory, and commercial factors that must be carefully considered when negotiating contracts, said Nagel. These contracts often span many years and involve complex operational, financial, and compliance risks, so thoughtful structuring is essential from the outset, and overall risk management is the key objective. On the legal and regulatory side, utilities must ensure that all contractual terms align with environmental regulations and broader ESG [environmental, social, and governance] commitments. Reliability and performance standards should be clearly defined, and force majeure protections must account for real-world disruptions that could impact delivery or construction timelines. Contracts should also address liquidated damages and include well-drafted indemnity clauses to clarify responsibility in the event of disputes or unforeseen costs. From a commercial standpoint, evaluating the creditworthiness of counterparties is critical, along with building financial structures that reflect market realities. Pricing mechanisms should be flexible enough to respond to market dynamics while still providing long-term certainty, said Nagel. Contracts should also clearly outline product specifications and performance benchmarks, include appropriate termination provisions, and define rights related to assignment and subcontracting. Maintenance requirements and operational covenants should also be spelled out to ensure alignment over the life of the agreement. One recent example is our work on the EPC contract for RES II, a major expansion of the Rayburn Energy Station that will add 570 MW of natural gaspowered generation capacity to help meet accelerating demand across our service territory, said Nagel. RES II will enhance local reliability and provide additional dispatchable resources to support long-term growth for our members. During the negotiation process, we incorporated strong performance protections and built in flexibility to account for market conditions and supply chain lead times. This approach allowed us to manage risk while maintaining both cost and schedule certainty. The experience reinforced the importance of close coordination across legal, commercial, and technical teams. Construction Agreements and Contract Structures Building a new power generation project has its own set of issues (Figure 3), which should be addressed in the contract between the utility and the builder. Fraher said these can involve different structures depending on factors such as the size of the project. 3. From small installations to major facilities, contracts establish the framework for on-time, on-budget delivery of quality work. Source: Envato Elements As it relates to construction, the contract model most typically employed for large power projects is the EPC contract. This contract model essentially establishes a one-stop shop for the owner entity, with a single EPC contractor fully responsible for the complete scope of engineering [design of the entire power plant], procurement [purchase, installation, and performance of all equipment], and construction of the entire project. Traditionally, most EPC contracts are lump sum contracts, said Fraher. An alternative delivery model we are seeing more of lately, particularly in the context of very large, complex projects, is the engineering, procurement, and construction manager [EPCM] model, said Fraher. In this scenario, the owner entity enters into an EPCM contract with a construction manager, who typically is fully responsible for the complete scope of engineering, but rather than performing the procurement and construction phases, instead acts as construction manager for those phases while the owner entity separately contracts with construction contractor[s] and/or supplier[s] for procurement and construction. Fraher added, An alternative pricing model we are seeing more of lately in the EPC context is the guaranteed maximum price [GMP] model in place of the lump sum EPC contract. This is a cost-reimbursable, not-to-exceed model and typically includes an open-book process with required supporting documentation. For the ongoing physical needs of the plant after construction is complete, operation and maintenance [O&M] or long-term services agreements [LTSAs] are typically used. Tanya Bodell, a partner at StoneTurn Group LLP, noted five types or structures for contracts in the power generation space: PPAs, CfDs, tolling agreements, generation asset lease agreements, and shareholder agreements. From the perspective of economics, business, and policy, I view contracts as allocating economic risks and rewards through contractual language of obligations and liabilities, said Bodell. PPAs and other contracts extend well beyond the purchase and sale of electrical energy and power. Bodell said formalizing contractual obligations usually include descriptions of: For renewable [energy] projects, tax credits simply provided a separate revenue stream that could be financed through tax equity financing. In the absence of tax credits, the challenge is how to find a way to replace that revenue stream and the financing associated with that revenue stream, said Bodell. In order to replace the lost financeable value in the absence of tax credits, renewable generators will either need to increase revenues through higher prices, decrease costs, or find other revenue sources (such as augmented state subsidies). Bodell added, PPAs worked hand-in-hand with tax credits. Both are financeable and fund the upfront capital costs. Generators tend to prefer long-term PPAs as they generally are readily financeable through project financing and long-term payments mitigate the risks of recovering upfront capital investment and other fixed costs. However, they will not serve as a replacement for tax credits unless the market will cover those lost benefits. Creative financing, new ways of extracting value, and potentially new business models will be required to offset the lost tax credits. Bodell also said, Long-term PPAs are a blessing and a curse. The blessing is that they can allow for easy financing with higher leverage through project financing. The curse is that the industry is volatile, and long-term contracts can diverge dramatically from market conditions. For example, Quebec has a long-term power purchase agreement from the 1970s for which it is still paying only $1.50/MWh versus current market prices of $35 to $50/MWh over the past few years. When contract prices are that far apart, litigation happens. Said Ogra, Protecting against liability starts with thoughtful risk allocation. Generators face risks such as permitting delays, procurement challenges, and price volatility. Contracts need to provide flexibility and include off-ramps for circumstances beyond your control. Some risks cant be adequately hedged through traditional market instruments or strategies. In those cases, its important to ensure risks are shared in a way thats rational and equitable. Ogra added, PPAs have always played a central role in project financing. Investors rely on them to secure predictable, high-quality cash flows, and buyers rely on them to secure a predictable price for energy and access to other attributes, like RECs. As the market evolves with growing demand, more renewable energy, and ongoing regulatory uncertainty, PPAs will become even more critical. In a post-tax credit environment, we expect power prices to adjust, which will likely lead to higher PPA pricing to make up for the lost value of incentives. Darrell Proctor is a senior editor for POWER. Nov. 14The Trump administration's efforts to drive down beef prices are raising concerns for Montana ranchers, who say market meddling will only hurt producers in the long run. "It's really a slap in the face to us as producers," said Mark Siderius, who owns and operates a 240-acre cattle ranch near Kalispell. Like many ranchers, Siderius has faced tough market conditions over the past few years. Lingering drought conditions in many of the nation's top cattle producing areas and rising operating costs forced many of his fellow cattlemen to cull their herds. A shrinking supply of domestic cattle, paired with steady consumer demand, has driven the price of many beef products to record highs. One pound of ground beef costs 55% more today than it did five years ago, according to data gathered by the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis. For ranchers, the bump in prices is proof the free market is slowly correcting itself. "The price is really where it should be," said Siderius. "This is the price where we can exist, we can stay in business, we can pay our bills." But the price of U.S. beef is a problem for the White House, which has promised to cut prices at the grocery store. "The Cattle Ranchers, who I love, don't understand that the only reason they are doing so well, for the first time in decades, is because I put Tariffs on cattle coming into the United States ... It would be nice if they would understand that, but they also have to get their prices down," wrote President Donald Trump in an Oct. 22 post to social media. The callout came just two days after the federal government quadrupled low-tariff beef imports from Argentina. Economists and ranchers were quick to criticize the plan. "Not everyone, but a majority of the ranchers are in agreement that they don't want market manipulation," said Lesley Robinson, the president of the Montana Stockgrowers Association. She worried that increasing beef imports undercuts American ranchers while providing scant relief for consumers. The United States is already importing 13% more beef than it did last year, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. That influx has done little to trim beef prices. "The consumers and the demand for the product is what sets the price," said Robinson. "Bottom line is, it's just important that our market stays strong." Members of Montana's Congressional delegation expressed similar concerns about the president's plan to lower beef prices. Rep. Troy Downing joined a handful of other GOP representatives in writing a letter to Trump asking for clarity on the increase in Argentinian beef imports while Sen. Steve Daines urged the president to "let markets recover" during an interview with Newsmax. At the Experience POWER conference in Denver on Oct. 29, Michael Caravaggio, EPRIs vice president of fleet reliability, noted that these pressures come amid an already strained operational profile. Six of the top 10 days for electricity use occurred this year, he said. For essentially my entire career, the peak energy use has always been in the summer, but two of the highest peak days that occurred in 2025 were winter days. He added, We actually have 20 GW less of coal and gas capacity today than we did about five years ago, but we had many more days this year where we needed more than 9 TWh from that energy. Thats a big concern, especially if were going into a period of growth, especially if we cant build fast enough to bridge that gap. Caravaggio suggested that load growth, once measured in decades, is now arriving in quarters, driven by data center demand as utilities sign multi-gigawatt service agreements to support hyperscale projects. If flexible capacity isnt built adequately or fast enough, its a lot of load that makes the system get closer and closer to being put on the edge, he warned. Likewise, Southern Co.s load outlook has accelerated to levels not seen in decades, spurring a decisive shift toward contract-based generation and forward procurement. Executives said the utility has signed four large-load agreements across Georgia and Alabama in recent months totaling more than 2 GW, as part of a 50-GW pipeline of potential incremental demand through the mid-2030s. Georgia Powers updated forecast supports 10 GW of new capacity requestsincluding five combined cycle gas units and 11 battery energy storage siteswhile Alabama Power is advancing 2.5 GW of new gas and storage builds, and recently acquired the 900-MW Lindsay Hill facility. CFO David Poroch emphasized that new data center contracts include minimum-bill provisions that cover all of our costs, whether or not the meter spins, securing cost recovery as load ramps. NextEra Energy, notably, appears to have more concretely moved beyond traditional EPC sequencing to a vertically integrated, speed-to-market model aimed at serving hyperscale and industrial load growth. The companys 30-GW renewables and storage backlog now includes 3 GW of quarterly additions, backed by a domestic supply chain that CEO John Ketchum called a world-class development platform. Its recent partnership with Google to recommission the 615-MW Duane Arnold nuclear plant in Iowa, for example, illustrates how data center demand is driving bespoke generation agreements that blend nuclear, storage, and gas assets under long-term power purchase agreements. We are unique in that we combine a national footprint, a strong balance sheet, supply chain capabilities, and experience in building all forms of generation and transmission, together with unmatched customer relationships and an industry-leading team on a development platform second to none, Ketchum said. Dominion Energy , similarly, is tackling one of the largest simultaneous generation and transmission buildouts in its history as load from data centers surges across Virginia and the Carolinas. The company now has roughly 47 GW of data center demand in various contracting stagesup 17% since last yearincluding 10 GW under executed service agreements. CEO Bob Blue said the growth underscores why Dominion is developing resources across distribution, transmission, and generation to meet this critical need on a timely basis. Major projects include the 2.6-GW Coastal Virginia Offshore Wind installation, nearing completion in 2026, and the 1-GW Chesterfield Energy Reliability Center natural gas plant. Dominion has also submitted $2.9 billion in new solar and storage filings, and its largest-ever PJM transmission proposals. American Electric Power (AEP) is also leaning heavily into the infrastructure supercycle as load growth accelerates across its 11-state footprint. The company projects system peak demand will reach 65 GW by 2030, fueled by data centers, reshoring industries, and large industrial projects. About 28 GW of new loadmostly from hyperscalers under take-or-pay contractsis already committed, prompting AEP to lift its long-term growth outlook and expand its capital plan to $72 billion through 2030. More than two-thirds of that investment targets transmission and generation, supported by 8.7 GW of gas turbine capacity already secured and new high-voltage equipment agreements. CEO Bill Fehrman called this a transformative moment for our industry, citing the companys unmatched 765-kV transmission backbone and legislative wins in Texas, Ohio, and Oklahoma that streamline cost recovery. At Entergy , data center demand in its Gulf Coast territory has expanded to a 712 GW pipelineup from 510 GW just one quarter agoprompting the company to move aggressively on long-lead equipment and engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) capacity. The company has secured more than 19 GW of generation components, including 4.5 GW of new power island equipment slated for 20312032, and 90% of the materials required for transmission projects through 2030. Executives said projects for customers such as Google and Meta are advancing under cost-protective service agreements, while new laws in Arkansas and Mississippi are expediting approvals for economic-development generation. Chief Financial Officer (CFO) Kimberly Fontan described the current environment as very strong growth driven by our customer-centric capital plan, even as CEO Drew Marsh acknowledged tighter craft labor markets and higher EPC costs. Whats driving a fundamental shift in engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contracting? Equipment lead times. Workforce shortages. Data center timelines. POWER examines how the traditional EPC modelplan, permit, procure, buildhas been upended by new market realities. For decades, engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) firms have generally entered projects after utilities completed feasibility studies, secured permits, and negotiated power contracts. Typically, equipment procurement has followed design, and construction begins after approvals, in a sequence that has been deliberate, mostly linear, and allowed risk allocation to match project maturity. But, given a number of recent disruptions, that model appears to be on the brink of a fundamental inversion. The first of three interconnected trends stems from geopolitical tension, which continues to send ripples through global supply chains and challenge project feasibility. According to executives participating in the Energy Projects Conference (EPC) Show 2025, which took place in Houston last June, tariffs and trade realignments have made the cost and availability of key equipment increasingly uncertain, prompting developers and EPCs to reevaluate where and when to invest. A second, more structural tension lies in the industrys ongoing effort to balance traditional energy infrastructure with energy-transition work. Gas-fired, nuclear, and renewables now compete for limited capital and skilled labor (Figure 1) under volatile policy conditions, they noted. And the thirdperhaps the fastest-moving disruptionis the extraordinary surge in electricity demand from artificial intelligence and data center growth, which is reshaping grid and generation planning in real time (see sidebar). Story Continues A Key Constraint: Infrastructure Timelines and Equipment Bottlenecks As some experts told POWER, urgencynot necessarily costhas now become the defining force reshaping EPC contracting. In its November 2025released 2025 Electric Report, Black and Veatch found data centers in 18 months from final investment decision to operation, while the grid and power infrastructure required to serve them can take three to six years. The mismatch is straining utilities as they try to deliver city-scale power on exponentially squeezed timelines, the report notes. The urgency is real, the report says. Data center developers need firm answershow much dispatchable power is available, where and when. Utilities are working to meet that demand, even as they navigate complex permitting, aging infrastructure, uncertainty in planning and forecasting, material lead times, and workforce limitations. While theres not a one-size-fits-all answer to this challenge, there is real opportunity and progress when utilities and data center developers bridge the gap and work closely together and with their local Authorities Having Jurisdiction (AHJs). However, This isnt just about megawatts. Its also about speed, uncertainty about demand and funding, and the moving goalpost that requires business strategy updates on a continuous basis, not single projects that demand gigawatts, it adds. Still, the biggest pinch point compounding project timelines remains equipment procurement, experts told POWER. One reason is that procurement is no longer a utility-EPC supply chain concernit has become a multi-industry competition for constrained manufacturing capacity. Data centers, renewable developers, manufacturing facilities seeking electrification, and grid modernization programs are all competing for the same transformers, gas turbines, and grid equipment simultaneously. Gas turbine and transformer manufacturersonce comfortably sequenced downstream of project approvalsare now first in line for capital commitments, given lead times of five years or more. In its third quarter (Q3) earnings call on Oct. 22, GE Vernova reported 12 GW of new gas turbine orders in Q3 2025, following 9 GW in Q2, pushing its total gas power backlogincluding slot reservation agreementsto 62 GW. GE Vernova CEO Scott Strazik said the company now begins the funnel with slot-reservation agreements because customers want to secure long-lead equipment early. While GE Vernova classifies these separately from orders, in many cases, [customers are] providing us enough financial capital on day one that one could argue we could be booking these things as orders," he explained. Those deposits guarantee that theyve got the equipment while, in parallel, they work those other solutions," he added. GE Vernovas Electrification business backlog echoes the crunch: Orders more than doubled year-over-year to $26 billion, including $400 million in hyperscaler orders in Q3 alone. Prolec GE, a joint venture originally established between Xignux and General Electric in 1995whose full acquisition GE Vernova announced on Oct. 21reported that transformer sales to data centers have risen from 10% of total business in 2024 to 20% in 2025. And while transformer shortages are cited as a particular crisis, an October 2025 analysis conducted with American Clean Power by Wood Mackenzie reported that demand for transmission and distribution (T&D) equipment has surged by 35% to 274% since 2019, driven by data center expansion, manufacturing investment, grid modernization needs, and extreme-weather resilience efforts. Power transformer lead times averaged 128 weeksnearly two and a half yearsdown from a peak of 138 weeks but still twice pre-2022 levels, while switchgear averaged 44 weeks. The firm noted that tariffs, volatile electrical steel and copper prices, and ongoing order backlogs continue to strain domestic production capacity. Circuit breakersanother critical category of T&D infrastructureare also emerging as component bottlenecks. At the October 2025 Experience POWER conference, industry panelists highlighted supply constraints for medium-voltage breakers as utilities race to build and upgrade substations to accommodate data center loads. Ready, Go, Set as Industry Standard EPC firms told POWER they are responding to the myriad shifts in the broader energy industry with their own evolution. At Burns & McDonnell, a legacy design-build firm founded in 1898, that evolution has meant collapsing the traditional boundary between strategic planning and project execution. The complexity of the energy transition requires smarter, more strategic planning from the start, Scott Strawn, senior vice president and general manager of the Power Group at Burns & McDonnell, told POWER. The integration of 1898 & Co., our consulting arm, has been pivotal, combining their upfront business and utility consulting experience with our traditional engineering, procurement, and construction services. This allows us to partner with clients at the earliest stages, helping them navigate everything from decarbonization strategies to grid modernization before a single shovel hits the ground. The approach seeks to address a fundamental mismatch. While utilities face 18-month data center interconnection timelines, they lack the internal capacity to complete feasibility studies, equipment selection, and procurement strategy simultaneously. By pairing deep consulting knowledge with execution strength, we deliver holistic, end-to-end solutions that help clients manage existing assets and plan for a sustainable, reliable, and resilient energy future, Strawn said. The consulting-plus-execution model addresses a fundamental sequencing problem that now qualifies project viability. In todays gas market, the traditional Ready, Set, Go development cycle has been flipped to Ready, Go, Set, Brendan OBrien, senior business development manager in the Power Group at Burns & McDonnell, told POWER. Owners are now required to make major capital commitments, such as placing deposits on long-lead equipment, at the earliest stages of a project, often before permits are secured, or the project is even fully defined. All of the Above Is Now the Norm Another notable shift is a push for technology flexibility, given, as Black & Veatchs 2025 Electric Report notes, load growth is now edging out emissions reduction as utilities top priority, driven by data centers, industrial electrification, and manufacturing reshoring. Only two-thirds of surveyed utilities now report active clean-energy goalsdown from 80% in 2024while near-term investment plans for solar, wind, and electric vehicle fleet electrification have declined. In their place, utilities are pursuing more diversified all-of-the-above portfolios that balance renewables with natural gas, nuclear, and battery storage to maintain reliability and energy security. The firm calls it a transition within the transition, where success may depend less on any single technology and more on optionality, pivotally, to support the ability to flex across fuels, policies, and timelines as load growth accelerates faster than infrastructure can catch up. Bechtel, for example, simultaneously manages a $21 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) portfolio (Rio Grande LNG Phase 1, Rio Grande Trains 4 & 5, Port Arthur LNG, and Corpus Christi expansion), as it is building advanced reactors (the Natrium Demonstration Project in Kemmerer, Wyoming, targeting 2029 operation). But, on the heels of success at Vogtle 3 and 4 in Georgia, it is also developing next-generation large reactors internationally (Polands AP1000 facility, targeting 2033), while working on utility-scale solar (Mammoth Solar in Indiana, 1.3 GW across three phases by 2027), and providing front-end engineering and design (FEED) services for gas-fired generation. The Natrium project (Figure 2), which broke ground in June 2024, is notable in that the first-of-its-kind facility exemplifies the expanding role EPCs are playing in advanced nuclear technology projects. Bechtel notes its Digital Delivery approach integrates building information modeling (BIM)a comprehensive 3D virtual representation of the entire facilitywith a central data environment to streamline design-to-construction workflows, enabling real-time coordination across design, procurement, and construction teams. 2. TerraPowers Natrium Demonstration Project in Kemmerer, Wyomingdeveloped with Bechtel as its engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partnerfeatures a 345-MWe sodium-cooled fast reactor coupled with molten salt energy storage to enable output to boost to 500 MW when needed. Courtesy: Bechtel Likewise, Kiewit, through a joint venture with Black & Veatch and Aecon called Cascade Nuclear Partners, secured the progressive design-build contract for Energy Northwests Cascade Advanced Energy Facilityfour X-energy Xe-100 small modular reactors totaling 320 MWwhile simultaneously partnering with NRG and GE Vernova on 5,000 MW of conventional gas generation across the Texas and PJM markets. The firm is also delivering Oklos Aurora fast reactor at Idaho National Laboratory for operations later this decade. Fluor, a long-time investor in NuScale, has moved to monetize its equity stake in NuScale Power following an agreement announced in November 2025, marking what CEO James Breuer described as a strategic pivot "away from a strategic investor to a market-focused solution," driven by shareholder demand for value clarity. While full monetization expected by mid-2026, Fluor expects to continue Phase 2 FEED work on Romania's six-reactor NuScale plant, leveraging what Breuer called its position as "the only EPC contractor that has real project experience on NuScale." Zachry Group spans the spectrum from conventional gas (Duke Energy's 1,360-MW Person County combined cycle facility, targeting 2028) to "clean combustion" technology, including for NET Power's first utility-scale near-zero-emissions gas plant in Texas, now expected online between 2029-2030 (with gas turbines potentially delivering power to the grid starting in 2028). It also has a joint venture with Quanta Services to deliver NiSource's combined cycle generation project in Indiana, featuring two 1,300-MW units (2,600 MW total) by 2032. However, not all EPCs are responding to equipment scarcity and timeline compression by taking on construction risk. KBR formally exited the lump-sum EPC market in 2022, following a decision first announced during the COVID-19 period. The company cited volatility in labor, materials, and logistics costs as incompatible with fixed-price contracting, where the EPC firm assumes full responsibility for delivering a project at a single agreed-upon cost. And, despite its deep nuclear and infrastructure history, AECOM recently deliberately shifted toward professional services models that emphasize advisory, program management, and owners representation rather than lump-sum EPC delivery. In its August 2025 Q3 earnings call, AECOM CEO Troy Rudd emphasized the firms advisory business grew at double-digit rates with plans to double the platform to $400 million in net service revenue within three years. Likewise, at the May 2025 Bernstein Strategic Decisions Conference, Jacobs CEO Bob Pragada reportedly told investors that about 70% of the firms work is now cost-reimbursable rather than fixed-price. He said Jacobs is increasingly focused on advisory and conceptual design engagements because there is no scope defined yetallowing the company to shape projects at the decision-making stage before construction risk materializes. WSPs $1.78 billion acquisition of POWER Engineers in 2024 reflects a similar pivot. Both firms describe themselves as consulting organizations providing program and construction management and high-level advisory services rather than at-risk construction delivery, according to WSPs acquisition announcement and program management materials. Weve seen across the industry companies pull back from lump sum, Andy Hemingway, Worleys executive group director of growth, reportedly said at the EPC Show in Houston this June, according to materials published by conference organizers. I think there are a few reasons for that. One is that the premiums right now are highpeople will take the risk, but they will charge for it. And the second one is probably each of us on this panel has had some painful experiences around lump-sum contracting due to misalignment on successful outcomes, so were looking at more collaborative models. Michael McKelvy, CEO of McDermott International, appeared more direct about the financial reality: I think that were all undergoing a transition where we cannotfor a variety of reasonsafford to bid EPC projects lump sum now. That is the reason so many companies have failedthey bit off more than they could chew, they took on risk that they couldnt mitigate. If contractors cannot bear the risk, it falls to customers and project owners. Were all taking less risk, he said. The financing side wants to see a little bit more cost certainty. The clients certainly didnt factor in the ultimate, realistic cost of the projects into their performance. McKelvy also suggested that strong customer relationships and early EPC integration could help avoid cost surprises for project owners. Bechtel, which is still willing to accept fixed-price work, attributes success to early engagement with supply chains and equipment selection during pre-FEED and FEED stages. You cant blur the lines of accountability. I think thats really, really critical, Paul Marsden, president of Bechtels Energy global business unit, reportedly said at the EPC Show panel. But theres so much you can actually do with a very modest level of investment to get in help and work to make each other successful. Workforce: Potentially the Most Critical Constraint Still, for now, while equipment shortages and capital availability dominate headlines, workforce limitations are rapidly ascending as the most immediate and pressing bottleneck on project execution in 2025. At Experience POWER, panelists repeatedly called attention to the convergence of surging demand by multiple industries (including data centers), which is potentially creating more competition for a shrinking skilled trades pool. As much as all of us are probably pretty happy were in this industry, Im not sure if all our kids are thinking about being in this industry, said Carvaggio during the shows keynote speech. The workforce burden extends across operations and construction, he said. You need an enormous amount of people to build these assets, and you need a dedicated, skilled workforce to run these assets, he said. Were competing against the data center for labor. Were competing against the LNG terminals for labor. Its a huge challenge, and its going to get worse. While a definitive figure is difficult to pinpoint, estimated numbers are staggering. A Kearney study released in August 2025 in collaboration with the IEEE Power and Energy Society found that the global power engineering workforce must grow 100% to 200% by 2030from roughly 450,000 to as many as 1.5 million engineersto design, implement, and operate new power infrastructure. Today, Up to 40% of global power executives find that an insufficiently skilled workforce and competition for talent are the two biggest challenges in filling engineering roles, Kearney noted. The scale of the challenge could grow even more acute at the regional level. At the June 2025 EPC Show panel in Houston, Bechtels Marsden projected a shortfall of 45,000 to 50,000 craft workers across the U.S. Gulf Coast alonea region hosting roughly 1,200 miles of active construction sites for LNG facilities, refinery expansions, and power generation projects. Proactive EPCs are responding with transformational workforce development initiatives. Burns & McDonnell, for example, launched a 14,000-square-foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, earlier this year, designed as both a recruitment hub and skills development center. The firm is also deploying mobile training units that bring in-the-field knowledge assessments directly to project sites, reducing onboarding time and ensuring a supply of skilled artisans ready to work. Addressing the labor shortage requires new, scalable approaches, said Jeff Rashall, vice president of Burns & McDonnells Construction Group. The companys initiatives aim to create a self-sustaining pipeline of talent, emphasizing safety, productivity, and rapid upskilling, he said (Figure 3). 3. Burns & McDonnell opened a 14,000-square-foot Construction Academy in Pearland, Texas, in 2025, offering knowledge assessments and hands-on training. A permanent skills facility simulating job site conditions will open in 2026. The academy qualifies craft workers through online knowledge assessment followed by hands-on evaluationpart of Burns & McDonnells effort to address labor constraints and develop next-generation talent at scale. Courtesy: Burns & McDonnell Bechtel is pursuing complementary workforce strategies that combine global skills development with local training partnerships. Internationally, the company has launched initiatives such as its 2025 nuclear energy skills collaboration with the Gdansk University of Technology in Poland to help train the next generation of nuclear engineers. Domestically, Bechtel continues to work with high schools, colleges, unions, and veteran programs in Texas Gulf Coast communitiesincluding Sabine Pass and Port Arthurwhere large-scale LNG and pipeline projects are underway. Our industrys future depends on rebuilding Americas construction workforce, Craig Albert, Bechtels president and COO, recently wrote. Without enough tradespeople, mission-critical projects could face lengthy delays or fail to get off the ground at all. Rebuilding Americas construction workforce is no longer optionalits a national imperative. Kiewit is also investing heavily in workforce training through its Accelerated Journeyman Development Program and a growing network of mobile training facilities to build structured career paths for emerging craft professionals. A key facet entails bringing instruction directly to job sites nationwide. Companies will need to start hiring people who dont necessarily have experience, noted Andrew Pate, who manages Kiewits Training Center in Colorado. Thats why training is going to become even more important, especially over the next five years. Still, amid these challenges, firms see opportunity in reinvention. At Burns & McDonnell, leaders say the same ingenuity driving modularization, automation, and digital delivery must now be applied to developing the labor force itself. Weve strengthened and expanded our construction capabilities to drive deeper integration across every phase of project delivery, said Strawn. That integration, paired with technology and training, gives our teams greater certainty and consistency in outcomes. Across the industry, a new generation of builders, technicians, and engineers is beginning to emergesupported by data, digital tools, and deliberate investment in skill. Sonal Patel is a POWER senior editor (@sonalcpatel, @POWERmagazine). Debt watchdog Standard & Poors gave Saks Global an ultralow CCC rating after its refinancing and projected the company would see a $500 million deficit in reported free cash flow this year. If Christmas falls flat for Saks Global and theres not enough from asset sales to make a difference, experts around the industry speculate that Saks could eventually face an existential change in ownership, either in or out of bankruptcy court. But even Baker can do the impossible only so many times. The company is broadly the creation of executive chairman Richard Baker and has worked as well as it has because Baker is a very adept dealmaker. Many thought it was impossible that Saks Global could ever buy Neimans. Saks Global has been on a high wire for some time slow on payments to vendors for years, squaring off with bondholders before a high-profile refinancing in August, contending with slowing sales and more. It remains to be seen what Santa brings for Saks Global this year, but there are still six weeks to go until Christmas. Here, three ways the holiday might play out and shape the retailers path into 2026 from the grinchiest, most speculative scenario to where the retailer gets everything on its wish list. In addition to all the consolidation to bring the two retailers together, theres also been a management shakeup with the departure of Emily Essner, president and chief commercial officer; Bill Bine, chief transformation officer, and Rob Brooks, chief operating officer. The result is a department store group that is still striving toward the future of shopping while dragging along a debt load of $4.9 billion. But more so, its been a year of financial strain from a bondholder freakout over the summer when investors realized their debt wasnt directly secured by the famous Fifth Avenue flagship to continued strains with vendors who are being very careful in what goods they ship. Chief executive officer Marc Metrick has been rushing to reset the company and luxury retail. Hes made rapid progress, cutting annual costs by $200 million already and integrating the backends of the two businesses. The retailer closed on its $2.7 billion deal to buy Neiman Marcus Group just two days before Christmas last year, launching both into a new era. The holiday season is always make or break in retail but that goes doubly so for Saks Global this year. Story Continues Interest expense alone totals about $400 million through next September, according to the rating agency. If the company did file or make some kind of a big change, there are interested parties at hand. Amazon invested in Saks Global along with the Neimans deal and has a deep and abiding interest in really establishing itself in luxury fashion. While theres been a rumor floating around that the e-commerce giant moved up Saks cap table during the refinancing, sources close to the company threw cold water on that. One said the company did not move one millimeter up in the cap table. A Saks Global spokesperson said: Our equity structure has not changed since the completion of the Neiman Marcus Group acquisition in December 2024. Instead, they said Amazon has preferred stock, likely putting it first in line behind debt holders in the case of a bankruptcy. Amazon is also said to be owed something like a total $1 billion in minimum payments over five years, its cut for having Saks on its massive platform. Also on the scene already is Jamie Salters Authentic Brands Group, which is always keen on buying well-known brands and already set up a joint venture with Saks Global, called Authentic Luxury Group. The 50-50 joint venture has a license agreement to use the Saks Fifth Avenue and Neiman Marcus trademarks. Bondholders are said to largely be secured by real estate other than the Fifth Avenue flagship and could see their debt converted to equity in any potential filing. A source close to the company said that the Fifth Avenue flagship has a mortgage, but beyond that the store is unencumbered and retains great value for the company and its investors no matter what happens. Some bondholders have worried over a sellers note money still due to be paid to the prior owners of Neimans that is believed to be around $300 million and due early next year. But a source close to the company said that obligation does not link back to Saks Global and instead is owed by a group of shareholders in the legacy Saks business. Trimmed-down Reinvention But nothing is a given in retail and Saks Global has a lot of places it can turn even if it doesnt ultimately bring in enough inventory to really drive sales to their full potential. As one bond trader noted, Going into the holiday season is not the right time to not have inventory or have your customer have a bad experience. A mediocre holiday could be buttressed by cash from some asset sales that would help the company keep up with its debts and continue to reinvent. Bergdorf Goodman, which Saks Global picked up in the Neimans deal, is the crown jewel of the group, the tip of the luxury pyramid and in the market for new investors. The company is looking to sell a minority stake in Bergdorfs, with the price thats been floated as $1 billion for just under half the business. Some see that price as pie in the sky and wonder if any buyers are interested in just a minority stake. But nobody doubts that selling a chunk of Bergdorfs could raise Saks a ton of cash. Bergdorfs is also the kind of asset that attracts deep pocketed investors. To wit, sources said the company has been in active dialogue with Harrods-owner Qatar Investment Authority about a potential deal involving Bergdorfs. Saks Global has also been shopping around some of its real estate with department stores in Beverly Hills, Chicago and Washington, D.C., all said to be available, according to sources. The Beverly Hills store was vacated when Saks moved into the space formerly occupied by Barneys New York last year. A person familiar with the companys thinking described the potential sale of any stores as part of the ongoing work on the Saks Global Properties & Investments business. Any sales could be sale-leaseback transactions where the store remains open, but the real estate is sold. Saks has already been nibbling around the edges, recently monetizing the Neiman Marcus store in Plano, Texas, which is being sold to Centennial as the developer reenvisions The Shops at Willow Bend Center. Backed up with money from asset sales, an OK Christmas could help Saks Global push through into next year, when it can continue to present its new vision of luxury shopping to the world. Luxury Retail Remade Saks Global might have started off 2025 in a hole, with many vendors smarting over money still owed for past orders and reluctant to ship fresh goods to the retailer, but the trends have been getting better. Sales for the second quarter ended Aug. 2 fell 11.1 percent to $1.6 billion. But Metrick, speaking at the WWD Apparel & Retail CEO Summit late last month, said the tide has been turning and that the flow of goods began to normalize in late September. Youre starting to see the business actually really come together, Metrick said. Think about our concession business [where inventory is not a problem]. That business was up double digits in the second quarter. So the luxury consumer is there. We know we havent lost our mojo. We can sell product. We can market product. Weve got great stores. Weve got traffic coming in. If consumers keep coming back and keep spending more it would start a virtuous circle as brands would continue to feel better about Saks as the future shone brighter. That would amount to Saks Globals own Christmas miracle and one that would support what the company is doing online with its Saks shop on Amazon. Metrick said Saks is successfully selling $4,500 dresses on Amazon and bringing new shoppers into the ecosystem. Nothing is sold on sale. Its a full-price model, he said of the Amazon shop. Twenty percent of the customers that shop Saks on Amazon are back within 30 days. Just think about the new customers, the aperture that were opening up through Amazon. Its unbelievable. Retail is a business where growth solves all and Saks has the pedigree, the name recognition and clearly a desire and willingness to make the changes that would take it into the future. With a really good holiday bounceback, Saks Global would find itself on a much firmer financial footing as it continues to pay off its back bills, stay current on new shipments and make a roughly $127 million interest payment to bondholders late next month. Christmas is a time to dream and Saks Global, with its acquisition of Neimans and its plans to rest luxury retail, is good at dreaming big. Best of WWD Sign up for WWD's Newsletter. For the latest news, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Key Insight : Sallie Mae, the nation's preeminent private student lender, is teaming up with a private equity giant as it prepares for a future in which the federal government is retreating from the student loan industry. Supporting Data : KKR plans to buy more than $6 billion in student loans from Sallie Mae over the next three years. Expert Quote: "We're excited to work with KKR on this first-of-its-kind deal and look forward to growing this into a new business," said Sallie Mae CEO Jon Witter. America's largest private student lender is teaming up with the world's biggest private equity firm. SLM Corp., better known as Sallie Mae, announced Monday that it has entered a multiyear partnership with the private equity giant KKR. Under the deal, KKR will buy more than $6 billion in loans from Sallie Mae, which will continue to service them and collect fees from KKR. The arrangement is designed to expand Sallie Mae's capacity for originating new loans and serving more students, the lender said. "We're excited to work with KKR on this first-of-its-kind deal and look forward to growing this into a new business," Sallie Mae CEO Jon Witter said in a prepared statement. KKR was ranked No. 1 this year on the PEI 300 , an annual list of the world's biggest private equity firms compiled by the data provider Private Equity International. Sallie Mae, which has $29.6 billion of total assets, is the largest private provider of student loans in the U.S. Under their new partnership, Sallie Mae plans to sell KKR an "initial seed portfolio" of private education loans, the size of which was not disclosed, followed by $2 billion in additional loans per year for at least three years. The move bolsters Sallie Mae's capacity to fund loans at a moment when the federal government is poised to scale back its own student loan operations, opening up new opportunities for private lenders. The One Big Beautiful Bill Act, which President Trump signed on July 4, eliminates Grad PLUS loans for graduate students, phases out President Biden's SAVE repayment plan, and imposes new taxes on university endowments, which schools typically use to provide financial aid, among other measures. These changes are set to take effect over time, beginning in July 2026. A few weeks after the law was passed, Witter said Sallie Mae expected to gain $4.5 billion to $5 billion per year in new loan originations thanks to the law, with the "bigger impacts" expected in 2027 and beyond. Last month, during Sallie Mae's third-quarter earnings call, Witter reiterated that expectation. SEC Chairman Paul Atkins proposed a token classification framework on Nov. 12 that outlines how digital assets can transition out of securities status once their underlying networks become decentralized. The Project Crypto initiative introduces four distinct categories, according to Atkins remarks at the Philadelphia Federal Reserve conference: Digital commodities Digital collectibles Digital tools Tokenized securities The framework establishes that while a tokens initial sale might constitute an investment contract, the asset itself does not remain a security in perpetuity. Under the proposed sunset provision, the investment contract designation would expire when a project demonstrates code deployment and sufficient decentralization. Regulatory Harmonization and Trading Exemptions The proposal supports exemptions that would permit secondary trading of post-contract assets on alternative trading venues. These assets could move to platforms regulated by the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) or state authorities. This shift follows recent market expansions, such as the launch of CME Group Solana options for SOL products and other institutional derivatives. For assets that remain within the securities definition, the Commission aims to streamline registration. Figures SEC-registered YLDS token, which deployed on the Sui blockchain in October, represents the type of tokenized security the new taxonomy aims to regulate clearly, as previously reported by Coinspeaker. Industry Context and Development The speech builds on the Project Crypto directive launched on July 31, according to the SECs initial announcement. The new framework aims to provide clarity in an area marked by previous SEC enforcement, which had effectively halted token sales for US retail investors since 2018. The recent launch of a new Coinbase token sales platform, the first of its kind to include US retail participation since that time, coincides with this regulatory push. Commissioner Hester Peirces prior work also informed the proposal, specifically her New Paradigm remarks from May 19, according to official archives. Market participants have continued to file for regulated products amid this shifting landscape. Canary Capital Litecoin ETF filings recently cleared key listing steps, reflecting industry anticipation of a more defined regulatory environment for assets like Litecoin. Read original story SEC Chair Atkins Proposes Token Taxonomy to Limit Perpetual Securities Status by Zoran Spirkovski at Coinspeaker.com SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Singapore's central bank will hold trials to issue tokenised MAS bills next year and bring in laws to regulate stablecoins as it presses forward with plans to build a scalable and secure tokenised financial ecosystem, the bank's top official said on Thursday. "Tokenisation has lifted off the ground. But have asset-backed tokens achieved escape velocity? Not yet," said Chia Der Jiun, Managing Director of the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS), a keynote address at the Singapore FinTech Festival. He said MAS has been working on the details of its stablecoin regulatory regime and will prepare draft legislation, with the emphasis on "sound reserve backing and redemption reliability." MAS is also supporting trials under the BLOOM initiative, which explores the use of tokenised bank liabilities and regulated stablecoins for settlement, he added. "In the CBDC space, I am pleased to announce that the three Singapore banks, DBS, OCBC, and UOB, have successfully conducted interbank overnight lending transactions using the first live trial issuance of Singapore dollar wholesale CBDC," he said. A CBDC, or central bank digital currency, is a digital form of central bank money. MAS will expand trials to include tokenised MAS bills settled with CBDC, he added. Chia said a regulatory guide on tokenised capital markets products will be published this week, and MAS is working with international counterparts to align standards and support adoption. On Thursday, MAS also announced agreements to work with other central banks on cross-border transactions and digital assets. It said it would collaborate with the Bank of England and the Bank of Thailand to conduct experiments that could enable real-time foreign exchange transactions that are fast, secure and interoperable across different systems. The central bank also signed a memorandum of understanding with Deutsche Bundesbank to collaborate on cross-border digital asset settlement. The partnership is built on an initiative designed to enhance the liquidity and efficiency of financial markets through asset tokenisation, it said. (Reporting by Yantoultra Ngui and Jun Yuan Yong; Editing by David Stanway) By Che Pan and Brenda Goh BEIJING (Reuters) -Semiconductor Manufacturing International Corp <0981.HK>, China's largest contract chipmaker, on Friday said growing worries about a shortage of memory chips are prompting its customers to hold back their orders for other types of semiconductors. "People don't dare place too many orders for the first quarter next year," said Zhao Haijun, SMIC's co-CEO, during an earnings call. "Because no one knows how many memory (chips) will actually be available - how many phones, cars, or other products it can support." Manufacturers of cars and smartphones that use memory will face pricing pressure and supply uncertainty next year, he said, adding that nobody is offering firm supply commitments right now. The global rush by companies to produce semiconductors for artificial intelligence is tightening supplies of less glamorous memory chips used in smartphones, computers and servers, spurring panic buying by some customers and a surge in prices, industry executives and analysts said. The world's biggest makers of memory chips are Micron in the U.S. and its South Korean rivals SK Hynix and Samsung. "The current memory market is in short supply and prices have surged significantly," Zhao said. Zhao warned that the "super cycle" in the memory sector would also intensify competition for foundries, as customers hoped to negotiate lower contract prices for other types of integrated circuits to offset rising price pressure on memory chips. SMIC's third-quarter revenue rose 9.7% from a year earlier to $2.38 billion thanks to robust local demand, with profit up 28.9% to $191.75 million. Both beat analysts' expectations, according to LSEG data. SMIC's monthly production capacity increased 3.2% quarter-to-quarter to 1.02 million eight-inch equivalent wafers, with utilization rates - measuring a foundry's production intensity - rising to 95.8% from 92.5% in the second quarter. SMIC shipped 2.5 million equivalent wafers in the third quarter, up 4.6% from the previous quarter. China remained SMIC's biggest market, accounting for 86% of its revenue in the third quarter, up slightly from the second quarter, while the U.S. contributed 11%, down slightly from 13%. Among its five major application sectors, consumer electronics - excluding smartphones, computers, tablets and industrial and automotive applications - registered growth from the second quarter thanks to strong local demand. Zhao said this was because its customers had gained larger market shares in China. SEOUL (Reuters) -South Korea's government said on Friday it would boost subsidies for electric vehicles (EVs) by 20% next year as part of a package to help the country's auto industry weather risks caused by U.S. tariffs. The government said in a statement passenger EV subsidies would be increased to 936 billion won ($658.47 million) in 2026, up from 780 billion won this year, in a bid to stimulate local demand. The package will also include support to help auto parts suppliers, with the government pledging to supply policy finance at levels above the 15 trillion won it provided in 2025. South Korea will also strengthen guarantee programmes for auto parts makers operating overseas, such as in the United States and Mexico, to offer long-term, low-interest loans. The Asian country's auto industry shipped exports worth $70.8 billion in 2024, accounting for more than 10% of the country's $683.8 billion in total exports. Hyundai Motor, which together with its affiliate Kia Corp is the world's third-biggest automaking group by sales, has been hit by a 25% tariff for exports to the United States, its biggest market generating about 40% of revenue. That tariff rate was lowered to 15% after Washington and Seoul reached a trade agreement last month. However, the 15% rate has not been applied to South Korean autos and parts makers as the countries have yet to issue a joint fact sheet outlining the agreement on trade and security issues struck last month. More than two weeks after U.S. President Donald Trump and South Korea's Lee Jae Myung announced they had resolved months of negotiations over tariffs and security matters, the two sides have yet to release any written agreement. South Korean Foreign Minister Cho Hyun asked U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio to work for the swift release of a joint fact sheet on the sidelines of a meeting of G7 foreign ministers in Canada, the Yonhap News Agency reported on Thursday. ($1 = 1,421.4800 won) (Reporting by Heekyong YangEditing by Ed Davies) By Ernest Scheyder LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas (Reuters) -Standard Lithium is getting a boost from Washington as it vies with Exxon Mobil to become the first company to produce lithium in Arkansas, a U.S. state containing one of North America's largest supplies of the battery metal. The vote of confidence by multiple parts of the U.S. government is one of Washington's strongest yet for any lithium project and shows increasing comfort with the still-unproven direct lithium extraction (DLE) industry. U.S. senators, the Department of Energy and federal permitting officials have backed Standard this year. U.S. allies are considering providing debt financing. Standard had been working to develop its DLE project for more than seven years, but Exxon in 2023 made a splash with a $100 million investment into Arkansas with aims to be a dominant player. Lithium prices have been weak in recent months and Exxon has now delayed its lithium plans by at least a year. Standard has also gone slowly, but still aims to push the project forward on its 30,000 Arkansas acres, with first production slated for 2028. Standard's fortunes have turned since 2022 when its shares were targeted by a short-seller who claimed its DLE process was faulty, a claim the company rejected but one that dragged on its shares nearly 30% in one day. The claims gained attention in part because no DLE technology had then or has since worked at commercial scale for any company, sparking investor angst across the industry. Standard responded by pivoting its DLE strategy. It now plans to extract lithium using a process developed by Koch Industries with a different type of adsorbent material. Koch became Standard's largest shareholder, and the company hired new executives and took on Norwegian energy giant Equinor as partner for its $1.45 billion project. "The fact that Standard has gone through multiple iterations (of its DLE technology) was actually a selling point for us," said Allison Kennedy Thurmond of Equinor, which invested in Standard's Arkansas project last year over California's lithium-rich Salton Sea region. Short seller positions in the stock have dropped by more than 50% since the 2022 report. Five Wall Street analysts now recommend buying Standard's shares; none recommend selling, according to the LSEG data. "We are definitely at a tipping point," David Park, Standard's CEO, told Reuters. "We very strongly believe that the DLE tech will work." In a letter last month, three U.S. senators described Vancouver-based Standard as having "the only proven direct lithium extraction (DLE) technology and operations team in the United States," a strong assertion given the company's multiple DLE rivals across the country. You could qualify for residency in Saudi Arabia if you're a start-up entrepreneur, investor, or real estate owner, according to the government's website. The Premium Residency visa allows holders to live and work in the kingdom, and own property without a sponsor. Saudi Arabia has had a Premium Residency program since 2019, and it added five new categories eligible for qualification in 2024, including Investor, Entrepreneur, and Real Estate Owner. The categories were added as part of the country's Vision 2030 reform plan, which seeks to diversify Saudi Arabia's economy away from oil. Don't Miss: How to qualify for Premium Residency The qualifications for Premium Residency depends on the category you apply under. The application fee for each is 4,000 Saudi riyals ($1,066). Here are the eligibility requirements, according to Saudi Arabia's website. Business investor The Business Investor Residency is a five-year visa that requires applicants to invest at least 7 million riyals in a Saudi company and obtain an investment license. Permanent residency is granted if the investor injects another 7 million riyals and creates at least 10 jobs in the first two years of their residency. Trending: From Moxy Hotels to $12B in Real Estate The Firm Behind NYC's Trendiest Properties Is Letting Individual Investors In. Entrepreneur There are two categories for start-up entrepreneurs seeking Premium Residency in Saudi Arabia. The first grants you a five-year residency visa that's only renewable once, and the second is a permanent visa. Applicants seeking the first category must hold at least 20% of shares in a Saudi Arabia-based start-up, hold an entrepreneur license from the Ministry of Investment, and obtain a minimum investment of 400,000 Saudi riyals from an accredited entity. You'll also need a recommendation letter from the investment entity. Applicants seeking permanent residency must also obtain an entrepreneur license and recommendation letter. They must maintain a 10% share in a Saudi company, receive a minimum investment of 15 million Saudi riyals from an accredited entity, and create 10 jobs in the first year of residency and another 10 in the second. See Also: An EA Co-Founder Shapes This VC Backed MarketplaceNow You Can Invest in Gaming's Next Big Platform Those who qualify for either category are able to nominate two of their staff members for Special Talent Residency. Both categories are also exempt from a regulation requiring businesses to hire a certain percentage of Saudi nationals for the first three years of operation. Invesco Ltd. recently reported its preliminary assets under management as of October 31, 2025, totaling US$2,166.6 billion, up 2.0% from September, highlighting net long-term inflows of US$8.0 billion and money market net inflows of US$11.1 billion, alongside the sale of its majority interest in its India asset management business, which reduced AUM by US$15.6 billion. This update underscores Invescos ability to attract strong inflows and offset major asset sales, pointing to ongoing business momentum in the face of portfolio adjustments. Given this substantial growth in asset inflows, we'll examine the implications for Invesco's investment narrative and future performance expectations. Find companies with promising cash flow potential yet trading below their fair value. Invesco Investment Narrative Recap Being a shareholder in Invesco means believing the company can grow profits even as the industry moves to lower-fee products like ETFs. The latest update, showing strong net inflows and resilience after the sale of its India business, does not materially change the short-term catalyst of ETF and index product growth. However, the biggest immediate risk remains steady margin pressure from fee compression and heightened competition in both active and passive asset management. Among its recent moves, Invescos third-quarter earnings report stands out, showing higher revenue and net income compared to last year. This announcement ties directly to the companys ongoing efforts to build scale through both product expansion and cost discipline, supporting the catalyst of growing global ETF adoption in the face of structural margin pressures. However, investors should also consider that, despite these positive signs, the risk of shrinking net revenue yield from the shift toward low-fee passive strategies remains... Read the full narrative on Invesco (it's free!) Invesco's narrative projects $4.8 billion revenue and $1.1 billion earnings by 2028. This requires -8.2% yearly revenue growth and a $677 million earnings increase from $422.9 million today. Uncover how Invesco's forecasts yield a $26.27 fair value, a 10% upside to its current price. Exploring Other Perspectives IVZ Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025 Simply Wall St Community members have provided three fair value estimates for Invesco ranging from US$25.61 to US$28.13. While these opinions differ, sustained global ETF inflows highlighted in recent updates may support strong fee-based revenue, but trends in fee compression could impact longer-term earnings, so explore several viewpoints before making any judgment. As fears grow over concentration in technology stocks amid a possible bubble in the artificial intelligence trade, investors are piling into Tencent Holdings Ltd. shares as a safer bet. The company is expected to be one of the few China tech megacaps reporting positive profit growth in upcoming results, as bruising price wars drag down peers earnings. A strong showing in its online games business could help extend the rally that has added around $280 billion to Tencents market value this year. Most Read from Bloomberg The stock is up 4.5% this month reflecting that optimism, while rivals Alibaba Group Holding Ltd. and JD.com Inc. have fallen in Hong Kong. Bears have retreated on Tencent since earlier this year, with short interest at less than 0.1% of its free float, S&P Global data show. Tencent offers very defensive growth in this kind of environment because they have less competition, and the stock is cheap, said Elinor Leung, managing director of Asia telecom & internet research at CLSA Ltd. She rates Tencent as her top pick. The shares have surged 58% this year, but still trade at a substantial discount to global tech peers including Amazon.com Inc. and Nintendo Co. on earnings-based multiples. Alibaba has seen larger stock gains as it grabbed bigger headlines on the AI front, but Tencent has been making progress with its Hunyuan model. Its also utilizing generative technology in game creation and other areas of its business empire, while embedding AI features in long-running titles including . Games based on such unique intellectual property draw strong player loyalty that boost price resiliency, in marked contrast to the steep discounting being employed by Chinese online food-delivery firms and electric-vehicle makers to attract customers. Investors are less skeptical on the subsector as a result. Tencent, along with its music unit and game peer NetEase Inc., have the lowest level of short bets relative to their free floats on the Hang Seng Tech Index, according to S&P Global data. In its report for the September-ended quarter due later Thursday, Tencent is expected to post earnings growth of 5% versus the previous year. That compares with declines of more than 60% estimated for peers like Alibaba and JD.com that are taking bigger hits from competition, tariffs and Chinas economic slowdown. Meituan is seen falling to a loss. (Reuters) -A Texas judge on Friday deferred ruling on state Attorney General Ken Paxton's bid to temporarily block Kenvue from paying a dividend to its shareholders, in connection with his lawsuit over the safety of Tylenol for pregnant women. Judge LeAnn Rafferty in the Panola County courthouse in Carthage, Texas is also considering Paxton's request to temporarily restrict Kenvue's marketing of Tylenol in the state. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York, Editing by Franklin Paul) BMNR's all-equity treasury model boosts ETH assets but carries key liquidity and valuation risks. Photo by BeInCrypto Welcome to the US Crypto News Morning Briefingyour essential rundown of the most important developments in crypto for the day ahead. Grab a coffee and lean in. Behind the headlines, a company is quietly stacking billions in Ethereum, turning equity into a high-stakes treasury experiment. Some call it brilliant, while others consider it a ticking time bomb, and everyone is watching to see what happens next. Can Tom Lees Debt-Free Crypto Empire Survive an Ethereum Winter? BitMine Immersion Technologies (BMNR), led by crypto strategist Tom Lee, uses equity financing to construct a substantial Ethereum (ETH) treasury. Unlike traditional businesses, BMNR raises capital by issuing shares rather than borrowing, directing each funding round straight into ETH accumulation and staking. This model has delivered dramatic returns but comes with a set of unique risks. BMNRs reliance on equity over debt means that classic bankruptcy, triggered by loan defaults, is unlikely. The companys assets, a combination of ETH holdings and cash reserves, far exceed its liabilities. On-chain data shows BMNR holds over 3.5 million ETH, around 2.8% of the total supply, alongside roughly $389 million in cash. Ethereum Reserves. Source: Strategic ETH Reserve Combined, its crypto and cash treasury is valued at approximately $13.7 billion. With minimal debt obligations, BMNR avoids the conventional pathways to financial failure. Yet the companys stability hinges on two critical switches: The markets willingness to invest in new shares, and The performance of the ETH price. If ETH prices fall sharply or investors stop providing capital, BMNR could face a liquidity crunch. Because the company has no large debts and mainly relies on equity financing, the path of debt crushing bankruptcy basically doesn't existCan't raise money, coin price crashes, company expansion stops, valuation drops with a bang, said analyst Unicorn in a post. The pseudonymous analyst noted that while such an outcome would not cause a typical debt-driven collapse, it would lead to asset shrinkage and disrupt the financing chain. The model is highly reflexive as both the treasurys growth and the stocks performance are intertwined with market sentiment and Ethereums valuation. BMNRs High-Stakes ETH Treasury Faces Market Sentiment and Dilution Risks BMNR shares have surged up to 10 times since the Ethereum treasury strategy was implemented, outpacing the growth of ETH itself. Arkham Intelligence recently flagged an $82.8 million withdrawal of ETH from Galaxy Digital. As this transaction aligned with BMNRs previous accumulation patterns, it suggests renewed buying activity. Despite these bullish signals, several risks warrant attention: WASHINGTON (AP) A confidant of Bill Pulte, the Trump administration's top housing regulator, provided confidential mortgage pricing data from Fannie Mae to a principal competitor, alarming senior officials of the government-backed lending giant who warned it could expose the company to claims that it was colluding with a rival to fix mortgage rates. Emails reviewed by The Associated Press show that Fannie Mae executives were unnerved about what one called the very problematic disclosure of data by Lauren Smith, the company's head of marketing, who was acting on Pultes behalf. Lauren, the information that was provided to Freddie Mac in this email is a problem, Malloy Evans, senior vice president of Fannie Maes single-family mortgage division, wrote in an Oct. 11 email. That is confidential, competitive information. He also copied Fannie Maes CEO, Priscilla Almodovar, on the email, which bore the subject line: As Per Director Pultes Ask. Evans asked Fannie Mae's top attorney to weigh in on what, if any, steps we need to take legally to protect ourselves now. While Smith still holds her position, the senior Fannie Mae officials who called her conduct into question were all forced out of their jobs late last month, along with internal ethics watchdogs who were investigating Pulte and his allies. Housing industry rattled by dismissals The dismissals rattled the housing industry and drew condemnation from Democrats. It also gave Pulte's critics evidence to support claims that he has leveraged the nonpublic information available to him to further his own political aims. This is another example of Bill Pulte weaponizing his role to do Donald Trumps bidding, instead of working to lower costs amidst a housing crisis, said Sen. Elizabeth Warren, of Massachusetts, the ranking Democrat on the Senate Banking Committee. His behavior raises significant questions, and he needs to be brought in front of Congress to answer them. The episode marks the latest example of Pulte using what is typically a low-profile position in the federal bureaucracy to enhance his own standing and gain the attention of President Trump. He's prompted mortgage fraud investigations of prominent Democrats who are some of the presidents best known antagonists, including Sen. Adam Schiff of California, New York Attorney General Letitia James and California Rep. Eric Swalwell. In June, he ordered Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to prepare a proposal for the firms to accept cryptocurrency, another industry Trump has boosted, as part of the criteria for buying mortgages from banks. Last week, he persuaded Trump about the allure of a 50-year mortgage as a way to increase home buying and building a proposal that was widely criticized because it would drastically increase the overall price of a loan. TotalEnergies is exploring the sale of several renewable energy assets in Asia as part of efforts to reduce its debt burden, Bloomberg reported, citing people with knowledge of the matter. According to the report, the French oil and gas company has engaged an adviser and is gauging interest from potential buyers. The assets under consideration could be worth several hundred million dollars. TotalEnergies reduced its debt last quarter and expects further declines by the end of the year with the completion of planned disposals. Its recent divestments include shale holdings in Argentina and wind and solar assets in France. The company expects to finalise approximately $2bn of additional divestments this quarter across markets such as the US, Norway, and Nigeria. It is in talks with two potential buyers for further Nigerian asset sales next year, Bloomberg reported, citing CEO Patrick Pouyanne. The company says it plans to prioritise growth in targeted power markets while selling noncore renewable assets elsewhere. Additionally, the company intends to expand its power business in deregulated markets such as Europe, the US, and Brazil. It aims to increase activity in selected renewable markets, including India and South Africa, indicating a reduction of a 19% stake in Indias Adani Green Energy. During an investor presentation this September, Pouyanne described Adani Green as a very good company. TotalEnergies Asian renewable portfolio comprises projects across several countries, including wind farms in Taiwan and South Korea and solar plants in Indonesia and Australia. TotalEnergies reports roughly 23W of renewables in the region, including projects under development and construction, according to its website. In a separate development, TotalEnergies has signed a 15-year power purchase agreement with Google to supply 1.5TWh of certified renewable electricity from its Montpelier solar farm in Ohio, US. The solar facility, which is nearing completion, is connected to the PJM grid system, and is expected to support Googles data centre operations in the state. "TotalEnergies explores sale of Asian renewable assets to reduce debt report " was originally created and published by Power Technology, a GlobalData owned brand. TotalEnergies (NYSE: TTE) and Google have signed a 15-year Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) that will deliver 1.5 terawatt-hours of renewable electricity from the nearly completed Montpelier solar farm in Ohio, expanding the tech sectors push to secure clean, long-term energy supply. The project is connected to PJM - the largest power grid in the U.S. - and will help support Googles rapidly expanding data center footprint in the state. The agreement aligns with Googles strategy of adding new, carbon-free generation to the grids where it operates rather than relying solely on existing renewable capacity. The company continues to scale its 24/7 carbon-free energy ambition as data center electricity demand accelerates globally. Data centers accounted for close to 3% of global energy demand in 2024, and operators increasingly face pressure to lock in firm, clean supply to match growth in AI-driven workloads. TotalEnergies said the deal reinforces its strategy of building tailored power solutions for hyperscalers, leveraging a U.S. renewables pipeline of 10 GW across solar, wind and storage. About 1 GW of that capacity sits in PJM. The company aims to deliver 35 GW of gross renewable capacity by year-end 2025 and exceed 100 TWh of net electricity production by 2030. Executives from both companies highlighted the role of new renewables in stabilizing the grid as data consumption surges. Googles Will Conkling said the partnership will strengthen Ohios digital and economic infrastructure, while TotalEnergies Stephane Michel emphasized the profitability targets tied to the companys power business. The PPA also extends TotalEnergies growing roster of corporate offtakers, which includes Amazon, Microsoft, STMicroelectronics, Saint-Gobain, Air Liquide, Merck, LyondellBasell, Orange and others - reflecting the broader trend of multinational energy users competing for long-duration renewables in tight markets. For Ohio, the commitment deepens the states role as a rising data center hub as hyperscalers chase access to land, workforce, and increasingly, local clean power. For TotalEnergies, it signals continued traction in the U.S. power sector at a moment when traditional upstream players are racing to diversify revenues and tap fast-growing electricity markets. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Toyota announced Wednesday it has officially begun production at its new $13.9 billion battery manufacturing plant in North Carolina, while committing an additional $10 billion to bolster its U.S. manufacturing over the next five years. The 1,850-acre facility in Liberty, North Carolina, marks the automaker's first battery plant outside Japan and is expected to create up to 5,100 new American jobs, Toyota said. "Todays launch of Toyotas first U.S. battery plant and additional U.S. investment up to $10 billion marks a pivotal moment in our companys history," said Ted Ogawa, CEO of Toyota Motor North America. "Toyota is a pioneer in electrified vehicles, and the companys significant manufacturing investment in the U.S. and North Carolina further solidifies our commitment to team members, customers, dealers, communities, and suppliers." Toyota Unveils Hybrid-only 2026 Rav4: See The Suv Inside And Out Alongside the plants launch, Toyota announced an additional $10 billion investment in its U.S. operations over the next five years to "support future mobility efforts." "This will bring the companys total U.S. investment to nearly $60 billion since beginning operations here nearly 70 years ago," the company said. Read On The Fox Business App Once at full capacity, the North Carolina plant will produce 30 gigawatt-hours of lithium-ion batteries annually to power Toyotas lineup of hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and fully electric vehicles. Toyota Sees $1.3B Profit Hit From Trump Tariffs In 2 Months The facility features 14 production lines, which will create batteries to power the Camry HEV, Corolla Cross HEV, RAV4 HEV and an all-electric three-row battery electric vehicle (BEV) the first of its kind for Toyota to be built in the U.S., according to Toyota. Additional production lines are expected to launch by 2030. Beyond manufacturing, Toyota said the facility will also be a "vibrant community," offering childcare services, a medical clinic, pharmacy and fitness center for employees. Automakers That Pushed Back Ev Goals And Plans In 2024 Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy praised Toyota's announcement, calling it another "show of confidence in this administrations efforts to reshore manufacturing, generate new, great paying jobs, and inject billions of dollars into the economy." "Under President Donald Trumps leadership, America is open for business," Duffy said in a statement. Original article source: Toyota opens massive North Carolina battery plant, confirms $10B US investment On the mining side, UAMY has revived domestic production for the first time in decades. In Montana, bulk sampling at the ELISA claim has already yielded 560 tons of stibnite ore in the first 40 days of extraction. Grades are expected to exceed 10% antimony, a material that significantly improves margin potential compared with third-party concentrates. These procurements are essential for meeting recently secured long-term contractsmost notably a $245 million Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) award and a five-year commercial contract worth $107 million for antimony trioxide. Together, these two agreements represent nearly $352 million in committed demand compared with only $15 million in company-wide revenues last year. The company has simultaneously broadened its global procurement footprint. By the third quarter, UAMY executed more than 15 supply agreements across 10 countries, with additional negotiations ongoing with more than 30 other parties. Material sourced from Bolivia, Chad, Peru, Mexico, and multiple regions in Asia and Africa is either already arriving or en route to UAMYs smelters. Approximately 330 tons of antimony feedstock were received in Mexico in 2025, with another 295 tons on the water or clearing ports as of the third quarter. Antimony remains the centerpiece of UAMYs growth strategy, and 2025 has been a defining year. In the second quarter, management reported a 203% year-over-year increase in antimony revenues followed by a strong third quarter, driven largely by higher pricing and expanded ore deliveries to the companys facilities in Montana and Mexico. Ore shipments to the Thompson Falls smelter were robust, prompting UAMY to increase staffing and processing capacity to convert record inventories into finished product. Over the past three months, UAMY has delivered better performance relative to industry as well as its peers such as Coeur Mining CDE and Lundin Mining LUNMF. While shares of CDE have gained 29.3%, those of LUNMF have risen 58.1% over the past three months. At the same time, the company continues to navigate challenges ranging from Chinese market dominance to permitting delays in Alaska and setbacks in Australia. Shares of United States Antimony Corporation UAMY have surged 68.4% over the past three months as the company undergoes one of the most ambitious operational transformations in its history. Management has outlined a rapidly expanding global procurement network for antimony, a meaningful ramp-up in domestic mining activity, and early groundwork to build a strategic position in tungsten a metal with no active mines currently operating in the United States or Canada. Story Continues Early Steps Into Tungsten: Building a Second Critical Mineral Pillar One of the most strategically significant developments in 2025 has been UAMYs move into tungsten. In the second quarter, the company purchased the Fostung tungsten property in Ontario, describing it as a transformative asset that aligns closely with U.S. government critical-minerals objectives. The company emphasizes that there are currently no active tungsten mines in the United States or Canada, positioning UAMY to become the first domestic supplier if development progresses. By the third quarter, UAMY initiated environmental surveys, stripping programs, metallurgical testing, and commissioned SRK Consulting for a new resource estimate under SEC SK-1300 standards steps that move the project closer to potential federal funding. Management repeatedly highlighted intentions to replicate the antimony model acquire upstream resources, develop cost-effective mining plans, and vertically integrate into downstream processing. Estimate Revision for UAMY Stock Despite the positive sentiment around UAMY, the Zacks Consensus Estimate for earnings per share has seen negative revisions. In the past 60 days, analysts have lowered their EPS estimates for the current and next fiscal year by 20% to 4 cents and 12.5% to 21 cents, respectively, indicating year-over-year growth of 206.6% and 162.3%. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Challenges Chinas Dominance and U.S. Strategic Vulnerability Despite these advancements, UAMYs leadership remains candid about the global antimony landscape. The company noted that China not only dominates mining, producing capacity equivalent to 60 times other countries combined, but also controls 85-90% of global smelting and refining capacity. Even ore mined outside China often must be shipped there for processing, creating near-total dependency. The United States, by contrast, holds only around 1,100 tons of strategic reserves enough to meet just a few weeks of demand. UAMYs domestic expansion is positioned as both a commercial and national-security imperative. But building alternative supply chains is no small task. Delayed Progress in Alaska Alaska, one of UAMYs most promising antimony regions, has been slow to advance. After filing permits in April 2025, regulatory approvals did not arrive until mid-September, leaving little time to begin trenching before winter conditions set in. Environmental objections from local groups, such as Save Our Domes, have further slowed progress. UAMY responded by acquiring private land to bypass state and federal permits for certain exploration activities, but the schedule was pushed into 2026. Australian Setback: Larvotto Proposal Rejected UAMY also attempted to expand its international mining footprint by submitting an indicative proposal to acquire Larvotto Resources in Australia. The bid was rejected within a week by Larvottos board, though UAMY remains the companys largest shareholder with a 10% stake valued at roughly $40 million. Management has not yet decided whether to pursue renewed engagement or divest. Is UAMY Stock Overvalued? Shares of United States Antimony have been on a run since the beginning of 2025 amid rising demand for U.S.-based mining companies. This surge has bolstered its valuation, and the company now trades at a premium to both the broader industry and its peers. UAMYs shares currently trade at a forward 12-months price-to-sales (P/S F12M) of 9.59X, significantly higher than the industry average of 3.73X. Currently, Coeur Mining and Lundin Mining trade at 5.63X and 4.18X, respectively. Zacks Investment Research Image Source: Zacks Investment Research Conclusion UAMYs 2025 narrative is one of aggressive expansion expanding ore procurement, restarting U.S. antimony mining, securing multi-year sales contracts, and planting early seeds in tungsten. Yet, the companys path is complicated by Chinese market dominance, regulatory bottlenecks in Alaska, and unsuccessful acquisition attempts abroad. Even so, management remains confident that the combination of domestic mining, global procurement, and strategic engagement with U.S. national-security agencies positions UAMY at the center of a rapidly changing critical-minerals landscape. The company currently carries a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Although the company can become a strategic antimony supplier for the United States over the long term, the near-term challenges, coupled with premium valuation, make it risky for new investors. Moreover, the declining estimate revision trend is not favorable. We advise existing investors to continue to hold their position, while new investors can wait for an entry point with attractive valuation. Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report Coeur Mining, Inc. (CDE) : Free Stock Analysis Report Lundin Mining Corp. (LUNMF) : Free Stock Analysis Report United States Antimony Corporation (UAMY) : Free Stock Analysis Report This article originally published on Zacks Investment Research (zacks.com). Zacks Investment Research In recent days, Ulta Beauty marked a significant milestone by opening its first store in the Middle East at The Avenues in Kuwait, partnering with Alshaya Group, and announced exclusive product launches such as Revlons Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick and the rollout of e.l.f. Beauty into Ulta Beauty stores across Mexico. This rapid global and product expansion signals Ulta Beauty's effort to broaden its footprint, capture new customer segments, and enhance its brand portfolio in international markets and through exclusive offerings. We'll examine how Ulta's international expansion and new brand partnerships may shift the company's investment narrative and future growth drivers. The best AI stocks today may lie beyond giants like Nvidia and Microsoft. Find the next big opportunity with these 27 smaller AI-focused companies with strong growth potential through early-stage innovation in machine learning, automation, and data intelligence that could fund your retirement. Ulta Beauty Investment Narrative Recap To own shares of Ulta Beauty today, you need to believe the company can translate its growing international presence, exclusive product launches, and strong brand partnerships into lasting revenue and earnings growth. While the launch of its first store in Kuwait signals movement on one of Ultas key long-term growth catalysts, the near-term business outlook will still be heavily influenced by the balance between rising international expansion costs and profit margins; the immediate impact from this news on these central themes appears incremental rather than transformational. Among the recent developments, Ultas exclusive release of Revlons Super Lustrous Ultra Lipstick stands out. By expanding its assortment with exclusive, premium-tier products, Ulta may strengthen its differentiation and customer retention strategies, which are crucial as the company manages both the pressures of physical store expansion and intensified competition. Yet, against these positives, investors should not overlook the reality that rising costs tied to overseas investments and growing wage pressures could... Read the full narrative on Ulta Beauty (it's free!) Ulta Beauty's outlook anticipates $13.8 billion in revenue and $1.3 billion in earnings by 2028. This scenario assumes a 5.9% annual revenue growth and a $0.1 billion increase in earnings from the current level of $1.2 billion. Uncover how Ulta Beauty's forecasts yield a $574.57 fair value, a 8% upside to its current price. Exploring Other Perspectives ULTA Community Fair Values as at Nov 2025 Nine individual fair value estimates for Ulta Beauty from the Simply Wall St Community span US$360.77 to US$574.57 per share. As Ulta advances internationally, costs tied to these efforts remain a focal point for future profitability, so check out how other community members are assessing both opportunity and risk. Goldman Sachs forecasts the US stock market to be the global laggard in the next decade. Bloated US stock valuations and limited earnings growth are behind the bearish outlook. Emerging markets and Asian stocks are expected to outperform due to stronger earnings prospects. It can be easy to feel like US stock outperformance will continue after three years of a strong bull market, but the music is probably going to stop soon. After outperforming the rest of the world for years, the US stock market appears to be on track to fall to last place over the next decade, according to Goldman Sachs. In a note on Tuesday, the bank issued its forecast for annualized equity market returns across the globe. The US market is expected to return 6.5% a year to investors over the next decade, according to analysts, the worst in the world over the next 10-year period. It also marks a significant deviation from the S&P 500's historical trend, with the benchmark index returning an average of 10% a year over its lifetime. Here are the reasons behind the bank's downbeat prediction. 1. Valuations are high Valuations for US stocks are some of the highest in the world. That explains part of the "downside" risk facing the US market, a team of analysts led by Peter Oppenheimer said. The S&P 500 is currently trading at a 12-month forward price-to-earnings multiple of around 21. Valuations in the US are hovering above other markets. FactSet, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research Goldman thinks the S&P 500 could see annual returns as low as 3% or as high as 10% over the next decade, depending on whether markets veer toward its upside or downside scenario. Valuations in the US are likely to decline 1% annually over the next decade, the bank added. "If the profitability and/or valuations of the largest companies falter, unless another cohort of 'superstars' emerges, returns for the broad market will likely be hampered as today's largest stocks fall back to earth," analysts wrote of their bearish scenario for the US market. 2. Lackluster earnings growth Compustat, Goldman Sachs Global Investment Research Corporate earnings are already strong in the US. That means profitability for large-cap companies is unlikely to improve meaningfully in the future, the bank suggested. The blended net profit margin in the S&P 500 for the third quarter is around 13.1%, above the five-year average of 12.1%, according to FactSet. "Many of the tailwinds to corporate profitability in recent decades are unlikely to boost profits to a similar extent going forward," analysts wrote, pointing to how net profit margins and return on equity in the S&P 500 are hovering close to record-highs. The deal brings US tariffs on Switzerland in line with those on the European Union. Photograph: Andrew Kravchenko/Bloomberg via Getty Images Donald Trump agreed to cut US tariffs on Switzerland from 39% to 15% as part of a new trade pact, lowering duties that strained economic ties and hit Swiss exporters. The two countries have signed a non-binding memorandum of understanding, the Swiss government announced, following bilateral talks in Washington and intense lobbying by Swiss firms. Critics seized on the announcement as evidence that the White House had put corporate interests ahead of those of struggling Americans, as inflation continues to increase the cost of living nationwide. While prices for American families are going way up because of Trumps chaotic tariffs, its the billionaires and giant corporations cozying up to Trump that get relief, Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, said. Leading Swiss executives met Trump at the White House earlier this month. Rolex, the luxury Swiss watchmaker, also invited the president and a string of his officials to the US Open tennis final in September. Upon arrival, Trump did ask in jest whether he would have been invited had it not been for the tariffs, Jean-Frederic Dufour, the Rolex CEO, later disclosed. This was a moment that brought a round of laughter all around, he added. Dufour denied that Rolex had engaged in any negotiation with the US over tariffs. The White House dismissed Warrens criticism as asinine conspiracy theories. Trump was gifted a golden table clock by Rolex, which was later spotted on his desk in the Oval Office. Another firm is said to have donated an engraved gold bar. The US trade representative, Jamieson Greer, also confirmed the breakthrough on Friday, telling CNBC, the financial news network, that both sides had essentially reached a deal. The Trump administration agreed to limit US tariffs on Switzerland and Liechtenstein to a maximum of 15% under the deal, according to a statement from the Swiss government. This brings US tariffs on Switzerland in line with those on the European Union allowing Swiss exporters the same treatment as rivals in neighboring countries. In return, Switzerland will reduce tariffs on a range of US products, the statement said. In addition to all industrial products, fish and seafood, this includes agricultural products from the US that Switzerland considers non-sensitive. Swiss officials also committed to granting a series of quotas for US goods that can be exported to Switzerland on a duty-free basis, including 500 tonnes of beef, 1,000 tonnes of bison meat and 1,500 tonnes of poultry. The date for implementing these market access concessions will be coordinated with the US to ensure that customs duties are reduced at the same time, the statement said. By Blake Brittain (Reuters) -The U.S. International Trade Commission decided on Friday to hold a new proceeding to determine whether imports of Apple's updated Apple Watches should be banned as part of a patent dispute with medical monitoring technology company Masimo. The ITC said in an order that it would investigate whether Apple Watches that were redesigned to circumvent a previous import ban issued by the commission still infringe Masimo patents covering blood-oxygen measurement technology. The commission set a target to finish the investigation within six months. Apple said the case was a meritless attempt to block its smartwatches' blood oxygen feature and that Masimo had copied its watch design in order to bring the complaint. APPLE, MASIMO FIGHTING ON MULTIPLE FRONTS The case is part of a contentious, multi-front patent fight between Apple and Masimo, an Irvine, California-based medical monitoring technology company that has accused the tech company of hiring away its employees to steal its pulse-oximetry innovations. The commission blocked imports of Apple's Series 9 and Ultra 2 smartwatches in 2023 after finding that Masimo's patents were infringed. Apple removed blood-oxygen reading technology from its watches to avoid the ban, but reintroduced an updated version of the technology in August with approval from U.S. Customs and Border Protection. Masimo has sued Customs over the approval, while Apple has separately challenged the ITC's ban at a federal appeals court. Masimo has also sued Apple in California federal court for patent infringement and trade-secret theft. A jury in Santa Ana determined separately on Friday that Apple owes $634 million in damages for infringing a Masimo patent. A California judge declared a mistrial in Masimo's trade-secret case against Apple in 2023 after a jury failed to reach a unanimous verdict. Apple won a minimal $250 verdict against Masimo in Delaware last year in a countersuit over allegations that Masimo's smartwatches infringe two Apple design patents. (Reporting by Blake Brittain in Washington; Additional reporting by Dheeraj Kumar in BengaluruEditing by Rod Nickel and Shri Navaratnam) By David Lawder and Ben Blanchard WASHINGTON/TAIPEI (Reuters) -The U.S. Treasury and Taiwan's central bank on Friday said they agreed to continue close consultations on macroeconomic and foreign exchange rate matters and both pledged to avoid manipulating the value of their currencies to gain a competitive advantage. In a joint statement issued by the U.S. Treasury, they said that there were cases where intervention in foreign exchange markets could be considered. But this "should be reserved for combating excess volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates, with the expectation that this tool would be considered equally appropriate for addressing excessively volatile or disorderly depreciation or appreciation." The Treasury had kept Taiwan on its "monitoring list" for extra foreign exchange rate scrutiny as part of its latest semi-annual currency report, which found in June that no major trading partner was manipulating its currency for a trade advantage. Taiwan's central bank issued a separate statement in which it reiterated that the U.S. Treasury did not ask for the Taiwan dollar to appreciate. In May, a surge in the Taiwan dollar's value to a two-year high against the greenback had prompted speculation that this was because of a demand by Washington for an appreciation, which Taiwan's president denied. "During the consultations, the U.S. Treasury Department never requested an appreciation of the Taiwan dollar," Taiwan's central bank said in the statement on Friday. "Moving forward, the bank and the U.S. Treasury Department will continue to exchange views on macroeconomic and exchange rate policies based on our positive working relationship." Taiwan's central bank said it committed that starting in 2026, it would move to quarterly disclosures of its currency interventions from its current semi-annual disclosure rate. The bank said that the statement was unrelated to joint Taiwan-US tariff negotiations as it is not a member of a cabinet-level Taiwan-U.S. Economic and Trade Working Group. (Reporting by David Lawder, Ben Blanchard and Doina Chiacu; Editing by Aidan Lewis and Andrea Ricci) LONDON (Reuters) -The U.S. fund overseeing U.S. President Donald Trump's critical minerals deal with Ukraine said on Friday it had appointed advisory firm Alvarez & Marsal to help it identify and size up potential opportunities. Ukraine and the U.S. in April signed a deal, heavily promoted by Trump, that gave the United States preferential access to new Ukrainian minerals projects in exchange for investment. The U.S. government's International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) was then charged with overseeing a newly created U.S.Ukraine Reconstruction Investment Fund. It injected $75 million into the fund to begin financing critical minerals, energy, and infrastructure projects. Conor Coleman, DFCs Head of Investments and Chief of Staff, said on Friday it had appointed financial advisory firm Alvarez & Marsal "to support the Funds investment processes" and help in conducting due diligence and financial analysis. DFC sent a team to Ukraine in September to start identifying potential projects. Ukraine's Economy Minister Oleksiy Sobolev said at the time the government wanted to identify at least three pilot investment projects within the next 18 months. The U.S. has been Ukraine's single largest military donor as it battles Russian forces. Since his return to the White House this year, Trump has argued the U.S. should get something back for its aid to Kyiv. Half the revenues the Ukrainian government earns from new mineral extraction under the minerals deal are earmarked to go to the joint investment fund, with profits split between Kyiv and Washington. (Reporting by Marc Jones, Editing by Nick Zieminski) The Postal Service is seeking further administrative and legislative reforms to get rid of outdated financial and regulatory burdens that other government agencies dont face. These reforms include: changes in retiree pension benefit funding rules for the Civil Service Retirement System benefits, diversification of pension assets, raising the statutory debt ceiling, and workers compensation administration reform. The Postal Service Reform Act of 2022 repealed the requirement that the USPS annually prepay future retirement health benefits, but more structural changes are needed, postal officials say. First-Class Mail revenue increased 1.5% ($370 million) on a 5% volume decline year over year. Marketing Mail revenue increased 2.3% ($350 million), despite a 1.3% decline in volume. Shipping and packages revenue increased 1.0% to $32.6 billion despite a 5.7% volume decline, or 415 million pieces. Total operating revenue was $80.5 billion, an increase of $916 million, or 1.2 percent, compared to the prior year. The increase was due largely to continued growth of USPS Ground Advantage shipping service, which replaced first-class package services in 2023 and offers two-to-five day service standards for packages up to 70 pounds, as well as price increases in both mail and shipping categories. The national post said operating revenue increased $916 million, transportation expenses fell $422 million and workers compensation expense declined $1.1 billion, partially offset by increased compensation and benefits expense of $1.7 billion, including a voluntary retirement program, and higher other operating expenses of $221 million. About 10,500 employees accepted early retirement offers leading to a $167 million expense provision. The U.S. Postal Service needs to execute flawlessly during the peak shipping season before Christmas, and beyond, to demonstrate it can sustain improved service performance and win more parcel volumes necessary for the organizations financial recovery, Postmaster General David Steiner said in a video address to employees this week. Service levels are steadily improving this year and the Postal Service is regularly able to achieve on-time service in the high-eighty and mid-ninety percentiles for some of our products, he told the board of governors Friday. And nearly half of the packages and mail are actually delivered earlier than the service standard. Financial results for the year ended Sept. 30 were released Friday as the Postal Service ups its tempo for the busy holiday period, when package and greeting card volumes surge. The U.S. Postal Service lost $9 billion in fiscal year 2025, a $500 million improvement from the prior year that officials attributed to greater revenue intake and reduction in transportation and workers compensation costs. But controllable loss, essentially adjusted operating income that excludes expenses such as workers compensation that are out of managements control, worsened from $1.8 billion to $2.7 billion. Story Continues Steiner, who has been on the job for a little more than 100 days, said he planned to build on the Delivering for America transformation plan of his predecessor, Louis DeJoy, saying the Postal Service is generally on the right track in terms of network modernization strategies. He stressed the importance of generating more revenue by attracting parcel business, which postal watchers say is one of the few tools available since most costs are fixed and difficult to lower. In a news release last month, Steiner added that he expects the Postal Service to continue gaining market share in the parcel sector. The USPS, which delivered an average of 23.9 million packages per day in 2024, controls more than 30% of the parcel market by volume. Despite being the market share leader, it only gets about 17% of the markets total revenue, compared to UPSs nearly 32% of revenues and FedEx, with 25% of the available revenue, according to ShipMatrix. By any standard our financial situation is precarious. No organization, even the Postal Service, can lose billions every year without consequences. Over the coming 12 months, we are going to act with urgency to get on a financially sustainable path, Steiner said in the video. Peak season prep Postal service officials say they are ready for the busiest mailing period of the year. Over the past four years, the U.S. Postal Service has invested nearly $20 billion in its facilities, logistics and processing capabilities, to streamline its mail and package network and improve delivery reliability. The USPS has added 94 high-tech package sorting machines this year. The installation of 614 total automated sorters over the past five years has increased daily processing capacity from 60 million to 88 million packages. The machines have automated scanning capabilities that allow tracking visibility for customers as packages move through the postal system and can handle larger packages than legacy machines, according to the semi-private agency. The Postal Service is hiring 14,000 temporary employees to help handle the surge in letters and parcels, down from 40,000 a few years ago. There is less need for temporary workers after the USPS in 2020 began converting 232,000 precareer employees to full-time positions. This year, the national post has opened new facilities in Dallas, Phoenix; Johnson City, Tennessee; and other locations, and will soon open buildings in Memphis, Tennessee; Birmingham, Alabama; Tampa, Florida; and San Antonio, Texas. Within the past four years, USPS has opened nine regional processing and distribution centers; 19 regional transfer hubs (which now handle two thirds of three-to-five day Ground Advantage packages); 17 local processing centers and 133 sorting and delivery centers. At the same time the USPS is adding more efficient infrastructure, it is closing other facilities in an effort to consolidate operations. The U.S. Postal Service in 2021 had 427 facilities, many of them operated by contractors or under short-term leases, functioning in an uncoordinated manner. Under the transformation agenda initiated by former Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, the agency is moving to standardize operations by downsizing the network to 250 facilities 60 regional processing and distribution centers, and 190 local processing centers that sort letters, flats and parcels for final-mile delivery. Critics say the reorganization has negatively affected service in recent years. Updated service standards this year allow the USPS to turn around mail within a region in two or three days, an improvement from the past, according to the USPS. Without a doubt, the Postal Service is in a better place today than it would have been without these initiatives. They dramatically improved our middle mile operations to transform the Postal Service into a logistics powerhouse, Steiner said during the board meeting. While we may change specific initiatives as we move forward and our execution needs improvement, I do not see the need for a fundamental reassessment of our processing and logistics modernization strategies at this time. The Postal Service said it has received nearly 29,000 new vehicles this year and deployed more than 24,000 of them on postal delivery routes. The Postal Service expects to acquire a total of 106,480 new vehicles, including 66,000 zero-emission electric vehicles, aimed at improving service reliability and reducing emissions. Click here for more FreightWaves stories by Eric Kulisch. Sign up for the biweekly PostalMag newsletter The Delivery here. RECOMMENDED READING: USPS installs speedy, next-gen package sorting machines U.S. Postal Service loss widens to $3.1 as inflation bites US Postal Service expands new delivery standards nationwide The post USPS reports 5.7% decline in parcel volumes, $9B loss appeared first on FreightWaves. VTXRM was working with Volkswagen in Portugal, in Russia, and also in China, and it had a very strong opportunity to become its supplier, as part of a Request for Proposal, by becoming shortlisted with a very successful proof of concept for VWFS in Germany. The successful arrangement with VWFS gave VTXRM an opportunity to embark on a project with Volkswagen in Russia, leading to a more centralised cooperation with the VWFS headquarters, establishing framework agreements and becoming the flagship software for its international application strategy for contract management systems. VTXRM started working with VWFS around 12 years ago, with it eventually taking over the VTXRM software to conduct all of its business. But VTXRM remained a separate market company, with its own clients, including Caixa Geral de Depositos (CGD), the Portuguese State Bank. Now it boasts some 450 employees and has followed quite a journey, notably with the involvement of Volkswagen Financial Services ( VWFS ). We had the experience in the area to build from scratch newer technologies, and at the time our company numbered around 20 people, he explains. Both Silva and Braz, with other colleagues, started a company called Vantyx, developing their software from scratch. Silva became CEO after passing through all areas of the company as head of development and head of projects, until eventually taking on the role 10 years ago. The company name has changed. Its derivation is complex, but at least it gets them talked about. Silva, the chief executive officer (CEO), started working in the industry 26 years ago in a company that developed software for financial companies, and Braz, the chief sales officer (CSO), more than 30 years ago in a software house with a unique leasing solution for the Portuguese market. He was operating in development at the time and has a background in computer engineering. That success is matched by their company VTXRM, which prides itself on empowering financial companies for excellence, the mantra that has seen it rapidly evolve into a profitable specialist in innovative finance solutions. Nuno Silva and Eduardo Braz are both Benfiquistas, supporters of Benfica, their local Lisbon football team that has won numerous Primeira Liga titles, as well as two European cups. What began as a small Portuguese software venture has become an international force in financial technology. VTXRM combines engineering rigour, client collaboration, and a winning mentality honed in the stands of Estadio da Luz, now powering financial systems from Lisbon to Chengdu, China. Story Continues As Silva explains: It was at that time that I was called to the board of Volkswagen Financial Services, when they told me we really like you, but you are becoming too important for us. We want to have a bit of a grip on the company. They had an interest in entering the capital of the company by taking over the part held by my partner at that time. Their condition was that I would remain as CEO. My condition was that we had a joint venture agreement. That VTXRM was not a department of Volkswagen Financial Services but would continue to be a market company. So we all agreed on the principles and VWFS took on the capital. VTXRM has a holding company called Soft Bridge that owns 90% of the capital. The other 10% is spread among some of the management. When VWFS entered the scene it purchased the 60% belonging to Silvas partner and he retained 40%. Some years later Silva sold 10% of his stake to VWFS, so now it owns 70% of the 90% that Soft Bridge owned. The relationship is really good, enthuses Silva. He describes it as an arms length agreement, with VWFS not privy to any detailed information about VTXRM, which remains a market company. We have a board that is composed of three people, me, the CIO of VWFS, and another person nominated by VWFS, where we discuss the budget for the next year, but no sensitive content, which is really good for us. And VTXRM is a very healthy, profitable company. It distributes dividends every year to its shareholders, with no loans or any type of support, while acting independently. We decide our own strategies, our own technologies, and our own markets to approach, Silva adds. Nuno Silva Eduardo Braz The Accipiens product The company had an internal contest to decide on the name for its key product, with the head of sales at the time suggesting Accipiens, a Latin word that means receiving, or accepting, which they tied to the act of borrowing money. Accipiens is a contract management system that covers the entire life cycle for specialised credit products, such as leasing, loans, and factoring, managing everything from the initial application to the process of litigation. A company can use the software to manage all of their business areas. It is also cloud-enabled, with AI functionalities incorporated. It can integrate with existing systems in a seamless way, supporting all the regulatory aspects of different countries together. It has multi-country, multi-currency, and multi-language functionality, Silva and Braz are keen to point out. We believe that we have one of the richest types of software on the map. Our functional coverage beats basically everybody, notes Braz. Silva and Braz are also keen to instil another important facet, not only in the software, but in the mindset of the company, there is flexibility. Their clients say they are able to adapt during a project. One of the biggest compliments they receive from their clients is the capacity to listen to them, to understand their needs, to be flexible. Accipiens is a highly configurable product that enables a lot of customisation specific for each client. This helps VTXRM support business needs. The company also tends to make large investments in the product every 3-4 years to advance it technologically and is on the verge of completing the latest edition, adding new functional elements that have been driven by the company, or upon client request. Besides adopting the latest technologies in terms of cloud modernisation, and functionalities within the system, they have use-cases that really bring value to clients modular with a common core. The company has also engaged in physical modulization, dividing-up some of the main modules - underwriting, contract activation, contract operations, treasury, accounting, collections, litigation, and credit analysis - in order to make it more scalable, more exportable, and able to evolve at different speeds. The clients that have taken an initial look at these changes and are already providing very positive feedback, Silva and Braz enthuse. The companys markets The product market in Portugal is rather small, and mature, with most of VTXRMs clients having been there for many years, some from the beginning. It is still growing too. Equipment and vehicle leasing was up by 5% (year-on-year) to 1.145 billion in H1 2025, bolstered by the auto and industrial sectors, according to the Portuguese Association of Leasing. The company is also present in several other countries in Europe Spain, Germany, France, Greece, the UK and the Netherlands. There are no restrictions on its expansion across Europe, north or south, with the main targets being Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Spain, and notably with Volkswagen in Germany, and BMW in France. VTXRM plans to leverage its experience and know-how to achieve growth in these markets, working with local and global partners too, including Deloitte, Accenture and KPMG, not only in Europe, but also China, other parts of Asia, and the US. Until around four years ago, we were always going directly to our clients, doing our own implementations. And because we already had more than we could chew, we had good references in several markets that we did not have the capacity to approach ourselves, Braz explains. We decided to change the company strategy in terms of direct implementations to a hybrid model where for some clients we do everything. So we sell the software, sell the project, do the implementation, but in a hybrid model where we are also working with partners. Since then, we have been preparing the company to be able to work with partners. In July 2025, the company opened an office in Chengdu, China's Sichuan province, where it has its biggest client, forming a partnership and working to engage with other partners with local and broad reach to participate in the implementation of the product, and in future support the clients. It is very clear that our future will be together with entities that want to support our business model and that want to work with us around the world. This includes technology partners. We are also working with IBM and Microsoft, not only for the cloud support, but also the AI components of the solution. And Silva is confident in the way the company is heading, with positive financials to report. Last year, we closed the year with around 30 million of income, and EBITDA of around 10 million, so its a very healthy company. We have been growing by around 25% a year for the past three or four years, both in terms of income and headcount. We are able to support ourselves, and generate liquidity by ourselves, with big investments in our product. Just like Benficas recent unbeaten run, it seems that VTXRM is going from strength to strength. "VTXRM: From the stands to the cloud" was originally created and published by Leasing Life, a GlobalData owned brand. Chicago, Illinois-based Equity Residential (EQR) engages in the acquisition, development, and management of rental apartment properties. With a market cap of $23 billion, Equity Residential operates as one of the leading, fully integrated, publicly traded multi-family REITs in the United States. The real estate major has significantly underperformed the broader market over the past year. EQR stock prices have plunged 16.9% on a YTD basis and 18.4% over the past 52 weeks, compared to the S&P 500 Indexs ($SPX) 16.5% gains in 2025 and 14.5% returns over the past year. More News from Barchart Narrowing the focus, Equity Residential has also lagged behind the industry-focused iShares Global REIT ETFs (REET) 6.4% gains in 2025 and a marginal 20 bps uptick over the past 52 weeks. www.barchart.com Equity Residentials stock prices declined 2.9% in the trading session following the release of its mixed Q3 results on Oct. 28. The companys same-store residential revenues increased 3% compared to the year-ago quarter. Meanwhile, its overall topline increased 4.6% year-over-year to $748.3 million, beating the consensus estimates by 13 bps. Meanwhile, its normalized funds from operations (NFFO) per share increased 4.1% year-over-year to $1.02, coming in line with Streets expectations. However, the company lowered its full-year guidance for revenues, net operating income, EPS, and FFO, which unsettled investor confidence. For the full fiscal 2025, ending in December, analysts expect EQR to deliver an NFFO of $4 per share, up 2.8% year-over-year. Meanwhile, the company has a solid NFFO surprise history. It has met or surpassed the Street NFFO projections in each of the past four quarters. Among the 27 analysts covering the EQR stock, the consensus rating is a Moderate Buy. Thats based on 10 Strong Buys, one Moderate Buy, and 16 Holds. www.barchart.com This configuration is slightly less optimistic than two months ago, when 11 analysts gave Strong Buy recommendations. On Nov. 11, Wells Fargo (WFC) analyst James Feldman maintained an "Equal-Weight" rating on EQR, but lowered the price target from $68 to $62. Getty Images Moneywise and Yahoo Finance LLC may earn commission or revenue through links in the content below. The median sales price for an American home hit $410,800 as of July 2025. Meanwhile, the U.S. Census Bureau reported that as of 2024, median household income had only just recovered to 2019 levels. So, as the cost to buy a home soars, the average familys income remains stagnant or even declines. Must Read Chief Investment Officer Matt Birenbaum of AvalonBay Communities (AVB), a real-estate investment trust, explained in 2024, We think were really in the early stages of what could be a pretty significant, almost new, investment class. But the opportunity to partake isnt limited to institutional investors here are a few ways everyday investors can capitalize on this growing trend. How you can invest in the growing rental market The build-to-rent model is redefining housing development as we know it across America. Developers are increasingly constructing neighbourhoods of single-family homes with the sole intent to lease them, rather than sell them. In late 2023, the U.S. Census Bureau reported the share of build-to-rent homes had doubled since 2021, reflecting 10% of all new homes. While that may still seem like a relatively small slice of the full pie, the Wall Street Journal found that major investors are tapping in with hopes the figure will grow. Their research spotlighted several major players including Blackstone (BX), Invitation Homes (INVH) and Pretium Partners (PVG) who are actively investing in this market. If you want to jump into the real estate investment game, there are a number of platforms available to help. Mogul is a real estate investment platform offering fractional ownership in blue-chip rental properties, which gives investors monthly rental income, real-time appreciation and tax benefits without the need for a hefty down payment or 3 A.M. tenant calls. Founded by former Goldman Sachs real estate investors, the team hand-picks the top 1% of single-family rental homes nationwide for you. Simply put, you can invest in institutional quality offerings for a fraction of the usual cost. Each property undergoes a vetting process, requiring a minimum 12% return even in downside scenarios. Across the board, the platform features an average annual IRR of 18.8%. Their cash-on-cash yields, meanwhile, average between 10 to 12% annually. Offerings often sell out in under three hours, with investments typically ranging between $15,000 and $40,000 per property. [Getty Images] Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon will retire from his post in January, handing over the reins to a longtime deputy. The 59-year-old is stepping down after more than a decade at the helm of the world's largest retailer, a period when it successfully expanded its online operations, while scaling back riskier international units. He will be succeeded by John Furner, a Walmart lifer who worked his way up from the shop floor and now serves as head of the company's US business. The change comes as the retailer has experienced solid growth, despite uncertainty generated by new tariffs and signs of slowing consumer spending. Walmart chairman Greg Penner said Mr McMillon had left the company in a stronger position than when he started in the role in 2014, when the rise of e-commerce had put the firm on the defensive. "Doug led a comprehensive transformation by investing in our associates, advancing our digital and eCommerce capabilities, and modernising our supply chain, resulting in sustained, robust financial performance," he said in a statement announcing the plans. Walmart, which reported roughly $680bn in revenue last year, has a sprawling global footprint, with more than 10,000 stores in 19 countries. But under Mr McMillon, Walmart behaved like a "small business" - moving quickly to experiment as it worked to find its footing in the world of online retail, said Neil Saunders, managing director at consultancy GlobalData. Success was mixed. For example, the company offloaded menswear brand Bonobos in 2023 at a loss just six years after buying it. But online purchases now represent a key growth driver for the firm. "I think he'll be remembered as a leader that was transformational," Mr Saunders said. "He's taken a very good business and he's made it even better, which is a very difficult thing to do." Mr McMillon will remain an adviser to Mr Furner and continue to serve on the board of the company through June 2026 to help with the transition, the company said. Mr McMillon said in a statement that it had been a "great honour" to serve as chief executive, while praising 51-year-old Mr Furner as "uniquely capable of leading the company through this next AI-driven transformation". Mr Furner has been in charge of Walmart's US business since 2019, helping to steer it through the pandemic's supply chain disruptions and jump in prices that followed. The business has also successfully weathered the abrupt changes in tariffs this year, using its scale to help keep price rises in check and make gains against competitors. Sales increased nearly 5% in the US in the most recent quarter. Walmart chief executive Doug McMillon speaks at CES in Las Vegas, Nevada, on 9 January 2024. Photograph: David Paul Morris/Bloomberg via Getty Images Walmarts CEO, Doug McMillon, will retire next year after more than a decade in charge of one of the worlds largest retailers. John Furner, the chains boss in the US, will succeed McMillion as the Bentonville, Arkansas-based grocery retailers global CEO after 31 January. Shares in Walmart fell about 3% during premarket trading. Walmart employs 2.1 million workers across the world, including about 1.6 million in the US. With a stock market value of about $800bn, it generated sales of $681bn last year up 5.1% on the previous year. As CEO of the retail company, McMillon, 59, became one of the most influential executives in corporate America. On his watch, Walmart, which has more than 10,000 stores across the world, invested heavily in e-commerce maintaining its dominance over the retail sector, as more consumers shopped online. It also built a fast-growing advertising business, and sold the British grocery chain Asda in a 6.8bn deal in 2020. McMillons exit at Walmart is the latest in a string of leadership changes sweeping through the US retail sector as companies tackle tariff pressures, an uncertain economy and choppy consumer spending backdrop. Target also named insider Michael Fiddelke as its new CEO earlier this year. Furner, 51, joined Walmart as an hourly associate aboout three decades ago, and has held leadership roles across merchandising, operations and sourcing, the company said. He has also served as president and CEO of Sams Club. McMillon, who has been heading the retail bellwether since 2014, will retire in January next year, but continue to be employed as an adviser until early 2027, Walmart said. Our family and Board have stated many times that Doug was uniquely qualified to be CEO at the necessary time for Walmart, said Greg Penner, chair of Walmart. He leaves Walmart stronger, more innovative, and better aligned with our purpose to help people save money and live better. The company reports quarterly results next week. Reuters contributed reporting Key Points B. Riley upwardly revised its price target on Oklo stock. Oklo signed a memorandum of understanding with Battelle Energy Alliance. Investors with low risk tolerances will want to avoid Oklo stock at this point. 10 stocks we like better than Oklo Investors have heralded the promise of advanced nuclear energy specialist Oklo (NYSE: OKLO) for much of 2025. Prior to the start of this week, Oklo stock had skyrocketed more than 1,000%. And it seems that optimism for the stock isn't entirely ebbing. An analyst's upwardly revised price target, as well as the company's report of its third-quarter 2025 financial results yesterday after the bell, is powering a steep rise in Oklo stock today. As of 11:14 a.m. ET, shares of Oklo are up 4.1%, having retreated from an earlier rise of 12.2%. Image source: Getty Images. A quicker path toward licensing has one analyst stoked about Oklo stock's potential Maintaining his buy rating on Oklo stock, B. Riley analyst Ryan Pfingst hiked the price target on Oklo stock to $129 from $58. The new price target implies upside of about 24% from Oklo stock's closing price of $104.22 on Tuesday. According to The Fly, Pfingst based the new outlook for Oklo stock on the belief that the company has a smoother path toward licensing from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission thanks to a new Department of Energy authorization framework. In addition to reporting Q3 2025 financial results, Oklo announced yesterday that it signed a memorandum of understanding with Battelle Energy Alliance, which acts as the management and operating contractor for Idaho National Laboratory (INL). Oklo recognizes the partnership will see the parties "expand collaboration on scientific and technological research and development in areas such as advanced fuel and materials work that are mutually beneficial and support Oklo's commercial deployment." What's a nuclear energy investor to do now? While the B. Riley price target is noteworthy, it's important to recognize the importance of taking it with a dash of salt. Today, Bank of America downwardly revised its price target to $111 from $117, and Citigroup affirmed its $68 price target. There's plenty of optimism baked into Oklo stock, but those with low risk tolerances will want to steer clear, choosing a nuclear energy ETF instead for industry exposure. Should you buy stock in Oklo right now? Before you buy stock in Oklo, consider this: The Motley Fool Stock Advisor analyst team just identified what they believe are the 10 best stocks for investors to buy now and Oklo wasnt one of them. The 10 stocks that made the cut could produce monster returns in the coming years. Shares of the AI darling have rallied 37.5% on a year-to-date (YTD) basis. NVDA stock came under pressure last week as Big Tech names retreated amid valuation concerns. Still, the stock kicked off this week on an upbeat note, rising more than 5% on Monday amid optimism about a possible end to the U.S. government shutdown and positive sentiment following CEO Jensen Huangs meeting with executives at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing. On Tuesday, the stock faced renewed selling pressure after Japans SoftBank Group (SFTBY) disclosed it had sold its entire $5.83 billion stake in the chipmaker. Nvidia Corporation is a premier technology firm known for its expertise in graphics processing units and artificial intelligence solutions. The company is renowned for its pioneering contributions to gaming, data centers, and AI-driven applications. Nvidias technological solutions are developed around a platform strategy that combines hardware, systems, software, algorithms, and services to provide distinctive value. The chipmaker has a market cap of $4.69 trillion, making it the worlds most valuable company. With that, lets break down why this meeting matters and what it could mean for NVDA stock moving forward. That request may sound technical at first glance, but it actually carries major implications. Wafers are the foundational building blocks of advanced chips, and Nvidias next-generation AI lineup will rely heavily on TSMCs most advanced manufacturing processes. When Huang personally flies out to Taiwan to secure additional production capacity, it sends a clear message: Nvidia expects AI demand to remain exceptionally strong, and the company is racing to lock in supply before competitors can. Nvidia (NVDA) investors already know that surging demand for artificial intelligence (AI) hardware has turned the chipmaker into one of the most powerful forces in the market. But over the weekend, CEO Jensen Huang signaled something even more significant: the AI boom isnt slowing downits accelerating. During a high-profile visit to Taiwan, Huang met with top executives at Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSM), Nvidias most critical manufacturing partner, to ask for one thing: more wafers. Story Continues Today, it is feeling a bit of pressure and is down about 5% as the overall market has already moved on from the positive news of the government reopening. www.barchart.com Nvidia CEO Requests More TSMC Wafers Amid Surging AI Demand Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang visited Taiwan over the weekend, where he met with executives from key supplier Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company. Huang said he requested additional chip supplies from TSMC as AI demand remains strong. The business is very strong, and its growing month by month, stronger and stronger, Huang told reporters. TSMC Chief Executive C.C. Wei told reporters that Huang had asked for increased wafer production, though the specific quantity remains confidential, according to Reuters. Notably, a wafer is a thin layer of semiconductor material that serves as the basis for manufacturing microchips and integrated circuits. After meeting with Huang, Wei reportedly told employees he expects the company to achieve record-breaking sales year after year. TSMC is doing a very good job supporting us on wafers, Huang said during his fourth public visit to Taiwan this year, adding that Nvidias success wouldnt be possible without TSMC. No TSMC, no Nvidia, he said. And now we come to the most interesting part. Taiwanese media reported that Nvidias demand could require TSMC to ramp up production of its 3-nanometer wafers at its Taiwan facilities. Nvidia is in talks to boost capacity allocation for TSMCs N3 process to ensure sufficient semiconductor supply for the next-gen Vera Rubin lineup. The report said that TSMC plans to boost the 3nm capacity at its Southern Taiwan Science Park facility from 100,000 to 160,000 wafers per month, an increase of more than 50%, with a significant portion of that additional capacity expected to be allocated exclusively to Nvidia. This suggests that Nvidia is highly confident in massive demand for its Rubin AI chips, prompting the company to secure additional supply well in advance. Nvidias next-generation Rubin AI lineup is set to be a major milestone, as the architecture is expected to deliver broad-based improvements and a substantial compute leap. In addition to utilizing TSMCs N3P process, Rubin will feature the advanced HBM4 memory technology, significantly elevating the lineups performance capabilities. Notably, during his visit to Taiwan, Huang stated that the Rubin GPU has already entered the production line. All Eyes on Nvidias Q3 Results As Rubin moves into production, demand for Nvidias current-generation Blackwell and Blackwell Ultra GPUs remains unstoppable. Huang noted that demand for Blackwell remains very strong and extends beyond just GPUs. Nvidia builds the GPU, but we also build the CPU, the networking, the switches, and so there are a lot of chips associated with Blackwell, he said. With that, all eyes are now on Nvidias third-quarter earnings report, scheduled for Wednesday, November 19th, after the market closes. Rising spending on AI hardware from major tech companies is expected to show up in strong revenue growth, effectively validating Huangs optimism about AI demand. UBS analysts recently boosted their global AI capital expenditure forecast to $423 billion for this year and $571 billion for 2026, up from prior estimates of $375 billion and $500 billion, respectively. Analysts project that Nvidias Q3 earnings per share (EPS) will climb 54.14% year-over-year (YoY) to $1.25. Revenue is expected to grow 56.30% YoY to $54.83 billion, fueled by strong growth in the data center segment powered by the Blackwell architecture. Investors will also be closely watching Nvidias Q4 guidance, with analysts currently projecting revenue of around $61.3 billion. Many on Wall Street anticipate that the company will once again deliver above-consensus guidance, a trend that has become typical. On Tuesday, Bank of America analyst Vivek Arya and his team reaffirmed their Buy rating and $275 price target, saying that with its dominant market position and expanding order book, Nvidia remains one of the most compelling ways to invest in the AI revolution. On Monday, Citi analyst Atif Malik lifted his price target for NVDA stock to $220 from $210, noting that supply, not demand, remains the key bottleneck in AI chips. Separately, Melius Research analyst Ben Reitzes reiterated a Buy rating on the stock with a $300 price target. Given strong checks, hyperscaler buying and recent sovereign licenses, we are expecting upside to data center revenues for F3Q October quarter and upside to F4Q guidance for January, with positive commentary on the GB300 and overall demand trends, Reitzes wrote. What Do Analysts Expect for NVDA Stock? Wall Street analysts remain highly bullish on Nvidias growth prospects, as reflected in NVDA stocks top-tier consensus Strong Buy rating. Of the 47 analysts covering the stock, 40 rate it a Strong Buy, two call it a Moderate Buy, four suggest holding, and one gives a Strong Sell rating. The average price target for NVDA stock stands at $234.12, indicating a 27% upside from current levels. www.barchart.com On the date of publication, Oleksandr Pylypenko had a position in: NVDA. All information and data in this article is solely for informational purposes. This article was originally published on Barchart.com Boeing logo is pictured on a hall of the US aircraft manufacturer Boeing distribution center in Schleswig-Holstein. Georg Wendt/dpa Workers at a plant belonging to US aerospace manufacturer Boeing Co in the St Louis area have agreed to end a strike. Defence workers in the area voted to approve a new five-year contract, ending a 101-day walkout that had disrupted production of F-15 and F/A-18 fighters, the T-7 trainer, munitions and 777X wing assemblies. About 3,200 members of IAM District 837 voted 68% in favour of the deal and will begin returning to work as early as Sunday. Union leaders said members stayed unified for more than three months and were ready to resume building military aircraft. Boeing also welcomed the vote, saying it looked forward to restoring operations on November 17. The strike began on August 4 after workers rejected earlier contract proposals. Members had demanded a higher ratification bonus and stronger retirement contributions, similar to the deal Boeing reached with Seattle-area machinists last year. Boeing refused to increase the overall value of the offer, but earlier this week adjusted the bonus structure by raising the upfront incentive to $6,000 while cutting later-year bonuses. The rest of the package, including a 24% wage increase over five years, remained largely unchanged. Some workers said many had grown tired of the strike and felt financial pressure heading into the holidays. Lawmakers from both parties had urged Boeing to negotiate, and the union had filed an unfair labour practice complaint accusing the company of bad-faith bargaining. Boeing currently trades at $194.23 or 0.18% higher on the NYSE. Leading Digital Travel Magazine Curates Transformative Journeys from Private Islands to Remote Expeditions ARVADA, Colo., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Go World Travel Magazine, a leading digital travel publication featuring award-winning journalists covering more than 90 countries, today released its highly anticipated guide to 12 Bucket List Adventures to Gift Your Travel Lover This Year. The comprehensive feature showcases transformative travel experiences designed to inspire gift-givers and travelers seeking extraordinary journeys in 2025 and beyond. Go World Travel Magazine, a Digital Magazine for World Travelers Each destination in the guide has been personally visited and vetted by Go World Travel's experienced travel journalists, who provide authentic insights, practical details, and firsthand accounts that go beyond typical travel guides. "Travel experiences make the most memorable gifts because they create lasting stories rather than collecting dust on a shelf," says Janna Graber, managing editor at GoWorldTravel.com. "Whether it's waking up to elephants wandering past your window in Thailand or sleeping in a treehouse on a private island in Tonga, these adventures offer something no material gift can matchthe chance to see the world differently." The curated collection spans five continents and ranges from budget-friendly adventures to ultra-luxury escapes, ensuring every traveler can find their perfect experience. Highlights include: Private Island in Tonga: Mandala Resort by TradeWinds in Tonga offers eco-luxury accommodations for just 10 guests per week, featuring treehouse fales and pristine coral reef snorkeling Cultural Immersion in Japan: A multi-day walking tour along the historic Nakasendo Trail offers stays in traditional ryokans, soaks in mountain onsen, and a journey through towns in the Japanese Alps Mekong River Luxury in Laos: The Boheme's intimate three-night cruise in Laos carries just 26 guests, blending cultural experiences like pottery workshops and cave temples with regional cuisine, spa treatments and private balconies onboard Budget-Friendly Egyptian Adventure: Expat Explore's 9-Day Egypt tour delivers pyramids, Nile cruises, and ancient temples starting at just $1,005 per person Arctic Wonder: Experience the Northern Lights in remote West Iceland, combined with glacier hikes, lava cave exploration, and geothermal pools with views of the dancing aurora overhead. The feature also showcases luxury wellness retreats in the Italian Alps, expedition cruising around Newfoundland's rugged coastline, a four-country African cruise and safari trip, and Vietnam's legendary Ha Giang Loop motorcycle adventure. COMPANY ANNOUNCEMENT: Nintex , the global leader in Agentic Business Orchestration, today announced a strategic partnership with Strateq , a global leader in IT solutions, to deliver enhanced automation and digital transformation solutions to enterprise and public sector customers across Southeast Asia. Strateq brings decades of experience, deep local expertise, and a strong industry presence in financial services, healthcare, oil & gas, and the public sector. Strateqs expertise in system integration, managed services, and cloud infrastructure complements Nintexs agentic business orchestration capabilities, enabling customers to benefit from an end-to-end solution across process intelligence, workflow orchestration, application development, and AI. Strateqs innovation-first mindset and proven delivery capabilities align perfectly with our mission to help organisations unlock possibility and efficiency through powerful business orchestration, said Keith Payne, Regional Vice President, APAC at Nintex. Through this partnership, Strateq will enable Nintex to offer tailored automation solutions that drive real business outcomes and provide better support to customers across Southeast Asia. Nintex enables organisations to quickly and easily manage, automate, and optimise processes in any industry through both its cloud-based Nintex Automation CE and on-prem Nintex Automation K2 platforms. With the Strateq partnership, Nintex will be able to provide industry-specific solutions to customers across key sectors, including energy, financial services, and more. At Strateq, our focus has always been on shaping the future of digital transformation in the region, said Datuk Tan Seng Kit, Group Managing Director, Strateq. Partnering with Nintex allows us to bring together leading agentic business orchestration capabilities with our proven expertise in healthcare systems, data analytics, cloud solutions, and enterprise IT services, empowering organisations and governments to build smarter, more resilient operations for the future. Our partnership with Strateq is a powerful example of how combining strengths can amplify impact, said Brian Kuettel, Global Head of Partner Sales and Strategy at Nintex. Backed by a strong track record in key industry verticals across Southeast Asia, Strateq can help customers in the region unlock efficiency across their organisations with the power of Nintexs agentic business orchestration platform. We are optimistic about our joint value proposition and the beginning of a long-term collaboration focused on delivering sustained value, innovation, and positive impact for our shared customers. To learn more about Nintexs partner ecosystem, please visit https://www.nintex.com/partners/. About Nintex Nintex, the possibility engine, helps organizations unlock the power of agentic business orchestration by combining process intelligence, workflow orchestration, low-code development, and agentic AI to build solutions designed for their unique business challenges. Today, more than 7,000 public and private sector organizations across more than 100 countries rely on Nintex and its global partner network to supercharge business process orchestration, create purpose-built solutions, and unlock the full potential of their people. Learn more at nintex.com. About Strateq Strateq is a leading IT solutions provider with operations across Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Macau, China, and the United States. With decades of experience delivering mission-critical technology services, Strateq specializes in system integration, managed services, cloud infrastructure, and digital innovation. The company serves organizations across industries including oil & gas, financial services, healthcare, and the public sector. By combining global reach with local expertise, Strateq partners with enterprises and governments to accelerate digital transformation and drive sustainable growth Boomi, the leader in AI-driven automation, today announced that Teachers Mutual Bank Limited, one of Australias largest mutual banks, has deployed the Boomi Enterprise Platform to streamline compliance operations, and create a secure, scalable foundation for future AI-powered innovation. Founded almost 60 years ago, Teachers Mutual Bank Limited (TMBL) operates four retail brands: Teachers Mutual Bank, Health Professionals Bank, Firefighters Mutual Bank, and UniBank. Collectively, Teachers Mutual Bank Limited has nearly 220,000 members and over $11 billion in total assets. TMBL has been a customer of Boomi for 10 years and previously worked with Boomi to create a better digital omnichannel customer experience. Following this success, TMBL used Boomi to unify its legacy infrastructure, integrating core banking, ERP, and third-party systems into a real-time, data environment. The transformation enables the banks members to update their details across online, branch, and call centre channels in under 60 seconds a process that previously could take up to three business days and required manual intervention. David Irecki, Chief Technology Officer of Asia Pacific and Japan at Boomi We knew modernising our systems wasnt just a technology upgrade, it was about making everyday banking easier for our members, said Anureet Bal, Head of Enterprise Applications at Teachers Mutual Bank Limited. Whether someones calling the contact centre or logging into their internet banking, their details now update in seconds, not days. That kind of responsiveness wasnt possible before real-time integration and data orchestration became the norm for us. As part of the rollout, TMBL implemented Boomis API Services to create a single source of truth for customer data, while Boomi API Management enabled secure, scalable integration between banking systems and digital channels. Boomi enabled the banks RPA toolsets to automate Know Your Customer (KYC) workflows (identity verification), fraud detection, and exception handling, reducing compliance risk and freeing staff to focus on higher-value work. Regulatory pressure is only increasing, but we didnt want to treat compliance as just another checkbox, added Bal. By embedding identity verification and fraud checks into a real-time, event-driven system, were not just reacting faster, were creating a digital foundation that can evolve with member needs and the future of financial services. Looking ahead, TMBL plans to build on its Boomi-enabled architecture to support upcoming AML reform phases that further enrich member engagement. Theres a huge difference between business transformation and digital impact, said David Irecki, Chief Technology Officer, Asia Pacific and Japan at Boomi. By embedding compliance into the flow of customer service and giving staff the tools to respond faster, Teachers Mutual Bank Limited has created a foundation thats proactive, not reactive. Thats what modern banking should feel like. Randol White lives adjacent to a parking lot full of driverless Waymo cars in San Francisco, KGO-TV reported. And he's a big fan of the autonomous vehicles. But over the last few weeks, White has been assaulted by the sounds of car horns. "I was like, where is that coming from? And I looked down, and I was like, I think it's coming from the Waymo cars," he said. Sure enough, the "smart" cars have become confused and all started honking at each other, both during the day and at night. "I could not be more cranky today," said neighbor Russell Pofsky. "It affects the way you feel." Waymo said it has identified the glitch and is working on a fix. [KGO, 8/13/2024] Most men have heard jokes about finishing too soon, but few talk about it seriously, even when it causes anxiety, frustration, or distance in their relationships. Premature ejaculation (PE) is one of the most common male sexual health concerns, yet it remains buried under stigma and silence. As a urologist, I often meet men who have struggled quietly for years, wondering whether what they experience is normal, if it can be fixed, or whether its even worth mentioning to a doctor. The truth is that PE is both common and treatable. But first, we need to have a better conversation, one grounded in facts, not embarrassment. What is premature ejaculation? Clinically, premature ejaculation refers to ejaculation that occurs sooner than desired, often within one minute of penetration or before the person wants it, and causes distress or difficulty with control. Its not defined by an exact time, but rather by a sense of losing control and the emotional toll it brings to both partners. How common is it, and why is it overlooked? Studies estimate that around 20-30 percent of men will experience premature ejaculation at some point in their lives. Despite this, only a small fraction ever seek medical help. Embarrassment, stigma, and fear of being judged often keep men silent. Many believe its not a real problem or that theyre the only ones dealing with it. In reality, theyre not alone, but they are underserved by the conversations we arent having. Too often, PE isnt even discussed in mens health visits unless the patient brings it up, and that silence delays help that could make a difference. Why does it happen? There is no single cause. PE can arise from a mix of psychological, biological, and relational factors. Anxiety, particularly performance anxiety, plays a large role. Early negative sexual experiences or tension in a relationship can contribute as well. Biologically, some men may have lower serotonin activity or increased penile sensitivity, while others experience hormonal imbalances or prostatitis. Conditions such as erectile dysfunction, depression, or stress can make things worse. For instance, a man who struggles with erections may rush intercourse for fear of losing firmness, reinforcing a cycle of anxiety and early climax. Understanding what drives the problem is essential to choosing the right treatment. The good news: Its treatable Most men respond well to treatment, sometimes within just a few weeks. Management can involve behavioral strategies, psychological support, medication, or, most often, a combination. Techniques like the start-stop or squeeze methods, and pelvic floor muscle training, can help men learn control. Counseling or sex therapy is often valuable when anxiety or relationship strain is part of the problem, and combining it with medical therapy offers the best results. Medications such as certain selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), for example, sertraline or paroxetine, can delay ejaculation by increasing serotonin levels. Topical anesthetic creams or sprays help reduce sensitivity, and dapoxetine, a fast-acting SSRI approved in many countries but not yet in the U.S., can also be effective. These medications are often prescribed off-label under medical supervision. Communication with a partner is equally important. Many couples find that simply talking about it reduces anxiety, fosters cooperation, and helps both partners feel more connected. Its often a couples issue rather than an individual one, and addressing it together makes treatment more effective. What men and doctors need to understand ADVERTISEMENT Premature ejaculation is not a failure, nor is it simply in your head. Its a real medical and psychological condition that can deeply affect self-esteem and intimacy. Men need to know they are not alone, that it isnt their fault, and that it can be treated successfully. Doctors, on the other hand, need to normalize the conversation. Too often, questions about ejaculation are skipped entirely, even during sexual health visits. Asking just a few simple questions can uncover a highly treatable condition, and one that, once addressed, can dramatically improve a patients confidence and relationships. Final thoughts Premature ejaculation isnt rare, and it isnt untreatable. Its time to move past the silence. Better sexual health starts with better conversations, ones built on awareness, empathy, and informed care. Talking about PE doesnt make a man weak or less masculine. It makes him someone taking charge of his health, and thats a real strength. Martina Ambardjieva is a dedicated urologist and medical educator with extensive experience in both clinical practice and academic instruction. She earned her MD from the University Sv. Kiril i Metodij in Skopje and is a PhD candidate in urological oncology, with a focus on bladder carcinoma. Her scholarly work includes numerous publications in oncologic urology, urinary calculosis, and mens health. Dr. Ambardjieva currently serves as a urologist at the PHI University Surgical Clinic Naum Ohridski and completed her residency training at the University Urology Clinic in Skopje. Earlier in her career, she practiced as a general medical doctor at Sante Plus General Hospital and completed a medical internship at the University of Ljubljana. In addition to her clinical responsibilities, Dr. Ambardjieva is a teaching assistant at the Medical Faculty in Skopje. She works additionally as a collaborator for Dr. Telx. She has held leadership positions in the European Medical Students Association and actively participates in international medical education and policy. She has attended numerous congresses and workshops in France, Italy, Canada, and Turkey, and serves as a delegate for the European Association of Urology (EAU), contributing to cross-border initiatives in urology. Certified in laparoscopic surgery, she continues to integrate patient care, research, and education in her professional work. Professional medical organizations, such as the American Medical Association (AMA), American Hospital Association (AHA), and American College of Physicians (ACP), do more than set policy. They are custodians of medicines ethical core, defenders of science, and guardians of public trust. Yet, at critical moments, these organizations too often fall back on a strategy of silence. That silence is not neutral. It carries real consequences. Mixed messages, missed voices Consider a recent example. In September 2025, the FDA revised labeling for acetaminophen, warning of a possible link between prenatal use and neurodevelopmental conditions like autism and ADHD. The agency carefully noted that the evidence is inconclusive, and that acetaminophen remains the safer choice for pain and fever in pregnancy. On the same day, the World Health Organization issued its own statement: no conclusive evidence supports a causal link. Meanwhile, the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists reiterated that acetaminophen remains appropriate when used at the lowest effective dose. Patients and clinicians were left in a fog of competing messages, desperate for clarity. Who should they trust? And where was the unified, visible leadership from Americas professional organizations? Why the silence Leaders in medicine often defend their quiet stance as diplomacy. They argue that real advocacy happens behind closed doors, where relationships can be preserved and negotiations kept civil. Yet beneath that explanation lie deeper pressures. Financial dependence on government reimbursement makes open confrontation risky; no one wants to bite the hand that regulates and pays. Fear of partisanship further muzzles organizations, whose leaders worry about alienating members on either side of the political divide. And then there is the weight of bureaucracy: endless committees and slow institutional processes that delay action even when quick, clear voices are most needed. These realities may explain why silence persists, but they cannot excuse it. In moments of crisis, muted responses are indistinguishable from complicity. Silence in medicine is never neutral. What may seem like cautious restraint quickly becomes complicity. When professional organizations stay quiet while evidence-based medicine is undermined, their silence looks like tacit endorsement. The fallout is far-reaching. Public trust erodes as misinformation fills the vacuum left by absent voices. Within the profession, clinicians and trainees begin to feel abandoned, wondering whether their representative bodies truly represent them. Globally, Americas standing in health leadership weakens, for credibility depends on a visible defense of scientific integrity. Most devastating of all, silence leaves patients, especially the most vulnerable, without protection. When evidence-based care is restricted or confused, patients will be the ones who pay the price for organizational hesitation. Finding medicines voice again If medical organizations want to restore credibility and fulfill their ethical obligations, they must rediscover their public voice. That means: Coordinated statements: Multiple associations speaking together amplify influence and ensure clarity. Fragmented responses only confuse. Multiple associations speaking together amplify influence and ensure clarity. Fragmented responses only confuse. Transparent reasoning: When organizations choose restraint, they must explain why. Otherwise, members interpret silence as abandonment. When organizations choose restraint, they must explain why. Otherwise, members interpret silence as abandonment. Elevating frontline voices: Practicing clinicians should help shape advocacy, breaking through bureaucratic inertia and ensuring urgency. Practicing clinicians should help shape advocacy, breaking through bureaucratic inertia and ensuring urgency. Direct community engagement: Speaking not only to policymakers but also to the public can counter misinformation and rebuild trust. Neutrality should not mean disengagement. It should mean nonpartisan advocacy rooted in medicines ethical duty: defending patients and defending science. There are promising signs. Recently, the AMA adopted policies specifically aimed at combating health disinformation. Collaborative advocacy across specialties is growing. These steps hint at what robust engagement can look like. But hope will not be enough if silence continues to dominate. Medicines credibility depends on more than clinical expertise. It depends on the courage to speak when it matters most. Strategic silence may preserve political relationships, but it erodes the very foundation of medicine: the obligation to advocate for patients. In an era of political polarization and scientific skepticism, visible advocacy for evidence-based practice is not partisan. It is professional. It is ethical. And it is imperative. Marilyn Uzdavines is a law professor. Vijay Rajput is an internal medicine physician. Janganmun Gate (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization) Just about 40 minutes from U.S. bases in Pyeongtaek, Suwon Hwaseong Fortress stands as one of Koreas most historical and family-friendly destinations. Theres no entrance fee, and the fortress is open 24 hours a day. Built in the late 18th century under King Jeongjos vision, Hwaseong once brought prosperity and innovation to everyday lives of Joseon people as the most advanced fortress city of the time. More than 200 years later, life within these walls still thrives. Today, this peaceful fortress, now surrounded by high-rise buildings, welcomes locals and travelers. You dont really need a plan before coming here. Every attraction is within a 20-minute walk, and theres something to enjoy around every corner. Some people come just to catch the sunset from the top of the fortress, while others ride the hot-air balloon or try traditional Korean archery. For me, Hwaseong always feels new no matter how many times I visit. Its a place where you can wander freely and experience both history and everyday joy in the same moment. Suwon Hwaseong Fortress Map (Illustration by Stripes Korea) Things to know Location: Near Line 1. Suwon Station or Hwaseo Station (Take Metro Line 1 or a Mugunghwa train to Suwon) Hours: Open 24 hours Admission: Free (Separate tickets required for some attractions) Parking: There are several parking lots around the fortress, so choose one that best fits your route. Recommended parking areas with reasonable rates (Free for the first hour / 300 won every 10 minutes after / maximum 7,000 won per day) Website Hwahongmun Gate Parking Lot Naver Map Yongyeon Pond Parking Lot Naver Map Exploring landmarks with stamp tour (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) I began my recent visit to Hwaseong at Changnyongmun Gate on the eastern side of the fortress. Hwaseong is vast and full of surprisesso I stopped by the Information Center first. The staff kindly handed me a map and a small stamp book, explaining that if I collect 7-9 stamps, I could receive a souvenir like a Suwon mascot frog badge. The stamp book guides visitors to all the major historical landmarks within the fortress, but I also added my personal must-sees like the chicken alley and cafe street. Though Hwaseong Fortress is large, it never feels overwhelming. The walking paths are smooth and easy, so you can take a peaceful stroll, enjoy the views and stop for food or coffee whenever you wish. Below are my favorite spots that I highly recommend not missing when visiting the fortress. The two grand gates Janganmun Gate (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) Paldalmun Gate (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization) Hwaseong Fortress is protected by four gates, but two are especially known for their grandeur: Janganmun Gate in the north and Paldalmun Gate in the south. Janganmun, destroyed during the Korean War, was rebuilt in 1975. If you look closely, you can still find bullet marks on its stone walls. Paldalmun, on the other hand, has preserved its original structure and is designated as a National Treasure for its historical and artistic value. Whichever gate you visit, pause for a moment to look up. The massive structure and layered eaves look so powerful, yet graceful. The most photogenic spots Hwahongmun Gate (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) Hwahongmun Gate (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) Yongyeon Pond (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization) Hwahongmun Gate, also known as the Water Gate, sits above the Suwoncheon stream. Locals often call it the most beautiful spot in Hwaseong, and I can see why. Visitors can sit and rest inside the gate, so I took a peaceful moment watching the water flow gently under the stone bridge. Just beside it stands Banghwasuryujeong Pavilion, overlooking the Yongyeon Pond. It was once King Jeongjos favorite resting place. He would watch the reflection of the sky over the water, and write poems inspired by the beauty of the surrounding scenery. The pavilion used to be my favorite spot to enjoy snacks whenever I visited Hwaseong, but this time, it was closed for restoration (scheduled to finish in 2027). Yet the pond area surrounded by green lawns remains one of the most peaceful picnic spots in the fortress, so make sure to stop by Hwahongmun Gate and Yongyeon Pond during your visit. The highest point Seojangdae (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization) There is a small mountain called Paldalsan inside the fortress, and on the top youll find Seojangdae, the old command post that once served as a military observation tower. Its the highest point in Hwaseong, offering a panoramic view of the fortress, the Haenggung Palace and the city. The climb from the base is gentle and easy, taking only about 15 minutes. Many visitors come here to watch the sunset or night view. Seojangdae Command Post Naver Map Learning history Museum & Haenggung Palace If you want to have a deeper understanding of Suwon Hwaseong, stop by Hwaseong Museum and Haenggung Palace. Suwon Hwaseong Museum Suwon Hwaseong Museum (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) The museum isnt big, but full of stories about how the fortress was built and why it came to exist. It tells the story of King Jeongjo, one of Koreas most beloved rulers, remembered as a dreamer and a devoted son. His father, Prince Sado, was tragically executed by his own father, King Yeongjo. He was locked inside a rice chest and left to die. Prince Sado was buried in a modest grave on the outskirts of Seoul, but Jeongjo later relocated it to Suwons most auspicious site and raised it to the status of a royal tomb. Hwaseong was also built for defense and designed for people to live and trade. Roads, waterways, markets and even a royal residence were all part of Jeongjos plan. He personally oversaw the construction and used advanced tools and engineering methods from China and the West, which were remarkably modern for the 18th century. Because of this harmony between practicality, beauty and innovation, UNESCO designated Hwaseong Fortress a World Cultural Heritage Site in 1997. The museum offers English brochures and explanations for many exhibits, but keep in mind that not all displays include English descriptions. Location: 21 Changnyong-daero, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Hours: 9 a.m.6 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Tickets: 2,000 won for adults / 1,000 won for teens / Free for those under 12 and over 65 Naver Map Haenggung Palace Haenggung Palace (Photo courtesy of Korea Tourism Organization) Haenggung Palace stands at the heart of the fortress and is known as the largest temporary royal palace in Korea. It served as King Jeongjos residence whenever he visited Suwon to pay respect to his fathers tomb. Its smaller and simpler than the grand palaces in Seoul but warmer as it was a place of rest. I didnt go inside this time as I wanted to spend my day wandering around the fortress walls, but if youve never visited a royal palace before, Haenggung is a beautiful one to start with. Its also a great place to learn about King Jeongs life, his devotion to his father and his achievements. Many cultural and historical events are held here, and English guided tours are available. Location: 825 Jeongjo-ro, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Hours: 9 a.m.6 p.m. daily Tickets: 2,000 won for adults / 1,500 won for teens / 1,000 won for children (7 to 12) Naver Map Modern life inside the fortress What I love most about Hwaseong is how naturally the past and present blend together. Walking along the stone walls almost feels like youve stepped into the 18th century. But then, just beyond the fortress, tall buildings rise against the blue sky, and here and there youll find hidden little gems like cozy cafes, art shops and even a mural village. Right outside Paldalmun Gate, Suwons famous Nammun Market area, where nine traditional markets are gathered, is a perfect place to enjoy local food and experience everyday Korean culture. The harmony between history and modern life, and between nature and culture, is what makes Hwaseong so special. Suwon Chicken Street At the information center, the staff told me that Suwon has three famous dishes: galbi, fried chicken and sundae (Korean blood sausage). So, for lunch, I chose fried chicken, especially since theres an entire alley inside the fortress dedicated to it. Luckily, I got a seat at Jinmi Chicken, the most popular restaurant in the alley, without waiting. The menu was simple, just classic crispy and sweet-spicy chicken, but it didnt need anything more. The meat was juicy, the batter light and crunchy. Jinmi Chicken (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) Location: 21 Jeongjo-ro 800beon-gil, Paldal-gu, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do Hours: 11 a.m.11 p.m. (Closed on Mondays) Prices: 20,000 won21,000 won per whole chicken Naver Map Haengridan-gil Street (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) (Photo by Hyemin Lee/Stripes Korea) After the meal, I walked just 5 minutes across the street to Haengnidan-gil, a trendy street filled with cafes and restaurants. I spent the afternoon cafe-hopping, sampling desserts and exploring beautiful hanok-style and rooftop cafes. The fortress of time I spent the whole day walking through the fortress, yet I couldnt fill my stamp book completely. I got only 5 stamps, so I couldnt get the frog. But maybe thats the beauty of Suwon Hwaseong. You cant finish all in one visit, so you must come back. Before heading back home, I sat at a rooftop cafe watching the sunset, and something unexpected appeareda large helium balloon, Flying Suwon, rising into the golden sky. I had always promised myself to try it whenever I came back to Suwon, but I always forgot, getting lost in all the things to see and do inside the fortress. Maybe next time, I thought. Its strange and beautiful at the same time. You see a hot-air balloon floating over the magnificent historical gate while sipping tea at a modern cafe. The past and present get along so well in this place. Hwaseong is truly filled with small adventures like archery fields, museums and cafes. If youre visiting with friends or family, check out the Kids Corner story on the next page for fun things to do in Hwaseong Fortress. > < 23:46 Tata unveils new Sierra ahead of official launch on Nov 25 The new Tata Sierra unveiled./Rajesh Karkera/Rediff Remember the 90s classic? 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It is suspected that the fuel level... Read more > 21:35 IED destroyed in controlled explosion in J-K's Rajouri; house damaged Security forces recovered an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Jammu and Kashmir's Rajouri district on Saturday, and later destroyed it in a controlled explosion, officials said.A house was partially damaged in the explosion which was carried out in Upper Bangai village of Thanamandi... Read more > 21:08 Governor Bose says SIR key to ensuring free and fair elections in Bengal West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose on Saturday defended the Special Intensive Revision of electoral rolls, calling it an essential step to clean up the election process and ensure free and fair polls in the state. Bose said the process was designed to remove discrepancies and restore public... Read more > 20:57 Pak-linked drug racket busted in J-K, 3 kg heroin seized File image The police on Saturday claimed to have busted a Pakistan-linked narcotics racket with the arrest of two peddlers in Jammu with three kg of heroin, valued at around Rs 15 crore. Senior superintendent of police, Jammu, Joginder Singh, said a patrol party led by sub-divisional police officer,... Read more > 20:51 J-K announces Rs 10 lakh aid for kin of each deceased in police station blast J-K LG Manoj Sinha pays tribute to the 9 cops and officials killed in accidental blast in police station./Umar Ganie The Jammu and Kashmir government on Saturday announced an ex gratia of Rs 10 lakh for the family of each of the deceased in the accidental blast in Nowgam police station. The compensation will be provided from the Chief Minister's Relief Fund. Those severely injured will get Rs 1 lakh each,... Read more > 20:41 Veteran actor Prem Chopra discharged from Lilavati Hospital after treatment Veteran actor Prem Chopra has been discharged from the Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai after being admitted for chest congestion on November 8.According to the actor's family, Prem Chopra has reached home after treatment at the Lilavati Hospital on Saturday.Actor Prem Chopra has carved a niche for... Read more > 20:13 Bihar verdict is turning point in country`s political history: Annamalai Former Tamil Nadu Bharatiya Janata Party chief Annamalai on Saturday termed Bihar Assembly election result as a turning point in the country's political history. Speaking to reporters here on the side lines of a training programme organised for the party's booth level agents in the... Read more > 20:00 RJD won't have RS representation by next state polls RJD Chief Lalu Prasad Yadav with his son Tejashwi Yadav/ANI Photo The NDA's stupendous victory in the Bihar assembly polls will help it bag all Rajya Sabha seats from the state in the coming years, while the Rashtriya Janata Dal will have no representation in the upper house when the next assembly elections are held there. The RJD currently has five seats... Read more > 19:46 Defamation case against Rahul Gandhi: Court adjourns hearing till Dec 6 A court in Maharashtra's Thane district on Saturday adjourned till December 6 the hearing of a defamation case filed against Congress leader Rahul Gandhi by a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh worker. Bhiwandi Joint Civil Judge, Junior Division, P M Kolse, is hearing the case at... Read more > 19:30 Akon flies to Mumbai ahead of his concert Grammy-nominated popstar Akon, who is in India for his music tour, was spotted exiting Mumbai airport on Saturday. The singer, known for tracks such as Smack That and Lonely, came to India earlier this month. He first performed in Delhi on November 9, followed by his performance in... Read more > 19:21 Two Britons arrested in Bahraich for entering India via Nepal Security forces on Saturday detained two British passport holders -- a man and a woman, both doctors -- for allegedly entering India illegally from Nepal at the Rupaideha border in Bahraich district, officials said. Following preliminary interrogation, the duo was handed over to the police... Read more > 19:06 2 FIRs against Al Falah University for cheating, forgery The Delhi police registered two separate FIRs against Haryana's Al-Falah University, following red flags raised by the University Grants Commission (UGC) and the National Assessment and Accreditation Council (NAAC), an official said on Saturday. The FIRs have been registered by the Crime... Read more > 19:00 Veteran actors Rajinikanth, Balakrishna to be honoured at IFFI Legendary actor Rajinikanth Legendary actors Rajinikanth and Nandamuri Balakrishna will be honoured during the closing ceremony of the upcoming International Film Festival of India (IFFI) in Panaji for completing 50 years in cinema. Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Dr L Murugan gave this... Read more > 18:51 Online betting app case: Rana Daggubati appears before SIT Actor Rana Daggubati on Saturday appeared before the SIT in Telangana in connection with a case related to alleged promotion of an online betting app, the police said. The Telangana government has constituted the SIT under the overall supervision of the additional director general of police,... Read more > 18:20 Trump to proceed with legal action against BBC despite apology United States President Donald Trump has declared that he intends to proceed with legal action against the BBC despite the British public service broadcaster apologising to him for the way his speech was edited for one of its news documentaries aired last year. We'll sue them. We'll sue them... Read more > 18:07 3L voters added in Bihar post SIR final list: EC to Cong Election Commission officials on Saturday said three lakh voters were added to Bihar's electoral roll after the publication of final list post the special intensive revision. They were responding to a social media post by Congress which pointed out that while the EC's statement announcing... Read more > 18:02 Does Congress have guts to go solo in BMC poll, asks BJP's Shelar Maharashtra minister and Bharatiya Janata Party leader Ashish Shelar on Saturday mocked the Congress' statement of fighting the Mumbai civic polls alone and asked if the grand old party had the guts or vote base to take such a decision.Earlier in the day, Mumbai Congress president Varsha Gaikwad... Read more > 17:39 I feel Nitish should continue as CM: Chirag Paswan Union minister Chirag Paswan on Saturday said his Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas was looking forward to joining the new government in Bihar and he personally felt that Janata Dal-United president Nitish Kumar should continue as chief minister.Addressing a press conference a day after the NDA... Read more > 16:44 Cracks in MVA? Cong signals to go solo for BMC polls In a sign of a possible strain within the Maha Vikas Aghadi (MVA), Congress leader Varsha Gaikwad on Saturday said the party is preparing to contest the upcoming polls to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation independently.Addressing a party meeting, Mumbai Congress president Gaikwad called on... Read more > 16:27 Impact of SIR evident in NDA's Bihar win: BJP leader Bharatiya Janata Party Kerala Chief Rajeev Chandrasekhar on Saturday said the NDA's massive victory in the Bihar assembly polls reflects the impact of the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the voters' list and the removal of fake voters. Speaking to reporters in Thiruvananthapuram,... Read more > 16:08 Lalu's daughter quits politics, says disowning family A day after the Rashtriya Janata Party was drubbed in the Bihar assembly polls, party president Lalu Prasad's daughter Rohini Acharya on Saturday announced that she was quitting politics and severed ties with the family. Acharya, a doctor by qualification, who chose to become a homemaker and... Read more > 16:06 28 blackbucks die at Karnataka zoo Twenty eight blackbucks have died under mysterious circumstances in the Kittur Rani Chennamma Zoo in Karnataka's Belagavi in the past three days, a zoo official said on Saturday.The zoo had 38 blackbucks of which 28 have died, which has alarmed the authorities.Karnataka Forest Minister... Read more > 15:04 Red Fort blast: 2 Al Falah Univ docs among 3 detained Delhi Police has detained three persons, including two doctors from Haryana's Al Falah University who were known to Dr Umar Nabi, the driver of the car that exploded near the Red Fort, officials said on Saturday. The detentions were made during coordinated raids conducted on Friday night by... Read more > 14:59 Akhlaq lynching case: UP govt moves to withdraw charges against all accused The Uttar Pradesh government has moved to withdraw charges against all those accused in the 2015 mob lynching of Mohammad Akhlaq in Greater Noida's Dadri, a case that had sparked nationwide outrage. Additional District Government Counsel Bhag Singh Bhati told PTI on Saturday that the state... Read more > 14:27 Day after Bihar win, BJP suspends ex-MP RK Singh Former Union minister Raj Kumar Singh, who has been in the news for his outbursts against the ruling NDA in Bihar, was on Saturday suspended from the BJP for anti-party activities, a party leader said. Singh, who has been served with a suspension order by the BJP headquarters in the state,... Read more > 14:19 SIA inspector, constables among 9 killed in J-K blast State Investigation Agency Inspector Israr Ahmad Shah was among the nine people who were killed in the massive explosion at the Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir. Shah, who joined the police force in 2011, is survived by a wife, two young children, and elderly parents.Hailing from... Read more > 13:35 We are...: PK's party's 1st reaction after Bihar debacle Former poll strategist Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj, which failed to open its account in the Bihar assembly, on Saturday expressed disappointment over its poll debacle, and said cash transfer to the accounts of women played an important role in the NDA's victory. The party was unable to... Read more > 13:23 Rahul meets Kharge to discuss Bihar poll drubbing Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi met party president Mallikarjun Kharge in New Delhi to discuss the Bihar assembly election result on Saturday, a day after the opposition party faced a drubbing in the state. The two were joined by AICC general secretary, organisation, K C Venugopal,... Read more > 12:58 Modi reviews under-construction bullet train station in Surat Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday visited the under-construction bullet train station in Gujarat's Surat to review the progress of the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor (MAHSR).The Prime Minister landed at the Surat airport in the morning and reached the Antroli area, where a... Read more > 12:52 Victory margin less than 100 in 3 Bihar seats At least three Bihar assembly seats witnessed a winning margin of less than 100 votes, while the closest contest was decided by below 250 votes in three other constituencies. The Sandesh seat in Bhojpur district saw a neck-and-neck fight with JD(U) nominee Radha Charan Shah winning it by a... Read more > 12:29 2 bodyguards of judge among 3 drown after car falls into dam Representative image Three persons, including two bodyguards of the principal district judge in Jamshedpur, drowned and one went missing after their car fell into a dam in Jharkhand's capital Ranchi, police said on Saturday.The incident occurred at Ranchi's Hatia dam under the Nagri police station limits late on... Read more > 12:25 IndiGo to start flights from Navi Mumbai airport on Dec 25 IndiGo on Saturday announced that it will start flight operations from the newly-constructed Navi Mumbai International Airport from December 25 with domestic air services to 10 cities. IndiGo also said it plans to expand its operations, progressively from the Mumbai Metropolitan... Read more > 12:24 Nowgam blast: Why explosives were transported to JK The huge cache of explosives which exploded at Nowgam police station in Jammu and Kashmir was brought from Haryana's Faridabad in a Tata 407 pickup truck in small bags and was being examined by experts when the accident took place. A top official said investigators were still trying to find... Read more > 11:57 JK police station blast accidental, no sabotage: Top cop Jammu and Kashmir Police chief Nalin Prabhat on Saturday said the massive explosion at Nowgam police station that left nine dead and 32 injured was accidental and ruled out sabotage as the cause of the incident. Prabhat, the Director General of Jammu and Kashmir Police, said the explosives... Read more > 11:38 Bihar result doesn't whitewash misdeeds of ECI: Stalin Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin on Saturday congratulated veteran Janata Dal-United leader Nitish Kumar for his decisive victory and wished him well in fulfilling the expectations of the people of Bihar.Also, he appreciated young leader of RJD Tejashwi Yadhav for his tireless campaign.The... Read more > 11:04 CCTV shows tremors inside Red Fort metro station after blast A CCTV footage sourced from inside the Red Fort metro station offers a stark glimpse of the moments immediately before and after the car blast that killed 13 people and injured several others, an official said on Saturday. The visuals extracted from internal surveillance cameras show... Read more > 10:32 Bihar polls: All 25 ministers in fray won except one As the ruling NDA decimated the Mahagathbandhan in Bihar to retain power, all but one of the 25 state ministers in the fray won their respective seats.Deputy Chief Ministers Samrat Choudhary and Vijay Kumar Sinha, both from the BJP, won Tarapur and Lakhisarai assembly seats.Chief Minister Nitish... Read more > 09:39 BJP's Bihar in-charge mocks 'national child' Rahul Bihar BJP in-charge Vinod Tawde took an indirect jibe at Congress leader and Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi after the National Democratic Alliance delivered a commanding victory in the Bihar assembly election by issuing an apology for upsetting the national child on Children's Day. We... Read more > 09:23 SC Rejects Bata, Liberty Bid Against Crocs' Design Suit The Supreme Court on Friday declined to entertain challenges brought by Bata India, Liberty Shoes and several other footwear makers against a Delhi high court ruling that revived Crocs Inc's passing off suits over its signature footwear design.Justices Sanjay Kumar and Alok Aradhe upheld the high... Read more > 09:13 Rajkummar Rao, Patralekhaa welcome baby girl Actors Rajkummar Rao and Patralekhaa are blessed with their first child, a baby girl.In a joint post, the couple announced the news, celebrating their daughter's arrival on their fourth wedding anniversary, which was on November 15.'We are over the moon. God has blessed us with a baby girl.... Read more > 09:00 Man wanted for grenade, arms smuggling for Pak-linked gang, nabbed The Gujarat Anti Terrorist Squad (ATS) has apprehended a man wanted by the Punjab police for his alleged involvement in smuggling arms for a gang working at the behest of Pakistan-based terrorist networks to carry out grenade attacks in the country, an official said.The ATS, in a release on... Read more > 08:55 India Gate disappears in haze as Delhi AQI deteriorates Delhi woke up to dense smog on Saturday morning as the Air Quality Index (AQI) stood at 386 at 8 am, falling under the 'very poor' category, according to data released by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). India Gate was barely visible this morning, shrouded by a thick layer of... Read more > 08:25 8 killed as explosives seized in Faridabad go off at JK police station An accidental explosion ripped through Nowgam police station in Srinagar, killing eight people and injuring 27 others. The blast occurred while authorities were extracting samples from a large cache of explosives confiscated in the 'white-collar' terror module case, officials said on... Read more > 02:22 J-K DGP conducts hybrid security review amid enhanced safety measures following Delhi blast File image Jammu and Kashmir director general of police Nalin Prabhat on Friday evening conducted a hybrid security review of the Union Territory. This step follows a high-intensity explosion that ripped through a slow-moving car driven by a Kashmiri doctor at a traffic signal near the Red Fort Metro... Read more > 01:31 Fugitive, wanted for fraud worth crores, extradited from Dubai Fugitive Jagdish Punetha who is wanted for allegedly defrauding people of crores of rupees through fake investment schemes was extradited from the United Arab Emirates, police said on Friday. The Crime Branch-Crime Investigation Department (CB-CID) branch of the police successfully brought... Read more > 01:09 Delhi blast: ATS quizzes hospital staff on Saharanpur doc A team of the Uttar Pradesh Anti-Terrorism Squad visited a private hospital here on Friday to gather information about Dr Adil Ahmed, who is under scrutiny in investigations initiated following the Delhi blast. A Jammu and Kashmir native, Adil was arrested from Saharanpur last week. He... Read more > 00:49 Woman who visited Pakistan as part of Sikh pilgrimage group didn't return: Sources A woman pilgrim, who was part of a 'jatha' (group) visiting Pakistan for the 556th birth anniversary celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev, did not return from the neighbouring nation, according to sources in the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee (SGPC).The woman, identified as Sarbjit Kaur, is a... Read more > Approximately 65,000 taxpayers who overpaid their professional tax for 2024 had their refunds processed by the Financial Bureau. Among them, 51,000 opted to receive their tax refunds via bank transfer, and the refund was deposited into their respective bank accounts today. The remaining 14,000 taxpayers who did not register for bank transfer will receive a Professional Tax Refund Notification by registered mail to claim their refunds. The breakdown of refund methods for taxpayers is 78% via bank transfer, 13% in person, and 9% through their company Like this: Like Loading... The Macau Public Spaces Video Surveillance System, also known as Eyes in the Sky, has assisted police in investigating more than 37,000 cases to date, deputy commander-general of the Unitary Police Services (SPU), Ngai Soi Pan, said in a recent TDM Forum. According to the official, the SPU continues to prioritize its mission of safeguarding security, serving citizens, outlining initiatives to enhance policing and public safety. The SPU is advancing the sixth phase of the Eyes in the Sky surveillance system, extending coverage to Zone A and optimizing the layout of monitoring points while ensuring legal safeguards for citizens privacy. The official described the system as the citys smart eyes, a key component of Macaus technology-driven policing strategy. Ngai said that Macau currently operates 1,701 Eyes in the Sky cameras, which have strengthened law enforcement efficiency and public safety. He also reviewed the outcomes of this years two-phase Thunder Operation, an ongoing anti-crime patrol and anti-smuggling operation by the Public Security Police Force (PSP), which involved 68,000 cases investigated. Among these, 800 individuals were referred to judicial authorities, 624 criminal cases were processed, and 586 people faced enforcement measures or sentencing. In addition, 991 non-residents were apprehended and repatriated in accordance with the law. Like this: Like Loading... The government unveiled development plans yesterday for the citys international integrated cultural and tourism zone, noting the former Macau Jockey Club land as a potential site for the project, although it ultimately did not materialize. According to the document released yesterday, the cultural and tourism zone will feature three major venues, provisionally named in Chinese as the Macau National Exhibition and Cultural Center, the Macau International Performing Arts Center, and the International Contemporary Art Museum. Among the five potential sites, the preliminary recommendation for the national exhibition and cultural center is the coastal area east of the Macau Tower. The international performing arts center is tentatively proposed for the western side of Zone C, while the international contemporary art museum is suggested for the eastern side of Zone C. Other alternative sites include the former Jockey Club and the former Ocean World land plots in Taipa, both of which have been reclaimed by the government in recent years. However, Dai Bin, director of the China Tourism Academy (Data Center of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism), explained that the recommended combination of the coastal area east of the Macau Tower and Zone C is based on their proximity across the strait. This allows for unified planning and layout within a single district, he stated. He added that their mutual visibility will enhance the creation of an integrated landscape and foster cultural interaction between the sites. According to a press conference yesterday, the three major venues planned for the tourism and cultural zone will incorporate key functions such as cultural relic storage, restoration, research, and flexible exhibition displays. They will also facilitate educational exchange, incubation, commercial support, and public leisure activities. The venues aim to highlight cultural exchanges between China and the West, as well as showcase Macaus unique cultural relics. In addition, they will provide spaces for performing arts organizations and artists to create and collaborate, and offer high-quality contemporary art exhibitions and services focused on art collection, research, display, and education. Notably, the national museum cultural center is set to become the largest museum in Macau. The public consultation period for the development of the project will run until December 26, following the press conference held yesterday for the citys political sector. During her remarks, the Secretary for Social Affairs and Culture, Ao Lam, emphasized that the preliminary plans include seven consultation meetings five targeting professional sectors and two for the general public. She underscored the governments commitment to gathering public input on this project, which is a key initiative in Macaus development plan. The integrated tourism and cultural zone aims to serve as a new engine for Macaus economic diversification and become a significant cultural landmark. According to the Secretary, the proposal for the project was finalized after numerous research sessions, forums, and both online and offline meetings, incorporating extensive internal government feedback, with specialized research conducted by the China Tourism Academy. The authorities expressed their desire to address gaps in Macaus cultural development by providing the cultural sector and younger generations with practical platforms, employment opportunities, and entrepreneurial support. They aim to establish channels for collaboration between industry, academia, and research, while also building a more comprehensive talent cultivation system. Deland Leong, president of the Cultural Affairs Bureau (IC), stated, Simultaneously, we also aspire to establish a complete and sustainable cultural industry ecosystem. Like this: Like Loading... Analysis President Xi Jinpings recent call to comprehensively deepen reform and opening up for high-quality development, and advance the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area (GBA) with sustained efforts aligns with a broader strategic reset now underway in China. During his visit to Guangdong province on Friday and Saturday, Xi made carefully choreographed stops including the Ye Jianying Memorial Park and a pomelo-growing base in Meizhou to highlight revolutionary heritage, rural revitalisation, and support for former base areas. Key Takeaways Technological sovereignty: Focus on chips, AI, 5G, aerospace supporting regions like the GBA to become nodes in this ecosystem. Domestic circulation: The strategy continues to emphasise internal consumption, stronger domestic market, rural areas and reduced dependency on exports. Strategic regional development: Zones like the GBA play double duty innovation and integration globally, and resilience/modernisation domestically. What makes this more than a routine inspection is its timing. The visit dovetails with the forthcoming 15th Five-Year Plan (20262030), which emphasises strategic autonomy, technological self-reliance, and economic recentering. As the French think tank IRIS observed, In what appears to be a new chapter China must now return to a distinctly Maoist practice of relying solely on its own forces. Xis call for reform and opening up is neither new nor rhetorical. The 14th Five-Year Plan (20212025) already marked a transition from breakneck growth to high-quality development () stressing innovation, consumption, services, rural progress, and balanced growth. Whats changed is the context: reform is now framed against rising geopolitical tension, supply-chain fragility, and the need to shield the economy from external shocks. The IRIS report puts it plainly: Chinas progress in manufacturing next-generation microprocessors means a partial but tangible inward turn. In other words, opening up now means selective openness foreign investment and trade encouraged under tight state direction, ensuring that autonomy and control remain at the core. The GBA, therefore, is less a symbol of liberalisation than a laboratory for state-supervised innovation, strategic industrial clustering, and high-end manufacturing. GBA as a flagship The Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area remains central to Xis vision. His renewed emphasis positions the region as a demonstration zone for the next economic model: a fusion of high-value manufacturing, integrated finance, and global connectivity aligned, but firmly subordinated, to national priorities. Rural revitalisation, showcased in Meizhou, sits beside these high-tech ambitions. It signals that whole-state modernisation will not leave traditional sectors behind. The GBAs development must bridge the urban-rural divide and balance innovation with inclusion. Emerging details of the 15th Five-Year Plan reinforce that Xis remarks are not mere symbolism. Reuters has reported that the plan emphasises tech self-reliance amid U.S. rivalry building a modern industrial system with advanced manufacturing as the backbone and a strong domestic market at its heart. As IRIS summarised: Between economic recentering, military ambition, and the diplomacy of rare earths, China must now return to a distinctly Maoist practice of relying solely on its own forces. Why Xis tour matters By spotlighting both revolutionary heritage and rural modernisation, Xi is sending a deliberate message: Chinas next development phase must unite the old and the new from industrial megacities to agricultural heartlands. For the GBA, this means moving beyond GDP targets to become a regional exemplar of innovation-driven, resilient growth. His use of the phrases high-quality development and comprehensively deepening reform encapsulates the new policy twin-track: reform to drive productivity, autonomy to safeguard stability. Regions like the GBA are being tasked to deliver both as engines of performance and as linchpins of national security in economic form. But ambition and execution are not the same. As Reuters cautioned, Chinas growth model faces persistent headwinds: high debt levels, weak consumer demand, an ageing population, and uncertain global conditions. The GBA must therefore manage a delicate balance stimulating domestic consumption, integrating cross-border flows between Hong Kong and Macau, and cultivating world-class tech ecosystems all under tightening central oversight. In this light, the GBA becomes a test bed for Chinas new productive forces. If successful, it could validate Xis strategy of reform with Chinese characteristics for a new era. If it falters, it will expose the limits of Beijings ability to command innovation while constraining spontaneity. Like this: Like Loading... HONG KONGMetro Pacific Investments Corp. (MPIC) plans to sell 20-percent to 30-percent stakes in its Philippine and Indonesian toll road units via private placements as part of an effort to reduce its debt load, company officials said Friday. MPIC chief finance officer June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla confirmed the discussions, saying the planned sale involves 20 percent to 30 percent of the Indonesian toll road project and a similar stake in the domestic unit Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. (MPTC). - Advertisement - Cabal-Revilla said the final percentage would depend on valuation. The move comes as MPTCs debt ballooned to P80 billion on continued spending on various infrastructure projects and the acquisition of assets like the 35-percent stake in Indonesias Jasamarga Transjava, a deal done in partnership with Singapores GIC. MPTC president and chief executive Gilbert Sta. Maria said the company is in talks with foreign and local investors for the private placement. Sta. Maria said that while completed toll road projects are profitable, the short-term debts raised to fund these projects are stressing MPTC and its parent company, MPIC. MPTC is also in the process of raising up to P20 billion worth of fixed-rate bondsconsisting of 3-year Series A, 5-year Series B and 10-year Series C bondsto fund tollway projects and debt refinancing. Sta. Maria said that once the companys debt is retired, MPIC could look for other investment opportunities in Indonesia, such as elevated railways in Jakarta. Earlier plans to find a strategic investor for MPTC were delayed due to geopolitical tension. Bureau of Immigration (BI) officers at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) have intercepted six Filipinos who were about to leave ostensibly to work in a scam hub in Cambodia linked to a former Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) employee. The group actually consisted of three men and four women who attempted to board a Cathay Pacific flight to Vietnam. - Advertisement - The passengers initially claimed they were traveling together to Ho Chi Minh City for a two-day vacation. However, the BI officers became suspicious due to inconsistencies in their travel documents, and referred them for further inspection. The group eventually admitted they had been recruited to work in Cambodia for a company believed to be operating as part of a regional online scam network. According to the BI, the recruiter revealed that an Indonesian colleague from the same POGO firm had paid him to facilitate their overseas travel. We now see links between closed POGO companies in the Philippines and scam hubs overseas, said BI Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado. Some of these POGOs pretended to be legitimate, but were actually fronts for scam operations. Now that theyve shut down, theyre recruiting Filipinos to work for scam hubs abroad. Viado warned the public against accepting suspicious overseas job offers, citing reports that repatriated victims had suffered abuse, torture, and electrocution while working in similar operations. Three Japanese-Filipinos left in the Philippines after the death or forced repatriation of their Japanese fathers after World War 2 have had their request for Japanese nationality rejected by the Naha Family Court. The court, which handed down the three rulings in October, cited the lack of records certifying their parents marriage or admission of paternity as the reason for the denial. - Advertisement - Lawyers representing the three have filed an appeal with the Naha branch of the Fukuoka High Court, arguing that their clients are related to their respective fathers by blood. There are still about 50 Japanese-Filipinos in the Philippines hoping to have their Japanese nationality recognized. Many are unable to do so as their parents marriage records were lost during World War II and the ensuing postwar turmoil. At the time of their birth, the law stipulated that children of Japanese men acquired Japanese nationality by default. The three individuals were born to Okinawan men, who had moved to the Philippines before the war, and local Filipino women. They applied in August to the Naha Family Court for permission to create a Japanese family register, stating they had obtained Japanese nationality by birth. After the war, the three met with relatives in Japan, who recognized them as children of their Japanese fathers. One, whose father had been forcibly repatriated to Japan, had met and been acknowledged by their father as his child, but no official written records remain. Another individual underwent a DNA test, which confirmed a 99.9 percent probability of a blood relationship with Japanese relatives. Their lawyers argue that using marriage records or admission of paternity to discriminate against biologically-related children violates the constitutional principle of equality. Jose Takei, an 82-year-old Japanese-Filipino man in a similar situation, met his Japanese relatives for the first time on a government-funded trip in August. He was denied Japanese nationality by the Tokyo Family Court in September for the same reasons, and has filed an appeal with the Tokyo High Court. The US Marine Corps has temporarily deployed a drone unit to assist Philippine maritime security operations in the West Philippine Sea (WPS), where tensions between Manila and Beijing continue. Reports from USNI News said Marine Unmanned Aerial Vehicle Squadron (VMU) 1an Arizona-based unit equipped with MQ-9A Reaperswas sent to the Philippines to support Philippine regional maritime security. - Advertisement - The deployment also strengthens the U.S.Philippine alliance by boosting maritime domain awareness capabilities. The temporary stationing of unarmed MQ-9As to the Philippines demonstrates mutual commitment to improving the collective maritime security and supports our common goal for a free and open Indo-Pacific, the Marine Corps Forces Pacific said. The Marine Expeditionary Force previously confirmed the presence of Reaper drones at Basa Air Base in June 2024, citing similar intelligence support efforts at the request of the Philippine government. Basa Air Base is one of nine sites where American forces can rotationally deploy forces and construct facilities across the Southeast Asian archipelago under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement. In recent years, the air base has received several U.S.-funded projects to improve its runway and aircraft facilities. Marine Corps Forces Pacific did not specify how many drones were deployed in the Philippines. Last month, U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth and Philippine Secretary of National Defense Gilbert Teodoro announced Task Force Philippines. According to Hegseth, the 60-person coordination unit headed by a one-star officer was designed to enhance bilateral defense cooperation and deter Chinese coercion. THE Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Friday expressed concern over possible infiltration attempts that could disrupt peaceful protests, including reports of individuals allegedly planning to use grenades. Meawnhile, Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., dismissed calls from a handful of retired military officials to support their destabilization move as part of disinformation propaganda. - Advertisement - AFP chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. said intelligence information has reached both the AFP and the Philippine National Police (PNP) about potential agitators who could take advantage of upcoming rallies. He called on the rally organizers to ensure that no one slips into their groups. We call on the organizers to secure and police their ranks to make sure there are no infiltrators because there are reports that have reached us, Brawner told reporters in a chance interview at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City. There are infiltrators who will explode grenades thats fearsome. Our peace-loving fellowmen might be hurt. So, we are asking the organizers to make sure their rally will be safe, peaceful, safe, peaceful. We assure them we will be there to assist them, he added. The Iglesia Ni Cristo (INC) will hold its so-called Rally for Transparency and A Better Democracy at the Rizal Park in Manila from Nov. 16 to 18. The United Peoples Initiative (UPI) will also hold its own protest action at the EDSA People Power Monument in Quezon City on the same dates. Despite the concerns, Brawner stressed that the AFP still views the rallies as peaceful gatherings and does not consider the situation alarming. For November 16 to 18, theAFP is ready to support the PNP to maintain peace and order, Brawner said. He downplayed however, possibilities that violence could erupt. As far as we are concerned, these are peaceful rallies. I hope they turn out peaceful because that was what the organizers promised us, he added. Thats a function, really, of information operations. There will be all these agitations. We have to learn to live with it, and we have to learn to ignore it, Teodoro told reporters in a separate interview. Actually, they are very few. The bulk of the retired officials, they do not speak for all retired officials. Thats why even naming them as speaking for retired officials is unfair to the majority of retired officials. Theyre retired people; they have their own take on things, but if it is really a violation of the law, then they have to account for it. But this is not the vast majority of retired officials. So, lets not glorify these people and putting them in a place where they shouldnt be regarded by the public, Teodoro explained. Teodoro noted that while some issues must be resolved politically, these do not always affect the military or the police. Theres no worry from our side because we know its a function of information, the Defense chief said. The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is investigating whether an active-duty soldier is involved in an alleged plot to destabilize the Marcos Jr. administration. Brawner said military intelligence community is currently validating a list of purported government and retired military officials linked to the rumors, which were earlier shared on social media by columnist Ramon Tulfo. The intelligence community has not reported to me, but they are already doing their investigation, especially on sa active members ng AFP. Doon po sa listahan kasi ay may isa na nakalagay doon. We are looing at the list because we want to make sure no active member ng AFP who will be involved in any of these unconstitutional activities, Brawner said. Tulfos alleged destabilization list forwarded to AFP intel team: Malacanang Brawner stressed that the military takes rumors of destabilization efforts seriously. The AFP chief reiterated that the military remains focused on its constitutional mandate, notably internal security operations, humanitarian assistance and disaster response (HADR), and territorial defense. He also rejected calls urging soldiers to join protests and back a coup detat, emphasizing that the AFP will not participate in any unconstitutional activity. Singapore, SingaporeSingapore authorities charged an Australian man Friday for rushing film star Ariana Grande at the Asia premiere of Wicked: For Good. Grande and other stars were attending the opening night of the film at Universal Studios in the city-state when the man, identified by court papers as Johnson Wen, 26, jumped a barricade and rushed the actor. - Advertisement - Video clips, which have gone viral, show the man wrapping his arm around a shocked Grande before he jumps up and down and waves to the crowd. Grandes co-star Cynthia Erivo then rushes to her defense. The man is grabbed by security guards and dumped back over the barricade. Wen was charged Friday with being a public nuisance, Singapore court documents posted online showed. Wen represented himself and said he would plead guilty, added the documents. He is to appear in court again on Monday. If sentenced, Wen faces a $1,500 fine, three months in jail, or both. Singapores public prosecutions office could not immediately be reached for comment. The movie launch went ahead on Thursday night, with the movie cast huddling around Grande before continuing down the yellow carpet. Grande, 32, began her career as a teen on Broadway before embarking on a hugely successful pop career. At perhaps the height of her meteoric pop fame, in 2017, one of her concerts was bombed. The Manchester Arena attack killed 22 people, wounded more than 1,000 and left Grande with PTSD. French-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal was granted a presidential pardon, the Algerian presidential office said in an official statement. Algerias president on Wednesday granted a humanitarian pardon to French-Algerian novelist Boualem Sansal following a German request for his release. The 81-year-old writer, whose year-long imprisonment sparked widespread criticism, arrived in Berlin late Wednesday. Sansal was arrested in Algiers on November 16, 2024, and, following an appeal in July 2025, was sentenced to five years in prison for making statements considered harmful to national unity. He had publicly and explicitly declared that Algerias western regions had been Moroccan territories for centuries and were unfairly incorporated into Algeria by France in 1962. Sansal maintened his position before Algerian judge as a real fact. Late December 2024 and before Algerian Parliament, President Abdelmadjid Tebboune addressed the situation of writer Boualem Sansal only to literally insult him and call him names such as thief, of unknown identity, and bastard. Sansal is expected in France after a short stay in Germany to join his family and friends. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has accused Cameroonian security forces of using lethal force, committing killings, and arbitrarily detaining hundreds in a violent crackdown following the disputed presidential election on 12 October. In a report released on Wednesday, November 12, in Nairobi, HRW said police and gendarmes fired live ammunition and tear gas to disperse opposition-led protests challenging President Paul Biyas re-election, officially declared on 27 October with 53.66% of the vote. Witness testimonies, including from relatives of victims, lawyers, and opposition figures, documented multiple killings, injuries, and arrests across several cities, with UN sources reporting 48 deaths and opposition groups claiming 55. The rights group said hundreds of people, including minors, have been detained since the unrest, with legal aid sources reporting as many as 2,000 detainees nationwide, many without appearing before a judge. HRWs senior Africa researcher, Ilaria Allegrozzi, called on Cameroonian authorities to release all peaceful protesters, investigate and prosecute those responsible for violence, and ensure due process for all detainees. Cameroons Government, through Communications Minister Rene Emmanuel Sadi, defended the security operations, saying authorities were responding to illegal gatherings, roadblocks and violent mobs, and warned that those inciting unrest would face the full force of the law. President Biya, the worlds longest-serving head of state since 1982, removed presidential term limits in 2008 and continues to maintain power amid allegations of electoral fraud, with his main challenger, Issa Tchiroma Bakary, having declared himself the winner. Assyrian Mayor Denounces Selective Expulsion of Assyrians in Iraq Lara Youssif Zara, the Assyrian mayor of the Assyrian town of Alqosh, Iraq. Alqosh is a city of approximately 15,000 inhabitants, located in northern Iraq, 45 kilometers from Mosul, on the border with Iraqi Kurdistan. It is in the Nineveh Plains administrative region. It is a center of Christianity, particularly for Assyrian Chaldeans (non-Catholics), some of whom joined the Chaldean Catholic Church in Rome in the 19th century. The number of Christians in Iraq had already declined sharply after the 2003 American invasion, but it has decreased considerably in recent years due to pressure from Shiite militias, targeted expulsions, and emigration, laments Alqosh Mayor Lara Youssif Zara. She is the first Christian to hold this position in this predominantly Shiite country. A "Targeted Strategy" to Drive out Christians These armed militias demand shares in businesses and bribes from Christian merchants, said Lara Youssif Zara. "They are destroying lives. Many Christians have lost all hope. They just want to leave," she continued. "In reality, it's about money and control," added the Chaldean Catholic. "Those who pay can stay. Those who refuse lose everything." This blackmail is part of the system. Ultimately, she asserts, these militias are pursuing a "targeted strategy to drive Christians out of the region." The Militias Control Many Areas According to the 43-year-old woman, Shiites took control of many areas after the fall of ISIS. "They dominate local councils, government offices, and security structures." Their representatives sit on municipal councils and make decisions that deliberately disadvantage Christians," in order to weaken the once strong Christian presence in the Nineveh Plain. Lara Youssif Zara believes that the last Christians will leave Iraq if the situation does not improve. According to her information, there are already only 200,000 to 300,000 left in this Middle Eastern country. Estimates suggest that there were as many as 1.5 million before the start of the US-led Iraq War in 2003 and the ensuing turmoil. "If we disappear, a part of world history will disappear, and a part of humanity with us!", she declares. The mayor of Alqosh would like the international community to offer more protection and put more pressure on Baghdad. "We need international observers during the elections, political support, and humanitarian aid." Parliamentary Elections on November 11 Parliamentary elections in Iraq were held on November 11. More than 7,000 candidates were vying for the 329 parliamentary seats, elected by 21 million Iraqis. In 2024, the Supreme Court reduced the number of seats reserved for the Christian minority in the Kurdistan Regional Parliament from six to three. Unlike the United States, Europe has not yet grasped that the survival of an entire religious community is at stake, asserts the Iraqi politician. Only five of the nineteen provinces are officially home to Christians, according to the interfaith Christian organization Open Doors, which estimates that there are currently only 154,000 Christians left in Iraq. The Constitution establishes Islam as the state religion. Under Islamic law, Muslims cannot change their religion, and Muslim women cannot marry non-Muslims. More than 120 Christian places of worship have been destroyed since 2012. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has criticized US President Donald Trumps decision to skip the G20 leaders summit in Johannesburg later this month, describing boycott politics as ineffective. Trump cited claims of white persecution in South Africawidely discredited and unsupported by credible evidenceas his reason for not attending the summit, scheduled for 2223 November. Speaking outside Parliament, Ramaphosa said the USs absence was their loss and would not halt the Summit, noting that boycott actions fail to achieve meaningful progress. He added that the US was forfeiting the very important role that they should be playing as the biggest economy in the world, according to AFP. The Summit, hosted for the first time on African soil, is part of South Africas G20 presidency, during which the chairing country sets the agenda for discussions on global economic issues. While Trump will send Vice-President JD Vance in his stead, Argentinian President Javier Milei has also opted out, delegating attendance to his foreign minister. The South African Government reiterated that there is no evidence of a white genocide or of uncompensated land confiscation affecting white farmers, countering claims made by Trump. Ramaphosa emphasised that decisions taken at the summit would continue to advance key issues, irrespective of the absence of certain leaders. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A new deep learning system developed by an international research team detects melanoma with 94.5% accuracy by fusing dermoscopic images and patient metadata such as age, gender, and lesion location. The approach enhances diagnostic precision, transparency, and access to early skin cancer detection through smart health care technology. Credit: Professor Gwangill Jeon / Incheon National University, Korea Melanoma remains one of the hardest skin cancers to diagnose because it often mimics harmless moles or lesions. While most artificial intelligence (AI) tools rely on dermoscopic images alone, they often overlook crucial patient information (like age, gender, or where on the body the lesion appears) that can improve diagnostic accuracy. This highlights the importance of multimodal fusion models that can enable high precision diagnosis. To bridge that gap, Professor Gwangill Jeon from the Department of Embedded Systems Engineering, Incheon National University, South Korea, in collaboration with the University of West of England (UK), Anglia Ruskin University (UK), and the Royal Military College of Canada, created a deep learning model that integrates patient data and dermoscopic images. The study is published in the journal Information Fusion. "Skin cancer, particularly melanoma, is a disease in which early detection is critically important for determining survival rates," says Prof. Jeon. "Since melanoma is difficult to diagnose based solely on visual features, I recognized the need for AI convergence technologies that can consider both imaging data and patient information." How the AI model was developed Using the large-scale SIIM-ISIC melanoma dataset, which contains over 33,000 dermoscopic images paired with clinical metadata, the team trained their AI model to recognize subtle links between what appears on the skin and who the patient is. The model achieved 94.5% accuracy and an F1 score of 0.94, outperforming popular image-only models such as ResNet-50 and EfficientNet. The researchers also performed feature importance analysis to make the system more transparent and robust. Factors like lesion size, patient age, and anatomical site were found to contribute strongly for accurate detection. These insights can help doctors understand and provide a roadmap to trust the diagnosis performed by AI. Potential impact on melanoma screening Prof. Jeon says, "The model is not merely designed for academic purposes. It could be used as a practical tool that could transform real-world melanoma screening. This research can be directly applied to developing an AI system that analyzes both skin lesion images and basic patient information to enable early detection of melanoma." In the future, the model could power smartphone-based skin diagnosis applications, telemedicine systems, or AI-assisted tools in dermatology clinics, helping reduce misdiagnosis rates and improve access to care. Prof. Jeon explains, "The study represents a step forward toward personalized diagnosis and preventive medicine through AI convergence technology." The study highlights how multimodal AI can bridge the gap between machine learning and clinical decision-making, paving the way for more accurate, accessible, and trustworthy skin cancer diagnostics. More information: Misbah Ahmad et al, Fusion of metadata and dermoscopic images for melanoma detection: Deep learning and feature importance analysis, Information Fusion (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.inffus.2025.103304 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: The Marburg virus is transmitted to people from fruit bats and spreads among humans through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, surfaces, and material. Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Ethiopia on Friday confirmed its first Marburg outbreak after nine cases were identified in a southern region of the country that borders South Sudan. The World Health Organization Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus praised the Ethiopian government's fast action, saying it showed a "commitment to bringing the outbreak under control quickly." Ethiopia's government had reported on Thursday that it was investigating a possible outbreak of an unidentified viral hemorrhagic fever and was lauded by the continental health emergency body, Africa CDC, for its transparency. The WHO sent a technical team on Thursday to support the East African country in testing and outbreak response. "WHO is also providing essential supplies, including personal protective equipment for health workers and infection-prevention supplies, as well as a rapidly deployable isolation tent to bolster clinical care and management capacity," the U.N. agency said in a statement. The outbreak was reported in the southern region of Omo, which borders South Sudan. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said Thursday that the outbreak was a concern because "South Sudan isn't far and has a fragile health system." No other African country has reported Marburg virus cases in recent weeks. The Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or with surfaces, such as contaminated bedsheets. Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting and in some cases death from extreme blood loss. There is no authorized vaccine or treatment for Marburg. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Pregnancy loss may occur in as many as 25% of all pregnancies. Most of these losses occur in the first trimester, and about half are caused by genetic or chromosomal issues. When pregnancy loss occurs three or more times, the losses are referred to as recurrent. Often the cause of recurrent pregnancy loss is difficult to uncover and remains unknown to those experiencing it. However, two new studies presented at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo, held Nov. 1115 in Boston, provide some answers. These studies both utilized a cutting-edge technique known as optical genome mapping, which allows researchers to study the structure of genomes at a very high resolution to detect abnormalities often missed by traditional genetic sequencing methods. Optical genome mapping uncovers hidden causes of pregnancy loss Researchers at DartmouthHitchcock Medical Center investigated whether OGM could detect harmful chromosomal changes in patients with a family history or risk of recurrent pregnancy loss who had previously undergone traditional genetic testing, such as karyotyping or chromosomal microarray analysis, allowing direct comparison between methods. On average, researchers found about 40 structural changes in the genome after carefully reviewing the data. The study focused on 238 genes known to be linked to recurrent pregnancy loss (RPL). In two cases, four important RPL-related genes that also play a role in infertility were directly affected by these structural changes. Another case showed a hidden chromosome rearrangement that disrupted other genes not tied to RPL. These results show that optical genome mapping (OGM) can reveal genetic changes that standard tests often miss. The authors say that, used alongside standard genetic tests, OGM can enhance the diagnostic evaluation of recurrent pregnancy loss, helping clinicians better understand potential genetic causes. This work was led by Debopriya Chakraborty, Ph.D., a clinical postdoctoral fellow at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center and overseen by Wahab A. Khan, Ph.D., FACMG and colleagues in the Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technology section at DHMC. Dr. Chakraborty gave a presentation about her findings during a poster session at 9:15 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 14, at the Thomas M. Menino Convention and Exhibition Center in Boston. Rare chromosome fragile site linked to recurrent pregnancy loss Some parts of human chromosomes, known as fragile sites, are more prone to developing breaks, gaps or constrictions, especially when DNA is under stress during replication or repair. While fragile sites are known to contribute to genomic instability, their connection to recurrent pregnancy loss is not well studied. Researchers at Queens University's Kingston Health Sciences Center and the University of Ottawa investigated the connection between fragile sites and recurrent pregnancy loss. A 33-year-old patient was referred to them after three consecutive early pregnancy losses. Traditional chromosome testing found breaks at the rare fragile site FRA16B in about one-third of her cells. Using optical genome mapping (OGM), they discovered that the repeated DNA segment at FRA16B was unusually large, confirming instability that may be linked to pregnancy loss. Fragile sites such as FRA16B may be underappreciated contributors to reproductive issues, and incorporating OGM could help identify previously missed causes. Combining traditional cytogenetic testing (such as karyotyping) with OGM provides a clearer, more precise understanding of fragile sites. This work was overseen by Amira Othman, M.D., Ph.D., PGY-4 diagnostic and molecular pathology resident at Kingston Health Sciences Center at Queens University, Kingston, Ontario, Canada. Provided by Association for Molecular Pathology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04567-0 Using human-induced pluripotent stem cell-derived kidney organoids, researchers from Science Tokyo uncovered how abnormal Hippo signaling drives fibrosis in nephronophthisis, a genetic kidney disorder caused by NPHP1 deficiency. Their findings published in Stem Cell Research & Therapy, demonstrate that inhibiting the Hippo signaling pathway effectively suppresses fibrosis in kidney tissue. The study highlights the potential of organoid-based disease models for elucidating disease mechanisms while offering a new therapeutic target for nephronophthisis. Understanding nephronophthisis and its challenges Nephronophthisis (NPHP) is a hereditary kidney disease characterized by progressive fibrosis of the kidney, which involves the abnormal accumulation of scar tissues within the kidney. It is one of the major causes of end-stage kidney disease in children and young adults, accounting for approximately 10% of all pediatric dialysis cases. Despite decades of research, there is no effective treatment available for NPHP to date, except for kidney transplantation. The disease commonly arises from mutations or deletions in the NPHP1 gene, which provides instructions for making the nephrocystin-1 protein, essential for maintaining healthy kidney tubules. However, the exact mechanism underlying the disease has remained unclear because suitable animal models of NPHP1-related NPHP fail to reproduce the severe fibrotic changes seen in human patients. Developing a human-based kidney organoid model To overcome this long-standing challenge, a research team led by Associate Professor Eisei Sohara, along with Junior Associate Professor Koichiro Susa and graduate student Takefumi Suzuki from the Department of Nephrology, Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Institute of Science Tokyo (Science Tokyo), developed a human-based kidney organoid model using human induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells. "To model the NPHP1 deficiency observed in nephronophthisis, we used genome editing to remove the NPHP1 gene," explains lead author Sohara. "In this way, we generated NPHP1-deficient iPS cell lines which then differentiated into three-dimensional kidney organoids." These mini, self-organizing kidney structures could accurately mimic the architecture and cell composition of the human nephron. When these NPHP1-deficient kidney organoids were exposed to low levels of inflammatory signals (interleukin-1), they exhibited striking fibrotic changes that were not observed in normal kidney organoids. Detailed microscopic and molecular analyses revealed overexpression of fibrosis-related genes such as fibronectin, collagen, and CTGF, indicating activation of a key fibrosis signaling pathway in the NPHP1-deficient organoids. Hippo signaling pathway's role in fibrosis Further investigation revealed abnormal activation of the Hippo signaling pathway in the NPHP1-deficient organoids. The Hippo signaling pathway is a molecular network that regulates tissue growth and repair, helping to prevent excessive scarring by controlling the activity of the YAP and TAZ proteinsthe central activators of this pathway. The absence of NPHP1 disrupts this regulation, leading to uncontrolled fibrotic signaling. "Our findings reveal that NPHP1 interacts with components of the Hippo pathway to maintain a balance between repair and fibrosis," says Sohara. "When this interaction is lost, the Hippo pathway becomes overactive, driving progressive kidney damage." Testing therapies and future directions To explore the therapeutic potential of blocking this pathway, the team tested several Hippo pathway inhibitors on the organoid model. Among them, verteporfina light-activated drug already approved for treating a common eye condition called macular degenerationwas also tested. Strikingly, verteporfin effectively reversed fibrosis markers and also reduced accumulation of fibrosis-related genes. "Since verteporfin is already in clinical use, it offers an immediate treatment option for nephronophthisis," notes Susa. Overall, the research marks a major step toward translating stem cell research into practical therapies for rare kidney diseases. As the first study to successfully test drugs on a human iPSC-derived NPHP model, it demonstrates how organoid technologies can replace animal models for more precise disease modeling and personalized drug testing. In the future, the researchers plan to improve their kidney organoid platform to study additional signaling pathways and test more drug candidates for kidney fibrosis, paving the way for safer and more effective treatments for chronic kidney diseases. More information: Takefumi Suzuki et al, iPSC-based drug discovery identified the Hippo signaling pathway as a therapeutic target in the fibrosis of NPHP1-deficient nephronophthisis, Stem Cell Research & Therapy (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s13287-025-04567-0 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphical abstract: Pollution and cardiac arrest: a study by the Politecnico di Milano reveals a direct link between peak air pollution and cardiac risk. Credit: Politecnico di Milano In Lombardy, the risk of suffering cardiac arrest may increase on days recording high levels of air pollution. This emerges from a study conducted by the Politecnico di Milano and published in the journal Global Challenges. Researchers analyzed 37,613 cases of out-of-hospital cardiac arrest in Lombardy between 2016 and 2019 by assessing, for each episode, the daily concentrations of various pollutants (PM., PM, NO, O and CO) obtained from satellite data of the European Copernicus program (ESA). The study used advanced spatio-temporal statistical models to identify the relationship between pollution peaks and increased risk of cardiac events. "We observed a strong association with nitrogen dioxide (NO). Indeed, for every 10 micrograms per cubic meter increase, the risk of cardiac arrest rises by 7% over the next 96 hours," says Amruta Umakant Mahakalkar, researcher at the Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano, and first author of the study. "Even particulate matter PM. and PM present a 3% and 2.5% increase in the risk rate, respectively, on the same day of exposure." The effect is more pronounced in urban areas but significant associations are also observed in rural towns. The risk particularly marks an upswing in the warm months, suggesting a possible interaction between heat and pollutants. The association was also observed at levels below legal limits, suggesting that there is no safe exposure threshold. "The link between air quality and out-of-hospital cardiac arrest is a wake-up call for local health systems," adds Enrico Caiani, professor at the Politecnico di Milano and co-author of the study. "Emergency services should expect a potential surge in calls for action during high pollution periods." The study highlights how air pollution is a significant risk factor for cardiovascular health, even in the short term, and calls for this evidence to be considered in prevention policies and in the management of health emergencies. According to the World Health Organization, air pollution is the second environmental risk factor for non-communicable diseases. It accounts for millions of deaths worldwide each year. Lombardy, one of the most industrialized and densely populated regions in Europe, is particularly exposed to episodes of smog in winter, when system boilers are turned on and worsen air quality, along with poor atmospheric dispersion. The results of the study provide a useful tool for institutions and emergency services. Integrating environmental data into health forecasting systems could anticipate the increase in emergency calls in the future, and thus improve resource planning. The new CLIMA-CARE project officially kicks off today. It follows this trend of research. The project will use satellite data to analyze the impact of environmental conditions on public health and, in particular, on emergency medical services in Lombardy, both today and in the future, by creating climate projections. Project partners include the German Aerospace Center (DLR)the initiative's lead partnerand the Group on Earth Observation (GEO), coordinated by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO). "The project will give us the opportunity to address the impact of climate change on a population-wide scale," comments Lorenzo Gianquintieri, Researcher, Department of Electronics, Information and Bioengineering, Politecnico di Milano. "Consistently with the One-Health vision, which combines human, environmental and animal health, we promote a preventive adaptation approach based on scientific evidence." More information: Amruta Umakant Mahakalkar et al, ShortTerm Effect of Air Pollution on Out of Hospital Cardiac Arrest (OHCA) in LombardyA CaseCrossover Spatiotemporal Study, Global Challenges (2025). DOI: 10.1002/gch2.202500241 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Researchers at Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center have developed a way to diagnose Lyme disease earlier and more accurately than traditional testing methods. Over the past 30 years, Lyme disease has been on the rise in the United States, particularly in the Northeast region, where ticks carrying the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi are active from late spring through early fall. If left untreated, Lyme disease can cause joint, heart and nervous system complications. While the characteristic bull's eye-like rash is an early sign of the disease, it occurs in only about 25% of patients. Many patients develop skin lesions mimicking other illnesses, complicating the clinical diagnosis. Further complicating diagnosis, antibody tests often show false negatives during the first few weeks of infection. To address these diagnostic complications, researchers at New Hampshire's Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center have developed a new way to detect Borrelia burgdorferi, allowing for faster and more accurate diagnosis. Guohong (Grace) Huang, Ph.D., led the project and presented the work at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo, held Nov. 1115 in Boston. The project started with a case involving a 73-year-old woman who experienced progressively worsening skin hardening and inflammation as well as joint immobility over a four-year period. Doctors initially believed the patient had morphea, a condition that causes hard, thickened patches of skin. However, immunosuppressant medication used to treat morphea did not improve the patient's symptoms. In this patient's case, antibody testing only showed evidence of prior Lyme infection, but she responded positively to the antibiotic doxycycline, a medication commonly used to treat Lyme disease. Shaofeng Yan, M.D., Ph.D., a member of the patient's care team, requested that Huang's department develop a new molecular test to confirm the presence of Borrelia burgdorferi, leading to the larger study presented in Huang's abstract. The team, including Joel A. Lefferts, Ph.D., created three droplet digital PCR (ddPCR) testswhich are used to gather precise, highly sensitive measurementsto identify different types of Borrelia bacteria: one that detects all Borrelia species, one that targets those responsible for Lyme disease and one specific to Borrelia burgdorferi, the main cause of Lyme disease in the U.S. When tested on a limited number of skin samples from patients with confirmed or suspected Lyme disease, the new assays showed excellent accuracy and could detect as few as five to ten bacterial cells. Ultimately, the test for Borrelia burgdorferi developed by her team had an estimated sensitivity of 90.9% in formalin fixed, paraffin embedded samples, making it a potential new avenue for testing Lyme disease. Sensitivity is expected to increase when using fresh or frozen tissues, which typically yield DNA with higher quantity and quality. "Using the ddPCR assay, we successfully detected B. burgdorferi DNA in this patient's skin biopsy," Huang said. "This finding was further confirmed by DNA sequencing, supporting the diagnosis of chronic Lyme disease." Huang noted that traditional serologic tests cannot distinguish between active infection and past exposure. "Antibody levels may remain elevated even after successful treatment. This is another clinical scenario where the ddPCR assay offers a clear advantage by detecting active bacterial presence rather than relying on indirect immune markers," Huang said. Although it took the patient more than four years to get a final diagnosis, the test developed by Huang and her team could save future patients from such extended waits. Early diagnosis is crucial in reducing the risk of long-term complications. With further development of the team's test, prompt treatment will be possible for more patients. "To advance this work, the next step is to expand testing to a large number of cases and explore strategies to further enhance the assay sensitivity," Huang said. This work was led by Guohong (Grace) Huang, Ph.D., in the Laboratory for Clinical Genomics and Advanced Technology (CGAT), Dartmouth Hitchcock Medical Center. Provided by Association for Molecular Pathology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a common respiratory virus which usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms during the respiratory virus season. However, especially among young infants under six months of age or people over 65, RSV infection might turn more severe. Health complications associated with RSV include bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lung), pneumonia or even sepsis, which can require prolonged hospital stays. Immunization products to prevent RSV disease in infants and older adults have been authorized in the European Union since 2022. These include long-acting monoclonal antibodies that are given to newborns during the winter season as well as vaccines for pregnant people to protect newborns during their first winter season after birth. The European RSV season has returned to pre-pandemic seasonality, lasting from around October to April. In their rapid communication published in Eurosurveillance, Savulescu et al. looked at data from three European countries with RSV immunization programs in place during the winter season 202425 to establish the effectiveness of the long-acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) against RSV infection. Immunization of infants effectively prevents hospitalization related to RSV For their case-control study among children below the age of two years, the authors screened data from 4,102 hospitalized children in Belgium, Portugal and Spain between September 2024 and May 2025. Of those, 791 children who had tested positive for RSV were included in the study analysis and 1,410 children who tested negative for RSV in the control group. In the study, children were considered immunized if they received nirsevimab between September 2024 and May 2025 before testing, regardless of the dose, or their age and weight at the time of immunization. Based on their analysis, the researchers conclude that "immunization of children after birth effectively prevented RSV-related hospitalization in children during the 202425 European winter season." Among 2,201 children, the pooled overall immunization effectiveness was at 79%, i.e. receiving long-acting monoclonal antibodies significantly reduced the risk of hospitalization due to RSV infection in this age group. Protection levels decline incrementally several months after immunization However, the level of protection declined over time following immunization: starting from 85% during the first month (<30 days) after immunization to 78% during days 30 to 89 after immunization and 69% after three months (90 to 215 days) from immunization. Among infants aged 06 months, i.e. the newborns at highest risk for severe RSV illness, the overall effectiveness of immunization with long-acting monoclonal antibodies was 80%. The authors highlight that "effectiveness by time since immunization needs monitoring in future seasons." More information: Effectiveness of long-acting monoclonal antibodies against laboratory-confirmed RSV in children aged < 24 months and hospitalised for severe acute respiratory infection, European pilot study, 2024 to 2025, Eurosurveillance (2025). DOI: 10.2807/1560-7917.ES.2025.30.45.2500816 Provided by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Certain serious fungal infections occur in regions of the United States with specific environments and are often tied to soil exposure. These infections can affect both healthy and immunocompromised people, but proper diagnosis remains slow, which delays treatment. The current gold standard for making a diagnosis relies on fungal culturing, which can take weeks, and tests that look for antigens, which lack specificity, or antibodies in the blood, which are often unreliable in early disease. But now researchers from Indiana University Health and the IU School of Medicine have developed a new molecular test capable of detecting three major pathogenic fungi at onceand with a much quicker turnaround than traditional methods. The work was presented at the Association for Molecular Pathology (AMP) 2025 Annual Meeting & Expo, held Nov. 1115 in Boston. Dr. Kenneth Gavina, Ph.D., is the director of clinical microbiology at Eskanazi Health in Indianapolis. He oversaw the project through the Indiana University School of Medicine. His team sought to identify three fungal infections that affect thousands of people each year, are often mistaken for other respiratory illnesses, and can be life-threatening, particularly in immunocompromised people: Histoplasmosis usually presents as lung infection in patients who've inhaled soil containing bird or bat droppings. It's most common in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. usually presents as lung infection in patients who've inhaled soil containing bird or bat droppings. It's most common in the Ohio and Mississippi River valleys. Blastomycosis presents as a lung infection too, but also can progress to affect skin, bones and other organs. It occurs mainly in the central and southeastern U.S. presents as a lung infection too, but also can progress to affect skin, bones and other organs. It occurs mainly in the central and southeastern U.S. Coccidioidomycosis is commonly known as Valley fever. Though most of these lung infections are mild, some patients develop severe pneumonia or experience infection elsewhere in the body. It occurs primarily in southwestern states, including Arizona, California and New Mexico. The researchers designed a multiplex real-time PCR test, which means it can detect multiple pathogens simultaneously from the same sample. Their test targeted three genetic regions that are unique to each fungus: ITS1 for Histoplasma, BAD1 for Blastomyces, and A2/PRA gene for Coccidioides. By detecting the fungi's genetic material directly, the PCR test bypasses the slow culture process that is complicated by the fungi's ability to switch between environmental and human forms. When they compared their PCR results to standard lab methods, the PCR test identified all tested samples with 100% accuracy. In addition, it was 100% specific, meaning it didn't mistakenly detect other fungi or contaminants. The workflow also eliminates the need for time-consuming DNA-extraction steps, potentially reducing turnaround time and laboratory risk associated with handling live pathogenic fungi. "Our assay has the potential to significantly improve turnaround time and diagnostic confidence for infections that have historically been difficult to detect quickly," Gavina said. Importantly, the team's system runs on a platform already used in many clinical laboratories, making it potentially quite accessible. "While additional clinical validation is under way, this assay shows strong potential to fill a major gap in fungal diagnostics," Gavina said. The assay has the ability to detect the three major causes of endemic mycoses in the United States directly from clinical specimens or be used as a form of definitive identification from fungal culture. "Clinicians currently have no FDA-approved molecular tests for these three pathogens, making rapid, reliable detection a pressing need." Provided by Association for Molecular Pathology For the past 40 years, a group of 20-odd plumbers had been using a lane between two buildings in Thanes Jambli Naka a stones throw from late Shiv Sena leader Anand Dighes residence at Tembhi Naka to assemble daily and look for work. When they were thrown out of that space recently, the men first approached a local Sena leader for help. However, when no aid came, they then went to the BJP office, where MLA Sanjay Kelkar and his team swiftly intervened. Within days, they got back their refuge, as promised. The plumbers experience is not an exception. Across Thane, BJP is taking a leaf out of Dighes playbook and offering instant solutions to problems that the administration would take far longer to address. And political watchers say that this has only become possible because Deputy Chief Minister Eknath Shinde once Dighes protege, who counts Thane as his stronghold is now too focused on state-level politics to focus on his own backyard. In the run-up to the civic polls early next year, the shifting power dynamics in Thane are being watched closely by all sides. Political expert Surendra Jondhale said: BJPs exercise to help people is an attempt to destabilise Shinde in Thane, where he is known to be strong. People approach BJP to solve their problems as it is the dominant party with political control. If people increasingly move away from Shinde and turn towards BJP for help in their day-to-day matters, this will only weaken the Dy CM further at the grassroots, Jondhale felt. For Uday Nirgudkar, journalist and political analyst, Thane still remains a political bastion for Shinde is because of the hard work he had put in over the years in the area before he became the CM. Shinde is now reaping the benefits of that hard work. However, not all his subordinates in Thane, many of whom have now turned businessmen, are focused on social work, he added. What they find surprising is that while BJP has seen the spotted on the ground and acted on it, Sena UBT seems to have missed the opportunity. The template for this peoples outreach had been perfected by Dighe decades back, when he became a legend for doling out instant justice to the grassroot Marathi Manoos. At his daily durbar at his Tembhi Naka residence, Anand Ashram, Dighe would address the grievances of citizens and party workers. This public forum became a cornerstone of his leadership, showcasing his commitment to grassroots engagement. People from all walks of life flocked to him, where he attentively listened to their issues, resolved disputes, and offered assistance. What Dighe could achieve with his common-man connect, Shinde who followed in his political footsteps seems to be squandering with his larger ambitions. For both BJP and Shiv Sena, the civic polls may offer a means to test their grassroots popularity. SHINDE SENA SOMNOLENT, BJP MOVES IN TO CLAIM DIGHES LEGACY When 20 odd plumbers from Jamli Naka in Thane were thrown out of the gully between two buildings they had been using for the past 40 years as a place to assemble daily or take refuge from the elements, they didnt know what to do. They remembered the years when Anand Dighe lorded over Thane and they had his patronage. We were out in the rain, having nowhere to go. No place to sit and have our lunch, said Sakharam Shinde, one of the plumbers. Jamli Naka is a stones throw from Tembhi Naka, where Dighes home Anand Ashram stands. The plumbers first approached a Sena leader at Tembhi Naka for help. When no help came despite assurances, they visited the BJP office, where MLA Sanjay Kelkar and other partymen addressed public grievances. During our first interaction, Kelkar saheb ensured that we got back access to our gully, said Tukaram Gogawle, another plumber. A few days later, when the gates to the gully were locked, Kelkar called the local senior police inspector and ensured they would face no more problems. The traders in the municipal market adjacent to the Dadoji Kondev Stadium have been facing noise pollution for the past four years because of the spice grinding machines that operated on an industrial scale. The traders association, led by its president Sandeep Nare, informed the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board office at Thane. When MPCB officials found the decibel level between 100 and 188, which is well above acceptable limits. Initially there was only one such shop; our problems multiplied when two more shops came up next to it, said another trader. It was not easy to take on the shops, which is why the traders approached BJP. The first intervention by MLA Kelkar resulted in the closing down of the masala mill units. However, the units started again, and the TMC officer told us that it was done at the behest of a Sena leader, said a trader. When MLA Kelkar took the officials to task, the illegal masala mills were permanently closed about a fortnight ago. Among several demands by the cleanliness workers of TMC was a crucial one to process the applications of employment on compassionate grounds. Jobs in the civic conservancy department are given to the family members of the employees who have died in service or to those families that dont have another earning member after the employees retirement. The workers decided to approach the BJP, instead of Shinde Sena. MLA Kelkar had raised this issue with municipal commissioner Saurabh Rao, who assured that the applications would be expedited in two months. The secretary of the Maharashtra Kamgar Karmachari Sanghatna said that over 100 pending applications of employment on compassionate grounds will be expedited. Business owner pleads guilty to visa fraud, faces up to 10 years in prison and $250K fine By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff Angel Paras Cruz Jr., owner of Villa De Cruz Apartelle and World Electric & Construction Co. Inc., has pleaded guilty to three counts of visa fraud in federal court and now faces a maximum sentence of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. Parass sentencing is scheduled for March 27, 2026, at 9 a.m., before Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands, who accepted his guilty plea and vacated the jury trial previously set for Dec. 16. Cruz was initially charged with eight counts of visa fraud and five counts of fraud in foreign labor contracting. He was represented by attorneys Mark Scoggins and Robert T. Torres. Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Back appeared for the government. According to the indictment, Cruz knowingly submitted false statements under penalty of perjury on multiple occasionsDec. 21, 2022; Aug. 9, 2023; Nov. 8, 2023; and Jan. 31, 2024on U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services Form I-129CW. In each instance, he certified that his companies would pay foreign workers in accordance with CNMI and federal labor laws, including the terms of their employment contracts. However, the indictment states that Cruz did not intend to pay the workers for all hours worked or provide overtime compensation for work exceeding 40 hours per week. Cruz pleaded guilty to counts two, three, and four of the indictment. Each count of visa fraud carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. As part of his plea agreement, Cruz agreed to pay $28,273.31 in restitution to the affected workers. The agreement also states that Cruz petitioned for six foreign workers using Form I-129CW, falsely attesting that they would be paid in compliance with applicable labor laws, but failed to compensate them for overtime work. Finance chief wants PSS to pay back deficient retirement contributions Tracy Norita By Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel@mvariety.com Variety News Staff FINANCE Secretary Tracy B. Norita wants the Public School System to remit $32.1 million in unpaid retirement contributions. In her letter to Commissioner of Education Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho on Monday, Norita demanded repayment of deficient employer contributions to the defined benefit plan of the NMI Retirement Fund. The spreadsheet attached to the letter indicates that the unpaid contributions deducted from PSS employees spanned from October 2007 to September 2013, with amounts ranging from $26,984 to $463,869. Citing the Settlement Agreement, Norita said that all rights of the CNMI Retirement Fund to collect employer contributions deficient as of Aug. 6, 2013, and related costs owed by autonomous agencies and public corporations were assigned to the CNMI government. She informed Camacho that PSS has been identified as having an outstanding balance related to employer contributions not made on behalf of employees. Based on Finances records, the balance that remains outstanding is $32.1 million. Norita demanded that PSS remit the payment in full within 30 days. She warned that failure to remit payment by the due date may result in further administrative or legal action to recover the funds owed to the CNMI government. In a statement to Variety, Commissioner Camacho said: The Public School System is currently reviewing the letter demand received from the Office of the Secretary of the Department of Finance. We have consistently remitted employer contributions as required; nonetheless, we are carefully reviewing our records, as the information and itemized lists referenced date back over a decade. Camacho added, We will collaborate closely with our team, as well as with our counterparts at the Department of Finance and the Retirement Fund, to ensure clarity and to address this matter responsibly. Further information will be provided as it becomes available. Variety learned that two other autonomous agencies and government corporations also received a notice from Finance. According to officials interviewed on condition of anonymity, the lists attached to the notice did not specifically identify employees by name. Instead, the documentation referenced only generalized pay periods. This is surprising to us. Does this mean we didnt pay for an entire pay period for example, an entire years worth of employer contributions, which does not match our records? an official asked. Another source commented, I think both Finance and the Retirement Fund need to review their system [JD Edwards] before issuing this demand letter. A proper reconciliation of records is necessary, and our documentation tells a different story. The agencies will call for a thorough comparison of records before any further action is taken. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. Hwangs attorney: Warrant was unconstitutional and overbroad By Bryan Manabat bryan@mvariety.com Variety News Staff ATTORNEY Joaquin DLG Torres, who represents Hee Jung Hwang, filed a motion Tuesday in Superior Court seeking to suppress evidence and return property seized during a police search. The motion argues that the warrant used was unconstitutional and overly broad. Earlier, Hwang, 43, was arrested and charged in connection with the alleged kidnapping and assault of tour guide Jijing Jimmy Borja on Aug. 25. Borja told police he was abducted and assaulted by Hwang and two other suspects: Peter Deleon Guerrero, 57, also known as Dragon or Paduna, and Yichuan Bai. Borja posted $25,000 bail for his release. Subsequently, Hwang was arrested and charged with possession of a stolen firearm, possession of a controlled substance, violation of firearm identification card requirements, and unlawful possession of ammunition. The arrest followed a multi-Department of Public Safety task force executing a search warrant at Hwangs two-story residence in San Roque and his business office in San Antonio for electronic recording or storage devices. At an initial appearance hearing on Sept. 26, Judge Joseph N. Camacho set Hwangs bail at $100,000 cash. The judge also scheduled a preliminary hearing continuation for the three defendants on Oct. 15 at 9 a.m. In his motion, Torres contends that the search of Hwangs residence violated multiple constitutional protections, including the Fourth and Fifth Amendments of the U.S. Constitution, as well as key provisions of the CNMI Constitution. The motion claims the warrant lacked specificity, failed to identify the alleged crimes, and authorized a sweeping seizure of digital data without proper limitations. Among the items seized were four cell phones, an iPad, ammunition, and a firearm none of which were explicitly listed in the warrant, according to the defense. Torres also alleges procedural violations, stating that officers did not provide Hwang with a copy of the warrant or a receipt of the items taken, as required under Commonwealth law. The motion further raises concerns about self-incrimination. Calling the warrant a general warrant, Torres argues it gave law enforcement unlimited discretion and failed to meet constitutional standards. The defense is asking the court to suppress all evidence obtained and to order the return of the seized property. According to the complaint against Hwang, police discovered a Sig Sauer P229 firearm under a bed at his residence, as well as a black-and-gray container holding one box of 42 rounds of 919 ammunition, and a blue glass pipe containing a white substance. Verifying the firearms serial number, investigators confirmed it had been reported stolen in 2022. The white substance found in the pipe tested positive for methamphetamine, police said. Spooky fun and family spirit fill Saipan on Halloween night 1) Gov. David M. Apatang, center, with Rotary Club of Saipan Past President Joann Aquino, Indigenous Affairs Office Resident Executive Luella I. Marciano and staff at American Memorial Park for the clubs Trunk-or-Treat event on Friday. Contributed photo 2) Rotary Club of Saipan and Rotaract Club of Saipan officers pose for a photo during their Trunk-or-Treat event in the AMP parking lot. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano 3) Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, second right, with Aqua Resort Club General Manager Sachiko N. Gerrard, second left, Human Resources Manager Becky Cruz, fourth left, Food & Beverage Manager Marie Ann Razon-Isip, fourth right, Commonwealth Cannabis Commissioner board member Joe Palacios, right, Velma P. Benavente, third right, and businesswoman Stacy Wang, left. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano 4) Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao hands a child a treat during a drive-thru Trick-or-Treat event at Aqua Resort Club. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas stands near a queue of children at American Memorial Park. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano Former first lady Wella Palacios, center, with Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios relatives, and the management of Aqua Resort Club during a drive-thru Trick-or-Treat event at ARC. Photo by Emmanuel T. Erediano By Emmanuel T. Erediano emmanuel@mvariety.com Variety News Staff SAIPAN was packed with exciting events on Friday, combining All Saints Day eve with the spooky fun of Halloween at various Trick-or-Treat and Trunk-or-Treat sites that drew thousands of residents of all ages. At American Memorial Park, children and parents in spooky costumes enjoyed the Rotary Club of Saipans Trunk-or-Treat, which featured sweets, cookies, and other surprises. Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas joined other police officers in managing traffic and overseeing safety at various Halloween events. Here at AMP, people are here for one thing and that is to enjoy Halloween with their children, Macaranas said, adding that there were also Halloween events at the Garapan Fishing Base, Sugar King Park, Joeten-Kiyu Public Library, Saipan airport grounds, Koblerville Youth Center, and Tanapag Youth Center. So far, everything has been good, smooth, and slow, the commissioner said. There are a lot of people visiting each of the trunks prepared by Rotary Club of Saipans partners and sponsors for the trick-or-treat. One of the biggest things I have to look at is the safety of everybody not just here but also in other trick-or-treat venues, he added. He reminded the public to exercise caution and prioritize safety. Its not worth trying to get a lot of candies and get hit by a car, he said, noting that DPS controlled traffic to help prevent any mishaps during Halloween. Rotary Club of Saipan President-elect Catherine Attao said this was the third year that the Rotary Club of Saipan held its Trunk-or-Treat event at AMP. She thanked the following partners and sponsors: Crowne Plaza Saipan, Century Insurance, Paradise Dental, ASC Trust, D&Q Distributors, Miss NMI Asia-Pacific, Angry Penne, Micronesian Brokers Saipan, Docomo Pacific Saipan, Office of Indigenous Affairs, Rotaract Club of Saipan, the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor, Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez, Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao, Rep. Thomas John Manglona, Rep. Joel Camacho, Rep. John Paul Sablan, the Department of Public Safety, and the National Park Service. The clubs past president, Joann Aquino, also expressed her gratitude to all partners and sponsors, both government and private. Our Halloween Trunk-or-Treat event was a wonderful success, and it wouldnt have been possible without the support of our amazing partners, sponsors, and volunteers, Aquino said. Although our community is facing some economic challenges, we remain committed to creating opportunities for our children to celebrate, smile, and feel the joy of being part of something special. This event is for them a reminder that even in tough times, our communitys heart and spirit shine brightest, she added. We are so grateful to everyone who helped. Hundreds of children and families came out to enjoy a safe, fun, and spooky evening together, she said. Rotary Club of Saipan Community Service Director Enoch Lim said it was exciting to see so many people come out for fun. I am very happy to see them. I believe the children are happy, Lim said. At Aqua Resort Club, former first lady Wella Palacios and family including the siblings and relatives of the late Gov. Arnold I. Palacios along with the management and staff of the hotel, joined 2026 gubernatorial candidate Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao in a drive-thru trick-or-treat event. Emmanuel Arnold Erediano has a bachelor of science degree in Journalism. He started his career as police beat reporter. Loves to cook. Eats death threats for breakfast. Major austerity hits public education PSS to cut school week; parents and teachers brace for change By Emmanuel T. Erediano Variety News Staff In a historic shift that will ripple through classrooms, affect employees, and affect families routines across the islands, the Public School System will transition to a four-day school week starting Monday, Nov. 17. With a 64-hour school week, nearly 9,000 students and almost 1,500 teachers and staff face the biggest austerity move in yearsa fallout from one of the steepest funding shortfalls in PSS history. The warning signs started early this budget cycle, when PSSs $49 million request, submitted last July, was trimmed to $37.1 million, a sharp drop from even the promised workable $40 million. The resulting $12 million gap left PSS fighting to keep doors open and programs alive. By August, Education Commissioner Dr. Lawrence F. Camacho sounded the alarm, reinforcing warnings and acknowledging that the system had little choice but to enact historic cuts. This is a critical step we must take to keep our system operating under these financial circumstances, Dr. Camacho said in his memo on Nov. 7. The Board of Education on Nov. 1 approved the austerity plan in line with the FY2026 budget law, allocating just $31.7 million. School Mondays go dark Effective Nov. 17, all public schools and PSS offices across the islands will close on Mondays. Missed classroom lectures, stalled student activities, and canceled programs will reshape the academic week. If a Monday happens to fall on a public holiday, closures will shift to the next available workday, and employees will receive holiday pay. To go with the four-day school days and work week, school calendars and classroom routines have been redrawn. Programs adjust and endure Not all programs are immediately affected. Federally funded initiatives like Head Start, Early Childhood Special Education, Teacher Aides, Early Intervention, and the Child Nutrition Program are temporarily protected amid federal budget talks. This delay is necessary to preserve program eligibility and federal funding, Dr. Camacho s memo reads. Questions about program eligibility can be forwarded to the Federal Programs Office, and a revised school calendar has already been issued to help families navigate the changes. Grab-and-Go Meals fill the gaps To ensure no child misses out on basic nutrition, the Child Nutrition Program will continue Grab and Go meal distributions every Monday from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., or Tuesday if Monday is a holiday. Each student receives both breakfast and lunch. After-school snacks, however, are suspended until further notice. Staff under pressure: Contract addenda and uncertainty Every PSS employee received a contract addendum last week outlining the new work schedule. They faced a hard deadlinenoon todayto sign and return agreements to Human Resources. Those who failed to do so are barred from reporting to work until the paperwork is complete. Staff declining the terms must notify HR and their immediate supervisor. Healthcare and Pay: What Remains Stable While the future is uncertain, the GHLI office assures employees that AETNA coverage remains intact, pending the Open Enrollment period later this November. Those needing changes or with questions are encouraged to contact the CNMI AETNA Area Representative at Pacifica Insurance Underwriters, (670) 234-6267. Despite the chaos, PSS payroll will continue to target early direct deposits, provided staff submit timecards and leave forms promptly each week. Delays could mean late paychecks for frontline educators and staff. There may yet be light at the end of the tunnel. House Bill 24-70, which would unlock $4.9 million in previously appropriated funds for PSS, has already cleared the House of Representatives and is awaiting Senate approval. Dr. Camacho remain optimistic for a revised budget of at least $40 million. We continue to work with both the Executive and Legislative branches to advocate for our students and schools. This airline will let you sit in the co-pilots seat, but it wont carry your cake Aviation cosplay: Pilot George Haines poses with tourists from China who dressed up as pilots for a Star Marianas Air flight from Saipan International Airport. Photo Courtesy of George Haines No cakes allowed. A sign at the Tinian airport cargo desk lets passengers know they cant ship cakes as cargo. Photo by Brad Lendon CNN With that kind of availability, young pilots from around the world are gaining a bit of fame in China specifically and a great deal of precious experience at Star Marianas Air, a small Pacific island carrier. From a base on the tiny island of Tinian, Star Marianas flies to other U.S. island territories in the Pacific Guam, Rota and Saipan as well as Tinian. Among those are scheduled flights on one of the shortest routes in the world, a less than 10-minute hop from Saipan to Tinian, just 10 miles (16 kilometers) across the blue Pacific. Take this flight to meet Kai Frenay, a 24-year-old from Texas by way of Guam. Frenay taxis the single-engine, six-seat Piper Cherokee out from the terminal at Saipan International Airport. He checks his gauges and settings as he nears the main runway for takeoff. The wind blows in through the partially opened passenger door. The drone of the engine makes hearing difficult. But the backseat passenger, a burly bearded gentleman, feels an urgent need to be heard, and he gets the passenger behind the pilot to tap him on the shoulder. Frenay removes his large headphones to hear. Arent you going to shut that door? the backseat passenger asks. The young pilots response is matter of fact. I will before takeoff. Gets too hot in here if I do it now, he shouts to the back seat. Thats a typical passenger reaction, says Frenay. And far from scary for someone who has become a bit of a veteran on this route, even though hes only been in the job five months. Later, sitting in the pilots room at Tinian airport, he recounts a more harrowing experience, one of the airlines discovery flights, 25-minute charter tours above Saipan, where tourists get a chance to take the controls. They get to fly the plane themselves. We have no hands on the controls. Its all them, Frenay says. Well, for the most part. The tourists dont take off or land and they cant touch the throttle or the rudder. But Frenay says the yoke (steering wheel) enables then to get a full range of motion in the small plane. How would Frenay describe his first experience with this? I was absolutely terrified! The Chinese tourists have seen Top Gun, the classic 1980s film in which Tom Cruise plays a US Navy pilot and F-14 jet fighters zoom about the sky in gravity defying stunts. Sometimes, they expect a similar experience, to feel the need for speed as they say in the film. But the small Cessna 172 propeller plane Frenay uses on these flights goes about 130 mph (209 kph). Cruises F-14 did almost 1,800 mph (2,900 kph). Its sooooo slow, the tourists will say. Something was lost in translation, Frenay deadpans. That momentary customer disappointment well may be the price Frenay and his fellow fliers pay for celebrity status at least in China. Tourists like to go home and share their experiences with pictures on Chinese social media sites like Weibo, says Shaun Christian, president the airline founded by his father, Robert Christian, in 2008. We have requests for pilots by name, he says. Even pilots who havent been with us for four years. A pilot incubator George Haines, 48, Star Marianas assistant director of operations, says he can attest to the movie-star feel passengers bring. He pulls his cell phone from his pocket and produces a picture. Hes flanked by four tourists, all who came dressed as pilots, all giving a thumbs up. You can see their uniforms are better than mine, he says. Despite their sometimes celebrity status, the pilots of Star Marianas dont usually stick around for long. Most have just obtained their commercial pilots licenses, which require 250 hours of cockpit experience. Thats not enough to land a job at a major airline or even a regional carrier in the U.S. But its plenty for Star Marianas, which sees itself as sort of a pilot incubator, according to Christian. Pilots fly around 70 hours a month, so they can build experience quickly. Christian says the excitement in learning to fly, getting a commercial license, getting a first aviation job, can wear off quickly when it becomes a work routine. We have to make sure they dont start becoming complacent or that they start to find interesting and exciting things to do with the airplane to get that excitement back, he says. The company funds activities like scuba diving or ATV treks to make sure theres an outlet. Dallas Brissett, a 26-year-old former flight attendant from Utah, is just on her third day as a Star Marianas pilot and ready for the challenge. She says shes here because its character building because its in the middle of the ocean. And in a year or so on the job, she, like the other pilots, can reach the 1,500 flight hours needed for regional carriers. Im definitely a way better pilot now than when I first got here, says Prevag Lukovic, a Serbia-born 29-year-old who grew up in Milwaukee and has been with Star Marianas since May 2019. He says he wants to fly for a cargo airline when he finishes his stint in the Pacific. And Star Marianas pilots get some eclectic cargo experience. Planes might carry everything from tractor tires to a huge bag of Big Macs on one flight. Sitting in the waiting area of the Saipan International Airport commuter terminal is a woman with a stack of boxes of Winchells doughnuts, which is a popular spot on the island of 50,000 residents. Christian says shell be taking them back for family and friends on Tinian, which only has a population of around 3,000 people and no doughnut shop of its own. Another flight might carry bread and other baked goods, he says. But Star Marianas had to draw the line at cakes. We tried our best but sometimes even during the car ride from the bakery to here (Saipan airport) there will be damage to the cake, he says. When it gets to the consignee over on Tinian, well, they want their money back for the shipping, they want their money back for the cake. We dont know of any other airline in the world that accepts cakes in this condition for shipment. Were probably going to have to yield to their better judgment and not do that, Christian says. WASHINGTON (AP) The U.S. militarys 20th strike on a boat accused of transporting drugs has killed four people in the Caribbean Sea, the U.S. military said Friday, coming as the Trump administration escalates its campaign in South American waters. The latest strike happened Monday, according to a social media post on Friday by U.S. Southern Command, which oversees military operations in the Caribbean and Latin America. The latest strike brings the death toll from the attacks that began in September to 80, with the Mexican Navy suspending its search for a survivor of a strike in late October after four days. Southern Commands post on X shows a boat speeding over water before its engulfed in flames. The command said intelligence confirmed the vessel was involved in illicit narcotics smuggling, transiting along a known narco-trafficking route, and carrying narcotics. Southern Commands post marked a shift away from Defense Secretary Pete Hegseths practice of typically announcing the attacks on social media, although he quickly reposted Southern Commands statement. Hegseth had announced the previous two strikes on Monday after they had been carried out on Sunday. Meanwhile, the Trump administration is expanding the U.S. militarys already large presence in the region by bringing in the USS Gerald R. Ford aircraft carrier. The nations most advanced warship is expected to arrive in the coming days after traveling from the Mediterranean Sea. Hegseth on Thursday formally named the mission Operation Southern Spear, emphasizing the growing significance and permanence of the militarys presence in the region. Once the Ford arrives, the mission will encompass nearly a dozen Navy ships as well about 12,000 sailors and Marines. The Trump administration has insisted that the buildup of warships is focused on stopping the flow of drugs into the U.S., but it has released no evidence to support its assertions that those killed in the boats were narcoterrorists. The strikes have targeted vessels largely in the Caribbean Sea but also have taken place in the eastern Pacific Ocean, where much of the cocaine from the worlds largest producers is smuggled. Some observers say the aircraft carrier is a big new tool of intimidation against Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, who faces charges of narcoterrorism in the U.S. Experts disagree on whether American warplanes may bomb land targets to pressure Maduro to step down. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says the U.S. doesnt recognize Maduro, who was widely accused of stealing last years election, as the leader of Venezuela and has called the government a transshipment organization that openly cooperates with those trafficking drugs toward the U.S. Maduro has said the U.S. government is fabricating a war against him. Venezuelas government this week touted a massive mobilization of troops and civilians to defend against possible U.S. attacks. Trump has justified the attacks by saying the United States is in armed conflict with drug cartels and claiming the boats are operated by foreign terror organizations that are flooding Americas cities with drugs. Lawmakers, including Republicans, have pressed for more information on who is being targeted and the legal justification for the strikes. Rubio and Hegseth met with a bipartisan group of lawmakers who oversee national security issues last week, providing one of the first high-level glimpses into the legal rationale and strategy behind the strikes. Senate Republicans voted a day later to reject legislation that would have put a check on Trumps ability to launch an attack against Venezuela without congressional authorization. By BEN FINLEY Associated Press By Stephen Blank Just as Pakistan and Afghanistan agreed to a cease-fire on October 19, representatives of the Taliban were in New Delhi reviving Indias long-standing ties with Afghanistan, demonstrating the interconnections between Afghanistan, Central Asia as a region, and the rivalries that drive Asian politics, i.e. the Indo-Pakistani-China triangle. In turn, this signifies the regions increasing importance to major external actors as well as the growing importance and agency of Central Asian states. Credit: Wikimedia Commons BACKGROUND: Indias rapprochement with Afghanistan follows the examples of China, Russia, and Central Asian states. Although Pakistan promoted the Taliban during the insurgency against the U.S., their relations have deteriorated since 2021. Pakistan has increasingly charged the Taliban with sheltering and supporting the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), a militant group responsible for a surge of deadly attacks inside Pakistan. This tension has led to frequent and sometimes deadly border clashes, airstrikes, and the repatriation of Afghan refugees from Pakistan. Despite the latest cease-fire, continued tensions can be expected along the Afghan-Pakistan border. There are compelling reasons for India and Afghanistan to resume ties and connections, e.g., air flights from New Delhi to Kabul. Prior to the Taliban takeover, India had a thriving, strategically motivated, relationship with Afghanistan. India is in a permanent state of tension with Pakistan, which continues to sponsor terrorist attacks on India, while China supports Pakistan to prevent India from rivalling it as an Asian great power. These two states have consistently sought with considerable success to isolate India from Central Asia, thereby giving China a freer hand in the region. Pakistan has long strived to have hegemonic influence over Afghan governments. It previously sponsored the Taliban against the pro-Western and pro-Indian Karzai and subsequent governments in Afghanistan. Consequently, as Taliban ties to Pakistan eroded and the need for economic support from abroad grew, India has emulated other actors in Central Asia to resume ties with Afghanistan. India, Central Asian governments, Russia, and China have congruent economic-political reasons for restoring ties to Kabul. The same is true for Washington, although to a lesser degree. All these governments have concluded that if they wish to prevent the Afghan government from sponsoring terrorism, whether against Russia, Uzbekistan, or China, they must engage seriously, and enter into diplomatic relations, with Afghanistan. Similarly, by virtue of its geographical location Afghanistan is instrumental to transcontinental trade and transportation routes, including the Middle Corridor and Belt and Road, leading from China through Central Asia to Europe. The construction of such corridors is now one of the most urgent issues on the agenda for these states, making a reasonably secure and robust economic engagement with Afghanistan a necessity for both Central Asian states and China. As a result of this awareness, we now see numerous proposals for a railway and other transportation routes connecting Central Asia and China. The Afghan government also evidently grasps the need for secure and thriving economic links with its Central Asian neighbors, China, and Russia. The enhanced understanding on all sides of the urgent need for improved connectivity obliges foreign governments to press for an end to support for terrorists. It remains to be seen if Kabul can or will terminate this support. If it does not, it will be shunned by its neighbors and potential partners. Great power interest in Afghanistan is also fueled by the fact that previous international studies estimate that Afghanistan is sitting on an estimated US$ 1 trillion of rare earths and minerals. As access to these goods has now become a central issue in global politics, and especially Sino-American relations, there is an intensifying competition to gain secure and uncontested access to them. Once again, Afghanistan could become a central arena for great power rivalry. Moscow needs good ties to Kabul to reinforce its overall Central Asian policy goals and prevent domestic terrorism; and also aspires to sell arms to Kabul. Soviet arms sales provided the basis for its earlier influence in Afghanistan, and Russia hopes to repeat this especially as it has little to offer economically compared to Beijing and Washington. The Trump Administration, apart from its growing obsession with rare earths, wants to regain access to Bagram Air Base to monitor Chinese military developments. IMPLICATIONS: Rising interest in ties with Afghanistan across the board opens the way for the Taliban to play the traditional small state game of hedging and balancing among competing foreign governments. However, the developments outlined above tell us things about Central Asia that are prospectively much more important. First, Central Asian states that are displaying ever more interest in regional cooperation and integration now acknowledge that their region is incomplete if Afghanistan does not or cannot participate in it. This insight applies with equal force to economic issues as well as security concerns. For them, no discussion of the regional future is complete without including Afghanistan. Therefore, they are promoting bilateral and regional plans for projects to expand trade, transport, and technology projects to Afghanistan. Second, it appears that all of the major foreign state actors appreciate the fact that for economic, political, and strategic reasons they all need to engage not only Afghanistan but the entire region. This awareness enhances their mutual rivalries throughout Central Asia but also prospects for Central Asian states to acquire much needed foreign assistance, on better terms than if they were dependent on only one foreign provider. This foreign rivalry enhances their economic and security capabilities while also creating a possibility to pacify Afghanistans domestic and foreign policies. However, as is often the case, these potential benefits come at a price. Although Central Asian states, India, China, Russia, and the U.S, are all engaging Afghanistan, it is unlikely that they can induce it to stop supporting terrorism even if it is directed at Pakistan, itself a known supporter of terrorism. Thus, Central Asian states that depend to some degree on the economic-political development of Afghanistan cannot escape involvement in the tangled relations of South Asia. To the extent that Central Asian states hope to include Afghanistan in their future projects this involvement is unavoidable. Meanwhile, Pakistan and China work steadily to impede Indias engagement with Central Asia. Chinese analysts increasingly frame the Pakistan-Afghanistan tensions with reference to a wider Indian role as manifested in Indias ties to Afghanistan. Pakistan fears such connections and strongly objected to the references to Jammu and Kashmir in the Indo-Afghan communique. Moreover, Uzbekistan is now expressing its interest in obtaining a permanent berth at the Iranian port of Chabahar in Iran. It has held meetings with Iranian and Indian officials to gain this position because this port, apart from figuring prominently in Irans regional commercial ambitions, is critical to Indias efforts to leapfrog or bypass Pakistani obstruction of its Central Asian policies. The entanglement in South Asias rivalries is part of a larger trend where Central Asia is increasingly tied to developments in other regions. Central Asian economies are profoundly affected by the war in Ukraine. Similarly, there is mounting interest in Central Asian countries joining the Abraham Accords, a move that increases their political and strategic involvement in the Middle East on top of their growing economic ties with states of the Persian Gulf. CONCLUSIONS: The impending Sino-American rivalry over rare earths cannot but draw Central Asian states, including Afghanistan, into the Sino-American, and possibly Sino-European tensions. Thus, what we are now seeing in the spillover of South Asian tensions into Central Asia and vice versa, given the TTP raids into Pakistan, signify the full arrival and agency of Central Asian states as individual and regional actors of more than local significance. These trends will undoubtedly continue but how they develop depends on the actions of all the relevant policymakers involved. While those actions cannot be foreseen, Central Asian states will not be merely the object of other states designs but independent actors whose policies, be they support for terrorism or large-scale connectivity projects, will impact trends far beyond their borders. AUTHORS BIO: Stephen Blank is a Senior Fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute, www.fpri.org. NEW YORK (AP) Acceding to President Donald Trumps demands, U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi said Friday that she has ordered a top federal prosecutor to investigate sex offender Jeffrey Epsteins ties to Trump political foes, including former President Bill Clinton. Bondi posted on X that she was assigning Manhattan U.S. Attorney Jay Clayton to lead the probe, capping an eventful week in which congressional Republicans released nearly 23,000 pages of documents from Epsteins estate and House Democrats seized on emails mentioning Trump. Trump, who was friends with Epstein for years, didnt explain what supposed crimes he wanted the Justice Department to investigate. None of the men he mentioned in a social media post demanding the probe has been accused of sexual misconduct by any of Epsteins victims. Hours before Bondis announcement, Trump posted on his Truth Social platform that he would ask her, the Justice Department and the FBI to investigate Epsteins involvement and relationship with Clinton and others, including former Treasury Secretary Larry Summers and LinkedIn founder and Democratic donor Reid Hoffman. Trump, calling the matter the Epstein Hoax, involving Democrats, not Republicans, said the investigation should also include financial giant JPMorgan Chase, which provided banking services to Epstein, and many other people and institutions. This is another Russia, Russia, Russia Scam, with all arrows pointing to the Democrats, the Republican president wrote, referring to special counsel Robert Muellers investigation of alleged Russian interference in Trumps 2016 election victory over Bill Clintons wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. Asked later Friday whether he should be ordering up such investigations, Trump told reporters aboard Air Force One: Im the chief law enforcement officer of the country. Im allowed to do it. In a July memo regarding the Epstein investigation, the FBI said, We did not uncover evidence that could predicate an investigation against uncharged third parties. The presidents demand for an investigation and Bondis quick acquiescence is the latest example of the erosion of the Justice Departments traditional independence from the White House since Trump took office. It is also an extraordinary attempt at deflection. For decades, Trump himself has been scrutinized for his closeness to Epstein though like the people he now wants investigated, he has not been accused of sexual misconduct by Epsteins victims. None of Trumps proposed targets were accused of sex crimes A JPMorgan Chase spokesperson, Patricia Wexler, said the company regretted associating with Epstein but did not help him commit his heinous acts. The government had damning information about his crimes and failed to share it with us or other banks, she said. The company agreed previously to pay millions of dollars to Epsteins victims, who had sued arguing that the bank ignored red flags about criminal activity. Clinton has acknowledged traveling on Epsteins private jet but has said through a spokesperson that he had no knowledge of the late financiers crimes. He also has never been accused of misconduct by Epsteins known victims. Clintons deputy chief of staff Angel Urena posted on X Friday: These emails prove Bill Clinton did nothing and knew nothing. The rest is noise meant to distract from election losses, backfiring shutdowns, and who knows what else. Epstein pleaded guilty in Florida in 2008 to soliciting prostitution from an underage girl, but was spared a long jail term when the U.S. attorney in Florida agreed not to prosecute him over allegations that he had paid many other children for sexual acts. After serving about a year in jail and a work release program, Epstein resumed his business and social life until federal prosecutors in New York revived the case in 2019. Epstein killed himself while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges. Summers and Hoffman had nothing to do with either case, but both were friendly with Epstein and exchanged emails with him. Those messages were among the documents released this week, along with other correspondence Epstein had with friends and business associates in the years before his death. Nothing in the messages suggested any wrongdoing on the mens part, other than associating with someone who had been accused of sex crimes against children. Summers, who served in Clintons cabinet and is a former Harvard University president, previously said in a statement that he has great regrets in my life and that my association with Jeffrey Epstein was a major error of judgement. On social media Friday night, Hoffman called for Trump to release all the Epstein files, saying they will show that the calls for baseless investigations of me are nothing more than political persecution and slander. He added, I was never a client of Epsteins and never had any engagement with him other than fundraising for MIT. Hoffman bankrolled writer E. Jean Carrolls sexual abuse and defamation lawsuit against Trump. After Epsteins sex trafficking arrest in 2019, Hoffman said hed only had a few interactions with Epstein, all related to his fundraising for MITs Media Lab. He nevertheless apologized, saying that by agreeing to participate in any fundraising activity where Epstein was present, I helped to repair his reputation and perpetuate injustice. Bondi, in her post, praised Clayton as one of the most capable and trusted prosecutors in the country and said the Justice Department will pursue this with urgency and integrity to deliver answers to the American people. Trump called Clayton a great man, a great attorney, though he said Bondi chose him for the job. Clayton, the chairman of the Securities and Exchange Commission during Trumps first term, took over in April as U.S. attorney for the Southern District of New York the same office that indicted Epstein and won a sex trafficking conviction against Epsteins longtime confidante, Ghislaine Maxwell, in 2021. Trump changes course on Epstein files Trump suggested while campaigning last year that hed seek to open up the governments case files on Epstein, but changed course in recent months, blaming Democrats and painting the matter as a hoax amid questions about what knowledge he may have had about Epsteins yearslong exploitation of underage girls. On Wednesday, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee released three Epstein email exchanges that referenced Trump, including one from 2019 in which Epstein said the president knew about the girls and asked Maxwell to stop. White House spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt accused Democrats of having selectively leaked emails to smear Trump. Soon after, Republicans on the committee disclosed a far bigger trove of Epsteins email correspondence, including messages he sent to longtime Trump ally Steve Bannon and to Britains former Prince Andrew, now known as Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor. Andrew settled a lawsuit out of court with one of Epsteins victims, who said she had been paid to have sex with the prince. The House is speeding toward a vote next week to force the Justice Department to release all files and communications related to Epstein. I dont care about it, release or not, Trump said Friday. If youre going to do it, then you have to go into Epsteins friends, he added, naming Clinton and Hoffman. Still, he said: This is a Democrat hoax. And a couple, a few Republicans have gone along with it because theyre weak and ineffective. __ Bedayn reported from Denver. Associated Press writer Chris Megerian aboard Air Force One contributed to this report. By MICHAEL R. SISAK and JESSE BEDAYN Associated Press WASHINGTON (AP) President Donald Trump announced Friday that he was scrapping U.S. tariffs on beef, coffee, tropical fruits and a broad swath of other commodities a dramatic move that comes amid mounting pressure on his administration to better combat high consumer prices. Trump has built his second term around imposing steep levies on goods imported into the U.S. in hopes of encouraging domestic production and lifting the U.S. economy. His abrupt retreat from his signature tariff policy on so many staples key to the American diet is significant, and it comes after voters in off-year elections this month cited economic concerns as their top issue, resulting in big wins for Democrats in Virginia, New Jersey and other key races around the country. We just did a little bit of a rollback on some foods like coffee, Trump said aboard Air Force One as he flew to Florida hours after the tariff announcement was made. Pressed on his tariffs helping to increase consumer prices, Trump acknowledged, I say they may, in some cases have that effect. But to a large extent theyve been borne by other countries, the president added. Meanwhile, inflation despite Trumps pronouncements that it has vanished since he took office in January remains elevated, further increasing pressure on U.S. consumers. The Trump administration has insisted that its tariffs had helped fill government coffers and werent a major factor in higher prices at grocery stores around the country. But Democrats were quick to paint Fridays move as an acknowledgement that Trumps policies were hurting American pocketbooks. President Trump is finally admitting what we always knew: his tariffs are raising prices for the American people, Virginia Democratic Rep. Don Beyer said in a statement. After getting drubbed in recent elections because of voters fury that Trump has broken his promises to fix inflation, the White House is trying to cast this tariff retreat as a pivot to affordability.' Grocery bill worries Trump slapped tariffs on most countries around the globe in April. He and his administration still say that tariffs dont increase consumer prices, despite economic evidence to the contrary. Record-high beef prices have been a particular concern, and Trump had said he intended to take action to try and lower them. Trumps tariffs on Brazil, a major beef exporter, had been a factor. Trump signed an executive order that also removes tariffs on tea, fruit juice, cocoa, spices, bananas, oranges, tomatoes and certain fertilizers. Some of the products covered arent produced in the United States, meaning that tariffs meant to spur domestic production had little effect. But reducing the tariffs will still likely mean lower prices for U.S. consumers. The Food Industry Association, which represents retailers, producers and a variety of related industry firms and services, applauded Trumps move to provide swift tariff relief, noting that import U.S. taxes are an important factor in a complex mix of supply chain issues. President Trumps proclamation to reduce tariffs on a substantial volume of food imports is a critical step ensuring continued adequate supply at prices consumers can afford, the association said in a statement. In explaining the tariff reductions, the White House said Friday that some of the original levies Trump relished imposing on nearly every country on earth months ago were actually no longer necessary given the trade agreements hed since hammered out with key U.S. trading partners. Indeed, Fridays announcement follows the Trump administration having reached framework agreements with Ecuador, Guatemala, El Salvador and Argentina meant to increase the ability of U.S. firms to sell industrial and agricultural products in these countries, while also potentially easing tariffs on agricultural products produced there. During an interview that aired earlier in the week with Laura Ingraham of Fox News Channel, Trump hinted that lower tariffs might be coming. Coffee, were going to lower some tariffs, the president said then. Were going to have some coffee come in. Tariff checks? Despite pulling back on so many tariffs, Trump used his comments aboard Air Force One on Friday night to repeat his past assertions that his administration would use revenue the federal government has collected from import levies to fund $2,000 checks for many Americans. The president suggested such checks could be issued in 2026, but was vague on timing, saying only, Sometime during the year. Trump, however, also said federal tariff revenue might be used to pay down national debt raising questions about how much federal funding would be needed to do both. Trump rejected suggestions that attempting direct payments to Americans could exacerbate inflation concerns even as he suggested that similar checks offered during the coronavirus pandemic, and by previous administrations to stimulate the economy, had that very effect. This is money earned as opposed to money that was made up, Trump said. Everybody but the rich will get this. Thats not made up. Thats real money. That comes from other countries. __ Associated Press writer Chris Megerian on Air Force One contributed to this report. By WILL WEISSERT Associated Press The Republican leader of the Indiana state Senate announced Friday that his chamber will no longer meet in December as planned to vote on redistricting, citing a lack of support from his members even after months of pressure from the White House. The announcement greatly diminishes the likelihood of redistricting the Midwest state. Indiana is the second Republican state to recently resist the push from President Donald Trump to create new congressional maps that would favor Republican candidates in the 2026 elections. Over the last several months, Senate Republicans have given very serious and thoughtful consideration to the concept of redrawing our states congressional maps, Indiana Senate President Pro Tem Rodric Bray said in a statement. Today, Im announcing there are not enough votes to move that idea forward, and the Senate will not reconvene in December. Indiana Republicans, who hold a supermajority in both legislative chambers, have been under pressure to redraw the states congressional districts since August. Vice President JD Vance has made two trips to Indianapolis to speak with lawmakers and legislative leaders have met with Trump in the Oval Office. Republicans currently outnumber Democrats in Indianas congressional delegation 7-2. Those in favor of redistricting Indiana often point to Democratic states with none or few congressional Republicans as a reason to make Indianas map entirely red. While Trump won Indiana by 19 percentage points in the 2024 election, many Indiana Republicans have balked at the idea of gerrymandering. Some said it could backfire politically, while others generally considered it to be unethical. State Sen. Kyle Walker, a Republican, announced in a statement Thursday that he would not support redistricting, saying the overwhelming majority of his constituents are against it. After Vances second visit to Indianapolis, Bray said his caucus did not have the votes for the measure to succeed. An uncertain future for redistricting efforts Gov. Mike Braun, a Republican and ally to Trump, called for a special session on redistricting last month to force a vote. State lawmakers in both chambers decided to take up the issue by starting the 2026 regular session early in December in an extremely rare scheduling maneuver, saying it would offset the cost of a special session. Our state senators need to do the right thing and show up to vote for fair maps, Braun said in a statement Friday. Hoosiers deserve to know where their elected officials stand on important issues. The Senates rejection means that lawmakers might not be able to redistrict at all before the 2026 midterm elections. Lawmakers in both chambers will convene for their regular session in January, but the deadline to file to run for Congress in Indiana is in early February. Republican state Sen. Liz Brown, who is in favor of redistricting, said in a statement that Republicans should consider all options for getting redistricting back on the table. With just 10 Democrats in the 50-member Senate, that means more than 15 Republicans oppose the idea. Republicans in the Indiana House have enough votes in support of new congressional maps, but it is unclear if the chamber will still meet in December to vote on redistricting as previously planned. Democratic Indiana lawmakers framed Brays announcement as the end of redistricting. I want to thank Senator Bray and all the Republican and Democratic members of the Indiana Statehouse who held firm on Hoosier values, said U.S. Rep. Andre Carson, a Democrat representing Indianapolis, in a social media post. Carsons district would likely be a target of redistricting. Redistricting in other states Trump wants Republican-led states to redraw congressional districts to boost the partys chances of winning more seats in next years congressional elections. The stakes are high, because Democrats need to gain just three seats to win control of the House and impede Trumps agenda. Trumps trying to buck historical trends, in which the presidents party typically loses seats in the midterms. Republican-led legislatures or commissions in Texas, Missouri, North Carolina and Ohio all have adopted news districts designed to boost Republicans chances in next years elections. Voters in California have countered by adopting new districts drawn to improve Democrats chances of winning more seats. And the Democratic-led Virginia General Assembly also has taken a step toward redistricting with a proposed constitutional amendment. But Indiana is the second state with a Republican-led legislature to drop plans for a redistricting session, despite pressure from Trump to do it. While struggling to round up enough support, Kansas House Speaker Dan Hawkins announced earlier this month that Republican lawmakers were ending a petition drive to call themselves into special session for congressional redistricting. Recent redistricting efforts also have stalled in some Democratic states despite pressure from national party leaders. Illinois lawmakers declined to take up congressional redistricting during an October session, because of concerns that redrawing the already heavily Democratic districts to try to gain yet another seat could weaken representation for Black voters. That came despite a personal visit from U.S. House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and support for redistricting from the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. In Maryland, where Democrats already hold seven of the eight U.S. House seats, Democratic Senate President Bill Ferguson said last month that his chamber wont move forward with redistricting. He expressed concerns that an attempt to draw eight Democratic districts could backfire with losses in other districts and lead even more Republican-led states to retaliate with their own redistricting. But Maryland Gov. Wes Moore, a Democrat, kept the effort alive this month by forming a commission to consider mid-decade redistricting. ___ Volmert reported from Lansing, Michigan. Lieb reported from Jefferson City, Missouri. By ISABELLA VOLMERT and DAVID A. LIEB Associated Press Two Northern California tribes announced Wednesday that they signed a treaty last month, committing to jointly restore the Eel River and its fish populations. Leaders from the Round Valley Indian Tribes in Mendocino County and the Yurok Tribe in Del Norte and Humboldt counties met at the Eel River Canyon Preserve in Trinity County last month to sign the Treaty of Friendship. The agreement commits the tribes to restoring the river and rebuilding its declining fish populations as Pacific Gas & Electric moves to decommission the Potter Valley Project hydroelectric systems Scott Dam in Mendocino County and Cape Horn (also known as Van Arsdale) Dam in Lake County. According to the tribes, the dams have long damaged the Eel River ecosystem and blocked access to critical fish habitat. Dam removal, expected to begin in 2028, will allow the river to flow freely again through the ancestral lands of the Round Valley Indian Tribes, a confederation of seven tribes based near Covelo in unincorporated Mendocino County. Based in Del Norte and Humboldt counties, the Yurok Tribe is the largest federally recognized tribe in California. It will share its extensive experience in dam removal and river habitat restoration after it helped lead the restoration of the Klamath River, including the 202324 removal of four Klamath River dams in California and Oregon. The treaty was signed by Yurok tribal chairman Joseph L. James and Round Valley Indian Tribes president Joe Parker. The leaders said the treaty is both a practical agreement for ecological restoration and a symbol of shared cultural values. The Eel River is our lifeblood and when it suffers, our people suffer, Parker said. We are pleased to join with the Yurok Tribe, which is the leader in restoring the Klamath River through dam removal, revegetation, and habitat restoration, he added. With this partnership, we hope all Native tribes around the world will be motivated to stand up and fight for their culture and rights. ___ This story was originally published by The Mendocino Voice and distributed through a partnership with The Associated Press. By SARAH STIERCH/The Mendocino Voice The Mendocino Voice Mount Everest, standing 8,848.86 meters tall, has long symbolized permanence and awe. Yet, the mountain now tells a story of retreat and alarm. Recent studies and climbers observations show that glaciers near its summit and along upper ridges are shrinking faster than ever. Ice core samples reveal that snow and frost layers built up over two millennia have almost vanished within a single generation. This loss raises urgent questions about water supply, political stability, and the future of the billions who depend on mountain-fed rivers. Researchers returning to old camps note changes far beyond surface appearances. The natural rhythm between accumulation and loss has shifted. The once-stable balance of freeze and thaw is rewriting itself. Everest, once a symbol of endurance, now acts as a thermometer measuring global warming. Field data show this transformation in stark numbers. On the South Col Glacier, ice thickness has dropped about 55 meters in just 25 years. As snow cover thins, darker ice and exposed rock absorb more heat, accelerating melt and vapor loss. These processes feed on each other, driving faster change than early climate models predicted. In the winter of 2024, the mean snow line around Everest rose above 6,000 meters a sustained height rarely seen before. This rise signals a warmer, drier environment that affects how water is stored and released on the mountain. When the view widens to the entire Hindu Kush Himalaya, the pattern is even more alarming. International research teams report that glaciers across the region have receded faster in the past decade than in any earlier period. Projections suggest that glaciers feeding the Everest watershed could lose between 70 and 99 percent of their volume by 2100, depending on global warming trends. Even the lower end of this range would severely disrupt downstream water flows. These are not distant threats. As permafrost thaws and frozen ground loses stability, the risk of landslides, avalanches, and glacial lake outburst floods (GLOFs) increases sharply. When ice retreats, it first raises flood hazards and later reduces the steady meltwater that sustains rivers, hydroelectric dams, and irrigation systems. The danger begins locally but quickly spreads regionally when power output drops and harvests fail due to unpredictable water supplies. Related story Artificial Intelligence Conference: AI welcomes guests and part... Everest acts as a water tower for millions. Its meltwater feeds major rivers that support agriculture and urban life across South Asia. The United Nations warns that rapid glacier loss could threaten water and food security for up to two billion people. The issue, therefore, extends far beyond mountaineering; it concerns global stability. The economic and cultural effects are immediate. Nepali tourism and mountaineering rely on predictable weather and safe routes. As glaciers recede, climbing seasons shorten and risks increase. Sherpa communities, whose livelihoods depend on guiding and logistics, face growing uncertainty. Downstream, communities must now endure alternating floods and droughts, doubling the scale of hardship and threatening traditional practices tied to stable seasonal cycles. Technology, however, offers new tools to respond. Data-driven systems can combine satellite imagery, glacier mass balance measurements, weather records, and terrain analysis to create early warning frameworks for avalanches and GLOFs. Artificial intelligence (AI), when integrated with physical climate models, can produce faster and more localized forecasts. These predictive tools can help communities act before disasters strike, not after. AI can also support other sectors. Smart grids powered by predictive algorithms can optimize hydropower generation as water levels fluctuate. Precision agriculture can reduce waste and improve drought resilience. Remote sensing can identify forest loss and greenhouse gas sources, guiding conservation efforts. Together, these technologies can help Nepal adapt to a rapidly changing mountain environment. Yet, technology alone is not enough. AI systems depend on open, standardized, high-quality data something still lacking in high-altitude regions. Large computational models also consume significant energy, raising the need for green computing solutions that minimize emissions. Without ethical design and inclusive governance, advanced tools risk deepening inequality rather than solving it. A responsible strategy must therefore combine technology with ethics and collaboration. Nepal could lead by establishing a Smart Mountain Climate Hub a national platform linking monitoring tools, data storage, and community networks. The hub could issue algorithm-driven early warnings for avalanches and glacial lake floods, protecting residents and visitors alike. Coupled with green energy projects, such as hydro and solar plants optimized through AI, it would strengthen resilience while reducing emissions. Education and diplomacy are equally vital. Regional data-sharing partnerships could improve snow and glacier monitoring across the Himalaya. Universities could expand programs in climate science, sensor technology, and remote sensing to train a new generation of Nepali experts. In this process, respect for local knowledge especially Sherpa ecological traditions must remain central. Communities should be active participants in decision-making, not passive subjects of research. Climate justice must guide these efforts. Countries like Nepal, which contribute little to global greenhouse gas emissions, face some of the gravest consequences. Wealthier nations therefore have a moral and practical obligation to support adaptation, technology transfer, and climate finance. These resources must flow through transparent frameworks that prioritize local ownership and readiness. International AI for Climate programs already show what is possible. They share technology, build institutions, and train people to use advanced tools responsibly. Nepals experience living with and protecting the Himalaya gives it a unique voice in global climate diplomacy. With strong leadership and partnerships, the country could model how technology and tradition can coexist in safeguarding the planets high places. On the ground, Nepal has already shown operational readiness. Joint teams have cleared heavy snow from helicopter pads at Annapurna Base Camp and Manang, helping tourists and residents alike. These examples prove that preparedness saves lives but also show the need for predictive systems that anticipate crises rather than merely respond to them. The world faces a stark choice. We can continue as before, letting Everests ice vanish and with it the stability of billions. Or we can use science, artificial intelligence, and cooperation to reshape the outcome. With a Smart Mountain Climate Hub, open data systems, early warning networks, and ethical governance, Nepal could lead the way in protecting the Himalaya and the rivers, cultures, and futures that depend on them. KATHMANDU, Nov 14: Nepal Polices 79,000-strong force has a new commander. Dan Bahadur Karki of Gulmi was appointed the 33rd Inspector General of Police (IGP) on Thursday, taking charge for the next two years and five months. Karki outpaced three contendersRajan Adhikari, Dr Manoj KC, and Siddhi Bikram Shahwhile still serving as a DIG. The senior-most candidate now assumes leadership at a moment when the government itself emerged from the heat and upheaval of the Gen Z movement. That context shaped the Cabinets decision earlier this week to elevate him. His appointment comes with heavy shadows from recent history. On September 9, the second day of the Gen Z protests, Karki reached the Kathmandu Valley Police Office (KVPO) to take command. Within hours, Kathmandu plunged into unprecedented violence. Protesters attacked police officers across the city. Three officers were killed. Scenes of policemen being stripped, beaten, and police offices set ablaze left a stigma that still lingers. During the fire at the Metropolitan Police Circle in Maharajgunj, Karki told Nepali Army Headquarters that he would rather take his own life than fail to rescue trapped officers. Outgoing IGP Chandra Kuber Khapung then sought help from the Nepali Army, which airlifted the officers to safety. Karki is no stranger to crises. Having begun his career amid the Maoist insurgency, he has carried its scars throughout his 27-year service. On September 8, he witnessed students being killed by police bullets during the Gen Z uprising; the next day, he saw colleagues being brutally attacked. As an AIG, he confronted mobs attempting to burn police personnel alive inside their own offices. Related story IGP Thapa retires, Khapung to assume command from Thursday On Thursday at the Ministry of Home Affairs, while addressing the ceremony after receiving his IGP insignia, his voice broke. Memories from the insurgency and the recent uprisingof colleagues lost and institutions under siegeoverwhelmed him. Over 26 years, he has served in 25 police offices, facing both upheavals and moments of resilience. Now, all eyes are on how he will steer the institution through its most fragile phase. His test as IGP starts now. For the next 29 months, his decisions will be judged not only from within the force but by citizens across the country. Fairness, impartiality, and merit-based leadership will test his resolve. If he sidelines AIGs who were once his competitors, his own support system could cracksomething he is expected to understand well, having worked earlier inside the IGP Secretariat. He steps in when morale within the Nepal Police is at its lowest. Questions about the value of joining the service are rising. Resources are scarce. Police officers are compelled to carry lethal weapons provided by the army because the Nepal Police has long been unable to procure its own. Political interference and middlemen have repeatedly stalled arms procurement. After the Gen Z movement, the government continues to assign heavy responsibilities, but with limited tools. Ensuring peace and security during the upcoming electionsan agenda the interim government calls its top prioritywill test the forces capacity. Many within the institution say the police morale is weaker now than ever in history. The losses from the September 89 protests remain staggering: three police personnel killed, 450 police offices vandalized or torched, uniforms looted, weapons seized, and 98,000 rounds of ammunition still missing. The entire security apparatus, not just the police, has been shaken. The uprising exposed major security lapses, prompting scrutiny and blame. The interim government formed afterward appears intent on holding police accountablesometimes with an undertone of revenge. Investigation bodies have begun summoning security officials, pushing a narrative that the police institution failed. The damage extended far beyond law enforcement. The Supreme Court, Singha Durbar, district courts, the Attorney Generals Office, government buildings, Bhatbhateni supermarkets, political leaders homes, and vehicles were torched or destroyed. Human casualties added to the national trauma. Those involved in the violence of September 8 and the criminal acts of September 9 are gradually being identified. At the KVPO, Karkis team had arrested more than a hundred suspects based on evidence. But many were later released under pressure from the Home Ministry and individuals aligned with the Gen Z movement. If this continues, law enforcement risks becoming meaningless. If the firing on the 8th is defended as law enforcement, then those responsible for the violence on the 9th must also face legal scrutiny. Prime Minister Sushila Karki and Home Minister Om Prakash Aryal have publicly stated that the government will not interfere in policing. That leaves no room for hesitation for IGP Karki, who must navigate investigations on both sides. A government-formed commission led by former Special Court head Gauri Bahadur Karki will attempt to summon former Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and former Home Minister Ramesh Lekhak for statements. But Oli has already declared he will not testify. If he refuses to appear, police may be ordered to arrest himsomething the current leadership must be mentally prepared for. Meanwhile, CPN-UML has begun forming its own neighborhood-level security squads to mobilize supporters to Kathmandu should an arrest attempt be made. Their goal is clear: shield party chair Oli. If such confrontations erupt, the police will face severe security challenges. On top of that, thousands of looted police weapons remain missing. More than 5,000 inmatesincluding sharpshootersare still at large. If fresh unrest unfolds, these fugitives and stolen weapons could resurface, presenting yet another grave challenge for the new IGP. A gold pocket watch recovered from the body of one of the Titanics wealthiest passengers is expected to sell for 1 million at auction later this month. RMS Titanic The 18-carat Jules Jurgensen timepiece belonged to Isidor Straus, the Bavaria-born American businessman, politician and co-owner of Macys department store. Straus and his wife, Ida, were among more than 1,500 people who perished when the unsinkable liner struck an iceberg and went down in the early hours of 14 April 1912. Strauss body was recovered days later, and among his possessions was the gold watch - frozen at 02:20, the exact moment the Titanic slipped beneath the Atlantic. Believed to have been a gift from Ida in 1888, it is engraved with Strauss initials and has been carefully restored by his great-grandson, Kenneth Hollister Straus. Auctioneer Andrew Aldridge, of Henry Aldridge and Son in Wiltshire, said the watch is a phenomenal piece of memorabilia. He told BBC Radio Wiltshire: "With the watch, we are retelling Isidors story." On the night of the sinking, Ida famously refused a place in a lifeboat, telling her husband she would not leave him. Her body was never found. Their final moments together were later immortalised in James Camerons Titanic, where an elderly couple embrace as the ship floods. The watch will be sold alongside a rare letter Ida wrote aboard the liner on November 22. Describing the Titanics opulence, Ida said: "What a ship! So huge and so magnificently appointed the most luxurious. Franked on board and offloaded with mail at Queenstown, the letter is expected to fetch 150,000. The auction house says global interest has already been significant. If the estimate holds, Strauss watch will join the ranks of the most valuable Titanic artefacts ever sold - a list topped by the 1.56 million gold watch presented to the captain of the Carpathia, the ship that rescued survivors. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Abba holds profound significance in Muslim cultures, particularly in West Africa and the Middle East. Derived from Arabic roots meaning 'father,' it symbolizes paternal authority, wisdom, and protection. In many Muslim communities, the name is bestowed upon boys to honor the concept of fatherhood as a sacred responsibility and to invoke blessings of leadership and guidance. The name carries religious resonance as it reflects the Islamic emphasis on family structure and respect for elders, with the father figure representing stability and moral direction in the household. Historically, the name has been used by various Muslim leaders and scholars, reinforcing its association with authority and respect. In Hausa culture, which has significant Muslim populations across West Africa, 'Abba' is a common given name that often appears in combination with other names, reflecting the importance of paternal lineage. The name also appears in Islamic historical contexts, where figures named Abba contributed to the spread of Islam and establishment of Muslim communities. This cultural heritage makes the name particularly meaningful in Muslim societies where family honor and paternal leadership are highly valued. The personality of Acestes as depicted in classical sources reveals a complex leader characterized by practical wisdom, spiritual sensitivity, and exceptional diplomatic skill. His most prominent trait is profound hospitality, demonstrated when he welcomes the exhausted Trojan refugees without hesitation, providing them shelter, resources, and emotional support. This suggests a personality marked by empathy and generosity. The miraculous arrow incident reveals his connection to the divine and his acceptance of supernatural signs, indicating spiritual awareness and humility before higher powers. As a ruler, he demonstrates political acumen by maintaining stability in his kingdom while navigating complex relationships with both indigenous populations and foreign visitors. His ability to facilitate the funeral games for Anchises shows organizational skill and respect for tradition. Acestes embodies the ideal of the philosopher-king who rules with compassion while remaining attuned to both practical governance and spiritual realities. Cultural & Historical Significance Achaius holds a distinctive place in Scottish cultural history as a name that bridges ancient Celtic traditions with medieval Scottish identity. The name appears in early Scottish chronicles and clan histories, particularly associated with Pictish and Gaelic nobility. Its equine meaning reflects the profound importance of horses in Celtic society, where they symbolized status, mobility in warfare, and connection to the natural world. The legendary King Achaius of Scotland, said to have ruled in the 8th century, represents the name's historical weight, though modern scholarship questions his historical existence. Throughout Scottish history, the name has maintained an aristocratic aura, often appearing in clan genealogies and historical records as a marker of noble lineage and traditional values. The persistence of Achaius in Scottish naming traditions demonstrates the enduring power of Celtic cultural elements within Scotland's complex historical tapestry, serving as a linguistic artifact that connects modern Scots to their ancient heritage and the romanticized vision of medieval Scottish nobility. Individuals named Achelous are often perceived as possessing the fluid adaptability and persistent strength characteristic of flowing water. They may demonstrate remarkable resilience in facing obstacles, much like a river that finds alternative paths around barriers while maintaining its essential direction. The mythological associations suggest a personality capable of profound transformation and versatility, able to adapt to different situations while retaining core identity. Like the river god who could shift between human, serpent, and bull forms, those bearing this name might exhibit multifaceted talents and the ability to present different aspects of themselves as circumstances require. The dual nature of riversboth nurturing and dangerousmay manifest as a personality with deep emotional currents that can be both supportive and overwhelming. There's likely a strong connection to nature and natural cycles, with an intuitive understanding of flow and timing. The competitive aspect shown in Achelous's battle with Heracles suggests potential traits of determination and willingness to engage in challenges, though perhaps with a tendency toward stubbornness when principles are at stake. The enduring quality of rivers points to personality characteristics of patience, long-term vision, and the understanding that significant change often occurs gradually through consistent effort rather than sudden transformation. Individuals named Adniel are often perceived as spiritually inclined, compassionate, and community-oriented. They tend to exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with a gentle, nurturing disposition that makes them effective in roles requiring empathy and guidance. Typically, Adniels are known for their strong moral compass, loyalty to their communities, and ability to bring people together through their inclusive nature. Their connection to the meaning 'of God's flock' often manifests in their protective and caring attitude toward those in their circle. They frequently demonstrate patience and understanding in interpersonal relationships, making them valued friends and confidants. While they can be decisive when necessary, they generally prefer consensus-building approaches and are skilled at mediating conflicts. Their spiritual orientation often gives them a perspective that transcends immediate concerns, allowing them to provide wise counsel during challenging times. Individuals bearing the name Adorjan are typically perceived as possessing a refined and intellectual character, often displaying a natural elegance in their approach to life. They tend to be thoughtful, analytical, and culturally aware, with strong communication skills and an appreciation for the arts and humanities. Many Adorjans exhibit a blend of traditional values and modern perspectives, reflecting the name's historical roots and contemporary relevance. They are often described as reliable, sophisticated, and intellectually curious individuals who value deep, meaningful relationships over superficial connections. In social settings, Adorjans are frequently seen as cultured and well-spoken, with a natural authority that comes from their intellectual depth rather than assertiveness. They typically approach challenges with careful consideration and strategic thinking, making them effective problem-solvers in both professional and personal contexts. The name carries expectations of integrity, cultural sophistication, and intellectual capability, with many Adorjans developing interests in academic pursuits, artistic endeavors, or fields that require both analytical thinking and cultural understanding. Their personality often reflects the name's balance between tradition and modernity, making them adaptable yet grounded individuals. Women named Aghna are often perceived as possessing a quiet strength and deep integrity that reflects the name's meaning of purity. They tend to be thoughtful, principled individuals who value authenticity in relationships and pursuits. Many Aghnas demonstrate remarkable resilience in facing challenges, drawing on an inner well of conviction that helps them navigate difficult circumstances with grace. Their approach to life often combines practical wisdom with spiritual depth, making them valued advisors and confidantes. While they may appear reserved initially, Aghnas typically form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust. They often exhibit strong protective instincts toward family and community, and many find fulfillment in roles that allow them to nurture others or preserve cultural traditions. Their combination of inner strength and gentle demeanor makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both compassion and determination, whether in family life, community leadership, or professional settings where ethical consistency is valued. Individuals named Ailill are typically characterized by a strong sense of leadership, wisdom, and diplomatic skill. Drawing from the mythological King Ailill of Connacht, they often exhibit a balanced approach to decision-making, weighing tradition against innovation. These individuals tend to be pragmatic yet visionary, capable of understanding complex situations and navigating them with both intelligence and emotional intelligence. Their natural authority is often tempered by a sense of fairness and justice, making them respected figures in their communities. The name also suggests someone with deep cultural awareness and a connection to heritage. Ailills are often seen as guardians of tradition while being forward-thinking. They may possess a certain nobility of character that inspires trust and loyalty in others. However, like their mythological counterpart, they might sometimes struggle with pride or the challenges of shared leadership. Overall, the personality associated with Ailill combines strength with wisdom, tradition with progress, and personal integrity with social responsibility. Bad Bunny was the big winner at the Latin Grammys. Bad Bunny won big at the Latin Grammys The 31-year-old musician - real name Benito Antonio Martinez Ocasio - was among the stars who attended the glitzy ceremony in Las Vegas on Thursday night (13.11.25) and he took home five prizes including the album of the year honour for his record Debi Tirar Mas Fotos. In his acceptance speech for the top honour, Bad Bunny thanked his family and gave a special mention to his homeland of Puerto Rico, saying: "Once again, I want to thank God. And my mom for birthing me. "Mom and Dad, I love y'all. I love my brothers ... I love music, I love what I do, I love being with passionate people and doing what I love ... "I dedicate this [award] to the young people and children of Latin America, especially those from Puerto Rico. "Never stop dreaming or being yourself. It doesn't matter where you're from, never forget where you come from nor where you're going. "There's so many ways to defend where you're from. We chose music. Los Sobrinos chose, Pleneros de la Cresta chose music ... Puerto Rico, I love you, thank you." Bad Bunny was among the frontrunners at this year's awards show after landing 12 nominations. As well as winning the album of the year award, he also took prizes for best urban/urban fusion performance and best urban song for DtMF, best reggaeton performance for Voy A Llevarte Pa PR and best urban music album for Debi Tirar Mas Fotos. The musician will go on to compete at the Grammy Awards on February 2 after landing six nominations for awards including record, song and album of the year. Other big winners at the Latin Grammys included Alejandro Sanz, who won two awards - record of the year for Palmeras En El Jardin and best contemporary pop album for Y Ahora Que? Gloria Estefan landed the award for best traditional tropical album for Raices and Karol G's track Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido was named song of the year. Hip-hop duo Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso won best pop song for El Dia Del Amigo' as well as best alternative music album for Papota. Papota also landed the best long form music video. Their track #Tetas was named best alternative song and claimed the best short form music video prize. The main winners were: Record Of The Year: Palmeras En El Jardin Alejandro Sanz Album Of The Year: Debi Tirar Mas Fotos Bad Bunny Song Of The Year: Si Antes Te Hubiera Conocido - Karol G Best New Artist: Paloma Morphy Best Contemporary Pop Album: Y Ahora Que? - Alejandro Sanz Best Traditional Pop Album: Bogota - Andres Cepeda Best Pop Song - El Dia Del Amigo - Ca7riel and Paco Amoroso Best Latin Electronic Music Performance: Veneka - Rawayana featuring Akapellah Best Urban/Urban Fusion Performance: Dtmf - Bad Bunny Best Reggaeton Performance: Voy A Llevarte Pa Pr - Bad Bunny Best Urban Music Album: Debi Tirar Mas Fotos - Bad Bunny Best Rap/Hip Hop Song: Fresh - Trueno Best Urban Song: DtMF - Bad Bunny Best Rock Album: Novela - Fito Paez Best Rock Song - La Torre: Renee and Sale El Sol - Fito Paez Best Pop/Rock Album: Ya Es Manana - Morat Songwriter of the Year: Edgar Barrera. Women named Alberga are often perceived as having a dignified and refined presence, reflecting the name's noble origins. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with practical wisdom, making them natural problem-solvers who approach challenges with both grace and determination. The hospitality aspect of the name suggests individuals who are welcoming and create safe spaces for others, while the 'white' connotation implies purity of intention and clarity of thought. These women often possess a quiet strength that allows them to navigate complex social situations with ease, balancing traditional values with modern perspectives in a way that earns them respect across generations. In interpersonal relationships, Alberga-named individuals tend to be reliable and protective, often serving as the emotional anchor in their families and communities. Their combination of nobility and practicality makes them excellent mediators who can understand multiple perspectives while maintaining their core principles. The historical weight of the name often inspires a sense of responsibility and connection to tradition, yet these women typically adapt these values to contemporary contexts rather than being constrained by them. This balance between heritage and modernity, combined with their innate hospitality, creates individuals who are both grounded and forward-thinking, capable of building bridges between different worlds and people. Individuals named Amnchadh are typically associated with courage, resilience, and strong moral conviction. They tend to be natural leaders who approach challenges with determination and strategic thinking. Historically, bearers of this name were known for their ability to balance strength with wisdom, making them effective in both conflict resolution and decisive action. This combination suggests someone who can be both fierce in protection and gentle in guidance. In modern contexts, those named Amnchadh often exhibit a deep sense of loyalty to their principles and communities, combined with a quiet confidence that inspires trust in others. They are frequently described as having an inner strength that allows them to persevere through adversity while maintaining their integrity. This combination of bravery and thoughtfulness makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both courage and careful judgment, whether in professional settings or personal relationships. Their traditional name often gives them a strong sense of cultural identity and responsibility. Cultural & Historical Significance Anghus holds deep significance in Celtic culture, particularly in Irish and Scottish traditions. The name traces back to ancient Celtic mythology where Anghus Og (Young Anghus) was one of the most important deities - the god of love, youth, and poetic inspiration. He was known for his beauty and was often depicted with birds flying around his head, representing kisses or love. In historical contexts, the name was borne by several early Irish kings and saints, cementing its importance in both pagan and Christian Celtic societies. The name's association with strength and vigor made it popular among warrior classes and nobility throughout Celtic history. Its preservation through centuries demonstrates the enduring power of Celtic cultural identity and the continued reverence for ancient mythological figures in modern naming traditions. The transition of Anghus from mythological deity to Christian saint (as seen with Anghus of Tallaght) illustrates the syncretic nature of Celtic Christianity, where pagan traditions were often incorporated into the new religious framework rather than entirely replaced. Cultural & Historical Significance Ankine holds deep cultural significance in Armenian tradition as a name that embodies the concept of preciousness and value. In Armenian culture, names are not merely identifiers but carry profound meanings that reflect family values, historical context, and cultural aspirations. The name Ankine emerged during periods when Armenian families sought to express the immeasurable worth of their daughters, particularly during times of hardship when the survival and prosperity of female children represented hope for future generations. Historically, the name gained prominence in the 19th century among Armenian intellectual and merchant families who valued education and cultural preservation. It became symbolic of the Armenian tradition of naming children with meaningful attributes that would guide their character development and life path. The name also reflects the Armenian emphasis on family legacy and the precious nature of cultural continuity through generations. During the Armenian Genocide era, names like Ankine took on additional significance as symbols of cultural resistance and the determination to preserve Armenian identity against overwhelming odds. Individuals named Arndt are typically perceived as strong-willed, determined, and principled. They often exhibit leadership qualities and a natural authority that commands respect, reflecting the name's meaning of 'eagle power.' Like the eagle that symbolizes their name, Arndts tend to be visionary, with sharp perception and the ability to see the bigger picture in complex situations. They are known for their reliability, loyalty to family and traditions, and a steadfast nature that makes them pillars of strength in their communities. Arndts often possess a blend of traditional values and progressive thinking, making them effective bridge-builders between old and new. They approach challenges with strategic thinking and patience, much like an eagle surveying its territory before acting. While they can be reserved and serious when circumstances demand, they also demonstrate deep compassion and protective instincts toward those they care about. Their combination of strength, wisdom, and integrity makes them natural leaders who inspire confidence and trust in others. Individuals named Aviel are often perceived as having strong leadership qualities combined with a deep sense of responsibility and protectiveness, reflecting the 'father' aspect of their name's meaning. They tend to be natural caregivers who prioritize family and community, often taking on mentoring roles in both personal and professional settings. Their connection to the divine element in their name frequently manifests as philosophical depth, moral conviction, and a tendency to seek higher meaning in life experiences. Many Aviels display a balanced temperamentcombining strength with compassion, authority with empathymaking them effective in positions where they can guide and support others while maintaining clear boundaries and principles. They often exhibit patience and wisdom beyond their years, along with a protective instinct toward those they care about. The name seems to carry expectations of reliability and moral integrity, which many bearers internalize and strive to fulfill throughout their lives. Individuals named Ayyad are often perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities and a natural inclination toward protection and support of others. They typically exhibit determination, resilience, and a steadfast character that enables them to overcome challenges and persevere through difficult circumstances. This name is associated with people who are reliable, trustworthy, and often take on responsibilities with seriousness and commitment. In social contexts, those named Ayyad tend to be protective of their loved ones and communities, displaying loyalty and dedication in their relationships. They often possess a strong sense of justice and fairness, coupled with the courage to stand up for their principles. While they can be assertive when necessary, they typically balance this strength with compassion and a genuine concern for the wellbeing of others. Their personality often combines traditional values with practical wisdom, making them respected figures in their social circles who are sought for advice and guidance. Women named Azizah are often perceived as possessing innate dignity and self-respect that commands respect from others. They typically exhibit strong moral character, reliability, and a natural leadership quality that emerges through quiet confidence rather than loud assertion. Azizahs are known for their loyalty and deep commitment to family and close relationships, often serving as the emotional anchor in their social circles. Their strength is tempered with compassion, making them both respected and beloved figures in their communities. Many Azizahs develop a strong sense of justice and fairness, often advocating for others while maintaining their own principles with unwavering conviction. They tend to be selective in their friendships but form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust, creating relationships built on mutual respect and genuine care. This combination of strength and warmth makes Azizahs natural peacemakers and trusted advisors in both personal and professional settings. Their name often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, as they grow into the esteemed and cherished qualities their parents envisioned. Individuals named Bac are typically perceived as grounded, reliable, and deeply connected to their roots. Like the riverbanks they're named for, they often exhibit stability and consistency in their character, serving as anchors for their families and communities. Their practical nature and methodical approach to problem-solving make them excellent in roles requiring patience and long-term planning. They tend to be observant and thoughtful, considering situations from multiple angles before acting. Bacs tend to be protective of those they care about, much like riverbanks protect the land from flooding. They often possess a calm exterior that masks deep emotional currents, and their strength emerges during challenging times. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, lasting relationships and are known for their loyalty and dependability. Their connection to water symbolism often translates to adaptability and the ability to navigate life's changes with grace. The combination of steadfastness and flexibility makes them particularly effective in leadership roles where both stability and adaptation are required. Individuals named Barnett are typically perceived as natural leaders with a strong sense of responsibility and determination. They often exhibit qualities of reliability, steadfastness, and practical wisdom, approaching challenges with methodical planning and unwavering commitment. Their leadership style tends to be more reserved and thoughtful rather than charismatic or flashy, earning respect through consistent action and moral integrity rather than dramatic gestures. Barnett's often possess a protective nature, whether toward family, community, or principles they hold dear, and they demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity. While they may appear serious or reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their dry wit, loyalty, and deep capacity for caring. Their combination of strength and sensitivity makes them effective mediators and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts. Barnett's typically value tradition and stability but are not resistant to change when presented with well-reasoned arguments. They tend to be lifelong learners who accumulate knowledge and experience, which they generously share with others. Their leadership is characterized by a quiet confidence that inspires trust and encourages collaboration rather than competition. Leo Woodall believes fame is "hard to navigate" because "being objectified can mess with your head". Leo Woodall has opened up about the dark side of fame The 29-year-old actor was thrust into the spotlight when he landed a role in the second series of TV drama The White Lotus in 2022 and went on to land a role in Netflix hit One Day and comedy movie Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy - and he admits being treated as "superimportant" can have negative consequences. He told The Times newspaper: "Being objectified can mess with your head a bit. But just being an actor and getting treated as if youre superimportant is hard to navigate. Im not saving lives, am I? "Bonkers stuff like people you dont know screaming your name, saying they love you and want to marry you. You cannot let that noise - good or bad - get in your head, otherwise you become ... a k***head." Woodall went on to reveal one of the worst moments since he shot to fame came when he was in Canada earlier this year for the Toronto International Film Festival and was having lunch with his mother Jane at a restaurant. He explained a fan came up to him and asked for a picture even though the pair were having an emotional heart-to-heart conversation and his mother was visibly upset. Woodall told the publication: "This woman came over and said: 'I can see that you guys are having a really emotional moment and I hate to do this, but can I get a picture?' "But she saw and was peeking over my shoulder going: 'Are you OK? You must be really proud of your son.' I mean, some people forget themselves. They forget youre just human." The actor also insisted he doesn't like being stared at when he takes public transport in London, adding: "When its hot and sweaty [on the London Underground] and I realise people are looking at me, I find that hard. "I mean, is it because they liked something I was in, or have I just got something on my face?" Woodall is dating actress Meghann Fahy after meeting her on the set of The White Lotus and he insisted their relationship helps keep him grounded. He added: "Oh yeah, we do it for each other. You have to. And family, friends The people around you day to day, they have to be real with you." Cultural & Historical Significance Bearn originates from Old English and carries significant weight in Anglo-Saxon culture as a name denoting lineage and strength. In early medieval England, the name was associated with young noblemen and warriors, reflecting the importance of familial continuity and martial prowess in Anglo-Saxon society. The name appears in various historical records and genealogies, often given to sons who were expected to carry on family traditions and defend their communities. During the Anglo-Saxon period, names like Bearn were not merely identifiers but carried expectations about one's role and destiny within the tribe or kingdom. The name's usage declined after the Norman Conquest but remained in regional use, particularly in areas with strong Anglo-Saxon cultural preservation. Its connection to concepts of youth, inheritance, and protection made it a meaningful choice for families wishing to emphasize their heritage and hopes for their male offspring. The name represents a bridge between the ancient warrior culture of the Anglo-Saxons and the more settled agricultural society that developed in medieval England. Individuals named Bemabe are typically associated with nurturing, compassionate personalities marked by a strong sense of empathy and emotional intelligence. They often exhibit natural caretaking abilities and tend to be the 'rock' in their social circlesthe person others turn to during difficult times. Their inherent understanding of human emotions makes them excellent listeners and advisors, though they may sometimes prioritize others' needs above their own. Bemabe's tend to be patient, steady individuals who value stability and harmony in their relationships. They often demonstrate remarkable resilience in the face of adversity, drawing strength from their ability to provide comfort to others. Beyond their nurturing qualities, Bemabe's typically possess a quiet determination and practical wisdom that serves them well in both personal and professional contexts. They are often drawn to helping professionsmedicine, teaching, counseling, or social workwhere their natural empathy can benefit others. While they may not be the most outgoing or assertive individuals in a group, their influence is often profound and lasting due to the genuine care they show for others. Their strength lies in their consistency and reliability; people know they can count on a Bemabe to be there when needed. This combination of emotional depth and practical reliability makes them valued friends, partners, and community members who create spaces of safety and understanding wherever they go. Individuals named Benci are commonly associated with a blend of intellectual depth and practical competence. They typically exhibit strong analytical abilities and a thoughtful approach to decision-making, often demonstrating patience and careful consideration before acting. Their intelligence is frequently complemented by a quiet determination that enables them to pursue long-term goals with consistent effort. In social contexts, Benci's may appear somewhat reserved initially, but they develop deep, loyal relationships with those who earn their trust. They value honesty and integrity, often serving as moral compasses in their personal and professional circles. Their combination of intellectual curiosity and practical wisdom makes them effective problem-solvers who can bridge theoretical understanding with real-world application. While they may not seek the spotlight, they often earn respect through their reliable performance and thoughtful insights. Cultural & Historical Significance Bendision represents the profound cultural synthesis between indigenous Chamoru traditions and Spanish colonial influence that has shaped modern Guam and the Mariana Islands. The name embodies the Catholic faith introduced by Spanish missionaries in the 17th century while maintaining its distinct Chamoru identity through pronunciation and usage patterns unique to the region. As a name meaning 'blessed,' it reflects the importance of spiritual protection and divine favor in Chamoru society, where family and community blessings are central to cultural practices. The name serves as a living testament to the resilience of Chamoru culture, which absorbed foreign elements while preserving its core values and identity through centuries of colonial influence. In contemporary Chamoru society, names like Bendision represent both religious devotion and cultural pride, connecting individuals to their ancestral heritage while acknowledging the complex history that has shaped modern Chamoru identity. The continued use of such names demonstrates how cultural elements can be transformed and reclaimed as symbols of endurance and adaptation. Individuals named Benicio are often perceived as charismatic, thoughtful, and naturally benevolent. They tend to possess strong leadership qualities combined with genuine concern for others, making them effective in both professional and personal relationships. Benicios are typically creative problem-solvers who approach challenges with optimism and determination. Their inherent kindness often makes them popular among peers, while their intellectual curiosity drives them to pursue diverse interests and knowledge. Many Benicios display a unique blend of traditional values and progressive thinking, allowing them to bridge different perspectives with grace and understanding. This combination of traits often leads them to success in fields requiring both empathy and strategic thinking, such as education, healthcare, or creative arts. Cultural & Historical Significance Benzion holds profound significance in Jewish culture as a name that directly connects to Zion, representing Jerusalem and the Jewish homeland. The name emerged from deep religious and nationalistic sentiments, particularly during periods of Jewish diaspora when maintaining connection to the Holy Land was spiritually crucial. It symbolizes not just physical lineage but spiritual belonging to the Jewish people and their ancestral homeland. Throughout Jewish history, the name Benzion has been particularly popular among families with strong Zionist convictions or those who wished to express their longing for Jerusalem. During the pre-state Israel period and early years of the state, the name gained prominence as a declaration of Jewish national identity and commitment to rebuilding the Jewish homeland. It represents a bridge between traditional Jewish values and modern Jewish nationalism, making it a name that carries both religious and political significance. The name also reflects the Jewish tradition of creating compound names with 'ben' (son of) to express spiritual relationships and aspirations. In this context, Benzion represents an individual's connection to the collective destiny of the Jewish people and their eternal bond with Jerusalem, making it more than just a personal identifier but a statement of identity and purpose. Individuals named Berkley are often perceived as grounded yet innovative, combining the stability suggested by their 'meadow' meaning with the resilience of the birch tree. They typically exhibit strong connections to nature and environment, showing practical wisdom and adaptability in various situations. Berkley's tend to be community-oriented, drawing people together much like a meadow serves as a gathering place in nature. These individuals often demonstrate quiet leadership qualities, preferring to lead by example rather than through overt authority. Their personality blends traditional values with forward-thinking perspectives, making them both reliable and progressive in their approach to life's challenges. This balance between rootedness and growth allows them to navigate change while maintaining their core principles, often serving as stabilizing influences in their communities while encouraging positive development and new beginnings. Cultural & Historical Significance Beruriah holds a unique position in Jewish history as one of the most prominent female figures in Talmudic literature. As the wife of Rabbi Meir and daughter of Rabbi Hananiah ben Teradion, she was part of a distinguished rabbinic family during the Roman persecution period. Her intellectual prowess and legal acumen were so respected that she is cited in multiple Talmudic discussions, an extraordinary achievement for a woman in that era. The name represents the ideal of female scholarship within traditional Judaism and serves as a symbol of women's intellectual capabilities in religious study. Throughout Jewish history, Beruriah has been referenced as a model of piety, wisdom, and strength, particularly in her famous response to comfort her husband after their sons' deaths, demonstrating profound theological understanding. Her legacy continues to inspire discussions about women's roles in Jewish learning and leadership, making the name particularly significant in communities that value both tradition and female empowerment. The historical Beruriah's story embodies the tension and harmony between established religious authority and individual spiritual insight. Individuals bearing the Birkhead name are often associated with qualities of resilience and steadfastness, much like the birch trees from which their name derives. They tend to be practical, grounded people with strong connections to tradition and family heritage. Their personality often reflects the characteristics of the birch - flexible yet strong, able to withstand challenging conditions while maintaining their core integrity. This combination makes them reliable and dependable individuals who value stability and continuity. There's often a contemplative quality to Birkheads, perhaps stemming from the name's connection to natural landscapes. They tend to be observant, thoughtful individuals who appreciate both tradition and the natural world. Their grounded nature makes them excellent problem-solvers who approach challenges with patience and practicality. While they may not seek the spotlight, they often become pillars of their communities, providing steady leadership and maintaining connections across generations. In interpersonal relationships, Birkheads are typically loyal and protective, mirroring the sheltering quality of a birch grove on a headland. They value deep, meaningful connections over superficial relationships and often serve as the 'rock' in their social and family circles. Their strength lies in their ability to adapt while remaining true to their principles, making them both reliable in crisis and open to necessary change when circumstances demand it. Individuals named Bishr are typically characterized by their cheerful disposition and optimistic outlook on life. They naturally embody the meaning of their name, often serving as sources of joy and positivity in their social circles. These individuals tend to be emotionally intelligent, with an innate ability to understand and respond to the feelings of others, making them excellent friends and confidants. Their communication style is usually warm and engaging, and they have a talent for diffusing tension and bringing people together. This natural charisma often makes them popular in social settings and effective in leadership roles where maintaining group morale is important. Beyond their surface cheerfulness, people named Bishr often demonstrate remarkable resilience and inner strength. They possess the ability to maintain their positive outlook even during challenging circumstances, drawing on deep spiritual or philosophical resources. This combination of external cheerfulness and internal fortitude makes them particularly valuable in crisis situations, where they can provide both emotional support and practical solutions. They are often creative problem-solvers who approach difficulties with innovative thinking and unwavering hope. While generally easy-going, they can be surprisingly determined when pursuing goals they believe in, combining their natural optimism with focused effort to achieve meaningful outcomes in both personal and professional spheres. Marissa Bode has hit out at the "fan" who stormed past security and embraced Ariana Grande at the Singapore premiere of Wicked: For Good. Marissa Bode was angered by the 'fan' who invaded Ariana Grande's personal space Johnson Wen, who is known as Pyjama Man on Instagram, evaded security at the event and rushed over to put his arm around Ariana, whose co-star Cynthia Erivo intervened by pushing him away, and Marissa has expressed anger at those defending Wen on social media. The 25-year-old actress - who plays the role of Nessarose Thropp in the Wicked movies - said in a TikTok post: "OK, then they're a fan and a loser. "Because what we're not about to do is make a woman whose space was invaded (the villain). "Mind you I've talked about this in detail and further extent before on this page, about parasociality, especially at things like concerts or just when someone in the public eye is at an event... like, people throwing s*** on stage mid-performance or people yelling loudly out of turn at concerts, during a sad or slower song, just for attention. "And this is what I mean when I say social media brings out the worst in people. 'Oh did you get your views? Did you get your likes?' Guess what you also did? You made somebody feel incredibly unsafe, but just... but (you) just (have) no remorse. That goes over your head. You're a bad person." Marissa continued: "I don't think women, or really anybody, should be expected to move with grace or respond with kindness when they've been violated in that way. And to expect that makes you a weirdo also. "The thing, is most of the time, women within the public eye do respond with kindness because they know what the result is going to be if they don't. It's going to be dog-piling. It's going to be people calling them rude. Even when their frustration or anger or whatever it may be is beyond valid." Wen took to social media to share a video of the incident in Singapore and even "thanked" Ariana. Pyjama Man wrote: "@arianagrande @wickedmovie Dear Ariana Grande Thank You for letting me Jump on the Yellow Carpet with You [heart emoji]" The over-excited fan was subsequently arrested, but later freed. Following the incident, he wrote on his Instagram Stories: "I'm free after being arrested." Cultural & Historical Significance Biton occupies a unique place in Greek cultural history as the embodiment of filial piety and the Greek ideal of honorable death. The mythological narrative preserved by Herodotus presents Biton and his brother Cleobis as exemplary sons whose ultimate act of devotion - pulling their priestess mother's cart to a religious festival - earned them the greatest blessing the gods could bestow: a peaceful, honored death at the height of their virtue. This story was central to Greek moral education, teaching that the highest form of heroism could be found in family devotion rather than martial conquest. The statues erected at Delphi in their honor served as permanent reminders of these values to all Greeks who visited the sacred site. The cultural significance extends beyond mythology into the Greek philosophical tradition, where Biton's story illustrates the concept of eudaimonia - flourishing through virtuous action - and the ideal that a short life well-lived is preferable to a long life of mediocrity. This narrative influenced later Greek and Roman thought about family duty, honor, and the relationship between physical strength and moral virtue. Individuals named Bothain are typically perceived as grounded, reliable, and possessing strong foundations in their character. The stone house symbolism suggests someone who provides stability and shelter to others, often taking on protective roles within their family or community. They tend to be practical problem-solvers with a methodical approach to challenges, reflecting the enduring quality of their namesake. Their Scottish heritage often manifests as a quiet pride and strong sense of identity. Bothains often exhibit a deep connection to tradition and heritage, valuing history and continuity in their personal and professional lives. They may be somewhat reserved initially but prove fiercely loyal once trust is established. Their strength lies in their consistency and dependability, though they might occasionally be perceived as stubborn or resistant to change. The combination of Scottish cultural influences and the name's meaning creates individuals who balance rugged individualism with strong community values, often serving as the bedrock of their social circles and professional networks. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Breen originates from the Irish Gaelic surname O Braoin, meaning 'descendant of Braon.' Braon itself translates to 'sorrow,' 'drop,' or 'moisture' in Old Irish, reflecting the poetic and often melancholic nature of Irish naming traditions. This surname emerged from County Laois and surrounding areas in Ireland, where the Breen clan held territory as a sept of the larger O'More family. The name carries the weight of Irish history, particularly the periods of English colonization and the subsequent diaspora that saw many Breens emigrate to North America, Australia, and Britain during the 19th century. Throughout Irish literary tradition, names with sorrowful meanings often symbolize depth of character and resilience, qualities highly valued in Celtic culture. The Breen name represents the enduring spirit of Irish families who maintained their identity through centuries of political and social challenges. In modern times, the name continues to serve as a connection to Irish heritage for diaspora communities, while its distinctive sound and meaningful background have contributed to its occasional use as a given name beyond its traditional surname usage. Individuals named Brigham are often perceived as strong, dependable leaders with deep-rooted values and a practical approach to problem-solving. They tend to exhibit natural authority and organizational skills, combined with a steadfast commitment to their principles and communities. This personality profile draws from the historical figure of Brigham Young, whose leadership qualities and determination in guiding his people to establish settlements in challenging environments have become archetypal associations with the name. Brighams are typically seen as bridge-builders in both literal and metaphorical senses - capable of connecting people, ideas, and communities. They often demonstrate resilience, traditional values, and a strong sense of responsibility toward family and community. While sometimes perceived as conservative or traditional, they are generally respected for their integrity, work ethic, and ability to provide stable leadership during challenging circumstances. Their personality is often characterized by a blend of practical wisdom and visionary thinking, making them effective in roles that require both immediate problem-solving and long-term planning. The name suggests someone who is grounded yet capable of spanning divides, whether between people, concepts, or challenges. This combination of stability and connectivity makes Brighams often sought as mediators, organizers, and trusted advisors in both personal and professional contexts. Individuals named Burbank are often perceived as grounded yet ambitious, combining practical wisdom with visionary thinking. The name's connection to elevated positions suggests someone who maintains perspective and oversees situations with clarity and foresight. They tend to be natural leaders who build strong foundations in their personal and professional lives, much like the fortified structures their name references. Burbanks are typically seen as reliable, stable individuals who value tradition while embracing innovationa trait exemplified by namesake Luther Burbank's revolutionary work in plant breeding. Their personality often blends the strength and permanence of stone fortifications with the growth-oriented nature of horticulture, creating individuals who are both protective of their values and committed to nurturing development in themselves and others. This combination makes Burbanks particularly effective in roles requiring both stability and adaptability. They're often patient, methodical problem-solvers who approach challenges with both strategic thinking and practical implementation, reflecting the dual nature of their name's meaningboth the defensive strength of the castle and the productive potential of the cultivated hillside. Individuals named Cailin are often perceived as possessing a unique blend of traditional values and modern adaptability. They typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with emotional intelligence, making them natural mediators and team builders. The name suggests someone who is both grounded in their heritage and open to new experiences, displaying courage in facing challenges while maintaining a compassionate approach to interpersonal relationships. This combination of strength and sensitivity often makes Cailins effective in roles requiring both determination and diplomacy. Their personality tends to reflect the Scottish cultural values of resilience, loyalty, and practicality, while also embracing contemporary ideals of innovation and global awareness. This duality allows them to navigate diverse social and professional environments with equal ease, often serving as bridges between traditional and modern perspectives. Cailins are frequently described as dependable yet adventurous, conservative in their core values but progressive in their thinking. They typically demonstrate a strong sense of responsibility toward family and community, coupled with an independent spirit that drives them to pursue their unique path. The name suggests a person who honors tradition without being constrained by it, someone who respects the past while actively shaping the future. Cultural & Historical Significance The Calhoun surname holds deep significance in Irish and Scottish history, originating from the Gaelic 'MacCalthon' meaning 'son of the narrow forest.' The name traces back to the ancient Dalriadan kingdom that spanned both Ireland and Scotland, with the Calhoun clan establishing themselves as prominent landowners in Argyll, Scotland. During the 18th and 19th centuries, many Calhouns emigrated to North America during the Ulster Plantation and subsequent Irish diaspora, where they became influential in political, military, and cultural spheres. The name gained particular prominence in American history through John C. Calhoun, whose political philosophy and defense of Southern interests made the surname synonymous with states' rights and antebellum politics. In modern times, the name has evolved beyond its political associations to represent a connection to Celtic heritage and the immigrant experience. The Calhoun legacy reflects the complex journey of Scottish-Irish families who shaped both their homeland and the New World, embodying themes of resilience, tradition, and adaptation across generations. Symbolically, Cathair embodies the powerful metaphor of strength emerging from challenging circumstances, much like moss thriving on broken ground. This represents the human capacity for resilience, adaptation, and growth in the face of adversity. The mossy ground imagery connects to Celtic spiritual traditions that saw nature as both teacher and protector, suggesting that those named Cathair carry an innate connection to ancient wisdom and natural cycles. The 'broken' aspect symbolizes not damage but rather the transformative potential that arises when structures are disrupted, allowing for new growth and possibilities. The name also carries connotations of foundation and stability, representing the deep roots that enable both flexibility and endurance. In Celtic symbolism, moss-covered landscapes were often associated with sacred spaces, healing, and the gentle persistence of life forcesqualities metaphorically attributed to individuals bearing this name. Cathair symbolizes the integration of strength and gentleness, much like moss that can both cushion falls and slowly break down stone, representing the power of persistent, gentle force over time. This makes the name particularly resonant for those who value both inner strength and compassionate connection to others and the natural world. Individuals named Chalmers typically exhibit personality traits centered around responsibility, organization, and natural leadership. The name's meaning of 'ruling the home' suggests someone who is inherently protective, dependable, and skilled at creating stable environments. These individuals often possess a calm authority that others naturally respect and follow. They tend to be practical, methodical problem-solvers who excel in situations requiring careful management and long-term planning. Their approach to life is typically grounded and realistic, with a strong sense of duty toward family, community, and professional obligations. Beyond their organizational capabilities, Chalmers often demonstrate emotional intelligence and the ability to balance different aspects of life effectively. They are usually perceived as trustworthy confidants and reliable partners who maintain strong personal and professional relationships. While they may appear reserved initially, they typically possess deep loyalty to those they care about and will go to great lengths to protect and support their loved ones. Their personality combines traditional values with adaptive intelligence, allowing them to navigate both conventional and modern challenges with equal competence. This blend of stability and flexibility makes them valuable in leadership roles and family dynamics alike. Men named Cinneididh are typically characterized by a strong sense of duty and protective nature that aligns with the name's meaning of being 'helmeted.' They often exhibit natural leadership qualities, combined with a thoughtful, strategic approach to challenges. Their protective instinct extends beyond physical safety to emotional and psychological well-being of those they care about, making them reliable friends and family members. They tend to be traditional in their values while being adaptable to modern circumstances. This combination often results in individuals who are respected for their integrity and steadfastness. They may appear reserved initially but reveal warmth and loyalty to those who earn their trust. Their strategic mindset makes them excellent problem-solvers, though they can sometimes be perceived as overly cautious or traditional. The historical weight of the name often instills a sense of responsibility to live up to its legacy, which can manifest as strong work ethic and commitment to community. Their personality reflects the balance between warrior strength and wise leadership that the name symbolizes. King Charles is celebrating his 77th birthday with a visit to Wales. King Charles is celebrating his birthday with a trip to Wales The monarch marks the milestone on Friday (14.11.25) and will spend the day in south Wales alongside his wife Queen Camilla. The King's birthday will be celebrated at a reception which will be held at Cyfarthfa Castle near Merthyr Tydfil with guests including Gavin and Stacey star Ruth Jones, fashion designer Julien Macdonald and representatives from the Laura Ashley Foundation. The day will also be marked by gun salutes which will be fired at Green Park in London by The Kings Troop Royal Horse Artillery and at the Tower of London by the Honourable Artillery Company while the bells of Westminster Abbey will also be rung in celebration of the King's birthday. His official birthday celebrations will take place in June when the Trooping the Colour parade is held in London. It comes after it was revealed King Charles wrote to Ozzy Osbourne's family after his death. The Black Sabbath rocker passed away in July at the age of 76 and his wife Sharon took comfort in the kind message she and the Paranoid hitmaker's children received from the "amazing" and caring monarch. Speaking on the Osbournes podcast, the couple's son Jack Osbourne said: "We got a lovely letter from the king." Sharon added: "Our King is an amazing person. He is an amazing person, not just because he wrote to us when Ozzy passed, but if he did it for us, know he does it for many, many, many people. "Here's a man that does know what's going on in the street with people. Not just politics, not just you know, here's a man that cares about the environment, animals," she added. "He cares about many, many, many things." The 73-year-old matriarch revealed Charles had previously got in touch with the family in 2003, when he was still Prince of Wales, after Ozzy was seriously injured in a quad bike accident. She said: "He's got a good heart. He didn't have to do certain things that he's done for Ozzy. "He is a good, caring man with a good heart. "We respect him, we respect his family. "And he, again, took the time out of his day to write us, have it hand-delivered to us, a note from the King for Ozzy's passing with his condolences, and that says so much." People named Clinton are typically associated with strong leadership qualities, charisma, and intellectual depth. They often possess natural communication skills that allow them to connect with diverse audiences and inspire confidence in others. There's a noticeable blend of traditional values with modern thinking that enables Clintons to navigate complex social and professional landscapes effectively. Their personality often includes a strategic mindset combined with emotional intelligence, making them adept at both planning and relationship-building. Clintons tend to be resilient individuals who can adapt to changing circumstances while maintaining their core principles. They're often perceived as ambitious yet grounded, confident without being arrogant, and capable of both visionary thinking and practical execution. Many exhibit a natural curiosity and continuous desire for learning, which serves them well in leadership positions. The name suggests someone who balances strength with empathy, tradition with innovation, and personal ambition with social responsibility. These traits make Clintons well-suited for careers in politics, business, education, and other fields requiring both strategic thinking and interpersonal skills. Individuals named Corren are typically perceived as protective, determined, and principled. They often exhibit natural leadership qualities combined with a strong sense of responsibility toward others, reflecting the name's warrior heritage. Correns tend to be strategic thinkers who approach challenges with careful planning and steadfast determination, much like the spear-bearing warriors of old who needed both courage and tactical wisdom. Their protective nature extends beyond physical safety to emotional and moral support for those in their care. While they can be formidable when defending their principles or loved ones, Correns also possess a deep sense of loyalty and commitment that makes them reliable friends and partners. They often balance strength with compassion, embodying the ideal of the warrior-protector who fights not for glory but for justice and community welfare. This combination of traits makes Correns natural leaders in both professional and personal contexts, though they typically lead through example rather than command. Their inherent sense of duty and ability to remain focused under pressure are among their most admired qualities, making them valuable in crisis situations and long-term commitments alike. Individuals named Covyll typically exhibit a unique blend of contemplative depth and practical resilience, reflecting their name's association with cave slopes. They tend to be introspective and spiritually inclined, valuing solitude for personal growth while maintaining connection to their communities. This balance often manifests as wisdom that is both deeply considered and practically applicable, making them natural counselors and guides who understand both the heights of spiritual aspiration and the grounded realities of daily life. Their personality often combines steadfastness with adaptability, much like a cave that provides shelter while being shaped by natural forces. Covylls are typically patient, observant, and possess an innate understanding of natural rhythms and cycles. They excel in situations requiring both endurance and insight, often serving as stabilizing influences during turbulent times. While they may appear reserved initially, they reveal profound depth and loyalty to those who earn their trust, embodying the Christian virtues of faith, hope, and charity through quiet example rather than overt demonstration. Individuals named Criston are often perceived as strong-willed, principled, and deeply loyal. They tend to possess a natural leadership quality combined with a protective instinct toward those they care about. Cristons are typically known for their steadfastness and reliabilityonce they commit to a cause or relationship, they remain devoted through challenges. Their personality often blends traditional values with modern adaptability, making them both grounded and progressive. Many Cristons exhibit a quiet confidence rather than overt assertiveness, preferring to lead by example rather than command. They often have a strong sense of justice and fairness, and can be quite persuasive when defending their convictions. While sometimes perceived as reserved initially, they form deep, lasting bonds with those who earn their trust. Their combination of traditional values and modern thinking makes them effective in bridging different perspectives and finding practical solutions to complex problems. Cristons often excel in roles that require both principle and pragmatism. Individuals named Cyr are often perceived as natural leaders with a commanding presence and intellectual depth. They typically exhibit strong analytical abilities, careful deliberation in decision-making, and a methodical approach to problem-solving. Their 'lordly' namesake often manifests as a quiet confidence rather than overt dominance, with many displaying diplomatic skills and the ability to mediate conflicts effectively. These individuals tend to be principled, with a strong sense of ethics and responsibility toward others. They often excel in positions requiring wisdom, judgment, and long-term planning. While they may appear reserved initially, those named Cyr usually possess deep convictions and steadfast loyalty to their principles and loved ones. Their leadership style tends to be more inspirational than authoritarian, earning respect through competence and integrity rather than force of personality. The name suggests someone who values knowledge and tradition, often serving as a keeper of wisdom and a guide for others, embodying the ideal of the philosopher-king who rules through insight rather than mere power. Cultural & Historical Significance Danawi carries significant cultural weight in Muslim communities as a name that reflects Islamic values of global consciousness and universal brotherhood. The name embodies the Islamic principle of 'ummah' - the worldwide community of believers - while also acknowledging the diversity of human cultures and experiences. In many Muslim societies, names suggesting worldly perspective are highly valued as they reflect the Quranic emphasis on understanding God's creation across different lands and peoples. The name has been particularly popular among families with international connections, traders, scholars, and those who value cross-cultural exchange. Historically, it has been chosen by parents who wish for their sons to develop broad perspectives and engage with the wider world while maintaining strong Islamic principles. The name represents a balance between rooted faith and global engagement, making it appealing to modern Muslim families navigating both tradition and contemporary global society. Individuals named Delbert are typically perceived as dependable, principled, and possessing strong moral character. They often exhibit a quiet confidence and steadfast nature, approaching life with practical wisdom and a deep sense of responsibility toward family and community. Their 'bright' quality manifests as clear thinking and good judgment, while their 'noble' aspect shows in their integrity and commitment to doing what's right rather than what's easy. Delberts tend to be traditional in their values yet progressive in their thinking, blending respect for established ways with innovative problem-solving. They often serve as pillars in their communitiesreliable, hardworking, and respected for their consistency and fairness. While sometimes reserved in new situations, they form deep, lasting relationships and are known for their loyalty and willingness to help others without seeking recognition. This combination of practical intelligence and ethical strength makes them natural leaders who earn respect through actions rather than words. Individuals named Delrick are typically perceived as natural leaders with a strong sense of responsibility and authority. They often exhibit charismatic qualities that draw others to them, combined with a strategic mindset that enables effective decision-making. Delricks tend to be ambitious yet measured in their approach, displaying the grace and diplomacy associated with traditional leadership. Their personality often blends intellectual depth with practical wisdom, making them excellent problem-solvers who can navigate complex situations with confidence. Many Delricks demonstrate a protective nature toward those in their care, reflecting the name's royal implications of guardianship and stewardship. They typically value tradition and heritage while also possessing the vision to innovate and adapt when necessary. This combination of traits often makes them respected figures in their professional and personal circles, though they may sometimes struggle with the weight of expectations that comes with their commanding presence. Their leadership style tends to be more collaborative than authoritarian, seeking to empower others while maintaining clear direction. Individuals named Deverel are often perceived as grounded and practical, reflecting the name's origins in physical geography and settlement. They tend to exhibit strong community orientation and loyalty, mirroring the name's connection to established places and traditions. There's typically a blend of stability and adaptability - the steadfastness of land combined with the fluidity of water that the name's riverbank origins suggest. These individuals often demonstrate good judgment in practical matters and show patience in achieving long-term goals. Their connection to heritage and place often makes them respectful of traditions while still being open to necessary evolution. Many Deverels display a natural leadership quality that stems from this balance of conservatism and adaptability, making them reliable in crisis situations and thoughtful in planning. The name's French aristocratic associations sometimes translate into refined tastes and appreciation for history, art, and cultural preservation. This combination of practical wisdom and cultural sophistication creates individuals who are both effective in worldly matters and appreciative of beauty and tradition. Individuals bearing the name Driskell are typically characterized by strong communication skills and intellectual curiosity, reflecting the name's meaning of 'interpreter.' They often possess natural diplomatic abilities and excel in situations requiring mediation or cross-cultural understanding. Driskells tend to be analytical thinkers with a talent for processing complex information and conveying it clearly to others. Their personality often combines Celtic creativity with practical problem-solving skills, making them effective in both artistic and professional pursuits. Many Driskells demonstrate patience and empathy, qualities essential for their traditional role as cultural bridges. They typically value knowledge and education, often pursuing careers that involve teaching, writing, or research. While generally calm and measured, they can be fiercely protective of their principles and those they care about. The Celtic heritage associated with the name often manifests in a strong sense of community loyalty and cultural pride. Driskells are frequently seen as reliable confidants and advisors, trusted for their balanced perspective and ability to see multiple sides of complex situations. Charlie Hunnam has reportedly got engaged to his girlfriend Morgana McNelis. Charlie Hunnam has reportedly got engaged to his girlfriend Morgana McNelis The actor, 45, who has recently reinvented himself as a TV star thanks to his turn as serial killer Ed Gein on Netflixs Monster series, is said to be preparing to get hitched to the 42-year-old after they have spent around two decades together. According to The Sun, Morgana was recently spotted with a huge diamond on her ring finger on a day out this week. A photographer source in the US told the newspaper: Charlie and Morgana have been together for almost 20 years so its about time he popped the question. She had this huge diamond on her ring finger, so it seems like Charlie has asked her to be his wife. This is the first time she has ever been seen wearing it too, so maybe that Netflix pay cheque came in handy. Charlie has admitted Morgana had been pushing him towards marriage, despite his admission he is indifferent about the idea. The Sun quoted him as saying: She does not feel the same. Shes very eager. Ill do it because its important to her but I dont have any great romantic feelings towards it." Charlie later clarified his comments and said: That really hurt my girlfriends feelings and I really regretted saying that. I actually didnt mean it at all it was, frankly, just stupid s*** I said in the heat of the moment. Im, like, so romantic, and the reality is I sort of consider myself married I suppose what I was trying to articulate is that the official government sanction of it doesnt mean anything to me, but the romance of it means an enormous amount. Charlie is known for his mix of gritty roles and leading-man charm. Born in Newcastle, he first gained attention on the British series Queer as Folk. His breakthrough came as Jax Teller in Sons of Anarchy, a role that built him a global fanbase and defined much of his career. Charlie has since taken on major film projects, including Pacific Rim, The Lost City of Z and King Arthur: Legend of the Sword. Cultural & Historical Significance Dubhagain occupies an important place in Irish cultural history, particularly through the O Duibhgeannain family who were among the most respected scholarly families in medieval Ireland. These historians and poets maintained the ancient tradition of recording Irish history, genealogy, and lore, serving as cultural guardians during periods of political upheaval. The name itself reflects the Celtic practice of descriptive naming, where 'dubh' (black) could refer to physical characteristics like dark hair or complexion, but also carried deeper symbolic meanings related to wisdom, mystery, and the fertile darkness from which new beginnings emerge. In Irish tradition, names containing 'dubh' were often borne by individuals of significance, suggesting that the quality represented was viewed as powerful rather than negative. The name's persistence through centuries demonstrates the resilience of Irish cultural identity despite colonization and language shift. During the Gaelic revival of the 19th and 20th centuries, names like Dubhagain gained renewed interest as symbols of cultural reclamation. Today, the name serves as a living connection to Ireland's rich scholarly traditions and the complex symbolism embedded in the Irish language, where colors carried nuanced meanings far beyond their literal appearances. Cultural & Historical Significance Dubhglas holds profound cultural significance as one of Scotland's most historic names, deeply embedded in the nation's identity and heritage. The name emerged from the Gaelic tradition of descriptive naming tied to Scotland's dramatic landscapes, specifically referring to dark, flowing waters that characterize many Scottish rivers and lochs. This connection to the natural world reflects the deep bond between Gaelic culture and the Scottish environment. The name gained prominence through the powerful Douglas clan, whose influence spanned centuries and shaped Scottish politics, warfare, and society. The Douglas family's rise to power began in the 12th century, and their legacy includes legendary figures like the Good Sir James Douglas, trusted companion to Robert the Bruce. Throughout Scottish history, bearers of this name have been celebrated for their military valor, political acumen, and unwavering commitment to Scottish independence. The name became synonymous with Scottish resistance against English domination and represents the enduring spirit of the Scottish people. Even today, Dubhglas evokes images of Highland strength, clan loyalty, and the rich tapestry of Scottish history, making it more than just a name but a symbol of Scottish cultural resilience. Cultural & Historical Significance Dudley has deep roots in English history and aristocracy, originating as a place name in Worcestershire that became the surname of one of England's most powerful noble families. The Dudley family rose to prominence during the Tudor period, with figures like John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, who essentially ruled England as Lord President of the Council during Edward VI's reign. His son, Robert Dudley, was a favorite of Queen Elizabeth I and nearly became her consort. This aristocratic heritage gives the name connotations of power, nobility, and English tradition. As a Christian given name, Dudley represents the English practice of adopting surnames and place names as first names, a tradition that became particularly popular during the Victorian era. While not having direct biblical connections, the name fits within Christian naming conventions through its wholesome, pastoral meaning and long history of usage in Christian communities. The name's evolution from aristocratic surname to given name reflects broader social changes in English naming practices, where family names became personal identifiers across social classes. Individuals named Dunley are often perceived as grounded, practical, and deeply connected to their roots. They typically exhibit a strong sense of responsibility and reliability, much like the stable hill their name references. These individuals tend to be patient and methodical in their approach to life, preferring steady progress over rapid change. Their connection to the 'meadow' aspect of their name suggests a nurturing quality and an appreciation for beauty and tranquility in their surroundings. They often display a calm demeanor that others find reassuring and trustworthy. Dunleys are often characterized by their strong work ethic and loyalty to family and community. They possess a natural wisdom that comes from observing and understanding their environment, making them excellent problem-solvers and mediators. While they may appear reserved initially, they reveal deep warmth and compassion to those they trust. Their dual naturecombining the strength of the hill with the gentleness of the meadowmakes them well-balanced individuals who can handle challenges with both resilience and grace. They value tradition but are not opposed to innovation when it serves practical purposes, often serving as bridges between old and new ways of thinking. In social settings, Dunleys tend to be the stable center of their circles rather than the flashy center of attention. They build relationships slowly but deeply, and once committed, they remain loyal through difficulties. Their practical nature makes them excellent at managing resources and planning for the future, while their connection to nature often gives them an appreciation for simple pleasures and sustainable living. These traits combine to create individuals who are both dependable and deeply appreciative of life's quieter, more meaningful aspects. Individuals named Durwin are typically perceived as gentle, loyal, and deeply compassionate people who value harmony in their relationships and environments. They often possess a quiet strength and natural empathy that makes them excellent listeners and trusted confidants. Their connection to the name's meaning often manifests in a love for nature, animals, and peaceful settings, with many Durwins showing particular sensitivity to the needs of others and a strong sense of moral responsibility. Durwins tend to be methodical thinkers who approach challenges with patience and perseverance rather than aggression. They often excel in roles that require mediation, caregiving, or environmental stewardship. While they may not seek the spotlight, they demonstrate remarkable resilience and dedication in their pursuits. Their personality combines the deer's symbolic qualities of gentleness and alertness with the friend aspect of their name's meaning, making them both perceptive and deeply committed to their relationships and principles. This combination of traits often leads Durwins to become pillars of their communitiesreliable, thoughtful individuals who provide stability and wisdom without demanding recognition. Their inherent connection to the natural world frequently gives them a unique perspective on life's challenges and a deep appreciation for simple, meaningful experiences. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Edingu holds deep roots in Germanic tribal history, emerging during the Migration Period when strong leadership was essential for survival. It represents the archetype of the Germanic chieftain who combined martial prowess with administrative wisdom. Throughout medieval German history, the name appeared among minor nobility and regional rulers who maintained local autonomy while serving larger feudal structures. During the Holy Roman Empire, bearers of the name often served as margraves and counts in border regions, where their leadership was crucial for defense and territorial expansion. The name carries connotations of practical governance rather than absolute monarchy, reflecting the Germanic tradition of rulers who consulted with warrior councils and respected tribal customs. This historical legacy makes Edingu a name associated with balanced leadership and regional identity preservation. Cultural & Historical Significance Effiwat is a distinctive Nigerian female name that carries significant cultural weight within certain ethnic communities, particularly in Southern Nigeria. While its exact etymological origins remain uncertain, the name is often associated with families of means and status, suggesting historical connections to prosperity and social standing. The name's structure and phonetics align with naming conventions found among Efik, Ibibio, and related ethnic groups, where names frequently carry deep meanings related to family circumstances, birth order, or parental aspirations. The name embodies traditional Nigerian values of family honor and cultural continuity. In many communities where this name appears, it represents a bridge between ancestral traditions and contemporary identity. The preservation of such names reflects the ongoing importance of cultural heritage in Nigerian society, even as naming trends evolve. Effiwat stands as a testament to the rich linguistic diversity of Nigeria and the enduring practice of bestowing names that carry both personal and communal significance across generations. Individuals named Eimhin are often perceived as quick-witted, energetic, and decisive, living up to the name's meaning of 'swift.' They tend to be natural leaders with sharp intellects who can process information rapidly and make prompt decisions. Their mental agility often makes them excellent problem-solvers who thrive in dynamic environments where quick thinking is valued. Eimhins typically possess a strong sense of purpose and determination, combined with a thoughtful nature that balances their quick reactions. They're known for their loyalty to family and tradition while maintaining an innovative spirit that allows them to adapt to changing circumstances. This combination of swift action and deep consideration makes them respected figures in their communities, often serving as bridges between traditional values and modern approaches. Their inherent swiftness extends beyond physical speed to encompass intellectual curiosity and emotional intelligence. Cultural & Historical Significance Fairlie has deep roots in Scottish history as both a surname and given name, originating from the lands of Fairlie in Ayrshire, Scotland. The name carries strong connections to Scottish clan history and Christian traditions, with many bearers serving as ministers and church leaders throughout Scottish religious history. As a Christian name, it represents the pastoral imagery common in biblical references, connecting the bearer to themes of stewardship and care for creation. The name's association with 'bull's pasture' reflects the agricultural heritage of Scotland and the importance of land stewardship in Christian theology. The name gained prominence through various Scottish families who held lands in Fairlie and played significant roles in local governance and religious life. Throughout the 18th and 19th centuries, bearers of the name often migrated to other parts of the British Empire, spreading its use while maintaining strong ties to Scottish identity. In Christian contexts, the name's pastoral meaning aligns with biblical themes of shepherding and provision, making it particularly meaningful in religious families who value these symbolic connections. Men named Fontaine typically exhibit a personality characterized by emotional depth, intellectual curiosity, and natural elegance. Like the steady flow of a fountain, they often demonstrate remarkable consistency in their values and relationships while maintaining the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances. Their thought processes tend to be reflective and analytical, with an ability to see situations from multiple perspectivesmuch like water taking the shape of its container. Fontaines are frequently drawn to creative pursuits, whether in arts, literature, or innovative problem-solving, and they possess an innate sense of aesthetics that influences their choices in everything from personal style to professional projects. Socially, they tend to be gracious hosts and engaging conversationalists who value meaningful connections over superficial interactions. Their emotional intelligence allows them to be excellent listeners and advisors, often becoming the 'go-to' person in their social circles for wisdom and support. While they may appear reserved initially, Fontaines typically reveal warm, nurturing qualities to those they trust, embodying the refreshing and sustaining nature of their namesake. Individuals named Friduwulf typically exhibit a unique balance of gentle strength and protective instincts. They often combine a peaceful, diplomatic nature with underlying resilience and loyalty, making them natural mediators who can stand firm when principles are at stake. This duality allows them to navigate conflicts with both compassion and determination, often serving as pillars of their communities who defend the vulnerable while maintaining harmonious relationships. The 'peaceful' aspect of the name manifests as emotional intelligence, patience, and a desire for harmony in interpersonal relationships. These individuals tend to be excellent listeners and problem-solvers who avoid unnecessary confrontation. Meanwhile, the 'wolf' element provides inner fortitude, loyalty to loved ones, and the courage to protect what matters most. This combination creates people who are both approachable and reliable - they build trust through their peaceful nature but inspire confidence through their underlying strength and commitment to justice. Individuals named Frika are typically characterized by their bold, determined nature and strong moral compass. They often exhibit leadership qualities combined with a deep sense of spiritual responsibility, making them natural pillars in their communities. These individuals tend to be principled and steadfast, with a quiet confidence that inspires trust in others. Their Christian upbringing often manifests in compassionate behavior and a commitment to serving others, though they can be fiercely protective of their beliefs and values. Frikas are known for their resilience in facing challenges and their ability to maintain grace under pressure. They typically possess a blend of traditional values and innovative thinking, allowing them to honor their heritage while adapting to contemporary circumstances. Their strength of character is often balanced by a warm, approachable demeanor that makes them effective in both personal relationships and professional settings. This combination of fortitude and compassion makes them particularly effective in roles requiring both conviction and empathy. Individuals named Galvyn are typically characterized by their sharp intelligence, social nature, and remarkable adaptability. Like their namesake sparrow, they possess an innate ability to navigate complex social situations with grace and often serve as connectors within their communities. Their quick wit and observational skills make them excellent problem-solvers, while their loyal nature ensures deep, lasting relationships with those they trust. Galvyns often demonstrate a unique blend of independence and community-mindedness, capable of standing strong on their own while understanding the importance of collective strength. They tend to be resourceful and resilient, able to thrive in various environments through their ingenuity and determination. Their communication skills are typically well-developed, and they often excel in fields requiring diplomacy, teaching, or creative expression. The sparrow's symbolic association with protection also manifests in their strong protective instincts toward loved ones and principles they hold dear. Individuals named Garbhan are typically perceived as strong-willed, resilient, and grounded. The name's meaning of 'rough' or 'rugged' often translates to a personality characterized by determination, practicality, and an ability to withstand challenges. They tend to be straightforward in their approach to life, valuing honesty and direct communication over subtlety or diplomacy. Garbhans often possess a quiet strength that others find reassuring, and they're frequently seen as reliable anchors in their social and professional circles. Their rugged exterior often conceals deep loyalty and protective instincts toward those they care about. While they may not be the most expressive emotionally, their actions consistently demonstrate their commitment and values. This combination of strength and reliability makes them natural leaders in challenging situations, though they may sometimes struggle with flexibility or adapting to rapid change. The name suggests someone who builds lasting foundations rather than seeking temporary solutions, embodying the steadfast quality of ancient Irish stonework that endures through generations. Cultural & Historical Significance Georgette emerged as a distinctly French feminine form of George during the late 19th century, reflecting both the agricultural roots of the name and France's sophisticated naming traditions. The name gained prominence during the Belle Epoque period, embodying both traditional values and emerging feminine independence. Its connection to Saint George, the dragon-slaying patron saint of England and several other regions, adds a layer of protective symbolism. In French culture, Georgette represents a blend of rustic simplicity and Parisian elegance, often associated with women who balance traditional domestic roles with artistic or intellectual pursuits. The name saw particular popularity among French bourgeoisie families who valued both its Christian heritage and its distinctly Gallic character. During the interwar period, Georgette became associated with modern, independent women while maintaining its connection to French cultural identity. The name also carries significance in fashion history through designer Georgette , who popularized the lightweight crepe georgette fabric that bears her name. This connection to haute couture adds another layer to the name's cultural resonance, linking it to French creativity and craftsmanship. Throughout the 20th century, Georgette maintained its position as a name that bridges traditional French values with contemporary sophistication. Individuals named Gershom are often perceived as thoughtful, introspective, and possessing a strong sense of identity shaped by understanding what it means to be 'different' or outside mainstream circles. The name's meaning of 'exile' or 'stranger' tends to manifest in personality as someone who is observant, analytical, and capable of seeing situations from multiple perspectives. They often develop resilience and adaptability from early experiences of feeling like an outsider, which can translate into strong problem-solving skills and emotional intelligence. Many Gershoms exhibit scholarly tendencies, with a natural curiosity about history, tradition, and the deeper meanings behind surface appearances. This combination of depth, resilience, and intellectual curiosity makes them natural leaders in academic, religious, or cultural spheres. They tend to be loyal to their principles while remaining open to new ideas, often serving as bridges between different communities or ways of thinking. The historical weight of the name can inspire a sense of responsibility to preserve and transmit knowledge, much like the great rabbis who bore the name before them. At their best, Gershoms embody the wisdom that comes from understanding multiple perspectivesthe insight of someone who has learned to thrive while navigating between worlds. They often possess a quiet strength and determination that serves them well in overcoming challenges, reflecting the name's origins in Moses' own journey from prince to shepherd to liberator. In contemporary naming practices, Godwin maintains a niche but steady presence, particularly among families with Anglo-Saxon heritage or those seeking meaningful Christian names with historical depth. While not among the most popular names, it has seen a modest revival in recent decades as part of the trend toward traditional and meaningful names. The name is most commonly used in English-speaking countries, with notable usage in the United Kingdom, United States, and former British colonies in Africa. Its relative rarity in modern times gives it a distinctive quality while maintaining its traditional and respectable character, appealing to parents looking for a name that combines historical significance with Christian meaning without being overly common. Individuals named Giuseppe are often perceived as possessing strong traditional values, reliability, and deep family loyalty. The name carries connotations of steadfastness and practical wisdom, reflecting the biblical Joseph's ability to overcome adversity through patience and strategic thinking. Many Giuseppes are seen as protective figures who value stability and have a strong sense of responsibility toward their loved ones. These traits align with the name's association with Saint Joseph, the patron saint of workers and families, who embodies quiet strength and dependable character. Beyond these foundational qualities, Giuseppes are frequently described as having artistic sensibilities and creative talents, influenced by famous bearers like composer Giuseppe Verdi. They often demonstrate a balance between practical realism and imaginative vision, capable of both detailed planning and inspired innovation. The name suggests someone who builds gradually but surelywhether in relationships, careers, or personal projectsembodying the 'multiplication' aspect of its meaning through consistent effort and growth over time. This combination of traditional grounding with creative potential makes Giuseppe a name associated with individuals who honor heritage while contributing uniquely to their chosen fields. In contemporary times, Hanraoi remains a niche but meaningful choice, primarily used within Irish-speaking communities and families with strong cultural connections to Ireland. While it has never reached the popularity of its English equivalent Henry, it maintains a steady presence particularly in Gaeltacht areas and among the Irish diaspora seeking authentic cultural names. The name has seen a slight increase in usage in recent years as part of the broader revival of traditional Irish names, though it remains outside the top 100 names in Ireland. Modern parents who choose Hanraoi often value its cultural authenticity, meaningful 'home ruler' connotation, and connection to Irish heritage. It's particularly popular among families who prioritize Irish language preservation and want to give their children names that reflect their cultural identity. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Hayle holds significant cultural importance within Christian communities, particularly in Eastern Orthodox and Ethiopian Christian traditions. Its meaning 'one who lives in the hall' reflects the early Christian emphasis on community living and shared worship spaces. Throughout Christian history, the concept of the hall or gathering place has been central to religious practice, making this name symbolic of community leadership and spiritual hospitality. In Ethiopian Christian culture, variations of Hayle are particularly prominent, often given to children with the hope they will become pillars of their religious community. The name carries connotations of protection, guidance, and spiritual shelter, mirroring the biblical concept of God as a refuge and stronghold. This cultural significance extends to the name's association with church elders and community leaders who traditionally oversaw gathering places for worship and fellowship. Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher concludes Official Visit to Sri Lanka The Secretary for Relations with States and International Organizations of the Holy See, His Excellency Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher, undertook an official visit to Sri Lanka from 3 to 8 November 2025. The visit marked a significant milestone in the longstanding friendly relations between the Holy See and Sri Lanka, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations. Archbishop Gallagher was received on arrival by Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Employment, Arun Hemachandra. His Eminence Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith, President of the Catholic Bishops Conference of Sri Lanka, and His Lordship Rt. Rev. Dr. Harold Perera joined in welcoming the Holy See delegation at the Bandaranaike International Airport. During his visit, Archbishop Gallagher paid courtesy calls on President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka and Prime Minister Dr. Harini Amarasuriya. Discussions focused on multiple aspects of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Sri Lanka and the Holy See. The President and the Prime Minister expressed appreciation for the Holy Sees support to Sri Lanka, including in the field of education, and reaffirmed the Governments commitment to reconciliation through inclusivity, dialogue, mutual understanding and pluralism. Archbishop Gallagher commended Sri Lankas progress in reconciliation and expressed the Holy Sees continued solidarity with the Sri Lankan people. Sri Lanka also extended an invitation to His Holiness Pope Leo XIV to undertake a visit to Sri Lanka. Archbishop Gallagher also held bilateral discussions with Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment and Tourism Vijitha Herath. The meeting reaffirmed the strong and ongoing cooperation between Sri Lanka and the Holy See, with emphasis on humanitarian assistance provided through Caritas Sri LankaSEDEC, the reconciliation process, and the promotion of interfaith harmony in Sri Lankas multiethnic and multireligious society. Both sides underscored the importance of joint efforts to combat drug trafficking, terrorism, and extremism. Following their discussions, both Foreign Ministers addressed a joint media briefing, reaffirming the shared commitment to peace, human dignity, and mutual cooperation. They also agreed to explore new avenues of collaboration on global issues such as environmental sustainability and social justice. On 4 November, a commemorative event celebrating the 50th Anniversary of Diplomatic Relations between Sri Lanka and the Holy See was held at the Galle Face Hotel. Archbishop Gallagher delivered a public lecture titled Working Together for Dialogue and Peace: The Perspective and Commitment of the Holy See, reaffirming the Vaticans dedication to promoting peace and equality. Minister of Science and Technology, Chryshantha Abeysena delivered the vote of thanks at the event, expressing Sri Lankas gratitude for the Holy Sees enduring support for peace, reconciliation, and religious coexistence in Sri Lanka. The visit reaffirmed the Holy Sees commitment to Sri Lankas development, and fostering interfaith dialogue, social cohesion, and spiritual and cultural ties with Sri Lanka. The engagements held during Archbishop Gallaghers stay deepened bilateral relations and will serve as a foundation for future collaboration in education, peace building, and the promotion of religious freedom. Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Employment & Tourism Colombo 13 November 2025 Individuals named Heikki are typically perceived as embodying the quintessential Finnish characteristics of reliability, practicality, and quiet strength. They are often seen as natural leaders who lead by example rather than through loud authority, reflecting the name's meaning of 'home ruler' in a modern context. Heikkis tend to be methodical problem-solvers who approach challenges with calm determination and thorough planning. Their personality often combines traditional values with progressive thinking, making them adaptable yet grounded. They are typically family-oriented individuals who value deep, lasting relationships and community connections. While they may appear reserved to outsiders, those who know Heikkis well appreciate their dry wit, emotional depth, and unwavering loyalty. Their strong sense of responsibility and integrity makes them trusted figures in both personal and professional settings. These traits align with the Finnish cultural ideal of balancing individual strength with community responsibility, making Heikki a name that carries significant positive associations in Finnish society. Individuals named Henry are often perceived as possessing natural leadership qualities, combining traditional values with practical intelligence. They tend to exhibit reliability, determination, and a strong sense of responsibilitytraits that align with the name's meaning of 'ruler of the household.' Many Henrys display a balanced temperament, capable of both decisive action and thoughtful consideration, making them effective in positions of authority. There's often an undercurrent of quiet confidence rather than overt arrogance, which allows them to command respect without appearing domineering. Socially, Henrys are frequently seen as dependable friends and family members who value stability and tradition. They often possess a dry wit and intellectual curiosity, enjoying both practical problem-solving and philosophical discussion. While they can be somewhat reserved initially, they form deep, lasting relationships based on mutual trust and loyalty. The historical weight of the name seems to instill a sense of purpose and integrity, with many Henrys demonstrating strong moral compasses and commitment to their principles, whether in personal relationships or professional endeavors. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Hunt carries significant cultural weight as an occupational surname turned given name, deeply rooted in medieval English and Christian traditions. In Christian contexts, hunting symbolism appears throughout scripture, representing both physical provision and spiritual pursuit - from Nimrod the 'mighty hunter before the Lord' in Genesis to the metaphorical hunting for souls and truth. The name embodies the Christian virtues of perseverance, provision, and the spiritual hunt for righteousness. Historically, hunting was not merely a sport but a necessary skill for survival and a noble pursuit among European aristocracy, making the name Hunt associated with both practical survival skills and aristocratic pastimes. The transition from surname to given name reflects broader naming trends in English-speaking countries, particularly in America where occupational names became popular first names during the 19th and 20th centuries. In broader Western culture, the name Hunt evokes images of wilderness, self-reliance, and the frontier spirit, particularly in American context where hunting was essential for early settlers. The name connects to themes of provision, skill, and mastery over nature while maintaining respect for the natural world. It represents a bridge between civilized society and primal human instincts, embodying the balance between community life and individual capability. The cultural significance extends to literary and artistic representations where hunting often serves as metaphor for larger human endeavors and quests. Individuals named Hussain are often perceived as possessing strong moral character, leadership qualities, and deep conviction. The historical and religious associations of the name create expectations of courage, principle, and willingness to stand for justice even in adversity. Many Hussains are seen as compassionate yet firm, with a natural authority that commands respect. They tend to be family-oriented, protective of their loved ones, and deeply connected to their cultural or religious heritage. The name also suggests someone with emotional depth and spiritual sensitivity, often displaying generosity and concern for the less fortunate. While these traits are culturally ascribed rather than scientifically proven, the powerful narrative surrounding Hussain ibn Ali creates a psychological archetype that influences how bearers of the name are perceived and often how they perceive themselves. This cultural expectation can shape personality development, as many Hussains feel a subconscious responsibility to live up to the noble qualities associated with their namesake, fostering traits of integrity, resilience, and moral courage. Individuals named Ikaika are typically perceived as natural leaders with strong protective instincts and unwavering determination. They often exhibit physical confidence combined with emotional resilience, making them reliable in challenging situations. Their strength extends beyond the physical to include mental fortitude and the ability to remain steadfast under pressure. Ikaikas tend to be loyal to their families and communities, often taking on responsibilities with quiet competence. They may display a calm exterior that masks their inner power, only revealing their full strength when necessary. While they can be competitive and driven, they typically use their power responsibly and with consideration for others. Their strength is often balanced with cultural values of humility and service. These individuals often demonstrate a practical approach to problem-solving and are known for their reliability in crises. They may possess a quiet charisma that inspires confidence in others, and they typically value actions over words. The name carries expectations of integrity and the wise use of one's capabilities for the benefit of others. Cultural & Historical Significance Ilia is a name with deep roots in Hebrew tradition, derived from the prophet Elijah, one of the most important figures in the Old Testament. The name carries significant religious weight across Abrahamic faiths, representing divine connection and prophetic authority. In Jewish tradition, Elijah is celebrated as a miracle-worker and the herald of the Messiah, while in Christianity he's revered as a forerunner to John the Baptist and Jesus. The name spread throughout Eastern Europe and Russia, where it became particularly popular in Orthodox Christian communities, often given to honor the prophet's spiritual legacy and connection to divine will. Throughout history, the name Ilia has been associated with spiritual leadership and divine intervention. In Russian culture, the name gained prominence through Orthodox Christian traditions and has been borne by numerous saints and religious figures. The name's journey from its Hebrew origins to widespread use in Slavic countries demonstrates how religious names transcend cultural boundaries while maintaining their core spiritual significance. In modern times, the name continues to evoke a sense of tradition, faith, and cultural heritage for those who bear it. Individuals bearing the name Inglebert are typically characterized by their exceptional intellectual capabilities and deep sense of moral responsibility. The name's meaning of 'angel-brilliant' suggests someone who combines sharp intelligence with ethical awareness, often making them natural scholars, researchers, or advisors. They tend to approach problems with both analytical rigor and consideration of broader implications, displaying the 'brilliant' aspect through innovative thinking and the 'angelic' quality through concern for ethical outcomes. Their thought processes are typically systematic and thorough, making them excellent at complex tasks requiring sustained focus. Socially, Ingleberts often present as reserved but deeply principled individuals who value authenticity over popularity. They may not be the most outgoing personalities, but they form meaningful connections based on shared intellectual interests or moral values. Their combination of intelligence and integrity often earns them respect as fair-minded individuals who can be trusted with important decisions. While they might occasionally be perceived as overly serious or detached, those who know them well appreciate their consistency, reliability, and the depth of their commitment to both personal principles and professional excellence. Individuals named Jedi are often perceived as having a calm, thoughtful demeanor with a natural inclination toward spiritual or philosophical pursuits. They tend to be introspective and value deep, meaningful relationships over superficial connections. Their name's meaning often influences how others perceive them - as someone blessed with special qualities or divine favor. Jedi-named individuals typically exhibit strong intuition and emotional intelligence, making them excellent listeners and trusted advisors. They often possess a quiet confidence that draws others to them, and they tend to approach life with a sense of purpose and moral clarity. While they may be reserved in large groups, they form deep, lasting bonds with those they trust and are known for their loyalty and genuine care for others' wellbeing. The spiritual connotations of their name often manifest in a thoughtful approach to life's challenges and a natural ability to provide comfort and guidance to those around them. Cultural & Historical Significance Jinny originated as a diminutive form of Jane and Jennifer, both names with deep Christian roots. Jane derives from the Hebrew name Yochanan, meaning 'God is gracious,' while Jennifer has Cornish origins from Guinevere, meaning 'white shadow' or 'white wave.' The name gained popularity in English-speaking countries during the 20th century, particularly as a familiar form that maintained both traditional religious significance and modern appeal. In Christian contexts, the name carries the spiritual weight of divine grace and blessing, while its Cornish connections link it to Arthurian legends and Celtic heritage. The masculine usage of Jinny, while uncommon, represents a modern trend of gender-fluid naming practices while maintaining the name's essential character and meaning. This reflects broader cultural shifts in naming conventions where traditional gender boundaries are becoming more flexible. The name's Christian heritage provides a foundation of spiritual meaning, while its adaptability allows it to transcend specific cultural or temporal limitations, making it relevant across different contexts and generations. Individuals named Kaimi are typically characterized by their curious and adventurous nature. They possess an innate desire to explore, learn, and understand the world around them, often demonstrating remarkable persistence in their pursuits. These individuals tend to be thoughtful and introspective, with a natural inclination toward questioning and seeking deeper meanings in life experiences. Their seeking nature makes them excellent problem-solvers and innovators, as they're not satisfied with surface-level explanations but instead dig deeper to uncover underlying truths. Kaimi's are often seen as bridges between tradition and modernity, respecting cultural heritage while embracing new ideas and perspectives. They typically exhibit strong observational skills and emotional intelligence, allowing them to navigate complex social situations with grace and understanding. Their adventurous spirit is balanced by a deep sense of responsibility and connection to their roots. People with this name often become natural leaders in educational, cultural, or exploratory fields, inspiring others through their genuine curiosity and commitment to meaningful discovery rather than superficial accomplishments. Cultural & Historical Significance Kalyan holds profound significance in Hindu culture as it represents one of the sixteen 'samskaras' or sacraments in Hindu tradition - specifically referring to marriage ceremonies. The name embodies the concept of auspiciousness and welfare that is central to Hindu philosophy. In ancient scriptures, Kalyan is often associated with virtues, prosperity, and the well-being of society. The name appears in various Hindu texts where it denotes not just personal good fortune but also the welfare of the community, reflecting the interconnected nature of individual and collective prosperity in Hindu thought. Historically, the concept of Kalyan has been integral to Indian kingship and governance, where rulers were expected to work for the 'Kalyan' or welfare of their subjects. Many historical figures and religious leaders have been given titles incorporating Kalyan to signify their benevolent nature. The name continues to be used in religious contexts, with many temples and spiritual organizations incorporating it into their names to signify their mission of promoting spiritual and social welfare. This deep cultural embedding makes Kalyan more than just a name - it represents an ideal way of life focused on creating positive impact. Cultural & Historical Significance Khnum holds profound significance in ancient Egyptian mythology as one of the oldest and most enduring deities. Originating from the First Cataract region of the Nile at Elephantine, he was worshipped as the divine potter who shaped both gods and humans on his potter's wheel from Nile clay. His association with the annual Nile inundation made him crucial to Egyptian agriculture and survival, as he was believed to control the river's flow from his cave at Elephantine. As a creator deity, Khnum was often depicted as a ram-headed man, symbolizing fertility and creative power. His cult centers at Elephantine and Esna remained active for over three millennia, demonstrating his lasting importance in Egyptian religious life. Khnum represented the concept of divine craftsmanship and the fundamental creative forces that sustained the universe, making him integral to Egyptian understanding of creation and cosmic order. In later periods, he was syncretized with other gods like Ra, becoming Khnum-Ra, which expanded his solar associations and reinforced his role as a reborn sun deity. Individuals named Kiarad are typically perceived as possessing natural leadership qualities combined with deep emotional intelligence and generosity. They often exhibit a balanced temperament, showing both strength in decision-making and compassion in interpersonal relationships. The 'generous king' aspect suggests someone who is magnanimous, protective of others, and inclined toward philanthropy and community service. They tend to be natural mediators who can see multiple perspectives and find harmonious solutions to conflicts. The 'hidden paradise' dimension indicates a rich inner world, spiritual depth, and intuitive understanding that may not be immediately apparent to casual observers. Kiarads often possess creative talents, philosophical inclinations, and the ability to inspire others through their vision and wisdom. They typically value authenticity, seek meaningful connections, and approach life with both practical wisdom and mystical insight. This combination makes them well-suited for roles requiring both strategic thinking and emotional intelligence, often excelling in leadership positions where they can implement their vision of creating better communities or organizations. Individuals named Kin are often perceived as having a natural leadership quality and elevated perspective on life, reflecting the name's meaning of being 'from the top of the cliff.' They tend to be observant, strategic thinkers who can see the bigger picture and make calculated decisions. This elevated viewpoint often translates into wisdom beyond their years and the ability to guide others through challenging situations. Their presence is typically steady and reassuring, much like a cliff that withstands the test of time and elements. Kin's personality often combines strength with sensitivity - they possess the resilience of stone but the awareness of changing tides. They may be somewhat reserved initially, preferring to observe before engaging, but once committed, they form deep, loyal connections. Their strategic nature makes them excellent problem-solvers, though they might sometimes be perceived as distant or overly analytical. The combination of their Scottish heritage and the name's meaning often results in individuals who value tradition while maintaining a forward-looking perspective, balancing respect for the past with innovation for the future. Individuals named Kingswell typically exhibit leadership qualities combined with a nurturing, spiritual nature. They often possess a natural authority and confidence that draws others to them, much like the royal aspect of their name suggests. However, this leadership is tempered by a deep well of compassion and spiritual insight, reflecting the 'well' component that symbolizes emotional depth and refreshment for others. Kingswells are often seen as pillars of their communities, combining practical wisdom with spiritual guidance. They tend to be reliable, steadfast individuals who provide stability and refreshment to those around them, much like a dependable spring in dry land. Their personality often balances strength with gentleness, authority with service, making them natural counselors, leaders, or spiritual guides who can both command respect and offer genuine care. These individuals typically demonstrate strong moral character and a sense of responsibility toward others. They often excel in roles that require both decision-making authority and emotional intelligence, finding fulfillment in serving as sources of wisdom and support. The dual nature of their name often manifests as someone who can lead with conviction while maintaining deep empathy and spiritual awareness. Cultural & Historical Significance Kinneret occupies a central place in Jewish consciousness as both a geographical reality and cultural symbol. As the Hebrew name for the Sea of Galilee, it connects directly to biblical narratives where the lake features prominently in Jewish history and Christian tradition as the setting for many of Jesus's miracles. The name's etymology from 'kinnor' (harp) reflects how ancient observers saw the lake's distinctive shape. During the early Zionist period, the Kinneret region became the heartland of agricultural settlement, with the first kibbutzim and moshavim established along its shores, making it symbolic of the pioneering spirit and connection to the land. Today, Kinneret represents the intersection of ancient heritage and modern Israeli life, embodying both historical continuity and natural beauty that continues to inspire artists, writers, and musicians. The cultural significance extends beyond religious and historical dimensions to encompass national identity formation. The Kinneret settlements were laboratories for socialist-Zionist ideals, developing collective living models that shaped Israeli society. The lake itself serves as Israel's primary freshwater source, making it literally life-sustaining while symbolically representing the nation's vulnerability and resilience. In Israeli folk culture, countless songs and poems celebrate Kinneret's beauty, cementing its status as an emotional and cultural touchstone that connects Israelis to their landscape, history, and collective memory. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Kirby has deep roots in both Norse and Irish heritage, originating as a locational surname in areas of Norse settlement in Ireland and England. In Ireland, the name became particularly established in County Cork and surrounding regions, where Norse settlers integrated with the local population following Viking invasions. The name's meaning - 'church settlement' - reflects the importance of religious centers in medieval community organization and suggests that early bearers lived near or were associated with church properties. Throughout Irish history, the Kirby family name has been associated with various regional clans and families, particularly in Munster province. During the period of English colonization and the Penal Laws, many Irish families with Norse-derived names like Kirby maintained their cultural identity while adapting to changing political landscapes. The name's journey from Scandinavia to Ireland and eventually to North America during Irish emigration waves represents a microcosm of broader cultural exchanges and migrations that shaped the Irish diaspora. The name carries with it the legacy of Norse influence in Ireland, particularly in coastal regions where Viking settlements were established. This dual heritage makes Kirby a name that symbolizes cultural fusion and adaptation, reflecting Ireland's complex history of invasion, settlement, and integration. The persistence of the name through centuries of political and social change speaks to its enduring appeal and the resilience of the families who carried it. Individuals named Kirkor are typically perceived as vigilant, observant, and deeply thoughtful. They often possess a natural inclination toward protection and guidance, embodying the name's meaning of watchfulness in both personal and professional contexts. These individuals tend to be methodical in their approach to life, carefully considering decisions and maintaining awareness of their surroundings and relationships. Kirkors are often seen as reliable pillars in their communities, combining traditional values with modern adaptability. Their watchful nature makes them excellent problem-solvers who can anticipate challenges before they arise. While sometimes reserved in new situations, they demonstrate strong loyalty and dedication to those they care about, often serving as mentors or guardians within their social circles. This combination of vigilance and compassion creates individuals who are both practical and deeply caring, with a strong sense of responsibility toward preserving what they value most. Women named Kolenya are often described as deeply intuitive and connected to natural rhythms, possessing an innate understanding of cycles and patterns in both nature and human relationships. They tend to be observant and perceptive, noticing details others might miss, much like the name's origin in observing the subtle behaviors of fish. Their communication style is often distinctive and memorable - they may have unique ways of expressing themselves that capture attention and convey deeper meanings, reflecting the 'coughing' aspect of their name's meaning. Kolenya's typically exhibit strong adaptability and resilience, able to navigate changing circumstances with grace and determination, much like fish moving through different water conditions. They often serve as bridges between different groups or ideas, facilitating understanding and connection across cultural or social divides. Their strength lies in their ability to move between different environments or social contexts while maintaining their core identity. Many display a creative problem-solving approach, drawing inspiration from natural systems and traditional wisdom to address contemporary challenges, embodying the practical spirituality inherent in their name's origin. These individuals often demonstrate a quiet confidence and depth of character that develops through their connection to heritage and natural wisdom. They may be drawn to roles that involve mediation, teaching, environmental work, or cultural preservation. Their presence often brings a sense of calm and perspective, reminding others of the larger cycles and patterns that govern life. The combination of observational skills and intuitive understanding makes them particularly effective in situations requiring both practical insight and emotional intelligence. Individuals named Lapis are often perceived as possessing deep wisdom, emotional intensity, and artistic sensitivity. Like the stone they're named for, they tend to have multifaceted personalities with layers of complexity that reveal themselves over time. They're typically introspective, valuing depth in relationships and intellectual pursuits, often displaying remarkable intuition about others' emotions. Their calm exterior frequently masks intense inner worlds, making them excellent confidants and creative problem-solvers. Lapis-named individuals often exhibit strong aesthetic sensibilities, drawn to beauty in all forms, whether in art, nature, or human connection. They tend to be loyal but selective in friendships, preferring meaningful connections over superficial relationships. Their combination of practical wisdom and spiritual depth makes them natural guides and healers in their communities. While they can be reserved initially, once trust is established, they reveal warm, insightful personalities with a unique perspective on life's challenges and opportunities. Their name inspires expectations of reliability, creativity, and the ability to see beyond surface appearances to deeper truths. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Leone carries profound cultural significance across European history, particularly in French and Italian contexts. In French culture, the name evolved from the Latin 'Leo' and became popular during the medieval period, often associated with nobility and strength. The lion symbolism resonated deeply with aristocratic families who adopted the name to signify courage and leadership qualities. Throughout French history, the name appeared in royal courts and among military leaders, embodying the ideals of chivalry and valor that were central to French aristocratic culture. In Italian culture, Leone has maintained consistent popularity, particularly in regions with strong Roman heritage. The name connects to the lion of Saint Mark, the symbol of Venice, and appears frequently in Italian art, literature, and religious contexts. During the Renaissance, the name gained prominence among artists, architects, and scholars who sought to revive classical ideals. The dual French-Italian heritage of the name reflects the cultural exchange between these two Mediterranean civilizations, with the lion motif appearing in heraldry, architecture, and literature across both cultures as a symbol of power, protection, and regal authority. Cultural & Historical Significance Ludlow originated as an English surname derived from the market town in Shropshire, England, which gained prominence during the medieval period. The name carries strong Christian heritage through its association with Ludlow Castle, an important stronghold during the Wars of the Roses and later periods. As a given name, Ludlow emerged among English-speaking Christian communities, particularly in Anglican and Protestant traditions, where it symbolized both noble heritage and spiritual elevation. The name's connection to 'prince's hill' resonated with Christian symbolism of spiritual royalty and the concept of being children of God. Throughout British and American history, the name maintained a presence in educated and religious circles, often chosen by families with English ancestry or those valuing traditional Christian names with historical depth. The town of Ludlow itself became associated with quality education and religious institutions, further cementing the name's connection to Christian values and intellectual pursuit. Cultural & Historical Significance Lynceus occupies a distinctive position in Greek mythology as the archetype of perfect vision and perception. As one of the Argonauts, his extraordinary ability to see through solid objects and over immense distances made him indispensable to the success of the Golden Fleece quest. This mythological role reflects the ancient Greek value of specialized excellence, where each hero contributes unique superhuman talents to collective endeavors. Beyond his famous voyage with Jason, Lynceus appears in the myth of the Dioscuri, where his conflict with Castor and Pollux demonstrates the complex relationships between heroic figures. His character represents the Greek ideal of arete (excellence) manifested through sensory acuity rather than physical strength alone. The cultural significance of Lynceus extends beyond mythology into philosophical symbolism. His name became synonymous with keen observation and intellectual penetration, influencing how ancient Greeks conceptualized knowledge and perception. In later classical literature, references to 'Lynceus' eyes' became proverbial for exceptional discernment. The name embodies the intersection of physical capability and intellectual virtue, representing the ideal of seeing not just with the eyes but with understanding. This dual significance made Lynceus a enduring symbol in Greek culture for the pursuit of truth through careful observation and the heroic nature of perceptual excellence. Those named Mabon typically exhibit a complex blend of youthful energy and ancient wisdom, reflecting their mythological origins. They often possess remarkable resilience, having the ability to overcome early challenges or periods of feeling constrained, much like the mythological Mabon who was imprisoned but eventually freed to fulfill his destiny. This creates individuals who understand struggle but maintain optimism, combining the innocence of youth with hard-won maturity in a way that makes them both approachable and deeply insightful. Mabon-named individuals tend to be loyal and dependable, with a strong sense of duty to family and community. They often serve as bridges between different groups or perspectives, much like their namesake connects ancient Celtic and medieval Arthurian traditions. Their personality frequently includes a protective streak, especially toward the vulnerable, and they may find themselves in roles where they help others overcome their own 'imprisonments' or limitations. This results in people who are both grounded in reality yet connected to deeper spiritual or cultural currents, making them natural leaders who guide through example rather than authority. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Machupa holds deep cultural significance in Swahili-speaking communities along the East African coast, particularly in Tanzania, Kenya, and the islands of Zanzibar. Historically, the name emerged from the vibrant social fabric of coastal societies where communal gatherings, celebrations, and shared meals were central to community life. In traditional Swahili culture, drinking (whether of palm wine, traditional brews, or tea) was not merely about consumption but represented social bonding, hospitality, and the sharing of stories and wisdom. The name reflects the Swahili philosophy of 'ujamaa' or familyhood, emphasizing that those who enjoy drinking together often build stronger community ties. Throughout Swahili history, individuals named Machupa were often seen as social connectors within their communities. They typically played important roles in ceremonies, weddings, and community meetings where their ability to facilitate social interaction was valued. During the era of Arab and European trade along the Swahili Coast, the name became associated with merchants and traders who would host business discussions over drinks, blending commerce with social engagement. The name carries echoes of the famous Swahili 'baraza' tradition - the daily gathering of men to discuss community matters while sharing refreshments. This cultural context transforms what might seem like a simple description into a meaningful identifier of someone who strengthens social bonds and community cohesion. Madora typically embodies a unique blend of strength and gentleness that makes natural leaders. These individuals often possess an innate organizational ability and strategic mindset that allows them to navigate complex situations with apparent ease. The 'ruler' aspect of the name manifests as quiet confidence rather than loud authority - Madoras lead through example and wisdom rather than command. They're often the calm center in storms, providing stability and clear thinking when others feel overwhelmed. The 'gift' meaning translates to generous spirits who genuinely enjoy helping others succeed. Madoras frequently have strong intuitive abilities and emotional intelligence, making them excellent judges of character and effective mediators. They tend to be lifelong learners with curiosity about the world and people around them. While they can be reserved in large groups, in trusted circles they reveal warm, witty personalities with deep loyalty to those they care about. Their combination of practical competence and emotional depth makes them invaluable in both professional and personal contexts. Individuals named Mahmud are often perceived as natural leaders with strong moral convictions and a dignified presence. They tend to be ambitious, determined, and principled, with a deep sense of responsibility toward their community and family. Their name meaning 'the praised one' often translates into a personality that seeks excellence and recognition through genuine achievement rather than empty praise. Mahmuds are typically respected for their wisdom, reliability, and ability to make difficult decisions with confidence. They often possess a quiet strength and resilience that enables them to overcome challenges while maintaining their integrity. Many Mahmuds develop a strong sense of justice and fairness, becoming advocates for those who cannot speak for themselves. Their leadership style is usually characterized by compassion combined with firmness, making them effective in positions of authority where balanced judgment is required. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their loyalty, wisdom, and dry sense of humor. The name's historical associations often inspire bearers to pursue paths of service, education, or leadership, with many excelling in fields that require strategic thinking and moral courage. Their combination of traditional values and practical wisdom makes them valuable advisors and community pillars. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Manley has deep roots in English and Christian traditions, originating as a surname that later transitioned to a given name. In Christian contexts, the name carries connotations of spiritual strength and pastoral care, with 'meadow' symbolizing a place of spiritual nourishment and 'hero' representing moral courage and faith. Historically, the name was particularly popular among English-speaking Christian communities who valued its combination of strength and natural imagery, often choosing it for sons they hoped would embody both courage and gentleness. The name's dual meaning reflects the Christian ideal of balancing strength with compassion, making it a meaningful choice for families seeking a name with both historical depth and spiritual significance. Throughout history, individuals named Manley have often been associated with leadership roles within their communities, particularly in religious and educational settings. The name's enduring appeal lies in its ability to convey both traditional masculine virtues and a connection to nature and peace, creating a well-rounded identity that has maintained relevance across generations. Individuals named Matthias are often perceived as thoughtful, reliable, and principled. They tend to exhibit strong moral convictions and a sense of purpose, reflecting the name's meaning of being a 'gift from God.' Many Matthiases are known for their analytical minds, patience, and methodical approach to problem-solving, often serving as stable anchors in their personal and professional relationships. These individuals typically value tradition and integrity while demonstrating quiet leadership qualities. They're often seen as dependable friends and colleagues who approach challenges with careful consideration rather than impulsivity. The name suggests someone who balances spiritual depth with practical wisdom, making them trusted advisors and conscientious decision-makers in various aspects of life. Their inherent sense of responsibility often leads them to positions where they can make meaningful contributions to their communities or fields of work. People named Merwyn typically exhibit personality traits centered around loyalty, wisdom, and quiet strength. They are often perceived as the reliable anchors in their social circlesindividuals who remember important details, keep confidences, and provide steady support during difficult times. Their 'famous friend' quality manifests not through seeking attention but through the deep, lasting impact they have on those fortunate enough to know them well. Merwyns tend to be thoughtful decision-makers who consider multiple perspectives before acting, and they often serve as peacemakers in conflicts. They usually possess a strong moral compass and are guided by their principles rather than external validation. While they may not be the most outgoing in large groups, they form incredibly deep bonds with a select few friends and family members. Their combination of personal integrity and genuine care for others makes them respected and trusted figures in their communities, embodying the Christian ideal of servant leadership through their actions rather than their words. New York,US (PANA) - Lack of sufficient funds is jeopardizing the ability of the UN relief agency for Palestine refugees (UNRWA) to operate, the head of the agency said on Thursday In contemporary naming practices, Metis remains an uncommon but meaningful choice that has maintained a consistent, though limited, presence. The name appeals particularly to parents with interests in classical mythology, philosophy, or those seeking a name that embodies intelligence and wisdom. While it doesn't appear on mainstream baby name charts in most English-speaking countries, it has seen occasional use in academic and intellectual circles. The name's rarity adds to its appeal for parents seeking unique but historically significant names. In Canada, the spelling 'Metis' carries additional cultural significance and is sometimes used to honor indigenous heritage. The name has also gained some traction in the technology and education sectors, where its association with wisdom and strategy resonates with professionals in these fields. Recent years have seen a slight increase in mythological name usage, potentially benefiting names like Metis. However, its challenging pronunciation for some and strong mythological associations mean it's likely to remain a niche choice rather than becoming mainstream. Individuals named Mikhalis are often perceived as strong, protective, and principled. They tend to exhibit natural leadership qualities and a sense of responsibility toward others, reflecting the archangel Michael's role as a protector and warrior. Many Mikhalis-named individuals are known for their determination and moral compass, often standing up for what they believe is right. They typically possess a blend of practical wisdom and spiritual depth, making them reliable friends and family members who others turn to in times of need. While they can be assertive when necessary, they also demonstrate compassion and loyalty, creating balanced personalities that command respect while maintaining warm relationships. Their protective nature often extends beyond immediate family to their broader community, showing a genuine concern for the well-being of others. In professional settings, Mikhalis-named individuals often excel in positions requiring decision-making, integrity, and the ability to guide others. They tend to be dependable and consistent, with a strong work ethic and the ability to persevere through challenges, making them valuable team members and leaders in various fields. Cultural & Historical Significance Misae holds deep cultural significance within the Osage Nation as a traditional name connecting bearers to their heritage and spiritual beliefs. The name embodies the Osage worldview where celestial bodies like the sun hold sacred importance, representing life, guidance, and spiritual illumination. In Osage cosmology, the sun is considered a powerful spiritual force, and 'white sun' specifically symbolizes purity, clarity, and the beginning of new cycles. The name has been passed down through generations, often given to girls born during significant solar events or to those expected to bring light and guidance to their communities. Historically, names like Misae were carefully chosen by elders to reflect both the child's potential and their connection to the natural and spiritual worlds. The cultural importance of Misae extends beyond mere nomenclature to encompass identity, spirituality, and community role. In traditional Osage society, names were not simply labels but carried spiritual weight and defined one's place within the community. A girl named Misae would be expected to embody the qualities of clarity, purity, and guidance throughout her life. The name serves as a living connection to ancestral traditions and the Osage relationship with the natural world, particularly their reverence for celestial bodies that govern seasons, agriculture, and spiritual cycles. Men named Moulton typically exhibit a balanced personality that combines intellectual depth with practical wisdom. They are often perceived as steady, reliable individuals who approach challenges with methodical determination. Their thinking tends to be both analytical and creative, allowing them to solve complex problems through innovative yet grounded solutions. Moultons generally possess strong leadership qualities tempered by humility and a collaborative spirit. They value tradition but are not bound by it, often serving as bridges between established practices and new approaches. In social settings, Moultons are typically reserved but warm, building deep, meaningful relationships rather than seeking broad social circles. They demonstrate remarkable persistence in their pursuits, reflecting the endurance symbolized by the mule in their name's origin. Their work ethic is strong, and they often excel in fields requiring both theoretical knowledge and practical application. Emotionally, they tend to be stable and consistent, providing reliability to those around them. Their combination of intellectual curiosity and hands-on capability makes them effective in roles ranging from education and engineering to business and community leadership. Cultural & Historical Significance Nachton holds a distinctive place in Scottish naming traditions, particularly among Highland clans where names carrying meanings of purity and moral clarity were highly valued. The name emerged during the medieval period when Scottish naming conventions began incorporating Gaelic elements that reflected both personal characteristics and clan identities. In Scottish cultural context, names meaning 'pure' were often given to signify hoped-for virtues in the child or to honor ancestors known for their integrity. The name appears in various clan records, particularly in the Western Isles and Highlands, where it was used by several prominent families including the MacLeods, Campbells, and Frasers. During the Jacobite uprisings, bearers of the name were noted for their steadfast principles and loyalty to their causes. The name's association with purity made it popular among religious families during the Scottish Reformation, and it appears in church records of ministers and theologians who helped shape Scottish Presbyterianism. The enduring use of Nachton reflects the Scottish cultural emphasis on names that convey character and virtue rather than merely serving as identifiers. Individuals named Nadra are often perceived as distinctive and memorable personalities who stand out in social settings. They typically exhibit strong independent thinking, creative problem-solving abilities, and a natural inclination toward innovation. Their 'unusual' quality manifests as original perspectives and unconventional approaches to challenges that others might overlook. Nadras tend to be confident in their uniqueness, often becoming trendsetters rather than followers in both personal and professional contexts. These individuals possess a blend of intuition and analytical thinking that allows them to see possibilities and connections that others might miss. In relationships, they value deep, meaningful connections over superficial interactions and often attract others with their authentic presence and intellectual depth. Their distinctive nature makes them natural leaders in situations requiring fresh thinking or breaking from tradition, though they may sometimes struggle with feeling misunderstood by more conventional thinkers. The name's meaning often becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy, encouraging the development of a strong, individualistic character comfortable with standing apart from the crowd. Individuals named Najib are often perceived as possessing natural leadership qualities, confidence, and a dignified presence. They tend to carry themselves with an air of distinction and are frequently seen as ambitious, determined, and capable of achieving significant accomplishments. Their noble bearing often inspires respect from others, and they typically exhibit strong decision-making abilities and a clear sense of purpose in their endeavors. Beyond their leadership qualities, those named Najib often demonstrate intellectual curiosity, refined tastes, and a preference for quality over quantity in all aspects of life. They are usually articulate communicators who value meaningful relationships and maintain high standards in both personal and professional contexts. While they may appear reserved initially, they typically prove to be loyal friends and family members who take their responsibilities seriously and strive to uphold the honorable reputation associated with their name. Many Najibs display a natural elegance in their mannerisms and approach to life, often showing appreciation for art, culture, and intellectual pursuits. They tend to be strategic thinkers who plan carefully before acting, and they usually possess the resilience to overcome challenges while maintaining their composure and dignity. Their combination of intelligence, determination, and inherent nobility makes them well-suited for leadership roles and positions of responsibility. The name Nezahualcoyotl carries profound symbolic meanings that extend beyond its literal translation. The 'fasting coyote' represents the synthesis of spiritual discipline and worldly intelligence - a being who combines the ascetic's self-control with the trickster's adaptability. In Mesoamerican cosmology, this duality symbolizes the balance between earthly existence and spiritual understanding. The fasting aspect signifies purification, sacrifice, and the pursuit of higher knowledge through self-denial, while the coyote represents the intelligence needed to navigate the material world's complexities. Metaphorically, the name embodies the ideal of the philosopher-king: someone who governs not just through power but through wisdom, who builds civilization while contemplating existential questions. It symbolizes cultural resilience - the ability of indigenous knowledge and identity to survive and adapt through centuries of change. The name also represents the connection between human civilization and the natural world, reminding us that true wisdom comes from understanding both our cultural heritage and our place within the broader ecological and cosmic order. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Noreis carries significant cultural weight in French history, particularly in regions where caretaking and guardianship were valued community roles. During medieval times, individuals bearing this name were often associated with protective duties in monasteries, noble households, and rural communities. The name became symbolic of trust and responsibility, with many historical records showing Noreis figures serving as stewards of estates, guardians of important documents, and protectors of vulnerable community members. In French cultural tradition, the name evolved to represent more than just a professionit embodied an ideal of compassionate leadership and reliable stewardship. During the Renaissance period, the name gained popularity among educated classes who valued its connotations of wisdom and protection. The French Revolution saw a temporary decline in its usage, but it experienced a revival during the 19th century as Romantic ideals emphasized the importance of caretaking and preservation of cultural heritage. The name continues to represent the French values of responsibility, protection, and faithful service to community. Symbolically, Odam represents the beautiful integration of separate families into a unified whole, embodying the Christian ideal of unity in diversity. The name carries deep metaphorical meaning as a bridge between lineages, symbolizing how love and commitment can create new family bonds that transcend biological connections. In Christian symbolism, it reflects the concept of the church as an extended family where all believers are connected through Christ, much like how marriage connects previously separate families. The name signifies the peaceful merging of different backgrounds, traditions, and histories into a harmonious new family unit. It represents the Christian virtues of acceptance, integration, and the creation of new relationships founded on covenant rather than blooda powerful metaphor for how Christians believe all believers become part of God's family through spiritual adoption in Christ. Boeing has been ordered to pay $28 million to the family of a woman who died in a Boeing 737 Max plane in Ethiopia more than six years ago. The jury in the case reached the verdict on Wednesday on behalf of the relatives of the United Nations consultant, identified as Shikha Garg, after two hours of deliberation. The weeklong trial in Chicago was the first civil trial stemming from the March 2019 incident that killed all 157 people on board Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302. Boeing Ordered to Pay $28 Million to Aircraft Crash Victim's Family In a statement after the jury's verdict was read in court, the family's lawyers, Shanin Specter and Elizabeth Crawford, said they are all gratified by the decision. They said that it provides public accountability for Boeing's wrongful conduct regarding the matter. On top of the $28 million, Boeing is ordered to pay an additional $3.45 million to Garg's husband, Soumya Bhattacharya, as part of a deal between him and the company that was reached outside of court. With a 26% interest charge, the total amount will come to $35.8 million, according to the New York Post. In the majority of wrongful death lawsuits that were filed against Boeing in connection with the crash and a 737 Max incident in Indonesia, the company has negotiated pre-trial settlements. However, details of the settlements were confidential and have not been disclosed to the public. Boeing also apologized on Wednesday to all the victims' families, saying it respects their right to pursue their claims in court. In the latest case, jurors were not tasked with weighing the aircraft manufacturer's liability in the crash, as it has already accepted responsibility. They were only tasked to award damages for matters such as loss of income and grief. Accepting Responsibility for the Incidents A spokeswoman for Boeing said that the company was "deeply sorry" to all the people who lost loved ones in the two different crashes. She added that they have already resolved the vast majority of the claims through settlements. Bhattacharya also expressed satisfaction with the result of the case, The Sun reported. The family's lawyers said that Garg was 32 years old when Ethiopian Airlines Flight 302, which came from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, and was heading to Nairobi, Kenya, crashed a few minutes after taking off. The lawsuit in the case alleged that the 737 Max aircraft was defectively designed and that Boeing failed to warn passengers and the public about the dangers of the plane. The second incident took place five months after that, when Lion Air Flight 610 crashed into the Java Sea in Indonesia, Reuters reported. Cultural & Historical Significance Oletha emerged as a distinctive Christian name during the late 19th century, particularly in English-speaking Christian communities that valued names with positive spiritual connotations. The name's dual meaning of 'light' and 'nimble' resonated deeply with Christian families, as light symbolizes Christ's teachings and spiritual enlightenment, while nimbleness represents the agility required to navigate moral challenges and serve others effectively. Throughout the 20th century, Oletha maintained a quiet presence in Christian naming traditions, often chosen by families seeking names that were both meaningful and uncommon. Its usage patterns reflect the migration of Christian communities across America, with particular strength in the Southern and Midwestern states where traditional values blended with the desire for unique feminine names. The name carries with it a legacy of strong, faithful women who often served as pillars in their churches and communities, embodying the Christian virtues of service, wisdom, and grace under pressure. In African American Christian communities specifically, Oletha took on additional significance during the Civil Rights era, representing both spiritual strength and the 'light' of hope during challenging times. Many women bearing this name became active in church leadership, education, and community organizing, further cementing its association with faithful service and positive change. The name's melodic quality and meaningful origins made it a popular choice among families wanting to honor both their faith heritage and their cultural identity. Today, while less common than in previous generations, Oletha remains a name that evokes respect for tradition, spiritual depth, and the quiet strength of Christian womanhood. Individuals bearing the name Osla typically exhibit a personality marked by steadfast loyalty and practical competence. They are the reliable foundations of any group they belong topeople who can be counted on in crisis and who approach challenges with calm determination rather than flashy heroics. Their strength lies in their consistency and dependability; they are the ones who remember details, maintain traditions, and ensure that practical matters are handled efficiently. This makes them invaluable team members and trusted companions, though they may sometimes be overlooked in favor of more charismatic personalities. Osla's personality also reflects a balance between warrior spirit and practical wisdom. They possess the courage to face difficulties head-on but combine this with the good sense to choose their battles carefully. There's a grounded quality to their characterthey understand the importance of both the sword and the plow, recognizing that true strength involves both protection and provision. This combination makes them natural leaders in practical matters and reliable counselors in times of uncertainty. Their loyalty, once given, is absolute, and they will defend those they care about with fierce determination and practical capability. Cultural & Historical Significance The name Palmira carries deep cultural significance rooted in ancient history and Mediterranean civilization. It derives from the legendary city of Palmyra in Syria, known as the 'Bride of the Desert' and famous for its magnificent palm groves and strategic location along the Silk Road. This ancient trading metropolis was a cultural crossroads where Eastern and Western traditions merged, creating a unique blend of Greco-Roman and Persian influences. The city's Queen Zenobia famously defied the Roman Empire, adding a layer of feminine strength and independence to the name's legacy. In Spanish-speaking cultures, Palmira evokes images of exotic beauty, resilience, and intellectual sophistication. The name gained popularity during the Renaissance when classical names experienced a revival, and later during the 19th century Romantic period when orientalist names became fashionable. Throughout Latin America, Palmira often appears in place names and as a given name, symbolizing both the exotic appeal of distant lands and the practical strength of palm trees that withstand harsh conditions while providing sustenance and shelter. The name maintains a connection to urban sophistication while honoring natural resilience, making it particularly meaningful in cultures that value both tradition and adaptability. Individuals named Panagiotis are often perceived as possessing strong moral character, reliability, and traditional values. They tend to be family-oriented, responsible, and deeply connected to their cultural roots. Many Panagiotis are known for their steadfast nature, displaying loyalty to friends and family while maintaining a calm, composed demeanor even in challenging situations. The name carries expectations of integrity and honor, with many bearers developing a strong sense of duty and commitment to their communities. While often traditional in outlook, they typically combine this with practical wisdom and the ability to adapt when necessary, making them respected figures in both personal and professional circles. Panagiotis individuals are frequently seen as pillars of their communitiesdependable, hardworking, and principled. They often excel in leadership roles where trustworthiness and consistency are valued, and they tend to approach life with a balanced perspective that honors tradition while acknowledging contemporary realities. Their strong connection to family and cultural heritage often makes them excellent preservers of traditions and family histories. Individuals named Peadar are typically characterized by their rock-solid reliability and steadfast nature, living up to the meaning of their name. They tend to be practical, grounded people who approach life with determination and consistency, often serving as stabilizing forces in their families and communities. Their strength is not merely physical but manifests as emotional resilience and moral fortitude, allowing them to weather life's challenges with remarkable composure. Peadars are often natural leaders who inspire trust through their unwavering commitment to their principles and loyalty to those they care about. While they may appear reserved or serious at first meeting, they typically possess deep emotional intelligence and a protective nature that makes them excellent friends and partners. Their combination of practical wisdom and inner strength enables them to provide guidance and support to others while maintaining their own sense of purpose and direction through life's various trials and triumphs. The symbolic resonance of the name Peer extends far beyond its literal meaning of 'rock'. It represents the foundational principles of stability, trustworthiness, and enduring strength that form the bedrock of character and community. Like a stone that withstands the elements, Peer symbolizes resilience in the face of adversity and the ability to provide shelter and support to others. The name also carries the metaphorical weight of transformation - just as rocks can be shaped by natural forces into new forms, individuals named Peer often demonstrate the capacity for personal growth and adaptation while maintaining their core integrity. In the context of Peer Gynt, the name embodies the human journey of self-discovery, the tension between reality and imagination, and the eternal quest for authentic identity. This rich symbolic tapestry makes Peer a name that suggests both the solid ground of tradition and the limitless potential of the human spirit to evolve and redefine itself throughout life's journey. Those bearing the name Pelagia often exhibit personality traits that reflect their name's maritime origins and spiritual heritage. They tend to be deeply intuitive individuals with strong emotional intelligence, capable of understanding complex emotional currents in themselves and others. Like the sea, they can appear calm and serene on the surface while possessing great depth and powerful undercurrents beneath. Pelagias are typically adaptable and resilient, able to weather life's storms with remarkable fortitude while maintaining their core values and integrity. Their spiritual connection, drawn from the name's association with early Christian saints, often manifests as a strong moral compass and concern for ethical living. They're frequently described as having old soulswise beyond their years with a natural inclination toward contemplation and self-reflection. Socially, Pelagias tend to be loyal and nurturing, creating deep, lasting relationships rather than numerous superficial ones. They often possess creative talents, particularly in areas requiring emotional expression or connection to nature. Their combination of traditional values and adaptive capabilities makes them both grounding influences in their communities and capable navigators of modern life's complexities. Individuals named Peredurus are typically associated with qualities of determination, loyalty, and a strong sense of purpose. They often exhibit the heroic perseverance of their legendary namesake, showing remarkable resilience in the face of challenges and maintaining steadfast commitment to their goals and principles. This persistence is balanced by a capacity for growth and learning, as the original Peredur character evolves from innocence to wisdom through his experiences and quests. There's often an element of the seeker or pilgrim in their personalitysomeone driven by deeper questions and spiritual or intellectual curiosity. Peredurus namesakes tend to be introspective and thoughtful, often displaying the contemplative nature of the Grail-seeking knight. They value deep connections and meaningful relationships, showing fierce loyalty to those they consider part of their inner circle. While they may appear reserved initially, they possess strong leadership qualities that emerge in challenging situations, combining strategic thinking with moral conviction. Their personality often reflects the duality of warrior and seekercapable of decisive action when needed but equally committed to spiritual or intellectual pursuits. This combination makes them both practical problem-solvers and philosophical thinkers, able to navigate both the material and spiritual dimensions of life with equal competence. Individuals named Philoetius are typically characterized by profound loyalty, steadfastness, and a strong sense of duty. Like their mythological namesake, they tend to be reliable and trustworthy individuals who honor their commitments regardless of circumstances. They often possess a quiet strength and practical wisdom, preferring action over words and demonstrating patience in challenging situations. These individuals usually have a deep connection to nature or traditional values, exhibiting caretaker tendencies and a protective instinct toward those they serve or love. Their loyalty is not blind obedience but stems from genuine devotion and moral conviction. Philoetius-types are often observant and perceptive, able to assess situations accurately before acting. They typically value stability and continuity, making them excellent in roles requiring long-term commitment and reliability. While not necessarily seeking leadership positions, they often become the moral backbone of their communities or organizations, providing consistent support and maintaining traditions that others might overlook or abandon. Cultural & Historical Significance Phlegethon holds profound significance in Greek mythology as one of the five rivers of the underworld, specifically the river of fire that boiled with blood and flames. In ancient Greek belief systems, this fiery river served as both a boundary and a punishment in the afterlife, where those who committed crimes against their family were condemned to suffer in its burning currents. The name represents the ancient Greek conception of divine justice and the consequences of moral transgressions, embodying the terrifying aspect of the afterlife that awaited the wicked. The river's cultural impact extends beyond Greek mythology into Roman literature and later Western culture. Virgil's Aeneid describes it as flowing with waves of flame, while Dante Alighieri incorporated it into his Divine Comedy as part of Hell's seventh circle, where it punishes the violent. This mythological river has become a powerful symbol in Western literature and art, representing purification through suffering, divine wrath, and the inescapable nature of cosmic justice. Its enduring presence in artistic and literary traditions demonstrates how ancient mythological concepts continue to shape modern understandings of morality and punishment. Six children from a DC middle school were reported to have become sick after ingesting some sort of "edible," with one of the victims being sent to the hospital. In a letter, DC Public Schools (DCPS) confirmed that the incident stems from one student bringing the edible and then sharing it with "several classmates." Shortly after that, all of the students involved felt ill. DC Middle School Reports Possible Overdose of Students Principal Katreena Shelby sent a letter to parents, saying that school administrators received a report that one student brought a food item containing a "controlled substance" to school and shared it with other children. She noted that after they consumed the item, the students all started feeling sick. The incident later involved D.C. Fire and EMS, which confirmed that their personnel examined the six children and decided to bring one of them to the hospital. However, they were not able to confirm whether or not the patient had overdosed, according WTOP News. One parent at a different DCPS school, Billie Wright, echoed concerns shared by many who saw the news of the affected children. They asked where the school staff were during the time of the incident and how the school can prevent it from happening again. Shelby noted that the school had already been in contact with the families of the students involved in the incident. This was so they could offer support services and ensure that all appropriate disciplinary responses are taken. While police said that the incident involved "some sort of edible," they did not clarify what kind of drug may have been involved. Additionally, law enforcement personnel said they were not investigating anything criminal at the school, according to WJLA. Unidentified Controlled Substance Furthermore, the school's letter that was sent to parents noted that they would continue ongoing talks with students to discuss the dangers of drugs. Wright also said that she was planning to talk to her own child, and hoped that other parents would do the same. She said that they would teach their child to be wary of other students, especially those who do not normally give them stuff, when they offer them something, like candy. This is one of the conversations that Wright believes she and other parents should immediately have. Wright added that they are committed to the health and safety of their students, noting that keeping families informed about incidents that occur during the school day is crucial for maintaining strong partnerships with parents and families, as per WUSA9. The symbolic resonance of Pierrette extends far beyond its literal meaning of 'rock' to encompass complex layers of cultural and psychological significance. As a feminine form of Pierre, it carries the symbolic weight of foundation and permanence that rocks have represented across human civilization - from ancient standing stones to biblical references of Peter as the 'rock' upon which the church was built. This connects Pierrette symbolically to concepts of reliability, endurance, and unwavering support. The theatrical dimension adds contrasting symbolism of transformation, performance, and the masks we wear in social contexts. Pierrette represents the interplay between our solid, unchanging core and our adaptable social personas. Metaphorically, Pierrette embodies the concept of 'the strength within flexibility' - the idea that true resilience comes not from rigidness but from the ability to withstand pressure while maintaining integrity. This makes the name symbolically rich for modern women navigating complex social and professional landscapes. The combination of rock-solid foundation and artistic expression suggests someone who builds their life on strong principles while remaining creatively engaged with the world. In psychological terms, Pierrette symbolizes the integration of animus qualities (traditionally masculine attributes like strength and determination) with feminine expression and emotional intelligence, representing wholeness and balanced personality development. Individuals named Rendor typically exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a deep sense of responsibility toward others. They are natural mediators who excel in conflict resolution, often displaying remarkable patience and diplomatic skills when dealing with tense situations. Their inherent desire for harmony makes them excellent team players and community builders who work tirelessly to maintain balance in their social circles. Rendors are known for their methodical approach to problem-solving and their ability to remain calm under pressure, which makes them reliable in crisis situations. They possess a strong moral compass and are often driven by principles of fairness and justice, though they can sometimes be perceived as overly rigid or traditional in their thinking. Their protective nature extends not only to people but also to principles and traditions they hold dear, making them steadfast allies and dependable friends in times of need. Men named Rhodes typically exhibit characteristics of stability, spiritual depth, and protective instincts, reflecting the name's meaning of dwelling near the crucifix. They often serve as moral anchors in their communities, combining traditional values with practical wisdom. Their personality tends toward thoughtful leadership rather than flashy dominance, with a quiet confidence that comes from being grounded in their beliefs. Rhodes are often perceived as reliable, patient individuals who approach challenges with both faith and reason. They typically value family, tradition, and community service, seeing themselves as stewards rather than masters of their environments. This creates individuals who are both strong in conviction and humble in demeanor, making natural counselors and trusted advisors. Based on his portrayal in Arthurian texts and the linguistic connotations of his name, Rhongomyant is typically characterized as a steadfast, loyal knight with a strong sense of duty and martial prowess. He appears as the type of knight who serves quietly but effectively, not seeking glory or renown but fulfilling his obligations to king and comrades with unwavering commitment. The name suggests someone of considerable physical strength and battlefield competence, likely specializing in spear combat given the potential 'rhong-' element in his name that may relate to Welsh words for spear or lance. He would be portrayed as pragmatic rather than romantic, more concerned with practical military matters than courtly love or quests for magical objects. This personality profile aligns with the early Welsh conception of Arthur's warriors as professional fighting men rather than the chivalric romance figures they would later become. His character represents the bedrock of Arthur's military strength - the reliable, competent warriors who formed the backbone of the Round Table without attracting the dramatic attention of their more famous counterparts. In modern reinterpretations, he might be characterized as the 'everyman' knight whose quiet competence and loyalty are ultimately more valuable than the flashy achievements of more celebrated heroes. The symbolic meanings of Rhys extend far beyond its literal translation of 'fiery,' encompassing rich layers of cultural and metaphorical significance. At its core, the name symbolizes the transformative power of controlled passion - the kind of fire that forges strength rather than destroys. This connects to ancient Celtic traditions where fire represented both physical and spiritual illumination, purification, and the life force itself. Symbolically, Rhys embodies the archetype of the enlightened warrior - someone who fights not with brute force alone but with intelligence, strategy, and moral conviction. The name also carries symbolism of cultural continuity and preservation, representing how Welsh identity has maintained its distinct flame despite centuries of external pressure and assimilation attempts. Metaphorically, Rhys suggests someone who brings light to darkness and warmth to cold situations - a natural leader who can inspire and energize others. The symbolic fire associated with the name represents creative spark, intellectual brilliance, and emotional intensity all working in harmony. It signifies the inner drive that fuels achievement and personal growth, as well as the passionate commitment to principles and relationships. In broader cultural symbolism, Rhys represents the enduring spirit of Wales itself - a small nation with a fierce, unextinguishable cultural identity that continues to burn brightly against all odds. The name thus carries both personal symbolic weight for the individual and collective symbolic significance for Welsh heritage and Celtic identity. Individuals named Risto are typically perceived as analytical, thoughtful, and principled. They often exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with a methodical approach to problem-solving, making them effective in both creative and organizational roles. Their name's meaning as 'Christ-bearer' often translates into a sense of responsibility and moral integrity in their personal and professional lives. Ristos tend to be reliable and steadfast, with a quiet confidence that inspires trust in others. They frequently demonstrate intellectual curiosity and a preference for depth over superficiality in relationships and pursuits. While they may appear reserved initially, they possess strong convictions and the courage to stand by their principles when challenged. Their combination of practical wisdom and ethical grounding makes them natural mentors and trusted advisors in their communities. The name suggests someone who carries themselves with dignity and purpose, often attracting respect through consistent behavior rather than overt charisma. This creates a personality profile of someone who builds lasting influence through reliability and thoughtful action rather than temporary popularity. The name Rowena evokes a personality profile characterized by intellectual depth, graceful demeanor, and quiet authority. Those bearing this name often display a natural elegance combined with sharp intelligence, making them equally comfortable in academic settings and social situations. Rowenas tend to be perceptive observers with excellent analytical skills, often serving as the voice of reason in their circles. Their composed exterior typically masks a rich inner world of creativity and imagination, influenced by the name's literary heritage. Many Rowenas demonstrate strong leadership qualities, though they often lead through inspiration and wisdom rather than command. They value authenticity and depth in relationships, preferring meaningful connections over superficial socializing. The name's Celtic roots suggest an intuitive understanding of nature and tradition, while its modern associations point to adaptability and forward-thinking. Rowenas often excel in fields requiring both creativity and analytical thinking, such as writing, research, design, or education, where they can blend their aesthetic sensibilities with intellectual rigor. The symbolic resonance of Rukan extends far beyond its literal meaning, representing foundational strength in both physical and metaphysical realms. In architectural symbolism, Rukan evokes images of ancient pillars that have withstood centuries, representing endurance, support, and the ability to bear weight gracefully. This translates metaphorically to human characteristics of emotional resilience and the capacity to support others during challenging times. In Islamic esoteric traditions, the name connects to the concept of spiritual pillars that uphold faith and moral character. The symbolic meaning also encompasses the idea of being a cornerstoneessential and irreplaceable in any structure or relationship. Modern interpretations expand this symbolism to include digital and social contexts, where being a 'pillar' might mean providing stable leadership in online communities or professional networks. The name thus carries layered symbolism that adapts to contemporary life while maintaining its traditional depth, making it particularly relevant in today's fast-paced world where stability and reliability are increasingly valued qualities. Individuals named Sanson are often perceived as possessing great inner strength and determination, reflecting the name's association with the biblical strongman. They tend to be natural leaders with a strong sense of justice and moral conviction, though they may sometimes struggle with trusting others too readily. Their strength often comes with a corresponding vulnerability in personal relationships, creating a complex personality that balances power with emotional depth. Sansons typically exhibit loyalty and dedication to their causes, often taking on protective roles within their families and communities. They may possess a charismatic presence that draws others to them, but they can also be stubborn when their principles are challenged. The historical weight of the name often inspires those who bear it to live up to its legacy of strength and resilience, while also learning from the cautionary aspects of the biblical narrative about the importance of wisdom and discretion. These individuals often display a combination of physical vitality and intellectual curiosity, with many excelling in fields that require both strength of character and mental acuity. They tend to be passionate in their pursuits and relationships, sometimes to the point of intensity that can be both inspiring and overwhelming to others. The name's solar symbolism often manifests in a warm, radiant personality that can light up rooms and inspire those around them. Women named Scelflesh are typically characterized by their strong sense of balance and spiritual depth. They often possess a natural ability to navigate boundaries and transitions, reflecting the 'edge' aspect of their name's meaning. This makes them excellent mediators and counselors who can understand multiple perspectives. Their 'meadow' quality gives them a nurturing, peaceful presence that others find comforting and restorative. They tend to be deeply intuitive with a strong connection to nature and tradition, often serving as keepers of family and community wisdom. Scelflesh individuals usually demonstrate remarkable resilience and adaptability, able to thrive in challenging circumstances while maintaining their core values. They are often drawn to service-oriented professions and spiritual pursuits, finding fulfillment in helping others and creating harmonious environments. While they can be private about their inner spiritual life, they radiate a quiet confidence that inspires trust. Their combination of practical wisdom and spiritual insight makes them natural leaders in community and religious settings, though they typically lead through example rather than assertion. They value authenticity and often have a refined aesthetic sense that blends traditional elements with contemporary understanding. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Cultural & Historical Significance Schmaiah is a significant Hebrew name with deep roots in Jewish tradition and biblical history. The name appears in the Hebrew Bible as one of the Levites who helped Ezra read the Law to the people of Israel. Throughout Jewish history, the name has been borne by numerous scholars, rabbis, and community leaders, particularly during the Talmudic and medieval periods. The name's meaning 'God hears' reflects a fundamental aspect of Jewish theology - the belief in a personal God who listens to prayers and concerns of His people. This name has been particularly prominent among Ashkenazi Jewish communities, where it maintained its religious significance while adapting to various European linguistic environments. The name carries with it centuries of Jewish intellectual and spiritual tradition, representing the continuity of Jewish learning and faith across generations. In contemporary Jewish culture, Schmaiah remains a name that signifies connection to tradition and religious commitment. It is often chosen by families who value their heritage and wish to honor the chain of transmission of Jewish knowledge. The name's rarity in modern times adds to its distinctive character, making it a choice for parents seeking a name that stands out while maintaining deep cultural and religious resonance. The persistence of this name through centuries of Jewish diaspora experience demonstrates its enduring power and the values it represents within Jewish civilization. Women named Shauntia are often perceived as radiant, warm-hearted individuals who naturally illuminate the spaces they inhabit. They typically possess an innate ability to guide others, much like the sun provides direction through daylight. Their presence is often described as uplifting and energizing, with a natural charisma that draws people toward them. Shauntias tend to be optimistic problem-solvers who approach challenges with warmth and determination. These individuals often exhibit strong leadership qualities combined with genuine empathy, making them effective in both professional and personal relationships. Their sunny disposition is frequently balanced by a practical wisdom, allowing them to navigate complex situations with both heart and intelligence. Many Shauntias demonstrate remarkable resilience, able to emerge from difficult circumstances with their inner light intact, inspiring those around them through their consistent positivity and strength. They are often the 'sun' in their social circlesproviding warmth, light, and the energy needed for growth and transformation. The personality associated with Sigifrid typically combines formidable strength with thoughtful diplomacy, reflecting the name's meaning of 'victorious peace.' These individuals often display natural leadership qualities, commanding respect through their competence and integrity rather than aggression. They tend to be strategic planners who consider multiple perspectives before making decisions, showing patience in conflict resolution while remaining firm in their principles. Sigifrids are often perceived as reliable and steadfastpeople who can be counted on in difficult situations. Their strength is typically tempered by a sense of responsibility toward others, making them protective of those in their care while respecting others' autonomy. Many exhibit a quiet confidence that doesn't require constant validation, and they often prefer meaningful action over empty words. At their best, Sigifrids embody the ideal of the philosopher-king: powerful yet wise, decisive yet compassionate. They may struggle with balancing their strong sense of duty with personal needs, and their high standards can sometimes make them appear demanding. However, their fundamental desire for harmony and justice usually guides them toward constructive outcomes in both personal and professional relationships. The symbolic resonance of Sparke extends across spiritual, intellectual, and creative domains, representing the moment of ignition that precedes transformation. In Christian symbolism, it evokes both the 'spark of divinity' within humanity and the Holy Spirit's sudden inspiration, connecting to Pentecostal imagery of tongues of fire. Intellectually, it symbolizes the 'eureka moment' of breakthrough understanding - that instant when complex concepts suddenly become clear. This makes the name powerfully representative of innovation, discovery, and paradigm shifts across scientific, artistic, and philosophical contexts. Metaphorically, Sparke embodies the concept that small beginnings can generate enormous change, much like a single spark can ignite a forest fire or revolutionary idea can transform society. The name also carries alchemical symbolism, representing the precise combination of elements that creates new substances or understanding. In romantic contexts, it suggests love at first sight or immediate connection, while in creative fields it represents the initial inspiration that develops into full artistic expression. This rich symbolic tapestry makes Sparke a name that conveys not just personal qualities, but the very process of transformation and enlightenment itself. Cultural & Historical Significance Stockhard emerged as a distinctive Christian feminine name during the medieval period, particularly in Germanic regions where compound names combining natural elements with virtuous qualities were popular. The name's components'stock' (tree trunk) and 'hard' (resilient)reflect the Christian values of steadfast faith and endurance through adversity, mirroring biblical metaphors of believers as trees planted by living waters. Throughout European Christian history, the name was often bestowed upon daughters in families that valued both spiritual fortitude and connection to the natural world as God's creation. During the Reformation era, Stockhard gained particular prominence among Protestant communities who appreciated its direct, unadorned quality and its embodiment of Reformation virtues like resilience and simplicity. The name appears in church records across Northern Europe, often associated with women who maintained family faith traditions during times of religious persecution. Its usage declined during the Enlightenment but saw a minor revival during the 19th century Romantic movement's interest in nature-infused Christian names. The name Struthers carries profound symbolic meanings that extend beyond its literal translation. Symbolically, it represents the flow of life and the ability to navigate transitionsmuch like a stream that adapts its path while continuing forward. The river crossing element symbolizes important life decisions, thresholds, and the wisdom to choose the right path at critical junctures. In broader symbolic terms, the name embodies the concept of connectionbridging past and present, tradition and innovation, different cultures or perspectives. Water symbolism adds layers of meaning related to emotion, intuition, and the subconscious, suggesting depth of character and emotional intelligence. The locational aspect symbolizes rootedness and connection to one's origins, representing the importance of understanding where one comes from while moving forward in life. Collectively, these symbolic elements paint Struthers as representing balanced progressionhonoring heritage while embracing change, maintaining stability while flowing with life's currents, and building bridges between different aspects of existence. This rich symbolic tapestry makes the name particularly meaningful for those who value both tradition and growth in their personal and cultural identities. Cultural & Historical Significance Tehuti, more commonly known as Thoth, stands as one of the most significant deities in ancient Egyptian religion, embodying the essence of intellectual and cosmic order. As the god of wisdom, writing, magic, and the moon, he served as the divine scribe who recorded the weighing of hearts in the afterlife and maintained the balance of the universe. His role extended to being the inventor of hieroglyphic writing and the patron deity of scribes, making him central to Egyptian administration, education, and religious practice. The cultural importance of Tehuti permeated all aspects of Egyptian society, from royal decrees to magical spells, establishing him as the mediator between gods and the arbiter of divine truth. In the grand scheme of Egyptian cosmology, Tehuti represented the principle of Ma'at (cosmic order and truth) through his association with measurement, calculation, and record-keeping. His main cult center at Hermopolis Magna became a major center of learning and theological development, where priests developed complex cosmogonic theories. The Greeks later syncretized him with their god Hermes, creating the composite figure Hermes Trismegistus, who became central to Hermetic philosophy and Western esoteric traditions. This cultural transmission ensured that Tehuti's influence extended far beyond Egypt's borders, affecting Greek, Roman, and eventually Renaissance thought about magic, alchemy, and divine wisdom. Cultural & Historical Significance Tessia carries significant Christian heritage as a diminutive of Teresa, which traces back to Saint Teresa of Avila, the 16th-century Spanish mystic and Doctor of the Church. The name gained prominence through various saints and religious figures, particularly in Catholic communities where it symbolizes devotion, spiritual strength, and charitable works. Throughout European history, the name spread widely during the Counter-Reformation as devotion to Saint Teresa grew, becoming particularly popular in Spain, Italy, and Portugal before spreading to the Americas through colonization and missionary work. The name maintains its religious connotations while evolving into a distinctive modern given name that honors traditional Christian values while offering a contemporary sound. In many Christian families, choosing Tessia represents a connection to saintly virtues of compassion, service, and spiritual depth, while also allowing for individual identity separate from the more common Teresa. The name's journey from religious devotion to modern usage reflects the ongoing adaptation of traditional names to contemporary sensibilities while preserving their meaningful heritage. Individuals named Torra typically exhibit a strong, grounded personality with natural leadership qualities. They often possess an innate sense of protection and loyalty toward those in their circle, much like the castle fortresses their name references. Torras are known for their resilience and ability to withstand challenges, demonstrating remarkable emotional fortitude during difficult times. Their practical nature and strategic thinking make them excellent problem-solvers who approach situations with careful consideration. Despite their strong exterior, Torras often have a deeply creative and artistic side, appreciating history, tradition, and cultural preservation. They value stability and security but also understand the importance of adaptability. In relationships, they are fiercely loyal and protective, creating strong foundations for friendships and family bonds. Their combination of strength and sensitivity makes them both reliable confidants and inspiring leaders who can navigate complex emotional landscapes with wisdom and grace. Individuals named Toussaint are often perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities, spiritual depth, and a sense of historical consciousness. The name's association with 'all saints' suggests someone with high moral standards, compassion, and a tendency toward idealism. They may exhibit natural authority and confidence, possibly influenced by the revolutionary legacy of Toussaint Louverture, often demonstrating resilience in facing challenges and feeling a sense of responsibility toward community or social causes. The name's historical weight can inspire a personality that balances traditional values with progressive thinking, often showing wisdom beyond their years and a capacity for inspiring others through both words and actions. Those named Toussaint may be seen as bridge-builders who connect different perspectives, combining the spiritual reverence of their name's religious origins with the revolutionary spirit of its historical associations. They typically project strength of character while maintaining humility, embodying the idea that true leadership serves collective rather than individual interests. "Character education is foundational to our mission and essential to a child's development," said Dr. Nick Sheltrown, President and Chief Learning Officer at National Heritage Academies, a network of tuition-free public charter schools. "Project Gratitude is a wonderful example of turning values into action. When we teach fundamental morals, we help students grow into thoughtful, engaged citizens. We also strengthen the learning environment, with four out of five parents saying these shared values have a positive impact on their children." World Kindness Day Write-A-Thon Project Gratitude's flagship event, held at South Canton Scholars on World Kindness Day and during the week of Veterans Day, transformed the gymnasium into a hub of heartfelt expression as students from kindergarten through eighth grade participated in a live write-a-thon. South Canton Scholars students wrote 860 letters and delivered them to Soldiers' Angels. The national nonprofit provides aid, comfort, and resources to the military, veterans, and their families. "This is more than just a writing activityit's a moment of reflection and connection," said South Canton Scholars Principal, Dana Gurganus. "Our students are learning that gratitude is not just a feeling, but an action. Through this effort, they're using their voices to honor those who protect and serve while showcasing the morals that unite us across geographies and generations." "At Soldiers' Angels, we see firsthand how a simple message of gratitude can lift the spirits of those who have served or are serving," said Amy Palmer, President and CEO of Soldiers' Angels. "The letters from National Heritage Academies students are a powerful reminder that kindness and appreciation have no age limit. These heartfelt notes will mean the world to Service Members and Veterans across the country who often just need to know that their service is remembered and valued." In all, Soldiers' Angels will deliver approximately 10,000 NHA student letters to veterans through their network that provides care packages and resources to the military, veterans, and their families. An additional nearly 50,000 NHA student letters will be distributed to Veterans Affairs centers in local communities across the country. Why It Matters: Gratitude as a Learning Outcome Each November, NHA schools spotlight the virtue of gratitude, helping students connect academic excellence with personal growth and civic responsibility. NHA's Moral Focus curriculum emphasizes nine core values one per month over the course of the school year: wisdom, respect, gratitude, self-control, perseverance, courage, encouragement, compassion, and integrity. This unique educational model integrates character-building into a rigorous academic framework designed for college-readiness. "As a parent, I love that National Heritage Academies teaches my children not only strong academics but how to be good people," said Brittany Morgan, whose two children attend South Canton Scholars and participated in Project Gratitude. "Moral Focus values like integrity, respect, and gratitude show up in our home every day from how they treat their friends to the small acts of kindness they choose on their own. These lessons stay with them, and I truly see the difference it makes." Impact by the Numbers National Heritage Academies serves 60,000+ students across nine states: Colorado, Georgia, Indiana, Louisiana, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin National Heritage Academies operates 50+ schools in Michigan In 2025, 18 NHA schools were ranked among the Top 10 Best Charter Elementary and Middle School lists in three states by U.S. News & World Report 75% of NHA schools outperform local districts on state proficiency tests Seven NHA partner-schools have earned National Blue Ribbon Schools recognition In 2025, National Heritage Academies celebrates its 30th anniversary of offering a rich and challenging curriculum and strong academic support. For more information about NHA's Moral Focus program or to find a school near you, visit nhaschools.com. SOURCE National Heritage Academies Individuals named Tredan are typically characterized by their strong sense of purpose and unwavering determination. They possess a natural leadership quality that often places them in positions of authority or influence. Tredans are known for their practical approach to problem-solving and their ability to navigate complex situations with confidence and clarity. Their name meaning 'tramples' reflects in their personality as they tend to be decisive and action-oriented, rarely hesitating when they've set their mind to a goal. They exhibit a grounded nature combined with ambitious drive, making them both reliable and aspirational. While they can be perceived as forceful at times, this stems from their deep commitment to achieving their objectives and protecting those under their care. Tredans often develop strong loyalties and are fiercely protective of their family, friends, and principles. Their combination of traditional values and forward-thinking mentality makes them effective in both preserving what matters and driving necessary change. People named Trumhall typically exhibit a remarkable balance of strength and sensitivity that makes them both formidable and compassionate. Their inherent boldness is channeled through a strong moral compass, leading them to become natural protectors and advocates for justice. These individuals often display exceptional resilience in facing life's challenges, drawing on deep inner resources that others find inspiring. While they can be decisive and action-oriented when circumstances demand, Trumhalls also possess considerable emotional intelligence, enabling them to understand complex situations and people's motivations. Their leadership style tends to be more collaborative than authoritarian, though they won't hesitate to take charge when necessary. Many develop strong philosophical or spiritual foundations that guide their decisions, and they often serve as moral anchors within their families and communities. The combination of physical presence and intellectual depth makes Trumhalls particularly effective in careers requiring both practical action and strategic thinking. Cultural & Historical Significance The cultural significance of Tully spans centuries of Irish history, representing both ancient Gaelic traditions and the resilience of Irish identity. Originating from the Irish O Taithligh, meaning 'descendant of the peaceful one,' the name reflects the importance of peacemakers in medieval Irish society. The Tully clan were historically associated with County Galway and County Monaghan, where they held significant land and served as brehons (judges) and scholars. During the tumultuous periods of English colonization and the Penal Laws, many Tully families maintained their Catholic faith and Irish identity, often at great personal cost. The name became part of the Irish diaspora during the Great Famine of the 1840s, when thousands of Tullys emigrated to North America, Australia, and Britain, carrying their cultural heritage worldwide. In contemporary culture, Tully has gained renewed recognition through popular media, particularly George R.R. Martin's 'A Song of Ice and Fire' series and its television adaptation 'Game of Thrones,' where House Tully represents honor, family loyalty, and river-based power. This modern representation has introduced the name to global audiences while maintaining its connection to noble Irish heritage. The name continues to symbolize Irish resilience, with many Tullys actively participating in cultural preservation, Gaelic language revival, and historical research into their ancestry. Today, Tully serves as a bridge between ancient Irish traditions and modern global culture, embodying the ongoing story of Irish identity both in Ireland and throughout the worldwide Irish diaspora. Individuals named Upwood typically exhibit a grounded yet aspirational character, combining the stability and depth of forest imagery with the upward-reaching quality suggested by 'upper.' They often demonstrate strong leadership capabilities with a natural authority that doesn't feel overbearing, much like tall trees that provide shelter without dominating the landscape. These individuals tend to be deeply principled with a strong moral compass, showing resilience in adversity and the ability to grow through challenges. Their connection to both height and woodland suggests a personality that balances visionary thinking with practical implementation, often making them effective in roles requiring both big-picture strategy and careful attention to detail. They typically value tradition and continuity while also embracing growth and development, embodying the Christian virtues of stewardship, patience, and faithful perseverance through seasons of change. The natural imagery associated with the name often manifests in a personality that is both protective and nurturing, with a deep appreciation for beauty, order, and the gradual processes of growth and maturation that characterize both natural and spiritual development. Individuals named Vara are often perceived as mysterious, independent, and intellectually curious. Their 'stranger' etymology suggests they possess an outsider's perspective that allows them to see situations with unique clarity. They tend to be observant, analytical, and comfortable in unfamiliar environments, often thriving in situations that would unsettle others. This independence is balanced by a deep curiosity about the world and different cultures. Varas typically demonstrate strong adaptability and resilience, moving through life with a quiet confidence that draws others to them. They often serve as bridges between different social groups or ideas, using their unique perspective to mediate and connect. While they may appear reserved initially, they form deep, meaningful relationships with those who appreciate their thoughtful nature. Their combination of independence and empathy makes them both self-reliant and excellent companions. Individuals named Wajih are typically perceived as possessing strong leadership qualities, intellectual depth, and natural dignity. They often exhibit a calm, composed demeanor that commands respect in social and professional settings. Wajihs tend to be thoughtful decision-makers who approach challenges with wisdom and strategic thinking rather than impulsivity. Their noble character manifests in reliability, honesty, and a strong sense of justice, making them trusted advisors and community pillars. Many Wajihs demonstrate exceptional communication skills and diplomatic abilities, enabling them to navigate complex social situations with grace. They often pursue excellence in their chosen fields and maintain high personal standards, driven by an intrinsic desire to live up to the meaningful legacy of their name. While they may appear reserved initially, those who know them well appreciate their loyalty, warmth, and steadfast support. The name's association with nobility often creates a self-fulfilling prophecy where individuals strive to embody the virtuous characteristics their name represents. Individuals named Waleis are typically characterized by strong principles, cultural pride, and deep-rooted loyalty. They often possess a quiet determination and resilience, reflecting the historical struggles of the Welsh people. These individuals tend to be protective of their heritage and traditions while maintaining an open-minded approach to new ideas. Their personality often combines Celtic passion with Christian compassion, creating a unique blend of fiery conviction and gentle understanding. Waleis bearers are frequently seen as natural leaders who lead by example rather than command. They value authenticity and often demonstrate remarkable perseverance in the face of adversity. Their connection to Welsh history gives them a sense of purpose and cultural responsibility, while their Christian background typically manifests in strong moral compass and community orientation. These individuals often excel in roles that require mediation, cultural preservation, or faith-based leadership, balancing traditional values with progressive thinking in a way that honors both their heritage and their faith. Symbolically, the name Wan represents the philosophical concept of 'softness overcoming hardness' that is central to Taoist and Confucian thought. It embodies the idea that gentle persistence and graceful adaptation are more effective than brute force in achieving lasting results. The name connects to natural symbols of resilience and beauty - like the willow tree that bends in the storm but doesn't break, or water that wears away stone through constant gentle flow. In Chinese cultural symbolism, Wan represents the ideal balance between yin and yang energies, demonstrating that receptivity and gentleness are forms of strength. The name also carries metaphorical associations with classical Chinese arts - the subtle brushstrokes of calligraphy, the restrained elegance of porcelain, and the nuanced emotions expressed in traditional poetry. It symbolizes cultural continuity and the transmission of refined values across generations. In a modern context, Wan represents the enduring relevance of traditional virtues in contemporary life, suggesting that grace, cultural literacy, and emotional intelligence remain valuable assets in our rapidly changing world. Symbolically, the name Ware embodies profound meanings of protection, wisdom, and vigilant stewardship across multiple dimensions. It represents the archetype of the watchful guardiansomeone who carefully observes, assesses, and protects what is valuable. This symbolism extends to spiritual watchfulness in Christian tradition, where being 'ware' aligns with biblical injunctions to be sober and vigilant. The name carries metaphorical significance as a representation of careful stewardship, whether of resources, relationships, knowledge, or moral principles. Symbolically, Ware suggests the wisdom of measured response over impulsive reaction, embodying the virtue of patience and strategic thinking. In broader cultural symbolism, the name connects to historical roles of gatekeepers, sentinels, and counselorsthose entrusted with protection and guidance. The symbolic meaning also encompasses the concept of boundaries and thresholds, representing the careful consideration of when to proceed and when to hold back. This rich symbolic tapestry makes Ware a name that conveys depth, responsibility, and the wisdom of cautious action, serving as a constant reminder of the value of thoughtful consideration in navigating life's challenges and opportunities. The symbolic resonance of Wei extends far beyond its dictionary definition, representing profound philosophical concepts in Chinese thought. It embodies the Taoist principle that true value lies in substance rather than appearance, and the Confucian ideal that personal cultivation creates one's most precious asset. Symbolically, Wei represents cultural inheritancethe precious wisdom passed through generations that forms the foundation of Chinese civilization. It metaphorically suggests something that becomes more valuable through refinement and experience, like jade polished to reveal its inner beauty. In Chinese aesthetic tradition, the name connects to the concept of 'nei zai mei' () or inner beauty, suggesting that the most precious qualities are those developed through character and wisdom. The name also carries environmental symbolism, representing the preciousness of natural resources and the importance of preserving what is truly valuable in our world. This multi-layered symbolism makes Wei a name rich with meaning and cultural depth. VICTORIA, Australia, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Just in time for the festive season, a powerful new force in global luxury retail has arrived. GlamSteals.com, founded by Australian entrepreneur Sasha Ahuja, officially makes its worldwide debut uniting more than 150 of the world's most coveted luxury brands on a digital platform created exclusively for women. Launching during fashion's most glamorous moment of the year, Glam Steals introduces a new era of luxury: one defined by authenticity, elegance, accessibility, and modern femininity. "We wanted Glam Steals to launch at a time that naturally celebrates beauty, joy, and connection and Christmas is exactly that," says Founder and Managing Director Sasha Ahuja. "This isn't just a launch; it's a celebration of global fashion, female empowerment, and timeless style." The Festive Spirit of Fashion Glam Steals honors every woman's individuality through a curated selection of luxury pieces designed for both memorable occasions and elevated everyday wear. From dazzling evening gowns to refined essentials, the platform transforms the festive season into an opportunity for women to embrace self-expression and personal luxury. "Every woman deserves to feel extraordinary especially during the holidays," Ahuja shares. "Whether she's dressing for a gala, searching for the perfect gift, or simply celebrating herself, Glam Steals offers pieces that inspire confidence and joy." Luxury Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Designed for Today's Woman Modern women embody multiple identities leaders, creators, visionaries, nurturers and Glam Steals reflects this diversity through its thoughtful brand curation. The platform brings together world-renowned names, including Dolce & Gabbana, Gucci, Prada, Balmain, Zimmermann, and more. By combining luxury fashion, beauty, fragrance, and lifestyle products, Glam Steals creates an immersive ecosystem where global craftsmanship and emotional connection coexist. Every product is selected not only for its aesthetic appeal but also for its quality, resonance, and ability to help women express their individuality with confidence. A Celebration of Modern Femininity To mark its global debut, Glam Steals launches its first editorial campaign, "From Glam, With Love" a cinematic tribute to women who define luxury in their own way. Through elegant visuals and curated edits, the campaign captures the joy, sentiment, and warmth of the festive season. "For us, Christmas isn't about trends it's about emotion," Ahuja explains. "Our campaign was created to feel heartfelt and timeless, celebrating women through stories of artistry, confidence, and grace." The Glam Steals Experience The platform delivers a seamless and intuitive digital shopping experience. Elegant design, thoughtful navigation, and high-quality visuals guide customers through an extensive selection of ready-to-wear, accessories, jewelry, footwear, and beauty. All products are sourced from authorized distributors and trusted global partners, ensuring authenticity and premium assurance. A Festive Shopping Experience Like No Other To celebrate its launch, Glam Steals unveils its Luxury Gifting Edit, a curated Christmas selection featuring timeless and meaningful pieces from silk couture and fine jewellery to fragrances and handcrafted bags. "We wanted to revive the magic of gifting discovering something beautiful and purposeful," Ahuja says. About Glam Steals Founder: Sasha Ahuja Headquarters: Melbourne, Victoria Industry: Luxury Fashion, Beauty & Lifestyle Phone: +61433287228 Email: [email protected] Website: www.glamsteals.com SOURCE Glam Steals Cultural & Historical Significance Westby emerged from the rich tradition of English locational surnames that became popular during the medieval period, particularly within Christian communities where names often reflected one's geographical origins or occupation. The name specifically derives from places called Westby in Lancashire and Yorkshire, indicating families who hailed from the 'west farm' or western settlement. This naming practice was deeply embedded in Christian culture, where names served not just as identifiers but as reminders of God's creation and human settlement patterns. As Christianity spread and families became more mobile, such names helped maintain connections to ancestral lands while adapting to new environments. The preservation and transmission of the name Westby through generations reflects the Christian values of heritage, stewardship of the land, and the importance of community roots. In Scandinavian-influenced regions, particularly areas with Norwegian settlement, the name Vestby represents a parallel tradition, showing how Christian naming customs adapted across cultures while maintaining similar meanings and significance. Cultural & Historical Significance Winefrith holds significant importance in early Christian British history, particularly within Welsh and Anglo-Saxon traditions. The name gained prominence through Saint Winefrith (also known as Saint Winifred), a 7th-century Welsh martyr whose story became one of the most celebrated hagiographies in medieval Britain. Her shrine at Holywell, Flintshire, became a major pilgrimage site known as 'the Lourdes of Wales,' attracting thousands of pilgrims seeking healing waters. During the Anglo-Saxon period, the name was adopted by several noble families who sought to demonstrate their Christian devotion through naming practices. The name's meaning 'friend of peace' reflected the Christian ideal of peacemaking and reconciliation during times of tribal conflict and Viking invasions. Winefrith represents the fusion of Celtic and Anglo-Saxon Christian traditions that characterized early medieval Britain. The name's cultural significance extends beyond religious contexts to represent the complex interplay between different ethnic groups in early Britain. As Anglo-Saxon influence spread westward, names like Winefrith served as cultural bridges, incorporating elements from both traditions. The survival of the name through various historical periods demonstrates its enduring appeal and the lasting impact of early Christianization on British naming conventions. Today, Winefrith serves as a tangible link to Britain's rich medieval Christian heritage and the saints who helped shape the nation's spiritual landscape. Individuals named Wolcott are often perceived as strong, independent thinkers with a deep sense of tradition and heritage. They typically exhibit leadership qualities, practical wisdom, and a protective nature toward their family and community. The name's connection to 'wolf's cottage' suggests someone who is both fiercely independent yet deeply connected to home and familya person who values privacy and security while maintaining the strength and resilience associated with wolf symbolism. Wolcotts are often seen as reliable, steadfast individuals who approach life with determination and careful planning. They tend to be methodical in their decision-making and value stability, yet possess the adaptability to navigate challenging circumstances. The combination of wolf symbolism with domestic imagery creates a personality profile of someone who balances strength with compassion, independence with loyalty, and ambition with contentment in simple pleasures. These individuals often excel in roles that require both strategic thinking and personal integrity. Individuals named Wulffrith are typically perceived as possessing a unique balance of strength and gentleness, reflecting the name's meaning of 'wolf of peace.' They often demonstrate protective instincts toward family and community, combined with a deep desire for harmony and reconciliation. This duality manifests as quiet confidence rather than aggression - the strength is reserved for defending principles and loved ones, while peacemaking abilities help mediate conflicts. Wulffriths tend to be strategic thinkers who assess situations carefully before acting, much like the wolf hunting with patience and purpose. They often exhibit loyalty that borders on fierce devotion to their causes and relationships, yet maintain a calm demeanor that puts others at ease. This combination makes them natural leaders in situations requiring both firmness and diplomacy. Their personality often evolves through life, with youthful intensity maturing into wise stewardship, embodying the Christian ideal of strength tempered by compassion and service to others. Individuals named Xochiquetzal are often perceived as creative, passionate, and deeply connected to beauty and nature. They tend to possess a strong artistic sensibility, whether expressed through visual arts, music, writing, or other creative outlets. Their personality typically combines sensitivity with strength, reflecting the dual nature of their namesake goddess who represented both delicate beauty and powerful feminine energy. Xochiquetzal-named individuals often exhibit natural charm and social grace, with an ability to bring people together through their warmth and creativity. They are frequently drawn to helping professions or artistic careers where they can express their innate sense of aesthetics and compassion. While they may appear gentle, they usually possess inner resilience and determination, particularly when defending their values or protecting those they care about. Their connection to their namesake often gives them a strong sense of cultural identity and appreciation for tradition. Zakariyya is the name of a revered prophet in Islam, known for his unwavering faith and answered prayers. While the exact etymology is uncertain, the name is deeply associated with remembrance of God and spiritual devotion in Muslim tradition. Cultural & Historical Significance Zakariyya holds profound significance in Islamic tradition as the name of Prophet Zakariyya (Zechariah), the father of Prophet Yahya (John the Baptist). In the Quran, he is portrayed as a righteous, elderly prophet who prayed fervently for a son despite his old age and his wife's barrenness. His story exemplifies unwavering faith, patience, and the power of prayer in Islamic teachings. The name carries deep religious weight among Muslims worldwide, symbolizing devotion, trust in God's timing, and the miracle of answered prayers. Throughout Islamic history, the name has been borne by numerous scholars, saints, and influential figures, maintaining its sacred status across diverse Muslim cultures from the Middle East to Southeast Asia. The narrative of Zakariyya serves as a powerful reminder of God's ability to grant blessings against all odds, making the name particularly meaningful for families facing challenges or seeking divine intervention in their lives. Emorys 17th annual Veterans Day ceremony began with the rhythmic sound of footsteps 24 individuals marching as one. Traditionally held on the Quad, this years ceremony took place in Convocation Hall due to cold weather. Inside, the precise steps took on a stately, acoustic resonance. The processional Honor Guard led by Andrew West, retired first sergeant of the U.S. Marine Corps Reserves and administrative committee lead for the Emory Veterans Employee Network featured veterans from across the university and the Atlanta area, as well as current Emory and Georgia Tech Army ROTC cadets and Morehouse College Navy ROTC midshipmen. They joined a standing-room-only audience of individuals from Emory and beyond. It's an honor to be here with all of you on this Veterans Day, Interim Emory University President Leah Ward Sears told the crowd. To everyone who has served, I want to sincerely thank you for your sacrifice and for your dedication to defending and protecting our great country. Retired U.S. Army Major General Matthew D. Smith, executive director of veterans initiatives at Emory, delivered opening remarks and reflected on the history of the day. In 1918, he explained, fighting in World War I ended on the 11th hour of the 11th day of the 11th month. A year later, President Woodrow Wilson announced Nov. 11 as Armistice Day in honor of those who served in the Great War. In 1954, Congress changed the name to Veterans Day to recognize all members of the armed forces. Sears shared her personal connections to the holiday, starting with being born on a U.S. Army base in Germany. Her father served in the Army during the Korean and Vietnam Wars, and her two brothers graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy. Her father believed in service not just as a slogan but as a way of life, Sears said. When I grew older, I started to see what it had given me, she said of her military upbringing. Respect for purpose, a sense of gratitude and a strong belief that we are at our best when we are serving something that is greater than ourselves. Sears added that she sees that ethos reflected in Emorys offerings for veterans, from the myriad education opportunities to the Emory Healthcare Veterans Program, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year. We must use education and research to honor our veterans, she said. In our own very small way, we show our gratitude for their service by offering them meaningful opportunities. Why serve? During the keynote address for the ceremony, Hurl Taylor, a U.S. Army veteran of the Vietnam War with four Emory degrees, explained how he has benefitted from those very opportunities. In May, he received a masters in business for military veterans from Emorys Goizueta Business School. At 86 years of age, it was the second time he was the oldest member of an Emory graduating class the first being 2016 when he completed a masters of religion and public life at Candler School of Theology. He added that it was a profound honor to speak at the ceremony. Looking to his right at Sears, he said that his family shared a deep connection with her: Taylors daughter was born in the same U.S. Army hospital as Sears in Heidelberg, Germany. Taylor titled his speech Why Serve? and reflected on the generations of military experience in his family. As a five-year-old in 1943, he remembered eavesdropping on a conversation between his parents what he called big peoples business shortly after his father had been inducted into the U.S. Army during World War II. He recalled his father saying he felt compelled to serve despite having small children at home. Fast forward almost 25 years, and Taylor found himself having the same conversation with his own wife during the Vietnam War. Why serve? he asked again. Well, heres the answer: C-A-R-E, to care. Taylor said. Its what you care about and are interested in. My father was interested in making a better life for himself and for his family. He cared about his country. The same with me: I wanted a better life for my country and my family. I wanted things to improve. And because I cared, he continued, thats why I served. A special community Cliffton Wells, a retired U.S. Air Force lab technician, said he attended the ceremony and marched in the Honor Guard because he is proud of his 22 years of service. I am always looking for opportunities to represent the military because I loved it so much, he said. Now an emergency manager at Emory University Hospital Midtown, Wells said the lessons he learned in the military help him every day on the job. It lines up directly, he said. Were talking about exercising, planning, collaboration, networking. The military will provide you with discipline and a good work ethic. One thing they will teach you is how to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. For Wells, the military is a family tradition. His grandfather served in the Navy, and his father and older brother served in the Air Force. Wells said that a coworker, also a veteran, told him about Emorys ceremony. Once he confirmed his uniform still fit, Wells knew he wanted to participate in the Honor Guard. Marching is always fun, he said. Participating and representing is an honor, actually, because of the sacrifice that military members make. Emory senior Dylan Sanders, an Army cadet through Georgia Techs ROTC program, also marched with the Honor Guard. He is studying history and Chinese and plans to pursue field artillery and military intelligence after completing ROTC. Sanders enjoyed meeting generations of current and former uniformed service members. Ive participated in the Veterans Day ceremony at Emory every year Ive been here, he said. I think being an American is a great privilege and luxury in this world, so when I see those who served before me, its amazing to see their careers. It gives me a lot of pride, and I admire everybody whos here. Married couple Albert Wright and Arthurine Williams-Wright were there to meet other veterans. All veterans have a special relationship, said Wright, who served in the Vietnam War and earned a masters degree from Rollins School of Public Health in 2012. We all served this country and lived through good times, bad times, hardships and being away from home. Wright is a retired Army chief warrant officer, and Williams-Wright is a retired officer of the Army Corps of Engineers. They met in the military while stationed in different German cities, Wright in Frankfurt and Williams-Wright in Stuttgart. As fate would have it, they both attended a promotion celebration for a mutual friend. It was a divine story, Williams-Wright said, because 40 years later we are still celebrating each other as a veteran couple with two adult children. They each donned a white sailor cap representing the American Veterans Organization, a service group where veterans help veterans, Williams-Wright explained. Im so glad I got an opportunity to hear [Hurl Taylors] message this morning, she added. He said, We serve because we care. And I was very encouraged that I must keep on serving, because I really do care. Emorys resources for veterans Many resources are available to veterans across Emory University. The Yellow Ribbon program supports post-9/11 veterans by providing funding to supplement educational expenses beyond what is covered by the G.I. Bill. Army or Air Force ROTC are options for Emory undergraduate students interested in military careers. The cross-enrollment agreement with Georgia Tech allows students to complete their undergraduate degrees at Emory and military training at Georgia Tech. Emorys Nell Hodgson Woodruff School of Nursing was selected to participate in the Veteran Affairs Nursing Academic Partnership, an elite program through which undergraduate and graduate nursing students gain valuable training in providing quality healthcare for our nations veterans. Goizueta Business School offers an MBA program designed for veterans, which recently celebrated its first graduating class. Veteran employees across Emory University are welcome to participate in the Emory Veterans Employee Network (EVEN), designed to promote a sense of belonging by Emory veterans through organization, recognition, networking and resources. The Emory Healthcare Veterans Program offers free, confidential mental health care to eligible post-9/11 veterans and service members across the United States, regardless of discharge status, deployment history or length of service. The program, which is celebrating its 10-year anniversary, features a two-week intensive outpatient treatment program addressing post-traumatic stress, traumatic brain injury, military sexual trauma, anxiety and depression. Photos by Avery Spalding, Emory Photo/Video SIU Brass Day on Nov. 19 features visits by middle, high school students by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. More than 100 middle school and high school students from throughout the region are expected to learn the intricacies of playing brass instruments and learn more about careers in music at the third Brass Day, hosted by Southern Illinois University Carbondales School of Music on Wednesday, Nov. 19. Jessica Butler, an assistant professor of low brass and music history in the SIU School of Music, said nearly 90 junior high and high schools within the Illinois Music Education Associations District 6 comprising schools in Southern Illinois and the Metro East along with schools in Paducah, Kentucky, have been invited to send students. Butler, along with School of Music brass faculty Ricky Spears and Brittainy Spears, will work with students through the day. All students will begin with breathing exercises in Shryock Auditorium before breaking into groups based on their instrument type for technique classes. Media availability Reporters, photographers and camera crews are welcome to cover Brass Day activities. For more information or assistance in arranging interviews, contact Jessica Butler, SIU School of Music associate professor, at j.butler@siu.edu or the School of Music at 618-536-8742. The students will also participate in master classes and discussions, perform for one another and attend live performances and rehearsals. At noon, SIU School of Music students will perform a chamber music recital in Shryock Auditorium. In addition, visiting students will learn about instrument maintenance and Rhythm Wars, a rhythm practice for middle school students. Butler is making breathing tubes using PVC pipes and string for each student. The breathing tubes are used to help train students to use the breathing apparatus in the correct way and to take in sufficient air in the most efficient way possible, Butler said. SIU School of Music Guitar Studio fall recital is Nov. 19 by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. The Southern Illinois University Carbondale School of Musics Guitar Studio will host its fall ensemble on Wednesday, Nov. 19. The free, public performance is at 7 p.m. in the Old Baptist Foundation Recital Hall, 980 Faner Drive on the SIU campus. The concert will feature solo works for classical guitar drawing from the standard repertoire of Spanish, Italian and Latin American composers, said Isaac Lausell, associate professor of music and director of jazz studies. The first part of the concert will feature solo selections performed by SIU music students Harrison Braddy, Myles Daniels, Tracy Hosman-Kaytor and Annabella Reed. The second half of the performance will feature the guitar ensemble performing an arrangement of late Argentine composer Astor Piazzollas LEvasion, which Lausell said is part of the repertoire of a new tango that Piazzolla had crafted. The guitar quartet will also play several moments from Hamsa, composed by the late French classical guitarist Roland Dyens. Each movement is dedicated to composers that have made significant contributions, Lausell said. The concert is part of the School of Musics 10th edition of the International Guitar Festival. Internationally acclaimed Brazilian classical guitarist Marcos Vinicius performed on campus earlier this month. The festival is sponsored by an SIU Foundation grant and the Southern Illinois Chamber Music Society. (Editors note: Vinicius is pronounced vih-nee-see-hus.) More than 3,000 attendees expected to explore AI's impacts as Plug and Play introduces new focus areas in Aerospace & Defense and Lifetech SUNNYVALE, Calif., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Plug and Play, one of the world's most active early-stage investors, announced today an exciting lineup of speakers and innovators for its Silicon Valley November Summit 2025 happening November 18-20 in Sunnyvale. The Summit will feature more than 250 startup debuts (with more than 200 AI firms), which will conduct demos and engage with more than 3,000 attendees, including Fortune 500 decision-makers across dozens of industries. "We accelerate innovation and create impacts because we gather the right people from startups, corporations, investors, and governments," said Saeed Amidi, Founder and CEO of Plug and Play. "Ideas grow into intriguing businesses through our global-spanning events and our global ecosystem. Our goal in this and all summits remains the same, to back founders and push technology forward in all fields." Plug and Play will share locations for its upcoming innovation hubs, new partnerships, and other key initiatives at the summit, reflecting its status as a global innovation hub. The summit highlights how innovation especially in AI is transforming every industry and features insights from leaders about managing and capitalizing on change. Participants connect with investors, startup founders, and government leaders while exploring the real-world applications of emerging technologies. Speaker Highlights Amidi and Dennis Cinelli, Chief Financial Officer of Scale AI, will conduct a fireside chat to open the summit as two of the more than 100 speakers at the event. AI-powered agents' impact on the shopping experience will follow, with Fiona Tan, Chief Technology Officer at Wayfair, discussing the ways automation and contextual commerce are changing shoppers' behaviors. Tom Zschach, Chief Information Officer, SWIFT, will also deliver a keynote on how innovation in digital finance can remain open, responsible, and built on trust, bridging the gap between emerging technologies and global financial institutions. Additional speakers include: Tim Draper, Founder and Managing Partner, Draper Associates Casper Vroemen, Chief R&D Officer at IFF Franziska Bossart, Head of AIIF Innovation Fund, Amazon David Warrick, EVP of Overhaul, Former CSCO of Microsoft Peter Matthiesen, Senior Director, Head of Group Innovation and Truck Technology, DSV Jeff Barry, Head of Innovation, Dot Foods Walt Duflock, Vice President of Innovation, Western Growers David Ko, CEO, Calm Dr. Adam de la Zerda, Founder & CEO, Visby Medical Michael Olmstead, Chief Revenue Officer, Plug and Play Amit Patel, Partner, Plug and Play Attendees can learn about the latest trends and innovations in a range of breakout sessions including: State of DefenseTech, Why Arizona Is Your Launchpad for Growth, AI-Ready Data Centers, The State of Stablecoins & XDC Network Startup Program Graduation, Agentic AI with Quantum Computing, along with a venture capital roundtable about Robotics & Physical AI. To learn more about the Summit, visit the Plug and Play event website. About Plug and Play Plug and Play is the leading innovation platform, connecting startups, corporations, venture capital firms, universities, and government agencies. Headquartered in Silicon Valley, we're present in 60+ locations across 25+ industries. We offer corporate innovation programs, helping our partners in every stage of their innovation journey, from education to execution. We also run startup acceleration programs and have built an in-house VC where we've invested in hundreds of successful companies including Dropbox, Guardant Health, Honey, Lending Club, N26, PayPal, and Rappi. For more information, visit Plug and Play. Plug and Play Press Contact Jacky Tsang Senior Communications & PR Associate [email protected] SOURCE Plug and Play PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], November 14: In a landmark initiative to democratize Artificial Intelligence (AI) education across India, Intellipaat, one of India's leading AI-powered learning and upskilling platforms, has partnered with the IndiaAI Mission, an initiative under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), Government of India, to roll out the 'YUVAi for ALL' program -- a nationwide effort to make India AI-literate and future-ready. As part of this collaboration, Intellipaat will train on Artificial Intelligence and Generative AI to students, teachers, and professionals completely free of cost. The initiative aligns with the Government's vision to empower 10 million citizens by January 2026 with essential AI skills and knowledge. Under the partnership: - Participants will receive Government-recognized certification. - Intellipaat will conduct AI awareness workshops, GenAI tool demonstrations, and community learning drives. - Foundation AI literacy e-learning videos. "At Intellipaat, we have always believed that India's true potential lies in its youth and educators. Our partnership with the IndiaAI Mission represents a shared vision to make AI education accessible to every citizen, regardless of their background. By empowering India's Youth with this foundational AI literacy, we are taking a major step toward realizing the Hon'ble Prime Minister's vision of a Digital and AI-Enabled Bharat."-- Diwakar Chittora, Founder & CEO, Intellipaat About the IndiaAI Mission The IndiaAI Mission, spearheaded by the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY), is the Government of India's flagship initiative to promote the responsible development and adoption of Artificial Intelligence. The mission aims to advance AI research, innovation, and literacy across all sections of society, ensuring India emerges as a global hub for AI talent and applications. About Intellipaat Intellipaat is a leading online and hybrid upskilling platform, empowering millions of learners globally with industry-relevant programs in high-in-demand skills and technologies. Through partnerships with IITs, NITs, IIM's and global universities, Intellipaat continues to bridge the gap between academic learning and industry needs in the AI age. Media Contact:deepak@intellipaat.com Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2688152/Intellipaat_Logo.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) As Native American and Alaska Native governments, health, gaming, hospitality, and other enterprises look to modernize their technology operations, IT leaders within these tribal communities are increasingly seeking structured frameworks that will help them align IT strategy with governance, culture, and sovereignty. Through its Certified Tribal Technology Professional (CTTP) program, the TribalHub network has engaged in a partnership with the global leader in IT research and advisory, Info-Tech Research Group, to help tribal IT professionals build the skills and structure needed to lead digital transformation within their communities. To support this mission, Larry Fretz, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group, will facilitate the 12 Pillars of Tribal IT Success during TribalHub's upcoming CTTP program, a curriculum focused on implementing IT for TribalHub's members' communities, adapted from the firm's acclaimed CIO Playbook. The program will run November 17-21, 2025, in Tucson, Arizona. The curriculum, adapted by Info-Tech for TribalHub's program, will provide tribal IT professionals with a calendar-based roadmap to strengthen operations, leadership, and data sovereignty through culturally grounded best practices. ARLINGTON, Va., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Info-Tech Research Group has announced that Managing Partner Larry Fretz will facilitate and deliver curriculum sessions at TribalHub's Certified Tribal Technology Professional (CTTP), taking place November 17 21, 2025, at Desert Diamond Casino in Tucson, Arizona. Building on more than a decade of collaboration between TribalHub and Info-Tech, the global leader in IT research and advisory, Fretz will outline how the firm's 12 foundational pillars of IT leadership are helping tribal technology leaders participating in the CTTP program align digital transformation initiatives with sovereignty, governance, and community goals. Dedicated to supporting the Native American and Alaska Native government, health, gaming/hospitality, and other tribal enterprises, TribalHub is a network that connects the largest community of technology-minded leaders from tribes across the country with each other as well as the suppliers of technology products and services dedicated to working in the tribal space. The November 2025 CTTP program participants will have the opportunity to take part in a comprehensive curriculum built around 12 interrelated pillars of tribal IT success. Adapted from Info-Tech's CIO Playbook, the framework Fretz will facilitate during the program translates universal IT leadership competencies into the unique context of tribal governance. Participants will explore critical areas for successfully implementing IT for tribal communities, including stakeholder engagement, IT strategy, workforce development, budgeting, vendor management, and analytics. The curriculum also integrates topics such as tribal governance structures, funding models, and data sovereignty to ensure culturally relevant and sustainable IT leadership development. "Info-Tech's proven content and CTTP sessions bring clarity and structure to the complexity that tribal IT leaders face every day," says Larry Fretz, Managing Partner at Info-Tech Research Group. "For years, Info-Tech's frameworks have helped tribal IT leaders move from reactive support to strategic leadership, aligning technology with tribal values, sovereignty, and long-term impact. Through the CTTP program in Arizona, we're continuing that commitment by providing hands-on guidance and strategic frameworks that support tribal technology leaders in driving meaningful, sustainable progress across their communities." The partnership between Info-Tech Research Group and TribalHub continues to provide tribal IT professionals with access to structured guidance, expert mentorship, and research-backed tools. Through programs like CTTP, the organizations aim to equip tribal technology leaders with practical skills and frameworks that strengthen operational excellence while upholding sovereignty and community priorities. "Our collaboration with Info-Tech Research Group has been instrumental in shaping a program that reflects and supports the unique needs of tribal technology leaders," says Michael Day, TribalHub's Founder & Executive Officer. "By integrating Info-Tech's proven frameworks with tribal governance principles, the CTTP program will empower IT professionals from across the country to build strategies that are both effective and culturally grounded." To learn more about TribalHub's CTTP program, please visit the Tribal Technology Certification page. For exclusive and timely commentary from Larry Fretz, an expert in the gaming and hospitality industry, and for more information about Info-Tech's partnership with TribalHub, please contact [email protected]. About Info-Tech Research Group Info-Tech Research Group is one of the world's leading and fastest-growing research and advisory firms, serving over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing professionals around the globe. As a trusted product and service leader, the company delivers unbiased, highly relevant research and industry-leading advisory support to help leaders make strategic, timely, and well-informed decisions. For nearly 30 years, Info-Tech has partnered closely with teams to provide everything they need, from actionable tools to expert guidance, ensuring they deliver measurable results for their organizations. To learn more about Info-Tech's divisions, visit McLean & Company for HR research and advisory services and SoftwareReviews for software buying insights. Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, and hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected]. For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X. About TribalHub With over 25 years of service dedicated to Native American and Alaska Native government, health, gaming/hospitality, and other tribal enterprises, TribalHub leverages extensive industry experience, and a deep network of connections to offer a set of events, products, and services unmatched in the industry. Bringing all of this together is the TribalHub membership, connecting the largest community of technology-minded leaders from tribes across the country with each other as well as the suppliers of technology products and services dedicated to working in the tribal space. Visit us at tribalhub.com. SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group A new US bill targeting outsourcing could sharply disrupt India's USD280-billion IT, BPO and Global Capability Centre (GCC) industry, which earns over 60 per cent of its revenue from the American market, the Global Trade Research Initiative (GTRI) has warned. According to a GTRI analysis, the "Halting International Relocation of Employment (HIRE) Act", introduced in the US Senate on September 5, 2025, proposes steep penalties for companies that offshore work. The bill, unrelated to the similarly named 2010 HIRE Act, seeks to impose a 25 per cent excise tax on payments made by US firms to any foreign service provider, including for work performed entirely outside the United States. It also aims to disallow tax deductibility for such payments. "A 25 per cent tax surcharge combined with loss of deductibility could make offshore delivery meaningfully more expensive for US companies, prompting some to renegotiate contracts, rebalance delivery toward onshore or near-shore hubs, or slow down the pace of new outsourcing," noted GTRI analysis. GTRI said these measures, if enacted from January 1, 2026, would raise the cost of outsourcing for American companies and could force renegotiation of contracts, increased onshore hiring, or a slowdown in new outsourcing deals. High-volume functions such as application maintenance, back-office operations and customer support could be hit the hardest. Even in-house GCCs of US multinationals operating from India may not be insulated, as the tax applies to any payment benefiting US consumers. Indian technology firms may face pressure to expand local US staffing, accept lower margins or accelerate their shift toward higher-value digital, AI, cybersecurity and consulting services, the report noted. Uncertainty around the legislation may also affect new GCC investments in India. GTRI noted, "High-volume functions such as application maintenance, customer support, and back-office processing are particularly vulnerable. Even GCCs--captive centres that serve US parent companies--may not be sheltered, as the proposed tax applies to any payment benefiting U.S. consumers, including internal cost allocations." The bill, introduced by Senator Bernie Moreno (R-Ohio), remains at a preliminary stage, with no committee hearings or co-sponsors yet. Its passage is not guaranteed, as US technology and services companies are expected to lobby against provisions that could raise their operating costs. However, GTRI cautioned that the proposal signals growing political pushback in Washington against offshoring. "India's IT sector must watch the bill's progress closely and prepare for a scenario where the US structurally rethinks its outsourcing policy," the report highlighted. (ANI) VMPL Pune (Maharashtra) [India], November 14: While India's post-pandemic travel boom continues to surge, a fundamental problem persists travellers spend an average of 20-30 hours researching and planning a single international trip, only to settle for generic packages that rarely match their personal preferences. GuavaTrips.com, a pioneering AI-first travel platform, is eliminating this friction entirely offering completely free, personalized travel itineraries in minutes, not days. Co-founded by Mangal Sain and Jay Kumar Anadkat in April 2024, GuavaTrips has already served over 1,000 customers while maintaining a perfect 5.0 Google rating from 60+ verified reviews--a remarkable achievement in an industry notorious for disappointed travellers. The Personalization Gap in Indian Travel "Travel is deeply personal, yet the industry treats everyone the same," says Jay Kumar Anadkat, Co-founder and COO. "A 30-year-old backpacker and a 60-year-old couple don't want the same Paris experience, but most platforms try to fit everyone into identical packages. We built GuavaTrips to solve this fundamental disconnect." The company identified five critical pain points plaguing Indian travellers: generic one-size-fits-all packages, time-consuming research, lack of trustworthy personalization, hidden costs and transparency issues, and fragmented post-booking support with no single point of contact during emergencies. AI Meets Experiential Travel: The GuavaTrips Difference Unlike traditional travel portals that function merely as booking engines, GuavaTrips has built a transformational platform powered by advanced agentic AI that continuously learns from user behavior. The platform's signature offering--a zero-commitment, completely free personalized itinerary generator (www.guavatrips.com/trip-planner)--represents a bold product-led growth strategy that's reshaping customer expectations. "We're essentially giving away our core product," Anadkat explains. "But once travellers experience planning that genuinely understands their pace, budget, and passions, going back to generic options feels painful. That conversion speaks for itself." The platform's four core pillars distinguish it from competitors: 1. On-Demand AI Itinerary Builder: An intelligent algorithmic engine that adapts in real-time, learning from preferences to curate experiences that match individual travel styles--from adventure seekers to luxury travellers to cultural explorers. 2. Curated Local Experiences: Moving beyond tourist traps, GuavaTrips emphasizes experiential travel through authentic encounters--private cooking classes in local homes, sunrise hikes with indigenous guides, and neighbourhood walking tours led by residents who bring destinations to life. 3. End-to-End Integration: A single platform managing flights, accommodations, transfers, activities, visas, and insurance--eliminating the exhausting juggling of multiple vendors and hidden fees. 4. 24/7 Concierge Support: Real-time human assistance when plans inevitably change. Flight delayed? The team is already rebooking hotel check-ins and dinner reservations before travellers even ask. Profitable from Day One: A Rare Startup Story In a startup ecosystem where burning cash for growth is normalized, GuavaTrips stands out by achieving profitability from day one--entirely bootstrapped through sustainable partnerships and service offerings "We have no investor pressure to compromise on customer experience for growth metrics," notes Jay. "Our North Star is simple: build India's most loved personalized travel brand--not just the biggest or most funded, but the most loved." This customer-first philosophy has created powerful word-of-mouth momentum, with referrals now representing a significant acquisition channel alongside performance marketing efforts. Technology with a Human Touch While GuavaTrips leverages cutting-edge AI technology, the founders are grounded that technology serves the experience, not the other way around. The platform's agentic AI combines data-driven precision with human empathy, offering not just algorithmically-optimized recommendations but emotionally resonant travel experiences. "AI helps us scale personalization, but our travel experts infuse each itinerary with local knowledge and cultural insights that no algorithm alone can provide," Anadkat emphasizes. "It's this AI+expert combination that creates magic." The Road Ahead With strong unit economics and growing market validation, GuavaTrips is positioned for national expansion while eyeing international markets. The company is selective about future funding, seeking strategic capital that accelerates growth without diluting its customer-centric mission. As India's travel industry races toward becoming a global powerhouse, GuavaTrips is proving that the future belongs not to those who simply digitize traditional travel agencies, but to those who fundamentally reimagine what personalized, experiential travel can be. About GuavaTripsFounded in April 2024 and headquartered in Pune, GuavaTrips.com is an AI-first travel platform revolutionizing personalized trip planning for Indian travellers. With a founding team bringing 50+ years of combined experience across travel operations, AI/ML, and business growth, the company delivers free custom itineraries, end-to-end booking, and 24/7 concierge support. Visit www.guavatrips.com or try the free AI trip planner at www.guavatrips.com/trip-planner. Media Contact:Email: buzz@guavatrips.comPhone: +91 8484929199Website: www.guavatrips.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) PNN Gurugram (Haryana) [India], November 14: Being a student with the dream of studying abroad is not easy. There's plenty of advice, confusion, and uncertainty, and when students can't find a clear path forward, it becomes overwhelming. The Problem Every Student Faces Students aspiring to study abroad often find themselves asking: * Can I trust anyone? * Am I even eligible to study abroad? * Will someone charge me extra money? These were the same questions Mr. Daljeet Sandhu frequently heard while speaking with students. Determined to end this struggle once and for all, he created Edvia, a platform designed to guide students through every step of their study abroad journey, right from the comfort of their homes. Everything Is Fully Transparent Edvia understands the value of time and money. That's why transparency is built into every stage of the study abroad application process. 1) Keeps you informed about your application status 2) Provides complete details about scholarships 3) No hidden fees, ever Meet Edvia's AI Course Finder Edvia's AI Course Finder makes the search for your dream university and program effortless. Within seconds, it matches your academic profile with data from 850+ universities worldwide, giving you the best options that suit your background and goals. It's not just a feature, it's a bridge between students and their dreams.With a single click, you gain access to multiple tools designed to simplify your study abroad experience and eliminate confusion. Features That Make It Even Better While Edvia offers a range of smart tools, two standout features make it even more powerful: 1) 24x7 Chatbot Assistance: The chatbot provides instant answers to your questions anytime, anywhere. Whether it's about course selection, applications, or scholarships, Edvia's chatbot responds quickly and efficiently. 2) Global Search Option: Type in any keyword, and the global search engine pulls results from multiple countries, including Australia, Canada, the UK, the USA, and New Zealand -- giving you a wide range of choices to explore and compare. Why Students Trust Edvia Trust comes from clarity. Studying abroad is a major investment of both time and money, and students deserve to know exactly where every penny goes. With Edvia, students can track their application status in real-time while enjoying complete financial transparency -- from tuition fees to visa requirements. This visibility builds confidence and eliminates the anxiety that often accompanies traditional study abroad applications. Why Students Love It For most students, applying abroad is an emotional and financial commitment. One wrong move can change everything. Edvia ensures that doesn't happen.It helps students: * Choose courses tailored to their goals * Access genuine scholarships * Experience fast, transparent, and smooth processing Unlike conventional consultancies driven by commissions, Edvia offers unbiased, student-first guidance backed by years of expertise in the study abroad sector. Vision: Global Education for All Edvia's mission is to make global education accessible and seamless for every student, regardless of their background or financial condition. Too many students give up on their dreams because they can't afford expensive consultants. Edvia bridges that gap by providing free access to its AI tools, empowering every learner to turn aspirations into reality. It connects students, universities, and opportunities, creating a truly inclusive education ecosystem. The Future Is Here We live in the era of Artificial Intelligence, where everything, from food delivery to transportation, is optimised through technology. So why should your career journey be any different? Edvia.ai offers smart AI-driven study abroad assistance, guiding you at every step, from university selection to application success. With just a few clicks from the comfort of your home, you can build a bright and confident future. Try Edvia today, and let AI power your global dreams. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) VMPL Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], November 14: In a world where screens and smartphones are woven into daily life, that future increasingly depends on how children engage with technology. Screen bans are popular, but here's a controversial thought: instead of fighting screens, it's time to give children a better screen-time experience. On this Children's Day, Alpha MD launches a new and improved version of its digital wellbeing app, Coggi, designed to help children build emotional, human, and social skills in a tech-rich age. Recent studies show that Indian children under five already spend an average of 2.2 hours a day on screens which is double the safe limit suggested by experts. Amid rising "anti-screen" movements and parental anxiety, Coggi takes a bold stance: yes, screens are here, so let's make them meaningful. "We understand why there's a backlash against screens, but we live in a digital age. Let's work with it, not against it. What children need now are soft skills, emotional awareness, and resilience. Screens can be the medium, if we get it right," said Yvonne Biggins, Chief Magic Maker, Coggi. "Children are the heartbeat of our nation, full of potential, curiosity, and imagination," said Jiggs Barasara, CEO of Alpha MD. "In the spirit of Children's Day, we want to give India's children tools that strengthen both their minds and hearts in a digital world." Key Features of the Relaunched Coggi (India) * Playful AR chameleon-character that acts as a trusted digital buddy for children * Interactive, game-based activities teaching how to notice, name, and manage feelings - key emotional-intelligence skills * Early wellbeing assessments to identify areas for support * Parent dashboard with insights and supportive prompts * Clean, simple UX built for children growing up in India's fast-moving digital environment Launch & Availability Coggi is now available in India on both the Apple App Store and Google Play. You can learn more and download it at www.mycoggi.com. On Children's Day, Alpha MD promises to help through parents & school to build emotional resilience in every child. About Coggi Coggi is a digital wellbeing app designed to help children grow strong on the inside through play, technology, and emotional learning. Using tools from positive psychology and child development, Coggi helps children build confidence, calm, and emotional resilience. About Alpha MD Alpha MD is a global digital health company committed to building the next generation of scalable wellbeing platforms. Through innovation and collaboration, Alpha MD develops technologies that make health and wellbeing more accessible, effective, and human. Learn more on www.alphamd.com Press Contact: Siddesh Nayak, PR & Marketing siddesh.nayak@alphamd.com +91 83290 80996 (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) NewsVoir Chennai (Tamil Nadu) [India], November 14: Avtar Group, India's leading workplace culture consulting firm, hosted BOB - the Best of Best Conference & Awards, India's prestigious gathering of workplace culture & inclusion experts and thought leaders, at ITC Grand Chola. Best of Best is an annual conference conducted by the Avtar Group, that celebrates the winners of Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI), the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI) and Best Companies for ESG (BCESG) and the Male Ally Legacy Award (MALA). BOB 2025 stood as a milestone moment - it commemorated the tenth anniversary of BCWI which was launched in 2016. Across its revolutionary ten-year journey, Avtar & Seramount Best Companies for Women in India'(BCWI) has guided over 400 organizations in embedding inclusive policies, serving as a compelling tool in shifting mindsets and steadily elevating the benchmark for workplace inclusion nationwide. Breaking new ground, women's representation in leadership among the Best Companies rose to 20% for the first time, with overall female workforce participation steady at 36%, up from 25% in 2016. Reflecting on the milestone, Dr Saundarya Rajesh, Founder - President, Avtar Group said, "Twenty-five years ago, Avtar set out to make inclusion a reality in Indian workplaces. Ten years ago, BCWI became our way to measure that change, to see how intent turns into impact. Today, as we celebrate its tenth edition, we see not just statistics but stories of women who found opportunity, of leaders who chose empathy, and of organizations that turned intent into action." The Male Ally Legacy Award (MALA), which celebrates male leaders who have led efforts to transform workplace attitudes and foster inclusion for women, was presented to Mr. Sudeep Jain, Managing Director, South West Asia, Intercontinental Hotels Group. The choice of jury awards were bagged by COO & EVP, Financial Services SBU, Capgemini Technology Services India Ltd and Mr Mohit Sood, Regional Managing Principal, ZS. Centered on the theme Unbox Inclusion, BOB 2025 explored topics such as lighthouse leadership, innovative inclusion practices, organizational vitality, and redefining leadership through a new understanding of power. Speaking about the event and its theme, Dr Saundarya said, "As the world of work continues to evolve, with AI reshaping work, hybrid teams becoming the norm, multiple generations working side by side, and global challenges like climate change affecting us all, inclusion needs a new lens. Unbox Inclusion is about doing just that: breaking open old ideas and seeing inclusion as something that lives in our everyday actions, choices, and conversations. The future belongs to workplaces that unbox new ways of thinking and make inclusion a daily habit. And male allyship is a powerful example of how inclusion can become part of our everyday actions. The Male Ally Legacy Award and benchmarking initiatives like Best Companies for Women in India, MICI and Best Companies for ESG help organizations translate intent into real impact." Addressing the value of workplace inclusion, the Chief Guest at the event on Day 1, Ms. Thamizhachi Thangapandian, poet, orator and Member of Parliament for the Chennai South, said, "Best of Best Conference is an inspiring community of changemakers who have gathered together to create a community of care. Avtar and Seramount's Best Companies for women in India study marks a platform that records the evolution of companies and their pursuit of gender inclusion. The onus is on these frontrunner companies in empowering generations of women and reassuring them their careers and worlds do not end at the altar of motherhood or other life stage events. Tamilnadu has a strong legacy of delivering social justice and advancement of women is a key priority for the state. Driven by the able leadership of our Hon'ble Chief Minister Thiru M.K.Stalin, the Dravidian model government has made phenomenal strides in women empowerment through welfare schemes such as Pudhumai Pen, Vidiyal Payanam and Kalagniar Urimai Thogai. Under the purview of the changemakers - both government and organizations, is to focus on true inclusion, and empower historically marginalized groups - LGBTQIA+, PwD, socially marginalised et al. True inclusion means building together, leading together and winning together. BOB 2025 provides this platform for recommitting to the cause of inclusion. Let us remember, when women rise, workplaces thrive and when workplaces thrive the future does not just become human, but humane!" Ms Aruna Sairam, celebrated Carnatic musician, who was the Chief Guest on Day 2 of BOB 25, noted, "It is so easy to let go off things that are important for you. But staying course with relentless focus is what gets you ahead. Just like it takes 25 years to master new ragas in music, Avtar in its life of 25 years has beautifully brought to life the music of inclusion. I take this opportunity to congratulate Avtar and not giving up on their vision, their dream. Life is not about you but about everyone else - these frontrunner organizations understand this philosophy and ensure they deliver their inclusive commitment, emphatically. It is wonderful to be part of BOB 2025, celebrating each of you, who empower each other." For the complete list of winners of all benchmarking studies, visit: www.avtarinc.com/enrich/best-companies-for-women-in-india-bcwi Avtar, founded in 2000 by Dr Saundarya Rajesh, is one of India's leading workplace culture consulting firms, supporting hundreds of companies in creating diverse and supportive workplaces. Avtar is also the country's largest provider of second career opportunities for women. An ISO 20700 certified firm, Avtar's biggest research projects are its annual benchmarking studies - the Best Companies for Women in India (BCWI) and the Most Inclusive Companies Index (MICI). Done in partnership with Seramount, BCWI and MICI are India's largest workplace inclusion benchmarking studies, which have paved the way for the employment of more women and other under-represented groups. Avtar also promotes inclusive hiring through MyAvtar, India's first job portal for under-represented professionals. A snapshot of Avtar's work in the last 25 years: * Provided advisory services in inclusive practices to 800+ organizations* Conducted 5000+ workshops and training programs in companies of different sizes, spanning industries and locations* Facilitated the re-entry of 1,00,000 second-career women into the workforce through MyAvtar.com* Engaged with 200,000+ women through career enablement programs* Offered unique skilling programs such as DigiPivot (a prestigious course in digital marketing, conducted in partnership with Google, HUL, and ISB) to hundreds of women.* Provided career intentionality training, employment guidance, and access to industry leaders every year to 10,000+ girls from underprivileged backgrounds through Project Puthri, an initiative of the Avtar Human Capital Trust (AHCT).* Impacted 4000+ schoolboys through MITR (Men Impacting Trust and Respect), an initiative by AHCT that mentors boys to be advocates for women. For its transformational impact in the realm of DEI, Avtar Group was listed in the prestigious Steward Leadership 25 Listing by Strait Times & INSEAD at Singapore in 2022. To know more, visit www.avtarinc.com | www.myavtar.com. Seramount is a strategic professional services and research firm dedicated to supporting high-performing, inclusive workplaces. Over four decades, we've established a strong, data-driven understanding of the employee experience, which lays the groundwork for everything we do. Seramount partners with over 450 of the world's most influential companies, large and small, to offer pragmatic solutions including best practice DEI research, workplace assessment, employee learning and development, and talent sourcing. These offerings empower companies to navigate a dynamic corporate environment and to cultivate a resilient, connected workforce that achieves extraordinary outcomes. Learn more at www.seramount.com. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same) SMPL New York [US], November 14: In a defining moment for global healthcare collaboration, the Global Health Forum (GHF) -- a cross-continental think tank uniting leaders from medicine, technology, policy, and industry -- hosted its inaugural Global Health Congress at the prestigious Yale Club of New York City. The two-day event brought together healthcare pioneers, innovators, and policymakers from across the United States, India, Europe, and Asia to reimagine the future of healthcare delivery, affordability, and access. A Visionary Collaboration Between Medicine and Industry The Global Health Forum was founded by two pioneers from distinct yet complementary worlds -- Dr. Achintya Moulick, a world-renowned cardiothoracic surgeon and transformative healthcare CEO, and Mr. Sanat Chattopadhyay, President of Merck's Global Manufacturing Division and a global pharmaceutical leader known for operational excellence and strategic vision. They are joined on the Board of Trustees by Dr. Samin Sharma, internationally acclaimed interventional cardiologist and Director of Interventional Cardiology at Mount Sinai Hospital, whose work has redefined cardiovascular care worldwide. Together, the founders established GHF with a singular mission -- to bridge the gaps between medicine, technology, finance, and industry, and to design equitable, sustainable healthcare systems for all. Leadership Speaks: A Global Mission for Equity and Innovation "We envision a future where the best minds across geographies collaborate to solve healthcare's hardest problems -- not in isolation, but as a united global community," said Dr. Achintya Moulick, Founder and Chair of GHF. "This is not just about innovation; it's about building trust, equity, and access into the global healthcare narrative," added Mr. Sanat Chattopadhyay. "Our mission is to empower both physicians and entrepreneurs to shape healthcare's next chapter," said Dr. Samin Sharma. "The Global Health Forum is building a bridge between vision and execution -- where great ideas in healthcare become tangible global solutions through collaboration and purpose," said Mr. Gautam Bazaz, Chief Executive Officer of GHF. The Inaugural Congress: A Global Confluence of Ideas Held in November 2025, the Global Health Congress brought together experts and leaders from over 20 countries, including the United States, India, the United Kingdom, Japan, the Netherlands, Argentina, and Singapore. Participants explored urgent global challenges such as: * The ethical integration of Artificial Intelligence in healthcare * AI-driven solutions for affordability and access * Innovations in longevity science, nutraceuticals, and biohacking * The future of healthcare logistics, financing, and insurance models Keynote sessions featured Craig Cooper, author and founder of Boost Mobile, and Dr. Ashutosh Tiwari, Chair of Urology at Mount Sinai Hospital -- both emphasizing the need for preventive men's health and longevity innovation. India's Leadership in Global Healthcare Transformation Representing India's growing influence in global healthcare, Mr. Meghdut RoyChowdhury, Executive Director and Chief Innovation Officer of Techno India Group, and Mr. Prashant Sharma, Managing Director of Charnock Hospital Group, led critical discussions on innovation in healthcare education, hospital network development, and Indo-US collaboration in digital health. Mr. RoyChowdhury highlighted the importance of building bridges between academia and practice, stating, "The collaboration between GHF and India's emerging academic and healthcare hubs will redefine how we think about education and translational innovation." Mr. Sharma added,"As India's healthcare systems mature, partnerships like these ensure that quality, access, and technology move together -- benefiting patients at every level." Their participation underscored India's increasing global role in healthcare transformation, and GHF's decision to establish regional offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad, and Bengaluru further cements this partnership. These offices will promote structured cross-pollination of ideas, research collaboration, and bilateral investment corridors linking Indian innovation with international expertise. Innovation Lab and Venture Forum: The Future of HealthTech A highlight of the Congress was the GHF Innovation Lab and Venture Forum, which showcased promising startups from India, the U.S., the Netherlands, and Argentina. These ventures presented breakthrough ideas in medical technology, biotechnology, and AI-driven healthcare. Selected startups received mentorship, seed funding, and access to the GHF Global Accelerator Network, aimed at nurturing physician-entrepreneurs and scalable healthcare ventures. A Global Team with a Shared Purpose The executive leadership of GHF is spearheaded by Mr. Gautam Bazaz, a Carnegie Mellon and Duke University alumnus known for his strategic acumen and international partnerships. The leadership team includes: * Dr. Nikki Bajaj, hematologist-oncologist and longevity medicine advocate * Mr. Abhishek Shankar, ex-IIT alumnus and serial entrepreneur in digital transformation * Ms. Malak Atut, Wharton-trained business leader and GHF Co-Chair * Mr. Risshikesh Pawar, founder of Digital Zone and technology strategist * Mr. Justin Drew, healthcare innovation executive * Dr. Girish Juneja, physician entrepreneur based in Michigan * Dr. Shyam Vishweswaran, Professor of Bioinformatics at the University of Pittsburgh and NIH thought leader * Dr. Nidhi Goel, leading psychiatrist and AI-in-healthcare expert (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same.) The Union Minister of State for Communications and Rural Development, Chandra Shekhar Pemmasani, on Friday called upon global investors to seize the USD 25 billion opportunity in telecom component manufacturing and become part of India's growing digital and industrial ecosystem. Speaking at the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Partnership Summit in Visakhapatnam, in the presence of Vice President C. P. Radhakrishnan, Chandra Shekhar urged investors to "co-author the story of India's rise." He said India's transformation in the last decade was driven by what he called a "Mindset Metamorphosis," reflecting a clear shift from control to collaboration. Chandra Shekhar emphasized that India's progress came through deliberate policy actions, determined execution, and an unleashed spirit of entrepreneurship under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. "India is not just riding the tide; India is the tide," he said, inviting global industries to join the country's next phase of economic growth. The Minister assured that the Ministry of Communications would fast-track approvals and extend all necessary support to companies setting up manufacturing bases in India. He underlined that investing in India means partnering with the world's largest rising middle class and participating in a growth story that will shape global business for decades. Chandra Shekhar noted that India had moved away from a license-raj mentality to a trust-first approach, recognizing entrepreneurs as nation builders rather than viewing them with suspicion. He cited key policy reforms that transformed India's economic landscape, including a USD 1.4 trillion infrastructure investment pipeline, USD 26 billion in Production Linked Incentive (PLI) schemes, simplified labour laws, the abolition of retrospective taxation, the implementation of GST for national market integration, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Highlighting the strength of Andhra Pradesh as an investment destination, the Minister praised Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for building a robust industrial ecosystem. He pointed to the State's emerging sectoral hubs, Cyberabad for IT, Visakhapatnam for industry and fintech, Anantapur for automobiles, and Tirupati for electronics. He also mentioned Genome Valley as an example of how focused initiatives have strengthened investor confidence. Chandra Shekhar further stated that Andhra Pradesh's six major ports, vast renewable energy potential, and extensive industrial land banks make it a state ready for growth. He described the state as "not just investment-ready but investment-hungry." (ANI) While talking to Variety, 'Shogun' star Takehiro Hira says he's only seen one script for Season 2. Even so, he thinks he knows the fate of his character, Ishido Kazunari. "I can't really talk about that, but you know, the older characters in 'Shogun' loosely follow the actual historical figures. So my guy doesn't really survive much after the big war, the battle. So my days are numbered," said Hira as quoted by Variety at the sidelines of the premiere of his new movie 'Rental Family' at the Directors Guild of America in Los Angeles. "I will probably have an honourable death," added Hira as quoted by Variety. Takehiro Hira was nominated for an Emmy last year for his performance in 'Shogun' in the category for best supporting actor. At almost the same exact time as the 'Rental Family' premiere carpet opened, FX announced that Season 2 will begin production in January, reported Variety. New additions to the cast include Asami Mizukawa as Aya, Masataka Kubota as Hyuga, Sho Kaneta as Hidenobu, Takaaki Enoki as Lord Ito and Jun Kunimura as Goda. Returning stars include actors Hiroyuki Sanada and Cosmo Jarvis, as well as Fumi Nikaido, Shinnosuke Abe, Hiroto Kanai, Yoriko Doguchi, Tommy Bastow, Yuko Miyamoto, Eita Okuno and Yuka Kouri. Season 1 directors Hiromi Kamata and Takeshi Fukunaga return to direct on the second season, according to Variety. Anthony Byrne, Kate Herron and series co-creator Justin Marks will also direct episodes in Season 2. According to an official logline, 'Shogun Season 2' is set ten years after the events of the first season. As for the 'Rental Family', the film stars Brendan Frazer as an actor living in Japan who finds a job at a rental family agency, headed by Hira's character, where he is assigned to play various stand-in roles for clients. Hikari directed the film from a script she co-wrote with Stephen Blahut. Rounding out the cast are Mari Yamamoto, Shannon Mahina Gorman and Akira Emoto. "Rental Family" is in theatres on November 21. (ANI) Bigg Boss 19 is only a few weeks away from its finale, and the show has seen yet another big twist. Contestant Gaurav Khanna, who had been hoping to become the captain for a long time, has finally got the chance to take charge of the house. In a recent episode, BB gave Gaurav a tough choice: he could either nominate all the other contestants and give up a large portion of the weekly ration, or refuse the offer and lose his shot at becoming captain. Gaurav chose to accept the offer, which immediately made him the new captain of the house. However, his decision upset Shehbaz Badesha, who was also vying for the captaincy. Shehbaz felt the situation was unfair and reacted strongly inside the house. Former Bigg Boss contestant Kamya Punjabi has now shared her opinion on social media. Taking to her X account, the former contestant pointed out that the housemates always make decisions that benefit them and said Shehbaz had no reason to complain. https://www.instagram.com/reel/DRAZ5aNE8H1/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA== In her post, she wrote, "Sab apne liye hi khelte hai so jab Gaurav Khanna ne apne liye socha toh itni badi baat kaise ho gayi???" She also took a dig at Shehbaz's reaction and added, "Last week Amaal ko captain banana ke liye kisne cheating ki thi, aaj jaise ko taisa mila toh rona aagya?" Take a look https://x.com/iamkamyapunjabi/status/1989211763909517749?s=20 In another post, she supported Gaurav again and said no contestant would have refused such an offer. "Each n every player in that house would have jumped on this opportunity! Koi Mahaanta ki Murat nahi hai wahan," she wrote. https://x.com/iamkamyapunjabi/status/1989213263880650774?s=20 The Bigg Boss 19 finale is expected to take place in December. The show airs on JioHotstar at 9 PM and on Colors TV at 10:30 PM. (ANI) During a joint operation launched by the Police and Security Forces in Moominabad, two hybrid terrorists were arrested, said the Kashmir Zone Police on Thursday. Kashmir Zone Police identified the terrorists as Shabir Najar and Shabir Mir. The police also recovered arms, ammunition, and incriminating materials. The investigation is currently ongoing, officials said. Earlier, the Pulwama Police on Thursday carried out coordinated Cordon and Search Operations (CASOs) at multiple suspected locations across the district as part of its ongoing campaign against anti-national elements, including Jammu and Kashmir residents operating from Pakistan and Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir (JKNOP), and other subversive networks, said the release. The operations aimed to identify and trace individuals involved in unlawful and anti-national activities, strengthen surveillance, and ensure overall public safety. Several premises were searched, and the identities of numerous individuals were verified during the exercise conducted jointly with security forces. Pulwama Police reiterated its commitment to continue such operations to dismantle terror-support structures, curb anti-national propaganda, and maintain peace and order across the district. On Wednesday, Anantnag Police carried out coordinated raids in the district amid a massive crackdown against the banned organisation Jamaat-e-Islami (JeI). Meanwhile, in Kulgam, police are carrying out a crackdown against the anti-national elements, checking vehicles at the Navyug tunnel. Kulgam SSP Anayat Ali Choudhary said that the police caught a Nepali citizen and a contraband of 'charas' on Tuesday. "For the last few days, there has been a crackdown on anti-national elements, people who support terrorism and people who operate from the outside (outside India). We are holding a vehicle checking crackdown in Kulgam. Heightened checking is going on in every corner, including the Navyug tunnel, which is an entry point for Kashmir. Amid these heightened majors, we caught a Nepali national and a contraband of 'charas'. This shows that the police are alert and stand for the security of the citizens," SSP Choudhary told ANI. (ANI) NEW YORK, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Why: Rosen Law Firm, a global investor rights law firm, announces it has filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of purchasers of securities of Freeport-McMoRan Inc. (NYSE: FCX) between February 15, 2022 and September 24, 2025, both dates inclusive (the "Class Period"). A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 12, 2026 in the securities class action first filed by the Firm. So What: If you purchased Freeport-McMoRan securities during the Class Period you may be entitled to compensation without payment of any out of pocket fees or costs through a contingency fee arrangement. What to do next: To join the Freeport class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=45553 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. A class action lawsuit has already been filed. If you wish to serve as lead plaintiff, you must move the Court no later than January 12, 2026. A lead plaintiff is a representative party acting on behalf of other class members in directing the litigation. Why Rosen Law: We encourage investors to select qualified counsel with a track record of success in leadership roles. Often, firms issuing notices do not have comparable experience, resources, or any meaningful peer recognition. Be wise in selecting counsel. The Rosen Law Firm represents investors throughout the globe, concentrating its practice in securities class actions and shareholder derivative litigation. Rosen Law Firm has achieved, at that time, the largest ever securities class action settlement against a Chinese Company. Rosen Law Firm was Ranked No. 1 by ISS Securities Class Action Services for number of securities class action settlements in 2017. The firm has been ranked in the top 4 each year since 2013 and has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors. In 2019 alone the firm secured over $438 million for investors. In 2020, founding partner Laurence Rosen was named by law360 as a Titan of Plaintiffs' Bar. Many of the firm's attorneys have been recognized by Lawdragon and Super Lawyers. Details of the case: According to the lawsuit, defendants made false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Freeport-McMoRan did not adequately ensure safety at the Grasberg Block Cave mine in Indonesia; (2) the lack of proper safety precautions constituted a heightened risk that could foreseeably lead to the death of Freeport's workers; (3) this constituted an undisclosed heightened risk of regulatory, litigation, and reputational risk; and (4) as a result, defendants' statements about Freeport-McMoRan's business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all relevant times. When the true details entered the market, the lawsuit claims that investors suffered damages. To join the Freeport class action, go to https://rosenlegal.com/submit-form/?case_id=45553 or call Phillip Kim, Esq. toll-free at 866-767-3653 or email [email protected] for information on the class action. No Class Has Been Certified. Until a class is certified, you are not represented by counsel unless you retain one. You may select counsel of your choice. You may also remain an absent class member and do nothing at this point. An investor's ability to share in any potential future recovery is not dependent upon serving as lead plaintiff. Follow us for updates on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-rosen-law-firm or on Twitter: https://twitter.com/rosen_firm or on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rosenlawfirm. Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Contact Information: Laurence Rosen, Esq. Phillip Kim, Esq. The Rosen Law Firm, P.A. 275 Madison Avenue, 40th Floor New York, NY 10016 Tel: (212) 686-1060 Toll Free: (866) 767-3653 Fax: (212) 202-3827 [email protected] www.rosenlegal.com SOURCE THE ROSEN LAW FIRM, P. A. AIADMK General Secretary and Leader of the Opposition Edappadi K. Palaniswami (EPS) issued a strongly worded condemnation of the DMK government on Thursday following the Supreme Court's permission for Karnataka to proceed with its Mekedatu dam project, a decision he described as a "deeply painful and shocking blow" to the people of Tamil Nadu. Calling the Cauvery "the lifeline of Tamil Nadu," Palaniswami said the river sustains the livelihoods of lakhs of farmers in the delta region and provides drinking water to more than 20 districts. "Any obstruction or diversion of Cauvery waters threatens the very existence of Tamil Nadu's farmers. Today's decision has pushed them into fear, anxiety, and uncertainty," he said. Palaniswami squarely blamed Chief Minister M.K. Stalin and the "sleeping DMK government" for enabling this outcome. "Instead of forcefully opposing Karnataka's plan to turn Tamil Nadu into a desert, the DMK government failed to present strong arguments before the Supreme Court. Their inaction has paved the way for this judgment," he charged, as per the release. Recalling AIADMK's continuous and uncompromising opposition, Palaniswami said that during the 28th meeting of the Cauvery Water Management Authority (CWMA) in Delhi on February 1, 2024, Karnataka had sought to include the Mekedatu dam proposal in the meeting agenda. "At that time, too, I exposed the DMK government's silence. Their refusal to object then has today resulted in grave consequences." He said it was "an unforgivable crime" that the DMK leadership, driven by their business and political interests in Karnataka, had effectively acted as guarantors for the neighbouring state. "To protect their family's business ventures there, the DMK rulers have sacrificed Tamil Nadu's rights over the Cauvery," he said. EPS urged the DMK government to immediately take all necessary legal and administrative measures to restore Tamil Nadu's rightful share in the river. "The DMK must wake up at least now. The farmers of Tamil Nadu, and the millions who depend on Cauvery water, cannot afford any further betrayal," he said. (ANI) Seven people were killed after a container truck went out of control and hit several vehicles near Navale Bridge on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway, police and fire officials said. The injured have been shifted to nearby hospitals, and authorities are working to identify the deceased. Devendra Potfode, Chief Fire Officer, Pune Fire Department, said, "Around 5:45-6:00 pm, our fire control room received information about an accident and fire near the Navale Bridge... Upon reaching the spot, it was found that a large truck, which had just come out of the Katraj Tunnel, went out of control and hit several vehicles before moving ahead... A total of 7 people have died in the incident..." Earlier reports about the accident said that as many as six people were killed after the container truck lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles on Thursday. Earlier, DCP Sambhaji Kadam, Zone 3 Pune City Police, said that, "At least six people were killed after a container truck lost control and rammed into multiple vehicles" near Navale Bridge on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway." Following the collision, 2-3 heavy vehicles caught fire," DCP Kadam added. CP Pune Amitesh Kumar told reporters that efforts are underway to identify the deceased. "A heavy vehicle lost control and rammed into several vehicles on the Pune-Bengaluru Highway near the Nthe avale bridge today". "The injured persons have been shifted to the hospital. We are trying to identify the deceased persons," CP Kumar added. (ANI) The 6th edition of the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode's (IIMK) international conclave Globalising Indian Thought (GIT 2025) continued its proceedings on Wednesday, delving deeper into the theme "Lessons from Invisible India", a press release said. The conclave, which began on November 12, focuses on exploring India's indigenous wisdom as a guiding framework for sustainability, gender equity, and global cooperation under the broader vision of Viksit Bharat @2047. The release further added that the event was inaugurated on Tuesday by Prof. Anil D. Sahasrabudhe, Chairperson of the National Educational Technology Forum (NETF) and Executive Committee, NAAC, and Ambassador Vikas Swarup, a former diplomat and acclaimed author of Q&A, in the presence of Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director of IIM Kozhikode. The inauguration was followed by a SPIC MACAY performance by Padma Shri flautist Pandit Ronu Mazumdar. In his address, Ambassador Vikas Swarup commended IIM Kozhikode's role in shaping India's global thought leadership, noting that "institutions like IIM Kozhikode stand as living testaments to what Indian excellence looks like." Emphasising India's growing soft power, he said, "India's soft power is about transformation, about how the world has begun to see us. It rests on our democracy, our development model, and our digital promise." He added that India's influence stems from its philosophy of empowering rather than overpowering, positioning the country as the natural voice of the developing world. Prof. Anil Sahasrabudhe observed that "India's century has arrived," pointing to the nation's rise as the world's fourth-largest economy and its strong progress on the Global Innovation Index. He emphasised the importance of educational institutions serving as entrepreneurial ecosystems that foster innovation, collaboration, and purpose-driven leadership. Setting the tone for the three-day conclave, Prof. Debashis Chatterjee, Director, IIM Kozhikode, said: "Globalising Indian Thought is about tapping the unmapped potential of India for the world. As we march toward Viksit Bharat @2047, our mission is to transform ancient wisdom into modern action - where work has meaning, women lead with strength, and the Indian worldview shapes a more compassionate, interconnected world." On the second day, deliberations continued around the 3Ws framework, Work, Women, and Worldview, through keynote sessions, panel discussions, and interactive dialogues. Padma Kiran Vyas, Founder of Tapovan Open University of Yoga & Ayurveda, France, highlighted India's philosophy of balance between humanity and nature through Yoga and Ayurveda in his keynote address. He said India's traditions offer the moral and spiritual compass the world needs to tackle the crises of climate and wellness. Lalatiana Accouche, High Commissioner of Seychelles to India, lauded India's partnership with Seychelles in areas such as healthcare and capacity building, describing it as an embodiment of the Globalising Indian Thought vision. Shishir Priyadarshi, President, Chintan Research Foundation and former Director at the WTO, emphasised that India's greatest contribution to the 21st century will not just be technology or trade, but thought -- "where innovation is steered by inclusion, and growth is grounded in dignity, equity, and empathy." Prof. Debashis Chatterjee summarised the day's discussions, saying, "The Conclave reaffirmed that India's path to Viksit Bharat @2047 lies in harmonising Work, Women, and Worldview -- the three dimensions of our collective consciousness." Among the day's highlights was a panel discussion on "Ecological Swaraj: Reclaiming Indian Wisdom for a Sustainable Future." The panel included Gopikrishna Warrier (Editorial Director, Mongabay India), Sridhar Radhakrishnan (Environmentalist), Prof. John Kurien (Centre for Development Studies), and Sruthi P.K. (Aralam Task Force). The discussion emphasised reimagining sustainability from the grassroots up and questioned the growing dependence on private-sector-led models that risk undermining social and ecological freedom. Another panel, "Tolerance to Transformation: Addressing Misogyny at Work," featured Titiksha Shrivastava (Lawyer-turned-Actor), Dipakshi Mehandru (Intel Corporation), Prof. Roberta Fida (Aston Business School, UK), and Deepthi Bopaiah (Former CEO & Board Member, GoSports Foundation). The session called for moving beyond tolerance to transformation through inclusion, respect, and cultural change in professional spaces. The three-day conclave will conclude on November 14 with sessions featuring Dr. Devi Prasad Shetty (Narayana Health), Erik Solheim (Former Executive Director, UN Environment Programme), Lt. Gen. A.K. Singh (Retd.), and Dr. Peeja Rajan (UN Women India). The event will close with a Bharatanatyam performance by Meenakshi Srinivasan, organised by SPIC MACAY. (ANI) As Bihar gears up for assembly election results today, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers offered prayers at Hanuman Temple in Patna, hoping for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) to emerge victorious. BJP worker Krishna Kumar Singh said that their prayers to God would be answered if the NDA secures a win on at least 175 assembly constituencies. "2025 - NDA sang Nitish. We have offered prayers for a thumping majority. We performed aarti of the Bihar Vidhan Sabha and applied 'rajtilak'. The manner in which the people of Bihar have given a mandate to the NDA, we are confident in the Exit Polls. We have offered prayers for our seat share to be 175-200 seats," Singh told ANI. Counting across 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar will begin at 8 am today, as security has been heightened at various counting centres. The security personnel arrived for their election duty at various places, including Patna, Gayaji and several other places. Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha, who is contesting from the Lakhisarai assembly seat, also offered prayers at a temple. The elections set several records, achieving the highest polling in both phases. The second phase of polling in Bihar saw a record voter turnout of 68.76%, the highest in the state's history. The overall polling percentage for the two phases was 66.91%. This is the highest voter turnout recorded in the State since 1951, according to the Election Commission. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 65.06%. The main electoral contest in the Bihar elections is between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. On Thursday, A poster dedicated by former Bihar Minister Ranjit Sinha, outside the Janata Dal (United) office in Patna, has bestowed Chief Minister Nitish Kumar with the title of a 'Tiger who still has the power (Tiger Zinda hai)', describing the latter as the "protector" of all the communities, including those on the margins of society. Meanwhile, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav said that his party-led Mahagathbandhan alliance is poised to form the next government in Bihar with a "clear majority," dismissing exit polls that have predicted the NDA's victory. Addressing a press conference in Patna, Yadav warned the officials that if the administration "acts on anyone's orders", then the public will take care of it. "We are completely confident that we are forming the government with a clear majority... We will very comfortably win the election tomorrow. Our workers are at all the counting stations and are alert. If the Administration repeats their 2020 mistake again, or anyone crosses their limit, does something unconstitutional and unfair, and if any official acts on anyone's orders, then the public will take care of it," he said. The NDA consists of parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, meanwhile the Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, include Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. (ANI) As the counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly election began Friday morning, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) headquarters in Delhi is gearing up for the victory celebrations with delicacies from the State. "We have the arrangements. Jalebi in dessert, sattu paratha and baingan chokha in the main course. Litti chokha can also be prepared," a local confectioner told ANI. Litti Chokha, Rasgulla and other items are being prepared at the residence of RJD leader Veena Devi in Mokama. Veena Devi contested against JDU's Anant Kumar Singh and Jan Suraaj's Priyadarshi Piyush from the Mokama assembly seat. Earlier today, BJP candidate and current Bihar minister Nitin Nabin expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) victory, saying that they will do better than the performance of 2010 and get more than 200 seats to have a decisive majority. "We are all confident that this time, the NDA seat tally will be near that of the 2010 elections. NDA is going to form the Government. We will get 200+ seats," Nabin told ANI. He further took a jab at the Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD), saying how they are still the "symbol of jungle raj." "They (RJD) are still not able to let go of their mindset of 'jungle raj'. RJD is the symbol of 'jungle raj'," he said. BJP's candidate Nitin Nabin is seeking a fourth term from the Bankipur assembly constituency, under Patna district. The incumbent is in the electoral fray against Rashtriya Janata Dal candidate Rekha Kumar, with Jan Suraaj candidate Vandana Kumari also looking to make the party's debut in the polls. Meanwhile, the counting across 243 assembly constituencies in Bihar began at 8 am today, as security has been heightened at various counting centres. The security personnel arrived for their election duty at various places, including Patna, Gayaji and several other places. The elections set several records, achieving the highest polling in both phases. The second phase of polling in Bihar saw a record voter turnout of 69.20 per cent, the highest in the state's history. The overall polling percentage for the two phases was 67.13 per cent. This is the highest voter turnout recorded in the State since 1951, according to the Election Commission. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 65.06 per cent. The main electoral contest in the Bihar elections is between the National Democratic Alliance and the Mahagathbandhan. The NDA comprises parties, including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular), and Rashtriya Lok Morcha. Mahagathbandhan, led by Rashtriya Janata Dal, include Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj made its debut in the 2025 Bihar Assembly polls. (ANI) As counting of votes for the recently concluded assembly polls got underway, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, who is named as the opposition's Chief Ministerial candidate, on Friday morning stated that change will come and the Mahagathbandhan will form the government in Bihar. "It will be a people's victory. We are willing. Change will come. We are forming the government," Tejashwi told reporters here. Meanwhile, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha took a jibe at RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, asserting that the people in the state will put an end to the "Zamnidari bhav (culture of Zamindari)" by giving a strong message to "Yuvraaj of jungle raaj". "The public will decide who will win the elections. 'Parivarvaadi log' consider politics as their fiefdom (estate). But the public of Bihar will give a strong message to the 'Yuvraaj' of 'jungle raj', born with a golden spoon. People of Bihar will end this Zamindari bhav," Sinha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Lakhisarai Assembly constituency, told ANI. Counting for the Bihar elections 2025 began at 8 am across the state's 243 constituencies, with heightened security at various counting centres. The process began at 8 am today, with postal ballot counting starting first, followed by EVM counting at 8:30 am. Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outpacing men (71.6% vs 62.8%). Elaborate security arrangements are in place, with 4,372 counting tables and over 18,000 counting agents overseeing the process. Most exit polls predict a comfortable victory for the NDA, with some projecting the Mahagathbandhan to win. According to the ECI's official press note, 2,616 candidates and 12 recognised political parties participated in the two-phase polls on November 6 and 11, and none requested repolling in any constituency. The main election contest in the Bihar elections is between the National Democratic Alliance, led by CM Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav's Mahagathbandhan. In the 2020 election, the NDA secured a majority in the assembly and won 125 seats, with Nitish Kumar again taking oath as Chief Minister. However, in August 2022, Nitish Kumar broke the alliance with the BJP and resigned as Chief Minister, forming a government with the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan. He had emerged as a key figure in the formation of the combined opposition INDIA bloc. However, Kumar's romance with the RJD lasted for less than two years, and in January 2024, ahead of the parliamentary polls, Kumar returned to the NDA. BJP improved its position between the 2015 and 2020 polls. It won 53 of 157 seats it contested in 2015 and 74 of 110 seats in 2020. The Rashtriya Janata Dal has also shown a strong performance, having won 80 of the 101 seats it contested in 2015 and 75 of the 144 seats it put up candidates in during the 2020 polls. JD-U saw a dip in its performance in the last two polls. It won 71 seats of 101 it contested in 2015 and 43 of 115 in 2020. Congress also saw a decline in performance from 27 seats it won in 2015 to 19 in 2020. (ANI) Counting for the Bihar elections 2025 began at 8 am across the state's 243 constituencies, with heightened security at various counting centres. The process began at 8 am today, with postal ballot counting starting first, followed by EVM counting at 8:30 am. Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outpacing men (71.6% vs 62.8%). Elaborate security arrangements are in place, with 4,372 counting tables and over 18,000 counting agents overseeing the process. Most exit polls predict a comfortable victory for the NDA, with some projecting the Mahagathbandhan to win. According to the ECI's official press note, 2,616 candidates and 12 recognised political parties participated in the two-phase polls on November 6 and 11, and none requested repolling in any constituency. The main election contest in the Bihar elections is between the National Democratic Alliance, led by CM Nitish Kumar and Tejashwi Yadav's Mahagathbandhan. In the 2020 election, the NDA secured a majority in the assembly and won 125 seats, with Nitish Kumar again taking oath as Chief Minister. However, in August 2022, Nitish Kumar broke the alliance with the BJP and resigned as Chief Minister, forming a government with the RJD-Congress-led Mahagathbandhan. He had emerged as a key figure in the formation of the combined opposition INDIA bloc. However, Kumar's romance with the RJD lasted for less than two years, and in January 2024, ahead of the parliamentary polls, Kumar returned to the NDA. BJP improved its position between the 2015 and 2020 polls. It won 53 of 157 seats it contested in 2015 and 74 of 110 seats in 2020. The Rashtriya Janata Dal has also shown a strong performance, having won 80 of the 101 seats it contested in 2015 and 75 of the 144 seats it put up candidates in during the 2020 polls. JD-U saw a dip in its performance in the last two polls. It won 71 seats of 101 it contested in 2015 and 43 of 115 in 2020. Congress also saw a decline in performance from 27 seats it won in 2015 to 19 in 2020. (ANI) Bihar Congress president Rajesh Ram has expressed confidence in the Mahagathbandhan alliance winning the Bihar Assembly election, "if fair vote counting" takes place. Expressing confidence in the MGB's poll promises, the Congress leader said that the alliance has fought together throughout and will make a government which will help "trusted, tested" and works for increasing people's earnings, their healthcare, and their education. Vote counting for the 243 seats of the Bihar Assembly will start at 8 AM, according to the Election Commission of India. "If the counting of votes is done in a fair manner, then our government will be formed in Bihar. INDIA (alliance) will be working together and have worked together step by step and have fought together (this election). Trusted, tested, aur kamai, dawai, aur padhai ki Sarkar banegi (a government will be made of earnings, medicines, and education)," Rajesh Ram told ANI in Patna. The Bihar Congress chief is seeking a third term to represent the Kutumba constituency in Aurangabad district. Following his win in the 2015 and 2020 elections, the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has fielded Lalan Ram from the Hindustani Awami Morcha (Secular) (HAMS) ticket. Jan Suraaj Party candidate Shyam Bali Ram has also staked a claim to the seat. Bihar enters the verdict stage as vote counting is set to begin at 8 am on Friday, alongside bypolls in eight Assembly segments across six states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. The Bihar Assembly Election voting took place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11. The counting for the 243 seats in Bihar Assembly polls will be conducted and the winner will be declared on Friday evening. Bihar saw its highest voter turnout recorded in the state since 1951, registering a turnout of 66.91 per cent, according to the Election Commission. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 65.06 per cent, while the second had a turnout of 68.76 per cent. The main electoral contest in the Bihar elections is between the National Democratic Alliance and Mahagathbandhan. The NDA consists of parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, meanwhile the Mahagathbandhan led by Rashtriya Janata Dal include Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj has also staked claims on all 243 seats of the state. This is the first Assembly election in the country in two decades to be conducted following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The exit polls have predicted that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the government again in Bihar. In Jammu and Kashmir, polling for the bye-elections was held in Budgam following the resignation of Omar Abdullah from the constituency. Chief Minister Abdullah chose to retain the Ganderbal constituency and vacate Budgam after winning both the seats in the 2024 Assembly elections. (ANI) Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Vijay Kumar Sinha on Friday morning took a jibe at Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav, asserting that the people in the state will put an end to the "Zamnidari bhav (culture of Zamindari)" by giving a strong message to "Yuvraaj of jungle raaj". "The public will decide who will win the elections. 'Parivarvaadi log' consider politics as their fiefdom (estate). But the public of Bihar will give a strong message to the 'Yuvraaj' of 'jungle raj', born with a golden spoon. People of Bihar will end this Zamindari bhav," Sinha, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Lakhisarai Assembly constituency, told ANI. He said that the double-engine government of the National Democratic Alliance (NDA) will lay India's strong foundation. "Today is one of the most important days of the biggest festival of democracy. The results today will be favourable for Bihar and the nation. The double-engine government will lay the strong foundation of India in the 21st century," Sinha said. The Bihar Deputy CM also offered prayers at the Ashokdham temple. "By offering prayers to Jagadmata and Jagadpita, we will accept the mandate of 'Janta Malik'," he said. Janata Dal (United) on Friday expressed confidence of its victory in the 2025 Bihar assembly polls, saying that only a few hours are left before the "government of good governance" returns. In a post on X, Janata Dal (United) shared, "Just a few hours to wait, the government of good governance is returning once again (Bus kuch ghanto ka intejaar, fir se aa rahi hai sushan ki sarkar)." There is an air of expectation in the NDA camp with Exit Polls predicting the return of the Nitish Kumar-led NDA government in Bihar. Bihar Minister Hari Sahni said, "Today, the results will be a reflection of the good governance of the NDA government. The results will be in favour of the NDA government, and we will secure more seats than expected." BJP candidate from Bankipur & Bihar Minister Nitin Nabin said, "We are all confident that this time, the NDA seat tally will be near that of the 2010 elections. NDA is going to form the Government. We will get 200 plus seats. They (RJD) are still not able to let go of their mindset of 'jungle raj'. RJD is the symbol of 'jungle raj'." Bihar enters the verdict stage as vote counting is set to begin at 8 am, alongside bypolls in eight assembly segments across six states and the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, which saw bypolls for their respective vacant seats. The Bihar Assembly Election voting took place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11. The counting for the 243 Bihar assembly polls will be conducted today. The winner will be declared on the same evening. This is the first assembly election in the country in two decades, which was conducted following a Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the electoral rolls. The exit polls predicted that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the government again in Bihar. In 2010, the Nitish Kumar-led alliance with the BJP secured a comfortable majority of 203 seats in the 243-seat assembly. While the JD(U) won 115 seats, the BJP won 91 seats. In the current alliance arrangement, both the JD(U) and BJP agreed to contest 101 seats each, while distributing the rest to their alliance partners. In 2015, the JD(U) allied with the Congress and RJD to win the mandate again. The exit polls also predicted that Prashant Kishor-led Jan Suraaj, which made its debut in the Assembly polls, is unlikely to make any splash in terms of seats. People's Pulse poll survey gave 133-159 seats to NDA, 75-101 seats to Mahagathbandhan and 0-5 seats to Jan Suraaj. Others, it said, are likely to get 2-8 seats. While the first phase of polling was held on November 6, the second phase concluded on Tuesday. The state has seen record polling in the assembly polls. (ANI) Ahead of the counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly election 2025, Janata Dal (United) leader Rajiv Ranjan Prasad expressed confidence in the National Democratic Alliance's (NDA) victory under the leadership of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. Speaking to ANI, Rajiv Ranjan Prasad said that the result will be similar to that in 2010, where the NDA won 206 seats, with JD(U) sealing 115 constituencies and BJP winning on 91 seats. He said, "The public has given their mandate and voted for the NDA alliance under the leadership of Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. CM Nitish Kumar has brought Bihar to new heights of development. After feedback from party workers and workers in the alliance, we are confident that the results will be similar to those in 2010." However, the mood in the RJD camp remains hopeful with party leaders claiming that exit poll predictions will be proven wrong. RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha said, "We are with the hopes and expectations of Bihar. The State is heading towards a change. Everything will be clear after noon. Change, under the leadership of Tejashwi Yadav and Mahagathbandhan." The counting of votes for the Bihar Assembly elections will begin at 8 am. The security personnel arrived for their election duty at various places, including Patna, Gayaji and several other places. Bihar Deputy CM Vijay Sinha, who is contesting from the Lakhisarai assembly seat, also offered prayers at a temple. The voting for the Bihar Assembly election took place in two phases, on November 6 and November 11. The overall polling percentage for the two phases was 66.91 per cent, the highest in the State since 1951, according to the Election Commission. The first phase saw a voter turnout of 65.06 per cent. The second phase of polling in Bihar saw a record voter turnout of 68.76 per cent. The main electoral contest in the Bihar elections is between the National Democratic Alliance and Mahagathbandhan. The NDA consists of parties including the Bharatiya Janata Party, Janata Dal (United), Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas), Hindustani Awam Morcha (Secular) and Rashtriya Lok Morcha, meanwhile the Mahagathbandhan led by Rashtriya Janata Dal include Congress party, the Communist Party of India (Marxist-Leninist) (CPI-ML) led by Dipankar Bhattacharya, the Communist Party of India (CPI), the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPM), and Mukesh Sahani's Vikasheel Insaan Party (VIP). Additionally, Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj made its electoral debut in the Assembly polls. The exit polls predicted that the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) is poised to form the government again in Bihar. (ANI) GETTYSBURG, Pa., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Gettysburg Museum of History has issued an official statement clarifying the key historical findings presented in the new BBC documentary "Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator." The Museum donated the DNA sample used in the investigationan authenticated bloodstain taken from the couch on which Adolf Hitler committed suicide in 1945. Over eight years of forensic testing, DNA sequencing, and comparative analysis have produced two historically significant conclusions in the documentary based on the DNA evidence: Hitler's blood DNA sample shown by Erik L. Dorr, Curator of the Gettysburg Museum of History. 1. Hitler died in the Berlin bunker in 1945, making escape conspiracies highly discredited. 2. Hitler had no Jewish ancestry in the paternal line, with the analysis finding no evidence for a longstanding historical myth. The couch material was removed from the Fuhrerbunker in 1945 by U.S. Army Colonel Roswell P. Rosengren, who served in General Eisenhower's Public Information Office. Independent forensic experts produced a detailed analysis confirming the stain is authentic human blood transferred from a gunshot wound. Four rounds of DNA sequencing were compared with Y-chromosome samples from verified living relatives obtained by journalist Jean-Paul Mulders. Geneticist Dr. Turi King, known for identifying the remains of King Richard III, led the interpretation of the DNA results. Curator of the Gettysburg Museum of History and historical advisor to the researchers and the BBC documentary, Erik L. Dorr stated: "This research establishes beyond a shadow of a doubt that Hitler died in the bunker in 1945. The evidence directly disproves the escape theories that have circulated for decades." Some media coverage has focused on the documentary's discussion of speculative medical interpretations of the DNA analysis suggesting possible hormonal or developmental conditions, which are not central to the documentary's historical findings. The Museum emphasizes that the significance of the DNA analysis lies in its contribution to understanding Hitler's death and family background. "Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator" airs in two parts in the United Kingdom on BBC Channel 4 this Saturday. An American version will be broadcast later. Read the full story at the Hitler's DNA: Blueprint of a Dictator fact checking article at Gettysburg Museum of History. Media Contact: Erik Dorr, Curator Gettysburg Museum of History [email protected] www.gettysburgmuseumofhistory.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2823440/Gettysburg_Museum_of_History_Hitler_DNA_Sample.jpg According to a press release, Exercise Trishul, with large-scale multi-domain manoeuvres spanning the Western Seaboard, the Desert Sector and the Rann and Creek Sector, demonstrated exceptional Tri-Services Synergy and mission-focused integration. The Army Commander embarked on board INS Jalashwa and reviewed the operational readiness of Amphibious Forces along with Vice Admiral Krishna Swaminathan, Flag Officer Commanding-in-Chief, Western Naval Command, and Air Marshal Nagesh Kapoor, Air Officer Commanding, South Western Air Command. He oversaw the launch of the first Infantry Platoon with Tank by Landing Craft Mechanised (LCM) during the opening wave of beaching operations. The Amphibious Landing Operations demonstrated seamless coordination between Indian Army, Indian Navy and Indian Air Force validating Indian Armed Forces capability to project combat power from sea to land under realistic operational conditions. The Army Commander commended the professionalism, jointmanship and interoperability displayed by all soldiers, sailors and air warriors participating in the exercise. The successful conduct of Exercise Trishul reaffirms India's joint combat readiness, integrated multi-domain and multi-spectrum capabilities, technology absorption and the Armed Forces' enduring commitment to Atmanirbhar Bharat. Tri-Services Exercise (TSE-2025) "Trishul" successfully culminated, which was conducted by the Indian Navy as the lead service jointly with the Indian Army and Indian Air Force, across the creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat, a press release said. TSE-2025 was led by the Western Naval Command of the Indian Navy, along with the Southern Command of the Indian Army and the South Western Air Command of the Indian Air Force as the principal participating formations. The exercise featured large-scale operations across the creek and desert sectors of Rajasthan and Gujarat, and the maritime domain, including amphibious operations in the North Arabian Sea. The Indian Coast Guard, Border Security Force, and other central agencies also participated in the exercise, reinforcing inter-agency coordination and integrated operations. The major focus of the exercise was to enhance synergy between the armed forces, and validate and synchronise multi-domain integrated operational procedures across the three Services, enabling joint effect-based operations. Key objectives included enhancing interoperability of platforms and infrastructure, strengthening the integration of networks across Services, and advancing jointness in operations. (ANI) Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Friday paid tribute to India's first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru on his birth anniversary, recalling his role in laying the foundations of India's democratic and constitutional framework. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, laid the foundation of constitutional and democratic values in independent India through his visionary and fearless leadership, and provided the country with a new direction." https://x.com/RahulGandhi/status/1989169381264556294 He further added that Nehru's ideals continue to inspire generations. "His ideals and values continue to be a source of inspiration for us even today. Respectful salutations to 'Jawahar of Hind' on his birth anniversary," Gandhi wrote. Prime Minister Narendra Modi also paid tributes to Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, India's first Prime Minister, on the occasion of his 125th birth anniversary, celebrated as Children's Day, to remember his role in the freedom movement and his contributions during the nation's formative years. In a message shared on X today, the Prime Minister said, "Today we mark the 125th birth anniversary of our first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. My tributes to him. We remember Pandit Nehru's efforts during the freedom struggle and his role as the first Prime Minister of India." Nehru, fondly known as "Chacha Nehru," was a key figure in India's freedom struggle and played a crucial role in shaping the country's future. His ideals of democracy, secularism, and scientific temper continue to inspire Indians. Nehru, one of the central figures in India's independence movement, remains a pivotal personality in the country's political history. As the first Prime Minister after Independence, he led the nation through its early years, laying the foundations of parliamentary democracy, scientific progress, and industrial growth. His vision for modern India continues to be referenced in conversations about nation-building, education, and institutional development. The 125th birth anniversary holds special significance, prompting renewed public reflection on his ideals, especially his emphasis on secularism, democracy, and nurturing a scientific temper among citizens. Historians and scholars noted that Nehru's leadership during the transition from colonial rule to a sovereign republic shaped India's domestic and foreign policies in foundational ways. As the nation commemorates Nehru's legacy, the Prime Minister's tribute underscores continued recognition of his contributions to India's growth and the long-lasting impact of his early leadership on the country's democratic institutions and national identity. (ANI) Sharing an X post, Mallikarjun Kharge called Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy a "timeless beacon," recalling his values of "freedom, democracy, secularism and scientific temper." He wrote, "'What we need is a generation of peace.'~ Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru's legacy stands as a timeless beacon, illuminating the idea of India and the values he cherished - Freedom, Democracy, Secularism and Scientific Temper. His vision continues to inspire our conscience and shape our collective actions. Paying tribute to India's first Prime Minister, a leader who deeply cherished truth, unity and peace. Best wishes on Children's Day to the future of our nation." Earlier today, Congress MP Rahul Gandhi also paid tribute to former Jawaharlal Nehru, recounting his role in laying the foundations of India's democratic and constitutional framework. In a post on X, Rahul Gandhi wrote, "India's first Prime Minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, laid the foundation of constitutional and democratic values in independent India through his visionary and fearless leadership, and provided the country with a new direction." He further added that Nehru's ideals continue to inspire generations. "His ideals and values continue to be a source of inspiration for us even today. Respectful salutations to 'Jawahar of Hind' on his birth anniversary," Gandhi wrote. Born on November 14, 1889, Pandit Nehru, fondly known as "Chacha Nehru," was a key figure in India's freedom struggle and played a crucial role in shaping the country's future. His birthday is celebrated as Children's Day in India. He headed the Indian government for 17 long years and was awarded the Bharat Ratna in 1955. (ANI) The Delhi High Court single-judge bench on Friday listed the pleas of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh for consideration on January 14, 2026. He had sought a modification of the expenses condition for attending the Parliament session in custody. However, the division bench had given a split Judgement on November 7. Justice Ravinder Dudeja, after hearing the initial submissions of counsel for MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh and for the National Investigation Agency (NIA), listed the matter for consideration. The bench has also asked the counsel to submit a short note. During the hearing, the court also sought a view from the Senior Advocate Siddharth Luthra, who appeared for the NIA. Now, the single bench is to consider the issue of whether the matter should be referred to a larger bench, as there was a split verdict given by a division on November 7. There was a difference of opinion of the judges of the division bench, and a split verdict was delivered. Thereafter, the matter was listed before a single judge bench by order of the High Court. The High Court on November 7 passed a split Judgement on a plea of Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh alias Engineer Rashid. He had sought a waiver and modification in order to bear expenses for attending the parliament session in custody. Rashid had sought modification of the March 25 order passed by a coordinate bench. He was asked to pay around Rs 4 lakh to the jail authorities for travel and other expenses. Justice Vivek Chaudhary had rejected the plea. On the other hand, Justice Anup Jairam Bhambhani allowed the plea. Justice Chaudhary had said, "We have not agreed upon a decision. My brother judge has allowed the plea. I am rejecting it." Now the matters will be listed before the bench of the Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court for consideration. Baramulla MP Abdul Rashid Sheikh was granted custody parole to attend the Parliament session. He was directed to pay around Rs 4 lakh for travel and other expenses. He had moved a petition through advocate Vikhyat Oberoi seeking modification of the order. Senior advocate N Hariharan had argued that the being an MP, it is his right and duty to attend the parliament session and to represent the voters of his constituency. It was also submitted that he is in custody, therefore it was to duty of the state to take him to parliament to attend the session without charging any exorbitant cost. Engineer Rashid is in judicial custody in a case linked to alleged terror funding. The NIA had lodged an FIR in this case. He has been granted custody parole twice to attend the Parliament session, and he was also permitted and taken to Parliament to take the oath after his election. He was also taken to Parliament to vote in the Vice President election this year. Earlier, he was granted an interim bail campaign for his party's candidates in Kashmir. (ANI) With the National Democratic Alliance decisively moving past the majority mark as counting progressed in the Bihar Assembly elections on Friday, Union Minister and HAM(S) founder Jitan Ram Manjhi said the emerging numbers confirmed the coalition's "thumping mandate" and place Nitish Kumar on course to return as Chief Minister. As the counting of votes progressed across all districts of Bihar, the NDA registered a clear and steady lead, moving towards a landslide victory under the partnership between PM Modi and Nitish Kumar. Speaking to ANI here, Union Minister and HAM(S) custodian Jitan Ram Manjhi said the trends were in line with the alliance's expectations, noting that they had maintained from the outset that the NDA would secure a decisive public mandate. "This is not unexpected. We were saying from the beginning that NDA will form the Government with a thumping majority and Nitish Kumar will be the CM. We are heading towards that. Going by the trends, we will not be anywhere less than 160 seats. They (Mahagathbandhan) will be restricted to 70-80 seats. Nitish Kumar hi banenge mukhyamnatri...," Manjhi said. Two-phase polling was held on November 6 and November 11 for all 243 seats of the Bihar Legislative Assembly. Election Commission data through the morning and afternoon showed the NDA maintaining its lead across multiple regions, while the Mahagathbandhan fell significantly behind the alliance's pace. Futher, NDA crossed the majority mark and is leading on 185 seats with JD(U) leading in 76, BJP leading in 83, LJP(RV) leading in 22, and HAMS leading in 4 seats. Janata Dal (United) supporters celebrated outside the party office in Patna as early trends indicated a landslide victory for the National Democratic Alliance in the assembly elections. The JD(U) workers exchanged sweets and cherished the moment. Party leader Chotu Singh congratulated CM Nitish Kumar, stating that they are celebrating Holi and Diwali at the party office. "We congratulate Nitish Kumar. The people of Bihar have made Nitish Kumar victorious. We will celebrate Holi, Diwali here," he said. The 2025 Bihar Assembly polls were considered as the litmus test for serving Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. However, Nitish Kumar has managed to steer the politics of Bihar around him in every Bihar election in the past over 20 years. (ANI) Bharatiya Janata Party has managed to retain Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota seat with late Devender Rana's daughter Devyani Rana securing the Assembly constituency with a margin of more than 24,000 votes. Voting for the bypolls in Nagrota Assembly constituency took place on November 11, and the counting of votes started at 8 AM on Friday. "I am very lucky that I got the support of BJP. I would like to thank every leader and other workers of BJP, family of Rana sir, everyone together made sure that I won the election. In 2024, Nagrota had given the blessing to Rana sir, and today, too, the people of Nagrota have blessed me," the BJP candidate told ANI here. Devyani Rana beat nine other candidates contesting for the seat. The BJP candidate beat Jammu and Kashmir National Panthers Party (India) candidate Harsh Dev Singh with a margin of 24 thousand votes. While Jammu and Kashmir National Conference (JKNC) candidate Shamim Begum trailed by a margin of around 26 thousand votes. Rana is the daughter of former BJP MLA Devender Rana, who died on October 31, 2024, a week after taking oath as MLA of J-K Assembly. Rana had been a two time MLA of Nagrota. While he won the 2024 polls under the BJP ticket, he was part of the JKNC and won under their ticket in 2014. Counting of votes for the bypolls of around eight Assembly constituencies across six states and one Union Territory took place on Friday morning, while voting took place on November 11. Counting of votes for two constituencies in J-K's Budgam and Nagrota took place on Friday. Nagrota saw a head-to-head contest between the BJP and the National Conference (NC), with the latter fielding Shamim Begum. Polling for the bye-elections was held in Budgam following the resignation of Omar Abdullah from the constituency. Chief Minister Abdullah chose to retain the Ganderbal constituency and vacate Budgam after winning both the seats in the 2024 assembly elections. (ANI) As the National Democratic Alliance surges towards yet another historic victory in the Bihar assembly elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address Bharatiya Janata Party workers this evening. The Prime Minister will address the BJP workers at the party's office in the national capital. This comes after the NDA is leading in Bihar, with Nitish Kumar and PM Modi's popularity driving the surge. They're poised to break the 2010 record, when the NDA won 206 seats. The current trends showcase that the people have once again bestowed their trust on Chief Minister Nitish Kumar and Prime Minister Narendra Modi, as the NDA is heading towards yet another historic victory. In the current trends, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA has secured a combined total of 197 seats, with BJP leading in 90, JDU in 80, LJP 20, HAM 3 and RLM 4 as per data from the EC at 12:52 pm. RJD leads in 28 seats, Congress leads in 4, CPI(ML) lead 4, while CPI-M 1 each, taking the total to 39, as per data from the EC. Additionally, the BSP leads in one seat, and the AIMIM in five seats. For Nitish Kumar, who has governed the state for nearly two decades, this election has been widely viewed as a test of both political endurance and public trust. Once celebrated as "Sushashan Babu" for pulling Bihar out of the shadows of what was often termed the "jungle raj," the Chief Minister has in recent years confronted signs of voter weariness and questions over his shifting political alignments. Despite this, the current trends reflect a noticeable shift on the ground, indicating that voters are reposing faith in his governance model once again. The return of a confident, coordinated BJP-JD(U) alliance has significantly reshaped the battlefield this time. With Prime Minister Modi standing firmly beside Nitish Kumar throughout the campaign, the coalition projected a united and reinvigorated front, emphasising welfare delivery, infrastructure expansion, social schemes, and administrative stability. The mix of PM Modi's national appeal and Bihar CM's extensive grassroots presence has created a formidable electoral force, one that appears poised to translate its political momentum into a landslide victory in Bihar. As Bihar reached the verdict stage, the PM Modi-Nitish partnership has emerged as the defining factor of the assembly election. The ruling alliance has highlighted that Bihar's transformation is reflected not only in electoral outcomes but also in the conduct of elections. A comparative look at past polls underscores a dramatic change: the 1985 elections saw 63 deaths and repolling in 156 booths; in 1990, 87 deaths were reported; in 1995, the elections were postponed four times due to rampant violence under Chief Election Commissioner TN Seshan; and in 2005, repolling was ordered in 660 booths. In contrast, the 2025 elections recorded zero repolling and zero violence, an outcome the NDA has hailed as a testament to improved law and order. The results reaffirmed a pattern seen over multiple elections, with Bihar giving the BJP and Narendra Modi overwhelming support in the 2014, 2019, and 2024 Lok Sabha polls, as well as in the 2020 and now 2025 Assembly elections. Bihar, India's third most populous state and one that is nearly 89 per cent rural, has long played a critical role in shaping national politics. The NDA leadership has attributed the current mandate to the state's strong rural support base and what it describes as Bihar's "vote for dignity and self-respect." The ruling bloc also accused the INDI Alliance of disrespecting the state, referencing remarks made by its leaders, including Rahul Gandhi's criticism of Chhath Puja. The NDA positioned Prime Minister Modi's push for Chhath Puja to be listed in UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Heritage category as evidence of its commitment to Bihar's cultural identity. Often targeted by the opposition as 'paltu ram (frequent turncoat)', Nitish Kumar has held his ground and vote bank stronger always. Nitish Kumar's lasting popularity stems from his focus on tangible development and inclusive growth. He's delivered on promises, improving rural infrastructure and providing direct financial assistance, earning trust across Bihar's socio-economic spectrum. Voters remember his fulfilled commitments, valuing steady progress over grand rhetoric. Nitish Kumar's political trajectory, spanning more than four decades, has often been cited as a study in adaptability and strategic clarity. Rising through the JP movement of the mid-1970s, he went on to contest the Harnaut Assembly seat in 1985 under the leadership of Satyendra Narain Sinha of the Janata Party and emerged as a significant voice for backward castes and secular politics. Nitish Kumar's governance in Bihar has been marked by a focus on development and inclusivity, which has helped him maintain popularity across communities, including Muslims. His schemes and policies have driven economic growth, improved infrastructure, and enhanced living standards, resonating with voters. Nitish Kumar's political journey is a testament to his adaptability and strategic growth. Influenced by veterans like Ram Manohar Lohia, SN Sinha, Karpuri Thakur, and VP Singh, he honed his skills in the JP movement (1974-1977) alongside Jayaprakash Narayan. This exposure earned him recognition among prominent politicians. (ANI) BJP leader and Rajya Sabha MP Arun Singh said on Friday that the double-engine government under Prime Minister Modi and Nitish Kumar is set to return to power in Bihar. Singh added that people voted for development and rejected crime and lawlessness. Speaking to ANI, Arun Singh said, "As the NDA crosses the majority mark under the leadership of PM Modi and Nitish Kumar, the double-engine government is returning to power in Bihar. People do not want crime and lawlessness; they want development. The RJD's statement reflects their frustration over the electoral loss." As counting progresses for the Bihar Assembly elections, early leads indicate a strong and commanding lead for the National Democratic Alliance (NDA), signalling what could be one of Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's most decisive electoral victories. The trends suggest that the renewed JD(U)-BJP partnership, backed by Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide popularity, is steering the ruling National Democratic Alliance (NDA) toward a sweeping mandate of the 243-strong Assembly. In the current trends, the Nitish Kumar-led NDA has secured a combined total of 196 seats, with BJP leading in 88, JDU in 79, LJP 21, HAM 4 and RLM 4 as per data from the EC at 12:52 pm. RJD leads in 31 seats, Congress leads in 4, CPI(ML) lead 5, while CPI-M 1 and VIP lead in 0 seats each, taking the total to 41, as per data from the EC at 12:52 pm. Additionally, the BSP leads in one seat, and the AIMIM in five seats. Additionally, the BSP leads in one seat, and the AIMIM in 5 seats. For Nitish Kumar, who has governed the state for nearly two decades, this election has been widely viewed as a test of both political endurance and public trust. Once celebrated as "Sushashan Babu" for pulling Bihar out of the shadows of what was often termed the "jungle raj," the Chief Minister has in recent years confronted signs of voter weariness and questions over his shifting political alignments. (ANI) The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested the accused Rajesh Bothra, a resident of Singapore on November 13 in connection with a bank fraud case of Rs 31.60 crore, based on inputs about his arrival in India and tracing him to Hotel Andaz and Hyatt Residences, Aero City, New Delhi. According to an official release, the CBI registered the instant case based on a complaint received from PNB against the company M/s Frost Infrastructure and Energy Pvt Ltd (M/s FIEL) and its Directors, unknown persons and unknown public servants for defrauding the bank to the tune of Rs 31.60 crore by way of availing the FLC limit from the bank. https://x.com/CBIHeadquarters/status/1989244146679189820 As per the release, the investigation, so far, has revealed that the accused Rajesh Bothra played an active role in the conspiracy with the FIR-named company M/s FIEL and its Directors by providing bogus/forged Bills of Lading falsely showing sale-purchase transactions of Mis FIEL with M/s FAREAST and M/s Gulf Distribution Ltd. The bogus/forged Bills of Lading were submitted by M/s FIEL to the bank, which facilitated Mis FIEL in siphoning the LC proceeds, causing wrongful loss to the tune of approximately Rs 32 crore to PNB (e-OBC). Investigation has revealed that M/s FAREAST and Mis Gulf Distribution Ltd. were actually controlled and operated by Rajesh Bothra and no actual business or movement of goods took place as falsely shown in the forged Bills of Lading. The accused Rajesh Bothra also figures as an accused in some other cases of CBI, ACB, Lucknow, in which he has been chargesheeted alongwith other accused persons. The accused, Rajesh Bothra, never joined the investigation in the aforementioned cases, nor did he appear during the trial. The accused, Rajesh Bothra, is wanted in several other bank fraud/economic offence cases. The arrest of the accused, Rajesh Bothra, will ensure his examination in the case under investigation and his presence before the Trial Courts for facing trial in chargesheeted cases, and prevent him from evading the process of law by escaping from India. The accused Rajesh Bothra will be produced before the respective Trial Court today. (ANI) The Supreme Court on Friday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate on a plea filed by former Tamil Nadu Minister V Senthil Balaji seeking relaxation of his bail conditions in the money laundering case arising out of the cash-for-jobs scam. A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Joymalya Bagchi asked ED to respond as to whether Balaji's appearance before it is still required or not in terms of the conditions imposed while granting bail. During the hearing, ED opposed the application for modification of bail conditions, saying that the bench that imposed the conditions was conscious of their stringent nature and these conditions have ensured smooth progress of trial. Senior advocate Kapil Sibal, representing Balaji, said that the investigation being over and the complaint having been filed, the opposition to relaxation of the condition is nothing but adversarial. Balaji has never absconded and has appeared before the ED on 116 occasions, he added. On September 26, 2024, the apex court allowed the bail plea of Balaji in the money laundering case. Balaji sought modification of two conditions, firstly where the top court had asked him to mark his attendance every Monday and Friday between 11 am and 12 noon in the office of the Deputy Director, ED at Chennai and to also appear on the first Saturday of every calendar month before the investigating officers of the three scheduled offences. The second condition said that he shall regularly and punctually remain present before the courts dealing with scheduled offences as well as the special court and shall cooperate with the courts for early disposal of cases. Balaji was arrested on June 14, 2023, in connection with a money laundering case linked to a cash-for-jobs scam when he was the Transport Minister during an earlier AIADMK government. The ED had arrested Balaji in connection with an Enforcement Case Information Register (ECIR) filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act in 2021. The ECIR was registered on the basis of three FIRs lodged against him by the local police in 2018 for his alleged involvement in a cash-for-job case when he was the Transport Minister in Jayalalithaa's Cabinet in 2015. The charges date back to his tenure as transport minister during the All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) government from 2011 to 2015. He joined the Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) in December 2018 and assumed office as the electricity Minister after the party came to power in May 2021. (ANI) Leading Digital Travel Magazine Curates Transformative Journeys from Private Islands to Remote Expeditions ARVADA, Colo., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Go World Travel Magazine, a leading digital travel publication featuring award-winning journalists covering more than 90 countries, today released its highly anticipated guide to 12 Bucket List Adventures to Gift Your Travel Lover This Year. The comprehensive feature showcases transformative travel experiences designed to inspire gift-givers and travelers seeking extraordinary journeys in 2025 and beyond. Each destination in the guide has been personally visited and vetted by Go World Travel's experienced travel journalists, who provide authentic insights, practical details, and firsthand accounts that go beyond typical travel guides. "Travel experiences make the most memorable gifts because they create lasting stories rather than collecting dust on a shelf," says Janna Graber, managing editor at GoWorldTravel.com. "Whether it's waking up to elephants wandering past your window in Thailand or sleeping in a treehouse on a private island in Tonga, these adventures offer something no material gift can matchthe chance to see the world differently." The curated collection spans five continents and ranges from budget-friendly adventures to ultra-luxury escapes, ensuring every traveler can find their perfect experience. Highlights include: Private Island in Tonga: Mandala Resort by TradeWinds in Tonga offers eco-luxury accommodations for just 10 guests per week, featuring treehouse fales and pristine coral reef snorkeling and pristine coral reef snorkeling Cultural Immersion in Japan: A multi-day walking tour along the historic Nakasendo Trail offers stays in traditional ryokans, soaks in mountain onsen, and a journey through towns in the Japanese Alps Mekong River Luxury in Laos: The Boheme's intimate three-night cruise in Laos carries just 26 guests, blending cultural experiences like pottery workshops and cave temples with regional cuisine, spa treatments and private balconies onboard Budget-Friendly Egyptian Adventure: Expat Explore's 9-Day Egypt tour delivers pyramids, Nile cruises, and ancient temples starting at just $1,005 per person Arctic Wonder: Experience the Northern Lights in remote West Iceland, combined with glacier hikes, lava cave exploration, and geothermal pools with views of the dancing aurora overhead. The feature also showcases luxury wellness retreats in the Italian Alps, expedition cruising around Newfoundland's rugged coastline, a four-country African cruise and safari trip, and Vietnam's legendary Ha Giang Loop motorcycle adventure. The complete guide, "12 Bucket List Adventures to Gift Your Travel Lover This Year," is now available on GoWorldTravel.com, offering readers detailed narratives, stunning photography, and actionable information to help turn travel dreams into reality. About Go World Travel Magazine Go World Travel is a digital travel magazine featuring award-winning journalists and compelling content covering more than 90 countries. The publication delivers authentic travel stories, expert destination guides, and insider perspectives that inspire and inform discerning travelers. From remote islands to bustling urban centers, Go World Travel showcases journeys that transform how readers experience the world. For more information, visit GoWorldTravel.com. SOURCE Go World Travel Magazine Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Friday hailed the National Democratic Alliance's performance in the Bihar Assembly elections, calling it a mandate for a "Developed Bihar" and asserting that voters had rejected "jungle raj" and appeasement politics. Shah, in a post on X, said the results reflected the people's growing preference for performance-oriented governance and their trust in Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar. He praised BJP and NDA workers at all organisational levels for their efforts during the campaign. "This is the victory of every Bihari who believes in a 'Developed Bihar.' Those who indulge in jungle-raj and appeasement politics--no matter what guise they come in--will not get the opportunity to loot. The public now gives its mandate solely on the basis of the politics of performance," Shah said. Extending congratulations to the NDA leadership, he added, "I congratulate Shri @narendramodi, Shri @NitishKumar, and all the leaders and workers of the NDA. I also extend my greetings to all the workers of @BJP4Bihar, from the booth level to the state level, who realized this result through their tireless efforts." Reassuring voters, particularly women, Shah said the NDA government would work with renewed commitment. "I assure the people of Bihar--and especially our mothers and sisters--that the mandate you have given to the NDA with hope and trust will be fulfilled with even greater dedication by the NDA government under the leadership of Modi ji," he said. Meanwhile, the NDA is heading towards setting a new milestone in the 2025 Bihar elections, as it has crossed the 195-mark in the latest trends. The NDA's performance in Bihar can be attributed to the strong show by major parties like BJP and JD(U) with comprehensive support from Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha. It's worth noting that Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outpacing men (71.6% vs 62.8%). According to the EC, as of now, the BJP has won 19, JDU 10, LJP(RV) 1 and HAM 1. The RJD has also won 4 seats, Congress 1 and AIMIM 2. (ANI) India reaffirmed its commitment to building an inclusive and technology-enabled justice system at the 10th OECD Global Roundtable on Equal Access to Justice in Madrid, where Minister of State (Independent Charge) for Law & Justice Arjun Ram Meghwal participated in the Justice Leaders Dialogue. The meeting, centred on the theme "Data-Driven and Resilient Justice Systems for Shared Prosperity," brought together justice ministers, policymakers, judicial administrators and experts from across the world to discuss how justice systems can remain responsive amid technological change and shifting citizen expectations. In his address, the Minister highlighted India's constitutional vision of justice, guided by Article 39A, which guarantees equal justice and free legal aid. He said that India's reform agenda is anchored in a people-centric, empathetic and technology-driven approach. Quoting Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, he underscored that justice is fundamentally tied to the principles of liberty, equality and fraternity. Meghwal added that judicial reform in a large and diverse democracy must be supported by strong digital public infrastructure, robust data systems and human-centred outreach. The Minister detailed India's major digital interventions, particularly the e-Courts Mission Mode Project, one of the world's largest justice-sector technology transformations. Now in its third phase, the project aims to make courts intelligent, paperless and integrated through the use of AI, machine learning and natural language processing. "More than 560 crore pages of judicial records are being digitised, and over 3.86 crore virtual hearings have already been conducted. During the COVID-19 pandemic alone, the courts held nearly 4.3 crore virtual hearings. Live-streaming of court proceedings, cloud-based hosting of judicial platforms and the Inter-Operable Criminal Justice System (ICJS), which digitally links courts with police, prosecution, prisons and forensics, are helping improve transparency, efficiency and evidence-based decision-making," he said. Meghwal also spoke about community-oriented initiatives that complement digital reforms. He highlighted DISHA, which combines technological innovation with on-ground outreach to ensure last-mile delivery of justice services. "Under the Tele-Law programme, more than 1.1 crore citizens have received free legal advice in 22 regional languages. Initiatives such as Nyaya Setu and Vidhi Baithaks have enhanced access to justice by overcoming barriers of geography, language and limited legal awareness," Meghwal said. Speaking on the role of emerging technologies, the Minister stressed that India's adoption of artificial intelligence in the justice system is guided by ethical safeguards, human supervision and strong privacy protections. Tools such as SUVAS for translation of judgments, SUPACE for intelligent legal research and AI-driven case-management systems are improving speed and accuracy without undermining judicial discretion. He further recalled India's leadership in promoting access to legal aid globally through the 1st Regional Conference on Access to Justice held in 2023, which saw participation from 191 delegates representing 51 countries. The Minister expressed India's readiness to collaborate with OECD members and partner nations on ethical AI governance, digital inclusion and data interoperability so that technological advancements strengthen, rather than restrict, access to justice. India's delegation also included Law Secretary Anju Rathi Rana. The country's participation in the OECD Roundtable reaffirmed its commitment to people-centric and innovation-driven justice reforms. Invoking the philosophy of Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam, "The World Is One Family". Meghwal called for deeper global cooperation to build equitable and resilient justice systems for all. (ANI) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has allowed Mother Dairy's Pilkhuwa unit to resume operations, treating the closure order issued by the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) as interim, and directing the authority to take a final decision after hearing the company. A Bench of Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and A Senthil Vel (Expert Member) passed the order on November 11 in an appeal filed by Mother Dairy Fruit and Vegetable Pvt. Ltd, which had challenged the CAQM's October 28 directive mandating the immediate shutdown of all industrial activities. Bench said, the order under challenge will be treated as interim in nature and will be subject to the order passed by the CAQM after giving an opportunity of hearing to Mother Dairy. Till the fresh order is passed by the CAQM in terms of the above direction, the Appellant is permitted to operate the plant by complying with all the environmental norms and instructions issued by the CAQM from time to time". Mother Dairy argued that the closure direction was issued without a show-cause notice or opportunity of hearing, despite the plant's scale and the potential impact on farmers and milk supply. The company informed the Tribunal that the unit processes approximately 9 lakh litres of milk daily, sourced from 70,000-90,000 farmers, and that nearly one million litres of milk stored in silos were at risk of spoilage after PVVNL disconnected the electricity on November 10. The Bench noted that the CAQM's order was passed in violation of principles of natural justice and highlighted the adverse consequences of an immediate shutdown. It also recorded the company's statement that it would keep its third boiler non-operational and comply with all emission norms. The CAQM had alleged that the unit was operating three boilers, though its consent mentioned only two. OCEMS stack emission readings on September 19 exceeded the prescribed limit of 80 mg/Nm. Given the "apparent and explicit" violations, a show-cause notice would be "an empty formality". The Commission consequently ordered a shutdown and directed PVVNL to cut power and UPPCB to initiate prosecution under Section 14 of the CAQM Act. Taking note of similar cases such as Ekdant Structure Pvt. Ltd. and Om Prakash Khetan, the Tribunal directed the CAQM to give the company a hearing. Consider its supplementary reply (to be filed within 3 days). Pass a final order within 10 days. Till then, the CAQM order will remain interim in nature, and the plant is permitted to operate subject to full compliance with environmental norms. The Tribunal also ordered PVVNL to immediately restore electricity to the Mother Dairy plant. (ANI) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday thanked voters in Jammu and Kashmir's Nagrota and Odisha's Nuapada after the BJP registered sweeping by-poll victories. Calling the victories "spectacular" and a reflection of public faith in the party's governance model, PM Modi in a post on X said, "I thank the people of Nagrota in Jammu and Kashmir as well as Nuapada in Odisha for blessing the BJP with spectacular victories in the by-polls. Congratulations to the newly elected MLAs Devyani Rana Ji and Jay Dholakia Ji. Wishing them the very best in serving the people. Compliments to the BJP Karyakartas who worked round the clock to ensure these wins." Devyani Rana of the Bharatiya Janata Party won the Nagrota seat with 42,350 votes, securing a victory margin of 24,647. Harsh Dev Singh of the Jammu & Kashmir National Panthers Party (India) finished second with 17,703 votes, while Shamim Begum of the Jammu & Kashmir National Conference stood third with 10,872 votes, losing by 31,478. Rana is the daughter of former BJP MLA Devender Rana, who died on October 31, 2024, a week after taking oath as MLA of J-K Assembly. Rana had been a two time MLA of Nagrota. While he won the 2024 polls under the BJP ticket, he was part of the JKNC and won under their ticket in 2014. In Odisha's Nuapada Jay Dholakia from the BJP has accumulated 1,23,869 votes, leading against Congress's Ghasi Ram Majhi by 83748 votes. BJP Leader from Jammu and Kashmir, Altaf Thakur said that the National Conference has faced a "shameful defeat" in Nagrota and Budgam. Thakur said, "BJP has secured a landslide victory and the Mahagathbandhan has had a shameful defeat in Bihar. PM Narendra Modi's model and promises have won... People of Bihar have neglected Rahul Gandhi and his lies... NC has had a shameful defeat in Nagrota and Budgam, and this is the people's referendum against the NC..." AICC General Secretary Ghulam Ahmad Mir said the outcome in Nagrota was largely anticipated. "The results of Nagrota were expected because BJP had won this seat with a good margin in 2024. After his demise, people had sympathy for Devender Rana's daughter, which is why she won," he said. Speaking on Budgam, he added, "People didn't have a lot of love for PDP, but after one year of National Conference, people were angered." Congress J&K President Tariq Hameed Karra echoed similar sentiments, saying both seats had distinct political contexts. "The result of Nagrota was on expected lines. The seat always belonged to BJP," Karra said. On the outcome in Budgam, he pointed to public resentment over National Conference chief Omar Abdullah contesting from two seats. "People of Budgam were unhappy because the CM contested on two seats, Ganderbal and Budgam, and he said he would retain the seat where he would have a bigger lead. Despite having a bigger lead in Budgam, he did not retain that seat. People were unhappy with the functioning of the government, and that is why the result is what it is today," he said. Counting of votes for two constituencies in J-K's Budgam and Nagrota took place on Friday. Nagrota saw a head-to-head contest between the BJP and the National Conference (NC), with the latter fielding Shamim Begum. Polling for the bye-elections was held in Budgam following the resignation of Omar Abdullah from the constituency. Chief Minister Abdullah chose to retain the Ganderbal constituency and vacate Budgam after winning both the seats in the 2024 assembly elections. (ANI) BJP's Samrat Choudhary secured 1,22,480 votes, registering a massive victory against Arun Kumar, who received 76,637 votes. Prashant Kishor's Jan Suraaj Party suffered a major disappointment in Tarapur, with its candidate Santosh Kumar only managing to secure 3,898 votes. Taking to X, Samrat Choudhary celebrated NDA's "massive victory" in Bihar, extending congratulations to BJP workers for their hard work. "Such a grand and massive victory, which has become memorable for Bihar. Expressing gratitude and congratulations to the energetic, enthusiastic BJP workers," he said. Meanwhile, Jailed Janata Dal (United) leader Anant Singh secured a victory from Mokama assembly constituency in Bihar's Patna district by a margin of 28,206 votes. The Jailed MLA secured 91,416 votes against the RJD candidate and Surajbhan Singh's wife, Veena Devi, who got 63,210 votes. Jan Suraaj Party's Priadarshi Piyush finished in third spot with 19,365 votes. Anant Kumar Singh was arrested earlier, before the polling began in Bihar, by Patna Police in connection with the murder case of a Jan Suraaj supporter, Dularchand Yadav. Meanwhile, the NDA is heading towards setting a new milestone in the 2025 Bihar elections, as it has crossed the 200-mark in the latest trends. According to the EC, the BJP has won 50, JDU 32, LJP(RV) 6, HAM 1 and RLM 1. The RJD has also won 7, Congress 1, AIMIM 4, CPI (ML)(L) 1, CPI(M) 1. The NDA's performance in Bihar can be attributed to the strong show by major parties like the BJP and JD(U), with comprehensive support from Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha. It's worth noting that Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outnumbering men (71.6% vs 62.8%). (ANI) Amid rapidly worsening air quality in the national capital, senior advocate Vikas Pahwa has urged the Delhi High Court to temporarily shift to a hybrid or virtual hearing to safeguard the health of lawyers, litigants, and court staff. In a detailed letter addressed to Chief Justice Devendra Kumar Upadhyaya, Pahwa highlights that the city's Air Quality Index (AQI) has remained in the 'severe' category, frequently touching 450-600 in several monitoring zones. PM2.5 levels, he notes, have crossed 190 mg/m, more than three times the permissible limit of 60 mg/m, falling squarely in the medically defined toxic and life-threatening range. Pahwa states that such pollution is not merely an inconvenience; it poses irreversible harm to essential organs, including the heart, lungs, and brain. The situation is especially concerning for senior members of the legal fraternity and those with existing conditions such as asthma, hypertension, and diabetes. Many lawyers, he points out, are reporting persistent cough, throat irritation, breathing difficulties, and fatigue. Referring to general advisories and recent observations made by Justice P S Narasimha of the Supreme Court, suggesting lawyers consider virtual hearings to reduce exposure, Pahwa also states that both the Central and Delhi governments have already activated Stage III and IV emergency measures of GRAP. These include a ban on construction activities, restrictions on certain diesel vehicles, altered office timings, and the deployment of anti-smog guns across the city. Despite these measures, he argues, the mandatory physical presence of thousands of lawyers and litigants in congested court premises continues to expose them to "substantial and avoidable health hazards." Pahwa, therefore, requests the High Court to temporarily reintroduce virtual or hybrid hearings, similar to the model used effectively during the COVID-19 pandemic. Such a step, he says, would protect lives by minimising exposure to toxic air, maintain smooth judicial functioning without compromising safety, and support government efforts to reduce traffic and emissions. Emphasising the Delhi High Court's record of technological leadership, Pahwa urges that hearings be shifted to VC mode until the air quality returns to safe levels. He calls this a "compassionate and forward-looking approach," one that prioritises public health without disrupting access to justice. (ANI) Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said that the Global Energy Leaders' Summit (GELS) 2025 would be held in Puri, Odisha, from December 5 to 7. Speaking to reporters, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo said, "The Global Energy Leaders' Summit will be held in Puri from December 5 to 7. The Odisha government, along with the central government, in association with the Tony Blair Institute for Global Change we are organising this event. In this, we are expecting members from 28 states and Latin American countries, along with African countries. Union Territory of Delhi is also expected to participate in this event. The central ministers have given their consent." He said that Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik and Minister for New and Renewable Energy Pralhad Joshi will attend this Summit. He said that this is the first summit of this kind being held in Odisha. Union Minister of State Shripad Yesso Naik and Odisha Deputy Chief Minister Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo launched the logo and website of the Global Energy Leaders' Summit (GELS) 2025 at New Delhi on Thursday. Speaking to reporters, Shripad Yesso Naik said, "The power sector will get great benefit from this summit. The Indian government is supporting this summit. The way progress is being made in the power sector and renewable energy, I am confident that it will gather more pace." He said that GELS 2025 marks the beginning of a vital national and global dialogue on energy transition, climate leadership, and technology-driven transformation. He highlighted India's rapid progress in power generation, renewable energy, transmission capacity, and digital modernisation, noting that the country is among the world's fastest-growing energy markets. Naik extended his best wishes to the Government of Odisha, its Energy Department, and all partner organisations for the successful organisation of GELS 2025, noting that such collaborative efforts are vital to achieving India's Net-Zero 2070 commitments and Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The Minister praised Odisha as the first State in India to undertake power sector reforms in the 1990s, maintaining a strong commitment to efficiency, resilience, and sustainability. He said Odisha's model shows how growth can align with environmental responsibility and clean energy investments can drive industry and jobs. Referring to the theme of GELS 2025 "Powering India: Sufficiency, Balance, Innovation," Naik said it reflects the Prime Minister's vision built on four pillars--Energy Access, Efficiency, Sustainability, and Security. He reaffirmed the commitment of the Ministry of Power and the Ministry of New & Renewable Energy to support the Summit and expressed confidence that GELS 2025 will establish a lasting platform for energy leadership and collaboration. (ANI) Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal on Thursday launched a scathing attack on the ruling Aam Aadmi Party following the declaration of results in the Tarn Taran Assembly by-election, sarcastically declaring that it is the victory of Punjab Police and not the ruling party here. In a post on X, Badal wrote, "Tarn Taran bye election: AAP LOSES, Punjab Police WINS! I congratulate @DGPPunjabPolice Gaurav Yadav and his team comprising State Intelligence Chief PK Sinha, CP Amritsar Gurpreet Singh Bhullar, DIG Ferozepur range Harmanbir Singh, SSPs of Tarntaran, Amritsar (Rural), Batala and Moga districts for ensuring the victory of Punjab Police candidate Harmeet Sandhu in the Tarn Taran bye election." Taking a direct dig at the AAP government, Badal added, "God save democracy!" Earlier today, the ruling AAP's candidate Harmeet Singh Sandhu won by a margin of 12,091 votes in the Tarn Taran bypolls. Sandhu is a Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) turncoat and a three-time MLA. Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) candidate and Azad Group leader Sukhwinder Kaur could gain 30,558, finishing behind Sandhu, who got 42,649 votes. Congress's Karanbir Singh lost the polls by a margin of 27,571 votes, while BJP's Harjit Singh Sandhu could win only 6,239 votes. A total of 15 candidates contested the bypolls. Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) National Convener Arvind Kejriwal and Punjab CM Bhagwant Mann congratulated the party on the victory in the Tarn Taran bye-elections, saying people of Punjab prefer "politics of work." In an X post, Kejriwal lauded Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann's leadership, while extending wishes to the public and party workers. "This historic victory in the Tarn Taran bye-election has clearly shown that the people of Punjab prefer politics of work and the honest leadership of Bhagwant Mann ji. Punjab has once again expressed its trust in AAP. This victory is the victory of the people, the victory of every hardworking worker. Heartiest congratulations to the people of Punjab and all workers," he wrote. In an X post, Bhagwant Mann wrote, "The splendid victory in the by-election of the Tarntaran Assembly Constituency has proven that the people of Punjab prefer politics of work. Under the leadership of Arvind Kejriwal ji, the party is hoisting flags of victory. The people of Punjab have once again expressed their trust in the Aam Aadmi Party. This victory is the victory of the people, the hardworking volunteer companions, and the entire leadership. Every promise made to the residents of Tarntaran during the by-election will be fulfilled on a priority basis. Heartiest congratulations to the residents of Tarntaran on this victory." The seat fell vacant after the death of the sitting Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) MLA, Kashmir Singh Sohal, in June this year. Bye-elections were held on eight seats across six States and one Union Territory. (ANI) Congress leader Mumtaz Patel on Friday claimed that decision-making power remains concentrated in the hands of a few leaders and grassroots workers are consistently sidelined in her party. Speaking to ANI, Patel said, "When we know that we are fighting a system like this, which is so powerful, who have complete control, then obviously the Congress party will have to be alert. Those familiar with the ground are not given a chance. Decision-making is concentrated in the hands of a few people." The Congress leader further claimed that dedicated workers are being ignored within the party despite their loyalty. "The Congress party has such workers across the country who, regardless of victory or defeat, I always say we are Congressmen at heart. But no one asks them, no one acknowledges them, and they are not given any position or authority," Patel said. Drawing a parallel between external challenges and internal issues, she added, "Even in our party, if we are fighting for democracy, if we talk about saving democracy, if we talk about saving the electoral process, then even in our own party, power is concentrated in the hands of a few, and those very people get rewarded again and again. There is no accountability of any kind, and you don't use the real workers, you don't even ask them, you don't even acknowledge them." Patel also suggested a drastic step if electoral irregularities persist. "And I would also like to say that if the electoral process is corrupt, then either the entire opposition should come together and say that we will boycott the elections," she stated. While praising Congress leader Rahul Gandhi's efforts, Patel blamed a section within the party for the repeated electoral setbacks. "The Congress party needs to win the people's hearts and trust again. Rahul Gandhi is working hard, but I believe that the few within our party who manipulate power are the reason our party faces repeated defeats," the Congress leader said. According to the Election Commission, as of 9.20 pm, the BJP has won 82 seats and is leading in 7. The JDU has won 75, LJP (RV) has won 17, and HAM has won 5. The RJD has also won 22 seats and is leading in 3 others. The Congress has won 6 seats, AIMIM 5, CPI(ML)(L) 1, and CPI(M) 1, with the final tally underway. According to data from the Election Commission of India, the NDA has surpassed the majority mark and is now leading in 197 of the 243 seats in the Bihar Assembly. The NDA's performance in Bihar can be attributed to the strong show by major parties like the BJP and JD(U), with comprehensive support from Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha. It's worth noting that Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951. With women voters outnumbering men (71.6% vs 62.8%), (ANI) The National Medical Commission (NMC) has cancelled the registration of four doctors from Jammu and Kashmir - Dr Muzaffar Ahmad, Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed - in the Indian Medical Register/National Medical Register with immediate effect, sources told ANI. All State Medical Councils have been informed about the decision. The order has been issued to all medical councils regarding the removal of the above four doctors on November 14, 2025. "These doctors registered with the Jammu & Kashmir Medical Council have been found to be involved in the above-referenced case on the basis of evidence collected by the investigating agencies," the order read. "And whereas, such association or conduct is prima facie inconsistent with the standards of ethical propriety, integrity and public trust expected of members of the medical profession and attracts the provisions of Clause 1.1.1 and 1.1.2 of Chapter 1 of the indian Medical Council (Professional Conduct, Etiquette and Ethics) Regulations, 2002," it added. "And whereas, in exercise of the powers conferred under V(2) of Terms of Reference of s.0. 362 dated 2010.2021, the Jammu & Kashmir Medical have ordered the cancellation of registration of Dr. Muzaffar. Ahmad (Registration INios Council 14680/ 2017), Dr. Adeel Ahmad Rather (Registration No. 15892/ 2019), and Dr. Muzamil Shakeel (Registration No. 15130/ 2018), with directions that their names be removed from the Register of Medical Practitioners maintained by the Council with immediate effect. Consequent upon such removal, the said practitioner shall cease to be entitled to practice medicine or to hold any appointment as a medical practitioner till further orders," it read. The order also mentioned the Removal of the name of Dr. Shaheen Saeed (Registration No. 45961/ 2022) from IMR/NMR. Jammu and Kashmir Police have registered FIR No. 162/2025 at Police Station Nowgam, Srinagar, against Dr. Uttar Shaheen Saeed (Registration No. 45961/2022 with Uttar Pradesh Medical Council) and others under various sections of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA), Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), Explosive Substances Act, and Arms Act. The FIR, registered on October 19, 2025, invokes Sections 13, 16, 17, 18-B, 19, 20, 33, 39, and 40 of UAPA; Section 61(2), 147, 148, 152, and 351(2) of BNS; Sections 4/5 of the Explosive Substances Act; and Sections 7/25/27 of the Arms Act. Meanwhile, these doctors related to Al-Falah University made the headlines, after it was revealed that Dr Umar, who was driving the car that exploded near the historic Red Fort, used to live in Al-Falah Medical College. Delhi police have already arrested Dr Adeel Ahmad Rather, Dr Muzamil Shakeel and Dr Shaheen Saeed in connection with the Delhi blast case, as they had an alleged link to past terror cases. Investigation agencies on Thursday informed that around eight suspects were allegedly preparing to execute coordinated explosions at four locations, with each pair assigned to a specific target city. Preliminary investigation indicates that the accused groups had intended to move in pairs, each carrying multiple improvised explosive devices (IEDs) for simultaneous attacks. Delhi Police confirmed that the man who carried out the car blast near Red Fort was Dr Umar Un Nabi, after forensic DNA testing matched his biological sample with that of his mother. However, Al-Falah University has distanced itself from Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, stating that the University has no connection with the accused beyond their official capacities, and that no questionable chemical or material is being used or stored on the University premises. On November 10, the blast near the Red Fort complex in the national capital killed 12 people and injured several others. Security agencies have recovered the diaries of Delhi blast case accused Dr Umar and Dr Muzammil, which mention the dates November 8 to 12, indicating that the planning was underway for such an incident during that period, sources said. According to the sources, the diary also contained the names of approximately 25 individuals, most of whom hailed from Jammu and Kashmir and Faridabad. (ANI) TAMPA, Fla., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Identity Dental Marketing, recognized by dentists as the best dental marketing company in countless reviews and forums, announces the launch of their new internal marketing program, designed to enhance patient referrals, reviews, and of course contribute to a stronger digital footprint. Best Dental Marketing "Each month, dentists enrolled in our program receive a hands-on marketing challenge complete with clear, step-by-step instructions for implementation," said CEO Grace Rizza. "It's ideal for dental teams looking to grow their practice organicallyeither alongside or in place of digital marketing investments. 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Contact: Grace Rizza, CEO Identity Dental Marketing [email protected] 847-629-4646 https://identitydental.com/ SOURCE Identity Dental Marketing Ghulam Nabi Azad-led Democratic Progressive Azad Party's (DPAP) spokesperson Salman Nizami blamed Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for Mahagathbandhan's defeat in the Bihar Assembly polls and said that the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha was not fit for politics, and he should resign. Speaking to ANI, Salman Nizami said, "I had already predicted that the Congress was bound to lose. Their strategy, their way of functioning, helicopter and 5-star campaigning, has failed. When Ghulam Nabi Azad and Kapil Sibal left the party, stones were pelted at their homes because they had stated that organisational and strategic changes were needed within the party. Congress is losing elections after elections, and how many times will you launch a leader? How many more elections will you lose because of him and still declare yourself as your leader? You appointed Krishna Allavuru, a Shadi.com manager, as your election incharge. He is accused of selling seats." He said that had a senior person been given that responsibility, the result would have been something else. "One day, Rahul Gandhi comes for election campaigning, cries vote chori, and the next day heads out to London or Colombia or Malaysia. No one knows why he goes there. People will give you a befitting reply when you raise questions about their festivals. He has failed as an LoP. If he has even a little shame, he should resign. He is not fit as a leader," he further said. He further said that many Congress leaders left the party due to Rahul Gandhi. "You make a shayar your star campaigner and expect him to get you votes. What is Imran Pratapgarhi's background? He was nothing. You are sidelining leaders like Ghulam Nabi Azad and Salman Khurshid and promoting that shayar by sending him to the Rajya Sabha and making him the minority chairman...Can't you use your mind? How will you become a Prime Minister?," he further said. He further said that Muslims of Bihar supported All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) and gave them five seats. "Congress has hardly won 1 seat. Muslims of India have woken up. Congress cannot use Muslims anymore. Rahul Gandhi aspires to become the Prime Minister, but he struggles to convince people that he deserves the Position. You have failed. Your strategy has failed. You appointed a non-Hindi-speaking South Indian as your election in charge for a North Indian state. Rahul Gandhi has destroyed Congress. I dont think Congress will have a comeback for another 10-20 years. Rahul Gandhi is not fit for politics. Assam's CM was right about him. When I met Rahul Gandhi about the issues in Kashmir, he was playing with his dog," he further said. The National Democratic Alliance (NDA) has registered an emphatic win in the Bihar Assembly polls as the alliance has crossed the majority mark of 122 seats required to form the government in the state. According to the latest figures, the NDA has secured 167 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan has won 25 seats, with the final tally underway. According to the latest data, the Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the single largest party, securing 78 seats, followed closely by the Janata Dal (United), which has secured 66 seats. From within the NDA, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has also delivered a notable performance by winning 16 seats out of the 29 seats it contested. For the Mahagathbandhan, RJD has secured 20 seats, while the Indian National Congress has so far managed to secure just three seats. (ANI) BJP candidate and Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey won the Siwan assembly constituency with a vote margin of over 9,000 votes, defeating Rashtriya Janata Dal's candidate Awadh Bihari Choudhary. Results from all 26 rounds of counting showed Pandey finishing with 92,379 votes, winning by 9,370 votes over his closest rival. RJD's Awadh Bihari Choudhary secured 83,009 votes, falling short despite a strong voter base in previous elections. Intekhab Ahmad from the Jan Suraaj Party received 2,543 votes, a deficit of 89,836 votes. Mohammad Kaifi Samshir from AIMIM secured 3,493 votes, losing by 88,886 votes. The remaining candidates lagged far behind, with each trailing by massive margins. The Siwan constituency has a history of one-sided victories, though the past three elections have witnessed increasingly tight contests. The Muslim-Yadav (MY) factor, which was the primary vote bank of Mahagathbandhan, was expected to play a decisive role in this battle, given that Muslims make up around 20% of the electorate. At the same time, the Yadav community also commands a substantial share of votes in Siwan. Targeting the significant chunk of the Muslim vote bank in the constituency, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen and Jan Suraaj fielded Mohammad Kaifi Shamshir and Intekhaf Ahmad Jan. Awadh Bihari Choudhary stands out as the most successful politician in the Siwan constituency, having represented it six times. Notably, he first held the seat in 1985 and won it successfully between 1985 and 2005. Mangal Pandey, a seasoned BJP leader who began his political journey with the RSS in 1988 and formally joined the BJP in 1998, has served as a minister in multiple Nitish Kumar-led governments since 2013. Pandey is credited with contributing to Siwan's development through the establishment of a district hospital, though persistent doctor shortages remain a lingering concern. In the 2010 Assembly elections, BJP's Vyasdeo Prasad triumphed in Siwan with 51,637 votes, defeating RJD's Awadh Bihari Choudhary, who secured 39,096 votes, a winning margin of 12,541. The BJP managed to retain the seat in 2015, but the victory margin narrowed as JD(U) candidate Bablu Prasad put up a strong challenge, polling 51,622 votes against Vyasdeo Prasad's 55,156. However, in 2020, Awadh Bihari Choudhary reclaimed the Siwan seat for the RJD after a 15-year gap, narrowly defeating BJP's Om Prakash Yadav by just 1,973 votes. Choudhary garnered 76,785 votes, while Yadav secured 74,812, marking a closely fought comeback for the veteran leader. Meanwhile, according to the Election Commission, as of now, the NDA has secured the majority mark of 122 seats, winning 197 seats. The BJP has won 88 seats. The JDU has won 82, LJP (RV) has won 18, RLM has won 4, and HAM has won 5. The RJD has also won 24 seats. The Congress has won 6, CPI (ML)(L) 2 and CPI(M) 1, setting the Mahagathbandhan tally at 33. The NDA's performance in Bihar can be attributed to the strong show by major parties like the BJP and JD(U), with comprehensive support from Chirag Paswan's LJP(RV) and Upendra Kushwaha's Rashtriya Lok Morcha. It's worth noting that Bihar recorded a historic 67.13% voter turnout, the highest since 1951, with women voters outnumbering men (71.6% vs 62.8%). (ANI) He further added that the opposition keeps blaming EVMs and officials, while "finding fault everywhere", keeps Congress and RJD from achieving anything. The LJP (RV) won 19 seats out of the total 29 seats it contested. Speaking to ANI, Paswan said, "Yesterday, they stated that an atmosphere similar to that of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka will be created in India. Senior Congress leader Rahul Gandhi repeatedly says that Gen Z should play their role. This is provocative politics." The Union Minister criticised the opposition for its habitual blame game. "Finding fault with every issue, blaming EVMs, and blaming officials. If they spent as much time on their own assessment as they do on finding fault, then Congress and RJD would likely achieve something better. Bihari tolerates personal comments that go below the limits... The 'Mahagathbandhan' has suffered losses due to this repeatedly," he added. The NDA has registered an emphatic win in the Bihar Assembly polls as the alliance has crossed the majority mark of 122 seats required to form the government in the state. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the NDA's impressive performance in the 2025 Bihar Assembly elections as the "victory of good governance, development, public welfare and social justice" and vowed to work with renewed vigour for the state's progress. (ANI) The Delhi High Court on Friday urged restraint in the ongoing inheritance dispute between actor Karisma Kapoor's children and their stepmother, Priya Sachdev Kapur, observing that the proceedings should not turn "melodramatic". The bench of Justice Jyoti Singh's remark followed submissions by Senior Advocate Mahesh Jethmalani, who represents Karisma Kapoor's children. He alleged that despite Sunjay Kapur's obligation under the matrimonial decree to bear the children's educational and living expenses, the tuition fee of Sunjay's daughter, Samaira, who is currently studying in the United States, had reportedly not been paid for two months. According to him, the children's share of the estate is in Priya Kapur's possession. In response, Senior Advocate Rajiv Nayyar, appearing for Priya Kapur, refuted the allegation, calling it "fabricated". He asserted that Priya has consistently taken care of the children's needs and that the fee had already been paid. Nayyar continued his detailed defence of the authenticity of late industrialist Sunjay Kapur's will, which lies at the heart of the dispute. He presented a step-by-step account of the will's drafting, revision and execution, supported by electronic metadata and affidavits from the two attesting witnesses, Nitin Sharma and Dinesh Agarwal. He told the court that Sunjay had personally reviewed the draft, directed the inclusion of his daughter Safira's name, and appointed Shraddha Marwah as executor. The will was executed at the AIPL office in Gurgaon in the presence of both witnesses, one of whom later scanned and shared the executed document. Nayyar added that the will was subsequently circulated in a family WhatsApp group comprising Sunjay, Priya and Agarwal, and that one of the witnesses confirmed handing over the signed original to Sunjay. When the court asked why Sunjay did not appear in later electronic exchanges, Nayyar explained that wills take effect only after the testator's death, and all subsequent communication naturally occurs posthumously. Once due execution is established, he said, the burden shifts to the plaintiffs to question its validity. He also dismissed objections regarding typographical errors, spelling variations or minor inconsistencies, noting that Supreme Court judgments clarify such issues do not undermine a valid will. Registration, he stressed, is not mandatory. He further pointed out that it has long been the Kapur family practice for their company secretary and chartered accountant to witness family wills, including the will of Dr Surinder Kapur. The court was hearing submissions on an interim injunction sought by Karisma Kapoor's children to restrain Priya Kapur from dealing with or alienating Sunjay Kapur's assets. Karisma Kapoor and Sunjay Kapur were married from 2003 to 2016 and share two children. Sunjay later married Priya Sachdev Kapur. The High Court will continue hearing the injunction application on November 19 and has indicated its intention to conclude arguments on interim relief soon. (ANI) Congress MP Jairam Ramesh on Friday blamed "vote chori" for Mahagathbandhan's defeat in the Bihar Assembly election, calling Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah and the Election Commission "masterminds" behind it. In a post on X, Jairam Ramesh said that Congress remain committed in its campaign to "protect the Constitution and save democracy," "Without doubt, the election results in Bihar reflect vote chori on a gigantic scale - masterminded by the PM, the HM, and the Election Commission," Jairam Ramesh said. "The Indian National Congress renews its resolve to continue with even greater strength its campaign to protect the Constitution and save our democracy," he added. https://x.com/Jairam_Ramesh/status/1989353719599915439?s=20 Earlier, Congress senior leader Digvijaya Singh urged the party to pay "special attention" to its organisation at the booth level, instead of public meetings. Sharing an X post, Digvijaya Singh also alleged electoral fraud, claiming that 62 lakh votes were cut, 20 lakh votes were added, out of which 5 lakh votes were cast without filling the enumeration form during the SIR exercise. He wrote, "What I suspected has come true. 62 lakh votes were cut, 20 lakh votes were added, out of which 5 lakh votes were cast without filling the SIR form. Most of the votes cut were from the poor, Dalits, and minority classes. On top of that, there remains suspicion over the EVM." "Congress needs to pay special attention to its organisation. Today's election is about intensive public contact at the polling booth, not rallies and public meetings. Congratulations and best wishes to the victorious candidates," he added. National Democratic Alliance (NDA) registered an emphatic win in the Bihar Assembly polls as the alliance crossed the majority mark of 122 seats required to form the government in the state. As of the latest figures, the NDA has secured 194 seats, while the Mahagathbandhan has won 33 seats. As per the latest data, the Bharatiya Janata Party has emerged as the single largest party with 87 seats, followed closely by the Janata Dal (United), which has secured 80 seats. From within the NDA, the Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) has also delivered a notable performance by winning 18 seats out of the 29 seats it contested. For the Mahagathbandha, RJD has secured 24 seats, while the Indian National Congress has so far managed to secure just 6 seats. (ANI) Buoyed by a decisive victory in the Jubilee Hills Assembly by-election, Telangana Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy on Friday congratulated the entire Congress cadre for securing a clear mandate, underlining the People's government's performance over the past two years, said the release. Addressing a press conference, CM Ravanth Reddy noted that the Congress secured 51 per cent of the votes, significantly outpacing the ruling BRS, which received 38 per cent. In comparison, the BJP forfeited its deposit with only eight per cent of the votes in the by-election. People closely observed the two-year rule and gave this verdict in the by-elections; the CM maintained. Stating that the state government was envisioning plans to develop Hyderabad as a global city, CM Revanth Reddy invited Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy to the state secretariat to discuss pending projects and central funds for the state of Telangana. "We are preparing plans for Metro Rail expansion, elevated corridors, Musi project, solving traffic problems and lifting Godavari water to Hyderabad ", the CM said, criticising the BRS for obstructing the development by spreading canards on social media. The opposition created hurdles to the HYDRAA and Musi projects," said as per the release. The Chief Minister claimed that the Union Minister was not cooperating with the state government in getting central funds. The CM suggested that Deputy CM Bhatti Vikramarka conduct a review of pending projects and central funds and submit a report to the MPs. Highlighting the poor performance of the BRS and BJP parties in the by-elections, the CM said that Kishan Reddy took responsibility for the BJP candidate's win, but secured only 17,000 votes. Now, the union minister should change his behaviour because the by-election outcome is like an alert before an earthquake. "If the union minister does not change his behaviour, the BJP will be buried in political tremors in the future. Union Minister Kishan Reddy should analyse the results and cooperate with Telangana's development.", he stated as per the release. Reddy stated that people are closely watching KTR's "arrogance" and Harish Rao's "jealousy", and the two BRS leaders should realise that people are not ready to accept their leadership anymore in the future. CM Revanth Reddy also suggested that KTR and Harish should mend their ways. "KTR 's arrogance and Harish Rao's jealous attitude should be changed at least now. Power is not permanent for anyone. People gave a clear verdict to Congress. They secured an absolute majority in the parliamentary elections and also in the Assembly elections, winning 65 assembly seats. Now, people blessed us with 51 per cent of the votes in Jubilee Hills. The total votes polled for Congress is more than the two parties - BRS and BJP secured in the by-elections," he said. The CM stated that the assembly elections will be held only after three years, adding, "I appeal to the opposition to support Telangana's development. I will do politics during the elections only. The opposition has every right to raise the issues and hold dharnas. Social media is posting the comments made by the BRS leaders, and the leaders should not live in illusions." The Chief Minister stated that certain media outlets are circulating false information to serve their own business interests, with some channels claiming that the BRS is securing a majority without verifying the facts. The Chief Minister appealed to media houses to uphold their credibility, noting that if they opposed the government, they could present their views differently. As per the release, Telangana CM asked them to carefully analyse the election results, highlighting that the Congress vote bank has been steadily growing since the assembly elections. In the 2023 assembly polls, Congress secured 39.5 per cent of the votes, rising to 41 per cent in the 2024 parliamentary elections in Jubilee Hills. In the latest results, Congress garnered 51 per cent of the votes. "No force can defeat the Congress when its leadership remains united," the CM stated. (ANI) Under the exercise Garuda 25, an Air Force contingent landed at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base in France to participate in the bilateral air exercise with the French Air and Space Force from November 16-27. The exercise aims to further enhance defence cooperation between both air forces. In a post on X, the Indian Air Force said, "Exercise Garuda 25: An Indian Air Force contingent has landed at Mont-de-Marsan Air Base, France, to participate in the bilateral air exercise with the French Air and Space Force from 16-27 Nov 25. Su-30 MKI aircraft of the IAF and Rafale fighters of the FASF will engage in a simulated combat environment, showcasing the prowess and professionalism of both Air Forces. The exercise will further enhance interoperability, foster exchange of best practices, and strengthen defence cooperation between the two Air Forces." https://x.com/IAF_MCC/status/1988980863154246072?s=20 India and France have traditionally enjoyed close and friendly relations and share a deep and enduring Strategic Partnership (SP) covering all aspects of bilateral cooperation, which involves a strategic component, as per MEA. India-France joint defence exercises have grown in scope and complexity over the years. The 20th edition of the Army to Army Staff Talks was held between India and France in Delhi from November 7 to 8, 2024. The 17th round of Navy-to-Navy Staff Talks was held in New Delhi from February 6 to 7, 2024. The bilateral Army Exercise SHAKTI 2024 was conducted from 13 to 26 May 2024 at Umroi, Meghalaya, in India. This was the first time that the exercise saw participation of Air Force and Navy observers, MEA said in a statement. French Air and Space Force (FASF) and IAF have been participating in bilateral Ex GARUDA till last year in 2023. This year, the IAF expanded the scope by inviting multiple nations in the form of a new exercise TARANG SHAKTI in lieu of Ex GARUDA. FASF participated in this multilateral Ex Tarang Shakti Phase -I held at Air Force Station Sulur and Air Force Station Thanjavur from August 6-14, 2024. Sea Phase of naval exercise VARUNA 2024 was conducted from September 2-5, 2024, off the Coast of Toulon, France. IN P8I (Maritime Patrol and Recce Aircraft) was deployed at Istres (France) from September 1-4, 2024, to take part in Exercise VARUNA 2024. French Aircraft Atlantique 2 participated in the multilateral exercise MILAN 2024, off the coast of Vishakapatnam. (ANI) After meeting Gujarat CM Bhupendra Patel, Sri Lankan High Commissioner to India, Mahishini Colonne, said that Sri Lanka has looked up to Gujarat's development ever since Prime Minister Narendra Modi was the Chief Minister there. Colonne, while speaking to reporters, drew similarities between Sri Lanka and Gujarat as maritime states and nations, highlighting areas of cooperation. "I conveyed to the Chief Minister the greetings of the President of Sri Lanka, Anurag Kumar Adishanayake, who visited India in December last year. And I also conveyed the greetings of the government and people of Sri Lanka. I explained to him that the people of Sri Lanka have been watching Gujarat and Gujarat's progress and development for long years, ever since Prime Minister Modi was Chief Minister of Gujarat and that the people of Sri Lanka actually looked to the Gujarat model of development as a model," she said. She further said that Sri Lanka has lot of interest in Gujarat. "There has been lots of interest in Gujarat. I also told him about the ancient links between Gujarat and Sri Lanka because Gujarat has the longest coastline and both the people in Gujarat and the people in Sri Lanka are both seafaring nations. And we are maritime nations in that sense. Gujarat is a maritime state, Sri Lanka is a maritime nation. We both have deep water ports, and Sri Lanka handles a large volume of India's transhipment trade," she said. Colonne recalled Sri Lankan Prime Minister Harini Amarasuriya's visit to India, where she offered that India can use Sri Lanka's ports as gateways to the world. "When our Prime Minister was here last month, she emphasized that India can use Sri Lanka's ports as gateways to the world. So we discussed all this. And then we also discussed about opportunities in textiles, pharmaceuticals, hospitality industry, tourism," she said. Colonne said that the signing of an MoU between the parties will pave the way for greater collaboration. "I think the areas for cooperation between Gujarat and Sri Lanka are limitless. And I told him that this morning we signed an MoU, the Ceylon Chamber of and the Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry and that will probably be the start or the first step in a fruitful collaborative partnership between Gujarat and Sri Lanka for mutual prosperity of Gujarat and the people in Gujarat and the people in Sri Lanka," she said. Gujarat Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI), organised an Interactive Meeting with the Sri Lankan Delegation on Thursday. https://x.com/GCCIAhmedabad/status/1988990019781160981?s=20 A key highlight was the signing of an MoU between GCCI and the Ceylon Chamber of Commerce (CCC) to promote bilateral trade, foster business collaborations and strengthen economic ties between India and Sri Lanka. (ANI) Pakistan's Interior Minister Mohsin Naqvi has said both suicide bombers involved in the two attacks in the country this week were Afghan nationals, as authorities announced having made several arrests, Al Jazeera reported. Naqvi made the remarks in parliament on Thursday during a session carried live on television. On Wednesday, at least 12 people were killed and more than 30 were injured, several of them critically, when a suicide bomber blew himself up at the entrance of the Islamabad District Judicial Complex, as per Al Jazeera. The Counter-Terrorism Department in Punjab province's Rawalpindi said seven suspects were detained in connection with the Islamabad blast. The alleged perpetrators were apprehended from Rawalpindi's Fauji Colony and Dhoke Kashmirian, the Dawn daily reported, while a raid was also conducted in the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, as reported by Al Jazeera. The other suicide attack took place on Monday at a college in South Waziristan, KP. Cadet College, which is near the Afghan border, came under attack when an explosive-laden vehicle rammed its main gate. Two attackers were killed at the main gate, while three others managed to enter, according to police. Relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan have been severely strained in recent years, with Islamabad accusing fighters sheltering across the border of staging attacks inside Pakistan. Kabul denies giving haven to armed groups to attack Pakistan, Al Jazeera reported. Dozens of soldiers were killed in border clashes between the two countries last month, as well as several civilians. On Tuesday, Pakistani Defence Minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan may launch strikes inside Afghanistan following the attacks this week, saying the country was "in a state of war". "Anyone who thinks that the Pakistan Army is fighting this war in the Afghan-Pakistan border region and the remote areas of Balochistan should take today's suicide attack at the Islamabad district courts as a wake-up call," he said. (ANI) The US has indicated that trade negotiations with India are advancing, with a senior administration official describing "a lot of positive developments" in recent discussions between the two countries. Speaking to reporters on Thursday, the official confirmed that Washington is pursuing a reciprocal trade agreement with New Delhi while simultaneously addressing concerns over India's purchases of Russian oil. "I think we've had a lot of positive developments with them recently," the official said, adding that talks could yield results "before the end of the year." "I think we've had a lot of positive developments with them recently. We have two things going on with them. Of course, we have a reciprocal trade negotiation, but we also have a Russian oil issue, where we've seen market improvement on that end. So I think that we, I'd like to say we can relax and take a break, but there's still a lot to do, but a lot of positive progress going on already, and we may have more to come before the end of the year," the official told ANI. The US administration is managing two parallel issues with India. The first involves reciprocal trade negotiations, which typically aim to balance tariffs and market access between countries. The second concerns what the official termed the "Russian oil issue," though they noted "market improvement on that end." The White House announced Thursday that it has finalised preliminary trade agreements with four Latin American nations - Argentina, El Salvador, Ecuador, and Guatemala. According to administration officials, these deals will offer tariff reductions on goods that cannot be grown naturally within US borders. The comments came as the official outlined America's expanding trade engagement across multiple regions. Washington has been pursuing "quite constructive conversations" with Central and South American nations and has issued joint statements with Vietnam and Indonesia. The official also mentioned recent progress with Switzerland, suggesting a pattern in which the Trump administration seeks bilateral deals rather than multilateral agreements. As US President Donald Trump's close associate Sergio Gor begins his role as ambassador to India, Trump faces another diplomatic test. Speaking at Gor's swearing-in on Monday, US President Donald Trump indicated that tariff reductions on Indian imports could be forthcoming, pointing to potential progress on a trade deal. A reciprocal trade deal could address long-standing issues between the world's largest and fifth-largest economies, including: US concerns over Indian tariffs on American goods, particularly motorcycles and agricultural products, India's desire for restored preferential trade status and greater access to US markets, Technology transfer and intellectual property protections, and Services sector access, particularly for Indian IT professionals. The acknowledgement of progress comes after years of stop-start negotiations between Washington and New Delhi. Previous attempts at comprehensive trade agreements have stalled over disagreements on tariffs, data localisation, and e-commerce rules. Neither the Indian Ministry of Commerce nor the Ministry of External Affairs had issued statements on the American official's comments at the time of publication. Trade between the US and India reached approximately USD 190 billion in 2024, with both nations expressing ambitions to significantly increase bilateral commerce. (ANI) With 87% of family offices yet to be passed down to the next generation and 59% expecting that transition within the next 10 years leadership handovers are poised to bring new approaches to investing, philanthropy, and the use of technology. In fact, among family offices with less engaged principals, 73% of those surveyed expect the next generation to redefine the office's mission or purpose. "As younger generations step into leadership roles, they are poised to redefine what it means to manage multigenerational wealth from integrating Artificial Intelligence to expanding philanthropic missions," said Elizabeth Thiessen , Head of Family Office Solutions, Bank of America Private Bank. "This evolution will shape the modern family office for generations to come." The inaugural study surveyed 335 family office decision-makers across North America to understand how these organizations are evolving. Key findings include: Top challenges for family offices today : Family offices identified their most pressing challenges as investing, growing and preserving wealth (64%), planning for the future (56%), the strategic use of credit (50%), and navigating technology (44%). : Family offices identified their most pressing challenges as investing, growing and preserving wealth (64%), planning for the future (56%), the strategic use of credit (50%), and navigating technology (44%). Innovation through AI and automation : More than half (57%) of family offices have utilized artificial intelligence for investment research and strategy. Automation is widely used for forecasting (76%), alternative investment analysis (74%) and portfolio modeling (73%). : More than half (57%) of family offices have utilized artificial intelligence for investment research and strategy. Automation is widely used for forecasting (76%), alternative investment analysis (74%) and portfolio modeling (73%). Philanthropy's next chapter : As younger leaders prioritize social impact, 51% of family offices expect philanthropic goals and strategy to play a greater role following succession. Seven percent of offices were founded primarily to serve philanthropic or legacy missions. : As younger leaders prioritize social impact, 51% of family offices expect philanthropic goals and strategy to play a greater role following succession. Seven percent of offices were founded primarily to serve philanthropic or legacy missions. Economic optimism is strong : Over 60% of family offices expect growth in U.S. stock markets, private equity, and M&A activity in the coming year. Among offices managing $500 million or more, more than half anticipate an increase in U.S. GDP. : Over 60% of family offices expect growth in U.S. stock markets, private equity, and M&A activity in the coming year. Among offices managing $500 million or more, more than half anticipate an increase in U.S. GDP. Alternative investments are a growing priority : Family office portfolios are now nearly evenly split between marketable securities and alternatives. Private equity, direct investments in companies, and real estate are viewed as the most promising opportunities. : Family office portfolios are now nearly evenly split between marketable securities and alternatives. Private equity, direct investments in companies, and real estate are viewed as the most promising opportunities. Operational complexity : Family offices oversee intricate operations that go far beyond investment management. Many handle daily banking, estate planning, tax filings, household staffing, and manage dozens or even hundreds of bank and investment accounts. : Family offices oversee intricate operations that go far beyond investment management. Many handle daily banking, estate planning, tax filings, household staffing, and manage dozens or even hundreds of bank and investment accounts. Family businesses remain foundational : Sixty percent of family offices were founded with assets from a family business, and 85% continue to generate income from family-owned enterprises. These businesses often share infrastructure, personnel, and platforms with the family office. : Sixty percent of family offices were founded with assets from a family business, and 85% continue to generate income from family-owned enterprises. These businesses often share infrastructure, personnel, and platforms with the family office. Cybersecurity a critical concern: Nearly one-third of family offices or supported family members have experienced a cyberattack, with 40% reporting a significant impact on family assets. Larger offices face greater risk, and 10% of offices managing less than $500 million have no formal cybersecurity protections in place. Read more about the Bank of America Family Office Study. Methodology In the Bank of America Family Office Study, we surveyed 335 primarily C-suite decision-makers at family offices in North America, of whom 55% were family members. For the purposes of this study, a family office was defined as a private company whose employees help manage a family's assets and needs. The offices in our study manage between $25 million and more than $5 billion in assets, with 60% holding $500 million or more. They range in size from less than 5 employees to more than 30, with 62% of offices having more than 10 employees. Bank of America Bank of America is one of the world's leading financial institutions, serving individual consumers, small and middle-market businesses and large corporations with a full range of banking, investing, asset management and other financial and risk management products and services. The company provides unmatched convenience in the United States, serving nearly 70 million consumer and small business clients with approximately 3,600 retail financial centers, approximately 15,000 ATMs (automated teller machines) and award-winning digital banking with approximately 59 million verified digital users. Bank of America is a global leader in wealth management, corporate and investment banking and trading across a broad range of asset classes, serving corporations, governments, institutions and individuals around the world. Bank of America offers industry-leading support to approximately 4 million small business households through a suite of innovative, easy-to-use online products and services. The company serves clients through operations across the United States, its territories and more than 35 countries. Bank of America Corporation stock (NYSE: BAC) is listed on the New York Stock Exchange. Banking products are provided by Bank of America, N.A., and affiliated banks, Members FDIC and wholly owned subsidiaries of Bank of America Corporation. Investment products Are Not FDIC Insured Are Not Bank Guaranteed May Lose Value For more Bank of America news, including dividend announcements and other important information, visit the Bank of America newsroom and register for news email alerts. Reporters may contact Julia Ehrenfeld, Bank of America Phone: 1.646.855.3267 [email protected] Carolyn Batt, Bank of America Phone: 1.646.983.1369 [email protected] SOURCE Bank of America Corporation The body of slain Israeli hostage Meny Godard was returned to Israel by Hamas on Thursday night, officials confirmed, after forensic experts completed their identification of the remains handed over by the terror group, and military representatives notified Godard's family. The Israeli Defence Forces further called on Hamas to fulfil its part of the deal, as it still kept three slain hostages, as per The Times of Israel. https://x.com/IDF/status/1989090844670853628?s=20 https://x.com/IDF/status/1989049189242740834?s=20 https://x.com/IDF/status/1989040328129876325?s=20 https://x.com/IDF/status/1989025504884846853?s=20 Godard, 73, was murdered by Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists in Kibbutz Be'eri on October 7, 2023, alongside his wife Ayelet, 63, and his body was abducted to Gaza by the Hamas-allied terror group. The couple is survived by their children, Mor, Gal, Bar, and Goni, a number of grandchildren and several siblings, as per The Times of Israel. Godard's body was transferred by the Red Cross from the terror group to Israel Defence Forces troops inside the Strip, where a small ceremony, led by a military rabbi, was held, the IDF said. The casket was then escorted by the police to the Abu Kabir forensic institute in Tel Aviv for identification. Crowds of people carrying Israeli and yellow flags lined roads to pay their respects as the convoy carrying the body passed by. In March, troops recovered findings belonging to Godard at an Islamic Jihad post in southern Gaza's Rafah. The findings found at the post were taken to Israel and identified as belonging to Godard, but his body remained held in Gaza, as per The Times of Israel. Hamas, in a joint statement with Palestinian Islamic Jihad, said that the body had been located in the Khan Younis area of southern Gaza on Thursday. Footage aired by Al Jazeera earlier in the day showed heavy equipment digging through rubble in Khan Younis, before masked gunmen dug up white plastic sheeting apparently containing the body. The bodies of three slain hostages now remain held in the Strip -- two Israelis and one Thai national: Master Sgt. Ran Gvili, Dror Or and Sudthisak Rinthalak, as per The Times of Israel. (ANI) Taiwan's Ministry of National Defense detected 21 sorties of Chinese military aircraft and three naval vessels operating around its territorial waters as of 6am (local time) on Friday. As per the MND, of the 21 aircraft, 18 crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. In a post on X, the MND said, "21 sorties of PLA aircraft and 3 PLAN vessels operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. 18 out of 21 sorties crossed the median line and entered Taiwan's northern and southwestern ADIZ. We have monitored the situation and responded." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1989136204638396673?s=20 On Thursday, contrary to the everyday trends, Taiwan did not detect any Chinese aircraft or vessels. In a post on X, the MND said, "No PLA aircraft and PLAN vessel operating around Taiwan were detected up until 6 a.m. (UTC+8) today. Illustration of flight path is not provided due to no PLA aircraft operating around Taiwan were detected during this timeframe." https://x.com/MoNDefense/status/1988773812788478130?s=20 On November 12, Taiwan's Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) vowed to strengthen coordination with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) and democratic allies to counter what it described as the Chinese Communist Party's (CCP) "transnational repression," following China's recent threats against a Taiwanese lawmaker, as reported by The Taipei Times. According to The Taipei Times, the statement was part of a report submitted to the Legislative Yuan's Transportation Committee after a program aired by China Central Television (CCTV) singled out Democratic Progressive Party legislator Puma Shen. The broadcast, produced by China's state-run media, directly warned Shen to "stop now, or you will be next." Taiwanese officials denounced the segment as a blatant attempt to intimidate Shen and send a chilling message to the island's citizens. The intimidation followed a report by Xinhua News Agency last month claiming that Shen was being investigated by the Chongqing Municipal Public Security Bureau for alleged "secession-related" crimes, including his involvement with Kuma Academy, a civil defence initiative aimed at enhancing Taiwan's resilience against hybrid warfare. (ANI) US Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday (local time) held talks with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira on US-Brazil trade. Rubio and Vieira talked about matters of mutual importance. In a post on X, Rubio said, "Met with Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira at the Department today. We discussed matters of mutual importance and a reciprocal framework for the US-Brazil trade relationship." https://x.com/SecRubio/status/1989122891536052499?s=20 Earlier, on October 27, Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva stated that a trade deal between Brazil and the United States could be sealed within days, reported Al Jazeera. Lula made the statement in Kuala Lumpur after meeting with US President Donald Trump. Lula has been seeking a deal since the White House slapped a 50 per cent tariff on Brazilian exports in July due to legal pressure on Trump ally and former President Jair Bolsonaro. Lula described his meeting with Trump, on the sidelines of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, as "surprisingly good", and said he received assurance that a deal can be reached soon. "He guaranteed to me that we will reach an agreement," Lula told a news conference. "I am very confident that in a few days we will reach a solution." Later, as he made his way to Japan, Trump also signalled that a deal is likely following "a great meeting," Al Jazeera reported. "We'll see what happens," the US president told reporters. "They'd like to do a deal." A deal could avert punitive US tariffs after months of animosity between Lula and Trump, whose relationship has warmed since an unscheduled meeting at the United Nations in New York earlier. The Trump administration imposed a tariff of 50 per cent on Brazilian products in July. It linked the decision to what the US president described as a "witch hunt" against Bolsonaro. Lula said that during the meeting in Malaysia, he had presented Trump with a document outlining arguments against the tariff hike. While the document acknowledged the US has the right to impose the measures, its move was based on "mistaken information", the Brazilian president said. (ANI) The BBC has apologised to US President Donald Trump for a Panorama episode that edited parts of his January 6 2021 speech together, but rejected his demands for compensation, the broadcaster said. The corporation said the edit had given "the mistaken impression that President Trump had made a direct call for violent action" and said it would not show the 2024 programme again. Trump has threatned to sue for one billion US dollars in damages unless the corporation issues a retraction of the October 2024 documentary, apologises and compensates him. The scandal led to the resignations of BBC director general Tim Davie and head of news Deborah Turness. on Sunday. A second misleading edit from a 2022 Newsnight broadcast surfaced hours before the apology, adding to scrutiny. A report by CNN stated that a BBC spokesperson said that lawyers for the broadcaster had written to Trump's legal team in response to a letter received on Sunday. "BBC chair Samir Shah has separately sent a personal letter to the White House making clear to President (Donald) Trump that he and the corporation are sorry for the edit of the president's speech on 6 January 2021, which featured in the program," the spokesperson said as quoted by CNN. The spokesperson said the BBC has no plans to rebroadcast the documentary on any BBC platforms while rejecting that it was defamatory. The BBC had previously apologised for an error of judgment in the documentary, titled "Trump: A Second Chance?" that was broadcast days before the 2024 presidential election, which Trump won, CNN said. The documentary spliced together three quotes from two sections of a speech Trump delivered on January 6, 2021. However, the two sections of the speech were delivered almost an hour apart. Critics argued that the documentary edited the separate lines into what appeared to be one quote, in which Trump urged supporters to march with him and "fight like hell", Al Jazeera reported. Among the parts cut out was a section where Trump said he wanted supporters to demonstrate peacefully, the publication reported. Following Trump's speech, thousands of his supporters would march on the US Capitol and storm the building, in an apparent attempt to disrupt the certification of the 2020 presidential election, which Trump lost. In an interview with Fox News on Tuesday, Trump said the British broadcaster had "butchered" his "beautiful" and "calming" speech and "made it sound radical." Calling his speech delivered in January 2021, "good" and "perfect", the US President had, in a previous post on Truth Social, called the action "a terrible thing for democracy". He said, "The TOP people in the BBC, including TIM DAVIE, the BOSS, are all quitting/FIRED, because they were caught "doctoring" my very good (PERFECT!) speech of January 6th. Thank you to The Telegraph for exposing these Corrupt "Journalists." These are very dishonest people who tried to step on the scales of a Presidential Election. On top of everything else, they are from a Foreign Country, one that many consider our Number One Ally. What a terrible thing for Democracy!" (ANI) External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar met United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres in New York on Thursday and discussed the current global order, regional flashpoints and the role of multilateralism. In a post on X, Jaishankar said he valued Guterres' assessment of global developments and thanked him for his "clear and consistent support" for India's growth. "Good to meet with UNSG @antonioguterres in New York today. Valued his assessment of the current global order and its implications for multilateralism. Also appreciated his perspectives on various regional hotspots. Thank him for clear and consistent support for India's growth and development. Look forward to welcoming him in India," he wrote. https://x.com/DrSJaishankar/status/1989146612267118723 The meeting took place on the sidelines of the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting, where India is participating as an invited partner during Canada's presidency. Earlier, Jaishankar attended the G7 Outreach Session on energy security and critical minerals. He emphasised that India is willing to work constructively with its global partners and highlighted the need to reduce dependence and enhance resilience in supply chains. Highlighting the Indian perspective, he said that India is open to working constructively with international partners and underlined that greater cooperation is the way forward. In a post on X, EAM stated that he discussed the need to mitigate dependence and build resilience. Highlighting that while policy consultations are helpful, the key is to have them translated on the ground. Sharing details in a post on X, he said, "Participated in @G7 FMM Outreach Session on Energy Security and Critical Minerals, and put forth India's perspective. Spoke about the need on both issues to mitigate dependence, strengthen predictability and build resilience. Greater international cooperation is the only way forward. Noted the unpredictability and market constraints in global supply. More policy consultations and coordination are helpful. The key however, is to translate that on the ground. India is open to working constructively with international partners in this regard." Jaishankar also joined the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meet Outreach Session on Maritime Security and Prosperity and underlined India's approach to maritime security through the MAHASAGAR outlook, Indo-Pacific cooperation and the role as first responder in the maritime domain. In his remarks shared on X, he highlighted the imperative of trusted and diversified maritime links and India's efforts in upgrading its shipping infrastructure and developing resilient corridors. EAM further highlighted the need for better coordination in protecting critical maritime and undersea infrastructure, maritime threats and economic crimes, including piracy, smuggling and IUU fishing merit deeper international collaboration. He mentioned India's emergence as a first responder in the maritime domain, the endeavour to deepen HADR partnerships in Indo-Pacific through joint exercises and logistics agreements, and the importance of maritime trade to national and international prosperity in a globalising world. He noted the central role of resilient ports and secure waterways in securing our collective agenda and highlighted that the UNCLOS must be upheld. India is attending the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting as an invited partner under Canada's presidency, alongside countries such as Brazil, Australia, and South Korea. The discussions underscore India's active role in global diplomacy and its engagement on key issues, including trade, security, and development. In a statement issued on Monday, the Ministry of External Affairs said Jaishankar's participation highlights India's "continued commitment" to working with global partners."EAM's participation in the G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting reflects India's continued commitment to working with international partners in addressing global challenges and bolstering the voice of the Global South in international fora," the MEA stated. (ANI) President Droupadi Murmu returned to New Delhi on Friday after completing her State visit to Angola and Botswana, a visit marked by high-level meetings, ceremonial welcomes and discussions to deepen India's ties with both African nations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, President Murmu enplaned for India after concluding her engagements in Botswana. In a special gesture, Botswana's President Duma Gideon Boko personally came to the airport to see her off. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal posted on X, "Wrapping up a fruitful State visit to Botswana, President Droupadi Murmu has departed for New Delhi. In a special gesture, President Duma Gideon Boko came to see off President Murmu at the airport." Earlier in the day, in a Special briefing by the Ministry of External Affairs on the President's State visit to Botswana, Sudhakar Dalela, Secretary (Economic Relations), said, "President arrived in Botswana on the evening of 11th November on her first ever state visit by a Head of State from India to Botswana. On arrival, in a special gesture, Hon'ble President was warmly received by the Hon'ble President of Botswana at the airport. Hon'ble President was given a ceremonial welcome and she inspected the Guard of Honour." Dalela said that both sides held delegation-level talks later. "Yesterday, Hon'ble President was received at the President's office by Hon'ble President Boko, the two leaders held a tete-a-tete, which was followed by delegation level talks between the two sides. From the Botswana side, several Cabinet Ministers and senior officials were present at the talks. From the Indian delegation side, Minister of State for Railways and Jal Shakti, Shri V. Somanna, and two members of Parliament, Vasava and DK Aruna, and senior officials participated at the talks," he said.Boko and Murmu discussed ways to further strengthen and deepen our partnership in sectors of mutual interest.During her visit, President Murmu addressed the Indian community in Gaborone and emphasised their role in strengthening India-Botswana relations. "The relationship between India and Botswana is based on trust, respect, and shared democratic values," MEA spokesperson Jaiswal quoted her in an X post. Before departing for New Delhi, she met the Indian diaspora at a reception hosted by the High Commissioner of India to Botswana. MoS V. Somanna and MPs Vasava and Aruna were also present. In her address, President Murmu said the Indian community serves as "true cultural ambassadors of India", reflecting values of hard work, honesty and harmony that resonate with both nations. She urged them to continue contributing to Botswana's progress while remaining closely connected to India. She also encouraged them to take advantage of initiatives such as OCI scheme and Pravasi Bharatiya Diwas, and to share their experiences in India's development, as per the press statement. The President informed the gathering that during her talks with President Boko, both sides agreed to deepen cooperation in trade, education, health, digital technologies, agriculture and renewable energy. President Murmu began her State visit on November 8, travelling first to Angola and then to Botswana. The tour was historic as it marked the first-ever State visit by an Indian President to both nations. According to the MEA, the trip aimed at strengthening India's partnership with Africa and expanding cooperation across priority areas. President Murmu has now concluded her Africa tour and returned to India. (ANI) Canada's government and private sector are being targeted by foreign adversaries, particularly Russia and China who have "significant interest" in Canada's Arctic region, the head of the country's spy agency has claimed as per local media. Dan Rogers, director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) told CBC's Power & Politics on Thursday (local time) that they "definitely have to be attentive to the possibility of information operations or interference." China and Russia continue to target Canada for sensitive government and private-sector intelligence and high-tech goods, and are seeking to gain a strategic foothold in the Arctic, Rogers was quoted as saying in the Globe and Mail. "Chinese spies have tried to recruit Canadians with information and military expertise," Rogers said in his annual speech on threats to Canada, as reported by the news outlet. China, he said, is seeking an economic foothold in the region, while Russia's Arctic posture "remains unpredictable and aggressive." China also continues to target Canada's sensitive information. "Chinese spies have tried to recruit Canadians with access to government plans, intentions, information and military expertise, through social media and online job platforms," Rogers said according to the CBC news Further, he alleged that Moscow was using illicit procurement schemes to purchase Canadian technology for Russia's war against Ukraine. Rogers said the Canadian intelligence agency CSIS has informed several Canadian companies that "Europe-based front companies seeking to acquire their goods were in fact connected to Russian agents." "Once in Russia, these Canadian products are then used to support Russian military efforts in Ukraine and elsewhere," Rogers said in his speech that was quoted by Canadian local media. Responding to queries in the CBC's interview about prospective sovereignty referendums in Alberta and Quebec, which could be potentially seen by foreign adversaries as fertile ground to interfere with a G7 country. Rogers stated that the CSIS doesn't have a role in "Canadians exercising their opinion," but agreed the manipulation of information could be a vulnerability. Further, the Director of CSIS referenced the bombing of Air India Flight 182, which killed 329 people on board, to highlight the "consequences of violent extremism." "Worryingly, nearly one in ten terrorism investigations at CSIS now includes at least one subject of investigation under the age of 18," he said. The Canadian intelligence chief said that the global Arctic has become a theatre of increased interest due to its economic and strategic potential. "Non-Arctic states, including the People's Republic of China, seek to gain a strategic and economic foothold in the region. Russia, an Arctic state with a significant military presence in the region, remains unpredictable and aggressive. Both of those countries, and others, have a significant intelligence interest in our Arctic and those who influence or develop its economic or strategic potential." CSIS has observed both cyber and non-cyber intelligence collection efforts targeting both governments and the private sector in the region, he said. The CSIS, its director said, had this year foiled potentially lethal threats by Iran directed against people whom Tehran sees as enemies. "In particularly alarming cases over the last year, we've had to reprioritise our operations to counter the actions of Iranian intelligence services and their proxies who have targeted individuals they perceive as threats to their regime, Rogers said in his speech. In more than one case, this involved detecting, investigating, and disrupting potentially lethal threats against individuals in Canada, he said without elaborating. Rogers said that Canada, being an advanced economy with an abundance of natural resources and holding privileged and influential positions in multilateral fora like NATO, the G7, and the Five Eyes intelligence alliance, makes the country a target of foreign intelligence services. (ANI) The political tension in Pakistan deepened on Thursday as the PTI-backed Opposition alliance Tehreek Tahafuz Ayeen-e-Pakistan (TTAP) prepared to launch nationwide protests, soon after Pakistan's top court judges resigned over the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, Dawn reported. The TTAP held an important parliamentary party meeting chaired by Mahmood Khan Achakzai. PTI Chairman Barrister Gohar Ali Khan, Asad Qaiser and several MNAs attended. In an X post, the alliance wrote that the "most important meeting" was underway and that "the most important decisions are expected." According to Dawn, Former National Assembly Speaker Asad Qaiser said members discussed the political situation after the amendment. "The participants unanimously agreed that the incumbent government is not capable of running the country... the country is at the verge of a civil war," he said. Qaiser added that Achakzai stressed the need to involve religious groups and hold Friday protests across the country. He said the judges' decision was a sign of rising public frustration. "We urge the judiciary to stand on its feet because the whole nation will stand along with it over the issue," he added. TTAP leaders said the alliance will announce its joint protest plan after a meeting scheduled for Friday. The political friction grew further when Khyber Pakhtunkhwa Chief Minister Sohail Afridi was stopped for the sixth time from meeting PTI founder Imran Khan at Adiala Jail. Afridi, who arrived with Raja Nasir Abbas and Junaid Akbar, said court orders were being ignored. Questioning the repeated denial, he asked, "Am I going to discuss nuclear secrets with him?" He urged the security establishment to focus on protecting the country's borders and let political matters be resolved politically, Dawn reported. Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari signed the 27th Constitutional Amendment on November 13. The amendment gives broad new powers to Army Chief Gen. Asim Munir, who now becomes Chief of Defence Forces, bringing the Navy and Air Force under his command, as per Dawn. The amendment also creates a new Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) with its own chief justice appointed by the government. This court will handle constitutional matters, disputes between governments, and many petitions previously heard by the Supreme Court. According to Dawn, the FCC will now take over key Supreme Court functions, including cases involving fundamental rights. The sweeping changes have raised serious concerns among lawyers and opposition groups, who warn that the judiciary's independence could be weakened. Soon after the 27th Amendment became a law, two IHC judges, Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kayani and Justice Saman Rafat Imtiaz suggested they would not be available to hear cases in December. Their remarks came amid speculation of transfers and administrative reshuffling after the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment. During a hearing, Justice Kayani told a lawyer, "In the first week of December, another judge will be sitting here to hear this case, " Dawn reported. (ANI) Pakistan's President Asif Ali Zardari has appointed Justice Aminuddin Khan as the inaugural Chief Justice of Pakistan's newly created Federal Constitutional Court (FCC), formed after a major change in the basic structure of the country's constitution following the passing of the 27th Amendment earlier this week. According to The Express Tribune, citing a notification issued by Pakistan's Ministry of Law and Justice, the appointment has been made under Article 175-A(3) read with Article 175-C of the Constitution. Justice Khan will formally assume charge once he takes the oath of office. His elevation comes after Parliament passed the 27th Constitutional Amendment with the required two-thirds majority, paving the way for the establishment of the FCC, The Express Tribune reported. Under the amendment, the new court will be formed with equal representation from all provinces. Pakistan's President and Prime Minister will play central roles in judicial appointments, while several powers previously held by the Supreme Court will now be shifted to the FCC, as reported by The Express Tribune. The Judicial Commission of Pakistan (JCP) has been tasked with handling the transfer of high court judges, with any objections to be reviewed by the Supreme Judicial Council (SJC). The eligibility requirement for high court judges to serve in the FCC has been reduced from seven years to five. Seniority of sitting Supreme Court judges joining the FCC will remain unaffected, while the seniority of appointees from the bar or high courts will be determined by age, as per the new amendment, cited by The Express Tribune. The composition of the JCP has also been broadened to include, in addition to a woman or non-Muslim member, a technocrat nominated by the speaker of Pakistan's National Assembly who is qualified to become a parliamentarian -- a move aimed at ensuring wider and more merit-based representation. The amendment also revises the use of suo motu powers, which the FCC will now exercise only on a written request and after determining that constitutional grounds exist for such action, a provision designed to enhance transparency and judicial restraint, The Express Tribune reported. Additionally, the JCP has been authorised to manage inter-court transfers. If a judge refuses a transfer without a valid justification, the matter will be referred to the SJC for a hearing before any final decision is made. (ANI) Khalilur Rahman, the National Security Adviser (NSA) to the interim government of Bangladesh, is travelling to Delhi on November 19 to attend the Indian Ocean Region National Security Adviser's Conference, Bengali daily newspaper Prothom Alo reported. The Colombo Security Conclave, a conference of five Indian Ocean countries, will be held in Delhi on November 20. Indian NSA Ajit Doval invited Khalilur Rahman to participate in the conference, according to the report. Although the details of the visit are not yet known, it is considered very significant in light of the upcoming national elections in Bangladesh. Muhammad Yunus, Chief Adviser to the interim government of Bangladesh, on Thursday announced that the national election and the referendum on the July charter, a post-uprising reform proposal, will be held on the same day, as part of the government's efforts to resolve the ongoing political crisis. In an address to the nation, the Chief Advisor said the decision was approved during the Advisor's Council meeting earlier in the day, describing it as a major step toward implementing the reform roadmap that emerged from the July 2024 Mass Uprising. "Having considered all matters, we have decided that the referendum will be organised on the same day as the upcoming national parliamentary election. This means that, like the national election, the referendum will also be held on the same day in the first half of February," Yunus said in his televised address. The July National Charter was prepared by the National Consensus Commission following months of dialogue with political parties and civil society groups. The Charter outlines a framework for constitutional and structural reforms aimed at strengthening democracy, accountability, and governance in Bangladesh after the student-led mass uprising in 2024 ousted former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina from power, leading her to flee the country. In July 2024, a student-led uprising toppled Sheikh Hasina's government. On August 5, 2024, the former Prime Minister fled to India. An interim government was subsequently formed under the leadership of Muhammad Yunus. (ANI) Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com. As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that: (i) Jasper lacked the controls and procedures necessary to ensure that the third-party manufacturers on which it relied were manufacturing products in full accordance with cGMP regulations and otherwise suitable for use in clinical trials; (ii) the foregoing failure increased the risk that results of ongoing studies would be confounded, thereby negatively impacting the regulatory and commercial prospects of the Company's products, including briquilimab; (iii) the foregoing increased the likelihood of disruptive cost-reduction measures; (iv) accordingly, the Company's business and/or financial prospects, as well as briquilimab's clinical and/or commercial prospects, were overstated; and (v) as a result, Defendants' public statements were materially false and misleading at all relevant times. On July 7, 2025, Jasper issued a press release reporting updated data from the BEACON Study. The press release stated that "[r]esults from the 240mg Q8W and the 240mg followed by 180mg Q8W dose cohorts appear to be confounded by an issue with one drug product lot used in those cohorts, with 10 of the 13 patients dosed with drug from the lot in question," that "[t]he Company is investigating the drug product lot in question and expects to have the results of that investigation in the coming weeks," and that Jasper was "taking steps to ensure that drug product from the lot in question is returned to the Company and that sites have drug product from other lots to continue dosing." Further, the press release revealed that the Company "has also determined that the drug product lot in question was used to treat participants enrolled in the ETESIAN [Study]. As a result, and in order to focus resources on advancing briquilimab in CSU, the Company is halting the study and pausing development in asthma." Finally, the press release stated that "the Company is halting development in SCID" and, contrary to its prior representation of having a strong balance sheet and a cash runway extending "through the third quarter of 2025," that Jasper "will be implementing a number of other cost cutting measures including a potential restructuring, to extend runway and reduce expenses." On this news, Jasper's stock price fell $3.73 per share, or 55.1%, to close at $3.04 per share on July 7, 2025. The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not. Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Jasper's conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others. To learn more about the Jasper Therapeutics, Inc. class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/JSPR or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP The Foreign Ministers of the Group of Seven (G7) democracies have voiced their concern over China's growing military capabilities and reiterated their commitment to developing alternatives to its dominance in critical mineral supplies during the recent G7 Foreign Ministers' Meeting in Canada, Kyodo News reported. According to Kyodo News, citing a statement issued at the conclusion of a two-day meeting in Canada's southern Ontario on Wednesday, the ministers reaffirmed their "unwavering support" for Ukraine in defending its sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity against Russian aggression. The G7 called for an immediate ceasefire in the Russia-Ukraine conflict and said it is exploring additional measures against entities financially assisting Moscow. China received particular attention during the discussions on Asia. The G7, comprising Britain, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United States, and the European Union, expressed concern over China's rapid military expansion, including its nuclear capabilities. The ministers urged Beijing to improve transparency and demonstrate its commitment to regional stability and also opposed any attempts by China to alter the status quo by force or coercion in the South and East China Seas and across the Taiwan Strait, as reported by Kyodo News. Japanese Foreign Minister Toshimitsu Motegi emphasised the importance of a "free and open Indo-Pacific based on the rule of law." The meeting also focused on economic security, maritime and energy security, and building resilient supply chains independent of specific countries. During a working dinner, the ministers condemned North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programmes, noting that some funding comes from cryptocurrency-related crimes, according to Japan's Foreign Ministry. Ukraine's Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha attended a dedicated session, briefing the ministers on the situation amid Russia's intensified attacks on the country's energy infrastructure, as reported by Kyodo News. Canadian Foreign Minister Anita Anand said, "Ukraine's fight is our fight as well," reaffirming the G7's commitment to providing all necessary support to Kyiv. Sybiha called for increased pressure on Russia and strengthened support as Ukraine faces a "very difficult, very tough winter". The G7 discussions were attended by eight non-member countries, including Australia, Brazil, India, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, South Korea, and Ukraine, reflecting Canada's efforts to broaden dialogue on global challenges. (ANI) South Korea and the United States on Friday signed an MOU confirming Seoul's USD 350 billion investment commitment, which was part of a deal to lower US tariffs, the South Korean industry ministry said. According to the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Resources, the agreement was signed electronically by South Korean Industry Minister Kim Jung-kwan and US Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick. This follows the October 29 deal, when South Korea's presidential chief of staff for policy, Kim Yong-beom, announced that Seoul and Washington had agreed on the remaining details of the trade framework after a bilateral meeting between President Lee Jae Myung and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the APEC summit in Gyeongju, CNN reported. While the two countries had settled the broad outline of the deal in July--bringing their reciprocal tariff down to 15 per cent--key sticking points remained. Most notably, South Korean automobile exports to the US were still subject to a 25 per cent tariff, and semiconductor tariffs remained higher than those faced by rivals. Among the USD 350 billion investments Trump demanded upfront, Kim stated that USD 200 billion would be paid in cash and USD 150 billion would be fulfilled through shipbuilding cooperation, which would be led by South Korean companies, CNN reported. The USD 200 billion investment will be made over several years, with yearly investments limited to USD 20 billion, depending on business progress, Kim said. He added that such a limit would make it manageable for the South Korean foreign-exchange market, which was the biggest concern for Seoul when it was originally asked to pay USD 350 billion in cash. The agreement will lower automobile tariffs to 15 per cent, the same rate as competitor Japan, and the semiconductor tariff rate will not be unfavourable compared to rival Taiwan, Kim said. At the 2025 APEC CEO Summit in South Korea, Trump said, "Together we're solving the challenges that no one before has ever been able to solve... From San Francisco to Seoul... we're strengthening old friendships, forging new bonds... and creating a dramatically better world for our children and generations to come." (ANI) The United States government has announced a possible sale to Taiwan of fighter jet spare and repair parts, at an estimated cost of USD 330 million, Focus Taiwan reported, citing the Pentagon. It marks the first announcement of an arms sale to Taiwan since US President Donald Trump returned to the White House earlier this year. The proposed package includes non-standard components, spare and repair parts, consumables and accessories, and repair and return support for F-16, C-130, and Indigenous Defence Fighter (IDF) aircraft, the Defence Security Cooperation Agency (DSCA) under the US Department of War, said in a statement. In a statement on Friday, Taiwan's Ministry of National Defence expressed its appreciation to the US for its continued efforts to help Taiwan maintain adequate self-defence capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act and the Six Assurances. The latest sale will help the Taiwan Air Force maintain combat readiness and strengthen air defence, while also boosting Taiwan's defence resilience and its ability to respond to China's gray-zone coercion, the ministry said as per the CNA report. The announcement of the possible arms sale comes after Trump and Xi met late last month in South Korea. Earlier this month, Taiwan's Defence Minister Wellington Koo that the delivery of Taiwan's order of 66 American-made F-16 Block 70 fighter jets has been delayed due to production problems, but some of them may be delivered on time next year, CNA reported. Fifty of the F-16 Block 70 fighter jets, produced by the American company Lockheed Martin, are currently being assembled in the United States, Koo said during a hearing of the Legislature's Foreign Affairs and National Defence Committee on the delays in the delivery of Taiwan's order, it said. The 66 fighter jets ordered by Taiwan were scheduled to be delivered by the end of 2026, but the US is unlikely to meet that deadline due to disruptions in the production process, according to lawmakers, the publication reported. According to KMT lawmaker Ma Wen-chun Taiwan to date has paid around US$4.87 billion of the total estimated cost of US$8 billion for the 66 fighter jets. Since 1949, Beijing has maintained that Taiwan is part of mainland China under its "one China" policy, while Taiwan has claimed independence. US has maintained unofficial relations with Taiwan and notified Congress of arms sales to it. (ANI) Finnish President Alexander Stubb has expressed deep condolences and strong condemnation of Russia's recent strike on Ukrainian residential buildings, calling the attack "vile." In a conversation with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Stubb reaffirmed his solidarity with the Ukrainian people and extended his sympathies to the entire nation. In a post on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "I spoke with the President of Finland @AlexStubb. Once again, Russia has launched a heinous attack against Ukraine, our people, and ordinary residential buildings." "Alex expressed his condolences to the entire Ukrainian nation and condemned this vile Russian strike," he added. During their discussion, Zelenskyy thanked Stubb for his words of support. He added that they explored "further support for Ukraine in every possible direction, as well as our joint steps with partners to exert pressure on Russia" "Only pressure - with sanctions and strength - can force Russia to end this war, a war that no one but them ever needed. We will do everything possible to achieve this," he added. This comes after Friday's attack, which involved about 430 drones and 18 missiles, struck multiple regions. The attack killed four people and wounded dozens, including children and a pregnant woman. Zelenskyy described it as a "deliberately calculated attack" on civilians and critical infrastructure. Sharing the details of the attack, Zelenskyy wrote on X, Since last night, our emergency services have been working at the sites of the Russian strikes. A wicked attack - as of now, we know of dozens of wounded, including children and a pregnant woman. Sadly, four people have been killed." He also expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Zelenskyy highlighted that the strike involved about 430 drones and 18 missiles, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles. He said, "This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. In Kyiv alone, dozens of apartment buildings have been damaged." "The Azerbaijani Embassy was hit by debris from an Iskander missile. The main target of the attack was Kyiv, and strikes also hit Kyiv, Kharkiv, and Odesa regions. According to preliminary data, the Russians used a Zircon missile in the Sumy region this morning," he added. Zelenskyy reiterated calls for stronger sanctions and additional Western military support. "Ukraine is responding to these strikes with long-range strength, and the world must stop these attacks on life with sanctions," he said. "Russia is still able to sell oil and build its schemes. All of this must end." "A great deal of work is underway with partners to strengthen our air defence, but it is not enough. We need reinforcement with additional systems and interceptor missiles," he added. He emphasised the need for more air-defence systems and interceptor missiles, saying, "Europe and the United States can help. We are counting on real decisions." (ANI) More than a month after the Gaza ceasefire took hold on October 10, Washington has warned that the fragile calm could collapse unless the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) backs its new draft resolution built around President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. The United States on Thursday urged UNSC members to support the text, saying Palestinians could face "grave consequences" if the ceasefire breaks down and Israeli operations resume. A spokesperson for the US mission to the UN said in a statement that "attempts to sow discord" over the draft would only lead to "grave, tangible, and entirely avoidable consequences" for Palestinians in Gaza, as per Al Jazeera. The US formally circulated its draft to the 15-member council last week, seeking support for the proposed political and security structure for Gaza under the Trump plan. Washington has described the moment as a turning point, calling it a "historic moment to pave a path towards enduring peace in the Middle East." According to the draft document, the plan would create a transitional governance body in Gaza, called the "Board of Peace", with a mandate running until the end of 2027. Trump would chair this body, which would be responsible for taking over administrative and political functions as part of Gaza's stabilisation process. The draft also calls for establishing a 20,000-strong International Stabilisation Force (ISF) composed of troops from partner countries. The force would focus on the "permanent decommissioning of weapons from non-state armed groups", protecting civilians, securing humanitarian corridors, and working with Israel, Egypt and newly trained Palestinian police to secure border areas and demilitarise the enclave, Al Jazeera reported. Trump has ruled out sending US troops, and Washington says it has held talks with Indonesia, the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Turkiye and Azerbaijan regarding possible contributions. But several countries remain cautious over the risk of direct confrontation with Hamas. The draft also states that "conditions may finally be in place for a credible pathway to Palestinian self-determination and statehood" once reforms are carried out by the Palestinian Authority, as per Al Jazeera. It adds, "The United States will establish a dialogue between Israel and the Palestinians to agree on a political horizon for peaceful and prosperous coexistence." US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Wednesday he was optimistic the resolution would pass, noting "good progress" in negotiations over its language. With disagreements lingering over the US plan, Russia submitted its own counter-resolution to the UNSC on Thursday.Moscow said, "The objective of our draft is to enable the Security Council to develop a balanced, acceptable, and unified approach toward achieving a sustainable cessation of hostilities." The Russian proposal challenges several core aspects of the US text, particularly the structure of the interim governance body and the security force. Although the ceasefire has held since October 10, Israel has repeatedly carried out attacks inside Gaza, resulting in hundreds of Palestinian deaths. The United States has pointed to these violations while warning that the window for securing long-term stability is narrowing, Al Jazeera reported. In its message to the UNSC on Thursday, Washington urged members to back the resolution and act collectively. The council must "unite and move forward to secure the peace that is desperately needed". (ANI) Mobile internet services have been suspended in various districts of Balochistan, including Quetta and Chaman, due to security issues, as reported by Samaa TV. The three-day suspension has impacted communication, business operations, and daily activities for thousands of residents. In Quetta, mobile data services were stopped as a precautionary measure taken by officials. Similar service interruptions have been noted in the suburbs of Chaman, where mobile internet has also been suspended, according to the Samaa TV report. Residents have indicated that the shutdown has made even basic communication challenging, especially for those who depend on mobile data for daily tasks. The Balochistan Home Department has confirmed that mobile internet service has been halted in multiple districts throughout the province for a period of three days. They stated that this decision was made in response to the law and order situation, though no formal notification has been released yet, as cited by Samaa TV. Officials have not commented on when the services might be reinstated. Users in the affected areas are experiencing significant difficulties due to the ongoing service interruption. Individuals involved in online businesses, freelancing, and digital services have expressed worry, noting that their work has come to a standstill. Residents have noted that the lack of mobile internet has limited their communication options and disrupted vital daily activities. Online education, digital banking, e-commerce, and remote business functions have been severely impacted, contributing to public dissatisfaction, as reported by Samaa TV. Enforced disappearances have long been a contentious issue in Balochistan, where families frequently accuse state security forces of detaining people without charges. Over the last two decades, numerous protests and sit-ins have been held across the province by families seeking information about their missing relatives. Local human rights organisations, such as the Voice for Baloch Missing Persons (VBMP), have documented thousands of such incidents, although official statistics from the Pakistani government vary considerably. Human rights organisations, including Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, have repeatedly voiced concerns regarding these issues, urging Pakistani authorities to investigate claims of enforced disappearances, ensure accountability, and eliminate the practice of secret detentions. However, Pakistani officials have persistently dismissed these claims, asserting that many of the missing persons have joined insurgent groups or are residing abroad. Despite these rejections, protests by the families of the disappeared continue to be a prominent feature in Balochistan's civic landscape, with activists stressing the need for justice, transparency, and adherence to the rule of law. (ANI) Lawyers and politicians have expressed their sorrow over the resignations of two Supreme Court justices following the approval of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, calling it a "dark day" in the nation's judicial history, as reported by Dawn. The justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah had previously urged Chief Justice of Pakistan Yahya Afridi in their respective letters to convene a full court assembly and judicial conference to discuss the 27th Constitutional Amendment. In his resignation letter, Justice Shah remarked that "remaining in position would not only signify silent acceptance of a constitutional injustice, but would also imply continuing to serve in a court whose constitutional authority has been stifled," while Justice Minallah expressed his disappointment that the Constitution he vowed to protect was "no longer intact." Lawyer Mirza Moiz Baig stated that today signifies the "darkest day" in judicial history. "The Supreme Court has not only lost two of its finest jurists, but the passage of this amendment signifies the total ruin of the judiciary," he mentioned while talking to Dawn. "Regrettably, the dismantling of the judiciary has, as has often been the case in our past, been led by those who were meant to safeguard it." In a similar vein, Barrister Rida Hosain remarked, "Today is an incredibly dark moment for Pakistan. The resignation of independent judges occurs as the Supreme Court's constitutional authority has been eliminated, and the executive has taken control of the courts," as per the Dawn report. She emphasised that these resignations represent a "significant loss" for Pakistan's justice system and signify "another tragic chapter" in its constitutional evolution. Lawyer Ayman Zafar noted that the resignations demonstrate a principled stance against "what can only be described as a decline of judicial independence under the pretence of constitutional reform," as highlighted by the Dawn report. She remarked that the nation has experienced "many dark days" in the legal landscape over recent years, each presenting its unique challenges. Zafar further mentioned that the amendment separated the institution from its role as an equal branch of the government, "placing it under the influence of the legislative and executive powers," as noted in the Dawn report. (ANI) The United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees (UNRWA) has accused Israel of deliberately obstructing its operations and restricting essential aid to Gaza, Al Jazeera reported. The agency warned that Palestinians are facing winter conditions with limited shelter as the conflict extends beyond two years. UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini told the UN General Assembly Fourth Committee that "Safeguarding UNRWA's mandate and operations is required under international law; it is vital to the survival of millions of Palestinians; and it is essential for a political solution." He referenced findings by the UN Commission of Inquiry and rulings by the International Court of Justice, which obligate Israel to lift restrictions on the agency. Lazzarini also highlighted severe funding shortages during a news conference at the UN headquarters, urging renewed donor support to sustain the agency's core work. "We run week by week, month by month. I know that as of today, we will be able to process our salaries in November, but have no idea if or no visibility if we will be able to process our salaries in December," he said. Israel has barred UNRWA from operating on its territory, alleging that some employees participated in the October 7, 2023 Hamas-led attack. Following these accusations, the United States, the agency's largest historical donor, suspended its funding. Despite restrictions, Lazzarini noted that UNRWA continues to provide key services, employing 12,000 staff in Gaza. He said "About 75,000 people were sheltered in 100 of our premises across the Gaza Strip" and that the agency's health centres have offered more than "15 million primary health consultations", alongside vaccinations carried out with UNICEF and the World Health Organization. Al Jazeera reported that under the US-brokered ceasefire that took effect on October 10, aid deliveries were expected to increase significantly, but only "around 150 trucks" have been entering Gaza each day, far below the 600-truck target needed to support the displaced population. The reopening of the northern Zikim border crossing earlier this week has allowed the passage of trucks carrying humanitarian aid and commercial cargo, a move welcomed by Palestinians and UN agencies, according to Al Jazeera. Meanwhile, Israel received the body of Israeli captive Meny Godard, 73, from the Red Cross on Thursday. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's office said forensic teams confirmed the identification, adding that Godard was killed in the October 2023 Hamas-led attack. Hamas stated that the body had been recovered in Khan Younis. The remaining three bodies of captives are located in "very unreachable" areas beyond the so-called Yellow Line, according to information cited by Al Jazeera. The Yellow Line marks a boundary separating Israeli-controlled and Hamas-controlled zones in Gaza under the ceasefire arrangement. Gaza health officials said they received the bodies of 15 Palestinians returned by Israel on Friday, bringing the total number recovered through the exchange process to 330. Many of the remains have been difficult to identify due to being "decomposed, [been] disfigured," a challenge that has led to numerous burials without identification in mass graves in Deir el-Balah. (ANI) The United Nations has reiterated the urgent need to remove all restrictions on women in Afghanistan, citing a United Nations Development Programme report, Tolo News reported. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, said that women's rights to work, freedom of movement, and access to education must be restored as part of ongoing humanitarian and reconstruction efforts. "UNDP also reminds us of the critical need to lift all bans on women, including restoring women's ability to work and to move outside the home as part of humanitarian and recovery operations. Not to mention the right of girls to go to school," Dujarric stated. According to Tolo News, Pakiza and Hediya are two sisters who, like many other girls, have been deprived of education. During this time, each has authored her own book. What worries them more with each passing day is the uncertainty of their future. Pakiza, a ninth-grade student, said she hoped her work would motivate others. "When I was banned from school, I thought about writing a book to inspire the boys who still attend school to show them that girls are capable in every way. Even though we're at home, we are active and trying hard," she told the outlet. Hediya, a seventh-grade student, also voiced concern for the future. "When a woman is uneducated, she destroys a whole family. Her children will remain uneducated and illiterate. We call on our government to reopen the schools for us so we can progress," she said. A women's rights activist, Tafsir Siyahpoush, highlighted broader challenges faced by Afghan women, adding that those returning to the country also need support. Tolo News reported her saying that women have been deprived of education for more than four years and remain excluded from work and public life. Meanwhile, the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has maintained that education is a domestic matter and urged foreign governments and institutions not to interfere in its internal affairs. (ANI) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated he spoke with Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev, expressing gratitude for Baku's support following a large-scale Russian strike that had hit several regions hours earlier. Sharing details on X, Zelenskyy wrote, "I am grateful for his support and condolences to our people. Hundreds of drones and missiles, including ballistic ones, were used by the Russians against Ukrainians last night." https://x.com/ZelenskyyUa/status/1989302148320969113?s=20 He noted that the overnight strikes caused "destruction and damage, including to the Embassy of Azerbaijan," adding that Aliyev "condemned this strike and emphasized that this is not the first time the Russians have targeted the embassy building and other sites linked to Azerbaijan." The call came shortly after Zelenskyy publicly condemned the attack, in which Russia used about 430 drones and 18 missiles in what he described as a "deliberately calculated attack" on civilians and critical infrastructure. He earlier confirmed that the strikes killed four people and wounded dozens, including children and a pregnant woman. Against this backdrop, Zelenskyy said the two leaders also discussed strengthening ties, noting that they reviewed the state of bilateral cooperation across various sectors. "There is truly a green light across all areas of our bilateral cooperation. There is strong potential, and we will realize it," he wrote, thanking the Azerbaijani President for his support. As he continued to share details of the overnight assault, Zelenskyy said emergency services had been working at the strike sites since last night. He described it as a "wicked attack," confirming "dozens of wounded, including children and a pregnant woman," and the deaths of four people. He also expressed his condolences to the families and loved ones of the victims. Zelenskyy said the strike involved about 430 drones and 18 missiles, including ballistic and aeroballistic missiles. "This was a deliberately calculated attack aimed at causing maximum harm to people and civilian infrastructure. In Kyiv alone, dozens of apartment buildings have been damaged," he wrote. He added that "the Azerbaijani Embassy was hit by debris from an Iskander missile," noting that the main target of the attack was Kyiv, while strikes also hit the Kyiv, Kharkiv and Odesa regions. "According to preliminary data, the Russians used a Zircon missile in the Sumy region this morning," he said. Zelenskyy reiterated calls for stronger sanctions and additional Western military support. "Ukraine is responding to these strikes with long-range strength, and the world must stop these attacks on life with sanctions," he said, adding, "Russia is still able to sell oil and build its schemes. All of this must end." He said ongoing work with partners to strengthen Ukraine's air defence was still insufficient. "We need reinforcement with additional systems and interceptor missiles," he wrote, emphasising that "Europe and the United States can help. We are counting on real decisions." (ANI) Kia holds ceremony for completion of Hwaseong EVO Plant East and groundbreaking for EVO Plant West at AutoLand Hwaseong Customized vehicle production and eco-friendly technologies adopted, to establish Hyundai Motor Group's first PBV production hub Kia to invest KRW 4 trillion in approximately 297,000 square-meter site to secure combined annual production capacity of 250,000 PBV units 100,000 PV5 units to be annually produced at EVO Plant East, and 150,000 PV7 and other PBV units at EVO Plant West Kia to establish centralized production base in Korea to support global expansion of its PBV business Launch of PBV Conversion Center for co-development of specialized PBV models with strategic partners, fostering a collaborative PBV ecosystem SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Kia Corporation today celebrated the completion of its dedicated Platform Beyond Vehicle (PBV) facility, the Hwaseong EVO Plant East and the breaking of ground for the EVO Plant West, a large-scale PBV production facility in Korea. Kia Marks Milestone with Establishment of Future PBV Production Hub in Korea. View PDF The ceremony was held at Kia's AutoLand Hwaseong plant, located in Gyeonggi Province, South Korea. The event was attended by around 200 guests, including Min-seok Kim, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea; Shinhak Moon, Vice Minister of Trade Industry and Resources (MOTIR) of the Republic of Korea; Dong Yeon Kim, Governor of Gyeonggi Province; Myeong-geun Jeong, Mayor of Hwaseong Special City, and local National Assembly members. From Hyundai Motor Group (the Group) key executives in attendance included Euisun Chung, Executive Chair of Hyundai Motor Group; Ho Sung Song, Kia President and Global CEO; Sung Kim, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Strategic Planning Division; and Chang Song, President and Head of Hyundai Motor Group Advanced Vehicle Planning (AVP) Division. To support construction of the PBV-dedicated facilities including the newly completed EVO Plant East and the EVO Plant West, scheduled for operation in 2027 Kia has secured a site of 296,882 square meters and is investing approximately KRW 4 trillion in infrastructure and research and development. Leveraging a combined annual capacity of 250,000 units, Kia plans to position the Hwaseong EVO Plant (East and West) as a future strategic hub to drive the global expansion of the company's PBV business. Min-seok Kim, Prime Minister of the Republic of Korea, said in his congratulatory remarks, "I am delighted to take part in the completion ceremony for Kia's Hwaseong EVO Plant East and the groundbreaking ceremony for EVO Plant West. We will usher in a new era of innovation in future mobility together with the automotive industry, embracing new challenges including electrification, autonomous driving, and AI." Ho Sung Song, Kia President and Global CEO said, "Kia is leveraging the electrification of light commercial vehicles as a key opportunity to position PBVs as a core future business. As we continue our journey toward sustainable future mobility, Kia remains committed to becoming a trusted partner in building a better future for Korea and for humanity as a whole." For more information, visit the Kia Global Media Center at www.kianewscenter.com SOURCE Kia Corporation Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif on Friday criticised two Supreme Court judges for resigning after the passage of the 27th Constitutional Amendment, saying their "consciences only awakened after their monopoly was curtailed." According to Dawn, Justices Mansoor Ali Shah and Athar Minallah stepped down hours after President Asif Ali Zardari signed the amendment into law. Asif, speaking in the National Assembly, accused the judges of having "selective amnesia", claiming they had "forgotten their past" and were now positioning themselves as "guardians of democracy". Amid the opposition's chants of "kon bachayega Pakistan; Imran Khan, Imran Khan", echoed through the House, Asif recounted what he described as the judiciary's historical role in decisions against former prime minister Nawaz Sharif. Citing Dawn, he referred to the Panama Papers proceedings, saying former chief justice Saqib Nisar had created two benches that declared Nawaz ineligible. He added that another bench was later formed to determine the duration of the disqualification, followed by a separate bench that ruled an ineligible person could not head a political party. Dawn reported Asif as saying the same group of judges presided over "almost every political lawsuit" and that during the period when "kangaroo courts were being formed", no one expressed shame over Nawaz's treatment. Asif criticised the recent resignations, saying the judges "were serving in SC and high courts back then; now they're writing poetry and issuing political statements", referring to a poem included in Justice Shah's resignation letter. He argued their "conscience awakened because their monopoly in SC was curtailed," asserting that the amendment sought to uphold the supremacy of the Constitution. He also accused the opposition of prioritising individuals over the Constitution, saying their slogan, "Khan nahi tou Pakistan nahi," proved they stood with one person rather than the constitutional framework. As reported by Dawn, Asif further alleged that the opposition had become "protectors of terrorists" for not "condemning" recent attacks in Wana and Islamabad. In his resignation letter to the president, Justice Shah described the 27th Amendment as "a grave assault on the Constitution of Pakistan", saying it "dismantles the Supreme Court of Pakistan, subjugates the judiciary to executive control, and strikes at the very heart of our constitutional democracy". He wrote that the amendment had "crippled judicial independence and integrity", adding that its impact would leave "deep institutional scars". Justice Minallah, in his resignation letter, wrote that he had sworn to uphold "the Constitution", not "a constitution". He said that before the amendment was passed, he had written to the chief justice outlining his concerns, but that "against a canvas of selective silence and inaction, those fears have now come to be". He stated the Constitution he swore to uphold was "no more", adding that what remained was "a mere shadow". (ANI) The Senate on Friday swiftly passed four bills linked to the recently approved 27th Constitutional Amendment, including legislation that seeks changes to the Army Act and resets the tenure of Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Field Marshal Asim Munir following his elevation as the chief of the defence forces (CDF), Dawn reported. As explained by Law Minister Azam Nazeer Tarar in the National Assembly (NA) yesterday, this means the five-year tenure of the chief of the defence forces would begin "from the date of his notification of the appointment". The four bills were approved a day after their hurried passage in the NA, Dawn noted, without debate and with minimal resistance from the opposition. Apart from the Pakistan Army Amendment Bill 2025, the Senate also passed the Pakistan Air Force Amendment Bill 2025, the Pakistan Navy Amendment Bill 2025, and the Supreme Court Practice and Procedure Amendment Bill 2025. Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar tabled the Army and Air Force bills on behalf of Defence Minister Khawaja Asif, as he had not joined the session. Asif later presented the Navy Amendment Bill, while Parliamentary Affairs Minister Tariq Fazal Chaudhry introduced the Supreme Court bill on behalf of Tarar. Dar said the bills sought changes to the relevant laws in line with the 27th Constitutional Amendment, which was enacted yesterday. The amendment has paved the way for the Federal Constitutional Court (FCC) and introduced changes to the military leadership structure, drawing strong criticism from the opposition, as well as former and sitting judges and lawyers, who voiced concerns particularly over its implications for the Supreme Court, Dawn stated. Despite the widespread criticism, the Senate session saw little resistance from the opposition. The Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill proposes replacing the term "chief of the army staff" with "chief of the defence forces". It also seeks to substitute "Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff Committee" with "Commander of the National Strategic Command". A key amendment to Section 8A of the Pakistan Army Act 1952 states that "for the first appointment of the chief of the army staff concurrently the chief of the defence forces... the tenure under this section shall commence from the date of notification of the said office". Another amendment says "the prime minister may, on the recommendation of the chief of the army staff concurrently the chief of the defence forces, appoint the commander of the National Strategic Command... for a tenure of three years". The proposed law authorises the prime minister to "reappoint the commander... for additional tenure of three years and/or extend the tenure(s)... up to three years" on the recommendations of the chief of the defence forces. It adds that appointments or extensions "shall not be called into question before any court on any ground whatsoever", Dawn highlighted. Another provision allows the federal government, on the recommendation of the chief of the army staff, concurrently the chief of the defence forces, to authorise the vice chief or deputy chief of the army staff to exercise specified powers and functions of the COAS. Amendments to the Air Force and Navy laws include the elimination of references to the CJCSC. The amendment to the Supreme Court law removes the Constitutional Bench that was constituted under the 26th Amendment. (ANI) In a post shared on X, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Russia said, "On November 17, negotiations will be held in Moscow between Sergey Lavrov & India's External Affairs Minister @DrSJaishankar." The ministry added that the talks will focus on "upcoming political contacts, key bilateral & international issues," signalling sustained engagement between the two sides. https://x.com/mfa_russia/status/1989290966298353926?s=20 This announcement comes on the back of a series of recent diplomatic exchanges. Jaishankar and Lavrov last met on the sidelines of the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA80) in New York on September 27, reflecting the continuity of their high-level interactions. Recalling that meeting, Jaishankar wrote on X, "Good conversation with FM Sergey Lavrov of Russia on the sidelines of #UNGA80. Useful discussion on bilateral ties, the Ukraine conflict and developments in the Middle East." Building on this momentum, Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Patrushev visited India in September, ahead of President Vladimir Putin's scheduled visit in December. (ANI) Ambassador of Japan to India, Ono Keiichi, held talks with Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu on deepening Japan-Andhra Pradesh ties. Ono also congratulated Naidu on the successful hosting of the CII Partnership Summit 2025. In a post on X, he said, "Congratulate on the successful hosting of the CII Partnership Summit 2025. Had a great follow-up meeting with Hon'ble CM Mr N Chandrababu Naidu to deepen Japan-AP industrial ties." https://x.com/JapanAmbIndia/status/1989357464572301434?s=20 Naidu said they discussed about exploring Andhra Pradesh's growing potential across key sectors. In a post on X, he said, "Delighted to meet H.E. Ono Keiichi, Ambassador of Japan to India, to explore Andhra Pradesh's growing potential across key sectors, from building a strong supply-chain ecosystem for EVs and battery manufacturing to new opportunities in pharmaceuticals, automobiles, shipbuilding, and Global Capability Centres (GCCs). We also discussed deepening collaboration in the pharmaceutical sector, drawing inspiration from Koyama, Japan's pharma capital. I am pleased that 20 Japanese companies have joined us at the CII Partnership Summit in Vizag and expressed strong interest in Andhra Pradesh. Japan's culture of precision and perfection is truly admirable, and we look forward to further strengthening this trusted partnership." https://x.com/ncbn/status/1989342437937135792?s=20 Andhra Pradesh was placed at the centre of India's next phase of growth as business leaders announced concrete plans for finance, skills and healthcare at the CII Partnership Summit 2025 in Vizag. Sanjiv Bajaj, CMD of Bajaj Finserv, said the state was "not just a state, it is a strategic growth engine for India," pointing to its coastline, infrastructure and governance as a gateway "for trade, for technology and digital and tech innovation." He said a modern and inclusive financial system must keep pace with this growth and added that Bajaj Finserv looked forward to enabling "every Andhraite in their own journey." He stated the company hoped "to cover over 30 lakh Andhraites, individuals, small businesses... disbursing over Rs15,000 crore just in this year alone, only in Andhra Pradesh." (ANI) Tunisias trade deficit reached 18,435.8 million dinars (MD) by the end of October 2025, up from 15,716.4 MD over the same period in 2024, according to the National Institute of Statistics (INS). The coverage rate fell to 73.9% compared with 76.7% last year. The deficit was primarily driven by energy (-9,181.5 MD), raw materials and semi-finished products (-5,191.8 MD), capital goods (-2,927 MD), and consumer goods (-1,769.1 MD), while the food sector posted a surplus of 633.6 MD. Excluding energy, the trade deficit narrowed to 9,254.3 MD, whereas the energy deficit stood at 9,181.5 MD, slightly improving from 9,396.7 MD in the first ten months of 2024. Exports increased modestly by 1.1% to 52,214 MD from 51,623.4 MD during the same period last year. Growth was led by the mining, phosphate, and derivatives sector (+9.4%) and mechanical and electrical industries (+7.7%). However, energy exports fell sharply by 29.2% due to lower refined product sales, while agro-food exports declined 13.8% and textiles, clothing, and leather fell 0.9%. Exports to the European Union, accounting for 70.5% of total exports, rose to 36,787.9 MD, with gains in Germany (+10.7%), France (+9.6%), and the Netherlands (+6.4%), while exports to Italy and Spain fell. Exports to Arab countries also grew, notably to Morocco (+36.1%) and Egypt (+35%). Imports rose 4.9% to 70,649.8 MD from 67,339.7 MD. Increases were recorded in capital goods (+14.5%), raw materials and semi-finished products (+6.7%), and consumer goods (+10.9%), while energy imports fell by 9.3% and food products by 5.7%. Imports from the EU, making up 43.3% of total imports, increased to 30,586.6 MD, with higher purchases from France (+11.8%) and Germany (+8.1%), but declines from Italy, Greece, and Belgium. Outside the EU, imports rose from China (+25.1%) and Turkey (+13.6%) but fell from Russia (-19.4%) and India (-4.9%). MIAMI, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Lennar Corporation (NYSE: LEN and LEN.B), one of the nation's leading homebuilders, today announced that Lennar Co-Chief Executive Officer and President Jon Jaffe will retire effective December 31, 2025, following a distinguished 42-year career with the Company, and he will also step down from his role as a Director of the Board of the Company. After Mr. Jaffe's retirement, Stuart Miller will continue to serve as Executive Chairman and serve as Chief Executive Officer of Lennar, with no plans to replace Mr. Jaffe's role. Mr. Jaffe joined Lennar in 1983 as an assistant superintendent in Tampa, and through decades of hard work, unwavering commitment, and numerous value-add successes, rose through the organization to become Co-CEO and President. Throughout his tenure, Mr. Jaffe exemplified a relentless focus on operational excellence and execution, guiding Lennar through defining moments and driving its national expansion, notably in California. His leadership was instrumental in integrating landmark acquisitions across the country, and in steering the Company through challenges from Hurricane Andrew to the Great Recession with resilience and strength. "Jon has been a driving force behind Lennar's success," said Mr. Miller. "His dedication, work ethic, and operational focus have provided mentorship and shaped our company into what it is today. Throughout his tenure, Jon has been a true warrior for Lennar and a trusted partner to me and to many across the business. Jon's retirement and its timing reflect the need for Lennar to remake our organizational and cost structure to enable us to build more affordable and attainable homes. As we continue to evolveembracing technology, driving efficiency, and positioning for the futureJon's legacy will serve as both foundation and inspiration for Lennar's ongoing transformation." Mr. Jaffe added: "It has been a privilege and a passion to spend more than 40 years at Lennar, working with such talented and dedicated people to help build this organization into one of the nation's leading homebuilders. I'm proud of all we've accomplished together and grateful for the opportunity to have played a part in that success. With today's market realities, my retirement allows Lennar to streamline leadership at the top and continue creating efficiencies in our management structure to promote affordability. Though I'm departing an active role in the company, I've never been more excited about Lennar's future." This transition sets the stage for the Company's next phase a strategic evolution into a leaner, more efficient, technology-driven enterprise focused on building a healthier housing market and helping more families achieve the dream of homeownership. About Lennar Lennar Corporation, founded in 1954, is one of the nation's leading builders of quality homes for all generations. Lennar builds affordable, move-up and active adult homes primarily under the Lennar brand name. Lennar's Financial Services segment provides mortgage financing, title and closing services primarily for buyers of Lennar's homes and, through LMF Commercial, originates mortgage loans secured primarily by commercial real estate properties throughout the United States. Lennar's Multifamily segment is a nationwide developer of high-quality multifamily rental properties. LENX drives Lennar's technology, innovation and strategic investments. Media Contact: Ian Frazer Investor Relations Lennar Corporation (305) 485-4129 SOURCE Lennar Corporation The Spanish Civil Guard announced on Wednesday that a criminal network specialized in hashish trafficking with the help of drones has been dismantled, thanks to collaboration with the Moroccan Royal Gendarmerie. This operation, carried out within the framework of security cooperation between the Civil Guard and the Royal Gendarmerie, successfully neutralized the cross-border drug trafficking network, which was operating with sophisticated technological means, the Civil Guard said in a statement. The dismantled network managed to smuggle up to 200 kilograms of hashish into Spain in a single night, using custom-designed and assembled drones, the statement added. The operation, launched after several unidentified flights had been detected, resulted in the seizure of eight operational drones used for narcotrafficking and ten others still unassembled, and the apprehension of nine individuals. The drones took off from the town of Alcala de los Gazules and returned to Spanish airspace to drop the drugs in mid-flight over the areas of Vejer de la Frontera or Tarifa, the Civil guard stated. Investigations revealed that on nights with light winds, up to ten drones could fly simultaneously, enabling the network to smuggle large quantities of drugs into Spain. Chinese ambassador to Morocco YU Jinsong has conferred lately in Rabat with MINURSO Chief Alexander Ivanko and reaffirmed her countrys full support for the UN Mission. The meeting was announced by the Chinese Embassy on its X account. It comes after the historic resolution 2797 adopted by the UN Security Council endorsing Moroccos autonomy plan under the Kingdoms sovereignty. The US-sponsored resolution passed with 11 votes in favor, 3 abstentions (Russia, China & Pakistan), none against, while Algeria did not participate in the vote. The meeting between Alexander Ivanko and the Chinese ambassador also comes amid press reports of lay off of several MINURSO officials to cut spendings following slashing of the UN peacekeeping budget Morocco exported 1,200 tons of lemons to the UK between November 2024 and August 2025. This volume exceeds Moroccos overall lemon exports to the UK over the past decade, says East Fruit news platform. The United Kingdom has become among Moroccos most important fruit export destinations, ranking just behind Spain and France in recent years. Since 2023, Morocco has become the UKs leading supplier of raspberries, and has also taken the top position in blueberries. Moroccan exporters have also increased shipment of strawberries, mandarins, watermelons, and avocados to the UK. Though Spain, South Africa, and Brazil remain the dominant suppliers of lemons to the UK, the North African Kingdom is rising as a major competitor. Thanks to its sharp increase in shipments, Morocco has significantly improved its standing among lemon suppliers to the UK. This growth is largely driven by Moroccan exports which amounted to 2.7 billion ($3.5 billion). Fruits and vegetables remain the main Moroccan exported products followed by electrical equipment, furniture, and textiles. UN Secretary-general has voiced profound alarm over emerging reports of mass atrocities and severe human rights violations in Sudans El-Fasher, as well as over intensifying violence across the Kordofan region. Antonio Guterres urged, in a statement on his X account, an immediate halt to the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the Rapid Support Forces and called for an urgent blockade on the inflow of external weapons and fighters. He emphasized the need for rapid humanitarian access to protect civilians trapped in the escalating conflict and appealed to both sides to pursue meaningful negotiations to stem further deterioration. The crisis deepened after the RSF seized El-Fasher on October26, with local and international organizations reporting massacres and warning that the takeover risks entrenching Sudans de facto partition. Fighting has since spread across central and southern Kordofan, while the RSF now controls nearly all of Darfur, save for small pockets in North Darfur. The Army maintains control of most other regions, including Khartoum. The conflict, which erupted in April 2023, has already claimed thousands of lives and uprooted millions, driving Sudan towards an increasingly perilous humanitarian abyss. South Sudan has confirmed it requested $2.5 billion in oil-backed loans from two international firms, exceeding the countrys annual budget of less than $2 billion. The Petroleum ministry said on Thursday that the requests, sent in late October, were preliminary and intended solely for official Government purposes. The loans comprise $1 billion from ONGC Nile Ganga B.V., a subsidiary of Indias ONGC Videsh, and $1.5 billion from China National Petroleum Corporation (CNPC), both to be repaid within 54 months against crude oil entitlements controlled by the state-owned Nile Petroleum Corporation. The move comes amid growing scrutiny over the impact of such loans on South Sudans public debt, which the United Nations estimates at roughly $2.2 billion in oil-backed loans since independence in 2011. While the ministry dismissed online criticisms as defamatory, the International Monetary Fund has raised concerns about the countrys rising debt levels. The government has yet to receive any disbursement from the requested funds, highlighting ongoing negotiations with the international oil firms. 11:44 A.M. A lot of the day was trying to take in everything that it took to get to the finish line and knowing this was the final opportunity to speak to New Yorkers. The barbershop offers a rare moment of quiet. I usually fall asleep when I sit in that chair. Photo: Sinna Nasseri The final hours of Zohran Mamdanis mayoral campaign were a blur of public speeches and private moments that capped a year of relentless work by the Democratic candidate and his team. Photographer Sinna Nasseri was with the assemblyman from morning to night on Election Day, documenting the whirlwind as Mamdani cast his own vote, got a shave, and made final pleas to voters on the street. Nasseri captured the anxious minutes after polls closed, when the candidate, his family, and his top advisers were holed up in a hotel, waiting for the results to come in. Then, joy. Shortly after 9:30 p.m., the Associated Press called the race for Mamdani, concluding a historic election marked by record voter turnout a win that will make the 34-year-old New York Citys the youngest mayor in more than a century. 8:04 A.M. After voting at Frank Sinatra School of the Arts in Astoria, Mamdani heads to his campaign headquarters in Chelsea. 10:34 A.M. I was trying to approach each part of the day in and of itself and not think too beyond it. 11:27 A.M. En route to the barbershop with an egg-avocado- and-cheese. 2:32 P.M. At a stop near a Lower East Side polling site: I ran into the comedian Tim Robinson, which I was just so excited about. Im a huge fan, and I was quite starstruck. 2:59 P.M. On the way to the Election Night war room the campaign set up at a hotel suite in Brooklyn. 7:00 P.M. Theres a phrase I grew up with in Hindi that translates into turning the key when youre really trying to make a point and youre underlining it. Mamdani, senior adviser Morris Katz, right, and speechwriter Julian Gerson make last-minute tweaks to his speech. Still hungry despite the jitters, he says, I can always eat, unless its Ramadan. 7:26 P.M. Anticipating election results: Around that time, we started to hear a rumor of an exit poll that didnt look as good as wed hoped. Waiting for it to be called felt like an eternity. 7:30 P.M. The final hours of an election are oftentimes the worst ones, when you dont have any real information so youre looking to extrapolate from whatever little is being shared. 7:39 P.M. Its a cocktail of exhaustion and excitement. 9:12 P.M. Mamdani and his wife, artist Rama Duwaji, wait for poll results: It was surreal to think the work we had done for more than a year would come down to these 20, 30, 40, 50 minutes and then it started to happen so fast. 9:35 P.M. The Associated Press calls the race and the room erupts with excitement and joy and gratitude. The team sitting around me is also the team that made that night possible. 9:37 P.M. It was a beautiful moment. 9:41 P.M. We tried in desperation to get New York 1 on TV, and we couldnt pull it off. So we had it on a computer, and we were going back and forth between CNN and MSNBC on TV, then looking through Twitter and the New York Times on our phones. 9:51 P.M. Mamdani with his chief aide, Elle Bisgaard-Church: There were a lot of calls that came in. 11:11 P.M. Representative Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez backstage at Mamdanis official watch party at the Brooklyn Paramount: To have had her support through the primary and the general, in small moments and big ones, has reminded myself and so many others who are part of this campaign that we are part of a larger struggle, and its a struggle focused on dignity for working people. 11:38 P.M. I was quite overcome by the faces of those that I saw in the crowd. There were people there who had helped to raise me. There were New Yorkers who had knocked on doors months before petitioning. There were so many who had believed in this when it was but an idea, and to celebrate their victory, our victory, all together at once it was a joy. Unresolved details include the potential role of American contractors in administering operations and providing security, though Prime Minister Pashinyan insists Armenia will maintain sovereign rights over the route. The TRIPP infrastructure is planned to include a railway tracing an existing Soviet-era course, a natural gas pipeline, and a power line, connecting Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave across Armenian territory. Construction of the TRIPP (Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity) trade corridor, a key element of the Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal, is anticipated to start in the second half of 2026. Construction of a key cog in the Middle Corridor trade network known as TRIPP should begin during the second half of 2026, according to Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan. TRIPP, or the Trump Route for International Peace and Prosperity, is a central feature of a provisional peace deal between Armenia and Azerbaijan signed in Washington in August. The corridor would connect Azerbaijan to its Nakhchivan exclave across Armenian territory. In his most expansive comments to date concerning a construction timeline, Pashinyan told MPs that the parameters of TRIPPs configuration and operations are expected to be completed during the first half of 2026, adding that construction would commence soon after all outstanding details were finalized. Among the unresolved questions concerning the corridor is the potential role of American contractors in both administering operations and providing security. Pashinyan has insisted that Armenia will retain sovereign rights over the the route. Pashinyan stated that TRIPP will comprise a railway that traces an existing but antiquated Soviet-era course, along with a natural gas pipeline and a power line. He did not make any mention of a highway being part of TRIPP, but added that plans are subject to change. I dont want to go into too much detail because the timeframe for such projects often changes, he said. Deputy Prime Minister Mher Grigoryan said in parliament that Armenian and Azerbaijani negotiators were working to delimit sections of the two countries shared frontier, adding that certain sections need to be prioritized. It is possible that there will be sections that will need to be delimited urgently to facilitate the development of TRIPP infrastructure," Grigoryan noted. By Eurasianet.org More Top Reads From Oilprice.com After decades of funding major infrastructure projects with state money, the Chinese government has zeroed in on private capital as a source of fresh cash for big projects in everything from transport to energy, to power generation, and drones. In a new policy presented earlier this week, Beijing signaled private capital is now welcome in hydropower, nuclear power, oil and gas pipelines, and water supply, media reported, citing government officials. Private investment serves as a key barometer reflecting economic vitality and plays a crucial role in stabilizing growth, employment and expectations, the deputy director of Chinas National Development and Reform Commission said, as quoted by the South China Morning Post. The changes introduced this week include a prescription for state entities leading projects in a number of areas to carry out a study of the feasibility of private investment for each of these projects. The areas include railways, hydropower, nuclear power, power transmission, oil and gas pipelines, liquefied natural gas import terminals and storage, and water supply. Related: Argentinas Vaca Muerta Shale Is Smashing Oil Production Records in 2025 While encouraging private capital participation in key projects, we also equally support all types of market entities to participate, fostering complementary advantages and common development among diverse forms of ownership, Guan Peng, deputy director of the Department of Fixed Asset Investment at the NDRC, said as quoted by China Daily. To take better advantage of this barometer that can stabilize growthrecently uneven in the worlds biggest growth enginethe Chinese government has introduced changes in private company ownership limits in projects that fall within the scope of the new legislation. It has also prohibited the addition of extra conditions for private companies in public tenders on infrastructure projects. Previously, private companies were not allowed to own a stake higher than 10% in such projects, but with the new rules, they would be able to do just that, after the strict rules led to an outflow of foreign investment over the past few years, Bloomberg noted in its report on the news. This year alone, foreign direct investment is down by 10%, the publication said. With those limits, Chinese private companies have been reluctant to put their money into such projects, and this appears to have finally drawn the attention of the authorities. In fact, per the Peoples Daily, the NDRC has been working to boost private capital participation in infrastructure projects for several years now, allowing private entities to take stakes as high as 20% in some projects, for instance, nuclear power. These efforts have paid off, according to data for this year, which shows that private investment in infrastructure has gone up by 7%, even if overall it declined amid U.S. President Donald Trumps trade offensive that had a special focus on China. However, private companies have been finding it harder to stay profitable, which was one big reason for the latest policy changes that aimed to boost their participation in infrastructure and energy projects. The NDRC boasted it had recommended a grand total of 105 real estate investment trust infrastructure projects to the China Securities Regulatory Commission so far. The projects had raised a combined $29 billion since their listing and were expected to drive five times that amount in project investment. We will further improve regular communication mechanisms between government and enterprises, strengthen coordination, and solidly promote the implementation of the Private Economy Promotion Law to facilitate high-quality development of the private investment, the deputy director of the NDPCs Bureau of Private Economy, Ling Zhongguo, said as quoted by the Peoples Daily. Going forward, according to some of the reports on the new policy changes, the government would focus on drawing more private capital into energy projects, including everything from oil and gas to electricity transmission, highlighting yet again the significance of that sector. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com SAN ANTONIO, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As part of its six-year Light the Way tradition, Merit Coffee is launching its annual holiday fundraising initiative to support partner nonprofits across Texas. On Saturday, November 15, Merit Coffee will donate 100% of proceeds from all holiday drinks and holiday drip coffee sold at every cafe location. Funds raised will directly benefit three community organizations serving vulnerable families across the state: Feed My Sheep SA in San Antonio, United Way for Greater Austin, and Austin Street Center in Dallas. Holiday Signature Drink - Candy Cane Mocha "Light the Way has become one of the most meaningful things we do as a company," said Bill Ellis, CEO of Merit Coffee. "Our guests show up year after year with incredible generosity. Every holiday drink purchased helps support the people and communities we care deeply about." Each nonprofit partner plays a critical role in meeting the needs of their communitiesproviding food, shelter, support services, and pathways to long-term stability for individuals and families. Merit Coffee invites guests to join in the holiday giving spirit by visiting any of its cafes across Texas and making a difference with every cup. Participating Locations: All Merit Coffee cafes across Texas, including San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas. Find your nearest location at meritcoffee.com/locations. About Merit Coffee Founded in 2009 in San Antonio, Merit Coffee has grown from a single cafe and roastery into a beloved Texas brand known for sourcing and serving exceptional coffee. With 13 locations spanning San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas, Merit is committed to providing thoughtfully crafted coffee experiences in warm, welcoming spacesanchored by a deep focus on community and quality. Media Contact: Charlie Paulette (210) 241-4663 [email protected] SOURCE Merit Coffee The key Russian oil port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea suspended oil exports on Friday, following a major Ukrainian attack on the port overnight. Friday, November 14, 2025 The Russia-Ukraine war rages on, with Ukraines drone attacks temporarily halting oil loadings in Russias largest Black Sea port, however, even such a high-impact event was only able to recoup the past days losses and reset ICE Brent at $64 per barrel. Oil bulls sentiment was dampened by this weeks monthly reports from the IEA and OPEC, particularly with the latter jumping on the 2026 oversupply bandwagon after months of predicting a supply deficit. IEA Worsens 2026 Oversupply Outlook. The International Energy Agency revised its 2026 outlook by lifting supply growth to 2.5 million b/d and curbing demand growth to just 770,000 b/d, now expecting a whopping 4.1 million b/d surplus next year, equivalent to 4% of global crude demand. Ukraine Drone Strikes Halt Black Sea Loadings. Russias largest Black Sea port of Novorossiysk temporarily suspended oil exports after an overnight drone attack by Ukraine that hit an oil depot and a docked ship, restricting some 2.2 million b/d of supply as the CPC terminal stopped loading, too. Lukoil Assets Have a New Potential Buyer. US private equity firm Carlyle is reportedly considering buying the foreign assets of Russian oil major Lukoil (MCOX:LKOH), worth some $22 billion, planning to apply for a license from the Trump administration to buy the assets before beginning due diligence. Colombia Announces Retreat from US Shale. Colombia's government is moving ahead with its plan to sell assets owned by the state oil company Ecopetrol (NYSE:EC) in the US Permian Basin, just as the joint venture with Occidental Petroleum ramped up production to 116,000 boe/d, as of Q2 2025. Related: Ukraine Intensifies Campaign Targeting Russia's Vital Oil Lifeline Greenland to Drill Its First Well in 2026. Greenland-focused upstream firm Greenland Energy will drill its first exploration well in the country, OPW-1, in the summer of 2026, marking the first appraisal of the Jameson Land Basin, believed to be an untapped multi-billion-barrel play. Kurdish Crude Gets Stranded Off Egypt. A month pipeline flows were restarted in the Kirkuk-Ceyhan pipeline and crude oil from Iraqi Kurdistan started flowing to markets again, two laden tankers have been idle off the Egyptian coast for two weeks, signalling potential demand issues. US Concludes Trumps First SPR Purchase. The Trump administration has finalized its first purchase of crude for the US Strategic Petroleum Reserve, buying 900,000 barrels of sour crude from global trading giant Trafigura and US midstream firm Energy Transfer at an average price of $62 per barrel. Nigeria Drops Fuel Import Tariff Drive. Nigeria's government has scrapped its plans to impose a 15% import duty on all refined products, citing assurances of adequate supply during the year-end holidays, amidst retailer protests that it would leave them dependent on the Dangote refinery. Maritime Incident Roils Middle East. The UK Maritime Trade Operations center warned of an incident off the UAE coast, reporting a sudden course deviation on a tanker (reported to be the Marshall Islands-flagged Talara) sailing towards Singapore after it had been approached by three small boats. Chinese Power Generation Hits New Record. According to China's statistics bureau NBS, electricity generation in October soared to an all-time high of 800.2 billion KWh, an 8% increase from a year ago due to an increase in heating demand amidst an unseasonably cold last month. Canada Fast-Tracks Upcoming LNG Projects. The Canadian government proposed adding the upcoming 12 mtpa Ksi Lisims LNG terminal to the country's Major Projects list, fast-tracking its regulatory approval process in a bid to ensure the Blackstone-backed project sees a long-anticipated FID next year. Argentina Eases Rules to Bolster Mining Investment. Argentinas Milei government is mulling changes to the countrys federal regulations by eliminating provisions that protect glacial formations in the ore-rich Andes mountain range, helping Glencore (LON:GLEN) launch its $10 billion El Pachon copper project. Weak Chinese Data Sinks Copper Rally. China reported industrial output growth of 4.9% last month, the slowest pace in more than a year, putting an end to a four-session hot streak for copper futures as the three-month LME contract corrected downwards to $10,865 per metric tonne. By Tom Kool for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com The European Commission has approved with conditions the $17-billion acquisition by Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) of Germanys chemicals giant Covestro, the EUs executive arm said on Friday, following an investigation into foreign subsidies it feared would distort competition. At the end of last year, Abu Dhabis oil company agreed to buy Covestro in a deal worth $17 billion (14.7 billion euros) including debt. The deal was one of the largest cash transactions in the chemicals industry ever, as well as the first time a company part of the DAX 40 blue-chip index in Germany would be acquired by a state company from the Gulf. ADNOC, which pumps nearly all the oil in OPECs major producer the United Arab Emirates (UAE), looks to buy into chemicals and petrochemicals to diversify its downstream portfolio. The mega-acquisition, however, ran into EU regulations and investigation, under the EUs Foreign Subsidies Regulation (FSR), as ADNOC is a state-owned oil and gas producer. The European Commission, in July, opened an in-depth foreign subsidies investigation into ADNOCs acquisition of Covestro as its preliminary investigation and concerns indicated that ADNOC and Covestro may receive foreign subsidies distorting the EU internal market. On Friday, the Commission announced it had approved, under the Foreign Subsidies Regulation, the deal, but the approval is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments offered by the parties. ADNOC has offered remedies to address the Commissions concerns and these include removing the unlimited state guarantee and share Covestros patents in the area of sustainability with certain market participants at transparent terms and conditions set in advance. This commitment will benefit competitors that are particularly reliant on access to Covestros sustainability technology. The Commission found that these commitments effectively address the concerns about the EU market competition. The commitments are valid for a period of 10 years. The commitments relating to Covestros patents will continue to be in force after the expiry of the commitment period, for the lifetime of any licensing agreement entered under this period, the Commission said today. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Netanyahus position is increasingly precarious. The coalition has thinned to a one-seat margin after United Torah Judaisms withdrawal over the draft dispute, and the 2026 budget deadline now hangs over him as the next trigger point. The Supreme Courts end to Haredi draft exemptions forced the army to begin issuing call-ups this year, igniting mass protests and exposing a structural fault line that no version of the bill can bridge. Any compromise risks splitting either the ultra-Orthodox or nationalist wings. That tension feeds directly into Gaza diplomacy, where far-right ministers are attacking the outlines of Washingtons cease-fire plan, framing any residual Hamas presence as betrayal. Netanyahu signals flexibility to Washington but cannot afford a formal endorsement without fracturing his base. The domestic optics are worsening. Settler violence in the West Bank has drawn an unusual public rebuke from President Herzog, who condemned attacks on Palestinians and IDF soldiers alike, giving establishment cover to calls for enforcement and leaving Netanyahu squeezed between law-and-order expectations and his coalitions ideological core. The media fight over the defense ministers attempt to shutter Army Radio adds friction and reinforces the perception of a government turning inward, focused on control rather than strategy. Externally, his room for maneuver has narrowed. AIPACs once-reliable influence in Washington is showing strain as prominent U.S. The data hit the market just as crude attempted to stabilize above recent lows, triggering a sharp sell-off that pushed WTI more than $2 lower on Wednesday. The inventory build also highlighted a broader trend across global storage hubs, with reported increases in Europe, Singapore, and the UAEs Fujairah, signaling barrels are increasingly struggling to find end demand. The most immediate bearish catalyst came from U.S. stockpile data. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a massive 6.4 million barrel build in domestic crude inventories for the week ending November 7, far exceeding analyst expectations of a 1.96 million barrel increase. The American Petroleum Institute (API) had earlier flagged a 1.3 million barrel build, but the EIAs number confirmed growing concerns about a supply glut. Crude oil prices traded defensively this week as bearish fundamentals overshadowed short-term risk catalysts. While geopolitical tensions and the end of the U.S. government shutdown offered fleeting support, the market remained focused on rising global inventories, shifting supply-demand expectations from OPEC and the IEA, and a broader sense that supply continues to outpace demand. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell sharply midweek before stabilizing at $58.12, a level that may act as psychological support in the short term. Crude oil prices traded defensively this week as bearish fundamentals overshadowed short-term risk catalysts. While geopolitical tensions and the end of the U.S. government shutdown offered fleeting support, the market remained focused on rising global inventories, shifting supply-demand expectations from OPEC and the IEA, and a broader sense that supply continues to outpace demand. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) futures fell sharply midweek before stabilizing at $58.12, a level that may act as psychological support in the short term. Large U.S. Inventory Build Pressures Prices The most immediate bearish catalyst came from U.S. stockpile data. The Energy Information Administration (EIA) reported a massive 6.4 million barrel build in domestic crude inventories for the week ending November 7, far exceeding analyst expectations of a 1.96 million barrel increase. The American Petroleum Institute (API) had earlier flagged a 1.3 million barrel build, but the EIAs number confirmed growing concerns about a supply glut. The data hit the market just as crude attempted to stabilize above recent lows, triggering a sharp sell-off that pushed WTI more than $2 lower on Wednesday. The inventory build also highlighted a broader trend across global storage hubs, with reported increases in Europe, Singapore, and the UAEs Fujairah, signaling barrels are increasingly struggling to find end demand. OPEC and IEA Acknowledge 2026 Supply Surplus Compounding the bearish tone was a shift in guidance from OPEC. In its latest monthly oil market report, the producer group revised its supply-demand forecast for 2026, projecting that global oil supplies will slightly exceed demandmarking a reversal from prior estimates of a deficit. OPEC attributed the surplus to increased production from its own members and allied producers under the OPEC+ umbrella, including Russia. The International Energy Agency (IEA) reinforced that view on Thursday, raising its global oil supply growth forecasts for both 2025 and 2026. The agency now sees inventories continuing to build through the mid-decade period, reflecting ongoing production gains that are not being matched by demand growth. Meanwhile, the U.S. EIAs Short-Term Energy Outlook forecast a larger-than-expected increase in U.S. production this year, setting the stage for even more supply pressure into early 2025. Together, these reports have undercut the longer-term bullish narrative and are forcing traders to reassess the balance outlook. DBS Banks Suvro Sarkar noted that OPECs revised stance confirms the group is now acknowledging the possibility of a supply glut in 2026, in contrast to its historically more optimistic tone. Lukoil Sanctions Create Short-Term Uncertainty Geopolitical tensions added some complexity to the supply picture. The U.S. government imposed fresh sanctions on Russias Lukoil, with a deadline of November 21 for companies to sever business ties. The move has raised concerns about short-term disruptions to Russian oil flows, particularly for refined products. Lukoil has already declared force majeure at one of its Iraqi oil fields, underscoring the sanctions potential operational impact. Product markets reacted swiftly: European diesel margins surged to a 21-month high above $31.50 per barrel, while gasoline crack spreads also firmed. However, the crude complex itself failed to sustain a rally, reflecting a belief that upstream flows remain largely intact for now. Still, some analysts believe the $60 level could offer temporary support to crude if sanctions lead to logistical hiccups or near-term export reductions. Sarkar noted that there should be considerable support to oil prices around $60/bbl due to the potential for such disruption. Government Reopening Offers Demand-Side Hope On the demand side, the end of the historic 40-day U.S. government shutdown offered a modestly supportive backdrop. More than one million federal workers are now returning to work, and the resumption of normal operations could aid in consumer activity, air travel, and energy usage ahead of the holiday season. Carl Larry of Enverus suggested that the return of the federal workforce is going to help support demand in the near term, pointing to improved travel expectations and a potential rebound in fuel consumption. However, this demand lift may take time to materialize and is unlikely to offset the growing inventory overhang in the short run. Weekly Light Crude Oil Futures Trend Indicator Analysis Light crude oil futures are on track to finish the week lower after failing to confirm a recent closing price reversal bottom for the third time. As of Thursdays close, the market is trading at $59.07, down $0.68 or -1.15%. The market is also trading on the weakside of a key 61.8% level at $59.44, but catching a small bid in front of a minor 50% level at $58.27. Renewed selling pressure on Friday and into next week could trigger a further break into a pair of bottoms at $55.96 and $55.27 Overcoming the Fib level at $59.44 will signal the return of buyers. If they are able to generate enough upside pressure then we could see a drive into the 52-week moving average at $62.24, which is currently providing resistance and control the downtrend. Weekly Technical Forecast The direction of the weekly Light Crude Oil Futures market for the week ending November 21 is likely to be determined by trader reaction to the 61.8% retracement level at $59.44 and the minor pivot at $58.28. Bullish Scenario A sustained move above the Fibonacci level at $59.44 will signal renewed buying interest. If this move generates sufficient upside momentum, a retest of the 52-week moving average at $62.24 could follow. Bearish Scenario A sustained move below the short-term pivot at $59.27 will indicate active selling pressure. This could trigger a sharp decline toward $55.96, with potential for an extended move down to $55.27 or lower. Crude Oil Prices Forecast: Market Faces Bearish Fundamentals Despite Sanctions Risk Looking ahead to next week, the crude oil outlook remains firmly bearish from a fundamental standpoint. The overwhelming theme continues to be oversupply, reinforced by outsized U.S. inventory builds, rising global stockpiles, and projections of a 2026 surplus from both OPEC and the IEA. While the Lukoil sanctions and ongoing Russian geopolitical risk provide a layer of uncertainty, these have so far had more impact on refined product markets than crude itself. Unless export disruptions materialize, supply flows appear sufficient to meet current and projected demand. The U.S. governments reopening and potential rebound in consumer activity may lend modest support, but with refinery maintenance season winding down and no major demand shock on the horizon, supply remains the dominant driver. With no clear catalyst to lift prices sustainably, traders are likely to continue fading rallies. Barring a surprise drawdown in inventories or a meaningful disruption to Russian exports, oil prices are expected to remain under pressure next week. Faced with difficult trade negotiations with the United States and American tariffs on their products, Canada and India pledged to encourage long-term supply chain partnerships in critical minerals and clean energy. At a trade summit in India, Canada and the host country agreed to revive their stalled bilateral relations and reiterated their commitment to deepening bilateral cooperation through sustained dialogue, mutual respect, and forward-looking initiatives, the countries said in a joint statement. Canada and India have borne the brunt of U.S. President Donald Trumps flip-flopping trade policy this year. President Trump last month called off all trade negotiations with Canada, the main U.S. trade partner, over a Canadian advert against the tariffs in which former U.S. President Ronald Reagan says tariffs hurt every American. India, for its part, has been singled out by the Trump Administration as a key enabler of Russian budget revenues for buying large quantities of Russian crude oil. Due to the oil purchases from Russia, President Trump in August doubled the tariff on Indian imported goods to 50%. Both Canada and India have ambitions in the critical minerals sector, and collaboration and partnerships would benefit the clean energy and manufacturing goals of both countries. Canadas new budget includes a plan for a US$1.4 billion (C$2 billion) critical minerals sovereign fund over five years for equity investments, loan guarantees, and offtake agreements. This week, Canadas Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne said that Canada should work to refine its critical minerals. Exploration, extraction is something. But what we need is refining. That's the key, Champagne told business leaders in Calgary. Canadas Prime Minister Mark Carney has vowed to make Canada an energy superpower and the partner of choice for critical minerals supply. India has just announced a new royalty payment scheme for a list of critical minerals in a bid to motivate miners to ramp up local production, while it is also looking to develop cobalt and copper in Zambia, and lithium and copper assets in Chile. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Carlyle is in talks with Lukoil for the potential acquisition of the latters international operations, Reuters has reported, citing unnamed sources. The news follows Gunvors attempt to buy the assets, only to change its mind after the Trump administration called it a Kremlin puppet and said it would block the deal. The private equity major is still in the early stage of the negotiations, but it has applied for a license that would clear the way to an acquisition, one of the Reuters sources told the publication. The next step would be due diligence, which would need to take place soon because the sanctions against Lukoil kick in on November 21, making any dealings with it by companies using the U.S. financial system illegal. Lukoil is the most active Russian energy company internationally, with upstream operations in the Middle East, Central Asia, and Latin America, and retail fuel businesses in many parts of the world, including the United States. The company announced plans to sell its international business following President Trumps decision to step up pressure on Russia in a bid to bring it to the peace negotiations table with Ukraine. The latest round of sanctions zero in on Lukoil and Rosneft, which together account for about half of Russias total oil exports. Lukoil alone produces some 2% of the worlds oil, Reuters noted in its report. Swiss-based commodity major Gunvor was quick to make an offer for the business at $22 billion. The U.S. government, however, was equally quick in its reaction to the news, with the Department of the Treasury saying, President Trump has been clear that the war must end immediately. As long as Putin continues the senseless killings, the Kremlins puppet, Gunvor, will never get a license to operate and profit. Gunvor was co-founded by a Russian businessman, Genadiy Timchenko, who, however, sold his stake in 2014. The Swiss commodity firm has called the Treasurys claims fundamentally misinformed and false. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Chinese solar equipment producers are shifting from panels to battery storage to tackle a chronic oversupply in the panel and equipment market that has crashed many sector players bottom lines. The latest to make the move was one of the largest in the sector, Longi Green Energy Technology. Bloomberg cited a security filing by the company showing that it was planning to buy a majority stake of 62% in local battery storage maker PotisEdge. The surge in EVs and solar and wind power installations has resulted in excessive manufacturing capacity in these key non-hydrocarbon energy industries, igniting price wars that have hurt most companies in the sector, including the biggest solar panel manufacturers. Chinese authorities realized last year that cutthroat competition, overcapacity, and low-quality manufacturing are hurting enterprises. Meanwhile, the companies rushed to cut costs, with the biggest solar players in the country slashing close to a third of their workforce in 2024 alone. Longi Green Energy, Jinko Solar, Trina Solar, JA Solar, and Tongwei together cut as many as 87,000 jobs last year, according to Reuters calculations based on security filings. Now, they are looking for a turnaround amid continued losses despite the government crackdown on overcapacity. The combined losses of the countrys six biggest solar panel and cell manufacturers doubled in the first half of 2025, to $2.8 billion. Longi, however, managed to trim the loss in the third quarter thanks to cost-cutting efforts, and its leadership is confident the company will return to the black in the current quarter. Energy storage is a growth market globally as the countries with the highest density of wind and solar installations realize those sources of electricity need backup to reduce the waste of output commonly called curtailment, which becomes necessary when panels and turbines generate more electricity than the grid needs because they cannot respond to demand fluctuations the way baseload capacity can. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Germanys ruling coalition has slashed in half the capacity of new natural gas-fired power plants it aims to tender by 2032 in a significant scale-down from the previously planned 20 GW of new gas capacity. The governing coalition led by conservative Chancellor Friedrich Merz has reached a compromise on the energy policy as Europes biggest economy looks to balance energy security with its decarbonization goals. The government now will tender 10 GW of new gas-fired capacity by 2032, to serve as flexible backup to wind and solar energy as Germany also looks to phase out coal-fired power capacity by 2030. Germany has decided that it would tender 10 GW of new natural gas-fired capacity from power plants that could be converted to hydrogen in the 2030s, as part of plans to ensure stable electricity supply as wind and solar power generation and installations grow. The tenders will specify that the new power stations are technically capable of being fired by hydrogen, Chancellor Merz said, as carried by Reuters. Germany, which in 2023 closed all its remaining nuclear power plants is now seeking to balance the generation and transmission systems with new gas power plants. The reduction of new gas-fired capacity to be tendered is a win for the coalition partners who are seeking a faster rollout of renewable electricity. Germany saw the highest number of onshore wind turbines commissioned in the first half of 2025 for eight years, but the rebound in installations is still off track to reach the official targets, the German wind energy association, Bundesverband WindEnergie (BWE), said earlier this year. Despite the jump in wind power installations, Germany still has a gap between the rate of capacity expansion and the legally mandated goals in the Renewable Energy Sources Act, the so-called EEG, BWE president Barbel Heidebroek said. Germany has a target to install 10 GW of wind power capacity every year to have renewables account for 80% of its electricity generation in 2030. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Indias state-run refiners have locked in their first-ever long-term deal to import U.S. liquefied petroleum gas (LPG), awarding tenders to Chevron, Phillips 66, and TotalEnergies Trading for delivery beginning in 2026a move that marks a geopolitical and commercial break from the Middle East and a step toward appeasing Washington. The deal covers around 2 million metric tons of LPGsome 48 very large gas carrier cargoesjointly purchased by Indian Oil, Bharat Petroleum, and Hindustan Petroleum. Its the first time the three refiners have banded together for long-term U.S. supply of the fuel, which is still subsidized at home. While pricing details havent been disclosed, the contracts give suppliers leeway to source one in four cargoes from outside the U.S., a flexibility likely designed to manage logistics and pricing swings. India currently imports about 65% of its LPG consumptionroughly 31 million tons annuallynearly all of it from Middle Eastern suppliers such as Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE. The shift toward the U.S. reflects both energy security diversification and trade diplomacy: Washingtons 50% tariff on Indian goods has become a sore point for Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and buying more American energy is part of New Delhis effort to rebalance that ledger. Its also a message to Riyadh. Saudi Aramco recently cut official selling prices for propane and butane to two-year lows after India signaled plans to diversify away from Gulf dependence. For producers like Aramco and ADNOC, the loss of Indias long-term security as a captive market comes just as Chinas demand has slowed. Behind the trade shuffle lies realpolitik. Trumps administration has pushed India to curtail Russian crude purchases, and in return, Washington has opened its export gates to U.S. LPG. For India, securing cleaner, affordable fuel while easing tariff pressure is a diplomatic two-for-one dealone that quietly redraws the map of global LPG flows. By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com Iran seized on Friday an oil tanker en route to Singapore after it passed the critical Strait of Hormuz in the Middle East in the first major escalation of the tensions in the region since the Iran-Israel war in June. The Marshall Islands-flagged oil tanker Talara was seized by Iranian forces in the Gulf of Oman after having passed the Strait of Hormuz from Ajman in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), heading to Singapore. Irans forces diverted the ship from the international waters to the Iranian territorial waters, a U.S. defense official told AP on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence matters. The vessel was travelling near Khor Fakkan in the United Arab Emirates when it lost contact with Columbia Shipmanagement, its Cyprus-based manager, the company told Bloomberg. The tanker Talara had loaded high sulfur gasoil from the UAEs northeastern deep-water port of Hamriyah in October, according to vessel-tracking data cited by Bloomberg. The Talara has passed the Strait of Hormuz chokepoint and was turning to the Gulf of Oman when the incident took place. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO), the UK Navys liaison in the region, said on Friday that it had received a report of an incident 20 nautical miles east of Khor Fakkan, the UAE. Emirates Authorities are investigating while vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO, it said. A possible state activity forced the Talara to turn into Iranian territorial waters, according to UKMTO cited by AP. Iran has not yet acknowledged or commented on the incident, which reignites the tensions in the Middle East that the oil market seemed to have forgotten in recent months. In June, with the U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites and the Israel-Iran war, the oil market was on edge fearing disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz, through which one-fifth of global daily oil consumption passes. By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com SEOUL, South Korea, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ministry of Data and Statistics, led by Minister Ahn Hyung Jun, announced that the 2025 Population and Housing Census, marking its 100th anniversary this year, is now underway. Minister Ahn stated that the survey will carry forward a century of statistical tradition and serve as a vital foundation for shaping future national policies. He also encouraged foreign residents living in Korea to actively participate. Ahn Hyung Jun (Minister of Data and Statistics) [Question 1] The Population and Housing Census is currently in full swing. What is the significance of this census, notably as it marks 100 years? Korea's first modern census covering the entire population for statistical purposes was the 'Simplified National Census' conducted in 1925. Over 100 years, the census has achieved the following: It has provided a foundation of essential data for countless policies related to population, housing, education, and welfare throughout Korea's journeyfrom overcoming the scars of liberation and war in the 1950s, through economic development plans in the 1960s and 1970s, to Korea's emergence as an advanced nation from the 1980s and 1990s onward. Korea's statistical capabilities have grown significantly alongside national development. Our statistical methods are now internationally recognized, and many countries seek to learn from our techniques. There is particular interest in our register-based census methodology utilizing diverse administrative data, the electronic survey systems introduced for field surveys (mobile, PC, telephone, tablet, etc.), and digital map construction techniques. These achievements belong not only to the Ministry of Data and Statistics but are the result of collaboration with citizens who have faithfully participated in the census over the past 100 years. [Question 2] What new items have been included in this census? (Number of items) The 2025 Population and Housing Census includes a total of 55 items (same as the previous cycle). Of these, 13 items are obtained through administrative data, while 42 items are collected through direct survey. (New items) This census was designed to comprehensively and accurately measure diverse social and economic changes, with seven new items compared to the previous cycle: "Family care time" and "Marriage plans/intentions" reflecting policy needs related to low birth rates and aging populations "Languages used at home" and "Korean language proficiency" for multicultural households and foreign residents "Rental provider" to understand the status of households living in rental housing "Religion," which is surveyed on a 10-year cycle, and "Bicycle ownership," reflecting policy needs of the Ministry of the Interior and Safety Additionally, we have added the category "Unmarried cohabitation (partners living together, etc.)" to the question on "Relationship to household head" to measure changes in our society's perceptions of marriage and cohabitation. This will enable us to identify increasingly diverse household types and provide foundational data needed for related policy formulation and analysis. [Question 3] With foreign residents from various countries living in Korea, how are you surveying foreign residents? (Language) With the foreign resident population continuing to grow*, foreign residents in sample enumeration districts can participate through internet surveys (mobile, PC), telephone, and in-person interviews. * Number of foreign residents (percentage of total population): 2010: 590,000 (1.2%) 2015: 1.36 million (2.7%) 2020: 1.7 million (3.3%) 2024: 2.04 million (3.9%) To accommodate respondents from diverse nationalities, we have expanded the number of foreign language questionnaires from 10 to 20*. * Selected based on the top 20 languages used by foreign residents as of 2023: English, Chinese, Vietnamese, Russian, Indonesian, Thai, Mongolian, Japanese, Cambodian (Khmer), Nepali, Uzbek, Kazakh, Burmese, Sri Lankan (Sinhala), Bangladeshi (Bengali), Pakistani (Urdu), Kyrgyz, Malay, Ukrainian, and Lao The call center has deployed dedicated foreign language consultants (English, Chinese, Vietnamese*) to facilitate telephone survey participation and address inquiries. * (2020) English and Chinese consultants (2025) English, Chinese + Vietnamese (added) < 2025 Population and Housing Census Call Center Foreign Language Operations> Operating period: Weekdays 09:00 18:00, October 17 November 18, 2025 Phone: (English) +82-70-7773-0985, (Chinese) +82-70-7773-0986, (Vietnamese) +82-70-7773-0987 * Number of foreign residents (percentage of total population): 2010: 590,000 (1.2%) 2015: 1.36 million (2.7%) 2020: 1.7 million (3.3%) 2024: 2.04 million (3.9%) (Method) Statistical enumerators equipped with tablet PCs are currently visiting sample households that have not yet completed the survey (internet and telephone survey participation is also available). When an enumerator visits, foreign respondents should first verify the enumerator's identity by checking the multilingual statistical survey worker ID card issued by the local government and the Ministry of Data and Statistics (formerly Statistics Korea) displayed on the tablet PC. The tablet PC contains survey information in 20 languages, allowing respondents to understand the purpose of the enumerator's visit and the census itself. A translation app installed on the device also enables basic communication with the enumerator. If you are proficient in Korean, you may respond directly to the enumerator's questions. If you prefer to complete a paper questionnaire in one of the 20 available foreign languages, request one from the enumerator. We have also established a cooperative framework with the Ministry of Justice's Foreigner Contact Center (1345), which many foreign residents contact, to ensure smooth guidance on census inquiries. [Question 4] Are only foreign residents with legal status subject to the census? Some foreign residents, depending on their circumstances, may worry that their responses will be shared with the Ministry of Justice or other government agencies... All Korean and foreign residents and dwelling units within the 20% sample enumeration districts are subject to the census. Foreign residents in sample enumeration districts are included in the census regardless of legal status if they have stayed or plan to stay for three months or more. The census doesn't ask about legal status, so there's no way to identify undocumented residents. You can respond without concern. Active participation by foreign residents in Korea also contributes to the development of various welfare policies for foreign residents. Under Article 33 of the Statistics Act, all information you provide is strictly protected and cannot be used for any purpose other than statistical compilation. Violations of this law are subject to penalties under the Statistics Act. [Question 5] When will the results of this census be released, and how will they be used? (Release) The data from this census will undergo processing and is scheduled to be released at the end of November 2026. (Use) The results of the Population and Housing Census are widely used as foundational data for various national policy formulation and evaluation, academic research, and business management. As a survey that provides statistics at the eup, myeon, and dong (township and neighborhood) levels, this data is essential for local policy formulation and regional development. Census results are also made publicly available* for use by government agencies, the private sector, and the general public. * Provided through the Korean Statistical Information Service (KOSIS) and Microdata Integrated Service (MDIS) [Question 6] Is there a final message you would like to convey to readers? The successful implementation of the Population and Housing Census depends on active participation and accurate responses from those selected for the survey. The Ministry of Data and Statistics will do its utmost to ensure that the results of the Population and Housing Census translate into policies that benefit both Korean and foreign residents alike. We ask for your active cooperation and continued interest in the 2025 Population and Housing Census, which marks 100 years of census-taking. SOURCE Minister of Data and Statistics The key Russian oil port of Novorossiysk on the Black Sea suspended oil exports on Friday, following a major Ukrainian attack on the port overnight, industry sources told Reuters. In addition, Russias pipeline company Transneft suspended crude oil supply to the facilities at the port, according to Reuters sources. The port of Novorossiysk, a key export outlet of crude from Russia and Kazakhstan, and a major wheat export hub, was attacked by Ukrainian drones early on Friday. Oil prices jumped in Asian and early European trade as the incident shifted traders focus back to potential supply disruptions. The front-month futures of WTI, the U.S. crude benchmark, returned to trade above $60 per barrel, following days of lingering in the high $50s amid concerns about the imminent oversupply. Brent Crude futures neared $65 per barrel, as the latest Ukrainian attack reignited geopolitical concerns about global oil supply. The drone attacks damaged a ship, nearby apartment buildings, and an oil depot, injuring three crew members aboard the vessel, Russian regional authorities confirmed. Set OilPrice.com as a preferred source in Google here Ukrainian forces have increasingly targeted Russian oil-refining, storage, and export infrastructure using drones and missiles. The campaign has gained intensity in recent months, with the Center for European Policy Analysis noting a shift in strategy from smaller-scale strikes on storage tanks to targeting hard-to-replace refinery equipment, like cracking units, much of it western-made and subject to sanctions. Both wheat and crude oil futures jumped early on Friday the attack on Novorossiysk, a key export hub for both grains and oil, Ole Hansen, Head of Commodity Strategy at Saxo Bank, commented. Any prolonged disruption would force traders to source supplies elsewhere, adding further support to prices, Hansen added. Brent initially rose by about 3% before paring gains, with the early spike driven largely by short covering after a week in which sentiment had been dominated by concerns about a potential supply glut. By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Amelia Earhart standing under nose of her Lockheed Model 10-E Electra. Gelatin silver print, 1937. National Portrait Gallery, Smithsonian Institution; gift of George R. Rinhart, in memory of Joan Rinhart. Credit: public domain It has been more than 88 years since the world's most famous female aviator, Amelia Earhart, and her navigator Fred Noonan, disappeared on the second-to-last leg of their around-the-world flight odyssey. According to the United States government's official report of the 16-day search, Earhart and Noonan ran out of fuel and crashed into the Pacific Ocean, short of their objective of Howland Island, on July 2, 1937. The disappearance, which is often labeled as "mysterious," continues to captivate the world. With no confirmed wreckage found, millions of dollars have been spent on repeated, fruitless searches. And sensational claims of a possible discovery make splashy headlines with alarming regularity. Interest in Earhart's case has also been bolstered by United States President Donald Trump who, in September, said he would order his administration to declassify secret government records related to the disappearance. A cycle of discovery and disappointment Many expeditions for Earhart have followed a predictable four-step pattern: a dramatic announcement of a new, startling find; "we found Amelia" stories in the press; the evidence is quietly debunked, or the expedition is postponed; the coverage fades from the media cycle until the next "startling find." And repeat. In recent months, we have seen extensive media coverage of yet another such planned expedition. The destination is the so-called "Taraia object," photographed off Nikumaroro Island, Kiribatisome 644km south-west of Earhart's destination of Howland Island. The expedition team includes experts from Purdue University, and the Archaeological Legacy Institute (ALI), headed by ALI's Executive Director Richard Pettigrew. It is based on a hypothesis by The International Group for Historic Aircraft Recovery (TIGHAR) that Nikumaroro Island was the final destination of Earhart and Noonan. However, the US government's initial search (which included Nikumaroro) turned up no evidence of Earhart, Noonan or the aircraft. Still, the joint ALI and Purdue team seem hopeful. As Pettigrew told Newsweek: "Everything that we see indicates it's very possible, perhaps even likely, that this is what remains of Amelia Earhart's aircraft." The Conversation reached out to TIGHAR founder Ric Gillespie, who said he does not think the Taraia object is the wreck of Earhart's Lockheed Model 10E Electra aircraft. Originally scheduled to launch on November 4, the joint ALI and Purdue expedition was postponed last month due to issues with getting permits from the Kiribati government. ALI continues to publicly fundraise for it, hoping to reach a target of US$900,000 for "Phase 1" (a site visit). Estimated costs for the proposed Phase 2 (the archaeological excavation) and Phase 3 (the "recovery of the aircraft remains") are yet to be released. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Before ALI, there was TIGHAR TIGHAR was founded by as a private non-profit in 1985 by Ric Gillespie, and has been searching for aircraft wrecks, including Earhart's, since 1989. It has mounted at least five expeditions to Nikumaroro since 2010. Last year, Gillespie said he was "absolutely certain" Earhart crash-landed and lived as a castaway on Nikumaroro Island. But no definitive evidence has been presented. The organization has never recovered a complete aircraft of any type, nor a single verified piece of an historic aircraft. For each search project, it raises funds from members, the public, and other interested parties. Although Gillespie told The Conversation TIGHAR is currently "not fundraising for Earhart research or expeditions," the organization's website contradicts this. Dorothy Cochrane, a now-retired curator of the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum, and a long-time skeptic of TIGHAR's work, said in 2016: "He's (Ric Gillespie) used the same quote unquote evidence over and over again. [] He does this on a routine basis whenever he wants to mount another expedition It's his business. It's his livelihood." TIGHAR generates income through multiple channels, including various tiers of membership fees, the sale of publications, and general donations. But its website provides little information regarding how funds are allocated to or used within projects. In response to questions about transparency around how donations are used, Gillespie told The Conversation: "TIGHAR is a recognized educational non-profit foundation. Like any non-profit organization, we raise money to cover the cost doing our work. All US non-profits are prohibited from "making" money. All money raised is put into the organization." Professional heritage and preservation organizations have also raised concerns regarding private bodies searching for, and salvaging, historic wrecksespecially when such organizations only speak of finding and recovery, and not of subsequent preservation or research. The competing hypotheses There are several competing views on what happened to Earhart. Some searchers follow the official report's finding that she crashed and sank close to Howland Island. In January 2024, much media hype was generated by a sonar imagetaken by exploration company Deep Sea Visionof what some claimed was Earhart's aircraft. But in November, it was revealed to be a natural rock formation, with far less publicity. Many people will have seen the "discovery," but not the correction. The Nauticos Corporation has also been searching for Amelia since 2001, mounting searches in 2002, 2006 and 2017. Each one has come back empty-handed. Some searchers have also put forward outlandish theories that have all been debunked. These include the claims that Earhart was a spy for then US president Franklin D. Roosevelt, that she crashed in Papua New Guinea, that she was taken prisoner by the Japanese, and that she survived the flight and returned to live anonymously in the US. Cultural fascination and media myth-making The global media loves a sensational story: if it bleeds, it leads. But while there's no fresh blood in the Earhart story, the legacy and modern media have contributed to the proliferation of reports from dubious organizations. This kind of sensationalism can overshadow critical inquiry, and lead to unsupported claims being remembered long after quiet retractions and scientific rebuttals are published. At the time of her death, Earhart was among the most famous women in the world. She was a record-breaking pilot, best-selling author, feminist hero and friend of the first lady Eleanor Roosevelt. She disappeared at the peak of her career, and towards the end of the golden age of aerial exploration. Even people with no interest in historical aviation or aviation archaeology have heard of her, and want to read about the next expedition to find her. But at what cost? Each high-tech expedition costs millions of dollars. As yet, not one has produced irrefutable evidence of the wreckage. As searches continue, we must ensure they are supported by ethical funding and evidenced-based reporting. The story of Earhart's disappearance persists not just because of what we don't know, but because of how we choose to keep the myth alive. Perhaps one day we can let her rest in peace. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An undated image shows spider webs on a wall in Sulfur Cave, on the Greek-Albanian border. Credit: Istvan Urak via AP What is thought to be the world's largest-known spider's web, housing tens of thousands of arachnids, has been discovered in a cave on the Albanian-Greek border. After researchers published their findings of two different spider species peacefully cohabiting in a giant colony nestled in a pitch-black, sulfur-rich cave, evolutionary biologist Lena Grinsted likened the "extremely rare" occurrence to humans living in an apartment block. "When I saw this study, I was very excited because group living is really rare in spiders," Dr. Grinsted, a senior lecturer at the U.K.'s University of Portsmouth, told The Associated Press. "The fact that there was this massive colony of spiders living in a place that nobody had really noticed beforeI find extremely exciting." The results of the study, published last month in the journal Subterranean Biology, spread rapidly online due to the striking images of the giant 1,140-square-foot spider's web, a carpet-thick sprawl stretching along a narrow passage wall inside Sulfur Cave, which extends into Albania from its entrance in Greece. This arachnophobe's worst nightmare was quickly labelled the "world's largest spider web." But the most surprising thing about the spider colonywhich boasts an estimated 110,000 spidershad less to do with its size and more to do with what scientists found inside the huge mass of funnel-shaped webs. An undated image shows a Tegenaria Domestica spider in its web on a wall in Sulfur Cave, on the Greek-Albanian border. Credit: Istvan Urak via AP Two different spider speciesabout 69,000 Tegenaria domestica, or common house spider, and 42,000 Prinerigone vaganswere living side by side and thriving. The behavior, which had never been observed before, stunned scientists as, typically, the larger house spider would prey on its smaller neighbor. "So often if you have spiders in close vicinity, they will fight and end up eating each other," said Dr. Grinsted, who was not part of the cave study but has extensively researched spiders. "We can sometimes see that if there's an abundance of food that they sort of become a bit less aggressive." Abundant food source Scientists are keen to understand how and why the two species came to coexist peacefully in a "permanently dark zone" about 50 meters (164 feet) from the entrance of the cave, carved out by the waters of the Sarandaporo River to form the Vromoner Canyon. Part of the answer, the research suggests, may lie in the combination of the estimated 2.4 million midge flies that buzz around the spider colonyan "unusually dense swarm" that provides a constant food source in an otherwise predator-scarce environment. The scientists also speculate that the friendly living arrangement could be a result of darkness impairing the spiders' vision. However, Dr. Grinsted says it is more likely that the larger spiders evolved or simply grew accustomed to responding to vibratory cues when the small flies land on their silken weband maybe don't attack otherwise. An undated image shows spider webs on a wall in Sulfur Cave, on the Greek-Albanian border. Credit: Istvan Urak via AP "Spiders, in general, are not particularly good at seeing stuff ... and that includes these two species," she said. She added that the two species might cooperate "to some extent in building the web but I think it's highly unlikely that they cooperate in anything else like prey capture, in brood care, or looking after each other's babies." Dr. Grinsted draws parallels between the cohabiting spiders and how humans tend to coexist in apartment blocks. "You're very happy to share the stairs, the lift," she said. "But if anybody comes into your living room and you haven't invited them, you'll be aggressive towards them." She added that while many spiders are "typically solitary, very aggressive" toward other critters, the cohabitation of two species is "relatively common" once spiders have evolved the ability to live in groups. "But again, because these two species have never been found to live together and never been found to live in groups, it makes it particularly exciting," she said. An undated image shows a female, left, and male Metellina Merianae spider in their individual webs on a wall in Sulfur Cave, on the Greek-Albanian border. Credit: Istvan Urak via AP Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. 'The web is denselike a blanket' Dr. Blerina Vrenozi, a biologist and zoologist at the University of Tirana, in Albania, who co-authored the research paper, told the AP that the expeditions this year helped understand "how this mystery existed in there." "The DNA is interesting because they revealed that the species which live inside the cave is different from the one which lives outside the cave," she said. "So it's the same species, but different DNA." The cave colony's giant web was first observed in 2021 by a team of Czech speleologists led by Marek Audy. A year later, the Czech team expanded to include scientists from multiple universities, which led to the recently published scientific paper. "The web is dense; it's more like a blanket, and when there's danger, the female crawls back and hides, and no creature of a higher order can dig her out of there," Audy said. "Spiders in the cave lay about a third of the eggs compared to spiders that live outdoors. Because it's certain that they will raise their offspring there so they can afford to lay fewer eggs." Audy added that the cave, which is also home to large bat colonies, also thrive on the abundance of midges inside the humid, dark space. "They are constantly having a party there, both the spiders and the bats," he said. An undated image shows a female Metellina Merianae spider in its individual web on a wall in Sulfur Cave, on the Greek-Albanian border. Credit: Istvan Urak via AP Seemingly ideal environment The study noted that the methodology used might "slightly overestimate" the total population count of spiders in the colony, as some funnel webs may be abandoned or unoccupied. However, other experts agree that the team's exciting new research could offer broader evolutionary clues and deserves deeper study. Dr. Sara Goodacre, professor of evolutionary biology and genetics at the School of Life Sciences, at the UK's University of Nottingham, says these kinds of research projects help pave the way for more studies that could prove "fundamental to our understanding of what forces shape the world around usspidery or not." "Natural selection will favor the 'best' strategies the 'winning strategy,' whatever this is," she said. "My guess is that the benefits of being part of this community far outweigh the costs." She added that if the dynamics in the seemingly ideal environment of abundant food and relative safety were to change, "then 'freeloading' will emerge and it will all break down." The politics of coexistence will hopefully not prove trickier above ground. Audy said that Albania has already asked which side the newly famous spiders lie. "From a conservation point of view, we did something interesting there and marked out a border," he said. "I just looked into itand the spider web is on the Greek side." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: In this Aug. 2025 photo, two southern sea otters swim in Morro Bay, Calif. Credit: Brian Simuro/The Marine Mammal Center via AP It was a foggy October afternoon on the central California coast when the Marine Mammal Center got a call on their public hotline: there were distressed cries coming from the frigid waters in Morro Bay. The center's experts were able to determine that the callswhich sounded almost like a human baby screechingwere coming from a roughly 2-week-old sea otter pup that had been separated from its mother. That could be deadly for young sea otters, according to Shayla Zink, who works at the center in Morro Bay. "That pup is really relying on everything it learns from the mother to be able to survive in the ocean," Zink said, adding that a mother sea otter cares for her pup for up to nine months, often carrying her small baby on her chest. The employees at the center, with the help of the Morro Bay Harbor Patrol, jumped into action in what would be an hourslong journey. First, they put the baby otter, who they named "Caterpillar," into a safe container where it wouldn't overheat. Then, they recorded the sound of the pup's frantic cries. The plan was to boat around the area blasting the sound of the baby through a Bluetooth speaker to attempt to lure the mother towards the boat. They used a recording because they were worried that the pup would get tired and stop screaming, leaving them without any way to let the mom know that her pup had been found. It wouldn't be easy, but it wasn't the first time that a sea otter pup had been reunited with its mother that waya similar technique had been used in 2019. The center presides over marine mammals that live across approximately 600 miles (about 966 kilometers) of California coastline, but the small crew was determined, searching for two hours and playing the screeching cry nonstop, Zink said. This Aug. 2025 photo provided by The Marine Mammal Center shows a southern sea otter swimming in Morro Bay, Calif. Credit: Brian Simuro/The Marine Mammal Center via AP "Our intern had kept hitting play every once a minute," she said. "I think we all went home and it was still playing over and over in our brains." Eventually, a female otter popped her head above water and followed the boat, which is behavior that Zink said wasn't normal since otters typically only sleep, eat and groom their thick, furry coatsuninterested in humans on boats. But this female otter was persistent, Zink said. Zink played the speaker on one side of the boat and then ran to play it on the otherand each time the otter followed her. Eventually, once they felt certain that the otter was looking for her baby, the Zink lowered the pup into the water. Video shows the mother swimming over to her baby, who floats helplessly on its back. Eventually, the mom grabs her baby in her arms and appears to smell him, running her small hands over its dense fur. "I definitely cried a bit," Zink said. The reunion has bigger significance to the region, where sea otters play a crucial role in maintaining the structural integrity of marshy banks and preserving biodiversity. By the 1920s, sea otters were nearly wiped out by centuries of industrial-scale hunting for their fur pelts, decimating a global population that once stretched from Alaska to California, as well as into Russia and Japan. Hunting bans and habitat restoration efforts helped southern sea otters recover some of their former range, but Zink said that there are still only roughly 3,000 southern sea otters located in the California region. "It's just a really special moment to be able to reunite this threatened species with its mother, because any and every individual in this population is so, so important to keeping it going and bringing it back from that threat status," Zink said. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Journalists film Chinese astronauts for the upcoming Shenzhou 20 mission, from left, Wang Jie, captain Chen Dong and Chen Zhongrui wave at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwest China, Wednesday, April 23, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong, file Three Chinese astronauts returned from their nation's space station Friday after more than a week's delay because the return capsule they had planned to use was damaged, likely from being hit by space debris. The team left their Shenzhou-20 spacecraft in orbit and came back using the recently arrived Shenzhou-21, which had ferried a three-person replacement crew to the station, China's Manned Space Agency said. The original return plan was scrapped because a window in the Shenzhou-20 capsule had tiny cracks, most likely caused by impact from space debris, the space agency said Friday. They had been on a six-month rotation and were originally scheduled to return Nov. 5, four days after the new crew arrived. Their return was delayed for nine days, and their 204-day stay in space was the longest for any astronaut at China's space station. It wasn't clear if the change in spacecraft would affect the timing of future missions to the Tiangong space station, where new crews typically swap in every six months. The space agency said that Shenzhou-22 would be launched but did not specify when. Chen Dong, the mission commander, said he felt at ease after their return, calling his latest space voyage both a training opportunity and a real test. "The path of human space exploration is not smooth," he said after emerging from the capsule. "It's filled with difficulties and challenges. But that is exactly why we choose to walk this path." The return capsule deployed a red and white striped parachute as it came down in the late afternoon to a remote site in northern China's Gobi Desert, about five and a half hours after leaving the space station. The impact sent up a large cloud of dust in the barren landscape. The astronauts were carried out one by one about 30 minutes later and put into waiting chairs that were then loaded into individual orange trucks that took them away across the flat and scrubby desert. Chinese astronaut for the Shenzhou 20 mission, Chen Dong, center, speaks next to his comrades Chen Zhongrui, right, and Wang Jie as they attend a send-off ceremony for their manned space mission at the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in northwestern China, Thursday, April 24, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Andy Wong, file Millions of pieces of space debris are circling the Earth at speeds faster than a bullet flies. The mostly tiny fragments can come from launches and collisions and pose a risk to satellites, space stations and the astronauts who operate outside them. The temporarily stranded astronauts, who had traveled to the space station in April, conducted experiments with the new crew and were " in good condition, working and living normally," the space agency said earlier this week. Returning with the astronauts were four mice that also had a longer than planned stay after arriving on Shenzhou-21 about two weeks ago. The mice were brought to study how weightlessness and confinement would affect them. The study will help in the development of technologies to breed and monitor small mammals in space, the Chinese Academy of Sciences said. Jiang Yue, at the academy's space application engineering and technology center, said the mice were monitored 24 hours in orbit to observe their activity. The scientists found the mice adapted to the microgravity environment in a very short period of time, and that they could eat, drink and sleep on their own. The mice will be sent to a hospital for further study. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. China's space program is a source of national pride. State broadcaster CCTV showed the astronauts' return live. A Chinese national flag flapped in a stiff wind after being planted in the ground near where the capsule landed. Besides building its own space station, China has explored Mars with a robotic rover and aims to land a person on the moon by 2030. China developed the Tiangong space station after the country was excluded from the International Space Station over U.S. national security concerns. China's space program is controlled by its military. The Tiangong, which means "Heavenly Palace," hosted its first crew in 2021. It is smaller than the International Space Station, which has been operating for 25 years. The International Space Station has also had delayed returns, notably that of two NASA astronauts whose one-week test flight of a new Boeing crew capsule in 2024 turned into nine months after problems cropped up with the capsule. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain Even after factoring in student loan payments, completing a college degree continues to pay off, according to new research from Washington University in St. Louis' Center for Social Development (CSD) at the Brown School. The study, posted to the SSRN preprint server, finds that degree holders earn on average $8,000 more per year than similar individuals who attended college but did not complete a degreeeven after accounting for student loan payments. Without factoring in debt, the earnings premium rises to $10,400 per year. "Despite concerns about rising tuition costs and growing debt, the data show that higher education remains a worthwhile financial investment," said Jason Jabbari, an assistant professor at the Brown School, faculty director of the Clark-Fox Policy Institute and co-author of the report. "Our findings highlight not only the continued value of a college degree, but also the importance of supporting students through to completion." The research teamwhich includes Guangli Zhang, Xueying Mei, Yung Chun and Stephen Roll of the CSD, along with Mathieu Despard of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hillused linked data from a national credit bureau and the National Student Clearinghouse to produce one of the most detailed looks yet at the economic return on higher education. Unlike traditional earnings analyses, the team developed a "debt-adjusted earnings" measure that accounts for student loan payments. This approach provides a more complete picture of how debt affects the financial returns of completing a postsecondary credential. Their results show that while student debt reduces the immediate financial gains from earning a degree, the long-term benefits remain substantial: Associate degree holders spend about 9% of their extra earnings on loan payments. Bachelor's degree holders spend 19%. Master's degree holders spend 57%, though their faster salary growth narrows this gap over time. Students completing undergraduate certificates also saw meaningful benefits, with debt-adjusted earnings roughly $5,000 higher than those who did not complete them. "The message here is clear," said Zhang, a CSD data analyst. "Higher education pays off, but debt burdens vary considerably across degree levels. Policies that promote college completion and reduce financial barriers can maximize these returns." The researchers said that pending federal policy changes, such as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, could limit access to these opportunities. The bill will impose new borrowing caps for graduate students and expand "gainful employment" rules that could restrict federal aid for some programs. "Our evidence shows that most graduates more than meet federal standards for gainful employment," Jabbari said. "Policymakers should focus on expandingnot constrainingaccess to higher education financing, especially for students most likely to benefit from completing a degree." The study also suggests expanding student loan programs to include non-degree credential programs, which can lead to strong financial returns for many workers. More information: Beyond Earnings Premia: Debt-Adjusted Returns to Postsecondary Education. papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cf ?abstract_id=5375794 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: HM Prison Wormwood Scrubs. Credit: Chmee2/Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA Outlawing drugs once known as "legal highs" led to waves of violence, self-harm and suicide in prisons, according to a study released by the University of Sussex. Despite being made illegal in 2016, new psychoactive substances (NPS) remain widely available behind bars, including "spice," a highly potent synthetic drug linked to unpredictable behavior, stimulants such as mephedrone and the ketamine-like psychedelic methoxetamine. Today's analysis of Ministry of Justice (MoJ) records from all prisons in England and Wales reveals major unintended consequences to the ban. The study found that while it reduced NPS availability, with an average fall of 32%, outlawing the drugs also led to a surge in violence. There was a 38% rise in serious assaults, with 164 additional incidents in the four months immediately following the law change. The analysis found no reduction in the volume or severity of violence over the long term. Prison records also show a 15% increase in self-directed violence in the weeks following the legislation, amounting to around 945 additional incidents of self-harm and ten suicides. Researchers believe higher prices made NPS drug habits unsustainable for some people with severe addiction, leading inmates to hurt themselves and clash with others. Report author Dr. Rocco d'Este, Associate Professor at the University of Sussex said, "Reducing the supply of any popular drug tends to inflate prices, and New Psychoactive Substances are no exception. With more money to be made from dealing and fewer inmates able to feed their habit, power struggles can break out among dealers and increasingly desperate addicts. This has inflamed an already heated environment in overcrowded prisons where mental health problems are highly concentrated." Speaking to The Guardian back in 2016 the Chief Inspector of Prisons Peter Clarke warned of the worst drug-related problems ever seen in prisons, with "debt, bullying and violence making it difficult for normal prison life to continue." The Psychoactive Substances Act outlawed these drugs that same year, but until now little has been known about whether the ban succeeded. The report calls for policymakers to consider the links between withdrawal symptoms and violence when drawing up new drugs policies which will affect prisoners. Dr. d'Este said, "Addicts withdrawing from synthetic cannabis can experience acute psychosis, hallucinations and paranoid delusions. "Cutting drug supply in prisons where NPS addiction is rife without offering effective treatment adds another element of danger to understaffed institutions. We need to start addressing demand as well as supply by delivering proper medical treatment and improving living conditions for inmates." Huge profits are being made from NPS sales behind bars. The report cites previous research by Manchester Metropolitan University showing that before the 2016 ban an ounce of synthetic cannabis could be bought online for as little as 84, or 3 per gram. This was resold in prisons for around 100 per gram, with inmates using contraband phones and mobile banking to transfer drug money. Various studies, including the Home Office's own 2018 policy impact report, estimate that the ban increased NPS prices by somewhere between 80 and 300%, as sources moved from legal head shops to the black market. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Today's paper uses MoJ records to compare incidences of violence and self-harm before and after the 2016 policy, covering 96 prisons over forty months. The researchers ruled out other explanations for changes in violent behavior by creating a control group of prisons with a less serious NPS problem. The immediate rise in violence which was found in prisons with high rates of NPS use when the ban came in was not seen in the control group. The University of Sussex's report warns of future costs to society if authorities fail to act, citing 2022 research which found that violent prison conditions increase reoffending rates. Dr. d'Este says, "Continuing to ignore the addiction and violence endemic to our prisons will lead to more crime on our streets, and more taxpayer money going on prison sentences in future. We need effective prisoner rehabilitation programs that will also protect citizens and stop pretending we can just lock people up and release them back into society in a worse state than they went in." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dark-colored lichens on the Antarctica. Credit: AIRCAS A research team from the Aerospace Information Research Institute of the Chinese Academy of Sciences (AIRCAS), in collaboration with Argentina's Center for Advanced Studies in Earth Sciences and Biodiversity (CADIC-CONICET), has identified critical blind spots in current Antarctic vegetation mapping caused by the poor detectability of dark-colored lichens. Recently published in The Innovation, their findings demonstrate that conventional optical remote sensing methods systematically underestimate vegetation coverage across Antarctica, with the issue being particularly pronounced in regions dominated by dark-colored lichens. Specifically, in the lower-latitude South Shetland Islands, vegetation coverage is underestimated by approximately 31.5%, and dark-colored lichens account for 73% of this discrepancy. In the higher-latitude northeastern Antarctic Peninsula, lichens make up as much as 90% of total vegetation coverage. Even so, spectral indices frequently classify these areas as "non-vegetated." Additionally, the study reveals that the higher the proportion of dark-colored lichens, the more severe the underestimationpointing to a systematic bias in existing Antarctic vegetation mapping frameworks. Furthermore, the researchers integrated observations with a recently released lichen geospatial dataset to quantitatively assess how "invisible vegetation" drives mapping errors. Their results show that dark-colored lichens constitute an average of 54% of Antarctic lichen communities: In lower-latitude regions, this proportion exceeds 40%, while in higher latitudes, it reaches nearly 80%. This uneven distribution creates spatially biased underestimation, which distorts cross-regional vegetation analyses and impedes accurate evaluations of both vegetation distribution and ecosystem dynamics. The study highlights that future Antarctic vegetation remote sensing should focus on high-latitude lichen hotspots through long-term monitoring and model optimization, the researchers noted. More information: Wenjin Wu et al, The overlooked dark-colored lichens: Blind spots in Antarctic vegetation mapping with remote sensing, The Innovation (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.xinn.2025.101122 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Brazil is hosting the COP30 climate summit in Belem, a city in the country's north best known as a gateway to the Amazon. Two years after nations agreed to transition away from fossil fuels, dozens are pushing to go even further at the COP30 climate summit, setting up a showdown with oil powers. The fires were lit when Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, addressing world leaders ahead of the UN climate talks, called for a more concrete plan to "overcome dependence on fossil fuels." This strong and unexpected political support has motivated a coalition of nations at COP30 hoping to advance the fossil fuel phase out, despite stiff opposition. The so-called "roadmap" is not officially on the COP30 agendabut a concerted diplomatic push is underway to change that. Countries including France, Colombia, Germany and Kenya are working with others to get fossil fuels "in the overall negotiated package," said a source from the French delegation at COP30. These countries want a consensus decision by the nearly 200 nations in Belem, a signal that would carry far greater global heft than a declaration signed only by the nations on board with the roadmap goal. "Our priority for the coming days is to broaden this coalition, to speak to all the countries that believe we need to move forward and accelerate on this issue," the French source added. They believe 50 to 60 countriesa broad sweep from Europe, Africa, Latin America, and small island statessupport the effort already, but are pushing for 100. Lay the foundation The idea is to build on a historic pledge in Dubai in 2023 to "transition away from fossil fuels in energy systems, in a just, orderly and equitable manner." It was the first time a decision by all nations at a climate summit had explicitly mentioned a global move away from fossil fuels, the main driver of climate change. It is not expected every country would support, for example, demands to specify dates or targets for phasing out coal, oil and gas. But there is a call for countries to submit more specific details about progress toward that goal, something that could be reviewed possibly in a year's time at the next COP. "I really like the roadmap idea because it lays the foundation for a fair and planned transition," Brazil's Environment Minister Marina Silva said this week. Colombia is also circulating a document seen by AFPthe "Belem Declaration"that supports "the call to advance a roadmap for the transition away from fossil fuels." The South American country has announced it will host a conference in April 2026 specifically on accelerating this phase out. 'Diplomatic puzzle' "It's a diplomatic puzzle that's taking shape," said Romain Ioualalen from Oil Change International, an activist group. The challenge is to present COP30 hosts Brazil, who are bound by a principle of neutrality, with a sufficiently large enough bloc of countries to force the issue, he added. But there are still many long days of negotiation before COP30 wraps on November 21plenty of time for spoilers to thwart the plan. Most oil-producing states, particularly Saudi Arabia, flatly oppose the idea taking root and have pushed back in various negotiation rooms in Belem, several sources said. Around 70 countries are estimated to be opposed to any new decision out of COP30 that addresses fossil fuels, said one negotiator. "It's good to talk about phasing down, or even phasing out fossil fuels while you are living in such developed nations as France," quipped Russia's chief negotiator, Vladimir Uskov, to AFP. "While people in cities like Belem do not even have the access to food and to electricity, we cannot say that we need to develop solar or wind but we don't have the basics. So, these people need energy and these people sometimes and often need fuels as well." The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), which includes countries like Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Gabon, and Venezuela, has just confirmed its forecasts for increased global oil demand in 2025 and 2026. Brazil, itself, is not without its contradictions, approving an oil exploration project at the mouth of the Amazon River just days before COP30 began. 2025 AFP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain The Trump administration has given corporations plenty of convenient excuses to retreat from their climate commitments, with its moves to withdraw from the Paris Agreement, roll back emissions regulations, and scale back clean energy incentives. But will the world's largest corporations follow its lead? Some multinational companies have indeed scaled back. For instance, Wells Fargo dropped its goal for the companies the bank finances to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, saying the conditions necessary for meeting that goal, such as policy certainty, consumer behavior and the pace of clean technology development, hadn't fully materialized. Oil giant BP told investors that earlier optimism about a fast transition to renewable energy was "misplaced" given the changing regulatory environment. However, many others, including the world's largest retailer, Walmart, aren't trading their long-term risk planning for Washington's focus on short-term cost savings. They are continuing their climate policies, but often doing so quietly to avoid scrutiny. These companies still face ongoing pressure from state and local governments, the European Union, customers and other sources to reduce their impact on the climate. They also see ways to gain a competitive advantage from investing in a cleaner future. As a professor of economics and public policy, I study what motivates global businesses to engage in environmentally friendly behavior. For my new book, "Corporations at Climate Crossroads," I interviewed executives and analyzed corporate climate actions and environmental performance of Global 500 and S&P 500 companies over the past decade. These companies' climate decisions are driven by a complex interplay of pressures from existing and future laws and the need to earn goodwill with employees, customers, investors, regulators and others. States wield influence, too In the U.S., state climate regulations affect multinational corporations. That's especially true in Californiathe world's fifth largest economy and the state with the largest population. While President Donald Trump dismantles U.S. climate policies, California has moved in the opposite direction. California's newly enacted climate laws extend its cap-and-trade program, now called "cap and invest," which is designed to ratchet down corporate emissions. They also lock in binding targets to reach net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2045. And they set clean-power levels that rival the Europe Union's Green Deal and outpace most national governments. Other states have joined California in committing to meet the goals of the international Paris climate agreement as part of the U.S. Climate Alliance. The bipartisan coalition of 24 governors, from Arizona's to Vermont's, represents over half of the U.S. population. Several states have been considering "polluters pay" laws. These laws would require companies to pay for their contributions to climate change, with the money going into funds for adaptation projects. Vermont and New York passed similar laws in 2024. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Climate laws still apply in Europe and elsewhere Outside the U.S., several countries have climate regulations that multinational companies must meet. The European Union aims to cut its emissions by at least 50% by 2030 through policies including binding climate reporting rules for large corporations and carbon taxes for goods entering the EU, along with initiatives to support innovation and competitiveness in clean energy and green infrastructure. Companies also face emissions reporting requirements in the United Kingdom, New Zealand, Singapore, California and cities like Hong Kong. Timelines for some of those laws have shifted, but they're moving forward. The International Court of Justice also issued a recent advisory opinion establishing that countries around the globe have a legal obligation to protect the climate. That decision may ultimately increase pressure on global businesses to reduce their contributions to climate change. Multinationals put pressure on supply chains Multinational companies' efforts to reduce their climate impact puts pressure on their suppliersmeaning many more companies must take their climate impact into consideration. For instance, U.S.-based Walmart operates over 10,000 stores across 19 countries and is the largest single buyer of goods in the world. That means it faces a wide range of regulations, including tracking and reducing emissions from its suppliers. Given its enormous purchasing volume, Walmart's procurement standards ripple through vast supply chains. In 2017, it launched Project Gigaton, aiming to cut 1 gigaton of supply-chain greenhouse gas emissions by 2030. Suppliers including Nestle, Unilever, Coca Cola, Samsung and Hanes helped the company reach its target six years early through practical measures such as boosting energy efficiency, redesigning packaging, and reducing food waste. Walmart did push back the deadlines for two of its more ambitious emissions reduction targets in 2025. At the same time, almost half of its electricity worldwide came from renewable energy in 2024, its emissions per unit of revenue fell, and it is working toward zero emissions from its operations by 2040. There are profits to be made in clean tech In addition to facing pressure from buyers and governments, companies see profits to be made from investing in climate-friendly clean technology. Since 2016, investments in clean energy have outpaced that of fossil fuels globally. This trend has only hastened, with nearly twice as much invested in clean energy as fossil fuels in 2025. Lately, myriad new business opportunities for multinational companies and start-ups alike have focused on meeting AI's energy demand through clean energy. From 2014 to 2024, the climate tech sector yielded total returns of nearly 200%, and U.S. investment in climate tech was still growing in 2025. In the first half of 2025, close to one-fifth of the over 1,600 venture deals in climate tech were made by corporations for strategic reasons, such as technology access, supply chain integration, or future product offerings. Companies look to the future As climate risks grow alongside political headwinds, companies are facing both pushes toward and pulls away from protecting the planet from catastrophic effects. Oil and gas companies, for example, continue to invest in new oil and gas development. However, they also forecast renewable energy growth accelerating and are investing in clean tech. The corporate leaders I interviewed, from tech companies like Intel to sporting goods and apparel companies like Adidas, talked about aligning sustainability efforts and initiatives across their business globally whenever possible. This proactive approach allows them to more seamlessly collect data and respond to pressures arising domestically and globally, minimizing the need for costly patchwork efforts later. Moreover, global businesses know they will continue to face demands from their customers, investors and employees to be better stewards of the planet. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. BROOKLYN, N.Y. and WALTHAM, Mass., Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- National Grid is joining forces with local food banks and pantries across New York and Massachusetts to help combat food insecurity for families facing economic challenges as demand for assistance continues to rise. The company's contribution will help expand food assistance, enabling 15 food organizations to reach even more families with essential groceries and fresh produce, provide healthy meals for home-bound individuals and support pop-up pantries. As the need for food assistance surges and states expand efforts to fill the gap to help families in need, National Grid's contribution will enable these vital community organizations to purchase more food and keep pantry shelves stocked. This support comes at a critical time as families navigate economic hardships. "Families in our communities need our help more than ever," said Komie Jain, Global Head Social Impact and Community Engagement. "We are grateful to work with our local community partners help provide food for those in need. This is one of the many ways National Grid's social impact initiatives provide essential support in the communities we serve where it is needed most." National Grid funding will support the following organizations: National Grid is contributing $400,000 to local partner food organizations to help address the growing need for hunger relief. "The increased need that Food Bank of Central New York has seen across our 11-county service area in 2 weeks has been staggering. We thank National Grid for these funds which will support the Food Bank and our community partners as we continue to work to meet the demand." Karen Belcher, President & CEO, Food Bank of Central New York "We're profoundly grateful to National Grid for this extraordinary generosity at a time when so many people are turning to the Food Bank and our region's food assistance network for help. This donation strengthens our ability to provide nutritious food to individuals and families ensuring no one goes hungry when facing hard times." Jillian Morgan, Director of Development, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts. "Catholic Charities of Staten Island is deeply grateful to the National Grid Food Relief Funds for this generous grant, which will help ensure that no one in our community goes hungry. This support strengthens our mission to provide nutritious meals and essential food assistance to families experiencing hardship. We are thankful for this partnership and for the continued commitment to compassion and care that makes such an impact in the lives of our Staten Island neighbors." Claire Atalla, CEO, Catholic Charities of Staten Island "We're profoundly grateful to National Grid for this extraordinary generosity at a time when so many people are turning to the Food Bank and our region's food assistance network for help. This donation strengthens our ability to provide nutritious food to individuals and familiesensuring no one goes hungry when facing hard times." Jillian Morgan, Director of Development, Food Bank of Western Massachusetts "National Grid has once again demonstrated what it means to stand up for New Yorkers in times of crisis. Their generous support enables us to reach more families in Brooklyn and Queens who are struggling to put food on the table. At The Campaign Against Hunger, we see the faces behind the statistics every day, parents, veterans, and seniors who depend on our services. With partners like National Grid, we can continue to meet the moment with compassion and impact." Dr. Melony Samuels, CEO and Founder, The Campaign Against Hunger "We believe that true partnership is built on a shared mission. National Grid exemplifies this spirit--showing up not only with resources, but with sleeves rolled up and ready to lend a hand. Their commitment, especially at this time, is a powerful reminder that when businesses invest in community, we build something meaningful and lasting." Pamela Denholm, Executive Director, Weymouth Food Pantry. "National Grid's Food Assistance program, coming at this challenging time, is a huge relief. Rising food costs, the stoppage of benefits and the holiday season have stretched our resources to the max. With National Grid's support we are back making a difference providing turkeys and fresh vegetables for food insecure families in East New York, Brownsville, Sunset Park, and South East Queens. Once again National Grid stepped up for our communities and we are very grateful." Don Hong, President, UA3 "We know that 42% of people in Buffalo & Erie County face financial hardship and struggle to afford necessities like food. The grants that National Grid is deploying across the state will help many people get the assistance they need during these trying times. We are grateful to National Grid for supporting the United Way's Community Resilience Fund, which allows us to continue to address urgent community needs in times of crisis." Trina Burruss, President and CEO, United Way of Buffalo & Erie County "FeedMore WNY works with more than 400 partner agencies around Western New York to provide nutritional assistance to seniors, veterans, children, and families in need around our community. This support from National Grid is a huge help to our network, and will help FeedMore and our partners put food on the table for more families across Cattaraugus, Chautauqua, Erie, and Niagara counties," Tara A. Ellis, President & CEO, FeedMore WNY "We are deeply grateful to National Grid for this generous $25,000 gift. At a time when so many families are struggling this support helps Long Island Cares ensure that our neighbors have food on their tables and hope for the days ahead. These funds will help sustain our mission to serve families at risk of food insecurity and to strengthen the safety net that keeps our community fed." said Katherine Fritz, President & CEO, Long Island Cares "These timely funds from National Grid will be put to use immediately to support vulnerable community members during our busiest time of the year. Funds will support our brick-and-mortar store location, our mobile pantry program and deliveries to homebound individuals. We are so grateful for the support of National Grid." Robyn Burns, Executive Director, The Salem Pantry "Island Harvest Food Bank is incredibly grateful to partner with National Grid. The grant of $50,000 will support our Hunger Relief Action Fund. National Grid is a year-round supporter of Island Harvest, including volunteer days with their staff, membership on our Board, and stepping up when Long Islanders are facing crisis." Randi Shubin Dresner, President & CEO, Island Harvest "In recent weeks, the needs of our community have grown greatly in the face of major program cuts and federal uncertainty that continues to create strain. Each time there has been an urgent need, National Grid shows up without hesitation for the Capital Region. Their generosity will have an immediate impact for the families we serve, through putting food on the table, helping local food pantries remain well stocked, and ensuring families have access to vital resources. We are proud to work alongside partners who share our commitment to helping every household thrive." Peter Gannon, President and CEO, United Way of the Greater Capital Region "We are deeply grateful to National Grid for their generous support, which helps us deliver essential food assistance to families in need. Strong community partnerships like this are the heart of our mission and make a meaningful difference for those served by the Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry." Dave Perry, President, Greater Fall River Community Food Pantry "We are truly grateful to National Grid for this timely and generous support. As an organization entirely reliant on donations, this partnership helps us provide food, clothing, and essential items to thousands of families each week, ensuring we can meet growing demand and uphold our mission to serve all in need." Paul Lonergan, Executive Director, The Family Pantry of Cape Cod In addition to financial support, National Grid employees will volunteer to assist with food distributions during the holiday season as part of the company's annual Grid for Good Season of Giving initiative, furthering the company's commitment to social impact and community engagement. This program, dedicated to making a positive difference in the local communities, is guided by three pillars increasing access to affordable energy, developing the energy workforce and supporting community resilience. About National Grid National Grid (NYSE: NGG) is an electricity, natural gas, and clean energy delivery company serving more than 20 million people through our networks in New York and Massachusetts. National Grid is focused on building a smarter, stronger, cleaner energy future transforming our networks with more reliable and resilient energy solutions to meet state climate goals and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. For more information, please visit our website , follow us on X , watch us on YouTube , like us on Facebook , and find our photos on Instagram. SOURCE National Grid This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: NASA / Ron Garan On Sunday November 2, people in eastern Victoria witnessed a bright streak across the sky followed by a loud sonic boom that felt like an earthquake. The event was captured by security cameras and mobile phones. Last month, in South Australia, the SA Museum investigated whether a meteorite had struck a moving car, cracking and scorching its windshield. Two months earlier, in August, another fireball lit up central Victoria, prompting scientists and volunteers to search farmland near Ballarat and Bendigo for fragments, though none have yet been found. So meteorites are more common than you might think. But what should you do if you find one? How often do meteorites land on Earth? Every day, Earth is showered with more than 100 tons of cosmic dust. Every year, hundreds of meteorites fall somewhere on Earth, but most splash unnoticed into oceans or land in remote wilderness. Only around ten witnessed falls each year are currently recovered. Australia, with its vast deserts and sparse vegetation, is one of the world's best places to spot and preserve these rare visitors from space. To date, more than 78,000 meteorites have been identified worldwide. Most originate from asteroids, with some even traced to Mars or the moon. Collecting meteorites on Earth is often described as the cheapest form of space exploration. Scientists now have over five times as much moon rock from meteorites than was returned by the Apollo missions, and with a greater diversity of rock types, providing insights into parts of the moon that astronauts never sampled. Famous Australian meteorites Australia has produced some of the world's most notable finds. The Cranbourne meteorites (Victoria, described scientifically from 1854 onward), include massive iron specimens and are among the largest recovered in the country. The Murchison meteorite (1969, Victoria) contains the oldest minerals to form in our solar system, amino acidsthe building blocks of lifeand "stardust" that formed in exploding stars billions of years before our sun existed. Cranbourne meteorite photographed by Richard Daintree on 21 February, 1862. Credit: State Library of Victoria Fragment of the Murchison meteorite showing its black fusion crust that fell in Victoria, Australia in 1969. Credit: Rodney Start, Museums Victoria, CC BY More recently, Bunburra Rockhole (2007, Western Australia) was captured on camera by the Desert Fireball Network. The meteorite's unusual basaltic composition offers rare insights into the diversity of asteroids. Today, observation programs such as the Desert Fireball Network track meteors across Australian skies. These help researchers locate and recover new falls such as Murrili (2015, Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre, SA), Puli Ilkaringuru (2019, Nullarbor Plain, WA) and Pindarri Punju Puri (2025, Lake Hope, WA) meteorites. Australia's arid regions, particularly the Nullarbor Plain, preserve meteorites exceptionally well, with more than half of Australia's known meteorites found there. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. What to do if you think you've found a meteorite If you stumble on a dark, unusually heavy rock with a smooth, sometimes glossy or dimpled surfaceknown as a fusion crustand it looks different from the surrounding stones, it could be a meteorite. Some of the most unusual meteorites, such as Murchison, are not particularly heavy, so don't rule your possible meteorite out on weight alone. If you think you might have found one, follow these steps to preserve its scientific value. Photograph it before touching. Include wide and close-up shots and include something for scale, such a coin. Record GPS coordinates, date and time. Your phone's location data is fine. Don't clean it. Avoid washing, scrubbing or polishing to preserve delicate minerals and chemical signatures. Handle carefully. Use gloves and wrap in clean aluminum foil, not plastic. Note everything. Describe the ground type and any features, including nearby rocks. Contact your state or territory museum for advice and identification. When good intentions go wrong Unfortunately, not all meteorite finds have been handled with care. Over the years, many have been damaged by well-meaning collectors who soaked them in acid, accelerating corrosion. Some have been scrubbed or hit with a sledge hammer, destroying their fusion crust. Still others were removed from strewn fields without recording their locations. Some were even sold or exported illegally, putting them beyond scientific reach. These actions have caused the permanent loss of valuable evidence, sometimes the only clues to a meteorite's cosmic origin. Who owns meteorites? In Australia, meteorite ownership is governed by state and territory laws rather than a single national rule, so it depends on where the meteorite lands. In WA, all meteorites are state property under the Museum Act, while in SA they belong to the Crown and are managed by the SA Museum. The Northern Territory also declares meteorites Crown property under the Meteorites Act 1987. Finders must report discoveries to the relevant museum. Museums may acknowledge the finder, but the specimens remain part of public collections for research and display. Other states may allow finders to keep meteorites, though it's always best to check and report the find to your state museum. Export of meteorites from Australia is regulated at the federal level and permits are required. These rules ensure meteorites remain accessible for scientific study and for the public to see, contrasting with some other countries where ownership often passes directly to either the finder or private landowner, such as the United Kingdom, United States and some Canadian provinces. Fireballs continue to light up Australian skies each year. By documenting finds carefully, reporting them, and respecting ownership laws, anyone can contribute to planetary science. And sometimes, the next big discovery might literally fall at your feet. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: CC0 Public Domain The military continues to play a vital role in powering San Diego's economy, supporting nearly 357,000 local jobs and contributing $61.3 billion to the region's total economic output, according to the 2025 Military Economic Impact Report (MEIR). The report is released annually by the San Diego Military Advisory Council (SDMAC) and the University of California San Diego's Rady School of Management. Defense spending accounts for 22.2% of the region's Gross Regional Product, according to the report. While total spending dipped slightlyby about 3% from last yeardue to federal budget constraints, the findings underscore the enduring strength and stability of the defense sector in San Diego's economy. "San Diego's defense community continues to be one of the most dynamic and stabilizing forces in our economy," said Lisa Ordonez, dean of the Rady School of Management. "Our collaboration with SDMAC reflects Rady's ongoing commitment to generating insights that strengthen our region while supporting the service members, veterans, and families who call it home." The 2025 report documents $39.3 billion in direct defense spending, including $19.8 billion in defense contracts awarded to more than 2,000 companies across the region. Payroll for active-duty, reserve, and civilian employees totaled $15.1 billion, while retirement and veterans' benefits rose to $4.3 billion, reflecting San Diego's long-standing role as home to one of the largest military and veteran communities in the nation. "San Diego's military presence remains a key driver of economic growth, innovation, and collaboration," said Michael Meyer, associate teaching professor at the Rady School and faculty lead for the report since 2021. "Even with modest shifts and uncertainties in federal budgets, the data show how resilient and deeply connected the defense sector is to our region's workforce and technology ecosystem." Overall, the defense sector supports more than one in five local jobsemploying roughly 143,000 active-duty, reserve, and civilian personnel, as well as indirectly sustaining an additional 214,000 jobs through contracting, logistics and local business activity. Innovation and energy resilience on the rise Beyond the economic data, the 2025 MEIR spotlights how military and academic partnerships are fueling new forms of innovation. San Diego's convergence of defense installations, research institutions such as UC San Diego and technology firms continues to advance emerging fields such as autonomous systems, artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. While just 0.5% of California's 2025 venture capital investment went to defense startups in San Diego, initiatives like UC San Diego's Innovating for National Security (i4NS) program are building stronger connections between entrepreneurs, academia and the Department of Defense. The report also highlights San Diego's growing leadership in energy resilience. Projects like the Haybarn Energy Reliability Center at Camp Pendleton and new microgrid systems at Naval Base San Diego are designed to enhance operational readiness while supporting California's clean energy goals. A partnership that strengthens the region For nearly two decades, SDMAC has partnered with the Rady School of Management to produce the annual Military Economic Impact Report. Each year, Rady faculty and MBA students analyze regional data to quantify the scale and scope of the military's impact on San Diego's economy. "This collaboration helps decision-makers in San Diego, Sacramento, and Washington, D.C. understand how critical the defense sector isnot only to national security but also to local innovation, workforce development, and quality of life," said David Boone, SDMAC president and CEO and a retired U.S. Navy rear admiral. Boone added, "Our report concludes that even amid evolving federal spending patterns, the defense sector remains one of San Diego's most stable and forward-looking engines of growth." Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. A business school committed to serving those who serve This year, Meyer led a group of eight current Rady students who contributed to the report, all of whom are either active duty, veteran, or spouse of a service member. Marvin Minas, who has more than 17 years of service, was one of those students. Minas is a Flex MBA student and veteran who continues to serve as an Army Space Operations Officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. "Contributing to the report gives us direct insight into the current challenges the military and San Diego face, and an appreciation of the vibrant efforts taking place to employ solutions with industry, government, and academia working in concert," Minas said. "Rady students participating in the production of the MEIR have a unique opportunity to directly interface with top leaders and change agents in industry, academia, the military, as well as other non-profit organizations." The Rady School's involvement in the report reflects its broader commitment to serving veterans and active-duty service members Through initiatives such as the Yellow Ribbon Program, veteran fellowships, and personalized advising, Rady provides pathways for service members to translate their leadership experience into successful careers across industries like technology, consulting, and operations. This fall, Rady proudly welcomed new military and veteran students who represented 30% of the incoming class across programs. "Supporting veterans and active-duty service members is part of who we are as a business school and as a San Diego institution," said Ordonez. "Our region's identity is deeply tied to the military, and we're proud to help service members build on their leadership experience to make an impact in business and innovation." More information: The 2025 Military Economic Impact Report was released on November 12, 2025. The full report and key findings are available at SDMAC.org. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: With visibility less than 10 feet, the dive team got its first up-close look at the wreckage of the B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed off the coast of Denmark in 1943. This 3-blade propellor was among the most easily identifiable parts of the aircraft. Credit: Jens Lindstrom For some families, the end of World War II brought long-awaited reunions with returning soldiers. For others, it marked the traumatic realization that their loved ones were among the many still lost or missing. Among those unaccounted are the crew of a four-engined heavy bomber aircraft B-17 Flying Fortress that crashed into the depths of the Baltic Sea in 1943 sometime during the height of battle against the Nazis. Eight decades later, that same bomber was recently discovered by researchers from Texas A&M University in an investigative project to help identify the aircraft and its occupants, in hopes of bringing closure to the descendants of the missing soldiers. Led by Texas A&M nautical archaeologist Dr. Piotr Bojakowski, in collaboration with the U.S. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA), the team traveled to Denmark in July for a mission launched from Kiel Bay, Germany, to identify and document the remains of the combat aircraft. The effort is part of the DPAA's global effort to locate and identify the remains of approximately 81,000 American service members still unaccounted for from past wars and marks yet another milestone in Texas A&M's longstanding reputation as a leader in underwater archaeology. "I've worked on many archaeological sites and underwater sites, but I always have a special preference for World War II and military sites," Bojakowski said. "We want to investigate the case not just as an archaeological site; we want to understand what happened and bring closure to the families. It is a unique experience that requires a lot of archaeological work and careful investigation of all individual pieces to provide the best answers." Divers and remote sensing confirm the wreckage Using advanced underwater exploration technologies, including side-scan sonar imaging and magnetometry metal detection, the researchers conducted a remote sensing survey of a one-square-kilometer area of the Baltic Sea to pinpoint the exact location of the B-17 wreckage, originally discovered by a local diver and reported to the DPAA in 2001. Anomalies detected on the seafloor were marked as potential targets of interest, and a remotely operated vehicle was deployed to determine whether they represented unusual geological formations or aircraft debris. An image resembling part of an airfoil prompted Bojakowski, members of his team and volunteers from the Nordic Maritime Group to dive to the site to confirm the findings. There, buried under years of sediment and marine growth, lay the remains of the downed bomber. "It's an exciting process to see a crash site underwater," Bojakowski said. "Even though it's in ruins, you begin to visualize the entire aircraft with the engine and wings and fuel tanks. You slowly start piecing everything together in a way that makes sense and understand what happened." To their astonishment, two of the aircraft's .50-caliber machine guns had been knocked loose on impact, and the team was able to recover them to the surface. After cleaning sea concretion, the serial numbers of each machine gun became clearly visible. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Uncovering the past to heal the present Katie Custer Bojakowski, an instructional assistant professor of anthropology and member of the research team, said obtaining the machine gun's serial numbers is a significant step toward conclusively identifying the B-17 crew. "On the aircraft wreckage, it's really important to find the machine guns," she said. "They are a controlled item in the military and so are not only stamped with a serial number, but their location on any given aircraft was also tightly controlled throughout the war. "As more archival research is done on the serial numbers, we'll have a positive identification of the aircraft, and then a positive identification of the people who were known to be lost on the aircraft." Bojakowski emphasized the power of partnership in research operations, noting that their success depends on collaboration and the combined expertise of many partners. "There's not one single individual or agency that can start and finish this entire investigative process and research," Bojakowski said. "It takes a lot of individuals, a lot of science, a lot of experiences and a lot of people. As an R1 institution, we have the best facilities and students to continue investigating underwater sites and be part of a bigger scientific process." This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: An orange Garibaldi floats above a field of purple sea urchins, which have proliferated along the California coast and in boom years often decimate kelp forests. Understanding the causes of urchin boom and bust cycles can help biologists plan mitigation measures that preserve a balanced coastal ecosystem. Credit: Ron McPeak, courtesy of the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research Program Biologists thought that marine heat waves lowered urchin reproduction only at lethal temperatures. A new study shows reproductive shutdown even earlier. Sea urchins are a key but often destructive part of the kelp forest ecosystem along the Pacific Coast, and in boom years can often turn these forests into barrens devoid of marine life. But it remains a mystery what causes urchin boom and bust cycles and how sea urchins are affected by increasingly common marine heat waves. A new study by marine biologists at the University of California, Berkeley, now suggests that sea urchin populations along the Pacific Coast are more susceptible to heat waves than once thought, because the animals ramp down reproduction at temperatures substantially below levels that kill them. As ocean temperatures rise with global warming, the lower threshold means that crashing sea urchin populations could become more frequent than biologists have predicted, affecting the coastal environment that relies on a balance between kelp and urchins for a healthy ecosystem. Understanding what leads to population crashes and explosions could help biologists and commercial urchin harvesters plan better to manage and sustain populations. A purple sea urchin, Strongylocentrotus purpuratus. Native to the eastern Pacific Ocean, ranging from Ensenada to British Columbia, they are voracious herbivores and can completely destroy coastal kelp forests. Credit: Clint Nelson/UC Santa Barbara "We show that collapses in the abundance of youngin this case sea urchinsthat we've seen over the past four decades that are associated with marine heat waves are not occurring due to lethal stress, but instead, in part, due to suppression of reproduction by temperature," said Daniel Okamoto, lead author of the study and a UC Berkeley assistant professor of integrative biology. "The implications are that a warming planet may bring about collapses in wild populations well before we anticipate because sub-lethal stress can shut down key processes like reproduction." The findings suggest that other marine organisms, ranging from abalone and corals to oysters and mussels, may similarly see reproductive suppression at sublethal temperatures, he noted. The study, published last week in the journal Communications Biology, was conducted in cooperation with the Hakai Institute in British Columbia, Canada, and UC Davis's Bodega Marine Laboratory in California. More sea urchins mean less kelp Over the past 35 years, marine biologists have charted changes in sea urchin populations along the Pacific coast following marine heat waves, but the pattern has been baffling. In Southern California, populations crash in the year after heat waves, but along the Northern California Coast, they actually increase. Hypotheses abound, but biologists have focused primarily on how heat waves directly affect larvae and their food supplies and a potential increase in disease. Daniel Okamoto sampling benthic algae in search of invertebrates, including juvenile sea urchins, as part of the Santa Barbara Coastal Long Term Ecological Research Program. Credit: Clint Nelson/UC Santa Barbara "Even in the warmest years, the adults will be thriving in Southern California. The larvae are out in the plankton in the winter, and it just never gets to the temperatures that we would think would be too stressful for those larvae. So, it was a bit of a conundrum," Okamoto said. Urchin populations have a large impact on the coastal environment because in boom years they decimate kelp forests, creating barren waters that lead to the starvation of other species that depend on kelp. An abundance of larval sea urchins one year harbingers a decline in kelp forests the following year. Part of the difficulty in studying the population swings is that species like sea urchins produce lots of eggs; the resulting microscopic larvae disperse into the open sea for several weeks to several months, where they feed on phytoplankton. "We have no idea where they go or where they come from, and thus no way to understand why we see the patterns that we do," Okamoto said. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Once the larvae return to shore, they settle on rocks and kelp as mini-urchins the size of a grain of sand, feeding on algal scum. A year or more later, they emerge onto reefs much larger and ready to eat the larger kelp. Okamoto measuring the size of sea urchins at a study site near Santa Barbara. UC Berkeley researchers employed 30 years of data on coastal purple sea urchin populations in their recent study. Credit: Clint Nelson/UC Santa Barbara "In Southern California, that process was really correlated with marine heat waves in El Nino years. Anytime you get a warm water event, we'd see the disappearance of a lot of those new urchin babies raining out of the plankton. Basically, a disappearance of the larval supply," he said. To clarify why, Okamoto and his colleagues looked at 30 years of data on coastal temperatures and larval and adult populations of purple sea urchins. They subsequently conducted experiments in the laboratory to test the response of both red and purple sea urchins to sustained elevated temperatures for various lengths of time. They found that, although adults and larvae begin to die at temperatures of 23 to 25 degrees Celsius (73-77F) and 20 to 22 degrees Celsius (68-73F), respectively, the adult females stopped producing eggs at lower temperatures, around 18 degrees Celsius. This was true even when food was abundant and the females had healthy gonads. The timing of the heat wave is also critical, Okamoto said. Summer marine heat waves in Southern California are not as much a problem as heat waves that continue into the fall and early winterSeptember to Decemberwhen adult females should normally be producing eggs. He noted that marine warming in Northern California through British Columbia doesn't typically reach temperatures that affect reproduction in the same way. Oddly enough, unlike in southern California where heat waves decrease larval supply, the heat wave-related larval increases in northern California contribute to overgrazing of kelp forests. Co-authors include Maya Mustermann and Sam Karelitz of UC Berkeley, Brenna Collicutt, Iria Gimenez, Kate Rolheiser, Evan Cronmiller, Megan Foss and Natalie Mahara of the Hakai Institute, Dan Swezey and Laura Rogers-Bennett of Bodega Marine Lab, Stephen Schroeter of UC Santa Barbara and Nathan Spindel and Rachele Ferraro of Florida State University in Tallahassee. More information: Daniel K. Okamoto et al, Thermal suppression of gametogenesis can explain historical collapses in larval recruitment in Strongylocentrotus purpuratus, Communications Biology (2025). DOI: 10.1038/s42003-025-08829-8 Journal information: Communications Biology This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Graphic illustrating the difference in energy between running a quantum clock (left: a single electron hopping between two nanoscale regions) and reading the ticks of the clock (right). The energy required to read the clock is roughly one billion times larger than the energy required to run the clock. Credit: Natalia Ares, Vivek Wadhia, Federico Fedele. A study led by the University of Oxford has identified a surprising source of entropy in quantum timekeepingthe act of measurement itself. In a study published in Physical Review Letters, scientists demonstrate that the energy cost of "reading" a quantum clock far outweighs the cost of running it, with implications for the design of future quantum technologies. Clocks, whether pendulums or atomic oscillators, rely on irreversible processes to mark the passage of time. At the quantum scale, where such processes are weak or nearly absent, timekeeping becomes much more challenging. For future quantum devices that rely on precise timekeepingsuch as sensors and navigation systemsit is critical that their internal clocks are energy efficient. But up to now, the thermodynamics of quantum clocks has been a mystery. Measuring quantum clocks is energy intensive In this new study, the researchers asked what is the real thermodynamic cost of keeping time at the quantum scale, and how much of that cost comes from the act of measurement itself? To do this, they constructed a microscopic clock using single electrons hopping between two nanoscale regions (known as a double quantum dot), with each jump acting like a "tick" of the clock. To detect these ticks, the researchers used two methods; one that measured tiny electric currents, and another that used radio waves to sense changes in the system. In both cases, the sensors convert quantum signals (electron jumps) into classical data that we can record: a quantum-to-classical transition. Ph.D. student Vivek Wadhia sets up the dilution fridge inside which the quantum clock experiment was carried out. Credit: Martyna Sienkiewicz. The researchers calculated the entropy (amount of energy dissipated) by both the quantum clockwork (i.e., the double quantum dot) and the measurement apparatus. Their results revealed that the energy required to read a quantum clock (i.e., to turn its tiny signals into something we can record) is up to a billion times greater than the energy used by the clock itself. This overturns the assumption that the cost of measurement in quantum physics can be ignored. It also highlights a surprising insight: the very act of observation is what gives time its direction, by making it irreversible. This flips a common assumptionthat more efficient clocks need better quantum systems. Instead, research should focus on smarter, more energy-efficient ways to measure the ticks. Implications for future quantum devices Lead author Professor Natalia Ares (Department of Engineering Science, University of Oxford) said, "Quantum clocks running at the smallest scales were expected to lower the energy cost of timekeeping, but our new experiment reveals a surprising twist. Instead, in quantum clocks the quantum ticks far exceed that of the clockwork itself." However, according to the researchers, this imbalance could be a feature, not a flaw. The extra measurement energy can give more information about the clock's behavior: not just a tick count, but a detailed record of every small change. This opens up new ways for achieving highly precise clocks more efficiently. Ph.D. student Vivek Wadhia sets up the dilution fridge inside which the quantum clock experiment was carried out. Credit: Martyna Sienkiewicz. Co-author Vivek Wadhia (Ph.D. student, Department of Engineering Science) said, "Our results suggest that the entropy produced by the amplification and measurement of a clock's ticks, which has often been ignored in the literature, is the most important and fundamental thermodynamic cost of timekeeping at the quantum scale. "The next step is to understand the principles governing efficiency in nanoscale devices so that we can design autonomous devices that compute and keep time far more efficiently, as nature does." Co-author Florian Meier (Ph.D. student, Technische Universitat Wien) said, "Beyond quantum clocks, the research touches on deep questions in physics, including why time flows in one direction. By showing that it is the act of measuringnot just the ticking itselfthat gives time its forward direction, these new findings draw a powerful connection between the physics of energy and the science of information." The study also involved researchers from TU Wien and Trinity College Dublin. More information: Entropic costs of the quantum-to-classical transition in a microscopic clock, Physical Review Letters (2025). DOI: 10.1103/5rtj-djfk Journal information: Physical Review Letters This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain The energy transition is inextricably linked to social, economic, and political challenges, especially in rural areas. Researchers from Wurzburg and Denmark are therefore calling for a new, holistic approach. The transformation of our energy system towards renewable sources is particularly visible in rural areas, where large wind and solar parks are being built that are crucial to the success of the energy transition. However, for the people living there, this development is much more than a technical process. It encounters existing tensions surrounding land use, social inequality, and political alienation, often acting as a catalyst that exacerbates and reshapes these conflicts. A recent article has now taken a closer look at these processes and linked them to a central demand: instead of viewing the energy transition in isolation, stakeholders should develop a comprehensive overall concept for rural areas. This concept should focus on the needs of residents and aim not only to ensure a sustainable energy supply, but also to create equitable land use, affordable housing, a good social infrastructure, and sustainable livelihoods. Professor Matthias Naumann, Chair of Human Geography at Julius-Maximilians-Universitat Wurzburg (JMU), and his colleague David Rudolph, Senior Researcher at the Technical University of Denmark (DTU) in Roskilde, authored this article. In their paper published in The Professional Geographer, they call for a holistic "right to land." The battle for land: Who owns the land? "The expansion of renewable energies requires huge areas of landa scarce commodity in rural areas," says Naumann. Accordingly, the energy transition is leading to increased competition for land. Land for wind turbines and solar panels competes directly with agriculture, the need for affordable housing, and the ideas of tourism managers. This competition for land can lead to new injustices. The article describes a phenomenon in which supraregional and global investors are acquiring land on a large scale for energy projects. "While this is being done in the name of climate protection, local communities can fall behind when traditional agricultural uses are displaced or the local population hardly benefits from the added value," argue the scientists. Between energy poverty and new opportunities However, these conflicts over land are not only material in naturethey have profound social consequences for the population. Accordingly, the energy transition can either alleviate or exacerbate existing social inequalities in rural areas. "Its success is therefore measured not only in megawatts, but also in social fairness," says Naumann. In fact, the effects of the energy transition on factors such as poverty and social participation are ambivalent. On the one hand, there is positive potential: New sources of income for landowners and municipalities. Local value creation when contracts are awarded to regional companies. Citizen energy cooperatives that enable local people to become producers themselves and become less dependent on large energy companies. On the other hand, there are considerable risks: Rising energy costs can overwhelm low-income households. Especially in remote areas where people are dependent on cars, rising fuel costs exacerbate poverty. Regions that have previously relied on fossil fuels are threatened with job losses. In their article, the two geographers therefore conclude that without targeted political measures, structurally weak regions with little financial power and low social cohesion could be particularly affected by the negative consequences, while others benefit. These social upheavals then create a breeding ground for political exploitation. Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. The energy transition as a political accelerant "Major transformation processes often generate uncertainty and fears among the population," explains David Rudolph. This conflict can become fertile ground for political polarization, as the researchers' analysis shows. Right-wing populist movements deliberately address the concerns of the rural population and exploit the energy transition for their own purposes. Their rhetoric often portrays the transformation as a project imposed by "urban elites" that threatens rural lifestyles. At the same time, they fuel a nostalgic longing for the "old" fossil-fuel-based economies. According to the article, these conflicts are less a reaction to individual wind turbines and more a symptom of profound structural crises: the feeling of being "left behind" in the globalized economy, exacerbated by infrastructure decline and migration. Outlook: From the energy transition to a comprehensive 'right to the countryside' The researchers therefore advocate a fundamentally new perspective. Instead of viewing the energy transition in isolation, they call for a holistic "right to the countryside." This approach combines and expands existing demands such as the right to energy, the right to housing, and the right to mobility into a comprehensive overall concept for rural areas, placing the needs of residents at the center. To achieve this, policymakers must look beyond the energy sector and intelligently link the transformation with other areas such as agricultural, transport, and housing policy. According to the two scientists, the central question for future research and political action is how such a comprehensive "right to the countryside" can be implemented in concrete terms to shape a just and sustainable future for rural areas. More information: Matthias Naumann et al, From the "Right to Energy" to the "Right to the Countryside" and Back Again: Contextualizing Rural Energy Transitions, The Professional Geographer (2025). DOI: 10.1080/00330124.2025.2577916 This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Deployment of Starlink Satellites by SpaceX. Credit: SpaceX Early one February morning in 2025, Adam Borucki discovered something extraordinary behind his warehouse in Poland: a charred metal tank, roughly 1.5 meters across. It had crashed from space during the night, part of a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket that failed to complete its controlled descent into the Pacific Ocean. The debris damaged some electrical equipment and a concrete block. Nobody was hurt, but the incident raised an uncomfortable question: who pays when a private company's space hardware crashes into your property? The answer, surprisingly, isn't straightforward. A new analysis by Elisa Leoni examines how the 1972 Convention on International Liability for Damage Caused by Space Objects struggles to handle today's commercial space industry. The treaty was written when only governments launched rockets, and it shows. Under the Convention's rules, states bear international responsibility for damage caused by space objects, even when private companies operate them. If Borucki wanted compensation, Poland would need to file a claim against the United States as the "launching state," since SpaceX launched from California. This state-to-state framework creates significant problems in an era dominated by commercial spaceflight. Victims like Borucki have no direct legal recourse under international law. They must hope their government decides to pursue a claim on their behalf, a process that depends entirely on political willingness rather than legal right. The convention offers no provisions for individuals or companies to seek compensation directly, leaving private citizens oddly vulnerable in the age of private space exploration. The timing couldn't be more critical. Launch costs have plummeted over the past decade, triggering an explosion in orbital activity. Thousands of satellites now circle Earth, with companies like SpaceX deploying massive constellations. More launches mean more potential for debris to survive atmospheric reentry, yet the liability framework remains anchored to Cold War-era assumptions about who operates in space and why. Leoni's research highlights how some nations are addressing these gaps through domestic legislation. The findings are published in the journal Acta Astronautica. Italy's 2025 Space Law introduces mandatory insurance requirements for space operators, allows victims to bring direct claims against insurers, and crucially grants Italian nationals the right to claim compensation from their own state even when no international claim is pursued. This creates a safety net that the international framework alone cannot provide. The Polish incident illustrates what's at stake. SpaceX later explained that a liquid oxygen leak prevented the second stage from performing its deorbit burn, leading to the uncontrolled reentry. Space debris reenters the atmosphere multiple times monthly. Most burn up completely, but larger pieces increasingly reach the ground. As commercial activity intensifies, the gap between existing international law and operational reality widens, leaving potential victims in a legal limbo that fifty-year-old treaties never anticipated. More information: Elisa Leoni, What if a space object hit your home? The liability convention challenged by private space activities, Acta Astronautica (2026). DOI: 10.1016/j.actaastro.2025.11.025 Journal information: Acta Astronautica This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Mean monthly proportion of Maori individual health service contacts during month 1, months 26, and months 712 post index release, for those individuals not reimprisoned. Credit: Social Science & Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118543 University of Otago, WellingtonOtakou Whakaihu Waka, Poneke researchers believe the government is breaching the rights of imprisoned and recently-released Maori. They completed two studies. The first found primary care services are not meeting the high health needs of Maori just released from prison, and cost is a barrier to access. The second, found Maori were undercounted by 6% in prisons, impacting resource allocation and policy decisions. Lead author of both, Research Associate Professor Paula King, of the Department of Public Health, Wellington, says Maori have been imprisoned on a mass scale, driven by racialized inequities in the criminal legal system. She argues it is essential the impact imprisonment has on their health and well-being, along with that of their whanau and communities, is addressed. "What we expect is state accountability for state harms. "Mass imprisonment of Maori and the consequent individual, collective, inter-generational, and societal harms represent an urgent area of health and justice need in Aotearoa. "The prison state does not comprehensively monitor the health and well-being of Maori in its prisons, resulting in a lack of meaningful information." Community re-entry from prison presents multiple challenges in accessing health care. The researchers analyzed the health service contacts of nearly 7,400 Maori who were released from prisons in a 12-month period from June 2021. Published in the journal Social Science & Medicine, the study found that only 76% were enrolled with a primary health organization, compared to 95% of the total New Zealand population, meaning 24% did not have access to subsidized primary care. This is likely due to Ministry of Health and Health New Zealand rules that exclude those in prison or on remand from being enrolled with a primary health organization. The study found that Maori recently released from prison accessed primary care services despite barriers, but there was nonetheless evidence that primary care services are not meeting their high health needs. Meanwhile, the research published in Health & Justice found a 6% undercount of the Maori prison population, calculated by comparing Department of Corrections and Stats NZ data with Census data, equating to 405 fewer than what is publicly reported by the government. Associate Professor King says it is important the numbers accurately reflect reality because the government needs to understand how its criminal legal system is performing in relation to Maori health, and the elimination of inequities. "Both of these studies reflect a breach of the government's Te Tiriti obligations to monitor and evaluate impacts of Government actions and inactions for Maori," she says. Both studies were part of a kaupapa Maori research project, TIAKI, conducted with community-based research partner Tu Kotahi and led by Associate Professor King, Manager of Tu Kotahi Cheryl Davies and Otago Senior Practice Fellow, Associate Professor Ruth Cunningham. Associate Professor King explains the project focused on the specific area of community re-entry well-being for whanau released from prisons. "This is a critical intervention point to disrupt cycles of intergenerational harms, and to support restoration of health and well-being for Maori. "Prisons are increasingly being recognized as a powerful determinant of health and well-being across the life course, with age at first imprisonment found to be an important predictor of adverse health outcomes. "We know our research will provide the most comprehensive knowledge to date about community re-entry for Maori in an area where there is a need for available and effective solutions. We want the solution generated to contribute to the restoration of well-being for Maori and also for Indigenous peoples globally." More information: Paula Toko King et al, Health in justice or health injustice? Indigenous Maori experiences of primary care following release from New Zealand prisons: a national record study, Social Science & Medicine (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.socscimed.2025.118543 Paula Toko King et al, The undercounting of Indigenous Maori imprisoned by the New Zealand carceral state: a national record study, Health & Justice (2025). DOI: 10.1186/s40352-025-00355-3 Journal information: Social Science & Medicine This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux Blue Origin launched its huge New Glenn rocket Thursday with a pair of NASA spacecraft destined for Mars. It was only the second flight of the rocket that Jeff Bezos' company and NASA are counting on to get people and supplies to the moonand it was a complete success. The 321-foot (98-meter) New Glenn blasted into the afternoon sky from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, sending NASA's twin Mars orbiters on a drawn-out journey to the red planet. Liftoff was stalled four days by lousy local weather as well as solar storms strong enough to paint the skies with auroras as far south as Florida. In a remarkable first, Blue Origin recovered the booster following its separation from the upper stage and the Mars orbiters, an essential step to recycle and slash costs similar to SpaceX. Company employees cheered wildly as the booster landed upright on a barge 375 miles (600 kilometers) offshore. An ecstatic Bezos watched the action from Launch Control. "Next stop, moon!" employees chanted following the booster's bull's-eye landing. Twenty minutes later, the rocket's upper stage deployed the two Mars orbiters in space, the mission's main objective. Congratulations poured in from NASA officials as well as SpaceX's Elon Musk, whose booster landings are now routine. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux New Glenn's inaugural test flight in January delivered a prototype satellite to orbit, but failed to land the booster on its floating platform in the Atlantic. The identical Mars orbiters, named Escapade, will spend a year hanging out near Earth, stationing themselves 1 million miles (1.5 million kilometers) away. Once Earth and Mars are properly aligned next fall, the duo will get a gravity assist from Earth to head to the red planet, arriving in 2027. Once around Mars, the spacecraft will map the planet's upper atmosphere and scattered magnetic fields, studying how these realms interact with the solar wind. The observations should shed light on the processes behind the escaping Martian atmosphere, helping to explain how the planet went from wet and warm to dry and dusty. Scientists will also learn how best to protect astronauts against Mars' harsh radiation environment. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux "We really, really want to understand the interaction of the solar wind with Mars better than we do now," Escapade's lead scientist, Rob Lillis of the University of California, Berkeley, said ahead of the launch. "Escapade is going to bring an unprecedented stereo viewpoint because we're going to have two spacecraft at the same time." It's a relatively low-budget mission, coming in under $80 million, that's managed and operated by UC Berkeley. NASA saved money by signing up for one of New Glenn's early flights. The Mars orbiters should have blasted off last fall, but NASA passed up that ideal launch windowEarth and Mars line up for a quick transit just every two yearsbecause of feared delays with Blue Origin's brand-new rocket. Named after John Glenn, the first American to orbit the world, New Glenn is five times bigger than the New Shepard rockets sending wealthy clients to the edge of space from West Texas. Blue Origin plans to launch a prototype Blue Moon lunar lander on a demo mission in the coming months aboard New Glenn. A Blue Origin New Glenn rocket lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux Spectators on the beach watch a Blue Origin New Glenn rocket as it lifts off from Launch Complex 36 at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Cape Canaveral, Fla., Thursday, Nov. 13, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/John Raoux Created in 2000 by Bezos, Amazon's founder, Blue Origin already holds a NASA contract for the third moon landing by astronauts under the Artemis program. Musk's SpaceX beat out Blue Origin for the first and second crew landings, using Starships, nearly 100 feet (30 meters) taller than Bezos' New Glenn. But last month NASA Acting Administrator Sean Duffy reopened the contract for the first crewed moon landing, citing concern over the pace of Starship's progress in flight tests from Texas. Blue Origin as well as SpaceX have presented accelerated landing plans. NASA is on track to send astronauts around the moon early next year using its own Space Launch System, or SLS, rocket. The next Artemis crew would attempt to land; the space agency is pressing to get astronauts back on the lunar surface by decade's end in order to beat China. Twelve astronauts walked on the moon more than a half-century ago during NASA's Apollo program. 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain Global fossil fuel emissions are projected to rise in 2025 to a new all-time high, with all sourcescoal, gas, and oilcontributing to the increase. At the same time, our new global snapshot of carbon dioxide emissions and carbon sinks shows at least 35 countries have a plan to decarbonize. Australia, Germany, New Zealand and many others have shown statistically significant declines in fossil carbon emissions during the past decade, while their economies have continued to grow. China's emissions have also been growing at a much slower pace than recent trends and might even be flat by year's end. As world leaders and delegates meet in Brazil for the United Nations' global climate summit, COP30, many countries that have submitted new emissions commitments to 2035 have shown increased ambition. But unless these efforts are scaled up substantially, current global temperature trends are projected to significantly exceed the Paris Agreement target that aims to keep warming well below 2C. Fossil fuel emissions up again in 2025 Together with colleagues from 102 research institutions worldwide, the Global Carbon Project today releases the Global Carbon Budget 2025. This is an annual stocktake of the sources and sinks of carbon dioxide worldwide. We also publish the major scientific advances enabling us to pinpoint the global human and natural sources and sinks of carbon dioxide with higher confidence. Carbon sinks are natural or artificial systems such as forests which absorb more carbon dioxide from the atmosphere than they release. Global CO emissions from the use of fossil fuels continue to increase. They are set to rise by 1.1% in 2025, on top of a similar rise in 2024. All fossil fuels are contributing to the rise. Emissions from natural gas grew 1.3%, followed by oil (up 1.0%) and coal (up 0.8%). Altogether, fossil fuels produced 38.1 billion tons of CO in 2025. Not all the news is bad. Our research finds emissions from the top emitter, China (32% of global CO emissions), will increase significantly more slowly below its growth over the past decade, with a modest 0.4% increase. Emissions from India (8% of global) are projected to increase by 1.4%, also below recent trends. However, emissions from the United States (13% of global) and the European Union (6% of global) are expected to grow above recent trends. For the US, a projected growth of 1.9% is driven by a colder start to the year, increased liquefied natural gas (LNG) exports, increased coal use, and higher demand for electricity. EU emissions are expected to grow 0.4%, linked to lower hydropower and wind output due to weather. This led to increased electricity generation from LNG. Uncertainties in currently available data also include the possibility of no growth or a small decline. Drop in land use emissions In positive news, net carbon emissions from changes to land use such as deforestation, degradation and reforestation have declined over the past decade. They are expected to produce 4.1 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2025, down from the annual average of 5 billion tons over the past decade. Permanent deforestation remains the largest source of emissions. This figure also takes into account the 2.2 billion tons of carbon soaked up by human-driven reforestation annually. Three countriesBrazil, Indonesia and the Democratic Republic of the Congocontribute 57% of global net land-use change CO emissions. When we combine the net emissions from land-use change and fossil fuels, we find total global human-caused emissions will reach 42.2 billion tons of carbon dioxide in 2025. This total has grown 0.3% annually over the past decade, compared with 1.9% in the previous one (200514). Discover the latest in science, tech, and space with over 100,000 subscribers who rely on Phys.org for daily insights. Sign up for our free newsletter and get updates on breakthroughs, innovations, and research that matterdaily or weekly. Carbon sinks largely stagnant Natural carbon sinks in the ocean and terrestrial ecosystems remove about half of all human-caused carbon emissions. But our new data suggests these sinks are not growing as we would expect. The ocean carbon sink has been relatively stagnant since 2016, largely because of climate variability and impacts from ocean heat waves. The land CO sink has been relatively stagnant since 2000, with a significant decline in 2024 due to warmer El Nino conditions on top of record global warming. Preliminary estimates for 2025 show a recovery of this sink to pre-El Nino levels. Since 1960, the negative effects of climate change on the natural carbon sinks, particularly on the land sink, have suppressed a fraction of the full sink potential. This has left more CO in the atmosphere, with an increase in the CO concentration by an additional 8 parts per million. This year, atmospheric CO levels are expected to reach just above 425 ppm. Tracking global progress Despite the continued global rise of carbon emissions, there are clear signs of progress towards lower-carbon energy and land use in our data. There are now 35 countries that have reduced their fossil carbon emissions over the past decade, while still growing their economy. Many more, including China, are shifting to cleaner energy production. This has led to a significant slowdown of emissions growth. Existing policies supporting national emissions cuts under the Paris Agreement are projected to lead to global warming of 2.8C above preindustrial levels by the end of this century. This is an improvement over the previous assessment of 3.1C, although methodological changes also contributed to the lower warming projection. New emissions cut commitments to 2035, for those countries that have submitted them, show increased mitigation ambition. This level of expected mitigation falls still far short of what is needed to meet the Paris Agreement goal of keeping warming well below 2C. At current levels of emissions, we calculate that the remaining global carbon budgetthe carbon dioxide still able to be emitted before reaching specific global temperatures (averaged over multiple years)will be used up in four years for 1.5C (170 gigatons remaining), 12 years for 1.7C (525 Gt) and 25 years for 2C (1,055 Gt). Falling short Our improved and updated global carbon budget shows the relentless global increase of fossil fuel CO emissions. But it also shows detectable and measurable progress towards decarbonization in many countries. The recovery of the natural CO sinks is a positive finding. But large year-to-year variability shows the high sensitivity of these sinks to heat and drought. Overall, this year's carbon report card shows we have fallen short, again, of reaching a global peak in fossil fuel use. We are yet to begin the rapid decline in carbon emissions needed to stabilize the climate. This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article. The Assyrian Language in Iraq: An Identity Passed Down Through Generations The Assyrian language is one of the oldest living Semitic languages and forms the cornerstone of the identity of the Assyrian people. In Iraq, the government of the Kurdistan Region in Iraq (KRI) has shown notable commitment to preserving this linguistic and cultural heritage by incorporating Assyrian into school curricula within full Assyrian-language instruction at educational institutions. Teaching the Assyrian language (Sureth/??????) in Iraq in general, and in the KRI in particular, is part of a broader societal and cultural effort to protect the national, linguistic, and historical identity of the Christian Assyrian people. Following the political and social changes that reshaped Iraq from the early 1990s onward, local and community-driven initiatives began integrating Assyrian into both formal and informal education systems. For decades, however, the language had been excluded from public education, i.e. from the establishment of the Iraqi state in 1921 until 1990. Assyrians were politically and culturally marginalized. The inclusion of the Assyrian language in the Iraqi Constitution, and its recognition as one of Iraq's recognized languages under Article 4, paragraph 4, marked a significant step toward reviving this ancient language in the land of Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia). Scenes from inside classrooms today capture a new generation of boys and girls learning the language of their ancestors -- speaking it, reading it, and writing it. Figures obtained by the 964 Network paint a promising picture as well: more than 15,000 students are currently enrolled in Assyrian education programs, in one form or the other, across Iraq. These students are divided into two groups; The first group studies Assyrian as a language subject within schools that teach primarily in one of the two official languages in Iraq, i.e. Arabic and Kurdish. The second group follows a full Assyrian-medium curriculum from first grade through the end of high school. Roughly 3,500 of these students are in the Kurdistan Region, while the majority -- about 11,000 -- are based in the Nineveh Governate. The rest are spread across the country across Baghdad (1,109 students), Kerkeslokh (Kirkuk) (448), and Basra. 1 The Federal Government The General Directorate of Assyrian Studies was established within Iraq's Federal Ministry of Education on 8 July 2012, with the purpose of introducing the Assyrian language as a school subject in Baghdad, Basra, Kerkeslokh, and Nineveh -- provinces that include Christian student populations. In Basra, however, the situation remains unique: due to the federal government's refusal to approve new appointments for Assyrian-language teachers, local churches have stepped in to help by assigning clergy members to provide supplementary lessons. Unlike several schools in the KRI, which offer full Assyrian-language instruction, schools in the federal territories teach Assyrian only as a single subject within an otherwise Arabic-language curriculum. 1.a Organizational Structure The General Directorate of Assyrian Education, headquartered in Baghdad, oversees Assyrian-language education across Iraq through a network of regional departments and local offices (which also support displaced communities). Its structure includes the following divisions: Nineveh Education Department for Assyrian Studies -- supervises around 100 schools offering Assyrian instruction. Hamdaniya Education Unit for Assyrian Studies -- covering schools in Baghdeda, Bartella, Karamlesh. Tel Kef Education Department for Assyrian Studies -- Tel Kef, Batnaya, Telleskof, Alqosh. Bashiqa Education Branch for Assyrian Studies -- Bashiqa, Bahzani, Mergi, al-Faf, al-Baraka, al-Maghara. Kirkuk Education Department for Assyrian Studies -- oversees Assyrian-language instruction across all of Kirkuk Governorate. Basra Education Department for Assyrian Studies -- covers all neighborhoods of Basra, where Assyrian is taught as part of local education initiatives. 1.b Representative Offices The representative offices constitute a lower administrative level than the regional departments. They are located in the provinces that received displaced populations -- Arba'ilo (Erbil) and Nohadra (Duhok). Their main responsibilities include maintaining direct communication with supervisors and teachers, as well as organizing seminars, exhibitions, educational workshops, and handicraft activities that promote the teaching and preservation of the Assyrian language and heritage. 1.c Department of Literacy This department operates in Baghdeda under the name "Mar Jacob of Serugh Center for Assyrian Literacy," affiliated with the Baghdeda Department of Assyrian Education. Its mission is to offer language-learning courses in Assyrian for anyone wishing to study the language. The center follows a structured curriculum divided into multiple educational levels, and graduates of the annual courses receive certificates that qualify them to advance to higher stages. The initiative primarily aims to encourage parents of students to learn Assyrian, thereby fostering cooperation between the home front and school to enhance students' proficiency. The program targets learners aged 15 to 75 years and has organized numerous courses, particularly during the displacement period, when most of the displaced community, fleeing ISIS, had settled in Ankawa. 1.d Educational Staff Teachers and instructors of the Assyrian language are appointed by the Ministries of Education of both the Federal Government and the Kurdistan Regional Government. In practice, these appointments are nominated through the Assyrian Democratic Movement, which is widely regarded as the political entity overseeing the affairs and administration of the General Directorate of Assyrian Education. 1.e Curriculum There is an official government curriculum from the first to the sixth grade of primary school, but it is not included in the Baccalaureate exam. As for the intermediate and secondary stages, they lack a curriculum from the central government, which necessitated relying on the KRI curriculum. The first intermediate grade curriculum of the KRI is taught for the first, second, and third intermediate grades. Meanwhile, the second intermediate grade curriculum of the KRI is used for the fourth, fifth, and sixth secondary grades in the central government schools. The Assyrian language curriculum textbooks are currently printed by the federal government at the expense of the Iraqi state through the General Directorate of Assyrian Education in Baghdad and the Assyrian Education Directorate in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Prior to 2024, churches used to sponsor, annually, the printing of Assyrian textbooks, with the name of the contributing church clearly indicated on each book. Additionally, some non-governmental organizations (NGOs) funded the printing of Assyrian curricula. If a textbook does not show a sponsoring entity, it means that an NGO was responsible for its production. 1.f Class Hours Students receive two weekly classes dedicated to the Assyrian language and two classes in Christian religious education. In practice, the religious classes often receive limited attention, especially when the school principal is not Christian, and they may be scheduled as the last period of the day. A current proposal suggests holding one Assyrian-language class in person at the school and the second session online, to improve accessibility and engagement. 2 Challenges and Obstacles 2.a Curriculum and Teaching Challenges: Limited modern educational resources: Despite past efforts in printing textbooks, there is a pressing need for updated curricula that integrate active learning methods and modern technology; Shortage of qualified teachers: There are few educators who combine strong linguistic competence with modern pedagogical skills, and certified training programs in Assyrian education are rare; Dialectal diversity: Variations between Assyrian dialects raise methodological questions about which standard should be used in textbooks; Funding and sustainability: Heavy reliance on community or church support makes Assyrian educational programs vulnerable to financial fluctuations; Parents' limited knowledge of the Assyrian language: Many of the students' families do not speak Assyrian, which prevents students from receiving support at home, unlike in other subjects such as mathematics or Arabic. Time gaps between lessons: With only one Assyrian lesson per week, students often forget material by the following week, especially since the school week is only four days long; Lack of supervision: Supervisors and officials often treat Assyrian teaching as merely a job rather than a national or cultural responsibility, resulting in minimal follow-up; Random teacher assignments: Teachers may come from unrelated professions -- engineers, administrators, farmers, or even church clergy -- motivated primarily by salary rather than qualifications; Script differences: Assyrian instruction includes both Eastern and Western scripts. Students moving between schools using different scripts face comprehension difficulties; Dialect transition issues: Students transferring from schools without Assyrian instruction to those with it encounter challenges adapting to new dialects or scripts; Proposed mixed-script teaching: Suggestions to dedicate ten minutes of each lesson to the alternate script may confuse students further; Insufficient weekly hours: Two lessons per week are not enough to teach an ancient language like Assyrian; Some materials contain linguistic errors between Eastern and Western scripts; Low student numbers: In schools with few Assyrian students, any teacher from the Christian staff may be temporarily assigned to teach Assyrian or Christian education merely to fulfill minimal requirements, undermining instruction quality; Declining number of Assyrian native speakers; Insufficient official support: Governmental backing is inadequate, largely due to nationalist or discriminatory policies in the region; Emigration of Assyrians: Many Assyrians have migrated abroad due to persecution, leading to adoption of the host country's language and neglect of their mother tongue; Limited digital initiatives: Only modest efforts have been made using technology or social media to develop Assyrian-language programs; Lack of continuous teacher training: There is a serious deficiency in ongoing professional development for educators who teach Assyrian. 2.b Available Opportunities There are several strengths and tangible achievements that should be utilized, including: Institutional Continuity: The stability of Assyrian language education in the region since 1991, followed by expansion into numerous schools (sources indicate dozens of specialized schools and local initiatives to preserve the language); Students' Multilingualism: The success of the multilingual education model that teaches Assyrian alongside Kurdish, Arabic, and English -- enhancing students' academic and professional integration; Organizing seminars and discussions with specialists in the field of education, and listening to obstacles, weaknesses, and challenges they face; Urging parents to attend Assyrian literacy courses organized by some language institutions, so they can assist their children and relatives in learning the language; Emphasizing the teaching of Assyrian through satellite channels belonging to our community, by offering weekly lessons and providing incentives for participants. In 2007, curricula were developed by the central government; however, the materials were too difficult, which led to their revision by committees composed of education experts and clergy. It is preferable to involve priests and monks in Assyrian language education today, as they are proficient in Assyrian; Opening Assyrian language departments in the Colleges of Languages at universities in Kerkeslokh (Kirkuk), Basra, and other Iraqi provinces -- as it is the language of Beth Nahrain (Mesopotamia). 3 Kurdistan Region in Iraq 3.a Structure:Historical and Institutional Overview Efforts to organize Assyrian-language education began to take shape in the Kurdistan Region in Iraq during the 1990s, following the establishment of a more flexible administrative environment compared to the rest of Iraq at that time. Specialized private and public schools were founded, and directorates and institutions were established to focus on developing curricula, publishing materials, and supervising Assyrian-language education. University departments were also opened to train Assyrian-language teachers in regional universities such as Dohuk University and Salahaddin University. There is also an academic presence at the university level through departments and programs dedicated to Assyrian studies. The KRI has schools that apply a full Assyrian-language curriculum across all subjects. The Region was a pioneer in introducing the Assyrian language in education and publishing complete Assyrian textbooks as early as 1996. However, Baghdad took the lead at the university level when it opened the first Assyrian Language Department in the College of Languages in 2004. Salahaddin University followed in 2016 by establishing a Assyrian Language Department within its College of Education. Later, the University of Mosul joined in 2025, along with Dohuk University, which established a Assyrian Department in the same year. There are two main directorates in the KRI related to Assyrian affairs: The General Directorate of Assyrian Education: Its duties include establishing schools, preparing curricula, training teaching staff, and organizing annual qualification and training courses for teachers as part of ongoing professional development. The General Directorate of Assyrian Culture: Its responsibilities involve organizing festivals, literary and cultural evenings, publishing cultural books, and distributing them. 3.b Number of Schools There are 28 schools in total, all of which teach all subjects in the Assyrian language -- including literature, grammar, reading, physics, mathematics, biology, chemistry, history, geography, and more. In the table below data is provided about most of the Assyrian-curriculum schools in the KRI. In addition, students also study:Kurdish, Arabic, English. 3.c Curriculum Content: Objectives and Core Components The Assyrian curricula vary according to the educational level (primary -- intermediate -- secondary), but they share a set of fundamental objectives: Mastery of Reading and Writing in Assyrian Script: Teaching the alphabet, phonetic segmentation rules, and spelling skills; Familiarity with Religious and Literary Heritage: Exposure to selected religious texts, hymns, traditional stories, and simplified historical readings; Development of Oral Communication Skills: Practice through daily dialogues, memorization of songs, and short speeches; Multilingual Education: Assyrian is taught alongside the Region's other main languages -- Kurdish, Arabic, and English -- aiming to produce multilingual students capable of integrating both locally and professionally. The KRI General Directorate of Assyrian Education has organized annual training courses since 1992 for teachers and instructors. The subjects covered in these professional development sessions include language instruction, grammar, and teaching methods. After completing secondary school, students who have studied the full Assyrian-language curriculum for all subjects are eligible to enroll in one of the universities offering Assyrian programs if they wish to continue their studies in Assyrian. They may also apply to any other college -- such as Medicine, Pharmacy, Arts, or others -- should they choose to pursue different fields. Hundreds of students have graduated from Assyrian-language schools, including more than 20 doctors, numerous pharmacists, engineers, teachers, and professionals across various disciplines. Among them are distinguished graduates -- for example, four students earned master's degrees in English, while several others obtained PhDs in Pharmacy and Chemistry, in addition to dozens of engineers specializing in different fields. In certain areas of Nohadra (Duhok), especially the al-Askari (Military) and al-Shurta (Police) neighborhoods, there are kindergartens where children learn Assyrian. This early exposure greatly facilitates learning when they enter primary school, as they already possess basic knowledge of the language.However, in other regions, no Assyrian-language kindergartens are available. Some churches also take the initiative to teach Assyrian to young children as part of their community programs. 4 Benefits of Assyrian-language Schools Strengthening and bringing together the cultural identity of the community; Preserving one shared written language instead of multiple dialects; Promoting interaction and mutual understanding among communities in different regions; Encouraging communication and friendship among young men and women. 5 At universities Departments of Assyrian Language have been established at several Iraqi universities -- including the Universities of Baghdad, Arba'ilo (Erbil), Nohadra (Dohuk), and Nineveh -- within their Colleges of Languages. These departments admit high school graduates, and the program lasts four years, granting students a Bachelor's degree in Assyrian Language upon completion.The four-year curriculum includes the following core subjects: Assyrian Grammar, Assyrian Reading and Literature, Translation, Composition and Writing, and Hebrew. Students in the third and fourth years study other Semitic and related languages, including Hebrew, Old Aramaic, Akkadian, Mandaic, and Arabic. The College of Languages also offers, in addition to the bachelor's degree, a Master's program in Semitic Languages. In the past, admission was limited to speakers of Sureth (Christian Assyrian), but due to the limited number of applicants from the Assyrian community, enrollment was later opened to all students according to general admission criteria and required grades. All faculty members in the Assyrian Department at the University of Baghdad are Arab Muslims, and there was only one Assyrian-speaking teacher, who has recently retired. To date, four graduates from the Assyrian Department at the University of Baghdad have obtained a Master's degree in Assyrian Language. In the Kurdistan Region in Iraq, the College of Education-Department of Assyrian Language Teaching was established in 2017.There has been steady enrollment from graduates of Assyrian-language secondary schools, with a minimum admission grade of 65%.Students study the following subjects:Assyrian Grammar, Assyrian Literature, and Phonetics. Additional minor subjects: Kurdish, Old Aramaic, English, and Mandaic. The number of students ranges between 12 and 20 per year.Faculty members include both Assyrian and non-Assyrian instructors, and the student body is mixed as well. There is also an ongoing project to establish a Assyrian Academy in Erbil to further develop research, teacher training, and cultural preservation initiatives. 6 Why Should I Learn Assyrian as a Assyrian Person? Because it is my mother tongue -- every people has its own language; To communicate with my family and relatives all over the world; To understand our history and civilization, especially those recorded in Assyrian; To explore Assyrian culture and literature throughout history, particularly texts written in Assyrian; Because it is an ancient and noble language, one of the oldest in human history -- and with pride, it is the language of our Lord Jesus Christ, glory be to Him. 7 How to Preserve the Assyrian Language Efforts of individuals and Assyrian institutions; Starting with oneself; Attempting to influence to raise governmental interest through our parties and institutions; Following an enjoyable and engaging teaching method and curriculum; The role of institutions in supporting the Assyrian language; The church's role is very important as it trains deacons and teachers in education and dissemination; Possibility of integrating the Assyrian language into daily life in other communities; There are challenges and difficulties, but they are not impossible to overcome, e.g. through educational tools, translation, and cartoons; Organizing conferences and seminars on Assyrian literature, culture, and heritage, and issuing final statements confirming governmental and institutional care and attention. 8 Final Recommendations for Curriculum Development and Teaching Enhancement On September 3, 2025, Nidec disclosed it had established a third-party committee to investigate suspicions of improper accounting. The Company further revealed its "investigations found multiple documents suggesting that . . . the Company and its group companies could have engaged in improper accounting with the involvement or knowledge of its or their management[.]" On this news, Nidec's stock price fell $0.81, or 16.5%, to close at $4.11 per share on September 4, 2025, thereby injuring investors. Then, on September 26, 2025, Nidec disclosed further investigative findings of additional suspected inappropriate accounting practices, including "cases where the reported value for customs purposes was declared to be lower than the appropriate amount without legitimate reason." The Company also revealed that it "received an audit report containing a disclaimer of opinion" from its auditor due to the "ongoing investigations by the third-party committee, other internal investigations, and other action[s]." On this news, Nidec's stock price fell $0.29, or 6.6%, to close at $4.09 per share on September 26, 2025. Then, on October 23, 2025, Nidec published a press release announcing that it was withdrawing its year end forecast, and had decided not to pay a surplus dividend as "investigations by the Third Party Committee regarding suspected inappropriate accounting practices involving the Company and its group, as well as other internal investigations, are ongoing." On this news, Nidec's stock price fell $1.17, or 25.4%, to close at $3.43 on October 23, 2025. Finally, on October 27, 2025, the Tokyo Stock Exchange ("TSE") designated Nidec under a Special Security alert in part because "TSE deems that the improvement of the internal management system of said listed company is highly necessary." The alert noted that "[s]ince the initial issue was discovered, the scope of the investigation has continued to expand" and that "deficiencies have already been identified in the Company's company-wide internal control systems (particularly in areas related to information and communication), as well as in the internal controls related to its accounting and financial closing processes." On this news, Nidec's stock price fell $0.80, or 20.3%, to close at $3.15 per share on October 27, 2025, thereby injuring investors further. To learn more about the Nidec investigation, go to www.faruqilaw.com/NJDCY or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310). Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook. Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner. SOURCE Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP During multi-operations police arrest six and seize vehicle used in Tulum kidnappings Tulum, Q.R. One of four vehicles seized during a Tulum drug bust is reported to have been used in kidnappings and arms trafficking. On Thursday, the State Attorney General (FGE) said six people were arrested and four vehicles seized in three drug busts around Tulum. During their operations, one of the seized vehicles is reported to have been the personal car of a criminal leader. Authorities reported that car is being investigated for use in kidnappings, drug and arms trafficking and patrolling in the Tulum area. During the three operations, six people were arrested for drug trafficking. Drugs and weapons were also part of their seizures. The operations were in coordination with the FGE, the Municipal Secretariat of Citizen Security (SSC) and the Mexican Navy. One bust took place in the La Veleta neighborhood where Juan Carlos N, Marco Ali N, Pedro Antonio N and Angelica Fernanda N were arrested. They were found in possession of a variety of narcotics and three loaded weapons, two short firearms and a long firearm, a rifle, as well as loaded magazines and live cartridges. Another operation on the TulumBoca Paila highway led to the arrests of Dylan Humberto N and Luis Enrique N who were arrested for drug possession. Police then moved their operation to the towns of Nuevo Durango, Tres Reyes and Pacchen from where they seized four vehicles: a white Volvo CX40, a white Mazda CX5, a gray Chevrolet Tahoe truck and a white Toyota Corolla with blue stripes (taxi). Group of squatters arrested for hours-long blockade of Playa del Carmen highway Playa del Carmen, Q.R. A group of land invaders are responsible for a multi-kilometer-long traffic jam Thursday night. The group held up traffic at the southern entrance to the city of Playa del Carmen for hours. The group responsible for the Thursday night road block of the federal 307 highway were squatters from the San Judas Tadeo neighborhood. The road block was put into place around 7:00 p.m. near Centro Maya by the group protesting the recent arrest of Romeo Gomez Gomez, a man accused of intentionally invading Playa del Carmen land to start settlements. The arrest of Romeo Gomez Gomez stems from the October 7 land takeover attempt in southwest Playa del Carmen that resulted in the arrests of 10 people for land dispossession. On Thursday night, the group of squatters were demanding his release after he was formally charged earlier that day. He was facing charges of extortion and dispossession of land belonging to the Playa del Carmen ejido. Traffic coming into Playa del Carmen from the south was blocked for 3 to 4 hours. The blockade of the federal highway is deemed illegal by authorities, who, following a coordinated operation between municipal, state and federal authorities, were finally able to clear the highway after arresting people. Federal highway traffic was restored after at least 10 people were taken into police custody for obstructing communication routes after repeatedly refusing to leave. Authorities reiterated that while the right to demonstrate is respected, no group can disrupt mobility. Dozens of police arrived at Centro Maya in response to the road block where they eventually arrested those involved. The Government of Playa del Carmen reports that, faced with an illegal blockade at the southern entrance of the municipality, actions were activated to restore order and guarantee free transit, in accordance with the law and Human Rights. Police arrested the squatters Thursday night after they refused to open the federal highway. We defend the right to demonstrate, but no protest justifies blocking roads or affecting third parties. Our commitment is to protect the legality, security and peace of all, Ayuntamiento de Playa Del Carmen (City Hall) posted Thursday night. In an official statement, the municipal government said In Playa del Carmen we defend the right to demonstrate, but no protest can justify affecting third parties or blocking public roads. Anyone who engages in these practices will be sanctioned according to the law. During the hours-long highway blockade, dozens of tourists were left stranded at parks outside the city. Police arrived at those tourist sites to offer rides after their bus failed to arrive. The Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat (SSC) provided support to the tourists who found themselves stranded due to the blockade. Tourists were left stranded at a park outside Playa del Carmen due to the roadblock November 13, 2025. The Quintana Roo Citizen Security Secretariat reports providing immediate assistance to a group of visitors stranded at a bus stop near an ecological park in Playa del Carmen. Police arrived to offer rides to those stranded due to the highway road blockade November 13, 2025. In order to ensure the safety and well-being of Quintana Roo residents and tourists, operational units were deployed to facilitate the safe transport of these individuals to the city center, guaranteeing adequate support and optimal mobility conditions at all times. Suspect in discovery of skeletal remains found buried on Puerto Morelos ranch arrested in Cancun Puerto Morelos, Q.R. Police have made an arrest after the discovery of skeletal remains were found on a rented Puerto Morelos ranch. The man they have in custody was found in possession of pot, a loaded handgun and license plates for his vehicle from five states. Police say their suspect was detained in Cancun in relation to the November 6 Puerto Morelos ranch discovery. The skeletal remains of at least 16 people have since been located during the investigation on a private property in the town of Leona Vicario that began earlier this month. On November 6, authorities located a clandestine cemetery on a property located in the town of Leona Vicario in the municipality of Puerto Morelos. Agents of the Investigation Police assigned to the Specialized Homicide Prosecutors Office have since arrested a suspect possibly related to these events. Police have identified their in-custody suspect as Ignacio Eduardo N, alias El Compi, who, according to initial investigations, may have participated in the activities of a criminal group responsible for drug dealing and violence in the region. Initial investigations also indicate that he was the person who arranged the rental of the ranch where the skeletal remains were found, they reported. The arrest took place in Superblock 107 on Playa Xcalacoco Street in Cancun. At the time of his arrest, authorities seized a .40 caliber handgun with a loaded magazine and live ammunition, as well as a green leafy substance resembling marijuana. Pot, a loaded gun and license plates from five states were found among his possessions during his arrest. During his arrest, police said they also seized his vehicle, which they found with license plates from the states of Quintana Roo, Jalisco, Oaxaca, Chiapas and Mexico City. As a lifelong beauty product fanatic, I understand the Sephora baby phenomenon I was 11 when my grandmother bought me my first lipstick and there was simply no turning back. The difference is I did not have Sephora money at that age, which left me combing the aisles of my local drugstore for late 90s staples like cheapie glittery eyeshadows, lip glosses and ultra-basic skin care products. Much has been said about the masses of tweens trawling Sephora and posting elaborate skin care routines on social media, sparking concern about whether or not these regimes are appropriate for such young kids. Understanding which products are actually appropriate for this demographic is the key to guiding your kids and grandkids toward the ones that are good for them and wont cause lasting damage. Dr. Shereene Idriss, a board-certified dermatologist and founder of Idriss Dermatology in New York City, pointed out that while the onus is on the brands and retailers to exhibit a moral compass when talking about and marketing skin care products to young people, the first barrier to entry in terms of educating kids and teens about skin care are the parents. Advertisement Advertisement She feels strongly that tween skin care should be focused on creating good habits for themselves by utilizing a gentle cleanser to wash off the grime from their faces, a moisturizer and a sunscreen to protect their skin. Ultimately, Idriss shared that tweens and young teens do not need any products with anti-aging in the marketing, when they havent even started aging! Unless your kid is dealing with persistent skin issues (in which case they should see a dermatologist), they should avoid the majority of active ingredients in products. Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose is a board-certified dermatologist at the Laser & Skin Surgery Center of New York, feels similarly, but with a few caveats. She told HuffPost that while there are great skin benefits to exfoliants and retinol, it is important that teens not overuse them, causing skin barrier breakdown, irritation and inflammation. However, given that many tweens and young teens struggle with acne, eczema and sensitive skin, she doesnt feel that a blanket restriction on active ingredients is appropriate. Like Idriss, Murphy-Rose said the safest products are gentle cleansers, well-balanced moisturizers and mineral sunscreens and recommends prioritizing hypoallergenic products that have been tested on sensitive skin. Below, we used the guidance given by these expert to find a selection of skin care products that are appropriate for tween usage. By thoughtfully guiding young teens toward the products that are best for them, you can indulge their interests while keeping their skin safe and healthy. Advertisement Advertisement The experts consulted for this story do not necessarily endorse the products ahead unless otherwise noted. Amazon Bubble Skincare Level Up balancing moisturizer Board-certified dermatologist Shereene Idriss recommends a lightweight gel moisturizer for tweens with oily skin, so we followed her guidance and found this pick from Bubble. It delivers lightweight, shine-free hydration along with skin-loving ingredients that can help keep skin balanced and smooth. $15 at Amazon $16 at Ulta Sephora Tower 28 SOS Daily Skin Barrier Redness Recovery moisturizer Dr. Blair Murphy-Rose, a board-certified dermatologist, noted the importance of a well-balanced, non-comedogenic, oil-free moisturizer and products that have specifically been tested on sensitive skin, so we used that guidance to find this pick from Tower 28. It was thoughtfully designed to be a simple daily moisturizer for people with sensitive skin and works to hydrate, soothe and reinforce the skin's natural barrier. Advertisement Advertisement $24 at Sephora $24 at Amazon Sephora The Ordinary Natural Moisturizing Factors + HA For those with dry skin, Idriss recommends a hydrating, glycerin-based moisturizer like this one from The Ordinary. It's full of lush ingredients that can help to almost immediately perk up dry, flaky skin without adding irritating components or clogging pores. $14 at Sephora Advertisement Advertisement Amazon CeraVe AM Facial Moisturizing Lotion with SPF 30 You can't go wrong with CeraVe, especially for those starting on their skin care journey. Best of all, this one has SPF 30, so it's a multitasking product that will save time and money. It's full of gentle, nourishing ingredients that will hydrate skin without causing breakouts, thanks to its oil-free, non-comedogenic formulation, and zinc oxide to soothe irritations while protecting skin from the sun's harmful rays. $15 at Amazon (regularly $19.99) $19 at Target Sephora First Aid Beauty mineral sunscreen SPF 30 Nourishing ingredients like glycerin, avocado oil, vitamin E and zinc oxide make this light, non-greasy formula a great option for tweens. It can help to hydrate and soften skin while filtering out harmful UV rays, and it acts as a nice base for any light makeup they might want to experiment with. Best of all, it's safe for sensitive skin and it's non-comedogenic. Advertisement Advertisement $36 at Sephora $36 at Amazon Sephora Summer Fridays Shadedrops Broad Spectrum SPF 30 mineral milk sunscreen There's a very good chance your tween will gravitate toward this Hailey Bieber-approved mineral sunscreen and win you some cool points. This pick has a super-subtle universal tint that blends with all skin tones which multiple reviewers confirm and is a good option if your kid is interested in makeup but you don't want them caking on foundation. In addition, users say it doesnt leave a white cast, clog pores or feel heavy, which is a must when youre wearing it over other skin care products, under makeup or have a deeper skin tone. This sunscreen, made with vegan and cruelty-free ingredients, is formulated with zinc oxide, squalane, chamomile and an antioxidant blend of vitamin E and ethyl ferulate. They work together to shield the skin from sun damage and to hydrate, soften and smooth the skin and protect against further damage from free radicals. This way, your child's skin gets all the benefits of great ingredients without adding potentially harmful ones to the mix. Advertisement Advertisement $36 at Sephora $32 at Walmart Amazon La Roche-Posay Anthelios Mineral Sunscreen SPF 50 I love this water-resistant French pharmacy staple and find myself loading up on it every summer. It's packed with zinc oxide and titanium dioxide and is formulated for sensitive skin like mine. It's one of the few SPFs that won't clog my pores and cause breakouts. It doesn't leave a white cast on my olive-toned skin, though it might on more melanated complexions. It has a soft matte finish and is full of skin-nourishing antioxidants. It meets several of our experts' expectations and is a great option for tweens. $25.99 at Amazon $25.99 at Dermstore Advertisement Advertisement Sephora Supergoop! Mineral Unseen Sunscreen SPF 40 This cult-favorite and HP reader-favorite sunscreen from Supergoop has a clear, lightweight and unscented formula so your kid doesn't have to deal with an irritating white cast. This pick also has an oil-free formula and is great for anyone who might have sensitive or acne-prone skin. $40 at Sephora $38 at Amazon Target Neutrogena Ultra Gentle daily cleanser Idriss recommends choosing a foaming cleanser for tweens with oily skin, like this drugstore staple from Neutrogena. It's gentle enough for sensitive skin and will leave it feeling ultra-fresh and clean without stripping the natural moisture barrier. Per Murphy-Rose's suggestion, it's also fragrance-free, which is key in helping to avoid irritation, and it's formulated for sensitive skin. Advertisement Advertisement $13 at Target $17 at Amazon Amazon Paula's Choice Calm Ultra-Gentle Cleanser For those with dry skin, Idriss recommends a hydrating cleanser with a creamy gel texture. This cushy formula from Paula's Choice is loaded up with glycerin, prebiotic sugars and triglycerides to leave skin silky soft and super clean. It's fragrance-free and formulated for those with sensitive skin and issues like rosacea and eczema, so you can be sure it'll be as gentle as possible. $24 at Amazon $24 at Sephora Sephora Biossance Squalane + Amino Aloe Gentle Pore-Minimizing cleanser My sister, while not a tween, has extremely sensitive skin and swears by this gentle foaming gel cleanser. It is formulated with nourishing ingredients like amino acids, aloe vera leaf juice and moringa all gentle, skin-loving ingredients that won't strip your young one's natural moisture barrier. Advertisement Advertisement $29 at Sephora $29 at Amazon Related... We may receive a commission on purchases made from links. When we pore over old-school kitchen trends from the '80s, Memphis design lurks in the background, arguably the unseen inspiration behind the spike in neon lighting and pops of black and white that spilled over into the '90s. You may not know this aesthetic by name, but millennials and anyone older would recognize it by sight based on ubiquitous pop culture references: the zany, pattern-heavy, high-contrast squiggles, stripes, and geometric prints that made the logo of "Rugrats," the sets of "Saved By the Bell," and the vibe of old MTV commercials so distinctive. You'd recognize the mixture of pastels and eye-popping brights, the unexpected shapes, and the reliance on shiny laminate everything. It's divisive, but it's also striking. It doesn't hurt that Memphis design has bonafide haute couture roots that lend it a certain (admittedly wacky) elegance. Italian designer Ettore Sottsass founded this school of design with industry friends and collaborators who were sick of the boring colors, shapes, and patterns of 1960s and '70s decor. The Memphis group rejected the ho-hum blandness of Modernism and Brutalism and created fresh, postmodern infusions of pop art and Art Deco flair that was unlike anything that the design world had ever seen. Memphis design defined the visuals of the 1980s. It's not a design choice for the timid, as it definitely screams for attention. With that said ... dare we say that we're ready to bring Memphis design into our kitchens? If you're feeling even a bit daring, this can dramatically revamp one of the most-used spaces in your home. Advertisement Advertisement Read more: Good Luck Trying To Find These Foods From The 1970s Let your comfort level dictate how much of this aesthetic you utilize Living room with furniture and decor inspired by Memphis design style. - Zanone/Wikimedia Commons While old-school wood paneling and the '80s graphic tile trend, both of which have experienced recent resurgences, can be difficult beasts to tame in modern cooking spaces, Memphis design is nothing short of challenging. It doesn't necessarily play well with, say, the simplistic farmhouse vibe that has dominated so much kitchen decor of recent decades, and a little goes a long way. While we've seen folks lean in fully to the Memphis movement, with rounded custom pantries, powder-pink tiles, turquoise laminate cabinets, and triangular built-ins that put one in mind of a retro kids' playhouse, there are ways to embrace what makes Memphis design cool without going full-send on the weirder aspects. Color choices can do a lot of the heavy lifting for you if you are seeking a rad kitchen. Contrasting a pastel shade (think baby pink or blue, soft spring green, or Easter egg yellow) with a bold bright automatically gives an edge of Memphis cool. You can sprinkle in little touches that pack a punch without a permanent commitment, too, like this checkerboard wooden paper towel holder or some abstract wall art in a vibey print. If you are a little more daring, how about geometric line peel-and-stick wallpaper that's straight from the Memphis playbook? This might not be your forever decor, but choosing elements you can replace without too much difficulty is a fun way to revamp your kitchen into a room that makes a joyful, eclectic statement. For more food and drink goodness, join our newsletter or add us as a preferred search source. Get taste tests, food & drink news, deals from your favorite chains, recipes, cooking tips, and more! Read the original article on Foodie. On November 13, 2025, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Central Commission for Foreign Affairs Wang Yi met with Assistant to the President of Kazakhstan for International Investment and Trade Cooperation Murat Nurtleu in Beijing. Wang Yi congratulated Murat Nurtleu on assuming the new post, and stated that China and Kazakhstan are good friends and partners with a shared future. President Xi Jinping and President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev have met twice this year, providing strategic guidance for the development of bilateral relations and mapping out a blueprint with clear objectives for all-round cooperation. With strong mutual trust between China and Kazakhstan, bilateral relations have withstood various tests and continue to show broad prospects for development and huge potential for cooperation. China is ready to work with Kazakhstan to deepen traditional friendship between the two countries, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, promote cooperation in traditional fields such as energy, green mining, and connectivity, explore cooperation in emerging fields such as nuclear energy and artificial intelligence, and continuously elevate the China-Kazakhstan permanent comprehensive strategic partnership to new heights. Wang Yi noted that China appreciates Kazakhstan's prompt support for the Global Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping. The four major global initiatives are important international public goods offered by President Xi Jinping to the world, and they have received growing understanding, support, and recognition. China supports Kazakhstan in playing a more significant role in international and regional affairs, and stands ready to strengthen cooperation with Kazakhstan within multilateral frameworks such as the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) and the China-Central Asia mechanism. Wang Yi expressed the hope that Kazakhstan will join the International Organization for Mediation at an early date. Murat Nurtleu conveyed President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev's greetings to President Xi Jinping and stated that, under the joint guidance of the two heads of state, Kazakhstan-China relations have reached a new level, with bilateral cooperation advancing at an accelerated speed. The changing international situation increasingly demonstrates the profound strategic insight of the important vision of building a community with a shared future for humanity and the Belt and Road Initiative put forth by President Xi Jinping. After President Xi Jinping proposed the Global Governance Initiative during the SCO Tianjin Summit, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev immediately responded with support. The four major global initiatives provide solutions to address global challenges and are bound to win widespread support from the international community. Kazakhstan is willing to work with China to implement the common understandings reached between the two heads of state, further deepen pragmatic cooperation, advance high-quality Belt and Road cooperation, enhance people-to-people and cultural exchanges, and promote the continuous development of the Kazakhstan-China permanent comprehensive strategic partnership. On the morning of November 14, 2025, President Xi Jinping met at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing with King Maha Vajiralongkorn Phra Vajiraklaochaoyuhua of Thailand, who is on a state visit to China. President Xi noted that King Vajiralongkorn makes China the first major country for his state visit and thus becomes the first king of Thailand to visit China since the establishment of diplomatic relations, which fully demonstrates the high importance that King Vajiralongkorn attaches to China-Thailand relations and the deep bilateral friendship of Jeen Thai Phee Nong Gan. President Xi expressed condolences over the passing of Queen Sirikit The Queen Mother not long ago. He said that the Thai royal family has historically profound relations with China, and the Chinese side deeply appreciates its important contributions to promoting the China-Thailand friendship. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the establishment of China-Thailand diplomatic relations and the Golden Jubilee of China-Thailand Friendship. Over the past half-century, facing the changing international landscape, China and Thailand have always worked hand in hand and helped each other, and have truly been good relatives, good friends and good partners. Standing at a new historical starting point, I am ready to work with King Vajiralongkorn to usher in greater progress in the building of a China-Thailand community with a shared future in the next 50 years, and jointly write a brand new chapter of China-Thailand friendship. President Xi pointed out that the Fourth Plenary Session of the 20th Central Committee of the Communist Party of China deliberated over and adopted the recommendations for formulating the 15th Five-Year Plan, which places the main focus on advancing high-quality development and expanding high-standard opening up. Thailand is also at a critical stage of its national development and revitalization. China is ready to enhance strategic synergy with Thailand, steadily advance cooperation on major projects such as the China-Thailand railway, increase imports of Thailands high-quality agricultural products, and expand cooperation in emerging areas including artificial intelligence, digital economy, aviation and aerospace, so that more cooperation benefits can be delivered to both peoples. It is important to strengthen cultural connectivity, promote people-to-people exchanges, and bring the two peoples closer through more visits. China stands ready to actively support public welfare programs of the Thai royal family, increase exchanges on poverty alleviation experience, and help Thailand improve the well-being of its people. King Vajiralongkorn said it is a great pleasure to pay a state visit to China. It has been many years since my last visit to China, and tremendous changes have taken place in this country which is now modern and beautiful. I express congratulations on Chinas significant achievements in economic and social development. Thailand and China have close friendship, extensive people-to-people exchanges, and broad-based, in-depth and mutually beneficial cooperation. The cooperation between Thailand and China is cooperation between brothers. Thailand would like to learn from Chinas development experience, expand cooperation with China across various fields, and strengthen people-to-people ties, so that the Thailand-China friendship will have deeper roots in the heart of our peoples. Prior to the meeting, President Xi Jinping and his wife, Madame Peng Liyuan, held a welcoming ceremony for King Maha Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida Bajrasudhabimalalakshana at the square outside the Eastern Entrance of the Great Hall of the People. As King Vajiralongkorn arrived, a guard of honor lined up in salutation. President Xi and King Vajiralongkorn stepped onto a stand, after which a military band played the national anthem of China and the royal anthem of Thailand as a 21-gun was fired in Tiananmen Square. King Vajiralongkorn reviewed the guard of honor of the Peoples Liberation Army and watched the march-past in President Xis company. President Xi and Madame Peng hosted a welcoming banquet for King Vajiralongkorn and Queen Suthida in the evening. Wang Yi was present at the above events. Each week, Prudence asks readers for their thoughts on the letters shes received. Her reply will be available every Friday only for Slate Plus members. Hey Prudence, Re Wingman Who Doesnt Know How to Fly: Ive been swing dancing for many years now, and Ive found that a lot of people wind up dating within the scene at some pointincluding me. But Ive learned the hard truth about people who date this way. The people who go solely to find a date dont tend to last long. Theres definitely a big difference between doing an activity that you enjoy while being open to meeting someone, and dragging yourself to something that you arent actually interested in to try to pick someone up. Jools Absolutely. Well, usually. I always have to mention that I have a friend who joined a kickball team to meet guys and married one of them. Hey Prudence, Re Nervous About Nancy: School is not entirely about academics. The school is staffed by LOTS of people who are there to make sure that students make the best of each year. The letter writer should reach out to the school! Start by emailing the principal with something like, Nancy lives with me. I need your help. You might not be the right person for this, but could you direct me to someone who can? Then share everything you wrote in your letter. These people are trained to make these types of decisions, so you dont have to. And if the school makes the call, then your hands are clean. (Id suggest asking them to keep your communication confidentialyour note can help open their eyes to Nancys situation.) Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Most schools, amazingly, have dealt with other kids in similar or even more difficult circumstances. Counselors may hold check-in lunches or run groups for students coping with divorce. They can also help Nancy access evaluations for services like occupational therapy to build healthy routines at home, advocate for parental support, provide easy snacks, and yes, even contact Child Protective Services if needed. Advertisement Youre in a position to make a huge difference. Reach out to the school to ask about resources for Nancys unofficial placement with you. Ask if you can email someone when shes having a rough daymaybe they cant share information back without a formal guardianship, but you can still advocate for her. Be the auntie she needs, and ask for the help that the school is very capable of giving. Godspeed. Elfi Great advice. Get advice from Prudiesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Prudence, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Dear Prudence following up) Submit Hey Prudence, Re Shes Stuck in the Past: This LW definitely should reschedule their wedding date. Not because of their sister, but because its Valentines Day! My wife and I got married on February 14, 1989. (It was her ideamy view at the time was one date is as good as the next.) The problem with Valentines Day, in my experience, is that everything related to romance is jacked up. Good restaurants are crowded and service deteriorates, flowers are more expensive, etc. Valentines Day is just not a good day to celebrate an anniversary. Alabama_AI OK, I hear you, and that sounds annoying. I can see an argument for not scheduling a wedding for Valentines Day in the first place. But rescheduling is way too much of a hassle! They can just celebrate the weekend before or after. Advertisement Hey Prudence, What struck me about Dogs Be Gones letter is that she doesnt seem to understand that her mother-in-laws attachment to her dogs may be an outward expression of her grief and loneliness. Im betting that the MIL finds many family gatherings to be difficult since losing her partner. The dogs likely fill the MILs need for companionship and offer some emotional support. This doesnt excuse them being poorly trained, but I think it might help the LW to understand the MILs mindset. Your suggestion for a meal at a dog-friendly hotel nearby is great. Since this situation seems to come up outside of holidays too, another option could be to gift the MIL a dog play yard or some travel crates to keep at the LWs house, along with treats and a few toys to keep the dogs occupied. Doggone Prepped Thats a very insightful thought. And a dog play yard would be much more affordable than a hotel room! Advertisement Advertisement Hey Prudence, Re 72 in Savannah: The LW should talk to their son. Tell him you cant manage your grandson and keep him safe, so youre not going to babysit him anymore. You write about this like its the kids fault, but you shouldnt take that tone with his parents. It will make them defensive of their kid. This isnt anyones fault. The kid is acting like a 3-year-old. He needs someone who can manage that energy, and it isnt you. He will be fine in a different environmentmaybe a preschool or daycare thats set up to handle little kids. Advertisement Advertisement None of That Yep. Its not you, its me works for babysitting relationships as well as romantic ones. Hey Prudence, Your advice for Helping a Friend? is good, but the other thing the LW should say to her friend is that she was the one who wanted to take time to figure out why she always chose the wrong man. The LW should tell her that was an excellent idea, and that she should pursue that line of thought with a therapist. It will help her in the long run. Vitajex Advertisement Definitely. I hope the friend takes the advice! Classic Prudie Last Saturday was my wedding and it was everything I could have wished for, until the reception. One of my co-workers, Kim, started saying I was pregnant because I wasnt drinking. I kept telling Kim I just dont drink, something everyone knows. She even teases me about it every week when everyone at the office goes to happy hour at a local pub. I asked her to stop, but she didnt. By the end of the night, I had guests coming up to congratulate me and my confused husband on our upcoming baby. LYNWOOD, Calif., Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- After years of planning, environmental cleanup, and strong community anticipation, Northgate Gonzalez Market celebrated the Grand Opening of its newest store in Lynwood, Calif., on Wednesday, November 12, 2025. State and local dignitaries joined the Gonzalez family to celebrate the opening of its new Northgate Gonzalez Market in the City of Lynwood. The family-owned grocery chainrecognized as one of the nation's premier Mexican-themed marketsmarked the occasion with a lively reception featuring mariachi music and remarks from local and state dignitaries. Leaders highlighted the store's importance in expanding food access and boosting economic opportunity in an area once designated a food desert. The new 36,974-square-foot supermarket reflects Northgate's continued commitment to offering high-quality groceries, authentic Mexican flavors, and warm hospitality. The property underwent extensive environmental remediation, supported by the Department of Toxic Substances Control (DTSC), before being transformed into a vibrant community market adorned with murals by local artist Levi Ponce. "We are thrilled to finally open our doors to the Lynwood community," said Oscar Gonzalez, Co-President of Northgate Gonzalez Market. "This store is a reflection of our commitment to innovation, quality, and community." DTSC Director Katherine Butler added, "Environmental cleanup lays the foundation for projects like this turning properties that once posed risks into safe, useful spaces that serve the community." The opening brings significant economic impact, with approximately 250 new jobs, most filled by Lynwood residents. To celebrate, Northgate Market is donating $5,000 in children's books by author Patty Rodriguez to local schools and $50,000 to the Lynwood Partners Educational Foundation to support scholarships and classroom grants. Known for its authentic offerings, Northgate's new Lynwood location features signature departments including: Tamaleria with handmade, stone-ground masa tamales with handmade, stone-ground masa tamales Tortilleria La Gonzalez , producing fresh tortillas and seasonal varieties , producing fresh tortillas and seasonal varieties Pasteleria La Gonzalez , offering freshly baked pan dulce, bolillos, and tres leches cakes , offering freshly baked pan dulce, bolillos, and tres leches cakes Carniceria , home of the brand's famed carne asada , home of the brand's famed carne asada Carnitas Don Miguel , prepared in traditional cazos , prepared in traditional cazos A robust chiles and spices section featuring Rancho Gonzalez products Northgate Gonzalez Market also announced plans to open two new stores in California, in Stanton and La Mirada, in 2026. About Northgate Gonzalez Market Founded in 1980, Northgate Gonzalez Market is a family-owned Hispanic supermarket chain with 44 stores across Orange, Los Angeles, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego counties. The company maintains its cultural heritage by offering high-quality foods, personalized service, and a strong commitment to community through charitable programs, scholarships, and nonprofit support. SOURCE Northgate Market Our advice columnists have heard it all over the yearsso were diving into the Pay Dirt archives to share classic letters with our readers. Submit your own questions about money here. (Its anonymous!) Dear Pay Dirt, We just had a big wedding and our babys first birthday celebration. It was great to do a big party with friends. Im struggling, though, because Im surprised at how little our guests gave, and Im feeling guilty about that. Generally, Ive always heard you give $100 to $125 per person, particularly if youre drinking and eating (we had an open bar). However, many people we consider good friends gave much less. A few didnt give at all. Getting about $100 each wouldve covered the cost of each person at the wedding. Of course, if they didnt have the money, wed understand, but many of them are very financially comfortable. I know its in the past now. But how do I not let this frustration and sadness color my friendships with these people? I know its not the point of the party, but its also hard to not feel like the celebration we threw was a bit underappreciated. Blue About the Wedding Dear Blue About the Wedding, I am not a wedding planner, but this is the first Ive heard of anyone being obligated to pay to attend a wedding, much less pay an amount that would be equivalent to a meal at a three-star Michelin restaurant. The point of a wedding is that your loved ones can celebrate with you, not that they can subsidize a very expensive party you want to throw for yourself and, in your own words, feel appreciative of it. Its not uncommon for people to give wedding presents (though that is not required either, to be clear). But even then, your price range$300 per couple at the high endseems extremely high to me. And I live in New York City, where everything is more expensive than virtually everywhere else in the country. I also got married here, in a lovely venue, and had a sit-down dinner and open bar, which, as you note, is not cheap. But it never occurred to me for one second that my friends should be paying for it. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So, consider the possibility that your friends did their part, which is to show up to the weddingat your convenience and not theirsand celebrate your marriage with you. They already likely had to take time out of their schedules, in some cases travel and/or arrange and pay for child care, and Im sure many of them did give you gifts. Im afraid the only person here whos being unappreciative in an inappropriate way here is you. Weddings can be very expensive, but that is a choice. They dont have to be. I know plenty of people who had small ceremonies in their backyards, with potluck dinners and flowers plucked from the local deli stand. They were just as meaningful as the fancier weddings Ive attended at glamorous locations that were epic, multiday affairs. It doesnt matter which option you choose, but its your responsibility to pay for your party, and no one elses. Elizabeth Spiers From: Im Frustrated My Friends Didnt Get Me More Expensive Wedding Gifts. (June 16, 2022.) Advertisement Get money advicesubmit a question! Please keep questions short (<150 words), and dont submit the same question to multiple columns. We are unable to edit or remove questions after publication. Use pseudonyms to maintain anonymity. Your submission may be used in other Slate advice columns and may be edited for publication. Thanks! Your question has been submitted. Dear Pay Dirt, * Your letter signoff Your pronouns Your email (optional and confidentialplease include if you're open to Pay Dirt following up) Submit Dear Pay Dirt, My current job compensation includes a base salary, a very small percentage of the business I bring in, and profit-sharing. The idea is that as the company grows, profits increase and my piece of the pie gets bigger. So, along with several of my coworkers, Im a part-owner. The people directly benefitting from this model are my bosses, who each bring home about 10 times per month what I do in profits. If I get $2,000, theyre bringing home $20,000. Advertisement But one of my clients is actively head hunting me. I know passive income is an important part of building wealth and am reluctant to leave profit-sharing behind for only a salary. The comp at both jobs would be similar and my career path would likely be very different if I made this move. Its an emerging industry thats not going anywherethink renewable energy versus what I do now (general consulting). I know my compensation will steadily increase over the years where I am, and theres a ton of flexibility. A new job brings new, different, and interesting opportunities. I am torn. What are the things I should consider when switching jobs? Working For the Man Advertisement Advertisement Dear Working For the Man, I think youve thought a lot about this and its hard to make a decision because, in the end, you have two paths to take. Each path is different and each could revolve around a substantial payout. At this time in your life, Im wondering what you value more. I love the idea of flexibilityfor personal reasonsbut Im also a firm believer that everyone should be able to have it. Life can change in the blink of an eye and you may need to alter your work schedule to fit a situation that came up. Im worried, however, that your stake in the company may not be enough for you to eventually bring home the profit you crave or deserve. I think its unfair that youre getting $2,000 and your bosses are pocketing $20,000. As you said, in the long run staying in this position may line your bosses pockets more than it does yours. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Challenging yourself on a new career path could also open new avenues and ways to grow. Growth in your career is very important because your experience is what youll need to negotiate your salary in the future. You can always have a talk with your boss about your current compensation and what they can do to meet you in the middle. If youre bringing a lot of money in, they arent going to want to let you go. If they come back empty-handed, its time to jump ship. Athena Valentine From: A Year Ago, I Received a Large Sum of Cash. Im Mortified About Where Its All Gone. (June 21st, 2022.) More Money Advice From Slate My husband and I have been together for 23 years. We met at a startup and he found a clever way to start the business he still runs today. Not long after, I joined the company where we worked together for almost 15 years. The problem is, outside a handful of good years, the business is a zombie. It produces a very modest income and despite general plans for a future payout, there is no measurable progress. I am fed up and exhausted from being the breadwinner Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. About eight years ago, Grant decided he would never vaccinate his dogs again. A former Army medic, the Santa Barbara, California, resident had always given his pets whatever the veterinarian recommended, including shots for rabies and parvo. But after training as a bodyworker and practitioner of Traditional Chinese Medicine, he started to question the utility of the preventive measures. Influenced by the tenets of TCM and a book he read on the unethical practices of rabies vaccine pioneer Louis Pasteur, Grant became skeptical that the collection of symptoms identified by veterinarians as rabies was an actual, distinct disease that could be targeted by an injectable drug. Though he distrusts pharmaceutical products, potential adverse effects arent his major objection to the shots. Its more about not being convinced at all that theres really anything to vaccinate against, he said. Though health authorities adamantly agree that rabies is a real virus, Grant is far from alone in his skepticism about vaccines. In a 2023 survey of American dog owners published in the journal Vaccine, 30 percent deemed dog vaccines medically unnecessary, 22 percent called them ineffective, and 37 percent worried that they could cause autism in their pets. A small majority expressed at least one of these three positions, exhibiting what the researchers called a concerning degree of vaccine hesitancy. Studies and anecdotal reports have documented vaccine skepticism among pet owners around the world for years. In 2017, a Brooklyn Paper article declared that veterinarians in the New York borough were hearing clients express concerns about routine shots. According to a report from an animal welfare organization in the U.K., just 66 percent of cat, dog, and rabbit owners said in 2019 that their pet was vaccinated while young, compared to 84 percent in 2016. Veterinarians emphasize that vaccine-hesitant pet owners have good intentions and only want their pets to be well; the American Veterinary Medical Association, which did not return a request for comment, has published advice for vets who must promote vaccination to skeptical clients. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement But opposition to pet vaccines seems to have risen since the COVID-19 pandemic. Experts say that since contemporary pet owners view their animal companions as family members, attitudes toward veterinary treatments mirror attitudes toward human medical interventions. The Vaccine journal study found that people with negative views of human vaccines were likelier to have negative opinions of animal vaccinesand COVID-19 had a lasting impact on the way people feel about preventative shots. In a series of Gallup polls, the percentage of Americans who said it was extremely or very important for parents to vaccinate their children dropped 15 points between 2020 and 2024, a decline the poll attributed almost entirely to right-leaning Americans. A survey conducted in Brazil found that pet owners were six times more likely to refrain from vaccinating their animals if they themselves were not fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Anti-vaccine advocates save their strongest rebukes for mRNA pet vaccines, the first of which were approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture for canine influenza and feline leukemia last year. The menu of veterinary mRNA vaccines may soon expand; in Canada, pets can already get one for rabies. Because the two most famous and effective COVID-19 vaccinesPfizers and Modernaswere the first-ever mRNA products to receive Food and Drug Administration approval, mRNA technology has become a primary villain of the anti-vaccine movement in both human and animal medicine. Advertisement Advertisement Just as the alleged connection between human vaccines and autism has been thoroughly, repeatedly debunked, there is no evidence that pet vaccines are responsible for the ills with which anti-vaccine advocates credit them, from early-onset cancers to a suite of cognitive and behavioral problems that some half-jokingly call pawtism. Like autism in humans, pawtism is allegedly characterized by repetitive behaviors, sensitivity to sensory stimuli, and difficulty in social situations. Advertisement The lack of scientific backing for these vaccine concerns hasnt stopped a multitude of influencers, care providers, and activists from raising alarm about veterinary shots. There are peddlers of tonics that claim to heal pets from the effects of toxic preventatives and pharmaceuticals. There are podcasters trumpeting the risks of over-vaccination. There are social media personalities posting scary videos about pet vaccines shedding onto humans. Among conventional veterinarians, there is no recognized diagnosis of animal autism. But some alternative practitioners insist that it is a real condition, sometimes caused by vaccines. Caroline Wilkinson, a dog trainer in the U.K., said she first learned about the possibility through the teachings of a holistic veterinarian. (Wilkinson is not a veterinarian.) She became convinced that it was a real phenomenon after seeing an increase in fear-based behaviors among puppies after their first shots, which she claims to have reversed with essential oil therapy. It could be argued that these fear-based behaviors came as part of the developmental stages of puppyhood, she saidbut the speed with which the puppies recovered indicates to me that the chemical load of the vaccine was responsible. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Many of the people and organizations decrying pet vaccines are the same ones fueling skepticism of human vaccines. Childrens Health Defense, a prominent anti-vaccine advocacy group founded by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., published a book last year about the dangers of over-vaccination in veterinary medicine. A recent video posted by the organization featured holistic veterinarian Judy Jasek, who claimed that the toxicity of vaccines is causing cancer in young pets. We know theyre not testing this stuff, she said in the video, calling the vaccine manufacturers the same big pharmaceutical companies that are doing their shenanigans with people. (While shots can, on rare occasions, cause tumors at the injection site in cats, there is no evidence that vaccines are responsible for other types of pet cancers.) Advertisement Jasek, who sees clients via telemedicine from her base in Tennessee, told me she started her career as a conventional veterinarian. About a decade into her practice, she began having doubts that the vaccines she delivered to animals were safe or necessary. Her suspicions were not based on any available medical literature. Is there a formal, quote-unquote research study? No, she said in an interview. Nobodys going to do research that shows that vaccines are toxic and bad, because theres so much money made in the vaccine industry. Advertisement Advertisement Instead, Jasek drew her conclusions from her own observations and discussions with other holistically-minded colleagues. She decided to transition to a different kind of veterinary practice, replacing pharmaceutical products with herbs and homeopathic remedies. She counseled her clients on vaccinating their pets less, if at all. But rabies is really hard to get around, because of the laws, she said. The rabies vaccine is legally required for domestic canines in most U.S. states, including Colorado, where Jasek was practicing. Like more than a dozen other states, Colorado offered a loophole for medical exemptions. If she could argue that a pet was not healthy in any way, Jasek would write up a note excusing the animal from the rabies vaccine. Most of the time it worked fine, but she says she was twice contacted by the state board because people had filed complaints against her. (The complaints never led to any disciplinary proceedings.) Once, it was another veterinarian who didnt believe an exemption was justified. Another time, a clients unvaccinated dog bit someone. Advertisement She kind of threw me under the bus, basically, and said, Well, Dr. Judy said I dont need the vaccines, Jasek told me. That isnt true. I mean, I tell people that the vaccines can cause health concerns. However, when it comes to the laws and the rules, people still have to be accountable. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Rabies outbreaks in wildlife populations are on the rise across the U.S., due in part to human incursion on natural habitats. Though the people who have died from rabies exposure in the last year have gotten the disease from wild animals, veterinarians worry that distrust of pet vaccinations could lead to a resurgence among domestic animals of a virus that is nearly 100 percent fatal in both animals and people. Related From Slate I Never Understood Why Veterinarians Are at Such High Risk of Suicide. Until I Became One. Read More People whose pets arent vaccinated for rabies may have difficulty finding a groomer or a place to board their dogs and cats, and they wont be able to take international flights with their pets. Grant cant license his dogs, as Santa Barbara regulations require, because one has never been vaccinated and the other hasnt had one since his initial puppy shots. (For this reason, Grant requested a pseudonym as a condition of our interview.) As a practitioner myself, boy, it would sure be nice if local and state and federal governments would force people by law to consume my product, he said. Rabies vaccine mandates are kind of the definition of fascism, where government and corporations have merged, and now its claimed that its scienceits scientific, so therefore its public health. Advertisement Advertisement Grant does not take his beloved dogs to a veterinarian. He handles their medical care himself, using natural products and bodywork techniques. Recently, hoping to rid Grants dog Pilgrim (also a pseudonym) of a flea problem, a family member gave Pilgrim a pharmaceutical flea medication. According to Grant, the drug knocked Pilgrim out for the better part of four days. Grant massaged the muscles around his vital organs, which seemed to help Pilgrim regain the ability to stand up and urinate. As for the fleas, Grant will stick to using natural shampoos and brushing Pilgrim more often, even if its a partial, temporary fix. And hell take his chances without vaccines. We want to manage all of our problems and get rid of all of our problems. But is that actually scientific? Is it actually possible? Grant said. We have to accept, to an extent, that life isnt perfect. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. When Democrats caved this week to reopen the government, they hailed the decision as one that will finally end the chaos surrounding food stamps, known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. It was subject to a contentious legal battle, with multiple judges issuing court orders, contradictory federal guidance, and a short-lived fight at the Supreme Court, all because the Trump administration refused to pay out benefits during the shutdown. The reality is that the government reopening is not a sunshine-filled solution for SNAP, but rather a rude awakening to the fact that the food assistance program was quietly being dismantled long before the shutdown. Back in July when President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law, SNAP was slashedto the tune of $186 billion, according to an analysis by the Associated Press. A Harvard public health policy professor called it the largest cut to food assistance (in absolute terms) in American history. The legislation made major structural changes to who pays for SNAP and the programs eligibility rules, with states required to implement many of these changes by Nov. 1, 2025. The GOP changes promised to throw millions of SNAP recipients off their benefitscurtailing access to a program that some 41 million Americans relied on last year. One way to think about the One Big Beautiful Bill is that it could end SNAP in some states, and it certainly ends SNAP as a national entitlement that is there for people in good economic times and bad, Lauren Bauer, who is a fellow at the Brookings Institution and associate director of the Hamilton Project, told me. Bauers work focuses on how social safety net policies impact the American economy, and she spoke with me to explain what exactly is happening to SNAP and how it could impact the future of the U.S. economy. Heres what you need to know. States Will Have to Help Pay for SNAP Benefits The U.S. Department of Agriculture pays for SNAP benefits, with states paying relatively little: 50 percent of the administrative costs associated with distributing funds. Every month the USDA sends SNAP money to states, which then distribute each recipients appropriate balance based on their income, household size, and other eligibility criteria. The money is transferred to an electronic benefits transfer cardbetter known as EBTwhere beneficiaries use their funds much like a debit card. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement This structure is set to change come 2026, as the OBBBA requires states to cover 75 percent of administrative costs. And beginning fiscal year 2027, states will also have to contribute toward the federal governments SNAP costs. States contributions will be based on their payment error rate, or PER, a percentage calculation that takes into account all of the instances when states either overpaid or underpaid beneficiaries, which often happens because SNAP recipients dont update their income or the state miscalculates their household expenses. States that maintain a PER of 6 percent or lower will not have to pay into SNAP, with the federal government continuing to pay 100 percent of the program. But if a states PER rises to between 6 and 8 percent, they will have to contribute 5 percent of the cost of SNAP; an 8 to 10 percent PER will increase the cost share to 10 percent; a PER greater than 10 percent will increase the cost share to 15 percent. Advertisement According to federal data from 2024, only seven states had a PER under 6 percent. Payment error rates are a statistic that we know very little about, Bauer said. But we do know that they are not a measure of fraud, and theyre also not really a measure of error. If a state loads an incorrect SNAP benefit balance onto a households EBT card, their error rate will be based on the total dollar amount, not as a singular mistake. Bauer believes this new cost-share model risks SNAP becoming unavailable in some states because they simply wont be able to afford it, especially if the economy goes south and suddenly more Americans become eligible for the program. Advertisement How does a state legislature that has never thought about SNAP before not only have to think about SNAP but do modeling thats very hard? Bauer said. You dont know what your payment error rate is. You dont know the state of the economy. Were flying with our hand over our eyes. Advertisement Advertisement There Are New Work Requirements Coming for More SNAP Recipients The presidents bill also raises the eligibility for SNAP by expanding work requirements. Now, older beneficiaries and groups whove historically been exempt will have to meet the programs work requirements or risk being kicked off. In order to be eligible for SNAP, a households income generally has to be at or below 130 percent of the poverty line. For a family of three, thats about $34,000 a year. In addition to that, SNAP recipients between the ages of 18 to 64 have to adhere to monthly work requirementsprior to OBBA, the upper age limit was capped at 54 years old. Able-bodied adults without dependents must prove they are working at least 80 hours a month for at least three months out of any three year period. This can include attending school, a job training program, or volunteer work, but it must be officially approved by the state before it can count toward the requirement. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The OBBBA also redefined a dependent child as someone who is under 14, instead of under 18. This means that once a parents youngest child turns 14, they will be considered able-bodied without dependents and face the 80-hour work requirement too. The only exception is if someone is pregnant or disabled. Veterans, those who are homeless, and former foster youth between the ages of 18 and 24 also used to be exempt, but under OBBBA these groups will also be required to adhere to the work requirements. Bauer noted that the current work requirements box out those who may lose their jobs, but rely on SNAP to put food on the table. Lets say you lose your job and you cant find a job for three months, she explained. Because you cant find a job for three months, you incur a penalty every month. On that fourth month, you are kicked off the program and you are not eligible to receive SNAP for the next 33 months. Advertisement Advertisement There Are New Restrictions on Noncitizens Previously, legally present immigrants, including refugees, asylum-seekers, and human trafficking survivors, could access SNAP benefits, but OBBBA changed that. Now, only U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents (green-card holders) will be eligible for SNAP. Related From Slate Federal Judge Uses Trumps Own Words To Prove DOJ Was Defying His Court Order Read More Many refugees and asylum-seekers arrive in the U.S. under emergency circumstances where they do not have much money, let alone a job. SNAP was a lifeline for many of these immigrants, and obtaining legal permanent status so they can again become eligible is a tall order, especially under the Trump administrations current immigration crackdown. As one Afghan family in Iowa that recently lost eligibility to SNAP revealed, many immigrants wait years to hear back on green-card applications. Limiting SNAP Hurts the Economy Bauer argued that SNAP is one of the best-performing stimulus programs that we have, explaining that 80 percent of SNAP benefits are spent by recipients in the first two weeks after they hit their EBT cards and 97 percent are spent within the month of issuance. Especially during a recession, the federal government needs consumers to spend money immediately, which SNAP enables people to do. People are taking this money to grocery stores and spending it there, and that helps stabilize the entire grocery sector, Bauer said. Which is why evidence shows that for every dollar thats spent on SNAP, it generates between $1.40 to $1.80 in economic activity. Sign up for the Slatest to get the most insightful analysis, criticism, and advice out there, delivered to your inbox daily. House Democrats released a batch of emails on Wednesday that suggest President Donald Trump was aware of Jeffrey Epsteins sex crimes and did nothing to report them. The messages, sent by Epstein to his associatesincluding chief accomplice Ghislaine Maxwellcontradict the White Houses claims that Trump had no real relationship with Epstein and was ignorant of his criminal offenses. They also seem to discredit Maxwells recent testimony to Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, who solicited her suspiciously rosy account of Trumps role this past summer. On this weeks Slate Plus bonus episode of Amicus, co-hosts Dahlia Lithwick and Mark Joseph Stern spoke about Blanches latest embarrassment by the Epstein scandal, as well as his dangerous counteroffensive against the legitimacy of the judiciary. A preview of their conversation, below, has been edited and condensed for clarity. Dahlia Lithwick: Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanchewho has been signing off willy-nilly on the Justice Departments fabrications in courtgot pantsed by this email dump. Theres no other word for it. On so many levels, this is just devastating for him. Can you lay out the lies and fabrications and cover-ups? Mark Joseph Stern: So Blanche interviewed Epsteins accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell, in July as part of an effort to exonerate Trump from the Epstein affair. A week later, she was transferred to a minimum-security prison, reportedly with special approval by the Trump administration, where she gets extraordinary privileges like customized meals, playtime with puppies, unlimited toilet paper, special access to guests with computers. It all looked a lot like a quid pro quo. During that interview, Maxwell did what Blanche wanted her to do, which was to claim that Trump and Epstein werent close friends at all, and Trump didnt know anything about Epsteins sex crimes. The Justice Department then publicly released the interview. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement I think the new emails just flatly contradict Maxwells account to Blanche. They suggest that Trump knew about Epsteins abuses but did nothing to expose them. For instance, Epstein wrote: Trump knew of the investigation into his crimes and came to my house many times during that period. He told the journalist Michael Wolff that of course Trump knew about the girls. And he told Maxwell that Trump was the dog that hasnt barked because he evidently did not tell investigators about Epsteins misconduct despite spending hours at Epsteins house with one of his victims. The upshot here is that Trump knew something; he probably knew a lot. And he could have said what he knew to law enforcement, but he stayed silent instead. That cannot be squared with what Maxwell told Blanche, and Blanche then told to the public. Of course, Blanche is Trumps former criminal defense attorney, and hes used to spinning fables to protect Trump. But when youre deputy attorney general, and your client is supposed to be the American people, youre expected to adhere to a higher standard. That expectation has clearly gone out the window. And whatever credibility Blanche may have had with the courtsand even just the American peopleshould be gone after this email dump. Advertisement Related From Slate The Real Reason Kim Davis Never Stood a Chance at the Supreme Court Read More There was another Blanche infraction this week that is, in many ways, equally shocking, even if its not getting the kind of press traction that the Maxwell interview did. When the Federalist Society held its annual convention in D.C. this past week, Blanche got up and railed against state bars that are fielding ethics complaints against Trump administration officials. He went on to declare that the administration is at war with rogue activist judges, by which I think he means any judge who ever ruled against Donald Trump for any reason, including Trump judges and Bush judges. Advertisement Were used to this level of slander nowTrump officials impugning the integrity of liberal judges, impugning attempts by state bars to do ethics enforcement. But theres another layer here. The deputy attorney general basically suggested that the judiciary is a subagency of the executive branch. And judges job is to rubber-stamp Trumps agenda in every particular, or face impeachment and threats and a war on the part of the good members of the Federalist Society who are coming for them. Advertisement Blanches statement and its implications are just the logical conclusion of the widespread belief in this administration that Trump cannot break the law because he represents the true will of the people. And by extension, anyone who stands in his way has to be punished for what more or less amounts to treason against the stateif Trump is the state, as Blanche and his comrades seem to believe. Weve known for a while that they do believe all this: You see it between the lines of their court filings, like when they cite the mandate of the electorate in lieu of a legal argument to justify what Trump is doing. But until recently, I think that these guys have tried to maintain plausible deniability by showing some measure of respect as officers of the court. Advertisement Advertisement Now that is all out the window. The mask is fully off with this speech. Blanch, the deputy AG, is telling judges who rule against him: We are at war with you. And the question then is: Will the Supreme Court care? Because the Supreme Courts Republican appointees have arguably done more than anyone to foster this culture of disdain toward the judiciary, as Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson put it, by capitulating to Trumps power grabs and throwing their lower court colleagues under the bus. Advertisement Advertisement I guess these justices still think they can draw the line whenever they want, and the administration will respect that. But if the Justice Departments leaders think theyre at war with the courts, then any judge who rules against them is an enemy combatant. And the rule of law has to take a back seat to the logic of the battlefield, where winning is all that matters and victory justifies everything. I just dont think that is the mindset of a government that is ever prepared to accept a Supreme Court decision against it. I want to read a statement in response to Blanches remarks by New York State Bar Association president Kathleen Sweet because its pretty powerful. Sweet says: Any lawyer who abandons their oath to the Constitution and who intentionally misrepresents facts or law in court is properly subject to discipline, even if they work for the Department of Justice. The judiciary is a coequal branch of our government. It is not an inferior entity to be treated with disdain as an irksome impediment to the will of the executive branch. Advertisement Advertisement Theres this construction that when youre caught in a lie, you double down, you attack, you insult, you deflect, you distract, you threaten judges and bars and bar associations. The audience of one, Donald Trump, loves that kind of talk. But Todd Blanche and the folks at DOJwho are, it would seem, willfully misrepresenting facts and law in courtsdont just answer to Donald J. Trump. They also answer to the infrastructure of the law. Reminding them of that by calling them out and pushing back is a really important power that everybody has. I couldnt agree more. Go file those ethics complaints. Trump might be able to pardon all of his cronies, but state bars can still disbar them. A pardon doesnt stand in the way of that. Just keep that in mind, Mr. Deputy Attorney General. Part of O.A.T.'s new Immersions collection, shorter and deeper small-group adventures for travelers 50-plus. BOSTON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.), the leader in small-group adventures for Americans 50-plus, today announced the launch of Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River, a 12-day journey tracing 5,000 years of Egyptian history from Cairo to Aswan aboard O.A.T.'s privately chartered 75-passenger small ship, Nefertiti. The itinerary headlines the company's growing Immersions collection of 812-day adventures designed for travelers seeking authentic cultural connection in less time. "We're excited to introduce Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River as part of our growing Immersions collection," said Brian FitzGerald, CEO, Overseas Adventure Travel. "This new itinerary blends iconic sights with meaningful local experiencesincluding time aboard our small ship, Nefertitigiving travelers a deep, connected look at Egypt in just 12 days." Egypt continues to draw strong demand among O.A.T. travelers eager to explore this destination through the lens of small-group travel. Immersion in Egypt joins three existing itineraries across the country two Immersions and two of our longer, signature land adventuresreflecting travelers' sustained interest in Egypt's deep cultural heritage and modern vibrancy. Journey Through Egypt's Ancient Past Departing April and SeptemberDecember 2026, Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile River combines Egypt's legendary highlights with meaningful encounters that define O.A.T. travel. Travelers will stand before the Pyramids of Giza and the Sphinx, explore the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum, and witness the grandeur of Karnak Temple, Luxor Temple, the Valley of the Kings, and Abu Simbel. At the heart of the adventure is a seven-night cruise on the Nile aboard Nefertiti, where guests unpack once and experience daily life along the storied river. Onboard port talks and local-led excursions bring context to each stopfrom the Temple of Hathor in Dendera to the double temple of Kom Ombo. Travelers also enjoy signature O.A.T. experiences, including visits to a Nubian village near Aswan to engage with local families, explore traditional crafts, and experience daily life along the Nile. Guests will also enjoy a felucca sail on the river and an intimate look at modern Aswan and Nubian culture. A New Way to See the World: O.A.T. Immersions The Immersions collection expands the choices available to O.A.T. travelers. Choice has always been central to the O.A.T. experience, and many travelers, both long-time guests and those new to small-group travel, have asked for meaningful adventures that better fit today's schedules. Immersions meet that need by offering 8- to 12-day itineraries that move at a slightly faster pace while still delivering the must-see highlights and authentic local cultural experiences that define every O.A.T. journey. Other newly introduced itineraries include Vietnam: Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City; Costa Rica: La Fortuna to the Pacific Coast; Morocco: Rabat to Marrakesh; Ireland: Belfast to Ennis; Iceland: Selfoss to Reykjavik; and Ecuador: Quito to the Galapagos. Together, they reflect O.A.T.'s evolution toward travel that is immersive and accessibleideal for returning travelers and newcomers alike. Black Friday Savings As O.A.T. promotes its new Immersions collectionincluding Immersion in Egypt: Cruising the Nile Riverthe itinerary is featured as part of the company's Black Friday Savings event, offering up to $3,800 per person off all 2026 adventures. Travelers can reserve by December 1 and mention code BLACKFRIDAY25. About Overseas Adventure Travel (O.A.T.) Overseas Adventure Travel is the leader in personalized small-group travel for Americans 50-plus. A part of the Grand Circle family of travel companies, O.A.T. offers Small Group Adventures by Land and Small Ship Adventures by Sea to more than 80 countries worldwide. With a focus on local immersion, cultural exchange, and solo-friendly travel, O.A.T. is committed to changing people's livesone village, one school, one person at a time. Learn more at www.oattravel.com. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/654459/Overseas_Adventure_Travel_NEW_Logo.jpg Negotiator let his speed do the talking as he settled the matter of the $35,211 Baystate Special at Plainridge Park on Thursday, Nov. 13 with a hard-closing victory. Negotiator (Mitchell Cushing) got away sixth as Hespoisedtopounce A (Matty Athearn) led the field through fractions of :27.3 and :56.3. At the second station, Anvil Hands (Jim Hardy) led the outer flow first-over, followed by Mansome (Ron Cushing) and Negotiator. With the field in two rows, Hespoisedtopounce A and Anvil Hands raced abreast to three-quarters in 1:25 and around the last turn, where Mansome tipped three-wide around Anvil Hands and Negotiator went four-wide. Anvil Hands struck the front at the top of the stretch, but Mansome took the lead from him three pylons out before Negotiator got up late to beat Mansome by a neck in 1:53.3. Anvil Hands finished third. Negotiator's win was his third in his last five starts and fifth overall in 23 tries this year. The four-year-old son of Somestarsomewhere-Fox Valley Jazzy is owned by Ray Lasky and Cushing, who also trains the gelding. The win price was $11. In the $28,169 upper-level conditioned pace, millionaire Fourever Boy (Brett Beckwith) sat fourth as Frisco Bay N (Aaron Byron) cut the quarter in :27 before yielding to Price Control (Mitchell Cushing), who brought the field to the half in :55.4. Price Control then led up the backstretch, where Beckwith pulled Fourever Boy first-over heading to three-quarters. Price Control tripped the timer there in 1:24.1, but Fourever Boy cruised past him and had the lead at the top of the stretch, striding out to a 1-3/4-length win in 1:52.3. Joy In Mudville (Nick Graffam) closed for second over Price Control. Melissa Beckwith trains Fourever Boy, a 23-time winner in 115 starts. The six-year-old Sweet Lou-Macharoundtheclock stallion is owned by Micki Rae Stables LLC. He returned $4.40 to win. Fourever Boy will stand his first season at stud next year. At the close of the current Plainridge meet, he will ship to Chris Coyle in North Carolina for fertility testing, and he is slated to do stallion duty in both Virginia and Maine in 2026. For all the longshot lovers, there was a huge upset in the days first race when Jay Randall drove Dan Tuccillo Jr.s Waves to a 1:54 victory. The 47-1 shot returned $96.20 for a $2 win wager. Kevin Switzer Jr. had a big day at The Ridge on Thursday, scoring a grand slam during the 10-race card. Swit won with Meadowbrook Flash (1:53, $10.80), Gigitygigitygigty (1:55, $10.80), P L Pasquale (1:52.4, $13.80) and Jettingtomalibu (1:51.4, $6.80). Ten different trainers each won one race apiece during Thursdays program. Live racing will resume at Plainridge Park on Friday at 1 p.m. (Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts) Rachyls view When it comes to AI marketing, the more apocalyptic the better. So if cybercriminals are going to use your AI tools in a hacking spree, you might as well boast about it. Anthropic revealed Thursday it disrupted what it believes is a Chinese state-sponsored group that succeeded in hacking a small number of global targets using Claude Code with minimal human engagement what it called an inflection point in cybersecurity. The hackers use of Claude rather than homegrown models like DeepSeek highlights Anthropics (and the US) lead in the sector. And it puts the company at the center of a moment cyber professionals have been preparing for: When automated hacks become a bigger threat than human-driven ones, requiring stronger AI-powered defenses. Anthropic has put itself out there in the name of safety, publishing details about what it uncovers about its models that other companies often try to conceal. Earlier this year, it revealed that in experiments, Claude attempted to blackmail a supervisor and fictitious individuals to avoid being shut down. These reports have been in some ways insight into whats likely happening across AI companies, while also fulfilling Anthropics self-described safety MO. It also frames the company as the playground safety captain needed in a developing industry, and using a self-reporting tactic regulators prefer. It seems to be working. None of these disclosures have tanked Anthropics reputation theyve instead bolstered its status as one of the most transparent players in AI. Room for Disagreement Various studies, including a report from Texas researchers published in the Academy of Marketing Studies Journal, suggests that scandals negatively impact a companys image and the likelihood consumers will make purchases from that firm. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While proactively sharing negative disclosures can lead consumers to view a brand as transparent, that response also depends on a companys preexisting reputation and how it shares the information. Repetitive or vague disclosures may dilute the impact and trigger consumer scepticism and backlash, according to an article by Australian academics published this year. Anthropic received some backlash online for its latest report being vague. Notable Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella announced Wednesday that the company was unveiling a new, purpose-built data center in Atlanta. The data center first started operations in October. Known as Fairwater 2, the Atlanta facility will be paired and connected with the first Fairwater site in Wisconsin. Nadella said in his announcement that the move would be part of a broader Azure footprint to create the worlds first AI superfactory and was an example of building infrastructure that can serve any workload, anywhere, no matter what the need is. [DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks] The tech giant said to meet the unprecedented demand for AI computing, it had reinvented how it approached data center design. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The Fairwater facilities are a departure from the traditional cloud data center model and uses a single flat network, integrating hundreds of graphics cards to process data as a massive supercomputer. TRENDING STORIES: The new facility designs used by Microsoft are also intended for training future models and multiple different workloads with diverse requirements. A traditional datacenter is designed to run millions of separate applications for multiple customers, Alistair Speirs, Microsoft general manager focusing on Azure infrastructure, said in a statement. The reason we call this an AI superfactory is its running one complex job across millions of pieces of hardware. And its not just a single site training an AI model, its a network of sites supporting that one job. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Microsoft said the plants feature liquid-based cooling, individualized power to each server rack, where the data is stored and computed, as well as facility-wide cooling systems to ensure long-term viability, while also being more energy efficient. Another feature of the Atlanta Fairwater facilitys design is its approach to resource management. Microsoft officials said the advanced liquid cooling system consumes almost zero water in its operations while maximizing the amount of processing chips it can host and use. We are pushing the envelope in serving this compute with cost-efficient, reliable power. The Atlanta site was selected with resilient utility power in mind and is capable of achieving 49 availability at 39 cost, the company said in a statement. By securing highly available grid power, we can also forgo traditional resiliency approaches for the GPU fleet (such as on-site generation, UPS systems and dual-corded distribution), driving cost savings for customers and faster time-to-market for Microsoft. [SIGN UP: WSB-TV Daily Headlines Newsletter] A United Launch Alliance (ULA) Atlas rocket launches a payload of 27 Project Kuiper satellites for Amazon from Launch Complex 41 at 8:09 AM at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station, Florida on Thursday September 25, 2025. Photo by Joe Marino/UPI Nov. 13 (UPI) -- Following a handful of troubling valve issues that pushed a launch back for a week, an Atlas 5 rocket lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida at 10:04 p.m. EST on Thursday night, carrying a communications satellite for Viasat. The 6-ton Viasat 3 satellite will be deployed from the Atlas rocket about 3 1/2 hours after launch, and eventually reach geostationary orbit 230,000 miles above Earth. The system was designed to provide Internet service to major air carriers, community Internet to parts of Latin America and service to some government agencies. The Atlas 5 is 190 feet tall and equipped with five solid rocket boosters that produced 2.7 million pounds of thrust at liftoff. The craft jettisoned the fuel boosters less than 2 minutes into the flight. and deployed the payload fairings about 90 seconds later. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A minute and half following launch, the craft was less than half its weight and traveling 5,000 mph., Atlas mission control commentator Daniel Brunson said during a live audio feed of the launch. Less than 7 minutes after liftoff, the vehicle was more than 1,000 miles away from the launch pad, and reduced power to the main engine, a measure known as MECO, or main engine cut off. Thirteen minutes after launch, the craft was 3,000 miles down range, and 6 minutes later was traveling 19,000 mph. The mission was scrubbed repeatedly by a faulty liquid oxygen tank vent valve on the Atlas booster rocket, which provides fuel for the mission. While weather was not an issue at launch time, meteorologists warned of a high chance of interference from solar activity, including solar flares. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is the 105th Atlas 5 launch. The Viasat satellite is expected to be in service next year. An antenna on the last Viasat satellite failed to open properly, which delayed the start of service and resulted in reduced capacity. Jeff Bezos Blue Origin has landed the booster of its New Glenn mega-rocket on a drone ship in the Atlantic Ocean on just its second attempt making it the second company to perform such a feat, following Elon Musks SpaceX. Its an accomplishment that will help the new rocket system become an option to send larger payloads to space, the moon, and beyond. Thursdays launch wasnt just about the landing attempt, though. Roughly 34 minutes after takeoff, the upper stage of New Glenn successfully deployed the rockets first commercial payload: twin spacecraft for NASA that will travel to Mars to study the red planets atmosphere. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The pair of achievements are remarkable for the second-ever launch of such a massive rocket system. And it could put Blue Origin in position to compete with SpaceX, which dominates the worlds launch market with its Falcon 9, Falcon Heavy, and Starship rockets. The accomplishment is noteworthy for the broader space industry, and one that SpaceX CEO Gwynne Shotwell acknowledged via a post on social media site X with a simple Magnificent! Musk even offered his own congratulations shortly after. New Glenns first launch was in January, and Blue Origin experienced a number of delays in getting the second rocket to launch. The company had hoped to make a second attempt as early as the spring, but pushed it back multiple times. New Glenn finally made it to the launch pad on Sunday, but weather and solar storms delayed it further. The rocket finally took off from Launch Complex 36 in Cape Canaveral, Florida on Thursday at around 3:55 p.m. ET. At about four minutes into the flight, the second stage separated and headed further into space, while the New Glenn booster began its journey back toward Earth. Roughly 10 minutes into the flight, the 189-foot-tall booster touched down on the platform. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Blue Origin had attempted to bring the New Glenn booster back on the rockets first flight in January. But the booster exploded before it had a chance to land on the drone ship. Blue Origin worked with the Federal Aviation Administration to identify and make a number of fixes to the rocket, and the company was confident it could stick the landing on attempt number two. The ability to land a booster like this is an important step in making the rocket system reusable, which lowers the cost for customers a capability that SpaceX has mastered. Blue Origin will now have to demonstrate the ability to refurbish the rocket booster and launch it again. These are crucial capabilities for commercial customers and government missions. Blue Origin has had its eyes on the moon for years, and is currently developing a lunar lander. So is SpaceX, with Starship. But the government has asked them to speed up these programs, and acting NASA administrator Sean Duffy recently criticized SpaceX for moving too slowly. Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp recently said in response his company will move heaven and Earth to help NASA get back to the moon faster. But it cant do that without successfully proving out all of New Glenns capabilities. Thursdays launch went a long way toward accomplishing that overarching goal. Blue Origin landed its New Glenn booster on an ocean barge for the first time Thursday, a step that moved Jeff Bezos rocket company into more direct competition with Elon Musks SpaceX and its reusable rockets. The landing followed New Glenns launch of NASAs Escapade mission toward Mars. New Glenn lifted off from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station at 3:55 p.m. ET with the twin ESCAPADE (Escape and Plasma Acceleration Dynamics Explorers) probes bound for deep space. The mission had been postponed earlier in the week when elevated solar activity forced NASA to stop a planned attempt over concerns that high-energy particles could interfere with the spacecrafts electronics. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It turns out Never Tell Me The Odds had perfect oddsnever before in history has a booster this large nailed the landing on the second try, Blue Origin CEO Dave Limp said in a statement. This is just the beginning as we rapidly scale our flight cadence and continue delivering for our customers. Roughly three minutes after liftoff, the rockets stages separated and the booster began its descent toward Blue Origins recovery ship Jacklyn, stationed about 375 miles downrange in the Atlantic Ocean. Seven minutes into flight, three of the boosters BE-4 engines reignited for the final braking burn before the stage settled onto the deck. The achievement came after a failed attempt in January, when the boosters BE-4 engines rotated into position for landing but did not ignite. SpaceX established the model for this type of recovery nearly a decade ago when Musk pushed the Falcon 9 program to return boosters to land and drone ships. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Elon Musks SpaceX Just Moved More of Its $894 Million in Bitcoin Holdings Blue Origin designed New Glenn, which stands more than 320 feet tall and can carry between 13 and 45 metric tons, to support at least 25 missions as it competes in the private space travel industry dominated by SpaceX. For NASA, however, the primary goal was getting the Escapade mission off the ground. The twin spacecraft, built by California-based Rocket Lab and UC Berkeley, will spend a year in a looping orbit around Earth before beginning its trip to Mars in 2026. Elon Musk Aims to Send His Robots to Mars by the End of 2026 Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Understanding how the ionosphere varies will be a really important part of understanding how to correct the distortions in radio signals that we will need to communicate with each other and to navigate on Mars, UC Berkeley ESCAPADE principal investigator Robert Lillis said in a statement. The probes are scheduled to arrive in 2027 and spend about 11 months studying how the solar wind strips away the planets atmosphere. Thursdays flight also moved Blue Origin closer to challenging SpaceX for government and commercial contracts, including Amazons Project Kuiper, as the race to Mars heats up. "This heliophysics mission will help reveal how Mars became a desert planet, and how solar eruptions affect the Martian surface, NASA Administrator Sean Duffy said in a statement. All of this information will be critical to protect future NASA explorers and invaluable as we evaluate how to deliver on President Trumps vision of planting the Stars and Stripes on Mars. SAN FRANCISCO, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP is investigating a data breach that led to unauthorized access to the sensitive information of individuals affiliated with Activehours, Inc., which does business as EarnIn. EarnIn is a California-based financial services company that provides earned wage access. According to the Texas Office of the Attorney General's data breach portal, 21,178 Texas residents were affected. EarnIn has not publicly provided information about the date and scope of the data breach, and did not begin notifying affected individuals until on or around November 12, 2025, which may have violated state and federal laws. The following information may have been compromised in the breach: names, address, dates of birth, and Social Security numbers. If your personal information was impacted by this incident, you may be at risk of identity theft and other serious violations of your privacy. As a result, you may be entitled to money damages and an injunction requiring changes to EarnIn's cybersecurity practices. If you received notification of this data breach or are affiliated with EarnIn and wish to obtain additional information about your legal rights, please contact us today or visit our website at https://www.classactionlawyers.com/activehours . About Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe represents shareholders, employees, and consumers in class actions against corporate defendants, as well as shareholders in derivative actions against their officers and directors. The firm is based in San Francisco, and with the help of co-counsel, litigates cases nationwide. Contact Sonum Dixit Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP [email protected] Tel: 415-299-8207 SOURCE Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies . Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility: Dario Amodei, CEO and co-founder of Anthropic, attends the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 23, 2025. Credit: AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File A team of researchers has uncovered what they say is the first reported use of artificial intelligence to direct a hacking campaign in a largely automated fashion. The AI company Anthropic said this week that it disrupted a cyber operation that its researchers linked to the Chinese government. The operation involved the use of an artificial intelligence system to direct the hacking campaigns, which researchers called a disturbing development that could greatly expand the reach of AI-equipped hackers. While concerns about the use of AI to drive cyber operations are not new, what is concerning about the new operation is the degree to which AI was able to automate some of the work, the researchers said. "While we predicted these capabilities would continue to evolve, what has stood out to us is how quickly they have done so at scale," they wrote in their report. The operation targeted tech companies, financial institutions, chemical companies and government agencies. The researchers wrote that the hackers attacked "roughly thirty global targets and succeeded in a small number of cases." Anthropic detected the operation in September and took steps to shut it down and notify the affected parties. Anthropic noted that while AI systems are increasingly being used in a variety of settings for work and leisure, they can also be weaponized by hacking groups working for foreign adversaries. The San Francisco-based company, maker of the generative AI chatbot Claude, is one of many tech developers pitching AI "agents" that go beyond a chatbot's capability to access computer tools and take actions on a person's behalf. "Agents are valuable for everyday work and productivitybut in the wrong hands, they can substantially increase the viability of large-scale cyberattacks," the researchers concluded. "These attacks are likely to only grow in their effectiveness." A spokesperson for China's embassy in Washington did not immediately return a message seeking comment on the report. Microsoft warned earlier this year that foreign adversaries were increasingly embracing AI to make their cyber campaigns more efficient and less labor-intensive. The head of OpenAI's safety panel, which has the authority to halt the ChatGPT maker's AI development, recently told The Associated Press he's watching out for new AI systems that give malicious hackers "much higher capabilities." America's adversaries, as well as criminal gangs and hacking companies, have exploited AI's potential, using it to automate and improve cyberattacks, to spread inflammatory disinformation and to penetrate sensitive systems. AI can translate poorly worded phishing emails into fluent English, for example, as well as generate digital clones of senior government officials. Anthropic said the hackers were able to manipulate Claude, using "jailbreaking" techniques that involve tricking an AI system to bypass its guardrails against harmful behavior, in this case by claiming they were employees of a legitimate cybersecurity firm. "This points to a big challenge with AI models, and it's not limited to Claude, which is that the models have to be able to distinguish between what's actually going on with the ethics of a situation and the kinds of role-play scenarios that hackers and others may want to cook up," said John Scott-Railton, senior researcher at Citizen Lab. The use of AI to automate or direct cyberattacks will also appeal to smaller hacking groups and lone wolf hackers, who could use AI to expand the scale of their attacks, according to Adam Arellano, field CTO at Harness, a tech company that uses AI to help customers automate software development. "The speed and automation provided by the AI is what is a bit scary," Arellano said. "Instead of a human with well-honed skills attempting to hack into hardened systems, the AI is speeding those processes and more consistently getting past obstacles." AI programs will also play an increasingly important role in defending against these kinds of attacks, Arellano said, demonstrating how AI and the automation it allows will benefit both sides. Reaction to Anthropic's disclosure was mixed, with some seeing it as a marketing ploy for Anthropic's approach to defending cybersecurity and others who welcomed its wake-up call. "This is going to destroy ussooner than we thinkif we don't make AI regulation a national priority tomorrow," wrote U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy, a Connecticut Democrat, on social media. That led to criticism from Meta's chief AI scientist Yann LeCun, an advocate of the Facebook parent company's open-source AI systems that, unlike Anthropic's, make their key components publicly accessible in a way that some AI safety advocates deem too risky. "You're being played by people who want regulatory capture," LeCun wrote in a reply to Murphy. "They are scaring everyone with dubious studies so that open source models are regulated out of existence." 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission. The Centre for Enterprise Development Inc. (CED) successfully concluded a two-day (Nov. 4-5) financial literacy workshop under the theme "Unlocking Opportunities through Climate Change Initiative (UOCCI). The workshop formed part of a three-year UOCCI Project funded by the Organization of American States (OAS), through its Development Cooperation Fund (DCF), in the sum of US$125,000, and is being implemented under the OAS/DCF 2024-2027 programming cycle project. The workshop equipped community groups and organizations with essential knowledge and tools for sound financial management; and aimed at building self-reliance, ensuring that when groups secure funding, whether through grants or fundraising, they can manage these resources effectively to withstand climate change challenges. In her opening remarks, Ms. Keisha Phillips, CEDs Training and Education Coordinator and UOCCI Project Coordinator, emphasized the projects goal of fostering an entrepreneurial mindset. "As you go through this climate change project, she stated, "you will begin to identify positive opportunities arising from the impacts of climate change on our country and transform them into revenue-generating initiatives. She further stressed the importance of financial acumen, adding that, "We need to have that financial understanding of how to operate as community organizations. Ms. Phillips expressed her hope that the training would provide participants with a clearer perspective and stronger confidence in managing their finances. The feedback from participants was overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the practical strategies and the expert facilitation by instructor Mrs. Simone Murray. Tristan Williams of Ink Lab Art Studio highlighted, "I am leaving this programme more informed, more knowledgeable, and with a stronger ability to manage not only the assets in my business, but my personal finances as well. Keilrick Franklyn from the United League Empowered Development Organisation (ULEDO) described the workshop as both "detailed and concise, a combination that delivered maximum value. Laura Stephens Dublin of the Climate Change Resilience Network declared, "Were going to take this information and run with it. I believe every household should have a session like this. Everybody uses money every day, and we need to learn how to manage it effectively. Echoing this sentiment, Ann-Marie Ollivierre of the Sea Moss Association of St. Vincent and the Grenadines shared, "We are looking forward to more programs like this so we can grow to be more financially dependent on ourselves, she stated. Annie Bob of Goshen Farms and the Climate Change Resilience Network praised Mrs. Murray for creating an inclusive learning environment, stating, "Her patience ensured everyones questions were addressed, so we all could understand and take something valuable away. The two-day workshop was held at Frenches House, 4-5 November. (Source: CED) (L-R): Elroy Boucher, President dient of the PSU, and Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the NDP, at last Wednesdays historic signing at the NDP Headquarters, Kingstown. In the build-up to the November 27, 2025 general elections, the Public Service Union (PSU) and the opposition New Democratic Party (NDP) on Wednesday, November 12, signed a landmark Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) . Elroy Boucher, President of the PSU, and Dr. Godwin Friday, Leader of the NDP, affixed their signatures to the agreement. The MoA positions the welfare of the workers as being at the forefront of national development, and commits the NDP to addressing a number of areas affecting public servants, including but not restricted to: restoration of Collective Bargaining rights and salary negotiations; establishment of a dedicated negotiation committee; tackling the cost of living crisis; effecting PSU Public Service Commission (PSC) and National Insurance Services (NIS) representation; introducing NIS and public service pensions reforms; introducing public sector reform - supporting legislation for trade union recognition, revising the Protection of Employment Act, implementing a modern Civil Service Act; ratifying International Labour Organisation Conventions; revising draft Sexual Harassment Bill for implementation; changing the maternity leave from 3 months to six months; repealing the Public Health Act (2021) and the restoration of benefits for public servants who lost their jobs as a result of the vaccine mandate. Dr Friday pledged to fulfil the PSUs requests as Prime Minister, not least to "reverse the draconian mandate under which this government (Unity Labour Party) fired public sector workers. Boucher commended the NDP "for their defence of workers and noted that "the Agreement is not about politics, it is about people.. He observed, "We have a firm commitment from the NDP, and declared his confidence that "every worker will have access to secure retirement. While the Agreement with the NDP is a "turning point, Boucher posited, "promises cannot become reality unless we have a government that believes and is committed to acting on their behalf, and urged citizens "who believe in fairness and justice ... to vote for change. Left: A glimpse of what is on offer for sale/rent by the Housing Development Corporation at Victoria Keys, Diego Martin, Trinidad. Right: Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves wasted no time in rubbishing the insinuations that his family had done anything immoral or improper. St. Vincent and the Grenadines Prime Minister Dr. Ralph Gonsalves has refuted the recent disclosure that he and his family did any wrong or illegal, when they purchased properties (homes) in Trinidad from that countrys Housing Development Corporation (HDC). Indications of these purchases was made public by Anil Roberts, a government Senator and Junior Minister in the Ministry of Housing, in a Tuesday, November 11 episode of his social media blog post he calls Doubles and Coffee. Roberts reported that the Dr. Gonsalves wife, son Storm and daughter Soleil had acquired at market rates, unlike other HDC properties, three high end units located at three Victoria Keyes, Diego Martin, Trinidad, total purchase exceeding TT$4 million. His contention was that the Gonsalves family benefited from political favours under the former Peoples National Movement (PNM), supporting this with documented evidence of when and to whom the sales were made. Addressing Dr. Gonsalves directly, Roberts asked, "Honourable Prime Minister of St. Vincent and the Grenadines, did you disclose to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and to the people of St. Vincent and Caricom that when you are speaking, your family has received great benefit from the PNM? He continued, "Did you declare any interests? Did you receive any benefit from the PNM? Any benefit whatsoever that may have people in Trinidad and Tobago scratching their bald heads like me?...... Did you disclose to the people of Trinidad and Tobago and to the people of St. Vincent and Caricom that when you are speaking, your family has received great benefit from the PNM? Roberts tirade against PM Gonsalves came on the heels of the SVG Prime Ministers criticism during a virtual speech before a University of the West Indies Forum on Regional Unity and Free Movement in October, of the Kamla Persad-Bissessar administration for its support of the United States military strikes in the Caribbean that are said to be targeted at drug traffickers. In response to Roberts attack, Dr. Gonsalves, currently occupied with campaigning for general elections in his country on November 27, said, as per a report in the Trinidad Guardian of Wednesday, November 12, "That is a species of totalitarianism that will try to cower people, but I have done nothing wrong. My wife has done nothing wrong. My children have done nothing wrong. Nothing they have done is even immoral or improper. But he (Roberts) obviously took umbrage, and it is political season in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, and he wants to help the opposition in St. Vincent. "Please explain to me how any of these transactions could even bear the slightest semblance of being corrupt, insider trading, that there is some collusion. I have never spoken to any member of government of Trinidad and Tobago, or anybody in the state administration, about these transactions. These are Trinidadians, who happen to be in one case - my wife - and in the other two cases - my children, who are performing transactions. He pointed out that his wife and two children are all citizens of T&T and are therefore entitled to purchase properties at Victoria Keyes, which is not low-income housing, but subject to open market bids. "If there was anything that was done corrupt, why you dont charge them? Eh? Why you dont send the files to the authorities. The simple reason is because this is just political bile. This too shall pass. Reports out of Trinidad and Tobago said that Prime Minister Kamla Persad-Bissessar has confirmed that the Housing Development Corporation (HDC) has initiated an investigation into the acquisition of a unit at Victoria Keyes by St. Vincent and the Grenadines PM Dr. Ralph Gonsalves daughter. Persad-Bissessar provided Guardian Media with documents showing that the "rent to own agreement entered into between the HDC and Soleil Gonsalves happened two days after the April 28 General Election but before her Government was sworn into office. MIAMI, Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ - Restaurant Brands International Inc. ("RBI" or the "Company") (TSX: OSR) (NYSE: QSR) announced today that an underwritten registered public offering (the "offering") of up to 17,626,570 common shares commenced by HL1 17 LP ("the Selling Shareholder"), an affiliate of 3G Capital Partners Ltd. ("3G Capital"), had priced. These common shares relate to the exchange notice received by Restaurant Brands International Limited Partnership ("RBI LP") from the Selling Shareholder, to exchange 17,626,570 Class B exchangeable limited partnership units of RBI LP (the "Exchangeable Units"). RBI LP intends to satisfy this notice with the delivery of an equal number of common shares of RBI (the "Exchange"). In connection with the offering, the Selling Shareholder entered into a forward sale agreement with BofA Securities (the "forward counterparty") with respect to up to 17,626,570 common shares. In connection with the forward sale agreement, the forward counterparty or its affiliates are expected to borrow and sell through the underwriter 9,785,784 common shares in the offering, and in addition to sell through the underwriter up to 7,840,786 common shares in the offering to the extent certain current investors that have indicated an interest in purchasing such shares complete such purchase. The Selling Shareholder is expected to physically settle the forward sale agreement by delivering to the forward counterparty the number of common shares sold in the registered public offering. Upon settlement of the forward sale agreement, the Selling Shareholder will receive, in cash, the public offering price of the aggregate number of RBI common shares sold in the offering, less underwriting discounts and commissions, subject to certain adjustments as provided in the forward sale agreement. The settlement of the forward sale agreement and the Exchange is expected to occur on or before December 3, 2025. RBI will not sell any common shares in the offering and will not receive any proceeds from the sale of the common shares. The aggregate number of Exchangeable Units and RBI common shares will not change as a result of the transactions. BofA Securities is acting as sole book-running manager in the offering. BofA Securities may offer the common shares in the offering from time to time in one or more transactions on the New York Stock Exchange, in the over-the-counter market or through negotiated transactions at market prices or at negotiated prices. The offering is expected to close on November 17, 2025, though a portion of the offering may close at any time prior to settlement of the Exchange, in each case subject to customary closing conditions. The offering is being made pursuant to an effective shelf registration statement (containing a prospectus) filed with the U.S. Securities & Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). A final prospectus supplement relating to the offering will be filed with the SEC and will be available on the SEC's website at http://www.sec.gov. A copy of the final prospectus supplement and the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering may be obtained by contacting BofA Securities, NC1-022-02-25, 201 North Tryon Street, Charlotte NC 28255-001, Attention: Prospectus Department, or by e-mail at [email protected]. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy any securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any state or other jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation, or sale would be unlawful prior to registration or qualification under the securities laws of such state or other jurisdiction. Neither the final prospectus supplement nor the accompanying prospectus relating to the offering constitutes a prospectus under Canadian securities laws and therefore does not qualify the securities offered thereunder in Canada. About Restaurant Brands International, Inc. Restaurant Brands International Inc. is one of the world's largest quick service restaurant companies with over $45 billion in annual system-wide sales and over 32,000 restaurants in more than 120 countries and territories. RBI owns four of the world's most prominent and iconic quick service restaurant brands TIM HORTONS, BURGER KING, POPEYES, and FIREHOUSE SUBS. These independently operated brands have been serving their respective guests, franchisees and communities for decades. Through its Restaurant Brands for Good framework, RBI is improving sustainable outcomes related to its food, the planet, and people and communities. Forward-Looking Statements This press release includes forward-looking statements, which are often identified by the words "may," "might," "believes," "thinks," "anticipates," "plans," "expects," "intends" or similar expressions and reflect management's expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof. These forward-looking statements include statements about RBI's expectations regarding the exchange of the Exchangeable Units for common shares of the Company. The factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from RBI's expectations are detailed in filings of RBI with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and on SEDAR in Canada, such as its annual and quarterly reports and current reports on Form 8-K. RBI undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. SOURCE Restaurant Brands International Inc. BOULDER, Colo., Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Solar Energy Society (ASES) announces that SOLAR 2026 , the 55th Annual National Solar Conference, will take place October 1921, 2026, at the Palmer Events Center in Austin, Texas. Submit to the SOLAR 2026 Call for Participation at ases.org/conference. The conference brings the solar community together to accelerate the adoption of solar energy as the solution for providing our buildings, homes, and communities with clean, locally-produced energy, and for making our energy infrastructure more resilient and reliable, under rapidly-growing energy demand. Centered on the theme, Solar for All, Y'all, ASES welcomes all participants from all over the country and around the world who are interested in learning more and contributing to the renewable energy revolution. SOLAR 2026 will be held in partnership with the Texas Solar Energy Society (TXSES) during its landmark 50th anniversary year. "Celebrating 50 years of the Texas Solar Energy Society during a national gathering like SOLAR 2026 is a tremendous milestone for our state and our community. Texas has long been a leader in solar innovation and adoption, and we are honored to welcome renewable energy professionals, students, and advocates from across the country to Austin. This anniversary highlights our continued commitment to expanding clean, resilient, and accessible solar energy for all Texans," said TXSES Executive Director Patrice "Pete" Parsons. ASES invites members of the renewable energy community to submit their recent or ongoing work to be considered for a poster or oral presentation. Researchers, practitioners, policy makers, students, community leaders, and industry professionals are encouraged to apply for the Call for Participation by February 2, 2026, at 11:59 pm PST. Topics of interest include (but are not limited to): Solar energy technologies Storage technologies Grid reliability and flexibility Workforce development Zero-carbon resilient buildings Community programs A just energy transformation Renewable energy policy Renewable energy finance Sustainable living Data centers Commercial and residential solar Electric vehicles Resilience hubs Secure your spot as a SOLAR 2026 conference sponsor or exhibitor by December 31 and save 25% on all sponsorship tiers. Enjoy the benefits of being prominently featured at this unique, community-driven event! About the American Solar Energy Society (ASES) ASES brings a depth of expertise and experience on solar energy technologies, workforce development, research, and deployment of community-based solar projects. ASES is the longest-serving and leading solar energy advocacy organization in the United States, with 20,000 members. ASES is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that advocates for sustainable living and a 100% clean energy future and emphasizes the values of justice, equity, diversity and inclusion for a successful transition. ASES cultivates community and powers progress by integrating the perspectives of science, industry, policy, and citizens via Solar Today magazine , the e-newsletter Solar@Work , Webinars , the ASES National Solar Conference , and the ASES National Solar Tour . Learn more at ases.org . SOURCE American Solar Energy Society Phan Thi Huan, founder of Ba Huan JSC, confirmed that neither she nor her family members are involved in the companys current operations or management. The Customs Office at Saigon Port Area 3 (under the Ho Chi Minh City Customs Department Area 2) has issued a tax enforcement decision against Ba Huan JSC, headquartered at No. 2 Nguyen Dinh Chi Street, Binh Tay Ward, Ho Chi Minh City. The enforcement action involves suspending customs clearance procedures for the companys import and export goods. This enforcement was imposed due to the companys overdue tax payments exceeding 90 days past the legal deadline. The total tax debt in question amounts to over 51.3 billion VND (approximately USD 2 million). The customs decision is effective for one year, from November 10, 2025, to November 9, 2026, and will be lifted once the full tax amount is paid into the state budget. Ba Huan JSC was originally established by renowned businesswoman Phan Thi Huan (born 1954), popularly known as Ba Huan. From a young age, Huan dropped out of school and helped her mother carry baskets of eggs to market. She bought eggs from villagers in rural hamlets and resold them at local markets. As demand grew, she expanded her trade across provinces in the Mekong Delta and transported eggs to Ho Chi Minh City. Selling eggs helped feed her family of eight siblings. After learning the trade from her mother, she eventually took over the business, officially launching the Ba Huan brand in 1985. In July 2021, amid the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, rising input costs and production expenses pushed poultry egg businesses into losses. Despite this, as CEO at the time, Huan rejected the Ho Chi Minh City Department of Industry and Trades proposal to increase egg prices. She pledged to maintain stable supply during the crisis, with her company distributing around 1 million eggs per day to the city. However, according to the National Business Registration Portal, Ba Huan JSC underwent a leadership change in September 2022. Since then, Tran Viet Hung (born 1985) has been serving as the companys general director and legal representative. Speaking with VietNamNet on November 13 regarding the tax enforcement against the company, Phan Thi Huan emphasized that she and her family have had no involvement in the company's management since the ownership transition. The transfer of shares from her family to Mr. Hung took place three years ago. "Currently, the companys tax debt has no relation to me or my family," she stated. Tran Chung Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung At the opening ceremony of SEMI EXPO Vietnam 2025 on November 7, Deputy Prime Minister Nguyen Chi Dung shared Vietnams long-term determination to develop the semiconductor industry into one of the pillars of the digital, knowledge-based, and green economy. The national strategy for Vietnams semiconductor industry to 2030, with a vision toward 2050, aims to develop the full value chain, from research, design, packaging and testing to manufacturing, while establishing specialized talent and innovation centers for semiconductors. Dung emphasized: Vietnam has sufficient conditions and internal strength to gradually enhance its position in the global semiconductor supply chain. He pointed out Vietnams advantages, including a stable political system, strong macroeconomic environment, favorable geopolitical location, and a large labor force with competitive costs, especially in engineering and technology. At the event, Dung called on international partners to support Vietnamese enterprises in the process of building the first semiconductor chip factory through the provision of equipment, technical assistance, workforce training, technology transfer, and sharing of experience in operating an internationally standardized production line to ensure the effectiveness of project implementation. Deputy Minister of Finance Nguyen Duc Tam added that Vietnam currently has over 50 IC design companies with around 7,000 engineers, along with 15 companies and more than 10,000 technicians working in packaging, testing, and manufacturing of semiconductor equipment and materials. Global major corporations such as Samsung, Intel, Amkor, Foxconn, and Hana Micron continue to expand production in Vietnam, while leading global technology firms including NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Coherent, and Marvell have chosen Vietnam as a hub for chip research and development. These achievements demonstrate the confidence of global investors and reflect Vietnams strategic progress in the journey of leapfrogging, i.e developing through knowledge, innovation, and international cooperation, the deputy minister said. Focus on local capabilities On the sidelines of the event, Clark Tseng, vice president of SEMI, assessed that Vietnam has strong capabilities in electronics assembly and manufacturing, especially in products such as smartphones and electric vehicles. He said these are two high-potential sectors, and noted that consumer electronic chips, whether for domestic or export markets, are in strong demand. These types of chips often rely on mature technologies, so investment costs are relatively manageable. This could be a direction that Vietnam should follow, the expert said. He noted that each country in the region could find its own niche within the semiconductor supply chain, and Vietnam should choose segments that align with its existing capabilities. With a strong workforce, competitive costs, and experience in electronics, developing design, packaging, and testing capabilities for consumer electronic chips is seen as a suitable and effective path. To seize opportunities, Vietnam needs to continue investing in infrastructure, energy, logistics, and especially in high-tech human resources. Human resources are one of Vietnams strengths. The challenge is how to retain talent. Retaining high-quality personnel is the key factor, he said. He also observed that Vietnam has a stable political and policy environment and numerous free trade agreements with other countries, which can be seen as a major advantage in attracting investment and building new production facilities. The Ministry of Finance is directing the National Innovation Center (NIC) to work with enterprises, institutes, universities, and international organizations to promote publicprivate partnerships and strengthen connections between the government, academia, and business. According to Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of NIC, Vietnam is collaborating with Samsung and corporations such as Amkor to prioritize development in advanced packaging and testing technologies. This is one of the most important stages with high added value in the semiconductor industry. Vietnam is also oriented toward establishing domestic chip manufacturing plants, showing steady progress from design, packaging, and testing to future fabrication, Vo Xuan Hoai said. In Vietnam, the demand for workers in the semiconductor industry is rapidly increasing. The country aims to train at least 50,000 professionals with university-level education or higher, including a minimum of 42,000 engineers and bachelors degree holders, at least 7,500 masters degree holders, and 500 doctoral researchers. The SEMI EXPO Vietnam 2025 event, with a series of seminars, forums, and supply chain connection activities, is considered proof of Vietnams efforts to expand international cooperation and affirm its position on the global semiconductor map. Du Lam MOHEGAN LAKE, N.Y., Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- In keeping with its tradition of community giving, Shrub Oak International School donated 50 turkeys and all the trimmings for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner to The Community Food Pantry at St. Mary's in Mohegan Lake, NY. The donation included shelf-stable items such as canned corn, green beans, stuffing, gravy, cranberry sauce, and more. Shrub Oak International School students shop for turkeys to donate to The Community Food Pantry at St. Mary's in Mohegan Lake, NY This meaningful initiative was started several years ago by Michael Koffler, Founder and CEO of Shrub Oak International School, as a gesture of gratitude for the continued support the local community has shown the school and its students. "Sharing, caring, and giving of our hearts and minds is what Shrub Oak does every day," said Michael Koffler, Founder and CEO of Shrub Oak International School. "This donation represents our appreciation for our local community and our genuine desire to support our neighbors, especially during a time when there is so much uncertainty surrounding food assistance." Students at Shrub Oak are involved in every stage of the effort, from planning and shopping to delivering the food to the pantry. The hands-on experience helps students develop important life skills, while also strengthening communication, social skills, flexibility, and confidence in real-world settings. "Our students truly enjoy participating in this project," said Nancy Tritsch, MS Ed, EdM, Director of Education. "It's a powerful way for them to develop practical skills, experience the joy of giving, and understand the importance of helping others. This kind of real-world learning is at the heart of what we do." Students and staff delivered the donation to the food pantry after shopping for the items locally. DeCicco Family Markets in Jefferson Valley, NY was instrumental in helping the school procure the turkeys with a generous discount to ensure the donation could help as many local families as possible. DeCicco staff supported and engaged with the students as they shopped, which made the experience a rewarding one for everyone involved. About Shrub Oak International School and The Pines at Shrub Oak The mission of Shrub Oak International School is to improve the lives of autistic children, adolescents, and young adults. Through individualized, strength- and passion-based learning, we help students form meaningful relationships, navigate their communities, and maximize their potential. Located on the campus of Shrub Oak International School, The Pines at Shrub Oak is a specialized therapeutic program designed to address the unique needs of autistic adolescents who also require intensive psychiatric support. Shrub Oak International School is accredited by: The National Independent Private Schools Association (NIPSA), Level III Therapeutic Certification, Academic Accreditation, with an Autism Endorsement; The Middle States Association Commission on Elementary and Secondary Schools (MSA-CESS), a globally recognized leader in school accreditation and improvement; and Cognia, signifying that the school meets or exceeds rigorous standards of educational quality and effectiveness. For more information, please visit www.shruboak.org or contact Lauren Koffler at [email protected]. SOURCE Shrub Oak International School The Hanoi Peoples Council has recently approved a resolution on tuition fee levels, tuition exemptions, and tuition support. For public schools, the monthly tuition fees for nursery and kindergarten children (excluding 5-year-olds) and high school students are 217,000 VND in urban wards and 95,000 VND in rural communes. Children aged 5 in preschool, as well as primary and lower secondary (middle school) students, will be charged 155,000 VND in wards and 75,000 VND in communes. For students attending online classes, tuition will be calculated at 75% of in-person rates. Since these groups are eligible for full tuition exemptions, the resolution serves as a legal basis for the city to allocate funding from the budget. Private school students and those enrolled in high-quality public institutions will receive 155,000 VND/month in tuition support for 5-year-old preschoolers, primary, and lower secondary students. For nursery, kindergarten (excluding 5-year-olds), and high school students in private institutions, the support will be 217,000 VND/month. Online learners will receive support calculated at 75% of the in-person support rate. The support applies for a maximum of 9 months per academic year, covering both in-person and online learning formats. According to the Hanoi Department of Education and Training, the 20252026 school year will serve over 2.3 million students across 2,954 institutions, including 2,324 public and 630 private schools at all levels from preschool to high school. Currently, tuition fees at private schools are many times higher than those at public schools. With the new subsidy scheme, the city is expected to allocate approximately 525.8 billion VND (roughly 21.3 million USD) to support private schools in the 20252026 school year. Thuy Nga On the morning of November 14, Ho Chi Minh Citys 10th People's Council closed its fifth session (a special meeting for 20212026) after approving 43 core resolutions concerning budget, public investment, policy mechanisms, and legal frameworks, all aimed at aligning the citys growth with its vast potential. A call for a super city law for HCM City During the discussion, delegates Vuong Duc Hoang Quan and Tran Quang Thang jointly proposed that the spirit of National Assembly Resolution 98/2023/QH15 - on piloting unique development mechanisms for HCMC - should be codified into law. Drawing comparisons with Hanoi, which has had its own Capital Law for years, they urged the city to proactively draft and propose a super city law to fully harness its development opportunities and capabilities. At the session, members also passed a resolution to revise the citys 2025 local budget estimates. The total local revenue projection has been adjusted downward to over 271.39 trillion VND (11.1 billion USD), from nearly 275 trillion VND (11.25 billion USD) in the previous estimate under Resolution 409/NQ-HND. This reduction of 3.542 trillion VND (145 million USD) reflects carry-over funds from the prior year now incorporated into the balance. Accordingly, the local expenditure estimate has also been reduced from 292.197 trillion VND to 288.655 trillion VND (11.96 to 11.82 billion USD). Adjustments in public investment and forest land use Chairman of HCMC Peoples Council Vo Van Minh delivers the closing remarks. Photo: HK A resolution to amend the citys 2025 public investment plan was also adopted. The total adjusted local public investment budget was reduced by over 6.532 trillion VND (267 million USD) from the previous estimate approved on July 24, 2025. Specifically, reserve funds were cut by approximately 2.78 trillion VND (113 million USD), and remaining unallocated funds for projects pending investment approval were reduced by 3.75 trillion VND (154 million USD). The council also approved the reallocation of 0.15031 hectares of production forest land, originally afforested, in lots 20A and 42A, compartment 5, subzone 11 (in Phu Giao commune) for construction of the 500kV Binh Duong 1 Song May Tan Dinh transmission line. Similarly, it authorized the conversion of 8.07277 hectares of production forest land, also afforested, in multiple lots and compartments within subzone 25A (in Tan Uyen ward), for use in phase 1 of land clearance for the HCMC Ring Road 4 project, from Thu Bien Bridge to Saigon River. A political commitment to implementation Delegates use an online platform to vote on resolutions during the session. Photo: HK The swimsuit round of the 74th Miss Universe pageant lit up Pattaya, Thailand, on November 14, with more than 100 contestants taking to the beachfront runway. One of the most anticipated segments of the competition, the event highlighted not only the contestants physical confidence but also their cultural expression through swimsuit designs. Representing Vietnam, Nguyen Huong Giang - born in 1991 and standing 1.7 meters tall - stepped onto the catwalk with grace and poise. Although her body language showed some lingering stiffness, her determination and energy resonated with Vietnamese fans watching the show online. Under the bright Pattaya sun, contestants strutted in swimsuits that reflected vibrant cultural themes and striking color palettes. From tribal motifs to contemporary flair, the fashion choices captured a worldwide audience. The competition also saw standout performances from beauty powerhouses such as the Philippines, Thailand, Colombia, and Venezuela - countries known for grooming top-tier candidates. Thailands representative impressed as host, showcasing flawless curves and a powerful walk. The Philippines contestant displayed confidence born from experience, affirming her place among the favorites. Colombias representative earned loud cheers with her strong, assertive presence and glowing brown skin. Cote d'Ivoires contestant delivered a radiant performance, while Costa Ricas brought a refreshing sharpness and elegance to the stage. While the swimsuit competition celebrates physical form, it has evolved into a celebration of strength, health, and authenticity. The upbeat music, outdoor setting, and fashion-forward flair transformed the segment into a high-energy runway show. The semifinal and final rounds of Miss Universe 2025 are scheduled for November 19 and 21. Huy Minh Professor Dr Nguyen Thi My Loc, Vice Chair of the Education Science Professorship Council Vu Minh Duc, Director of the Teachers and Educational Managers Department, said that since the country began operating the two-tier local government model, the education sector has entered a new phase with both opportunities and challenges. Commune authorities now directly manage preschool, primary, and secondary education institutions. Many tasks previously handled by district education and training sub-departments are now transferred to commune-level culture - social affairs offices, requiring management staff to be equipped with knowledge and skills suitable for the sector's requirements. According to a nationwide survey by the Ministry of Education and Training (MOET) in August 2025, many communes/wards do not have a sufficient number of officials in charge of education. Their commune culture - social affairs offices must perform many tasks in culture, sports, tourism, education, health, science and technology, labor and social affairs. But they have only 10 officials per commune, with officials in charge of education averaging 1.04 officials/commune. "Many commune-level education management officials lack expertise or experience in education work. Only less than 50 percent of officials in charge of education in communes and wards have education expertise or once worked in the education sector. Many of them previously only handled one education level but now must handle all three levels. Some have education expertise but shifted to other fields many years ago before returning. This has caused confusion in the initial phase," Duc said. The HCMC Department of Education and Training reported that after four months of merger, 35 of 168 wards and communes have assigned officials to be charge of education but they have never worked in education. Similarly, according to Lang Son Department of Education and Training report, 19 of 65 wards and communes have officials in charge of education but they are without matching expertise and two wards and communes have not yet assigned the position. In Tay Ninh, currently 60 of 96 wards and communes assign tasks to officials who are not trained in education. The figure is 69 of 124 wards and communes in Vinh Long. Tran Thi Ngoc Chau, Deputy Director of HCMC Department of Education and Training, said that when the number of education management officials assigned remains small, it is difficult to ensure state management requirements in education at the locality, especially financial work. Professor Dr Nguyen Thi My Loc, Vice Chair of the Education Science Professorship Council, said when implementing the two-tier local government model, the management workload of the departments has doubled, especially for newly merged provinces. The absence of district education and training offices has led to a lack of intermediate force supporting expertise, inspection, and teacher training. In addition, the number and capacity of commune-level officials are still limited; Culture - Social Affairs departments handle many fields; many officials in charge of education at commune-level Culture - Social Affairs Offices lack deep expertise or are transferred from other fields, leading to confusion in advising and implementing tasks. Commune-level education management Facing this reality, managers and experts believe it is necessary to standardize commune-level education management staff to meet the requirements of operating the two-tier model. Loc believes that managers first need to recognize their new role and gradually train themselves to meet the requirements in the new position. "Managerial officers must grasp their work; they cannot seek help for everything. If commune-level leaders dont have necessary knowlege, how can they make decisions?" she said. Some localities have deployed short-term solutions allowing mobilization of principals and core teachers to support culture - social affairs offices in familiarizing with specific activities. For example, in Nghe An, school leaders are assigned to advise on expertise and support commune-level education officials. Pham Van Thuan, Director of the Academy of Educational Management, said there are two paths to equip knowledge and capacity in education and training for commune and ward education management officials. For those without expertise and experience in education, they need systematic training. In the immediate time, they should be provided with general training on education management capacity, then deeper training like a second bachelors degree, or master's in education management. For those with expertise and experience in education but have now shifted to other units before returning, immediate training programs to limit inadequacies are needed. There should be a competency framework for commune-level officials, which help assess officers capability. Suitable programs will be designed to improve their competency, he said. Thu Hang Illustrative photo Some people barely have time to rest after receiving their pension book before ending up confined to a hospital bed. L.T.H, 65, in Ha Tinh, has been a familiar patient of Dr Ha Thi Van Anh, Head of Outpatient Department, Central Geriatric Hospital (Hanoi), for many years. His first visit was seven years ago for hypertension. Later, he was diagnosed with diabetes and lipid metabolism disorders. As years passed, his health declined, and now he suffers from five chronic diseases. I didnt even have time to enjoy retirement before ending up stuck in a hospital bed, he said. At first, he could still go to the hospital on his own and did not need constant care. Now, his children have to hire an extra caregiver to look after him. Cases like his are common at the National Geriatric Hospital, especially since Vietnam entered the aging population phase in 2011. As the elderly population grows, the demand for geriatric healthcare has risen sharply, forcing the hospital to expand its outpatient facilities. Each doctor in the Outpatient Department sees around 50 patients per day across 12 consultation rooms. The departments for hypertension, cardiology, and diabetes handle the highest numbers. Doctors examine 150-200 patients suffering the diseases daily, and in total, the department receives about 500 patients each day. Anh recently conducted a study on common diseases among the elderly. Rarely any elderly person comes to the hospital with only one disease; typically, they have three to five, and in some cases, eight or nine, she said. According to the Ministry of Health (MOH), Vietnamese now live longer, a welcome sign of development. In 2024, the average life expectancy of Vietnamese reached 74.7 years, highest in history. However, the number of healthy living years was only 65.4. Dr Truong Hong Son, General Secretary of Vietnam Medical Association, said Vietnamese from 64 years old upward suffer multiple diseases at the same time, especially non-communicable diseases. Therefore, although life expectancy increases, the number of years living with diseases of elderly is also high: 10 years. Common illnesses among older adults include hypertension, osteoarthritis, and cataracts. Diseases like diabetes, lipid metabolism disorders, depression, and cognitive impairment have risen rapidly in recent years. Unfortunately, these are often overlooked, as many elderly, even middle-aged, people assume that forgetfulness or sleep problems are natural signs of aging. According to MOH, although the elderly make up just over 14 percent of the population, they account for more than 50 percent of total annual healthcare spending. The cost of medical care for older adults is nearly 10 times higher than for younger people. Anh said treatment costs for older adults are very high due to direct expenses (consultations, medications, hospital stays), indirect ones (transportation, accommodation for caregivers), and the cost of assistive devices or rehabilitation equipment. Because elderly patients often have multiple conditions, comprehensive geriatric assessments are required for accurate diagnosis. Extensive diagnostic testing raises medical costs. Furthermore, elderly patients take many medications, and frequent lab tests, imaging, and function evaluations are needed to monitor disease progression, further increasing healthcare expenses. For inpatients, recovery time is typically longer than for younger adults, adding even more to the cost. How fast is Vietnam aging? Matt Jackson, UNFPA Representative in Vietnam, said the countrys population is aging faster than most others. Minister of Health Dao Hong Lan confirmed that Vietnams aging rate is among the fastest in Asia. In 2024, Vietnam had about 14.2 million people aged 60 and older, an increase of 2.8 million from 2019 and 4.7 million from 2014. By 2030, this figure is projected to reach nearly 18 million, higher than previous forecasts of 17.2 million. The country has nearly 2 million people aged 80 and above. Le Thanh Dung, Director of the General Office for Population and Family Planning, noted that in 2009, one in 11 people was over 60, but by 2029, it will be one in six, and by 2036-2038, one in five. This means that for every five Vietnamese, one will be over 60 years old. The aging index (the number of elderly people per 100 children under 15) is rising rapidly, from 53.1 percent in 2021 to 60.2 percent in 2024. This means that for every 100 children, there are more than 60 elderly people. By 2032, the index is expected to exceed 100, marking the point when Vietnam will have more elderly than children. On the evening of November 12 in Ho Chi Minh City, Motorola officially marked its return to Vietnams mobile phone market with the launch of five new smartphone models - a rare move that introduces one of the largest product portfolios in a single release event in recent memory. Among the lineup, the company introduced two budget models: the moto g06 power, priced at approximately USD 135 with a massive 7,000mAh battery, and the moto g35 5G, priced at around USD 155 with built-in 5G connectivity. Next in the mid-range category are the moto g86 power 5G at around USD 290, and the moto edge 60 fusion, featuring a curved display and retailing at USD 370. The premium model in this launch is the razr 60, a flip-style foldable smartphone priced at roughly USD 830. All devices will be distributed by Digiworld and sold exclusively through The Gioi Di Dong retail system. For generations born in the 1980s and earlier, Motorola left a strong impression with its legendary razor-thin V3 flip phone. That nostalgic connection was evident in the excitement surrounding its return. Over 300 people attended the launch event, and the livestream on Facebook attracted more than 6.8 million views - clear signs that the brand still carries weight. However, for any brand re-entering the market, true success lies in sales volume and consumer adoption. Several of Motorolas new phones do leave a mark, with features such as high-capacity batteries, enhanced durability, and sharp displays. Cameras on the mid-range and premium models are equipped with Sony sensors, delivering impressive photography performance. Motorolas choice of The Gioi Di Dong - the countrys leading mobile retailer - as its exclusive sales partner is seen as a strategic and safe move, particularly when it comes to ensuring sales volume. Still, beyond the budget range with competitive pricing, massive batteries, and 5G, or the moto edge 60 fusion with its curved screen, the rest of Motorolas lineup has yet to show distinct advantages or innovations compared to existing competitors. In a landscape dominated by giants like Samsung, Oppo, Xiaomi, and rising players such as Honor, Motorolas differentiation remains a challenge. As smartphone designs increasingly resemble each other - often evoking comparisons to iPhones - brands are now turning to AI integration to stand out. Samsung, Oppo, and Honor have already embedded AI deeply into their mid-range products. By comparison, Motorolas offerings - aside from the razr 60 - only feature basic AI capabilities, which is a notable disadvantage. The razr 60s USD 830 price tag also raises concerns, as consumers might opt for better-featured devices from other brands at that price point. Despite the hurdles, Motorola still holds potential. With affordable models boasting large batteries, 5G support, and curved displays, the brand could carve out a new niche in Vietnams competitive mobile landscape. However, the exclusive retail arrangement may pose a barrier to broader consumer reach, making mass adoption of its new models more difficult. Le My Ta Minh Chau and his accomplices have been arrested for organizing fake injuries and staging accident scenes to fraudulently claim more than USD 240,000 from life insurance providers in Phu Tho province. Ta Minh Chau, mastermind of the insurance scam. Photo: Phu Tho Police On November 14, the Phu Tho Provincial Police Department announced that they had dismantled a sophisticated fraud ring that involved intentionally breaking bones and fabricating medical conditions to defraud insurance companies. Investigators identified Ta Minh Chau, 30, a former employee of the Cam Khe District Medical Center, as the ringleader and mastermind behind the scheme. Leveraging his background in the medical field and his detailed knowledge of human anatomy and insurance claim protocols for high-value bone fractures, Chau designed a meticulous plan. His operation covered everything from convincing participants to purchase life insurance policies, to inflicting injuries and fabricating accident scenes and medical documents in order to file false claims. Notably, Chau directly administered anesthesia to victims, then used syringes and hammers to create fractures and fissures in their bones, simulating real accident injuries. After the injuries were inflicted, Chau instructed participants on how to stage plausible accident scenarios - such as electric shocks or falls into streams - to match the fabricated diagnoses and support the insurance claims. The location where the suspects sedated victims and performed bone fractures. Photo: Phu Tho Police Chau collaborated with several accomplices, including Nguyen Thi Hoai Thu, Nguyen Anh Dung, Ha Thanh Dat, Hoang Van Truong, Hoang Van Thang, Hoang Thi Hong Diep, and Hoang Thi Linh. These individuals followed Chaus instructions to buy insurance and then allowed him to inflict injuries for the purpose of illicit financial gain. Using these methods, the group successfully defrauded multiple life insurance companies, including Manulife, AIA, Dai-ichi Life, FWD, Sun Life, and Chubb Life. Of the total stolen, Manulife alone suffered a loss of approximately USD 104,000. Based on the investigation, the Phu Tho Provincial Police Department issued emergency arrest warrants for Ta Minh Chau, Hoang Van Truong, Hoang Van Thang, Hoang Thi Hong Diep, and Nguyen Anh Dung. Six additional suspects have been temporarily detained to assist with further investigation. Anh Tam Lieutenant General Nguyen Thanh Tung, Director of the Hanoi Police Department, confirmed that Vietnamese authorities have coordinated with Philippine police to arrest Le Khac Ngo, known online as "Mr Hunter", along with several accomplices. Legal procedures are currently underway to extradite Ngo to Vietnam for prosecution. According to the investigation, Ngo and Pho Duc Nam - also known as "Mr Pips" - were the main masterminds behind a massive fraud network specializing in financial scams. This is the first time Vietnam has successfully dismantled an entire high-tech cross-border fraud ring and recovered over 5 trillion VND (approximately 200 million USD), said Lt. Gen. Tung. Both ringleaders, Ngo and Nam, have now been apprehended. International law enforcement agencies have praised the operation, as many countries have struggled to tackle similar criminal networks. A complex web of shell companies and fake trading platforms Le Khac Ngo often flaunted luxury cars to attract and deceive investors. Photo: Social Media Investigators revealed that since 2021, Ngo and Nam partnered with a Turkish national who operated an offshore office in Phnom Penh, Cambodia. Together, they directed the creation of at least seven shell companies in Vietnam, mainly in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and various other provinces. In Ho Chi Minh City, they set up a front company and expanded operations nationwide with 44 offices - 24 in Hanoi and 20 in other provinces. Despite not being registered to operate in finance or securities, these shell companies actively recruited staff to carry out illegal forex and derivatives trading schemes. The syndicate developed five English-language websites with professional interfaces to impersonate reputable international trading platforms. These fake platforms were directly connected to the groups bank accounts and integrated with MetaTrader 4 and MetaTrader 5 - popular global financial trading apps. To streamline operations, the criminals organized their team into specialized departments, including accounting, human resources, IT, sales, and customer service. Each unit operated independently while collaborating to lure victims through platforms like Zalo and Telegram. Eat profit first, burn accounts later Their method involved providing false information to convince victims to deposit funds into designated accounts. In the initial phase, victims were allowed to earn small "profits" and even make withdrawals - building trust. Later, victims were persuaded to increase their investments. When accounts started showing losses or were wiped out, the scammers fed victims more false promises, urging them to deposit more to recover funds. Once the victims were financially drained, the group cut contact and disappeared with the money. The peak of the investigation occurred on October 25, 2024, when Hanoi police coordinated with units from the Ministry of Public Security to arrest dozens of suspects across the country linked to this transnational scam network. Tien Dung The exercise took place at the Ben Cau Community Service and Logistics Center in Tay Ninh Province as part of the second VietnamCambodia Border Defense Friendship Exchange. The drills scenario assumed heavy rainfall of 350400 mm in Tay Ninh, causing the Mekong and Vam Co Dong rivers to rise above Level 3 emergency thresholds. A powerful EF3 tornado swept through Ben Cau Commune, collapsing three high-rise construction sites. More than 500 people were reported injured, buried, or trapped. The north area of Ben Cau Market, where a 2,000-square-meter construction project collapsed, became the epicenter of rescue efforts. Immediately, a mobile field tent was set up near the disaster site. Upon Vietnams request, Cambodia dispatched military medical forces to assist. Vietnamese and Cambodian medical teams cooperated in triaging, stabilizing, and transporting severely injured victims to higher-level medical facilities via ambulance. Within the mobile field hospitals, patients were classified and stabilized before being moved for further treatment. Military doctors from Military Hospital 7B were seen transporting severely injured victims by helicopter to shorten evacuation time and ensure the golden hour for trauma treatment. Strict coordination between air crews and ground teams was executed in line with real-world procedures. At the conclusion of the drill, General Phan Van Giang, Vietnams Minister of National Defense, and General Tea Seiha, Cambodias Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defense, presented gifts to participating units. The two leaders praised the teamwork and dedication of the military medical forces from both nations. This activity, they affirmed, strengthens solidarity, friendship, and mutual trust between the Vietnam People's Army and the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces. The VietnamCambodia military medical joint drill was conducted in Tay Ninh Province. Photo: Nguyen Hue Mobile field hospitals were activated quickly as both sides launched emergency coordination. Photo: Nguyen Hue Lightly injured individuals were treated in field tents for initial care and psychological reassurance. Photo: Nguyen Hue Cambodian medical forces worked in close coordination with their Vietnamese counterparts. Photo: Nguyen Hue Evacuation by helicopter was practiced to ensure timely care. Photo: Le Tien The joint medical drill emphasized air-ground coordination under real-time pressure. Photo: Le Tien Nguyen Hue From 2029, all vehicles in Hanoi and HCMC must meet at least Euro 2 emission standards. Photo: Dinh Hieu A recent government meeting chaired by Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Ha discussed the draft roadmap for applying new national emission standards for motor vehicles on public roads. Under the proposed schedule, vehicles would be regulated based on their year of manufacture: Pre-1999 vehicles: Euro 1 standard 19992016: Euro 2 20172021: Euro 3 (starting Jan 1, 2026), and Euro 4 in Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City from Jan 1, 2027 2022 onwards: Euro 4 from Jan 1, 2026, and Euro 5 from Jan 1, 2032; in Hanoi and HCMC, Euro 5 will apply earlier, from Jan 1, 2028 By January 1, 2029, all cars operating in Hanoi and HCMC must meet at least Euro 2 standards. Notably, vehicle types approved under safety and environmental certifications before January 1, 2022 will be treated as Euro 3 compliant - the same as vehicles produced from 20172021. Call for coordination and consistency Speaking with VietNamNet, Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association, noted that the new draft appears more relaxed than earlier regulations. Decision 49/2011/QD-TTg clearly states that from 2017, all newly manufactured, assembled, and imported vehicles must meet Euro 4; and from 2022, Euro 5. So bringing 20172021 models back to Euro 3 is a step backward, Bao stated. But he emphasized that the true bottleneck isnt with the vehicles - it's with the fuel. While the Ministry of Transport has rigorously enforced vehicle emission standards, the Ministry of Industry and Trade has failed to align fuel standards. Most gasoline on the market still only meets Euro 3, despite newer vehicles requiring Euro 4 or 5 fuel. Bui Ngoc Bao, Chairman of the Vietnam Petroleum Association. LOS ANGELES, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- The DJS Law Group announces that it is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Stride, Inc. ("Stride" or "the Company") (NYSE: LRN) for violations of the securities laws. INVESTIGATION DETAILS: The investigation focuses on whether the Company issued misleading statements and/or failed to disclose information pertinent to investors. On October 28, 2025, Stride reported its Q1 financial results which beat estimates. However, investors were disappointed by the Company's forecasts for both Q2 and the full year. Based on this news, shares of Stride fell by more than 38% in after hours trading on October 28, 2025. If you are a shareholder who suffered a loss, contact us to participate. WHY DJS LAW GROUP? DJS Law Group's primary focus is to enhance investor return through balanced counseling and aggressive advocacy. We specialize in securities class actions, corporate governance litigation, and domestic/international M&A appraisals. Our clients are some of the largest and most sophisticated hedge funds and alternative asset managers in the world. The litigation claims of our clients are extraordinarily valuable assets that demand respect, focus, and results. This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and rules of ethics. CONTACT: David J. Schwartz DJS Law Group 274 White Plains Road, Suite 1 Eastchester, NY 10709 Phone: 914-206-9742 Email: [email protected] SOURCE DJS Law Group LLP Tu shared these insights at the Vietnam Low-Altitude Economy 2025 International Forum, held on November 14 in Hanoi under the theme: Shaping the future of low-altitude economy in Vietnam From policy to practice. The low-altitude economy encompasses economic activities occurring below 1,000 meters - and in some cases up to 5,000 meters - leveraging both manned and unmanned aerial technologies, smart low-altitude networks, drone manufacturing, infrastructure development, service delivery, and airspace safety. At the launch of the Low-Altitude Economy Alliance (LAE) on October 10, experts estimated that globally, the low-altitude aviation sector alone could be worth USD 700 billion by 2035. For Vietnam, the economic potential is projected to reach USD 10 billion. With its favorable geopolitical location, innovation-driven policies, and a dynamic young workforce, Vietnam is seen as having a once-in-a-millennium opportunity to become a regional and global center for the low-altitude economy. Vu Anh Tu, CTO of FPT Group, shares his vision for Vietnams low-altitude economy. Photo: Organizing Committee According to Tu, this emerging economy offers a vast growth frontier in the sky - a space long overlooked. He cited various applications of drones (UAVs) in agriculture, e-commerce logistics, smart cities, national defense, security, and disaster response. In the Mekong Delta alone, 3,000 drones are operating across 1.5 million hectares. By 2025, that number could double nationwide, Tu noted. He added that the UAV and agricultural robotics market is expected to reach USD 363.7 million by 2030, growing at an annual rate of 4.76% - large enough to fuel supporting industries like operations, maintenance, and training services. Drones have already been used in Vietnam to deliver aid during historic floods in Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang, and Bac Ninh, and to automate deliveries at Lang Son logistics hubs - reducing both time and cost while overcoming tough terrain. Tu emphasized that the low-altitude economy is no longer about whether to pursue it, but how to turn fragmented initiatives into a unified national strategy. Meanwhile, Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center (NIC), highlighted that many countries already regard aerospace and UAVs as strategic tech sectors. He believes UAVs represent a niche where Vietnam can deeply integrate into global value chains. Vo Xuan Hoai, Deputy Director of the National Innovation Center, speaks at the forum. Photo: Organizing Committee He also revealed that the Vietnamese government is committed to enabling the development of this ecosystem and has directed agencies to support businesses facing challenges in this space. Agreeing with these views, Tran Anh Tuan - Vice President of the Vietnam Association for Unmanned Aerial Systems (AUVS VN) - argued that Vietnam has all the ingredients to become a low-altitude economic powerhouse. He cited the countrys stable geopolitical position, core tech capabilities (software, AI, and unmanned traffic management systems), manufacturing potential, and mature supporting industries. Tran Anh Tuan, Vice President of AUVS VN, proposes solutions to develop Vietnams low-altitude economy. Photo: Organizing Committee To propel this sector, Tuan proposed several initiatives, including: Establishing a legal framework and regulatory sandbox Investing in domestic R&D centers and low-altitude industrial parks Training high-quality human resources Building a comprehensive innovation ecosystem and promoting global cooperation Forum participants also recommended policy proposals such as managing low-altitude airspace, accelerating the development of UAVs/UAMs for various socioeconomic sectors, and enabling a new strategic path for the country in the era of low-altitude aviation. Vietnams roadmap targets a talent pool of 100,000 engineers and USD 23 billion in revenue by 2030, and surpassing USD 10 billion with 1 million new jobs by 2035. Looking ahead, Vietnam aspires to become the regions leading production and service hub for the low-altitude economy. When we talk about the future, we often think of space or Mars, said Vu Anh Tu. But for Vietnam, the closest future lies in our low-altitude airspace. Seizing this opportunity not only gives rise to a new economic sector but also inspires the intelligence and aspirations of our engineers and scientists. It promises better services for remote and island communities and secures Vietnam a stronger voice in the global tech landscape. Du Lam Scene from Red Rain Vietnams highest-grossing film of all time, selected to close the film week in Paris. The Vietnamese films Red Rain and Airborne Duel, two recent box office hits, will open and close the inaugural Vietnamese Film Week in Paris, scheduled to take place from December 5 to 12, 2025. Seventeen selected films will be screened during the week-long event, showcasing a panoramic view of Vietnams cinema and its people. The selection includes feature films, documentaries, and shorts produced in Vietnam over the past fifty years. The event is co-organized by the Vietnam Film Development Association (VFDA) and AVSE Global, under the patronage of the Vietnamese Embassy in France. It marks the opening program of the cultural initiative Vietnam The Symphony of Love, launched by AVSE Global to promote Vietnamese culture globally. This year's theme, Vietnamese Cinema A Journey of Light, was chosen by Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan, former Head of the Cinema Department and current Chairwoman of VFDA. At a press briefing held simultaneously in Hanoi and Paris on November 14, Dr. Lan shared that although she doesnt speak a word of French, the phrase journey of light captures the essence of Vietnam's cinematic evolution - from wartime to peace, from renovation to modernity - and its symbolic arrival in the City of Light. Seventeen selected films offer a panoramic view of Vietnamese cinema over the past 50 years. The word Lumiere, meaning "light" in French, is also the name of the Lumiere brothers, who are widely considered the founding fathers of cinema thanks to their invention of the Cinematographe in 1895. "I believe this film program will live up to its name," said Dr. Lan. Among the selected films are both classics and contemporary works reflecting Vietnams journey through war, reunification, post-war years, and the early reform era of the 1980s and 1990s. The festival will mark the international premiere of Airborne Duel and Red Rain, both of which recently set Vietnamese box office records with gross earnings of approximately USD 28.5 million and USD 10 million respectively. These are the newest and most talked-about Vietnamese films, Dr. Lan explained, deeply human stories that reflect Vietnamese resilience and spirit. The other films include: When the Tenth Month Comes, The Abandoned Field, The Tenants, Retired General, Dont Be Afraid, Bi!, Children of the Mist, Cu Li Never Cries, Yellow Flowers on the Green Grass, Rain on Butterfly Wings, Glorious Ashes, Be Awake and Ready, Clouds but No Rain, Somewhere Near the Hospital, The Elephants by the Road, and Song Lang. Each film has been selected for its depth, diversity, and creativity - from war-time narratives to daring modern perspectives. These stories portray a modern Vietnamese identity and mirror the countrys integration into global cultural discourse. Photos from the Hanoi and Paris press conference held on November 14, with the participation of Ambassador Dinh Toan Thang, Dr. Nguyen Duc Khuong, and Dr. Ngo Phuong Lan. HA NOI Benchmark indices were mixed on Thursday, with the VN-Index retreating while investor sentiment remained cautious, leading to subdued liquidity. On the Hochiminh Stock Exchange (HoSE), the VN-Index closed lower at 1,631.44 points, down slightly by 0.42 points. This snapped its two-day recovery streak. The markets breadth stayed within the positive zone, with the number of gainers surpassing that of decliners by 163 to 138. However, liquidity fell slightly from the previous session to VN21.7 trillion (US$826 million). The VN30-Index also finished in the red, down 8.04 points, or 0.43 per cent, to 1,864.23 points. In the VN30 basket, 13 inched higher, while 15 decreased and two stayed flat. Major sectors such as finance and residential real estate faced selling pressure, particularly in banking stocks, which heavily weighed on the overall index. Sacombank (STB) dropped 3.74 per cent, TPBank (TPB) decreased by 2.02 per cent, and EXIMBANK (EIB) fell 1.16 per cent. Other banks, including HDBank (HDB), MBBank (MBB), Orient Commercial Joint Stock Bank (OCB), VPBank (VPB), Techcombank (TCB) and Asia Commercial Joint Stock Bank (ACB), also saw declines close to 1 per cent. The indexs loss was capped as industrial real estate stocks attracted significant investor interest, marking a strong rebound after a prolonged period of stagnation. Notable performers included IDICO Corporation (IDC), which surged 6.11 per cent, followed by Sai Gon VRG Investment Corporation (SIP) with an increase of 4.69 per cent, SZC up 4.56 per cent and Vietnam Rubber Group (GVR) gaining 1.6 per cent. This resurgence in the industrial property sector indicates a selective flow of capital into specific industries as investors seek promising opportunities. Energy stocks also saw strong momentum, contributing to overall market activity. Companies like PV Drilling (PVD) and Gelex Electricity (GEE) surged to their ceiling prices, while PV Trans Corporation (PVT) increased by 5.11 per cent, PetroVietnam Technical Services Corporation (PVS) rose by 3.9 per cent and PV Power (POW) climbed 3.2 per cent. This growth reflects ongoing demand and resilience within the energy sector amid broader market fluctuations. On the other hand, the HNX-Index on the Hanoi Stock Exchange (HNX) recorded a slight uptick, gaining 1.5 points, or 0.57 per cent, to 266.29 points. Foreign investors continued to be net sellers on HoSE, offloading shares worth nearly VN988 billion. They also net sold nearly VN36.6 billion worth of shares on HNX. BIZHUB/VNS WASHINGTON DC The technical-level round of negotiations on a balanced and fair reciprocal trade agreement between Viet Nam and the US is taking place as planned from November 12 14. According to the Ministry of Industry and Trade, Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade and deputy head of the Governments negotiating team Nguyen Sinh Nhat Tan on November 12 morning met with Deputy United States Trade Representative Rick Switzer in the US to launch the technical negotiation sessions. The meeting focused on bilateral economic and commercial relations and on implementing the outcomes of the 8th ministerial-level negotiation session held on November 10 between Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien and US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer. Tan discussed a number of issues arising from the ministerial-level session and agreed on several areas of focus to ensure the technical teams of both sides work towards achieving the best possible results. Switzer welcomed Viet Nam's positive progress in trade policy, institutional reform and international integration commitments, as well as the outcomes of the recent negotiation rounds. He affirmed that close cooperation between the two sides would facilitate the negotiating process. Both sides agreed to maintain close coordination and intensify exchanges among their technical groups to advance negotiations in line with the guidance of senior leaders and the two ministers, with the aim of soon concluding a new framework for bilateral trade cooperation that further deepens the Vietnam-US Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Immediately following the meeting, negotiating teams from both countries moved promptly into detailed discussions within their respective working groups to address the agreed negotiation items. Later in the afternoon, Dien met with leaders of the Gulf of America Energy Sourcing LLC, a US energy corporation headquartered in Louisiana, affirming Viet Nam's encouragement of participation in the development of liquefied natural gas (LNG) infrastructure and energy markets in the country. The deputy minister also held talks with Joseph Damond, Chair of International Trade Policy & Global Life Sciences at Crowell Global Advisors. Damond previously served as Deputy US Trade Representative (1989-2001) and as chief negotiator for the Viet NamUS bilateral trade agreement (1995-2000). VNA/VNS HCM CITY The Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO) and Ho Chi Minh City Development Joint Stock Commercial Bank (HDBank) have signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) on sustainable finance and investment co-operation. The MoU was signed on the occasion of the visit to Viet Nam by a Dutch business delegation led by H.E. Aukje de Vries, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Co-operation of the Netherlands from November 9 to 13. Under the MoU, the two parties will work together on the implementation of FMOs US$30 million investment in HDBanks first international green bond issuance programme, which is expected to reach a total value of up to $100 million in 2025. H.E. Kees van Baar, the Netherlands Ambassador to Viet Nam, and Tran Hoai Nam, standing deputy CEO of HDBank, exchanged the MoU under the witness of Minister Aukje de Vries. Juan Jose Dada Ortiz, director of Financial Institutions at FMO, said by signing this MoU, FMO and HDBank are joining forces to promote sustainable and inclusive economic growth in Viet Nam. Our participation in HDBanks first green bond is an important milestone and the beginning of what we believe will be a strong and lasting collaboration. Beyond the green bond co-operation, the two parties will also explore additional initiatives in areas such as green finance, renewable energy, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), contributing to more inclusive, productive, resilient and sustainable economic growth in Viet Nam. FMO is the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank and a leading global impact investor. It supports sustainable private-sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets by investing in high-potential projects and entrepreneurs. It focuses on three sectors with strong development impact: Agribusiness, Food & Forestry; Energy; and Financial Institutions. With a committed portfolio of around EUR13.5 billion across more than 85 countries, it is among the worlds largest bilateral development finance institutions. HDBank is one of Viet Nams leading commercial banks, with total assets reaching VN782 trillion (approximately $31 billion) as of September 30, serving more than 20 million individual and corporate customers. The bank is a pioneer in digital transformation and the development of an integrated finance-consumer-digital services ecosystem, while taking the lead in green finance and sustainable development. VNS HCM CITY The Autumn Economic Forum 2025 is set to take place from November 25-27 at Thisky Hall Conference Centre, Sala Urban Area, An Khanh Ward, HCM City for businesses and high-ranking officials to discuss green growth and digital transformation. The event is organised by the HCM City Centre for the Fourth Industrial Revolution (HCMC C4IR), in collaboration with the citys departments, central ministries and agencies, and the World Economic Forum (WEF). Amid Viet Nams shift into a new growth cycle, as traditional drivers such as low-cost labour and foreign direct investment reach their limits, the forum aims to provide a high-level policy dialogue platform for discussing strategies and initiatives for public-private cooperation, green and digital transformation, and the development of a smart, sustainable economy. On the domestic side, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Deputy Prime Minister Bui Thanh Son, leaders from central ministries, HCM City and other localities, as well as businesses and academia are expected to participate. Internationally, the forum will bring together heads of governments, ministers and local officials from partner countries, as well as over 500 high-level guests from innovation centres, international organisations, universities, research institutes and multinational corporations. On November 25, the forum will kick off with inspirational and business networking activities. The morning session features a discussion on Intelligent Generation NOW, with WEF Managing Director Stephan Mergenthaler discussing the role of youth in green and digital transformation. In the afternoon, the CEO500 TEA CONNECT programme will provide a high-level dialogue space between the government, city and business community on public-private cooperation models, green investment strategies and modern urban governance. It will also call for investment in key projects and announce strategic partnerships across key sectors. On November 26, the main forum will feature discussion sessions on smart manufacturing and global supply chains, smart services and logistics, and data-driven smart governance. The afternoon will feature high-level policy dialogue sessions, including discussions with ministries on digital and green economy initiatives, the signing of a joint declaration between HCM City and WEF on smart manufacturing and responsible industrial transformation, and a dialogue between the Prime Minister and WEF leaders on co-operation in high-tech, AI and green economy. On November 27, the forum will focus on international networking and business engagement, including visits to leading enterprises in HCM City and investment-oriented activities such as the Viet Nam - China Investment Seminar, creating opportunities for direct dialogue between domestic and foreign businesses. Alongside the main sessions, the 2025 Green Growth Show (GRECO 2025) will showcase green growth products and services, under the theme Artificial Intelligence and 4.0 Technology Innovation. The exhibition is expected to open at Nguyen Hue Walking Street, where international corporations and Vietnamese enterprises will present cutting-edge solutions in AI, renewable energy, green production, digital technology and smart urban development, reflecting the trend of Industry 4.0 aligned with green growth and sustainable development. Nguyen Loc Ha, deputy chairman of the HCM City Peoples Committee, emphasised that this years sessions, reports and presentations should move beyond merely sharing experiences or examples, and aim instead to develop models, suggest practical processes and offer scalable solutions. According to the European Chamber of Commerce in Viet Nam (EuroCham), the country is moving toward a greener, more resilient, and sustainable economy. Viet Nam is also seen as having a golden opportunity to become a regional hub for green production and innovation. Its digital economy continues to grow, accounting for 18.3 per cent of GDP in 2024, with a target of 20.5 per cent by 2025, equivalent to US$52 billion. With 79.8 million Internet users and 127 million mobile subscriptions, Viet Nam is among the fastest-growing digital economies in Southeast Asia. At the same time, the country faces mounting environmental and energy challenges. Viet Nam has pledged to reach net-zero emissions by 2050, requiring over $2.4 trillion in investment, while accelerating the shift to renewable energy, green production and energy efficiency. VNS HA NOI The Ministry of Industry and Trade has urged domestic producers and exporters to prepare for Chinas newly issued regulations on facilities producing food for export to China to prevent disruptions to shipments. Chinas Decree 208 replaces Order 248 and will take effect on June 1, 2026, setting out detailed requirements for agricultural and food producers for the registration and assessment process, including specific requirements for food safety and product risk levels. The country's General Administration of Customs will issue a list of product categories requiring endorsement letters from relevant authorities. For countries whose food safety management systems are recognised by China, registration may be conducted by submitting a nationwide list of eligible enterprises rather than requiring individual applications. If there are major changes that affect a companys food safety management system, such as relocation or changes in legal representation or domestic registration codes, the previously issued registration numbers will be invalidated, requiring enterprises to reapply. China will apply an automatic five-year renewal mechanism, except for specific categories that will be detailed in a separate list. Additional rules will also be issued for food storage facilities and primary agricultural producers whose goods are consumed directly. The Import-Export Department under the Ministry of Industry and Trade has asked local industry and trade departments and industry associations to provide updates to local producers and exporters to ensure compliance and smooth export. The department will continue working with the Viet Nam Sanitary and Phytosanitary Notification Authority and Enquiry Point on updates from China to provide further guidance to exporters about registration procedures, product lists requiring official recommendation, categories excluded from automatic renewal, and rules governing food storage and primary production facilities. VNS HA NOI Viet Nams investment landscape is entering a period of rapid transformation, driven by new legal frameworks, strong macroeconomic fundamentals, and an ambitious national push to elevate its sovereign credit rating, attendees heard at a workshop titled 'The Allure of Asset Classes' that was held in Ha Noi on Thursday. Experts said these combined forces are reshaping capital flows across both traditional and emerging asset classes, positioning the country for deeper integration into global financial markets. They said that four strategic resolutions recently issued by the Politburo have strengthened policy clarity and improved market confidence. International institutions have increasingly recognised Viet Nam as one of Asias rising stars, while forecasts for trade and investment in 2026 and beyond remain broadly optimistic. The countrys stock market is expected to benefit significantly from ongoing efforts to upgrade its status from a 'frontier' market to an 'emerging' market, said Nguyen Tri Hieu, Director of the Institute for Global Financial and Real Estate Market Research and Development. Set to take place in 2026 pending a final review, the upgrade could unlock tens of billions of US dollars from global investment funds. The real estate market is also projected to improve as land-related legal reforms take effect next year. Digital finance Viet Nams financial ecosystem is set for further momentum as the country prepares to operationalise its International Financial Centre (IFC). According to founder and CEO of Nami Foundation Giap Van ai, the IFC marks a strategic step in Viet Nams integration with global financial flows. It is expected to pave the way for modern investment products like digital assets, tokenised real-world assets, and fintech-driven investment platforms. ai said blockchain and fintech firms could provide the operational infrastructure for next-generation financial tools, ranging from smart contracts to decentralised finance applications. Early controlled pilots launched by banks, logistics providers, and insurers are helping build compliant models suited to Viet Nams regulatory environment. These advancements, he noted, could enhance transparency, competitiveness, and Viet Nams attractiveness to global investors in technology and innovation. Specialists also see strong long-term potential for digital assets. Nghiem Minh Hoang, a fintech expert with the Vietnam Blockchain and Digital Asset Association, said non-real-world-backed assets like bitcoin show a positive outlook over the next three to five years, as more governments and major funds treat them as reserve assets. Meanwhile, tokenised real-world assets could make up nearly 10 per cent of global GDP in the next five to seven years, helping unlock liquidity for traditional assets that typically draw limited capital. Adding to the momentum is Viet Nams ambition to achieve an 'Investment Grade' sovereign rating, a goal viewed as key to unlocking long-term capital and lowering borrowing costs. At the seminar, Vu Viet Linh, Deputy Director of Institutional Client Analysis at Maybank Investment Bank, said Viet Nam will require US$250280 billion annually from 2025 to 2030 to fund infrastructure, energy, digital transformation, and manufacturing expansion. Reaching 'Investment Grade' would mark a decisive shift, moving Viet Nam out of the high-risk category and into a rating accepted by most global institutional investors. The upgrade could reduce borrowing costs for the Government, banks, and businesses by 150300 basis points, immediately improving investment efficiency and competitiveness in the private sector. It would also open the door to long-term capital from pension funds, insurance funds and sovereign wealth funds sources known for their stability and large-scale commitments. However, Fitch, S&P, and Moodys all point to three key challenges: the need to improve legal transparency to match 'emerging market' standards; risks in the banking sector, where assets exceed 120 per cent of GDP but capital adequacy ratios remain below regional peers; and declining foreign reserves due to exchange rate pressures in recent years. According to Linh, these challenges are not structural roadblocks. Strengthening institutional reforms, addressing cross-ownership in banks, improving financial governance, and enhancing the quality of macroeconomic data especially the balance of payments will be critical foundations for a rating upgrade in the next review cycle. Reforms Viet Nam has accelerated multiple reform programmes since 2024 to align with international standards. The Government has streamlined administrative procedures, cut 30 per cent of business regulations and advanced legal modernisation under Resolution 66. Policies to boost private sector development under Resolution 68 and plans to expand capital markets are also underway. By 2030, Viet Nam hopes to reach stock market capitalisation of 120 per cent of GDP and corporate bond debt equal to 25 per cent of GDP, a major leap from current levels. Banks are also strengthening their capital buffers. Major commercial banks have been retaining profits to expand capital, while State-owned lenders like BIDV and Vietcombank have prepared plans to increase capital in line with Basel II and Basel III requirements. These steps, analysts say, are essential for credit rating agencies to assess systemic banking resilience. Externally, Viet Nam continues to maintain a current account surplus and stable FDI inflows and plans to issue USD-denominated bonds to boost foreign reserves. Although reserves remain adequate under IMF guidance, a larger buffer will be needed as the economy expands and absorbs higher volumes of cross-border financial transactions. Optimistic outlook Based on the current reform trajectory, Linh estimated that Viet Nam could achieve Investment Grade as soon as 2028 under an optimistic scenario and by 2030 under a baseline scenario. Such an upgrade would usher in a new phase of lower capital costs, wider economic opportunities, and more sustainable foreign investment inflows. Despite the optimistic outlook, experts emphasised the importance of caution, especially as asset classes continue to fluctuate amidst domestic and global policy changes. Sharp movements in stocks, gold, real estate, and digital assets highlight the need for investors to remain vigilant, selective, and well informed. Stock gains, for instance, have not translated into universal profits; many investors have incurred losses due to unsuitable portfolio choices. In digital assets, tokenised real-world assets remain limited for domestic investors and are currently prioritised for foreign investors, while risks still stem primarily from human errors and operational management rather than technology. As Viet Nam strengthens its legal and financial foundations, accelerates institutional reforms, and embraces new investment technologies, economists say the country is approaching a pivotal moment. If the current reform momentum continues, Viet Nam could not only achieve an 'Investment Grade' rating within the next decade but also reshape its entire investment landscape, attracting new capital flows, boosting investor confidence, and sustaining long-term growth. With both traditional and emerging asset channels moving in tandem, Viet Nam is positioning itself to capture the next wave of global investment opportunities in an increasingly competitive region. VNS HA NOI ASEANs rapidly growing consumer market continues to present major opportunities for Vietnamese enterprises, though firms are increasingly required to meet higher technical and origin standards. At a workshop on the ASEAN Economic Community (AEC) and the utilisation of free trade agreement (FTA) commitments for key export sectors, held in HCM City on November 14, Nguyen Viet Chi, Deputy Director of the Department of Multilateral Trade Policy under the Ministry of Industry and Trade (MoIT), stressed that after three decades in ASEAN, the bloc remains one of Viet Nams top economic partners. ASEAN is currently Viet Nams fourth-largest export market, following the US, China, and the EU. Customs data indicates that Viet Nams exports to ASEAN reached nearly US$36.9 billion in 2024, representing a 13.3 per cent increase from 2023 and accounting for over 9 per cent of the country's total export turnover. In the first nine months of 2025, exports amounted to $28.5 billion, marking a year-on-year rise of 2.8 per cent. With a population of 700 million, geographical proximity, low logistics costs, and similar consumption habits, ASEAN remains a promising destination for Vietnamese exporters. Conquering this market allows them to meet stringent requirements and expand into more demanding countries with higher standards. Chi said the AEC seeks to create a unified market and production base, promote the free movement of goods, services, investment, and skilled labour, and enhance regional competitiveness. ASEAN has negotiated and implemented multiple FTAs that allow enterprises to diversify markets and join regional value chains. Viet Nam currently participates in eight ASEAN-related FTAs and is negotiating another with the bloc. Amidst global trade fluctuations, Nguyen Truong Thi, Deputy Director of the HCM City Department of Industry and Trade, said the city continues to coordinate closely with ministries and associations to support enterprises in strengthening trade-remedy capacity and complying with origin rules to avoid risks of anti-dumping, countervailing duties, and illegal transshipment. With more than 400,000 businesses, the city requires timely updates on new policies, regulations, and ongoing FTA negotiations to capitalise on incentives. Reviewing ASEANs economic cooperation outcomes, Quyen Anh Ngoc, Head of the ASEAN Division under the MoIT's Department of Multilateral Trade Policy, noted that ASEANs GDP rose from $2.5 trillion to $3.8 trillion over 10 years of implementing the AEC Blueprint. Total trade increased from $2.3 trillion to $3.5 trillion, with intra-ASEAN trade maintaining the largest share. ASEAN remains one of Viet Nams leading trade partners, with export quality and value improving, and Viet Nam continuing to attract investment from within and outside the region. However, the utilisation of tariff preferences under FTAs remains inconsistent, with traditional FTAs showing signs of declining use. According to Vu Xuan Hung of the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industrys HCM City Branch, Viet Nam still prioritises the US, the EU, and China, while opportunities in ASEAN, supported by proximity, low logistics costs, and preferential tariffs, remain underused. Non-tariff measures across ASEAN continue to tighten, especially in areas such as traceability, technical standards, labelling, and trade-remedy actions, placing pressure on exporters. Viet Nam's electronics industry must transition from assembly to component designing and manufacturing to increase value addition. In the wood sector, it is essential to ensure that timber sources are legal and to meet various market preferences while addressing the risks of origin fraud. Although agricultural products have improved market access, they face intense competition. This necessitates deeper processing, standardised packaging, Halal certification, brand development, enhanced traceability, and stronger distribution systems. Experts affirmed that ASEAN remains a strategic market with substantial potential for Vietnamese businesses, which must strengthen integration capacity, optimise FTA benefits, and prepare for new agreements. They also highlighted the need for greater support from industry authorities and associations to help firms comply with origin rules, address trade-remedy issues, and fully seize opportunities in the ASEAN market. VNS HA NOI Ha Noi's tourism sector continued its strong recovery and growth trajectory in the first ten months of 2025, welcoming more than 28.22 million visitors, up nearly 22 per cent year-on-year, according to the citys Department of Tourism. Speaking at the citys monthly press briefing held on November 13, Deputy Director of the Ha Noi Department of Tourism Nguyen Tran Quang said that of the total arrivals, international visitors reached 6.17 million, up 23.6 per cent, while domestic tourists numbered 22.05 million, rising 21.4 per cent. Tourism revenue climbed to VN108.22 trillion (US$4.1 billion), a year-on-year increase of nearly 20 per cent, reflecting the sectors sustained recovery after years of pandemic impacts and global economic uncertainties. A major highlight was the National Day holiday from August 30 to September 2, during which Ha Noi welcomed around 2.16 million visitors, tripling the figure from the same period in 2024. International arrivals exceeded 80,000, up 35 per cent, with China, the Republic of Korea, India, the US, Japan, and the UK among the strongest markets. Total tourism earnings during the four-day break surged 80 per cent year-on-year to VN4.5 trillion. For the full year, the capital is likely to record over 33.7 million visitors, up 20.87 per cent against 2024. The figure is expected to exceed the years initial target by 8.7 per cent and make up 22.2 per cent of the total nationwide. Tourism revenue is projected to stand at VN134.46 trillion, rising 21.5 per cent from last year and accounting for 13.7 per cent of the national total. The occupancy rate across the citys accommodation system is forecast to average 65.5 per cent, up 3.5 per cent, signalling a robust revival in hotel, restaurant, and premium tourism services. Boosting growth in remaining months of 2025 To maintain strong momentum, the Department of Tourism said it will launch large-scale promotional programmes through the end of the year. A key highlight is the campaign Hanoians and visitors experience services at 4-5 star hotels, held in conjunction with the national Vietnamese people prioritise Vietnamese goods movement. The city will also host major events such as the Ha Noi Autumn Festival and the Ha Noi Craft Village Old Quarter Cuisine and Tourism Festival 2025. These activities aim to attract domestic travellers while promoting city as a safe, friendly, quality, and attractive destination. At the same time, the sector is accelerating the implementation of tourism development tasks under the Ha Noi Capital Master Plan for 20212030, with a vision to 2050. A range of new tourism models are under development, including river tourism, metro tourism, ecotourism in Ba Vi, agricultural and rural tourism in Phuc Loc and a Phuc communes, as well as community-based tourism in Yen Xuan Commune. Night-time products linked to cultural and historical spaces such as the Old Quarter, West Lake and the Red River are expected to add fresh appeal to local tourism offerings. Local authorities are also devising a heritage conservation plan for the Huong Son scenic landscape complex and finalising a project on conserving and promoting the values of West Lake and surrounding areas, paving the way for long-term tourism investment. The capital aims to have two or three new large-scale tourism projects completed by the end of 2025, including new hotels and mixed-use commercial complexes. Digital transformation is also being intensified to enhance visitor experiences. Ha Noi continues expanding cooperation within the UNESCO Creative Cities Network and strengthening regional and international linkages through roadshows, famtrips, and presstrips in key markets including China, Northeast Asia, and Europe. In addition, a priority measure is to develop high-quality human resources, particularly in communications, creativity, tour guidance, and community tourism management. The city is also boosting ties with universities, training institutions, and travel businesses, while organising training programmes on professional skills, soft skills, and tourism etiquette for communities engaged in the sector, according to the Tourism Department. VNA/VNS Uncharted unveils new location in Arlington Heights, expanding its Chicago presence just in time for the holiday season ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill., Nov. 13, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Uncharted , a retail destination that reignites the joy of discovery, is ringing in the holidays with a new store opening in Arlington Heights, Illinois. A sister brand to the popular Northeast-based retailer The Paper Store, this location marks Uncharted's sixth store in the state and the ninth nationwide to open in the last year. The brand will debut an in-store themed holiday experience, The Merry Market, alongside its Grand Opening this weekend, transforming the store into an immersive and delightful escape that brings all things holiday together in one place. The expansive Arlington Heights store, located at 1330 East Rand Road, is nearly 13,000 sq ft and employs 30 local team members. This location will serve as the premier launchpad for Uncharted's holiday theme, The Merry Market, creating an enchanted holiday shopping experience reminiscent of traditional European holiday villages but with a merry modern twist. Experience holiday shopping made easy across five distinct shop-in-shops. Toy Shop: Find this year's hottest gifts for kids and collectors, featuring everything from the popular Bukowski Bears to engaging puzzles and creative family games. Find this year's hottest gifts for kids and collectors, featuring everything from the popular Bukowski Bears to engaging puzzles and creative family games. Brand Boutique: Shoppers can explore the hottest trends in fashion and beauty from top names like Free People, UGG, Marin Skincare, and Tree Hut. Plus, discover new arrivals from customer favorites, including Kendra Scott and Owala. Shoppers can explore the hottest trends in fashion and beauty from top names like Free People, UGG, Marin Skincare, and Tree Hut. Plus, discover new arrivals from customer favorites, including Kendra Scott and Owala. Gift Basket Bazaar: Pick up a basket and build the ultimate gift. Choose from themed selections like luxe spa and skincare, cozy comforts from Bombas Slippers to soft pajamas, or the perfect hostess collection of gourmet foods and unique decor. Pick up a basket and build the ultimate gift. Choose from themed selections like luxe spa and skincare, cozy comforts from Bombas Slippers to soft pajamas, or the perfect hostess collection of gourmet foods and unique decor. Festive Sweets: Indulge your sweet tooth at the signature Swedish Candy Carts where you can pick and mix your own viral BUBs Swedish Candy. Select from other viral favorites such as Dubai Chocolate bars, available in multiple flavors. Indulge your sweet tooth at the signature Swedish Candy Carts where you can pick and mix your own viral BUBs Swedish Candy. Select from other viral favorites such as Chocolate bars, available in multiple flavors. Custom Bar: This season's biggest trend - personalization - takes center stage at The Merry Market. This year, it is about making the gift as unique as the person you're giving it to, from whimsical bag charms and patches at their Custom Bar, to monogramming and engraving. The location will also be hosting a number of exciting embroidery and engraving events ahead of the holiday season, where shoppers can purchase and personalize gifts, from totes to apparel and even stuffed animals, for that unique personal touch. Events will be held during the grand opening weekend and on December 7th. Uncharted will host grand opening celebrations on Saturday, November 15th, and Sunday, November 16th, with doors opening at 9 AM both days. Each day, the first 100 guests (18 years and older) will receive a mystery Joy Reward card, valued up to $20. On November 16th, iHeart Radio will also host a special two-hour on-site pop-up event, giving away a pair of tickets to the highly anticipated Jingle Ball concert. Customers can also enter to win a $200 Uncharted gift card. Shoppers outside of the Chicago area can explore Uncharted and shop online by visiting www.uncharted.com . About Uncharted Uncharted is a vibrant retail destination where exploration and discovery meet. With a carefully curated selection of leading brands and must-have products, Uncharted offers an ever-changing assortment of fashion, accessories, jewelry, beauty, and more. Whether shopping for yourself or a loved one, Uncharted creates moments of joy with every visitinspiring you to explore beyond the expected and indulge in the thrill of the unknown. www.uncharted.com Media Contact for Uncharted: 401-742-9180 | [email protected] Hi-Res Images SOURCE The Paper Store A NANG More than 400 local students attended the 4th Kanagawa festival in the central coastal city of a Nang on November 13, jointly organised by the municipal Peoples Committee and Japans Kanagawa prefecture. Vice Chairwoman of the a Nang Peoples Committee Nguyen Thi Anh Thi said this is the fourth consecutive year the event has been held, becoming an annual occasion that attracts numerous partners, businesses, and students. The event vividly illustrates the friendly and cooperative relationship between the two localities, reflecting Kanagawas goodwill and attention toward a Nang. It also serves as a foundation for the two sides to continue promoting cooperation in potential fields that align with their development orientations. a Nang attaches great importance to enhancing cooperation with Japan, especially with Kanagawa prefecture, in areas such as education and training, information technology, engineering, tourism, healthcare, and Japanese language training, Thi noted. The festival included activities that showcased the prefecture and Japanese enterprises, along with opportunities for participants to share their experiences of studying and working in Japan. It also featured a Japanese-language speech and presentation contest. Overall, the event promoted mutual understanding, cultural exchange, and educational cooperation between the two localities. Japanese Consul General in a Nang Mori Takero affirmed that Viet Nam and Japan have maintained a strong and friendly partnership across multiple sectors. In 2023, the two countries celebrated the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations and elevated their ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. He added that the Consulate General will continue to support Vietnamese youths in pursuing study and work opportunities, as well as strengthening their connection with Japan. So far, a Nang has established cooperative relations with over 20 Japanese prefectures and cities. It signed memorandum of understanding on setting up formal friendship ties with six cities, including Kawasaki, Sakai, Yokohama, Kisarazu, Nagasaki, and Kinokawa, with Yokohama and Kawasaki both located in Kanagawa prefecture. VNA/VNS HA NOI A book titled 'Ghi voi tren mam phao' (Quick Notes by Anti-aircraft Artillery), a war diary by war invalid and lecturer Nguyen Thuy, was officially released to the public on November 14 in Ha Noi. The launch was held at the same time as two portrait photo collections depicting renowned Vietnamese leaders and intellectuals were donated to the Vietnamese Women's Museum. Both activities marked the 95th anniversary of the Traditional Day of the Vietnam Fatherland Front (November 18, 1930) and the 43rd anniversary of Vietnamese Teachers' Day (November 20, 1982). The ceremony was jointly held by the Trai Tim Nguoi Linh (Soldiers' Hearts) Club, the Vietnamese Women's Museum, and other partners. Born in 1944 in Bac Giang, now part of Bac Ninh Province, Thuy joined the army when he was 19 and became an anti-aircraft artillery soldier based in the northwest and upper Laos during the resistance war against America. During a thrilling battle on October 31, 1967, after a comrade died, Deputy Platoon Leader Thuy took up his position and managed the artillery. He was hit by a cluster bomb and seriously injured. His comrades thought he had died, but later discovered he was still breathing. Thuy was transported to the military hospital and miraculously saved. However, many pieces of shrapnel remained in his body, including one that is still lodged in his brain to this day. After his military discharge, Thuy studied at the Hanoi University of Science and Technology before going on to become a lecturer. In addition to his work as a teacher, he was also involved in several other activities with the school's Youth Union. His war diary of more than 270 pages was written by hand from March 8, 1965, to August 22, 1968. It contains genuine and touching notes about the life and battles of an anti-aircraft soldier in the early days of the anti-American war. Some pages still bear traces of bombs, the smell of gunpowder, and even the tears of his comrades. The new book is published by the Writers' Association Publishing House and is considered a valuable historical document about the truth of life in war and one soldier's thoughts and love, painstakingly copied down over the more than 1,000 days and nights under bombings. After the book launch, the Trai Tim Nguoi Linh Club presented the portraits collections to the museum's managers. In the first collection, photographers captured eight portraits of the first leaders of the National United Front, now the Vietnam Fatherland Front. They are: Nguyen Luong Bang, Huynh Thuc Khang, Ton uc Thang, Nguyen Huu Tho, Trinh inh Thao, Hoang Quoc Viet, Huynh Tan Phat, and Le Quang ao. These illustrious luminaries contributed greatly to national construction and defence, and are worthy examples for younger people to follow. The second collection includes 20 portraits of intellectuals who left a rich, comfortable life to accept hardship, danger and sacrifice for the revolutionary ideals of the Party and the nation. According to writer and head of the organising board Colonel ang Vuong Hung, during the resistance wars, thousands of teachers directly took part in battles. In the resistance war against the US alone, from May 1961 to December 1974, 2,752 teachers joined the army and 621 died heroically. Hung said the portraits were made by a group of painters who restored old photos into vivid colour portraits. Speaking at the event, Museum Director Nguyen Thi Tuyet said she was moved to hear the stories of the teachers' sacrifice. Among them many were women who died at young age, such as Le Thi Bach Cat and Le Thi Thien Duong Le Chi. They represent the 'forever 20 generation'. These collections are a profound tribute to teachers who sacrificed for their students and the independence of the nation. We are committed to preserving and promoting its value at the museum, she said. _ VNS PRAGUE A delegation from the Ho Chi Minh National Academy of Politics (HCMA), led by Associate Prof. Dr. Nguyen Manh Hung, Deputy Director of the HCMA and Vice Chairman of the Central Theoretical Council, paid a working visit to the Czech Republic from November 1013 to advance strategic cooperation and exchange experience in policymaking, digital transformation, science-technology and national governance. During the trip, the delegation held meetings on November 11 with the Czech Senate, the Communist Party of Bohemia and Moravia, and the Centre for Asia-Pacific Studies. At the meetings, Czech leaders highlighted the traditional friendship and long-standing cooperation between the two countries, underscoring the significance of the 75th anniversary of diplomatic ties (1950-2025) and the decision to upgrade the bilateral relations to a Strategic Partnership in January 2025. They affirmed that Viet Nam remains an important partner and promising market in Southeast Asia, noting strong opportunities for collaboration in the fields of investment, education and training, and digital transformation. Czech leaders also recognised the positive contributions of the Vietnamese community in the Czech Republic, which serves as an important bridge fostering bilateral friendship and cooperation. For his part, Hung emphasised that the visit aimed to concretise the newly elevated Strategic Partnership while preparing for the upcoming visit to Viet Nam by senior Czech leaders. He briefed the hosts on Viet Nams socio-economic situation, highlighting major breakthroughs in sciencetechnology, innovation, digital transformation and human resources development. The official noted that Viet Nam is studying revisions to key legal frameworks to remove bottlenecks, create favourable conditions for priority sectors and ensure steady progress toward sustainable development goals. Both sides discussed specific measures to effectively implement the strategic partnership framework, with a focus on digital transformation, education and training, science-technology cooperation and information exchange. On November 13, the delegation held a meeting with representatives of the Czech Digital and Information Agency. Hung introduced Viet Nams digital transformation efforts, including the integration of multiple public service functions into the chip-based electronic ID cards, which support vaccination records, vehicle registration, driver's licences and policy-related entitlements. He stressed that the national ID cards form a core component of Viet Nams national database, population database and digital identification infrastructure. For the Czech side, Ondrej Menousek, Director of the E-government Services Department, shared the European nation's experience in building a citizen-support network covering 7,200 locations nationwide, maintaining free personal digital mailboxes, and developing an integrated data system similar to Viet Nams VNeID platform. He also described the Czech governments dedicated digital systems for ministries and agencies, alongside direct training programmes that equip civil servants to use newly developed e-government tools effectively. These experiences could provide useful reference for Viet Nams ongoing administrative reforms and digital transformation agenda, he said. Earlier, on November 10, the delegation worked with the Vietnamese Embassy in the Czech Republic to organise a consultation session on the draft documents to be submitted to the 14th National Party Congress. VNA HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinhs official visit to Kuwait from November 16-18, made at the invitation of his Kuwaiti counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al Sabah, will help open a new stage of development in bilateral relations, according to Vietnamese Ambassador to the Middle East country Nguyen uc Thang. Thang affirmed that the visit carries great significance, not only for the bilateral relations but also as a reaffirmation of Viet Nams foreign policy towards the region as a whole. This diplomatic activity continues the PMs trips to three Gulf countries in 2024, demonstrating Viet Nams determination to implement its external affairs strategy towards the Middle East and promptly realise Resolution 59 on international integration in the new context. Through high-level diplomatic engagements, it continues to strengthen its friendly relations, enhance political trust, expand markets and explore areas with significant untapped cooperation potential with Kuwait. This is the first visit by a high-level Vietnamese leader to Kuwait in 16 years, taking place at a time when the two countries are preparing to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations in January 2026, the ambassador said, stressing that the time is ripe for both countries to consolidate and deepen their bilateral relationship, elevating it to new heights and making practical contributions to each countrys development goals. As Kuwait is the current chair of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), and has adjusted its policies and shown greater interest in Asian countries, including ASEAN member states, Viet Nam and Kuwait can serve as a bridge to promote interregional cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC. At the same time, Viet Nam hopes that Kuwait will promote its role in advancing the launch of negotiations for a GCC-Viet Nam Free Trade Agreement (FTA) as early as 2025. During the visit, PM Chinh will meet with the Amir of Kuwait Sheikh Meshal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah and Crown Prince Sheikh Sabah Al-Khaled Al-Hamad Al-Sabah; hold talks with his counterpart Sheikh Ahmad Al-Abdullah Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah; and have meetings with several ministers and leaders of major economic corporations. The two sides will review the progress achieved in their nearly half-century-long friendship and cooperation, as well as exchange views, reach consensus on orientations and measures and define a broader framework for cooperation in the coming period. A highlight of the visit will be his policy speech at the Kuwait Diplomatic Institute, in which he will deliver strong messages about Viet Nams steady socio-economic development, while underscoring the countrys orientations, policies, and priorities in fostering closer and multifaceted cooperation with the Middle East region in general and with Kuwait in particular, in a long-term strategic vision. Regarding the bilateral relations, Thang said that Kuwait is currently the Middle East country with the largest total investment in Viet Nam, most notably the Nghi Son Refinery and Petrochemical Complex, in which Kuwait has contributed up to US$3.5 billion. In terms of trade, bilateral turnover reached $7.3 billion in 2024 the highest level of Viet Nams trade with any Middle East country. In the first nine months of 2025, it exceeded $5 billion. The large volume of crude oil imported from Kuwait helps ensure a stable supply for the Nghi Son refinerys operations, which provides more than 35 per cent of the petrol products consumed in Viet Nams domestic market. In addition, Viet Nams exports to Kuwait have become increasingly diverse and of higher value in recent years, including agricultural and aquatic products, fruits, wooden furniture, machinery and equipment, and electronic products. According to the diplomat, bilateral cooperation in oil, gas, and energy in general has the potential to expand into new directions. Viet Nam has all the conditions necessary to become a major oil storage and distribution hub in Southeast Asia. At the same time, in the context of the global shift towards renewable energy, the two countries have many opportunities for collaboration in developing green and clean energy to meet each countrys goals and international commitments. The two sides can jointly study and invest in solar power, wind power, and green hydrogen projects, leveraging Kuwaits financial strength and Viet Nams production and engineering capabilities. With its dynamic economy and attractive investment environment, Viet Nam hopes to receive even greater interest from Kuwaits investment funds. In the coming time, the two countries can promote cooperation in major projects that help establish new financial centres in the region. Viet Nam can serve as a gateway for Kuwait to expand its investments into Southeast Asia, while Kuwait can act as a strategic partner helping Viet Nam access Middle Eastern and neighbouring markets. In addition, Viet Nam is confident in its position as one of the worlds leading exporters of agricultural and aquatic products, capable of ensuring food security and supplying a diverse, stable, long-term, and Halal-compliant product source for the Kuwaiti market. Cooperation in this sector will not only help Kuwait diversify its food supply but also enable Viet Nam to develop Halal agricultural value chains and expand its market into the GCC and the wider Middle East region. Thang also proposed the two countries work together to open direct flights and organise more tourism promotion programmes, given that Viet Nam is increasingly becoming a favourite destination for international tourists, including Kuwaitis, for whom travel is considered an essential part of life. Futhermore, the diplomat highlighted that both countries are well positioned to serve as bridges that advance cooperation between ASEAN and the GCC on both political and economic fronts, opening up a promising path for deeper inter-regional integration in the future. To improve the effectiveness of bilateral collaboration, the ambassador suggested the two sides maintain and promote high-level delegation exchanges, not only through official visits, but also at multilateral forums and events. Viet Nam needs to demonstrate a more proactive and active role in expanding cooperation with Kuwait, while at the same time developing a comprehensive approach to the GCC region one that is unified and coherent overall, yet tailored to the specific circumstances of each individual country, he stated, stressing the need to fully utilise or upgrade existing cooperation mechanisms, and effectively implement the bilateral agreements already signed across various fields. Last but not least, alongside the political commitments between the two countries, close and coordinated cooperation at all levels will be key for Viet Nam and Kuwait to overcome difficulties and differences, seize opportunities and each sides potential, and elevate their bilateral relations to a new chapter of more comprehensive and sustainable development, added the ambassador. VNA A NANG French Navy ship Prairial and 93 crew members began a friendly six-day visit to the central city of a Nang, a progressive move to help boost the Comprehensive Strategic Partnership between Viet Nam and France. The crew of the French frigate will spend their time on sport exchanges and visits to the citys Peoples Committee, Military Zone 5, Vietnamese Navy Zone 3 and other local destinations. Ship commander Lieutenant Colonel Wallerand Faivre D'Arcier said that the a Nang visit is not only a brief respite for crew members, but also an activity to help boost cooperation and friendship between the two countries. The commander expressed his best wishes for a swift recovery after the recent flooding disaster that hit the city and other parts of central Viet Nam. a Nang and French partners have been promoting cooperation programmes in culture, education and investment over the past few decades. The central city and the French city of Le Havre in October signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) of cooperation and friendship. France's Agence universitaire de la Francophonie (the Francophone University Association, or AUF) and the city have also previously signed a framework agreement on digital workforce training. AUF, in cooperation with University of Nice Sophia Antipolis in Nice, France as well as a Nang University, also agreed terms for sharing scientific research and establishing student exchanges on subjects including technology transfer, business management, water management and embedded software systems. The French Institute has already opened offices in a Nang and Hue to promote culture, education and people-to-people exchanges. To date, French businesses have invested in 34 projects in a Nang, with a total investment capital of US$25 million. VNS SVAY RIENG Minister of National Defence General Phan Van Giang performed the ceremony of saluting and painting milestone 171 at the Moc Bai International Border Gate on Friday, marking the start of activities under the second Viet NamCambodia Border Defence Friendship Exchange, held in Bavet City, Svay Rieng Province, Cambodia. A high-ranking delegation of the Vietnamese Ministry of National Defence then crossed the border gate to participate in the programmes activities. As part of the exchange, a ground-breaking ceremony was held for the construction of Sang Sovan Primary School in Svay Teap District, Svay Rieng Province. The project covers 30,000sq.m and includes seven buildings, fully funded by Viet Nams Ministry of National Defence. The area holds a proud revolutionary tradition and carries special significance in the history of Viet NamCambodia relations. Speaking at the ceremony, Giang emphasised that the project is a vivid symbol of the long-standing friendship and solidarity between Viet Nam and Cambodia. It reflects the deep concern of the defence ministries and armed forces of both countries for education, particularly for younger generations. He expressed confidence that once completed, the school will become a place to nurture knowledge and dreams for students, while also serving as a lasting bridge of friendship between the armies and peoples of the two countries. Later the same day, the delegations visited the headquarters of the Svay Rieng provincial Gendarmerie Command. Speaking at the meeting, Cambodian Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of National Defence General Tea Seiha stressed that in recent years, the two governments and militaries have maintained close cooperation and mutual support in defence and related fields, contributing significantly to Cambodias rapid development. High-ranking leaders of both countries agreed to further consolidate and expand cooperation in line with their Comprehensive Strategic Partnership, for the shared benefit of their peoples. Tea Seiha noted that 2025 has seen robust progress in bilateral defence cooperation, reflected through delegation exchanges, training and capacity building activities, joint rescue and disaster response drills, and trilateral exchanges among Cambodia, Laos, and Viet Nam. These activities have helped strengthen trust, advance a shared security vision, and build sustainable military cooperation in support of regional peace and stability. Praising the results of the second CambodiaViet Nam Border Defence Friendship Exchange, he said that activities of the exchange have further deepened defence cooperation between the two sides. Tea Seiha affirmed that Cambodia will continue to work closely with Viet Nam to maintain traditional border protection conferences, joint military medical drills, and youth officer exchanges, creating favourable conditions for younger generations and the peoples of both countries to strengthen understanding and solidarity, contributing to the development of CambodiaViet Nam friendship. VNA/VNS HA NOI The National Election Council (NEC) will hold a national conference on Saturday to disseminate the Politburos Directive on preparations for the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 2026-31 tenure. The conference will be held in a hybrid format, combining in-person attendance with online connections to provincial- and communal-level sites across 34 provinces and cities nationwide. Party General Secretary To Lam will attend and deliver instructions at the conference. Politburo member Tran Thanh Man, Secretary of the Party Committee of the National Assembly (NA), Chairman of the NA, and NEC Chairman, will chair the event. Delegates will hear presentations on key documents, including the Politburos Directive on leading the elections of deputies to the 16th National Assembly and Peoples Councils at all levels for the 202631 tenure; the guidance of the Party Central Committees Organisation Commission on personnel affairs; and the Prime Ministers Directive on the organisation of the elections. They will also be briefed on the procedures for negotiations to nominate candidates for the NA and Peoples Councils, the organisation of voter consultation conferences, professional guidelines for election work, and the NECs plan for the elections. The conference aims to ensure a high level of unity in awareness, political ideology, and action within the political system, foster social consensus, and contribute to the successful organisation of the elections in a democratic, lawful, safe, and economical manner, truly making them a festival of the entire people and strengthening public trust in the Party, the State, and the countrys renewal process. VNA/VNS HA NOI Party General Secretary To Lam on Friday attended the 2025 Great National Unity Festival in Thuong Cat Ward, Ha Noi, during which he affirmed that national unity is a tradition, a priceless legacy of the nations forebears, and the source of all achievements and victories of the Vietnamese people. He emphasised that the strength of national unity begins with simple yet profound elements: trust and human compassion. By placing the interests of the nation above all else, differences can find common ground and challenges can find solutions. The Party General Secretary stressed that unity starts within the Party, extends throughout the political system, encompasses social strata, and reaches the international arena. He outlined seven specific areas of focus: prioritising people as the foundation; discipline and integrity; streamlining administrative apparatus; unleashing development resources; welfare, culture, and human development; linking national defence and security with international integration; and people-to-people diplomacy, as well as sports, culture, tourism, and education exchanges. Party General Secretary Lam stressed the spirit of the Five Dares (dare to think, dare to speak, dare to act, dare to take responsibility, dare to innovate for the common good) and the Three Togethers (planning together, acting together, sharing together) to strengthen national unity. Regarding local governance, he highlighted the need for democracy, transparency, and dialogue to build consensus, safeguard the legitimate rights and interests of citizens and officials, and create a leaner, more efficient, and cost-effective administrative system that enhances development opportunities. The Party leader also noted the power of national unity in socio-economic development, noting that unity can help accelerate key projects, improve education and healthcare, promote a just energy transition, protect the environment, and enhance regional connectivity. On the occasion, Party General Secretary Lam called on all citizens, officials, military personnel, and overseas Vietnamese to work together to preserve and further strengthen the power of national unity. Thuong Cat Ward has 18 residential groups, over 6,400 households, and more than 25,000 residents. The ward reflects the traditional cultural identity of the Red River riverside region and serves as a transitional area between central urban areas and industrial-logistics zones along the Red River and northern suburban areas of Ha Noi. Van Thuy Hoa, President of the Vietnam Fatherland Front Committee of Thuong Cat Ward, said efforts to promote national unity are continually renewed to foster broad social consensus and mobilise the strength of local communities. Various movements and patriotic emulation campaigns have produced numerous exemplary models and initiatives, with many Front committees successfully mobilising social resources. Up to 94.5 per cent of households in the ward have been recognised as cultural families and 100 per cent of residential groups as cultural groups. The ward has maintained 45 clubs for arts, dance, and fitness activities. Since 2022, Thuong Cat has eliminated poverty, and residents living standards continue to improve. VNA/VNS ONG THAP The Border Guard Command of ong Thap, in coordination with relevant agencies, on Thursday received 57 Vietnamese citizens handed over by Cambodian authorities, the second repatriation of this kind this year through Mekong Delta province. The returnees, comprising 45 men and 12 women, come from 20 provinces and cities across Viet Nam. Notably, three are subject to arrest warrants. Preliminary investigation showed that most of the returnees had either illegally exited Viet Nam or worked without proper permits in Cambodia before being detained and handed back by Cambodian authorities. After completing administrative procedures, the Dinh Ba international border guard station imposed administrative fines of VN4 million (US$151.92) on each person who had crossed the border illegally. For those who complied with border regulations, the authorities transferred them to local police for further verification and handling in accordance with Vietnamese law. Earlier, on September 30, at the Thuong Phuoc international border gate in ong Thap, the provincial Border Guard Command also received 38 Vietnamese citizens repatriated from Cambodia, including 29 men and nine women from 18 provinces and cities. Through investigation, authorities found that many had illegally crossed into the neighbouring country to work as attendants in karaoke parlors or as sales staff for companies there, including those in the gaming sector. VNA/VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh has requested that new housing and resettlement be provided for households whose homes were swept away, completely collapsed or severely damaged by floods in the central region before January 31, 2026, according to his recently signed urgent dispatch. Central localities from Ha Tinh to ak Lak endured back-to-back storms and flooding in late October and early November, with historic prolonged deluges in Hue and a Nang triggered by storms Fengshen and Kalmaegi inflicting heavy casualties and damage to homes, schools, infrastructure, production and trade, especially aquaculture. Preliminary data from the Ministry of Agriculture and Environment showed that disasters across the region left 90 dead and missing, 273 injured; 1,900 houses collapsed or swept away, 227,847 others damaged or unroofed, 160,715ha of rice and crops ruined, 3,570 livestock and 452,098 poultry dead, 684 boats sunk or damaged, 63,328 aquaculture cages destroyed, 161km of canals impaired, 64.9km of riverbanks and coastlines eroded, and 253km of roads damaged. The total estimated losses exceed US$1.04 billion. The PM earlier approved approximately VN1,465 billion ($56 million) in aid to seven provinces and cities for immediate recovery, while the Vietnam Fatherland Front (VFF) Central Committee allocated VN206 billion ($8 million) to affected areas. In the dispatch, Party Secretaries and chairpersons of the Peoples Committees of Ha Tinh, Quang Tri, Hue, a Nang, Quang Ngai, Gia Lai and ak Lak were urged to visit and offer support to affected families, especially those with dead, missing or injured relatives, by November 15. Temporary housing for displaced residents and emergency repairs to unroofed or damaged homes must be finished by November 20. Authorities must provide food and essentials for households at risk of hunger, ensuring no shortages of food, clothing or clean water. The army, police, youth and womens unions, self-defence militia and students are to be fully deployed to help clean and restore homes, roads, schools, clinics, offices and factories, enabling swift return to normal living, education, health care, production and trade, especially exports, by November 20. Critical infrastructure, including power, water, telecoms, roads, irrigation and dams, must be restored by November 20. All disaster damage must be fully documented and verified, with local budgets and legal funds raised for regulated relief, by the same date. Additional tasks were also assigned to relevant ministers, the Governor of the State Bank, the VFF Central Committee, the Government Office, and the mass media. VNA Multi-Million Dollar Contract Awarded to Exiger for End-to-End Supply Chain Risk Illumination WASHINGTON, Nov. 14, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Exiger, the market-leading supply chain AI company, announced today that it has been awarded a multi-million dollar contract from the U.S. Army to license its 1Exiger software to Army Materiel Command (AMC). 1Exiger will deliver an AI-driven multi-tier supply chain illumination, orchestration, and monitoring capability to transform Army sustainment activities across all major sustainment categories, including ground combat, aviation, fires and munitions, air and missile, and communications. This is a revolutionary capability that will transform the way the U.S. Army approaches sustainment Post this Multi-Million Dollar Contract Awarded to Exiger for End-to-End Supply Chain Risk Illumination 1Exiger will deliver an AI-driven multi-tier supply chain illumination, orchestration, and monitoring capability to transform Army sustainment activities across all major sustainment categories, including ground combat, aviation, fires and munitions, air and missile, and communications. The acceleration of decision-making and the adoption of emerging technology to innovate, learn, and develop solutions faster are key tenets of the Army's Transformation Initiative. Convergent Solutions, Inc., DBA Exiger Government Solutions' engagement with AMC will advance these priorities, enhancing Army's ability to understand where vulnerabilities exist, where alternatives are viable, and where targeted interventions can fortify production. 1Exiger will ingest, normalize, and analyze structured and unstructured data from technical data packages, BOMs, NSNs/NIINs, supplier datasets, and commercial intelligence sources, providing real-time visibility into multi-tier supply chains, risk scoring, disruption alerts, and automated courses of actions (COAs). Exiger's software will integrate with Army's Weapon System 360 and Vantage environments, delivering decision-ready intelligence to reduce administrative and production lead times, improve supplier selection and sourcing, enhance sustainment forecasting, accelerate organic and additive manufacturing, strengthen resilience in contested environments, and enable rapid AI-driven responses to disruptions. "This is a revolutionary capability that will transform the way the U.S. Army approaches sustainment," said Exiger CEO Brandon Daniels. "Our software will help identify at-risk NIINs that may be subject to undue constraints from a variety of factors. It will unlock the organic and additive capabilities that the government has invested in. And it will monitor for severe risk hiding in the supply chain, identifying where natural and manmade disasters, supplier operational and reputational risk, and foreign adversary sourcing could create disruptions in the weapons systems our warfighters depend on. Together, these capabilities deliver a more predictive industrial base, capable of responding to evolving mission needs at speed." Exiger empowers defense organizations to disrupt outdated processes and strengthen mission readiness, resilience and competitive advantage. Exiger's software has been deployed across 60+ U.S. Government agencies, including the Department of War, Department of State, Department of Homeland Security, and the intelligence community. About Exiger Exiger transforms supply chain management from a complex challenge into a strategic advantagedriving savings and operational excellence in today's volatile market. Our single, intuitive 1Exiger platform provides instant visibility into vast supplier ecosystems through a single pane of glass. Leveraging proprietary data and advanced agentic AI, 1Exiger proactively surfaces risks, automates compliance, accelerates procurement, and reveals opportunities to gain efficiencies and reduce costs to strengthen long-term resilience. With a mission to make the world a safe and transparent place to succeed, Exiger empowers 550+ global customers, including 150 Fortune 500 and 60+ government and Defense Industrial Base organizations, with supply chain AI. Exiger is FedRAMP authorized and the largest provider of supply chain technology to the U.S. Federal Government. Named a Leader in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supplier Risk Management, twice selected as one of Fast Company's 'Brands That Matter,' and recipient of the Third Party Risk Association's Innovator Award, Exiger's technology has been recognized by leading analyst evaluations and 50+ awards. Learn more at Exiger.com . Follow on LinkedIn . For more information, please contact: Kody Gurfein Chief Marketing Officer 1.914.393.0398 [email protected] SOURCE Exiger HA NOI The government of New Zealand is providing NZ$1 million (US$568,000) in humanitarian assistance to help communities in Viet Nam recover from recent natural disasters, New Zealands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade announced on Thursday. This funding will support New Zealand organisations in working with their Vietnamese counterparts through the New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership to deliver assistance in alignment with the Joint Response Plan for Multiple Typhoons and Floods. "Our hearts go out to the families and communities affected by these disasters," said New Zealand Ambassador to Viet Nam Caroline Beresford. "As a comprehensive strategic partner of Viet Nam, New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Vietnamese Government and people during this challenging time." The ambassador expressed the hope that the support will swiftly reach those in need, contributing to emergency efforts and helping affected communities rebuild their lives. VNS HA NOI Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh on Friday issued an official dispatch requiring efforts to determine the exact cause and responsibilities, and promptly address the consequences of a serious workplace accident which claimed the lives of two workers at the HC Bao Lam JSC in Bao Lam 1 Commune, Lam ong Province. The cause of the incident, which occurred at around 10.15am on November 9, was preliminarily identified as the explosion of the companys hydrochloric acid (HCl) storage tank. The PM urged the chairperson of the provincial Peoples Committee to direct relevant authorities to investigate and clarify the cause of the incident, identify the responsibilities of the collectives and individuals concerned, and strictly handle any violations in accordance with the law. He also demanded visits to and support for the victims families. Efforts must be made to strengthen inspections of all facilities that use or store hazardous chemicals in the province, handle violations as prescribed, and report investigation and remediation results to the PM before November 25. The Ministry of Industry and Trade, according to its functions and tasks, shall direct specialised agencies to coordinate with relevant authorities to inspect chemical safety conditions at the HC Bao Lam JSC and report the results to the PM before November 25. At the same time, it is assigned to coordinate with localities nationwide to examine facilities producing or storing hazardous chemicals and enhance management measures to ensure chemical safety and security as required, according to the dispatch. VNA HA NOI The Government will provide VND700 billion (US$25.5 million) from the 2025 central budget contingency fund to Hue City and the provinces of Quang Ngai, Gia Lai, and ak Lak to support post-disaster recovery efforts. The funding will help the four localities bolster resources to support housing for affected residents, resettle people in areas facing urgent disaster risks, and restore essential infrastructure such as schools, health facilities, roads, and irrigation works. Under the Prime Ministers Decision No. 2485/QD-TTg dated November 14, Hue City will receive VND100 billion, Quang Ngai Province, VND100 billion, Gia Lai Province, VND300 billion, and ak Lak Province, VND200 billion. Provincial and municipal Peoples Committees are responsible for proactively balancing their local budgets and, together with the central Governments support and other lawful financial sources, implementing urgent tasks to remedy disaster consequences in accordance with regulations. VNA/VNS NEW DELHI The Delhi Police on Thursday confirmed that the man who carried out the explosion near the Red Fort was Dr Umar un Nabi, after forensic experts matched DNA recovered from the blast site with samples taken from his mother. According to officials, one of Umars legs was found jammed between the steering wheel and the accelerator of the Hyundai i20 he was driving when it exploded on Monday evening. Identification marks major breakthrough in probe The DNA confirmation formally establishes Umar, a doctor from Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir, as the individual behind the wheel during the high-intensity blast that killed 12 people and injured several others near the Red Fort Metro Station. Police had suspected his involvement after the arrests of several individuals connected to what investigators describe as an interstate 'white-collar' terror module with alleged links to proscribed organisations. Umar had reportedly fled to Delhi shortly before the explosion, and initial forensic evidence pointed to his presence in the car. Officials said DNA profiling was crucial because the blast left the body unrecognisable. The confirmation now allows investigators to piece together the final hours leading up to the explosion. Probe widens into interstate terror network Delhi Police and central agencies are continuing to examine the supply chain of explosive materials, possible foreign contacts, and digital communication between Umar and other suspects. Investigators are also looking into whether Umar was in touch with any handler moments before the blast. The case was handed over to the National Investigation Agency (NIA) earlier this week. Multiple searches are underway across Delhi, Faridabad, Srinagar, and Pulwama as part of efforts to dismantle the wider network believed to be involved. THE STATESMAN *Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana The Second World Summit for Social Development, held in Qatar earlier this month, marked an important moment for global efforts to advance inclusive, equitable, and sustainable development. Throughout the summit, contributions from the Asia-Pacific region demonstrated that diversity is not a barrier but a strength in crafting people-centred solutions. Countries showcased innovative and scalable approaches to social protection, intergenerational solidarity, care economy transformation, and poverty reduction. These efforts, rooted in local realities and scaled through regional cooperation supported by the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), offer valuable lessons for the world. Climate resilient and inclusive social protection Social protection is a powerful tool for reducing poverty and inequality. With the right investments and reforms, it has even greater potential to drive inclusive and equitable development in the future as countries face added risks due to climate change. Indonesias large household cash transfer programme, Program Keluarga Harapan, has helped improve households livelihood capital and coping capacities in the face of climate change events, especially those relying on climate-sensitive sectors such as food systems or other natural resource-dependent activities. Public work programmes, such as the Fiji for Jobs 2.0 or Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, help rural households adapt to climate shocks and improve livelihoods while creating climate-resilient community infrastructure. For many countries in the region, top-ups to non-contributory cash transfers are often used to swiftly extend emergency relief to large numbers of households. In Nepal, forecast-based financing allows the release of funding for pre-defined early actions, including social protection transfers, before a disaster occurs. This reduces the impact on vulnerable communities. Intergenerational solidarity Demographic shifts are reshaping societies across Asia and the Pacific. Ageing populations, youth, migration, and changing family structures demand new approaches to social cohesion and equity. The Maldives, in partnership with ESCAP, marked a major milestone in addressing population ageing by launching its National Policy in September 2025, presenting a comprehensive framework to promote active and healthy ageing. The Lao Peoples Democratic Republic recently also adopted a decree and a policy on ageing and is now working to put them into practice. These recent developments demonstrate the commitment of countries in Asia and the Pacific in recognizing that todays youth are tomorrows older persons, that ageing should be viewed over the life course and that intergenerational solidarity benefits all. The ESCAP repository of policies on ageing and related database of good practice support countries in sharing experiences, and contribute to more effective regional cooperation. Transforming the care economy Valuing unpaid care and domestic work and investing in the care economy are central to building inclusive, resilient economies and achieving sustainable development. Malaysia's Selangor state became the country's first state to adopt a comprehensive care economy policy in November 2024, addressing the entire care ecosystem. From training home-based caregivers to childcare subsidies, the policy demonstrates how subnational governments can transform care through integrated multi-stakeholder action. The Philippines offers a strong example of embedding care into local budgets to reach the most vulnerable women at the community level. Municipalities have pioneered local care ordinances that mandate an annual allocation for care programmes, mainstreamed into social welfare and gender initiatives. This approach is now being replicated by thirty local government units. The Republic of Korea expanded its parental leave system in 2024 with the "6+6 scheme", providing enhanced wage compensation for the first six months when both parents take leave within the child's first year of life, encouraging fathers' participation and shared caregiving responsibility. Regional collaboration: scaling solutions across borders One of the most powerful messages from the summit was the importance of regional cooperation. As the examples show, the Asia-Pacific regions diversity has not hindered progress, rather, it has enriched it. Frameworks such as the Action Plan to Strengthen Regional Collaboration on Social Protection have facilitated resource mobilisation and knowledge exchange. The Doha Political Declaration proposes a regional mechanism to monitor commitments made at the Summit, ensuring accountability and continuous learning. The regions emphasis on multilateralism and solidarity offers a model for global cooperation in tackling shared challenges. ESCAP is fully committed to supporting the regional follow-up of the Declaration. Building on its established platforms, including the Committee on Social Development and the Asia-Pacific Forum on Sustainable Development, ESCAP will continue to provide inclusive spaces for dialogue, review, and policy coherence aligned with the 2030 Agenda and reflecting regional priorities, including on leaving no one behind, gender equality, decent work, social protection, and intergenerational solidarity. ESCAP will also continue to strengthen regional capacity to collect disaggregated social development data and support national statistical systems to monitor progress and inform policy, helping ensure that progress towards the 2030 Agenda is accurately tracked and gaps are identified. The Asia-Pacific region leading the way on social development This region has shown that sustainable and inclusive social development is not a distant goal. Rather, it is achievable through inclusive, locally grounded, regionally coordinated, and forward-looking action. From care to climate, from youth to ageing, the regions solutions are shaping a future where no one is left behind. As the world reflects on the outcomes of the Second World Summit for Social Development, Asian and Pacific contributions stand out not only for their innovation but for their deep commitment to equity, resilience, and human dignity. The journey continues, led by a region that understands that development must be for all, by all. Armida Salsiah Alisjahbana, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations and Executive Secretary of the Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP) This adds to the $1.95 million already announced to assist those impacted by Typhoon Bualoi and Typhoon Matmo. Typhoon Kalmaegi has tragically killed six people in Vietnam, after weeks of record rainfall and intense flooding in central regions which claimed 50 lives and destroyed homes, businesses, and livelihoods. Australia expressed deep sorrow at the tragic loss of life and destruction. Australias support will be delivered via the Australian Humanitarian Partnership, in close collaboration with the government of Vietnam. The contribution will ensure that the most vulnerable, including women, children, and people with disabilities, can access life-saving assistance. Australias Ambassador to Vietnam Gillian Bird said, As a comprehensive strategic partner, we have responded swiftly to Vietnams appeal for support. We are committed to working hand-in-hand with local partners to ensure our assistance reaches those who need it most. Australia is determined to provide support where it is needed most. We are working with partners to deliver assistance and help communities rebuild, she added. Following the impact of Typhoon Kalmaegi, the EU announced on November 13 that it has released an additional 200,000 (over $230,000) in humanitarian assistance. This follows the 650,000 (almost $760,000) provided last month in response to earlier tropical cyclones that intensified monsoon rains and triggered extensive flooding across multiple regions. Furthermore, in October, the EU activated the Copernicus Emergency Management Service to produce satellite-based emergency maps to support the delivery and coordination of the humanitarian response. In previous years, the EU has also mobilised aid following major natural disasters. After Cyclone Yagi struck last year, the bloc provided 800,000 (over $930,000) in humanitarian assistance to support affected communities in Vietnam. Vietnam also activated the EU Civil Protection Mechanism to request in-kind assistance. Through this mechanism, the EU facilitates a coordinated joint response, allowing the authorities of the affected country to communicate through a single point of contact. The requests by Vietnam are relayed to the EU Member States and other participating states. The EU is the world's leading donor of humanitarian aid, with relief assistance seen as an expression of European solidarity with people in need. It aims to save lives, prevent and alleviate human suffering, and safeguard the integrity and human dignity of populations affected by natural disasters and man-made crises. Australia and Japan provide emergency aid to Vietnam in wake of typhoons Vietnam is receiving international emergency assistance from Australia and Japan in response to typhoons Bualoi and Matmo and their aftermath. Singapore Red Cross sends over $38,000 to support flood relief efforts in Vietnam In response to floods caused by three consecutive storms, the Singapore Red Cross (SRC) is contributing $38,000 to support relief efforts by the Vietnam Red Cross (VNRC). Ambassador Kees van Baar (third from left), HDBank deputy CEO Tran Hoai Nam (second from left), and Dutch Minister Aukje de Vries (centre) at the ceremony On November 11, HDBank signed an MoU on sustainable finance and investment cooperation with the Dutch Entrepreneurial Development Bank (FMO). The ceremony was held during the visit to Vietnam by a Dutch business delegation led by Aukje de Vries, Minister for Foreign Trade and Development Cooperation of the Netherlands. Following the deal, the two parties agree to cooperate on the implementation of FMOs $30 million investment in HDBank's first international green bond issuance scheme, which is expected to reach a total size of up to $100 million. "Through this partnership, we aim to drive sustainable and inclusive economic progress in Vietnam," said Juan Jose Dada Ortiz, director of Financial Institutions at FMO. "Our participation in HDBanks first green bond is an important milestone and the beginning of what will be a strong and lasting collaboration." FMO and HDBank plan to explore further cooperation in areas including green finance, renewable energy, and support for small and medium-sized enterprises, aiming to contribute to more inclusive, resilient, and sustainable economic growth in Vietnam. Sustainable private sector growth in developing countries and emerging markets is supported through investments in ambitious projects and entrepreneurs, with a focus on sectors that have high development impact, including agribusiness, food and forestry, energy, and financial institutions. With a committed portfolio of 13.5 billion ($15.7 billion) across more than 85 countries, FMO ranks among the larger bilateral private sector development banks globally. HDBank is a major commercial bank in Vietnam, serving over 20 million individual and corporate customers. The bank has been at the forefront of digital transformation, developing an integrated financeconsumerdigital services' ecosystem, and has taken a leading role in green finance and sustainable development, supporting inclusive economic growth in the country. HDBank issues $50 million in international green bonds HDBank announced the successful issuance of $50 million in international green bonds to the International Financial Corporation (IFC) on October 2. Profitability riding high for HDBank and subsidiaries HDBank delivered robust financial results for the first nine months of 2025, maintaining its double-digit growth trajectory. After nearly 30 years in the market, Masan Consumer (MCH) has become a key part of daily life for millions of Vietnamese households. Building on this strong consumer trust, the company has also earned the confidence of investors. Over three decades, Masan Consumer has served billions of meals, grown its market presence internationally, and emerged as one of Vietnams leading fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) firms in terms of revenue, profit, and market capitalisation. The company remains steadfast in its mission of serving consumers, which is reflected through three phases of strategic development. The first phase (19962010) was MCHs beginnings in Vietnamese kitchens, when the company conquered the Vietnamese taste with familiar products such as fish sauce, soy sauce, and chilli sauce staple condiments in every family meal. The next phase (20102020) marked the companys expansion into modern living spaces, from living rooms to bathrooms, when the company entered the beverage, coffee, and personal and home care products, affirming its position in many essential consumer goods segments. Entering the third phase (2020 to present), MCH undergoes a drastic transformation, focusing on premiumisation, out-of-home consumption, and a global strategy to bring the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine to the world. Currently, MCH products are present in 98 per cent of Vietnamese households and available in 26 export countries. In 2024, the company posted a revenue of $1.17 billion, an increase of 9.4 per cent on-year, underscoring the resilience of a customer-centric brand. MCH is one of very few Vietnamese businesses with a strong brand portfolio spanning most FMCG segments. Each brand generates an annual revenue of thousands of billions of VND. This serves as a clear testament to the companys leading position and customer trust in Vietnamese brands. Its flagship brand, CHIN-SU chili sauce, is closely linked to the promotion of Vietnamese flavours. Driven by innovation and global ambitions, CHIN-SU leads the domestic chili sauce and high-end fish sauce markets, ranks first on South Koreas Coupang platform, and is among the top 10 on Amazon in the United States. Omachi continues to affirm its pioneering role in the premiumisation trend of the convenience food industry, enabling Masan Consumer to expand its market share in the high-profit margin segment. Meanwhile, Nam Ngu is serving more than 72 billion meals per year. As the most chosen fish sauce brand by Vietnamese people, Nam Ngu represents more than 68 per cent of the market share nationwide. In addition, Kokomi is considered the 'national noodle' in the mass-market instant noodle segment, covering millions of points of sale in rural areas, while Wake-Up 247, a coffee-flavoured energy drink, has carved out its own niche and become popular among young consumers. Thanks to its multi-industry and portfolio of strong branda, MCH will consolidate its position as one of Vietnams leading FMCG enterprises. More than 72 per cent of its revenue comes from strong brands a benchmark few FMCG firms achieve. While more than 60 per cent of Vietnams population still lives in rural areas, MCH is one of the few FMCG companies operating a separate and comprehensive distribution system, covering both general trade and modern trade channels. It boasts a nationwide distribution network of 313,000 points of sale in general trade and 8,500 points of sale in modern trade, ensuring the availability of products from urban to rural areas. Leveraging synergy with WinCommerce Vietnams largest modern retail chain with over 4,300 WinMart/WiN/WinMart+ stores, MCH products can reach customers within just 23 weeks of launch. The company also takes advantage of the WiN Membership scheme with more than 11 million users, enabling customer data analysis to optimise products, promotions, and consumer experience. MCH currently operates a chain of modern factories certified under international standards across Vietnam, from the expanded Ho Chi Minh City Binh Duong area, Dong Thap Tien Giang, Binh Thuan, to Hung Yen and Bac Ninh in the North, ensuring flexible and efficient production capacity on a national scale. The factories feature automated production lines, real-time quality control, and QR-based traceability systems. This is a launchpad for Masan Consumer to meet domestic demands and realise its Go Global strategy. In the 20172024 period, the company achieved a compound annual growth rate of about 13 per cent, an earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortisation margin of roughly 26 per cent, and a return on invested capital exceeding 200 per cent, reflecting excellent capital efficiency amidst a volatile economic environment. By remaining steadfast to the long-term strategy and effective operational capacity, Masan Consumer maintains stable growth through many economic cycles, thereby being considered by many investors as one of the 'national stocks' of the Vietnamese FMCG industry. MCH poised to become Vietnam's new 'national stock' Masan Consumer's MCH shares are set to list on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE), with strong potential to become the country's next national stock. Masan Consumers S&P Global ESG Score outperforms over 85 per cent of global peers Masan Consumer has announced that the company has achieved a 48 S&P Global ESG score from S&P Global, the world's leading provider of credit ratings. The announcement was made by New Zealands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade on November 13. A representative of the New Zealand Embassy in Vietnam hands over a NZ$1 million relief package to Vietnams Ministry of Agriculture and Environment in support of recovery efforts following Typhoon Yagi in 2024 This funding will support New Zealand non-governmental organisations to partner with their Vietnamese counterparts through the New Zealand Disaster Response Partnership to deliver assistance in alignment with the Vietnam: Joint Response Plan for Multiple Typhoons and Floods. New Zealand Ambassador to Vietnam Caroline Beresford noted,Our thoughts are with the families and communities affected by these devastating events. As a comprehensive strategic partner, New Zealand stands in solidarity with the Vietnamese government and people during this difficult period. We hope this support will reach those most in need and contribute meaningfully to recovery efforts. This latest commitment builds on New Zealands continued support for Vietnams disaster response efforts. Earlier in 2025, in partnership with the Institute for Social, Economic, and Environmental Research (iSEE) and the Blue Dragon Childrens Foundation, the embassy supported livelihood recovery initiatives benefiting nearly 70 households and more than 320 people across Lao Cai, Thai Nguyen, and Tuyen Quang provinces. In addition to immediate assistance, the iSEE-implemented project also seeks to document the indigenous knowledge of ethnic minority communities, contributing to more effective responses to climate-related challenges in the future. In 2024, the New Zealand government provided a further NZ$1 million (around $570,000) to help Vietnam address the severe impacts of Typhoon Yagi. That assistance was delivered through New Zealands disaster-response partners and UN agencies in Vietnam, with a focus on emergency relief and livelihood recovery.